How Do You Think We Stay So Happy?*Final Thoughts & Farewells* 10/7 p100

[eandesmom]

With that, time was up and it was time to head back to the room. Which didn’t really give me enough time to rally the troops for a cake reveal, though we did stop to check out the experimental garden, just a little, on our way out.

I think this time, we walked down the far right side. Lots of scaffolding and work going on, I would not like those rooms at all.

You can actually see our room from this pic

We walked into the room and I managed to capture some reactions

She didn’t like it at all!

One of the few times I’ve seen Mary Ellen speechless

Recovering from her shock

They did an AMAZING job. We’d given them about 3 concepts to choose from and I love how it turned out. Incredible detail

My favorite shots

After taking a bazillion cake pictures (I easily have a dozen more lol) we headed to SAB. It was crowded. It’s funny, before the trip I assumed we’d spend a ton of time at SAB but grew to adore the villa quiet pool. I did not bring my camera to SAB but did take a balcony picture while we were getting ready after our lovely drink and swim. I was rather enamored of our view.

And with that, we were off, me to FINALLY ride Soarin (I’d missed it in August, giving my FP to my MIL and then had missed it again already on this trip, running out of time to use my FP…or actually choosing a GG slushie over it lol) and then to meet up at Tutto.

 

[KatMark]

Great update, Cynthia (and welcome back).

Love the pics of the flowers at Epcot and the very surprised MEK with her birthday cake.

Thank you for sharing the info on the massage. I've had one at the GF (not impressed...and hated that they "did" try to push the products on you) and I've had oen almost every year at the Coronado. But I've heard such great things about Mandara and if I can fit one in, I think I will.

 

[Nermel9]

Tutto dinner looks really good! And the inside of the restaurant is so pretty, I don't think I've ever seen pics of the inside! And great Illuminations pics, as always!

Great shots of Mary Ellen and her surprise cake! That is such a beautiful cake, I don't know if I'd be able to eat it!

 

[sunny_stace]

So you thought Kim Possible was kinda lame huh? That's a bummer! I was really disappointed that I missed trying it on the last trip! I guess it's not such a disappointment after all, but I still want to try it on the next one!

I love Mary Ellen's reaction shots to her cake! It really is gorgeous, and most likely super delicious! They do such amazing cakes!

 

[Sappermont]

While Melissa was having a lovely solo day, Mary Ellen traveling and shamelessly using me to get a mansion room, and poor Jen arriving really late at night I was actually putting in a full day of work.

It has been a BUSY day. I had things to do. I’d tried to do them earlier in the week but had been thwarted. I’d tried to make banana bread for a fundraiser that would be later that day. But…I’d been out of eggs. I’d tried to color my hair but…had been out of developer. I’d picked up those things the day before so spent my morning taking care of business. Those things done, kids taken to school, I was off to work.

Though I can’t say it was trip-prep free. I still had one last item to get for the trip so took my lunch hour to take care of that last little detail. Vodka. I needed Vodka. And coffee, to be safe though I knew Mary Ellen planned to bring some. I needed Vodka, of course, for the can a can a can drink. I’d ordered enough mixer (frozen lemonade and cream) for 2 batches so needed enough vodka for the same. However converting liters to ounces to figure out how much vodka I needed for one can was somehow beyond me and I became convinced that a bottle wouldn’t be enough thanks to the WA State liquor stores employee bad conversion on the spot. So I got a fifth AND a 375 (a fifth would have been enough). Clearly my math ( I mean HIS) was off but I’ll get to that later. I didn’t want the 1 ¾ for packing reasons and figured the two smaller bottles would fit better. After my errand was complete I went home to finish wrapping my goodies for the girls and to try and fit said vodka (and coffee) into the magical bag. My goal was that all I had to do after work was change clothes,

It fit.

Barely.

Work was crazy that day. I had a ton of stuff that was overdue that I was trying to get out before I left. Things that, you know, hinged on other people and they’d been late getting stuff to me. I “could” take my work computer with me, but really really didn’t want to. I didn’t want to take ANY computer with me. I chatted with my boss after I got back from lunch and the consensus was…it could wait. The world wouldn’t end and, at the end of the day things weren’t late (self imposed deadlines anyway) because of me but rather because other folks hadn’t gotten things to me when they were supposed to. Thankfully he was well aware of the others tardiness. I can’t tell you how relieved I was about this! I’d really thought, just the night before, that there was no way I’d be going without my work computer and about 4 hours of stuff to do while there. Not much but things that were waiting on others and just couldn’t get done before I left as a result. I’d spent part of the night before thinking of how I’d have to redo carryons and such to make bring the computer even feasible. I had fun throughout the day getting texts from Jen as she made her way to Orlando, Mary Ellen when she arrived and then hearing she’d met up with Melissa. Melissa had tortured us with some balcony, view, and drink pictures and I couldn’t wait to get going! She’d also said it was HOT but at that moment, fed UP with the Seattle weather (still am btw) I was like BRING IT ON!!!!

