"I brushed my teeth, and I don't have cooties." An August DFTW and Disneymoon TR

[MeghanEmily]

"You Guys Need to Get a Job!"
Disney Day 6 - Part 2

After we checked back in at the Poly, we were headed over to Epcot. I'd secured a couple of FPs there, and we also had a dinner ADR to get to.

Our first stop was to get some photopass pictures in front of Spaceship Earth with our coordinating shirts. (These were some of my favourite shirts from the trip.) I didn't realize that all the pictures they took would be with a fisheye lens, so we're kinda round-ish in them, but I like them anyway.

My shirt says, "Heartbeat of a Princess," and N's says, "I work to support my wife's Disney addiction," which is incredibly accurate. I hadn't really thought about how taking pictures in grey shirts in front of SE with a grey sky would just end up being A LOT of grey in one picture...but it's fine. I'm cool with it.

Then we headed straight to Soarin' for our FP, before our dinner reservation. It was a good ride, and as usual, we asked to wait for the middle section which made it even better. The we popped over next door for our reservation at the Coral Reef.

Coral Reef's reviews are really varied, but it's had its share of negative reviews for food, and good reviews for atmosphere. We had been here on our previous two big trips, and we'd had amazing food the first time, and just decent food the second, so we wanted to give it a third try. N also loved it because of the aquarium. We told them when we checked in that we were celebrating our honeymoon, and that we'd be willing to wait for a table down by the tank. We didn't end up getting one right next to it like on our first trip, but we were still down on the lowest level and had an excellent view.

For his appetizer, N ordered the seafood salad because it looked interesting, especially with the mango sorbet on top.

I, as usual, ordered the charbroiled octopus. It's not as good as the octopus appetizer at Tiffins, but it was still quite good.

I definitely won in terms of appetizers. N thought the salad was kinda strange and just ok. My octopus wasn't cooked quite as well as on past visits, but still tasty.

For our entrees, N got the seafood scampi, and I got the mahi mahi dish.

N liked this. My mahi mahi was okay-ish. This dish has changed a few times since we first came here. It used to be served with a white sauce and some interesting vegetables, and it was much better then. I think the non-allergy version still has a sauce, which would probably make it much better, but the allergy version leaves it off now. But even so, the fish was overcooked this time and a little dry. And I have no idea why there was one tiny overcooked shrimp on the side of my plate?? Weird. I'm also not a huge raw onion fan, and I found the flavour of the red onion in the salsa was a bit overpowering.

I don't have dessert pictures. I suspect we didn't order any this time. Our experience here was somewhere between mediocre and decent, but nothing like the first time we went. I wouldn't refuse to ever go back, but it hasn't made our ADR wish list since then.

After this I have a note that I went to guest relations, and N got some popcorn in our bucket. I'm not 100% sure why I did this, but I'm pretty sure it was to ask them about the VIP Illuminations viewing we were given for our wedding, and how it worked. There had been a website listed on the paper we'd been given to be able to book our VIP viewing, but when I tried to go to the site, it didn't exist. They told me that we could just bring the paper with us to Guest Relations on whatever night we wanted to go, but to do it as early in the day as possible because sometimes the VIP area fills up and they have no spots left.

It was starting to rain at this point, so N and I ducked into Spaceship Earth for our next FP. It was still raining when we got out, and we were both feeling a little tired and borderline cranky, so we decided to quit while we were ahead and make our way back to the Poly...via monorail...

As we were heading out of Epcot, we overheard these older people talking to these younger adults, and the snippet of the conversation I picked up on was: "You guys need to get a job! You're both travelling and I don't know how you're doing this!" We laughed, and even considered it as our TR title, because (1) it was hilarious, and (2) they could have been speaking directly to us instead! I had just left my job before the wedding since I was heading back to school in the fall. And N is constantly being asked how he manages to make a living as an artist, and there are lots of people who don't think it's a "real" job. We're always popping down to WDW these days it seems, and people are always asking us why and how we're going so much.

Once we got back to the Poly, I popped into the gift shop. I'd been eyeing the Hawaiian print dresses, and it felt like a treat yo' self kinda night, so I bought one! I'm not sure when I'll ever wear it again except on vacation, but I got lots of compliments on it on this trip. N insisted on a picture of it once we got back to the room.

We curled up in front of the tv and intended to have an early night. I popped out onto the balcony with my camera and was able to snap this beauty...

But as the night wore on, I started having a hankering for Erin McKenna's. We'd thrown out the remainder of our soggy dishevelled wedding cake by that point...and I wanted cupcakes! And donuts! We decided to go back out and take a drive over to Disney Springs. On the way, I snapped a picture of the docks at Poly with everything lit up in the dark.

It was a quick cupcake mission, in-and-out. But I was satisfied with my supply of sugary treats.

