I Told You Driving Was Bad For Your Health! *2/2* NEW TRIP REPORT LINK P102

[Captain_Oblivious]

The nice thing about the pool was they had two shaded areas and Denny and I elected to sit there. Denny hates direct sunlight.

I'm not a fan of direct sunlight, either. I only come in 2 colors, and white is less painful.

My drink of choice - the mai tai!

Julie's going to be jealous. She wanted one of these so badly in Hawaii and was so disappointed she couldn't have one.

Once inside I was determined to get a picture of the wallpaper in the queue. The results - not so great!

I did have better success with the coffin

I can't go through this ride without taking a picture of the bride.

Your pictures always turn out way better than mine in there. Someday I'll have to get your secrets!

We decided to head over to BOG to check in for dinner.

Jealousy rising...

This is quite possibly the ugliest backpack I have EVER seen in my life. How could I resist the opportunity to sneak a picture of it?

What in the heck is that?! It looks like an alien has taken over this guy's body.

My pictures from dinner are not that great because I took them with my phone and the lighting is bad. But here goes.

The place still looks amazing. I really like the West Wing.

When we entered the main dining room I tried to get a picture of the snow. Brrr! Pretty darn realistic for central Florida!

So cool!

I am embarrassed to admit that I have never been a big character person. I know. For shame. It's fun with a big group, but since Denny is LESS of a character person than me, well, we skipped our photo-op with the beast.

I'm not a character guy, either. I don't mind if my kids want a picture, but I don't really feel the need to see a guy in a furry costume.

Seriously, does this restaurant not have the best location in all of Disney World? Pretty darn close.

Yeah, that one is hard to beat.

 

[mickeystoontown]

Uggh, that backpack looks like a big old warty hump on that guy's back. Gross!

I've been reading every review that I can on Be Our Guest and was glad to see your's. I can't quite decide whether or not we want to eat there during our May, 2014 trip. Most reviews say that the atmosphere is good and the food is okay. May just have to give it a try.

 

[afwdwfan]

And since we had a TIW card burring a hole in my pocket, I suggested we park at a monorail resort and stop in for a pre dinner beverage.

Seems like a fantastic idea to me!

Remember what I said about off-site - Here's everyone's favorite picture again!

Well, there is one advantage of staying off-site then...

Our reward. I do believe this is a rainbow.

If that isn't a sign that you should go to the Poly, I don't know what is.

Not only where there no passes available, but the ride was completely down

Bummer.

This is quite possibly the ugliest backpack I have EVER seen in my life. How could I resist the opportunity to sneak a picture of it?

Well... it's... interesting???

You know choosing wine without my sommelier Cynthia can be a challenge. I have no idea what I picked. It may have been a pinot grigio. It may have been a Reisling. I don't recall.

Maybe you should have texted her your options and let her pick for you? She seems nice, I'm sure she wouldn't mind.

Anyway, every time I tried to ask her she said, "I'm really busy now, but I promise I will explain everything to you as soon as I can".

The second time I asked I was ready to settle the bill so it was a bit of a frustrating experience. Maybe I was just being impatient.

I don't know. Seems a little odd to me. I typically would expect a server at a Disney restaurant to answer whatever question you might have right away.

When we entered the main dining room I tried to get a picture of the snow. Brrr! Pretty darn realistic for central Florida!

One of my favorite features of BOG.

I found the room with the knights to be pretty darn cool.



They talked and in a way that was pretty creepy


Seriously - they looked REAL! I was waiting for one of them to follow me. EEK!

And another one of my favorite features of BOG.

It's been awhile since I've ridden JC at night and I thought that might be fun.

I always love a night cruise!

 

[Mndisneygirl]

Thanks for the BOG pics, even from your phone! I haven't gotten to eat there yet.

That backpack? You could put an ipad in there - no one would steal it!

 

[podsnel]

Hi MEK! I am back here catching up- just wanted to say thanks for bringing me to visit HHI and all the lovely places around it- and yes, I will still say, HHI is a special place- love, love love that island!

 

[MEK]

I love exploring the resorts! That is some of the best memories for me from Disney.

I agree! All the resorts are so wonderful. They each have their unique characteristics and charm. Love them all!

And you stopped at the bar and had a drink, so you did more than just park there. Just saying

I totally agree with your line of thought. If all I have to do is buy a drink at the Poly to stay there then I'm IN!

We enjoyed Be Our Guest also. The atmosphere is the biggest reason to go there. One of my favorite meals from our last trip. The food was decent, but the surroundings really made it. Well, that and getting to spend time with my parents and being carded

The surroundings really rock. I don't think I would have enjoyed the food nearly as much in a different setting because it was pretty average. But the whole experience is pretty unforgettable!

