#centertown

New Post has been published on https://is.gd/9o2hNr

Missouri News: Missouri Auditor Galloway releases citizen-requested audit of Village of Centertown

Several recommendations being implemented by officials to better, more efficiently manage taxpayer dollars

JEFFERSON CITY, MO – Missouri State Auditor Nicole Galloway yesterday released an audit of Centertown, located in western Cole County, which received a rating of “good”.  The audit, which was requested by citizens through the petition process, made several recommendations to improve fiscal procedures and the utility system.

“Audits provide a path forward so that operations can be improved and restore taxpayers’ confidence in their local government,” Auditor Galloway said.  “It appears Centertown officials are doing just that by working to comprehensively address our findings and implement the recommendations.”

Audit work focused on the previous fiscal year, which ended on May 31, 2017.  That year, bank reconciliations were not performed, a budget could not be provided and financial statements were not published as required by law.  These concerns appear to have been addressed during the following fiscal year — bank reconciliations are taking place, a budget was approved by the board of trustees and annual financial statements were published.  The board also indicated the village addressed recommendations to improve payroll processes by formally approving pay rates for all employees and requiring them to submit timesheets for approval.

The report also highlighted errors made within the utility system.  A $100 refundable security deposit is required to be paid by all new customers, but the deposits have not been properly tracked and could not be accurately accounted for.  The audit also found late penalties for some customers had incorrectly been doubled.  The village identified 26 customers affected by the error, who will receive a credit on a future bill to refund the overpaid amounts.

The report also included recommendations to improve compliance with the Sunshine Law and ensure electronic data is protected.

The complete audit report of the Village of Centertown is HERE.

_____

New Post has been published on https://is.gd/9o2hNr

Missouri News: Missouri Auditor Galloway releases citizen-requested audit of Village of Centertown

Several recommendations being implemented by officials to better, more efficiently manage taxpayer dollars

JEFFERSON CITY, MO – Missouri State Auditor Nicole Galloway yesterday released an audit of Centertown, located in western Cole County, which received a rating of “good”.  The audit, which was requested by citizens through the petition process, made several recommendations to improve fiscal procedures and the utility system.

“Audits provide a path forward so that operations can be improved and restore taxpayers’ confidence in their local government,” Auditor Galloway said.  “It appears Centertown officials are doing just that by working to comprehensively address our findings and implement the recommendations.”

Audit work focused on the previous fiscal year, which ended on May 31, 2017.  That year, bank reconciliations were not performed, a budget could not be provided and financial statements were not published as required by law.  These concerns appear to have been addressed during the following fiscal year — bank reconciliations are taking place, a budget was approved by the board of trustees and annual financial statements were published.  The board also indicated the village addressed recommendations to improve payroll processes by formally approving pay rates for all employees and requiring them to submit timesheets for approval.

The report also highlighted errors made within the utility system.  A $100 refundable security deposit is required to be paid by all new customers, but the deposits have not been properly tracked and could not be accurately accounted for.  The audit also found late penalties for some customers had incorrectly been doubled.  The village identified 26 customers affected by the error, who will receive a credit on a future bill to refund the overpaid amounts.

The report also included recommendations to improve compliance with the Sunshine Law and ensure electronic data is protected.

The complete audit report of the Village of Centertown is HERE.

_____

Coronado Springs and Caribbean Beach To Expand For More Guest Experience

Disney Parks Blog announced today that two hotels will be getting expansions and refurbishments to make for new and better guest experiences.

Coronado Springs business class lounge

Coronado Springs has already been an accommodating location for conventions and parks guests.  There are currently 1,951 rooms and Walt Disney World is looking to add 500 more.  The new rooms will be in a new 15-story…

  Welcome to the sixth edition in my Where in Walt Disney World Can I Find? series! Hopefully, you’ve already read the five previous articles. If you haven’t or if you want to visit the articles again, you can access them by clicking the following links:  The Drinks & Snacks: Park Edition, The Counter Service Parks Edition, The Table Service Parks Edition,  The Cool Treats Edition and A Place to Put My Stuff.

