**It's a Poly-Tastic ExtraVaGanZa!**OR IRENE IRENE GO AWAY!

[mikkiwikki]

ALOOOOOO- HA!
Or really if you are a purist Ia Orana (yo-rah-nah)!!! Hello in poly.

CLICK HERE Music - for your enjoyment (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_1CFrNg3YKg&NR=1)


POLYTASTIC 2011 VACATION EXTRAVAGANSA

8/19 Animal Kingdom
B- OOP - 'Ohana Disney's Polynesian Resort (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=42450126&postcount=34)
L- Mickey Ice Creams!
D- oop California Grill (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=42464652&postcount=45)

8/20 MK
B - OOP - Crystal Palace Magic Kingdom® Park (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=42476296&postcount=57)
L - 1 CS -DOLE WHIPS!!!!!!!
D - UNmagical Dinner Spirit of Aloha Luau <<<canceled (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=42490098&postcount=59)
...INSTEAD went to KONA (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=42501114&postcount=70)

8/21 MK
L- OOP - Tony's Town Square Magic Kingdom® Park (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=42524745&postcount=73)
D -1 CS- Captn Cooks Disney's Polynesian Resort (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=42539189&postcount=81)

8/22 EPCOT
L- 1 TS - Lunch Le Cellier Steakhouse (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=42552024&postcount=82)
D- 1 CS - Captn Cooks Disney's Polynesian Resort

8/23 HS
B- SNACKS from Captn Cooks
L- 1 CS Starring Rolls (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=42575517&postcount=91)
D- TS T-REX®, A Prehistoric Family Adventure (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=42585571&postcount=96)

8/24 EPCOT
L- 1 TS - Liberty Inn (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=42607298&postcount=97)
D- 1 TS - Garden Grill (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=42623237&postcount=103)

8/25 Animal Kingdom
B- OOP -
L - 1 CS -Pizzasafari (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=42669168&postcount=108)
D - 1 TS

8/26 HollyWood Studios
B-
L- 1 TS - Sci Fi Diner (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=42799505&postcount=129)

8/27 EPCOT
B-
l - 1 TS TOKYO DINING (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=42918175&postcount=141)
D- 1 TS --

8/28 MK
B-
L- 1 CS - Peco's Bills (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43266659&postcount=154)
D- 1 TS - Dinner 'Ohana Disney's Polynesian Resort

8/29 DTD?




http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/Decorated%20images/Polynesian5.jpg

Now no trip report is complete without a trip mascot...SOoOoOoOoOooOoOo..without further adieu...Here she is the one the only.....HULA HULA KITTY!!! MY DD says kitty wants to see the Luau...Mommy thinks Mommy wants to see the fire dancers...:woohoo:
DD CAN'T wait to show HULA HULA all the sights at the Poly...;)
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/Poly%20Trip%202011/hula.jpg

Ua ite oe i te parau Marite? (oo-ah ee-tay oh-ay ee)
Do I speak English? Why yes - yes I do...I'll switch over to that tongue purely to accommodate the non-Polynesian speaking readers out there. However, I'll be throwing in many Polynesian phases throughout this report to stay in the theme. (THINK of the IQ points we'll gain). :laughing:

Stop babbling and tell us who is going you say??
Players - Myself (age -cough cough) - been to the poly several times as a child..
Hubby - brainwashed into wanting to go to the poly after years of me saying nothing compares...
Aidan DS 11 - Never been to the Poly - (except to eat) but living there virtually now, via books & dvds
Sandy DD 8 - Never been to the Poly -Has no idea what to expect except read something about a volcano pool & thinks that is super cool.

No but seriously folks....Please pour yourself an easily concocted LAPU LAPU (everyone has Pineapples kicking around right?), kick back, don your favorite flowered shirt & lei, and join me on a journey of OCD planning around a trip that we saved up for a year to take...(yes really) I guarantee you'll Enjoy the ride.

We all will be checking in - in 7 short days....I can't believe it!! :banana:
I can barely function at work at all...:dance3:

Currently - to get the kids excited for the trip - (wait pause...there was a NEED to do that? what was I thinking?)
....I have made a paper MICKEY chain...which is getting kinda short at this stage. Here is the pic to the MICKEY CHAIN
Every night after dinner we ceremoniously rip a link in the chain after a LOUD countdown...
..Mostly followed by lots of jumping up an down and shrieking. Seven LINKS when this pic was taken
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/Poly%20Trip%202011/mickeychain.jpg


Let’s go! Haere tatou! (ha-ay-ray tah-toh-oo)

[mikkiwikki]

Wow its hard keeping up with these heavily subscribed reports that people post every hour! Is there anyone reading my report!
:lmao:

[QuirkyBelle]

Wow its hard keeping up with these heavily subscribed reports that people post every hour! Is there anyone reading my report!
:lmao:

Trust me I know the feeling. :laughing: Over at my PTR I have a grand total of...wait for it...ONE reader! So, let me be the first to join your's.

I'm so jealous that you're leaving in a week, I still have 4 months until my trip. But the plans look great. I haven't been to the Poly since I was 4 years old, and while I don't remember muc, apparently I loved it. :rotfl: Keep the Hawaiian phrases coming, it's great to learn something new every now and then.

[mikkiwikki]

Trust me I know the feeling. :laughing: Over at my PTR I have a grand total of...wait for it...ONE reader! So, let me be the first to join your's.
:cheer2::cheer2::cheer2::banana::banana:pixiedust: :welcome::welcome::welcome::welcome:

The FIRST READER of the POLYTASTIC EXTRAVAGANZA report....

DING DING DING DING DING DING DING

TELL HER what she has won Vanna!:cutie:
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/Poly%20Trip%202011/WOF.jpg

Well Pat - We have here one SuPer DuPer ULTRA-VIRTUAL TV :happytv:
AS WELL as your very own...PRINCESSY UPDO princess:princess:
As WELL AS A GREAT BIG HUG :hug:

CONGRATULATIONS!


I'm so jealous that you're leaving in a week, I still have 4 months until my trip. But the plans look great. I haven't been to the Poly since I was 4 years old, and while I don't remember muc, apparently I loved it. :rotfl: Keep the Hawaiian phrases coming, it's great to learn something new every now and then.

OK QuirkyBelle so here is the deal! I'll come visit your report DAILY....then between the two of Us posting back and forth...we will have a HUGE THREAD...:dance3::dance3::dance3::dance3::dance3:: dance3:

[mikkiwikki]

OK SO NOW for some theme music


POLY HOTEL LOOP (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y-wJOVZJeoc&NR=1)


POLYNESIAN LANDSCAPE MUSIC... (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1cWyWiM4n-8&feature=related)

We have the suitcases out and this weekend will be a blitz of utilizing to the fullest my Passporter's **Ultimate packing list**
I have most of my clothes set aside but the little important things like medicines,cell chargers etc none of that is organized.

I decided this year the kids are getting too big to put all of their stuff in a smallish carryon...*so* each of them have their own suitcases. The plan is to check 4 bags, and have 4 carryon. This is a big deal for us...because somehow we have to manage 4 bags and 4 carryons and 2 kids...Hopefully we don't get nailed with extra luggage fees....I know I know ...:sleeping: boooooooring...

Lets get this party started with some FIRE DANCERS!! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iWSk7ybSLWI)<<click for music
HEY they made a MICKEY HEAD! :rotfl::rotfl::rotfl::rotfl: :dance3:
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/Poly%20Trip%202011/Snapshot2011-08-1220-20-51.jpg

[QuirkyBelle]

Fantastic idea! :goodvibes And never in all my 13 posts on the DisBoards have I felt so welcome to join a PTR thread. :lmao:

Good job packing this weekend. I've never been able to pack until the night before...ah the life of an extreme procrastinator...but maybe that becomes necessary when kids are involved.

Oh, and the music clips scattered throughout the report are awesome! Keep up the good work. :thumbsup2

[mikkiwikki]

Fantastic idea! :goodvibes And never in all my 13 posts on the DisBoards have I felt so welcome to join a PTR thread. :lmao:

:thumbsup2 - I aim to please :cutie:


Good job packing this weekend. I've never been able to pack until the night before...ah the life of an extreme procrastinator...but maybe that becomes necessary when kids are involved.

Well I have Myself packed...DD packed...DS 1/2 packed...and hubby...not packed at all..SO we are getting there. ALSO made one more dining ressie after reading a KONA review...so I've added to list above. Spent the day cleaning house, and getting odds and ends into suitcases.


Oh, and the music clips scattered throughout the report are awesome! Keep up the good work. :thumbsup2

Cool! Yes the music there is one of my favorite things...I should have added a more fast paced poly music for the Fire dancers..Ill swap out this clip.

music for fire dancers (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iWSk7ybSLWI) Ive changed in my earler post..

NOW for the polynesian TRiviA of the day

Polynesian Triangle
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/Poly%20Trip%202011/Snapshot2011-08-1321-27-15.jpg

Did you know there are many islands that make up polynesia....Many of the longhouses at the poly are named after these islands (or were at one time).... Above is a map...Many of the words you hear by the staff like "Aloha" are hawaiian...not necessarily directly the dialect held by other islands like fiji,tonga....etc

The population of Hawaii is about 1,200,000- while islands like RAPA Nui - have under 3000 people.

TRIVIA quiz - who is noted in western history to discover FIJI?
PRIZES AWAIT :wizard:

[mikkiwikki]

Today I mostly focused on our family T-shirts..I actually have two sets of them..
These are my favorite...Thanks ohana90! What do you think two thumbs up?
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/Poly%20Trip%202011/IMG_0763JPG.jpg

http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/Poly%20Trip%202011/IMG_0765.jpg

http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/Poly%20Trip%202011/IMG_0764JPG.jpg

http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/Poly%20Trip%202011/IMG_0762JPG.jpg

[QuirkyBelle]

TRIVIA quiz - who is noted in western history to discover FIJI?
PRIZES AWAIT :wizard:

Would that be Abel Tasman?

By the way, those t-shirts are adorable! How did you make them?

[dizney chick]

I'm here :yay:. Can't wait to hear more. I'm jealous! I would love to stay at the poly. If only I could make myself save for an entire year.:eek: For now I can just live through your trip report. :thumbsup2

[mikkiwikki]

Would that be Abel Tasman?

DING DING DING DING DING DING

PatSajack "WE HAVE A WINNER...Winner Winner Chicken Dinner! "
The Dutch explorer Tasman was the first to sight and record its reefs: The next navigator, Captain Cook, did not arrive for 130 years. "
(mikki - Hey I *now* know how that delish snack bar "Capt'n Cook" at the Poly got its namesake...cool :thumbsup2)

..back to PatSajack...VANNA tell her what she has won!!
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/Poly%20Trip%202011/WOF.jpg

"Well Pat -
She is entitled to a year bouquet of flowers...:flower3::flower3::flower3:
AS well as this fancy italian styled.......sweet MOPED.!.:moped:
Finally for your next birthday party free entertainment -
Joey the clown :clown:

This package is priced at $250.00 (virtual) dollars! Congratulations!!

:laughing::laughing:

By the way, those t-shirts are adorable! How did you make them?

THANKS!

FIRST I picked my color for shirts...I was thinking in August with the heat...white was the way to go...Last year we did blue shirts...
Purchased them @ Michaels..as well as the iron transfers...then I went over to the thread here CreativeDisigns....Ohana90 is a designer who had the Mickey heads...I printed those off...and ironed those on first....
Then I typed on the words I wanted in my Mac's word processing tool....Pages....AFter fiddling with 100s of fonts I finally settled on "JazzLET"...NEXT my new words off onto the transfer sheet...cut them out & ironed on under the mickey heads...My daughter wanted the lettering to be purple...at first I objected, but I think it looks quite nice!

[mikkiwikki]

I'm here :yay:. Can't wait to hear more. I'm jealous! I would love to stay at the poly. If only I could make myself save for an entire year.:eek: For now I can just live through your trip report. :thumbsup2


:welcome::teeth:

Thanks for joining my very first PRE - trip report...Stick around...I can't wait to move this PTR over to the REAL Trip Report section..

My kids are beyond excited at this point...check out my updated mickey chain....THREE more days!

http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/Poly%20Trip%202011/IMG_0766.jpg

[mikkiwikki]

Aotearoa

What does this Island and Polynesian longhouse name translate to in English???
:surfweb:

[mikkiwikki]

just sitting her at my desk thinking...two 1/2 more work days....


:cool1::cool1::cool1::cool1::cool1:

[QuirkyBelle]

Aotearoa

What does this Island and Polynesian longhouse name translate to in English???
:surfweb:

Since I have a hankering to win some more prizes I'll take a stab at it. ;)

Would the answer be land of the long white cloud?

[mikkiwikki]

Since I have a hankering to win some more prizes I'll take a stab at it. ;)

Would the answer be land of the long white cloud?

CHECK THE IQ ON QUIRKYBELLE!

UNBELIEVABLE!!

DING DING DING DING DING DING

A solemn nod from Pat Sajack- "Excellent!"
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/Poly%20Trip%202011/patsajak.jpg

ABSOTUTELY POSILUTELY CORRECT!

Wow - are you sure you are not an expert Archaeologist? Just stunned. Excellent..

What HAS she won Vanna?
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/Poly%20Trip%202011/WOF.jpg

Well Pat -
She has won a "Year of paid Internet Service Provider SERVICE" WHOA :surfweb:

NEXT super excellent Dancing lessons!..:dancer:
AND...DRUM ROLL PLEASE.>>>> a trip aRouND the WORLD:sail:

This trip is priced at over $25000 (VIRTUAL) dollars..

CONGRATULATIONS !!! :cutie:

[mikkiwikki]

Oh boo...Im the only one interested in my upcoming trip...
Well - One more day of work.

We had to book ONE day at Pop century...due to the timing of the dining plan....so 08/18 will be one day w/ pop century pics...THEN we transfer to Poly for the remaining time until 8/30

I hope you all will enjoy! ;)

[dizney chick]

I'm still here. :) Congrats on just three day to go!!!!!:dance3:

[mikkiwikki]

I'm still here. :) Congrats on just three day to go!!!!!:dance3:

COOL! & thanks Lets see...:teacher: I have TWO excellent readers...:welcome:

Hubby and I spent the evening cleaning the house in preparation for all to come....Ya I know booring.... But these things must be done if much fun is to ensue... Spent the evening
finishing up laundry...:laundy:
washing dishes...:stir: <this is me washing my dishes in a kettle
Talking to each other about all our plans...:hyper2:
And WISHING for great weather...:genie:
Although it looks like rain for our first day...booo :(

OH and before we started we watched Mary PoPpiNs...'In every job that must be done there is an element of fun...find the fun and SNAP the jobs a game...' and every task you undertake becomes a piece of cake, a lark a spree its very clear to see....! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U8VHc49ZdP4) <<click

FINALLY - After much merriment - we ended the day with shortening the Mickey chain....The LAST LINK.
Going to sleep...knowing Iwont sleep at all tomorrow night!
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/Poly%20Trip%202011/lastLink.jpg

[QuirkyBelle]

Have fun tomorrow!!! Can't wait to hear all about it when you get back!!!

[mikkiwikki]

We take off at 8:20 am...what will happen?

All things are packed..kids are in bed and I am exhausted. Finished a LOOOONG day at work and cannot wait to be off!

I just explained to my daughter how at the Poly they pipe music into the water...

