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

[MEK]

Mary Ellen, I am still here. Just lurking, because life has not handed me a box of chocolates lately and i have been down in the dumps....

Still loving the trip report. so great to read all about the fun and see the pictures.....
Thank You.

KIM

Hey Kim! Glad you stopped by! Sorry to hear things are not great in your personal life. I know when things aren't going well at home I don't feel like being on the DIS. I hope things get better real soon and thanks again for stopping by!

I was wondering where/when you bought the whisk for "a certain someone"! Now I can publically thank you for my wonderful Mickey whisk, which I actually use almost daily! THANKS, Cynthia!

Cynthia pretty much rocks, doesn't she?

Finally- FINALLY a trip to the Ditch!! Don't you just love that place?

That was my first trip to the Ditch and it was excellent. I will never miss it again or any of my future trips. It is VERY HIGH on the "must-do" list!

The Hacienda looks like a fabulous place to eat, and I'm glad you gals waited for a window. What a a perfect way to round out your time.

:

The window seat was thoroughly enjoyable. so glad it worked out that way. I think it was my fourth time seeing Illuminations, but that didn't make it any less special!

Your pictures of the topiaries were amazing! Someday, I'll make it back to F&G- no time soon, but someday. I could spend days at EPCOT during those weeks.

We did spend a ton of time at Epcot. I think I was in there almost every day of the time. It really is a fabulous park and I never tire of it. The topiaries are really amazing.

I was a bit behind and boo, now it's your last moments! And MEK, this report is far from being a dud, I've enjoyed it!!!!

Glad to hear La Hacidenda was a hit with everyone - I agree! I tried it in May--very good stuff! Joe is anxious to try it after my review too, so we will end up back there sooner than later!

Thanks Brook!

Didn't realize that Joe never made it inside La Hacienda in May. You must take him there. I can't wait to go back in December. I know Denny and Nick will love it. YUM YUM!!!!!!!

 

[MEK]

I am going to try to work on an update today. I have stuff to do every night this week, so I am going to try to write it ahead of time and then add pictures. Wish me luck!!!!!

 

[MAGICFOR2]

Great pics of the F&G! I love the Hook topiary

How cool that you got a table by the window for dinner at Hacienda. Sounds like you could just make a meal out of the appys!

 

[KatMark]

I am going to try to work on an update today. I have stuff to do every night this week, so I am going to try to write it ahead of time and then add pictures. Wish me luck!!!!!

Good luck, MEK and I'll be watching. Notice my ticker...one week from today.

 

[ChefDisneyLu]

There are TONS of good reports ont he boards. It's sort of an addiction or a guilty pleasure (the later sounds better)

An addiction...I have no guilt when it comes to Disney or reading TRs!

I am going to check out the other TR now.

Thanks again!

Lisa

 

[MEK]

Good luck, MEK and I'll be watching. Notice my ticker...one week from today.

I know!!! You must be sooooooo excited. I hope you are feeling better!!!!!!

 

[MEK]

An addiction...I have no guilt when it comes to Disney or reading TRs!

I am going to check out the other TR now.

Thanks again!

Lisa

Good for you! I generally don't feel too guilty myself, but there are other days when I can't pull myself away from the boards! I just get so wrapped up in it! That's why I say I am addicted!!!!

 

[eandesmom]

I was wondering where/when you bought the whisk for "a certain someone"! Now I can publically thank you for my wonderful Mickey whisk, which I actually use almost daily! THANKS, Cynthia!

It only took me what, 2 months to mail it? Longer? So lame!!!

I'm so happy you like it. I actually decided to buy it that night as we tried to emulsify the brown derby dressing with a fork and looked at it several times on the trip but was waiting until there were enough $$ items on my list to get me my DV discount.

I had to do it at Mousegears as I wanted the F&G mug and that was the only way to make the total hit the amount I needed.

Finally- FINALLY a trip to the Ditch!! Don't you just love that place?

The Hacienda looks like a fabulous place to eat, and I'm glad you gals waited for a window. What a a perfect way to round out your time.

You would love La Hacienda!

Your pictures of the topiaries were amazing! Someday, I'll make it back to F&G- no time soon, but someday. I could spend days at EPCOT during those weeks.

I loved the topiaries! That is truly the best part of F&G. I didn't find the shopping or other garden events to be all "that" but the topiaries were amazing!

Great pics of the F&G! I love the Hook topiary

How cool that you got a table by the window for dinner at Hacienda. Sounds like you could just make a meal out of the appys!

I did make a meal out of appies! They sounded more appealing than anything on the entree menu.

Hook is one of the best, though the TS gang is up there as well. Now they just need to give the princesses faces!

 

[MEK]

Great pics of the F&G! I love the Hook topiary

How cool that you got a table by the window for dinner at Hacienda. Sounds like you could just make a meal out of the appys!

Sorry Tammie - I totally did not see this earlier. DOH! You could definitely had made a meal from apps and I noticed they have a yummy looking spinach salad as one of their apps. I would love that!

 

[MEK]

I don’t know if Cynthia or I mentioned this before, but because of a screw-up ,we ended up with more than our fair share of mugs and snacks. On the first day we used the DXDP Cynthia’s card did not work (mine did), so when she went to the front desk they reloaded her card. We ended up with an extra mug, which Cynthia so graciously allowed me to redeem. I went home with 3 mugs this trip! I love the Disney mugs and I am very excited to have 3 mugs for our Hilton Head trip. I’m not so much interested in drinking from the soda fountain at HH (because I guess they must have one) as I am in having matching mugs for pool drinks and morning coffee. I truly hope it’s nice enough to sit by the pool and/or ramble on the beach. Now the ladies and I can match with our stylish Disney mugs! Woo Hoo!

On the last day of our stay we were also challenged with using up our extra snack credits. I don’t know how many we had left, but it was sure as heck more than we were supposed to have. Bonus! We devised an amicable way to split them up. I am sure I used the last of mine on something decadent for myself, while Cynthia probably put her kid’s desires first.

Check-out day is always weird and it always takes longer to get going in the morning than you think it would or should. I seriously expected to sleep in this morning, but as it turns out I didn’t sleep well at all and I was actually awake earlier than on some of the previous mornings. I guess the very many varieties of alcoholic beverages I consumed on my last day had a paradoxical effect on my central nervous system and I was up with the birds. That’s not to say I wasn’t a wee bit hung over, but I soldiered through with a good strong cup of coffee.

Somehow I managed to finish packing. The hardest part about packing on the last day is figuring out what NOT to pack. Both Cynthia and I had evening flights which meant I needed to be prepared for whatever weather Philadelphia had in store for me. So I left out a pair of pants and a jacket. Everything else I managed to get down to the airline check-in without too much hassle…..and here I experienced one of my more memorable moments of the trip. Just like I remember the CM who greeted Cynthia and I when we arrived at the BC, I remember the great CM’s who checked in my luggage. They had the brightest smiles and asked me right away, “So how was your stay with us? Did we treat you well? Did you have a good time?” I told them, point blank, that I love the costumer service at Disney, but theirs was second to none. The Beach Club was superb. They knew how to put the icing on the cake and “one-up” all the other resorts I have stayed at. Well, these guys seemed so happy that I complimented them. I mean genuinely happy, like it seriously made their day. Cool Stuff!

I was pretty psyched to do the airport check-in. I don’t know how long SWA has been participating, but I definitely wasn’t able to do it on my last trip. After check-in I went to drop off the rest of my carry-ons (yes, there was more than one-shocked – I know) at luggage services inside and off I went. Believe it or not, it was still pre park opening, so I stopped at the hotel’s quiet pool just to have a look.

This piece of equipment kept showing up all week. I know it had to be necessary for the painting they were doing, but I don’t think I would have liked to look at that every morning. I purposely edited this picture to take out as much of the crane as I could.

Next stop – Christine’s private entrance. I was so excited to be entering the park early. I was shocked I had been so efficient this morning. OH – and I forgot to mention that I even went running this morning. Impressive, isn’t it???? Teehee!

I am not sure how C and Tracy started their day, but Cynthia went back to the MK. I knew I HAD to do Epcot today because I still hadn’t done Soarin. I was very curious to see how far into the park I would be allowed. I did find that the only path open to the front of the park was the one that leads to spaceship Earth. When I got to the fountain I found the rope drop start. WOWSA. Everybody was on the other side of the park. Cool. If I can’t give you enough reasons to stay at the BC, then surely the ability to come into Epcot on the opposite side of rope drop is a definite winner.

I tried to get a few cell phone pictures.

Do you think this guy was irritated with me for taking pics?

This cute couple both had name tags on that said York, PA.

So I asked? “Are you guys married?” Of course they were. They told me they only worked twice a week for the wonderful CM benefits that Disney has. I could totally see me and Denny doing this. Well, maybe not Denny, but I could totally see me doing this.

