*1/3 New Trip Report* Pole Dancing and Food Porn

[2xcited2sleep]

I'm in! Loved the updates so far and can't wait for more! I'm a big resort snob too... Poly looks amazing!!!

 

[erika412]

Things I am doing today:

1. Uploading pictures to Photobucket
2. Dis-ing

And we love every minute of it!!!!

Thanks for the Poly pictures. I'm so ready to leave right now. We aren't staying CL. We did at the WL, but we really didn't spend enough time in the resort to make it worthwhile.

Heading over to your PTR...

 

[MrsSpratt]

The one over the bridge. Just beautiful!

I posted on your PTR, but I don't think I helped...

 

[vettegirl]

I love the Poly. Thanks to the military salute rates this year we were able to stay there. It was our first experience with a Disney Resort and it was perfect. I am checking in to CSR tomorrow for a 3 day trip and hope I am not disappointed because the Poly has set the bar high.

 

[shannn]

Then it was off to a Small World. Funny story about It's a Small World. When I was growing up, I had family that lived near Orlando in Apopka. My grandparents would bring me down for a visit many times a year and we would always visit the Magic Kingdom for a day while we were there. IaSW was my very favorite ride, and my grandfather had me convinced that it was his favorite too. We would ride it over and over again, and I was sure that he had the best day ever just I like did. It wasn't until I was an adult that I realized he did this just for me, and it wasn't even close to his favorite! He passed away when I was 20, but I still think of him every time I ride IaSW.

Lily's favorite --the rain forest.

My favorite room-- the Scandanavian room. I just love the blue/white with the little tiny lights.

About this time, Morgan decided he had to go to the bathroom, so we visited our favorite Fantasyland potty next to Peter Pan. The line for old PP was seriously long so we decided to skip it this time, and ride it later along with my favorite Philharmagic.

We headed over to Frontierland to catch the Country Bear Jamboree. Along the way, the kids got into some trouble and hit the stocks.

(I won't subject y'all to all these pictures, but I did pick out two of the good ones.)

We stopped to watch these guys for a few minutes:

By this point, we all agreed that we were hot, tired, and hungry. Luckily, we had a reservation at Kona Cafe waiting for us for lunch!

We headed back down Main Street:

And hopped aboard the boat launch to the Poly. This was such a nice ride, but Lily shows you right here how we were feeling:

We were happy to see our new home coming into view!

Coming up next: Kona

 

[shannn]

I think I screwed y'all up editing that post. There's an update there now....make sure you go back and check it out!

 

[erika412]

I love the bows in Lily's hair. Did you make them? I subbed the thread on disigns on how to make hair bows, but haven't tried. I'm so not crafy and it scares me.

It sounds like you had a great MK morning. Can't wait to hear about Kona.

I think I'm being spoiled by your PTR- we'll be there in two weeks and staying at the Poly. I have a great preview of coming attractions!!

 

[Native NYer]

Love the updates!!! The pictures of the MK decked out for Halloween are great. When do the Halloween decorations go up? We'll be in Disney Aug. 29-Sept 5. I'm wondering if we'll get to see them.

 

[shannn]

Last post for today, I promise. We headed through the back of the Poly and up the stairs to Kona Cafe. Our ADR was at 12:30 and there was no wait to be seated.

We were on the Deluxe Dining plan so from now on we had appetizers, entrees, and desserts with all our meals. This was our only planned meal this day because of the MNSSHP this night.

APPETIZERS:

I had the pot sticker appetizer. "Pot Stickers - Wok seared duck dumplings with a creamy ginger-soy sauce. - $6.99 " They were good with the same sauce that they use at Ohana

Grammie had the crab cakes. "Lump Crab Cakes - Pan-seared and served with Asian tartar sauce and pineapple relish. - $10.49 " She enjoyed them, although I thought the pineapple relish was a strange mix with crab cakes.

Sam and Granmouse shared the sticky wings. "Sticky Wings - Glazed Chicken Wings with a tangy mustard drizzle and toasted sesame seeds. - $7.99" They really enjoyed them.

Lily had chicken noodle soup. The kids got very into the food taking pictures so there are lots of pictures of their food that I probably wouldn't have taken otherwise. She picked the noodles & chicken out of the soup.

ENTREES:

Lily had the ravioli. She thought it was amazing that it was shaped like Mickey.

