Taking the tram at Orlando International Airport from the gates to the main terminal |
We have a tendency to “ease” into our vacations, especially
Disney vacations. And, that was true for
our most recent trip to the Walt Disney World Resort.
After a delayed flight—at least it was a direct flight so no
worries about connections—we arrived safely at Orlando International
Airport. Our routine is to stop at either McDonalds or
Burger King near the gates to grab a snack and drinks to take with us as we
make our way to the Disney’s Magical Express check-in. I typically pack snacks for both the plane
and the bus to our resort, too.
On our Magical Express bus. Is that a McDonald's bag? |
Once on-board Disney’s Magical Express bus service to our
resort, we sit back and relax as Disney is doing the driving! This trip, the bus windshield wipers were
working overtime as thundershowers were hitting the area. Though, as if by magic, the rain lessoned and
then stopped by the time we checked into our resort, Disney’s Coronado Springs.
Since we had checked in on-line before our stay, our
materials were waiting for us. Then it
was off to pick-up our Garden Grocer order at Luggage Services—click here to read more-- and enlist Bell Services to take us to our room—click here to read more.
One thing first timers often underestimate is how long it
can take to get from the airport to your Disney resort. First, Orlando International
Airport is BIG, dare I
say HUGE. Depending on the location of
your arrival gate, the walk to the Disney’s Magical Express check-in area can
take a while. Then, there can be a wait
for the bus to your resort. The drive to
the Walt Disney World Resort is about 45 minutes. And, finally, your Magical Express bus may
stop at multiple resorts to drop off guests.
Checking in at your resort and finding your room can also take time as
Walt Disney World Resorts are not like local hotels with one building of rooms;
Walt Disney World Resorts have multiple buildings which is why we use Bell
Services. I estimate 2 hours from the
time you exit your plane to the time you “land” in your resort room.
Mountain Dew was included in our Garden Grocer order |
Once we arrived at our room at Coronado Springs, it was time
to put away the groceries and pull out swimsuits from our carry-on
luggage. It can take up to 5 hours for
checked luggage to arrive in your room, so plan ahead and pack needed items in
your carry-on bags.
Poolside bar and grill at Coronado Springs |
Since the rain had stopped, we headed to the main pool at
Coronado Springs—The Dig Site. There is
a bar and a counter service mini-restaurant and they both fill the refillable
mugs! The arcade, volleyball court,
playground, pool with Jaguar slide, and hot tub are all in this location. Poolside games and activities happen by day
and poolside movies are shown at night.
Dining poolside and our refillable mugs |
The Dig Site pool at Coronado Springs |
We ordered dinner, filled our mugs, and immediately got into
relaxation mode for our vacation.
Making S'mores poolside |
The boy roasted marshmallows and made S’mores—one of the
many poolside activities hosted by Cast Members throughout the day.
Poolside movie viewing--Disney movie of course! |
As the sun set, the Mayan Temple
at the Dig Site glistened. And as soon
as it was dark enough, the inflatable movie screen appeared and a Disney movie
was shown. To find out what movies will
be playing at your Disney Resort, just check the resort information found in
the packet of materials you receive upon check-in at your resort.
The husband in the hot tub at Coronado Springs |
Our relaxing evening recharged us for the rest of our
vacation. We were ready to hit the parks
the next morning!
Rested and ready for the day! |
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