Mr & Mrs Tikiman's trip report

[Tikiman]

Here is Steve and Tara Seifert's Trip report (Part 1) from their July 1 - 11, 2001 honeymoon trip.

July 1, 2001

We arrive at the Yacht Club and are given our parking pass at the gate (different that the Polynesian). The resort was nice. We had paid for a standard view but we were upgraded to a view that was right at the end of the building where you look right down at the marina (room 4059). Other than the upgraded view they did not recognize it was our honeymoon even though it was on the reservations and we even mentioned it. I guess the Polynesian just spoils you when it comes to special occasions. The room was nice. It had a king bed that folded into the wall. The room was quite a bit smaller than the Polynesian and they try to cram way too much furniture into the rooms. They had chairs that blocked the dressers. You would have to move the coffee table and the chair in to the middle of the room to even get into the dresser. The sink next to the bed seemed unnecessary. They did offer all the snacks and drinks in the room (the Polynesian does not) but who would pay $6 for gummy bears? The bathrooms were small. They did have better water pressure than the Polynesian in the shower. The double sinks are on the same size counter as the single sinks in the Polynesian. They have a mirror over each sink but they are so far over you are leaning against the wall to see into it. They did have TV volume in the bathroom at the YC and that was nice. That way you can get your Zip a Dee Do Da tip for the day in the shower.

The only other thing I did not like about the YC was the way to our room was a maze. We got lost a few times and I am good with direction. We also could not get out of Stormalong bay. That was a great pool but I would not stay there for the pool. The night life was nice and the food was great (except for Cape May). We found we did not go far while we were staying at the YC. We would only go over to MGM and Epcot. When we are at the Polynesian we find that we go to Epcot and MK because it is so easy to get into from the Polynesian. I timed the difference between walking from the YC to get to EPCOT (not World Showcase because it is closed in the morning) and walking from the Polynesian to the TTC and taking the monorail to Epcot and from the Polynesian won by 6 minutes.

The Yacht Club is a beautiful resort but (Tara said this her self) we did not feel the magic till we got to the Polynesian and I am not just saying that. I was actually hoping I would come home and tell everyone we found another resort we love but I don’t think we will be back to the YC.

Our first food stop was at the Flying Fish. There was no wait at 5:30. We ordered:

Starters: Chilled Main Lobster with watercress, avocado and grilled pineapple-curry vinaigrette. $15
Entrees: Oak grilled center cut pork chop w/ cheddar potatos, braised red cabbage and apple butter. $20
Seared yellofin tuna with shrimp stir-fried basmati rice, fragrant peking sauce and lotus root. $21
Creme Brule free for honeymoon

The menu changed daily.

Tara said she had to go see the brick since it said “Tara will you marry me? Steve July 1, 2000” and it was July 1st. We got to ride in the front of the monorail from Epcot to the Transportation and Ticket Center. We saw the brick and met a Disney Engineer who does work on the brick installation. He told us about how we could upgrade our brick for $50.

We than headed off to Pleasure Island for some nightlife. Did not wait very long for the bus at the YC to Downtown Disney. We did wait a while for the bus back and had to stop at the Swan than the Dolphin before the YC. I saw 3 Polynesian busses come while waiting for the YC bus.

July 2

Went to MGM early and ate at Hollywood and Vine character breakfast. Good food and fun atmosphere. Plenty of characters. Breakfast was $16.91 each.

Weather was about low 90s. Used fastpass and no long waits for anything that we did stand-by. Stayed till 6:30. The new hat being built at MGM looks great (we have pictures). Walt’s plane is on the back lot tour now. The Millionaire game is great! The boat from YC to MGM was fun and now you can walk. Checked out the Boardwalk. Looks to much like a circus for me. The clown has to go!!!

We got back to our room and Susan Wellman, Dave McDonald, Sharon Heim and our friends at the Magic Kingdom Merchandise sent us a metal Mickey shaped plant stand with about 6 different tropical plants growing in it and a big Mickey bow from the Walt Disney Florist. They had some problems with our acrylic brick replica we ordered getting lost but it was delivered right to our wedding and put next to our cake just in time. They left us a message of congratulations on our phone and a wonderful note attached to the plant stand. The funny part is Tara saw this in the catalog a long time ago and wanted it. We had to ship this home after the trip.

That night we ate in Japan at the Japanese Steak House Teppanyaki. We got PS from YC and there was still a 30 minute wait. They were a little backed up. The food was great and the atmosphere was the best. We ordered:
Nihon-kai (shrimp, scallops, and lobster) $27.95
San-Kai (Beef tenderloin, lobster tail) $30.75
Meals include mixed green salad w/ ginger dressing, grilled vegetables w/udon noodles and steamed rice

After dinner we stood up on the deck around the restaurant and watched the end of Illuminations. Then we held each other as they played the song “promise” after the Illuminations. That was our first dance song at our wedding.

July 3

We went into Epcot in the morning. After hitting most of the rides in future world and doing some shopping we had lunch at Italy’s L’Originale Alfredo Di Roma. About a 10 minute wait with no PS. We had:
Ziti Mediterranean $12.50
Trittico $17.00

Then we headed back to the YC to relax in Stormalong Bay. The pool was big but not as big as I expected. We rented two tubs to relax in the water on. Then we ordered some drinks from the guy walking around the pool. The pool was nice but a little crowded in spots. The slide was fun. We both noticed the water was a little too heated. It did not cool you off as much as you would like. I heard others making the same comment. They do check all the time for a stamp or a resort ID to get in. The beaches were nice but no one really used them. The halls in YC were absolutely freezing after getting wet in the pool.

We headed over to our favorite mini golf (no not Fantasia Gardens but it is fun too) Winter Summerland and used our flex feature for two rounds of golf. We played each side and we got a free refillable mug. We had to use our flex feature before we checked out the next day and got another set of flex features. We also got pins and $50 Disney dollars with each reservation.

