Poly People Arrival Day!

So we're off! No need for an alarm, I, as usual, could not sleep the night before an early departure, so I had been up since 2:30 a.m. while my family blissfully slept. Grrr....why can't I just close my eyes and go to sleep?:confused: Our driver was prompt in spite of icy roads, and off to the airport we go with a quick stop for coffees for the ride.
I was worried about delays because of the weather, we lucked out with only an hour delay as they "de iced" the plane, which never feels good to hear! Our first time flying Jet Blue in awhile, and loved the roomier seats we paid for. I was able to snooze a bit which helped power me thru the rest of the day.
Touch down at MCO! We flew right thru Alamo for our car as I prechecked us in. We just had to choose our car and go. And we did. How wonderful to see green again!!!! We've been buried underneath snow and ice so long I forgot how wonderful green is!
Our arrival at the Poly was something to see. The new lobby is delightful, so open and warm, and I love the perfect view of the castle thru the doors. So lovely!
We were starving when we arrived at the Poly, so we left our bags with bell services and went straight to Captain Cooks before our room. Nice. They now ask you where you will be sitting,and bring it to you. We found a great spot outside of the new pineapple Lanai, and our chow was soon out. Curry meatballs for me, noodle bowl for my son, some kind of sandwich for Khloe and a lobster roll for DH. All good, but surreal to be sitting there after leaving the cold of NJ. So familiar our home away from home was, yet so different, with the Volcano pool being worked on and blocked and some new pathways.
Off to the Hawaii bldg. and our room request had been granted. Yay! Same room we almost always have for the past 15 years. Bliss. We settled in like pros, and off to MK for us!! Again, surreal. Am I really here?? :mickey: We had fastpasses for Buzz first, then we did Laugh Floor, then Haunted Mansion. All at a leisurely pace, taking in a castle show and dance party along the way. Taking it all in really, we walked the park, then headed to Be our Guest for dinner.
Our fourth time there, we were seated in the same room. The dark room with the thunder that we love. We were seated "under" the beasts bed. Braised pork for me, steak for DH, salmon for Khloe, and pork chop for my son, Kai. We also started with soups for the boys, and Khloe and I split the trio salad app and it was very delicious. We ended with the orange éclair, crème puff, and strawberry cupcake to split. This is always a terrific experience. What a start to our adventure. Next time I'm getting the steak tho, my husbands was delicious, I would just switch my side to the cauliflower mash to keep it healthier, instead of the fries.
When we walked outside, Wishes was starting and we watched it from the bridge of the restaurant. A great view that we hadn't had before. A sweet ending to our day. And then one more ride. Jungle cruise fastpasses to be used. In all of our years coming to WDW, this had got to be the BEST skipper we ever had. My stomach actually hurt from laughing out loud. I didn't catch his name, but he looked very much like a younger Ben Stiller. He was on point, so many new jokes, and the entire boat was roaring with laughter. Love when you get a good skipper. We never repeated this ride like we usually do on a trip because this guy was that good.
Back to the Poly for sleep, oh, and the electrical water parade! At this point, I'm almost delirious from being up almost 24 hours at this point. Night night Poly. I am glad to be back.

You are so lucky to be able to stay at Poly so many times!! We have stayed one night many years ago- love it! Can't wait to hear about the rest of your trip.

The view is great behind the castle for Wishes. We used to sit near the old Dumbo location during the MVMCP's when our girls were younger.

So happy that your travels were uneventful - you never can tell what you'll be handed as far as delays this time of year!

A delightful arrival day - Lisa, I knew that once the plane touched down you would be back into the Disney frame of mind! I hope each day of your trip is as great as this one was! Looking forward to Day 2 :mickey:

You're there!! Yay!!

Glad to hear you like the changes at the Poly particularly in the lobby.

What a great beginning!! I know exactly what you mean by how surreal it feels when you go from the snowy north to the green south!!

Glad you got there ahead of the next round of snow. I don't know about NJ, but here in Boston we're supposed to get another foot by Monday.

Have a great time and look forward to reading more!

Great start to your trip. Enjoy.

Wow! Sounds like a really great start to your vacation. Enjoy!
:tink:
Julie

As I'm sitting watching the snow (again!) reading about your trip to my favorite resort, can't help be a bit jealous!! However, so happy you are sharing your trip,can't wait to keep reading!!

Lisa!

A wonderful magical day!!! Awesome from start to finish!!!

Thanks for sharing!
Julie:mickey:

Great start to the trip!! :thumbsup:

Mouseketeer Mom, your excitement about arrival day is infectious. I almost feel like I'm arriving.

I love reading posts like this. It reminds me why we go so often. Can't wait to read other days. Hope all are this well.

So happy to hear that you got a break from the cold and snow. I am also happy to hear such positive news on the Poly! (I have read to many negative reactions on all the changes.)

Looking forward to hearing about the rest of the trip.

Sounds like a great start to your trip! I can't wait to read more!:mickey: