It's been 549 days but we are finally home! ~ an August '21 birthday celebration! New PTR link 01/02

[erinch]

Here! Can’t wait!

 

[Donald-Duck-QUACK-TASTIC]

Great start! Thanks for taking the time to post.

 

[rdkeim]

Following

 

[suse66]

Here! Can’t wait!

Thanks for joining in!

Great start! Thanks for taking the time to post.

Thanks for reading along!

Following

Great to have you here!

 

[VAtink]

Joining in, can't wait to read more!

 

[suse66]

Joining in, can't wait to read more!

So happy to have you joining in!

 

[suse66]

The one in which we fall head over heels in love with Coronado Springs.....

A couple of months before our trip, I had heard all about Three Bridges Bar and Grill from various Disney friends. Given all the positive reviews, I decided to add on a night at Coronado so that we could go eat there. You know it always makes sense to spend money on a hotel room so you can have dinner at a new restaurant. Well of course it does when using Disney math! I was eager to see this gorgeous resort for myself after hearing so much about it. We were blown away by the stunning lobby in the Gran Destino tower. Simply beautiful!





I had booked a standard view room but we were pixie dusted to a waterview room in Castistas 5. Our room was absolutely immaculate with the cutest towel Mickey head on one of the beds.






I decided then and there that Coronado felt more deluxe than some deluxe resorts I had stayed in previously. I would happily stay here any time if I was low on DVC points. I decided to go grab our resort refillable mugs and have a quick dip in the quiet pool. Jack decided to relax in the room and have a nap as he is not as much of an early morning person as his mother!

We joined the walk up list for Three Bridges around 5:30 pm and had a 110 minute wait before we could claim a table. So we had a little time to chill and relax before heading over at about 7:15. We settled in at one of the comfy chair groupings and were happy to be enjoying the beautiful, warm evening.


Perusing the menu , we decided on drinks to start with. We both went with the La Fresa Limonda (Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Puerto de Indias Strawberry Gin, Lemonade). Oh my goodness, this was an incredible cocktail with a nice little kick!


To eat, Jack went with the Three Bridges signature burger and I had the Villa del Lago salad with grilled chicken. Our meals were perfect and we could not have been happier. Our server, Tabitha, was in training as she had previously been a photopass photographer on Main Street, USA. Her level of service was exceptional and I was sure to write up a cast compliment for her.

After we finished our meals and were waiting for our bill, Tabitha surprised us with a champagne toast for Jack's 21st! What a completely magical touch to end a wonderful meal!

Continued in next post......





​

 

[suse66]

An after dinner stroll and time for another cocktail!

After finishing our perfect meal, we decided to stroll around the resort. Oh my gosh, it is so lovely. We really enjoyed the theming for each area as well as the bridges connecting the different areas over the water.

Loved the lights from Gran Destino reflecting on the water!


I am so in with this beautiful resort!

We decided we would hit up Dahlia Lounge for a nightcap. What a stunning space! I loved the light fixtures they had here.


Jack went for the Tequila Daisy (Don Julio Blanco Tequila, Torres Magdala Naranjas del Mediterráneo, Grapefruit, Lime, Hibiscus, Soda Water) which he really enjoyed.


I decided on the El Pepino (Xoriguer Gin de Mahón, Ancho Reyes Verde Chile Poblano, St~Germain Elderflower Liqueur, Lime, Cucumber). This was fantastic with the flavour profile I really enjoy.

The service at Dahlia was on point as well. We could not have been happier with the ending to an awesome first day!​

​

 

[Jenny Sanders]

Love Dahlia and 3 Bridges. We totally feel CSR feels more Deluxe than moderate.

 

[suse66]

Love Dahlia and 3 Bridges. We totally feel CSR feels more Deluxe than moderate.

It is such a stunning resort! I can't wait to go back again.

 

[CruellaNY]

You know it always makes sense to spend money on a hotel room so you can have dinner at a new restaurant

Yes it does! And so does booking a trip just because your favorite signature restaurant has finally reopened post-pandemic!
Not that I know anyone who did that..............

Three Bridges signature burger

OMG this is the best burger anywhere on property! And what a nice touch with the birthday champagne toast! I agree GDT is gorgeous and the grounds in general are so pretty! It is our go-to when we don't stay deluxe.

 

[kastoney]

You know it always makes sense to spend money on a hotel room so you can have dinner at a new restaurant.

Why yes, yes it does!! You know I'm so down for this.

I decided then and there that Coronado felt more deluxe than some deluxe resorts I had stayed in previously. I would happily stay here any time if I was low on DVC points.

That is some high praise and great to hear. I stayed here once when my brother was on the college program so a long, long time ago. We've contemplated staying here a few times since then but the bus situation and multiple bus stops kept me away. Three Rivers may just sway me there though.

We joined the walk up list for Three Bridges around 5:30 pm and had a 110 minute wait before we could claim a table. So we had a little time to chill and relax before heading over at about 7:15.

110 minutes!!! That is crazy. Good thing you got on the list early

We both went with the La Fresa Limonda (Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Puerto de Indias Strawberry Gin, Lemonade). Oh my goodness, this was an incredible cocktail with a nice little kick!

That does sound incredible. Looks and sounds like you all had a fantastic meal.

The service at Dahlia was on point as well. We could not have been happier with the ending to an awesome first day!​

What a great first day. I so want to get to Dahlia at some point. My brother went while we were there in June and had nothing but fantastic things to say about it. Best part he said it was virtually empty.

