I'M JUST SHOWBOATIN' AROUND THE WORLD! & getting pooped on. Jan 13 TR! NEW TR POSTED!

[Nicki87]

I loved your video!! It was so well done and I makes me miss Disney World so bad.

 

[Fantasyland Mom]

Oh, Kona! Oh, Poly!
I agree with Amy on the Samoan. It was okay. Not good, not bad. Just...food. I was really expecting more.
And about their coffee...I remember that for a while, they had to supplement their coffee with beans that weren't 100% Kona because there was a shortage of Kona beans in the world or something. I wonder if they got some of that? I was really happy with ours...but then again, I had been drinking the Disney coffee for days AND I'm not from Seattle. I mean, it didn't make me dance or anything, but I was grateful for it. I just wished it had been stronger.
So, you and Amy rode ToT, and Matt decided to get cupcakes! Matt is a smart, smart man. Cupcakes ALWAYS win out over ToT!
Brandon had that similar fake-out experience on ToT once. Thankfully, I have not had that experience. Phew!
The grounds of Poly are just phenomenal. I adore that place. And while we won't be staying there this time, I'm very happy that we've got a breakfast ADR at 'Ohana just so we can visit it again and take in that special Poly smell in the lobby...aaaaahhhh...

 

[onelilspark]

Hopefully I won't get banned from the DIS for saying this, but while I like the Tonga Toast, I'm not crazy about it. It's too thick and heavy and sits in my stomach all day long and I feel like crap after eating it. The last time I got the macadamia nut pancakes. And THAT is where it's at! If you go back, give them a try!

 

[blklotus]

Your Michael Scott .gif was right on with me and most roller coaster/drop rides. I LOVE them (in theory!) and then as soon as I get on I'm kind of like...uhhhhh....WHY did I think this was a good idea? Then after the first drop I'm in my happy place the rest of the ride. For roller coasters it's definitely the build up when you're going up the hill that kills me (it gives me too much time to think about all the things that could go wrong!), so RnR is awesome for me (though the not knowing when you're going to take off part makes me nervous just thinking about it!).

I feel your pain with the Brazilian tour groups, too. I am pretty sure the ONLY place I've ever had trouble with them was at HS! They can't get enough!

 

[RachelNinja]

Oy, just reading about your ToT experience is a huge reminder as to why I do NOT go on that ride! Haha. I went on the ride YEARS ago, and once they changed it to the randomized drops, there was NO way I could do that. I like the predictability of going on the same rides over and over again without any changes!

 

[glaserjm]

Ok I have to say that while I loved your update in total, I just spent a good two minutes staring at the Michael Scott GIF and laughing so hard! I remember that exact scene and I just love it.

Thanks for the 2 PM boost!

 

[lvcourtneyy]

The Poly is so pretty! And that Tonga Toast looks delicious. I'm hoping to get over to Capt Cooks in September to try some.

Matt's unimpressed face with the hat is hilarious.

BTGs omg. I can't even deal.

 

[danimaroo]

Ahhh, BTG! Bummer. At least you got one extra good (?) ride on ToT

I want to try the Tonga Toast, but I'd need to share it or something, and DH does not share well. Not food at least! But maybe I'd get it at CC, then it doesn't feel like such a waste if I don't finish it. Love the lilikoi juice

Haha, yeah, they just LOVE that area I guess! I just don't know if I'd describe that ride as extra good, noooot in my eyes!

Tonga Toast is super good, but definitely something you could share! But I know what you mean, it'd probably be best to get it at CC and then not worry about feeling bad for not finishing it!

All you have to do is ask me if I want to go on ToT and I have that reaction!
Love the hat picture!!

I love the Poly! Never stayed there but we love to visit and eat at Captain Cooks (home of the self-serve Dole Whip machine)!

Bahaha, I'm glad I'm not alone in my reaction!

Matt just loooves that hat, so much!

