amazingact21
Upendi
- Joined
- Nov 6, 2010
Makes sense, you are only running 10 miles that night!
By the way, how excited are you that the race day is getting closer?!?
It'll Be All Right -A May 2012 TR Closing Thought and PTR Link 8/12*
- Thread starter amazingact21
- Start date
Makes sense, you are only running 10 miles that night!
By the way, how excited are you that the race day is getting closer?!?
amazingact21
Upendi
- Joined
- Nov 6, 2010
So, right now Hurricane (sometimes Tropical Storm, it's very wishy-washy) Isaac is hanging out in the Gulf of Mexico. It's taken a wide turn west, so my area isn't catching the brunt of the storm. However, before today nobody was sure if it would change course or not, so all the schools were closed and only a few people were made to work at the base. Alex happened to be one of the lucky 4 people (at his particular job) chosen so he's busy completing one of his two 12 hour shifts. Leaving me stuck at home in fair weather. It's pretty windy, but nothing much worse than that at this point. (Our wedding weekend had much worse conditions.)
***Of course, now that I have bragged about escaping the bands of the storm, a huge wave of rain will hit mid-update and knock the power out.***
May 6th Afternoon and Early Evening:
Having bored my mother and Alex to death with Hollywood Studios photographs, we all drove back to Sports for some much needed rest.
Home sweet home!
I mentioned in my last post that Alex and I received 2 DHS Vinyls in our last trade, and I found the picture of them:
You can see the other DHS Vinylmation Alex got earlier in the trip in the background.
We had quite the collection forming.
According to my handy dandy travel journal, my head hit my (extremely comfortable) pillow by 1 o'clock, and I did not resurface from la-la land until 3:25.
It was a great nap and exactly what I needed at the time. I felt completely refreshed and knew I was ready to tackle evening EMH at MK later that night.
I called my mom, but she didn't answer her phone, so I went to her room and knocked on her door. Still no answer, and I was afraid I'd wake her up if I called again, so I decided to go to the food court and refill my mug with some water.
On the way over there, I happened to glance at the Surf's Up pool and saw my mom in one of the chairs. She said she'd woken up about a half hour ago and wanted to take advantage of the down time by swimming for a bit.
I thought that was a perfect idea and rushed back to the room to change into my suit.
Alex is not a fan of pools at all. He finds them extremely boring. He can't sit around for hours on end. Honestly, he'd rather go sit through several Disney shows than hang out at the resort pool.
So when I asked if he wanted to join, he declined and said he'd stay in the room and study for his upcoming test.
What he was probably thinking at the time: "Hmm, sit outside in the heat and swelter or lounge around an air conditioned room on a comfortable bed? Wonder which is better?"
You wouldn't hear me complaining, though. I love pools. And the beach. Really, anyplace where I can sit around and read then go swimming is an A+ place in my book.
The pool itself was crowded every time I went swimming, but I tried to not let that deter me. My mom and I kind of staked out a spot near the wall and claimed it as ours, and nobody really invaded our space.
I swam until about 4 o'clock, then spent fifteen minutes laying around on the lounge chair, writing in my travel journal. At 4:15, Alex found us, and we decided it was time to head back to the room and shower.
I saw this little guy on the way back to the room:
After the showers were over with, my mom came over to our room, and we all confessed a secret we'd been keeping in the back of our minds.
We had a 6:45 ADR for Kona Café that evening, and it was already almost 5 o'clock, but as it turned out nobody was even close to being hungry.
I thought about the steak awaiting me at Kona and the amazing cheesecake calling my name, and then I tried imagining myself eating that in a little over an hour.
"There's no way I'm capable of that."
So, Alex signed onto the Disney Dining website (hello, free WiFi!) and looked at later ADR times. We lucked out and found an 8:05pm slot for Kona.
8:05pm sounded MUCH more reasonable, and I knew I'd be ready to chow down on some dinner by then. We did run into one snag in the booking process, and Alex had to actually call the Dining Reservation number to fix the issue, but aside from that, the change went smoothly and quickly.
However, the three of us were then presented with the problem of...
What to do for the next 3 hours???
I was up for hanging out at the resort and perhaps sleeping some more.
I know, real thrill seeker I am.
Alex and my mom weren't on board with that option, and in the span of time it took me to leave the room and use the restroom, Alex had planted the DTD seed in my mom's head.
My mom really liked the idea, because she'd never been to DTD before and wanted to check it out. And, naturally, Alex loves the area. Store after store of souvenir shopping...is it any wonder, guys, that Alex pushed for this???
I wasn't exactly thrilled with returning to DTD. I knew it'd be crowded and difficult to find a parking spot, and I was afraid I'd tire my legs out before we even got to MK, but I was outvoted.
A little after 5:30ish , the three of us headed out of Sports.
A couple shots I snagged while walking to our car:
I miss you, Baseball Building!
f1 by Alicia Wolchick, on Flickr
It's going to be weird to go to an All Stars in September and not see Music across the way.
Our chariot awaits!
Not sure why I have so many pictures of our building.
Alex drove us over to DTD in about 10 minute's time.
f2 by Alicia Wolchick, on Flickr
The parking lot was full, big surprise there, but we managed to find a spot in Lot E.
Walking inside, Alex kept dropping not-so subtle hints about wanting to go to D Street and check out the Vinylmations.
Ah ha! Now I got it. He put the DTD bug in my mother's head so that he could visit the one store he'd missed on our arrival day visit.
