Doin it in Style @ The Poly! September 2010 Here we Come!!!

[Stefy]

Hey guys, was wondering if you wanted to check out some cool pictures. I have entered into a Photo Competition on the UK Community Board and figured maybe some of you might want to join in in choosing your favourite pictures. Cue cheap plug for votes Only joking, please do not feel obligated to vote for me, but if you do thank you (and what great taste you have).

There are four different polls (mine is in No. 4 titled Misty Morning).

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2418205

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2418217

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2418228

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2418236

(Hope I don't get in trouble or disqualified for this).

 

[DisneyCrafter]

Evening All

Gosh work was brutal today, still not feeling 100% and its still busy! Oh well, at least its not dead and we have nothing to do, thats the worst, because then you have to find something to keep you occupied for 7hrs!

I updated my Disney Notebook this evening with bus info for the Poly. So far I have learned this

Monorail
GCH Station stops at (in order) GF - MK - CR - TTC
TTC stops at Epcot

Buses
AK - Duration Approx 20mins
DHS - Duration Approx 15-20mins
DTD - Mixed info but majority of people have said it can take up to 40mins

I have also learnt that we may sometimes have to share with the other Deluxe Resorts also, which may add extra time on to our journey.

I think next I might do "Must Do's" for each park like rides etc. Just something to keep me occupied to pass the time.

I was saying this morning to Dave that we are nearly in the 5 month mark and before we know it it will be 4 months, then 3

Ohhh...a Disney Notebook! That is such a good idea! I think I want to do another Dining Review/Trip Report this year and I think I am going to make a binder and create pages to make it easier/faster to take notes when we return for the evening.

I have learned that with the bus system-it is hit or miss. I think since we will be making 4 breakfast ADRs I am going to set aside some cash to take taxis. This way we won't have to get up earlier to allot an hour for travel and we won't be running to make it to an ADR if something goes wrong. Our last trip we barely made it to our 1900 PF ADR because the monorail was down (for the second time).

I am looking forward to seeing your must-dos! I have briefly made a list but nothing is set in stone. I need DH's input too. However, he is such a "go with the flow" kinda guy he'll do whatever keeps me happy. Such a nice guy!

 

[Stefy]

Ohhh...a Disney Notebook! That is such a good idea! I think I want to do another Dining Review/Trip Report this year and I think I am going to make a binder and create pages to make it easier/faster to take notes when we return for the evening.

I have learned that with the bus system-it is hit or miss. I think since we will be making 4 breakfast ADRs I am going to set aside some cash to take taxis. This way we won't have to get up earlier to allot an hour for travel and we won't be running to make it to an ADR if something goes wrong. Our last trip we barely made it to our 1900 PF ADR because the monorail was down (for the second time).

I am looking forward to seeing your must-dos! I have briefly made a list but nothing is set in stone. I need DH's input too. However, he is such a "go with the flow" kinda guy he'll do whatever keeps me happy. Such a nice guy!

I tried to do one last year, but I am a very finicky/picky/OCD person and everything just has to be perfect. I am already feeling like I want to restart the book over (as I missed a few things), but am fighting the urge

It is useful to do though and handy for you to look back over when making ADR's, planning your park days etc. I also add all my park days/ADR's to my Gmail calendar too so I have it synced on my phone. I might print out some blank Outlook Calendars as well so I can write down our ADR's and put them in the book.

I have purchased a smaller notebook to fit in my bag so I can take to the parks and note things down to help me remember when doing our TR.

The bus system is defo hit or miss. I found, from staying at CSR, that some were quite consistant and others (such as DTD) not so.

Taxi's to early ADR's are a good idea, but I would still recommend trying to use the buses, as taxis can be costly after a while, esp if you are going to be making a few off site trips during your vacation too.

Must Do's will be posted as soon as I have gone through them. I think I did do a short list at the beginning of this TR, but they didn't include rides I don't think. DH sounds like a sweety, you guys are gonna have a great trip this year

 

[Stefy]

Morning all, was thinking that I might do certain updates in a different colour to make it stand out more

I just had a thought about early ADR's and arriving on time when travelling from the MK area

Normally, what we used to try and do was leave a little earlier than needed (say for am ADR's) and if we had time to kill then we could just wander around and take pics. But thinking about it now, we have a bit further to go to some of the other parks, like say Tusker House at AK for instance, if I were to snag an 8am ADR we would most prob have to leave at around 6:45am to allow time to wait for the bus, travel and then walking through AK to Tusker. Also, just so you know, part of the reason I want an early ADR is so we can take empty park pics. What do you guys think? Am I over thinking this, or do you agree?

