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

[eandesmom]

Continued in next post

 

[eandesmom]

Yeah…I know, I got carried away!

I headed straight over to Big Thunder Mountain for my first coaster of the day, if the wait was bearable. It was! Which was good. Taking a bazillion pictures of it from the Liberty Belle had made me REALLY want to go on it.

Exiting my ride I was greeted by this

Nothing like a good marching band to make me grin. Fortunately, it was just the band, not a parade and I didn't get stuck. It was now close to 3 and there was a pool calling my name so I needed to start making my way back. However, I couldn’t resist a little Jack, so I paid a visit and rode with a lovely lovely family, so much fun. While the Liberty Belle was a perfect start I’d probably still consider POTC my first “ride” of the trip. Exiting, I was pleased to see some more Jack!

I would have liked to have seen the whole thing, Jack seemed pretty darn good (and easy on the eyes) but the pool and something else, were singing to me. The day before, while walking around the world, a few people (Melissa and Christine I think) had commented on what some people were wearing. Apparently there were several girls/women going around in swimsuit tops. I’d missed it. Instead, today, I was treated to this “look”.

Not sure how well you can see it (and in the interest of remaining family friendly will NOT zoom in on the pictures) but we are talking super tight short shorts (like volleyball style) in either black pleather or silver metallic with their dance team t shirts rolled up as much as possible in every direction. I’d have a heart attack if Kendall was walking around a park dressed like that.

This is about what I thought of it

With that, the photo-taking came to an end. In short order I booked over to Space Mountain, checked in on FB so the girls would know where I was and hopped the monorail (which went slower than usual, our conductor telling us that they were trying to space things out and we had to wait until Tron passed us before we could pick up speed) and then a quick dash to…

The slushie stand! I had a fast pass for Soarin’ in my pocket but faced with a choice between lemony deliciousness or hangliding…lemony deliciousness won. I did have to finish it before I left the WS and ended up on the phone with someone at the IG (from home I think) so that delayed me slightly. Finishing it however was easy as frankly, I’d been shorted. Not to the brim and no swirl! That’s just WRONG.

I booked to the pool, grabbed my key for Mary Ellen, changed very very fast and hopped in the pool. And then was greeted with a lovely glass of wine from Christine and a goodie from Tracy! I don’t think everyone’s shared the Tracy treat yet so I will wait on that. Though I wasn’t in the pool long before we had to head up to get ready for dinner (and unpack in my case) it felt heavenly. My first time at the Villa pool and I really really love that little pool, my favorite “quiet” pool so far I think.

 

[jeremysdisneymom]

Great Update! Love the pictures from the Liberty Belle. It is such a relaxing ride.

Ooooo, what great pictures of the Fantasyland expansion. I can't wait to see the Beast's castle. It looks so pretty. We leave tomorrow evening and I can hardly wait to get a peak.

If you don't mind my asking, where is the international gateway entrance from World Showcase? We will be in EPCOT one day and want to walk over to our dinner ressie at the Beach Club. We have never stayed at the EPCOT resorts so I am little confused on that one.

 

[TanzUnited99]

Love the pics from the Liberty Belle and of the expansion! Can't wait to see the final results!

My fav have to be the ones of Jack - he sure does look pretty good!

 

[SoonerGirl]

I have never taken a ride on the Liberty Belle, had it on my list several times, but have never been able to fit it in. I love all the pictures you took!

Whenever we see girls dressed like the ones you saw my DH always wonders if their father saw them leave like that, then he thanks his lucky stars that he doesn't have a girl to worry about

 

[eandesmom]

Great Update! Love the pictures from the Liberty Belle. It is such a relaxing ride.

Ooooo, what great pictures of the Fantasyland expansion. I can't wait to see the Beast's castle. It looks so pretty. We leave tomorrow evening and I can hardly wait to get a peak.

I swear, just 3 days later there was more done!

If you don't mind my asking, where is the international gateway entrance from World Showcase? We will be in EPCOT one day and want to walk over to our dinner ressie at the Beach Club. We have never stayed at the EPCOT resorts so I am little confused on that one.

As you enter the WS, go to the right, towards Canada. Walk through Canada and the UK. There is a bridge. Instead of going over the bridge, into France like you normally would, turn right (you'll see signs that say epcot resorts I think) and that's the international gateway exit/entry!

