jrgutknecht
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Aug 9, 2000
- Messages
- 199
Day 7 - May 10th A day of Relaxation and the Luau
Cast of characters: Me - 36 first trip in about 15 years
Tom - also 36, first trip to WDW
Originally (three months ago) we had scheduled the Backstage Magic tour at the Magic Kingdom. We realized before we left that we didnt have much down time and we had no time at all at any of the water parks. So as much as we really wanted to do the tour, we canceled it. Boy am I glad we did. Sleeping in this morning (after last night) really recharged my batteries! I could hardly believe we had been here almost a week! On one hand it seems like we have been here forever, on the other, it's like we just arrived.
Its amazing how you can forget the regular world when youre at Disney. Maybe that's what makes it such a perfect place to vacation!
We originally thought we wanted to go to Blizzard Beach today, but after checking out the water park brochure, I begged Tom to go to Typhoon Lagoon instead. I was so excited to see they had a snorkeling pool and I really wanted to go snorkeling. I had never done anything like this before and I thought it would be more fun than having my bathing suit pulled up around my ears as I slid down the tallest water slide in the world. Luckily I won the argument and we grabbed our suits and towels and headed out to the bus stop.
We boarded the bus at the lodge around 10:15 and headed over to the TTC to transfer busses to Typhoon Lagoon. There was quite a line already forming for Typhoon Lagoon and we just missed getting onto the bus that was loading when we arrived. We waited about 15 minutes for the next bus to arrive. By this time the line was getting really long. I knew that we would get on the bus, but I could tell there was no way the entire group that was waiting would make it on the bus. When our bus pulled up we got onboard and I was sure that everyone on the bus was going to Typhoon Lagoon as opposed to Downtown Disney. You could just tell by the way people were dressed and what they were carrying (towels and swimsuits) where they were going. The driver tried to squeeze on as many people as he could and while loading he called and told the dispatcher that there were at least two more bus loads of people waiting to board. I heard them reply that they were sending over more busses, and the driver relayed this to those still waiting, but Im sure they werent very happy about having to wait. We got under way and the bus driver did a quick poll of peoples destinations and announced that Typhoon Lagoon would be our first stop. I dont know if this was normal, or if he re-routed based on where everyone was going, but it was nice to know we would be getting off at the first stop.
We pulled into Typhoon Lagoon around 10:45 and since we were the first ones on the bus, we were one of the first ones off as well. We headed through the ticket gate and straight to the locker area to get a locker and change into our suits.
I was really surprised at the SIZE of the wave pool. I knew it was supposed to be the largest of its kind, but WOW was it huge! It was also really amusing to watch the people react to the whoosh of the waves being created. It became the background sound the Ill always remember. A giant WHOOOSH followed by a screams that rolled through the crowd followed by the breaking of the wave. It looked like so much fun, I couldnt wait to try it.
I was also surprised at the number of beach chairs that were already staked out Im glad we werent trying to find someplace to sit, because it looked to me like all of the chairs were already claimed by a towel, or book, but at least 80% of them were empty. If you plan on finding someplace to sit and relax, or use as a home base while your kids run off and play get there early!!!
We headed straight for Shark Reef and I was anxious to see what it was like. I was curious to see how they handled the crowds, because if I had my way, I would probably stay there all day. We walked in and were given an vest and clean mask/snorkel. The mask/snorkel and vest were still warm, so I imagine they must clean them in hot water. I was glad to know that I didnt have to worry (too much) about catching a cold from someone who had just been using this mouthpiece. We put on our vest and mask and headed to what I thought was the entrance. After all, when we walked down the path, it was the first area I could see to enter the pool. I happily jumped right in the water and one of the CMs working at the other end screamed out at me Sir, thats the EXIT I was so embarrassed. I was so excited to get in the water I didnt realize that somehow I had gone in the wrong end. I tried to act cool and made my way to the actual ENTRANCE end which was at the far end of the pool.
