We Ditched The Kids! - UPDATE (7/22 - NYC trip)

Chapter 8: Relax, Let Us Pull Up A Chair, As The Dining Room Proudly Presents…Your Lunch.


Sigh.


We’d just spent our last night at the Polynesian. It was time to pack up the bags and get ready to head back to the real world.


That went way too fast.


Thankfully, we still had the morning to ourselves before we needed to be back for the DUD*.

*--Disney’s Unmagical Depress (thanks, @pkondz !)

Julie wanted more overpriced Christmas specialty coffee, so we went over to the TTC and the Joffrey’s kiosk there once more. It was an EMH morning at the Magic Kingdom, and Julie and I were single-mindedly trying to maximize the few hours we had left. This photo should demonstrate our level of commitment:


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We weren’t missing Rope Drop today!


We dragged our luggage over to the bell services desk and left it there for the morning. The resort was still looking festive, even if we weren’t feeling that way.


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Not only did we need to be at Rope Drop, but we also had one more resort to visit in order to complete the Holiday Decorations Tour. We hopped on the monorail and got off one stop later, at the Grand Floridian (or Disney’s Red Roof Inn).


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I know this is the flagship resort, the crème de la crème, but I have to admit—I never really feel comfortable in the Grand Floridian. It feels fancy-pants and snooty to me. I keep expecting a security guard to grab me the moment I walk in and say, “I’m sorry, we don’t serve your kind here.” Part of it is the Victorian theme. I know, many people go gaga over Victorian-era garb and activities, but to me it gives a vibe of what the world would look like if the Fun Police were in charge. Everything must be in its place and polished to a shine and everyone wears their 3-piece suits to afternoon tea and discusses politics and proper dressage techniques for their stable and the etiquette of croquet like proper gentlemen over tiny sandwiches and rock-hard scones and oh please just shoot me now. If you need me, I’ll be at home attaching firecrackers to my brothers’ model cars.


Having said all that, I also have to admit—the place looks terrific at Christmas time.


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The piece de resistance, of course, is the full-size gingerbread house they have in the lobby.


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Julie stood next to it for scale. That’s just incredibly beautiful. The gingerbread house is nice, too.


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Having completed our resort decorations tour, we got on the monorail again and headed for the Magic Kingdom. And we made it just in time for the opening show.


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Since we’d missed out on taking advantage of the smaller crowds on our previous morning at the Magic Kingdom, we were determined to take advantage of this second chance. As soon as the show was over, we hightailed it through the tunnel, inside the park, and managed to be the very first people in line at:


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The bathrooms. Guess that morning coffee did a number on us.


No FP+ for EMH, so we decided to take another shot at a ride on the 7 Dwarfs Mine Train. No empty Main St. photos this morning.


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By the time we got to the ride, the line was stretching along the fence towards the tea cups. However, the posted wait time was 20 minutes and we strongly suspected line stacking, so we decided to hop in. It proved to be a good call, as the wait was indeed only about 20 minutes, and was probably the best it would be all day. Also, my theory about 7DMT was correct: it’s a terrific warm-up as the first ride of the day.


There it is: the back side of castle.


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The next stop was Peter Pan’s Flight. Even during EMH, the wait time was already posted at 30 minutes. Still, we decided to take the plunge, figuring that a) again, this was the best it would be all day, and b) we wanted to see the new enhanced queue.


Unfortunately, the wait was indeed almost 30 minutes, but that was ok. I’m glad we saw the new elements. Those things definitely make the wait more bearable, and we especially enjoyed the room with Tinkerbell flying about and affecting the various items around the bedroom.


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We ended up only getting these two rides done during EMH, but we didn’t feel bad about it. They were two of the most popular, and the day hadn’t officially started yet.


Just before 9:00 a.m., we made our way towards Adventureland.


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Here come the rest of the crowds.


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Adventureland wasn’t officially open yet, so we had a bit of a wait before they let us in. As we entered, we noticed the construction walls had just been removed and a brand new restaurant was now in its soft opening:


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But, with only a few hours left in our getaway, there was no time to explore. Instead, we headed straight for the Jingle Cruise.


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With the Christmas overlay in full effect, this ride was completely transformed. Instead of being a boat ride featuring terrible puns and Dad jokes, it was now a boat ride featuring Christmas-themed terrible puns and Dad jokes. For example, remember the one tree with the animatronic snake wrapped around the top branches? The skipper informed us that it was their Christmas tree, “all wrapped up in a pretty boa.”


Yeah.


Anyhoo, remember from our backstage tour how the guide said they re-use faces for their animatronics, and how I forgot to finish that story? Let’s take care of that now. If you recall, the guide said to look at the guy on the bottom of the pole nearest the rhinoceros, and that we might see him later at the Haunted Mansion.

Does he look familiar to you?


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After thoroughly enjoying the Dad jokes, we figured we might as well ride Pirates since we were in the area.


