Third Trip of a Lifetime!...2 TR and a PTR for the price of one!

[BreezysMom]

I decided to do a PTR for our upcoming trip and incorporate our two previous trips. So essentially two TR and a PTR all rolled into one. Probably, not an original idea or the first time it has been done, but alas my first attempt at both. So bear with me as I make my way through our first, second and now our third “trip of a lifetime”!

First about us and some background:

We are a small little family of three. We were very blessed to have our princess. I like to call her Breezy and she is 8 years old. DH and I have been married 12 years and live in the suburbs of Chicago. We have a dog, Poly who is almost 2 years old. Yes, she was named after our favorite resort the Polynesian…but that part of the story will be told later.

So I am the planner ...DH is the closet Disney lover who would rather not discuss planning or get excited until we are leaving for the airport and then DD is thankfully as nuts about Disney as me, otherwise I would have no one to plan with or talk to about Disney.

Here is us at the Poly in Oct 2007


DH and I did a lot of traveling before having DD, but neither of us had visited Disney EVER! I had been to Disneyland when I was 6, but frankly I don’t remember and we have one lone picture somewhere. I had lurked the Disney website and priced out trips that I knew we would never go on, but that was about it. Once DD was born we talked about going but decided to wait until she was older.

Finally we decided it was time, Breezy was growing up so quickly, we needed to go to Disney World. I called a travel agent, she booked CBR for 6 nights with the tickets and dining plan and then we waited for our departure day to come. I was clueless to Disney. My TA did not ask me about dining or anything….thankfully for the discovery of the DIS I started to get educated on all things Disney and took control of the planning of our Once in a Lifetime trip!

So lets fast forward...after two fabulous trips, we decided we have to go back sooner than later, but I was having health issues and needed surgery. We were told that traveling might not be possible for a while so we started to plan a trip in March of 2010. Yea we are going back to Disney!

Then, after my surgery I progressed a lot faster and the outlooked changed so we got the greenlight for a earlier trip. Hello Poly, here we come. We LOVED our first trip in October, the weather, the crowds and MNSSHP, so we decided to go back but this time for Halloween.

Heading to the World 10/28 to 11/4 staying at our beloved Poly, but this time we are staying Club Level. I am so excited to stay in the Hawaii longhouse. We are staying garden view. While I would love to gaze at the castle all night, I just would rather spend the difference in price elsewhere during our trip. We have minimal ADRs which will make DH happy, but we are planning some fun things!!

DD in 2007 before MNSSHP

So coming up will be how our first trip we changed resorts from CBR to the Poly...got a crash course in ADRs and our first ever trip to Disney welcome that involved vomit Yes, I said it... barf, puke, vomit

 

[reyasmommy]

I love that dress on your DD, it's adorable!

Congratulations on your upcoming trip.... the POLY will always hold a special place in my heart too. That's where my husband and I got married back in 2001.

 

[BreezysMom]

I love that dress on your DD, it's adorable!

Congratulations on your upcoming trip.... the POLY will always hold a special place in my heart too. That's where my husband and I got married back in 2001.

Thank you. She has grown up so much since that trip two years ago! She has front teeth now! Sadly she does not want to bring her Princess dresses this trip

 

[ammeador2]

How exciting! I want to stay at Poly! Your daughter is very pretty. I am looking forward to reading more...

 

[BreezysMom]

So...what can I try to get in tonight before I pass out cold! DD and I made our countdown calender for our trip. We can start it on Saturday. We of course raided Home Depot. It was fun making the calender together.

We are going to the Miley Cyrus concert the evening before we leave! Not my most brillant plan, but the plan nonetheless. I think it will be a great way to kick off the vacation. I just hope my job is somewhat cooperative and I can flex around my shifts a bit so I can spend the day getting us packed and ready to go since I will be spending the evening with 40,000 screaming tweens! No worries...it all get's done eventually.

 

[BreezysMom]

How exciting! I want to stay at Poly! Your daughter is very pretty. I am looking forward to reading more...

