The ABCs of a New 'Ohana Adventure-G is for: Greetings From Teppan, Good-Byes, and Good News!!! - COMPLETED 1/7

[vamassey1]

We got to the point of being a couple people behind the front of bag check line at the Magic Kingdom when I suddenly realized I was loaded with a bunch of booze singles in my bag. That, My Friends, doesn’t get you through security. EEK! What to do? WHAT TO DO?!?

Oh noooo! You do love to live dangerously.

Bellies satiated it was time to hit the pool while we waited for our room to be ready and our luggage. Power lounging was about to commence.

Sounds like a great plan.

Do you ever feel like you have enough time at your resort or do you simply book your resort KNOWING you will spend very little time there?

We book knowing we won't be in the room much.

Do you ever WISH you'd spent more time just taking advantage of what your resort has to offer (pool, activities, lounges, restaurants, etc....)?

Yes. Maybe someday I'll get to that point. I was hoping to do that over Easter at Coronado but that's not happening.

Which resort have you stayed at that you want to go back to specifically to spend more time at?

We've stayed at POR a few times and still wish we had done more.

 

[buzzrelly]

Your photos of The Poly are all gorgeous, I couldn't possibly choose just one. Looks like a lovely, relaxing day there.

I haven't been at work this week since I was supposed to be in WDW, but oddly, my unit has been quiet. Of course, I'm in the NICU and there haven't been many cases of mother-baby transmission yet. I'm praying this stays this way, especially for our fragile pre-termers. Hope you're staying healthy and safe

 

[Steppesister]

U is for: Undiscovered Universes​

Usually unused vacation days undergo utilization. Under-resting, under-relaxing, and under-destressing away from usual undertakings result in ultimate burnout. Understandably, I usurp those unusually unused days and take unforgettable vacations until my underfinanced bank account cries “UNCLE!”.

Ok, enough of that! Finding more ‘U’ words is becoming too much work. Let’s get on with understanding the unusual Universes u can find until I run out of underwear.

No, no, no… that’s not right. Wrong update. That was last week. By now I’ve done laundry at the Poly (yes, I have at least 2 more chapters on the Poly, but I like to skip around so I can give you variety and something new to see when I post. ) and am good to go again with fresh skivvies. Let’s Uber it over to the Dark Side and spend a couple of couple days and far more than a couple of dollars. The ride was short and uneventful; I was full of anticipation of what the brand new world would offer.

For years I’ve wanted to visit Italy. No doubt, since I talk about it incessantly, you already know that. I thought I’d give myself a little foretaste, as little, and perhaps as lame, as that may be compared to really going to Italy, by booking at the Portofino. As I stepped from the car, I was struck by the over-sized pots filled with plants found primarily in Mediterranean climates, olive trees, and beautiful bougainvillea to add magenta accents here and there. The soft colors of the faux marbled facades gave me cause to imagine that perhaps, just perhaps, the place I hope to one day actually get to might sort of look like. At least a little. The fact that it’s one of Uni’s “deluxe” resorts … that comes with Max Pass… had absolutely nothing to do with it. Nope, not one little bit.

Check-in went smoothly; my ticket, Max Pass, and room key were given. Sorry, Uni, Disney has you upped with the MB. Carrying a zillion cards is passé and a hassle. Yes, I bought a lanyard prior to going of my House- Hufflepuff. It brought back, in some ways, fond memories of the Lanyard Age when I first started going to Disney. I made my merry way to my room and it took a while as I had to walk a fair ways. As with all resorts at both Disney and Uni, rooms that are in the next zip code have both advantages and disadvantages- while they are indeed quieter, they take an egregious toll on one’s tootsies after a long day in the parks.

The view from kinda near my room:

​

The walk to the room was lovely despite it’s distance. I got my first immersion into the beautiful harbor they’ve created, and I couldn’t help but to smile as I took it all in. However, before taking in too much, I continued on to my room where, I cannot lie, I instantly fell in with it. It was clean, bright and comfortable. Here and there were some understated prints of Portofino, Italy. There were plain white linens, solid green and white décor, a big mirror over the marble-topped little table and that’s about it.

