Let's turn around. Magic Kingdom is open till 1AM! 3/23 Some Final Thoughts

[afwdwfan]

I'm glad you got the chance to try out M:S orange. It really isn't all that bad, I think people make too much of the thrill factor. I don't think its any worse than the backwards part of EE.

EE is pretty mild, IMO... green effects me more than it does. But orange really isn't any worse than green. Now I know I can ride it and I enjoyed it. I'll definitely have to do it again.

It sounds like you guys had a great night, minus the drunk guys. Glad you got to watch Illuminations, and the Landon kept snoozing away!

It was a great evening. It would have been nice to explore the UK pavillion a bit more, but there will be other times.

 

[afwdwfan]

A Half Day Park

We woke up Thursday morning and prepared for our day in Animal Kingdom. We had scheduled a breakfast ADR for 8:15 at Tusker House, but after Chef Mickeys, we decided to cancel our other character breakfasts. Breakfast this morning would be cereal and a bounty platter from Roaring Forks that we’d all share.

We drove over to AK and discovered something shocking. We were there before the park opened! They let us in and we were waiting with the crowd in the Oasis area. DW and I had talked about the safari since it has an expectant mother warning on it, and decided not to take a chance. Since we wouldn’t be riding it, I handed the stroller off and headed for the Himalayas as soon as they dropped the rope.

I made it there quickly and was on the second train of the day for Expedition Everest. I really wish I could have jumped back in the line, but I didn’t want to keep DW and DS waiting. We headed on around the bend to Dino Land. We took a ride on Prehistoric Dumbo and DW wanted to walk through some gift shops. I thought about riding Dinosaur, but passed on it. I kind of regret that. I really think it is a fun ride.

We continued on around and came to the character meet area with Pooh, Eeyore and Tigger. There wasn’t any line, so we stopped for a quick visit. DS liked Pooh, but was kind of indifferent about Eeyore and Tigger.

We headed over to the Maharajah Jungle Trek and saw some neat sights.

DS really liked the birds. There was a big one standing on the fence right on the edge of the path. He was probably eye level with DS in his stroller and they seemed to be pretty interested in checking each other out.

We headed out and walked by the drums. Of course we had to stop and let DS try to play them. He kept hitting them, but would hit on the edge so that he was hitting the wood part instead of the middle and then get this frown on his face and look at his hand… then he’d do it again.

We headed around to catch the train to Rafiki’s Planet Watch. We hadn’t ever been there before, so it was interesting to see, but we didn’t spend much time there. It will probably be someplace we could spend quite a bit of time once DS is a little older though. We did find a cricket hopping around while we were there.

We got on the train to head back to Africa. When we got there, we saw some guys standing next to the water fountains that spray water from pillars that are… well, they’re approximately crotch height. They were posing for some fun pictures. I was laughing too hard to even think about getting pictures.

I headed over to the stroller corral to grab our stroller and knocked an umbrella stroller over. I never saw these people, so I'm not sure if they actually had any children with them , but this stroller had probably 3 or 4 Wal-Mart bags full of who knows what sitting in the seat, and just as many hanging on the handles. I brushed against it and it fell over backwards. I picked it up and delicately balanced it and got the heck out of there.

We headed on back past to the Pangani Forest Trail. We got to see some more animals.

It is my understanding that there was a baby gorilla out there somewhere. We got to the observation area and couldn’t even get anywhere near the glass. We stood and waited… and waited… and waited. I think I saw a few tents and campfires up there on the front row. We finally realized that we just weren’t going to be seeing whatever it was that these people intended to spend all day looking at, so we moved on around the corner to watch these guys playing.

We decided that we had pretty much done most of what we wanted to accomplish in AK by this point, but we decided that we’d head over to Camp Minnie Mickey to meet a few more characters. We had just gone past this landmark...

When we looked in the stroller and found this…

We decided to head back towards Discovery Island and get a few pictures in front of the Tree of Life. DS even got in a few of them.

We headed on over to a Quick Service place that I’ve seen some great reviews of, but have never tried myself. Actually, this was the first time I’ve ever been in this park until lunch time. Flame Tree BBQ was as good as advertised. I had the rib and chicken combo. If there is a better use of a Quick Service meal credit anywhere in the parks, I’d be shocked. There was plenty of food and it was excellent.

