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

[jennyjinx3]

Just getting caught up here! I love all your pictures !!

 

[pas130]

Just getting caught up here! I love all your pictures !!

Hope she doesn't forgot about us here awaiting updates....she started on her Relocation TR too, poor Deena...too busy

 

[LuvLuvLuv]

This post has poofed 3 times... lets try it a 4th!

I can't believe it's been 2 months since my last update! In my defense, I have taken a trip, started and finished that TR, preparing and tying up loose ends for our move, and still battling the carpal tunnel.

We move 2 weeks from today... the ticker is a bit off. I haven't been sleeping well, so I figured that I would take the time to update this a bit!!

Hi Deena,

Amazing view from your room!!

Great update too, the Poly looks wonderful and we cannot wait to stay there for the first time in October

Your trip is getting closer!! You'll love it!!

Deena my lovely Poly looks beautiful! Glad you enjoyed your stay there. It really is like a completely separate world from Disney!

YOU'RE SLEEPING THERE RIGHT NOW!!! I'm jealous!! I know you're having an amazing time!!

Absolutely beautiful pictures! I LOVE the one of you standing on the beach holding your sandals! Thank you for the great update!

Thank you!! I hope to get more up soon!!

Me, too - love 'em all!

That was so funny that you were worried about stalking and the bride ended-up taking pictures with the stalker. I like your room advice about a 3rd floor CL/LV. Is your sandy camera OK?

More TR, please!!!!

Well as you read in the other TR, I purchased a new camera---so.... yeah. Kristen is a great girl, and I'm so glad I met her

Your room looks beautiful. So what happened to the camera? With being a $300 mistake I assume it needed to be repaired or replaced?

Well it was on life support for a few days, and I tried to do surgery upon coming home... but it was a lesson learned

Love the Poly pics!!!! And for the upgrade!!! We made the mistake of letting Faith and Jesse's first trip to WDW be a deluxe stay... Poly TPV CL!! Now they think that's the only way to travel! The CL lounge view can hardly be beat!!

Enjoyed seeing the construction at the GF. The pool looks like it is completely surrounded by construction My parents want to take a GF trip in December...not sure if that's smart or not

The CL/TPV spoiled us too... I think that's the only way I'd stay there. The view was breathtaking, and I hope someday I can get that feeling back!! It was different having the beach and water vs. the CR view of the parking lot. I miss it!!

•....And now from these pictures you have totally convinced me to stay at the Poly, as well. I knew I wanted to stay here at some point, but now I may make it a point to stay here relatively soon.
•Seriously, that view is gorgeous!
•Those flatbreads are making me super hungry...

Yes, I think you should stay there.. the sooner the better The flatbreads are super good! (think the subway commercial... it's super good and it's super mine!) lol!

Love your report so far!

Thanks for all of the room pictures - both POR and the Poly. 2 amazing rooms so far! You guys are lucky! And those Capt. Cooks flatbreads look deeeeelicious!

You're totally right about the relaxed atmosphere at the Poly...just seeing your pictures is taking me to a warm, happy place. Ahh...

Can't wait for more!

It was such a different world! And to think that I didn't want to stay there for all those years because it only has queen beds and no hot tub!

She always keeps us in suspense..it's not like she's busy planning a trip next week to relocate or anything

Lol. Life is a whirlwind!

What a wonderful view from your room, I hope you were able to enjoy the fireworks from there.

Great pictures. I don't usually like 'scenery' shots but at Disney it is perfectly acceptable (and obligatory!) and I love looking at them!

Yay!!

Apparently, I'm a stalker! I am booking Jason Angelini for our wedding and I recognized you because of your hair from his blog. I actually have a photo of you on one of my Pinterest boards!

Awesome trip report!

HI!!! I feel special If you have any questions... just ask!! I was recognized by my hair in Disneyland in January, lol!!

