Well, now that things have settled down from our holiday vacation to WDW and the mayhem of Christmas and New Years is over, I thought I would share my review of the Pod Meet at the Dolphin on December 13th.
Let me preface this with I just discovered the DIS in September and had never listened to any Pod Casts before. Since joining, I have enjoyed many "hot debates", polls, and getting the inside scoop. I also joined the DVC Christmas Tree sharing thread, which was a wonderful surprise for our kids. We are big Disney fans and visit quite often.
Since I do all of the vacation planning, right down to the ADRs, parades, and show times my husband didn't really think anything of the time I blocked out of our schedule. But as vacation grew near and he took a closer look at our schedule (I always make an Excel spreadheet) he asked "What's this Pod Meet thing about dolphins?" I had to chuckle and explained the whole thing. He seemed fine with it and didn't ask anything else until Thursday afternoon.
After the kids took a nap we got ready and hopped the bus to Epcot. We met a beautiful family from South Africa who were taking their children (2 girls and 1 boy) to Norway for the Princess dinner. Since my DD4 was also dressed in princess attire
and was just done up at the BBB that morning, our children had a blast playing. Once at Epcot, we sprinted to the international gateway and visited the last 15 minutes of the DVC Merry Member Mixer. I wish we had gotten there earlier, or remembered to get the camera out of the stoller. I missed some great shots of the kids dancing with the Fab 5 in their holiday best. Oh well, maybe another year.
Once we left the mixer we boarded the very crowded boat for a short ride to the Dolphin. When we pulled up to the boat launch at the Dolphin we were very impressed by the look of and feel of the resort. We walked inside and eventually found our way to the elevators (they really should be better marked). The elevator doors barely closed and they were opening again to our floor (that elevator was faster than the Tower of Terror).
We stepped out and heard laughing and turned our heads to the DIS Unplugged Pod Squad sign at the entrance to the Hospitality room. At the door was Cory's sister and she greeted us with a very friendly hello. We were all given Pod Squad lanyards and a Pod cast pin. The lanyards had the plastic pouch where we could display our screen name and real name.
Upon entering, my DD ran though the room at lightening speed and I heard a familiar voice. I looked and it was Kevin saying look, there goes Princess Belle. To which my DD says "No, I'm Sleeping Beauty!" Kevin looked at me and I explained all the princesses were going gold this year and that was Sleeping Beauty's costume. Kevin said he didn't know that (didn't you know you are expected to be up on the Princess fashion
).
We grabbed a table and got the kids some food to keep them occupied. There were chips and pretzels, a fruit tray, cheese, pepperoni and crackers. All the typical foods you would expect to find and any such event. To my surprise, there were also some hot goodies as well. Bacon wrapped shrimp that had a spicy bite to it. A puffed pastry with cheese and mushrooms, mini crab cakes with a flavorful sauce and something else, I can't remember. I know there were 4 hot items. All of which were quite good except..... the "sad little crab cake". While they were hot, not a lot of meat inside.
Moving on to the desserts. There were a couple of trays out with the desserts on them. All in bite sizes, there were three chocolate ones (white, dark and milk), key lime, cheesecake, coconut creme, orange tart and a few others. While I didn't have any, my husband said they were delicious.
There was also a bar. Alcoholic beverages as well as soft drinks were available.
All the while snacking and drinking I met and chatted with Bob, Cory, Julie, Kevin, and John.
Everyone was so friendly and welcoming. Bawb was proud to show off his kaht kam all decked out for the holidays. Julie and Cory's sister played with DD4 who was proudly displaying her Bibbity Bobbity self. Both Kevin and John sat at our table and talked about food, attractions, and shows.
The Hospitality Room was beautiful. Painted a dark warm tone with windows looking out towards the Swan, Boardwalk, and MGM/Hollywood Studios. We could even see some of the Osbourn lights! Even the bathroom was nice, very large (anyone with kids knows you have to visit every bathroom
).
After a bit, it became apparent the kids were getting restless and we had to say goodbye. DS was getting squirmy in his stroller and DD was starting to get loud. We said thank you and goodbye to everyone (even the bartender). Back to the freefall elevator and boat to finish up Epcot. My husband really enjoyed himself too, even though he had no idea what I was dragging him to.
Oh I wish I could have met Pete in person. Luckily I was able to get a peek at some pictures before they were removed. I'm glad you are feeling better now Pete.
Finally, just a big thank you for hosting such a wonderful event. It was small and intimate so you didn't get lost in the crowd. We were able to have real conversations and not just a "hello, nice to meet you."
I am now a fan for life and will drag along anyone who will listen with me.
Smooches to everyone!
Jennifer
(I'm really not that sensitive about my weight, but I looked SOOO good when I was 185).
I don't know Pete I think you are so cute!
