Tikiman
He kuikawa ka 'ikena o kela wahi ho'oku ka'a e wai
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- Apr 28, 2001
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Here is Steve and Tara Seifert's Trip report (Part 1) from their July 1 - 11, 2001 honeymoon trip.
July 1, 2001
We arrive at the Yacht Club and are given our parking pass at the gate (different that the Polynesian). The resort was nice. We had paid for a standard view but we were upgraded to a view that was right at the end of the building where you look right down at the marina (room 4059). Other than the upgraded view they did not recognize it was our honeymoon even though it was on the reservations and we even mentioned it. I guess the Polynesian just spoils you when it comes to special occasions. The room was nice. It had a king bed that folded into the wall. The room was quite a bit smaller than the Polynesian and they try to cram way too much furniture into the rooms. They had chairs that blocked the dressers. You would have to move the coffee table and the chair in to the middle of the room to even get into the dresser. The sink next to the bed seemed unnecessary. They did offer all the snacks and drinks in the room (the Polynesian does not) but who would pay $6 for gummy bears? The bathrooms were small. They did have better water pressure than the Polynesian in the shower. The double sinks are on the same size counter as the single sinks in the Polynesian. They have a mirror over each sink but they are so far over you are leaning against the wall to see into it. They did have TV volume in the bathroom at the YC and that was nice. That way you can get your Zip a Dee Do Da tip for the day in the shower.
The only other thing I did not like about the YC was the way to our room was a maze. We got lost a few times and I am good with direction. We also could not get out of Stormalong bay. That was a great pool but I would not stay there for the pool. The night life was nice and the food was great (except for Cape May). We found we did not go far while we were staying at the YC. We would only go over to MGM and Epcot. When we are at the Polynesian we find that we go to Epcot and MK because it is so easy to get into from the Polynesian. I timed the difference between walking from the YC to get to EPCOT (not World Showcase because it is closed in the morning) and walking from the Polynesian to the TTC and taking the monorail to Epcot and from the Polynesian won by 6 minutes.
The Yacht Club is a beautiful resort but (Tara said this her self) we did not feel the magic till we got to the Polynesian and I am not just saying that. I was actually hoping I would come home and tell everyone we found another resort we love but I dont think we will be back to the YC.
Our first food stop was at the Flying Fish. There was no wait at 5:30. We ordered:
Starters: Chilled Main Lobster with watercress, avocado and grilled pineapple-curry vinaigrette. $15
Entrees: Oak grilled center cut pork chop w/ cheddar potatos, braised red cabbage and apple butter. $20
Seared yellofin tuna with shrimp stir-fried basmati rice, fragrant peking sauce and lotus root. $21
Creme Brule free for honeymoon
The menu changed daily.
Tara said she had to go see the brick since it said Tara will you marry me? Steve July 1, 2000 and it was July 1st. We got to ride in the front of the monorail from Epcot to the Transportation and Ticket Center. We saw the brick and met a Disney Engineer who does work on the brick installation. He told us about how we could upgrade our brick for $50.
We than headed off to Pleasure Island for some nightlife. Did not wait very long for the bus at the YC to Downtown Disney. We did wait a while for the bus back and had to stop at the Swan than the Dolphin before the YC. I saw 3 Polynesian busses come while waiting for the YC bus.
July 2
Went to MGM early and ate at Hollywood and Vine character breakfast. Good food and fun atmosphere. Plenty of characters. Breakfast was $16.91 each.
Weather was about low 90s. Used fastpass and no long waits for anything that we did stand-by. Stayed till 6:30. The new hat being built at MGM looks great (we have pictures). Walts plane is on the back lot tour now. The Millionaire game is great! The boat from YC to MGM was fun and now you can walk. Checked out the Boardwalk. Looks to much like a circus for me. The clown has to go!!!
We got back to our room and Susan Wellman, Dave McDonald, Sharon Heim and our friends at the Magic Kingdom Merchandise sent us a metal Mickey shaped plant stand with about 6 different tropical plants growing in it and a big Mickey bow from the Walt Disney Florist. They had some problems with our acrylic brick replica we ordered getting lost but it was delivered right to our wedding and put next to our cake just in time. They left us a message of congratulations on our phone and a wonderful note attached to the plant stand. The funny part is Tara saw this in the catalog a long time ago and wanted it. We had to ship this home after the trip.