 

[rdkeim]

A good first day! Your drinks and meals look great. Beautiful resort - lots of changes since we were last there. Thanks for sharing your trip.

 

[luvpoohandcompany]

I’m here and joining in
You have certainly got off to a fabulous start Looking forward to hearing all

 

[suse66]

Yes it does! And so does booking a trip just because your favorite signature restaurant has finally reopened post-pandemic!
Not that I know anyone who did that..............

Count me in as someone who was very happy you booked that trip! So fun to have a chance to hang out!

OMG this is the best burger anywhere on property! And what a nice touch with the birthday champagne toast! I agree GDT is gorgeous and the grounds in general are so pretty! It is our go-to when we don't stay deluxe.

Jack loved that burger! Although the Bison Burger from Geyser Point holds the number one place in his heart!

Why yes, yes it does!! You know I'm so down for this.

Great minds think alike!

That is some high praise and great to hear. I stayed here once when my brother was on the college program so a long, long time ago. We've contemplated staying here a few times since then but the bus situation and multiple bus stops kept me away. Three Rivers may just sway me there though.

I did have a rental car for this trip so I didn't have to deal with buses. I know Melinda said she did have some long waits for buses when staying there.

What a great first day. I so want to get to Dahlia at some point. My brother went while we were there in June and had nothing but fantastic things to say about it. Best part he said it was virtually empty.

Dahlia Lounge is right up your alley!

A good first day! Your drinks and meals look great. Beautiful resort - lots of changes since we were last there. Thanks for sharing your trip.

You are so welcome! We definitely started things off right!

I’m here and joining in
You have certainly got off to a fabulous start Looking forward to hearing all

Hi Moira! So happy you have joined in!

 

[buzzrelly]

This was his first trip back to Disney in 5 years and we are celebrating his recent 21st birthday!

How fun! Happy Birthday, Jack!

but a relaxing and uneventful flight!

Just what you want!

We ordered the delicious queso dip and the adobe chicken taco. Both were so good!! We weren't feeling a beverage yet, especially as I had to drive. I went with the Poisonless Dart which was soda water with mint, lime and simple syrup. So refreshing on a hot afternoon!

That all looks so good!

Given all the positive reviews, I decided to add on a night at Coronado so that we could go eat there. You know it always makes sense to spend money on a hotel room so you can have dinner at a new restaurant.

That's an interesting reason to book a hotel room!

We joined the walk up list for Three Bridges around 5:30 pm and had a 110 minute wait before we could claim a table.

Yikes…busy place!

After we finished our meals and were waiting for our bill, Tabitha surprised us with a champagne toast for Jack's 21st! What a completely magical touch to end a wonderful meal!

So sweet!

 

[pkondz]

Here!
Back to read later.

 

[suse66]

Here!
Back to read later.

Happy to have you along!

 

[pkondz]

but as we know, travel to the bubble just wasn't happening for Canadians.

Oh, I know... I know!

Anyone else too excited to sleep the night before a Disney trip???

I actually can manage it. Might take a bit, though...

We had researched what testing would be needed before crossing the border and found that we only needed a rapid antigen test. Thankfully they are available for only $40 at Shoppers here in Ontario.

Good to know!
I'm just not ready to risk having to spend an extra two weeks in a hotel over and above my vacation.

In fact we were the only people in customs!

Not a bit surprised.

You can't see my excited smile under the mask but I promise it's there!

Oh, I can absolutely see it in your eyes, though!

With rising case numbers in Florida, I felt better about not using any shared transportation.

Totally get that! And don't blame you one little bit.

We ordered the delicious queso dip and the adobe chicken taco. Both were so good!!

Those sound good. Might have to make a note of that.

You know it always makes sense to spend money on a hotel room so you can have dinner at a new restaurant.

Well of course it does when using Disney math!

We were blown away by the stunning lobby in the Gran Destino tower. Simply beautiful!

Very nice!

I had booked a standard view room but we were pixie dusted to a waterview room in Castistas 5.

Hey! That's great! Good for you guys!

We joined the walk up list for Three Bridges around 5:30 pm and had a 110 minute wait before we could claim a table

We both went with the La Fresa Limonda (Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Puerto de Indias Strawberry Gin, Lemonade). Oh my goodness, this was an incredible cocktail with a nice little kick!

That sounds like something I'd order.

After we finished our meals and were waiting for our bill, Tabitha surprised us with a champagne toast for Jack's 21st! What a completely magical touch to end a wonderful meal!

Beautiful shot.

Love this photo of you.

You look pretty happy with your drink choice.

The service at Dahlia was on point as well. We could not have been happier with the ending to an awesome first day!

What a great first day!

 

[suse66]

Good to know!
I'm just not ready to risk having to spend an extra two weeks in a hotel over and above my vacation.

It is a significant risk. I am off in the summer so I planned the trip allowing for two extra weeks of quarantine if I needed it. I also had three different types of insurance for flights, any quarantine costs and extra medical insurance. My sister recommended KN95 masks so I wore those indoors and outdoors in any crowded areas. I can tell you I didn't really relax until we got a negative test result back!

Totally get that! And don't blame you one little bit.

Now I am so spoiled by having a car! I think I want to rent one every trip.

That sounds like something I'd order.

It was delicious! And no rum!

Love this photo of you.

Thank you!

What a great first day!

It really was!

You look pretty happy with your drink choice.

Give me all the cucumber or lime based drinks!