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

[Mndisneygirl]

Great pics! Your lunch sounds so good right now! I could do that prix fixe menu for sure!!

I have been known to "force myself" to eat special snacks because I am near the only place I can get them. "What if I didn't get back there later? I'd miss out!" "I better eat one now!!"

Love the title!! Too funny! I can see it being even funnier at the time (since you were having champagne and all...)

 

[burly]

have only ever eaten pastries in the France pavilion. Must remedy that. the onion soup looks yummy.

KIM

 

[2xcited2sleep]

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 meant to answer this earlier. Yes, the African Margarita. SOO good. Name the date and time and I will meet you there! This time I am watching carefully to see what goes into this drink! Hoping it is as good as I remember it being. It's also a fun atmosphere. Think AK is the next day in our report so we'll get to it soon but we had the opportunity to watch one of the funniest things I've seen in a long time while sipping our margaritas and I still laugh just thinking about it. I really wish one of us had video taped it. I don't even think I took a picture b/c I was laughing too hard.

 

[MEK]

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!!

Probably a smart ides. I had a connecting room once and I could not keep the kids out of my room and quiet in theirs. Plus they kept slamming the doors. It was terrible.

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

I guess they should change the name from "lost on safari" to "Found a Bonus Safari". Probably not a great state to be in for taking pictures.

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.

Sometimes Disney can offer to be a little too accommodating, can't they?

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 am so sorry I am going to miss out on the Dawa Bar meet. It sounds like its going to be so much fun. I better see pictures - lots of FB pictures!

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!

It really is nice to be able to get away from the family for awhile and tour solo. Especially when you have kids the ages of yours. Mine are older now, but I remember that quite well. You are going to have a lovely girls only trip.

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

It really was pretty epic and I will show your pix in my next update.

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)

OK - the image of a 6 year old getting totally wrapped up in her poncho is something I can relate to. Sometimes I even have trouble getting out of one of those darn ponchos. And then getting it back on - forget about it.

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

See - always another reason to go back! And that mug is a darn good reason to go back.

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 .

Yeah - it's weird. I mean - I probably could have eaten a dole whip, but with that big lunch planned I figured it was better not to. And, of course, there was no way I was going to spoil my appetite with those corns dogs. But one of these days I really am going to try them.

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

It really was. I could eat that over and over again. And that creme brulee - just the right consistency on top. Perfection!

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!

It really is an awesome value - especially when you can get breakfast out of half your sandwich. That chocolate cake looked delish!

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.

You are right - Via Napoli was a mecca of cute waiters. WOW! Can't wait to look at those pix again.

Amazing pictures, as always, MEK!!

Thanks!

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!

It really was an excellent pool 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.

A makeup lesson sounds like a lot of fun. I would love that and I sure as heck need it! Let me know if you do end up doing it in October.

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

By all means - be my guest!

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

Thanks. That really was a fun lunch. I would plan it exactly the same way for another girls trip.

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 for the picture compliment! I read about several other DISers having that sandwich, so I pretty much knew that's what I wanted. I knew it would be over the top decadent for lunch and something I wouldn't dare eat at home. And it was - sheer perfection!

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

You are so welcome. Please continue to keep me posted as to your mom's progress.

 

[MEK]

Great pics! Your lunch sounds so good right now! I could do that prix fixe menu for sure!!

Definitely the way to go. Cynthia and I actually had started the DxDP, but it just seemed like the way to go. I really wanted that sandwich.

I have been known to "force myself" to eat special snacks because I am near the only place I can get them. "What if I didn't get back there later? I'd miss out!" "I better eat one now!!"

For research purposes and all, right?????

Love the title!! Too funny! I can see it being even funnier at the time (since you were having champagne and all...)

If I had a picture of Melissa actually right up in Remy's face it would be a lot funnier. You will just have to trust me that she literally got out of her chair and stood right by Remy to get a close up. And her camera lens is not small by any means. it was funny!

have only ever eaten pastries in the France pavilion. Must remedy that. the onion soup looks yummy.

KIM

It was. It's been a long time since I have eaten french onion soup and it was definitely worth the wait! Really a great place for lunch.

I meant to answer this earlier. Yes, the African Margarita. SOO good. Name the date and time and I will meet you there! This time I am watching carefully to see what goes into this drink! Hoping it is as good as I remember it being. It's also a fun atmosphere. Think AK is the next day in our report so we'll get to it soon but we had the opportunity to watch one of the funniest things I've seen in a long time while sipping our margaritas and I still laugh just thinking about it. I really wish one of us had video taped it. I don't even think I took a picture b/c I was laughing too hard.

You know C - I don't think I took any pictures of that spectacle. I have no idea why not. I must have been on break after taking 200 african trek photos. I have to look, because I am editing that day now.

 

[cdotla]

Looks like a fabulous meal, ladies!

Love the shot of ME and Cynthia by the fountain.

What a great way to finish a fabulous meal like that...with a FP ride on Soarin', followed by the pool.

