Trip #8; But Was It Great? A WDW MAYcation with a side of LegoLand & Celebration, FL!

[lala3291]

Ahh, the Poly! I just love it there! It's so relaxing...a nice break from the parks! That hammock looks very familiar! I think I may have been in that same one a few times on our last trip!

And if you notice my ticker, we aren't at the GF for our November trip anymore. I saw the 30% percent off code for fall that came out yesterday, and I knew I needed to take advantage of it with our Christmastime trip coming up right after. The only available room category at GF would have been a garden view for our dates, and while I would have loved that, we really end up saving money with how much we use CL (especially for breakfast!). Plus, I will admit, the construction was scaring me a bit! We really need a quick service location available, and with Gasparilla's being closed, that was another factor against the GF. So, we will be at the BWI in a CL room for significantly less than the GF. I'm glad- we are saving money, but I'm going to miss the GF! But, there's always next year!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

I do miss the Poly!!!
The Dole Whips look delicious. YUM

I'm pretty bummed about the job situation... Disney would make it all better!!!
I've had 5 interviews in 3 weeks I really thought that it was my turn! I have another one tomorrow. Unfortunately that position isn't a classroom teacher- it's a grant funded job and may only be for a year UGH!!! What to do??
Yesterday my son's principal emailed me to offer me a paraprofessional position if I hadn't found a job yet. No offense but it's really hard to take a para job when you have your masters in elem. and have been teaching for 15 yrs.(it's like a step backwards). My DH said it will get my foot in the door in my own town's system. And it's not even 5 min. away. He's right but.... We'll see what tomorrow brings. I told her I'd let her know by Friday.

I could go for a Dole Whip right now too!!

I can't believe you are getting all these interviews for a teaching job!! That is pretty much unheard of around here right now.

I would seriously consider the grant funded teaching job (if you are offered it) or the para position. I know neither one are what you are hoping for, but either would get your foot in the door. Your DH is right on that! We have a few people doing para work - here it's called instructional aide and/or teaching assistant - who have teaching degrees, just because there aren't any teaching jobs and they just want the experience of being in the school.

Good luck.

Ahh, the Poly! I just love it there! It's so relaxing...a nice break from the parks! That hammock looks very familiar! I think I may have been in that same one a few times on our last trip!

And if you notice my ticker, we aren't at the GF for our November trip anymore. I saw the 30% percent off code for fall that came out yesterday, and I knew I needed to take advantage of it with our Christmastime trip coming up right after. The only available room category at GF would have been a garden view for our dates, and while I would have loved that, we really end up saving money with how much we use CL (especially for breakfast!). Plus, I will admit, the construction was scaring me a bit! We really need a quick service location available, and with Gasparilla's being closed, that was another factor against the GF. So, we will be at the BWI in a CL room for significantly less than the GF. I'm glad- we are saving money, but I'm going to miss the GF! But, there's always next year!

That hammock is awesome! Love it! Wish I was there right now.

Well I don't blame you for switching to the BWI! Saving money plus getting CL, that's a no-brainer!! I think our next WDW trip after Dec will be back to the BWI.

 

[monica23535]

The Poly looks so pretty, looking forward to staying there for the first time in six weeks!

We are staying CL Garden View so am hoping for a nice room, if I remember correctly, you stayed CL there didn't you? Was your view nice?

Those dole whips sure looked good lol

 

[Lovemy3babes]

You got to visit a pretty hotel with a gorgeous view and eat a yummy Dole Whip. Score!

PS: I am a planning lunatic Shelly. We originally booked for CBR, then switched to CSR. Today I changed to a Royal Room at POR. Someone needs to slap my hands so I leave things alone!

 

[JoBird]

THE CRANE, THE CRANE!!!

Am I the only one who thinks these things?????


Yay for the Dole whip! It must have been so refreshing in that hot weather. And I'm not sure but I don't think you could have gotten any more of it in that cup.

The pic of DS10 throwing the penny in.... I think a few kiddos are missing from the pic. Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww.


Nice view of the GF! Too bad the view is forever changed now. Sniff Sniff.

Great Poly update!!!!

 

[T*Bird]

The Poly is just so beautiful and so Disney-perfect! What I mean is if I could plan a Disney trip without any budget, the Poly is where I would stay. And CL of course! On my previous trips, all I could do was walk through and dream. The foliage is gorgeous, both inside the GCH and outside along the paths.

I bet you did want to jump in that pool! It looks so inviting and uncrowded. What a change from SAB I imagine.

So is the crane at the GF? Isn't there something going on at the Poly, too? Do you know what they are doing? Sorry for the inquisition.

That Dole Whip looks delicious! Is a vanilla DW different than vanilla ice cream? (Am I the only pest who bombards you with questions? )

The Avengers monorail- that is a new one to me!

Looking forward to your ESPN review. I haven't heard much about it before.

 

[Lil'Mermaid75]

Ahhhh...a Dole Whip. I bet on that hot day that was a nice little snack (heck, who am I kidding - I'd take one of those in the middle of winter!)! Can you get the floats at the Poly, or only the ice cream?

Your TR is coming to an end....will you be doing a PTR for your December trip?

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

The Poly looks so pretty, looking forward to staying there for the first time in six weeks!

We are staying CL Garden View so am hoping for a nice room, if I remember correctly, you stayed CL there didn't you? Was your view nice?

Those dole whips sure looked good lol

YAY for 6 weeks!!!

Yep - last year at this very time we were at the Poly 3rd floor CL GV. Our view was awesome. It was of the quiet pool. Just beautiful. But I will warn you that there are some GV rooms that the view will totally be of a tree. I would ask to not have one of those when you are checking it.

You got to visit a pretty hotel with a gorgeous view and eat a yummy Dole Whip. Score!

PS: I am a planning lunatic Shelly. We originally booked for CBR, then switched to CSR. Today I changed to a Royal Room at POR. Someone needs to slap my hands so I leave things alone!

It was a score!! I just love that place.

I didn't realize you had even changed from CBR! What are you doing??? No really, POR is a great resort too! And I bet the royal rooms are super cute!

THE CRANE, THE CRANE!!!

Am I the only one who thinks these things?????


Yay for the Dole whip! It must have been so refreshing in that hot weather. And I'm not sure but I don't think you could have gotten any more of it in that cup.

The pic of DS10 throwing the penny in.... I think a few kiddos are missing from the pic. Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww.


Nice view of the GF! Too bad the view is forever changed now. Sniff Sniff.

Great Poly update!!!!

Yes, in-fact you are the only one who thinks of these things. :


The Dole Whip was quite tasty that day - especially since it was so dang HOT out once again. I bet it was 95 that afternoon.

Yes there are a few kids missing in that pic. It just wasn't the same. But hey, it won't be long now til we can get another group shot!!!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

The Poly is just so beautiful and so Disney-perfect! What I mean is if I could plan a Disney trip without any budget, the Poly is where I would stay. And CL of course! On my previous trips, all I could do was walk through and dream. The foliage is gorgeous, both inside the GCH and outside along the paths.

I bet you did want to jump in that pool! It looks so inviting and uncrowded. What a change from SAB I imagine.

So is the crane at the GF? Isn't there something going on at the Poly, too? Do you know what they are doing? Sorry for the inquisition.

That Dole Whip looks delicious! Is a vanilla DW different than vanilla ice cream? (Am I the only pest who bombards you with questions? )

The Avengers monorail- that is a new one to me!

Looking forward to your ESPN review. I haven't heard much about it before.

The Poly is beautiful and perfect. I can't wait to get back there again.

I so wanted to jump in that pool!! It looked so nice and inviting and QUIET!!

