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

[DWGal210]

I think your plan for May sounds like a great idea - go for it!!

 

[MEK]

Selfishly I want to tell you May is a HORRIBLE idea but I won't. It sounds like a good idea to add a little bit of solo time in May before everyone arrives. I think you really need to audition from AI. Preferably in October so I can watch you.

I'm laughing because your May trip last year was filled with lots of rain and lots of blisters. I hope I don't endure the same. I'm going to be heavily into blister prevention in May. I looked at all your anti-blister creams, ointments, and cushions and I cracked up.

I'm still really up in the air about AI. But if I do a solo trip in October it is definately a possibility!!!!!

I think your May idea is a great one! Especially with the gut feeling. I'm big on that too - generally I know when it's a YES, and if I'm hemming and hawing, it's probably a no.

So well put Brooke. That's exactly how I feel. That's why I'm leaning towards an early arrival in May. It just feels right!

I.

I'm sorry to hear about your January trip that almost was though! $7.50 a point! I instantly starting crunching numbers in my head wondering how we could make it work.

I KNOW......$7.50 a point. That is such a steal. It's like $125 more than what I would spend on a room a ASMu with my AP rate. Granted, I would be sharing the 2BR, but STILL ....Come'on....its unbeatable!

Love your Tree House pics!! They were beautiful! I completely understand about needing time to explore, and no one behind you to really get into your photography groove, I'm the same way.

Thanks, especially coming from yours, since yours were fantastic!!!!!!!!

I was just thinking how if I don't go to Disney is Jan then I can get my new camera. And if I get my new camera I really want to go to Longwood Gardens and practice taking some pics.

I think going a few days early in May sounds great, but then I always think extra time at Disney is a good idea.

Can't wait to hear about your summer plans.

i have truly enjoyed your trip report. my wife and i are headed back to WDW in a few months, and you have given me some new ideas on what to do in the parks. plus, i always love a good dining review.

thank you so much for taking the time to write and prepare your report. i i know it's not something you just "throw together", but takes hours and hours of work. thanks for letting me benefit from your hard work!

Thanks Jasper Dale and Welcome to my TR!.....and welcome to the boards. You are going to find a ton a good TR's to keep you reading happily along until its time for your trip. I do think that adult trips are the BEST and I hope you and you wife have a fantastic time!!!!!!!!

I can totally relate to the solo/lonely aspect and not loving dining alone. I think it reminds me of too many business trips!

I'm glad I am not alone in my "dining alone" distaste. I just don't enjoy it. When I am alone I am basically just eating for hunger. When I go out with other people its the whole other social aspect of dining that I enjoy so much.

I love your idea, it's the perfect compromise of a little solo time, which we all need, and then your bigger trip!

Yeah - I think this idea is a winner, especially since there will be so many Dis'ers there that weekend. Plus it will give me some much needed practice with my new camera. Then I won't feel like I am ignoring my friends as much while I'm taking pictures.

Well I think your idea is FABULOUS!!!!!!

We'll be doing Fantasmic on Saturday night and although AI was not on my must-do list but if you audition on Sunday, I'll be there rooting you on!

(and nope, I didn't get to HM last summer, my boys refused!)

I saw that! I forget what the rest of your Sat plans are, but I will definately pm you once I decide to do this. That way we can possibly arrange a meet. I doubt I would do AI on Sunday, but I would definately like to meet you guys over the weekend!!!!!

I can't believe you boys refused HM. Horrors!!!!!! They are such cute boys. I bet they will love it next time!

I've been kicked out of chat for using that acronym!

OMG I am cracking up out loud at work. Leave it to you to see that Shocker. I hadn't even noticed. I wonder whose mind is in the gutter more. Thanks for the good laugh. I needed it. Blah Monday! I feel so much better now!

Hey ME,

Loved your photos up in the treehouse... I have to get back up there next time:

Thanks. I really enjoyed it up there. Next visit I need to get over to Tom's Island and take some pics there. Haven't been there since my first trip.

I was jonesing to go into HM multiple times last trip also...in fact I could go for a trip through right about now...hmm...I think that Jen has had an HM influence on all of us...

Hope you get your days in May...

I think Jen's love of HM is so contagious. When she writes about it, her passion just comes through it a way that is infectious. She really has helped me to appreciate the HM in a new way!

