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

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

Your girls trip plans sound great!!! I've always been curious about staying at SSR, I think you can walk to DTD from there!

Seconding loving La Hacienda!

 

[jenbear123]

Your plans look great! Lots of Epcot in there, I like it As far as TIW, I wouldn't go out of my way to eat at TS just because you have the card. If you are going to eat at a lot of TS, then I would recommend getting it. The card is fabulous though because it even gives you a discount on alcohol! Of course....that only matters if you're planning on having a few Even some CS places accept TIW so it never hurts to ask. Let me know if you have any more questions about TIW. I'm on my second card now

 

[that's nice]

Hey there Tina!

I know the fake monorail at MCO is..errrr.... fake but we get excited that it is our first ride in Disney. Although we've been flying into Tampa quite a bit, they have one too!

We have never taken ME yet... but I hear sitting in the front is the way to do it!

MK looked super busy!

I never understood how women wear those shoes while walking miles in a amusement park. (usually Melody is wearing flip flops, I have no idea how she does that)

The picture of you and Max of Buzz is hilarious! He looks like he is ducking from something.

Your Kona dinner looks amazing! I really need to get there for dinner sometime.

Your plans for April look good! Keep in mind that your TIW works at some CS too- Flame tree in AK is one that I remember. Make sure you look at that list of restaurants. I'll see if I can find if for you and post a link.

Found it...
http://www.wdwinfo.com/disneydiningexperience.htm

 

[MEK]

I totally missed this update.

Your plans look great and I hope you like SSR. It really is very pretty and having a 1 BR is certainly nice. You can't beat that. The main pool is lovely and the other pools are pretty nice too. From the Springs it is a bit of a walk to DTD. I always forget the name of the area that sits across from DTD, but that is my absolutely fav area. I love the pool over there and I love the view of DTD.

I have the TIW. I had 2 TS and 2 siggie meals last trip (3 people) and defnitely broke evening and saved some money. I didn't actually figure out how much. So - yes - I would try for TS to try to break evening on your cost of the card so that its all savings the next time you use it.

At AK it does give a discount on some of the CS like Pizzafari and Flame Tree. Check that to confirm.

 

[tinacaplan]

Tina, I think the plans sound great for the gils tirp. Mark and I are actually toying with SSR for our September trip. I'm trying to told off on making our room reservations as I've seen SSR go for $7.00 a point a few weeks before a trip.

We'll be at Downtown Disney the night you arrive, dining at either EOS or WPE.

So, are you thinking of renting points again? I would consider it...if I knew the person I was renting from. Its such a great deal. I have to say that pictures I've seen of SSR look beautiful and their main pool looks amazing. My only hesitation was transportation, as we won't have a car. But, her aunt put requests in for the Springs (which is the section where the restaurants are) and also close to transportation. So, fingers crossed..we get the requests and I think we'll be all set.

I think your plans for April sound great! Sorry, I can't help with the TIW question.

Hey...is that a CRUISE ticker I see??? That sounds like fun.

Girls trip looks fun! I would highly recommend lunch at the Brown Derby. Or dinner. I loved our lunch there on our girls trip, we are tentativley planning a dinner there for Oct. One bedroom, how lovely!!!

Yes, I was not expecting the one bedroom, at all. Granted, I would have slept on the floor for free DVC accomodations, but still...it did make me just a bit more excited.

Hmm...the Brown Derby? That is a possibility. It would be definitely be fun.

Your plans look like a lot of fun! And the spa... oh!! How fun!! A true girls only trip.

Yes...I just can't figure out why I'm not more excited about this trip. I have my moments... but... I don't know. Maybe its because Mark and Max aren't going? I have no idea what my problem is. I'm sure when I get on the plane I'll be excited!

Your girls trip plans sound great!!! I've always been curious about staying at SSR, I think you can walk to DTD from there!

Seconding loving La Hacienda!

