Childfree (by choice) Disney Lovers!

[maddhatir]

How was the GF? When we went by there on the monorail it looked lovely - so much so I wish we had booked it instead of the Poly. But then I've had people tell me it isn't as nice as it looks. I'd love to know your opinion of the resort.

Cheryl, you have never been inside of the resort???

 

[Shyvioletisme]

How was the GF? When we went by there on the monorail it looked lovely - so much so I wish we had booked it instead of the Poly. But then I've had people tell me it isn't as nice as it looks. I'd love to know your opinion of the resort.

It looks lovely to me from inside, though we haven't stayed there. We spent a good amount of time there poking around and such...it's so pretty!..I like the look of the Poly better though, but alas it has no hot tub(unless they've put one in?) and I gotta have a hot tub to relax my sore sore muscles after a LONG day in the parks.

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

It looks lovely to me from inside, though we haven't stayed there. We spent a good amount of time there poking around and such...it's so pretty!..I like the look of the Poly better though, but alas it has no hot tub(unless they've put one in?) and I gotta have a hot tub to relax my sore sore muscles after a LONG day in the parks.

GF was beautiful, amazing, wonderful... the orchestra in the evenings was spectacular.

 

[HockeyKat]

Back!!! What an amazing trip!

I finished the half marathon on Sunday with a 14:34 min pace. Not the best but I was just so HAPPY to finish and not get swept. They have characters and such all along the race, and it was just wow to get to run through the castle in the MK.

We wore our medals both Sun and Mon in the parks. We toured Epcot for 3-4 hours after the race, then laid by the pool for a while, went to England for dinner and watched Illuminations, then hit Jellyrolls for a few drinks. Long day but just incredible.

Such a great time with the girls!! There were 9 of us from 8 different states. All of us met on the DIS WISH thread, although all but one of us had met in person before.

Back to real life tomorrrow....

 

[zima-cheryl]

Cheryl, you have never been inside of the resort???

No, I've only ever seen the outside. But the monorail from the Poly goes right there & from what I could see looking out the window & where we pulled in it really seemed nice.

It looks lovely to me from inside, though we haven't stayed there. We spent a good amount of time there poking around and such...it's so pretty!..I like the look of the Poly better though, but alas it has no hot tub(unless they've put one in?) and I gotta have a hot tub to relax my sore sore muscles after a LONG day in the parks.

Actually -- we were unimpressed w/the Poly. I don't know that I'd ever book it again (unless they were practically giving the rooms away). The rooms were spacious, view from the beach & pool was awesome & they had lots going on all the time (hula demos, torch lighting, etc). That said, it was kind of sprawled out, easy to get lost/turned around, and just seemed, well old. Not neglected, run down old but old decor. We joked the whole time about the old 70's style wood paneling. It really is just in need of some serious updating.

Back!!! What an amazing trip!

I finished the half marathon on Sunday with a 14:34 min pace. Not the best but I was just so HAPPY to finish and not get swept. They have characters and such all along the race, and it was just wow to get to run through the castle in the MK.

We wore our medals both Sun and Mon in the parks. We toured Epcot for 3-4 hours after the race, then laid by the pool for a while, went to England for dinner and watched Illuminations, then hit Jellyrolls for a few drinks. Long day but just incredible.

Such a great time with the girls!! There were 9 of us from 8 different states. All of us met on the DIS WISH thread, although all but one of us had met in person before.

Back to real life tomorrrow....

Congrats Kat!!
Welcome home to the real world.

 

[maddhatir]

Back!!! What an amazing trip!

...

Welcome back Kat!!!! Congrats on the race

No, I've only ever seen the outside. But the monorail from the Poly goes right there & from what I could see looking out the window & where we pulled in it really seemed nice.


Actually -- we were unimpressed w/the Poly. I don't know that I'd ever book it again (unless they were practically giving the rooms away). The rooms were spacious, view from the beach & pool was awesome & they had lots going on all the time (hula demos, torch lighting, etc). That said, it was kind of sprawled out, easy to get lost/turned around, and just seemed, well old. Not neglected, run down old but old decor. We joked the whole time about the old 70's style wood paneling. It really is just in need of some serious updating.
.

OMG Cheryl you HAVE to go into the GF! It is just so........GRAND compared to the Poly- I would not put the 2 in the same class even though they are both deluxes. ITA about the Poly- it is very........browwwwwn.

But- You have to go to the bar upstairs at the GF and get some champagne (or a chocolate martini) and stroll around the shops. And yes, the live orchestra just puts the cherry on top! We were there in Dec a few times and they had roasted chestnuts for the guests.

Last August we had tea at the Garden View Lounge and dinner with Cinderella and the Prince (for Karlee- not for me lmao!). DH and I have had breakfast in the GF Cafe and a few times we stopped by the resort and just hung out at the pool bar.

