Our multi-destination trip will begin on April 26th.

[Nickylv]

"Our next adventure is officially on the horizon-our Disney Treasure cruise in January is now in the past and its onward from there. I did do a trip report on the cruise which you can find in the Disney Cruise Line trip reports section. This time it is just my wife and I, heading to Disney World for some well-deserved fun and relaxation. We will be staying at the Polynesian Resort, a memory filled spot with tropical vibes that perfectly set the mood for our getaway. In the early 90’s my wife and I invited my parents to go on vacation with us to Disney World and we stayed at the Polynesian. I smile when I remember how both my mom and dad were like little kids filled with excitement and we had so much fun together. Very sadly both are not with us any longer so there will definitely be times of joy and sadness.

Our itinerary is shaping up to be full of highlights: sampling the flavors of Epcot, exploring Disney Springs, and soaking in the magic of Animal Kingdom. let’s not forget about dining—we’ve got plans to check out some great restaurants across Disney’s resorts and the Springs. This trip is all about making more memories, enjoying the magic, and embrace every moment.

We know this will be a fun and exciting vacation which begins flying out of the Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas, arriving in Orlando. Then it’s off to check into the Disney’s Polynesian resort on April 26th. From there, April 30th we will drive to St Augustine beach where we rented a beach house. This is one of our very happy places to enjoy the beach, many great restaurants and sites. If you have never experienced this town which is the oldest continuously occupied city in America which dates from 1565. Yes, 55 years before the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock. St Augustine is rich in history and has become a great mom and pop owned foodie town with many great restaurants to choose from. Trust me you could be there for weeks and never have to eat at the same restaurant twice.

On May 4th we will drive to Hilton Head Island where we have a condo waiting for us, just 2 blocks to the beach and so many great restaurants, comedy clubs and a play at the Arts Center.
The first time we went to Hilton Head Island we stayed at the Disney Hilton Head Island resort. We were so impressed with the island that we have returned many many times. But I have to mention the Disney HHI Resort. The service was just like old Disney, flawless…the resort is in a picturesque setting. It was one of our favorite trips, spending much time on our porch looking out at the water and marshlands.

We are expected to be going home on May 13th flying from Hilton Head Airport back home to Vegas. Though stranger things have happened, we may decide to stay longer. We shall see. Please stay tuned for the full trip report beginging around April 27th which will be a day to day report of our journey. Meanwhile I will be dropping a few sentences on all the activities and restaurants that we are booking before we head off. Thanks for reading and hope you enjoy.

 

[ThreeBoyMama]

Sounds like a lovely trip!

 

[Nickylv]

"Our next adventure is officially on the horizon-our Disney Treasure cruise in January is now in the past and its onward from there. I did do a trip report on the cruise which you can find in the Disney Cruise Line trip reports section. This time it is just my wife and I, heading to Disney World for some well-deserved fun and relaxation. We will be staying at the Polynesian Resort, a memory filled spot with tropical vibes that perfectly set the mood for our getaway. In the early 90’s my wife and I invited my parents to go on vacation with us to Disney World and we stayed at the Polynesian. I smile when I remember how both my mom and dad were like little kids filled with excitement and we had so much fun together. Very sadly both are not with us any longer so there will definitely be times of joy and sadness.

Our itinerary is shaping up to be full of highlights: sampling the flavors of Epcot, exploring Disney Springs, and soaking in the magic of Animal Kingdom. let’s not forget about dining—we’ve got plans to check out some great restaurants across Disney’s resorts and the Springs. This trip is all about making more memories, enjoying the magic, and embrace every moment.

We know this will be a fun and exciting vacation which begins flying out of the Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas, arriving in Orlando. Then it’s off to check into the Disney’s Polynesian resort on April 26th. From there, April 30th we will drive to St Augustine beach where we rented a beach house. This is one of our very happy places to enjoy the beach, many great restaurants and sites. If you have never experienced this town which is the oldest continuously occupied city in America which dates from 1565. Yes, 55 years before the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock. St Augustine is rich in history and has become a great mom and pop owned foodie town with many great restaurants to choose from. Trust me you could be there for weeks and never have to eat at the same restaurant twice.

On May 4th we will drive to Hilton Head Island where we have a condo waiting for us, just 2 blocks to the beach and so many great restaurants, comedy clubs and a play at the Arts Center.
The first time we went to Hilton Head Island we stayed at the Disney Hilton Head Island resort. We were so impressed with the island that we have returned many many times. But I have to mention the Disney HHI Resort. The service was just like old Disney, flawless…the resort is in a picturesque setting. It was one of our favorite trips, spending much time on our porch looking out at the water and marshlands.