When we got back to the Poly, as we were walking in from the parking lot, I noticed this guy! It turns out that the Poly seems to have an abundance of large snails, since @xlsm also saw one there. Either that, or as we speculated, it could just be the same snail. In which case, we think he's going to be famous. Keep an eye out for his Instagram account to pop up, because I suspect it will before too long.

Back in our room, following our mission, it was finally time for snacks, and then bed.

Next time: we hit the Magic Kingdom for some classic newlywed Disney fun!​

 

[MeghanEmily]

Well, while I despise the agency you booked with lol I will say it was definitely wrong for the CM to blame them for you not getting your requests! There is no less chance of you getting your requests when made by a TA over making them yourself, provided your TA actually MAKES those requests. So I'm glad the CM was willing to move you guys

Yeah, I wondered how you (and other TA friends I have) would feel about that particular agency. We sold out and went with them for the deal because we couldn't afford a deluxe stay like that otherwise, but I've heard some complaints from other TAs before.

That's kinda what I figured...thanks for clarifying! Now I won't have that in my brain as a possible downside of working with a TA. I couldn't imagine that your chances of getting room requests could possibly be worse with a TA than making them on your own. ...but as I found out later, that CM didn't seem to have it all together.

And while I know you didn't enjoy FOP as you said it's probably better that you tried it so you're not always saying "I wonder......"

Agreed! Now I know. And it really is an amazing ride if it doesn't cause motion sickness problems.

Woot! Coming up fast!

Yes! Getting excited. The hubby just left this morning for another long work trip, so the next time I see him will be in WDW!

Huh. For an unedited photo, it looks pretty good.

Maybe I should have been more specific: I won't do much editing to the pictures that I haven't stolen...er...borrowed.

Not unreasonable of you to expect a bit of magic when it's your honeymoon, I don't think.

If there was ever a time for pixie dust, that's it!

I'm calling BS on this one.
I think your CM is falling victim to the rule that they can't say "I don't know".
So he said something that sounded semi-plausible.

I think so too. The more I ask TA friends, the more this doesn't seem to be a thing at all.

Did N have to pay cash? Under the counter?

I didn't ask...didn't want to get involved! The less I know, the better!

Good grief!
Well... I guess they had to go find an animal first........

True...I hadn't thought about that part.

I looked it up!
It's a confusion of wildebeests.
(Or alternatively an implausibility of wildebeests.)

For giraffes it's a tower of giraffes.

Ooh, thanks for the fun fact! I did know the one about giraffes—pretty appropriate, I think!

I remember learning from a CM that those horns are hollow.

Neat!!

I agree. Very impressive. A lot of thought and time and energy went into it.
But.... I don't feel like my life has changed.
Then again... seeing it at night was... pretty incredible.

Agree!!

I'm glad you tried it too.... but not so glad at the result.

Also, agree. But I wouldn't have been satisfied if I had never given it a try.

Your hats look so cute! Dole whips right in your hotel, I can't imagine anything better!

Nice pixie dust at Flame Tree!

Great safari pics!

I'm so sorry you didn't do well on FoP

Thanks! I was so proud of those hats since I made them, even if they were a little clunky! They got a lot of attention, too.

What a bummer about your room!!!! Especially when you had specifically splurged for it On our Honeymoon, we stayed at Port Orleans French Quarter prior to departing on our Disney Cruise. We were put in a double room, as well, and we questioned being able to move to another room because it was our Honeymoon, they basically said there was nothing they could do. Something about what deck we booked for our cruise. Not the end of the world, but still a disappointment.

That's so strange that your cruise deck would have anything to do with whether you could get another room! Weird! I wonder if that's another example where the CM just came up with something because they had to say something.

We felt the same way earlier this month!! It really is beautiful, but it's sort of smaller than I imagined.

We enjoyed FoP, but I wasn't sad we only got to experience it once. I still prefer Soarin' honestly!

Agreed!! I also like Soarin'...but possibly just because it doesn't make me sick.

 

[missjackiemcg]

That is simply gorgeous!!

 

[MeghanEmily]

That is simply gorgeous!!

Thank you! I was proud of myself and my little point-and-shoot camera for that! It was an awesome view. Even prettier in person.

 

[Smilelea]

No, you can't take too many trips to Disney (says the lady that has 4 more trips planned in 2018-2019)

Still haven't managed to try a dole whip. Maybe in May.

so we just booked the last 5 nights of our August trip with them...at the Grand Floridian!!

Woohoo! Fancy!

As many of you know, giraffes are my primary reason for safari-loving, (and possibly for existence in general,) and they got really close to the truck this evening!

You and Griffin would get along great!

I hate that your experience at the Poly wasn't so great. That can really put a damper on your trip. I hope that doesn't become a pattern!

 

[StarWarsMomofGirls!]

Man, I am glad I found these updates before I left! I would have been SUPER behind!

