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

[PennyLane1084]

All right you've made to Poly!!!! Disney is the place where dreams come true right?

Thank you so much for mentioning that POP does not have coffee makers in their rooms. Now I'm debating as to whether I want to bring my little 2 cup coffee maker for my stay at POP.

Your room view is A-mazing!!! The rooms seem very nice too.

Sorry to hear, what I refer to as, The Drama Lama, made an appearance on your trip. I really hope Leanne makes it in time for Dinner. Maybe getting it pushed back get you ladies dinner and a show?? Wishes perhaps?? I guess I'll have to wait and see.

(In case you didn't know the Drama Lama lives off of rage, tears and general upset)

 

[All7OfUs]

Nothing wrong with speaking your mind. I'm just glad Disney gives us so many options on places to stay! (unless your family is more than 4 people )

Back to this rant, huh? Can I join in again?

Actually, it disappeared at DHS. See, you guys make fun of me for not liking ToT, but I'm just trying to keep all of your brains inside the vehicle at all times.

Fortunately, mine is easy to catch on the way back up- being so brilliant.

Do you have any idea how to turn the Idiot Switch off? Not that I need this information, but...um...a friend could use it. Yeah, that's it.

Never thought of that actually. But, now that way. But now that I have, I can tell you it has a situational variable switch, that can come in quite handy.

Really? You liked this better than POP?

it was a tough call.

Got the munchies again? Do you feed this guy at home?

Actually, since his lady froggie friend came home with him, I see him less and less; he prefers the closet- where there isn't much food.

All right you've made to Poly!!!! Disney is the place where dreams come true right?

If I wasn't convinced before, I certainly am now!

Thank you so much for mentioning that POP does not have coffee makers in their rooms. Now I'm debating as to whether I want to bring my little 2 cup coffee maker for my stay at POP.

Funny how something so seemingly inconsequential, really does become pretty important. I'd say DEFINITELY bring it!! And good coffee to fill your mug with each morning!

Your room view is A-mazing!!! The rooms seem very nice too.

The rooms were so GREAT!!! Large, and clean, and themed so nicely!

Sorry to hear, what I refer to as, The Drama Lama, made an appearance on your trip. I really hope Leanne makes it in time for Dinner. Maybe getting it pushed back get you ladies dinner and a show?? Wishes perhaps?? I guess I'll have to wait and see.

(In case you didn't know the Drama Lama lives off of rage, tears and general upset)

I always wondered what they ate!

Hmmm... that is the question! Did she make it for potstickers... or not?

 

[Sleepingbooty]

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!

I must be one of the very few! Actually, I bet there are QUITE a few of us who've read it.

This is the part in your TR that I've been waiting for! I, too, long to stay at the Poly someday! And I will. But for now, I'll visit it vicariously through you

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.

Agreed. I'm not in a huge hurry to go back. I am, however, looking forward to trying out the family suites when the new Art of Animation Resort opens next year. At least there'll be a coffee maker!

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

Yep, castle view!

Wow! Gorgeous! You really lucked out on that

Poor LeeAnn! I would have been a wreck wondering when/if I'd finally get there, and feeling like my whole first day was shot.

Can't wait to hear how the dinner at Ohana turns out - my favorite!

 

[pinkxray]

Wow, your view at the Poly is amazing.

I haven't stayed at Pop yet but I would like to. I do think that we might just do a night stay on arrival night just to try it out before we move to our resort for the rest of the week.

 

[All7OfUs]

What a fun round K was for me! I hope it was enjoyable to you too doing the research to claim that elusive extra point. How that all played out, you’ll have to see!

The last time I added up points, from letters G-I, here is what I came up with. As you can see, it was still quite a close game.

Glenn 6
Magdalene 6
Pat 6
Dan 6
Marv 6
Wendy 4
Molly 6
Jessica 2
Katharina 2
Rosie 6
Chloe770 5
Mark 6
Vanessa 2
Tammie 2
Jedijill 5
JenBear 5
Tanya 2
Lessa (D&W) 4
KatMark 4
ReelMom 6
Kim (Burly) 6
Julie (LorainF) 6
Tim 4
Nory 4
Brook 2
Millie 4
Jenb1023 6
Pooh's Mate 4
Cynthia 4


Now, let’s see what the Letter J round did for everyone? Pretty much on that one, if you put in a guess, you got it. And those folks were:

Brook, PennyLane, Camille, Tanya, Jenb1023, Glenn, Wendy, Kathy, Christine, onelilspark, Jedijill, mark, Sandy, Tammie, lorainfam, Molly, Pat, Tina, Marv, reelmom, Rosie, burly, Kathrarina, Magdalene, pooh’smate, JenBear, Chloe, and Cynthia; which makes your scores after round J, two more than what you see there above. That’s all well and good, but it was Round K that will really make a difference.

