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...

 

[fractal]

more Main Street...

A Disney duck!

and a castle shot...

By this time Val's and Yia-yia's patience with my photography was running thin, and I have no defense when those two gang up on me.

"Christo, you are taking too many pictures! Why do you want a picture of a duck? C'mon, let's find the kids" Yia-Yia protested.

Time to leave the hub and try to find those "pesky kids".

 

[fractal]

The kids were just about off CoP when we got on. The ride was fairly packed and we found front row seats to the left. Yia-Yia really enjoyed CoP - she could relate to the older appliances and loved how the theater moved to each new scene. I think Val actually enjoyed it as well. As for me, what is there not to love about a Walt original? Plus it gave me a chance to push the lens a bit.

For some reason, this was Yia-Yia's favorite scene...

 

[cfry06]

Love Ohana! Almost always a must-do for us. I do miss all of the old dipping sauces though. We are also a fan of Ohana @ breakfast. Some of the best character meal interactions we've found.

Pictures are looking great- Loved the Main Street photo shoot!

 

[CinderMama]

Beautiful pictures of Main Street! Reminds me of why I love Walt Disney World.

We haven't been to WDW since our boys have been teenagers, and I'll panic slightly when they want to venture off on their own. It's inevitable, I know, but I'm with Yia-Yia! Great report. Thanks for sharing!

 

[fractal]

After CoP we caught up with the kids.
Next up - WEDway Peoplemover. Absolutely love this ride! Actually the whole family did.

Sterg never has a problem getting his picture taken - the problem is with the faces he makes.

Another favorite ride for Yia-Yia...

 

[PartOfYourWorld]

I am so happy for you! Looks like you got a great guy there! Rumor has it that changes are coming to the Poly.

Thanks for the tip - I was good for the rest of the trip, just made sure to drink more and use a pool in the afternoon. Tonga Toast rules!

My new camera helped. I have a Sony NEX-7 which I love. Small, easy to carry yet has the same sized sensor as a Nikon 7000. It's not perfect, though; you didn't see the bad pictures.

I'm really enjoying your trip report!

Thank you so much for the kind words! I really do have a good catch! I mean he let me have my dream wedding in Walt Disney World! LOL.

I'm happy to hear that you were good for the rest of the trip!

Yep small would probably be the right thing then. My Canon Rebel is not that big but I'm always afraid when I have it on rides...especially big thunder. But I would love to get pictures while riding on there. Maybe next trip coming up I'll give it a shot. All your pictures are BEAUTIFUL. I loved all the ones you took walking up main street. You have a great eye for those out of the ordinary shots.

And glad to hear you are enjoying my report as well!

 

[righttrack]

I could almost taste the Tonga Toast!

Great start!

 

[Gabe1]

For some reason, this was Yia-Yia's favorite scene...

I'm with YiaYia, I had a bench booth very similar to that in my Kitchen until 2 years ago. CoP gave me a good idea of what era it came from.

 

[Gojira ゴジラ]

Your pictures look awesome. I really love the composition, the depth of fields on some of the pictures. You are progressing very well Awesome stuff

 

[Pooh'sBuddy]

The wings and potstickers came and Sterg started taking pictures before chowing down. He loved the potstickers and could have eaten those all night.

Me, too!

The meats started to arrive and this time they were delicious. Cooked perfectly, tender and juicy. I was pleasantly surprised. Sterg asked if we could just eat at 'Ohana's every night of our trip. After the amazing bread pudding dessert, I started to seriously consider it. Everybody loved the meal, including Yia-Yia. Looking back, I wish we would have booked at least another meal there.

Glad it was better this time. We loved everything but the pork. It was a little too tough. The worst parts about the whole dinner were not having a bigger stomach nor more time to graze.

I didn't take too many pictures as I was pre-occupied with the waves of food coming to our table.

Funny how that happens!

