How Do You Think We Stay So Happy?*Final Thoughts & Farewells* 10/7 p100

[MEK]

Great cookie making photos and I have to agree that all the photos are great! Having never been to Disney World I am enjoying seeing different perspectives of the parks.

You are going to love it when you finally see it. The photos are fun because they capture the finer details. The first time you go there its hard to see anything but the big picture. But take photos of small, obscure things. It will leave you wanting, no needing, to return.

OoooOOOOOOooooohhh that looks delicious!!!!!! I haven't actually gotten anything from the new shop, but I have gone inside (that smell of caramel is permeating!!)

I haven't either, so I think I'll have to put that on my December list, especially since we will be doing the DxDP for a couple days. Caramel - here I come. I might use all my snack credit there.

 

[MEK]

It's better than the old one for sure, though to be fair the old one struggled with the steam and humidity, not sure how this one will do yet. However, the color saturation you and Melissa get is LIGHT years different.



:

I use the iphoto editing software. I never learned how to use my photoshop. That's how I add a lot of the color. I keep fooling around with it until I'm satisfied. I get really sucked into it sometime. It's somewhat addictive.

 

[Happydog]

That was a fun update! AND I loved all the photos of the WS! Morocco so pretty! Such nice detail there. and of course the Margarita story!! I LOVE the blood orange one... I had one at the Flying Fish last Christmas... YUM. They had a top shelf choice, with Gran Marnier? IT was awesome! The Blue is very pretty.

 

[eandesmom]

I use the iphoto editing software. I never learned how to use my photoshop. That's how I add a lot of the color. I keep fooling around with it until I'm satisfied. I get really sucked into it sometime. It's somewhat addictive.

Ok I feel better knowing you've done some editing. I have Photoshop but rarely (never) edit which is kind of funny considering all I do in illustrator. I'll need to go play!

 

[MEK]

That was a fun update! AND I loved all the photos of the WS! Morocco so pretty! Such nice detail there. and of course the Margarita story!! I LOVE the blood orange one... I had one at the Flying Fish last Christmas... YUM. They had a top shelf choice, with Gran Marnier? IT was awesome! The Blue is very pretty.

Oh, that sounds delish! I could really go for a "good" margarita, but I seriously do not think there is any place close to my house that would make a good one. I think I am spoiled now. Perhaps I need to learn to make my own. And then again - maybe not!

Ok I feel better knowing you've done some editing. I have Photoshop but rarely (never) edit which is kind of funny considering all I do in illustrator. I'll need to go play!

It's all about the editing. Seriously, I had my camera on the wrong settings so often that I had to put the color back into the clouds and the flowers. But it's fun. Now if I could only learn how to be efficient with photoshop.

 

[eandesmom]

Oh, that sounds delish! I could really go for a "good" margarita, but I seriously do not think there is any place close to my house that would make a good one. I think I am spoiled now. Perhaps I need to learn to make my own. And then again - maybe not!

come to Seattle, I'll take you out for margarita's. We know ALL the good spots

It's all about the editing. Seriously, I had my camera on the wrong settings so often that I had to put the color back into the clouds and the flowers. But it's fun. Now if I could only learn how to be efficient with photoshop.

Very cool, I truly haven't done any, though I do know what to do in PS, just haven't bothered. I may test it out on a few for future updates!

 

[mickeysmyboy]

Wonderful update MaryEllen!! Beautiful pictures!!

It was so nice to stroll through WS and truly enjoy the surroundings and the company!

I'll admit, with MaryEllen on photography duty I slacked off tremendously after the first 2 days! But, I did manage to some in WS! After that, not so much!!!

So, here's my perspective of our trip through WS!





























BTW, my beautiful, yummy, glowing drink is known as

Magic Blue
El Mayor premium silver Tequila, Blue Curacao, fresh lime juice and agave nectar, served on the rocks with a hibiscus Himalayan salt rim and a souvenir LED blue ice cube

It was very, very yummy!! I'd have it again, although with a menu like the ditch has I'll be having something else before magic blue and I meet again!

Yes, I ended up with salt on my..., well, you got the idea by now! Not just regular salt but red salt! On my nice, light blue 40th anniversary tee shirt!!!! Boo! Luckily, with some good washing it came out! Otherwise I might cry!

 

[KatMark]

Great photos, Melissa. That drink looks very yummy (and being that it is 85 here today I think it would go down very smoothly).

 

[MEK]

I'll admit, with MaryEllen on photography duty I slacked off tremendously after the first 2 days! But, I did manage to some in WS! After that, not so much!!!

