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."

 

[Tuvalu]

I am sure you are tired of reading my gripes about lengthy monorail waits so I will fast forward to arriving at Epcot. I took these pictures while onboard the monorail.

(Can you spot the folks who entered the park via the International Gateway? )

 

[Tuvalu]

Our first FP was for Soarin'. As we walked towards the Land pavilion, I was struck by how close to the ground the monorail beam is. I don't think I've paid much attention to it before.

I told Woody to stop. I had a brilliant photography idea! "Let's wait for a monorail to pass by so I can capture it! It will make a great shot!" I bubbled enthusiastically.

20 minutes later I took this picture of Woody, still waiting for a monorail to glide by.

Finally I heard him say, "Here it comes." And during that period of waiting I must have moved from where I was standing for the "before" picture.

Because here is the "after."

Yep, that would be Imagination in the background, not the Land.

Reason #963 why I need Em to be the photographer for my trip reports!

 

[JustKeepSwimming]

As we walked towards the Land pavilion, I was struck by how close to the ground the monorail beam is. I don't think I've paid much attention to it before

I noticed for the first time on our trip this summer! I don't know how I never took notice of it before.

 

[Gabe1]

We did not linger in our room too long, as MNSSHP fireworks were about to start. Earlier in the day I noticed a bench outside Sago Cay that I thought would be a perfect viewing spot for Hallowishes.

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And it was!
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The soundtrack played over speakers in the marina so we had the full show experience.

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It was the first time I'd watched Hallowishes not in the rain. Every MNSSHP I have attended it has rained during the fireworks. To all of you at tonight's MNSSHP ~ you're welcome!

As I said when I began recounting this day, we did have a delightful Disney day! Even this sight in the hallway outside our room didn't bother anti-double stroller Woody.

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Why why why do people need giant side by side strollers? One year we had 2 kids in need of strollers. We used a Disney single and an umbrella one from home for the kid that was almost out of the stroller.

 

[Gabe1]

Fire safety code, people!!! (Years ago I worked for a hotel company, and this picture makes me CRINGE!)

Me I just find it rude. I don't want this big clunky thing in my room so everyone else just deal with it.

 

[Gabe1]

@Tuvalu

Woody got a new job! Congrat's to him. Same company?

 

[Tony the Tigger]

If you want to read about a V&A experience, you'll have to wait for @Tony the Tigger's trip report next fall.

...or this December, when I peer longingly through those two little openings in the door shades until - "Security!"

We planned a special meal in celebration of Woody's new job.

Yay, Woody! (Now when are ya going to let the guy retire? More WDW time!)

But we had difficulty finishing the rich Warm Chocolate-Banana Torte.

But you finished it, right? Tell me you finished it. You know I love my banana desserts. That said, Citricos is officially off my "must do" list.

My SIL will be very glad to hear that the shirt runs small!

Ha!

Thanks for the BTMRR photo - I haven't ventured to that part of the park to see it for myself - it's too painful! I am hoping by some miracle they might finish and open it early

So am I! I want to give it the kidney stone test. (Google it )

Remember how I said that Woody and I aren't foodies? Well, today is the day we expand our horizons! Time to strap on the feedbag and visit a kiosk or two (or 3 or 4!)

So how did this go?

 

[Zipadeelady]

There was a nice surprise awaiting us in our room.....turn-down service!

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All rooms (not just club level) receive nightly turn-down service at the GF. The drapes are drawn, lights dimmed, pillows fluffed, TV turned to the resort music station and fresh towels and soaps placed in the bathroom.

And most importantly....chocolates!
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This sounds heavenly

 

[Tuvalu]

@Tuvalu

Woody got a new job! Congrat's to him. Same company?

Yay, Woody! (Now when are ya going to let the guy retire? More WDW time!)

Actually, Woody retired from his former employer after 29 years of service. But my little Disney obsession still needs to be funded, so..........

Yes, Tony, Woody managed to finish the chocolate banana torte. FYI, we watched a couple in Citricos come in and only order the torte (and coffee, I think.) So you could go there just for dessert......

 

[Tony the Tigger]

brilliant!

 

[Tuvalu]

So how did this go?

Patience, patience. We had a few things to do before sampling at the kiosks.

First, we had a FP to use. Woody definitely did not want to miss this one, since he has not been since the refurb.

I was hoping we would get sent to Concourse C so that Woody would have the full "new" experience, but we were directed to Concourse B. While waiting, I could hear bits and pieces of a quiet conversation between cast members. Something along the lines of "I love to tell people they can't have B" and "Yeah, it's funny to watch their reaction."

Since the new Soarin film is prone to distorting objects more than the original film (bendy Eiffel Tower, anyone?), the center glider (B) is optimal for viewing. So of course I was prepared to request B for Woody's first time (despite his "I'll be happy wherever we sit" mantra.) What I wasn't prepared for was becoming one of those people the CMs were mocking. "B is not available," I was curtly informed after my request. "Row 1".

I was the first person in Row 1 of glider A. And I immediately began to pout, thinking that Woody and I would have the worst possible view all the way on the end of the row.