We finished eating and headed up to the entrance for some pictures while somebody continued to nap.

But along came a trouble maker to try to end naptime.

Whew… that was close.

We didn’t really have set plans for today after we left AK, so we were headed back to WL to spend some time at the resort and decide what we’d do for the rest of the day.

 

[amandaw]

Woo Hoo! for getting onto EE so quick! I do enjoy that ride, but is it bad that I just consider it "cute"?

Your son looks like he was happy to be meeting Pooh! Jiminy Cricket, on the other hand, not so much.....

I love the pictures of him asleep in the stroller! Reid sleeps the same way - with his hands behind his head. So cute!

Glad you go to try Flame Tree. You can't really go wrong there. I was so happy that I recently got Ed to agree to not eating there on our next trip because I want to try the CS @ Yak & Yeti. But, now, I'm re-thinking my decision. Flame Tree is just so good!

Can't wait to hear what y'all ended up doing with a free afternoon!

 

[FreezinRafiki]

We drove over to AK and discovered something shocking. We were there before the park opened! They let us in and we were waiting with the crowd in the Oasis area.

Rope Drop: check!

DW and I had talked about the safari since it has an expectant mother warning on it, and decided not to take a chance.

Probably a good idea. Some of those roads they drive on are worse that Delaware's.

I made it there quickly and was on the second train of the day for Expedition Everest.

Nice! Let me guess - the Yeti was still sleeping that early, right?

We took a ride on Prehistoric Dumbo

They're totally different rides, you know.

DS liked Pooh

GREAT Pooh Picture! (That sounded dirty, but wasn't)

We headed out and walked by the drums. Of course we had to stop and let DS try to play them. He kept hitting them, but would hit on the edge so that he was hitting the wood part instead of the middle and then get this frown on his face and look at his hand… then he’d do it again.

Daddy, my hand's broke!

It is my understanding that there was a baby gorilla out there somewhere. We got to the observation area and couldn’t even get anywhere near the glass. We stood and waited… and waited… and waited. I think I saw a few tents and campfires up there on the front row. We finally realized that we just weren’t going to be seeing whatever it was that these people intended to spend all day looking at,

Start lobbing dirty diapers in there. They'll move.

When we looked in the stroller and found this…

He sure looks comfy!

We headed on over to a Quick Service place that I’ve seen some great reviews of, but have never tried myself. Actually, this was the first time I’ve ever been in this park until lunch time. Flame Tree BBQ was as good as advertised. I had the rib and chicken combo. If there is a better use of a Quick Service meal credit anywhere in the parks, I’d be shocked. There was plenty of food and it was excellent.

Amen, brother!

The Stitch pictures are cute!

 

[that's nice]

Rafiki’s Wisdom Stick – This card shows Simba’s counselor ready to imbue some knowledge on the enemy’s forehead.

Why does the final 1/3 of Rafiki's wisdom stick look like.. ummmm... I guess I have to get my mind out of the gutter.

We drove over to AK and discovered something shocking. We were there before the park opened!

SWEET!

I made it there quickly and was on the second train of the day for Expedition Everest. I really wish I could have jumped back in the line, but I didn’t want to keep DW and DS waiting.

I bet you could of sneaked on and they wouldn't of known.

We headed on around the bend to Dino Land. We took a ride on Prehistoric Dumbo and DW wanted to walk through some gift shops. I thought about riding Dinosaur, but passed on it. I kind of regret that. I really think it is a fun ride.

I'm not a huge fan of Dinosaur... I don't think it at all scary. I wish it was.

We headed out and walked by the drums. Of course we had to stop and let DS try to play them. He kept hitting them, but would hit on the edge so that he was hitting the wood part instead of the middle and then get this frown on his face and look at his hand… then he’d do it again.

He looks so mad here!

I never saw these people, so I'm not sure if they actually had any children with them , but this stroller had probably 3 or 4 Wal-Mart bags full of who knows what sitting in the seat, and just as many hanging on the handles. I brushed against it and it fell over backwards. I picked it up and delicately balanced it and got the heck out of there.

