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

[tinacaplan]

Just got caught up with everything! So glad your little guy is doing better, it is awful watching them wake up from sedation.

Tom Sawyer island looks so neat...we haven't explored it yet but hope to on our next trip! Looking forward to more!

Just glad its over and done with, that's for sure.

Tom Sawyer Island was fun...but one mistake I made was telling Max that there was a playground, which it really isn't, as he wanted to go there pretty much from the very start of the day. And four year olds have one track minds, for sure. But we still managed to have a wonderful time!

I'm here. Kinda late, sorry.

I'm off to read.

You're not late at all...just getting started. Still not done with day one yet.

 

[tinacaplan]

Once we reached the mainland, it was becoming increasingly apparent that lunch was necessarry...and soon! Luckily, from where we were standing, Pecos Bill’s was to our right and Columbia Harbor House was to our left. I truly had no preference; I could finally get to try CHH, or I’d get (truly disgusting...I’m ashamed to admit that I’ll eat this and LIKE it) cheese fries at Pecos Bill’s. Max, on the other hand, was about three seconds away from meltdown mode. Oh, and while we were away? MK had gotten decidedly more crowded. Not crazy-town crowded, but not empty the way it had been.

We sat down for a minute to assess our options and Max announced he wanted mac and cheese. Well...where would I find that? Oh...right...so off to Columbia Harbor House we went. I had been wanting to try this place after hearing so many positive things about it, plus, how much fried food can one person consume in a five day period? Plus, I really like a good tunafish sandwich.

The restaurant was not that busy, but there were lines. And I absolutely chose the wrong one. Once Mark had decided what he wanted, I sent him and the boy off to find a table upstairs, while I waited behind a really obnoxious woman who could not seem to get her own order straight and was acting as if this was the fault of the CM.

Aside from making rope drop at MK, if I had one piece of advice it would be this: do your dining research! These places are busy. If you have no ADRs, please don’t expect to waltz in to whatever sit down restaurant you choose. Have a clue about what’s on the menu at the CS places. I’m down with my rant now... I also do not appreciate when people are rude to CMs. Nearly every CM on property is there to make your stay more magical and they are helpful, full of smiles, and they have turned our day around on more than one occassion. So, be nice to them people... OK, so maybe my rant wasn’t over.

Yep..now it is.

I finally made my way up to order and I knew exactly what I was getting: a tuna sandwich! Max had the mac and cheese and Mark got the lobster roll.

Max’s mac and cheese:

The verdict? Yummy! I was quite pleased. Sure, at the end of the day, my sandwich was JUST tuna salad, but it was very good.

I also have to say that I really enjoy Disney’s privately packed potato chips. They are kettle style and really good delicious.

Mark got the lobster roll, which was also quite good.

Lobster rolls are a funny thing here in New England. In Maine, where vitually all NE lobster is from, you’ll find lobster rolls served like Mark’s, which is to say in a mayonnaise salad. In CT, they’re done in butter and are quite delish, but this is far from the norm. Point being that Mark’s lobster roll was yummy, too.

So... yes, a big thumbs up for Columbia Harbor House. I would highly recommend this place, especially if you’re looking for something different from your average CS experience. I am rather impressed that Disneyworld offers so many different CS options.
It was also nice to just sit down for a second and breathe. The whole morning had felt like we were on the go, probably because we were. We had a great time in the process, though.

When we left CHH, we discovered that whatever issue had been preventing new guests from visiting the Haunted Mansion had been resolved and we got in line.

The line that did not feature all the new cool stuff. Oh well. I was really nervous about how Max was going to react to this. Our wait was brief and we were soon in the shrinking room. Several people began screaming right away, which annoyed me a bit, only because I didn’t need anything else to scare Max. We made it through the mansion unscathed, relatively speaking.

Max was a little freaked out by the ride and really wanted nothing more than to go back to the Poly and go swimming. And who I am to argue with that? However, Max’s stroller was parked way back in Fantasyland. Which, by two in the afternoon, looked like this:

And I’m not even sure that captures just how crazy busy the park was at that point. That is just a crowd level I cannot deal with. I couldn’t wait to get out of their, climb up the little hill, and get on that monorail!