She looked at me perplexed and said "mommy sound doesnt go in water?"
I told her she was wrong....and can't wait until she discovers Poly's special surprise. I was psyched to hear they still did this because I still remember it as a child. It's funny how the little touches have such an impact...don't you think?? pixiedust:pixiedust:pixiedust:

Next after jumping up and down with hubby - saying I was so excited I don't think I can sleep...here I am...Is there anybody out there? Ill be at POP for one day...then Poly for 12 days.....Pictures to come immediately! As soon as we take off? are you IN?:3dglasses

[mikkiwikki]

At the airport! Taxi cab was 20 mins late i thought i was going To flip at the Dispatcher. (i just got extremely terse) But got to airport in plenty of time and Got through security without any trouble! ( first time ever) Boarding time in 20 mins. So excited.!!'Kids had cereal at home hubby grabbed a muffin from airport vendor. I'm pounding down a large coffee now because I think I only slept 3 hours last night!

[mikkiwikki]

Ok folks first tip DO ONLINE CHECKIN. The line for regular checkin right now at pop is 60 people ! I did online checkin and there was literally 1 person in front of me yea!!!

[hlrababy]

Well, I missed your send off!! I hope you guys are having a hularific time!! LOL

[saintstickets]

Been lurking....now subbing....waiting for the TR!

[Oliquig]

OMG!! You're there right now! I am so jealous, I can't wait to hear all about it.

[IheartDDuck]

So jealous that you're there right now.

Love the Poly, definitely my favorite resort. Can't wait to hear all about it when you get back.

[ReneeDisney]

Joining your. Trip report! Hope your enjoying WDW. Looking forward to more updates and pictures! Aloha :goodvibes

[mikkiwikki]

Ok so we are here!!! At the poly sooo much has happened in the last two days i better get typing!! Ok so we took a cab from
pop to poly. Went very smooth. When we arrived really early we had made a room ressie to ohana for breakfast. My kids are huge stitch fans so this seemed appropriate. After checking our bags at bell services, We went to the podium for ohana on the second floor. They immediately take your picture now with your family. Next I noticed after being handed a pager that a walking family was being seated ahead of us

[Granfan]

Wow. Was that party same size ad yours? Did you say anything? I am so enjoying your report. I'll be there in Oct. I have been to Hawaii one time and it was great. So excited to be at the Poly. Thank you so much for letting us be there vicariously!!

[mikkiwikki]

I CANT WAIT to report back with all my pictures and stories..

~~~**EXQUISiTELY***~~~FILLED WITH DRAMA ...Primarily due to hurricane IRENE....
To be frank - I'm absolutely amazed I'm even back here today..(on time) as *hundreds* of flight cancellations had people talking on the busses round the clock~ To disney's credit I heard many wonderful stories of how disney accomodated guests...'finding them rooms' if they were stranded etc.

Suffice to say...I just got the kiddos to sleep and I have two cameras FULL of pics ..FOOD pics and story pics....and took over 200 photopass pics...LET THE TRIP REPORT BEGIN...!

ugh Well **Actually** my entire family is asleep (just got back from the airport) and the cable to connect my camera to my pc is packed away, AND tomorrow is the first day of school for DS...SO at risk of disturbing the entire household .
..I will hold off with my first installment for tomorrow.

I have the entire day off so stay tuned!

[mikkiwikki]

Ok so we are here!!! At the poly sooo much has happened in the last two days i better get typing!! Ok so we took a cab from
pop to poly. Went very smooth. When we arrived really early we had made a room ressie to ohana for breakfast. My kids are huge stitch fans so this seemed appropriate. After checking our bags at bell services, We went to the podium for ohana on the second floor. They immediately take your picture now with your family. Next I noticed after being handed a pager that a walking family was being seated ahead of us

Ok so just a comment before I doze off myself...
This post I made a few pages back? Well I was attempting to do a LIVE trip report on my iphone..suffice to say...the internet connectivity was just hit or miss there...so I decided begrudingly to wait until I got back to post the entire report...It was quite frustrating actually, I would be mid sentence and the connection would just die on me....so anyways that is the explanation for the post above....Kinda failed mid thought:confused:

[QuirkyBelle]

Yay! You're back! Can't wait to hear all about it. :woohoo:

[mikkiwikki]

08/19 Checkin & OHANA'S at DISNEY'S Polynesian Resort

At this point we had transferred over from Pop via a cab....Hubby is still chiding me..the Pop attendant helped us flag a cab..and load our bags ......
I accidentally gave him a 20...(having nothing smaller)...He was head over heals polite...:rotfl: I think I overtipped.

After zipping over to Poly...another 20....We had our luggage checked in with Poly's BellServices -

I checked in while the hubby entertained the kids by taking them to look at the Volcanoe pool. When Checking in....I had asked for Tokelau...And I got it...:cloud9:

However! There was a bit of a snafu with the room request. I asked for Quiet...Quiet Quiet...The side facing away from Quiet pool...( I tried to keep the request very simple based on what I have read here...)

Upon going to the desk to get my keys ...noticed on the map my room was *facing* the quiet pool. I was a little concerned that even tho it was called the 'quiet pool' we would be kept up by pool noise. So They needed some time to get me placed somewhere else and I said I would wait no worries...

The front desk gave us keys that had our park tickets and told us they would text us the room number when it was ready...Yea!!!

I knew that Check in time at the Polynesian was 3 pm..Therefore - I wanted something to Welcome the kids to the Poly in the interim...
- Therefore on this date I booked Ohana for breakfast..

When we first arrived we were given a pager and told to line up for our picture...The lady at the podium was quite nice checking us in and when I had commented that we just transferred over from Pop Century - she mentioned she helped open that resort! Next we were given a pager and asked to line up in front of a bamboo Sign for pictures. The backdrop has tiki masks and the words Ohana is floating over your head.

Here is our picture...I think Ill use it for our Christmas Card - what do you think?

http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/sc0010ef3f.jpg
**BTW - the Photo package was 29.99 and that got you one 8x10..and 4 5x7s...I know ..overpriced? but this pic I liked.
PLUS - the receipt has a photopass number on it! so you can add it to your photopass account ....Another thought - They apparently took 3 shots of us...When they came to the table they gave us printouts of what they considered the BEST shot...BUT when we came home and looked at the photopass number there were three poses. Just something to keep in mind when you are thinking about paying 29.99.

Next we were shown a table...in the back of the room near a window. Bonus
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010081.jpg

Next our server arrived - I didnt catch her name but she was very pleasant, and the food was immediately served..at the same time our coffee and Juice was served.

A scoop of eggs was removed when I took this picture...apologies.. :sad1: Needless to say there was plenty of food. Bacon, sausage was moist and tender...The eggs *were* a little dry but tasty. We also had to ask for Ketchup twice. AFTER this was served some guy rushed some mickey waffles over to us with tongs....kinda threw them at us...
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010082.jpg
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010083.jpg

Next Lilo appeared and was great very cheery. Clapping and doing cute little dances.
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010084.jpg

My son had won a inflatable electric guitar at the Pop arcade and she had a blast with it..
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010085.jpg
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010086.jpg
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010087.jpg

Shortly after someone ran by with moraccas..and announced there was a parade around the restaurant for the kids...so off they went...
When they got back.. Mickey appeared and grabbed the moraccas
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010090.jpg

And the guitar- and went WILD!
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010091.jpg
I just loved Mickey on this trip he really went the extra mile
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010092.jpg

HUBBY Being goofy...I told him to smile
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010094.jpg

Finally Stitch appeared (we liked Mickey better...stitch didnt do anything fun)..which I was bummed about because kids love stitch.
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010098.jpg

Overall - we had 3 very pleasant servers and one rather grumpy guss... it was a nice intro to the Poly, and I would do it again.
Meal was 4 TS credits... Here is the MENU (http://allears.net/menu/menu_ohb.htm) from All ears...

$$$If I paid OOP for this meal it would have been 79.84 wo tip


NEXT UP ANIMAL KINGDOM!!

[mikkiwikki]

After Breakfast at the Poly we caught a bus to the Animal Kingdom.
First let me say that if you are staying at the poly - you should always seriously consider going to the TTC to pick up buses. There always seemed to be a big line for buses, at the front of the poly, but no line at all at the TTC. :thumbsup2

Only once on this trip did we pick up a bus from the POLY bus station. (weird?)
Every other time we got our bus to AK or HS from the TTC.
They just seemed to come quicker there. And its only a very short walk to the TTC from the Poly.

Now on this trip we took the bus at the front of the Poly -
and the Bus shares with the Grand Floridian...here is a pic of our stop there that morning.
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010100.jpg

Now this trip my Daughter really wanted to see Dinosaur...I told her it would be loud...I told her it would be scary...but :3dglasses
She insisted on seeing it..after seeing this guy
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010105.jpg
No amount or reason would cure this desire....She kept telling me "I'm brave mama...Im brave"
*SO* I said...ok I've never been ...but I know your not going to like it...My son - who presumably had seen some videos about the ride outright said "IM NOT GOING ON THAT RIDE! NOPE not GOING! " SO being the level headed parent that I am...(although I sometimes encourage him to try new things..his extreme response was not to be messed with...) ... - I respected his wishes and had Hubby take DS elsewhere...I think they went on triceratop spin. Long story short = DD really HATED dinosaur.. WeLL Not *entirely* true ...she loved the pre-show..Pic of that here
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010106.jpg
it was just anything after getting into the ride vehicle she hated. She kept her hands over her face the entire ride, head buried in my chest...I have the impression to prove it! I dont think my warning affected her response...She really WANTED to prove me wrong...but she didnt like the ride....I thought it was ok...I just think it was too loud for her.

After the ride...I had to become that annoying parenting figure and say...
What did I tell you before we went on the ride?? She begrudingly admitted I told her so...Tada...I have become my parents! :eek:

Here is a youTube video of Dinosaur (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pcBgIx_Kpng) for any interested (heavily edited...lots of dark loud noises edited out..but this is the jist)

After exploring Dinoland...in the obscene heat...we grabbed a few mickey bars for lunch...then decided..to do the Kilamanjaro Safari...
It was awesome...I didnt take any pics because the last time on this every time you are about to snap a shot the driver starts moving the vehicle and you get a series of blurs...but we saw 4 giraffe up close...2 ostrich (http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/birds/ostrich/)...thompsons gazelle (http://www.lavera-photo-stories.com/wp-content/images/crw0887mediumwebview.jpg)

After that we stop for water...here is hubby exaggerating http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010107.jpg

Then DS wants to go on Kali River rapids...I thought it was too early in the day but everyone was hot...temp was 90+ all day and humid...so I acquiesed..and we went....
Here is DS after the ride...http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010108.jpg
SOAKED http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010109.jpg

NEXT We saw the bird show.
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010111.jpg
I have to say I was thrilled that there were wooden benches to sit upon because we were all soaked. (thinking our damp presence, would evaporate quickly in the florida heat on a wooden bench)

I just love this show. The birds are so beautiful and so well trained...love how they fly within millimeters from the audiences heads...and the various tricks they do. I get all choked up when I see the Bald Eagle, and listening to the story about how it almost became extinct!

We skipped pangani forest exploration and stuck to exploring the various animal exhibits in the oasis. I just love this park.

We had a wonderful time here today...but after being soaked for the better part of the day we were all ready to leave and get into some dry clothes...so around 2:40pm we left via bus...(very cold AC when you are soaking wet) Went back to the poly...

I still had not received my text telling me what room I was assigned. So I arrived at the front desk to ask. It was kinda silly because it was 3:00 by the time I arrived (checkin time) and still didnt know room number. The girl at the front said...Im sorry your room is still not ready..and while she was uttering the words...my phone buzzed...I looked down and had been assigned my room! 2928 Tokelau. YA
(NOT facing quiet pool) SO with that we were able to go to our ROOM and check if our luggage was there...

It actually arrived within minutes of our arrival...and we quickly changed into suitable clothing for our upcoming dinner - CALIFORNIA GRILL...Here is a pic of us departing.
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010112.jpg
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010113.jpg
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010114.jpg

More room view pics tomorrow...We loved the location

[LOVEMY3KIDDOS]

I just read through this whole thing and subbed!!! We will be staying at the Poly in a little less than two months and I can't wait to read all of your adventures to get me through the final days of waiting!! Excited for more!!!

[mikkiwikki]

Ok I could not resist...this was GARDEN VIEW - note the lagoon
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010118.jpg
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010119.jpg
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010120.jpg

and finally DD showing me she is too short to see over the railing
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010123.jpg

BTW we LOVED the balcony and every night I went out there after the kids went to bed to check email etc...and kids frequently opted to have breakfast there...while hubby and I made the days plans...

With that ..NIGHTY NITE
Cali grill comes up next and it was AwESomE! :thumbsup2

[mikkiwikki]

I just read through this whole thing and subbed!!! We will be staying at the Poly in a little less than two months and I can't wait to read all of your adventures to get me through the final days of waiting!! Excited for more!!!

Cool! :welcome::welcome:

I just posted some Room View Pics...I wish they were bigger...Im trying to find a way to blow them up...I think this pic of the lagoon is better...welcome and let me know what you think! :) This was looking to the left over the railing of our balcony
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010118-1.jpg

[mikkiwikki]

Well, I missed your send off!! I hope you guys are having a hularific time!! LOL

Thanks hlrababy!

I hope you stay on reading! We had a marvelous time...My internet connectivity left a bit to be desired however.:)

[bluejasmine]

Great read!

[jdd]

Subbing....we're checking in four weeks from today :cool1:

[Carrie772]

Enjoying the after-trip party! Glad you had a nice trip!

[QuirkyBelle]

The room looks awesome! Love that you have a sort of water view. :thumbsup2

I used to keep my eyes closed on Dinosaur until I was 17! For some reason, even though I really wanted to like the ride, the dinos freaked me out. Maybe one day your daughter will like it too since those dinos don't look even remotely real. :laughing:

Can't wait to read more!!!

[Oliquig]

The room looks awesome, I am finally able to read up on my subscribed threads now that I have power after 3+ days!

When we went on Kali, I was the only one who got wet, and I get wet enough for the whole boat.

Looking foward to the rest of the report.

[mikkiwikki]

Now on this evening ...we had a ressie to the California Grill...
HULA HULA KITTY however....would have none of that -
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/IMG_0914.jpg
She wanted to order Pizza...after a small hissy fit, and realizing that our minds were made up to go to Cali Grill....
she decided she was going to hang out in the room with the Tiki gods.. :rotfl:
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/IMG_0915.jpg This is her kissing us off.;) Reluctantly we left her there...after much pleading..

Be that as it was....the remainder of us - *After de-moisting* jumped onto a Monorail to the Contemporary - we were off to the 13th floor....and given a pager to wait...(Our ressie was at 5:30 we arrived at 5 ish...) This gave us time to check out the resort a bit and the kids wanted to see the improvements to the pool. Which the pop jets at the Contemporary are a big improvement to the swim area...(a little foreshadowing..Hubby actually wants to stay there next year)

Then we wandered back to the waiting area..
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/IMG_0916.jpg
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/IMG_0917.jpg

The pager goes off and we are shown up the elevator to the 15th floor....
Here is My Son looking excited
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/IMG_0920.jpg
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/IMG_0922.jpg


I started out with the Cali Grill Chese board - Description here
California Grill's Cheese Board (frequently changes) all 5 for $20

SeaHive - SeaHive is hand- rubbed with Beehive wildflower honey and sea salt. The honey is harvested from a local farm where the bees visit wildflowers and fruit orchards. The salt is from an ancient sea bed near Redmond, Utah and contains unique flecks of color. This artisanal gourmet cheese indeed bursts with flavor: sweet, floral notes of the honey, salt and the sharpness of the cheese; a real adventure in flavor.

Nancy's Hudson Valley Camembert - Nancy's Hudson Valley Camembert is a pasteurized cow and sheep's milk cheese from Old Chatham Creamery in New York. This creamy, soft-ripened cheese is smooth and buttery with the texture of a triple-creme. It is sweet with a buttermilk depth and a little tang.

Truffle Tremor - Cypress Grove's Truffle Tremor is made from pasteurized cultured goat's milk and Tuber Aestivum Vittadini, otherwise known as a black truffle. This bloomy-rind cheese has an earthy flavor with a slight tanginess reminiscent of fresh cream. Cypress Grove's Truffle Tremor cheese is rich, lush, and velvety.

Petite Agour - Petit Agour is a pure unpasteurized sheep's milk cheese 'Pur Brebis' and a winner of two gold medals at the Paris Salon de L'Agriculture. The semi -firm paste is sharp, deep, and earthy with notes of butter and toasted nuts. The rind of the cheese is rubbed with spices to help protect the interior and to give the exterior a rusty hue.

Roaring Forties Blue - King Island Dairy Roaring Forties Blue is a full flavored Pasteurized blue with a sweet, slightly nutty character, a rich mouth feel and good aftertaste. The rindless cheese is matured in its wax coating, which cuts off the oxygen supply, promoting its sweet and fruity flavor. The wax also assists in retaining the blue's moisture, creating a smooth and creamy texture.


Here is the pic...Things are plated from LEFT to RIGHT as you read the descriptions above
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/IMG_0926.jpg
by far my favorite was the Petite Agour...the little triangle 4th from the left.The honey above to complement was heavenly...
*Although* surprisingly the Bluecheese with the CranJelly was by far the strongest tasting ...but surprisingly I loved it...I finished all of it...
The Camembert ...the 2nd from the right...I didnt like....just didnt like the texture. The smoked bacon complement was good.
The SeaHive..the 1st was very dry..and crumbley...not bad...I finished half..
The Tremor...the 3rd with the Candied Nuts was very special..sweet and tart at the same time...I ate 3/4 of this
I ordered also a glass of Frogs Leap red Wine to complement the cheese tasting.

Hubby got a plate of sushi - Yoshie's Deluxe Sushi Platter - Maki and Nigiri $28 (its 4 dollars more than it was when we went in 2008!)
astounding as usual....the rice paper is his fave and nice change from the seaweed wrap
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/IMG_0925.jpg
To COMPARE - He got this back on my 2008 report...see pic HERE (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=29155114&postcount=4)


Here are the kids - looking at my boxed cheese I could not eat...waiting for their food
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/IMG_0929.jpg

Next the main entrees...
DS got a Brick Oven Fired Flatbreads
Triple Cheese - Pecorino, Asiago, and Provolone with Sun-dried Tomato and Arugula Pesto* $12
He ordered it without the Pesto...He ate 1/2 said it was good.
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/IMG_0933.jpg

DD ever adventurous got Mac & cheese.
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/IMG_0935.jpg

for my Entree I ordered
Spicy Kazan Roll - crab, shrimp, bay scallops, tuna and fireball sauce $22
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/IMG_0934.jpg
love love loved this...little scallops hiding in the middle with the fireball sauce were astounding...and I could have eaten two plates

Hubby got his all time favorite...He got this on my last 2008 TRIP REPORT...
I did a little comparison to see how their consistency held up ....see here (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=29155114&postcount=4) And the presentation is very different....no brocollini ( a big plus...) and now they top with onions... Oak-fired Filet of Beef - Mascarpone Potatoes, Roasted Delta Asparagus, Spring Onion Oil, and Teriyaki Barbecue $44
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/IMG_0932.jpg
Hubby loved it and said there wasn't enough of it. on a scale from 1-10 as steaks go - he said this was a 10.

Deserts! ( forgot them...just adding 09/01!)
VALRHONA CAKE - me...I ate like one bite of it...I was so full..DD helped because she got vanilla ice cream only for desert
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/IMG_0936.jpg

BANANA CUSTARD - Hubby - Said too much crusty stuff not enough custard...said it wasnt bad, just not what he expected.
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/IMG_0939.jpg
DS - I dont remember what this was...but he ate all of it!
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/IMG_0940.jpg

Our server was absolutely awesome and I gave him a 25% tip.

Total - 151.53 + 25% tip left it at 199.89
We paid OOP for this meal rather than use 2 TS.

[mikkiwikki]

The room looks awesome! Love that you have a sort of water view. :thumbsup2

Wow... I know..I totally was psyched when I walked into the room and saw the water...
and it was very quiet...so I was in heaven:cloud9:


I used to keep my eyes closed on Dinosaur until I was 17! For some reason, even though I really wanted to like the ride, the dinos freaked me out. Maybe one day your daughter will like it too since those dinos don't look even remotely real. :laughing:

Maybe someday ;)

Can't wait to read more!!!
stay tuned! :)

[mikkiwikki]

The room looks awesome, I am finally able to read up on my subscribed threads now that I have power after 3+ days!

When we went on Kali, I was the only one who got wet, and I get wet enough for the whole boat.

Looking foward to the rest of the report.

Yea its pretty funny....EVERY time we do kali...we get drenched..the family we are sitting with comes off dry as a bone.. Everyone was so hot on this day no one wanted to wear the ponchos...it was nice as long as you are not in AC.

Well DAY ONE is done...tomorrows schedule includes Crystal Palace & MK! Stay tuned

[glennbo123]

You have a very entertaining report going here mikkiwikki, so wanted to let you know I am following along. :wave:

[mikkiwikki]

.

[mikkiwikki]

You have a very entertaining report going here mikkiwikki, so wanted to let you know I am following along. :wave:

COOL! :welcome::welcome:

Ive always enjoyed your trip reports glennbo123!
checking in on my lunch hour but ill be posting more about my first magic kingdom day tonight....

In the meantime some POLYNESIAN trivia for more fun and prizes!!! :thumbsup2

What are Tuvalu's neigbouring states... "Federated States of MicroNesia" (There are seven...)
PRIZES AWAIT :wizard:

[mikkiwikki]

Subbing....we're checking in four weeks from today :cool1:

:welcome::jumping1: Forgot to welcome you!

Enjoying the after-trip party! Glad you had a nice trip!

:cheer2:pixiedust::welcome:

[mikkiwikki]

.

[glennbo123]

COOL! :welcome::welcome:

Ive always enjoyed your trip reports glennbo123!
checking in on my lunch hour but ill be posting more about my first magic kingdom day tonight....

Thanks for the welcome.

In the meantime some POLYNESIAN trivia for more fun and prizes!!! :thumbsup2

What are Tuvalu's neigbouring states... "Federated States of MicroNesia"
there are seven...

I don't know atoll. (ba dum bum)

[mikkiwikki]

Wow. Was that party same size ad yours? Did you say anything? I am so enjoying your report. I'll be there in Oct. I have been to Hawaii one time and it was great. So excited to be at the Poly. Thank you so much for letting us be there vicariously!!

Welcome granfan..:cheer2:.sorry for delayed welcome...im just catching up now that I have internet connectivity! :rotfl:

[mikkiwikki]

Thanks for the welcome.



I don't know atoll. (ba dum bum)

:rotfl::rotfl2: VERY FUNNY!:lmao:

[mikkiwikki]

Just added deserts to my 8/19 Cali grill..somehow I missed those..:confused3NOW onto 08/20!

[mikkiwikki]

Today we are off to the Magic Kingdom and the kids are beyond excited.
We shuffle through bag check and line up for the 'good Morning song'
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vTZf-qQevIw
HERE IS A VIDEO I wasnt able to get one....I was CRAMMED up next to one of the MK doorway entrances...
SO my good morning view was a little obscured
BUT it was just like this MINUS the pumpkins!

http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010124.jpg

After being allowed onto "Main Street USA"
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010126.jpg
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010127.jpg

We head over to Crystal Palace and snap the following
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010128.jpg

After checking in and being seated we are shown a table by the front windows...and TIGER appears
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010132.jpg

We ordered coffee and juice and are off to the buffett

Here is my first plate - Smoked salmon cream cheese bagel with super ripe tomatoe...LOVE this ...and Poohs French Toast..Strawberries and whipped cream. On the side some roasted Potatoes that were cooked just right
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010135.jpg
DDs plate - breakfast pizza ...bagel and cream cheese
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010136.jpg
DS plate - Yogurt and blueberries
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010134.jpg
Hubbies plate - CranOrange Muffin, which he did not like..fruit and croissant
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010137.jpg
Next Pooh bear appeared
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010138.jpg

Eeyore
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010140.jpg

We got another round of plates but for some reason I didnt take pictures


$$$ IF OOP 103.68 before tip - BUT we used 3 (ad)TS credit & 1 ch TS..I paid 14.75 for tip

[mikkiwikki]

After weeks and weeks of planning what rides we were going to see when...to avoid waits in line... I had put Tomorrowland on the top of our list of things to see first...Space Mountain Specifically...
HOWEVER....Hubby started complaining he had too much food to go on space mountain.:headache:. DS didnt want to get tossed around in the dark :eek:, and DD announced she doesnt like that ride, that it scares her :scared1:

...SO...rather be the grumpy guss....I try to remain FLEXIBLE....My mantra on this trip..."Go with the flow...Don't argue ....we are here to have fun!"
(say it 3-4 times.....really it really works! lol ;)

Ok so as an *alternative* I propose BUZZ Lightyear.(next on my list) DS is ok with it...but DD is jumping up and down to do Big thunder Mountain.

Now let me just say I love my daughter dearly but hubby and I have a private term for DD.....the :darth: little dictator. AND it totally fits...:rotfl:

GUESS where we ended up.
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010146.jpg

So after going on BTR twice...(Not sure how its ok to go on BTR with a full tummy but space mountain is out with hubby...but he did just fine..loved it)
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010156.jpg
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010157.jpg
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010158.jpg

AFTER BTR we made a beeline for POTC (pirates arrgh) pirate:
WE saw this great tshirt while walking through the gift shop in the way out.
http://curiousinkling.com/geek-t-shirts/img/index/to-err-is-human-to-arr-is-pirate.gif
"to Err is Human to ARR is pirate" cute!

I didnt take any pictures on POTC, because its kinda dark.

Next was Flying Carpets of Aladdin which we walked right on no wait at all
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010147.jpg

Basically after this ride we decide its like 11am and we are ready for a snack....not a full lunch because we have a luau to go to tonight...Basically we had Mickey ice cream for lunch. BAD mommy?

But really it was SOOO hot and no one was really in the mood for much food at this point. Furthermore we forgot to bring the misting fans on this day (they were left at our room) Mickey bars it is!

After that we went to the TIKI room...OK I have to say I am soo happy the old version is back, and for all those disers out there who said the old version was lame & witnessed people were walking out mid-show...The room was always packed when we went on many occasions, and not *once* did anyone walk out. Furthermore....People were laughing and singing along, something I never saw with the YUCKY NEW MANAGEMENT IAGO version... (Perhaps I've said too much? - sorry to any iago fans) but basically everyonein the family loved the 'walt VERSION' and was very happy to see the annoying loud characters be gone.
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010148.jpg
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010149.jpg

Next we go on the jungle Cruise always a kid favorite. We had a nice guide that didnt make the ride seem like a total joke, and wasnt SCREAMING into the microphone...SO I Actually enjoyed this ride.
As did the kids...My son made me laugh as he jumped down to the floor of the boat when the SPEARS started flying from the natives...I think he actually thought he was going to get lanced...lol

Went on the carroselle then tried to become the Kings and Queens of England by pulling to sword out of the stone
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010151.jpg
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010153.jpg
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010150.jpg
Alas no one was dubbed worthy.

By the time we exit this ride, the kids are getting grumpy ..hot, hot hot...sweaty ....I wanna go swimming mode...SO we decide to can the park and go back to the hotel pool for a swim....

NEXT UP Dinner - or possibly a better title
"To LUAU...OR have a hissy fit"
~~~~> What will it be?...Can you guess?

