I Told You Driving Was Bad For Your Health! *2/2* NEW TRIP REPORT LINK P102

[MEK]

The last time I was there, they said no photos whatsoever, which I really didn't get. Why in the world would non-flash photos not be allowed? I snuck a few in, anyway. I love CoP.

Really? I think its because they just can't trust people to turn off their flash so they so NO photography. I can't see anyway possible that a non-flash picture could hurt the attraction.

At least they're not pigeons! After 12 years, I guess I have turned into a real New Yorker, because I now yell at people for feeding pigeons (OK, maybe "yell" is an exaggeration, but "speak sharply" isn't). Because there's nothing nastier than having to push a stroller through a flock of a hundred nasty city birds, no matter how much you enjoy the "Feed the Birds" song in Mary Poppins!

OMG. I can only imagine getting hit with pigeon poop while pushing your little buddy in a stroller. Yuck! That would be terrible.

I've never managed a dessert at the Plaza, because I'm always too full! I think the fries are better at LTT, though.

I really need to go in their for dessert sometime. Just skip the food. I agree with you on the fries.

Good job beating Mark on Buzz. I suck at that game -- I don't think I've ever beaten anybody!

The trick is to hold the button down continuously and just aim. I'm still not very good, but that has definitely improved my game.

Hang in there with all your OT this week...I hope things slow down for you soon!

Thanks! I really dislike OT. It's going to get worse before it gets better, but then I have Disney. By then I will really need it!!!! Cynthia's right - the extra $ is nice. I just have to look at the positive. And that means more Disney dollars!

Bummer about all the hours at work. Does it make looking forward to Dis trips and get aways that much sweeter??

It sure does. It's like the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow! I'll be glad when I don't have to work OT. I could have said no, but I decided to try to be flexible and help out.

CoP AND Plaza Restaurant! Now that's a great morning. Beating Denny at Buzz..., ha ha icing on the cake!

Totally some sweet icing! I love the Plaza. I just love having a TS meal at the MK. I am going to try Tony's in October. I haven't eaten there for awhile and never lunch. We'll see.

You did take your duties as a Space Ranger seriously, I can tell from the photo.

Ya think?

I thought of you whenever we passed by the new GF villas this last trip. I know your name is on one of those rooms next year! How fabulous will that be?

OMG! I seriously can NOT wait. I am bummer I have to wait another year, but it will just make it that much sweeter.

I love the balloon photos. They frame the context of the fun and childlike quality of that place.

Nicely said. I totally agree. There is something so incredibly festive about balloons. What's not to like?

I always enjoy all your photos... great job!

Thank you!

Great pics on Carrousel of Progress. Last time we were on it, the castmembers kept making announcement that there were to be no pictures. Seemed like they said it during every scene. Darn them!

Really? Every scene? That really ruins the mood of the ride. Wow - they must have a lot of problems with flash photos. I know they say ALL photos but I am convinced they say that because too many people can't figure out how to turn off a flash.

Hum, wonder why you had to wait to be seated at The Plaza when there were clearly lots of empty tables? Makes no sense.

I have no idea. My best guess is they were sort of CM's and were still waiting for some to come start their shift. Either that or they just like to ease into work.

 

[Leshaface]

What a neat perspective on BTMR! Never rode in the front because I wasn't sure if I could see anything, but it looks cool!

I need to make a list of things I need to do. One is to check out that new Tangled area. I know it's not much, but would like to see it.

Ugh, I wish people would actually follow the rules and not feed the ducks or any animals for that matter. I would have been like you and not said anything. She would have probably said something back and that would have put me in a bad mood.

Also, i'm still bummed that our trips won't be running into each other. We'll miss each other by a couple weeks. Maybe someday

 

[englishrose47]

Great Updates Mary Ellen !!! I have to try the Plaza one day for lunch or supper !!Mmm Grannies what about it !!!I loved your illegal pix on COP !!! I really like that ride too!!!

 

[rentayenta]

Love obligatory balloon pics.

Half a burger at Disney is healthy. I mean you both could have ordered burgers right? I haven't been the MK's Plaza Inn but it looks good.

11 weeks and counting? Are you not loving your new job? 16 hours of OT is nothing to squawk at. Cha ching! I'll have 5 this week. Between that and the bar mitzvah prep, I'm ready to snap like a little twig.

When in 2014 is your anniversary trip?

 

[jenseib]

I have always heard no photos allowed in COP too, but last year I snuck a few. I do think many people don't know how to turn off the flash....or just don't listen!

