First trip....Feb 2012....Polynesian....Yay!

[solana131]

Well, 4 days to go! The latest on the Poly pool refurb is that it is supposed to be starting the 4th (our checkin day) and go on for quite a while. I have heard they are only closing the slide, I have heard the whole pool will be closed, I have heard they have a boat for us to use to go to the GF for their pool. I have heard so many different things. I just don't care anymore. I am going and I am staying at the Poly and if there is no pool....oh well. I am going to have an amazing time and we will be fine without a pool

So I have almost everything packed. The weather looks fine for takeoff on Saturday. I don't think I could be more excited.

I asked my little man who he was most excited to see. Originally he said he only wanted to see Chip n Dale. Well now he says he wants to see Pooh and Mickey. I asked about C&D and he said: "Nah, I don't like them anymore. They are just chipmunks mom, we have enough of those around here." Really? Well, I could've booked a meal at Crystal Palace so he could see Pooh and company. But nope, didn't do it. Is Pooh around for meet and greats anywhere other than CP?

 

[Moodyzblu]

4 days !! Woot !

Too funny about C&D .. but he has a point .. you can see chipmunks anywhere .. but a life size Pooh Bear and Mouse .. well there's only one place for that !

Not sure about meeting Pooh anywhere else .. I can't recall seeing them anywhere other than one of the special parties.

 

[Lidian]

Well, 4 days to go! The latest on the Poly pool refurb is that it is supposed to be starting the 4th (our checkin day) and go on for quite a while. I have heard they are only closing the slide, I have heard the whole pool will be closed, I have heard they have a boat for us to use to go to the GF for their pool. I have heard so many different things. I just don't care anymore. I am going and I am staying at the Poly and if there is no pool....oh well. I am going to have an amazing time and we will be fine without a pool

So I have almost everything packed. The weather looks fine for takeoff on Saturday. I don't think I could be more excited.

I asked my little man who he was most excited to see. Originally he said he only wanted to see Chip n Dale. Well now he says he wants to see Pooh and Mickey. I asked about C&D and he said: "Nah, I don't like them anymore. They are just chipmunks mom, we have enough of those around here." Really? Well, I could've booked a meal at Crystal Palace so he could see Pooh and company. But nope, didn't do it. Is Pooh around for meet and greats anywhere other than CP?

So jealous!!!!!!!

Pooh & Tigger can be found frequently at Epcot in the UK area (they used to be in the toy store, but I think they got evicted) and are in the street somewhere.

Pooh & friends can also be found at AK. They have their own greeting trail. I want to say it's on the way to DinoLand from the Oasis ... I just recall it's kinda hidden. There's a small sign that marks the path (it's literally a path you walk down and can't see the characters from the main area).

They can also be found in DHS's Art of Animation area.

My recommendation, when you enter the park, ask when/where Pooh & friends will be meeting that day. A CM can tell you where and when, so you can be ready!

And my DS sends you.... s!

Here's a pic of DS from 2009 at AK:

Again, 2009 from EP:

DS made Pooh cry (DS was terrified of the characters, it was our first park day).

 

[solana131]

Maybe I will book CP for one of our floater days towards the end of the week. Then if we do see him somewhere else, I can cancel it and he won't even know the difference. I just don't think either my husband or I will enjoy character meals this time around, so I didn't want to book too many. I already have Garden Grill and Chef Mickeys. Let me see what they have open.

 

[solana131]

Oooh thanks Liddy. That sounds promising. I guess I will just wait and see what happens

 

[Lidian]

Maybe I will book CP for one of our floater days towards the end of the week. Then if we do see him somewhere else, I can cancel it and he won't even know the difference. I just don't think either my husband or I will enjoy character meals this time around, so I didn't want to book too many. I already have Garden Grill and Chef Mickeys. Let me see what they have open.

Remember, you have to put a CC down to hold a CP ADR. So if you don't cancel in 24 hours, you'll be charged a fee. Personally, I think you'll be fine looking for him in the parks. The only place I don't know where to "meet and greet" is at MK, outside of CP. But I know he's at the other three parks in his own spot. I know the one in AK runs most of the day, Pooh takes frequent breaks (about 5-10 minutes), but he's there most of the day -- like at the Camp Minnie/Mickey trails. And you can ask a CM in any of the parks and they'll tell you what time Pooh is schedule to arrive and where to find him. I think EP is kind of sporatic, but AK should be most of the day. DHS is a toss up. I know they have an area for him -- or at least they did in May. But we arrived and there wasn't any characters in the studio. They must have been having a party.

But anxious to hear what you decide!

 

[solana131]

I think I will just leave it as is and hope we meet him somewhere. DS is going to be so overwhelmed anyway. He won't know which ones he has met and which ones he hasn't. Besides, we ARE going back soon, so he will have a chance to do that meal then. So...keeping it the way it is.

So excited. Can't wait. But stressing a little about packing. I just have no clue what I will need in the parks and I really don't want to carry around a huge bag. This is where being a Disney Veteran would be really handy.

 

[DMGeurts]

I am super excited for you that you only have 3 days left!!!

I am still so sorry about the Poly pool - but the Poly is such a beautiful resort, it's just enjoyable and relaxing. When we stayed at SoG in 2008, we spent a lot of time at the Poly - because we utilized the path in between the resorts... And I must say that we enjoyed the Poly so much - just the theming and the general feel if it - oh and the smells (Num). And because we didn't stay there, we obviously didn't use their pool, it's just an enjoyable place to be. So, I really like the attitude you are doing in to this with - I know I would be so deflated too, but I also know you will have a wonderful time.

