Paradise to the Treasure-A Polynesian/Eastern Caribbean/Spring Adventure 2025...Updated 4/3/25

[lauralynn0612]

I have always enjoyed your reports! I usually just lurk and like but had to comment a "welcome back." Glad to follow along another one! We are booked on the Treasure April 25, 2026.

 

[VAtink]

Joining in!

 

[erinch]

Following!

 

[buzzrelly]

Yes! I miss the babies and my coworkers. We were family. Fortunately I now have 3 grandchildren and 1 on the way, so I'm still getting my baby fix!

That's a way more fun way to get your baby fix! Congratulations on the new one!

I have always enjoyed your reports! I usually just lurk and like but had to comment a "welcome back." Glad to follow along another one! We are booked on the Treasure April 25, 2026.

Wow, thank you so much! This will give you something to do while you wait for your cruise!

Joining in!

Thanks for reading! I actually started reading your F-Arts TR but haven't commented yet! We were there right after you and had much warmer weather but that's just luck of the draw, isn't it? I'll comment over there!

Following!

Thanks for reading!

 

[buzzrelly]

February 27, 2025
Wailulu...why, yes!

Allie finished working around 4 and since, aside from my popcorn earlier,
we hadn't really eaten since the waffle breakfast and we were both hungry.
We walked down to Wailulu Bar & Grill for an early dinner.
It was early but there were quite a few people there already.
We asked to sit outside and we only had a minute wait...



We both had some cocktails. Mine was the Mai Tai and Allie's was the Margarita:
​

Lili'uokalani Mai Tai ​

Lili’uoakalani Tea-infused Vodka, Jamaican Rum, Passion Fruit, Guava, Lime, Orgeat (Almond), Falernum
​

Hibiscus Margarita ​

Teremana Blanco Tequila, Sorel Liqueur, Cinnamon Syrup, Hibiscus, Agave

Very pretty and very tasty.

Then we both got the Wayfinder Burgers:​

Wayfinder Burger ​

Two Pressed Patties, American Cheese, Onion Jam, Volcano Sauce, Sweet Bun
served with Mac Salad or Sweet Potato Fries

Oh my gosh, this was so good! It might be my new favorite burger in WDW now and this restaurant is probably my favorite at the Poly since Cap'n Cooks never really did it for me
(shhhh...don't tell anyone but I don't love Pulled Pork Nachos )!
Plus, it's super nice and peaceful just sitting out there
especially since the weather was just about perfect

There was a mother and daughter next to us that were similar in age and we started chatting with them while we were waiting for our dinner. They had the same burgers and were raving about them and they had their names on the Trader Sam's wait list too, which I thought was a funny coincidence! Their wait list was called as they were just finishing up their dinners
so they had to run off fairly quickly to get there.

After dinner, Allie and I walked around a little bit just enjoying the Poly ambiance
and before long they called us back to Trader Sam's just around 6pm.

​

Tahitian Torch ​

Tito's Handmade Vodka, Tropical Juices, Passion Fruit, and fresh Lime Juice
​

Mosquito Mojito ​

Bacardi Dragon Berry Rum, Organic Agave Nectar, Falernum, Mint, and fresh Lime Juice topped with Soda Water

Allie's Mojito was better than my Tahitian Torch which was way too sweet for me. I honestly didn't really want that drink but they don't have hard seltzers there and I felt like I had to order something for taking up the space.

They sat us at a corner table with another couple and they were really sweet so we chatted with them while we sipped our drinks.The problem was we were facing them so our backs were turned towards the room where all the fun stuff was going on. When they were leaving they told us to slide over to their seats because that's what they did before we got there. We were like, great!
So they left and we slid so now we were facing towards the whole room
and the server kind of gave us a hard time about it.
We weren't trying to be jerks but Allie had never been in there and really couldn't see anything.
Anyway, she kind of sighed and then sat the new couple at our table in the seats we were previously in.

All in all, Trader Sam's is fine, and probably really fun with a larger group where you are sure to get your own table. But all the fun goings on are at the bar or if you're ordering the huge drinks that we just aren't interested in. And I honestly don't understand why you'd want to bring kids in there when there are way more fun and age appropriate things to do at WDW
Let's just say I'm glad we went but we both agreed we don't need to go back.

