the_green_machine
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Feb 22, 2011
- Messages
- 277
Sorry for the wait guy and girls.....
Day 5 up tomorrow....Promise!
Day 5 up tomorrow....Promise!
WDW has a new fan...This is his trip report (Completed!! 2013-05-20)
- Thread starter the_green_machine
- Start date
204charity
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Sep 14, 2011
- Messages
- 822
jennyjinx3
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Nov 28, 2011
- Messages
- 4,763
Just got caught up! 
More please
More please
mom2clr
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Dec 29, 2009
- Messages
- 498
I spent last night looking at surprise videos on YouTube. Came across one about a husband surprising his wife and the video of her walking down Main St and absolutely fell in love with her. You could FEEL her emotions. I was a mess! 
So, how excited am I to have found you on the DIS?? 
Enjoying reading about your trip. 
So, how excited am I to have found you on the DIS?? Enjoying reading about your trip.
the_green_machine
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Feb 22, 2011
- Messages
- 277
Thank you for sharing your special moment with us! I watched the video of your wife's reaction and teared up. Disney World is the one place on earth you can leave all you cares and stresses behind. Your wife's reaction was priceless.
Thx Im glad you enjoyed it
Just got caught up!
everything has been written for day 5, I just have to add the photos.
I spent last night looking at surprise videos on YouTube. Came across one about a husband surprising his wife and the video of her walking down Main St and absolutely fell in love with her. You could FEEL her emotions. I was a mess!
Awesome! Glad your enjoying our story...That video means the world to us and we're so happy that others enjoy it too.
the_green_machine
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Feb 22, 2011
- Messages
- 277
Day 5 is here....time to exhale!
Today we had planned a Free Day on our schedule and boy were we ready for it. After 4 days of commando Disney style touring Nicole needed a day to do nothing. If someone out there is reading this that has never been to WDW/planning a trip, take my advice....pencil in a day where you just stay at the resort and veg...you may not think that you need it but something tells me your feet will disagree with you!
I got up around 8 oclock and after some breakfast and a shower, gathered up all of our laundry and went to work. After a few days in Disney we needed to get things cleaned up and the last thing I wanted to face when we got home, while still drenched in Disney home sickness, was a suitcase full of dirty clothes. So off to the laundry room I went....
Pretty good considering, chilled out for an hour or so waiting for the lights and darks to do their thing. I considered grabbing a few rays while catching up on our journal entries that would later become what youre reading right now....but at about 85 degrees at 9 oclock in the morning my pale skin made a bee line for some shade before the writing continued.
I headed back to the room and after all the folding was done Nicole and I headed down to the Pop food court for an early lunch. I decided to check out the burritos and MAN these things were massive....you could have fed 3 to 4 people no problem at all...Disney portions...intense (Man I look tired in this picture).
So I initially said that the plan today was to stay out of the parks completely but that plan went out the window soon after lunch. I had purchased t-shirts for a nephew and myself at Epcot and upon further inspection, the XL on mine was actually an XL youth...I could go on trying to be clever about how it looked but Im just gonna leave it at tight. So rather than take the loss I decided that I would venture out into the Disney wilderness on my own and grab a bus to Epcot, take back the shirt and maybe....just maybe take in a few sights before heading back to Pop before we set out for Ohana.
O.k...so what your about to read is a true account of what took place upon leaving Pop for Epcot, and maybe for more experienced Disney afficionados this is the norm...Id be interested to hear your take on it. So I get in the line up for Epcot at about 1 oclock on a sunny Tuesday afternoon. Hmmm...no one in the line up, awesome, Ill get a good seat. The bus soon arrives and after I get on it strikes me that I am on my way to a Disney World theme park completely by myself...I dont mean...without my wife, no, I mean literally without anyone else. The bus is 100% empty (full disclosure, lets say 98% including the driver and myself) which is a trip...I didnt think this was possible... but another little gem to file under Disney Memories.
The driver was so friendly (I guess its not all that often he only has one person to talk to on the bus) we talked about where we were from (me from Newfoundland and him from Maine), the weather and great times of the year to come back.....his take on the matter was just after American Thanksgiving...I might just take him up on that advice in 2013.
