Polynesian Pixie Dust: A Love/Hate Vacationship. An October 2017 TR *updated 2/12x3 and Complete*

[xlsm]

I just ready your review on the Poly thread. Yikes. I know you were grateful for the upgrade but I would have been upset with those things that happened too.

Yes...it was totally a love/hate thing. I was so excited, but I guess I needed to be brought down to earth with weird showers and an annoying door, haha!!

Joining in . Nice upgrade. Looking forward to reading more

It was exciting! My mom did not understand that it was a big deal since she'd never been before, and I kept saying, "This is a BIG DEAL." she was just like, "okaayyy??" LOL!

I'm back from the cruise and about to head out to WDW in 2 days...but first had to say WOW...AMAZING PIXIE DUSTING to CLUB LEVEL!!! That is awesome! I hope you enjoyed it!!! I saw your pictures on social media and I'm excited to see how your trip goes!!

BTW, does tie dye cheese cake taste like regular cheesecake?
It looks like play doh to me and I can't stand the smell of play doh so it's kinda look gross to me, LOL. But I've heard it's very good!
Can't wait to see your first park day!

I've been loving your cruise pictures. Your costumes were amazing!

It was a good trip! Really different than normal, as I'm sure you could imagine, but still good!

Yes, it was like regular plain cheesecake. It did take a minute to get past the colors (the colors grossed my mom out!), but it was just plain ol' cheesecake. I did not have high expectations, but it was pretty good!

Joining in--hello, fellow Odyssey of the Mind coach here, too! Looks like a great trip and a lucky upgrade!

Oh, awesome!! I love meeting other coaches, it's so fun finding someone else who knows what the heck I'm talking about! We're getting a later start this year, but the kids on my team are all kids I've had before except two first timers - but I know them, too, so it's going to be an easy coaching year I think. My co-coach is someone I worked with on our elementary teams whose daughter transferred to our middle school, so we're very excited to work together again. We just finalized teams last week, so we haven't even decided on our problem, but I'm leaning toward classics this year. We did vehicles last year and made it to worlds...Not sure I have the energy for that again, LOL!!

 

[Tracy161]

Phew! Sounds like you have been BUSY lately!

Unfortunately, and super weirdly, the lights weren't on!! No kidding!! We drove under a dark Welcome sign.

What?!

Oh, and of course I had to get the famous tie dye cheesecake!

I've stayed at Pop SO many times and have yet to have this. How was it?!

We'd been upgraded to Club Level.

Ooooh, can't wait to read more about this!

 

[Tracy161]

PS - wait a second... do we really have the same countdown?!

 

[Jenny Sanders]

Joining in on another one of your reports and loving it already!!!! Nice upgrade!!! That happened to us last October at the GF!!!! Nothing like a view of the castle and CL goodies...

 

[Happiest.Haunt_999]

Joining in!
This is my first reading one of your TR's but I'm enjoying it, I'm so glad you got to take your mom on a trip.

Oh and nice to meet you!!

 

[missangelalexis]

Yay glad you've started!

Yeah, catching up on Riverdale was first on my list when I got back too

I loved the upgraded toiletries..but am jealous we only got the shampoo/conditioner and not the soap!!

Club Level- eeep!!

You both look so happy! I can't wait to hear how the first park day goes!

 

[Grumpy's Wife]

Hi joining in. I hope you're mom was in awe of the castle. I always get chills the first time I see it on each trip. I look forward to reading along.

 

[xlsm]

PS - wait a second... do we really have the same countdown?!

Oh my gosh, we DO!!! How did I miss that?? We need to find a way to get in an awkward selfie!!

Joining in on another one of your reports and loving it already!!!! Nice upgrade!!! That happened to us last October at the GF!!!! Nothing like a view of the castle and CL goodies...

I'm glad you're joining in again!! It's definitely an exciting Disney moment - and "free" snacks?? I'm so in for that

Joining in!
This is my first reading one of your TR's but I'm enjoying it, I'm so glad you got to take your mom on a trip.

Oh and nice to meet you!!

Welcome aboard!! I'm so happy to have you here!!
I try to keep it entertaining, but no promises
I'm really glad I had the opportunity to take her, too. She needed some time away! (and I needed another Disney fix - win/win!)

Yay glad you've started!

Yeah, catching up on Riverdale was first on my list when I got back too

I loved the upgraded toiletries..but am jealous we only got the shampoo/conditioner and not the soap!!

Club Level- eeep!!

You both look so happy! I can't wait to hear how the first park day goes!

I felt so fancy with the bigger bottles of shampoo and conditioner. It doesn't take much to make me happy,haha!!
I was actually freaking out about the club level thing. I was a little sad it happened when I was with my mom, just because she didn't understand why I was so amped up about it. No matter how much I tried to explain that this was NOT normal, she just didn't "get it". She's Disney spoiled now

Hi joining in. I hope you're mom was in awe of the castle. I always get chills the first time I see it on each trip. I look forward to reading along.

Welcome!!

I always *love* my first view of the castle too!
My mom's first impression is coming up in the next update later today...it might surprise you! I think it's a funny story, but I'm easily amused

 

[xlsm]

Happy Halloween!!!



I'll have another update posted later today after grocery shopping and a few other boring adult activities!

 

[xlsm]

Chapter Two: Welcome to the Kingdom

When I left you last time, we had just arrived at the Magic Kingdom after experiencing some MAJOR Polynesian pixie dust!

Not long after we entered the park, I got a text from @coloredimage - she was having breakfast with her mom, and we made plans to meet up later when they got to the MK too! We'd managed to *just* miss each other on previous trips. Once by minutes at 'Ohana, and more recently by a few days each time we go on a trip. We seem to have a knack for picking close vacation dates!

You know what I've decided?? If you ever need a pick me after a long and trying day, just look at pictures of Magic Kingdom's fall decorations!





What a beautiful way to be welcomed into the park!

The park opened at 8am, with 7am EMH...by the time we arrived it was around 8:30/9ish. It wasn't very crowded, and we began the walk down Main Street USA!



The view was a little marred once again by the ugly brown scrim of shame. I can't seem to escape it...it haunted my May trip when it was on the corner of the Emporium. At least it's moved back a little...here's hoping it's all gone by the time we're back in December!

I was very excited to catch a little Autumn trolley on the way toward the hub:





We also stopped for some photopass pictures along the way:





(excuse my look here. this was a great example of going to bed late, waking up early, and not washing my hair!)

When we got to the part of Main Street you see in the pp picture...my mom kind of turned around and looked up and said, "Oh my gosh, the castle!"

I was confused, like, yeah?? What do you think we'd been posing in pictures in front of this whole time?

And she says, "I didn't see it before!"

Um...what? How did you miss the GIGANTIC castle?



She said she'd been too busy looking at everything else. Ok then!

So, we admired it for awhile!!







For my mom's first visit, I wanted to keep things Disney Classic. We started things off by going to...



Adventureland!

I used to always start off in Tomorrowland, but I have been favoring an Adventureland start lately.

Flying Carpets look so pretty early in the morning:



We didn't take a flight to Agrabah now, though. Our first stop??



Just a little float down the rivers of the world. You can't beat a Jungle Cruise!
(that picture was my attempt at taking a "non-traditional" picture of the JC line...or maybe it was just the only one I ended up with and am now trying to pass it off as something more. The world may never know!)

This was my first JC with hyenas instead of the rhino:



My mom is a loud laugher. Growing up I haaaated it so much. Let's just say a little of that came back to the surface on our cruise The skipper appreciated her enthusiasm, though - ha!

If you know me, then you know exactly where we went next.



I. Love. Pirates. Of. The. Caribbean.

Love.


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This ride photo is not exactly the best representation of my Pirates love! And after the snap I was blinded and saw little dots everywhere from the flash. I did take serious note of the photo location, so that I would be more prepared next time!!

They were really pumping the boats through the ride so there was a bit of a backup at then end. I was glad though, because it allowed me to actually get a good picture of something!!



That's a rare occurrence for me. Usually I just skip pictures altogether and settle for the shot of the outside.

It was a great start to the morning so far. Mom had enjoyed both rides, and I was feeling pretty good about my status as expedition leader. Let's see if we could keep this going! Off to Frontierland!

I had to take a sad, sad picture of the beloved yet out of commission Splash Mountain:



Missing Splash was a big disappointment to both of us. You'd better believe I have a fast pass for it in December!! New Year's Eve Eve = date with the Br'ers!

My disappointment was relatively short lived, however. I was about to get a major treat!! My old friends will appreciate this:



I present to you, Awkward Selfie With Bear. See you soon art museum. #Quality

My mother did NOT understand my insane Country Bear fangirl freakout, but she just went with it anyway. I tried to explain how cool it was to stumble upon a wandering Shaker the Bear, but she didn't quite get it. That's ok, she posed with us anyway!



After that unexpected bit of excitement, we kept moving toward our (ok, MY) next goal.

We had another little unexpected detour though - Great Moments in History was just beginning, and my mom shares my love of all things Muppet. (this is also when I realized I forgot to pick up a times guide on the way in!)







