No cats to herd this time! It's just the two of us!UPDATED 11/24-DIS Meet & Departure

[ladybugmom]

WOW!! Love all the pictures! And I agree--I like the pic of the mill in black and white the best! I loved looking at these pics b/c you captured a lot of the details that we missed on our trip!

[mommytothreeboys]

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/MK/DSC_0110.jpg



First...I love how you can see the drops of dew on this flower. GREAT pic!

Don't you love a leisurely MK morning? ;)

I never noticed the raised dirt on that grave at HM...something to look for next time! I love that ride...so creepy and silly all at the same time! :)

Cute pics of you and Shawn in the stocks! :goodvibes

Another vote for the b&w of Harper's Mill.....it's a perfect pic for the black and white!

[mom2mek]

I'm glad you got to ride on BTM after all. Did you do any special effects to the pictures of BTM? They look "oranger" than I remember.

It's a whole different experience without doing that morning dumbo run.

Love the picture of your Dh just before riding BTM. I know it's just the flash in his sunglasses but it looks like a mechevious twinkle.

You know what, that one picture of Splash Mountain looks over-saturated to me too. Shawn did some editing to some of the pics, but always left the original and for that one, the one I posted is the only one in his pics, so I don't know....:confused3

THat's funny about the twinkle in his eye....I'll have to tell him that...:rotfl:

WOW!! Love all the pictures! And I agree--I like the pic of the mill in black and white the best! I loved looking at these pics b/c you captured a lot of the details that we missed on our trip!

Thanks Becky! I love the B&W of the mill too - looks timeless and perfect for the Tom Sawyer setting!

First...I love how you can see the drops of dew on this flower. GREAT pic!

Don't you love a leisurely MK morning? ;)

I never noticed the raised dirt on that grave at HM...something to look for next time! I love that ride...so creepy and silly all at the same time! :)

Cute pics of you and Shawn in the stocks! :goodvibes

Another vote for the b&w of Harper's Mill.....it's a perfect pic for the black and white!


Thanks Missy! I had never noticed the raised dirt either....Shawn actually pointed it out to me! :thumbsup2 I like the spooky-silliness of HM too - which is how I usually try to talk to my kids about it if they seem scared...it's kind of like "Scooby-Doo....spooky and silly".

Sara

[meeko_33785]

Great updates! I love all the photos of the details throughout the park. Looks like you're really getting the taste of what MK without kids is like.

[faerieprincess]

Great update Sara and those are some really amazing pictures. i actually like the greens in the first mill picture even more than the b&w (though i'm usually a big fan of black and white!). Can't believe you passed on a Dole Whip!

[mkluvsmickey]

What a great way to stary my morning, reading an update from Sara! (Especially on the morning of our Disney trip!!!)

Love all the details you captured while being able to take your time and really notice things. And definitely the black and white picture of Harpers Mill. It looks like it was a beautiful morning!

[mom2mek]

Great updates! I love all the photos of the details throughout the park. Looks like you're really getting the taste of what MK without kids is like.

Yes - it's amazing at what you miss when you are herding cats! ;)

Great update Sara and those are some really amazing pictures. i actually like the greens in the first mill picture even more than the b&w (though i'm usually a big fan of black and white!). Can't believe you passed on a Dole Whip!
Thanks Sare! I love all of the mill pics - the mill is really a great photo subject! :rotfl: I can't believe I passed on a Dole Whip either! Still puzzled at why I did that! :confused3

What a great way to stary my morning, reading an update from Sara! (Especially on the morning of our Disney trip!!!)

Love all the details you captured while being able to take your time and really notice things. And definitely the black and white picture of Harpers Mill. It looks like it was a beautiful morning!

Oh sure....rub it in Michelle! :sad2: Just kidding - have a FABULOUS time this week! (Although it sounds like you have quite a following on your trip this year....:rolleyes1 Lots of extra tagalongs! :upsidedow)

DON'T LOSE YOUR CAMERA THIS TIME!!! (I thought of you when we were riding THunder and I was taking video....had that thing wrapped around my wrist pretty tight!) :goodvibes

Sara

[Tnkrbelle565]

You got some gorgeous pics!!!! Isn't it amazing what you notice when you aren't chasing after kiddos????

[crocko]

Great morning! Frontierland in the morning is so beautiful!

And I love both of those edits on the Harper's Mill pictures...but might lean towards the B&W as the favorite.

[mom2mek]

You got some gorgeous pics!!!! Isn't it amazing what you notice when you aren't chasing after kiddos????

Thanks! Yes, it certainly was nice to be able to stop and smell the roses, so to speak! :cloud9:

Great morning! Frontierland in the morning is so beautiful!

And I love both of those edits on the Harper's Mill pictures...but might lean towards the B&W as the favorite.

Thanks! I agree - Frontierland is really quite lovely when not inundated with mass crowds of people! Lovely and quiet! :goodvibes

Sara

[mom2mek]

Day 3- May 15, 2009
Part 3 - Lunch for Two at The Plaza, Please!

After we had had our fill of pineapple, we ventured towards the main hub. VERY leisurely! Shawn’s feet were slowing us down but that was fine with me – I really enjoyed slowing our pace and watching the people, the families, the cast members….everyone immersed in the Disney magic.

Shawn captured more flowers….
http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/MK/DSC_0123.jpg

And more of this beautiful place…
http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/MK/DSC_0127.jpg

And we couldn’t forget to get a picture of this cute duo…
http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/MK/DSC_0128.jpg


We found a bench right in the hub and rested Shawn’s feet. The 10:30 castle show was about to start and I have never seen it before, so I was excited!
http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/MK/DSC_0131.jpg

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/MK/P1010740.jpg

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/MK/P1010741.jpg
(looks like that girl is sprouting out of Mickey’s head…)

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/MK/P1010742.jpg

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/MK/P1010749.jpg

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/MK/P1010750.jpg


We didn’t stay for the whole show, but decided to walk over towards Tomorrowland, check out the wait time for Buzz and try to find PUSH, the talking trashcan.

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/MK/DSC_0137.jpg

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/MK/DSC_0138.jpg

We did stop for a photopass shot:

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/MK/Image484-1.jpg

The wait for Buzz was 20 minutes which wasn’t bad, but we had an early lunch ADR at the Plaza in 20 minutes, and I didn’t want to risk being late by waiting in line, so we grabbed fastpasses (which we were going to do anyway) and set out on our mission to find PUSH.

Well, low and behold, I turned around to check out Monsters Inc wait time and there was PUSH chatting it up with a few unsuspecting guests. How cute! I stood around to see if he might come up to me, but he never did. Then I started scanning the crowd looking for the “voice” of PUSH, but never could tell where he was. It was fun to watch.


http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/MK/P1010756.jpg
(my one and only pic of PUSH)

Oh yeah, and Monsters Inc was shut down for the time being, and some lady there was complaining about how “EVERYTHING IS SHUT DOWN OVER HERE….GEEZ” - I bet the CMs just love hearing that over and over all day long!

It was about five minutes to 11:00, so we headed towards The Plaza.

We checked in right at 11:00 and were given a pager.

Ok.

Didn’t you just open? Kind of funny when that happens.

I walked over to Main St because I could hear the distinct sound of a song my girls so love to sing…."HEY….Get UP…..GET LOUD…..WE'RE PUMPING UP THE PARTY NOW!"

I had not had the chance to see this parade yet, but it was on its way up Main St. I grabbed my camera and tried to take some video of it but only got 10 seconds on video when they buzzed us for lunch. Literally, the total time for me to check in, get a buzzer, walk to the edge of Main St, see 10 seconds of a parade, was probably one minute total. What was the point of the buzzer??

For what it’s worth, here are the 10 seconds of parade video….LOL:
http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/MK/th_P1010757.jpg (http://s703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/MK/?action=view&current=P1010757.flv)


Ahhhh…the nice, cool, air-conditioned, beautifully decorated Plaza was so welcoming. We were seated over by the swinging doors to the kitchen and had great service by two waiters (one regular waiter, and one waitress in training)! They were so upbeat and friendly, and very talkative. I ordered the Plaza Club - (smoked ham, turkey, bacon, lettuce, tomato and mayonnaise layered on toasted multi-grain bread) with the broccoli slaw, and Shawn had the Grilled Reuben - (thinly sliced corned beef on grilled marble rye with sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Thousand Island dressing) with the homemade chips. While we waited we took a couple pictures of our fastpass booty to use later that day!

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/MK/P1010758.jpg

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/MK/P1010760.jpg

Shawn liked the “Hidden Mickey” in our condiments:

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/MK/P1010762.jpg

We were very pleased with the food at the Plaza – and very stuffed. I highly recommend eating there, especially if you aren’t on the dining plan. It counts as a TS restaurant and you aren’t going to get quite the “value” on the dining plan as some of the other TS choices; but if you aren’t on the dining plan, it’s a lovely little spot to enjoy a quiet meal! Those homemade chips Shawn had with his meal were wonderful!!!

We left sometime around 11:45, and made our way over to Fantasyland.

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/MK/DSC_0151.jpg

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/MK/DSC_0153.jpg

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/MK/DSC_0154.jpg

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/MK/DSC_0155.jpg

We grabbed fastpasses for Peter Pan and then headed to one of my favorites…PHILHARMAGIC!!!

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/MK/DSC_0160.jpg

We walked right into the next showing and Shawn thought it would be cute to try and get some pics with the 3D glasses covering his camera lens. Some turned out….some didn't....

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/MK/DSC_0166.jpg

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/MK/DSC_0168.jpg
(Those two….eh…not so much)


But this one I think turned out really cute….looks like she is reaching right to us….
http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/MK/DSC_0170.jpg

So, it was now only about 12:15….where to head to next…..



Sara

[faerieprincess]

Excellent update, Sara! Sounds like a nice lunch and a welcome break for Shawn's sore feet. i love the picture of Ariel reaching out!

[mrsksomeday]

Great update, I love your castle pictures. I could look at castle pix all day long. We have never eaten at the Plaza, we might have to put that on our list. I am so sorry about Shawn's feet.

Shawn got some awesome shots, the flower one was fantastic, and what a great idea about the 3D glasses, that Ariel pic was amazing!

[ladybugmom]

Oh wow!! That Ariel picture is AMAZING!! LOVE it!! I'll have to show it to Ally tomorrow!! :lovestruc

[mommytothreeboys]

Good morning Sara!

Lunch at the Plaza sounds awesome...cute Hidden Mickey!

I've never seen the whole castle show either...just bits and pieces as we pass by. Glad Shawn got to rest his feet a bit.

I love the shot of the outside of Mickey's PhilharMagic. That's an unusual angle and makes for a very interesting picture. Nice job Shawn!

[meeko_33785]

Great photos, especially the ones around the castle! Just beautiful.

The Plaza Restaurant is great. I think it's our favorite restaurant at MK now- great food, great service, beautiful atmosphere, fairly peaceful. Glad to hear that you enjoyed it too.

[jillyb]

Love all the shots of the castle from different views. Shawn looks pretty happy in that photopass pic! Your sandwich sounds yummy! I never would of thought about putting the 3D glasses over my camera lens. Good thinking Shawn! That photo of Ariel rocks!

Ya know...since I've started reading TRs I've completely changed my way of thinking when it comes to vacation (or any activity) photos. I used to take the usual photos but now I look at the details too and look for opportunities to take unusual or different photos.

[mkluvsmickey]

Great update Sara - those castle pictures are fantastic! So crisp and clear!

Glad you enjoyed the Plaza, we discovered that place last year and really enjoyed it too. Did you get dessert there?

Cool idea to put the 3D glasses ont he camera! :goodvibes

[mom2mek]

Excellent update, Sara! Sounds like a nice lunch and a welcome break for Shawn's sore feet. i love the picture of Ariel reaching out!Thanks Sare! Yeah, we were taking it slow this day due to Mr. Sore Feet! But we still managed to do a lot that morning, and we had a big afternoon planned! :rolleyes1

Great update, I love your castle pictures. I could look at castle pix all day long. We have never eaten at the Plaza, we might have to put that on our list. I am so sorry about Shawn's feet.

Shawn got some awesome shots, the flower one was fantastic, and what a great idea about the 3D glasses, that Ariel pic was amazing!

Thanks Tracy! :hug: We really enjoyed The Plaza - it's really small and quaint, and the food was very good. I liked the 3D shots as well. :thumbsup2

Oh wow!! That Ariel picture is AMAZING!! LOVE it!! I'll have to show it to Ally tomorrow!! :lovestruc

Thanks Becky! When we left Philharmagic, he put it on the camera display for me to see and I thought it turned out pretty cool! :goodvibes

Good morning Sara!

Lunch at the Plaza sounds awesome...cute Hidden Mickey!

I've never seen the whole castle show either...just bits and pieces as we pass by. Glad Shawn got to rest his feet a bit.

I love the shot of the outside of Mickey's PhilharMagic. That's an unusual angle and makes for a very interesting picture. Nice job Shawn!

It's funny Missy, because as we were leaving The Plaza and heading to Fantasyland, the castle show was going on again (which is why we had to go around) but this time it was at the point where Maleficient disappears in the poof of smoke! I'm like you, never have stopped to watch the whole darn thing, but can piece it together with all the little bits that I've seen over the last couple of trips! :)

Great photos, especially the ones around the castle! Just beautiful.

The Plaza Restaurant is great. I think it's our favorite restaurant at MK now- great food, great service, beautiful atmosphere, fairly peaceful. Glad to hear that you enjoyed it too.

We really did! :thumbsup2:thumbsup2 I was thinking of trying Tony's next time since we will be on the dining plan and it's a better "value" than The Plaza when you are on the plan. What do you think? Tony's always gets mixed reviews, so I'm on the fence....:confused3

Love all the shots of the castle from different views. Shawn looks pretty happy in that photopass pic! Your sandwich sounds yummy! I never would of thought about putting the 3D glasses over my camera lens. Good thinking Shawn! That photo of Ariel rocks!

Ya know...since I've started reading TRs I've completely changed my way of thinking when it comes to vacation (or any activity) photos. I used to take the usual photos but now I look at the details too and look for opportunities to take unusual or different photos.

Thanks Jill! I thought the 3D glasses idea was silly....but he proved me wrong! :rolleyes1 Well, without kids with us this trip, not only were we ABLE to catch more details than we usually do, we had to take pictures of something that wasn't us! Usually we fill our shots with our kids, but with it just being the two of us we got tired of just taking pics of eachother! It was great to capture so much of the beautiful details that are all over the parks!

Great update Sara - those castle pictures are fantastic! So crisp and clear!

Glad you enjoyed the Plaza, we discovered that place last year and really enjoyed it too. Did you get dessert there?

Cool idea to put the 3D glasses ont he camera! :goodvibes


Thanks Michelle! :hug: We didn't get dessert - we were too stuffed! :sad2: I really thought about it though because I knew the desserts were supposed to be awesome!

The Plaza was a great deal for us since we weren't on the dining plan, but we had the Tables in Wonderland card, so the whole meal with drinks came to like $20! Not bad for table service for 2, but you can see why it's not recommended if you are on the dining plan!