Yeeessss, another reason I need to go there is that darn self-serve Dole Whip machine! That just sounds like heaven. I guess if we somehow miss out on Tonga Toast, there is always a Dole Whip to look forward to!

Great update!

Thank you!!

LoOoOoOoOove the Polynesian!!! My dream resort. Did you hear about the DVC expansion at the Poly? It sounds amazing! Bungalows over the water, like in Fiji. Anyway, you got some great photos on there, and I am just more and more convinced with every TR I read that at some point in my life, I need to try Tonga Toast.

BTG!!! We saw a couple of tour groups from Argentina on our December trip, and were lucky enough to avoid them for the most part. Sorry you didn't enjoy your ToT experience, but we have had one like that and LOVED IT! Just when you think it's over, you just keep going. Love that random drop sequence!!

It is so delightful! I did hear about the DVC stuff, but I wasn't sure if it was actually official?! If it is, we will DEFINITELY have to try staying there at least once during a trip!!

And yes, Tonga Toast, try iiiitttt! It's so good.

BTG are just not my favorite. Blergh. They just make the lines awful every time! And yeah, I'm just a wuss with ToT, hahaha. I love it at first, but then I get tired of it very quickly!

Mmmm... Tonga Toast! It's definitely on my Disney bucket list! Like you, I'm not a huge fan of the Polynesian. For some reason, I had it in my head for the longest time that it was really outdated, but the more I see pictures of it now, the more I like it. I think I'll stay at GF first, but Poly's on the list now!

On behalf of tour group leaders everywhere, I'm sorry about the Brazilian tour groups! I'm a volunteer chaperone for Rotary exchange students, and it is sort of funny how different countries are more into different aspects of Disney. South Americans LOOOOVE DHS, especially the thrill rides.

It's so good! And yes, I agree, I think I was in the same boat as you, but now I'm really diggin' it. The Grand Floridian is AMAZING to stay at, and I can't wait to stay there again, but I'd love to try the Poly at some point for sure!

Hahaha, iiiit's okay, we always have the BTGs when we're there in January. They really do love DHS though, we just couldn't ever go there without running into them!

Eeeeeeeeppppp!!!!! Tonga Toast!!! After years of listening to my friend's sister rave about it, I finally journeyed over to the Poly to try it a couple of years ago and it is now a must do. I love that you can get it at Captain Cook's. I can run over in the morning and still make it to the Magic Kingdom in time for rope drop.
Star Trek theme on the Hollywood Studios bus? Pretty weird. Almost as weird as my bus experience on my last trip. Pulling into Hollywood Studios the bus starting playing the Harry Potter theme. I thought I was imagining it until I heard it 2 days later. I thought Harry Potter belongs to that other theme park, you know, the dark side, where the light doesn't shine. I think it's called Universal

Oh man, I love it! I'm definitely hoping to get over to Captain' Cook's for a little Tonga Toast action one morning before heading to MK!

Haha, that is SO weird that they were playing HP! Seriously, I don't know what I would have done if I'd heard it!

what are these Brazilian tour groups that you speak of that exist in the parks in January and will I have to dodge them on our trip? sort of made it sound like some dreaded disease, didn't I? we've never been there when big tour groups are there, or else we've missed them. hope we avoid them again!
great update! I hope I get on a ride with you guys sometime--i'd crack up to hear the screaming or see the hilarious ride photos!

Haha, in January, you will see them! They're kind of a pain, but if you try to just not be in the same area as them, it's not that bad. They just are obsessed with Hollywood Studios!

Hahaha, I'm sure it'd be quite a hoot!

HA, I know why you shared that first photo... Because we LOVE those photos!!!

Haha, up until recently I don't even think Disney had coffee... just Nescafe.

"I tried my absolute best to make the same face as him.... Instead, it just looks like I have to poop." God you make me laugh! I was going to say you "crack" me up, but I thought that would be inappropriate.

Star Trek... Seriously?? That is weird.

Oh man that hat icon photo is hysterical. Good for you Matt!! Down with the hat!!

