The Holy Cow I Leave in Less Than Two Weeks Pre-Trip Report

[KELLY]

Welcome! I did like Poly, but for $400 a night, it wasn't worth it. We ate dinner there in 2008 at Ohana's and had one of the most romantic dinners of my life. We walked the grounds and fell in love. Fast forward to the next year and I was so excited to go there. First room- dirty... way dirty... and I am not Martha Stewart. Moved us to another room and it too was so dirty I had to call management to my room to show the layers of grime. Manager acted as if I was asking him to clean it with his tongue. Gotta love the view, but I expected more. While Pop is small, it's clean and I'd rather pay 100 dollars (hello and free dining) a night for a small clean room than $400 for a view I could get by visiting.

Thanks! My boys are cute, but they are a hot mess. My hot mess though!
When are you coming back to Pop???

I remeber your report on the POLY. We have stayed at all levels and we love pop. Plus last year we stayed at POFQ for 2 weeks and the room wasn't the cleanest. It had mold on the shower curtain and the bathroom and sink area weren't that clean. When we picked pop for free dining last year. I wasn't so sure about how clean it would be. It was so clean. So we are headed back. Very kid friendly.

I agree with the spending before the trip. Feel your pain of the sneakers. Both of my girls always want those cheap princess sneakers and I refuse to buy them since they don't last. Plus I'm sure they aren't the most comfy shoe either. After some work on my part and 66.00 for 2 pairs of skechers light up shoes also my younger dd needed a new pair of crocs so there went another 20.00. I'm pretty cheap also. I already warned the girls they each have 125.00 and that is it. I will splurge on a facepaints and probably temp tattoos but that is about it.

 

[Trinity524]

Hey Gang!

I checked in this morning and it literally took two minutes. I copied some of the things on the pages for you:

Your Itinerary
If any of your itinerary information is incorrect, please contact the Disney Reservation Center.

Disney's Pop Century Resort


Check-In Date: Saturday Sep 18, 2010
8 nights, 9 days
Adults 2
Children 1


Itinerary Details
Check-In Date: Saturday Sep 18, 2010
Check-Out Date: Sunday Sep 26, 2010
Tickets
Park Tickets 7-Day Magic Your Way Ticket with Park Hopper®
Guest(s): ANNIE, JOHN
Package
Package Type: Magic Your Way Package Plus Dining
Guest(s): ANN, JOHN, JACK
Ground Transportation

You have chosen Disney's Magical Express!
We still need your flight information in order to arrange your Disney's Magical Express pick-up and drop-off times. Please come back to disneyworld.com and enter your flight information through the My Disney Vacation section. Or, you can call us at (407) 939-7675†.

†If you are under 18 years of age, you must have your parent or guardian's permission to dial this number.
Guest(s): ANN, JOHN, JACK
The itinerary information above may not be complete. Please refer to your reservation confirmation for complete details.


Itinerary Details
Check-In Date: Saturday Sep 18, 2010
Check-Out Date: Sunday Sep 26, 2010

Tickets
Park Tickets 7-Day Magic Your Way Ticket with Park Hopper®
Guest(s): ANN , JOHN
Package
Package Type: Magic Your Way Package Plus Dining
Guest(s): ANN , JOHN , JACK
Ground Transportation


Visa® Card Number is your current designated credit card.

Name Age/Type
ANN Adult
JOHN Adult
JOHN 2
6.
Confirm or add special requests.
Every effort wil be made to honor all requests, but we are unable to guarantee them unless otherwise indicated below. For any questions related to requests, please contact the Disney Reservation Center.
Room Requests:
• Ground floor
• King-size Bed
I wanted to show you guys that the requests I made for a King and Ground were already on there.

So excited!!! I just can't wait!

 

[topdog]

We were at Poly back in 1995. I thought it was okay. I prefer WL because everything is under one roof. I didn't realize Poly is that pricey, $400 a night. WOW!

Now you are scaring me about car rental. Positive thought!!!

Your DH is right about buying for Disney will be expensive. I plan to purchase another camera for my next trip, I hope. Yikes!

 

[Trinity524]

I remeber your report on the POLY. We have stayed at all levels and we love pop. Plus last year we stayed at POFQ for 2 weeks and the room wasn't the cleanest. It had mold on the shower curtain and the bathroom and sink area weren't that clean. When we picked pop for free dining last year. I wasn't so sure about how clean it would be. It was so clean. So we are headed back. Very kid friendly.

