Tim and Lesley Year of Million Compromises/TONS pics- 8/5 help me pg. 164!!!

[timandlesley]

By this time it was nearing 5:00 and we had 5:30 reservations for Kona so we headed out to catch the bus for the Poly from MGM. We got there RIGHT in time and checked in. I have to tell you, I didn’t know what to expect from this restaurant and booked it primarily on what I’ve read here on the Dis. OH MY GOSH, if you haven’t eaten here DO!!!!! It was one of the best meals of the trip (o.k. so we had a LOT of great meals this trip, but this one ranks high on thelist). We had an awesome waitress and just had a great meal.Tim and I started off by ordering some yummy drinks:

Tim was diving into his in no time;

We ordered the kids drinks too, since Tim and I had ordered alcohol they let us get virgin daquiris for the kids which they loved;

Here is what we had, my seafood chowder – OMG this was out of this world delicious:

Tim had the sticky wings, lets just say they were great and GONE quick:

Here are the kids waiting for their meal to arrive:

Here is Lauren’s chicken noodle soup appetizer:

And Luke’s fruit appetizer:

I ordered the steak here, it was INCREDIBLE!!!

Let me take a second to say the new kids dining plan menu’s STINK!!!! It is practically the same thing at every restaurant and all the fun deserts are gone. I found myself ordering fun deserts for the kids to try and just eating their ice cream at some places, this one was one of the many we went to were the kids get an appetizer like soup or a salad then the main dish and then fruit or ice cream, no other desert choices. I know, maybe I am spoiled by the old cool choices like design your own cookie, etc. etc. and I don’t think the kids noticed, but I did because I gave up my desert a few times to let them enjoy the fun stuff.
O.K., rant over, sorry.
I ordered the Kona cone (used to be the kidscone I believe and was on the plan) and ate Luke’s ice cream. Here is the Kona cone, INCREDIBLE!!!

Here is Tim’s desert, he said it was just “o.k.” he was SOOOO full it barely got touched it was apple brown betty with ice cream:

The goal of our trip was to head back to the hotel and get to bed early since we wanted to be at rope drop for MK the next morning but like I said before this is Tim and Lesley’s Year of a Million compromises nad Tim wanted to hit the jewelry shop at MK to look for a gift for my b-day and hey, we were in Disney and how could we go back to the hotel on such a gorgeous night when we were just a monorail away from the Magic Kingdom!?! So, off to the Magic Kingdom we went. We hit Philarmagic and enjoyed that show (what a GREAT show) with no wait and then Tim hit the jewelry shop as the kids and I hit the Sir Mickey’s gift shop for a bit. Tim got his shopping done and we COMPROMISED and left MK before the parade so we could get to bed, kids were pooped after a long day. As we walked down Main Street it was all light up and I was just soaking it in, Tim must have sensed it, he put his arm around me, kissed my cheek and said “Look Les, it’s all lit up for you!” I said “Isn’t this the BEST EVER!” and he said “You know, it is , I just love it, it IS the best, doesn’t get any better than this” and we talked as we walked down Main Street about how magical it was, how it’s no wonder we return year after year, etc. WHAT A GREAT END TO A PERFECT DAY! We were back home, in heaven and having the time of our lives building more Disney memories.
We got on the bus back to POFQ (FQ and Riverside had separate bus stops at MK which was nice) there was no wait and got seats. Made it back to the room and the luggage was all there, PERFECT. Called the front desk and they delivered the water that we ordered from Costco, YEAH! I stocked the fridge and by the time I was done here were my babies:

Does it get any better than that?
Up next in the Trip Report, my 31st b-day at the World, what wonderful surprises does Tim have waiting for me this year – as usual he doesn’t disappoint, and let’s give a hint. . … Tinkerbell!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ?Now I have you guessing don’t I?????

Goodnight, or should I say goodmorning, GEEZ I must really love you people it's 12:33 a.m.!!!!
Lesley

 

[shannon47142]

WOW--I'm glad that I stayed up to finish with the surprise of reading about your first day!! I'm off to bed with a smile thinking of your trip!!

