March '11 TR: My 21 + 5 Years Birthday At WDW!! (HOME SWEET HOME) 6/24

[Disneyfreak616]

Thanks! I see if will be your first stay in a few months! It still kills me though how you pay that much money and some rooms don't have balcony's, they don't have a hot tub, and they don't have a health club but you can use the health club at GF..go figure!

I know. I'm PRAYING for a balcony, because I did not request one on my reservation. Do you think they would let me request it at check-in?? I don't really mind about the hot tub though, considering it will be July and hot enough already. And my Dad might be a little upset about the health club, but I'm sure he won't mind a nice jog over to the GF to use theirs. I may even go with him! We're getting the 40% military room discount though, so that's how we're able to swing the Poly. Thank goodness for it!

 

[IheartDDuck]

Oooohhh, you said my magic word.....Poly!

I would do the Poly. Absolute favorite resort on property for me, and the fact that you would be staying CL is awesome.

 

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

I know. I'm PRAYING for a balcony, because I did not request one on my reservation. Do you think they would let me request it at check-in?? I don't really mind about the hot tub though, considering it will be July and hot enough already. And my Dad might be a little upset about the health club, but I'm sure he won't mind a nice jog over to the GF to use theirs. I may even go with him! We're getting the 40% military room discount though, so that's how we're able to swing the Poly. Thank goodness for it!

Ditto! I guess I might call here in a few weeks and have them put it on as a request. Like I said it won't make it or break it since it's for just a night but i just can't imagine paying $450 for one night and not have a balcony but it is what it is! I read somewhere that they are no longer putting hot tubs in because of the risk factors which is good but I'm sure that if people would just follow the rules it would make life easier! I've read that the Health Club at GF is where the Spa is and if that's so it was very nice! Yay for the military discount! I think they should offer that every year because not all families can afford to go so if they are able to go at a great discount that's wonderful!!!

Oooohhh, you said my magic word.....Poly!

I would do the Poly. Absolute favorite resort on property for me, and the fact that you would be staying CL is awesome.

Thanks!

 

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

MEETING DUFFY FOR THE FIRST TIME!!!!!!!!

LIFE UPDATE FIRST!


Hey Dis Friends!!!

Happy "Friday" to a lot of you! The week has gone by so quickly! I can't believe it's been a week since my surgery! I'm healing very well but I have this darn cough which I'm pretty sure isn't because of my medicine even though they are telling me that it is Thanks for the continued well wishes!!

I'm not going to write up a whole update about June but I ended up canceling WL for June 22-23 and booking Poly CL!!! I was thrilled that I was able to get a Garden View CL for the same price as MK View w/o CL. I was very happy! Mom and Dad have no idea but bro knows. I told mom that I canceled WL and that I've rebooked but it's a surprise! I was happy with my choice until I started to research it...
Remember (or maybe not!), when Bro and I stayed CL at YC in Aug? My CM friend's friend did an awesome upgrade for us since we were staying at YC and we LOVED IT!!! I loved the location, the "personal feeling" , and the service. I have to be honest. I have read more negative things about Poly CL than good things. I have to put into account that these people might be CL snobs and what-not but most of the negative things I've read have been:
*Service is horrible, no "Hi", or convos as your walking in/out
*Having to ask for the adult beverages instead of them sitting out like YC CL
*Food being put out late/put in early
*Food not being restocked or being told it's all gone
*Things not being cleaned and the food CMs not friendly

Like I said.. a lot of that could be due to CL snobs but I really want this to be a great experience for my family and a $450 one that I won't regret! So for the time being, I'm going to keep Poly CL but constantly stalk for Beach Club, Yacht Club, WL, AKL, CR, and BWI CL rooms. It's funny how they have YC CL room the 21s and the 23rd but not the 22nd..go figure. My dad and bro aren't "GF" people so spending $30 more probably isn't worth it but it would be a great mother/daughter resort!!

Okay enough of the rant!!!!!

MEETING DUFFY AND POOL TIME!!!

FRIDAY MARCH 18, 2011

When we left off, we had just left Pick a Pearl and were on our way back to POFQ for pool time and rest! I was determined to get sun on the vacation since we had 40 degree temps in Dec!

