Belated thanks to all for your advice and a (also belated) trip report!
How I looked forward to this first trip to WDW! (My last visit to a Disney property was the DLR in 2004. Many times, I planned a trip but one thing or another came up to prevent it.) There were four in our group: me, dh a.k.a. Tom, Daughter #2 and her boyfriend. The occasion: celebration of daughter and bf's graduation from college.
The young'uns zipped around while Tom (who was about to undergo open-heart surgery - he's doing fine post-op now) and I took it nice and slow.
Lodging: For us, the Polynesian turned out to be ideal. Atmosphere, transportation, eats - all dreamy. We were in Tuvalu, garden view, near the Luau Cove. Absolutely beautiful room on the 3rd floor. We
loved:
- that many guests wore Hawaiian-type clothing because that is what we had planned to do, too.
- the luau. Every aspect exceeded our expectations
Eats: Two highlights besides the luau:
- Brown Derby and their glowing drinks
- Plain ol' kid's cone at Ice Cream Corner or whatever it's called. Best place to people watch. Tom and I had ice cream for lunch every day.
Stuff I Didn't Like Much:- Epcot. Sorry but blech and/or yawn. Don't even get me started on that stupid Viking attraction. The Monsters University overlay on the shrubs was fun, though. Also, I got to speak French with the adorably sweet CM at the Frahhhhhhnce movie and, afterwards, eat a napoléon.
- Concierge service. A family member ordered surprise graduation ears to be delivered to the room. That got royally messed-up but eventually fixed.
- IASW facade looking shabby.
- The way-too-rapidfire and bored delivery of the Jungle Cruise CM. FAIL.
Stuff I Loved:- The Hall of Presidents. Wow on the animatronics!
- Seeing Carousel of Progress again.
- The Frahhhhhhhhnce movie, esp. the scene with all the beagles.
- The Crocs sandals (True fax, I swear) I bought at Epcot. No blisters the entire trip.
- The parades. I don't know how those CMs do it in that heat but they keep on smiling.
And in conclusion: Disneyland is the original and still the best. WDW fulfilled our tropical dreams and showed us all a really fun time.