How I Survived 11 Days at WDW with a Disney-Resistant Husband **2/20 THE END **

[cherokeemamma]

Hi Trish!
Just a quick note to say HELLO!!!!

Well, I guess you think I disappeared but I have not....I am still here! I have just fallen seriously behind. My only excuse is life has been super busy...we had Christmas, New Years and we went to WDW for 10 days, came home to an ice storm (which is very rare and not much fun in GA) and my daughter's 12th birthday!

I am planning on making a nice cup of coffe and catching up with you, your family and this great report. Talk with you soon....

TTFN
Darlene

 

[brookelizabeth]

It is looking like this fall. Working out all the details now.

I look forward to hearing all about it!!!

Ahhhhhhhhhhhh-the Poly!!! It's my dream resort. And someday I WILL stay there! So, so pretty. I love how you just soaked it all in at the resort, such a great way to enjoy the Poly and your last day.

 

[klacey1]

Your day sounds heavenly! That pool is just gorgeous. I'm with you-- the Poly is just so DISNEY! I'd be upset if they tried to "modernize" it!

 

[eandesmom]

I'm not sure what it is but there IS something about the Poly that is so very Disney to me as well. I don't have a desire to stay there but I love visiting it, dining there and just enjoying the grounds. I think the lack of desire to stay there for us is due to our proximity to hawaii versus any real issue with the "dating" of the resort iteself and a preference for interior halls when possible.

I love that you are eating at both Kona and Ohana in the same day, what a fun fun way to end your trip!

 

[Native NYer]

The Poly is just wonderful
And Kona is the best place for breakfast.
Your view was fantastic!

 

[cdotla]

Your breakfast looks so yummy! I've yet to eat breakfast at Kona Cafe, I've had ressies two different times, but getting there for them just didn't work out.

How awesome was that, being able to grab a dole whip right by the pool?!

Hey Michelle! When you finally get to Kona one day, I think you will agree it was worth it! They open at 7:30am, so you can actually park at the TTC, take the monorail to get there for opening, and still make it to rope drop at the MK by 9am no problem. I have done it myself numerous times.

And I think it is a place Don would likely like as well. It isn't in-your-face Disney if you know what I mean.

The Big Kahuna is a must-do. The macadamia nut pancakes are just inexplicably delicious. They are so light and fluffy - amazing.

I tried the french toast once, but it isn't anything to brag about. So I usually order my Big Kahuna with poached eggs, all bacon, extra crispy (normally it comes with bacon, ham and sausage), extra macadamia nut pancakes instead of French Toast, (normally you get both), and a fruit cup instead of home fries.

I tried the Tonga Toast that many people rave about, and although I am a huge french toast fan, this just wasn't for me. I have an incredible sweet tooth, but it was just way too overpowering. But, many people rave about it. For me, I will take the Big Kahuna any day!

Kona looks delicious.....this is definitely one I want to try for breakfast sometime.

The poly looks beautiful and I love the hidden Mickey!!

Can't wait to hear about Ohana

You really must. Kona is one of the best-kept secrets on property. Breakfast here is one of the things I most look forward to each trip.

Ahh the Poly... someday I'll go there!

Everyone really has to experience this little piece of heaven at least once. Or, at least to spend an evening here, even if you don't stay at the resort. Katie and I did that on a trip where we were staying at CBR. It was almost as great as staying here ourselves, but without the extra $200 nightly premium.

Hi - been lurking and catching up. First question, where did you get the kids swimsuits? They are an adorable print!

Hi there! Thanks for coming out of lurkerdom!

The kids swimsuits are from the Lilly Pulitzer charity line back in 2009. A bunch of different celebrities, including Angie Harmon, Marcia Cross, Bridget Moynahan, Catherine Bell, Brooke Shields, Elisabeth Hasselbeck and others designed matching Mommy-and-me outfits. Gwyneth Paltrow designed the swimsuits Katie and Declan are wearing. Here is a pic of all 3 swimsuits she designed:

I love breakfast at Kona Cafe. Tonga Toast and Bacon mhhhm!

