The trip of 2 Birthdays, 3 Resorts, and 79 Pins ~ Update 8/14

[hstrickland]

I'm gonna steal Kook's excuse....

Fashionably late

Heather

 

[hstrickland]

Now I'm all caught up!!! Love all the pictures...on our last trip between my dad and I, we had around 3000 pictures....ridiculous, I know.

My favorite water park in the world was River Country. Nothing will ever take the place of River Country in my heart. I will forever have amazing memories of my father and I there, and can still see where my parents would sit while I went on Slippery Slide Falls time after time. They would call me in for a break when they saw my swim turn to a weak doggy paddle because they knew I was getting tired. After they closed, Typhoon Lagoon was my park of choice. I loved riding those waves, but now, at 29--they just kick my booty. I feel battered after I get out of that pool, and DH thinks it's amazing. Maybe if I were taller it would be different

This brings back soooooo many memories for me! We loved RC, too. In fact, my dad found several old pictures from our trip in the early 80s, so in my last TR, I did a mini blast from the past section about RC.

Thanks for the info about TL If you can't handle the waves at 29, I'm very sure that at 40, I won't be able to We're trying to decide between the two waterparks...you just made up mind!!!

Loved that you mentioned RC. I hope you don't mind me asking about River Country but, do you have any River Country photos? I'd LOVE to see them. I just love "vintage" WDW photos. I snuck around and took this last month at RC:

Remember these hair dryers?

Holy cow! Kook on the sly....I love it! And yes...I do remember. What a shame, though, that WDW would let RC get to the point of shambles.


Nice updates!! Keep the pictures coming...I'll be waiting
Heather

 

[Disney before Sally]

High! I took you up on the invitation from the POR thread. We will be back in September; our family of four is hoping for Alligator Bayou. Love your pictures. Your stories are interesting and funny. I look forward to reading more.

Wondering, did you fax your room preference request Or just leave it listed on the initial reservation?

 

[LuvLuvLuv]

Oh boy. Life happened, and I fell behind. My full time job ended, I bumped my part time job to full time, still battling carpal tunnel, and some big life changes!!

DH and I sat down and were talking about our future since my full time was ending. I can do makeup anywhere, he can do what he does anywhere, and we questioned if we were really happy where we were. Well by the end of the conversation, we decided we are going to move to Orlando! I'm going down on my own to look at rental properties in about 2 weeks!!! Our target is to move in September. So in between all the "life" stuff happening--I put together a 5 night trip!! I'll try to keep everyone updated on that. I'm thinking of doing a blog rather than a TR to document the entire move.

Let me get all caught up, maybe another cup and we shall continue!! I have 2 full days off per week, and mornings and evenings now!! I'm out of control happy that I have "me" time again!!

I'm in! Really enjoying your TR.
I think the 79 pins in the title grabbed my eye - a harmless addiction IMO

My sister & I are going to WDW in October - doing a split stay between POR/RoyalRoom and the Poly. We have stayed in the AB section years ago and are really looking forward to staying on the Mansion side.
It will also be our first dining experience at Boatwrights - looking forward to your dining review.
Loved the convo between you two with the water parks - chuckled out loud.
My sister and I are already planning our itinerary to avoid such talks.
Can't wait for your next installment!

Lol, pins are an addiction!! No matter how much planning I do, we always mess it up. DH asked I were talking about Boatwright's last night, lol. That part is coming right up!! I really did love the Royal Rooms!! You'll have a great time!!

What a great way to start off my weekend - just got caught-up on the end of Day One and the beginning of Day Two and have come to realize that you're almost half-way through your WDW TR

Before we had DD, two beds always meant one for DH and one for me. Why would anyone let that perfectly good bed go to waste?

Last month when we were staying at WL, I had the bright idea of bussing to DTD (30 minutes) then taking the boat to POFQ so that DD could try a beignet. The boat guy said that it would probably take almost an hour including the wait time for the next boat, which we had just missed. No beignets for us...

