ABCs of Trip Reporting, Pt. 2-Life Can Be Crappy and Then You Move On (3/7)

I also PM'd you !!This one gave my Kookiness free reign !!:lmao:
Dis I miss the answers to "J":confused3:confused3


Well, I haven't done replies yet to the last couple days of posts, but I had to for this one...

Indeed, I was remiss in not having given the obvious answer(s) to "J". No one missed it, so I guess I glazed on over it- which makes me crave a maple bar for some reason.

The picture was from the Jambo House at the Animal Kingdom Lodge, wherein you can find Jiko - The Cooking Place nearby; unless you're hungry and then it's also The Eating Place. They also have the most fantastic restroom anywhere in Disney- perhaps even Florida-, so I also call it my ummm.... The Resting Place--- yeah, yeah, that's it, The Resting Place. ;)
 
Well, I haven't done replies yet to the last couple days of posts, but I had to for this one...

Indeed, I was remiss in not having given the obvious answer(s) to "J". No one missed it, so I guess I glazed on over it- which makes me crave a maple bar for some reason.

The picture was from the Jambo House at the Animal Kingdom Lodge, wherein you can find Jiko - The Cooking Place nearby; unless you're hungry and then it's also The Eating Place. They also have the most fantastic restroom anywhere in Disney- perhaps even Florida-, so I also call it my ummm.... The Resting Place--- yeah, yeah, that's it, The Resting Place. ;)

Double Phew :worship:
First I thought I had missed the "J:" answers and secondly I thought my Kookiness was what you HAD to reply to:rotfl2::rotfl2::rotfl2:
 

OMGoodness, finally caught up on all I've missed. Except that I wasn't here for it live, so I missed all the banter. And I do mean missed! I wish I had more time to be here on the DIS lately. My own thread will probably be shut down since I haven't updated it in so long.:sad1:

Anywho, I loved hearing more about the Epic DisMeet. What fun you girls had!

Maroo, your story about Baker and the grilled cheese and the meet & greet with Mickey was just amazing! So moving!:goodvibes

Liesa, you really got off some great pics at Animal Kingdom with your poc! I'm glad the battery held out on you.

So sorry to hear about Lori. I did not know her, but what a sad, sad thing.

I promise I will try to keep up better!:) Have a great weekend!
 
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Believe it or not, we’re already on Day 4. Astounding, I know. For those of you who were following along, something like 2 years ago, when all this began, you know that this was the day we’d realize one of our biggest dreams. Both maroo and I had longed to stay at the Poly, but were unsure in the beginning if that would become a reality or not. But in a myriad of ways, and after many discussions, we found a way to make this remarkable resort part of our Belle Battalion headquarters (if that designation confuses you, you’ll have to refer to our PTR.).

And for a very few of you, who have actually gone back and read my other TR, from what seems like a zillion years ago now, you will also know that I had yearned to stay here since 2000, when I accidentally ended up wandering its tropical grounds on a leisurely outing with my youngest (at the time) in a stroller. In many ways, getting to stay there was an almost surreal experience, and certainly a dream come true for me!

But first we had to bid a mediocre farewell to POP. Now, I feel in the performance of my Post Host duties, I must give a brief, but honest accounting of my opinion of POP. Please, this is not meant to be controversial, but rather a frank discussion of my observations. Your mother always told you to read the small print, and it says: This is ONLY one person’s opinion. It does NOT reflect the thoughts of the majority, so please treat the following as such.

Although the POP is whimsical and has some nice amenities and a childlike, fun atmosphere, there were certainly some aspects of it which left me underwhelmed. The lack of a coffee maker was a small issue for me. I survived on Via, and it was fine, but did not offer the fresh brewed “something” that my mornings seem to enjoy. Secondly, I found the clientele IN GENERAL, to be a bit more rude in nature, smoking all over the place, using course language quite a bit more than the other resorts, leaving trash around the rooms (for those of you wondering, that diaper sat there OVERNIGHT, and was not picked up until the NEXT morning!!!), and were louder as well. I would stay there again for the price of it, but in short, enjoyed the POR and the Poly A LOT more. I did like the Food Court and its offerings, I loved the BGM and the shadow boxes, but those just weren’t enough to put it into the “loved-it-there” category. Maybe again someday, POP!