This had been a 3-night splurge for our honeymoon, and we were able to get an excellent rate from a travel agency that offers a great yearly deal around Labor Day

Awesome! I love the Poly. We stayed there our very first trip before they did the huge updates and I think it was a bit cheaper. I want to stay there again one day...

The front desk CM also told N to come back the following evening, after he'd had a chance to document the situation, and they'd see what else they could do for us, implying that he'd have some kind of pixie dust up his sleeve.

Well, I already saw the end result of this. But when I quoted it I was going to say how nice that was...

We shared our dole whip, while wearing these...

So cute!

Apparently he pulled out a bunch of drugs from under his counter and sold N some individually-wrapped motion sickness pills. Who knew that Disney CMs were dealing under the counter!?

Ha!

Allergy food can sometimes take a while, but it it wasn't just us—everything seemed to be slow and disorganized there that night. But when they finally brought us out food, to apologize for our wait and as pixie dust for our wedding, they gave us a plate of free cupcakes! ...too bad we obviously had an allergy meal and I couldn't eat them.

That was so nice. Ironic that they gave you something you couldn't eat. but still nice.

It would have been better with the BBQ sauces they had, but even though they were all GF, the CMs weren't sure whether they had dairy, so I just steered clear to be safe.

How could they not know? That seems old.

Strangely, he wasn't a huge fan. He didn't dislike it, but probably wouldn't order it again. Makes my heart ache for all of us in the world who can not enjoy the marvel that is tonga toast...and he just didn't even really enjoy it... sad!

Ha. I love the tonga toast. My only probably I like having savory and sweet at breakfast. i don't like to commit to just one or the other...

Whenever we'd see a double tube being vacated, we'd go to try to pounce for it, and some kid aged 11-16 would get there first. Ugh! :end rant.*

This is why I haven't made it over to either water park yet.

The whole thing was the weirdest experience I've ever had with CMs at Disney, and we also experienced more rudeness from both CMs the second day than I've ever seen. It was the worst customer service experience we've had at WDW, and it just put a slight damper on being at the Poly, which, being such a pricey deluxe resort, we had expected to be oozing with good vibes and positive guest relations

This makes my Disney Heart Hurt.. I know it's bound to happen but I hate when people have such a bad experience. Especially when it didn't need to happen in the first place.

It was starting to rain at this point, so N and I ducked into Spaceship Earth for our next FP. It was still raining when we got out, and we were both feeling a little tired and borderline cranky, so we decided to quit while we were ahead and make our way back to the Poly...via monorail...

I was thinking how ambitious you were at doing a water park and a regular park all in one day!

It was a quick cupcake mission, in-and-out. But I was satisfied with my supply of sugary treats.

How nice that you could just go over and grab some and come back. We never have a car with us, so that's not usually a thing for us.

 

[MeghanEmily]

No, you can't take too many trips to Disney (says the lady that has 4 more trips planned in 2018-2019)

Excellent! You're going to have such a great Disney year! I understand though. From mid-August 2017 to late-August 2018, we will have done 4 trips. Having annual passes has really made try to book trips whenever they fit. It's dangerous!

Still haven't managed to try a dole whip. Maybe in May.

You absolutely should! I know some people don't get the hype, but I really think they're delicious and they hit the spot in the heat. Conveniently for me, they're also gluten and dairy free.

I hate that your experience at the Poly wasn't so great. That can really put a damper on your trip. I hope that doesn't become a pattern!

It can really affect how you feel about a resort. The Poly, other than that one experience, was truly amazing, very relaxing, and beautiful. But I don't suspect we'd be in a rush to go back, just because of that strange experience. And because there are so many other excellent places to stay! Now, our free stay at the Grand, on the other hand, was only one night, and we hardly spent any time there. Originally we didn't think it was our style at all. But we had a couple of really awesome CM interactions, and everyone we seemed to come in contact with had such great energy, and I really think that impacted how we remembered the resort...and is probably why we're jumping at the chance to go back!

Awesome! I love the Poly. We stayed there our very first trip before they did the huge updates and I think it was a bit cheaper. I want to stay there again one day...

It's such a beautiful resort! And some great dining, too! I hope you get back someday.

Ha. I love the tonga toast. My only probably I like having savory and sweet at breakfast. i don't like to commit to just one or the other...

Me too! Though I really just love breakfast in general. If I had to live on only either breakfast foods or dinner foods the rest of my life, I'd pick breakfast in a heartbeat.

This makes my Disney Heart Hurt.. I know it's bound to happen but I hate when people have such a bad experience. Especially when it didn't need to happen in the first place.

It can really make such a difference on how you feel while you're there! We've always had awesome experiences with CMs at WDW, and fortunately this was just a tiny unimportant blip in the scheme of things. But it can definitely bring you down.

I was thinking how ambitious you were at doing a water park and a regular park all in one day!

Yeah! We didn't spent too much time in either place, but I still think it was probably a little too much. Long day!

