Top Secret Pixie Dust! A Surprise 13th Birthday PTR! NEW! TRIP REPORT LINK PAGE 220!

[Charleston Princess]

My choice of a monorail resort would have to be the Poly. I used to adore staying there as a kid, and I'm really a sucker for anything beachy. I had never given alot of thought to the GF before my trip in December, thinking it would be a bit too stuffy, but after visting there it's on my someday list. I was surprised how non-stuffy I actually found it.

Every time I see pictures of the Poly Tikis, I think of you!

I think I need to use Jen and Leslie to plan my trip! Depending on what the other members of our group decide I may have to plan some days out quite a bit more than I'd been planning on doing. I share your heat fears. And just realized...I think I need a line item in the budget for extra sunscreen!

They are wonderful at planning!

Monorail resort.

I'd have to say Contemporary for me. I have no real desire to stay at the Poly, beautiful as it is, and while we'd love the GF, it's a bit sedate and the rooms too feminine for my personal taste. Contemporary is high on my list and definitely Eric's dream resort. I do see a BLT stay someday in the future.

Of course I'd be happy at any of them!

When I was 12 and we stayed at the Contemporary, it was so neat! I loved how the monorail ran right through the hotel.

We're going to do the luau in July - so check out my TR and you can hear all about it!

I will be looking forward to hearing all about the luau!

I see you got some help with the itinerary, so I'm going to gracefully bow out of that challenge. I'm afraid my brain is so full of five year old and baby things that I am not the right person to ask.

I can't imagine why your mind is so filled with that.

However, if I could stay at one monorail resort, even though it will be very hard for me, I would pick the Grand Floridian. I stayed with my Mom in January, and it is "the" monorail resort to me. I just don't get as excited about the Poly or the Contemporary.

That being said, I won't be setting foot in that lovely place for quite a while, as I have soooo many memories there.

Understandable!

I would choose the Poly since we have stayed at the GF in the past. I think I may use some of these ideas/plans for our touring plan at MK.

Use them all, if you want! I start sweating just thinking about how hot it will be there next month!

Even though I'm not "in love" with the style, I'd choose the Contemporary because I like the idea of being able to walk to MK!

That is a definite plus for the Contemporary!

Well hello there! I almost missed this. I haven't been reading the chit chat on the TRs lately b/c I have gotten so far behind. I scrolled right past it and somehow my name jumped out! But I will check that out for sure! So glad you are doing another TR and thanks for the invitation!!!

Yes, go check out Sheree's TR -- she always has a lot of fun on her trips!

Hey Jackie, I loved reading this PTR so much that while I'm laying in bed suffering from lady troubles, I'm going back and reading The Pursuit of Disney Magic.

That was my first one I did, so good luck slogging through it!

Okay, I would absolutely say the GF. I have stayed at both the Poly and GF and have no interest in the Contemporary due to the theming (not to mention the horrible lines at the monorail station). I actually stayed at the GF garden view and poly MK view last trip and much preferred the GF. Don't get me wrong, I love the Polynesian theme and Hawaii is probably my favorite place on earth, but the grounds of the GF and the unbelievable customer service are wonderful. Also, I loved that every building had a laundry and the lotion at the GF is addictive!!

Oh, now I want to try that GF lotion!!! I am a sucker for good lotions!

BLT...ok techinically not actually a monorail resort but close enough huh? haven't even stayed there yet...but I just know I will love it...

but from the orginal 3 I'd go w/ Poly...it was so lush, peacful and the rooms were spectular...I flet very spoiled to have stayed deluxe once...glad now we are DVCrs...I'd use points to stay there again

J~

Thanks for telling me where your LAL tiles are -- I am going to try and find them when we are there!

Poly was a great stay when Charles and I stayed there eons ago.

 

[Charleston Princess]

GF or Poly for me. I know I will get to a monorail resort one day. But if I had to pick any resort and money wasn't a factor I would pick Boardwalk. I grew up near Atlantic City and Asbury Park and I love the Jersey shore (the real shore NOT the disgusting show). So the theming, restaurants and pool of that resort appeal to me the most. But alas it is probably one that will never happen.

Boardwalk is gorgeous, too. I would like to stay there someday.

