A skeptical family of First-Timers take on WDW Nov 15-22** NOV 28 update

[FosterA]

Hi there
Ok, back to my mini-trip report imbedded in my "real trip report"

So I left off saying how I met 2 nice ladies that helped me get "started" at a park and we did the 3 biggies at Studios. Like I said, I probably was only there an hour or two and can't wait to go back and see all the other stuff!
So, I said goodbye to my new friends and then figured I would go check out the Poly in person since that is where I booked our oncoming family vacation. I really can't remember how I got to the Poly from the Studios but somehow I managed. I think I took a bus to the TTC and then the monorail around the loop back to the Poly? Beings a newbie, I had no idea it was actually easier to walk from TTC to Poly.
Anyhoo...I got there one way or another and then I just walked around scoping out the lobby and stuff. Of course it's beautiful there I kind of wanted to ask to see inside a room but I couldn't work up the nerve to do that. I wandered outside and checked out the pool and all that. The Poly is gorgeous!
I then got on the monorail and zipped into the contemporary because I wanted to look around there too. It was pretty cool but it was very dated looking and kinda dirty I thought. I went into the gift shop there and bought a wine glass with mickey heads on it which I love to use!! It's the only glass I drink out of at home cause it brings back such good memories.
So all this time, I'm totally touring around solo. It was just fine and I didn't feel like a big dork because there's so many people everywhere that nobody can really tell you're alone anyway.
So...it was probably noonish by now and I'd already knocked out the 3 biggies at Studios, checked out the Poly and Contemporary, and bought a fabulous wine glass!
I then figured I wanted to go to AK and see what that was all about. Let me tell you, that place gets a bad rap on the Dis sometimes but I thought it was AMAZING!! As a matter of fact I think it was the most well-themed of all 4 parks and you really felt like you were in Asia and Africa! Here's a couple pics and then I'll tell you more. You can see the tree lady in one pic (what's her name?) and then I just thought these flowering bushes were the coolest. Little fluffy puff ball plants I guess?

anyway...I didn't have a "touring plan" or anything so I just wandered. I believe I stumbled upon The Bug movie in the tree first so I popped in there. I was expecting cheesy baby-ish stuff but I thought it was FABULOUS! As a matter of fact, I thought that when I came on this mini-preview trip I would just sort of scope out the lay of the land and familiarize myself with WHERE all the attractions were. I honestly didn't expect to want to ride anything. I was in the Six-Flags state of mind where I'm usually the pack mule and stand around in the shade while kids do the stuff. But...not so much at Disney!! I WANTED to do all the rides which was my biggest surprise of the trip. In a million years, I would have not expected to actually WANT to do all the attractions. I really had some sort of vision of everything being too "kid-ish" or something but boy was I surprised! I was wanting to shove the kids out of the way so I can get on stuff first!
So it turns out that AK was amazing and I stayed there from about 1-6 that day. Probably around 3 I realized I was starving since all I had all day was a cookie around 8am. I was TOO excited to want to eat, I swear. And if you see my photos, I'm not skinny so it's very rare for me not to want to eat I had to force myself to take a break and I sat at the CS yak and Yeti and had some chicken. It was decent, kinda like mall food court food. But I found a shady table and put my feet up and re-grouped and organized my purse and stuff. I wanted to get on my iphone and check email and such but I was worried that Julie would try to call me and want to hook up so I didn't want to run my phone battery down. Those iphones drain some serious battery!! Eventually Julie did call and said that she was going to stay in the room and rest for her big race the next morning.

So...I continued on my own. No big deal. At Ak, I knocked out EE, safari (beyond amazing!), dinosaur (ugh, way too bumpy) and I also did Festival of the Lion King which was also beyond amazing. I have no problem chatting with people so I met some crazy people in line for Lion King. An older couple from NJ or NY that come all the time and it was like their 100th anniversary or something The were so funny. They told me how they'd bring swimsuits for Kali Rapids and get all sorts of funny looks. They were great! I mean, they were pretty darn old too so I can just picture them in swimsuits. haha

By this time, it's probably 6 pm and I'm getting pretty tired because of getting up at 5am and backtracking and looping all over these parks (lost as a goose most of the time). But....instead of going back to the resort like a normal person I decide I'm going to go to MK!! Yep, I'm going to be a crazy woman and do 3 parks on my first day! So...I'll fill you in on that in my next chapter.

 

[swwake]

3 parks in 1 day! Wow!

You found DeVine! She is hard to find. I couldn't find her on our 2008 trip so I HAD to find her in 2010, and I did! She is pretty cool.

