City, Sand, and Savanna - Link to new trip report

[elphie101]

I don't blame you for not exploring that section of the DIS! There are actually a few grooms over there who are journaling about their wedding planning in lieu of their brides, which always throws people into a tizzy when they realize a MALE has entered that section of the boards!

Kevin is doing very well at his self-imposed role in wedding planning: Saying "whatever you want dear" at any given moment (Self-imposed I swear!)

Anyway, back to your report........I'm convinced there is never a bad spot to watch Wishes. I've yet to see if from the Poly vantage point but it looks spectacularly beautiful.

That bus ride! Nothing like that kind of behavior to wake you up from a food coma. It does seem like you get one or the other on nighttime Disney buses - quiet, sleepy, resting guests or a crazy mob!

 

[Flossbolna]

How wonderful that it worked out for you to see the fireworks. They do look impressive even from a distance!

It's a shame that not more people took the time to enjoy the fireworks...

Your bus ride does sound memorable!

So, after you stuffed yourself three days in a row: Did you finally not lose weight on a trip to WDW????

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

Oh my, that is still one of my Must Dos, to see Wishes from the Poly beach. What great timing on your part, which I have no doubt was planned right down the second. And I know that because of the wonderful photos.

Also, well done on padding this update by including a link to an already written and posted chapter. Of course, I jest.

WHAT!!??? Judy didn't correct the camera settings either??? I can forgive you not doing it, but Judy? C'mon!!

Wow, that is quite the bus ride "home". I have to admit, I'd quite enjoy that.

 

[MEK]

So I did a crappy job reading and comprehending because I'm getting tired. Just wanted to say that I think watching fireworks front he Poly beach is a total winner any night of the week. Nice!

 

[scottny]

Great update and pics.

 

[Sam33]

I have to say, if I ever randomly ran into you at WDW, I would be pretty star struck too!

 

[englishrose47]

Well, we all know that Marv cheats. It's practically a cliché now.


He will of course deny it!!!!!!!

In this sort of race, there's no medal for 2nd place.

How well I know I have tried many times

 

[glennbo123]

1 judy

That is correct! And that moves you up the Leader Board!

Updated scores:
Marvin - 21 Judy-sighting wins, 9 Eagle Eye points
Pat - 9 Judy-sighting wins, 3 Eagle Eye points
Mark - 6 Judy-sighting wins, 2 Eagle Eye points
Dan - 5 Judy-sighting wins, 4 Eagle Eye points
Rosie - 5 Judy-sighting wins, 4 Eagle Eye points
Dee - 4 Judy-sighting wins, 1 Eagle Eye point
Katharina - 4 Judy-sighting wins
Magdalene - 4 Judy-sighting wins, 1 Eagle Eye point
Kelly - 3 Judy-sighting wins
Mary Ellen - 2 Judy-sighting wins
Jenn (elphie101) - 1 Judy-sighting win, First Subscriber Honors!
Tanya - 1 Judy-sighting win
Molly - 1 Judy-sighting win
Kathy - 1 Judy-sighting win
MissLiz - 1 Judy-sighting win
Andy - 1 Judy-sighting win
Hucifer - 1 Judy-sighting win
sesame_123 - 1 Eagle Eye point

 

[glennbo123]

Sounds like a FUN Bus ride !!! Your fireworks pix were,good!! Can't believe I checked in at the right moment his time !!!!

Something tells me that you would've been right at home on that bus ride Rosie!

Your timing was impeccable this time around.

You mean like you usually call Marv!!!

Or it would seem, anyway.

Dude. I can't believe you called Rosie upon posting. I guess I see where I rate.

If we were on Survivor together and I won a Reward Challenge and could take 2 or 3 other people along with me, I would totally consider whether it would benefit me to take you. So there, you have that going for you.

I LOVE Wishes from the Poly beach. Still one of the better-kept secrets at Disney, apparently.

I like this shot a lot:

Truth be told, I might actually prefer the show from there. Just because you don't have any crowds to deal with. Don't tell anyone.

I know exactly what you mean. I remember back to that chapter in my earlier trip report that I linked to, when we took the monorail over to the MK and I tried to find a spot to watch it..everyone was eyeing me like "Don't you dare try to squeeze in here!" And I'm not saying that I blame them, when they staked out the spot, but it's still such a pain.

Trying to find a flaw in this plan, and...nope, not seeing it.

I love the bus drivers with personality.

Yes. And they know all the scoop on the Disney rumors too.