We ate at Cape May Café that night. The selection was ok and they kept stuff full but it was not that tasty. I think it was good for families because there was a kids buffet also and the deserts were good but I would not return there. You could add a bucket of snow crab legs for $12 added to the $21.95 each person cost of your buffet but we did not. We did leave full but not satisfied.

July 4

We asked for a late check out and got a 1:00 PM check out. We headed over to Blizzard beach before it opened. We got in and did not wait for much of anything. We got on everything and even relaxed in the lazy river till 11:30 and headed back to the YC to change and check out. The only guy who recognized our honeymoon at the YC was the guy who checked us out and he gave us one of the YC honeymoon pins that you get with the honeymoon package (that we did not get). Now it was time to head over to the Polynesian!!!!

Tara kept a journal and at the top of the July 4th page it said “the Honeymoon starts!!!” I felt the same way. The YC was beautiful and had a lot to offer but it just did not have the same feeling the Polynesian has. We got there and had about 6 Alohas before we got to the concierge building. They informed us at the valet that they were expecting us and our room (1505!!!) was ready. This was our room from last year during our engagement. It had one of the best views of the castle and the lagoon and was close to the concierge desk and lounge. It is a first floor (open patio) concierge lagoon view room (not connecting). After they loaded our bags on the golf cart and took us on a small tour of the Polynesian, showing us both pools, we were greeted by Marylin in the concierge lounge with a big hug and leis. We also met her daughter (Tara) who works in the concierge now.

We entered our room and WWWOOOOOOWWWWW!!!! You will have to see the pictures later but there was a huge tropical flower arrangement (Bird of Paradise, Anthurium, Heliconias, etc.) in a big blue glass vase with a Mickey and Minnie and the Walt Disney World logo etched in it. There was also a big gift basket shaped like Mickey ears with a bottle of champagne, two glasses with Mickey ears and the castle, bath salts, bubbles, lotions, and oils, and a fancy white Mickey ear towel. One bed had the word ALOHA writen in rolled up towels and flowers from a lei all around it. The other bed had a big heart with an arrow through it with rolled up towels and leis with a white chocolate Mickey and Minnie in the middle with a card from the concierge that said “From the ‘ohana (hawaiian for family) of Disney’s Polynesian Resort, may we extend to you an “I ho’okahi kahi ke aloha” (hawaiian for be one with love!) Congratulations and best wishes for a lifetime of happiness!” There were also balloons in the corner of the room. We headed up stairs to the lounge fro some great food. The theme was Ohana night. After about 10 minutes we went back to the room and they had put out a big 14 x 30 poster that said “Mr. & Mrs. Seifert May both of you have many magical moments as you go through life happily ever after. Polynesian Resort” on our bed. Tara almost cried from joy. Later a knock at the door and someone delivered a chilled bottle of champagne and a plate with another white chocolate Mickey and Minnie and truffles with congratulations written with chocolate on the rim of the plate and Mickey candy confetti. All this and we still had the best seat for the best fireworks!!!! We went over to the MK to see your new Disney friend and order our brick replacement and they went back to the Polynesian for the fireworks. On the way there I offered my seat on the monorail to a woman who got on at the Contemporary with her kids and husband but she declined but was very thankful that I offered. I think she was surprised I offered also and said Tara had trained me well. The Great Ceremonial house was packed with people. We got the champagne ready and our chocolates along with some goodies from the lounge and sat on the patio, ready to watch the 4th fireworks. I was video taping the tons of people that were flooding the beach for the show and than someone called my name. It was Mary two floors above our room. She had read my postings in the DIS and knew who I was from that and my web page. Her and Kevin were on their anniversary trip.

There were so many kids activities going on the day we showed up. First they were all in the pool with the Polynesian staff playing games and they had one game where they throw the cream pie at the lifeguard. Then I went to the beach and video taped the sand castle building contest. After that they had a relay race on the beach. There were many kids of all ages and they looked like they were having so much fun. I firmly believe the Polynesian resort is a great resort for kids and adults.

We kept on hearing about this couple “the Wagners” that go to the Polynesian every year for 2 weeks and stay in the concierge. Well we find out they are our neighbors in 1504 (and are still there) and it happens to be the same woman I wanted to give my seat up to. They were such a friendly couple and there kids were great. They gave us a sparkler and said congratulations when they found out it was our honeymoon. It was nice to have great neighbors all around us.

The fireworks were wonderful. Even better than last year. They not only launched them from behind the castle and the islands of the Seven Seas Lagoon but they had them shooting off all around the lagoon. The Electric Water Pageant started it off by lighting up in front of the Polynesian beach and the music of the fireworks show came over the speakers on the beach of the Polynesian. It was at least a 10 minute show. When it finished the whole Electric Water Pageant did its show. Then Tara, Mary, Kevin and I headed into the MK to get on a few rides before going to bed.

End of part one

Part 2 on next page!!!

[CaliforniaDreaming]

Can't wait to read part 2! Thanks Steve!

[princess angel]

what a great report Steve!!!
that's too bad that you didn't have "magic" at the YC! but, I know what you mean, the ultimate in disney magic is over at the MK resorts, and the poly definately has phenomenal magic!!! :)
can't wait to read the rest!!!

Laura :)

[Misti]

Thanks, Steve! I'm really enjoying your report so far. I wish my last name was Wagner--I'd love to stay at the Polynesian concierge for 2 weeks!LOL

All the special honeymoon touches at the Polynesian sound wonderful! I can't wait to see the pictures!

:)

[TigH]

Oh, I wish you could put pictures up with this report, but I will be patient and wait for them to be added to your site! :)

GREAT detailed description of your check in at the Polynesian and the surprises in your room. It sounds like COMPLETE DISNEY MAGIC!!!!

Sorry you didn't enjoy the Yacht Club so much. I know several people who stay there (concierge) and love every minute of it. Ross and I are hoping to stay there soon when some of our friends are down here visiting (maybe end of August).