Why thank you...my neighbor to the south! I have been lurking your PTR, or as I like to refer to it as "stalking"

 

[BreezysMom]

Ok, our first trip. We originally had CBR booked. My TA was in charge. Basically being of no help. I slowly figured out I needed plans for our meals. I needed to figure out how to get the best bang for our buck using the dining plan. Out first trip we payed rack rate, paid for the dining plan...we were the only suckers there I think that were not there for "free dining". Oh well, life is about living and learning Correct

Anyways...DH just assumes all resorts are on the monorail. I say , "ummm, no honey, just three are on the Monorail" His flip response "that is where we need to stay then honey" He wanted to know the choices. Well, I happily stumbled into this quandary I pushed for the GF, he had no desire. I was not a fan of the CR. We both thought the Poly looked beyond magical.

Switch our reservations to the place he declares. Hum should I do the happy dance yet? I wait and call my TA, she tells me the price difference and I say go ahead and move our reservation. DH never spoke of money...he did not want to be bothered by the small details!

Well, now before I sound too snotty...I have to backtrack a bit. In the months before our trip we endured watching my dear Grandmother pass away from Pancreatic Cancer. It was a long, sad, summer and it was very hard on me and DD especially. We went through our mourning period and life started to get somewhat back to normal. School was starting...first grade nonethess. Routines were forming and our hearts were healing bit by bit...then our first baby, our 11 year old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Bailey had to be put down due to severe congestive heart failure. We were beyond devastated. Almost to the point that we were not so excited about Disney anymore! Bailey died 10 days before we were leaving. It was so tough to have two such huge losses in our lives so soon after each other.

Well when Grandma was in her last stages, Breezy and I spent a lot of time with her. We would tell her about our trip coming up and all the plans. She was excited for us and hung on all our words. After she passed she had my Aunt give us a check. The money was to be used for our trip to Disney and only our trip. So since technically our trip was paid off and we had spening money set aside, we made our jump from CBR to the Poly. I still think of Grandma when I think of the Poly. Because of her...we found our paradise

So here we were, getting ready for our trip and we were all in a funk... crabby, so, so sad and with broken hearts. But deep down I knew Disney would help turn that all around! I had successfully figured out the ADR system and had some fabulous ADRs and experiences planned for our little Princess.

So we have 6, yes SIX suitcases filled to the brim, the limo came and off to Disney we headed. It was a Saturday and our first attempt at flying since 9/11. DD had never flown. But we made it through the TSA just fine and off we flew to Orlando. We roll onto Magical Express and get our first view of Disney World, The Magic Kingdom....the happiest place on earth!!

On ME dd was less than interested. She seemed bored, tired....not interested. I was annoyed to say the least at her blase attidue! If this kiddo was going to be a little stinker, I was going to flip out! ME dropped us at the front of the Poly, we walked in and were in awe of our surroundings. We were the next in line to check in and then it came BARF!!! That's correct...DD just vomited on my crocs, while standing in line to check in at the Poly!

So, me being a part time soap star I just start to cry . The poor CM. I felt for that guy. I basically just wanted my room key, forget the leis and the alohas, I needed to quarantine my child and get these disgusting shoes off!! I could care less where they put us. We ended up in Figi. Third floor looking at the Beautiful GF!

So now I know why she was such a stinker on the bus But the big question...was in something she ate? The first flight ever or the dreaded STOMACH FLU!

It was the stomach flu...she puked all night. Our first evening ever at Disney and I am getting puked on, stressing about DH and I getting the bug and good Lord, the castle is right across that lake...I want to go see it! It was a long night...and this was my poor angel the next morning....

She got a package from the Disney florist with Mouse ear hat and all types of fun stuff. So that helped with the Disney Welcome. We decided to chill in the room to keep our germs to us. Later in the afternoon I requested that mousekeeping come in a change all our linens and clean really good for us. The floor even needed some shampooing They did a great job. We wandered around the beautiful property while they cleaned and then went and got DD some gift shop gifts to make her feel better. 16 months of planning and I have spent the first 18 hours in my room! It could only get better from here......AND IT DID!!!


