Trip Report Yikes...55 days to go, I better get this thing started! Oh yeah, we're live now

Well, were down to 55 days so I guess we should get this started. You were with us for the 16th, 17th, and the epic bungalow 18th so why not include you in on the 19th! So I guess its time for the WWWW&W,

The Who: The cast for this anniversary debacle should be no surprise:

Me (#BlueSteel)

DW

What can I say, we love each other to death…

The What: Details to follow.

The When: September 16th-21st. We’re pretty locked into these dates since we are flying for this trip. This will be the rare bubble visit where vacation creep does not play a role like just about all others have for us in the past.

The Where: We’ve got ourselves some banked Poly points so why not burn through those! 5-nights at the Poly will be our longest stretch at the resort and we couldn’t be more excited! Typically we’ve only visited for a single night before or after a cruise.

The Why: 19 years of marital bliss, of course! What better way to earmark an occasion than visiting the house that the mouse built!

More details to follow!

 

[DisneyGigi]

86 days? You guys are too lucky! Great trip report, as always.

 

[imahistorygeek]

Now that it's over, here's a brief summary of my thoughts on this trip:
- Flying was fine. The fuel thing got me, but I rationalized my way through it. Still better than driving.
- I really like Tokelau as a location, especially facing the pool. It was pretty quiet. We could hear the boat horns occasionally. No big deal. Only problem with the room is that it wasn't as cool as we normally like and everything was damp.
- The cabana rentals at the Oasis pool may be in our future, especially if we will be at the pool most of the day. Per CM at the pool, the day is $54.
- Uber is the way to go when travelling between resorts. We saved a lot of time and the rates were very reasonable. It was approx. $10 between Poly and AKV.
- I liked that we can avoid buses most of the time while staying at the Poly.
- Skipper Canteen - I'd be ok if we never ate there again. It's just not my thing.
- California Grill - The over-the-top noisiness aside, the steak was just as amazing as everyone said it would be. Thank you internet.
- Artist Point/Wilderness Lodge - Geyser Point was beautiful and we will def be back. Artist Point - get the 5 course and share. Do it. That smoked mushroom soup is probably one of the best soups I've ever had in my life. I would go there just to eat the soup.
- Jiko - I had the koki corn vegetarian option. Guys, this was so good. Don't let Jiko scare you away with its menu. It's fabulous and truly feels like a signature experience.
- AKL is still my favorite resort. I love Poly, but AKL is a step above IMO. Well, minus that possible walk. They really need a moving sidewalk. Oh, and AKL had ALL CHOCOLATE Entemann's. The Poly did not. Boo. It was a combo pack with powdered and old fashioned. No thanks.
- Magical Express - I have nothing but great things to say. Sure, we had to get up with the chickens, but it was worth it.
- Air Supply was really good even though I didn't know any songs.
- The American Adventure still gets me. Every. Single. Time. The Challenger Disaster, 9/11...ugh.
- FoP was really good. I'm looking forward to riding it again.
- We met fellow WDW folks and that was really neat. Maybe we will have the opportunity to meet up again. Y'all are the only folks we can sit and drink and talk Disney like we own the place and they should listen to all our amazing suggestions about the walkway to nowhere and needing to add a walkway between AKL and AK.

Until next time.

 

[myhappyplace]

I HIGHLY agree about the mushroom bisque at AP!!

 

[MinnieM123]

