Oh Florida! An East Meets West Girl's TR: 8/9 p56 & 8/17 p57

[MEK]

What cool pictures from SWW. I really need to get to one of those weekends in the future.
Food looks great.

It is a fun experience, especially for people who are Star Wars Geeks. Even if you're not a geek, its still a great time!

Yeah, I know the feeling...

I think we ALL know that feeling!

Brave little guy!

To mess with me he was pretty DARN brave because I was hungry! But he was persistent, that's for sure!

Mmmm... Via Napoli... just as good cold the next day.

I'll second that!

Good point. I mean, which team is better, anyway? Right?

I thought there was more attention this time than ever. I know a lot of people that were totally into it. I think the last game was awesome!

Hey - I resemble that remark!

Yeah, me too...

It's just a tough time for everyone to keep up, I think!

Apparently it was drinks if you don't remember anything.

That is quite possible!

Yeah... well, I guess we'll just have to agree to disagree.

That would be awesome.
Actually the whole set up there looks great. I wish they'd make the Star Wars breakfast there a permanent fixture.

The movie clips was pretty cool. And you know what - I think you may be on to something! I am sure that would be a big hit year round!

 

[amazingact21]

Mary Ellen- Thanks for sharing all your DE photos. They're beautiful. And I gotta say, with Alex's job, there's a 90% possibility of us moving to DE at some point, and seeing your pictures makes me not so apprehensive about living in a cold weather state.

Your photos of the park make Epcot look like it was a perfect summer evening. One of my favorite times to be in Disney. And is there anything prettier than those flowers in the water during F & G? Probably, but at the moment I don't think so.


Cynthia- Losing something while at Disney is inevitable. At least you got an excuse to shop and buy some new lip gloss, right?
I can't believe they were giving you a hard time about taking multiple pictures at breakfast. I mean, I get that Darth was probably a very popular photo opportunity, but it's not like you all didn't pay for that experience. Getting those shots kind of came with the breakfast reservation. At least that my opinion, for what its worth.

 

[eandesmom]

Did I bring Black Seal rum? I can't remember, but I know I'm all about the pool drinks!

Why yes, I think you did! It was YUM!

Cynthia- I'm glad your day improved quickly after some initial crankiness. I get that- when you have your mind set on one dining experience and are disappointed when that doesn't happen. I'm glad it ended up working out for you!

It did. I knew it was the right thing to do, I didn't even disagree, I was just cranky about it and unreasonably so. But at least I knew I was being unreasonable, right? LOL.

What a spectacular day! A fantastic food find, meet with a cutie, MK fun, pool time, snacks on the Verandah with a view, drinks at The Ditch, dinner at GF and an abbreviated monorail resort tour. Fun times!

It was a good day!

I'm so sad about the hat

Bums me out. My kids are livid.

I need a portable charger. I kept needed to borrow Cynthia's during the trip because part of my charger was not working right and my phone wouldn't charge correctly. So annoying!

I should have given you mine, I have more. Bad Cynthia!

Mmmm... Via Napoli... just as good cold the next day.

Yep, most definitely!

Good point. I mean, which team is better, anyway? Right?

We know the answer to that one!

Apparently it was drinks if you don't remember anything.

LOL! Maybe but I don't think so in this case.

That would be awesome.
Actually the whole set up there looks great. I wish they'd make the Star Wars breakfast there a permanent fixture.

That would do well, they should

Cute touch!

It was! Lots of them.

Speaking of lip gloss, have you ever tried Maybelline's Baby Lips? LOVE IT!!!

Nope. I'm a MAC girl usually but I'll check that out.

Is that a Honeydew Yoda Head?!

Yep!

SW Breakfast was cute. It WAS all about the character interaction and even though I am not a huge SW fan I thought it was a great experience.

It was cute, I am glad we did it.

So many changes going on at DHS. Not that it can't use some upgrades........just hoping they WOW when they're done!

Me too. In the interim.....it's painful.

I am amazed that I have not had any infractions

Me too. LOL!

Beets....uhmmmmmmmmm.......

Everything's better with beets, right?

I don't think the crowds are awful. It's like summer crowds, but nothing too crazy. I don't think that should scare you away. Although, I think the weather is better during F&W.

Both are perfect times of year if you ask me!

I felt bad about breakfast because I knew she really wanted to go to Olivias, but I knew if we did that we ran a chance of totally missing Leslie.

I didn't even question that, I was just cranky. Unreasonably so and I knew it. I wanted to see Leslie too.

Cynthia- Losing something while at Disney is inevitable. At least you got an excuse to shop and buy some new lip gloss, right?