When you go back, I highly recommend the Flights of Wonder show. Bring your camera!

 

[cadesfirsttrip]

Great Pre Trip! Can't wait to continue reading this.

 

[FosterA]

3 parks in 1 day! Wow!

You found DeVine! She is hard to find. I couldn't find her on our 2008 trip so I HAD to find her in 2010, and I did! She is pretty cool.

When you go back, I highly recommend the Flights of Wonder show. Bring your camera!

Oh yes...Devine, that's right. She was super cool. A tad bit freaky but cool
I really want to see Flights of Wonder. I heard it's something that gets over-looked but is soooo worth it! Thanks for all your advice!

 

[FosterA]

Great Pre Trip! Can't wait to continue reading this.

Thanks! I hope you can pull off the surprise. Ya'll are going to love it!!
Have a great trip yourself.

 

[amandaluvsgoofy]

I'm caught up and am joining in!

What an incredible day so far in your mini-TR! It's funny cause those are my top 3 at DHS, then the rest is just gravy! I have always wanted to stay at the Poly! I know you're going to love it!

Can't wait to read more!

 

[disneylovin24]

The Poly is my dream resort I hope you have blast staying there!

Im enjoying reading all of your planning and your TR inside the TR.

 

[NikitaZee]

Following along
We're also taking the kids out of school - November 12-20th. So, a full week - but we're flying instead of driving this time, and our flight home doesn't depart Orlando until 8:10pm. So, I think I'll let them stay home the following Monday too! Our school district frowns on taking them out for vacation, but at ages 10, 7, and 4, I think they'll be okay.
We've been to the Polynesian quite a few times - I grew up staying there, so now it's a tradition for my husband and I as well. He loves it as much as I do, but not really into the planning like I am.
Great photos!

 

[FosterA]

Thanks for following along everybody!
whew, today is MY friday and then I'm finally off for 2 days. I really want to finish up my little mini-trip report of my solo (more of less) trip so hopefully tonight I can fill ya'll in on what it was like to enter MK for the first time in my life and how I was so tired I felt like I needed a stretcher to get me back to my room that first night after getting up at 5 and doing 3 parks!

 

[guitarob]

 

[RWilcox91]

Wow, three parks on the first day at the World. On my first trip we didn't even hit one park on day one. We just went to the Hoop De Doo. Then again it was the honeymoon and we were kinda "tired" after the wedding the day before and all.

This looks like a fun PTR to follow so I'm definitely subscribing.

 

[spreadingpixiedust]

I'm in! I am in East Texas and taking our 3 kids (high school senior and 2 in college) out to go Nov 12-19.

Can't wait to read on!

 

[FosterA]

Hey! You are the Poly expert right?
I am just soooo excited to be staying there soon. The only beaches I've ever been to is Texas beaches so when I'm at the Poly I'm really going to feel like I'm somewhere exotic, even if we can't get in the water!
We should land around noon and I'm hoping to unpack and go pick up some lapu lapus? asap and plop down by the pool somewhere. awwwww.....will November EVER get here!

 

[FosterA]

So I last left off talking about spending most of the afternoon at AK. I thought this park was amazing. I really wasn't expecting it to be because so many people don't like it. I hate zoos and I loved it here! This was Feb, during the princess marathon and I don't think I had to use a Fast pass for anything by the way. I did do single rider line for Expedition Everest though and later on I found out that I actually missed a cool queue/Yeti museum by doing that. bummer! My longest line was for the Safari but that was probably right smack in the middle of the day at like 2pm. I probably waited 45 minutes. The only annoying thing about that wait was that a honeymooning couple (I presume) was in front of me and they were very kissy face the whole time and it was sort of awkward. When I was on the Safari, I was just flat out in awe. Disney just covers every detail. I mean, I really really felt like I was on a Safari! It was after this ride, that I really caught the "magic". Well, I actually caught the "magic' when I checked into the "cheap" All Star music resort but the safari really "cemented in" the magic. It was just so well-done!!

