~ A 21 month old, a celebrity sighting, & a whole lotta food~2 week trip~ 2/28 update

[aaaateamsgrandma]

Just checking to see how you are doing. Thank you for looking at Austin pix and video. It was a fun experience for him. Gotta love seniors.

Ginny

 

[Sunset Cliffs]

Just checking to see how you are doing. Thank you for looking at Austin pix and video. It was a fun experience for him. Gotta love seniors.

Ginny

Hi Ginny! I'm doing pretty good. Todd's parents came to visit over the weekend and they just left a little while ago. I just can't wait for things to slow down a little, but that usually doesn't happen until the end of October or so. That stuff with Austin was so funny. It's fun for them to be able to do that during their last year of school.

 

[Sunset Cliffs]

Dylan slept for 3 hours during his nap, and we finally woke him up around 4:30. He must have been a tired little guy! Since our ADR for O’hana was not until 9:20 we still had some time to kill so we decided to take him swimming at the pool. He just LOVED going swimming on this trip and since he was getting more confident every time that we went, we thought we’d spend some more time over there.

Not sure why he is licking the floaty tube, but I thought it was funny.

More time on the stairs.

We were there for about an hour and then headed back to the condo. We all started talking about how the ADR time just seemed too late, so we decided to get ready and head over to the restaurant and see if we could get in earlier. We got ready to go and left around 7:00 to drive over.

Once we got there we talked to the girl at the podium and asked for an earlier time and she said there was no way to fit us in earlier. Bummer. I walked over to the Kona Café and asked what the wait time was to get in for dinner there. The guy said it would be 30 – 45 minutes. We all felt like this would work better for us, so I got a buzzer from him and walked back over and cancelled the ADR at O’hana. I was extremely disappointed because I had really been looking forward to eating there, but it seemed like I was the only one that still wanted to keep the late ADR so I didn’t want to force it. At least it will give me something to look forward to for our next trip.

We spent some time taking pictures of the resort and shopping in the gift shop upstairs. The more I am at this resort, the more that I love it. Every inch of the place is so pretty and there are a lot of great photo spots.

The gift shop had different stuff than the other shops we had been in. There were a lot of toys that I wanted to get Dylan but I resisted. My mom decided that she wanted to do a scrapbook for Dylan and she found some items that she wanted to use. She didn’t find the perfect book to put it all in but they had a really nice selection here for scrapbooking stuff. She found him a cute little book about Mickey Mouse spending the day at the MK with his teddy bear. It shows pictures of him going on a lot of the rides and how Mickey felt about going on them. It is really fun to read it to him now that he has been on the same rides!

I was watching Dylan play with Todd out in the lobby and it looked like he was limping. He would take a couple of steps and then he would start crawling (which he hasn’t done in a long time). So I asked Todd if he noticed it too and he said yes. He said that back at the condo Dylan was playing with his ball and he went to kick it and he started crying. He didn’t see what he did, but he thinks maybe he tweaked his ankle or something. It was so sad watching my little boy limp. I felt so bad for him because he couldn’t communicate what was hurting. I took a picture of him crawling and it is blurry, but I think it looks really cool because it seems like he is crawling REALLY fast. LOL.

Finally our buzzer went off at 8:00 and we got to go eat at…

We have eaten here before and it is one of our favorite restaurants on property. We were going to skip it this time just for O’hana. So even though I was disappointed about missing O’hana, I was pretty happy to get to eat here. (BTW, I have to mention that when I called to get an ADR here the night before, they said it was totally booked. So when I walked up to the podium and asked for a buzzer and they told me it was a 30 minute wait, I was a little confused. Do they hold a certain amount of tables for walk-ups?)

We were seated at a table in the back corner of the room, which was great because Dylan was acting up a little. He would ask to be held and then he’d cry until he was put down. He’d sit in the high chair and cry until you put him in your lap, then he’d want in the high chair again. There was no pleasing him. I’m glad we were in a corner where we weren’t bothering anyone. Our server was good, but not friendly in any way. She just showed up and did her job and walked away without having much personality. We all ordered our food and she brought us some bread. The bread was amazing! It was a sweet, kind of sticky bread and it came with Macadamia Nut Butter. Soooo good. It didn’t last long at our table.

I remembered to take pictures of everything this night, so here we go!

Todd ordered the Sticky Wings. This is what he orders every time we go there. It is an appetizer, but he gets it as his meal so that he has room for dessert.

I ordered the Pan Asian Noodles. Again, this is what I usually order here and it is really good. It’s a good blend of noodles, vegetables and chicken with a really good sauce.

