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

[MEK]

Continued.......

Well, I guess that's all the pictures I took in Victoria Gardens because the rest of my pictures are certainly not from Canada.

Oh - That's right. I took this picture to show you where we actually sat at La Hacienda the previous night. See the fouth picture window on the right? That was our wonderful seat!

Another View:

I obviously didn't like the previous picture I took of the topiary, so I decided to take a second one.

Ah......Much better than the first! Well, except for the hair on that young lady who managed to enter my picture. I watch "What Not to Wear" and I have a feeling that Stacy and Clinton would have a field day with that hairstyle. Oh My. Talk about "I love the 80's!".

I love this picture. I have to admit, I stole the idea from another DISer, but I love it all the same!

I buzzed on by the Slushie Stand, but only because I was now at risk for being late to our lunch ADR!

Ah, Le Chef's - I so enjoyed my lunch here that I had to take one more picture:

or two:

or more:

A flower and garden display that I obviously missed:

And another one (I thought this looked so cool)

Bye Bye Spaceship Earth

Perhaps you noticed that I never rode Spaceship Earth this trip. In actuality, there were a lot of rides I didn't ride this trip. I really did want to take a spin on SE, but I must confess that after seeing hoards of middle school boys walking from that direction, I had a total inward panic attack, and I decided to pass this attraction until December.

Just in case I didn't get enough Morocco pictures on my first full day, I took a few more....you know, just in case!

Up Next....hotties in Italy and my last meal in the world!

 

[eandesmom]

I have to admit, those fairies creep me out a little without any faces!

Gorgeous pictures, gorgeous!

 

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

The Fantasyland expansion does look like it's moving along quickly!

It is strange that they didn't give the Fairies faces. Or at least the slightest hint of an eye or lip. But they are very cute nonetheless!

 

[I Believe In Magic]

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!! Thank you!! When I read that you sampled it and they were out of it I lol'ed. The exact same thing happened to me! I tried a perfume, Petite Cherie (or something like that) on a trip in October of 09. well the lady sprayed me and I am not a perfume wearer (since having babies, most make me sick) but I walked around with it and loved it. so I go back about an hour later, they had been out for weeks. Umm ok why are you sampling it then!! So I go home and think about it for months, until I go back in May of 10. So I go to buy it and a TEENIE tiny bottle was $90.00. I come home and buy a sample on ebay for 5.00. (I have a point I swear!! lol) so regardless of the price, I should of got the .00018 ounce and sucked it up because I loved it. And I tried to find a smidgen on ebay of what you got , and well lets say it must be a giant bottle on there. lol

Good for you for indulging yourself. I have a feeling all of you will never forget this trip, but now you have that to remind you too!!

 

[Nermel9]

Love the fairy pictures, the Flower and Garden Festival is such a nice time to visit Epcot!

I love Canada, but I feel like we never spend enough time there! We're usually rushing through to get to Le Cellier!

 

[MEK]

I have to admit, those fairies creep me out a little without any faces!

That's funny. I didn't even notice! Well - I mean I noticed that they don't have faces, but figured it was just artistic license.

Gorgeous pictures, gorgeous!

Thank you! The marvels of editing once again!

The Fantasyland expansion does look like it's moving along quickly!

It really does. I can't wait to see how things look in December. I can't wait to see it open. That is going to be so cool.

It is strange that they didn't give the Fairies faces. Or at least the slightest hint of an eye or lip. But they are very cute nonetheless!

In a couple of the fairies I can pick out a little hint of facial features. It weird, because in a way I can imagine their faces there so perhaps that why I don't notice the faces are missing.