 

[KatMark]

ME, great pictures (are they ever anything else).

Your Grilled Cheese at Chefs looks awesome (as does the soup--I love french onion soup). I'm seriously thinking of canceling Via Napoli because it seems I can't eat pizza or spaghetti without getting sick (don't know if it is the sauce or what), and your pics are making me think of Chefs which we've never been too.

 

[TanzUnited99]

Great pics as usual! I love all of them - had to laugh about the comment of the guy being in those tight shorts! I would never have guessed that if you had not mentioned it.

I am soo looking forward to dining at Les Chefs de France after seeing all your pics of the food and decor - it sounds like you all had a great experience and lol at the big lens comment!

 

[MEK]

Looks like a fabulous meal, ladies!

It was really good! I have been craving that sandwich ever since I posted the picture!

L
Love the shot of ME and Cynthia by the fountain.

Thanks!

What a great way to finish a fabulous meal like that...with a FP ride on Soarin', followed by the pool.

This was the afternoon that Cynthia and I went to SAB! Very interesting pool. Not exactly what I expected.

ME, great pictures (are they ever anything else).

Thanks Kathy!

Your Grilled Cheese at Chefs looks awesome (as does the soup--I love french onion soup). I'm seriously thinking of canceling Via Napoli because it seems I can't eat pizza or spaghetti without getting sick (don't know if it is the sauce or what), and your pics are making me think of Chefs which we've never been too.

I think you would both really enjoy! I am going to make it a regular lunch spot because everything was so perfect!

Great pics as usual! I love all of them - had to laugh about the comment of the guy being in those tight shorts! I would never have guessed that if you had not mentioned it.

Thanks!

Those shorts were ridiculous. Granted, he had perfect runners leg (shaved and all possibly for triatholons), but they looked as ridiculous as a speedo.

I am soo looking forward to dining at Les Chefs de France after seeing all your pics of the food and decor - it sounds like you all had a great experience and lol at the big lens comment!

I think you will love it! It really is a fun meal and it was so perfect for lunch. I loved having the window seat! So bright and festive.

 

[sunny_stace]

Oooh! I hope Remy will be out when I'm at Chefs De France! It sounds like you guys had an amazing time! How was the champagne? I thought Christine said you had a guy waiter but I guess not....maybe she meant the maitre'd?

 

[Wicket's Mom]

When I had lunch there I too, had the onion soup & the creme brule. C'est magnifique!

That guy just plain looked creepy. It's just not natural for a guy to wear short shorts & to have shaved legs! LOL

 

[manntra]

I meant to answer this earlier. Yes, the African Margarita. SOO good. Name the date and time and I will meet you there! This time I am watching carefully to see what goes into this drink! Hoping it is as good as I remember it being. It's also a fun atmosphere. Think AK is the next day in our report so we'll get to it soon but we had the opportunity to watch one of the funniest things I've seen in a long time while sipping our margaritas and I still laugh just thinking about it. I really wish one of us had video taped it. I don't even think I took a picture b/c I was laughing too hard.

I totally forgot about that at the Dawa Bar while drinking your well deserved margarita.....and I should have taped him on my phone. I didn't even think about it at the time!
I remember seeing in the "DVC perks" pamphlet that Guerlain does something like that with a lesson and usually gives some nice samples. Although the samples could be because of my money spent there

Tracy

 

[Nermel9]

Wow, love the pics of MK and Epcot! Chef's looks SO good, I feel like I'm never going to eat there, because I always cancel it for other places! I wish my DH wasn't so set on eating at San Angel Inn on our first night on our next trip, or I'd go there!

 

[I Believe In Magic]

LOL I must clarify my post, when I was talking about my dd mastering the poncho, I think I meant day 6, because she is 12!! lol wow she would be so embarrassed if she knew I told everyone she couldn't take the poncho off without ripping it and getting stuck. I guess when something is that wet it is impossible!!! lol

Ok I just asked her and she said she knew I would freak if she ripped it so she was just trying to be careful. LOL how thoughtful

 

[brookelizabeth]

I am back on page 20.

 

[chloe770]

I am back on page 20.

Ok. That makes me feel a little better about being 10 pages behind.

GIRLS~ I'm loving the TR and all of your stories. Can't wait to hear more.

 

[mickeysmyboy]

Ok, before I get to my very large lens I'll fill you in on my morning!!

While MaryEllen was off enjoying MK I did indeed keep my appointment at Mandara Spa! I didn't regret it!!

I'll admit, I'm a spa kind girl!! I love to be pampered!

First of all, the facility is LOVELY! It's truly what a spa should be, at least in my mind! It was beautiful, tranquil and it was relaxing just to be there!

I had booked a hot stone massage with a foot treatment add-on!! The massage and foot treatment were amazing! The only thing that I was disappointed about was the fact that the girl didn't massage my face! That's always one of my favorite parts of any massage! Oh well! I'll definitely go back to Mandara any time I'm at an Epcot resort!