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I’m not sure what was going on here. I’ve always thought of this ride as a fast loader, and my waits are always less than the posted time. But not this time. This time we seemed to stand still in the queue forever. When we finally got to the loading area, it looked like they were occasionally sending a boat with no one in it down the ramp. We were scratching our heads over that one.


In any case, that used up our available free time and we left for Tomorrowland. Our first FP+ was at Space Mountain.


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Julie hadn’t ridden Space Mountain since she was a kid and was a little nervous. Rides like this always seem to build up in your mind over time, and you start to wonder if it’s the same as you remember from years ago. But she didn’t need to worry. She handled it like a champ, and had a blast!


Next up was another FP+ for Buzz Lightyear. I was on a roll after my Toy Story Mania victory, and this one was just no contest. Also, Julie says her gun was defective and the sun was in her eyes.


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Our schedule was jam-packed, and we had an early lunch reservation at 10:45 a.m.


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This one came late in the game to our vacation plans. When I’d first made dining reservations, there was no availability whatsoever, as I’d expected. Later on, I found this opening and grabbed it immediately, worrying about the rest of the plan later. And I’m glad it worked out. We’d never experienced the place, so I was eager to try it out.


We had not pre-ordered our meals, so we had to get in line for the automated kiosks to place our orders. It took a bit of time to make our way through the line. In the end, Julie and I went with the same entrée: the “croque monsieur” with “béchamel” and “pommes frites”. Know what the difference is between that and a hot ham & cheese sandwich with fries? About $7, as each one of these set us back $13.99.


Be Our Guest looks fantastic on the inside. The Imagineers hit it out of the park in terms of re-creating Beast’s castle. It looks great all decked out for Christmas as well.


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I’d hoped for a seat in the West Wing, but the tables were all occupied and we didn’t feel comfortable stalking anyone in there. So we grabbed an open spot in the main dining room. We took turns checking out the other rooms while we waited for our food.


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After a few minutes, the server found us in vaguely creepy Big Brother-ish fashion, I’m assuming through tracking our Magic Band locations.


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For dessert, Julie chose the chocolate/orange éclair.


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And I went with the lemon meringue cupcake.


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Overall, the food was fine. Despite the fancy French names, there’s only so much you can do to a hot ham-and-cheese sandwich. But it tasted good, and the desserts were good, and we were happy with the meal. Compared to the other counter-service places, it’s a cut above. But I also don’t feel the need to eat here during every visit. Overall, I’d say it’s worth seeing at least once just to marvel at the work of the Imagineers in building the place. After that, don’t sweat it for the food. Unless the dinner is out of this world.


Coming Up Next: There’s two final ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL tasks we have left on our list before we can leave Disney property. And then, the misery of leaving Disney property.
 
That went way too fast.
It always does........... :sad1:

It was an EMH morning at the Magic Kingdom, and Julie and I were single-mindedly trying to maximize the few hours we had left. This photo should demonstrate our level of commitment:
Really? Don't I already see light breaking through in that sky???

We hopped on the monorail and got off one stop later, at the Grand Floridian (or Disney’s Red Roof Inn).
I see they left at least ONE light on for you! :thumbsup2

Having said all that, I also have to admit—the place looks terrific at Christmas time.
Good assessment........all the way around! ::yes::

The piece de resistance, of course, is the full-size gingerbread house they have in the lobby.
Did you walk right in and make yourself at home? :rolleyes1

Since we’d missed out on taking advantage of the smaller crowds on our previous morning at the Magic Kingdom, we were determined to take advantage of this second chance. As soon as the show was over, we hightailed it through the tunnel, inside the park, and managed to be the very first people in line at:


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The bathrooms. Guess that morning coffee did a number on us.
By that look on her face, this picture was as she exited! :rotfl:

There it is: the back side of castle.
Not nearly as impressive as the Back side of Water! ;)

Next up was another FP+ for Buzz Lightyear. I was on a roll after my Toy Story Mania victory, and this one was just no contest. Also, Julie says her gun was defective and the sun was in her eyes.
Well, there is that part where those flashing lights are going off in your eyes........ :eek:
 

This photo should demonstrate our level of commitment:


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I've rarely had to use the TTC, but if anything at Disney World looks that empty, then it must be very early indeed

I know this is the flagship resort, the crème de la crème, but I have to admit—I never really feel comfortable in the Grand Floridian. It feels fancy-pants and snooty to me. I keep expecting a security guard to grab me the moment I walk in and say, “I’m sorry, we don’t serve your kind here.”

I know what you mean! First time we set foot in the Grand Floridian I was wearing shorts and a tank top. I felt very much under-dressed.

That being said, I'd still like to stay there at least once in my life :P (I mean, if I am to stay at every resort on property, gotta find a way to fit this one in as well)

It proved to be a good call, as the wait was indeed only about 20 minutes, and was probably the best it would be all day.

Good call for sure, 20 minutes for 7DMT is not often seen. I wish I could see the queue for it, but there's no way I'm ever waiting the kind of wait time that ride usually reaches.

