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

[KatMark]

And that awful day had arrived...Mark's and my departure day.

I was up at 6 and as quietly as I could, I took my shower and did my hair and make-up. I then got Mark up and while he was showering I put the last of the stuff in our luggage. It was then time to go. Andy, a light sleeper, heard us shuffling towards the door and told us to have a safe flight home and let him know when we landed. We kissed both kids on the forehead and headed out the door with our luggage.

Every year that we have stayed at the Coronado, we have taken a picture on the bridge. We'd not had a chance to do so up until now, so we stopped on our way to El Centro:

The view back towards the Casitas where we had come from:

My not so pleasant picture (give me a break...we were leaving and I had NOT had coffee yet):

A couple of more on a very foggy morning at the CSR:

We proceeded to the ME station and dropped off our luggage and then headed to the Pepper Market to have breakfast. They still had the buffet at this time so we got to experience it once.

After breakfast, we still had some time to kill, so we walked around and took a few pictures.

Lights in the Rix Lounge:

Bathroom in the lobby:

El Centro lobby:

Back outside:

Ducks in the foggy lake:

Waiting on the bench for our bus to arrive:

Continued in next post

 

[KatMark]

It was finally time to board the "unmagical express." We took our seats for the ride to the airport.

The ONLY thing I do not like about taking ME is that it gets you to the airport so darn early for your flight. We had plenty of time so we roamed the stores and got some Starbucks (my first in 6 days!).

It was then time to get on the tram to the gate for our flight. Mark was NOT happy about this at all:

Our chariot awaited our arrival:

We boarded the plane, left on time and landed in Chicago about 20 minutes early if I remember correctly. We thankfully found Andy's car which we had parked at the airport (atlhough it did take asking two people where the long term parking was). We got in the car and made the drive home to see our puppy dog and unpack, do laundry, etc.

I will come back in a day or two and do a quick wrap-up of some of the highlights of the trip.

I thank you all for reading.

 

[WDWaddictt]

Hi Kathy... I don't post often but have been reading along. I enjoyed your trip report very much! Thank you for sharing!! Can't wait to be able to read more from you!

 

[Minnie&Nana]

Well, those are the two saddest looking faces I've ever seen! Saying goodbye really is such a bummer - this was such a special trip so I think it is even a bit saddest to see it end. Wonderful birthday surprise, Disney at it's best all decorated for Christmas..sigh...makes me sad to see your TR end.

The photos are so cute...love the fog over the lake...did I miss one at The Plaza?

Thanks so much for taking us along, Kathy, you know how I love your TRs!

 

[jenseib]

Going home sucks! At least it went smoothly.

 

[jecskc]

Having to leave is the worst and the transition back to reality can be brutal. I have enjoyed your TR as always. We go back in 19 days and I can't wait !

 

[MHTeacher]

Oh, going home always stinks, doesn't it. I always hate looking at all the buildings, still dark inside, knowing that the folks in those rooms are still snug in their beds, anticipating another day of Disney fun, while I"m heading home!

You look a tad bit happier in the picture at the airport after you've gotten your coffee!

Enjoyed your trip report! I'll be looking for your new PTR soon!

 

[mommy2mrb]

oh my those are some very sad looking faces...never fun leaving disney
breakfast looks good and you got some great photos of the foggy morning!

 

[MaryAz]

First, I love that dpg!!! Great pics of the kiddos!! Ah, so sad to be going home. Thanks for taking the time to share such a fun trip with all of us!! Can't wait for the next one

 

[MaryAz]

Oh, going home always stinks, doesn't it. I always hate looking at all the buildings, still dark inside, knowing that the folks in those rooms are still snug in their beds, anticipating another day of Disney fun, while I"m heading home!

You look a tad bit happier in the picture at the airport after you've gotten your coffee!

Enjoyed your trip report! I'll be looking for your new PTR soon!

Hey Michelle, are we going to overlap??

 

[MEK]

You guys are too funny! But honestly, Mark looks like a pouty little boy and its getting me a little depressed.

Wow - that's some serious fog!

Love your shirt - very cute.

Sorry to see your trip come to a close, but it was a great read. Thanks!

 

[Nermel9]

There's nothing worse than leaving Disney! You guys look so sad!

CSR looks really beautiful, all decorated for Christmas!

The worst thing about the Magical Express is taking it back to the airport, it's so depressing! I almost lost it, listening to all of that Disney music!

Great TR, as always!

 

[Tiggerrn2]

So sad to have to go home. That ME bus that makes you so happy when you arrive is sure a downer the day you have to leave.
What a wonderful trip you all had!
Love the photo of your DS and DIL to be with the bulldog.
So sorry we will miss you this summer. Thought for sure with 2 trips hitting part of August, I would have the chance to bump into you. Maybe somewhere Downtown this summer?

 

[goofy4prez]

Kathy, I have enjoyed following this TR over the last several weeks. Don't you even think about not doing anymore.

How ironic was that last day. A gloomy day in spirit knowing that it's time to board ME back to the airport and it being a gloomy looking morning with the fog. Poetic justice you might say.

 

[shan23877]

Ugghhh. Leaving is the worst.

I have to say you look MUCH happier in the photos once you got your Starbucks in your hands.

 

[Simba22]

My new ones have Mickey and Minnie on them...short bottoms, short sleeve top; I'll try to remember to take a pic and post them. It was a fun day...but I spent way too much money.

Ha! Welcome to my life!

 

[Simba22]

aww leaving is the WORST!! Mark looks so darn sad!! Your pics make me long for CSR, though! That place will always have my heart!

 

[englishrose47]

Ahhh!! So sad leaving !!! I always look back and sigh!!! Then I realise it is NOT goodbye, just see ya later !!! I just wish the "laters" were closer together !!! Oh this year they will be October December and February!!!

 

[Poolrat]

A wonderful trip indeed.


I love the sad pouty faces, I make mine every time I have to leave.

A very successful surprise and a ton of great memories.

I look forward to the next one.

 

[MeMom]

I'll probably keep this open for awhile to post our Epcot day next month here.

Sounds like a good plan.