​

Did I miss that it wasn’t overly themed…or really even somewhat themed at all? Let’s face it though, the days of Disney resort rooms being heavily themed and “fun” are also over, my friends. Sterile and boring are now the sad reality. Sorry, that was all lost in the name of “clean” and “less wear and tear”. I much preferred the swag of the jewel toned bedspreads at POFQ and the obnoxious, bright colored carpets with hidden Mickeys in pretty much every resort. Did we lose some of what made DISNEY resorts Disney in our pursuit of the other? But that’s all a side-conversation we can debate another time just for the heck of it. All I can say is that I've resigned myself to the new trend of less is more Disney corporate thinking.

Now, where was I? Right. The room at Portofino. I expected a non-themed, sedate, mostly white with pastel accents kind of room and that’s the difference, It had a every amenity Disney would offer and was fine for the price. But the missing element, if we must compare, and we must, was a palpable lack of sharp attention to detail- detail in maintenance, cleanliness of the general grounds… it’s hard to put one’s finger on it. Wherever I traveled around the UniWorld, I felt a decided lack of that “magic” only found in the House of Mouse.

Settled in, I set off to see what a girl could see. I confess, I did love the murals scattered around the buildings, the touches here and there reminiscent of the Italian Tuscany countryside and wine stuff. Wine stuff everywhere. The Harbor from a distance is pretty fantastico. (My fluency is almost there!) I love the color palette, the little tethered boats bobbing on the water and the shutters and balconies against the buildings surrounding the public square.

​

The trouble is, the boats were filled with overgrown weeds and the shutters and balconies were only painted on rather than being real. That’s what I meant about lacking that attention to quality and authenticity. The Morocco Pavilion for example, was crafted by Moroccans- Disney makes sure to go the extra mile. Nevertheless, I still found it pretty and inviting and was willing to look past the lack of authenticity. I can say that with a major grain of salt though, as I fully realize I wasn’t within 500 miles of Tuscany. Or even 5,000. (It’s 5,607 and Google says there are no flights there at the current time.)

It wasn’t long before dinner time. I wasn't the only one hungry...

​

I ended up at BICE to continue my Italian experience. Upscale for sure, but I was MORE than looking forward to a glass of red wine on the open-air balcony overlooking the harbor with a carefree evening ahead of me. When I arrived I peeked out onto the balcony seating area and there were 2 open tables, one against the railing, and one a little further back.

And one party of 2 ahead of me.

Guess who got the one by the rail?

Correct. It wasn’t me.

Still I was okay with the view I had and enjoyed my appetizer of:

La Caprese, Mozzarella Burrata tegole croccanti di focaccia e olio al basilico.
Fresh burrata mozzarella and vine riped tomatoes with basil and EVOO.
$20
​

Along with some red Italian wine. Hmmm, well, been a while now, but chances are about 50-50 I had a cocktail instead… or in addition? Who knows!!!

For my main dish I had this amazing little (read VERY LARGE) ditty:

Ossobuco di Vitello con Risotto alla Milanese.
Braised Veal Shank “Ossobuco” with saffron risotto.
$48

​

This was fabulous, but didn’t even touch the Ossobuco from Takumei Tai. Although, I loved how this one had the risotto with it. The dish at TT was just a lot of (too much!) meat without something to cut the richness and taste. This was nice to mix it up a bit.

Did I finish it all? Nope. Did I order dessert? Nope. Did I leave FAR too full? Yeah.

I called it an early night and headed back to my room because tomorrow would be RD for Universal Studios!!

YOUR TURN!

Now, back to those controversal bitsies up there. ^ I've heard loads of commentary, even from some of you, at the alarming rate of dumbing down of Disney resort rooms. They are increasingly becoming nondescript, even going so far as removing bathtubs in the rooms. Gone are the heavy theming elements such as unique furniture, printed bedspreads, carpets, and shower curtains. Instead, it's white stuff, Pergo flooring, and a print that seems to fit here or there. Some exceptions would be the Pirate-themed rooms at Caribbean Beach, most of the rooms at AoA, and Wilderness Lodge... but I'll get to that in due time as well.

What is YOUR opinion on this shift? Really there are no wrong answers here and no one is going to flame you either way!! (This ain't FB!) Would you rather see Disney stick to the tradition of making a world away from the world inside its resort rooms, or do you prefer the cleaner, sleeker look of the new trend?

Next up: UniWorld Chapter 2- Deez Boats Be De Bomb!

