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

[eandesmom]

I am alive. It's true! Just fell off the wagon a bit I guess.

If you want to read about what I've been up to, you can check it out here. At least running and life wise lol.

I'm very far behind Mary Ellen but will try to catch up! I left off at our Epcot night, Via Napoli dinner.

As Mary Ellen mentioned, she went for a run. I would have assumed that I had coffee on he verandah but in this instance have no photographic evidence to prove it. And, as she mentioned I was cranky. I really really wanted a sit down breakfast at Olivia's and we weren't going to have time for it. I was illogically crabby about it and did apologize for it but I was cranky for sure. Sorry Mary Ellen! I think for me it's the simple fact that I almost never get to go out for breakfast. I love actual breakfast foods but find cooking it to be so unrewarding. By the time I make my breakfast, everyone else is done! I was also largely cranky as I didn't think there was anywhere in MK to get a real breakfast. I didn't want annother pastry or a yogurt and that is what it seemed I was looking at. As I told Mary Ellen, I'd get over it and I agreed, seeing Leslie was far more important but...I was cranky.

We must have decided to take the bus instead of walking to the HH that morning, as I have these shots as my first of the day

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and with that, next, we were here

Thank goodness for Sleepy Hollow! It saved the day.

I NEEDED eggs! And Meat! It was HUGE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This guy wanted Mary Ellen to share

Awfully cute but awfully persistent too!

Up next, a meet with LL!

And the absolutely adorable Violet

It was lovely to see Leslie and meet Violet. If memory serves it was Violets first trip and well, those can be harried adventures with little ones when you are used to setting your own schedule before kids come. I know they had some challenges here and there with naps and schedules and all that fun stuff. That...I don't miss. LOL! But oh she was adorable!!!!!!!!!

We voyaged with a mermaid, I took lots of lame blurry pictures, and I took one of the requisite souvie "idea" Pictures to text to a kid

Although honestly, I am almost positive I didn't end up getting either boy a thing on this trip other than some candy. We'd just had the MB trip at DL and had been at WDW for NYE just a few months prior so I decided they really didn't "need" a thing and I didn't feel guilty about it at all! I did text Eric this pic as he had purchased the DL version and I thought he'd get a kick out of it. Turns out he wished I'd have bought it but given that he didn't say so at the time...he was SOL.

We did visit the Tangled bathrooms which are always lovely

I've yet to use the charging stations here but do like that they exist

no shortage of crowds today. We had fun poking around the shop in the village and I am fairly sure I bought a pillow, I had one already but needed a second "be our guest" for my living room.

We found this little gem by a DVC kiosk across from under the sea and if memory serves, neither of us had noticed it before. I think it was also near what appeared to be at the time a newer snack location as well.

Snack spot (no clue what it's called but it was new since NYE to me)

Smart I thought as before your only choices were crazy Maurice's popcorn or Gaston's.

The water looked very refreshing about then

Still an empty track

We had stalled enough, hoping for the elusive mine train, at that point and decided to head out

We saw some friends

And stopped for a photo of our own

And apparently decided to head this way instead

Ah, the treehouse

love it!

Continued in next post

 

[eandesmom]

Continued from previous....

With that, one of my all time favorites, we decided to leave these lovely crowds

And head back to a calmer view

And get some zen on

Chips, salsa, rum drink.... What more does anyone need?

I am 99% sure we ate our leftover via Napoli pizza for lunch. If we didn't do it that day, perhaps another but what I do recall is I ate it cold and it was SOOOOO good! Prosciutto and Melon pizza, cold, it really couldn't have been more perfect on a hot day.

Given how far behind I am, I'm going to keep going. I guess we decided we needed a special adult beverage after the pool and rum drinks. LOL! Or we just hadn't had enough F&G yet?

SO pretty! I always wish for overflowing pots and gardens and love the actual act of gardening. Sadly my wallet can't seem to manage the annual re-stuffing it would take to pull of anything close to this display of color.

This is as close as I have this year, one sad little pot with one glass flower. I do plan to get more of the glass flowers at least. With the heat we are having that's probably all that is safe around here!

I love this

although it does annoy me to hear that the woman's world cup isn't getting the same kind of attention!

gee, where we headed?

I can't imagine

We decided to enjoy them outside

And then visit Mexico's small world!

