From Kick'n It at Kidani to Play'n It at Pop adults only p62/63 last thoughts&request

[MEK]

Great update!! Your dinner at Flying Fish sound wonderful!!

It was really yummy. I highly recommend it. And it wasn't crowded at all. I think there were still empty tables when we left at 7:30pm.

If funny that you mention that the self parking lot at Boardwalk is so far. This morning I was listening to this weeks Dis podcast and they were discussing how dnsey is doing away with free valet parking for DVC members. one of the men on the podcast said something to the effect that if you self park at boardwalk and have to carry something lime a 12 pack soda to the resort you out of luck because it's like 7 miles! I'm sure the 7 miles was an exaggeration but I'm sure the walk felt that way too!!

I would imagine that there are some villas that are nearly 7 miles from that parking lot. I can't imagine how long it would take to walk to a villa that was closer to HS. I never really thought about that before, but it would be nearly impossible to use a car if staying there.

I love, love your pics of Boardwalk! One of these trips we'll finally get over there! Of course, another one of the things I heard on the podcast was how terrible the new Cat Cora restaurant is! So, we won't be eating there!

I heard that Cat Cora restaurant was bad, too. I was thinking about it for May, but probably will pass!

Ooooh, those scallops look so yummy!

Something about Flying Fish just draws me there. Your desserts look amazing too.

I love the light fixture even though they are silly looking.

If you like scallops, I really recommend a visit there. And the crab cake was almost entree size. It was seriously good. Desserts, too. three thumbs up for this dinner.

glad you like the light fixture. At least now I know what it is, thanks to the ever observant Cynthia!

O.M.G. The parking at the Boardwalk. The self parking is one hundred million bazillion miles away, and the valet takes an hour. O.M.G. Good thing the villas are so beautiful once you get in them! That resort has my absolute favorite decor, I think it is GORGEOUS!!! But it is a place to leave the car at home!

I definately would like to stay there someday. And I will definately remember to foget about the rental car for that trip! The lobby of the hotel was so interesting. I loved all the blue and white dishes and the horse light fixture and the roller coaster. Pics will be forthcoming!

Glad to hear you liked Flying Fish- we're thinking about going next May. I've only been once, and that didn't work out too well, but the mgr came out to talk to me and said they were having a very bad night. Then she sent my kids a bunch of Mickey chachkeys, so all was forgiven!

:

Sorry you had a not-so-great meal there. Our meal was surprisingly the best of the trip. I just didn't expect that! I'm glad the manager was so nice and helped make ammends for your bad experience.

Ok- have to run- Tyler is eating short ribs out of the pan on the stove with a ladle...and he loves it, so I have to go protect the leftovers, LOL!!!

OH NO.....SAVE THE SHORTRIBS!!!!!!

Whoa!!! I missed 3 updates! How did that happen? You were busy busy busy!!!!

Actually, you've been really busy getting ready for your trip and you have a lot going on at home!

I absolutely LOVE that pic of the gondola! That is so cool and looks very inviting! I don't think I have ever even noticed them.

I never noticed those gondolas either. What's funny is I never expected that particular picture to turn out so good. When I posted it I thought, well at least I have ONE artistic picture out of 1500!

.

I have never been on SE! Can you believe it?? I know...tragic! I will have to try to look for the caveman seen if I can this trip. We are definitely riding SE this time...we have made it a must do.

Oh - you - must - ride - Spaceship Earth. It's a classic. I never tire of it and the ending is so much better now. But I am still bummed that we couldn't find our picture!

Even 20 minutes at the pool can sometimes recharge those batteries!

Agreed!

Flying Fish sounds great! I am not an big regular fish person...but I ADORE shellfish! I can eat that all day long!

Yum! I love shellfish, too. I had a lot of mussels in this trip! And I love shrimp!

 

[Charleston Princess]

Aghhh -- I remember the parking lot being a bit of a hike, but since my feet weren't killing me, it probably didn't feel as bad as it did for you -- your poor feet.

Dinner at Flying Fish looks out of this world!!! I love seafood and fish, so I am absolutely drooling all over the keyboard at your pics of crab cakes and scallops! Yum! That deep dish apple tart looks pretty tasty as well!

Isn't the Boardwalk pretty? I think you need to stay there on your DVC points sometime soon.

 

[MEK]

Aghhh -- I remember the parking lot being a bit of a hike, but since my feet weren't killing me, it probably didn't feel as bad as it did for you -- your poor feet.

Normally I don't mind walking at all. I like it. But having bum fit changed all that!