In absolutely no particular order, here’s what was sent to me. Those who scored 2 points are:

Pooh’smate, Pat, Nory, Mark, Brook, Tanya, Julie, Marv, Jill, Molly, Jenbear, Jenb, reelmom, Kim, Wendy, and Kathy.
Common answers (which actually were completely new to me!) were King Kamehameha (sp?) Suite, koi pond of fish, kukui nut tree, Kennels, Kona Sushi, Kona Coffee and Stand, and kiddie pool.

Those who scored an extra bonus point were:

Millie with “Kona Cool Sunrise” from the Pool bar

Rosie, who I should give an additional point to for her guess of KEVIN- which was in my update! (Sorry Rosie, there’d be much whining and gnashing of teeth if I gave you 4 points!)
 
Lessa- with Kakahaiki, which is the breakfast they serve in the Concierge Lounge

Cynthia- with “Keiki Kolada” from the bar (and 3 other drinks that all start with “K”- hmmm…. Cynthina, what does this say??)

Chloe- with knickknacks and knives sold in the Boutiki ( I didn’t say the words had to be proper this time)

Flossbolna- the only one who said “Keys to the Kingdom”

Glennbo- with Knife wielding guys at the Luau

Christine- Kaui, the kind aunt who serves up her Tonga Toast

So, let’s adjust our new scores to reflect what stands as we go into the last round of Part 2:

Glenn 11; Magdalene 11; Pat 10; Dan 6; Marv 10; Wendy 8; Molly 10; Jessica 2; Katharina 4; Rosie 11; Chloe770 10; Mark 10; Vanessa 2; Tammie 4; Jedijill 4; JenBear 9; Tanya 6; Lessa (D&W) 7; KatMark 8; ReelMom 10; Kim (Burly) 10; Julie (LorainF) 10; Tim 4; Nory 6; Brook 4; Millie 9; Jenb1023 10; Pooh's Mate 8; Cynthia 9; PennyLane 2; onelilspark 2; Christine 5; Sandy 2; Tina 2 (Tina, is this right?)

It’s still anyone’s game, as the next round- the last for Pt. 2 will be another chance for a bonus 3rd point!! But I’m still pondering what Round L will be! Expect it at anytime though!!! And it may be time sensitive, so be watching! I surely hope this game is as fun for you, as it is for me!!!

Now, one last bit of housekeeping! I took a peek at that OLD GAME, Master Predictor. There was an answer revealed in the last update- but as far as I see, there were only 12 players! IS THAT RIGHT???? I thought there were a LOT more? I am so confused!! I will look around for perhaps an old version of my score sheet that might have gotten lost, but if I can’t find it, I will post another point for those that I have recorded who played.

Hope y’all are having a wonderful evening!!!

And lastly, I know I’m TERRIBLY behind on chapter links. I will sit for a spell and work on those in the morning to get caught up with that. Forgive me if that’s caused any of you any frustration!

 

[Minnie&Nana]

Look at all those great answers!!!!

Liesa, I played the round before K too... because when you announced K I felt like maybe I was on a roll ...oh, yes, I got both answers to J too!!

Looking forward to L....me thinks...it could put me back on lurker status though.

 

[glennbo123]

"K" was a fun round Liesa!

 

[jenbear123]

Wow, those are some great answers! Some of which I'm surprised I didn't even think of. D'oh! This game is lots of fun! Can't wait for "L"

 

[All7OfUs]

Look at all those great answers!!!!

Liesa, I played the round before K too... because when you announced K I felt like maybe I was on a roll ...oh, yes, I got both answers to J too!!

Looking forward to L....me thinks...it could put me back on lurker status though.

Great! I learned a LOT with that K round, so see! it's as much fun for me as for all of you!!


I added your J points in then, Christine!

"K" was a fun round Liesa!

That wounldn't have anything to do wiht getting a bonus point would it?

