60 Candles, 30 Million Lights, Best Friends&Family at Disney--Priceless (New 5/23)

[KatMark]

Well, I guess that all depends on what they did on the way there? But I am suspecting quite awhile.

Everyone has update today and I'll have to check back when I can see your pics!

I don't want to know what they did on the way there.

I know you came back.

more great photos! love the queue for Ariels ride..so much better than DLR! the ride is the same though!

hmm, I say depends on how many times they stopped to kiss along the way! see the "princess" was working the poses ...15 minutes???

Thanks, Lisa. I was really impressed with the Mermaid ride.

Yes, kissing along the way may have played a small role in the arrival at Dumbo.

We probably better spare you regular readers that kind of trauma.
I’d hate to cut down on the traffic flow in this TR.

I'd be afraid the guys would think they'd have free reign to cause more havoc than they already do.

I decided that just to keep in practice, I’d start a new one of my own based on what travels we were able to pull of throughout 2012 (I can make that one up as I go and know one will care). There’s a link down there in my sig, but since we won’t be making it to Disney this time around, I certainly don’t expect anyone to follow along on that one.

As you know, I am there, my friend.

More good news, may that trend continue.

They are going to start weaning him off the dialysis soon, I believe.

No apologies needed. Life happens…
we’ll be here when you get back.

Thank you for understanding.

And we forgot to ring a bell…

Yes, you really need to learn to show me some respect here.

Some nice shots.
The mist surrounding the castle that morning gives the pictures a bit of a dreamy quality.

Eerie or a dream? I like the dream better.

Looking forward to seeing that new one.
Hopefully in June when “hopefully” we finally get back onto Disney Property
(for the first time in a long while).

It is spectacular...we really loved it.

And that’s why we go to Disney in the first place. The magic is in the details.
Thrills are great, but being transported to another world…
That is a feeling that you just can’t get enough of.

Absolutely.

Awake from their long winters nap ehhh?

Seriously, it's 80 degrees in Florida and you want to sleep? The youth of today....I don't get them at all.

Wimps…

Yes, big wimps in my opinion.

What’s the story with the tiara?
She’s quick to strike a perfect “pageant pose’ for the paparazzi (and does it so well),
so it certainly suits her, but I figure there’s a better back story then that.

I know Andy bought it for her. It wasn't at Disney last February; I think they were selling them at some "fundraiser" they were having at one of the local minor league baseball parks and he bought it for her. It lights up too.

Yes, she does like to "pose". I think that comes with being a dancer. And before certain minds end up in the gutter here, it is NOT that kind of dancing! She does jazz, ballet, etc. (last year she was Belle in whatever production they put on with princesses).

Woops…
Back to that PG-13 rating


Like mother, like son.


Given the rather different sense of time possessed by young’ens in general,
I suspect it will be a might longer then five minutes.
:

Oh that guess is being very generous.

Aren't you guys on a first-name basis with the Photopass photographers by now? I would think they'd be waiting for your arrival.

The Little Mermaid ride looks like they did a great job with the theme. I love it when they don't spare on the details.

A short walk to Gaston's can take a long time if there are distractions on the way.

We really should have been on a first-name basis as I don't think we missed one. Nicki wanted lots of memories and that's what we got.

I hope you get to see TLM soon.

Distractions, distractions. It's called "ask a question!"

Thanks for posting the photos of the LM ride! I really want to explore it all next month!

Love the pics of your "kids" with Mickey and in front of the castle!

You are going to love the LM ride, Karin. The kids got some great shots too. Des seems to think she and Andy are the cutest Disney couple ever. She has been firmly told that title belongs to Mark and I.

Yay for his liver coming back on it's own!!

As for your WDW day, love all of the pictures of you guys, and of LM!

Thanks. Stephanie. I'm so glad things are looking up for Dominic. It was a little scary there for awhile.

Thanks...glad you liked the pictures.

