How Much Do You Ladies Charge to Haunt the Castle? -- Departure Day up (See index

[inkedupmomma]

OMG! Jack NEEDS That Darth Micket hat asap! and Kayla NEEDS that beaker one! I love your husband!

 

[wigdoutdismom]

I just went back and re-read one of the last updates. I can't believe that I missed the announcement about your resort for next summer.
Won't that be convenient!
Looking forward to it!

 

[Tiggerrn2]

Loved the updates and love the photopass pix. I think it is awesome that you both love Disney and it shows!
BOMA is awesome for dinner. I have never tried it for breakfast, but the butternut squash soup there is heavenly-and I discovered you can get that at the Mara as well.
The hat photos are so cute! Mark has quite the collection of photos going.
No park days are awesome (as I discovered this summer). There are so many amazing things you can find to do when you aren't fretting over missing out on a park day.

 

[Poolrat]

I get six weeks vacation so it was no big deal to take the day off. I actually "cashed in" five days of vacation because we can only carry over so many days into the next year and I just don't use six weeks (although at the rate I'm going with trips next year, I just might use all of them).

I had to the do the buy back thing this year and over a certain amount (240 hours) at teh end of the calendar year anything over goes to sick time.

Had that much - have been taking it and yet my wonderful supervisor fusses at me for taking vactaion.

Oh, is this more code for "coffee on the verandah???"

I SO was going to say that. Great minds .... or is
mine just warped???



Love all the photopass pics. Always love the balloon one.

MK EHM Way to bang out the rides.

I am due for Crystal palace, it has been a while.
Boma Breakfast too.


Way to go having a no park day and staying out of the parks. Have yet to be on property and actually do that.

 

[amandaw]

I have a lot to catch up on....bear with me.

UGH! So sorry to hear about the water heater. Having to buy stuff like that always stinks. But even more so before a vacation!

Speaking of Yankee Candles....I popped into the store at our local mall today. I wanted to get 1 or 2 Christmas scents. The little girl working had a coupon....buy 2 get 2 free!! I was so excited! Walked out with 4 candles for the price of 2! Woo Hoo!!

Seems like I always hear really good things about breakfast at Boma. Looks like there are some pretty "normal" things on the buffet. Perhaps, I can convince Ed to go there one day.

The pool time sounds really nice....except for that party pooper with the political radio. I mean, really?!? Who wants to listen to that junk on vacation?

That downpour sounds like the perfect napping weather!

The evening in DTD sounds really nice & leisurely! I love that Vader hat with the Mickey ears. Wish I had seen that while we were there to buy for Reid. Next time!

And y'all were off to a really good start the next day at MK! I love all the photos...especially the fun Photopass pictures!

Can't wait to hear where y'all headed next!

 

[emmysmommy]

Hi Kathy! You have been really busy - you are putting me to shame with all of your updates!

Love the non-park days... ahhh rest, relaxation (uhh ok, you DID do some laundry!) napping during the rain, and ice cream for Mark! Nice. I agree, Earl of Sandwich is a must do... glad I am easily influenced by all the Disers here or I may never have known how wonderful it is. And I'm quite excited that they just opened an EoS in DTD Anaheim!!! Em and I went there last night and didn't mind one bit waiting 30 minutes for a sandwich.

Considering Mark is a big cheater at Buzz, I definitely support separate cars next time!! Oh, and I'm a huge puffed french toast fan at CP so you can't have too much on your plate in my opinion.

 

[blessedmom4]

Hopelessly behind as always; however, when you crank the updates out like you do that is to be expected I guess! (Unlike Marv and I who think it is perfectly acceptable to take a year to write a TR...). My favorite pic of them all? You floating away on a bouquet of balloons and Mark trying to catch you...that was the best "special effect" pic I have ever seen, I think you and Mark missed your calling...GREAT acting!

 

[Chicago Mo]

Your Updates make me so gitty!!! I LOVE everything you guys do!! such a fun couple you guys!!!

 

[charlie2012charlie]

Hello, everyone. We've been back 8 days from our trip, so I thought it was time to get the next KatMark TR rolling. What do you all think?

Welcome old friends...it's so good to have you back (your support these last couple of months has kept us going...thank you).

And a special welcome to any newcomers who are just joining a KatMark TR. Although I may not be as funny with my words or as poetic as some, I still hope you enjoy the ride.

I'll do brief introductions for those newcomers.

First, there is Mark, my wonderful husband of 29 years:




I am an administrative assistant to a very special attorney, starting our 38th year together (I'll tell you more about just one of the many reasons he is very special just a bit later).

I love everything about Disney as well, and love to make all the plans (so far, Mark's only been truly disappointed in my planning twice...and both of those times were on this trip...more on that later as well).

When not reading about Disney or planning trips, I love to spend time with our wonderful kids -- Andy, Mark and soon to be Alisha.