I LOVE your pix and am so disturbed that you slacked on the photography. This time my favorite is the one with all the red fedoras. I missed those.

BTW, my beautiful, yummy, glowing drink is known as

Magic Blue
El Mayor premium silver Tequila, Blue Curacao, fresh lime juice and agave nectar, served on the rocks with a hibiscus Himalayan salt rim and a souvenir LED blue ice cube

It was very, very yummy!! I'd have it again, although with a menu like the ditch has I'll be having something else before magic blue and I meet again!

Yes, I ended up with salt on my..., well, you got the idea by now! Not just regular salt but red salt! On my nice, light blue 40th anniversary tee shirt!!!! Boo! Luckily, with some good washing it came out! Otherwise I might cry!

Well, at least you didn't end up regular salt on your......, rather hibiscus Himalayan salt.......That sounds quite exotic. I got some salt on my pants later in the week and it took two washings to get it out. Lots of spray and wash. I was shocked how stubborn that salt was.

Great photos, Melissa. That drink looks very yummy (and being that it is 85 here today I think it would go down very smoothly).

I was craving a rita all week, especially when it was 95 degrees here with a heat index of 104. Unfortunately, I really don't know of one local place that can make a rita anywhere close to the Cave quality. I think I'll have to learn to make my own. But yesterday I bought some mango vodka, so I'm gonna work on martinis for the time being.

 

[MeMom]

Ah - weekends - so great for DISing when there are a million other things we all should be doing.

All of your pictures are wonderful. I enjoyed being in World Showxase for a few minutes as I looked at them. Shopping is Morocco is an experience within itself. The open air shopping concept along with the unique architecture makes it have a whole different feel than just going into a regular shop.

 

[Disneymoon09]

I love this TR! It makes me soo much more excited for our trip in september! Where can I find a copy of the menu for all the 'ritas? They sound delicious!

 

[MEK]

So where were we?????? Oh yeah - Melissa, Cynthia, and Christine had just finished a round of the most delish looking ritas, while Jen and I nursed our water in the Cave. I was glad we didn't hang in there too long because I get quite antsy when I am around alcohol and I can't drink. I am sure that is on the checklist for "Are you an alcoholic?", but whatever.

When we emerged from the Cave we carefully considered our options. We were going to take a little boat ride with Donald, but the line looked long. So we vetoed that idea, vowing to come back later in the week? Did we? Well, I will be the first to admit that I did NOT. And I will admit that I am not exactly devastated over it.

While we were still in the Cave Christine made the comment that she had seen signs for the "World showplace". She was convinced that someone had made an egregious mistake. I thought maybe she had had too many margaritas, but I was soon to find out that she was quite correct in her observation.

In the meantime, we emerged from the dark into the bright Florida sunshine. We continued to mosey our way through the world showcase. And the picture taking resumed in full force.

I actually took the next two pictures in a kiosk over near Germany. I am posting them for all the cat lovers out there. I found them rather comical.

Hey Look - I managed a picture of the ladies when they weren't looking. Check out Jen's really cute hat. She just bought it moments before.

I usually use my zoom lens for pictures, but I was enjoying just using the standard lens. Different perspective.

The sky writers were back with the message of the day.

Then we saw the very creative Cars topiaries

I don't think I ever got a good shot because I kept trying angles where I would avoid having people in the shot.

Moving on

We stopped at another kiosk that had all these cute, expensive, difficult to transport, Disney themed garden items.

I would love that in my garden. So cute.

Also cute.....

I thought I had some pictures of Canada, but I apparently I did not take them until the next day, so you'll have to wait. I did get a few scenery shots near Canada.

Fading message. I still don't think you get much bang for your buck with sky writing.

And THEN.....THERE IT WAS. Christine was not delusional or suffering from too much alcohol.

The World ShowPlace sign. WT..........???????

Some of you more seasoned Disney veterans may have already realized that there was a huge dance competition going on in Epcot. I actually heard some people talking about how good the performers were. They certainly went all out with their dance attire.

They were all heading here:

Before we actually saw any performers we made a quick stop in England.
There we saw this lovely lady.

When I retire and move to Florida, I want her job. What do ya think???

I think I could definitely pull it off. I've already got the double chin. Red wig and dollar store sunglasses and that job is MINE!

Continued........

 

[MEK]

Continued........

Once our grand lady of the Flower & Garden festival drove off, I spied several iconic Epcot structures.......the phone booths in England. I quickly juggled my camera and my cell phone so I could place a few calls. Oh yeah - those phone numbers that Glenn gave me finally came in handy. I felt all giggling, like a little kid. Talk about dorks, huh Cynthia?

