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."

 

[Gabe1]

Those giant double strollers are called a "City Mini" ~ worst product misnomer ever!! There's nothing mini about them!

I thought of you today as neighbors headed off for a holiday drive to WDW with their first born as I happened to catch them heading out of town. I lightened up the photo so you could see more clearly what is taking up the entire back hatch of the teeny tiny car.

Begs the question as to Where did the kid and luggage go?

 

[Gabe1]

Curious and curiouser about the breakfast offerings at 1900 Park Fare?

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Woody and I started with savory foods ~ crispy bacon, fluffy biscuits and practically perfect eggs.

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(The bacon must have been on my plate!)

Round two was sweet.

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Every day should start with whipped cream. (Now that's a dollop!)

And let's not forget unlimited POG juice!

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(Yes, both those glasses were mine. And I am not ashamed.)

After I finished my Mickey waffles, I debated whether to return to the buffet for a third time.
"What's wrong?" Woody asked.
"I'm afraid if I don't shovel in more food now I won't want any more," I replied woefully. (At $34/person for breakfast, I wanted to get my money's worth!)

In the end, the buffet came out ahead. Neither of us had room for another plate of food. And we left plenty of the signature strawberry soup for other guests....we don't care for it.

40 minutes after being seated we still hadn't been visited by any friends. This is a Character buffet, isn't it?

Everything looked yummy except the gravy biscuits. I'm a northerner...afterall. I looked at your pic of the menu, avocado and rice did confuse me though. $70 for breakfast, well ouch. I'd be more inclined to spend that on a steak. Love the picture of you and Mary, you and your dress and the MB all were so nice together.

Looks yummy - except for that gravy on the biscuit. Am I the only southerner who doesn't like gravy? Must be that Yankee side....

Right there with ya sister friend.

Breakfast in the condo every day for a week...less than $70, no tip, no alcohol, two characters.

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I want to visit you and the Dear Wifey for breakfast sometime. Someone cooks a nice breakfast. Yum.

There is just soooo much wrong with that picture. Almost like he is trying to hide under the table. And with his hat on. Is one not suppose to remove one's hat while dining? At least indoors. I know DS removes his, otherwise he hears from me. Well the look might hit him first though.
But not giving you children your full attention is just wrong. My two know I don't answer the phone while we eat. They ask who it is and my response is 'I don't know, we are eating. If it is important they will leave a message.' Not to mention I don't allow electronic devices at the table. DS has to put is away. I know I am a single parent but I could have easily have ignored them and spent my time on my phone. But my two mean more to me than anything on my phone. And they know that. There is a time and place for everything. And when kids are awake they should have your attention. Priorities.

My kids are a now young adults. Yes my son takes his hat off in most places. Some QS, well not so much, a sit down certainly. The phones are a generational thing and yep I want to smack that Dad in the photo. He just has that totally checked out look on his face like he should have been left back home. But I learned to pick my battles with cells and my kids long ago and not to rule and regulate. As they aged that actually created more friction. My Mom is pretty snarky about cells with my now adult kids and I want to just say let it go, they are here, if they look at their phone here and there-deal. As my kids aged I learned to pick my battles but I'm a pretty laid back Mom. In the grand spectrum of all the things raising kids-teens-college students the phone so wasn't the battle I was going to pick. When they opted to look at it wasn't really a big deal. They eventually figured it out on their own without needing to have too many 'rules' about it. I was a big believer in wiggle room and room for developmental growth.

@MinnieM123, @DisneyJeff, @Tony the Tigger ~ I truly hope phone daddy was doing necessary business. I'd like to give the guy the benefit of the doubt but there was also some additional behavior that tells me he wasn't....

@MinnieM123, @Gabe1 and @93boomer ~ thank you for the Minnie dress compliments.

@fractal thanks for following along. My pictures pale in comparison to yours!

@93boomer and @Tony the Tigger ~ We enjoy the treat of having someone else make the beds and clean the room, since we do those tasks at home. I am also a neat freak. Forgoing housekeeping is not a choice for us.

I just love that dress. And I'm right there with you, when I am on vacation I take a vacation from real life. We ate in our room once in 29 years of family at WDW. That was for the Grand Opening of AK to get to the park for rope drop and it was early. Donuts from the gift shop bought the night before. Now we went for long 2+ week vacations to WDW but we also didn't frequent as often as you and your family does. So envious.

 

[Scoppin]

My kids are a now young adults. Yes my son takes his hat off in most places. Some QS, well not so much, a sit down certainly. The phones are a generational thing and yep I want to smack that Dad in the photo. He just has that totally checked out look on his face like he should have been left back home. But I learned to pick my battles with cells and my kids long ago and not to rule and regulate. As they aged that actually created more friction. My Mom is pretty snarky about cells with my now adult kids and I want to just say let it go, they are here, if they look at their phone here and there-deal. As my kids aged I learned to pick my battles but I'm a pretty laid back Mom. In the grand spectrum of all the things raising kids-teens-college students the phone so wasn't the battle I was going to pick. When they opted to look at it wasn't really a big deal. They eventually figured it out on their own without needing to have too many 'rules' about it. I was a big believer in wiggle room and room for developmental growth.

Some may be correct in he may have been working or other issues. But the look and body language says different.

