Adventures by Disney – Phoenix Day 2a

(Click on any photo for larger image)

We woke up bright and early this morning. Linda told me that the message light was blinking on the phone “It’s your suitcase I bet!” So I immediately called bell services and sure enough, Southwest had delivered it during the night. YEA!!!! I wanted to hug and kiss it when it arrived…but I settled for being very grateful.

We wanted an early start today. The plan was to go to the Desert Botanical Gardens around opening time, 7am. At 6am I was off to the CafÃ© for some Starbucks. Here’s a photo just after the sun came up.

Also, I’m thinking it was the fatigue talking yesterday when I said we really like the room. After considering it is supposed to be such a luxurious resort and the “premium” room category, we have decided it is lacking and we are disappointed. The nice thing about the room is it is spacious, has 2 sinks, and we received nice bathrobes. In terms of amenities, there aren’t many. Our “premium” view looks at a fence hiding a maintenance area. There is no hair dryer in the room. Plus there are little annoying maintenance issues in the room. Would be ok if we were not at what is considered an upscale resort. We won’t even get into prices for food, Starbucks ($4.75 for a grande regular coffee), $23/day for valet parking etc. If this is a premium room, not sure what the standard is. Grounds are magnificent and well kept. Staff is very very helpful and friendly. But, I wouldn’t recommend it on Disney Vacation Club points unless your pockets are very deep!

After a crazy time change day yesterday, the first order of business was a good breakfast! We got several recommendations from the hotel concierge. Then decided to ask the bell services guys, who gave us MUCH better suggestions. And that’s my tip. For things like breakfast and lunch, ask the guys and gals working at the hotel where they like to eat! The concierge suggestion was at the Golf Club across the way. Not!

We ended up at U.S. Egg at 3828 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale az. It’s owned by 4 brothers and there was plenty of good home cookin! Linda had the cornbeefhash with scrambled eggs, English muffin and hashbrowns. I had the “Protein Pancakes” which were really yummy and reportedly only 15 carbs for the pair, but my blood glucose meter would tell you otherwise LOL. Nonetheless, they were great! Filled with blueberries, sliced almonds and granola. Yea, the granola told me the carbs must be net. But still, I haven’t found anything like that at home. The meal with 2 coffees and a juice was around $20. Great service, 2 different managers swung by to ask how things were – overall worth the price. We might even return tomorrow. useggrestaurant.com

Next – the Desert Botanical Gardens