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

[Mndisneygirl]

No you don't sound like a lush at all, uh uh.


W.O.W. Great pictures at the lighthouse!
What a cool place! Too bad those shacks on the beach ruin the view!

Glad you got BCV to come through!
Fun to meet up with Kathy and Mark too.

The flower pics are beautiful!

Maybe someday when I know I'm going to be in VA and FL in the same year, I could actually benefit from an AP to Busch. That would be a good deal! We always go in VA with my SIL when we visit. I'd like to see the one in Tampa too. I need a couple weeks more to my WDW trips to do everything, right? Beach, cruise, etc…

DH and I talk about being snowbirds too. I need more DVC points, obviously more $$, and hope all my SILs keep their condos in FL, so I will be able to spend time in FL for both Jan and Feb every year!! I might swing by HHI in March too!

 

[natebenma]

I am thrilled about your two pieces of news!!! How exciting that you will be meeting up with Kathy and Mark (and at my favorite MK restaurant) I am also VERY excited about your BCV stay!

I saw in one of your previous comments that you are considering returning to Beaches & Cream. I have seen postings on our board that the restaurant is going to, or has already, started taking ADRs instead of just having standby dining. You may want to check into that.


On to your post- what an amazing and beautiful place the Ponce Inlet lighthouse is. The grounds look incredible too. Thanks for taking us all on your tour. We got to enjoy all of the beautiful views, without having to climb all those stairs!!!

Your pictures at Longwood Gardens were beautiful, too. That Bird of Paradise is GORGEOUS!!!

 

[MEK]

Firstly, congrats on the BCV wait list!!! That Denny!

That Denny is right! Can you believe he would quibble over two extra points? That's why I didn't book lake view BLT. That was a whole 5 EXTRA POINTS!

The lighthouse looks fabulous, I love historical things like that. I went to a light house in Cozumel and the walk up was brutal!

This walk wasn't terrible, but it wasn't a walk in the park either. It was really beautifully restored and such a fun place to visit. I learned a lot and really enjoyed myself.

Your Longwood pictures are absolutely gorgeous, wow! I really need to get back there soon.

Thanks and you better tell me when you are planning a visit. My pass expired, but I plan to get a new one the next time I go. Totally worth it for the year.

I would love to do that lighthouse someday! How perfectly wonderful and what a lovely day for it, just gorgeous.

It was so nicely restored and had the added benefit of the museum buildings on site. They really need a great job with the restoration and the information and the way it was presented. Definitely a bargain, too!

Love the Longwood pictures as always, so pretty!!!!!!!!!!

Thank you! I'm so glad we got the pass and we visited during the different seasons. We missed a couple of the yearly exhibits, but the mums fall exhibit was really well done.

Yay for meeting up with Kathy and Mark!

I'm so excited about that! The best DIS meets are the unplanned ones. How great that we were planning to be in MK on the same day!

I love all the lighthouse pictures. Growing up landlocked lighthouses are still a novelty to me. Longwoid Gardens looks beautiful too.

Jill in CO

Lighthouses are still somewhat of a novelty to me, too. Even though we have a few in Delaware, they certainly aren't anything you can visit as a tourist attraction. I have to say my all time favorite is along the coast of Maine south of Portland. I'd have to google the name.

Longwood Gardens is lovely and I'm so glad we decided to buy a pass this year. It served us well.

So happy to hear you got the Epcot resort you wanted.

I was happy to stay at SSR, but since Denny has never stayed at BCV I figured, why not? I'm glad we are going to stay there. Goodness knows we've parked in the parking lot enough times.

And getting to meet up with Ms. Kat and Mr. Mark is just icing on the cake.

It really is! I'm totally excited about that!

I have to agree with Jill, I grew up right smack in the middle of the U.S. so seeing lighthouses are a true form of wonder to me. I of course have seen them in books and magazines, but I don't believe I've ever really seen one in person let alone toured one. I feel like I have now, thanks to you!!

