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

[MEK]

Yall got on a lot of the headliners that day, good work!

I know - we did good. I still can't quite figure out how we managed back to back TT and Soarin. Go figure!

Is it just me who feels like they're going backwards during the EAC part of the Nemo ride? I think it's all the bubbles but I'm always momentarily concerned.

I totally feel the same way. It's sort of a disorienting ride, but I love it all the same.

I mean, at least you didn't back down from your bride and groom photo shoot. Too funny.

Nope - didn't back down at all and they were so into each other and the cameras around them that they didn't even notice mine. Just think - it's getting close to their one year anniversary. I hope they're still married.

Great update!

What I find even harder to believe than you having both a TT FP and a Soarin' FP is that you walked from Test Track to Soarin' without taking any pictures along the way! That would not be like you!

I know, right? I wonder what happened? Hopefully Cynthia will be able to figure it out. And why did I put my camera away? We may NEVER know!

Love your pizza pics and wedding pics!

Thanks! I had so much fun taking those wedding pics.

 

[franandaj]

Well, it was not nearly as exciting as your amazing birthday celebration, but Denny and I took off from work on Wednesday and we drove to the Delaware beaches.

That sounds lovely and it probably wasn't one of those years where you need to have a huge celebration. They only come every so often .

Those topiaries were so cute. I also love Via Napoli. Unfortunately I can't convince Fran to go there or Naples very often. She's just not a big fan of Italian of that kind of pizza. You may also find this sacrilegious but she doesn't care for Illuminations either so you did a whole bunch of thing I rarely get to do. Envious.

 

[amazingact21]

You went into Beaches and Cream and didn't get ice cream? I applaud your resolve. Typically, if I go there, it's only for the ice cream. But, then again, you got a Dole Whip from the outdoor kitchen, which is even better. I'm so happy they made that a permanent item in AK.

Fun day at Epcot! Via Napoli is delicious.

I enjoyed your sneaky newlywed photos. They looked like they went all out for their wedding. And man, some of shots, where you can see them on the bridge with IllumiNation in the background, are really good! It's a shame they won't see them.

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

Which doesn’t make sense because we couldn’t possibly have had FP’s to both attractions, so did we ride one standby?

However you did it, riding both TT and Soarin' back to back is impressive!

Cute, but what is it?

Gravesite of the Tin Man?

Because here we are - back outside.

It still looks amazing!

How many times do you think Denny has actually WORN this shirt???? I’ll give you a hint - the answer lies between 0 and 5.

I'm going to go with once, just in an attempt to keep from being nagged about it.

Instead we were eating here.

I love Via. It’s one of my favorite restaurants.

Love Via Napoli! Great spot.

I’m not sure if I had a better time watching the happy couple or Illuminations. I’m thinking happy couple.

Judging from the photos, I'm going to agree with you.

the best breakfast sandwich EVER!

Ooh, now I'm intrigued...

 

[afwdwfan]

Good ‘ol Beaches N Cream - Home of the Kitchen Sink

Mmmmm.... burgers and ice cream. The perfect combination.

This time I was going for a meal that Captain Oblivious was sure to approve of.

I haven't had lunch yet. You're killing me.

Those are the only pictures I have from lunch.

What? Where are the pictures of the ice cream.

And don't even tell me you went to Beaches and Cream and didn't get any!!!!

Yup - that’s right - I thought it was because several costumers had ordered the Kitchen Sink, but they finally made an announcement that the fire alarm was being “tested” or was “out of order”. It was rather annoying.

Wow. Yeah, that would get annoying pretty quick.

I didn’t mind, because I actually like the movie in France. And I like the seats in the movie theatre even more! Here’s a few scenes from the movie if you haven’t seen it.

I haven't. And I really need to. Good pictures for being still shots of a movie!

But expensive

Wow. That's all I need. A $400 topiary that I can kill in about a week.

I wish they would leave the flowers in the water all year long.

Which doesn’t make sense because we couldn’t possibly have had FP’s to both attractions, so did we ride one standby?

So confused…..

Don't ask us. We weren't there!

So who doesn’t love a butterfly?

My Daughter.

And stopped for one of these, a Dark and Stormy. This bad boy was super strong. A good alcohol value for your F&G dollar. Just sayin...

Thanks for the tip.

