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

[MEK]

Yay for CM magic! For the most part, Disney sets the bar pretty high for other hotels/entertainment to try to keep up with!

That's what I love about disney. I love when people are so used to giving good customer service that its actually ingrained in them. It becomes second nature!

I love the "secret" entrance to Epcot! I didn't think they would let you that far in -

I didn't think I would get that far in either, but it sure gave me an advantage in the Soarin rush!!! Loved it!

Too bad about the rowdy boys - knowing boys - could we expect anything else? Obviously the CMs didn't know enough to be watchful - sorry it spoiled your experience.

I really shouldn't care and they really weren't THAT bad. I mean - I have boys and I have been a chaperone on an amusement park trip, so I know its just their enthusiasm. I really think I probably stereotyped them in my mind and then when they starting swinging the glider - we you know!

There are alot of things at Epcot that just do not "wow" us - one of them being Living with the Land - I'm just not fascinated by cucumbers You did get some good non-flash pics though.

I am a sucker for anything that is a boat ride. My husband enjoys gardening, so I think its cool to see the different ways they grown things. I don't know - its just one of the "feel" good rides for me. Reminds me of being a little kid.

Now, Nemo - even though it is not a blow your hair back experience, I love the queue and I love the imagination in the ride. Much better than the one at DLR, IMHO. You got some great pics, Mary Ellen! I have pretty much given up taken any pics in dark rides with my PAS, but I know I will not drag a big camera around with me - don't do Sherpa

Nice way to spend your last day!

What - no sherpa????? It's interesting - now that I am learning to work my camera better I probably could apply some of those principles to a smaller camera to see if I could get some better results. Still - I need a lot more practice and knowledge before I feel like I really have this photography thing down.

It was a lovely last day!

Actually they just did a full reset on our DDP so we were restored to full credits all around and gave us new cards. I think we'd used maybe 3 snacks and gotten 1 mug at that point so all of that was "extra". But then the weird thing was, every time we'd use credits, somehow the snack numbers never went down and I swear when we left there were still several credits on there, that should have been. I did get the E's a "bonus" packaged treat from Goofy's candy, they love the sour worms.

I know they restored eveything, but I had only used one snack credit and got my mug, so how the heck did we get all those credits?????? It was weird! And I hope it happens to me again in December. Is that bad?

I don't remember you going for a run, I must have been packing that entire time! I wasn't far behind you though, that much I know.

I definitely did. It was a sucky, short run, but I counted it as a run all the same!

A


That is SO cute! I could see my parents doing that. More like MOM Mary Ellen, not Grandma! Good for you for saying something.

Great pictures, you did a lot that morning!!!

I noticed the town on their name tag first because a bunch of kids from Brian's school were going to a college in that town, then I realized they must be married. DOH! But they were so cute!

I shouldn't know that much about the fairies, really! But between reading TR's and that time that "Tinkerbell and the Great Fairy Rescue" was on TV and I have no clue why but I watched the entire thing...I guess I do know some of their names

"I shouldn't know that much about fairies!" Haha - I love that line! Why shouldn't you - you are a Disney fan like the rest of us! I'm actually embarrassed because I DON'T know these things!

 

[MEK]

So friends - my marching band is marching in our biggest judged parade of the year..... I always get so nervous for this parade because I am not good at marching. I'm also a little freaked out because I got out of step the other night during practice. It may have been because I forgot my shoes and I was wearing flip flops. Still - shouldn't have happened!

Going to a 50th birthday party tonight. Probably won't be on the DIS much today or tomorrow. Hope everyone has a great weekend!

 

[MeMom]

And I love, love, love being on this ride with people who have never ridden before. It’s so great to hear their reactions.

Me, too.
It continues to be my favorite ride in any park, so it thrills me when I hear others applauding 'my' ride.

I am thinking that on our Epcot day next month (just one Epcot day ) we will take a cab to Boardwalk, get something from the bakery, walk toward Beach Club to take pictures, and then head over to rope drop on that side, as well.

 

[SoonerGirl]

Good luck with the parade - I'm sure you'll do great!!

 

[Queenofallthings]

I am so happy that you told those CM's what a great job they had done! I get so excited when a client wants to see me to tell me how wonderful my staff is because usually they only want to see me to complain about something! It sure makes their day to hear it!!

I have never seen a picture of that pool...it looks so peaceful! Is is wrong that I closed my eyes and could picture myself there?

