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

[I Believe In Magic]

I am so behind!! Lets see what I remember..

My kids and I have been 15 times to WDW and have never ventured over to TSI!! We just went a couple weeks ago and it was on my list this time....but the stinking rain came down every day for hours, so it cut everything short. I don't think we would've enjoyed it, but your pics are awesome and I will have to go on a future trip!

Hey I love that mug too!! Now I want one....

The trip with your friend sounds like a good deal but if you have some strong feelings right from the get go, maybe you should trust your instincts and just not go. How old are her kids again? That might be a stressful trip.

The sand sculpture pics are wonderful!!! I wonder if they put some sort of glue substance over it to keep it intact. That never would have survived the week we were there, it POURED every day!!

OK let me go back and read some more......(oh and can't wait to hear the 'up close' story with the hippo!! I think that was Christine? sorry!!)

 

[MEK]

I'm about half way through your Tr and I gotta say, bravo!! I love that you all did something for yourselves, and I love that you all are having so much fun! I adore the DISboards for the friends I have made, and thoroughly enjoy reading about other friendships made on here!

Great pics too btw, what do you all shoot with?

bookmarking to continue reading later!

inkedupmomma! I love that name! So happy you are enjoying are crazy, mixed up trip report! I do think we are all so fortunate to have met each other here. Each one of the girls is a fabulous person. I especially miss my roomie, Cynthia. I really look forward to seeing her, and all the ladies, again.

Oh - my camera is a cannon rebel xsi. I think Melissa has a Nikon and I forget what Cynthia has, but I know she can upload her pix straight to photobucket.

Just thought I would pop on and say I am still reading along! What fun you all had and what great pictures!!!

Mary Ellen, loved seeing my mug in your pictures. It makes me smile every time I use it or even just see it sitting in my cupboard. LOL!

Hey Jackie - How the heck are you? I hope your summer is going well! I am so glad you love your mug! I am also glad I found it because Katie said she couldn't find it last month.

Hope your summer is going really well!

I looked for that little beauty and never found it I wanted to bring home a mug but I never found one I liked as much as this

This is totally a bummer because we were there only about 5 or 6 weeks before you. I hope they were just out of stock and will be replaced. I promise that if I find one it December I will send it to you!

Great WS pics Christine!

I'm glad you all enjoyed Chefs as we have an ADR here for our upcoming trip!

Chefs was a blast! I'll be writing about that next. You can just imagine the laughter with 6 girls and a visit from Remy!

I will look for it in October for you!

See that - One of us WILL find it for you. It's going to be the official DIS mug soon!

. No problem. I love having shopping missions. And doesn't hurt that the store we found them in is across from the Dawa bar. . Could be the best margarita. Ever.

I am so at the DAWA bar in December. Sorry I only had water in May.

And I thought you were being selfless In that case, you have to drink one for me too!

And Me!

I'm with you Christine, how in the world do they keep that sand sculpture from getting damaged by the rain? I wonder if they spray it with something to keep it together Whatever they did, it looks awesome!

I wonder if they mix something in the sand and then spray something on top as well. It's a pretty cool process because it just looks like sand and nothing else. I am so sorry I missed the African cats sculpture.

Glad to hear you got a cute waiter at Chefs De France C! I can't imagine what the meal would be like without one!

Wait a minute - I thought we had a female waitress? Am I confused? I guess I better go look at my pix! We had tons of cute waiters in Italy. I know that for a fact.

TSI looks so nice...I really need to make sure I get there this year. I always enjoy it! And those photos were very beautiful! You certainly showcased it very nicely!

Thank you. I always have fun taking pictures of new places! I have so my Disney pictures (too many - lol), but those were my first from TSI so I'm glad I made it over there this trip.

Melissa....I can't believe that drama with the limo company!!! CRAZY! Can't believe you didn't get a personal call from the owner. If charging $2000 in unauthorized charges on someone's credit card doesn't deserve a personal call back I don't know what does!!!

Whenever I think about this I get totally aggravated for Melissa. GRRRRRRHHHH!

MEK - great photos as usual. Glad you got a visit in to see the MK, and of course, the new que at HM...isn't it great? I can't wait to take the kiddos. Plus, I still haven't found the ring. Always reason to return, right?

