Sunshine and Rain...but no Snow!! COMPLETED 5/12

[jenseib]

 

[mrssmith06]

Hope you have a fantastic trip!!!!

 

[sandym718]

Hi everyone!! We're back and we had a fabulous time!!

I am fighting a bad cold right now, so I feel as if I'm in slo-mo. Add that to being back to work today and horrible rainy, stormy weather...YUK!!!

But I do hope to get started on my reports tonight so check back!

 

[sandym718]

I'm finally back!! Still battling this cold, but feeling a lot better and I'm ready to get started. I updated the name of this thread to indicate this is now a TR! Check out my Dining Report as well, linked in my siggie!!

Day One 1, Friday, 3/25 - TRAVEL DAY

And we're off....A long drive ahead of us, we pulled out of our driveway in Valley City, OH (near Cleveland) at 5:33 AM. DH and I went back and forth on times, I wanted a full night's sleep at wanted to leave at 6, he wanted to leave at 4:30 or 5. We compromised on 5:30, so I could sleep until a little before 5. Then he was the one who delayed us by a few minutes!! Hrrmph, of course!! It was a COLD morning in Ohio, our car said it was 18 degrees!! In almost April!! Glad to get the heck out of there!

Our "goal" was to drive to Yulee, FL, just inside FL and spend the night there, as we had last trip. We hoped to be there by 8:30 pm, and had reservations at the Country Inn and Suites - could cancel them up until 6 PM.

We were so blessed on the trip down - no rain or bad weather, no traffic issues, no construction that caused any slowing or ANYTHING! We made it to Yulee an hour earlier than expected, at 7:30 PM, but also with 1 less meal stop than expected - we just ate dinner when we got there. We stopped a total of 5 times - breakfast in West VA (cannot remember which exit, sorry!) about 8 AM, gas in Wytheville, VA (cheapest gas always!), lunch in North Carolina just north of Mooresville and Charlotte about 1:30 PM, a bathroom stop in Georgia in the early evening and then another gas/bathroom stop JUST inside FL because we were very low and worried we wouldn't make it to the hotel exit. See the dining report for some SUPER interesting fast food reviews

The drive was so smooth. Kids watched their movies. They each had 2 new ones - I bought Jessi "The Princess and the Frog" (never watched, I don't know what her deal is with that movie), and my Mom bought her "Flushed Away" which she did watch. She also watched Sleeping Beauty, and some of DS's movies along with him. Our DVD setup is they can watch separate or the same movies. I bought DS "Monsters vs. Aliens" which he watched I think 3 times (!) and DD watched once. My Mom bought him "Earth" and I think he watched that a couple times too. And a bunch of Looney Tunes - he's obsessed!!

They also did some school work, neither had much to do - Josh some Math, Jessi a journal to write in. We were so lucky the teachers let them do a lot in advance before we even left and also waived a lot of stuff! Spent a lot of time just chatting and "bonding" as well. No unwanted excitement on this trip like last one - in '09 we got stuck on a closed 77 in W. Va. due to a pick-up truck on fire, and we also saw a semi FLIP on it's side at a rest stop in GA. Literally FALL over (we did stop to help, the driver was fine!). Nothing like that this time. Just smooth sailing via 77 (the WHOLE thing almost, except we get on about 20 miles south of Cleveland), 26 and then 95. It sure is an easy route!!


Oh, and we were also texting with my sister and her boyfriend. If you remember, they were also going on this trip. However, they flew down this morning and had a wedding to attend in Daytona this afternoon. They texted us when they left their apartment - we were already an hour into our trip. Their flight was at 8 I believe. And they texted again when getting their luggage in Orlando - we were still in West Va!! Thanks DH for refusing to fly, LOL. But really, flying with 4 is expensive and the drive wasn't bad. We enjoyed their texts about how warm and sunny it was in Orlando!