The next stop was Peter Pan’s Flight. Even during EMH, the wait time was already posted at 30 minutes. Still, we decided to take the plunge, figuring that a) again, this was the best it would be all day, and b) we wanted to see the new enhanced queue.

That ride loads soooo sloooowlyyyyy, eesh. But it's good you got to see the queue without an obnoxious wait time to show for it.

Overall, I’d say it’s worth seeing at least once just to marvel at the work of the Imagineers in building the place.

The decor definitely is Be Our Guest's selling point, not the food. That being said, I really love their turkey sandwich. Then again, I'd probably be happy just eating the baguette, too. From what I've heard though, people say lunch has the best food offerings - but I've never tried dinner or breakfast, so I don't have a personal insight on it.
 
::yes:: If anyone would know, it would be you! How are you feeling?
Better. It’s certainly better that I can feel my hands again.
Given that, the difficulties of getting my neck strength and motion back are manageable.
Not a procedure I’d recommend as elective, though, and it was rougher than I’d anticipated.


Well, what are you waiting for? It's only money.
Well, we’ve had to cancel the last two trips we’d planed. :headache:
So I’m a bit worried about jinxing anything upcoming, but…

If you can keep it a secret from the folks in charge of dishing out suffering and misfortune…

I’ll tell you that we’re trying to put together a no-young’ens - no-family trip down there for September. I haven’t been on property with only my Lovely for company since 1993, and I’m hoping that I don’t foul this one up like I did the last couple attempts.


Probably 2 more chapters. I want to try and finish before I leave for the summer vacation.
Cool! And I’m looking forward to the write up on the new excursion.
Got all you plans in order? Hopefully with no Super-8 reservations included.






Chapter 8: Relax, Let Us Pull Up A Chair, As The Dining Room Proudly Presents…Your Lunch.
En garde, you... you overgrown pocket watch!



We’d just spent our last night at the Polynesian.
Awwwwwww!


It was time to pack up the bags and get ready to head back to the real world.
<<gulp>>


Thankfully, we still had the morning to ourselves before we needed to be back for the DUD*.

*--Disney’s Unmagical Depress (thanks, @pkondz !)
You think that’s a “dud”, consider those that have to drive that whole distance back home.
No more magic and hours of blank interstate and poor drivers over which to ponder the fact.
(Excellent acronym nonetheless, though)


Julie wanted more overpriced Christmas specialty coffee
Because it just sings “Holidays!”

This photo should demonstrate our level of commitment:

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Or just that you should be committed.


We hopped on the monorail and got off one stop later, at the Grand Floridian (or Disney’s Red Roof Inn).
Not sure the rack rates are quite as comparable…


I know this is the flagship resort, the crème de la crème, but I have to admit—I never really feel comfortable in the Grand Floridian.
Seconded!


It feels fancy-pants and snooty to me. I keep expecting a security guard to grab me the moment I walk in and say, “I’m sorry, we don’t serve your kind here.”
I can hear that daily at home.
Don’t need to have it reinforced while at the most magical place on earth.


If you need me, I’ll be at home attaching firecrackers to my brothers’ model cars.
Capitol idea ol’ chap.
That’s something I’ve not done in years (blown up models, that is).

Come to think of it, I haven’t bought fireworks in years.
They’re legal here so we did it so much as kids that it’s kind’a banal now.


And we made it just in time for the opening show.
Need to catch that one of these days.


As soon as the show was over, we hightailed it through the tunnel, inside the park, and managed to be the very first people in line at:

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The bathrooms.
Park Strategy par excellence!
(but a brilliant photograph if I do say so)


There it is: the back side of castle.
Named for Fredrick Castle (second cousin to Albert Falls)


I’m glad we saw the new elements. Those things definitely make the wait more bearable, and we especially enjoyed the room with Tinkerbell flying about and affecting the various items around the bedroom.
Haven’t seen that yet either; sounds interesting.


Just before 9:00 a.m., we made our way towards Adventureland.
Adventure is out there!
Or… Over there!
This way!
Follow Me!


Adventureland wasn’t officially open yet
Drat!


With the Christmas overlay in full effect, this ride was completely transformed. Instead of being a boat ride featuring terrible puns and Dad jokes, it was now a boat ride featuring Christmas-themed terrible puns and Dad jokes.
WooHoo!!!!


For example, remember the one tree with the animatronic snake wrapped around the top branches? The skipper informed us that it was their Christmas tree, “all wrapped up in a pretty boa.”


Yeah.
Indeed!
A good 7.5 on the Grown-o-Meter


Next up was another FP+ for Buzz Lightyear. I was on a roll after my Toy Story Mania victory, and this one was just no contest. Also, Julie says her gun was defective and the sun was in her eyes.
Or you just switched the pictures.



