I Told You Driving Was Bad For Your Health! *2/2* NEW TRIP REPORT LINK P102

[disneyfan61]

Wow am I late to this party but LOVING it. Just read through the whole TR today (sitting in a hospital bed all I have is time). So much to comment on but will comment on the Disney trip:

First let me say so glad Denny got through the whole ordeal at HHI. What a thing to go through on vacation!!

OK now to Disney:

Love seeing that Disney sign

We are so fortunate to be staying at Beach Club in a few weeks and loved seeing the few pics you took.

Score on the front row of BTMRR. DH & I love that ride. Splash is my overall favorite ride but we love them all & ride them all. My DS's are lucky we enjoy all the roller coasters & can ride them all.

I have to agree with Denny about Little Mermaid. I expected a lot more. I was disappointed after riding. I think I like the queue better.

Love my afternoon pool breaks. I imagine n the month of June they are MUCH needed.

Love that Mickey backpack you took a pic of. Now that other backpack that guy had-UGLY is right.

Glad to hear you enjoyed your BOG ADR. We are trying it for the first time in a couple weeks & cannot wait!!

So enjoying this report & cannot wait to hear more. Now hopefully I can stay caught up!!

 

[norybell]

I'm glad you ended up at Tambu Lounge, instead of Outer Rim, because Tambu is a way nicer spot for a drink (in my opinion, anyway)! Outer Rim just feels like a boring hotel bar to me.

Love your HM pics...and BoG looks like a fun place to eat, even if the food leaves something to be desired.

I had so much more to say, but Simba just woke up from a nap! Shoot!

 

[MEK]

Just want everyone to know I am reading all your replies. I am working overnight tonight so I probably won't respond until tomorrow. I probably should try to get some sleep, but the second I do the phone will ring.

 

[MEK]

I'm not a fan of direct sunlight, either. I only come in 2 colors, and white is less painful.

Yes - I guess it would be!

Julie's going to be jealous. She wanted one of these so badly in Hawaii and was so disappointed she couldn't have one.

Boo! Oh well, baby comes first. Her time will come ...again! Maybe they have a non-alcoholic version. Not the same.

Your pictures always turn out way better than mine in there. Someday I'll have to get your secrets!

Somehow I doubt that. This time I took my lens off auto focus and used manual focus for the really tough pictures - like the coffin.

Jealousy rising...

I really lucked out on getting that ADR!

What in the heck is that?! It looks like an alien has taken over this guy's body.

I know, right? It's the ugliest thing EVER!

The place still looks amazing. I really like the West Wing.

The West wing was super cool. I would love to go back and eat in there again. very unique!

So cool!

That was another great feature. It was so realistic.

I'm not a character guy, either. I don't mind if my kids want a picture, but I don't really feel the need to see a guy in a furry costume.

I like to look at the characters and I enjoy posing at character meals, but other than that I can usually pass without a problem.

Yeah, that one is hard to beat.

Such a great spot. I've only eaten there once but the view from the deck was amazing.

Uggh, that backpack looks like a big old warty hump on that guy's back. Gross!

It really does. Seriously - who would design a back pack like that. More importantly, who would WEAR a back pack like that? Not to mention the fact that it looks really HOT!

I've been reading every review that I can on Be Our Guest and was glad to see your's. I can't quite decide whether or not we want to eat there during our May, 2014 trip. Most reviews say that the atmosphere is good and the food is okay. May just have to give it a try.

I think you at least have to give it a try. It's a shame not to. It was a near miss. If that pasty shell had been fresh I would have given it two thumbs up. But stale puff pastry. Blah!

Seems like a fantastic idea to me!

I knew you would like that! I mean - TIW - and I rarely use them at a bar. I had to break it in. KWIM?

Well, there is one advantage of staying off-site then...

I have so many of those pictures. I took one every time we went back on property. I had to!

If that isn't a sign that you should go to the Poly, I don't know what is.

Exactly! It was like a beacon calling me there. I do love the Poly and I think the parking lot is stellar and the guard at the gate is always easy going.

Bummer.

I was bummed because I thought a little late night ride might be really Fun!

Well... it's... interesting???

That's one word for it...among many others.

