Trip Report Food and Rain Festival, Polynesian, 5th Anniversary!

Thanks to fall break, I got my photos edited and uploaded already. Yay!

Cast: Me and my husband, R
Where: Polynesian DVC villa (rental)
When: Oct 4-10
Why: 5th wedding anniversary

When we were planning this trip, I was unable to find any decent rates for our flight down on the 5th. I ended up finding a late Delta flight on the 4th that would get us there after midnight. It was around $70 as opposed to the ~$250 Southwest flights I was finding. I figured I wouldn't be able to add a night at the Poly, and frankly, I wouldn't want to pay that much for a room we didn't need until the wee hours of the morning. So I booked a room at All-Star Sports with some Disney rewards points. Score!

Ok now on to the trip. I left work a couple of hours early, took Chipper to his sitter's house and got home to get all the bags ready. R got home a little earlier than planned, and we were able to leave the house a little before 4pm.

We got to the Memphis airport in great time. I don't have TSA pre-check, and they sent me through a line where they were training someone. It. took. forever. I already get super anxious during the security check, and additional waiting makes it worse. Once I'm through and I KNOW I'm at my gate, I'm fine. But enough about my issues...

We had a plane change in Atlanta. Not a long layover. They were already starting to board when we got there. Atlanta had this cool art installation that reminded me of Pandora.



We got to Orlando before 12:30 and headed to claim our bag. It was weird seeing MCO completely empty.




Our bag came out almost immediately, so we grabbed it and made our way to the busses. We were headed to All-Star Sports at about ten till 1. Me = sleepy and cranky. Slanky? (not creepy...). Unfortunately it hit me that we never got a room text, which meant we'd have to stop at the desk. ARGH.

We were the 3rd drop off and got off the bus at 1:40. There was only one person at the desk, and the two people in front of us seemed to be taking forever. It was about 15 minutes before a second person finally came out and we got our room number in less than a minute. Would have been nice to have just GOTTEN A TEXT. I guess maybe when I did online checkin I put that we'd be there late? I don't understand why that would make them not text us though.

Whatever. We got to sleep about 2:15am and I was OUT.

Sorry this is so text heavy. One more story, then I promise I'll do more pictures.

At 6am the freaking in-room alarm goes off. I turned it off (I thought)
At 6:10am the freaking in-room alarm goes off . I unplugged it
At 6:20am the freaking in-room alarm goes off . I briefly considered throwing it off the balcony, but R took it from me and started trying to figure it out. You needed a screwdriver to get to the batteries, but he figured out how to actually turn it off. Thankfully that worked.

We fell back asleep and didn't get up until 9. After we were up and moving, I took some pictures. Apologies for the slept-in beds (we sleep in a king bed at home, so in these doubles, we split up...no shame)



Donald I liked the room instantly because of this.



I thought the headboards were cool.






Honestly, I liked this room better than our Pop room last spring! I would totally stay here again. I think I'd request being closer to the main building. We were about as far as you could get in the baseball section. It didn't matter for us, but for a longer stay it would.

I headed out to get coffee and look for a rain jacket for R (we forgot to get one for him before). Sorry all iphone pictures...I forgot my camera. *Edited to add - after reviewing this post, I realize I took the room pictures AFTER getting coffee. Oops. Bad note taking.





It was raining steadily. It was a light rain, but heavy enough that I needed my jacket on with the hood up.

No luck with the jacket. I headed back to the room with only my $3 coffee.

We finished getting ready, packed back up and called at Lyft at 10. Jose took us over to the Poly. We had a great conversation! Unfortunately, this was the most expensive Lyft I've had, and it wasn't even that long. Ugh. No idea why there was surge pricing at 10am on a Friday. Whatever.

We walked into the Poly at about 10:30 and our room text came in! I couldn't believe it!




I love this lobby so much and it smells soooooooo good What I wouldn't give to smell it right now.