Yeah RNRC is the worst single rider line there is.

And my favourite runs on ToT are when you think it's over and then BOOM, it goes again. Bonus time!!

Haha it was just for you. I know how much you love those ones!

Hahaha, Nescafe is definitely NOT coffee, yuck! But it helped out when I was riding the struggle bus on some of those mornings!

Bahaha, I thought it was a funny comment. I seriously think I'm so funny sometimes, but I'm a dork. I'm glad you laughed though, and your comment was perfect!

Star Trek, it was super bizarre! I just don't understand.

DOWN WITH THE HAT! That's what Matt would totally say!

The single rider on RNRC can be totally fine, until you get those groups! Then it's beyond brutal and not worth it.

I'm SOOO happy for you that you love those types of ToT runs... I mean, you are totally that guy cheering it on, meanwhile I'm screaming like Michael Scott over in my little corner, hoping it's over soon.

Tonga, tonga, TONGA!!!!! I have a deep and abiding love for this magnificent creation. I would write sonnets about tonga toast, if I could find anything that rhymes with Tonga. But I digress.
Gosh, you guys have so much fun. Even when Matt is sooooo happy about "the hat..."

The Polynesian is my absolute favorite resort. Ever. I am with Bruce and Amy, it definitely reminds me of Hawaii, too!

Haha, Tower of Terror deception! I've been on it a total of ONE time. It took me years to get on it and as much as I love the theming, the drops are not my friend. Of course, I'll go on it again... Glutton for punishment and all.

Another lovely and entertaining installment.

It's so amazing, it deserves a sonnet. #justsayin

Bahaha, we do have fun! You will see this in September!

I'm telling you, it's really grown on me as an awesome resort that I will hopefully stay at in the future! DVC POLY ALL THE WAY!

Ermergerd, it was awful. I'm the same way though, even though I question WHY I made the choice to go on, I know I will go on it again next trip, but just probably once since Matt really doesn't like it.

I loved your video!! It was so well done and I makes me miss Disney World so bad.

AHH thank you so much! I'm so glad you watched it and liked it!! It makes me miss it like crazy, too, but also really happy and excited to go back again.

Oh, Kona! Oh, Poly!
I agree with Amy on the Samoan. It was okay. Not good, not bad. Just...food. I was really expecting more.
And about their coffee...I remember that for a while, they had to supplement their coffee with beans that weren't 100% Kona because there was a shortage of Kona beans in the world or something. I wonder if they got some of that? I was really happy with ours...but then again, I had been drinking the Disney coffee for days AND I'm not from Seattle. I mean, it didn't make me dance or anything, but I was grateful for it. I just wished it had been stronger.
So, you and Amy rode ToT, and Matt decided to get cupcakes! Matt is a smart, smart man. Cupcakes ALWAYS win out over ToT!
Brandon had that similar fake-out experience on ToT once. Thankfully, I have not had that experience. Phew!
The grounds of Poly are just phenomenal. I adore that place. And while we won't be staying there this time, I'm very happy that we've got a breakfast ADR at 'Ohana just so we can visit it again and take in that special Poly smell in the lobby...aaaaahhhh...

Ohhh to both, indeed! I can't say much about the Samoan, but yeah, she seemed to like it just okay!

Maybe they just got a bad batch, but I'm telling you, if it'd been me drinking it, I'd be so happy because Disney coffee is poop. ANYTHING is better than that. But then again, they've had like the REAL Kona coffee in Kona Hawaii, so I can see why they might be picky!

Hahaha Matt was a smart cookie on that one, and I went to go find him because once was plenty for me!

It was not a pleasant experience. AT ALL.

I agree, we are planning to head over there for Tonga Toast one morning (probably while we're staying over at WL), and then I want to go there again one night to watch Wishes from the Poly beach with a Dole Whip in hand. It seems perfect.

Hopefully I won't get banned from the DIS for saying this, but while I like the Tonga Toast, I'm not crazy about it. It's too thick and heavy and sits in my stomach all day long and I feel like crap after eating it. The last time I got the macadamia nut pancakes. And THAT is where it's at! If you go back, give them a try!

