Princess Phoebe's Pre-WISH-Trip Report (arriving in MK 4/17/10)

[yinyanggirls]

You can watch from the Polly beach. When you pull into the resort you can say you are going to eat at Kona or 'Ohana or you just want to check out the resort. You can sit right on the beach and have a perfect view with the music playing as well. I think it would be a great night.

I thought about trying Kona instead, but Ohana just sounded more relaxed. I really liked the pics of the beach and am getting excited about that as an alternative.

Prayers that DH gets better quickly. No fun traveling when you are sick.

Oh my goodness, 5 days!! Hope Hubby feels better soon!

Thanks...he went to a walk-in tonight and they told him the same thing they told me last month - it could be pnuemonia. They gave him some zithromax and he already has inhalers, so they recommend he see his primary care when we get home from the trip. The meds didn't seem to make a difference for me and it took about a month to get over the cough and breathing trouble. He's been coughing for a few weeks now, so hopefully it will start to clear on it's own this week. He was worried about the plane and the pressure, because his ears are plugged but I think a decongestant will work for that. He's working every day so I'm sure he'll manage to be on vacation even if he's not 100%.

You are leaving this week!!!!!

Busy weeks make time go much faster!

So true!!!

Call the Dining Line and tell them you are there with a wish child and if possible they will fit you in. My SIL did this at Chef Mickey's for my DN. She said as soon as they heard Wish Child, it made all the difference. Of course, I'm sure it depends on the CM you get.

I guess it couldn't hurt to try!

 

[All7OfUs]

We are actually making it a point to watch Wishes from the Beach at the Poly. The do pipe the music in (although I hear the speakers are sometimes not so great) and you don't have to fight the crowds. Grab a drink, run your toes in the sand, and enjoy!!!!

 

[TokyoDina]

I hope your DH gets well soon! I know it sucks having that1 Wow you've got a busy week ahead of you! I know everything will work out in the end though! Can't wait to read your getting ready to go. Let me know if you need me!

 

[Wee Annie]

I thought about trying Kona instead, but Ohana just sounded more relaxed. I really liked the pics of the beach and am getting excited about that as an alternative.

Okay, my two cents? (I know you didn't ask for them....) We went to 'Ohana years ago, before Elke was born, with my two older girls, and it was anything BUT relaxed. I get the feeling that Kona might be more so. But since I've never been to Kona, take that with a grain of salt.

'Ohana was a zoo -- LONG wait even showing up early for our ADR, and inattentive service. I know many many people adore this place, so we probably hit them on a bad night re the service and the food (which was overcooked and dry). But the zoo-like wait, I think, is not uncommon in more popular traveling times (like April).

Can you make a "back up" ressie for Kona, and try for 'Ohana when you get there?

I know the frustration of trying for an ADR. I've been trying to get Garden Grill in Epcot for certain dates, and am out of luck so far. Do try telling the CM that your child is on a wish trip -- it can't hurt!

 

[Momofwishkid]

This week is gonna fly by with being so busy. Hope hubby feels better soon. Just a thought, I had an ear infection when we flew and putting in ear plugs seemed to help a little and for some reason having the little fan blowing right on me during take off and landing helped.

 

[jenniferkeala808]

4 days?! So exciting! I probably won't be able to wish you happy travelling so...

hope you have a wonderful trip with your family! I hope it's magical in everyway! Can't wait to hear all about it when you return!!

 

[woodkins]

Okay, my two cents? (I know you didn't ask for them....) We went to 'Ohana years ago, before Elke was born, with my two older girls, and it was anything BUT relaxed. I get the feeling that Kona might be more so. But since I've never been to Kona, take that with a grain of salt.

'Ohana was a zoo -- LONG wait even showing up early for our ADR, and inattentive service. I know many many people adore this place, so we probably hit them on a bad night re the service and the food (which was overcooked and dry). But the zoo-like wait, I think, is not uncommon in more popular traveling times (like April).