JUDY?!?!

I plead the fifth.

Pretty much, yeah.

Maybe not giraffes and zebras, depending upon where you're staying, but crashing definitely.

Hey Nark, dod you say that when Marv posts within in seconds of Glenn's updatesAt least I was a respectable 5 minutes later !!

He's a narc?

 

[glennbo123]

Well well Well I need a bridesmaid award since Mark didn't guess.

Just 1 Judy..... just so I have it in.

Claim your rifghtful spot!

Now you know why I like to sit on Poly beach and watch the fireworks? Too bad you missed the Electical Water Parade that really is my favorite, mostly for nostalga and the fact is not really publicized and a "Plus" you need to know about.

Yes, such a relaxing place to watch them. Aaaahhh. Hopefully nobody goes out and publicizes it too much in trip reports and such.

Right now the Poly is a sorry sight and I hope the new DVC bungalows don't obstruct the view too much.

I'm not sure where the bungalows will be exactly. Will they be over near the Spirit of Aloha area?

Well, we all know that Marv cheats. It's practically a cliché now.

Yes, practically.

In this sort of race, there's no medal for 2nd place.

Right, that's why everyone wants to be in 1st, because in 1st...yeah, I'm not sure that it's all that different from 2nd.

I don't blame you for not exploring that section of the DIS! There are actually a few grooms over there who are journaling about their wedding planning in lieu of their brides, which always throws people into a tizzy when they realize a MALE has entered that section of the boards!

I'd like to see that! (The tizzy) You'd think they'd come up with a way to segregate the males from that section. No, the topic alone, should be enough!

Kevin is doing very well at his self-imposed role in wedding planning: Saying "whatever you want dear" at any given moment (Self-imposed I swear!)

I remember that role well!

Anyway, back to your report........I'm convinced there is never a bad spot to watch Wishes. I've yet to see if from the Poly vantage point but it looks spectacularly beautiful.

It was very nice, and kind of interesting with the lake in between.

That bus ride! Nothing like that kind of behavior to wake you up from a food coma. It does seem like you get one or the other on nighttime Disney buses - quiet, sleepy, resting guests or a crazy mob!

This was easily the craziest that I've been on. Lots of people looking at each other with a sense of "can you believe this?!"

 

[glennbo123]

How wonderful that it worked out for you to see the fireworks. They do look impressive even from a distance!

I had thought about it before-hand, but to be honest, forgot during the Luau until we heard them as we left.

It's a shame that not more people took the time to enjoy the fireworks...

I thought that more people would pause there, while leaving the Luau. But hey, more personal space for me!

Your bus ride does sound memorable!

So, after you stuffed yourself three days in a row: Did you finally not lose weight on a trip to WDW????

It's funny that you ask that Magdalene because I was looking ahead at my trip notes and I did make note of my weight at the end of the trip -- I kept the same weight as the start. I was trying to decide whether to include it in the last chapter or not, and decided not to because I can't make the same claim now!

Oh my, that is still one of my Must Dos, to see Wishes from the Poly beach. What great timing on your part, which I have no doubt was planned right down the second. And I know that because of the wonderful photos.

Well, kind of planned months-ahead, but forgotten in the moment, until the we heard them.

Also, well done on padding this update by including a link to an already written and posted chapter. Of course, I jest.

Always selling, whether old chapters or new!

WHAT!!??? Judy didn't correct the camera settings either??? I can forgive you not doing it, but Judy? C'mon!!

My feelings exactly. Yo, a little help here? Just because it's like your second time using this fancy camera is no excuse.

Wow, that is quite the bus ride "home". I have to admit, I'd quite enjoy that.

Like Rosie, you would've been right at home on that bus, I have no doubt!

So I did a crappy job reading and comprehending because I'm getting tired. Just wanted to say that I think watching fireworks front he Poly beach is a total winner any night of the week. Nice!

No problem MEK. Here's a summary: Caught the fireworks from the Poly beach. Score! Unbelievably full from dinner. Forgot to change my camera settings after the fireworks resulted in blurry pictures. Had a crazy bus ride back to Kidani with a Tom-Jones singing driver. Crashed as soon as my head hit the pillow. The end, for now.

Great update and pics.

Thank you Scott.

I have to say, if I ever randomly ran into you at WDW, I would be pretty star struck too!

Aw, thanks Sam. I see you've started your new report. I'll sign on soon!

How well I know I have tried many times

Your perseverance paid off this time!

