Hillbillies head South! March 2-11, 2012 COMPLETED 6/26
- Thread starter sandym718
- Start date
oopsiDAISY
DIS Veteran
- Joined
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Hey Sandy! Hope you had a great trip! We got home last Wednesday night and it's back to work today...BOOO! Are you planning to do a TR? I will try to start mine this week.
Hello, all!!! Sorry it's been so long!!! We had a WONDERFUL trip! However, upon our return, I had a major case of post-Disney blues. The WORST ever, mainly because we weren't planning to again, certainly not anytime soon. Woody starting middle school next year, wanting to do some other things (a cruise for one), etc. etc. I was sooooooo sad when we left Disney and the Polynesian. And then Eeyore's and Grumpy's families started talking about a return trip in Spring 2014. (Grumpy and family are going with Cruella's family this December as well). This made me even more sad. I just couldn't even bear to come to the DIS at all, let alone start a trip report. I just couldn't.
But then...I knew the kids were feeling the same. This past Thursday, they had an odd day off of school for a Staff Wellness Day (just Thurs, they went back Friday- weird!!). We spent the day together, getting lunch and going to a local rec center pool. We just kept talking about Disney, how much we love it, how we want to go back. Woody especially wanted to go back with his friends and cousin again, and since the group is talking about Feb. 28, 2014, Tink was saying how it's not fair that THEY'D get to go for her birthday...and not her
So I made a decision...the kids and I were going back. Lotso was the one most opposed (or so I was thinking), but really, he didn't need to go!! We could fly. Maybe we wouldn't go with the group, that might be strange, but we were going!! Sometime in the next couple years. So, I told the kids that. And I told them that if they wanted to go with the group and/or wanted Dad to come...we needed to take our time to talk him into it.
That was Thursday. Friday night, we're all at home after Tink's softball practice. Somehow we got on the subject. I just came right out and told Lotso "So, the kids and I have decided...we're going back, with or without you". He said "With the group, in 2 years?" I said maybe. And.....
Right away, he said he was IN FOR THAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! OMG, I couldn't believe it!!! I knew he was sad, especially, to leave the Poly. He loves that resort as much as I do. But Disney, in general...I didnt' know he was feeling sad to not be returning either!!!
So basically...we're saying "STICK IT" to all the reasons NOT to return. Who cares if we've been 4 times already? Who cares if Woody will be in Middle School (yes, a challenge, but we'll deal with it, and he'll have over a year to adjust before we go)? Who cares if we want to do other things (we'll find a way to do both)? We came to the realization that if ALL of us REALLY want this...it's would be SILLY NOT TO!!
So, I've been walking on air since Friday night!! Really!! I now it's silly, the trip is almost 2 full years away. We'll have 2 or more vacations before that most likely. But at least I know it's coming!!! I can participate in the DIS again. I can resume Disney thinking again. We already have some ideas of what we want (Poly, for sure, all 4 of us confirmed that) and what we don't (less ADR's, and later).
We have a tentative date of Feb. 28, 2014 to drive down. Putting our arrival at Disney on March 1st - Tink's 10th birthday!!!!!!!!!!! She's over the moon about that, so I hope it doesn't change. No school calendars, etc yet, but it should be fine.
We actually have a 2011 trip "debriefing" meeting this coming Friday (we've all been BUSY since coming back). It is also a possible 2013 cruise planning meeting and a "let's start discussing Disney in 2014" meeting, LOL!!
So, this trip report will commence SHORTLY, I promise!!! I'm going to do a Dining report as well. Hopefully I can get started on all this tomorrow. Time to get the kids to bed now.
But then...I knew the kids were feeling the same. This past Thursday, they had an odd day off of school for a Staff Wellness Day (just Thurs, they went back Friday- weird!!). We spent the day together, getting lunch and going to a local rec center pool. We just kept talking about Disney, how much we love it, how we want to go back. Woody especially wanted to go back with his friends and cousin again, and since the group is talking about Feb. 28, 2014, Tink was saying how it's not fair that THEY'D get to go for her birthday...and not her
So I made a decision...the kids and I were going back. Lotso was the one most opposed (or so I was thinking), but really, he didn't need to go!! We could fly. Maybe we wouldn't go with the group, that might be strange, but we were going!! Sometime in the next couple years. So, I told the kids that. And I told them that if they wanted to go with the group and/or wanted Dad to come...we needed to take our time to talk him into it.
That was Thursday. Friday night, we're all at home after Tink's softball practice. Somehow we got on the subject. I just came right out and told Lotso "So, the kids and I have decided...we're going back, with or without you". He said "With the group, in 2 years?" I said maybe. And.....
Right away, he said he was IN FOR THAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! OMG, I couldn't believe it!!! I knew he was sad, especially, to leave the Poly. He loves that resort as much as I do. But Disney, in general...I didnt' know he was feeling sad to not be returning either!!!
So basically...we're saying "STICK IT" to all the reasons NOT to return. Who cares if we've been 4 times already? Who cares if Woody will be in Middle School (yes, a challenge, but we'll deal with it, and he'll have over a year to adjust before we go)? Who cares if we want to do other things (we'll find a way to do both)? We came to the realization that if ALL of us REALLY want this...it's would be SILLY NOT TO!!