Lighthouses are definitely a cool thing. I'm glad you got a virtual tour. I sure hope you get a chance to climb a real one. I never paid attention to how many there are in florida, but I venture to say there are quite a few out there.

As always your pictures are amazing and tell the story. It's why I love reading your TR's so much.

Thanks you! What a lovely compliment!

Also the Longview gardens are beyond gorgeous!! But then you know me and flowers.

Thank you! Flowers are so awesome and festive, aren't they? Plus such a great cure for the winter blues!

I very much enjoyed the fall display and can't wait to see what they come up with for the Christmas display. Thank you for sharing it with us.

The Christmas display was actually really different this year. I don't know how they keep coming up with more things to do. There are clearly some very creative people working there behind the scenes!

 

[MEK]

No you don't sound like a lush at all, uh uh.

Who me? I am ALWAYS a lush when I visit K&T! It's tradition!

W.O.W. Great pictures at the lighthouse!
What a cool place! Too bad those shacks on the beach ruin the view!

Yeah - those shacks are so distracting, aren't they? I just wish one of them was mine.

Glad you got BCV to come through!
Fun to meet up with Kathy and Mark too.

I figured I had a good chance with a one night stay. I have always wanted to stay there with Denny, even if its just for one night it will still be magical!

And I am thrilled to be see Kathy again and meeting Mark for the first time!

The flower pics are beautiful!

Thank you!

Maybe someday when I know I'm going to be in VA and FL in the same year, I could actually benefit from an AP to Busch. That would be a good deal! We always go in VA with my SIL when we visit. I'd like to see the one in Tampa too. I need a couple weeks more to my WDW trips to do everything, right? Beach, cruise, etc…

I really would like to go to Busch Gardens but since we only have three full days I decided to pass. It was a hard decision. That pass really is a GOOD deal. So tempting. But I agree with you - I need a year where I am certain I am going to BG Williamsburg, Seaworld, and BG Tampa all in the same year.

DH and I talk about being snowbirds too. I need more DVC points, obviously more $$, and hope all my SILs keep their condos in FL, so I will be able to spend time in FL for both Jan and Feb every year!! I might swing by HHI in March too!

That would be awesome. that's our plan. We'll use a couple weeks with DVC points and then do a rental. There are some nice monthly rentals all over Florida. If we like the gulf coast we might make that our home base. I don't want to think about it too much because it's still years away. Boo!

I am thrilled about your two pieces of news!!! How exciting that you will be meeting up with Kathy and Mark (and at my favorite MK restaurant) I am also VERY excited about your BCV stay!

I am so excited about both of these things. I'm glad we'll have over 24 hours at the BC and I'm thrilled to see Kathy again and meet Mark!

I am just so impressed with your BC/YC thread. Wow - can't believe today was the first day I ever ventured over there. So impressive!

I saw in one of your previous comments that you are considering returning to Beaches & Cream. I have seen postings on our board that the restaurant is going to, or has already, started taking ADRs instead of just having standby dining. You may want to check into that.

I new about the ADR and I think that's great. I'm still undecided about a dinner ADR since we have a lunch one. I want to optimize my park time so it might be better just to do QS. I also wouldn't mind checking out the new Spice Row (or whatever its called) restaurant. Decisions. Decisions.

On to your post- what an amazing and beautiful place the Ponce Inlet lighthouse is. The grounds look incredible too. Thanks for taking us all on your tour. We got to enjoy all of the beautiful views, without having to climb all those stairs!!!

The stairs weren't that bad. But they were bad enough. It was a really lovely tourist attraction. I am so happy that K&T took us there. Perfect ending to our beach day.

Your pictures at Longwood Gardens were beautiful, too. That Bird of Paradise is GORGEOUS!!!

Thank you! I just love Longwood Gardens and it was so fun visiting during the fall display. It was actually my first time seeing it!

 

[englishrose47]

Mary Ellen we will be there May 8th thru 13th!!!!We will overlap by 2 days !!! Hello MaryEllen and Cynthia !!!!!