Just keep going straight once you exit, BC is the first resort on the right. You'll pass the villas first and then the quiet pool and then you will see the main entry.

Love the pics from the Liberty Belle and of the expansion! Can't wait to see the final results!

My fav have to be the ones of Jack - he sure does look pretty good!

He was a GREAT Jack!

I have never taken a ride on the Liberty Belle, had it on my list several times, but have never been able to fit it in. I love all the pictures you took!

Whenever we see girls dressed like the ones you saw my DH always wonders if their father saw them leave like that, then he thanks his lucky stars that he doesn't have a girl to worry about

My guess is that no, they didn't. It's be worse if they did! I'm sure they were there with their dance team and were old enough to go to the park without their chaperones which may or may not have included anyones mom. The shorts might well be their dance shorts but I'm fairly positive the chaperones had no idea they were wearing them aroudn the park on a non competing day or time and rolling up their shirts like that. Sometimes Kendall, who does play volleyball, will have to go somewhere after or on the way and we hate it. Her too! She'd never be wearing her shirt rolled up to show her stomach though. Personally I fail to see how shorts like that help with volleyball at all, I recall longer ones being just fine back in HS when I played.

 

[danceintherain]

Liberty Belle is definitely an interesting choice. It's really not my kind of ride, but your pictures are nice.

 

[MEK]

Sorry to hear about the dishwasher. Ours is 18 years old, but I never use it (that's what I have a huband for ). They are coming to check our air conditioner tomorrow and I am praying they can figure out why the circuit keeps tripping as I don't have $3000 for a new central air unit.

Hope you figure out your photo problem.

I think our first dishwasher was some cheapo builders grade model and this is a bosch. The first one last 15 years and this stupid one last five. so frustrating. Still haven't decided what we are going to do.

Total bummer about the AC. Now that sounds like an expensive fix.

Yes, you can reorder. I do it all the time, it drives me nuts otherwise!

Definitely try your internet browser settings, it's easy to check and couldn't hurt

Tools/Options/Security/Exceptions

Also I burned the CD's finally last night, now just need something to send them to everyone in!

O-Kay Do-Kay - I am going to try all these things.

HEY!!! I resemble that remark!

LOL! Good one!

Ughhh how frustrating with your photo problems!!! I hope photobucket believes you trust it soon!! Is there a different computer you can try using?

And the dishwasher on top of that! Sending lots of good (and patient!) vibes your way!

Thanks for the good vibes. I have another computer, but my photos are all edited on here and I really don't want to move them. I got some more ideas on how to fix it, so I'll keep you posted. Thanks for the hug!!!!

I'm sorry you are having your problem, but I did learn something new from your questions. I didn't know you could organize the pictures by different ways. Nice to know in case mine ever does that. I hope some computer expert here on the boards can help you out.

There are some pretty savy computer people here on these darn DIS boards and I am NOT one of them!

I hope it's a quick fix. My central unit went out Christmas Eve morning, and it was cold! I didn't have $3000+ either, so I am making monthly payments. It's nice to have heat and air, but it is dipping into my Disney money, don't ya know?!?!?

Nothing worse than when an essential item dips into the Disney account. Just wrong on so many levels!

Oh no on the photobucket and dishwasher situation! Hope you get things sorted

Thanks. I went out the "girls" last night and spent today out of town, so I will just have to deal with everything this weekend. At least I am over the trauma now!

Dang, Mary Ellen!!!



Maybe this will help!

It sure can't hurt, that's for sure!

Sorry about the computer problems (Maryellen) and the doctors' visits (Cynthia). It has been a brutal week. Its our last week of school and the next forty-eight hours cannot pass quickly enough...so I'm right there with ya.

And what is it with electronics that just don't last anymore? So frustrating!

OH - I bet you can't wait to be done school.

I agree - everything we rely on is technology based and when it breaks its just so disruptive and frustrating.

Sorry about your computer woes, ME! Wish I could help but I am useless on this stuff...

Thanks C. I am pretty useless myself. I mean, when it comes to computers!

Ugh, sorry about your computer! I'm useless with this kind of stuff, wish I could help! And I'm sorry your dishwasher broke! Ours broke a while ago, and we never got it fixed our bought a new one, so now I'm used to not having one!