LOVE the Little Mermaid pics!! I can't wait to see and ride it. Seems similar to the Nemo ride in Epcot?? That's what I've been gathering, which is fine, LOVE that ride too!! LOL

Love the pics with the empty Castle, you hardly ever see that!!!

The "clamshell" is similar, but the ride is definitely different.

It is a rare opportunity to get a shot in front of an almost empty castle.

Great photo pass pics!


Love the lm ride in DCA- so am super excited to see it in mk!

Thanks, Ann. I keep forgetting they have the LM in Disneyland. I'll be curious to what you think.

Love the LM pictures. how long was your wait. I can't remember if you said you had fastpasses or not. I have heard lines have been pretty darn long.
We loved the ride and hopefully I will be updating that part in the next few days too. I loved how colorful it was inside.

Jen, I don't think we waited more than 10 minutes even though the sign said 20. The longest wait was going through and stopping for pictures.

More wonderful PP pictures. I love the ones of the kids. So cute.

Didn't you just love the Little Mermaid ride? It was so great. I think we got a lot of the same pictures!

Thanks, MaryEllen. Princess Des does take cute pictures.

I loved the Little Mermaid (I don't know why people were complaining about it).

 

[KatMark]

Great PP pictures

Thanks for the spoiler alert on the little Mermaid pictures, I skipped right past them !

I knew some people didn't want to see the pictures...so I wanted to be sure to give an option.

I'm glad you enjoyed the PP pictures though.

Happy 60th Mark!!!!!

I didn't know Mark's birthday was today or I would have said this earlier!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MARK!
Alles Liebe und Gute zum Geburtstag! ​

Happy Birthday Mark 60 years young

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HAPPY 60th BIRTHDAY, MARK!! ​

Mark says thank you to each and every one of you.

I checked in yesterday, but my phone refused to load your pictures... So I finally hoofed it back here...

Loved all the photopass pictures - your whole group is just adorable! So, will they all be attending in August too?

I really enjoyed seeing the photos of TLM... I have honestly not looked at any of them anywhere yet - so it was kind of cool to see everything. The girls and I are looking forward to spending some time in the FLE on our next trip.

D~

I hate when the phone won't load the pictures.

Thank you; no, it will only be Mark and I in August UNLESS Andy and Des decide they want to come because Andy doesn't get a full-time teaching job by then.

It is a great area, and you and the girls are going to love it.

Oh - and I already posted on FB, but Happy Birthday Mark!!!

D~

Thank you.

A happy Birthday to Mark

​

Mark thanks both of you as well.

I love all the details of New Fantasyland! Mom and I both really liked the new LM ride. The Under the Sea room was our favorite. So many details to see there.

It was great, wasn't it? I wish we'd had more time to go back again. But hoping to get several rides over the summer between my two trips.

 

[KatMark]

Happy Birthday Mark!

Happy birthday Mark! You guys should celebrate at Disney World or something.

Happy Birthday, Mark!!

Mark says thank you, thank you. Starr, I had to send yours to Mark personally because it has his favorite character. He loved it!

Loved the LM pictures and we can't wait to see the new fantasyland. You really took advantage of the PP we have never gotten that...maybe this year.I am really enjoying your TR as we will be there about the same time in Dec and we have never gone at that time of year so I am interested to see crowds etc.

We always get the PP...we enjoy having pictures together and it's hard when it is just the two of us. You really should get it, especially with the family going. We had no issues with the crowds at the Pop Warner whatsoever (well, except that first Saturday but it was the "grand opening" of Fantasyland and all the locals were there).

Happy Birthday Mark!!!!

Thanks, Christie. Hope you are having a good birthday today.

Nice pictures, photopass and the ones with your own cameras. I certainly didn't skip over the Little Mermaid pictures. I'm giddy with excitement to see it in "real life" and will take whatever glimpse I can in other's pictures.

Thanks, Lisa. It is so neat...I know you will especially love it.

Happy Birthday Mark!!

Thank you from Mark.

Great update! Cute photopass pictures with the topiaries I also loved the little mermaid ride, and found that quite a bit of attention was paid to details (with the exception of the clams that you ride in).

