Lizards, ducks, and FUN! Our week at the Polynesian!*Updated 7/21* Page 10

[stace208]

I just got all caught up again. I love the pictures from HS, especially your DS doing the Jedi Academy and your DD "growling" like a cat. Too cute!

All caught up!! Love the pics from HS!! We totally missed the animation building--love the pics with sorcerer Mickey and the characters from Up! Sooo cute!! How great that Ben got picked for Jedi Training!! And it looks like you had a GREAT day at Epcot! Can't wait to read more!!

Thanks!! The Animation building is fun. We knew there were characters in there but had no idea about anything else until I read it on someone's TR. Epcot day was great...perhaps the best day we've ever had there.

Hi, I'm enjoying your TR, saw you on Lesley and
Tims TR so jumped on! I really do hear you about
the pool thing. I know its vacation and relaxing
some should come into the picture but my feeling
is you can swim anytime at home!!!! Theres too many
other things to see and do at disney!!!! Everyone
has their own thoughts!!

Thanks for coming on over! I know what you mean about the swimming, those were my thoughts exactly. But, a Disney pool is more fun for them and it is vacation after all. I guess the trick is finding the right mix of it all!!

I know it doesn't help you now, but early on in our trip, the cashier at Cosmic Ray's told us that they don't differentiate between child and adult counter service meals. So, if there's something that the kids want on the adult menu, just get it. It will come off as one credit and you're good. (This was after Nathan wanted a hot dog at Cosmic Ray's and it wasn't on the kid's menu. I told him he couldn't have it, the cashier overheard and told us just to order it for him!) We did the same at Sunshine Seasons. I ordered noodles and an adult sandwich and then split them with him!

See, this is one problem I have with Disney-the same information isn't given to everyone. We tried this 2 times on the trip and both times were told that we had to order 2 adult and 2 kids meals. Now, last year at Restaurantosaurus the CM told us we could order whatever so Ben got an adult meal. This is why we tried it this year and got turned down (at different places). I'm glad it worked out for you though!! He survived, and believe me, didn't starve. Next trip we will be getting him the adult plan and not just because of CS. He needs the adult choices at TS too.

I hope we didn't break the rules, but a CM told us to do it!!!

Hey Staci:

I just read the first 7 pages of your TR and I will have to say that I think Ridemax must work, because you really got a lot accomplished. I didn't read your Epcot day yet. And I can't see your pics (at work). I was there the week before you and I probably could have used some Ridemax to keep us on track a bit better. It was my 10th trip and I had a somewhat laid back approach so we focused on FP'ing the highlighters, but we missed some smaller rides.

Anyway, I think i will invest in Ridemax the next time I take a summer trip with a big group (we had 6). Seems like it was worth it!

I'm looking forward to going home and seeing your pics!

Welcome! Thanks for joining in! Ridemax is totally worth it! We got so much done in every single park!!

Thanks for the report. Loved reading it and the pics. Can't wait for our stay at the POLY

Michelle

Hi Michelle! Thanks for joining in Thanks for the nice comments about my report. When are you going to the Poly? You will it!

 

[highlander96]

We will be there in 11 days

 

[Planning fanatic mom]

I agree. Future World is fine on a hot day, but World Showcase is the last place to be when it is super hot.

 

[stace208]

We will be there in 11 days

Oh how exciting! Please send me your address. I'll bring a suitcase big enough for me to fit in. All you have to do is take me with you!

I agree. Future World is fine on a hot day, but World Showcase is the last place to be when it is super hot.

Yep, that is soooo right! We did WS all in late afternoon/evening/night this trip. I think we sacrificed seeing many characters because of this but temperature wise it was the way to go!

 

[stace208]

Somehow I forgot to post these pictures from when we left Epcot Monday afternoon!

Notice anything missing in that photo? Yea, he took 4 Tinkerbell magic shots and only one of them actually had Tink in them!

On to the next day!

 

[dismagiclover]

That picture is almost more funny without Tink

 

[ScotsMinnie]

All caught up and loving your trip report!!!

Great pics too - thanks for sharing them. Love the Tink pic minus Tink!