And if that's all you lose, it's not so bad. Jeff has been known to forget a rain jacket, ruin shorts, shoes, all kinds of things. It is inevitable.

I can't believe they were giving you a hard time about taking multiple pictures at breakfast. I mean, I get that Darth was probably a very popular photo opportunity, but it's not like you all didn't pay for that experience. Getting those shots kind of came with the breakfast reservation. At least that my opinion, for what its worth.

I agree, I can see them not wanting 5 solo shots and multiple group options but only one??? Grr.

 

[englishrose47]

Staying caught up here and trying to NOT get any infractions !!! LOL I have had several********!!!! When I talked about Cornish Pasties , Glenn thought I should have been sanctioned

 

[MEK]

Hi guys. Once again, I know I am behind on replies, but I have an update to post. See next post..... I have to head to the State Fair tonight so I probably won't get replies done today. Don't give up on me please!

 

[MEK]

Hi DIS friends - time for an update.

Hi Anti DIS cyber pests (if you are still following along)

It’s been a busy two weeks. Last weekend I finished a youtube video for a friend and former co-worker whose partner recently passed away from cancer. This week we did a lot of bike riding in preparation for the Bike to the Bay in September. We have formed a group that rides weekly on a bike path not far from our house. The people in our group are novices, but its still fun riding slower than we usually do and encouraging people that are new to the sport.

In other news, our family vacation is right around the corner now. Not much new to report except I still haven’t figured out where we are going to stay our first night. I keep making reservations and canceling them. Since there are 5 of us we either need two rooms or a suite or 2BR. As much as I want to stay at a Disney resort its just a lot of $ for about 12 hours. I don’t know why I keep obsessing over one night.

I recently registered for the PHM weekend. This time I registered for the 10K. It looked like such a fun run and its nice to not have a half marathon hanging over my head during vacation. Here at home I have put together a team for a 66.6 mile relay race in October that ends at the beach. We each have to run 11 miles total, so I really need to start running more, but its hard in the heat.

Our Christmas vacation is coming together nicely and we are planning a two week California trip next May with another couple. I have a feeling I’ll be the master planner for that trip and it feels a little daunting right now.

So enough of me. Let’s move on with an update. Once again, I would like to share a few pictures with you. Here are a few from Longwood Gardens. This is from the winter orchid display.







These are actually all cell pics. I left my camera home that day.















I’m in a marching band so I thought this old poster was pretty cool.



It was bitter cold that day so we didn’t walk the grounds. I guess I felt it was necessary to remind myself that there was still a small dusting of snow on the ground.



We returned to Longwood in April for their spring display. The tulips were a little late in blooming this year.

















After visiting the tulips, we headed out to explore the rest of the gardens











Continued in the Next update...

 

[MEK]

It was obvious that spring really hadn’t sprung yet and it was mid April.







We found that Longwood has added a nice array of walking paths, so off we went to explore.










































Continued In the Next Post...

 

[MEK]

Jelly Roll Rocking

In my last update I left off here



That’s right - Illuminations!

From the landing in Japan. We were all crammed in like sardines (OK I’m exaggerating) and, since Cynthia and I were the last to arrive, our vantage point was not the best for taking pictures. Somehow I managed to persevere!



What I found rather amusing was the lady to my right. She had a young child in a stroller. One of the big jogging strollers. The little toddler was tucked in like a bug in the rug. Given that her head lined up below the railing, I couldn’t see how it would be remotely possible for her to see Illuminations. She had a stroller awning over her head and her eye level was at least 6 inches below the top of the railing. When I leaned in to my right to snag a picture her mom informed that I was blocking the toddler’s view. I felt like saying, “View of what? The railing”, but I just moved off to the side. It was even more amusing that this child couldn’t give two cents about what was going on in the world showcase at that moment. Ok Moving on...















































Continued In the Next Post....

 

[MEK]

And that’s a wrap. Another wonderful viewing of Illuminations in the books.

It was time for Cynthia and I to hightail it out of there. We had another DiS meet to get to.



Not sure where I took this picture? France maybe?







Our next destination? The Boardwalk.











We were heading to Jelly Rolls, a new Disney first for me.

And who were we hanging out with? Well Dale, Dawn, Caitlin, Popadon, Jackie, and Danielle, of course!



Welcome to Jelly Rolls









Continued In the Next Post...

 

[MEK]

These guys were awesome! They were so talented and really got the crowd involved.



Caitlin had a crush on one of them, but don’t ask me which.



I was having too much fun photographing their reflections in the mirror.







