The Not All Corporate Events Are The Same Trip Report Day 1

[MOJoe]

This was a short trip mixing business and pleasure. I am affiliated with a major tire manufacturer who hosted a dealer meeting at Coronado Springs. We arrived early in the evening on March 6th. Early enough to attend the reception and dinner. People lined up to have pictures taken with Mickey, Donald and Goofy. We had our choice of drinks and the food was excellent and served buffet style. A calypso band provided some entertainment for us as well. After dinner my wife and i retired to our room, 3113 in the Casitas section. Quite lovely.

The next day was filled with meetings. But we were finally given some free time in the mid afternoon, which allowed me some time to explore our resort. CSR is very nice. It's big, but not really as big as it looks. The walk around the lake did not take too long. Maybe 10 minutes. And the main pool is great. Nice bar, hot tub, plenty of seating in the sun or shade, and the waterfall coming down the steps of the pyramid is very relaxing. Even after just a quick tour, i found this to be a very desirable resort.

Our evening reception included a visit to The Studios. I was anticipating a fabulous evening having full run of the park. I had asked here on Intercot, and also talked to a friend who had been to a corporate event that allowed participants to have a free evening in a theme park. We loaded up 6 busses and came in a back entrance, unloading at the Backlot Tour. We were greeted by some corporate executives, "Welcome to Disney!" Man was i excitied as i walked up the Streets of America. There were tables of food set up and drink kiosks around too. So my wife and i filled some plates and found a seat. Soon after, Mulch, Sweat and Shears began to play, so we were all having a good time. But i soon began to wonder when we would get to enter the rest of the park.

Well..........we didn't. Hey, i love classic rock as much as anyone. But 3 hours of Mulch, Sweat and Shears, when you are expecting Star Tours, Toy Story Mania and Tower of Terror, just doesn't cut it. I guess not all corporations treat their affiliates the same. Disappointed, we left, knowing tomorrow we could do what we wanted.

[faline]

It does seem rather disappointing to be in a park and not be allowed to venture into the rides!! Hopefully, you make up for it when you have time on your own!

[cer]

Next time, it would be nice of them to tell you exactly what to expect, so you are prepared.

BUT I will say this. From my desk here, dinner in the Streets of America sounds super-awesome to me.

[SBETigg]

Yeah, no park time, but what a cool event, how fun! That's one of those unique experiences that you just have to enjoy when it rolls around, even if three hours of Mulch, Sweat, and Tears does start to get to you.

When my publisher hosted an event for us at the Living Seas in Epcot, we only got to enter the park for an Illuminations dessert party, under escort, there and out, through a door near Mexico and a waiting bus in the offstage area. But it was still cool. I think corporate events are expensive enough without shutting down whole attractions or paying for park admission for each employee, so... it is what it is. But very cool! Looking forward to reading if you fit in some park time later. I'm headed to a conference at the Dolphin with my husband this weekend (his conference, I'm just tagging along to play).

[MOJoe]

Next time, it would be nice of them to tell you exactly what to expect, so you are prepared.

BUT I will say this. From my desk here, dinner in the Streets of America sounds super-awesome to me.

You are right. Problem is, the invitation we received requesting our attendance said, "Explore a Disney Park After Hours." So there were many of us who were scratching our heads.

I don't want to look a gift horse in the mouth, and it was very cool to experience the event, but if the invitation said "Streets of America Party" or something like that, i would not have expected more.

[cer]

"Explore a Disney Park After Hours." So there were many of us who were scratching our heads.

Um, yeah, that's not right.

[January-2007]

Thanks for reporting.

[emerzmom]

I attended a business meeting a few years ago at Coronado Springs. I found it very difficult to sit in meetings with all that fun stuff so close.

Julie

[vizsla]

Thanks for the report.

[WDWFRK]

Coronado Springs never appealed to me much, but like you, my husband had a conference there once so we got to check it out. We were very pleasantly surprised and really enjoyed the resort. Thanks for sharing.

[phillydan]

Sorry to hear this, MOJoe - I was the one that told you about my experience at a corporate event some years back at the studios. So close and yet so far...

At least you were able to get down for a visit and make the most of it.

[MOJoe]

Sorry to hear this, MOJoe - I was the one that told you about my experience at a corporate event some years back at the studios. So close and yet so far...

At least you were able to get down for a visit and make the most of it.

Thanks for the thought.
In hindsight, i feel as if i let my own emotions get the better of me. The company i am affiliated with has a history of having meetings at top notch resorts, with great food and parties. However, the entertainment has almost always been lackluster. So it makes sense that a street party or some other limited event would be offered.
I guess i held fast to the word on the invitation, "Explore a Disney Park After Hours." Visit might have been a better choice of words. But hey, not all of us have college English minors.

Anyway, you are right. This was still a nice event, and something we all will remember for a long time. And it gave my wife and me an opportunity to visit a new resort and spend some extra time at WDW. I'll suffer through as many hours of Mulch, Sweat and Shears as it takes to do that again, any time.