That's actually pretty cool that you boycotted replacing your dishwasher. I really don't mind hand washing. It's not terrible. What I did hate was taking the half washed dishes out of the dishwasher AND washing them. ughhhh!

Sorry about your computer troubles MEK!

Awesome Glen Awesome!

Appliances are not made to last very long anymore. I would buy a new dishwasher rather than fix it. They have a life span of about 7 years. Fridge is about 5 years.

I just about burned my kitchen down when fixing dinner this afternoon. I turned the wrong burner on & was waiting for the water to boil when I heard a whoosh. I turned around & a skillet of bacon fat was afire with a two foot high flame. I managed to get it outside where it burned a hole in the grass. Then I remember to use baking soda to put it out. The upstairs smoke alarm was going off & the house was full of smoke! I got it all aired out but it was a few tense moments I can tell you!

I need another vacation soon!

OMG - I am SO glad you didn't burn the kitchen down or get hurt. Yikes. That's super scary stuff. I would have been freaking out. So glad everything turned out oK.

The life span of a dishwasher is 7 years - crap! I mean crapolo!

Sorry to hear about all of your woes Mary Ellen That is super frustrating....I'm sorry I can't offer more help!

Thanks Stace. A little can definitely go a long way!

 

[MEK]

Here is what I was REALLY excited to see and so much farther along than I could have imagined

Great update Cynthia. Wonderful pictures! I totally missed this as I never did go to this "side" of the MK. I meant to go back over there, but I started getting worried that I was going to be late for lunch, so I left. VERY cool. I did not know they were this far.

 

[MEK]

Liberty Belle is definitely an interesting choice. It's really not my kind of ride, but your pictures are nice.

It's a fabulous place to take pictures. I've only ever been on it twice, I think. The last time I got some fab pictures. I agree - Cynthias pictures are wonderful. Great perspective.

 

[MEK]

Well - I haven't fixed my bulk uploader yet, although my doctor aka mac wizard friend, gave me some good ideas. Thanks to Cynthia, I reordered my photos so I am good for this update.

In Real Life - We took Brian to Salisbury University today to register for his classes. I really liked the school the last time I was there. Today, I officially loved it. I don't know if I am looking at it through rose colored glasses, but everyone who spoke and presented was so top notch. A dean of student affairs gave this awesome presentation on how to succeed in college. The billing, info tech, dining, book store info was all super helpful. The best presentation was from the head of residence life. He had me LOL at some of his comments like:

Parents - DO NOT google your son/daughter's roommate. You are going to find something you don't like. Don't call me and ask me to switch their assignment. Not gonna happen!

Moms - DO NOT bring a mop and bucket on move-in day.

Dads - DO NOT move the furniture on move-in day.

Moms - Do NOT ask dad to move the furniture on move-in day. You will come back later to see it completely changed

I know my delivery here does not serve up the same humor, but this guy was so funny.

So Brian picked out his schedule for his first semester and guess what - his earliest class is noon. How great is that? It's an awesome schedule. It's basically a (1) communications course (2) philosophy course (3) history course (4) statistics course and (5) an info technology course. It's 16 credits, which is a little scary. Two of the courses are core courses for the college of business, so he should be on track there.

Brian also really loved the dorm rooms, as did I. They are sooooooooooo much nicer than when I went to school (back in the stone age). They have these lovely common areas with a flat screen TV, lounge, kitchen, and a text message system for laundry. It makes me wish I was a college student again.

The school also has free tutoring services and free assistance with paper writing.

Oh - and the dining hall was quite nice. There is one main dining hall and several satellite areas that serve food. Plus many of the neighboring businesses partner with the school and will take the student's "gull card" to pay for things. So the card gets loaded with money on line and then it can be used like a debit card. Best part - it can't be used to purchase alcohol or tobacco.

It's called a"gull card" because the sea gull is their mascot. Weird, but appropriate, since the school is 30 mins from Ocean City Md.

All in all it was a very informative day and Brian admitted that he was very fortunate to get into that school. I only wish we were Maryland residents because the out of state tuition is high in comparison to in state.

So - on to disney life.

While Cynthia and the ladies were cruising the MK, I was heading back to the world showcase. I really didn't feel good enough for even the simplest ride. I just needed a cool, quiet place to work off the remnants of my headache.

First country - O Canada

I decided to go explore the shop. I never go in there, so it was something new.