Okay...great update; now let's get to the important one...the next one.

Don't worry Kathy, you will be making your debut in the next update!

Seriously, great update.

Thank you!

Nice pool!

It really wasn't bad. Certainly not a Disney pool, but very pleasant all the same. The chaises were of very good quality so that was nice.

It is hard to get pictures in the Beast castle because of the lighting. Isn't it themed wonderfully? I just love it. I'm thinking you had an "off" night with the pastry because Nicki and Des devoured every last bite of their's last December. We saw the knights this trip and that was really neat. Oh...and the chocolate cupcake is to die for.

It is a fabulous theme. They did an absolutely awesome job. I really enjoy restaurants that go over the top in theming. It's so immersive.

I don't have a problem that you parked at Poly because you did go and have a drink and sat there for awhile and had your TIW card. I have a problem with people who go there, don't eat and just park.

Oops - well then you probably won't like me because we actually parked there again another night. I couldn't help it. I just love it there so much. And I find the parking too convenient. Yup - I'm going to blame it on the parking lot.

I always struggle trying to get her picture. Great Job.

Thanks. I took my lens off auto-focus and changed it to manual focus. That allowed me to get that picture and the one of the coffin.

Seriously - that is a back pack that only a guy could like.

No I don't yet.... I have to wait until Dec for a dinner ressie and I MIGHT get in there for lunch in Oct.

You are going to love it inside. It really rocks when it comes to theme. It's perfect. Really!

T H E Y T A L K E D?!?!?!?!??!?! That would so freak me out if I was not expecting it. Funny thing is I will probably forget by Oct and Definitely by Dec. so I will be freaked out all over again.

Oh yeah - they talk. It's sort of a mule. I have no idea what they said, but I enjoyed it. It's pretty cool how they added that little touch.

Yes another bathroom on my list to visit and photograph....

Get to work!

I like taking the boat to the Poly. So nice and peaceful. It is such a small boat so it feels so private, except when you waiting forever for your semi-private ride.

I really do too! I just love parking there. Out of all the resorts I could park at (any where on property), I plan to hold true to the boat and the poly!

 

[Poolrat]

My drink of choice - the mai tai!



This was SO good. Yum! Right up there with the Turtle Krawl. It was so good that I actually considered having a second, but decided it might be best to move on.

That might just be Clinta in the background. Now you know why I love my Mai Tais from the bar.

As for the parking.... AP, TiW and DVC and going to the bar at the Poly.. fully justified in parking at the resort.

Leota with eyes open- I have tried that one too just never seem to get on the shutter quick enough.

A nice evening all around.

 

[eandesmom]

Yay for pool time, poly parking and a lovely Mai Tai! Besides, everything is more fun in a Tiki head glass!

LOVING the BOG pictures. I cannot wait to eat there...wish I could have been your sommelier but will happily do so in May!

I so want to do JC in the dark, have attempted it more than once and it's been down. Maybe in May

Really fun afternoon and evening.

And yes, that is THE ugliest backpack ever.

 

[amazingact21]

I don't think you did anything wrong with parking at the Poly. After all, you did buy a drink there...Plus, you have free parking, so it's not like you were cheating your way out of a fee. But that's just my opinion, like you said, some people get up in arms about the whole issue.


I haven't been inside BoG yet, but it looks beautiful. Seems like there's tons of details to take in, and that they really succeeded in making it look like Beast's Castle.

I'm sorry your food wasn't that great. I find that the newer the restaurant/the more popular it is the chances of getting just an "okay" meal increases. I've read some really great reviews and then some average reviews...maybe it's just one of those hit or miss restaurants? Either way, at least you were able to explore the place for a bit.


I've never been on Jungle Cruise at night before. Sounds sort of relaxing.

 

[khertz]

That Mai Tai looks delicious!

I am totally not understanding that backpack and what purpose the warts all over it serve.

We are eating at Be Our Guest next month! I'm pretty excited, since I really wasn't even trying for it. I had to convince DH it would be a good idea. Sorry your puff pastry wasn't better on your dish. I'm going with the safe option of steak, probably. I really just can't wait to be inside of there and finally see it all in person.

Great pictures in these updates, Mary Ellen!

 

[rentayenta]

Mai Tais are delicious. Rum Rummers too. Basically I like rum.

That is the ugliest backpack. It looks like warts. I doubt it'd ever get stolen.

That's nice to got to meet another DISer and have a drink (or two). Drinks by the pool when staying DVC is one of my favorite vacation activities.