Stay tuned...I will try to summarize the rest of our first trip and let you know how trip number two came to fruition. But alas, I must go to bed now.

Thanks for letting me share my memories and plans so far!

 

[BreezysMom]

More PTR....

Today, Monday is my day off from work...when I usually get my housework done. But admittedly I spend most of my day lurking the DIS

Here we are less than two months away from our next trip. All balances are paid, ADRs are made and of course it is too early to pack But I do have a box in the closet that I place stuff I want to remember to pack. So what to do with my free time??? Hang out here of course!

We are staying Club Level for this next trip. Our past two trips we have stayed GV and have been more than pleased with our room location and view. We used the DDP both trips. When we went last December, DH grumbled a lot about our ADRs. He really disliked the fact that our meals dicated our schedule. I agree, but being knowledgable about how Disney dining works, I know it is the price you pay to get the meals you want.

For our October trip we have three ADRs scheduled.

CRT breakfast for the morning after we arrive. This is a DH request, yes DH, the one who refuses to discuss plans prior to the trip We have done lunch and dinner during our last trips, this time we decided to do breakfast. Also DD can see the princesses. DH feels a trip to Disney has to include a meal in the castle. Who am I to argue

Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show- I know, this does not get the greatest reviews but after two stays at the Poly we decided it was time to try it out. DD is older now and really seems excited to experience it.

GF Cafe- This is a place we have yet to try. I am looking forward to having dinner here. We like to stroll over to the GF during our trips. It is such a beautiful walk from the Poly. We like to take in the ambiance of the GF lobby and then have a good meal. I am looking forward to this meal the most!

So that is it for table service. I am sure we will dine at other table service places but they will be last minute. We will use the concierge lounge and counter service. I am hoping this plan will be the cherry on the top for DH!

Of course we are planning on heading to MNSSHP on 10/29. We had such a blast on our first trip we cannot wait to go again!! This year DD and DH have an appointment at the Pirate League before the party. I know, a pirate is not such an original costume, but they are BOTH really excited. If you knew DH, you would not believe that he would do something like a Pirate makeover, but it does not surprise me at all...the kid comes out in all of us at Disney

As far as actual Halloween day, we are going to play that day/night by ear. I have read that the resorts do a lot of fun things and they had a campfire and movie at the GF last year which sounds like fun! Plus, we will have all that candy from the Halloween party! DD is going to be Hannah Montana on Halloween. Again, not an original costume, but is what she wants. She looks adorable in her HM costume. We still need to get a pirate costume for her but have one in mind!

Last week we bought a brand new video camera. We did not bring one our first trip which I regret a little. We did bring it for our December trip and have actually watched the video numerous times. Now we have more memory and a bigger battery so my husband is going to be the next Steven Spielberg and capture every moment on his new toy

I have joined TGM to help with our park days...we like to get up and to the parks early and then siesta at the resort in the afternoons either taking a dip at the pool or a nap. So far his information seems helpful.

We also will be doing the Wildlife Excusrion at DAK for CL guests and a Pirate and Pals firework cruise! All of these wonderful extras for less than the cost of upgrading to LV! This is what I keep telling myself everytime I consider upgrading from GV to LV!

And finally, I ordered a Mickey Pumpkin filled with treats and a plush Minnie for DD to have placed in the room upon arrival! I added a autograph book and a balloon to the package as well. I can't wait to see her face when she comes into the room! She has already received a postcard from Mickey and Minnie saying how excited they are to have her come back to Disney! The pumpkin will be from Mickey and Minnie too wishing her a Happy Halloween and welcome back!! Ahhh, I just love planning a Disney vacation!

Next up...back to our Oct 2007 TR. I will move past the 24 hour hour stomach flu and move onto our first ever real life view of the castle from Main Street! Yes...I cried!

 

[reyasmommy]

Thank you. She has grown up so much since that trip two years ago! She has front teeth now! Sadly she does not want to bring her Princess dresses this trip

My DD is just now getting into the whole Princess thing, so I'm going to take full advantage of it while I can! My two nieces that are going with us on our trip have recently decided that they are too old for such silliness and are more interested in vampires these days. It just amazes me that only a year ago they too were dressing up as Cinderella and Snow White.