At 5 I left. I had about an hours worth of work to do, a bake sale item to drop off (and Evan to pick up). Working a bit furiously (while having my traditional Friday IPA with Jeff, while he finished up his work day across our shared desk) I knocked it all out. Honestly I still can’t believe how much I got done that day! I’d checked in online while the bread was baking and the hair coloring so I was good there. Returning with Evan I changed my clothes and finished up a few more things around the house. Most notably…the unpacking of my amazon fresh grocery order.

As my trip mates will attest, Jeff had asked for a “meal plan” a day or so before the trip. I’d complied but his meal plan meant a few more items in the pantry and so I’d placed an order Friday morning with a delivery time of 3-6. Of course, it arrived right around 6. Now Jeff SHOULD know where everything goes but…well…somehow unpacking it all can be a challenge. I figured unpacking it was the least I could do. So I did. I admit, I do really try to track my grocery expenses and balance out my shopping so I get the best deal. With a family of 6, you have to. And sometimes amazon fresh is equal, or better with the local store, sometimes they both beat Costco, sometimes Costco wins. Sometimes though, the convenience is worth it, regardless of the price. This was one of those times and I made sure to pad the order with a few treats, sugar babies for Jeff and Ice Cream for the E’s. That done, it was time to load the car and head out. We have a rule at our house on Fridays. I don’t cook. This would be no exception but we would choose a place to go that was at least “sort of” on the way to the airport. It was only about 10 minutes south of where we live but right off the highway. We go to this place a LOT. It is a local microbrewery chain that has good beer and good grub. The whole family loves it. BUT the service is notoriously slow. My flight wasn’t until 10:45 but given my tendency to cut things razor thin close, we wanted plenty of time to be safe. We got to dinner and were seated around 7:30 but had been hoping for closer to 7. As a result, when we ordered I let our server know we were in a bit of a rush. Not really, an hour or so should have been plenty for the 4 of us to get our meal and the airport “should” be only about 30 minutes from there but with Friday night traffic, who knew. Jeff GLARED at me like I’d committed a major faux pas and I apologized, saying simply to the server that we come here a lot and know how the kitchen can get backed up.

Dinner was yummy and I confess, I had a second beer (Big Red IPA, our standard order at this place. Not the best IPA out there but tasty and reliable). Since this is a picture free update, I can at least give you...this

Ok that's lame and I know it!

I was hoping it would help with the red eye sleeping. I’d had a BAD experience on my last red eye. Oddly enough this would be my 4th red eye in about 10 months and in a lot of ways, I’m a big fan. I mean really, who wants to waste a day on travel? A precious vacation day. I only get so many, I want them spent vacationing!!!

Conceptually it’s great, especially if you live where I do…which is close to hardly anything and then add the pain of a time change to things to really steal a whole day. But, on the return from Hawaii, either I’d had bad fish, or the melatonin I’d taken once on board hadn’t agreed with me and it had been a rather miserable trip that involved me leaping over some really tall dude next to me, repeatedly running over and over to the bathroom, all night long. I never actually got sick but boy did I think I was going to. Hot flashes, the whole thing. It was awful. My guess is bad fish/shellfish but given that I’d had it for lunch AND dinner that day and in both cases, outside in the sun, who knows. It could have just spoiled quickly in the heat. I’d eat at both those places again (it was our 3rd visit to both and obviously the other times were fine)…but just maybe not fish on the day I was leaving. So at any rate, I was NOT taking any chances with melatonin. I’d gotten plenty of sleep so wasn’t going into the flight all that tired and figured another beer was probably a good idea. With a good solid (meat based) meal lol. A French dip. YUM!

Saying something didn’t help. As usual our food took forever and so did the check. Which means we left there around 9, cutting it a little close for my taste. Thankfully, the traffic and downtown event gods were with us and we pulled up to the airport literally 20 minutes later. After a quick goodbye to Jeff and the E’s I was off! Check in was a breeze and while security looked hideous, it actually moved relatively fast. So fast I found myself with almost 50 minutes to kill before my flight. And so, flight sleeping in mind, it seemed like the responsible thing to stop at the Alaska Lodge. Which is a little pub at the airport by my gate that serves Alaska Brewery Beer. Fitting, when you are flying Alaska Airlines. This was really in the interest of research as much as anything. As some of you know, we have a cruise planned for this August. We will be going on the Disney Wonder, traveling from Vancouver BC, up to Alaska and back. Alaska Brewery makes an Amber, that is in wide distribution here in Seattle.

We don’t care for it. At all. Weird soapy finish to it. BLEH. I was curious to see what else they offered, in the interest of research and what I might decide to carry on board versus be ok buying while up there, or on board. Sure enough, they do have an IPA (which is what we like, we are officially “hop heads”). And, sure enough, it was tasty! VERY! I don’t know yet if I can get it onboard the Wonder. I have confirmed that they have a selection of Alaska Brewery beers on board but none on tap. This was on tap. And a pretty funny tap if you ask me!

Yes. Another lame picture. What can I say, I don't take pictures on travel day!

But...the dude on the label is SURFING. In a wet suit. Or dry suit. I get the two mixed up. And the tap handle is a surfboard. I'm not aware that there is surfing in Juneau but hey, what do I know. One of the places I ate fish at the last day in Hawaii is called "Humpy's" as in a humpback whale and their only other location is in Anchorage. Go figure. Some weird Hawaii Alaska connection that maybe only "natives" get.

Not sure if this is in the Wonder bottled line up or not. But given that the brewery is located in one of our ports (and I now have that info if we decide to take a detour there), I’m hopeful and if nothing else, know we can buy some there to take back on board if we want, mid cruise.

I admit, starting out my trip with my kindle and a beer and some interesting bar conversation was not a bad way to kick off a solo trip! Soon enough we were boarding. I had a great window seat and magically, no one in the middle. What I did have was a dad on the aisle, traveling with his two teenage daughters. After hearing his life story (not really but he was QUITE chatty, a very nice guy on vacation in Alaska with his girls, wife couldn’t go, used to live there…volleyball…college applications…all stuff I could relate to as it’s part of my life too,) it finally became an appropriate time to pull out my eye mask and try to get some shut eye. Nothing like an eye mask to stop the conversation dead.

When I’d dressed for the flight I’d been in a quandary. To sweater or not to sweater? I knew I’d only need it for the flight and it would just be one more thing to deal with in my pushed-to- the-limit magical bag. Instead, I’d opted for a scarf with my tee, figuring that would add some warmth. I also assumed we’d have pillows and blankets. We did not. I have NEVER taken a red eye that didn’t have pillows and blankets. I’d questioned a flight attendant about it just before takeoff, as I hit the restroom. Apparently, with their Mexico flights, they’d had an instance of bird flu (which gosh, I’d totally forgotten about, mass hysteria over) and just had decided it was safest to go fabric free. Cheaper I’m sure, no worries about trying to keep things clean enough if you just don’t have them. At least I think it was bird flu, it was something along those lines. So….no blankets or pillows. VERY VERY SAD. I’d have worn a sweater for sure had I known. They’d had them back in August and Lufthansa in Jan as well as United just 2 weeks prior to it was a bit of a shocker and I was not at all happy about it. At some point, in the middle of the night I awoke to 2 things. First, I was FREEZING. Second, one of the teenage daughters had moved into the middle of the seat next to her dad. And she slept, like Kendall does. All fishy, floppy, all over anyone in their path. Which is a little easier to deal with when it’s your kid!

I carefully extricated myself and nudged her back into her own seat, got out my ipod and put on some James Taylor to try to get myself back to sleep. I was over the wing and it was LOUD, my piano or acoustic guitar playlists weren’t going to cut it, I needed some actual lyrics as well. I also spent some time carefully arranging my scarf to provide maximum warmth. It helped. A lot. A sweater would have been better. At the time, it didn’t seem like I was sleeping much at all but before I knew it, lights were coming on and we were landing. A full almost 40 minutes early!

I have a red eye, and an MCO strategy. It didn’t really start out that way. It kind of “happened” on the last trip and worked so well, I made it a plan this one. The plan goes like this.

Get off plane. Hit restroom, wash face and brush teeth. Get coffee at Starbucks. THEN go to DME.

On our last trip, this ad-hoc plan had resulted in a rockstar DME experience where we were the only people on the bus and it took off immediately and went straight to our resort. I was hoping for a similar result. Despite lines at both the restroom, and Starbucks, I stuck to my plan knowing I’d feel better for it. Plus, having never meet Mary Ellen, or anyone on the trip for that matter, I needed the fortification that coffee and a clean face could provide. After all, the other part of the red eye plan is to make the time change and that means staying up all day, while attempting to not look half dead.

My plan worked! In short order I was on the bus enjoying my coffee and it was pulling out, with only 2 stops on the agenda POFQ and POR. Mary Ellen and I had been texting and she was going to meet me in the lobby. Of the girls on the trip, though I’d never met anyone (and was at a major disadvantage in this area, I was the only one walking in “cold” lol), I felt like I probably knew Mary Ellen the best. We are closest in age and have a ton in common with our kids, their ages and activities and had shared many a story about all of that. Not to mention our obsession with morning coffee! Since she was going my roomie, this was a good thing and I was excited…and a little nervous. There was so much texting going on, between that and drinking my coffee I barely even watched the video! I was the second stop and very quickly was pulling up at POR…a place I’d never been before!