Do they heavily chlorinate at BB? Chlorine fumes are pretty harsh and even just the fumes, if you're sensitive, can irritate your eyes and throat. Stay away from indoor pools, Deena.

Loved that you mentioned RC. I hope you don't mind me asking about River Country but, do you have any River Country photos? I'd LOVE to see them. I just love "vintage" WDW photos. I snuck around and took this last month at RC:

Remember these hair dryers?

Ahhhh River Country---I remember!!! I need to try and find some pictures--I'm sure my stepmom has them--but where--who knows. I think I'm just sensitive to whatever WDW uses in their pools. I love that you did some undercover work. I would have seen a critter and passed out I'm only 1/3 of the way thru... still 2 resorts to go!!

There's changes coming...waiting on HRH...we will be visiting GF soon...maybe if she sees the construction in person she'll want GF again

Absolutely, DH & I are used to a King, we don't do a queen well...at the Poly last year, separate beds for sleep

Well at least we don't feel so odd now, lol. It really was the best sleep!!

Thank you so much for your TR, I will be following!

I'll be at POR Royal Guest Rooms on Thursday, so thanks for the pics, making me so excited! So question, why did you want parterre, high floor? because it's more quiet?

What's funny, is that of all your pics, I was most excited by the cute mickey toiletries (i collect them) I've never seen those before, not in POP this past christmas nor at AKL last year. I'm so excited to collect them! So thanks for the pics! Can't wait for more!

-Virginia

I know you're probably already home, lol. Hope you had a great time!! Parterre was the most recent to be finished, so it would have less wear and tear. It also was further from the quiet pool, which we wouldn't be using. High floor so we didn't hear toilets and feet all morning and night! I do love the blushing orange!!

Followed you over from the POR thread All caught up and lovin your report What a rough way to start your trip, all that rain. Your report reminds me why I didn't book an ADR with CC guarantee for our first day. Those early flights can take it out of you. Loved seeing all the Royal Room photos - thanks

Yeah... an early flight seemed like a great idea. I like my flight from CVG that leaves at 9:40--it's perfect to not leave the house until 8am--like a normal day.

Loving your trip report so far! I am fairly new to Dis, but I will admit that the reference to the 79 pins in the title drew me in. My DH and I are going for our honeymoon in October, and I can't wait!

Yay for a honeymoon!! Congrats!! I was playing with the pins yesterday... ahhh I can't wait to get to those parts!!

-HA! I wish you had taken a picture of Mr. Bean’s pregnant brother. My hubs and I quote his lines from Love, Actually allll the time.
-Awww that stinks that you lost. And ugh to the sore throat.
-Woohoo! Earl! In all of my trips, I have never been there.
-Aww. No Earl. But food either way.
-And wth. Someone should have been looking for the little boy. Your solution makes the most sense, and it’s what I would have done.

Lol--if I had my camera--I would have had a pic! DH loves Earl--he has a serious love for it. At least we are responsible non-parents, lol.

My youngest DD really got into PIN trading on our last trip. It was a blast. We were trying to find all of the "nerds". We ended up trading for all of them except Chip and Dale. This was in November. So older DD said that Santa had to bring Chip and Dale nerds for Christmas. Well, when Santa went on ebay to buy Chip and Dale, obsession ensued! Youngest DD loves Minnie Mouse and I think Santa bid on almost every single MM pin she could find. Santa is also fanantical about finishing sets. That is VERY bad for pin trading! DD ended up with a stocking full of pins for Christmas (maybe 25?). SO I definitely understand how you ended up with way more than you planned! Stay away from ebay. It is dangerous!

We loved POR when we stayed there in 2010. That was before the rehab and we still loved it. I don't think we can do RR because they don't have the trundles right? I would still like to go back. Unfortunately, my kids feel like we need to try a new place each time (who am I kidding, lol, so do I!).