Well...I will have plenty of info about SSR when I return. La Hacienda really is wonderful. Wonder how it will be during Illuminations?

Your plans look great! Lots of Epcot in there, I like it As far as TIW, I wouldn't go out of my way to eat at TS just because you have the card. If you are going to eat at a lot of TS, then I would recommend getting it. The card is fabulous though because it even gives you a discount on alcohol! Of course....that only matters if you're planning on having a few Even some CS places accept TIW so it never hurts to ask. Let me know if you have any more questions about TIW. I'm on my second card now

I love EPCOT. It really is my favorite park, hands down. Plus, Flower and Garden? I am SO there.

And, yes...I think I'll get my money's worth out of TIW with the alcohol. Plus, I'll be using it again July and October.

Thanks for the info.

Hey there Tina!

I know the fake monorail at MCO is..errrr.... fake but we get excited that it is our first ride in Disney. Although we've been flying into Tampa quite a bit, they have one too!

Yep...things only true Disney diehards understand.

We have never taken ME yet... but I hear sitting in the front is the way to do it!

I understand why you rent a car with family so close by, but for us it just works out so well. And I love never leaving the Disney bubble.

MK looked super busy!

I never understood how women wear those shoes while walking miles in a amusement park. (usually Melody is wearing flip flops, I have no idea how she does that)

MK was crazy that afternoon. Still fun, though. I think it can be fun no matter what the circumstances, provided you've adjusted your expectations accordingly. I was a bit sad about the Peoplemover, though.

And sometimes (most of the time) flip flops are the most comfortable shoes to wear.

The picture of you and Max of Buzz is hilarious! He looks like he is ducking from something.

Thanks...I loved it! And I've never done so well on that ride.

Your Kona dinner looks amazing! I really need to get there for dinner sometime.

Kona was great. A very nice way to start off our trip food-wise. And super kid-friendly, which is always a plus.

Your plans for April look good! Keep in mind that your TIW works at some CS too- Flame tree in AK is one that I remember. Make sure you look at that list of restaurants. I'll see if I can find if for you and post a link.

Found it...
http://www.wdwinfo.com/disneydiningexperience.htm

Thanks for the link. I'll have to check it out. I kind of can't believe I'm really going back in three weeks.

I totally missed this update.

Your plans look great and I hope you like SSR. It really is very pretty and having a 1 BR is certainly nice. You can't beat that. The main pool is lovely and the other pools are pretty nice too. From the Springs it is a bit of a walk to DTD. I always forget the name of the area that sits across from DTD, but that is my absolutely fav area. I love the pool over there and I love the view of DTD.

I'm actually fine with being far from DTD. I'd much rather be close to a bus and the main food area. I would love to be able to use a mug. We'll see...

I don't know if/when we'll make it over there. I know I'm in the minority, but I don't love DTD and would be fine not going. That said, I've seen the views from some of the rooms in the area closest to DTD and they look gorgeous.

I have the TIW. I had 2 TS and 2 siggie meals last trip (3 people) and defnitely broke evening and saved some money. I didn't actually figure out how much. So - yes - I would try for TS to try to break evening on your cost of the card so that its all savings the next time you use it.

I think I'll get my money's worth between this trip, July, and October. And this trip and October will involve a certain number of drinks.

At AK it does give a discount on some of the CS like Pizzafari and Flame Tree. Check that to confirm.

Cool! I've always wanted to try Flame Tree and I think I might just get there this trip.

 

[twob4him]

Hi!!!
This is so amazing! I am loving your trip report so far.....but more amazing, I think we were neighbors! We stayed in room 1915 over Pres Weekend! Isn't that cool?? I got some of the same pics as you at the Poly! We loved our stay soooo much! Your son is adorable!
Can't wait to hear more,
Cathy

 

[amandaw]

Hey...is that a CRUISE ticker I see??? That sounds like fun.