Close ups







It was a fun evening. We got a chance to get to know everyone better and, we when we weren’t singing, we were chatting up a storm.

As far as the building itself - it really had that 80’s feel to it. It seemed to be in need of a major rehab, but maybe its kept that way intentionally. I’m not sure.

Anyway - it was a fun evening and if you ever have the opportunity, you should give it a try.

A little before 11am Cynthia and I left. Since it was a late EMH at Epcot we thought we would be able to get back into the park through the international gateway and walk to the front of the park to catch a bus.

WRONG!

We got to the gate and we were DENIED!

Bummer!

So we walked over to the Beach Club to catch a cab.

And once again we had a not so stellar cab experience. Instead of going the most direct route to OKW, our cabbie basically drove us around in a circle before even leaving the Boardwalk / BC area. Since Denny and I always rent a car, I knew darn well what was happening and it just didn’t sit well with me. But what are you going to do except sit there and get ripped off. *sigh*

Once we got back to OKW we talked a bit about our fun DIS meets. The one thing I remember both of us agreeing on - that Dawn, Dale, and Caitlin were going to be future Florida residents, they just didn’t know it yet. At the time Caitlin was starting the college program. As it turns out, our predictions were right on. Several months later the entire family relocated to Florida. Can you say LUCKY!

Our last morning.

Hard to believe it was here already. Last mornings are always bittersweet. You feel happy and content that you’ve had such a great trip with wonderful memories, but sad that its time to get back to your real life. Fortunately, both of us had evening flights so we still had park time in front of us.

I started my day with a run over to SSR and around OKW. I remember that it was the first morning with low humidity. As I headed out towards SSR I realized that I had put my running shorts on backwards. What? But right there on the path was some type of shed or storage container. I ducked behind it and put my shorts on the right way. Sheesh. Much better now, I continued on my way.


Here’s some pictures from my run











I thought it was so cool that I could see Typhoon Lagoon on my way back to OKW.



I ran over to the Turtle Shack







Gotta love it!





It was a nice run and a great way to start the last day.

Up Next - Did we REALLY blow off AK this trip?

 

[englishrose47]

Great updates , I will show Kyle your Garden pix , Miss Professional !!!!

 

[Dugette]

Great pictures! We've never made it to Jellyrolls, but it really sounds like fun. We walked by a lot of evenings on our last trip, since we were staying at Boardwalk, and it always sounded like everyone was having a blast in there.

 

[MEK]

I love it there! Almost makes Delaware look appealing, doesn't it?

It does, doesn't it? I have to go back next fall when they have free national park day. Fall is a great time of year to visit!

Cool!

It was!

I really like this one!

Thanks. I used that as a screen saver for awhile.

Had there been working batteries in the camera I might have been more successful at teaching her. Doh!

I can't argue with that logic.

Agreed!

Cute touch!

I thought that was hysterical! Loved it!

 

[Pinkocto]

Last day already??? Bummer that you couldn't walk through Epcot and that you had another bad cab experience.

Jelly Rolls looked fun

Beautiful Longwood pictures!

Definitely offsite for that first night, how about at that timeshare place you guys stayed at before? I'm sure you've already looked at it. Unless the values aren't too expensive. Are all the DVC's booked? so many options. I understand why you've cancelled and booked so many times.

 

[jedijill]

I've never been to Jelly Rolls but it does look fun! Too funny about your shorts on backwards...I've done that with shirts many times.

Jill in CO

 

[Wood Nymph]

We were heading to Jelly Rolls, a new Disney first for me.

And who were we hanging out with? Well Dale, Dawn, Caitlin, Popadon, Jackie, and Danielle, of course!

I bet that Jelly Rolls is best when there are a group of people enjoying it together.

That was pretty good guesswork about Caitlin and her family moving to Florida. That is a big commitment to make.

 

[eandesmom]

our family vacation is right around the corner now. Not much new to report except I still haven’t figured out where we are going to stay our first night. I keep making reservations and canceling them. Since there are 5 of us we either need two rooms or a suite or 2BR. As much as I want to stay at a Disney resort its just a lot of $ for about 12 hours. I don’t know why I keep obsessing over one night

I do the same thing. I think because it sets the tone for the trip and you want it to be right. Plus...you have a GF along for the trip and that's a new dynamic!

This time I registered for the 10K. It looked like such a fun run and its nice to not have a half marathon hanging over my head during vacation.

That will be lovely and a ton of fun!

Here at home I have put together a team for a 66.6 mile relay race in October that ends at the beach. We each have to run 11 miles total, so I really need to start running more, but its hard in the heat.