How nice that you could just go over and grab some and come back. We never have a car with us, so that's not usually a thing for us.

We've gotten spoiled having a car! I'm usually pretty frugal, and I love that transportation anywhere you need to go is included at WDW. But I liked having our car to pop out and do things, like run errands, or go to Disney Springs. It was great at DS because they have the free parking garages, and one of the garages is fairly close to most of the places we like to go. We will definitely still take Disney trips without vehicles in future, but I think a lot of our future trips will either involve our own vehicle or a rental car. We're already talking about a rental for at least part of our August trip because we'll be doing Universal and probably the beach. And Nathan will have his truck with him when I meet him there in a few weeks.

 

[Raeven]

As we were taking the photo above, some kind older gentleman must have thought we were trying to get pictures of each other or something? Anyway, he offered to take our picture for us, and I didn't want to seem ungrateful, so we got him to take this:

This happened to us in Jiko when I was taking pictures for my DTR, I think the waiter misunderstood and thought we wanted one of us with the food? I didn't want to be rude so I let him take it, but it was such an awkward picture of us leaning over the table with our meals in the middle.

There were a few other slides we might have been interested in, but at that point we figured we could go back and check in at Poly, so that's what we did.

Hm, I'm still considering going to Typhoon Lagoon next trip, (we've had tickets literally for 3 years and never used them ), but it doesn't really sound like I'd like too much of it. I realized while thinking about going that I don't really even like waterparks, so I'm not sure why I bought the tickets but it was before our first trip so I think I just got overexcited

The whole thing was the weirdest experience I've ever had with CMs at Disney, and we also experienced more rudeness from both CMs the second day than I've ever seen. It was the worst customer service experience we've had at WDW, and it just put a slight damper on being at the Poly, which, being such a pricey deluxe resort, we had expected to be oozing with good vibes and positive guest relations.

Ugh I'm sorry about that. That reminded me of our issues with the WL and the CM's being weirdly rude and unhelpful. It's true when you spend so much for a deluxe resort that you do expect the service will be better and things will have a more magical feel.

I'd been eyeing the Hawaiian print dresses, and it felt like a treat yo' self kinda night, so I bought one!

Ah, I know where you can wear it! To the luau! (Either at the Poly or RPR has one at Universal). I almost bought a similarish one awhile back, but decided to save buying a dress like that for if we ever do the luau.

 

[pkondz]

...before heading over to the Great Ceremonial House to check in here:

I've always wanted to go there for breakfast, just to try...

...that! Heard so much about it.

Strangely, he wasn't a huge fan. He didn't dislike it, but probably wouldn't order it again. Makes my heart ache for all of us in the world who can not enjoy the marvel that is tonga toast...and he just didn't even really enjoy it... sad!

Well.... poop!

You may remember that we got willingly suckered into a Disney's Vacation Club tour a few days prior,

Nope! Totally forgot!

while we walked she told us about how she joined DVC, and how much she loved it.

That's how they getcha!

He told us that since we're from Canada, we'd have to buy while we were in Florida,

Hmmm... did that sound like a pressure tactic? Or just a statement in case you were thinking about it?

He showed us a what a studio at Poly looks like

And? What did you think of it?

but it ended up being totally worth it for us.

Good!

And when we finished, we went back to the DVC desk where they had our $100 gift card for us, as promised, and they loaded our extra free FPs.

I'd say that was worth a few minutes of time!

And it's possible we just misunderstood. But more likely, I think, that we were intentionally mislead.

Hmmm... hoping it was the former, but..... with timeshare salespeople.......

After our DVC tour, N wanted to indulge in more Poly dole whip, and of course, I was okay with that.

Of course!

when we went to take our dole whip and pay, they told us it was on the house. So much Disney pixie dust magic!!

As we were taking the photo above, some kind older gentleman must have thought we were trying to get pictures of each other or something? Anyway, he offered to take our picture for us, and I didn't want to seem ungrateful, so we got him to take this:

"Stop taking our picture! Stop it!!!!"

Then we left the Poly, with a backpack I'd packed with our swimming things, to go to Typhoon Lagoon!

Yay! I haven't been there since... 1992.

So, did we make it?

After all that bad luck... you better have!

I'm very pale naturally, so any colour is pretty exciting!

You sound like my DW. She once apologized for not having a tan.... to a dermatologist.

Summer...please hurry back soon!

Only 6 months to go!

Our first stop, because it was still very new, was checking out Miss Adventure Falls. It had a bit of a wait, but not too bad since it was still kind of early in the morning. I don't have it written down, but I'm gonna guess it said about 30 minutes. It was moving along fine...until the ride stopped.

Never heard of it. But... poop.

