The Mother/Daughter Polynesian Surprise **NEW 5/1 I'm back!

[jenbear123]

So I just sat down and read this whole thing. (Yay for a month of from college with nothing to do!) No wonder you're stressed out-I was stressed just from reading it! So you're staying 2 nights at Poly and the rest at Pop? I think that's what I left off with... Sounds like lots of fun so far! And I'm glad to see I'm not the only one who has Excel spreadsheets of itineraries for each day! That's really too bad about the cruise; I've always wanted to do one-maybe someday!

Wow, you are a trooper! Glad you read all the way through. We're staying 6 nights Pop, then 2 nights Poly. Gotta save the best for last The cruise was a bummer but, like you said, maybe someday. It'd be cool if everyone from the DIS got together on one of those cruises. I'm sure the ship would sink if every single DISer got on the ship!

I really have been neglecting this poor PTR. But I've been so caught up in my TR. Need to get that finished before I go there again in Feb! I have to start planning my itinerary for April (yay spreadsheets!!!), heck we still need to decide how we're going to get there! So much to do! Thanks for reading! I'll update here in a day or two

 

[glennbo123]

So I just sat down and read this whole thing. (Yay for a month of from college with nothing to do!) No wonder you're stressed out-I was stressed just from reading it! So you're staying 2 nights at Poly and the rest at Pop? I think that's what I left off with... Sounds like lots of fun so far! And I'm glad to see I'm not the only one who has Excel spreadsheets of itineraries for each day! That's really too bad about the cruise; I've always wanted to do one-maybe someday!

Hey, you're not my niece, are you? I have a niece at Geneseo whose home is Buffalo, but she's not going to Kidani in a few months.

 

[jenbear123]

Before I get to the new year, I wanted to share with you my Disney bounty from x-mas. I've been meaning to do this for the last WEEK but time has just slipped by. Here are just a few highlights.

First up is not even one of my presents but for my younger step-sister. I just have to mention it though because it's cool! She got a Disney toaster that "toasts" Disney characters into your bread. I was skeptical as to how good the designs would come out but it sure proved me wrong!

My favourite present was this beautiful Bambi swarovski crystal from Bubba.

Can't imagine how much that cost but I'd rather not think about that

Also got a nice Jessie & Bullseye tree ornament

And lastly was this Minnie shirt that I found on the Disney store online. Bubba basically asked me to pick a few things from the online store and she'd get one for me. This is the one she chose to give me (picture borrowed from the Disney store online website)

It was a great x-mas by any means. Lots of Disney stuff since Bubba is working there. What else can you buy for people when in you're in WDW?!

The other day, I picked up these great Minnie pj's at 50% off. I finally have a Disney pyjama set!

Can't wait to try them out in February

For New Year's, I'm just sticking it out at home with the boyfriend and my dog. Whatever you might be doing to ring in the New Year, I wish each and every one of you the very happiest New Year and all the best in the 2010!

 

[glennbo123]

Happy New Year jenbear!!!

Love that toast picture! Nice crystal Bambi....Bubba done good.

 

[redlight]

Yes, the toast picture is great. Enjoy the quiet NYE and have a happy 2010!

 

[jenbear123]

Happy New Year jenbear!!!

Love that toast picture! Nice crystal Bambi....Bubba done good.

Yes, the toast picture is great. Enjoy the quiet NYE and have a happy 2010!

Thanks you two!

 

[jenbear123]

I never realized how hard it is to plan for a 9-day trip. It almost feels like, dare I say it, we have too much time NAHHHHHHHH! You can never have too much time in Disney World!!!!

My mom and I have finally decided to drive to Florida. I've already booked our stopover hotel for on our way there and on our way back. We'll leave at about 5am on April 21st to start our road trip, drive for about 14 hours until we hit South Carolina, where our hotel is booked. We'll have another early start on the 22nd, driving for another 8 hours until we finally reach our destination, POP CENTURY!!!! If we leave when I want to we should get in around 2pm on the 22nd. I'm really looking forward to this road trip with my mom. It'll be a lot more relaxing than dealing with the hassles of security at the airport, especially since the Christmas Day fiasco

I've got our first day pretty well done.

I'm going to be eating at Tony's Town Square in Feb but it seemed like a good fit on our first day. If I end up hating it in Feb, obviously we won't be eating here! But I can't see that happening. Bubba has already eaten there and said it was good.

