Doin it in Style @ The Poly! September 2010 Here we Come!!!

[Stefy]

Gosh that title took me forever to think of, not even sure if I like it still

Hello and Welcome to my (or our as DF will be popping in and out from time to time) PTR for our third, second first trip to the World! Confused? Let me explain.

We first discovered the magic together (DF had been 13yrs before, but that doesn't count in my book) in September of 2007 where we immediately fell in love and had the time of our lives

So after a fantastic trip the year before, we decided what could be better than celebrating Christmas 2008 early at WDW? We researched and found that the first two weeks of Dec were supposed to be quite! Wrong!!! It was so crowded, all resorts were near full to capacity, not to mention I had the stinky rotten flu, thereby making this second trip not so magical

So now we are hoping that the third times the charm and have decided to recreate our first trip by pretending its our first ever vacation at Disney

Oh my! Where are my manners, I haven't even introduced ourselves.

This is me:

Stefy, I'm 24 this year (boo) and love everything Disney.

My fav Character is Stitch because he is just too cool and too cute.
My fav Princess is Belle.
My fav park is MK (but Epcot comes a close second)

Thats enough about me, now time to introduce the love of my life

DF Dave, he's 25 this year (lucky so and so gets to celebrate his birthday at the World, again!) and is also a Disney fanatic.

His fav Character is Goofy
His fav park is MK as he says that that is what Disney is all about, that and PhilharMagic (his fav ride).

This is us in 2007

and 2008

So thats the introductions out of the way. Hope you still here

So after uhm-ing and ah-ing and yes-ing and no-ing, we decided to book our "third" trip for September/October 2010. The official dates are 29th September to 14th October.

Flights have been booked, flying with Virgin going Premium Economy (love flying PE, so worth the extra money if you get to fly in the Bubble).

There was much deliberation over where we should stay, as UK Disney had not released any offers for September 2010. So we thought why not stay at a deluxe, as on our previous trips we stayed at CBR and CSR (Loved CBR, CSR not so much). So AKL was the first option, as we both loved the resort and the theme, not to mention it was the cheapest deluxe option available. Then free dining came out and we priced up AKL again, but noticed that the Poly was working out at a good deal because of FD (this is one of our fav resorts). Ecstatically happy and pleased with ourselves we decided to go for it. So now we are staying for 14 glorious nights and are counting down the days til we get there.

Next Dining.

 

[Stefy]

With free dining, we weighed up our options of upgrading to the Deluxe Dining Plan and thought, screw it lets go for it. So now we have 42 credits, counter or table, at our disposal for the whole duration of the trip

Being the obsessive planner that I am, we have already narrowed down dinner for the first 13 nights. We want to eat off property another night when we go to US/IoA

Here are the restaurants we are hoping to get ADR's for:

Kona Cafe - PR - 1TS - Breakfast
Ohana Best Friend Breakfast - PR - 1TS
Princess Storybook Dining at Akershus - Epcot: Norway - 1TS - Breakfast
Crystal Palace - MK - 1TS - Breakfast

Donalds Safari Breakfast - AK - 1TS
Whispering Canyon Cafe - WL - 1TS - Lunch
Kona Cafe - PR - 1TS - Lunch
Grand Floridian Cafe - GF - 1TS - Lunch
Nine Dragons - Epcot: China - 1TS - Lunch

Boma - AKL- 1TS - Dinner
Jiko - AKL - 2TS - Dinner
Cali Grill - CR - 2TS - Dinner
Narcoossee's - GF - 2TS - Dinner
Yachtsmans Steakhouse - YC - 2TS - Dinner
Kona Cafe - PR - 1TS - Dinner
Ohana - PR - 1TS - Dinner
Coral Reef - Epcot: Future World - 1TS - Dinner
Rose and Crown - Epcot: UK - 1TS - Dinner
Teppan Edo - Epcot: Japan - 1TS - Dinner
Tutto Italia - Epcot: Italy - 1TS - Dinner
Cinderellas Royal Table - MK - 2TS - Dinner
Le Cellier - Epcot: Canada - 1TS - Dinner
Sannaa - AKL - 1TS - Dinner
Chefs de France - Epcot: France - 1TS - Lunch/Dinner

Some of the restaurants might change, like Sannaa, Chefs and lunch at Kona. We are also thinking about trying IHOP for breakfast one morning also.

What do you guys think?

Next: Wishlist

 

[Disneyfan71]

I am definitely on board Planning a Disney trip is always exciting!!!

 

[Stefy]

Disneyfan71

Glad to have you on board, any ideas, suggestions and thoughts are most welcome

 

[Disneyfan71]

Being that I haven't been in 15 years I can't offer too much So much has changed---and I haven't had any kind of dining experiences. I have been to the 50's Prime Time Cafe that's at MGM (Now Disney Hollywood Studios) but I still call it MGM. That was a fun experience. And I've been to Cinderella's Royal Table.