Julie and I went with the same entrée: the “croque monsieur” with “béchamel” and “pommes frites”. Know what the difference is between that and a hot ham & cheese sandwich with fries? About $7
Sounds about right…
Errr… I mean…
Parait à peu près juste


I’d hoped for a seat in the West Wing, but the tables were all occupied and we didn’t feel comfortable stalking anyone in there. So we grabbed an open spot in the main dining room. We took turns checking out the other rooms while we waited for our food.
As Plan-Bs go, that’s not such a bad one.


After a few minutes, the server found us in vaguely creepy Big Brother-ish fashion, I’m assuming through tracking our Magic Band locations.
No one can hide from the Maniacal Mouse!
Bwaaahaaahaaaahaa!


For dessert, Julie chose the chocolate/orange éclair.
Mmmmmm…


And I went with the lemon meringue cupcake.
Meringue! <<gag>>


Compared to the other counter-service places, it’s a cut above. But I also don’t feel the need to eat here during every visit.
This confirms my thinking on BOG. We missed it our last time at Da’ World way back in 13 but I didn’t feel bad about it. If we get back there in the near I may have to give it a try though.
Need to look in to pre ordering though; sounds like a good idea.
 
Noooo!!!! Not the last day! You got some great rides in. That ham and cheese sandwich is yummy and the Castle is so cool.

Jill in CO
 
It always does........... :sad1:

::yes::

Really? Don't I already see light breaking through in that sky???

Well, nobody else was there to see it!

I see they left at least ONE light on for you! :thumbsup2

So they're better than a Super 8, then.

Good assessment........all the way around! ::yes::

:thumbsup2

Did you walk right in and make yourself at home? :rolleyes1

I tried. That's when Security showed up.

By that look on her face, this picture was as she exited! :rotfl:

How do you spell relief?:rotfl2:

Not nearly as impressive as the Back side of Water! ;)

Not at all!

Well, there is that part where those flashing lights are going off in your eyes........ :eek:

Excuses, excuses.:rolleyes1

Back to comment... reserving my spot.

So...:bored:

Looks like a great MK morning! I didn't realize that WDW changed up the Jungle Cruise at Christmas ... cute!

Yes! Same ride, but all-new terrible jokes!

How did you not get the Master's cupcake?! AKA the gray stuff...
Both of those desserts look heavenly though!

Well, I thought "lemon" sounded more appetizing than "gray".:rotfl:
 
I just wanted to say that I have really enjoyed your trip report! This is the first of your reports that I have read and I liked it so much that I am now working on reading the rest of your reports. I think it's great that you are trying to take your kids to all of the states and it's really making me want to go to some of the places you have been. I've never really thought much about going to the Southwest but after reading The Dry Heat Expedition, I definitely want to take my kids there. I also think it's great that you and your wife were able to go on this trip by yourselves!
 
I see you are making the most of your last day! Nicely done. I love that your first attraction was the bathroom :rotfl:
Lunch looks pretty good. I haven't been crazy anxious to try BOG yet but maybe some time. I think I will make the effort for Skipper's though. I guess we just aren't the "fancy pants" type like you and Julie. :goodvibes
 
I've rarely had to use the TTC, but if anything at Disney World looks that empty, then it must be very early indeed

Exactly!

I know what you mean! First time we set foot in the Grand Floridian I was wearing shorts and a tank top. I felt very much under-dressed.

That being said, I'd still like to stay there at least once in my life :P (I mean, if I am to stay at every resort on property, gotta find a way to fit this one in as well)

It's not like I'd turn down a free room there. I mean, it's very nice, and it's Disney property. It's just that the theme really isn't my thing.

Good call for sure, 20 minutes for 7DMT is not often seen. I wish I could see the queue for it, but there's no way I'm ever waiting the kind of wait time that ride usually reaches.

The queue was cute. I wouldn't call it something that couldn't possibly be missed.

That ride loads soooo sloooowlyyyyy, eesh. But it's good you got to see the queue without an obnoxious wait time to show for it.

I can't figure out why Peter Pan loads so slowly, because the ride is constantly moving. I guess the demand just overwhelms it.

The decor definitely is Be Our Guest's selling point, not the food. That being said, I really love their turkey sandwich. Then again, I'd probably be happy just eating the baguette, too. From what I've heard though, people say lunch has the best food offerings - but I've never tried dinner or breakfast, so I don't have a personal insight on it.

I can't say any of the menus made me overly excited. We just wanted to see what it looked like inside, and I'm glad we got to do that.
 
Better. It’s certainly better that I can feel my hands again.
Given that, the difficulties of getting my neck strength and motion back are manageable.
Not a procedure I’d recommend as elective, though, and it was rougher than I’d anticipated.

Sounds like slow improvement. Which beats many alternatives. Hope it keeps getting better...especially by September!

Well, we’ve had to cancel the last two trips we’d planed. :headache:
So I’m a bit worried about jinxing anything upcoming, but…

If you can keep it a secret from the folks in charge of dishing out suffering and misfortune…

I’ll tell you that we’re trying to put together a no-young’ens - no-family trip down there for September. I haven’t been on property with only my Lovely for company since 1993, and I’m hoping that I don’t foul this one up like I did the last couple attempts.