 

[natebenma]

I am just so impressed with your BC/YC thread. Wow - can't believe today was the first day I ever ventured over there. So impressive!

I new about the ADR and I think that's great. I'm still undecided about a dinner ADR since we have a lunch one. I want to optimize my park time so it might be better just to do QS. I also wouldn't mind checking out the new Spice Row (or whatever its called) restaurant. Decisions. Decisions.

Thanks so much! I'm glad you stopped over to the thread and liked it. As I said over there, I'm really proud of the info we are able to provide about the resort. It is really a special place, and like this trip report board, I have formed many friendships with YC/BC fans.

As I'm sure you know from your BW stay, one of the great things about staying at an EPCOT resort is the world of dining opportunities steps away. I saw the blog and another review of the new place outside of Morocco and it looks great and I know you like Tangierine as well. Rose and Crown QS. Sunshine Seasons. And even if you want a sit-down, you can usually get a spot at Captain's Grille without an advanced reservation. So many great choices!

 

[Millie12591]

Thanks so much! I'm glad you stopped over to the thread and liked it. As I said over there, I'm really proud of the info we are able to provide about the resort. It is really a special place, and like this trip report board, I have formed many friendships with YC/BC fans.

As I'm sure you know from your BW stay, one of the great things about staying at an EPCOT resort is the world of dining opportunities steps away. I saw the blog and another review of the new place outside of Morocco and it looks great and I know you like Tangierine as well. Rose and Crown QS. Sunshine Seasons. And even if you want a sit-down, you can usually get a spot at Captain's Grille without an advanced reservation. So many great choices!

This is a fantastic idea!! Stay at an Epcot resort and then eat mainly the Epcot dining choices. I may have to do that one of my trips. Of course there will be other options, but with most of them being so close to your own resort appeals to me for some reason.
We learn new ideas and ways of touring Disney every time we're on the Dis.

 

[emmysmommy]

What a beautiful lighthouse! Wow... all those steps. What a workout. I love the history and nostalgia associated with old lighthouses. In fact, I have a lighthouse themed calendar on my desk. The historical artifacts always interest me.

You have a lot of awesome photos from Longwood Gardens. Great job capturing the beauty there.

 

[teekathepony]

Living on an island in the ocean as I do, I have a soft spot for lighthouses! Ours look a lot different though. I would really enjoy going on that tour, that lighthouse is beautiful! And all the pictures from around Longwood Gardens are just gorgeous. What a spot!

 

[marDgreen88]

Your plans for next month sound like a lot of fun! All Star Sports is actually super cute, I bet you'll enjoy it for the night. Daytona looks beautiful. Love that lighthouse! I bet the view from the top was even more amazing in person!

 

[MEK]

Mary Ellen we will be there May 8th thru 13th!!!!We will overlap by 2 days !!! Hello MaryEllen and Cynthia !!!!!

Seriously????? I am too excited about that! I am so happy we will finally get to meet the infamous poll dancing Rosie!

Thanks so much! I'm glad you stopped over to the thread and liked it. As I said over there, I'm really proud of the info we are able to provide about the resort. It is really a special place, and like this trip report board, I have formed many friendships with YC/BC fans.

Well, it's very impressive and I can definitely see how you formed so many friendships there. The other nice thing is - you know if your trips every overlap where you'll be able to find the other person. There are certainly a lot of BC & YC fans out there.

As I'm sure you know from your BW stay, one of the great things about staying at an EPCOT resort is the world of dining opportunities steps away.

We've stayed at BWV a couple times, but Denny has never stayed at the BC. I am super excited. I agree - there are TONS of places to eat.

I saw the blog and another review of the new place outside of Morocco and it looks great and I know you like Tangierine as well. Rose and Crown QS. Sunshine Seasons. And even if you want a sit-down, you can usually get a spot at Captain's Grille without an advanced reservation. So many great choices!