Wow, those are some great answers! Some of which I'm surprised I didn't even think of. D'oh! This game is lots of fun! Can't wait for "L"

They were awesome answers!! I was totally shocked at how many K words there were! Who knew there was a Kukui Nut Tree??!!

L coming up Later today.

 

[glennbo123]

That wounldn't have anything to do wiht getting a bonus point would it?

That sure didn't hurt! I didn't think that my answer was very unique and I was a little worried that someone else would submit it also.

 

[MAGICFOR2]

SNOW?!?! Wow...I'm sure the mountains are beautiful, but

It is nice to have mountains all around us, but the cold Springs are getting crazy. DFIL and DMIL just came back from a camping trip - they reported that they parked their trailer next to a 12 ft snow bank.

We are still skiing here in Colorado. Aspen is reopening for Memorial Day weekend skiiing and other resorts may stay open through July. One of my engineers went this weekend and said its better powder than it was this winter!

Jill in CO

You know how it is - I think being able to travel to the mountains and enjoy snow if you ski is great - just don't want it down here where I live! To be fair it has all melted again, but I'm still not enjoying the 40 degrees and rain.

Slightly OT

Here is a piece the Kansas City Star did yesterday on Glen and Lorie Holland.

http://www.kansascity.com/2011/05/27/2909582/glenn-holland-59-and-lorie-holland.html

Jill in CO

What a nice tribute! I love how their love of Disney was in the heading. I'm sure it is just how they would want to be remembered. Also a blessing that if it was their time, they got to leave this world together.

The Poly is definitely on my wish list, but I think the closest I will get to it is a DVC pool hop. Wouldn't it be wonderful if there was a Poly DVC??????

Your room view is breathtaking. That is a huge score! How totally awesome.

Hey - and FWIW - we got lost in the Poly parking lot LAST May. Kept driving around in circles until the GPS finally said, "Impossible".

I was just dreaming about a Poly DVC too! That is the only way we stay deluxe - well, also SOG - which to be honest really lacks in the pool department, but the rooms are huge and very nice!

It was really quite a roller coaster- and coninued right up until....

I can see there were lots of mixed emotions going on there...

Yeah, if you do get tropical vacays, then the Poly wouldn't be so "exotic". WL is not on my must-do for hte same reasons. Timberline, is just so close. For me, it's a lot about the theming for sure. And the coffee maker.

I do believe it is a perfect place for a girls' trip...

Funny, I thought I would feel the same way about WL - just too much like home. Then we spent some time over there in the afternoon before our ADR at WCC. I enjoyed the peace and quiet and it was just a breath of fresh air, even in the heat! I was wishing I had a book so I could just sit on one of the tucked away in the trees decks in an Adirondack rocker and read. VWL is now on my list of "must do at some time."




It's absolutley stupid. Especially since it's made right there. They couldn't possibly put anymore ingredients into it than say a Papa Murphys... so I don't get it.

I know. I think it's about the convenience. We passed up an ADR once when drenched and used our last two TS credits so we could stay in and stay warm and just relax. At that moment, it was worth 2 credits to us, but still a rip off of huge proportions when you compare it to say, HDDR.




Hope it was useful to whoever happens by. If I were in chose a resort mode, I'd certainly want an honest assessment as well. Better to know than play Resort Roulette!

Thanks for your review. I had the feeling I would feel the same way, but it is good to actually hear it from someone who is not "trashing" the resort, just sharing an experience.

What a fun round K was for me! I hope it was enjoyable to you too doing the research to claim that elusive extra point. How that all played out, you’ll have to see!

The last time I added up points, from letters G-I, here is what I came up with. As you can see, it was still quite a close game.

Glenn 6
Magdalene 6
Pat 6
Dan 6
Marv 6
Wendy 4
Molly 6
Jessica 2
Katharina 2
Rosie 6
Chloe770 5
Mark 6
Vanessa 2
Tammie 2
Jedijill 5
JenBear 5
Tanya 2
Lessa (D&W) 4
KatMark 4
ReelMom 6
Kim (Burly) 6
Julie (LorainF) 6
Tim 4
Nory 4
Brook 2
Millie 4
Jenb1023 6
Pooh's Mate 4
Cynthia 4


Now, let’s see what the Letter J round did for everyone? Pretty much on that one, if you put in a guess, you got it. And those folks were:

Brook, PennyLane, Camille, Tanya, Jenb1023, Glenn, Wendy, Kathy, Christine, onelilspark, Jedijill, mark, Sandy, Tammie, lorainfam, Molly, Pat, Tina, Marv, reelmom, Rosie, burly, Kathrarina, Magdalene, pooh’smate, JenBear, Chloe, and Cynthia; which makes your scores after round J, two more than what you see there above. That’s all well and good, but it was Round K that will really make a difference.

