It'll Be All Right -A May 2012 TR Closing Thought and PTR Link 8/12*

[UGAFan0829]

What an awesome morning and wonderful start to the day. I have to say, that I agree with you 100% on the Poly. It happens to be my dream resort as well. And I totally understand your emotions when thinking about those dream vacations when you're in the place that you love with the people that you love...It can definitely pull at the heart strings!

I so can't wait to hear how the meal is at Kona followed by the rest of the day. And how very exciting that it's race day!!

 

[Jacksonev1]

Just stopping by to tell you that your profile picture is super awesome!

And I am enjoying your report. The hubby and I will be running ToT on Sept 29th!

 

[Merida]

I don't mind slow updates! It gives me a chance to catch up

I'm sorry your June trip fell through, but a fall one sounds great too. So many special events going on then.

I would totally recommend seeing Fantasia! The new one (new being relative I guess, 2000 is a long time ago now) is much more.. "accessible"/modern than the original. And it's utterly adorable to boot - plus I really, really love Stravinsky's Firebird Suite and the Rhapsody in Blue. Actually, all their music choices are excellent! No peacocks (the ostriches are the dancers in Fantasia: Original Flavor); just a cool topiary.

All of the Flower and Garden deco looks amazing. I really want to do a spring trip; I tried to get my boyfriend to agree to this year (because of Fantasia and the Fantasia flamingo lawn ornaments) but it was a no go.

Poly in the morning looks so relaxing and pretty! I've read that sometimes it can be noisy/crowded because of 'Ohana and that it's more family-oriented, but it would totally be worth some noise to be able to walk around in the morning (and do Kona for breakfast ).

 

[amazingact21]

What a lovely way to spend the morning. The Poly is even more beautiful when its still sleeping. I have to say that the pool view there is one of, if not, the best anywhere. I watched Wishes from the Poly beach my last night and I would love to stay there. Being DVC it probably won't happen anytime soon.

You have a big day ahead of you before race time. What time does the actual race start? Can't wait to read all about that.

Wishes from the Poly is amazing. It's a complete 180 from being on Main St. You can sit down, relax, not worry about being trampled to death.

The race started at 9:30 that night.

AHHH the Poly! It's so beautiful, I fell in love with it a couple of years ago when we went to 'Ohana for the first time, and it's been my dream resort ever since! It really does look so peaceful in your pictures, with no one around! The pool looks amazing, I love how it looks like it goes right out into the lagoon! Glad you guys had such a nice, relaxing morning before the race!

Hopefully one day we'll both be able to stay at the Poly. I just feel like it'd be impossible NOT to relax while staying there. You walk inside and you're instantly calm and mellow....at least I am.

Awwww what a sweet update! Your shopaholic husband made me laugh.

I'm so glad your mom loves the Poly as much as you!

I hope that you and your family really do get to stay there someday! That would be wonderful!

Alex has a serious Disney shopping problem...I think he needs an intervention.

So glad you enjoyed your "waiting" time at the Poly. Of course, we love the Poly at our house! Hope you get to enjoy it one day!

Your pictures of the Poly upon your arrival had be envious! I love hearing that you and your family have stayed there so many times, because it tells me that it's an amazing resort.

ahhh, the Poly!!! I am so glad I took your suggestion of Kona being a great race day breakfast We loved it there so much too and DH had always thought from a distance it didnt look like such a hot hotel so it was great to get in there and really see how beautiful it was! and your right! The pool and the beach and the view are all amazing!!! We took our time enjoying that part AFTER our brunch and it was sooo pretty we just wanted to linger.

So glad your mom decided that she wants to stay there Definitely something to look forward to!

Glad you enjoyed the Poly as well. The outside really doesn't do it justice. I mean, that view from the pool is just gorgeous! Isn't it nice when you can take your time and wander around? Now, I cannot wait to see the photos of the resort in your TR!

