Just returned from a Poly stay during the week of May 4th. I'll start by saying the crowds were much heavier than past early May trips (this is the 5th first-week-of-May trip I've had at the Poly). That being said, everything is relative, so relative to past May trips this week was definitely heavier crowds but still very manageable. As an example during past May trips there were virtually no waits in the MK...there were waits last week...see below...albeit minimal.
Monday May 4th: Arrived in Orlando at ~11:00am...flight was early !! Very nice ! Went down to Disney's Magical Express (first time I had used Disney transportation as we typically rent a minivan) and immediately boarded a bus that was just pulling out...no waiting...the bus was just about full. Arrived at the Poly (first stop) at ~11:45, ride over was simple and uneventful (just how I like it...) I had used on-line check-in (it was also my first time using on-line check-in) and simply walked up to the counter and everything was waiting for me...well, almost everything !! The Poly had no record of my multiple requests for room placement (I know Disney can not guarantee requests). What was most troubling is that I spoke to a Disney rep (Grand Gatherings) no less than six times about my request, they claimed they put the notes in my reservation...and I also faxed the Poly directly twice the week before we arrived...and still no record of my request.
Off to the MK... a nice hot day, probably around 85 degrees at 12noon. First ride for the kids was Buzz (posted 20 minute wait, actual wait time was ~8 minutes). Then off to Mickey's Philharmagic....no wait (we'll unless you count the wait of 5 minutes for the theater doors to open from the previous show). Peter Pan, as usual, forget it, 40 minute wait and FP return of 3:30. Off to the HM (posted 20 minute wait, actual wait was ~9 minutes). I had not been on HM since the upgrade...so the upgrades were a treat for me... then to PoTC (posted 10 minute wait time, actual wait ~5 minutes).
I was glad to see the frozen bananas had made a huge comeback in all the ice cream stands in the MK !! It seemed during my last few visits the frozen banana was near extinction in the MK and could only really be found in the AK and one or two spots in DHS.
Off to Crystal Palace for an early dinner...the buffet was great for the kids and the food was certainly above average for a buffet. Not too much of a change in the menu since the last meal there in '07 but plenty of variety.
Back to the Poly for dip in the Volcano pool and a few cocktails for the adults. Nice to watch the electric parade and Wishes from the Poly while lounging on the beach.
All in all a good day 1 !!
Monday May 4th: Arrived in Orlando at ~11:00am...flight was early !! Very nice ! Went down to Disney's Magical Express (first time I had used Disney transportation as we typically rent a minivan) and immediately boarded a bus that was just pulling out...no waiting...the bus was just about full. Arrived at the Poly (first stop) at ~11:45, ride over was simple and uneventful (just how I like it...) I had used on-line check-in (it was also my first time using on-line check-in) and simply walked up to the counter and everything was waiting for me...well, almost everything !! The Poly had no record of my multiple requests for room placement (I know Disney can not guarantee requests). What was most troubling is that I spoke to a Disney rep (Grand Gatherings) no less than six times about my request, they claimed they put the notes in my reservation...and I also faxed the Poly directly twice the week before we arrived...and still no record of my request.
Off to the MK... a nice hot day, probably around 85 degrees at 12noon. First ride for the kids was Buzz (posted 20 minute wait, actual wait time was ~8 minutes). Then off to Mickey's Philharmagic....no wait (we'll unless you count the wait of 5 minutes for the theater doors to open from the previous show). Peter Pan, as usual, forget it, 40 minute wait and FP return of 3:30. Off to the HM (posted 20 minute wait, actual wait was ~9 minutes). I had not been on HM since the upgrade...so the upgrades were a treat for me... then to PoTC (posted 10 minute wait time, actual wait ~5 minutes).
I was glad to see the frozen bananas had made a huge comeback in all the ice cream stands in the MK !! It seemed during my last few visits the frozen banana was near extinction in the MK and could only really be found in the AK and one or two spots in DHS.
Off to Crystal Palace for an early dinner...the buffet was great for the kids and the food was certainly above average for a buffet. Not too much of a change in the menu since the last meal there in '07 but plenty of variety.
Back to the Poly for dip in the Volcano pool and a few cocktails for the adults. Nice to watch the electric parade and Wishes from the Poly while lounging on the beach.
All in all a good day 1 !!
BTW, the minidonuts were tastier than ever !!! After lunch and a few BudLight Limes we headed back to the Poly...the bus arrived within 10 minutes but was jam packed...standing room only all the way to the Poly (first stop was the Contemporary and no one got off !!)