I arrived in Epcot and it was a ghost town. Not sure what was going on in WDW that day but I can guarantee it had nothing to do with Epcot! After a few Photopass pics in front of Spaceship Earth I was at the base of the sphere waiting my turn to see what it was all about. As with a few things in WDW SS Earth was one of those things I can say I was glad to experience although I dont know if I will ever take part in again...well, well see, Nicole hasnt been on it yet.
After taking back the shirt for the refund I decided to check out The Art of Disney for a specific souvenir which had eluded me since we arrived 5 days ago. Whenever I travel somewhere, for as long as I can remember, I always try to bring back a souvenir of a type of landmark of that particular place. For our Disney trip I wanted to bring back a small silver or die cast type of Cinderella Castle. This had proved very hard/impossible to find since we arrived (which, as I write this, still surprises me). Granted, if I wanted a $500 crystal castle Main St. U.S.A. would be only too happy to oblige but I was thinking a little cheaper and something that wouldnt cause a lump to form in my throat each time Nicole dusted it.... The Art of Disney= Jackpot! Although I never found my castle what I found was even better. A bronze replica of the Walt Disney/Mickey Mouse statue at the hub in front of Cinderella Castle entitled Partners.
With souvenir in tow I headed back to Pop to get ready for supper.
All ready we headed out around 5 oclock to catch the MK monorail to Ohana for supper. This was our first ride on the monorail and it was probably exactly what we had imagined that it would be like.
Arriving at The Polynesian we quickly began to fully gauge the difference between a value resort and a deluxe resort....and we were just in the lobby! Beautiful in every way with dark woods and plants everywhere...I dont know if I could justify the price but one day we just may have to find out for ourselves.
From my research on Disboards, so many people had talked about watching Wishes from the beach at the Polynesian. I knew I had to scope the place out while it was still light out to see if this was something we could take in after our reservation. After Nicole found a smoking area and a few friendly people to talk to I set out. If youve never been to the Polynesian walk through the building and make your way out the back doors. After that follow the path past the pools to your left and after passing some boat rental area you will find your self at the white sand beach. This is supposed to have an incredible view of Wishes...well see....
Supper at Ohana was amazing. First off...and I cant stress this enough...go hungry...Im serious. Dont go thinking Oh Im a big eater I can handle it.....You cant handle it. I was literally stuffed halfway through and soldiered on...for the cause of course (wink wink). You start off with delicious bread and a very simple salad with a honey lime dressing that is out of this world.
While your still face and eyes into the previous course they bring out a type of bbq/grilled wing (with coriander as well I think) and a pork pot sticker/deep fried dumpling....I could have stopped here no problem...It was all delicious and all you can eat which equals trouble. Up next they bring out noodles and, seriously, the most delicious broccoli I have ever eaten in my life....Im not kidding....its for real.
While your killing yourself on whats already in front of you out comes the meat...Chicken, Pork, Steak and shrimp...Its borderline assault...no kidding. As you sit there thinking...Well...Ive made it through, because...there cant be anymore...right??? RIGHT? Wrong! Now for me to just say this is a delicious dessert would be doing all of you who have never eaten here a great dis service...A type of pineapple cake comes out with a great vanilla ice cream on top and then what do they do??? they pour a caramel banana sauce over it....Theyre not very nice people
Between the great food, awesome service and a coconut race for the kids (while being serenaded by ukelele music) this place is a do not miss on my list next year when we return!
It was well on 7:50 pm before we left the restaurant and headed down to the beach. Although you are quite a ways from the fire works the atmosphere is amazing. The soundtrack to Wishes is pumped out onto the beach and with a drink in hand (from the bar on the beach) youd be hard pressed to wish you were anywhere else in the world right about then.
After Wishes we decided to forego the monorail ride back and took the ferry from the dock just off the beach back to MK. This is a great way to travel from the Poly back to MK and it gives you an opportunity for one of the best shots of the MK railway station with the castle behind it....Great times.