On the other hand, for some reason he HATES white T-shirts. So I was torn.

I can see that. I mean, chances are, if I'm wearing a T-Shirt, I'm either lounging around the house or doing something outdoors. White T-shirts have a knack for attracting dirt.

Now I pose this question - How many times do you think Denny has actually WORN this shirt???? I’ll give you a hint - the answer lies between 0 and 5.

Doesn't mean he doesn't like it. Might just be trying to keep it clean and pristine looking for future Disney trips.

I know my white WDW 40th anniversary shirt only gets worn on Disney trips.

Instead we were eating here.

Good choice!!!!!!!

I love Via. It’s one of my favorite restaurants.

I think we decided to share because, really, who can possibly eat a whole one of these themselves?

I mean they are not even watching Illuminations!

For crying out loud, get a room!!!!

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

Cute, but what is it?

The Tin Man's final resting place?

I think we decided to share because, really, who can possibly eat a whole one of these themselves?

Um... I've never actually eaten at Via (on the list), but I would absolutely give it a shot.

I mean they are not even watching Illuminations!

Well in fairness... Neither are you, lol. But I get it.

 

[MEK]

Just got caught up. Both good choices at Beaches & Cream - I've heard good things about the Grilled Cheese (and will likely have that on this trip), but I know the cheeseburger is tasty from past experience!

The grilled cheese is super yummy. I would definitely recommend it. I mean, it's much easier to get a good burger than it is to get a good grilled cheese, or ANY grilled cheese for that matter.

I love all the Epcot Flower & Garden pics - getting me really excited that I'll be there in FOUR DAYS!

OMG! Three days now! You must be SOOOOOOOO excited and I am super jelly!!!!!

Great pics of the shiny couple! Bet they didn't know they had a bonus wedding photographer there!

Good thing about the dark - you can blend in!!!!! Brides are a lot easier to stalk when there's no day light.

Oh - I hope you had a great birthday and fantastic mother's day!

Thanks, I did. I hope your mother's day was equally great!

 

[MEK]

That sounds lovely and it probably wasn't one of those years where you need to have a huge celebration. They only come every so often .

You're right. Sometimes the low key birthdays can be just as great as the big celebrations, but in a different way. Having off mid week and being able to sneak away to someplace that is very crowded during the weekend was really a treat for me because I'm rarely NOT at work during the week.

Those topiaries were so cute. I also love Via Napoli. Unfortunately I can't convince Fran to go there or Naples very often. She's just not a big fan of Italian of that kind of pizza. You may also find this sacrilegious but she doesn't care for Illuminations either so you did a whole bunch of thing I rarely get to do. Envious.

I guess if you're really not a pizza fan (especially like the kind they make at Via) there is no sense going there. I just enjoy that pizza because sometimes that's what I really want on vacation.

Illuminations is definitely not for everyone. Honestly, it took me a few tries to really get into it. At first I really didn't see what all the fuss was about, but now I really like mostly because its in my favorite park - Epcot!

 

[MEK]

You went into Beaches and Cream and didn't get ice cream? I applaud your resolve. Typically, if I go there, it's only for the ice cream. But, then again, you got a Dole Whip from the outdoor kitchen, which is even better. I'm so happy they made that a permanent item in AK.

I know - how weird am I? I would love to go there just for ice cream some day. Sometimes right after I eat I just don't feel like having a big dessert - especially a sundae or a big bowl of ice cream. Usually I want it about an hour later. Doh! But their ice cream really does look amazing, so I need to get over there for a taste test.

Fun day at Epcot! Via Napoli is delicious.

Love Via! It's one of my favorite places in the world. The Epcot world, that is.

I enjoyed your sneaky newlywed photos. They looked like they went all out for their wedding. And man, some of shots, where you can see them on the bridge with IllumiNation in the background, are really good! It's a shame they won't see them.

I'm glad you liked my pics. Yes - I think they really did, especially with that dress. Very festive, for sure. I loved watching them watch (or try to watch) Illuminations from the bridge. What a wonderful view they had.

 

[englishrose47]

Back again with 2 eyes working Was a little nervous about straining them too soon But apart from light sensitivity which is greatly helped by those UGLY sunglasses that I LOVE I will be in Disney this time next month!!!

 

[MEK]

However you did it, riding both TT and Soarin' back to back is impressive!