I have to tell you that when I signed on this morning I had 22 threads to catch up on, but when I saw you had updated I went right there....there is no better way to start my day than seeing your beautiful pictures

 

[manntra]

Ok now for my FAVOR. Waaaayyy early on in the TR one of your trip-mates bought perfume that had one of the notes in it that was dark chocolate. I remember reading at the time and thinking ooh I want to google that it sounds heavenly. Do you have any idea which perfume it was? I was thinking about it the other day again and it was driving me nuts.

OK that's the big request. Hope you had a good day, and look forward to 'talking' to you soon!

The perfume that I bought is from Guerlain and is called Gourmand Coquin. I it. The notes are cacao, vanilla, rum, pepper, dark chocolate and vanilla. Sounds good enough to eat!! I had "tried it on" October 2010 and of course they were out of it so I was determined to buy it in May. I blocked it out of my mind how much I paid for it if that tells you anything about the price

Tracy

 

[manntra]

Can't wait for your next update!!! I was drooling the entire time we ate lunch....and it wasn't just about the food!! Can't wait to eat there again next month.....I will have to chain Brielle to her chair

Love the couple from York....a good friend of mine is from there. So cute that they work together

I loved the CM's at the BC airline check in too. They were spectacular and super, super nice.

I have noooooooo idea what I did the morning before lunch. I know I didn't run or go to the MK or AK. I seriously have no idea

Tracy

 

[Nermel9]

Ugh that sounds like such a miserable ride on Soarin! I'm glad you spoke up, I would have just asked to wait til the next one! Never mind the whole row of kids, but I hate being in the back!

I love your pictures from Living with the Land and Nemo, I can never get good pics on those rides!

 

[MEK]

Me, too.
It continues to be my favorite ride in any park, so it thrills me when I hear others applauding 'my' ride.

It is such a great ride. They have a "knock - off" version at Busch Gardens, but it is lame compared to the real thing!!!!

I am thinking that on our Epcot day next month (just one Epcot day ) we will take a cab to Boardwalk, get something from the bakery, walk toward Beach Club to take pictures, and then head over to rope drop on that side, as well.

I think that is an excellent idea. I loved, loved, LOVED going into the park that way. It was really special!

Good luck with the parade - I'm sure you'll do great!!

Thanks Michelle! It was a fun parade. I enjoyed it and I didn't screw up! YEAH!

I am so happy that you told those CM's what a great job they had done! I get so excited when a client wants to see me to tell me how wonderful my staff is because usually they only want to see me to complain about something! It sure makes their day to hear it!!

When people do well they like to hear it and they deserve to hear it. I know musicians are like that. I always complement musicians and most of them are so appreciative. They like to know someone notices their efforts and their skill. So much better to give a compliment than a complaint!

I have never seen a picture of that pool...it looks so peaceful! Is is wrong that I closed my eyes and could picture myself there?

No - its totally what everyone should do when they see a pool. Just pretend they are there!

I have to tell you that when I signed on this morning I had 22 threads to catch up on, but when I saw you had updated I went right there....there is no better way to start my day than seeing your beautiful pictures

Awww....THANKS Queen - I so appreciate that!

The perfume that I bought is from Guerlain and is called Gourmand Coquin. I it. The notes are cacao, vanilla, rum, pepper, dark chocolate and vanilla. Sounds good enough to eat!! I had "tried it on" October 2010 and of course they were out of it so I was determined to buy it in May. I blocked it out of my mind how much I paid for it if that tells you anything about the price

Tracy

Tracy - if you still love that perfume today as much as you loved it in May, then it was a superb buy and you totally deserve it!

It DOES sound good enough to eat!

Can't wait for your next update!!! I was drooling the entire time we ate lunch....and it wasn't just about the food!! Can't wait to eat there again next month.....I will have to chain Brielle to her chair

Oh - I got some interesting pictures from lunch and I'm not talking about the food!

Haha the visual of you chaining you niece to her chair is just too funny!

Love the couple from York....a good friend of mine is from there. So cute that they work together

They were so adorable and I so want their job!!!!

I loved the CM's at the BC airline check in too. They were spectacular and super, super nice.

They really were. Every single one of them. If they weren't it would have been such a different experience, that's for sure.

I have noooooooo idea what I did the morning before lunch. I know I didn't run or go to the MK or AK. I seriously have no idea

Tracy

What - No run? You kidding, right?????

Ugh that sounds like such a miserable ride on Soarin! I'm glad you spoke up, I would have just asked to wait til the next one! Never mind the whole row of kids, but I hate being in the back!