I agree you have to pick your battles. You can't always rule with an iron fist. I find the best way to set rules is to follow them yourself. Leading by example is always the best way. Not going to get any respect if you tell others, especially your kids, not to do something, and then turn around and do it yourself. I have also shared with my kids, who are much younger than yours, the history of phones. That cell phones have not been around that long and it really wasn't that long ago phones were only attached to the wall and without answering machines. If the call is truly important they would leave a message. Now this all being stated, I have glanced at my phone while at a dinner/meeting to see who is calling only to verify if it was family related. Otherwise, turn it back down. I also just leave the cell phone in the van when we go into church. Just no reason for it.

You are correct it is a different generation. But it is not only the kids. DS had mentioned to me his mother would talk and drive. I am glad to report he says she doesn't do that any more.

Many have been caught up in the now or needs to get done yesterday mentality. Sometimes you just need to breath, relax and slow down. It is good for the body and soul.

 

[Tuvalu]

I am biting my nails to find out if the monorail was still operational.

@Scoppin, your nails are likely all chewed off since I have not posted in several days....sorry.

Was the monorail operational?
The monorail was actually waiting for me....or so I thought....until I realized it was delayed due to a maintenance issue with another train ahead! I don't know how long it had been stopped at the GF, but the folks in my car seemed antsy so I am guessing it had been several minutes.

The driver announced he had been given the "all clear" and we were on our way. Black sky was all around but no rain, so perhaps I would not get wet after all?

Made it to Town Square!

Now into the Emporium to look for the red 45th Anniversary tees. There was still only one display in the entire Emporium with the specialty merchandise.

While I was happy to see a few new additions, nothing screamed "Buy Me!" My mind was fixated on the red tee, and I did not want to settle for something else.

 

[Tuvalu]

I did see this cool mini window model. It was located in the same area as the picture frames.

During my previous fall visits to the MK, the Fab Five have been part of the Emporium window displays. I was surprised they were missing this year. I happened to look up on top of a display (see, always look up!) while inside the store AND THERE THEY WERE!!!!

 

[Tuvalu]

Then I walked by a door and noticed that the rain had begun.

(Yes, @blgauger, the LIVE feature is so fun on this picture! Even more so on these next pics!)

And I heard a familiar quartet I needed to check out!

Thought of you and your DH as I watched and listened, @ajrwdwgirl .

 

[prfctlyximprct]

I the dapper dans fall outfits! I don't think I ever realized they changed their clothes for the season! So weird to see them inside! LOL

 

[Woodywrkr]

And for standing there holding her purse!

Nobody even gave me a second look...

 

[Woodywrkr]

My goal in life is to find a man who will hold my bag so I can watch the welcome show.

I wish the same for you!

 

[Woodywrkr]

Not just holding her purse, but actually going through security with it!!! I can see it now... "Excuse me sir, can you please open up your purse for inspection?"

I was savvy enough to already have it open.

 

[Tuvalu]

When the Dapper Dans concluded, I popped open my umbrella and ventured across the street. In the Arribas shop I found a lovely item that I had seen in one of @Doc Disney's many trip reports.

Remember the foreshadowing hint I dropped earlier? About liking coaches?

I HAD to buy this for my granddaughter. Yes, a totally impractical gift for a baby. Who, by the way, is LATE!! But this golden coach is waiting in her nursery. I'm thankful to have a daughter-in-law who also loves all things Disney and has scattered my Disney gifts around baby's room.

I browsed a little longer before leaving MK in the rain. The monorail was working (surprise!)

Is this an early start to Hurricane Matthew?

 

[Woodywrkr]

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!

In room dining? What is this you speak of?

 

[Tuvalu]

I the dapper dans fall outfits! I don't think I ever realized they changed their clothes for the season! So weird to see them inside! LOL

It is always fun to see the wardrobe changes. And the Dapper Dans never miss a scheduled performance, they'll just sing inside!

 

[Woodywrkr]

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!

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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....

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.....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!)
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Dinde sculpte pour Woody
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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
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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?

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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.

I can confirm that she didn't eat my sandwich or my cupcake!

 

[Woodywrkr]

Woody and I always enjoy a nice dinner out even when the service is less than stellar.

Any dinner with you is wonderful.

 

[blreinsel]

Ha! I clearly need a phone upgrade so that I can enjoy the LIVE feature as well. I'm in love with the coach! I definitely need one of those.

 

[Woodywrkr]

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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#BanDoubleStrollers

 

[Gabe1]

@Scoppin, your nails are likely all chewed off since I have not posted in several days....sorry.

Not posting for a few days...are you not suppose to be in WDW in a few days???

 

[Tuvalu]

Not posting for a few days...are you not suppose to be in WDW in a few days???

Yes. I seem to have this problem of finishing my current TR the day before I leave for my next trip!

 

[MinnieM123]

Yes. I seem to have this problem of finishing my current TR the day before I leave for my next trip!

I'd love to help you out here. Since you've been many times to WDW and have quite a few trip reports, why not go back and cut and paste from some previous posts, into a new thread about your "latest" trip. Then, just pop in a few related photos (I figure you have about 5,000 of those by this point), and voila! Quick and easy "new" Trip Report!!