I know, but HOW? Were my pictures out of order? I still haven't figured it out. I guess if Cynthia ever posts she might be able to unlock the mystery>.

Gravesite of the Tin Man?

Yup - that'll work. I see that you and Rob are of the same mindset. You guys crack me up!

It still looks amazing!

Agreed!

I'm going to go with once, just in an attempt to keep from being nagged about it.

You got it. A big whopping once. And now I can't even FIND that shirt. I wonder how THAT happened????

Love Via Napoli! Great spot.

Me too! Can't wait to eat there in August. So super yummy!!!!!

Judging from the photos, I'm going to agree with you.

Well, considering they were blocking my view, I had to look at something.

Ooh, now I'm intrigued...

This sammie was amazing!

 

[Wood Nymph]

I love Via. It’s one of my favorite restaurants.

This is one of the few restaurants where I always order dessert. I just love their gelato. The service can be mixed, though. One time we had a really good waiter and it made the evening a lot of fun. Another time the service was really slow. But the food is good.

I ordered a white sangria for my beverage. Usually these are really yummy, but tonights was just OK. I’ll be trying something different in August.

I'm not a big fan of sangria but I thought their red sangria was pretty good.

When we walked outside we hit bride-a-palooza pay dirt.

The bride and groom look very shiny. I can see what you mean about her teeth. I love the way you framed the bride and groom against the fireworks.

 

[MEK]

I'm slowly getting to replies. It seems like one at a time. Hey - you do what you can do, right????

Mmmmm.... burgers and ice cream. The perfect combination.

Pretty darn perfect! That burger was quite tasty!

I haven't had lunch yet. You're killing me.

Sorry! But now I think I know what you might be having for lunch!

What? Where are the pictures of the ice cream.

And don't even tell me you went to Beaches and Cream and didn't get any!!!!

Sad, but true! I can never polish off a big sandwich/burger like that and still have room for ice cream. I need a cooling off period before I can have ice cream for dessert, so now I think need to go back to B&C JUST for dessert because all their sundaes look so amazing. Does having a Dole whip later redeem me? Even a little???

Wow. Yeah, that would get annoying pretty quick.

It was, especially considering that I had been drinking adult beverages the night before.

I haven't. And I really need to. Good pictures for being still shots of a movie!

I really enjoy that movie, especially since you get to SIT through it. Bonus!

Wow. That's all I need. A $400 topiary that I can kill in about a week.

I know, right?

See - I think we need to circulate a petition!

Don't ask us. We weren't there!

I know, but Cynthia was and I am hoping she will eventually chime in and clear up the mystery!

My Daughter.

Really? Oh No! That can't be good....

Thanks for the tip.

Hey, I am always looking out for DISers who want to get the most alcohol content for their drinking dollar.

I can see that. I mean, chances are, if I'm wearing a T-Shirt, I'm either lounging around the house or doing something outdoors. White T-shirts have a knack for attracting dirt.

I suppose you are right, but I think he looks nice in brighter colors because he always wears green, black, brown, or black. It's nice to change things up a bit.

Doesn't mean he doesn't like it. Might just be trying to keep it clean and pristine looking for future Disney trips.

Yeah, that's it. NOT!!!!!

I know my white WDW 40th anniversary shirt only gets worn on Disney trips.

Good choice!!!!!!!

I love that place. I'm looking forward to taking my kids there in August. I hope they love it too, especially since they can finish a whole pizza!!!

Was there ever a doubt? I think I was referring more to the female eaters in the crowd!

For crying out loud, get a room!!!!

Seriously, you would think they were newlyweds or something.

 

[glennbo123]

When I saw the chapter title I didn't realize that you would be the paparazzi, but I should have known!

 

[MEK]

The Tin Man's final resting place?

I laughed so hard when I read this the other day. Thanks for that!

Um... I've never actually eaten at Via (on the list), but I would absolutely give it a shot.

You totally should. It is really great. I love it there and visit every few trips. With TIW its a decent price to eat there and I love the food.

Well in fairness... Neither are you, lol. But I get it.

But I'm also not standing on the bridge with a bird's eye view.....just sayin! But, honestly, I found them way more interesting than Illuminations that night.