Maybe you should have texted her your options and let her pick for you? She seems nice, I'm sure she wouldn't mind.

I'm sure she wouldn't have minded, but I figured Seattle time would probably be rush hour traffic so that wouldn't have worked.

I don't know. Seems a little odd to me. I typically would expect a server at a Disney restaurant to answer whatever question you might have right away.

It was really odd. I can see not wanting to go into a lengthy conversation, but I wasn't looking for that. I was just asking for a simple piece of information. Lighten up!

One of my favorite features of BOG.

Definitely a fav feature here as well. So super cool and what a way to get transported to a different place. Makes you forget its 80 degrees outside, that's for sure.

And another one of my favorite features of BOG.

The knights were super creepy. I laughed at their musings and mumblings. That's after I got over the chills up my spine.

I always love a night cruise!

And it was definitely a perfect night for a cruise. Couldn't have asked for better cruising weather.

 

[rentayenta]

I have not read a single great food review about BoG. The decor is amazing though.

Same. It's not on my must list by any means though I'd love to walk through it.

 

[Pinkocto]

Same. It's not on my must list by any means though I'd love to walk through it.

Before lunch you can walk through the front but none of the dining rooms. The details are absolutely stunning and worth checking out. But with all these less than stellar reviews I'm not tempted to try and get an ADR at all.

 

[MEK]

Thanks for the BOG pics, even from your phone! I haven't gotten to eat there yet.

You're welcome! I'm sure you'll get your chance. It really does have a great theme.

That backpack? You could put an ipad in there - no one would steal it!

Isn't that the truth! One might be afraid to even touch that backpack for fear that your entire hand might disappear.

Hi MEK! I am back here catching up- just wanted to say thanks for bringing me to visit HHI and all the lovely places around it- and yes, I will still say, HHI is a special place- love, love love that island!

You are the one who told me that and I know firsthand how true it is. Special is just the best way to describe it!

That might just be Clinta in the background. Now you know why I love my Mai Tais from the bar.

OMG - that drink was delicious. I definitely see why you order from the bar and not the pool. Totally yummy!

As for the parking.... AP, TiW and DVC and going to the bar at the Poly.. fully justified in parking at the resort.

Leota with eyes open- I have tried that one too just never seem to get on the shutter quick enough.

Really? You who can photograph the fine print on the bulletin board in CoP? You just need to work on your timing!

A nice evening all around.

It really was!

Yay for pool time, poly parking and a lovely Mai Tai! Besides, everything is more fun in a Tiki head glass!

You got that right! I remember when I was there several years ago with my GF Jen and this couple brought their own dollar store tiki glasses that filled with juice from the club level lounge and add their own ingredients. Boy did that look good.

LOVING the BOG pictures. I cannot wait to eat there...wish I could have been your sommelier but will happily do so in May!

Yay yay yay yay!

I so want to do JC in the dark, have attempted it more than once and it's been down. Maybe in May

It really is pretty cool in the dark, especially when you get a good captain.

Really fun afternoon and evening.

We had a really nice first day. Our trip was officially off to a great start!

And yes, that is THE ugliest backpack ever.

OMG - I KNOW! Crazy ugly!

I don't think you did anything wrong with parking at the Poly. After all, you did buy a drink there...Plus, you have free parking, so it's not like you were cheating your way out of a fee. But that's just my opinion, like you said, some people get up in arms about the whole issue.

Good point!

And why is it that some people get all weirded out about parking? I totally don't get that!

I haven't been inside BoG yet, but it looks beautiful. Seems like there's tons of details to take in, and that they really succeeded in making it look like Beast's Castle.

They did an absolutely wonderful job. It is really so immersive and so cool. I am glad we went and got to see everything.

I'm sorry your food wasn't that great. I find that the newer the restaurant/the more popular it is the chances of getting just an "okay" meal increases. I've read some really great reviews and then some average reviews...maybe it's just one of those hit or miss restaurants? Either way, at least you were able to explore the place for a bit.

I've read mostly average. Honestly, if my pastry had been fresh it would have moved the whole meal up several notches. Everything else was quite tasty but when you have a seafood mix that's supposed to be in pasty and the pastry is stale, well - you can see the result.