What a great morning at the Poly! I've never been there, I can't wait to see it this year. I hope to wander around for a bit and see the place.
Had to giggle at you losing your hubby to every shop along the way!

You have to try and see the Poly this fall! It's one of a kind!

Ugh, this was only the beginning of Alex's shopping extraveganza!

Sounds like you guys had a wonderful morning, walking around the Poly. Its funny how those quiet moments just walking around checking a resort out can be so wonderful and memorable

I have yet to eat at Kona, but that is one that I want to check out sometime soon!! Ps Tim and I both have the same issue with wearing clothes before washing them, it makes our skin really irritated

Those can definitely be some of the best moments. Probably because you're allowing yourself time to stop and go, "Wow, look where I'm at!"

What an awesome morning and wonderful start to the day. I have to say, that I agree with you 100% on the Poly. It happens to be my dream resort as well. And I totally understand your emotions when thinking about those dream vacations when you're in the place that you love with the people that you love...It can definitely pull at the heart strings!

I so can't wait to hear how the meal is at Kona followed by the rest of the day. And how very exciting that it's race day!!

I can completely see why the Poly is your dream resort. I mean, honestly, nothing compares to the beauty and proximity of the resort.

I can't wait to write about the race!

Just stopping by to tell you that your profile picture is super awesome!

And I am enjoying your report. The hubby and I will be running ToT on Sept 29th!

Thanks! I am really happy that I thought to take that picture.

Whoohoo on running the ToT! I so wish I could participate, but it's insane how fast registration filled up! Hope you have a great time!

I don't mind slow updates! It gives me a chance to catch up

I'm sorry your June trip fell through, but a fall one sounds great too. So many special events going on then.

I would totally recommend seeing Fantasia! The new one (new being relative I guess, 2000 is a long time ago now) is much more.. "accessible"/modern than the original. And it's utterly adorable to boot - plus I really, really love Stravinsky's Firebird Suite and the Rhapsody in Blue. Actually, all their music choices are excellent! No peacocks (the ostriches are the dancers in Fantasia: Original Flavor); just a cool topiary.

All of the Flower and Garden deco looks amazing. I really want to do a spring trip; I tried to get my boyfriend to agree to this year (because of Fantasia and the Fantasia flamingo lawn ornaments) but it was a no go.

Poly in the morning looks so relaxing and pretty! I've read that sometimes it can be noisy/crowded because of 'Ohana and that it's more family-oriented, but it would totally be worth some noise to be able to walk around in the morning (and do Kona for breakfast ).

I'm starting to look forward to our fall trip. I mean, F&W, can't complain about that!

I really need to watch Fantasia start to finish one day...


I can't decide which is better, Poly in the morning or at night. They both are two different atmospheres, which I like. The morning's so calm and peaceful, and the nights are buzzing with activity...plus Wishes from the beach. Pure amazingness.

 

[Queenofallthings]

I think that was my favourite update so far,..highlight moments are never the ones that cost alot they are the moments in time that we remember the most. I love how your mom talked about saving up to stay at the Poly, I find when we have our minds set on a Disney vacation we give up so much at home because it means more to us to get away and be together.

Great great update hon

 

[amazingact21]

I think that was my favourite update so far,..highlight moments are never the ones that cost alot they are the moments in time that we remember the most. I love how your mom talked about saving up to stay at the Poly, I find when we have our minds set on a Disney vacation we give up so much at home because it means more to us to get away and be together.

Great great update hon

Aww, thanks. It is funny how some of the best moments are the simplest ones. You'd think paying for park tickets and/or special events and booking restaurants that the most memorable moments will come from them, but sometimes it's those instant, downtime chances that take your breath away.
That's what makes Disney so wonderful. I'm completly willing to give up a few things here at home if it means I get another chance at those amazing moments at WDW.

