I Kicked it I Played it and now..Wheeling & Dealing at the WL final 9/9 p87/88

[MEK]

I thought DTD was just for shopping and eating. Those are the only reasons I go there! Sorry you didn't get to shop.
We enjoyed EoS last trip, but have enjoyed WPE too. We have a WPE near us (at Mall of America), so I don't usually feel like I have to eat there. But I like their food!
Pretty pics of SSR!

I am sorry we missed out on shopping, too! It was just plain wrong!

I would skip WPE if I had one at home. I love EOS, too.

Glad you like the SSR pics!

It is great to be back!​

Great to be back until the next big trip! What's that - in two weeks? Well, you will just have to work OT with the pictures before you go!

I'll second that!! WOW!

The fan club is growing!

 

[burly]

Been out of town and just finished 5 doubles.
congrats to the boys.
fun TR.
and all caught up. yay

 

[Dreameratheart]

I think it's odd you actually didn't shop at DTD! My DH wont even go with me to DTD anymore because I drag him from end to end and have to stop everywhere. He usually decides that he and DS can go rent a boat and play video games while I get shop all on my own!

 

[MEK]

Been out of town and just finished 5 doubles.
congrats to the boys.
fun TR.
and all caught up. yay

Thanks Burly! By the way - 5 doubles is 4 doubles too many!!!!!!

I think it's odd you actually didn't shop at DTD! My DH wont even go with me to DTD anymore because I drag him from end to end and have to stop everywhere. He usually decides that he and DS can go rent a boat and play video games while I get shop all on my own!

Dreameratheart!

Yes - its odd, but I was there with 2 newbies and my DH who never goes to DTD. I didn't want to push it. I am sure if I had done a better job of enlightening Cathy to the merits of DTD shopping, she would have been on board with the shopping idea. Maybe I was getting tired of being the leader.

 

[Nermel9]

Great update, I love DTD! Can't believe you didn't shop, I think we went there at least 3 times on our trip and I bought something every time, I just can't resist!

WPE looks so good, I want to try it someday, but like someone else said, I can't stay away from Earl of Sandwich, I love it!

Nice pictures of SSR, looks like a pretty resort!

 

[MEK]

Since i just showed you some pictures of my lovely DVC home resort, I guess it would be a good time to show you some pics of what the "real" Saratoga Springs looks like. For those of you who don't know, Saratoga Springs is located in NY state about 30 minutes north of Albany. It is known for horse racing. Apparently the race track was quite popular during the turn of the century, particularly with the rich and famous.

On Memorial day weekend I was attending my son's soccer tournament in Clifton Park NY. My GF and I decided that a quick trip to SS was in order. We had about 2 hours between games. We followed the GPS into the center of town and found plenty of free parking. We walked along the historic streets taking in the sights and, of course, shopping.

Just to prove I really was in Saratoga Springs and not some other quaint NY town:

Some architectural details:

They don't have any art deco horses like this at the Disney SSR....

We visited a store that had all types of Saratoga Springs memorabilia:

I love this poster:

The owner of this store was really nice. She said she had never been to Disney's SSR but she was curious to see it. She also directed us down the street to the best jewelry store EVER. I wish I could remember the name. I need to find my receipt. They had the most beautiful handmade necklaces EVER. They were reasonably priced, too. But since I had already dropped some dough on LiaSophia, I stayed away from the most gorgeous necklaces EVER and settled on a cute bracelet. It is made out of colorful crystal beads which alternate with silver spacers and clear crystals. Its great for summer - love it.

The people in the jewelry store pointed us in the direction of Congress Park - the "real" congress park. If you ever stayed at SSR you may know the Congress Park is the section of SSR that lies across the river from DTD. This is my favorite part of the resort. I love the quiet pool. I love the quiet paths. I love the view of DTD. Here are some pics of the "real" Congress Park:

This actually does look like the pond and fountain that they have at the Carousel building:

Interesting, because guess what was RIGHT next to this fountain:

Yup - it was the "real" Carousel circa 1880. I had the wrong lens on so my pictures stink, but the whole carousel is inclosed inside a building. This is clearly done to preserve the integrity of this magnificent structure.

Here is the enclosure:

Continued in next post........

 

[podsnel]

Oooohhhh...pretty ponies on that carousel!! A couple of the pics reminded me more of Madison, NJ, than SSR, WDW! It looks like a very pretty town- thanks for sharing!!

 

[MEK]

I have to say that Congress Park was a little under whelming, but I did take a picture of these aquatic friends:

This pond was SO thick with algae that I have no idea how the ducks could even swim!

That green is ALL algae.

As we walked around the pond we realized that there was a whole family of baby ducks. This little guy seems to be leaving a wake in his path:

Now here is something that looks EXACTLY like the fountain in Disney's Congress Park:

If I wasn't so lazy, I would go through the picture archives to dig up my Disney SSR fountain pictures. Maybe I will edit them in later.

