Inching My Way Closer to the Castle Final thoughts/future trips 4/2p90 The End 4/4p92

[manntra]

Love those fountain pictures Mary Ellen.....you can almost feel the spray from the water and count each drop!! So pretty!

Looking forward to your BLT pictures.....that is where I want to stay next....after May of course I won't be using your jogging path but the walk to MK and ease of the Monorail can't be beat

Looks like the two of you are having a great time so far

I really liked that Vinylmation backpack too! So cute!! You could always add it to your Disney Sherpa Collection

Tracy

 

[brookelizabeth]

POFQ looks so beautiful! We did a quick stop there a few trips ago, but didn't explore too much. It's next on the list for a Mod we stay at though. And we have decided to add the Yeehaa Bob Show to our agenda for March! Thanks to you and Glenn! I think Henry will make it through a bit, and if he doesn't, we'll just go resort exploring or to DTD or something! It's worth a shot.

We took a quick look through the Fire Station a couple trips ago too, it's so neat in there, isn't it?

I'm really looking forward to all your BLT pictures!!!

 

[MEK]

I want a beignet. NOW!

Pretty pretty FQ pics, makes me want to stay there someday. Why why why can't the mods have queens?

IDK - I wish they did because I love the mods!

You earned it with the run, no matter how short. Besides, it's vacation!

.

I love the fire station pics, I've never been there. I may have to make it a stop in May. I agree that SM is still jerky.

Well if you have never seen the firehouse then we certainly need to change that in May!

I have no idea why but my kids aren't into the vinylmation at all. Doesn't resonate for some reason.

I'm honestly not sure who IS in to vinylmation. I got the impression they made it more for the adults with the guise that its a kids toy. I do think they are pretty cute. The holiday ones are really neat. I loved the pumpkin one for Halloween.

All I can say is WOW! Your pictures are always so very very good. I am anxious to see your BLT pictures.

Thank you! I'm so glad you are enjoying the pictures. I will be posting BLT pics very, very soon!

MEK, I loved the cat photo, am a great cat lover myself. We lost our 16 plus year old cat about 4 weeks ago & he is sorely missed. We did go see Popovich's trained house cats in Vegas. Was a very funny show!

I am so sorry about the loss of your cat. I had one cat who lived to be 15 and it was really hard when I put her to sleep. At that time I had one other cat. She lived to be 11 and met her fate with the garage door (broken sensor). That was extremely traumatic. After that I adopted the cats that I have now and they are all about the same age. It's going to be weird if they all get sick and have to be put to sleep around the same time. I worry about that some times. I especially love my male cat because he is super cool.

I have never heard of the popvich's trained house cats. I'll have to goggle that.

Oh my goodness! So many beautiful pictures!!! WOW!! It's funny you mentioned the trees because my mom has a picture of my sisters and I in front of the castle on trip when we were kids and there is a large tree on either side of Main Street that kind of shades the street and slightly obstructs the view!

I would love to see those pictures of you and your sister. I bet they are really cool. So what did they do with the trees? I assume they have been cut down. So that's how it goes - when a tree gets to big - bye, bye!

Those beignets look yummy! DH would love them! I'm not sure I can imagine eating that for breakfast though!

They weren't the healthiest of breakfast choices, that's few sure. But it's vacation so what the hey!

Can't wait until you bebop over to BLT! I want pictures!

I guess i better get moving because it won't be long until YOU are bebopping over to BLT!

I have been following along on your report, but have not posted before. I just wanted to say that your pictures are incredible. I love those pumpkins in front of the fire station.

Magic Shell! So glad you are joining in and following along. I hope you continue to do so!!!!!!!!

Aren't they the coolest pumpkins? Seriously - pumpkins with a fire station theme are really, really neat!

Beautiful photos- I especially like the ones you took of the fountains at FQ or POR, wherever they were!

Thanks Ellen! They were actually taken at POFQ. There was a fountain right outside our room. How I wish I was back there right now!!!!!

Can't wait to hear about BLT! And I am soooooo psyched you are all staying at BCV on your girl trip- YAY!! You can finally check it out!! 3 weeks from today I'll be checking into a 1 BDRM for 2 nights pre-cruise. I am curious to see what my boys think of the villas- we have only ever stayed on the hotel side as a family. BC is OUR sentimental favorite.

I took a lot of BLT photos, but not so many of the room because I never changed to my small lens. But I have lots and lots of photos to share!