Why yes, yes it is! I just booked our 2013 vacation this past week. If all stays the same (which it better ) we will be sailing on the Fantasy May 18, 2013 for a 7 night Eastern Caribbean cruise. Right now, I'm more excited about the cruise than our upcoming WDW trip this year. But, I know that'll change once I make ADRs in just a little over a week!

 

[tinacaplan]

Hi!!!
This is so amazing! I am loving your trip report so far.....but more amazing, I think we were neighbors! We stayed in room 1915 over Pres Weekend! Isn't that cool?? I got some of the same pics as you at the Poly! We loved our stay soooo much! Your son is adorable!
Can't wait to hear more,
Cathy

I suppose we were neighbors...but can you believe that I have no idea what our room number was??? All I know is that we were on the first floor of Tokelau, right in the corner, next to the exit that goes right onto the beach.

Thanks, we think he's pretty cute, too!

Why yes, yes it is! I just booked our 2013 vacation this past week. If all stays the same (which it better ) we will be sailing on the Fantasy May 18, 2013 for a 7 night Eastern Caribbean cruise. Right now, I'm more excited about the cruise than our upcoming WDW trip this year. But, I know that'll change once I make ADRs in just a little over a week!

Well...I've signed on to your PTR! So jealous of your cruise. I've yet to convince Mark that a cruise might be a totally great idea. Someday...

 

[tinacaplan]

I apologize for my prolonged trip reporting absence. I’ve been quite busy and sometimes that last thing I want to do after a day full of writing lesson plans is come home and write some more. Really, I would love to have this done before I leave for my April trip, but the likelihood of that is probably slim to none.

Anyway...moving on...

When last we spoke (or you read, depending on how you look at it), we were headed out of the hub and through the castle, because of course, we were headed to Fantasyland! You just cannot beat the feeling of a nearly empty Fantasyland, complete with ample stroller parking, freshly cleaned pavement and walk-on rides all over the place.

Our first stop was for a ride in this magical, flying boat..

Oh, how I love this ride now. While it may very well be an attraction I skip in April (although with BTMRR still closed for refurb, who knows?), you can’t beat it with a kid who loves Peter Pan.

We stopped and grabbed FPs for Peter Pan, knowing we might want to embark on another flight. Then we made our way over to Winnie the Pooh and what has become Max’s favorite queue in all the world.

But Mark had to stop for a chat with his favorite princess. And no, its not me.

See what I mean? Fantasyland was EMPTY!

Well...Mark had spoken to the beauty...now he was on to the Beast!

We then bounced on over to Whinnie the Pooh and his fantastic queue.

Where I snagged a picture of his lovely, polite, young CM. I apologize for taking his picture, but he was very easy-going about and said it happens all the time.

I just cannot get over how silly Max’s get up was this day!

We approached Rabbitt’s garden to see what fun awaited us there.

A little bit of a blurry pic, but I tried to edit it a little and I think I improved it.

Look at my happy boy:

Messing with the gophers:

I didn’t realize until just now how nice this picture is. I love the shot of Beast’s castle in the distance.

It wasn’t long until we were getting into our hunny pot and into our adventure!

 

[MEK]

That last picture is very cool. what a great view!

Mark's pictures are great! Glad he's a good sport and doesn't mind posing with the characters, even when they aren't living and breathing ones.

and Max - OMG - he is too cute with those shades and green crocs! I am shocked how empty Winnie the Pooh was. Wow!

And a cruise ticker - Woo Hoo!

 

[KatMark]

Sweet update. I love the pictures of Max...he's having such a good time. And the photos of Mark talking to "the princess" are too cute.

 

[amandaw]

I completely agree with you about Peter Pan! That's unreal but oh so nice how empty Fantasyland was. And Max looks like he was having a great time in the Winnie the Pooh queu!

Well...I've signed on to your PTR! So jealous of your cruise. I've yet to convince Mark that a cruise might be a totally great idea. Someday...

Thank you so much for joining in on my PTR!