I think your plan for May sounds like a great idea - go for it!!

Thanks - I am pretty darn sure I am going for it. In fact, maybe I leave midday Friday instead of Friday night!!!!!

 

[podsnel]

I vote YES for coming early in May!!! That's more time in the tequila ditch with us!!!

 

[wsushocker]

OMG I am cracking up out loud at work. Leave it to you to see that Shocker. I hadn't even noticed. I wonder whose mind is in the gutter more. Thanks for the good laugh. I needed it. Blah Monday! I feel so much better now!

 

[manntra]

I think leaving a few days early is a great idea. I am still up in the air about where to stay that Saturday night but we have lots of time to decide! I was thinking some of the airport hotels but then with an AP rate maybe there is something good on property. It has been easy for me because my friend is going along with whatever I say (smart, isn't she? )
I am so happy that you are considering the AI...you definitely have my vote!

Tracy

 

[MEK]

I vote YES for coming early in May!!! That's more time in the tequila ditch with us!!!

Oh YeaH!!!!!!!!! Between the tequila ditch and the sake bar I would say that arriving early is looking better and better!

Shocker.....you've got a come back for everything! Good One! Of course, if I hit the tequila ditch and the sake bar all in one night, I might just end up in the gutter!!!!!

I think leaving a few days early is a great idea. I am still up in the air about where to stay that Saturday night but we have lots of time to decide! I was thinking some of the airport hotels but then with an AP rate maybe there is something good on property. It has been easy for me because my friend is going along with whatever I say (smart, isn't she? )

I am hoping for a good AP rate for May,too. It seems like a decent AP rate would make it easier than staying near the airport, so that's what I'm hoping for. Isn't it great when your friends just trust you to plan the whole trip? It makes everything so much easier. Control freaks....aren't we?

I am so happy that you are considering the AI...you definitely have my vote!

Awwh....thanks Tracy.....that's so nice!

 

[eandesmom]

I'm still really up in the air about AI. But if I do a solo trip in October it is definately a possibility!!!!!

I'm glad I am not alone in my "dining alone" distaste. I just don't enjoy it. When I am alone I am basically just eating for hunger. When I go out with other people its the whole other social aspect of dining that I enjoy so much.

Oh you have to do AI!

I like eating alone.

If it's in my hotel room, with a nice glass of wine and a good book or a bad movie on pay per view!

Then it's just about perfect.

Otherwise I've been known to take books into restaurants when dining alone. Or eat in the bar (feels less "alone" for some reason?)

 

[mickeysmyboy]

I've been kicked out of chat for using that acronym!

If I were the tag fairy that would so be your tag Shocker!!!!!!! Too funny!

 

[praisehisname]

I've never had the desire to explore the Treehouse, but after seeing your pictures I might change my mind. Great job!

 

[MEK]

Oh you have to do AI!

One of these visits I will. But I don't think I will tell anyone until its over!

I like eating alone.

If it's in my hotel room, with a nice glass of wine and a good book or a bad movie on pay per view!

Then it's just about perfect.

Otherwise I've been known to take books into restaurants when dining alone. Or eat in the bar (feels less "alone" for some reason?)

I totally agree with this. I think I would prefer eating alone in my room to be out in a restaurant. In fact, when I went solo a couple years ago I do recall having a couple meals alone in my room. It's funny, but I don't remember much about the food I consumed on that trip because it was all counter service. The only meal I really remember was when I took the KTTK tour. I remember that because I got to be around people!!!!!

If I were the tag fairy that would so be your tag Shocker!!!!!!! Too funny!

I am certainly going to miss Shocker's sidebar comments while he, Anita, and Baylor are enjoying themselves in Disneyworld. I know they set up computer central in their villa, so maybe he'll stop by for a late night comment!

I've never had the desire to explore the Treehouse, but after seeing your pictures I might change my mind. Great job!

Thanks Denise!!!!!! I can't wait to see your pics from your trip. In fact, I think I will head over there this morning to see what I missed while I was reading at work!

 

[MEK]

.........that I didn't plan a January trip, because Brian's soccer team is looking at tournaments in Florida for President's weekend. Of course, it's like a bajillion dollars to fly there for the weekend. But me thinks that if they decide to do a tournament (which would be at Disney, Sanford, or Tampa), I will definately head down a few days early for a little solo visit. It will make my flight down soooooooo much cheaper and there are still AP room rates for that week.