That night we ate in Japan at the Japanese Steak House Teppanyaki. We got PS from YC and there was still a 30 minute wait. They were a little backed up. The food was great and the atmosphere was the best. We ordered:
Nihon-kai (shrimp, scallops, and lobster) $27.95
San-Kai (Beef tenderloin, lobster tail) $30.75
Meals include mixed green salad w/ ginger dressing, grilled vegetables w/udon noodles and steamed rice
After dinner we stood up on the deck around the restaurant and watched the end of Illuminations. Then we held each other as they played the song promise after the Illuminations. That was our first dance song at our wedding.
July 3
We went into Epcot in the morning. After hitting most of the rides in future world and doing some shopping we had lunch at Italys LOriginale Alfredo Di Roma. About a 10 minute wait with no PS. We had:
Ziti Mediterranean $12.50
Trittico $17.00
Then we headed back to the YC to relax in Stormalong Bay. The pool was big but not as big as I expected. We rented two tubs to relax in the water on. Then we ordered some drinks from the guy walking around the pool. The pool was nice but a little crowded in spots. The slide was fun. We both noticed the water was a little too heated. It did not cool you off as much as you would like. I heard others making the same comment. They do check all the time for a stamp or a resort ID to get in. The beaches were nice but no one really used them. The halls in YC were absolutely freezing after getting wet in the pool.
We headed over to our favorite mini golf (no not Fantasia Gardens but it is fun too) Winter Summerland and used our flex feature for two rounds of golf. We played each side and we got a free refillable mug. We had to use our flex feature before we checked out the next day and got another set of flex features. We also got pins and $50 Disney dollars with each reservation.
We ate at Cape May Café that night. The selection was ok and they kept stuff full but it was not that tasty. I think it was good for families because there was a kids buffet also and the deserts were good but I would not return there. You could add a bucket of snow crab legs for $12 added to the $21.95 each person cost of your buffet but we did not. We did leave full but not satisfied.
July 4
We asked for a late check out and got a 1:00 PM check out. We headed over to Blizzard beach before it opened. We got in and did not wait for much of anything. We got on everything and even relaxed in the lazy river till 11:30 and headed back to the YC to change and check out. The only guy who recognized our honeymoon at the YC was the guy who checked us out and he gave us one of the YC honeymoon pins that you get with the honeymoon package (that we did not get). Now it was time to head over to the Polynesian!!!!
Tara kept a journal and at the top of the July 4th page it said the Honeymoon starts!!! I felt the same way. The YC was beautiful and had a lot to offer but it just did not have the same feeling the Polynesian has. We got there and had about 6 Alohas before we got to the concierge building. They informed us at the valet that they were expecting us and our room (1505!!!) was ready. This was our room from last year during our engagement. It had one of the best views of the castle and the lagoon and was close to the concierge desk and lounge. It is a first floor (open patio) concierge lagoon view room (not connecting). After they loaded our bags on the golf cart and took us on a small tour of the Polynesian, showing us both pools, we were greeted by Marylin in the concierge lounge with a big hug and leis. We also met her daughter (Tara) who works in the concierge now.
We entered our room and WWWOOOOOOWWWWW!!!! You will have to see the pictures later but there was a huge tropical flower arrangement (Bird of Paradise, Anthurium, Heliconias, etc.) in a big blue glass vase with a Mickey and Minnie and the Walt Disney World logo etched in it. There was also a big gift basket shaped like Mickey ears with a bottle of champagne, two glasses with Mickey ears and the castle, bath salts, bubbles, lotions, and oils, and a fancy white Mickey ear towel. One bed had the word ALOHA writen in rolled up towels and flowers from a lei all around it. The other bed had a big heart with an arrow through it with rolled up towels and leis with a white chocolate Mickey and Minnie in the middle with a card from the concierge that said From the ohana (hawaiian for family) of Disneys Polynesian Resort, may we extend to you an I hookahi kahi ke aloha (hawaiian for be one with love!) Congratulations and best wishes for a lifetime of happiness! There were also balloons in the corner of the room. We headed up stairs to the lounge fro some great food. The theme was Ohana night. After about 10 minutes we went back to the room and they had put out a big 14 x 30 poster that said Mr. & Mrs. Seifert May both of you have many magical moments as you go through life happily ever after. Polynesian Resort on our bed. Tara almost cried from joy. Later a knock at the door and someone delivered a chilled bottle of champagne and a plate with another white chocolate Mickey and Minnie and truffles with congratulations written with chocolate on the rim of the plate and Mickey candy confetti. All this and we still had the best seat for the best fireworks!!!! We went over to the MK to see your new Disney friend and order our brick replacement and they went back to the Polynesian for the fireworks. On the way there I offered my seat on the monorail to a woman who got on at the Contemporary with her kids and husband but she declined but was very thankful that I offered. I think she was surprised I offered also and said Tara had trained me well. The Great Ceremonial house was packed with people. We got the champagne ready and our chocolates along with some goodies from the lounge and sat on the patio, ready to watch the 4th fireworks. I was video taping the tons of people that were flooding the beach for the show and than someone called my name. It was Mary two floors above our room. She had read my postings in the DIS and knew who I was from that and my web page. Her and Kevin were on their anniversary trip.