Cute Canadian clothes:

Cool Canadian artwork:

While I was in the store I heard a couple cast members talking about their wonderful living accommodations. I thought that was pretty cool. In fact - I have a friend whose niece is in the college program right now and she loves it. She is actually training to drive one of the safari buses. How cool is that?

When I came out of the store I noticed that even Canada has one of these.....

I did NOT know that. Glenbo - do you have the number for Canada, too?

This is one of my favorite views in the world showcase.

I also thought this building was so cute:

I gazed down at the water fall and contemplated seeing the O Canada movie, but decided not.

See these benches......

I was lucky enough to find a seat directly across from them - right in the shade. It was perfect! Loved it. It was my own private Disney alcove. What could be better. I decided to just sit there and chill. I had the whole place to myself and I was feeling immensely better out of the heat and sun. There was actually a little breeze back there.

I was really starting to unwind when suddenly I heard.....{insert chime}.....a new text message. I really thought it might be one of the ladies checking in on me, but it was better than that. Yup, you guessed it....my first ever room at the Beach Club Villas was ready for my arrival.

WOOT! I had literally been waiting years to stay at BCV and I was finally about to! I was pretty content in my little haven, but I decided I should probably of check out the room and call for our luggage. I figured it would be great to have all my stuff put away by the time Cynthia arrived.

So I started my trek over to England. And, I'm not gonna lie....I made a few calls to those lovely red phone booths and I DID get someone to answer the phone. But I froze. Just like that - stage fright - and I hung up. Loser!

So on I went......

Continued.........

 

[MEK]

Continued

I found some more topiaries.....

Another one of my favorite views....

Good Bye Epcot. I'll be back when I'm feeling better.

I put my camera away for the few short minutes it took to get to the Beach Club. I knew where the villas were and I guessed the shortest way might be to hang a sharp right and walk along the perimeter of the buildings.

So down this path I ventured:

i'll be honest. I did not like location of these rooms. There are regular BC rooms and if I was paying $300 or $400 a night, I don't think I would feel I got my money's worth. Just basically nothing to look at but woods.

I made a left......

and then a right.....

and there they were. The villas were right in front of me.....

You can actually see our room in this picture. It is straight down the path and the last room on your left (that you can see) on the 5th floor. Of course, I did not know that at the time, so I hastened my way inside to see our new digs.

But first I passed this....

and this........

Somewhere near the elevator I must have seen this.......

Up to the fifth floor, down the hall and around the corner and wa-lah......

OUR ROOM!

I my weakened state I did not remember to take a picture of our room number, nor do I remember what it was. Maybe Cynthia knows.

Continued.......

 

[MAGICFOR2]

Mary Ellen, sorry your computer is fighting with you! This afternoon, out of nowhere, my computer started announcing that I should hold for the webinar to begin. I tried closing everything down - nothing running in task manager, and yet somehow I was in a webinar. I had to reboot and thankfully that worked. These things - we need them, but they sure are a sometimes.

Appliances are not made to last very long anymore. I would buy a new dishwasher rather than fix it. They have a life span of about 7 years. Fridge is about 5 years.

I just about burned my kitchen down when fixing dinner this afternoon. I turned the wrong burner on & was waiting for the water to boil when I heard a whoosh. I turned around & a skillet of bacon fat was afire with a two foot high flame. I managed to get it outside where it burned a hole in the grass. Then I remember to use baking soda to put it out. The upstairs smoke alarm was going off & the house was full of smoke! I got it all aired out but it was a few tense moments I can tell you!

I need another vacation soon!

I'm glad you didn't catch your hair or clothes on fire!

 

[wigdoutdismom]

A couple of comments...

Mary Ellen, sorry you were feeling poorly. You did take some lovely pictures though and you had such a sweet roomie to be so understanding! That is my first glance at a studio at Beach Club, very neat! I'll bet you could hear the British Invasion from your balcony!

Cynthia, thanks so much for the new castle pic! We didn't even make it back there on our last trip. What progress they are making!

This trip report is taking me forever to get caught up on, you ladies are so popular!

 

[MEK]

One nice thing about not having any luggage.....I could take unobstructed pictures.......

Here's the view (without a zoom lens)

It was lovely. I knew the Melissa, Tracy, and Christine were somewhere on the same floor, but I had no idea where.