 

[MEK]

I think I read 3 TR's with the BOG review today and I posted mine too!

Really? Then I need to read yours because I'm curious to see what you thought. It's definitely a popular place!

That is weird that your waitress just couldn't point the way to the West Wing...how hard would hat be?

I think she wanted to give me more background information. I think she had a pre-set little spiel. I guess she was trying to prioritize, but it was somewhat odd when I asked a second time and she said she was too busy. I mean I was done dinner. I wanted to know how to get there.

We sat in the ballroom too, but our table was on the edge of the west wing.

Then you probably got a good view of it. I have to see your pictures!

I only had lunch at Be Our Guest. The building and decor was excellent, but our food was mediocre.

That seems to be the general consensus. I do want to try it for lunch and I hope we can get a FP for lunch in October.

Looks like it was nice night for a boat ride.

It was a PERFECT night for a boat ride. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I'm so glad we parked at the Poly. I much rather take the boat than the monorail.

Was that backpack supposed to be a dinosaur or something? Very strange.

I have NO clue what it was supposed to be. But it is the weirdest thing I have seen in a long time.

What a great update with lots of fabulous pictures!

Thanks!

Your mai tai looks yummy!

OMG! So good! I definitely recommend the mai tai. Very yummy!

The picture of the Poly with the Swalphin in the background intrigued me. I totally didn't picture it being there.

That is the first time I have noticed that view. I have never noticed the Swalphin there before. It kind of shocked me too!

Nice Haunted Mansion pictures! I'll have to go back and look at some of my old pictures. I think I have the wallpaper in one or two (once we skipped the stretching room and I took a picture out in the hallway)

Cool. I want to see that wall paper. I always like to touch it when we are walking past. Ok, yes, I am weird.

Be Our Guest is just gorgeous! WOW! The menu looks really good, but you are not the first, or even the second, person I know who was not blown away by the food.

We did the Jungle Cruise at night once, but it didn't do much for me. Maybe the animals are not nocturnal!

 

[nowellsl]

That seems to be the general consensus. I do want to try it for lunch and I hope we can get a FP for lunch in October.

We fast passed it last week for lunch (loved bypassing that huge line!) and I agree with everyone about the atmosphere, it was really nice! The food, eh, I've had much better! I'm pretty sure we'll be skipping it in the future!

 

[Self_resqing_princz]

So jealous! You've already got a trip for 2014 planned! We usually have to wait about 2 or 3 years between trips! That construction wall was up when we were there too... what's up with that?

 

[MEK]

Oh MaryEllen, I know I sent you condolences on FB... but I'm hoping that all is going well for you and your family and especially your mom...

Thanks Patricia. My mom is actually doing pretty well. I think the paperwork and financial stuff is overwhelming her and she misses my dad, but mentally she seems better. She is so much less stressed. Thank you for asking.

I'm working on catching up & just got through the end of Beaufort and HHI and you've come home ... but haven't gone to Disney yet...

You're not that far behind. My first 24 hours took me like 4 installments to write. Just get caught up when you can. I was hoping to be a little farther on this TR before our October trip, but we'll see how much I can get down in the next 4 weeks.

I miss Savannah and Charleston and so definitely have to get to HHI... I love the fact that the points are pretty reasonable during the "off season" which is most of the year besides the summer...

I agree. The points are definitely reasonable. I was there in late October and the weather was absolutely perfect, most of the restaurants were open, and the beach was lovely. In April it was more crowded and the weather was equally lovely.

Gorgeous photos of Beaufort... I love that you bride stalked... better than reality tv...

Totally not intentional, but once I saw that first bride it was "on". It was just too much fun checking them out.

Enjoyed seeing Nick's graduation photos... I know you miss him... I miss my baby girl... It's harder than I thought it would be...

I really do miss him. I didn't think I would. I was not prepared. The day after he left I mopped around ALL day. I can't imagine how I would feel if he was further away. He can home for one night over Labor Day because it was so stinking hot and he wanted a bike. Then we took him out for dinner on Sunday night so I got to see him for about an hour. I have decided that I want to pick a new restaurant on main street in Newark once a month and take him out to dinner.

We had lunch at BOG last week, ate in the room with the rose. That room was so cool as were the other rooms. Somehow I missed those knights, for got to look for them. We had a fast pass for lunch & had preordered our food. There was quite a line, but we breezed right in ahead of the line.

Very cool! I really want to go back and eat in the West Wing. It is so very cool. I also want to get a FP for lunch. We get magic bands at the end of our trip, but not the beginning.