 

[HockeyMomR]

Mary Ellen - Quick Dis catch up for me, crazy work week and we are heading to Lehigh tomorrow to celebrate Connor's 18th birthday, which is actually today.

Wow what long work week for you! Hope things settle down at your new job.

COP pics - I can't believe in all of our Disney trips, we have never experienced this. Next week will just be the two of us and we ARE going to ride. I am so enjoying your report and looking forward to our couple trip next week. Balloon pics, never too many, makes me smile.

Also, excellent idea or splitting meals.

Rebecca

 

[natebenma]

Pretty nice continuation of your morning at MK.

Great pictures of the Carousel of Progress! Thanks for the tip on sneaking pictures successfully!

Loved your pre-lunch pictures at The Plaza. My favorite was the yellow and white umbrellas all in a row.

We haven't had a meal there, but I have heard reports that the waits are legendary. WTH???

Looks like you had fun on Buzz- great redneck photo.

How awesome that you ran into the same couple and were able to swap photographer duties.

The ferry ride boat back to the parking lot seemed like smooth sailing with lots to see. Beautiful pictures of the MK resorts.

 

[MEK]

I wish I could respond tonight. I am working over night and I'm exhausted already. Probably wont get any computer time boo!

 

[Leshaface]

I wish I could respond tonight. I am working over night and I'm exhausted already. Probably wont get any computer time boo!

Dang you're working like a crazy person! Hope you get some time to relax soon

 

[Pinkocto]

I hope tonight goes well

 

[Mndisneygirl]

I've been negligent in my DISing duties, but wanted to let you know I'm here and reading along!

Love the pics!

 

[dizneeat]

All caught up again! Being 24 pages behind takes quite some time to catch up on.

Mary Ellen, I am so sorry to read about your dad's passing. What a hard time to go through. I hope your mom will get over her loss, keeping in mind that your dad is in a better place now.

Congratulations to your son. Such a handsome graduate.

Loved the HHI round up. Your photos are awesome.

And I love seeing and reading about your WDW trip. We have passed that Polynesian Resort so often on our way to KK and it looks really pretty. Thanks for sharing, can't wait to read more.

 

[MEK]

That sounds... brutal.

Ugh. I haven't gotten my "you know what" off the couch all afternoon. I am still in recovery mode.

A definite classic.

It really is and in many ways it's timeless. Although I do think its a bit sexist. The dad is always sitting on his butt and the mom is always working hers off.

And don't even think about standing up.

Is that against the rules too? A trip and fall risk!

Glad you agree.

Wouldn't mind having those views right about now...

Same here. I really do love that view of the castle. One of my favs.

That would be my choice...

And I'm surprised because...?

I know exactly how I feel about it.

Would that be a negative? I think its a shame. Maybe I'll like it once its there, but I don't care for the brand mixing and confusion. I loved the Main Street Bakery just the way it was.

I don't think anyone asked you. And as long as you brought it up, we know exactly how I feel about it.

It's HUGE for you! You are probably the A #1 Starbucks fan. Is there anyone who loves that place as much as you do? I have to admit. I am a fan of the morning Joe coffee. So good.

You got some beautiful shots! Love the umbrella pictures

Thanks. I love those umbrellas. They are so festive! I hope they never change.

I also love the backpack! Did you get that there?

I saw it on a park guest. I didn't notice it in any of the shops, but then again when I travel with just Denny I don't go in the shops all that much. I just thought it was so cute so I quickly took a phone picture!

Actually Caitlin had the wrong dates! We arrive at 9:30am on the 4th

Well, you already know how thrilled I am about that!

It's a great big beautiful tomorrow...shining at the end of every DDDAAAYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I love that song and you sing it so well!

I do love COP, and while I don't have to do it every time, it holds a special place in my heart.

I feel the same way. It's not a must do, but its convenient for any down time in Tomorrow land and its especially helpful in the heat.

I'm horrible....I may or may not be guilty of periodically ACCIDENTALLY dropping food on the ground for the ducks. I have a weak spot for them.

I like that you clarified "accidentally". No flames here.

Haha, love the Buzz picture. So serious!

I know, right? I always try SO hard on that ride. Sometimes it pays off, most time it doesn't.

That guy in your photobomb is like "WHA?!"

It is kind-of funny when you surprise someone with your camera.

That is an adorable backpack. Where did you see that?

I saw it on a guest. It was SO cute I had to get a picture with my phone. I love it!