I adore this ride

SO much so I am subjecting you all to pictures of it!

With that we were off to dinner, a never done for both of us. I was happy to see the band was out

For a relatively empty, and very spacious restaurant I was not overwhelmed with the table they chose to seat us at. Right near the front and in the main path of traffic

A little french onion soup

And Cesar salad

I enjoyed it but I can't say it's on a list to go back anytime soon. It was a bit too large, too noisy and too impersonal for me. Nothing wrong with it, just didn't wow me either.

We decided to walk back to the TTC. Largely b/c I really really wanted to check out the art store at the Poly.

So pretty

under construction, amazing how things change in a year huh!

So cute. Someday I'll stay here. It will have to be on a girls trip, my boys have less than zero desire for it.

I like this fountain quite a bit

A chapel with not the ideal view at that time for many a bride

A little villa poking around

And our favorite stalker!

The poly of course was a bust and the construction at the time was so depressing I didn't take a single picture. Suffice to say, bye bye art store at the poly! Not sure if it has come back now or if it is gone forever. I was bummed as they had some neat things and I was still on a powder room mission!

Fun fun day. Mellow all around if you forget about my morning surliness and just a nice, laid back girls day doing a whole lot of nothing.

 

[Poolrat]

Thanks for catching us up on your end. I know it is so hard during the end of school and work well .....I get it.


Sleepy hollow is a great secret place. My favorite is the fruit and nutella waffle.

Meets and food and drinks...mmmmmm The Poly is starting to look better as of May..different but better than the sad construction mess it was.

 

[PrincessInOz]

YAY! Thanks for posting your lovely pictures and sharing the wonderful day. Appreciate the effort to come and catch up.

 

[Pinkocto]

Thank you for posting Cynthia, I'm loving hearing from both of you

I hope things have calmed down a bit.

 

[KatMark]

Love your additional updates, Cynthia, and all the photos...thank you for posting those.

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

Ok, I think I'm all caught up! Sorry I've been MIA for so long.

Thanks for the Longwood photos. It's been years since I've been there and I probably need to try and visit again sometime. It always looks great at Christmas.

Looks like a lot of fun in MK and then at the Flower & Garden festival. I remember my parents really liking the Grand Floridian Cafe, but I've never tried it.

 

[Nermel9]

Great updates, glad to see you posting again Cynthia!

Star Wars Weekends looks like so much fun, and every year I say I'm going to go and then I go in early May instead (if I go in May, that is!) I don't know, I just feel like I can't deal with the crowds and the annoyingness of it. Although I do love that they have character meals now, that makes things a lot easier!

Awesome pictures, Cynthia, especially the margaritas!

 

[eandesmom]

Hang in there! I'm also trying to keep my head above water. We can all touch base in July when things are calmer!

Slowly getting calmer...thank heavens!

Woah you have been busy! And Happy belated Birthday to Evan!

Yep. Slowly calming down

I'm barely keeping up as well.

It's brutal!

Don't worry, Cynithia! I was secretly hoping that not much was added when I got on since I was swamped with end-of-the-year stuff too. Birthdays, broken arms, Pinning for me, yard work, a house neglected all school year, etc... It was WAY behind. Hopefully, there is light at the end of the tunnel for you and you'll be able to catch your breath soon. Still have plans to make my way up there, but need to get settled into a new job first.

And we need to see if we can connect when we come down for our long weekend! Maybe we can meet for lunch on the Thursday or Dinner on the Sunday on our way back? I have events at the event (if that makes sense lol) thursday evening - sat evening so not much free time there until Sunday.

Just popping in to say hello. I saw the graduation pics on FB. Congrats to all.

Thanks! Now if he would just get a job...

LOL!

Thanks for catching us up on your end. I know it is so hard during the end of school and work well .....I get it.


Sleepy hollow is a great secret place. My favorite is the fruit and nutella waffle.

Meets and food and drinks...mmmmmm The Poly is starting to look better as of May..different but better than the sad construction mess it was.

June always sucks the life out of me and somehow I forget or underestimate how bad it really is.

I would like to try one of the waffle sandwiches for lunch at some point.

I am looking forward to visiting the Poly at some point as well. I may even consider it as the location when I extend my work trip next spring. Holding off on booking that though until I hear if there really is a rD race in April. I do need to peek at availability though and maybe book a placeholder that I can slide.

