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

[Disney9.9.10]

All caught up!

I love your pictures from Celebration. It is such a pretty little town. I keep saying that I want to go there for a visit but I still haven't made it yet lol I hope that next time you go you get some better weather.

Gorgeous sunset photos!!

I hope that you are having a lovely Thanksgiving weekend!

 

[MEK]

ZZZZzzzz...Huh? What'd you say?

Hey, smart aleck!

Glad you finally made it to St. Augustine!

I loved St Augustine. The fort was great, but I really LOVED Flagler College. It was really amazing. And staying right on the beach was pretty great too. I hope we get a chance to go back. I feel like there are so many places in Florida I have yet to see.

Mmmm..Krispy Kreme...

Who doesn't love Krispy Kreme?

Krispy Kreme?

I remember wandering the town with DW a few years ago. It is a cute town, and the walking trail is really nice. We thought it might be a nice place to retire, so we checked the real estate listings...

Well, I have to say, you are much braver then me because I would be to even look at them.

Agreed. Stick with the unhealthy stuff.

Note to self….. stick with unhealthy!

Love that he made you try the tomatoes. Julie does that to me all the time--"Ugh, this is disgusting! Here, try it."

What are spouses for? To try disgusting food choices. (among other things)

Beautiful!

Thank you!

One of these days...I will enjoy that balloon trip.

You will LOVE it! It was so cool! Stay tuned for photographic evidence.

We ventured out to Celebration last month too, and it is SUCH a pretty little town! You got a lot more photos than I did to showcase that. I definitely wouldn't mind living there one day!

IT's so adorable, isn't it? I bet it was beautiful in the nice fall weather. I WILL get back there one of these trips! I feel like I have more exploring to do!

We never made it to DTD and from what I have been reading, the parking situation is even more awful now that they are doing all the construction. So I wasn't too disappointed to miss out on that headache. It looks like the entertainment at Raglan Road was wonderful even if some of the food wasn't up to par.

I can't imagine how bad the parking must be now because it was terrible in June. I don't have the patience for that. I am terrible at driving around parking lots stalking a spot. And I don't think you can walk over from SSR right now. We are staying at SSR for a few nights in March, so maybe we'll boat over there.

Beautiful sunset photo!

Thank you! :good vibes

Still here, but I have been MIA too!

There seems to be an epidemic of MIA DISers. But, hey, life gets in the way. Unfortunately!

What a nice little tour of Celebration. It looks like a cute little town.

It's an adorable little town and I really need to head back there and check it out again. I know they have a segway tour and I think that would be really fun (and a lot cheaper than Disney).

And wet! Too bad it wasn't a better day to explore.

At least it wasn't pouring while we were out walking. It was actually sort of neat to be the only people on the streets.

Inexpensive beer! I'm in. How was it?

I wish I remembered what I ordered, but it was good. The family that owns the restaurant are from Boston so you would probably feel right at home. I definitely want to go back and have some seafood. They import a lot of it from the New England area.

We have not been to Raglan Road. No interest from my traveling companions who still insist on T-Rex when we are in DTD. Someday...

I still need to try T-Rex. It looks like a cool experience. It's definitely on my bucket list!

What a gorgeous sunset!!! WOW! Great pictures.

Thank you! I had a little help from Mother Nature!

Yay! Mary Ellen's back on the Dis! I thoroughly enjoyed the latest update! It's been a while since we've driven through Kissimmee and past Celebration. I always wanted to go over to Celebration but we never have. Looking at your pictures makes me want to put it on our "to do" list.

You guys should definitely check it out. It's a really cute place. You don't feel like you're coming too far out of the Disney bubble, yet its really fun to explore someplace new. I am definitely heading back on one of my future trips.

Great update and pics.

Thanks Scott!

I hope you are already enjoying your vacation. I will be following along on FB!

MEK... MEK... hmmm... Seems vaguely familiar.

I'm glad my name still rings a bell…somewhere!

I'm glad I'm not alone in that sentiment!

You have to know what's important.

Exactly!

Plus its always good to escape from Disney prices, even if its just two drinks!

I guess you'll just have to go back to find out sometime.

I wanted to in October, but never got the chance. However, it is definitely on my list for a return trip. It's such an adorable place. I definitely need to see it without the rain.

So... I'm gonna go out on a limb and say that Denny would have been on board with staying in Celebration instead of trying Raglan Road?

Oh yeah - that's a big limb. I assure you Denny would have been quite happy to stay there and I was really torn. But I honestly thought he would like RR more than he did. *sigh*

 

[MEK]

Celebration is still on my bucket list as is the balloon.

You will LOVE them both. The balloon is especially cool. Stay tuned for photographic evidence!

Such a cute town and it looks like you had a nice little visit.

We really did have a great visit. I'm so glad we decided to stop there, despite the rain. It was nice to check out something new but not feel like you were too far from the bubble.

Sorry your Raglan Road meal was not perfect. I am glad you liked you meal, Denny was less than thrilled with his.

Looking back on it I am shocked that Denny went with the fish. Just an odd choice since he definitely enjoys meat. So many other possible choices.

Like Rosie said we had a blast this last trip.

And when DON'T you have a blast?

I am seriously considering RR for my next trip. It has been years since I have been there. The less than ripe tomatoes don't make me terribly excited... but then I guess the real reason I would be headed there is for the bread pudding.

I bet the bread pudding is amazing. I don't think I've ever had dessert there, but now that I've heard how great it is, I am heading back there just for that reason.

Beautiful evening! I agree!!

Mother Nature at her very best. And such an unexpected surprise!

What a nice little town! LOVE the pictures!