:woohoo: I hope it all works out! Free dining?

Cool! And I’m looking forward to the write up on the new excursion.
Got all you plans in order? Hopefully with no Super-8 reservations included.

No Super 8's this time. I may be dumb, but I'm not stupid. Hopefully I will still have the time to do a TR. We'll see.

En garde, you... you overgrown pocket watch!

+1:thumbsup2

Awwwwwww!

Yep.


That, too.

You think that’s a “dud”, consider those that have to drive that whole distance back home.
No more magic and hours of blank interstate and poor drivers over which to ponder the fact.
(Excellent acronym nonetheless, though)

Can't take credit for that one. But I can steal it.

Because it just sings “Holidays!”

Freely spending money is one of the traditions.

Or just that you should be committed.

Well, we know that.

Not sure the rack rates are quite as comparable…

Which is why I've stayed at a Red Roof Inn, but never the GF.

I can hear that daily at home.
Don’t need to have it reinforced while at the most magical place on earth.

:rotfl2:

Capitol idea ol’ chap.
That’s something I’ve not done in years (blown up models, that is).

Come to think of it, I haven’t bought fireworks in years.
They’re legal here so we did it so much as kids that it’s kind’a banal now.

My uncles used to spend hours putting together model ships and then blasting them with BB guns. Sounds like a good time to me.

Need to catch that one of these days.

::yes:: I think that's a Man Law.

Park Strategy par excellence!
(but a brilliant photograph if I do say so)

Thanks! When you gotta go, you gotta go.

Named for Fredrick Castle (second cousin to Albert Falls)

I was wondering if they were related.

Haven’t seen that yet either; sounds interesting.

It was a nice touch. They make the wait a little more bearable.

Adventure is out there!
Or… Over there!
This way!
Follow Me!

Where are we again?

Indeed!
A good 7.5 on the Grown-o-Meter

Imagine 10 more minutes of that!

Or you just switched the pictures.

I am the champion, I am the champion...

Sounds about right…
Errr… I mean…
Parait à peu près juste

Gesundheit.

As Plan-Bs go, that’s not such a bad one.

At least they let us in.

No one can hide from the Maniacal Mouse!
Bwaaahaaahaaaahaa!

No kidding. Fed told me if you even sneeze in the MK, Disney knows all about it.

Meringue! <<gag>>

Quite a strong reaction there. It's not like it's a vegetable.

This confirms my thinking on BOG. We missed it our last time at Da’ World way back in 13 but I didn’t feel bad about it. If we get back there in the near I may have to give it a try though.
Need to look in to pre ordering though; sounds like a good idea.

Worth seeing the interior once, just to appreciate Imagineering.
 
Noooo!!!! Not the last day! You got some great rides in. That ham and cheese sandwich is yummy and the Castle is so cool.

I think we did pretty well for only having a morning at MK.

I just wanted to say that I have really enjoyed your trip report! This is the first of your reports that I have read and I liked it so much that I am now working on reading the rest of your reports. I think it's great that you are trying to take your kids to all of the states and it's really making me want to go to some of the places you have been. I've never really thought much about going to the Southwest but after reading The Dry Heat Expedition, I definitely want to take my kids there. I also think it's great that you and your wife were able to go on this trip by yourselves!

:welcome: Thanks so much! And thanks for reading the other TR's, although no one should ever have to endure that kind of punishment. You're a real trooper.

I hope you do get inspired to go! There are so many great places to see. It's worth the experience.

I see you are making the most of your last day! Nicely done. I love that your first attraction was the bathroom :rotfl:
Lunch looks pretty good. I haven't been crazy anxious to try BOG yet but maybe some time. I think I will make the effort for Skipper's though. I guess we just aren't the "fancy pants" type like you and Julie. :goodvibes

The menu at Skippers had me::confused3 I was struggling to find anything there that made me feel like I needed a table immediately. I bet it looks cool inside, though.
 
I can't figure out why Peter Pan loads so slowly, because the ride is constantly moving. I guess the demand just overwhelms it.

I think it gives the feeling that it ought to load faster because of the fact that it's an ever loading ride, but I think because of the mechanisms required for the boats to 'fly', they go a lot slower than other rides that are also constantly loading, like Haunted Mansion or Buzz.

I think I remember reading somewhere that Peter Pan has the lower guest capacity per hour of all rides in Disney World.
 
Seriously, though, who wouldn't want a Monte Cristo??:confused3

I know! None of them wanted it! I was shocked also. I knew, sadly, that it was too much for one person, so I just skipped it (because the price was high considering I'd need to throw some away; OR I may have lacked self control and eaten it all, which would probably made me sick :sad1:).

I know for sure we will be going to a Phillies/Twins game on the night we arrive (although I still haven't bought tickets).

My condolences...

At least the stadium is pretty.

Oh, wait, you don't care if they lose, and in fact probably want the Phillies to win. Enjoy!

Cool! If I can ever find some free time, maybe I can wrap this thing up!

