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."

 

[Princess Leia]

This would be the Enchanted Storybook Castle.

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Okay, I have to give Cinderella Castle the edge here. (Pepto Bismol Birthday Cake notwithstanding .)

But Rapunzel gets even more love with her own attraction!!
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#BS (That's short for Blame Shanghai....I know what you're thinking! )

Epcot has Test Track 2.0. Shanghai gets TRON!
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#BS

I have seen the ride-thru video of Shanghai's Pirates. OUT OF THIS WORLD. Getting wet on that boat would be totally worth it.
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#BS

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AK has the Wilderness Explorers game. Shanghai gets Camp Discovery.
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#BS

Mickey Avenue or Main Street? Tough call.
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WDW wins in the Resorts category. Although Shanghai's offerings look pretty fab.

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What can I say? Am I envious of our Far East friends? Shanghai looks like an amazing theme park.
Too bad it comes at the expense of WDW cuts.
#BS

If it makes you feel any better, I watched a video of the Crystal Grotto attraction (the one that includes Tangled), and it's not that great. Sure, the inside looks pretty, but the outdoor features are severely lacking IMO.

 

[Tuvalu]

If it makes you feel any better, I watched a video of the Crystal Grotto attraction (the one that includes Tangled), and it's not that great. Sure, the inside looks pretty, but the outdoor features are severely lacking IMO.

That helps!

 

[dizfan917]

We LOVED the Schnikenoodle thing as well! We went back another day for it again. and Grapefruit beer both times as well. YeeeeUM!

 

[prfctlyximprct]

Love the picture of the cake castle!! I can't believe they really did that, but I am in the minority because I love it! Maybe we will get another cake for the 50th?! lol doubtful but I can dream!! Love catching up with this!

 

[DisneyJeff]

The final photo was taken another day. Look how empty Main Street was at 9:10 am ~ after park opening!

(We were not fans of the birthday cake castle, and often commented how sorry we were for those first or only-time visitors!)

Now back to the present....

Awww... Look at the little @TrolleyFollower91 !!!!

 

[Tuvalu]

Love the picture of the cake castle!! I can't believe they really did that, but I am in the minority because I love it! Maybe we will get another cake for the 50th?! lol doubtful but I can dream!! Love catching up with this!

Thanks for catching up! Cannot wait for you to start your TR!

Awww... Look at the little @TrolleyFollower91 !!!!

She was a cutie. Still is!

 

[Scoppin]

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.

View attachment 173916

I must admit I have a dislike for the double wide strollers. Most halls/sidewalks don't have the room for them and people coming the opposite way.

 

[Tuvalu]

Monday, con't

Much like we did with Mexico, we bypassed the Italy food kiosk. We were feeling full from what we'd eaten and the heat was sapping what remained of our appetites. And now that we were halfway around the lagoon, we had no choice but to continue onward. (How many of you have reached the America pavilion and thought, "Great, I'm dying of heatstroke" or "Great, now it's pouring" and regretted being so far from either of the park's exits?)

As sweat dripped down our backs, I had an epiphany....The Chase Lounge! Yes! We could pop inside for some much-needed a/c and a free cold drink. Our pace quickened as we eyed the door that promised relief.

Suddenly I heard an "Excuse me!" I didn't immediately turn around as I was "in the zone" much like @Doc Disney was when I ran into her.

Louder: "Excuse me!" I turned. "Are you Tuvalu?"

I immediately felt awful for ignoring the first two calls. "Yes," I said sheepishly. "Who are you?"

It was my new WDWMagic friend, @Pirate Magic

 

[Tuvalu]

After a brief chitchat with @Pirate Magic (so fun to meet you!), Woody and I ventured inside. We elected to climb the stairs rather than wait in line for the elevator. We got our cold drinks first and again marveled at how a Coke Freestyle machine totally stumps people.

The Lounge was quite busy.

Woody stood at the only available table.

Suddenly I noticed a couple get up from the only table for 2, which happened to be in front of a window. I made a beeline for the table (leaving Woody in the dust, as usual ). It wasn't the view I cared about as much as I wanted chairs to sit on.

But the view was pretty great.

I turned back to talk to Woody and there was an older lady standing beside our table. Having just had the surprise encounter with @Pirate Magic, I thought maybe another forum reader had recognized me. Alas, no. This woman...a local passholder who was by herself...just felt compelled to begin a lengthy conversation with me. She completely ignored Woody, which made the situation even more awkward than it already was. Lounge Lady made several comments about our table's view and when it became apparent she was not going away, I offered her our table because "we need to leave."