We loved the boat ride to DD. I will say though, during my past two trips, DD was so crowded it was almost miserable.

Well OCD set finishing is the dangerous part. It's intense, and you must get all of them! No trundles in the RR I think the bus is the way to go to DD for sure. I'm glad Santa likes pins too!! My secret santa got me an Oliver and Company this year!!!

GIRL! I followed you over from the wedding boards! I just love to read your reports...they are ADDICTING!!!

Hi!! I have 2 more installments on my honeymoon TR still I should have that done soon!! Glad you're here!

Aww, that sore throat sounds awful! I know we were at a water park when I was at Disney as a kid... I don't know if it was River Country or Typhoon Lagoon. I was too young to remember it clearly!

Too bad about Earl of Sandwich (I love that place!), but the food court sounds like a nice, convenient option. Can't wait to hear about dinner!

You should try the water parks again!! So much fun!! I'm not a huge sandwich person, but I like their food--DH loveeeeees sandwiches.

I've been quiet ... that never happens! But I wanted to let you know that I'm here! And enjoying every minute of your TR!

Yay!! Glad you're here!!

great report...I dont read many of them...so generic, but yours caught my attention and I cant wait to read more...what fun...

Thanks for joining!! Hoping to get the next installment up this morning!!

Just chiming it to say I am reading and loving your trip report. Ready for more!

Cathy

Thanks!!

I'm behind, but I'm caught up!

•I cannot believe those princess rooms! They are gorgeous. The amount of detail in them is insane! I will have to check it out sometime!
•Food court offerings can be so iffy. It really depends on the resort. At least it sounds like POR had a bit of a variety.
•I love Yeehaa Bob! He's great!
•Fulton's sounds like it has a great seafood selection--Will have to try that too!
•Can we have another update soon, please?

Well you're not the only one behind!! Pshh you took a Disney trip, are back home, and I still haven't updated, lol. I did love the Royal Rooms, as apprehensive as I was!! OMG Yeehaa Bob was great!! I totally get why people love him!! Ummm I loved Fulton's so much that I'm going solo in 2 weeks!! Update coming up!!

I'm gonna steal Kook's excuse....

Heather

Sounds good

Now I'm all caught up!!! Love all the pictures...on our last trip between my dad and I, we had around 3000 pictures....ridiculous, I know.

This brings back soooooo many memories for me! We loved RC, too. In fact, my dad found several old pictures from our trip in the early 80s, so in my last TR, I did a mini blast from the past section about RC.

Thanks for the info about TL If you can't handle the waves at 29, I'm very sure that at 40, I won't be able to We're trying to decide between the two waterparks...you just made up mind!!!

Holy cow! Kook on the sly....I love it! And yes...I do remember. What a shame, though, that WDW would let RC get to the point of shambles.

Nice updates!! Keep the pictures coming...I'll be waiting
Heather

I know what you mean about all the pictures!! I had thousands from Disneyland this winter, and over a thousand of World of Color alone!! As far as water parks go... Blizzard Beach allllllll the way!! I love the head first slides there too--they're fun!! I get verrrry upset about RC looking so rough!! Who knew Kook was an undercover detective??

High! I took you up on the invitation from the POR thread. We will be back in September; our family of four is hoping for Alligator Bayou. Love your pictures. Your stories are interesting and funny. I look forward to reading more.

Wondering, did you fax your room preference request Or just leave it listed on the initial reservation?

I just called the reservation line and added them. When you get to check in, if you're not happy, you can ask if there's anything else. POR does take faxes, but I think they are the only resort that does. Most request Oak Manor because it has a quiet pool and is close to the bridge, and closer to the main pool---so I figured we were pretty safe in requesting PP.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Okay... Here we go!

 

[LuvLuvLuv]

There's something about swimming that makes you sleep. So we napped, and woke up a little bit later--totally refreshed!! Totally refreshed, but REALLY sunburned, lol. We were fried extra crispy. We remembered to take our mugs with us so DH wouldn't have to run back later.