So, I've been walking on air since Friday night!! Really!! I now it's silly, the trip is almost 2 full years away. We'll have 2 or more vacations before that most likely. But at least I know it's coming!!! I can participate in the DIS again. I can resume Disney thinking again. We already have some ideas of what we want (Poly, for sure, all 4 of us confirmed that) and what we don't (less ADR's, and later).
We have a tentative date of Feb. 28, 2014 to drive down. Putting our arrival at Disney on March 1st - Tink's 10th birthday!!!!!!!!!!! She's over the moon about that, so I hope it doesn't change. No school calendars, etc yet, but it should be fine.
We actually have a 2011 trip "debriefing" meeting this coming Friday (we've all been BUSY since coming back). It is also a possible 2013 cruise planning meeting and a "let's start discussing Disney in 2014" meeting, LOL!!
So, this trip report will commence SHORTLY, I promise!!! I'm going to do a Dining report as well. Hopefully I can get started on all this tomorrow. Time to get the kids to bed now.
DMGeurts
Never open texts with the "Hand Sewn Button" attac
- Joined
- Feb 25, 2008
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- 9,666
Oh YAY!!! I am so happy for you that you are scheduling another trip!
I wish I could definately say I am going to, as well - but I have a couple of other things I need to save for first.
My girls and I are in the same boat though - we had so much fun on this "girls only" trip - that we definately want to go back and do it all over again. We are trying for October 2013, and then we have another trip (that's for sure) we are planning with my BFF and her dd, to celebrate all of our girls' Sweet 16 - and that trip will be in October 2014. I am 99% sure, if the girls and I go back in 2013, we will stay at POFQ again (we loved it). My BFF wants to share a room for our trip in 2014 to save on costs - but WOW - the girls and I barely managed with the 3 of us in a room, there is just NO WAY we could fit 5! I am hoping to get BFF to understand that.
OK - so I can't wait to hear all about your trip.... I really hope you'll start a TR (now that you're in the Disney mood again) before your start your next PTR...
D~
I wish I could definately say I am going to, as well - but I have a couple of other things I need to save for first.
My girls and I are in the same boat though - we had so much fun on this "girls only" trip - that we definately want to go back and do it all over again. We are trying for October 2013, and then we have another trip (that's for sure) we are planning with my BFF and her dd, to celebrate all of our girls' Sweet 16 - and that trip will be in October 2014. I am 99% sure, if the girls and I go back in 2013, we will stay at POFQ again (we loved it). My BFF wants to share a room for our trip in 2014 to save on costs - but WOW - the girls and I barely managed with the 3 of us in a room, there is just NO WAY we could fit 5! I am hoping to get BFF to understand that.
OK - so I can't wait to hear all about your trip.... I really hope you'll start a TR (now that you're in the Disney mood again) before your start your next PTR...
D~
Lidian
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Mar 9, 2010
- Messages
- 3,450
Huzzah for tentative future trips! 
You'll find a way to make it work, and make it awesome!!!
On a side note for D:
If you're looking to fit 5, maybe look at a villa or something.
You could look into renting points. OR ... maybe do one of the family suites at AoA. And perhaps you'd have more room if you went with a deluxe that could sleep 5. (But then again, it may be cheaper to get two rooms at a Mod for the prices of some of these Deluxes 
.)
I am now having to plan for 11, maybe 15 ... and I'm going to start looking at villas for some of us, and trying to decide the best way to get everyone a place to sleep.
You'll find a way to make it work, and make it awesome!!!On a side note for D:
If you're looking to fit 5, maybe look at a villa or something.
You could look into renting points. OR ... maybe do one of the family suites at AoA. And perhaps you'd have more room if you went with a deluxe that could sleep 5. (But then again, it may be cheaper to get two rooms at a Mod for the prices of some of these Deluxes .)I am now having to plan for 11, maybe 15 ... and I'm going to start looking at villas for some of us, and trying to decide the best way to get everyone a place to sleep.
DMGeurts
Never open texts with the "Hand Sewn Button" attac
- Joined
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- 9,666
Huzzah for tentative future trips!
On a side note for D:
If you're looking to fit 5, maybe look at a villa or something.
I am now having to plan for 11, maybe 15 ... and I'm going to start looking at villas for some of us, and trying to decide the best way to get everyone a place to sleep.
Yah, I thought of that... but as much at I
my BFF... If we are together for too long - we end up not speaking to eachother. 2 days is about my max... So, I can see our trip turning into a total catastrophe if we don't have seperate rooms. At some point sanity has to over rule $$ spent. 
If only I can get her to see it my way. 
D~
Lidian
DIS Veteran
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- Mar 9, 2010
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Yah, I thought of that... but as much at I
D~
So here's what you do. You tell her that you already agreed to room with me. Then when it gets too late to make changes, all of a sudden, I had to back out for some random reason. But now you can't make changes and she has to keep her room and you have your own. Problem solved. You're welcome.
Day One - Friday, March 2 -- Driving Day
OK, here we gooooooooo......
We were up bright and early, well, no, it was really dark!! Lotso was able to go to bed about 8, as he was doing the driving. I got the kids to be about 9 and I tried to sleep at about 10. Unfortunately, Tink was couging a LOT, so none of the 3 of us got much sleep at all. I was also really worried since her medication was finished that morning, yet she sounded worse.
But, 2:15 am came around really quick and we were up!! Everyone dressed, bathroom, teeth brushed. Ate a few Munchkin donuts to avoid car sickness - both kids and I are prone and an empty stomach is the worst.