I wanted to go on the next one, but I DIDN'T speak up. The CM disappeared so quickly and I didn't want to make a big deal about it. That would have been wrong and those kids would have thought I was crazy. So I just gritted my teeth and made the best out of it. And it only had a few bad moments, mostly is my fear of them being super annoying that was the problem.

I love your pictures from Living with the Land and Nemo, I can never get good pics on those rides!

Put you camera in the TV mode next time you are in there and adjust to a fast shutter speed and you will get some. Of course, turn your flash off. All camera have that mode. You have to use what available light is there by setting a quick shutter speed.

Good Luck!

 

[eandesmom]

So friends - my marching band is marching in our biggest judged parade of the year..... I always get so nervous for this parade because I am not good at marching. I'm also a little freaked out because I got out of step the other night during practice. It may have been because I forgot my shoes and I was wearing flip flops. Still - shouldn't have happened!

Flip flops would totally do it!

I have noooooooo idea what I did the morning before lunch. I know I didn't run or go to the MK or AK. I seriously have no idea

Tracy

I love it! I definitely have some gaps like that on the cruise. Which just means you were really enjoying yourself!!!

 

[wigdoutdismom]

I'm so glad you told those boys to knock it off, they had no business doing that on the ride....

I know I would have gone all "Little Miss Bossy" on them!!!

I can totally see Marc and I working together as cast members if we both ever get to retire...

 

[eandesmom]

The last morning is always so bittersweet. I was glad at least that I had an evening flight so could enjoy a pretty full day. I was not glad to be packing, squishing and sitting on my not so magical suitcase trying to cram everything in, plus keep evening travel appropriate clothing handy in my carry on. Finally, all my missions accomplished and bags dropped at bell services, boarding pass handled/checked in, I was ready to go. I truly love being able to check in right there, makes life quite nice if you ask me! As Mary Ellen mentioned, I’d planned to go to MK. However I wasn’t feeling the bus so decided instead to go via Epcot and grab a soarin’ FP to use on the way to lunch. Amazingly enough I made it before rope drop as well! I was at a different entry than Mary Ellen so didn’t see her and there probably weren’t more than 5 people at my rope. They had to wait for the word that the main one had dropped and then let us through. I grabbed my FP

and then headed over to….Test Track! I figured I had time for single rider line and then would book it to MK. I love single rider line!!!! And that speed at the end was just what I needed to wake me up.

I don’t look very awake do I! Exiting I think I grabbed a coffee from a cart but am not positive. I definitely seem to recall having one on the monorail with a croissant or something. On the monorail I was in a car with a woman who was very confused about how to get to the MK and so we chatted and I provided some directions. She didn’t follow me as we changed trains so hopefully she made it in ok. What time did I arrive?

Not too bad, all things considered, especially given my detour.
I was treated to a lovely greeting of song and dance, a perfect entry for a perfect last morning.

Good morning castle!

My mission was twofold. I wanted to ride Winnie the Pooh and It’s a Small World. I hadn’t been on either in eons and (and am not even positive I’d ever ridden Pooh at all). Pooh had just been redone and Small World closed on our last trip. Anything beyond that would be a bonus prize. I wanted Snow White but would live if I didn’t make it. I headed over to Fantasland

Where I was treated to a very limited view of our newest princess. Ok you can’t really see her but Rapunzel is out and seeing guests! That was fun. Actually Flynn rider was FAR more interesting to me.

I really wanted to ride Dumbo but the line was ridiculous already. Sniff.
Maybe next time.

I grabbed my Pooh Pass

And hit my first target, It’s a small world! Warning, I may have gotten carried away

Ready for launch (small slow boat launch that is)

Continued in next post

 

[eandesmom]

And with that, it was time to go

What time was it?

As it was on the way back and about to start. I decided to go to Philarmagic. Again, hadn’t been in eons.

I just sat back and enjoyed.

Continued in next post

 

[eandesmom]

Exiting I could swear the castle was further along than it had been earlier in the week

I tried my luck here, but no go

Finally, it was time for Pooh, who happened to be strolling by!

Now the FP queue obviously doesn’t have all the cool stuff and wow, the regular line was pretty brutal so I wouldn’t have wanted to actually be in it. However, you could definitely see a lot of the neat things and the dripping honey, in particular is very very cool!

After Pooh, I was sadly out of time and if I wanted to use that FP, needed to get going. Not without one last visit to the PP! And no, I wasn’t doing the weird lean thing on my own, the photographer was very specifically posing me that way.

And finally, some pixie dust!

With that I was off to the monorail to try and get in the last ride of the trip and then meet everyone for lunch at a place I was very much looking forward to!