You definitely aren't alone! But my vote still goes to the Big Kahuna!

Oh the Poly! That is one place I'd like to stay someday, but since we've joined DVC I don't know if it will ever happen. I need to give Kona breakfast another try. When we ate there in October I was had a stomach bug and the meal didn't sit well in my stomach (to say the least.)

Oh, that's too bad. Hopefully if you try Kona again you will fall in love with it like I have.

 

[cdotla]

I agree that the Poly screams Disney! Charles and I stayed there on our first trip together back in 1995. What a great view from your balcony and hanging out at the pool sounds like a great way to spend some time!

Hey Jackie...for a couples only trip, I can't imagine a better place to stay in all of WDW than the Poly. To me, it is the most romantic place!!!

Oh, we will be trying Flying Fish on our upcoming trip in 2 weeks, so it won't be in the TR I just did. I am excited to try it though. We did try to book earlier dinners at most TS restaurants as we just know DD gets a little crankier as the night goes on. The tricky part was not booking them too early that we have to wake her up early from a nap, as that doesn't go over well, either.

Loved the update as I would love to stay at the Poly one day. Your pictures of the resort are gorgeous!

I love Kona, but have never tried it for breakfast. We always end up there for dinner. Actually, between Kona, Ohana or Capt Cook, I think we eat at the Poly very frequently during our trips. We might as well be staying at the Poly!

I have yet to do Kona for dinner, even though it gets pretty good reviews. However, I did try it for lunch one time and absolutely hated it!!! I was actually having a business lunch there and was being treated to lunch to boot, but for the life of me, I just could not get the meal down. It was so awful...I felt so bad!!! So after that experience, I am sticking to my beloved breakfasts there...I have had over 10 breakfasts here over the past 3 years and have loved each and every one!

And I think you have a great plan of spending time dining at the Poly. I do that too even when I am not staying there. It is the next best thing.

Looks like an all around perfect day! Would sure like to be lounging around a pool today instead of dealing with winter!!

I am not a breakfast eater but sounds like Kona is a good option. I may have to go just to try the coffee!

I hear you on pool over winter. Sounds like you guys on the eastern seaboard are being hit with a system today that is travelling over to us tonite. We should be waking up to a little snow tomorrow!

And yes, try as I might, I just wasn't able to convince you to do the 7:30am Kona breakfast with me back in October, was I??? You definitely have to get there at least once Christine...even just for the press pot coffee!

Oh girl, it hurts....love looking at those pics of the Poly, but it's painful! LOL! (Going back in 2 months and not staying there....)

You got a great room!! I will definitely remember that request for next time. Tokelau, 3rd floor??, closest to the end by the beach?

I love the music and the sounds of the Poly in general - it's so relaxing and fun!!

Kona breakfast sounds and looks delicious - I got the macademia nut pancakes last time and they were divine!!

Looking forward to hearing about your dinner!

Sara

Hi Sara! I feel your pain about not staying at the Poly on the next trip. I am in the same boat. But at least we can plan on having a couple meals there, right?

As for our room, it was actually on the 2nd floor. Tokelau actually has 2nd floor balconies, unlike some of the longhouses. I stayed in both 2914 and 2913, and they both have almost identical views, although 2914 has a slight edge as it is on the corner and gets a better view.

I should point out that only the 1st 3 photos in my update were taken from our balcony. The next 3 photos (as mentioned in the post) are actually taken from the staircase on the end of the longhouse.

And I completely agree with you on the macadamia nut pancakes...they are absolute heaven!!!

 

[cdotla]

Another wonderful update! We actually stayed in Tokelau too last Oct. at the Polynesian! Your view is quite spectacular though! Actually it's gorgeous:

The Polynesian is the resort we stayed at when we took our 1st trip with our girls in 2008. I have the best memories from it too, the smell is heavenly. Makes me feel like I've traveled to Hawaii. And the pool is amazing, we spent a lot of time there, a lot. The whole resort is so beautifully themed, isn't it? Even though we're staying at the GF for this next trip, we're still eating at the Polynesian a lot!