Yep the crane is at the GF. Well, near the GF - where they are building the new GF DVC. It's in-between the Poly and the GF, but right next to the GF. It's a mess over there right now. As for the Poly, they are just going to be doing room rehabs (inside work) and are going to close down one longhouse at the time, so it should have minimal effect on the guests. BUT - sometime "at the end of 2012" they are supposed to be closing down the volcano pool to redo the pool deck and add a hot tub. No set date yet though. I am hoping they wait til the beginning of 2013, that would make more sense!! And then there is the rumor out there that sometime in 2013 or 2014 they will be closing down the GCH at the Poly and completely leveling it and rebuilding it to have DVC rooms in it.

IDK if vanilla dole whips are like vanilla ice cream or not. Never had one! I guess they are probably somewhat like ice cream, but somehow a little different. Does anyone know??

DS10 says they are way better that vanilla ice cream!!

Okay, I think that ends this inquisition!! No, you know I am just kidding -- I always love to talk Disney!!

Ahhhh...a Dole Whip. I bet on that hot day that was a nice little snack (heck, who am I kidding - I'd take one of those in the middle of winter!)! Can you get the floats at the Poly, or only the ice cream?

Your TR is coming to an end....will you be doing a PTR for your December trip?

I would eat a Dole Whip in the middle of a blizzard!!

Nope, just the Dole Whips at the Poly. You can only get the float at Aloha Isle.

IDK if I will be doing a PTR for the December trip. I don't think I will have all that much to talk about. We'll see how much free time I have once school and soccer start next week. Maybe I'll do a short one after soccer season ends - about the beginning of Nov.

 

[Mndisneygirl]

Ahhhhh, we're at the Poly!!! I just relax when I see the pictures! It's so beautiful!
We are having two meals there in October, and I'm worried I'll eat too much and then not want to get a dole whip for the fireworks on the beach!! I'll bet I can force myself...
I just don't understand - why would anyone want a vanilla DOLE whip? Dole doesn't make vanilla! If there's pineapple, vanilla just shouldn't be an option! (then again, maybe that's just me...)

I for one, am really hopeful about the future DVC at Poly! SOMEDAY I WILL STAY THERE!!! I'll be patient and wait until 2015 if I have to...I've got a few other plans for the next couple years that will help me get by til then.

 

[danceintherain]

I've never noticed consoles to place your own order at Pecos. There have always been CM's when we've been there. They take your order fast enough, it just seems to take forever to make it!

Maybe it's something they tested for a while, then stopped, or maybe they don't do the self-service when it's really crowded?
Odd...I know for certain that they were in use in July 2009, but obviously that was a long time ago. I don't remember eating there in 2010, and I haven't been at Disney since.

 

[DisMomAmy]

Reading along but not always commenting... but wanted to jump in about the self service kiosks at Pecos Bills.

I always use the kiosks at Pecos Bills! They were open when we were there in April. People must not realize they are there because there is never a line for them.

They are right in front of you as you go in the main entrance.

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Ahhhhh, we're at the Poly!!! I just relax when I see the pictures! It's so beautiful!
We are having two meals there in October, and I'm worried I'll eat too much and then not want to get a dole whip for the fireworks on the beach!! I'll bet I can force myself...
I just don't understand - why would anyone want a vanilla DOLE whip? Dole doesn't make vanilla! If there's pineapple, vanilla just shouldn't be an option! (then again, maybe that's just me...)

I for one, am really hopeful about the future DVC at Poly! SOMEDAY I WILL STAY THERE!!! I'll be patient and wait until 2015 if I have to...I've got a few other plans for the next couple years that will help me get by til then.

Are you eating at Ohana??? If you are then you definitely will not have room for a dole whip afterwards!! Ohana is a TON of food!! We ate there last August and are going back in Dec!

IDK why anyone would want a vanilla dole whip!! That is crazy! But that's my picky kids for ya!!

You just may get your wish about the Poly DVC someday soon...