I LOVE Tangierine Cafe. I've never tried Rose & Crown QS. That's an idea if the Spice Road is too busy. But I really do want to try it and I know Cynthia and I will be checking it out in May!

This is a fantastic idea!! Stay at an Epcot resort and then eat mainly the Epcot dining choices. I may have to do that one of my trips. Of course there will be other options, but with most of them being so close to your own resort appeals to me for some reason.

It is really convenient when you eat near your own resorts. It totally takes away the stress of having to get somewhere. I remember when Denny and I stayed at BWV and then just walked into France for dinner. It was perfect!

We learn new ideas and ways of touring Disney every time we're on the Dis.

That's one of the reasons I love the DIS so much. I am always learning a new twist on the touring theme. You can never have the same trip twice. Each time I go its something totally different.

 

[MEK]

What a beautiful lighthouse! Wow... all those steps. What a workout. I love the history and nostalgia associated with old lighthouses. In fact, I have a lighthouse themed calendar on my desk. The historical artifacts always interest me.

Me too! I love learning about the history of an area. This lighthouse was restored so perfectly and the added bonus was the rest of the exhibit. It was done so well.

You have a lot of awesome photos from Longwood Gardens. Great job capturing the beauty there.

Thank you! Longwood is a beautiful place. I love visiting there and we were fortunate enough to be there on an uncrowded day.

Living on an island in the ocean as I do, I have a soft spot for lighthouses! Ours look a lot different though. I would really enjoy going on that tour, that lighthouse is beautiful!

I bet you do. I would love to see the lighthouses where you live. I think that exhibit may have included lighthouses from all over the world, not just the US. I could have played with that all day. It was a cool little exhibit.

And all the pictures from around Longwood Gardens are just gorgeous. What a spot!

Thank you! Longwood Gardens is really beautiful. Every time I go I think I can go and not take pictures. Nope. Never happens.

Your plans for next month sound like a lot of fun! All Star Sports is actually super cute, I bet you'll enjoy it for the night.

Sports isn't where you had the bug in the shower with you, is it? Seriously - I think we'll enjoy it there. I'm look forward to our one night stay. It will be fun to get some pictures of the resort and maybe even the rest of the All Stars!

Daytona looks beautiful. Love that lighthouse! I bet the view from the top was even more amazing in person!

Daytona is a really nice beach and visiting the lighthouse was definitely a bonus to our already fun day. And you're so right - the view in person was even better than in pictures!

 

[afwdwfan]

1. I just learned this week that Kathy and Mark of KatMark will be at the MK the exact same day that Denny and I will be visiting at the end of our Tampa trip! Woo Hoo! So excited to see Kathy again and meet Mark. We will be having lunch at CHH. Fun stuff. Mark promised to show up in a hat so I can recognize him. (like I need that!)

Eeyore ears?!?!?

Why is it that you can never grab a picture without someone outside enjoying the view? Hey, come on buddy can you move for a minute? Kidding!

Inconsiderate...

Wow... got enough rules?

This particular lighthouse is located near me and I occasionally ride past it on my bike rides

So how exactly does a lighthouse without a beacon work???

I have no idea what a cuban raft is.

But you passed on a perfect opportunity to find out.

Ponce Inlet was originally called Mosquito Inlet. Guess that tells you something about the area. Ouch!

BUT - as an added bonus to this weeks update I am going to include some pictures I took at Longwood Gardens Thanksgiving weekend. Denny and I bought a year pass to Longwood and it served us well. We decided to visit right before they removed the fall exhibit to make way for their famous Christmas exhibit. We had the place almost to ourselves. Its the first time I've seen the fall display and I loved it. So here you go

Impressive displays!

 

[MEK]

Eeyore ears?!?!?

That would be perfect. I hope he picks those!

Inconsiderate...

I know, right?

Wow... got enough rules?

One of those rules was broken consistently - just about everyone I saw climbing had flip flops on.

So how exactly does a lighthouse without a beacon work???

I have not a clue. Here is some information on that particular lighthouse, but it doesn't do a good job describing how it works.