 

[afwdwfan]

I'll just let the pictures tell the story.

They tell it almost as well as Jiminy Cricket.

I was a little surprised at how few people stopped on the beach to watch them. It was just us and a couple of other families. Most everyone else went on their way after the Luau ended.

Sounds wonderful!

They knew better than to get in your way!

Walking to the boat launch I realized that I was so full that I couldn't even take a full deep-breath! I had eaten too much, but it was so good.

That's the key... if you're spending that much and can eat until you're full, you'd best eat your money's worth. Well done!

Not this ride. For this ride, everybody was still on a Disney high and apparently in a partying mood. Some people from Wales were seated in the front, near the driver, and that led our driver to declare what a huge Tom Jones fan he was. It wasn't too long before he was belting out "What's New Pussycat" to entertain the whole bus. Or at least that's what I think he was trying to do. And as I think back on it, good or bad, it certainly was entertaining.

Well, it certainly would be an interesting way to end the evening!

With the crazy mood that this particular busload of travelers was in, while the driver was off the bus, one of the passengers jumped into the driver's seat and started honking the horn. Yes, an adult passenger. No, I am not making this up! And, no, it wasn't me. Or Poppy. Or Gram. The driver had to run back onto the bus and get them out of his seat, exclaiming "You're going to get me in trouble!"

Well, at least they didn't plop down and turn a few hot laps around the parking lot!

And coming from MK, I wouldn't think that would be an alcohol fueled action...

 

[KatMark]

What perfect timing on your part to catch the fireworks! Great photos, Glenn.

 

[Millie12591]

Your trip to HHI will be amazing. It will be low key, romantic and very much what you and Judy will need after a long winter.

As for the Aulani and DL trip, don't worry, before you know it you'll be planning that one. You and Judy have some years to catch up on in your marriage now that you are starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel called kids.

It's a whole new ball game without the kids, just ask MEK. A trip to DL and then to Aulani will be just the ticket to start things off right.

Firework pictures were great.

I'm not a big fan for Illuminations, but the fireworks are always a hit.

As for the bus ride, sounds like you are ending your trip with some fun times. That group sounds like a hilarious group, probably would get on my nerves after a bit, especially considering how late it was and what a long day y'all had.
When you have to crash, you have to crash. Just ask my son.
It didn't matte where we were if it was time to sleep, it was time to sleep.

We were at a Monster Truck Rally Show one time (yes-read that-ONE TIME) because our son saw it on tv and said he wanted to go, I think he was 5 at the time. So John being a car guy jumped on it and said he would take him, he was an Officer in the Air Force at the time and you can get discounted tickets for just about anything on base, with that in mind he came home with tickets for....ALL OF US. So of course we all had to go. When it came 9 o'clock my son turned himself around on John's lap put his head on John's chest and went to sleep. It was the darndest thing I had ever seen!

He also fell asleep at his Aunt's law school graduation reception, pulled up a couple of chairs to the table with big table clothes, crawled under the table and got up in those chairs and went to sleep in a room full of very loud family members, one of those families happens to be an Italian family, so you can imagine the noise level.
We thought we had lost him that night until one of the many Aunt's found him sleeping.

The last day, going home. Worst day of the trip.

 

[GoofyFan1515]

Sorry about your plans getting scrapped for a DL and Aulani trip! But having to "settle for" a trip to HHI instead isn't too bad of a consolation prize! I'm a little familiar with the Charleston/Savannah area so maybe I can make some suggestions for you. I'll try to give it some thought and share some ideas with you soon.

Looks like it might be a little too late to join in on this Judy contest you are doing. I think I have the rules all figured out, so maybe you will do it again in the future and I will have a chance to participate.

 

[glennbo123]

They tell it almost as well as Jiminy Cricket.

Nothing more irritating than a cricket with restless leg syndrome.

Sounds wonderful!

They knew better than to get in your way!

My reputation preceded me.

That's the key... if you're spending that much and can eat until you're full, you'd best eat your money's worth. Well done!

The Man Club would've been proud.

Well, it certainly would be an interesting way to end the evening!

One of the craziest bus rides I've ever been on, for sure!

Well, at least they didn't plop down and turn a few hot laps around the parking lot!

I think he was really relieved that they didn't put the thing in gear and start pulling away!

And coming from MK, I wouldn't think that would be an alcohol fueled action...

I agree! I have no idea why everyone was in such a strange mood that night, but his serenading fueled it too.

What perfect timing on your part to catch the fireworks! Great photos, Glenn.