It is really cool. I am so glad they are adding all these fun queues. It just makes MK better than it already is. Your kids are going to LOVE it!

And, yes, there is always another reason to return!!!

Christine - good for you for getting in a "wog" during the trip. I seem to recall a certain someone (me) saying to you during our trip last Oct that I would be starting up an exercise program "pronto" upon returning home. Hmmm....do you think 9 months later qualifies as "pronto"?

You know what they say - Better late than Never!

Like Kathy, we have never been over to TSI...your pictures tell me I must get there on our trip! They are so crystal clear and gorgeous....they really tell a story! Great job ME!!!

Well Queen - I think you and Jasmine better put it on your list for your upcoming trip. No excuses. You've got a nice LONG trip coming up and I'm so jealous!

More fun updates and pictures! Yay! You and Cynthia's pictures (from her August trip) now have me totally convinced that we have got to get out to TSI while we're there, which is not something I would have even considered had it not been for the great pictures and reporting,

Just curious...what time of day were you there that it looked so empty?

I went out there specifically to get pictures. If it hadn't been so hot I probably would have spent more time walking around. But I was just too darn lazy.

Well, let's see - I got to the park at opening and walked through the castle, took pictures, did HM, grabbed a FP, and then headed over. So I would say sometime around 10am. It was a perfect time to go over and a perfect way to kill some FP wait time!

I'm a fan of the "Lost On Safari" from that same bar.....

I have got to try that! I am swearing right now that I finally try it in December!

I think on my next trip to AK, I am going to just hang out at the Dawa Bar and drink several!

A girl can dream, right?

That bar really is so cute. So, yes, I think several is a great idea! How I could go for one of those little beauties right now.

I may just do that in October!

Well, since you ARE going on a girl's trip in October I have no doubt whatsoever that you will do just that!

 

[MEK]

YAY for booking a treehouse! That's exciting!

I am very excited about this. I can't wait to actually step foot in a treehouse!

Great pictures of Tom Sawyer Island and of Epcot/Flower & Garden Festival. I, too, would love to make it to F&G every year. I think I'm going to miss out next year, though, as Jill is being forced to go to WDW with John's parents in February or March. (Can you imagine Jill dreading a Disney trip???) Maybe I can talk Trent into a short trip.

Wait - Someone is being FORCED to go to Disney???? Is that possible.

I, too, would love to go to F&G every year. I think I would really like to try March. I feel like I need some warm weather by March. I've also never been in Feb either, so I am sure that is going to be great.

I know I have pictures of the AK mug from previous trips, but I think I saw it again on this past trip at Mombosa Market/Ziwani Traders.

I hope they restock, because it concerns me that Katie couldn't find it. Christine found it so quickly in May. Like in 3 seconds. It would have taken me MUCH longer.

I am so behind!! Lets see what I remember..

My kids and I have been 15 times to WDW and have never ventured over to TSI!! We just went a couple weeks ago and it was on my list this time....but the stinking rain came down every day for hours, so it cut everything short. I don't think we would've enjoyed it, but your pics are awesome and I will have to go on a future trip!

Ughh - I think it would be terrible to get caught over there in the rain. I think the thing with TSI is that you just don't feel like lining up for a 3 minute raft ride, but once you get over there you realize it wasn't such an inconvenience after all. glad you like the pix!

Hey I love that mug too!! Now I want one....


)

See - Official Mug of the DISboards!

The trip with your friend sounds like a good deal but if you have some strong feelings right from the get go, maybe you should trust your instincts and just not go. How old are her kids again? That might be a stressful trip.

Her kids are 4,7&8. It certainly won't be the kind of trip I am used to doing. I honestly don't mind that I'm not going until I see her or talk to her. Then I just feel terrible because I know (more than she does) that she really has her hands full.

I

The sand sculpture pics are wonderful!!! I wonder if they put some sort of glue substance over it to keep it intact. That never would have survived the week we were there, it POURED every day!!

Summer monsoones? Yuck! You're right - it probably wouldn't have withstood that.

