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

[MEK]

I'm too far behind everywhere to comment on everything. But gorgeous pictures as always, Mary Ellen! Love the group pictures of you, Cynthia and Pat and Marv and then with Rosie and Carol.

I love all our group shots, too! I think they turned out great! I'm so glad we all got to meet up and spend time together. It was a great day!

Oh...my favorite drink. The Turtle Krawl. I must tell Nicki that we need to try to get over there for one in May; and that's where Mary and the girls and I are staying in July so there will be plenty of them then.

The TK is my second favorite drink, with the jalapeño margarita being my favorite. Denny and I did just that on our last day. We stopped for a TK on our departure day. It was as yummy as ever!

Absolutely sketchy. They were always so crazy about chaperones and all "my kids" never got lost.... well except my child but that doesn't count right???

can you imagine?

I did all the venoms for a while since I had that testing first and reaction too) . But I just don't have the time or the inclination to be back to the allergist 3 times a week. At least witht eh venoms I felt awful for a couple of days after each one. I am much better since the dogwoods bloomed.

That desensitization process is really labor intensive. I know that people who are allergic to both Penicillin and Vancomycin often do it because their antibiotic choices are so limited.

Monorail.... That pretty much gets you everywhere. Except of course on the road between MK and EPCOT. I was able to spot Cynthia from the monorail though..

So you actually saw Cynthia from the monorail? I didn't realize that. I think I would like to be a spectator someday. Sounds cool. Denny will need spectator training for next year.

You know, now that you mention it, I don't think I've ever crossed the World Showcase Lagoon via boat either! It certainly did make for some gorgeous photos!!

Thanks! It was a neat perspective. I definitely recommend it. It's certain not something I would do on a regular basis because I generally prefer walking, but it was neat.

Agreed!
And WOW that's a really bad swiss cheese effect there. You can kind of see how you were talking to each other. Hehehe
Olivia's sounds lovely! And what a GORGEOUS evening, wow.

Spaceship Earth is AWESOME!

The funny thing is Pat and I got perfect pictures, yet Cynthia and I look like two giant craters. Go figure!

Olivia's is definitely always a winner in my book.

I sadly too had issues with my Chapter Links, and just spent about an hour re-working them all, AFTER having to find them all again. What a massive PITA!

EXACTLY! They are hard to find. That's why I put the page number next to them - so I can find them the next time I need to change them. I hate to say this - but I am glad I am not the only one who ran into this problem.

Now, I'm paranoid about even thinking about changing my Title!

I know, right?

I have never taken the boat either. WOW! I need to do that. The perspectives were totally different- love your photos from down lower.

The perspective is great. I definitely recommend it. It's just that cool! Put it on your list!

No, you can never have too many rides on SE. Nor LWTL. Dragon fruit is yummy! We ate it while living in Thailand pretty often. Mmmm!

Nope, never too many rides on SE, even when you turn into swiss cheese.

Never been to Olivia's. This needs to be fixed.

Another thing to put on your list. Even if you don't have time to eat there, visiting the Gurgling suitcase is a must do. That little bar is so darn cute!

 

[MEK]

Sadly, I do not have all that much to add here!

I do have this PP version of the muppets pic, which I don't think I posted yet. Although, you never know. I just realized TODAY that I need to buy easter dcandy. And the only reason I realized that (even though I've made plenty of easter plans) is that someone put some in the office kitchen. I went DOH!

And this one

I love this shots. Perfect borders!

Our "official" schedule looked like this, or at least I think it did since I saved a picture of it lol. The Land had not been a FP.

However, we did not go on Figment, nor would we have needed a FP had we done so. That would remain a never done for that trip.

I forgot about Figment. Wonder why?

I think we got the PP pic before SE but am not positive. Here is the PP versions

Perfectly place borders - right over my hips. Well done Cynthia!

After our fun afternoon in the word, and a slow boat across the showcase, we did head back to OKW. I unpacked and we went for our leisurely stroll to dinner. I love walking around OKW and enjoy the walk from where we were to the main area. Rarely does it/did it appear that a bus is actually faster but that's just me.

I agree - walking was very efficient and its one of my favorite resorts to walk through.

I adore Olivia's. It is one of my family's favorite spots and had really been looking forward to it. My kids have gotten the grits twice. The first time Evan got them with something else and absolutely couldn't make a dent in it, they are so rich. Second time he learned and he and Eric split a salad, some onion rings and then the grits.

I can see why its a family favorite. It's definitely one of my favs!