Yes, the clams were rather ordinary, but the rest of it was wonderful.

Now I'm wondering how long it took them to get to Storybook circus!

Too long...but more on that later.

All caught up.

Party:
MARK

Thanks from Mark.

Need to get in front of an actual computer to see all the pictures better.

It's funny how clear the pictures can be in one spot, and not so clear in another.

I have had Kona only for dinner but breakfast is still on the list.

You still haven't gotten to Kona for breakfast? Let's get going girlfriend.

I know why OKW is a fav. Need to get back there soon.
I wonder how long it took the kids to arrive. Maybe they didn't know Dumbo was moved......

Did you just love OKW? It is so quiet and peaceful, and I think the themeing is wonderful. Can't wait to be back there for only one night in June, but then six nights in August.

 

[KatMark]

Happy 60th to Mark.


Not only does it appear we share the same "silliness" but our Birthdays are also close. I just celebrated mine this past Sunday... One more year and good by to my 40's.

You are still a babe in the woods. Just ask Nicki (below)...she just turned 40 this past year.

Happy Birthday to my Romeo!

Your Romeo said his perfect birthday gift would have been a Nicki sandwich.

Love all the photopass pictures!

Isn't New Fantasyland amazing? I love the Little Mermaid ride, I read lots of negative reviews on it too, and I have to say, I don't understand why people were complaining so much, what more could they want? I felt like I was in the movie! And the castle is so stunning!

Thanks Jen. I did love the new Fantasyland...it is full of fun and themeing and details.

Love me some Red Lobster !!!!

US TOO!

Happy Birthday Mark! Have a great night out!

Mark says thank you...and we had a nice dinner.

I'm so happy to hear that Dominic is doing better. I will continue to keep him and his family in my prayers.

Thank you...prayers are definitely helping.

A very Happy Birthday to Mark!!

Thank you.

I love all the pictures in the update...especially the ones of the Little Mermaid! I can't wait to see that area and ride that ride.

Reid will REALLY enjoy it.

As of right now, I have us booked for Sat., Dec. 7th through Sat., Dec. 14th. Our anniversary is Dec. 6th so we'd be celebrating that during our trip.

We've talked by PM and we will keep in touch about the dates.

You finally earned your wings. You're so cute!

Awww...thank you.

Y'all got some really nice photopass pics, I hear of people not getting such good one's or see some not so good one's and have a hard time deciding if I want to purchase one for our next trip. You seem to really get a great amount of good one's!

I would try to do a photopass share if you can...it is a lot cheaper to do it that way. Then if you don't get a lot of pictures it won't seem so expensive to you.

Now that I actually want pictures taken with me in them, I'd have to have photopass do them or they probably won't get taken! Being that I'm the family photog and all.

YOU must be in the family pictures.

I sure hope Mark had a wonderful birthday , out with his sweetie.

Yes, we had a very nice dinner and then went home and watched our two NCIS shows.

This is cute. Looks like they are ready to start a magical day.

Isn't it cute? That was one of my favorites of them from the trip.

Now, if only they can find those elephants.....

We shall see how long it takes them to find "flying elephants."


Hope the Red Lobster dinner was good! Steak on the horizon, too, and a Disney trip. My goodness, what a special birthday!

Yes, he sure got spoiled this birthday, didn't he?

I hope that Mark's actual birthday was a lovely one for him...

Thanks, Patricia...it was.

BTW... he has a cute shirt on in front of the Castle... it looks like an older version of Mickey, maybe a Silly Symphony... I love those older cartoons... so I was curious about it...

He got that two years ago at Downtown Disney and yes it is more of an "old school" shirt; it's one of his favorites.

Nice photos in front of the castle...

Thank you.

I think they did a lovely job with the Ariel ride including the whole queuing area...

The Gaston fountain is a hoot... did you peek inside his tavern?... it really is decorated with antlers (like in the song in Beauty and the Beast...)

I like the ride too, and the fountain was a hoot. We did go inside the tavern (Nicki had to have one of those brews)...again, such detail.