Can you make a "back up" ressie for Kona, and try for 'Ohana when you get there?

I know the frustration of trying for an ADR. I've been trying to get Garden Grill in Epcot for certain dates, and am out of luck so far. Do try telling the CM that your child is on a wish trip -- it can't hurt!

I will second this, we stay at the Poly and often eat at both. Kona is a regular eating experience (standard restaurant) Ohana is more of a dining and entertainment. They have coconut races for the kids, music going etc. The wait at Ohana is often also very long and crowded as well. I personally think the Kona food is better than Ohana's but both are good. If you are looking for relaxing I would go with Kona.

 

[3princesses+aprince]

What a busy week you have! I love the week before a vacation. It's a little stressful I know, but when you really think about it, it's so exciting!

 

[pnutallergymom]

Okay, my two cents? (I know you didn't ask for them....) We went to 'Ohana years ago, before Elke was born, with my two older girls, and it was anything BUT relaxed. I get the feeling that Kona might be more so. But since I've never been to Kona, take that with a grain of salt.

'Ohana was a zoo -- LONG wait even showing up early for our ADR, and inattentive service. I know many many people adore this place, so we probably hit them on a bad night re the service and the food (which was overcooked and dry). But the zoo-like wait, I think, is not uncommon in more popular traveling times (like April).

Can you make a "back up" ressie for Kona, and try for 'Ohana when you get there?

I know the frustration of trying for an ADR. I've been trying to get Garden Grill in Epcot for certain dates, and am out of luck so far. Do try telling the CM that your child is on a wish trip -- it can't hurt!

I would agree with this too Melissa. Ohana is a must-do for us each trip. We have two ressies for it this time around!! BUT, it is anything but relaxing!! There is always a wait....for us its been about 45 min or so past our ADR. The kids LOVE the coconut races, which would be great for Tessa, but Phoebe would have a hard time in her chair. They do it in a circle around the restaruant and it is VERY crowded!! Think TONS of kid swith brooms pushing coconuts around!! I won't be letting Brigge near it, which isn't going to go over well!!! It is beyond loud!!! DH and I LOVE the food. Sean gets chicken fingers (awesome, awesome, awesome)!!!

I have heard great things about Kona. If you want relaxing, I would suggest that. If you want fun, loud, good food....go Ohana!! My best moments are watching the fireworks from the Poly. Either at Ohana or out on the beach. Can't go wrong with either!!!!

Hope your DH is feeling better!!

 

[yinyanggirls]

LOL, I guess I should clarify RELAXING. A normal restaurant, fairly quiet, no one making loud noises or big movements, is STRESSFUL for us. It means we have to keep the kids quiet and busy and in their chairs. That is why Ohana sounded so great...Tessa could be up and down and out of her chair and no one will care, or possibly even notice! Phoebe loves a crowd and as long as noise is constant (like a party atmosphere) she's good with it. It's a quiet restaurant that freaks her out when the bus boy comes to clear the next table and clinks some glasses together, that's when she'll scream bloody murder! The wait does concern me a little, because I can see them getting bored and cranky during that time, but the restaurant itself sounds heavenly.

Maybe I'll try for an earlier time, avoid the crowds and then we can hang out around the hotel until the fireworks.....

 

[yinyanggirls]

We are actually making it a point to watch Wishes from the Beach at the Poly. The do pipe the music in (although I hear the speakers are sometimes not so great) and you don't have to fight the crowds. Grab a drink, run your toes in the sand, and enjoy!!!!

I'm definitely liking that idea more and more.

I hope your DH gets well soon! I know it sucks having that1 Wow you've got a busy week ahead of you! I know everything will work out in the end though! Can't wait to read your getting ready to go. Let me know if you need me!

It's gonna be crazy, but it'll go fast!

Okay, my two cents? (I know you didn't ask for them....) We went to 'Ohana years ago, before Elke was born, with my two older girls, and it was anything BUT relaxed. I get the feeling that Kona might be more so. But since I've never been to Kona, take that with a grain of salt.