You can check on the board to see if there are any weddings going on- it is always fun to see the bride. We saw a few over the years, some in the carriage and some getting pics on the stairs near the lobby. One night me, SIL and Karlee had our noses pressed against the glass to see the wedding dresses and the cakes they offer over by the wedding pavilion- it was closed, that is why we were peeking

And lastly- it is such a beautiful walk from the GF to the Poly!! Especially at night- make is a must do on your next trip! PS- if you time it right you can see the Electrical Water Pageant floating by

Next trip- DH and I are trying Citricos for the first time!

Did I mention that I like the GF???

 

[Shyvioletisme]

Back!!! What an amazing trip!

I finished the half marathon on Sunday with a 14:34 min pace. Not the best but I was just so HAPPY to finish and not get swept. They have characters and such all along the race, and it was just wow to get to run through the castle in the MK.

We wore our medals both Sun and Mon in the parks. We toured Epcot for 3-4 hours after the race, then laid by the pool for a while, went to England for dinner and watched Illuminations, then hit Jellyrolls for a few drinks. Long day but just incredible.

Such a great time with the girls!! There were 9 of us from 8 different states. All of us met on the DIS WISH thread, although all but one of us had met in person before.

Back to real life tomorrrow....

Welcome back Kat!!! Glad you had a great time and finished the race!

Actually -- we were unimpressed w/the Poly. I don't know that I'd ever book it again (unless they were practically giving the rooms away). The rooms were spacious, view from the beach & pool was awesome & they had lots going on all the time (hula demos, torch lighting, etc). That said, it was kind of sprawled out, easy to get lost/turned around, and just seemed, well old. Not neglected, run down old but old decor. We joked the whole time about the old 70's style wood paneling. It really is just in need of some serious updating.

see I think that's why it appeals to me..lol. it seems to kitchy...and I love that! I actually hate the look of the updated rooms because I LOVED the 1970s way they looked before...

 

[zima-cheryl]

Welcome back Kat!!!! Congrats on the race



OMG Cheryl you HAVE to go into the GF! It is just so........GRAND compared to the Poly- I would not put the 2 in the same class even though they are both deluxes. ITA about the Poly- it is very........browwwwwn.

But- You have to go to the bar upstairs at the GF and get some champagne (or a chocolate martini) and stroll around the shops. And yes, the live orchestra just puts the cherry on top! We were there in Dec a few times and they had roasted chestnuts for the guests.

Last August we had tea at the Garden View Lounge and dinner with Cinderella and the Prince (for Karlee- not for me lmao!). DH and I have had breakfast in the GF Cafe and a few times we stopped by the resort and just hung out at the pool bar.

You can check on the board to see if there are any weddings going on- it is always fun to see the bride. We saw a few over the years, some in the carriage and some getting pics on the stairs near the lobby. One night me, SIL and Karlee had our noses pressed against the glass to see the wedding dresses and the cakes they offer over by the wedding pavilion- it was closed, that is why we were peeking

And lastly- it is such a beautiful walk from the GF to the Poly!! Especially at night- make is a must do on your next trip! PS- if you time it right you can see the Electrical Water Pageant floating by

Next trip- DH and I are trying Citricos for the first time!

Did I mention that I like the GF???

I'm sold! Next trip is a week, so will be moderate (can't afford a delux for a whole week unless it is a steal of a deal). But our next long weekend that is going to be at the top of our list.

 

[HockeyKat]

Narcoosee's is one of my favorite restaurants at Disney. Especially if you book it around Wishes time... they dim the lights and play the Wishes music and it is an awesome, totally romantic place to watch the fireworks.

D and I have actually been known to go there just to watch them from the dock, if we don't want to eat there.

Of the deluxes, my fav is probably the Beach Club because of the pool. Just can't beat that pool.

Poly is pretty but no hot tub and the pool area is small. I see what you mean about brown.

GF is a bit too uppity for my tastes but I do like wandering around there. GF Cafe had a great breakfast, too.

I would love to stay at the Contemporary someday.

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

I think we're going to eat at Narcoosee's next time we go down, in addition to Citrico's. SO said he doesn't want to stay anywhere BUT GF. LOL.

 

[maddhatir]

Narcoosee's is one of my favorite restaurants at Disney. Especially if you book it around Wishes time... they dim the lights and play the Wishes music and it is an awesome, totally romantic place to watch the fireworks.

D and I have actually been known to go there just to watch them from the dock, if we don't want to eat there.

Of the deluxes, my fav is probably the Beach Club because of the pool. Just can't beat that pool.

Poly is pretty but no hot tub and the pool area is small. I see what you mean about brown.

GF is a bit too uppity for my tastes but I do like wandering around there. GF Cafe had a great breakfast, too.

I would love to stay at the Contemporary someday.

Kat- the GF seems like it would be uppity just by looking at it- but all the CMs, from the front desk to the wait staff there are SUPER, SUPER nice and helpful! I would be happy to stay there!

I always read how everyone tries to time their meals around Wishes. I don't care to do that for some reason. We are dining at the Cali Grill too- and I am not planning my meal around the fireworks. I want to get in early (around 6) so I can be AT the parks in the evening. Night time is my favorite time to be in the parks. Not only that- DH and I like to do some of the attractions during the fireworks- there are virtually NO lines.