 

[MEK]

I can't stand people who feed the ducks & birds at Disney World! That's what makes them so aggressive and then they come bother people like me and try to take my food! So annoying.

It's sometimes so hard to say NO to those little buggers. They look so pathetic and needy sometimes. I try not to look at them at all.

Anyway, your lunch looks great! I love the idea of splitting a healthy and very non healthy lunch. Great food and only half the guilt!

Exactly! Everything is healthier with a salad, isn't it?

How cute that you ran into your photo op friends again. And lucky, because that's a great photo of you & Denny!

Thanks and it was really neat that we saw them twice in the same morning and both times at perfect photo-op spots.

I couldn't agree more. I am still recuperating. I worked overnight last night - Friday the 13th. Let's see - I got to sleep between 1:30 am to 5:30 am with two wake ups in there. This was not me last night -

If you say so.

I DO say so and you better be a believer!

No, the key to this ride is to get up and leave before it starts, and go on something else.

Rough. You are rough!

Yep, that sure is one nice tree.

So, OK, I was hoping no one would notice that that was not exactly the best view ever. But it would have been, without the tree.

Now that is weird. Why wait at all?

I don't know what the deal is with the wait. It always seems to be like that when the restaurants first opens. Odd.

Vacation is for eating delicious greasy food!

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I can see your picture. Wahhhhhh!

Just kidding. Everybody gets tired of the heat sometimes.

We get tired of it ALL the time! Hey - we're old - we have an excuse!

I love the COP! Such an adorable attraction.

Glad you agree. I think it has a timeless appeal. It's always fun to think about how far we have come in the last 70 or 80 years. I guess its going to be due for an update again. One where everyone has smart phones and tablets.

I've yet to eat at the Plaza, still. It looks beautiful but the menu holds no real appeal for me. How strange though that you had to wait outside with so many empty tables!

It's a very basic menu. To me its just a cute place to get waited on and not have to deal with the lunch crowds. It was a good burger. Not sure about the wait, though. You would think that place would be packed non-stop.

Love the balloon pics, and all the great shots on your way back on the boat!

Thank you!

 

[MEK]

What a neat perspective on BTMR! Never rode in the front because I wasn't sure if I could see anything, but it looks cool!

It is sort of hard to see stuff while you are on the ride, but it did make taking pictures a lot easier.

I need to make a list of things I need to do. One is to check out that new Tangled area. I know it's not much, but would like to see it.

It's really pretty. I regret that I never made it into that bathroom. I've seen pictures and it looks really cool.

Ugh, I wish people would actually follow the rules and not feed the ducks or any animals for that matter. I would have been like you and not said anything. She would have probably said something back and that would have put me in a bad mood.

Yeah - I figured it was better to keep my mouth shut. I mean - I get it - its tempting to feed them. They look like such beggars, but at least try to conceal it and don't make it obvious.

Also, i'm still bummed that our trips won't be running into each other. We'll miss each other by a couple weeks. Maybe someday

I know. It would be so fun to meet up! I am missing quite a few DISers, but there are also quite a few that I will be seeing. Don't you wish you could just go there for the entire month of October? How great would that be?

Great Updates Mary Ellen !!! I have to try the Plaza one day for lunch or supper !!Mmm Grannies what about it !!!I loved your illegal pix on COP !!! I really like that ride too!!!

Great Updates Mary Ellen !!! I have to try the Plaza one day for lunch or supper !!Mmm Grannies what about it !!!I loved your illegal pix on COP !!! I really like that ride too!!!

Thanks Rosie! I do think you should try the Plaza. It's just so Disney. Everyone should eat there at least once. It's a great place to get away from it all.

You can always count on me for the illegal pics!

Love obligatory balloon pics.

Thanks! Gotta get those pics every time!

Half a burger at Disney is healthy. I mean you both could have ordered burgers right? I haven't been the MK's Plaza Inn but it looks good.

Exactly! As I said before, everything is always healthier when there's a salad involved, don't you think? The Plaza is a cute restaurant. I definitely recommend checking it out.

11 weeks and counting? Are you not loving your new job? 16 hours of OT is nothing to squawk at. Cha ching!

I think I am still adjusting. There are a lot of things I like about the job, but there are also things I liked about the last job more. It's sort of a trade off. The bottom line is this job is much more stressful. I'm trying to handle it the best I can. It's just more demanding. I love the type of work, I don't love the extra demands.

I'll have 5 this week. Between that and the bar mitzvah prep, I'm ready to snap like a little twig.

