Ok so since I'm back in chilly, wet Chicagoland I'm ready to share my mini trip report. For the first time we did Universal first before Disney and it definitely felt different. We take breaks there as well and split the parks so start on one side, ride the Hogwarts Express over to the other park, do a few things, and go back to swim and chill for a bit. It was fun and seeing the new Hogwarts light show was great but we were ready to get to Disney. Maybe next time we'll do just two nights/three days there. If you do end up going over there, get some Voodoo Donuts. The ODB was fantastic.
Over at the Disney side of things, I feel like we had a great time and accomplished a whole lot. There were some really great highlights on this trip, we did flight of passage twice and it was still really incredible. We had a ton of rides on Everest, Splash Mountain, and Tower of Terror. All three are what I'd consider some of the best and well-themed rides at WDW. Seeing the finale of the HEA fireworks from Big Thunder was totally cool. I definitely want to repeat that experience but I know it won't happen on a night that has extra magic hours. The Poly beach was also a great place to watch the fireworks, assuming you don't mind having a running commentary behind you (more on that later).
The Polynesian was a fantastic "home base" and now I feel like we may not want to stay anywhere else. We had lots of amazing food. Tusker House breakfast (more brunch timing at 10:40) was amazing. By the time we got there and were seated there were two characters in the room so I ended up waiting for them while my son made his own plate. By the time I got food they were putting out some lunch stuff so I got to try both. And man it was so freakin' good. I tried both the chicken curry and the coconut curry shrimp with the rice and they were both really excellent. The couscous was a nice side with some bacon (probably not intended but whatever). That's definitely going on our repeat list. Captain Cook's (Poly QS) was also really solid. Those coconut curry meatballs were also really good (and Tikiman posted the recipe on his Facebook page so I'm totally gonna try it sometime). I know 'Ohana gets a really bad rap around the boards sometimes but it was incredible (for us) as usual. They really slowed down the pacing, which is kind of a bummer for me, I'm not one to linger at a table. I just wanted all that food right away. But I'm sure that's probably preferable to most people who dine there.
With all the good comes with a few downsides. While I felt the crowds for attractions were manageable and we were able to get enough additional fastpasses to do things. it also felt like the walkways were more congested than usual. There's always lots of people and strollers but I felt it a little more this time. I spent a ton of time dodging strollers and large families who would stop suddenly or hang out in the middle of the sidewalk. Eventually I just would tell my son to meet me at a particular place since it was a lot easier for him to get through the crowds without me trying to keep track of him (he's tiny and agile).
The heat zapped me on more than one occasion (more on that in a minute) and due to that, we didn't go to Epcot in the evening. Which was a total bummer, I love world showcase at night. But I can always look forward to doing that next time.
Also, there were a lot of inconsiderate people around. Especially during shows and fireworks. People have their phones out and going the whole time. Even though it's kind of a given at this point, it's still really annoying. I like to take a quick snap for my social media but honestly what's the point of trying to record the show on your iPhone? Go watch a YouTube recording, it'll look a lot better! Also, maybe it's just me, but why do people have to have loud, obnoxious conversations right behind me during Happily Ever After? I know we were on the Poly Beach and not in the park,so it's a little more informal, but it's hard enough to hear the music there sometimes. Why do you need a running commentary the whole time? Yes, that song is from Aladdin. And that other one is from Moana, good job recognizing it. Yes all the fireworks are pretty. Yeah I agree, that one was a heart. It became kind of a running joke between me and my son. Any time we'd see something mundane that looks pretty we'd be like "WOW LOOK AT THAT RED FLOWER THERE!" Not to mention, the woman burped loudly right in my ear. So gross. I guess I'm lucky they didn't stand in front of us, too.
Another downside was that we didn't really get to enjoy Disney Springs. That one's entirely on me because I tried to fit too much into one day by prebooking the Star Wars VOID VR experience in the afternoon instead of going to the pool. Bad idea, it hot there too of course! We probably should've relaxed at the resort for a bit before going over there. Once we got in there, I found out you can pretty easily walk in and get a time. I also found out those VR things are not for me, I had a mini panic attack once that visor went on my head, oops. I was definitely overheated, dehydrated, and overstimulated. They were amazing at getting me calmed down and out of there. I told my son just to go ahead and do it since he's fine with that kind of stuff. He said it was really fun but felt a little too short. He asked to do it again and maybe we can fit it in next time but we'll probably have to wait until next June. I'll be getting a drink while he does that...lol.
Even though overall we took lots of breaks I still felt pretty run down by the end of each day. Also I tweaked my knee earlier in the week and it was rough going a couple days but I pushed through. Those walkways in Animal Kingdom are so well themed it's tough to walk on with a bum knee. Of course my feet were also pretty sore too. I think next year when we go, I'll warn my friends that we will be taking lots of breaks and that we don't have to stay together 100% of the time. We can still accomplish a whole lot even if we rest every day. And I gotta work on getting my knees in better shape for next time. And maybe shedding some pounds would help that too.
Overall I think the moral of the story is: Listen to your body. It doesn't matter if Joe Schmoe and his family go from early morning to late night without a break every day for 7 days. If that's not you then it's not you. Drink lots of water, I had a water bottle at all times and still feel like I didn't have enough water. Also, plans change and be ready to do something different if the occasion calls for it. After that Disney Springs debacle, we just went back to the hotel, swam, had some QS dinner and it was just fine. Finally, just because something is popular or important here or in your facebook group or whatever doesn't mean you have to love it too. We're not show people so for us, staking out a spot for the fireworks every night is not something we care to do. I try to catch a show when we can, but I still don't always make it. One of these days I'll see Festival of the Lion King, or Fantasmic, or Rivers of Light (maybe).
Even though it's hot, sometimes it rains at inopportune times, people are obnoxious and rude, or the buses run behind. It's still a pretty magical place, only 116 days until we return to the Polynesian!
But we do take some short weekend trips and my son goes to Memphis a lot to see family.
Running around doing last minute stuff. Bags waiting for last minute items and we will be at the airport bright and early tomorrow morning. 