We are expected to be going home on May 13th flying from Hilton Head Airport back home to Vegas. Though stranger things have happened, we may decide to stay longer. We shall see. Please stay tuned for the full trip report beginging around April 27th which will be a day to day report of our journey. Meanwhile I will be dropping a few sentences on all the activities and restaurants that we are booking before we head off. Thanks for reading and hope you enjoy.

Just finished making our dining plans for each night in Disney World and Hilton Head Island. We only have two reservations for dinner made in St Augustine because we love a few restaurants that do not accept reservations

 

[Nickylv]

In less than one week we will begin our adventure.

Our WDW first part of our trip is coming together just great! We have everything planned for the 1st leg of our fun filled vacation. Our stay will be at The Polynesian Resort, which is such a relaxing and immersive way to kick things off. After we get to our room and unpack, get freshened up we will head over to The Kona Cafe which is our first reserved dining adventure and where the Tonga Toast is legendary—I know we are ready for an indulgent start! After dinner we can relax for a little while and then its off to The Wicked Wind Down at Top of the World Lounge this should be an amazing way to take in the nighttime skyline and enjoy our first night of fireworks and fun.



Day 2: Epcot is perfect for a Sunday adventure, especially since we are visiting during The International Flower and Garden Festival. The one and only attraction that is a must ride every time we come to Epcot is Space Ship Earth and this trip will be no different. If that is the only attraction at Epcot we get to go on, all is good. We will definately be enjoying our stroll around the world but we will not be doing the Tic Toc hit “drinking around the world” where you have a drink at every country, I don’t think we would make it past the second country but our thoughts are with those who do. Then that night, dinner at The Ale & Compass which has such a cozy vibe—and a great choice for night two!



Day 3: Animal Kingdom on Monday will be a fun change of pace, with a mix of fun attractions and peaceful nature. We are so sad that the Bugs Life show is no more. We really enjoyed that. But we will be experiencing the Safari tour, that never gets old. After some time at the park we will head off to Steakhouse 71 at the Contemporary for a great dinner. This is a hidden gem with incredible food.



Day 4: Our Tuesday itinerary is pack full of fun things to do at The Magic Kingdom. Buzz lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin is a must do, and my wife and I love to torture ourselfs on its A Small World which we will be singing for the rest of the day. Then an easy monorail ride to Epcot and enjoy the Spice Road fireworks party. That should be a fun way to end the night!



Day 5: Closing out our 1st part of our trip will be with our tradition of lunch at The Boathouse there has never been a time we did not go to the Boathouse sometime during our trips to Disney World. Sometimes its dinner and sometimes its lunch before we head back to the airport to go home, but this time we will not be heading off to the airport. This will be the perfect farewell before heading to St. Augustine which is the second leg of our trip.



Everything about this trip is screeming “fun and relaxing vacation”! Since we go so much we will get to the parks, when we get there, we will go on what ever we choose and if we miss something oh well, there is always next time.



Our trip this time is really becoming a big adventure for us, Disney World, St Augustine and ending with Hilton Head Island. Usually our vacations are about 7 days and then its back home to Las Vegas but this trip will be 18 days. Believe me when I say we will have pleanty of relaxing time during our trip. I always hated when we got back home we needed a vacation from our vacation, not this time. I will try to write something for each day of our trip and hope you enjoy.

 

[DLo]

Following along. Looking forward to reading more

 

[Nickylv]

Following along. Looking forward to reading more

Thanks and there will be more to come, we are excited to be going this time just the two of us.

 

[Nickylv]

******THE DAY IS FINALLY HERE******
The day has finally come, you plan and plan and plan etc…. for a year and now the day is here.

Woke up at 3am in Las Vegas (Henderson). This is one of the few trips that we had everything packed and ready to go ahead of time with no rushing around in the morning trying to pack last minute items. Got up, showered, coffee and Uber showed up at 415am to take us to the airport. There is nothing like living less than 10 minutes to the airport, we are so spoiled. Never have to pay to keep a car at the airport which could be very pricey especially when this time we are gone for 18 days. Usually since all our family lives right around us someone will take you to the airport but we are leaving too early in the morning so we would never make anyone get up that early, (they do offer, but we say no) its just as easy to schedule an Uber days ahead to pick us up.