TRACY!! Thank you!! When I read that you sampled it and they were out of it I lol'ed. The exact same thing happened to me! I tried a perfume, Petite Cherie (or something like that) on a trip in October of 09. well the lady sprayed me and I am not a perfume wearer (since having babies, most make me sick) but I walked around with it and loved it. so I go back about an hour later, they had been out for weeks. Umm ok why are you sampling it then!! So I go home and think about it for months, until I go back in May of 10. So I go to buy it and a TEENIE tiny bottle was $90.00. I come home and buy a sample on ebay for 5.00. (I have a point I swear!! lol) so regardless of the price, I should of got the .00018 ounce and sucked it up because I loved it. And I tried to find a smidgen on ebay of what you got , and well lets say it must be a giant bottle on there. lol

Good for you for indulging yourself. I have a feeling all of you will never forget this trip, but now you have that to remind you too!!

Wow - I have never had that experience with perfume, but clearly I am not sampling the right ones. When I was a kid the sickening sweet fumes would really annoy me. Maybe I need to try again because what you both describe seems heavenly. On one hand I am glad I don't have an expensive addiction to perfumes, but on the other hand it does sound so indulgent!

Love the fairy pictures, the Flower and Garden Festival is such a nice time to visit Epcot!

Agreed, although I wish I was going with you to experience F&W! You must be so excited that your trip is right around the corner. Woo Hoo!

I love Canada, but I feel like we never spend enough time there! We're usually rushing through to get to Le Cellier!

So true. That's why I am glad I finally took the time to explore Canada in more depth! If you've never seen the film, do it! It's really great!!!!!

 

[Mndisneygirl]

Beautiful pictures!!! Canada is a great hidden gem in my mind. A lot of people don't take time to explore the pavillion beyond the movie or LeCellier. I just went "up" there on our summer trip 2010 for the first time to see what was upstairs.

I took a picture of every flipping fairy too and the little fairy houses! I did not pay any attention to the fact that they didn't have real faces!

Next trip I should go sample the fragrances in France. Or maybe I shouldn't! It sounds costly...

 

[MEK]

Beautiful pictures!!! Canada is a great hidden gem in my mind. A lot of people don't take time to explore the pavillion beyond the movie or LeCellier. I just went "up" there on our summer trip 2010 for the first time to see what was upstairs.

I totally agree! I love that pavilion and there are no crowds. The whole area is much larger than it looks! Love it!

I took a picture of every flipping fairy too and the little fairy houses! I did not pay any attention to the fact that they didn't have real faces!

I'm glad I'm not the only one. I just imagined they had faces. I really need to pay better attention!

Next trip I should go sample the fragrances in France. Or maybe I shouldn't! It sounds costly...

I did try one sample and it was lovely, but perfumes still make me nervous and bring up bad childhood memories of sneezing and having an itchy nose all through church. I guess my irrational fear is probably saving me some serious cash!!!!!

 

[Wicket's Mom]

I finally got caught up today!
When I saw the thing about noodleing, I was wondering how catching catfish came into play at WDW! Thank goodness it was pool toys, I would hate to think that you were in those lakes with arms underwater grabbing catfish!

I missed the Ditch darn it! Going with DIL & GDs made that near impossible. I've got to get a TR started. The trip had so many magical moments. It was really special!

The flag pictures were wonderful, Disney parks had their flags at half staff on 9-11. That made going into the parks a little easier.
I will be looking forward to your Williamsburg trip. We will be going to Gatalinburg in October.

I was worn out from our trip to WDW, but after looking at your Epcot pix, I'm ready to go again!
Doris

 

[Wicket's Mom]

Re: the faceless fairies, maybe they are Amish!

 

[MEK]

I finally got caught up today!
When I saw the thing about noodleing, I was wondering how catching catfish came into play at WDW! Thank goodness it was pool toys, I would hate to think that you were in those lakes with arms underwater grabbing catfish!

Oh you would NEVER catch me noodling in some Florida lake!!!!! Heck No Never!!!!!

Welcome Back!!!!!!! I hope you had a fabulous time!

I missed the Ditch darn it! Going with DIL & GDs made that near impossible. I've got to get a TR started. The trip had so many magical moments. It was really special!

bummer on missing the Ditch! You must go next trip!

