Just back from the Poly from Dec 19th thru Dec 26th.
Trip report and general comments. Me, DW, DD19, and DS16.
After 3 trips during this time of the Holiday season, I can say that after Dec 23rd the crowds really start to get HUGE. Prior to that, its great. However, using fast passes and Tourguide Mike, we never waited more than 15 to 20 minutes for anything (and we did everything except the Nemo show at AK. We waited in line for a bit and they cut it off about 20 people ahead of us. We decided not to spend an hour or more waiting for this show although we were told its fantastic).
Poly report.
We love the Poly and had only one complaint.
The bathrooms have a horrible layout. There wasnt a vent in the bathroom and having the shower, sink, and toilet in one room is a pain.
We tipped mousekeeping around $5 a day and had wonderful service with towel animals to boot.
(Next trip we decided to stay at the Grand Floridian. What a beautiful hotel and great food there.)
Dining Plan:
Loved the plan and saved probably $600 or more, but it was way too much food.
All meals were for dinner except where noted.
Kona Café-
We werent very impressed with the Kona Café. The food was ok but it was probably our worst meal to the trip.
We will not return here for dinner.
Spoodles-
Loved it. The food was very good all around and the service was good.
Probably wont return.
Kona Café (Breakfast)- Very nice place for breakfast. Good food but nothing special.
Le Cellier-
The 2nd best steak we had on our trip. Great food and great service.
We will return here.
Ohana- A family favorite and tradition. Had a table by the window to watch wishes and loved the food and service and . THEY PUT SHRIMP SKEWERS BACK ON THE MENU! I was told they would be on the menu from now on.
We will return.
Crystal Palace (Breakfast)- Great location and a family tradition but the food is just ok.
Wonderful place for pooh bear but very loud and we will probably drop this from our list.
Probably wont return.
NARCOOSSEE'S- By far and away the best dinner. The whole 2lb lobster was amazingly good and the steak was the best ever, so tender it literally melts in your mouth. The bill came to $380 so it was well worth 2 table credits. In fact, the next trip we decided to eat at signature restaurants on the dinning plan with Ohana being the lone exception. Had a table with a view of wishes which was nice until a JERK stood right in front of our table on the porch.
We will return.
The parks.
Disney Studios- Loved the motor cars stunt show. Hate to see beauty and the beast leave. Indiana Jones needs updating. The Tribute to Walt Disney is a must. And take the drawing lessons on the Animation tour, its a lot of fun and you leave with cool souvenir.
Animal Kingdom- The Lion King show is awesome. Everest is very cool. The walkways are far to narrow in this park.
Epcot- Soarin was ok but we didnt think it was amazing. The turtle talk with Crush is a must do. We were lucky to have Off Kilter playing the day we were there, they ROCK.
The new Canadian movie is much better. We ate around the countries one day and loved it. We also sampled some wine and beer as we went. Lots of fun. I recommend starting with fish and chips and working around to Mexico to finish. The candlelight processional was wonderful. The updated spaceship earth is nice, however, the decent is horrible.
Magic Kindom- The new haunted mansion is nice. The Christmas lights on the castle were so beautiful it was almost breathtaking.
In conclusion, we all agreed that we had a wonderful time. We always have fun at this time of year. In 3 to 4 years Im sure we will be back.
Trip report and general comments. Me, DW, DD19, and DS16.
After 3 trips during this time of the Holiday season, I can say that after Dec 23rd the crowds really start to get HUGE. Prior to that, its great. However, using fast passes and Tourguide Mike, we never waited more than 15 to 20 minutes for anything (and we did everything except the Nemo show at AK. We waited in line for a bit and they cut it off about 20 people ahead of us. We decided not to spend an hour or more waiting for this show although we were told its fantastic).
Poly report.
We love the Poly and had only one complaint.
The bathrooms have a horrible layout. There wasnt a vent in the bathroom and having the shower, sink, and toilet in one room is a pain.
We tipped mousekeeping around $5 a day and had wonderful service with towel animals to boot.
(Next trip we decided to stay at the Grand Floridian. What a beautiful hotel and great food there.)
Dining Plan:
Loved the plan and saved probably $600 or more, but it was way too much food.
All meals were for dinner except where noted.
Kona Café-
We werent very impressed with the Kona Café. The food was ok but it was probably our worst meal to the trip.
We will not return here for dinner.
Spoodles-
Loved it. The food was very good all around and the service was good.
Probably wont return.
Kona Café (Breakfast)- Very nice place for breakfast. Good food but nothing special.
Le Cellier-
The 2nd best steak we had on our trip. Great food and great service.
We will return here.
Ohana- A family favorite and tradition. Had a table by the window to watch wishes and loved the food and service and . THEY PUT SHRIMP SKEWERS BACK ON THE MENU! I was told they would be on the menu from now on.
We will return.
Crystal Palace (Breakfast)- Great location and a family tradition but the food is just ok.
Wonderful place for pooh bear but very loud and we will probably drop this from our list.
Probably wont return.
NARCOOSSEE'S- By far and away the best dinner. The whole 2lb lobster was amazingly good and the steak was the best ever, so tender it literally melts in your mouth. The bill came to $380 so it was well worth 2 table credits. In fact, the next trip we decided to eat at signature restaurants on the dinning plan with Ohana being the lone exception. Had a table with a view of wishes which was nice until a JERK stood right in front of our table on the porch.
We will return.
The parks.
Disney Studios- Loved the motor cars stunt show. Hate to see beauty and the beast leave. Indiana Jones needs updating. The Tribute to Walt Disney is a must. And take the drawing lessons on the Animation tour, its a lot of fun and you leave with cool souvenir.
Animal Kingdom- The Lion King show is awesome. Everest is very cool. The walkways are far to narrow in this park.
Epcot- Soarin was ok but we didnt think it was amazing. The turtle talk with Crush is a must do. We were lucky to have Off Kilter playing the day we were there, they ROCK.
The new Canadian movie is much better. We ate around the countries one day and loved it. We also sampled some wine and beer as we went. Lots of fun. I recommend starting with fish and chips and working around to Mexico to finish. The candlelight processional was wonderful. The updated spaceship earth is nice, however, the decent is horrible.
Magic Kindom- The new haunted mansion is nice. The Christmas lights on the castle were so beautiful it was almost breathtaking.
In conclusion, we all agreed that we had a wonderful time. We always have fun at this time of year. In 3 to 4 years Im sure we will be back.