I am super psyched about BCV. It is the one resort I have wanted to stay at for years! I almost had 2 short stays there on 2 different occasions and it didn't work out, so this is going to be GREAT!

I hope your boys love the villa. They have to. Plus they have to love being so close to Epcot.

Now I have to tell you that your TR's are possessed. When I went to look at your pictures tonight my mac completely closed again. It kept saying safari quit unexpectedly. I think the virus protection that LJ loaded in this computer is sensing something in your TR. it's crazy. I will see LJ this weekend and I really must speak to him about this.

So I'm going to have to borrow Denny's pc so I can see your pictures. Errrrrrr! So frustrating!!!!!

Great update! Love the pictures of PO and MK!

The pumpkins are so cute and I should explore the fire station one of these times!!

I want to know about your BLT view!!

Thanks Sheree! I am so glad you like the pics.

Aren't those pumpkins so cute?

You really should explore that firehouse. It is pretty neat.

Oh, and that BLT view......



Be back in a few.........

 

[MEK]

Love those fountain pictures Mary Ellen.....you can almost feel the spray from the water and count each drop!! So pretty!

Thanks Tracy. I am surprised the water turned out as "real" as it looks. Pure luck!

Looking forward to your BLT pictures.....that is where I want to stay next....after May of course I won't be using your jogging path but the walk to MK and ease of the Monorail can't be beat

I think you would love the location!

Never say never on that jogging path! I felt bad for that path - clearly it didn't get much use!

Looks like the two of you are having a great time so far

We had a great time! So...Much....Fun!

I really liked that Vinylmation backpack too! So cute!! You could always add it to your Disney Sherpa Collection

Tracy

Ok - you got me again with this comment. I was crackin' up! And, yes, I had considered adding it my my sherpa spring line!!!!!!!

POFQ looks so beautiful! We did a quick stop there a few trips ago, but didn't explore too much. It's next on the list for a Mod we stay at though. And we have decided to add the Yeehaa Bob Show to our agenda for March! Thanks to you and Glenn! I think Henry will make it through a bit, and if he doesn't, we'll just go resort exploring or to DTD or something! It's worth a shot.

It's the best Mod! I love it. I wish they had a DVC themed like POR/FQ. It's just a neat theme!

I am so glad you decided to add Bob to your March agenda. He really is a lot of fun. I then Henry will be fine and he will probably get a kick out of Bob and his rocking piano. The guy is a hoot!

We took a quick look through the Fire Station a couple trips ago too, it's so neat in there, isn't it?

We took a quick look through the Fire Station a couple trips ago too, it's so neat in there, isn't it?


!

I recommend a quick "look-see" It takes all of 2 mins to see it! It's very small.

I'm really looking forward to all your BLT pictures!!!

Coming up soon, but first I have a bunch more MK pics to post.

 

[Ducky4Disney]

I hope Jen doesn't hate me for posting this picture.

You didn't tell me I had CRAZY HAIR!

I'm supposed to be a part of this TR and I just found myself 3 pages behind I'm going to edit some pics up (since I think the last round went to Mary Ellen) and start this thing!

Let's see, where were we... oh yeah, leaving POFQ.

I swear Mary Ellen must've had her camera permanently attached to her face. I don't remember her taking that many pics! I am trying real hard not to cheat and use some of my older "stock" photos

I only took one room photo:

I really like this painting. They should sell prints of this.

This is why I love POFQ! When I stayed here for a conference many moons ago I had beignets every morning. It was fabulous.

I am very fortunate to live near a place called Cajun Kate's and they make mighty fine beignets.

You are my sunshine, my only sunshine...

On the bus ride over to MK I did a hair check.

No flash is no good, but I like the fact that I turned myself into a hidden mickey!

That's better! Well, not really. I was in major-bad need of a haircut and I was hoping to get one at the MK barbershop, after I found my button battery. The infamous button battery! You may have noticed that I wear a lanyard for pin display/trading purposes. One of my pins is a Magical Moments pin that reacts to various rides and attractions at the different parks. I can't seem to remember to TAKE THE BATTERIES OUT on the "off season". So the batteries are dead of course, and that makes me sad.

Now, I wanted to stop on the way to the airport to get two CR2037 button batteries for my pin, but that didn't happen, and I fugured WDW made the darned thing, they should sell batteries for it. Riiiigghhht!!