Ok Jackie, I'm going to go out on a limb and be the odd man out. Huge surprise here...I would stay at the Poly. What a popular resort.

I have to admit I am surprised at how many people have picked the Poly. I would have thought it would be more evenly distributed.

I would definitely stay at the Poly!! That would be my resort of choice!!!! I just love the theme there!!! So beautiful!!!

YAY for having park plans! I can't wait to see them!!!

It is beautiful at the Poly -- I love all the landscaping!

As much as the walk to MK appeals to me, I don't think I'd chose the Contemporary - it just feels kind of cold to me. I think the GF is gorgeous, but it doesn't feel right for my family either, so that leaves the Poly. I love the lush feel of it, I love Kona and I love that you can get Dole Whips there - the Poly it is!

I can definitely see you and your boys staying at the Poly!

I would say Grand Floridian. I have always wanted to stay there! If that didn't work than a MK view from The Contemporary.

That MK view from the Contemporary would be great, wouldn't it?

If I could stay at one monorail resort it would be hard to choose.....I know I would say GF right off the bat if money were no option...it is gorgeous and the next stop is MK!!!!!! BUT, that smell of the POLY lobby is my FAVORITE scent in the whole wide world!!!!! One can dream!!!

Do you know I have never noticed the smell of the Poly? Now I feel like we need to go visit there just so I can check it out!

My choice would be Bay Lake Towers one bedroom MK view. That way I could walk to MK and have the restaurant of the Contemporary just next door. Plus go to sleep and wake up viewing the MK. A one bedroom for the extra room when DH get up at 4:45 even at Disney.

That would be lovely! Are you all ready for your trip tomorrow? Are you flying or driving?

My first choice of a monorail resort would have to be the GF. I love the looks of that place. The Contempory is too cold looking & it echoes. I do like the Poly &beachy tropical stuff so that is almost as good as GF.

The Grand and the Poly would be my two favorites on the monorail, too!

poly, hands down. it's just more my vibe than the other 2. although i have to say staying at the grand floridian wouldn't be a nightmare either! i'm sure the contemporary is great too. but the poly is definitely first for me.

The Poly has quite a following! LOL!

OMG the POLY hands down!!!! LOVE it there!! BLT is really cool too, but I love love love the POLY!!!! It doesn't get any better than having Tonga Toast sent to your room in the morning, lol!

OMG! Wouldn't that be heavenly to have Tonga Toast delivered to your room???

 

[bluewaves1]

Over 50 years ago, my first trip to Disneyland was all about magic and surprises. Back then, they didn't have the birthday fun that the do now, but I remember the Mickey Mouse band playing the happy birthday song to me and I was amazed that they actually knew it was my birthday. Little did I know that my father had arranged it all.

Have fun with your surprise.

 

[Charleston Princess]

I stayed at the GF and loved the romantic feel and it was so quiet! I am dying to stay at the Poly during one of our next visits. The tropical smells and sights are amazing So---I will get back to you after then

Okay!

Probably the Poly because that's where I stayed when I was little and my grandparents took me. The memories are hazy, but I remember going to the luau, being the ice-machine runner and when they gave me money to buy whatever I wanted in the gift shop...I chose one of those fat ballpoint pens that writes in 4 different colors!

I remember having one of those pens when I was a kid. I was hopelessly impressed by it.

Definitely the Poly We are DVC members and fell in love with it. Now we have a hard time staying anywhere else.

The Poly is gorgeous and being right across from the MK doesn't hurt, either.

 

[Charleston Princess]

Over 50 years ago, my first trip to Disneyland was all about magic and surprises. Back then, they didn't have the birthday fun that the do now, but I remember the Mickey Mouse band playing the happy birthday song to me and I was amazed that they actually knew it was my birthday. Little did I know that my father had arranged it all.

Have fun with your surprise.

What a great memory to have of your birthday at Disneyland! I have been having lots of fun planning everything out!

 

[jeremysdisneymom]

Jackie:

What a tough question? It would be the Poly. I love the theming. I had hoped we would stay there this trip but it didn't happen. GF would be a close 2nd!

Erika

 

[wigdoutdismom]

I love the Poly but.....
too many people pool crash there.
So the resort snob in me would have to go to BLT.