 

[Soopafly]

Morning all, was thinking that I might do certain updates in a different colour to make it stand out more

I just had a thought about early ADR's and arriving on time when travelling from the MK area

Normally, what we used to try and do was leave a little earlier than needed (say for am ADR's) and if we had time to kill then we could just wander around and take pics. But thinking about it now, we have a bit further to go to some of the other parks, like say Tusker House at AK for instance, if I were to snag an 8am ADR we would most prob have to leave at around 6:45am to allow time to wait for the bus, travel and then walking through AK to Tusker. Also, just so you know, part of the reason I want an early ADR is so we can take empty park pics. What do you guys think? Am I over thinking this, or do you agree?

6:45am!! Not loving it lady!

 

[OhioDisneyLover]

Hi there. Was just able to catch up on what I missed.

For your early ADR's, it's so wonderful to take pictures in the parks before they get too crowded. Maybe on those days you can take a cab instead of Disney transportation? That will give soopafly a chance to sleep in a bit later. My DH HATES when I do early ADR's and we have to leave the resort before 7 a.m. He says that it's not much of a vacation when I do that to him.

I am looking forward to your "must do" lists. It seems that mine look the same each trip. I keep telling myself that I must be adventurous and try new things.

My binder has a section that I named "day by day." I have a small notebook that I jot down notes in during the time that we spend in the queues. At the end of the night, I go to the page for the day in my binder and write brief reminders for my TR. I also put each page in a separate sheet protector and take all of our receipts from the day and put them inside the protector. When I get home it makes it easier for me to see what we spent out of pocket and to see what we would have spent if we didn't do free dining.

Looking forward to reading more.

 

[OhioDisneyLover]

Oh, and I forgot to tell you in my last post that I LOVE your picture of CBR!!!

 

[Soopafly]

Haha I am sure I will be awake at 6 every day anyways but im not much of a big breakfast as soon as I get up kind of guy. Usually takes me about 90mins - 2hrs after waking up that I feel like eating anything so will see. I'm usually the first one out the door at WDW as somebody has to go and get somebody else's breakfast

 

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

Morning all, was thinking that I might do certain updates in a different colour to make it stand out more

I just had a thought about early ADR's and arriving on time when travelling from the MK area

Normally, what we used to try and do was leave a little earlier than needed (say for am ADR's) and if we had time to kill then we could just wander around and take pics. But thinking about it now, we have a bit further to go to some of the other parks, like say Tusker House at AK for instance, if I were to snag an 8am ADR we would most prob have to leave at around 6:45am to allow time to wait for the bus, travel and then walking through AK to Tusker. Also, just so you know, part of the reason I want an early ADR is so we can take empty park pics. What do you guys think? Am I over thinking this, or do you agree?

That's exactly how we do it. I would say if you don't make it to the bus until 7 or even 7:15, you should still be okay. But if you do want to get those pics, the earlier the better.

6:45am!! Not loving it lady!

It's gotta be done!

Haha I am sure I will be awake at 6 every day anyways but im not much of a big breakfast as soon as I get up kind of guy. Usually takes me about 90mins - 2hrs after waking up that I feel like eating anything so will see. I'm usually the first one out the door at WDW as somebody has to go and get somebody else's breakfast

Too funny! I'm usually the one laying in bed with my eyes wide open, so excited about the day. Finally I get out of bed around 6, get all ready, get breakfast and HOPE that DH will be awake when I'm done with all of that....but usually he's not! He does get up without complaining though and once he rubs the sleep out of his eyes, he's excited! I try not to do more than ONE of those early breakfasts each trip but we still like to be in the parks around opening most days....

 

[Soopafly]

Too funny! I'm usually the one laying in bed with my eyes wide open, so excited about the day. Finally I get out of bed around 6, get all ready, get breakfast and HOPE that DH will be awake when I'm done with all of that....but usually he's not! He does get up without complaining though and once he rubs the sleep out of his eyes, he's excited! I try not to do more than ONE of those early breakfasts each trip but we still like to be in the parks around opening most days....