When we hit MK I started my search for the batteries. Back up; actually we started by going to guest relations INSIDE the park. Please take note of the key word there, inside (that will be important later). I asked about MNSSHP tickets with the DVC discount and got the something, something, can't get them here, supposed to do it elsewhere, hold-on-let-me-check... then viola! We can do it for you *this time* but we're not supposed to. What is that about? Why is it that they can't help you until they all of a sudden can? What changed? Clearly, they CAN because they DID!

From there we (should say I) moved onto looking for a battery. Lots of work going on in MK and there were signs posted with neat sayings.

This is why I come to WDW. To be transported somewhere else

Halloween at WDW is my absolute most favorite time to be there! I love the way this looks!

We chose a great time to visit; lots of pics with no one in them!

I should conuct a poll: after entering MK, which way do you go? To the right, around to Tomorrowland or the left in to Adventureland? I always seem to go into Tomorrowland.

Yea!

I haven't done this one in a while. DH is too Pooh sized for this. Last time he rode it he had to wrap his legs in such a way that when the ride dipped he just about flew out and that was it. So unless he gets shorter, or the cars get longer, he's gonna stay away from this. Mary Ellen was talking about whether it was darker in there than it used to be and how she didn't see a difference. I did. It was way darker then I remember!

I don't think we ever used the FP's we got. Oops.

D4D

 

[All7OfUs]

Such a lovely update!! And I'll be the first to answer your poll...

I always without exception go right- to Adv.L. , and then straight to PoTC or HM. Good ????

 

[MEK]

Such a lovely update!! And I'll be the first to answer your poll...

I always without exception go right- to Adv.L. , and then straight to PoTC or HM. Good ????

Liesa! So that's one vote for adventureland.

Me - I always go to tomorrowland. Always have. Always will. I love Space Mtn and even though it throws me around, I will always ride it.


So Jen - I love you update and I seriously forgot that we stopped in Guest Services. Doh....Of course we did because we needed party tickets (which Jen was able to smooze her way into getting with the DVC discount) and I needed my AP. The fact that I went INSIDE the park to upgrade my one day ticket does have some implications for later in the trip - but you'll have to wait to find out exactly what did happen. Let me just say, it was not good and could have had disastrous results.

Great pics Jen. You really know how to work a beignet!

 

[MEK]

I know so many of you are anxious to see exactly where we ended up staying at BLT, but since I took a gazillion MK pictures, you will have to endure them first! Sorry! I hate to go out of order.

As I posted above, I forgot to mention that we went to guest services inside the park when we first arrived. I needed to upgrade a one day ticket (left over from last year's free dining) to an annual pass. The line outside was pretty long, so I figured it would get done quicker inside. Later in this TR you will see that the inside upgrade almost had disastrous effects on my future WDW vacation enjoyment. But, we will get to that later.

For right now, let's get back to the MK, shall we.....

Jen and I had just ridden Space Mtn. Jen said, "pick a ride that you never do and have always wanted to do and let's go there". Well, initially I said the speedway, but I recanted. I've never been on the speedway and I would actually like to experience it, but given that we had limited time before we needed to hit BLT, I changed my mind.

However, we did take some pics over there.....

I know that Jen has some excellent pictures of the speedway. Since I had my long lens on I didn't quite get the views I wanted.

And here's part of the TTA track......

Jen and I settled on Peter Pan as our next destination. Of course, we were in no rush to get there and we stopped to take a bunch of pictures on the way.

I've only eaten here once......

The next three shots are actually the posters that were hanging on the fence at the fantasyland construction site.....

Yeah, its weird, but I love taking pictures of random people on Dumbo.....

Up close....

I find the Carousel to be very festive. When I visit fantasy land I really wish I had taken my kids when they were smaller. Sigh....perhaps grandkids someday.

Details, Details.....

Hidden Mickey

The buildings in fantasy land are so pretty...

It was already getting really hot, so I was happy to get in the queue for Peter Pan. This is my favorite of the kids' rides. I love the part where the boats sweep over the city. I really wanted a picture of that, but realized it would be completely impossible without a flash. And even with an illegal flash I would probably get NADA.

So here is my only picture of Peter Pan.....

This would be good for a Where Am I? shot....

I have always found this building somewhat intriguing

I asked Jen if she knew what it used to be since I never hear any reference made to it. She thinks there used be a little skyway over there and that this was one of the loading stations. Is that correct? anyway know?