Well, I promptly informed him that we didn't have a lot of time, and I really didn't want to walk alllllll the way across DTD for one store. However, I compromised and agreed to take my mom in World of Disney (because honestly, what other store do you take a first timer in?) and if we had any time left over, we would walk over to the Vinylmation store afterwards.
My mom was blown away with how big (and crowded!) world of Disney was. I don't think she could've imagined all those Disney items in one place without seeing it for herself.
I wouldn't mind having this in my house, at all. No matter that its huge and not just a little gaudy. I think if I had a huge replica of Cinderella's Castle around me all the time, I wouldn't feel compelled to go back to WDW every 5 months. It'd be more like every 7 months...
Alex liked both these and a four pack with the 4 park logos on each shot glass set, but neither of us do shots, so they'd end up being toothpick holders or quarter containers and that seemed like a waste for such nice (expensive) shot glasses, so we passed on them.
In one of the rare moments that I relinquished control of the camera, my mom took this photo of me picking out a new shirt.
I love Minnie Mouse; she used to be my favorite of the Fab 5 before I fell completely in love with Donald, so I was happy to have found a shirt of her I liked. (Side note: as a kid, I was more excited to meet Minnie Mouse than I was to meet the princesses. Minnie was far superior in my book. My parents have a picture of when we went to WDW when I was 7, and I spotted Minnie Mouse walking to a meet and greet. I literally ran over to her and ignored the CMs who were telling me I couldn't hug her. I am such a ruler follower, by the book kind of person, that for me to flat out not listen to an adult still baffles me to this day. Oh the memories...
)
The three of us shopped for about an hour or so. I bought a mystery pin set in addition to the shirt and handed those items off to Alex to include with his purchases. (With all the shopping he did, I have no clue what he bought this time around.) I wanted him to get the 10% discount, though, which is what annual passholders can get if they spend 50 dollars or more, hence me pushing my stuff on him.
I got in line with my mom, who had purchased a photo album, a magnet, and some other odds and ends and used my annual pass to get her the 10% discount.
A successful shopping trip!
However, it was nearing 7:15 by the time we were back outside on the sidewalk, and I knew we didn't have time to go to D Street. Alex was bummed, but he got over it.
This just means that I'm now pretty much guaranteed to have to go there next month. *Sigh*
As we were walking past T REX and the Pleasure Island sign, the three of us began looking up at the sky. It had turned ominously dark, and I began worrying about crossing across the TTC parking lot in the rain.
f3 by Alicia Wolchick, on Flickr
It was the sign we needed to hurry up and mosy along!
Up Next: Hmmph, I Didn't Get Carded
***Of course, now that I have bragged about escaping the bands of the storm, a huge wave of rain will hit mid-update and knock the power out.***
May 6th Afternoon and Early Evening:
Having bored my mother and Alex to death with Hollywood Studios photographs, we all drove back to Sports for some much needed rest.
Home sweet home!
I mentioned in my last post that Alex and I received 2 DHS Vinyls in our last trade, and I found the picture of them:
You can see the other DHS Vinylmation Alex got earlier in the trip in the background.
We had quite the collection forming.
According to my handy dandy travel journal, my head hit my (extremely comfortable) pillow by 1 o'clock, and I did not resurface from la-la land until 3:25.
It was a great nap and exactly what I needed at the time. I felt completely refreshed and knew I was ready to tackle evening EMH at MK later that night.
I called my mom, but she didn't answer her phone, so I went to her room and knocked on her door. Still no answer, and I was afraid I'd wake her up if I called again, so I decided to go to the food court and refill my mug with some water.
On the way over there, I happened to glance at the Surf's Up pool and saw my mom in one of the chairs. She said she'd woken up about a half hour ago and wanted to take advantage of the down time by swimming for a bit.
I thought that was a perfect idea and rushed back to the room to change into my suit.
Alex is not a fan of pools at all. He finds them extremely boring. He can't sit around for hours on end. Honestly, he'd rather go sit through several Disney shows than hang out at the resort pool.
So when I asked if he wanted to join, he declined and said he'd stay in the room and study for his upcoming test.
What he was probably thinking at the time: "Hmm, sit outside in the heat and swelter or lounge around an air conditioned room on a comfortable bed? Wonder which is better?"
You wouldn't hear me complaining, though. I love pools. And the beach. Really, anyplace where I can sit around and read then go swimming is an A+ place in my book.
The pool itself was crowded every time I went swimming, but I tried to not let that deter me. My mom and I kind of staked out a spot near the wall and claimed it as ours, and nobody really invaded our space.
I swam until about 4 o'clock, then spent fifteen minutes laying around on the lounge chair, writing in my travel journal. At 4:15, Alex found us, and we decided it was time to head back to the room and shower.
I saw this little guy on the way back to the room:
After the showers were over with, my mom came over to our room, and we all confessed a secret we'd been keeping in the back of our minds.
We had a 6:45 ADR for Kona Café that evening, and it was already almost 5 o'clock, but as it turned out nobody was even close to being hungry.
I thought about the steak awaiting me at Kona and the amazing cheesecake calling my name, and then I tried imagining myself eating that in a little over an hour.
"There's no way I'm capable of that."
So, Alex signed onto the Disney Dining website (hello, free WiFi!) and looked at later ADR times. We lucked out and found an 8:05pm slot for Kona.
8:05pm sounded MUCH more reasonable, and I knew I'd be ready to chow down on some dinner by then. We did run into one snag in the booking process, and Alex had to actually call the Dining Reservation number to fix the issue, but aside from that, the change went smoothly and quickly.