Shannon

 

[lazidazi07]

YAY! What a wonderful first post!I was afraid I was going to be gone by the time you got started! Your children look so adorable, like they're on cloud nine! I actually didnt really mind to see the MGM parade, but seeing those pictures really makes me want to see it now. I wish I could read the rest. Not too bummed, I'll be in Disney!

 

[scottny]

what a fantastic 1st day. Looking forward to the other day's. Hope they were as magical.

 

[Avivasmom]

We just love POFQ....stayed there 3 times. Like the smallness of it.

What gorgeous kids you have. Loved all the pics. Cannot wait to read more.

 

[FutureCinderella88]

Oh what a wonderful way to end my awwwful weekend of work!!!!

Loooooving your trip report so far! Thanks for posting tonight!

 

[2angelsinheaven]

Awe Lesley you had me teary eyed when you were talking about you and Tim walking down Mainstreet and such, I'm so glad you guys had a great first day! Can't wait for the next installment.

 

[toony]

Lesley, you've already posted!

Won't read it now. I have sooo much work today and it's time to begin. These first posts of your TR will be my goodies for tonight.

 

[pierresgirl]

What a great start to your report and nice to wake up to the very first installment on my birthday! I stayed at POFQ last year and it was beautiful.

 

[Bibbidi]

Lesley,

SO glad that you're willing to dive right into to writing your TR. We returned a month ago tomorrow from our "dream" trip to Disney and I had planned to write a trip report, but I was too wiped out upon our return to start one right away and now I have yours to enjoy instead Now just don't keep us waitiing for the rest--school's out, you shouldn't have anything else to do! Just kidding

 

[Bibbidi]

I wanted to ask you something with regard to POFQ. We LOVE WL as I know your family does too. Were you happy staying at a moderate for 10 days as opposed to say 7 or 8 at WL? We've stayed at POR before and really like it there, but this most recent trip we fell in love with the CR. I'm just wondering if you felt content at one resort for that length or if you would do a split stay next time?

Also, did you tire of the food court at POFQ, or did you eat enough meals elsewhere that it didn't get tiring?

Finally, will you do the meal plan again, based on the less than exciting kids options? We were not on the meal plan, but felt like you, that overall the kids choices were limited. However, I'd like to have a package next time just to know everything was paid for ahead of time.

 

[Lesprivate]

Wow you had a such a great 1st day, I can't wait to hear about the rest of your trip. It makes me so excited for our upcoming August trip.

 

[ChrisLei]

Hi there! Just had to jump in and say welcome back! Awesome trip report so far! Great to hear the rave reviews about KONA. We are having dinner there in November. Now I had a question. My friend stated that they had alternatives in the childs menu appetizer and dessert upon request. Did that change now? My two would be so disappointed. They are not your fruit and veggies type of kids.

 

[DreaGirl]

What an awesome first day!! It sounds like it was just perfect.

I got a little teary about Tim's comment about Main Street lit up just for you. How sweet!

 

[lonegirl]

THanks for posting so quickly in such detail with great pix. You are the best! Can't wait for our POFQ trip this fall!

 

[kaysmommie]

Just finished your first installment. Loved all your pics, Luke and Lauren look so thrilled. I guess they are following in your footsteos with their love for Disney. My kids are like that too, counting the days until our trip, but DH is a different story .

I have to ask would you stay at POFQ again or are you planning on WL next time? Did you miss staying deluxe? I thought about switching from Poly to POFQ to save a bit since we are stretching the budget a little. I loved Kona cafe when we went last trip too. Luckily DD got the kiddie kone on the DDP before they changed it. She was drooling over that photo.

 

[dreamsofdisney]

Yay!!!!
What a great way to start the day! Today is the first official "wake up" without having to go to work (school) and it was the best treat to wake up and read Day 1 from your fabulous TR!

I loved your last TR and have been following the pre-trippie all the way. My DH thinks I've officially lost my mind, since I'm always saying things like "Tim and Lesley and the kids are in MK right now," and "I hope the sun is shining in DIS for Tim and Lesley and the kids!"

Sounds like a fantastic first day and all of us here on the DIS are thrilled for you! Can't wait to hear more...and keep those pictures coming. The kids are just as adorable as ever!

 

[timandlesley]

WOW--I'm glad that I stayed up to finish with the surprise of reading about your first day!! I'm off to bed with a smile thinking of your trip!!

