Trip Report **Completed** It's My Birthday (and its a hot one...)!

Hey guys my computer isn't here yet but I really want to start my TR so I'm slowly uploading pictures hoping my computer can handle it So, it will be a slow start but here we go!!

Who?
Just my Mom and I (Mary and Megan)...as if you don't know us by now

When?
July 4- 14th!

Where?
The Polynesian

Why?
I'm off all summer and I always wanted to go to Disney for my Birthday so why not!

T-1 Day
I finished residency the Friday before leaving but this day was insane for me trying to get a bunch of training and applications done before I left. I was also trying to finish ALL our packing...since we are not light packers... These are just my two suitcases

Anyway we were finally all set to go and we were out for a quick walk before bed when my sister called me and told me Max (my nephew) was having trouble walking. Long story short she had to take him to the ER but it all turned out OK and it was just swelling in his knee from his recent ear infection. Luckily we knew all was OK by like 10:30 and could still get some rest!

Day 1 - July 4, 2017
We had a later flight (aka not 6 am) so we could sleep in a bit, but we were going to Disney so I still woke up at 6am I still didn't drag myself out of bed until 7 am though, don't worry
We got ready and took our usual "kidnapping" pictures

Soon enough it was 8 am and we were off to the airport !
Southwest in our airport had a new self check in thing so we tried it out. This gave my flash backs to when I flew out of Canada to Punta Cana and struggled with self check-in but this was much easier and it only took me a few minutes to figure out the luggage tags The whole thing, however, made my Mom very nervous so she was glad I was doing it
When we brought our luggage to the counter the worker was saying that we MUST be going to Disney World (based off the DME tags and the Minnie Mouse suitcases) and how he and his coworkers go to Disney several times a year too We were lucky to have TSA pre-check and the TSA worker was so sweet about our matching shirts and saying she loved them. Anyway, the whole experience was very pleasant and I looked at my phone when we were through and it was 8:27 am. Drove to airport, checked luggage, and went through security all in 27 minutes
We were pretty hungry so checked out the Anchor Bar's breakfast menu but we were not feeling it (and we are creatures of habit) so went to get our usual bagel breakfast

Petey was there of course

We enjoyed our bagels then headed to our gate to wait. It was a VERY slow airport day (probably since its a holiday) so it was kind of nice to relax in the quiet. Soon enough we were on the plane!
When I got up in the morning my Lambie (yes I have one) was on the floor by my carry on. I had no idea how she got there but it was like a sign that I had to bring her so I did

Magic Bands unite!

We were lucky enough to be seated in row 3 and there was a dog behind us which made it even better
Our flight was actually about 20 minutes longer than usual but we entertained ourselves with The Keepers from Netflix (love that you can download stuff to use offline) and we had a fantastic flight crew!
You all know what happens first at the airport (well besides the bathroom...)! The fonorail!!

Next up: down to DME!

 

[Doc Disney]

Day 8 continued
I tried so hard to take pictures of Frozen After After but all my pictures look like Olaf is in the process of melting so I will spare you
My Mom's face looks like this because we were really getting jostled around this time and it felt extra rough on our backs

After our ride we headed over towards our lunch spot

Does this give anyone a hint where lunch was?

You are correct if you guessed Via Napoli! Why Megan didn't you guys already eat there this trip? Yes, yes we did and I will not apologize for it! This reservation was made before we left for the trip and we weren't 100% sure we were going to keep it but we were hungry so we did. Are there other places we could try? Of course! But I will always reiterate I do not care for American style pizza (besides flat breads in Disney apparently) so VN is my jam because its literally just like pizza I had in Italy
Anyway, I wanted to try something new again so we split our pizza pepperoni and piccante (Italian sausage)

The piccante was good, but I still preferred the pepperoni Something about those little pepperonis really make me enjoy them
Oh hey, I finally got a Birthday song and a treat! Considering I was complaining about not getting it all week I was pretty mortified when it actually happened

After our lunch we headed over to the henna in Morocco since it was finally open. I flipped through the book and decided I really didn't want to spend that much money on small henna designs so I decided against it. I feel like my Mom was going to kill me since I dragged her over there three times only to decide I didn't want it
My Mom had her sights set on a treat so we backtracked
Sea Salt Caramel from Germany

There was a random PP CM over in Germany so we hopped in his line

Next up: afternoon break

 

[Minnie1986]

I probably would have too had it not been quite as long of a trip/had the button not annoyed me You will love spending your Birthday in Disney *if you haven't done so before!

I haven't and I am ridiculously excited!

 

[DisneyJeff]

You are correct if you guessed Via Napoli! Why Megan didn't you guys already eat there this trip? Yes, yes we did and I will not apologize for it!

I guessed correctly!!! And no need to apologize. It's great to find a place you like that rarely disappoints.

 

[sheriffwoody]

You prompted me to get some frogg toggs for our trip. I had been thinking about it, but I figured it was now or never! ha.

I'm nervous about eating in Italy now! I don't like the pizza at Via Napoli, so I guess I won't like it on my Italy trip either . Guess I'll stick with pasta.

