The (Foodie)Force is Strong with Us...a Feb/Mar 2016 trip! THE END - NEW 9/13 Disneyland TR link!

[chunkymonkey]

The (Foodie)Force is Strong with Us...
An Epic WDW Birthday Trip with Chunkymonkey and Chubbyhubby
Feb 27- March 5 2016

Hi Everyone! Welcome to my latest TR! This trip was an epic one because I turned 40 years old on the first day of our WDW vacation! We had already been celebrating for a week having come off a 7-night Western Caribbean cruise on the Disney Fantasy (with Star Wars Day at Sea!) - and we headed straight for Disney World to our favorite resort, the Polynesian Village! ALOHA! You can read more about our cruise on my Trip Report on the cruise line forum. That TR is now complete and let's just say it was nothing short of amazing...let's see what the land portion has in store for us!

Here's a picture from our cruise. We are obviously huge Star Wars fans!

DH was Han Solo and I was Ceremonial Leia from the Throne Room Scene in A New Hope

Introductions:

On the left we have me, Su-Lynn, aka Chunkymonkey. I turned 40 years old on this trip. I work as a business analyst in IT for financial services. I'm the resident trip planner, cruise director, and trip report writer! I also write a travel blog on the side (mostly to Hawaii, but some Disney and other more exotic locales!). I love to eat and take pictures, so be prepared for a pretty food-heavy and picture-loving trip report! I have been to Disney World many times and I love it so much! I'm also a big Star Wars fan, and loved Star Wars Launch Bay and the Symphony in the Stars Fireworks at DHS so much that we saw them three times on this trip! My favorite rides are Soarin', TSMM, 7DMT, BTMRR and the Peoplemover. My favorite character right now is Baymax, and my favorite princess is...I'm not sure, it always changes based on the interaction I have but we had an awesome Tiana on the cruise so I will say Tiana for now! My favorite restaurant at WDW is 'Ohana, but we ate at Victoria and Albert's on this trip which really blew us away!

On the right is my DH, Chubbyhubby, aka Steve, he's also 40 years old and works at a bank. He loves sports, movies, and like me, enjoys eating! He indulges me with all the Disney trips although he secretly enjoys them as well. DH and I are big Star Wars fans, so we were really excited when we heard about these SWDAS cruises last year while on the Magic (trip report here) - we booked it using an on-board discount last year and since the cruise was around my 40th birthday, it just made sense to make it a big birthday celebration and combine it with a week at Walt Disney World! He doesn't really have a favorite character or princess but his favorite rides are pretty much the same as me, although he can't quite understand my obsession with the Peoplemover. He's more of a ToT and EE guy, both of which I do not ride! He loves 'Ohana too although he has a soft spot for Garden Grill since he has a green thumb and is planting an organic garden at our home in New Jersey.

We were in WDW for 7 nights staying in a DVC Studio in the Polynesian Village with rented DVC points! We had 7-day park hoppers, and no dining plan, meaning we could eat whatever we wanted! We had 9 ADRs, a STAR WARS dessert party, dinner at Victoria and Albert's, and the start of Epcot's Flower and Garden Festival...I hope you're in for some FOODIE fun!!

May the Foodie(Force) be with you!

​

 

[chunkymonkey]

Table of Contents

• Introductions

Day 1 (my birthday!)

• Day 1 Part 1: Aloha Polynesian and Disney Springs!
• Day 1 Part 2: Morimoto Asia Birthday Lunch!
• Day 1 Part 3: More Disney Springs, Jock Lindsey's, Dinner at 'Ohana
• Day 1 Part 4: Brrrrthday Night at MK!

Day 2 (MK and Epcot)

• Day 2 Part 1: Even Princesses get Cold Too!
• Day 2 Part 2: Will we ever get to ride Mine Train?
• Day 2 Part 3: Be Our Guest and Epcot Illuminations!

Day 3 (Hollywood Studios)

• Day 3 Part 1: I Stumped Kylo Ren! Star Wars Meet 'n Greets!
• Day 3 Part 2: Our first look at Star Wars Launch Bay!
• Day 3 Part 3: Launch Bay Cargo and Lunch at Sci-Fi Dine In!
• Day 3 Part 4: Force Choke on the Streets of San Francisco
• Day 3 Part 5: Star Wars Symphony in the Stars Fireworks Dessert Party!

Day 4 (Half Day at Hollywood Studios)

• Day 4 Part 1: Surf's Up at 'Ohana! Stitch n Friend's Character Breakfast
• Day 4 Part 2: Launch Bay and Watto's Grotto (take two!)
• OFF TOPIC: A New PTR...we're going to Disneyland!
• Day 4 Part 3: Say Goodbye to Hollywood and hello Grand Floridian
• Day 4 Part 4: A Decadent Dinner at Victoria & Albert's, Part I
• Day 4 Part 5: A Decadent Dinner at Victoria & Albert's Part II and some pixie dust!