Don't you love Kona for breakfast? It's one of my favs, the juice is addicting! I usually get the Big Kahuna as well because there's so much variety on one plate. And Ohana is our traditional 1st night meal, regardless of the resort we stay at. I hope your evening there was fabulous.

Isn't Tokelau great? I love it!!! But...I don't want to steer you wrong...not sure from your post, but that view of Sunset Point isn't from our balcony. (Assume you know that having stayed in Tokelau, but just want to clear that up).

I agree wholeheartedly about the music and smells of the Poly. I think it is the most unique and distinctive place in all of WDW for those reasons. The minute you walk in those sliding glass doors into the Great Ceremonial House and get hit with the smells and sounds of the Poly...well that is just pure and simple Disney heaven to me.

More on O'Hana coming up next...likely by the weekend. Unfortunately it didn't go off completely without a hitch, and from that point on our whole trip seemed to come unravelled, but more on that later.

What an awesome update! I've never had an interest to stay at the Poly....that is until I read this update and saw your gorgeous pictures!! All I can say is WOW!!! That breakfast looked absolutely delish!! I love love love pressed pot coffee

Can't wait to hear about O'Hana's

Oh Queen...I am quite convinced that you would adore the Poly. Have you spent any time here at night? Even if you are not staying here, you should. Take an evening to do a late meal at O'Hana, or even the Spirit of Aloha Luau dinner. Then, walk around the grounds at night with the piped in music and the lit fire torches burning. You will feel like you are in a tropical paradise. Then watch Wishes from the Beach. And end the evening with a boat ride back over the Seven Seas Lagoon to the MK.

Trust me...it will probably turn out to be one of the highlights of your trip.

BTW...the best site handsdown to "experience" the Poly online, or to bring back memories of past stays is Tikiman's Polynesian site: http://www.tikimanpages.com/tiki/

I love the Poly! Although, I have yet to stay at the Poly. Poo! Hopefully soon!

I agree that Kona breakfasts area amazing! I love, love, love the pineapple macadamia pancakes. mmmm.

It is really difficult to stay at the Poly for more than a night or two, even in the lowest category garden room, which is all I ever pay as it is incredibly expensive. However, as an end of trip splurge, it is a great place to end your vacation.

There is definitely something special about the Poly! We've stayed there twice and I agree that it's all Disney.

Amanda

It really is the best, isn't it?

Enjoying your trip report. Read a bunch last night and the rest today. I laughed, I cried, I can't wait to read the rest!

ARE you going this May? I know you said you were possibly going later in the year, but, I will be there in May! My youngest and I share a birthday on May 9th and are going to celebrate our birthdays there! Yay!

I hope the Boardwalk is a nice as the Beach Club was- I actually tried for BC but it wasn't available. Got the next best thing!

Oh, also, I can relate the your issues with the hubby. Mine isn't a huge dis fan but goes with the flow. He does make it clear that it isn't his first choice, but that we are doing this for the kids. I said something yesterday about going in 10 years (not meaning that we wouldn't go in the interim) and he said, "OK!! DEAL!" Grrrrr!

Aww...thank you! So glad you are enjoying my TR.

That is so cool that you share a birthday with your youngest. My daughter was born exactly one week before my 30th birthday, so we are close together too. Funnily enough, I am only 4 days before yours!

Although we typically always travel the first week of May (to WDW in May 2007, May 2008 and May 2010, and to Cuba for my parents' 40th wedding anniversary in May 2009), this is the 1st year that we won't be going as I have some work commitments. Instead we are going in the fall. However, I am considering a short weekend trip by tacking a couple days onto a conference I am speaking at to join up with some friends for the D23 Destination D events. We shall see...