Our dinner reservation was for 6:15 for Boatwrights, but I was pretty sure we could get in before that if we wanted. We figured if we ate quickly, we could get to a park afterwards for a bit. We got in at 5:30 and were seated immediately.

I was busy taking in the atmosphere. It was different than most Disney restaurants, and I liked the feel to it. The staff was very friendly, and the restaurant wasn't busy at all.

DH got an iced tea, I got a hot tea. Hot tea is my #1 best friend when my throat is getting crazy. It helped sooooooooo much.

We had discussed getting the bourbon shrimp appetizer, and that was one of the reasons we wanted to try Boatwrights, but we decided against it as we ate a late lunch.

I ordered the filet medalions, switched out the veggies for rice. I forget what they were, but I was allergic to one of them--I'm thinking it was mushrooms or zucchini. I also asked for no sauce. I was pleased with my meal. I didn't care for the crayfish beignet--but I tried it! The mac and cheese was a very strong cheese--I did eat some of it, but it was very rich. I cleaned up the steak and rice with no problems!!

DH got the Grilled Pork Chop with Cheesy Grits and Onion Rings.... and he's still talking about it! He LOVED his meal!! He let me have an onion ring, and we both agreed it was the best onion ring we both have ever had!! We're spoiled now!! DH asked if we can eat there when we move, lol. Of course!

For dessert, I have been wanting the bananas foster angel food cake for months!! As soon as I saw it on the menu.... I knew it was for me!!

OMG it was delicious!

We settled the check, and it was super reasonable. We were satisfied, the hot tea was a complete miracle for me. As we walked out, we needed to make a decision about what we were going to do. We could have went to MK, Epcot, or DHS. We made our way to the bus stop, and decided to just go to Downtown Disney. We figured we were going to be around the parks when we moved resorts and should visit DD while we were right there.

Being the amazing wife that I am, and the fact that it was really early--I asked if he wanted to go to Disneyquest. I knew he did. The last time I set foot in there, I left vomiting for an entire day. Apparently I can't tolerate virtual reality and I learned the hard way after a heavy lunch at Raglan Road. (I haven't been back there either, lol)

We played for a while. I played TRON pinball, skee ball, TRON, Ironman pinball, Frogger, we did the Buzz Lightyear thing downstairs. We did the Fast and the Furious racing for a bit. It was really fun. As long as I was doing stuff that didn't make me sick--I was enjoying myself, lol. We stayed for a bit, then decided to move on. It was time to shop. I don't think I'd buy a pass to get in, but since it's included in our Premier Passport--it's fun for an hour or two.

We took the boat from the Westside to the Marketplace because we were lazy, lol.

We checked the art store for the Cinderella's Castle pokitpal that I wanted, but they were out. I really want to use it as a ring box, and they are always out online. We went through the shops, and I got a Minnie notebook so I could take TR notes at the store that used to be the $10 and under... but I forget what it's called now. We went through Mickey's pantry, but we still have tea and hawaiian sea salt from last time so we passed. I went into TrendE and he went into the men's sport area. I did try them on to make sure I was getting the right size. I have some stuff that's way to big, and some way too small--So I try on now. Somehow I left there with 2 dresses, a tank top, and 2 nail polishes DH saw me with the bag and just laughed. He doesn't know why I pack clothes when I just buy them there. I had been eyeing those dresses for 2 days and I felt I should just do it. The Muppets polishes have been sold out everywhere around here and they had them!! I got Warm and Fozzie (which I have on now) and Excuse Moi.

He was ready to go to the pin store. Oh my. It was May 4th... and there was a limited edition Star Wars pin for May the Fourth be With You. DH got it and a Star Wars set of 5 or 6. I'm not a huge Star Wars fan, but he likes it. He also got a mystery villians pack, I got 2 2011 Hidden Mickey packs. I got two orange birds, a Yeti, and something else to trade. I was super happy! I had 3 orange birds!! He got the Queen of Hearts and Hercules in his pack. He's got Hercules 4 times now, and we keep trading him, lol.