OK let me go back and read some more......(oh and can't wait to hear the 'up close' story with the hippo!! I think that was Christine? sorry!!)

Oh yes - four of us definitely had some upclose and personal time with the hippos. Stay tuned for that.

Hope you had I great trip. I am going to check now and see if you started a TR.

 

[okw19]

Well I just spent a good two hours reading the whole report so far. I'm so jealous!

 

[Mndisneygirl]

My SIL bought me the mug yesterday at the AKL!!! WOO HOO!

They were eating at Boma last night. SOOOOO jealous am I!!! (yoda speak)

 

[KatMark]

My SIL bought me the mug yesterday at the AKL!!! WOO HOO!

They were eating at Boma last night. SOOOOO jealous am I!!! (yoda speak)

Thanks for the tidbit. We are staying at AKL for two nights and eating at Boma before moving over to the CSR, so I will look for the mug (I must have one!).

 

[MeMom]

Wait - Someone is being FORCED to go to Disney???? Is that possible.

I, too, would love to go to F&G every year. I think I would really like to try March. I feel like I need some warm weather by March. I've also never been in Feb either, so I am sure that is going to be great.

That's what I love about the February or March trips - finally seeing some green stuff and some brightly-colored flowers after bare trees and dead grass and slushy gray-brown snow on the sides of the road. We leave here in long pants and coats, and as soon as we get to our resort, we break out the warm weather clothes! It is really hard to come back from a spring break trip, though.

If you knew Jill's mother-in-law, you would understand that she could put a damper even on Disney magic. Jill says there will be very, very, very long nap times in the afternoons and early bedtimes. She is going to tell the reservation people to put 'in no way, shape, or form are we to have connecting rooms with our fellow travelers'.

 

[manntra]

I went over to walk through a desolate WS (love that private entrance!!) earlier in the morning. I headed over for a single rider spin on TT and then over to Mousegears to get some shopping out of the way. I bought some cute plates and maybe some cups for my OL.

I met up with C at the UK pavilion and then we headed over to the Welcome Center. We may or may not have stopped to get FP's for Soarin. I don't remember

We went to the Festival Welcome Center in the old Wonders of Life Pavilion. There were some cute things there but overall much less activity than the welcome center for F&W. I thought this living wall was pretty cool.

I picked up a Larry Dotson print here of the pub in the UK. I have about three from the AKL and I just love his prints

Now my pictures fail me but I think we walked back toward World Showcase and perhaps took the "long way" around past Mexico toward our lunch destination.

Yes we did....and there we were siting and Jen walked by eating caramel popcorn!!


Before we ate lunch I was excited to make my next purchase. I had warned Christine prior to not let me into Guerlain if I had too much to drink
Finally I bought my new perfume from Guerlain. I wanted this scent last October and they were sold out. Thank you for spraying me with it and then telling me you don't have it Sooooo, yes it was pricey but I had it in my head that I was going to buy it. So I did. And I it. It is called Elixir Charnel Gourmand Couquin Guerlain. Someone asked me last weekend what I was wearing and I have no idea what I said it certainly wasn't what I just typed!! It smells of dark chocolate, vanilla, rum, peppers...oh I just love it!!

Chefs was a first for me this trip. So happy to be eating there again in October because I loved it! I had French Onion soup and don't laugh but have never ordered it before. Not a fan of onions. But I figured this is France, they will use a lot of cheese and I can just eat the broth. Which is what I did!!! Loved it! I had the croque monsieur (ham and cheese) and THE BEST vanilla creme brulee for dessert.


ME...LOVE your pictures of TSI. So glad you were able to spend some time there. Absolutely beautiful pictures! All I remember from there is my brothers hiding in the caves and jumping out at me.


Tracy

 

[MEK]

Well I just spent a good two hours reading the whole report so far. I'm so jealous!

OKW19. It really was a great trip. I highly recommend it. I see you have an upcoming OKW trip. My DH & I are staying there in December. Can't wait. It will be my first time staying there.

My SIL bought me the mug yesterday at the AKL!!! WOO HOO!

They were eating at Boma last night. SOOOOO jealous am I!!! (yoda speak)

WOOT! Sheree, I am so glad your SIL found....and how convenient to find it at AKL versus the park! That's awesome. Love that mug.