While walking out, we spotted Duffy's meeting area. Mom told me to go meet him since the line only had 3 families in it so we went!

Bro didn't want to go!

Horrible pic but I finally met him!

After meeting Duffy we headed for the exit! We did see the Cars area on the way out but I have to be honest..I've never seen the movie. I've tried twice to watch it but never really got into it but did snap some pics on the way out.

We left Epcot at 2:30, found our car and went back to POFQ!

When we got to the room, Mousekeeping had been there!!
..not towel animals but they did leave a card!

We looked over the room and once again, it wasn't in the greatest of shapes. We found that the room looked to be serviced rather quickly and our shampoo/soaps were not even restocked but at that point I had the pool on my mind! Bro walked with us to the food court to get a drink then headed back to his apt to nap/pack/and meet up with us later.

I must stress again that we are HUGE mug people. We are huge afternoon break people as well. The $13.99 for the mugs are well worth it for us, even if we are on the DDP. When we get our drinks for the DDP, we'll usually get bottled drinks to take to the parks with us..those Smart Waters are like $3.50 each or something crazy like that!

We got to the pool at 3pm and were worried about finding spots to sit but we found some!

We stayed at the pool for a good hour and 1/2 before calling it quits to shower, change, and head to AK!

By 5pm we left for AK! Mom and I took the bus and bro met us there since he only lives 15min from AK.

Once again, we waited under 10 mins and the bus pulled up! After dropping some people off at POR, we were on our way, just mom and I on an empty bus to AK!!!

UP NEXT:
*NO SCHEDULE AGAIN..WHAT WILL WE RIDE?!
*BACK TO EPCOT WE GO FOR EMH..NO SCHEDULE AGAIN, WHAT WILL WE RIDE??!!

 

[Wonders10]

Great update! I love afternoon pool breaks.

Glad you are feeling better! I'm trying to think of the reason for your cough - could be the medicine and/or a combo of the healing...maybe you are producing more mucus and other yummy things that are ticking your throat and making you cough? Or maybe you are getting sick, which I hope is not the case!

I didn't respond earlier...but I the Poly! I'm actually considering a quick weekend trip in the fall to do MNSSHP and Poly is my number one choice right now (considered CL but not sure if we will use it enough this time) I have stayed CL there twice, although both times were a few years ago so I guess it could have changed. But I also remember reading bad reviews back then and we didn't have any issues at all. I think many have said its one of the best CL on property so maybe people have really high standards going in? Then there are the people that always find something wrong - I can usually spot them because they complain about everything in their reviews I think you all will LOVE it there. If you are at the resort, make sure to watch Wishes in the lounge - they pipe in the music!

 

[jenbear123]

I love seeing pictures of POFQ again. I'm starting to become a big fan of afternoon breaks as well, especially when it's HOT out. Plus it's vacation, you gotta relax sometime.

 

[Trentmom]

I have a friend who won't stay anywehre besides Poly and they love it. They love the CL too. I think you will be okay


Love pic with Duffy...too cute

I only watched Cars, because of Trent. Otherwise, I would not have. But I actually really enjoyed it.. Tow Mater is a riot

 

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

Great update! I love afternoon pool breaks.

Glad you are feeling better! I'm trying to think of the reason for your cough - could be the medicine and/or a combo of the healing...maybe you are producing more mucus and other yummy things that are ticking your throat and making you cough? Or maybe you are getting sick, which I hope is not the case!

I didn't respond earlier...but I the Poly! I'm actually considering a quick weekend trip in the fall to do MNSSHP and Poly is my number one choice right now (considered CL but not sure if we will use it enough this time) I have stayed CL there twice, although both times were a few years ago so I guess it could have changed. But I also remember reading bad reviews back then and we didn't have any issues at all. I think many have said its one of the best CL on property so maybe people have really high standards going in? Then there are the people that always find something wrong - I can usually spot them because they complain about everything in their reviews I think you all will LOVE it there. If you are at the resort, make sure to watch Wishes in the lounge - they pipe in the music!