 

[Stefy]

Wow 15yrs! But I see that you are going in June this year, must be v exciting

We are really looking forward to CRT as I heard that the experice is great and its eating in the castle, what is more Disney than that.

50's Prime Time, it does sound good to me, but not sure I am all for the whole mum experience at the dinner table.

 

[dizneeat]

Yeah, you started! I so need to be in on this one! Now going back to read what you have already posted - I just had to come and sign on!

 

[Stefy]

Yeah, you started! I so need to be in on this one! Now going back to read what you have already posted - I just had to come and sign on!

Yay you made it

 

[dizneeat]

Okay, read the intro and dining and loving both! What a great start to your pre-trippie!

You and your DF are such a cute couple!
I am so happy for you that the Poly worked out for you! Staying at a Monorail Resort is such a convenience. We stayed at the Contemporary Resort once and LOVED it. I would love to stay at the CR again, but then Tower room and Magic Kingdom view or BLT with a MK view, but so far Disney.uk made the race with its offer for OKW. Can't beat the 900+ square feet!

Your dining plans look yummy! I can only recommend Sanaa - the one Tom wants to go back to twice next summer! But we'll see what gets changed and changed and changed again in the next 8 months!

Happy planning!!

 

[Stefy]

Aww thanx

DF really really wants to stay at CR, BLT even more so. Have never really looked into OKW, but that amount of space sounds awesome

 

[disneylovin24]

The Poly It is my dream to stay there!! It never works out though due to the amount of people in our group, we always need to get a room that sleeps 5 or 6.

Sounds like a fun trip

 

[Stefy]

The Poly It is my dream to stay there!! It never works out though due to the amount of people in our group, we always need to get a room that sleeps 5 or 6.

Sounds like a fun trip

Glad to have you on board

It has always been our dream to stay at the PR too, can't believe we are actually doing it TBH.

Well maybe when your next trip includes just a few, you can try out the Poly

 

[Stefy]

Ok, this is my last post and then I have to sign out

Am posting a non related trip post (sorta).

Whenever I go away I always buy new clothes for the trip. I can't go too mad this year though because of how much this trip is costing. DF is lucky though, as he gets all his stuff when we are in Florida.

So I have come up with a mini plan of sorts, in that I am going to buy one t shirt a month until we leave. But these are not just any t shirts no, these are Disney t shirts and I thought I would share them with you as this PTR progresses. So far I have bought three in two month (two were on sale and combined were the price of one t shirt).

So here are my tees so far:

What you think?

We are also watching Disneys again (have loads of DVD and a few on Blu-ray) to keep us in the spirit of all things Disney.

We started today with Snow White on BR and I love it, such a classic film and the music and songs, not to mention it shows up rather well on BR

We viewed it in Disney View, which is pretty awesome where it puts borders on the older films that aren't wide screen compatible. So instead of black edges, you get a border which changes dependent on the scene you are watching, for instance when Snow White is running in the woods the border changes to dark sharp branches to match the trees.

Looking at what we have to watch I can never pick one film out to watch, so we have come up with the idea of watching the films in the order that they were released cinematically, hence why we started with Walt's first ever Disney Animated Classic.

So I thought, as we go along we could discuss the movies etc

Anywho, I am done for now, so goodnight and godbless

 

[Disneyfan71]

We have a collection of Disney shirts too--and I'm sure we'll buy more before it's all said and done.

 

[Raecheal]

I"m in...

 

[Soopafly]

I'm in too! Am curious to know what our plans are

 

[Stefy]

We have a collection of Disney shirts too--and I'm sure we'll buy more before it's all said and done.

There are just soooo many. Part of the reason why I am buying one a month is so I don't go too mad.

I"m in...

Glad you could join us, feel free to comment anytime

I'm in too! Am curious to know what our plans are

Hmmmm, suppose we can share some ideas with you

 

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

Hey!!! I'm so excited to read all your plans!

First of all, you guys are the CUTEST!!!

Soooo exciting to be staying at Poly, isn't it? Tom and I stayed there for our honeymoon and it was like being in a completely different world! As wonderful as the other resorts are, there is just something about the Poly, with all the plants around you, being on the monorail, walking distance to the TTC for Epcot...just so beautiful and convenient, worth every penny, if you can swing it!

Congrats on the deluxe dining too! We have eaten at a lot of the places you mentioned. We loved 'Ohana so much, we made an ADR for our mini-trip just 2 months later. Good luck getting everything you want!

Whenever I go away I always buy new clothes for the trip.

So far I have bought three in two month (two were on sale and combined were the price of one t shirt).

This is so funny because I do the same thing!! I NEVER buy new clothes until I have a trip planned! And I LOVE your rationale for buying 3 shirts in 2 months right after you said you were only going to buy 1 shirt each month! Too funny!

