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

[MEK]

Hang in there, MEK! Keep your eyes on the prize of your next Disney trip. It's the only way to make it.

Thanks MeMom. I have one more day of my 12 day stretch and then its the weekend. 5 more sleeps till Disney!

Wow, that's intense! I hope it goes well

I worked 30 hours of OT during the last pay period. I know its more Disney money, but I am exhausted. Glad its almost done.

I feel ya girl. Joshua's bar mitzvah is Saturday morning and I'm so behind. We've got company all weekend. Love it!

I saw your FB picture of the three kids and it's lovely. I hope you had an absolutely fantastic time. Did you write about it on your TR? I have to check it out.

*Enjoy* your shift friend.

Thanks!

It's called vacation for a reason...

You mean running on vacation is NOT vacation? I actually enjoy running on vacation. I always reach a few days where I have to skip it, but for the most part its relaxing.

Good call. I always have to go through the Standby line there. It is just amazing.

It really is. I love all the great details in that queue. I see something new every time I visit.

I think the only time I've ever seen it lined up in that room was when it broke down for like 15 minutes last year.

It used to have a lot longer line before EE opened. I remember those days really well.

Wow... who is that crazy lady taunting the carnotaurus?

No body I know.

And I guess since you don't know, we'll never know.

Probably not. But I would like to figure out how I got such closely timed Fps.

I'd be disappointed. I never expect under sized proportions from Disney.

That sandwich was ridiculous. I was pretty disappointed. It was really tasty too, which made it a total bummer that it consisted of three bits.

Hard to argue with that.

It's an awesome view. One of my favorite in all the parks.

Aren't you glad you got up and moving early?

Absolutely!

OMG that shirt is hilarious!!!

I agree. All those shirts totally cracked me up!

Front row at EE is the way to go. You got some great ride pics! I would be terrified to have my camera out on that ride, even my little point & shoot. I think DH might be a little braver this year and keep the camera out for photos on EE this year.

I hope your DH does get some pictures because his pictures are always fantastic. Hopefully he will be up for the challenge.

Since we have gone to Disney at such off times since 2007, I haven't seen AK that crowded in ages! That's June for ya...

June is ridiculous. I actually think it was worse last June, but its always crazy. Between the heat and the crowds it can be down right brutal.

Great update!

Thanks.

 

[KatMark]

Hang in there, Mary Ellen. There is a light at the end of this tunnel.

 

[MEK]

Hang in there! 12 days, eesh!

It's ove now! Finally! It was a lot. I've never had to work that many days in a row before. I made some serious OT, which is nice, but still...

MEK, you were an updating machine!

I did pretty well there for awhile, didn't I? But then the work thing just wore me down. I hope to get an update written over the weekend. It's been awhile and now I'm behind on all my subbed threads.

Love all of the photos of EE (I wish I could ride so I could get photos there...it's such a great theme). And for no line for Dinosaur (I was the only one in the room for the pre-show when I was there in August).

EE is a great ride. I love it. It never fails to please and Dinosaur is one of those rides I can do repeatedly because its feels different from ever seat in the rover.

Beautiful pictures as always, and can't wait to see if you see that lion standing up rather than snoring!

We shall see.

And thanks!

Oh my! Hang in there, vacation is just around the corner!

Yes it IS! It's literally right around the corner now. Thanks for the encouragement.

Your definitely tour AK like a pro! Those were some crazy park open lines. We've never made it there that early so I wouldn't even know if that is normal.

Park opening at AK always looks so overwhelming. Sometimes I think its better to get there right AFTER opening. You can walk right in and the crowds inside have all dispersed.

Uhh yeah, where's the rest of your breakfast sandwich. So funny but I wasn't aware that Pizzafai served breakfast until this last trip.

I know - how pathetic is that little quarter sandwich. More of a tease than anything else. You can bet I won't be getting that in the future!

Ha ha! That was an awesome Dinosaur photo. Someone looked excited to see that T Rex!

Just a litte excited, right? I look like a fool!

Hmmm I wonder what happened with that DVC informational/research only tour??

Hmmmm.....

Great shots around the park! Love the shirts...they made me laugh out loud!

Thanks!

And those shirts really are a hoot, aren't they?

Mary Ellen those are worse than Rosie shiftsI have been sooo tired lately I have done NOTHING at home, and it shows !!Tomorrow Judy is off and we are cleaning and shopping etc !!! Anymore this has become the norm my one day off is cleaning and shopping, but I am just to tired other nights to really do much except feed the animals and dishes and some laundry.

