No Request was too Extreme: A Post-Deployment Disney Trip *Completed

[TheMaxRebo]

I am a bit torn on the changing parking policy. I mean, my true feelings are that I wish it wasn't an issue - but that is obviously not magically going to happen. So I get the need to do something - I just hope it doesn't discourage resort hoping too much

But enough of that ....

That must be wonderful to be told "Welcome home" when entering your dream resort!

The room looks really nice - I like how clean and simple the design is while still giving the full "Tiki" vibe. I little bummed you wound up on the 2nd floor where you were hoping not to be - but not the end of the word.

It is crazy how much bigger the room are in the older resorts - the room sizes have definitely gone progressively down over the years with the new resorts

 

[amazingact21]

Wow great view! Looks like a great start to the vacation except for the parking situation, lol.

With the exception of the time Alex and I stayed at AKL, this was the first Disney trip we took where we didn't run off to a park. I love Pop Century as much as the next guy, but unlike the Poly, there's not a whole lot to explore in the room.

You can't hear it too many times!

home!

That really does stink about the parking situation at the Poly, but like you said, if that is the worst thing, then,

I totally know what you mean about getting lost. I am genetically directionally challenged. I inherited that from my dad.

The room looks gorgeous and the view is wonderful.

The Beach Club has a similar issue with the balconies. Only half of the rooms have balconies large enough for a table and chairs. In a way, was it a blessing not having a balcony with a climbing toddler?

I am amazed at people who have a great sense of direction. That's certainly not me. My family will never forget the time that I screwed up getting us all to my dad's homecoming when he came back from a deployment. We were going to the Orlando airport to pick him up (at the time we lived about 45 minutes away from Disney) and my mom and brother gave me one job. Look at the terminal signs and figure out if airline was going to be in Part A or Part B of the airport.
Naturally, I messed up and sent us to the opposite side of the airport, where we all had to book it to get to the right spot in time to meet my dad.
Needless to say nobody lets me handle the maps anymore...



I know there are some people who don't care too much about balconies, but to me that's one of the perks that come with staying deluxe. I know I enjoy being able to step outside and get some air when my family is making me a little nuts.

 

[afwdwfan]

Wow…6 reports. Doesn’t feel like that many. Time flies when you’re talking about vacation…

Yes, it does!

Alex’s dream job would be working aboard the Jungle Cruise, where he could throw puns around all day, every day. And if that position was full, he’d make his mark in the Contemporary gift shop or MouseGears.






Unfortunately for him, his entire paycheck would go to all the cool Disney items he happened upon while on shift.

But on the bright side, you'd have everything you wanted before it sold out!

You would think at such a young age, the boy wouldn’t have strong opinions on what he likes/dislikes, but he already knows that no Disney trip is complete without experiencing every mode of transportation the company has to offer. He’s also fully aware that fireworks go off in the sky every night and expects them to serve as his pre-bedtime entertainment.

In our minds, we all deserved some time together to reconnect as a family. Alex wanted to bond with Landon again, I wanted to not have to load a dishwasher for a few days, and Landon wanted to stay up past his normal bedtime.


A Disney trip was a win all around.

Makes perfect sense to me. You all deserved it.

The week and a half leading up to our trip was a busy one. My sister in-law and nephew were visiting my mother, who lives about 20 minutes away from me, and Landon and I were going back and forth to her house to visit with them. Alex was moved to a new location after he returned to work, so he had a lot of training to complete. He was also studying for a promotion test, so we kind of saw each other in passing those days.


Everything was going swell.

Yeah, that reconnecting thing seems to be off to a fast start.

There was going to be a 4th family member joining us.











I was pregnant.






Talk about an unexpected surprise.

Yeah... thanks for already sharing that spoiler...

We didn’t necessarily want to get up before sunrise, but that’s when our 1 year old liked to rise and shine.


Kids rarely understand the concept of sleeping in.

We've got the other end of the spectrum. Never want to go to bed, but then they don't want to wake up.

Unless it is actually a day when we can sleep in.

Then they want to wake up.

Yes, indeed, my family was going to be staying at one of the Magic Kingdom resorts.

That certainly is exciting!

I mean, it’s hard to get first time jitters when you’ve been there 6 or 7 times in 5 years.




Not to say that I don’t get excited. I do.




But it’s a familiar excitement.

I understand what you mean. I'm glad that this trip held that extra special feeling for you!

The Polynesian holds a lot of significance for me, and it was baffling me that I was about to check into a room there.


Alex made the best Disney decision ever by convincing me to live out a dream.