But you passed on a perfect opportunity to find out.

I know. My bad! I don't even want to tell you what I found when I googled it!

My thoughts exactly.

Impressive displays!

Longwood Gardens is very impressive. I absolutely love it there. Everything is top notch!

 

[GoofyFan1515]

I love lighthouses. They are always so unique and so interesting! And you got some really good pictures!

OMG - that's A LOT of stairs!

Without looking very closely it is hard to tell whether when you took this picture, you were down looking up, or up looking down. This picture reminds me of the stairs in the Haunted Mansion with the ghostly footsteps.

 

[MEK]

I love lighthouses. They are always so unique and so interesting! And you got some really good pictures!

I agree - Lighthouses are so cool. Love them! And Thanks!

IWithout looking very closely it is hard to tell whether when you took this picture, you were down looking up, or up looking down. This picture reminds me of the stairs in the Haunted Mansion with the ghostly footsteps.

I "think" I was looking (lol - I had to go back and look at the picture again) up! I'm a little confused myself.

It DOES remind me of the stairs in HM - you're right!

 

[amazingact21]

Love the pictures from Longwoods! It looks like a great place to visit and see the different exhibits.


Your lighthouse tour sounds very nice. I know there are several lighthouses in that part of FL, but I've never been to one. From the sounds of it, it sounds like a great thing to stop by and see after the beach or to kill time before a dinner.

 

[norybell]

I was so behind! I'm slowly getting caught up on all my threads...

So, going back:

- Nice pirate pics!
- I've never been on BTMRR during the fireworks, but I can imagine how amazing that would be. I agree that it is so, so, so much better in the dark. A whole different ride, really.
- The unidentified HM ghost in that one picture is truly very creepy!
- Characters in Flight looks pretty cool. Once, many many years ago when I was in junior high, my family went up in an untethered balloon in Colorado. I thought it was amazing. My dad, being the tallest and heaviest in the group, had to stand in the center of the basket, not hanging on to the exterior rim (it was just a standard sort of balloon basket, not a big viewing one like the Disney balloon). I didn't learn until years later that he, being afraid of heights, was terrified the entire time!
- Sorry you had such a bad skin reaction to Typhoon Lagoon! I have to admit, the water parks hold no interest for me, though considering my DH loves water parks, I'm sure I'll end up at one eventually (anything to make him like WDW more, right?).
- Congrats on your VGF purchase! That is so exciting. I'm dying to stay there, and it is really seriously making me consider DVC. One of my biggest reasons for avoiding it was that I rarely plan vacations far enough in advance, but that'll probably change, now that Simba's around.
- I STILL haven't been on the not-really-all-that-new-anymore-is-it Star Tours. First I was pregnant, then we just haven't made it over there on our last few trips.
- I love Walt's desk...I used to want to sit at one of those, too, probably thanks to my Laura Ingalls obsession.
- I like the new Test Track, too. The extra darkness and sleekness inside the ride makes it seem much more exciting than it used to be, I think.
- I always consider Coral Reef, then talk myself out of it...seems too expensive to take a chance on! But maybe I'll have to reconsider next time.
- Your carriage house (for Feb?) looks adorable!
- The beach looks lovely...and yes, now I do want a beach house!

 

[mickeystoontown]

I get the heebie jeebies just looking at your pictures of the lighthouse. Being the Mrs. Scared of Heights, I know that I'd never be able to go up there. Thank goodness there are folks like you who can climb up and take pictures for people like me to see.

Thanks for posting pictures of the signage at the museum. I love looking at stuff like that and could wander around a place like that for hours.

Oh my! The Fall displays at the gardens are gorgeous! I especially like the wreath made from the succulents and the birdbath with the two birds.

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

Yay! A KatMark meet!

[This particular lighthouse is located near me and I occasionally ride past it on my bike rides

I gotta say, I've never seen this place.

Also not too far from my house

However, I see this one all the time! So picturesque, huh?