In absolutely no particular order, here’s what was sent to me. Those who scored 2 points are:

Pooh’smate, Pat, Nory, Mark, Brook, Tanya, Julie, Marv, Jill, Molly, Jenbear, Jenb, reelmom, Kim, Wendy, and Kathy.
Common answers (which actually were completely new to me!) were King Kamehameha (sp?) Suite, koi pond of fish, kukui nut tree, Kennels, Kona Sushi, Kona Coffee and Stand, and kiddie pool.

Those who scored an extra bonus point were:

Millie with “Kona Cool Sunrise” from the Pool bar

Rosie, who I should give an additional point to for her guess of KEVIN- which was in my update! (Sorry Rosie, there’d be much whining and gnashing of teeth if I gave you 4 points!)
 
Lessa- with Kakahaiki, which is the breakfast they serve in the Concierge Lounge

Cynthia- with “Keiki Kolada” from the bar (and 3 other drinks that all start with “K”- hmmm…. Cynthina, what does this say??)

Chloe- with knickknacks and knives sold in the Boutiki ( I didn’t say the words had to be proper this time)

Flossbolna- the only one who said “Keys to the Kingdom”

Glennbo- with Knife wielding guys at the Luau

Christine- Kaui, the kind aunt who serves up her Tonga Toast

So, let’s adjust our new scores to reflect what stands as we go into the last round of Part 2:

Glenn 11; Magdalene 11; Pat 10; Dan 6; Marv 10; Wendy 8; Molly 10; Jessica 2; Katharina 4; Rosie 12; Chloe770 10; Mark 10; Vanessa 2; Tammie 4; Jedijill 4; JenBear 9; Tanya 6; Lessa (D&W) 7; KatMark 8; ReelMom 10; Kim (Burly) 10; Julie (LorainF) 10; Tim 4; Nory 6; Brook 4; Millie 9; Jenb1023 10; Pooh's Mate 8; Cynthia 9; PennyLane 2; onelilspark 2; Christine 5; Sandy 2; Tina 2 (Tina, is this right?)

Rosie, you are in the lead!!! And even yet, it’s anyone’s game, as the next round- the last for Pt. 2 will be another chance for a bonus 3rd point!! But I’m still pondering what Round L will be! Expect it at anytime though!!! And it may be time sensitive, so be watching! I surely hope this game is as fun for you, as it is for me!!!

Now, one last bit of housekeeping! I took a peek at that OLD GAME, Master Predictor. There was an answer revealed in the last update- but as far as I see, there were only 12 players! IS THAT RIGHT???? I thought there were a LOT more? I am so confused!! I will look around for perhaps an old version of my score sheet that might have gotten lost, but if I can’t find it, I will post another point for those that I have recorded who played.

Hope y’all are having a wonderful evening!!!

And lastly, I know I’m TERRIBLY behind on chapter links. I will sit for a spell and work on those in the morning to get caught up with that. Forgive me if that’s caused any of you any frustration!

Since I was traveling and missed K, I just wanted to congratulate everyone on the fun and original answers - it was a really fun letter! I am hoping to redeem myself at some point, but enjoying the game either way. I am not really competitive, but I like to appear to know things!

 

[GreatBiscuit]

Most excellent view my tater totin' friend. We enjoyed the mess out of the Pop Century, but that was 2 years ago and there were no dirty diapers or hoards of balcony smokers.

Resort selection for 2012 is giving me fits. Still haven't nailed anything down yet.

 

[jenb1023]

Glad the party went well!

Oh, the Poly!
We were able to stay there two nights in May 2010 (and that was with a discount code). I loved it! The size of the room, the overall feel, etc. What a great coup on the getting that room location!

We just did a moderate for the first time (POFQ) and we were not very impressed. We would rather go Value and stay at Pop or splurge and stay Deluxe. The buses and food court were lacking IMHO. Our next dream resort to stay at is Yacht/Beach club. It is always interesting to me to read people's opinions/thoughts on the resorts good or bad.