I agree with the spending before the trip. Feel your pain of the sneakers. Both of my girls always want those cheap princess sneakers and I refuse to buy them since they don't last. Plus I'm sure they aren't the most comfy shoe either. After some work on my part and 66.00 for 2 pairs of skechers light up shoes also my younger dd needed a new pair of crocs so there went another 20.00. I'm pretty cheap also. I already warned the girls they each have 125.00 and that is it. I will splurge on a facepaints and probably temp tattoos but that is about it.

You can't go too cheap with the sneakers, especially at Disney. Lot's of walking around. Last year DS and DH got matching temp tattoos and I don't know who thought they were cooler! LOL Can't wait!!!!!!

 

[__disneygirl]

Welcome! I did like Poly, but for $400 a night, it wasn't worth it. We ate dinner there in 2008 at Ohana's and had one of the most romantic dinners of my life. We walked the grounds and fell in love. Fast forward to the next year and I was so excited to go there. First room- dirty... way dirty... and I am not Martha Stewart. Moved us to another room and it too was so dirty I had to call management to my room to show the layers of grime. Manager acted as if I was asking him to clean it with his tongue. Gotta love the view, but I expected more. While Pop is small, it's clean and I'd rather pay 100 dollars (hello and free dining) a night for a small clean room than $400 for a view I could get by visiting.

Thanks! My boys are cute, but they are a hot mess. My hot mess though!
When are you coming back to Pop???

Wow that is so disappointing about the Poly! I agree with you about the high pricing, I mean it's hard to shell out thousands more than I would for Pop Century knowing the incredible time we have at Pop anyway, it just seems like too much.

Hopefully we are going back to Pop in early November. But because of my crazy work schedule I won't know for awhile. Fingers crossed...

 

[Trinity524]

We were at Poly back in 1995. I thought it was okay. I prefer WL because everything is under one roof. I didn't realize Poly is that pricey, $400 a night. WOW!

Now you are scaring me about car rental. Positive thought!!!

Your DH is right about buying for Disney will be expensive. I plan to purchase another camera for my next trip, I hope. Yikes!

Yeah, we go when it's free dining, and last year there wasn't any type of room discounts. It was very expensive, but the view from the pool was fantastic.

LOL! I am being brave about the car rental.... I know for a fact now that if I completely go nuts... DH will go and get a car. I just don't want to lose the keys!!! LOL.

Another camera! Put it on your taxes as a necessary expense for the Disboards!!!

 

[Trinity524]

Yay! You leave a day before we do! How exciting!

I posted on your pretrip page but hope to see you there!!

 

[Trinity524]

Wow that is so disappointing about the Poly! I agree with you about the high pricing, I mean it's hard to shell out thousands more than I would for Pop Century knowing the incredible time we have at Pop anyway, it just seems like too much.

Hopefully we are going back to Pop in early November. But because of my crazy work schedule I won't know for awhile. Fingers crossed...

I hope you get to go in Nov. Don't you hate when work gets in the way of Disney? Just yesterday I was thinking how I'd like to be doing some more shopping online but work didn't permit even my 15 minute breaks. I think my boss is in kahoots with my husband...lol.

 

[TyRy]

Good to know the room requests you made were on there. I'd heard both - that they were and were not appearing...was making me shy away from doing online check-in.

 

[Trinity524]

Yesterday I had the ability to check in which sent poor DH in a tailspin. NOW he wants to know all the details... And wants to know if I need any help planning.... REALLY? I love how people think this is like a regular vacation and that you can plan while you are there or 10 days out... The only thing he asked for prior to going was a new backpack. I bought us each one. He is loyal to Swiss Gear and I am loyal to LL Bean. Sometimes he carries mine at night because it's smaller so I have to get something more unisex. Here is mine:

and here is his:

He has had this one before and the strap broke. I tried to suggest LL Bean for quality, but to no avail. I guess we will see which one is the winner after Disney!

I also bought a new holder for DS's goldfish. If you don't have one of these, they sell them in Walmart for $1.50 and they are worth their weight well... in gold. DS drops it all the time and it never cracks or opens.

Next Up.... To Photopass or not to Photopass.... that is the question!

 

[Wolfy6688]

Ok...all caught up!

First, here's where we're eating:

9/18: Planet Hollywood
9/19: Teppan Edo
9/20: 50's Prime Time
9/21: MNSSHP
9/22: Coral Reef / Biergarten
9/23: Cali Grill
9/24: Crystal Palace
9/25: Le Cellier
9/26: Chef Mickey's (breakfast)

I love those Funtainers! Do they have them in stores, or is that the kind of thing you only can order online?