 

[stace208]

Tuesday, June 23
John and I awoke to thunder and lightening around 5:30 am. I was sad because I was hoping it wouldn't ruin our day. We both managed to fall back asleep and the phone rang promptly at 7. I hopped up and looked out the door. It was raining but not too bad. I got our ponchos out and got everyone moving. Tess called at some point and asked if we were still going in the rain. I was in the bathroom and John talked to her. He told her that this was Disney, we have 1 week, and no rain was going to stop us! I laughed at that-so something I would say!! John went to the GCH to fill up our mugs and came back with this picture

It was still drizzling at this point but by the time we got all finished and headed to the car, the rain had stopped! It was nice and cool and felt so good out. I hoped this would last...
We got to AK, parked, and found Tess, Mike, and Sydni waiting in line. The plan this day was for us to all head first thing to the safari. I had read that in the heat, it was important to ride first thing in the morning while the animals are still active. Since returning, I've read several TR where folks rode later and saw just as much so Anyhoo, that was the plan at the time. We got in and moved up to watch the opening show. Remember the nice cool morning?? Ya, well, it was gone and the sun was hot! The adults watched the show (kids couldn't see anything) and we headed out with the masses. We made the long trek to Africa. I told John to take this picture for me. I don't know if he got it now, or later, but I love it.

The safari was pretty good. I didn't take many pictures because I already have a million of them and we were in the back. Very bumpy. I did get one of this guy. He walked right between the jeep in front of us and our jeep.

John must've taken that one. After our two week adventure got cut short, we headed to Dinoland. John took off to get fast passes for EE and meet us over there. We didn't move quickly at all so he met up with us in no time. Everyone headed to ride Dinosaur except Ellie and I. We took a twirl on Triceratop Spin. When we were done, she didn't want to ride again so we headed into a shop. Trying out some hats.

I also found the 4 parks 1 world CD I had been looking for everywhere. While I was purchasing John called and came in the store. He said the others had gotten back on Dinosaur. Now, Ellie and I have already been wandering around waiting for about 20 minutes at that point...not a big deal but now we gotta wait 20 more minutes I wasn't exactly happy. We made our way over to where Dinosaur exits.

Every minute that ticked by I got a little more upset. I really wanted to just take off but my kid was with them! I was about to take Ellie and leave John and go when they came out. All total, Ellie and I had been waiting around 45 minutes. Of course, she was fine, it was me that was upset. My problem was not so much that they'd ridden twice but that because they had Ben, and we wanted to stay together today, I'd had to sit around. I could've taken Ellie to do something else and met them or something. A comment was made about "Stacy and her plans" and that was it. I had me a moment. I sat down and told them I was DONE! I told John that he could be in charge. It got real quiet. John, of course, didn't want to be in charge. After a minute or two, I got up and started walking back to Africa to walk on the trail. We had time before our EE fastpasses and I knew we wouldn't be back in Africa at all so we may as well head back and do it before it got too hot. When I looked later, that was actually next on the Ridmax plans but right then I wasn't even looking. Everyone followed right behind me, of course. We got along the way and saw these guys.

We also saw Flik but my kids didn't want to see him. Now John, still a little upset with me, made a comment when we were in line for Baloo about getting off schedule. I told him, and the others, they could leave and meet us. I also said a few more things to that lovely man I am married to but I won't put all that on here. Needless to say, they all waited. Teressa and Sydni played the drums and Mike found some shade. We headed back to Africa to walk the trail.

This is the only picture that I have loaded up. The kids had their camera so maybe most of the pictures are on there. I thought I took more but that is all I see. Honestly, we didn't see much at all on the trail.
It was getting close to lunch but we decided to do one thing first...
Continued...

 

[stace208]

Everest! We were going to ride after lunch but Tess wanted to give it a try and was nervous about having a full stomach. So we all agreed to push lunch back and head over to ride. John and Ellie did not ride but the rest of us headed out. (John took Ellie and went to get Kali fastpasses while we were riding EE). It's a great ride and everyone, except Tess, had a good time. She didn't get sick or anything but the backwards part really bothered her.

Now we were all ready for some lunch and cool air so we headed to Pizzafari. We'd never eaten here before but were pleased. I love the decor and will take more pictures next trip.

Everyone had pizza except Teressa. She had the sandwich and loved it. I was glad to be in a nice cool place with some good food and cold drink.
After lunch we headed to the Maharajah Jungle Trek.
Love the bats!

We didn't see much else that we got good pictures of. There was a CM at the tigers and we learned some things but didn't get good pictures. Soon it was time for Kali! This was a first for us and we were sooooo excited. We walked down the fastpass line forver-past all those HOT people-until finally getting to the loading point. In no time we were in our raft. I wasn't too sure about Ellie but so far, so good. We were traveling along, laughing a bunch. Tess and Mike got the drenching and then...it was OVER! We were all in shock. We couldn't believe how short this ride was...it was crazy. Great ride certainly but MUCH too short. We checked the fastpass time but it was too late. We had ADR's in Epcot and wanted time to swim, shower, and change.
Here we split from T and her gang. They wanted to see Nemo. I wanted to but just didn't see how I'd fit it in at that point. We headed to see some characters.