Very excited for you TR to start!!!!! Can't wait to read all about the magical moments!!!!!

The flag pictures were wonderful, Disney parks had their flags at half staff on 9-11. That made going into the parks a little easier.
I will be looking forward to your Williamsburg trip. We will be going to Gatalinburg in October.

Thank you! That was probably very cool to see all the flags at half staff! A gentle, but powerful reminder.

I am going to write about Williamsburg in my next TR, which I am going to start very soon. I am going to make it a combined PTR/TR and start with the Williamsburg stuff. I am almost done editing the pictures.

Gaitlinburg in October sounds wonderful!!!!!

I was worn out from our trip to WDW, but after looking at your Epcot pix, I'm ready to go again!
Doris

WDW trips are always tiring, but reliving them with pictures can be so invigorating!!!!!

Re: the faceless fairies, maybe they are Amish!

Yeah - Maybe!!!!

 

[SoonerGirl]

Beautiful pictures once again ME! Seeing your fairy pictures really makes me want to go back for F&G again, Epcot is just so beautiful during that time!

 

[MEK]

Beautiful pictures once again ME! Seeing your fairy pictures really makes me want to go back for F&G again, Epcot is just so beautiful during that time!

Thanks Michelle! F&G is a great time to visit for the wonderful topiaries and scenery, but right now I would choose F&W over F&G!!!!!

 

[vamassey1]

I've missed several updates!

Mary Ellen I'm sorry the middle school boys messed soarin' up for you. I wonder they were all there together? I hope it wasn't for the YES program. Danielle is doing it in Feb and I hope her group is better behaved. Love the fairy pictures, even without faces. Love the Canada area. There really is a lot to see there. Lovely pictures from around the world showcase.

Cynthia you really did get a lot done that morning. I find it enduring that you were in the MK without kids and spent your morning in Fantasyland. It really does show that we're all kids in Disneyworld.

Okay bring on the Italian hotties!

 

[MEK]

I've missed several updates!

Mary Ellen I'm sorry the middle school boys messed soarin' up for you. I wonder they were all there together? I hope it wasn't for the YES program. Danielle is doing it in Feb and I hope her group is better behaved. Love the fairy pictures, even without faces. Love the Canada area. There really is a lot to see there. Lovely pictures from around the world showcase.

They were definitely together - they had matching T-shirts. Funny - I only saw groups of boys, no girls. Really - they weren't that bad. They were just boys being boys. I'm sure my kids would have acted the same way.

Danielle's program sounds so great! What a wonderful opportunity!

Glad you like the pics and I agree, Canada is quite the hidden gem. Love it!

Cynthia you really did get a lot done that morning. I find it enduring that you were in the MK without kids and spent your morning in Fantasyland. It really does show that we're all kids in Disneyworld.

She sure did. When I went over there one morning I felt like I hardly got anything done. She really made good use of her time on her last day.

Okay bring on the Italian hotties!

Stick around. I'll probably post the hotties tomorrow night!!!!!!

 

[MEK]

So our trip is coming to close, at least Cynthia and my trip is. I forgot to mention that before I went to the world showcase, I stopped at Mousegears. I'm not a huge souvie person, but I did purchase a few goodies this trip.

First - I bought a pair of sunglasses because I miss placed mine one morning (I later found them)

Second - I qualified somehow for the Mickey towel purchase, so I bought one of those. I had to. It was so cute.

Third - In mousegears I picked up some chip clips. Bad purchase. As cute as they are, they do not clip anything but the smallest bag. Oh well. See what happens to your common sense when you spend time at Disney! At home I would have figured out right away that they weren't going to work and they never would have made it to the cash register.

Fourth - My favorite purchase of the trip. My Mickey wine glass charms. I love them! I use them all the time and I swear they make the wine taste better.

My Shades:

My Towel:

My Clips:

My charms:

My charms in action!

oops - they still have the made in China label on them. That's long gone.