What would you ladies do if you had a day with no drama?
So glad that could adjust the Ohana time - I hope Leanne makes it!

I am loving the game! I was afraid people would have the same k answer as me but I couldn't think of anything else. Drat - I wanted that extra point!

 

[All7OfUs]

That sure didn't hurt! I didn't think that my answer was very unique and I was a little worried that someone else would submit it also.

Actually someone else did, but luckily for you, and for her, she threw in a second choice, that was even more unique. Normally, you get one shot, but since it was a good answer, I gave a game-makers discretionary point to both of you.

but I'm still not enjoying the 40 degrees and rain.

Still in the high 50s here. It SUX!

What a nice tribute! I love how their love of Disney was in the heading. I'm sure it is just how they would want to be remembered. Also a blessing that if it was their time, they got to leave this world together.

It certainly seemed as if they lived life to the fullest!

I was just dreaming about a Poly DVC too! That is the only way we stay deluxe - well, also SOG - which to be honest really lacks in the pool department, but the rooms are huge and very nice!

Someday, I imagine we'll be a SOG with Andrew's discount- really I should do more research on that resort.


I can see there were lots of mixed emotions going on there...

The ups and downs of that day were immense!

Funny, I thought I would feel the same way about WL - just too much like home. Then we spent some time over there in the afternoon before our ADR at WCC. I enjoyed the peace and quiet and it was just a breath of fresh air, even in the heat! I was wishing I had a book so I could just sit on one of the tucked away in the trees decks in an Adirondack rocker and read. VWL is now on my list of "must do at some time."


I do enjoy WL, but maybe not for an entire week. And I still do want to try WCC someday! That skillet looks fabulous!



I know. I think it's about the convenience. We passed up an ADR once when drenched and used our last two TS credits so we could stay in and stay warm and just relax. At that moment, it was worth 2 credits to us, but still a rip off of huge proportions when you compare it to say, HDDR.


WOW! I never thought of it in those terms before- can you imagine? comparing a pizza to HDDR?? With unlimited beer? I think not!

Thanks for your review. I had the feeling I would feel the same way, but it is good to actually hear it from someone who is not "trashing" the resort, just sharing an experience.


I tried not to trash the resort- different people need something different in where they choose to stay. If I had a choice of going to POP or not going at all, I'd definitely choose the former!


Since I was traveling and missed K, I just wanted to congratulate everyone on the fun and original answers - it was a really fun letter! I am hoping to redeem myself at some point, but enjoying the game either way. I am not really competitive, but I like to appear to know things!

There's 2 more parts to the game- so lots more to come!!!

Most excellent view my tater totin' friend. We enjoyed the mess out of the Pop Century, but that was 2 years ago and there were no dirty diapers or hoards of balcony smokers.

Resort selection for 2012 is giving me fits. Still haven't nailed anything down yet.

Yeah, the food court definitely has something going for it! Lotso choices and good grub! The smoking was out of control and frankly peeved me!

I can't WAIT to see where you end up choosing GB!! Aren't you going to do a PTR? I know it's a ways off, but if you do end up doing one, PLEASE PM me!!! I'd love to hear where your significant other is leaning- still WL???

Glad the party went well!

did you see the pictures on FB? I think I was tagged in at least a few of them?

Oh, the Poly!
We were able to stay there two nights in May 2010 (and that was with a discount code). I loved it! The size of the room, the overall feel, etc. What a great coup on the getting that room location!

I think the only way any of us can really afford it is with the discounts. At least me anyways. The price does reflect waht you get though.

We just did a moderate for the first time (POFQ) and we were not very impressed. We would rather go Value and stay at Pop or splurge and stay Deluxe. The buses and food court were lacking IMHO. Our next dream resort to stay at is Yacht/Beach club. It is always interesting to me to read people's opinions/thoughts on the resorts good or bad.

It just depends... While at the POP I was not at the room hardly at ALL! So it worked for a short stay just to mainly sleep there. Much more though, and I wouldn't have been so happy. And since the Poly was so nice and quiet and relaxing, I DID want to stay there more, and DID! I got me some wonderful patio time, some pool time, and definitely some beach/bar time.

What would you ladies do if you had a day with no drama?
So glad that could adjust the Ohana time - I hope Leanne makes it!

