Trip Report I'll stop the World and Melt with you.

It's been two years since my family and I visited WDW. Two long years. Thankfully, my son Sterg and I got a three day Disney fix last summer at Disneyland.

Curiously, this trip report is being written at a time when a lot of negative Disney vibe is emanating from other regions of WDWMagic - as it was two years ago. The Doom & Gloom is running free and wild. I'm just thankful I stayed clear of most of it before our trip because I may have cancelled what turned out to be an amazing time. It is also fortunate that we got this trip in because from the sound of things there may not be a WDW to go to in a few years.

To be truthful, some things that Disney has done has me scratching my head; but this is neither the time nor place to discuss it. Putting that aside - let's get on with the trip report!

We left on Sunday July 21st. Maybe the longest day of my life. The night before, my oldest daughter Alex went to see Taylor Swift in Philadelphia ( about 50 miles away ) and due to a long rain delay she didn't make it home until 2 am. This meant that she would not go to sleep since we were being picked up at 3 am for the drive to Philly airport for our 6 am flight. At least we were supposed to be picked up at 3am.

Here is my Mom ( Yia-Yia )and my youngest daughter Antonia ( Toni ) up and ready at 3 in the morning waiting for our ride. Yia-Yia ( grandmother in Greek ) is 77 years old and joining us for the first time on a Disney adventure. Toni is now almost 12 and the little Yorki-poo in the front is Prince. Prince is short for Prince Charming ( named by Toni ).

When the driver didn't show up by 3:15 I started to worry. I called the limo company at the same time he called me to tell me he was lost. I reeled him in and we were on our way by 3:30. The drive down was nerve wracking as I kept watching the clock and praying for no delays. That is until our driver eased my tension by telling us his son works for Disney and he goes down to the World 4 or 5 times a year. The resulting Disney conversation lasted until we hit the airport around 4:30.

More tension as we went through security. My carry on was stopped in the machine and I was pulled aside. I had put a container of Vitamin C powder in my bag that garnered some attention. Of course, my Mom came over as I was being held and my bag inspected.

"Why didn't you put that in your suitcase, Christo?" she said to me in her Greek accented voice.

"Mom, please go wait over there" I responded.

"No, I want to see what they are doing" Then she followed with this one for the TSA officer.

"It's not drugs, my son doesn't do cocaine!"

OK, I thought. I'm definitely going to be held in some prison cell for the next week.

After the chemical test proved my Mother correct, I was allowed to go on my way. We had time to grab coffee and some food and make it on the Southwest plane to Orlando. A plane full of smiling happy faces! Including these;

This is my wife Val ( not the biggest of Disney fans ), with Yia-Yia in the middle and Alex by the window.

On the other side was yours truly sporting a Hawaiian shirt ( since we were staying at the Poly ), Toni and Sterg.

Before we knew it we were up in the clouds...

 

[DznyRktekt]

Loving the report!
Chris, is it possible to hear the Mark Twain's whistle from the Poly beach/pool? That along with the castle spires coaxing you back to the Magic Kingdom, how did you resist the urge to hop back on the monorail? I guess a plate of pineapple and a cabana like that could make it easy to relax a bit.

 

[38053WDW]

I was determined not to leave WS until we experienced something new. Last trip it was American Adventure, so this time I wanted to see the film about our neighbors up north. We made our way to Canada.

Love this act!

This is when I said to Sterg. ""I hate when I tell people that I'm going to Disney World and they respond with; "OH you're going to see Mickey Mouse" in a condescending way"" They really have no idea all the things you can do and see. All the acts in WS, or the fireworks or the Street Actors at DHS, etc, etc. We've been there 5 times and haven't seen it all. So yeah, I will probably see Mickey Mouse but much,much more - you ignoramus.

We made a wrong turn looking for a short cut and we almost got run over by strollers despite an otherwise empty street. Slow down lady!

We made it safely to Canada and watched Martin Short on Circle Vision. We were standing next to a couple that literally know every word to the movie and sang along loudly at the end. A bit strange and fuel for the giggles and banter among my children. Well, I can now check off O'Canada from my list. Canada is another beautiful pavilion that is immaculately kept.

Val called us at this point to tell us the cabana was open ( and was nice! ), so we started to make our way out of the park...

But first some photo ops.

I love how Alex is holding on to her mug as if her life depended on it.

and this time, the monorail was working!

and we had it all to ourselves. It would have been a perfect time to ask to ride up front if they still allowed it. Oh well.

Yea .. I do not ike that you cannot ride up front anymore.. Thankfully we have many pics of our kids doing it ... (My wife just changed her ringtone to "please stand clear of the doors ... ") Have I told you your pictures are amazing...

