Trip Report A Poly Girl in a GF World *COMPLETED*

*Gasp!*

Is it true? Tuvalu, the die-hard Polynesian fan, spent 4 recent nights at a different deluxe resort? Didn't she already have three magical stays at the Poly this year? Didn't she take her name from her favorite longhouse at the Poly? Isn't this blasphemy? (Actually it isn't, but you get the point.)

Yep, it's true. Like many of you who have broken loyal ties to a political party (don't worry, I'm not gonna go there) Woody and I decided to try another option for our Food and Wine Festival excursion.

In anticipation of the question, "Why didn't you stay at an Epcot resort?" I will say, "Cause I like the MK resorts better."

Tuvalu and Woody taking a trip to WDW specifically for F&W is a bit ironic, since:
1) We are not foodies and
2) We are not big drinkers
But as we approach our sunset years, we are determined to keep ourselves open to new experiences and embrace change (even when we don't like it.)

And really, who doesn't like to eat?

Now back to the resort. The Grand Floridian. Disney's Flagship resort. The resort people call "too stuffy." Or "I could never be comfortable there." Or "The Four Seasons is a much better resort for the price."

Well, Woody and I were quite comfortable, despite a couple of irritating incidents to be revealed later. We had no problem walking around in our Target and Kohl's clothes. And we got a room rate that wouldn't have paid for the janitor's closet at the Four Seasons. (Okay, a slight exaggeration.)

The deets:
Dates: October 1-5, 2016
Cast: Tuvalu and Woody

Follow along to find out how we filled that "rumbly in our tumbly."

 

[HauntedMansionFLA]

Following along ( as usual ) Tomorrow (Saturday), we will be one month out (staying at your Poly). Your trip report is getting me excited. Hopefully the crowds won't be too bad at the first of December. We will be going over to check out the GF to see the beautiful Christmas decorations. Any tips to give myself or @21stamps ?? You give out great advice.

 

[Gabe1]

So, I was going to ask what row not to get wet.....row 6

We didn't ride row one but we rode both row 2 & 3 many times and did not get wet, minus the time my son got swacked in the side of the head after the drop by a cannon direct hit. No sloshing water in the boats in our September trip.

 

[Tuvalu]

Following along ( as usual ) Tomorrow (Saturday), we will be one month out (staying at your Poly). Your trip report is getting me excited. Hopefully the crowds won't be too bad at the first of December. We will be going over to check out the GF to see the beautiful Christmas decorations. Any tips to give myself or @21stamps ?? You give out great advice.

Use the walkway between the Poly and GF when you go visit the GF. It is a relaxing way to take in the ambiance of both resorts and is especially beautiful at twilight.

Always walk to the TTC to catch the Epcot monorail. It is much faster than riding the resort monorail all the way around and then switching trains. And if your room is located in one of the DVC buildings close to the TTC, use either the ferry or the express monorail to get to MK.

Next visit I plan to try the Polynesian Twilight Feast from in-room dining. It is '"Ohana-to-go" and based on @lostpro9het and @imahistorygeek's pictures and recommendations, looks like a must-do!

I hope you have a wonderful stay at my second home!

 

[Tony the Tigger]

I love the country bears. "There was blood on the saddle… "

 

[Tuvalu]

Sunday con't

Upon exiting Small World, it was time for our 3rd FP.

This was the fastpass line!! Told ya MK was crowded!

While waiting in line, I took this pic of BTMRR under refurb for @Longers. Since I have not been prompt with my trip report updates, she is now in the world and likely has seen it for herself!

Getting close to boarding our doom buggy.....

Anyone care to guess how many doom buggies there are?

 

[LadyBelle]

I love the country bears. "There was blood on the saddle… "

That is my favorite line in the whole show. Even my non-Disney loving friend that went with me in 2004 loves this part.

Anyone care to guess how many doom buggies there are?

I would say 999, but that's how many ghosts there are, unless we're added as number 1,000

 

[Tuvalu]

Hungry? We were. And if you are hungry, a warning....food pictures, coming up!

We thought it would be really fun to stand in yet another long line. This is the pre-ordered food line at Be Our Guest. You don't even wanna know how long the line stretched for those who didn't think to order their lunch 30 days in advance. Rookies!

I was a bit nervous there would not be any available tables, based on the number of folks in line. We've done the "walk around looking like a doofus hoping someone is getting up to leave" number at BOG a few times. After paying for our order we headed straight for our favorite dining room....

.....where we easily found a table. Yes! However, we did have a longer-than-usual wait for our food.

Roti de boeuf pour moi (after all, this is France!)

Dinde sculpte pour Woody

Confession time ~ I was coveting Woody's dinde sculpte when it arrived and even more so after a few bites of my roti de boeuf. My sammie was not its usual yummy deliciousness. However, since Woody had carried my purse through bag check this morning, I was not about to make him sacrifice his sandwich for me.

Cause I knew he would.

Less sandwich = less calories = less guilt for eating dessert

NO I DIDN'T EAT BOTH CUPCAKES!

I merely placed them on the same plate for the photo. Honest. Ask Woody. Unlike Pinocchio, he never tells a lie.