Walmart bags huh? weird.

When we looked in the stroller and found this…

Goodnite Landon!

I hope to see a lot of that in November!

We headed on over to a Quick Service place that I’ve seen some great reviews of, but have never tried myself. Actually, this was the first time I’ve ever been in this park until lunch time. Flame Tree BBQ was as good as advertised. I had the rib and chicken combo. If there is a better use of a Quick Service meal credit anywhere in the parks, I’d be shocked. There was plenty of food and it was excellent.

Good plan! I've skipped FT the last few times for Y&Y... I AM eating at FT in Nov.

We finished eating and headed up to the entrance for some pictures while somebody continued to nap.

But along came a trouble maker to try to end naptime.

Whew… that was close.

[/COLOR]

Ooooh look! It's Kathy's favorite character!!!!!!

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

We drove over to AK and discovered something shocking. We were there before the park opened! They let us in and we were waiting with the crowd in the Oasis area. DW and I had talked about the safari since it has an expectant mother warning on it, and decided not to take a chance.

Sorry you missed out on the safari. I hear Disney has been having a problem with poachers there, and could use some help warding them off.

Also, you know that song The Lion Sleeps Tonight? The writer came up with that after going on that ride. True story.

I made it there quickly and was on the second train of the day for Expedition Everest. I really wish I could have jumped back in the line, but I didn’t want to keep DW and DS waiting.

Everest is such a cool ride. Making the 2nd train is pretty impressive.

We headed on around the bend to Dino Land. We took a ride on Prehistoric Dumbo and DW wanted to walk through some gift shops.

I thought it was the Prehistoric magic carpets.

I thought about riding Dinosaur, but passed on it. I kind of regret that. I really think it is a fun ride.

I'm not sure why Dinosaur gets dumped on so much. I like that ride. Beats the snot out of IASW.

Great smile!

We headed out and walked by the drums. Of course we had to stop and let DS try to play them. He kept hitting them, but would hit on the edge so that he was hitting the wood part instead of the middle and then get this frown on his face and look at his hand… then he’d do it again.

We headed around to catch the train to Rafiki’s Planet Watch. We hadn’t ever been there before, so it was interesting to see, but we didn’t spend much time there. It will probably be someplace we could spend quite a bit of time once DS is a little older though.

My kids are a little older, and...you'll probably spend the same amount of time there.

We got on the train to head back to Africa. When we got there, we saw some guys standing next to the water fountains that spray water from pillars that are… well, they’re approximately crotch height. They were posing for some fun pictures. I was laughing too hard to even think about getting pictures.

There's a fountain in Morocco that's good for that purpose as well. I'm sure glennbo can help you find it.

I never saw these people, so I'm not sure if they actually had any children with them , but this stroller had probably 3 or 4 Wal-Mart bags full of who knows what sitting in the seat, and just as many hanging on the handles. I brushed against it and it fell over backwards. I picked it up and delicately balanced it and got the heck out of there.

Did it have lots of Wisconsin stickers on it, and were the bags full of frozen water bottles?

It is my understanding that there was a baby gorilla out there somewhere. We got to the observation area and couldn’t even get anywhere near the glass. We stood and waited… and waited… and waited. I think I saw a few tents and campfires up there on the front row.

The Occupy Pangani Trail movement has been a thorn in Disney's side for a while now.

Perfect border for that picture.

Actually, this was the first time I’ve ever been in this park until lunch time. Flame Tree BBQ was as good as advertised. I had the rib and chicken combo. If there is a better use of a Quick Service meal credit anywhere in the parks, I’d be shocked. There was plenty of food and it was excellent.

Love that place. The WDW cookbook has a recipe for their BBQ sauce that replicates it really well, FYI.

But along came a trouble maker to try to end naptime.

That is truly evil.

Probably a good idea. Some of those roads they drive on are worse that Delaware's.

Hey, Andy was the one who said engineers don't need any training. Can't complain about the results after that.

 

[glennbo123]

Yeah, I'm not happy when people camp out at spots like what you described on the trail. Take your (reasonable) turn and move on, I say.

