The Polynesian at Christmas

Posted on January 17, 2016January 17, 2016 by Dusty Roads

After we left the Grand Floridian we caught the next water taxi to the Polynesian Village Resort.

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The Polynesian has been undergoing a complete makeover. The swimming pool has experienced upgrades and the Bora Bora Bungalows are scheduled to open soon.

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These are over – the -water accommodations just like the South Pacific but I’m getting off track.

We were just stopping there to see the decorations.

There was a modest tree in the lobby with tropical blooms.

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Nearby a Tiki carving was gathering leis and offerings.

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We had a light snack on the deck near the pool. Mine was a hot dog, an $8.59 hot dog.

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Even the snacks are expensive! A pair of ducks were begging from table to table. All of the signs said not to feed the wildlife but these guys were so tame they took bits of food right out of your fingers.

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Refreshed we grabbed the Monorail back to Hollywood Studios. As we headed to the Mono rail I couldn’t help but think that Disney had captured the essence of Hawaii.

Deck the Halls the Disney Way

Posted on January 15, 2016January 15, 2016 by Dusty Roads

All together we spent about 3 hours at the Magic Kingdom. As we headed for the boat ramps to sail to the Disney Hotels, I stopped at the ECV to let them know to take our/my name off the list. We were still #2.

By now I had started to limp as my back muscles cramped up and put stress on my sciatic nerve sending pain down my left leg. I sat off to the side while Joe stood in line. The bench wasn’t too comfortable but it provided a little relief.

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Pretty soon we boarded a cute little boat and headed to the Grand Floridian, the most opulent of the Disney hotels. We wanted to see the Gingerbread house. The walk from the boat dock is slightly uphill and for someone feeling the strain, it seemed like a looong walk.

It was worth it once we stepped inside. The lobby is magnificent and even more so with enormous the Christmas Tree right in the center.

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They had comfy couches and chairs and I took full advantage of it. That was immediately relief and a promise of more pain to come as the back muscles contracted. Joe left me to recover while he explored the other vantage points for photos.

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The Gingerbread house was everything it was built up to be, including having a load of “hidden Mickey’s” but the tree in that Lobby really was the main event. It really overshadowed the gingerbread house.

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Speaking of the Gingerbread house, it is a real gingerbread house, not a cardboard imitation. Designed by the executive pastry chef, Erich Herbitschek, this house took over 1,050 lbs. of honey, 800 lbs. of flour, 600 lbs. of chocolate, 600 lbs. of powdered sugar, 140 pints of egg whites, and 35 lbs. of spices! Oh, and don’t forget the pinch of Pixie Dust and dash of Disney Magic mixed in as well.

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Recovered somewhat it was time to re-board and head to the Polynesian Resort.

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It’s a Disney Parade!

Posted on January 13, 2016January 13, 2016 by Dusty Roads

We’d been at the Magic Kingdom for over 2 hours and still no call for a scooter. My back wasn’t going to hold out much longer. That was when the parade started rolling through the square headed for Cinderella’s castle.

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There was Mickey

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and Minnie

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Donald

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and Goofy.

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Even Chip and Dale

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and the Genie

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We were dancing in the street!

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As the parade wound down we made our way back along main street enjoying the series of windows portraying “A Christmas Carol” with all the Disney characters.

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We lingered for the the Barbershop Quartet and then headed for the boats to the hotels. It was time to see what kind of decorations the Disney Hotels had to boast.

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The Magic Kingdom in December

Posted on January 11, 2016January 11, 2016 by Dusty Roads

Finally it was the day I’d originally envisioned. It was time to visit the Magic Kingdom. I’d been here for Christmas once before and although the park was wall to wall people that trip, I remember the decorations were spectacular.

The mono rail was not running to the Magic Kingdom so everyone had to get there by boat.

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We lined up and waited, and waited and waited. There’s no place to sit or lean. It didn’t take long for my newly improved back muscles to start a downhill slide.

As soon as we reached the park I rushed to get through security and ticketing.

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I had my eye on the ECV (electric convenience vehicle or scooter) rentals. Too late, there was a waiting list. I was #2 on the list. They would call our cell phone as soon as one came back in. They don’t take reservations so you just take your chances that one will be available. This was the first time I’d struck out.

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We headed into the park.

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Even though this is consider a slow week the Magic Kingdom was full!

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Because of my questionable ambulatory abilities we stayed close to the square but there was plenty to see there.

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We started out by taking the train ride around the park.

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You never know who you might run into.

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The goal is to just have fun.

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We got back in time to see the horse drawn trolley pull up and enjoy a rousing show of song and dance.

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It was the last show of the day. They only do these shows in the mornings so we were lucky.

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And even though the park was crowded, we still had front row places. Great for memorializing the event in pictures.

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As they unhitched the beautiful Clydesdale from the trolley I could almost hear him say, “That’s all folks”.

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There was only a 10 minute wait to see Tinkerbell so like little kids we hopped in line. I may be a grown up but I still love the character visits.

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Joe seems to like these visits too even though his job keeps him in contact with them all the time. He had to get his “selfie”.

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Once More to the EYE

Posted on January 9, 2016January 9, 2016 by Dusty Roads

It was time to leave the Animal Kingdom behind. The Animal Kingdom closes earlier than the other parks so as not to disrupt the animals sleep cycle or circadian timer. We have one too but if we choose to ignore it that’s our problem. The animals at Animal Kingdom are at the mercy of their keepers and so far Disney has tried hard to give them a natural environment.

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Although dark it was still early so we decided to try the EYE again. If it was running we could take a ride. If not at least we could get some pictures of it after dark.

We pulled into the free parking and the EYE was right in front of us. When we parked earlier I didn’t notice what a great view there was from the parking garage.

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