I noticed this "reserved" table(s) remained empty during our 45 minute lunch. Was Belle late?

At lunch I made a 4th FP for Little Mermaid. At 1 p.m., there were 17 attractions that had no more FP availability for the rest of the day! The park was closing at 7 pm for MNSSHP but that was still 6 hours away!

More proof there aren't many "slow days" at MK.

 

[Tuvalu]

I would say 999, but that's how many ghosts there are, unless we're added as number 1,000

Much too high, @LadyBelle!

 

[epcotisbest]

Sunday con't

Upon exiting Small World, it was time for our 3rd FP.

View attachment 173759
This was the fastpass line!! Told ya MK was crowded!

While waiting in line, I took this pic of BTMRR under refurb for @Longers. Since I have not been prompt with my trip report updates, she is now in the world and likely has seen it for herself!

View attachment 173760

Getting close to boarding our doom buggy.....
View attachment 173761

Anyone care to guess how many doom buggies there are?

I think I read somewhere it was like

Sunday con't

Upon exiting Small World, it was time for our 3rd FP.

View attachment 173759
This was the fastpass line!! Told ya MK was crowded!

While waiting in line, I took this pic of BTMRR under refurb for @Longers. Since I have not been prompt with my trip report updates, she is now in the world and likely has seen it for herself!

View attachment 173760

Getting close to boarding our doom buggy.....
View attachment 173761

Anyone care to guess how many doom buggies there are?

I think I read somewhere it is something like 150-160 or so. HM is my least favorite ride or attraction at WDW and in 30 plus years of going, I have only been on it twice. I know it is the favorite of many, many people, but I just don't get it.

 

[Tony the Tigger]

Eat both cupcakes!

 

[epcotisbest]

Gee, even my post came up haunted...stupid iPad.

 

[LadyBelle]

Much too high, @LadyBelle!

You know, that might make the lines quicker if they had that many! LOL Oh, Monday hysterics.

**slinks away to think about own TR***

 

[epcotisbest]

According to your photo evidence, it is at least 143.

 

[Tuvalu]

"Everything's better down where it's wetter take it from me!"

Upon returning to the surface, we agreed we were ready to leave MK. The heat, humidity and sea of people (see what I did there?) had taken its toll on us. But we considered our time a success, since we got to experience 8 attractions (plus lunch!) in just a few hours.

These dudes were just finishing up a set when we encountered them. I would have loved getting my picture taken with them (after all I was wearing my DD shirt!) but other guests were vying for their attention.

 

[Tuvalu]

I think I read somewhere it is something like 150-160 or so.

According to your photo evidence, it is at least 143.

Very astute observation! I have seen for myself the last numbered car. <Drumroll, please> ......169!

 

[Tuvalu]

**slinks away to think about own TR***

How 'bout a little less thinkin' and a little more writin'?

 

[epcotisbest]

Very astute observation! I have seen for myself the last numbered car. <Drumroll, please> ......169!

But...is there a doom buggie number 13?

 

[LadyBelle]

How 'bout a little less thinkin' and a little more writin'?

Yes ma'am!

 

[Tuvalu]

Monorail, you let us down this morning. Boat will be our method of transport back to the GF.

I took the next two pictures for @21stamps when she was trying to decide which building to request for her TPV room.

Nothing blocks the TPV rooms in Sago Cay.

But there is a pesky tree in front of some TPV rooms in Conch Key.

@21stamps has since switched to a lagoon view room for her trip. Hope she finds herself in Boca Chica!

Here we are back at Sago Cay. Our room on the 4th floor to the right of the dormer.

We quickly changed into swimsuits and spent a blissful 90 minutes at the Courtyard pool, before thunder made us leave.

 

[21stamps]

Great pictures!!! Thank you so much!!!!!

I had originally requested Conch Key with the tpv, but then switched my request to Boca Chica when I changed to Lagoon. Fingers crossed that I get it.

17 Days and counting! Your trip report is helping me stay excited even though I still don't have our days planned out.lol

 

[Tuvalu]

The thunder was soon followed by rain. I sat on our balcony and gave @TrolleyFollower91 a call while Woody showered. The rain didn't last long, thankfully.

Late in the afternoon we took a quick trip to Epcot. We had two missions to accomplish.

#1 ~ Go thru the turnstiles to get a "visit credit" towards the 3 visit requirement for the commemorative Passholder Tumbler.

and

#2 ~ Go to MouseGear and exchange shirt my sister in law E purchased for herself last week.

Here's a tip ~ if you find something you love at Disney but are unsure of size, try it on before you buy. If it is not possible to try it on in the store, try it on when you are back in your room. Trying it on at home is not advisable, as returns must be made within 30 days of purchase. And then you are stuck. Unless your sister in law happens to be Tuvalu.

**Even more important tip ~ Save your original receipt!! Do not think you can use that green ship-to-resort copy as a merchandise receipt, even though the item and its price is clearly printed on the green copy. Because CMs are "not supposed to take anything back with a green shipping paper" unless "you just want to exchange the same shirt for a different size?" and then give you a sigh and an eye roll and say, "Just this once. Next time bring the original receipt."

Trust me, there won't be a next time!