December 1 to December 5
40 years ago, last October, we honeymooned at the Polynesian Village. We've been to Disney 11 times over the past 40 years but never by ourselves. This was pretty much a last minute idea ( booked in late October) There was no room at the Poly, we booked Saratoga Springs (never been there before, didn't know what to expect)
For the first time , no real planning - no fast passes/ no dinner reservations. The idea was a no pressure, play it by ear vacation.
How did that work out?
Day 1
6am flight out of Philadelphia on Souhtwest. The airport was mobbed at 4:30 - duh, this is the Sunday after Thanksgiving - might just be the busiest travel day of the year! Didn't really anticipate that but with no TSA pre-board for us, the lines seemed to move more quicker than usual, so that was nice. Smooth flight - we've always used Tiffany Towncar (have always had a great experience ) and were met by our driver at baggage and I swear our two pieces of luggage were the first on the carousel! Made a quick stop at Publix food market and off to Saratoga Springs.
Checked into the Carriage House - knew we were way early to get our room but had anticipated that. The cast member checked us in and gave us our Anniversary buttons and wrote "40 ears" on both. She also gave us a signed Mickey and Minnie photo with 'Congratulations' inscribed.
We found out that our room would be in the Grandstand section when ready- were disapointed as we had requested either Congress Park or The Springs. Turns out, they were doing us a solid as will be explained later.
We left Philly with temps in the low 40's and we are in 70 degree weather at Disney going up to 80. We had a quick clothing change, checked out bags and headed to the boat dock for a ride to Disney Springs.
Waited for about 5 minutes and got a boat (this will be a recurring theme as we had terrific luck with Disney transportation) .
Walked around a bit and decided to take the boat over to see the Old Key West resort. The wait was about 25 minutes, so we decide to explore more at the the Springs. Walked over to the Vera Bradley store and bought a change purse. It was now a little after Noon and decided to have lunch. Went to the Polite Pig. This place gets crowded so if it looks like you have to scramble for a table, you can sit at the bar and order there - which we did.
We recommend the "Butcher Block". It's a $35 plate for two (or three) - BBQ chicken, pork shoulder, beef brisket, coleslaw, pickles, corn bread and two sided you choose. It was really good. One of the side choices is a seasonal one, which the bartender recommended - it was good and I have no complaints , but be aware there is an extra charge for the seasonal selection ($4).
Left the PP and headed back to the boat dock - had a couple of minutes and walked into Jock Lindsey's Hanger - check this place out if in Disney springs, it's a very neat watering hole.
Caught the boat over to Old Key West - nice resort but it really feels like it is in the middle on nowhere. Walked around and saw a bus coming for Epcot. Jumped on and headed to Epcot - didn't go in, rode the monorail to the TCC - grabbed the resort monorail to the Poly.
At the Poly we took some photos , were give leis and reminisced of days gone by. Around 2:30, we put our names in for Trader Sam's which opened at 3. Had some time so we wanted to try the Coconut Meatballs at Captain Cook's that everyone raves about. They were OK - let me just say it's not a must have for me.
Trader Sam's was lot of fun. I won't spoil all the fun stuff that goes on but will say that the drinks are great and even the non-alcohol are terrific. Was speaking to our waitress and spoke about our honeymoon 40 years ago - when we left , they gave us a Trader Sam's souvenir bowl with a lighted ice cube inside - a very nice surprise.
Caught a launch from the Poly to the Magic Kingdom (last two seats on the launch) - from MK, grabbed the bus to Saratoga Springs. Finally got the email that our room was ready and got off at the Grandstand (first stop). Needed a little help to find our room, turned out it was near the bus stop. Room was OK - they are renovating the resort and haven't got to the Grandstand yet.
Called bell services to get our bags, but believe it or not, we could get through (found out later that the call goes to a central call center (not the resort) . Decided to walk over because it was close (less than 5 minutes). Got our bags, said they would take us back, but decided to walk back because the wait seemed a bit long.
Unpacked, took showers and walked back to Carriage House to look around and see Artist Palette and the Turf Club.
Long Day (up at 3am) - bed early!
The Temp takes a dramatic turn to start day 2 .....