[mikkiwikki]

It is with MUCH apprehension that I post the following....

LET ME JUST SAY UP FRONT...

That I have done the Luau in the past..MANY times...many many times...
.and have loved it dearly ....unfortunately that was back in the 70s/80s :rotfl:
as a child it was mandatory to go to the luau if we were staying at the poly -
WHICH per my dad (rest his soul) :littleangel: was the ONLY place he wanted to stay (mom won the argument once and got him to stay at Contemporary...BUT then we went right back to the POLY) ...

WHEN I WAS KID...(oh my there I go sounding old) there were a LOT fewer tables. I mean a LOT. AND You got a LOT more personal attention...However, I realize they have added TWO longhouses since that time...and everyone wants to see the luau...and Disney is trying to maximize profit etc etc etc etc....

OK! Ill try to keep this positive...hAH Rumph....give me a minute...:surfweb:

I, at no small expense. had paid in advance for the luau...for Category 1 seating.. to be exact I paid 258.12 for a family of four for category 1 seating back in December. The assumption being...that we would be pretty close the front of the stage. (and YES of course I looked at the map and knew exactly what the layout was but I felt if I called right on the 180 mark my chances were pretty good of getting either the first or second row...NOT TRUE!)

I had to convince my hubby to do category 1, because to me if we were not right up front I just wasn't interested in paying that kind of money. Most specifically my daughter is short, and would just be miserable the entire time, so not worth it at all. Therefore, I made sure right at the 180 day mark I made my Category 1 ressie.

Foreshadowing...COMPLETE.

So this is how it went. We arrive...they check us in ...we get our leis....we wait...we are shuffled down a little path...they hand our ticket to our SERVER....who PROCEEDS TO walk us back from the stage FOUR tables back ....from the front stage. FOUR...So my daughter would have 7 adults sitting in front of her. :sad2:

If we paid Category 2 I would have been happy as a clam *but*... I did not.

At that point I just stopped and said to the server, I dont want to sit here...there are 4 tables in front of us, my daughter will not be able to see....and I paid a lot of money for this. He retorts that it is assigned seating he cannot just move me...well then I very calmly said...Im not sitting here...my daughter will not be able to see, and I didnt pay 258.12 to sit behind 7 people. THEN - I look at my husband..my ROCK...this is the best part....and HE says OUT LOUD " I dont want to hear it - you wanted to do this not me, and I didnt want to spend the money - and if you dont like it lets leave" - almost just broke down LAUGHING....I think he was intentionally being loud to embarass someone but...just embarassed himself (I think?) LOL

OH YES...good stuff...we are creating a bit of a melee...and people are being seated around us.. AT this point a manager appears - I complain..she listens..and basically says she cannot move us but is willing to give us a refund...at which point I say fine...meanwhile my kids are squirreling around my legs saying mommy whats happening mommy whats wrong.... :headache:

OK so I go to the front desk where they have to process my 1/4 of a GRAND refund....AND I Turn to my husband and say ..."Go to the concierge now, & see if you can get us into Kona...I'm *not* eating at Captn Cooks tonight"

So off he goes....My refund is processed...and with that Im off with DD...Hubby took DS. NOT the way I wanted to start my trip...but whatever...moments later I get a text from Hubby - he got a table at Kona...YEA..:love: For which he got much praise...

Stay tuned...KONA review up next:wizard:

[glennbo123]

Oh no! Sorry you weren't happy with your seating at the luau. I haven't been to the luau yet, but based on Hoop de Doo, I think their categories need to be revamped a little....4 tables back shouldn't be the same price as the front. And the bad part is, my family is pushing for the luau next trip. :eek:

[QuirkyBelle]

Wow! Three updates!

Looks like you had fun at Magic Kingdom. My family did CP for breakfast one morning on our last vacation and LOVED being able to walk down an empty main street. It was also a lot of fun to have a character breakfast - looks like your kids enjoyed it, who by the way, are just too cute. :goodvibes

Sorry about the Luau, but I completely understand. As a short person I know what it's like to not be able to see. Hopefully the evening didn't put a damper on the rest of the trip.