Of course, I want your two cents. That's what these things are for, aren't they???

'Ohana was a zoo -- LONG wait even showing up early for our ADR, and inattentive service. I know many many people adore this place, so we probably hit them on a bad night re the service and the food (which was overcooked and dry). But the zoo-like wait, I think, is not uncommon in more popular traveling times (like April).

Can you make a "back up" ressie for Kona, and try for 'Ohana when you get there?

I know the frustration of trying for an ADR. I've been trying to get Garden Grill in Epcot for certain dates, and am out of luck so far. Do try telling the CM that your child is on a wish trip -- it can't hurt!

I'm still weighing the possibilities. Whatever we do, I'm sure it'll be fine. Good luck with Garden Grill.

This week is gonna fly by with being so busy. Hope hubby feels better soon. Just a thought, I had an ear infection when we flew and putting in ear plugs seemed to help a little and for some reason having the little fan blowing right on me during take off and landing helped.

I'll let him know about the ear plugs and the fan. Thanks!

4 days?! So exciting! I probably won't be able to wish you happy travelling so...

hope you have a wonderful trip with your family! I hope it's magical in everyway! Can't wait to hear all about it when you return!!

Thanks!!! You'll be gone by the time we return, so same to you!

I will second this, we stay at the Poly and often eat at both. Kona is a regular eating experience (standard restaurant) Ohana is more of a dining and entertainment. They have coconut races for the kids, music going etc. The wait at Ohana is often also very long and crowded as well. I personally think the Kona food is better than Ohana's but both are good. If you are looking for relaxing I would go with Kona.

Sounds like fun, except for the wait. I might try for earlier times, and then we can go down to the beach later....

What a busy week you have! I love the week before a vacation. It's a little stressful I know, but when you really think about it, it's so exciting!

The excitement is definitely building!!!

I would agree with this too Melissa. Ohana is a must-do for us each trip. We have two ressies for it this time around!! BUT, it is anything but relaxing!! There is always a wait....for us its been about 45 min or so past our ADR. The kids LOVE the coconut races, which would be great for Tessa, but Phoebe would have a hard time in her chair. They do it in a circle around the restaruant and it is VERY crowded!! Think TONS of kid swith brooms pushing coconuts around!! I won't be letting Brigge near it, which isn't going to go over well!!! It is beyond loud!!! DH and I LOVE the food. Sean gets chicken fingers (awesome, awesome, awesome)!!!

I have heard great things about Kona. If you want relaxing, I would suggest that. If you want fun, loud, good food....go Ohana!! My best moments are watching the fireworks from the Poly. Either at Ohana or out on the beach. Can't go wrong with either!!!!

Hope your DH is feeling better!!

Thanks for the details. It does sound like fun. I think Phoebe would enjoy watching the games and activities. She cracks up when Tessa chases the dog around the house, so a coconut race should be pretty entertaining.

 

[Wee Annie]

Wahoo! Just got Garden Grill on-line for a dinner! Not at the time we really wanted (a little early), but I jumped on it! Keep on trying for 'Ohana Melissa! I know 'Ohana is much harder to get than Garden Grill, but people do cancel as the date gets close.

Btw, lol at your definition of "relaxing"! Definitely different than the commonly understood meaning! But boy, with hurricane Elke, I do get it!

 

[kellyw8863]

LOL, I guess I should clarify RELAXING. A normal restaurant, fairly quiet, no one making loud noises or big movements, is STRESSFUL for us. It means we have to keep the kids quiet and busy and in their chairs. That is why Ohana sounded so great...Tessa could be up and down and out of her chair and no one will care, or possibly even notice! Phoebe loves a crowd and as long as noise is constant (like a party atmosphere) she's good with it. It's a quiet restaurant that freaks her out when the bus boy comes to clear the next table and clinks some glasses together, that's when she'll scream bloody murder! The wait does concern me a little, because I can see them getting bored and cranky during that time, but the restaurant itself sounds heavenly.