When we got out, the sun had just set and the sky was the perfect, pretty Florida sunset sky



Allie and I went back to our room and were planning on going to one of the lookout terraces to watch Happily Ever After. While we were in our room we heard the fireworks going off and I'm like, "shoot! I think they're starting!" I totally thought they started at 9pm but I think they started at 8:15 that night. We ran down to the terrace on the 3rd floor which was packed by the time we got there. We were able to catch most of them but it wasn't a great view.
Still, a lovely way to end our very long first day of vacation



Afterwards, we went back and got ready for bed. It had been a long day and I wanted to get up early the next day to rope drop!
I walked 18,416 steps this day and I was feeling every one of them!

Up next, looking for a baby and a quest for crocs!
​

 

[vamassey1]

I'm here too!

So happy your writing trip reports again.

I think Spring is my favorite time, but I understand why you like December too.

I work in insurance too and will have to work from the Resort next month while I'm in the bubble. Better to work from there then here.

The new Tower does look beautiful, and I want to try that burger too.

 

[pkondz]

Just found this! Here!
I'll be back a little later to read and catch up.

 

[pkondz]

Hello all! Remember me? (Don't answer that because I'm sure nobody does!)

Hi, Kelly!

Anyway, so here I am on my favorite ride (Guardians of the Galaxy), at my favorite park (EPCOT), at my favorite time of year at WDW, (Christmas-time),

That's a lot of favourites!

Here is a more realistic version of me and how I'll likely be writing most of this trip report...

Don't you look all comfy, cozy.

Gus our new 2 month-old Maltipoo

Cute pup.

I am also currently studying to become a Certified Lactation Counselor because I love helping new moms and their babies!

Good for you! I'm sure you'll be successful.

That was a great trip (and would have made a fun trip report too so maybe I'll circle back to it after I finish this one)!

Allie graduated last May and is working full-time at an insurance company.

Good for her! Congrats on the new job.

followed by a 7-night Eastern Caribbean cruise on the new, gorgeous Disney Treasure

Niiice.

I actually cried on our last day because I was so sad it was ending

I totally get that feeling.

I hope you'll all follow along with me as I re-live our adventures!

Absolutely!

Saved for if I ever remember to come back and do a table of contents

Our travel day started as they almost always do for us, wayyyy too early and me regretting my choices in life as I drive to the airport at 3am!

Our flight wasn't full so Allie took the window and I sat on the aisle and we left the middle open!

Nice unexpected perk, there.

IYKYK!

Nothing makes my heart happier than the first day of vacation
when you have so many days ahead of you!

Best feeling ever!

Also, weird timing but my 11-month window had opened this morning for our January trip
so I made that reservation on the way to the Poly...

Oh, you poor thing, you.

We each got the kid's breakfast and they were delicious, as always

This seems to be a trend... getting the kid's breakfast.
Need to keep that in mind.

I wasn't sure what I would think about the new tower but she's a beaut!

Good to hear! I've heard next to nothing about it.

I think it's a great addition to the Seven Seas Lagoon resort area and I'm not mad about it.

Wait... are others mad about it??

It was really pretty and peaceful up there with nobody around so Allie decided to sit there and work.

Sounds (and looks) pretty peaceful.

Now let me just say, I do love the Magic Kingdom, but it was super crowded and I didn't have any LLs booked so I kind of just walked around a bit and decided I would go on the People Mover.

Not a bad way to start...

when I got to the front the CM told me I had to finish my popcorn before I got on. I had been snacking on it while I waited but my box was still more than half-full so there was no way I could do that. I was kind of annoyed and ended up just getting out of line and walking back to Main Street to look in the shops before heading out.

But I guess I can understand it. I could just see some kids throwing food at the SM riders or on people below.

while I was there I got the text that the room was ready! I was so surprised since it was only 12:30 and I hadn't expected it to be ready for a couple more hours!

Sweet!

Allie was in the room when I arrived so forgive the "stuff" around.

How dare she! Doesn't she know that a pristine room for TR photos is a must???


Wait... you hadn't been writing for a bit... hmmm... okay, I'll let it go.


This time.

The weirdest thing about this room was that it came with real dishes and glassware and yet had no dishwasher or real place to wash them aside from the sink outside the bathroom.

That is weird.

It was early but there were quite a few people there already.
We asked to sit outside and we only had a minute wait...

Not too shabby.

Lili’uoakalani Tea-infused Vodka, Jamaican Rum, Passion Fruit, Guava, Lime, Orgeat (Almond), Falernum

Sounds interesting. I'd try it.

[]Hibiscus Margarita [/]​

[]Teremana Blanco Tequila, Sorel Liqueur, Cinnamon Syrup, Hibiscus, Agave[/]

That sounds better, though.