However, the three of us were then presented with the problem of...
What to do for the next 3 hours???
I was up for hanging out at the resort and perhaps sleeping some more.
I know, real thrill seeker I am.
Alex and my mom weren't on board with that option, and in the span of time it took me to leave the room and use the restroom, Alex had planted the DTD seed in my mom's head.
My mom really liked the idea, because she'd never been to DTD before and wanted to check it out. And, naturally, Alex loves the area. Store after store of souvenir shopping...is it any wonder, guys, that Alex pushed for this???
I wasn't exactly thrilled with returning to DTD. I knew it'd be crowded and difficult to find a parking spot, and I was afraid I'd tire my legs out before we even got to MK, but I was outvoted.
A little after 5:30ish , the three of us headed out of Sports.
A couple shots I snagged while walking to our car:
I miss you, Baseball Building!
f1 by Alicia Wolchick, on FlickrIt's going to be weird to go to an All Stars in September and not see Music across the way.
Our chariot awaits!
Not sure why I have so many pictures of our building.
Alex drove us over to DTD in about 10 minute's time.
f2 by Alicia Wolchick, on FlickrThe parking lot was full, big surprise there, but we managed to find a spot in Lot E.
Walking inside, Alex kept dropping not-so subtle hints about wanting to go to D Street and check out the Vinylmations.
Ah ha! Now I got it. He put the DTD bug in my mother's head so that he could visit the one store he'd missed on our arrival day visit.
Well, I promptly informed him that we didn't have a lot of time, and I really didn't want to walk alllllll the way across DTD for one store. However, I compromised and agreed to take my mom in World of Disney (because honestly, what other store do you take a first timer in?) and if we had any time left over, we would walk over to the Vinylmation store afterwards.
My mom was blown away with how big (and crowded!) world of Disney was. I don't think she could've imagined all those Disney items in one place without seeing it for herself.
I wouldn't mind having this in my house, at all. No matter that its huge and not just a little gaudy. I think if I had a huge replica of Cinderella's Castle around me all the time, I wouldn't feel compelled to go back to WDW every 5 months. It'd be more like every 7 months...
Alex liked both these and a four pack with the 4 park logos on each shot glass set, but neither of us do shots, so they'd end up being toothpick holders or quarter containers and that seemed like a waste for such nice (expensive) shot glasses, so we passed on them.
In one of the rare moments that I relinquished control of the camera, my mom took this photo of me picking out a new shirt.
I love Minnie Mouse; she used to be my favorite of the Fab 5 before I fell completely in love with Donald, so I was happy to have found a shirt of her I liked. (Side note: as a kid, I was more excited to meet Minnie Mouse than I was to meet the princesses. Minnie was far superior in my book. My parents have a picture of when we went to WDW when I was 7, and I spotted Minnie Mouse walking to a meet and greet. I literally ran over to her and ignored the CMs who were telling me I couldn't hug her. I am such a ruler follower, by the book kind of person, that for me to flat out not listen to an adult still baffles me to this day. Oh the memories...
)The three of us shopped for about an hour or so. I bought a mystery pin set in addition to the shirt and handed those items off to Alex to include with his purchases. (With all the shopping he did, I have no clue what he bought this time around.) I wanted him to get the 10% discount, though, which is what annual passholders can get if they spend 50 dollars or more, hence me pushing my stuff on him.
I got in line with my mom, who had purchased a photo album, a magnet, and some other odds and ends and used my annual pass to get her the 10% discount.
A successful shopping trip!
However, it was nearing 7:15 by the time we were back outside on the sidewalk, and I knew we didn't have time to go to D Street. Alex was bummed, but he got over it.
This just means that I'm now pretty much guaranteed to have to go there next month. *Sigh*
As we were walking past T REX and the Pleasure Island sign, the three of us began looking up at the sky. It had turned ominously dark, and I began worrying about crossing across the TTC parking lot in the rain.
f3 by Alicia Wolchick, on FlickrIt was the sign we needed to hurry up and mosy along!
Up Next: Hmmph, I Didn't Get Carded
Last edited:
marDgreen88
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Sep 3, 2011
I'm with ya there, I love pools/beach/water. They're so much fun! I never got to swim in the Sports pool but I thought it was cute!
I think Disney bunnies really love the All Star resorts. And Epcot.
Hooray for a successful shopping trip.
I think Disney bunnies really love the All Star resorts. And Epcot.
Hooray for a successful shopping trip.
teekathepony
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Oct 2, 2009
My dh also hates sitting around at pools and things. We went to the beach a few weeks ago and he got so bored he dug a 4 foot deep hole with his hands.
Good catch on the later ADR! And I have to admit, I would have voted for DTD to fill the time too.
Good catch on the later ADR! And I have to admit, I would have voted for DTD to fill the time too.
Aussiesalad
Totes Mcgoats
- Joined
- Jun 15, 2011
So glad you are safe and alright over there.
It's even making the news here!
With pool time its always essential to stake out your wall area.. and give looks to people that come to close
I love ridiculous photos, so it's a winner in my books!
UM WHAT IS THAT ANIMAL??
I don't think I have ever seen anything like it!!
But yes us Australians are quite sheltered...
Ahhh I am so excited for wifi when I am there!! Makes moving things around and using all the fun apps so much easier!
That shirt in DTD is so cute. I'm quite the Minnie fan myself!
Hooray for a successful shopping trip, and hopefully getting out of there before you get rained on!
It's even making the news here!