Dinner at Flying Fish looks out of this world!!! I love seafood and fish, so I am absolutely drooling all over the keyboard at your pics of crab cakes and scallops! Yum! That deep dish apple tart looks pretty tasty as well!

It was a seriously good dinner. If I ever do the deluxe DP again I would definately go back!

Isn't the Boardwalk pretty? I think you need to stay there on your DVC points sometime soon.

I do....I just don't know when. I'm staying VWL this May, fall will be a free dining trip (i hope) and in the spring of 2011 I want to take 2 or 3 of my soccer mom friends. If we go over a weekend I will definately need to stay at OKW to keep the points low. Plus OKW has regular beds in their studios and I think 2 studios would work out best for this trip. No moms want to see anything that resembles a kitchen!!!!!!!

So I guess that brings us up to fall 2011. Brian will be gone so hopefull Denny and I can do anything date trip. This time I think I would like to go later in October or wait until November right after Thanksgiving. Yup - I am planning real far ahead. But that will be the trip where I try for BC or BWV.

 

[MEK]

When I last left off, we had just finished dinner at Flying fish. We watched the sun go completely down over the boardwalk before we ventured in to Epcot.

More boardwalk pics....

We entered Epcot and decided to visit Mexico. I can't remember if we ever did the boat ride in June. It felt like a long time since we had last visited. I always enjoy the animal carvings here, so I decided to take a few pictures.

It was time to see "hi" to donald and the three caballeros....

I wish I could remember exactly where I took this next picture in Mexico.....Does anyone know????

I know I took this as we were leaving and we left through the side door. I guess that's what happens when you take 1500 pictures over 5 days - you lose track of what you were thinking/doing.

Our next stop was Norway. I Know we had stopped here earlier in the day. I guess I thought we took pictures then, when in reality I took them all at night. And they're not very good!

We still had a little time to kill before Illuminations started, so we explored the gift shop. We had no children with us, so we left the obligatory pose with the giant troll to the children who were in the shop with their parents.

Here's some "mini" trolls instead:

Continued in the next post.......

 

[MEK]

It was about 8:50 when we found a place near the railing outside of Norway. We watched illuminations from this spot in June, and I enjoyed so I figured, "Whythe heck not?". Plus my feet made it impossible for me to even consider walking any further. I still had the 3 mile trek back to the car to consider. So, here goes...... Illuminations.......

The first fireworks....

The fireworks on the water.....

Followed closely by the Globe.....

And its many changing faces......

The Globe and the fireworks.....

More faces on the globe.....

As it opens....

The final fireworks....

What a great show. Now that I've looked through the pictures, I realize it might be nice to try watching Illuminations from the deck on the Rose & Crown. I am seriously leaning in that direction for May.

Well, I was able to ignore my aching feet for the show, but once we started that slow shuffle back to the International gateway, I really wished I was walking to the front of the park to catch a bus. The self parking lot seemed really, really far away.

We made it as far as the Boardwalk Hotel and I told DH I needed a break. I wanted some inside pictures of the lobby, but the real reason for the break was my feet.

So, here is a light fixture for LL:

Continued in next post......

 

[MEK]

I have always had a fondness for antique furniture and decorations, so I totally enjoyed nosing around in this lobby. For instance, check out this hooked rug....

Now, if this doesn't take me back. I was a little girl when the Steele Pier still stood in Atlantic City. And I remember my grandparents taking me to see the girl who jumped in the pool on horseback. Yeah, I know, I am showing my age. But I was pretty little and that memory just stuck.

Horses????? Steele Pier?????? Is there a connection here. Am I having a light bulb, ah hah moment?

I really enjoyed sightseeing at the Boardwalk. I sat in the lobby for what seemed like an eternity. Finally, we mustered the energy to make it back to the car. I thought I had put the camera away for the night when we were greeted by the most unexpected surprise in our room. LOOK.......

Well, folks....that's a wrap on Day 2. It was a fun filled, exhausting day. We literally fell into bed. Except I think my older son started texting me just as we were falling asleep. It was after 11pm. What was he still doing awake? Oh, that's right. Their soccer game went into double overtime and they didn't get home until after 10pm. Sorry I missed that.

Up next....Day 3.....Animal Kingdom, Front Row on EE with Pictures, and MNSSHP!

 

[wigdoutdismom]

Ahhhh, Illuminations how I miss thee!
I think you should defiantly try for R&C ressie with a time that is compatible with Illuminations, we did in June and it was fantastic! We are trying it again in December, I just hope it isn't too cold to sit outside.
I love the Boardwalk Lobby, it looks like so much to see, next time we are at Beach Club I'm going in there to look around for sure!

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Hi! All caught up... finally. Silly life getting in the way of the DIS.