Here are some other cool details that we saw in the "real" Congress Park:

After our street and park tour we visited an outside cafe called Circus. Our kids had a game at 2:30 and it was 1:30pm now. We had some really yummy veggie wraps. When we went inside for a bio break we noticed that the whole restaurant was decorated with a circus theme. I didn't take a lot of pictures, but for those of you who enjoy light fixtures (and you know who you are)......

All too soon it was time to return for more of this.......

Brian is the one on the right (getting ready to go in for the kill!)

I probably won't get to a "real" update today, but I hope you enjoyed this little diversion tour to Saratoga Springs. I loved the town. The people were so friendly. The town was beautiful and full of history. I really enjoyed our visit!

 

[MEK]

Great update, I love DTD! Can't believe you didn't shop, I think we went there at least 3 times on our trip and I bought something every time, I just can't resist!

WPE looks so good, I want to try it someday, but like someone else said, I can't stay away from Earl of Sandwich, I love it!

Nice pictures of SSR, looks like a pretty resort!

I am starting to feel really bad for not insisting that we shop! I am a bad tour guide. I guess I just ran out of steam. But don't you worry. In September I will more than make up for my lack of shopping.

 

[MEK]

Oooohhhh...pretty ponies on that carousel!! A couple of the pics reminded me more of Madison, NJ, than SSR, WDW! It looks like a very pretty town- thanks for sharing!!

The town really doesn't look at all like the SSR resort. I guess they really needed to "Disney-fie" it. The only similarities are the overall horse theme and the fountains. It makes me wonder why Disney decided to model a resort after Saratoga Springs. Actually - if my memory serves me right I think there is one area in the Carousel section of SSR where there is a carousel pony.

Of course, keep in mind that I did not see any of the spas in the real Saratoga and I did not see the race track. There is only so much one can do in 2 hrs.

 

[manntra]

Thanks for the trip to the real SSR! If I remember correctly last year you also took us on a trip to Niagara Falls so thank you for taking me to the places I have never been in my own state!
I really like the art deco horse....very cool
We have several carousels in my area.....this is where Endicott Johnson originated ---remember EJ shoes? And IBM. Well I guess way back with EJ he created parks for all of his employees to enjoy and most had carousels...and he wanted them all to be free. There are still many in the area...I don't know how many but there is one a few blocks from my parents house that is still operational. I don't remember all of the stories but that sounds right. My grandfather worked for EJ. Kinda neat
Thank you so much for suggesting Nilla's TR.....He is soooooo funny! It took me forever to get through the whole report!

Tracy

 

[KatMark]

Thanks for the pictures of the original Saratoga...it looks like a real nice town. And I especially like the picture of your son playing soccer.

 

[mickeysmyboy]

Thank you for the tour of Saratoga Springs!!! It looks lovely! Sorry you were underwhelmed with Congress Park! At least you know Congress Park at SSR is wonderful! I put in a request for a room there for Oct! I hope we get it!

 

[MEK]

Thanks for the trip to the real SSR! If I remember correctly last year you also took us on a trip to Niagara Falls so thank you for taking me to the places I have never been in my own state!
I really like the art deco horse....very cool

I know what you mean. There are places in my own state that I have not visited. I think just knowing that a town or attraction is close makes you less inclined to visit. You know its there whenever you may feel the urge to go.

They had a couple of those horses in town, but I only had my camera out for one.

We have several carousels in my area.....this is where Endicott Johnson originated ---remember EJ shoes? And IBM. Well I guess way back with EJ he created parks for all of his employees to enjoy and most had carousels...and he wanted them all to be free. There are still many in the area...I don't know how many but there is one a few blocks from my parents house that is still operational. I don't remember all of the stories but that sounds right. My grandfather worked for EJ. Kinda neat
Thank you so much for suggesting Nilla's TR.....He is soooooo funny! It took me forever to get through the whole report!

Tracy

EJ sounds a bit like Walt in that he wanted everyone to have entertainment. That's a pretty cool story. I can't believer the Saratoga carousel is only $1.00. Talk about a bargin.

Nilla is pretty funny. That's why he needs more readers - he's a hoot!

Thanks for the pictures of the original Saratoga...it looks like a real nice town. And I especially like the picture of your son playing soccer.

Your welcome! It was a great little town with lots to see and really friendly people.

Soccer? I have about 400 more soccer pictures! Wait, let me post them!

Thank you for the tour of Saratoga Springs!!! It looks lovely! Sorry you were underwhelmed with Congress Park! At least you know Congress Park at SSR is wonderful! I put in a request for a room there for Oct! I hope we get it!

Glad you enjoyed the pictorial tour.

I think because SSR's Congress Park is so wonderful, I was expecting a lot more than a small park with an algae pond and a carousel. I loved the carousel, but I just expected something much grander with tons of flowers, benches, fountains.

I hope you get CP, too. We requested it one trip but ended up with this awful studio on the first floor with a horrible view. We asked to be moved. CP is the best if you get a DTD view!