3 am and Prince Charming and the Beast pulled into our drive. A few minutes later (3:06 am to be precise), we both pulled out of our drive and Grumpy and crew pulled out of theirs. Our caravan of 3 so far headed south about 15 minutes where we joined up with Eeyore's family.
And we were off.......
Tink luckily fell asleep quickly. Woody did not...and never did. I expected this. We now know he is like me, poor thing, and cannot sleep in a car. we will plan accordingly!!
Not too much interesting to speak of here. We were the lead car, the other 3 changed positions here and there. There was chatter on the CB's, but still fairly quiet at this point as many were sleeping.
We headed down 77 South, into W.Va. At some point there we had a rest area bathroom break. Then..
Stopped for breakfast and gas just south of Wytheville, VA. Cheapest gas around (though not cheap of course). Breakfast was Burger King, as that's what was there. I happily discovered they, too, have a Sausage Muffin (no egg for me) and it's not bad!
Onward....More CB chatter as everyone was awake. I started in on my audiobook - finally "reading" The Help!! OMG, soooo good. And audiobooks are my new things for trips - time goes so much faster and I can also block out any bickering in the back (there wasn't much). And there's MANY LESS "Mom's" asking for whatever, since I had headphones on!!
Kids watched movies, listened to music and their own books on iPods, played some games. DH drove...and drove...and drove!! The whole way, as usual. He chatted on the CB, listened to the radio.
We had a few bathroom stops. Plenty of snacks in the cars, so didn't stop for lunch until midafternoon. I think we were near the So Carolina/Georgia border. Wendy's for lunch!!
And on again. After lunch, we made the decision to make it to Orlando. So we cancelled our Yulee, FL reservation and made one for the Country Inn and Suites near Universal - I think it was $74/night.
Around 5:30 or so, we saw this:
That got everyone all excited!!
We had a non-stop in Jacksonville. I really had to pee (only time it was me!) and we got off the highway only to find it was NOT a nice area. After a long wait to get turned around, we got back on the highway until the next rest area. About 20 minutes or more!! I thought I would explode and everyone was teasing me on the CB!!
Beast and Prince Charming left us in Daytona to visit their friend and stay for the night, and we continued on to Orlando. The last 2 hours or so was rough on the guys - all drove the whole way and all were getting tired.
But we made it!!! I have no photos of the hotel, but it was adequate. Not one of the nicer Country Inn's I've stayed at, but fine for the night.
We arrived about 8:30 pm, making the total drive time 17.5 hours. Not bad with such a big group. We ordered pizza and wings as we were all hungry by that time. They took quite awhile, so we showered while waiting, ate quickly and all CRASHED to sleep at about 10:30.
So tired, but SO happy to be close to DISNEY!!!
Sorry, not an exciting update, but the next one will be better!!
OK, here we gooooooooo......
We were up bright and early, well, no, it was really dark!! Lotso was able to go to bed about 8, as he was doing the driving. I got the kids to be about 9 and I tried to sleep at about 10. Unfortunately, Tink was couging a LOT, so none of the 3 of us got much sleep at all. I was also really worried since her medication was finished that morning, yet she sounded worse.
But, 2:15 am came around really quick and we were up!! Everyone dressed, bathroom, teeth brushed. Ate a few Munchkin donuts to avoid car sickness - both kids and I are prone and an empty stomach is the worst.
3 am and Prince Charming and the Beast pulled into our drive. A few minutes later (3:06 am to be precise), we both pulled out of our drive and Grumpy and crew pulled out of theirs. Our caravan of 3 so far headed south about 15 minutes where we joined up with Eeyore's family.
And we were off.......
Tink luckily fell asleep quickly. Woody did not...and never did. I expected this. We now know he is like me, poor thing, and cannot sleep in a car. we will plan accordingly!!
Not too much interesting to speak of here. We were the lead car, the other 3 changed positions here and there. There was chatter on the CB's, but still fairly quiet at this point as many were sleeping.
We headed down 77 South, into W.Va. At some point there we had a rest area bathroom break. Then..
Stopped for breakfast and gas just south of Wytheville, VA. Cheapest gas around (though not cheap of course). Breakfast was Burger King, as that's what was there. I happily discovered they, too, have a Sausage Muffin (no egg for me) and it's not bad!
Onward....More CB chatter as everyone was awake. I started in on my audiobook - finally "reading" The Help!! OMG, soooo good. And audiobooks are my new things for trips - time goes so much faster and I can also block out any bickering in the back (there wasn't much). And there's MANY LESS "Mom's" asking for whatever, since I had headphones on!!
Kids watched movies, listened to music and their own books on iPods, played some games. DH drove...and drove...and drove!! The whole way, as usual. He chatted on the CB, listened to the radio.
We had a few bathroom stops. Plenty of snacks in the cars, so didn't stop for lunch until midafternoon. I think we were near the So Carolina/Georgia border. Wendy's for lunch!!
And on again. After lunch, we made the decision to make it to Orlando. So we cancelled our Yulee, FL reservation and made one for the Country Inn and Suites near Universal - I think it was $74/night.
Around 5:30 or so, we saw this:
That got everyone all excited!!
We had a non-stop in Jacksonville. I really had to pee (only time it was me!) and we got off the highway only to find it was NOT a nice area. After a long wait to get turned around, we got back on the highway until the next rest area. About 20 minutes or more!! I thought I would explode and everyone was teasing me on the CB!!