At this point, I wasn't feeling right. I actually had left John and the kids in line for Pooh and gone to the restroom and got a frozen lemonade. I was hanging in there though and we went to check out Camp Minnie Mickey. All the characters there were folks we had seen before so we didn't stay. We were all hot and tired and the kids wanted to swim so we decided to call it a day.
We grabbed these shots on the way out.

We got back to the Poly. This is what we found.

Seems as though a couple of Ben's stuffies had gotten into trouble. Ellie also had a note from Minnie. Our mouskeeper these couple of days was great. Always something with the animals and notes from Miinnie. Unfortunately, we didn't have the same person all week.

We picked up the mess and fell on the bed. I told the kids to change into their swim suits but no one moved. After a bit I told them if they didn't change, there would be no swimming but they said they didn't want to.

John was on the computer. Ben was on his bed and Ellie was on the bed with me. I was freezing! I had Ellie get her blanket so I could cover up. I then fell asleep. When I woke up, I was still freezing but my arms were covered in sweat. I was still wet-not sure if still from Kali or from being hot. I decided to take a shower. I was a bit shaky but got in and turned the water to hot. It took forever for me to stop shivering. Finally I started to warm up and knew I needed to get out so I could get the others going.

Once I got out and dried off, my temperature started to regulate and I felt much better. I got a drink and started rallying my troops. We had a dinner ADR to make!

 

[dismagiclover]

Great update! Love all the pictures! It can be a bit frustrating when our travel companions don't appreciate our planning, but we appreciate it here It sounds to me like you were a bit dehydrated That AK heat can really knock you out I hope you felt better for dinner.

 

[cjackearl]

Ugh. Gotta hate it when the family won't follow the plan. My son and I ended up waiting in Dinoland forever too. There's just nothing to do with younger kids before the Boneyard opens, except Triceratops Spin.

ITA about how short Kali is! Can you imagine standing in a long standby line for that? It was fun, though.

I agree that it sounds like a bit of dehydration. Glad you equilibrized!

Looking forward to the ADR destination!

 

[wigdoutdismom]

Now you have me worried about my group trip in December, I just know they aren't going to mind me!

 

[stace208]

Let me finish up this day..6/23 Part 3
When I left off we were heading for dinner. We were going to eat at Akershus with some princesses Quick trip to the TTC, monorail over and we were in Epcot. The sky was looking formidable so we didn't waste any time heading over to WS. It started raining about halfway there so we donned our ponchos and picked up the pace. By the time we arrived in Norway it was pouring!! We were early because we had planned on checking out some of the countries close to Norway. We checked out the line for Maelstrom but it was really long so we just ducked into the shop. The kids hadn't started a mask yet so they sat down at the table and started working. Within a few minutes you could hardly move in that store! We just stayed put and as the rain slowed, the crowd slimmed. Of course, no trip to the shop in Norway is complete without these..

After all this Viking play, it was getting close to 6:10 (our ressie was 6:30). The rain had pretty much stopped so we decided to go ahead over and check in. We knew from last year that this could has a longish wait so we figured that the earlier, the better. We got checked in and found a place in the lobby. It wasn't anywhere as near as crowded as last year thankfully. I packed up everyone's ponchos and shortly they called us to meet our first special lady.

Now Ben didn't have any princesses in his autograph book. He wasn't planning on any pictures either. But when Belle asked him to please come be in the picture, what could he do?

We got seated right after this and in the front part of the castle this time. Our server came right up. She was as pretty as any of the princesses and so nice! We ordered our drinks and I also got a magical star cocktail. Then we hit the cold buffet. That's one of the great things about this meal-this cold buffet is included in the dining plan. You could make a meal just on this stuff! Ben was even able to get plates. Ellie just ate off of mine.
This was John's plate I believe.

After we stuffed ourselves already, our entrees came.
Chicken and risotto for me.

Kjjotake (sp?) for John

Ben had Mickey ravioli and Ellie had a hot dog I believe. Thank goodness for that cold buffet because Ben was done with his meal in 4 bites.
Another thing I like about this restaurant is the way they time it. You have a chance to eat before the princesses start coming. Oh, everyone enjoyed their meal as well.
We had glimpsed a couple of princesses when we first came in but didn't know the final line up. Soon they started coming out.
First was Aurora!

Aurora was ok. She chatted a moment or two and was very sweet.
Then Cinderella. Ellie was wearing a silly face princess shirt I found on the DISigners thread. Cinderella was very animated and even had Ellie make the face she was making on the shirt. It was cute.

Next was Snow White. Snow is who Ellie was dressed as last year at this dinner and she wasn't here. Ellie was disappointed. This year she wasn't intent on seeing any one princess.

