Trip Report Go With The Flow...It's Spring Break, You Know! *COMPLETED*

Attention all planners (you know who you are!) ~ it is actually possible to have an excellent WDW vacation without following a pre-determined day-by-day (or minute-by-minute for you micro-planners) schedule. Even when it means missing the MK Welcome Show three times (*sigh*) or Wishes (gasp!) Even when you get stuck on a monorail for an hour and fifteen minutes. Or have to wait 40 minutes in the Main Street Starbucks and you aren't getting coffee (or even a snack).

Did you know it is possible to score a same-day ADR for dinner at Garden Grill (at a decent dinner hour)? Or snag a pre-park opening breakfast at Crystal Palace the night before? I wouldn't either, had we stuck to my plan.

Now some advance planning is always necessary, especially during the busy Spring Break period. And we are spring break veterans (having survived Easter week a few times!) so we know what to expect. That's why it was especially hard for me, the planner, to give up/adjust some of our plans and Go With The Flow! (channeling my inner Crush, can you tell?)

Now the details:
April 3-9, 2016
Disney's Polynesian Village Resort

Cast:
Tuvalu and @TrolleyFollower91 (known as Em)

and our beloved Woody! He makes it possible for our Disney dreams to come true .

Goofy is his favorite!

Join us on a fun-filled week of surprises. Did we get to stay in a bungalow? Stay tuned.

 

[Tuvalu]

One thing missing from our room was our luggage...it had not "magically appeared" despite our use of the yellow tags. Woody called Bell Services to inquire and to ask if our carry-ons (which we had dropped off upon our arrival) could be delivered to our room. He was informed that:

1) Bell Services does not handle DME luggage
2) They were "too busy" to deliver our carry-ons now
3) Guest use of the gold luggage racks is not allowed (not sure why she felt compelled to add that)

Well, OK then!

So rather than be annoyed that we did not have our "stuff" yet, we decided to take advantage of one of the nice perks of staying club level...evening appetizers and libations . Held from 5-7 pm each day, offerings include a hot appetizer, cut veggies with dip, cheese & crackers, hummus & pita, fruit and Uncrustables or mini corn dogs for kids. Beer and wine are available as is a signature sangria, Ku U Lei. It is a sweet blend of wines and tropical juices that I just *might* be addicted to.

Oh, and for you POG juice lovers (aka "Jungle Juice" and "Stitch Juice") it's all-you-can-drink from noon to 10 pm...just not at breakfast. However, savvy planners learn to fill a paper cup (with lid) with this "nectar of the gods" (as Em calls it) and store it overnight in the room fridge. TA-DA ~ breakfast juice!

The club lounge:

The view from the lounge is only partially obstructed by the bungalows. Though it is hard to tell in this picture, it has a good view of Cinderella Castle and Wishes. The Wishes soundtrack is piped into the lounge so you get the full experience .

Ku U Lei

The wings are *almost* as good as 'Ohana's. Oh and I forgot to mention the caramel dipping sauce for the fresh pineapple chunks...a "nod" to the original dessert served at 'Ohana (before the bread pudding.)

 

[Tuvalu]

After our hors d'oeuvres (let's face it, that's what they are meant to be...not a meal, as some might believe), Woody suggested we just walk over to Bell Services and get our carry-ons. There were several gold luggage racks there, so clearly guests are obeying the rule .

The three of us were growing weary after our day of travel and park touring. None of us felt like a big dinner, but we knew we'd need something to tide us over until morning. We stopped in Capt. Cooks for a pork sandwich with Poly chips (Woody and I shared) and a kids chicken skewer for Em. Here's where we were cheated for the second time today...the menu listed the skewer at $6.99, but our receipt reflected a charge of $7.49. What's up with these "secret" 50 cent increases, Disney??!!! I let this one go as well, but was determined to complain if if happened again.

We had a delightful alfresco dinner on our balcony. DME had still not delivered our suitcases (going on 8 hours now!) so I asked the club concierge for assistance. A couple of phone calls and we had our bags within a half hour. Then it was time for evening desserts and cordials, held in the lounge nightly from 8-10 pm.

(You can blame Em for being a slacker, as we have NO photos of any of the desserts from our 6 night stay! )

Desserts are all bite-size and include whoopee pies, cheesecake, peanut butter mousse, key lime pie and brownies. Full size chocolate chip and oatmeal raisin cookies are also available. The same alcoholic options are out, with the addition of a few cordials. I *may* have had a Ku U Lei for a nightcap.

Then the unbelievable happened. We went to bed. No <gasp!> Wishes!! Exhaustion had won.

Goodnight, pool!

 

[TrolleyFollower91]

(You can blame Em for being a slacker, as we have NO photos of any of the desserts from our 6 night stay! )

Had I known you were going to call me out for it, I would have!

However, savvy planners learn to fill a paper cup (with lid) with this "nectar of the gods" (as Em calls it) and store it overnight in the room fridge. TA-DA ~ breakfast juice!

I believe it was the "sweet nectar of the gods" (accuracy police).

