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."

 

[Pirate Magic]

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
View attachment 175133

Oh Tuvalu, I love love your reports!! Not so much my photo, but I just couldn't believe that I saw someone that I have been following right before my eyes!! I just could stop saying that I met you!!!

 

[Tony the Tigger]

What the is up with the -ing monorails?!?

 

[Gabe1]

I think it's time for a little TR flashback! A "blast from the past" if you will.

Since @Gabe1 first mentioned it earlier (and additional comments were made by @MotherofaPrincessLover, @MinnieM123, @Longers, @Direwolf27, @MegRuss626 and now @DimpledDevil18) let's see the Tuvalu family's visit to the MK during the 25th anniversary celebration ~

View attachment 174681
Drumr, Woody, Em and soon-to-be-a-daddy Lego. Both boys are wearing 25th Anniversary tees.

Clearly this was before MK had a Welcome Show.....there would be no room for the Mayor and the Trolley Singers thanks to those 25 candles!

Do you see a stroller for 5 year old Em? Of course not! Do you see a stroller for hauling around our stuff? No! Woody carried the green duffle bag for all of us (which also included a camcorder.)

View attachment 174683

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

View attachment 174682
(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....

Yep, I loved that castle the first year....and since we are going into that way back time machine...I spy some lovely Cherry Trees and more trees. So miss the trees.

Loved the little blast from the past! It's true... My sister was 4 on her first trip and there was no stroller for her or mid day naps. She sure was a trooper! Somehow she kept up with all of us on her own two little legs.

I swear one of my brothers might have had that same Splash Mountain shirt. It looks very familiar!

At four my kids still had a stroller at Epcot. We rented Disney Metal ones.

Love the flashback photos. I think Tony is right...ageless, timeless.
As for the pink birthday cake castle, we loved it. Were amazed by it and were just in awe. Now, we had seen the castle many, many times before so it was a fun change for us. If it had been an only trip, I might have been disappointed not getting to see the castle in all its original glory, but count my blessings we see it often, then and now.

I believe that is why my family was in awe of the castle as a cake. We went frequently and we were very impressed with all that went into the transformation. People complain often about how little Disney does for celebrations and cheap out but this 25th they had gone all out. Same with in the same era Mickey's Birthday Party Land. I only had one kid at that time and he just loved Mickey's B-Day, he was almost 2 years old.

 

[MinnieM123]

What the is up with the -ing monorails?!?

Well, let's put it this way: they're a vision of sleek beauty, and they're more for photo ops at this point?

 

[Scoppin]

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.

View attachment 175194

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

View attachment 175195

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!
View attachment 175196

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

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Made it to the walkway that connects Poly and GF!

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Getting closer!

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

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Such a great playscape for kids!

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

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Wanted to hear more about your encounter with lounge lady. Or didn't she start up another conversation?

 

[Tuvalu]

Monday, con't

It was past 3 pm when we entered Sago Cay and took the elevator to the 4th floor.

And saw this outside our room door.

The dreaded sheet and towel baskets! Now I don't mean to imply that I don't enjoy fresh sheets and clean towels ~ the baskets are evidence of a room that is yet to be serviced. And sure enough, mousekeeping had not been to our room.

We would have done a quick bathing suit change, except those clouds that were predicted for earlier in the day had begun to roll in. And I find it very frustrating to get all sunscreened and suited up for the pool only to have to leave shortly after arriving due to a thunder/lightning closure.

Napping was not an option since our room would be serviced soon. So Woody and I grabbed our iPads and went to hang out in Gasparilla's. We weren't hungry but sipped cold beverages.

And rested weary feet.

 

[Tuvalu]

We remained in Gasparilla's for about an hour. It sprinkled off and on so we made the right choice not going to the pool. The sheet and towel basket was gone when we got to our room and we were able to shower and change for the evening's activities.

We climbed the majestic staircase in the main building and noticed a CM standing by the doors leading out to the monorail.

