9 Days Poly CL DxDP...Too Much Food???...Too Much Fun!!!...1600 Pictures

[Zuzu03]

Do make a picture of yourself in hammock, perhaps with drink in hand then post the pic

You got it, but you MUST promise that none of my students will see it! I'll never live it down!!!

 

[bsredfish]

Pictures of the Poly are great!!

 

[jdd]

Your pictures of the Polynesisn are terrific! We love the view of the Grand Floridian. I'm questioning my decision now about choices of resorts. The children want to stay at the Beach Club, but I'm leaning towards the Polynesian. Not sure what to do? Any advice would be great.

I've never stayed at the Poly (yet), but I can tell you my impressions of the Beach Club. The pool is wonderful and it's great being able to just walk to Epcot. However, it felt too much like a "hotel" to me, instead of a resort. I really didn't like having to walk through the lobby and up an elevator in my bathing suit! One reason we love the mods is walking around the grounds and just enjoying the relaxed, resort feel. I think we'll get this at the Poly, along with the deluxe accomodations

As everyone says, it's all a matter of preference - I can't wait to see how we like the Poly

 

[hstrickland]

I've never stayed at the Poly (yet), but I can tell you my impressions of the Beach Club. The pool is wonderful and it's great being able to just walk to Epcot. However, it felt too much like a "hotel" to me, instead of a resort. I really didn't like having to walk through the lobby and up an elevator in my bathing suit! One reason we love the mods is walking around the grounds and just enjoying the relaxed, resort feel. I think we'll get this at the Poly, along with the deluxe accomodations

As everyone says, it's all a matter of preference - I can't wait to see how we like the Poly

DS8 wants to stay at the BC/YC because of the pool....is the pool overrated or is it really that great? He's begging us to stay there.

I think you will love the Poly...and you are right...the Poly totally FEELS like a resort and not just a hotel.

 

[jdd]

DS8 wants to stay at the BC/YC because of the pool....is the pool overrated or is it really that great? He's begging us to stay there.

The pool was pretty cool. It has a great area for little guys - maybe about 2-3 feet deep and a big pile of sand to play in. Was very much like being at the beach, although not the sticky kind of sand (not sure how to describe it, but you didn't end up with sand everywhere like at the beach )

There's a lazy river area, but we didn't use that much. Then there are 3 or 4 other pool areas to just swim around in. There's only one slide, but it's a long one and the kids really loved that. Near the entrance to the big slide, there was one mini-slide that DS5 enjoyed. It spilled into a tiny pool area - no one was there but us, but if there were more than a couple families, it would get crowded fast.

I think there were 3-4 hot tubs too, but that's not our scene (it was also around 95 degrees and the pool water was hot enough for us!)

I've heard it called a "mini water park", but I certainly wouldn't go that far. It's a very cool pool for a hotel, but I wouldn't stay there again just for the pool. We're doing the water park option this trip, so I'm not overly concerned about our hotel pool.

I'm sorry I don't have any pictures - I always forget to take my camera to the pool!

 

[ReneeDisney]

Renee, you have convinced me! Two bathrooms would be great since we have 5 in our family! Another question....could you hear the music from Wishes from your patio? At Hawaii, the music was really loud. Our room patio was very close to a speaker. Wasn't sure what Tahiti was like as far as music goes?

Thanks!

We did hear the wishes music! It wasnt the most perfect sound but we were able to follow along.

 

[hstrickland]

The pool was pretty cool. It has a great area for little guys - maybe about 2-3 feet deep and a big pile of sand to play in. Was very much like being at the beach, although not the sticky kind of sand (not sure how to describe it, but you didn't end up with sand everywhere like at the beach )

There's a lazy river area, but we didn't use that much. Then there are 3 or 4 other pool areas to just swim around in. There's only one slide, but it's a long one and the kids really loved that. Near the entrance to the big slide, there was one mini-slide that DS5 enjoyed. It spilled into a tiny pool area - no one was there but us, but if there were more than a couple families, it would get crowded fast.