-Ugh. I really wish I were at the Poly right now, instead of on my couch. Just sayin.
-Love the Disbride pics together! So much!!!
-Oh, your view is amazing. I am entirely jealous. And happy for you too!
-I adore Disney’s house-made chips. They’re wonderfully delicious.

First of all... I hope your day went well today (besides the sbux incident)! The view was simply the best view ever. It brought me to tears!!!

Subscribing! I loved your PJ and am loving this too! We've stayed at POR twice and just adore it.

Welcome!! I really liked POR, I can't wait to visit there soon!!

I am loving your trip report!!! What a view! Ahhh I love it!!

Thanks!! I could talk about that view all day!!

Deena you guys are such a beautiful couple! And your dog is so stinkin' cute!

Thanks for posting all of those detailed pics of the Royal Room. We just switched to there from the Poly and I was a little nervous, but those rooms are so beautiful I feel a lot better!

Thanks!! Baxter is such a little ham!! Really... it's a great choice. I loved both places, but the $$ you could spend elsewhere is a big difference!!

Just getting caught up here! I love all your pictures !!

Well I'm glad you're caught up because I'm behind

Hope she doesn't forgot about us here awaiting updates....she started on her Relocation TR too, poor Deena...too busy

Okay, Okay!! Here we go................. (coming up in a few)

 

[LuvLuvLuv]

So we made it back to our room after lunch. For some reason, I thought the resort was giant, spread out, and that it would take forever to walk around. I was pleasantly surprised how quickly you could get around!! We were back to the Hawaii building in no time!!

When we got into the room... we noticed that we got a little pixie dust!!

So that's why IPO asked to see a picture of our wedding?? I loved it. This was the frame I liked at POR's gift shop, but was afraid to spend money on something that only had a little picture. I love it. DH loved the authentic leis. Amazing. Simply amazing!

We played the "what do you want to do" game. I wanted to swim. It was hot. I suggested Blizzard Beach, but was shot down. After 10 minutes, he got up, dressed, and said... aren't we going to Blizzard Beach? Who was I to argue?? Let's go!

We didn't do any slides, just hung out in the wave pool. It felt great. He knew it was a good idea, and that BB's wave pool is relaxing and gentle. On our way out, curiosity finally killed the cat and we got a 1/2 dozen mini donuts. Honestly... we didn't like them. Just not fans of the crowd favorite--but at least we tried them!!!

When we got back to our room, we saw our door was open What's going on now?? Lol--I forgot about turndown service. As we enter the room, we see the CM doing the turndown, as well as leaving this....

here is the turndown...

and they had put a tray on the desk.....

Oh wow! I didn't know what to think of this--I had asked if they were sure this was ours! I had priced a 1/2 dozen dark chocolate, but decided against it. This was 6 tuxedo and 6 white chocolate strawberries. I was overwhelmed with emotion from all the pixie dust here. DH dug into the white chocolate, and I indulged in a tuxedo. I made sure to pace myself since I have a pretty bad skin allergy to strawberries.

We took quick showers and decided to check out dinner offerings in the lounge. Our California Grill reservation wasn't until later--and we were hungry from swimming.

What we did notice here, is that it was like chow time in a cafeteria. Everyone ate in the lounge, and it was much more kid occupied than our other CL adventures in the CR Tower Club and the YC.

On my way down the steps... I took a picture of my pet peeve... Hello Bacteria!

I was very very happy to see that they had mini corn dogs, lol. I love those things. I'm very picky, and I imagine that parents love this too. DH grabbed a beer, and I was longing to try some of the Poly Punch!

It was all very good!! I was really loving the Polynesian. It was such a great day!! Next it was back to the room to get ready for the California Grill!

Photobucket wants to restart... so I am going to post this. Hopefully after a reboot I can continue!!

 

[LuvLuvLuv]

And moving on....

We got ready and made it over to the monorail. Even though we had a snack, I wanted to try to get in a bit early to the CG so we could get back to watch fireworks from the room.