According to the CMs, there is a lever/button that gets pulled/pressed to temporarily stop the ride if someone is sticking their limbs out of the tube or otherwise not following the rules. Then they yell at them over the loudspeaker, and they resume the ride. However, there's another lever/button that puts the whole ride into shut-down mode. And apparently the wrong one was used, and so they had to follow protocol to check the whole ride out, and then boot the thing up again. I've also heard, however, that a CM will never tell you what's actually wrong with a ride, so that may be 100% made up.

"lever" Perhaps that's CM speak for "broke down".

N carried our tube like a champ.

It's what good hubbies do.

The first place we got in line, there was a huge line up and they were running WAY behind getting orders out. I didn't want to wait in line just to get to the front and have them not have allergy options, so I went up to try to get someone's attention to ask. The people around me waiting for their food started bad-mouthing me about not waiting in line, and complaining about how they'd already been waiting 20 minutes, etc., but I didn't care.

Sometimes you just have to do what you have to do. And since you weren't line cutting, and just needed a quick question answered.... I'm totally okay with that. I've done similar myself.

*Side rant: I like lazy rivers. I like them a lot. It kinda awkwards me out that they're often super crowded at Disney and there are always random strangers bumping into your tube and everyone feels weird about it. But otherwise, I like them. My issue though, is when there aren't that many free tubes available, and there are newlywed couples like us who would like to float together, and then you see 4 dozen pre-teen boys floating by, each occupying their own double tube, by themselves! I mean, sheesh! Some of us who've actually found love in life might have wanted those!

I think that's all part of the bigger problem of parents who don't... parent.
Instead of saying "Leave that one for two people", you either get parents who want their little snowflake to not miss out... or aren't even aware of what their kid is doing.

After some only-slightly-frustrating-lazy-floating,

Heh. That right there has to be the definition of first world problem.

But N and I both got pulled over by the waves and ended up scraping various body parts on the floor.

Ouch. Sorry to hear that.

The new CM told us that our new room had a Luau view, and that we must have just misheard.

Uh, huh. Sure. Misheard.

So N showed the new CM on the map which longhouse and which side the old CM had pointed out to him, and the new CM told N that there weren't even any rooms of that type available there and that the last guy had made a mistake!

Of course not. They gave them all away to other guests who beat you to it.
Sigh.... Nothing exists anymore unless it's in writing. And even then...

New CM was also quite rude to N and didn't seem at all interested in apologizing for the confusion, let alone doing anything about the situation, or talking to the old CM about it when he got in, etc. N was pretty ticked off about the whole situation, and I didn't love it either, but I was just grateful that they were able to move us to a room that matched both of our original requests.

Well.... true. You did get what you wanted, so I'll consider it a win.... however...

Yeah. Don't promise me something and don't deliver. At least not with some serious apologizing.

P.S. N went back that evening to check in with the old CM about "what else they could do for us," (his words), just like he'd told N to when he gave him the impression that he might be working on some pixie dust for us. And suddenly it was like that had never been said, and the CM acted as if the whole situation never happened.

Yup. Not in writing.
"Sorry. I've never seen you before in my life."

It was the worst customer service experience we've had at WDW, and it just put a slight damper on being at the Poly, which, being such a pricey deluxe resort, we had expected to be oozing with good vibes and positive guest relations.

Poop. Sorry to hear that. Hope it didn't dampen your enthusiasm too much.

I keep forgetting to mention what incredibly terrible luck we had on this trip with creepy elevators. Every hotel on the road on our way had a nerve-wracking elevator...especially in Jersey!...and then we got to Disney and kept having the same problem!)

I hear there's a really bad one at DHS.

It was narrow, but fairly long. (That's what she said?)

Meghan!!

 

[pkondz]

I didn't realize that all the pictures they took would be with a fisheye lens, so we're kinda round-ish in them, but I like them anyway.

That's odd... but... I suppose the PP photog wouldn't change lenses.

My shirt says, "Heartbeat of a Princess,"

Ah! I was trying to figure it out.

N's says, "I work to support my wife's Disney addiction," which is incredibly accurate.

And... yes!

Then we headed straight to Soarin' for our FP, before our dinner reservation. It was a good ride, and as usual, we asked to wait for the middle section which made it even better.

We didn't end up getting one right next to it like on our first trip, but we were still down on the lowest level and had an excellent view.

Just once. Just once I'd love to be in there when people I know are dining. Ah well.

For his appetizer, N ordered the seafood salad because it looked interesting, especially with the mango sorbet on top.

That's different! I've never heard of a sorbet on a salad before.

My mahi mahi was okay-ish.

You mean your mahi mahi was okay okay?

I have no idea why there was one tiny overcooked shrimp on the side of my plate?? Weird.

That is odd. It looks like it just fell there from someone else's dish.

I'm not 100% sure why I did this, but I'm pretty sure it was to ask them about the VIP Illuminations viewing we were given for our wedding, and how it worked.

Sure! Let's go with that.

It was starting to rain at this point

Boo!

"You guys need to get a job! You're both travelling and I don't know how you're doing this!"