Sara

[mom2mek]

First of all....thanks for bearing with me as this TR sort of limps along....hanging by a thread. I really appreciate it. I will be putting it out of it's misery soon though....promise! :goodvibes

With that said....LOOK AT ME....DOING ANOTHER UPDATE.....:cool1:

Day 3 - May 15, 2009
Part 4 - Back to the Oasis

We exited Philharmagic and heard some lovely music coming from Fantasyland, so we headed in that direction as we were going to wind our way around the hub and down Main St to head back to the Poly for a much-needed break!

We passed this cute guy:
http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/MK/DSC_0174.jpg

And stopped to watch all the cute kids flying high on Dumbo:
http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/MK/DSC_0175.jpg
(He’s so cute!)

Then we found the source of the music:
http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/MK/DSC_0177.jpg

We hung out a while and listened to them play before making our way towards the TeaCups (no, not to ride….Shawn would barf):
http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/MK/DSC_0178.jpg

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/MK/DSC_0179.jpg

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/MK/DSC_0180.jpg

As we rounded the corner at the Tomorrowland Terrace Noodle Station, we came upon the parade again, so I stopped to snap a few pictures as it went by:

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/MK/P1010768.jpg
(Mickey gets a whole new outfit, but poor Donald only gets a hat and scarf!)

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/MK/P1010769.jpg

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/MK/P1010772.jpg

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/MK/P1010775.jpg
(Wouldn’t you just love to be the costume designer for this parade? “Just throw all that stuff up there on top of the hat, Jim…that’ll look great!”) :rotfl2:

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/MK/P1010779.jpg


I really liked this parade and I think my kids will love it! So interactive, so fun, so colorful, nice and short….just really, really fun!

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/MK/P1010781.jpg

We made it out of the MK and decided to take the boat launch back over to the Poly! Woo-hoo!

First stop on the boat ride….The beautiful GRAND FLORIDIAN….

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/MK/P1010784.jpg

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/MK/P1010787.jpg

A few pictures of the monorail while we were sitting at the GF marina:
http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/MK/P1010788.jpg

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/MK/P1010789.jpg

While waiting….a picture of Mr. Sore Feet:
http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/MK/P1010790.jpg

Quite a few monorails scooted on past us as we were at the GF:
http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/MK/P1010792.jpg

We pushed back from the Grand Floridian marina, and the next stop…..our own little oasis….The Poly!

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/MK/P1010786.jpg

Remember that hammock Shawn claimed was his at the beginning of our day????
http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/MK/P1010799.jpg

There it was….beckoning to him and his tired, sore feet!


Sara

[faerieprincess]

Wow - no kidding, look at you - another update right on the last one's (probably sore) heels! Way to go - but don't go rushing now, i don't want to have to wait another three and a half months for the next one! :sad:

[meeko_33785]

Another nice update. Poor Shawn though. I hope he gets that hamock and some rest too.

We really did! :thumbsup2:thumbsup2 I was thinking of trying Tony's next time since we will be on the dining plan and it's a better "value" than The Plaza when you are on the plan. What do you think? Tony's always gets mixed reviews, so I'm on the fence....:confused

I've never done the Plaza on the dining plan, but without the plan it was really a great deal. It's been a while since I've been to Tony's, but I don't remember the food being that great. The atmosphere is worth trying it at least once though, I think. It's really cute, especially if you've the kids with you. Have you ever done Liberty Tree? We've always enjoyed that one too and I would guess that's it's more of a value on the dining plan that the Plaza.

[mrsksomeday]

Great update, I can't wait to see that parade. The colors in your pictures are great, what kind of camera do you use? I am drooling over your pics from the GF and the Poly. Bill and I are going to try again for the Poly Dec. 2010. I hope Shawn got his hammock!

[mom2mek]

Wow - no kidding, look at you - another update right on the last one's (probably sore) heels! Way to go - but don't go rushing now, i don't want to have to wait another three and a half months for the next one! :sad:

I know! Go me! :cool1: :rotfl2: I am really trying to finish this poor thing up, so hopefully no more long breaks in between updates! Fingers crossed!

Another nice update. Poor Shawn though. I hope he gets that hamock and some rest too.
.
I know - he was really hurting! Update on the hammock coming up pretty soon!


I've never done the Plaza on the dining plan, but without the plan it was really a great deal. It's been a while since I've been to Tony's, but I don't remember the food being that great. The atmosphere is worth trying it at least once though, I think. It's really cute, especially if you've the kids with you. Have you ever done Liberty Tree? We've always enjoyed that one too and I would guess that's it's more of a value on the dining plan that the Plaza. We are actually considering both Tony's and Liberty Tree for our upcoming February trip. LTT will be open for breakfast, so we might try that. And we were thinking of trying Tony's for dinner before Spectro. Still undecided though. :rolleyes:

Great update, I can't wait to see that parade. The colors in your pictures are great, what kind of camera do you use? I am drooling over your pics from the GF and the Poly. Bill and I are going to try again for the Poly Dec. 2010. I hope Shawn got his hammock!

Thanks Tracy! Shawn has a Nikon D80. My camera is just a little waterproof Olympus. It does ok, but having that nice camera with us is always nice - I'm so grateful to Shawn that he doesn't mind carrying it around the parks. Well, I take that back, he does mind....but then he sees the pics that he gets, and he says it's worth it! :rolleyes1

That's great that you are thinking of the Poly for next year! I think what you are doing this year is going to be a lot of fun and very memorable (once you get there and are at your happy place! Planning for non-planners is a little frustrating....been there, done that.....you'll get through it....just focus on the kids! :hug:)

Sara

[lovebuzzandwoody]

Jackpot! I got to read lotsa updates all at once! I should slack off more often. :rotfl2:

Loved the BTMRR video! :lovestruc Now I can't wait to get on it!!

We ate at Tony's in '04 and we actually liked it. I know it does get mixed reviews though. :confused3

I hope Shawn got the hammock too.... his poor feet. :guilty:

[mkluvsmickey]

Poor Shawn, he certainly needs a do-over trip don't you think? ;)

Love your pictures of Dumbo. Classic.

And that hammock looks so inviting! I hope you guys were able to snag it for a while.

[mom2mek]

Jackpot! I got to read lotsa updates all at once! I should slack off more often. :rotfl2:

Loved the BTMRR video! :lovestruc Now I can't wait to get on it!!

We ate at Tony's in '04 and we actually liked it. I know it does get mixed reviews though. :confused3

I hope Shawn got the hammock too.... his poor feet. :guilty:
Ahhh---there you are! Hadn't seen you around for a while? Still wrestling alligators in your back yard? :eek:

Yeah, I'm really quite torn about Tony's. I really wanted to do LTT for dinner before Spectro, but now they are offering breakfast at LTT for Jan and Feb since CP will be closed, and it would be nice to go there for a pre-park opening breakfast, so that's what got me thinking about doing Tony's prior to Spectro, but IDK....:confused3

Poor Shawn, he certainly needs a do-over trip don't you think? ;)

Love your pictures of Dumbo. Classic.

And that hammock looks so inviting! I hope you guys were able to snag it for a while.

Thanks Michelle! Yes, a do-over in February! :cool1: I will be packing his shoes....:rolleyes1

Sara

[mom2mek]

Here comes another update.....

Day 3 - May 15, 2009
Part 5 - "Don't underestimate the value of doing nothing, of just going along, listening to all the things you can't hear, and not bothering". ~Pooh's Little Instruction Book, inspired by A.A. Milne

As we left our boat and exited at the Poly dock, we made our first stop at the Barefoot Pool Bar! I ordered a Pina Colava and Shawn ordered….I think….a Mojito.

The volcano pool was bustling with activity with lots of children and families enjoying the pool and the pool games. We watched and I got a little bit sentimental about my kids as I was watching all the activity, knowing what fun they would have at this resort. :guilty:

A few more minutes passed and then liquid heaven was in our hands so we set out on our goal for the next hour or so…..hammocks!:thumbsup2

Now we didn’t want to attempt to get in the hammock together and risk it flipping over. Heavens no! :sad2: Not only would that be embarrassing, but I might spill my drink. THAT would be tragic! So we opted to rest in our own hammocks! See ya honey!

I sat up in the hammock so I could drink my drink down a bit and not have it spilling all over me, and then I attempted to lay back in the hammock.

Success! :thumbsup2

I really thought I was gonna flip that thing!

I tell you what, this was heaven! :cloud9: I laid there, still sipping my pina colava, with the wind swaying the palm trees above me and the distant sounds of the Magic Kingdom playing as my background music. I actually heard the castle show playing – it was very nice!

I know I drifted off at some point, but I don’t think I ever truly fell asleep. I’ll put it to you this way….I was VERY relaxed! I thought, Now, THIS is a vacation! Part relaxation, part Disney fun! What could be better?

Well, another drink….that’s what!

So I vacated my hammock and walked over to Shawn who was also drifting off. He was also in need of another drink. He wisely chose to have a pina colava this time around after having tasted mine! Those things are so delicious! I told him to stay put and I would go grab us two more drinks since I needed to use the bathroom anyway! He wanted me to hand me his camera so he could take some “lazy-man” photographs while I was gone!

I carried my shoes up until I was out of the sand (but boy, that sand was HOT) and put them on when I got up to the sidewalk and then made my way back to the Barefoot Pool Bar and around the volcano pool to the bathrooms. Funny how you walk behind the waterfall to get to the bathrooms!

As I got back to Shawn I noticed my hammock was now occupied by someone else. :sad1: Whaaa….but it was fine….I just plopped myself down in the sand, leaned up against the palm tree, watched this cute little duck family that was swimming by, and listened to more sounds of the Magic Kingdom.

Here are Shawn’s “lazy-man” photographs he took while I was gone!

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/MK/DSC_0181.jpg
(gotta love the bandaged feet…so appropriate, no?)

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/MK/DSC_0182.jpg

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/MK/DSC_0183.jpg

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/MK/DSC_0185.jpg

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/MK/DSC_0186.jpg

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/MK/DSC_0187.jpg
(There’s me walking back for the 2nd round)

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/MK/DSC_0188.jpg

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/MK/DSC_0189.jpg
(I absolutely adore this picture as it brings me RIGHT BACK to that moment of lying in the hammock and watching the palm trees sway above me)

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/MK/DSC_0191-1.jpg
(A couple of sore feet snuck into this picture as well…LOL)

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/MK/DSC_0202-1.jpg
(After I returned with the 2nd round)

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/MK/DSC_0197.jpg
(Seriously, do not leave the Poly without having one of these….K???)

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/MK/DSC_0203.jpg

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/MK/DSC_0208.jpg
(Our own little afternoon fireworks as the castle show was finishing up)

Well from the time stamps on Shawn’s camera, it appears we spent about 2 hours on the Poly beach. Didn’t seem like that long, but it was fabulous!! Quiet, peaceful, breezy, just delightful!!

We thought it best to carry our sandy selves up to our room and get cleaned up to be able to leave on time for our dinner ADR at The Wave at the Contemporary that evening. I think Shawn napped while I got ready, then he got ready and I did my make-up out on the balcony while reading through the Aloha Press newsletter!

Before too long, it was time to leave the room and head towards the GCH for our short monorail ride over to the Contemporary.

We left about 10 minutes till 5:00 and within minutes we were boarding the monorail….Up front again, thank you very much. And this time we could actually see where we were going as opposed to the night before when we were in the rain and pitch darkness!

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/MK/DSC_0212.jpg

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/MK/DSC_0216.jpg
(Hello Magic Kingdom....Goodbye Magic Kingdom)

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/MK/DSC_0217.jpg

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/MK/DSC_0220.jpg
(It just doesn’t look possible for the monorail train to get through that opening…)

Here is a little video snippet of us going into the Contemporary….gotta love doing that!
http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/Videos/th_P1010803.jpg (http://s703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/Videos/?action=view&current=P1010803.flv)

We were off to find THE WAVE…..


Sara

[lovebuzzandwoody]

Wrestling alligators! :rotfl2: Nope.... been busy with cub scouts! :rolleyes:

Your afternoon on the beach sounds just heavenly! :cloud9: I loved the lazy man pictures! :laughing:

Can't wait to hear what you thought of the Wave. popcorn::

[jillyb]

What a wonderful afternoon! I nearly slithered out of my seat imagining the breeze blowing through the palm trees while lazily lying in a hammock. Shawn got some great lazy man pics! My fav is the one of the Grand Floridian. That red roof is poppin'!

[mrsksomeday]

I have had a Pina Colava at Pop before and really liked it, yummy :thumbsup2.

Oh my goodness I :love: the Poly pictures, they are gorgeous. It is great that you two got to just relax for a bit and the view of the castle was wonderful.

Ok, I am going to admit something, I watched your video and teared up when I heard the monorail spiel :sad2:. I am in need of WDW stat!

[faerieprincess]

Another update already!

i could really go for one of those drinks and a spot on that beach right now!!!

[mom2mek]

Wrestling alligators! :rotfl2: Nope.... been busy with cub scouts! :rolleyes:

Your afternoon on the beach sounds just heavenly! :cloud9: I loved the lazy man pictures! :laughing:

Can't wait to hear what you thought of the Wave. popcorn::
Yeah, Shawn's 'lazy-man" pics are better than my best attempt!

What a wonderful afternoon! I nearly slithered out of my seat imagining the breeze blowing through the palm trees while lazily lying in a hammock. Shawn got some great lazy man pics! My fav is the one of the Grand Floridian. That red roof is poppin'!
Thanks Jill! Those pics are some of my favorites of the trip because they really bring me right back to that moment....it was really nice! :goodvibes

I have had a Pina Colava at Pop before and really liked it, yummy :thumbsup2.

Oh my goodness I :love: the Poly pictures, they are gorgeous. It is great that you two got to just relax for a bit and the view of the castle was wonderful.

Ok, I am going to admit something, I watched your video and teared up when I heard the monorail spiel :sad2:. I am in need of WDW stat!

Awww Tracy...it does that to me too! Plus riding up front....:sad1::sad1:

You will be there before you know it! And you get to meet up with Kathy - you are going to have so much fun! :thumbsup2
Another update already!

i could really go for one of those drinks and a spot on that beach right now!!!

I aim to please, Sare. :rolleyes1

Hope I can keep it up....approaching a very busy next couple of days....but I'm hoping I can finish up this day in the next update or two!!

Sara

[mommytothreeboys]

Wow... that afternoon sounds like heaven! :cloud9::cloud9:

[mom2mek]

Wow... that afternoon sounds like heaven! :cloud9::cloud9:

Thanks Missy. It really was....:cloud9:

Sara

[mom2mek]

Day 3 – May 15, 2009
Part 6 – A lovely dinner followed by a BIG dose of KARMA…..

As we got off the monorail, we didn't really know where we were going. I guess I failed to really research where this place was located within the Contemporary and just figured that the hotel would have some well placed signage to direct us.