Back again with 2 eyes working Was a little nervous about straining them too soon But apart from light sensitivity which is greatly helped by those UGLY sunglasses that I LOVE

I am so excited for you and glad that your eye surgery went well! It must be so great to see again. I have seen those sunglasses and they are pretty ugly. I'm surprised no one has figured out a way to make them look a little cuter. But the main thing is you can see again. Welcome back!

I will be in Disney this time next month!!!

That is awesome Rosie! I was originally going to be there in early June, but we switched it to August. I don't think I know one person who is going to be there the same time as me.

 

[MEK]

This is one of the few restaurants where I always order dessert. I just love their gelato. The service can be mixed, though. One time we had a really good waiter and it made the evening a lot of fun. Another time the service was really slow. But the food is good.

mmmmmm - gelato. I will need to save room for some of that in August. It sounds yummy.

I have always had good service there, so boo to the bad service. I guess once the food arrives all is forgotten!

I'm not a big fan of sangria but I thought their red sangria was pretty good.

I love both red and white, but since white is not as common I like to try it when available. Maybe I'll try red next time.

The bride and groom look very shiny. I can see what you mean about her teeth. I love the way you framed the bride and groom against the fireworks.

Those teeth were glowing! Seriously. They looked like they should be on a TV show or something. Very shiny, all the way around.

When I saw the chapter title I didn't realize that you would be the paparazzi, but I should have known!

My mission in my Disney life is to paparazzi every wedding I can find and I totally hit pay dirt in October. stick around - well - If I ever GET to that TR.

 

[eandesmom]

have an update ready to go and Cynthia promises one tomorrow.

And apparently she is a big fat LIAR!

LOL!

Oh my word, my stars and my lack of a computer that wants to play nicely. Or photobucket that wants to play nicely. And work that has been insane...and mothers day and busy kids and well...I plain suck, that's all.

In theory...I should be able to do this tomorrow at the airport but that will depend on a couple of factors.

1. How awful the vet appointment is in the morning (I have a very bad feeling about it)
2. How late or on time my shuttle is which then means
3. How much "free" time I have at the airport and on the plane to get this up. I should be able to get it written at a minimum and then ypload Friday am? Hope so, I would love it up before we head to SF and the weekend is shot after friday am.

And stopped for one of these, a Dark and Stormy. This bad boy was super strong. A good alcohol value for your F&G dollar. Just sayin...

GREAT value and quite tasty too! Strong yes, but in a good way.

Now I pose this question - How many times do you think Denny has actually WORN this shirt???? I’ll give you a hint - the answer lies between 0 and 5.

0

I know, but Cynthia was and I am hoping she will eventually chime in and clear up the mystery!

GAH, I will try!

 

[MEK]

And apparently she is a big fat LIAR!

LOL!

Oh my word, my stars and my lack of a computer that wants to play nicely. Or photobucket that wants to play nicely. And work that has been insane...and mothers day and busy kids and well...I plain suck, that's all.

You are NOT a big fat liar, you are just incredibly busy between work, family, and running. Oh yeah - and that little vacation and side trip to DL. You know when I go away it takes me FOREVER to catch. I think I finally caught up about a month ago after the PHM trip.

In theory...I should be able to do this tomorrow at the airport but that will depend on a couple of factors.

1. How awful the vet appointment is in the morning (I have a very bad feeling about it)
2. How late or on time my shuttle is which then means
3. How much "free" time I have at the airport and on the plane to get this up. I should be able to get it written at a minimum and then ypload Friday am? Hope so, I would love it up before we head to SF and the weekend is shot after friday am.

Oh No. Now you are making me have a bad feeling about the vet appointment, but that's probably because I've had to put two cats to sleep in a year and a half. I'm praying that Hank has more time left. Poor baby. My heart breaks for you if you find out Hank's time here on earth is coming to a close. It's just the worst. I know these smilies are sort of funny, but that is not at all how it feels.

GREAT value and quite tasty too! Strong yes, but in a good way.

Yes, a very good way. I wish I could get one of those year round.

0

Actually 1X, but I think it was in the garden or to exercise. He was supposed to wear it to Epcot, just like the beer around the world shirt I got him the year before.

GAH, I will try!

No worries, but your memory for details tends to be a tad better than mine....actually A LOT better than mine!

 

[eandesmom]

Okay!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am almost a day behind!

Let's take a look at how I spent my morning. I got up and decided to go for a run.