I'm so impressed that you and others do so well with their reports. I am unfortunately so slow. Meant to do a Disneyland Paris one and didn't. Hmmm. Might just do Disneyland.

More in a second...
 
Thankfully, we still had the morning to ourselves before we needed to be back for the DUD*.

*--Disney’s Unmagical Depress (thanks, @pkondz !)

Ha! That's a new one to me. I also use the term the "Tragical Express."


The Polynesian looks so gorgeous. Nice pictures!

Since we’d missed out on taking advantage of the smaller crowds on our previous morning at the Magic Kingdom, we were determined to take advantage of this second chance. As soon as the show was over, we hightailed it through the tunnel, inside the park, and managed to be the very first people in line at:


IMG_2020.JPG

The bathrooms. Guess that morning coffee did a number on us.

Seriously. That is so annoying. I think coffee drinkers probably carve a good year or two off of their lives that way, in terms of real-world (non-bathroom) time.

By the time we got to the ride, the line was stretching along the fence towards the tea cups. However, the posted wait time was 20 minutes and we strongly suspected line stacking, so we decided to hop in. It proved to be a good call, as the wait was indeed only about 20 minutes, and was probably the best it would be all day. Also, my theory about 7DMT was correct: it’s a terrific warm-up as the first ride of the day.

Well-done! We just did the same thing in Disneyland with Peter Pan. First ride, 20 minutes. Worth it.

The next stop was Peter Pan’s Flight. Even during EMH, the wait time was already posted at 30 minutes. Still, we decided to take the plunge, figuring that a) again, this was the best it would be all day, and b) we wanted to see the new enhanced queue.

Yup. Good call.
Unfortunately, the wait was indeed almost 30 minutes, but that was ok. I’m glad we saw the new elements. Those things definitely make the wait more bearable, and we especially enjoyed the room with Tinkerbell flying about and affecting the various items around the bedroom.


IMG_2033.JPG

Those effects sound so cool. We just missed them on our last trip, I think.

Anyhoo, remember from our backstage tour how the guide said they re-use faces for their animatronics, and how I forgot to finish that story? Let’s take care of that now. If you recall, the guide said to look at the guy on the bottom of the pole nearest the rhinoceros, and that we might see him later at the Haunted Mansion.

Does he look familiar to you?


IMG_2047.JPG

Fun information!! Thanks.

I’m not sure what was going on here. I’ve always thought of this ride as a fast loader, and my waits are always less than the posted time. But not this time. This time we seemed to stand still in the queue forever. When we finally got to the loading area, it looked like they were occasionally sending a boat with no one in it down the ramp. We were scratching our heads over that one.

This just happened to us with Small World. They sent a bunch of empty boats through (in a row, in our case) while we waited.

We had not pre-ordered our meals, so we had to get in line for the automated kiosks to place our orders. It took a bit of time to make our way through the line. In the end, Julie and I went with the same entrée: the “croque monsieur” with “béchamel” and “pommes frites”. Know what the difference is between that and a hot ham & cheese sandwich with fries? About $7, as each one of these set us back $13.99.

That's what I had. Tasty. The cupcakes for dessert were good, too. The "grey stuff" did not disappoint.

Overall, the food was fine. Despite the fancy French names, there’s only so much you can do to a hot ham-and-cheese sandwich. But it tasted good, and the desserts were good, and we were happy with the meal. Compared to the other counter-service places, it’s a cut above. But I also don’t feel the need to eat here during every visit. Overall, I’d say it’s worth seeing at least once just to marvel at the work of the Imagineers in building the place. After that, don’t sweat it for the food. Unless the dinner is out of this world.

We are hoping to try it for dinner sometime, probably. I agree that the setting is the main reason to go. Amazing.

I can't believe your trip's almost over. :worried:
 
We’d just spent our last night at the Polynesian. It was time to pack up the bags and get ready to head back to the real world.


That went way too fast.

Yeah, that WAS quick!

This photo should demonstrate our level of commitment:

I take photos like that from my balcony, in my bathrobe.

We dragged our luggage over to the bell services desk and left it there for the morning. The resort was still looking festive, even if we weren’t feeling that way.

I think I might have that same picture, so pretty!

I know this is the flagship resort, the crème de la crème, but I have to admit—I never really feel comfortable in the Grand Floridian. It feels fancy-pants and snooty to me. I keep expecting a security guard to grab me the moment I walk in and say, “I’m sorry, we don’t serve your kind here.”

:rotfl2:

Part of it is the Victorian theme. I know, many people go gaga over Victorian-era garb and activities, but to me it gives a vibe of what the world would look like if the Fun Police were in charge.

Ahhh, but that's only on the outside. The Victorian era was full of debauchery, everyone just tried to hide it behind their prim and properness!

Everything must be in its place and polished to a shine and everyone wears their 3-piece suits to afternoon tea and discusses politics and proper dressage techniques for their stable and the etiquette of croquet like proper gentlemen over tiny sandwiches and rock-hard scones and oh please just shoot me now. If you need me, I’ll be at home attaching firecrackers to my brothers’ model cars.