The signs tell you not to kick and to only swim with your feet. I could see now how they were controlling the crowds. You would enter at one end and the current would gradually move you to the other end where you would get out. This forced everyone to move in one direction and kept the crowds well in hand. We hoped in the pool (at the right end this time) and got a quick briefing from the CM standing on the ledge at the entrance. No-kicking, only swim with your arms, NO diving, and swim straight across to the other end. Okay, I could handle this. Of course right as she said no diving some guest behind here was diving to the bottom of the pool. He was however quickly followed by another CM who was wearing appropriate diving gear. Isnt it funny how some people just CANT follow directions?
So I put my mask on and trying to make sure I didnt dive leaned forward and began my first snorkeling experience. I feel very comfortable in water and Ive been swimming for as long as I can remember. As a kid my favorite thing was to pretend I was a dolphin and see how long I could swim under water. So I had approached this with a great deal of enthusiasm and wasnt prepared for what happened next. As soon as I put my face under water and started to float, I also held my breath. I guess it was a natural reaction. Then as I drifted out a few feet I realized I was going to have to breath but instead I started to hyper-ventilate. I guess my natural instincts were taking over and my mind was starting to panic because I was under water A little bit of water started to leak into my mask and before I knew it I had water up to just below my eyes. By this time, I was forcing myself to take slow steady breaths. I had to remind myself that I was not drowning and if I just relaxed I would be okay. I could see the ledge at the other end now and I reached out and grabbed it and put my feet down and stood up and pulled the mask off. Tom was standing there waiting for me and he had a big smile on his face. He said did you see the shark?
I replied I didnt even see the fish. Were there fish in there? I was so anxious about breathing and trying not to drown I had forgotten to look at the fish!!! Well so much for my first snorkeling attempt. I guess I would have to try it again, but I would have to remember to BREATH calmly next time. I guess it was the embarrassment of starting off by walking in the wrong end of the pool followed by the panic I felt, but right now I just wanted to go somewhere else and relax for a while. We could come back here later and try it again. We used the showers to wash off the salt water and turned in our vests and snorkels.
Next we headed for Castaway Creek. Something I knew I would enjoy and it would give me a chance to reflect on what had just happened. We made a full circle around the park and got out at one of the entrances near the Leaning Palms. By now it was close to noon and we were both pretty hungry. I had only brought my resort ID with me and I used it to charge our lunch to the room. The food was typical counter service burgers etc but it was surprisingly good.
After our quick lunch we wanted to make sure our lunch was settled so we took a leisurely walk around the wave pool until we found ourselves at the entrance to Keelhaul and Mayday falls. These are both pretty tame in comparison to other water slides, but they are really well themed and a lot of fun. We skipped the Gangplank falls family slide. We stood in the line for about 5 minutes but when I realized that there were only 6 rafts and at least 100 people in front of us, I decided I didnt really want to wait.
We continued our walk around the pool and ended up at the entrance to the wave pool again, so decided to go in and check it out. They were alternating the surf waves (one giant wave) with constant motion alternating waves. This hour they were running the surf wave. We had a great time seeing how for out we could make it before the wave hit. Some that were braver than I were trying to body surf the wave as it came in. The wave actually has a stronger impact the shallower the water. Everyone including myself was having a great time playing in the waves.