We sure were glad to get out of the car in FL after 14 hours though!! Since it was evening, it was cooling down, but I think it was still the upper 50's - felt like Heaven!! We checked in and then went right to dinner (again, see the dining report) - ended up at KFC. Watched a little TV after and then hit the sack. However, I realized that with everything I packed, I had forgotten 2 things - Both for ME, of course!! Packing for 4 people is a big job, DH is no help, so of course I forgot stuff for me!! I forgot pajamas!!! or anything to wear as Pj's. All the shorts I had, none of them were the comfy sleeping kind. And I forgot mascara! Can't go without that. And I had actually bought a brand new one - have no idea how that got left out. So I slept in a t-shirt this night and knew we'd be stopping somewhere tomorrow.

Lights out!! I'll be back soon with Day 2 - we actually see DISNEY!!!

 

[sandym718]

Forgot to add - I will have photos!! I don't really have any from the trip down I don't think, and I'm on my work computer. But for the rest of the trip I'll be putting them in!

 

[DT83097]

Subscribing to get my Poly fix!! Can't wait to hear all the details.

 

[California Jenn]

Followed you over from the Poly boards! Can't wait to hear about your trip -- it sounds like you had some great days planned. Looking forward to hearing about your time at the Poly! We're staying in September and I can't wait

Love the picture of your family from your prior trip. Super cute! How did you like the photo session at the Poly? I've been thinking about doing that this time with our family, but DH isn't a big fan of "portrait sessions". What time of day did you guys do the session and did you get some great pictures out of it to make it worthwhile?

Did they "pose" you and find cool backgrounds, or just let you do your own thing?

TIA for the input and look forward to hearing more about your trip, and especially about the Poly!

 

[sandym718]

Followed you over from the Poly boards! Can't wait to hear about your trip -- it sounds like you had some great days planned. Looking forward to hearing about your time at the Poly! We're staying in September and I can't wait

Love the picture of your family from your prior trip. Super cute! How did you like the photo session at the Poly? I've been thinking about doing that this time with our family, but DH isn't a big fan of "portrait sessions". What time of day did you guys do the session and did you get some great pictures out of it to make it worthwhile?

Did they "pose" you and find cool backgrounds, or just let you do your own thing?

TIA for the input and look forward to hearing more about your trip, and especially about the Poly!

I promise to get another day up tomorrow!!

About the photo session - I hear they have changed a lot - so be sure to check into that. Something about Disney Fine Photography doing them instead of Photopass. Probably higher quality, but more expensive. We did ours at about 4:30 PM I think it was, in May 2009. This was back when they had the great deal. I think I paid $70, got a photo package of I think 7 5x7's AND all the photos on a CD and on our Photopass card. Great deal and we got a LOT of nice shots. It was WELL worth it for that price. They did pose us and also let us choose some as well. We got all of us together, each kid alone, kids together and some nice ones of each of us with each of the kids - those are kind of "rare" photos to have.

 

[wdwgirl03]

Subscribing to get my Poly fix!! Can't wait to hear all the details.

Ditto!

 

[sandym718]

Day 2- Saturday, March 26th -ARRIVAL DAY!!!! Part One

We were up fairly bright and early this morning, I think around 7 AM or so. We all showered the night before, so it was just a matter of freshening up, having the included Continental breakfast and then we were on the way. Breakfast was nothing special, but it was decent enough.

We left Yulee around 8 AM. Still a little chilly this morning (50's), but the sun was out and it was a LOT warmer than back home. So we were all in shorts and t's and DD and I had sandals on!! Love it, first time in months!!

It was an easy ride this morning, about 2 1/2 hours, plus our stop at Super Target. This was on I-4, somewhere near Orlando, it was a very nice shopping/dining area. I just ran in, DH and the kids stayed in the car, rolled the windows down and soaked in the sun!! They also had a sort of funny story - a young girl parked across from them, got out and walked towards the store. After going about 50 feet she freaked out and ran back towards the car - that's when DH noticed it was rolling backwards! Luckily she was able to get in and stop it, without getting hurt and with no damage caused. DH said she must've realized she left the keys in it - but she also forgot to put it in park!!!