I had so much to comment on I took notes:

Hey C - So glad you made it! It really was fun meeting you, too! I knew exactly who you were as soon as you walked in, which was so cool! Plus...I want everyone to know that as cute as you are in your pictures, you are even prettier in real life!!!!!

I am certain I would like to do a food and wine trip next year. I know I can't leave the home front for a long trip, but I KNOW I can manage a 4 or 5 night trip! Hopefully there will be free dining again, because I'd rather do that then stay on points. I'm saving my points for a 2011 soccer mom's trip.

First of all thank you so much. You are too sweet. I loved meeting you guys too. I can verify that in fact Mary Ellen does smile in real life! And bring on F&W 2010!!


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Grand Floridian looks just lovely. I've heard such nice things about Narcoosee's I can't wait to try it.

The full fish on the plate?

LOVE your recommendation of sangria w/ a champagne chaser to make Thunder Mountain seem faster!

What are the odds you'd get the same room at Pop?? Wow! I can't believe they got rid of the frozen coke!

I am so jealous that you had such low crowds for part of your trip. Soarin w/ a 10 min wait?

I was missing The Land too on this trip. It has reopened now and I've heard that it's not really clear what has changed.

Ahhh.. the Beach Club. Sorry you weren't able to book the one night there - that stinks. But there is always next time. Like fall 2010 for F&W.

How nice you have a May trip to plan and look forward to. And how cool to show your friends around who haven't visited in a while. Your ADR plans look great!!

All hail the Grey Goose Slushie!!

Flying Fish is also on my list of restaurants to try. I'm not a huge fish fan but I've heard great things about this place.

Illuminations - what a perfect way to end the night.

 

[jenjolt]

WOW what a wonderful picture filled update Mary Ellen!!! Your Illuminations pictures are amazing!!! I'm so glad you shared those with us!!!! I'm a huge fan of that fire works show! I think the next event CD I am getting is Illuminations!!!I would highly recommend seeing Illuminations from the Rose and Crown, I know you guys would love it!!!

Don't you just love EPCOT at night!!! It's simply stunning!! I'm glad you enjoyed but I'm sorry your feet were hurting you so bad!!

The lobby of the Boardwalk is gorgeous!! I will definitely have to go inside next time and check it out!!

 

[Lady Lallie]

What a wonderful Boardwalk/Epcot Evening! You took some fabulous pictures all around. I'm loving them! I'm 99.9% sure that I MUST go see Boardwalk, all the pictures I see are so "me" or at least they are stuff that I like! I must see that horse chandelier. Must, must, must!

I love all the attention you are getting for you anniversary!

 

[MEK]

Ahhhh, Illuminations how I miss thee!
I think you should defiantly try for R&C ressie with a time that is compatible with Illuminations, we did in June and it was fantastic! We are trying it again in December, I just hope it isn't too cold to sit outside.

I'm pretty sold on the idea of R&C. I had an ADR there in Sept, but canceled to eat at FF. I am looking forward to trying it and seeing Illuminations from the deck.

.
I love the Boardwalk Lobby, it looks like so much to see, next time we are at Beach Club I'm going in there to look around for sure!

It's such a cool place. If I wasn't so tired I would have liked to explore the grounds a bit.

Hi! All caught up... finally. Silly life getting in the way of the DIS.


First of all thank you so much. You are too sweet. I loved meeting you guys too. I can verify that in fact Mary Ellen does smile in real life! And bring on F&W 2010!!

to Food & Wine 2010. It was so fun meeting you, especially on your first day. I'm glad you had such a great trip. Too bad things are crazy now that you are home. Did you update your TR??? I must go check!

And you all heard it here - I really DO smile in real life! So there!

Grand Floridian looks just lovely. I've heard such nice things about Narcoosee's I can't wait to try it.

The full fish on the plate?

The restaurant was beautiful. The fish ----- not so much. I went back and looked at the pics and its scarier than ever!

LOVE your recommendation of sangria w/ a champagne chaser to make Thunder Mountain seem faster!

It worked. I'm trying it again in the spring! I hope it works for space mtn, too!

What are the odds you'd get the same room at Pop?? Wow! I can't believe they got rid of the frozen coke!

I am so jealous that you had such low crowds for part of your trip. Soarin w/ a 10 min wait?

That was so strange about the Pop room. But I am more and more certain it was the same room.

I missed the frozen cokes, especially with that heat.

We did have really low crowds. It was a great time to visit. It's the lowest crowds I've seen since I visited during Hurricane Katrina.

Ahhh.. the Beach Club. Sorry you weren't able to book the one night there - that stinks. But there is always next time. Like fall 2010 for F&W.