Time to call for the luggage. For the record - I received our luggage in no time. I barely had time to locate some tip money and our CM arrived. Love this place.

I decided to go grab something to eat, so I walked over to the market place and picked up a tuna on whole grain bread sandwich. Sorry - no pix. It was a strange choice for someone who wasn't feeling well, but it hit the spot. I sat outside at one of the small tables in the courtyard.

Feeling full, I headed back to the room to unpack and try to nap.

Unfortunately, I barely dozed off a couple times, but I couldn't sleep. I was wrapped way too tight. My fear that my headache was going to come back was really starting to mess with me. I bought some Migraine Excedrin and took those. But everytime I felt the slightest twinge, I was sure I was going to be on death's door.

Yes - friends - that is the true sign of a hypochondriac.

So, of course I couldn't sleep. DOH!

After laying in bed for an hour, I got up and decided it was time for some alternative medicine. I really didn't feel much like drinking, but my day had already basically been a wash. I figured it couldn't get any worse and I needed to get out of my anxious state.

So.....I......fixed.....a.....Nice.....Strong.........Captain Morgan's and diet coke. I changed into my bathing suit and I headed to the pool.

The first few sips were a little rough going down, but once I finished about a third of my drink I was already starting to feel a little more relaxed.

So out the door I went. Back out into the blinding sunshine, but this time I was fortified with a little CM and diet coke.

Were was I heading....well, of course, to the quiet pool.

I figured the other ladies would eventually end up here.

And they sure did - in fact, sooner than I expected.

I was first greeted by Tracy and then C, Melissa, and Jen. The only lady missing from the bunch was Cynthia, who was either still at MK or making her way back through Epcot (remember that soarin FP).

We were not alone at the pool. We had a few other visitors:

They were so darn cute. But some darn little boy (and I don't think it was the one in this picture, chased them straight out of the pool). I think they were so exhausted after that they ended up needing a nap....

I finally got the girls to agree for a picture as long as there were no bathing suits involved:

Don't they look so lovely and relaxed?

I wonder why?

We spent the remainder of a wonderful afternoon at the pool. Cynthia did eventually join us and I eventually stopped worrying about whether my stupid headache was going to come back. A good time was had by all.

Up Next....Our second group dinner..... at BlueZoo!

 

[MAGICFOR2]

I couldn't resist a little Jack


Okay, where's the TAG FAIRY

Looks like Jack washed and curled his hair that day!

I would have liked to have seen the whole thing, Jack seemed pretty darn good (and easy on the eyes) but the pool and something else, were singing to me. The day before, while walking around the world, a few people (Melissa and Christine I think) had commented on what some people were wearing. Apparently there were several girls/women going around in swimsuit tops. I’d missed it. Instead, today, I was treated to this “look”.

Umm, do ya think this guy noticed???

 

[glennbo123]

Yes, I've stopped at the phone booth in Canada, but I never got the number.

You mean you got somebody to pick up the phone and then you hung up?? Oh well.

That picture of the ladies in the pool reminds me of the opening to Petticoat Junction where the girls are swimming in the water tower.

 

[MAGICFOR2]

Mary Ellen You took some really nice pics for someone with a screaming headache! I'm glad your therapy worked - I'll have to remember that one.

So cool you got to stay at BCV! That is on my bucket list, too! We own at SSR, and it is usually not the right amount of points to switch at the 7mo mark, so we have just kept to SSR. It is just so "beachy!"

Cute little duckies.

P.S. I'm glad you got Brian all settled in and you're happy with how things are going for him!

 

[wigdoutdismom]

Cute bunch of heads! We have walked by that pool so many times but always went on over to SAB...
Next time though, I think we will take advantage of the quiet pool!

 

[sunny_stace]

My oh my! So many updates!

I love love love the ride on the Liberty Belle! It is so pretty and relaxing, and usually pretty empty so you can just chill out for a few minutes! And what a better way to follow it up than by visiting Capt. Jack!

And of course, then moving on to my home and native land! Canada! We really do have a lovely pavillion... I like those maple leaf jammie pants!

BCV looks so gorgeous too....I love the prints on the walls too! The one of the sandy beach - I want that! I'm gonna have to go do some shopping there and see if I can find one!

I love the poolside picture of you ladies! Very cute! It reminds me of the cover of some fun chick-lit novel!