Maybe it's something they tested for a while, then stopped, or maybe they don't do the self-service when it's really crowded?
Odd...I know for certain that they were in use in July 2009, but obviously that was a long time ago. I don't remember eating there in 2010, and I haven't been at Disney since.

Reading along but not always commenting... but wanted to jump in about the self service kiosks at Pecos Bills.

I always use the kiosks at Pecos Bills! They were open when we were there in April. People must not realize they are there because there is never a line for them.

They are right in front of you as you go in the main entrance.

That is so weird, I have never seen them!! I'll have to remember to look for them next time. Of course we never have to wait in line very long - it's them making the food that takes forever.

 

[Dancegrl624]

It's not technically a vanilla Dole whip...it's just vanilla soft serve ice cream. That's what Madison gets because she doesn't like Dole whips. I've tried hers before and it's just plain old vanilla ice cream. It's probably vanilla frozen custard like what we get at the ice cream places around here. I know it says vanilla Dole whip on the menu, but that's just what they call it there I guess! I was just reading the All Ears menu and it's quite confusing with all the terms they use at Aloha Isle:

Dole Whip Soft Serve - pineapple, vanilla, or orange $3.49

Dole Whip Soft Serve Swirl - pineapple, vanilla, or orange $3.49

Pineapple Float - pineapple, vanilla, or orange Dole Whip with pineapple juice $4.49

Whatever they call it, it sure is good!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

It's not technically a vanilla Dole whip...it's just vanilla soft serve ice cream. That's what Madison gets because she doesn't like Dole whips. I've tried hers before and it's just plain old vanilla ice cream. It's probably vanilla frozen custard like what we get at the ice cream places around here. I know it says vanilla Dole whip on the menu, but that's just what they call it there I guess! I was just reading the All Ears menu and it's quite confusing with all the terms they use at Aloha Isle:

Dole Whip Soft Serve - pineapple, vanilla, or orange $3.49

Dole Whip Soft Serve Swirl - pineapple, vanilla, or orange $3.49

Pineapple Float - pineapple, vanilla, or orange Dole Whip with pineapple juice $4.49

Whatever they call it, it sure is good!

I never knew if vanilla dole whip was a special vanilla mix that dole makes or if it was just any regular vanilla soft serve...DS10 swears the vanilla dole whip is way better than any vanilla soft serve around here. But that could just be the surroundings down there!!

That is confusing...What is the difference between the first two??? Is the second one 2 flavors mixed together?

And the floats - I'm not so sure the orange dole whip in pineapple juice would taste so good! But then again I have never tried the orange dole whip. I wonder if they would let us sample it? I think DS10 might like the orange.

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

After our morning at MK and our afternoon at the Poly we went back to the BC for a little rest. After a bit we got ready and headed out for our final dinner of the trip. We had no ADR's, so it was either going to be CS at the BC Marketplace. No thanks! Or something over at the BWI. So off to the BW we headed!

We thought about BRG again since we love it so much, but ended up deciding to try something new and ended up in line for the ESPN Club. They have a podium inside and you just get in line behind the rope and wait to get up front. We were only about the 2nd or 3rd family in line, so I think we waited about 15 minutes. When we came out after dinner the line was very long and went outside and onto the BW. Glad we went fairly early!

Took this pic for you Jodi!!

We got a great seat looking out onto the BW.

The view from our table ~

I ordered the Sports Center Cut Top Sirloin – which was 10oz and came with mac & cheese and green beans, but I asked for Yukon Potatoes instead of the sides that came with it. And it was delicious!! Better than that big fancy (and expensive) steak I had at the Yachtsman a few nights prior.

DH ordered the Grilled Chicken Sandwich with cucumber salad. Very good!

And the kids both got a pizza, carrots, and a chocolate cupcake!

We were all very pleased with our meals and we had excellent service. We were very happy that we tried something new!