[mikkiwikki]

Oh no! Sorry you weren't happy with your seating at the luau. I haven't been to the luau yet, but based on Hoop de Doo, I think their categories need to be revamped a little....4 tables back shouldn't be the same price as the front. And the bad part is, my family is pushing for the luau next trip. :eek:

glennbo123- Well - I don't want to be a total damper...We went 2 years ago....and it was *OK*...but to be fair that time we were literally behind A pole..and our view was seriously obstructed. However I only paid category 2...so I let it slide...

SO you can see my frustration this time possibly..trying to sell it again to hubby, paying a lot of money, and again NOT being poly perfect.:sad2:

I guess Im spoiled given my clear memory of what the show was like as a child...and I have to say it was pure heaven...very intimate, the dancers would come around the audience and interact with guests..My stoic father was invited on stage to do the hula once...something that had my mother in stitches...and dad blushing beet red afterwards...It was really wonderful

I have to say I REALLY DO love the (SECOND PART) of the luau show...At least the traditional part of it...They have this cheesy LOUD drama story they have slapped onto the front of the luau ....About a girl who moved away from the islands and has forgotten her identity or some such....That is nothing like the original show...The whole show should be hula and fire dancers...that is what people come to see!

Im torn even tho this happened I would still love to see it (at least the second part of it)
Maybe Ill just skip it and go to Aulani next year LOL

[mikkiwikki]

Wow! Three updates!

Looks like you had fun at Magic Kingdom. My family did CP for breakfast one morning on our last vacation and LOVED being able to walk down an empty main street. It was also a lot of fun to have a character breakfast - looks like your kids enjoyed it, who by the way, are just too cute. :goodvibes

Sorry about the Luau, but I completely understand. As a short person I know what it's like to not be able to see. Hopefully the evening didn't put a damper on the rest of the trip.

HEY HOWDY HEY QuirkyBelle! :goodvibes

YES WE love the empty Main street..I get chills...walking down it all my myself and with my little fam.. :woohoo:

Yea the luau issue totally did NOT ruin the trip...we just make lemonade out of lemons...no reason to get grumpy...It was our choice to leave and much fun will ensue! :wizard:

P.S. thanks for the cute kid comment!!

[Oliquig]

I can't wait to go on the Jungle Cruise again, the last time I went our skipper was lovely but she had a very thick Japanese accent, so the puns were hard to "get " sometimes. Especially over the loudspeaker.

The price and the reviews really left us not wanting to do the luau, I can't believe they wouldn't just move your family. You were a party of four, not fourteen.

[mikkiwikki]

What are Tuvalu's neigbouring states... "Federated States of MicroNesia" (There are seven...)
PRIZES AWAIT :wizard:

BUZZ...! No one answered this trivia question..the answer is..

1) KIRIBATI
2) NAURU
3) SOLOMON ISLANDS
4) FIJI
5) Wallis and Futuna
6) Tokelau
7) WESTERN SAMOA

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oceania

[mikkiwikki]

I can't wait to go on the Jungle Cruise again, the last time I went our skipper was lovely but she had a very thick Japanese accent, so the puns were hard to "get " sometimes. Especially over the loudspeaker.

The price and the reviews really left us not wanting to do the luau, I can't believe they wouldn't just move your family. You were a party of four, not fourteen.

yes I thought of this too..
I really don't think the manager was expecting me to say...forget it...she did look a little shocked...like this never happens to me!

But I was serious..If I could not see the stage and my family could not see the stage it was game over. It was my choice so I didn't take it out on her I just left! Hubby got a little loud..but I never did..lol :cutie: I try to maintain my composure haha...especially with children present..trying to be the good role model and all :rolleyes:

Also can I just say...regarding your loudspeaker comment..I feel like disney feels we are all deaf! I cannot tell you how many rides this trip I literally was sticking my fingers in my ears to drown out the obnoxious volume...haha

[ostrom]

Great TR! Really enjoying following along and can't wait to read the rest.

Sorry you had a bad experience at the Luau. We are a party of 10 staying at the Poly at the first part of Nov. and have a ADR for the Luau which now makes me a little nervous since we are cat 3. Hope we can see the stage....

[mikkiwikki]

http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010163.jpg
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010164.jpg
little family of ducks who took a nap right under neath our balcony...beyond cute!
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010169.jpg

[mikkiwikki]

Great TR! Really enjoying following along and can't wait to read the rest.

Sorry you had a bad experience at the Luau. We are a party of 10 staying at the Poly at the first part of Nov. and have a ADR for the Luau which now makes me a little nervous since we are cat 3. Hope we can see the stage....

Thanks ostrom! I wouldn't totally write off luau..even with this experience..I was being pretty picky..wanting to see the stage an all....it is a nice show..but I just wanted the best, and couldnt get it this time so maybe next time. ;) or just go to aulani where you will get the attention deserved for the price we are paying lol :laughing:

[mikkiwikki]

So after the Luau snafu - we are set for KONA CAFE

adult dinner menu here (http://allears.net/menu/menu_kcd.htm)

Here are the kids just sitting down..starving at this point
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010174.jpg
Hubby looking all like Yea Im the man that got us this ressie;)
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010175.jpg

After my kerfuffle with the poly staff.I needed a bit of enforced relaxation.
The Kentucky Peach ..(my first) fit the bill...LOVED it :thumbsup2
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010176.jpg

Hubbies appetizer..I thought I could share this with him but he ate all of it before I had a chance!
Clearly a favorite -sorry for the blurry pic
Pot Stickers - wok-seared duck dumplings with creamy ginger soy sauce $7.49
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010180.jpg

MY - Tuna Oscar - LOVED this..everything cooked just perfectly tuna tender, green tomatoes fired in a touch of oil just right perfect compliment. Asparagus steamed just right...I was happy to miss the luau.
Tuna Oscar - served with fried green tomatoes, tempura-fried jumbo lump crab, and wasabi hollandaise $22.99
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010181.jpg
HUBBIES - Tuna Oscar - he loved it.
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010184.jpg
DD - mickey ravioli - which she was ok with
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010185.jpg

DS - Angus Chuck Kahuna Burger - Char-grilled and served with Bacon and your choice of Cheddar, Swiss, or American Cheese 11.99
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010186.jpg

Banana-Chocolate Creme Brulee - with a chocolate spiral $5.99
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010187.jpg
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010188.jpg
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010189.jpg
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010190.jpg

after dinner and desert we were off for swiming at the volcanoe pool
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010195.jpg
my DD at the top
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010196.jpg

[mikkiwikki]

Again we choose to go to the big MK on this date.
Today we were quite wiped out after lots of swimming the night before (we spent about 3 hours in the pool after dinner -Hubby snapped a shot of me after going down the slide) A few quick picks of the night before...
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010198.jpg
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010201.jpg

For Breakfast - we decided to use snack credits for breakfast...Hubby & DS had croissants...I just had coffee.
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010204.jpg
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010205.jpg

We got there at park opening and went straight to Astro Orbiters (because DD didn't get to go on that yesterday due to an enormous line. She was thilled to be the FIRST in line for Astro Orbitters...and actually we got to go on it with NO ONE else on the ride....TWICE.
Like the first ride finished..and the ride operator said to us....hey no one is here yet would you like to go on it again...My daughter was like YES YES YES! I took a video of this ride because we were so happy the perfect start to a MK day...BUT I CANNOT find it...HARumph!!
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1012367.jpg
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1012368.jpg
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1012369.jpg
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1012370.jpg
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1012374.jpg
After buzz everyone was hungry

We had a ressie for Tony's town Square on this date.
When we arrived DD spotted a picture on the wall - We had purchased a stuffed beaver (no jokes puhleeze- there was no dissuading her :lmao:) at Animal Kingdom and she had brought that stuffy to this meal...note the 'HERO' in this picture.

http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1012377.jpg

Will Tony's live up to DD's impossible expectations? (she loves Lady & Tramp.) Stay tuned!:) Pics of Tony's

http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1012376.jpg

[mikkiwikki]

wow am I that boring? No comments? :lmao:

[mikkiwikki]

Surprisingly in all the trips Ive taken in the past - we had never eaten at Tony's. I think I read a bad review in 2005 and written it off. Let me just say we had a great meal here! Here is the menu from ALLEARS (http://allears.net/menu/menu_ttl.htm)

Restaurant ambiance ...follows I really had no idea how pretty it was inside here! Had I known we would have come here every trip!
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1012379.jpg
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1012380.jpg
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1012382.jpg

Hubby started the meal with some Calamari...
"Calamari - topped with Olive Relish and served with a side of Marinara Sauce $9.99"
He loved it...except for the OLIVE relish..which was very salty BUT *I* loved it...He joked with me that you had to be italian to enjoy it....(which I am - Grandpa would feed me and my siblings various varieties of olives as a child ...I loved all of them! the saltier the better!)

The calimari was cooked just right not rubbery at all. the meat was sweet tasting..and the breading light. The Marinara sauce was not spicy at all (which I would prefer) but a homogenized ragu quality - not bad for the typical palate..I just like pepper and garlic in my marinara. My hubby was pleased with it.
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1012383.jpg

I had the chicken parmigiana - I have to say the sauce was spicy and tasty and the chicken was breaded just right..and was moist...and tasty. Could have used a bit more mozzarella - but other than that it was a ton of food and I could not finish it...but I tried! it was good!
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1012384.jpg

Hubby got the Shrimp Scampi as a entree...
"Shrimp Scampi Linguini - with Sun-dried Tomatoes and Asparagus tossed in a Garlic Sauce $16.99"
He said it was not what he was used to (with the Asparagus but it was listed on menu) , but that it was tasty, and he finished all of it
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1012385.jpg

My Son got the Spaghetti & Meatballs - Menu reads
"Spaghetti - with choice of Meatballs or Sweet Italian Sausage with Marinara Sauce $16.99- Crostini served with all Pasta Dishes"
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1012386.jpg
The meatballs were HUGE..he only could finish one...and I had a tiny taste..they didnt load it up with breadcrumbs which is what I was expecting...but it wasnt very moist, or spicy...Just kinda blah.. He really didnt finish much of this and I can see why. there wasnt enough sauce to properly moisten the rest of the pasta under the meatballs.

DD Got the Pizza...typical Kid menu fare - she ate half.
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1012388.jpg
Here are my kids being silly after the meal waiting for their deserts
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1012396.jpg

For Desert I ordered the Coconut Pinapple Cheesecake...It was a mound of cheesecake with tiny pieces of coconut and pinapple measured on top of a layer of gram cracker crust...it was really pretty tasty..but filling. I only ate half of mine. I loved the brown sugar image of lady and the tramp on the plate - Hubby & DS got the same desert and BOTH finished all of it
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1012401.jpg
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1012406.jpg
DD got the typical kids ice cream sundae
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1012403.jpg
Here are the kids sitting next to the fountain on our exit
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1012407.jpg

Overall - we had a very nice meal here...and even with a few negative observations, I would definitely come back here again

$$$$ We used 3 (Adult) TS credits here and 1 (child) TS credit
Had we paid OOP 102.57 with a 18% tip of 18.53
WE PAID 29.17 with disney reward dollars

[mikkiwikki]

After lunch it was a lot of BTM railroad and POTC
Then the kids decided they were too hot, and we left around 3pm to go swimming as we typically do..

I think Ill take this opportunity to critque the Polynesians Pool facilities.
I have to say for the number of people that are in this hotel - the pool simply is NOT big enough. or possibly in August ..EVERYONE has to get into the pool at 3pm...due to the high humidity...whatever the case, on every occasion we used the pool (minus on our exit day when we were in the pool shortly after breakfast at 8am) the pool was very very crowded.

In addition to there being many people in the pool - there were not enough tables and chairs to accomodate the guests looking for one...in addition
They had these crazy plants in the middle of the sidewalk that obstructed your view of the pool. As a parent who maybe somehow successfully secured 1 of 7 tables available to watch my children...and THEN ...to have my table be behind a very large (but beautiful) hibiscus bush ...i can say it was definitely more than a bit of an annoyance. I love the poly for its foliage...don't get me wrong.but there were several tables by the pool where you simply could sit but see nothing in the pool due to your obstructed view via the foliage. I feel like they need a parent who is also a exterior landscape designer to come by and review the layout around the pool for parental supervision because its really poor.

To the degree that Hubby and I were consistently asking tables occupied if we could borrow a chair to sit and supervise our children by the pool. It was really quite silly...Most parents are going to be situated where the slide OFFshoot is...in this location there were like 4 tables that had a good view...all the rest were at the end of the zero entry pool and could not see the end of the slide...a place most tweens spend the majority of their time using....

Ok Im done for now! :rolleyes1

Captn Cooks up next for Dinner!

[jdd]

wow am I that boring? No comments? :lmao:

No, not at all!! I'm much more of a lurker, and don't post much on TRs - I just like to see the pictures, and live through someone else's vacation :)

We really enjoyed Tony's on our last trip - it's always tough to get a place that everyone in the family enjoys and Tony's worked well for that. Nothing spectacular, but basic, good Italian...

[ostrom]

We also have a ADR at Tony's...Great pre-trip info for me!!!

[mikkiwikki]

No, not at all!! I'm much more of a lurker, and don't post much on TRs - I just like to see the pictures, and live through someone else's vacation :).

Oh good I was worried my writing wasnt tantalizing enough...:laughing:

We really enjoyed Tony's on our last trip - it's always tough to get a place that everyone in the family enjoys and Tony's worked well for that. Nothing spectacular, but basic, good Italian...

Right nothing was like "knock your socks off"...but we did not go there for that. It was hearty italian food, slightly homogenized...and there was lots of it! What I liked about my chicken was that it was a real cutlet you could tell - not some preformed, preprocessed pre-breaded thing. So that made me happy - the fact that the sauce wasn't loaded with garlic and pepper (the way I make it) - was totally expected. If you are fine with Ragu with a few onions and spices ( a *little* oregano, and a *little* basil) thrown in - you will probably be happy here.

EXCEPT - I would definitely ask of a side of sauce, because they give you way too much pasta and not enough sauce:snooty:

[mikkiwikki]

We also have a ADR at Tony's...Great pre-trip info for me!!!

Cool Beans! Glad to help!
I thought the service was great here too...our waitress was very attentive...and brought us drinks multiple times...and checked right after we had a chance to taste our food. Overall this was THE surprise winner for the family. (for the most part minus the blah...meatballs)....but like I said I think we are just a 'spicy' family - My kids have come to expect that restaurants don't cook the way mamma does...:rotfl: so overall they were fine with their food.

[mikkiwikki]

I just explained to my daughter how at the Poly they pipe music into the water... She looked at me perplexed and said "mommy sound doesnt go in water?" I told her she was wrong....and can't wait until she discovers Poly's special surprise. I was psyched to hear they still did this because I still remember it as a child. It's funny how the little touches have such an impact...don't you think?? pixiedust:pixiedust:pixiedust:

Also - remember all how I told my DD about this before the trip? they totally still do this...and I neglected to mention...the first night we were there DD slid down the slide..came out of the water and said "Mommy - there is no music!"

I was dismayed! Then I asked the life guard...who said oh no there is music! come over here by my Lifeguard chair dive down...by those lights...sure enough we could hear the Poly loop playing...DD went balistic! She hopped out of the pool to go get her father and show him as well...yelling there's music underwater! There's music underwater. :rotfl: it was very cute...and I was so excited she shared my enthusiasm I remember having as a child. :yay:

[saintstickets]

We've never tried Tony's either. Might have to go for lunch next trip. Keep the TR coming. Really lovin' it!