That's funny that the Photopass-created Stitch almost woke your son up from his nap.

 

[afwdwfan]

Woo Hoo! for getting onto EE so quick! I do enjoy that ride, but is it bad that I just consider it "cute"?

No, not bad at all. I like the backward part, but it could stand to be a bit more thrilling. It's a fun ride regardless and the theming is incredible. I just wish the Yeti would move.

Your son looks like he was happy to be meeting Pooh! Jiminy Cricket, on the other hand, not so much.....

Well, he does have a Pooh bear at home. That was probably the first time he's ever seen a big cricket though.

I love the pictures of him asleep in the stroller! Reid sleeps the same way - with his hands behind his head. So cute!

He always sleeps like that. Just kicked back and relaxed.

Glad you go to try Flame Tree. You can't really go wrong there. I was so happy that I recently got Ed to agree to not eating there on our next trip because I want to try the CS @ Yak & Yeti. But, now, I'm re-thinking my decision. Flame Tree is just so good!

It really is great. I'd like to try Yak & Yeti CS sometime, but... eh, might as well stick with what we know and like.

Rope Drop: check!

Took half a week, but we finally got our morning routine figured out.

Probably a good idea. Some of those roads they drive on are worse that Delaware's.

Yeah, but only some of them...

Nice! Let me guess - the Yeti was still sleeping that early, right?

The rumor going around was that someone on the first train shot it with a tranquilizer dart.

They're totally different rides, you know.

They're in different parks anyway.

GREAT Pooh Picture! (That sounded dirty, but wasn't)

Daddy, my hand's broke!

This drum hits back!

Start lobbing dirty diapers in there. They'll move.

Don't think I didn't consider that. They'd probably just use them as fuel for their camp fires though.

He sure looks comfy!

I'd love to be pushed around the park like that.

The Stitch pictures are cute!

Thanks.

 

[afwdwfan]

Why does the final 1/3 of Rafiki's wisdom stick look like.. ummmm... I guess I have to get my mind out of the gutter.

Come on Tim! Disney wouldn't ever intentionally make something look like something it isn't...

I bet you could of sneaked on and they wouldn't of known.

Possibly... but they were sitting right by the exit, so I would have needed a diversion. And when you're working alone, that's kind of difficult.

I'm not a huge fan of Dinosaur... I don't think it at all scary. I wish it was.

I don't think it is very scary either, but I am impressed by the audio animatronics. I think it is a fun ride and I enjoy the scenery.

He looks so mad here!

He couldn't quite figure out why it was getting his hand.

Walmart bags huh? weird.

They had it loaded down with them. I don't know if they were packing extra clothes for Kali or what, but they sure brought everything they needed and more with them to the park. I'd hate to be behind them in the bag check line.

Goodnite Landon!

I hope to see a lot of that in November!

Good luck.

Good plan! I've skipped FT the last few times for Y&Y... I AM eating at FT in Nov.

Meaty goodness.

Ooooh look! It's Kathy's favorite character!!!!!!

He seems to have a lot of "fans"

Sorry you missed out on the safari. I hear Disney has been having a problem with poachers there, and could use some help warding them off.

Rumor has it that they have some kind of red elephant out there. I've never seen a red elephant before.

Also, you know that song The Lion Sleeps Tonight? The writer came up with that after going on that ride. True story.

I can't argue with that logic.

Everest is such a cool ride. Making the 2nd train is pretty impressive.

I was scooting along through the crowd... without dragging anyone else with me. That helped quite a bit.

I thought it was the Prehistoric magic carpets.

No, you've got it all wrong. A triceratops and an elephant are much more closely related than a triceratops and a carpet. Just ask Scotty, he'll explain it to you.

I'm not sure why Dinosaur gets dumped on so much. I like that ride. Beats the snot out of IASW.

It beats the snot out of its passengers too.

But yes, I still enjoy it despite the rough ride.

Great smile!

It was nice to see that with a character meet.

My kids are a little older, and...you'll probably spend the same amount of time there.

We'll see, I guess.

There's a fountain in Morocco that's good for that purpose as well. I'm sure glennbo can help you find it.