Oh NO! Please don't do that. I know the bar mitzvahs are a HUGE deal. It's such a shame it has to be so stressful. Hang in there.

When in 2014 is your anniversary trip?

The cruise departs on October 23rd (Thursday). We will arrive either Saturday or sunday (18 or 19th). Our actual anniversary is the 21st. I know we will stay at the VGF for at least 3 nights and either VWL or BLT for the first 1 or 2. Denny has never stayed at BLT, so that might be fun. As of right now I am not going to buy a park ticket. We will do the Halloween party and maybe Universal or Seaworld.

I have always heard no photos allowed in COP too, but last year I snuck a few. I do think many people don't know how to turn off the flash....or just don't listen!

Exactly - I think a lot of people simply don't know how to do it or aren't even aware its on, so they have to limit all photographer. Too bad.

Mary Ellen - Quick Dis catch up for me, crazy work week and we are heading to Lehigh tomorrow to celebrate Connor's 18th birthday, which is actually today.

I hope you have a wonderful time. It's so nice to visit the kids, isn't it? We went down to see Brian last weekend. I doubt we will see him again before Thanksgiving. If we do it will be a bonus!

Wow what long work week for you! Hope things settle down at your new job.

Thanks. right after I started two PA's left so the service is short. They asked if I would work OT temporarily. As much as I want to say No, I agreed to do it. Hopefully it won't be too much longer.

COP pics - I can't believe in all of our Disney trips, we have never experienced this. Next week will just be the two of us and we ARE going to ride. I am so enjoying your report and looking forward to our couple trip next week. Balloon pics, never too many, makes me smile.

Congrats on having an upcoming couples trip. I hope you both have a wonderful time. This is really a great time of year to visit. Low crowds and walk-ons. Enjoy!

Also, excellent idea or splitting meals.

Rebecca

I am always up for splitting. Sometimes I have to convince Denny, but most of the time he's up for it.

 

[Wicket's Mom]

I hate when people don't follow the rules, I get all jiggy wanting to say something! One of my quirks, cause I'm no really that rigid! Feeding the animals does make them aggressive. The worst was last year at the Mexican CS, a squirrel was actually getting on the tables while people were eating. I was afraid it was going to jump in our laps.

Escaping the parks when it gets hot is the way to go!

BTW, stocks are the things people have their arms & heads in, stockade is the wall around a fort. More historical tidbits from the resident history geek.

Also my DH is no longer a Disney grump, loves AKL CL, says we can go every year if I want!

 

[MEK]

Pretty nice continuation of your morning at MK.

I think so! We may have only been in the park about 3 1/2 hours, but we used our time well.

Great pictures of the Carousel of Progress! Thanks for the tip on sneaking pictures successfully!

I am the master at sneaking pictures. but on my next TR I will probably recycle these.

Loved your pre-lunch pictures at The Plaza. My favorite was the yellow and white umbrellas all in a row.

I absolutely LOVE those umbrella. They just scream Disney and relaxation!

We haven't had a meal there, but I have heard reports that the waits are legendary. WTH???

I don't get it. It's like they do it on purpose, but I'm not sure why. Maybe its to create a sense of intimacy. Not sure.

Looks like you had fun on Buzz- great redneck photo.

Thanks! I laughed so hard when I saw my level on intentness.

How awesome that you ran into the same couple and were able to swap photographer duties.

That was definitely a touch of pixie dust. They were such a cute couple and it was nice to share a special moment with them. They are probably looking at their pictures and saying "Yeah - we ran into the same old couple twice and they took our pictures".

The ferry ride boat back to the parking lot seemed like smooth sailing with lots to see. Beautiful pictures of the MK resorts.

I do love the ferry. I figure if you have to park in the lot you might as well enjoy the views from the ferry. Much better view than the monorail, IMHO.

Dang you're working like a crazy person! Hope you get some time to relax soon

I know! I actually hate working overtime. Actually, I am not a fan of working full time either. I really want a part time job, but its nearly impossible with the type of work I do. Probably the next time I will relax will be when we go to Disney. Can't wait!

I hope tonight goes well

Thanks Pam! It was too terrible except I was nearly asleep when one of our patients had a fall and I had to go out to respond to that. I got about 4 hours of sleep. Even though it was interrupted, it was sleep.

I've been negligent in my DISing duties, but wanted to let you know I'm here and reading along!

Love the pics!

Welcome back Sheree! Please let me know when you start your TR. I didn't miss it, did I?

I know how hard it is to catch up when you first get back from vacation, so take your time. Plus the start of school is always so hectic.