And sometimes if your fridge didn't work, you had a POG breakfast slushie! If only we had a microwave...

 

[MinnieM123]

Here's where we were cheated for the second time today...the menu listed the skewer at $6.99, but our receipt reflected a charge of $7.49. What's up with these "secret" 50 cent increases, Disney??!!! I let this one go as well, but was determined to complain if if happened again

That is really disturbing. (I doubt it was tax or service charge, etc.) If the amount stated on the menu is $6.99, then something fishy is going on there, when they hit you with an extra 50 cents??!! It's the principle of the point here. If it was me, (and if I saved my receipt), I might call the food and beverage manager at the Poly, and request an explanation. I think you're entitled to that at the very least.

 

[Tuvalu]

That is really disturbing. (I doubt it was tax or service charge, etc.) If the amount stated on the menu is $6.99, then something fishy is going on there, when they hit you with an extra 50 cents??!! It's the principle of the point here. If it was me, (and if I saved my receipt), I might call the food and beverage manager at the Poly, and request an explanation. I think you're entitled to that at the very least.

Agree, it is the principle as we would still have ordered the same items. Thankfully, it did not happen again.

 

[Tuvalu]

Monday, April 4
Another gorgeous day ~ #2 of sun, a cool breeze and no humidity!

We began our morning with breakfast in the lounge. Offerings include cold cereals, fruit, mini pastries, hard boiled eggs and yogurt. Usually, the only hot option is a pot of oatmeal (if only there were Mickey waffles!!) "Real" cooked oatmeal is a treat for me and I look forward to having it on vacation; I was disappointed to see instant oatmeal packets and a couple of maple-flavored microwaveable cups.

Astute readers will remember we DID NOT have a microwave...nor was there a microwave in the lounge. The Nescafé dispenser had hot water, but not hot enough to cook the oats (I tried...and then threw the inedible concoction in the trash.) A cast member who had seen me take an oatmeal packet asked me if I enjoyed my oatmeal. I replied "no" and explained to her the challenge of cooking instant oats without boiling water or a microwave . She answered, "Oh yeah, I guess you're right" and promised there would be regular oatmeal tomorrow...we'll see.

We had planned to be at AK for EMH at 8 am, but delays with bus transportation made our arrival time 8:40. We practically sprinted to the safari, hoping to get in line before regular opening. The standby wait said 45 minutes but we joined the queue anyway, thinking the wait time was exaggerated since only resort guests would be in the line and FP would not have started yet.

Well, we had to weave in and out of an extended queue (outdoors amid bushes and trees) ~ something we had never experienced before . (Em took a picture, but it did not turn out.) Fortunately, the line never stopped moving and we were onboard our jeep in 30 minutes.

Our vehicle could not leave the station, however. A man in the row ahead of us dropped a stainless steel water bottle and it rolled under the jeep.

Cast member searching for water bottle:

Victory!!!

There were lots of good animal sightings, despite all the canvas-fence areas where lighting is being installed for the upcoming sunset safari.

The African wild dogs are scary.

Giraffes are always a fave:

Frolicking adolescent elephants:

Below you can see part of the canvas fencing I mentioned. Gotta love the sleeping cats . The lioness was sleeping on her back with her paws in the air! (The picture doesn't do it justice.)

 

[coachwnh]

Enjoying your pictures.

 

[Tuvalu]

Enjoying your pictures.

Thanks, Coach!

 

[Tuvalu]

After our safari, Woody and Em tackled Everest.

While I waited for them, I checked out the seating area for Rivers of Light. These bleachers are in Dinoland. The bleachers/viewing area in Asia is better themed. Pity the show has been delayed.

Impressive sand sculpture. We would see a similar one in Epcot.

Next up was Dinosaur. Woody is not a fan. I felt the need to point to prove it.

We did some browsing in the newly refurbished Creature Comforts. Don't you just love the details in this shop?!

 

[Tuvalu]

Today Em was wearing the same t-shirt she wore in the Enchanted 10K.

As a pseudo Wilderness Explorer, it was only fitting that she meet Russell (and Dug!)

Russell was very taken with Em's shirt. He would point to a badge on her shirt and then point to the corresponding badge on his sash.

He even went and got his backpack and put it on Em. It was a sweet and funny interaction. When it was time for her to leave, Russell wouldn't have it...he grabbed her hand and walked with her out of the meeting area. Then he "grumbled" when the cast member told him to come back!

 

[Tuvalu]

Our time in AK had come to an end ~ we had a lunch ADR to make!

Guess where?

Beaches and Cream is a real hidden gem. Except it is not so "hidden" anymore...ADRs are a must! It is a tiny restaurant full of 50s charm.

The food is pretty darn good too! It may also be one of the last places in the "world" to serve fat fries .

Em ordered a patty melt:

Woody had the six-cheese grilled cheese and tomato bisque:

And I made a few changes to the grilled chicken sandwich:

It would be inconceivable to go to Beaches and Cream and not have ice cream! In fact, there were 4 Kitchen Sinks ordered during the hour we were there. If you have never seen the Kitchen Sink "presentation", it is something else! Our dessert appetites were not so ambitious. I had a chocolate marshmallow sundae and Woody shared the peanut butter No Way Jose with Em.