Ugh Rosie - I know how you feel. My problem is I get home and do absolutely nothing. I have so much to do but it's an effort even to do laundry. I've let so much pile up for this weekend. I now need to get my "you know what" in serious gear!

I know that feeling. I think I was asleep at 8:30 last night. Tonight - laundry and hopefully the rest of packing. Monday may be interesting, need to wait on a plumber I think who I have not heard from at all so I am going to work and well hopefully I get a call. So I may be in and out of the office but need to put in 8 hours somehow. Half day Tuesday then I can start my drive!!!!!!! Going about halfway and then the happy place Wed afternoon!!!1 :

Pat - I hope after all your hard work you are down there enjoying your time in the happy place! I'm still so sad I am missing you by a day or two, but I know there will be another reunion!

I tell you pictures help me remember better that anything else. I write notes... apparently I put them in "code" and have no idea what I meant.

Sometimes I wonder why I took it but it seems random I know I have to look for something.... or look immediately before or after for a clue.

I totally use my pictures to figure out what I did. I never take notes. I always intend to, but never manage to get that organized. I just always feel like I have such little down time. When I do I just want to chill by the pool or take a power nap!

AK needs an outer loop.

You are too funny!

All caught up! First of all I wanted to say how sorry I am about Max. I'm a cat lover as well and I know how hard it is to lose them. I bet he knew how much you loved him!

Thanks Marissa! I think Max did know how much I loved him and he trusted me. I hated to put him to sleep, but I knew it was the right thing. I still miss him very much.

I love the story about the bird. I think Denny was right!

That was a really cool experience and I do believe there was a connection. I'm so happy Denny was so open to that experience.

I'm loving all these DAK pics... They're making me want to be there RIGHT NOW!

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

DAK is my favorite park to photograph and I get that exact same feeling when I look at AK pictures. I find them to be the most relaxing and visually interesting.

 

[MEK]

WOW MEK!! Those EE ride pics just might be the best I've ever seen on the DISboards! I'm not sure I can hold on and take pics at the same time!

Thanks Bill! I really tried to work the camera on the right. This trip I am just going to sit back and enjoy! I think I'll just recycle those pictures for my next TR!

13 days until DW and I meet the famous MEK/Denny!!

WOO HOO! One week from today!

Things are about to get really busy so checking in since I might not be able to stop back by for a while!

Sounds like your work schedule might even be worse than mine. And that is NOT good! Hang in there! And thanks for stopping by!!!!!

Getting back in the swing of things and on the Dis! Trying to find all my Dis friends reports and subscribing.

Sorry it took so long to get here! It may take me a while to get caught up.

Erika! Thanks for stopping by and no apologies necessary. I'm just glad you are back on the boards. Hope all is going well! We miss you around here!

I see you are close to your cruise! How exciting!

Well, we had a little change in things. We actually pushed the cruise back until next year, but I never changed my ticker. We still have a nice trip planned to WDW and leave Weds! .

Getting caught up on all the TR's. Just got back on Friday & had a great week at Disney. .

Welcome back! So glad to hear you had a wonderful trip! That's awesome!

I love visiting the Poly just to take pics & to shop..

The Poly is great, isn't it? One of my favorite resorts to visit. It's so peaceful there. Love it!

I have never had a Mai Tai. I may need to change that in May..

That drink was very, very yummy. I highly endorse it!

Too funny about your DH's shirt. Just last week my DH dribbled all down his shirt & you can see it clearly in the PP pics.. I tried to get him to turn & face me so it would not be seen..

Men! Sheesh! How dare they go and ruin a perfectly good PP picture! The nerve!

No Denny on SSE??? What happened to Denny?? I had that happen to me once also..

Still don't know where Denny disappeared to? The mystery is yet to be solved. Hopefully he will reappear on the next trip!

Aw that is great that you got to meet Anita & Marc. We got to meet her one late night at MK at around 11:30 pm. They were just arriving for their trip & it was our last night there so it was hi & bye. Baylor was with them also. I have yet to meet Kathy or Mary & the girls. .

I met them briefly the year before. They are a lovely couple. Truly Mr and Mrs Disney! Kathy and Mary are wonderful, too. And Cayley and Avery are two of the sweetest kids I have ever met.

Wow was that sandwich small!! So unusual for Disney..

I know, right? I almost wonder now if they forgot to give me the other half.

I take the most pics at AK. I just love all the animals & feel like I need a pic of all of them..