There were so many kids activities going on the day we showed up. First they were all in the pool with the Polynesian staff playing games and they had one game where they throw the cream pie at the lifeguard. Then I went to the beach and video taped the sand castle building contest. After that they had a relay race on the beach. There were many kids of all ages and they looked like they were having so much fun. I firmly believe the Polynesian resort is a great resort for kids and adults.
We kept on hearing about this couple the Wagners that go to the Polynesian every year for 2 weeks and stay in the concierge. Well we find out they are our neighbors in 1504 (and are still there) and it happens to be the same woman I wanted to give my seat up to. They were such a friendly couple and there kids were great. They gave us a sparkler and said congratulations when they found out it was our honeymoon. It was nice to have great neighbors all around us.
The fireworks were wonderful. Even better than last year. They not only launched them from behind the castle and the islands of the Seven Seas Lagoon but they had them shooting off all around the lagoon. The Electric Water Pageant started it off by lighting up in front of the Polynesian beach and the music of the fireworks show came over the speakers on the beach of the Polynesian. It was at least a 10 minute show. When it finished the whole Electric Water Pageant did its show. Then Tara, Mary, Kevin and I headed into the MK to get on a few rides before going to bed.
End of part one
Part 2 on next page!!!
July 1, 2001
We arrive at the Yacht Club and are given our parking pass at the gate (different that the Polynesian). The resort was nice. We had paid for a standard view but we were upgraded to a view that was right at the end of the building where you look right down at the marina (room 4059). Other than the upgraded view they did not recognize it was our honeymoon even though it was on the reservations and we even mentioned it. I guess the Polynesian just spoils you when it comes to special occasions. The room was nice. It had a king bed that folded into the wall. The room was quite a bit smaller than the Polynesian and they try to cram way too much furniture into the rooms. They had chairs that blocked the dressers. You would have to move the coffee table and the chair in to the middle of the room to even get into the dresser. The sink next to the bed seemed unnecessary. They did offer all the snacks and drinks in the room (the Polynesian does not) but who would pay $6 for gummy bears? The bathrooms were small. They did have better water pressure than the Polynesian in the shower. The double sinks are on the same size counter as the single sinks in the Polynesian. They have a mirror over each sink but they are so far over you are leaning against the wall to see into it. They did have TV volume in the bathroom at the YC and that was nice. That way you can get your Zip a Dee Do Da tip for the day in the shower.
The only other thing I did not like about the YC was the way to our room was a maze. We got lost a few times and I am good with direction. We also could not get out of Stormalong bay. That was a great pool but I would not stay there for the pool. The night life was nice and the food was great (except for Cape May). We found we did not go far while we were staying at the YC. We would only go over to MGM and Epcot. When we are at the Polynesian we find that we go to Epcot and MK because it is so easy to get into from the Polynesian. I timed the difference between walking from the YC to get to EPCOT (not World Showcase because it is closed in the morning) and walking from the Polynesian to the TTC and taking the monorail to Epcot and from the Polynesian won by 6 minutes.
The Yacht Club is a beautiful resort but (Tara said this her self) we did not feel the magic till we got to the Polynesian and I am not just saying that. I was actually hoping I would come home and tell everyone we found another resort we love but I dont think we will be back to the YC.