Hello???? Hello, Christine. Someone is watching you!

C, Red is definitely your color.

I may have hung out long enough to get some unsuspecting child to pick up. I can't remember which day I did that. Unfortunately, I have not mastered the technique of calling AND taking a simultaneous picture.

By the Way - If you are reading Glenn, my center phone booth number did not work. With my dyslexia I probably put it in wrong, so if you still have those numbers handy and you wouldn't mind?......

I thought this was rather interesting attire, hence the picture.

Ahh... Merry Old England

One of the reasons I like Disney so much. It's all the extras....

We decided to do a little shopping in England.

And we even found a display of Kate's engagement ring. Sadly, they had all sold out the day before.

Towards the back of the store we hit character pay dirt. We walked right up. There was no one there.

And I got a little character interaction all to myself (being the birthday girl and all that)

Cynthia said our PP pictures just came in, so we don't have them yet to share. Hopefully they are better than these.

Having our fill of Epcot for one afternoon, we headed to C's private entrance. Only it wasn't so private today. It was filled with dancers. And dancers have big backpacks.

The ladies asked me to take a few paprazzi pix of the groups.

The most amazing thing was all the eye makeup they had on. Tons and tons of bright shimmery silver eyeshadow on their upper lids. I don't know how they managed to keep their eyes open.

Good Luck Girls! Break a Leg (oh wait, that's probably not the right saying...)

Once we exited Epcot I finally put the camera away. Melissa and Christine set off to the Beach Club, while Jen, Cynthia, and I headed for the comfort of Jen's valet parked car. I suspect that Tracy was finally set to arrive and soon there would be 6.

Up Next: Dinner at Raglan Road and "You Know What's Really Fun If You are a Dork Like Me?"

 

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

That looks awesome! I'll be sure to watch out for that wayward salt though!

 

[MEK]

All of your pictures are wonderful. I enjoyed being in World Showxase for a few minutes as I looked at them. Shopping is Morocco is an experience within itself. The open air shopping concept along with the unique architecture makes it have a whole different feel than just going into a regular shop.

You are so right. Morocco is probably my favorite country in terms of uniqueness. There are so many neat angles, twists, and turns, and shadows of light. Plus the unique clothes, jewelry, and nick-nacks are so fun.

I love this TR! It makes me soo much more excited for our trip in september! Where can I find a copy of the menu for all the 'ritas? They sound delicious!

Thank You! September is such a great time to travel to the world. Lucky You!

I would suspect that the rita menu might be on AllEarsnet.com, but I haven't looked myself. (Because I have not had a rita yet on this trip....boo!) I am sure that Cynthia or Melissa will answer your question for sure. I know I need to find that menu before I got back in December.

 

[MEK]

That looks awesome! I'll be sure to watch out for that wayward salt though!

Darn good idea because it is REALLY HARD to get out! Have the stain remover ready!

 

[TanzUnited99]

The cat shots are funny. I love Jen's cute hat!

Lol at seeing that World Showplace sign!

I can't wait to have some fun at them phone booths!

Yay on the character interaction!

 

[Queenofallthings]

Great pictures ladies! Ok...the blood orange rita is on the list!! Hey, if I don't like, I'll try a different one!

We will defiinitely be exploring Morocco a little more this next trip...your pictures are gorgeous! Can't wait to enjoy WS again...my fav thing to do at the World!

 

[podsnel]

WOW, that was a lot of catching up I had to do!! You girls have been busy!!

You all take fantastic photos, so much fun to enjoy them all- I love photography, too, but I don't have the patience to change lenses, etc, while I'm there too often. You are inspiring me to do that on my next adult visit.

A few comments- Mek, I adore that tink bird bath- and I always think the same thing- too hard to lug home. I know, I know, it could be shipped, but who wants to pay for THAT? Maybe we should order it online-

You could NEVER be the F&G lady!!!

And the pic of Merry Old England? That's Kara's block!!

 

[KatMark]

Great pictures, MaryEllen. I love the "unsuspecting" one of your traveling pals (and cute hat, Jen).

I have a friend here on the DIS whose daughter was at Disney for that dancing performance. When I saw her in her dancer attire I could not believe the make-up the girls had on (and how do they keep it on in the heat?).

World Showplace???? What the heck is that all about.

You found my favorite character spot! I ALWAYS go theren to get my picture with Pooh and Tigger (and sometimes Eeyore is there too).