Beast and Prince Charming left us in Daytona to visit their friend and stay for the night, and we continued on to Orlando. The last 2 hours or so was rough on the guys - all drove the whole way and all were getting tired.
But we made it!!! I have no photos of the hotel, but it was adequate. Not one of the nicer Country Inn's I've stayed at, but fine for the night.
We arrived about 8:30 pm, making the total drive time 17.5 hours. Not bad with such a big group. We ordered pizza and wings as we were all hungry by that time. They took quite awhile, so we showered while waiting, ate quickly and all CRASHED to sleep at about 10:30.
So tired, but SO happy to be close to DISNEY!!!
Sorry, not an exciting update, but the next one will be better!!
oopsiDAISY
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Dec 2, 2010
- Messages
- 3,289
Yay~ you are going back AND you started a TR!!!! 
It was so nice being on this trip KNOWING we would be going back in a year and a half. I was on 
hearing my DH say things about "next time". I am so happy for you! 
Ready to hear some great stories from such a HUGE Disney party!
It was so nice being on this trip KNOWING we would be going back in a year and a half. I was on hearing my DH say things about "next time". I am so happy for you! Ready to hear some great stories from such a HUGE Disney party!
mblc14
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Nov 15, 2007
- Messages
- 285
That's a great start. I love reading about the travel days, especially the ones where people drive! I'm not sure we could ever do it though.
Glad it was an uneventual trip for all of you and I bet the boys had some fun on the CB's too!
Can't wait to read more!
Glad it was an uneventual trip for all of you and I bet the boys had some fun on the CB's too!
Can't wait to read more!
Thanks!! Yes, I wondered what our chances of car trouble would be with 4 vehicles!! But no problems. I was addicted to "The Help". Arrived home with an hour left to listen to (it was over 19 hours total). Of course, it took me a week to find the time, and it was killing me the whole time!!
Yay~ you are going back AND you started a TR!!!!
Ready to hear some great stories from such a HUGE Disney party!
I bet that was really nice to know that!!
17.5 hours
yes, it's long, but we've gotten used to it I guess. 4 times now!! This time was the easiest though, with other people to chat with, etc.
That's a great start. I love reading about the travel days, especially the ones where people drive! I'm not sure we could ever do it though.
Glad it was an uneventual trip for all of you and I bet the boys had some fun on the CB's too!
Can't wait to read more!
LOL, the travel days!! Here I thought that was the most boring, thanks!!
More coming right up!!
Day Two - Saturday, March 3 - We finally get to DISNEY!!!
Today was the big day!! We were finally going "home"!!
As I mentioned in the PTR, we all had different plans for today. Both Grumpy and Eeyore's families woke up fairly early, at their Continental breakfasts and headed over to the Poly to check in, with plans to go to the MK for the day.
We slept in a bit, just waking up naturally. Showered, etc and went down for continental breakfast. Definitely wasn't the best I ever had, but it was passable. I think I had a muffin.
Lots of folks eating there and also waiting for shuttles. Got to witness one woman arguing with the front desk staff because they had just missed the Universal shuttle. She claimed "no one told them it was here". I heard them announce it at least 3 times!!
We checked out and were on our way to our favorite place, The Polynesian!!!
I think the drive was only about 10, 15 minutes until we were on Disney property. It was SO nice to have just that. Wasn't long before we saw...
and a little closer
The excitement truly sets in!! We love those purple and blue road signs. No "real world" green signs for an entire week!! We have left the real world behind and we are in our Happy Place!!
It was a beautiful day, sunny and warm already, so we rolled the windows down to enjoy the fresh air.
Grabbed a shot of this:
and then pretty soon, here it was:
Could we get more excited???? I doubt it!!
But then we saw this, and Yep, more excited!!
We were home!! Ah, the smells and the landscaping here are just too hard to explain. So lush and gorgeous, so tropical!! Yes, we were happy!
We decided to park in our usual spot and just walk over to the GCH. If you're familiar with the Polynesian, when you pull in, the main lot is to the left. To the right is another, smaller lot, mainly used by the folks in the longhouses over there. Since we stay in Tokelau, this is most convenient for us. We also always use the same, shaded parking spot. Lotso says it's "his"!!
As we pull over there, we spot Grumpy and Eeyore unloading vehicles! That was a surprise. Rooms were ready already, so they decided to unpack first. I was happy to hear this!!
The 4 of us meander over to the GCH, enjoying the sights, sounds and smells.
And there is Cruella at the check in desk, pitching a small fit.
Uh-oh.
Now, Cruella has a reputation for never being satisfied. She is constantly buying and returning items, even after much use. There is a running joke about how many sets of furniture she's returned.
So I ask what the problem is. She says that we are ALL (except MIL) in Tokelau. Ugh, I'm not thrilled by this news. We had requested it long before anyone else was even staying at the Poly. It's "our" building. The others had SUPPOSEDLY requested other buildings - I find that doubtful now. (no worries, though, it all turned out just fine, I was just worried about too much togetherness).
Anyways, their room was 1st floor, west side and she said there was a mud trench right off the patio she didn't want Nemo making a mess of himself in. So she was trying to get switched.
So, I check in. Very quick and easy, nice CM. Turns out we're right next door to Cruella and Co. She mentions I might want to switch as well. Our CM had moved on to others, so I start talking to hers (the nice older man who checked us in in 2011, I remember!). He asks if I want to move too. I said well, if they had anything Tokelau, 1st floor, EAST side, I would, as that's what we had requested anyways. He said they did not. I said that I wasn't too worried then, and we'd go check out the room and decide.