Thanks!!! I've been doing more research about Poly CL so hopefully we made the right choice! I called today to add my parent's anniversary to the ressie and was told that the IPO should be contacting me and if not, contact them. I think I'll email them tomorrow to add the 3rd floor room to my request. Since we'll only be there for one night, we'll for sure watch Wishes from the lounge! I'm debating about any ADRs though. I'm thinking that the lounge food might be enough and it will save money. If anything, maybe something light at Captain Cooks??

 

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

I love seeing pictures of POFQ again. I'm starting to become a big fan of afternoon breaks as well, especially when it's HOT out. Plus it's vacation, you gotta relax sometime.

Thanks!! I'm excited to be staying there in June! I would have liked something else..maybe WL or AKL but we honestly can justify it. We won't be to WDW till 9pm arrival day, Universal all day day 2, whole day day 3, but leaving early day 4 for Vero so I can't really justify paying for 3 nights but only being there 1 day to enjoy it! Now we have to decide what we're going to do on our free day before Vero..DTD or MK Resort area..hm..Dad loves fireworks so I wonder which will win..hm.. lol

I have a friend who won't stay anywehre besides Poly and they love it. They love the CL too. I think you will be okay


Love pic with Duffy...too cute

I only watched Cars, because of Trent. Otherwise, I would not have. But I actually really enjoyed it.. Tow Mater is a riot

Haha! That's good to hear!!!

 

[wdwgirl03]

Ahh, the Poly?! Take me with you please!!! LOL. So jealous!

Yay for meeting Duffy! He's so cute.

Really, you haven't seen Cars? It is pretty good actually. But Finding Nemo is still my favorite Pixar movie.

 

[Queenofallthings]

I was a little behind, but now I'm all caught up! Hope you're getting back to feeling better hon

Great pics of POFQ what a beautiful resort...and I love pool afternoons, it's one of my favorite things to do!

 

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

Ahh, the Poly?! Take me with you please!!! LOL. So jealous!

Yay for meeting Duffy! He's so cute.

Really, you haven't seen Cars? It is pretty good actually. But Finding Nemo is still my favorite Pixar movie.

Haha! Sure you can help pay for the one night

I was a little behind, but now I'm all caught up! Hope you're getting back to feeling better hon

Great pics of POFQ what a beautiful resort...and I love pool afternoons, it's one of my favorite things to do!

Thanks!!! Welcome back

 

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

AK, ILLUMINATIONS, AND FISH!!!

HAPPY FRIDAY DIS FRIENDS!!!!

I figured I'd take some time to update! I'll be updating the June trip tomorrow or Sunday!

FRIDAY MARCH 18, 2011

When we left off, bro had headed back to his apt and mom and I were at the POFQ pool.

We told bro we'd leave at 5pm to head to AK. At 5pm we left!

The bus came in less than 10 mins which was great! We had to drop people off at POR but it was no big deal..except for the family with 3 little boys who could not sit still and still wouldn't sit still even after the driver made 3 announcements for them to be seated. And you wonder why/how accidents happen. Unfortunately they were the last stop at POR so we had to put up with the unruly children for 4 stops or so but they finally got off and it left mom and I with an empty bus to AK!

The park was open till 8pm that night so we figured we'd have time to do a few things before driving over to Epcot for dinner, illuminations and EMH.

Mom and I walked in, breezed through security, hit the potties and then bro was there!

Our plan of attack was to check the tip board to see what the ride lines were. It said 60 mins for Safari but we figured we'd check it out anyways. It only ended up being 25mins or so!

I took a few animals pics but we didn't see a whole lot being that it was almost time for the animals to go nite-nite!

After Safari we headed towards Dinosaur which was a walk-on!

As we were talking to Dino, a family of 4 gave us 4 FP for EE that didn't start till 7pm but we were right on track for 7pm so we took them, thanked them, and headed to Dino

After Dino we walked toward EE. Bro's goal was to ride it in the dark! We rode not once, not twice, but 3 times and got stuck on the third time for about 15 mins or so. We never did ride it in the dark but it was near closing time and it was getting dark.

I had never seen AK dark before..even with working there because I was always done at 5:15pm but it was a little scary!!!

We rushed to the car and decided to head for Epcot. We had only an hour to get in, get dinner, and get ready for Illuminations. We ended up parking at BC since we were going to WS. Security looked at the room key and parking pass and waved us through without question!