At any rate I spent a couple minutes taking pictures of that general area.

Continued......

 

[MEK]

So that is my little montage of unknown building/ probably old skyway pictures.


I was feeling really hot again (for a change) and ducked into the little store near HM.

This lantern is cute. I didn't buy it, but it sure was cute.....

Cooled off, we excited door #2 and headed to you know where......

I took this through the fence looking at BTM.....

Another "artsy" fence picture.....

And what the fence actually looks like (am I boring you yet? Yawn)

Care for a ride?

Closed......

Opened......

OK - I'm gonna admit here that I didn't know she opened and closed her eyes. What a loser! How many times have I been on this ride and missed THAT! Sheesh!

I snapped two pictures inside........

This......

And This........

The best part about this ride is the theming continues right out the back door......

Now look at this next picture. Look at the blur over towards the right. I have no idea what that is. Do you think I caught a Ghost????????

I also don't remember seeing this mist at the time I took this next shot......

It's probably the mist they use for the Halloween party, but I swear I didn't see it, so I'm curious to see Jen's pictures of this area!

Is this not the cutest hat?

Good Bye HM. We will return!

I caught a few more scenery shots as we headed back toward the mountains.

To be continued with another episode of MK pictures and THEN.....drum roll please.....BLT!

 

[brookelizabeth]

I think I can "suffer" through a bunch of beautiful MK pictures while waiting for BLT!

We have a 3 year old so we don't go left or right, we go straight back! But pre-child it was straight to Tomorrowland, our favorite! Though it's "proven" more people naturally go right, so the UG says start left with Adventureland. Makes sense, but we love Tomorrowland too much!!

 

[MEK]

I think I can "suffer" through a bunch of beautiful MK pictures while waiting for BLT!

I did take a lot of MK pictures this time - well, more than usual, so I'm glad you don't mind.

We have a 3 year old so we don't go left or right, we go straight back! But pre-child it was straight to Tomorrowland, our favorite! Though it's "proven" more people naturally go right, so the UG says start left with Adventureland. Makes sense, but we love Tomorrowland too much!!

Straight is good, too! I read the same thing, start left with adventureland. I tried that when space mountain was down and it worked well. Or fairly well, since space mtn WAS down. lol!

Best tip - get there early. The first hour is the best!

 

[eandesmom]

What a beautiful stroll through MK! Lovely lovely pictures!!!! Especially random people on Dumbo. Random or not, it made me smile.

I should conuct a poll: after entering MK, which way do you go? To the right, around to Tomorrowland or the left in to Adventureland? I always seem to go into Tomorrowland.

Tomorrowland, always!

I think SM is darker, so did my DH

:So Jen - I love you update and I seriously forgot that we stopped in Guest Services. Doh....Of course we did because we needed party tickets (which Jen was able to smooze her way into getting with the DVC discount) and I needed my AP. The fact that I went INSIDE the park to upgrade my one day ticket does have some implications for later in the trip - but you'll have to wait to find out exactly what did happen. Let me just say, it was not good and could have had disastrous results.

uh oh

 

[KatMark]

Jen and MaryEllen, I could look at your pictures all day. You take shots I never think of taking and you get such wonderful detail. In answer to Jen's question, it depends on if it is our first or second day. If it is our first day, we head straight back to get on Dumbo for Mark; if it is our second day, we turn left toward Adventureland.

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Fantastic photos. I just love all of the details you guys capture!

As for which way do you head, I'm an Adventureland kind of girl.

 

[Lady Lallie]

Yes, that is the old Skyway. It was closed in the early to mid 90's I believe. If you read Realityland there is a whole history of the Skyway. One Disney employee was actually killed on it and another employee was seriously hurt, she was pushed out onto one of the gondolas and was hanging on. If I remember correctly a group of men from the Navy were near her and actually caught her so she didn't fall directly ont he pavement. That is what happened to the first employee. So Disney shut it down. I miss it though, I remember riding it with my Dad on my very first trip. It went over to Tomorrowland I think...or maybe just near the end of Fantasyland.


FANTASTIC pictures, this TR is a feast for the eyes!

 

[Mndisneygirl]

Oh, Mary Ellen - I feel like I have the same comments for you all the time!
GORGEOUS PICTURES!!!! I will look at any that you post - don't worry about too many!

Although, I'm anxious to see you view from BLT!!