Ok....so, like I said, I already did the 3 biggies at the Studios, did a quickie tour of the contemporary and Poly, and ran around AK like a chicken with my head cut off from about 1pm-6pm. I have only eaten twice and that was a cookie from Goofy's Candy co (pb and choc) and then I had sweet and sour chicken from the Yak and Yeti Counter service place. Obviously, I was not on a low-carb diet at this time

I figured it was time to get my butt over to MK and just see what all the fuss was about. I was getting pretty tired at this time but I was determined. I drug myself to the bus area and hit the road. I still was all confused by the TTC (?)area but I do remember it being very well marked there as far as directions and such but it was still quite overwhelming for a newbie. If I remember right, I took the ferry to MK from TTC. It was around 6pm and the sun was setting and blazing right into my eyes and I was probably a tad grumpy (good thing I was touring solo). I was just so tired but I knew since I only had 2 days, I didn't have time to rest. When I unloaded at Mk, my first surprise was that you sort of go through a little "hub, downtown" area before you get to the castle. I sort of pictured the castle being right at the entrance. It was kind of hectic because a parade was going on when I was trying to get in. I distinctly remember the quality of the sound of music. It was amazing. David is a real music/speaker/sound nut so he will be very impressed by this when he comes I'm sure. As the music was blasting, my mood really picked up. It was just sooooo happy and wonderful and I just walked in the darn gates!
Here's a pic

I honestly don't remember exactly what I did that night (because I was delirious from excitement and being tired). I think the only "ride" I did was Space Mt. though. I was just aimlessly wandering and so I veered off to the right (isn't that what they say most people automatically do?) and ended up in the Tomorrowland Section. I got in line for Space Mt. and it was kind of a long line (45 min?) but I was ok with that because I was tired and didn't feel like walking alot. All this time I was thinking "I can't believe I'm going on this since I hate "rides". lol I guess all I can say to any other newbies out there, is that Disney World "rides" aren't anything like the "rides" you are used to at Six Flags or King's Dominion or wherever. anyhoo...I knew from already hitting AK and Studios, that it would be worth it to check this "ride' out. I stood in line and finally got loaded on the thing. And I can't remember what my impression really was!!! I wanted to share that but I'll tell you why I can't remember and need a re-do. I was in a "rocket' with some crazy man that screamed weird things out the whole time and it was soooo distracting. He was yelling things like "oooooh yeah, baby, that's what I'm talking about", "Oh no.....here it comes, HELL ya" "ooooh RIGHT ON!" It was funny and kind of nasty Before you know it, it was over and all I remember is the crazy dirty talker behind me. lol I almost wet my pants on this ride because I was so scared or laughing so hard at the freak behind me. I can't remember which.

I'll fill you in on the rest of the night in a bit. I did see the Elec Parade which was amazing too!

 

[1971DBday]

Caught up on your Pre-trip report with a mini TR inside!!!! As you can see, my two oldest are close in age. We have now been going to WDW for the past 5 years and this will be our 6th. I asked the kids if they were getting bored with it and the reply was "are you crazy????"

Our first trip as a full family was back in 2006 and DH and I just could not get the kids excited.....but after day 1 they were hooked.

My DH sounds a lot like yours when it comes to vacation planning. You will LOVE the Poly!!!!! Tell your DD to try the hammocks, DS may like the arcade, but will love the water slide and you and your DH can relax with a few cocktails by the beach!

To me when I am in the dentist chair or in a meaningless meeting...I just close my eyes for a moment and think of sipping on a Banana Cabana (YUM) by the pool with the sounds of the boat whistles in the background and the sun on my face....my happy place.

I will keep up on your PTR and on the Poly thread!!!!

 

[FosterA]

Caught up on your Pre-trip report with a mini TR inside!!!! As you can see, my two oldest are close in age. We have now been going to WDW for the past 5 years and this will be our 6th. I asked the kids if they were getting bored with it and the reply was "are you crazy????"

Our first trip as a full family was back in 2006 and DH and I just could not get the kids excited.....but after day 1 they were hooked.

My DH sounds a lot like yours when it comes to vacation planning. You will LOVE the Poly!!!!! Tell your DD to try the hammocks, DS may like the arcade, but will love the water slide and you and your DH can relax with a few cocktails by the beach!

To me when I am in the dentist chair or in a meaningless meeting...I just close my eyes for a moment and think of sipping on a Banana Cabana (YUM) by the pool with the sounds of the boat whistles in the background and the sun on my face....my happy place.

I will keep up on your PTR and on the Poly thread!!!!

Yep, my situation is so similar to because my kids really aren't that excited at all BUT I just KNOW that they will thank and worship me after being there just a day, maybe even just an hour! Disney is one of those places that you just can't describe to them no matter how many photos or what.
I'm liking the sound of a Banana Cabana, whatever that is? I like bananas and I like alcohol and I assume both are in this
I see you have a trip of 20 family members on the horizon. Wow! Do you have a Trip REport going anywhere?

 

[guitarob]

Hey! You are the Poly expert right?
I am just soooo excited to be staying there soon. The only beaches I've ever been to is Texas beaches so when I'm at the Poly I'm really going to feel like I'm somewhere exotic, even if we can't get in the water!
We should land around noon and I'm hoping to unpack and go pick up some lapu lapus? asap and plop down by the pool somewhere. awwwww.....will November EVER get here!