We left Cruella there and went to Tokelau
Our room was just fine.
Nice grassy area off the patio, a little trench, but nothing I'd worry about.
It WAS worse in front of Cruella's room, but still not that bad. Whatever.
At this point, it's probably about 9:30 am. We decide to unload the car quick, unpack what we can before heading on over to the GF for Tink's hair braiding appointment.
So we start doing that. Eeyore and family are about unpacked, they head to the MK after that.
Grumpy is VERY Grumpy and irritated with Cruella for her dramatics, sitting with their luggage in the room next to us waiting to hear what she's going to do. Poor Nemo was told he'd be going to the MK and is not happy.
So we unload and unpack. When we leave to go to the GF...there's Cruella and Grumpy..moving ACROSS THE HALL!!!!!!!!!!!! To the East Side.
Now I was NOT happy - the East Side was what I had requested almost a YEAR ago. and what the man at check-in had just told me was NOT available. I started to get mad. But luckily, Lotso calmed me down, telling me Cruella probably pitched such a darn fit that they took the room from someone else, and that I wouldn't want to be like that and start a vacation off that way. Totally right of course.
So we head up to the GCH, and hop the monorail to the GF....
More coming right up!!
Today was the big day!! We were finally going "home"!!
As I mentioned in the PTR, we all had different plans for today. Both Grumpy and Eeyore's families woke up fairly early, at their Continental breakfasts and headed over to the Poly to check in, with plans to go to the MK for the day.
We slept in a bit, just waking up naturally. Showered, etc and went down for continental breakfast. Definitely wasn't the best I ever had, but it was passable. I think I had a muffin.
Lots of folks eating there and also waiting for shuttles. Got to witness one woman arguing with the front desk staff because they had just missed the Universal shuttle. She claimed "no one told them it was here". I heard them announce it at least 3 times!!
We checked out and were on our way to our favorite place, The Polynesian!!!
I think the drive was only about 10, 15 minutes until we were on Disney property. It was SO nice to have just that. Wasn't long before we saw...
and a little closer
The excitement truly sets in!! We love those purple and blue road signs. No "real world" green signs for an entire week!! We have left the real world behind and we are in our Happy Place!!
It was a beautiful day, sunny and warm already, so we rolled the windows down to enjoy the fresh air.
Grabbed a shot of this:
and then pretty soon, here it was:
Could we get more excited???? I doubt it!!
But then we saw this, and Yep, more excited!!
We were home!! Ah, the smells and the landscaping here are just too hard to explain. So lush and gorgeous, so tropical!! Yes, we were happy!
We decided to park in our usual spot and just walk over to the GCH. If you're familiar with the Polynesian, when you pull in, the main lot is to the left. To the right is another, smaller lot, mainly used by the folks in the longhouses over there. Since we stay in Tokelau, this is most convenient for us. We also always use the same, shaded parking spot. Lotso says it's "his"!!
As we pull over there, we spot Grumpy and Eeyore unloading vehicles! That was a surprise. Rooms were ready already, so they decided to unpack first. I was happy to hear this!!
The 4 of us meander over to the GCH, enjoying the sights, sounds and smells.
And there is Cruella at the check in desk, pitching a small fit.
Uh-oh.
Now, Cruella has a reputation for never being satisfied. She is constantly buying and returning items, even after much use. There is a running joke about how many sets of furniture she's returned.
So I ask what the problem is. She says that we are ALL (except MIL) in Tokelau. Ugh, I'm not thrilled by this news. We had requested it long before anyone else was even staying at the Poly. It's "our" building. The others had SUPPOSEDLY requested other buildings - I find that doubtful now. (no worries, though, it all turned out just fine, I was just worried about too much togetherness).
Anyways, their room was 1st floor, west side and she said there was a mud trench right off the patio she didn't want Nemo making a mess of himself in. So she was trying to get switched.
So, I check in. Very quick and easy, nice CM. Turns out we're right next door to Cruella and Co. She mentions I might want to switch as well. Our CM had moved on to others, so I start talking to hers (the nice older man who checked us in in 2011, I remember!). He asks if I want to move too. I said well, if they had anything Tokelau, 1st floor, EAST side, I would, as that's what we had requested anyways. He said they did not. I said that I wasn't too worried then, and we'd go check out the room and decide.
We left Cruella there and went to Tokelau
Our room was just fine.
Nice grassy area off the patio, a little trench, but nothing I'd worry about.
It WAS worse in front of Cruella's room, but still not that bad. Whatever.
At this point, it's probably about 9:30 am. We decide to unload the car quick, unpack what we can before heading on over to the GF for Tink's hair braiding appointment.
So we start doing that. Eeyore and family are about unpacked, they head to the MK after that.
Grumpy is VERY Grumpy and irritated with Cruella for her dramatics, sitting with their luggage in the room next to us waiting to hear what she's going to do. Poor Nemo was told he'd be going to the MK and is not happy.
So we unload and unpack. When we leave to go to the GF...there's Cruella and Grumpy..moving ACROSS THE HALL!!!!!!!!!!!! To the East Side.