They took us early, no problems! I'm so glad they did because not only did we get a great table...

But we got to experience SUNSET there!

The pictures don't do it justice. It was seriously beautiful! They make an announcement and everything. It's very quick. I hope to see this again!!

On with the food... DH got the Spicy Kazan Roll, and I skipped the appy and stuffed my face with the amazing sourdough.

He got the filet, but had to sub out the starch since it had truffles which are a mushroom cousin. He got the yukon gold olive oil crushed potatoes instead of the truffled mashed.

I'm predictable. Filet... no sauce... sub for double macaroni and cheese. This is my favorite meal of all time. I dunno what Chef Brian does with his mac and cheese, but it is amazing, and I always get double.

Once again... we had an amazing time at the California Grill. I have a few reservations before they go into rehab!! I'm going to miss it while it's down!!

We skipped dessert, took a quick walk thru the gift shops, and made our way back to the Poly. I didn't want to take a chance at missing Wishes! We loaded up a plate of desserts, I made tea, and got up to the room.

Soon after we got up there, the Magic Memories and You was playing. I watched a bit of it, and was shocked that even though we were pretty far away, you could still see pretty well!

Sunset Pointe and the beach were packed with guests... as it should be... it's a great location!! I was too anxious to sit on the balcony... I just stood. At this point, I was still able to get the camera to work... THANK GOODNESS. Here are a few pictures from 12 of the most magical minutes of my life!

I was so teary and overwhelmed by what an amazing day it was. The Poly really set itself apart for us, not only because we were married there, because it really was everything that Poly lovers make it out to be.

MK was open until 1am, so we decided to go over. We changed into park clothes, I put my sequin Minnie ears on... and we were on our way to the boat dock.

I'm going to leave you here for now. I'm having another photobucket issue, and I'm nervous I'm going to lose this whole post! At least I'm back in action!!

 

[pas130]

I was so teary and overwhelmed by what an amazing day it was. The Poly really set itself apart for us, not only because we were married there, because it really was everything that Poly lovers make it out to be.

Welcome back Deena!!!! We missed you!!! The Poly did do right by you.... You SOOOOOOO deserved every speckle of that pixie dust my friend!!!

 

[LuvLuvLuv]

Welcome back Deena!!!! We missed you!!! The Poly did do right by you.... You SOOOOOOO deserved every speckle of that pixie dust my friend!!!

Thank you!! I don't know how to express what an amazing time we had there!!

Okay... the rest of day 3 coming up!!!

 

[LuvLuvLuv]

Day 3... after Fireworks

So we made our way down to the boatdock and waited for the boat. I loved how close the boat dock is to the Hawaii building. We love to travel by boat. I think I even prefer it over the monorail!

The sweetest little girl started talking to me on the way over. She liked my ring and told me that it meant I was married, lol. It was too cute!

As we got into the MK, I realized the Electrical Parade was getting ready to start. Before our trip, there were speculations and rumors about Spectromagic coming back, and so, just incase they were true, we decided to sit and watch. We got a nice curb spot in the middle of Main Street. It was the perfect ending to a great day.

I thought it was a little odd, but the eagle with the flag didn't come out that night. Elliot and Pete wrapped the show up. Anywho, I was glad we saw it. I rarely can strap DH down to watch the same parade again and again. We saw it back in May 2010, and I haven't been able to get him to sit and watch it since.

So it was shopping time. We bought a couple pins in the shop that sells the light boxes and Dooneys. I think that's my favorite MK shop.

We went on Buzz, the peoplemover, decided against POTC because the line was insane. Then we decided to just head out. It was pretty busy, but we had to be back in the MK for a Disbrides meet the next day at 1pm.