I hope you enjoyed Red Lobster!

Love all the pictures, yours, photopass, etc.

We did, Tink...thank you. My crab legs were especially good.

Me too Kathy...sometimes I can't even keep track myself

I usually keep an itinerary with me so I know where I'm supposed to be when.

WOW!! Continued prayers for Dominic!!!

Thank you; he still has a long road.

(belated) to Mark!!!

Thanks for the birthday wishes.

 

[KatMark]

So after we finished seeing the new area of Fantasyland, we strolled over to Storybook Circus to meet the kids. On the stroll over, we took some pictures of the walls surrounding the new Mine coaster:

Love the themed trash cans:

And we waited. And waited. And waited.

Since they weren't there yet, we decided to go in here:

Where Nicki decided that Mark needed a new look:

And then he found this Mickey to match his shirt:

While we waited some more, we took some hat pictures:

Then one of the CM's decided that HE should outfit us and take our picture (I'm telling you...we had the best CM interaction on this trip):

And a view of the yummy cupcakes in the case:

As we so "not" patiently waited for the kids, it was time to take a seat while I was texting Andy to figure out where they were:

I have another picture of just Nicki, but I promised I would not post it and I won't disappoint my sister. Let's just say she was making this really funny face and had me almost wetting my pants.

Todd wondering what the heck was taking so long:

The kids finally arrived. It turns out they went to Fantasyland to get FP's for Little Mermaid and then got lost. They didn't know that Dumbo had been moved and it took them a while to figure out they needed to ask where it was. Really? Seriously?

Moving on.

It was finally time to get our Dumbo ride. Nicki and Todd chose not to ride, but they walked through with us. We stopped and looked in the play area:

And then we were flying:

Continued in next post

 

[KatMark]

Our ride over too soon, we discussed what to do next. The kids decided that they were going to split from us for the day and go do their own thing. They'd do some stuff at the MK, then they were going to go for a swim and go to DTD, and a designated time was decided to meet back at the MK for we had a very special dinner planned for the evening.

After saying goodbye and splitting up, Nicki, Todd, Mark and I headed to Tomorrowland where we went to see our buddy...

Nicki and I rode together while Todd and Mark went together. Doesn't Todd just look thrilled???

It was then time for....

We got in separate cars so we could spread out and rest our feet.

This would be Mark and I since we rode together:

And this would be Todd doing you know what:

Some photos while on the Peoplemover:

Had to make sure my tattoo was still there:

None of us were up to Space Mountain (Mark won't do it after his neck surgery and Nicki hits her head because she is on the shorter side), so we decided to go visit some ghosts.

We rested for a few while deciding what to do next while Nicki was on the phone about her car which had been dropped off at the mechanic before they got to Disney World.

And what will that decision be? Come back and you'll find out soon enough.

Oh, and what did Andy and Des do? They'd gone to see the ghosts before us:

And they hit Downtown Disney while we were still at the MK:

 

[afwdwfan]

Thank you for all the prayers for Dominic...it is truly appreciated.

God works in mysterious ways. Dominic's liver is starting to "repair" itself. A quote from his mother that she posted in a special group set up on FB about her son: "top liver transplant surgeon in the country…who happens to be one of Dominic’s doctors, said that in 35 years of doing liver transplants, he has never seen a failed/dead liver come back like this."

Dominic has a long road ahead of him, but it seems that he is on the right road. Thank you again for all your prayers.

I'm glad there's some good news there and I hope it continues!

So when I left you a week ago (sorry, work has been super busy and this weekend besides cleaning my own house and doing 7 loads of laundry, we had to go to my father-in-law's house and clean it so that the realtor can start showing it to try and get it sold), I had just earned my "wings" and we were leaving Main Street.

Don't worry. It isn't like I was sitting in front of my computer eagerly awaiting updates.

We were headed to see the new Little Mermaid attraction. I'm just going to post pictures now for those of you who haven't seen it and want to. For those that don't, you better skip the pictures.