As for the Boardwalk, I think you will love it. I really want to try it myself. I am sure you will have a great time there.

 

[MadilynnsMomma]

Ahhh Lilly, I knew that print looked familiar! Super cute!

 

[cdotla]

Hi Trish!
Just a quick note to say HELLO!!!!

Well, I guess you think I disappeared but I have not....I am still here! I have just fallen seriously behind. My only excuse is life has been super busy...we had Christmas, New Years and we went to WDW for 10 days, came home to an ice storm (which is very rare and not much fun in GA) and my daughter's 12th birthday!

I am planning on making a nice cup of coffe and catching up with you, your family and this great report. Talk with you soon....

TTFN
Darlene

Hi Darlene! Sounds like you have had plenty of excitement lately. And a 10 day trip to WDW too! Wow!!!

I look forward to hearing all about it!!!

Ahhhhhhhhhhhh-the Poly!!! It's my dream resort. And someday I WILL stay there! So, so pretty. I love how you just soaked it all in at the resort, such a great way to enjoy the Poly and your last day.

Yes, I certainly made sure I experienced as much of the Poly as I could that last day. We had a pretty decent bounceback rate (somewhere in the range of 30-35% off I believe), but it was still somewhere in the range of about $300. No way I am not getting my money's worth at that price!

Your day sounds heavenly! That pool is just gorgeous. I'm with you-- the Poly is just so DISNEY! I'd be upset if they tried to "modernize" it!

I totally agree...keep the Poly the way it is, and has been. It is a part of Disney history at this point.

I'm not sure what it is but there IS something about the Poly that is so very Disney to me as well. I don't have a desire to stay there but I love visiting it, dining there and just enjoying the grounds. I think the lack of desire to stay there for us is due to our proximity to hawaii versus any real issue with the "dating" of the resort iteself and a preference for interior halls when possible.

I love that you are eating at both Kona and Ohana in the same day, what a fun fun way to end your trip!

You are right Cynthia...visiting the Poly is a great alternative to staying there. And I can completely see that if you are used to Hawaii, the Poly may lose a little of its draw. For me, I have never been, and it still seems so exotic to me. I love feeling like I have sampled a bit of it by staying at the Poly. I can't wait to visit one day...especially now with Aulani!

The Poly is just wonderful
And Kona is the best place for breakfast.
Your view was fantastic!

Thanks! I was definitely in my happy place.

 

[cdotla]

Ahhh Lilly, I knew that print looked familiar! Super cute!

 

[cdotla]

Our Last Night at the Polynesian

Before I knew it, we were about to step out on the last night of our trip. Where did the time go?

Having never spent a full 11 days at Walt Disney World at one time before this trip, I admit I was lulled into thinking we had the luxury of time on this trip. With that false sense of security, I found this trip seemed to fly by faster than even my short 4 day visits. I am now a firm subscriber to the theory that you really can't see and do it all...no matter how long you are staying.

As this was the last night of our trip, I wanted it to be special. I specifically chose the Polynesian as it is (in my view) the best resort on property. While the Polynesian is wonderful at any time, it really shines at night. Hearing those beating drums, walking the dark grounds lit by fire-burning torches, swinging in a hammock on the beach and hearing the traditional polynesian music...well there is nothing quite like it. Throw in a fantastic view of the Castle, complete with a wonderful vantagepoint for Wishes accompanied by the piped in soundtrack....well, seriously...does it get any better???

While Katie & I had spent evenings at the Polynesian before, this would be both Chris and Declan's first experience. I was sure that it was going to be a wonderful way to end our vacation.

To start the evening, we had dinner reservations at O'Hana. I hadn't eaten here in probably 20 years, so this was for all intents and purposes a new experience for the whole family.

A couple months before our trip, my parents took a trip to Hawaii. They came back with some souveniers for all 4 of us which, quite frankly, I had no idea where or how we would ever use them. Then, a couple weeks before the trip I decided to take them along for our dinner at O'Hana. Surprisingly, everyone was keen to wear them...even Chris!