Then I was thinking I could pick Brian up from the airport on Thursday or Friday and we could head to the tournament destination. It's going to be expensive, but I will just deal. I'm curious to see how many parents want to go down there. No one really wanted to go the week after Christmas. So we'll see!

Since I am all ready to be super snowed in this weekend, I promise an update today!

 

[MEK]

So it is snowing big time right now! We NEVER get REAL snow before Christmas. It's pretty amazing. Looks like we will be snow bound this weekend. It's common to even cancel church when it snows a lot here, so I potentially will get a music break tomorrow. I can't say I'm too disappointed about that, since I have mega music coming up on Christmas eve.

So........when I last left off I was about to try for a picture of the ever elusive ghost bride in the Haunted Mansion. Did I finally capture her digital image???? Well, let's see. Excuse me for a moment while I go hop over to my photobucket account.

OK. That's better. Here's the first picture I took in HM......

And......TAAAAAAAA DAAAAAAAAAAA..........the bride:

I was pretty psyched when I looked in my view finder and realized that I finally captured her! I love her eery silhouette. What a great imagineering feat!

When we exited HM it was still about 15 minutes until our LTT lunch ADR. I visited that cute kitchen shop right outside the mansion, but I didn't see anything I wanted. Other than Denny's Tshirt, we really didn't buy anything this trip. I'm not sure why. I guess I just wasn't in the shopping mood. My souveniers were to be my memories and my 1500 new pictures.

We checked into LTT a few minutes early. The place was quite full and it looked like they were turning away walk-ins. We were seated relatively quickly, but the didn't call "our family" by name. I'm not sure why. Since we are from the first state (how colonial is that?), it would have been nice to be called the K--- family from Middletown, DE. Oh well.

I took a few pictures while we were waiting to order.....

LL.....

As you can see, our dining room was pretty empty when we were first seated. But no worries, it quickly filled to capacity.

I was looking forward to eating here, because I heard that lunch was really great. I remember LL saying how great the Tavern fried cheese was, but we opted to share the Crab and Spinach Dip for two.

It was pretty good. Probably not as good as the fried cheese, but I'm glad we tried it. As we were enjoying our crab dip I got a text message. Whenever I would get a text message during this trip, my first thought would be, "Oh crap. It must be one of the kids. What's wrong?????". And it seemed like most of those messages occurred during meal time. I even apologized to our waitstaff on one or two occasions for doing so much texting during meals. Once I explained to the castmember that we had "home alone" teenagers, I they gave us that understanding nod. LOL!

So, without haste, I quickly grabbed my phone and saw the following message....

On the monorail from Epcot to MK. Will be there soon!


And the message indicated it was from none other thanChristine from DIS. Hah! That was how I put C's name in my cell phone. I was too excited. Could it be that I was just about to have my first DIS meet! Coooooooooooool!

Truth be told, I think Denny was a little excited, too. Or at least he was a bit curious. He never really says too much about the countless hours I spend on the boards. Ever once in a while he will comment "Have you been on those DISH boards again?" To which I reply "DIS dear, NOT DISH!".

So C and I texted back and forth a bit and made arrangements to meet after her ADR at the Plaza.

So back to our meal. Since we had been on the deluxe dining plan we hadn't eaten at any CS places, so I was actually looking forward to order a sandwich. I ordered the Tri corner Roast beef sandwich and Denny opted for the the Roast turkey.

Tri-Corner Sandwich - roast beef and swiss cheese with Liberty Slaw, horseradish cream sauce and arugula served on herbed focaccia with fresh fruit or tavern fries $11.49

Pilgrims' Feast - traditional roast turkey with herb bread dressing, mashed potatoes and a garden vegetable $14.99

In my excitement over hearing from C, I almost forgot to take a picture of my sandwich, which was excellent. Honestly, it was the best sandwich I have ever eaten in the world. I craved it for several weeks after our return home. Please excuse the half eaten sandwich in this picture.

The worst part was, I couldn't finish it. I wanted to. But I was just too darn full. And if we hadn't been leaving that day, I would have taken it with me. But with the heat and no imminent refrigeration, I had no choice but to leave it there. Boo hoo!

And Denny's meal.....