 

[imagination30]

awesome tip report , I loved your guys Disneyland trip report , I don't know how I missed this one , Loved readying along .. and laughing at some of the antics by your kids.. -- how does the animation class work ? ive heard so much about it! .. and ill be there in jan.. . and your Grand pics make me more excited for Marathon weekend ... as your wilderness Lodge pics .. bc we have said there and its a very nice resort!

 

[fractal]

Views from the beach...

Grand Floridian -

Magic Kingdom. Yes, it was tempting me.

Contemporary

My cousin called and they were leaving Magic Kingdom on the way to the Poly. She had her granddaughter (and bathing suit) with her and "shhhhhhhh", Alex and Sterg took her in the pool. I won't admit to any more "illegal" pool hopping by extended family members.

I promised my cousin she would be in my trip report...

It was great having her and her family there! We grabbed something to eat at Captain Cooks and just hung out for the evening. Our plan was to watch Wishes from the beach. I was ready to go with the tripod for fireworks pictures. In the meantime, I took more shots of the grounds.

Tiki torches were lit!

Loved the fire pit, but the clouds were starting to roll in.

Before long, the water parade started. Everybody loved it! Another awesome "extra" for the monorail resort guests.

At one point I realized I could get a better view on the dock.

After the parade went by I decided to use the top of the posts as a "tripod" and take some more pictures with a longer exposure. I didn't have my remote shutter release or the where with all to use a delayed shutter but I still think they came out all right.

 

[myhappyplace]

Love the Water Pageant pics...is that visible from WL?

And oh my goodness, that baby is adorable in her Minnie polka dot suit!

 

[PUSH]

I love these two pics! So cute!

 

[Bob]

Views from the beach...

Grand Floridian -

Magic Kingdom. Yes, it was tempting me.

Contemporary

My cousin called and they were leaving Magic Kingdom on the way to the Poly. She had her granddaughter (and bathing suit) with her and "shhhhhhhh", Alex and Sterg took her in the pool. I won't admit to any more "illegal" pool hopping by extended family members.

I promised my cousin she would be in my trip report...

It was great having her and her family there! We grabbed something to eat at Captain Cooks and just hung out for the evening. Our plan was to watch Wishes from the beach. I was ready to go with the tripod for fireworks pictures. In the meantime, I took more shots of the grounds.

Tiki torches were lit!

Loved the fire pit, but the clouds were starting to roll in.

Before long, the water parade started. Everybody loved it! Another awesome "extra" for the monorail resort guests.

At one point I realized I could get a better view on the dock.

After the parade went by I decided to use the top of the posts as a "tripod" and take some more pictures with a longer exposure. I didn't have my remote shutter release or the where with all to use a delayed shutter but I still think they came out all right.

Awesome night shots!!!

 

[lbrad]

How AWESOME your cousin (and family) got to spend the day with you & your family!!!

 

[acrab3t]

I am loving the photos of Poly! Can't wait to see the tikki torches lit at night.

 

[Tuvalu]

Love the Water Pageant pics...is that visible from WL?

Yes, the Water Pageant performs in front of the WL (actually the backside of the resort.) If you have a courtyard pool view or Bay Lake view you can see it from your room. Or you can view it from the beach area.

 

[JenniferS]

I have had a horrible week. Kid problems. My ginormous (but old) big screen tv died, and my relatively new fridge went for a crap too. Fridge should be repairable. TV is toast.

Thank you for the most enjoyable two hours of my entire week! It is so nice to escape into a true fan's trip report, especially one stationed at the Poly. Nice also to not be subjected to all the D&G negativity for a change.

I will be in the World in 9 days, with ressies at both Kona for breakfast and 'Ohana for dinner.

Love your relationship with Toni. I was the apple of my dad's eye too. Savour every moment.

 

[fractal]

Just as I had set up my tripod for fireworks pictures it started to rain. I grabbed my gear and we took cover for about 30 minutes. Everybody was wet and a little disappointed.

"Don't worry" I said half serious "Disney magic will stop the rain".

Alex and Sterg thought this was funny, but wouldn't you know, 10 minutes later the rain stopped.

"See, I told you!" I said as Val rolled her eyes.

I was still determined to get some fireworks pictures. So I set up again and took some not so good ones and a few ok ones...

After Wishes my cousins left. It was great to be able to see them and spend time with them. As much as I was tempted by the sight of MK, it was enjoyable just staying at the Poly that evening.

 

[mamamouse]

omg such a cute lil baby!!! I have some "illegal" activity in my TR from May too lol,so I can't judge .I can't believe how amazing your pics are some of them belong in magazines HOLY COW!!! I'm totally jealous!

 

[disneypearl]

The Poly looks beautiful. I think I'd have a hard time sleeping being so close to the MK. That castle would be calling my name. Glad the weather cleared for Wishes.