Now that it's over, here's a brief summary of my thoughts on this trip:
- Flying was fine. The fuel thing got me, but I rationalized my way through it. Still better than driving.
- I really like Tokelau as a location, especially facing the pool. It was pretty quiet. We could hear the boat horns occasionally. No big deal. Only problem with the room is that it wasn't as cool as we normally like and everything was damp.
- The cabana rentals at the Oasis pool may be in our future, especially if we will be at the pool most of the day. Per CM at the pool, the day is $54.
- Uber is the way to go when travelling between resorts. We saved a lot of time and the rates were very reasonable. It was approx. $10 between Poly and AKV.
- I liked that we can avoid buses most of the time while staying at the Poly.
- Skipper Canteen - I'd be ok if we never ate there again. It's just not my thing.
- California Grill - The over-the-top noisiness aside, the steak was just as amazing as everyone said it would be. Thank you internet.
- Artist Point/Wilderness Lodge - Geyser Point was beautiful and we will def be back. Artist Point - get the 5 course and share. Do it. That smoked mushroom soup is probably one of the best soups I've ever had in my life. I would go there just to eat the soup.
- Jiko - I had the koki corn vegetarian option. Guys, this was so good. Don't let Jiko scare you away with its menu. It's fabulous and truly feels like a signature experience.
- AKL is still my favorite resort. I love Poly, but AKL is a step above IMO. Well, minus that possible walk. They really need a moving sidewalk. Oh, and AKL had ALL CHOCOLATE Entemann's. The Poly did not. Boo. It was a combo pack with powdered and old fashioned. No thanks.
- Magical Express - I have nothing but great things to say. Sure, we had to get up with the chickens, but it was worth it.
- Air Supply was really good even though I didn't know any songs.
- The American Adventure still gets me. Every. Single. Time. The Challenger Disaster, 9/11...ugh.
- FoP was really good. I'm looking forward to riding it again.
- We met fellow WDW folks and that was really neat. Maybe we will have the opportunity to meet up again. Y'all are the only folks we can sit and drink and talk Disney like we own the place and they should listen to all our amazing suggestions about the walkway to nowhere and needing to add a walkway between AKL and AK.

Until next time.

Thank you for that recap, and glad you both had a good time. I got a chuckle out of your comment about meeting other fellow WDW folks, who could sit, drink and talk Disney like "we own the place"!! You go, girl!!

 

[imahistorygeek]

I HIGHLY agree about the mushroom bisque at AP!!

Bisque...that's the word I was looking for!

 

[blreinsel]

- We met fellow WDW folks and that was really neat. Maybe we will have the opportunity to meet up again. Y'all are the only folks we can sit and drink and talk Disney like we own the place and they should listen to all our amazing suggestions about the walkway to nowhere and needing to add a walkway between AKL and AK.

These are legitimate requests. Totally searching for a survey CM this weekend to let them know about our committee meeting and the decisions that were made. So much fun meeting you guys!

Now the real question... @lostpro9het was there a repeat picture of @imahistorygeek on a bench after limoncellos?

 

[Tall Todd]

HA! Nope, thats what Untappd friends do!!!

Ooo Untappd, friending now.

 

[coachwnh]

Thanks for the updates @imahistorygeek and @lostpro9het . Hope your new countdown goes fast!

 

[lostpro9het]

These are legitimate requests. Totally searching for a survey CM this weekend to let them know about our committee meeting and the decisions that were made. So much fun meeting you guys!

Now the real question... @lostpro9het was there a repeat picture of @imahistorygeek on a bench after limoncellos?

HA!! You have an excellent memory! Funny you should mention the bench because we brought it up while finishing dinner. On that night we limited ourselves to one limoncello each this negating the need for the bench but required the walk to EC.

We should serious petition Disney, we had some excellent ideas over nachos

Ooo Untappd, friending now.

Boom, Beer Buddies!

Thanks for the updates @imahistorygeek and @lostpro9het . Hope your new countdown goes fast!

Thank you, sir! Ive already got my GM in stock ready.

 

[imahistorygeek]

These are legitimate requests. Totally searching for a survey CM this weekend to let them know about our committee meeting and the decisions that were made. So much fun meeting you guys!

Now the real question... @lostpro9het was there a repeat picture of @imahistorygeek on a bench after limoncellos?

No lie...the bench was needed after CA Grill. One bottle of wine = a long walk to MK via the walkway.

 

[prfctlyximprct]

Sooo im super late because your live trip report is over but it's better late than never right?!

I am super jealous of your wdwmagic meetup!! Looks like y'all have been friends forever in the group photo! Makes my heart sooo happy to see us forum members come together. I always talk about my "Disney friends" and usually people think I'm insane, but these meet ups make it real!! we are all insane together!!!

Love love love all the golden monkeys! I swear ever since I had it in AK, I see victory brewing signs everywhere! And to think I first told my brother it was an Animal Kingdom exclusive beer You sure know how to Disney!

Your ride photos are great! I need to get back just to challenge you LOL

Sad the Candy Crush loving family ruined the atmosphere of Cali Grill, it was sooooo beautiful up there. Glad the food saved it. Joe is a fellow candy crush addict and if we ever have kids I am deleting that game! He will not be a zombie parent! Lol

Loved your report.. it's 8 AM and I'm salivating for a beer. Now that's good reporting!