I've never been on Jungle Cruise at night before. Sounds sort of relaxing.

It is relaxing and just a little creepy because its DARK back there. Try it!

That Mai Tai looks delicious!

OMG! It was SOOOOOO good! I definitely recommend it!

I am totally not understanding that backpack and what purpose the warts all over it serve.

That back pack has got to be the weirdest thing EVER. Can you imagine taking that through the bag check.

We are eating at Be Our Guest next month! I'm pretty excited, since I really wasn't even trying for it. I had to convince DH it would be a good idea. Sorry your puff pastry wasn't better on your dish. I'm going with the safe option of steak, probably. I really just can't wait to be inside of there and finally see it all in person.

I think you are really going to enjoy the whole experience. Really, my dinner was terrible. It just could have been so much better with a fresher pastry. Still, I'm so glad we went for the overall experience. It will probably be awhile before we go back just because there are so many other great restaurants.

Great pictures in these updates, Mary Ellen!

Thanks!

Mai Tais are delicious. Rum Rummers too. Basically I like rum.

Me too!!!!! Me too!!!!! I'm sure there will be some rum in my adult beverages this October!

That is the ugliest backpack. It looks like warts. I doubt it'd ever get stolen.

Quite the contrary. If I saw that thing lying around I would RUN and FAST!

That's nice to got to meet another DISer and have a drink (or two). Drinks by the pool when staying DVC is one of my favorite vacation activities.

It really is a small world and it is fun meeting other people who like to talk Disney. I agree - pool + adult beverages = happy girls and boys!

 

[Poolrat]

Really? You who can photograph the fine print on the bulletin board in CoP? You just need to work on your timing!

Oh I can zoom but getting the eyes open - I probably need to get on continuous shoot and just wait.

Of course the last couple of times there was no line so I walked right into the stretching room. You have to get in the right place near the doors but not too close or you can't get her whole face. And some guy need to not be blocking her.

Hopefully I will have a chance to try it again.

 

[MEK]

We fast passed it last week for lunch (loved bypassing that huge line!) and I agree with everyone about the atmosphere, it was really nice! The food, eh, I've had much better! I'm pretty sure we'll be skipping it in the future!

That worries me about lunch. I'd like to try it just to get back in that cool atmosphere, but the menu doesn't really appeal to me. Then the thought that its just "eh" concerns me, so we'll see. But yay for FP's!

So jealous! You've already got a trip for 2014 planned! We usually have to wait about 2 or 3 years between trips!

That is the beauty of DVC. It's so much fun to plan ahead and since we moved the cruise back a year, well, the planning is practically done.

That construction wall was up when we were there too... what's up with that?

I look forward to the day when there are no construction walls at the MK. It's been far too long, but the end result should be worth it!

Bath water is so right! The water is so stinking warm down there in June and July. Ugh.

It really is, isn't it? Thank goodness for a deep end.

Impromptu DISmeet. How cool!

That was fun. She was very nice. Unfortunately, I never ran into her again.

No parking for you! Just imagine I'm the soup guy from Seinfeld.

OMG! I was actually thinking about the soup Nazi when I came up with that title. Too funny you were thinking the same thing. Great minds and all that.

That mai tai looks absolutely fabulous.

It was. Trust me, it really was.

I wonder if I should put Yeti on a stick......

You totally should. I'm not sure how Yeti would feel about it, but it would certainly make for some interesting adventures or misadventures!

ICK! That backpack is truly disgusting.

I couldn't agree more. SOOOOOOOOOO ugly.

Nice! That was my beer choice at Be Our Guest! You cannot go wrong with a good ol' Belgian.

Denny enjoyed it. He loves just about every beer. It was a winner.

No shame going the creep on the Beast.

I sent my parents to Narcoosees for their anniversary two years ago. They absolutely loved it.

How fun! Glad to hear they loved it. Denny and I ate there for our 20th so I think it will be fun for us to eat there again for our 25th!

 

[MEK]

So what would Contemporary have said if you said you had a dining reservation (a lounge is similar to a restaurant right? ) Hmmm odd that they didn't allow you to park since I thought they have a big lot especially over by Bay Lake Tower. Oh well, at least you got your Mai Tai at Tambu Lounge. mmmm! I love the details in the lounge that you photographed.