Thanks for the report!! We love CB POTTS and the Big Red IPA!

 

[MAGICFOR2]

I never usually comment on Disney food prices, but the ones at Tutto Italia really caught my eye. $16 for a ceasar salad, that looks like an appetizer portion? $15 for tomato and mozzarella salad seems high too, especially that portions size. Just seems like a bit much...

I'm so glad you did take Illuminations pics - yours always are gorgeous! Whenever I take a picture of the globe it's always an unidentifiable barely circular blur .

Okay, you went there so I'm with you. I was just thinking I would not be happy to pay $15 for two blobs of cheese and 3 slices of tomato. Also $24 for some pasta with tomato sauce and cheese on it. I realize some places are higher because of the experience, etc. but that is really pushing the envelope, IMHO. I know it must be a signature place - I would be disappointed to spend two TS credits for that meal. I guess that's why DH never wants to go out for Italian. He doesn't like to pay $12 for spaghetti, yet alone $24

 

[MAGICFOR2]

Mary Ellen, I love the illuminations shots!! How nice for the wedding couple to be able to have time alone on the bridge to watch

Oh, and the Reheboth shots are so fun - I've never been on the East coast as an adult - only a small child. This might not make sense to anyone, but It seems like you can feel touches of the BWV atmosphere in those pics - just looks like a fun place to be on the 4th of July!

Happy Belated Birthday Christine!

 

[eandesmom]

Great update, Cynthia (and welcome back).

Love the pics of the flowers at Epcot and the very surprised MEK with her birthday cake.

Her reaction was fabulous!

Thank you for sharing the info on the massage. I've had one at the GF (not impressed...and hated that they "did" try to push the products on you) and I've had oen almost every year at the Coronado. But I've heard such great things about Mandara and if I can fit one in, I think I will.

I had a pedi at the GF and was not remotely impressed but I'd go back to mandara (and get the same treatment) in a heartbeat!

Tutto dinner looks really good! And the inside of the restaurant is so pretty, I don't think I've ever seen pics of the inside! And great Illuminations pics, as always!

Great shots of Mary Ellen and her surprise cake! That is such a beautiful cake, I don't know if I'd be able to eat it!

It was YUMMY!

So you thought Kim Possible was kinda lame huh? That's a bummer! I was really disappointed that I missed trying it on the last trip! I guess it's not such a disappointment after all, but I still want to try it on the next one!

No, we thought the France mission was lame. Mary Ellen has done a few of the others and some are great. We wanted to do another one but ran out of time to try a different country. I'd try it again.

I love Mary Ellen's reaction shots to her cake! It really is gorgeous, and most likely super delicious! They do such amazing cakes!

it was super yummy!

Thanks for the report!! We love CB POTTS and the Big Red IPA!

I've not been to CB though the Denver Tech one is one I should keep on the radar next time we are in Denver. Looks like it's an identical menu. We are definitely regulars, we were just there on the 4th and entirely possible we will be there this weekend.

Okay, you went there so I'm with you. I was just thinking I would not be happy to pay $15 for two blobs of cheese and 3 slices of tomato. Also $24 for some pasta with tomato sauce and cheese on it. I realize some places are higher because of the experience, etc. but that is really pushing the envelope, IMHO. I know it must be a signature place - I would be disappointed to spend two TS credits for that meal. I guess that's why DH never wants to go out for Italian. He doesn't like to pay $12 for spaghetti, yet alone $24

I have to say, my veal was OUTSTANDING. One of my favorite meals of the trip. However I liked mine much more than everyone else did. If you are on the DDP and/or have TIW then it's not horrible. If not...I'd probably go elsewhere.

 

[MEK]

Sorry for taking so long with replies. Just so you know - I had 30 minutes worth of replies done the other night and I left my computer unattended for minutes. One of my kids came by and closed my reply window. I could not face replies until today cause I was so irritated.

MEK, that cake is amazing! How thoughtful of your travel companions!

Love the beach and Illuminations pictures.

glenn - the cake was totally amazing and delicious. It was seriously some of the moistest cake I have had. Total heaven.

Glad you like the beach and illuminations pics.

A great way to end the evening.


Too bad you did not sneak a pic of the waiters, I hear they are easy on the eyes.

It really was. To tell you the truth - I don't know if anyone got pictures of the waiters. Did we have waiters????? Or did we have a waitress????? I totally forget.

That cake is so cool!

It really was super cool, BEST CAKE EV-ER!!!!!

Oh, how I adore Illuminations. it is probably finishing about now. I remember thinking that I was not at all sure I could eat dinner following our scrumptious lunch at Chefs. No worries...I made a valiant effort. . But I did decide that generally speaking, a TS lunch and dinner is too much for me in a single day.