With pool time its always essential to stake out your wall area.. and give looks to people that come to close
I love ridiculous photos, so it's a winner in my books!
UM WHAT IS THAT ANIMAL??
I don't think I have ever seen anything like it!!
But yes us Australians are quite sheltered...
Ahhh I am so excited for wifi when I am there!! Makes moving things around and using all the fun apps so much easier!
That shirt in DTD is so cute. I'm quite the Minnie fan myself!
Hooray for a successful shopping trip, and hopefully getting out of there before you get rained on!
Nermel9
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Mar 18, 2009
I like your DHS Vinyls, did you keep them or trade them?
Haha, I feel the same way about pools as Alex! I can't sit around a pool and just relax, it's SO boring! I even have a limit to how long I can swim in one, after like 30 minutes I'm ready to get out! Brandon however, can stay in a pool all day! I have to admit though, I did love hanging out by Stormalong Bay!
Aww, sorry you had to go to DTD when you wanted to sleep! I probably would have wanted to do the same thing to prepare for magic hours! I love the World of Disney, but it's always so crowded!!
I love Minnie too, I like her much better than the princesses!
Haha, I feel the same way about pools as Alex! I can't sit around a pool and just relax, it's SO boring! I even have a limit to how long I can swim in one, after like 30 minutes I'm ready to get out! Brandon however, can stay in a pool all day! I have to admit though, I did love hanging out by Stormalong Bay!
Aww, sorry you had to go to DTD when you wanted to sleep! I probably would have wanted to do the same thing to prepare for magic hours! I love the World of Disney, but it's always so crowded!!
I love Minnie too, I like her much better than the princesses!
CandleontheWater
Forever in love with Hathaway Browne
- Joined
- Mar 5, 2007
Great idea to spend the afternoon at the pool! I love pool time 
I can't get over how much your DH loves to shop! If my DH never set foot in a store again it would be too soon!
Good call moving the ADR, this is yet another reason why I don't like the new $10 dining penalty. Each day is different, and if you don't want to eat, why should you be forced to?
I can't get over how much your DH loves to shop! If my DH never set foot in a store again it would be too soon!
Good call moving the ADR, this is yet another reason why I don't like the new $10 dining penalty. Each day is different, and if you don't want to eat, why should you be forced to?
amazingact21
Upendi
- Joined
- Nov 6, 2010
I'm with ya there, I love pools/beach/water. They're so much fun! I never got to swim in the Sports pool but I thought it was cute!
I think Disney bunnies really love the All Star resorts. And Epcot.
Hooray for a successful shopping trip.
They really are everywhere at the All Stars! It's hard to stay there and NOT spot one.
Normally, I would have been more than happy to visit DTD, but I was still tired from the race the night before.
So glad you are safe and alright over there.
It's even making the news here!
With pool time its always essential to stake out your wall area.. and give looks to people that come to close
I love ridiculous photos, so it's a winner in my books!
UM WHAT IS THAT ANIMAL??
I don't think I have ever seen anything like it!!
But yes us Australians are quite sheltered...
Ahhh I am so excited for wifi when I am there!! Makes moving things around and using all the fun apps so much easier!
That shirt in DTD is so cute. I'm quite the Minnie fan myself!
Hooray for a successful shopping trip, and hopefully getting out of there before you get rained on!
staking out a spot in the pool is a must! Otherwise you'll have all these kids or random elderly people invading your personal space and it just gets awkward.
It's nice being able to use wifi and not depend on my 3G service.
I like your DHS Vinyls, did you keep them or trade them?
Haha, I feel the same way about pools as Alex! I can't sit around a pool and just relax, it's SO boring! I even have a limit to how long I can swim in one, after like 30 minutes I'm ready to get out! Brandon however, can stay in a pool all day! I have to admit though, I did love hanging out by Stormalong Bay!
Aww, sorry you had to go to DTD when you wanted to sleep! I probably would have wanted to do the same thing to prepare for magic hours! I love the World of Disney, but it's always so crowded!!
I love Minnie too, I like her much better than the princesses!
I did end up keeping all of them. If I ever have my camera out, I'll have to take a picture of our display with all our final trades/purchases.
I feel like I'd need to schedule an entire day just to relax at Stormalong Bay; it looks like so much fun!
Great idea to spend the afternoon at the pool! I love pool time
I can't get over how much your DH loves to shop! If my DH never set foot in a store again it would be too soon!
Good call moving the ADR, this is yet another reason why I don't like the new $10 dining penalty. Each day is different, and if you don't want to eat, why should you be forced to?
Alex really only likes shopping when we're at Disney. 99.9% of the time, he's the one looking at me with the look that says, "I'll take away your credit card if you even so much as think about buying that item."
The ADR penalty is a bit ridiculous. I feel like on long trip, especially, people are going to want to switch plans around. Sometimes you're not hungry or your kid isn't cooperating or you want to stay in a particular park. Let's hope that rule disappears after awhile.
wakica
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Apr 6, 2007
Happy Anniversary for this upcoming week!!!
Hope your week isn't too busy that you don't have enough time to enjoy it properly.
Speaking of Facebook you need to add me!!! Look me up - Kim Iverson
don't be confused by the pic tho - it's a pic of my dd right now. LOL
Oct 1st is going to come SO fast!!! You'll be there before you know it
Love the Studio Vinylmations!
and WOD ROCKS!!!!! I can just imagine your moms AWE when walking in there.
Hope your week isn't too busy that you don't have enough time to enjoy it properly.