Great pictures. Really kicking myself now for not taking the time to ride it standby at least once so I could see the whole queue.

We were texting back and forth while we were taking a look at Gaston's:

You sure do a lot of texting. Ok, now I can see how you and Nicki pulled off the surprise after all those texts.

It was agreed upon that we would meet the kids over by Storybook Circus and ride Dumbo together. The question is: how long does it take for two 20 somethings to make their way over to Storybook Circus? The answer in the next update.

Squirrel!!!

 

[Disney9.9.10]

I love the picture of Mark with all of the Dumbos! How great is that "new look" for him lol And what a great CM interaction you had in there as well - I love those wonderful CM's.

 

[shan23877]

Kathy your posts are making me so excited to see all of the new Fantasyland/Storybook Circus stuff! When we were there in the spring, only one new Dumbo, Barnstormer, and the Trainstation were open. Maddie is just going to flip when she sees it all!

Those crazy kids. Sorry you had to wait so long for them.

Can't wait to hear what happened next.

 

[afwdwfan]

By the way, happy belated birthday to Mark, and since you posted while I was catching up...

Where Nicki decided that Mark needed a new look:

And an interesting look it is.

Then one of the CM's decided that HE should outfit us and take our picture (I'm telling you...we had the best CM interaction on this trip):

Ok, yeah, that was a nice CM interaction!

As we so "not" patiently waited for the kids, it was time to take a seat while I was texting Andy to figure out where they were

There's that texting thing again.

I have another picture of just Nicki, but I promised I would not post it and I won't disappoint my sister. Let's just say she was making this really funny face and had me almost wetting my pants.

Ok, now you have to post it! Come on Nicki, let her do it!!!!

The kids finally arrived. It turns out they went to Fantasyland to get FP's for Little Mermaid and then got lost. They didn't know that Dumbo had been moved and it took them a while to figure out they needed to ask where it was. Really? Seriously?

Well, you've read my TR. My wife, parents and sisters all did the same thing. So yeah, I believe it.

Our ride over too soon, we discussed what to do next. The kids decided that they were going to split from us for the day and go do their own thing.

Well if they'd decided that a few minutes earlier, you wouldn't have had to do all that waiting!

And this would be Todd doing you know what:

Now he really seems to be enjoying the ride.

 

[PhoenixStrength]

Great CM interaction with the dressing up for the picture in hats!

Don't you love the new interactive ques, like Dumbo and HM? Much nicer now to wait in lines!

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

Then one of the CM's decided that HE should outfit us and take our picture (I'm telling you...we had the best CM interaction on this trip)

Nice! The CM's seem to have been stepping up their game lately.

I have another picture of just Nicki, but I promised I would not post it and I won't disappoint my sister. Let's just say she was making this really funny face and had me almost wetting my pants.

Post it! Post it!

They didn't know that Dumbo had been moved and it took them a while to figure out they needed to ask where it was. Really? Seriously?

Next did they ask you what time is the 3:00 parade?

Our ride over too soon, we discussed what to do next. The kids decided that they were going to split from us for the day and go do their own thing. They'd do some stuff at the MK, then they were going to go for a swim and go to DTD, and a designated time was decided to meet back at the MK for we had a very special dinner planned for the evening.

All that waiting, and they did one ride on Dumbo with you?

Nicki and I rode together while Todd and Mark went together. Doesn't Todd just look thrilled???

Well, it makes me feel better about my Buzz ride photo.

 

[KatMark]

Since the boys asked so nicely Nicki texted me and said to post the picture. This is while we were waiting on the lost lovebirds who couldn't find Dumbo.

 

[MickeyNicki]

You are still a babe in the woods. Just ask Nicki (below)...she just turned 40 this past year.

Age is nothing but a number...no way do I feel or act 40 and if I do say so myself...look it

Your Romeo said his perfect birthday gift would have been a Nicki sandwich.

That would have made my day too...how many more days?

Where Nicki decided that Mark needed a new look:

This cracks me up! He is such a good sport I knew he would go for it!