I'd like to know too!

And N is constantly being asked how he manages to make a living as an artist, and there are lots of people who don't think it's a "real" job.

I am not in that category. Without art... life would be so drab.

We're always popping down to WDW these days it seems, and people are always asking us why and how we're going so much.

Because when you are passionate about something, you find a way.

Cute!
(So are your little pink socks. )

Gorgeous!

Either that, or as we speculated, it could just be the same snail. In which case, we think he's going to be famous. Keep an eye out for his Instagram account to pop up, because I suspect it will before too long.

So cool! I've never seen one before.

 

[pkondz]

Yes! Getting excited. The hubby just left this morning for another long work trip, so the next time I see him will be in WDW!

Excellent!!
Where is he off to this time?
(Still upset that I couldn't see him when he was here.)

Maybe I should have been more specific: I won't do much editing to the pictures that I haven't stolen...er...borrowed.

If there was ever a time for pixie dust, that's it!

That and first visits. Especially with little ones.

I didn't ask...didn't want to get involved! The less I know, the better!

Ooh, thanks for the fun fact! I did know the one about giraffes—pretty appropriate, I think!

Also, agree. But I wouldn't have been satisfied if I had never given it a try.

And I'm pretty impressed that you did, knowing what it might do to you.

 

[bellarinah]

Well, while I despise the agency you booked with lol I will say it was definitely wrong for the CM to blame them for you not getting your requests! There is no less chance of you getting your requests when made by a TA over making them yourself, provided your TA actually MAKES those requests. So I'm glad the CM was willing to move you guys

And while I know you didn't enjoy FOP as you said it's probably better that you tried it so you're not always saying "I wonder......"

Do you mind elaborating on the reason(s) you not liking that particular travel agency? I generally book with them and never have a problem. I'm not trying to challenge you or anything. Just wanted to understand the whole picture.

 

[MeghanEmily]

This happened to us in Jiko when I was taking pictures for my DTR, I think the waiter misunderstood and thought we wanted one of us with the food? I didn't want to be rude so I let him take it, but it was such an awkward picture of us leaning over the table with our meals in the middle.

Haha "Did you want to be in that picture of your entree?" "...Um...."

Hm, I'm still considering going to Typhoon Lagoon next trip, (we've had tickets literally for 3 years and never used them ), but it doesn't really sound like I'd like too much of it. I realized while thinking about going that I don't really even like waterparks, so I'm not sure why I bought the tickets but it was before our first trip so I think I just got overexcited

Haha wow! You've held onto those tickets a long time! Yeah, I'm not really waterpark people either. We used to have the Disney AP that included waterparks, but when we renewed we didn't get it again because we only went a couple of times and didn't have much desire to go back. I think if we do any waterpark-ing on upcoming trips, it would be just to check out Volcano Bay for the first time.

Ugh I'm sorry about that. That reminded me of our issues with the WL and the CM's being weirdly rude and unhelpful. It's true when you spend so much for a deluxe resort that you do expect the service will be better and things will have a more magical feel.

I thought of your experience at WL when I was writing this!

Ah, I know where you can wear it! To the luau! (Either at the Poly or RPR has one at Universal). I almost bought a similarish one awhile back, but decided to save buying a dress like that for if we ever do the luau.

That's an idea!! I'm not sure, but I think I might be more likely to do RPR than Poly. It'll have to go on the "some trip someday" list...

 

[MeghanEmily]

I've always wanted to go there for breakfast, just to try...

...that! Heard so much about it.

Tonga toast looks pretty tasty. It has all the kinds of things I would like to munch on! I've also heard that they also serve it at the QS location there at Capt. Cooke's, if you ever want to pop over for an unexpected QS breakfast.

Hmmm... did that sound like a pressure tactic? Or just a statement in case you were thinking about it?

Hmm...maybe both? I definitely think that they use that to their advantage to try to make a sale on the spot. But it's also true that you can't buy DVC when you're physically located within the borders of Canada, so they probably want to make sure that people realize that and don't miss out.

And? What did you think of it?

The studios at Poly are really nice! We liked the decor and the little kitchen area.

Yay! I haven't been there since... 1992.

I think the last time I was there was when I went to WDW for the first time with my grandmother when I was four. N and I had been to Blizzard Beech before, but I prefer the theming of Typhoon Lagoon, so I was on the list for a while now.

You sound like my DW. She once apologized for not having a tan.... to a dermatologist.

I'm pretty comfortable in my PALE skin. Everyone kept asking me if I'd be going to a tanning bed or getting a spray tan for the wedding, but I don't think that would even really look like me. I'm usually pretty good about sunscreen—I hate sunburns with a passion, and I'm also not a fan of, you know, the prospect of skin cancer or anything. But once in a while I'll surprise myself by getting a little colour in the summer, and then I can successfully wear the lightest shade of the kind of makeup I use, and it's exciting!