Good point. I have never had trouble parking there before but I have always had real ADRs there. The only time they ever checked was when went to the Cali Grill near Christmas time. I think if I had an ADR they would probably let me in. In their defense, there was some type of construction going on. The mai tai turned out to be a better choice in the end.

I've only dined in the West Wing - very dark but very cool theming. Yep, a fireplace there. The changing portrait hangs over it. I'm not a fan of the food at BoG but I did really like the strawberry cupcake both times I've eaten it.

That explains why I have two portrait pictures, although I only posted on. I guess I kind of rushed through there so that's why I would like to go back.

You have some great photos of HM and the creepy bride!

Thanks! I love taking pictures on HM.

The boat was a much better option for getting back to the Poly. Especially since any photos from a boat are so much more interesting than the monorail at night.

It was a lovely evening boat ride and I was happy with how most of my pictures turned out.

Great updates Mary Ellen.

Thanks!

I have not read a single great food review about BoG. The decor is amazing though.

Katmark just posted a review that was pretty good but I think they had the pork and steak. Honestly, it wasn't a bad meal but I think it would have been so much better with a nice fresh puff pastry.

Another for parking at the Poly.
We did eat at Ohana's, but then went over to the MK for the evening.
When the park closed I was so relieved to see the Resort Monorail had no line and the express line was backed up almost to the front of the MK. I couldn't believe people didn't know that the resort monorail stopped at the TTC.

I do love parking at the Poly. I think its so convenient. And you're right - I think people do get confused about the two monorails. I know that I did for the longest time. I do always prefer the boat, but those boats can crowd up too.

Wow am I late to this party but LOVING it. Just read through the whole TR today (sitting in a hospital bed all I have is time). So much to comment on but will comment on the Disney trip:

disneyfan! Thanks for joining in! You can never be late to this party! Glad you made it!

First let me say so glad Denny got through the whole ordeal at HHI. What a thing to go through on vacation!!

It really is something that no one ever thinks will happen on vacation. I am glad that is behind us. I stayed calm at the time, but it did hit me later.

OK now to Disney:

Love seeing that Disney sign

And you will see it a lot on this TR since we drove in and out of the bubble so many times!

We are so fortunate to be staying at Beach Club in a few weeks and loved seeing the few pics you took.

Yay! You must be SO excited! I hope you have a wonderful trip. How could you NOT? I was secretly hoping our BCV waitlist would come through before the BWVs, but I think I probably need to wait until another time of year to stay there. F&W is just too popular.

Score on the front row of BTMRR. DH & I love that ride. Splash is my overall favorite ride but we love them all & ride them all. My DS's are lucky we enjoy all the roller coasters & can ride them all.

Disney has some great thrill rides. I know they are not hard core thrill rides, but I'm not up for that anymore anyway. Disney rides just rock when it comes to theming. Such an immersive experience all the way around.

I have to agree with Denny about Little Mermaid. I expected a lot more. I was disappointed after riding. I think I like the queue better.

I liked the ride because I didn't expect a lot from a dark ride. My initial impression was - Why can't Nemo be like this?

Love my afternoon pool breaks. I imagine n the month of June they are MUCH needed.

They are needed more than EVER in June, but I am certain I will be taking plenty of pool breaks in October. I just love that level of relaxation!

Love that Mickey backpack you took a pic of. Now that other backpack that guy had-UGLY is right.

The mickey backpack was ADORABLE and that other backpack - YUCK! So, so ugly!

Glad to hear you enjoyed your BOG ADR. We are trying it for the first time in a couple weeks & cannot wait!!

I hope you love it. It really is a great experience and one that all DISers should take advantage of.

So enjoying this report & cannot wait to hear more. Now hopefully I can stay caught up!!

Thanks!

And I hope you enjoy your upcoming trip. I'll still be here when you get back!

I'm glad you ended up at Tambu Lounge, instead of Outer Rim, because Tambu is a way nicer spot for a drink (in my opinion, anyway)! Outer Rim just feels like a boring hotel bar to me.