[mikkiwikki]

This afternoon seemed to be a blur of
Monsters INc Laugh floor -

Hubby got chosen as the guy who ' would buy churros for the entire audience'
they also made some crack about his shirt (that I bought him) and his awesome fashion sense) ugh... oops? :laughing:

Anyways after a few BTM railroad rides..(can you tell what our fave is?)
We decided to hit the pool...(pretty predictable eh?) Note the humongous foliage referenced earlier

http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/IMG_0947.jpg

Pina colava...(very weak IMHO - go with a maitai instead)
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/IMG_0949.jpg

dd was big into making sandcastles on this trip so we spent some time on the beach
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/IMG_0951.jpg
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/IMG_0952.jpg
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/IMG_0950.jpg
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/IMG_0953.jpg
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/IMG_0954.jpg

That evening we ate at Captn Cooks - 4CS credits! 3AD 1 CH
I had the "Stir-Fried Noodles with Chicken $8.49" Too many chips not enough chicken
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/IMG_0955.jpgEveryone else had burgers - (sorry about the tiny bite)
"1/3 lb Angus Bacon Cheeseburger $8.79"
That were tasty per everyone's recollection and too big!
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/IMG_0956.jpg

[mikkiwikki]

First let me start with a photo of some of the beautiful foliage at the Poly

http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/IMG_1013.jpg

http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/IMG_1009.jpg

Don't see those anywhere else on property!

Today the plan was to tour Epcot -
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010242.jpg

Specifically we wanted to do the following Soaring, Test Track, Test Track again, Sum of all Thrills in Innoventions
Living Land, Living Seas, and Innoventions West.


We did Test track twice, loped over to Mexico did the river ride...then the kids went on a little souvenir spree. DS needed to buy bongo drums and DD had to get a pinata.

http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010243.jpg
Then we ended up walking around the world showcase...Went to Norway
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010245.jpg

spent some more money in Japan...on souvies...

Went To MITSUKOSHI...and purchased TWO pokemon...after much much much discussion..about what was best for whom

a PLUSH TEPIG for DD
http://jzool.com/images/P/SKU20836_1.jpg

and Plush OSHAWOTT for DS
http://jzool.com/images/T/SKU20834_T.jpg

KIDDOS are big time Pokemon fans...can you tell?

finally made our way around to Canada

Picture of kids waiting for our table..at LECELLIER!
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010207.jpg

One thing that happened on this trip that I have never seen before...Was the official opening of the restaurant. The lead server showed up and encouraged all the staff to sing the National Anthem of Canada. IN both english and french. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IBoItR59REQ
I thought it was very nice. But at the end they said - LETS PLAY HOCKEY. and everyone laughed. I wish I had a video but it was rather unexpected.

We were seated in the back right of the dining room kinda in the middle ...no booth this time.
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010208.jpg

I ordered up a "Unibroue - La fin du Monde" - which is a triple brew....cannot get anywhere easily..
...The term translates literally to "End of the world" apparently - Cheery! The taste was complex, full of hops and barley and was one of the finest beers I have ever had the pleasure of tasting...just beyond excellent. to the point that Im looking to get some shipped to my house. no kidding...Do you know where i can get some? if so please tell.

http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010210.jpg

Yummy bread sticks to start - Kids LOVE the dark pretzel bread...they always fight for it.
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010211.jpg
Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup - Made with Moosehead Beer and Smoked Bacon Cup $5.49 Bowl $6.99
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010212.jpg
Le Cellier Mushroom Filet Mignon - with wild mushroom risotto, white truffle and herb butter sauce $26.99
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010215.jpg
The risotto was a little undercooked but the filet was melt in your mouth good:thumbsup2

DH New York Strip Steak - with bercy butter, served with Gruyere-Yukon Gold potato gratin $31.99 - HE WAS happy with this cut
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010216.jpg
DS burger
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010214.jpg
dd pizza
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010217.jpg

DESERT
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010223.jpg
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010224.jpg
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010225.jpg
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010227.jpg
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010229.jpg
$$$$ We used 3 (adult) TS credits and 1 (child) TS credit on this meal
Had we paid OOP it would have been 161.84(with a 20% tip)

Next we were off for more Epcot fun
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010234.jpg
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010235.jpghttp://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010236.jpg

[Mulan2]

Great TR! You are so detailed and funny!
BTW, where did you get Hula Hula Kitty? She is too cute!
Waiting for more since I know there is more!

[mikkiwikki]

We've never tried Tony's either. Might have to go for lunch next trip. Keep the TR coming. Really lovin' it!

Gwarsh...thanks! :goofy:

We were there until the 29th!! so I have lots more to write...

[mikkiwikki]

Great TR! You are so detailed and funny!
BTW, where did you get Hula Hula Kitty? She is too cute!
Waiting for more since I know there is more!

Hula Hula kitty is really a "hello kitty" toy I borrowed from my daughter for the trip. She protested but I told her it was the kitty or the highway...:rotfl: lol just kidding.

I really don't know where she acquired it ...she has many stuffies. :cutie:

Good to see you reading!! im trying to do two updates a day which can be tough!

[mikkiwikki]

I got a couple of PMS about 'la fin du monde'
I wanted to share their website
http://www.unibroue.com/en/beers/la_fin_du_monde/

SERIOUSLY try it you will like!

http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010210.jpg

This beer is heavenly! my new *all time* fave and that says a lot because I'm one old broad..(well... over 40 ...thats old right?) lol
Came home from work today and hubby had two waiting for me...lol
I knew I married that man for a reason :rotfl:

P.S I made a few updates on previous posts around meal costs etc. ONTO ELECTRICAL WATER PAGEANT

[mikkiwikki]

That after noon we did a few more epcot rides...and got rained on heavily...which resulted in us leaving the park early.

After going back to the Poly for some swimming, until dark. They do Smores for this kids on the beach which I thought was a nice touch

http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/IMG_0999.jpg
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/IMG_1001.jpg
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/IMG_1002.jpg

http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/IMG_1006.jpg
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/IMG_1008.jpg
Hubby jammin - to Elvis...playing on the beach
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/IMG_1004.jpg


AFTER smores - we watched the EWP. this is not my video but literally this is exactly as it was for us. My son was SOO excited to see this each night after this initial showing. We had been listening to it from our balcony on previous nights because I was trying to get the kids to bed at a reasonable hour...Tonight was the first night my kids experienced it and it was a big hit. As a kid I remember this show...and it was totally different music, but i appreciated it nonetheless.:thumbsup2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yYGYl1k33Ps
make sure to watch the end!!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xNqlk93kd_M

HERE is the original music which do you like better? I think Im partial to the original
even older Original EWP (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Kfj3YcentI)

I have to say - staying at the Polynesian and seeing EWP at 9pm every night is a BIG draw to me and my family.

[QuirkyBelle]

Hey mikkiwikki! Sorry I've been MIA, but don't worry, I have not abandoned you. I've been really sick these last few days (vomiting, fever...you get the picture :sick:). Today is the first day that I can look at a computer without feeling super dizzy, in fact it's the first day I've even cared about anything going on. Luckily I'm starting to feel better.

On to your trip report... Looks like you had a pretty good time (better than the luau anyway :lmao:). Food looks pretty decent too. In fact all the food in your updates is making my mouth water, especially those bread sticks (might be the fact that I've barely eaten since Sunday).

I think it's so awesome that the Poly pool plays music underwater. I stayed there when I was 3, but I don't think we ever made it to the pool, and even if we had I don't think I would have remembered the music. :laughing:

Can't wait to hear about the next day!

[mikkiwikki]

Hey mikkiwikki! Sorry I've been MIA, but don't worry, I have not abandoned you. I've been really sick these last few days (vomiting, fever...you get the picture :sick:). Today is the first day that I can look at a computer without feeling super dizzy, in fact it's the first day I've even cared about anything going on. Luckily I'm starting to feel better.

On to your trip report... Looks like you had a pretty good time (better than the luau anyway :lmao:). Food looks pretty decent too. In fact all the food in your updates is making my mouth water, especially those bread sticks (might be the fact that I've barely eaten since Sunday).

I think it's so awesome that the Poly pool plays music underwater. I stayed there when I was 3, but I don't think we ever made it to the pool, and even if we had I don't think I would have remembered the music. :laughing:

Can't wait to hear about the next day!

uGh Ugh ugH ..so sorry Quirky! being sick sucks.:sad2:
I'm glad you are feeling better! Hang in there.....:guilty:

[mikkiwikki]

The plan today was to arrive at the park 30 mins before park opening then do toy story mania.

What actually ended up happening - was that I could not get anyone out of bed until 8am. Then we went to Captn Cooks for Coffee/snacks then we caught a bus from TTC to Hollywood Studios around 10am.

We went straight to...STAR TOURS...INSTEAD. Here are the kids waiting to get in
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010249.jpghttp://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010250.jpg

DS was REALLY looking forward to the changes made to this ride and it did not disappoint. The *new* Star tours from the pre-loading video to the C3PO intro to the ride - (and its different each time you ride it ) is just totally awesome..OK this is totally going to ruin it SPOILER ALERT..but if you don t have the glasses..its blurry..you have to see this ride!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5fkcK28fgw4

My daughter totally loved the version where you get attacked by the sea squid...she was THRILLED and wanted to ride it again and again...My son just loved seeing Darth Vader

[mikkiwikki]

We went to Starring Rolls for lunch - We got two sandwiches that were HUMONGEOUS... Hugely useful use of a Counter Service credit.
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010252.jpg
We got a one Turkey (not pictured) and one ham (picture above) . Sandwiches came with chips -
"Black Forest Ham Sandwich - with chips or fresh fruit $9.19"

We were able to easily split the sandwiches...and everyone had plenty to eat...Only used 2 QS credits!

For deserts we picked up 1 Chocolate chip muffin
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010253.jpg
sIMIlarly huge that could be split....I did not have any but hubby shared with kids..the sandwich was more than enough for me

and a Cream cheese danish for DD and apple juice, OJ and iced tea..

We did end up using 2 snacks with extra drinks.

We are always happy with our lunches at starring Rolls.:woohoo:

$$$Cost if I paid OOP 40.34 >>>> ACTUAL COST ZERO !!!

[mikkiwikki]

After lunch we headed over to Toy Story Mania
Hubby acting like a goofball
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010254.jpghttp://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010255.jpgDD pouting & SILLY KIDS:goodvibes
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010256.jpghttp://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010257.jpghttp://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010259.jpg
We just love Toy Story mania - HOWEVER I GUESS ON this ride..DD got a NON-working shooter...and proceeded to ruin it for DH...because she complained the entire ride that her shooter did not work. :sad2:
Anyways NEXT it was off to a Indiana Jones stunt show
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010260.jpg
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010261.jpg
WHICH was extremely HOT...there were like 4 fans in the humongeous stadium...and given that there were over 1000 people and it was 90+ degrees...welll you get the picture...we were full blast with the misting fans and fanning ourselves with maps we had...and THEN of course the show (which we love) has lots of firey explosions...Which adds to the heat...anyways...when we left the show which was great...we saw Phineas and Ferb...a current fave with the kiddos..Um these are not my kids in pic..the line was ridiculous so I just took a pic with some other kids..LOL
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010265.jpg

NEXT WE lined up for the next show "Studio Backlot Tour"
(my family acting ridiculous...apologieshttp://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010281.jpg)
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010267.jpghttp://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010268.jpghttp://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010269.jpghttp://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010270.jpghttp://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010275.jpghttp://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010266.jpghttp://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010276.jpghttp://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010280.jpghttp://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010281.jpghttp://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010282.jpghttp://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010283.jpg

After some mulling through the "Honey I Shrunk the Kids" Playground..which mostly consisted of my chasing small children and ensuring they didnt get lost - so no pictures! They then decided STAR TOURS had to be persued once again

DD was thrilled that she got in her words got "hired by Disney to do an important job" upon entering Star Tours
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010284.jpg
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010285.jpg
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010286.jpg
oops Ive maxed out the number of photos I can post in a message...stay tuned!

[mikkiwikki]

TRIVIA QUESTION

This Polynesian Longhouse - "Tuvalu"

What does it translate to in english and what is its historical meaning?:confused3

Buzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz! no one got the answer

The name "Tuvalu" means "eight together", referring to the eight islands which were inhabited.
NANMUEA NANUMANGA NIUTAO NUI VAITUPU FANAFUTI NUKULEAUA NIULAKITA

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flag_of_Tuvalu

[glennbo123]

I remember sweating so much at the Indiana Jones show that my eyes were burning from sweat and sunscreen.


That's probably too much information, isn't it?

Okay, in that case, I'll just say I know what you mean....it can really get hot at the Indiana Jones show!

[mikkiwikki]

I remember sweating so much at the Indiana Jones show that my eyes were burning from sweat and sunscreen.


That's probably too much information, isn't it?

Okay, in that case, I'll just say I know what you mean....it can really get hot at the Indiana Jones show!

Nope! I TOTALLY get it..I remember craning my neck to maybe mayyyybe possibly catch a tiny draft from the extremely small fans in the ceiling...as the sweat poured down my neck....LOL :upsidedow

Totally agree...Indianna Jones in August...tough!

[mikkiwikki]

After a long day at Hollywood Studios the kids really really wanted to go to Trex for dinner. They loved this place the last time we went here....the decorations inside are just astounding!

Here is the menu from allears...http://allears.net/menu/menu_trex.htm
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010303.jpghttp://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010306.jpghttp://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010307.jpghttp://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010308.jpghttp://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010309.jpghttp://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010310.jpg

I got the TBONE..this was out of this world good....the best steak of the trip.
"Tyrannosaurus T-Bone - Charbroiled certifed Angus Beef T-bone steak topped with steak butter and served with red skinned garlic mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables $31.99"
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010314.jpg
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010319.jpg

DS got Bronto Burger - A 100% beef burger piled high with a fried onion ring, pickles, lettuce, tomato and your choice of cheese. $13.49
He finished all of it to my surprise so it must have been good. He also got two chocolate milks
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010315.jpg
DH GOT this and loved it...I was surprised as he usually is not a chicken guy
"Boneyard Buffet - Fire-roasted Rotisserie Chicken and Mega Mes-O-Bones served with waffle fries and your choice of one of the following sides: garlic mashed potatoes, Raptor rice, baked beans, cinnamon apples, cole slaw or roasted vegetables $26.99"
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010316.jpg
Paleo Pizza - Cheese or pepperoni $6.99
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010317.jpg

Chocolate Extinction - A gigantic portion of chocolate fudge cake served with ice cream, fresh whipped cream drizzled with fudge and caramel sauces and sprinkled with Butterfinger crumbs. Enough for two or more. $14.99 It was really really good
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010321.jpg
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010322.jpg


10% off this meal with My Safari Club discount
total OOP was 109.06

[mikkiwikki]

ON THIS DATE - as soon as I walked into the park I was approached by disney marketing...

Now - this is all very hush hush but I GOT picked to go to the special VIP lounge and got a 100$ gift cert for one hour of my trouble!
:woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo:
Family was not obligated to come...they wanted me! Ya! Now- I can't say what for! because I swore an oath of silence. But I was very psyched....DH took kids to Space Ship earth...and test track in my absence.

DH - had my hidden mickey book in hand...Did you know there are hidden mickeys in the painting when you enter SpaceShip Earth?..*Actually* they are everywhere...The kids are just old enough to appreciate doing these scavenger hunts so we had a blast with the 'Hidden Mickey's book' this year.
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010325.jpg

After doing living the Land (I have to do that Behind the seeds tour someday)
We went on Test Track (again) and finding all the hidden mickeys in the line waiting area for that ride...(there are 6 if you are in the stand-by line...)