I think there were 3-4 hot tubs too, but that's not our scene (it was also around 95 degrees and the pool water was hot enough for us!)

I've heard it called a "mini water park", but I certainly wouldn't go that far. It's a very cool pool for a hotel, but I wouldn't stay there again just for the pool. We're doing the water park option this trip, so I'm not overly concerned about our hotel pool.

I'm sorry I don't have any pictures - I always forget to take my camera to the pool!

jdd, thanks for the great info on the pool. It sounds great for the kids and DH. I'm a big Poly lover, but will probably at some point have to check out the BC/YC for the kids. I love the EP area resorts, but I know I'm going to miss the monorail and the beautiful surroundings at the Poly. I actually would love to be able to stay at all the deluxe resorts at Disney....4 down DH said for our next trip he would like to just hang out at the resort for a few days and not do so much park stuff. This is why DS9 and DH thought it would be a good idea to stay at the BC....we will see.

Thanks again for the information!

 

[jdd]

I'm a big Poly lover, but will probably at some point have to check out the BC/YC for the kids. I love the EP area resorts, but I know I'm going to miss the monorail and the beautiful surroundings at the Poly. I actually would love to be able to stay at all the deluxe resorts at Disney....4 down DH said for our next trip he would like to just hang out at the resort for a few days and not do so much park stuff. This is why DS9 and DH thought it would be a good idea to stay at the BC....we will see.

You know, this is one of the things I love so much about DW - each time you go you can have a completely different type of vacation, depending on which resort you choose! We loved staying at the All Stars our first few trips - the kids were little and loved the giant icons, and we spent all our time in the parks, so we didn't need special "amenities".

My favorite thing is wandering around the resorts early in the morning, so I loved CBR, POR and I'm sure the Poly. My DS9 loves everything about camping, so his favorite is FW - doing the campfire at night, having a deck and "yard", and enjoying the rustic feel of that resort.

I'm working right now with a friend, planning her trip, and they chose BC because they want to have dinner each night in a different country of Epcot. This will be perfect for them!!

I'm looking forward to trying out AKL and WL someday too! I just don't think you can go wrong

 

[hstrickland]

After I woke up the sleepy, we headed out.

Normally we would take the monorail to EP from the TTC, but since our breakfast reservation was at 8am, we had to drive. Now, if you are wondering why I have such an early ressie, it's because I wanted to make rope drop at EP by 9am!....if you have been reading along, this should not surprise you.

The monorail runs one hour prior to park opening at EP, so we had to drive over if we wanted to make our reservation. If you DO NOT have a car, you can still get there. The CL CMs told us you could take a character bus (not sure what this is) to get to EP. I did not ask too many questions since I knew we were driving. I was just curious as to what others might have to do.

We left the Poly around 7:25. And look.....I love this picture.....can you say EARLY??!!!!.....EP parking lot....we were literally the 2nd car there!

These two pictures didn't turn out exactly like we wanted. We were trying to give the illusion that DH and DS8 were 'holding' the ball.....didn't quite work.

Another reason I LOVE getting up early and getting to the parks is this....love seeing them when there isn't a soul around!!! NOBODY!!!

Just us at EP!

Okay, this is going to sound crazy, but I wish we had been even earlier....I know...ridiculous, right? We got there in just enough time to get into the park and walk to Norway...not a short walk! I really, really wanted to take my time and get some great shots, but just didn't have time....was totally having to click, click, click!

While we were there, the counter service restaurant at Mexico was under renovations. So when EP was full, it was super congested in this area.

OMG...can I say it again?! I love being in the parks when they are empty!

Next trip, I plan to get there earlier, so I can make some better pictures

We finally make it to Norway!

I think it's really cool, too, that each country has so many neat features. It's just a matter of taking time to look.

The line to get in was super short....one of the positives about having an early ressie!

When you walk in, we had to stand in another short line for our picture to be made with Belle.

They came around with the pictures while we were eating....and I think..can't be sure...that this picture was included in the price. Don't think we had to pay for these.

We were seated at a great table by a window!