I literally LOL'd when I read that your husband asked if you needed any help planning, only because I ran into a similar situation. DBF's brother (who I'm NOT a fan of, at all) lives in Florida and kind of invited himself along on the trip. He said something like, "We can just tag along for a few days. All you have to do is add a few people to the dining reservations."

Can you imagine? Like I didn't get up before dawn on the 180 day mark to frantically try for all the ones I wanted?

Some people..

Anyway, I wouldn't worry about the rental car at all. The first year we used it to go to Universal twice and Sea World once, and that was it. The one time we drove to a park for an early ADR, we still got stuck in some far off parking spot. Walking past all the bus stops was pretty sad. It was a very expensive waste of money - taking cabs everywhere would've been less than half the price. Oh well, now we know!

Love the backpacks - I just ordered myself a Baggallini Messenger one. I used to take a regular purse (I like traveling light) but this year since there'll be an extra person, I'm demoted to Pack Mule. The first words out of DBF's mouth when he saw the bag? "Wow! Look at all the room for my water bottles!"

Can't wait to hear whether you chose To Photopass or Not To Photopass, because we're having the same discussion

It's almost here! Tomorrow's one week!!!

 

[Trinity524]

:

Ok...all caught up!

First, here's where we're eating:

9/18: Planet Hollywood
9/19: Teppan Edo
9/20: 50's Prime Time
9/21: MNSSHP
9/22: Coral Reef / Biergarten
9/23: Cali Grill
9/24: Crystal Palace
9/25: Le Cellier
9/26: Chef Mickey's (breakfast)

I love those Funtainers! Do they have them in stores, or is that the kind of thing you only can order online?

I literally LOL'd when I read that your husband asked if you needed any help planning, only because I ran into a similar situation. DBF's brother (who I'm NOT a fan of, at all) lives in Florida and kind of invited himself along on the trip. He said something like, "We can just tag along for a few days. All you have to do is add a few people to the dining reservations."

Can you imagine? Like I didn't get up before dawn on the 180 day mark to frantically try for all the ones I wanted?

Some people..

Anyway, I wouldn't worry about the rental car at all. The first year we used it to go to Universal twice and Sea World once, and that was it. The one time we drove to a park for an early ADR, we still got stuck in some far off parking spot. Walking past all the bus stops was pretty sad. It was a very expensive waste of money - taking cabs everywhere would've been less than half the price. Oh well, now we know!

Love the backpacks - I just ordered myself a Baggallini Messenger one. I used to take a regular purse (I like traveling light) but this year since there'll be an extra person, I'm demoted to Pack Mule. The first words out of DBF's mouth when he saw the bag? "Wow! Look at all the room for my water bottles!"

Can't wait to hear whether you chose To Photopass or Not To Photopass, because we're having the same discussion

It's almost here! Tomorrow's one week!!!

Wow, what a line up for food! I haven't tried Teppan Edo's, but I want to one day. I hope you do a trip report!

I bought them offline for lack of time; however, you can buy them at Target! I got the funtainers today, but I just ordered the food one two days ago so I haven't got that in yet. My son is famous for taking two bites of something and then getting distracted. So I am hoping I can keep some fruit with me so that when he says 10 minutes after we leave a restaurant that he's hungry, I'll have something.

Yeah when I call at 180 days at 6 in the morning, DH thinks I am insane... Then when we didn't go to Chef Mickey's on year I thought he'd go mad. He called every day that we were there in order to try to get in, but to no avail... SOME PEOPLE! LOL.

The only place we will have to get a cab to and from is Medieval Times. We are meeting my father Monday night for dinner and it will cost about $80! Whoa...still not getting a car per DH. Worst that happens is we get one when we are there, right!

I got my backpack today. It looks very sturdy looking and not at all girly. I will have to find a way to jazz it up!

Can't way, just a week from tonight, I will be too excited to sleep! And now on to Photopass or not....

 

[Trinity524]

I have gone back and forth about the whole Photopass thing 100 times. If you pre-purchase, it's $99. Let me give you some background on why this was such a difficult decision.

2008- I went to Disney first time as a family. I have only pictures from CRT of all of us together. I was thinking what a great time I had and I wished I had more pictures of it. Atlas, I never take enough pictures as I am a highly visual person and so when I am visually stimulated, I get caught up in the moment. Thoughts for 2009- Get Photopass.