Also, this is a little off-topic, but didn't you and @Tuvalu say one time that you DON'T recommend taking the boat from WL to MK? Is the boat good for getting back at least? I hate to not use it at all

 

[Tuvalu]

Also, this is a little off-topic, but didn't you and @Tuvalu say one time that you DON'T recommend taking the boat from WL to MK? Is the boat good for getting back at least? I hate to not use it at all

The bus is faster than the boat which is why we prefer it in the morning when we are in a hurry to get to MK. The boat ride back to WL is a nice treat.

 

[Songbird76]

I'm nervous about eating in Italy now! I don't like the pizza at Via Napoli, so I guess I won't like it on my Italy trip either . Guess I'll stick with pasta.

If you want to rethink your Italy trip, I'd be happy to go in your place! That's #1 on my travel bucket list, but I have to wait until my kids are older or go without them. I don't want to be dragging my son through museums and castles because he'd be bored out of his gourd and whine the whole time. DD would be ok, but it will be a few years for DS yet. But oh how I envy you if you are going to Italy soon. Please tell me there will be a trip report with pictures!!
ps. sorry for derailing this thread.

 

[DryerLintFan]

You prompted me to get some frogg toggs for our trip. I had been thinking about it, but I figured it was now or never! ha.

I'm nervous about eating in Italy now! I don't like the pizza at Via Napoli, so I guess I won't like it on my Italy trip either . Guess I'll stick with pasta.

Also, this is a little off-topic, but didn't you and @Tuvalu say one time that you DON'T recommend taking the boat from WL to MK? Is the boat good for getting back at least? I hate to not use it at all

OMG there is so much good food in Italy. And wine. So much good wine. If you don't come back 5-10 pounds heavier I'd be super surprised!!

 

[LisaBelle]

So excited to see that you were able to meet up with @samantha788!
I am of course drooling over your strip steak from Mama Melrose. My daughter and I were discussing favorite meals ever and my meal at Mama Melrose was in the top 3 !

 

[blreinsel]

I'm starting to love Donald more and more.. he's SO cute!

I love the Darth Vader cupcake.. need to get me one of those soon. I find it strange that they haven't removed the Starring Rolls tables, particularly because the umbrellas still say "Starring Rolls." Lol. It's a perfect place to sit, but seems out of character for Disney to not remove all traces of the place once it closed.

I WILL try Trader Sam's one of these days.. it looks like so much fun!

Your Mama Melrose and Via Napoli meals They're both definitely on my list!

Okay.. all caught up now.

 

[Doc Disney]

I guessed correctly!!! And no need to apologize. It's great to find a place you like that rarely disappoints.

I agree !

 

[Doc Disney]

You prompted me to get some frogg toggs for our trip. I had been thinking about it, but I figured it was now or never! ha.

I'm nervous about eating in Italy now! I don't like the pizza at Via Napoli, so I guess I won't like it on my Italy trip either . Guess I'll stick with pasta.

Also, this is a little off-topic, but didn't you and @Tuvalu say one time that you DON'T recommend taking the boat from WL to MK? Is the boat good for getting back at least? I hate to not use it at all

Woohoo I love Frogg Toggs They are weirdly stiff when they are dry so don't be alarmed I always try and fold it while its still semi-wet so you aren't stuck with a giant thing
Oh no the food in Italy is amazing! You will love everything! I was in Italy like 10 years ago but I distinctly remember everything. The pizza is similar to VN but better so I think you will like it
Like @Tuvalu said take bus to MK and boat home for a nice relaxing trip Much easier that way!

 

[Doc Disney]

If you want to rethink your Italy trip, I'd be happy to go in your place! That's #1 on my travel bucket list, but I have to wait until my kids are older or go without them. I don't want to be dragging my son through museums and castles because he'd be bored out of his gourd and whine the whole time. DD would be ok, but it will be a few years for DS yet. But oh how I envy you if you are going to Italy soon. Please tell me there will be a trip report with pictures!!
ps. sorry for derailing this thread.

OMG there is so much good food in Italy. And wine. So much good wine. If you don't come back 5-10 pounds heavier I'd be super surprised!!

I need to go back to Italy so I can try the wine I was there when I was 18 so couldn't drink I mean I could have legally in Italy but I was on a school trip so that was a no go Even at 18 I wasn't super thrilled with the museums. I wish I could go back in time and appreciate it more...but I was just thrilled to be with my friends wandering around random places. I got yelled at in Venice for dancing around in a museum Art History minor in college made me appreciate art more and (probably) would stop me from dancing around

 

[Doc Disney]

I'm starting to love Donald more and more.. he's SO cute!

I love the Darth Vader cupcake.. need to get me one of those soon. I find it strange that they haven't removed the Starring Rolls tables, particularly because the umbrellas still say "Starring Rolls." Lol. It's a perfect place to sit, but seems out of character for Disney to not remove all traces of the place once it closed.

I WILL try Trader Sam's one of these days.. it looks like so much fun!

Your Mama Melrose and Via Napoli meals They're both definitely on my list!

Okay.. all caught up now.