I think we had some sort of drama fun every day- which makes for some pretty hilarious/interesting TReporting.

I am loving the game! I was afraid people would have the same k answer as me but I couldn't think of anything else. Drat - I wanted that extra point!

I was shocked at how many unique answers there were, and I thought I had done a fair amount of research! There was TONS I didn't know about this resort!

 

[englishrose47]

Wa Hooey !! Rosie is in the lead !!!That is until Marv figures out some way to take away my points
Okay now unless "L" is up very soon I will be away sooooo don't add up the scores until I am back !!!

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

"K" was a fun round Liesa!

That wounldn't have anything to do wiht getting a bonus point would it?

And here I thought King Kamehameha Suite would be a good answer. I guess I need to study the bar menus a little more closely next time!

 

[KatMark]

And here I thought King Kamehameha Suite would be a good answer. I guess I need to study the bar menus a little more closely next time!

Mark, that was my answer too! I think you are right...need to study the drinks with this crowd.

 

[All7OfUs]

And here I thought King Kamehameha Suite would be a good answer. I guess I need to study the bar menus a little more closely next time!

Mark, that was my answer too! I think you are right...need to study the drinks with this crowd.

For the record, I hadn't studied them either, but thought, "HOW utterly clever" when I saw the answers... Now I want to try a Kkkkwhatever Kolada.

 

[Minnie&Nana]

Most excellent view my tater totin' friend. We enjoyed the mess out of the Pop Century, but that was 2 years ago and there were no dirty diapers or hoards of balcony smokers.

Resort selection for 2012 is giving me fits. Still haven't nailed anything down yet.

Our first POP experience was in Jan 2004 when it was only 3 mos old - and while is was an adjustment for this deluxe resort lover, we had a delightful stay. None of what Liesa experienced...even in December of 2004 while POP Warner surrounded us, it was still wonderful. December 2005, no PW and another delightful stay...then came Feb 2006 - 4 ngts before moving over the a BWV stay (on points). We said we'd never stay at POP again. The change was unbelievable to us - parents screaming obscenities at their children, smokers everywhere, especially right outside our door sitting on the chairs from their room. Not fun anymore. In August 2008 I moved over to POP for 2 ngts from SSR due to Tropical Storm Faye and flight cancellation. While my neighbors were nice folks, the resort was so loud, the food court a mess and well, guess it had lost it's charm.

I'm so happy others have had a different experience, perhaps more like our first 4 stays. Now I appreciate more than ever the peace of a moderate of deluxe....not that there cannot be loud guests, definitely the occasional smoker on the balcony, which means we do not get to use our balcony, but it is rarer these days and overall a much more relaxing trip. For me it is a big park of my Disney vacation. Sorry for the rant!!!

Anyhoo... Rosie and I are in the same resort indecision, ever changing 2012 Trip Club for our Duel Birthday Celebration planning. Well, actually, that would me more moi than Rosie.

 

[GreatBiscuit]

Yeah, the food court definitely has something going for it! Lotso choices and good grub!

Loved it all except for the tea. They serve Gold Peak. Which is not so much a tea as it is an oddly flavored water. Never had it before our trip and wasn't really impressed with it. However, it did lead to a Disney moment a while back. A couple weeks ago, I had to run to the convenience store and it just so happened that they had Gold Peak. It had been one of those days where I was missing the mess out of Disney so I decided to get some. It still tasted terrible but a funny thing happened. My mind immediately went back to the evening we spent lounging around the Hippy Dippy. It was one of those nights where it was hot and I wasn't in a soda mood and slammed back a good 3 or 4 mug fillings of Gold Peak. The images of splashing around with girls came to mind in surprisingly vivid detail. It was a fun little flashback. Which is not to say I plan on adding Gold Peak to my permanent beverage dance card. Puh-lease!

The smoking was out of control and frankly peeved me!

That would drive me nuts too.

I can't WAIT to see where you end up choosing GB!! Aren't you going to do a PTR? I know it's a ways off, but if you do end up doing one, PLEASE PM me!!! I'd love to hear where your significant other is leaning- still WL???

We have Wilderness Lodge ambitions on a Fort Wilderness tent budget. We’ll see how it all comes together. I imagine a value resort is going to win the bulk of our stay, however, I hold out hope for a resort hop the last couple of nights. (Which is why this particularly chapter of your TR was particularly helpful.)