 

[amazingact21]

May 5th Breakfast and Morning:

My mom, Alex, and I were waiting by second floor ledge looking down at the waterfall, waiting for our name to be called for Kona. It was a very relaxing time, with Alex asking me what the game plan was for the day.



You guys, this man had been listening to me talk about this trip for 7 months. I had our plans laid out sometime around mid-December. There were several times on our training runs where I'd go, "Ask me what we'll be doing at any time on any day- I can tell you."

And here he was asking me what the game plan was after breakfast.

The nerve!



Just keep that thought in mind, everyone, because this won't be the last time I bring it up.


"We're going to go into Magic Kingdom for a bit and hopefully do some of the less popular attractions. Then, we're going to head back to Sports and rest up."


As I was saying this, the three of us noticed a cake being delivered.

It was a really cool cake.



I loved all the bright colors and wondered what the dessert was for. Wedding, birthday, some other celebration? Either way, I knew the recipients were going to love it.



Eventually, our turn to eat was up, and we followed a CM to a table near the back, right next to a pathway. It was a new seat for Alex and I, and the only section we'd yet to sit in, so that was kind of cool. You know you're becoming a regular in a restaurant when you've sat in almost every section.


Here are some of the wall decorations I took when we sat down. I was actually able to take a picture, unlike the last few times, because nobody was sitting along the wall. I always feel weird trying to take a photo in a spot where it looks like I'm grabbing shots of strangers.




All three of us ordered the...oh jeez now to try and spell this without looking it up.Liloki Juice.

That can't be spelled right, Microsoft is giving me the little red sqiggly lines. Herm, you all know what drink I'm referring to right? The one with orange and guava, the one that's pretty much amazing.

Alex ordered the same thing as last year: the Big Kahuna.

My family aren't really breakfast eaters, mine usually consists of a bowl of granola and a banana (real creative, I know) so in any other situation, my mom and I probably would've just split a meal. However, we were on the Dining Plan and needed to use both our credits, so we decided to be a little creative.


I ordered the Big Kahuna and she ordered the Pineapple Macadamia Nut Pancakes.


(My Dish)



(My mom's)


She had ordered bacon with her pancakes, but they brought her ham, and so our waiter just brought out an extra plate of bacon.

No!

That's bad!


That means we now had another piece of food to add to our "Too Much!" list.


Alex said he'd take the ham, though, so both my mom and I gave our slices to him.

Have fun, honey. Let's see you try to walk outta here.





I took my plate and pretty much split everything in half (except the bacon). My mom got a piece of French toast, all the eggs because I'm not a fan of them, and a piece of sausage. She did the same to her pancakes and gave me 2 extra slices.

It sounds complicated, and it sort of was. After we'd eaten as much as we could, we had a sausage, a piece of French toast, and half the pancakes left over. I felt really bad wasting all that food, but I was completely full.

My body had yet to get in Disney Dining Mode, and so I still wasn't adjusted to the portion sizes.



From start to finish, the meal only lasted about 45 minutes. The food arrived lightning fast, and our server rang up our cards swiftly. We were all ready to leave at 10:00am.
At the time, I was hoping I'd run into Kim (aka Wakica) and her family, who had a brunch reservation scheduled for Kona. But alas, I knew we were leaving way too early to see her.

As we were walking out of the restaurant, I turned around and saw that I'd lost my husband.

Huh.

There were no little souvenir stands or kiosks among the tables, so I knew he wasn't shopping (Hallelujah!) but that meant I had no clue where he was. I looked around and saw him coming back towards me. Turns out, he saw a couple at a table trying to take a picture together and he stopped to grab one for them.

This is kind of our thing at Disney.


Normally, it's just the two of us, and we understand 100% how rare it is to get a picture of both of us, so we began making it our mission to be nice and offer to take photos when we see people too shy or unwilling to ask someone else for help. Our little version of paying to forward.



I'd spent the morning relaxing and taking in the moment and being a sap, and now that we were all refueled, it was time to hit the ground running.