I definately want to go back for food & wine. Not so sure about BC, since I am so point challenged, but I will be there.

How nice you have a May trip to plan and look forward to. And how cool to show your friends around who haven't visited in a while. Your ADR plans look great!!

I'm really looking forward to the May trip. I can't wait to visit during F&G.

All hail the Grey Goose Slushie!!

I stopped at the Liquor store on Friday to get a couple bottles and wine and there it was....Grey Goose Citron......I had to get it, although I will never be able to replicate the GCS.

WOW what a wonderful picture filled update Mary Ellen!!! Your Illuminations pictures are amazing!!! I'm so glad you shared those with us!!!! I'm a huge fan of that fire works show! I think the next event CD I am getting is Illuminations!!!I would highly recommend seeing Illuminations from the Rose and Crown, I know you guys would love it!!!

I'm glad you liked the pics. I did take a ton of pics.

That's two votes for R&C. I am looking forward to trying it! I think I will try for Le Cellier for lunch.

Don't you just love EPCOT at night!!! It's simply stunning!! I'm glad you enjoyed but I'm sorry your feet were hurting you so bad!!

The lobby of the Boardwalk is gorgeous!! I will definitely have to go inside next time and check it out!!

I do love Epcot at night. I love it all day long. Its so visually pleasing.

And the Boardwalk lobby - really cool, especially if you like antiques. I loved the little wooden coaster and that carpet!

What a wonderful Boardwalk/Epcot Evening! You took some fabulous pictures all around. I'm loving them! I'm 99.9% sure that I MUST go see Boardwalk, all the pictures I see are so "me" or at least they are stuff that I like! I must see that horse chandelier. Must, must, must!

We did have such an awesome day and evening there. Thanks for the compliment on the pictures. I took a ton of pictures. When there aren't kids involved its much easier to take pics. The Boardwalk is definately one of the more unique lobbies. Its themed so well.

I love all the attention you are getting for you anniversary!

Isn't that crazy. I NEVER expected all that attention. I just wanted the pins for fun. I felt like a kid at Christmas with all my "loot" at the end of the day!

 

[Charleston Princess]

If I owned DVC, I would totally have my trips planned out for about the next five years.

Lovely evening at Epcot and exploring the Boardwalk lobby! I adore Illuminations and you got some great shots!

We exited the pyramid on the right-hand side (if you are facing the lagoon) -- is this the same spot?

 

[LOVEMY3KIDDOS]

Oooooooh! Love those pix of the Boardwalk! As much as I don't love the Jersey shore as much as I did when I was a kid, it takes me back to a fun part of my life when my grandmother used to take me there. It is a very nostalgic place. I will take your advice and get on that SE!!! And, I am going to look for those gondolas and try to get that postcard photo op!! Great surprise you were greeted with in the resort! Yay!!

 

[eandesmom]

I am just loving how much you are being celebrated everywhere you go!

I really really enjoyed all the Boardwalk pictures, those are fabulous! We were had a trip planned there once but it didn't happen. I've never seen a Boardwalk TR and would love to, I love seeing all the details you shared. Love the rug and that horse light fixture especially.

My feet hurt just reading about how far you went....

What a lovely lovely evening!!! R&C would be lovely for illuminations viewing, I just wish I could get excited about the menu.

 

[MEK]

If I owned DVC, I would totally have my trips planned out for about the next five years.

How's 2 years in advance???? That's pretty close...right?

Lovely evening at Epcot and exploring the Boardwalk lobby! I adore Illuminations and you got some great shots!

Thanks! It really was nice to just walk up and start watching the show. Plus the evening temperatures were so perfect.

:


We exited the pyramid on the right-hand side (if you are facing the lagoon) -- is this the same spot?

No, I think we exited on the the left side facing the lagoon. I didn't know you could exit on the right side. But, then again, I don't know everything.

Oooooooh! Love those pix of the Boardwalk! As much as I don't love the Jersey shore as much as I did when I was a kid, it takes me back to a fun part of my life when my grandmother used to take me there. It is a very nostalgic place.

Yup, those were the good ol' days in ACNJ. I haven't been to Atlantic City in years. Just not that into the casinos.

I will take your advice and get on that SE!!! And, I am going to look for those gondolas and try to get that postcard photo op

Oh, your kids will love SE. I remember how cool I thought it was on my first trip. Its not a thrill ride, but there is so much anticipation when you ride it the first time!

Great surprise you were greeted with in the resort! Yay!!

I know, can you believe it? We were pretty stunned, to say the least.