There was a buffet with fruit, yogurt, bread etc. Then they brought the eggs and bacon out family style....very good, too.

DS3 was completely taken by the princesses! We could not get over his obsession with the "girls".

Each princess came by...we didn't feel rushed at all!!! Was hoping that Jasmine would show up, but she didn't

Even DS8 was totally into this princess breakfast!

Again....DS4 was soooooo happy to see yet another princess!

Do you notice that this young lady is not a princess??? DS4 thought she was and insisted on getting a picture with her! She was actually our waitress, and a very sweet one. Blond hair, blue eyes, attractive....DS4 thought she was a princess.

We had a great breakfast!!!! Would certainly do this again AND have an 8am ressie. Can you guess what I did next??? I left before the family and headed for rope drop with ALL the tickets in hand. I wanted to make sure I got fast passes for Soarin before the crowds hit.....it worked! I was the second person to get a fast pass!!!! I know...I'm a little over the top with this rope drop thing.

Stay tuned for Behind the Seeds Tour and lunch at Italy!!!!

 

[Zuzu03]

Heather - great Akershus pics!!! And wow, getting in early really does pay off for the photos, I guess! I may have to work an early breakfast ADR into this trip!!! So adorable the kids with the princesses!

 

[jdd]

We had a great breakfast!!!! Would certainly do this again AND have an 8am ressie. Can you guess what I did next??? I left before the family and headed for rope drop with ALL the tickets in hand. I wanted to make sure I got fast passes for Soarin before the crowds hit.....it worked! I was the second person to get a fast pass!!!! I know...I'm a little over the top with this rope drop thing.

Stay tuned for Behind the Seeds Tour and lunch at Italy!!!!

Do you know, by any chance, if any other Epcot restaurants do an early breakfast?? I would LOVE to get into Epcot early, but my boys refuse to do the princess thing! (I think if we had a girl, they would go along with it). We did Crystal Palace last year at 8am, and it was awesome being in the park early.

I'm still waiting for that Behind the Seeds installment , really want to do this with DS9 this year. Did you have IPO at the Poly set this up, or was it easy to do on your own?

 

[precious pixie]

I really have enjoyed your TR!! We share alot of opinions in how we vacation

 

[hstrickland]

Do you know, by any chance, if any other Epcot restaurants do an early breakfast?? I would LOVE to get into Epcot early, but my boys refuse to do the princess thing! (I think if we had a girl, they would go along with it). We did Crystal Palace last year at 8am, and it was awesome being in the park early.

I'm still waiting for that Behind the Seeds installment , really want to do this with DS9 this year. Did you have IPO at the Poly set this up, or was it easy to do on your own?

Unfortunately, Akershus is the only early breakfast....I think Maybe someone else can confirm this, too. I know what you mean about DSs not wanting to do princess stuff. Two years ago, we took DS (then 6) by himself. He REFUSED to get any pictures with princesses or do anything that related to them. This trip, his entire attitude changed....probably because his little brother was all about seeing the princesses. I will tell you that there were tons of little boys at the breakfast. I was actually kind of surprised, but guess if you want to get into the park early, it works.

The IPO did set up the Behind the Seeds Tour. I emailed them and gave them a couple of times...within a day, they emailed me back with what I wanted. Think you have to leave a credit card number. DH, DD4, DS9 and the grandparents went on the tour. I took the 3 year old back to the Poly Didn't think he could make it through a 45 minute tour. I'm going to have to get my DH to help me type up the review....we have tons of pictures from the tour. Our family highly recommends it. I promise to get that review done this week! We ate lunch at Italy, then had the tour around 1:30....worked out really well with our schedule. If you are thinking you want to do it, go ahead and get the IPO to book it for you...if you look at my pictures and decide it's not for y'all, then you can always cancel. I really think your son would enjoy it. I believe the price for a child is only around $12....adults were $24....or something close to that.

Hope this info helps!

 

[jmtmat]

subscribing! I have loved the TR. We are going to WDW August 7-13 staying at the POLY. I can't wait!

