WDW Magazine April 2018: Beaches and Bayous | Page 11

BIENVENIDO A CORONADO SPRINGS
After arriving in Orlando on an early morning and taking Disney’s Magical Express to our
resort, I walked into El Centro, the resort’s main building, and immediately feared I’d made
a massive mistake. Soft morning light filtered in the windows, crafty looking lanterns
sparkled, and the halls were decked with beautiful Christmas trees, golden ornaments and
white poinsettias.
The picture-perfect scene was ruined by the check-in line which was backed up all the way
into the next room. Oops! While we weren’t visiting for a conference, our arrival had clearly
converged with a large group there for an event. Even though we’d done online check-in
we had to wait in the line for our Magic Bands to start our vacation – they don’t ship those
little beauties to Canada!
My husband was cranky and discouraged, but I sent him to feast on a late breakfast of
freshly made churros while I waited for over half an hour – and then the magic began. Cast
Member magic. Because while WDW is known for their excellent service, the CMs I
encountered at Coronado Springs were not only helpful, uplifting, and attentive – they all
seemed like one big happy family. That feeling continued for me through the next nine days
and really made me feel at home in a new resort that was outside of my comfort zone.
PHOTO BY STEPHANIE SHUSTER