We started to saunter over to World Showcase...We did our Mexico ride, and Norway "Maelstrom" or "the Troll ride" as my kids call it.
..Then over to China....where we watched the 180 theatre movie show about china. We just love the China Pavillion....Took this pic by the garden.
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010327.jpg

We decided we needed to do a better job of using up our CS credits...so
We went over to the American Adventure....Liberty Inn.

Very cool that the Fife and drum band was doing their number when we arrived and then proceeded to walk into the dining room with Flags...and announce themselves....I didn't get a picture...but it was fun.
It was kinda crowded and we had never eaten here...

Menu from all Ears...http://allears.net/menu/men_li.htm

1/3 lb Angus Burger with BBQ sauce bacon and onion rings on it...8.99
Is not on the allears menu at all...and I had a tiny taste of hubbies and did not like it ...it was too much....sauce and onion rings! who does that? :confused3

http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010328.jpg This burger was huge. My hubby liked and and finished it ...I thought it was gross looking :lmao:
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010333.jpg

DD Chicken nuggets - $4.99 - these nuggets were huge and seemed like they were not processed chicken meat...it looked like real chicken...DD loved these.http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010330.jpg
DS hot dog....Sorry about the bite.
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010331.jpg

Apple pie for Desert...these were so tasty! very moist and tons of apples and just the right amount of cinnamon. The crust was flakey and everyone loved it.

They also gave us these HUMONGEOUS sodas...we could not finish them all...but I supposed most people are very happy with the size of the sodas...you could trek the desert and not be able to finish it.


$$$ TOTAL OOP WAS 63.36! BUT I paid ZERO! WE USED 4 qs credits.

http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010332.jpg

After lunch kids just wanted to do Test track again, but the line was so long we decided to can it...:sad2:

After our Epcot adventures we returned to the room.

Housekeeping at the Poly was wonderful...:wizard:

First when I got back to the room I had a 40% discount code card...:cool1: What can I say Disney just loved me today!

http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010246.jpg wow I NEED TO BOOK THIS..I thought and left on the table that evening... a little foreshadowing...will she book it...if so where? :banana:

*and* On this date - when we got back from the parks we saw the following.
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010161.jpg

Its the Tramp family ...all arranged nicely on DDs bed - off for more swimming and EWP that evening.
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010162.jpg

[mikkiwikki]

RIGHT around this time frame we became intently aware of Hurricane Irene...
Whats that I say to my husband? Its heading up the East Coast? REally ? NO WAY!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hurricane_Irene_(2011)
"After briefly weakening on August 23-24 however, Irene began to develop a distinct eye encircled by an area of deepening convection the next morning"

So thus began our panicked tracking of this storm. Would it Hit FLorida? ...WHAT WOULD that look like - would we be stranded at the Polynesian forever>? Perish the thought! :laughing:

We began to see more and more frequent rain storms and windy skies around this time...Would it disrupt our plans or travel home? These are only our initial thoughts as we then on a daily basis began consuming Weather reports about the storm. As it turns out we had good reason to be concerned! :scared1: Did I mention we live in VERMONT?

[jdd]

ON THIS DATE - as soon as I walked into the park I was approached by disney marketing...

Now - this is all very hush hush but I GOT picked to go to the special VIP lounge and got a 100$ gift cert for one hour of my trouble!
:woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo:
Family was not obligated to come...they wanted me! Ya! Now- I can't say what for! because I swore an oath of silence. But I was very psyched....DH took kids to Space Ship earth...and test track in my absence.

So cool - I would love to be involved with that :thumbsup2

DH - had my hidden mickey book in hand...Did you know there are hidden mickeys in the painting when you enter SpaceShip Earth?..*Actually* they are everywhere...The kids are just old enough to appreciate doing these scavenger hunts so we had a blast with the 'Hidden Mickey's book' this year. I've decided to put a Hidden Mickey book in my son's "birthday basket" to give him on the trip - I'm sure I'll enjoy it as much as him!

After doing living the Land (I have to do that Behind the seeds tour someday) My son and I did this tour last year - really enjoyed it, very informative :goodvibes

First when I got back to the room I had a 40% discount code card...:cool1: What can I say Disney just loved me today!
Do you remember if there were any 2012 dates on that bounceback?? I'd love to book next year's vacation when we're there at the end of the month!:dance3:

[mikkiwikki]

Do you remember if there were any 2012 dates on that bounceback?? I'd love to book next year's vacation when we're there at the end of the month!:dance3:

Actually the card went to March 2012 - but not next summer...which is what I was interested in...Actually - that brings me to a nice story...

A little foreshadowing...The next day we went the parks and when we came home the card was GONE...I was beside myself because I meant to call..but didnt have time that first night it appeared...I ended up sending hubby to the front desk to get the card...they said that housekeeping had been instructed to remove them from the rooms that a NEW offer was coming..I actually have seen a picture of the NEW Offer in the Discount thread...AND Hubby was able to scurry up a copy. They had 2012 dates for the page (with a graphic of Ratatoullie) we saw but the offer was limited to Wilderness Lodge OR Beach club. Unfortunately even the new card had the dates that only went to march.

[jdd]

Actually the card went to March 2012 - but not next summer...which is what I was interested in...Actually - that brings me to a nice story...

A little foreshadowing...The next day we went the parks and when we came home the card was GONE...I was beside myself because I meant to call..but didnt have time that first night it appeared...I ended up sending hubby to the front desk to get the card...they said that housekeeping had been instructed to remove them from the rooms that a NEW offer was coming..I actually have seen a picture of the NEW Offer in the Discount thread...AND Hubby was able to scurry up a copy. They had 2012 dates for the page (with a graphic of Ratatoullie) we saw but the offer was limited to Wilderness Lodge OR Beach club. Unfortunately even the new card had the dates that only went to march.

Well, that's a bummer! We've done the Beach Club, and weren't crazy about it, and with 5 people, we'd have to get a higher priced room at Wilderness Lodge. I would really like to stay there someday, but maybe for just a DH and I trip :cloud9:. That won't be happening for a few years though ;)

[mikkiwikki]

So cool - I would love to be involved with that :thumbsup2


YES The 100$ gift cert was a nice surprise!

I've decided to put a Hidden Mickey book in my son's "birthday basket" to give him on the trip - I'm sure I'll enjoy it as much as him!

He will love it!! So much fun..I also made these cute little 'hidden mickey books for the kids to scribble where they 'saw' the hidden mickeys...they loved writing their own descriptions of it..and drawing pictures...I just took some standard 8 1/2 X 11 paper...folded in 4 squares...then stapled it all together...and wrote on the front " HIDDEN MICKEYS' WHERE I FOUND THEM...
The kids had so much fun with these...:goodvibes and its a nice momento when they come home so much more fun than the autograph books. wait maybe I should patent this idea... lol


My son and I did this tour last year - really enjoyed it, very informative :goodvibes
I'm planning on doing this next year...glad to hear you liked it! :thumbsup2

Do you remember if there were any 2012 dates on that bounceback?? I'd love to book next year's vacation when we're there at the end of the month!:dance3:

my camera wasnt very good...definitely bringing a 12MP camera next trip...Let me know if there is bounceback on your trip next month! I might sneak in a day over Christmas without my hubbies knowledge shh! its a secret! crossing my fingers for a bounceback for next august

[mikkiwikki]

After some more touring we were off to Garden Grill - as the kids love the characters here:love::hug:
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010338.jpg
Look Hidden Mickey - it was all about the Hidden mickeys this trip.
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010340.jpg

We always get such great family pics here...Its all about the characters:wizard:http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010348.jpghttp://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010349.jpghttp://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010350.jpghttp://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010352.jpghttp://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010353.jpghttp://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010355.jpghttp://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010356.jpghttp://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010366.jpghttp://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010367.jpg

A VERY cute moment was when my daughter wrote on a napkin "I LOVE CHIP" with a big HEART....AND THEN showed it to him...he was just gushing to DD after that..and THEN showed the napkin to Mickey and HE played along and acted indigNent it was very funny. Then chip started playing tricks on Mickey putting the napkin in mickeys trousers. AND pointing and laughing... Very funny...we all laughed...especially my DD. http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010373.jpg
Here is Picture with Chip Holding the Napkin

Then the food starts coming...Everything on the first platter was excellent. Menu from Allears: http://allears.net/menu/menu_gg.htm

"Warm Breads with Maple Butter
Harvest-inspired Farmer's Salad
Char-grilled Beef Strip Loin with Herb Sea Salt
Roasted All Natural Turkey Bresat with Cranberry-Orange Relish
Sustainable Fish of the Day with a Florida Citrus Crumb
Garden Fresh Vegetables Smashed Potatoes / Turkey Dressing"

http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010346.jpghttp://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010363.jpghttp://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010364.jpghttp://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010365.jpg
The last two pics are the kids plates....which they reportedly liked.

After eating everything above and very pleased with everything...My Hubby ordered a second platter (its all you can eat) BUT evidently we should have stopped.- I have to sadly report...I took one bite of the beef and :sick: The beef just tasted soOoOoOoOO BAD...like it was rotten...I just stopped eating immediately and called the waitress over. She was very apologetic and wanted to know if I wanted to talk to the cook etc...to which I just said...NOPE I just want someone to know your serving rotten beef! so someone doesnt get sick..Seriously we were very surprised as we have always had nice meals there. I guess it can happen anywhere...and as I said everything tasted fine with the first platter.

Deserts
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010370.jpghttp://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010369.jpg


$$Somehow managed to lose my Garden Grill receipt but based on the all ears menu it would have been OOP 103.96 OOP
We paid zero (well just the tip 15$ in this case)

All in all ...even with the ROTTEN beef.LOL...I still would come back!
I really do think any restaurant might have that happen..Ill definitely write disney however...
we still always have a marvelous time here.

[mikkiwikki]

Ok ok I know this song is EILEEN...not IRENE .BUT * all** I could think about today when we got TOTALLY DRENCHED...WAS C'MON IRENE!! give me a break!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bdX98BxtnQY


After Epcot we came home and tried to go swimming it was just simply hilarious...the kids were in the pool like 20 minutes...and the BLACK clouds came out of no where...One CLAP of lightening....and they ordered everyone out of the pool....

Imagine this...SHEETS of rain...so hard you cannot see where you are going...and everyone in swimsuits! Hubby was in the room..Lucky fellow.
Ok so you kinda need a map to follow my next explanation
http://www.wdwinfo.com/resortmaps/polymap.htm

I basically rounded the kids up under a TREE...right outside the exit from the volcanoe pool. THEN WE MADE a mad dash for SAMOA...then walked through that building and got STUCK trying to get back to our room..but the rain and lightning was so furious that we decided to sit outside SAMOA ...the rain was coming down so furiously that the staff brought out a huge squigie thing to push the rain off the sidewalk...not wanting all the water to come into that building...I grabbed my cell phone out of the back pack I had been carrying and called hubby....and said you are not going to believe this...but we are kinda stranded ..with this storm sitting outside of samoa. He said I know I was taking a nap and heard the rain pummelling the window....are you ok? To which I said I was fine but I have no idea how i will get the kids home in this....He said good luck..!

Basically I grabbed the ponchos out of the backpack I had been carrying...found a towel off the housekeeping cart...wrapped my cell phone in it..and ponchoed the kids up....
The housekeeping staff were talking about how the rain was going SIDEWAYS and that was not a good sign...not being from Florida..and not knowing what that meant...I prepared to make a mad dash for TOKELAU..

What would happen?:scared1:

[QuirkyBelle]

I haven't been to the garden grill in years, but it looks delicious, even with the rotten beef (which seriously sounds really disgusting). And what an awesome character interaction! :thumbsup2 You guys look like you were really into the food this trip. :laughing:

I can't believe how horrible that rain was. Hope you made it back alright!

[mikkiwikki]

I haven't been to the garden grill in years, but it looks delicious, even with the rotten beef (which seriously sounds really disgusting). And what an awesome character interaction! :thumbsup2 You guys look like you were really into the food this trip. :laughing:

I can't believe how horrible that rain was. Hope you made it back alright!

Ya actually we were kinda bummed we got seated in the upper section...as in years past we were seated in a booth next to the rotating outer circle of the restaurant. BUT we actually had a lot of great character interaction there.:yay:

Yes Im italian so food is important.. ;) I know Im stereo typing and dont care.
:laughing:

[mikkiwikki]

http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010380.jpg
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010381.jpg
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010382.jpg
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010383.jpg
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010384.jpg
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010385.jpg

[mikkiwikki]

On this date we choose to go to Animal Kingdom...My DD was intent on seeing the kilimanjaro Safari's first. So was Hula Hula Kitty!

http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010387.jpg

So off we went to see - what my DD describes as the BEST ride of DISNEY ever...Why? Animals!its all about the animals with this child who as proclaimed she wants to be a vet at the tender age of 8.

We see Hippos!
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010388.jpg
We see trees! Actually there is a cheetah in there somewhere... :laughing:

http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010390.jpg
We see giraffes but my camera malfunctions and I do not get a picture!

Upon departure from the ride DD becomes very interested in the wood carvings of this gentleman. She is mad at me in this pic because I choose not to purchase a walking stick for her.
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010391.jpg

By lunch we were arguing about where to go..but ultimately the children won with their vote for Pizzasafari..

Here is the menu and prices
http://allears.net/menu/menu_piz.htm

DDs lunch
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010392.jpg

My lunch "Caesar Salad with Chicken $7.79" - There was like 4 pieces of chicken in this salad...and a bit dry
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010394.jpg
Hubbies lunch Hot Italian-Style Sandwich served with Chips $8.59
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010395.jpg
DD being a smart aleck
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010397.jpg
Both kids got pizza's - AND Liked them
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010398.jpg

$$$ We paid zero for this meal - 4 CS credits

[mikkiwikki]

Ok so in all the trips we have been on previously - we have never made it over to the Bone yard...

http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010399.jpg

We went here AFTER GOING to TREX...a few nights previously

Here is DDs critique. TREX IS BETTER...you get BRUSHES to clear the bones...not yucky SHOVELS that are broken..and the GRAVEL at TREX is nicer - dry not wet and yucky. I have to say I watched both experiences quite closely - and while Disney's boneyard had more BONES...I would rather be at TREX as well. :rotfl:

http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010400.jpg
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010401.jpg
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010402.jpg

[QuirkyBelle]

It's funny how much kids love the playgrounds in the park. Once my sisters and I must have spent 2 hours just playing in the boneyard. Looks like your kids had fun too, even if the one at T-rex was better. I have some great memories from the playgrounds in the parks at Disney, Universal, and SeaWorld. Of course parents spend all this money and the kids have a great time playing on something you can find in every neighborhood (though themed 10X better). :laughing:

[mikkiwikki]

It's funny how much kids love the playgrounds in the park. Once my sisters and I must have spent 2 hours just playing in the boneyard. Looks like your kids had fun too, even if the one at T-rex was better. I have some great memories from the playgrounds in the parks at Disney, Universal, and SeaWorld. Of course parents spend all this money and the kids have a great time playing on something you can find in every neighborhood (though themed 10X better). :laughing:

I know it... I makes you wonder..who is this vacation for exactly? :rotfl:
Paid all this money and we are playing in a sandbox. :laughing:

So very very painfully true....Trex boneyard was one of the biggest hits of the trip...DD and DS begged to return..although we never got back there. :sad1:

We will definitely get back there over Christmas

[mikkiwikki]

http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010403.jpghttp://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010404.jpghttp://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010405.jpghttp://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010406.jpghttp://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010407.jpghttp://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010408.jpghttp://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010410.jpghttp://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010411.jpg
UP next ANOTHER awesome KONA dinner
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010412.jpg


;)

[QuirkyBelle]

The Poly is so beautiful. Loving all of the random hotel pics. You're really making me want to stay there again (especially since I don't remember the last time I stayed there). Can't wait to hear about the Kona dinner.