I felt the same way. Two TS in one day is a bit much, although its not going to stop me again from trying it in December! My excuse is the DxDP. I have to get my money's worth!

It was a young couple behind us with a VIP guide who had just gotten engaged. I am assuming they were regular folk...as a faithful reader of People, I would like to think I would recognize celebs.

Food was delish, as always.

Was it a couple? I was seriously not very observant that evening, but then again my back was towards them the whole meal. thanks for keeping me straight!

Food was delish!

It was so super nice of those of you who had already had the opportunity to see Illuminations allow the rest of us to exit. we didn't go far and ended up right outside the wine shop in Italy. The bridal party looked so happy...what a lovely way to celebrate.

And then to end with the cake! it was a super fun day!!

As I recall we managed to get to Illuminations right after it started, so it was really no trouble at all. I feel like I got to see the whole show.

Yes - awesome place to celebrate a wedding!

 

[MEK]

Fabulous beach pictures Mary Ellen!!

And that cake is over the top... I can understand why you were feeling overwhelmed. It makes me want to order an anniversary cake in November.

so glad you like the beach pictures! Yes - over the top is a good description of that cake. What a fun surprise it would be to have a specialty cake for an anniversary. Love anniversaries at the world.

I love the additional beach pictures, MaryEllen. And fabulous Illumination pictures. Normally, we don't stay for Illuminations, but since Andy may be coming with us, we'll probably be sure to do it this trip.

Oh - You MUST stay for Illuminations if Andy is coming. Everytime I see the show I see something new. I think its my favorite!

Glad you like the beach pix! They were fun to take.

I totally agree with you on the out dated hotels in Rehobeth! Most of them could really benefit from a refurb

Seriously out dated. My brother stayed at the brighton suites which was a big two room suite with a remodeled bathroom, but everything else was yucky. I would love to stay at the Plaza but that would start cutting into my Disney funds!

Love the Rehoboth pics - the more the better!

so glad you enjoyed them. If I take any new ones in September I will be sure to post!

[SIZE="2Lol at that woman glaring at you in the pic and the TT scenario - am with you in that it is 3 people per row, not two!

[/FONT][/SIZE][/QUOTE]

I'm not sure if she was or I just captured her with a strange look. Or just took a bad picture with my phone.

Yes - THREE IN A ROW PEOPLE!!!!!!

[quote="TanzUnited99, post: 41972272"]Mmm all the food at Tutto looks so yummy.

.

YUMMMMMMMMMMMMM!

Great Illumination pics and how cute that a special couple were celebrating nearby

Ending the day with cake and birthday celebrations is a great idea.

I love sneaking pictures of people celebrating the marriage. I feel like such a sneak!

The cake was a fab way to end a great day!

I never usually comment on Disney food prices, but the ones at Tutto Italia really caught my eye. $16 for a ceasar salad, that looks like an appetizer portion? $15 for tomato and mozzarella salad seems high too, especially that portions size. Just seems like a bit much...

since I was on the DxDP I did not look at the prices! But I definitely agree with you there. There is NO WAY I would normally pay that much for the mozarella and tomatoes. That is outrageous.

You know - that's the reason I love the DxDP! It makes me totally oblivious to price point!

I'm so glad you did take Illuminations pics - yours always are gorgeous! Whenever I take a picture of the globe it's always an unidentifiable barely circular blur .

Thank you! I think I am getting better with the light settings. The trick is not to move the camera. I don't use a tripod, but I try to get the shutter speed fast enough that I get a picture with no shake.

 

[MEK]

ALL this fun at Tutto's but I am with cp on this one, food and italian eye candy, always a good mix IMO!!!!! Just love eating there! They have some fabulous special events during the F & W festival, I am bummed I am going to miss them!!!

Food and eye candy really go together well, don't they? Just wait until our last day. That was major eye candy!

MEK your Birthday cake is amazing! SO gorgeous!! Looks like you ladies had another fabulous evening!!!

It really was an amazing cake. So perfect in everyway. I LOVED it!

MEK, love that cake! It really is just fantastic!

Okay, I am never one to turn my nose up at Tutto Italia food pics, but more to the point, where are the pictures of the waiters???

My cake was super fantastic. Love it! All birthday cakes from this point on will pale in comparison!

I don't know where the waiter pictures are???? I can't even remember if we had a waiter???? Now, that's bad.

Tutto, Illuminations, drinks and cake...sounds like an amazing evening to me! I would give my left arm for some of that Farfalle right now...I swear the last time I had it, if I had been alone, and no one was looking, I would have literally licked the bowl clean. SO so delicious!

Now THAT would be a sight! I am sure you are not the only person to want to lick the plate clean at Tuttos. I regret that my picture of the Farfelle stinks because I bet it is delish and I could go for some of that right now!

Our evening was really perfect!