 

[pkondz]

Usually unused vacation days undergo utilization. Under-resting, under-relaxing, and under-destressing away from usual undertakings result in ultimate burnout. Understandably, I usurp those unusually unused days and take unforgettable vacations until my underfinanced bank account cries “UNCLE!”.

Uh, huh...

Ok, enough of that! Finding more ‘U’ words is becoming too much work.

U did good!

Let’s get on with understanding the unusual Universes u can find until I run out of underwear.

Again?!?!? What's with you and going commando??

For years I’ve wanted to visit Italy.

Oh? Never would have guessed.

I was struck by the over-sized pots filled with plants found primarily in Mediterranean climates,

I'm sorry you were struck by a pot. Did it leave a bruise?

The fact that it’s one of Uni’s “deluxe” resorts … that comes with Max Pass… had absolutely nothing to do with it. Nope, not one little bit.

Exactly the reason I did that when I went. But then again there was two of us (DD & I) so it made it even more of a no-brainer.

my ticket, Max Pass, and room key were given. Sorry, Uni, Disney has you upped with the MB.

Wasn't your Express Pass your room key? I know ours was. Different resort, mind you.

As with all resorts at both Disney and Uni, rooms that are in the next zip code have both advantages and disadvantages- while they are indeed quieter, they take an egregious toll on one’s tootsies after a long day in the parks.

Ah yes. I will go to great lengths not to have to walk those great lengths.

The view from kinda near my room:

1. Gorgeous!
2. "Taken moments before the photographer was eaten by an alligator."

I got my first immersion into the beautiful harbor they’ve created,

Did you harbour any resentment at falling in and being immersed?

Did I miss that it wasn’t overly themed…or really even somewhat themed at all?

I know I wasn't. I go to Disney for that... and as you mentioned...

Sterile and boring are now the sad reality.

... that's very true. Although... aren't some of the rooms at POR and AoA themed still?

Did we lose some of what made DISNEY resorts Disney in our pursuit of the other?

Perhaps... but then again, I tend to spend so little time in my room that it's mostly lost on me anyways.

But the missing element, if we must compare, and we must, was a palpable lack of sharp attention to detail- detail in maintenance, cleanliness of the general grounds… it’s hard to put one’s finger on it. Wherever I traveled around the UniWorld, I felt a decided lack of that “magic” only found in the House of Mouse.

Interesting. I didn't notice a lack of cleanliness... but then again I wasn't looking all that closely.
But magic?

Yeah, that's definitely a Disney commodity.

The Harbor from a distance is pretty fantastico. (My fluency is almost there!)

Bravo!

​

Pretty shot.

The trouble is, the boats were filled with overgrown weeds

Oh.
Well that's disappointing!

and the shutters and balconies were only painted on rather than being real.

Really! I'm surprised.
That feels like... "Okay... we have to do some budget cuts somewhere... I have an idea..."

(It’s 5,607 and Google says there are no flights there at the current time.)

I wasn't the only one hungry...

​

mmmm... chicken.

I was MORE than looking forward to a glass of red wine on the open-air balcony overlooking the harbor with a carefree evening ahead of me.

Sounds really nice.

And one party of 2 ahead of me.

Guess who got the one by the rail?

No one! It was reserved for some hoity toity semi-VIPs!

La Caprese, Mozzarella Burrata tegole croccanti di focaccia e olio al basilico.
Fresh burrata mozzarella and vine riped tomatoes with basil and EVOO.

Whoa that sounds (and looks!) good!

Ossobuco di Vitello con Risotto alla Milanese.
Braised Veal Shank “Ossobuco” with saffron risotto.

The meat looks only so-so... but the risotto looks good!

The dish at TT was just a lot of (too much!) meat without something to cut the richness and taste.

Agreed.

Next up: UniWorld Chapter 2- Deez Boats Be De Bomb!

Can't wait!

 

[Steppesister]

Now that we are older, we have less interest in doing the rides and more interest in resort time. We love the Beach Club and Wilderness Lodge and enjoy spending time at their pools. The best day of our stay at POR in January was the afternoon at the pool.

I'm in the same category. Although, I do love going to the parks a lot still, esp. AK, I have come to make space for enjoying the slower pace and variety of what the resorts have to offer.

 

[Steppesister]

Oh no! That is the worst feeling......I had the same thing happen on my December trip and spent an hour at WL feeling like I could die at any moment. It's the worst!

It is totally the WORST!!! I'm not gonna lie and say I didn't panic at least a little.