2009- Went to Disney with DH, DS and my mother. Got involved with a shared Photopass. (Yes I know this is not allowed on the Boards, and with reason, allow me to explain) Had a great time! Saw very little Photopass opportunities, had to stand in line for a Photographer, explain the special pics with Tink and Stitch, and wasn't overly impressed. When I got home, I was contacted from the leader of the photopass. I uploaded my pics, and then She informed me when I could edit. I edited and I got about 10 good pics. Well, I only put in $20 bucks so I was thinking it was okay. I NEVER got a cd, and after all the photopass sharers hounded the girl, she finally put them on picasa. Now, serves me right. I never do things like that and the reality of it is, you get what you pay for and Karma will get her way. BUT... and here's the big but (not big butt, for that is unmistakably mine ) I got to see everyone else's photo's. When I tell you there were many many many opportunities that I didn't notice, I am not exaggerating. There must be at least 25 places/character meet and greets in Hollywood Studios alone! With Sully and Handy Manny and all kinds of characters! I was so jealous, I decided I would definitely get it, but this time on my own and I am going to find out where these spots are to before we go.

Here is one of my favorite pics:

Here is one of the worst pics...

You can see that the photographer had no idea about shadows or sunsets... Plus there wasn't one nice picture of my mother in the bunch. This is what my mother looks like:

Now mind you, it's humid in Florida, but you can see the coloring is off. I think it's worth it if you want family pics, but know what you are getting into. I am hoping for some nice pics this year! If you have any Photopass stories, I'd like to hear them!

Next up... Packing List For Disney!!! And the one week countdown!!!

 

[TyRy]

We've been getting the CD since they offered it. The first year (I didn't know any better) we paid full price, but the pics were great. Got the pre-purchase the last few trips and thought it was really worth it.

BUT - for some reason last year was the worst year for photogs. Like you said, colors, shadows, a lot of really dark or bright shots. We still had a ton of photos as I made everyone stop every time we saw an opportunity, but out of a ton, we had just a few really good ones. It was still cheaper than buying those few good ones as print outs (like we used to do.) I'm hoping this year will be better and will do it again.

I'm glad we have the pictures we do from all the years, as that is priceless to me.

 

[Trinity524]

We've been getting the CD since they offered it. The first year (I didn't know any better) we paid full price, but the pics were great. Got the pre-purchase the last few trips and thought it was really worth it.

BUT - for some reason last year was the worst year for photogs. Like you said, colors, shadows, a lot of really dark or bright shots. We still had a ton of photos as I made everyone stop every time we saw an opportunity, but out of a ton, we had just a few really good ones. It was still cheaper than buying those few good ones as print outs (like we used to do.) I'm hoping this year will be better and will do it again.

I'm glad we have the pictures we do from all the years, as that is priceless to me.

I hear ya! Each one is so expensive that if I have get ten good ones, I will be happy. And alot of people don't know you can order the prints to snapfish, Walgreens or whoever you like. At this point I don't buy much there, so it's the best memories of my trip!

 

[Wolfy6688]

BUT - for some reason last year was the worst year for photogs. Like you said, colors, shadows, a lot of really dark or bright shots.

THAT is the exact reason we're debating whether or not to pre-order the CD!

We did it in 2008 and got a TONNNN of pictures, and pretty decent ones too. Ones that I'm not ashamed to admit that I'm in.

But last year? Almost ALL of the pictures had gigantic shadows over my face to the point where you couldn't even SEE my face, it was just blackness. (And I'm white). I know NOW you could get a refund, but there were SOME pictures that I wanted, so I ended up paying $99 for pictures that I'm really not that happy with. In fact, the CD is still sitting in its envelope - we've never even taken it out of the packaging when it arrived, almost a year ago.

Ah well...more to obsess over!

 

[KELLY]

I have gone back and forth about the whole Photopass thing 100 times. If you pre-purchase, it's $99. Let me give you some background on why this was such a difficult decision.

2008- I went to Disney first time as a family. I have only pictures from CRT of all of us together. I was thinking what a great time I had and I wished I had more pictures of it. Atlas, I never take enough pictures as I am a highly visual person and so when I am visually stimulated, I get caught up in the moment. Thoughts for 2009- Get Photopass.