Thanks for sharing, Steve!!! I love hearing about how much fun you guys had, and how romantic it was (like the part where you are watching Illuminations from the deck in Japan - awwwwwwwww!)

[BONZO]

Steve,

Just a short note as it's getting late here!

Thanks for the initial report which I have just printed off and will read before I get to bed!

I've been waiting for this for a while.

My Poly report is due shortly.

[Tikiman]

Don't get me wrong about the YC. It is a great resort and I think I would recommend it over the GF. We also did not stay concierge there so I should not compair it to our stay at the Polynesian. We also had high expectations after all the things the Polynesian has done for us to make our stay special. I would say the YC looked like the best EPCOT resort. We did not care for the BC at all. Talk about run down. We walked in and there were scuff marks on many of the walls and wallpaper comming off in many parts of the lobby. The YC was spotless.

more trip report to come soon.

Steve

[Krissalee]

Fantastic report!

I've never stayed at the Poly, but now I really want to! Maybe next trip!?

[pooh2001]

What else can I add ..... THANK YOU !!!!!

[4merlurkerchris]

Thanks for the great report! Congratulations!:)
Chris

[Tikiman]

Wait till you read part 2!!!

[Debi]

What a great report! Thanks so much for taking the time to write it. Now I'm really looking forward to my stay at the Poly next May!

[Gramma]

Great report so far, can't wait for part 2

[Poly Pal]

Very nice of you to share your experiences with all of us!

Can't wait to see Part 2.

Mahalo & Aloha!

Poly Pal

[Mickeyfaniam]

very nice report...I love the poly too and i have to agree with you about the water at SB at the YC. It is too warm to cool you off in the hot summer.

[minijeanie]

Great and honest report tikiman's.

I stayed last year at BC after raving reviews. I also found too much furniture for such a small room. Water was overly crowd and extremely warm. Your posts swayed me to try Poly this year and now that I see we have the same tastes, I know I am going to love it.

I am so happy to hear that the Poly gave you such wonderful treats and surprises. I am sure it has brought memories of a lifetime. You have probably increased their ressies threefold with your wonderful posts and pictures. Glad to hear they showed their appreciation.

Anxiously awaiting new the next trip report and your great pictures. Hope you slip one in there of your wedding day. Would love to see it.

Welcome home!

[Tikiman]

We just got the pictures back and they turned out great. Now I have to start working on the web pages. They will have all new pictures and I will double the amount of pages at the rate I am going. I can't wait for everyone to see them and to read the rest of the report.

Steve

[Disney-Kim]

can't wait for pics !! great report !! :D

[kecall]

Steve -- Thanks to your website, we have changed our vacation plans from 10 days at WL to splitting our trip w/ 5 @ WL & the rest at Poly!!! I am sooooo excited about going! Your descriptions make the trip come alive! --- Ohhh, how I wish we could stay Lagoon Concierge, but we got such great AP rates for Lagoon view that we couldn't pass it up....Although, listening to your description, it makes me wonder if I made the right decision....hmmm...we are celebrating our 20th anniversary, and I want everything to be perfect!!! I hope we feel the same magical feeling when we arrive at the Polynesian!!!

I can't wait for ....."the rest of the story...." :D :bounce: :D:bounce: :D:bounce:

[GirlPoly]

Welcome Home & Congratulations Mr & Mrs Tikiman!~ :bounce:

You're making me very "homesick" for paradise! :(

Wonderful report Steve!
psssst, did the room smell? ~LOL~ ;) :D

Can't wait to read more and see the pictures!

:sunny:

[wdwnutze]

Loved reading your trip report. Sounds like everything was perfect! Can't wait to read part 2. Thanks again for all the info.:smooth:

[Tikiman]

Thanks GirlPoly. YES the room smelled!!!! Like a tropical breeze:D We did have a wonderful time and it gets better and funnier in the second part of the report. I am going to have to update the first part to add a few things also so check it again later today. I thought of you GirlPoly when I was taking pictures of the Tokelau longhouse and I took a few pictures just of the rooms that have the partial lagoon view. I wrote down all the room numbers on the map of all the longhouses so I know what room is where. It looks like the last 4 rooms on the end of Tokelau have a good view of the beach, lagoon and the GF with an angled view of the castle.

Steve

[kozmo]

i loved every minute of that tikkiman,how great,wonder how come the b & Y didnt recognize your honeymoon ?They sometimes are a little stuffy there(Isnt that bad of me to say)anyways i always love your posts steve,congrats :pinkbounc :pinkbounc

[Tikiman]

Here is part 2

Part 2 of Steve and Tara Seifert’s trip report July 5-11

July 5, 2001

We started off the day as we usually do with a trip to the concierge lounge for some fruit, cereal, toasted bagles and cream cheese and some Kona coffee and orange juice. We also grabbed about 5 waters to take with us and put in the fridge in the room. We decided to try out Universal Studios this morning. All though it was fun, I don’t think we will take the time to go off property again. It was hot then rainy and the Jaws ride kept breaking. We came back checked out the pool. The slide was a blast!!! It was faster than I thought it would be. You go through a tunnel in the volcano and there are red and orange lights as you go through it. I think it is supposed to feel like a lava flow. The pool was fun and had a bubble jet sitting area at one end and the zero entry at the beach end. The bathroom was large and had lockers and a bench to change for adults and a baby changing station. The waterfall into the pool is fun to stand under. The hours of the pool must be seasonal because earlier pictures from Karen showed the pool closing at 10:00. It now says 12:00. The only problem with the pool that I see is no deep area. The deepest area was a little over 4 feet. There was plenty of lounge chairs and a kid wet play area over near the Hawaii building where the playground use to be.
After the pool we went to Tambu Lounge for drinks (Pina Colada and Lapu Lapu surved in a carved out pineapple. Lapu Lapu must mean knock you on your butt in hawaiian) before going into the Kona Café for dinner the dinner was great as usual and so was the desert. We had:
Mahi-Mahi $18.99
Halibut $18.99
Crem brule $5.25