Now I was NOT happy - the East Side was what I had requested almost a YEAR ago. and what the man at check-in had just told me was NOT available. I started to get mad. But luckily, Lotso calmed me down, telling me Cruella probably pitched such a darn fit that they took the room from someone else, and that I wouldn't want to be like that and start a vacation off that way. Totally right of course.
So we head up to the GCH, and hop the monorail to the GF....
More coming right up!!
Before I continue with Day 2, I just realized I left something out from Day 1!!
As we were driving, I checked out Facebook periodically. At one point, I see a post from Tikiman (if you're not a Poly fan, you're probably not familiar - he is a great guy with a whole website dedicated to the Poly).
It says that starting that day, the MK monorails (both) will be down from 11:30-6 each day, until March 13th. Meaning our ENTIRE trip. Oh my, I was NOT happy. Yes, it would be open first thing in the morning and at night. But I was already thinking about DD's hair appointment, our 4:30 Crystal Palace ADR, our 5 PM CM ADR...11:15 1900 Park Fare. UGH!!!!!!!! Got on the CB to share this information...to lots of groans. Really -pool slide closed and now this?? WHY exactly were we paying top dollar for the Polynesian?
It should be no surprise to you that Cruella got on the phone to Disney to complain and ask for an upgrade or compensation, etc. She got nowhere. Of course. We weren't even there yet!
The good news is...it really wasn't all that bad, as you'll see. A slight disappointment, yes, and it wasn't exactly what they announced, but not too bad.
Onward...
Day 2 - Saturday, March 3 - Arrival Day (continued)
So we hopped on the monorail to the GF. Lotso and Woody decided to go along for the ride. We had to wait a bit once on the monorail before we left, and the lady next to me expressed her displeasure about the monorail closings. They had a total of 5 rooms at the Poly, spending a fortune, and were told no compensation. (BTW, I don't understand how they can charge the same price for some who have a fully functioning pool/slide and transportation, and not even a small discount for those who don't. But whatever)
We arrived at the GF and headed to the Ivy Trellis salon. And there was Carmen! This would be her 3rd time braiding Tink's hair, she remembered us. I didn't get any in-process photos this time, sorry! But here she is after:
During the appointment, Lotso and Woody wandered around the GF. They came back with the news that Prince Charming and the Beast had arrived and were checking in at CSR. They would then head over to the Poly and meet us for lunch at Captain Cook's.
After the appt, we headed out, thinking we'd be taking a boat back to the Poly. Well, no, the monorail was running!! They said it would not be shut down today, but that it would tomorrow. That made us happy - tomorrow we wouldn't need it until after 6 anyways.
So we monorailed back over. As we were walking back to our room, who did we see but MIL!! Tink was so happy to see here!! She was checked in, with DH's aunt (can't remember if I shared that she decided to come along too, but no parks, just stay at the Poly) and was headed up to Captain Cook's to meet Grumpy and family for lunch. They never did get to the MK until later, much to Nemo's disappointment.
We stopped in at our room, then met PC and Beast for lunch at Captain Cook's. PC, Lotso and I all knew what we wanted - Aloha Pork Sandwich!! It's so good!! And it did NOT disappoint!! I also got my very favorite chocolate chip crossaint for dessert. What did disappoint was the Dole Whip machine was down. Something ELSE not operational??? REALLY?????
I will give more food detail in my dining tr (to be started shortly), so check that for more info!!
After lunch (we dined indoors, btw, Grumpy and Co. were outside I guess). We headed back to our room to change for some pool time!!! Yay!!!
yes, the slide was closed, to the kids' disappointment. The letter in the room on this day said it might reopen on the 4th (tomorrow). But we still had a great time and it was so nice to swim in March!! MIL came up and joined us as well. Nemo took a nap, much to his displeasure. And Eeyore and family were at MK (just a reminder, LOL)
Woody enjoyed checking out MIL's scooter as well. He's obsessed with everything that moves!!
PC and Beast swam for a little while, then drove back to the CSR to shower and change. We gave them one of the kids KTTW so they could come back and park in the Poly lot, to go to the MK with us for the evening. I know, I know, they shouldn't park there for hours. But they parked in the uncrowded "to the right" lot. And, for the rest of the trip, we kept forgetting to give them a key, and they were let right in, with no problems, and no time "restrictions" given to them. I guess because it wasn't that crowded in the lot and there were no space issues.
We swam a little longer, then back to the room for showers..End of day 2 coming right up!!!
As we were driving, I checked out Facebook periodically. At one point, I see a post from Tikiman (if you're not a Poly fan, you're probably not familiar - he is a great guy with a whole website dedicated to the Poly).
It says that starting that day, the MK monorails (both) will be down from 11:30-6 each day, until March 13th. Meaning our ENTIRE trip. Oh my, I was NOT happy. Yes, it would be open first thing in the morning and at night. But I was already thinking about DD's hair appointment, our 4:30 Crystal Palace ADR, our 5 PM CM ADR...11:15 1900 Park Fare. UGH!!!!!!!! Got on the CB to share this information...to lots of groans. Really -pool slide closed and now this?? WHY exactly were we paying top dollar for the Polynesian?
It should be no surprise to you that Cruella got on the phone to Disney to complain and ask for an upgrade or compensation, etc. She got nowhere. Of course. We weren't even there yet!
The good news is...it really wasn't all that bad, as you'll see. A slight disappointment, yes, and it wasn't exactly what they announced, but not too bad.
Onward...