Morgan had a cheeseburger, but I can't find a picture? It was a regular old cheeseburger.

Granmouse had a Polynesian Steak. "Polynesian Plate Lunch: A Traditional Hawaiian Favorite - Your Choice of One of the following: Chicken with Peanut Sauce, Grilled Mahi Mahi, with Ponzu Sauce or Teriyaki Fried Steak with spicy tomato salsa. Served with sticky rice and macaroni salad. - $14.99" She enjoyed it and said it was well cooked.

Grammie also had the polynesian plate, but she had the chicken. She loved the chicken and said it had a great nutty tasting crust on it. It tasted like pecans. She did not enjoy the pasta salad and said it had too much spice in it for her.

I had the Kona Club. "Kona Club Sandwich - Slow-roasted thinly sliced turkey breast with tomato, avocado, turkey bacon, watercress, and reduced-calorie Sweet-chili mayo on Multigrain bread served with sweet potato chips. - $10.19" Honestly it wasn't that great. It had way too much bread that overpowered everything and I ended up taking it apart and eating the turkey and avocado together. The homemade chips were good.

Sam had the fish tacos. I don't know if they were a special because I don't see them on the menu. He said that the thick fried shell overwhelmed the taste of the fish and he wasn't that impressed.

DESSERT:

Grammie had a coconut creme puff. She said it was very light and she enjoyed it, although it didn't have much of a coconut taste to it.

I had the chocolate banana creme brulee. It was good with a thick bottom layer of chocolate under a light custard brulee.

Lily & Morgan had the make your own sundae.

Sam had the Kona Cone. He said it was fine, but it couldn't compete with our local Bruster's.

Granmouse had the white chocolate cheese cake. It was rich and had a very pretty presentation.

They also brought me a chocolate creme puff for a birthday dessert and sang happy birthday to me. I didn't eat it, but it was a very nice gesture, and the plate was really cute.

Lily decided the best way to eat her sundae was to stick her face in it!

We paid $16 in tip for this meal. It would have cost $81.97 OOP.
It was a good meal, although nothing was outstanding. I don't think I'd go out of my way to visit Kona again. I would go back if it was convenient though.
*Mom wanted me to add that she really enjoyed this meal.*

Up next: We explore our rooms at the Poly and get ready for MNSSHP!

 

[erika412]

It all looks delicous even if it didnt taste that impressive! I'm cracking up at the kids wanting their meals pictured as well. Mine would do that same thing! We're doing Kona once for breakfast and then once for dinner. I am now curiou about their dinner menu.

 

[wigdoutdismom]

Such a sweet story about you, your Grandfather, and IASW....

Loved your pictures of the Magic Kingdom, the fall decorations and that BLUE SKY were gorgeous!
Very cute picture of you and the kids in the tea cup.
Also a couple of great pictures of Country Bears!

We love to eat at Kona for breakfast, but we are big fans of the Tonga Toast!

 

[MrsSpratt]

Lily and the Sundae = priceless!

 

[mom2meiko]

Then it was off to a Small World. Funny story about It's a Small World. When I was growing up, I had family that lived near Orlando in Apopka. My grandparents would bring me down for a visit many times a year and we would always visit the Magic Kingdom for a day while we were there. IaSW was my very favorite ride, and my grandfather had me convinced that it was his favorite too. We would ride it over and over again, and I was sure that he had the best day ever just I like did. It wasn't until I was an adult that I realized he did this just for me, and it wasn't even close to his favorite! He passed away when I was 20, but I still think of him every time I ride IaSW.

It sounds like your grandfather was a very special man. I'm glad that you have that memory with him. I have a similar memory of IASW with my daddy. He has a heart condition so I know he won't be around for long and I get emotional everytime I go on that ride. (I keep trying to get him to go back down with me but he's waiting for the kids to be "old enough to enjoy it".) When we took my dd last year for the first time it was the only ride that she really truly responded to. (She was 6 months old.) It made me so happy to share that ride with, knowing that it was also a special ride for me and my dad.

 

[scdisfan]

Shann - I had the same reaction to myself in our pictures from our September trip. It was so hot and so humid, I felt like I was melting sometimes! And the pictures proved it!

What a small world (let the song play in your head here!) that you are from Lexington!!

 

[MaryAz]

Yay for all those great updates. The story of your G'Pa and ITASW was very touching. I am also glad that you are able to go with both G"ma's.
We are staying at the Poly in May-can't wait to see all ur pics.