Thanks for the tidbit. We are staying at AKL for two nights and eating at Boma before moving over to the CSR, so I will look for the mug (I must have one!).

That's great Kathy. How convenient for you, too! I think that's a great location for the mug. I bet it's a popular item because it really is so different.

That's what I love about the February or March trips - finally seeing some green stuff and some brightly-colored flowers after bare trees and dead grass and slushy gray-brown snow on the sides of the road. We leave here in long pants and coats, and as soon as we get to our resort, we break out the warm weather clothes! It is really hard to come back from a spring break trip, though.

I bet it's hard to come back, but it does sound so perfect. I think I really need to try a Feb/March trip. So far I have been in May, June, August, September, November, December, and January. Oct, Feb, and March are on my list. April depending on Easter.

If you knew Jill's mother-in-law, you would understand that she could put a damper even on Disney magic. Jill says there will be very, very, very long nap times in the afternoons and early bedtimes. She is going to tell the reservation people to put 'in no way, shape, or form are we to have connecting rooms with our fellow travelers'.

Oh My - she sounds like a lovely traveling companion. NOT! Poor Jill. It's probably even worse when she's not on vacation.

Before we ate lunch I was excited to make my next purchase. I had warned Christine prior to not let me into Guerlain if I had too much to drink
Finally I bought my new perfume from Guerlain. I wanted this scent last October and they were sold out. Thank you for spraying me with it and then telling me you don't have it Sooooo, yes it was pricey but I had it in my head that I was going to buy it. So I did. And I it. It is called Elixir Charnel Gourmand Couquin Guerlain. Someone asked me last weekend what I was wearing and I have no idea what I said it certainly wasn't what I just typed!! It smells of dark chocolate, vanilla, rum, peppers...oh I just love it!!

Step away from the perfume shop after drinking champagne. I can see that selling adult beverages must really work to the advantage of many of the shops. Well - you deserved to treat yourself. And you get to wear a little piece of Disney everyday. That's awesome.

ME...LOVE your pictures of TSI. So glad you were able to spend some time there. Absolutely beautiful pictures! All I remember from there is my brothers hiding in the caves and jumping out at me.


Tracy

Glad you like the TSI pictures. That must be a fun childhood memory. Those caves look creepy to me. I was not about to go in one of them alone.

Fun update Tracy! Sounds like you had a fun morning!

 

[Poolrat]

I'm a fan of the "Lost On Safari" from that same bar.....

me too! I can have one no problem, Once I had 2 and WOW that safari afterwards had 2 of everything.

If you knew Jill's mother-in-law, you would understand that she could put a damper even on Disney magic. Jill says there will be very, very, very long nap times in the afternoons and early bedtimes. She is going to tell the reservation people to put 'in no way, shape, or form are we to have connecting rooms with our fellow travelers'.

I put the same request in when I met my parents at Disney. The CM was like " Oh I can put you in connecting rooms" and I was like "NO". I ended up telling them same building, even same floor but NOT next door. they were down the hall a bit so it worked out. We didn't have to wait long for them ( Mom always is late, always) so I did not want the we got lost excuse.

 

[MEK]

Friday night... Gorgeous Evening. I am starting to regret that we don't have a summer vacation planned. I think I really need a little break. Oh Well. It is what it is and I am thankful for the vacations that I do have on the horizon. It would just be so nice to be cruising a boardwalk somewhere or sitting on a deck feeling the cool ocean breeze. Sigh!

So where did I leave off? Reorientation Time:
Sunday, May 1, 2011 10:30am Magic Kingdom. Day 4.

and I had just returned from a visit to TSI. My first visit to TSI since my first visit to Disney World in 2002. I remember it well. Hot summer day. We had already ridden and FP'd Space. I was the designated runner who scooped up Splash FP's while we were waiting to ride Space. IASW, HM, lunch and then grab a BTMRR FP. Ride Splash then cruise on over to TSI while the BTMRR comes due. Ahhhh - memories. That was such a great trip. I remember being exhausted by the time we finished BTMMR. I literally fell asleep on the train.