MEK - I drove past MEK dental last night when I came in off the highway. It's a really fancy dentist! You can play PS3 or watch Blu-Rays while you get your work done! The picture came out too blurry and I also don't know how to get it off of my iPod! But I chuckled and thought of you!

Oh - that's rich! I can't imagine anything that fancy in my own dentist's office. They would need to remodel. Watching Blu - Rays during a visit doesn't sound half bad.

Happy Birthday Christine!!!!

July 25th is a great day to have a birthday isn't it ??? ( it is mine too )

HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY PAT!!!!! So sorry I am a few days late!!!!!!!!

Oh, I really enjoyed Tutto - both when I ate there a few trips back and just now - looking at that food! I believe I had that Penne Caprese. Yum.

Wonderful Illuminations pictures! How cool that the bride and groom were watching. Sounds like a great idea to me!
It's definitely not as cool as ME's cake, but it's a cake!
Hope you had a great birthday!

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That Penne looks really good - at least I got a good picture of that!!!!!

Gald you like the Illuminations pix. I do love seeing a bride and groom at disney - so romantic!

I don't think I've seen a cooler cake then mine, except on cake boss and they are all way TOO BIG!

Second, beautiful pictures of Rehobeth AND Illuminations, which I never tire of. And what an incredible looking cake. Sounds like your day was practically perfect.

Welcome Back Tina!!!! So glad you enjoyed the pictures. Hope you had time to see Illuminations in real life.

My cake was amazing and incredible and fantastic and I could go on and on. It certainly was a perfect day!!!!!

 

[MEK]

It must have been hard to cut into that gorgeous cake!

Tutto dinner looks pretty delish to me...I've only ever been there for lunch. I love pasta, but it always seems like it might be too heavy when I'm making my ADRs. Maybe next time!

Notice I don't have any pictures of us cutting into the cake! I couldn't stand to see it defaced!!!!!

I agree that pasta can be a little heavy at times. It would be perfect if you could easily take your left overs home conveniently, but that's not the case!

I'm alive! really

2 back to back trips obviously kicked my behind but I'm back and ready to settle in and provide some VERY belated updates!

Hopefully later today!

Well, its about time you show up missy! Seriously, you must be so busy in these last few trips leading up to your marvelous cruise!!!!!

We did Kim Possible! I have pictures I think. And it took us to the wine store.

I totally forgot about the KP mission until you mentioned it. It wasn't very memorable, I recall. I know I raved about the KP missions, but that one was just "eh". When you go back, you HAVE to do Germany. that's all I'm gonna say.

Tutto was a first for me this time. I was a big fan of Alfredo's and was having a hard time letting go I liked my meal well enough at Tutto but I am not in any rush to go back. I had the mozzarella and tomato for a starter and I think I had the risotto. One of those plates from MEK's photos look familiar!

Really??? It was a first for me, too. Well, if you don't count that I ate there when it was still Alfredo's. I would say both my meals were on the same par.

The description of the risotto sounded really good, but it was a horrible picture. I wonder what the 6th entree was?????

I do remember having some delicious limoncello while watching Illuminations. It is so nice to linger and take your time when leaving Epcot instead of the rush to the bus or monorail. I can't wait for that private entrance again in October

Tracy

Limoncello - that sounds so refreshing right now. I agree that lingering in Epcot IS the way to go. I have my heart set on BWV for F&W 2012!!!!

 

[eandesmom]

Notice I don't have any pictures of us cutting into the cake! I couldn't stand to see it defaced!!!!!

I do, I need to post them but I'd put so many up I figured I'd post them separately. I'll get them up tonight or tomorrow.

Well, its about time you show up missy! Seriously, you must be so busy in these last few trips leading up to your marvelous cruise!!!!!

Between work and the 2 trips it's been pretty nutty. Jeff and Eric had 3 if you count cub scout camp so getting them off (the medical forms) was a ridiculous amount of work too. Oh and I put in a patio. It's not exactly done but it's huge progress.

I totally forgot about the KP mission until you mentioned it. It wasn't very memorable, I recall. I know I raved about the KP missions, but that one was just "eh". When you go back, you HAVE to do Germany. that's all I'm gonna say.

Given that it's entirely possible I won't be back till we do food and wine in 2012, you may have to do it with me! though next time I think we need a drink in hand. There were some cute moments in it, I'm glad I did it.

Limoncello - that sounds so refreshing right now. I agree that lingering in Epcot IS the way to go. I have my heart set on BWV for F&W 2012!!!!

I am ALL over that idea.

 

[MEK]

Thank you, everyone, for the birthday wishes! . I had a great day and feel lucky to have met so many terrific friends through the DIS!

C- so glad to hear you had a wonderful birthday!

And happy birthday to you too, Pat! What a small world!

It's a small world after..... Sorry!