I have to agree with that. I originally picked the Outer Rim because I wanted to take the monorail into the MK but walk back later that evening. I just love the walk to the Contemporary. Tambu turned out to be a much better choice.

Love your HM pics...and BoG looks like a fun place to eat, even if the food leaves something to be desired.

Thanks - and yes, BOG was a really neat experience. I am so glad I got the reservation so easily. I understand its quite a struggle to get one these days.

I had so much more to say, but Simba just woke up from a nap! Shoot!

That darn Simba! Just kidding! give him a little hug from me. He's so adorable!

Before lunch you can walk through the front but none of the dining rooms. The details are absolutely stunning and worth checking out. But with all these less than stellar reviews I'm not tempted to try and get an ADR at all.

I do want to go back for lunch, but it will be awhile before I do dinner again. There are just so many good restaurants on property that its just one in the ongoing rotation!

Oh I can zoom but getting the eyes open - I probably need to get on continuous shoot and just wait.

That's one way to do it! You'll have some major deleting to do, but what the heck!

Of course the last couple of times there was no line so I walked right into the stretching room. You have to get in the right place near the doors but not too close or you can't get her whole face. And some guy need to not be blocking her.

That's so true, too. Sometimes the line starts to move and there you are still trying to get that elusive shot.

Hopefully I will have a chance to try it again.

If I can do it after several adult beverages and a mai tai, SO CAN YOU!

 

[MEK]

DIS Meet at the Cape May Cafe



I thought this might be a good time to recap the Disney portion of my trip:

We arrived to WDW on Saturday June 9th during a heavy Florida rain. We got into Epcot by the skin of teeth and managed to have dinner at Tangeriene Cafe and watch Illuminations.

On Sunday June 10th we made it to MK in time to see the opening ceremony (but not very well). We rode LM, Splash, BTMMR, CoP, and Buzz plus enjoyed a leisurely lunch at the Plaza. We took a generous pool break at our top secret off-site location and then returned to property for a Mai Tai at the Tambu lounge. I don't recall what Denny had but my instincts tell me it was some kind of beer.

Dinner was at BoG and we also enjoyed a pre dinner ride through the HM and a post dinner Jungle Cruise. A lovely boat ride across Bay Lake capped off our evening.

So that was the abbreviated version. If you need more detail then just go back and read my 5 last updates. Lol.

It is now Monday June 11th and the highlight of the day is a long awaited DIS meet. With Who, you might be wondering? Patience people!

I started my day in the usual way, with a run. Today I decided to run in the opposite direction. I ran out towards 192 and found the Krispy Kreme shop. There wasn't any shade on 192 so I found the first side street and hung a left. I ended up at another gated community.



I thought it was gated, but perhaps not. It probably had a no trespassing sign and I decided not to run back there.

View in the opposite direction - very Florida like.



Across the street was a mobile home park. Views like that make you realize you are outside of the bubble.



I ran back to the Poly Isles and snapped another picture



Crappy cell phone picture of re-entry





Our DIS meet was scheduled for 9am - breakfast at the Cape May Cafe. Personally, I love this place. I enjoy the food, the atmosphere, and the characters. But the best part about this particular visit was the company. I was finally going to meet the infamous Kathy (KatMark) and I was pretty darn excited.

There she is - the star attraction!



Of course, Kathy was staying with three of my other favorite ladies, who I had the pleasure to meet last October.

Avery



Mary





and Cayley (who I didn't get any pictures of during breakfast because she was at the table behind me and I didn't really have room to turn around with any degree of finesse.)

So here's our group shot!



I brought the girls Princess motive knapsacks that I found at Walmart the evening of our arrival. I kind of forget what I put inside. Kathy gave me a very cool Chicago Mickey key chain which proudly holds my house key. Thank you Kathy!!!! I love my Mickey key chain!

I think this was actually my second plate!



Breakfast was a lot of fun, even though we were a tad squished with three adults to a bench seat. It was wonderful to meet Kathy and see Mary and the girls again. Their morning plans included Epcot. I knew we where going into Epcot later that evening and, since we had already missed the prime time morning FP pick up hour, we decided to go with Plan B.

What is Plan B, you ask?