I'm the same way. I couldn't put my camera down if I wanted to. I find the scenery so absolutely wonderful. The photo ops are endless!

Ok I hope to stay caught up now.

I just started my TR (in my signature). Would love to have you along.

Thanks for the heads-up. I will definitely be subbing!

 

[Pinkocto]

Your trip is coming up so quickly!!!

 

[MEK]

Wow! Just Wow! Love this picture!

Thanks! I really like that pic too! It's always cool when you get a surprise good picture.

What a great morning so far! The pictures from the EE queue and ride are fantastic! I also love your ride photos from EE and Dinosaur.

Thanks! I love taking pictures in AK. It's my favorite park to photograph. It's such a great place to visit. Love it!

I have never been in Pizzafari. Guess I won't make it there if I am starving for breakfast.

Definitely do NOT go in there for breakfast if you are the least bit hungry. Pizzafari - famous for the 3 bite sandwich!

Looking forward to your safari. C'mon out lions!!!

Here Kitty Kitty......

This!

I know exactly what you mean!

Me too! Well, actually at least Pat has code. The few times I've taken notes I can't find them. I'm not sure which is worse.

I am jealous! Have a fantastic trip. Still at BCV? I hope you enjoy it.

We are at BWV's, not BCV. I waitlisted both but the BWV's came in first. I figured it would if we got lucky enough to get either. I'll have to wait until a slower time of year to stay at BCV again.

Sorry I've been MIA, I'm finally caught up.

No apologies necessary. You have been super busy lately. And actually, I have been MIA as well. I got really behind this week with my work schedule.

I cannot believe you're going back to Disneyworld in about a week!!! I'm doing something wrong in this life. And your cruise!

Well, we canceled the cruise for this year and pushed it back until neck year. But I never changed the ticker. But yay for going back soon! It actually got her pretty quick. I guess that's what happens when you work every day.

Love all of your AK photos. It's my second favorite WDW park right after MK. I know it's an amusement park but AK gives such a feeling of peace. I think that's why I love the AKV so much too.

I love AK because the theme is just so perfect. There are so many wonderful things to look at. I love that!

You are brave taking your camera out during EE. I'm always white knuckling it the whole time.

I wasn't always that brave. Several years ago Denny took pictures with our old camera. That's when I realized that I needed to start taking my own and I got braver.

Hang in there Mary Ellen! You're almost to WDW!!!

Yup - Almost there!

Hang in there, Mary Ellen. There is a light at the end of this tunnel.

There sure is and I think I am starting to see it!

Your trip is coming up so quickly!!!

I know! Yay!

 

[eandesmom]

Clearly we survived! And there's one passenger in the front row who is a little over exuberant about the whole thing.



In case you missed it the first time

those are PRICELESS!

Channeling my inner Cynthia I took some T-shirt pics.

Evan bought this one on our 2012 summer trip! he wears it ALL the time!

What a fun day, multiple yeti's, dinosaur, a super cute picture of the 2 of you and plans to do RESEARCH...

Denny's breakfast looks great. Yours looks like a kids meal!

 

[MEK]

those are PRICELESS!

I'm glad my picture turned out instead of me looking like a total goof ball. Or maybe I DO look like a total goof ball! Hmmmmm.

Evan bought this one on our 2012 summer trip! he wears it ALL the time!

Those shirts are AWESOME! They are so darn creative.

What a fun day, multiple yeti's, dinosaur, a super cute picture of the 2 of you and plans to do RESEARCH...

It was a fun morning in the AK and there is still MORE to come. Stay tuned. I actually have the next post just about ready.

Denny's breakfast looks great. Yours looks like a kids meal!

Ugh - my meal was SO disappointing. Not at all like the yummy sandwiches you and I had last October. I think someone forgot to give me the other quarter.

 

[MEK]

Sorry its been awhile since I posted last. I just finished a 12 day in a row work stretch. It got a little grueling there towards the end. I guess this will probably be my last post before Disney because we leave Wednesday night.

Here's our itinerary (in case you're interested):

Wednesday night - we arrive in Orlando around 10:30pm if all goes well. We are staying off site with Marriott rewards.

Thursday 10/24 - Tuesday 10/29: BWV pool/garden view studio
Tuesday 10/29 - Thursday 10/31 Saint Augustine (renting a beach condo for two nights from VRBO)
Thursday 10/31 - Monday 11/4 AKL Jambo house standard view 2BR

ADRs at Via Napoli, Tony's, Rose & Crown, Crystal Palace, Jiko, LeCellier, La Hacienda, Tokyo Dining, Grand Floridian cafe (in random order). If time permits I am going to head over to OKW and check out Olivia's. We are also going to check out the Celebration Tavern one night.