Here's a little bit on each of the boys

Andy, age 26, is a wannabe teacher (still no full-time job), a high school assistant baseball coach and one of the most generous, good-hearted people I know!


Up next, arrival day.

Haha what great pictures!!!

 

[solana131]

Still trying to play catch up here...but loving every minute of it

- Boma looks so yummy for breakfast. I really loved the dinner there in July and now need to make it a must do for us. But now I'm thinking I want to try breakfast too. The ride over there seems so long, so now I'm thinking maybe we should just stay there and then I can fit in breakfast, lunch and dinner at AKL

- Wow...I would've had a hard time not speaking my mind about the political radio blaring at the pool Not cool!

- Earl of Sandwich is another one I need to try. I have wanted to go there ever since the first trip and it just has never happened....but that WILL change next trip.

- Gotta say, my favorite hat so far for Mark is the polka dot Minnie one

- Turtle Krawl drink....Holy Moly that is alot of different Rums in there! But it does sound good!

- Yay for the girls trip! Beach Club will be so much fun!

Okay, all caught up....keep 'em coming Kathy....I'm ready!

 

[mickeystoontown]

Once again, you were updating faster than I could read but that's okay 'cause I can catch up and you're headed to Disney very very soon and will need to write a trip report for that trip too.

Crap, I rambled too long and forgot what I wanted to comment on. Oh yeah, I remember. At first, I thought that you were going to a park on your off day but then realized that you had to go to a park to catch a bus to the AKL. I wish we were more breakfast eaters than we are so that we could give Boma a whirl. We are, however, going to be eating dinner there in May.

Despite the rain, it looks like you two really enjoyed your "off day". A little laundry, a little napping, some good food and shopping. Love those kind of days.

Your day at the Magic Kingdom looked to be a complete success. I can't believe that you actually had your picture taken with Stitch! I know that you can't stand him.

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

So I think your strategy is to keep blasting updates out there so fast there's no way I can keep up or multi-quote and make snarky comments. Well played, Kathy. Well played.

Looks like you two were having a blast even amidst the rain.

And I agree, why didn't you try EoS sooner? What a great spot that is.

Nice picture by the toy store. Are you getting that one framed?

 

[FauntleroyFAN07]

Way to go having a no park day and staying out of the parks. Have yet to be on property and actually do that.

you need to plan a trip like that alot of fun to have the down days.

we had 5 of those days this trip

4 included water parks, one we did not even set food in a water park just our hotel and dinner at another hotel.

try it on a trip pat you will enjoy it.

 

[PracPerfPatricia]

Ok caught up... on the last 20 pages...

-Great Save the Date Cards for Alisha and Mark

-Looks like a great Breakfast at Tusker house

-I love the tshirts for his birthday and that was a great picture of him doing the booty dance with Eeyore... glad he was able to feel that happiness...

-Looks like a great meal at Coral Reef... I'm glad because it always get mixed reviews and I've enjoyed it there too...

-Despite the rain you really look like you made the best of it and had a great time in WorldShowcase...

-Was that the Orange Grand Marnier Grey Goose Slushie? Very Yummy...

-Love the photopass photos of the two of you... so full of love and affection...

-Such a sweet memory to be able to call Spaceship Earth "Grandpa's Ball"

& I have to do the Crystal Palace Breakfast... it looks so pretty in there...
I ummm just have to get over my irrational fear of the Pooh figures...
ummm I love them in their movies but they are just so darn BIG in costume...(especially Piglet) but it's time to get over it and just go for it...

Really fun tr... I'm so glad I have a trip in 15 days because this would have made me homesick...

Looking forward to the rest...

 

[KatMark]

Great updates
Love the photopass picture with you almost flying with the balloons and Mark trying to hold you on the ground

Thank you; I'm very fond of that picture too.

With some of the food porn you have posted below, I'm thinking there is going to be a lot of good eating going on during the birthday trip!!! I'm guessing with all the plans this will definitely be the best trip ever, without a doubt!

I am so excited that we will be trying several new places for meals.

Wow, you just love having a big vacation send-off with these big homeowner expenses don't you........

Seriously, it is always something.

So I guess I can't honestly say anymore that you're getting too big for your britches.........

Good one, Marv!

Congrats on needing a smaller size!!!

Thank you.

Love Boma, but sadly and amazingly have never done this one for breakfast! It is high on my must do list though!!!

You've stayed at AKL and never done Boma? Seriously....you need to get with the program.

Food looks great and I would definitely be right there with you drinking the juice!!!

I wish I could bring gallons of that juice home with me.

You would really love the one-bedroom DVC villas. You have your own washer/dryer in the room, so you can throw a load in the washer or dryer at night before heading to bed, or before you head out to the park during the day!

We stayed in a one-bedroom villa at AKL/Kidani last year. Unfortunately, it's a little out of my price range next year for our 30th anniversary, even renting DVC points.

And yes, the gift shop at AKL is definitely a great place to shop. Lots of choices........

Best on property in my mind.