When the rope finally dropped I think I was in the first 5 or so people behind the leading CM. WOW WOW WOW. How cool is this???? And she walked at a pretty good clip. Before I knew it we were descending the stairs to the thunderous applause welcoming us to Soarin.

I grabbed a FP and then rode standby. My first ride was in the second row. OK – not bad. And I love, love, love being on this ride with people who have never ridden before. It’s so great to hear their reactions.

After Soarin I may have grabbed a seat at Sunshine seasons and consumed a snack credit, then it was time for living with the Land.

Jen told me we didn't go on this ride in September, so I decided it was a must and since I have improved my skill in taking non-flash pictures, I decided to snap away.

And now time for the "real" ride:

After Living with the Land I only had to wait a few minutes before my FP came due for Soarin. Only this time...dum dum dum.....Soarin was not to be the enjoyable ride we all know and love.

It started out innocently enough. I was minding my own business, waiting in line, when a cast member asked if there were any singles. I eagerly responded "yes" and he lead me around the corner to the preboarding area where I was escorted to a row filled with middle school boys. Are you kidding me?????? I have to tell you, I was not feeling the Disney love towards THAT cast member.

I tried to make the best of it and think positive, but as soon as we sat in that glider (back row, left section), those darn kids started rocking that glider. GRRRRRRRRH! I was not happy. When a cast member didn't see them and take action right away, I did. I felt like grandma MaryEllen, but I told those kids to knock it off. And they did - almost!

I was happy to get off Soarin and as far away from those boys as possible.

Continued.........

 

[MEK]

Continued.......

My next stop was..........

I decided to try my luck at non flash pictures in here. Up until today my success rate was zero.

I decided to go visit the aquarium for my next stop. I thought this sign was cool. It refers to some manatee rescues:

The tank

I watched the divers for awhile

But I was most fascinated by this trainer and her pupil.....

When I had tired of the Seas I headed into Innoventions. I must not have stayed there very long because the only thing I have to prove my visit is this:

Once outside I headed over to see the fairies, but not before I took pictures of a few more of the topiaries.

I missed the fairies last year, so after passing through club cool for a quick Beverly (not) I headed over there.

First up:

I don't know too many guys who would be thrilled to dress up like this.
I have many more fairy pics to show you, but I am going to take a break now because I am exhausted.

So - up next - Fairies, O Canada, and the cutest server of the trip!

 

[KatMark]

Aweseome updates, MEK. You did great on the Nemo ride with the indoor pics, minus flash.

I would have not been happy on Soarin' either if I found myself in a row with all those middle school boys...that's just asking for trouble.

I love the Minnie & Mickey topiaries. I would really like those in front of my house.

And I feel like a broken record, but your photos really are spectacular.

 

[tinacaplan]

Oh, the Beach Club...we love you! And I completely agree with your assessment of the customer service there. It was fantastic. I don't have a ton to compare it with, but I could tell it was something special.

Ah...middle school boys. Welcome to my life. I teach seventh and eighth grade.

Great update! Looking forward to hearing about the rest of your last day.

 

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

Last day already????? What???

Ugh that stinks about the boys. At least they kind of sort of stopped being annoying! I wouldn't have been thrilled about that seating arrangement either!

Idk, I think Terrence is very cute, with his little mushroom cap!

 

[SoonerGirl]

I think I might have asked if I could return to my place in line once I saw who I would be riding with

Outside of that, it sounds like you are having a lovely morning!

 

[MEK]

Aweseome updates, MEK. You did great on the Nemo ride with the indoor pics, minus flash.

I am pleased that I have finally how to adjust the shutter speed to help me get in door pictures. Slowly, but surely, I am learning how to actually use my camera.

I would have not been happy on Soarin' either if I found myself in a row with all those middle school boys...that's just asking for trouble.

Seriously, one of them event tried rocking the glider once we were airborn. I thought to myself, "doesn't this CM know he should have just let that last seat go?" I mean - come on - you know how long those rows are and the extra seat become mine.

I love the Minnie & Mickey topiaries. I would really like those in front of my house.

If I were really weather I would absolutely have a Mickey topiary in my yard. Who wouldn't?????

And I feel like a broken record, but your photos really are spectacular.

Thanks Kathy. I have really been working on the editing piece and I think I am getting a little better at that as well.

Oh, the Beach Club...we love you! And I completely agree with your assessment of the customer service there. It was fantastic. I don't have a ton to compare it with, but I could tell it was something special.

