This was the second Mancation trip for me and was going to be even better then the first because this time I knew the guys and knew what I was in for. Also I knew I would not lose as many balls on the course this time…hopefully.
May 14, 2008
So my travel started on Wednesday leaving SFO for LAX and than to Orlando. I was leaving a day earlier than the rest of the guys coming from Southern California because if I left the same day I would get there much later than them. I got some Disney Magic to get me a room at Pop Century for a night for free so it would be the same two resorts as I stayed in for the last Mancation trip.
I was getting into Orlando earlier than last year so I would have a little time to do something instead of checking in at midnight like I did last year. Len Testa was in town and I was hoping to meet with him, Matt and Mike N. at the Tambu Lounge but Len was flying out just after I was checking in.
I drove right to Pop Century to get my room and than clean up for dinner.
I met up with Allison from the Polynesian for dinner at the Concourse Steak House at the Contemporary resort since it was going to close at the end of the month. They were putting in the new restaurant (The Wave) down in the lobby on the first floor so it would be quieter than up on the 4th floor where it is open to the stores, arcade, Chef Mickey’s and the monorail. They were already taking reservations for the Wave. It looks like a new quick grab and go place went in near the bar outside Chef Mickey’s. The new store in the Contemporary was well done and there is a cool affect with the hologram of the monorail toy.
Construction was going on all night on the Bay Lake Towers (use to be Magic Kingdom Towers) which is the DVC still not officially happening right before our eyes. Looks cool but I could not buy into it and be looking at the Polynesian all day.
There are discussions of taking rooms out of the Polynesian and making them DVC and I don’t know how I feel about that. I looked at DVC years ago and there are too many things I do not like about the deal that I myself would not do it. Mostly because it expires. So either the Polynesian (and every other Disney resort) will turn DVC or it will get too expensive and I will eventually stop going but that is another rant for another time.
I was asked for ID at the gate of the Contemporary when I told him I was there for dinner but no 3 hour pass was given.
After a great dinner and great company we got on the monorail and headed over to the Polynesian so I could get my fix. It was very quiet and surprisingly Kuulei was still around. She was getting some things ready for a special (not open to the public) hula competition at Luau Cove the next day. We hung out and talked about some of the history of the Polynesian and Aunti Kaui and what she has done at the resort. It was great to spend some time with her and I thanked her again for having her, Sefa and Aunti Kaui come and entertain at Tikifest. They had just spent all day at a hula competition and headed right to Tikifest to entertain the guests. Unfortunately I did not get to see Sefa or Aunti Kaui this trip.
I stayed for a while and than I realize the monorail was no longer running and I was stuck at the Polynesian. As much as being stuck there was fine with me I did have a car at the Contemporary and my stuff at Pop Century with everyone showing up in 7 hours. Bob from the Polynesian was nice enough to take me over to the Contemporary to get my car. I had a great time at dinner and talking with some of the CMs at the Polynesian so my trip was starting off well.
I guess the Polynesian has a new GM (Vince Valdes). I did not get to meet him but I hope he keeps the resort running well and so far have not heard anything bad about him. The resort needs some good managers that will keep the majority of guests happy and more importantly, the staff happy. With a happy staff you will have happy guests.
I did walk around the Pop Century a little more but still have not eaten there. It is a fun resort and kids would love it but it is a value and there are many things I miss not staying at a Deluxe Resort.
The rooms are much too small if I were not by myself. I was in the 90s building (room 8115) but I suggest finding out where your room is before you unload. If I had parked in the 90’s lot I would have been walking for a while with my bags when the 80’s lot was right outside my door. I can’t comment on the housekeeping other than the room I checked into was clean but I have always only been there one night.
I still prefer the layout of Pop over the All Star Resorts. I saw the Legendary Years buildings that are just falling apart and I talked to a few Disney people about it. It sounds like Disney has no need for those rooms so at this point there are no plans to finish them.