 

[ShookieJones]

Wow dude, Love the pics are the Poly pool. We stayed at the Poly a couple of years back and spent some time around the pool, but after seeing all your pictures of different views, etc. I feel like I wasn't even at the same place.

That cabana looks like a good time, I had no idea they even had them there.

Thanks again for a great report, I'm STILL Loving it.

 

[fractal]

Toni and I woke up early again the next morning. Could the teenagers do it as well for two days in a row? Eh, no. It was a shame because that day, Friday, was the best weather day of the trip. Sunny with highs "only" in the mid 80's and somewhat less humidity. It was a beautiful morning...

My lens was still a bit "foggy" when I took this but I liked the effect.

Quick tip ( that I didn't use that day ) to avoid a "foggy" lens when you take your camera outside from your air-conditioned room. Take a hair dryer and use it to warm up the lens for a few seconds before leaving the room.

We grabbed breakfast at Captain Cook's. Toni with her standard cinnamon bun while I had a fruit cup and coffee. We then hopped on the monorail for the Magic Kingdom for "rope drop". We made it in plenty of time for the opening ceremony! This was the first time we have seen this and I was bummed that the rest of the crew was back at the Poly sleeping. Oh, well. As they say " the early bird gets the worm".

Good morning, good morning to you!

and here's a little video I took. I really need to improve my video skills.




After Mickey opened the MK for another day, we made the mad dash to Tomorrowland. Toni wanted to ride Space Mountain in the worst way.
Feeling like cattle...

This is were they stopped us. We were close to the front.

But, by the time they let us through, we ( mostly I ) fell behind the crazed mob. Toni gave me the " c'mon Dad" look. This picture cost me 2 seconds and about 100 spaces in line.

We decided to grab a FP for SM.

Toni then wanted to hang out in TL, so we jumped in the short line for Buzz. While Val, Yia-Yia, Alex and Sterg were still snoozing, we were battling Zurg!

Well done Space Rangers!

OH NO! Jail time with Zurg! Toni had to stop me to take this picture, which made me feel good because I thought she may have "outgrown" it.

Now guess what Toni wanted to go on next? As a true testament to my love for her, I agreed...

 

[fractal]

Caught up again. I am surprised you didn't go full on protective dad mode and give the human torpedo a piece of your mind. All the teenage and family antics are great. The fact Sterg knows how to push your buttons and capture it on media is dangerous. I didn't know about the ketchup at WC, I'll have to keep that trick under wraps for our next trip. Don't be to hard on Toni, kids don't always see the big picture she'll understand someday. You couldn't write that karma story if you tried. Funny how things happen.

What gives with the Green side?

I was really upset when Toni was hit and tracked her as she approached "shore". I didn't want to lose her as I was going to confront her. She continued on and left the wave pool so I had to decide if I wanted to chase her down or stay in the pool. I decided to stay with the kids.

Yes, very dangerous! You would definitely have a good time at WC! It does take a lot to get me mad and small things were building up during the week. As you know, you just want them to appreciate what they have.

Last time I went Orange ( 2009? ) it made me sick for over an hour. So did Prehistoric Whirl, while this time I handled that well. I was thinking about it but chickened out.

I know I give WDW crap, basically because I don't like the way management has treated the property lately, but seeing Frac's pictures makes me want to be there like now.. LOL...

Makes me want to go back now as well!

How could you not introduce Figment??? *cough* somebody needs to put a quarter in the swear jar *cough cough*
I love that the kids razz you n call you fractal haha!
Bahaha the good ol beverly trick tried it on hubby but he didn't even flinch mind you he is half italian n some of the things that man will drink are just wrong!
Soarin for the win!! woot woot!
Canada-Now you get brownie points for that one! Eventhough epcot assumes we are all lumberjacks i assure you we are not
Aew i love that SSE pic of you n the kids thats gotta go in a frame for sure,it's just too bad Val wasn't it too.

Bad parenting.

Yes, they still call me fractal from time to time. They even made me a shirt for this trip. Canada film was cool! Val was not getting up early - especially with it raining!

I love your trip report and pictures. It is making our trip next August seem so far away!

Thanks! I hope it goes fast for you!

 

[Captain Chaos]

Makes me want to go back now as well!

I'll be there in T-37 days and counting...

 

[fractal]

Beautiful pics again and "these guys" look like droids sorta!

Lol! Yes they do.

NICE pictures!!! What a beautiful rseort

Thanks! The grounds are beautiful!

The two story windows in the longhouse you talked about is not actually a suite but the Club Level Lounge. All the suites are located in the building next to the GCH at the back of the marina. I'm glad to see what the cabanas are like, I've always been curious. It was nice that poly only charged you half a day!

Thanks for the clarrification. I was trying to look in there as much as I could and kept thinking " wow, I wonder how much it is to rent this suite?".

Cabanas were worth the money if you just want to hang by the pool all day. Thanks for reading along!