 

[DisneyDebNJ]

LOVE Ohana!!! My MUST DO every year! After a delicious dinner at Ohana, we waddle to the beach for Wishes, then waddle to our room LOL (I think I may even oink at the table) Pool time at the Poly is actually one of our fav things every trip. So glad Yia-Yia is enjoying herself! Don't keep us in suspense, did your stay at the Poly make Val is Disney fan?? Excellent pics Chris!!!

 

[PUSH]

On my June trip I took a picture almost exactly like this! Yours is much better, I'll admit.

Also, I'm loving the TR!

 

[HouCuseChickie]

Sounds like an awesome experience at 'Ohana! Making me very happy we're returning there this trip. And Yia-yia is cracking me up. I mean, it was a perfectly nice picture of a perfectly nice duck And while I can't swing a camera upgrade right now...you're really making me want to splurge for a new lens. Darn you and your wonderful photography!

 

[mousefreak]

I love the pictures of the balloons and hanging baskets on Main St. Excellent job!

 

[Disneyfalcon]

Yay! I've been waiting for this one!
Oh my word, I cracked up at your mom and the drugs comment.
My teenagers are often fond of that neck bent iphone checking position.
Your pictures are gorgeous! I love Toni on Big Thunder! The sky is amazing.
The Casey's Corner sign is a great angle and you got some great ones in CoP too.

 

[worldtraveler]

Just now caught up. Again, you are treating us to another TR. Fantastic as always. You should go on more trips, so we can get more reports.

The Poly is my favorite resort, having stayed there a few times. I agree on the TLC, hope that comes here soon. Don't ya just love getting on the monorail from the MK and it taking you right home. Can't wait to read more.

 

[fractal]

Not for a while. This year has been plagued by things breaking down. So extra money going toward repair bills not vacation fund.

Been there. Hope things work out for the best.

Good to see the trip report!!! I've been waiting on your views/opinions on the poly since u told me you were going. I grew up always staying there with my family so it always feels awesome going there. However when I went back there on my most recent trip after staying at the grand I almost thought of switching to the grand. It wasn't until that night when my better half and I were sitting on the balcony had the lights in the room on low and just soaked up the breeze coming off the lake that we knew it was good to be back. It's that night time magic that just puts a smile on our faces.
Did U get a dole whip at captain jacks?
Overall what do u think of the poly?
Pros and cons, I'm really interested in your thoughts bc it comments seem to be very similiar to mine on the world.

Thanks. I'll be getting more into my thoughts on the Poly later on in the TR. It will include lots of pictures. There are some great things about it and some not so great things. I think a lot of it depends on what you are looking for and I will definitely share my thoughts.

Yes - had a dole whip!

Ohana = my favorite meal on property! Well, tied with Cali Grill for favorite meal. We've never had a bad meal there in the 4 times we've dined there. So glad the meats were better this time around for you!

Everything was yummy. Deserves another hungry face!

Your report and pictures are so magical!! This is perfect timing, since we are just 9 days away from our trip and I don't know what to do with myself!!!

Thanks! - I hope the time goes fast up to your trip, then slows down for you.

I echo everything about 'Ohana. I ate there in 2012 and had to go again this year... My 8yr old loves the noodles and my mom and I cannot get enough shrimp!! Great place...

I don't blame Toni one bit for getting scared of the lightening down there. My family was caught in a storm last year trying to get between WL and MK and then back to Kidani. The run from the boat dock to the bus depot was concerning but once under the bus canopy the thunder was really loud and the lightening was very close. I was pretty scared and worried about getting hit by it. All of the families with children were crying and my daughter was scared as well...

Keep it up my friend!

Another 'Ohana fan!

I was down on myself after the whole rain/lightning thing. In hindsight, I feel like a made a dumb decision as a Father. As good as 'Ohana's is its not worth a lightning strike.

Thanks Billy and will do!

 

[Disney80]

Your pics are great! (oh and the trip report too! LOL)

Cannot wait for the next installment!

 

[fractal]

Love Ohana! Almost always a must-do for us. I do miss all of the old dipping sauces though. We are also a fan of Ohana @ breakfast. Some of the best character meal interactions we've found.

Pictures are looking great- Loved the Main Street photo shoot!