I've had bites of theirs but had never ordered my own before, always opting for crab cakes I think. Which, for those who know me is right up there with fish tacos as a go to item if it's on the menu. Generally I don't eat a lot of shrimp. I like it but there are just other things I like better. I do however, LOVE grits and the reality is I really ahdn't eaten all that much over the course of the day (for me anyway lol) and I was hungry!

Note to self - crab cakes and fish tacos. Noted!

So my meal was identical to Mary Ellens!

pretty view

And I DID eat the whole thing!

SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO good! There generally is cheese in grits, it's kind of like making risotto

I thought so! Funny that I don't remember the cheese in the grits, but possibly because the flavor must have been so subtle. Loved this dish. So good!

After dinner we did go to the community center and pick up a movie (or 2?) however once we got back we could not, for the life of us, figure out how to work that darn DVD player and had some general tv issues. We gave up, just settled in and chatted and caught up. It was perfect! A great day all around.

I couldn't remember what day that was. Oh well, so much for a movie. I would have fallen asleep in the first 15 minutes anyway.

 

[MEK]

Thank you.


I have been there awhile ago but not recently. Maybe I will next month before we head out.



MEK -

Love taking the boat across the lagoon but I think walking is faster. LOL.

LOL, your faces on Spaceship Earth.

Love riding through LWTL.

Nice pics walking out.

We are staying at OKW in 3 weeks so I will try a Turtle Crawl when we get there.

Love the shrimp and grits there.


Cynthia -

Nice pics of the remainder of your day.

 

[MEK]

Breakfast With Cindy!

I hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend. Whether you celebrate Easter or Passover or something all together different, this seems to be a big weekend for family and friends to get together. It’s also time for another update.

My second full day (and Cynthia’s first) was a special one. We were going to have breakfast in Cindy’s castle. When we planned this trip I really didn’t have many “must dos”, but the one thing I really did want to try was breakfast in the castle. I figured the best time to do it would be on a girl’s trip. There is no way Denny would have any interest in eating in the castle. I can’t say I blame him. He is, after all, a guy. He likes pretty women and all, but in his opinion certain things are “girls” only.

So when Cynthia made our ADRs she got us a nice early morning breakfast in the castle. I was excited. I love crossing a new adventure off my list, And because my birthday was fairly close, Cynthia treated me, which was so awesome of her. Thanks Cynthia. As we know, DIS friends rock!

I skipped running this morning because we needed to get on the road to be there in time for rope drop.


Here’s some pictures from our walk to the Hospitality House.










Time to wait for the bus!









Before I knew it we were passing this






When we got to the entrance to wait for the opening show, I noticed something was missing. Do you see it?



Let’s look a little closer.



Not sure what happened to the face of the clock that day. Maybe it was off for repairs?



We didn’t wait look until “this guy” arrived



And he seemed to be loving every moment of it!



And, seriously, who wouldn’t be? I mean, he IS the mayor of the happiest place on EARTH!



He brought a few friends to keep us entertained.



Their crowd interaction was great



Hey YOU!









Where do they find these cute people?



Continued In Next Post...

 

[MEK]

He looks 12!



Even she thinks so!




















OT here - but has anyone done the Steam Train Tour? I’m interested in doing it this summer, but can’t seem to garner any enthusiasm from Denny. Thoughts?



Look whose here!





Mary P! She is just TOO cute!









The family of the day! So jelly! I would LOVE to be them someday!



I mean, come on - you get to hang out with the big cheese!



Hmmmm - Mom is sort of biting her lower lip. Is she trying not to laugh?







Hold on Gang - We have one more trick up our sleeves!



One, Two, THREE...



Oh Yeah!



Continued In Next Post...

 

[MEK]

Ok - Let’s get this park opened! Bye Ya'all



And we’re IN!



Looks like I was intrigued by this girl’s shirt. It looks like skin irritation just waiting to happen. Not to mention its rather see- through.



Ok then. Moving On. We were headed here!









A hasty picture of the mosaics



We checked in for breakfast





Got our picture taken with Cindy (can’t find my copy of that picture right now)

———Just Pretend-------

and headed upstairs.



The room was pretty cool, although it was a little smaller than I imagined.







We were seated at a table for two with quite possibly the BEST VIEW EVER!









I don’t think I could ever tire of this view! AMAZING and very magical!









Continued In Next Post...

 

[MEK]

We started our meal with muffins. Of course, I had to pick the mickey muffin



It didn’t take long for the princesses to come around. Look at that Cynthia. So color coordinated!



Seriously - she was hysterical. I have no idea what she whispered to me, but clearly I found it very funny!



Jasmine was adorable.



By now I was feeling frumpy and old and just a little uncomfortable posing with the princesses, so I look like a dork in all my pictures. Seriously - I knew the princesses were super tiny, but I didn’t realize until I stood next to them how huge I was going to feel.



Here is our server and he was just lovely!



So what is the best thing to do went you are feeling fat and frumpy? Well, it’s to eat an 1000 calorie breakfast, of course!

May I present Lobster and Crab Crepes - warm cheese-filled crepes topped with spinach, sauteed lobster, and blue crab meat with a poached egg perched on top and draped in Hollandaise sauce



This was really yummy, although I would have been happy with 1/2 that much Hollandaise sauce.

Cynthia - did you have the same thing? I forget!

Because it with my birthday (and because eating like this isn’t enough for breakfast), I was presented with the birthday cupcake.

YUM!



This was a wonderful meal with wonderful scenery and wonderful company. Thank you again Cynthia!

But before we leave the castle (this meal moved fairly quickly BTW), here are the rest of my interior pics.



The ceiling was so pretty









Once outside, we got a post breakfast picture.



Yeah - We Bad!



Up Next - A DIS meet and some amazing spa time! Stay tuned.

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

Aww that Muppets frame is too cute.

Even if a bus was faster, as long as it wasn't a night and day difference I think I'd choose to walk as well. The scenery is there for a reason.

We gave up, just settled in and chatted and caught up.

That would always be my choice as well.

******************

Uh oh. So since I would absolutely love to eat in the castle some day, here ya go.

Wow, that resort looks like its own little town doesn't it?

Hmmm, I would make the case that the disappearance of the clock hands should mean that the park shall remain open until it returns.

I mean, he IS the mayor of the happiest place on EARTH!

New elections HAVE to be coming soon. I just want to be ready to run. Best job ever!!

Holy WOW, what a view from Breakfast!!!!!

Awww, why Jasmine just might be "friends" with a former DISer.

Up Next - A DIS meet

Why do I feel like this could be the title of every chapter, lol.

 

[Wood Nymph]

We were going to have breakfast in Cindy’s castle. When we planned this trip I really didn’t have many “must dos”, but the one thing I really did want to try was breakfast in the castle. I figured the best time to do it would be on a girl’s trip. There is no way Denny would have any interest in eating in the castle. I can’t say I blame him. He is, after all, a guy. He likes pretty women and all, but in his opinion certain things are “girls” only.

So when Cynthia made our ADRs she got us a nice early morning breakfast in the castle. I was excited. I love crossing a new adventure off my list, And because my birthday was fairly close, Cynthia treated me, which was so awesome of her. Thanks Cynthia. As we know, DIS friends rock!

Now that I've been to OKW I can figure out where your pictures are taken. We are planning to go back there again for lunch at Olivia's during our upcoming trip.

That was very nice of Cynthia to treat you to breakfast at the Castle. I agree that this is best done on a girl's only trip. In fact, it is usually much more fun that way, too. I was able to sneak off with my sisters to see the Frozen Sing Along without any men tagging along on our last trip. They didn't want to go, anyway.

 

[khertz]

Breakfast looks like so much fun! Maybe now that we are having a little girl I can finally get to experience breakfast in the Castle.

Awww, Jasmine looks awful familiar! Her friend has appeared in many a TR I have read.

The view out of the window is stunning. Not a bad way to start off the morning!!

 

[saintstickets]

Great update MEK!

Looks like I was intrigued by this girl’s shirt. It looks like skin irritation just waiting to happen. Not to mention its rather see- through.

This should make for an interesting sun tan though!

Jasmine was adorable.



By now I was feeling frumpy and old and just a little uncomfortable posing with the princesses, so I look like a dork in all my pictures. Seriously - I knew the princesses were super tiny, but I didn’t realize until I stood next to them how huge I was going to feel.

It's DISboard member & CM Alicia as Jasmine!! She is now in Tokyo Disney for the next year. My favorite CM (for obvious reasons!)

I've never thought about going to the Castle breakfast for the same reasons as Denny but the food and the view might change my mind.

 

[Tracy161]

Absolutely gorgeous, beautiful morning pictures of OKW, Mary Ellen! The actual Key West was always my family's favorite vacation destination once my sisters and I were older (of course, mine is, was, and always will be Disney, no surprise there! ). Disney, like everything they do, really hit the mark with this resort.

Ahhh, the Mayor of Disney. If ever there was a dream job, this is it. And he does it to perfection.

Wow, that view. Holy cow that view. You're right about tiring of it: nope!

Puleeeeze! I would never, ever put you into any of those categories, Mary Ellen! Never could an "old and frumpy" person run what you ran!!! Plus you're the farthest from either term anyway so stop that!

Yum, your breakfast looks amazing!!! And who doesn't like to cap off their breakfast with a dessert!?