I am super excited about the cruise next year! You should have Mark call Ed & talk to him about Disney cruising. He was so insistent on never doing another cruise after our 1st (absolutely horrible) cruise experience. But, after our 3 nights on the Dream last May, he was completely sold. When I mentioned doing a cruise next year, he didn't put up any resistance. He just sat down & helped me pick out a date.

 

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

There really is nothing better than an empty Fantasyland, I agree!!

The new Winnie the Pooh queue really does look awesome! I've never been through it, next time we go I HAVE to convince DBF to ride!

 

[jenneth79]

Great Update!

That last picture really is cool. I love how Disney uses forced perspective...I can't wait to see what the B&B area of Fantasyland looks like now!!!

 

[glennbo123]

Nice update....should be a great morning, having Fantasyland mostly to yourselves.

As your last picture demonstrates, it'll be interesting to see what new scenery/landscapes we get as the new section of Fantasyland opens up.

 

[eandesmom]

wow, the lack of crowds is really cool!!

 

[annmarieda]

I just love when Mk is so empty. It makes it feel like it is your own private special place.

I think Max's outfit is super cute. Especially the green shoes.

 

[PirateKate]

Being able to take the Monorail back to the resort must have been so convenient. I love your view from the room, too.

I've never been to Kona Cafe for dinner, but if I was going to go, I'd definitely get the tuna oscar. It looks great!

Max looks like he's having a great morning at the Magic Kingdom. I love his sunglasses.

 

[tinacaplan]

That last picture is very cool. what a great view!

Mark's pictures are great! Glad he's a good sport and doesn't mind posing with the characters, even when they aren't living and breathing ones.

and Max - OMG - he is too cute with those shades and green crocs! I am shocked how empty Winnie the Pooh was. Wow!

And a cruise ticker - Woo Hoo!

Mark is great at Disneyworld and loves to goof around like that. And he...um...really, really likes Belle. As in, he sometimes asks if we can dine at Askerhaus...and I'm not sure he's entirely joking.

Especially if you have a little kid and really want to see Fantasyland at its best, making rope drop (or pretty darn close to it) is key. If there is one single piece of advice (aside from making dining ADRS...seriously, people what ARE you thinking??? ) I would give new visitors it would be there to get there early!

I was actually just commenting on another poster's cruise ticker. The only cruise I'll be going on anytime soon is the Junglecruise!

Sweet update. I love the pictures of Max...he's having such a good time. And the photos of Mark talking to "the princess" are too cute.

Got some great pictures that morning! It was great.

I completely agree with you about Peter Pan! That's unreal but oh so nice how empty Fantasyland was. And Max looks like he was having a great time in the Winnie the Pooh queu!

Thank you so much for joining in on my PTR!

I am super excited about the cruise next year! You should have Mark call Ed & talk to him about Disney cruising. He was so insistent on never doing another cruise after our 1st (absolutely horrible) cruise experience. But, after our 3 nights on the Dream last May, he was completely sold. When I mentioned doing a cruise next year, he didn't put up any resistance. He just sat down & helped me pick out a date.

The beginning of our morning was great! I'll leave it at that so as not give away the stunning conclusion of our day. Its my pleasure to be reading your PTR!

Hmm...a phone call...that might work! Actually, it will be a while before we do it. I'm hoping we're able to squeeze one last trip out our APs next February! Believe it or not, they don't expire until the Thursday of our February break! I'm thinking it might be the perfect time to check out AKL!

There really is nothing better than an empty Fantasyland, I agree!!

The new Winnie the Pooh queue really does look awesome! I've never been through it, next time we go I HAVE to convince DBF to ride!

You HAVE to on Winnie the Pooh..if only to experience the queue. And it really is a cute ride!

Great Update!

That last picture really is cool. I love how Disney uses forced perspective...I can't wait to see what the B&B area of Fantasyland looks like now!!!

Thanks! I thought that last pic was pretty cool, too. I can't wait to see the new Fantasyland, either!