 

[MagicShell]

I enjoyed your pictures again. I can't wait to see your pictures at BLT.

 

[dawnbu40]

When we visit we always do MK rope drop twice. One day we'll start in Tomorrowland and the other we start in Fantasyland.

I love the ears! I got those last year and have them out as decoration this year

Great HM pics! I never noticed the bat in the fence/gate before

 

[Nermel9]

Ugh, I guess I can suffer through your terrible MK pictures before we can see BLT!

Fantasyland is so pretty...it's too bad half of it is hidden away for construction.

I love HM, but I never take pictures there! I'm always so anxious to just get in and get going! I really need to slow down and take everything in the way you do, you really notice every little detail!

 

[MEK]

What a beautiful stroll through MK! Lovely lovely pictures!!!! Especially random people on Dumbo. Random or not, it made me smile.

Dumbo makes everyone smile! It's so Disney. It screams Disney!

Tomorrowland, always!

I think SM is darker, so did my DH

for tomorrowland!!!!!

OK- why don't I think Space is darker? I am definitely in the minority!

uh oh

Yeah - it was almost a disaster. Let's just say if I hadn't realized the problem it could have had implications for our May trip!

Jen and MaryEllen, I could look at your pictures all day. You take shots I never think of taking and you get such wonderful detail. In answer to Jen's question, it depends on if it is our first or second day. If it is our first day, we head straight back to get on Dumbo for Mark; if it is our second day, we turn left toward Adventureland.

Thanks Kathy! I do enjoy taking pictures of details. It really is a different way of looking at parks. And I never know what exactly I am going to get until I do the editing.

That's another vote for straight back!

Fantastic photos. I just love all of the details you guys capture!

Thanks Christine!

As for which way do you head, I'm an Adventureland kind of girl.

I love that! I think we are split pretty even now - same number of people going right, left, and straight back!

Yes, that is the old Skyway. It was closed in the early to mid 90's I believe. If you read Realityland there is a whole history of the Skyway. One Disney employee was actually killed on it and another employee was seriously hurt, she was pushed out onto one of the gondolas and was hanging on. If I remember correctly a group of men from the Navy were near her and actually caught her so she didn't fall directly ont he pavement. That is what happened to the first employee. So Disney shut it down. I miss it though, I remember riding it with my Dad on my very first trip. It went over to Tomorrowland I think...or maybe just near the end of Fantasyland.

That is some interesting information. Maybe that's why they never mentioned it on the KTTK tour. I guess they didn't want people saying, "Didn't someone die on that ride?" That could definitely put a sour note on the tour. That is such a tragic story.

FANTASTIC pictures, this TR is a feast for the eyes!

You know that always means a lot coming from you!

Oh, Mary Ellen - I feel like I have the same comments for you all the time!
GORGEOUS PICTURES!!!! I will look at any that you post - don't worry about too many!

Although, I'm anxious to see you view from BLT!!

Thanks Sheree. I plan to keep posting away. That's why I take so many pictures. I love to share them.

Ah, yes, the BLT view. I really am procrastinating, aren't I?

I enjoyed your pictures again. I can't wait to see your pictures at BLT.

Thanks! I'm so glad you are enjoying the pictures and I promise as soon as I finish the MK visit, you WILL really see BLT!

When we visit we always do MK rope drop twice. One day we'll start in Tomorrowland and the other we start in Fantasyland.

Well that's one way to solve the dilemma of right vs. left - do both first! I love that. Leave it to you to get to the opening ceremony twice - that's pretty impressive!

I love the ears! I got those last year and have them out as decoration this year

They are the cutest ears ever! I almost bought them, but I couldn't find them elsewhere and I never went back to that store.

Great HM pics! I never noticed the bat in the fence/gate before

I never noticed that before either. There were several HM details that I just noticed this year for the first time!

Ugh, I guess I can suffer through your terrible MK pictures before we can see BLT!

good one!

Fantasyland is so pretty...it's too bad half of it is hidden away for construction.

I know - that big fence is really an eye sore. I know they have to do it, but the whole area looks bad right now. But, it is a major renovation so what can you do.

I love HM, but I never take pictures there! I'm always so anxious to just get in and get going! I really need to slow down and take everything in the way you do, you really notice every little detail!

It is fun to slow down. I used to be too rushed to want to take pictures, but now I realize that my best memories are on pictures. So even when I don't want to slow down, I will because I know it will be worth it.