Yes, Tony, the -ing monorail was STILL not operating!!!!

Had we known in advance, we would have made the short walk from Sago Cay to the bus stop. Now we had to backtrack. We opted not to take the boat due to rain potential.

We had 19 minutes to make our dinner ADR.

We found a bench and waited for the bus. And put on our "Don't worry, be happy!" faces.

Miraculously, we made it to our 7 pm ADR right on time.

I just love the fall decor.

 

[Tuvalu]

Remember those "Don't worry, be happy!" faces?

After our 35 minute wait to be seated, those faces were long gone. Our host led the way to our table, threw the menus down and said our server would be right with us.

So if your definition of "be right with you" means 10 minutes, then yes, I suppose he was.

When the server asked how we were doing, my reply was more curt than friendly (which I instantly regretted). I was hungry but even more disappointed at the downward decline in service at the Plaza over the last year. This was my 7th visit in 2016 ~ obviously I love the Plaza, as it has been on my must-do list every trip. But with the poor service, eliminating ADRs after 12 pm, steep price increases and removal of fat steak fries from the menu (!) The Plaza has reached "not eating here anymore" status. That makes me .

Woody ordered the Club with chips.

I deviated from my usual choices and went with a cheeseburger....with skinny fries.

Our entrees were fine but our hot fudge sundaes were pitiful.

Could they spare the whipped cream? (The picture gives the illusion of generous dollops. They weren't.)

We waited forever for the check. The server mumbled something about the restaurant "being busy" but there were several open tables the whole time we dined.

When he returned with our change, he handed me a yellow slip of paper ~ an apology of sorts, featuring Pinocchio. Our "Pinocchio Pass" was an unrestricted fastpass for one attraction which expired in a week. (Do you recall Woody's "we don't even need to keep our fastpasses" sentiment about this trip? )

It was raining when we left The Plaza. I really wanted a nighttime spin on the MPB 2.0 so off we went.

 

[Tuvalu]

The rain became steady which really bummed me out. The park was open until midnight and I was hoping for some MK action in the dark. (Oops, that doesn't sound G-rated like I intended! )

But Woody doesn't like walking around in wet socks and sneakers and I don't like an unhappy Woody so we chose to leave. The resort monorail was finally working, but the line stretched all the way down the ramp. Since we were already wet, we rode the boat back to GF.

Goodnight, MK.

Would it rain on our parade tomorrow? Stay tuned.....

 

[Scoppin]

We remained in Gasparilla's for about an hour. It sprinkled off and on so we made the right choice not going to the pool. The sheet and towel basket was gone when we got to our room and we were able to shower and change for the evening's activities.

We climbed the majestic staircase in the main building and noticed a CM standing by the doors leading out to the monorail.

Yes, Tony, the -ing monorail was STILL not operating!!!!

Had we known in advance, we would have made the short walk from Sago Cay to the bus stop. Now we had to backtrack. We opted not to take the boat due to rain potential.

View attachment 175473
We had 19 minutes to make our dinner ADR.

We found a bench and waited for the bus. And put on our "Don't worry, be happy!" faces.
View attachment 175474


Miraculously, we made it to our 7 pm ADR right on time.
View attachment 175475

I just love the fall decor.
View attachment 175476

View attachment 175477

I am not sure why you are surprised the monorails don't work while you are there. Do they ever work when you are there? Maybe it was a good thing you had departed before we had to use the monorail from MK to Contemporary for our dinner.

But honestly, you really don't have any luck with the monorail. We on the other hand just try to get on from the wrong side. More of that to come.

 

[Scoppin]

Remember those "Don't worry, be happy!" faces?

After our 35 minute wait to be seated, those faces were long gone. Our host led the way to our table, threw the menus down and said our server would be right with us.

So if your definition of "be right with you" means 10 minutes, then yes, I suppose he was.