Our first food stop was at the Flying Fish. There was no wait at 5:30. We ordered:
Starters: Chilled Main Lobster with watercress, avocado and grilled pineapple-curry vinaigrette. $15
Entrees: Oak grilled center cut pork chop w/ cheddar potatos, braised red cabbage and apple butter. $20
Seared yellofin tuna with shrimp stir-fried basmati rice, fragrant peking sauce and lotus root. $21
Creme Brule free for honeymoon
The menu changed daily.
Tara said she had to go see the brick since it said Tara will you marry me? Steve July 1, 2000 and it was July 1st. We got to ride in the front of the monorail from Epcot to the Transportation and Ticket Center. We saw the brick and met a Disney Engineer who does work on the brick installation. He told us about how we could upgrade our brick for $50.
We than headed off to Pleasure Island for some nightlife. Did not wait very long for the bus at the YC to Downtown Disney. We did wait a while for the bus back and had to stop at the Swan than the Dolphin before the YC. I saw 3 Polynesian busses come while waiting for the YC bus.
July 2
Went to MGM early and ate at Hollywood and Vine character breakfast. Good food and fun atmosphere. Plenty of characters. Breakfast was $16.91 each.
Weather was about low 90s. Used fastpass and no long waits for anything that we did stand-by. Stayed till 6:30. The new hat being built at MGM looks great (we have pictures). Walts plane is on the back lot tour now. The Millionaire game is great! The boat from YC to MGM was fun and now you can walk. Checked out the Boardwalk. Looks to much like a circus for me. The clown has to go!!!
We got back to our room and Susan Wellman, Dave McDonald, Sharon Heim and our friends at the Magic Kingdom Merchandise sent us a metal Mickey shaped plant stand with about 6 different tropical plants growing in it and a big Mickey bow from the Walt Disney Florist. They had some problems with our acrylic brick replica we ordered getting lost but it was delivered right to our wedding and put next to our cake just in time. They left us a message of congratulations on our phone and a wonderful note attached to the plant stand. The funny part is Tara saw this in the catalog a long time ago and wanted it. We had to ship this home after the trip.
That night we ate in Japan at the Japanese Steak House Teppanyaki. We got PS from YC and there was still a 30 minute wait. They were a little backed up. The food was great and the atmosphere was the best. We ordered:
Nihon-kai (shrimp, scallops, and lobster) $27.95
San-Kai (Beef tenderloin, lobster tail) $30.75
Meals include mixed green salad w/ ginger dressing, grilled vegetables w/udon noodles and steamed rice
After dinner we stood up on the deck around the restaurant and watched the end of Illuminations. Then we held each other as they played the song promise after the Illuminations. That was our first dance song at our wedding.
July 3
We went into Epcot in the morning. After hitting most of the rides in future world and doing some shopping we had lunch at Italys LOriginale Alfredo Di Roma. About a 10 minute wait with no PS. We had:
Ziti Mediterranean $12.50
Trittico $17.00
Then we headed back to the YC to relax in Stormalong Bay. The pool was big but not as big as I expected. We rented two tubs to relax in the water on. Then we ordered some drinks from the guy walking around the pool. The pool was nice but a little crowded in spots. The slide was fun. We both noticed the water was a little too heated. It did not cool you off as much as you would like. I heard others making the same comment. They do check all the time for a stamp or a resort ID to get in. The beaches were nice but no one really used them. The halls in YC were absolutely freezing after getting wet in the pool.
We headed over to our favorite mini golf (no not Fantasia Gardens but it is fun too) Winter Summerland and used our flex feature for two rounds of golf. We played each side and we got a free refillable mug. We had to use our flex feature before we checked out the next day and got another set of flex features. We also got pins and $50 Disney dollars with each reservation.
We ate at Cape May Café that night. The selection was ok and they kept stuff full but it was not that tasty. I think it was good for families because there was a kids buffet also and the deserts were good but I would not return there. You could add a bucket of snow crab legs for $12 added to the $21.95 each person cost of your buffet but we did not. We did leave full but not satisfied.
July 4
We asked for a late check out and got a 1:00 PM check out. We headed over to Blizzard beach before it opened. We got in and did not wait for much of anything. We got on everything and even relaxed in the lazy river till 11:30 and headed back to the YC to change and check out. The only guy who recognized our honeymoon at the YC was the guy who checked us out and he gave us one of the YC honeymoon pins that you get with the honeymoon package (that we did not get). Now it was time to head over to the Polynesian!!!!
