**It's a Poly-Tastic ExtraVaGanZa!**OR IRENE IRENE GO AWAY!

[mikkiwikki]

This afternoon seemed to be a blur of
Monsters INc Laugh floor -

Hubby got chosen as the guy who ' would buy churros for the entire audience'
they also made some crack about his shirt (that I bought him) and his awesome fashion sense) ugh... oops?

Anyways after a few BTM railroad rides..(can you tell what our fave is?)
We decided to hit the pool...(pretty predictable eh?) Note the humongous foliage referenced earlier

Pina colava...(very weak IMHO - go with a maitai instead)

dd was big into making sandcastles on this trip so we spent some time on the beach

That evening we ate at Captn Cooks - 4CS credits! 3AD 1 CH
I had the "Stir-Fried Noodles with Chicken $8.49" Too many chips not enough chicken

Everyone else had burgers - (sorry about the tiny bite)
"1/3 lb Angus Bacon Cheeseburger $8.79"
That were tasty per everyone's recollection and too big!

 

[mikkiwikki]

First let me start with a photo of some of the beautiful foliage at the Poly

Don't see those anywhere else on property!

Today the plan was to tour Epcot -

Specifically we wanted to do the following Soaring, Test Track, Test Track again, Sum of all Thrills in Innoventions
Living Land, Living Seas, and Innoventions West.


We did Test track twice, loped over to Mexico did the river ride...then the kids went on a little souvenir spree. DS needed to buy bongo drums and DD had to get a pinata.

Then we ended up walking around the world showcase...Went to Norway

spent some more money in Japan...on souvies...

Went To MITSUKOSHI...and purchased TWO pokemon...after much much much discussion..about what was best for whom

a PLUSH TEPIG for DD

and Plush OSHAWOTT for DS

KIDDOS are big time Pokemon fans...can you tell?

finally made our way around to Canada

Picture of kids waiting for our table..at LECELLIER!

One thing that happened on this trip that I have never seen before...Was the official opening of the restaurant. The lead server showed up and encouraged all the staff to sing the National Anthem of Canada. IN both english and french. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IBoItR59REQ
I thought it was very nice. But at the end they said - LETS PLAY HOCKEY. and everyone laughed. I wish I had a video but it was rather unexpected.

We were seated in the back right of the dining room kinda in the middle ...no booth this time.

I ordered up a "Unibroue - La fin du Monde" - which is a triple brew....cannot get anywhere easily..
...The term translates literally to "End of the world" apparently - Cheery! The taste was complex, full of hops and barley and was one of the finest beers I have ever had the pleasure of tasting...just beyond excellent. to the point that Im looking to get some shipped to my house. no kidding...Do you know where i can get some? if so please tell.

Yummy bread sticks to start - Kids LOVE the dark pretzel bread...they always fight for it.

Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup - Made with Moosehead Beer and Smoked Bacon Cup $5.49 Bowl $6.99

Le Cellier Mushroom Filet Mignon - with wild mushroom risotto, white truffle and herb butter sauce $26.99

The risotto was a little undercooked but the filet was melt in your mouth good

DH New York Strip Steak - with bercy butter, served with Gruyere-Yukon Gold potato gratin $31.99 - HE WAS happy with this cut

DS burger

dd pizza

DESERT

$$$$ We used 3 (adult) TS credits and 1 (child) TS credit on this meal
Had we paid OOP it would have been 161.84(with a 20% tip)

Next we were off for more Epcot fun

 

[Mulan2]

Great TR! You are so detailed and funny!
BTW, where did you get Hula Hula Kitty? She is too cute!
Waiting for more since I know there is more!

 

[mikkiwikki]

We've never tried Tony's either. Might have to go for lunch next trip. Keep the TR coming. Really lovin' it!

Gwarsh...thanks!

We were there until the 29th!! so I have lots more to write...

 

[mikkiwikki]

Great TR! You are so detailed and funny!
BTW, where did you get Hula Hula Kitty? She is too cute!
Waiting for more since I know there is more!

Hula Hula kitty is really a "hello kitty" toy I borrowed from my daughter for the trip. She protested but I told her it was the kitty or the highway... lol just kidding.

I really don't know where she acquired it ...she has many stuffies.

Good to see you reading!! im trying to do two updates a day which can be tough!

 

[mikkiwikki]

I got a couple of PMS about 'la fin du monde'
I wanted to share their website
http://www.unibroue.com/en/beers/la_fin_du_monde/

SERIOUSLY try it you will like!