My parents split the Coconut Curry soup and the Teryaki-style New York Strip Steak. Good reviews from them on both items.

We ordered Dylan the child’s burger (because we knew he wouldn’t eat anything we had) and the plate was huge! I’m sure for an older child this would be proportionate to what they normally eat but for Dylan it was way too much food. Todd “helped” him eat some of it.

This was one of our best tasting meals of the whole trip. I think it is just different from what you can get normally and the unique flavors are very pleasing. I would definitely recommend this place to anyone. Keep in mind that there are different menus for lunch and dinner.

We realized during dinner that Dylan had 3 teeth pushing through at the same time. All of them were his eye-teeth which I’ve heard can cause ear aches, etc. This was probably why he had been a little grouchy for the past couple of days (& the next couple of days to come). Poor little guy. A hurt foot + a sore mouth = a not very happy little boy (or parents for that matter!).

Dessert time! We always get a dessert here because they all look so tempting. A few years ago we discovered our favorite dessert on property at the Kona Café. It was called Koko Puffs and it was cream puffs filled with different things (custard, chocolate cream, vanilla cream) all stacked in the middle of the plate and then the whole thing was drizzled with chocolate. It was SO GOOD. That was the first picture of food that I had ever taken and I still have that picture somewhere… Anyway, they have taken it off the menu. On our last trip, we asked about it and our server had them make us one even though it was not on the menu.

So this time we asked about it and our server said that they only did them for special occasions now. We told her that we were celebrating my mom retiring from her job and asked if that “qualified”. She looked a little annoyed and said she would check. We made sure to mention that we would be happy to pay for the dessert (we weren’t asking for a free “birthday”-type hand out), we just really wanted the Koko Puffs. She was able to pull it off for us, although it was a much smaller portion than we used to get in the past. On my mom’s plate they had written “Happy Birthday”, LOL. It did not taste as good as on previous trips, so I wonder if they don’t put the effort into it now that it is not a normal part of the menu. We will probably not order this again since it is not the same as before. It was still nice of them to do it for us.

Dylan was still acting up so I took him out early while Todd paid the bill. I put him in his stroller and walked a few laps around the top floor of the lobby. He got distracted and was calmed down by the time the other’s came out of the restaurant. We decided to take a loop on the monorail so that we could see everything lit up at night. This was so much fun, although none of our pictures turned out at all. There was no one in the car with us for the entire ride, which we thought was odd. Then I realized that it was close to the time when Wishes started so everyone was probably still camped out on Main Street. Dylan had a great time on this ride. He was really starting to like the monorail more & more. He always wanted out of his stroller so that he could see out the windows.

Once we got back I suggested watching Wishes from the beach at the Poly. A lot of people on the Dis talk about how great this is, and it is something that I never thought I would be able to pull off. It was a perfect situation that just fell into our laps. We headed out to the beach to pick our spot. By this point, all of the pool chairs had been taken so we just headed down to almost the end of the beach and sat on the curb.

It finally started and all I can say about this is….I had another "Disney moment". I loved every moment of this. The surroundings were so quiet. There were people everywhere sitting in little groups, but we all were spread out enough that you didn’t feel crowded at all. As soon as the music started and the fireworks started going, all talking stopped and everyone sat in total silence. It was almost surreal. I haven’t seen Wishes in a long time, so I forgot how long it lasted (which felt like a really long time). When it was over everyone clapped and then quietly left. Such a different experience than when you are at the park and the crowds are all pushing each other and there are crabby people. Of course you are seeing this from a greater distance, but I almost preferred it this way because there was no stress at all.

After it was over we went inside and took some more family pictures by the waterfall. They turned out a little dark because that lobby has weird lighting, but I like all of these pictures.

You can see that Dylan’s teeth are bothering him in this one. Poor baby!

We drove back to the condo and got there around 11:00. I was a little annoyed to see the time considering this is about the same time we would have gotten home if we had kept our O’hana ADR. I didn’t say anything though. It was over and nothing could be changed at that point.

Dylan played on my parent’s bed for a while with Woof-Woof before we all went to bed around midnight.

 

[tinkgurl]

Our boys are so alike.

Oh that's so great you watched Wishes from the beach. Wasn't it beautiful?! Yes, we didn't hear the music, but it was still a great and different view than being in the park.

 

[California Jenn]

Watching Wishes from the Poly beach is something that is definitely on my "to-do" list! What a wonderful way to experience it -- so peaceful

That's to bad that you didn't get to experience O'hana. Guess it means you'll just have to go back. But, it sounds like the alternative worked out pretty well for you, all things considered.