YAY! Thanks for posting your lovely pictures and sharing the wonderful day. Appreciate the effort to come and catch up.

Thanks! I still need to do a DL update but think I can get to it this week at some point

Thank you for posting Cynthia, I'm loving hearing from both of you

I hope things have calmed down a bit.

Slowly but yes!

Love your additional updates, Cynthia, and all the photos...thank you for posting those.

Thanks! I have more...and hope to get the next update up this week as well

Ok, I think I'm all caught up! Sorry I've been MIA for so long.

Thanks for the Longwood photos. It's been years since I've been there and I probably need to try and visit again sometime. It always looks great at Christmas.

Looks like a lot of fun in MK and then at the Flower & Garden festival. I remember my parents really liking the Grand Floridian Cafe, but I've never tried it.

Join the MIA club!

I'm not sure if the GF has burgers...you might hate it. LOL!

Great updates, glad to see you posting again Cynthia!

Star Wars Weekends looks like so much fun, and every year I say I'm going to go and then I go in early May instead (if I go in May, that is!) I don't know, I just feel like I can't deal with the crowds and the annoyingness of it. Although I do love that they have character meals now, that makes things a lot easier!

Awesome pictures, Cynthia, especially the margaritas!

Well yes, you can't have too many margarita (pictures) right?



I have a ton of SW pics so hope to get to that next!

 

[MEK]

Cynthia - YOU POSTED! I am SO far behind. I still have replies due from 2 weeks ago. OK - I now have new motivation to get caught up again!

 

[MEK]

Whenever you have time and enjoy posting I'll be here to read no rush, it's supposed to be fun

Thanks Pam. So hopefully you don't mind that I am almost two weeks late in responding to this! I am going to try really hard to get caught up now!

Yes just pop in when you can. No pun intended

Well, here I am popping in after being MIA again! I've GOT to do better than this!

I'm slowly but surely getting caught up on my subscribed trip reports. I wasn't aware of all of the Dis drama until it was pointed out to me and by that time it was pretty much over with. It's sad that people can be so mean and cruel when the boards are supposed to be for the fun stuff that takes us away from every day life. Good for you for sticking to your guns!

Welcome back!!!!!!

The drama was sad and ridiculous and I heard that I am now a target on the anti-dis. Go for it is all I can say!!!!

Now, I forgot what I wanted to comment on so I'll just comment on the latest update. Goregous pictures of the Grand Floridian and the Polynesian! I have to agree that the shrimp and grits aren't as good as Olivia's but they run a close second.

Thank you. I'm so glad you like the pics! Two amazing resorts, for sure!

So you've had the shrimp n grits at both restaurants. Nice! You are a girl after my own heart!

 

[MEK]

Great pictures! So funny to see all the holiday stuff in June! Looks like they do a great job there, though.

They do an amazing job there. I always like to share a few of my non-Disney pictures on the DIS boards. I feel like its a waste if no one ever sees them and since I have an annual pass to Longwood I feel compelled to share.

Hmmmm...did he make it for you or did his wife reject it?

I'm sure she didn't reject it. She probably already has one of her own. He did such a great job. So talented.

Ashley Eckstein. She's the voice of Ahsoka in the Clone Wars cartoon. She's super sweet and has been a SWW guest/host for several years.

I knew if anyone would know these people it would be you. Thank you! I am SO not up to date on Star Wars anything.

And that's James Arnold Taylor who is the voice of Obi Wan in the Clone Wars cartoon as well. We saw his show this year at SWW - he is a very talented voice actor and put on a fun show about being a voice actor (it was the one SWW show that Izzy and I went to with Dug).

That sounds really cool. How interesting. Voice acting must be difficult but the results are amazing.

Wow, you sure pack in the DISmeets!

And we've got one more to go before we wrap up this trip!

Beautiful pictures from the gardens, some of those trees are spectacular.

Thank you! Longwood Gardens does an amazing job at Christmas. We usually buy and annual pass and time it so we can see the Christmas display two years in a row. Totally worth it.

I really, really want to do Star Wars weekends someday! Both DH and I are big fans but that time of year is really hard for both of us to get off of work

It's an amazing time for Star Wars fans. Too bad its so hard for you to get away at that time. I love visiting in the spring because F&G is so amazing. I don't know what I like better - F&G or F&W!

 

[MEK]

Well, thought I was all caught up and then you snuck in an update! I'll be back to read about Star Wars.

Sorry! My bad!

St. Michaels sure looks like a quaint little fishing village. At least until you start seeing the mansions on the river!

It's part of the amazing eastern shore of Maryland and it is quite an upscale place overall. That boat tour was so amazing because it really highlighted the outstanding properties in the area.

Thanks for the pictures of Ocean City- seaside boardwalks and amusement parks are such classic fun.

:

I totally agree. I enjoy visiting OCMD at least once a year. It's a fun place and not terribly far from home.

Rita in the Rain

I love the cool fountain shots at different shutter speeds.

Thank you. One of the easiest things to do as an amateur, like myself.

And only you can make a picture of a garbage can in the rain beautiful. Love it!

Gee thanks!

Thanks for the margarita recommendations. I have not been to the Ditch- my husband and I don't drink much at home or on vacation, but I think a stop here is in order when I am visiting in August with my gal pals.

I remember you said you don't drink so this probably NOT the drink for you. They can be really strong. Me - on the other hand - the stronger the better.

Chapel

Thanks for the tour of the GF. Again, this is another place at Disney I haven't been!

You've never visited the GF? Oh you must - you would LOVE it. It's an amazing property.

Reviews of the Grand Floridian Café are always great. Tempting.

It's a nice restaurant. I'm gladded we tried it, but as Cynthia pointed out in her latest update - our seating location was rather odd.

Cute splash pool and fountain.

So cute! Kids must go crazy over that!

Sunset at Disney has got to be the most beautiful time there. Love your gorgeous chapel pictures!

Thank you! I have to agree that sunset IS a fabulous time at Disney, even in the hottest weather. It's just so perfect.

 

[MEK]

Your pictures of Longwood Gardens, as always, are spectacular!

Thank you! I just love that place. I actually went to the Christmas display twice this year. They change it every year and I love to see their creativity come to life!

I like Star Wars (not in a superfan sort of way). I would love to be at HS during Star Wars weekend. I think as much to see how into it other guests get.

Exactly! There are some real super fans there and its fun to see them in costume.

Star Wars breakfast at the Sci Fi is just the perfect atmosphere. This would be a character meal my family would love.

It was a great venue for that type of meal. I forgot to mention that on the big screen they would play the Star Wars theme with a bouncing ball following along with the tune. It was funny!

So funny that you are so famous you are now scheduling meets with DISers husbands! You had a great day of meets!

I never thought of it that way. I loved getting to me Joe. It made it easier when I met him again in February. They are a great couple. Loved hanging out with them.

I think I recognize her. Wasn't she wearing a witch hat during Wishes on one of your October trips?

Yup - same witch!!!!!

BWAHAHAHA!!!

The pictures of the gardens are gorgeous! Absolutely gorgeous!

Thank you! Longwood is such an amazing place. We have an annual pass there so we go at least 4 or 5 X a year. Each time I realize a little bit more how fortunate I am to live near such a wonderful attraction.

I am with you on the Star Wars knowledge....I don't have any. Hunter likes all of the movies and I can name a few characters but that's it. Yay for getting to meet fellow Disers and a Diser husband!

Same here. I am totally clueless when it comes to the different characters, especially in the newer series. My kids watched the original three repeatedly for years. You would think I would absorb some knowledge through osmosis, but no!

DIS meets are the BEST!

 

[MEK]

I WAS going to comment on how awesome all your photos are, as usual, but that is a Jawa. A JAWA. NOT a wookie. Does that look like Chewbacca to you?

Sheesh.

Seriosuly, MEK. This is unacceptable. And I'm sure Caitlin would agree.

I know, right? I should not even be allowed to write a single word about SWW since I don't know the difference between a wookie and a jawa. Totally unacceptable. Thanks for setting the record straight. SOMEONE had to do it!

It gets even more complicated now with the animated shows. I can't name any of the characters in "Rebels", and certainly can't recognize the voice actors!

Like I said - I am totally out of my league here.

 

[MEK]

The Longwood Gardens are beautiful. I bet that is a popular place to go during Christmas time.