[]Wayfinder Burger [/]​

[]Two Pressed Patties, American Cheese, Onion Jam, Volcano Sauce, Sweet Bun[/]

Yumm! Sounds delish!

Oh my gosh, this was so good! It might be my new favorite burger in WDW now

Good to hear! Need to make note of this as well.
Although, I suspect that by the time I actually get down there again, the quality will have dropped off.
That seems to be the case far too often.

(shhhh...don't tell anyone but I don't love Pulled Pork Nachos )!

I swear I won't tell a soul.

[]Tahitian Torch [/]​

[]Tito's Handmade Vodka, Tropical Juices, Passion Fruit, and fresh Lime Juice[/]

That sounds right up my alley.


er... no pun intended, my regards to your DD.

[]Mosquito Mojito [/]​

[]Bacardi Dragon Berry Rum, Organic Agave Nectar, Falernum, Mint, and fresh Lime Juice topped with Soda Water[/]

I'd try that too, but think I'll stick with your drink.

Allie's Mojito was better than my Tahitian Torch which was way too sweet for me.

I like sweet... why I'd probably stick with yours.

The problem was we were facing them so our backs were turned towards the room where all the fun stuff was going on.

Well, shoot.

So they left and we slid so now we were facing towards the whole room
and the server kind of gave us a hard time about it.

Too bad.

Anyway, she kind of sighed and then sat the new couple at our table in the seats we were previously in.

They'll get their turn when you leave.

And I honestly don't understand why you'd want to bring kids in there when there are way more fun and age appropriate things to do at WDW

Wait... they allow kids in there????
Isn't it a loung/bar?? What are kids doing in there???

 

[buzzrelly]

I think Spring is my favorite time, but I understand why you like December too.

If Christmas is a 10, Spring is a 9.999! It's that close! I just LOVE Christmas so that give it the edge!

I work in insurance too and will have to work from the Resort next month while I'm in the bubble. Better to work from there then here.

Lucky you! I envy all of you who can work from anywhere! I never even gave that a thought when I was in nursing school!

Hi, Kelly!

Hello there! I'm so happy you made it here!

I still think of you every time I have to search for codes to change my font color! I never knew that was a thing until you told me!

This seems to be a trend... getting the kid's breakfast.
Need to keep that in mind.

I've been doing that for years, it seems to be the perfect amount of food and comes with a drink!

Wait... are others mad about it??

I have heard talk of it looking like a glorified Holiday Inn I didn't think so. I really like the theme and the decorations both inside and out

But I guess I can understand it. I could just see some kids throwing food at the SM riders or on people below.

Oh goodness, I never thought of that but you're right!

How dare she! Doesn't she know that a pristine room for TR photos is a must???


Wait... you hadn't been writing for a bit... hmmm... okay, I'll let it go.


This time.

Yeah, we are definitely out of practice!

Good to hear! Need to make note of this as well.
Although, I suspect that by the time I actually get down there again, the quality will have dropped off.
That seems to be the case far too often.

Isn't that the truth! And yes, I am still bitter about the HBD burger that was the most amazing thing I've ever tasted and then It was gone!

They'll get their turn when you leave.

Exactly!!

Wait... they allow kids in there????
Isn't it a loung/bar?? What are kids doing in there???

I think they are allowed until 8pm

 

[pkondz]

Hello there! I'm so happy you made it here!

I still think of you every time I have to search for codes to change my font color! I never knew that was a thing until you told me!

Well, you're welcome!

I've been doing that for years, it seems to be the perfect amount of food and comes with a drink!

You and a few others have said so.

I have heard talk of it looking like a glorified Holiday Inn I didn't think so. I really like the theme and the decorations both inside and out

Huh. Well, it'll have to wait until I get there and see it for myself.

Oh goodness, I never thought of that but you're right!

I'd heard that was one of the reasons the original Skyways in DL & MK were closed down.

Isn't that the truth! And yes, I am still bitter about the HBD burger that was the most amazing thing I've ever tasted and then It was gone!

Never had a burger there... always went for the amazing Cobb salad. But I hear that's not as good as it was either.

<sigh>

I think they are allowed until 8pm

Just... why????

 

[suse66]

Ok weirdly I had everything multi quoted and it all disappeared! Your travel day looks like it went well. I like an early flight as more Disney time is always good. I love the new tower and look forward to visiting there one day. I am hoping Lakeside Lodge will be open for when I travel to the US again. If I was going to buy a direct contract, I think it would be there.