I'm really enjoying your PTR and can't wait for the TR when you get back! I love hearing about your first WDW experiences!

I don't know about being an "expert" but I'm definitely obsessed. There are just so many things about the place that pull you in and ruin you for staying anywhere else. Disney World is an absolutely magical and special place, and the Polynesian sits right in its heart. There's nothing else like it in the world. When I'm sitting there at the pool, staring across the lagoon to the castle I'm in the happiest place I've ever known.

Grabbing a Lapu Lapu and hitting the beach/pool after landing sounds like an excellent way to kick off the trip! I hope you all have an amazing time! (You will.)

November will be here before you know it! Enjoy the planning and anticipation!

 

[swwake]

Oh my goodness your rocket car experience at Space Mountain cracked me up! Yes, you definitely have to do it again without a freak man in your rocket. But I bet you'll always remember your "first" (ride on Space Mountain).

I can't believe how much you did in one day. I love how that dude on stilts was looking and pointing at you! You sure did a good job getting some great pics, since you weren't planning to do a trip report at the time!

Can't wait for more. We're only halfway through the weekend!

 

[FosterA]

Grabbing a Lapu Lapu and hitting the beach/pool after landing sounds like an excellent way to kick off the trip! I hope you all have an amazing time! (You will.)

November will be here before you know it! Enjoy the planning and anticipation!

You'll have to give me any Poly pointers to maybe do that very first arrival day. WE get in around noon and plan on going to the Christmas Party that night around 6 pm or so. I just want to eat something there at the Poly but don't have any ADRs that day. Are there tables out by the pool where maybe we can get some sushi or a burger or something and eat there? Any ideas? I wouldn't even mind just getting a pizza to eat out by the pool but not sure where to get that. Alot of this arrival day stuff is going to depend on if our room is ready early or not too.
I'm just so excited that I'm going
I would have never dreamt my husband would agree to stay at the Poly. Then again, he's the kind of guy that wants to go "all out" when we do something. We might not do much, but when we do, he doesn't like to skimp. yipee

 

[guitarob]

You'll have to give me any Poly pointers to maybe do that very first arrival day. WE get in around noon and plan on going to the Christmas Party that night around 6 pm or so. I just want to eat something there at the Poly but don't have any ADRs that day. Are there tables out by the pool where maybe we can get some sushi or a burger or something and eat there? Any ideas? I wouldn't even mind just getting a pizza to eat out by the pool but not sure where to get that. Alot of this arrival day stuff is going to depend on if our room is ready early or not too.
I'm just so excited that I'm going
I would have never dreamt my husband would agree to stay at the Poly. Then again, he's the kind of guy that wants to go "all out" when we do something. We might not do much, but when we do, he doesn't like to skimp. yipee

MMM, I just noticed that 1971DBDay recommended the Banana Cabana, which I believe is very similar to a "Bahama Mama" + banana liqueur. That is my favorite pool-side beverage. They go down way too easily. I'm also very partial to the Blackberry-Peach Lemonade, which is Peach Schnapps, Blackberry Brandy (I believe) and Lemonade.

Here's a shot of a Banana Cabana (on the right, that's a Captain's Mai-Tai on the left) that does nothing to describe the deliciousness contained within:

You can get food from Capt. Cooks, located almost poolside and take the food outside to the tables next to the restaurant, or to the pool, or anywhere else you desire. For sushi, you'll have to go upstairs in the GCH to the Kona Island sushi bar, they have take-away. Very, very good take-away. I love the Shrimp Tempura Roll with Lilikoi sauce.

You can also usually just stroll up to the Kona Cafe and get a table with very little wait if you'd prefer a full meal. I know that when we go (usually September) we walk in every morning without an ADR and have just walked up and waited no more than 5-10 minutes for lunch and dinner.

If you're taking it easy on the first day, I'd recommend just wandering around the resort grounds and getting familiar with the lay of the land and soaking in as much of the Poly atmosphere as you can. I'm a huge fan of just sitting at or in the pool, staring off into space and just letting the atmosphere envelop me. I get lost in the Polynesian music, the white noise of the waterfall, the distant sounds from the Magic Kingdom, the launch whistles and ferry horns, the waves on the beach... It's the soundtrack to paradise.

If you don't catch the Christmas party that night, you can always catch the Fireworks from the Polynesian beach (which is something I recommend you check out at least once during your stay, it's a completely different and more relaxed experience than seeing it from the middle of the park).