One of the BEST things about our villa location was the proximity to the connector trail (via the golf course) to THV and SSR. We were literally, over the river and through the woods!

I ran from OKW, to SSR and to DTD.

Look, I made it!

Actually I made it to the restroom. I can't recall if we mentioned this in the bowling alley sushi update but the previous evening at some point (I believe post sushi, pre hole in the wall) we needed to find the facilities. With DTD/Disney Springs whatever it is called at the moment a complete and utter construction train wreck...finding said facilities was not easy! However, I am glad we did find them as I found, by the time I made my way "downtown" on my run, I needed them again!

This is the view from the entrance to the temporary facilities they had set up. Which were actually pretty extensive.

Off/On ramp. LOL!

I also needed a bit of shade and a bit of water. It was HOT out! And...my phone was ringing off the hook during the run. I don't recall what was going on back at home but it definitely involved kids schedules, carpools, buses and the like and long distance coordination was required.

This at least was a semi shady spot with a view!

See! Running attire!

Originally I had planned to do it as a full loop. However with the construction, going completely around looked like it might be a bit dicey (to ensure I didn't get lost) and so I went back the way I came.

Running back...THV view

What I know is this. When I got back, Mary Ellen was at the pool. I met her there. And literally took off my tank top (get your mind out of the gutter, I had a perfectly presentable sports bra on), shoes, socks and sunglasses and jumped right in the pool!

Ahhhh....so nice!

After that it was the whole check in/out process (we walked so I could dry and not change lol) then shower, change and off to Epcot! On our walk we met the sweetest older guy. If I recall correctly he was local but he and his wife used their points to just get away and actually stayed at OKW quite a bit.

I have zero pics of the walk or of our entry into Epcot. However, as Mary Ellen noted, the skies opened up! I do have this shot once we made it to the IG and tried to wait it out a bit.

Way more fun to hang with Alex, Alicia and Landon for a minute than slog through that!

Still, we were running late to meet Kat and so we got our hoods back on and geared up to make a dash for it.

Actually, I am not sure if I had a hood or a poncho? I seem to somehow think not as I recall having some VERY wet hair at B&C and I did not have a pony tail holder, or even a brunch if memory serves.

But Mary Ellen, as always, was prepared

I didn't take a single picture at lunch. No clue why, maybe I was losing juice after all the contact with the E's during the run?

What I do know is I had a burger (YUM), had a blast with Kat (lovely little goodies) and enjoyed giving her a very special pirates coverband. It was so great to finally meet her live!

After lunch we headed into Epcot and, since a picture is required for proof, we got one! I think Mary Ellen already posted this but just in case she didn't, here it is again. Unfortunate shirt/shorts combo on my part

For some reason I think Kat may have gotten a slushie or a glass of bubbly to toast Nana before or after we saw the movie in France but I am not positive.

Now, Kat and I were on a mission that had been agreed upon before the trip. It involved a certain drunken Dole Whip. I am fairly sure we all had one but Kat's photographed much better as she had the one with Myers and I think Mary Ellen and I opted for the coconut rum version. Mary Ellens picture shows that one. It was good but Kat's was better.

She had brought a friend along to oversee, and he approved.

I believe, after our adventure with Jack, some rum and a little pineapple we may or may not have hit Living with the Land. We did have FP's for this, with Kat.

But we may have blown it off. I do know we walked Kat out and then headed to the Art of Disney store (or whatever it's called lol). I was on a mission.

The mission was to redo my powder room and I was checking out the stores for ideas.

Apparently I was on another mission as well.

Guess I was still hungry after that burger? I am sure this was the tilapia...

Hello ugliest/cutest topiary in the World

Wonder if he will be there next year, or replaced by Olaf?

Pretty!

And then that Dark and Stormy apparently called my name

With food on the side...cuz you know, a burger and a tilapia wasn't enough...oh and a dole whip and whatever that drink was (I can't see myself ordering a lime cooler but who knows, $2 for spa water doesn't sound like me either. Clearly it was not memorable although the tilapia was). The reverse is true here. LOVED the dark and stormy, the food is not ringing a bell at all.

Ah, all nice out now!

I'll be back to continue the evening! But now, have a flight to catch. Hey, it's the morning at least. LOL!

 

[Tracy161]

Lovely run pictures! What a treat to start the day like that!

Yay for the meet with Kat!