[PhilliesFan]

We just got back from WDW after one wonderful week while staying at the Polynesian. The trip was fantastic! I'll update more over the weekend including restaurant reviews, and I have to mention that we loved the Disney Dining Plan !!! What a deal! The Polynesian was just as lovely as ever, and the new Pirates ride was updated very nicely. I'll be back soon after laundry, mail, and the grocery store.

[DisneyTeacher]

Welcome back, I can't wait to read more about your tirp.

[DisneyWorldFan]

Sounds like a great trip. Looking forward to your report/photos.

[alicefan]

Welcome back!!! I can't wait for your Trip Report! I so hope to stay at the Poly someday!

[mickaholic4077]

C'mon,it's late enough for you to be up typing!!!!(LOL)

[PhilliesFan]

My crazy chocolate lab had me up at 7 AM this morning (I wanted to sleep later), and he also woke me up 3 times during the night. He drives me crazy every time we return from vacation, but I still love that crazy dog. His goal in life is to hold the world record in amount of sticks one dog can hold in his mouth!

I won't give a day by day TR, but rather a review of the Polynesian, some rides, and of course the food!

First thing, Quick Silver Transportation was teriffic! Two big thumbs up. Our driver, Chris, was wonderful and on time each time. I would definitely use them for our next trip.

Also, this was the first time we flew on Southwest. Another big thumbs up. Smooth flights, on time, good service, comfy seats, and my luggage made its way to its destination (US Air on occasion has liked to delay my luggage for a day or two. )

The Polynesian was great and again it spoils me from wanting to stay at any other Disney resort. There were 8 of us in two rooms (my sister and her husband have an off site time share), both rooms connected, and we stayed in a garden room in the Tahiti building. The ages ranged from 14 (my daughter) to 77 (my father). We had 5 in our room, and we had ample space. This was my first time in the Tahiti building, and the rooms actually seemed a little larger. Although it was not one of the new rooms, it was very nice. Two comfy queen size beds, a day bed, refrigerator, and two sinks with a large counter in the bathroom. They always put more towels then were needed in the bathroom, and they even made a few towel people (which my mother loved). We had a first floor room (which I did request) and the Disney Ducks visted us daily for food (they were actually more pig like by the way the ate).

My favorite thing about the Polynesian are grounds, and they were beautiful. We had two teens who loved the volcano pool. I personally like the jets in the back of the pool.

My second favorite thing is the nightly electric water parade and fireworks over the MK. I never get tired of it, it's pure Disney magic!

I'll try to post some pictures later after I get them uploaded. I'll also post my review of the attractions, rides, food, and Cirque du Soleil.

[mickaholic4077]

Very good so far. Give your dog a stick for me!!!!

[Cavey]

The Poly is one of my favorite resorts to visit (though waaaaay out of our price range). And I agree with you that the Dining Plan is fantastic.

Welcome home.

[PhilliesFan]

Ok, now onto the parks. I couldn't wait to try Soarin (is that how you spell it?) at Epcot. But I have to say I was a little disappointed. May be it was all the hype that I read about it. I enjoyed the ride, but I felt overall it was just too short. I remember the old If You Had Wings at the MK (which I loved), and I actually feel that ride was a lot more fun.

This was also my first experience with Test Track, and that ride I absolutely loved! We got fast passes and went back on it 3 times. What a ride!!!

I absolutely loved the new Pirates! There is no fast pass, but the line was only 40 minutes both times we were at the MK. Outside we saw Jack Sparrow performing, but it was very hard to get close for a photo. The new added scenes in Pirates are fantastic.

The kids and several brave adults (not me, I'm a wuss) did Everest at the AK, and I was informed that it was the best ride at WDW and very intense. They loved it and gave it two big thumbs up.

Finally, this was also our first trip to Mission Space. We all chose the mild version, which was very mild, but a lot of fun. For those who don't like to spin, I recommend it.

Oh, the new Stunt Car Show at MGM is out of this world! Go, you will love it!

The parks themselves were not bad, most lines 20 to 40 minutes, with the exception of Splash Mountain, Space Mountain, Everest, etc., which of course required a fast pass. In fact, we only had a 5 minute wait at the Haunted Mansion, Bugs Life, and the Tower of Terror was only 10 minutes (my favorite ride). The only very crowded park was AK. I love that park, but the paths are not as ride as the other parks, and it rained the day we went there, which made far worse.

Ok, tomorrow is dining reviews and yes the Dining Plan, love it, love it, love it!

[Erin]

Excellent reviews!! :c) Thanks for your perspective on things!

I would LOVE to stay at the Poly one day! (Maybe when we retire, or don't have 3 kids to pay for!)

I can't believe you weren't impressed with Soarin'! I'm totally shocked!!