While we waited some more, we took some hat pictures:

I just noticed Todd is doing the Goofy teeth!

Then one of the CM's decided that HE should outfit us and take our picture (I'm telling you...we had the best CM interaction on this trip):

We had the best CM service on this trip, they were all incredible!

As we so "not" patiently waited for the kids, it was time to take a seat while I was texting Andy to figure out where they were:

I have a love/hate relationship with my iPhone! I love it but I hate that I am addicted to it!


Todd wondering what the heck was taking so long:

Wait a minute, doesnt he always look like that?

The kids finally arrived. It turns out they went to Fantasyland to get FP's for Little Mermaid and then got lost. They didn't know that Dumbo had been moved and it took them a while to figure out they needed to ask where it was. Really? Seriously?

And Des calls her self a Disney Fan...tsk tsk

Nicki and I rode together while Todd and Mark went together. Doesn't Todd just look thrilled???

Silly Girl! Dont you know my husband's OVERJOYED FACE? Its a bit different from the one by Dumbo

And this would be Todd doing you know what:

His favorite ride in all of WDW...well any ride he can nap on is his favorite ride

None of us were up to Space Mountain (Mark won't do it after his neck surgery and Nicki hits her head because she is on the shorter side), so we decided to go visit some ghosts.

I have the same problem on RnR...my head bangs of the shoulder harness and I have a headache the rest of the day

Since the boys asked so nicely Nicki texted me and said to post the picture. This is while we were waiting on the lost lovebirds who couldn't find Dumbo.

Ask Todd, I make that face alot...especially when he is running late and I want to get my butt to DISNEY! Kathy totally lost it when I leaned over Todd and stuck this mug in her face! We were waiting F-O-R-E-V-E-R for the kids and the park was getting super busy super fast and I was very impatient...but once she started laughing it was all over lol!

 

[eandesmom]

Oh my goodness. Lost trying to find Dumbo. That is hysterical!

And I'm sure at the time, supremely annoying. Especially since they ditched you again right after the ride! Darn 20 somethings!

Love that Des wore the Tiara, those are some darn cute pics. I'm not sure mark had enough Dumbo's going on in that pic and if nothing else it did make for some great Kodak moments.

I like those DTD topiaries with all the Mickey Santa hats, cute

 

[afwdwfan]

His favorite ride in all of WDW...well any ride he can nap on is his favorite ride

He must love Ellen's Energy Adventure then.

Ask Todd, I make that face alot...especially when he is running late and I want to get my butt to DISNEY! Kathy totally lost it when I leaned over Todd and stuck this mug in her face! We were waiting F-O-R-E-V-E-R for the kids and the park was getting super busy super fast and I was very impatient...but once she started laughing it was all over lol!

I think I'd have been making a similar face if I had to use up that much valuable Disney time on a Saturday morning waiting on someone.

 

[mommy2mrb]

Since the boys asked so nicely Nicki texted me and said to post the picture. This is while we were waiting on the lost lovebirds who couldn't find Dumbo.

wouldn't want to mess with her

the photo of Mark with Dumbo's OMG I lost it was laughing so hard

so guess Todd can sleep anywhere
love the graphics in the Dumbo area...so bright and cheery! so want one of those cupcakes

 

[elaine1109]

Hi Kathy, Just checking in enjoying all the updates. The kids are so cute love, love the tiara!! Both your boys sure have picked such pretty girls oh and Mark did too!! Elaine

 

[annmarieda]

I totally missed the play area at Dumbo. (did I really go to WDW in the fall? cause I sure seemed to have missed a lot!)

I can imagine the young ones getting lost was pretty frustrating! Glad they made it briefly.

Love the picture of Nikki, btw! She always looks so perky and sweet... but wow... she looks Ang... GRY!

 

[bouncycat]

LOVE the Dumbo pic, and the hat pics!! Poor Nikki, yea, wouldn't want to make her mad either!! LOL

Can't wait to see what the special dinner is!!!