We were in Moorea, so we headed there. I knew it would be on the far end, so we headed that way and when we ran across a map, we charted our course.

 

[sheriffwoody]

Trying to refrain from posting the usual... I love your pictures, but good gosh girl!!! Even in the rain you make disney world seem better than my imagination!!!

Haha well good! Glad I can capture the magic for you

Loving the report so far, so you had such a rainy first day.

Yep, very rainy! That was the worst of it, thankfully, but it was definitely a theme of this trip.

Although 7 Dwarfs is my least favorite coaster, one thing I do appreciate about it is the sideways, "rocking" motion of the cars during a part of the ride. Your photo (which I copied below) gives a good view of this unique and fun feature.

I enjoy that too! It makes it more smooth, but also more run in the slow parts since you can rock the car yourself

I thought All Stars was a "value" resort. ($3.00 for coffee there?! )

haha yep...I am totally a cheapskate when it comes to coffee, unless it's like REALLY good coffee. Where I work, there are two coffee places with actually very good coffee, but if you take your own mug they fill it for $1. That's the route I always go!

Em told me the secret to the Space Mountain camera location but I am embarrassed to admit I still forget it!

The "handwich" (in several different varieties) was a regular menu item at one of the Sunshine Seasons booths back in the 90s. It's funny how everything old is new again!

I'm going to need her to share that with me! @TrolleyFollower91...what's the secret?! I feel like it shouldn't be that hard, but I just cannot get it right. I'd be interested to try other versions of that handwich. Maybe they'll bring it back permanently! They have them in California, right? I feel like I've seen people post about them.

Mmmm...such a yummy start!

Thanks for joining in! More yumminess to come

 

[DisneyMorgan]

I really need to get better at commenting on reports (i'm the WORST!)

Isn't Memphis airport weird with security? I've been in the shortest line there and it has taken forever!! And I think one time the line was long but I'm pretty sure it went fast. Weird! And it's never busy there, like ever. Which surprises me because this past August we parked our car in the garage there, and it took like 20 minutes to find a spot! SOO many cars! I told my husband "how are there so many cars in here???? This airport is NEVER busy!!). Ok i'll end my airport rant now

We stayed at Sports in August (eek, I still need to write that report), and we loved it! We liked it so much more than Pop also. We were ground floor in the hoops section, and thought it was a great spot!

Ahhhhh the Polynesian. I want to stay there so bad! Sorry you had a lot of rain, but it looks like you made the best of it! A rainy day at Disney is better than a day at home!

Sorry about your alumni Our news stations covered the funeral since you aren't far from us. I'm glad your family is ok though!

 

[sheriffwoody]

We got over to where Trader Sam's was. I opened the door, but then questioned myself, and closed it again real quick. Then I went outside thinking maybe the main entrance was out there. I finally figured out that the original door was the right one. I guess that's part of the theming...haha. Anyway, there were plenty of seats, so we grabbed a table pretty close to the door.

Adam came over and got our order, and while we waited we enjoyed just looking around and enjoying the antics. Adam was fantastic! He was super in character and so funny. The rest of the team was great too, but Adam was definitely a stand-out.




I'll be honest, the drinks were not that tasty to me, but the atmosphere and performance around the drinks made me enjoy them. With our Nautilus, we got some tacos. They were yummy! We weren't even hungry, but I wanted to try some of the food while we were there.



Spoiler if you don't want to see the inside

Spoiler: Inside Trader Sam's

Adam bringing out someone's Nautilus. *glub glub glub glub* He was so funny.

We decided to try something else since we had nothing else to do.



Shrunken Zombie Head is what this is called (i think). I couldn't tell much difference. They both just tasted really strong



Pot stickers. These were a hit too!

We called it a night after that and headed back. We didn't get the souvenir cup for either of the drinks because the price of the stuff we got was already super high, plus we didn't have a ton of room in our suitcases. I wouldn't go here every trip because it's pricy, but it'll definitely be a repeat at some point. We enjoyed it a lot!