Well, I was wrong. :rolleyes:

We went down the elevator to the floor where Chef Mickey's is, and asked a CM where it was and she told us (well, this is what I thought she said) that it was down on the next level. So we took the elevator down but couldn't find it anywhere. :confused3 Well, either she told us wrong, or we heard her wrong, but the restaurant was actually on the bottom floor in the lobby. We felt like such knuckleheads! :sad2:

We made our way down the long corridor of the restaurant entrance to the check-in desk and the totally empty waiting area. Just like at The Plaza that afternoon, they gave us a buzzer and we sat down, only to be buzzed one minute later. :laughing: Shawn did manage to snap this picture of the gorgeous, very trendy and artsy-looking, waiting area. The whole place seemed to really fit in well with the whole "Contemporary" theme.

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/MK/DSC_0221.jpg


We were led back to our table and got some drinks while we looked over the menu. I ordered a glass of wine and Shawn had his standard cocktail...a Cape Cod (Cranberry & Vodka). Shawn especially liked this restaurant because they served him his Cape Cod in a tall glass, not a traditional tumbler size glass.

(It’s a dark picture, but you get the point….he was a happy man!) ::yes::
http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/MK/P1010804-1-1.jpg

The restaurant is really quite beautiful. They took "the wave" theme and carried it all throughout the decor. The candles, the chairs, the things hanging from the ceiling....pretty much everything had a little "wave" to it!
I love these pictures Shawn took of the nearly empty restaurant before it got busy:

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/MK/DSC_0222.jpg

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/MK/DSC_0223.jpg


We had some fabulous service here. Our waitress was VERY informative about all the menu items and answered all questions that we had since the food is a little different.

First, the bread was amazing! They serve it with a pink, hawaiian sea salt that is to die for! It is delicious!
http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/MK/P1010806.jpg

We ordered the lettuce wraps as an appetizer and they were very good. I believe the menu posted on allears now is slightly different from when we were there in May, because this old description I found sounds more like what we had –sheets of bibb lettuce and bits of lamb and bay scallops in a soy / rice vinegar sauce. They were a little spicy, but very flavorful.

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/MK/DSC_0225.jpg


Shawn ordered the beef tenderloin (I believe) and really, really enjoyed it! It was cooked perfectly, and he devoured every last bit of it!

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/MK/DSC_0226.jpg


I had a small salad and the crab cake (which is an appetizer, but I was so full from our earlier beverages, plus the lettuce wraps, plus the amazing bread!)

Anyway, the salad was Seasonal Mixed Greens with Spaghetti Squash, Edamame, Flax Seed, Baby Mozzarella, and Red Wine Vinaigrette, but it was just “eh” for me. I liked it ok, but it lacked a little something-something for my liking! :confused3

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/MK/DSC_0227.jpg

The crabcake, on the other hand, was scrumptious! Totally jam-packed with crab meat and really, really good and filling! :love:

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/MK/DSC_0228.jpg

For dessert at The Wave, you are offered 4 different selections, each consisting of 3 small desserts. However, you can mix and match between all 12 small samplings to make your own group of “3”. The choices were not hard for us….we chose, the Crème Brulee (no-sugar added, but you would have never known it was sugar-free), the Pineapple sorbet, and the Cheesecake with Raspberry Coulis. They were all 3 really good and sharing this gave us “just enough” of dessert.


Desserts
http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/MK/DSC_0230.jpg

We were very pleased with The Wave, and would definitely return. We did see some families there and I think it’s a nice addition to the Contemporary, considering the only other 2 options are either a character buffet at Chef Mickey’s, or a signature dining experience at California Grill.

As we exited, I felt noticeably uncomfortable and really, really tired. :eek:

We both used the restrooms and our plan was to return to the Magic Kingdom for a night of rides and fireworks!

But, remember when I mentioned how I not-so-nicely rubbed it in to Shawn that my croc flip-flops were the best, and that my feet were fine?? :snooty:

Well….what’s that saying….:scratchin

Karma is a “butterfly” (insert your own random B-word here)??? :scared:

Well, for me….that B word was BLISTER. :crazy2:

It could also stand for BOTTOM of my foot. :worried:



Dang karma…. :furious:



Up next....how do we spend the rest of the evening.....


Sara

[jillyb]

The Wave looks lovely! And those food porn pics have me drooling! :rotfl:

Blister on the bottom of your foot??!!! :eek:

[mommytothreeboys]

The Wave looks like a beautiful place! I love the picture of the place settings...very pretty.

And the food looks pretty too! Almost too pretty to eat! That crab cake looks amazing! YUM! :)

What a bummer to get a blister....and on the bottom of the foot no less. UGH! Stinkin' karma.

Can't wait to hear how you decided to spend the evening. :goodvibes

[ladybugmom]

Oh wow!! Again--your pictures are absolutely AMAZING!!! Relaxing on the Poly beach sounds amazing! I love how ya'll were able to capture the fireworks from the castle show! And The Wave looks fabulous!! The desserts especially sound wonderful!! The restaurant pics turned out beautifully!! :lovestruc

[mom2mek]

The Wave looks lovely! And those food porn pics have me drooling! :rotfl:

Blister on the bottom of your foot??!!! :eek:

Thanks Jill! The Wave was very tasty. The food was all very fresh and flavorful! I think it's a nice alternative to those who don't want to spend the big $ on CG! Of course, no view at The Wave! :laughing:

The Wave looks like a beautiful place! I love the picture of the place settings...very pretty.

And the food looks pretty too! Almost too pretty to eat! That crab cake looks amazing! YUM! :)

What a bummer to get a blister....and on the bottom of the foot no less. UGH! Stinkin' karma.

Can't wait to hear how you decided to spend the evening. :goodvibes

Yeah, karma does stink! :headache:

The crab cake was as tasty as it looks! Yum!

Oh wow!! Again--your pictures are absolutely AMAZING!!! Relaxing on the Poly beach sounds amazing! I love how ya'll were able to capture the fireworks from the castle show! And The Wave looks fabulous!! The desserts especially sound wonderful!! The restaurant pics turned out beautifully!! :lovestruc


Thanks Becky! :goodvibes Yes, the Poly beach was very relaxing....I hope you are able to get some good relaxing-on-the-beach time on your next trip!! Are you going to stay at the Poly again when you go? :cloud9:

Sara

[lovebuzzandwoody]

That crab cake made my mouth water! The Wave looks like a cool place. I'm glad you enjoyed it.

This trip is turning out very blistery! On the bottom of your foot?? Sounds painful! :hug:

[mkluvsmickey]

What an awesome afternoon relaxing on the Poly beach. :cloud9::cloud9:

And thanks for all the great pictures of The Wave! I'd love to try that place sometime but it will have to be on an adult trip as I don't think Sam would eat anything there. :rolleyes1

[mom2mek]

That crab cake made my mouth water! The Wave looks like a cool place. I'm glad you enjoyed it.

This trip is turning out very blistery! On the bottom of your foot?? Sounds painful! :hug:

It was painful, Nicole! Very, very painful. :sad:

What an awesome afternoon relaxing on the Poly beach. :cloud9::cloud9:

And thanks for all the great pictures of The Wave! I'd love to try that place sometime but it will have to be on an adult trip as I don't think Sam would eat anything there. :rolleyes1

I think their lunch menu has a burger on it now, Michelle. Pizza and pasta too. Of course, it's probably not "POP Century" pizza which we know Sam LOVES!! Maybe we can try it out again on a girls trip! :thumbsup2

Sara

[DisneyJo]

What a lovely relaxing day, I love the hammock shots, especially the palm tree one :goodvibes

I skipped dessert at The Wave as I was so full but wish I hadn't now, it looked delicious!

So sorry about your feet :hug:

[kaysmommie]

Great updates Sara. Your pictures are amazing too! I love the B&W Harpers Mill one best. So many things you notice at MK without the kids there to distract you huh :goodvibes? I'm looking forward to findning out all about that soon. The Wave sounds like it was a great dinner. I'll have to try it sometime soon. I love the Poly pics!!! Pina Colava is so yummy too. Sounds like you had a great day.

[BippityBoo]

WOW! The Wave looks so amazing. You guys are inspiring me to book an adult only trip! We thought we would have doubts that the kids were not there, but it looks FAB and relaxing. Love the beach at the Poly! The drinks look heavenly as well. GREAT update, can't wait to read more popcorn::

[beyondblessed]

I just found your TR - it is awesome!!! Your pictures are incredible! We went to Disney without kids once and I would do it again in a heartbeat - it's just a different kind of trip. You get to enjoy so many things you seem to miss with kids. Who would think Disney - the all American family vacation could be so romantic? :lovestruc

We are staying at the Poly in December - I was drooling while looking at your pictures...the drinks, the beach, the hammocks! Ahhhh! I actually slept in one of those hammocks one night (from about 3 am until morning)...my Dad would NOT quit snoring! haha

I'm caught up and subscribed...now I'll wait on the edge of my seat for your next update! :lovestruc

[mom2mek]

What a lovely relaxing day, I love the hammock shots, especially the palm tree one :goodvibes

I skipped dessert at The Wave as I was so full but wish I hadn't now, it looked delicious!

So sorry about your feet :hug:

Thanks Jo! The dessert was really fabulous and "just enough" too. If we had both had our own, I would have been even more uncomfortable than I already was!

Great updates Sara. Your pictures are amazing too! I love the B&W Harpers Mill one best. So many things you notice at MK without the kids there to distract you huh :goodvibes? I'm looking forward to findning out all about that soon. The Wave sounds like it was a great dinner. I'll have to try it sometime soon. I love the Poly pics!!! Pina Colava is so yummy too. Sounds like you had a great day.

Thanks Nichole! Yes, you certainly are able to take the time to notice all of the detailing when you are without the youngins!! It's certainly different, but in a good way. :goodvibes It was a really great day, until I stood up from dinner.....:sad1: The blister was BAD!!!

WOW! The Wave looks so amazing. You guys are inspiring me to book an adult only trip! We thought we would have doubts that the kids were not there, but it looks FAB and relaxing. Love the beach at the Poly! The drinks look heavenly as well. GREAT update, can't wait to read more popcorn::

You should do it, Katie! Believe me, I never thought I could go without my kids (too much guilt) but it was very nice. Not better, not worse. Just different. Each trip is different but great in it's own way! :thumbsup2

I just found your TR - it is awesome!!! Your pictures are incredible! We went to Disney without kids once and I would do it again in a heartbeat - it's just a different kind of trip. You get to enjoy so many things you seem to miss with kids. Who would think Disney - the all American family vacation could be so romantic? :lovestruc

We are staying at the Poly in December - I was drooling while looking at your pictures...the drinks, the beach, the hammocks! Ahhhh! I actually slept in one of those hammocks one night (from about 3 am until morning)...my Dad would NOT quit snoring! haha

I'm caught up and subscribed...now I'll wait on the edge of my seat for your next update! :lovestruc Thanks for reading Nikky! I totally agree about adult trips. They aren't better than ones with your family, they are just different. They are great, but so are the kid trips! It's such a great place where they have something for everyone!!

Woo-hoo on the Poly in December! That's gonna be great! I'll have to remember the sleeping in the hammock thing if I have too many snorers in the room when we go in February....although I might be a little embarrassed when the maintenance guys come around to start cleaning and sweeping the sand in the morning! :eek:

Thanks for reading! Hopefully I should have the rest of this day finished up soon! :goodvibes

Sara

[Diamondintheruff]

I laughed at you searching for the Wave. My Dh and I had the hardest time finding it too. So glad we aren't the only ones who did.

So sorry to hear about your feet too. I'm wondering if you took matching battle toe hammock shots. You know like a Mr. and Mrs. Sore feet.:lmao:

[Poohtigeey]

Hello? You're STILL writin this thing?!LOL!!

I'm devoting the next hour to catching up! I also wanted to try out my new ticker!:yay:

[Poohtigeey]

Got to Mexico, but I need to clean the house a bit. I PROMISE I'll be back!

LOVE Shawn's pictures. I hate that he had such foot trouble. I'm reading these updates and picturing us there together again. Since our kids will be there w/ us this time does that mean we have to act mature and not try on hats?:scared1:

[mkluvsmickey]

Hello? You're STILL writin this thing?!LOL!!

I'm devoting the next hour to catching up! I also wanted to try out my new ticker!:yay:

Monica? Is that really you? :goodvibes

LOVE the new ticker! It's looks fabulous!! :dance3:

[mom2mek]

Hello? You're STILL writin this thing?!LOL!!

I'm devoting the next hour to catching up! I also wanted to try out my new ticker!:yay:

Well, I guess I'll take it....you came to see your new ticker....side bonus...reading my report....:rolleyes1 Well I guess beggers can't be choosers...glad you're here!:rolleyes1:goodvibes

Got to Mexico, but I need to clean the house a bit. I PROMISE I'll be back!

LOVE Shawn's pictures. I hate that he had such foot trouble. I'm reading these updates and picturing us there together again. Since our kids will be there w/ us this time does that mean we have to act mature and not try on hats?:scared1:

No. Not at Disney. :cool2:

Monica? Is that really you? :goodvibes

LOVE the new ticker! It's looks fabulous!! :dance3:

Yes it does!:cool2::thumbsup2

Sara

[lovebuzzandwoody]

I agree Monica! Your new ticker looks fabulous on you! :goodvibes Are you all going together then? What fun!

[mom2mek]

Day 3 - May 15, 2009
Part 7 - We hobble through the Magic Kingdom

As we got ready to leave the Contemporary and walk over to the Magic Kingdom, my foot was in horrible pain. Apparently, what I think happened was due to the fact that I had only brought 2 pairs of Croc flip-flops. No other “TYPE” of shoe. So, as comfortable as those flip-flops are, unfortunately, my feet were always in the same position with the same pressure points being pushed down and apparently, once I got off my feet and sat down at dinner, my feet decided that that was a good time to form a lovely little blister right in the center of the ball of my foot. I didn’t have the guts to actually look at the blister, I just felt it. We hobbled on out of the Contemporary and started the (what would normally be) short walk to the MK.

Wasn’t so short for us! :sad2: It took us a while. We read a lot of the bricks that are along the walkway and lamented on how our feet had done us so wrong!! :laughing:

As we approached the Magic Kingdom, we happened to see an ambulance waiting out front of the bus drop-off/pick-up area. We sat down on a bench and rested for a minute and while we were there we saw the paramedics coming towards the ambulance and one of them was carrying a little boy whose head was wrapped up in gauze. There was a lot of blood underneath the gauze. The boy was talking and crying at the same time but looked to be in ok condition. The very worried parents were close behind and they all got into the ambulance and it drove away. All I kept thinking about was how sad it would be to have an injury take place to one of your children at the happiest place on earth. So sad for that little boy. :sad1:

Of course, I was feeling a little bit like I needed an ambulance at that point. Ugh.

We made our way back into the Magic Kingdom and started a slow walk up towards the castle.

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/MK/DSC_0239.jpg

I couldn’t quite figure out why people were sitting on the curbs of Main St at this point. I mean, there was no Spectro this night, and Wishes wasn’t starting for another hour and twenty minutes or so, at 9:00. Oh well. To each his own, right? Seemed a bit early to me, unless I was forgetting about something. :confused3

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/MK/DSC_0246.jpg

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/MK/DSC_0248.jpg


We approached the hub and managed to snap a couple of photopass pictures where we don’t look like we are in too much pain. Shawn does look a little sun-kissed from his earlier hammock rest though!


http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/MK/Image491-1.jpg

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/MK/DSC_0250.jpg



As I turned around from the picture to look at the castle, I caught a glimpse of something….

someone….

with short hair….

and a green costume…..

with a full set of wings…..