We made our way back to the buses and, as you can imagine, it was full blast exodus from the park and after waiting through 3 or 4 buses we were on our way home. A great time was had by all and tomorrow its Animal Kingdom...and Expedition Everest...Did I mention that I dont like roller coasters, speed or heights...no?...Stay tuned!
Today we had planned a Free Day on our schedule and boy were we ready for it. After 4 days of commando Disney style touring Nicole needed a day to do nothing. If someone out there is reading this that has never been to WDW/planning a trip, take my advice....pencil in a day where you just stay at the resort and veg...you may not think that you need it but something tells me your feet will disagree with you!
I got up around 8 oclock and after some breakfast and a shower, gathered up all of our laundry and went to work. After a few days in Disney we needed to get things cleaned up and the last thing I wanted to face when we got home, while still drenched in Disney home sickness, was a suitcase full of dirty clothes. So off to the laundry room I went....
Pretty good considering, chilled out for an hour or so waiting for the lights and darks to do their thing. I considered grabbing a few rays while catching up on our journal entries that would later become what youre reading right now....but at about 85 degrees at 9 oclock in the morning my pale skin made a bee line for some shade before the writing continued.
I headed back to the room and after all the folding was done Nicole and I headed down to the Pop food court for an early lunch. I decided to check out the burritos and MAN these things were massive....you could have fed 3 to 4 people no problem at all...Disney portions...intense (Man I look tired in this picture).
So I initially said that the plan today was to stay out of the parks completely but that plan went out the window soon after lunch. I had purchased t-shirts for a nephew and myself at Epcot and upon further inspection, the XL on mine was actually an XL youth...I could go on trying to be clever about how it looked but Im just gonna leave it at tight. So rather than take the loss I decided that I would venture out into the Disney wilderness on my own and grab a bus to Epcot, take back the shirt and maybe....just maybe take in a few sights before heading back to Pop before we set out for Ohana.
O.k...so what your about to read is a true account of what took place upon leaving Pop for Epcot, and maybe for more experienced Disney afficionados this is the norm...Id be interested to hear your take on it. So I get in the line up for Epcot at about 1 oclock on a sunny Tuesday afternoon. Hmmm...no one in the line up, awesome, Ill get a good seat. The bus soon arrives and after I get on it strikes me that I am on my way to a Disney World theme park completely by myself...I dont mean...without my wife, no, I mean literally without anyone else. The bus is 100% empty (full disclosure, lets say 98% including the driver and myself) which is a trip...I didnt think this was possible... but another little gem to file under Disney Memories.
The driver was so friendly (I guess its not all that often he only has one person to talk to on the bus) we talked about where we were from (me from Newfoundland and him from Maine), the weather and great times of the year to come back.....his take on the matter was just after American Thanksgiving...I might just take him up on that advice in 2013.
I arrived in Epcot and it was a ghost town. Not sure what was going on in WDW that day but I can guarantee it had nothing to do with Epcot! After a few Photopass pics in front of Spaceship Earth I was at the base of the sphere waiting my turn to see what it was all about. As with a few things in WDW SS Earth was one of those things I can say I was glad to experience although I dont know if I will ever take part in again...well, well see, Nicole hasnt been on it yet.
After taking back the shirt for the refund I decided to check out The Art of Disney for a specific souvenir which had eluded me since we arrived 5 days ago. Whenever I travel somewhere, for as long as I can remember, I always try to bring back a souvenir of a type of landmark of that particular place. For our Disney trip I wanted to bring back a small silver or die cast type of Cinderella Castle. This had proved very hard/impossible to find since we arrived (which, as I write this, still surprises me). Granted, if I wanted a $500 crystal castle Main St. U.S.A. would be only too happy to oblige but I was thinking a little cheaper and something that wouldnt cause a lump to form in my throat each time Nicole dusted it.... The Art of Disney= Jackpot! Although I never found my castle what I found was even better. A bronze replica of the Walt Disney/Mickey Mouse statue at the hub in front of Cinderella Castle entitled Partners.
With souvenir in tow I headed back to Pop to get ready for supper.