It's okay! I've definitely heard of people not liking it at all! I would actually love to try those macadamia nut pancakes at some point. I'm sure we'll head back to Kona at some point, and I will try them then! I was torn between those and the Tonga Toast, but had to try the TT!

Your Michael Scott .gif was right on with me and most roller coaster/drop rides. I LOVE them (in theory!) and then as soon as I get on I'm kind of like...uhhhhh....WHY did I think this was a good idea? Then after the first drop I'm in my happy place the rest of the ride. For roller coasters it's definitely the build up when you're going up the hill that kills me (it gives me too much time to think about all the things that could go wrong!), so RnR is awesome for me (though the not knowing when you're going to take off part makes me nervous just thinking about it!).

I feel your pain with the Brazilian tour groups, too. I am pretty sure the ONLY place I've ever had trouble with them was at HS! They can't get enough!

Hahaha, it's so true! Though for me, it's mainly just Tower of Terror. I can handle all other roller coasters.. except Space Mountain. Those 2, I think are just bad because it's all in the dark and you have no idea what is going to happen! Blergh.

Those TGs are brutal in January. One of the downsides to going during that month. HS is usually where they cause issues, but I've run into problems with AK, too!

Oy, just reading about your ToT experience is a huge reminder as to why I do NOT go on that ride! Haha. I went on the ride YEARS ago, and once they changed it to the randomized drops, there was NO way I could do that. I like the predictability of going on the same rides over and over again without any changes!

Hahaha, it was just insane! I agree, I do much better when I know things are going to happen... but yet, I still go on ToT for some weird reason? I think I just love the theming of the ride as a whole that I'm willing to deal with the drops.

Ok I have to say that while I loved your update in total, I just spent a good two minutes staring at the Michael Scott GIF and laughing so hard! I remember that exact scene and I just love it.

Thanks for the 2 PM boost!

Hahahaha, I'm so glad you loved that! When I realized I was able to use that .gif, I was so happy because that episode CRACKS me up so hard. Poor Toby!

The Poly is so pretty! And that Tonga Toast looks delicious. I'm hoping to get over to Capt Cooks in September to try some.

Matt's unimpressed face with the hat is hilarious.

BTGs omg. I can't even deal.

The Poly is so pretty! I hope we can go to Captain Cook's, as well. I'll want Tonga Toast I'm sure at some point!

Matt just isn't lovin' that hat, and when I asked for a photo showing how he felt, that's what I got! Hahaha.

BTGs are noooot fun. I'm excited for there to be less of them in September!

 

[danimaroo]

Hi everyone!

I just wanted to do a quick PTR update since it's been a while, and I need a little happiness in my life.

Our cat, Snifter, who is 16, hasn't been doing very well lately. We had to take her into the vet, and we were both fully expecting to have to put her down, which was awful. Both of us were a mess...

I've had many pets in my life, but this was the first pet who I've lived with the longest, who's been a part of my 10 year relationship with Matt, since the day I met him. And this is Matt's first pet that has been his from the beginning... So needless to say, it's been an emotional few days.

The good news is, Snifter is back home with us right now. She has renal failure, which is kidney failure. This is common in older cats, and can be treated. It IS a fatal disease, but her life can be prolonged (while not suffering)... but it means we have to give her subcutaneous fluids either every day or a few times a week, and she has to be on a special diet. The only problem is that she hasn't eaten, so we're hoping she starts to eat soon... If she doesn't, then she might not be around a lot longer.

So, if you can, keep little Snifter in your thoughts. She's a wonderful little cat and we're hoping she hangs in there for a while longer...

But, onto the fun stuff, because we all know we can use a little fun/happiness in our lives, right?! And what better way to do that than to talk Disney trip planning stuff!