:confused::confused:

Ummmmm…OK???

This lady was dressed up in a full-blown Tinkerbell costume complete down to her lace up, high-heeled sandals. She was waiting for the photopass photographer to take her picture in front of the castle, so I told Shawn to take a picture without looking like he was taking a picture. I’m not quite sure why someone had not mentioned to her that costumes really aren’t allowed for adults other than for the Halloween party (this is May, remember?), but maybe later on they did. I don’t know.

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/MK/DSC_0249.jpg

To each his own, I guess....


http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/MK/DSC_0254.jpg

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/MK/Image496-1.jpg

We crossed the bridge to Liberty Square and stopped to see about getting a caricature done.

The girl working was, shall we say, lacking in the pixie dust department as far as her attitude. She was a little bit snappy and kind of grumpy with us but went to get the clipboard for appointment times. She said that they had an opening around 8:30, but I told her that wouldn’t work because by then we would be wanting to get a spot for Wishes.

She said, "Oh Wishes isn’t until 10:00 tonight. Spectro is at 8:00 and then Wishes is at 10". (It was already 15 minutes till 8:00 at this point). I said I didn’t think so, but she was pretty adamant. I actually began to doubt my own touring plans since I had seen all those people already sitting on the curbs on Main St and now she was going on and on about Spectro at 8 and Wishes at 10!

Ugh.

I finally had to pull out my Times Guide to show her that it did not say that. Funny how little some of the CMs really know. I told her "No Thanks" to the caricature….after dealing with her I didn’t really think we would have too much fun with her doing the drawing anyway. She needed a little bit more magic in her attitude. (Shawn said later that she should go work at Universal….LOL…sorry, but I thought that was funny)! :rotfl2:

We headed toward where the Liberty Belle is and Shawn took some pictures, and then we made our way up and into Fantasyland.

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/MK/DSC_0258-1.jpg

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/MK/DSC_0259.jpg
(The Liberty Tree)

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/MK/DSC_0260.jpg
(One of my favorites)

Ok, picture boy, I’ve got a date with a flying pirate ship over Neverland – let’s get a move on!

We hopped aboard using our Fastpasses from earlier. My absolute favorite ride in Fantasyland! When we finished that, we hobbled out and took a very….slow…..walk……around Fantasyland. There was an absolutely amazing sunset sky that evening and Shawn took some nice pictures as we staggered through Fantasyland.

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/MK/DSC_0274-1.jpg

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/MK/DSC_0276-1.jpg


http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/MK/DSC_0278-1.jpg
(I just love this one with the silhouette of Timothy the Mouse on top of Dumbo)

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/MK/DSC_0279-1.jpg



We got a couple of drinks and snacks and mostly people watched while winding back around to the other side of the castle.

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/MK/DSC_0285-1.jpg

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/MK/DSC_0290-1.jpg

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/MK/DSC_0301.jpg

Continued in next post....

[mom2mek]

....Continued from last post.....

After a while we made our way over to the Rose Garden to sit down and wait for Wishes. I got a kick out of watching Shawn try and google things on his phone about his camera settings while sitting and waiting for the show to begin!

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/MK/P1010829.jpg

He works well under pressure! :laughing: Our seats were great (at that point, ANY seat would have been fine – I was just happy to not be pushing down on my blister with every step)! :headache:

We listened to the slightly dysfunctional family beside us and tried to not notice when the Dad decided it would be funny to jump over the fence into the gardens area where you aren’t supposed to go, dance around drawing all sorts of attention to himself, and then berate his daughter for not thinking it was hilarious! :rolleyes:

Eventually he calmed down and her pre-teen embarrassment went away. Geez – I thought the Magic Kingdom was a dry park! LOL! ;) I was just hoping and praying that when the show started I didn’t have to deal with his obnoxious and inappropriate jokes! He was really embarrassing, and I wasn’t even related to him! :eek:

Ahhh….Wishes…..was just about to start….

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/MK/DSC_0306-1.jpg

Here is our very sad attempt at a Tinkerbell picture:
http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/MK/DSC_0348.jpg

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/MK/DSC_0411.jpg

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/MK/DSC_0362.jpg

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/MK/DSC_0379.jpg

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/MK/DSC_0398.jpg

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/MK/DSC_0397.jpg

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/MK/DSC_0413.jpg

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/MK/DSC_0418.jpg



Wishes was spectacular as expected and when it was over, we made our way over to use our fastpasses on Buzz. As usual, I think my gun was broken. :confused3 I scored the lowest I ever have I think! I must have been distracted by my painful feet….yeah….that’s it. :rolleyes1

Shawn scored in 6 digits but still shy of his goal of 999,999. Poor guy.

Then we popped in for what was probably the last showing of Monsters Inc Laugh Floor for that night.

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/MK/P1010832.jpg

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/MK/P1010834.jpg
(love the post-it)

Shawn had not seen it before and thought it was hilarious! I was hoping for him to be “that guy” but it didn’t happen. We enjoyed it, and after it was over we exited the Laugh Floor and joined the hoards of people all trying to bottleneck onto Main St. :crowded:

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/MK/P1010836-1.jpg


I convinced Shawn that we did NOT need to exit with these crowds and we found ourselves a table next to the Ice Cream Parlor and watched as people exited the park. I love doing this. :cloud9: I love lingering in the park at the end of the night, watching all of the excited kids and sleeping babies….the tired, but usually still smiling parents maneuver through the crowds or wait in line for one last ice cream cone. It was really nice and I’m glad we decided to stop and watch.

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/MK/P1010842.jpg

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/MK/P1010843.jpg


We finally got up and decided to walk our way down before they had to kick us out. On our way towards the tunnel at the end of Main St, we decided to grab a popcorn. Well, we were her last customer of the day, so she handed it to us and said “enjoy!” Woo-hoo! Free popcorn! :cool1:

We waited a few minutes for the resort monorail and a few moments later we were back at the Poly and hobbling back to Tahiti to check out the damage to our feet. I was so utterly shocked at this point that I was having as much, if not more, trouble with my feet than Shawn. And that it had come out of nowhere!

When I pulled my flip-flop off I couldn’t believe it. And I went to sleep wondering what we would be able to accomplish the next day…our last day!

Sara

[meeko_33785]

Great to see a new update. You've got some beautiful photos of Wishes and sunset in Fantasyland in there. Sounds like a pretty nice evening despite your foot problems. I can't beliebe your feet are giving you trouble now too. :sad2:

[mom2mek]

Great to see a new update. You've got some beautiful photos of Wishes and sunset in Fantasyland in there. Sounds like a pretty nice evening despite your foot problems. I can't beliebe your feet are giving you trouble now too. :sad2:

Thanks! I really love looking at those sunset photos. There was someone from the DIS that was at the Poly the same evening and posted a picture on the "Picture of the Day" thread of that night too. I think it was of the monorail with the sunset above it and it was so beautiful! A really spectacular sight! :goodvibes:goodvibes

Sara

[ladybugmom]

WOW!! Again--what great photos!! What a great evening in the MK!! That Tinkerbell lady is interesting to say the least! YIKES!!

[mkluvsmickey]

Great updates Sara! I'm so sorry about the foot problems! I hope you don't have a repeat in February.:sad2:

I love all the pictures of course. The sunset pictures are fantastic! And I love the picture of you two on the side of the castle. That should definitely be in a frame if it isn't already.

[faerieprincess]

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/MK/DSC_0362.jpg

i LOVE this picture!!!!!!

Awesome update, Sara! i'm so sorry your feet were hurting you :(

How was your Hallowe'en?

[Diamondintheruff]

Just gorgeous photos even the ones you didn't take. It's a really nice shot of the two of you by the photopass photographer. Great acting skills to hide the pain of your blister!

[mom2mek]

WOW!! Again--what great photos!! What a great evening in the MK!! That Tinkerbell lady is interesting to say the least! YIKES!!

Thanks Becky! Yes, it was strange to see a grown woman who was (from what we could tell) all by herself, dressed up in a full blown (and fairly short) Tink outfit! I'm wondering if she changed in the park somewhere because I can't imagine that someone actually let her in the gates without explaining that adult costumes are not really allowed. :confused3

Great updates Sara! I'm so sorry about the foot problems! I hope you don't have a repeat in February.:sad2:

I love all the pictures of course. The sunset pictures are fantastic! And I love the picture of you two on the side of the castle. That should definitely be in a frame if it isn't already.
Oh, we will not be having those problems in February...I can assure you! I will be bringing my croc flops with me, but I will be switching them out with another pair of shoes every other day. That way my feet won't be in the same position each day. Changing those pressure points is key I think. As far as Shawn....I think we will both be sure to check and double check that he has two of the SAME pair of shoes!! LOL!

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/MK/DSC_0362.jpg

i LOVE this picture!!!!!!

Awesome update, Sara! i'm so sorry your feet were hurting you :(

How was your Hallowe'en?

Thanks Sare! Our Halloween was great! Emily was Tinkerbell (and looked a little more appropriate than that grown lady in the MK that day), Katie was Silvermist (friend of Tinkerbell), and Michael was a zombie. Shawn did some cool make-up, but I must admit it was hard to see my little boy look so gross! It made me LONG for the Star Wars costumes back! :eek:

Just gorgeous photos even the ones you didn't take. It's a really nice shot of the two of you by the photopass photographer. Great acting skills to hide the pain of your blister!

Oh that's funny that you say that, because Shawn had the guy take a pic with our camera and I wasn't quite "acting" yet and that picture is hilarious! I look miserable! I couldn't post it it's so bad! :sad2: Luckily by the time he got his camera out, I was able to put on a smile! :thumbsup2

Sara

[lovebuzzandwoody]

Drop dead gorgeous sunset pictures!!!

*Note to self: don't forget the second skin and blister bandaids for our Dec. trip. OUCH!* :hug:


And I am so glad that you got a shot of me in my TinkerBell costume... my photopass picture didn't turn out.




:rotfl2:

[mom2mek]

And I am so glad that you got a shot of me in my TinkerBell costume... my photopass picture didn't turn out.

:rotfl2:

:lmao::rotfl::lmao:

[DisneyJo]

Your feet sound so painful, it's amazing you managed to do so much in MK!

Beautiful sunset and fireworks shots and very strange about adult Tink :rotfl:

[mom2mek]

Your feet sound so painful, it's amazing you managed to do so much in MK!

Beautiful sunset and fireworks shots and very strange about adult Tink :rotfl:

Yes - they were in a lot of pain. Never have I had a blister on the bottom of my foot!

Tinkerbell was certainly some comic relief! :laughing: Very strange indeed.

Sara

[MeMom]

I convinced Shawn that we did NOT need to exit with these crowds and we found ourselves a table next to the Ice Cream Parlor and watched as people exited the park. I love doing this. :cloud9: I love lingering in the park at the end of the night, watching all of the excited kids and sleeping babies….the tired, but usually still smiling parents maneuver through the crowds or wait in line for one last ice cream cone. It was really nice and I’m glad we decided to stop and watch.


Oh how I would love to be doing that tonight! :)

[Poohtigeey]

And I am so glad that you got a shot of me in my TinkerBell costume... my photopass picture didn't turn out.


Nicole! I thought that was you! You're so, um...special. :)

Ok, so I'm starting to think that Sara mailed me more than just Flat Stanley. Maybe Flat Stanley covered in germs? All her ploy to get me to finish reading her report!!!! Get me sick so I'll devote my entire afternoon to reading. Well, I've made it to the end. Even though your last post was mean to me I'm going to say this anyways. Your reports make me want to go back! So, I get so sad when I don't have a trip planned. I cannot wait to be there with you and your family!! We are going to have a BLAST!

Also, I want Shawn's camera!Wow!!!!! You are so lucky to have such awesome pictures of your great trip. Sorry about all the foot trouble. I have so been there!!!

I hope you can finish this before we leave in February.:lmao: LOVE YOU!!!!!

[mommytothreeboys]

Hi Sara!

Those are the best fireworks shots I've ever seen! I love that you can make out the roses in the foreground...nice!

Sorry about all the feet issues. Good for you for pushing through the pain and enjoying your night. What's a little blister when you have Fantasyland to tackle?!

I can't believe you're on your last day already! I need to go over to my TR and post...I still have a day and a half to go!! You're going to beat me! ;)

[mom2mek]

Oh how I would love to be doing that tonight! :)

Oh yes, me too! :love:

Nicole! I thought that was you! You're so, um...special. :)

Ok, so I'm starting to think that Sara mailed me more than just Flat Stanley. Maybe Flat Stanley covered in germs? All her ploy to get me to finish reading her report!!!! Get me sick so I'll devote my entire afternoon to reading. Well, I've made it to the end. Even though your last post was mean to me I'm going to say this anyways. Your reports make me want to go back! So, I get so sad when I don't have a trip planned. I cannot wait to be there with you and your family!! We are going to have a BLAST!

Also, I want Shawn's camera!Wow!!!!! You are so lucky to have such awesome pictures of your great trip. Sorry about all the foot trouble. I have so been there!!!

I hope you can finish this before we leave in February.:lmao: LOVE YOU!!!!!

Aww...Monica, I'm sorry that my reports make you sad, but I'm so happy you are reading again!! :banana::banana:

I can't wait for February either! It's going to be so much fun to be all together at the BEST place!!! :grouphug:

I hope I finish this before February too! :rotfl2: Seriously, this last day I'm about to write about should NOT take me very long! :rolleyes1 Unfortunately. :sad2:

Hi Sara!

Those are the best fireworks shots I've ever seen! I love that you can make out the roses in the foreground...nice!

Sorry about all the feet issues. Good for you for pushing through the pain and enjoying your night. What's a little blister when you have Fantasyland to tackle?!

I can't believe you're on your last day already! I need to go over to my TR and post...I still have a day and a half to go!! You're going to beat me! ;)
Thanks Missy. Shawn got some great ones, and honestly, I didn't really decide on which ones were best, I just posted a bunch I had uploaded to photobucket (I uploaded all of them, but then when I was in photobucket, I just wanted to put some in and be done with it; not go through each picture to decide! LOL! I guess I'm getting lazy since this report is taking so long to write! Point being, I think he actually had some better ones in there that I didn't post due to the aforementioned laziness!) :rotfl:

Yes, we pushed through that night....however, the next day.....not so much! :rolleyes:

You are too funny about the posting my last day thing! My trip was only 3 1/2 days!! And only with 2 people! I better finish before you! (But I doubt I will....:headache:)

Sara

[mom2mek]

Day 4 - May 16, 2009
Part 1 - A walking tour of the Polynesian

Our last day was upon us. We had originally planned to spend this day getting up at a leisurely pace and making our way over to Epcot sometime around 11 to do the World Showcase. I had an ADR for Le Cellier for dinner that night and I was also in desperate need of my Grey Goose Slushie that I had missed out on our previous rainy night. Neither of us had eaten at Le Cellier and we were really looking forward to that. We were going to end the night back at the Poly with a friend meet on the beach to watch Wishes.

That was the plan anyways.