We decided to go check out Sharks Reef again and I was determined to make it better the second time around. This time when we entered the water, the CM seemed to recognize us and told us to jump right in and skip the briefing. So I put my mask on and pulled it tight against my face and slowly and calmly laid down in the water and took a long slow deep breath. This time the experience was completely different. I just laid in the water (the vest holds you up) and with my arms at my side for steering, just let the water current propel me across the pool. I was amazed at the number of fish and sharks I was able to see this time. They remind you NOT to touch the fish and I was careful not to, but at one point I had a large blue fish with a parrot like beak for a mouth come straight at my face. I thought he was going to collide with me, but he was just coming up to check me out. After this, I found myself floating through an oncoming school of bright yellow fish. They moved as if they were all tied to each other with strings. When the lead fish moved to the right, the rest just followed never changing the spacing between fish. It seemed like I was in the water for several minutes when I finally saw the ledge at the far end. I grabbed the ledge and when I stood up I saw Tom waiting for me on the steps. What a difference this time. This was such a cool experience I really wanted to do it again, but by this time there was a line starting to form at the entrance, so we just turned in our gear and headed back into the park. Tom had been snorkeling in the carribean (I had never been before) and he said it was okay in comparison to doing it in the wild. But I have to say if youve never been snorkeling before, this is a GREAT way to try it the first time under controlled circumstances. I really applaud Disney for creating such a unique and great attraction.
We found one of the park maps and realized there were just a couple more slides we hadnt done yet so we headed over to the Humonga-Kowabunga the Three Storm Slides. I passed on the Humonga-Kowabunga, but Tom decided to give it a try. I waited for him at the base of the slides (where they have some benches) I watched person after person come shooting out of the slides. They all looked like they enjoyed it, but not one of them didnt come out screaming. Tom was no exception. I watched him enter the slide at the top and I swear his scream came out of the tube before he did. It was like he was pushing the sound out of the tube ahead of him. He enjoyed it, but did confess it was just a little too fast.
We climbed up to the top of the Three Storm Slides and got a really good look at the shipwreck from here. We werent sure which slide to pick, so we just took the first one that opened up. We both enjoyed this one and spent a few minutes trying the different slides. I cant remember which slide was which, but they did all seem slightly different.
A quick check of the map showed that we had hit all of the slides (there are only 5 as I recall) so we headed back to the wave pool for a bit before heading back to the lockers.
We spent a total of 4 hours here and managed to see everything and experience all the different attractions We could easily have spent more time here, but decided to try and avoid the rush and head back to the hotel around 3:30.
Back at the Hotel, we enjoyed a few snacks from the concierge buffet and after a short nap we got dressed for the Luau. We had both purchased luau shirt to wear tonight and we were both looking forward to it. We picked up our tickets from the concierge and headed for the boat dock. We decided to take the boat to the Contemporary and from here take the monorail to the Poly. This would also give us a chance to check out the Contemporary and see what we had missed the other night.
When we arrived at the contemporary we did some quick shopping on the main level and then headed for the elevator to check out the observation decks. I was surprised at how long we had to wait for an elevator. The entire time so far at the Wilderness Lodge I had never had to wait more than a few seconds for an elevator. Here, when the elevator did finally arrive, it was full of people and it seemed like we stopped at every other floor. When we arrived at the top floor, one of the CMs working the California Grill immediately offered assistance. I told her we just wanted to check out the observation deck and she directed us through the dining room to the door. I felt kind of funny walking through the dining room but it was definitely worth it. What a view!!! No wonder people suggest coming here to watch the fireworks. This is the hidden ETicket ride at Disney. If youve never been to the observation decks at the contemporary, you have to check it out. The view was just amazing. We snapped a few pictures of the Magic Kingdom and the Seven Seas Lagoon, then headed through the dining room to the other side. It was as we were walking through the dining room that I realized we were really walking through the KITCHEN. This is such a cool restaurant, I cant wait to come back and actually eat here. I was expecting something stuffy and high-brow, but its really not. Yes there were people there in formal dinner dress and the presentation is really extravagant, but there were also people there in jeans an Mickey t-shirts. I caught a glimpse of some dessert being made and it took all of my self control not to reach out and try to sneak a bite of it.
From the other side, we checked out the Wilderness Lodge (and realized with a pair of binoculars we could see INTO our room!!) and Epcot and the Swan and Dolphin in the distance. Epcot seemed so far away on the bus, but I guess if you could travel in a straight line, it really wasnt that far away. From up here seeing Downtown Disney poking above the trees in one direction and smoke rising from the Animal Kingdom Lodge area, you really get an idea of how IMMENSE Disney World really is.