Tracy - you are right, we grabbed some limoncello shots for our Illuminations viewing. We got there in the nick of time...those shops lock themselves up tight as soon as the show starts! I guess I can't blame them too much. I am always anxious to leave work too.

And have to agree, access through the International Gateway is priceless!!! Would it be bad form in Oct to just sit on a bench there with a glass of wine and revel in it while others are heading to the bus?

That sounds like a wonderful plan and, again, I regret that I will not be there for F&W....But NEXT Year is going to be GREAAAAAAAT!

Nope! Not at all!

Rub it in Tracy!

I would TOTALLY do this!!

2012is all I'm gonna say!

Mandara Balinese Body Polish with Massage
Experience the exfoliating benefits of Mandara’s natural ingredients from Bali. Your skin will be polished and smoothed to aglow and completed with an application of an exotic conditioner to moisturize the skin. Choose from: Coffee, Lime & Ginger,and Balinese Boreh. Includes a 25 or 50 minute massage. 50/75 minutes.

Thanks to our coupon from dinner the night before, I felt fully justified in adding on hot stones to the massage portion. I’d been joking, calling my appointment a “scrub and rub”.

After a hasty rinse I was off and walked in about 5 minutes late. With the appropriate scolding (but somehow they were able to still fit me in) I was ushered in. As Melissa mentioned, it is BEAUTIFUL! Just stunning. I’ve been to the GF Spa, and had a massage at the fitness center at WL. Not remotely in the ballpark of Mandara. After some quiet time with my lemon water I was ushered into a room by Carlito. I can honestly say I’ve never had a massage by a male therapist before so I wasn’t sure how it would go. First came the “buffing” portion. Which I really needed. After 5 days in Hawaii my skin was dry and a little peely but not bad, it just really needed exfoliation in a big way. It was WONDERFUL! Then I was instructed to take a shower, which I proceeded to take my time with, enjoying the rain shower head and all the products provided. Following my lovely shower it was time for the massage and hot stone portion. I was very pleased I’d added the hot stone, it makes me relax so much more quickly. It was a very nice massage, not too wimpy which is often my complaint. If I had a complaint, it would only be one and it would be the same as Melissa’s. No face/scalp massage which really bummed me out! After you finish you can go enjoy green tea or more water on a lovely outer patio, which I did, hoping to run into Melissa. No dice, we completely missed each other! It was really lovely out there and I could have spent a lot of time there if I’d had a book or something but without, got bored relatively quickly. Just doing nothing is not something I am very good at, despite feeling very relaxed. At checkout I was offered some products as “suggestions” of course, and was pleased they had travel sized versions to decided to pick up both a moisturizer and a shower cream/wash. Although it’s funny…they were called travel sizes but really they are both 4 ounces so they’d get taken if I tried to walk on a plane with them. At any rate they were a treat and I liked both so much, and am almost out of both, I just ordered and received big bottles of both! It was a nice way to test out the products without a huge investment or worry about lugging them home.

This sounds really lovely! I am glad it was such a top notch experience and I am sorry I missed it, but....oh well.....I traded it for Tom Sawyers Island. Not sure if that is a even trade, or even close, but I was so regretful of having spent so little time in the parks.

I can't cut and paste pics right now so I can't post my favorite "stunned, shocked, and suprised" face!

Great update, Cynthia (and welcome back).

Love the pics of the flowers at Epcot and the very surprised MEK with her birthday cake.

I didn't even realize she was taking pictures of me at the time. What about the one with my face in my hands. I think I was probably expecting the cake to disappear when I looked up, afraid it had all been a mirage.

Thank you for sharing the info on the massage. I've had one at the GF (not impressed...and hated that they "did" try to push the products on you) and I've had oen almost every year at the Coronado. But I've heard such great things about Mandara and if I can fit one in, I think I will.

It certainly sounds like that's the place to go. That's the second excellent endorsement I have heard about that spa.

Tutto dinner looks really good! And the inside of the restaurant is so pretty, I don't think I've ever seen pics of the inside! And great Illuminations pics, as always!

The inside is very pretty.Both Chefs and Tutto are so pretty inside. I love it when I'm eating in a place where I love the surroundings. Really adds to the whole experience.

Great shots of Mary Ellen and her surprise cake! That is such a beautiful cake, I don't know if I'd be able to eat it!

I really didn't know it I could, so it helped that we let it sit all afternoon before we cut into it.

So you thought Kim Possible was kinda lame huh? That's a bummer! I was really disappointed that I missed trying it on the last trip! I guess it's not such a disappointment after all, but I still want to try it on the next one!

Oh - don't misunderstand - I love KP missions, but compared to the ones I did in September, I just didn't love this one. It could also have been because I was full and probably getting a little tired after eating such a big meal. There are some really fun missions like Germany.........freakin' hysterical. do try it!

I love Mary Ellen's reaction shots to her cake! It really is gorgeous, and most likely super delicious! They do such amazing cakes!

