Practically Perfect at the Poly? **UPDATE 7/28 -- And We're Back!!

[PopArtGal]

I understand completely what you mean about a resort not being for you. It happened to us at AKL last year. Everyone made is seem so perfect but it wasn't for us. Never be afraid to share your opinion as it can help other people!

 

[brookelizabeth]

As for crossing paths... I will be there while you're there in October, so surely we can work out a time to at least say helllo...oh, and an NYC Dismeet this summer would cool, too.

Ahhh! I forgot you were going to be there in October. I should have known better. Did you end up going with the 2 bed at OKW? That is where we will be! LOVE OKW! The only thing I didn't have such a great experience with were the buses. We waited 40 minutes more than once....not happy. I hope that was just a fluke. The other thing was the craZy sidewalks. The sidewalks just abruptly end and then continue on the other side of the street. It's odd. And annoying with a little one in two. Thankfully there isn't much traffic, so it doesn't feel unsafe by any means...but still... Aside from those two things, BEAUTIFUL resort-oh my goodness. So lush and just pretty, pretty, pretty. We met some of the very nicest Cast Members, it's like they all were sprinkled with extra pixie dust or something there! We are really looking forward to going back.

Oh, and the rooms are HUGE! I'm sure you knew that one, but I had to throw it in there! I can't wait to see the 2-beds.

Being I was obviously really far behind....great report! Sorry to hear the Poly didn't live up to your expectations. The dinged up furniture and plywood is ABSURD for that price point! Did you by any chance send that to Disney with your room number? They truly need to correct that. I've been reading a lot of rumors lately about a giant Poly refurb. I'm not following closely enough to say how legit it is...but it seems to be fairly solid. Like total refurb...putting in hot tubs, bigger pool, new rooms, and a whole new Grand Ceremonial House (since the thing is ancient and basically falling apart...). We'll see! It would be exciting.

Have a fantastic trip!!!

 

[tinacaplan]

I understand completely what you mean about a resort not being for you. It happened to us at AKL last year. Everyone made is seem so perfect but it wasn't for us. Never be afraid to share your opinion as it can help other people!

Its true! I'm sorry you didn't love AKL,though. Its on my must-stay (someday) list!

Ahhh! I forgot you were going to be there in October. I should have known better. Did you end up going with the 2 bed at OKW? That is where we will be! LOVE OKW! The only thing I didn't have such a great experience with were the buses. We waited 40 minutes more than once....not happy. I hope that was just a fluke. The other thing was the craZy sidewalks. The sidewalks just abruptly end and then continue on the other side of the street. It's odd. And annoying with a little one in two. Thankfully there isn't much traffic, so it doesn't feel unsafe by any means...but still... Aside from those two things, BEAUTIFUL resort-oh my goodness. So lush and just pretty, pretty, pretty. We met some of the very nicest Cast Members, it's like they all were sprinkled with extra pixie dust or something there! We are really looking forward to going back.

Oh, and the rooms are HUGE! I'm sure you knew that one, but I had to throw it in there! I can't wait to see the 2-beds.

Being I was obviously really far behind....great report! Sorry to hear the Poly didn't live up to your expectations. The dinged up furniture and plywood is ABSURD for that price point! Did you by any chance send that to Disney with your room number? They truly need to correct that. I've been reading a lot of rumors lately about a giant Poly refurb. I'm not following closely enough to say how legit it is...but it seems to be fairly solid. Like total refurb...putting in hot tubs, bigger pool, new rooms, and a whole new Grand Ceremonial House (since the thing is ancient and basically falling apart...). We'll see! It would be exciting.

Have a fantastic trip!!!

We did end up choosing OKW! What are your dates? We're there October 18th (really late that night) to the 22nd (when we have a pretty late flight home). So perhaps we can finally meet!

Everyone has told us the two bedrooms are huge! If its as nice as SSR was, I'll be a happy girl. I was quite suprised at home much I liked SSR. Still don't love the theme, but the whole place was just beautiful.

I'm much more into the theme at OKW, though, and we passed it everytime we went back to SSR, and what little of it I could see from the main road looked beautiful.

Speaking of meeting, I did end up getting my February vacation back! Thank goodness! I was so bummed about the prospect of never having a vacation with Mark and Max again. Point being, I'd love to go that week, as our APs expire that Wednesday and I wouldn't mind having another day or two where we didn't go to a park at the end of our trip. While my husband hasn't said yes, he hasn't said no, either. I mean, we have APs, its like we get to go for free! We could very well be there that week, too!

As for the Poly...you put it perfectly...the situation in our room, in particular, was absurd for that kind of money. I feel like the Poly is sort of getting by on its location at this point.

I would love to see a massive refurb of it, though. They have great restaurants. Kona has quickly become one of my favorites. Obviously the location is magical. Where else can you get views of the castle like that? And I really love the theme. But that pool is ridiculously small...and whose idea was it to re-build the volcano pool without a hot tub???

That said, Mark did not like the theme, so its doubtful no matter what they do, that we'll ever stay there again. Mark loves the BC! Sorry, I still get a kick out of the idea that my husband (whose frugal on a good day) is so in love with a deluxe resort.

Thanks...I've so excited for to have a whole eight days in Florida!

 

[tinacaplan]

In an effort to save a little money, I really looked at my ADRs from a purely financial standpoint. I decided that two character meals and two signatures on a trip without the dining plan was crazy. When I really thought about how much the character buffets cost, and the reality that Max has done a number of them already, I went ahead and cancelled both Tusker House lunch and our Crystal Palace breakfast. The Tusker House change doesn't bother me at all. I'm fairly certain they gave me some sort of food poisoning the last time we were there. Plus, this means we'll probably have lunch at Flametree, which I tried in April and loved. Oh, and you can use a TiW card there. Bonus!

Due to the ADR time I could get and trying to get back to the Beach Club in time to pick up Max before it closes at midnight, we are taking Max with us to Cali Grill to celebrate our anniversary. I keep searching for an earlier ADR there, but there are none to be found. I plan on showing up at least twenty-five minutes early for our ADR and seeing what happens. I also want a window seat, so we'll see how that all turns out! I also just realized my husband and I could go there earlier and try and get seats at the bar and then not have to worry about pick up time. So many options with that one.

Moving on...I am also cancelling Flying Fish as our Kid's Club Night. Its just too much to do two signatures in one week. I still want to have a kid-free night, though, so I think we'll drop Max off at the Sandcastle Club and then for a stroll through World Showcase. I'd really like to be able to watch Illuminations without any disturbance from my adorable, but at times unpredictable, five year old.

All told, I actually think I shaved close to $500 off of our food costs for the trip, if you can believe it.

 

[amandaw]

I think those are some good changes you made! I especially like the idea of y'all strolling thru World Showcase while Max is in the club. I think that will be a lot of fun! Flame Tree is so good, right?

 

[jenneth79]

I think you've done a good job with those changes! We're looking at that ourselves for our October trip... I'm starting to line different meals on the chopping block. Crystal Palace was the first to go...just can't justify spending that much money for an ADR that doesn't get us into the park early AND we're not big breakfast eaters. Hollywood Brown Derby lunch is in the cross hairs next....

 

[eandesmom]

I can believe it!!!! We saved a chunk canceling our non character brunches. I hope you can figure out a way to do Cali kid free but if not, a walk around the world is just lovely!!!!

 

[MEK]

I know those character meals really add up. I am all about saving money and sometimes too many ADRs gets overwhelming. I have had trips where I am tired of having to show up for ADRs, especially when I don't want to spend two hours in a restaurant.

Tweaking is always fun and an adult evening in Epcot sounds awesome!

 

[KatMark]

I think you made a wise decision on your ADR's. Although, I must be honest and tell you that I could NOT give up my Crystal Palace (which I just looked and I see it takes the TIW card which I will be getting for our trip in September ).

 

[tinacaplan]

I think those are some good changes you made! I especially like the idea of y'all strolling thru World Showcase while Max is in the club. I think that will be a lot of fun! Flame Tree is so good, right?

I think our night out at WS will work out quite nicely, especially since I love Illuminations. And the Grey Goose slushes don't hurt, either. I had one in April and it hit the spot, for sure, and I'm not even a big drinker.

I think you've done a good job with those changes! We're looking at that ourselves for our October trip... I'm starting to line different meals on the chopping block. Crystal Palace was the first to go...just can't justify spending that much money for an ADR that doesn't get us into the park early AND we're not big breakfast eaters. Hollywood Brown Derby lunch is in the cross hairs next....

The buffets are hard to justify, for sure. My husband and I aren't huge breakfast people, either, but my son is, so we need some sort of balance. I think I'm going to pack a box of cereal for him, actually.

I can believe it!!!! We saved a chunk canceling our non character brunches. I hope you can figure out a way to do Cali kid free but if not, a walk around the world is just lovely!!!!

I think it will be. I am not having any luck on making our Cali ADR early enough to feel comfortable making it back to the BC in time to pick Max up from the Sandcastle Club. And even if we could, I honestly don't want to keep the poor kid there 'till midnight. Doesn't seem like solid parenting. Plus, every time I've been at Cali Grill (OK, once since 2010, but still) I'm always amazed at the number of kids there. Of any of the signatures, I'd say its the most kid-friendly by far. And I can't say I mind celebrating our anniversary with Max.

I know those character meals really add up. I am all about saving money and sometimes too many ADRs gets overwhelming. I have had trips where I am tired of having to show up for ADRs, especially when I don't want to spend two hours in a restaurant.

Tweaking is always fun and an adult evening in Epcot sounds awesome!

Well...I checked out your CP pics on your TR and they made me re-consider the CP. And its back!

I'm sure I'll tweak some things even further once we're there. I've been known to do that. The Disney mobile app makes it super easy, too.

I think you made a wise decision on your ADR's. Although, I must be honest and tell you that I could NOT give up my Crystal Palace (which I just looked and I see it takes the TIW card which I will be getting for our trip in September ).

Well, Kathy...CP is back on! I tend to agree with you that its pretty much the best character breakfast there is. And we do have TiW, so it will be a bit less expensive.

I did love having the TiW card. I broke even with it before my April trip was even over, so all its going to do on this trip is save me money. Its pretty great that adult beverages are included, too.

 

[tinacaplan]

While I had not planned on doing a TR for April, I realized that I had to tack on a few updates to the end of this one, as I took a smattering of really great photographs and we had some truly magical moments.

True confession: I didn’t feel guilty about leaving Max for a few days. For one, he was in school the entire time, which he loves. For another, he was with his daddy, who takes excellent care of him on a regular basis. He’s basically Mr. Mom (for anyone who remembers that kind of awful Michael Keaton movie from the 80s). And, well...this was my first solo travelling experience in over ten years!

As many of you know, this trip came about because of a weird twist of fate. A co worker, the lovely and talented Lauren had been given a week, free, in a one bedroom villa at Saratoga Springs, courtesy of her aunt who either has a TON of points, or just doesn’t use them at all anymore. Either way it meant free Disney lodgings for Lauren and I. Woo-hoo! And I had the AP just burning a hole in my pocket! I should also mention that Lauren teaches fifth grade, is a truly gifted teacher, and has the total elementary-school, shiny happy people, sort of personality that makes travelling with her a pleasure. She was also more than happy to let me lead her around.

So off I went to make some plane reservations. Now the joke at school is: even mention Disneyworld and I will immediately book plane tickets.

I went to the airport all by myself and valet parked my car all by myself. Now, I’m far from a dependent woman, incapable of doing things on her own, but travelling on my own I hadn’t done since my twentiese, when my dad was still happy to drop me off at the airport.

So I felt a little giggly as I boarded the plane. And then, well...I felt not so giggly once I realized where the seat I’d be wedged into for the flight. Somehow I had ended up in the last boarding group on SW, which put between a very nice woman on some sort of business trip and a rather large man. This might not have been so bad, had the larger man not been so uncomfortable with the whole thing. I mean, come on, we’re packed in here like sardines, don’t make it seem as though our legs touching is the end of the world. Its gonna happen!

I had downloaded a few episodes of Cougartown (incidentally, it takes place in Florida, stars Courtney Cox who I practically grew up with, is super funny, and will be back on TBS sometime next year...watch it!) and Modern Family and found this kept me adequately entertained for most of the trip. That is, until I began to eavesedrop on the conversation behind me. Now, I am pretty much not at all religious. I prefer to think of myself as a secular humanist. That said, I was raised Catholic and went to Catholic high school and unlike some folks, I had mostly good memories of my time with the nuns. The people sitting behind me were decided Protestant and for some reason spent the next twenty minutes or so going on about how weird Catholics were. OK, fine, we are...but there was just a lot of misinformation going back and forth. The woman sitting to my right also picked up on it and I considered (briefly) saying something, but I let it go. Because at the end of the day, who the heck am I to judge?

I just realized I went from Cougartown to Catholicism in a single paragraph. Woo hoo for travelling single.

I was, per usual, thrilled to be on the faux-o-rail and glimpse my first palm trees. I realize that the entire state is not Disneyworld, but something about the climate and the plam trees and the near constant sunshine has made me really want to move here, despite how impractical that would be for us right now.

I made my usual stop at Starbucks for my post-Dramamine caffeine fix.

I stopped to take this picture with my phone in the atrium, on my way to DME.

Before I knew it, I was arriving at SSR. I had been a bit dissapointed with our resort, as SSR is probably the resort I am least interested in staying at (as far as DVC/deluxes go) but...it was...um...free, so I think I could have stayed at All Stars Sports and been happy. I have to say, though, that SSR is a beautiful resort and would have no complaints about staying there again.

As you can see, there’s a lot of horsey-stuff around. I was surprise by how pastel-y everything was. The landscaping was beautiful.

Note: Lauren does not actually appear anywhere in this phot.

I found Lauren relaxing pool-side, which as lovely rock formations and a very nice, secluded hot tub, but we’ll get to that later.

We had a very short walk to our villa. I think we were in one of the closest buildings to the main area, which was great. The sheer size of SSR had worried me a bit. Any resort that has its own internal transportation system is cause for some alarm for me.

The villa itself was really lovely. Clean, neat and spacious. The bathrooms are laid out a bit oddly, as you have to go through the shower area to get to the toilet. But at least they were all separate, which afforded us a nice level of privavcy when we wanted it.

The fountain in the pond that is behind the Springs bus stop. It was also the view from our balcony, but at a slightly different angle.

I dropped my bags and we may have hung out for a bit but I had the clipboard of fun with me, and I was on a mission. I had to get to Guest Services, so we jumped on a bus to the Magic Kingdom. I know I am in the minority here, but I actually like the busses. Maybe its because our first two trips were to CSR, where its nothing but busses and we had nothing but good experiences. Whem I got in line to purchase my very first Tables in Wonderland card. Yeah! Twenty percent off food and beverages! Woo-hoo!

I had chosen Kona for our first meal.

Who doesn’t love a Lapu Lapu in that beautiful atmosphere? We had a bit of a wait for our table, so we went over the Tambu Tambu lounge where I immediately order a Lapu Laup, because when you’re at the Poly, is there really anything else? As soon as Lauren saw the bartender pull out the giant pineapple (which are kept individually bagged in some secret, under bar refrigerator, in case you were curious) in which my drink would be made, her eyes grew wide. Of course, she ordered one, too.

Here is a picture of her drinking one for the very first time.

Our dinner was great. We started with a sushi sampler, as suggested by our incredibly competent server. I’m still dreaming about the tuna poke, which you can see resting on the things that look like some kind of chips. I can’t wait to have it again in a week.

I had the Tuna Oscar and another drink, which I admit I was kinda feeling by that point. Our server was kind enough ot point out that the Lapu is essentially a Mai Tai, so having already had my pineapple-y goodness, I went with that, as they’re a few dollars cheaper and, well, that giant pineapple can get a bit unwieldy at the dinner table.

Don’t remember what Lauren had. No matter. We paid our bill and went out to the beach, where we found a couple empty lounge chairs and settled in to watch Wishes. I have to admit that the Poly is really romantic. I did, for a fleeting moment, wish that Mark had been there.

One thing we were by this point was relaxed; we had hit vacation mode and any stress and worries from school felt like they were a million miles away. I mean check out this view:

After Wishes was over, we walked over the pontoon boats, aka my favorite Disney boats on property. There we are sailing by Narcoosee’s. Before we knew it, we were disembarking for the Magic Kingdom.

Doesn’t Lauren look excited??

cont. in next post

 

[tinacaplan]

cont. from previous post

But our magical evening would not end there. No. I had more tricks up my sleeve. There were evening EMHs at MK that night! I love evening EMHs! I find them to be totally worth it, even during heavy crowd weeks.

We walked up Main Street and took in the sights and smells.

Lauren was up for some dessert at that point, so we walked right into the bakery.

We both got those somewhat awful iced mocha things they sell and Lauren got some cookies and I just went for it with a cinnamon roll. The cinamon roll was light and airy and covered in yummy icing. It was heavenly and obviously very fresh.

And there I was, thinking our night couldn’t get much better when we walk right out into the perfect position from which to watch the MSEP. I hadn’t seen this since I was a little girl and it was amazing. I’ll let the pictures speak for themselves.

Once the parade was over we headed here:

And I apparently gave up on my camera, because I was way too busy running around the MK at night, like a small child run amok.

We took a jungle cruise. The CM asked us if we’d ridden before and offered the usual trip or the special info behind the scenes tour. Since we’d been on it previously, we got somewhat of a combo deal. It was entertaining nonetheless. After our cruise, there’s only one place to go...the Pirates of the Carribean, of course!

Next up, a ride I’ve never ridden before: Splash Mountain! It was a walk-on, or in our case, a run-on because we ran right through the queue. Right up until the big drop, I was freaking out. From the bridge, that drop looks huge and drops scare me. Except once I actually did this, one I realized it really isn’t bad at all.
I wished, again, for the one wish Disney was just refusing to make come true: BTMRR was still closed.

We then made our way back through the park. We stopped in at the Haunted Mansion and played in the new queue. It was my first time I had been it. Being the nerdy teachers we are, we spent several minutes playing with the bookcase. The new queue is really great. We give it an “A.” The ride itself was great, as usual. I’m always amazed at the incredible detail on this ride.

From there, we ran into Fantasyland, where we rode Peter Pan and IASW. While IASW is far my favorite ride (OK, I secretly despite it and its horrendous song), it just so classically Disney, how can you not do it? Plus, I find the hula girls to be totally adorable.

We had one more mountain to counter before we headed back to SSR: Space Mountain! This was also a walk-on, and we rode it three or four times before we called it a night.

Clearly, our trip was off to a out of this world start!

 

[KatMark]

Well, Kathy...CP is back on! I tend to agree with you that its pretty much the best character breakfast there is. And we do have TiW, so it will be a bit less expensive.

I did love having the TiW card. I broke even with it before my April trip was even over, so all its going to do on this trip is save me money. Its pretty great that adult beverages are included, too.

Glad to hear CP is back on.

Adult beverages are included? Seriously? That may have been a mistake telling me that.