40 years ago, last October, we honeymooned at the Polynesian Village. We've been to Disney 11 times over the past 40 years but never by ourselves. This was pretty much a last minute idea ( booked in late October) There was no room at the Poly, we booked Saratoga Springs (never been there before, didn't know what to expect)
For the first time , no real planning - no fast passes/ no dinner reservations. The idea was a no pressure, play it by ear vacation.
How did that work out?
Day 1
6am flight out of Philadelphia on Souhtwest. The airport was mobbed at 4:30 - duh, this is the Sunday after Thanksgiving - might just be the busiest travel day of the year! Didn't really anticipate that but with no TSA pre-board for us, the lines seemed to move more quicker than usual, so that was nice. Smooth flight - we've always used Tiffany Towncar (have always had a great experience ) and were met by our driver at baggage and I swear our two pieces of luggage were the first on the carousel! Made a quick stop at Publix food market and off to Saratoga Springs.
Checked into the Carriage House - knew we were way early to get our room but had anticipated that. The cast member checked us in and gave us our Anniversary buttons and wrote "40 ears" on both. She also gave us a signed Mickey and Minnie photo with 'Congratulations' inscribed.
We found out that our room would be in the Grandstand section when ready- were disapointed as we had requested either Congress Park or The Springs. Turns out, they were doing us a solid as will be explained later.
We left Philly with temps in the low 40's and we are in 70 degree weather at Disney going up to 80. We had a quick clothing change, checked out bags and headed to the boat dock for a ride to Disney Springs.
Waited for about 5 minutes and got a boat (this will be a recurring theme as we had terrific luck with Disney transportation) .
Walked around a bit and decided to take the boat over to see the Old Key West resort. The wait was about 25 minutes, so we decide to explore more at the the Springs. Walked over to the Vera Bradley store and bought a change purse. It was now a little after Noon and decided to have lunch. Went to the Polite Pig. This place gets crowded so if it looks like you have to scramble for a table, you can sit at the bar and order there - which we did.
We recommend the "Butcher Block". It's a $35 plate for two (or three) - BBQ chicken, pork shoulder, beef brisket, coleslaw, pickles, corn bread and two sided you choose. It was really good. One of the side choices is a seasonal one, which the bartender recommended - it was good and I have no complaints , but be aware there is an extra charge for the seasonal selection ($4).
Left the PP and headed back to the boat dock - had a couple of minutes and walked into Jock Lindsey's Hanger - check this place out if in Disney springs, it's a very neat watering hole.
Caught the boat over to Old Key West - nice resort but it really feels like it is in the middle on nowhere. Walked around and saw a bus coming for Epcot. Jumped on and headed to Epcot - didn't go in, rode the monorail to the TCC - grabbed the resort monorail to the Poly.
At the Poly we took some photos , were give leis and reminisced of days gone by. Around 2:30, we put our names in for Trader Sam's which opened at 3. Had some time so we wanted to try the Coconut Meatballs at Captain Cook's that everyone raves about. They were OK - let me just say it's not a must have for me.
Trader Sam's was lot of fun. I won't spoil all the fun stuff that goes on but will say that the drinks are great and even the non-alcohol are terrific. Was speaking to our waitress and spoke about our honeymoon 40 years ago - when we left , they gave us a Trader Sam's souvenir bowl with a lighted ice cube inside - a very nice surprise.
Caught a launch from the Poly to the Magic Kingdom (last two seats on the launch) - from MK, grabbed the bus to Saratoga Springs. Finally got the email that our room was ready and got off at the Grandstand (first stop). Needed a little help to find our room, turned out it was near the bus stop. Room was OK - they are renovating the resort and haven't got to the Grandstand yet.
Called bell services to get our bags, but believe it or not, we could get through (found out later that the call goes to a central call center (not the resort) . Decided to walk over because it was close (less than 5 minutes). Got our bags, said they would take us back, but decided to walk back because the wait seemed a bit long.
Unpacked, took showers and walked back to Carriage House to look around and see Artist Palette and the Turf Club.
Long Day (up at 3am) - bed early!
The Temp takes a dramatic turn to start day 2 .....