I love your Disney Calendar.... I'm looking foward to making my first one.. Not going to attempt it for a few more months though. I figure once the baby arrives I'll start working on the calendar for my DD... Right now she's under the impression that once her baby brother makes his appearance we're jumping on the 1st flight to Orlando.

 

[BreezysMom]

So here we are back in 2007...

We arrived on Saturday night and spent most of the day Sunday in our room. It was during this quarantine period that I think we fell in love with the Poly. While Mousekeeping cleaned our room we walked the grounds and explored every inch of the Poly. Sadly we had to cancel an appointment at BBB and CP, but thankfully ended up doing both during our stay afterall.

Monday morning we woke up and DD was feeling great. No vomiting for 24+ hours so it was time to FINALLY head to MK! We took the boat over and entered the MK for the first time.


Of course we walked up upon Main Street and there it was...the castle in all its splendor.

I, of course teared up a little and then I heard "MOM, you are not crying are you?" Yes, my little princess giving me a hard time It was a special moment for me. After all of our heartbreak, we were at a place that made it all seem better.

Our first ride was of course Dumbo!

Our first day was rounded out by a wonderful dinner at the Crystal Palace

 

[BreezysMom]

My DD is just now getting into the whole Princess thing, so I'm going to take full advantage of it while I can! My two nieces that are going with us on our trip have recently decided that they are too old for such silliness and are more interested in vampires these days. It just amazes me that only a year ago they too were dressing up as Cinderella and Snow White.

I love your Disney Calendar.... I'm looking foward to making my first one.. Not going to attempt it for a few more months though. I figure once the baby arrives I'll start working on the calendar for my DD... Right now she's under the impression that once her baby brother makes his appearance we're jumping on the 1st flight to Orlando.

Thankfully I had two trips with the whole princess experience. We had a suitcase full of gowns. This was thankfully before baggage fees! It was so fun, I absolutely lived vicariously throught my little girl!

I imagine how hard it is for the kiddos to be anxious for these trips, look how bad us Mommies are??

 

[BreezysMom]

Here are some random pics from around the Poly

The Tiki Dude (as my family called it) outside the Figi Longhouse

Walking along the beach back from the GF to the Poly. Just beautiful!!

Hula Lessons in the lobby of the Poly. DD loves this!

From the boat dock

The marina, taken in the early morning during my walks...one of my favorite pics. I think it had to do with my serenity during those walks. It was just so beautiful

 

[tarak]

I love your pictures! I absolutely teared up at the story about how your Grandmother helped pay for your trip and why the Poly is so special.
Your daughter is beautiful, too.
I'm eager to hear about your CL experience. We're staying CL for the first time when we go next year. I think I agree with your DH about the ADRs holding you hostage. I made a few for the trip I'm taking later this month with my mom, but having to plan when I'm going to eat a meal that far ahead of time is sort of anti-magic for me.

 

[Tinkerbellie16]

Hi there Poly friend!! I know you from the Poly thread and saw your link You have a beautiful family and I love all the pics you are posting!! I could totally see myself crying if my child vomitted on my shoes at check in (lucky they were washable crocs though!!). But you know what, you are so right, it could ONLY get better and actually that's kind of good it was at the beginning of your trip. I'm glad she was better in 24 hours though and so sweet of Disney to send the gifts and clean everything.

Your DH sounds a bit like mine - no excitement at ALL until they are there. If it weren't for my kids and you DISers, I'd have no one to talk to before and after trips!!!

Ok, waiting for the next installment

 

[TiggerCL]

Another Poly fan here! I also saw your post on the Poly thread and am really enjoying reading about your past trips. We'll be in there in October, too. Can't wait!

 

[mom4463]

I also saw your post on the Poly thread.
Our first trip to the Poly will be in April/2010.
I really like your calendar and I can't wait to show it my dd's because they want to make a countdown calendar. What your grandmother did for you was so thoughtful and wonderful. I can't wait to hear more!!