Love the update of your first day/evening on your "solo" trip. It sounds like you girls had a great first day.

 

[tinacaplan]

Adult beverages are included? Seriously? That may have been a mistake telling me that.
.

No one told you that??? They are! Not the cart ones, but the ones at TS locations that take TiW to begin with.

 

[eandesmom]

wow! What a fun fun first day and night. How perfect, lapu lapu, yummy dinner, fireworks on the beach and EMH at the MK with apparently no waits for anything and a magically appearing MSEP!

Great start to a wonderful girls trip!!

 

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

What a great arrival day!!! Lapu Lapu's and Wishes AND the Electrical Parade?? Definitely Disney nirvana right there!!

 

[MEK]

Your arrival day sounds absolutely perfect. I remember when my kids where little and it really was amazing to be "let loose" without them. I can only imagine how great a girl's trip must have been. As much as you missed Max, it must have been great to feel that freedom.

I'm so glad you liked SSR. I really think I want to stay there in Oct 2013. I originally wanted to stay at AKL, but the pastel buildings just called to me on this last trip. We'll see what happens.

I love the tuna oscar at Kona. It is so amazing. Yum!

I must admit, I have not had a lapu lapu yet. I guess I need to change that in October.

I can't see you pics yet, but I'm sure they are geat!

 

[glennbo123]

Wow, what a great start. Check-in, sushi at Kona, and then a parade and a ton of rides at MK....Fantastic!!

Was Lauren amazed at your tourguide abilities, or what?

 

[tinacaplan]

wow! What a fun fun first day and night. How perfect, lapu lapu, yummy dinner, fireworks on the beach and EMH at the MK with apparently no waits for anything and a magically appearing MSEP!

Great start to a wonderful girls trip!!

It was incredible! I am sitting here, laughing out loud, because it truly was perfect. The fact that it a lot of what made it so incredible wasn't even planned! I had no idea crowds would be so light when we went, a couple of weeks after Easter and way after most schools' spring breaks. Makes me think that time of the year wouldn't be a bad time to, except that we usually have such great weather here.

What a great arrival day!!! Lapu Lapu's and Wishes AND the Electrical Parade?? Definitely Disney nirvana right there!!

Yep, Disney nirvana is a perfect way to put it!

Your arrival day sounds absolutely perfect. I remember when my kids where little and it really was amazing to be "let loose" without them. I can only imagine how great a girl's trip must have been. As much as you missed Max, it must have been great to feel that freedom.

I'm so glad you liked SSR. I really think I want to stay there in Oct 2013. I originally wanted to stay at AKL, but the pastel buildings just called to me on this last trip. We'll see what happens.

I love the tuna oscar at Kona. It is so amazing. Yum!

I must admit, I have not had a lapu lapu yet. I guess I need to change that in October.

I can't see you pics yet, but I'm sure they are geat!

I was really pleasantly surprised by SSR. I didn't think I'd like it, but I really did.

If you like rum drinks, Lapus are the way to go. At least once!

Wow, what a great start. Check-in, sushi at Kona, and then a parade and a ton of rides at MK....Fantastic!!

Was Lauren amazed at your tourguide abilities, or what?

Yes, it was incredible. Lots of Like I said, there was a lot I didn't have control over. We had no issues with transportation, a wonderful server for our pre-meal cocktails, and very light crowds at MK. But, yes, I must say that she was quite impressed with my tourguide abilities. I have the Dis to thank for most it, though!

 

[Moira222]

Hi Tina i am back and all caught up! Max is such a cutie pie.

I hear what you are saying about your disappointment in Poly. Hey, it happens! And yeah, stormalong bay just rocks! We are going to at least attempt a split stay next time so Katie can enjoy that pool!

I had something of an Up themed trup in June. Love that love story. So how sweet of Mark to buy you the Ellie badge.
Are you goint to tr for your next trip? which is in just a few days!!!,,if i dont get back over have a great trip!
Still jealous of your solo trip with a girlfriend.