I think your idea of booking a CP ADR is a good one - just remember what Liddy said and don't forget to cancel it with in 24 hours.

D~

 

[Lidian]

I think I will just leave it as is and hope we meet him somewhere. DS is going to be so overwhelmed anyway. He won't know which ones he has met and which ones he hasn't. Besides, we ARE going back soon, so he will have a chance to do that meal then. So...keeping it the way it is.

So excited. Can't wait. But stressing a little about packing. I just have no clue what I will need in the parks and I really don't want to carry around a huge bag. This is where being a Disney Veteran would be really handy.

If you really want to meet Pooh, just ask a CM in the morning at whatever park you're in. Seriously, I've done it before! It's a great way to track down the rare characters, too. They can call into a center and find out. Just remember, there's lots of chances to meet him. Just keep checking. I do recommend going to the Art of Animation studio anyway, as there are several M&Gs in it. Sorcerer Mickey, Incredibles, etc. They can all make an appearance there. The Pooh trail at MK is just for Pooh, but it does have a sign showing which characters are there, and I think it has the hours (like 10-5) or something like that.

Here's what I typically take with me:
Cash, CC cards, ID, Camera(s), spare battery(ies), anti-bac, moleskin.

All of this fits into pockets (mine or DH's). A water bottle would be good, too. Just remember, if you forget something, it isn't the end of the world and you can remember it next time. I know some people carry ponchos. So if it looks like rain, that might be good to have. Maybe a baggie with some snacks. I can't think of anything else that would be needed in the parks .... Most anything else you could take a break and go back for if needed (medicine, etc.).

If I miss it, HAVE A WONDERFUL, MAGICAL TRIP!!!!

 

[solana131]

Thanks ladies! I can't wait. I am doing laundry tonight and then I am laying out clothes for Thurs, Fri and our trip down Sat. I just want to pack already! So the Bishop family will be dressed in old stuff that doesn't really fit so all our good stuff can be packed

This is just larger than life to me. I have been before, but don't remember a whole lot. I know enough to make me really really excited, but there is still so much new that I can't wait to see. I just hope the parks aren't too crowded. The TP crowd calendar keeps going up and up. And with all the closures, I bet the other rides will be busier. Oh well, we are in for it no matter what!

Can't wait to share with you all when I get back Hopefully I can figure out how. I am new to this photobucket thing and it might be a little out of my reach. We'll see!

 

[solana131]

HOLY CRAP! Look at how close Goofy is! Whats gonna happen once Saturday gets here? Does he jump off into cyberspace?

 

[Chicago Mo]

3 days???
am i right?

SO glad you gave it the WHATEVER HAPPENS HAPPENS attitude!!! LOVE IT! your going to have the time of your life! remember to breath, relax, and let your son guide you!!!

can't wait to hear ALL about your trip!!!

 

[Lidian]

HOLY CRAP! Look at how close Goofy is! Whats gonna happen once Saturday gets here? Does he jump off into cyberspace?

Who cares what Goofy will do.....

Why?

BECAUSE YOU'LL BE PARTYING AT WDW!!!!

 

[KatMark]

You are so close.

 

[solana131]

Who cares what Goofy will do.....

Why?

BECAUSE YOU'LL BE PARTYING AT WDW!!!!

Yep, partying is right.....SUPERBOWL! Now I hear that the monday after they hold a parade for the winning team at MK? Great, that means MK will be even busier than predicted. And that was our MK day. But I am thinking it might be a good chance to ride some busier rides. Everyone else will be at the parade....right?

You are so close.

I know! So excited! Hope you had a great trip. Welcome back

 

[KatMark]

Suzi, just stopping by to wish you a safe trip and a most magical vacation. I'll be starting my TR on Sunday and I'll send you a PM with a link for when you get back.

ENJOY! ENJOY! ENJOY!

 

[DMGeurts]

HOLY CRAP! Look at how close Goofy is! Whats gonna happen once Saturday gets here? Does he jump off into cyberspace?

He did just walk off your ticker. Wonder if he'll eventually show up on the other side again?

I hope that you trip is as magical as it can be and you are enjoying your time at the Poly.

D~

 

[Lidian]

He did just walk off your ticker. Wonder if he'll eventually show up on the other side again?

I hope that you trip is as magical as it can be and you are enjoying your time at the Poly.

D~

D said it best. Have a safe and magical time!

 

[solana131]

The Poly is beautiful, everything I had dreamed of! We went to AK today. Actually I have to say I was a little disappointed in it. We left pretty early and had a good afternoon in the pool and a yummy dinner at Kona. We have watched Wishes from our deck and the beach here both nights so far. Heading to the MK tomorrow

By the way....the pool slide is open so far. There is scafolding up and the waterfall feature isn't on, but other than that, it is fine. We got my request for Tokelau and we are on the quiet side (TTC side). Love it!

I have been a bad DISer, I keep forgetting to take pictures of my food. Just not something I normally do. I will try to be better

Thank you everyone for all your advice. I feel like a pro here!

 

[DMGeurts]

I am so happy for you that everything is just like you dreamed it would be - as it should. Have a wonderful, wonderful time and enjoy every minute of it.

D~