He knew what he was doing!

I want to sleep through the night but I’m not QUITE there yet so I’m going to wake up at 4 am every day and want to crawl in bed with you then kick you until 6:30

When does this phase end??? I sleep with an extra pillow to put between me and an almost 6 year old when he ends up in our bed. It at least helps soften the blows.

I’m a firm believer that military spouses hold a special kind of strength to make Christmas an amazing and celebratory occasion for the kids while their loved one is gone. I had the good fortune to have my immediate family with me for the holidays. My dad put together Landon’s gifts on Christmas Eve, my mom cooked Christmas dinner, and my younger brother played with all Landon’s gifts with him.

But even with family it was hard not to be sad.

I'm glad that you had so much support from your family, but I'm sorry you had to go through that all. Thank you to you, Alex and Landon for everything you've all sacrificed.

I know there’s a huge uproar over the new policy they are testing out regarding paying for resort parking, and while I can see the opposing side, I also think about what a pain in the rear it was to get a spot at the Poly for people who were actually staying at the resort and can kind of see the reasoning behind it.

I actually kind of like it. What I've seen, it seems that you won't have to pay to park if you are a resort guest or have a confirmed ADR. It will limit the ability to just show up and go to a QS place or a lounge, but at the end of the day, I really feel like resort parking should be prioritized for a resort guest so it makes a lot of sense. Might cut back on people trying to game the system and skip out on paying for parking to go to the parks.

We got our stroller out of the trunk and loaded it down with a backpack, cooler, pillows, the laptop bag, and diaper bag.






We made the kid walk.






That sounds terrible.






But we really needed the storage space.

Been there, done that!

Proof of my complete absentmindedness is my lack of lobby photos from the time. That had to be a first for me. I don’t think I’ve ever not documented our arrival before. Even if it was just in the parking lot; I’ve always snapped some kind of picture to try and capture everyone’s excitement.

I'm sure you were so jittery from all the excitement and adrenaline that the picture would have just been a blur anyway.

(Side note: who puts the smoking section right in front of the steps to get into the lobby? If you are going to designate a specific spot for smokers to go in order to keep them from doing it around others, wouldn’t it make sense to put it somewhere away from a high traffic area? Just a thought.)

Disney. That's who. And I don't know why. That was also my biggest complaint about our stay at POR... the DSA near our building was right along the main trail to get to the food court. You couldn't get there without going way out of the way or walking right through the DSA.

It was such an easy route that I messed it up.




Constantly.






Every time, in fact.

Well, at least you're consistent.

I either forgot to turn left and headed straight or walked right on past the entrance doors. I’d always look around, see the sign stating the name of the longhouse and realize I’d overshot it and have to turn around like a fool.



I’m sure I entertained legions of guests with my sad navigation skills.

It's a good thing that you don't have to figure out how to navigate around a foreign country any time in the near future...

Probably my favorite little thing about the room. I was able to keep my camera battery, my laptop, phone and IPAD chargers all right there in one location. Whereas, at Pop, my camera and IPAD charger are usually on the ground on the back wall, the phone charger on the nightstand, and the laptop getting swapped out with other ones due to there not being enough outlets.

Alex left soon after that to go retrieve the rest of our luggage. (Everyone who remembers Alex’s determination not to use bell service will be happy to hear that he continued with that trend here, too.)

And seeing as we had a dinner to get to in an hour or so, Alex and I figured it would be smart to let him have some fun before forcing him to get in another chair again.






Which meant…it was time to go exploring!

Makes sense to me! And you're in a pretty good place to do some exploring.

 

[amazingact21]

I am a bit torn on the changing parking policy. I mean, my true feelings are that I wish it wasn't an issue - but that is obviously not magically going to happen. So I get the need to do something - I just hope it doesn't discourage resort hoping too much

But enough of that ....

That must be wonderful to be told "Welcome home" when entering your dream resort!

The room looks really nice - I like how clean and simple the design is while still giving the full "Tiki" vibe. I little bummed you wound up on the 2nd floor where you were hoping not to be - but not the end of the word.

It is crazy how much bigger the room are in the older resorts - the room sizes have definitely gone progressively down over the years with the new resorts

I agree with the podcast team in their suggestion that if you can validate your parking at a resort then you shouldn't have to pay to park. And I really hope this excludes people who are already staying at a Disney resort. Just last week Alex and I were talking about hopping over to AKL on arrival day and picking up some zebra domes, and I couldn't help but think about how much harder that would be if we had to get on a bus to AK, then switch to AKL, and then reverse the situation.
But this is what happens when folks abuse the system, I guess.