Me too! I used to be annoyed by Donald but now I think he's so cute! I agree its so odd that the umbrellas still say it. There were like at least 10 people who tried to open the doors when we were sitting there
You have to try Trader Sam's its so much fun!
You also have to try both restaurants for sure The nice thing is you have plenty of time to do so

 

[Doc Disney]

Day 8 continued
I found this (albeit blurry) picture my Mom took of them singing to me at VN...I look so thrilled

We headed out of Epcot and I felt extra lazy from the heat so made my Mom take the monorail to the Polynesian from the TTC
I wrote down that my Mom had a cupcake and I had a creamsicle so apparently we got two desserts back to back this day . OMG I just remembered that when I was getting my creamsicle the CM told me I had a phone call and put me on this phone with Goofy who sang me a Happy Birthday song . It was cute...but kind of weird
Anyway, back in the room we were getting dressed for the pool when the maid knocked on our door so we scurried around to get ready for the pool and head out so she could come in. She was very sweet to give us a few minutes!
We could not find a chair at the pool. Its semi annoying when there are just towels on the chair and you can't tell if people just left them there. I actually found one chair and some lady legit rushed in front of me to grab it before me . It was so rude!! Eventually I found one chair and we threw our stuff on there and then the CMs started cleaning up the towels off chairs when nothing else on them so we got two

LOL worst selfie attempt ever

We watched the games as usual and at some point they played a game with the giant beach ball and all the parents were SUPER into it . They were all trying to break 50 touches in the air and I think they made it!
At some point we decided to grab a drink at the pool bar
My Mom got the Lava Flow

And I got the Bloody Mele. This was SO spicy! I love Bloody Mary's and I like them spicy but this was a whole new level of spice

Whats a trip without sending a picture to my co-workers while they are suffering through a long day

Next up: more randomness

 

[Doc Disney]

Day 8 continued
I didn't write it down but I think it was this day that we saw a whole bunch of crows stealing goldfish crackers from someone's chair. It was a little funny....especially when the oblivious owners of the crackers picked them up and ate them right after .
Eventually the sky started to look like this so as per usual we got kicked out of the pool for lightening

We took a small break in our room before getting ready and heading back to the MK. We had a very long monorail ride there because I think they were moving a train off the track. The people in the car behind us were being so obnoxious. They were clearly drunk and were letting their kids hit everyone with their light sabers and wands . They were also so mad the monorail was taking so long because they had a FP to get to. I almost told them about the 15 minute buffer but I was getting so annoyed with them I shut my mouth. That was pretty mean of me I guess
It was so weird with the lightening again because it never actually rained so we were able to navigate MK in the sunshine

I love this picture

I made a FP for HM so we headed there !

More PP pictures

My Mom and I call picking up rolling FPs the FP game so I played the game and picked up some for the Mad Tea Party. As we were in the teacup line it started pouring! Our luck with no rain was finally running out...but it was still very sunny so it was odd!

Since it was pouring and we were stubborn about using our ponchos I looked around at what was close and picked up a FP for Winnie the Pooh

At this point it was really raining but we shuffled our way to our next FP - IASW!

Next up: more MK

 

[Doc Disney]

Day 8 continued
The sky did eventually match what the weather was doing

After IASW I picked up a 5th rolling FP for Peter Pan! PETER PAN!! Thats insane to me that I got one for like 20 minutes from when I picked it up. While we waited for our window to open we stood under the awning of ISAW and played Heads Up
I was a little nervous while in line for PP that we would be late for our dinner reservation because its definitely a slow pass line but we made good timing

While we were at the pool earlier I was looking up dining reservations and we hemmed and hawed over what to pick but we both decided we wanted to try something new. We were more inclined to do table service meals this trip because it was always nice to sit for awhile and get a break from the heat Anyway, it was a reservation we originally had on the 4th of July but canceled when we got California Grill and it was a place I was trying to get my family to go to for several years....Liberty Tree Tavern!
What an authentic stroller

I couldn't resist a light fixture picture...

I love how they call you to the table by saying where you are from!
We were seated at a nice big table (I hate tables for two sometimes) in the corner...it was very nice!

First up was salad!

Next up: more LTT

 

[12in12]

We went from delicious cupcake pictures to salads?
Not fake news, I hate salad.

 

[sheriffwoody]

If you want to rethink your Italy trip, I'd be happy to go in your place! That's #1 on my travel bucket list, but I have to wait until my kids are older or go without them. I don't want to be dragging my son through museums and castles because he'd be bored out of his gourd and whine the whole time. DD would be ok, but it will be a few years for DS yet. But oh how I envy you if you are going to Italy soon. Please tell me there will be a trip report with pictures!!
ps. sorry for derailing this thread.

I am going mainly for work! I work at a college, and I'm tagging along with an MBA group and documenting their study tour in Rome. Couldn't talk them into paying for it though . We'll pretty much just be in Rome and Treviso, but I should have plenty of time to explore on my own I can do a trip report in the chit chat section when I get back! It'll be at the end of next month.

 

[12in12]

I lived in Italy for 18 months and miss the cheap and wonderful pizza and coffee.

 

[kaitertot5249]

What an authentic stroller

This made me spit my water all over my keyboard at work So much for discretely reading trip reports while I'm supposed to be working