We got back to the Poly and I got these shots of Max in the waiting area for ‘Ohana. I have no idea where Mark had gone. Perhaps the bathroom? Who knows...all I know is that I got a few really cute pictures of Max:

We headed back to our room, where Mark decided he’d prefer some quiet time (a nap) to going to the pool, so Max and I headed out on our own. I have no pictures of this excursion. Sorry!
And let me warn all of the Poly lovers here before I go any further...what I am about to say may not be very popular, but it is my opinion. Let me also say that we are really big on pools and they are a huge part of our resort choices. I knew the volcano slide was going to be under refurb, but all the pictures I had seen were of a beautiful lagoon surrounded by lush vegetation and a view of the caste. The castle. You could see the castle from the pool! Wow. OK.

Ah...but the reality just did not match my expectations. Mostly because of size. I swear that the slide notwithstanding, the pool at my mother’s condo is bigger. And even though I knew going in that there was no hot tub, once I was there, I realized it really did bother me. I also had a tough time finding the floatation vests and there weren’t any CMs around who seemed to want to help me. This was in stark contrast with the lovely CMs we had encountered at the Beach Club last July, including the lifeguards.

So..was my love of the Poly evaporating like so much water from the pool? We shall see... but up next...dinner at EPCOT and our first ride from the TTC!

 

[amandaw]

CHH looks really yummy! Ok, I think we are definitely going to have to try it out this year!

I'm glad to hear that Max made it through Haunted Mansion ok even if he didn't love it. At least he tried it! The Shrinking Room is my biggest fear with Reid. I've been trying to talk to him about it - letting him know that it's dark, with pretend spooky fun like ghosts. And I told him that Mickey wouldn't let anything bad happen to him in his park. I hope this works! Max gives me hope!

I have never stayed at Poly but we have visited on different occasions for meals & have always walked around sightseeing. I completely agree with you about the pool there - it is small. And it always seems really crowded.

I believe that I have come to a decision and have changed our ADR to Kona. If it were me, alone, that's absolutely the choice I'd make, so I'm running with that.

I think that's a great choice!

 

[PopArtGal]

I totally agree with you on the airport security. And for me, it normally means being searched. I guess I look like a criminal lol

I am not afraid of flying either but being a teacher has made me hyperactive... I need to move lol

 

[jennyjinx3]

Yes! We too had a hard time finding life jackets at the pool, it was a search to get them for sure. But when we did get it we held onto it until the morning of our check out. We were there during slow season so the pool was not that crowded but I can imagine how much smaller it would seem in a busy time. Hope you got your love back for the Poly!!

 

[PopArtGal]

I understand what you mean about not having to work on a week end. It seems I work all the time and let my job take over my life.

 

[PopArtGal]

I love relaxing at the resort from time to time. After all, this is a vacation. And as teachers, we never stop. Don't we deserve to stop and read a good book once in a while? hehe

 

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

I'm glad to hear that your lunch at CHH was good! I've been really curious to try there, but the one time we actually got over there for lunch, it was PACKED! No, thanks!

Oh, how I hate when people do the fake scream thing. Seriously?? They're either annoying all of us or scaring the little ones!

(I know I sound like the biggest grump in this response, I swear I'm not! )

I'm sorry to hear the Poly pool didn't quite live up to expectations. Maybe if the slide had been open, it would have at least given you a new area to explore.

 

[MEK]

I love the tuna sandwich at CHH! It's the best! I could eat that 3 times a week if it was available. One of these days I should try the lobster roll!

Sorry you did not love the Poly pool. I guess it is a bit on the small side. I did DVC pool hop there when I was staying at BLT and I did like the whole beach/pool/castle thing. But, then again - I was more focused on the adult beverages than swimming. Shock - I know!

Be back later to see pics.

And will be in contact shortly so we can nail down our joint ADR for October. Let me talk to Cynthia, the master planner for an itinerary check!

 

[dizneeat]

More cute photos of your sweet little guy!

No comment on the Poly and it's pool as we did talk about that when we met!

 

[natebenma]

I love Columbia Harbor House! It is my favorite CS at MK. The tuna sandwich is my favorite too. I'm glad to hear the lobster roll was ok. I have read mixed reviews on that.