We want to see Spectro and Wishes the first night since it seems like there aren't going to be any fireworks the Friday and Saturday due to Grad Nights I hope this doesn't mean the value resorts will be packed with young wild teenagers running around on those days.....

There are a couple days that I can't decide what we should do. I'm thinking we can fill them with a tour. My mom and I are trying to choose between either:

1. Keys to the Kingdom (even though we've already done it but we loved it enough to want to do it again!)
2. Magic Behind the Steam Trains (Did this with my dad but think my mom will enjoy it too)
3. One of the segway tours (although the image of my mom riding one of those things cracks me up )
4. Backstage Safari

Of course each one has their different prices. The segway tours being the most expensive. It will all come down to how much we want to spend.

Since I've gone and changed our ADRs so much, here are what they're looking like as of today

4/22 - Tony's Town Square (D)
4/23 - Liberty Tree Tavern (D)
4/24 - Le Cellier (L)
4/25 - Cape May Cafe (B), Garden Grill (D)
4/26 - Crystal Palace (B), Chef Mickey's (D)
4/27 - Kouzzina (D)
4/28 - O'hana (D)
4/29 - The Wave (D)
4/30 - O'hana (B)

I haven't decided if my mom would like breakfast or dinner better at O'hana. Remember she is the picky eater. I'm worried she'll see the shrimp skewers and Lo mein noodles and bee-line it for the door. I'm leaning more towards breakfast as the safer bet but I'll leave it as is for now. One thing is for sure, I will eat at O'hana for one out of the two meals they offer this trip!

In other news, Bubba said she would be joining us if she does not get her extension. She has to let me know for sure before March 1st so I can make the changes with the resorts without penalty.

Okay, I think that's enough planning for today. I've been at this since 8 o'clock!

 

[glennbo123]

My mom and I have finally decided to drive to Florida. I've already booked our stopover hotel for on our way there and on our way back. We'll leave at about 5am on April 21st to start our road trip, drive for about 14 hours until we hit South Carolina, where our hotel is booked. We'll have another early start on the 22nd, driving for another 8 hours until we finally reach our destination, POP CENTURY!!!!

It's been several years since we've driven. Even from Pennsylvania we take 2 days for the trip. We tried the "straight through" thing once, when my oldest daughter was an infant, and I vowed "Never, never, ever again!" (Actually, we didn't intend to drive straight through, but by the time we were ready to stop it was early morning, like as in the sun was coming up, and it seemed kind of pointless to pay for a room at that point.)

I'm going to be eating at Tony's Town Square in Feb but it seemed like a good fit on our first day.

Never eaten there (actually, I think the only one on your list I've eaten at is 'Ohana), but have seen some decent reviews.

We want to see Spectro and Wishes the first night since it seems like there aren't going to be any fireworks the Friday and Saturday due to Grad Nights I hope this doesn't mean the value resorts will be packed with young wild teenagers running around on those days.....

I think I hear Jenbear....."Hey you kids!!! Get off my lawn!!!!"

There are a couple days that I can't decide what we should do. I'm thinking we can fill them with a tour. My mom and I are trying to choose between either:

1. Keys to the Kingdom (even though we've already done it but we loved it enough to want to do it again!)
2. Magic Behind the Steam Trains (Did this with my dad but think my mom will enjoy it too)
3. One of the segway tours (although the image of my mom riding one of those things cracks me up )
4. Backstage Safari

I've never done a tour, so again I'm no help!

Okay, I think that's enough planning for today. I've been at this since 8 o'clock!

You can't fool me. I know you're having fun planning.

 

[jenbear123]

It's been several years since we've driven. Even from Pennsylvania we take 2 days for the trip. We tried the "straight through" thing once, when my oldest daughter was an infant, and I vowed "Never, never, ever again!" (Actually, we didn't intend to drive straight through, but by the time we were ready to stop it was early morning, like as in the sun was coming up, and it seemed kind of pointless to pay for a room at that point.)

How come you say "Never, never, ever again"? Was it that bad? How long is the drive from Pennsylvania? I can't take too much time off work so we have to take the 2 day route. I'm hoping we can get at least 7 hours sleep when we stop at the hotel. When we drove in March, we took 2 stops at a hotel. It split up the drive nicely but by the 3rd day I just wanted to get there!!!

I think I hear Jenbear....."Hey you kids!!! Get off my lawn!!!!"

That's me in a nutshell

I've never done a tour, so again I'm no help!

That's okay. You should take a tour some day. They're a lot of fun and very informative. Plus you get a keepsake pin at the end

You can't fool me. I know you're having fun planning.