Well Stefy usually gets out of bed first and starts getting ready because it takes her forever!!!!! I wait an extra 5-10 minutes and then hop in the shower before going to get breakfast. By the time I come back I think she is just about ready I can get away with saying this as she is at work and not within arms reach

 

[dismagiclover]

I think 6:45 might be a bit too early. I don't think the busses even start running until 7:00 and they don't let you in the parks much before 8:00 even if you have an 8:00 reservation. I'd shoot for something more like 7:15. I think that still gives you plenty of time. But I like to sleep

 

[Stefy]

6:45am!! Not loving it lady!

I know, but it only needs to be done once.

Hi there. Was just able to catch up on what I missed.

For your early ADR's, it's so wonderful to take pictures in the parks before they get too crowded. Maybe on those days you can take a cab instead of Disney transportation? That will give soopafly a chance to sleep in a bit later. My DH HATES when I do early ADR's and we have to leave the resort before 7 a.m. He says that it's not much of a vacation when I do that to him.

I am looking forward to your "must do" lists. It seems that mine look the same each trip. I keep telling myself that I must be adventurous and try new things.

My binder has a section that I named "day by day." I have a small notebook that I jot down notes in during the time that we spend in the queues. At the end of the night, I go to the page for the day in my binder and write brief reminders for my TR. I also put each page in a separate sheet protector and take all of our receipts from the day and put them inside the protector. When I get home it makes it easier for me to see what we spent out of pocket and to see what we would have spent if we didn't do free dining.

Looking forward to reading more.

Oh, and I forgot to tell you in my last post that I LOVE your picture of CBR!!!

You sound so organised and neat. I wish I could get there, but I end up starting over again because I made a mistake, or forgot to add something.



Well, I suppose it would be easier to take a cab, but we want to limit spending money on cabs if we can. This really early one we only need to do once as its AK, the rest are MK and Akershus and they are both on the Monorail.

I know what your DH is saying about the early morning wake ups, I feel the same sometimes and think why do we wake up so early, we are on vaca. But then we know that it needs to be done because this is Disney and if you want the best out of your vaca, you have to do it right

Well maybe you can be adventurous on your trip this year. What are the attractions that you have avoided or not bothered with in the past?

Thank you. CBR is a pretty resort and we will defo go back some day.

Haha I am sure I will be awake at 6 every day anyways but im not much of a big breakfast as soon as I get up kind of guy. Usually takes me about 90mins - 2hrs after waking up that I feel like eating anything so will see. I'm usually the first one out the door at WDW as somebody has to go and get somebody else's breakfast

not always, but you are the best for it

That's exactly how we do it. I would say if you don't make it to the bus until 7 or even 7:15, you should still be okay. But if you do want to get those pics, the earlier the better.

It's gotta be done!

Too funny! I'm usually the one laying in bed with my eyes wide open, so excited about the day. Finally I get out of bed around 6, get all ready, get breakfast and HOPE that DH will be awake when I'm done with all of that....but usually he's not! He does get up without complaining though and once he rubs the sleep out of his eyes, he's excited! I try not to do more than ONE of those early breakfasts each trip but we still like to be in the parks around opening most days....

Great minds think alike We know how it needs to be done and we get it done

Lol, I am kinda like you in the laying awake department. But I don't usually wait for Dave to wake up, I usually wake him up

Well Stefy usually gets out of bed first and starts getting ready because it takes her forever!!!!! I wait an extra 5-10 minutes and then hop in the shower before going to get breakfast. By the time I come back I think she is just about ready I can get away with saying this as she is at work and not within arms reach

You are only safe at work Mr, wait til you get home

I think 6:45 might be a bit too early. I don't think the busses even start running until 7:00 and they don't let you in the parks much before 8:00 even if you have an 8:00 reservation. I'd shoot for something more like 7:15. I think that still gives you plenty of time. But I like to sleep

Ooh thats a point, buses don't run til 7am, thanx for that Well will just have to make sure we are at the bus stop for 7am then

 

[UncleOrville]

I think we can make the first 10 days of ADRs on 2nd April and I am sure we will get all the ones we want. The only two that might cause some trouble are Le Cellier and California Grill because we are going to try for that on our first proper park day. Hopefully it all goes well though

Excellent! Coming up soon now! I got Le Cellier for our first park day with no problem and California Grill (but for later in the week) - hopefully you'll luck out too. I actually had no trouble at all getting everything I wanted at the exact times I wanted... I think going back to 180 days for ADRs is a huge help for advance planners like us!