Before I get too deep into this article, I need to post some basic information.  The intent of my Where in Walt Disney World Can I Find? series is to help you plan what may be a once in a lifetime trip to Walt Disney World Resort.  Or, if you are seasoned travelers like my family, the intent is to assist you in finding something new “in the world.”  The team here at Magical DIStractions is dedicated to providing our readers with the most accurate and up-to-date information that we can. Walt Disney World is a work in progress and is constantly expanding and changing so there is a possibility that some of the things that I speak of in this article may change location or change in style before you visit.

Some of the wording in this article is highlighted in pink. My fellow team members and I write about our experiences, upcoming events and things to do while at Walt Disney World, and by clicking on the highlighted wording, you’ll be taken to articles that refer to certain topics. By using the links, you’ll not only learn “Where in Walt Disney World Can I Find? Everything at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort Edition” but you’ll also have access to other valuable information.

Okay, I’ve got all of the standard information out of the way and I’m free to move on! The things, activities, etc. listed below are just a small part of everything that Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort has to offer. For more detailed information, you can find it on the Magical DIStractions page for the resort, my first article for the site, and in my article giving you the details on Old Port Royale.

Where in Walt Disney World Can I Find? Everything at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort!

Arcade: Goombay Games, the resort’s arcade, has a fairly large selection of games for adults and kids of all ages.  Just inside of Goombay Games are arcade card machines where Guests can purchase various denominations of cards and also recharge them should you wish to play more.  The number of points required to play the games varies depending on the level of skill needed to play the game.

Beaches & Hammocks: As you would expect from the name of the resort, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort has gorgeous white sandy beaches! These beaches come complete with lots of beach chairs and hammocks. I can’t even begin to guess how much time we have spent relaxing during our resort day or in the evening after a day in a Park.

Bus Stops: Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort consists of six villages. There are bus stops in each of the resort villages as well as one at Old Port Royale and one at The Custom House. The bus stops are centrally located within each village and are an easy walk from all buildings. There are benches, soda machines, maps, telephone, defibrillator, trash receptacles and resort maps in each bus stop.

Coconut Postcards: Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort is one of the few that sell this unique postcard. Imagine your friends’ or family’s surprise when they open their mailbox to find a coconut postcard! Disney Cast Members will be more than happy to assist you in mailing the coconut and they do sell postage in the store.

Old Port Royale at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort-Picture by Lisa McBride

Concierge Desks: Guests checking into the resort will find several concierge desks in The Custom House. There is a separate line for the concierge desks and although the line is clearly marked, a friendly Cast Member will be happy to point you in the right direction. Many Guests do not know that there is also a concierge desk in Old Port Royale near the entrance of the food court. Concierge Cast Members can help Guests with the majority of their needs. They can check your dining credits, print dinner show tickets, assist you in calling a cab, etc. Before making the walk or taking the internal shuttle bus to The Custom House, stop by the Old Port Royale concierge desk to see if they can help you, as they can do everything that The Custom House can do with the exception of checking you in.

Designated Smoking Areas: Designated smoking areas are located in several places around the resort. Many of the village courtyards are designated smoking areas. There are also many along the resort promenade and one on the outskirts of the courtyard at Old Port Royale.

Food: There is no shortage of food choices at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort! Old Port Royale serves breakfast, lunch and dinner! The five different food stations serve a variety of foods to choose from, and no matter what time of the day you visit you’re sure to find something that will satisfy everyone’s taste buds. If you are looking for a table service restaurant but don’t want to leave the beautiful resort, book an Advance Dining Reservation at Shutters.  Guests dining at Shutters will delight in a menu that includes American favorites with a Caribbean twist. Or, if you want to purchase a box of donuts, bread, peanut butter or other food items, the store in Old Port Royale stocks those as well.

Handicap Accessible Lifts: Each of the resort’s quiet pools (see more information below) has a lift for those who need them. There are also lifts at the hot tubs near the resort’s main pool. As this article states, the main pool is zero entry and is easily accessible.

Disney Caribbean Beach Resort-Accessible Lift-Photo Credit Lisa McBride

Hot Tubs: Yes, you read that correctly, hot tubs with an “s”. There are two hot tubs located near the resort’s main pool outside of Old Port Royale, also known as Centertown. One is located on the backside of the pool’s fort and the other is on the side. Both are kept at the perfect temperature so as to soothe any sore muscles or aches that Guests may have after a long day in the Parks.