I was ready to see the castle up close and in person!

I dragged the other two members of my party to the monorail and waited in line.

I think this picture shows how ridiculously excited I become on Disney. You'd think I was a kid again.



A monorail arrived, we piled in, sped towards Grand Floridian, and continued on to the Magic Kingdom.

We'd arrived! Let the party begin!

If it were up to me, I'd have swarmed Main Street by storm, but I knew I had a race to participate in that night, and the one condition of going inside a park was that I'd take it slow.

Ugh.

That's a difficult task for someone who'd been away from Pirates and Splash and the Emporium for 7 months. I think knowing Thunder wasn't waiting for me helped reel me in and gave me the idea to take a few photos in front of the park.


Doesn't he look just thrilled to be sitting around getting his picture taken?






After I felt that our feet were prepared for a walk around the park in midday heat, I led us all under the tunnel and onto Main Street!
There was a building under refurb (I think it was the Bakery but don't hold me to that) so my castle shots aren't great.

f1 by Alicia Wolchick, on Flickr

I know some people would've complained, but I didn't really care. The castle was still there, after all.


Continuing with the relaxing, take-pictures theme, I made us all stop for the traditional pictures in front of the castle. We were in a shadowed area, though, so they didn't turn out like I'd have liked, but they are the only ones I believe we took. How we managed to miss more photo opportunities I don't know, but we did. (Besides, I like that my mom and Alex are wearing their race shirts. Adds an element of time to the photos.)








My mom also noticed another duck hanging around in the grassy area and loved the flowers it was hiding behind. So, I had to grab a pic of it:
f2 by Alicia Wolchick, on Flickr


It was 10:20 (thank you handy dandy travel journal!) and I seriously doubted there'd by early Space Mtn fastpasses left, but I figured we might as well try our luck. And when we made it over to Tomorrowland, I was pleasantly surprised with an amazing return time:



It was my first run-in with the new FP rules, and I can't say I was too sad with my first experience. Preventing guests from using late FP tickets gave us the chance to grab some for an hour later.


I was certainly not expecting to be able to get a thrill ride done that morning, but I was secretly ecstatic. Space was on my ride hopeful list for that day, and everyone knows how great it feels when you start believing you'll get your To-Do List Accomplished.

I took it as a sign that the three of us were on the right track, and I knew I needed to keep our good fortune rolling. If it were just Alex and I inside MK, I'd have dragged us across the park to ride Pirates before our return window, but I took a step back and realized I didn't need to be dragging my mother there and back across Adventureland and Tomorrowland before she had a 5K to accomplish.

I figured I needed to keep our options open to Tommorowland and Fantasyland, so I veered my group to the right and figured we'd check out some wait times as we went along. I had an attraction in mind, but I figured I'd save it and see what else there was to do.



Up Next: I Must be Getting Old

 

[marDgreen88]

Oh gosh, I understand how you felt. I've had these summer trip plans laid out for months now and I still have at least one family member or another asking me, "So what are we doing on such'n'such day?" SIGH.

The covered building looks weird, but you're totally right. It's not like they demolished the castle, and you could still get close-up shots. Works for me!

I honestly don't mind the new FP system at all... I mean, I always use mine right away anyway so it doesn't really matter to me! I'm glad yall got some for Space!

 

[MEK]

I love that first picture of you and your mom. You can certainly tell she's your mom in that picture. The resemblance is uncanny!

Yum - love Kona breakfast. I love the picture you got of the wall. You're right - there is usually always someone sitting there.

MK looks a little crowded, but you got a great FP return time for Space Mountain.

Off to a great start. Can't wait to see how your day shapes up.

 

[MEK]

Oh - and that cake - amazing!

 

[TanzUnited99]

Yay at your mum being impressed with Poly even though she needed to experience a longer journey on the monorail to get the flavour of that experience!

Lol love how Alex was straight into the shops even though you finished with a shopping trip the evening before.