Speaking of Facebook you need to add me!!! Look me up - Kim Iverson
don't be confused by the pic tho - it's a pic of my dd right now. LOL
Oct 1st is going to come SO fast!!! You'll be there before you know it
Love the Studio Vinylmations!
and WOD ROCKS!!!!! I can just imagine your moms AWE when walking in there.
amazingact21
Upendi
- Joined
- Nov 6, 2010
Happy Anniversary for this upcoming week!!!
Hope your week isn't too busy that you don't have enough time to enjoy it properly.
Speaking of Facebook you need to add me!!! Look me up - Kim Iverson
don't be confused by the pic tho - it's a pic of my dd right now. LOL
Oct 1st is going to come SO fast!!! You'll be there before you know it
Love the Studio Vinylmations!
and WOD ROCKS!!!!! I can just imagine your moms AWE when walking in there.
Thanks! It's been really busy so far, but we've all had a good time, and now for the most part things are settling back down and I can get some free time again. I hadn't logged onto the DISboards in a week or so!
I'll be sure to find you on facebook! I do routine "cleaning" so if I ever accidentl delete you I apologize in advance.
My mom was pretty shocked at the size and scale of WoD, then she was worried Alex was going to buy us out of house and home.
UGAFan0829
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Dec 21, 2004
I'm baaack! Sorry I've been such a slacker lately...like you, the end of last month and this month has been really busy!
I am indeed getting super excited about the race coming up.
Aaaah, your afternoon back at the resort sounds heavenly, especially the pool time! I too, love swimming!
I'm glad y'all were able to get a nap in there. I can't imagine how refreshing that was!
I can't believe Alex was so sneaky with your Mom about DTD! I love going there too, but I do agree that it can be tiring. All the walking is a lot, but even fighting the crowds can sometimes be a task by itself!
I'm so glad y'all were able to get the Kona reservation moved!
And I sure hope those dreary looking clouds didn't end up raining on y'alls parade!
I am indeed getting super excited about the race coming up.
Aaaah, your afternoon back at the resort sounds heavenly, especially the pool time! I too, love swimming!
I'm glad y'all were able to get a nap in there. I can't imagine how refreshing that was!
I can't believe Alex was so sneaky with your Mom about DTD!
I love going there too, but I do agree that it can be tiring. All the walking is a lot, but even fighting the crowds can sometimes be a task by itself!I'm so glad y'all were able to get the Kona reservation moved!
And I sure hope those dreary looking clouds didn't end up raining on y'alls parade!
amazingact21
Upendi
- Joined
- Nov 6, 2010
I'm baaack! Sorry I've been such a slacker lately...like you, the end of last month and this month has been really busy!
I am indeed getting super excited about the race coming up.
Aaaah, your afternoon back at the resort sounds heavenly, especially the pool time! I too, love swimming!
I'm glad y'all were able to get a nap in there. I can't imagine how refreshing that was!
I can't believe Alex was so sneaky with your Mom about DTD!
I'm so glad y'all were able to get the Kona reservation moved!
And I sure hope those dreary looking clouds didn't end up raining on y'alls parade!
Hey, I wondered if I'd see you on the boards before your race! I wanted to make sure I wished you well! I know we're both looking forward to the end of September!
Did you say you were going to the Halloween party? I can't remember...if so, which day are you attending? I'm not going, but I might be in the park from 4-7ish, and if you'll be there, I'll keep my eyes peeled! Those naps were neccessary, and I think we all felt a million times better afterwards.
Fighting the DTD crowds can be work! I think sometimes it's just easier walking around a park than trying to scoot between folks to see something on display or get to a new part of the store.
amazingact21
Upendi
- Joined
- Nov 6, 2010
Wow, I am sorry it's been so long since I updated this TR. Like I said in my last update, this is a crazy time of the year for me, but it's starting to wind down now, so I should have more free time available to me. Alex's parents are coming back for a visit the 17th-18th, so I'll be M.I.A. around those few days, but then I'm sure I'll be back on the DISboards, preparing for my upcoming weekend trip. I can't believe by the end of the month I'll be back on Main Street!
May 6th Evening:
My mom, Alex, and I were leaving Downtown Disney, watching the sky closely, worried the heavens were about to open up and leave us walking in the rain. Our GPS took us a really weird way out of DTD, and we ended up driving by Fort Wilderness and POR and a few other resorts.
I'd never been on that road before, so it was kind of nice seeing the entrances to some of the moderates and deluxes. Plus, it took us past the ticket window entrance into the MK area, so we didn't have to stop, show our KTTW card, and merge with a bunch of other vehicles.
Always a plus!
When Alex parked our car in the TTC parking lot, we all looked ominously at the sky.
f1 by Alicia Wolchick, on Flickr
The storm was rolling in very quickly, and being native Floridians, we were all more worried about the lightning that was starting to show up. The rain we could deal with. Being out in the open with lightening in the nearby sky was another story.
We practically ran across the walkway.
f2 by Alicia Wolchick, on Flickr
Thankfully, we made it to the resort monorail ramp and trekked up it without catching any rain. Luck was on our side that night!
And with the weather not as much of an issue anymore, I could stop my worrying and take a peek over at our destination.
f3 by Alicia Wolchick, on Flickr
Oh man...eating at the Polynesian AND attending Magic Kingdom Extra Magic Hours- it was going to be one heck of a night.
Does everyone get that thrill of excitement and anticipation whenever you are about to do your favorite thing at WDW? If someone asked me what I would do if I only had one day at Disney, my answer would be simple.