Nice update....should be a great morning, having Fantasyland mostly to yourselves.

As your last picture demonstrates, it'll be interesting to see what new scenery/landscapes we get as the new section of Fantasyland opens up.

I can't wait to see it all come together. It will sure make Fantasyland seem much bigger than I ever remember it. Toontown hadn't been built when I went to Disneyworld as a kid. I think it was still there in 2010, but Mark and I never went to MK in the daylight and I'm not sure I even knew it existed. And then it was gone!

wow, the lack of crowds is really cool!!

It was great!

I just love when Mk is so empty. It makes it feel like it is your own private special place.

I think Max's outfit is super cute. Especially the green shoes.

Ah...yes, it does! I agree... You get that same feeling around 2 a.m. , too!

Being able to take the Monorail back to the resort must have been so convenient. I love your view from the room, too.

I've never been to Kona Cafe for dinner, but if I was going to go, I'd definitely get the tuna oscar. It looks great!

Max looks like he's having a great morning at the Magic Kingdom. I love his sunglasses.

The monorail was convenient and I could see how not having to fold up a double stroller would be heavenly, but Max is at the age were he's just about done with his stroller and did not want to sit in it on the monorail anyway. Kids.

Kona was fantastic! You should definitely try it someday.

 

[tinacaplan]

Just a brief real life update... sorry I’ve been so slow with this thing! I can’t even keep up with my own TR, yet alone everyone else’s! Sorry about that. I think I’ll be leaning on the Dis quite a bit over the next few days, though, as we wait for Max’s surgery this Thursday. It is a pretty routine procedure and if all goes well, Max will be fine and back at school come Monday. However, his eye doctor will finally be getting a good look inside the area around Max’s eyeball so he will hopefully figure out what is going on with Max’s eye. Basically, the muscles that control the movement of his right eye don’t work right. He cannot move his eyeball up and down. There is also a nerve misfiring that results in his lazy eye. You may have noticed in pictures that he usually has his mouth open at least somewhat so that both eyes are open. This surgery will hopefully allow his doctor to cut some muscles around his eye to allow for movement. This might result in his droopy eyelid getting worse, which would mean another surgery about six weeks later. Long story short, while this is far from life threatening, it is still nerve wracking and I’m having my share of anxiety now that its so close. Disney and the Dis become quite a wonderful diversion at times like this.

Also, it seems to be taking a bit for Photobucket to catch up with things, so sorry if the pics are showing up extra large. I did re-size them, really I did.

Moving on to more fantastic things.... once we bounced off Winnie the Pooh, Max announced that he was hungry. Allow me just a quick complaint here: why doesn’t MK have more places to grab breakfast? Especially when they’re going to open so early in the morning. I know that we could have walked back over to the Main Street Bakery, but for some reason this seemed like a long walk right then and a big deviation from our touring plan for the day. Seeing as we were so close, we walked over into Tomorrowland and, lucky for us, Auntie Gravity’s was open. We grabbed Max a strawberry banana smoothie and enjoyed a few minutes of rest before we decided to get our race on!

The speedway is a ride I have no problem sitting out, so it was all Mark and Max, while I waited in the stands and took pictures.

I was worried that Mark was having some sort of misunderstanding with the CM. Apparently not.

Mark tried to get Max to look up at me so I could take their picture. Oh well.

We walked over the teacups, yet another ride I won’t do. Spinning like that would probably not agree with me, so again, I sat this one out and took more pictures.

From here, we decided to head over the Haunted Mansion, but alas...it was not meant to be. At least for now. When we got there, several CMs were out in front, letting guests know that the ride was down for the time being.

Oh well...so Mark decided to hang around LIberty Square for a couple of minutes.

And another shot of an empty Magic Kingdom:

Our morning was shaping quite well, I must say. The weather was perfect and Max was in a great mood, not to mention the utter lack of crowds.

And where would our next adventure takes us? To some pirates, perhaps?