All My Loot (souvies & gifts)

My multiplying mugs:

I almost forgot I bought this mug.....use it all the time.

Cynthia gave me this for my birthday (because I am a princess and all) and I am saving it for my next trip

So - Am I getting ahead of myself by showing my souvies before I've even finished getting home?

Back to the story - As I was approaching Via Napoli, I looked at the time, and I noticed I got there just in time for our ADR. But that didn't stop me from taking a few more pictures:

Tracy and Christine were already there. We decided to get seated because Cynthia texted us she was still 5 or 10 minutes away (Remember that Soarin FP?)

We actually were seated right beyond the check-in podium, so we were at a good vantage point to see Cynthia when she came in.

The restaurant itself is so festive. Pictures really don't do it justice.

Of course this restaurant is also known for some of its other scenery.....

No, Not the manager!

The waiters.......

Bring that right over here hottie......Oops, I mean honey!

Working hard....

Continued.......

 

[MEK]

When I brought up this picture to edit it I had a really good laugh!!!!!! I know the chef is looking at the pizza, but you sure can't tell.

Now - I could be wrong. But I'm pretty sure this guy was Tracy's hottie.

So bring on the food:

Fritto Misto - an assortment of just-fried seasonal vegetables, calamari & cheese. Serves 2 people. Arancini, mozzarella, calamari, melanzane, asparagi, zucchini, carciofi,pomodoro piccante sauce $24.00



I'm pretty sure we all had the pizzas. This was mine:

Funghi - portobello, crimini mushrooms


I also had a glass of the sangria which went down much too easy and was way too tasty!

Tracy's:

I'm thinking Tracy may have built her own, but I'm not sure

Build Your Own
Individual $16, Large $28 (serves 2 - 3), Mezzo Metro $39 (serves 3 - 5)

Margherita - tomato, mozzarella, basil

Add a topping $2.00 each
Eggplant, Italian Spicy Sausage, Fontina Cheese, Pepperoni, Prosciutto, Red Peppers, Artichokes, Olives, Anchovies, Mushrooms, Onions, Zucchini, Parma Cotto Ham, Arugula, Chicken Sausage


And Cynthia's

Again - I'm taking a guess

Prosciutto e Melone - fontina, mozzarella, prosciutto, cantelope

OH - I almost forgot - Here's our waiter

How cute is he??????

And it certainly didn't hurt that I was still getting the birthday treatment. That granted me my own private photo session and I was as giddy as a school girl.

Oh yeah - I was loving my moment with my cute little Italian hottie!!!!!

And here it is - my last birthday dessert of the trip....

What a fun meal!

And then it hit me - like a ton of bricks - It was actually time to go. My trip to Disney was over. Whaaaaaaaaaaaa!

A Few more pics before I packed my camera up.

Cynthia and I had slightly different ME pick up times. Her's left about 15 minutes before mine. We said our goodbyes to Tracy and Christine and started the walk back. I think at the IG Cynthia and I said our goodbyes. I actually got choked up because I wasn't prepared for our trip to end. I mean - mentally - it just hit me all of a sudden.

I don't know what I did for the next 10 or 15 minutes. But I did stop and take some pictures back at the Beach Club

I wasted as much time as I could before I headed outside to wait for ME.

I was only there a minute or two and ME arrived.

My last picture from ME

and then I put the camera away. For a long time!

Sitting on ME I could feel myself slowly transport back to my "real life" frame of mind. I was sorry to see our trip come to an end, but I was satisfied that I had just spent 6 wonderful nights at the world (well - all except for my headache night) and I had made more wonderful friends.

I just sort of day dreamed on my way back to MCO. I tried not to watch the movie because I thought it might depress me. I took solace in the fact that I had a December trip planned.

I don't remember much about MCO until I got to my gate. Then I saw an announcement that my flight had been delayed by 2 1/2 hours. It didn't really sink in until I saw some irate man arguing with a Southwest check-in person. I mean - seriously dude - what is she going to do???? Apparently there was a mechanical issue with the plane. She was offering $100 vouchers and this crazy man just walked away from it. I have no idea where he went or how he got home, but he never came back.