July 6

We had breakfast at the Concierge lounge and went to Animal Kingdom all day. We got on everything and only needed a fast pass for Kali River rapids. I had to laugh when we passed the Rain Forest Café because PolyPal was giving me such a hard time about taking Tara to eat there. We did not eat there. We ended up waiting till we got to Down Town Disney and ate at Wolfgang Puck’s. When we returned to the Polynesian we were surprised by what looked like someone sitting in our chair near the table drinking out of my Lapu Lapu and wearing my shoes and robe!!! I think I wet my pants but a closer look and I realized he was made of towels from Luz our very creative housekeeper. There were also two swans kissing over a single red rose in a vase on our bed. Tara named him Mike. After all the excitement we went in the pool again. We checked out what they had in the lounge and then after having some of the food there we made reservations for ‘Ohana. The food was different but still very good. I have the menu from Tambu Lounge and ‘Ohana if anyone needs a detail of what they have. They gave us free desert and announced that we were on our honeymoon. The cost for ‘Ohana is $20.99 each. We then went back to the Concierge Lounge to pick up some coffee, wine and desert.

July 7

We had breakfast at the Concierge lounge (we are really saving on buying breakfast!!) and took a walk around the Polynesian video taping every building and view along with pictures for the web page. We ran into a very nice guy named Jonathan as we were walking out of the GCH who recognized us as Steve and Tara. After the walk through the Polynesian, we walked over to the Wedding Pavilion and than the GF to check out the new pool and Tara had never been in the GF. She said it was nice but to bright. I must agree it is not for me but many love the GF and hate the Polynesian décor.e but many love the GF and hate the Polynesian décor. After walking back we spent some more time in the pool (love that new pool). When we returned to the room, a new surprise was waiting for us. AN ALLIGATOR!!! No not a real one but a 4 foot long TOWELgator. Luz was being her creative self again. We went to the Luau that night. Cost was $47.80 each person (kids 3-11 are $24.81 each. I have heard reports of the food not being very good but I thought it was very good. You started off with coconut banana bread (as much as you want of all the food) and pineapple. Then you get drinks (beer, soda, tea or juice is free and mixed drinks were $6 and you keep the glass) then they brought out Island pork ribs, Lanai-roasted chicken, sautéed vegetables and shrimp rice. Later you get a pineapple cake desert. The show was like I remembered except the traditional costumes they use to wear were gone and they looked like they went shopping at the local surf shop. I recommend seeing it but it is not something you would go see every year. After the Luau we went into the MK for some more rides. It is so easy to pop in and out of the MK from the Polynesian. Even when leaving the park and there is a huge line you can just take the resort monorail or our favorite boat ride back to the Polynesian, with no wait. We found it just as easy to go into Epcot. Turndown was every night and Steve was very creative also with the turn down surprises in the room.

July 8

Breakfast again in the concierge lounge. We saw Mary and Kevin in the lounge that morning. We went into the MK for some more we had not seen yet. After the MK we took the boat from the MK to the Wilderness Lodge to eat lunch at Whispering Canyon!!!! WARNING WARNING!!!! When we get there we noticed the waiters and waitresses love to be loud and joke around. That should have been a sign of things to come. After getting our food I noticed that Tara’s knife was the size of a butter knife and mine was large. I asked if this was a joke and the waitress said LOUDLY “ OH YOU WANT A BIGGER KNIFE? ALWAYS COMPLAINING!!! (jokingly) She brought out a 3 foot wooden knife and made me hold it at the table. Every one loved that. Then as we finish our meal Tara feels the need to let them know we are on our honeymoon and it is my birthday. They brought us some cake and champagne for free. When I did not finish the cake they yelled at me to finish (jokingly). Then when we were done a few of them gathered around and announced the the restaurant that it was our honeymoon and we had to stand up and kiss while everyone counted to 25. OK, I survived that….check please!!!! Not so fast. Now they make me stand up because it is my birthday and they give me a wooden horse that I have to ride around the restaurant and sing happy birthday to my self LOUDLY!!! So I do it…..but not loud enough so now I have to go out to the lobby (the restaurant is open to the lobby of the WL) and go around all four corners of the lobby with my horse and scream happy birthday to my self!!! The people checking in looked like they wanted to go to another resort. As I passed the last corner of the lobby and down the home stretch they said I was not loud enough so I turned the corner and got right up behind a guy reading a newspaper in the lounge and screamed HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY SELF!!! I think he headed off to the bathroom after that. So now it was time to leave the Wilderness Lodge for the day. The moral of the story is don’t say anything to the staff at Whispering Canyon.

After my experience at the Whispering Canyon it was time to head back to the room. Yes another surprise. A towel monkey hanging from the back of the bed holding a banana hanging by a lei. I think we have about 30 leis in our room now (no joke). Later we met up with Mary and Kevin and went with them on their pontoon boat they rented from the Polynesian marina. We headed over to Bay Lake and went by the old Discovery Island, River Country and WL. The weather started getting rough. The tiny ship was tossed….

The water patrol told us to get our boat back to the Polynesian because the lightning was hitting around us. We were the last ones off the lake when the big storm hit. It rained for a while. Mary let me go to their room and check out the DIS boards. That is when I posted my “We are at the Polynesian” message. The 3rd floor rooms are smoking but I did not smell a thing in the room or the hall. The view was great and it had a balcony.

Back in our room there was a birthday cake and hat, noise maker, candles, milk card from Mickey and balloons for my birthday from the Polynesian. We ate two pieces of cake (very good cake) and gave the rest to the Wagner's and their three great kids to enjoy. Later the kids slipped a thank you note under our door writen by all of them.