After our expedition on the roof we headed back down to the lobby to board the monorail. As a kid I had always wanted to stay at the contemporary, but after having been here, I decided it was too bland for me. Nothing can really stand in comparison to the Wilderness Lodge.
We were both anxious to check out the Polynesian, because it was one of two other hotels we were considering for our next trip. And although its certainly a beautiful resort, the details were not as complete as it is at the lodge. We both decided that we had made the right choice by picking the Wilderness Lodge. We followed the signs to the Luau and after checking in we waited until they started seating at 8:00. This was another example of precision timing. Just as at the Hoop-De-Doo, the seating started at the posted show time. The tables were pre-assigned when you made the reservations so there was no need to push to the front of the line. We were seated at a table near the front, but just behind one of the poles that held up the roof. We could both still see the entire stage, and after a while the post just kind of blended in.
The salad and appetizers were waiting for us when we were seated. There was a mixed green salad and coconut bread which were both good. But the best part by far was the fresh pineapple. I have never had pineapple this ripe and this fresh.
The band came out a played briefly and while dinner was served there were some pre-show dances and music. I was expecting the show to be mixed in with dinner as it was at the Hoop-De-Doo so by the time dessert was served I was a little disappointed at the show. The couple next to us was so disappointed that they actually left. However after dessert was served and the plates were cleared, the real show began.
I really enjoyed the main show, the performers really looked like they were having a good time and they really put on a great show. The food was good but not as good as the Hoop-De-Doo. Overall it was a great time.
After the Luau we spent some time trying (and eventually succeeding) in finding Toms Aunts family brick. It was located on the walkway between the Poly and the TTC. After taking a few pictures to prove to her that we actually found her brick, we walked to the TTC and grabbed a bus back to the hotel.
Today was a perfect mix of attractions, relaxation, food and entertainment. I made a note to myself to be sure to plan MORE days like this next time around.
Cast of characters: Me - 36 first trip in about 15 years
Tom - also 36, first trip to WDW
Originally (three months ago) we had scheduled the Backstage Magic tour at the Magic Kingdom. We realized before we left that we didnt have much down time and we had no time at all at any of the water parks. So as much as we really wanted to do the tour, we canceled it. Boy am I glad we did. Sleeping in this morning (after last night) really recharged my batteries! I could hardly believe we had been here almost a week! On one hand it seems like we have been here forever, on the other, it's like we just arrived.
Its amazing how you can forget the regular world when youre at Disney. Maybe that's what makes it such a perfect place to vacation!
We originally thought we wanted to go to Blizzard Beach today, but after checking out the water park brochure, I begged Tom to go to Typhoon Lagoon instead. I was so excited to see they had a snorkeling pool and I really wanted to go snorkeling. I had never done anything like this before and I thought it would be more fun than having my bathing suit pulled up around my ears as I slid down the tallest water slide in the world. Luckily I won the argument and we grabbed our suits and towels and headed out to the bus stop.
We boarded the bus at the lodge around 10:15 and headed over to the TTC to transfer busses to Typhoon Lagoon. There was quite a line already forming for Typhoon Lagoon and we just missed getting onto the bus that was loading when we arrived. We waited about 15 minutes for the next bus to arrive. By this time the line was getting really long. I knew that we would get on the bus, but I could tell there was no way the entire group that was waiting would make it on the bus. When our bus pulled up we got onboard and I was sure that everyone on the bus was going to Typhoon Lagoon as opposed to Downtown Disney. You could just tell by the way people were dressed and what they were carrying (towels and swimsuits) where they were going. The driver tried to squeeze on as many people as he could and while loading he called and told the dispatcher that there were at least two more bus loads of people waiting to board. I heard them reply that they were sending over more busses, and the driver relayed this to those still waiting, but Im sure they werent very happy about having to wait. We got under way and the bus driver did a quick poll of peoples destinations and announced that Typhoon Lagoon would be our first stop. I dont know if this was normal, or if he re-routed based on where everyone was going, but it was nice to know we would be getting off at the first stop.