 

[BreezysMom]

Oct 2007 Continued

Our first trip that October was filled with character meals! In my limited research, I felt it was the best use of the DDP. It really proved to be a great thing because DD was in awe of being able to meet so many characters. I am sure we can all agree that some meals are better/worse than others, but the character interaction is wonderful!

The next day we went back to the Magic Kingdom again. Remember, we went with no plan and little knowledge. I will admit now...we only went to MK and Epcot that first trip. We spent a lot of time at the Poly relaxing, swimming and enjoying the resort. It was what we needed at the time after our sad summer.

That night we had dinner at Chef Mickey's. It was so much fun! I was having just as much fun as Breezy!

The next morning we headed to Epcot for breakfast at Akerhaus with the Princesses. It was raining like crazy. We had no idea where we were going once we got into the park and the walk from the monorail seemed endless! We, being total rookies stopped to buy ponchos and an umbrella which proved to become very useful again for this trip and then again our next trip. A helpful tip...don't put lotion on your feet and then wear Mary Jane Crocs in the rain. It is very uncomfortable and your feet slip all around

Taking the monorail to Epcot. We got to ride up front

Typical Florida, the sun came out and it ended up being a beautiful day. We rode Sorin, Nemo and did some various other attractions but did not really explore the countries Rookie mistake again!


DD wore her dresses for meals and so forth and then Mom, the pack mule carried them around in my back pack. It was hot and humid, I certainly would not want those gowns on in that heat!

That evening we walked to the Grand Floridian and explored the resort. We enjoyed the lobby and the beautiful Florida sunset as we strolled back to the Poly. We retired early that evening because the next day we had to head back to the MK to try and snag a walk up appointment at BBB since we had to cancel our initial one!

Stay tuned!!!

 

[Tinkerbellie16]

I've been to WDW many, many times and never went to a character meal. Then I decided to get the dining plan this last April and we all chose restaurants. The character meals were a great idea, especially for the kids. Ok, at Akershus, the princesses are spot on and I had a grin on my face that stretched from ear to ear and I think my husband was in awe and the kids were so excited (even my son had to admit he thought they were pretty.) Chef Mickey's - fab five yeah!!! (did not like the food but the kids didn't care and they were loving the characters)

So I agree with you, the character dining is a great way to spend on the dining plan. Looking forward to another installment...

 

[BreezysMom]

Well here we are, 8 weeks away from our trip and there is really nothing to do for it! This is the part where I get restless. It is way to early to pack and frankly DH would commit me if I brought the suitcases down from the attic.

Although in reality life is busy with work, school, activites and keeping myself upright most days We are having a yard sale in a couple of weeks. DD has so many toys she has "grown" out of and other things. We told her it can be her fun money for Disney. Getting ready for that is taking up some time as well.

Thanks to everyone for the great feedback

Since it is late and I have zero motivation I thought I would post some more Poly Pics to gaze at....

From boat dock looking at Tuvalu

Figi longhouse

Can't get enough of the Lobby pics

The Marina

This was mid day! It was wonderful!

Good night all! I hope to post our next day tomorrow night!

 

[Stefy]

Hello, just popping on over from the Poly Thread

Am loving reading your PTR/TR Recap, v inspiring The pictures are fantastic and your family is beautiful. DD looks like she was having the time of her life on your first trip.

I am glad that you are on the mend and finally got to go to WDW as you had planned. I know the circumstances of your stay at Poly were sad but it was a beautiful gift that your grandmother gave you and I smiled when you said that the resort will always remind you of her (I hope that was worded ok)

Thank goodness DD overcame her stomach flu/bug the day after arrival, theres nothing worse than being ill at Disney, believe me I know.

I think that me and DF might have been at WDW the same time as you for our first trip and we stayed in CBR. Then we went again a year later in Dec and stayed at CSR. Now we have booked our third trip (2010) and are finally staying in Poly. I am so excited that I can't stop singing to DF "We're staying at Poly, we're staying at Poly", but he is still in excited mode too that he hasn't got tired of me bouncing around singing it

Can't wait to read more