I thought I'd seen something like that somewhere before. That must be it.

Did it have lots of Wisconsin stickers on it, and were the bags full of frozen water bottles?

Yes. Yes it did. And there was a nasty looking Wisconsin Badgers sweatshirt draped across the top of it too.

The Occupy Pangani Trail movement has been a thorn in Disney's side for a while now.

Bring in the tear gas!!!!

Perfect border for that picture.

I thought it seemed fitting.

Love that place. The WDW cookbook has a recipe for their BBQ sauce that replicates it really well, FYI.

You know, I didn't use much sauce. The meat was pretty good on it's own. I still might need to look into getting that cookbook though. Is that where you got your recipe for cheddar soup too?

Hey, Andy was the one who said engineers don't need any training. Can't complain about the results after that.

He basically said you did a better job than a Disney engineer. I'd take that as a compliment.

Yeah, I'm not happy when people camp out at spots like what you described on the trail. Take your (reasonable) turn and move on, I say.

It was pretty frustrating. We probably could have pushed and crowded our way up close enough to at least get a glimpse of something, but it just wasn't worth it.

That's funny that the Photopass-created Stitch almost woke your son up from his nap.

We didn't even realize he almost woke up until we saw the pictures.

 

[KatMark]

I am all caught up! (hate doing that vacation thing, then trying to catch up with a VERY SLOW DIS).

Love your Epcot afternoon/evening. You are a braver soul than me...I don't do green or orange on Mission (did it once...never again ).

I'm with you on the "drinking around the world." It's great if you can handle it, but not when you act like a total idiot. In case those clowns haven't noticed, there are a LOT of children at Disney World.

Love your morning at Animal Kingdom. We got to see Pooh, Tigger and Eeyore when we were there last week -- my favorites.

Sorry that you didn't get to see the baby gorilla. Rafiki's Planet is great when the kids get a little older.

 

[petals]

Love the update. The sleepy pics are to cute. I am still miffed that the photopass photographer we got at the Xmas tree did not tell us they could do that magic shot with Stitch in the present!

 

[Shannon84]

I am done catching up!!

I love the idea of the headphones for DS during the fireworks, that is so smart!!

I LOVE the pictures of you guys at AK! They came out really well and too funny that Stitch was added in where DS was waking up some too cute!!

 

[afwdwfan]

I am all caught up! (hate doing that vacation thing, then trying to catch up with a VERY SLOW DIS).

I'm sorry. It is kind of hard to have much sympathy for someone who's catching up because they were at Disney World for a few days though.
The DIS has definitely been painfully slow. I'm glad it finally seems normal this week.

Love your Epcot afternoon/evening. You are a braver soul than me...I don't do green or orange on Mission (did it once...never again ).

I'll try about anything once. I survived, so I'll probably do it again too!

I'm with you on the "drinking around the world." It's great if you can handle it, but not when you act like a total idiot. In case those clowns haven't noticed, there are a LOT of children at Disney World.

It's disappointing to see, but you can see that kind of stuff anywhere, unfortunately.

Sorry that you didn't get to see the baby gorilla. Rafiki's Planet is great when the kids get a little older.

Yeah, we'll give it a try again. It seemed interesting, but no really interesting enough to keep our attention at the time.

Love the update. The sleepy pics are to cute. I am still miffed that the photopass photographer we got at the Xmas tree did not tell us they could do that magic shot with Stitch in the present!

I'm sorry you didn't get Stitch. We really didn't even ask. They just handed us a box and said to look surprised. It probably depends a lot on the photographer. The one who took our picture at the tree was actually the same photographer who took our picture with Eeyore that morning. He was from Indiana and graduated from Purdue also, so he was very chatty and friendly with us to the point that I kind of wanted him to go away.

I love the idea of the headphones for DS during the fireworks, that is so smart!!

Very smart. Clearly, not my idea.

I LOVE the pictures of you guys at AK! They came out really well and too funny that Stitch was added in where DS was waking up some too cute!!

Thanks. We really did get some good ones there. It's fun to find little surprises like that when you go through them later on.