"Oh I don't need the table, I'm gettin' ready to leave myself," was Lounge Lady's reply.

Fearful that this woman was about to invite herself along, we muttered a quick "Have a nice day" and walked briskly to the stairs.

So our a/c break was shorter than we wanted and it was still hot outside. Stopping at any more food booths was not appealing. Since we had not had anything sweet, I suggested getting a cookie from the bakery in France and sitting inside Les Halles.

Which is exactly what we did.

 

[HurricaneHanna]

I was afraid you were going to be stuck with Lounge Lady for the entire afternoon!

Is the Chase lounge just for people who have the Disney Chase Visa, or can you have any Chase Visa?

 

[Tuvalu]

I was afraid you were going to be stuck with Lounge Lady for the entire afternoon!

Is the Chase lounge just for people who have the Disney Chase Visa, or can you have any Chase Visa?

Oh, we haven't seen the last of Lounge Lady!

Any Chase Visa will admit you into the Lounge.

 

[HurricaneHanna]

Oh, we haven't seen the last of Lounge Lady!

Any Chase Visa will admit you into the Lounge.

Oh No! Can't wait to hear about the next encounter

 

[MegRuss626]

After a brief chitchat with @Pirate Magic (so fun to meet you!), Woody and I ventured inside. We elected to climb the stairs rather than wait in line for the elevator. We got our cold drinks first and again marveled at how a Coke Freestyle machine totally stumps people.

The Lounge was quite busy.

View attachment 175137

Woody stood at the only available table.

View attachment 175138

Suddenly I noticed a couple get up from the only table for 2, which happened to be in front of a window. I made a beeline for the table (leaving Woody in the dust, as usual ). It wasn't the view I cared about as much as I wanted chairs to sit on.

But the view was pretty great.
View attachment 175139

I turned back to talk to Woody and there was an older lady standing beside our table. Having just had the surprise encounter with @Pirate Magic, I thought maybe another forum reader had recognized me. Alas, no. This woman...a local passholder who was by herself...just felt compelled to begin a lengthy conversation with me. She completely ignored Woody, which made the situation even more awkward than it already was. Lounge Lady made several comments about our table's view and when it became apparent she was not going away, I offered her our table because "we need to leave."

"Oh I don't need the table, I'm gettin' ready to leave myself," was Lounge Lady's reply.

Fearful that this woman was about to invite herself along, we muttered a quick "Have a nice day" and walked briskly to the stairs.

So our a/c break was shorter than we wanted and it was still hot outside. Stopping at any more food booths was not appealing. Since we had not had anything sweet, I suggested getting a cookie from the bakery in France and sitting inside Les Halles.

View attachment 175191
Which is exactly what we did.

We had that same table in September until something even more glorious appeared....a couch!!! I made a beeline similar to yours I'm sure but it was very worth it! I could have stayed there all day!

 

[Tuvalu]

If you have been to Les Halles, you know that the indoor seating area is incredibly small. Woody spied an open table as I went to get our cookie. We were careful not to linger at it too long as there were others prowling around wanting a seat. Woody noticed a mom with a tray full of food (who had been waiting for a bit) and he motioned to her that we were leaving. We had barely stood up when another woman (who had just entered) swooped in to claim our table.

Not wanting to witness the ensuing ugly scene, we quickly departed.

World Showcase had gotten very crowded as we continued along the Promenade. Since the predicted early afternoon rain had not materialized (and it was still as hot as blazes), Woody suggested returning to the GF for pool time.

We did not expect our journey back to the resort to be so difficult.

Due to the volume of people, it was a slow walk to the exit. Then climbing that looong ramp to the monorail platform is always a challenge when you're hot and tired from all the walking you've done. Thankfully, there was a monorail in the station preparing to leave and we jumped on board.

Into the exact same car as Lounge Lady.

But it gets even better. Upon our arrival at the TTC, cast members were announcing via bullhorn that both the resort and express monorail lines were down and everyone needed to board the ferry. Resort bus transportation would be provided from the MK.

We walked towards the ferry (Lounge Lady in tow behind us.) The TTC does provide the best dead-center view of the castle.