It really was. I've stayed at so many Disney resorts now - Vero, two of the values, all of the mods, SSR, Wildnerness Lodge, Animal Kingdom, Contemporary (BLT) and now the Beach Club. The CM's are wonderful everywhere, but I really got the feeling that the BC wants you to come back over and over again. I like that! And I will be back!

Ah...middle school boys. Welcome to my life. I teach seventh and eighth grade.

Oh NO! I knew you were a teacher, but I did not realize you had the pleasure of middle school boys. OMG! I am really scared of them in numbers. Really scared!

Great update! Looking forward to hearing about the rest of your last day.

Thanks!!!!! Hopefully will be posting again relatively soon!

Last day already????? What???

YUP! Funny, I did think it would take a lot longer than 4 months to get to the last day, so I am happy I kept things at a decent pace. I do plan to do a quick day by day summary. I think that worked well on my last TR. I am also excited to start my new TR which will be sort of a continuous TR from williamsburg to Hilton Head to Disney in December!

:

Ugh that stinks about the boys. At least they kind of sort of stopped being annoying! I wouldn't have been thrilled about that seating arrangement either!

That CM flew out of sight after he put me in that row. I guess I could have been a PITA and just waited there for the next group to queue up, but I decided to just make the best of it.

Idk, I think Terrence is very cute, with his little mushroom cap!

Is that his name? Terrence? I clearly know nothing about the fairies. Yeah - I guess his cap is cute! I'll give you that!

I think I might have asked if I could return to my place in line once I saw who I would be riding with

Michelle - If I could have, I would have, but that CM was gone - in a flash. Here I was excited I was being bumped ahead in line. What a let down!

Outside of that, it sounds like you are having a lovely morning!

I did have a great morning and, evern though I was there at rope drop, it seems like it was lunch time before I knew it!

 

[jeremysdisneymom]

It looks like you had a great morning, other than the middle school boys! I am so excited to try the private entrace to Epcot in November. I was wondering if you could use it before the world showcase opened. Glad you posted that!

The beach club looks so nice and relaxing. Sure hope to stay there someday with DVC one day.

 

[MAGICFOR2]

Yay for CM magic! For the most part, Disney sets the bar pretty high for other hotels/entertainment to try to keep up with!

I love the "secret" entrance to Epcot! I didn't think they would let you that far in -

Too bad about the rowdy boys - knowing boys - could we expect anything else? Obviously the CMs didn't know enough to be watchful - sorry it spoiled your experience.

There are alot of things at Epcot that just do not "wow" us - one of them being Living with the Land - I'm just not fascinated by cucumbers You did get some good non-flash pics though.

Now, Nemo - even though it is not a blow your hair back experience, I love the queue and I love the imagination in the ride. Much better than the one at DLR, IMHO. You got some great pics, Mary Ellen! I have pretty much given up taken any pics in dark rides with my PAS, but I know I will not drag a big camera around with me - don't do Sherpa

Nice way to spend your last day!

 

[eandesmom]

I don’t know if Cynthia or I mentioned this before, but because of a screw-up ,we ended up with more than our fair share of mugs and snacks. On the first day we used the DXDP Cynthia’s card did not work (mine did), so when she went to the front desk they reloaded her card.

Actually they just did a full reset on our DDP so we were restored to full credits all around and gave us new cards. I think we'd used maybe 3 snacks and gotten 1 mug at that point so all of that was "extra". But then the weird thing was, every time we'd use credits, somehow the snack numbers never went down and I swear when we left there were still several credits on there, that should have been. I did get the E's a "bonus" packaged treat from Goofy's candy, they love the sour worms.

Somehow I managed to finish packing.

I don't remember you going for a run, I must have been packing that entire time! I wasn't far behind you though, that much I know.

I am not sure how C and Tracy started their day, but Cynthia went back to the MK.

I did, but not immediately.

This cute couple both had name tags on that said York, PA.

So I asked? “Are you guys married?” Of course they were. They told me they only worked twice a week for the wonderful CM benefits that Disney has. I could totally see me and Denny doing this. Well, maybe not Denny, but I could totally see me doing this.

That is SO cute! I could see my parents doing that. More like MOM Mary Ellen, not Grandma! Good for you for saying something.

Great pictures, you did a lot that morning!!!

 

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

Is that his name? Terrence? I clearly know nothing about the fairies. Yeah - I guess his cap is cute! I'll give you that!

I shouldn't know that much about the fairies, really! But between reading TR's and that time that "Tinkerbell and the Great Fairy Rescue" was on TV and I have no clue why but I watched the entire thing...I guess I do know some of their names