I will credit (or blame) Plan B on Miss Anita Wigdoutdismom. She often posts about her trips to the Vera Bradley outlet, not only in Orlando but in other areas of the US. I decided that now would be as good a time as any to find that VB outlet.

So back to the car we went. I love these decals!



Just for fun I took a picture of our Tennessee license plate.



I did not know that Tennessee was the volunteer state. Good to know!

We found the outlets pretty easily and they really weren't that far from our top secret off site location!



We visited the Vera Bradley outlet first. I really enjoyed this store and plan to return in October. Having never been in a VB outlet store before, I thought the selection was great and the prices were reasonable.

My purchases



The wallet was for me and the little shoulder bag was part of my graduation present for Nick's GF. Then I treated myself to the big overnight bag. I debated over it and almost didn't buy it, but I really love it. Not that I get to go overnight anymore (except to work -lol) with a diabetic cat and an enhanced (shall we say) work schedule. But I'm still glad I bought it. I am certain it will be my carry-on in October.



We visited a few other stores, mainly in search of a light weight rain jacket for Denny. The pickings were slim because, come on people, I know it rains in Florida, but it was summer and I don't think rain jackets are in high demand item in a subtropical climate. Finally Denny found some ugly green jacket that he was satisfied with and we were off.

We decided to head back to the condo for middle of the day pool time prior to Epcot.



But right next to the outlets was this



Mary Queen of the Universe Shrine

I know a lot of practicing Catholics go to mass here during their WDW vacations. I wanted to stop and check it out because I know its open to the public. If you hate religious stuff, skip ahead, because this is going to get religious. But I really enjoy visiting churches. I think they are wonderful public places with great architectural details.

Walking towards the shrine. the gift shop is on the left



To the right



Straight ahead. Love the southwest influence on the architecture. So different from up here in the northeast.









Continued In Next Post...

 

[MEK]

Continued From Previous Post



The doors were quite impressive and heavy!





The actual church. I went in and said a prayer.





Altar



Off to the side was a smaller chapel where they say mass daily at 12:05. I asked Denny if he would go in with me. Of course he said no because the only time he goes to church is Christmas. I know if I had walked in there myself he would have followed, but I didn't. But I will tell you - the chapel was full. Close to standing room only. It was only a 20 minute service, so I regret my decision not to go in. Oh well.

We walked over to the gift shop next. They had virtually every religious do-dad one can think of. I'm not really into that kind of stuff, but I enjoyed browsing. One of the things I have been told about the churches in Orlando and surrounding areas is that the music is always fantastic. There are so many professional musicians in the area and they lend their talents to the various churches. I would love to be a pastoral musician in Florida. I bet its very rewarding.

Any way - apparently the organist here is quite accomplished. Here is his CD.



There was also a little museum attached to the gift shop, as well as an area which explains what a shrine is and depicts the history.

I find this very moving



Historical facts for the geek in all of us



The shrine opened in 1986



and was dedicated in 1993



The museum was very cool because, although I am not anywhere near Wickett's mom's level, I do enjoy seeing historical things.

Here is a relic



Well, this is the ACTUAL relic.



I thought this picture was stunning. This photograph can not even begin to do it justice





I could not get a good picture of this painting and, quite honestly, I wasn't even sure if photos were allowed. There was no one in the little museum except Denny and I and I didn't see anything posted.

The Assumption (circa 1640)



Adoration of the Magi (circa early to mid 1900's)



I think old chalices are very beautiful works of art





This was neat



And I found this particular drawing very humbling



I was really impressed with the high quality of paintings and artifacts that this tiny museum held. Really quite a hidden treasure.

I took one more look inside the church before we left.



Like I said - it was RIGHT next to the outlets.



I'm very glad we stopped. We spent about 40 minutes there. I have heard a lot about this shrine and it was nice to finally see it for myself.

Continued In Next Post...

 

[MEK]

Continued From Previous Post

Next stop - Back to the Poly Isles for a little swim break.

Today I actually took my real camera to the pool.

The landscaping







We sat underneath one of those little tiki hut thingies to stay out the direct sun.



The pool deck looks deserted, but I think there were a few people actually IN the pool because, you know, it was like 95 degrees out.