I have two different sets of magic bands for my two different stays.

Oh - I even have a few DIS meets planned too! Yay!

And, yes, I know my ticker says a cruise - but we changed that until 2014 and I just didn't feel like changing the ticker. Maybe I'll just reuse the same one. Hmmmm.

And Now I bring you -

Soft Kitty, Warm Kitty, Little ball of fur, Happy Kitty, Sleepy Kitty, purr purr, purr

Harambe



And we're off







Yeah - we scored the front row!

I got a little crazy with the side view mirror shots. Don't judge me.







Somebody's hiding



This looks like a face to me.



Siesta time?





Is that white stuff bird poop?



Hey big guy. I would love to see feeding time again.







We got to see a group from the African Trek exit after their croc encounter.











This is where the African Trekers have their siesta and snack.





"Hey, You looking for me?"



Who doesn't love a giraffe?



Now that's a stretch



Continued in the next post...

 

[MEK]

Continued From Previous Post


"Hey, who finished all the grub?"



"Ive' got a secret"



The rickety old bridge



And who doesn't love baby elephants?







"My what long legs you have!"





Anybody for a mud bath?



That's some back side!



I see some cats










Love it!



It was finally time to spy on the cats I have been waiting for. Soft Kitty, Warm Kitty, little ball of fur, Happy Kitty, Sleepy Kitty, purr purr, purr



I see her. Right in between those rocks.



Darn foliage ruining my shot



And right around the corner, could it be? The king of the jungle?



Crap! Just as we rounded the corner he got up and turned. NOOOOOOOOO!



And all too soon time was up. Drat! Foiled once again!



But I did find a wart hog as a consulation prize.



All too soon our 2 safari was over.

Back to the park, but where to next?



So, after Safari we found ourself here





Continued In Next Post...

 

[MEK]

Continued From Previous Post

And then I took this picture which leads me to believe our second ride on EE was now instead of earlier. I think the ride was down the last time we were there which made it possible to turn our FP in now.



But that's all the pictures I took until here



We got a decent seat and I swore I wasn't going to take pictures, but we all know that didn't happen. hehe











Poor Nemo!

























Jellies











It's Darla!



Continued In Next Post...

 

[MEK]

Continued From Previous Post





We were close enough to see the bubbles



The end!



After Nemo we decided it was time to leave for our afternoon siesta.







On the way home we stopped at





On our way out of the park we noticed some dark clouds rolling in. As soon as we finished lunch in our condo the rain came in. It poured. In a way it wasn't a bad thing. We chilled on the couch until the weather cleared. Then I decided to go out and take some pictures.

But first I took a picture of this little guy hanging in the tree outside.







Denny seemed to be enjoying reading on the verandah









It was still drizzling a bit



















I kept hoping it would clear up enough to hit the pool, but it never did. Before we knew it, it was time to get ready for dinner. But first a little pre dinner stop.

Up Next - Celebration, Raglan Road, and night time park fun.

 

[dawnbu40]

Your upcoming trip sounds wonderful! We're crossing our fingers that we will get to meet up and finally meet face to face

I love the safari and Nemo pictures! But shame on you for posting Sheldon's song. That will be stuck in my head all day

 

[KatMark]

MEK, your plans for your trip sound great. An interesting selection of restaurants, three different places to stay and DIS meets.

Wonderful pictures on the safari, as always. Love the baby elephant. Too bad you just missed that male lion yet again.

SPECTACULAR pictures at Nemo; I really want to get back to see that.

Nice pictures around your resort, and love Denny just sitting and chilling with his book.

 

[dizneeat]

Mary Ellen, your plans for your Florida trip sound awesome. Great line up of restaurants too!

I just LOVE all the pics of the Safari and Nemo and your resort. AWESOME!!!!

 

[MEK]

Your upcoming trip sounds wonderful! We're crossing our fingers that we will get to meet up and finally meet face to face

We better! I just checked out flight times and we leave at 3:15 but I still think we have time to meet because we never leave for the airport until the last possible minute. Beaches N Cream - right? Really looking forward to it even though we will be leaving.

I love the safari and Nemo pictures! But shame on you for posting Sheldon's song. That will be stuck in my head all day

Thanks!

You know I just couldn't think of a title for this update and then suddenly that song popped into my mind. It cracks me up every time!