I also agree about the screamers on Haunted Mansion. Annoying! My youngest son was scared of that attraction for the longest time and that was why! For awhile we asked the CMs if we could skip the shrinking room, and they let us, but now Ben is too old for that and we make him suck it up!

Sorry that your pool experience at the Poly was not great.

 

[PopArtGal]

Glad to hear the surgery went well!!

 

[Missyrose]

I'm back! Glad to hear Max is on the mend. What a lovely Fantasy, Andventureland-y kind of morning. You guys got a lot of stuff accomplished. Isn't it crazy how quickly the parks go from deserted to jam packed?!?!? Max had the right idea, too many people is a great excuse to head back to the resort for a little pool time.

As far as your Kona vs. Wave dilemma... I say Kona but ONLY if you get to Wishes from inside MK another night during your girls trip. Watching Wishes from the Poly is delightful and peaceful, but it never feels like a real substitute for standing in front of the castle with the music blaring. You get to go so soon! I'm soooooo excited for you!

 

[tinacaplan]

I totally agree with you on the airport security. And for me, it normally means being searched. I guess I look like a criminal lol

I am not afraid of flying either but being a teacher has made me hyperactive... I need to move lol

I doubt you look like a criminal...I just don't like it. Makes me uncomfortable.

Yes! We too had a hard time finding life jackets at the pool, it was a search to get them for sure. But when we did get it we held onto it until the morning of our check out. We were there during slow season so the pool was not that crowded but I can imagine how much smaller it would seem in a busy time. Hope you got your love back for the Poly!!

Actually, the pool was pretty empty when we were there. I don't want to give away too much, and I know just how much people love the Poly and I respect that, but it became increasingly clear as the week wore on that it just wasn't the resort for us.

I understand what you mean about not having to work on a week end. It seems I work all the time and let my job take over my life.

Oh...that happens far too easily. I've been working very hard this year to figure out some boundaries. So, I work pretty late at school (don't know how it is up there, but we don't get kicked out of our building and have keys, so we can stay as late as we want) a couple of days a week and leave my weekends and one or two nights free. Also means not taking work home, which helps, too.

I love relaxing at the resort from time to time. After all, this is a vacation. And as teachers, we never stop. Don't we deserve to stop and read a good book once in a while? hehe

I'm big on relaxing at the resort, although I don't think I'll be doing much of that on my April trip. I want to pack as much park stuff in as I possibly can because this one of the only times in my life, probably, when I'll be able to do exactly what I want.

I'm glad to hear that your lunch at CHH was good! I've been really curious to try there, but the one time we actually got over there for lunch, it was PACKED! No, thanks!

Oh, how I hate when people do the fake scream thing. Seriously?? They're either annoying all of us or scaring the little ones!

(I know I sound like the biggest grump in this response, I swear I'm not! )

I'm sorry to hear the Poly pool didn't quite live up to expectations. Maybe if the slide had been open, it would have at least given you a new area to explore.

CHH was great, although I can totally see not wanting to deal with a big crowd in there. And yes, the fake screaming annoys me, too and you don't sound grumpy at all. Of course, this is coming from the girl who screams like a maniac on roller coasters, so...

Yep...not sure that the slide would have done it. Truthfully, SAB completely, totally spoiled us. Why weren't we warned???

I love the tuna sandwich at CHH! It's the best! I could eat that 3 times a week if it was available. One of these days I should try the lobster roll!

CHH was great. We really had great luck with meals this trip. Thankfully, as I was beginning to seriously lose faith in all Disney dining.

Sorry you did not love the Poly pool. I guess it is a bit on the small side. I did DVC pool hop there when I was staying at BLT and I did like the whole beach/pool/castle thing. But, then again - I was more focused on the adult beverages than swimming. Shock - I know!

You know... I had rather similar thoughts when I was there; like the pool would be great for couples and some adult bevies pool side, not so much for people who want to really get in the water, particularly with kids. It is beautiful, though, but in my opinion, kind of poorly designed.

And will be in contact shortly so we can nail down our joint ADR for October. Let me talk to Cynthia, the master planner for an itinerary check!