Looks like we are starting an 'Ohana's fan club! It is now a must do for us as well. Never did the breakfast though.

Thanks!

Beautiful pictures of Main Street! Reminds me of why I love Walt Disney World.

We haven't been to WDW since our boys have been teenagers, and I'll panic slightly when they want to venture off on their own. It's inevitable, I know, but I'm with Yia-Yia! Great report. Thanks for sharing!

Thanks! On our last trip I regretted not spending more time on Main Street. I'll with you on that - Main Street represents what was good about this country - maybe some parts are still like that. I'm a romantic and MSUSA speaks to that.

Lol! Yia-yia is very protective. Thanks!

Thank you so much for the kind words! I really do have a good catch! I mean he let me have my dream wedding in Walt Disney World! LOL.

I'm happy to hear that you were good for the rest of the trip!

Yep small would probably be the right thing then. My Canon Rebel is not that big but I'm always afraid when I have it on rides...especially big thunder. But I would love to get pictures while riding on there. Maybe next trip coming up I'll give it a shot. All your pictures are BEAUTIFUL. I loved all the ones you took walking up main street. You have a great eye for those out of the ordinary shots.

And glad to hear you are enjoying my report as well!

Loving your report! Your Rebel should be fine on BT. I took my shots on the climbs and held on through the rest.

I could almost taste the Tonga Toast!

Great start!

Another hungry face!

Thanks!

I'm with YiaYia, I had a bench booth very similar to that in my Kitchen until 2 years ago. CoP gave me a good idea of what era it came from.

Lol!

Your pictures look awesome. I really love the composition, the depth of fields on some of the pictures. You are progressing very well Awesome stuff

Thanks for the words! and for reading along!

LOVE Ohana!!! My MUST DO every year! After a delicious dinner at Ohana, we waddle to the beach for Wishes, then waddle to our room LOL (I think I may even oink at the table) Pool time at the Poly is actually one of our fav things every trip. So glad Yia-Yia is enjoying herself! Don't keep us in suspense, did your stay at the Poly make Val is Disney fan?? Excellent pics Chris!!!

Two hungry faces for 'Ohana!

The Poly definitely offers experiences no other resort can. "Fan" is such a strong word. Short for fanatic. I wouldn't call Val a "fan" yet - but she did seem to enjoy this trip more than others.

Thanks Deb

On my June trip I took a picture almost exactly like this! Yours is much better, I'll admit.

Also, I'm loving the TR!

That's funny! It's not a very common angle for pictures. Maybe we both have a good eye.

Thanks!

Sounds like an awesome experience at 'Ohana! Making me very happy we're returning there this trip. And Yia-yia is cracking me up. I mean, it was a perfectly nice picture of a perfectly nice duck And while I can't swing a camera upgrade right now...you're really making me want to splurge for a new lens. Darn you and your wonderful photography!

for 'Ohana! Yia-Yia had different priorities on some occasions. Yeah well, it was this site that sucked me into the whole photography thing to begin with.

I love the pictures of the balloons and hanging baskets on Main St. Excellent job!

Thanks mousefreak!

Yay! I've been waiting for this one!
Oh my word, I cracked up at your mom and the drugs comment.
My teenagers are often fond of that neck bent iphone checking position.
Your pictures are gorgeous! I love Toni on Big Thunder! The sky is amazing.
The Casey's Corner sign is a great angle and you got some great ones in CoP too.

Thanks Tammy! We certainly had some moments with Yia-Yia. Looking forward to your report on Greece!

Just now caught up. Again, you are treating us to another TR. Fantastic as always. You should go on more trips, so we can get more reports.

The Poly is my favorite resort, having stayed there a few times. I agree on the TLC, hope that comes here soon. Don't ya just love getting on the monorail from the MK and it taking you right home. Can't wait to read more.

Thanks worldtraveler! I'll all for more trips.

Monorail and the boat is about a million times better than any bus ride!

 

[Tinkerbella16]

Loving your TR so far! Your camera takes some awesome pictures!!!