We proceded to go over to Basin--my haven. I normally stock up pretty good, but there was something about the fact that I had spent a LOT of money in the past hour and half that prevented me from going crazy in there. DH knew I was nervous about spending too much at a time, and somehow behind my back bought me 3 therapy bombs. I love them, and our house constantely smells of it. They have epsom salts in them and after a long park day---they are just amazing. He's sweet.

World of Disney was a hot mess. It was crowded and I was just not in the mood for it. We went in to look at picture frames, and I had picked one up to buy... DH said to me... ummm you have that. I do? Yeah... it's still in the box in the spare bedroom. Who knew I don't even know what I have. I got one that I've looked at for a while that was perfect for one of our wedding pictures. And I think we're done here.

We were ready for a snack, but we both think Ghiradelli is a bit of a cluster at night. We thought we'd stop for beignets at POFQ. We took the boat back and jumped off at POFQ. They were out at the moment, and we didn't want to wait. We filled our mugs and got back on the boat to POR. I'm glad we had them with us.

Yehaa Bob was just ending, so we stopped to watch for a minute. Then we went over and got ice cream. DH got a sundae, I got a mickey cookies and cream sandwich, and mickey cheese crackers.

We were tired, and burnt, and ready to get back to the room. We really felt like we got a lot out of the resort. Our time here was very much enjoyed and I would recommend this to anyone, even those who love deluxe resorts!

Before we went back to the room, we decided to make a quick stop in the gift shop. DH saw a frame he liked... I liked it too, but the picture was so little on it. It was all frame and little picture. I really did like it--but couldn't justify it. He really wanted it, but I didn't get it. I went to the pins. I went to pick up the Electrical Parade, Figaro, and Flower. DH said that I had Figaro and Flower. What? I don't think. He said I did for sure, and that I didn't even remember what I had. I felt like I was going crazy--didn't I say I wanted them before? I was so tired, but maybe he was right? Ugh. I got the Electrical Parade, some sunburn spray, and my favorite lip balm by H20.

We stopped to look at the pin board at the gift shop, made a quick trade and we were done. We were back in the room, packed up, and asleep in no time. The next morning we were going to the resort that we got married at!!

 

[LuvLuvLuv]

Day 3... The First Resort Move

My original plan was to get up early, take a cab to the Poly for check in, and eat breakfast in the lounge. Somehow the planning side of my brain, and the sleeping side of my brain ended up fighting, and I hit snooze a few times.

I finally got up and moving and decided not to rush. I got everything together, and had asked DH if he was ready for me to call the cab. I had mentioned that I think cabs are wonderful compared to the resort service. He questioned what I meant. We have been doing the cab thing for years, and apparently I never told him that WDW will move your stuff for you. I told him I was a little too anxious to leave our stuff, what if it didn't arrive? What if I need something? He asked what it cost... Umm it's free. He said we needed to try it and forget the cab. I was mad for even mentioning it. He said we could get more pins. Is this for real?? You'd rather get pins?? Obsessed Much? So I re-arranged all my stuff, packed a purse, and called Bell Services. At this point, I just said a little prayer, and took some departure pictures:

Bell Services came, said our stuff would arrive by 1:30pm. Fair Enough. We walked to the busses and jumped on the MK bus. The whole way there, I couldn't help but cursing DH for not letting me take the cab. We got there, took the ferry over to the TTC. I take a ton of pix when I'm on the ferry. Here's two:

Ooooh I love that crane!

We'll be there soon!

We then walked over to the Poly.... and we were there in no time!

