Trip Number 9 ~ It's the Most Wonderful Time of Year ~ Christmastime at the GF & Poly

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

Well that is my kind of night right there! I LOVE Disney street performers! I would have been in heaven with all of that entertainment. And it doesn't get any better than watching the fireworks from the Poly beach. I must stay there at some point just for that. I would love to just walk 5 minutes back to my room after seeing those. Looks like a great, relaxing night overall. Sorry about the thieving cabbie though.

 

[ddluvsdisney]

The cab ride- that is just wrong!!!!

I loved sitting on the beach watching wishes and EWP, sometimes it was just me

I loved that Christmas tree at DTD. I can't wait to see all that this year.

 

[danceintherain]

Cabs at Disney are so frustrating.

Maybe you've already gone over this... but what was the Poly like around Christmas time?
I've read that their decorations aren't quite as fabulous as most of the other Deluxe resorts. I suppose the live entertainment you saw was something.

I'm trying to decide where we're going to stay for our next trip. I'm thinking either December 2014 or January 2015.
January would be less expensive, but I really want to take DH for his birthday, which is in December. Accordingly, I want lots of Christmas cheer.
The obvious choice for us is the Wilderness Lodge, but if DH is really going to let me "pick wherever" I want for our next trip, then I'm thinking I might need to exploit that a little.
Since he really wants to stay at the Wilderness Lodge, I figure we'll get there eventually, but the Poly is a bit more of a reach for us...

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

The sax player was there back in September. My DH used to play the sax & really enjoyed his playing.

DTD was very pretty with all the decorations.

Oh that's neat! I figured he was just there for the holidays. Maybe we'll see him again sometime!

DTD looked very cool at night all decorated!

Well that is my kind of night right there! I LOVE Disney street performers! I would have been in heaven with all of that entertainment. And it doesn't get any better than watching the fireworks from the Poly beach. I must stay there at some point just for that. I would love to just walk 5 minutes back to my room after seeing those. Looks like a great, relaxing night overall. Sorry about the thieving cabbie though.

It was a super great night! I love nights like that. No rushing and plenty of time to just do whatever!

The cab ride- that is just wrong!!!!

I loved sitting on the beach watching wishes and EWP, sometimes it was just me

I loved that Christmas tree at DTD. I can't wait to see all that this year.

I couldn't believe that cab driver. So ridiculous!

I could have sat out there and watched Wishes every night!

Cabs at Disney are so frustrating.

Maybe you've already gone over this... but what was the Poly like around Christmas time?
I've read that their decorations aren't quite as fabulous as most of the other Deluxe resorts. I suppose the live entertainment you saw was something.

I'm trying to decide where we're going to stay for our next trip. I'm thinking either December 2014 or January 2015.
January would be less expensive, but I really want to take DH for his birthday, which is in December. Accordingly, I want lots of Christmas cheer.
The obvious choice for us is the Wilderness Lodge, but if DH is really going to let me "pick wherever" I want for our next trip, then I'm thinking I might need to exploit that a little.
Since he really wants to stay at the Wilderness Lodge, I figure we'll get there eventually, but the Poly is a bit more of a reach for us...

Well yes, I would have to say that is correct - the Poly Christmas decorations are not as elaborate as the other deluxes. I'm just not sure there's the room or maybe it just wouldn't fit in with the decor. IDK. It's still very pretty, but if you are looking for a lot of decorations you won't get them there. There was entertainment a lot of the evenings in the lobby though.

I think the WL would be a nice place for a winter trip. I want to do that one day!

 

[JoBird]

Wow what a nice night you had!

DTD looked like it was busy but a fun busy, not an annoying, "you're in my way" busy.



That sax player was good- I enjoyed the video. He sort of reminded me of the guy that is at POFQ. It's been many years since we were there and saw him- I don't even know is he is still playing there or not. But it was fun to see him.
I love a sax.

Well the fireworks sure were impressive!! That is a nice way to end an evening-- too bad the cab ride was stinky.
I hate taking cabs. Good thing I don't live where I have to all the time!!

Great update! Thanks for doing it!!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Wow what a nice night you had!

DTD looked like it was busy but a fun busy, not an annoying, "you're in my way" busy.



That sax player was good- I enjoyed the video. He sort of reminded me of the guy that is at POFQ. It's been many years since we were there and saw him- I don't even know is he is still playing there or not. But it was fun to see him.
I love a sax.

Well the fireworks sure were impressive!! That is a nice way to end an evening-- too bad the cab ride was stinky.
I hate taking cabs. Good thing I don't live where I have to all the time!!

Great update! Thanks for doing it!!

It was a nice night! There were people there, but not a ton, so it was good!

The entertainment was fun! I didn't know there was a sax player at POFQ.


The cab ride was stinky in more than one way!! Hope we don't have to do that again. Although, we have taken a cab a few other times at WDW and it wasn't bad at all.

 

[danceintherain]

Well yes, I would have to say that is correct - the Poly Christmas decorations are not as elaborate as the other deluxes. I'm just not sure there's the room or maybe it just wouldn't fit in with the decor. IDK. It's still very pretty, but if you are looking for a lot of decorations you won't get them there. There was entertainment a lot of the evenings in the lobby though.

I think the WL would be a nice place for a winter trip. I want to do that one day!

I definitely think the WL will be the most Christmasy, and I KNOW that DH would love it. Maybe a split stay is in order?

 

[Miss Potts]

You know I've only taken a cab once in Disney and it wasn't a pleasant experience! I'll stick with the buses.

Love all your nighttime Poly photos... Wish I was there right now!