Oh how FUN! The good news is you'll have all of Sept for long runs

From the landing in Japan. We were all crammed in like sardines (OK I’m exaggerating) and, since Cynthia and I were the last to arrive, our vantage point was not the best for taking pictures. Somehow I managed to persevere!

that shot is fabulous!

When I leaned in to my right to snag a picture her mom informed that I was blocking the toddler’s view. I felt like saying, “View of what? The railing”, but I just moved off to the side. It was even more amusing that this child couldn’t give two cents about what was going on in the world showcase at that moment. Ok Moving on...

Oh brother!

We were heading to Jelly Rolls, a new Disney first for me.

And who were we hanging out with? Well Dale, Dawn, Caitlin, Popadon, Jackie, and Danielle, of course!

It was a first for me as well. And we were LATE (relatively speaking). They had arrived much earlier but we'd wanted to do fireworks with Kat.

So much fun!!!!!!!!!!!! I was next to Popadon most of the night and well, I'm a little bit in love.

A little before 11am Cynthia and I left. Since it was a late EMH at Epcot we thought we would be able to get back into the park through the international gateway and walk to the front of the park to catch a bus.

WRONG!

We got to the gate and we were DENIED!

Bummer!

So we walked over to the Beach Club to catch a cab.

And once again we had a not so stellar cab experience. Instead of going the most direct route to OKW, our cabbie basically drove us around in a circle before even leaving the Boardwalk / BC area. Since Denny and I always rent a car, I knew darn well what was happening and it just didn’t sit well with me. But what are you going to do except sit there and get ripped off. *sigh*

Everyone else beat us home. Everyone! You were not happy. As I don't drive I wasn't clear on how much of a "ride" he was taking us on. It didn't help that we'd been denied and we didn't get the cab right away either.

Once we got back to OKW we talked a bit about our fun DIS meets. The one thing I remember both of us agreeing on - that Dawn, Dale, and Caitlin were going to be future Florida residents, they just didn’t know it yet. At the time Caitlin was starting the college program. As it turns out, our predictions were right on. Several months later the entire family relocated to Florida.

She was just starting the program but we didn't see her leaving FL and didn't see Dale and Dawn staying in MI too long without her

It was pretty neat to see it all come together so well for Dale on the work front.

I started my day with a run over to SSR and around OKW. I remember that it was the first morning with low humidity. As I headed out towards SSR I realized that I had put my running shorts on backwards. What? But right there on the path was some type of shed or storage container. I ducked behind it and put my shorts on the right way.

LOL I forgot about that.

You were good that day. I was a bum!

 

[natebenma]

Another fantastic update with a nice welcome back to your readers and "followers"!

Yeah on your upcoming plans. I am so excited for your family trip (while slightly bummed that we are missing each other. AGAIN!). Can't wait to hear more about your California trip as your planning progresses.

Seriously, Longwood Gardens should make you an official ambassadress and pay you for showing off all those gorgeous pictures! I know if I am ever in that neck of the woods, I'll be visiting.

Your pictures of Illuminations are absolutely spectacular. I love all of the close-up pictures starring "The Globe". So fun to see the details.

Looked like a fabulous time at Jellyrolls with a GREAT cast of characters. I can't even imagine how much fun that night was...

Gotta love it!

RIP Disney towel creations.

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

It was bitter cold that day so we didn’t walk the grounds. I guess I felt it was necessary to remind myself that there was still a small dusting of snow on the ground.

Weird seeing photos of snow while it's well over 90 degrees today!

That's the spot where I proposed to Julie! And where she was dumb enough to say yes!

When I leaned in to my right to snag a picture her mom informed that I was blocking the toddler’s view. I felt like saying, “View of what? The railing”

I remember having to lift my kids up for them to actually see anything.

We were heading to Jelly Rolls, a new Disney first for me.

And who were we hanging out with? Well Dale, Dawn, Caitlin, Popadon, Jackie, and Danielle, of course!

Sounds like a fun evening!

WRONG!

We got to the gate and we were DENIED!

D'oh!

Hard to believe it was here already. Last mornings are always bittersweet. You feel happy and content that you’ve had such a great trip with wonderful memories, but sad that its time to get back to your real life. Fortunately, both of us had evening flights so we still had park time in front of us.

I never understand it when people say they're happy to be back in the routine. I'm always like, really? I'd rather be at Disney!

 

[jenseib]

Those flower pictures are just gorgeous!!
I am totally laughing at the fact that you put your shorts on backwards. My whole family has an issue with putting clothes on backwards...and then you ducked and changed them...even funnier!