On we go, I just love those last few minutes heading through Orlando - especially when traffic's not bad - as it wasn't this morning. The excitement in the air (well, in the car) is just bursting!! We knew we needed to follow the MK exit, to get to the Poly, so that's the last one. The kids were eagerly watching for the Epcot "Ball" - don't think they could see it. We could see parts of Universal though, we've never been, but DD's friend had just come back.

Finally, we were exiting and a minute or two later, we saw this....

Yay, we're in DISNEY!! we wouldn't leave Disney property again until the following Saturday morning!!! We arrived just before 11 AM.

We really find ourselves remembering the Disney roads and routes this time. The first trip, boy it seemed confusing!! The 2nd trip, a little better and this time we almost always knew where we were going - well except one thing, right at our resort - I'll tell you about that later!!

So, another few minutes and what did we see???

Aaaah...we're home!! Our beloved Polynesian, just the sight of it makes my heart lighter, all my worries float away!!

We parked in the main lot and went in to the Grand Ceremonial House to check in. We were given our leis- yellow ones this time, and DH and the kids wandered around while I checked us in. I did notice they seemed to swap desks. Online check in and concierge were now to the "left" (sorta, it's on a corner) if you're facing the desks, regular check in was to the right. I had NOT done online check-in this time around. We make a pretty specific request and I wanted our best chance of getting it, and if we didn't, I wanted to "choose" an alternative, so I decided to do just regular check in.

No problems at check-in, had an older gentleman who knew his stuff and we know the drill when it comes to the DDP, etc. Our room was not ready, not a surprise. He took my cell # and said they would send a text with the room # when it was ready - more on this later. I asked if he could show me where the room was and he did - 1st floor, Tokelau, east side - our EXACT request!!! I was feeling so happy and excited!! Again - MORE to come on this later

So I found the family and we texted my sister to see what they were up to. They had driven to Daytona the afternoon before for the wedding and then driven back. That morning they returned the rental car to the Car Care Center and got a ride back to CSR. They were just getting ready to eat lunch, but had eaten at Pepper Market the day before, so we decided to pick them up and they'd have lunch with us at Captain Cook's and swim with us at the Volcano pool IF that was OK.

DH reminded me that the 6 of us couldn't fit in the car with the luggage still in the back, so just DD and I went to get them, and DH and DS just walked around the Poly, checking out lizards, etc.

It's a very easy drive from the Poly to CSR, one we would make several times over the week. Glad it's so easy!! So I picked them up, we came back and the 6 of us ate lunch at Captain Cook's. It was a really good first lunch - I'll refer you to my dining report for details. DH and I each got our favorites - my a chocolate chip croissant, he a Dole Whip - for dessert!! DH also bought a refillable mug while we were here.

I was really hoping our room would become ready while we ate. I wanted to get unpacked and figured I could start on that while they all went to the pool and then I could join them. No luck, though, no text. So the kids and I changed in the bathrooms and we all hit the pool. They were issuing wristbands - the pool was fairly crowded. This was a fairly high crowd time, PLUS the Quiet Pool was closed for refurbishment (NOT good timing in my book!), so each nice day of our trip we found the lifeguards checking room ID's and issuing wristbands. This was to use the pool OR to be on the pool deck. I was still in the restroom when they asked DH, and I had all our cards, so they just told him to have me find the guard when I came out. I did, and explained that my sister and boyfriend were staying at CSR, could they swim with us? She said that was fine, they just needed to see 1 room card per group. She gave us 6 wristbands. This was the only time they ended up swimming here with us. I don't know if the guard was right or wrong, but we felt we did our duty by asking!!

Anyways, DH decided to stay out and was lucky enough to snag a table after a few minutes. DSB sat with him most of the time. DSis and I sat on the "bench" in the water that has jets - like a hot tub, but not hot!! And the kids did the Volcano slide MANY times. This was one of the things they were looking most forward to about coming back to Disney!! They just love that slide.