MEK, your plans for your trip sound great. An interesting selection of restaurants, three different places to stay and DIS meets.

I have a couple new restaurants on the list this time. I hope we get to all of them and don't have too many changes. It's hard on a long trip because you just never know what's going to change. You have more flexibility in your schedule and I think that makes it easier to change things.

Wonderful pictures on the safari, as always. Love the baby elephant. Too bad you just missed that male lion yet again.

Thanks!

And can you believe it????? I think I am cursed. I am destined to never get a picture of that bad boy. Darn kitty!

SPECTACULAR pictures at Nemo; I really want to get back to see that.

Thanks. I am really pleased with how they turned out and that's probably because we weren't the last people in the theatre (like we normally are) and we got great seats!

Nice pictures around your resort, and love Denny just sitting and chilling with his book.

It was fun to walk outside right after the rain storm. It really cooled everything down and it felt really private and secluded there.

Mary Ellen, your plans for your Florida trip sound awesome. Great line up of restaurants too!

Thanks Karin! I feel a little bad about canceling the cruise, but I am really glad we are going next year on the double dip. I think the timing will be better for us. I'm happy with our plans for this year and our restaurant choices.

I just LOVE all the pics of the Safari and Nemo and your resort. AWESOME!!!!

Thanks. I'm pretty pleased with how my pics turned out. I liked sitting closer to the stage in Nemo. That really helped.

 

[IheartDDuck]

Okay, so I saw the title of your next chapter and it cracked me up. I totally just got a shirt to wear on an upcoming trip that says:

Stay Calm and Sing Soft Kitty.



Yay! You guys are leaving so soon. You have some nice ressies planned.

I would say yes....that white stuff is indeed bird poop.

I do that all the time! I sit down for something, and go "I'm not going to take any pictures I'm just going to *click*...."

 

[natebenma]

Is that white stuff bird poop?

I know, but I'm not guano tell you!

Holy Cannoli! Those are AWESOME pictures of the cheetah! Especially this one.

So sorry you didn't get a better view of the lions

Really loved all of your safari pictures and the Nemo pictures. That is such a visually stunning show. I'm not a huge fan of the songs but I love the storyline and the puppets and effects are amazing!

Mary Ellen and Denny- wishing you both a spectacular trip! Can't wait to hear who you will be meeting. And an early Happy Birthday to my Irish twin, Denny!!!

 

[annmarieda]

Yes - there are a lot of lounges where you can use TIW. Most of the lounges in the resorts will take it. You get a list with your card. My policy is to ask if I can't remember because I am sure I have missed out on some TIW perks in the past. I do like having the card. I think I broke even in June and I still have the card to use in October and May.

I went ahead and got it and used it often enough this last trip that it will not be hard to break even on it in January. I didn't get a list though... I should have got a list?

Well, then your family would think the same thing about me. To my credit, I really do it discretely. I would never intentionally embarrass someone. I just think its fun to take pictures of unusual items and people. What can I say?

I am with you! Luckily for my family they were not with me this last trip.. cause I snuck a couple pictures...



I am so sorry about Max. I found myself fighting back tears as I read your post about him. Having had a couple amazing cats and a slew of not so amazing ones...I can appreciate when you find one that is truly “your” cat.

I love the commentary on your pictures. Especially the “stupid Judy” segment.

What a great hieroglyphic pic you got a few year back. A little better than your more recent one


So the meeting of Kathy and Mary in the lobby was by chance? Isn’t it great when that happens? I ran in to a few people just by chance this last trip. The world seems so big... but it really isn’t when you can run into someone you recognize.

What a truly special sign with the bird.

I love your EE pics. I would never be able to get anything like those. Having my hands not firmly grasping the bar would be hard enough for me... but using a camera?

And your Finding Nemo Musical pics...

 

[emmysmommy]

I loved the BBT reference with soft kitty, warm kitty.... yes, I'm singing along when I read that! Speaking of kitties, awesome photos of the cheetahs on the safari. It looked like they were totally cool with you taking their photo! You actually had a lot of great photos from the safari including the baby elephant. So adorable.

I'm glad that you didn't keep the camera put away for the Nemo show considering you have a lot of great photos!

As for your travel plans this coming week - I'll be interested to hear all about it. It's like 3 mini vacations all put together. I hope you enjoy your AKL stay (a 2 bedroom villa - ahhhh amazing!) and Jiko for Denny's birthday. Speaking of which, happy early birthday to him as well.

I wish you safe travels! I know you will have a lot of wonderful experiences to share when you return.