To the right of our tiki hut



and to the left



and back to the gardens



Random building across from the pool. I think we were in building 9.



Beds of hot coals…er, I mean chaise lounges.



I think we probably left the pool around 2:30 or 3 pm to shower and head into Epcot. Ahh, the life of an AP holder. No need to rush. Epcot will wait for us.

Up Next - another adult beverage to cross off my bucket list and another DISmeet.

 

[jash08]

I have never been to the outlets. I need to go!

I have been to Mass a few times at the Shrine. It is really awesome. Sunday Mass is in the large sanctuary. The music was amazing and the organ was awe inspiring.

I do have to admit I am an old school style of church person. I like my cathedrals to be Gothic and not modern. With that said, the Shrine is amazing and I really enjoyed seeing it.

 

[englishrose47]

Hiow great you got to meet Kathy for the first time !! I am hoping for this December Hint Hint Kathy!!!!!
Mary Ellen you would LOVE the Church or Churches in my Home town . St Mary's has beautiful Stin glass windows , It is over 1,000 years old and the sister of Henry the 8th is buried there !! There are many more but this was my favorite !!

 

[MEK]

I have never been to the outlets. I need to go!

I definitely want to get back there in October. I loved the VB store. It was really fun. The rest of the outlets were - you know - outlets like you could find in any town. The nice thing was it wasn't super crowded.

I have been to Mass a few times at the Shrine. It is really awesome. Sunday Mass is in the large sanctuary. The music was amazing and the organ was awe inspiring.

I heard it is wonderful there. I am going to have to go. I don't normally go to mass on vacation, but I really would like to once while I am there simply because I love visiting new churches. I bet its wonderful.

I do have to admit I am an old school style of church person. I like my cathedrals to be Gothic and not modern. With that said, the Shrine is amazing and I really enjoyed seeing it.

I really enjoy the old churches too. They are my absolute favorite, but this shrine had some really classical touches to it which was so nice.

Hiow great you got to meet Kathy for the first time !! I am hoping for this December Hint Hint Kathy!!!!!

I was very excited to meet Kathy. Definitely a trip highlight! She is a lovely person. I hope you get to meet her in December.

Mary Ellen you would LOVE the Church or Churches in my Home town . St Mary's has beautiful Stin glass windows , It is over 1,000 years old and the sister of Henry the 8th is buried there !! There are many more but this was my favorite !!

I know I would love the churches there. The older the better. I am just in awe of churches like that. The sister of Henry the 8th? Really? That is very cool!

 

[Poolrat]

Great Breakfast and Great Meet!!!!



Off to the outlets afterwards? Seems like Anita rubs off an everyone.


Glad you found something at the VB outlet.

Whoo hoo for pool time and now to EPCOT. Can't wait to see what drink was crossed off the list.

 

[MEK]

Great Breakfast and Great Meet!!!!

It was really fun! It was great to meet Kathy and get to see Mary and the girls again. I'm so glad we arranged it!

Off to the outlets afterwards? Seems like Anita rubs off an everyone.

I think she had just posted something on FB about being there and that's probably where I got the idea. It just seemed like the right thing to do.

Glad you found something at the VB outlet.

I found A LOT of things, but I restrained myself. I may not use as much restraint with my next visit.

Whoo hoo for pool time and now to EPCOT. Can't wait to see what drink was crossed off the list.

I'll give you one hint - It's a strange one. And it went right to my head!

 

[nowellsl]

I was at that outlet mall last weekend You did go to the Character Outlet didn't you???

I just love Cape May! We've only been for dinner and it was so good!

 

[disneyfan61]

Aw you got to meet Kathy, Mary & the girls!!!

Oh my gosh what a beautiful Shrine. I really want to see that. Will need to make a point to do that. Beautiful.

A few years ago we went to that outlet mall & let me tell you I did not hold back on purchases. I found lots & lots of things...we will just leave it at that. I thought I may have have to mail stuff home but it was not that bad..

LOVE Vera!! Love your overnight bag & other purchases. Cannot wait to see the Disney Vera bags in a few weeks Yes that Miss Anita is an enabler!! She is the one that mentioned the outlets to me also. But I am so glad she did as I totally enjoyed myself that day at the outlets.