We invited Mary and Kevin to join us on our Illuminations cruise that night for my birthday. The weather cleared up and was nice for the cruise that night. We headed over and the boat was all decorated for my birthday and they had champagne and cake for me on board. They took us around the lake and over to the MGM then back to park under the bridge between France and England in World Showcase. The view was great and we had a wonderful time out on the boat. We went to the Tambu Lounge for drinks when we got back to the Polynesian.

July 9

The next morning we went over to meet Susan who works for the Disney Merchandise dept. at the MK. She was so nice and we talked for a while and thanked her for the plant. Then we got PS for Chef Mickey’s at the Contemporary. It cost $15.95 ea and had a good selection of food with plenty of characters running around and someone making sure they saw every table.

When we got back to the room….guess what……more stuff from the housekeeper. This time there was a sorcerer Mickey on top of a rolled up towel tower holding my birthday balloons and the word “magic” written in towels and leis. We had another big storm come through and bend a few palm trees. We got our ponchos on and headed over to MGM for some stuff then went to the AK again. We tried to get reservations for lunch at AKL but both places were not serving till later and we had to get back to get ready for La Nouba that night. We made PS for Fulton’s Crab house for after La Nouba. The show was great (I did not think I would like it). We headed over to Fulton’s and had:
Caeser salad $5.25 each
Crab and lobster dinner for 2 $67.90
It was sooooooooooo good and I have never eaten so much seafood. There was potatoes and cream spinach with 3 lbs. Of 3 different crab and 1 ¼ lb of lobster.

July 10

Yes we had breakfast in the concierge lounge again but it is good stuff and for free. We got passes from Mary and Kevin (who checked out the day before) to get onto Test Track through the exit of the ride. They also left us their flowers and champagne. We headed over to Epcot to go on Test Track. Got to Epcot in no time at all and then headed back to MK. Spent some more time in the pool and watched the torch lighting ceremony at 6:00 p.m. in the GCH. We got PS for Jiko at the AKL and went over to there. We got there about 6:00 and walked around most of the resort. It was a beautiful resort. They did a great job. I would stay there if it were not for the transportation. Even the CMs said the Transportation was not good. We headed over to a side viewing area and a feeding truck was driving over to where we were. All the animals followed the truck right to where we were and we saw every kind of animal I think there was all around the truck. We got some great video of this and the lodge.

Jiko was a great restaurant. We had:
Starters: Duck Firecracker. $8.75
Entrees: Oak grilled beef tenderloin. $27.50
Pan-roasted Monkfish. $17.75
Chocolate Creme Brule $4.75
Free champagne

We headed back to the MK and watched Spectromagic and went on some rides.

July 11

Last day :( We had breakfast at Kona. Tara has to have her Tonga toast to make her feel better about leaving. I had a great ham & cheese omlette. We spent the day at the Polynesian pool and saying good by to everyone. We also had to ship some of the stuff and we still had trouble packing the rest in our suit cases. I took our brick (from the walk around the world) that we got after we did the upgrade and put it in my back pack for the ride home. Yes it was very heavy. I did not give too may details about the brick because I don’t want to get anyone in trouble. You are not supposed to get to take the bricks. We now have our brick that says “Tara will you marry me? Steve July 1, 2000” in our living room. Our new brick will say “ Steve and Tara Seifert married June 30, 2001”. We now have a piece of Disney to remember our wonderful trips.

We would like to thank Melissa, Marylin, Tara, Matthew, Sissy, and Maura in the Concierge and Dick and Scott in the lounge and Luz and Steve (housekeeping and turn down) for making the trip so special for us.

I will start working on updating the web page and adding pictures of all these things so please remember top visit in the next few weeks. One reminder. The Homestead pages do not show the changes made unless you open the page and hit refresh. When you go to the main page, hit refresh and you will see a “new Mickey” icon next to pages that have new stuff. When you go to those pages, hit refresh to see the new stuff. I know it is a pain but I don’t want to move the pages again right now. I just want to make sure you don’t miss the new stuff when it gets posted. Just keep checking the main page for updates and what is new. It will still be a few weeks and I will post a message on the resort boards also.

I hope you enjoyed our trip report and hope all of you have as good a visit to the Polynesian.

Steve and Tara

[mkymouse4ever]

Dear Tikiman's, Absolutely agree about YC, its pretty but we have never been impressed with the magic factor there either. You get too spoiled with magic kingdom resorts. (room sizes, excitement, etc.) Sounds wonderful, so glad the poly came through for you's! MKY!:)

[GoldenOne]

Wow you started the day with toasted "beagles"??? Hmmmmm...... I'm afraid to ask how they were!! LOL LOL LOL[B]Yikes!!:D

[Tikiman]

Well they are a little tough and the bones are a problem but the cream cheese helps you swallow them:p

That is the second time I did that. I did that on my web page till Tara (my spell checker) caught it.

Steve

[Misti]

Thanks, Steve!

It's funny--me and my DH have the same ritual of the concierge lounge for breakfast and Tambu Lounge for our frozen treats! My favorite is the Tardewinds (Malibu, banana liqueur, blackberry brandy and pina colada mix--YUM!). Thanks for all of your efforts with the report. I really enjoyed it!

:earsboy:

[GoldenOne]

:smooth: Sorry Steve, just found it awful funny! Your reports are great.... Thanks !! Congratulations to you and Tara and hope you have many, many wonderful years of wedded bliss!

[Tikiman]

Thanks GoldenOne.

Steve

[Blondie]

Congratulations on your marriage!

The Polynesian really came through for you two, you were treated like royalty!:)

[Hef4545]

Thank you for your report. I am glad you had such a wonderful honeymoon. I stayed at the BC last August and I felt the same way about the BC as you felt about the YC. Long corridors and Storm a Long just was not enough to make me wish to return. I split my stay between the BC and the Contemporary and of course I loved the Contemporary and the convenience of the monorail and the large rooms. I had a view of the Magic Kingdom which was wonderful to wake up to. I will be staying at the Poly next. The last time I was there was 15 years ago so I am really excited especially after reading all the great info at your web site. Thank you for all your work!