Go to Kona Café for dinner, soak up the Polynesian, and then stay in the MK until the wee hours of the morning. (Preferably, with walk-on lines at Pirates and Thunder.)
I could just tell that I was going to have a great time. Up until that point in the trip, I had done things I'd enjoyed (there's really nothing at WDW that I dislike doing and each place holds a different soft spot in my heart) but now I was about to do things I LOVED.
When we got to Kona, they were running a little behind, so we killed some time perusing the shops and lobby. Why yes, we had indeed just done this same thing the morning before, but when it comes to me and the Poly, I can't get enough.
f4 by Alicia Wolchick, on Flickr
I discover new finds and details every single time I'm there.
Alex and I did a Vinylmation trade:
And my mom and I went into the art shop on the ground floor. All the artwork was so gorgeous, and I wished I could own one of the pieces.
f5 by Alicia Wolchick, on Flickr
The three of us stood around for about ten minutes; our lunches had finally worn off and we were definitely ready for some food!
We were eventually seated at a table right next to the one we'd eaten at the day before.
Can you tell I was having a good time? I had my Pirates shirt on and was ready to dive into some steak and Hawaiian Bread!
Being 3 responsible adults, we all decided to order an adult beverage with our dinner. I should say that none of us are really drinkers. Alex and I only do it on special occasions and when we're on vacation. (Other than one we'd had at home, the last time we drank was on our cruise that previous October.) So trust me when I say that this was way out of the norm for us.
We were being adventurous!
I got a Pina Colada
And I believed my purchase was completely worth it solely for the cup. On one side, it had a frowning tiki face, and on the other the tiki face was smiling. (I began the night with the angry face, and when the drink was almost done, I switched it to smiling.)
My mom got the Island Sunset, which was a pineapple/passionfruit drink. She said it reminded her a lot of the juice you can get at breakfast.
Alex got the Magical Star, which came with a light-up cube. (Because my husband is a big kid, if you didn't already know.) He did, in fact, take the cube with him, and it now resides in one of our kitchen cabinets, along with the lightup cup we got on Pirates night aboard the Disney Magic.
Everyone was happy with their drink choice, and we all talked and laughed as we chowed down on this amazing bread:
f6 by Alicia Wolchick, on Flickr
Hawaiian Bread with a macadamia nut butter. It's absolutely amazing, and I'd go to Kona just to get that bread.
My mother ordered the coconut almond chicken:
I've had this dish before, and while the chicken is delicious, I wasn't a fan of the greens that came with it. They tasted a little bitter to me. But my mom absolutely loved it, and up until that point, it was her favorite meal. (That changed the following day, but for now it ranked number 1 in her book.)
Alex and I got our normal: the teriyaki steak with rice and broccolini:
f7 by Alicia Wolchick, on Flickr
The food did not disappoint, it was as juicy and tender as we'd remembered it in our minds, and I was thoroughly happy.
Dessert time came around, and we were given the booklet to look through:
f8 by Alicia Wolchick, on Flickr
And that's when I discovered something a little disheartening.
My white chocolate cheesecake had been removed from the menu!
Oh no!
Their cheesecake was splendid, something I raved about for hours after I left the restaurant. I was mightily looking forward to sinking my teeth into that sweet concoction, but alas, it wasn't in the cards for me that night.
Alex went with his usual, Kilauea Torte, minus the fruit topping inside and out.
My mother chose the Pineapple Upside Down Cake, to which she said was, "Okay."
With my number 1 draft pick out of commission that season, I had to enter unfamiliar territory and pick something new. I seriously debated going with the Torte, as well, but I just wasn't in a chocolate mood.
So, I decided on the Kona Coffee Panna Cotta:
And unfortunately, I was not a fan. To me, it had a weird taste, like it was trying to be bitter and creamy at the same time.
So I struck out with dessert, but everything else was a home run. As long as Kona serves the Hawaiian bread and the steak, Alex and I will return.
Poor Ohana's, we've never ventured over there before, because we just can't give up a dinner at Kona on our trips. Maybe one day in the future we'll stay at the Polynesian and can go to both places one week.
In my dreams, right?
The only complaint I could have with the dinner was that our waiter was really, really slow. I'm a patient person, and I don't like to be rushed during my meals, but this poor guy took a bit too long between visits.
The three of us had finished our desserts and drinks and were waiting for the check by about 9:30. Ten minutes prior to that I had told Alex and my mom that if we hustled, we could get downstairs to the beach in time for Wishes.
Well, we walked out of the restaurant at 9:50. Like I said, I'm a patient person, but waiting 20 minutes for a check was a tad bit too lengthy.
However, I was in Disney. I'd just ate at one of my "home" restaurants. I was relaxed. And best of all, I knew we had enough time to make it for the fireworks. I let the incident slide off my back, but I do hope the next time I go to Kona that doesn't happen again.
It was time to walk down to the beach!
The resort was playing a video on a blowup screen right in the middle of the beach, so we walked a little to right, and Alex brought over a lounge chair and set it down in the grass next to the sidewalk.
We were ready to see some fireworks!
f9 by Alicia Wolchick, on Flickr
And the timing actually couldn't have been better. No sooner had we settled ourselves in than we saw the fireworks from the Magic, the Memories, and You going off.
Our great night was continuing on strong and steady, leaving me full of the magic of Disney.