I know that Denny cleaned his plate and then ate dessert. Ouch! Someone's tummy was definately stretching. I can't remember what he had for dessert. I asked for my brownie (sans the ice cream) to go.

After lunch we decided to visit the Hall of Presidents while C was having her lunch. Since the show didn't start for another 15 minutes I decided to have one final photo opt. Here are the lovely buildings in Liberty Square:

I love the cute little colonial buildings. I have always been a big fan of colonial / historic buildings and architecture. I think its a shame that there is a smoking area here. Personally, I think smoking areas should be the least desirable places in the park. Because I think it should be a reminder of how ugly the inside of your body gets when you smoke. Soap box moment! Sorry! (Plus I think I made this comment once before....having a deja vu moment right now)

Here's a few more pictures I took while waiting for the HOP show!

Continued in next post.......

 

[MEK]

Finally it was time to go see the Hall of Presidents. This can be one of those "sleeper" shows for me. Meaning, its cool, its dark, its educational, and, of course, that sometimes equals...zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz But I didn't fall asleep. I was interested in seeing the addition of Barack Obama to the exhibit. And I did manage a few more pics......

So, don't ask me what I learned new, because I don't remember. I know that I always enjoy this exhibit, but my retention is bad. I know I don't enjoy it as much as the American Adventure. It's the AA music that gets me everytime! So patriotic.

After we exited HOP, we headed towards the main street bakery. I wanted to use some of our remaining snack credits. When I hit the line I sent C a text that we were at the MS bakery and to meet us there. She was right across the street. Denny and I were able to find a small table to wait. As we were waiting, he said, "Are you going to recognize her?" Funny, I was just thinking the same thing. I replied, "Ahhh I think so, I mean...I HOPE so".

At that moment C walked in. I knew it was her instantly. And I have to tell you peeps that C is more beautiful in real life than in her pictures. She just had the best glow about her. She was radiating. Seriously - I know that must sound crazy, but C personified what I call the "first day Disney glow". I think there really is a look that some people get when they get to Disney, and especially when they enter MK. It is a look which exemplifies all the joy and happiness they feel when they finally, after months of waiting, get to their happy place. Silly? Nah.....I think you guys know its a real phenomenon.

C recognized me, too (thank goodness....I was smiling, ya know ) and we gave each other a big hug. It was so nice to meet a fellow Dis'er, especially after so many months/years of talking to so many great folks over the internet. And as so many people have said, I instantly felt comfortable with C. It was like we had know each other for in real life, not just DIS life.

Unfortunately, our visit was short lived because Denny and I had to leave for the airport. Our time at Disney was quickly coming to a close. But what a great closing it was. I asked C if she wanted our Splash mtn FP's, but she said she was leaving the park, too. So we rode back to Epcot on the ferry and the monorail together. And you know what, I forgot all about those FP's, so I never found a new owner for them. Oh well. I felt kind-of bad about that, but what can you do.

Denny took a couple pictures of C and I on our return trip.....

C reminded me to smile, and we both had a good laugh about that!

When we finally arrived at Epcot, I glanced at the time. We had about two hours to our flight departure. I remember C saying, "You guys sure like to cut it close". So we said our final goodbyes and I wished C to have the most awesome trip ever. I was secretly a little jealous of the 10 days she had ahead of her, but more than that - I unselfishly hoped she had a fantastic time!

Then we were off - the mad rush to fill up the car with gas and return it to MCO. We got through security in plenty of time and found our flight was going to be delayed by about 1/2 hour.

We were flying home on southwest and I have to share a return flight observation with you. Normally SW is great. You board, you find a seat, you sit down. But I don't know what was wrong with our fellow travelers on this particular flight. No one could seem to sit down and everyone was trying to put their carry-ons in the overhead compartments. One girl in front of us actually had the nerve to ask another passenger to take her bag out of the over head compartment so she could put a suitcase in there. The passenger replied, "if you want it out then you can put it under your seat". OK, then.

Finally the stewardess came and collected all the extra bags and had them checked. thank you! Com'on people - bags fly free!

So, folks that concludes my adventures in Disney World. Of course, we still had a little adventure on the way home. We had found this great little short cut from Rt 50 to BWI on the way there. We wanted the GPS to take us back that same route, but it wouldn't. So we tried to pick a town that we knew was on that return route and trick the gps. Let's just say that plan completely backfired. Denny put some town in that was totally in the wrong direction and we drove out of our way for awhile until I looked up and realized we had seriously screwed up. Needless to say, I was less than thrilled with this turn of events and Denny and I shared our first "words" since the start of the vacation.