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After such a long evening the night before, taking in all the magical and colorful wonder the MK has to offer at night, I slept in a little. It would be my job to mosey over to the POLY and get us duly checked in. Hopping into our cute little LIME GREEN BUG, I attempted to start the car- AFTER maroo was halfway across the parking lot in her tricked out wheels. I’d like to think I’m a somewhat intelligent woman, but I confess, this car was more crafty than I. I put the key into the ignition and it Would. Not. Start. No, back up… it would not even turn. Did the last 3.25% of my brain suddenly disappear at the POP? Where would I find it? I quickly hopped back out, and yelled across the parking lot to maroo- suddenly feeling like I really fit into “POP culture”- and she wheeled herself back. After several more unsuccessful tries and some hilarious coaching on her side, we tried something that did work. I don’t know what it was to this day, but it worked, and I was on my way.

Now, you all know that, although I cannot start a car, I am savvy enough to have sent my luggage on over ahead of me through Bell Services. All I was responsible for was our carry-on stuff and the soda and yogurt. I think you already know what demise the yogurt fell to- so let’s just say that I was at least on top of the carry-ons. I will also say the Luggage Services folks at the POP were incredibly helpful and even provided me with a map to guide my way. I’m glad they gave me a helping hand to get me there, but once I arrived at the parking lot at our new tropical home, it all fell apart. My idiot switch must have been shorted out that day, because it suddenly flipped on again. I drove around, and around, and OUT, and then around, and around again, before I finally found a place that I guess was meant for checker-inners. Who knows.

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Kevin greeted me with a hearty ALOHA, and I could have almost burst into tears. No, it wasn’t because I was so emotionally touched to have finally be realizing one of my most passionate dreams, it was because, there had already been drama just before leaving the POP. DRAMA? On this TR? I must be reading that wrong, you say to yourself! No, indeed, drama of the most magnanimous (I love that word!) kind had struck. LeeAnn, if you’ll remember was supposed to be on her way today- spending most of her day in transit to Orlando. But I got a dreadful text saying her flight out of Portland had been delayed almost an hour and a half. Therefore, of course, she was going to miss her connection in Minneapolis. She told me that her airline was already working on getting her re-routed and booked, but that at the very least she was going to be late for our dinner at ‘Ohana.

So, I let Kevin have it. With panic in my voice, the whole sob story of how we had planned this trip for so long, how ‘Ohana was our first meal together, blah, blah, blah, (don’t let all that fool you, I was really Jones’in for an upgrade) was vomited out. Now, Kevin could have upgraded us up to concierge, and he could have given me a lei, but he didn’t; he did the next best thing. He told me NOT to worry at all about our ‘Ohana ressie. He immediately got on the phone to the desk at the restaurant, and arranged us to have a seating an hour and a half later. I was elated and impressed- and knew that everything about our stay at the POLY was going to be fantastic.

With key to our room in hand and my camera at the ready, I set off to find our room in…

Not here:

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Nor here:

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But in…

TOKELAU!! SCORE! We once again got our requested section! Two for two in that department already. So how about some pictures as I made my way to our room?

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The hike to Tokelau wasn’t bad at all, when you take the most direct way. Which I didn’t. After I parked the car, I weaved my way around the grounds taking the longest route possible, but did discover that we were very near a quiet pool, which actually saw some use during our stay. Once inside, here’s what filled my wondering eyes:

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Apparently, for some reason I was utterly impressed with the pillows. Whatever.

And I was also VERY impressed with our patio and its view. Take a look!

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Yep, castle view!

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And all the transportation you’d want to see!

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I immediately brewed my first cup of Kona blend coffee and headed out to the patio to soak up some sunshine and take it all in! It was lovely, it was perfect, and it was solo… mostly.

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I just can’t even describe how lovely it was to sit there writing up some trip notes, sipping my tasty hot brew, pondering all this trip had been so far. There wasn’t a care in the world, except for the occasional texts still coming from LeeAnn… Would she make it on time to our ‘Ohana dinner?