When I woke up that morning, I couldn’t walk at all. It was pitiful. Shawn’s feet hurt, but he was leaving it all up to me as to what we wanted to try and do that day. As much as I hated to do it, I called Disney Dining and cancelled our ADR for Le Cellier and made a last minute one for Kona at lunch time instead. I just didn’t think I could handle the pressure on my feet all day. I was over-compensating for the placement of the blisters by sort of bending my foot to the side so that I wouldn’t be putting too much pressure on the injured part and doing that was causing my ankles to hurt a bit as well. We did briefly consider BOTH getting ECV’s to use that day, but just couldn’t bring ourselves to do it. After I came to terms with the fact that we weren’t going back to Epcot, I relaxed and took it as a sign that we were supposed to really enjoy the Poly that day! Afterall, we were staying at a beautiful, tropical resort….why not take a day to immerse ourselves in its ambiance, right?

So we managed to get ready and head out around 11:00 to take a VERY SLOW walking tour around the Poly before our 12:00 ADR at Kona.

So without further adieu, our walking tour pictures of the Poly:

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/Poly/DSC_0001.jpg

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/Poly/DSC_0004.jpg

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/Poly/DSC_0007.jpg

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/Poly/DSC_0008.jpg

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/Poly/DSC_0009.jpg

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/Poly/DSC_0010.jpg

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/Poly/DSC_0011.jpg

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/Poly/DSC_0014.jpg

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/Poly/DSC_0023.jpg



We walked over to where the luau takes place:

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/Poly/DSC_0025.jpg
(Mr. Big Nose as we decided to call him...)

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/Poly/DSC_0027.jpg


http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/Poly/DSC_0030.jpg
(I believe this was in the waiting area for the luau)

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/Poly/DSC_0032.jpg

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/Poly/DSC_0035.jpg

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/Poly/DSC_0036.jpg

We scoped out a lot of the other longhouse locations (you know, for future trip research and saw the pros and cons of many of them).

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/Poly/P1010001.jpg

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/Poly/P1010004.jpg
(not a bad view)


We saw this really interesting tree...
http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/Poly/P1010005.jpg

Those things went all the way up this huge tree....pretty cool looking:
http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/Poly/P1010006.jpg

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/Poly/P1010008.jpg
(Apparently it is a Floss Silk Tree, Native to Brazil)

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/Poly/DSC_0043.jpg


Such gorgeous flowers all around the Poly:
http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/Poly/DSC_0046.jpg

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/Poly/DSC_0048.jpg

Eventually, we wound our way around to the side entrance of the GCH and went ahead in to go to Kona:

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/Poly/DSC_0050.jpg

There are such gorgeous details all throughout this resort:
http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/Poly/DSC_0051.jpg


More of our unplanned resort day coming up....

Sara

[faerieprincess]

i love love LOVE your pictures of the Poly!!! :lovestruc:love: i'm so sorry your feet hurt so much, that is a horrible way to spend part of your vacation! Looking forward to hearing about your (yummmm) lunch at Kona.

[mommytothreeboys]

The Poly is just beautiful. I'm sure you were disappointed not to be headed back to Epcot....but spending the day at the Poly sounds like a great plan B! :thumbsup2

[meeko_33785]

Great photos! Out of all of them, I think this one's my favorite:

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/Poly/DSC_0008.jpg

Just beautiful, and I love how you framed it with the palm trees.

Sounds like you got some much-needed rest today and got to enjoy the Polly. If only your feet were feeling better. Hopefully next time you make it back to EPCOT you can try Le Cellier, but I'm looking forward to hearing about Kona.

[mom2mek]

i love love LOVE your pictures of the Poly!!! :lovestruc:love: i'm so sorry your feet hurt so much, that is a horrible way to spend part of your vacation! Looking forward to hearing about your (yummmm) lunch at Kona.

Thanks Sare! :goodvibes The feet thing took me totally by surprise! I've gone on much longer trips and have never had a problem with blisters! I've only had to deal with my feet being overall "tired", ya know? This was new to me, and I wasn't prepared! :sad2:

The Poly is just beautiful. I'm sure you were disappointed not to be headed back to Epcot....but spending the day at the Poly sounds like a great plan B! :thumbsup2
Thanks Missy! Yes, I was glad that we were getting a chance to really spend some quality time there - it is so gorgeous! :love:

Great photos! Out of all of them, I think this one's my favorite:



Just beautiful, and I love how you framed it with the palm trees.

Sounds like you got some much-needed rest today and got to enjoy the Polly. If only your feet were feeling better. Hopefully next time you make it back to EPCOT you can try Le Cellier, but I'm looking forward to hearing about Kona.


Thanks - I love that picture too! Yeah, I was kind of bummed about missing out on Le Cellier, but I was hoping that by cancelling it, someone who tried to get in was able to! Plus, we LOVE Kona, so that was a nice consolation prize! :goodvibes

Sara

[mom2mek]

Day 4 - May 16, 2009
Part 2 - Lunch at Kona and a Tour around the Lake!


We entered the GCH and took our time looking in the shops and (of course) Shawn took pictures!

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/Poly/DSC_0061.jpg

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/Poly/DSC_0065.jpg

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/Poly/DSC_0071-1.jpg

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/Poly/DSC_0077.jpg

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/Poly/DSC_0082.jpg

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/Poly/DSC_0059.jpg

I knew I didn’t really need to take any pictures with my little camera, but I did take a picture of Shawn, taking pictures! LOL!
http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/Poly/P1010011.jpg
(Captures a great shot of how his feet were wrapped too…)

And of course, I took pictures of the store!
http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/Poly/P1010012.jpg


As we walked around the lobby, it dawned on me to go up to the desk and check to see if there were any seats left for the early showing of the luau that night. That would still give us enough time to meet up with our friends on the beach to watch Wishes! Unfortunately, there weren’t any tickets left, which I had pretty much expected, but thought it was worth a shot asking about. Oh well. On to lunch at Kona.

We arrived a few minutes early, and were seated right away. I ordered up some coffee and Shawn was already onto the mixed drinks at this point. Plus we decided on an order of the pot stickers. Those things are soooo good!

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/Poly/P1010014.jpg

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/Poly/P1010015.jpg

For my lunch, I ordered the Polynesian Plate Lunch with the chicken in peanut sauce, sticky rice, and macaroni salad. It’s the same thing I had on our family trip in October 2008 and I couldn’t bring myself NOT to order it because I had enjoyed it so much the year before.

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/Poly/P1010016.jpg

Shawn had the Stir-Fried Asian Noodles with Chicken and Pineapple. He said it was good, but he wasn’t overly talking about it, so I think it was nothing spectacular, but worth getting to him. He enjoyed it.
http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/Poly/P1010017.jpg

We both enjoyed our meals and the service was great. Unfortunately, we were too full for dessert (when will we learn to SHARE an entrée so that we can order dessert…..??), which was sad because I think the Kilauea Torte is one of the BEST desserts in all of Disney World.

When we left Kona, we decided to meander out towards the marina and investigate the possibility of renting a boat for a little while. Seemed like a good thing to do that didn’t require ANY walking!

We hobbled out to the marina and looked over our options. I did not want to whip around Bay Lake or Seven Seas Lagoon on individual Sea Racer boats, and we didn’t need the largeness of the pontoon boat, so we opted for the one in the middle, and snagged us up a Boston Whaler. We grabbed a couple of life vests, signed some forms and we were off on a little romantic boat ride!

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/Poly/P1010019.jpg

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/Poly/P1010020.jpg

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/Poly/P1010021.jpg
(Bye, Poly….we’ll see you soon)

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/Poly/P1010025.jpg
(If I had not told you about the bottom of my feet, you would think they were fine, no?)

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/Poly/P1010027.jpg
(That's our longhouse Tahiti, I believe. Except we were on the other side of it....the "cheaper" side! LOL)

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/Poly/P1010028.jpg

We joked that we had the most pitiful engine on that boat…we were barely moving this whole time and he had the thing on full throttle! LOL! It was fine, it’s not like we were in a rush, but we didn’t know how on earth we would make it back in time during the allotted 30 minutes. Oh well. It was worth taking our time, so we could enjoy the views like this one:

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/Poly/DSC_0103.jpg

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/Poly/DSC_0105.jpg

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/Poly/P1010032.jpg

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/Poly/P1010033.jpg


We made our way around Seven Seas Lagoon, over by the Contemporary, and then on to Bay Lake.

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/Poly/P1010034.jpg

It was neat to pass underneath the monorail.

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/Poly/P1010036.jpg


http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/Poly/P1010035.jpg

More pictures from the water in the next post and then….what did we do next????

Sara

[faerieprincess]

i'd love to comment on how those Kona pictures made me weak with hunger, but, well, they did. So i'm off to find some lunch.

But may i just say, weak and shaking with hunger as i now am (thanks to you)..... AWESOME photos!!!! :goodvibes

[mkluvsmickey]

Love the Poly pictures Sara (and Shawn)! They really are fabulous and could sell anyone on that resort.

Did I ever tell you that I made a wish in that fountain in the lobby (with a penny) when I was a kid? I wished for a dog and then I got one for my next birthday. I'll never forget that and think of it everytime I walk in the Polynesian.

Kona looks fantastic as well! Sure beats the Lean Cuisine I had for lunch.

How fun to rent the boat too! Such beautiful scenery in both those lakes. :cloud9:

[mommytothreeboys]

Lunch at Kona looked fabulous! YUMMM!!

I'm not a huge fan of boats, but the scenery on your little excursion was truly beautiful! Sounds like a perfect way to spend the afternoon. (Oh..love the toe polish color!)

[jillyb]

Beautiful pictures of the Poly! That chicken with peanut sauce sounds delicious. I love me some peanut sauce! LOL Ya'll are having a great relaxing day.

[DisneyJo]

Love the photos Shawn took around the Poly, so beautiful. Your meal looks nice too but as you say wow your portion was huge :faint:

What a great idea to hire a boat, especially with your feet the way they were :thumbsup2

[mom2mek]

i'd love to comment on how those Kona pictures made me weak with hunger, but, well, they did. So i'm off to find some lunch.

But may i just say, weak and shaking with hunger as i now am (thanks to you)..... AWESOME photos!!!! :goodvibesThanks Sare! Hope you didn't have too tough a time!:laughing:

Love the Poly pictures Sara (and Shawn)! They really are fabulous and could sell anyone on that resort.

Did I ever tell you that I made a wish in that fountain in the lobby (with a penny) when I was a kid? I wished for a dog and then I got one for my next birthday. I'll never forget that and think of it everytime I walk in the Polynesian.

Kona looks fantastic as well! Sure beats the Lean Cuisine I had for lunch.

How fun to rent the boat too! Such beautiful scenery in both those lakes. :cloud9:
MICHELLE - NO!! You have never told me that! How sweet! So you must have made a lot of wishes in that fountain because you have like a bazillion dogs!!!

Lunch at Kona looked fabulous! YUMMM!!

I'm not a huge fan of boats, but the scenery on your little excursion was truly beautiful! Sounds like a perfect way to spend the afternoon. (Oh..love the toe polish color!)
Thanks Missy! I think anyone would like that boat ride! Our boat was soooo slow it was hardly moving! It's great to be able to get so close to the front of MK - everything always looks a little different from the water!

I ran out of time to put polka-dots on my toes - I wanted to have Minnie Mouse toes...maybe next time!

Beautiful pictures of the Poly! That chicken with peanut sauce sounds delicious. I love me some peanut sauce! LOL Ya'll are having a great relaxing day.Thanks Jill! I really love that dish from Kona - i got it in October and just couldn't bring myself to order something different! I'm that way with most places....once I know of something I love, I have a hard time not getting it (even at Chick fil-A....LOL:laughing:)


Love the photos Shawn took around the Poly, so beautiful. Your meal looks nice too but as you say wow your portion was huge :faint:

What a great idea to hire a boat, especially with your feet the way they were :thumbsup2I know, right? It was ginormous! But I think i finished most of it...hence the no dessert thing!

Boat ride = FABULOUS!!!:cloud9:

Sara

[meeko_33785]

Nice update. The food at Kona sounds great. I've only been here for breakfast, so it was neat getting a glimpse at their lunch offerings. Looking forward to more of your Poly adventures.

[ladybugmom]

Oh wow!! The Poly pics are AMAZING!!! I wish I was there right now!! Can't wait to see what kind of pics you got of our meet-up that night!!! :goodvibes

[MeMom]

Looks like you did a good job compensating for the loss of the Epcot time and LeCellier ADR. Beautiful Poly pictures. I have many of the same ones from a summer morning walk on our July trip. The landscaping and flowers are just so pretty, and I took pictures of those unique trees, too.

A boat ride was the perfect way for you guys to get to do something without walking. :thumbsup2

After one dinner at Kona, we have added it to our 'favorites' list. It was so gooood! We couldn't manage eating the whole meal, much less dessert, but they all did look delicious.

[Poohtigeey]

Great choice I think. Looks like you made the most of it. The thought of you and Shawn racing thru Epcot on ECVs made me LOL!:lmao:THAT would have made for an interesting update. I think the boat was the better choice.

Sara + ECV + a GGLS= TROUBLE:)

I can't believe Shawn's wrapped up foot!!! You should have taken a pic of your blister for all of us!

Seiriously, I want Shawn's camera!

[mom2mek]

Nice update. The food at Kona sounds great. I've only been here for breakfast, so it was neat getting a glimpse at their lunch offerings. Looking forward to more of your Poly adventures.
You should definitely try Kona for lunch or dinner - it's spectacular! One of our faves! :thumbsup2
Oh wow!! The Poly pics are AMAZING!!! I wish I was there right now!! Can't wait to see what kind of pics you got of our meet-up that night!!! :goodvibes
Thanks Becky! This was your arrival day - I remember after reading your report that while we were eating at Kona, you were probably arriving downstairs and checking in! :cool1:

Looks like you did a good job compensating for the loss of the Epcot time and LeCellier ADR. Beautiful Poly pictures. I have many of the same ones from a summer morning walk on our July trip. The landscaping and flowers are just so pretty, and I took pictures of those unique trees, too.

A boat ride was the perfect way for you guys to get to do something without walking. :thumbsup2

After one dinner at Kona, we have added it to our 'favorites' list. It was so gooood! We couldn't manage eating the whole meal, much less dessert, but they all did look delicious.

Isn't it just gorgeous?? I never really imagined staying there until we ate dinner at 'Ohana one night and Kona for lunch one day on our October trip! We fell in love and had to stay there! Now we are going back for trip #2 at the Poly in Feb! I can't wait! :yay:

Great choice I think. Looks like you made the most of it. The thought of you and Shawn racing thru Epcot on ECVs made me LOL!:lmao:THAT would have made for an interesting update. I think the boat was the better choice.

Sara + ECV + a GGLS= TROUBLE:)

I can't believe Shawn's wrapped up foot!!! You should have taken a pic of your blister for all of us!

Seiriously, I want Shawn's camera!