A full ferry was just arriving, meaning we'd have a fairly long wait until we'd be able to sail across to MK.

"Let's walk back," I said to Woody. Yes, it was hot ~ but we would be back at the GF (and headed for the pool) a lot sooner than the ferry/bus combo.

Hello, my beloved Poly!

We cut through longhouses where we could just to get some refreshing a/c.

Made it to the walkway that connects Poly and GF!

Getting closer!

Doesn't the water in the beach pool look inviting?

Such a great playscape for kids!

A final pic by the fountain to prove that we're home.

 

[HurricaneHanna]

Well, at least Lounge Lady didn't follow you back to GF!

Why do you always have to stand in line while Woody saves a seat? Although on second thought, you might actually get the better end of the deal considering how hard it can be to save a seat at Disney haha.

I give you so much credit for taking so many great pictures (for ALL of your TRs). Our last trip, we took a total of 3 in 10 days! Once the kids were grown I lost all motivation. I will forever be in my 30s if you believe my photo albums
Next month we will be taking our grandson on his first Disney adventure. I suppose pictures will have to be taken?

 

[Tiggerish]

After a brief chitchat with @Pirate Magic (so fun to meet you!), Woody and I ventured inside. We elected to climb the stairs rather than wait in line for the elevator. We got our cold drinks first and again marveled at how a Coke Freestyle machine totally stumps people.

The Lounge was quite busy.

View attachment 175137

Woody stood at the only available table.

View attachment 175138

Suddenly I noticed a couple get up from the only table for 2, which happened to be in front of a window. I made a beeline for the table (leaving Woody in the dust, as usual ). It wasn't the view I cared about as much as I wanted chairs to sit on.

But the view was pretty great.
View attachment 175139

I turned back to talk to Woody and there was an older lady standing beside our table. Having just had the surprise encounter with @Pirate Magic, I thought maybe another forum reader had recognized me. Alas, no. This woman...a local passholder who was by herself...just felt compelled to begin a lengthy conversation with me. She completely ignored Woody, which made the situation even more awkward than it already was. Lounge Lady made several comments about our table's view and when it became apparent she was not going away, I offered her our table because "we need to leave."

"Oh I don't need the table, I'm gettin' ready to leave myself," was Lounge Lady's reply.

Fearful that this woman was about to invite herself along, we muttered a quick "Have a nice day" and walked briskly to the stairs.

So our a/c break was shorter than we wanted and it was still hot outside. Stopping at any more food booths was not appealing. Since we had not had anything sweet, I suggested getting a cookie from the bakery in France and sitting inside Les Halles.

View attachment 175191
Which is exactly what we did.

Random encounters--sometimes welcome and rewarding, sometimes not. Reminds me of the old Almond Joy/Mounds commercial, "sometimes you feel like a nut, sometimes you don't"!

Oh, we haven't seen the last of Lounge Lady!.

 

[ajrwdwgirl]

My husband loves the train in Germany as well. He has a Christmas Village set up at home with a train, monorail and red trolley (not all full tracks though); it is his inner child coming through.

 

[Tuvalu]

Well, at least Lounge Lady didn't follow you back to GF!

Why do you always have to stand in line while Woody saves a seat? Although on second thought, you might actually get the better end of the deal considering how hard it can be to save a seat at Disney haha.

I give you so much credit for taking so many great pictures (for ALL of your TRs). Our last trip, we took a total of 3 in 10 days! Once the kids were grown I lost all motivation. I will forever be in my 30s if you believe my photo albums
Next month we will be taking our grandson on his first Disney adventure. I suppose pictures will have to be taken?

1. If she had, I would have lost my mind!
2. I believe you answered your own question .
3. I am forever in my 30s in our photo albums too. Now those photos in the "digital cloud" thing? Different story, .
4. Grandson + 1st Disney visit = LOTS OF PICTURES!!!!! (C'mon, you can do it!)

 

[Tuvalu]

Random encounters--sometimes welcome and rewarding, sometimes not. Reminds me of the old Almond Joy/Mounds commercial, "sometimes you feel like a nut, sometimes you don't"!

You're right. But thanks again for another annoying song now playing incessantly in my mind!

 

[Tuvalu]

My husband loves the train in Germany as well. He has a Christmas Village set up at home with a train, monorail and red trolley (not all full tracks though); it is his inner child coming through.

Woody would be green with envy.