Shannon

Glad you were up to read it!
Lesley

YAY! What a wonderful first post!I was afraid I was going to be gone by the time you got started! Your children look so adorable, like they're on cloud nine! I actually didnt really mind to see the MGM parade, but seeing those pictures really makes me want to see it now. I wish I could read the rest. Not too bummed, I'll be in Disney!

Glad you got to read an installment before you left, hope you get to see the MGM prade, have fun at Disney!!!
Lesley

what a fantastic 1st day. Looking forward to the other day's. Hope they were as magical.

I know, it was just a great day, they just keep getting better, you'll see!
Lesley

We just love POFQ....stayed there 3 times. Like the smallness of it.

What gorgeous kids you have. Loved all the pics. Cannot wait to read more.

I know, it really is an awesome resort! Glad you are enjoying it so far.
Lesley

Oh what a wonderful way to end my awwwful weekend of work!!!!

Loooooving your trip report so far! Thanks for posting tonight!

Glad I could cheer you up a bit and that you are enjoying it so far.
Lesley

Awe Lesley you had me teary eyed when you were talking about you and Tim walking down Mainstreet and such, I'm so glad you guys had a great first day! Can't wait for the next installment.

I know, I will always remember walking down Mainstreet that night, so special!
Lesley

Lesley, you've already posted!

Won't read it now. I have sooo much work today and it's time to begin. These first posts of your TR will be my goodies for tonight.

I just couldn't resist, I was uploading the pics last night and it just started flowing, next thing I knew I had day 1 finished.
Lesley

What a great start to your report and nice to wake up to the very first installment on my birthday! I stayed at POFQ last year and it was beautiful.

Happy Birthday!!!!!!!!!!!
Lesley

Oh yeah, and for the Pal Mickey Question I forgot to answer - we loved loved loved Pal Mickey's! It is amazing all the cool info he gives you at each park. I was amazed at AK that each little animal display we would walk by he would shake and I would squeeze him and he would give me info about each animal- incredible! Luke loved his and squeezed it all of the time and just was REALLY into him, the little games he could play withhim during down times helped too, Lauren was a little too young and Luke would have to help her squeeze him, she liked him for for just him being a stuffed Mickey than an interactive Mickey. We also had to hunt hers down on two occassions because she would leave it places : )
Lesley

 

[timandlesley]

Lesley,

SO glad that you're willing to dive right into to writing your TR. We returned a month ago tomorrow from our "dream" trip to Disney and I had planned to write a trip report, but I was too wiped out upon our return to start one right away and now I have yours to enjoy instead Now just don't keep us waitiing for the rest--school's out, you shouldn't have anything else to do! Just kidding

Well, glad I could entertain you with mine for now. Oh don't worry - I never keep people waiting too long!
Lesley

I wanted to ask you something with regard to POFQ. We LOVE WL as I know your family does too. Were you happy staying at a moderate for 10 days as opposed to say 7 or 8 at WL? We've stayed at POR before and really like it there, but this most recent trip we fell in love with the CR. I'm just wondering if you felt content at one resort for that length or if you would do a split stay next time?

Also, did you tire of the food court at POFQ, or did you eat enough meals elsewhere that it didn't get tiring?

Finally, will you do the meal plan again, based on the less than exciting kids options? We were not on the meal plan, but felt like you, that overall the kids choices were limited. However, I'd like to have a package next time just to know everything was paid for ahead of time.