Rating: 9 out of 10
Total Bill: $59.80


Up Next: Another evening on the Boardwalk

 

[JoBird]

Okay first things first--- your meal looked wonderful!! I can't believe the steak was better but yeah-- I bet it was without all the goop on top of it. And it looked like it was cooked perfectly well done!!

I've never been in there before but it looks like it would be a lot of fun if a good game was on. You got there when it was practically empty----- and what a great table!

Now....... heh heh.... onto the "just for me" pic..... Thank you! You're so sweet to me!!

When Tebow won the Heisman I bought M a picture from the photographer that was there that night in NYC of Tebow and the other Heisman winners from UF- Steve Spurrier and Danny Wuerffel--- and had it matted and framed. I don't remember how I even stumbled onto her site, but you could order copies of everyone that was there that night. M dreams of getting all of their autographs. Yeah, that's not gonna happen. Anyway--- thanks for thinking of me!


So glad you tried something new and it was a hit! And not very expensive either---- One more place for you to return to in future trips to the BW area!

 

[Dancegrl624]

I never knew if vanilla dole whip was a special vanilla mix that dole makes or if it was just any regular vanilla soft serve...DS10 swears the vanilla dole whip is way better than any vanilla soft serve around here. But that could just be the surroundings down there!!

That is confusing...What is the difference between the first two??? Is the second one 2 flavors mixed together?

And the floats - I'm not so sure the orange dole whip in pineapple juice would taste so good! But then again I have never tried the orange dole whip. I wonder if they would let us sample it? I think DS10 might like the orange.

I think that everything tastes better at WDW!

The second one is a swirl of two flavors. I've seen people get the pineapple swirl and it's mixed with vanilla. I don't think that would taste very good, but I don't like my food touching either. I'm just weird like that.

Orange mixed with pineapple juice does not sound appetizing to me at all!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Okay first things first--- your meal looked wonderful!! I can't believe the steak was better but yeah-- I bet it was without all the goop on top of it. And it looked like it was cooked perfectly well done!!

I've never been in there before but it looks like it would be a lot of fun if a good game was on. You got there when it was practically empty----- and what a great table!

Now....... heh heh.... onto the "just for me" pic..... Thank you! You're so sweet to me!!

When Tebow won the Heisman I bought M a picture from the photographer that was there that night in NYC of Tebow and the other Heisman winners from UF- Steve Spurrier and Danny Wuerffel--- and had it matted and framed. I don't remember how I even stumbled onto her site, but you could order copies of everyone that was there that night. M dreams of getting all of their autographs. Yeah, that's not gonna happen. Anyway--- thanks for thinking of me!


So glad you tried something new and it was a hit! And not very expensive either---- One more place for you to return to in future trips to the BW area!

It was a good meal. And yes - no junk on the steak is a good thing!!

When we were being seated they asked if we were there to watch a certain game or anything and we said no. That's probably why we got seated on the outside by the windows. There were lots of seats in the middle and lots of TV's! There must not have been anything too exciting to watch that evening - it was pretty quiet in there.

That Tebow pics is on the left just as you enter the building - before you even reach the podium. Lots of autographed pics in there!

I think that everything tastes better at WDW!

The second one is a swirl of two flavors. I've seen people get the pineapple swirl and it's mixed with vanilla. I don't think that would taste very good, but I don't like my food touching either. I'm just weird like that.

Orange mixed with pineapple juice does not sound appetizing to me at all!

Yeah, I'm all about the pineapple when it comes to dole whips!! No vanilla or orange or swirls for me!

 

[Dancegrl624]

I love the ESPN club! I'm pretty sure we ate there quite awhile ago when I was 18 or so. I know that I've used their bathrooms....LOVE that they have tv's in there. I hate missing parts of a game.

Your steak looked SO good! It's making my mouth water! I also love seeing the pics of the boardwalk...I can't believe I was just there 2 weeks ago!