No big deal at all....for them!

LOL!!

I really hope you are able to take your trip this year.

Me too.... I think, just a hunch, that Italy is going to plateau this week and then taper off. China didn't have any new cases today, so that's encouraging. Of course, that's if they are being transparent.

I would love to check it out one day, even for a drink and appie.

It's a fun, upbeat place for sure.

I like your perspective on each, thanks!

My pleasure....

I love reading your witty and insightful commentary and reveling in your gorgeous photography. Keep writing!

I have a plan moving forward, so pressing on!

Sounds like you have a good plan. Be safe and careful!

I sure will try!

I felt the exact same way the first time I visited the Polynesian. You deserve a medal for driving cross country with four littles and your parents! It reminds me of my own early parenting days traveling between our cottage in PEI and Ontario with three boys under 3 and "Thomas's Trackside Tunes" on constant replay.

Some of those memories are the BEST memories though. On the way over on that trip we celebrated my oldest's 9th birthday in a truck stop with cupcakes. It's one he'll never forget.

AKL! I could happily do a resort only trip there and never get bored.

Of all the resorts, I think that one has the most to do as far things to do.

 

[Steppesister]

Good! More to read!

I lined out a plan to finish it up. Still have many more updates. More than I originally thought when I started thinking on it.

Oh! Did I know this? If you've mentioned it before, I forgot it.

Yeah... I hope you can still go. When is it? It's in the fall, isn't it? Hopefully by then... <fingers crossed>

Yes, late September. If things aren't back to normal by then, we're in serious trouble.

No saunter?

Gotta mix it up now and then.

Nah. I'll believe it when I see a photo of tootsies in the water.

You did.

mmm.... no. I think mine are the Disney Store, actually. Neither girl was into Lego.

So you were spared the excruciating pain of stepping on them .

This just boggles my mind. I had a hand-me-down bucket of random Lego with very little variety in it. Certainly not more than two colours!

I know... Lego grew up! LOL!

Been there. I feel your pain.

IT was super not fun!

ust one sock? Don't you normally buy those in pairs?

Thank goodness for phones. Otherwise you have to read the graffiti and there probably isn't much at Disney.

Good point. Then again, beads of sweat were dripping into my eyes as I suffered.

I have teens/young adults. I totally understand this.

They are glued to it, and yet, if mom or dad texts they are suddenly busy.

That was the second thing I thought of. First being something you ate didn't agree with you.

It passed so quickly I think it wasn't poisoning.

Sorry. Probably shouldn't laugh, but... struck me as funny.

She's wearing a long sleeve shirt????

Well, she is pretty self-conscious about things.

I could not do this. I'd be... "Need to lie down. Now."

It was almost to that point.

"Oh, hi! You're alive! Spend money!"

Yes. They're weird.

I think they learned to like it when we lived in Crapistan where it was pretty ubuquitious.

Out of what you ordered, that's the only one that appeals... and it doesn't look... well...

I think they need some hot lights training.

… yeah... that.

yeahh.....

So... Totally ignorant here. How does one tip a violinist? I mean... they're playing. You can't just hand him a bill, can you?
(Which is a whole other issue. I never carry cash, generally.)

They play a few minutes and then stop to chat it up a bit. When it was obvious he was done with us and needed to move on, Mikki, who did have some cash tipped him and thanked him for his time. So, yes, you can just hand him a bill as they finish up. And I do try to carry cash at Disney. At least a little as I tip the ME driver, bell hops, Mousekeeping, etc...

I don't need some server giving me language lessons to do that!!!

Well sure! Everyone does that, but how... Italian... to have a WORD for it.

You don't know who you're going with? How strange!

har har...

That's pretty cool! Never seen that.

Nor had I! I wonder how many other amazing things there are to do or see in Italy that I have no idea about!

Send it back and ask for it not to be charged to your bill.

Well... it does come in handy later...

Like that! Lit on both ends?

Yep. Super cool!

If you hadn't asked... would you be able to find it on your own?

I doubt that very much. It was just a random door just like any other and I don't think anyone would even think twice as to what it was. Maybe they'd think it was a manager's door or storage.

Well... I had 2. One is canceled and the other almost certainly so.
Another is a (very) slight possibility, but for other reasons, probably won't happen. So...

other reasons?? Not trying to pry, but was curious.