Sometimes you just have to do what you have to do. And since you weren't line cutting, and just needed a quick question answered.... I'm totally okay with that. I've done similar myself.

Agreed!! Thanks for your support!

It's kind of the expected course of action with allergy meals anyway, because your meal will likely take a long time to be made from scratch. You find a CM, ask for a manager/chef, and then wait...and wait...and then see the manager...and then wait...and wait. But worth it to eat safely and well!

I think that's all part of the bigger problem of parents who don't... parent.
Instead of saying "Leave that one for two people", you either get parents who want their little snowflake to not miss out... or aren't even aware of what their kid is doing.

Amen.

Well.... true. You did get what you wanted, so I'll consider it a win.... however...

Yeah. Don't promise me something and don't deliver. At least not with some serious apologizing.

100%

I hear there's a really bad one at DHS.

...

That's odd... but... I suppose the PP photog wouldn't change lenses.

Yeah, that's true. I guess I didn't really realize until after we stopped here that they were using a fisheye lens at all. But it made for some kinda interesting pictures.

Just once. Just once I'd love to be in there when people I know are dining. Ah well.

Maybe someday we'll have synching trips, and we'll have to be sure to eat there!

You mean your mahi mahi was okay okay?

My mahi was SOO mahi, I said it twice!

That is odd. It looks like it just fell there from someone else's dish.

I kinda had that thought, too. But I think I ate it, and I don't remember getting sick, so no harm done I guess.

Excellent!!
Where is he off to this time?
(Still upset that I couldn't see him when he was here.)

He's on his way south at this very moment! I believe Florida, then Tennessee, then Georgia, then back to Florida? I lose track sometimes when he's got more than 1 or 2 shows at once. That's why we booked the February trip in the first place because he'd be down there anyway, and because otherwise I wouldn't see him at all for about a month. If he was down there anyway, it would just be my flight and our hotel/food that we'd be paying for, so it seemed like as good an excuse as any to take another trip!

And I'm pretty impressed that you did, knowing what it might do to you.

I'm glad I tried it! I still haven't worked myself up to tower of terror, and I'm not sure if I ever will...but I always wonder if I'd be able to handle it. But there are some I know I can't do, and I don't even bother—RnRC, for instance, is definitely a no-go!

 

[pkondz]

Tonga toast looks pretty tasty. It has all the kinds of things I would like to munch on! I've also heard that they also serve it at the QS location there at Capt. Cooke's, if you ever want to pop over for an unexpected QS breakfast.

An unexpected breakfast.

"I was walking along, minding my own business when this guy grabs me and makes me eat delicious breakfast food. It was terrifying and delicious."

The studios at Poly are really nice! We liked the decor and the little kitchen area.

Not too small?

I think the last time I was there was when I went to WDW for the first time with my grandmother when I was four. N and I had been to Blizzard Beech before, but I prefer the theming of Typhoon Lagoon, so I was on the list for a while now.

I'm not interested in Blizzard Beach at all. I get enough snow thank you very much.

I'm pretty comfortable in my PALE skin. Everyone kept asking me if I'd be going to a tanning bed or getting a spray tan for the wedding, but I don't think that would even really look like me. I'm usually pretty good about sunscreen—I hate sunburns with a passion, and I'm also not a fan of, you know, the prospect of skin cancer or anything. But once in a while I'll surprise myself by getting a little colour in the summer, and then I can successfully wear the lightest shade of the kind of makeup I use, and it's exciting!

You go girl!
And... not a fan of spray tans... they never look right. IMHO.

It's kind of the expected course of action with allergy meals anyway, because your meal will likely take a long time to be made from scratch. You find a CM, ask for a manager/chef, and then wait...and wait...and then see the manager...and then wait...and wait. But worth it to eat safely and well!

Yeah, I can see that as being a bit of a pain (or a lot). Yes, better safe... but a bit of a time killer.

Yeah, that's true. I guess I didn't really realize until after we stopped here that they were using a fisheye lens at all. But it made for some kinda interesting pictures.

I'm really surprised. Most people would probably be upset with the distortion. And wouldn't know a fisheye lens from... a fish.

Maybe someday we'll have synching trips, and we'll have to be sure to eat there!

That'd be cool! And don't tell N.
"Oh him? I know him. He's a friend."

My mahi was SOO mahi, I said it twice!

I kinda had that thought, too. But I think I ate it, and I don't remember getting sick, so no harm done I guess.

You can extend the rules when it comes to shrimp.

He's on his way south at this very moment!

That's right, of course. I forgot.

I'm glad I tried it! I still haven't worked myself up to tower of terror, and I'm not sure if I ever will...but I always wonder if I'd be able to handle it. But there are some I know I can't do, and I don't even bother—RnRC, for instance, is definitely a no-go!