Meantime, back in the room, Tate was making himself quite at home, and getting into some mischief of his own. You’re not surprised are you?

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I don’t think he realized that he quickly would have burned up 2 of our dining credits had he gone through with his plan to nosh on pizza while writing out his wishes for the trip.

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There was one last order of business before taking a shower and heading out. Once upon a time, long, long ago, Sophia (OhioDisneyLover) put together a wonderfully creative “guestbook” for us ladies. It was time to hang it out, and start seeing who might happen by and take the time to sign it. We’d already gotten a few fun and unique signatures at the POP. Here is it hanging on our new door:

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And with that, it was time to head out once again to enjoy some last bit of solo time. How fraught would it be with disappointing texts, and what magic could possibly be added to an already wonderful day?
 
I'm so glad that you finally got to live your dream of staying at the Poly, it is a lovely resort.

Did you book a theme park view room or was that a special surprise upgrade? Either way, great view!
 
Your review of POP is quite fair. I think everyone's experience can be different. I've always found the staff to be superb (except maybe at Everything Pop). Check-in and the concierge have always been willing to help. Granted my experience would've been soured too by a dirty diaper outside my door for more than a night!! I hope you will still try to give it another try in the future. It beats the All star resorts IMO.

Don't you LOVE the Poly?!?! It must've been like night and day compared to POP. I don't remember exactly but I think we were in the same building last time I stayed there. We had the castle view anyway. I hope you got to see the Wishes from your balcony! Poly always seemed hard to navigate through so your task of finding the right building seems on par with what I went through.

Love the little VW beetle. Such a cute car :cutie:
 
As a former VW lover I can tell you that a VW won't start until you put on your seat belt. That may have been your problem.

A Poly stay is on my Wish list too. Hoping for next year.:wizard:
Yeah for that view! :thumbsup2
 
Wonderful update, Liesa. We've never stayed at Pop, but this would have been our review of "All Star Sports." Just not our vacation style -- too crowded, too busy and way too loud.

I love your room at the Poly. I do miss staying there (our last stay was in 2004), but the price just keeps us away and we are happy at our moderate.

I love your little friend that joined you for coffee; and I'm glad Tate did NOT use your dining credits for pizza...especially Disney pizza. :eek:
 
Ahhhhh the Poly. Someday for me .... maybe.

Either way I love sitting on the beach watching the EWP and Wishes or Hallo-wishes or Christmas Wishes or heck any fireworks over the castle is heavenly. :cloud9:
 
Liesa, although POP can be fun and I like the nostalgia, my experience with guests have been the same as yours. Of course, our Rosie would be the exception.:)

Don't you absolutely love the smell of the Poly?! The Polynesian (known as the Polynesian Village in our early stays) has always been our home resort. I never tire of it, will always love it, even with it's quirks and more often these days, poor guest service.

My last Polynesian stay was in 2007 and I was 3918! Although we could not see the castle (did you step out onto the grass?) we had that wonderful end of the lagoon view, heard the ferry whistle/horn, watched the monorail glide out of the CR and of course, seeing the CR itself. From the 3rd floor we could also see the green rooftops of the WL - which reflected in the mirror over our couch!

All in all, I don't think you did too badly getting yourself over there, finding the room and enjoying a bit of R&R!! I am sooo happy your dream came true! :thumbsup2
 
Your review of POP is quite fair. I think everyone's experience can be different. I've always found the staff to be superb (except maybe at Everything Pop). Check-in and the concierge have always been willing to help. Granted my experience would've been soured too by a dirty diaper outside my door for more than a night!! I hope you will still try to give it another try in the future. It beats the All star resorts IMO.

Don't you LOVE the Poly?!?! It must've been like night and day compared to POP. I don't remember exactly but I think we were in the same building last time I stayed there. We had the castle view anyway. I hope you got to see the Wishes from your balcony! Poly always seemed hard to navigate through so your task of finding the right building seems on par with what I went through.