You got some great pictures considering how dark it was in there.

Thanks!

We missed HM this year, another reason to visit WDW again!

Oh NO! You did? You're right - just another reason to visit next year and now that you are hooked on AKL concierge, well you've got it made. I hope you had a wonderful time and I hope you do a TR.

You too can learn all of those history terms. Just have a large library of history books of all kinds & be a voracious reader of said books! LOL

Yup - that will never happen!

COP if you sit in the back row and keep the camera down they don’t say anything. I did that and someone in the 3rd row was busted once. LOL
Great COP pics.

I got busted once and I think I may have BEEN in the third row. So the back is the trick. Noted!

I agree about the feeding duck rule. We need to enforce it. LOL

Those darn little beggars. They are hard to resist.

That is funny how empty it was but I would have been mad.

It was just odd. It filled up more as we were eating, but it never got completely full. There is always a wait there so I pretty much expected it.

Nice pics in HM. Mine never come out.

Thanks. Your pictures are always great, so I find that hard to believe. I took my lens off auto focus and some of my pictures did turn out better focusing manually.

Was the backpack supposed to be a turtle shell? LOL

I have NO idea. I guess so. A turtle shell with warts!

We love Narcosse’s. So good.

I am going to make an ADR there next year for our 25th. I think that will be fun.

I say who cares where you park. If they frown on it too much they would have stricter rules to enforce it. You were fine.

My thoughts exactly. If it was a problem they would limit the parking. I mention it because outside of the TR boards people get really fired up about that kind of stuff.

All caught up again.

I am another one who has no problem with you parking at the Poly - been there, done that.

I know a lot of us have. I mention it because I know that people outside of the TR boards like to give out a lot of flack for this. I agree with what Scott said - if they didn't want you to do it, they wouldn't let you part there.

Great update - I just started to get our photos in order yesterday (we took about 9000 over the 33 days we were in Florida) and funnily enough I was looking through our BoG ones too.

OMG! 9000? You are going to be a very, very busy girl. Good luck getting all of those edited. From a purely selfish point, I can't wait to see them!

The interior is pretty neat, isn't it? We have been for lunch and dinner and liked both.

Glad you enjoyed both your meals there. I really love the interior. It was SO well done. Really takes dining to another level.

 

[IheartDDuck]

Bath water is so right! The water is so stinking warm down there in June and July. Ugh.

Impromptu DISmeet. How cool!

No parking for you! Just imagine I'm the soup guy from Seinfeld.

That mai tai looks absolutely fabulous.

I wonder if I should put Yeti on a stick......

ICK! That backpack is truly disgusting.

Nice! That was my beer choice at Be Our Guest! You cannot go wrong with a good ol' Belgian.

No shame going the creep on the Beast.

I sent my parents to Narcoosees for their anniversary two years ago. They absolutely loved it.

 

[MEK]

That backpack looks like a wart

Or multiple warts! Just the ugliest thing ever!

You took such detailed photos of BoG. Thank you for that, since I doubt we'll eat there this trip

So no plans for lunch at BOG? Without a FP it would be hard to justify the wait, but it IS really cool inside. I hope you get to see it sometime soon.

I didn't realize people had such a problem with parking on site, when you're off-site. I mean, they wouldn't let you pass unless you were allowed to right? I don't see any problem

You're definitely right. I know that people outside of the TR boards often get all uptight about that. I think its perfectly find and I think Disney wants you to visit their resort and spend $ there.

I'm of the opinion if you are spending money on property, no matter where you are and you are given access to where ever you are wanting to go, why the heck not!

I couldn't agree more. I absolutely love going to other Disney resorts to visit. It's such a fun part of the entire trip.

Mackenzie and I took the boat over to the GF on Mothers Day for our Tea, it was so lovely, windy, but lovely. Such a wonderful way to get where you are going. I'll have to try the one to the Poly some time.

I bet that was absolutely lovely. I just read a TR with an update on the GF tea and I must say it has moved up higher on my bucket list. I hope you and Mackenzie absolutely loved it. Can't wait to read your review!

Sorry to hijack, Mary Ellen, I couldn't help it....

Patricia, I promise it gets easier. My son is now in his fourth year and I have to say, I thought the first year was going to do me in, but you learn to adjust and the second year is still a bit tough. Just brace yourself for the first visit home and then leaving again, it's a toughy. I remember when my boy went back to school from Christmas break, he called me while I was at a hair appt. to say he left the house and would call me when he got back to school, when I hung up I began to blubber like a fool.