Dang! How'd you know???

 

[jenbear123]

FEBRUARY DEVELOPMENTS!!!!!

Okay, I know I said I wasn't going to make a PTR for this trip, or even talk much about it but this is EXCITING NEWS!!!! Bubba stayed at the Poly the other night, which made her crave to stay at a deluxe when I come visit. So she texts me at 11pm, saying she wants me to pick a deluxe to stay at for one night. I was hesitant at first because my finances are really tight. Although my concerns were quickly remedied when Bubba said she'd pay for it. She's such a doll Now it was just a matter of choosing a resort....

Sorry I must stop there. I gotta run to a movie. My mom and I are going to see "It's Complicated" for my birthday. More details coming soon

 

[glennbo123]

Although my concerns were quickly remedied when Bubba said she'd pay for it.

That's all I'd need to hear.

 

[jenbear123]

So getting back to the new resort in February. I was really indecisive. Do I try AKL again and spend more time at the resort? Do I want to try somewhere I've never stayed at? How about Club Level? Would it be worth it for one night? Then it came to me like when the apple hit Newton on the head.


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KIDANI VILLAGE!!!!!!



Bubba has booked us in for one night at Kidani Village, in a savannah view, 1 bedroom villa. At first I said Studio but then realized that it only has a queen size bed with sofa bed and no Lion King decorations in the bathroom. So 1 bedroom it is!

This works perfectly into the itinerary I've made. On the 23rd, the day we now check out from Pop, is AK day. As soon as we finish everything we want to do there, we'll head back to Kidani and spend most of the afternoon/evening there until we go to Narcoosee's for dinner. On the 24th, my last day, I hardly had anything planned. Now I can set it aside for a full day at Kidani to really go in depth of what this place has to offer. We might go horseback riding in the morning but that will still leave the majority of the day for Kidani/AKL exploring. My flight doesn't leave until the evening so it works perfectly!

Wow I can hardly believe this. I never thought I'd be able to stay at Kidani. I am so excited!!!! Anyone know where I can find an info thread about Kidani? Expect a full report and TONS of pictures when I get back!!! Only 39 days until I leave

 

[bellebookworm9]

Good choice! Let me know how you like it!

 

[mybabesuz]

Okay... I'm officially here...

I'll be looking for you in April!
We are staying at BW... April 25th-30th
Undecided where we will be on the 24th...

I too am a Disneyaholic... Can't go enough...
This will be our third trip in a year.
Love those APs...

Kidani is my DVC Home resort. I'm sure you will love it too...

 

[glennbo123]

Excellent choice jenbear!!! But you probably guessed I would think so. I hope the weather warms up enough for you to try the pool.

 

[jenbear123]

Good choice! Let me know how you like it!

Thanks! I'm so excited

Okay... I'm officially here...

I'll be looking for you in April!
We are staying at BW... April 25th-30th
Undecided where we will be on the 24th...

I too am a Disneyaholic... Can't go enough...
This will be our third trip in a year.
Love those APs...

Kidani is my DVC Home resort. I'm sure you will love it too...

Good! Glad to have you here
I am an AP virgin this year. It appears it might be a yearly tradition now.... It really pays off when visiting so much!
I've never stayed at BW. It looks really nice! Undecided on the 24th? Does that mean you're looking for a one-night stay at another resort?

Excellent choice jenbear!!! But you probably guessed I would think so. I hope the weather warms up enough for you to try the pool.

I thought you would approve I hope the weather turns around too! If it's still at these low temps when I go, I might as well stay home

 

[mybabesuz]

Thanks! I'm so excited



Good! Glad to have you here
I am an AP virgin this year. It appears it might be a yearly tradition now.... It really pays off when visiting so much!
I've never stayed at BW. It looks really nice! Undecided on the 24th? Does that mean you're looking for a one-night stay at another resort?

We might just start our vacation at Kidani...

 

[jenbear123]

We might just start our vacation at Kidani...

Might as well, especially if it's your home resort. Any tips for when staying there? Do you know any good threads on here that show room pictures, etc?

 

[All7OfUs]

Jumping in here! Have already read a few of the links (THANKS! for putting those in!) kathyRN just stayed there. She has a million GREAT pix on her trip report you should check out. I think it's called A Halloween Adventure in Autism.

Anyway will try to get myself up to speed!

Liesa

 

[onelilspark]

Jumping in...and catching up