So we walked back thru the shops on our way to the front, and got on the boat. DH and I had a spot in the back, and we always like to try to pick out who is staying where. We do this all the time on boats and the monorail. Who is a Poly person, and who is a GF person. I picked out a couple that were for sure GF, and I said the rest were Poly. He said I was wrong, and we were all Poly. We get to the GF, and EVERY SINGLE PERSON got off but us We failed that night. I want to stay at the GF, but not until construction is done. I had chances, but I'm happy with everywhere I've stayed. I wouldn't change anything I've done.

It was such a long day, and it didn't take anytime for us to crash. I can't believe I was crawling in bed at the Polynesian. Who would have ever thought?

Day 4 coming up!

 

[belle2211]

When we got into the room... we noticed that we got a little pixie dust!!

So that's why IPO asked to see a picture of our wedding?? I loved it. This was the frame I liked at POR's gift shop, but was afraid to spend money on something that only had a little picture. I love it. DH loved the authentic leis. Amazing. Simply amazing!

and they had put a tray on the desk.....

Oh wow! I didn't know what to think of this--I had asked if they were sure this was ours! I had priced a 1/2 dozen dark chocolate, but decided against it. This was 6 tuxedo and 6 white chocolate strawberries. I was overwhelmed with emotion from all the pixie dust here. DH dug into the white chocolate, and I indulged in a tuxedo. I made sure to pace myself since I have a pretty bad skin allergy to strawberries.

On my way down the steps... I took a picture of my pet peeve... Hello Bacteria!

I was very very happy to see that they had mini corn dogs, lol. I love those things. I'm very picky, and I imagine that parents love this too. DH grabbed a beer, and I was longing to try some of the Poly Punch!

Love that picture frame! And the strawberries! So jealous that you got such wonderful pixie dust!

And I hate it when I see people swimming in the lake. I want to ask them if they can read the "no swimming signs"!

And I love Disney's corn dogs. I specially ordered some for Kory for our wedding...I had them waiting for him right when we got done with pictures when we were taking time just for us before the reception

I'm predictable. Filet... no sauce... sub for double macaroni and cheese. This is my favorite meal of all time. I dunno what Chef Brian does with his mac and cheese, but it is amazing, and I always get double.

I need to try this mac & cheese. I've only eaten there once and I don't remember what I had!

As we got into the MK, I realized the Electrical Parade was getting ready to start. Before our trip, there were speculations and rumors about Spectromagic coming back, and so, just incase they were true, we decided to sit and watch.

Oh no! I so hope this isn't true! I don't like Spectro but love ELP!!

 

[LuvLuvLuv]

Love that picture frame! And the strawberries! So jealous that you got such wonderful pixie dust!

And I hate it when I see people swimming in the lake. I want to ask them if they can read the "no swimming signs"!

And I love Disney's corn dogs. I specially ordered some for Kory for our wedding...I had them waiting for him right when we got done with pictures when we were taking time just for us before the reception

I need to try this mac & cheese. I've only eaten there once and I don't remember what I had!

Oh no! I so hope this isn't true! I don't like Spectro but love ELP!!

I remember when you got the corn dogs for your wedding!!! I love them so much!! The CG mac is so good!! You should try it!! I haven't read anything recently about Spectro, but it was in rumor blogs earlier this spring. I wish there was a way for them to do both, off and on!!

 

[LuvLuvLuv]

Day 4

I was up moderately early, even though we were up late. I slipped down to the lounge while DH was still fast asleep. I got myself a little table, a coffee and some cereal.

I sat and enjoyed the view, checked email, and just relaxed. I stopped by the concierge desk to see if there was anything earlier for Ohana that night, but there wasn't. I wanted to watch fireworks from our balcony again--but our reservation was during fireworks and we would miss them. Unfortunately nothing was available. Before going back upstairs, I asked for an uncrustable and a chocolate milk for DH. The breakfast of champions, lol.

DH didn't feel like getting out of bed yet, so I went ahead and got my shower and got ready for the day. Since I had a little time before we needed to be at the MK, I figured I'd go over our receipts and check my account. I have read one too many posts of being hacked while on vacation. I had also been hacked 2 months earlier.... so I liked to keep an eye on things. I saw a charge from the Polynesian for 53.62. I went through all the receipts and I couldn't find anything for that charge. Hmmmm??