It sounds like the crowds were quite managable - what a blessing for y'all!! I bet you have a great tan, after being out so much in this wacky hot heat!

[Cavey]

Lil'Pocahontas felt just the opposite about Soarin'. I think she'll insist we go to Epcot from now on just for that attraction.

[mickaholic4077]

You were disappointed in Soarin??????? OMG!!!!!!!

[Cosmicwaves]

While I did love Soarin...I agree with you that it is a little bit short.

[PhilliesFan]

I know I'm in the minority about Soarin. It was fun and nice, but I felt a little cheated when it was over because it was just too short.

Anyway, now on to the good stuff, the food.
Did I mention that I just loved the Disney Dining Plan? It's one of the best deals that Disney has. There is nothing better than not having to worry about money for your meals while on vacation. We ate sinfully well! If you are hesitant about the cost of the plan, go for it, you get more than your monies worth.

A fellow DC'er or are we mouse buzzards now, gave mickeys instead of stars with his restaurant reviews. To continue this tradition, I will do the same. 5 Mickeys will be highest award.

Rose and Crown Pub - 1/2
Lunch. The fish and chips was very good, along with the sheppards pie. Very nice atmospher.

Tappenyaki Dining Room -
Dinner
Very good service and food quality. The shrimp and steak was very good. Our chef had great personality and entertained us with her skills and wit.

Mama Melrose -
Dinner
What a surprise this place was. We ate there before and the food was average. This time we had excellent service and the food was very good. In fact, my sister ordered the tender steak, and it was out of this world (I wish I ordered it). I had the eggplant parmagana and it too was quite tasty.

Wolfgang Pucks Cafe - 1/2
Dinner
My least favorite place. The food was good, but the service was a little less than average. The servers had a little attitude. I did have the tomato and cheddar soup and it very good.

California Grill -
Dinner
Loved it. The best restaurant of the week. The view, the service, the food, the drink, all superb. The lobster salad as an appetizer was very good. My husband had the filet migon it just melted in your mouth. I had the scallops with escerole and gnocchi that was to die for! We also ordered for the table the cheese plate and it too was just wonderful. Then the desserts. We ordered one of each for the table, and sampled each of them, what can I say, but again superb! And if that wasn't enough, it was also my sister's birthday, so they also brought out a wonderful piece of chocolate birthday cake.
Our server, Laurie, also gets 5 for excellent service!
We were lucky enough to arrive during sunset, and then to be there for th 10 PM fireworks over MK. What a great way to end the day.

Spoodles - 1/2
Dinner
This was a first for us. Poor Spoodles, aftre a fabulous meal at the California Grill, it would be hard to top that night. The food was very good, but the service was a little slow. I had the Mediterranean Dips as an appetizer, my husband at the Four Cheese Flatbed, and both were very good. My daughter had the garlic shrimp that was ok, but my sister had the Greek Salad which was fantastic. I enjoyed the Portuguese Seafood Stew (quite yummy), and my husband had streak that was pretty good, but not nearly as good as Mama Melrose.

Kona Cafe -
Lunch
What a nice place to beat the crowds for lunch. We had the last lunch reservation at 2:45, and the place had less 20 people in it. We had very good service along with excellent food. The seafood chowder was quite tasty as was the Pot Stickers, and the salads were fresh. We enjoyed the burgers, the Island Chicken Sandwich, the Open-faced Salmon BLT, the Grilled Mahi Mahi with Ponzu Sauce, and Stir-Fried Asian Noodles with sliced chicken.

1900 Park Fare
Character Breakfast
Good every time!

Captain Cooks
Snacks, sandwiches, breakfast items
This is the counter service restaurant at the Polynesian. It has moved temporarily because the original location is being renovated. The sandwiches and breakfast items were quite good, the coffee was always fresh and hot, and the ceasar salad was very good.
The refillable mug station is closed during this remodeling.

Almost done. I'll try to post some pictures later. Also, I'll give you my review of Cirque du Soleil!

[PhilliesFan]

Originally Posted by Erin

Excellent reviews!! :c) Thanks for your perspective on things!

I would LOVE to stay at the Poly one day! (Maybe when we retire, or don't have 3 kids to pay for!)

I can't believe you weren't impressed with Soarin'! I'm totally shocked!!

It sounds like the crowds were quite managable - what a blessing for y'all!! I bet you have a great tan, after being out so much in this wacky hot heat!

Quite the contrary, minimal tan. My father is Italian so you would think I would get a good tan. Wrong. I inherited my mother's skin that barely tans. Thank God for tan in a can!

As to the heat, it wasn't bad. I love summer and the heat, so I didn't think it was that bad. I don't think it was above 92 or 94, with a few days around 88 degrees. We are actually having a heat wave here in New Jersey. Today it was 97 and tomorrow it will be 99 degrees.