 

[dancin_princess]

That was my first one I did, so good luck slogging through it!

I really enjoyed reading it. In fact, I think I read all the PTRs and TRs you wrote. I'm officially all caught up. I hope they have a Dragonberry Colada this year.

 

[BrooklynnsMommy]

Hey Jackie! I saw where you posted on Dawn's thread about trying to come to Huntsville to see teh Star Wars exhibit at the SPace and Rocket Center. If you do make it over here let me know since it is like 5 minutes from my work and 15 minutes from my house!

 

[999ghostslover]

Me too! Huntsville meetup at Star Wards and BRidge Street? I'm there. We live in Monrovia. 15 mins away from Space and Rocket Center.

 

[micandminforever]

Jackie we are driving to Disney tomorrow morning, as soon as we drop the cats off at the vet.

 

[bluewaves1]

What a great memory to have of your birthday at Disneyland! I have been having lots of fun planning everything out!

It was a lot of fun. Of course my dad had me convinced he was driving the matterhorn ride and I thought he was out of his mind. Funny what kids think is true. Enjoy.

 

[BrooklynnsMommy]

Me too! Huntsville meetup at Star Wards and BRidge Street? I'm there. We live in Monrovia. 15 mins away from Space and Rocket Center.

I'm in Harvest!

 

[MegansMom]

I don't know how to describe it but it is just heavenly....all the tropical flowers, etc. We stayed there often when I was little, and I still remember it from then. I always knew growing up that my favorite scent in the whole world (which is the Poly lobby) was at WDW, but could never remember what it was from........not until we walked through those doors in September 2006 while on our way to eat at O'hana!!! As soon as I smelled it, I knew that was it!!!! I wish I could bottle it!

 

[Charleston Princess]

Jackie:

What a tough question? It would be the Poly. I love the theming. I had hoped we would stay there this trip but it didn't happen. GF would be a close 2nd!

Erika

Maybe Poly will happen for your next visit!

I love the Poly but.....
too many people pool crash there.
So the resort snob in me would have to go to BLT.

I wondered if there were a lot of pool crashers at the Poly.

I really enjoyed reading it. In fact, I think I read all the PTRs and TRs you wrote. I'm officially all caught up. I hope they have a Dragonberry Colada this year.

Wow! I am impressed and flattered! The Dragonberry Coladas were out of this world!!!

Hey Jackie! I saw where you posted on Dawn's thread about trying to come to Huntsville to see teh Star Wars exhibit at the SPace and Rocket Center. If you do make it over here let me know since it is like 5 minutes from my work and 15 minutes from my house!

Hi, Jill! I was hoping we would be able to meet up for lunch or dinner or whatever if we come to Huntsville for the SW exhibit! When I first started looking at dates, I was thinking the end of June, but then I remembered you would be either getting ready to go to Disney or in Disney, so I knew that wouldn't work. I am thinking the first part of August now...once I get my act together, I will PM you, and we can figure out what date would work best for both of us!

Me too! Huntsville meetup at Star Wards and BRidge Street? I'm there. We live in Monrovia. 15 mins away from Space and Rocket Center.

DIS meets are so much fun!!!

Jackie we are driving to Disney tomorrow morning, as soon as we drop the cats off at the vet.

Have a great time!!! Enjoy the MSEP and new fireworks!!!

It was a lot of fun. Of course my dad had me convinced he was driving the matterhorn ride and I thought he was out of his mind. Funny what kids think is true. Enjoy.

One of my memories of Disneyland is riding the Matterhorn -- I hated it and was terrified of the yeti that is there!

I don't know how to describe it but it is just heavenly....all the tropical flowers, etc. We stayed there often when I was little, and I still remember it from then. I always knew growing up that my favorite scent in the whole world (which is the Poly lobby) was at WDW, but could never remember what it was from........not until we walked through those doors in September 2006 while on our way to eat at O'hana!!! As soon as I smelled it, I knew that was it!!!! I wish I could bottle it!

Awww, I love it! I will definitely have to pay attention the next time we are at the Poly. Do you know my favorite smell at Disney that transports me right back to my childhood? The smell of the water on POTC.