Well, I had used the same strategy today. I held my BTMRR FP while I cruised on over to TSI. Now I had about 5 minutes to kill until my FP time came due. What should I do???? I know - I ducked into that little gift shop right outside of Splash, found a vacant rocking chair, and chilled while I nonchalantly checked the time. I struck up a conversation with a nice lady who sat in the other rocker. But soon it was time to bid her adieu and ride the rockingest roller coaster in the west. This coaster never fails to disappoint. It feels way faster than it really is, its nice and long, and the scenery is great. Love it!

When I got off the ride I wondered over to POTC. I kept my camera tucked away the entire time. Yeah - I know - hard to believe. Try as I might I can never get one picture to turn out in POTC, so I figured why even bother. It was an enjoyable ride and I was glad I had the opportunity just to sit back and enjoy.

The dump shop was pretty crowded, so I went and found a seat outside.

I sat outside of this little counter service place across from Pirates. I can never remember the name, probably because it is rarely open when I visit.

I walked in the direction of Jungle Cruise next, but didn't really think I had time. I knew it was well after 11 and lunch was at 12:30. I figured if I gave myself an hour of travel time that should be more than enough. Hah!

The treehouse was tempting, but I was just too darn lazy to climb it.

I love the Southwestern to Old Key West theme in this part of the park:

Why is it that I am NEVER in the mood for a Dole Whip when I pass the stand?

Then I passed these seemingly ordinary people......Except the one on the right is a guy. OOOOOOO KKKKKKKKKK.

I cruised on out towards main street, figuring I had plenty of time to window shop.

Same thing with the corn dog nuggets - I am never hungry when I stroll by Casey's. Weird!

Check It Out..... Parade Time!

Obligatory Picture of Balloons. Can't go to MK without taking it.

I did stop in the Emporium and I found this adorable little skort....

I strolled across the street and entered another shop where I admired the art work.

I love this next picture and if I was a wealthy person I know exactly who I would buy this for......

I love the horses (although I find that fake facade on the building somewhat distracting).

Continued........

 

[Wicket's Mom]

When I made my ressies for Sept trip with the GDs, the CM said that she could put us in connecting rooms. I very quickly said no! Same floor, same building, ok, but not connecting!!

 

[MEK]

I didn't wait at all for a monorail. In fact, I hopped on one that went directly to the TTC. I never went in the counter clockwise direction before, so that was a first for me.

Unfortunately, it was a bit of a wait for the Epcot monorail.

Coming in or Outward bound....?

Outward Bound. Bye Bye Monorail.

Here's Our Ride. That's More Like It!

There was one a young boy waiting beside me who was just thrilled to be riding the Tron-o-rail.

And before long I was back at Epcot, being greeted by none other than Lotso! And I didn't smell a thing.

and Buzz and Woody.....

and Spaceship earth....

Hey Baby. Going My Way?

I stopped in Club Cool to see if they still had a flat Mickey, but I came up empty handed. Boo!

So I kept right on going. At this point I looked at the time and realized it already WAS 12:30. Oops. I took one more picture and put the camera away.

Of course, putting my camera away early caused me to miss a great photo-op. I hastily took this picture with my phone - boys in fairy wings? Go figure?

I picked up the pace and finally arrived at Les Chefs de France. I did some serious power walker and people dodging. Cynthia arrived right after me. We were seated immediately in a lovely table by the window. Yeah!

Our View.....

First things first......

Our waitress (Did Christine say we had a man?)

Sweet bubbly

Tracy eyeing up her glass

Cheers

It didn't take long for us to get our first visit from Remy. The maitre-d was hysterical. When Melissa got up to get a close up of Remy he suddenly stopped what he was doing and exclaimed, "Look paparazzi. Why - What a big Lens you have! Be Careful. You might hurt someone with that." It may not sound that funny now, but we were rolling then.

Continued.....

 

[MEK]

I hope Melissa did get some good pictures with that big lens, because I just couldn't get close enough.

Good pictures or not, his expressions were priceless.

So,what did we eat? Well, I was starting to feel like I was getting annoying with the camera, so I did not get pictures of all the apps and entrees. Here's what I did get.