[Figment78]

Thanks so much for your great report!
And..
Congratulations to you and Tara!!

[kecall]

Ok...ok....NOW I'm really miserable!!! :( I WANT TO GO NOWWWWW!!!!
Your reports are GREAT, Steve!!! Thanks for all the hard work....I'm going to your site now to check out the new photos.....

Thanks again!

[princess angel]

thanks steve! what an awesome treat to be able to read the rest of your trip report only
1 & 1/2 hours before I leave for WDW!!!
Now I'm even more psyched!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
they should make 1505 the "Seifert Suite" !!! :)

Laura :)

[Tikiman]

kecall,

The new pictures are not up yet. Give me a few weeks. I have a lot of work to do.

Princess,

Have a great time. I wish it was the Seifert Suite;)

Steve

[Debi]

Wow, what a great report! Thanks for sharing. :) I can't wait to see the pictures!

[minijeanie]

Hey Tikimans!

Great details on your 2nd report. With all your little (and big) presents left daily, was there any room to walk around? (just kidding) What a wonderful experience it must have been to be on the illuminations cruise all have it all decorated just for you. We ate at WC at WL as well a few years back. I certainly remember never to ask for the ketchup. Your trip sounded picture perfect(minus a little rain)

I for one would be interested in the menu for the Tambu lounge. Will be staying at Poly(per your recommendations)We are also going to eat at Ohanas when we go this August. It will be our 20th anniversary. Believe it or not, we went to Disney on our honeymoon, but did not stay at the Poly. We did eat their though, and I remember we had exotic drinks and started off with a poo-poo platter and I believe we both had some type of seafood(maybe coconut shrimp).

Also wondering about the new park you mentioned in your first trip report. You have certainly peaked my curiousity.

[Tikiman]

This is what the Tambu lounge has to offer.

Cheese plate w/crackers
Shrimp cocktail w/asian slaw
Chips & salsa
Boneless chicken tenders w/buffalo sauce
Egg rolls w/spicy hot mustard and sweet-n-sour sauce

and get a drink to go with it:

Malibu Macaw (Malibu coconut rum, melon liquer, pineapple and cranberry juices

Backscratcher (light and dard rum, passion fruit and a secret ingredient) comes with a backscratcher to take home.

Parrot Passion (Amaretto DiSaronno, banana liquer, fruit juice topped w/ cherry brandy)

Blue Hawaiian (Bacardi rum, blue curacao, pineapple and sweet and sour juices)

Zombie (Myers dark rum, apricot brandy, fruit juices, a dash of grenadine and topped with Bacardi 151)

Pina Colada (pineapple, coconut and rum)

Mai Tai (Myers rum and fruit juices)

Tradewinds (two rums, banana liquer and blackberry brandy combined w/ pina colada mix and a dash of grenadine)

Scorpion (Bacardi rum and fruit juices topped with brandy)

Lapu Lapu (fruit juices and Myers dark rum served in a fresh cut pineapple topped w/ Bacardi 151)

Island Sunset (Captain Morgan's, Malibu, melon and peach combined with guava passion fruit juice)

Strawberry Daiquiri


'Ohana has changed also but it is still very good. I have the menu if you would like me to post it.

Steve

[Tikiman]

I grabbed a menu from 'Ohana last week. This is what it has to offer (all you care to eat).

Starters:

Island slaw
Stir fried vegetables
Salad with honey lime dressing
Chicken and shrimp wonton
Honey coriander chicken wings
Stir fried rice

Skewers:

Marinated pork loin
Mesquite seasoned turkey brest
Oak grilled sirloin steak
Grilled jumbo shrimp

The tropical drinks are:

Malibu Macaw (Malibu coconut rum, melon liquer, pineapple and cranberry juices

Backscratcher (light and dard rum, passion fruit and a secret ingredient) comes with a backscratcher to take home.

Parrot Passion (Amaretto DiSaronno, banana liquer, fruit juice topped w/ cherry brandy)

Blue Hawaiian (Bacardi rum, blue curacao, pineapple and sweet and sour juices)

Zombie (Myers dark rum, apricot brandy, fruit juices, a dash of grenadine and topped with Bacardi 151)

Pina Colada (pineapple, coconut and rum)

Mai Tai (Myers rum and fruit juices)

Tradewinds (two rums, banana liquer and blackberry brandy combined w/ pina colada mix and a dash of grenadine)

Scorpion (Bacardi rum and fruit juices topped with brandy)

Lapu Lapu (fruit juices and Myers dark rum served in a fresh cut pineapple topped w/ Bacardi 151)

Island Sunset (Captain Morgan's, Malibu, melon and peach combined with guava passion fruit juice)

Strawberry Daiquiri


Deserts:

Key Lime pie
The beach bomb (hawaiian shaved ice w/sweet rainbow syrup)
Cheese cake
White chocolate mousse (in a chocolate tulip shell)
Chocolate chantilly (chocolate cake with butterscotch icing)
Coconut snowball (coconut icecream rolled in toasted coconut)

[CaliforniaDreaming]

Wow, Steve. Maybe I'll have to consider staying at the Polynesian again soon. :) Will you be staying in Concierge Lagoon again July 2002? Maybe I'll do a few days there (July 1-4?) and then move on the the GF Concierge Deluxe! Oh, boy, now let me see how far I can get with my current budget... (Don't think it will cover the 12 night w/o a discount, though)

[Poly Pal]

Terrific report Tikiman! Glad you managed to avoid the RFC - or did Tara talk you out of it? LOL! (I didn't mean to give you too hard of a time:D )

Aren't birthdays at Disney World great?! My birthday is July 30 and my wife's is August 9, so we'll just be missing celebrating at WDW. Maybe I'll plan a little belated surprise for my wife. Got any ideas?

You did not report if you had the professional photo taken at the Polynesian. So did you? I think that would be a great thing to do.