 

[All7OfUs]

Shannn

I"ve missed so much over the weekend!! WOW! You are cranking out these posts like Tinkerbell and her pixie dust!!

I love all your pictures; they are fabulous! And guess what?! I get to stay at the Poly too!! It's our latest news! I'm so excited. It won't be concierge level, but very cool nonetheless!

The Kona looks great!! Yummo!

I'm irked at that lady who pushed you out of line though; rude to the max!

Anyway, I'm all caught up. Very fun stuff!

 

[shannn]

I'm in! Loved the updates so far and can't wait for more! I'm a big resort snob too... Poly looks amazing!!!

Thanks. I'm glad you're here. I can't imagine the updates will come so fast now that the school week has started!

And we love every minute of it!!!!
Thanks for the Poly pictures. I'm so ready to leave right now. We aren't staying CL. We did at the WL, but we really didn't spend enough time in the resort to make it worthwhile.
Heading over to your PTR...

The Poly is amazing. I should have some room/view shots in my next update.

The one over the bridge. Just beautiful!
I posted on your PTR, but I don't think I helped...

Thanks for posting. I'm so confused about what to do over there! Oh well, at least I have choices.

I love the Poly. Thanks to the military salute rates this year we were able to stay there. It was our first experience with a Disney Resort and it was perfect. I am checking in to CSR tomorrow for a 3 day trip and hope I am not disappointed because the Poly has set the bar high.

I can't wait to read your update! I need to try out the moderate resorts.

I love the bows in Lily's hair. Did you make them? I subbed the thread on disigns on how to make hair bows, but haven't tried. I'm so not crafy and it scares me.

It sounds like you had a great MK morning. Can't wait to hear about Kona.

I think I'm being spoiled by your PTR- we'll be there in two weeks and staying at the Poly. I have a great preview of coming attractions!!

You'll love the Poly!
I'm so not crafty. I bought those bows on Ebay and most of her other stuff on Ebay or Etsy. There are some great people on there who make amazing things.

Love the updates!!! The pictures of the MK decked out for Halloween are great. When do the Halloween decorations go up? We'll be in Disney Aug. 29-Sept 5. I'm wondering if we'll get to see them.

I'm not sure when the Halloween decorations go up. I know the first Halloween party is sometime in September so they have to be up by then.

It all looks delicous even if it didnt taste that impressive! I'm cracking up at the kids wanting their meals pictured as well. Mine would do that same thing! We're doing Kona once for breakfast and then once for dinner. I am now curiou about their dinner menu.

My mom wants me to make sure y'all know that she really enjoyed Kona. I guess maybe I ordered wrong, because mine was only okay.

Such a sweet story about you, your Grandfather, and IASW....

Loved your pictures of the Magic Kingdom, the fall decorations and that BLUE SKY were gorgeous!
Very cute picture of you and the kids in the tea cup.
Also a couple of great pictures of Country Bears!

We love to eat at Kona for breakfast, but we are big fans of the Tonga Toast!

We're not big breakfast people, so we tend not to use our dining credits for breakfast. That being said, I bet my kids would love the Tonga toast.

The skies were absolutely gorgeous that day, which led to my biggest mistake of the trip! (dun dun dun... foreshadowing!)

Lily and the Sundae = priceless!

I loved it too. She was just so happy that day and I think it comes through in the pictures!

It sounds like your grandfather was a very special man. I'm glad that you have that memory with him. I have a similar memory of IASW with my daddy. He has a heart condition so I know he won't be around for long and I get emotional everytime I go on that ride. (I keep trying to get him to go back down with me but he's waiting for the kids to be "old enough to enjoy it".) When we took my dd last year for the first time it was the only ride that she really truly responded to. (She was 6 months old.) It made me so happy to share that ride with, knowing that it was also a special ride for me and my dad.

It's funny because my grandfather wasn't usually a real child-friendly man. He loved to read to us, but he liked things quiet. When we got to Disney, however, it was time to have his undivided attention.

Shann - I had the same reaction to myself in our pictures from our September trip. It was so hot and so humid, I felt like I was melting sometimes! And the pictures proved it!

What a small world (let the song play in your head here!) that you are from Lexington!!

And when you're from SC and the heat bothers you, that's saying something, right?
Lexington High Class of 1988!