All ready we headed out around 5 oclock to catch the MK monorail to Ohana for supper. This was our first ride on the monorail and it was probably exactly what we had imagined that it would be like.
Arriving at The Polynesian we quickly began to fully gauge the difference between a value resort and a deluxe resort....and we were just in the lobby! Beautiful in every way with dark woods and plants everywhere...I dont know if I could justify the price but one day we just may have to find out for ourselves.
From my research on Disboards, so many people had talked about watching Wishes from the beach at the Polynesian. I knew I had to scope the place out while it was still light out to see if this was something we could take in after our reservation. After Nicole found a smoking area and a few friendly people to talk to I set out. If youve never been to the Polynesian walk through the building and make your way out the back doors. After that follow the path past the pools to your left and after passing some boat rental area you will find your self at the white sand beach. This is supposed to have an incredible view of Wishes...well see....
Supper at Ohana was amazing. First off...and I cant stress this enough...go hungry...Im serious. Dont go thinking Oh Im a big eater I can handle it.....You cant handle it. I was literally stuffed halfway through and soldiered on...for the cause of course (wink wink). You start off with delicious bread and a very simple salad with a honey lime dressing that is out of this world.
While your still face and eyes into the previous course they bring out a type of bbq/grilled wing (with coriander as well I think) and a pork pot sticker/deep fried dumpling....I could have stopped here no problem...It was all delicious and all you can eat which equals trouble. Up next they bring out noodles and, seriously, the most delicious broccoli I have ever eaten in my life....Im not kidding....its for real.
While your killing yourself on whats already in front of you out comes the meat...Chicken, Pork, Steak and shrimp...Its borderline assault...no kidding. As you sit there thinking...Well...Ive made it through, because...there cant be anymore...right??? RIGHT? Wrong! Now for me to just say this is a delicious dessert would be doing all of you who have never eaten here a great dis service...A type of pineapple cake comes out with a great vanilla ice cream on top and then what do they do??? they pour a caramel banana sauce over it....Theyre not very nice people
Between the great food, awesome service and a coconut race for the kids (while being serenaded by ukelele music) this place is a do not miss on my list next year when we return!
It was well on 7:50 pm before we left the restaurant and headed down to the beach. Although you are quite a ways from the fire works the atmosphere is amazing. The soundtrack to Wishes is pumped out onto the beach and with a drink in hand (from the bar on the beach) youd be hard pressed to wish you were anywhere else in the world right about then.
After Wishes we decided to forego the monorail ride back and took the ferry from the dock just off the beach back to MK. This is a great way to travel from the Poly back to MK and it gives you an opportunity for one of the best shots of the MK railway station with the castle behind it....Great times.
We made our way back to the buses and, as you can imagine, it was full blast exodus from the park and after waiting through 3 or 4 buses we were on our way home. A great time was had by all and tomorrow its Animal Kingdom...and Expedition Everest...Did I mention that I dont like roller coasters, speed or heights...no?...Stay tuned!
jennyjinx3
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Nov 28, 2011
- Messages
- 4,763
Oh our beloved Poly...so glad you liked it!! The atmosphere is something else there. Glad you enjoyed 'Ohana, it has become our first day tradition! Seeing everything all lit up at night...nice isn't it!
Thanks for updating!
Seeing everything all lit up at night...nice isn't it! Thanks for updating!
smile4stamps
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Mar 20, 2009
- Messages
- 4,427
Thanks for the awesome descriptions of 'Ohana! can't wait to go there in just over 6 months!!
the_green_machine
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Feb 22, 2011
- Messages
- 277
We ate at a lot of great restaurants on our vacation, 'Ohana was a great "experience"...Enjoy!
Oh our beloved Poly...so glad you liked it!! The atmosphere is something else there. Glad you enjoyed 'Ohana, it has become our first day tradition!
Nice doesn't do it justice! Cant wait to stay there myself one day!
204charity
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Sep 14, 2011
- Messages
- 822
What a wonderful day. I am sure getting excited for our 1st Poly Stay in just 12 more days!!!!!
the_green_machine
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Feb 22, 2011
- Messages
- 277
You surprised your wife with this wonderful trip and you do laundry? This isn't a true story, is it?
Seriously, your wife is one lucky woman.
She's worth it...and, to be fair, she does the majority of it when we're home so the least I could do was let her sleep in for a while
What a wonderful day. I am sure getting excited for our 1st Poly Stay in just 12 more days!!!!!
...Jealous!
204charity
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Sep 14, 2011
- Messages
- 822
We need day 6!!!
chocolateMinnie
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jul 1, 2008
- Messages
- 3,006
Loving your trip report and what a fantastic Christmas present but seriously now you've been once you're broke for life
I went for the first time at 35 only for the sake of the kids (it really held no interest for me) and now i'm like a maniac planning our 7th trip in 9 years
I went for the first time at 35 only for the sake of the kids (it really held no interest for me) and now i'm like a maniac planning our 7th trip in 9 years
Crazy Mother of Two
Clever yet underrated
- Joined
- May 6, 2007
- Messages
- 422
Wow! I don't know what made you plan a Free Day ahead of time since you had never done it! Kudos!!
We, however, had to learn the hard way and actually messed up a day.
We had Animal Kingdom scheduled for Day 5. We stuck to our usual schedule: had breakfast in the room, showered and headed out. Got to the park by 9:30am and within an hour (maybe and hour and a half) we realized we were all walking a bit slower and couldn't care less if we even saw anything good. After another 20 minutes of walking around like zombies we all looked at each other and decided that we had to abort mission. We headed straight for our hotel's pool and lounged the remainder of the day. We mustered up enough strength to hit Downtown Disney for dinner but then right back to the pool! As we plan our next trip - Day 4 is a mandatory Free Day - Pool and Downtown Disney!
the_green_machine
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Feb 22, 2011
- Messages
- 277
We need day 6!!!
Ha!!! I started writing tonight...I'm hoping to add all the pictures (One in particular which may crash the entire site due to it's awesomeness!) and have it up by Sunday afternoon...Sorry...works been bananas!
Loving your trip report and what a fantastic Christmas present but seriously now you've been once you're broke for life
I went for the first time at 35 only for the sake of the kids (it really held no interest for me) and now i'm like a maniac planning our 7th trip in 9 years
I hear you...We would be returning in January but friends of ours would like a little more time to save. I didnt anticipate becoming a fan but before I knew it I was having the time of my life!
Wow! I don't know what made you plan a Free Day ahead of time since you had never done it! Kudos!!
We, however, had to learn the hard way and actually messed up a day.
We had Animal Kingdom scheduled for Day 5. We stuck to our usual schedule: had breakfast in the room, showered and headed out. Got to the park by 9:30am and within an hour (maybe and hour and a half) we realized we were all walking a bit slower and couldn't care less if we even saw anything good. After another 20 minutes of walking around like zombies we all looked at each other and decided that we had to abort mission. We headed straight for our hotel's pool and lounged the remainder of the day. We mustered up enough strength to hit Downtown Disney for dinner but then right back to the pool! As we plan our next trip - Day 4 is a mandatory Free Day - Pool and Downtown Disney!
Planning a free day was only out of sheer necessity. I'm not sure if I've mentioned this but my wife has MS and I knew, at some point, she would need a full scale re-boot during our stay. In retrospect I should have done it a day earlier but without previous knowledge we def. pushed it a day too far.... It can be a real beast if you dont plan for it!
Angel16
<b><font color=f95602>Member of the 'Jambo! WildBu
- Joined
- Aug 1, 2004
- Messages
- 2,206
Loving you TR, you are such a awesome couple. I imagine you are already planning your resort, parks and restaurants for next years trip.
How are you both doing now that your are home, settled and hopefully enjoying Spring up there?
Angel16
How are you both doing now that your are home, settled and hopefully enjoying Spring up there?
Angel16
wildcatfan
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Oct 20, 2009
- Messages
- 548
I just read throught your trip report this morning...I love it! What an awesome surprise. I love that way that you all took it easy on the trip. You experienced a lot of the little hidden treasures of Disney that many don't experience until they have gone several times. I can't wait to read more!!!
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