Love the little VW beetle. Such a cute car :cutie:

It's hard to be diplomatic and fair at the same time. I tried to be unjudging in my opinion, and I'm sure if I were there with my 5 kids who love to splash in the pool and skip up and down the halls, it would have been the perfect place for me; but I was not that kind of visitor this time around. I hope I haven't offended anyone :)

The Poly was so lovely and relaxing in every way. I really love it there; the grounds, the pools, the beach, the view we had... Everything! There are so many winding passageways, it is hard to find the most direct route.

That car was just perfect for the few times we really needed it!

I'm so glad that you finally got to live your dream of staying at the Poly, it is a lovely resort.

Did you book a theme park view room or was that a special surprise upgrade? Either way, great view!

Nope, we didn't book one. Perhaps that the pity that Kevin took on me, besides re-booking our 'Ohana! :banana:

As a former VW lover I can tell you that a VW won't start until you put on your seat belt. That may have been your problem.

A Poly stay is on my Wish list too. Hoping for next year.:wizard:
Yeah for that view! :thumbsup2

Could have been?? I just don't know! We tried so many different things I think it took us a good 10 minutes to get it going! :scared1:

Wonderful update, Liesa. We've never stayed at Pop, but this would have been our review of "All Star Sports." Just not our vacation style -- too crowded, too busy and way too loud.

I love your room at the Poly. I do miss staying there (our last stay was in 2004), but the price just keeps us away and we are happy at our moderate.

I love your little friend that joined you for coffee; and I'm glad Tate did NOT use your dining credits for pizza...especially Disney pizza. :eek:

That was it exactly- too crowded, busy and loud. But wiht a few fun elements too.

There is no way I could stay at the Poly unless the pricetag was being split between several parties. I doubt it'd ever happen again, unless it was a night or two for an anniversary. :confused3 The mods are great- and in fact, I'd say the theming and service was just about as good as this one- but taht's for POR review.

Can you imagine burning up 2 credits on a pizza, when Jiko, Cali Grill and so many others are so close??



Ahhhhh the Poly. Someday for me .... maybe.

Either way I love sitting on the beach watching the EWP and Wishes or Hallo-wishes or Christmas Wishes or heck any fireworks over the castle is heavenly. :cloud9:

A split??

I do too.... just wait and see how similar our photos are...;)
 
Liesa, although POP can be fun and I like the nostalgia, my experience with guests have been the same as yours. Of course, our Rosie would be the exception.:)

Of course, Rosie would not be counted among the rude, but it was more than that that bugged me. There seemed to be no where to go to just rest and have quiet- except the room.

Don't you absolutely love the smell of the Poly?! The Polynesian (known as the Polynesian Village in our early stays) has always been our home resort. I never tire of it, will always love it...
Yes! I do love the smell which makes the Poly so unique! And actually, the mods seem to have just as nice (but obviously different) theming and service. I'm fine with either.

My last Polynesian stay was in 2007 and I was 3918! Although we could not see the castle (did you step out onto the grass?) we had that wonderful end of the lagoon view, heard the ferry whistle/horn, watched the monorail glide out of the CR and of course, seeing the CR itself. From the 3rd floor we could also see the green rooftops of the WL - which reflected in the mirror over our couch!

REALLY!!?? How cool! I'll bet the balcony view was wonderful! Yes, I did have to wander off to the edge of the grass to see the castle, but it wasn't more than 10 yards or so, and in fact, could have taken my chair across the walkway, but didn't. I was happy with the monorail and CR views as well.

All in all, I don't think you did too badly getting yourself over there, finding the room and enjoying a bit of R&R!! I am sooo happy your dream came true! :thumbsup2

It was definitely a dream come true!
 
By the way, yours (and ours) was not a TPV - just a regular old Poly Garden View!!! :teeth:

I didn't think so, Christine, but it was awful close. Just a few steps out on the lawn and BLAMMO!! A lovely view of that castle. I was perfectly happy with where we were- the lagoon was lovely!
 
We stayed at the pop on our last trip. We liked it. The staff was great. Noise wasn't too bad around our room. Did notice alot of people like to leave their items on the walkway outside the rooms. Mainly swim suits and towels etc. Didn't see any diapers:scared1: The only complaint I have is...there is a bathroom near the pool use it please....pool was shut down 3 times while we were there. YUCK!
 

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