Up Next...Make a Wish and Do as Dreamers Do
May 6th Evening:
My mom, Alex, and I were leaving Downtown Disney, watching the sky closely, worried the heavens were about to open up and leave us walking in the rain. Our GPS took us a really weird way out of DTD, and we ended up driving by Fort Wilderness and POR and a few other resorts.
I'd never been on that road before, so it was kind of nice seeing the entrances to some of the moderates and deluxes. Plus, it took us past the ticket window entrance into the MK area, so we didn't have to stop, show our KTTW card, and merge with a bunch of other vehicles.
Always a plus!
When Alex parked our car in the TTC parking lot, we all looked ominously at the sky.
f1 by Alicia Wolchick, on FlickrThe storm was rolling in very quickly, and being native Floridians, we were all more worried about the lightning that was starting to show up. The rain we could deal with. Being out in the open with lightening in the nearby sky was another story.
We practically ran across the walkway.
f2 by Alicia Wolchick, on FlickrThankfully, we made it to the resort monorail ramp and trekked up it without catching any rain. Luck was on our side that night!
And with the weather not as much of an issue anymore, I could stop my worrying and take a peek over at our destination.
f3 by Alicia Wolchick, on FlickrOh man...eating at the Polynesian AND attending Magic Kingdom Extra Magic Hours- it was going to be one heck of a night.
Does everyone get that thrill of excitement and anticipation whenever you are about to do your favorite thing at WDW? If someone asked me what I would do if I only had one day at Disney, my answer would be simple.
Go to Kona Café for dinner, soak up the Polynesian, and then stay in the MK until the wee hours of the morning. (Preferably, with walk-on lines at Pirates and Thunder.)
I could just tell that I was going to have a great time. Up until that point in the trip, I had done things I'd enjoyed (there's really nothing at WDW that I dislike doing and each place holds a different soft spot in my heart) but now I was about to do things I LOVED.
When we got to Kona, they were running a little behind, so we killed some time perusing the shops and lobby. Why yes, we had indeed just done this same thing the morning before, but when it comes to me and the Poly, I can't get enough.
f4 by Alicia Wolchick, on FlickrI discover new finds and details every single time I'm there.
Alex and I did a Vinylmation trade:
And my mom and I went into the art shop on the ground floor. All the artwork was so gorgeous, and I wished I could own one of the pieces.
f5 by Alicia Wolchick, on FlickrThe three of us stood around for about ten minutes; our lunches had finally worn off and we were definitely ready for some food!
We were eventually seated at a table right next to the one we'd eaten at the day before.
Can you tell I was having a good time? I had my Pirates shirt on and was ready to dive into some steak and Hawaiian Bread!
Being 3 responsible adults, we all decided to order an adult beverage with our dinner. I should say that none of us are really drinkers. Alex and I only do it on special occasions and when we're on vacation. (Other than one we'd had at home, the last time we drank was on our cruise that previous October.) So trust me when I say that this was way out of the norm for us.
We were being adventurous!
I got a Pina Colada
And I believed my purchase was completely worth it solely for the cup. On one side, it had a frowning tiki face, and on the other the tiki face was smiling. (I began the night with the angry face, and when the drink was almost done, I switched it to smiling.
)My mom got the Island Sunset, which was a pineapple/passionfruit drink. She said it reminded her a lot of the juice you can get at breakfast.
Alex got the Magical Star, which came with a light-up cube. (Because my husband is a big kid, if you didn't already know.) He did, in fact, take the cube with him, and it now resides in one of our kitchen cabinets, along with the lightup cup we got on Pirates night aboard the Disney Magic.
Everyone was happy with their drink choice, and we all talked and laughed as we chowed down on this amazing bread:
f6 by Alicia Wolchick, on FlickrHawaiian Bread with a macadamia nut butter. It's absolutely amazing, and I'd go to Kona just to get that bread.
My mother ordered the coconut almond chicken:
I've had this dish before, and while the chicken is delicious, I wasn't a fan of the greens that came with it. They tasted a little bitter to me. But my mom absolutely loved it, and up until that point, it was her favorite meal. (That changed the following day, but for now it ranked number 1 in her book.)
Alex and I got our normal: the teriyaki steak with rice and broccolini:
f7 by Alicia Wolchick, on FlickrThe food did not disappoint, it was as juicy and tender as we'd remembered it in our minds, and I was thoroughly happy.
Dessert time came around, and we were given the booklet to look through:
f8 by Alicia Wolchick, on FlickrAnd that's when I discovered something a little disheartening.
My white chocolate cheesecake had been removed from the menu!
Oh no!
Their cheesecake was splendid, something I raved about for hours after I left the restaurant. I was mightily looking forward to sinking my teeth into that sweet concoction, but alas, it wasn't in the cards for me that night.
Alex went with his usual, Kilauea Torte, minus the fruit topping inside and out.
My mother chose the Pineapple Upside Down Cake, to which she said was, "Okay."
With my number 1 draft pick out of commission that season, I had to enter unfamiliar territory and pick something new. I seriously debated going with the Torte, as well, but I just wasn't in a chocolate mood.
So, I decided on the Kona Coffee Panna Cotta:
And unfortunately, I was not a fan. To me, it had a weird taste, like it was trying to be bitter and creamy at the same time.
So I struck out with dessert, but everything else was a home run. As long as Kona serves the Hawaiian bread and the steak, Alex and I will return.
Poor Ohana's, we've never ventured over there before, because we just can't give up a dinner at Kona on our trips. Maybe one day in the future we'll stay at the Polynesian and can go to both places one week.
In my dreams, right?