First read that and thought you were a patient there.

Nope! And guess where I am right now? And will be every single Saturday night until mid-June?

Long story short, this for the next few weeks unless things change might be my ONLY work very soon. With the cancellation of all elective cases work is very slow with now. I'll explain more soon in a separate post after replies.

 

[Steppesister]

Right. Pay interest? at... 25%???? Nope!

Not for this old gal!

I love that one guy who bought tons of supplies... and now can't sell it. Hope he goes bankrupt. Scumbag.

I last heard he was giving them away as donations. People's true colors sure come out in times like this.

Oh my gosh... I seriously did not read ahead when I commented that you had to have a photo of tootsies in the water (close enough) for it to be real.

LOL!!! There ya go!! It's like you read my mind!

Nice.
Mine would be POR.

So, first resort you ever stayed at?

Nope. Did similar when I was a kid. 8 people in a van going across country.

Memorable and stressful all in the same van.

Wait... that is not the Poly.

No, that was a boatride away.

I've had that happen! It was at ASMu. Thought it was a cat or a rabbit for a second.

Funny little creatures they are.

Wonder if you can still do that?

No. Sadly, no. They ripped it up for "safety concerns". Which is BS. It was $ concerns of maintenance.

I could guess.
WL and AKL?

Nope.

Nope! I would've done exactly what you did.

I"m glad I'm not the only one!

The top one, actually.

Okay, now I gotta go back and look. I really should write my updates only as far as my memory can stretch. It ain't far these days.

I'm gonna guess... one with TP in the bathroom.

Yes, actually... well... with a coda. If I knew I was going to spend more time at a resort, I'd probably not book a Value. But... that's one reason (money being the other, obvious one) why I do book Values. I'm not there, so...

Which makes total sense. But, if money was no object, you would spend more time there?

Hmmm... I haven't "stayed" there, but have visited a couple times... but... WL. Easily.

I super love that one too now, but you'll have to wait for "W" for those thoughts.

 

[Steppesister]

What beautiful poly pictures! It looks like heaven from where I am currently socially distancing myself in my own home in the middle of a cold Canadian March.

Thank you!! I know I for one would trade our current situation for the Poly any day!!

I never seem to have enough resort time. Sometimes if I know I won't spend much time there, I might book a value or stay offsite. The only times I've come close to spending enough resort time has been when we were at the Grand Floridian and really wanted to take advantage, taking time for the pool, the spa, all the shops, and several of the restaurants all in one stay. But it's typically always a little rushed and never enough time at the resorts.

I am the same but am slowly changing this for sure. I want to have the best of both worlds so book a value (or mod depending on how many of us, or just me) for my park days and then a deluxe for some off days.

100%. It's hard not to want to be in the parks all the time, but the resorts really have some special experiences to offer.

Yes, they sure do!!! I love all that I've seen they have added for stuff do lately.

I would say Animal Kingdom is on that list. And maybe also the Poly. We didn't have our best experience when we stayed there but I'd like to give it more of a chance and spend more time appreciating it if we ever went back.

I hope you get to and have a much better experience next time around!!

 

[pkondz]

I lined out a plan to finish it up. Still have many more updates. More than I originally thought when I started thinking on it.

Good for us.

Yes, late September. If things aren't back to normal by then, we're in serious trouble.

There are so many unknowns right now. I've heard summer, after summer and eight months. No one really knows for sure, I think.

Gotta mix it up now and then.

So you were spared the excruciating pain of stepping on them .

Except maybe as a kid.

Good point. Then again, beads of sweat were dripping into my eyes as I suffered.

They are glued to it, and yet, if mom or dad texts they are suddenly busy.

Ah yes. I am familiar with that.

It passed so quickly I think it wasn't poisoning.

I highly doubt it. You'd be down for the day... or longer.

Well, she is pretty self-conscious about things.

Ohhh... Yeah, I get it. My girls went through that stage too.

I think they learned to like it when we lived in Crapistan where it was pretty ubuquitious.

Ah! Okay, now it makes more sense.

They play a few minutes and then stop to chat it up a bit. When it was obvious he was done with us and needed to move on, Mikki, who did have some cash tipped him and thanked him for his time. So, yes, you can just hand him a bill as they finish up. And I do try to carry cash at Disney. At least a little as I tip the ME driver, bell hops, Mousekeeping, etc...