Outdoor ticketing and baggage drop was seamless, going through security check with TSA precheck was about two minutes and before we knew it we are at the gate. The plane was already there waiting. We boarded 10 minutes early (6am) and left a few minutes early. The 4+ hour flight was easy, and before we even realized we were touching down in Orlando (MCO) Florida.

I always try to book a car rental with Alamo even if it sometimes is a little more expensive since we can skip the counter and just go directly to a car and be on our way. (What a great perk). After one time being stuck in line at another brand for hours where they were so over booked that they gave a car out when one came back from being rented. Finally I had to rebooked with another Rental car co. For much more money leaving the rest of those on that line waiting for who knows how much longer. Never again.

Drove right to the Polynesian Resort gave the luggage to the bell hop, parked the car and now waited for a text to tell us our room was ready. With in 10 minutes we received the text. WHAT everything is going so smooth, we were waiting for the hammer to drop…..never happened at least not yet….

We went to our room, called for our luggage, the food we ordered before we left, and our owners locker. It arrived about the time we were ready to leave for dinner at Kona Cafe. Yes still everything is going so smooth…….

Incase anyone is wondering what an owners locker is, its a locked bin that you can store items that you would normally have to pack in your luggage. For a small fee it is kept at a facility in Orlando. Items like a small keurig machine, coffee cups, nice wine glasses, a few bottles of wine and beer. First aid kit, sewing kit, hair spray, dish and laundry detergent, plastic wrap, baggies…well you get the drift. We call about a week before we leave and they will deliver it to the resort and its there waiting for us when we arrive. You call the bell desk and they will deliver it to our room. Call them again to pick it up when your ready to check out and they take care of getting it back to the facility.

We arrived at Kona Grill and had to wait for a table, yes wait for about 2 minutes and our table was ready….What! still going so smooth.

Dinner was amazingly good. We ordered two appetizers, Crispy Pork-Vegetable Pot Stickers (delicious) and Bao Buns (also delicious). For our entree we decided to just share the Kona-Braised Short Rib. (Wow so good) perfect amount of food, well….even more than we usually eat but it was all so delicious. Our beverage of choice was plain water. OMG everything is going so well…. We still have the Wicked Wind Down on the 16th floor of Bay Lake Tower.

Went back to the room and got ourselves together and left for the monorail to the Contemporary, which was waiting with doors open as we arrived. Yep still going so smooth…….We are not a half empty kinda people but seriously something always has to happen even a small thing but nothing so far.

We decided to get off at The Magic Kingdom since we were a little early, we checked into the park (yes no line at all to get in) took a small stroll around and decided to get the monorail to the Contemporary in lieu of walking, we ARE older folk. Well of course the Monorail car was waiting for us with doors open and before we knew it we were at the Contemporary. We walked over to Bay Lake Tower and took the elevator to the 16th floor, yes you guessed it, pushed the button to call for the elevator and the doors opened immediately. (What the heck, Still going strong)

We arrived at the Villians Lair Lounge and walked right up to the check in desk, Gave them our names and I can not tell you how wonderful they were, I wish I had gotten their names the guy and girl were so great, we were seated immediately. They even came over later to see how we were doing. I would say we had the best and most comfortable seats in the house.

Yes still going strong….our waiter Travis G. Could not have been better. We each ordered a drink, they were delicious, we ordered the charcuterie board, which was excellent and ordered one which we took to go. The fireworks started and we had a special viewing spot only for the Wicked Wind down guests. Travis boxed our desserts to go since we were just exhausted and wanted to get to the monorail before the crowd hit. Yes you guessed it the doors were open and ready for us to board as soon as we got there. Now back at our room we could not have had a better day. Shame on us for thinking something was going to go bad, it never happened. Cast members were beyond great, food was amazing and everything went better than you could have imagined.

Well now day one was about to say good bye and now we are looking forward to a wonderful 18 day trip. See you all tomorrow.

 

[Nickylv]

 

[Nickylv]

 

[Nickylv]

 

[Nickylv]

 

[footballmouse]

I would love to stay at the Poly some time!!!! Enjoy your trip!

 

[Nickylv]

I would love to stay at the Poly some time!!!! Enjoy your trip!

Thank you, it’s nice over here but every property has its own special charm.