• OFF TOPIC: A PTR Update for 2017!

Day 5 (Epcot all day Magic Kingdom at night)

• Day 5 Part 1: Rise and Shine it's the start of Epcot Flower and Garden Festival!
• Day 5 Part 2: Eating at Flower & Garden Outdoor Kitchens!
• Day 5 Part 3: I am satisfied with my care! And other character musings...
• Day 5 Part 4: Behind the Seeds at Living With The Land
• Day 5 Part 5: Dining with the Skippers at the Canteen!

Day 6 (MK during the day, Epcot and DHS in the evening)

• Day 6 Part 1: The most "magical" picture, and breakfast at Be Our Guest
• Day 6 Part 2: A Date with a Dole Whip
• OFF TOPIC: Road Trip to Lancaster, PA over 4th of July!
• OFF TOPIC: A PTR Update for Disneyland...not the news I was looking for.
• Day 6 Part 3: Eating around the World (again)
• OFF TOPIC: Road Trip to Lancaster, PA Part 2 - The Turkey Hill Experience!
• Day 6 Part 4: Symphony in the Stars Take 2, Trader Sams Grog Grotto

Day 7 (Epcot Day, Dinner at AKL, Ending at DHS)

• Day 7 Part 1: Breakfast at the Garden Grill and meeting Baymax!
• Day 7 Part 2: A Figment of My Time
• OFF TOPIC: PTR Update for Disneyland..less than 3 weeks!
• OFF TOPIC: PTR Update for Princess 5K...lodging booked for Feb 2017!
• Day 7 Part 3: Last hours at Epcot and a Last Supper at Sanaa!
• Day 7 Part 4: THE END is near and an early morning flight home.

• OFF TOPIC: PTR Update ADRs for Princess 5K Feb 2017!
• We're back from California!
• Disneyland Trip Report and a new WDW Trip (Dec 2016)!

THE END​

 

[Mainemama]

Looks like a great trip (and report!)

 

[chunkymonkey]

Day 1 Part 1: Aloha Polynesian and a trip to Disney Springs!

If there is one good thing about booking a land vacation after a cruise is that you are not walking off the ship kicking, screaming, and crying. And I'm just talking about the adults! Walking off the Disney Fantasy after the most amazing trip (trip report here) with Star Wars Day at Sea...how can anything top that? Well, a week at the World should do the trick or at least come close!

I was SOOOO EXCITED for the upcoming week!



Oh forgot to introduce a 3rd member of our party, my sister, Su-Queen aka Chunkysis (from now on she'll be known as CS). She was only there for the day since she had to get back to work so she spent one night with us at the Poly and didn't bother to go to the parks. So you'll only see her in this TR today.

We had breakfast on the ship then disembarked at around 8:45am. It took us about 30 minutes to get our luggage and go through customs which put us real close to our Happy Limo pick up time.

A last meal on the Disney Fantasy won't be so bad if you know you're going to WDW!!

We made it out in time and our driver picked us up at 9:30 am sharp and we were on our way to WDW! If you've read my cruise TR, you'll know our arrival to port in Happy Limo was a little sketchy but I'm happy to report we didn't get the same driver and we had a very pleasant if uneventful trip! I was dozing off in the car so I didn't get a picture of the Walt Disney World Resort sign but I did get a picture of the Magic Kingdom sign! Since we were staying in the Poly we had to go through this checkpoint.

Soon after going through the Magic Kingdom arches we arrived at the Poly! I just love this resort as it was the one resort that I really remembered as a child and stuck with me all these years. Although the first time I actually stayed there was in 2014!

At check-in, we got lei'd!! Hahaha, I've always wanted to say that on the DIS. We were checked in by a very lovely CM called Becky. She was from Honolulu, Hawaii, and she asked us if we were from Hawaii. I told her no but it's our favorite place to go to (other than WDW, of course), and we rattled off some places we love near Honolulu, like Waimanalo and Lanikai beaches, and the Ala Moana Center. She loved how we knew all these places and said she hasn't been back in years so she really loved chatting with us about Hawaii. She said our room wasn't ready yet but that we can get a text when it was, and we said sure! We really wanted to go to to Disney Springs anyways!

Before we left, Becky gave us both hugs because she said it was like hugging family. She really was so sweet! She gave me a birthday button! I was wearing the birthday button I got from the cruise but now I have my very first official WDW birthday button!