Yay your back Well maybe not yay as you had to leave, but still

How was it? You going to include a recap in your existing TR or start a whole new one? You must tell me when you do

Thanx for the lovely comments

Our ADR window opens on April 2nd, which is 2 weeks and 3 days away. Actually can't believe it has crept up so fast. Can't wait to make them though.

Lol, 6am to make your ADR's and in the dark. That must have been fun

Making my ADRs was so absurd, but as I said, got everything I wanted and canceled a few of the weird ones (like, why did I book Coral Reef and Mama Melrose for dinner on the same day when I don't even want to go to Coral Reef at all?!), so it all worked out!

Although I told myself I wouldn't do it, I think I'll do a separate TR for this latest trip - it was amazing, and I love having a place to put all of my pictures and notes! We loved, loved, loved the trip and the Beach Club, and have even switched our September reservation to stay at the Beach Club rather than the GF. I got a bounceback offer emailed to me the day before our trip ended for 40% off deluxe resorts, so we got rid of the free dining bounceback we'd booked under in September and switched to that new one.

Regarding transportation for your trip, remember that you can take buses to the AK, MGM, and I think DTD from the TTC, which will be just a short walk from the Poly. Buses from there don't stop at other resorts, and we found last September that they came very frequently. A HUGE perk to staying at the Poly, since buses can otherwise be so unreliable!

 

[Stefy]

Excellent! Coming up soon now! I got Le Cellier for our first park day with no problem and California Grill (but for later in the week) - hopefully you'll luck out too. I actually had no trouble at all getting everything I wanted at the exact times I wanted... I think going back to 180 days for ADRs is a huge help for advance planners like us!

Making my ADRs was so absurd, but as I said, got everything I wanted and canceled a few of the weird ones (like, why did I book Coral Reef and Mama Melrose for dinner on the same day when I don't even want to go to Coral Reef at all?!), so it all worked out!

Congrats on getting everything you wanted and great choice of restaurant for your first park day

Although I told myself I wouldn't do it, I think I'll do a separate TR for this latest trip - it was amazing, and I love having a place to put all of my pictures and notes! We loved, loved, loved the trip and the Beach Club, and have even switched our September reservation to stay at the Beach Club rather than the GF. I got a bounceback offer emailed to me the day before our trip ended for 40% off deluxe resorts, so we got rid of the free dining bounceback we'd booked under in September and switched to that new one.

I look forward to reading about this trip, let me know when you start

Regarding transportation for your trip, remember that you can take buses to the AK, MGM, and I think DTD from the TTC, which will be just a short walk from the Poly. Buses from there don't stop at other resorts, and we found last September that they came very frequently. A HUGE perk to staying at the Poly, since buses can otherwise be so unreliable!

Yes Dave kept saying we can go from TTC and these defo don't go to other resorts? Is that because people from other resorts may go there too to catch a bus?

 

[Stefy]

So I have been promising the Poly Photo Sessions pics and here they are

We took loads, but I have put down the ones I think are best. If you want to add some more Dave go ahead

 

[MainStMandy]

Awesome pictures...you guys are adorable!!!

Oh and P.S. I voted for your picture

 

[Stefy]

Aww thank you

I checked the results and my pic is coming in second, which is really cool

 

[dismagiclover]

Such great photo shoot pictures. You two look so in love

 

[Stefy]

Thank you He's not so bad

 

[UncleOrville]

Yes Dave kept saying we can go from TTC and these defo don't go to other resorts? Is that because people from other resorts may go there too to catch a bus?

Right, TTC buses definitely don't stop at resorts - since the MK doesn't have any transportation from their bus area to other parks, the TTC essentially serves as the link to allow for park hopping. When you walk from the path from the Poly that points you to the TTC, the buses are even closer than the monorail to the Poly, so it's a pretty good deal!

And love those photo shoot pictures - you guys look great!