Coronado Springs was the first stop for our DME bus so the trip didn't take too long. We grabbed the two bags that had ridden underneath, tipped our driver, and headed for check in. Despite doing all the on-line check in options, I never did receive any sort of text or email regarding our room assignment (we assumed it was ready since it was now after 6pm). So Buzz and I headed for the on-line check in station while the guys went outside to take a look around. After a few minute's wait it was our turn, and very shortly I was being told we had a
Preferred room in Casitas.....
WHA-??!!! 
Now, initially during my research, Casitas was the least appealing to me and I had in fact requested something in the Ranchos section. I will state here and now I eat every word I ever said against Casitas! The upgrade to Preferred was a gift; I booked and paid for a standard room. But we ended up in Casitas 3, overlooking this courtyard and fountain.
It was an amazing location for us!!! At the bottom of our stairs we were at the quiet pool for that area and right across from the laundry and fitness room (score one for my weight-lifting hubby). A turn to the left took us straight to the back parking lot and Bus Stop #1, and to the right we were on the main walkway to El Centro. Loved,
loved, loved our room!! Of course I didn't take any pictures of it, but it was nice. We were on the 3rd floor but never heard anyone above or next to us. It was clean, spacious, and well-appointed. Slinky ended up putting his "bed" in the closet area behind the sliding privacy doors. He had a very cozy set up!
After settling in briefly, we agreed we all needed food so we headed for El Centro and the Pepper Market. Again, no complaints whatsoever. The food was fresh (cooked to order for all of us, even at different stations) and it wasn't terribly busy so there was no wait. I took the obligatory snapshot of my first Disney meal: (chicken enchiladas, FYI....)
Ceiling tile mosaic detail in the main foyer:
After we ate we took a leisurely stroll back to our room, and the guys decided to take a swim in the quiet pool to unwind after a long travel day. I unpacked bags (our DME bags arrived shortly after got back from dinner so in reality it only took a couple hours from landing at MCO to getting them in our room), put on the Disney info channel (which we've all seen 100 times but somehow it makes it seem more real to be there!) and got ready for bed. I think we were all in bed with lights out by 11pm, which was going to give me just enough sleep to be ready to tackle the very early morning coming up for our first full day.
*****
Next time ~ Day 1 and Pure Disney Magic
Alien: Nirvana is coming, the mystic portal awaits.
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