Tara kept a journal and at the top of the July 4th page it said the Honeymoon starts!!! I felt the same way. The YC was beautiful and had a lot to offer but it just did not have the same feeling the Polynesian has. We got there and had about 6 Alohas before we got to the concierge building. They informed us at the valet that they were expecting us and our room (1505!!!) was ready. This was our room from last year during our engagement. It had one of the best views of the castle and the lagoon and was close to the concierge desk and lounge. It is a first floor (open patio) concierge lagoon view room (not connecting). After they loaded our bags on the golf cart and took us on a small tour of the Polynesian, showing us both pools, we were greeted by Marylin in the concierge lounge with a big hug and leis. We also met her daughter (Tara) who works in the concierge now.
We entered our room and WWWOOOOOOWWWWW!!!! You will have to see the pictures later but there was a huge tropical flower arrangement (Bird of Paradise, Anthurium, Heliconias, etc.) in a big blue glass vase with a Mickey and Minnie and the Walt Disney World logo etched in it. There was also a big gift basket shaped like Mickey ears with a bottle of champagne, two glasses with Mickey ears and the castle, bath salts, bubbles, lotions, and oils, and a fancy white Mickey ear towel. One bed had the word ALOHA writen in rolled up towels and flowers from a lei all around it. The other bed had a big heart with an arrow through it with rolled up towels and leis with a white chocolate Mickey and Minnie in the middle with a card from the concierge that said From the ohana (hawaiian for family) of Disneys Polynesian Resort, may we extend to you an I hookahi kahi ke aloha (hawaiian for be one with love!) Congratulations and best wishes for a lifetime of happiness! There were also balloons in the corner of the room. We headed up stairs to the lounge fro some great food. The theme was Ohana night. After about 10 minutes we went back to the room and they had put out a big 14 x 30 poster that said Mr. & Mrs. Seifert May both of you have many magical moments as you go through life happily ever after. Polynesian Resort on our bed. Tara almost cried from joy. Later a knock at the door and someone delivered a chilled bottle of champagne and a plate with another white chocolate Mickey and Minnie and truffles with congratulations written with chocolate on the rim of the plate and Mickey candy confetti. All this and we still had the best seat for the best fireworks!!!! We went over to the MK to see your new Disney friend and order our brick replacement and they went back to the Polynesian for the fireworks. On the way there I offered my seat on the monorail to a woman who got on at the Contemporary with her kids and husband but she declined but was very thankful that I offered. I think she was surprised I offered also and said Tara had trained me well. The Great Ceremonial house was packed with people. We got the champagne ready and our chocolates along with some goodies from the lounge and sat on the patio, ready to watch the 4th fireworks. I was video taping the tons of people that were flooding the beach for the show and than someone called my name. It was Mary two floors above our room. She had read my postings in the DIS and knew who I was from that and my web page. Her and Kevin were on their anniversary trip.
There were so many kids activities going on the day we showed up. First they were all in the pool with the Polynesian staff playing games and they had one game where they throw the cream pie at the lifeguard. Then I went to the beach and video taped the sand castle building contest. After that they had a relay race on the beach. There were many kids of all ages and they looked like they were having so much fun. I firmly believe the Polynesian resort is a great resort for kids and adults.
We kept on hearing about this couple the Wagners that go to the Polynesian every year for 2 weeks and stay in the concierge. Well we find out they are our neighbors in 1504 (and are still there) and it happens to be the same woman I wanted to give my seat up to. They were such a friendly couple and there kids were great. They gave us a sparkler and said congratulations when they found out it was our honeymoon. It was nice to have great neighbors all around us.
The fireworks were wonderful. Even better than last year. They not only launched them from behind the castle and the islands of the Seven Seas Lagoon but they had them shooting off all around the lagoon. The Electric Water Pageant started it off by lighting up in front of the Polynesian beach and the music of the fireworks show came over the speakers on the beach of the Polynesian. It was at least a 10 minute show. When it finished the whole Electric Water Pageant did its show. Then Tara, Mary, Kevin and I headed into the MK to get on a few rides before going to bed.
End of part one
Part 2 on next page!!!