 

[flamestarrdust]

I've been reading your PTR for a while and got caught up with your past PTR and TR and have really enjoyed reading along. I am excited for you and your family that you switched your trip back to WDW. Hilton Head also sounded nice. As for my favorite monorail resort, it would have to be Poly. On my last trip, I went to Kona Cafe for Breakfast and we also did a dinner at Spirit of Aloha. We got to walk around the resort a bit and I absolutely fell in love with the scenery and the hotel in general. It is one of my dream resorts and I hope to be able to stay there one day. I also wouldn't mind staying at CR. As a child I remember the monorail going through it and thinking how amazing that was and how cool it would be to stay in that hotel.

 

[999ghostslover]

I always thought it was cool that the monorail went thru CR without making much noise---until we were at a convention underneath the monorail. The PP slide screen kept bumping all around every time a train went overhead. It is pretty funny. That may be fixed by now though. That was 2005.

 

[Charleston Princess]

I've been reading your PTR for a while and got caught up with your past PTR and TR and have really enjoyed reading along. I am excited for you and your family that you switched your trip back to WDW. Hilton Head also sounded nice. As for my favorite monorail resort, it would have to be Poly. On my last trip, I went to Kona Cafe for Breakfast and we also did a dinner at Spirit of Aloha. We got to walk around the resort a bit and I absolutely fell in love with the scenery and the hotel in general. It is one of my dream resorts and I hope to be able to stay there one day. I also wouldn't mind staying at CR. As a child I remember the monorail going through it and thinking how amazing that was and how cool it would be to stay in that hotel.

Hi! Thanks for joining in on all the fun!!! I am very excited that we are back on track with a trip to WDW this summer! The Poly is beautiful!

I always thought it was cool that the monorail went thru CR without making much noise---until we were at a convention underneath the monorail. The PP slide screen kept bumping all around every time a train went overhead. It is pretty funny. That may be fixed by now though. That was 2005.

I never would have guessed that could be a problem! Too funny!

 

[disney<333]

Happy 1 month, Jackie! I saw on MeMom's TR that you saw TS3. Hope you enjoyed it. We're going to wait until next week to see it.

 

[Charleston Princess]

First off, one month from today, we will be headed to Disney World! Hurray! Hurray!

Second, as I suspect many of you are doing, we have been eagerly awaiting the opening of Toy Story 3. My original plan was to head to the movies on Monday to avoid the crowds. Well, this morning when I got on the computer to see what the critics were saying, I was astonished to find that overall critics were in love with it, and the average was an A-. I shouldn't have been surprised because the critics always love Pixar movies.

That got me thinking -- I really, really, really wanted to see Toy Story 3 today. There was a 12:00 showing, and I figured out of all the showings in the next three days, this would be the least crowded. So, I told the kids to get ready.

Our movie theater has stadium seating, and I like having the center of the back row. I had it all planned out in my head when we needed to leave in order to get our tickets and popcorn and score the back row.

However, I did not factor in Chelsea. The girl had us running ten minutes late because she had to put on all her make-up including eyeliner.

For a movie.

That we watch in the dark.

Where the average age of the viewers was five, maybe six.

Sigh.

Well, needless to say because of the eyeliner, we did not score the center of the back row, but the second row down on the right hand side. Oh well, it was still a good view.

I won't spoil any of the movie for you since I know many of you will be seeing it, but I will say this, if you are an emotional sap like Chelsea and I are, make sure you grab extra napkins from the concession stand. There are a couple of scenes that had us bawling like babies -- Chelsea even blurted out at one point, "My make-up is getting ruined!" LOL! I don't know if it is because my kids are growing up too fast for me or because Pixar knows how to tap into our emotions, but I was pretty teary-eyed -- even afterwards when I was trying to tell Charles about it. Connor even admitted to crying during one of the scenes.

Anyway, it is a wonderful movie. Laugh out loud funny, terribly clever, and poignant, and definitely a worthy ending to the trilogy! I can't wait to hear what everyone else thinks about it when they see it!

When we got home, Connor went to his room and found all of his Toy Story toys. Outside his room on the hall table he made a little grouping of everyone, including to use his words, "Some new friends." Then, he found my camera, took a picture, and asked if I would post it on the DIS.

Here it is:

Now go see the movie so we can talk about it.