Just 4 weeks until we're back at the Polynesian! And thanks for posting the Tokelau room numbers with the partial Lagoon View. We're going to try to snag one of those. We've always stayed on the western end of the resort and are looking forward to trying a new location.

Thanks again for the great report!

ALOHA!

Poly Pal
p.s. I'll never tease you about RFC again!:D :D :D :D :D

[Barbruka]

Congratulations on your wonderful marraige!! I'm so glad the Polynesian spoiled you guys rotten! What a magical trip! Steve- can you please post those four room numbers in Tokelau that have the partial lagoon view? Thanks for thinking of all of us at the Dis while taking all the pics and video!

[Tikiman]

Poly Pal,

No I decided not to go to RFC but I did order take out to be delivered to you :D
I would still say you are celebrating birthdays while you are there. Just say it is a birthday trip for the both of you. We celebrated mine last year and we left on the 5th and my b-day is on the 8th.
No we did not get the photos taken. We got some of us together but still did not get the one on sunset point and we wanted one in the hammock but did not find anyone that would take it for us. Mary and Kevin took some of us and Marylin said she would walk around and take pictures of us but the day she was going to do it is when it stormed out.

Barbruka,

The Tokelau rooms with a view of the beach and lagoon are:

1911-1914 facing the GF
1915-1918 facing the TTC

change the first number when you change floors.

Below is the first pictures uploaded (just for you!!) from our trip. It shows both sides of the Tokelau building that is closest to the beach. I figured the first 4 rooms from the end of each side were the best chance of seeing the lagoon.


http://tikiman2001.homestead.com/files/Tokelau.jpg
The path in the above picture actually follows the line of the beach so the beach is behind me in this shot.

http://tikiman2001.homestead.com/files/Tokelau2.jpg

Steve

[GirlPoly]

Fantastic Report Steve!

I am not surprised at your treatment..I find the staff at the Polynesian to be the BEST!!!~
They must major in towel sculpturing ~LOL~

I have stayed in room 3913 twice :D I just want to add: Anyone on the 3rd floor that does not get a side view of the lagoon, can obtain a glorious view from the upper porch area!~

Did you find out the mystery to the 2 sink debate in Tokelau?? :D

Steve - I'm so glad you enjoyed Fulton's...We did the very same thing after Cirque..Did you sit so you could see the view?..I agree, the food is top notch! YUM!

I'm terribly homesick now :( I know I was just there a few months ago, but I have 204 days until I step into paradise again *pout - sigh*...

Thank you so much for sharing your journey with us!!~

[Barbruka]

Steve- Thanks for the beautiful pictures. On those room numbers, is 1911 the first one on the end? And then the numbers move up as you move in? Also, does the GF side face the quiet pool also? Thanks!

[Robin1116]

Steve,

Aloha! What a wonderful Honeymoon you and Tara had!!! Your trip report is great! I have to ask you a question though... when you checked in at the Polynesian did you order any of the items you were sent (like the gift basket or the balloons?) or were they complimentary from the Concierge Staff?

Thanks so much for posting! I loved hearing about the lights in the new waterslide! :D

[GirlPoly]

Originally posted by Barbruka
On those room numbers, is 1911 the first one on the end? And then the numbers move up as you move in? Also, does the GF side face the quiet pool also?

1915 would be on the end....It is the furthest end of the building via the beach, so it overlooks the Hawaii long house..If you want to overlook the quiet pool, you would have to be on the opposite end of the Tokelau building...

:sunny:

[Tikiman]

GirlPoly,

I remember going to Fulton’s when it was the Empires Lilly. It was great then too.

Robin,

I did order the flowers on the table but the vase was a free upgrade and the flowers in the bathroom were a surprise. Everything else was a surprise also.

Barbruka and GirlPoly,

I hate to correct you GirlPoly (I thought the same thing) but we walked through every building (missed Niue and Samoa) and wrote down all the numbers and in all the buildings they go in order around the buildings. Not even on one side and odd on the other. The two rooms at the End of Tokelau are 1914 (facing GF) and 1915 (facing Tahiti). The Tahiti side continues down in order (1915-1916-1917) and the GF/quiet pool side goes down in numbers (1914-1913-1912-1911) from left end to right. I use to think the buildings had odd and even on each side of the building also. Maybe it changed, but all the building rooms go in order starting in one corner and going clockwise. If any one goes soon and can get the numbers for Samoa and Niue I would love the info to add to my map. They finally added the new pool to the map also. I will scan it in.

Steve

[GirlPoly]

Originally posted by Tikiman
GirlPoly,

. Maybe it changed, but all the building rooms go in order starting in one corner and going clockwise

Steve

They must have changed :confused:

When we stayed in 3911 the connecting room was 3913

:sunny:

[Tikiman]

Think about it though. With as long as the Tokelau building is, the numbers would be much higher that 3915 at the end of the building if they started with 3901 and went even and odd down to the other end. I thought the same thing about the Hawaii building being even and odd on each side but we were in the same room as last year and if they had changed the numbers since last year they would have been different this year. I just talked to Melissa and she said they have always been the way they are now. Don't feel bad. I thought they were different too but I guess I did not pay attention thill this year. That is why I walked every building with the map and wrote down the room numbers. I even found some buildings that started with an xx02 since the xx01 room was turned into a storage room like in Rarotonga.

Steve

[minijeanie]

Thanks Tikiman for info on Tambu Lounge & Ohana's. I will definitely check out one of those specialty drinks. DH loved reading the Ohana's menu. Kids seemed to be okay with it too. I have a room question for you? staying GV Poly Concierge next month. I know you cannot request specific room #'s but in your opinion which rooms would be good to stay at that are closest walking distance to TTC. We are requesting 3rd floor because we want a balcony. I know this is a smoking floor but that is okay with us. Our kids are older so we do not have strollers. Thanks

[Tikiman]

My map is at home but I believe that room 3518 is the 3rd floor room at the far end (towards the TTC) on the garden side. Email me so I remember to check at home.

steves5150@yahoo.com

Steve

[CaliforniaDreaming]

Hey Tiki, what airline did you use to Orlando and where did you rent a car from?

Just wondering...

[Tikiman]

We used United and we always use Dollar. Every time I look for a better price from another rent a car place I never find a better deal than Dollar and a great car.

Steve

[Rock'n Robin]

Steve I have to ask about upgrading the bricks. Ours was just installed last fall (we bought it last July). We "visited" in June and it has a big smudge that I thought was mud, but it won't come off. You can read it but...it's just not the same. What are the details about upgrading, and where do you find out? We'll be back next summer. I don't have to have the old one but I'd like to know more about this.
Robin M.
Poly 6/2000
BWV 6/2001
VWL/BWV 7/2002

[Boots]

Wonderful trip report!!!

[lynr]

Tikiman:
I know what you mean about the Poly feeling like home. We have tried other resorts also and always go back to the Poly. By the way 1504 is our favorite room right next to yours.
I wish you and Tara a lifetime of happiness and many visits to WDW. Loved reading your report. I can't wait until our trip 20 days and counting.
Lyn

[goofyandmore]

CONGRATULATIONS STEVE AND TARA!!!! Wow, you two must be very happy with your honeymoon. Do you think that the Polynesian honeymooners are usually treated so well or is was it extra special sine you are both repeat customers and known personally by the CM's? We did have special birthday treats and going away chocholates, but wow, did they give you great treatment. I also have to say, that you two are a wonderful couple. It was very sweet how you described holding each other to Illuminations and the song "Promise." Many men would not feel comfortable talking about it and showing their sensitive side. I know that in 50 years you will be back at the Polynesian celebrating your anniversary! You have also given the best trip report I have ever read. Thanks again, Carolyn

[goofyandmore]

Steve, next time you go to Disney, do you think you will split your stay again between an Epcot resort and MG resort? We have been debating this since it's so hard to exit Epcot at night and get on the monorail but I think staying at the Polynesian shouldn't be wasted by shortening my stay there. Thanks again, Carolyn

[Tikiman]

Carolyn,

I wondered the same thing about how we were treated. I think it had a little to do with knowing the staff and also who you end up getting as your housekeeper and turndown. Some are creative and others are not. We had never met Luz (housekeeper) or Steve (turndown) before but now we know them. I think some of the things they did for our honeymoon and birthday are normal for the concierge level and may not happen in a standard Polynesian room but I remember GirlPoly getting something in her room over in Tokelau. Our upstairs friends (Mary and Kevin) got the champagne and chocolates like we did. You should never expect anything. We did not expect the things we got and would still have enjoyed the trip but it did make it that much more special.

I would split my stay with an Epcot resort again, as long as I still got a full week at the Polynesian. The week goes by fast enough. We did not even unpack for the 4 days over at the YC. We did go into Epcot a lot at night when staying at the YC but after spending so much time in Epcot it was nice to get over to the MK side of the world. We would still pop over to Epcot for a few things from the TTC. It is almost as easy.

Steve

[UncleKyle]

Great report! It sounds like you guys had a wonderful time. I can't wait to spend my honeymoon there.

[Tikiman]

Make sure they know it is your honeymoon before you go. I have some ideas on a great honeymoon gift basket from WDW Florist if you would like the info.

Steve

[pigletproud]

I just want you to know that I was having a stressful day at work and decided to visit the message boards (which I haven't in months) I always find something to humor me here when I need a distraction.
I smiled through your whole report and laughed hysterically at your visit to Whispering Canyon. Wow a honeymoon and a birthday WDW trip, what more can one ask for?
Wishing you and Tara tons of happiness!

[Tikiman]

Thanks pigletproud. Glad it made you laugh.

Steve

[Tikiman]

For those who did not believe the part about the staff at WC making me run around the WL lobby, here is proof.

http://tikiman2001.homestead.com/files/proof.jpg

Steve

[*Flower*]

Whoa....

GREAT picture Steve, and congratulations to you and Tara on your marriage!
May you always be as happy as you are now, and may your marriage last at least as long as mine and DHs (28 years and counting)!

[Tikiman]

Thanks Flower.

Steve

[Curly Q]

Great report, no wonder you love the Poly so much!

Congrats:D

[Tracy00]

Hi Steve,

I just wanted to write and say a big THANK YOU for posting such a great trip report!

We can't get to the Poly again until May 2002 and reading your posts and drooling over your website are the only things that will get me thru this!

Thanks for bringing back all the wonderful memories of the Polynesian!

Tracy

[Mamu]

Thanks for sharing your very special trip to Disney.

We have the Poly booked for December with our children and grandchildren. I'm very excited about staying here.

[Tikiman]

Mamu,

That will be so much fun with the Christmas stuff up.

Steve

[Tikiman]

Someone emailed me to bump up my report from our trip so here is the bump. It took a while to find it. There will be more info added to my Polynesian web page soon, including some new Christmas pictures.

Steve

[swankybeth]

Great report! I really enjoyed reading it. Thanks for posting it and bumping it too. :D

Beth

[goofyandmore]

I haven't been around in a while, but I just saw your post about Christmas pictures at the polynesian. Does that mean you were just there? How are things for you? They last time I looked, you were concerned about your job and wouldn't be on the net for a while. I hope everything is well with you and the Mrs. I am surprised that Disney hasn't offerred some really great discounts to get business way up. I am still afraid to fly from Newark, NJ but if the price at the Polynesian concierage was really great with my AP pass, I think I would do it. Instead of closing resorts, they should offer outrageous prices, what do you think?
Carolyn from NJ

[nativetxn]

I love the boardwalk "area" since Epcot and MGM are my favorite parks. Sorry you were disappointed with Yacht Club.

Sounds like the magic you found at the Poly more than made up for it though.

Thanks for posting this for us to enjoy.

Katholyn