The only complaint I could have with the dinner was that our waiter was really, really slow. I'm a patient person, and I don't like to be rushed during my meals, but this poor guy took a bit too long between visits.
The three of us had finished our desserts and drinks and were waiting for the check by about 9:30. Ten minutes prior to that I had told Alex and my mom that if we hustled, we could get downstairs to the beach in time for Wishes.
Well, we walked out of the restaurant at 9:50. Like I said, I'm a patient person, but waiting 20 minutes for a check was a tad bit too lengthy.
However, I was in Disney. I'd just ate at one of my "home" restaurants. I was relaxed. And best of all, I knew we had enough time to make it for the fireworks. I let the incident slide off my back, but I do hope the next time I go to Kona that doesn't happen again.
It was time to walk down to the beach!
The resort was playing a video on a blowup screen right in the middle of the beach, so we walked a little to right, and Alex brought over a lounge chair and set it down in the grass next to the sidewalk.
We were ready to see some fireworks!
f9 by Alicia Wolchick, on FlickrAnd the timing actually couldn't have been better. No sooner had we settled ourselves in than we saw the fireworks from the Magic, the Memories, and You going off.
Our great night was continuing on strong and steady, leaving me full of the magic of Disney.
Up Next...Make a Wish and Do as Dreamers Do
Last edited:
UGAFan0829
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Dec 21, 2004
Hey, I wondered if I'd see you on the boards before your race! I wanted to make sure I wished you well! I know we're both looking forward to the end of September!
Those naps were neccessary, and I think we all felt a million times better afterwards.
Fighting the DTD crowds can be work! I think sometimes it's just easier walking around a park than trying to scoot between folks to see something on display or get to a new part of the store.
I didn't mean to be gone so long...I've just been such a slacker lately!
We are going to the Halloween Party--on the 30th. Is that when you'll be there? We're planning to get to the park right around 4, so that would be awesome if we could meet up there!
UGAFan0829
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Dec 21, 2004
What a wonderful evening! I'm so glad the rain held off!
Sadly, I have to say that we've only eaten Kona once, and that was for breakfast. I've been meaning to try it, but we just haven't yet. I think we feel the same way about 'Ohana that you do about Kona...it's hard to give up those pot stickers and noodles!
I had to laugh about Alex's glow cube! I actually have one in our cabinet from a drink I got at 'Ohana...of course I couldn't drink it because the liquor was so strong after I'd asked them to please got light...but it was really cool to look at anyway!
Maybe your waiter knew what he was doing after all since the timing was perfect! lol!
I can't wait to hear about the rest of the night!
Sadly, I have to say that we've only eaten Kona once, and that was for breakfast. I've been meaning to try it, but we just haven't yet. I think we feel the same way about 'Ohana that you do about Kona...it's hard to give up those pot stickers and noodles!
I had to laugh about Alex's glow cube! I actually have one in our cabinet from a drink I got at 'Ohana...of course I couldn't drink it because the liquor was so strong after I'd asked them to please got light...but it was really cool to look at anyway!
Maybe your waiter knew what he was doing after all since the timing was perfect! lol!
I can't wait to hear about the rest of the night!
marDgreen88
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Sep 3, 2011
The resort monorail makes me so happy! I've never eaten at Kona, but I totally understand your excitement!
Hahaha, what is going on in that picture of your mom? Is she holding something? There is some kind of floating... something... right in front of her! I'm rather confused.
Sorry you didn't enjoy your dessert, but I'm glad the rest of your meal was great! That bread looks BEAUTIFUL. Yum.
Hahaha, what is going on in that picture of your mom? Is she holding something? There is some kind of floating... something... right in front of her! I'm rather confused.
Sorry you didn't enjoy your dessert, but I'm glad the rest of your meal was great! That bread looks BEAUTIFUL. Yum.
wakica
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Apr 6, 2007
We had that storm at World Showcase. Luckily it was short lived. Fierce when it came down but short so that was ok
Looks like it was a good night with some good food I'm sorry your fave dessert was cut from the menu 
Never a good thing when they don't have what your expecting and looking forward to having.
The Kona bread looked YUMMY!!! I haven't even heard of that and I was IN Kona a few times!! LOL. I must try it some day
Thanks for informing me of it's existence!!!
Looks like it was a good night with some good food
I'm sorry your fave dessert was cut from the menu Never a good thing when they don't have what your expecting and looking forward to having. The Kona bread looked YUMMY!!! I haven't even heard of that and I was IN Kona a few times!! LOL. I must try it some day
Thanks for informing me of it's existence!!!
teekathepony
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Oct 2, 2009
Oooohhh Kona for dinner looks pretty awesome! I can't wait to, as you say, "Go to Kona Café for dinner, soak up the Polynesian, and then stay in the MK until the wee hours of the morning." myself!
MEK
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- May 8, 2005
Sounds like you had a great meal, with the exception of the slow service. I am OK with 90 minute TS meals. Once it gets past that I start getting antsy and I just want to get going, so I know how you feel. I do love Kona. It's always a fun and tasty meal.
At least you were able to catch the fireworks from the beach. We did that on our last night in June and it was really wonderful. I love that vantage point.
Looking forward to seeing how long you last in the MK.
At least you were able to catch the fireworks from the beach. We did that on our last night in June and it was really wonderful. I love that vantage point.
Looking forward to seeing how long you last in the MK.
Elleshoodat
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Nov 27, 2010
I've been resisting Kona, but your meals look amazing! Especially that bread -- I am a sucker for carbs.
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