It is a shame how small the rooms are getting at Disney. Even the military lodging rooms are more spacious than the moderate Disney resorts, and if the military is willing to pay for that extra space, that's saying something. (The military is even cheaper than Disney, if that can be believed.) I get that Disney is trying to put as many rooms as possible in a limited amount of space, because the more rooms there are, the more people they'll get to fill them, but it does make it hard for us families with kids.

 

[afwdwfan]

I agree with the podcast team in their suggestion that if you can validate your parking at a resort then you shouldn't have to pay to park. And I really hope this excludes people who are already staying at a Disney resort. Just last week Alex and I were talking about hopping over to AKL on arrival day and picking up some zebra domes, and I couldn't help but think about how much harder that would be if we had to get on a bus to AK, then switch to AKL, and then reverse the situation.
But this is what happens when folks abuse the system, I guess.

Ok... So you're staying at a Disney Resort, right? So what if they grant the same "free parking" privileges at the resorts as they do at the parks? It would really make sense to do it that way.

 

[milwaukee1]

Love your trip reports!

 

[DnA2010]

Just posted on your last TR but total newbie on board for the ride! I have had such a nice time reading your other TRs and was thrilled when I saw your next stay would be at the POLY!!! My dream resort some day, oh yes, some day! Can't wait to hear how things go!

 

[amazingact21]

Yes, it does!


But on the bright side, you'd have everything you wanted before it sold out!

Our house already has too many Disney ornamentations. Just the other day, I looked at Alex and said, "I wonder what our packers are going to think of our obsession."

Makes perfect sense to me. You all deserved it.


Yeah, that reconnecting thing seems to be off to a fast start.

Yeah... thanks for already sharing that spoiler...

I had grand plans of starting this TR the same day I announced our news on Facebook, but clearly that didn't happen. All I could think about was, "Who starts a homecoming trip this way?!" (We do, apparently.)

We've got the other end of the spectrum. Never want to go to bed, but then they don't want to wake up.

Oh, Landon doesn't go to bed; but he still insists on getting up sooooo early. I swear, other parents give me the worst looks when I tell them he doesn't go to sleep until 9pm. It's not for lack of trying. We get the routine going at 7:30pm. He's just not tired. No matter what we do.
I've read, though, that kids who sleep less actually have higher IQs. So here's to our Landons being future geniuses!

I understand what you mean. I'm glad that this trip held that extra special feeling for you!

He knew what he was doing!

When does this phase end??? I sleep with an extra pillow to put between me and an almost 6 year old when he ends up in our bed. It at least helps soften the blows.

I'm glad that you had so much support from your family, but I'm sorry you had to go through that all. Thank you to you, Alex and Landon for everything you've all sacrificed.

I actually kind of like it. What I've seen, it seems that you won't have to pay to park if you are a resort guest or have a confirmed ADR. It will limit the ability to just show up and go to a QS place or a lounge, but at the end of the day, I really feel like resort parking should be prioritized for a resort guest so it makes a lot of sense. Might cut back on people trying to game the system and skip out on paying for parking to go to the parks.

Been there, done that!

I'm sure you were so jittery from all the excitement and adrenaline that the picture would have just been a blur anyway.

Disney. That's who. And I don't know why. That was also my biggest complaint about our stay at POR... the DSA near our building was right along the main trail to get to the food court. You couldn't get there without going way out of the way or walking right through the DSA.

It's the craziest setup. If I remember correctly, All Star Movies has that, as well, although I do think there was a little side path you could take. But really? Apparently all resorts must have an inconveniently located smoking area.

Well, at least you're consistent.

It's a good thing that you don't have to figure out how to navigate around a foreign country any time in the near future...

Thank you, for making me spit out my coffee when I read that.

You should have heard me when my sister in-law told me I'd have to take a German driver's test.

"But I can barely drive in the United States! And those signs are in English! And mphs!!!"

Ok... So you're staying at a Disney Resort, right? So what if they grant the same "free parking" privileges at the resorts as they do at the parks? It would really make sense to do it that way.

Okay, Landon has a cold and kept me up all night, so I'm reading this with about 3 hours of sleep in me. (And the coffee that I didn't spit out due to your earlier comment.) So I think what you're saying is that if you're staying at any resort then you get free parking anywhere on property. Am I right? If so, I'd be completely fine with that rule. The problem Disney probably has with it, though, is that even other resort guests are driving to Contemporary and walking to MK rather than park at the TTC and wait for the monorail/ferry. So that makes me worried that they won't even allow resort hopping. Which would be a crying shame.