Mom and I were dropped off and began walking while bro found a parking spot.

We were almost to security when bro called and said he couldn't find his park ticket He caught up with us and said it was in his pocket (mistake #1) and not in his wallet (mistake #2) and must have fallen out at AK.

We went to the ticket booth and were sent to the GR booth. GR were able to scan mom's ticket to see that his was legit since they were the free ones sent by GR from Dec. and they printed bro a new ticket.

After 10/15 mins of all that, we finally made it in Epcot. Bro headed to Morocco and mom and I to UK for Fish and Chips!

We stood in line for 25 mins, bro passed us on the way to our fireworks spot (sloped area between the 2 gateway gift shops) and walked back to tell us that it was roped off for a private party so we parked it in Canada and watched Illuminations. Mom and I found a good ledge to sit on so we were able to eat!

It was not ideal and the view was not so great but I was hungry and had seen Illuminations more times than I can remember so it wasn't a huge deal!

After Illuminations, EMH was to begin! Once again, we had no schedule of what to do and where to go so it would be interesting to see what would do!!!

UP NEXT:
~EPCOT EMH...HOW MUCH WILL WE RIDE??!!!

 

[CPer'sMom]

Hope you're feeling better!

 

[Trentmom]

Looks like emh at AK is great. Have to try that some time. Not a big fan of it during day. Seems so hot

Fish and chips looks good..mmmmm

Can't wait to see what is next

How are you feeling?

 

[disneydreamingdebby]

Glad you are starting to feel better! My daughters have a fondness for Poly since that was their first stay in WDW. I would say to read more about Poly CL on these boards. I try to remind that people tend to speak loudly when unhappy, but don't always speak up when content.

Love your birthday moose! The looks fantastic - I am quite anxious for summer pool days! I actually tried to plan a three day get away to Vegas or Texas with my girls to meet my SIL (from CA) to have a couple of pool days for spring break, but airfare for three was too steep. (I did try Phl to MCO too, and found a $94 (each) flight there, but it was over $300 (each) to get home. UGH!

Continue to get better!

 

[disneydreamingdebby]

oh - and rent CARS!!!!

 

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

Hope you're feeling better!

Thanks! I am! Today is the last day for my amox and steroid meds so after that it will just be my pain med which I'm trying to dumb down the doses!

Looks like emh at AK is great. Have to try that some time. Not a big fan of it during day. Seems so hot

Fish and chips looks good..mmmmm

Can't wait to see what is next

How are you feeling?

Thanks! I'm feeling better although there's no way I'd be able to eat those fish and chips right now!

Glad you are starting to feel better! My daughters have a fondness for Poly since that was their first stay in WDW. I would say to read more about Poly CL on these boards. I try to remind that people tend to speak loudly when unhappy, but don't always speak up when content.

Love your birthday moose! The looks fantastic - I am quite anxious for summer pool days! I actually tried to plan a three day get away to Vegas or Texas with my girls to meet my SIL (from CA) to have a couple of pool days for spring break, but airfare for three was too steep. (I did try Phl to MCO too, and found a $94 (each) flight there, but it was over $300 (each) to get home. UGH!

Continue to get better!

Thanks! I have been reading a ton on Poly and the CL threads, I just feel like sometimes they are just the same snobs after snobs..you know how that goes! I have been in contact with one Dis'er who seemed very nice and knew a ton about Poly CL which has been helpful!

I can't believe flights either..

oh - and rent CARS!!!!

Haha, we have it at home in the basement..with The Sorc. Apret. haha
I just haven't watched it!

 

[wdwgirl03]

Oh, I love that sunset pic from AK! We have also never seen it at night so that is cool to see!

Looking forward to seeing how EMH went.

 

[CPer'sMom]

Thanks! I am! Today is the last day for my amox and steroid meds so after that it will just be my pain med which I'm trying to dumb down the doses!

Glad to hear you're feeling much better!

I think it's great that you were able to book Poly CL for one night ~~ I'm sure your parents will just love that surprise! I don't know too much about it there but I do remember reading many reviews where people raved about the wonderful CL food offerings.

We love AK after dark. We always do evening EMH there on our December trips. It's just a totally different park after dark and EE is even better then!

Have a good weekend and Happy Easter!!