Ice Machines: One of the items found in the resort rooms is an ice bucket. Ice machines are located all over the resort and can be found in each village. Also near the ice machines are soda vending machines.

Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort Ice Machine-Photo Credit Lisa McBride

Island Getaway: Castaway Cay, the island in middle of the resort lake has a playground, hammocks and even small sitting areas to enjoy. Relax in a hammock or watch your kids play on the playground while you listen to the rhythm of the steel drum music.

Kids’ Water Play Area: The kids’ play area, also near the main pool, is designed for younger kids and is a great place to let them work off some of their excess energy/excitement! The bucket at the top of the pirate ship gradually fills until it tips over and splashes the excited children below!

Laundry Rooms: Let’s face it, no one wants to do laundry while on vacation, but sometimes it is necessary. Luckily for their Guests, Disney made it super convenient to wash and dry your clothes and towels when they installed the new machines. I wrote an article about the new machines and even included a video of the laundry rooms and how the new machines work. There are laundry facilities in each of Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort’s villages near the quiet pools so you can do your wash and swim at the same time!

Life Vests/Jackets: Unless you just want to, there’s no need to pack life vests/jackets for your kids as they are provided free of charge at the resort’s main pool. There have also been times when we visited that they were also available at the village quiet pools. Life vests are hanging on a rack near the main pool.

Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort Life Vests / Jackets- Photo Credit Lisa McBride

Mickey Ears & Other Hats: If you can’t wait until you get to the Parks to buy your Mickey Ears or you want to take a pair home as a souvenir, Calypso Trading Post in Old Port Royale is the place to go. They have an assortment of Mickey Ears and other hats from which to choose.

Old Port Royale at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort-Picture by Lisa McBride

Movies and Marshmallow Roasts: On any given night, weather permitting, Guests can watch a movie under the stars and roast marshmallows on the beach. The nightly movies are held in the courtyard at Old Port Royale and chairs are situated in such a way that everyone has a good view of the screen. Marshmallow roasts take place on the Martinique beach and Cast Members provide Guests with roasting sticks and free marshmallows! Again, both of these activities take place nightly if the weather permits.

New Balance Running Trail: One of my favorite things to do at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort is to take a stroll around the resort’s promenade. This 1.4 mile New Balance Running Trail is also a favorite trail for joggers and runners. The trail is nice and wide and is concrete is some spots, a boardwalk in others and a wooden bridge in yet another section. The trail is a nice way to get your walk, jog or run in and see some parts of the resort that you might otherwise miss seeing.

Outdoor Seating: Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort is one of the largest resorts on Walt Disney World property. To my family and many others, this is one of the things about the resort that appeals to us most, as it never feels crowded. If you want to take your food, drink or a good book outside, you have many quiet places to choose from. There are courtyards in every resort village, hammocks and seating on Caribbean Cay which is the resort’s island, umbrellas and tables outside of Old Port Royale and near Banana Cabana Pool Bar, seating along the promenade and picnic tables on the outer rim of Old Port Royale’s courtyard. Of course, there is seating near each of the pools.

Pirate Themed Rooms: Much to the delight of little pirate-loving boys and girls, and some adults, all rooms in the village of Trinidad South are pirate themed. Disney really paid close attention to detail when they designed the room décor. The beds are shaped like ships, the carpet looks like wooden planks, the dresser like crates and the refrigerator is housed in a barrel. It is every child’s and big kid’s dream room!

Pirate Themed Room – Photo by Disney

Pressed Penny Machine: Pressed pennies are very budget friendly souvenirs and can be found in most resorts and in the four theme parks. A pressed penny machine can be found just outside of Goombay Games arcade in Old Port Royale. There are three different designs to choose from so bring plenty of pennies and quarters because you’ll want to collect them all.

Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort – Pressed Penny Machine – Photo Credit Lisa McBride

Quiet Pools: If you want a nice relaxing swim but don’t want to walk to the resort’s main pool, you’ll be glad to hear that there are not one, not two, not even three quiet pools, there are six! Located in the heart of each resort village is a quiet pool. There are no lifeguards on duty at the quiet pools and you’ll need to bring towels from your room. Guests can use any of the quiet pools, not just the one in your assigned village.

Things That You Forgot To Pack: We’ve all done it. We had a nice packing list all made out and checked off yet we forgot to pack something – like a toothbrush, shaving cream, sunscreen, swim diapers or other sundries. Calypso Trading Post will have what you are looking for and if they happen to not have it, they’ll be happy to help you get it elsewhere.

Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort – Calypso Trading Post – Photo Credit Lisa McBride

Vera Bradley Bags: Vera Bradley bags are sold in the theme parks, Disney Springs and in most Walt Disney World Resort hotels. Guests of Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort can find a nice selection to choose from at Calypso Trading Post in Old Port Royale.

Old Port Royale at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort-Picture by Lisa McBride

I hope that I’ve answered all of your questions regarding Where in Walt Disney World Can I Find? Everything at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort! 

Don’t forget that this is a continuing series. You’ll want to stay tuned for more of the Where in Walt Disney World Can I Find? articles. Please take a moment to sign up for the Magical DIStractions newsletter, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and Google+, so you can be kept up-to-date on all the latest news and articles! Our YouTube channel features videos taken by our team and new videos will be added soon. Believe me when I say, you don’t want to miss a single thing!

Guests staying at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort can drop anchor in Old Port Royale (also known as Centertown), the resort’s dining and shopping headquarters.   Themed as a bustling Caribbean marketplace complete with cobblestone streets, Old Port Royale boasts five food stations: Bridgetown Broiler, Grab-N-Go Market, Old Port Royale Burger Shop, Montego’s Deli and Royale’s Pizza and Pasta Shop.

Old Port Royale at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort-Picture by Lisa McBride

We’ve logged in over 100 nights at Disney’s Caribbean Beach and we never tire of the gorgeous resort grounds, activities or the food served in Old Port Royale.  No matter what time of the day you visit their food court, you’re sure to find something that will satisfy everyone’s taste buds. During the breakfast hours, Mickey waffles, pancakes, omelets and the Bounty Platter are surefire ways to get you fueled up and energized for a day in the parks.

Old Port Royale at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort-Picture by Lisa McBride

If you plan on spending time at the resort during the lunch hour, you’ll want to try some of their specialities such as the made-to-order sandwiches, barbeque pork sandwich or the flavorful spaghetti and meatballs.

During the dinner hours all five stations are opened including Bridgetown Broilers which is open for dinner only.  One of the items on the menu at Bridgetown Broilers is the delicious baked chicken which comes with a piece of cornbread and two sides.  As you can see from the picture, the portions are large and could actually be shared between two people.

Old Port Royale at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort-Picture by Lisa McBride

Other food items served during both lunch and dinner are the fresh-tossed salads, vegetable wraps and the fresh baked goodies in the Grab-N-Go station. The Grab-N-Go station is open for all three meal services and serves a wide variety of drinks, ready-to-go salads, sandwiches and, as I said, lots of fresh baked pastries.  A fan favorite is the Monkey Cupcake: Chocolate or Vanilla cupcake with creamy filling and sliced bananas in the middle.

Monkey Cupcake at Old Port Royale at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort-Picture by Lisa McBride

Old Port Royale is considered a counter service restaurant and one quick service credit will be required when using the Disney Dining Plan.  Many of the items are considered snack credits.  Simply look for the DP on the menu or ask a helpful Cast Member.

Ordering is quite easy, simply go to the station of your choice, order your food, take your items to a central cashier and then find a table in the large seating area.  At Old Port Royale, you’ll dine to the sound of whirling woven fans and classic Calypso music.  Here, you can sit back, relax, have a good meal and either plan your day in the park or talk about how many times you and your kids are going to go down the pool slide!

Old Port Royale at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort-Picture by Lisa McBride

Refillable mugs can be purchased and refilled in Old Port Royale.  Microwaves and toasters are available for guests to use in the food court.

Photo Courtesy of Lisa M.