Someone's lovely salad. It belongs to whoever drank wine and not champagne. (Cynthia, I think)

I had the french onion soup, which was divine.

I think Jen may have had this flatbread

For entrees Cynthia had this crepe

Jen had this scrumptious looking mac n cheese.

I had the very decadent grilled ham and cheese which was out of this world.

I took half of it home with me and ate it for breakfast one morning. It made a great breakfast sandwich.

I can't remember who had this lovely piece of chocolate cake.

I had the much raved about creme brulee, which was perfect.

Cynthia had this

I have no idea what it is, but it sure looks good.

So you can see that I only photographed the food for half the table. I think there may have been some duplicate orders.

I also took a few pictures of our surroundings.

I'm not really sure who went where right after lunch, but I do know that Cynthia and I left together. We made a couple quick stops before we returned to our room. Looks like we stopped in the wine store. Shocking, I know!

And look who we found in the gift shop.

Cynthia and I stopped for a photopass pix (taken with my camera)

Up Next.... A Birthday Surprise of Epic Proportions.

 

[Happydog]

. And doesn't hurt that the store we found them in is across from the Dawa bar. . Could be the best margarita. Ever.

I may just do that in October!

Okay is that the African margarita or what was it called? I can't remember now, with a sugar cane or something? Not just Lost of Safari... Yeah, I like those too, but we had a round of those margaritas last summer and I remember them well, so Michelle we are ON!!! And I think there will be a few more of us, too!! OH but I must have my jalepeno Pretzel to go with it...

I can't wait I can't wait, I can't WAIT!!! I really love seeing all of your photos, all of you taking some great pics of whatever you choose, and I really am beside myself with the idea of being able to meander during the day time! I have made a few late night fun runs to the parks after the boys were in bed, I have done that before, but never during the day time! I think you all look like you are having a fab fab time!!!! We always see Remy, he is toooo cute! Chef's for lunch is great!

 

[I Believe In Magic]

A birthday surprise of epic proportions.......I CAN'T WAIT!!!

Hope you had I great trip. I am going to check now and see if you started a TR.
__________________

Thanks ME! And I seriously started laughing when I read the part about the TR. I wanted to do one but when each day would be this:

Today we set out for........insert park here. It was a beautiful day and we were hopeful........BUT the skies opened up AGAIN and we got poured on.....I have lovely photos of.....oh no I couldn't get those because it was POURING. lol We got pretty friendly with the ponchos and by day 6 my little one could take it off without almost suffocating herself. (that was supposed to be funny LOL)

Ahhh theres always the next trip. Which now I will HAVE to take because I need that mug.

 

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

Looks like you had a wonderful morning! Ahh the "never hungry when passing favorite snacks" thing ALWAYS happens to me! It's too bad that Dole Whips wouldn't transport well .

Your lunch at Chefs looks great! (Especially your creme brulee!)

 

[2xcited2sleep]

I really think Chefs was one of my favorite meals of the trip. I think the Prix Fixe menu is a great value with so much food for ~$25. I had the onion soup, toasted ham & cheese and the chocolate cake. Too much food, almost!

I think I said previously that although we didnt have a waiter we still had fun but someone read quickly and thought we did. There is a new cute waiter spot for me and that is Via Napoli.

Amazing pictures, as always, MEK!!

Tracy- I think you are right, we did get FPs so we went Soarin after lunch and then I think back to the pool. It was a hot day!

Love your new perfume. Someday I might go into Guerlain and have them do a make up lesson or something. Isn't that one of the DVC perks? might be a fun and new way to pass some time and take a break from eating around the world in Oct.

 

[Charleston Princess]

I may have to make that Jungle Cruise pic my computer wallpaper, Mary Ellen!

Love the pictures of all of you at Chefs and the one of MEK and Cynthia outside. Lovely!!!

 

[Queenofallthings]

The details I see in your pictures always amaze me! Looks and sounds like a great time at Les Chefs du France! One of these years I am going to have to book it for lunch because I am dying to have the sandwich you had. The Barefoot Contessa made it on the food network one day and when I realized they had it on the lunch menu...well I just have to have it

Thank you again for all your support....you have been so wonderful! I hope you have a wonderful weekend my friend