Morning MAYers!!!
We are BACK and relaxed and sad that our vacation is over.
I am still not decided about doing a TR- I'm having a hard time sitting at the computer for extended periods of time.
I didn't tell you all this but before I left I had to have an MRI of my brain and spine b/c I had a headache for over a month. The tests showed that I have bulging disks in my neck as well as some other issues and I have to see a Neurosurgeon on Wednesday.
Needless to say- the trip was a very low key, hardly any rides done type of trip.
We ate a LOT--- should have done the DxDP--- it would have been cheaper!
POFQ is still our favorite mod---
got there late on Friday night and got up early to walk the resort. It was very clean and not crowded at all.
We really liked the Poly- but it is a very very busy resort. There are always people around, music playing, crowded pool and beaches in the afternoon. We stayed in Fiji and had a view of the marina, the Contemporary and Space Mtn in the distance. I would highly recommend this longhouse to anyone, as you have water views on either side ( the other side over looks a less popular beach and the GF), all for a garden price. It is also only a few minutes walk to the Ceremonial House and coffee.
The monorail, while nice- takes forever sometimes. The resort monorail broke down on several occasions and one afternoon it took me almost an hour to get back from the MK. The Boat launch is probably a better way to go from this resort- and walking to the TTC to board the Epcot monorail is how we did that park most days.
We did have a moment of pixie dust when we went to EMH at the MK on Sunday night- we got to the dock just as Wishes started and got on the boat immediately-- the driver drove out to the middle of the lagoon and just iddled there and we had our very own free(!) Wishes cruise- just me, Mark and the captain, as no one else was on board. It was one of those moments in Disney that just sort of happens- one that you could never again have.
Our best meal of the entire trip was----- get ready for this b/c I couldn't believe it myself---- San Angel Inn. The menu has changed and so has the food. It was really really good- the salsa was fresh and the guacamole was as well. We had a table by the water and it was relaxing and fun. The service, unbelievably, was wonderful too. Our server was an older gentleman and at first we weren't sure- but he warmed up quickly to us and even brought us a huge bowl of salsa and extra chips without us asking for it.
Our worst meal of the trip-- there were two--- Teppan Edo and Artist Point.
T.Edo just lacked in the atmosphere as well as the food department. Our local Hibachi Steakhouse is 10x better, for less.
AP would have been good, but the salmon was served almost raw and cold on the inside. I like my salmon more on the medium well side- this was rare. We would not return to either of them.
Another wonderful meal from start to finish was Le Cellier. I didn't tell Mark the reviews of it had been less than stellar lately so that it didn't sway him one way or the other. It was really really good. My steak was cooked perfectly and the mushroom risotto....................
I was very worried after Shelly's experience, but I'm so glad we kept that ADR and hope it wasn't just a fluke that it was good.
We ventured over to AKL----- can I just say that I always thought that this resort would be the last deluxe I'd want to stay at--- but it blew me away. I don't actually love a zoo--- I don't have to even go to the AK park when I'm in WDW- but the interior of this hotel is just phenomenal. It reminded me a lot of the interior of the Grand Californian in DL. We walked the resort and decided that at some point we will stay there, only ask for a room overlooking the pool. We had dinner at Jiko and the atmosphere and service there was top notch-- probably the best we had all week--- the food was not to our personal liking. It is all personal taste, I just didn't care for the spices they used-- but it was cooked perfectly and presentation was beautiful. It all had to do with my own finicky self. I may try it again based on the beauty of the place, not necessarily the food.
We have sadly, I'm afraid, turned into deluxe peeps.
It is just much more what we are used to when on vacation and much more comfortable for us. Mark already has decided we are staying next time at the Grand Floridian and taking the kids. He went over there every morning to their gym and enjoyed running there. He booked me a Pedicure for Mother's Day and it was really nice, although the spa is actually pretty small and cramped in size. I was surprised that he liked the GF so much b/c it has never really appealed to either of us.
The MK is torn up----- tarps hanging everywhere, the water drained in the moat, lots of walls up in Fantasyland. I know that it is all part of the refurbishment process, but it took a lot of the magic away for me.
May was definitely more crowded than in years past. The crowds in the parks were strange. On Monday we got to Epcot at 12:30 and the park was dead. The day before we had gone in and it was a madhouse. It was strange b/c the rides didn't have a long wait time posted-- just a lot of people in the walkways milling about. But not everyday, every park. We followed TGM's advice and he was spot on. One day in the MK at 2 pm the wait time for Space was 10 minutes.
That was his best park that day. Once again he was worth the $$.
I took over 1200 pics, so I will post them as soon as I get a chance to upload them.
I only talked to Shelly once but i'm glad she was able to tell you a little about our trip. Thanks Shelly! Wish I was in that hammock again!
Hope all is well in MAYerland-
RF- hope your trip is fun- Happy Belated Birthday!
NC-- did you reserve anything yet?
Sea-- Happy Bday to Lena!!
Kim-- hope you guys feel better soon. Strep usually makes it's rounds in this house as well. It is awful.
Shelly-- hope you are doing well. I'm so happy you got your ADR's. It is going to be a great vacation.
Huggie--- it was hot, wasn't it??? Glad you had a fun time.
Mari-- not much longer-- yay for school being out! I know you are ready for a long break!
Lake-- I will warn you that January 1 and 2 are still Christmas crowded. It is packed- we've been at that time. But you're boarding the cruise on my Bday so it must be a good day for a sail.
Did I leave anyone out? If I did, I am so sorry---
off to do laundry.
Thanks for reading my novella.
Will post pics later------
All other MAYers--- hope you are having a wonderful MAY. It is our month, after all!
- and then late tonight we are going to Friday's for dinner and Dave & Buster's for a friends birthday. 
Leaving is always the worst. 
I can't wait to hear all about it though. And, I'm glad she loved the Poly. 
Jason and Emily started with it now. I'm praying I'm the only one NOT to get it. I can't afford to get sick. Who will take care of everyone else???? 
Today's plan is to clean and sanitize every surface of my house...