I am just loving how much you are being celebrated everywhere you go!

I know....Can you stand it? I wonder if it was because it was our 20th? That is a pretty big anniversary. Anyway, all the attention spoiled me for sure!

I really really enjoyed all the Boardwalk pictures, those are fabulous! We were had a trip planned there once but it didn't happen. I've never seen a Boardwalk TR and would love to, I love seeing all the details you shared. Love the rug and that horse light fixture especially.

Glad you liked them. I really do wonder if the reason for the horses is because they were a part of the original Atlantic City boardwalk. I should research that a bit. They also had quite a bit of the old blue willow dishes and platters on display, but I did not photograph them.

My feet hurt just reading about how far you went....

ugggghhhhh.

....

What a lovely lovely evening!!! R&C would be lovely for illuminations viewing, I just wish I could get excited about the menu.

I am not excited about the menu either, but I think after enough beer I won't care what I am eating. CP's meal in June sounded pretty good, so I know I will find something I like. Plus, I have to cross it off my list of places I haven't tried yet!

 

[DWGal210]

What great pictures! The Boardwalk looks so neat, and your pictures really brought it to life! Great job!

 

[MEK]

What great pictures! The Boardwalk looks so neat, and your pictures really brought it to life! Great job!

Thanks! I really enjoyed looking around the Boardwalk. Such a cool and unique place to stay. It's definately high on my list!

 

[eandesmom]

I am not excited about the menu either, but I think after enough beer I won't care what I am eating. CP's meal in June sounded pretty good, so I know I will find something I like. Plus, I have to cross it off my list of places I haven't tried yet!

Valid point! I'll have to remember that. And it will be good beer at that. It is on the short list being presented to the group to look at, it's just not at the top of my list.

 

[MEK]

Valid point! I'll have to remember that. And it will be good beer at that. It is on the short list being presented to the group to look at, it's just not at the top of my list.

Mmmmmmmm. Beer! (said in my best Homer Simpson voice)

If I can get Le Cellier for lunch and R&C for dinner, I'll be good with that!

I wish they would release those park hours cause here's what I'm thinking"

Sunday night: the Wave & MK
Monday: MK day / Epcot evening Rose & Crown
Tuesday: Epcot day with Le Cellier lunch / evening - Cirque de Soliel and CS somewhere in DTD depending on what showing we attend
Wednesday: AK all day morning & night - I'm thinking an early seating at Sanaa and then back to AK to ride EE at night (Of course, I am only guessing this night based on Jan hours) Yes - I am going to OD on AK.
Thursday: HS morning Evening: Ohana's and MK
Friday: Not sure.....whatever we decide.

I thought I wanted to eat at LTT for lunch, but I don't know if I should stick with CS. I may schedule an OOP TS lunch at HS.

I was also reading about this cool segway tour in Celebration Florida. It's like $55 a person for a 90 minute tour. I would like to fit that in somewhere. I think the name is something like ze tours.

This is so tentative depending on park hours. The night time things I want to do are: Spectromagic, AK, Illuminations, and Cirque. I have always wanted to do Cirque and I think this is the trip.

 

[eandesmom]

Mmmmmmmm. Beer! (said in my best Homer Simpson voice)

If I can get Le Cellier for lunch and R&C for dinner, I'll be good with that!

I wish they would release those park hours cause here's what I'm thinking"

Sunday night: the Wave & MK
Monday: MK day / Epcot evening Rose & Crown
Tuesday: Epcot day with Le Cellier lunch / evening - Cirque de Soliel and CS somewhere in DTD depending on what showing we attend
Wednesday: AK all day morning & night - I'm thinking an early seating at Sanaa and then back to AK to ride EE at night (Of course, I am only guessing this night based on Jan hours) Yes - I am going to OD on AK.
Thursday: HS morning Evening: Ohana's and MK
Friday: Not sure.....whatever we decide.

I thought I wanted to eat at LTT for lunch, but I don't know if I should stick with CS. I may schedule an OOP TS lunch at HS.

I was also reading about this cool segway tour in Celebration Florida. It's like $55 a person for a 90 minute tour. I would like to fit that in somewhere. I think the name is something like ze tours.

This is so tentative depending on park hours. The night time things I want to do are: Spectromagic, AK, Illuminations, and Cirque. I have always wanted to do Cirque and I think this is the trip.

WTG Homer.

I think Cirque would be great with all adults, while the kids would love it I have a hard time paying that much for the tickets. I think you can have a very full day without OD'ing at AK lol! I know we plan to and you will LOVE EE in the dark! I don't know if it will be dark on our trip, I'm planning an 8:30 ADR but given that it is August...