You know, Tim and I talked about this at great length, we missed WL because we just love it so much but honestly we didn't feel anything missing at POFQ, transportation was excellent, food court incredible, we thought the pool was even better. If it would have been raining I would have missed the "all under one roof concept" because that saved us quite a bit going in June and it always raining constantly. I did miss hoping on the elevator to get drink refills, etc. but when we moved rooms (detail on that later) it was a non issue. I missed the 2 hot tubs at WL and I love the the theming and turn down service at WL (kids missed those chocolates on the pillows - I know SPOILED!!!) the only other major thing missing was the boat to the contemporary and MK, we used that A LOT at WL and it took us quite a while to get to our dinners at the Poly and contemporary resorts this year which stunk. We also missed the electric light parade this year and sitting on the balcony after the kids had gone to bed, but since we stayed out most days this year we were SO exhausted at night that I don't know if we would have even used the balcony this year - but whenkids were younger that balcony was a life saver. But as for the actual hotel, we felt GREAT staying 10 nights at POFQ. We made comments several times that we couldn't have done POP for that long and were glad we chose POFQ. The theming is just out of this world, we loved the pool, Luke loved the slide, the kiddie pool is great, loved the bar right there by the pool and the hot tub was great for a nice getaway- did enjoy that one night in the rain too I highly recommend POFQ if you want to save some money over WL.
As for the dining plan we will definitely do it again. I found myself giving the kids some of my meals every now and then which was FINE I had so much food. I will share some of the restaraunts choices which differed that you can keep in mind, one inparticular had an outstanding menu and great choices. I did take a pic of the kids menu to share here too so you'll get an idea of the choices. There are french fries available, fruit, veggies, soup, salad, or a yogurt parfait at most places as sides. You get two sides total so if you get a soup and veggie = no desert/ice cream which is a bummer. I would say if yo uthrew in a few character buffets and looked at the menus to make sure yo uhad some variety for the kids like we did you will be fine.
It is SUCH a savings. We had lunch at a sit down and the bill came to 105!!!! We wouldn't go without the dining plan!
Lesley
Lesley

Wow you had a such a great 1st day, I can't wait to hear about the rest of your trip. It makes me so excited for our upcoming August trip.

I know, it was great! Get excited, it's gonna be magical!
Lesley

Hi there! Just had to jump in and say welcome back! Awesome trip report so far! Great to hear the rave reviews about KONA. We are having dinner there in November. Now I had a question. My friend stated that they had alternatives in the childs menu appetizer and dessert upon request. Did that change now? My two would be so disappointed. They are not your fruit and veggies type of kids.

Oh, you will love KONA!!! See my post above about the kids menu, it does offer choices, just limited.
Lesley

What an awesome first day!! It sounds like it was just perfect.

I got a little teary about Tim's comment about Main Street lit up just for you. How sweet!

It was perfect, oh yes, I'll always remember that comment, very sweet!
Lesley

THanks for posting so quickly in such detail with great pix. You are the best! Can't wait for our POFQ trip this fall!

Thanks glad you are enjoying it, you will LOVE POFQ!
Lesley

Just finished your first installment. Loved all your pics, Luke and Lauren look so thrilled. I guess they are following in your footsteos with their love for Disney. My kids are like that too, counting the days until our trip, but DH is a different story .

I have to ask would you stay at POFQ again or are you planning on WL next time? Did you miss staying deluxe? I thought about switching from Poly to POFQ to save a bit since we are stretching the budget a little. I loved Kona cafe when we went last trip too. Luckily DD got the kiddie kone on the DDP before they changed it. She was drooling over that photo.

You need to convert DH, mine has officially converted to a Disney fan! It all depends on our budget next year. We have 10 year anniversary next summer and were planning a trip just the 2 of us and wanted to splurge on a monorail stay but we feel guilt not taking the kids bc they love it so much,w e'll just have to see. If we go back with the kids it will depend on how much money we have that year to spend on the trip, if we could afford WL maybe but we really wouldn't mind staying at FQ again, it was awesome!
Lesley

Yay!!!!
What a great way to start the day! Today is the first official "wake up" without having to go to work (school) and it was the best treat to wake up and read Day 1 from your fabulous TR!

I loved your last TR and have been following the pre-trippie all the way. My DH thinks I've officially lost my mind, since I'm always saying things like "Tim and Lesley and the kids are in MK right now," and "I hope the sun is shining in DIS for Tim and Lesley and the kids!"

Sounds like a fantastic first day and all of us here on the DIS are thrilled for you! Can't wait to hear more...and keep those pictures coming. The kids are just as adorable as ever!

So funny, the people who stopped us in the parks and at the resort this year would say the same thing about driving their husbands crazy, so funny!!!! Glad you are enjoying the report. It was a fantastic trip in every way, can't wait to share more.
Lesley

 

[jbmom]

I love the pics from the time the kids got up till they got to Disney! My family calls that perma-smile, and your kids had definately had it. Love, love, love your trip report so far. We love Kona too, my kids will be disappointed that they can't have the kiddie cone this year.