All caught up again! Being 24 pages behind takes quite some time to catch up on.

Welcome BAck!!!!!! did you have a great time???? Do I even need to ask that? Please let me know when you start your TR. I can't wait!

Thanks for catching up!

Mary Ellen, I am so sorry to read about your dad's passing. What a hard time to go through. I hope your mom will get over her loss, keeping in mind that your dad is in a better place now.

Thank you Karin. It was definitely a stressful time. My mom misses him, but she is definitely less stressed. I think it was very, very difficult for her to take care of him as he was dying. I didn't realize just how bad it was because she had so many defense mechanisms in play. I think she is doing as well as can be expected. Thanks for asking,

Congratulations to your son. Such a handsome graduate.

Thank you! So far he is enjoying college. Well, except for the fact that he has no AC in his dorm and it was really HOT here last week.

Loved the HHI round up. Your photos are awesome.

Thank you! HHI is such a wonderful place. If you ever get a chance to visit I highly recommend it!

And I love seeing and reading about your WDW trip. We have passed that Polynesian Resort so often on our way to KK and it looks really pretty. Thanks for sharing, can't wait to read more.

I thought about you when we passed the KK because I know you are a big fan. In fact, I said to Denny "one of my DIS friends comes here all the time". The resort was nice for our purposes. It really did work out well for us.

I hate when people don't follow the rules, I get all jiggy wanting to say something! One of my quirks, cause I'm no really that rigid! Feeding the animals does make them aggressive. The worst was last year at the Mexican CS, a squirrel was actually getting on the tables while people were eating. I was afraid it was going to jump in our laps.

Eww - I would hate that! Squirrels are cute, but at a distance. I would NOT want one in my lap. I can see how feeding would make them more agressive because they just learn to expect it.

Escaping the parks when it gets hot is the way to go!

I totally agree. I don't have a pool at home, so taking a couple hours out of my day for pool time IS vacation for me. I love it.

BTW, stocks are the things people have their arms & heads in, stockade is the wall around a fort. More historical tidbits from the resident history geek.

Is there some kind of historical dictionary I can reference for this stuff? I am just going to have to use you as my consultant!

Also my DH is no longer a Disney grump, loves AKL CL, says we can go every year if I want!

Now THAT is AWESOME! So glad you found the perfect resort and the perfect level. That's so great and it definitely makes planning a lot easier!

 

[2xcited2sleep]

I love CoP! Great pictures!! It seems like each time, I see a new detail in a scene. I do have a regular internal argument on the last scene though - do I want it to stay as is for nostalgia or should they update "the future." I did notice last time that at least they put a flat screen tv in there, LOL.

Ahhh, The Plaza. One of my favorites but you are right, always a wait.

You two look very focused on Buzz.

I was a warm weather wimp too. It was brutal!! And when we are able to go so often, why torture ourselves? At least that was my philosophy.

 

[MEK]

I love CoP! Great pictures!! It seems like each time, I see a new detail in a scene. I do have a regular internal argument on the last scene though - do I want it to stay as is for nostalgia or should they update "the future." I did notice last time that at least they put a flat screen tv in there, LOL.

Hey C! Happy Sunday morning! A great time to catch up on the DIS. At least that's what I'm doing!

Maybe they can just keep "tweaking" the last scene so they add it newer electronics. But they MUST keep that oven (circa 1980). I love see my old oven.

Ahhh, The Plaza. One of my favorites but you are right, always a wait.

The Plaza is really such a great place and it makes sense if you have the TIW because its really only a few dollars more than QS and SO much LESS hectic. I like to eat there every few trips.

You two look very focused on Buzz.

I know! Embarrassingly so!

I was a warm weather wimp too. It was brutal!! And when we are able to go so often, why torture ourselves? At least that was my philosophy.

Ugh! Summer can be SO brutal. When you feel sick just walking out of the park into an air conditioned bus or car, you know its bad. I agree - I am NOT into torture. I love my pool time and I would MUCH rather spend the heat of the day there than in a park. I do love having an AP for that reason. No pressure to spend tons of time in the park, rather just enough to enjoy the day.

 

[Queenofallthings]

CoP...love that ride! Take me back to childhood in some of the scenes....well, let's be honest, takes me back as long as I'm awake! I usually fall asleep on it along with my youngest niece!

We love The PLaza as well, and I'm a rule stickler too...makes Shanleigh crazy but I just don't understand why people can't follow a simple rule and sometimes, jsut sometimes I can't let it go