I was getting more and more anxious about our room being ready as time passed. DD had a hair appointment scheduled at the Ivy Trellis Salon at the Grand Floridian at 3:30. I was hoping for us both to shower, and would have liked to be unpacked before then. As time passed, I knew that would be unlikely - but she still definitely needed a shower!! I knew if worst came to worst, I'd take her to DSis's room and she could shower there, but what a pain. So finally, about 2 or so, I decided to go to the front desk and ask...


Would our room be ready???? Stay tuned!!!

 

[sandym718]

Ok, going to try to finish up Day Two!!

Day Two (Part Two) - Saturday, March 26th - Room, Hair, Chef Mickey's

So, continuing from above....I made my way to the front desk to inquire about our room. Got a younger woman this time. Explained that I hadn't gotten a text yet, but due to the hair appt. situation, I thought I'd check. She was very nice, pulled it up and immediately apologized. She said her screen clearly showed that our room was ready AND that we had NOT been notified. She was very apologetic. I told her it was no problem, and it wasn't, (but it sure would've been nice to get in there a bit earlier)!!

So she gives me the room # and shows me where. Well - the previous guy had been incorrect - We DID get Tokelau, first floor, however, we were not on the East Side, we were on the West. BUUUUTTTT, we got room 1914 - which is the END Unit - and known among Poly and Tokelau lovers to be a highly coveted room. It is basically Lagoon-view, at a Garden View price!!! So I wasn't complaining.

I headed back to the pool, grabbed DD. DSis stayed with DS at the pool while DH and DSB went to the car to unload all our luggage and bring it to the room. I was so happy to see our room. It was in great condition. Here's what greeted us:

So I got Jessi in the shower and then unpacked just a few things (including some clothes for her) before we had to go. At this point, I knew there was no time for a shower for me. I just put my clothes back on from before and planned to take a shower after her appt. We ran into one little snag. I went to quickly dry her hair after shower and the blow dryer turned ON, and immediately got very hot (dangerously) but didn't blow any air!! Housekeeping was in the hall so I let them know. DD's hair ended up drying on its own, luckily, b/c the dryer came right as we were walking out the door.

DH, DS, DSis and DSB spent some more time at the pool, BTW. Then they drove DSis and DSB back to CSR so they could shower. They all came back to the Poly after DD and I were back, and then DH and DS got ready for dinner. So that's what they were doing...

Meanwhile, DD and I were off to the Grand Floridian. Which meant......the first monorail ride of the trip!!

DD waiting for the monorail (also a "BEFORE" hair photo)

First ride!

We arrived at the Ivy Trellis about 3:25 for her 3:30 appt. They were just finishing up some hair and makeup for a wedding party. A little girl about 4 had her hair done, but MAN was that kid wearing a TON of makeup. Including mascara!! DD couldn't help but remark on it after they left and both salon workers and I agreed with her!!

So, DD had the same stylist as in 2009 - Carmen. She's very sweet, and does a great job. She even trimmed up some of DD's bangs for me, as they were a bit uneven (I usually trim them myself). The cost for a half-head of hair braiding is $55 and I tipped Carmen $15 - we had 242 in rewards dollars from our Disney Visa, so we used $70 on this and were saving the rest for our final night dinner at the Yachtsman.

Waiting for the monorail back ("AFTER" photo!)

So back to the Poly we went, where I got ready for dinner and we met up with the others. I was also able to completely unpack at this point. Aaaaah....what a nice feeling to be settled in!!

Our plans for the night: Torch Lighting Ceremony, Chef Mickey's and crashing early so we could do 8 AM RD at the MK!!

We headed to the GCH for the Torch Lighting -which is really cool and free, can't beat it!! We're not Lipoa fans, but the "Chief" is always awesome.

After that, we hopped on the monorail to the Contemporary. This being DSB first ever trip - this was his first ever monorail ride!!!

DH, DS (who hates having his photo taken) and DSB

DSis and DD

I'll leave the details of Chef Mickey's to the Dining Report (link in my siggie!!), but suffice to say it was a good, not great, meal food-wise (as expected), with great character interaction. A bunch of character photos in the dining report.