We got back to the room at about 8:30 and just watched some tv and relaxed. I stayed up and watched Hallowishes from the balcony. I got the music synced to a youtube video around Ursula's part. It took me that long to get it right Thanks for the tip, @Tuvalu!

I didn't take pictures because my camera fogged up immediately, and I just gave up.

After that, I got some sleep, ready for the next day!

Up next: Hollywood Studios

 

[sheriffwoody]

I really need to get better at commenting on reports (i'm the WORST!)

Isn't Memphis airport weird with security? I've been in the shortest line there and it has taken forever!! And I think one time the line was long but I'm pretty sure it went fast. Weird! And it's never busy there, like ever. Which surprises me because this past August we parked our car in the garage there, and it took like 20 minutes to find a spot! SOO many cars! I told my husband "how are there so many cars in here???? This airport is NEVER busy!!). Ok i'll end my airport rant now

We stayed at Sports in August (eek, I still need to write that report), and we loved it! We liked it so much more than Pop also. We were ground floor in the hoops section, and thought it was a great spot!

The memphis airport is SO WEIRD. I do feel like security is slow if there's anyone ahead of you, but half the time there's no one in line, and I breeze through. The training thing was so frustrating though. They were looking at every bag for around 3-5 minutes...snail's pace!! I never thought about there being so many cars, but you're totally right! We always have trouble finding spots until like level 6.

I'd definitely stay at Sports again! Poly was so amazing...I wish we could justify staying there every time. We try to mix in some value or moderates or deluxes with great deals when we can.

 

[sheriffwoody]

I don't have a lot of time before I have to go photograph a wedding, but here's one more update before I go!

I woke up at 7:15 (this was a theme this trip. Every day I woke up at 7:15/30 with no alarm) and piddled around. I made coffee in the room, and unfortunately there was only one package of coffee, and DVC rooms don't get serviced until day 4, so this was my only in-room coffee for a while. I read on the patio with my coffee and enjoyed the view.

R got up around 8 and we got ready. We headed to the bus stop at 8:45 and got right on the bus. There was a bus there, but quite a few people and 3 ECVs. Thankfully another bus pulled up right behind it, so those of us without ECVs went on that bus, and it filled up. So far so good with buses at the Poly! Though it did seem like the other people at the stop had been waiting a while. Nearly everyone there got on for Hollywood.



When we got there, we headed toward Rock N Roller Coaster since we didn't have a FP. I traded a pin on the board they put out in the morning on Hollywood Blvd.

In the queue, R's name showed up! You can see what his name actually is . The main reason I don't type it here is because I don't want these to come up on google searches of our names. I just like this to be for fellow Disnerds



The posted wait was 10 minutes, but it was actually a 30 minute wait. No worries for us because our first FP would be open when we got out. I guess it takes a while for them to get the wait times accurate in the morning.



We hopped over to our first FP next. The posted wait was 30 min for this, but there was NO ONE in line. In FP or standby. So weird.



My hair was flying everywhere I was trying to hold it back out of my face. Note to self, pull it back on Tower of Terror!

Ok, I'm out of time. More tomorrow!

 

[Doc Disney]

I don't like the Sea Marine as much.

I liked the old version but am OBSESSED with the Sea Marine...every time we get to the resort I'm always sniffing the soaps

I love the cartoon quality of the theme this year!

...I also differ here...I hated it

I'll be honest, the drinks were not that tasty to me, but the atmosphere and performance around the drinks made me enjoy them.

The drinks are SO strong there! We couldn't finish the nautilus with three of us! I am not sure how people finish their drinks!

 

[LadyBelle]

Two questions:

(1) What exactly is in the stuffed grape leaves? It is feta cheese?

(2) How in the HECK did you get $70 tickets from Delta? Or did I read that wrong?