It is extremely popular. You have to buy timed tickets to get in. I think when you have the annual pass you can go in whenever you want. Totally worth being a pass holder because it basically pays for the visiting during Christmas twice in one calendar year. It's actually silly NOT to get the pass.

I love the Star Wars themed food. It all looks delicious but I guess there is only so much you can do with a pastry.

Yup! Sometimes, especially when I have been overeating, stuff like that just stats to taste "meh"

You're just a popular Dis-er to meet.


You really did have a lot of good Dismeets that day.

That WAS a banner day for DIS meets. May is a great time for DISmeets in general. It seems like a lot of people visit in May. When I go this August it will be just the opposite!

Is Cynthia just too busy to post or has she stopped posting on the Dis? I didn't know about the controversy until recently. After some digging around I found out why my list of watched threads had suddenly gotten a lot shorter. I'm glad that you decided to finish your TR.

I know that Cynthia didn't stop posting because of the controversy. She has just been really busy. I haven't checked this thread in a week, so I was happy to see that she posted today!

I am here!!!! Well I should be finishing up mine too but catch up then update... so I hope to get there too.

Yay! I have been off the boards for the last week so I have no idea how many updates I've missed. Quite a few, I'm sure!

SWW NICE !!! The breakfast was tasty and a good experience but not out of this world.

Exactly! I enjoyed it but I don't think it was necessarily a good value for the price.

A few great DIS meets. Even with the hair you did manage to see the parade, something we missed.

I think I have a hair and head aversion! The parade was pretty cool, so I'm glad we got to check it out even though I was cameraless!

Love the Longwood Gardens shots at Christmas. So pretty.

Thanks! It's such an amazing place and they really do a fantastic job!

 

[MEK]

Christmas in July! As always, great pictures.

Thanks! I love Longwood Gardens! It's such an awesome place!

No disrespect to anyone else, but the ultimate Dis meet is Darth Vader.

Or the Jawas...

Amen to that!

Not a good morning for you guys and camera batteries! I'm glad you weren't the cause of the problems though!

Not a good morning at all! I am SO glad I didn't do anything to the camera. I couldn't imagine I did, but I was REALLY worried about it.

The voice of Obi Wan in the cartoon series, I believe. As are the 2 girls you couldn't identify. At least I think they are, I'm not sure who the second one was.

You are right! I didn't even KNOW there was a cartoon series. See how educated I have become on all things Star Wars.

I hope so! If you're gonna ride, those are 2 great choices!

You got that right!!!! Love RnR and ToT. They are both so fun!

I like Star Wars, but I can't think of any kind of store I'd wait 45 minutes to get into.

You got that right! Although once I found out it didn't take that long for Cynthia to get through the line I regretted that I didn't at least take a look.

 

[eandesmom]

Cynthia - YOU POSTED! I am SO far behind. I still have replies due from 2 weeks ago. OK - I now have new motivation to get caught up again!

Shocking but true! I felt horrible leaving you in the lurch like that

The drama was sad and ridiculous and I heard that I am now a target on the anti-dis. Go for it is all I can say!!!!

Ugh. I know I'm on there too. Whatever. Yep. I am verbose. Deal with it. LOL!

I know that Cynthia didn't stop posting because of the controversy. She has just been really busy.

Not really although it certainly didn't motivate me to rush to post.

 

[franandaj]

I had a friend (not on this thread) who almost left the DIS because of things she found on another site. Luckily she got over it and still posts interesting and verbose TRs!

I gave up on other people's opinions like that years ago. I was sort of bullied in Jr High and HS, but since I never let it bother me, they never had any fun with it and moved on to more soft skinned people. I figure if people are talking about me behind my back, it's cause they have nothing better to do with themselves and that's sad. I have a life and choose to share it here and I'm glad you ladies continue to do that as well. Who cares what people say on this "anti-dis", we all have DIS meets and great friends on the DIS. Who needs negativity when there is fun to be had?

 

[Wood Nymph]

Cynthia - I totally missed your update earlier. I checked your race link - you and Jeff have been busy! Bay to Breakers sounds like a crazy race.

I love your chips and salsa on the veranda. You really had a nice view.

Was that the GF Cafe? We ate lunch there once and was not impressed. I think it took 2 1/2 hours from the time we walked in until the time we had finally gotten our bill and left the restaurant - the slowest service ever and the place was half empty.