Wow at it being so quiet at Poly...you must have enjoyed taking in the resort without many people around

 

[Elleshoodat]

Alicia, your updates are so fun to read!

I have the same dream of a big family vacation, only I picture us at the Beach Club and Stormalong Bay. Here's hoping our dreams come true!

 

[CandleontheWater]

Kona is one of my favorite places to eat breakfast, but you missed my favorite entree, the Tonga toast! Now you'll just have to go back and try it!

Awesome on scoring FP for Space!

I wonder where you are going?

 

[MHTeacher]

Laughing about your husband asking about where you are going. I always do the planning. DH wakes up, asks which park we're going to and where are we eating!

Great pic of you and Alex!

 

[Nermel9]

Haha, Brandon does the same thing when I plan trips, asks me questions when we get there about what we're doing! The thing that annoys me the most is when he asks if we're eating at a certain restaurant...I ask him SO many times where he wants to eat before a trip, and I try to make ADR's for all of his requests, then we get to Disney and he's disappointed if we're not eating somewhere!

The cake is so beautiful!

Yum, I love Kona for breakfast, that juice is SO good!

Yay for getting to ride Space Mountain so early, that's always nice! I'm not a big fan of the new FP rules, but whatever, I hardly ever returned late anyway...I just hate knowing that you can't if you need to for some reason!

 

[Joyciemc]

I love Kona breakfast!

Looks like you're off to a great morning in the MK!

 

[UGAFan0829]

Yay for a speedy breakfast in Kona! That was very creative of you and your Mom to share!! I felt stuffed just reading about it!

I LOVE the pic of you and your Mom waiting for the monorail--those grins are priceless..so cute!!!

I don't know if it was on purpose or not, but I love the shot of the castle with the Mickey balloon!!

How awesome that you were able to get Space FP's with such a quick return time! Way to go...major score there!

 

[Queenofallthings]

Breakfast at Kona....one of our favourite places! I love your paying it forward....we found a lot of people on this trip that we were able to help out and in turn they helped us out! Magic of Disney at it's finest!

Love your dress...super cute!

 

[amazingact21]

Oh gosh, I understand how you felt. I've had these summer trip plans laid out for months now and I still have at least one family member or another asking me, "So what are we doing on such'n'such day?" SIGH.

The covered building looks weird, but you're totally right. It's not like they demolished the castle, and you could still get close-up shots. Works for me!

I honestly don't mind the new FP system at all... I mean, I always use mine right away anyway so it doesn't really matter to me! I'm glad yall got some for Space!

I guess we just have to accept that some people are just not going to remember the details of a trip. So long as they don't complain about the plans, it's all good.

I dealt with a little rushing with the new FP system, but it wasn't anything that I got mad or frustrated over.

I love that first picture of you and your mom. You can certainly tell she's your mom in that picture. The resemblance is uncanny!

Yum - love Kona breakfast. I love the picture you got of the wall. You're right - there is usually always someone sitting there.

MK looks a little crowded, but you got a great FP return time for Space Mountain.

Off to a great start. Can't wait to see how your day shapes up.

Yeah, my mom and I do look a lot alike. I tend to think like my dad, though, so I always tell people I'm a 50/50 split of them.

MK was always crowded when we went, but I wasn't too torn up about it that day, because we were mostly just walking around and taking in the sights.

Yay at your mum being impressed with Poly even though she needed to experience a longer journey on the monorail to get the flavour of that experience!

Lol love how Alex was straight into the shops even though you finished with a shopping trip the evening before.

Wow at it being so quiet at Poly...you must have enjoyed taking in the resort without many people around

Being able to walk around the Polynesian with barely anyone around was wonderful. It made me want to stay there even more, just to be able to enjoy that peace and quiet every morning.

Alicia, your updates are so fun to read!