 

[Matt and Kelly]

Wow, all the food looks amazing! And of your pictures too! We have yet to go to Trader Sams but looks like a lot of fun.

 

[becca_]

I love your faces in the RnRC ride photo

Also - I love love love all these photos! You are an amazing photographer!!

 

[blreinsel]

Oh how I've missed your pictures. I envy you and your artistic eye! Loving your report so far and looking forward to more! Sad that Dylan and I won't make an appearance as planned.

JANUARY!

 

[Big Hair]

Following along and taking notes, 9 days and a wake up until 7 days of Magic.

 

[ajrwdwgirl]

Great report so far, especially the Food and Wine pictures/reviews of the dishes! I only have 27 days until my trip so your pictures are helping to make me more excited for it.

 

[TrolleyFollower91]

I'm going to need her to share that with me! @TrolleyFollower91...what's the secret?!

Hmmmm...should I share? Or continue laughing at everyone getting it wrong?

The track side you are on is important...

 

[TheMouseFan]

Yay! Can't wait to hear more about your trip! Soooo jealous that you stayed at the Poly! I really need to look into renting points so we can afford it! The rainy pictures are bringing back memories from our trip!!

 

[sheriffwoody]

Two questions:

(1) What exactly is in the stuffed grape leaves? It is feta cheese?

(2) How in the HECK did you get $70 tickets from Delta? Or did I read that wrong?

I had to look it up because I couldn't remember It's mainly rice, and some spices...then there's the dill sauce. Very good!

Also looked this up...It was actually $116 with all the fees and stuff. The base was $93. I was confusing it with the Southwest fare I got in August. But $93 isn't terrible! Way better than anything else I could find. The late night travel was a bit tiring, but it was fine.

Wow, all the food looks amazing! And of your pictures too! We have yet to go to Trader Sams but looks like a lot of fun.

It's so fun!! We had a blast. Thanks for following along.

I love your faces in the RnRC ride photo

Also - I love love love all these photos! You are an amazing photographer!!

Hahaha thanks!! Thank you for following along.

Oh how I've missed your pictures. I envy you and your artistic eye! Loving your report so far and looking forward to more! Sad that Dylan and I won't make an appearance as planned.

JANUARY!

Aww you're too sweet! I'm sad we couldn't make it work too. Stupid rain

Following along and taking notes, 9 days and a wake up until 7 days of Magic.

Ahhh so close!!! Thanks for following.

Great report so far, especially the Food and Wine pictures/reviews of the dishes! I only have 27 days until my trip so your pictures are helping to make me more excited for it.

Thank you!! Glad you're following along. Your trip will be here so soon!

Hmmmm...should I share? Or continue laughing at everyone getting it wrong?

The track side you are on is important...

Do you look to the same side? I'm trying to remember which side we were on when I looked to the right

Yay! Can't wait to hear more about your trip! Soooo jealous that you stayed at the Poly! I really need to look into renting points so we can afford it! The rainy pictures are bringing back memories from our trip!!

Thanks for following along! Renting DVC points is a GREAT way to stay at the poly for less. It might be a tight squeeze with 5 of you, but I think you can do it. Unless you and your husband went without the kids someday It is a beautiful resort! Also, yes, the rain totally reminded me of your trip I guess it's been a rainy year.

 

[sheriffwoody]

I was a little hungry after Rock N Roller Coaster, and even though I knew we were going to be eating later, I went ahead and got a pretzel. I went to the stand close to that fountain on Hollywood Blvd. They had the BB8 souvenir cups, and I decided to get that too. I'm a sucker! I have actually been using it at home though



We took the pretzel over to a bench nearby in front of Min & Bill's. It was off the main path, so it was quiet. Honest review of the pretzel: it was awful . It tasted like it was made the day before. Ugh. I ate it anyway because I was hungry, but I was so disappointed. And the cheese they give you is SOOOOO salty! That might be my last Mickey pretzel.