We were greeted by a CM with a clip board, we gave them our name, and they walked us back to the Hawaii building. For some reason I thought the resort was much more spread out... but we were there rather quickly. I had only been on the Luau Cove Beach side of the Poly going toward the GF, and had never been past the Grand Ceremonial House.

They took us to the check in desk.... and I'll stop there for now!!

 

[pas130]

DH and I sat down and were talking about our future since my full time was ending. I can do makeup anywhere, he can do what he does anywhere, and we questioned if we were really happy where we were. Well by the end of the conversation, we decided we are going to move to Orlando! I'm going down on my own to look at rental properties in about 2 weeks!!! Our target is to move in September. So in between all the "life" stuff happening--I put together a 5 night trip!! I'll try to keep everyone updated on that. I'm thinking of doing a blog rather than a TR to document the entire move.

So exciting...our whole trip I kept saying I want to move here.....


And another cliffhanger at the Poly check-in

 

[WDWKOOK]

I don't like cliffhangers! I love the photos on the "magic carpet" - too cute. Great phood photos, too and descriptions. Hurry-up with those KKC lounge photos and review (please).

 

[DoomBuggy0922]

-I am so excited (and a teensy bit jealous) about your move. I think you should start doing wedding makeup.
-Oh, those onion rings look fantastic. Mmmm.
-You are an amazing wife for going to DQ. You need an award.
-Oh what dresses did you get?! I love Tren-D.
-Awww, hubs needs an award too! So sweet.
-Those mickey crackers are oddly good, right??
-Your magic carpet pictures are ADORABLE!
-That’s a good point about bell services. I actually let them move my wedding dress (post-wedding). I think I was just tired of carrying that 10lb beast around though.
-Ohhhh I can’t wait to read all about the Poly.

 

[MinnieMouseMom]

I don't like cliffhangers! I love the photos on the "magic carpet" - too cute. Great phood photos, too and descriptions. Hurry-up with those KKC lounge photos and review (please).

I loved the magic carpet pics, too! I'll have to do that with my girls. Won't they be thrilled?

 

[Jungle Cruiser]

Loving the trip report! I laughed when you said you let it slip to your DH that Disney will move your bags for free . Typical male reaction! Why spend $15 on a cab and be there in 15 minutes when you can take Disney transportation, take possibly an hour to get there and just hope your stuff arrives?

Please don't leave us hanging too long, excited to hear about the Poly!

 

[hstrickland]

My DD6 really likes the look of POR rooms! She thought the magic carpet was awesome! Not sure if that room would accommodate my family of 5, though...maybe just the hubby and I can check it out for a long weekend Looking forward to your PolyCL report It's such a beautiful resort.

I'll be waiting

 

[LuvLuvLuv]

So exciting...our whole trip I kept saying I want to move here.....

And another cliffhanger at the Poly check-in

I say it everytime we're down there. We always called it our "5 year plan" -- well for once.... I'm ahead of schedule, lol. I love cliffhangers!

I don't like cliffhangers! I love the photos on the "magic carpet" - too cute. Great phood photos, too and descriptions. Hurry-up with those KKC lounge photos and review (please).

Hehe... I have to keep you reading! They're coming right up!

-I am so excited (and a teensy bit jealous) about your move. I think you should start doing wedding makeup.
-Oh, those onion rings look fantastic. Mmmm.
-You are an amazing wife for going to DQ. You need an award.
-Oh what dresses did you get?! I love Tren-D.
-Awww, hubs needs an award too! So sweet.
-Those mickey crackers are oddly good, right??
-Your magic carpet pictures are ADORABLE!
-That’s a good point about bell services. I actually let them move my wedding dress (post-wedding). I think I was just tired of carrying that 10lb beast around though.
-Ohhhh I can’t wait to read all about the Poly.

I think I'll check a few places for some side cash... but my main goal is to transfer stores. I have the credentials to work for most of the lines so that's the first order of business. Those onion rings will forever be my fave!! Lol--I do need an award for going into DQ after my last situation there, lol. The mickey crackers are AMAZING! Thanks--I had to have the carpet pics!! Post wedding--I don't think it would have bothered me--PreWedding... it wouldn't leave my sight, lol!