"I'll be happy wherever we sit," Woody reiterated as he recognized my disappointment.

Then I noticed this:

All the rows in B glider were blacked out. And if you look closely at the diagram, the first seat in Row 1 of glider A is the one right next to glider B ~ our seats were practically in the center after all!!

Giddy, I placed my purse in the under seat compartment. However, I would immediately regret not keeping my phone with me, as I had an amazing photo op (much better than my monorail shot!) that I would have loved to share!

When the ride started, A glider and C glider lifted....but B glider remained stationary. Since I was on the end of the row, I could watch C's lift off and subsequent movements, see B on the ground and watch the CM who sits at that desk. It was so fascinating for me that I missed a good part of the film!

Woody deemed the new Soarin "terrific." And he was kind enough not to mention the irony of my wanting a good seat and then not watching the movie despite getting one.

 

[blreinsel]

Finally all caught up!

The GF Cafe menu looks SO good!!! Your meals look amazing. This is definitely one that I need to try in the future.. Adding it to my list. I loved paper dolls when I was a kid, but I did still chuckle when I read about your memory of them.

Come on now everyone.. I was there the year of the cake castle too and LOVED it! I guess if people visit for a "once in a lifetime" trip and they have something crazy like that done to the castle, it wouldn't be ideal. But I thought the cake castle was adorable!

I'm cracking up at you and your LIVE pictures.

 

[Tuvalu]

We actually did need our Living With The Land FP! The standby wait was 25 minutes. We walked the queue without stopping and sat in the front row of the next boat.

The Mighty Buffalo

I have always wanted to sit on the front porch of the farmhouse. I could listen to the rooster crow and watch the boats go by for hours. So peaceful.

The last time I rode, I only got a picture of the F&W Hops sign. While I know @coachwnh appreciated it, I thought I'd try for some food items this time!

@TrolleyFollower91 loves sunflowers. This one's for you, Em!

Did all the catfish get eaten?

Where oh where have the gators gone? Oh where oh where can they be?

Why am I suddenly craving a glass of Pinot Grigio?

 

[TrolleyFollower91]

Reason #963 why I need Em to be the photographer for my trip reports!

21

 

[Tuvalu]

Visiting Figment was next on our agenda....but we'd have to use our imaginations to conjure him up since the attraction was down.

I needed to go inside the gift store anyway so we entered via the side door. Em's students love the tsum tsums I brought back from my last trip and they requested more.

I am always happy to make an educational donation.

Up next.....the eatin' begins!!

 

[MinnieM123]

I have always wanted to sit on the front porch of the farmhouse. I could listen to the rooster crow and watch the boats go by for hours. So peaceful.

That is one of my favorite scenes. I've also wanted to retreat directly into that scene and just relax. Ahhh . . .

 

[Tiggerish]

Where oh where have the gators gone? Oh where oh where can they be?

<raises hand> Old enough to understand that reference!!

My mom tells a story that when I was about 3 years old, on a Sunday morning in church I was sitting on the aisle seat in the pew, and when the congregation began to sing a hymn (the name of which has been lost to memory), I stepped out into the center aisle of the church and sang "Hang Down your head, Tom Dooley" at the top of my little lungs. Not sure if it was because I liked the song, or just because I knew the words. She also claims I got a bit of applause. I tend not to believe that last part.

Folk on, Peter Paul and Mary!!
(as opposed to rock on )

Why am I suddenly craving a glass of Pinot Grigio?

Erm...the eternal answer to that question is, "why not?"

 

[Tuvalu]

<raises hand> Old enough to understand that reference!!
My mom tells a story that when I was about 3 years old, on a Sunday morning in church I was sitting on the aisle seat in the pew, and when the congregation began to sing a hymn (the name of which has been lost to memory), I stepped out into the center aisle of the church and sang "Hang Down your head, Tom Dooley" at the top of my little lungs. Not sure if it was because I liked the song, or just because I knew the words. She also claims I got a bit of applause. I tend not to believe that last part.

Folk on, Peter Paul and Mary!!
(as opposed to rock on )

My dad was (is?) a huge PP&M fan. He played their music all the time. My favorite was "The Marvelous Toy."
Thanks to you, "Tom Dooley" is now looping in my brain.....might be worse than "It's a Small World"

 

[Tiggerish]

My dad was (is?) a huge PP&M fan. He played their music all the time. My favorite was "The Marvelous Toy."
Thanks to you, "Tom Dooley" is now looping in my brain.....might be worse than "It's a Small World"

Yeah, it's worse. And DAY-UM, you had to bring Marvelous Toy to the party.

How 'bout Puff, the Magic Dragon??

60s kids!! <fistbump>

 

[Gabe1]

I have always wanted to sit on the front porch of the farmhouse. I could listen to the rooster crow and watch the boats go by for hours. So peaceful.
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That is one of my favorite scenes. I've also wanted to retreat directly into that scene and just relax. Ahhh . . .

So did you guys ever read the tale of the former 'WDW Security Guard' and the legend of the human trafficking through the home? It reads like a novel...

https://www.reddit.com/r/nosleep/comments/30alk5/i_was_an_undercover_security_officer_at_walt/