LOL Monica - I just couldn't bring myself to get an ECV. And Epcot is just sooo big I just couldn't see myself hobbling through that whole big park as much pain as I was in! The boat ride was so nice! And Shawn didn't even take any big waves over the bow like he did on our beach trip! :rotfl2: I stayed nice and dry on this boat ride! :rolleyes:

Sara

[mom2mek]

Day 4 - May 16, 2009
Part 3 - More time on the boat and a trip to the pool bar!

We continued around Bay Lake and made our way back around to the front of the Magic Kingdom.

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/Poly/DSC_0110.jpg

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/Poly/DSC_0114.jpg

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/Poly/DSC_0125.jpg

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/Poly/DSC_0129.jpg

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/Poly/DSC_0116.jpg
(Checking out BLT)

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/Poly/DSC_0139.jpg

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/Poly/DSC_0143.jpg

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/Poly/DSC_0146.jpg

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/Poly/DSC_0151.jpg

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/Poly/DSC_0161.jpg
(I tried to sell Shawn on a vow renewal at the Wedding Pavillion but he didn't bite....drat!)

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/Poly/DSC_0169.jpg
(Such a beautiful place)

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/Poly/DSC_0170.jpg

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/Poly/DSC_0177.jpg

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/Poly/DSC_0164.jpg

A sea-racer zooming past us...
http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/Poly/DSC_0166.jpg

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/Poly/DSC_0180.jpg

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/Poly/DSC_0182.jpg
(I really couldn't believe how many people were actually getting in the water....ick...no thank you!)

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/Poly/DSC_0186.jpg

It was about 2:45 when we pulled back in , which put us at about 50 minutes in the boat. We turned our life jackets in and went to pay and she only charged us for the first 1/2 hour! :cool1: Plus I got my AP discount, so that was really a bargain trip!:woohoo:

The pool at this point was bustling with activity and this is when the end-of-trip-itis set in along with some serious missing of my children. :sad1: I was feeling a little down about the trip coming to an end (and not knowing when we would be going back), but I think a lot of it had to do with the level of activity and laughter coming from the pool area!

It was pretty crowded (it was a warm Saturday afternoon, so that would be expected) and the pool was doing some noodle races and other kinds of fun things with all the kids. We decided to get a couple more Pina Colavas and head over to the quiet pool. We found a very restful spot under one of the little huts by the quiet pool and sat for a while ( I think we both dozed off for a few moments actually) - it was so nice and quiet and the fan above us in the little hut provided a nice little breeze that just put us right out! :rolleyes1

Shawn took the last few sips of his drink and decided to go relax in the pool for a bit. I wasn't wearing my suit and didn't really have the desire to go back up to the room to get mine on, so I just continued relaxing while he swam for a few minutes! After a 1/2 hour or so more we headed back to the room to rest and get ready for some dinner. Of course with no ADR, where did we decide to eat????

Coming up next....Dinner plans and a Poly meet!!

Sara

[ladybugmom]

YAY!!! Another update with more beautiful pics!!! Can't wait to relive our Poly meet!! :goodvibes

[mkluvsmickey]

More gorgeous pictures! :cloud9: We rented a searaycer once (at Caribbean Beach) but I think riding around Bay Lake and Seven Seas Lagoon would be awesome! Sounds like a perfectly nice relaxing day!

[meeko_33785]

Great shots from the boat, especially the ones of the Magic Kingdom. The colors in them are gorgeous. I'm a little intrigued to find out where you'll go with no ADR. Captain Cook's? Another resort? Downtown Disney? Or maybe someplace that takes walk-ups?

[mommytothreeboys]

Last-day-itis......so sad. :sad1: Can't wait to hear where you decided to have dinner!

[faerieprincess]

Oh Sara, i love the pictures you post! The first one in this update is really, really gorgeous. i wish your trip wasn't almost over, but i'm glad you're going back in February! :goodvibes That means more PTR and TR goodness! Hmmmmm where did you go for dinner with no ADR?

[mom2mek]

YAY!!! Another update with more beautiful pics!!! Can't wait to relive our Poly meet!! :goodvibes

Oh good...I'm glad you are looking forward to that meet, Becky, because you might have to add in some things that I have forgotten! I can't believe it has taken me this long to do this report! Our trip was only 3 1/2 days for pete's sake! LOL! :rotfl:

More gorgeous pictures! :cloud9: We rented a searaycer once (at Caribbean Beach) but I think riding around Bay Lake and Seven Seas Lagoon would be awesome! Sounds like a perfectly nice relaxing day!
Hmmm....maybe that should be on the February itinerary! Pontoon boat with a bunch of us! Probably not enough days to fit it in though where we are all together. :headache:

Great shots from the boat, especially the ones of the Magic Kingdom. The colors in them are gorgeous. I'm a little intrigued to find out where you'll go with no ADR. Captain Cook's? Another resort? Downtown Disney? Or maybe someplace that takes walk-ups?
Hmmm...stay tuned. Probably only one more post for this day and then this puppy will be done! Probably won't update tonight since I'm taking some pretty heavy duty vicodin for a tooth problem! Hopefully tomorrow! Most of it is written already! :goodvibes

Last-day-itis......so sad. :sad1: Can't wait to hear where you decided to have dinner! I hate the last day of a trip. Even a short one. It just really sucks! :sad1:

Oh Sara, i love the pictures you post! The first one in this update is really, really gorgeous. i wish your trip wasn't almost over, but i'm glad you're going back in February! :goodvibes That means more PTR and TR goodness! Hmmmmm where did you go for dinner with no ADR?

Thanks Sare! :hug: It's funny what I said in the beginning of my trip report - I think I really do subliminally take forever to finish my reports so that I can jump right into another one!

Our dinner is coming up next....(but probably tomorrow due to aforementioned vicodin...:scared:)

Sara

[mrsksomeday]

Sara, those Poly walking tour pictures were fantastic and gorgeous. I can't wait to show them to Bill. We have decided to try the Poly December 2010, no family, just us :goodvibes. I am so sorry about your feet, I know how you feel. I hate endoftripitis, so very sad :sad1:.

[lovebuzzandwoody]

Nope, not gonna think about end-of-trip-itis!!!

Instead, I have 16-days-til-I-get-there-fever!!! :cool1:


Loved your Poly pics! Did you visit the dole whip machine?!?! Can't wait to hear what you did for dinner...

[mom2mek]

Sara, those Poly walking tour pictures were fantastic and gorgeous. I can't wait to show them to Bill. We have decided to try the Poly December 2010, no family, just us :goodvibes. I am so sorry about your feet, I know how you feel. I hate endoftripitis, so very sad :sad1:.

:cool1::yay::cool1::yay:

That's so exciting Tracy! You will love it, I'm sure! It's really such a beautiful place! :cloud9: I've got to get back into reading some more reports - I'm behind on yours and Kathy's! I can't wait to hear how everything went! :goodvibes

Nope, not gonna think about end-of-trip-itis!!!

Instead, I have 16-days-til-I-get-there-fever!!! :cool1:


Loved your Poly pics! Did you visit the dole whip machine?!?! Can't wait to hear what you did for dinner...

Wow - only 2 more weeks Nicole??? That's fabulous! I'm so jealous - Christmas is so pretty and I'm hoping to get back with the family during the holidays in the next couple of years! So fun! :goodvibes

Sara

[jeremysdisneymom]

Hey Sara,

I have been MIA on the DIS lately. Since the September trip, I will have to admit, I have been a little sad getting on here as I thought there was no hope of going back for a while. Well, DH Tom surprised me yet again with this statement Sunday "I am really going to miss Thanksgiving at Disney this year. Want to do it again in 2010." You don't have to ask me twice!!! I have to change my signature.

So, I am back to Dising. I got caught up on your trip. The Poly looks fabulous. I am soo glad you and Shawn had such a nice time. It would be neat to do Disney with just DH. I feel for your feet. I have had blisters but it sounds like you and Shawn had the extreme. When we went in September, my TEVA's broke as I was walking into Jeremy's school to get him. So, we made a quick trip to Dillards and I bought a pair of Croc's Patricia. They worked well and only required one band-aid on my foot the whole trip.

Looking forward to the next update,
Erika

[mom2mek]

Hey Sara,

I have been MIA on the DIS lately. Since the September trip, I will have to admit, I have been a little sad getting on here as I thought there was no hope of going back for a while. Well, DH Tom surprised me yet again with this statement Sunday "I am really going to miss Thanksgiving at Disney this year. Want to do it again in 2010." You don't have to ask me twice!!! I have to change my signature.

So, I am back to Dising. I got caught up on your trip. The Poly looks fabulous. I am soo glad you and Shawn had such a nice time. It would be neat to do Disney with just DH. I feel for your feet. I have had blisters but it sounds like you and Shawn had the extreme. When we went in September, my TEVA's broke as I was walking into Jeremy's school to get him. So, we made a quick trip to Dillards and I bought a pair of Croc's Patricia. They worked well and only required one band-aid on my foot the whole trip.

Looking forward to the next update,
Erika

Hey Erika! I'm so glad you're back - I can relate to the whole un-DIS-ing for a while after a trip! If I didn't have a trip report in progress at all times (it seems) I would be the same way! That is very exciting about your next trip! Where do you think you will stay?

I definitely learned my lesson about my shoes on this trip. Even on short trips, bring at least two different styles of shoe (I brought 3 pairs, but they were all the same style...LOL...not too bright!):rolleyes1

Sara

[mom2mek]

Day 4 - May 16, 2009
Part 4 - An unplanned evening!

I’m guessing it was close to 4:00 when we returned to the room from the pool. Shawn got a quick shower and I sat out on the balcony with a Diet Coke and read through a magazine. Before long I had dozed off and I awoke suddenly with that dreaded “oh no, I’ve slept too long” feeling. :scared: I jumped up and ran back into the room to see what time it was. It was 5:00 and Shawn was asleep. I knew I wanted to see the torch lighting ceremony, so I quickly showered and got ready, and around 5 minutes till 6:00 I left to walk back to the GCH. Shawn had woken up while I was getting ready, but decided to just meet me up there in a little while.


I pushed myself to walk quickly on my painful feet over to the GCH and I walked through the lobby and around to the front entrance where I exited to the outside. No one was there. Oh no, did I miss it? :confused: I thought for sure that I had because no one was even standing around out there waiting for it to begin. I decided to ask the CM who was standing right there at the outside desk if they knew if it had already happened. He said that it hadn’t and that it usually begins inside and then they come out to do the lighting. Phew. Right then, the doors opened and out came the torch lighter blowing a big conch shell with a whole big group of people following behind. Then the show began. Wow – is all I can say! If you ever have a chance to see it (if you stay at the Poly or are eating a meal there – I wouldn’t make a special trip out of your way to see it since it’s so short) – you should NOT miss this short, but very entertaining show! It lasted about 3 or 4 minutes but I was so glad I had hustled out with my painful feet to see it!

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/Poly/P1010051.jpg

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/Poly/P1010056.jpg

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/Poly/P1010058.jpg

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/Poly/th_P1010059.jpg (http://s703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/Poly/?action=view&current=P1010059.flv)

Seriously...that guy was SO fast...it was quite impressive! I can't wait to see it again!


After it was over, I meandered back into the GCH and did a little bit of shopping/browsing in Boutiki!

After a few more minutes, I got a call from Shawn that he was on his way down. We shopped for a little while longer and bought a few things for the kids and a Polynesian print for us. I also got a box of those Coconut Patties in the shape of Mickey heads. At some point Shawn left me to go sit down in the lobby.

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/Poly/P1010060.jpg

We didn’t really know what we wanted to do for dinner :confused3….we thought about trying out Captain Cooks for a quick CS dinner, but then we saw the Sushi Bar next to Kona. Shawn loves sushi. :thumbsup2

Me? Not so much. :rolleyes:

But I noticed that some people had food that did NOT look like sushi. A couple of window seats right next to the monorail platform opened up, so we snagged them up and had us a seat! The GCH was really bustling this night. ‘Ohana and the Tambu Lounge looked very busy and Kona was pretty packed as well with A LOT of people waiting to be seated!

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/Poly/P1010064.jpg

When our waiter arrived to get our drink order, I ordered a Mai-Tai, Shawn ordered something that I can’t remember the name of right now. The waiter gave us a short little sushi menu, but we also asked the waiter if we could order off the Kona menu and he said yes – the full Kona menu was available at the Sushi Bar! Fantabulous! :yay: No ADR needed for the Sushi Bar and you can still order Kona food! It's tiny and the tables/bar are really small for their ginormous plates, but I was so happy to have real food from Kona and Shawn was excited to have some delicious sushi!

This time I was smart and only got an appetizer so that I could get dessert!!! Shawn ordered some kind of sushi and I ordered the same appetizer we had for lunch – the Pot Stickers! Love those things! Then for dessert I got the torte! The Kilauea Torte! That thing is just so good! :love:

You will have to excuse the pics. I took most of them with my little camera and Shawn took a couple with his phone so he could post on Facebook! :laughing:

Here is Shawn and his drink:

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/Poly/P1010061.jpg

And here is me with my drink:

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/Poly/polysushibar.jpg

And the dessert:
http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/Poly/P1010065.jpg

We finished up our meal and sat there for a few more minutes watching people getting on and off the monorail and coming into the Poly. It was fun to hear all the oohs and aahs of people coming into the Poly for the first time - it really is such a lush, tropical resort that you immediately feel relaxed when you enter it!

It was getting late so we decided to get up and walk around for a bit before meeting some friends on the beach.

But something caught our eye.......

What caused us to get distracted??? How did the meet on the beach go?

One more update and I am done!! Stay tuned!

Sara

[mkluvsmickey]

The torch lighting show looks amazing! I will definitely make a point to see that one of these days.

Love those cocounut Mickey Head patties - yumm!

I think I know what distracted you...... :rolleyes1

[meeko_33785]

That's awesome that you could get Kona food at the sushi bar. Sounds like a great last dinner for the both of you.

Cocoanut Mickey Patties? That seems right up my alley. Do you remember how much a box of those cost?

I'm a little bummed that the trip report is almost over. It's been a good one.

[kaysmommie]

Hi Sara,
Finally on Dis today and happy to read an update!! I never knew you could order from the Kona menu from the sushi bar. That Kilauea Torte is the my favorite dessert in the whole world :cloud9:. Thomas and I enjoyed watching your torch lighting ceremony "aloha man" he calls him. We had a different guy. But I sure am missing Poly right now :goodvibes. Sad your TR is winding down.

[lovebuzzandwoody]

How does aloha man not catch his hair on fire?!? That was cool Sara! We have an adr at Ohana coming up... do they do the ceremony every night at 6?

[BippityBoo]

Hey Sara!!! WOW, what an awesome video. We have got to check that out!! I am interested in finding out if they do it every night as well :confused3 The lady that introduced him was our host at Ohana who took care of the kids and lead the activities. She has the most soothing voice, it was nice and relaxing. I was so concerned that there would be lots of yelling trying to get the kids to come up and participate. Loved her!!

Another great tip about the Kona food being served!! That will come in handy when my hubby and I go by ourselves. We love sushi...but also want to try Kona. We can do both now...thanks!!

So sad your TR is coming to an end! When is the next trip??

[mom2mek]

The torch lighting show looks amazing! I will definitely make a point to see that one of these days.

Love those cocounut Mickey Head patties - yumm!