Me - well, I was probably second in line (behind crazy man) for my voucher. I knew it would come in handy for my December trip!!!!

If I'm not mistaken, Cynthia's flight was also delayed. She was on the opposite side of the terminal, so I never saw her again, but we text messaged back and forth for a bit. While she tried some new beer at the bar, I headed over to Starbucks for some coffee.

So what time did I finally get to Philly???? I know we didn't land until after 12pm and I don't think I got home until around 1:30am. Fortunately I took the next day off from work and boy did I need it!


So that's a wrap friends. I think Cynthia will probably update next and then I have a few more updates planned.

For my last trip report I did a quick summary of the trip and I think that worked well. I also plan to do my usually list of Disney firsts.

Shortly I will be starting a new TR for my Hilton Head and December trip, so stay tuned for that.

Thanks everyone for reading!

 

[Queenofallthings]

I'm sad...I hate when my friend's TR's come to an end I know before long we'll have another MEK TR so I'll just patiently wait for that!

I agree with you...pictures don't do Via Napoli justice at all ... and your first picture of your hotties...he was our waiter and he was unbelievable....we loved him!!!

Great pics of you and your hottie and I'm so happy you were getting the best treatment for your birthday!!!! Once again my friend, fantastic job, loved your pictures as always, and I look forward to your next one

 

[tinacaplan]

Oh, no...I can't believe this is almost over. But glad you'll be picking it up again. I really enjoyed this TR so much and I could just tell how much fun you all had.

Love the latest round of pics, too. The black and white one at EPCOT is really great. Our last Disney meal was at Via Napoli, too. So glad we gave it another chance because it really is good and it s fun. That one waiter...oh my goodness...

 

[MEK]

I'm sad...I hate when my friend's TR's come to an end I know before long we'll have another MEK TR so I'll just patiently wait for that!

I am going to start a new TR soon. It's going to be a little different. I'm going to post it on the TR boards (not the PTRs) and make it an ongoing TR to write about Williamsburg, Hilton Head (1 month ) and Disney. I think it will be fun and different!

I agree with you...pictures don't do Via Napoli justice at all ... and your first picture of your hotties...he was our waiter and he was unbelievable....we loved him!!!

Via Napoli is so pretty. I had a hard deciding whether to go back there or to La Hacienda in December.

Great pics of you and your hottie and I'm so happy you were getting the best treatment for your birthday!!!! Once again my friend, fantastic job, loved your pictures as always, and I look forward to your next one

I didn't realize I took SO many pictures of the hotties, but apparently I did. They really were cute and so young looking. Our waiter was great, but I think he gave himself a huge tip (like probably 30%) because I paid with a gift card and everyone else paid with cash. I'm not sure how that all happened, but I know we ending up giving him an overly generous tip!

Looking back, I have to really thank the ladies for adding the whole birthday thing to all our reservations. I really got some awesome birthday treats. I didn't want to advertise the whole birthday thing, but now I'm glad we did!!!!

Oh, no...I can't believe this is almost over. But glad you'll be picking it up again. I really enjoyed this TR so much and I could just tell how much fun you all had.

I actually wrapped this TR up a little sooner than I had anticipated, so I'm glad I stayed on track.

I do really want to do a summary. With this many days and this many people, it gets confusing, so look for that soon.

And look for my next TR soon!!!

.

Love the latest round of pics, too. The black and white one at EPCOT is really great. Our last Disney meal was at Via Napoli, too. So glad we gave it another chance because it really is good and it s fun. That one waiter...oh my goodness...

Something just told me to edit that picture into black and white and I agree, I think it turned out really cool. Funny how that happens. I think I just got lucky!

What can I say - those waiters are too cute for their own good. I can only imagine the damage they do in their after work activities!