I wish I could go back and see those pics now, but I can't. BOO!

Thanks for the report!! We love CB POTTS and the Big Red IPA!

Glad you are enjoying our TR!

 

[MEK]

Okay, you went there so I'm with you. I was just thinking I would not be happy to pay $15 for two blobs of cheese and 3 slices of tomato. Also $24 for some pasta with tomato sauce and cheese on it. I realize some places are higher because of the experience, etc. but that is really pushing the envelope, IMHO. I know it must be a signature place - I would be disappointed to spend two TS credits for that meal. I guess that's why DH never wants to go out for Italian. He doesn't like to pay $12 for spaghetti, yet alone $24

If I am paying for a really good sauce I don't mind the price so much. We have a local place where the guy makes his own sauce and adds different seafoods. Love it!!!!! and will pay whatever. If it's tastless, nah.

Honestly, I've been to Tutto once and Alfredo's once and I didn't order pasta either times. I guess its just not high on my list of foods I order out.

And, again, its another reason why I like the dining plan. I stop worrying about price and just get what I want - overpriced or not.

Tuttos is actually just 1 TS. The signatures meals I've had at Disney have all been excellent and worth the 2 TS.

Mary Ellen, I love the illuminations shots!! How nice for the wedding couple to be able to have time alone on the bridge to watch

I can't think of a better way to celebrate after a wedding. So perfect. I wish I could get myself on that bridge without having to get married all over again to do it!

Oh, and the Reheboth shots are so fun - I've never been on the East coast as an adult - only a small child. This might not make sense to anyone, but It seems like you can feel touches of the BWV atmosphere in those pics - just looks like a fun place to be on the 4th of July!

Happy Belated Birthday Christine!

Glad you like the Rehobeth pictures. I was actually thinking the same thing - I was feeling that whole BWV vibe. I love some of the cool things they have at the BW which is one of the many reasons why I can't wait to stay there!

 

[eandesmom]

I did not take my camera to dinner but what I recall is that I booked it to Soarin'. I was on a mission having missed it in August. This was the first time on this trip I got the "you are by yourself?" funny looks and someone actually saying "don't you have any friends?" as I was directed to my glider. I thought that was a pretty odd comment for a CM but whatever. Feet free of my sandals and dangling in with my sundress on, in a front glider I was one happy happy girl. That ride just makes me smile (though the queue is FAR better at DCA). Mission accomplished I met the girls at Tutto. All I really recall is my entree which I absoltely adored! I had the veal, not being overwhelmed by any of the pasta options and it was SUCH a good choice. One of my favorite entrees of the trip. Top 2 for sure. Afterwards, as both Mary Ellen and Melissa had already seen Illuminations once and the bill seemed to be inordinately complicated, they shooed us off to go watch. Christine and Tracy got their limoncello and I, a little bit behind them and BARELY squeaking in as they tried to lock up, got a very special glass of Barolo.

Special to me as it was the exact wine Jeff and I had brought home from Italy back in 2006. It was spectacular, as were the fireworks, as always. The wedding couple was adorable and just fun to see.

Back at the room, it was time to cut the cake. I think we'd originally planned to pick up a bottle of bubbly in Italy to have with it but somehow that got forgotten.

Chocolate heaven!

This gives you an idea of the massive size of the cake

The team at the YC/BC private dining really outdid themselves and were an absolute joy to work with, Yvette in particular, but they were all great.

 

[KatMark]

What an awful thing for that CM to say to you. That is not Disney-like at all.

That chocolate looks really, really good in that cake. And they did a great job on it!

 

[eandesmom]

What an awful thing for that CM to say to you. That is not Disney-like at all.

That chocolate looks really, really good in that cake. And they did a great job on it!

I think he thought he was being funny, like joking, it was in a very teasing pleasant voice so I didn't take offense at all and we joked about it but it was a bit odd.

 

[MeMom]

That ride just makes me smile (though the queue is FAR better at DCA).



Chocolate heaven!

I love Soarin'. It makes me smile, too, and I really love it when I get to experience it with first-timers. Listening to their 'oohs' and 'aahs' and hearing the applause at the end makes me love the ride even more.

The picture of the cake has me wanting to go bake something chocolate right now.

 

[sunny_stace]

This was the first time on this trip I got the "you are by yourself?" funny looks and someone actually saying "don't you have any friends?" as I was directed to my glider. I thought that was a pretty odd comment for a CM but whatever.

Hmmm.... That's not a very nice thing to say....especially at Disney! Especially by a Disney CM! I am rather shocked! I find that I get the looks often and some people will even ask if I'm there alone and why! However, they're always nice about it! Infact, some people are even impressed and understand the indulgence of it all! I bet the CM was just jealous!
I'm glad you were still able to have a good ride and got great seat!