Loved the pics of BBB and PL

 

[hstrickland]

I really have enjoyed your TR!! We share alot of opinions in how we vacation

Glad you have enjoyed the TR! Are you a planner, too?

subscribing! I have loved the TR. We are going to WDW August 7-13 staying at the POLY. I can't wait!

Loved the pics of BBB and PL

Is this your first trip to WDW as well as the Poly? Y'all are going to have such a wonderful trip! I'm already in the process of trying to plan another trip! We just can't get enough of WDW

 

[jmtmat]

Yes, it is our first trip. Thanks for subbing over at my PTR. I was inspired after reading yours! Thanks!

 

[precious pixie]

Glad you have enjoyed the TR! Are you a planner, too?

I am a planner! I also dine exactly as you do. I have wondered if the DxDD would be a good choice bc of all the neg comments I hear about it, but now I know it would be the perfect choice . When vacationing I like to relax and enjoy. Midday breaks are a must! I also share in your opinions (pool hopping, etc). Probably the only thing we don't share is the early morning rise. Being up before the sunrise is scary but the shots you get are beautiful! I usually stay at BC or BW but your review of Poly has been wonderful. I haven't been there since I was a kid and may have to stay there again soon.

 

[~armywife~]

We had a great breakfast!!!! Would certainly do this again AND have an 8am ressie. Can you guess what I did next??? I left before the family and headed for rope drop with ALL the tickets in hand. I wanted to make sure I got fast passes for Soarin before the crowds hit.....it worked! I was the second person to get a fast pass!!!! I know...I'm a little over the top with this rope drop thing.

QUOTE]

well, heather .. you talked me into it

i thought i had all my ADRs in place, but had to get breakfast at Akershus after your pictures. we've eaten lunch there before, but never breakfast .... and i am sooo looking forward to being one of the first people in epcot!!!

i've never been at a park at rope drop before .. my DH prefers to catch a few more ZZZZ's than i do. this time it's just me and the kids and my mom. so ... when you said you headed for the rope drop with all tickets in hand, do you actually have to go somewhere or did you just head to soarin'?

thanks!!

 

[hstrickland]

I am a planner! I also dine exactly as you do. I have wondered if the DxDD would be a good choice bc of all the neg comments I hear about it, but now I know it would be the perfect choice . When vacationing I like to relax and enjoy. Midday breaks are a must! I also share in your opinions (pool hopping, etc). Probably the only thing we don't share is the early morning rise. Being up before the sunrise is scary but the shots you get are beautiful! I usually stay at BC or BW but your review of Poly has been wonderful. I haven't been there since I was a kid and may have to stay there again soon.

I know....I'm a bit ridiculous when it comes to getting up early. My extended family makes fun of me all the time and wonder what's wrong with me Actually, on our next trip to WDW, DH said he just wants to hang out at the pool and relax...no early mornings We are leaning towards the BC for a few reasons....great pool for kids, it's hard to pool hop and why not try something different?! We will most likely still do the Dxdp even though we will only be in the parks a few days. There are so many great restaurants around the EP resorts....Yachtsman's, Flying Fish, Cat Kora's (not sure of the name) Beaches and Cream, etc. The Dxdp saves us money because we tend to do Signature restaurants and dinner shows AND because I'm a super planner. And you are right...so many neg comments about Dxdp. But I can understand why...you can't wait until you get to WDW to make a ressie, you do have to be on a schedule (no flying by the seat of your pants) and it does take time. Thank goodness Disney offers so many options for everyone!

 

[Nanajo1]

"We had a great breakfast!!!! Would certainly do this again AND have an 8am ressie. Can you guess what I did next??? I left before the family and headed for rope drop with ALL the tickets in hand. I wanted to make sure I got fast passes for Soarin before the crowds hit.....it worked! I was the second person to get a fast pass!!!! I know...I'm a little over the top with this rope drop thing."

I'm confused. I thought you had to activate each ticket so you could get a fastpass? How would your family get into the parks if you had all the tix? What did I miss?