 

[Zipadeelady]

Now that it's over, here's a brief summary of my thoughts on this trip:
- Flying was fine. The fuel thing got me, but I rationalized my way through it. Still better than driving.
- I really like Tokelau as a location, especially facing the pool. It was pretty quiet. We could hear the boat horns occasionally. No big deal. Only problem with the room is that it wasn't as cool as we normally like and everything was damp.
- The cabana rentals at the Oasis pool may be in our future, especially if we will be at the pool most of the day. Per CM at the pool, the day is $54.
- Uber is the way to go when travelling between resorts. We saved a lot of time and the rates were very reasonable. It was approx. $10 between Poly and AKV.
- I liked that we can avoid buses most of the time while staying at the Poly.
- Skipper Canteen - I'd be ok if we never ate there again. It's just not my thing.
- California Grill - The over-the-top noisiness aside, the steak was just as amazing as everyone said it would be. Thank you internet.
- Artist Point/Wilderness Lodge - Geyser Point was beautiful and we will def be back. Artist Point - get the 5 course and share. Do it. That smoked mushroom soup is probably one of the best soups I've ever had in my life. I would go there just to eat the soup.
- Jiko - I had the koki corn vegetarian option. Guys, this was so good. Don't let Jiko scare you away with its menu. It's fabulous and truly feels like a signature experience.
- AKL is still my favorite resort. I love Poly, but AKL is a step above IMO. Well, minus that possible walk. They really need a moving sidewalk. Oh, and AKL had ALL CHOCOLATE Entemann's. The Poly did not. Boo. It was a combo pack with powdered and old fashioned. No thanks.
- Magical Express - I have nothing but great things to say. Sure, we had to get up with the chickens, but it was worth it.
- Air Supply was really good even though I didn't know any songs.
- The American Adventure still gets me. Every. Single. Time. The Challenger Disaster, 9/11...ugh.
- FoP was really good. I'm looking forward to riding it again.
- We met fellow WDW folks and that was really neat. Maybe we will have the opportunity to meet up again. Y'all are the only folks we can sit and drink and talk Disney like we own the place and they should listen to all our amazing suggestions about the walkway to nowhere and needing to add a walkway between AKL and AK.

Until next time.

Great summary. You have me wanting to try Artist Point. There's no way J and I could have our own 5 course dinner there, we'd definitely have to share. I hate to say this but I have never been to the American Adventure. It's one of those battles where my kids won and we never stopped. That will have to change. Glad we were able to get together. Hope the next 85 days goes fast for you.

No lie...the bench was needed after CA Grill. One bottle of wine = a long walk to MK via the walkway.

I'm in agreement over that bench. After our drinks and dinner at CA Grill that walkway seemed very long.

 

[Tiggerish]

My nerves = tore up

I kept reassuring myself that if it was unsafe, the pilots wouldn't risk it. Good flight otherwise.

Good for you!! Be proud of overcoming that fear of flying.

Skipper Canteen - I'd be ok if we never ate there again. It's just not my thing.

Well, at least you can say you did it once. And trying is what counts.

California Grill - The over-the-top noisiness aside, the steak was just as amazing as everyone said it would be. Thank you internet.

Yeah, I think it's a bit crazy how people let their kids run wild in a nice restaurant, and those Candy Crush parents Next time, try more advice from the internet and make a reservation for a bit later in the evening?

Artist Point/Wilderness Lodge - Geyser Point was beautiful and we will def be back. Artist Point - get the 5 course and share. Do it. That smoked mushroom soup is probably one of the best soups I've ever had in my life. I would go there just to eat the soup.

I feel the same way about that soup.

It seemed as though the 3 course didn't have any choices, but the 5 course included a choice of 2 items in each course. Is that right? I'd have to go with the 5, because the 3 didn't appeal. And I love Artist Point, we eat there at least every other trip.

Jiko - I had the koki corn vegetarian option. Guys, this was so good. Don't let Jiko scare you away with its menu. It's fabulous and truly feels like a signature experience.

I ate at Jiko last year for the first time, and we were a biggish group so we got seated in the wine room. It didn't seem to have the same atmosphere as your photos. I was suffering from the onset of a terrible cold, which is probably why I came away from the experience kind of "meh", but I will definitely give it another try on your recommendation.

The American Adventure still gets me. Every. Single. Time. The Challenger Disaster, 9/11...ugh.

Same here. I'll be that happens to all us history geeks.

