The Fourth of July was here!
We were able to sleep in again (wohoo!) as check out for Royal Pacific is not until 11am. We had a relaxed breakfast and packed up and were in the lobby by 11am as that is when I had scheduled Happy Limo Car service again. We had a different driver this time, who was just as efficient and nice. After a big breakfast and the relaxing ride, I almost fell asleep in the car. We (ok I) perked up though when we crossed the WDW gates!!!
I noticed my dream community was coming up!
Can you imagine living INSIDE the gates? Anybody want to give me a million to fund my retirement dreams? Anyone?
Not too far from Golden Oak is the Magic Kingdom area and Wilderness Lodge (WL).
We waited a while to check in, but I knew the resort was completely booked. However, our room was ready!!! We were in 1007, which is a first floor room, near the boat dock. Turned out to be really convenient location.
It was Will approved.
We decided to head out and get some lunch and I really wanted to check on the construction on my beloved Poly. The boat this time was huge! A two man crew!
Hello Magic Kingdom!
We then switched to the Monorail.
And as much as I lovelovelove the Magic Kingdom, I was not sad we were not going in! The crowds dwarfed anything we saw at US!
Poly was just a few stops away and immediately you can see the construction.
Traditional Poly pic!
The lobby is completely boarded up. There still is the Poly smell, but it seemed muted. The place was pretty empty which meant no wait at Kona Cafe! We each got the Kona salads and split the Lo Mein dish which was amazing. And for dessert
.. Hawaiian Shaved ice!! Poly was offering it today for the first time. The CM said if it is popular enough, they will continue to offer it. The authentic kind has Condensed milk on it. I went for the more boring kind and had them hold the milk!
I was trying to take a picture of Space Mountain on our way back to Contemporary
.
When a Monorail totally photo-bombed me.
Once back at WL we explored the creek (which was partially dry and going through renovation) and watched the Geyser. I also swam while Will lounged. I knew the pool would be closed when we went in September, so I wanted to take full advantage! And yes, that means this grown woman went down the slide!! What I actually took away from the pool experience is that I am ok it will be closed in September! I forgot about the pool party they have by the Disney pools. I am sure kids love it, but the volume of the announcer is a little much for me. Not so relaxing when there is constantly someone telling the kids to do things. Especially when one of those commands was telling the kids, OK who can splash the most?!??!. Just having a quiet pool is fine by me!!!
We showered and changed and got ready for dinner! As I only had 2 weeks before this trip to plan, I knew ADRs would be tough. But, I did not give up and literally was checking California Grill about 5 times a day for dinner. Fat chance, right? Well 4 days before the trip a 5:30pm ADR opened up!! As long as you have your receipt, you can come back for the fireworks that same night, regardless of what time you had dinner.
So now we had a great meal to look for as well as a guaranteed great spot for fireworks viewing.