 

[Nickylv]

Day 2

We were so exhausted we slept till 9am. (6am our time until we get used to the 3 hour difference) we just took our time waking up, having coffee and getting ourselves together after a very restful sleep. So I ask you “will today be as easy as yesterday?” read on to find out.
We finally got ourselves together and got on the monorail to Epcot. This is our favorite park. Flower and Garden festival is going on right now. We also love coming in the fall for the food and wine festival. So today we arrived at the monorail to head over to Epcot and low and behold there was the monorail car open and ready for us…. Now come on, how can this happen again, this is not a complaint by any means its a happy observation….
Now on our way to Epcot. No line to get in the park, just walked right up, scanned our magic bands and as the name says, its magic, we’re in. Our first “have to do” when we go to Epcot is Space Ship Earth. It just never gets old. Well low and behold no line just walked right on…. What the!…….after our favorite journey through time we decided to find a really good special outdoor kitchen to try our hand at a specialty food made to celebrate the Flower and Garden Festival.
The Sun was out, the heat was on, and the humidity was high…but we went on like troopers….over heated troopers. We stopped at the Honey Bee-Stro, hosted by the National Honey Board and got an order of Chicken and Waffles. This was a very spicy delicious treat. We both shared this but could not finish it since we did not want to spoil our dinner which was in a few hours. After this treat we began walking and the heat was just to much that so we thought, lets get a boat to Hollywood Studios to catch the last few days of the Muppet 3D show before it closes for good. We have seen this show many times and never get tired of it. On our way through the countries we stopped at England. I don’t know what we were thinking but my wife said lets share just a few forkfulls of Fish and Chips. This was good as always however we just wanted to cool off so we thought a boat ride to Hollywood Studios would be refreshing. Well you can guess it, we walked up to the boat station at the exit of the World Showcase and the boat was there waiting for us to get on. Who’s gonna argue with that?
So off we went, first stop was Boardwalk resort, this is one of our home resorts, yes one, we own three and soon to be four. Next stop the Beach and Yacht club, well on our way across the lake we both discussed the fact that it was so hot walking around Epcot it will be just as bad walking around Hollywood studios so we got off the boat at the Beach and Yacht Club and went into the Yacht club and found the first couch to sit back and enjoy the air conditoning.
Well it was only 4pm when we arrived however we enjoyed sitting, talking and just relaxing it was soon after 5pm and our reservation for Ale and Compass was 615. We went to the gift shop and then walked over to the gift shop at the Beach Club and before we knew it was time for our reservation.
We went back to the restaurant and checked in. Well yeah, you guessed it, they took my cell number and said I will get a text when our table was ready and as soon as our butts touched down on one of the couches to wait, my phone went off and our table was ready. You would think this was all timely planned but who am I to argue with the luck gods. We sat down and our server Amy could not have been nicer, and as for the food, it was great. First let me say the Ale and Compass is so under rated, the staff is great, service is fantastic and the food is as good or better than the best signature restaurants in all of Disney. If you have not ever thought about making that trip to the Yacht Club and dine at the Ale and Compass, give it a try. You won’t be disappointed.

When we left the restaurant and walked outside, the heat had subsided and there was a cool breeze. So glad we waited till after dinner to take the boat to the Studios. Yes the boat arrived as we walked up and we were on our way to the Studios. The weather was perfect and enjoyable. We walked right over to the Muppet 3D show and about 10 minutes later it started. I believe the first week in June is the last showings of this show and it will close for good. Sadly. After our last time enjoying the show we walked over to Rise Of The Resistance and walked right on. Yes I checked the bottom of my shoes to see what I stepped in and to make sure I did not rub it off. This ride is FANTASTIC. I’m sure most of you have been on this and for those who haven’t well your missing out on a great experience. After we got off Rise Of The Resistance it was dark and we decided it was time to head back to our resort. We walked over to the bus to the Polynesian Resort and you guessed it, it was there and waiting for us to arrive. We arrived back at the resort and was very appreciative of a perfect Day 2 of 18. Time to relax for a while then get to bed and have a great day 3 tomorrow. Oh yeah the answer to the question at the begining of this blog is “YES, day two was easy and just as great as day 1”. Good night to all and tune in tomorrow for more…..

 

[Nickylv]

 

[Nickylv]

 

[Nickylv]

 

[Nickylv]

Day 3

Well today was HOT again. I think we will stick to February trips to WDW from now on. I know what your thinking, your from Las Vegas, shouldn’t you be used to hot weather, Yes we are but its a different heat, there is no humidity so its dry just hot. We did get out early and headed over to the Animal Kingdom. The bus stop is close to our room and there was only a few minutes wait until the bus arrived. Only one stop after we got on, the Grand Floridian and off to the Animal Kingdom. When we arrived at the park we went right to the Na’vi River Journey. Just a short wait and we were on. Its amazing how well put together that journey is. Afterwards it was lunch time, no we are not rope drop people. Maybe when we were younger, start off bright and early and keep going until the fireworks. Now we are lucky to be out and about by 11:30am and exhausted by 4.

Well anyway its off to Flame Tree Barbecue where we Mobile ordered the Ribs, Chicken and Pulled Pork sampler. This is a great value and a delicious meal for two people to share. We still couldn’t finish it. Well now full (I hate when that happens) but it was good. The ribs were tender, a little fatty but there was still plenty of meat for both of us, the chicken was very juicy and the pulled pork melts in your mouth. Okay now its off to the Kilimanjaro Safaris. This is always very good, but bumpy and tossed around, view of a real Africian Safari. Okay at this point the sun was at its brightest and the heat at its hottest so time to head back to the Polynesian and rest up.

We both fell asleep and I woke up to a weird sound, I kept hearing a humming sound outside and could not figure out what it was, I opened the curtains and saw it was raining extreemly hard. Not abnormal for Florida but the forecast never showed rain.

Well it was soon dinner time and we needed to get to the main building to catch the Monorail to the Contempory and Steakhouse 71. Due to the downpour we were going to be late so we called and they put notes in our reservation not to cancel will be late. Finally the rain stopped and off we went. We were a half hour late and when my wife checked in, the woman at the counter told her because we are late our names go at the bottom of the walkin list. My wife did not even say anything, the hostess continued to let my wife know that there were others who were also late for their reservation and they got their earlier and will be seated before us (completely understood), my wife just stood there while the host kept barking reasons why we were going to wait. After contradicting her self many times my wife opened her mouth for the first time calmly and politely and asked her which is it, your seating late comers and those on time first and then walk ins and then us….is that what you are telling me? Did all the late people at least respectfully call ahead to just let you know they were going to be late? The womans head just went back and was quiet. My wife thanked her and said we will wait for you to call us. We sat down at the lounge seats in front of the bar and ordered a drink from Victoria the friendliest and most bubbly server there. Victoria waited on us the last time we were there and we remember her because she she stood out to be one of the nicest and friendliest cast member there. We just waited a few minutes and my phone went off and our table was ready. Suprised at how quick our names came up, my wife went to get our table and I stayed behind and paid for the drinks with Victoria. My wife went up to another person to get our table, trying to avoid the other woman but she came over to my wife with a big smile, and said she worked her magic to get us in right a way and could not have been nicer. You know everyone has a bad day and we can agree it must have been hard to accommodate late comers because of the unexpected storm…she did clean it up quickly and changed the experience for us to a much more pleasant one. The restaurant was full of unsmiling cast members, servers, table cleaners, although our waiter was fine but nothing out of the ordinary. maybe thats why it is not a signature, although the Ale and Compass is not a signature, which it should be and the cast members there are just amazing. Such a difference. I am sure that is attributed to the manager of each venue selecting their cast members who not only can do the job but has the personality to do the job. Probably even selecting someone who is not so experienced as a server but has excellent people skills and give them a chance to shine, they usually work hard to show how they appreciate the chance. I do know that well, I was a manager for some very big casinos in my long career and gave some inexperienced employees a chance but had outstanding attitudes, they usually became the best of the best since they were greatful for the opportunity.

After dinner we went back to the Polynesian. When we got off the monorail and decided to check out the new DVC tower. Wow, it is very beautiful. (See pics) Looks like a great place to stay. Definately lots of places to watch the fireworks going off without the crowds of being in the park.

Tomorrow is the last day of the first part of our vacation. Our room at the Polynesian was very comfortable, plenty of room for a studio, and it would still be comfortable to have a longer stay. Even a family with children could comfortably spend time in this studio, plenty of beds, room for kids to play when the pull down beds are put away and bathrooms. Great location to the Magic Kingdom. Easy access to the Monorail and buses lots of places to get breakfast, lunches, dinners and snacks. It is a little crowded but thats to be expected. Time to call it a night and get some shut eye. See you all tomorrow.

 

[Nickylv]

 

[Nickylv]