Sooooo... Matt and I decided to consider something fun for our September trip... What if we decided to leave a day earlier and instead of leaving on the morning of the 12th, leave on the morning of the 11th? We threw the idea around for a while, but didn't get serious about it... Theeeen we realized, with our company giving us unlimited vacation, and so many other people taking longer vacations, why not at least look into it?

I looked up the cost of changing our flights, which was $75 per person, $150 total. Not actually as awful as we thought, though I needed to make sure the new flight was the same price as our original flight, just in case it was more expensive, we'd have to pay the difference of the flights. But we lucked out, with the flights being the same price, yay!

We also needed to see if it'd be possible to use more DVC points, which it was, but that also required us to see if there was availability at any DVC resorts. Unfortunately there was no availability at Wilderness Lodge, which threw a wrench into our plans. I mean, are we really wanting to do a TRIPLE split stay on our trip?

After a little consideration, and remembering how amazing it would be to have an entire extra day in the parks, we decided it was totally worth it and booked one night at ANOTHER DVC resort, and waitlisted at Wilderness Lodge.

For those who don't know how Disney Vacation Club works: If a certain resort isn't available for the dates you want, you can book at another DVC resort that has availability, and then waitlist at the original resort that you wanted to stay at. If another DVC member cancels their trip and your waitlisted date(s) become available, they will automatically switch you over to your waitlisted resort.

So, it's official: we've gained an extra Disney day!

We'll arrive on September 11th at around 6pm, and lucky for us, we should be able to go to a park that night! Magic Kingdom is open until 10pm that evening, and Epcot is open until 11 with EMH. Our original plan (which had us arriving at the same time on the 12th) had us going to Magic Kingdom that night, but now we're not sure, mainly because of where we're staying that first night.

Oh, yeah, so I'm guessing some of you might be interested in where we're staying for our 3rd resort (at least, for now, unless our Waitlist for Wilderness Lodge comes through)...

We'll be spending our first night at...

Boardwalk Villas!

It's funny, part of me really wants our waitlist to come through for Wilderness Lodge, just for the convenience of being checked in for 4 nights there, but on the other hand, if we end up having to stay at BWV for the night, I won't totally hate it! We won't be spending a whole ton of time there, but I'd definitely like to explore that resort a little bit!

But this is where it complicates our first night plans. Our original plan was to take the boat from Wilderness Lodge over to Magic Kingdom until it closed... but now that we'll be over at Boardwalk our first night, it might make way more sense to head over to Epcot until it closes instead of MK. I think for now we'll just leave it up in the air and make a decision once we know 100% where we'll be staying that first night.

So yeah! Very exciting news, you can't beat extra time in Disney World.

In other fun trip-related news:

I just booked and paid for our Dessert Party reservations yesterday, as well! I was happy to see that the September dates had finally been released, so it'll be great to watch Wishes again while eating delightful desserts.

Oh! So you guys know we're doing MNSSHP while we're there... Weeellll, some of you have seen this through instagram... but Matt has no issue with people knowing his costume (mine is still secret), but he's going as Wreck-it Ralph! And as we all know, Ralph isn't complete without his medal, right?! So I made this for Matt's costume, using clay and puffy pain:

I think it came out pretty good, considering I've never used that kind of clay. Now we just need to work on the rest of his costume, though it shouldn't be too hard... The most difficult part is finding the right overalls! I'm considering getting white ones and then just using dye to make them the right dark brown... But we'll see!

In other non-trip-related but fun Disney-related news, Matt got the first part of his Haunted Mansion tattoo last Saturday! It's just the line work right now, but it seriously came out AMAZING. The artist captured every part of the original poster, even right down to the little ink dots on the Ghosts... Matt will get it colored in on August 2nd, and you better believe I will post a finished photo of it!

That's about it for now for PTR stuff. At this point, time seems to be flying by, which isn't surprising. Our summer has been very busy, so to say that we're almost only 2 months away from our trip is kind of insane!