I loved the magic carpet pics, too! I'll have to do that with my girls. Won't they be thrilled?

They're fun!! There's so many details there!!

Loving the trip report! I laughed when you said you let it slip to your DH that Disney will move your bags for free . Typical male reaction! Why spend $15 on a cab and be there in 15 minutes when you can take Disney transportation, take possibly an hour to get there and just hope your stuff arrives?

Please don't leave us hanging too long, excited to hear about the Poly!

Thanks!!! I think like you... instant gratification!!

My DD6 really likes the look of POR rooms! She thought the magic carpet was awesome! Not sure if that room would accommodate my family of 5, though...maybe just the hubby and I can check it out for a long weekend Looking forward to your PolyCL report It's such a beautiful resort.

I'll be waiting

DH really liked it--so I would say you 2 should check it out for a weekend!! It was perfect for us!!

Okay... Poly check in... coming right up!!

 

[LuvLuvLuv]

The Polynesian Check In

I'm going to go back and do a little prelude to this. If you recall--I added the Poly about 2 weeks before we left. DH and I were looking at wedding pictures and decided we wanted to stay there sometime. I decided this was the time! I had been in contact with IPO--they were really nice. In one of our talks, they even asked to see some of our wedding pictures I felt like we bonded, lol. I looked into strawberries, but DH said we didn't need them. I wanted them, but knew I couldn't eat 6. He's a white chocolate kind of guy, I'm a dark chocolate kind of girl. I priced them, but in the end, decided against them. I priced a cake--but decided we were eating too many other desserts. So in the end--all I asked for was "not first floor". I figured if we wanted something last minute--we could always add it.

It was about 11--give or take--my plan of eating breakfast at the lounge failed. I was starving--I need my breakfast--had we taken the cab, I would have had food by now! We were led to the first concierge desk, we were each welcomed and presented with a lei. We were told we were upgraded and asked if we wanted the 2nd or 3rd floor. This was a no brainer for me--3rd. Since I did my research, I knew the 2nd floor didn't have a balcony. So much for my catchy title of "The Tour of the Garden Views". I didn't ask if we were TPV or Lagoon--I figured I would just wait and see when we got to the room. She advised the room wasn't ready yet, and they would text me. This was fine because we didn't have our luggage anyway. She went over the map and activities with us, then told us to go up and check out the lounge.

Based on the time, the lounge was in transition between breakfast and snacks. I knew from pictures that I could at least get a Sprite, and we could sit for a minute and relax. It's really funny, when you check into the Poly, you immediately feel like you're on a relaxing island, and you just want to relax and hang out. We made it up to the 2nd floor where the lounge is, and were blown away by the view. It was just beautiful.

We were barely up there a second, and a CM asked if they could get us cereal, an uncrustable, yogurt, and was just spouting off all kinds of stuff. I was really impressed since they were in transition. I would have been happy with a Sprite and a banana! We got 2 uncrustables (1 for each of us), I got a yogurt, and a banana. If my memory serves me correctly--she brought me a chocolate milk too! This was service, and I already loved it here.

We decided to play on our phones, take pictures, and eat for a bit. It was a big day for some of my DisFriends. Kristen was getting married at noon at the Wedding Pavilion, and Tricia was getting married at Shipwreck Beach later that day. I really wanted to get over to stalk Kristen, but DH thought it was creepy. Umm--in DisBride world... it's just kind of common and normal, lol. Here are some of my photos from the lounge:

This was pure, tranquil bliss. I can see why people are addicted to this place. It was a completely different world than the resorts that we have been to.