[mikkiwikki]

A slight change of plans - got my photopass in the mail today so here is a pic of us at Animal Kingdom on 08/25 - What do you think?
I love hubbies expression in the second pic....
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/Photo0069FourBySix.jpg
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/Photo0072FourBySix.jpg

[mikkiwikki]

We had a 6pm ressie...and after lots of swimming we just loved the convenience of this restaurant. Our Server was Ted - Who started the meal with Steamed washcloths and lemons. A nice touch. I do remember thinking...weird we didnt get the towels the other night we ate here? hmm

http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010417.jpg


Here is the MENU (http://allears.net/menu/menu_kcd.htm)

Next Ted took our drink order

I ordered my recently discovered favorite - Kentucky Peach.
Hubby ordered Coke and lime, and the kids ordered Chocolate milk.

The Coconut bread arrived with Pinnaple butter - Warm sweet and tasty as ever...All the fam dove in...and it was gone in seconds.:)
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010416.jpg

And the drinks
Hubbies - Coke and Lime (cough BORING cough)
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010418-1.jpg

Hula Hula kitty decided it was time to PARTY in the Candle. She was trying her hand at firedancing.
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010419.jpghttp://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010420-1.jpg

Mine - Kentucky Peach...I have to find this recipe...so great...Not overpowering and not a fruity sugary migraine inducing drink. Loved it.
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010413.jpg

Here is a recipe I found but definitely not the way mine was made - no mint leaves or Peach pieces, but the rest of the ingredients seem like they might be accurate. HERE (http://www.foodenquirer.com/food-enquirer-channel/food-beverage-recipes/holidays-and-occasions/4th-july/drinks-and-cocktails/kentucky-peach-tea-cooler-recipe.html)

KIDS Having a staring contest
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010421.jpg
DD won...can you tell?
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010422.jpg

Hubbies (not covered on the dining plan appetizer)
"Sticky Wings For Two - Glazed Chicken Wings with tangy Mustarad Drizzle and Toasted Sesame Seeds $12.99" He loves these and tries to get them every trip. This time was no exception.
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010423.jpg

I couldn't decide what to get and wanted something different than the Tuna Oscar I ate the other night so I asked if I could get a plate of NIGIRI ...they said yes...I should have not ordered this...This was the weirdest sushi I had on the trip...too much rice...A total mess..it fell apart while I was eating it..and the fish slices were way to big...I just felt like they didnt know how to make sushi! DH said I should have sent it back with my chopsticks crossed over the plate...but I did not. (fish was fresh...it was just very very messy and not well put together)
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010424.jpg

Hubbie got for an Entree
Teriyaki-style New York Strip - sirloin strip grilled with pineapple teriyaki glaze served with mashed Yukon gold potatoes and stir-fried broccolini $28.99 - EXCEPT He asked that they substitute asparagus...he hates broccolini..they did and he was happy with this steak very much so. They cooked it medium as he asked and it was very lean and tasty by his report
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010425.jpg

DS ordered a cheeseburger off the kids menu HERE (http://allears.net/menu/menu_kck.htm) MY NON adventureous kids. Ted was very accomodating on this point as DS is 11 and didnt like anything on the adult menu. He was happy he could have his burger and it was huge and tasty by his report.
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010426.jpg

Desert - Adults
"Kilauea Torte - An explosion of warm liquid Chocolate inside Chocolate Cookie Volcano $5.49 " This was awesome.
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010429.jpg

Desert - Kids
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010430.jpg

$$$
Had I ordered OOP this meal would have cost 142.65!
Instead we used 3 Ad TS 1 CH TS
PAID 54.46 on Disney Reward Dollars (DRINK & app & Tip)

Tomorrow! We are off to Hollywood Studios...SCI Fi Diner...! And the hunt for Phineas and Ferb Second dimension characters!

[mikkiwikki]

is there anybody out there? :confused::idea: Maybe I need a Trivia question..with the promise of fabtabulous prizes?

OK here goes.

Translation -
Komo mai kau mapuna hoe - translates roughly to "Dip your paddle in." Join in the effort.

If so - what does - Ho'okahi ka 'ilau like ana - Translate to?

Alex is waiting! Prizes await! :wizard: ;)

[glennbo123]

is there anybody out there? :confused:

Still here. And caught up. Love that bread and butter at Kona....some of my favorite things!

Maybe I need a Trivia question..with the promise of fabtabulous prizes?

OK here goes.

Translation -
Komo mai kau mapuna hoe - translates roughly to "Dip your paddle in." Join in the effort.

If so - what does - Ho'okahi ka 'ilau like ana - Translate to?

Alex is waiting! Prizes await! :wizard: ;)

After some "research"....does it mean "wield the paddles together"?

[mikkiwikki]

Ho'okahi ka 'ilau like ana - what does it mean? Prizes Await:woohoo::wizard:
http://www.cbslimited.com/dresses/wp-content/uploads/wheel_of_fortune.jpg


After some "research"....does it mean "wield the paddles together"?

DING DING DING DING DING...

glennnnnnbooo123! YOU ARE CoOoOoOORRRRREEECT! :thumbsup2

OTHER INterpretations Included...

"Work together to move forward. Don't be a canoe filler—a useless person. Many hands make light the work."

TELL US What he has won Vanna????

http://www.pinballnews.com/games/wheeloffortune/backglass.jpg

Giggle - Filp the hair - Well Pat - Gennbo123 has won

:laundy:Free Dry Cleaning for a year :laundy:

:daisy: All inclusive consultation by SuperDuper Landscapers
:daisy: :flower2: :rose: :butterfly

:badpc:Computer Repair for a year by the Geek Squad :badpc:

AND finally our undying appreciation of his trip reports! :worship:

This WOF package is valued at $25,412 Virtual dollars...
CONGRATULATIONS :yay::yay::woohoo::woohoo::banana::banana::cheer2: :cheer2:

[glennbo123]

Yay!! :yay:

Oh, and what about a ceramic dog? Do you remember waaay back on Wheel of Fortune when they would pick the prizes after every puzzle and they were always left with a couple hundred dollars that they would have to blow on some overpriced ceramic dog sculpture? :rotfl2:

[ddluvsdisney]

mikkiwikki- Just found your TR we were there at the same time. We got there 21st, was scheduled to leave the 28th- the day Irene hit. Well needless to say being from MA we didn't get home that day. We were there 2 more days-Yay! thanks to Irene.
I was even looking at your pool pics to see if my kids were in them LOL. I know what you mean about the pool ALWAYS being crowded!!! That was kinda a bummer.
Did you say what longhouse you were in? We were in Tokelau 3rd floor towards the end near beach. Loved it there.
Enjoying your TR

[mikkiwikki]

mikkiwikki- Just found your TR we were there at the same time. We got there 21st, was scheduled to leave the 28th- the day Irene hit. Well needless to say being from MA we didn't get home that day. We were there 2 more days-Yay! thanks to Irene.
I was even looking at your pool pics to see if my kids were in them LOL. I know what you mean about the pool ALWAYS being crowded!!! That was kinda a bummer.
Did you say what longhouse you were in? We were in Tokelau 3rd floor towards the end near beach. Loved it there.
Enjoying your TR

We arrived on the 20th! 2928 Tokelau. 2nd floor...loved it there...We were originally freaked out because our room was right next to theice machine..BUT I have to say I dont think ANYONE uses the ice machines at all! because we were never disturbed by churning ice noises...haha And YES the pool was ALWAYS crowded.

Oh an Irene was kicking into high drama around this time frame...We began by texting some friends daily who were traveling home on the 28th...Both of our *eldest* children were to START their first day of middle school on August 30th...(yes we are crazy to travel a few days before a huge transition- but instead perhaps - call us adventurous :cutie:)

I remember distinctly around this time looking up the weather channel and seeing THIS..http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IdizghSwIfo/Tla0qW1wvmI/AAAAAAAAB0M/WBit6WJJCfM/s1600/irene.jpg
HMMM that doesnt look good...DID I MENTION WE ARE FROM VERMONT?

We (and our close friends) were very nervous that our kids were going to miss the first day of middle school due to IRENE? What would happen? :scared1:
stay tuned!

[mikkiwikki]

Yay!! :yay:

Oh, and what about a ceramic dog? Do you remember waaay back on Wheel of Fortune when they would pick the prizes after every puzzle and they were always left with a couple hundred dollars that they would have to blow on some overpriced ceramic dog sculpture? :rotfl2:


Um If I admit to remembering that I think Im tipping my hand on how old I am or HAR- umph...***OR***
Conversely How good I am at researching these topics via YOUTUBE..lol

CASein point.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YlfX1j7BXUU
Waaoowww LOOk AT THAT COoL TV?!
:rotfl:

[jdd]

I'm still here too - been lurking without posting again. We leave tomorrow :banana: Really have to get busy finishing up work and packing, but I can resist looking at Poly pictures....we don't have Kona on our schedule right now, but may have to add that :thumbsup2

[mikkiwikki]

I'm still here too - been lurking without posting again. We leave tomorrow :banana: Really have to get busy finishing up work and packing, but I can resist looking at Poly pictures....we don't have Kona on our schedule right now, but may have to add that :thumbsup2

cool! GLAD You are still hanging around . YEA!! SO HAPPY for you!
Have a magical time! And hope your Trip report will be shared soon! Ill look for it :) :surfweb:

[mikkiwikki]

On this date we are off to Hollywood Studios!
Here is DD casting me a glare for some Unknown reason
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010440.jpg
Next my son sought out the Bust of WALT At Hollywood studios and wanted to pose with him....many times http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010441.jpghttp://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010442.jpghttp://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010445.jpg
We met up with this great gREen army guy who played alll kinds of games with my DDs map
After that we after going on Toy Story mania multiple times took a few pics. The green men were so awesome..http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010446.jpghttp://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010447.jpghttp://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010448.jpghttp://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010449-1.jpg

[jdd]

cool! GLAD You are still hanging around . YEA!! SO HAPPY for you!
Have a magical time! And hope your Trip report will be shared soon! Ill look for it :) :surfweb:

Thanks - very excited :banana: Our flight takes off at 6pm and I already have butterflies in my stomach - woke up at 5am :rolleyes1

I tried a trip report a couple of years ago (link in my signature), but only made it through the first few days...I went back to finish it (much) later, but the mods had closed it :lmao: I like reading through it every once in a while, though!

[saintstickets]

Here is DD casting me a glare for some Unknown reason
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010440.jpg

I've seen that look before from my own kids and DW too! It's usually when I have a camera in my hand or I'm trying to act WAY cooler than I really am! :rotfl2:

[mikkiwikki]

I've seen that look before from my own kids and DW too! It's usually when I have a camera in my hand or I'm trying to act WAY cooler than I really am! :rotfl2:

Ya I get that look from DD almost daily these days.
must be the age :confused:

[mikkiwikki]

DS was adamant that we do SciFi diner on this trip. He loves the corny 50s movie flicks and I have to say DH and I do too!
It actually was a very difficult ADR to get...(mostly because he announced quite close to our departure date that he wanted to go here) so basically daily I was checking for Ressies during FREE DINING...

We ended up securing a lunch reservation. From everything I have read on these boards the key to a fine meal - was to order items that were frequently ordered. We did just that and everyone was very pleased and asking to return in short order. Actually the CM that served us was super kind and took a family picture at the end of our meal..last picture

http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010451.jpghttp://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010452.jpghttp://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010453.jpghttp://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010454.jpghttp://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010455.jpghttp://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010457.jpghttp://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010461.jpghttp://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010463.jpghttp://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010464.jpghttp://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010471.jpghttp://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010472.jpg<<Pic the CM took of us! I was pleased ;-)

[QuirkyBelle]

I know how you felt about Irene. My family lives on the Jersey Shore and they were considering evacuating to my place. :scared1: Luckily they just got some rain and wind, nothing too bad.

Can I just say how jealous I am that you got to ride Toy Story Mania multiple times. The only time I've been there since it opened I couldn't get my family up early so all the fast passes were gone and the line was 2+ hours. We finally got in line 20 minutes before park closing hoping the line would go a little faster. I din't care, I was determined to ride it since it was the only new ride for me. Well after waiting 10 minutes they had us evacuate the line. To say I was unhappy is an understatement. :mad: I was soooooo frustrated. Now my mom and I have a day planned at MGM specifially to go on this ride. I will get on it I tell you! I will!

[mikkiwikki]

More Hollywood studios pictures. :goodvibes
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010481.jpghttp://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010482.jpghttp://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010483.jpgMy kids were SOOO EXCITED TO GO ON THE NEW STAR TOURS..It was their favorite ride of the whole trip...I love how they make it so every time you ride it there is potentially a different ending!http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010484.jpghttp://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010485.jpghttp://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010486.jpghttp://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010487.jpghttp://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010490.jpghttp://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010491.jpghttp://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010492.jpg

Then after returning to our room at the POLY
I took a few pics of Housekeeping Warm fuzzies
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010493.jpghttp://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010494.jpg

[ShesAPirate]

I'd been wavering about going to Sci-Fi, wanting to try all new places this trip (and because it would be OOP for us), but your pictures make me feel good about having a lunch ADR secured. I really love the atmosphere and all the corny sci-fi stuff, too. Thanks for helping me decide! :thumbsup2

[mikkiwikki]

I know how you felt about Irene. My family lives on the Jersey Shore and they were considering evacuating to my place. :scared1: Luckily they just got some rain and wind, nothing too bad.


We got nothing for the most part we were very lucky.


Can I just say how jealous I am that you got to ride Toy Story Mania multiple times. The only time I've been there since it opened I couldn't get my family up early so all the fast passes were gone and the line was 2+ hours. We finally got in line 20 minutes before park closing hoping the line would go a little faster. I din't care, I was determined to ride it since it was the only new ride for me. Well after waiting 10 minutes they had us evacuate the line. To say I was unhappy is an understatement. :mad: I was soooooo frustrated. Now my mom and I have a day planned at MGM specifially to go on this ride. I will get on it I tell you! I will!

We love toy story mania and make it a big point to go many times - even at the expense of other things. :thumbsup2

[mikkiwikki]

ALL EARS CAPTN COOKS MENU (http://allears.net/menu/menu_chh.htm)

Croissant Breakfast Sandwich - Scrambled Eggs, bacon, and Cheddar Cheese on a jumbo croissant $5.99
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010495.jpghttp://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010496.jpg

Tonga Toast - banana-stuffed sourdough bread, battered, deep-fried and dusted with cinnamon and sugar $5.19
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010497.jpg

Mickey Waffle $4.59
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010498.jpghttp://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010499.jpghttp://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010500.jpghttp://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010501.jpg

[mikkiwikki]

I'd been wavering about going to Sci-Fi, wanting to try all new places this trip (and because it would be OOP for us), but your pictures make me feel good about having a lunch ADR secured. I really love the atmosphere and all the corny sci-fi stuff, too. Thanks for helping me decide! :thumbsup2

COOL! :thumbsup2

I think actually the food was MUCH better than the last time we went about 3 years ago.. The burgers were cooked to perfection (we asked for medium and they were cooked just right) I ordered the Turkey club. It was multigrain bread that was very fresh, with bacon, and lots of turkey. I loved it - but could not finish! It came with a side of cucumber salad. I remember the waiter telling me I could get either fries or chips...I chose the cukes and they were tossed in vinegar and sugar and were very tasty.