 

[Monny2AE]

That cab ride was a rip off!

I'm excited for the new parade- thanks for sharing the link!

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

we did Taxi's to and from DTD last year (we were at WL) and it was about $25...same from Epcot...it was WEEEEELLL worth it...especially from DTD back to WL...that is one stinkin' long bus trip.

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

I definitely think the WL will be the most Christmasy, and I KNOW that DH would love it. Maybe a split stay is in order?

Oooohhhh I love split stays!

You know I've only taken a cab once in Disney and it wasn't a pleasant experience! I'll stick with the buses.

Love all your nighttime Poly photos... Wish I was there right now!

This time definitely wasn't pleasant!

I wish I was at the Poly right now too!!!

That cab ride was a rip off!

I'm excited for the new parade- thanks for sharing the link!

Yes, definitely a rip off!

I'm excited for the new parade too. That and the Mine Train next year!!

we did Taxi's to and from DTD last year (we were at WL) and it was about $25...same from Epcot...it was WEEEEELLL worth it...especially from DTD back to WL...that is one stinkin' long bus trip.

I figured it would be worth it for as long as those Deluxe bus rides are to & from DTD, but I don't think we saved much time, if any by taking that particular taxi.

 

[Lovemy3babes]

Hey there Shelly! I've been MIA so had to get all caught up again! I feel so out of the loop but life has just been crazy. I miss Disney so that makes it a little tougher to be here too.

Your family pictures are always a trip. I love the boys posing back to back. Hilarious! Sorry the cab driver was just a scammer. I believe in karma and someday that will come back to him!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Hey there Shelly! I've been MIA so had to get all caught up again! I feel so out of the loop but life has just been crazy. I miss Disney so that makes it a little tougher to be here too.

Your family pictures are always a trip. I love the boys posing back to back. Hilarious! Sorry the cab driver was just a scammer. I believe in karma and someday that will come back to him!

Hey Kelli! So glad you are back!

I know what you mean, things have been crazy busy here lately with work and soccer and end of the school year stuff. I am running around like a chicken with it's head cut off most days.

Thanks! My kids definitely like to pose for pics!

Yeah, I couldn't believe that cab driver.

 

[danceintherain]

Oooohhhh I love split stays!

I've noticed!

I just don't know how it would go for us with a toddler and a napping husband. Maybe if we tried concierge level at the same time...

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

I've noticed!

I just don't know how it would go for us with a toddler and a napping husband. Maybe if we tried concierge level at the same time...

Yeah, I hadn't thought about that! You will probably have a lot more stuff to pack up and move with a toddler! Your DH would definitely have to help you with all the packing and repacking. DH and I can pack up the room in about an hour together - we are pros by now!

CL sounds like a fabulous idea!

 

[danceintherain]

Yeah, I hadn't thought about that! You will probably have a lot more stuff to pack up and move with a toddler! Your DH would definitely have to help you with all the packing and repacking. DH and I can pack up the room in about an hour together - we are pros by now!

CL sounds like a fabulous idea!

I think it might work if I prepare properly. If I had one suitcase for the first half of the stay and another for the second, then I could probably get away with only unpacking half or close to it.

CL definitely would help, because it would give us a semi-private place where we could hang out if our room wasn't ready.

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Day 7 – Saturday December 15



Our final full day was here already. The envelope of doom had been left under the door and we knew the end was quickly approaching. But we were set on making the best of this last day!! It was supposed to be a beautiful, warm, sunny day, DS11's rash wasn't so awful anymore, AND we had a little surprise up our sleeve for DS14!

We slept in a bit and took our time getting ready. I spent some of this beautiful morning on the balcony enjoying my surroundings.

We had planned on having lunch at Captain Cook's, but decided that eating there 3X already was enough and that we wanted to try something different............... So, we hopped on the monorail and headed over to the CR to try out their quick service restaurant – Contempo Cafe!

We looked over the menu and placed our order on the computer kiosk, just like at Captain Cook's. Unfortunately they didn't have much more to offer than Capt Cook's and I ended up with a chicken sandwich and DH with a cheeseburger. And the kids both got pizza!

The food was all average. Nothing special I guess.

We also got some mickey head rice crispy treats for later.

Total Bill (with crispy treats): $44.45
Rating: 6.5 out of 10


Continued in next post....

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

After lunch we headed out the back of the CR. We had never been out behind the building before. Plus we needed to see where the boat dock was, because DH & DS14 would be taking it later for DS's surprise!!

DS had caught wind of this surprise the day before. He wanted to know why there was a Lego set for DS11 and nothing for him. And we just kept telling him that he was getting as early Christmas present later. He was driving us nuts trying to figure it out!!

So anyway – out the back door we headed.

It was pretty neat back there and we could see the pool a little too. We didn't go over to check it out though. It was shaping up to be a beautiful, warm day and we knew we needed to get back to the Poly so we could enjoy the pool!!!

We did a quick run through the CR to make sure we hadn't missed anything when we were there earlier in the week.

Up Next: Poly Swimming!

 

[Lovemy3babes]

Oh, I detest the envelope of doom. Boo!

I love the photo that people take at CR with their kids sitting on that Mickey statue thingy. I can't wait to see how your son liked his surprise! Kids sure know how to point out if their parents aren't being "fair", don't they?!

 

[sjs314]

GM Shelly

Funny you should do a review of Contempo Cafe today since I added it on my list of possible CS places yesterday. I had not looked at the menu, was thinking maybe they had some different options too. I know we want to try The Wave but not sure whether breakfast or lunch. I have never walked the grounds is CR just inside the Tower. Curious about DS14 surprise