My First Stay at the Polynesian

Oh my boyhood dreams of staying at the Polynesian Resort in Walt Disney World. I honestly never thought that day would come, especially when I first bought into DVC. Now a mere 7 short years later after purchasing DVC we finally had our opportunity albeit after some room issues at Kidani Village.

Sunday the 3rd we checked into Kidani Village but ran into some room issues but just 2 hours later we had been moved to the Polynesian Resort into a standard view studio.

My first impression after walking into the Polynesian was that the grandness of the old fountain was no longer there but the openness seemed to bring some more life into the lobby. Granted I think a larger fountain would be better but you do get a view of Cinderella’s Castle when you walk in now. But can I also say how cool it is getting a Lei when checking in. I don’t care if its pink I was sporting it proudly.

Walking to our room in Moorea there was a lot of construction going on but it wasn’t anything that was going to ruin my stay there. I just wish there was music playing along my walk around the other longhouses.

My initial Impression of the studios when I walked in were that they are nice but in some ways seem cramped. Maybe that was because we just stayed in a 3 bedrooms condo at the beach or that my son wanted me to open up the sleeper couch right away. The best part of the studios at the poly is the second bathroom with the stand up shower. You don’t realize how much of a time saver that is with multiple people in the room. The stand up shower with rain shower head is just like home but somehow I have more of a tropical relaxation going on while using it. I didn’t feel cramped inside the shower at all.

I loved the convenience of having the monorail at the Poly but it was easier for us to walk to the TTC to grab it than walk to the main lobby. I just wish the Monorail didn’t break down so often. You also have the option of the ferry boat as well as the smaller boats by the main building.

What really got this Disnerd excited was actually swimming in the new pool. The water is fairly shallow at 3 and maybe 4 feet in some spots but what really brought everything home was seeing Cinderellas Castle and Space Mountain in the distance. I can’t quite describe that feeling of relaxing in the pool and seeing the Magic Kingdom in the distance. Its a feeling I never thought I would experience. I could have stayed there all day looking at that view but my kids had other plans.

The kids splash area is something i think every resort should have. There was so much for them to do. From firing water cannons to dumping buckets on me or going down the water slide my son had so much fun swimming and playing in that area and of course I did as well. Disney went above and beyond with this and I am glad to see so many kids enjoying it.

Tomorrowland: Spoiler Free Review

                            

I wanted to go see Tomorrowland before social media spoiled it for me. I also made a conscious decision not to listen or read much about it beforehand. When we were at New York Comic-Con I was upset that I missed the panel (dumb flight delay), but was excited to see the hype surrounding this movie.

I did however hear some of the critics gave it a less than magical review. I will get into my opinion on that later.

As with every Disney film the opening castle scene doesn’t disappoint. I am always amazed at how much thought goes into those. The story is an involved one. I know lots of people said “I’m going to see it and I have no idea what it’s about” I think that might be the one thing that will be hard for kids to understand. I know several kids around us in the theater were asking quite a few questions as it went along.

The acting is really good throughout. Of course the stars such as George Clooney, Hugh Laurie, and Tim McGraw pull out amazing performances which you expect. I was pleasantly surprised by the younger actors that helped you believe in the story. The show stealing performance for me was the character Athena played by Raffey Cassidy. Her maturity and emotions really made you care about Athena. We all know when young actors can hurt a film (go watch Star Wars Episode I).

The film ran a little long for my taste. At two hours and ten minutes, it did tend to drag in some spots. Another disadvantage when you have kids with you.

Now for my editorial on today’s movie experience. I get so tired of “critics” who feel they aren’t doing their jobs if they don’t find something wrong with a movie. I believe that society has gotten so used to having stories spoon fed to them. When a film actually makes you pay attention and think a little people tend to criticize it. What I enjoyed about this film is that you need to stay with it. I didn’t know how it was going to end fifteen minutes into it. In today’s cinematic world of very few new ideas or diluted storylines Tomorrowland is very refreshing.

So pick up your pin and take the journey into Tomorrowland you won’t regret it!

Selfie Sticks: Through The Looking Screen

Tags

Disney, Photography, Selfie, Travel, Walt Disney World

                  

I realize that the selfie stick debate has raged in the Disney fan circles for quite some time. I have heard horror stories of guests almost losing eyes, avoiding bruises, and various other injuries. All at the hands of careless guests wielding this instrument of destruction. However, I wanted to give you pro selfie stick folks some other alternatives. Also, I want to give the Disney brass reasons for banning these things completely from the parks.

So lets start with the fact that many other places and events have already banned them. Examples include museums, The Kentucky Derby, soccer stadiums, large concert festivals, and even the Colosseum in Rome. Disneyland and Walt Disney World have banned them on attractions only, but lets be honest who can really stop them once they are in the park.

Walt Disney World has a set list of “Prohibited Items” that is on their website. Among the various list of items there are a few that could vaguely include the dreaded stick.

• Large tripods– Yes I know “tri” means three. However, this can include large monopods that cannot be folded into a backpack.
• Weapons of any kind, or objects that appear to be weapons– from the stories I have heard I’m sure the selfie sticks could appear to be weapons.
• Other items that we determine may be harmful or disruptive– I think this one clearly speaks for itself.