We met fellow WDW folks and that was really neat. Maybe we will have the opportunity to meet up again. Y'all are the only folks we can sit and drink and talk Disney like we own the place and they should listen to all our amazing suggestions about the walkway to nowhere and needing to add a walkway between AKL and AK.

That's so right! Considering I'm jetting off tomorrow to join a group of ladies that I met on here for a 4-night on the Dream, where we will pick apart every happening at WDW that we've heard about, it's not surprising I agree. This will be our 5th annual cruise, and we're always looking for more participants, so if you ever want to leave Sean at home...

Looking forward to the Christmas trip report!

 

[Zipadeelady]

That's so right! Considering I'm jetting off tomorrow to join a group of ladies that I met on here for a 4-night on the Dream, where we will pick apart every happening at WDW that we've heard about, it's not surprising I agree. This will be our 5th annual cruise, and we're always looking for more participants, so if you ever want to leave Sean at home...

Looking forward to the Christmas trip report!

I would eventually love to do a ladies cruise. It's going to have to wait awhile yet though. With one in college plus getting married next summer and another one starting college next fall, Ugh, it might be longer than I thought

 

[lostpro9het]

Sooo im super late because your live trip report is over but it's better late than never right?!

I am super jealous of your wdwmagic meetup!! Looks like y'all have been friends forever in the group photo! Makes my heart sooo happy to see us forum members come together. I always talk about my "Disney friends" and usually people think I'm insane, but these meet ups make it real!! we are all insane together!!!

You know it! Meeting the fellow WDWM'rs was a highlight of the trip, and it was only enhanced by J and I exchanging local beers which was also very cool.

Love love love all the golden monkeys! I swear ever since I had it in AK, I see victory brewing signs everywhere! And to think I first told my brother it was an Animal Kingdom exclusive beer You sure know how to Disney!

I've already got a 12-pack ready for Christmas week!

Your ride photos are great! I need to get back just to challenge you LOL

Bring it!

Sad the Candy Crush loving family ruined the atmosphere of Cali Grill, it was sooooo beautiful up there. Glad the food saved it. Joe is a fellow candy crush addict and if we ever have kids I am deleting that game! He will not be a zombie parent! Lol

I wouldn't say it ruined it I was just surprised to see it. I'll give credit to CG, though, The hostess was pretty military about guests not wearing hats and intercepted at least three DDP'rs trying to get in with the hats on.

That's so right! Considering I'm jetting off tomorrow to join a group of ladies that I met on here for a 4-night on the Dream, where we will pick apart every happening at WDW that we've heard about, it's not surprising I agree. This will be our 5th annual cruise, and we're always looking for more participants, so if you ever want to leave Sean at home...

Or she can just bring me and Ill set up camp between Quiet cove and the Crown and Fin...

I would eventually love to do a ladies cruise. It's going to have to wait awhile yet though. With one in college plus getting married next summer and another one starting college next fall, Ugh, it might be longer than I thought

J could come and he could keep me company!

 

[Tiggerish]

I would eventually love to do a ladies cruise. It's going to have to wait awhile yet though. With one in college plus getting married next summer and another one starting college next fall, Ugh, it might be longer than I thought

That's ok, we'll wait!

My 16-year old niece/goddaughter/fellow Disney freak told me a couple of years ago that all she wanted was to go on my girl's cruise, and I told her when she's 21 that would be her birthday present! Now that's five years away--it'll fly!!

 

[ScarletBegonias]

Thanks for the report! I hope you will reconsider for your Christmas trip! I wish I had the problem of being burnt out on trip reports.

 

[Zipadeelady]

J could come and he could keep me company!

I have a feeling @imahistorygeek and I would end up back with you guys.

 

[Tiggerish]

Or she can just bring me and Ill set up camp between Quiet cove and the Crown and Fin...

That'd leave you on a different ship! We sail on the Dream, so you'd have to shuttle between Quiet Cove and 687.

 

[imahistorygeek]

I forgot to include my thoughts about Mission Space and Il Mulino.
Mission Space - It's been updated. Sigh. Here's the language from Disney. The "all-new Green Mission presents less intense training and a more family-friendly adventure." That's exactly what you get. Same script (RIP LT Dan), but different actor. I liked the previous version much better. As Sean mentioned, it's like Soarin, but way less cool. They now have booster seats for the kids and the controls are more interactive.

Il Mulino - This place is always great and that's not the limoncello talking. Everyone should try here at least once. The pizza was excellent and a better choice than Via Napoli IMO.