Okay, this is my first trip report, so please bare with me.
Who? H20Babie, 33 (and later, Mom, mid-50s)
What? Disney World, of course
Where? Polynesian Resort
When? March 30 - April 5
Why? Graduation and Birthday Celebration
Day One - Arrival / Polynesian / Epcot
I left home at 3:30 am to be at the aiport by 4 am. Luckily, I used the web check-in and needed to only check my luggage. Unluckily, the tail end of the (hopefully) last winter storm was still surging, and we sat on the tarmac for about an hour. By the time I made it into Toronto, claimed my baggage and went through Customs, they were making the final call for my flight. Walked right on, and away we went.
Arriving at MCO was wonderful, as usual. Just stepping out of the gate and breathing in that distinct Florida air always calms me. Made my way to DME and
line up past the escalators. I decided to bide my time and went outside to sit for a while, and met up with a nice man from the Penn State who was staying at WL for a OIS conference. We chatted for a bit then went in to check out the line. Thankfully, the fresh air not only cleared my head but the DME line up as well. Got in line and was on my way within 15 minutes. The DME bus went to the Contemporary first, then the Poly (me), and then GF and WL. Yup, the nice man I met sat with me on the bus. A nice start, if I say so myself. Total time from leaving the gate to pulling up at the Poly: 62 minutes.
Check in at the Poly was fast and efficient. Walking up to the CGH, I literally had tears in my eyes. I had waited for this moment for so long (and I was just a wee bit tired) and received my lei. The CM at the desk noted it was birthday and graduation and tried to upgrade me to lagoon view but none were available (no, I didn't ask if I could be upgraded; she just offered to check). She also gave me my birthday button and sent me on my way to ... Tahiti! I was in room 2007, second floor, with a beautiful garden view and a tiki torch right in front. It was breathtaking.
So, I quickly unpacked my carry on, changed, and headed to Epcot via the TTC monorail (Tahiti was an excellent location for me). However, upon sliding my key through the turnstile, I find out my tickets have not been loaded onto the card. Guest relations happily gave me a "resort convenience re-entry" card good for the day so I wouldn't have to go back to the Poly. The Beach Boys were playing "Help Me Rhonda" and really got me into the Disney mood!
Hit Nemo, Living with the Land, Journey into Imagination, and HISTA pretty quickly (no waits for any of them). Headed into World Showcase as it started to get dark. Grabbed some food at the Liberty Inn and was presented with a Magical Moment certificate and a free apple cobbler for my birthday :king:
I was started to get really tired, having been up since 2 am, and decided to go back to the Poly for some much needed sleep. But, I had to ride Spaceship Earth so I made a detour:
Personally, I loved the refurb! Dame Judy was terrific, and the audio was fresh and clear. I enjoyed the new scenes and the interactive creation of the future. Maybe, in hindisght it was more funny than anything, because I nearly left the seat wet after that! By that time, I was done for the day, headed back to the Poly, and a view of the tiki torch outside my balcony:
All in all, a great first day.
More to come ...
Who? H20Babie, 33 (and later, Mom, mid-50s)
What? Disney World, of course
Where? Polynesian Resort
When? March 30 - April 5
Why? Graduation and Birthday Celebration
Day One - Arrival / Polynesian / Epcot
I left home at 3:30 am to be at the aiport by 4 am. Luckily, I used the web check-in and needed to only check my luggage. Unluckily, the tail end of the (hopefully) last winter storm was still surging, and we sat on the tarmac for about an hour. By the time I made it into Toronto, claimed my baggage and went through Customs, they were making the final call for my flight. Walked right on, and away we went.
Arriving at MCO was wonderful, as usual. Just stepping out of the gate and breathing in that distinct Florida air always calms me. Made my way to DME and
line up past the escalators. I decided to bide my time and went outside to sit for a while, and met up with a nice man from the Penn State who was staying at WL for a OIS conference. We chatted for a bit then went in to check out the line. Thankfully, the fresh air not only cleared my head but the DME line up as well. Got in line and was on my way within 15 minutes. The DME bus went to the Contemporary first, then the Poly (me), and then GF and WL. Yup, the nice man I met sat with me on the bus. A nice start, if I say so myself. Total time from leaving the gate to pulling up at the Poly: 62 minutes.Check in at the Poly was fast and efficient. Walking up to the CGH, I literally had tears in my eyes. I had waited for this moment for so long (and I was just a wee bit tired) and received my lei. The CM at the desk noted it was birthday and graduation and tried to upgrade me to lagoon view but none were available (no, I didn't ask if I could be upgraded; she just offered to check). She also gave me my birthday button and sent me on my way to ... Tahiti! I was in room 2007, second floor, with a beautiful garden view and a tiki torch right in front. It was breathtaking.
So, I quickly unpacked my carry on, changed, and headed to Epcot via the TTC monorail (Tahiti was an excellent location for me). However, upon sliding my key through the turnstile, I find out my tickets have not been loaded onto the card. Guest relations happily gave me a "resort convenience re-entry" card good for the day so I wouldn't have to go back to the Poly. The Beach Boys were playing "Help Me Rhonda" and really got me into the Disney mood!
Hit Nemo, Living with the Land, Journey into Imagination, and HISTA pretty quickly (no waits for any of them). Headed into World Showcase as it started to get dark. Grabbed some food at the Liberty Inn and was presented with a Magical Moment certificate and a free apple cobbler for my birthday :king:
I was started to get really tired, having been up since 2 am, and decided to go back to the Poly for some much needed sleep. But, I had to ride Spaceship Earth so I made a detour:
Personally, I loved the refurb! Dame Judy was terrific, and the audio was fresh and clear. I enjoyed the new scenes and the interactive creation of the future. Maybe, in hindisght it was more funny than anything, because I nearly left the seat wet after that! By that time, I was done for the day, headed back to the Poly, and a view of the tiki torch outside my balcony:
All in all, a great first day.
More to come ...