I do like the renovation in the Poly. I know many don't like it but I am all about light and space as having more of it makes taking pictures better IMO. I also love this light fixture.

After dropping off our luggage with bell services, we got on the next bus to Disney Springs (it takes a lot to not type out Downtown Disney)! While waiting, I made an ADR for lunch at Morimoto Asia. Same day reservations were easy to get especially for lunch! I was really looking forward to this!

We've arrived at Disney Springs! I like how CS is still wearing her lei!

It was a gorgeous sunny day and of course I forgot my sunglasses in my other bag that I left at bell services. It was a little cold and breezy but very nice in the sun. I was just glad it wasn't 95 degrees and humid which is what it's typically like when we're usually here.

We had some time to kill before our reservation so we split up so CS and I could go shopping and DH could do...something else. I'm not sure where he went to but I'm sure he went to Starbucks or the Lego store or something.

CS and I went here first:

Where a CM handed me a phone and Goofy said Happy Birthday to me! Aww shucks. She also handed me some special birthday certificate, which she said was rare. I have to find it so I can post a picture about it. This birthday button was already getting me a ton of attention and I barely had it on 30 minutes!

Then I went to my favorite store, Tren-D while CS went to WoD. I tried on a few items so here's a mini fashion show:

Isn't this sweater cute? I loved the two toned sleeves. This came home with me!

I liked the images on this but wasn't too keen on the cut.

This was a cute sweater but i didn't love how clingy it was as I generally like my tops to be loose. So this one wasn't a keeper either.

Loved this tank though!

The best part was the back of it! So cute with the bow! I would probably wear a tank underneath though. I ended up buying this!

I walked through WoD looking for my sister but I got Facetimed by my niece, Eva, who made me walk around the store with her looking for CS. Then she'd hang up and call CS and they'd walk around looking for me. It was really cute.

I decided that since I'm in WoD I would make my big Disney purchase today! I always wanted a Disney watch but not just any watch so i went up to the jewelry case and picked out a gorgeous watch!! I will reveal it later!! Lucky for me they were able to apply the Disney Visa discount so it wasn't too bad.
I told myself I'd buy anything I wanted on this trip since it was my 40th birthday. But that can be a dangerous statement! Hehehe.

Hmm, which one to get...?

Finally I found with CS and we walked towards Morimoto Asia while taking some pictures along the way!

I used the panorama setting on my phone to get the entire dragon in the picture!

We passed Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar on the way there. I really hoped to get at least a drink there sometime this week!

Finally we arrived at Morimoto!

Coming up...my birthday lunch at Morimoto and more Disney Springs shopping!

​

 

[chunkymonkey]

Looks like a great trip (and report!)

Thank you!! My first visitor, YAY!

 

[bcwife76]

Woohoo, I'm here!!!

Oh gosh the Poly looks just beautiful!!! What a lovely CM you had checking you in

I love your shopping style and sentiment - hey, turning 40 is rough, we gotta treat ourselves That tank top is super cute, I totally would buy that!!

Can't wait to read about your first lunch!

 

[chunkymonkey]

Woohoo, I'm here!!!

Oh gosh the Poly looks just beautiful!!! What a lovely CM you had checking you in

I love your shopping style and sentiment - hey, turning 40 is rough, we gotta treat ourselves That tank top is super cute, I totally would buy that!!

Can't wait to read about your first lunch!

Yay!!! So happy to see you here! I can't believe that means my cruise TR is almost over, but we still got 2.5 days left on that TR so that should be quite a few posts.

Our CM was the sweetest. We had some of the nicest CMs on this trip. It was very special!

Thanks! I try to tell myself it's not my birthday anymore so I can't spend anymore money!
The tank was super cute, if a bit revealing in the back. I guess it would be good on a super hot day!

 

[cajunfan]

So I just read the intros (will be going back to read the first installment), but just had to stop and say AWESOME PICTURES! I love the cruise one! You both look bueatiful (ok, handsome for the hubby!) I need to find time to go read the cruise report too...

Ok, read the first installment too! I can't wait to read about all the dining places. and the Poly studio! (It is hands down my favorite resort too.

 

[dmlovullo]

Getting off the ship was hard for us too, but it helped tremendously that we were headed to WDW! Makes for a much easier transition. And knowing that you have a whole week of Disney magic ahead is just fantastic!

 

[Elevationist]

I love to eat and take pictures, so be prepared for a pretty food-heavy and picture-loving trip report!

That's what I'm here for!

At check-in, we got lei'd!! Hahaha, I've always wanted to say that on the DIS.

Naughty.