After the massage I ventured in the shops in Dolphin in hopes of finding the Princess engagement ring for Jen! After all, Tracy was able to pruchase one the night before in the shop after our meal at BlueZoo. But I had no luck! I even asked the CM's in the shop who looked at me like I had 3 heads! Sorry Jen!

Then it was time to venture back to Beach Club. Afterall, the credit card issue was still unresolved! No, I'm not kidding!! Still unresolved!

Once back in my room I mustered all of my spa relaxed strength and called the limo company, yet again!

This time, I spoke to the owner! I gave her a piece of my mind! I can't really tell you what I said to her! Afterall, this is a family site! She apologized and said that she had reversed the charges and she would fax me the confirmation she got from the bank so I knew it was taken care of! I felt a little better after I got off the phone with her!

Then I ventured off to Epcot! My intention was to enjoy France a bit before lunch and have a Grey Goose Citron Slush! But while I was walking to Epcot I realized one thing! It was H-O-T!!! I felt like I was melting!! When I got through our private entrance I stopped at the shop and got a bottle of water and promptly took the first available spot in the shade and drank the entire bottle in about 2 minutes! Feeling a bit better I ventured off again!

I decided to skip the alcohol and do a little wandering! DH had requested a gift from the American Adventure and I had remembered to stop there yet! So, that was were I headed! I found DH's t-shirt and a very nice shirt for me and then headed back toward France!

But, when I got to Morocco I was melting again and feeling a bit woozy so I stopped at the counter service and got a bottle of water and a diet soda! I was hoping the caffeine and water would help! First I guzzled the water and then started the soda! Again feeling better I ventured off to France!

I found a quite little spot in the back to sit on a wall, enjoy the peace and quiet and shade. That was until a family with a very cranky little boy joined my formerly peaceful spot! I have 3 kids, they get cranky from time to time. Even at Disney. Lets face it, with all the activity and lack of sleep its bound to happen. But this was crazy!! This little boy was freaking out!! He them proceeded to throw a very large cup of sprite at his mother! His parents were not amused! I felt terrible for them and for the little boy! Luckily, the mom seemed very rational and told her husband that the kids were very obviously over tired and they needed to leave, head back to the room and take a rest! Then I had my peace again!

After enjoying the quiet, relaxing peace for awhile I headed into Givenchy to purchase one of the special, limited edition fragrances they had for F&GF. While I was making my purchase I received a text from someone (either Tracy, Christine or Jen) that they were headed into France I met them across the way at Guerlain!

Soon it was time to check-in at Chefs and wait for MaryEllen and Cynthia!

I really enjoyed this meal! Admittedly, the champagne helped! I had Lobster Bisque as an appetizer! It was AMAZING! Unbelievably amazing!!! I also had the Ham and Cheese Sandwich for an entree! I must admit, it wasn't my favorite thing! It seemed a bit much to me! It was a lot of food and the cheese was very rich! I could have just eaten the soup for lunch and been happy!

Remy, and the maitre'd, were fabulous though!!! Yes, the maitre'd was very impressed with camera lens! When I stood up and went around the table to take a few shots close to Remy he said "Are you sure need to be that close?!" Im my defense, shortly before the tip I got a new, 18 - 105 mm lens for my camera. It's kinda a utility lens! I can take shots up close and far away! Perfect for WDW when I don't want to constantly be changing lens!

My Remy pictures...








My champagne..



After lunch I decided to escape the heat and head straight back to BCV! More to come

 

[MEK]

Melissa - great pictures!!!!!!! Perfect close-ups of Remy!

As for everyone else - I apologize for getting a little behind on the replies. My poor Max (my favorite cat) had a ruptured anal gland and needed to have surgery in the middle of the night on Saturday. I brought him home Sunday afternoon and I have been "trying" to sleep on the couch in the family room so I can get up if he starts to cry. Poor thing. He was actually wimpering on Sunday night. It was so pathetic. Monday night it was more the kids coming and going into the kitchen that was waking me up. So I have basically had three nights with not enough sleep. I completely overslept for work this morning.

Max is doing much better. He manages to get his E-collar off from time to time and licks his butt which has multiple stitches and a drain. He is so funny - he won't eat with it on and he won't use his litter box with it on. He literally sleeps next to his litter box. He really does not move around all that much. His expensive pain medicine was making him look like a stoner so I stopped giving it to him.

So - tonight I have to get some sleep so I'm going to my own bed. I think he's all tucked in for the night. To the vet tomorrow night to get his drain removed. Who knew that cats could rupture an anal gland. Here, I thought it was just dogs.

I will try to get to replies tomorrow.

 

[KatMark]

Melissa, thanks for the info on Mandra Spa (I may try that in September). Great picture of Remy!

ME, so sorry to hear about your kitty. I hope Max is back to full strength soon.

 

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

I'm sorry to hear Max needed to have surgery! I hope he is feeling better soon! (And I hope you're able to get a good night's sleep soon too!)

--

Great pics of Remy! He's too cute!