 

[Wood Nymph]

I adore Olivia's. It is one of my family's favorite spots and had really been looking forward to it. My kids have gotten the grits twice. The first time Evan got them with something else and absolutely couldn't make a dent in it, they are so rich. Second time he learned and he and Eric split a salad, some onion rings and then the grits.

I've had bites of theirs but had never ordered my own before, always opting for crab cakes I think. Which, for those who know me is right up there with fish tacos as a go to item if it's on the menu. Generally I don't eat a lot of shrimp. I like it but there are just other things I like better. I do however, LOVE grits and the reality is I really hadn't eaten all that much over the course of the day (for me anyway lol) and I was hungry!

Fish tacos are one of my go to items on a menu, too. The first place I ever had them was in Hawaii and I think those tacos remain my favorites.

Thanks for posting the picture of the shrimp and grits. They look just like the ones I had, nice and cheesy.

 

[Nermel9]

I love the opening show of MK sooo much, and your pictures were SOOO great! I can't wait to see it again in a few weeks, I honestly cannot remember if we watched it in September or December, but it just feels like it's been forever!

I've wanted to eat breakfast in the castle for sooo long, but I'm so afraid of interacting with the Princesses! One of the reasons is one you mentioned, feeling like a big huge frump next to them, they're just so tiny and perfect and beautiful...then there's me.

Aww, that Jasmine, I love her! As someone else mentioned, her "friend" is living in Tokyo now, and from what I can tell on Instagram and Twitter, she is loving it! She is friends with Esmeralda over there, can you believe they even have an Esmeralda meet and greet?

 

[Pinkocto]

Would you stop that Mary Ellen, you look fabulous!

I'm sure you will believe this but I have never seen the opening show at MK. And I don't think it will ever happen. Thanks for the pictures.

Breakfast looks mighty scrumptious. I've only been there for dinner. The room is much smaller than I expected, but really fun to be eating in the castle. How sweet of Cynthia to treat you for your birthday Gorgeous view from your table!

Cynthia, I love your dress!

 

[cstorm65]

Great update and congrats on finally getting to Cinderella's restaurant. I was going to agree that it was a nice "girls only" location until you threw the picture of crepes with crab on them...now I want to go myself!

 

[dawnbu40]

That family of the day does not look very excited. If that was my family we'd all be And we live here! lol

What a wonderful birthday breakfast! Great pictures! You ladies are just as lovely as those princesses!

 

[SimplyGoofy]

Seeing the family of the day reminds me that I should really buy Anika one of those graduation hats!

Breakfast in Cinderella's castle! That's one of the few places I haven't eaten in Magic Kingdom as it's hard to pull me away from Crystal Palace's breakfast. Your crepes do look delicious, however, and the ambiance always looks so nice. And my, what a view!

 

[MEK]

Thank you.

You're welcome. I hope everything goes perfectly. And believe it or not, I responded to this early and it disappeared. UGHHHHHHHH!

I have been there awhile ago but not recently. Maybe I will next month before we head out.

You definitely should. I mean, How can you NOT?

MEK -

Love taking the boat across the lagoon but I think walking is faster. LOL.

Walking is definitely faster, but I did enjoy this for a change of scenery. It was fun!

LOL, your faces on Spaceship Earth.

I know - the swiss cheese effect at its best.

Love riding through LWTL.

Me too!

Nice pics walking out.

Thanks!

We are staying at OKW in 3 weeks so I will try a Turtle Crawl when we get there.

Can I officially say I'm jealous. I just love that drink.

Love the shrimp and grits there.

They were SO yummy!

Cynthia -

Nice pics of the remainder of your day.

I agree!

 

[MEK]

Sounds like a lovely afternoon and evening! Your meal looks and sounds delicious! I, too, am a huge fan of grits! Although I typically eat mine as a breakfast option with brown sugar or maple syrup! But who doesn't love them with cheese! YUM!!!

Chatting and catching up... sounds like the perfect way to end the night.

Since Cynthia and I had the exact same dinner I can respond by saying that those shrimp and grits were SO awesome. Loved them!

Cynthia - lovely pictures! The DisMeet ones always makes me smile. I love seeing Dis-sers having fun.

Me too! DIS meets are the best.

Great pictures Cynthia a nice day at Disney is something I'm longing for. I've been so spoiled the last couple years that five months in between vacation is just killing me!

That is exactly how I am going to feel as I am waiting for August to get here. I am already ready to go back. My coworker is there now and she is texting me pictures. I LOVE that!

Sometimes those TVs are just the worst. I've finally figured out the input and DVD buttons, they better not change things anytime soon!

Well, as you can see, we never DID figure it out so you are WAY ahead of us.