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

[jdd]

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.

Well, that's a bummer! We've done the Beach Club, and weren't crazy about it, and with 5 people, we'd have to get a higher priced room at Wilderness Lodge. I would really like to stay there someday, but maybe for just a DH and I trip . That won't be happening for a few years though

 

[mikkiwikki]

So cool - I would love to be involved with that

YES The 100$ gift cert was a nice surprise!

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!

He will love it!! So much fun..I also made these cute little 'hidden mickey books for the kids to scribble where they 'saw' the hidden mickeys...they loved writing their own descriptions of it..and drawing pictures...I just took some standard 8 1/2 X 11 paper...folded in 4 squares...then stapled it all together...and wrote on the front " HIDDEN MICKEYS' WHERE I FOUND THEM...
The kids had so much fun with these... and its a nice momento when they come home so much more fun than the autograph books. wait maybe I should patent this idea... lol

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

I'm planning on doing this next year...glad to hear you liked it!

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!

my camera wasnt very good...definitely bringing a 12MP camera next trip...Let me know if there is bounceback on your trip next month! I might sneak in a day over Christmas without my hubbies knowledge shh! its a secret! crossing my fingers for a bounceback for next august

 

[mikkiwikki]

After some more touring we were off to Garden Grill - as the kids love the characters here

Look Hidden Mickey - it was all about the Hidden mickeys this trip.

We always get such great family pics here...Its all about the characters

A VERY cute moment was when my daughter wrote on a napkin "I LOVE CHIP" with a big HEART....AND THEN showed it to him...he was just gushing to DD after that..and THEN showed the napkin to Mickey and HE played along and acted indigNent it was very funny. Then chip started playing tricks on Mickey putting the napkin in mickeys trousers. AND pointing and laughing... Very funny...we all laughed...especially my DD.

Here is Picture with Chip Holding the Napkin

Then the food starts coming...Everything on the first platter was excellent. Menu from Allears: http://allears.net/menu/menu_gg.htm

"Warm Breads with Maple Butter
Harvest-inspired Farmer's Salad
Char-grilled Beef Strip Loin with Herb Sea Salt
Roasted All Natural Turkey Bresat with Cranberry-Orange Relish
Sustainable Fish of the Day with a Florida Citrus Crumb
Garden Fresh Vegetables Smashed Potatoes / Turkey Dressing"

The last two pics are the kids plates....which they reportedly liked.

After eating everything above and very pleased with everything...My Hubby ordered a second platter (its all you can eat) BUT evidently we should have stopped.- I have to sadly report...I took one bite of the beef and The beef just tasted soOoOoOoOO BAD...like it was rotten...I just stopped eating immediately and called the waitress over. She was very apologetic and wanted to know if I wanted to talk to the cook etc...to which I just said...NOPE I just want someone to know your serving rotten beef! so someone doesnt get sick..Seriously we were very surprised as we have always had nice meals there. I guess it can happen anywhere...and as I said everything tasted fine with the first platter.

Deserts

$$Somehow managed to lose my Garden Grill receipt but based on the all ears menu it would have been OOP 103.96 OOP
We paid zero (well just the tip 15$ in this case)

All in all ...even with the ROTTEN beef.LOL...I still would come back!
I really do think any restaurant might have that happen..Ill definitely write disney however...
we still always have a marvelous time here.

 

[mikkiwikki]

Ok ok I know this song is EILEEN...not IRENE .BUT * all** I could think about today when we got TOTALLY DRENCHED...WAS C'MON IRENE!! give me a break!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bdX98BxtnQY


After Epcot we came home and tried to go swimming it was just simply hilarious...the kids were in the pool like 20 minutes...and the BLACK clouds came out of no where...One CLAP of lightening....and they ordered everyone out of the pool....

Imagine this...SHEETS of rain...so hard you cannot see where you are going...and everyone in swimsuits! Hubby was in the room..Lucky fellow.
Ok so you kinda need a map to follow my next explanation
http://www.wdwinfo.com/resortmaps/polymap.htm

I basically rounded the kids up under a TREE...right outside the exit from the volcanoe pool. THEN WE MADE a mad dash for SAMOA...then walked through that building and got STUCK trying to get back to our room..but the rain and lightning was so furious that we decided to sit outside SAMOA ...the rain was coming down so furiously that the staff brought out a huge squigie thing to push the rain off the sidewalk...not wanting all the water to come into that building...I grabbed my cell phone out of the back pack I had been carrying and called hubby....and said you are not going to believe this...but we are kinda stranded ..with this storm sitting outside of samoa. He said I know I was taking a nap and heard the rain pummelling the window....are you ok? To which I said I was fine but I have no idea how i will get the kids home in this....He said good luck..!