Thanks for the tip.

uh... info.

Well sure! Everyone does that, but how... Italian... to have a WORD for it.

Good point!

Nor had I! I wonder how many other amazing things there are to do or see in Italy that I have no idea about!

It's a whole country just filled with stuff to see and do!

Well... it does come in handy later...

Standing by...

I doubt that very much. It was just a random door just like any other and I don't think anyone would even think twice as to what it was. Maybe they'd think it was a manager's door or storage.

I like that. The Purloined Letter method. Hiding in plain sight.

other reasons?? Not trying to pry, but was curious.

Sorry, but personal reasons that I can't really discuss.

Nope! And guess where I am right now? And will be every single Saturday night until mid-June?

On a Ferris Wheel?

No?

Long story short, this for the next few weeks unless things change might be my ONLY work very soon. With the cancellation of all elective cases work is very slow with now. I'll explain more soon in a separate post after replies.

Oh, really! I'm surprised. I thought as a nurse you'd be working 36 hour shifts with four hours off in between or something.

Not for this old gal!

Nor this old fart!

I last heard he was giving them away as donations. People's true colors sure come out in times like this.

Uh, huh.
If by true colour you mean "I want to avoid prosecution."

So, first resort you ever stayed at?

Memorable and stressful all in the same van.

It had its moments. Both good and not so good.

No. Sadly, no. They ripped it up for "safety concerns". Which is BS. It was $ concerns of maintenance.

Okay, now I gotta go back and look. I really should write my updates only as far as my memory can stretch. It ain't far these days.

Which makes total sense. But, if money was no object, you would spend more time there?

No. I'd stay at a monorail resort (or WL) or a Boardwalk resort... and still be in the parks all the time.

 

[missjackiemcg]

What is YOUR opinion on this shift? Really there are no wrong answers here and no one is going to flame you either way!! (This ain't FB!) Would you rather see Disney stick to the tradition of making a world away from the world inside its resort rooms, or do you prefer the cleaner, sleeker look of the new trend?

Pop has been our only Disney hotel stay in the last 14 years, so I can only really comment on the changes there. I have to say although the new storage options in the renovated rooms are helpful, the room itself feels too sterile, almost hospital room-ish to me. I know hotel room carpet is probably among the grossest things in the world; however, the rooms just felt cozier to me before they switched them up. I also loved the posters that hung in the rooms and how they were specific to the decade for which building you were staying in. Those are the touches I miss for sure! Now the rooms are all cookie cutter, no matter which decade you're staying in. Same art prints of Mickey and sleeping Pluto in every room. Sigh.

 

[Steppesister]

Bogged down by this?!! NEVER!!!! I love joining you on your adventures, and it's so fun how you tell the story in bits and pieces instead of straight through

Aww, thanks!! I have a game plan and road map so I'll keep at it.

LOVE these little floaty guys!!!

Aren't they cute? But in a classy way?

I only recently discovered how much I love eggplant!!! The first time I devoured a piece of eggplant parmesan, I thought it was chicken LOL

LOL!! If it tasted like chicken, it must have been done pretty well.

Glad you're able to hunker down in one place instead of getting stuck in the back and forth! (also nice to have the necessary TP on hand!!)

And a shower. Yesterday I was called in for cases twice and that'd have been 4 times back and forth if I'd not packed for staying. No thanks.

Sounds like the loveliest time spent relaxing at the Poly! We've never stayed there, but I do hope to someday when our WDW vacations become more about relaxation and less about theme park madness!

In time they will. I can guarantee it.

We almost always stay at Pop because we are very rarely in our room, and just need a place to sleep! We do enjoy the Hippy Dippy Pool at Pop Century, so we often take a break to swim mid-afternoon. This is one of the cheapest options, so it works for us for the time being, even though there are so many other resorts I'd like to try eventually.

Money is definitely a factor and I've chosen values plenty of times just for that reason, but lately have had the money to splurge on an upgrade for myself so have.

I've stayed at Port Orleans French Quarter three times, as well, and really haven't even explored all it has to offer, so I would love to go back there for a do-over sometime, too. Last time I stayed there was in 2006!!

Long time ago! You need to get bac there and soak it for all its worth!

I never feel like we've missed out on resort time until after the trip is over and I'm reading other people's TRs thinking how nice a "down day" at the resort seems! When I'm in the moment on a trip, all I want to do is be in the parks soaking up the magic! I definitely need reminders to slow down.