No worries...my godmother (who has been best friends with my mom since they were five) is coming along for the adventure, too. And I think I'm going to stay 'till Monday night. I think, therefore, if we still do dinner Saturday that I'll go on my own because I'll still have dinner with them two of the three nights, which seems reasonable to me. I do get to see both my mom (she lives ten minutes away) and my godmother quite a bit. And I have no idea if that made sense or not....

More cute photos of your sweet little guy!

No comment on the Poly and it's pool as we did talk about that when we met!

Thanks, Karin!

I love Columbia Harbor House! It is my favorite CS at MK. The tuna sandwich is my favorite too. I'm glad to hear the lobster roll was ok. I have read mixed reviews on that.

I also agree about the screamers on Haunted Mansion. Annoying! My youngest son was scared of that attraction for the longest time and that was why! For awhile we asked the CMs if we could skip the shrinking room, and they let us, but now Ben is too old for that and we make him suck it up!

Sorry that your pool experience at the Poly was not great.

Could I please scream from the roof tops that Storm Along Bay is the greatest???? We were totally spoiled and I wish I had realized that before we made this reservation. Now, keep in mind, it did not ruin our trip and in many ways we had more magical moments during this trip than any other trip so far...just not necessarily at the resort.

Glad to hear the surgery went well!!

Thanks!

 

[annmarieda]

I like CHH. Did you eat upstairs? It is my favorite place to just kick back, inside of MK.

That crowd pic is scary!!! I can see why you left the park. I am not sure, but it seems like crowds are getting worse. My trips before our last... we would go to the park and stay all day. Last trip it didnt seem to be as easy to do.

Sorry to hear your pool expectations were not necessarily met. Pool wise, I would expect a certain greatness from any of the deluxe resorts. Sounds like it just isnt the case for Poly?

 

[tinacaplan]

I like CHH. Did you eat upstairs? It is my favorite place to just kick back, inside of MK.

That crowd pic is scary!!! I can see why you left the park. I am not sure, but it seems like crowds are getting worse. My trips before our last... we would go to the park and stay all day. Last trip it didnt seem to be as easy to do.

Sorry to hear your pool expectations were not necessarily met. Pool wise, I would expect a certain greatness from any of the deluxe resorts. Sounds like it just isnt the case for Poly?

We did eat upstairs (I don't miss a tip on here! ) and it was a lovely break.

There was not way we were staying. You could not even move. We'll see how I do with staying all day this trip. But...I also need to rest and relax a bit, too, so we'll see how sucessful I am.

I did expect, as you put it, a certain greatness and sadly, it just wasn't there. And we are BIG pool people. I had no idea from the pictures that the pool was a small as is.

 

[pinkxray]

So glad that all went well with Max's surgery How is he doing now?

Your trip is so close. I can't wait to hear all about SSR. I having been daydreaming of staying there soon. Something about the DTD view and the short walk to WPE draws me in. The pool looks like so much fun but I do worry about the size and the buses.

I am really loving your honest Poly reviews. All the little things that seem to bother you are the reason that I always end up dropping the Poly off my top resort choice. The pool is so tiny and seriously, no hot tub? We spend too much time at the resort and the pool is very important in our choice too.

CHH looks great. You know, I have never had a lobster roll. I don't like mayo and it just seems gross to me to ruin lobster by putting mayo on it. I will have to keep an eye out this summer for lobster rolls with butter. Mmmmm.

 

[MEK]

Just stopping by to say HAVE A GREAT GIRLS TRIP! Don't forget the FB pictures.

We will be making the October Saturday night ADR for 5 for Flying Fish!!!!!!

HAVE FUN!

 

[amandaw]

Hope y'all have a safe & fabulous trip!

 

[vamassey1]

Just getting caught back up. I'm so happy to hear Max's surgery went well.

I enjoyed your morning doing such adventurous things. We love Tom Sawyer Island but skipped it this trip. Just too short of time and no little ones. We ate at CHH too. Just love that place. DH would have preferred Cosmic Rays but the girls and I over ruled him. I had the Tuna and DD had the Lobster Roll. She prefers the ones with butter too but enjoyed CHH's. My niece had the fried shrimp and I must say it was a good size portion and good.

Enjoy your girls trip.