Day 2 - Saturday, March 3 - Arrival Day (continued)
So we hopped on the monorail to the GF. Lotso and Woody decided to go along for the ride. We had to wait a bit once on the monorail before we left, and the lady next to me expressed her displeasure about the monorail closings. They had a total of 5 rooms at the Poly, spending a fortune, and were told no compensation. (BTW, I don't understand how they can charge the same price for some who have a fully functioning pool/slide and transportation, and not even a small discount for those who don't. But whatever)
We arrived at the GF and headed to the Ivy Trellis salon. And there was Carmen! This would be her 3rd time braiding Tink's hair, she remembered us. I didn't get any in-process photos this time, sorry! But here she is after:
During the appointment, Lotso and Woody wandered around the GF. They came back with the news that Prince Charming and the Beast had arrived and were checking in at CSR. They would then head over to the Poly and meet us for lunch at Captain Cook's.
After the appt, we headed out, thinking we'd be taking a boat back to the Poly. Well, no, the monorail was running!! They said it would not be shut down today, but that it would tomorrow. That made us happy - tomorrow we wouldn't need it until after 6 anyways.
So we monorailed back over. As we were walking back to our room, who did we see but MIL!! Tink was so happy to see here!! She was checked in, with DH's aunt (can't remember if I shared that she decided to come along too, but no parks, just stay at the Poly) and was headed up to Captain Cook's to meet Grumpy and family for lunch. They never did get to the MK until later, much to Nemo's disappointment.
We stopped in at our room, then met PC and Beast for lunch at Captain Cook's. PC, Lotso and I all knew what we wanted - Aloha Pork Sandwich!! It's so good!! And it did NOT disappoint!! I also got my very favorite chocolate chip crossaint for dessert. What did disappoint was the Dole Whip machine was down. Something ELSE not operational??? REALLY?????
I will give more food detail in my dining tr (to be started shortly), so check that for more info!!
After lunch (we dined indoors, btw, Grumpy and Co. were outside I guess). We headed back to our room to change for some pool time!!! Yay!!!
yes, the slide was closed, to the kids' disappointment. The letter in the room on this day said it might reopen on the 4th (tomorrow). But we still had a great time and it was so nice to swim in March!! MIL came up and joined us as well. Nemo took a nap, much to his displeasure. And Eeyore and family were at MK (just a reminder, LOL)
Woody enjoyed checking out MIL's scooter as well. He's obsessed with everything that moves!!
PC and Beast swam for a little while, then drove back to the CSR to shower and change. We gave them one of the kids KTTW so they could come back and park in the Poly lot, to go to the MK with us for the evening. I know, I know, they shouldn't park there for hours. But they parked in the uncrowded "to the right" lot. And, for the rest of the trip, we kept forgetting to give them a key, and they were let right in, with no problems, and no time "restrictions" given to them. I guess because it wasn't that crowded in the lot and there were no space issues.
We swam a little longer, then back to the room for showers..End of day 2 coming right up!!!
Day 2 - Saturday, March 3 - Arrival Day (continued)
After getting all freshened up...we were ready to head to the Magic Kingdom!! We had a big dinner scheduled to celebrate Tink's birthday, remember!!
Before heading out, while waiting for Beast and Prince Charming, the kids got goofy for some pictures:
Then all of us, except Eeyore's family who were already there, got on the monorail to the MK! So exciting!! Nemo was just about jumping out of his shorts I think.
So we get over there, go through bag checks, etc. Go through turnstiles...and then wait, where is MIL and Grumpy? What?? What happened?? They're on the other side of the turnstiles. Cruella goes back through. And then they're over at Guest Services. What the heck? I head over that way and Cruella is Furious!! Turns out, MIL never bought her flippin' tickets!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
She originally had a package, at POR. But when they all switched to the Poly, she instead took Cruella's AP discount for the room and added dining. She said she was going to get tickets from AAA. She never did and well, we don't know what the heck she was thinking!! My negative self says she was waiting for someone to buy them for her. Who knows? But Grumpy was yelling at Cruella, thinking she had handled it. Cruella was mad at both MIL and Grumpy - it's HIS mother!!
Luckily, we were early for our ADR and it also didn't take that long. More pictures while we waited:
And then, finally, we were all in, and headed up Main Street!! Pretty crowded, and with the scooter and 9 other people all trying to move together, yikes!!
But here is CP!! It's been a favorite of ours for years! I checked us in and made sure Tink's cake was on there - it was. I think we only waited about 10 minutes. WE did meet up with Eeyore and crew at this point too. They had a nice afternoon, but said waits were really long.
We were seated at 2 round tables, right next to each other. Separate servers, unfortunately, but it wasn't too bad. Woody sat with Grumpy's and Eeyore's families, and the rest of us were at the other table. We got the checks all worked out though.
I won't talk too much about the food here, I'll save that for the Dining Report. but I will say that we were sort of disappointed. It was just OK. No more chicken pasta, no more adobo pork. 2 of my favorites. The characters were great! Woody decided not to do autographs or pictures at this one:
Then we did Tink's cake. She was SO surprised and excited!! It was worth the (high) cost! The cake was really cute.
It was good, too. Very rich, but good. We finished most of it up and didn't bother to wrap up the rest.
As would be the case throughout the trip, our service was slow, not that great (probably due to guaranteed gratuity) and the meal took probably 20-30 minutes more than it needed to/we wanted it too. And we weren't in a rush, we just always waited forever for checks, etc.