It was the Declaration of Independence one that I always end up seeing...someday I vow to catch the Paul Revere one!!

Since we were in Liberty Square, there was only one logical choice for our next stop...but this post is topping out the picture limit, so that will have to wait for another update!!

I may or may not be back later with another update. I'll try, but no promises. I WILL promise to eat a lot of candy today though, LOL!! A couple of Reese's and Kit-kats have already met their demise!

If I don't come back today, have a safe and happy Halloween!!

 

[CinderellaDream]

Just joining in and love your writing style! Can't wait to follow along!

 

[missangelalexis]

Great photos! I'm glad your mom was enjoying it so far, so funny that she didn't notice the castle right away!

YAY a Country Bear sighting!

Glad you were able to catch one of the Muppet shows too!

 

[PolyRob]

Omg that Pirates picture! I 100% agree with you! Back in July, I booked it there just as the park was closing. My photo was HORRIBLE (my sister and I looked out of it) and I also felt blinded by the light...

This October I was definitely more prepared. Smile and turn slightly left at the skull haha

 

[MeghanEmily]

When we got to the part of Main Street you see in the pp picture...my mom kind of turned around and looked up and said, "Oh my gosh, the castle!"

I was confused, like, yeah?? What do you think we'd been posing in pictures in front of this whole time?

And she says, "I didn't see it before!"

Um...what? How did you miss the GIGANTIC castle?

Oh my gosh!! This is the best!!

My mom is a loud laugher. Growing up I haaaated it so much. Let's just say a little of that came back to the surface on our cruise The skipper appreciated her enthusiasm, though - ha!

I bet the skipper was thrilled!!

I present to you, Awkward Selfie With Bear. See you soon art museum. #Quality

YAY!

That's ok, she posed with us anyway!

This is great! Your mom doesn't have to understand. She just has to accept you for who you are.

 

[xlsm]

Just joining in and love your writing style! Can't wait to follow along!

Welcome and thank you!! I'm glad you're here and I hope I don't end up failing you and become boring

Great photos! I'm glad your mom was enjoying it so far, so funny that she didn't notice the castle right away!

YAY a Country Bear sighting!

Glad you were able to catch one of the Muppet shows too!

I was so confused. I know she *saw* the castle as we were walking, but I guess it just didn't register with her until we were right in front of it?? I was judging her a little. Ok, a lot.

Spoiler alert, but we have more Country Bear moments throughout the trip!! It was amazing.

Omg that Pirates picture! I 100% agree with you! Back in July, I booked it there just as the park was closing. My photo was HORRIBLE (my sister and I looked out of it) and I also felt blinded by the light...

This October I was definitely more prepared. Smile and turn slightly left at the skull haha

WHYYYYYY is the flash so bright for that darn photo?? Everyone just looks so bland and bored and blank eyed. It's the weirdest ride photo location We were definitely prepared for the next one. I mean, it's not much better but we may have at least tried to get into character...that's all I'll say for now (big build up for a huge let down when the next Pirates ride is mentioned in the report )

Oh my gosh!! This is the best!!

I bet the skipper was thrilled!!

YAY!

This is great! Your mom doesn't have to understand. She just has to accept you for who you are.

Yeah, I mean...how do you miss that? Really. My mother

The skipper totally ran with it. Much to my teenaged self's dismay.

CBs are the best Bs, lol!! Spoiler - They were everywhere this trip, and I was loving it!! My mom has learned there's no changing me, that's for sure. Like David S. Pumpkins, I'm my own thing.

 

[xlsm]

Hmm...I think I have time to get another little quick chapter update in before the trick or treating begins!

Chapter Two Part Two

We had been thrown slightly off course by the Muppets, but they are always a welcome distraction, so no harm no foul!!

I had been away from my true home for far too long, and it was time to pay another visit...

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Hey girl. I see you, sitting up there on the hill. Surrounded by trees...washed out by sunlight glaring on the camera lens. You're still pretty.



Washed out and/or too-dark sun glare photos are pretty much the name of the game during this update, I guess. 'Cause here's another in the graveyard:

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Although for this one I think you could maybe argue it's like, the spirit of Master Gracey coming out of his grave?? Or something??

At least this one came out nicely. I always have to try to get artistic with the roses:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/143888229@N08/

We made it through the Haunted Mansion without becoming the 1,000th (and 1,001st) happy haunt and stopped to pay a visit to the Pet Cemetery. I wanted to say hello to Mr. Toad.

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Do you know where he's hiding up there??

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He's there on the upper left hand side...not that he's making things easy for you!