If you try TOT, I would suggest you not hold on to the handholds. It sounds counterintuitive, but... it makes for a smoother ride.
I used to hold on as tight as I could and would get banged into my seat all the time. Finally I didn't for a TR photo and.... it was wayyyyyyy smoother and more enjoyable as a result.

 

[MeghanEmily]

An unexpected breakfast.

"I was walking along, minding my own business when this guy grabs me and makes me eat delicious breakfast food. It was terrifying and delicious."

Not too small?

Not for two of us. There are two bathroom areas, which would be convenient for multiple people getting ready at once. I think they technically sleep 5 with the pull down bed, and I think it would be pretty tight for five adults. But we thought it was pretty spacious/comfortable for the two of us.

I'm not interested in Blizzard Beach at all. I get enough snow thank you very much.

We have a couple of girls in my course from Manitoba, and we had a delayed start to classes this morning due to weather, and one of them was mystified by this concept of a Snow Day, because she said that in Winnipeg they just put on an extra scarf and headed off to school!

Yeah, I can see that as being a bit of a pain (or a lot). Yes, better safe... but a bit of a time killer.

Definitely a time killer! But in the end it's a small price to pay to be able to eat food on vacation like a practically-normal person. I rarely go out to eat and always have to do some research before going on vacation somewhere, so WDW makes it easy in comparison!

I'm really surprised. Most people would probably be upset with the distortion. And wouldn't know a fisheye lens from... a fish.

Truth!

If you try TOT, I would suggest you not hold on to the handholds. It sounds counterintuitive, but... it makes for a smoother ride.
I used to hold on as tight as I could and would get banged into my seat all the time. Finally I didn't for a TR photo and.... it was wayyyyyyy smoother and more enjoyable as a result.

Hmmm, interesting! I wouldn't have thought of that, but I guess it makes sense in a strange way. I'll keep that in mind!

 

[natebenma]

I have not visited Discovery Cove, but I loved reading about your day there.

The pictures from the aviary are great! My husband and I stayed at a resort in Jamaica that had an aviary on property and every day we would go in and feed the funny, colorful, tropical birds. So much fun and there were always people freaking out about the birds landing on them, so that was added entertainment.

That is SOOOO cool that a shark bumped N. What an experience!

LOL at the little girls loud announcement about the effects of water.

I'm so glad you enjoyed the snorkeling. That is one of my favorite activities in the whole world. There really were a lot of fish there!

about finally getting to interact and swim with dolphins. I can tell by the pictures and descriptions how much it meant to you.

The lemonade pina colada icee things sound really yummy and refreshing.

 

[natebenma]

Hooray on your August plans! How nice that you will be going back to the GF to celebrate your anniversary. Universal APs are ridiculously affordable (at least compared to Disney passes). We got them for a trip we took in Feb 2015 when we were at Universal for 5 days and that was the cheapest way to do it. Then we returned in August of that year, because: Annual Passes!

 

[natebenma]

Wow! What a day! Discovery Cove, a move to the Poly and some AK fun. I'm impressed, especially since you weren't feeling 100%.

You got some great pictures on the safari. I love the rhino taking a mud bath.

Bummer about feeling sick on FoP- that feeling can really wipe you out for a long time.

Kona is my favorite breakfast place at Disney. YUM!

Speediest DVC presentation ever!

I'm glad you finally got to Typhoon Lagoon, but it sounds like the day was sort of a mixed bag.

I'm sorry to hear you kind of got the runaround at the Poly.

 

[pkondz]

Not for two of us. There are two bathroom areas, which would be convenient for multiple people getting ready at once. I think they technically sleep 5 with the pull down bed, and I think it would be pretty tight for five adults. But we thought it was pretty spacious/comfortable for the two of us.

Oh! When I think "Studio", I think small. No bedroom.

We have a couple of girls in my course from Manitoba, and we had a delayed start to classes this morning due to weather, and one of them was mystified by this concept of a Snow Day, because she said that in Winnipeg they just put on an extra scarf and headed off to school!

When I was a kid, going to school, my sister and I would walk the 5 minutes or so to the bus stop. I remember one day we waited and the school bus never came (although at least two cars stopped offering to give us a ride... simpler times.)
We eventually went back home and called our mom. "Thank goodness you came home!" She said. "It's so cold that they cancelled all the busses!"

The story, however does not have a happy ending.
My mother was a teacher.... So... Instead of a snow day, she made us take money out of her jewelry box and take a cab!

Definitely a time killer! But in the end it's a small price to pay to be able to eat food on vacation like a practically-normal person. I rarely go out to eat and always have to do some research before going on vacation somewhere, so WDW makes it easy in comparison!

I never thought of it that way! More Disney magic!

Hmmm, interesting! I wouldn't have thought of that, but I guess it makes sense in a strange way. I'll keep that in mind!

I never really enjoyed TOT. I only rode it because I liked everything leading up to the drop. But now... I like that part too!