Sorry to hear that Dylan was getting new teeth and suffering a sore foot -- that definitely makes it no fun for baby or parents! But, it looks like he was a pretty good trooper even with all that going on!

 

[jordanyosh]

sorry about Ohana. you were a good sport!

That food at Kona does look fantastic. Just one more place that I yet to try.

Another Disney moment! Yes and unplanned no less. Those are the best.

Your son looks so much like his grandparents.

 

[disneymotherof3]

I'm really enjoying your TR. Especially since my little boy's name is Dylan too! I have to ask....Have I missed the celebrity sighting?

 

[AlohaPolynesian]

Nice update. I'm sorry about Ohana. It seems like Kona has similar style food, though. Ohana is a fun experience but I think Dylan will enjoy it better when he is just a little bit older, so maybe it is a good thing that you skipped it. I love the Polynesian too and am glad you got to experience watching Wishes from the beach!

 

[aaaateamsgrandma]

That looked to be a wonderful evening. Sorry you missed Ohana but omg, Kona looked wonderful. It was sort of nice they made the puffs for you even tho they weren't the same. It's too bad some of the servers don't seem to have the Disney magic while they are working.

Poor little Dylan. Those are painful teeth to cut. Makes sense he was a little cranky. I do hope it didn't last. And I assume his foot/ankle got better.

And to watch wishes from the beach. Lucky. Loved the pool pix and Todd in those glasses.

Loving your report

Ginny

 

[sharonW]

aaahhhh, poor little guy. That teething pain is not fun!
I love all the pics! The poly is so beautiful, looking at those
pictures made me want to be there soooo bad!!! Can't wait
till the next post!!!!

 

[Sunset Cliffs]

Our boys are so alike.

Oh that's so great you watched Wishes from the beach. Wasn't it beautiful?! Yes, we didn't hear the music, but it was still a great and different view than being in the park.

I love the random things that little kids do. I didn't even notice he was doing that until I picked the picture to put in the TR.

The music for Wishes was really low, and that may be why people were so quiet. LOL It was really beautiful and I loved it. I think it was your TR that I first heard about going to the Poly beach to watch it, so thank you!

When are you going to start your next PTR?

Watching Wishes from the Poly beach is something that is definitely on my "to-do" list! What a wonderful way to experience it -- so peaceful

That's to bad that you didn't get to experience O'hana. Guess it means you'll just have to go back. But, it sounds like the alternative worked out pretty well for you, all things considered.

Sorry to hear that Dylan was getting new teeth and suffering a sore foot -- that definitely makes it no fun for baby or parents! But, it looks like he was a pretty good trooper even with all that going on!

Dylan is such a good boy. We are so lucky because on this day we realized how much we had been pushing him on this trip, and he was hanging right in there with us. The key to him is to distract him from what is bothering him and he will immediately change his attitude. Like I said, we are lucky!

The Poly beach experience is so unique. I really hope that you will get to try it out. I feel really fortunate that it worked out.

sorry about Ohana. you were a good sport!

That food at Kona does look fantastic. Just one more place that I yet to try.

Another Disney moment! Yes and unplanned no less. Those are the best.

Your son looks so much like his grandparents.

I am still a little bummed about O'hana but that will be the first ADR that I go after whenever we go back. The food at Kona is always good. We have probably eaten there 5 - 6 times over the years and it is always consistently good.

My dad is a proud grandpa. I will tell him what you said and it will make his day.

I'm really enjoying your TR. Especially since my little boy's name is Dylan too! I have to ask....Have I missed the celebrity sighting?

Did you pick the name Dylan for any specific reason? For us, we always had a running list of top 5 names while I was pregnant and that name never dropped off the list. We love it!

No you haven't missed it. I'm sorry but it happened on one of he last days of our trip so it is coming up soon. Probably another day or so.. not sure.

Nice update. I'm sorry about Ohana. It seems like Kona has similar style food, though. Ohana is a fun experience but I think Dylan will enjoy it better when he is just a little bit older, so maybe it is a good thing that you skipped it. I love the Polynesian too and am glad you got to experience watching Wishes from the beach!

The Kona food was great. Thanks for your comments about O'hana and Dylan's age. That makes me feel a little bit better. I liked the Poly beach so much that I will probably want to do it on all future trips.

That looked to be a wonderful evening. Sorry you missed Ohana but omg, Kona looked wonderful. It was sort of nice they made the puffs for you even tho they weren't the same. It's too bad some of the servers don't seem to have the Disney magic while they are working.