 

[DimpledDevil18]

Yummm! I've always wanted to eat at Beaches N Cream, but its just never worked out. We don't have ADRs for my August trip, but maybe we can sneak in for some ice cream.

 

[MinnieM123]

Tuvalu, did you happen to notice at B&C if they also had "bar" (individual) seating for solo diners, in addition to the tables in your pictures? I've never been there before, and it looks like a nice place for lunch and dessert, of course!

 

[Tuvalu]

Yummm! I've always wanted to eat at Beaches N Cream, but its just never worked out. We don't have ADRs for my August trip, but maybe we can sneak in for some ice cream.

You can always use the take-out side, no ADR required .

Tuvalu, did you happen to notice at B&C if they also had "bar" (individual) seating for solo diners, in addition to the tables in your pictures? I've never been there before, and it looks like a nice place for lunch and dessert, of course!

Yes, there is a counter! You still need to check in with the host, and you may have to wait a bit. We saw a solo gentleman do just that.

 

[DimpledDevil18]

You can always use the take-out side, no ADR required .

I didn't know there was a take out side. I'm definitely going to have to see if we can check that out someday!

 

[Tuvalu]

After lunch, we caught a MK bus from Beach Club and then transferred to the boat for our return to Poly. What a pretty view to return home to!

Because we visit WDW so frequently, Woody must spend some time working. While he led his afternoon teleconference, Em and I went to the pool. We had hoped to lounge by the Oasis pool, but there were no available chairs . The Lava pool is great, but tends to be louder since it is where the pool games are held. Thankfully, neither the microphone nor the speaker were cranked to full volume (as we have experienced at other resorts.) Lying in the warm sun was blissful.

We could have stayed for quite a while, but there was an invitation we wanted to keep. We returned to our room, showered, and once again left Woody at work while we went to play.

Now I know that I teased y'all with a pic of myself standing on a bungalow deck. And while we did not stay in a bungalow, we did get to tour a bungalow. And we did not have to listen to a DVC sales pitch! I instructed Em to take lots of photos to share with our wdwmagic friends .

Looking towards front door:

Front bedroom with Queen bed and Murphy bed:

Hall bathroom:

Master bedroom with King bed (giant flatscreen on opposite wall):

Master bath:

Yes, that is one of those tv's-in-a-mirror. The bungalows are not lacking in the tv department, that's for sure!

 

[Tuvalu]

The living area, with a double sleeper sofa and Murphy bed:

Em loves the Electrical Water Pageant and therefore adored this bed:

There is a full kitchen with stainless steel appliances, which begs the question: Do guests really go through the effort to prepare and cook family meals in a bungalow? With the amount of DVC points needed to rent one of these units, I don't imagine the majority of guests are able to spend more than one night. And if I'm only spending one night, I can guarantee that I'm not cooking!

Outside deck, plunge pool and view:

 

[Jae99]

I had the 6 cheese grilled cheese and tomato bisque on our last visit to Beaches and Cream. Probably the best value of any meal on property, and absolutely to die for...

 

[MinnieM123]

Yes, there is a counter! You still need to check in with the host, and you may have to wait a bit. We saw a solo gentleman do just that.

That's good news! I just might check that out when I go in May; I'll be over at the Swan (most visits, I stay over there), so I'll hop on a Friendship Boat over to B&C some afternoon, for lunch at the counter. I wonder if I should order dessert first, and then maybe a sandwich or salad, after? (I don't want to fill up on regular lunch food and then not have room for a big ice cream dessert.) Yes, the decision is made: dessert first.

The bungalow pictures are the most comprehensive I've seen to date. Despite my issues with their price, and the fact that they block the view for some guests in the longhouses, at least I can say that the interior design is very attractive. What I liked the best was the Murphy bed with the electric water pageant display on the side! HA! I love the cheesy electric water pageant--a classic!! No wonder Em also liked it, too!

 

[Tuvalu]

The bungalow also had beautiful artwork on the walls, and is definitely bigger than it appears in the pictures. But I didn't leave wishing I could spend the night in one.

Em suggested we walk over to the longhouse that bears my name:

We climbed the stairwell to take in the view. This is similar to what we could see from my favorite corner room:

It was now time for Happy Hour! We texted Woody and he met us in the lounge.

Being so close to the MK is another reason we prefer the Poly. We can just pop over for dinner without a hassle. Em chose Pinocchio Village Haus, where she and I split the chicken parm and Woody had a flatbread. We did some people-watching and window-shopping before a relaxing sunset cruise back to the Poly.

(What??? We were in the MK and did not go on any rides??? )

Desserts were out when we arrived back at Hawaii. We sampled, and watched the Electrical Water Pageant (yo, @MinnieM123 ) from inside the lounge. When it was time for Wishes, we walked outside and watched from the beach.