No hijack here. I enjoyed reading about your experience because its been a little unsettling for me as well. I didn't think it would. I feel very fortunate that Nick is only about 35 minutes away. There is some comfort in knowing he's close even though I don't intend to use the fact to squash his independence.

It honestly hit me out of no where, and I remember being a bit surprised by it. Thank goodness I was among friends and people who loved me.

I completely understand how that would and could hit you out of nowhere. I seriously mopped the day after we dropped Nick off and there are many days I just feel like crying, but stop myself.

But now, I'm at the point where I'm ready for him to go when he leaves. It started last year, I found as time goes on they start to assert their new found independence (as they should-just not with such attitude) and don't want to feel they are being tied down by mom and dad in any way.

I remember reaching that stage myself so it is definitely important to encourage this.

I'm all for this, I just don't want to be spoken to like I'm the dumbest thing that walks the earth, he hasn't learn to do this with finesse as of yet, so we're still trying to learn the balance.
Certainly not saying you'll go through this to the level I am, but it really does get easier as time goes on.

Hmmm - that would bother me. Brian can act like that. Nick is definitely kinder in this respect. He's always been like that. He is very thoughtful and tries so hard to do the right thing. He really doesn't mind being around us and never really went through that "embarrassed around the parents" stage.

I’m just getting caught up again!

Yay!

I have to say it is annoying when people feed the animals but it doesn’t annoy me as much as when people let their kids chase the ducks/squirrels! I’m always secretly hoping the duck/squirrel will turn around and chase them down.

Now THAT would be funny! I also feel sorry for the animals when they are being stalked by kids. I remember a little boy doing this with baby ducks at the BCV quiet pool. Parents often seem to be totally oblivious to this.

Fun story, we were in EPCOT early one morning at the American pavilion waiting for it to open (long story why, but I can tell you now that nowhere in the World Showcase sells kids chicken nuggets..just in case anyone was wondering…you’ll have to go to the Beach Club for those) and when they opened the gift shop there was quite a commotion. Apparently when they open the store there is a squirrel that always trys to run into the shop and steal a candy bar. He/she is a Hershey fan (full size only) and they were trying to get the squirrel to give up the bar under the tree. Apparently, he’s successful about half the time.

Now that is one very ambitious squirrel. So funny! He's obviously got his routine down pact. That must have been hysterical to watch.

I LOVE the eyes open/closed shot on Haunted Mansion! And the Bocca effect…I really need to play with my camera more.

Confession - the bocca effect was totally unintentional. You have no idea how many times I have tried to do that and, of course, it works when I'm not even trying.

That backpack looks like one of those germs from the cold medicine commercials.

OMG! It DOES! That's exactly what it is - a giant plastic germ backpack.

No flames here on the parking…afterall you probably paid more for those drinks than if you had paid to park in the regular lot. Disney didn’t lose in that deal.

You know what - I hadn't considered that. I mean, I have always stayed on site or had an AP that included parking so its not like I'm trying to ditch a parking fee. But I guess there are people who would definitely park at a resort to save on parking. But, on the other hand, those people deserve the opportunity to visit a Disney resort. Everyone does!

Great update! The pool looks beautiful and really refreshing..

Even though the water was a little too warm, the pool combined with an adult beverage was just what I needed!

I love all of the HM shots that you got - you can never have too many! Great review of BOG as well. They really did an amazing job with the theming.

Thanks. HM is one of my favorite attractions.

BOG does have amazing theming. It's really such a cool place to visit. I love a restaurant that really steps up the theme. Makes the whole experience much cooler.

 

[emmysmommy]

So what would Contemporary have said if you said you had a dining reservation (a lounge is similar to a restaurant right? ) Hmmm odd that they didn't allow you to park since I thought they have a big lot especially over by Bay Lake Tower. Oh well, at least you got your Mai Tai at Tambu Lounge. mmmm! I love the details in the lounge that you photographed.

I've only dined in the West Wing - very dark but very cool theming. Yep, a fireplace there. The changing portrait hangs over it. I'm not a fan of the food at BoG but I did really like the strawberry cupcake both times I've eaten it.

You have some great photos of HM and the creepy bride!

The boat was a much better option for getting back to the Poly. Especially since any photos from a boat are so much more interesting than the monorail at night.

Great updates Mary Ellen.

 

[Pinkocto]

I have not read a single great food review about BoG. The decor is amazing though.

 

[OhMari]

Another for parking at the Poly.
We did eat at Ohana's, but then went over to the MK for the evening.
When the park closed I was so relieved to see the Resort Monorail had no line and the express line was backed up almost to the front of the MK. I couldn't believe people didn't know that the resort monorail stopped at the TTC.