2009- Went to Disney with DH, DS and my mother. Got involved with a shared Photopass. (Yes I know this is not allowed on the Boards, and with reason, allow me to explain) Had a great time! Saw very little Photopass opportunities, had to stand in line for a Photographer, explain the special pics with Tink and Stitch, and wasn't overly impressed. When I got home, I was contacted from the leader of the photopass. I uploaded my pics, and then She informed me when I could edit. I edited and I got about 10 good pics. Well, I only put in $20 bucks so I was thinking it was okay. I NEVER got a cd, and after all the photopass sharers hounded the girl, she finally put them on picasa. Now, serves me right. I never do things like that and the reality of it is, you get what you pay for and Karma will get her way. BUT... and here's the big but (not big butt, for that is unmistakably mine ) I got to see everyone else's photo's. When I tell you there were many many many opportunities that I didn't notice, I am not exaggerating. There must be at least 25 places/character meet and greets in Hollywood Studios alone! With Sully and Handy Manny and all kinds of characters! I was so jealous, I decided I would definitely get it, but this time on my own and I am going to find out where these spots are to before we go.

Here is one of my favorite pics:

Here is one of the worst pics...

You can see that the photographer had no idea about shadows or sunsets... Plus there wasn't one nice picture of my mother in the bunch. This is what my mother looks like:

Now mind you, it's humid in Florida, but you can see the coloring is off. I think it's worth it if you want family pics, but know what you are getting into. I am hoping for some nice pics this year! If you have any Photopass stories, I'd like to hear them!

Next up... Packing List For Disney!!! And the one week countdown!!!

I'm a first time photpass person here. We have never purchased it. But I did do a share with some girls I know on another board. IT was only 20.00 each plus the shipping and cd was another 5.00. Hope mine works out better than your experience.

We have had a change of plans our arrival day we were suppose to do T-rex. I told the girls I would buy them a build a dino and a outfit and they didn't have to use there money. Well know they want to do rainforest and do the my little pony thing instead. Dh pefers the rainforest so that is fine with us. Plus we already have a couple of dinos.

Glad online check in was easy. We have never used it but there is a first time for everything.

 

[Trinity524]

THAT is the exact reason we're debating whether or not to pre-order the CD!

We did it in 2008 and got a TONNNN of pictures, and pretty decent ones too. Ones that I'm not ashamed to admit that I'm in.

But last year? Almost ALL of the pictures had gigantic shadows over my face to the point where you couldn't even SEE my face, it was just blackness. (And I'm white). I know NOW you could get a refund, but there were SOME pictures that I wanted, so I ended up paying $99 for pictures that I'm really not that happy with. In fact, the CD is still sitting in its envelope - we've never even taken it out of the packaging when it arrived, almost a year ago.

Ah well...more to obsess over!

I guess I am looking at it like my souvenir, so if you look at it that way, it's not too bad. Even four or five pictures with the three of us would be worth it. Once I saw the other's pics, I thought I was just having a string of bad luck, but it appears other's did last year too. I had no idea you could get a refund! That makes me feel even better about it!

 

[Trinity524]

I'm a first time photpass person here. We have never purchased it. But I did do a share with some girls I know on another board. IT was only 20.00 each plus the shipping and cd was another 5.00. Hope mine works out better than your experience.

We have had a change of plans our arrival day we were suppose to do T-rex. I told the girls I would buy them a build a dino and a outfit and they didn't have to use there money. Well know they want to do rainforest and do the my little pony thing instead. Dh pefers the rainforest so that is fine with us. Plus we already have a couple of dinos.

Glad online check in was easy. We have never used it but there is a first time for everything.

Yes everything was very easy online for check in. Now, I wonder if we will get what we asked for... But I wouldn't measure that as successful or not due to the fact that it could happen online check in or not.

DH LOVES T-REX. I didn't make a reservation because last year I did and they were taking walk up's because it's not on the dining plan. Now, I have a RFC near us that we go to once every three months or so and I love it! What is this my little pony thing about? I adore having a boy, but with BBB and now my little pony, the boys get a little skimped. Yes they have the pirate adventure, but just as many girls do that as boys. Anyway, I'd like to hear more about the my little pony thing so let me know the scoop!

 

[onescgirl]

I'm joining in & have enjoyed reading it!
We're checking into WDW on the 18th! Just one more week!
You have a beautiful family. I couldn't help but notice from your Disney picture, your skin is gorgeous!
I LOVE your carry-on bag!
I was in a photopass share on my trip ('08) & it went great. We had lots of great pictures.
I'm in another share for this trip. You have me worried & I hope it goes good too. I also hope there will be lots of PP photographers around.

I also have a PTR & I can't wait to read about your plans!