Well at least you're not hiding anything!

The piece de resistance, of course, is the full-size gingerbread house they have in the lobby.

Nice shot of that!

Having completed our resort decorations tour, we got on the monorail again and headed for the Magic Kingdom. And we made it just in time for the opening show.

At first I was going to say we were there, but then I realize this is Monday, we were one day behind you!

As soon as the show was over, we hightailed it through the tunnel, inside the park, and managed to be the very first people in line at:

The bathrooms. Guess that morning coffee did a number on us.

:lmao: :rotfl2:

By the time we got to the ride, the line was stretching along the fence towards the tea cups. However, the posted wait time was 20 minutes and we strongly suspected line stacking, so we decided to hop in. It proved to be a good call, as the wait was indeed only about 20 minutes, and was probably the best it would be all day.

You're probably right about that.

Unfortunately, the wait was indeed almost 30 minutes, but that was ok. I’m glad we saw the new elements.

I don't think I've ever been through the queue.

Adventureland wasn’t officially open yet, so we had a bit of a wait before they let us in. As we entered, we noticed the construction walls had just been removed and a brand new restaurant was now in its soft opening:

I can tell you already you wouldn't like the menu. I'm pretty sure there is no burger on the menu.

Anyhoo, remember from our backstage tour how the guide said they re-use faces for their animatronics, and how I forgot to finish that story? Let’s take care of that now. If you recall, the guide said to look at the guy on the bottom of the pole nearest the rhinoceros, and that we might see him later at the Haunted Mansion.

Does he look familiar to you?

That's very interesting! I'm going to have to pay attention to the same at Disneyland!

Julie hadn’t ridden Space Mountain since she was a kid and was a little nervous. Rides like this always seem to build up in your mind over time, and you start to wonder if it’s the same as you remember from years ago. But she didn’t need to worry. She handled it like a champ, and had a blast!

Now you guys really need to come back here since she didn't ride Space Mountain with us a couple years ago.

In the end, Julie and I went with the same entrée: the “croque monsieur” with “béchamel” and “pommes frites”. Know what the difference is between that and a hot ham & cheese sandwich with fries? About $7, as each one of these set us back $13.99.

That looks like a very poor version of a croque monsieur, it should be dipped in an egg batter and fried in a grill pan.

Overall, the food was fine. Despite the fancy French names, there’s only so much you can do to a hot ham-and-cheese sandwich.

Mmmmmm, now I think I know what I want for lunch today!

Overall, I’d say it’s worth seeing at least once just to marvel at the work of the Imagineers in building the place.

I definitely agree, we have experienced both lunch and dinner now and while both were very good, there are other places that we enjoy more.
 
We’d just spent our last night at the Polynesian. It was time to pack up the bags and get ready to head back to the real world.


That went way too fast.

It always does.... it always does.

Thankfully, we still had the morning to ourselves before we needed to be back for the DUD*.

*--Disney’s Unmagical Depress (thanks, @pkondz !)

It didn't originate with me. Well, the acronym did, but Magical Depress was from Nebo, who was a really fun TR writer but isn't around any more.

This photo should demonstrate our level of commitment:


IMG_0577.JPG

Nah. I'm not buying it. That's a shot from the evening.

We hopped on the monorail and got off one stop later, at the Grand Floridian (or Disney’s Red Roof Inn).

:laughing:

I know this is the flagship resort, the crème de la crème, but I have to admit—I never really feel comfortable in the Grand Floridian. It feels fancy-pants and snooty to me.

You prefer khaki pants and sooty?

I keep expecting a security guard to grab me the moment I walk in and say, “I’m sorry, we don’t serve your kind here.”

Well, actually.... they don't serve your kind there.

Part of it is the Victorian theme. I know, many people go gaga over Victorian-era garb and activities, but to me it gives a vibe of what the world would look like if the Fun Police were in charge. Everything must be in its place and polished to a shine and everyone wears their 3-piece suits to afternoon tea and discusses politics and proper dressage techniques for their stable and the etiquette of croquet like proper gentlemen over tiny sandwiches and rock-hard scones and oh please just shoot me now.

I get this. I think of Disney and I think fantastic themeing (like Wilderness Lodge) or fun like Art of Animation.

If you need me, I’ll be at home attaching firecrackers to my brothers’ model cars.

:lmao: I did that too!
How about building a model plane... and then dousing it in gasoline and setting it on fire?

Having said all that, I also have to admit—the place looks terrific at Christmas time.

I guess it would lend itself to that.

The piece de resistance, of course, is the full-size gingerbread house they have in the lobby.

Full-size? Wouldn't you be able to walk inside it if it was full size?

Julie stood next to it for scale. That’s just incredibly beautiful. The gingerbread house is nice, too.

If you hadn't said it, I would have.

As soon as the show was over, we hightailed it through the tunnel, inside the park, and managed to be the very first people in line at:

The bathrooms.