 

[afwdwfan]

Okay, Landon has a cold and kept me up all night, so I'm reading this with about 3 hours of sleep in me. (And the coffee that I didn't spit out due to your earlier comment.) So I think what you're saying is that if you're staying at any resort then you get free parking anywhere on property. Am I right? If so, I'd be completely fine with that rule. The problem Disney probably has with it, though, is that even other resort guests are driving to Contemporary and walking to MK rather than park at the TTC and wait for the monorail/ferry. So that makes me worried that they won't even allow resort hopping. Which would be a crying shame.

You're right. And I don't think the goal would be to eliminate anyone from being able to visit other resorts. If they've got you there and staying on site, they're going to want to allow you to drive over to the other resorts to eat. Otherwise, if you're there and driving, what's to keep you from going off property for dinner where parking is free? They've got to have some sort of perks for on-site guests to help add value to their packages.

But I could definitely see them being more restrictive at resorts like the EPCOT or MK resorts where you're close enough to park and walk to the parks. I'd hope that they can maintain some flexibility at EPCOT for resort guests visiting to eat there to eat or spend an evening on the Boardwalk, but it wouldn't be the end of the world if they just made you park at the TTC and use monorail for Poly/GF/Contemporary. I really don't think they'll crack down that hard though. I'm sure if you have an ADR they'll still make an allowance for you to park. It might just get more questionable if you just decide last minute to visit Trader Sams.

I do know that last week when we had dinner at 1900PF, they had signs up before you ever got to the entrance of GF saying that parking was reserved only for those with Reservations or ADRs. The guards did check name/id as per the usual procedure. There were 2 at the booth so I can't say for certain if the one standing back inside was cross referencing our name with an ADR list, but the one outside didn't seem to look at anything but my ID.

 

[SnowWhiteOz]

The Poly looks amazing and those views are to die for. I've looked at doing it for one night on my trip but just cant justify paying almost $400 a night (which is almost $600 Australian!).

 

[bellasmomRN]

I love reading your reports! Have always stalked them but never posted. I LOVE your idea for the picture of your son in front of the castle with no one else in the picture. It's the reason I have booked the pre park opening reservation at CP on our last trip and our upcoming trip.

 

[Jhaberlein]

Joining in! I totally agree with you about the smoking areas! WL is the same way.... got off the bus and walked right through a cloud of smoke at the lobby door. I was surprised how many smoking areas there were in the parks too. I mentioned it to a CM and they said (and it makes sense) that they'll never go smoke free (unless required by law) because of the international guests. Smoking is still widely accepted in so many other countries.

Hubby and I are staying 2 nights at POLY in October for an adult only trip (thanks to military discount!!). Can't wait to hear all about it!!

 

[Positively Bashful]

Yay, another one of your entertaining reports! I enjoy reading about Landon's antics (makes me miss my little nephews less) and am looking forward to the next update.

 

[amazingact21]

Love your trip reports!

Thank you for reading!

Just posted on your last TR but total newbie on board for the ride! I have had such a nice time reading your other TRs and was thrilled when I saw your next stay would be at the POLY!!! My dream resort some day, oh yes, some day! Can't wait to hear how things go!

Thanks for reading my reports! Staying at the Poly was amazing. A dream come true, really. I wish every Disney fan could stay at the resort for at least one night and experience all the resort has to offer.

You're right. And I don't think the goal would be to eliminate anyone from being able to visit other resorts. If they've got you there and staying on site, they're going to want to allow you to drive over to the other resorts to eat. Otherwise, if you're there and driving, what's to keep you from going off property for dinner where parking is free? They've got to have some sort of perks for on-site guests to help add value to their packages.

But I could definitely see them being more restrictive at resorts like the EPCOT or MK resorts where you're close enough to park and walk to the parks. I'd hope that they can maintain some flexibility at EPCOT for resort guests visiting to eat there to eat or spend an evening on the Boardwalk, but it wouldn't be the end of the world if they just made you park at the TTC and use monorail for Poly/GF/Contemporary. I really don't think they'll crack down that hard though. I'm sure if you have an ADR they'll still make an allowance for you to park. It might just get more questionable if you just decide last minute to visit Trader Sams.

I do know that last week when we had dinner at 1900PF, they had signs up before you ever got to the entrance of GF saying that parking was reserved only for those with Reservations or ADRs. The guards did check name/id as per the usual procedure. There were 2 at the booth so I can't say for certain if the one standing back inside was cross referencing our name with an ADR list, but the one outside didn't seem to look at anything but my ID.