 

[princessbride6205]

I'm pretty new to the world of TRs, but I've been reading and enjoying yours, so I thought I'd say hi. Your DS is so cute! Even with the tantrum day, it sounds like you've totally figured out touring the World with a toddler.
Looking forward to the next update.

 

[afwdwfan]

I'm pretty new to the world of TRs, but I've been reading and enjoying yours, so I thought I'd say hi.

I'm pretty new to TR's too, but it's a lot of fun. I enjoy reading about other people's trips and learning some new tips, but it is a lot of fun to write about our trip and relive it with everyone else. I'm glad you spoke up, welcome to the nut house!

Your DS is so cute! Even with the tantrum day, it sounds like you've totally figured out touring the World with a toddler.
Looking forward to the next update.

Well, we managed to get by touring with a toddler. I don't think anyone will ever totally figure it out.

 

[afwdwfan]

I Love it When a Plan Comes Together

On the drive back to WL, we talked about what we might do for the rest of the day. We decided to spend some time checking out our resort, then we’d ride a boat over to the Contemporary and explore the monorail resorts before going to the MK. We had been in the MK on 2 different evenings, but we never took any night time Photopass Pictures, so we decided since we’d be on the monorail anyway, we’d head into the park, maybe ride a few rides and get some pictures.

We stopped in the Mercantile to look for some WL themed items. Unfortunately, but not surprisingly, the selection was thin. We got a totem pole picture holder, bought some Christmas gifts and a few other odds and ends.

We walked around the resort a little bit and took some pictures. Wilderness Lodge really is a beautiful resort. Just thinking about it makes me want to go back right now.

We finally went back to the room and decided we’d go to the pool for a swim. It was probably about 70 – 75 degrees, so not really hot, but warm enough to play in the pool for a bit. We had some fun splashing around. For the most part we had the pool to ourselves… we were the only people in it. We were sharing it with some ducks though. They were swimming around in the pool near the area where the stream empties into it. They seemed pretty happy there. There were a few sitting up on the edge of the rocks and probably about 4 or 5 in the pool swimming. DS thought this was the best pool toy ever and was bound and determined to get his hands on one. I was the bad guy because I wouldn’t let him get close enough.

After we finished in the pool, we showered and changed and then hopped on a boat over to the Contemporary. Even though we were there earlier in the week, we were in a hurry to get to an ADR and then to the MK. We took a little time exploring the grounds and the inside of the resort this time.

After we looked around a bit, we got on a monorail and rode it to the Polynesian. This is the first time I’ve ever been inside this resort. It’s a beautiful resort with a great location. They don’t seem to do much in the way of Christmas decorations though.

DW saw this display in the gift shop and just had to get a picture of it.

I’d heard great things about Captain Cooks, so we decided that we’d grab some dinner while we were there. They need some better instructions for how to use the ordering system and pay for your food. I wasn’t really sure if I was supposed to order, pay, then pick it up or pay before I got it. I think I had to ask a CM… The food was good though. DW had the adult grilled cheese and I had the bacon cheeseburger. We used our desserts to get DS some milk and fresh fruit.

Despite our rather pleasant meal, someone was having a full blown meltdown across the dining room. Apparently grandma and grandpa were eating with their grandson who was probably around 3 or 4. The absolute last thing he wanted to do was eat with them. I don’t know where dad was, but he clearly must have been doing something more fun than eating and this kid wanted to be with him. We were eating an early dinner, so the place was empty except for us and them… I could tell they were embarrassed, but I really felt sorry for them. We completely understood.

We finished our meal and hopped back on the monorail for a ride over to the Grand Floridian. As we passed the wedding area, I noticed that there was some construction underway. They even had an excavator on a barge out there doing some work near a boat dock. I thought that was kind of neat to see. [OMINOUS MUSIC]Little did I know this wouldn't be the last time we'll see this rig…[/OMINOUS MUSIC]

I have to say of all the monorail resorts, the last one I want to stay at is the GF. It is a beautiful resort, but I just felt out of place there. When I’m walking around the lobby in jeans and I’m passing by people in tuxes and cocktail dresses… it just ain’t right. We enjoyed the GF and got some nice pictures of the gingerbread house and other decorations and decided to head back out to the monorail to finish our ride to the Magic Kingdom.