I think I know what distracted you...... :rolleyes1

Yes, that show is short but really worth seeing if you are going to be at the Poly for something! That guy was impressive! I loved those coconut mickey head patties as well - they were REALLY sweet (almost too sweet....but I still ate them all up!) :goodvibes

That's awesome that you could get Kona food at the sushi bar. Sounds like a great last dinner for the both of you.

Cocoanut Mickey Patties? That seems right up my alley. Do you remember how much a box of those cost?

I'm a little bummed that the trip report is almost over. It's been a good one.
I was really happy to learn that you could get Kona food there too - I had to tuck that little tidbit of info away to use another time!

I don't remember how much the coconut mickeys were, but it was a pretty big box - maybe $10 or $12? I'm not sure.



Hi Sara,
Finally on Dis today and happy to read an update!! I never knew you could order from the Kona menu from the sushi bar. That Kilauea Torte is the my favorite dessert in the whole world :cloud9:. Thomas and I enjoyed watching your torch lighting ceremony "aloha man" he calls him. We had a different guy. But I sure am missing Poly right now :goodvibes. Sad your TR is winding down.

Awww....ALOHA MAN! How cute! Sounds like a super hero! That Kilauea torte has to be one of the best in all of WDW! I have loved it every time I have ordered it! :love:

How does aloha man not catch his hair on fire?!? That was cool Sara! We have an adr at Ohana coming up... do they do the ceremony every night at 6?
Not catch his hair? I was wondering about a different body part!! :rotfl: Seriously, he puts that thing through his legs A LOT! He did have a scar or something on the back side of his thigh that I thought might be from a burn, but I don't know. He was super-duper fast with those flames though!

Yes - they do it every night. Make sure of the time though - I don't know if they might do it earlier/later at different times of year. They should be able to tell you at the front desk. LOVE 'Ohana - when is your ADR? That bread pudding they serve is also up there in my books as one of the best desserts at WDW! So yummy!


Hey Sara!!! WOW, what an awesome video. We have got to check that out!! I am interested in finding out if they do it every night as well :confused3 The lady that introduced him was our host at Ohana who took care of the kids and lead the activities. She has the most soothing voice, it was nice and relaxing. I was so concerned that there would be lots of yelling trying to get the kids to come up and participate. Loved her!!

Another great tip about the Kona food being served!! That will come in handy when my hubby and I go by ourselves. We love sushi...but also want to try Kona. We can do both now...thanks!!

So sad your TR is coming to an end! When is the next trip??
Thanks Katie! Yes, to my knowledge, they do the torch lighting every night, but I would definitely confirm the time as it could change based on the season. I think she was the lady we had when we ate at 'Ohana in October 2008 - we didn't take a lot of pics for some reason (oh, I remember...Shawn's camera broke and my battery was dead...that's why! :rolleyes1) but she definitely is great as what she does! I think I saw her doing the hula lessons in the lobby too!

Next trip is February 6 - 14th! Woo-hoo!! :yay:

Sara

[faerieprincess]

Excellent update Sara and great tip about being able to order from the Kona menu at the sushi bar!!! Quick trip over to the Poly to watch the torch ceremony, eat at the sushi bar, catch Wishes from the beach... sounds like a perfect evening. i'll have to pencil it in.... assuming i ever get to go back! :goodvibes

i'm so sad your TR is almost over, but at least you've got another one coming up soon!!!

[mom2mek]

Excellent update Sara and great tip about being able to order from the Kona menu at the sushi bar!!! Quick trip over to the Poly to watch the torch ceremony, eat at the sushi bar, catch Wishes from the beach... sounds like a perfect evening. i'll have to pencil it in.... assuming i ever get to go back! :goodvibes

i'm so sad your TR is almost over, but at least you've got another one coming up soon!!!

You've got a great plan right there Sare! Aloha man, shop, sushi bar, Wishes! :thumbsup2

Yes, I'm hoping to get this thing wrapped up this week!
(I feel like I say that a lot! :rolleyes1)

Sara

[lovebuzzandwoody]

Not catch his hair? I was wondering about a different body part!! :rotfl:

:rotfl2: I thought that too... but this is a family friendly board Sara! :rolleyes1

:lmao:

Yes - they do it every night. Make sure of the time though - I don't know if they might do it earlier/later at different times of year. They should be able to tell you at the front desk. LOVE 'Ohana - when is your ADR? That bread pudding they serve is also up there in my books as one of the best desserts at WDW! So yummy!


UJ made the Ohana ressie but I *think* it's 5:30. I'll call the poly that morning and see if they can tell us what time it will be. :thumbsup2 Thanks Sara! :goodvibes

[ladybugmom]

Oh wow!! I've never heard of the torch lighting ceremony--very cool!! Maybe we can catch that on our next trip!! :thumbsup2 Can't wait to see our DIS meet pics!!!!

[DisneyJo]

The torch lighting ceremony looks really cool, I'll try and catch it next month!

I never knew about being able to eat off the Kona menu at the sushi bar, that's great to know :thumbsup2

[KathyRN137]

Hi Sara! Sorry I've been MIA over here, but I'm all caught up now! :goodvibes

Your impromptu last day went better than most folks' planned days... so relaxing and fun. Its hard to really get the most out of the resort when you've got kids chomping to get at the parks!

Sad you're almost done...


Kathy

[stinkerbell007]

OK. Cool. I'm finally caught up, and you are just finishing up. And I am also glad to say that I have confirmed the planning of a sister trip for December 2010! Woo Hoo. Can't wait for the final installment!

L

[Poohtigeey]

What an awesome day you guys had! Relaxing? What's that? Sounds great. Is it just me or did you all drink a whole lot that day?:hippie: You look a little loopy in that picture... I'm glad you caught the ceremony. Might have to catch it in Feb.

You're almost done? Already?:lmao:

Gonna start a pre trip report?:rolleyes1

[mom2mek]

Oh wow!! I've never heard of the torch lighting ceremony--very cool!! Maybe we can catch that on our next trip!! :thumbsup2 Can't wait to see our DIS meet pics!!!!

Yes, Becky you should definitely put it on the list to see next time! It's really fun! :goodvibes

The torch lighting ceremony looks really cool, I'll try and catch it next month!

I never knew about being able to eat off the Kona menu at the sushi bar, that's great to know :thumbsup2

You should definitely try to see it Jo, especially if you are already going to be over there to eat! Your trip is so soon! :cool1:

Hi Sara! Sorry I've been MIA over here, but I'm all caught up now! :goodvibes

Your impromptu last day went better than most folks' planned days... so relaxing and fun. Its hard to really get the most out of the resort when you've got kids chomping to get at the parks!

Sad you're almost done...


Kathy

Thanks Kathy! Really, you're sad I'm almost done??? :rotfl2: This thing has been dying a very slow death....I'm not sad I'm almost done! I'm trying to put it out of its misery! :laughing: I still haven't had a chance to start your report yet (well, I take that back, I have read your first two updates....but I'm pretty far behind....hopefully after our upcoming Thanksgiving travels are done, I can get caught back up on some trip reports I have been neglecting (and finally finish this one)!

OK. Cool. I'm finally caught up, and you are just finishing up. And I am also glad to say that I have confirmed the planning of a sister trip for December 2010! Woo Hoo. Can't wait for the final installment!

L
Oh, that's great! Adult trips are sooo fun! :banana:

What an awesome day you guys had! Relaxing? What's that? Sounds great. Is it just me or did you all drink a whole lot that day?:hippie: You look a little loopy in that picture... I'm glad you caught the ceremony. Might have to catch it in Feb.

You're almost done? Already?:lmao:

Gonna start a pre trip report?:rolleyes1

LOL Monica! Can you believe it? Only 6 months after our short 3 1/2 day trip, I am finishing this thing up!! I can only imagine how long it would take me if I did a report on the Feb trip! Whoa! I don't know if I have the stamina! :rotfl2:

Sara

[mommytothreeboys]

Love the video! Wow!

Sushi is not for me either...how nice that you could both get something you enjoyed!

The Boutiki....I cracked up when I saw the name of that shop when we had breakfast at 'Ohana! I'm easily amused I guess! :lmao:

[mom2mek]

Love the video! Wow!

Sushi is not for me either...how nice that you could both get something you enjoyed!

The Boutiki....I cracked up when I saw the name of that shop when we had breakfast at 'Ohana! I'm easily amused I guess! :lmao:

Thanks Missy! I laughed at the name too! Seriously, it does NOT take much for me to be amused either! :laughing:

Sara

[mom2mek]

Day 4- May 16, 2009
Part 5 - Pictures, peeps, and good-byes!

We were wandering around the GCH and getting ready to head out to the beach when we spotted a guy in the corner of the 2nd floor lobby doing caricatures. We thought it might be fun to do it since we had decided against it the night before when we had ran into "Ye Olde Grumpy-Pants CM" at Liberty Square.

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/Poly/IMG_3244.jpg

The guy was just finishing up with a young girl who was getting the finishing touches on a really cool caricature and then it was our turn. He was very funny and decided to do a beach theme for our picture since we were staying at the Poly for the first time.


Here was our finished product:

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/DSC_0191-1.jpg

:rotfl2:

I about died laughing when I saw it! I mean, sure….he got my figure down perfect, but those lips?? LOL! Seriously though, he was really good and I think he got certain aspects of our appearances pretty well. He gave Shawn a lot more hair than he really has, but I think he really nailed our eyes! I’m always in awe of anyone with artistic ability, so it was definitely worth it to me. What a fun memento!

During our portrait session I got a call from my good friend, Michelle (mkluvsmickey), and let her know we would be out to the beach in a few more minutes. She and her daughter Sam were outside already and getting a good spot for watching the fireworks. They were just starting their vacation and I was so jealous since we were leaving in the morning. Michelle and I actually met here on the DIS a couple of years ago, and have since gone to Disney together (on a girls trip in December 2008) and have taken another trip together with some of our other girlfriends (all met here on the DIS) to the mountains this summer. :hug:

We started towards the back doors of the lobby that open up to the pool area and then the beach, but we spied a photopass photographer sitting all alone in front of the lobby waterfall/foliage, so we put him to work!

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/Poly/Image534.jpg

Shawn looks a little drunk (he wasn’t) and I look sunburned, but oh well….glad we stopped and got it!

With both pictures done, we made our way out to the pool and I kept looking and looking for Michelle. :confused3 Michelle and Shawn had never actually met in person, but Michelle happened to see Shawn before she saw me and yelled out to him. We all talked for a little while and Shawn excused himself to go back to the room to get his tripod and to put our bags from the stores in the room so Michelle and I got a chance to quickly catch up on eachother's trips!

A few more minutes went by and we got a phone call from Nichole (kaysmommie). She and her family had arrived that day as well and were meeting us at the Poly that night too. They were eating dinner at Capt Cooks and would be right out. (I had a VERY BRIEF meeting with Nichole during our October 2008 trips (literally passing eachother in the line at Buzz Lightyear and then for a few seconds after the ride), so I was looking forward to actually getting to meet her and her beautiful family for a more appropriate amount of time this year! LOL!)

After a few more minutes, Nichole and family arrived and immediately Sam (Michelle’s daughter) and Kaylee (Nichole’s daughter) were off and running, rolling in the sand, laying in the hammocks, just having a grand old time! :yay: I believe I gave Becky (ladybugmom) a call since I couldn’t see where she was on the beach (Becky, correct me if I’m wrong…it’s been a while) and they were sitting down by the pool and came on over to where we were. It was so fun to meet Becky and her family. Her daughter Ally was so excited to be there….I could just see the fun that was ahead for them that week and I missed my kids quite a bit at that point. :sad1:

After a few minutes, the Electrical Water Pageant came by. I had never seen this up close, only from the monorail when leaving the Magic Kingdom, so it was great to be able to catch it! It’s such a cute little parade and I love the story behind it. It was originally presented for the dedication of the Polynesian Luau back in October of 1971, when an imaginer decided that the Seven Seas Lagoon was so black and dark at night (as opposed to the brightness that surrounded DisneyLand in CA), so an idea was born...to produce an electric parade of lights on the water as a "good night present" to the guests leaving the Magic Kingdom (then, WDW's only park). The parade is short, maybe 10 minutes, and has two long segments that consist of 7 barges each, and each screen of lights is 25 foot tall. It really does not seem that big, but that’s what I read in my book! LOL! It’s very cute and if you are around one of the MK resorts at night, you should try and catch it!

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/Poly/P1010899.jpg

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/P1010898.jpg


So…. after that, Wishes started! Let’s just say that Shawn had a little better luck with taking fireworks pics than I did a couple days prior to this (if you can remember that far back….)

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/Poly/DSC_0204.jpg

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/Poly/DSC_0205.jpg

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/Poly/DSC_0223.jpg

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/Poly/DSC_0231-1.jpg


And my absolute favorite fireworks shot:

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/Poly/Wishes_From_Poly.jpg

:love:

Before we went our separate ways we got a group picture of the four of us. I’m looking rough….REAL rough...but I’m so happy we got a group picture! It was such a pleasure to meet up with all of them!

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/Poly/100_0640.jpg

I’m glad our husbands were able to meet as well so that they could see we were all normal people! :rolleyes:


So after a little while longer talking to Nichole and Michelle (Nichole’s husband had taken her little guy back to their hotel at SSR and Becky’s family had left to go to their room at the Poly to hit the sack), we left the beach to hobble back up to our room for our last night at the Poly.

Our next morning went fairly smoothly. We got up and packed our stuff to bring out to the resort check-in for AirTran. That was such a nice service. Then we went to check out from our room and settle up our bill. If you remember WAY back when I began this trip, we decided to put cash money down on our room key to try and keep ourselves on a budget. I think it worked out nicely, but there were a few times when we spent using the room key when we shouldn’t have (for unexpected expenses, like Shawn’s new shoes for example). So by doing that, we skewed our totals for what we had planned on needing on the card for food and drinks, and ended up paying for a couple of meals with our own debit card instead of the room key since we weren’t sure what was left on it. Because of this, we actually got a little bit of money BACK from the Poly. How funny! :laughing:

We had about an hour and a half to kill before getting on the ME bus back to the airport, so we decided to get a late breakfast at Capt Cooks. Shawn got the breakfast platter and I got a Mickey waffle with bacon. Then we meandered back into the lobby for a few more minutes. We did a little more shopping, people watching, and picture taking (well, I took pics of the hidden mickeys….LOL) and before too long it was time to catch our bus back to reality.

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/Poly/P1010066.jpg

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/Poly/P1010067.jpg

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww35/sca74/Poly/P1010069.jpg
Good-bye Poly! :cloud9:


The bus ride back to the airport was uneventful.

Funny thing though, as we left the Poly, we headed to the Grand Floridian, and guess who entered the ME bus? The same couple that rode on the plane with us from VA that sat up in business class and had the screaming child the entire flight! How funny!

We rode our sad, depressing little bus back to the Orlando airport and made it through security and back towards the gate with TONS of time to spare. So, what’s a girl to do with all that extra time??

DUH…..SHOP!!