Before dinner, I wanted to catch the torch lighting ceremony. I hadn't seen this in probably 20 years, so again, this would be another new experience.

It was really fun to watch, and the kids quite enjoyed it. What a great way to kick off the evening!

Afterwards we headed upstairs to check in for dinner. On our way, we spotted a few hidden Mickeys:

After checking in for our reservation, we cooled our heels at the Tambu Lounge with some cocktails. Of course, I had to indulge in the infamous Lapu-Lapu drink.

For those of you who enjoy this beverage without knowing its history, I have done a little research and can advise that it is named after a famous Mactan Chief and warrior who led his troops against Spanish colonization. Here is who were are honoring:

In the meantime, the kids enjoyed some seriously cool beverages themselves:

It was nice relaxing in our Hawaiian shirts, enjoying our cocktails, and soaking up the atmosphere of the Polynesian. Before we knew it, we were being called to our table.


(Continued next post)

 

[cdotla]

(Continued from last post)

Suffice to say, it was an excellent decision to spend our last night at O'Hana. Hearing mixed reviews about the food, and the place in general, I was a little nervous. However, my whole family loved it. Admittedly the kids weren't too keen on most of the food offerings. After slight encouragement from the servers, following which it was still clear that my kids could not make a meal out of the buffet offerings, they were each offered other less-exotic entrees; specifically, grilled cheese sandwiches.

As for Chris & I....we completely enjoyed our meals. Every last bite. In fact, I apologize for the deplorable food photographs. For the first time on the trip, I could not seem to remember to take a single photograph before we started devouring our food.

First, to start off, we had pineapple coconut bread and mixed greens salad.

Then, the smorgasboard of food began. Plate after plate, servers kept coming by with skewers of fire-roasted turkey, pork, sirloin and shrimp. Dumplings, egg noodles and stir-fried broccoli came as well, along with three different dipping sauces: peanut, chimmichuri and pineapple sweet and sour. All delish!

Then, at the end of the meal, just when we thought we couldn't eat another bite, out came the infamous bread pudding with bananas and carmel sauce. The description of this dessert didn't do a whole lot for me, but boy, did it end up being delicious!!!

While the menu at O'Hana didn't particularly appeal to the kids, the activities more than made up for it. The female singer who entertained the kids that evening was wonderful, and the kids thoroughly enjoyed all of the activities. Unfortunately, we did have a slight set-back half-way through the meal when the kids got up to participate in the coconut races. While Chris and I didn't see it happen, Declan was involved in a little accident. One minute we were watching both kids pushing their cocunuts past our table, having a grand ole time. Literally the next minute a Cast Member is escorting Declan back to our table with his hand over his eye. Apparently the end of someone's broom struck him in the eye. He was of course crying and his eye was completely bloodshot and watering like crazy.

Almost immediately there was a young manager upon us asking if he was ok and wanting more details on what had happened, which of course we couldn't provide as we didn't see it happen. While initially I was impressed with the tableside managerial attention, in the end the manager seemed more interested in completing an accident report and leaving me his business card if I needed to get in touch with him at a later date (presumably to file a claim or something, which of course, I had no intention of doing!)

Honestly, I would have been more impressed if the attention had been placed on my son. He was the one injured, but the manager didn't pay any attention to him, didn't make eye contact with him, or talk to him. I would have been far more impressed if someone had simply brought him out a special dish of ice cream or something to make him feel better. Instead, nothing was done at all, except for the manager leaving us his business card. I had absolutely no use for that and left it on the table after we paid our bill.

While his eye was a little red and sore for about an hour after the accident, fortunately Declan was still up for carrying on with the evening. The main item on the agenda that evening was watching Wishes from the beach. The last time I saw Wishes from the Beach was on a trip with Katie back in September 2007. I had fond memories of how special that was, and wanted to share it again with my whole family. I also mentioned to Chris that if we were lucky (as Katie & I had been back in September 2007) I expected we would also be able to catch the Electrical Water Pageant at the same time.

