The Polynesian at Christmas

Posted on by

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

DSC_2045 copy

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

boraBora

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.

DSC_2048 copy

Nearby a Tiki carving was gathering leis and offerings.

DSC_2052 copy

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

hot dog

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.

DSC_2054 copy

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 by

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.

DSC_2025 copy

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.

Grand Floridian

 

DSC_2028 copy

 

DSC_2038 copy

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.

Tired and sore

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.

DSC_2035 copy

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.

DSC_2026 copy

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

DSC_2045 copy

It’s a Disney Parade!

Posted on by

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.

DSC_1993 copy

There was Mickey

DSC_2004 copy

and Minnie

DSC_2000 copy

Donald

DSC_1997 copy

and Goofy.

DSC_1995 copy

Even Chip and Dale

DSC_2006 copy

and the Genie

DSC_2008 copy

We were dancing in the street!

PhotoPass_Visiting_Magic_Kingdom_Park_7560740149

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.

DSC_2020 copy

DSC_2018 copy

DSC_2017 copy

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.

DSC_2024 copy

The Magic Kingdom in December

Posted on by

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.

DSC_1962 copy

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.

DSC_1952 copy

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.

PhotoPass_Visiting_Magic_Kingdom_Park_7554017863

We headed into the park.

DSC_1953 copy

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

DSC_2015 copy

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

DSC_1954 copy

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

DSC_1958 copy

You never know who you might run into.

PhotoPass_Visiting_Magic_Kingdom_Park_7560740234

The goal is to just have fun.

PhotoPass_Visiting_Magic_Kingdom_Park_7560742758

DSC_1963 copy

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

DSC_1968 copy

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

DSC_1972 copy

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

DSC_1975 copy

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

DSC_1982 copy

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.

PhotoPass_Visiting_Magic_Kingdom_Park_7560746549

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”.

PhotoPass_Visiting_Magic_Kingdom_Park_7560741045

DSC_1987 copy