I do like the renovation in the Poly. I know many don't like it but I am all about light and space as having more of it makes taking pictures better IMO. I also love this light fixture.

I agree! I personally love the new Poly lobby myself!

(it takes a lot to not type out Downtown Disney)!

Same here! The struggle is real!

Where a CM handed me a phone and Goofy said Happy Birthday to me!

This happened to me in December at... believe it or not... the lobby of the Polynesian! A CM at I think it's Guest Services saw me and my button, and waved me over with a phone in his hand. It was awesome!

Loved this tank though!

The best part was the back of it! So cute with the bow! I would probably wear a tank underneath though. I ended up buying this!

I LOVE THIS!!! The bow is precious!!!

 

[teshawildlee]

came here from your fantasy trip report. I love reading your reports so much I check like all the time for updates lol. We leave for our cruise on the fantasy next week but I'm super excited to see what your experience at Morimoto is like. Me and my husband were really excited about eating there but keep seeing very mixed reviews about it. It will be nice to see a first hand experience of it. The hubby thinks maybe we should pass on it but if you guys had a good lunch we might go ahead and try it.

 

[Magnolia85]

I'm following along for the ride!! So excited about your TR!!

 

[chunkymonkey]

So I just read the intros (will be going back to read the first installment), but just had to stop and say AWESOME PICTURES! I love the cruise one! You both look bueatiful (ok, handsome for the hubby!) I need to find time to go read the cruise report too...

Ha ha thanks!

Ok, read the first installment too! I can't wait to read about all the dining places. and the Poly studio! (It is hands down my favorite resort too.

Thanks! You're in for a ride!

Getting off the ship was hard for us too, but it helped tremendously that we were headed to WDW! Makes for a much easier transition. And knowing that you have a whole week of Disney magic ahead is just fantastic!

I know, now I'm thinking I'll just have to book a WDW vacation after every cruise!!

That's what I'm here for!

Yay!!

Naughty.

I just had to!

This happened to me in December at... believe it or not... the lobby of the Polynesian! A CM at I think it's Guest Services saw me and my button, and waved me over with a phone in his hand. It was awesome!

It's so fun! I loved it!!

I LOVE THIS!!! The bow is precious!!!

Thanks! I love it too!

came here from your fantasy trip report. I love reading your reports so much I check like all the time for updates lol. We leave for our cruise on the fantasy next week but I'm super excited to see what your experience at Morimoto is like. Me and my husband were really excited about eating there but keep seeing very mixed reviews about it. It will be nice to see a first hand experience of it. The hubby thinks maybe we should pass on it but if you guys had a good lunch we might go ahead and try it.

Aww thank you so much! You'll have an awesome time on the Fantasy! Morimoto review will be up soon! Spoiler: We enjoyed it, it's not as good as some of his other restaurants, but it was definitely more casual and not as expensive which we liked. Oh and dessert was soo fun to eat!

I'm following along for the ride!! So excited about your TR!!

Thank you!!!

 

[DisneyCoasters]

Yay, following along and excited for the WDW portion of your trip! You did such an amazing job of living it up for your birthday...I am definitely planning to follow your lead next time I have a momentous birthday coming up! As a fellow northeastern-er, I agree that Disney when it's not super hot is awesome. I went in December a few years ago and was wearing sweatshirts and gloves. It was sort of bizarre but also such a relief to not be 95 and humid.

I'm heading to Orlando LATER TODAY ( ) for a day at Universal and then six days at WDW. Looking forward to catching up with your report when I'm back at home!

 

[starousse]

Yay! So glad to hear about this part of the trip.

 

[JoAnnPan]

Yipee!!! Another part of your trip - been following your cruise
BTW fabulous Star Wars outfits on the cruise - you guys really embraced the day!!!
Your sister must have been so depressed leaving WDW
We are doing one week in WDW after our Fantasy cruise also - the thoughts of getting off the ship and going home to NJ is unacceptable!
Love your reports - thanks so much for sharing!

 

[SimplyGoofy]

I'm here, Su-Lynn!

Wow - your Star Wars costumes were AWESOME! Nice work!

I'm so excited to hear all about the land portion of your land and sea celebration trip - especially the food! You know how I love food! Looking forward to your review of Morimoto Asia...

 

[GaRain]

Can't wait to read more. Going through Disney withdrawals right now.
Got home last night from Star Wars Half Marathon Weekend!

 

[Carathryn]

Joining in! I am also a huge fan of the Poly and a proud Disney foodie. I can't wait to hear more about your trip and am really looking forward to your Victoria & Alberts review!

 

[lulu2121]

I have lurked on your past TRs, but I'm joining in this time. Can't wait to read about the rest of the trip.