I've switched up the strategy now to intentionally include at least one day to doing nothing except the resort and meals there or most of the time at the resort and a meal at DTD. The older I get, the harder it is to come home to my job and feel like I've gotten the rest I needed to have gotten on vacation. And there is so much to see and do from resort tours to activities.

@missjackiemcg I have no idea how I missed replying to those first few quotes. LOL!! I edited...

 

[Steppesister]

A lot of that going around, for sure. I'm supposed to be cruising in Alaska in late July and I'm terrified that's going to go down the tubes.

I hope you bought trip insurance, but I suspect by July we may see a slackening of the hard shutdowns. No one knows of course, for sure, but my fingers are crossed for a reboot to happen by then.

Stranger Things is awesome!

I loved it!! Seasons 1 and 3 were my favorites, and after that, it was good but not great.

We can always count on them, can't we?

Only to ask for money and the next meal.

Really, really love the theme there.

Yes! Not every Disney restaurant gets such awesome backstory theming but this one, Jock's, Skipper's Canteen, and possibly CHH are the winners in this category.

Sounds about right (we ate there in January). I enjoyed it. And presentation is overrated.

Don't ever tell that to anyone who comes from Japan. LOL!

Hmm...Yeah, that definitely doesn't look like it's worth $8.

No, but it does make another appearance coming up.

Good to know! But I suspect you're right about M&E being better for families.

More suitable for noise and the hubbub of families. Lighter, brighter, less "romantic".

Of course! You're not getting rid of me that easily!

<thinks up new and nefarious techniques>

Hang in there! I hope you manage to get some rest through all of this. It's going to be a strange, stressful time for all of us.

Yes, it is. One day managers are telling us to brace ourselves, the next day we're being "laid off" until further notice.

I'm sensing a theme with the kids here.

Strangely I was okay with them being happy doing what they loved toegether.

Excellent. Serves 'em right.

It really depends. On our week-long family visits, we usually go for a cheaper resort because I don't anticipate spending much time there. If I'm splurging on a deluxe for a couple of nights, I will want to get value for my dollar so I'll usually plan to spend more time enjoying it.

Seems to be the consensus; it just doesn't make sense to pay that much and not enjoy some time there.

Sure. It always feels like we never have enough time at Disney.

Truer words were never spoken.

Animal Kingdom Lodge and Wilderness Lodge, for sure.

I really like the Poly, too.

So immersive each one.

 

[Steppesister]

Hee! Hee! We'll all be gathering leaves in a week or 2...

LOLOL!! And the plumbing issues skyrocket....

I like the one on top. But they are all VERY good!!!!

Thanks!

Definitely the WL. I would love to hang there for a week and just enjoy the resort.

Me too! Well, a little park time, but I could spend a load of time there too!

 

[Steppesister]

All caught up, oh my goodness, so sorry you felt so sick at DS, never fun!
Thanks for the Maria and Enzo review, I love eggplant parmigiana

No not fun at all!! I wanted more than anything to avoid having someone have to call EMS and passing out in the bathroom. I'm so glad it seemed to pass fairly quickly and I could get on with my evening!

I sure hope you will be able to go on your trip this fall. Have you been to Italy? I have been twice and would love to go back again!

Me too!! Yes, I have been once back when I was in high school but was too young and stupid to either appreciate or understand the opportunity I had. I am so excited to go back and see it through an adult's eyes and really enjoy getting to other places I didn't get to go to back then.

I totally agree about the Tonga Toast at CC, not nearly as good without the strawberry compote. I do love The Poly, it is so fun to walk around there and enjoy the grounds!

It's so soothing and relaxing there. Really provides a nice slow-down vacation place to let the stress of regular life go.

We are terrible about enjoying more areas of the resort! We spend time wondering around but rarely swim or lounge outside of our room. We really should do more of that.

I enjoyed a nice long nap by the pool while we waited for our room this time. THat was SO nice!

 

[Steppesister]

All right, I'm over here worrying about suddenly becoming a homeschooling mom, while you RVed across the states with 4 kids under the age of 9.... How?!
I'm not surprised at all that you snuck away to the Poly for a break. I loved hearing about that first experience.