This beer is heavenly! my new *all time* fave and that says a lot because I'm one old broad..(well... over 40 ...thats old right?) lol
Came home from work today and hubby had two waiting for me...lol
I knew I married that man for a reason

P.S I made a few updates on previous posts around meal costs etc. ONTO ELECTRICAL WATER PAGEANT

 

[mikkiwikki]

That after noon we did a few more epcot rides...and got rained on heavily...which resulted in us leaving the park early.

After going back to the Poly for some swimming, until dark. They do Smores for this kids on the beach which I thought was a nice touch

Hubby jammin - to Elvis...playing on the beach

AFTER smores - we watched the EWP. this is not my video but literally this is exactly as it was for us. My son was SOO excited to see this each night after this initial showing. We had been listening to it from our balcony on previous nights because I was trying to get the kids to bed at a reasonable hour...Tonight was the first night my kids experienced it and it was a big hit. As a kid I remember this show...and it was totally different music, but i appreciated it nonetheless.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yYGYl1k33Ps
make sure to watch the end!!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xNqlk93kd_M

HERE is the original music which do you like better? I think Im partial to the original
even older Original EWP

I have to say - staying at the Polynesian and seeing EWP at 9pm every night is a BIG draw to me and my family.

 

[QuirkyBelle]

Hey mikkiwikki! Sorry I've been MIA, but don't worry, I have not abandoned you. I've been really sick these last few days (vomiting, fever...you get the picture ). Today is the first day that I can look at a computer without feeling super dizzy, in fact it's the first day I've even cared about anything going on. Luckily I'm starting to feel better.

On to your trip report... Looks like you had a pretty good time (better than the luau anyway ). Food looks pretty decent too. In fact all the food in your updates is making my mouth water, especially those bread sticks (might be the fact that I've barely eaten since Sunday).

I think it's so awesome that the Poly pool plays music underwater. I stayed there when I was 3, but I don't think we ever made it to the pool, and even if we had I don't think I would have remembered the music.

Can't wait to hear about the next day!

 

[mikkiwikki]

Hey mikkiwikki! Sorry I've been MIA, but don't worry, I have not abandoned you. I've been really sick these last few days (vomiting, fever...you get the picture ). Today is the first day that I can look at a computer without feeling super dizzy, in fact it's the first day I've even cared about anything going on. Luckily I'm starting to feel better.

On to your trip report... Looks like you had a pretty good time (better than the luau anyway ). Food looks pretty decent too. In fact all the food in your updates is making my mouth water, especially those bread sticks (might be the fact that I've barely eaten since Sunday).

I think it's so awesome that the Poly pool plays music underwater. I stayed there when I was 3, but I don't think we ever made it to the pool, and even if we had I don't think I would have remembered the music.

Can't wait to hear about the next day!

uGh Ugh ugH ..so sorry Quirky! being sick sucks.
I'm glad you are feeling better! Hang in there.....

 

[mikkiwikki]

The plan today was to arrive at the park 30 mins before park opening then do toy story mania.

What actually ended up happening - was that I could not get anyone out of bed until 8am. Then we went to Captn Cooks for Coffee/snacks then we caught a bus from TTC to Hollywood Studios around 10am.

We went straight to...STAR TOURS...INSTEAD. Here are the kids waiting to get in

DS was REALLY looking forward to the changes made to this ride and it did not disappoint. The *new* Star tours from the pre-loading video to the C3PO intro to the ride - (and its different each time you ride it ) is just totally awesome..OK this is totally going to ruin it SPOILER ALERT..but if you don t have the glasses..its blurry..you have to see this ride!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5fkcK28fgw4

My daughter totally loved the version where you get attacked by the sea squid...she was THRILLED and wanted to ride it again and again...My son just loved seeing Darth Vader

 

[mikkiwikki]

We went to Starring Rolls for lunch - We got two sandwiches that were HUMONGEOUS... Hugely useful use of a Counter Service credit.

We got a one Turkey (not pictured) and one ham (picture above) . Sandwiches came with chips -
"Black Forest Ham Sandwich - with chips or fresh fruit $9.19"

We were able to easily split the sandwiches...and everyone had plenty to eat...Only used 2 QS credits!

For deserts we picked up 1 Chocolate chip muffin

sIMIlarly huge that could be split....I did not have any but hubby shared with kids..the sandwich was more than enough for me

and a Cream cheese danish for DD and apple juice, OJ and iced tea..

We did end up using 2 snacks with extra drinks.

We are always happy with our lunches at starring Rolls.

$$$Cost if I paid OOP 40.34 >>>> ACTUAL COST ZERO !!!