And that, my friends, was when we realized the magic had really ended!

Of course, I will be back with my summary and of my top 5 favorite events of this trip, my new adventure list, and my likes/dislikes. Then I want to share some pictures from our photopass calendar.

Thanks so much for reading along!!!!!!!!

 

[dawnbu40]

Great update! We ate at LTT our last day too! I love the pics from Liberty Square. Those buildings are so pretty. for the awesome pic of the Bride! Sorry to see your report coming to a close but looking forward to your wrap up

 

[MEK]

Great update! We ate at LTT our last day too! I love the pics from Liberty Square. Those buildings are so pretty. for the awesome pic of the Bride! Sorry to see your report coming to a close but looking forward to your wrap up

Thanks Dawn! Looks like we are both wrapping up our TR's around the same time! I hope we end up there around the same time next fall. (hint hint!)

 

[manntra]

WOW! What an awesome picture of the bride! I love it! She looks so creepy!
Good pics of the HOP too...I really liked the changes they made..it really needed an update.
Ahhhhh the "First day of Disney glow." That should be bottled or a spa treatment!
Interesting events on SWA. I have never flown with them but I can't really imagine the free for all seating...I know it works for them but as you encountered...some people I get so annoyed with people carrying on bags that should have been checked...or at least they will give you a tag and put them under
Are you enjoying the snow? Stupid question I know. We aren't getting any Could have used some as I am going snowboarding tomorrow and I think it's mostly man made snow. The storm is just missing me...I am in the middle of NYS but close to the PA border so it is all below and to the east of me.

Tracy

Looking forward to your favorites of the trip...please not another picture of the fish. I did a photpass calendar too!

 

[MEK]

WOW! What an awesome picture of the bride! I love it! She looks so creepy!
Good pics of the HOP too...I really liked the changes they made..it really needed an update.

Thanks. I am pleased with the way the bride turned out. Just wait till I get that new camera! Of course, I will have to ride it 5 times again to get the timing down!

Definately good updates to HOP!

Ahhhhh the "First day of Disney glow." That should be bottled or a spa treatment!

It should be bottled! Maybe C can work on that, cause she really had it that day!

Interesting events on SWA. I have never flown with them but I can't really imagine the free for all seating...I know it works for them but as you encountered...some people I get so annoyed with people carrying on bags that should have been checked...or at least they will give you a tag and put them under

Usually SWA is great and people aren't morons. I kept wanting to say "Its SW people, not air tran. Lose the bags.". Those flight attendants could barely shut everything.

Are you enjoying the snow? Stupid question I know. We aren't getting any Could have used some as I am going snowboarding tomorrow and I think it's mostly man made snow. The storm is just missing me...I am in the middle of NYS but close to the PA border so it is all below and to the east of me.

I am not a midatlantic snow hater. I actually like snow. This is one of those times that I would actually WANT to ski in the poconos. But by the time I have a chance to go, the snow will be ruined. I hope you get some snow soon. This is EXTREMELY unusal for us to get this much snow and before Christmas. Basically unheard of.

Looking forward to your favorites of the trip...please not another picture of the fish. I did a photpass calendar too!

Not to worry - no more fish pictures! I really like the calendar. I had just the right number of pics to do it and I like all the little factoids.

 

[dawnbu40]

Thanks Dawn! Looks like we are both wrapping up our TR's around the same time! I hope we end up there around the same time next fall. (hint hint!)

Well we're already booked so now you just have to convince that husband of yours to go again in the fall too

 

[wigdoutdismom]

Hi Mary Ellen!
Super pictures of the bride! Very impressive....
Thanks for the yummy pictures of LTT. We are eating there Christmas day!
That was going to be our last meal of the trip....
Then we extended it by three nights last weekend.
Have a great weekend!
Anita

 

[kschafer]

I'm so sad it's over but thrilled you may be going in Jan to tide me over with pictures.

Hooray for a Christine meet!!! I sure hope we talked her into a May bounceback since returning last week, she hasn't been on the Dis, I can't wait to hear if she will be joining us!!