Photo from www.dadfordisney.com

I can hear some of you saying “well how can we get all of us in one picture”. Lucky for you I have a couple tips that are time tested to work. Your first option is to buy the Memory Maker package. I know it can be costly, but when you think about all that is included now (editing, extra magic, ride photos, ride videos, etc) it really is nice to have. Make sure to purchase it in advance of your trip to save some money. All of the Memory Maker photographers are usually happy to take your pictures with your own camera if you ask. Of course you don’t get all of the magical features, but you do save quite a bit of money. Your second option is to just ask another guest to take your picture. I am always happy to take someones picture for them. Disney Karma is real and I never miss a chance to add some to my account.

Now I am going to help the Disney Company realize that banning these selfie sticks completely is “good for business” as they say.

• Higher sales of the Memory Maker package– This one should seem pretty obvious
• Higher guest satisfaction– The two things I hear complaints more than any now are: Selfie Sticks during parades/shows and flash photography on attractions. Note to flash users. you will get a better picture in the dark of something that is lit if you don’t use the flash!
• Lower chance of guest injury– I am really shocked we haven’t heard any stories of someone getting seriously injured being hit or poked. Not to mention the possibility of a lawsuit.
• Keeping unfinished magic hidden– With all of the new projects coming up in the next few years guests will be eager to leak news. You can easily hold the sticks over the construction walls to get sneak peeks and ruin the magic for the rest of us.

I will end with my own two cents about the topic. I am a firm believer in the Disney Parks being a place to escape real life. A place where you can immerse yourself into a world of fantasy, magic, and fun. Using a selfie stick is really a selfish act by someone who only thinks of themselves and not the enjoyment of others around them. I think of selfie sticks in the same way I do Ipadography, cutting in front of others at parades, putting your kids on your shoulders in front of others, etc. It is just a lack of courtesy.

I would love to hear from both sides of this argument. Please comment below or let me know on the Tiki hotline 1-256-4My-Tiki

Reinventing The Movie Experience…D-Box Style

 

I stumbled upon something that has changed how I will view movies at the theater from now on. My friend and I went to see Furious 7. When we were walking up the steps I notice two rows of orange racing style seats that said “reserved D-Box” on them. Intrigued I asked the usher for some more information. He explained that these are new seats that shake, move, and are synced up to the movie. He said if we wanted to upgrade my ticket it would be an extra eight dollars. Opting not to pay the extra we sat a couple rows behind the special seats. As soon as the movie began  I could feel the floor shake under me from the vibration and the heads of the folks who were in the seats bank left and right with every turn. I was instantly jealous that I hadn’t opened up the wallet for the upgrade.

Luckily as we were walking out of the theater they had a sample two seat row that you could try the seats out. To my surprise it was synced up to the Avengers trailer. Feeling every impact from the Hulk, and flying alongside Iron Man set the hook in my geeky heart.

                                      

I immediately reserved my seats for Avengers: Age of Ultron. While researching the company at http://www.d-box.com I was surprised to learn that you can purchase this technology for your home as well. Of course no prices were given and to avoid divorce I didn’t pursue that any further. However, the list of movies that you can sync to the system from home is very impressive. Many Disney films that include Who Framed Roger Rabbit, Toy Story, Tangled, etc. It’s not just animated movies they have a ton of action, comedies, fantasy, sci-fi, etc.

Finding a theater that has D-Box might be a challenge. Not many of them are equipped. I was lucky I only had a forty minute drive to experience this. I found out that it’s the only theater in Ohio that has them. I have to say one of the nice side effects of having these seats is you don’t have to worry about getting there early to get a good seat. They are assigned so once you buy the seat it’s yours.

When you first sit in the leather padded seat you feel almost like your in a Disney Park attraction seat (minus the lap bar or seat belt). They are very comfortable. I wish the headrest pad would have been a little higher, but I am 6’3 so most seats don’t reach that high. They do have a cup holder which is nice. I have to admit I was afraid my friends popcorn would come flying my way when Iron Man started his flight pattern. Thankfully as it turns out it didn’t. One feature my wife was appreciative for was you can adjust the strength of the motion and vibration. There is an easy to use ” + and – ” screen to your right that you can adjust throughout the movie if you wish. My friend and I of course put ours on full blast, while she choose more of the mid range level. Each of the seats are individual so you do get a little more room between the seats which is nice for me as well.

                          

Once the movie started and the seat “initiates” for the first time you feel the power of the vibration. It is really amazing how it rotates around to simulate flying around buildings, landscapes, etc. It really does enhance the experience of watching a movie. Avengers played into this technology so well. Flying with Iron Man and War Machine was amazing! All the explosions, Hulk smashes, Black Widow motorcycle scenes, and who can forget Thor’s hammer ripping through robots. I have to admit there was a five minute gap where nothing happened to initiate anything in the seat and I really missed it. I was waiting for something exciting to happen so I could feel the movie again. When the movie ended I truly felt like I had experienced something unique and special. I highly recommend trying this out if you have a theater anywhere close to you.

The one downside is the price. I got mine through Fandango. It was a weekend night and with the convenience charge it was $23.00 per ticket. So this is not for your everyday movie, but for one that you know will be enhanced by the technology it’s worth it.

On a side note. They will be showing Disney’s Tomorrowland and I would hope Star Wars in these theaters as well. I will certainly be reserving my seats for those two.