Basically I grabbed the ponchos out of the backpack I had been carrying...found a towel off the housekeeping cart...wrapped my cell phone in it..and ponchoed the kids up....
The housekeeping staff were talking about how the rain was going SIDEWAYS and that was not a good sign...not being from Florida..and not knowing what that meant...I prepared to make a mad dash for TOKELAU..

What would happen?

 

[QuirkyBelle]

I haven't been to the garden grill in years, but it looks delicious, even with the rotten beef (which seriously sounds really disgusting). And what an awesome character interaction! You guys look like you were really into the food this trip.

I can't believe how horrible that rain was. Hope you made it back alright!

 

[mikkiwikki]

I haven't been to the garden grill in years, but it looks delicious, even with the rotten beef (which seriously sounds really disgusting). And what an awesome character interaction! You guys look like you were really into the food this trip.

I can't believe how horrible that rain was. Hope you made it back alright!

Ya actually we were kinda bummed we got seated in the upper section...as in years past we were seated in a booth next to the rotating outer circle of the restaurant. BUT we actually had a lot of great character interaction there.

Yes Im italian so food is important.. I know Im stereo typing and dont care.

 

[mikkiwikki]

 

[mikkiwikki]

On this date we choose to go to Animal Kingdom...My DD was intent on seeing the kilimanjaro Safari's first. So was Hula Hula Kitty!

So off we went to see - what my DD describes as the BEST ride of DISNEY ever...Why? Animals!its all about the animals with this child who as proclaimed she wants to be a vet at the tender age of 8.

We see Hippos!

We see trees! Actually there is a cheetah in there somewhere...

We see giraffes but my camera malfunctions and I do not get a picture!

Upon departure from the ride DD becomes very interested in the wood carvings of this gentleman. She is mad at me in this pic because I choose not to purchase a walking stick for her.

By lunch we were arguing about where to go..but ultimately the children won with their vote for Pizzasafari..

Here is the menu and prices
http://allears.net/menu/menu_piz.htm

DDs lunch

My lunch "Caesar Salad with Chicken $7.79" - There was like 4 pieces of chicken in this salad...and a bit dry

Hubbies lunch Hot Italian-Style Sandwich served with Chips $8.59

DD being a smart aleck

Both kids got pizza's - AND Liked them

$$$ We paid zero for this meal - 4 CS credits

 

[mikkiwikki]

Ok so in all the trips we have been on previously - we have never made it over to the Bone yard...

We went here AFTER GOING to TREX...a few nights previously

Here is DDs critique. TREX IS BETTER...you get BRUSHES to clear the bones...not yucky SHOVELS that are broken..and the GRAVEL at TREX is nicer - dry not wet and yucky. I have to say I watched both experiences quite closely - and while Disney's boneyard had more BONES...I would rather be at TREX as well.

 

[QuirkyBelle]

It's funny how much kids love the playgrounds in the park. Once my sisters and I must have spent 2 hours just playing in the boneyard. Looks like your kids had fun too, even if the one at T-rex was better. I have some great memories from the playgrounds in the parks at Disney, Universal, and SeaWorld. Of course parents spend all this money and the kids have a great time playing on something you can find in every neighborhood (though themed 10X better).

 

[mikkiwikki]

It's funny how much kids love the playgrounds in the park. Once my sisters and I must have spent 2 hours just playing in the boneyard. Looks like your kids had fun too, even if the one at T-rex was better. I have some great memories from the playgrounds in the parks at Disney, Universal, and SeaWorld. Of course parents spend all this money and the kids have a great time playing on something you can find in every neighborhood (though themed 10X better).

I know it... I makes you wonder..who is this vacation for exactly?
Paid all this money and we are playing in a sandbox.

So very very painfully true....Trex boneyard was one of the biggest hits of the trip...DD and DS begged to return..although we never got back there.

We will definitely get back there over Christmas

 

[mikkiwikki]

UP next ANOTHER awesome KONA dinner

 

[QuirkyBelle]

The Poly is so beautiful. Loving all of the random hotel pics. You're really making me want to stay there again (especially since I don't remember the last time I stayed there). Can't wait to hear about the Kona dinner.

 

[mikkiwikki]

A slight change of plans - got my photopass in the mail today so here is a pic of us at Animal Kingdom on 08/25 - What do you think?
I love hubbies expression in the second pic....

 

[mikkiwikki]

We had a 6pm ressie...and after lots of swimming we just loved the convenience of this restaurant. Our Server was Ted - Who started the meal with Steamed washcloths and lemons. A nice touch. I do remember thinking...weird we didnt get the towels the other night we ate here? hmm

Here is the MENU

Next Ted took our drink order

I ordered my recently discovered favorite - Kentucky Peach.
Hubby ordered Coke and lime, and the kids ordered Chocolate milk.

The Coconut bread arrived with Pinnaple butter - Warm sweet and tasty as ever...All the fam dove in...and it was gone in seconds.

And the drinks
Hubbies - Coke and Lime (cough BORING cough)

Hula Hula kitty decided it was time to PARTY in the Candle. She was trying her hand at firedancing.

Mine - Kentucky Peach...I have to find this recipe...so great...Not overpowering and not a fruity sugary migraine inducing drink. Loved it.

Here is a recipe I found but definitely not the way mine was made - no mint leaves or Peach pieces, but the rest of the ingredients seem like they might be accurate. HERE

KIDS Having a staring contest

DD won...can you tell?

Hubbies (not covered on the dining plan appetizer)
"Sticky Wings For Two - Glazed Chicken Wings with tangy Mustarad Drizzle and Toasted Sesame Seeds $12.99" He loves these and tries to get them every trip. This time was no exception.

I couldn't decide what to get and wanted something different than the Tuna Oscar I ate the other night so I asked if I could get a plate of NIGIRI ...they said yes...I should have not ordered this...This was the weirdest sushi I had on the trip...too much rice...A total mess..it fell apart while I was eating it..and the fish slices were way to big...I just felt like they didnt know how to make sushi! DH said I should have sent it back with my chopsticks crossed over the plate...but I did not. (fish was fresh...it was just very very messy and not well put together)

Hubbie got for an Entree
Teriyaki-style New York Strip - sirloin strip grilled with pineapple teriyaki glaze served with mashed Yukon gold potatoes and stir-fried broccolini $28.99 - EXCEPT He asked that they substitute asparagus...he hates broccolini..they did and he was happy with this steak very much so. They cooked it medium as he asked and it was very lean and tasty by his report

DS ordered a cheeseburger off the kids menu HERE MY NON adventureous kids. Ted was very accomodating on this point as DS is 11 and didnt like anything on the adult menu. He was happy he could have his burger and it was huge and tasty by his report.

Desert - Adults
"Kilauea Torte - An explosion of warm liquid Chocolate inside Chocolate Cookie Volcano $5.49 " This was awesome.

Desert - Kids

$$$
Had I ordered OOP this meal would have cost 142.65!
Instead we used 3 Ad TS 1 CH TS
PAID 54.46 on Disney Reward Dollars (DRINK & app & Tip)

Tomorrow! We are off to Hollywood Studios...SCI Fi Diner...! And the hunt for Phineas and Ferb Second dimension characters!

 

[mikkiwikki]

is there anybody out there? Maybe I need a Trivia question..with the promise of fabtabulous prizes?

OK here goes.

Translation -
Komo mai kau mapuna hoe - translates roughly to "Dip your paddle in." Join in the effort.

If so - what does - Ho'okahi ka 'ilau like ana - Translate to?

Alex is waiting! Prizes await!

 

[glennbo123]

is there anybody out there?

Still here. And caught up. Love that bread and butter at Kona....some of my favorite things!

Maybe I need a Trivia question..with the promise of fabtabulous prizes?

OK here goes.

Translation -
Komo mai kau mapuna hoe - translates roughly to "Dip your paddle in." Join in the effort.

If so - what does - Ho'okahi ka 'ilau like ana - Translate to?

Alex is waiting! Prizes await!

After some "research"....does it mean "wield the paddles together"?

 

[mikkiwikki]

Ho'okahi ka 'ilau like ana - what does it mean? Prizes Await

After some "research"....does it mean "wield the paddles together"?

DING DING DING DING DING...

glennnnnnbooo123! YOU ARE CoOoOoOORRRRREEECT!

OTHER INterpretations Included...

"Work together to move forward. Don't be a canoe filler—a useless person. Many hands make light the work."

TELL US What he has won Vanna????

Giggle - Filp the hair - Well Pat - Gennbo123 has won

Free Dry Cleaning for a year

All inclusive consultation by SuperDuper Landscapers


Computer Repair for a year by the Geek Squad

AND finally our undying appreciation of his trip reports!

This WOF package is valued at $25,412 Virtual dollars...
CONGRATULATIONS

 

[glennbo123]

Yay!!

Oh, and what about a ceramic dog? Do you remember waaay back on Wheel of Fortune when they would pick the prizes after every puzzle and they were always left with a couple hundred dollars that they would have to blow on some overpriced ceramic dog sculpture?

 

[ddluvsdisney]

mikkiwikki- Just found your TR we were there at the same time. We got there 21st, was scheduled to leave the 28th- the day Irene hit. Well needless to say being from MA we didn't get home that day. We were there 2 more days-Yay! thanks to Irene.
I was even looking at your pool pics to see if my kids were in them LOL. I know what you mean about the pool ALWAYS being crowded!!! That was kinda a bummer.
Did you say what longhouse you were in? We were in Tokelau 3rd floor towards the end near beach. Loved it there.
Enjoying your TR