I managed to pick up a few more things in the Disney store gift shop at the airport and then we grabbed some snacks and walked back to the gate. We sat over at another gate that wasn’t so crowded, and guess who was over there with their children? Yep – the same family! Now, I have a lot of sympathy for moms traveling with small children….after all I have 3 of my own and know all too well how a crying child can really put you on edge when you are flying. But what was hard for me to witness was how this Mom was handling everything by herself. Her husband was sitting on his laptop with earplugs in, the grandparents were oblivious, and she was trying to keep the baby occupied (by letting him crawl around on the icky airport floor….blech) plus keep an eye on a very rambunctious toddler who was running all around the entire gate area. It was madness! :scared: I couldn’t believe the Dad, but I couldn’t believe her not saying something to him. Maybe she didn’t want to make a scene! I don’t know.

Before too long we boarded our plane (we upgraded to business class for the return trip) and I almost laughed out loud when the last few seats in business class filled up with THAT family! Of course! I really, really prayed that the little boy would be able to find some comfort or need a nap and sleep through the flight, because I knew from our arriving flight earlier that week that he was NOT a good flier. Well, my prayers were answered – he fell right to sleep and only woke up towards the end of the flight and got a little bit fussy! Shawn and I looked at all the pictures on the laptop on the flight and Shawn was all on board for planning another trip with the family! Woo-hoo!

When we arrived back in VA, there was a little trouble getting our bags (literally it took almost as long to get them as it did to fly home from Orlando). Crazy!

We picked the kids up from my parents and rushed home to get school projects done that were due the next day! I was so happy to see them, but what I really wished for was a return trip to the Poly with all of us!

A few months passed, and that’s exactly what we booked! We will be returning to the Poly in February and I cannot wait!!!

Thanks to everyone for reading and happy travels!! :grouphug:

Sara

[mkluvsmickey]

You finished! :sad1: I think you need to start a PTR now to keep us all occupied. :rolleyes:

It was so great to be able to see you and Shawn that night at the Poly. Sam and I had a great time sitting out on the beach while we were waiting. Such a peaceful place and the views cannot be beat. I look forward to meeting you there again very soon! :dance3:

I love the Electrial Water Pageant but never knew the story behind it, thanks for sharing!

Oh, and your caricature is AWESOME! How many people can they fit in one? We should do one with us girls in February! :rolleyes1

Great report as usual my friend! :flower3:

[lovebuzzandwoody]

You are done already?!?! ;) Seriously, I loved it. Fantastic job! :thumbsup2

Michelle, you got your hair cut! It's cute! :goodvibes

I think a joint pre-trippie is in order girls! popcorn::

[BippityBoo]

Sara,

LOVE the last firework pic!!!! It is AMAZING!!

That is so funny how you wrote about your husbands being able to see you are all normal people. I think my DH needs a DIS meet...he thinks I am crazy talking to strangers :rotfl:

I really enjoyed your TR!! So many great tips. I do want to ask you what time the torch lighting ceremony begins? We will be at the Poly one night for a fairly early dinner. Any chance we can see it??

Take care---start your PTR ASAP!!! Seriously, like right now! :)

It also seems like all of you girls who stay at the Poly choose to stay there again (You, Becky, etc). It must be sooo wonderful :cloud9: We are at the Wilderness Lodge this time, but totally doing the Poly next time :woohoo:

[meeko_33785]

What a fantastic finale for your trip-Water Pagent, fireworks and a DIS meet! Shawn got some beautiful fireworks shots too. I've really enjoyed your trip report. Thanks for sharing your trip with all of us. :thumbsup2

[jillyb]

Very nice ending to a lovely trip! I, too, :love: the last MK fireworks pic. The caricature had me :laughing:

[mkluvsmickey]

Michelle, you got your hair cut! It's cute! :goodvibes


Thanks Nicole! I got quite a bit cut off but think I was looking pretty ragged by that time of night in the picture. :eek:

[faerieprincess]

Sara, you are one of the best TR writers out there, and even if it takes six months to get to the end, i'm still sad to see it over! Thank you for bringing us to WDW with you, and i can't wait for your next trip! :goodvibes

[ladybugmom]

Boy do I look ROUGH in that pic!! It had obviously been a LONG day for me!! YIKES! :eek: It was so great getting to meet all of you!! You were even sweeter in person!!! And the pics that Shawn took of Wishes from the beach--AMAZING!!! And yes, I agree--you MUST start a PTR so we can continue to hear about your precious family!! I'm so excited that you get to share the Poly with them in February!!

[mommytothreeboys]

Very nice Sara! :goodvibes

I love the fireworks pictures...nice job Shawn!

How exciting to be going back in February...that's right around the corner! :thumbsup2

[ladybugmom]

Happy Thanksgiving Sara!!!

[mom2mek]

You finished! :sad1: I think you need to start a PTR now to keep us all occupied. :rolleyes:

It was so great to be able to see you and Shawn that night at the Poly. Sam and I had a great time sitting out on the beach while we were waiting. Such a peaceful place and the views cannot be beat. I look forward to meeting you there again very soon!

I love the Electrial Water Pageant but never knew the story behind it, thanks for sharing!

Oh, and your caricature is AWESOME! How many people can they fit in one? We should do one with us girls in February!

Great report as usual my friend!

Thanks Michelle! :hug: It was so great meeting up with everyone that night, although it was too short! That caricature idea is fabulous - we should definitely be thinking about doing that! :yay:

Don't know about that PTR....:rolleyes1

You are done already?!?! Seriously, I loved it. Fantastic job! :thumbsup2

Michelle, you got your hair cut! It's cute! :goodvibes

I think a joint pre-trippie is in order girls!

Thanks Nicole! I know - aren't I super-duper-fast with my reports??? I'm sure it's hard to keep up with me, but thanks for trying! :rotfl:

Hmmm....joint pre-trip.....Monica, Michelle....whatchathink??? :confused3

Sara,

LOVE the last firework pic!!!! It is AMAZING!!

That is so funny how you wrote about your husbands being able to see you are all normal people. I think my DH needs a DIS meet...he thinks I am crazy talking to strangers

I really enjoyed your TR!! So many great tips. I do want to ask you what time the torch lighting ceremony begins? We will be at the Poly one night for a fairly early dinner. Any chance we can see it??

Take care---start your PTR ASAP!!! Seriously, like right now!

It also seems like all of you girls who stay at the Poly choose to stay there again (You, Becky, etc). It must be sooo wonderful :cloud9: We are at the Wilderness Lodge this time, but totally doing the Poly next time :woohoo:
Thanks Katie! According to tikiman's site, the Torch Lighting Ceremony is held Tuesday- Saturday at 6:00 p.m. Best thing to do is to call the Poly that day and see when it is scheduled, in case they move it up at all during the winter months.

Seriously, I never thought I would EVER get to stay at the Poly but we just loved it there! I think all the Disney resorts have great things to offer and the Wilderness Lodge is one I would love to stay in someday, especially in the winter like you are going. It's hard with a family of 5 though -we are restricted a little bit more unless we have the grandparents along with us who can "take" a kid in their room since most of the resorts have 4 person capacities. It limits us to a few of the deluxe resorts, a room with a trundle at a moderate, a family suite at All Stars, or a DVC unit. We have always been "offsite house" people up until this trip, so we'll see how we do in a hotel room with all 5 of us! I think I can make-do since I will be at the Poly! :love:


What a fantastic finale for your trip-Water Pagent, fireworks and a DIS meet! Shawn got some beautiful fireworks shots too. I've really enjoyed your trip report. Thanks for sharing your trip with all of us.

Thank you so much! I really appreciate you sticking in with me - I know it's hard to stay interested in such a slow-moving trip report! :headache: I'm very thankful to still have some readers! :grouphug:

Very nice ending to a lovely trip! I, too, :love: the last MK fireworks pic. The caricature had me :laughing:

Thanks Jill! Isn't it funny? :laughing: I laugh every time I look at it!

Sara, you are one of the best TR writers out there, and even if it takes six months to get to the end, i'm still sad to see it over! Thank you for bringing us to WDW with you, and i can't wait for your next trip! :goodvibes

Awww....thank you so much, Sare! You are very sweet! :hug: I'm glad you enjoy the ramblings! If I decide to do one for February I will send you a PM so you won't lose me! :laughing:

Boy do I look ROUGH in that pic!! It had obviously been a LONG day for me!! YIKES! It was so great getting to meet all of you!! You were even sweeter in person!!! And the pics that Shawn took of Wishes from the beach--AMAZING!!! And yes, I agree--you MUST start a PTR so we can continue to hear about your precious family!! I'm so excited that you get to share the Poly with them in February!!
Becky - you do NOT look rough in that pic! I don't think you could ever look rough! I, on the other hand, look like I have been run through the ringer! :sad2: I'm so excited to bring the kids back to the Poly! I think they will love it as much as we do! :cloud9:

Very nice Sara! :goodvibes

I love the fireworks pictures...nice job Shawn!

How exciting to be going back in February...that's right around the corner!
Thanks Missy! I know - crazy! It's like 2 1/2 months away! And I have done very little planning with all the holidays and things happening right now! :eek: I better start planning, huh??

Happy Thanksgiving Sara!!!


Thanks Becky! We spent Thanksgiving in Pigeon Forge and had a blast! It's such a unique little place! I will put up some pics on FB of our trip! We made some marvelous memories! :goodvibes

Sara

[kaysmommie]

Hi Sara,
How did I miss that you finally finished. I also think you should start a PTR for your February trip back to Poly. Anyway it was so good to finally meet you and Shawn and talk to you for more than 1 minute. You are too sweet :goodvibes. Yes I think my husband was a bit relieved that everyone was so normal :rolleyes: and nice. Shawn's wishes pics came out great too! I just love your caricature picture it's so cute. I want to get one made of me and Tom but not sure they would want to do one of me strangling him :rolleyes1things have not been the best between us. I did decide to go ahead on this trip hoping somehow it might help. Not that I feel much like celebrating :sad2:. I almost canceled and took the kids instead. Anyway I really enjoyed reading your trip report as always and your pics were fabulous too. Looking forward to the next one.

Nichole

[Poohtigeey]

Yay!!! LOVE the charicature. Looks just like ya! I can't believe you didn't give me a shout out! I was on the phone w/ you during your meet remember?!Geesh!:rolleyes1

It sounds like you guys had a great time. I can't even put into words how excited I am to spend another vacation with you and your family. We are all going to have a blast!!!

So, did you start a pre-trippie yet?:)

[lovebuzzandwoody]

So, did you start a pre-trippie yet?:)

Where have you been? We took a vote. You are in charge of the pre-trippie. ::yes::



:lmao: I crack me up.





Hey, I'm going to Disney in 2 days. :cool1:

[Poohtigeey]

Where have you been? We took a vote. You are in charge of the pre-trippie. ::yes::



:lmao: I crack me up.





Hey, I'm going to Disney in 2 days. :cool1:

:lmao:You big goof! Yes I am so good at writing these things. Especially the last one. How did that end? Oh yes, it didn't. It's off in unfinished Trip Report Land. :sad2: I'm good w/ Pre Trippies though....

Here it is: Me, and Sara and Michelle and Charlene are all going to Disney with our kids in February. Look out Disney. You'll never be the same.:yay:(Oh, and my redneck family is staying at Bay Lake Tower. We'd fit in better staying on Tom Sawyer Island!!)

NICOLE!!!! Have the best time!!!!! I'm so excited for you. The Christmas decorations are so great. You'll have a blast.

[mom2mek]

Hi Sara,
How did I miss that you finally finished. I also think you should start a PTR for your February trip back to Poly. Anyway it was so good to finally meet you and Shawn and talk to you for more than 1 minute. You are too sweet :goodvibes. Yes I think my husband was a bit relieved that everyone was so normal :rolleyes: and nice. Shawn's wishes pics came out great too! I just love your caricature picture it's so cute. I want to get one made of me and Tom but not sure they would want to do one of me strangling him :rolleyes1things have not been the best between us. I did decide to go ahead on this trip hoping somehow it might help. Not that I feel much like celebrating :sad2:. I almost canceled and took the kids instead. Anyway I really enjoyed reading your trip report as always and your pics were fabulous too. Looking forward to the next one.

Nichole
Oh, Nichole! Lots of hugs your way! :hug::hug: I think this vacation is just what you need - take some time to reconnect! Hold hands, have fun, laugh, just BE together without all the worries of other stuff! You will have a lot of fun, I'm sure! I'm thinking and praying for you! :flower3::flower3:



Yay!!! LOVE the charicature. Looks just like ya! I can't believe you didn't give me a shout out! I was on the phone w/ you during your meet remember?!Geesh!:rolleyes1

It sounds like you guys had a great time. I can't even put into words how excited I am to spend another vacation with you and your family. We are all going to have a blast!!!

So, did you start a pre-trippie yet?:)

OH YEAH!!!! We were talking to Monica while we were on the beach but we kept getting disconnected! Must have been my phone we were using! :laughing:

I can't tell you how much I am looking forward to our trip as well! The kids are going to flip out!! :yay::yay:

Hmmm....pre-trippie???? I liked the one you started!




Hey, I'm going to Disney in 2 days. :cool1:

Nicole - have fun! I am soooo jealous - I really want to get back at Christmas time some year VERY soon!!! You will have a BLAST!!! Speaking of trip reports.....are you or UJ going to do a report for this trip?? WIll you send the link to us??? :goodvibes

:lmao:You big goof! Yes I am so good at writing these things. Especially the last one. How did that end? Oh yes, it didn't. It's off in unfinished Trip Report Land. :sad2: I'm good w/ Pre Trippies though....

Here it is: Me, and Sara and Michelle and Charlene are all going to Disney with our kids in February. Look out Disney. You'll never be the same.:yay:(Oh, and my redneck family is staying at Bay Lake Tower. We'd fit in better staying on Tom Sawyer Island!!)

NICOLE!!!! Have the best time!!!!! I'm so excited for you. The Christmas decorations are so great. You'll have a blast.

Monica - you are too funny! You are going to have so much fun at BLT! I can't wait to crash your 1 BR suite! :rolleyes1

Sara

[kaysmommie]

Thanks so much Sara :goodvibes. Let me know if you start a pre trip report. not sure if I'm going to do a TR for our Anniversary weekend. I guess well see how it goes and if we get lots of good pics.

[lovebuzzandwoody]

Nicole - have fun! I am soooo jealous - I really want to get back at Christmas time some year VERY soon!!! You will have a BLAST!!! Speaking of trip reports.....are you or UJ going to do a report for this trip?? WIll you send the link to us???

I dunno...... it's so much work! :laughing: We'll see. I'm with Nichole.... wait and see if it's worth writing about! :laughing: If we do I'll hook you up though!


Nichole.... I didn't realize we are there at the same time! I'll keep an eye out for you! :cool2:

[kaysmommie]

I dunno...... it's so much work! :laughing: We'll see. I'm with Nichole.... wait and see if it's worth writing about! :laughing: If we do I'll hook you up though!


Nichole.... I didn't realize we are there at the same time! I'll keep an eye out for you! :cool2:

Yes definitely come say hello if you see us :goodvibes. Just don't look for the kids because they won't be there :guilty: this time. Are you going to the MVMCP? We are going Sunday, can't wait.