After dinner (about 8 at that point I think), we were all getting tired. Travel (for us 4) that morning, unpacking, and for us coming from Ohio - some hours in the sun, which I don't think we'd seen in months - left us all pretty beat. We rode the monorail back to the Poly and then DH drove DSis and DSB back to the CSR. We watched a little TV, I read my book (I took the new Picoult and finished it -a great addition to a vacation in my mind!!) and it was lights out!!

DD slept on the day bed. DS wanted to sleep with DH, so I got a queen bed to myself -niiiiice, LOL!!

Tomorrow -the MK, baby!!

 

[sandym718]

Just wanted to share some general Poly photos, too:

(our room)

 

[sandym718]

and some more:

 

[mrssmith06]

I love the hair braids!

Where is that salon and how long did it take??

 

[sandym718]

I love the hair braids!

Where is that salon and how long did it take??

It's the Ivy Trellis Salon in the Grand Floridian (2nd floor). It took about a 1/2 hour. Oh, and can't really tell in the photos, but she sprays this super-stay on "pixie dust" which is glitter spray on them, too. The braids really last a long time - DD still has them in and it will be 2 weeks tomorrow, they are about ready to come out, though, and some of the glitter is still there too. Even through tons of swimming and showering.

 

[tammydel]

Hi!
Thanks for writing about your trip. I'll be following along, we are headed to the Polynesian 4/17-22 and I'm very concerned about the East Pool construction.
From your room down the end of the building, were you affected at all? Noise? How bad did it seem for those who had a more central "construction view"?

I'm very much enjoying your photos, thanks again - I'll be reading along to fill the time until we go.

Tammy

 

[mrssmith06]

It's the Ivy Trellis Salon in the Grand Floridian (2nd floor). It took about a 1/2 hour. Oh, and can't really tell in the photos, but she sprays this super-stay on "pixie dust" which is glitter spray on them, too. The braids really last a long time - DD still has them in and it will be 2 weeks tomorrow, they are about ready to come out, though, and some of the glitter is still there too. Even through tons of swimming and showering.

Thank you for the info! Not sure if we will be able to do that for DD on this upcoming trip but I have it noted for our next trip. Love it!

 

[sandym718]

Hi!
Thanks for writing about your trip. I'll be following along, we are headed to the Polynesian 4/17-22 and I'm very concerned about the East Pool construction.
From your room down the end of the building, were you affected at all? Noise? How bad did it seem for those who had a more central "construction view"?

I'm very much enjoying your photos, thanks again - I'll be reading along to fill the time until we go.

Tammy

Well, to be honest, I only noticed them actually WORKING on the pool ONE day out of the trip!!! So I'm not sure how applicable my experience will be. But we did not have any noise issues at all. And our room was so far down that the view wasn't affected. Now those facing the pool directly, that wouldn't have been so nice. And I knew that going in, so when the CM showed me we were actually on that side instead of East, I knew we wouldn't take something towards the middle. Our end was fine, though.
The ending date for the rehab that I had seen was yesterday, but I haven't heard any reports on whether it reopened or not.

 

[sandym718]

Not really an update, but just wanted to comment on our room location. Not meaning to be ungrateful or anything, our room was great. But we did learn that we DO prefer the East side of Tokelau, even if that means no water view from the room. I can't believe that I didn't take any photos of the view, but you can see from the above photo (looking in at our patio doors), that there was foliage in front of our patio. Didn't block the view at all, but I guess we just prefer the East side where the patio opens up onto a large grassy area. Easier to come and go from the patio door (when someone's still in the room). Also, the walk way on the East side is further from the room. On this side, the walkway faces directly at Room 1914's patio doors. I often felt like people could see right in, even if not trying, so we kept the drapes closed a lot. It was great having the lagoon view, but next trip, we'll still be requesting Tokelau, 1st floor, East side!

 

[wdwgirl03]

Ahhh I love the Polynesian pictures! Did I mention yet that I'm jealous you stayed there? haha