If you are looking for a table service restaurant but don’t want to leave the beautiful resort, book an Advance Dining Reservation at Shutter’s.  Guests dining at Shutter’s will delight in a menu that includes American favorites with a Caribbean twist.  Embark on your tropical dining getaway which may include fish tacos, herb-crusted beef ribeye, Mahi Mahi or bone-in carved pork served with jalapeño corn pudding. One can’t forget about the desserts! Tres leches and no-sugar-added mango custard provide a sweet ending to your retreat, as do an assortment of cocktails for Guests 21 years of age and older.

Shutters at Old Port Royale at Caribbean Beach Resort-Picture by Lisa McBride

As the title says, Old Port Royale is not only the place to dine, it is also the place to go when you want to shop and play too!  Goombay Games, the resort’s arcade, has a fairly large selection of games for adults and kids of all ages.  Just inside of Goombay Games are arcade card machines where guests can purchase various denominations of cards and also recharge them should you wish to play more.  The number of points required to play the games vary depending on the level of skill needed to play the game.

Now it’s time to talk shopping!  Calypso Trading Post, the resort store, is divided into two areas.  One side is located nearest the food court seating area and just through the doors leading out to the main pool.  This section of the store sells swimwear, flip flops, sandals, sunglasses, pool noodles, pins, toys and snacks.  One of the more unique items for sale are the coconut postcards that can be mailed to friends and family.

**DIStracted tip: Cast Members will be more than happy to help you mail this oversized postcard.

On the  other side of Calypso Trading Post, you’ll find the more traditional Disney themed merchandise such as hats, Mickey ears, clothing, Vera Bradley bags and an assortment of charms and jewelry.  Kids will enjoy the nice selection of toys, plush characters, dolls and kids’ clothing.  If the big coconut postcards are a bit larger than you want to mail, there are many other postcards on the shelves at Calypso Trading Post. Those that like to scrapbook will be happy to hear that scrapbook stickers and kits are available for purchase too.

**DIStracted tip: Postage is kept behind the counter. The Cast Members are pretty knowledgeable when it comes to selecting the type of postage that is needed to mail the various postcards.

If you get to Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort and realize that you’ve forgotten a razor, sunscreen or other such sundries, Disney has got you covered.  Those type items are sold at Calypso Trading Post.  If there’s something that you don’t see, be sure to ask a Cast Member and they’ll be more than happy to help you find what you are looking for.  They also sell books, magazines and newspapers.

Sundries for sale in the resort store

Our trips to Walt Disney World are between ten days and two weeks and we choose to order from Garden Grocer (you can find the link to their website on our home page).  Those who don’t place an order for groceries can find most of what they need at Calypso Trading Post. In the cooler, there’s bottled water, milk, Coke products, beer, wine and other beverages.  To satisfy your sweet tooth, donuts, cookies, candies are sold there too!  If you want something savory or just want a peanut butter sandwich, you’ll find all those fixings there in the store.

I’ve covered the dine, the shop and the play but there are also two often overlooked services available to Guests in Old Port Royale. One is the concierge desk.  Located near the entrance of the food court, the Cast Members at this concierge desk can help Guests with the majority of their needs with the exception being checking Guests in and out.  They can check your dining credits, print dinner show tickets, assist you in calling a cab, etc.  Before making the walk or taking the Internal Shuttle Bus to The Custom House, stop by the Old Port Royale concierge desk to see if they can help you.

The other is a Disney Vacation Club information desk. If you think that you might be interested in buying into Disney Vacation Club, stop by the Disney Vacation Club desk located to the right when entering Old Port Royale from the parking lot side.

Other activities that sometimes take place in Old Port Royale, especially if it is a rainy day, are limbo and dance contests.  Though he/she isn’t there all day, a caricature artist does have a desk in Old Port Royale and, in my opinion, the price isn’t prohibitive for such a cute and unique souvenir.

Old Port Royale at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort-Picture by Lisa McBride

Old Port Royale is truly the Centertown of the resort and it is all wrapped up in a pretty package! For those staying at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort or those just wanting to visit, Old Port Royale is fantastic place to dine, play and shop!