 

[MiNniEDrEameR]

Wow you just made me really excited to stay at Disneys SSR !!! DH and I are going during F & W in oct and have never stayed at SSR. The town in NY looks so beautiful and I love how they are preserving the carousel really nice!!!

Kimi

 

[Charleston Princess]

You're right -- I am not seeing a lot of similarity between the real Saratoga Springs and the Disney version! However, the town looks absolutely charming! I would love to visit there someday!

 

[MEK]

Wow you just made me really excited to stay at Disneys SSR !!! DH and I are going during F & W in oct and have never stayed at SSR. The town in NY looks so beautiful and I love how they are preserving the carousel really nice!!!

Kimi

The town in NY is very different from the SSR resort, but I think you will have a great time at SSR. It is really a pretty resort. It looks huge at first, but once you start negotiating it you will find that its really not that bad.

F&W in October sounds great!

You're right -- I am not seeing a lot of similarity between the real Saratoga Springs and the Disney version! However, the town looks absolutely charming! I would love to visit there someday!

Not seeing it, huh? I wonder how Disney came up with the idea as using Saratoga Springs for the name and theme of the resort. Interesting choice. Even though I don't see major similarities I do like some of the more subtle things like the fountains and the carousel. They definitely tie in with the resort.

 

[MEK]

I was really hoping to do a "real" update tonight but my pictures are taking FOREVER to upload to photobucket. I started uploading 278 pictures almost 1 1/2 hours ago and they are STILL uploading. At this rate I still have another 1/2 to go. What gives?

 

[MEK]

May 5th and its already the 4th day of my trip. I am half way done this TR and I almost have 500 posts. My goal is 1000. I have never had 1000 posts in any of my TRs, so help me make it a reality folks.

When I got up on Wednesday morning May 5th I started right up with stomach cramps and I was immediately grateful that I had already started Flagyl. I was the first one up to make the coffee and I enjoyed a few moments of solitude out on the deck (when I wasn't running back and forth to the bathroom).

Denny suggested we hit the Sturdy Branches Health Club. He told me that on Monday there were only 9 people who had visited the health club ALL DAY LONG! How did he know this???? I think he and Chuck must have talked to a HC attendant and he or she told tem. So when Denny suggested Sturdy Branches I figured this would be a good idea because it was (1) in need of customers, and (2) close to a bathroom.

There were two other people already exercising when Denny and I arrived. Let's just say that I was the most out of shape of the group! No wonder I like to run by myself - no mirrors! This place was surrounded by mirrors.

Denny went for the treadmill and I used the eliptical. I couldn't figure out why it felt so difficult. This lasted for about 5 minutes until I realized that I was moving my arms backwards instead of forward. Have you ever tried to do the eliptical backwards - not fun! Once I corrected my mistake, things got a bit easier. Doh! You can tell I don't spend a lot of time in a health club! I stayed there for about 25 minutes and then headed back to the room to get ready for AK. Today was an AK day!

Chuck and Cathy were up drinking coffee when we got back. I said - "can we try to leave by 845?" I don't think we did, but we did get there around 9:30 am. I think that's an improvement over yesterday. On the way to the park I texted Katie to let her know I would not be attended the Cinco de Mayo festivities at the cave. This just about killed me. After all, what is Cinco de Mayo without a drink?????? It is Cinco de nothing. Very depressing. I wanted to see the cave. I wanted to meet up with some Dis'ers.

Now you might be asking why didn't I just go? It's because I really can't be in an establishment where everyone is drinking and then NOT drink. I guess that makes me sound like an alcoholic, but I have really low will power for just saying NO to ETOH. It's like torture to me. Plus, I had already abstained for alcohol once, now I was just downright depressed I had to do it again, especially in my fav place. I was so looking forward to a margarita (or 2 or 3 ). I was also looking forward to meeting Katie and Tracy at Y&Y later that evening for a drink. All those plans - gone!

When we hit the park I was trying not to be depressed about the Flagyl. the first time I took Flagyl I felt like crap - tired, dizzy, no appetite, bad taste in the mouth. I was determined not to let those things affect my vacation this time. So I was excited when we walked right up to EE at 9:30am and the standby wait was 10 mins. We grabbed FP's and then walked right on (all of us except Cathy who went shopping). The ride was great - as usual - and I was glad I tolerated the ride well.

It's hard to resist the call of the Yeti....

Even its reflection is picturesque.....

I love this picture. I must have really zoomed in to the side of this mountain....

Wow..... I love this picture, too.

I didn't get front row pics this trip because (1) I was afraid to use my good camera while riding and (2) we didn't ride in the front row. One of the three us would have been left out, so we skipped the front row.

Here are a few more pics of the area.....

Here's a shot of the group. Of course wrong lens was on so there's no EE in the back ground.

I have to take a break now. I will continue as soon as I can..... Sorry this was such a short update, but I was falling asleep while writing.

 

[wsushocker]

I will try my hardest to help you reach your goal.....

I would like to say that I am really enjoying your pictures. I could spend days in the parks, taking pictures and never riding a ride as I am always looking for those Disney details that are so often overlooked.