Once we were done eating, and surfing on our iPhones, we decided to head over to the GF until our room was ready. I said I wanted to go to Basin White, but secretly, I wanted to position myself for when Kristen came out of the WP

Here are some pictures from our walk from Hawaii to the Grand Ceremonial House:

And the Avengers Monorail (DH is way more into this than me)

We were on our way to the GF. We went in all the shops, and I got 2 barrels of Bath Bombs. We were pretty much done shopping, and I got the text that our room was ready. So I decided we should walk back so I could see the construction. (and walk past the WP, lol) Here is some GF mess:

EEK! My photobucket is trying to shut my computer down. It's having some type of issue, but I'm scared to death I'm going to lose all of this--so I'm going to post this for now!

 

[pas130]

YAY for an update. Beautiful pics! The Poly is a whole world in itself. Part of the worls, but feels so tropical...when we were there, I had all eyes on my home awy from home the GF...thanks for the pics! aticipating many more wonderful ones...so sweet of them to get offerings even though it was "transition time"

 

[WDWKOOK]

Where are the people??? I have never seen the Poly beach so desolate, even the sidewalk is empty - a sight to behold - just that one lonely swinger out there. Maybe the trick to enjoying the Poly is to only go in the off-season and visit the lounge in between service? I'm so glad your Poly stay has started off on such a high note. Can't wait for the upgraded room review. When are the Lapu Lapus and Kona Kones?!

 

[DoomBuggy0922]

-Oh, wow! Look at that view. I am drooling over here.
-No, stalking Kristen is perfectly normal. Not creepy at all. We really do live in our own little world.
-Oh, the crane. ☹
-You are making me desperately want to stay at the Poly! Desperately. So much so that I just priced out NYE there, but I don’t think Chris would like me very much anymore if I booked at that price…
-Ha! I love your super-sneaky Kristen stalking.
-And ugh, that mess. I hope that DVC is done soon.

 

[librarygeek]

* Sounds like you had a fun day of shopping! I love DTD. I had a ton of fun there on our honeymoon when I had a nice gift card full of cash to spend!
* Boatwrights looks pretty good - especially that dessert! We haven't eaten there because there are so many other places we want to try, and I hadn't heard great things about it. But maybe on a future POR trip we'll check it out!
* I haven't stayed deluxe, but even when I do taking into consideration the prices and stuff I think POR will still remain my favorite resort. And now that they have those Princess rooms, I can't wait to try those!
* I feel you about the cab vs. Disney transportation. I'm always hesitant to let my luggage out of my sight. When I was in England I took a bus from Oxford to the London airport and my luggage was underneath the bus - and they still lost it!! Turns out they unloaded it at the wrong terminal. I got it back but it was a crazy, awful process and I almost missed my flight. So I don't let my luggage out of my sight now if I can help it. When I get off the airplane one of the best feelings is seeing my luggage come around at the baggage claim!
* What gorgeous pictures of the Poly! My aunt and uncle are taking my 6 year old cousins to Disney for the first time in just a few days, and they are staying at the Poly! I'm so excited for them!
* I hope you were able to catch a glimpse of Kristen's wedding! I totally would've been stalking it too!

 

[Lisa29]

Ooh cliffhanger again! I want to see what your upgrade is.

So happy for you making plans to move and massively jealous! Hope everything goes well and you find somewhere to live.

 

[jlocmac]

UGH! I don't know if I've commented in here or not!! I'm definitely reading along though! I looooovvveee your TRs. Something interesting ALWAYS happens!!

-love, love, love your room at POR!!! Soooo cool!
-There's nothing wrong with stalking a fellow Disbride's wedding. (this coming from a fellow stalker!!)
-I want to stay at the Poly, but there's a HUGE problem with that. We're too damn cheap!!! We're staying value for our anniversary, because the rates are so freakin awesome in Sept!! (I've convinced him to upgrade for 3 of the 8 days!)
-I can't wait to see your room!!!!

This is a poor excuse for a set of comments, but I feel like I should put forth the effort to update my own TR.. since I'm here and all!!