 

[MEK]

I'm so glad you told those boys to knock it off, they had no business doing that on the ride....

I know I would have gone all "Little Miss Bossy" on them!!!

"Little Miss bossy" I like that - too funny! Since you're a school teach I bet you have it down to a science. I need lessons!

Amazingly enough I made it before rope drop as well! I was at a different entry than Mary Ellen so didn’t see her and there probably weren’t more than 5 people at my rope. They had to wait for the word that the main one had dropped and then let us through. I grabbed my FP

[/I]

I had no idea you were at Rope Drop too! I probably just missed you at the FP machine! So great that you got so much done this morning.

I do think it takes awhile to get from Epcot to MK via the monorail. You think its going to be short, but it always seems when you look at the clock that it actually took much longer.

 

[PracPerfPatricia]

Well it sounds like you ladies had a fabu time!...

I'm only about a third of the way through but I'm enjoying your trippie very much and getting ideas for March trip...

-have to do a Kouzzina breakfast

-have to have at least one margarita in Epcot-in fact have to spend more time in world showcase...hmmm may have to split up with the boys since Em and I enjoy the shopping more than them...maybe we can send them to mini golf one night...

Anyway...I have a lot more reading to do...

 

[MEK]

Well it sounds like you ladies had a fabu time!...

O-M-G!!!!!!! WELCOME! WELCOME!!!!!! Patricia, I am so glad you stopped by to visit. I'm so happy you are back on this DIS! We really did have a great time! Such a great trip!

I'm only about a third of the way through but I'm enjoying your trippie very much and getting ideas for March trip...

-have to do a Kouzzina breakfast

-have to have at least one margarita in Epcot-in fact have to spend more time in world showcase...hmmm may have to split up with the boys since Em and I enjoy the shopping more than them...maybe we can send them to mini golf one night...

IMHO both of these are "must-dos". The Kouzzina breakfast was wonderful. I highly recommend it.

And the ritas - OMG -BEST EVER!!!!!!

How are your kids? I bet Em is gorgeous! She was gorgeous two years ago.

You are going to have such a wonderful time in March! I would love to visit then!

 

[eandesmom]

I had no idea you were at Rope Drop too! I probably just missed you at the FP machine! So great that you got so much done this morning.

I do think it takes awhile to get from Epcot to MK via the monorail. You think its going to be short, but it always seems when you look at the clock that it actually took much longer.

Well it definitely was a spur of the moment decisions and I was surprised I made it. I did fit in a spin on TT so that accounted for part of it taking so long to get over there.

Well it sounds like you ladies had a fabu time!...

I'm only about a third of the way through but I'm enjoying your trippie very much and getting ideas for March trip...

-have to do a Kouzzina breakfast

-have to have at least one margarita in Epcot-in fact have to spend more time in world showcase...hmmm may have to split up with the boys since Em and I enjoy the shopping more than them...maybe we can send them to mini golf one night...

Anyway...I have a lot more reading to do...

I am dying to go back to Kouzzina for bfast, I can't believe I'll have to wait a year, that's just wrong!

Yep, ditch the boys and spend time in Epcot, sounds like a perfect girls night to me!!!

 

[MEK]

I can totally see Marc and I working together as cast members if we both ever get to retire...

I can't believe I forgot to comment on this! Out of all the couples I know, I absolutely predict that you and Marc will be future cast members. I can't envision it any other way!

 

[MEK]

When I left off last it was our last day and I was visiting the fairies. I never saw the fairies last year and I was determined to go take their pictures - every single last one of those fairies.

I enjoyed my time with the fairies, but soon it was time to depart for my last attraction before lunch.

I tried to get a few more scenery pictures before my final destination.

Final Destination........... Canada!

I'm sure you don't remember the beginning of this TR, but if you do, you might recall that I spent some time in Canada recuperating from my headache. It was such a peaceful environment that I felt drawn to it. And, its been years since I've seen the Canadian film, so I decided it was time. I've always enjoyed this film, despite the fact that Martin Short is the narrator and that it's necessary to stand throughout the film. It's just a beautiful film of a fabulous country. After I watch that film I want to take a tour of Canada! Just gorgeous! Plus I've never met a Canadian that I haven't liked. (Shout out to Queen and company!)

Our host also told us about the many, many modern conveniences that Canadians are responsible for. Yeah, yeah - I certainly don't remember them all, but I do remember the most important one - THE CELL PHONE! Yup - that's right - someone in Canada invented the cell phone! Now that's worth noting!

After the movies I went out into Victoria Gardens to take more pictures.

Continued..........