 

[mikkiwikki]

After lunch we headed over to Toy Story Mania
Hubby acting like a goofball

DD pouting & SILLY KIDS

We just love Toy Story mania - HOWEVER I GUESS ON this ride..DD got a NON-working shooter...and proceeded to ruin it for DH...because she complained the entire ride that her shooter did not work.
Anyways NEXT it was off to a Indiana Jones stunt show

WHICH was extremely HOT...there were like 4 fans in the humongeous stadium...and given that there were over 1000 people and it was 90+ degrees...welll you get the picture...we were full blast with the misting fans and fanning ourselves with maps we had...and THEN of course the show (which we love) has lots of firey explosions...Which adds to the heat...anyways...when we left the show which was great...we saw Phineas and Ferb...a current fave with the kiddos..Um these are not my kids in pic..the line was ridiculous so I just took a pic with some other kids..LOL

NEXT WE lined up for the next show "Studio Backlot Tour"
(my family acting ridiculous...apologies

)

After some mulling through the "Honey I Shrunk the Kids" Playground..which mostly consisted of my chasing small children and ensuring they didnt get lost - so no pictures! They then decided STAR TOURS had to be persued once again

DD was thrilled that she got in her words got "hired by Disney to do an important job" upon entering Star Tours

oops Ive maxed out the number of photos I can post in a message...stay tuned!

 

[mikkiwikki]

TRIVIA QUESTION

This Polynesian Longhouse - "Tuvalu"

What does it translate to in english and what is its historical meaning?

Buzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz! no one got the answer

The name "Tuvalu" means "eight together", referring to the eight islands which were inhabited.
NANMUEA NANUMANGA NIUTAO NUI VAITUPU FANAFUTI NUKULEAUA NIULAKITA

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flag_of_Tuvalu

 

[glennbo123]

I remember sweating so much at the Indiana Jones show that my eyes were burning from sweat and sunscreen.


That's probably too much information, isn't it?

Okay, in that case, I'll just say I know what you mean....it can really get hot at the Indiana Jones show!

 

[mikkiwikki]

I remember sweating so much at the Indiana Jones show that my eyes were burning from sweat and sunscreen.


That's probably too much information, isn't it?

Okay, in that case, I'll just say I know what you mean....it can really get hot at the Indiana Jones show!

Nope! I TOTALLY get it..I remember craning my neck to maybe mayyyybe possibly catch a tiny draft from the extremely small fans in the ceiling...as the sweat poured down my neck....LOL

Totally agree...Indianna Jones in August...tough!

 

[mikkiwikki]

After a long day at Hollywood Studios the kids really really wanted to go to Trex for dinner. They loved this place the last time we went here....the decorations inside are just astounding!

Here is the menu from allears...http://allears.net/menu/menu_trex.htm

I got the TBONE..this was out of this world good....the best steak of the trip.
"Tyrannosaurus T-Bone - Charbroiled certifed Angus Beef T-bone steak topped with steak butter and served with red skinned garlic mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables $31.99"

DS got Bronto Burger - A 100% beef burger piled high with a fried onion ring, pickles, lettuce, tomato and your choice of cheese. $13.49
He finished all of it to my surprise so it must have been good. He also got two chocolate milks

DH GOT this and loved it...I was surprised as he usually is not a chicken guy
"Boneyard Buffet - Fire-roasted Rotisserie Chicken and Mega Mes-O-Bones served with waffle fries and your choice of one of the following sides: garlic mashed potatoes, Raptor rice, baked beans, cinnamon apples, cole slaw or roasted vegetables $26.99"

Paleo Pizza - Cheese or pepperoni $6.99

Chocolate Extinction - A gigantic portion of chocolate fudge cake served with ice cream, fresh whipped cream drizzled with fudge and caramel sauces and sprinkled with Butterfinger crumbs. Enough for two or more. $14.99 It was really really good

10% off this meal with My Safari Club discount
total OOP was 109.06

 

[mikkiwikki]

ON THIS DATE - as soon as I walked into the park I was approached by disney marketing...

Now - this is all very hush hush but I GOT picked to go to the special VIP lounge and got a 100$ gift cert for one hour of my trouble!

Family was not obligated to come...they wanted me! Ya! Now- I can't say what for! because I swore an oath of silence. But I was very psyched....DH took kids to Space Ship earth...and test track in my absence.

DH - had my hidden mickey book in hand...Did you know there are hidden mickeys in the painting when you enter SpaceShip Earth?..*Actually* they are everywhere...The kids are just old enough to appreciate doing these scavenger hunts so we had a blast with the 'Hidden Mickey's book' this year.

After doing living the Land (I have to do that Behind the seeds tour someday)
We went on Test Track (again) and finding all the hidden mickeys in the line waiting area for that ride...(there are 6 if you are in the stand-by line...)