The cabana looks wonderful! Man...if we ever stay at the Poly and work in a break day or two, I think a cabana is in order.

Oh, and you can earn back some Figment points if you have the kids watch this ...


Love the kids' Fractal based comments...nothing wrong with singing along

Thanks for the video!

Chris, what an amazing report! Your pictures are AWESOME!!! I didn't realize "youse" guys lived outside of Philly. Where abouts at? We are right in the suburbs outside the city. I'm about a 10 minute ride to the airport. Can't wait to head back to the world in May! We were just there in June, but didn't do the waterparks this trip, but we are in May! The pics of TL got be so excited to go back. Can't wait to be in that wave pool! I absolutely love it! Could stay in there all day!

Thanks! I live between Reading and Lancaster. We really did have fun at Typhoon Lagoon. Hope the time to your trip goes quickly.

 

[fractal]

I agree with the fact that Stormalong bay is better than this pool. I think the fact that Stormalong bay is huge, has a big slide, sand, a kiddy area, a whirlpool, and hot tubs makes it outshine most Disney pools. Loving the trip report can't wait to read more.

As far as pools go - advantage Beach Club. Thanks and thanks for following along!

Loving the report!
Chris, is it possible to hear the Mark Twain's whistle from the Poly beach/pool? That along with the castle spires coaxing you back to the Magic Kingdom, how did you resist the urge to hop back on the monorail? I guess a plate of pineapple and a cabana like that could make it easy to relax a bit.

I'm starting to lose my hearing so I may not be the best person to ask, but I did not hear a whistle. I was hard to resist the temptress accross the lake that was MK. A few drinks also helped!

Yea .. I do not ike that you cannot ride up front anymore.. Thankfully we have many pics of our kids doing it ... (My wife just changed her ringtone to "please stand clear of the doors ... ") Have I told you your pictures are amazing...

Thank you!

awesome tip report , I loved your guys Disneyland trip report , I don't know how I missed this one , Loved readying along .. and laughing at some of the antics by your kids.. -- how does the animation class work ? ive heard so much about it! .. and ill be there in jan.. . and your Grand pics make me more excited for Marathon weekend ... as your wilderness Lodge pics .. bc we have said there and its a very nice resort!

Thanks and thanks for reading the DL report! For the animation class, you simply are let into a room and you find a seat. There is a lighted desk, paper and pencils ready for you. An instructor will guide you as he draws on a projected screen up front. I didn't have a hard time keeping up with him, but he did rush a bit at the end ( probably because time was winding down ) and Toni did struggle to finish. I think it is very worthwhile!
Good luck in the Marathon! Thanks for the comments and reading along!

Love the Water Pageant pics...is that visible from WL?

And oh my goodness, that baby is adorable in her Minnie polka dot suit!

Thanks! I believe it is.

Yes, loved the Minnie bathing suit!

I love these two pics! So cute!

Thanks!

Awesome night shots!!!

Thank you!

How AWESOME your cousin (and family) got to spend the day with you & your family!!!

It was very nice!

I am loving the photos of Poly! Can't wait to see the tikki torches lit at night.

Poly is very cool at night!

I have had a horrible week. Kid problems. My ginormous (but old) big screen tv died, and my relatively new fridge went for a crap too. Fridge should be repairable. TV is toast.

Thank you for the most enjoyable two hours of my entire week! It is so nice to escape into a true fan's trip report, especially one stationed at the Poly. Nice also to not be subjected to all the D&G negativity for a change.

I will be in the World in 9 days, with ressies at both Kona for breakfast and 'Ohana for dinner.

Love your relationship with Toni. I was the apple of my dad's eye too. Savour every moment.

Jennifer, I'm glad I was able to make you week go somewhat better! Hope you are having a better one! Thanks for the comments - hope you have a great trip.

thanks, I try to savour them. She just turned 12 today, she is growing up too fast for my likings!

omg such a cute lil baby!!! I have some "illegal" activity in my TR from May too lol,so I can't judge .I can't believe how amazing your pics are some of them belong in magazines HOLY COW!!! I'm totally jealous!

She's a cutie! Shhhh, I won't tell. Thanks mamamouse!

The Poly looks beautiful. I think I'd have a hard time sleeping being so close to the MK. That castle would be calling my name. Glad the weather cleared for Wishes.

It was calling mine. If they had extra magic hours until 3am I would have been there!

Wow dude, Love the pics are the Poly pool. We stayed at the Poly a couple of years back and spent some time around the pool, but after seeing all your pictures of different views, etc. I feel like I wasn't even at the same place.

That cabana looks like a good time, I had no idea they even had them there.

Thanks again for a great report, I'm STILL Loving it.

Thanks Man! Gettin excited about your trip!

Aww, Sterg and the baby. Awwwwww.

Thanks!