When the server asked how we were doing, my reply was more curt than friendly (which I instantly regretted). I was hungry but even more disappointed at the downward decline in service at the Plaza over the last year. This was my 7th visit in 2016 ~ obviously I love the Plaza, as it has been on my must-do list every trip. But with the poor service, eliminating ADRs after 12 pm, steep price increases and removal of fat steak fries from the menu (!) The Plaza has reached "not eating here anymore" status. That makes me .

Woody ordered the Club with chips.
View attachment 175478

I deviated from my usual choices and went with a cheeseburger....with skinny fries.
View attachment 175479

Our entrees were fine but our hot fudge sundaes were pitiful.
View attachment 175480
Could they spare the whipped cream? (The picture gives the illusion of generous dollops. They weren't.)

We waited forever for the check. The server mumbled something about the restaurant "being busy" but there were several open tables the whole time we dined.

When he returned with our change, he handed me a yellow slip of paper ~ an apology of sorts, featuring Pinocchio. Our "Pinocchio Pass" was an unrestricted fastpass for one attraction which expired in a week. (Do you recall Woody's "we don't even need to keep our fastpasses" sentiment about this trip? )

It was raining when we left The Plaza. I really wanted a nighttime spin on the MPB 2.0 so off we went.

View attachment 175485

It really sounds like you didn't have any luck this night. I hope the MPB would help improve the night.

 

[LAKid53]

Who I did not see at GF this trip was the teddy bear lady...I looked for her every day during our stay...I can't remember the last time I was in the lobby and didn't see her.

More GF pics to come!

She's now upstairs on the 2nd floor in that seating area near M. Mouse Mercantile. At least that's where she was in April.

The more guests who think the GF is too stuffy to stay at, the more room for those of us who like to stay there. I've wandered around the marina in the wee hours of the morning in my robe and pjs......no one out at that hour gave me a second look.

 

[LAKid53]

We got the 25th Birthday Cake castle, wonder if they'll try that again?

Lord, I hope not. That year was our first visit to WDW and I kept wondering why the Castle was a bright Pepto Bismal pink (hadn't been decorated yet).

 

[LAKid53]

Nice try . . .

I was a big fan of that BAH.... Every time I saw it, I was reminded of my late mother - she loved the Sorcerer's Apprentice scene in Fantasia!

 

[Tony the Tigger]

The park was open until midnight and I was hoping for some MK action in the dark.

And omg the steak fries

I've wandered around the marina in the wee hours of the morning in my robe and pjs......no one out at that hour gave me a second look.

So...you missed that whole thread...

 

[LAKid53]

And omg the steak fries



So...you missed that whole thread...

Wait....there's a thread on guests wandering around the GF at 2am in their robe and PJs? Considering what I've witnessed teenagers doing in the pool at ASM at 1am, I think I was rather respectful.....

I was on a humanitarian mission, lol. I was walking my daughter's very lost MOH back to her building from the villas after she was kind enough to drop off her steamer so my daughter could get the wrinkles out of her wedding gown...we had to be up by 5am, since the photographer was showing up at 6.... I could have just worn my PJs, but it was freezing.

 

[TrolleyFollower91]

The park was open until midnight and I was hoping for some MK action in the dark.

My eyes! My eyes!

 

[HurricaneHanna]

My eyes! My eyes!

This made me laugh. Exactly what my own daughter would reply

 

[Tuvalu]

I am not sure why you are surprised the monorails don't work while you are there. Do they ever work when you are there? But honestly, you really don't have any luck with the monorail.

You are absolutely right....I should be surprised when the monorail IS working!

It really sounds like you didn't have any luck this night. I hope the MPB would help improve the night.

A night ride on the MPB 2.0 always makes things better.

 

[Tuvalu]

She's now upstairs on the 2nd floor in that seating area near M. Mouse Mercantile. At least that's where she was in April.

I looked upstairs and downstairs for her each day of our stay. Perhaps she was on vacation, LOL.