It was time to say goodbye to Liberty Square for now, but I knew we'd hurry back (yes, I said it.) soon. In the meantime, it was time to move along.

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I showed her the prettiest bathrooms anywhere ever (the outside at least!) as we moved toward our next stop in Fantasyland. One fast pass was open, but I was trying to hit it at the end of the window, so we did what I always do in that situation - ride It's a Small World!

The clock was going off, which I was lucky enough to catch for the first time in May. I was really happy to see it again!

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Looks like it was right at 10:00.

I had to take this picture:

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because if you don't, did you even RIDE??

This is another where I really try to avoid taking pictures while riding, because they're always blurry and terrible, but this time I did have to try and get a shot of the llama up there on the mountain. I have a bit of an obsession with llamas and alpacas, so I wanted to take a picture of this one to send to DH.

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Blurry, yes. Terrible, yes. But...LLAMA!

After we hopped off the happiest cruise to ever sail around the world, it was time to use our fast pass to visit London and Neverland. By 10:00am we had traveled the rivers of the world, gone around the world with a bunch of singing dolls, and NOW we were flying over London and visiting Neverland. Maybe this should be the real travel day post.

(so do I have what it takes to be a Jungle Cruise skipper or what?? I got jokes! Bad, bad, terrible, very bad jokes.)

Here is the only picture I have of Peter Pan's Flight:

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Wasn't even our ship

There was a lot of time to kill before our next Fast Pass, and mom was thirsty, so I think this is when we grabbed some water from a cart in Fantasyland and sat for awhile. There was a couple having engagement photos taken where we were sitting. The photographer had on the tiki bird dress from Cherry Tree Lane, and I had to tell her how much I loved it.

I admired the castle from this area of Fantasyland.

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We finished our water and started walking again. Crowds were very light.

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I told mom that Be Our Guest was in there, and that's where we'd be having lunch. But we had somewhere else to be first!

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I love the charm and whimsy of Storybook Circus! I think it's all so cute.

If you read my PTR for this trip, you might remember that I was on the fence about even making a fast pass for this.

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You can see the wait time over on the right. It says 15 minutes. So no, we didn't technically need the fast pass, but we still got on faster than standby! I just thought my mom needed this classic attraction on her first visit.

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While we were waiting, my mom noticed this:

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The Barnstormer.

My mom is a ride chicken. But she also knew I was going to test her with Seven Dwarfs Mine Train in a few days. We'd already watched videos of 7DMT together the night before we left home. She mentioned that she might be able to try Barnstormer first to see. But she'd prefer it be at night just in case. She thought riding in the dark would be easier so she couldn't see where she was going, LOL.

While she stewed that over, it was time to grab hold of our magic feathers and soar!

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Hey look, Mom - you can see the CASTLE from up here

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After our flight with Dumbo, we visited the Big Top for a little shopping, and as we were walking out, we were lucky enough to catch the Main Street Philharmonic marching band.

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It was time to backtrack a little to prepare for lunch, and that's what's coming up in the next installment.

Almost time for candy...enjoy your night!!

 

[MeghanEmily]

Hey girl. I see you, sitting up there on the hill. Surrounded by trees...washed out by sunlight glaring on the camera lens. You're still pretty.

because if you don't, did you even RIDE??

No picture? Didn't happen.

She mentioned that she might be able to try Barnstormer first to see. But she'd prefer it be at night just in case. She thought riding in the dark would be easier so she couldn't see where she was going, LOL.

Baha I don't get your mom. Riding in the dark is totally scarier (and more fun!) in my opinion.

 

[Raeven]

Um...what? How did you miss the GIGANTIC castle?

I present to you, Awkward Selfie With Bear. See you soon art museum. #Quality

I love it!

My mother did NOT understand my insane Country Bear fangirl freakout, but she just went with it anyway. I tried to explain how cool it was to stumble upon a wandering Shaker the Bear, but she didn't quite get it. That's ok, she posed with us anyway!

I think it's cool!

 

[thumper*]

Following along

Luckily our alarm clock in the room had a white noise option

cool didn't know they had them

so we could check IN over at the Polynesian.

YAY the Polly

We got some Polynesian pixie dust! We'd been upgraded to Club Level. Yep, we'd be residents of Hawaii and the King Kamehameha Club for the week.

Most awesome Pixie Dust

She said she'd been too busy looking at everything else.

Bless her heart

This was my first JC with hyenas instead of the rhino

I wouldn't have noticed if I hadn't heard about hear first.

Looking forward to hearing how lunch went.

 

[missangelalexis]

You guys got so many rides done!! Looks like you were enjoying yourselves