We pulled into Typhoon Lagoon around 10:45 and since we were the first ones on the bus, we were one of the first ones off as well. We headed through the ticket gate and straight to the locker area to get a locker and change into our suits.
I was really surprised at the SIZE of the wave pool. I knew it was supposed to be the largest of its kind, but WOW was it huge! It was also really amusing to watch the people react to the whoosh of the waves being created. It became the background sound the Ill always remember. A giant WHOOOSH followed by a screams that rolled through the crowd followed by the breaking of the wave. It looked like so much fun, I couldnt wait to try it.
I was also surprised at the number of beach chairs that were already staked out Im glad we werent trying to find someplace to sit, because it looked to me like all of the chairs were already claimed by a towel, or book, but at least 80% of them were empty. If you plan on finding someplace to sit and relax, or use as a home base while your kids run off and play get there early!!!
We headed straight for Shark Reef and I was anxious to see what it was like. I was curious to see how they handled the crowds, because if I had my way, I would probably stay there all day. We walked in and were given an vest and clean mask/snorkel. The mask/snorkel and vest were still warm, so I imagine they must clean them in hot water. I was glad to know that I didnt have to worry (too much) about catching a cold from someone who had just been using this mouthpiece. We put on our vest and mask and headed to what I thought was the entrance. After all, when we walked down the path, it was the first area I could see to enter the pool. I happily jumped right in the water and one of the CMs working at the other end screamed out at me Sir, thats the EXIT I was so embarrassed. I was so excited to get in the water I didnt realize that somehow I had gone in the wrong end. I tried to act cool and made my way to the actual ENTRANCE end which was at the far end of the pool.
The signs tell you not to kick and to only swim with your feet. I could see now how they were controlling the crowds. You would enter at one end and the current would gradually move you to the other end where you would get out. This forced everyone to move in one direction and kept the crowds well in hand. We hoped in the pool (at the right end this time) and got a quick briefing from the CM standing on the ledge at the entrance. No-kicking, only swim with your arms, NO diving, and swim straight across to the other end. Okay, I could handle this. Of course right as she said no diving some guest behind here was diving to the bottom of the pool. He was however quickly followed by another CM who was wearing appropriate diving gear. Isnt it funny how some people just CANT follow directions?
So I put my mask on and trying to make sure I didnt dive leaned forward and began my first snorkeling experience. I feel very comfortable in water and Ive been swimming for as long as I can remember. As a kid my favorite thing was to pretend I was a dolphin and see how long I could swim under water. So I had approached this with a great deal of enthusiasm and wasnt prepared for what happened next. As soon as I put my face under water and started to float, I also held my breath. I guess it was a natural reaction. Then as I drifted out a few feet I realized I was going to have to breath but instead I started to hyper-ventilate. I guess my natural instincts were taking over and my mind was starting to panic because I was under water A little bit of water started to leak into my mask and before I knew it I had water up to just below my eyes. By this time, I was forcing myself to take slow steady breaths. I had to remind myself that I was not drowning and if I just relaxed I would be okay. I could see the ledge at the other end now and I reached out and grabbed it and put my feet down and stood up and pulled the mask off. Tom was standing there waiting for me and he had a big smile on his face. He said did you see the shark?
I replied I didnt even see the fish. Were there fish in there? I was so anxious about breathing and trying not to drown I had forgotten to look at the fish!!! Well so much for my first snorkeling attempt. I guess I would have to try it again, but I would have to remember to BREATH calmly next time. I guess it was the embarrassment of starting off by walking in the wrong end of the pool followed by the panic I felt, but right now I just wanted to go somewhere else and relax for a while. We could come back here later and try it again. We used the showers to wash off the salt water and turned in our vests and snorkels.