Thanks Kathy. It was just luck that everything worked out well, really.

 

[glennbo123]

Your trip to HHI will be amazing. It will be low key, romantic and very much what you and Judy will need after a long winter.

Thanks Camille. You're so right -- after this crazy winter we've had, I am really looking forward to getting away. Actually, we had another scare yesterday/today that we'd have another school cancellation. With all of the rain that came through yesterday, there was a lot of flooding and a couple of nearby school districts did cancel today. Fortunately, my kids' school, and where Judy works stayed open.

As for the Aulani and DL trip, don't worry, before you know it you'll be planning that one. You and Judy have some years to catch up on in your marriage now that you are starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel called kids.

In many ways, we are looking forward to that! Is that wrong to say?

It's a whole new ball game without the kids, just ask MEK. A trip to DL and then to Aulani will be just the ticket to start things off right.

I totally agree!

Firework pictures were great.

I'm not a big fan for Illuminations, but the fireworks are always a hit.

Thank you. You know, I didn't think I was that big of a fan of IllumiNations either, but when we saw them on this trip (several chapters back) I really enjoyed them. Maybe because we hadn't seen them in a while.

As for the bus ride, sounds like you are ending your trip with some fun times. That group sounds like a hilarious group, probably would get on my nerves after a bit, especially considering how late it was and what a long day y'all had.

Yeah, you're sensing it right -- it was fun for a short trip, but I wouldn't want to be on a cross-country flight with that crew. Especially if someone thought that they could sit in the pilot's seat!

When you have to crash, you have to crash. Just ask my son.
It didn't matte where we were if it was time to sleep, it was time to sleep.

We were at a Monster Truck Rally Show one time (yes-read that-ONE TIME) because our son saw it on tv and said he wanted to go, I think he was 5 at the time. So John being a car guy jumped on it and said he would take him, he was an Officer in the Air Force at the time and you can get discounted tickets for just about anything on base, with that in mind he came home with tickets for....ALL OF US. So of course we all had to go. When it came 9 o'clock my son turned himself around on John's lap put his head on John's chest and went to sleep. It was the darndest thing I had ever seen!

He also fell asleep at his Aunt's law school graduation reception, pulled up a couple of chairs to the table with big table clothes, crawled under the table and got up in those chairs and went to sleep in a room full of very loud family members, one of those families happens to be an Italian family, so you can imagine the noise level.
We thought we had lost him that night until one of the many Aunt's found him sleeping.

That's too funny. I don't remember any stories like that with our kids, where they fell asleep in loud places, but I know a lot of people have stories similar to yours.

The last day, going home. Worst day of the trip.

I know. You hate to see the magic come to an end.

Sorry about your plans getting scrapped for a DL and Aulani trip! But having to "settle for" a trip to HHI instead isn't too bad of a consolation prize! I'm a little familiar with the Charleston/Savannah area so maybe I can make some suggestions for you. I'll try to give it some thought and share some ideas with you soon.

Thanks for the offer GoofyFan. Just whatever comes to mind, since we'll probably only take 1 or 2 day trips at the most. I want to enjoy what the resort has to offer.

Looks like it might be a little too late to join in on this Judy contest you are doing.

It looks like it will be pretty tough to catch Marvali at this point, GoofyFan.

I think I have the rules all figured out, so maybe you will do it again in the future and I will have a chance to participate.

You sound like the perfect competition for Marvali.

 

[GoofyFan1515]

It looks like it will be pretty tough to catch Marvali at this point, GoofyFan.

Well, unless you still have another 25 or 30 updates planned, it is probably an exercise in futility at this point.........

You sound like the perfect competition for Marvali.

I don't know about that, but I will try to be around to give it a shot........

 

[Poolrat]

Checking in here.


Those bungalows will be by sunset pointe. In front of the Castle and left. Not sure how much of the pointe will be gone or how the view of the castle from beach may change. It is rather ugly as of Jan.
I think tikiman has some recent pictures.

 

[Steppesister]

Finally getting a chance to check in here. Too bad it takes a day off work to get the time. Since I don't see you on FB, I DID get into the Nursing Program this Fall, so that'll put off a trip for at least another couple years, but hey! I get to take a virtual trip every so often through all my wonderful DisFriends- blurry pix or not!

And the stories keep my coming back (wish it was more often!) for more. I mean who could make up tales of adults honking bus horns?! :trots off to jot this idea down in "Next Trip Shenanigans Plans":