When planning the trip, I had also tentatively thought that it would be nice to take evening boatride over to the Magic Kingdom to catch Spectromagic before heading back to the beach for Wishes. The timing was working out perfectly. It was just approaching 8pm when we finished up with dinner, and Spectromagic was scheduled for 9pm, with Wishes at 10pm. This would give us plenty of time to take the boat ride over across the Seven Seas Lagoon to the Magic Kingdom in time to see Spectromagic.

As we made our way down the torch-lit paths to the boat dock, just when I thought everything was lining up perfectly for our last evening, Chris announced that he was too tired, and not really interested in going into a theme park. He was relaxed and content after dinner, and didn't want to deal with the crowds and lines. I tried to convince him that it would be worthwhile. The boat ride at night is a real treat - very romantic and fun in the dark of night, with the moon shining on the water and the sounds of the park and the ferryboats horns in the distance. Plus, SpectroMagic is an amazing parade...both he and Declan had never seen it, and it was rumoured to be going away possibly for good to be replaced first by the reprisal of the Main Street Electrical Parade, and then by a new parade. So this might be our last time to see it.

Unfortunately, he couldn't be convinced. As disappointed as I was that he wasn't coming, I was determined that the kids and I were going to see Spectromagic. So we bid farewell with the promise of meeting up later on the beach for Wishes.

After Chris had left to go back to the room and the kids and I were waiting on the dock I realized that I should have reminded Chris to get to the beach early in order to reserve a swing, or at least loungechairs in a prime location on the beach, as these spots go very quickly. Fortunately, there was a housephone right on the boatdock and I was able to call the room and convey this information along to Chris. At that point, I started looking on the bright side. While we would miss his presence at Spectromagic, having someone reserving us prime viewing spots on the beach for Wishes wasn't a bad consolation prize.

After a fun and enjoyable boatride over to the Magic Kingdom, we arrived with only 20 minutes to go before Spectromagic. Fortunately we were able to squeeze into one of the last available spots on the curb in front of the train station and settled down to wait for the parade.

I was so happy to finally hear the wonderful Spectromagic music and the show got underway.

The kids enjoyed it, I enjoyed it, and we headed out of the Magic Kingdom thoroughly glad that we had come. Of course the crush crowds when exiting was not-so-fun, and we ended up having quite a wait for the monorail. However, the line for the boat looked much longer.

We finally arrived back at the Polynesian with just 10 minutes to spare before Wishes. Always one to push my luck, we stopped into Captain Cooks for an ice cream to take onto the beach to eat while we were enjoying the show. With that accomplished, and just minutes before start time, we rushed out onto the beach to look for Chris.

I severely underestimated how difficult it was going to be to find someone on a dark and crowded beach with no idea where they might be. We ended up walking up and down the beach twice, through the throngs of people waiting for the show, calling Chris' name over and over. Finally, with just 2 minutes before showtime and no sign of Chris, I decided to retrieve one lone loungechair from the far, far end of the beach (about the only one not being used), and started dragging it across the sand to find a decent viewing spot, with two tired kids behind me, all the while carefully holding onto my dripping ice cream.

Just moments after we sat down, the familiar Wishes music started and the first solitary burst of white shot up over the Castle.


Starlight, Starbright,
First star I see tonite,
I wish I may, I wish I might,
Have the wish I wish tonite,
Make a wish, and do as dreamers do,
And all our wishes, will come true.


When you wish upon a star,
Makes no difference who you are,
Anything your heart desires will come to you.


Sitting on the beach at the Polynesian watching Wishes is one of the most magical experiences. Unfortunately, the experience was not as I had planned. We were missing someone. And I had no idea where he was. While I tried to just focus on the show, I couldn't. By this point the trip was nearly over. These were our final precious moments in Disney. And with each set of fireworks exploding before me, I couldn't help but think that our last night to share these memories as a family was slipping away, with no chance of getting it back.