It was a really enjoyable afternoon. I had never stepped foot inside the Poly or GF before, so it was fun to be able to explore them a little bit and see what the fuss is all about. One of these days, we’re going to need to do the same thing over at the EPCOT resorts…

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

I Love it When a Plan Comes Together

The A-Team! What do I win?

We stopped in the Mercantile to look for some WL themed items. Unfortunately, but not surprisingly, the selection was thin.

I wish they'd go back to more resort-specific stuff in the stores.

We walked around the resort a little bit and took some pictures. Wilderness Lodge really is a beautiful resort. Just thinking about it makes me want to go back right now.

Hey, me too! It really is spectacular. Your pictures are great.

DS thought this was the best pool toy ever and was bound and determined to get his hands on one. I was the bad guy because I wouldn’t let him get close enough.

Maybe they are the best pool toy ever! Good job keeping him behind the Line of Death.

After we looked around a bit, we got on a monorail and rode it to the Polynesian. This is the first time I’ve ever been inside this resort. It’s a beautiful resort with a great location. They don’t seem to do much in the way of Christmas decorations though.

Maybe not, but I really love the theme there too.

The food was good though. DW had the adult grilled cheese and I had the bacon cheeseburger. We used our desserts to get DS some milk and fresh fruit.

No Dole Whips? I thought that was the whole point of eating there?

Apparently grandma and grandpa were eating with their grandson who was probably around 3 or 4. The absolute last thing he wanted to do was eat with them. I don’t know where dad was, but he clearly must have been doing something more fun than eating and this kid wanted to be with him.

Son, Daddy's not doing anything cool at all. Just Star Tours and Toy Story Mania.

They even had an excavator on a barge out there doing some work near a boat dock. I thought that was kind of neat to see. [OMINOUS MUSIC]Little did I know this wouldn't be the last time we'll see this rig…[/OMINOUS MUSIC]

Did DS decide it was the coolest sandbox toy ever?

I have to say of all the monorail resorts, the last one I want to stay at is the GF. It is a beautiful resort, but I just felt out of place there. When I’m walking around the lobby in jeans and I’m passing by people in tuxes and cocktail dresses… it just ain’t right.

Yeah, I agree. Honestly, the GF and the Epcot resorts sort of blend together for me in terms of the theme--they all mostly say "swanky hotel" rather than being exotic. Maybe I'm just not used to the fancy-pants side of life, either.

One of these days, we’re going to need to do the same thing over at the EPCOT resorts…

Nice job on the resort-hopping!

 

[amandaw]

WL is a really pretty resort, especially at Christmas time!

That's so cute that DS wanted to get a duck to play with!

I am thinking of checking out Captain Cook's one night on our next trip. I have heard so many good things about that grilled cheese sandwich. Did your DW enjoy it?

I love your pics of the decorations at the monorail resorts! I'm hoping we'll have time to do the same!

 

[My sister's princess]

What a lovely little update!!! You are really making me want to go at Christmas time!!

I just have to say, and please don't think I am creepy, you guys are the cutest family ever. I love happy families

Can't wait to hear what happens next, and see the crane!

 

[glennbo123]

DS thought this was the best pool toy ever and was bound and determined to get his hands on one. I was the bad guy because I wouldn’t let him get close enough.

You are no fun Dad.

They don’t seem to do much in the way of Christmas decorations though.

No, in addition to the tree they have a wreath....way back in the distance there. How many more decorations do you need?

We used our desserts to get DS some milk and fresh fruit.

That's quite a sacrifice. I'm impressed. Although he probably would have preferred that you used your desserts to get him some......dessert!

Despite our rather pleasant meal, someone was having a full blown meltdown across the dining room. Apparently grandma and grandpa were eating with their grandson who was probably around 3 or 4.

I hate to see grandmas and grandpas having meltdowns.

I have to say of all the monorail resorts, the last one I want to stay at is the GF. It is a beautiful resort, but I just felt out of place there. When I’m walking around the lobby in jeans and I’m passing by people in tuxes and cocktail dresses… it just ain’t right.

They should sell those tuxedo t-shirts at least, right?