Yay for all those great updates. The story of your G'Pa and ITASW was very touching. I am also glad that you are able to go with both G"ma's.
We are staying at the Poly in May-can't wait to see all ur pics.

We love taking the grandmothers with us. It is so much fun for them too. I should have more Poly pictures soon.

Shannn

I"ve missed so much over the weekend!! WOW! You are cranking out these posts like Tinkerbell and her pixie dust!!
I love all your pictures; they are fabulous! And guess what?! I get to stay at the Poly too!! It's our latest news! I'm so excited. It won't be concierge level, but very cool nonetheless!
The Kona looks great!! Yummo!
I'm irked at that lady who pushed you out of line though; rude to the max!
Anyway, I'm all caught up. Very fun stuff!

Yea, I got my pictures uploaded this weekend and went a little crazy! I'm so excited that y'all are staying at the Poly! I think you'll love it.
Yes, crazy grandma really annoyed me, but I tried to keep the pixie dust in my mind and stay happy.
I'm glad you're enjoying it!

 

[manntra]

WOW!! What a mega update!
Let's see....loved your dinner at Fulton's....have never eaten there based on not so stellar reviews (for the money) but your dessert looks amazing!! I do love me some creme brulee!!
Loved the pictures of Lily and her posing! Very funny!!
Your story about IASW reminds me of my Dad....he just mentioned the other day how when we first went and I was 3 1/2 that was the only thing I really wanted to do and we did it over and over and over again. I really want to take my parents down sometime so they can see how much has changed since their last trip in 88 (my graduation year too )
Mmmmm more creme brulee!!
We had a good crab cake appetizer from The Wave....wondering if she tried that one?
The Poly looks absolutely gorgeous and I understand that about DVC but I my DVC and having never stayed at Poly I don't know what I am missing!

Tracy

 

[shannn]

WOW!! What a mega update!
Let's see....loved your dinner at Fulton's....have never eaten there based on not so stellar reviews (for the money) but your dessert looks amazing!! I do love me some creme brulee!!
Loved the pictures of Lily and her posing! Very funny!!
Your story about IASW reminds me of my Dad....he just mentioned the other day how when we first went and I was 3 1/2 that was the only thing I really wanted to do and we did it over and over and over again. I really want to take my parents down sometime so they can see how much has changed since their last trip in 88 (my graduation year too )
Mmmmm more creme brulee!!
We had a good crab cake appetizer from The Wave....wondering if she tried that one?
The Poly looks absolutely gorgeous and I understand that about DVC but I my DVC and having never stayed at Poly I don't know what I am missing!

Tracy

That creme brulee at Fulton's was honestly amazing. I can't imagine I won't be back for more!
We didn't go to the Wave. I'll have to write that down for next time.
We most likely will buy into DVC, but I may have to ask for another Poly trip at some point. It's just too perfect!

 

[shannn]

After our Kona lunch, it was time to check out our rooms at the Poly. We had gotten a voice mail earlier in the day that our rooms were ready and they were 3505 and 3506. I was thrilled when I realized that meant that we were on the 3rd floor - a balcony!! Now I had paid for a Garden view. My requests on my PIP sheet read as follows:

"We’d love love love a balcony, but the adjoining or (preferably) connecting room request is more important. My 5 year old daughter would love to be able to see “Cinderella’s house” out our window! "

When we got off the elevator in the Hawaii building, I quickly realized that our room was on the left side of the hall. NOW I was vibrating as I realized it was a room with a view, but would we be able to see the balcony??

When we got into the room, Sam immediately went to the bed to take a picture of this:

but I was jumping up and down and drug him to the balcony to get a picture of this:

To the left we saw this:

And to the right this:

I even direct uploaded a picture to my Facebook account with this comment: The view out my window...yes, that's the castle in the middle. I'm not sure I'm ever coming home.

It was BREATHTAKING!!

We called the bellman for our bags that had been transferred from ASMu and everyone settled down for nap time. It was about 2:30'ish and we were hoping for a few hours to sleep before heading back over to the Magic Kingdom for the Halloween party. It took the kids a little while to crash, but when they did they were out for the count!

The bags were there in 15-20 minutes and the only ones they couldn't find were the ones we had actually checked with the bellman that morning at the Poly! (Sam didn't trust them to transfer his laptop.) But those were quickly found and to us about 5 minutes after the others. We closed the blinds and headed off to dreamland.

Coming up next: What happened to the blue skies??