By this point I was also starting to get rather angry and I wasn't really sure what possible excuse would have satisfied me short of an unexpected bout of food poisoning. Indeed, I am not even sure that explanation would have sufficed.

To make matters worse, the kids were probably overtired, and were not in the mood to sit still and watch fireworks. But gosh darn it, I had planned this trip for months and months, and had saved what I thought was the best possible experience in all of Walt Disney World for the very end of the trip. So they were going to sit and enjoy the fireworks whether they wanted to or not. (If truth be told, by the second time I had to ask them to stop kicking sand and to be quiet so that others (including me!) could hear the music, I would have very willingly dropped them off at the room with their dad if it meant I could have watched the show in peace.)

As I sat there trying as best I could to watch and enjoy the show, I noticed that many other families on the beach around me were having the very experience I had so wanted for my family that night. In particular, I remember one family in front of us on the beach, curled up together in a swinging chair, two young kids and a mom and dad. All clearly enjoying the show and each other. At one point during a particularly impressive explosion of fireworks the dad says: "OH!!! WOW!!! Look at that! Did you see that? Awesome!"

How I wished to share that very same moment with my family.

When Wishes ended, I gathered up the kids and started off for the room, still having no idea what happened to Chris. We got back to the room, I opened the door, and there he was watching tv. (I would later find out that Chris had in fact been on the beach waiting for us when the electrical water pageant went floating by about 9:15pm. I had incorrectly advised him the EWP would be taking place the same time as Wishes, forgetting that the last time Katie & I saw it, Wishes was scheduled for 9pm, not 10pm. After the EWP ended, Chris assumed that there was not going to be any fireworks that evening and that we had simply decided to stay at the MK.) I was too upset to do much of anything, so I left the kids to brush their teeth and crawl into bed, grabbed the car keys and my purse and headed out again.

I wasn't sure exactly where I wanted to go. All I knew was that my mind was spinning, I certainly couldn't sleep, and I had no interest in staying in the room watching tv. I contemplated driving to Downtown Disney, but ultimately decided just to hang out at the Poly. I headed to Captain Cooks and used up our last dining credits which expired at midnight. I purchased a smuckers pb&j crustables and some snacks that I figured someone would enjoy at the airport or on the plane the next day.

Then I browsed through the giftshop, bought an Oprah magazine, and finally ended up drink in hand heading down to a hammock on the beach. I stayed and listened to the sounds of the Magic Kingdom in the distance, watched the monorail and boats travelling by, and commiserated over how the last night of our trip had turned out absolutely nothing like I had planned.




UP NEXT: UP NEXT: Our Final Day...Breakfast at O'Hana (or is it Kona???) and Mother's Day Gospel Brunch at House of Blues

 

[luckylady]

(Continued from last post)

Where did it go?.Stayed at the Poly in May and missed the tourch lighting. How cool was that.

 

[pixidustmom]

(Continued from last post)

Hey did it get lost? You left us hanging.

 

[princessjv]

Lapu's are a favorite of mine! I hope you enjoyed Ohana! It too is a favorite!

 

[cdotla]

Where did it go?

Hey did it get lost? You left us hanging.

Had to write it first!

 

[cdotla]

Lapu's are a favorite of mine! I hope you enjoyed Ohana! It too is a favorite!

Nothing wrong with either Lapus or Ohana!

 

[PrincessInOz]

Aww Trish! I'm so sorry to read about how that last night turned out. There is nothing as heartbreaking as spending all that time planning and working out all the details in the corners of your mind and imagining how great it is going to be....only to be faced with the cold slap of reality and simple mis-communication.

 

[Charleston Princess]

I agree 100% with how magical the Polynesian is at night with those torches and the drums beating!

The shirts were so perfect for your Ohana's night!

So sorry that Chris didn't go with you to the MK to see Spectromagic and missed out on the fireworks. I know exactly how you felt from our own previous trips! Don't you just want to shake them sometimes?