With a lot of help from my folks. And we were already homeschooling back then (I homeschooled from 1991-2010) so were used to being all stuck in one place for most of the time. But yeah, I sure needed that break that day!! Too long in too cramped of a space. I was sleeping on the floor of that RV for a week and was just.. done.

Oh goodness, I laughed out loud at your contraband booze situation. Definitely didn't cross my mind that you couldn't take alcohol onto a monorail headed to the MK. But who in their right mind would think to toss the booze?! That would most certainly NOT be on my list of options.

Looking back it was hilarious. Heck it was hilarious as it all unfolded. Oy... what a moron move.

Hmm, maybe that's why I never understood the hubbub around the tonga toast. I can't have strawberries, so the only time I tried it ala without sauce I thought it was just okay.

The strawbery sauce, IMHO, just makes it go from sorta boring and non-descript to WOW!, this is amazing. And with bacon... YUM!!!! I wonder if they could do a non-strawberry option for you? Mango puree? Some other fruit? Strawberry allergies are pretty common.

Glad you all were taking advantage of the deluxe resort by sitting back and enjoying the hotel offerings.

Sigh... what I'd do for another deluxe vacation right now!!

 

[Steppesister]

Same. Kids still love to go through here.

It's like a museum to me too! So fun!

I still want this.

Someday when my grandbabies get old enough I'll get a couple of big sets and I can put them together with them.

I love eggplant parm too.

Great family picture.

SO much better than the one from San Angel!

I love this idea for getting inside information when you travel.

I'm hoping it's better for everyone well before this time.

Me too. Sigh.... it just can't go on for too long before the consequences of our sheltering will be irreparable to our economy. We'll have to take a good long, hard look at the long-term effects of life as we know it.

Do you know if she was with the Disney international program? They sent those participants all home. It's going to be a lot harder to get them back when they reopen as compared to getting the DCP kids back. Danielle was telling me that some of them can only come once so once they're back in their home country they can't come back to US for it again.

I honestly don't know. She looked a bit older but for sure could have been. I have heard of that program and know that they can't come back which is so, SO sad. I think the girls at Takumeki Tai are on that program. My heart breaks for them.

I'm really enjoying your report and look forward to more.

Coming up!!!

 

[Steppesister]

Your photos of The Poly are all gorgeous, I couldn't possibly choose just one. Looks like a lovely, relaxing day there.

I haven't been at work this week since I was supposed to be in WDW, but oddly, my unit has been quiet. Of course, I'm in the NICU and there haven't been many cases of mother-baby transmission yet. I'm praying this stays this way, especially for our fragile pre-termers. Hope you're staying healthy and safe

Thanks! It was such a relaxing stay there! We enjoyed all of the days we got!

Our unit is still open despite NO elective cases on the schedule. All the carpal tunnels, hysterectomies, etc... are going to have to wait. Until then, not much work for me. We have been told, at both of my jobs) that when those get the green light to re-start, we will be slammed and making up for lost time. I hope that doesn't last for too many weeks as my fragile bank account just can't sustain too long being off of work.

I hope your unit stays at its normal census and the transmission worry doesn't happen!

 

[Steppesister]

Oh noooo! You do love to live dangerously.

LOL!! I don't mean to; stuff just seems to follow me around.

We book knowing we won't be in the room much.

That seems to be the norm for most.

Yes. Maybe someday I'll get to that point. I was hoping to do that over Easter at Coronado but that's not happening.

Already planning too much? Or too much to just laze around?

We've stayed at POR a few times and still wish we had done more.

POR is so nice. Not too big and yet... bikes, Yeehaw Bob, watercraft, pool games...

Your photos of The Poly are all gorgeous, I couldn't possibly choose just one. Looks like a lovely, relaxing day there.

It super was!! I loved having that time to slow down and just relax some without the go-go-go of the parks.

 

[Wood Nymph]

I have mixed feelings about the dumbing down of the Disney cutesy elements in some of the resorts. I don't need to see Mickey and Minnie and cute little Bambi's. I am fine with gorgeous showers replacing the tubs I never used. I like practical and convenient and classy. But I do like a little theming, too. I like WL to have a lodge theme and POR Riverside Alligator Bayou to have a little different theme than POR-Mansions have. But the theme parks have enough theming for me.

Our daughter who is a nurse is stressed and extremely busy in her management role of making sure there are adequate supplies at her hospital. Our heart goes out to her and all the medical people who are so very important right now.