I have the same dream of a big family vacation, only I picture us at the Beach Club and Stormalong Bay. Here's hoping our dreams come true!

Ah, thanks! You'll have to plan a trip for the future so you can write another PTR and Tr! I loved reading yours!

The Beach Club is such a gorgeous resort, I can understand how that's your dream resort. Plus, Stormalong Bay is one of the best resort pools. I don't think I'd ever leave that area if I stayed there.

Kona is one of my favorite places to eat breakfast, but you missed my favorite entree, the Tonga toast! Now you'll just have to go back and try it!

Awesome on scoring FP for Space!

I wonder where you are going?

Kona is a great place for breakfast. I tried the Tonga Toast last year, and I gotta admit...it was too sweet for me. I thought I'd really like it, because I'd read so many rave reviews about it, but I just couldn't eat the whole thing.

I was pretty happy with where I ended up taking my mom on her first MK day.

Laughing about your husband asking about where you are going. I always do the planning. DH wakes up, asks which park we're going to and where are we eating!

Great pic of you and Alex!

Haha, that's pretty much what Alex does. The only time I get him involved in the planning is when restaurants are concerned.

Haha, Brandon does the same thing when I plan trips, asks me questions when we get there about what we're doing! The thing that annoys me the most is when he asks if we're eating at a certain restaurant...I ask him SO many times where he wants to eat before a trip, and I try to make ADR's for all of his requests, then we get to Disney and he's disappointed if we're not eating somewhere!

The cake is so beautiful!

Yum, I love Kona for breakfast, that juice is SO good!

Yay for getting to ride Space Mountain so early, that's always nice! I'm not a big fan of the new FP rules, but whatever, I hardly ever returned late anyway...I just hate knowing that you can't if you need to for some reason!

Ugh, that would drive me nuts! But, based on your PTRs and TRs you're used to it and know how to go about guessing which restaurants Brandon will want to eat at.

That juice is delicious!

I love Kona breakfast!

Looks like you're off to a great morning in the MK!

We were having a good morning so far, and thankfully the day only improved.

Yay for a speedy breakfast in Kona! That was very creative of you and your Mom to share!! I felt stuffed just reading about it!

I LOVE the pic of you and your Mom waiting for the monorail--those grins are priceless..so cute!!!

I don't know if it was on purpose or not, but I love the shot of the castle with the Mickey balloon!!

How awesome that you were able to get Space FP's with such a quick return time! Way to go...major score there!

I saw that balloon floating along in front of the castle and was like, "I have to try and get that in a castle shot!"

Breakfast at Kona....one of our favourite places! I love your paying it forward....we found a lot of people on this trip that we were able to help out and in turn they helped us out! Magic of Disney at it's finest!

Love your dress...super cute!

Thanks! I love paying it forward at Disney. It's so great to be able to make someone else's day a little brighter.

 

[wakica]

I was sad we didnt run into you at Kona but I have to admit I didn't think it was all that promising anyway. My intention was to get there EARLY so we could catch you but we got going later - DD knew it was a down day and played on that fullly by making us NAG her out of bed. LOL.
I think though that we may have been very close to the same spot you guys sat!! lol. Maybe we can tell in my pics when i get them up. 2 more days to post then the race day ones If only there were enough hours in a day. and I refuse to go on with my posts just yet bc nobody has aknowledged my last one which is 3 parts of HS. LOL. So, I'm on a bit of a strike til I build up some comments on that one Nobody gets to hear about SeaWorld, Race Day, the wedding, Us, Busch until they have checked out HS. Bahahaha!!!

Glad the construction didn't bother you at all - It didn't bug me much until I saw that it effected some of DH's good shots and our photopass shots Oh well, other than that it didn't bug me either.

and that's funny that your DH disappears like that. HAHA - mine does too - he's usually off taking pics though. Often we'll all start walking as a family and then DD and I are like HUH???? where the heck is he?!?!?! It can get VERY annoying sometimes.