This article was originally published at Two Savvy Sisters which is no longer active.
Melrose and I attended SheCon Expo 2012 in Orlando Florida. Read part one on the conference and sponsors and part two on conference events.
We’ve attended several blog conferences but being at a Disney property was a unique experience which started with Disney’s Magical Express. What’s that you say? It’s free transportation to and from the Orlando airport for guests staying at many of the onsite properties.
We reserved our spots and received tickets and luggage tags a few weeks in advance. If you put the tags on your bags before leaving home, there’s no need to visit the baggage claim; just head straight to the transportation center and directed to the correct bus. The next time you see them is at your hotel room.
This worked out great for Melrose and our brother but not so good for me. They received their bags in three hours which was the upper limit of the time frame described in our reservation. I waited up until midnight to get my bag; six hours after landing.
Even with this hiccup, I would highly recommend using the Disney Magical Express if given the opportunity. It’s quick,easy and FREE!
Coronado Springs Resort & Conference Center
The SheCon Expo 2012 was held at the Coronado Springs Resort and Conference Center. The resort is spread out with low-rise buildings split into three areas around a lake. The restaurants, store and front desk are located in the same area close to the bus drop-off.
The grounds were beautifully landscaped and you could tell everything was thoughtfully planned. We made time each day to visit the pools for some relaxation and to cool off. The Big Dig is where all the action was and it is a very large pool with a hot tub, kiddies pool and snack bar. I enjoyed watching the activities staff lead the kids with games and dances.
Each lodging area had it’s own smaller pool. We were in the Casitas building 9 which was next to the small pool and not too far from the main building.
Our room was what I would expect from a business level hotel. The only problem we had was that the coffee was stocked the first two days. After my brother specifically requested it from the housekeeper, we got supplies. I did like the doors to separate the sink and dressing area from the rest of the room. This was really helpful since we were mixed genders staying in the same room.
Disney Dining
I was disappointed with our options for dining at the hotel. There were only three: the quick serve/take out area, a buffet and one sit down restaurant. I only used the quick serve option for drinks and snacks and have no complaints. We were not happy with the buffet type restaurant. The food looked like it had been sitting around for some time and it just felt like a cafeteria; not a Disney establishment.
I really enjoyed our meal at the Maya Grill. The food was plated well and tasted excellent. The one problem was the live music started after we were seated and was too close (e.g. loud).
We did eat two meals at Downtown Disney that we enjoyed so I would venture away from this hotel next time for meals! The buses are free to any of the other properties and parks. I will say the lines to return from Downtown Disney were quite long for the less expensive hotels.
My dining tip is to buy the all you drink cup for $14.99! We used it morning noon and night as it’s good for coffee, soda, milk and lemonade.
Service
Disney is known as a service leader and they proved it over and over again during our stay. From the greeting upon check-in to the way the telephone was answered whenever I called the front desk it was on display.
What amazes me is that the experience is consistent at all the customer interactions points.
If you’re not renting a house during your next Orlando visit, I would highly recommend staying at a Disney property. It makes your time away from the parks just as enjoyable as them. Have you stayed at a Disney property and if yes, which one?
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