Maybe I'll try for an earlier time, avoid the crowds and then we can hang out around the hotel until the fireworks.....

This is exactly why we chose it. Well, that and the whole meat on a stick thing. We did schedule it for later in our week so that if the kids are too spent by then to hold it together, then I will call to cancel it.

Anne, on the Garden Grill!

 

[yinyanggirls]

Wahoo! Just got Garden Grill on-line for a dinner! Not at the time we really wanted (a little early), but I jumped on it! Keep on trying for 'Ohana Melissa! I know 'Ohana is much harder to get than Garden Grill, but people do cancel as the date gets close.

Btw, lol at your definition of "relaxing"! Definitely different than the commonly understood meaning! But boy, with hurricane Elke, I do get it!

You have a hurricane in your house too!?! Tessa was born just after Hurricane Katrina and I think maybe that did something to her in her birthmother's womb. Could that be Elke's reason too?

Hurray for your ressie! I keep checking online, several times a day, but I just might need to call and see if there's anything. SOMEBODY's gonna cancel theirs right????

This is exactly why we chose it. Well, that and the whole meat on a stick thing. We did schedule it for later in our week so that if the kids are too spent by then to hold it together, then I will call to cancel it.

Anne, on the Garden Grill!

I'm trying to keep that in mind, the possibility of cancelling anything if we're too tired, but after all of this effort I'd hate to cancel Ohana if we ever get it.

 

[wishin' on a star]

We are exactly the same way...needing noisy, busy restaurants to make us look a little less inconspicuous! I hope you can find something at Ohana. I know that my DH was able to pull some strings by mentioning the wish, with the timing of our BBB appointment, because we wanted it before we ate at CRT. Maybe if you call, something will magically work out!

I hope you are able to enjoy the anticipation this week!

 

[yinyanggirls]

We are exactly the same way...needing noisy, busy restaurants to make us look a little less inconspicuous! I hope you can find something at Ohana.

Inconspicuous is the perfect word!

Okay, are you guys ready for this? I'm such a dork. And apparently better than I thought.

I HAVE A RES FOR OHANA already on that night.

It's at 6:30, which I think is why I kept trying to get a later one. If we eat at 6:30 we aren't going to be in the restaurant anymore by fireworks time. BUT, knowing how awesome it could be to watch from the beach, I'm cool with that. Phew, all that wasted energy.

 

[All7OfUs]

Inconspicuous is the perfect word!

Okay, are you guys ready for this? I'm such a dork. And apparently better than I thought.

I HAVE A RES FOR OHANA already on that night.

It's at 6:30, which I think is why I kept trying to get a later one. If we eat at 6:30 we aren't going to be in the restaurant anymore by fireworks time. BUT, knowing how awesome it could be to watch from the beach, I'm cool with that. Phew, all that wasted energy.

Laughing hard!!! That's something I'd do, so it makes it all the funnier!!

 

[yinyanggirls]

Posting here and Wish Trip thread -

What time is the AM GKTW orientation? Since we land at 7pm, I'm hoping, but not expecting to make the evening orientation and I can't find the time for the AM in all my searching.

 

[dawnbu40]

for Ohana! We love the food there and I bet the girls will love the atmosphere Hope you all enjoy it and the time on the beach!

 

[wishin' on a star]

Inconspicuous is the perfect word!

Okay, are you guys ready for this? I'm such a dork. And apparently better than I thought.

I HAVE A RES FOR OHANA already on that night.

It's at 6:30, which I think is why I kept trying to get a later one. If we eat at 6:30 we aren't going to be in the restaurant anymore by fireworks time. BUT, knowing how awesome it could be to watch from the beach, I'm cool with that. Phew, all that wasted energy.

I'm glad you figured it out, and now you can get that worry out of your mind. Watching Wishes from the beach sounds awesome!