Last was the one I was hoping for-Ariel. Unfortunately, she was the worst of the bunch. Last year our Ariel had been a lot of fun but this one was a dud. John didn't even think she looked like Ariel.

After the visits, it was time for dessert. They've changed them since last year and added in the skool bread. Oh so yummy! So was the chocolate mousse as you can see since Ellie dove right in before I could take a picture.

Once finished we headed out to do some kidcot stations and browse. We hit China, Germany, and then headed back to Mexico. We took a boat ride with Donald in Mexico. I don't see many photos because we were just wandering and enjoying ourselves. We did see T and gang at some point. They had dinner at Seven Dragons in China (loved it). They were going to find a spot for Illuminations. We were not. I know this will cause some of you to cringe, but we don't care for Illuminations. It's a nice show and all but I don't think it's worth dealing with all the crowds. Just doesn't do it for us, ya know?
We headed out after our boat ride. We had an early day the next day and I wanted to get the kids to bed. John took this photo on the way out. I think it's one of my favorite, nonpeople photos.

 

[stace208]

That picture is almost more funny without Tink

I know, right? Especially with the look on her face!!

All caught up and loving your trip report!!!

Great pics too - thanks for sharing them. Love the Tink pic minus Tink!

Thanks so much!!

 

[dismagiclover]

Fun dinner! Your DS is a good sport. My boys will have nothing to do with princesses. In fact, I think they are downright rude They basically refuse to converse with them or get anywhere near them. Little stinkers

 

[stace208]

Great update! Love all the pictures! It can be a bit frustrating when our travel companions don't appreciate our planning, but we appreciate it here It sounds to me like you were a bit dehydrated That AK heat can really knock you out I hope you felt better for dinner.

Thanks! Yes, it was frustrating. I knew folks here would understand! It was short-lived though and the rest of the time they were troopers.

John said he thought I was dehydrated too. I told Tess about it-she used to run rescue squad and carries an EMT certification. She said it sounded more like the beginnings of heat exhaustion. I'm glad we stayed in the room and I got in the nap. I did feel all better for the evening, thanks!

Ugh. Gotta hate it when the family won't follow the plan. My son and I ended up waiting in Dinoland forever too. There's just nothing to do with younger kids before the Boneyard opens, except Triceratops Spin.

Yep, that's right. Honestly, I don't know if the Boneyard was open...I didn't think of going over there because I didn't want to wander away from them. Their first ride was so quick but the line caught them the second time.

ITA about how short Kali is! Can you imagine standing in a long standby line for that? It was fun, though.

Super fun ride but crazy short. Going in I felt so bad for all those folks out in the heat. When we were done I felt even WORSE for them.

I agree that it sounds like a bit of dehydration. Glad you equilibrized!

Thanks! It was a weird feeling and I was glad to be feeling better.

Looking forward to the ADR destination!

Posted this morning!

Now you have me worried about my group trip in December, I just know they aren't going to mind me!

It will be just fine!! They may have a moment or two but they'll see the errors of their ways! This was the only instance in the whole trip when we were all together that there was any problem. One day, Mike was grumbling about getting up early and I told him they could certainly do their own thing. Teressa would have nothing of it-she was following ME because I got so much done...hehehehe!

 

[stace208]

Fun dinner! Your DS is a good sport. My boys will have nothing to do with princesses. In fact, I think they are downright rude They basically refuse to converse with them or get anywhere near them. Little stinkers

That's too funny about your boys. I wonder why they won't even get near them??
Ben was a good sport about it this year. Last year he wanted their autographs too...he was smitten with them all. This year I think he just liked them calling him Prince and every single one of them asked him to come be in the photo.

 

[Lady Lallie]

Oh, I am so glad someone else feels that way about Illuminations! I don't really care for it either...it's not worth the crowds or the mad dash to the buses afterwards for me.

Sorry about your moment. I think every trip has them, no matter who you are with.

 

[ScotsMinnie]

Lovely princess pictures! I must agree with you on Illuminations. I am not a huge fan either. We were at Epcot this year during the show but we just browsed shops and enjoyed the fact that everyone else was outside looking at the show!!!!!

 

[cjackearl]

My girls wore a silly princess shirts on our first Magic Kingdom day, which will be my next post! How fun that Cinderella noticed.

We didn't get any photos with the giant Troll this year. I don't know when they put that chest of weaponry near him, but when we were there, about half a dozen children were brandishing swords and axes. Your two look suitably war like, especially with the pink jacket and cute smiles.

Yes, the perspective of Spaceship Earth in the last picture is really cool!