So I call the IPO on the room phone to ask what the charge was. The lady tells me, (in a tone like I'm an idiot) "That is for the strawberries you got yesterday." So I politely said... I didn't order the strawberries. She tells me yes I did. I told her I inquired about a cake price, and a price for a 1/2 dozen dark chocolate strawberries, but I didn't order either... and that's not even what I got. Oh--she says. She then asked if we ate them. I said we had a couple, but I wasn't a fan of white chocolate, and he didn't have many either. I explained we had other comped goodies, and that I even asked the CM if they were really for us. I told her that I wanted my money back because I did not order them. She acted like it would be an issue. I may have got a little snappy at this point, and it took 3 further calls, and 2 days to resolve this. It was the only problem I had with the Poly. Frankly, I was embarrassed, and kind of hoped to never recieve pixie dust again. So yes... some things ARE too good to be true.

Anywho... by this time it was ready to head over the MK. It was hot. We got over to Adventureland for the Disbride's meet and I was so excited to meet the girls that helped me plan, and that I had gotten rather close to!! We had a blast chatting it up!! We took a picture before heading off to the shade in the Toruga Tavern.

We were chatting until we melted, and until we were all pretty much starving. Ironically enough, my high school band was marching that same day, so I wanted to see what they looked like now-a-days! I staked out a spot by Sleepy Hollow, and took a fun picture while waiting:

And here they come....

I dunno... I marched thru this same spot in 2000, and I just feel like we looked more put together when I was captain of the dance team, and we took it more seriously. I just wasn't impressed. Very sad. However it is funny that they haven't got new uniforms, and it is extremely possible that I wore one of the band uniforms my freshman year when I played the saxophone!

After the parade, DH got in line at Sleepy Hollow and told me he'd meet me at Columbia Harbour House. I got in line to get my favorite shrimp and got a nice spot upstairs. He got one of those waffle sandwiches.

After we had our yummies... I dreaded going back out in the heat. I didn't feel like being in the park at all. We took a quick walk to look at construction and the new Dumbo..

We decided it was too hot and we wanted to head back to the Polynesian. I liked it there and wanted to be there at all times. I took some pictures on the boat:

And I'll have to take a little hiatus, since photobucket freaked out.... again. I dunno what's going on with it

I'll be back with what we do when we get back to the Polynesian!

 

[OThopeful35]

Great trip report! Love the pics!

 

[pas130]

Thank you!! I don't know how to express what an amazing time we had there!!

You don't have to....I get it!!!

So we made our way down to the boatdock and waited for the boat. I loved how close the boat dock is to the Hawaii building. We love to travel by boat. I think I even prefer it over the monorail!

Us too!!!! We had terrific luck with the boats!!!!

Sorry about the "strawberry fiasco" that stinks

 

[basketlacey]

So glad you are back! So how was the waffle sandwich?

I can't believe what happened with the strawberries! I also can't believe she asked you if you ate them?!?!?! Wth? If you thought they were comped and ate them it didn't mean you would have been willing to pay $60 for them!

 

[librarygeek]

Yay for an update! The Poly looks gorgeous - I've never been there! And the pixie dust (except for the strawberry thing) is pretty great! Your view from you balcony of Wishes is just incredible.

And of course I love seeing the DisBrides meet!

 

[Lisa29]

Yay, you're back!!! We've missed you!

Great few updates, your view from your balcony really was brilliant.

Not long now and you will be able to change your location to Florida! So excited for you and just a teeny tiny HUGE bit jealous!

 

[m6c5a90]

I was originally upset that I wasn't able to snag a fireworks time slot for dinner at the Cali but after seeing the pictures you took of the sunset from there... WOW! I'm actually happier that our reservation should fall right around sunset!!

Mary