I DO however, want to watch Wishes from the beach at the Poly. Never did that yet, but want to try it! Hmmm, maybe we can have dinner at Citricos and then WALK over to the Poly afterwards- that might be nice. I have to write that one down!

 

[HockeyKat]

I like the parks at night, but I prefer to watch Wishes from somewhere other than the park. It is just so crowded in there. I think that is my "I don't like people" thing coming out!!

I don't feel the same way about Illuminations, maybe because the crowd is disbursed around the lake?

 

[maddhatir]

I think we're going to eat at Narcoosee's next time we go down, in addition to Citrico's. SO said he doesn't want to stay anywhere BUT GF. LOL.

Now, I was going back and forth trying to decide Citricos or Narcoossee's- I am going give Citricos a try first.

I didn't want to do both in one vacation.

Actually I am still (kind of) up in the air about Cali Grill. I hear it is noisy and has lots of kids running around.... Should I think twice about dining there? But maybe if I go around 6- it won't be too bad.

I am still waiting for TGM to put his best park days out for Oct so I can wrap this up!

 

[HockeyKat]

I like Cali Grill, but it isn't as quiet and such as it could be. I have never seen a kid running around, though.

 

[maddhatir]

I like the parks at night, but I prefer to watch Wishes from somewhere other than the park. It is just so crowded in there. I think that is my "I don't like people" thing coming out!!

I don't feel the same way about Illuminations, maybe because the crowd is disbursed around the lake?

Oh! I am with you on the "I don't like people" thing!

If DH and I watch Wishes, it is from the back of the MK. Or, over by The Hall of Presidents. This way, you are OUT of the way of the stampede after they are finished!

 

[maddhatir]

I like Cali Grill, but it isn't as quiet and such as it could be. I have never seen a kid running around, though.

I heard the kids run to the window when the fireworks start- I hear the same thing about The Coral Reef- the kids tend to run up to see the fish, sometimes bothering the diners and parents do not seem to think there is anything wrong with it.

I just read it- never had it happen to me. Before people pop a vain, I'm JUST the messenger

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

I heard the kids run to the window when the fireworks start- I hear the same thing about The Coral Reef- the kids tend to run up to see the fish, sometimes bothering the diners and parents do not seem to think there is anything wrong with it.

I just read it- never had it happen to me. Before people pop a vain, I'm JUST the messenger

I don't think there's anything wrong with running up to see the fish or fireworks. They're children.

 

[maddhatir]

I don't think there's anything wrong with running up to see the fish or fireworks. They're children.

Some people were saying they were at their table while they were trying to eat, making noise, being annoying.

 

[zima-cheryl]

I always read how everyone tries to time their meals around Wishes. I don't care to do that for some reason. We are dining at the Cali Grill too- and I am not planning my meal around the fireworks. I want to get in early (around 6) so I can be AT the parks in the evening. Night time is my favorite time to be in the parks. Not only that- DH and I like to do some of the attractions during the fireworks- there are virtually NO lines.

I DO however, want to watch Wishes from the beach at the Poly. Never did that yet, but want to try it! Hmmm, maybe we can have dinner at Citricos and then WALK over to the Poly afterwards- that might be nice. I have to write that one down!

When we were at Ohana's there were a lot of folks trying to time supper to the fireworks. We rushed down to the beach to watch after supper- it was crowded. I think the word is out about that spot. You'll want to get there early to get a seat. That said, they pipe in the music, everyone is in a good mood & it is a great view. I'd do it again.

Honestly, I don't like the fireworks in most the parks. Too loud for me - although I love Illuminations (just have to cover my ears at times). Last Sept. we got caught in Fantasy Land when they started...practically next to one of the building they launch from. I was just about in tears. We were headed to Buzz - that heavens there was no line. Once inside you really couldn't hear them, but outside... ooff! Never again!

We aren't having a good day -- I lost a cap from a tooth a little bit ago & my dentist isn't in today. They can't get me in until 4:30p tomorrow. Thank goodness I'm not in pain. And just a bit ago DH got an e-mail about his last job interview... "thanks, but no thanks". Poor guy! I think he is getting pretty down. 3 months & only 3 interviews, and he found out Monday he is 1/2 way through his unemployment (but at least he s/be able to file for an extension).
(Yea I need some cheese to go w/my whine sorry... I just can't say much to him right now 'cause he is busy dealing w/it... he doesn't need my fussing dumped on top of his stress)

Someone give me something good... how about pix from our recent returnees trips?!? I want to see that medal Kat!

 

[HockeyKat]

Here is a pic of all of us, with bling, in the MK the day after the race. I am the one in the black shirt without the hat (long dark hair): http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m216/3DisneyKids/DSC00095-1.jpg


I wrote a race report on the WISH thread that started the whole adventure...
Part I: http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=35773441&postcount=1579
Part II: http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=35773910&postcount=1582


BTW, C, I got his email yesterday and will take a look and forward it on to everyone I know. I have been so MIA lately, I'm sorry!!