Next we headed for Castaway Creek. Something I knew I would enjoy and it would give me a chance to reflect on what had just happened. We made a full circle around the park and got out at one of the entrances near the Leaning Palms. By now it was close to noon and we were both pretty hungry. I had only brought my resort ID with me and I used it to charge our lunch to the room. The food was typical counter service burgers etc but it was surprisingly good.
After our quick lunch we wanted to make sure our lunch was settled so we took a leisurely walk around the wave pool until we found ourselves at the entrance to Keelhaul and Mayday falls. These are both pretty tame in comparison to other water slides, but they are really well themed and a lot of fun. We skipped the Gangplank falls family slide. We stood in the line for about 5 minutes but when I realized that there were only 6 rafts and at least 100 people in front of us, I decided I didnt really want to wait.
We continued our walk around the pool and ended up at the entrance to the wave pool again, so decided to go in and check it out. They were alternating the surf waves (one giant wave) with constant motion alternating waves. This hour they were running the surf wave. We had a great time seeing how for out we could make it before the wave hit. Some that were braver than I were trying to body surf the wave as it came in. The wave actually has a stronger impact the shallower the water. Everyone including myself was having a great time playing in the waves.
We decided to go check out Sharks Reef again and I was determined to make it better the second time around. This time when we entered the water, the CM seemed to recognize us and told us to jump right in and skip the briefing. So I put my mask on and pulled it tight against my face and slowly and calmly laid down in the water and took a long slow deep breath. This time the experience was completely different. I just laid in the water (the vest holds you up) and with my arms at my side for steering, just let the water current propel me across the pool. I was amazed at the number of fish and sharks I was able to see this time. They remind you NOT to touch the fish and I was careful not to, but at one point I had a large blue fish with a parrot like beak for a mouth come straight at my face. I thought he was going to collide with me, but he was just coming up to check me out. After this, I found myself floating through an oncoming school of bright yellow fish. They moved as if they were all tied to each other with strings. When the lead fish moved to the right, the rest just followed never changing the spacing between fish. It seemed like I was in the water for several minutes when I finally saw the ledge at the far end. I grabbed the ledge and when I stood up I saw Tom waiting for me on the steps. What a difference this time. This was such a cool experience I really wanted to do it again, but by this time there was a line starting to form at the entrance, so we just turned in our gear and headed back into the park. Tom had been snorkeling in the carribean (I had never been before) and he said it was okay in comparison to doing it in the wild. But I have to say if youve never been snorkeling before, this is a GREAT way to try it the first time under controlled circumstances. I really applaud Disney for creating such a unique and great attraction.
We found one of the park maps and realized there were just a couple more slides we hadnt done yet so we headed over to the Humonga-Kowabunga the Three Storm Slides. I passed on the Humonga-Kowabunga, but Tom decided to give it a try. I waited for him at the base of the slides (where they have some benches) I watched person after person come shooting out of the slides. They all looked like they enjoyed it, but not one of them didnt come out screaming. Tom was no exception. I watched him enter the slide at the top and I swear his scream came out of the tube before he did. It was like he was pushing the sound out of the tube ahead of him. He enjoyed it, but did confess it was just a little too fast.
We climbed up to the top of the Three Storm Slides and got a really good look at the shipwreck from here. We werent sure which slide to pick, so we just took the first one that opened up. We both enjoyed this one and spent a few minutes trying the different slides. I cant remember which slide was which, but they did all seem slightly different.
A quick check of the map showed that we had hit all of the slides (there are only 5 as I recall) so we headed back to the wave pool for a bit before heading back to the lockers.
We spent a total of 4 hours here and managed to see everything and experience all the different attractions We could easily have spent more time here, but decided to try and avoid the rush and head back to the hotel around 3:30.
Back at the Hotel, we enjoyed a few snacks from the concierge buffet and after a short nap we got dressed for the Luau. We had both purchased luau shirt to wear tonight and we were both looking forward to it. We picked up our tickets from the concierge and headed for the boat dock. We decided to take the boat to the Contemporary and from here take the monorail to the Poly. This would also give us a chance to check out the Contemporary and see what we had missed the other night.