(continued again - too many photos!)
After getting all freshened up...we were ready to head to the Magic Kingdom!! We had a big dinner scheduled to celebrate Tink's birthday, remember!!
Before heading out, while waiting for Beast and Prince Charming, the kids got goofy for some pictures:
Then all of us, except Eeyore's family who were already there, got on the monorail to the MK! So exciting!! Nemo was just about jumping out of his shorts I think.
So we get over there, go through bag checks, etc. Go through turnstiles...and then wait, where is MIL and Grumpy? What?? What happened?? They're on the other side of the turnstiles. Cruella goes back through. And then they're over at Guest Services. What the heck? I head over that way and Cruella is Furious!! Turns out, MIL never bought her flippin' tickets!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
She originally had a package, at POR. But when they all switched to the Poly, she instead took Cruella's AP discount for the room and added dining. She said she was going to get tickets from AAA. She never did and well, we don't know what the heck she was thinking!! My negative self says she was waiting for someone to buy them for her. Who knows? But Grumpy was yelling at Cruella, thinking she had handled it. Cruella was mad at both MIL and Grumpy - it's HIS mother!!
Luckily, we were early for our ADR and it also didn't take that long. More pictures while we waited:
And then, finally, we were all in, and headed up Main Street!! Pretty crowded, and with the scooter and 9 other people all trying to move together, yikes!!
But here is CP!! It's been a favorite of ours for years! I checked us in and made sure Tink's cake was on there - it was. I think we only waited about 10 minutes. WE did meet up with Eeyore and crew at this point too. They had a nice afternoon, but said waits were really long.
We were seated at 2 round tables, right next to each other. Separate servers, unfortunately, but it wasn't too bad. Woody sat with Grumpy's and Eeyore's families, and the rest of us were at the other table. We got the checks all worked out though.
I won't talk too much about the food here, I'll save that for the Dining Report. but I will say that we were sort of disappointed. It was just OK. No more chicken pasta, no more adobo pork. 2 of my favorites. The characters were great! Woody decided not to do autographs or pictures at this one:
Then we did Tink's cake. She was SO surprised and excited!! It was worth the (high) cost! The cake was really cute.
It was good, too. Very rich, but good. We finished most of it up and didn't bother to wrap up the rest.
As would be the case throughout the trip, our service was slow, not that great (probably due to guaranteed gratuity) and the meal took probably 20-30 minutes more than it needed to/we wanted it too. And we weren't in a rush, we just always waited forever for checks, etc.
(continued again - too many photos!)
Continued...
Now you'll have to excuse me. I guess I waited too long to get going on this, but I'm a little fuzzy on what exactly happened when. But you'll get all the details...they just might be in the wrong spot!!
We headed out of CP as a group and stuck together for awhile. That was ROUGH! We never really did it again, it was that bad!!
I know we all did Pirates of the Caribbean and then I think we watched SpectroMagic.
We got a great spot right at the end, by Splash Mountain in Frontierland. I'm pretty sure Eeyore and family left after this. I know they were pretty tired and didn't stay with the rest of us all evening.
I **think** after that we did Haunted Mansion and It's a Small World? Not sure, is it possible we squeezed those 2 in before the Castle show and Wishes? I just don't know.
Anyways, Haunted Mansion alternate queue was under construction when we were here last year, so we had to check that out. Very cool!! (But does seem like it would be germ-y)
Then (or at some point), it was the show and fireworks. We were in front of the castle, and oh my, so crowded. VERY hard to move, especially with MIL in scooter. But of course, the show was wonderful, as always. Tink did not fly this night, because of wind, which disappointed OUR Tink!
I'm pretty sure we also did Splash Mountain this night?? Not sure. That frustrates me that I can't remember, but we spent a few nights in MK, and they're all running together.
Oh well, I think that was it. We monorailed back to the Polynesian and called it a NIGHT!!!!
I have one more update for today - just photos of the Polynesian. I'll be back tomorrow with Day 3!
Now you'll have to excuse me. I guess I waited too long to get going on this, but I'm a little fuzzy on what exactly happened when. But you'll get all the details...they just might be in the wrong spot!!
We headed out of CP as a group and stuck together for awhile. That was ROUGH! We never really did it again, it was that bad!!
I know we all did Pirates of the Caribbean and then I think we watched SpectroMagic.
We got a great spot right at the end, by Splash Mountain in Frontierland. I'm pretty sure Eeyore and family left after this. I know they were pretty tired and didn't stay with the rest of us all evening.
I **think** after that we did Haunted Mansion and It's a Small World? Not sure, is it possible we squeezed those 2 in before the Castle show and Wishes? I just don't know.
Anyways, Haunted Mansion alternate queue was under construction when we were here last year, so we had to check that out. Very cool!! (But does seem like it would be germ-y)
Then (or at some point), it was the show and fireworks. We were in front of the castle, and oh my, so crowded. VERY hard to move, especially with MIL in scooter. But of course, the show was wonderful, as always. Tink did not fly this night, because of wind, which disappointed OUR Tink!
I'm pretty sure we also did Splash Mountain this night?? Not sure. That frustrates me that I can't remember, but we spent a few nights in MK, and they're all running together.
Oh well, I think that was it. We monorailed back to the Polynesian and called it a NIGHT!!!!
I have one more update for today - just photos of the Polynesian. I'll be back tomorrow with Day 3!
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