Poor little Dylan. Those are painful teeth to cut. Makes sense he was a little cranky. I do hope it didn't last. And I assume his foot/ankle got better.

And to watch wishes from the beach. Lucky. Loved the pool pix and Todd in those glasses.

Loving your report

Ginny

It was really nice that they made the Puffs for us. I was a little disappointed they didn't taste as good...I guess some things are better left to a great memory. I'll have to find that old picture so that I can show you how great it used to be.

Dylan's foot seemed to be better by the next day. We still aren't really sure what happened. He's a tough little guy though so he seemed to heal quickly. So sad to see a little kid limping though...not just my kid but anyone's kid. They are just too little to have an injury.

aaahhhh, poor little guy. That teething pain is not fun!
I love all the pics! The poly is so beautiful, looking at those
pictures made me want to be there soooo bad!!! Can't wait
till the next post!!!!

Teething is so rough on them! I'm glad we finally figured out what was going on though because we had brought stuff to help it hurt less. We just had no idea.

The Poly is SO pretty. Those pictures in the lobby make me want to be there really bad too. There is something about that place...I can't put it into words.

 

[ladybugmom]

YAY!! Great update! Sorry you didn't get to eat at O'hana--but Kona looked awesome, too!! I just love all of your pics of the Poly--I miss being there so much!! It IS a fabulous resort!! I'm so glad you were able to see Wishes from the beach of the Poly--wasn't it incredible?! We did the same thing the first night of our trip. I cannot WAIT to go back!! Looking forward to hearing more!!

 

[tinkgurl]

I think it was your TR that I first heard about going to the Poly beach to watch it, so thank you!

When are you going to start your next PTR?

Well, glad I could help.

I'll start it in a few weeks..I'll be making our ADR's on October 27th and then I'll get it started up.

 

[disneymotherof3]

Did you pick the name Dylan for any specific reason? For us, we always had a running list of top 5 names while I was pregnant and that name never dropped off the list. We love it!

No you haven't missed it. I'm sorry but it happened on one of he last days of our trip so it is coming up soon. Probably another day or so.. not sure.

No, not any specific reason. Once we found out that he was a boy, I just picked it out and told my husband that's what his name was going to be. He didn't like it too much at first, but it grew on him and he loved it. What's your Dylan's middle name? Ours is James after my DH's father.

Glad to hear that I didn't miss it!

 

[eandesmom]

What a great update!

From what I have heard, it takes 2 hours to eat at O'hana so I think you really did the right thing, you probably wouldn't have gotten back until midnight and Dylan might have had a harder time with being in the restaurant for so long.

Plus you would have missed your fireworks on the beach disney moment. things happen for a reason

I love the food at Kona, but boy the service is consistently "adequate".

Poor baby! I wanted to give him some baby aspirin when I saw that, ouch! I'm amazed he didn't have any kind of fever with that many teeth at once.

 

[LOVEMY3KIDDOS]

Too bad about Ohana! But, that food at Kona looks fabulous! I have never tried Kona...maybe on a future trip! Poor Dylan with the teething! My nephew is 10 months old and has been teething for what feels like MONTHS!!! The poor thing just doesn't seem to ever get any teeth! I may have to check out the fireworks from the Poly beach when we are there in December. Looks like a nice view and experience.

 

[DWGal210]

Great updates! I was about 10 pages behind so I am all caught up now.

What a little trooper you have - all that going on with his teeth and foot and still trucking along - good for him! What a sweetie.

Love your TR so far, looking forward to reading the rest! Take care!

Katie

 

[bunkkinsmom]

Hi! You will enjoy O'Hanas more when Dylan is just a little older. However, it really is fantastic!! My favorite dinner of last year. Having said that, the best part of our dinner was that I strategically planned our ADR so that we could watch wishes from the beach (thanks Dissers!), and you have already gotten that part accomplished!! I agree with you, the best place to see it!!!

Thanks for the TR!

 

[SleepingBeautyOH]

Sorry you missed Ohana, Kona does look good-- I'll have to add that to my "must try" list. I'm glad you got to watch Wishes from the Poly Beach. This is one of my favorite things to do while at WDW. It's so peaceful.
Poor Dylan, teething and sore foot, he is still so well behaved though!

 

[disneyloverforchrist]

I am home sick from work today and found your TR. I read the ENTIRE thing in one sitting! It kept my mind off how crappy I feel


Your son is absolutely adorable!!! My little man is 16 months and I love seeing how well your son behaved this entire trip!!!! We are going to wait to take Jax (my baby) one more year, but I now feel fully confident that he will be able to handle it.

Cant wait to hear about the last couple of days!