When we arrived at the contemporary we did some quick shopping on the main level and then headed for the elevator to check out the observation decks. I was surprised at how long we had to wait for an elevator. The entire time so far at the Wilderness Lodge I had never had to wait more than a few seconds for an elevator. Here, when the elevator did finally arrive, it was full of people and it seemed like we stopped at every other floor. When we arrived at the top floor, one of the CMs working the California Grill immediately offered assistance. I told her we just wanted to check out the observation deck and she directed us through the dining room to the door. I felt kind of funny walking through the dining room but it was definitely worth it. What a view!!! No wonder people suggest coming here to watch the fireworks. This is the hidden ETicket ride at Disney. If youve never been to the observation decks at the contemporary, you have to check it out. The view was just amazing. We snapped a few pictures of the Magic Kingdom and the Seven Seas Lagoon, then headed through the dining room to the other side. It was as we were walking through the dining room that I realized we were really walking through the KITCHEN. This is such a cool restaurant, I cant wait to come back and actually eat here. I was expecting something stuffy and high-brow, but its really not. Yes there were people there in formal dinner dress and the presentation is really extravagant, but there were also people there in jeans an Mickey t-shirts. I caught a glimpse of some dessert being made and it took all of my self control not to reach out and try to sneak a bite of it.
From the other side, we checked out the Wilderness Lodge (and realized with a pair of binoculars we could see INTO our room!!) and Epcot and the Swan and Dolphin in the distance. Epcot seemed so far away on the bus, but I guess if you could travel in a straight line, it really wasnt that far away. From up here seeing Downtown Disney poking above the trees in one direction and smoke rising from the Animal Kingdom Lodge area, you really get an idea of how IMMENSE Disney World really is.
After our expedition on the roof we headed back down to the lobby to board the monorail. As a kid I had always wanted to stay at the contemporary, but after having been here, I decided it was too bland for me. Nothing can really stand in comparison to the Wilderness Lodge.
We were both anxious to check out the Polynesian, because it was one of two other hotels we were considering for our next trip. And although its certainly a beautiful resort, the details were not as complete as it is at the lodge. We both decided that we had made the right choice by picking the Wilderness Lodge. We followed the signs to the Luau and after checking in we waited until they started seating at 8:00. This was another example of precision timing. Just as at the Hoop-De-Doo, the seating started at the posted show time. The tables were pre-assigned when you made the reservations so there was no need to push to the front of the line. We were seated at a table near the front, but just behind one of the poles that held up the roof. We could both still see the entire stage, and after a while the post just kind of blended in.
The salad and appetizers were waiting for us when we were seated. There was a mixed green salad and coconut bread which were both good. But the best part by far was the fresh pineapple. I have never had pineapple this ripe and this fresh.
The band came out a played briefly and while dinner was served there were some pre-show dances and music. I was expecting the show to be mixed in with dinner as it was at the Hoop-De-Doo so by the time dessert was served I was a little disappointed at the show. The couple next to us was so disappointed that they actually left. However after dessert was served and the plates were cleared, the real show began.
I really enjoyed the main show, the performers really looked like they were having a good time and they really put on a great show. The food was good but not as good as the Hoop-De-Doo. Overall it was a great time.
After the Luau we spent some time trying (and eventually succeeding) in finding Toms Aunts family brick. It was located on the walkway between the Poly and the TTC. After taking a few pictures to prove to her that we actually found her brick, we walked to the TTC and grabbed a bus back to the hotel.
Today was a perfect mix of attractions, relaxation, food and entertainment. I made a note to myself to be sure to plan MORE days like this next time around.
so Thurs I printed all of your trip reports and took them home to read over my long 4 day weekend. I liked them so much I never got to finish my Steven King novel Dreamcatcher. Now that's saying something! 