I will hopefully have a new TR update for you guys here soon, just depending on how things go. This whole thing with Snifter has been a lot, plus my work week is going to be very busy next week (we're having our annual sales summit), then we have a friend in town visiting/staying with us, so hopefully I can squeeze something in there before then!

Last thing, I swear!

I just wanted to apologize to anyone whose TR I've been neglecting. I just really haven't had the time to keep up as of late. When I'm not busy, I'm trying to keep my TR responses/updates going so I can make sure this TR is completely done by the time we go in September... but I really hope I will have some free time to catch up on your TRs and comment soon. Sorry I've been not the best DIS friend as of late... but here's hoping for some DIS time here soon!

Continued in next post​

 

[RachelNinja]

I'm so sorry to hear about Snifter! I hope that her appetite improves quickly!

Yay for an extension on your trip! I also can't wait to see what your costumes are going to look like!

 

[gardengirl2790]

So sorry for Snifter, and you two.

Matt's tattoo is very cool. The artist is doing such detailed work, it's pretty amazing.

Yeah for another Disney day!! You can NEVER have too much time at WDW.

 

[blabbermouth]

Sorry to hear about your cat She's getting old, wow, keeps on keepin' on.

Yay for extending your trip. I've really been thinking about it for ours too, but it'd make more work-sense to extend at the beginning, but it's the long weekend so flights are WAY more expensive. Although if I extended at the end it'd overlap with a lot more disers! Either way, I don't think DH wants to spend more money

I agree, it'd make much more sense to go to Epcot your first night, especially after a day of travelling.

Nice medal, and AMAZING tattoo!! That will be so awesome once completed. It's great because it's Disney, but it's also badass

 

[AbbyMarie]

Sending get better kitty thoughts to Snifter! Love Matt's tattoo. I've always been too wimpy to get a tattoo, but if I ever got brave, a Disney tattoo would be the way I'd go. Have fun with your visitors - we're having great weather for it!

 

[wdwgirl03]

Sorry about your cat.

But yay for the Boardwalk Villas, even though it's only one night. That is one of my favorite DVC resorts.

 

[jane2073]

Keeping your sweet kittie in my thoughts and prayers.

After your fabulous review of the wishes dessert party, I knew I wanted to try it. We are staying at Disney September 12-15 and have signed up for the dessert party. We will finally see all of Wishes from inside the park and see the castle light show! Wheeeee!

I love the tattoo and can't wait to see the finished Wreck-it Ralph costume! The medal looks fabulous!

 

[missangelalexis]

I'm so sorry about your cat I'll be sending positive thoughts your way!

Glad you guys are getting an extra day on your upcoming trip! Matt's costume sounds like it will be awesome, can't wait to see what yours will be!

Matt's tattoo looks awesome! So detailed! Can't wait to see the finished product.

 

[wiigirl]

Awesome tattoo!

 

[khertz]

Sorry about your kitty. I had two cats that I lost in old age (both 17+ years old!) after having them since I was a toddler, so I know how hard it is to see them get old and start to deteriorate. I hope Snifter starts to eat and gives you a little more time.

That's really great that you will be able to get another day out of your September trip! I keep trying to lead DH in that direction for October, but so far it isn't working. I can't wait to see your costumes!

 

[Jennifer48]

I'm sorry to hear about your cat. Hope things turn around. Sending pixie dust

Umm your company is giving you unlimited vacation?!?!? I don't think I'd ever be at work! There must be a catch to that right?

Yay for adding an extra day! Love LOVE BWV, hope you guys do too!

Matt's tattoo is wicked awesome! What a great job that tattoo artist did!

 

[DisneyDoc5]

Saying a little prayer for Snifter, it's so hard to see our family members get old, pets included! From one animal lover to another, I understand how difficult this time can be. You can be happy knowing she has had such a wonderful life because of your love and you will continue to keep it that way for her, lucky kitty!

Love the tattoo. I am addicted to the tattoo thread on the theme parks community board (even though I don't have or want one personally, but I think they are so cool and creative!) Can't wait to see the final outcome!