:laughing: Well, it's nice to be first somewhere in Disney.

By the time we got to the ride, the line was stretching along the fence towards the tea cups. However, the posted wait time was 20 minutes and we strongly suspected line stacking, so we decided to hop in. It proved to be a good call, as the wait was indeed only about 20 minutes,

Huh. Not bad. I guess EMH helped with that.
I suspect if you'd stopped at the bathroom on a regular day the wait would've been a bit longer.

Also, my theory about 7DMT was correct: it’s a terrific warm-up as the first ride of the day.

Good point! I sure as heck won't stand in line for this one (well, not more than 20 minutes anyway) but it's a fun little ride to start the day with.

Unfortunately, the wait was indeed almost 30 minutes, but that was ok. I’m glad we saw the new elements. Those things definitely make the wait more bearable, and we especially enjoyed the room with Tinkerbell flying about and affecting the various items around the bedroom.

I think they did a great job with that queue. Did you or Julie let a butterfly land on your shadow?

We ended up only getting these two rides done during EMH, but we didn’t feel bad about it. They were two of the most popular,

Those are two good ones to get out of the way alright.

Here come the rest of the crowds.

the madding crowd

As we entered, we noticed the construction walls had just been removed and a brand new restaurant was now in its soft opening:

That place looks really interesting from the pictures I've seen.

Instead of being a boat ride featuring terrible puns and Dad jokes, it was now a boat ride featuring Christmas-themed terrible puns and Dad jokes.

:laughing:

For example, remember the one tree with the animatronic snake wrapped around the top branches? The skipper informed us that it was their Christmas tree, “all wrapped up in a pretty boa.”

I like that one.

Does he look familiar to you?


IMG_2047.JPG

No way!!

I’m not sure what was going on here. I’ve always thought of this ride as a fast loader, and my waits are always less than the posted time. But not this time. This time we seemed to stand still in the queue forever.

That's happened to me too.
Not recently, but it has happened.

Julie hadn’t ridden Space Mountain since she was a kid and was a little nervous. Rides like this always seem to build up in your mind over time, and you start to wonder if it’s the same as you remember from years ago. But she didn’t need to worry. She handled it like a champ, and had a blast!

:goodvibes

Next up was another FP+ for Buzz Lightyear. I was on a roll after my Toy Story Mania victory, and this one was just no contest. Also, Julie says her gun was defective and the sun was in her eyes.

Yep. That happens. I totally believe her.

Otherwise she would've kicked your butt.

We had not pre-ordered our meals, so we had to get in line for the automated kiosks to place our orders.

Pre-ordering your meal is what makes this place so great!
You just walk in like you own the place, sit down... and food is brought out to you.

In the end, Julie and I went with the same entrée: the “croque monsieur” with “béchamel” and “pommes frites”. Know what the difference is between that and a hot ham & cheese sandwich with fries? About $7, as each one of these set us back $13.99.

And the Croque Monsieur is dipped in an egg/milk mixture before frying it up.

Be Our Guest looks fantastic on the inside. The Imagineers hit it out of the park in terms of re-creating Beast’s castle.

::yes::

We took turns checking out the other rooms while we waited for our food.

You waited?

Oh, right. You didn't pre-order.
When you do, your food is brought out within a minute or so of sitting down.

After a few minutes, the server found us in vaguely creepy Big Brother-ish fashion, I’m assuming through tracking our Magic Band locations.

Yep.

For dessert, Julie chose the chocolate/orange éclair.
And I went with the lemon meringue cupcake.

No Grey stuff? What's with that???
Rebels!

Compared to the other counter-service places, it’s a cut above

I'd agree with that.

But I also don’t feel the need to eat here during every visit. Overall, I’d say it’s worth seeing at least once just to marvel at the work of the Imagineers in building the place. After that, don’t sweat it for the food.

And that too. If you're on the dining plan, it's one of the better uses of a QS credit.

Unless the dinner is out of this world.

That I wouldn't know. But I suspect... not.
 
Should've told them there was no room.


:rolleyes1

:rotfl2::rotfl::lmao:


Is this a contented sigh? An "I give up." sigh? "I'm not sure where to begin" sigh?

*--Disney’s Unmagical Depress (thanks, @pkondz !)

I wondered where that'd come from.

the TTC and the Joffrey’s kiosk

YUS! More Java options for my "Essentials List"! :dancer:

It feels fancy-pants and snooty to me.

Thank you! Someone who understands my reverse snooty-ishness for this place.

If you need me, I’ll be at home attaching firecrackers to my brothers’ model cars.

My kids did that with Green Army Men in Crapistan. Hilarious. And even moreso since no one blew their hand off while having fun.

Guess that morning coffee did a number on us.

So you ARE real human beings, afterall.


Gorgeous shot!


WOW! Clever twinning.

Also, Julie says her gun was defective and the sun was in her eyes.

Seems legit. My guns are always defective like that too.
 












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