I wonder if they'll start issuing a timed pass for people eating at the restaurants. Like a, this pass is good for 2 from the start of X o'clock. Even if they don't go around and enforce it, a lot of people would be hesitant to leave their car while they go into a park.

 

[amazingact21]

The Poly looks amazing and those views are to die for. I've looked at doing it for one night on my trip but just cant justify paying almost $400 a night (which is almost $600 Australian!).

I do think the Poly is a tad bit overpriced. And I say that only because it costs less to stay at the Contemporary or the Beach Club, and those are WALKING distance to a park. Disney just knows what their high demand resort is, I suppose. It's quite sad, though, because I was trying to sneak another night there, as well, but for the price I couldn't justify it.
But holy smokes...600 dollars after conversion! That's nutso! Hopefully one day it'll be possible for you. If nothing else, stop by and visit the Poly while you're in Disney; enjoy it for an hour or two.

I love reading your reports! Have always stalked them but never posted. I LOVE your idea for the picture of your son in front of the castle with no one else in the picture. It's the reason I have booked the pre park opening reservation at CP on our last trip and our upcoming trip.

Thank you for reading!
Isn't the picture spot amazing? There's nothing like an empty Main St, where it's just your little one and the castle in sight. I'm glad you were able to get pre-park opening reservations!

Joining in! I totally agree with you about the smoking areas! WL is the same way.... got off the bus and walked right through a cloud of smoke at the lobby door. I was surprised how many smoking areas there were in the parks too. I mentioned it to a CM and they said (and it makes sense) that they'll never go smoke free (unless required by law) because of the international guests. Smoking is still widely accepted in so many other countries.

Hubby and I are staying 2 nights at POLY in October for an adult only trip (thanks to military discount!!). Can't wait to hear all about it!!

All I can think is maybe Disney was afraid that if they didn't put the smoking areas in convenient locations, they'd have a bigger issue with people smoking anywhere and everywhere. Not to say they don't have that problem already, but perhaps it'd be worse if folks had to walk to the back of a resort to do it.
You know, I wondered why there were still SO many smoking areas in the parks. But the international guests make sense. Never thought of that before.


Oh, yay! I'm so excited for ya'll. (Those military discounts are a lifesaver!) The Polynesian is amazing; I hope you two enjoy your stay there!

Yay, another one of your entertaining reports! I enjoy reading about Landon's antics (makes me miss my little nephews less) and am looking forward to the next update.

 

[afwdwfan]

I wonder if they'll start issuing a timed pass for people eating at the restaurants. Like a, this pass is good for 2 from the start of X o'clock. Even if they don't go around and enforce it, a lot of people would be hesitant to leave their car while they go into a park.

That would actually be a simple solution to a simple problem. I mean they check a photo id at the guard shack when you drive in anyway. Why not hand you a time stamped parking pass? It isn't like that would take a lot of extra time, effort or money.

It's a great idea and it makes perfect sense.

Which is exactly why it will probably never happen.

 

[bjscheel]

Joining in, I've read some reports before but maybe never commented? I enjoy them!

 

[amazingact21]

Joining in, I've read some reports before but maybe never commented? I enjoy them!

Thank you for reading my reports! I appreciate you following along on this one, as well.

 

[Ladyfish77]

Your room is beautiful. I never seem to plan enough time to really explore the other resorts. I've been to the Poly to eat and use the monorail (from SoG), but never wandered the grounds and checked things out. Next time I will definitely be going at least as far as the dole whips, since the Poly includes the ice cream option which is no longer available at MK!

(Everyone who remembers Alex’s determination not to use bell service will be happy to hear that he continued with that trend here, too.)

This must be a military thing, because my DH is exactly the same!

 

[amazingact21]

Your room is beautiful. I never seem to plan enough time to really explore the other resorts. I've been to the Poly to eat and use the monorail (from SoG), but never wandered the grounds and checked things out. Next time I will definitely be going at least as far as the dole whips, since the Poly includes the ice cream option which is no longer available at MK!

This must be a military thing, because my DH is exactly the same!

If you do stay at SoG again, definitely plan a little time to look around and explore. It's fun to walk the pathways by the longhouses and relax on their beach. I've watched from there (when I stayed at SoG) and it's a great view. They even pipe in the soundtrack so you get the enjoyment of the show without the massive crowds.


I don't get it! I guess they think since they are able bodied adults, they don't need to tip someone else to do it. (Although, I think in my husband's case, he's also a cheap sake and would rather spend that money on a pin pack.)