We checked out poor little exposed Gertie. We just took a little stroll around the park...or what's left of it for now. It wasn't a very long walk

We walked over to Launch Bay because R claimed he remembered there being a huge Star Wars store... he wasn't thinking of Launch Bay apparently. Wasn't there a big store back behind the Star Wars area that is gone now? I can see it in my head, but I can't remember where it was.

We headed over to Toy Story for our FP.



With Woody! I love the construction walls up here.



Making fun of me tilting my head trying to find a flattering angle.




Waited about 10 minutes in this line. I don't know why the FP line always gets backed up here.



As usual, I lost.

Well, what now? DUH...Epcot!!

On the way out, we popped in the little antiques store, and I traded a pin. We also got some buttons for our anniversary. I wore mine part of the day, but R won't wear one. He wears kind of thin polos to the parks, so they don't hold the buttons up very well.

Up next: FOOOOD

 

[sheriffwoody]

Our walk to Epcot was hot. hot. hot. WHY?! Why is it so hot in October I swear is hasn't been this hot in the past. R says it always is...I was just being a baby. I also just got so tired. We had to stop just past the Beach Club and sit on a bench Very uncharacteristic of me.



From my instagram. I forgot to save it without the words.

I wanted a yummy beverage, and since France was right there...

• La Passion Martini Slush: Vodka, Grey Goose Le Citron, Cranberry and Passion Fruit Juice – $10.75

This was very good, but I would not pay that much for it again. My goodness! I guess Grey Goose is kind of expensive.

I had never gotten anything in Les Halles, so I popped in there. Unfortunately it was quite busy. I had to climb over a scooter to get to the girl who was helping me . I chose a macaron. It was SOOOOO good! Totally worth the chaos in there.



We continued on around and stopped at the Brazil booth.

• Escondidinho de Carne – “Little Hidden One”: Layered Meat Pie with Mashed Yucca (GF) – $5.00

We've gotten this before, and we liked it just as much this year. Very yummy! We stopped at Belgium next. We've had the waffles before, so we got something different this time. I don't remember seeing this on the menu before.

• Beer-braised Beef served with Smoked Gouda Mashed Potatoes – $5.00

Next we stopped at Morocco for one of my favorites

• Spicy Hummus Fries with Cucumber, Tomato, Onions and Tzatziki Sauce – $5.00

I'd heard the portion was way smaller on these this year, but if it is, I didn't notice. They were just as yummy as ever!! Gahhhh....I want some right now. We kept on going and stopped in the Japan store. We walked around and didn't find anything to buy this time. We came back out and got some food at the booth.

• Wasabi Shumai Steamed Pork Dumplings – $6.95
• Salmon BLT Sushi Roll – $7.95

Dumplings = great. Sushi = not so much. The sushi was SO WEIRD. What is it about Japan booths and doing weird sushi?! Just give me some delicious, ordinary sushi. I don't need it to be novelty. At least the dumplings were super good.

At this point, I was like BEAT. I mean, I'm never this bad. I felt like I'd been going all day, and it was early afternoon. The walk to Epcot and the heat really got me. Since we were ready to take a break in the room, and I was kind of full, we decided to just take a boat across the lagoon. I think this might have been my first time doing that. I got a seat on the back, and we just barely made it on before the captain took off.

It was cool seeing stuff from inside the lagoon.





On our walk back to the front, I noticed some people looking in the water. Turns out, there was a large fish in there. It was HUGE!



Before we left, we decided to check out the festival center and get our AP buttons (lamest free gift ever)




Took a picture on the way out in my Makings of a Dreamer ears. Love them!

 

[TrolleyFollower91]

Do you look to the same side? I'm trying to remember which side we were on when I looked to the right

Whatever track you are on is the direction you look.

 

[fractal]

following - love the pics and all the food descriptions!

 

[12in12]

You look super cute in your ears!