Nice that your own private pool came with your OKW villa..............

That's twice now we've had a pool right near our room...so convenient.

Another "haven't done" and a must do!!!

That ought to be the first stop on your next trip.

Wow, looks like all that smoochin' has your tongue a draggin'........lol

Actually, I had just been thinking about a certain DISer when I made that face.

More nice hat pics from Mark! He can definitely find the best ones to model.........

It's amazing the ones he finds; I swear he is drawn to them by superpowers.

Don't you just love being able to take the boat back and forth between DTD and OKW.......

One of the many reasons we love it there.

Looks like you were really relaxing and enjoying the ride........

It was a beautiful night

Mmmmm............not surprised you had two!!!

It was hard to drink only one.

2 updates with 2 yummy breakfasts in a row is making me very hungry! I love your relaxing no park day. Jealous that you were able to nap. I've never acquired that skill and it's frustrating! The turtle crawl is delicious. Mary Ellen and I tried to make them on our own on this last trip but it just wasn't the same, despite having the recipe.

How does one cheat on Buzz?

Cynthia, I have always been able to nap and often do it on the ride home from work on the train. At my age, they are often needed.

Hmmmm...if you had the recipe, I wonder why they didn't taste the same?

I'm not sure, but I'm sure he does. He cheats at mini-golf by using a kids golf club.

Just caught up! I haven't been on the boards in about a week!
That rain was wicked that week! We got stuck many times in the rain!

Love all of Mark's hat pictures!

I wondered where you were, welcome back.

The rain was the most we've had in years at that time of the year.

Glad you are enjoying the hats.

 

[KatMark]

I have yet to manage a 'no park' day though I've planned them-hats off you you!

Boma sounds great, but since we're always rushing to a park the trip out there seems daunting.

A rainy afternoon is the perfect time for a nap. My DH enjoys relaxing on vacations so he'd be all over that type of day.

A beautiful MK morning, great PP pics!

Loving all the hat photos as usual-the Darth Vader, Beaker, and the garden party hats are my faves of this bunch.

Hi, Shannon. A no park day in the middle of the trip really helps refresh you for the rest of the numerous hours at the parks.

Depending on where you are staying, you could always cab it to AKL. Or better yet...stay at AKL...it's a beatuiful resort.

It was a much needed nap after a couple of late nights.

I loved that Beaker hat too.

Crap - Mega Update and I can't even see the pictures. I don't even know where your CS stop was in DTD. I know its either EOS or WPE.

You always pop in and can't see my pictures. I know my pictures aren't of your caliber, but really.

Denny and I had Boma breakfast in June and I really enjoyed it. I love it at AKL. It has such a great vibe.

A great meal in a beautiful resort.

Two turtle crawls?????? I bet you were feeling no pain! Those bad boys have one of the more generous alcohol contents, Cynthia and I tried to make them in October, but try as we might, ours were just not the same. They were strong , but just not the same.

Yes, two; and if we weren't getting up early the next morning, I may have gone for three. I'm surprise with the receipe that they didn't taste as good?

To the political radio station....Yeah, I don't think I would be doing that at the pool. I get that its their relaxation, but put some earphones on or something. It's vacation and politics does not belong on vacation.

I tend to avoid politics (along with religion) in conversations, and it just kind of shocked me that he would be listening to something that was very negative about a particular candidate (whether it was the candidate I was supporting or not) and playing it so loudly in a public place.

 

[KatMark]

Sorry guys...I'll finish responses tomorrow. I'm catching a nasty cold/virus and I'm going up to bed (cannot/must not be sick for the trip in 23 days).

 

[amandaw]

Sorry guys...I'll finish responses tomorrow. I'm catching a nasty cold/virus and I'm going up to bed (cannot/must not be sick for the trip in 23 days).

Hope you feel better real soon!!

 

[kaoden39]

Get good rest and remember homemade chicken noodle soup works wonders. Plus it is incredibly easy to make.


I hope you feel better soon!

 

[Millie12591]

I hope you get to spend more time in World Showcase. There is just so much to see and learn.

Me too, I have a feeling this is the trip!

I don't like the fact that Christmas is so close...I am not prepared at all. I actually thought of not decorating since we won't be home for a week, but I couldn't figure out how to tell Mark that I thought we shouldn't decorate.

I don't like it either, it seems Christmas is coming much faster this time than I'd like, but then it also means our trip is right around the corner, time seems to speed by once the holidays go by. Okay, tha'ts a lie, the winter seems to drag on forever if it stays cold here, as of now I have no idea what the weather will bring this year. The last winter was very mild and made for a fast season, thank the Lord!

We have two seasons in Chicago -- summer and winter; it seems we never really have a spring or fall anymore. It was 70 degrees yesterday and today when I got up, it was a whopping 28 and it feels like 16. ONLY in Chicago.

We mostly have summer and then Fall and a little winter mixed in.

This one is for Camille:

Aaaaaah! I LOVE IT!!!