[mikkiwikki]

http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/IMG_0895.jpg
FORGOT to post this earlier...just found
This is our first day checking out the pool after checking out of POP and into the POLY....on our way to the LUAU that never happened...lol
DS had won that guitar in the POP arcade...DD was SoOo excited for the volcano slide! :lovestruck

My kids loved the pool but wished it was bigger The other thing...is I really don't like being able to see the Grand Floridian from the Poly pool...kinda ruins the - transporting me to the islands idea...non? I ACTUALLY feel more like I'm in the islands at CBR! yes you *maybe* can see Bonnet Creek but its WAYYY off in the distance...not in your face like it is here! Maybe they could put some of that HUMONGEOUS foliage that is blocking parents view of the pool over there! So I don't have to look at GF.

Maybe I'm biased...Ill never forget as a kid seeing that hotel go up and being mad..HaHA..

[fromscratchmom]

hehe, I hardly ever get to go to Disney as an adult and I've wanted to stay at the poly since I was ~4 and even I have always thought that ever since they built the GF. Too funny. but I'm pretty good at suspending disbelief so I guess if I ever get to go stay at the poly, I'll probably just decidedly look in some other direction and revel in the island theming whenever and where ever possible. :lmao:

You know it finally clicked with me while reading some of your quick service reviews how well it could work for me to think in terms of getting more than three meals a day and eating smaller amounts at most or all meals. I can see us, all five of us, splitting a meal or two here and there. And I know I would be happier in the long run if I keep fueled up and never eat a ton at once.

I had been fairly worried about this at times since I have been losing weight and changing lots of things in my thinking and my habits. Thanks for showing how huge some of those meals were and mentioning how many credits y'all used!:wizard:

[mikkiwikki]

Today -we Ran into Epcot with Pure abandon. :cool1::cool1:

Planned was the morning at Future world, and *then* hitting the World Showcase in the afternoon with a planned lunch at Tokyo Dining.

My son was studying Japan last year in school, so this was high on his list of places to go. My son is also an avid Pokemon collector, so we always drop a couple bills at Mitsukoshi (http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/epcot/attractions/japan-pavilion/)

The kids at Journey into your Imagination making music with Fidgit
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010502.jpghttp://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010503.jpghttp://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010504.jpghttp://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010505.jpghttp://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010506.jpg
My kids love the jumping water fountains at JIT....
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010507.jpg

SO ..much so that my son got nailed with some water....actually he does every trip and loves it. Actually it was kinda funny this trip the "Honey I shrunk the audience show was getting out and my son was trying to get nailed by the jumping water. A big audience got to witness the event..and about 100 people witness him getting totally drenched...they all started laughing...it was fine because he was laughing too...it was quite funny :)

http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010508-1.jpg

NEXT UP TOKYO DINING...very very good!:lovestruc
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010509.jpghttp://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010510.jpg

[mikkiwikki]

hehe, I hardly ever get to go to Disney as an adult and I've wanted to stay at the poly since I was ~4 and even I have always thought that ever since they built the GF. Too funny. but I'm pretty good at suspending disbelief so I guess if I ever get to go stay at the poly, I'll probably just decidedly look in some other direction and revel in the island theming whenever and where ever possible. :lmao:


Glad Im not alone fromscratchmom :rotfl: I tried looking the other way I really did!! but its kinda right in your face...wouldnt you agree?


You know it finally clicked with me while reading some of your quick service reviews how well it could work for me to think in terms of getting more than three meals a day and eating smaller amounts at most or all meals. I can see us, all five of us, splitting a meal or two here and there. And I know I would be happier in the long run if I keep fueled up and never eat a ton at once.

I had been fairly worried about this at times since I have been losing weight and changing lots of things in my thinking and my habits. Thanks for showing how huge some of those meals were and mentioning how many credits y'all used!:wizard:

Glad I could help! :wizard:

[QuirkyBelle]

So I'm guessing you ate at Teppan Edo?

I'm really interested to hear your review. My mom and I had considered eating there for our Candlelight Processional Package dinner, but decided on the Biergarten since we love the atmosphere there (and the price was a bit cheaper :rotfl:). We'll probably end up eating there during one of our next trips since its one of the few Epcot restaurants we haven't eaten at yet.

[mikkiwikki]

A few menu pics
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010511.jpghttp://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010513.jpg

Here is the full menu from all ears
http://allears.net/menu/menu_tokyo.htm

However - the items my husband and I ordered are NOT on that menu
We both got sushi platters...my husband a deluxe, and I a basic. BOTH were excellent and I cannot say enough good things about the service...they were SUPER attentive, donned in traditional japanese garb..Were very very good about explaining everything on the menu.. I would not hesitate to come back here. The waitstaff went on an on about how much they hoped people enjoyed their stay here...very very accomodating.

http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010514-1.jpg

We had no trouble with sushi falling apart here...like we experienced at the Poly. Sushi was just superb.
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010517.jpghttp://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010518.jpg

Kid's Tempura Chicken - chicken breast $11.00 served in a bullet train- The kids were so psyched about the train plate the food came in and just loved the chicken tempura, and dipping sauce
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010519.jpg

Chocolate Ginger Cake $6.50- me and hubby really enjoyed this. very tasty
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010521.jpg

DD Displaying the origami swan the staff made for her as well as the ""training"" chop sticks - which the kids loved
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1010522.jpg

4TS credits - 2 adult and 2 child

[mikkiwikki]

So I'm guessing you ate at Teppan Edo?

I'm really interested to hear your review. My mom and I had considered eating there for our Candlelight Processional Package dinner, but decided on the Biergarten since we love the atmosphere there (and the price was a bit cheaper :rotfl:). We'll probably end up eating there during one of our next trips since its one of the few Epcot restaurants we haven't eaten at yet.

We did not eat at Teppan Edo. We actually live right down the road from a great hibachi joint so where not super inclined to go. Maybe next trip. ;)

[mikkiwikki]

Around this point in the trip ...on a daily basis hubby and I were anxiously tapping on our cell phones to see this...What would you do...parent of two...about to start a brand new school year...really ? ReAlLy? DoOoOoO Tell! :scared1:
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IdizghSwIfo/Tla0qW1wvmI/AAAAAAAAB0M/WBit6WJJCfM/s1600/irene.jpg

[fromscratchmom]

Wow, Impressive pic of it.

[mikkiwikki]

On this date we were going to MK...with a plan to do BBB for my DD.

As we were traveling to the park that morning on the bus...the seats were absolutely aBuuuZzZzz ....with stories of people who had their flights canceled...and "WHat are we going to do?" type of stories....

As a result of obsessing about the weather channel, and hearing all these rumors.....I had sent a text to a friend who lived in Vermont who I knew was traveling home on 8/28 ...to see if their airfare was yet affected ....I did hear back! but after BBB...(foreshadowing complete ;))

My daughters BBB appt was for 9:25am.
We were the first ones at the BBB that morning...as I arrived around 8:45

DD in her dress - She is snow white this year...like Thumper? That touch was nice! I thought.;)
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1012408.jpg

DD walking across the Quiet Pool area in front of Tokelau
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1012410-1.jpg
DD looking really angry at me because I made her sit on the cool antique fire engine.
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1012411.jpg

I'm walking RIGHT down the Middle of MAIN street USA :cheer2::cheer2:
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1012412.jpghttp://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1012413.jpg

Is this a perfect picture or what? :goodvibes
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1012414.jpg
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1012416.jpghttp://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1012417.jpghttp://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1012418.jpg

Will she be turned into a ROCK star princess...WILL they get STRANDED in ORLANDO for a week? HEavens to Betsy! Whatever will Happen?:scared1::rolleyes1

[QuirkyBelle]

My mistake about Teppan Edo. :laughing: I didn't even realize there was another restaurant in Japan. Oops!

Can't wait to see how the BBB transformation turns out. She already looks so adorable in that snow white dress.

[mikkiwikki]

Let me just say that we had a fabulous time at BBB.
OUR cm - Her name was Diane...was just fabulous..She told DD ALL KINDS of stories. DD brought Thumper Rabbit with her...and she spent lots of time talking to the rabbit and telling her about how she had secretly hid animals in the closets of the castle...and she couldnt tell anyone because she would get in trouble and it was against the rules. My daughters eyes lit up as she told her she had a Zebra in the closet over there...and a Giraffe in the closet down the hall. :goodvibes She was fabulous.

This was not my daughters first time, but she loved it as much as her first time. :wizard:

http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1012419.jpghttp://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1012421.jpg
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1012422.jpghttp://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1012423.jpghttp://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1012424.jpghttp://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1012427.jpghttp://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1012428.jpghttp://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1012429.jpghttp://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1012430.jpghttp://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1012431.jpg
I actually have many many more photos of this event but dont want to bore yall...she was thrilled in the last pic that her Fairy godmother in training put a sparkly on her bunny.

[mikkiwikki]

My mistake about Teppan Edo. :laughing: I didn't even realize there was another restaurant in Japan. Oops!

Can't wait to see how the BBB transformation turns out. She already looks so adorable in that snow white dress.

HI Quirky...Well what do you think?! :)

[QuirkyBelle]

HI Quirky...Well what do you think?! :)

Sorry for the delay. It was my birthday on Sunday and my Dad came in from out of town so I haven't had any time to catch up on trip reports. The final transformation looks awesome. :cutie: Soooooo adorable. Let me tell you though, when I first heard about the BBB I thought it was a horrible idea just playing into that whole girls are just meant to look pretty idea. :sad2: But, after seeing all these pictures of the little girls turned princess over the years I now think it's an awesome idea. :goodvibes Everybody always looks so cute once they're finished. (Plus they added pirates leauge for those people not into princesses). Keep those updates coming!

[ddluvsdisney]

Great pics!
The sushi at Tokyo Dining looks yummy!
Your DD is such a cute Snow White! On my trip last year my niece did BBB and I wanted to see her do it but I flew in the day after and missed it :(
I guess I'll have to wait til next year now. Sometimes it's such a bummer having 2 boys I never get to do the girly things.

[mikkiwikki]

Great pics!
The sushi at Tokyo Dining looks yummy!

Thanks!!!
Tokyo dining. It was very excellent. Everything was made with such care.....Each roll very nicely wrapped. Nothing fell apart and the fish was very very fresh and tasty. I would not HESITATE to go back there again *WITH* kids even. they thought the plates were super


Your DD is such a cute Snow White! On my trip last year my niece did BBB and I wanted to see her do it but I flew in the day after and missed it :(
I guess I'll have to wait til next year now. Sometimes it's such a bummer having 2 boys I never get to do the girly things.

Thanks so much ;) She had such fun. Its becoming something we MUST do each trip. :wizard: Maybe you can do the Pirate adventure?

[mikkiwikki]

bump

[QuirkyBelle]

So what about the rest of the trip???? It's been 2 weeks and no updates!

[mikkiwikki]

So what about the rest of the trip???? It's been 2 weeks and no updates!

So on that day we went to the magic kingdom after BBB..
We had lunch at Pecos Bills - Here is DDs plate

PBJ & fries... she was pleased and ate all of this
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1012432.jpg

DS's plate with burger and fries
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1012433.jpg

Deserts cookie, carrot cake and chocolate cake,yogurt for me...
all finished with no complaints.:)
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1012434.jpghttp://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1012435.jpg

DD talking to bunny with mustard on her lip quite cute I must add;)

http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1012436.jpg

Hubby slurping down his beverage...
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1012437.jpg

After lunch we were off to the jungle cruise in regal style...:thumbsup2
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1012438.jpg

http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1012440.jpg

Watch out! its GINGER SNAP!
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1012442.jpg
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1012443.jpg
Mommas elephant butt so very sorry
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1012444.jpg

Next we headed back towards main street and right into the parade
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1012445.jpg

http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1012446.jpg
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1012447.jpg

http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj312/mikkiwikkiie/WDW%202011%20AUGUST/P1012448.jpg

[fromscratchmom]

Super Pics! :upsidedow

[mikkiwikki]

Super Pics! :upsidedow


Thanks fromscratchmom! ;)

[QuirkyBelle]

Awesome update! Sorry it took me so long to post but between Thanksgiving and submitting a research proposal for the National Science Foundation I've been crazy busy lately - which means no time for the DIS. :sad1: Luckily all that's over and I can finally catch up on trip report reading. :banana:

I just need to say again how adorable your daughter looks all dolled up from the BBB. :cutie: Keep the updates coming, I have not abandoned you.

[mikkiwikki]

Awesome update! Sorry it took me so long to post but between Thanksgiving and submitting a research proposal for the National Science Foundation I've been crazy busy lately - which means no time for the DIS. :sad1: Luckily all that's over and I can finally catch up on trip report reading. :banana:

I just need to say again how adorable your daughter looks all dolled up from the BBB. :cutie: Keep the updates coming, I have not abandoned you.

JEEZ ....thanks so much!!!:lovestruc

I'm having trouble maintaining focus as we have a new trip coming up...

Get ready for my NEXT TR!!:woohoo: Ill put a link in my siggie soon


SO basically the end to this trip is....
Our flight was NOT canceled ...due to IRENE...even though our friends booked on 8/28 on the same airline/ and flight the day before WAS canceled...

We fly home on 8/29 with a TON of people in the airport trying to get home...We were very very lucky...
My son made it back home for his first day of middle school on time.

[ddluvsdisney]

Enoyed reading about your trip. Are you just doing Universal/IOA on your trip coming up? My kids love WWOHP!! It's so fun.
You can't read my ticker for some strange reason I don't know what the heck I did wrong but, we'll be back at Disney in April. No Universal/IOA this year the kids are kinda bummed- maybe next yr.

[QuirkyBelle]

Glad the end of your trip was pretty uneventful and that Irene didn't mess anything up. Thanks so much for writing this trip report and keeping me distracted until my trip starts (only 2 days!!!!). Can't wait to hear about your new trip! Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and hopefully I'll see you over on my trip report sometime in early January. :goodvibes

[mikkiwikki]

Glad the end of your trip was pretty uneventful and that Irene didn't mess anything up. Thanks so much for writing this trip report and keeping me distracted until my trip starts (only 2 days!!!!). Can't wait to hear about your new trip! Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and hopefully I'll see you over on my trip report sometime in early January. :goodvibes

THANKs FOR following along Quirky
Ill check out your TR soon..

Merry Christmas to you as well! :thumbsup2

[mikkiwikki]

Enoyed reading about your trip. Are you just doing Universal/IOA on your trip coming up? My kids love WWOHP!! It's so fun.
You can't read my ticker for some strange reason I don't know what the heck I did wrong but, we'll be back at Disney in April. No Universal/IOA this year the kids are kinda bummed- maybe next yr.

Thanks for following along ddluvsdisney!!
Our NEXT trip (in 5 days whoo hoo!!) will be Universal, Kennedy Space center, Gatorland, arabian nights..maybe I should do a TR over in the 'other Orlando section...hmmm. Thinking about it! I should get started!!! Ill put a TR in my siggie.. Happy Holidays and MERRY CHRISTMAS:wizard:

[ddluvsdisney]

Thanks for following along ddluvsdisney!!
Our NEXT trip (in 5 days whoo hoo!!) will be Universal, Kennedy Space center, Gatorland, arabian nights..maybe I should do a TR over in the 'other Orlando section...hmmm. Thinking about it! I should get started!!! Ill put a TR in my siggie.. Happy Holidays and MERRY CHRISTMAS:wizard:

Merry Christmas to you as well!! I would love to hear how you are celebrating Christmas away from home. I've always wanted to go to Disney for Christmas but my DH wants to be home for the actual day. Have a great trip- I am jealous!!!