We started to saunter over to World Showcase...We did our Mexico ride, and Norway "Maelstrom" or "the Troll ride" as my kids call it.
..Then over to China....where we watched the 180 theatre movie show about china. We just love the China Pavillion....Took this pic by the garden.

We decided we needed to do a better job of using up our CS credits...so
We went over to the American Adventure....Liberty Inn.

Very cool that the Fife and drum band was doing their number when we arrived and then proceeded to walk into the dining room with Flags...and announce themselves....I didn't get a picture...but it was fun.
It was kinda crowded and we had never eaten here...

Menu from all Ears...http://allears.net/menu/men_li.htm

1/3 lb Angus Burger with BBQ sauce bacon and onion rings on it...8.99
Is not on the allears menu at all...and I had a tiny taste of hubbies and did not like it ...it was too much....sauce and onion rings! who does that?

This burger was huge. My hubby liked and and finished it ...I thought it was gross looking

DD Chicken nuggets - $4.99 - these nuggets were huge and seemed like they were not processed chicken meat...it looked like real chicken...DD loved these.

DS hot dog....Sorry about the bite.

Apple pie for Desert...these were so tasty! very moist and tons of apples and just the right amount of cinnamon. The crust was flakey and everyone loved it.

They also gave us these HUMONGEOUS sodas...we could not finish them all...but I supposed most people are very happy with the size of the sodas...you could trek the desert and not be able to finish it.


$$$ TOTAL OOP WAS 63.36! BUT I paid ZERO! WE USED 4 qs credits.

After lunch kids just wanted to do Test track again, but the line was so long we decided to can it...

After our Epcot adventures we returned to the room.

Housekeeping at the Poly was wonderful...

First when I got back to the room I had a 40% discount code card... What can I say Disney just loved me today!

wow I NEED TO BOOK THIS..I thought and left on the table that evening... a little foreshadowing...will she book it...if so where?

*and* On this date - when we got back from the parks we saw the following.

Its the Tramp family ...all arranged nicely on DDs bed - off for more swimming and EWP that evening.

 

[mikkiwikki]

RIGHT around this time frame we became intently aware of Hurricane Irene...
Whats that I say to my husband? Its heading up the East Coast? REally ? NO WAY!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hurricane_Irene_(2011)
"After briefly weakening on August 23-24 however, Irene began to develop a distinct eye encircled by an area of deepening convection the next morning"

So thus began our panicked tracking of this storm. Would it Hit FLorida? ...WHAT WOULD that look like - would we be stranded at the Polynesian forever>? Perish the thought!

We began to see more and more frequent rain storms and windy skies around this time...Would it disrupt our plans or travel home? These are only our initial thoughts as we then on a daily basis began consuming Weather reports about the storm. As it turns out we had good reason to be concerned! Did I mention we live in VERMONT?

 

[jdd]

ON THIS DATE - as soon as I walked into the park I was approached by disney marketing...

Now - this is all very hush hush but I GOT picked to go to the special VIP lounge and got a 100$ gift cert for one hour of my trouble!

Family was not obligated to come...they wanted me! Ya! Now- I can't say what for! because I swore an oath of silence. But I was very psyched....DH took kids to Space Ship earth...and test track in my absence.

So cool - I would love to be involved with that

DH - had my hidden mickey book in hand...Did you know there are hidden mickeys in the painting when you enter SpaceShip Earth?..*Actually* they are everywhere...The kids are just old enough to appreciate doing these scavenger hunts so we had a blast with the 'Hidden Mickey's book' this year.

I've decided to put a Hidden Mickey book in my son's "birthday basket" to give him on the trip - I'm sure I'll enjoy it as much as him!

After doing living the Land (I have to do that Behind the seeds tour someday)

My son and I did this tour last year - really enjoyed it, very informative

First when I got back to the room I had a 40% discount code card... What can I say Disney just loved me today!

Do you remember if there were any 2012 dates on that bounceback?? I'd love to book next year's vacation when we're there at the end of the month!

 

[mikkiwikki]

Do you remember if there were any 2012 dates on that bounceback?? I'd love to book next year's vacation when we're there at the end of the month!

Actually the card went to March 2012 - but not next summer...which is what I was interested in...Actually - that brings me to a nice story...

A little foreshadowing...The next day we went the parks and when we came home the card was GONE...I was beside myself because I meant to call..but didnt have time that first night it appeared...I ended up sending hubby to the front desk to get the card...they said that housekeeping had been instructed to remove them from the rooms that a NEW offer was coming..I actually have seen a picture of the NEW Offer in the Discount thread...AND Hubby was able to scurry up a copy. They had 2012 dates for the page (with a graphic of Ratatoullie) we saw but the offer was limited to Wilderness Lodge OR Beach club. Unfortunately even the new card had the dates that only went to march.