The one positive thing about not going to the US is exploring new places and we are definitely very excited about Disneyland Paris, exploring the city and going on our river cruise. If I like DLP, I think I will add a few days again next summer when I go to Ireland for my 60th. Then the big trip will be my retirement trip when we do Japan and of course Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo Disney Sea!

I am also organizing a summer 2026 Canadian Dismeet in beautiful PEI so keep that in mind.

Everything looked yummy at your dinner and Trader Sams. I enjoyed it there when Bill and I went on St Patrick's Day in 2022 but it's not a must do for me.

 

[Joy70]

So excited to see a trip report from you! I am a long time lurker of your reports. Welcome back!!!

 

[Steppesister]

I'll join in Kelly, and do my best to read along.

 

[Steppesister]

I am also currently studying to become a Certified Lactation Counselor because I love helping new moms and their babies!
If all goes well I should be certified by this summer

Wonderful!! That's really a great way to help the new mommies and their little ones.

followed by a 7-night Eastern Caribbean cruise on the new, gorgeous Disney Treasure

Perfect!

IYKYK! Allie thought I was a weirdo for taking that pic but it seems the thing to do now!

And it all started in Portland. Been doing this for 25 years now.

Ohhh, how pretty! I'm looking forward to seeing it myself someday!

For me, MK has to be started at rope drop and I think LLs are a must, which is kind of sad and annoying at the same time.

Yes! But I found with RD'ing hard I don't need to spend the extra money either. I was able to every ride with no wait more than 30 minutes in December. Takes some planning and hustle though, so there's a trade-off for sure.

We walked down to Wailulu Bar & Grill for an early dinner.

Another one on my list to try asap.

(shhhh...don't tell anyone but I don't love Pulled Pork Nachos )!

WAIT! WHAT?! I like them, but know they're a bit out of the box.

So they left and we slid so now we were facing towards the whole room
and the server kind of gave us a hard time about it.

Like huh? That's so weird. What the heck? Why on Earth would it be a big deal which chairs you sat in. Sooooo confused.

And I honestly don't understand why you'd want to bring kids in there when there are way more fun and age appropriate things to do at WDW
Let's just say I'm glad we went but we both agreed we don't need to go back.

This!!! Sorry, do no get this at all. So much to do with kids aside from a bar. Like you, I"m happy with a trip with a group or every few years otherwise.

 

[buzzrelly]

Never had a burger there... always went for the amazing Cobb salad. But I hear that's not as good as it was either.

I love a good salad but the last time I got the Cobb I was so disappointed and don't need it again

Ok weirdly I had everything multi quoted and it all disappeared!

I hate when that happens! And So glad you're here!

I am hoping Lakeside Lodge will be open for when I travel to the US again. If I was going to buy a direct contract, I think it would be there.

If they allow pets I think we'll buy there too. Mike and I were tossing around the idea of the FWC just so we could bring our dogs maybe once or twice a year. We ended up deciding against it because we really aren't campers/cabin people although they do kind of look fun! Waiting to see what happened with LL!

The one positive thing about not going to the US is exploring new places and we are definitely very excited about Disneyland Paris, exploring the city and going on our river cruise. If I like DLP, I think I will add a few days again next summer when I go to Ireland for my 60th. Then the big trip will be my retirement trip when we do Japan and of course Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo Disney Sea!

That all sounds amazing! I would love to visit the Tokyo Disney parks!

I am also organizing a summer 2026 Canadian Dismeet in beautiful PEI so keep that in mind.

That sounds fun! Do you have the dates yet?

So excited to see a trip report from you! I am a long time lurker of your reports. Welcome back!!!

Wow, that's so nice to hear! Thank you! And thanks for reading!

I'll join in Kelly, and do my best to read along.

Hi Liesa! I'm just trying to get back into these as well! SO happy you are here!

Yes! But I found with RD'ing hard I don't need to spend the extra money either. I was able to every ride with no wait more than 30 minutes in December. Takes some planning and hustle though, so there's a trade-off for sure.

I agree though! The only LL's I usually buy now are GOTG and FOP! Otherwise, I rope drop and get on pretty much everything I care to.

WAIT! WHAT?! I like them, but know they're a bit out of the box.

No pun intended?!

 

[pkondz]

I love a good salad but the last time I got the Cobb I was so disappointed and don't need it again

Well that's unfortunate...
Guess I'll have to switch to the burger.

 

[vamassey1]

Lucky you! I envy all of you who can work from anywhere! I never even gave that a thought when I was in nursing school!

Working remotely was never considered until COVID. I now work one week at home and one week in the office. When I'm on my home week I can work from where ever. I've even logged some time in the airport.