 

[Stefy]

Now I am not too up on what to do in PTR's as I have only ever done the one TR. Feel free to chime in with questions or suggestions on what to do

So I thought I would start with a Wishlist/To Do List. I have been taking notes down as I have read other Disers TR's and other random threads around the board. Some things I never even knew existed. I will do them in a list format and go from there me thinks

Wishlist

Parks

Kim Possible - Epcot - DF is not so keen on this, but it looks like it could be alot of fun, esp with the different things that happen in each country.

Exposition Hall - Photo Ops - I heard that there is an area off to the side of Tony's in EH where you can take really cool pics like standing in the claw machine from Toy Story with the little Aliens (love those little guys).

Burn Off - Epcot - I heard about this and was v intrigued. Does anyone know anything about this, what time it roughly takes place etc?

Kiss Goodnight - Again something I heard on the boards that sounds like a must watch, but still do not know too much about it. Anyone?

Animation Studio - Loads of Disers have tried this and posted their efforts. It looks like so much fun and we can't wait to try it out. Hopefully we can get to draw Stitch.

Great Piggy Bank Adventure - Epcot - This also looks like alot of fun.

Disney Art - We have started to look into this as I was talking to DF about wanting to buy some paintings/pictures for when we move into our own place and he came across this awesome website of different artists who paint Disney characters. There is this one artist that uses a Monet like style with Classic Winnie the Pooh. So I figured why not see what some of the stores in Disney do. I doubt we will buy any just yet, but its always nice to have a look.

Dessert Party - We are hoping that this gets extended for this year and it looks awesome and being a mad cake lover looks like heaven, esp when you also get to watch Wishes. Fireworks and dessert, what could be better than that I tell you!

TRex pictures - We won't be eating here, but I have heard that you can still check out the restaurant if you are not dining. Is it possible and can you see most of the restaurant without looking strange by just walking around and taking pics?

Souvenirs

Grand Floridian Lower Level Gift Shop - I have heard that this particular shop stocks Disney Fairytale Wedding products and I have to check it out. Originally when I noted that down, we were thinking of having a DFTW, but have decided to get married here in the UK. But that doesn't stop me wanting to add some Disney magic to it, so would love to see what kind of stuff they sell.

Park CD's - I don't know too much about these, but am assuming that you get music thats played in different areas of the park on them? If we want the fireworks music too is that included on there, or do we have to get a separate CD?

Beads - POFQ - I am currently obssessed with Mardi Gras right now and have said to DF I want to go to POFQ to get some beads. He thinks I am mad and I most prob am, but I don't care. Does the gift shop stock these and are there lots of different varieties?

Leis - PR - Am hoping we will get these upon check in and don't have to ask for them.

Mickey Head Balloon - I know you are most prob thinking but they are so cool looking and I want one

Resorts

Torch Lighting Ceremony - PR - Am looking forward to seeing this as its supposed to be pretty cool. Must get the times down before we go. I have heard that the Poly also do their own kind of newsletter with schedules/times of what goes on at the resort. Do we just ask for that on check in?

Electrical Water Pageant - From other Disers pics it looks really cool, so am hoping to make use of our new camera and take some nice pics of this show.

Butterfly Garden - CR - Never even knew this place existed and I am just fascinated by butterflies and can't wait to find this place (hopefully it won't be too hard to find).

So what do you guys think?

I was also thinking, to pass the time, that I might include our previous trips here, just to reminisce.

 

[Stefy]

Hey!!! I'm so excited to read all your plans!

First of all, you guys are the CUTEST!!!

Soooo exciting to be staying at Poly, isn't it? Tom and I stayed there for our honeymoon and it was like being in a completely different world! As wonderful as the other resorts are, there is just something about the Poly, with all the plants around you, being on the monorail, walking distance to the TTC for Epcot...just so beautiful and convenient, worth every penny, if you can swing it!

Congrats on the deluxe dining too! We have eaten at a lot of the places you mentioned. We loved 'Ohana so much, we made an ADR for our mini-trip just 2 months later. Good luck getting everything you want!



This is so funny because I do the same thing!! I NEVER buy new clothes until I have a trip planned! And I LOVE your rationale for buying 3 shirts in 2 months right after you said you were only going to buy 1 shirt each month! Too funny!

YAY, you made it

We are sooooooooooo excited to be staying at the Poly. We never dreamed that we would be able to stay there this early (we figured we would stay moderate for the first few trips then save up and go Deluxe.

Do you know one thing I never thought of when choosing the Poly was the transportation. It never crossed my mind, for me it was more about the theming and the fact that it was such a gorgeous resort, the fact that it is a monorail resort is a bonus.

Oh yes, Ohana's is a great restaurant, I'll bet for you guys it will be like a must do restaurant every time you go because of all the memories

One thing I forgot to add to that list was to get a dress from Polynesian Princess. Inspired by yourself, when you bought one on your honeymoon trip

In my defence those last two tees were on sale, so in theory it was like paying for one t shirt, but getting two