Thanks! Celebration is super adorable. I can't wait to head back there.

I believe alcoholic beverages must always maintain a high priority on trips Your beer looks delicious and refreshing.

I couldn't agree more!

The beer was yummy! I wish I could remember what I ordered, but whatever it was, it hit the spot.

I told DH we're living in Celebration when we retire. That or the Disney community.... Pfft, yeah right! The amount of those homes are insane! But Celebration is more reasonable I think.

So many DISers want to live in Celebration. I definitely can see why. Great location. Too cute for words. Right next to our favorite place in the whole world. What's not to like?

And OMGOSH I'm right there with you on the parking at DTD. It was nuts when we went too!

We never went over there in October and I'm glad. By all accounts its worse than ever and we pretty much drove everywhere. I think we took the bus home once.

Sorry about Denny's food. Too bad there were no women dancers around to make up for that dish. However, you had a nice view of some dancers The burger looks delish!

There were a few woman dancers, but for some reason that pic didn't post. So don't feel too sorry for him. At least he had something to look at.

My meal was yummy. I really enjoyed it.

Can't wait to hear about the MK.

I hope to post again this weekend. We did have a fun evening at MK. Always a great way to end the day.

Hope you and your family have a very Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanks. We had a great day. I hope you and your family had a wonderful day as well!

MaryEllen, Happy Thanksgiving to you, Denny and all of your family.

​

I love it Kathy! You always have the cutest pictures!

And you must be getting SO excited for your trip which is just around the corner. How freaking awesome!

I don't know where to start- hope I remember everything I want to say!

Howdy stranger! glad to see you stop by!

Glad you are back- the gulf coast is gorgeous, you will love it , and I am very envious of the manatee kayaking! Sounds amazing!

I have heard many wonderful things about the west coast and I'm surprised its taken me so long to get there. I am really looking forward to a winter break from the cold.

There are manatee or mangrove tours. I think I better stick with manatee because I have visions of Denny and I tangling ourselves in mangrove bushes.

How cool that you made it to Celebration- I have always wanted to go but have not yet. That one photo reminded me of SSR- sorry I cant post the one I mean, Im on my ipad. You have made me determined to get there someday!

It's a really cool little town. I know you would love it. It does have that laid back SSR feel to it. I know they have a segway tour there and I would love to head back for that on one of these trips.

Your sunset photos were beautiful- love the silhouettes in the one with ur camera.

Thank you! I totally lucked into that amazing sunset!

And I can't believe you have never eaten in the castle! LOL, I thought I was the only one! Haha, I guess I will be after May-

I went through a phase where I wanted to try it but all I heard was bad. I figure I might as well before my TIW expires and, thankfully, Cynthia was up for it. I know Denny could care less so I never asked if he would go.

Ok- I think that's it- my tablecloth is dry, I'm going to set my table for tomorrow. Have a happy Thanksgiving, and enjoy having the boys home!

Thanks! We had a lovely day! I hope you did as well! And its great to see the boys, although I will be glad when they pack up there laundry and get it out of here. Oh wait - they will be returning in another couple weeks with more!

 

[MEK]

Gorgeous sunset!!!!!

Thanks. Mother nature played a big part of that!

How nice to see Celebration. I hope that someday we can make our way there too...but i am surprised such an innocent town has more than one bar!!!!!!

Celebration is so cute. You would love it there and, knowing you, you would come back with some uber amazing pictures!

Mary Ellen! Mary Ellen! Looks like I'm finally overlapping with you in May. I'll be there 17-19 post cruise with mom at BCV. Where are you staying? We must at least get in a quick hello if nothing else

Pam! Really??????? That's awesome! I will be there until the 18th, I think. I haven't booked my flights yet and I really need to do it. We are staying at OKW. We MUST get together.

Beach Club? I'm so jealous! I haven't stayed there in awhile. But OKW has the double beds and the low points and now cynthia and I don't have to draw straws or flip coins to see who gets the pull out!

So excited to meet you!

All caught up!

Yay! Sometimes its so hard to do that! I am still so far behind on my subbed TRs.

I love your pictures from Celebration. It is such a pretty little town. I keep saying that I want to go there for a visit but I still haven't made it yet lol I hope that next time you go you get some better weather.

It's an adorable little town and I'm really glad we made time to check it out. I was hoping to go back for dinner during this last trip, but alas, that did not happen. Oh well. Just another reason to plan another trip!

Gorgeous sunset photos!!

Thank you! That sunset was such an unexpected surprise.

I hope that you are having a lovely Thanksgiving weekend!

Thanks. I hope you are as well. I had to work yesterday, but I am not a big Black Friday person, so I really didn't mind. My kids are home and its nice to spend some time with them.

 

[Pinkocto]

I'm torn about buying flights until later. On one hand it's 6 months away, on the other I don't want prices to go up.

I loved OKW, such a relaxed feel, and the beds were the most comfortable I've found on property. And you're right, the two beds are really nice to have.

 

[Mndisneygirl]

Glad you enjoyed the cheap beer at Celebration! I'd hate to have made a bad recommendation! Celebration is super cute and fun and relaxing to explore!

I'd like to try Raglan Road sometime too. Note to self - don't get fish. Like I would.

With all the major changes going on at WDW - FP+, DTD parking, construction of new DVC... I'm sort of glad (a tiny bit) we're not going to go for a while. So they can work out all the kinks and my friends can give me their tips and advice after they experience it all!

Lovely sunset pictures!!

Oh, Yes, I'm still here reading too!

I think the thing is that we all have made so many friends, that we have so many people's TRs to keep up with, it just takes a lot of time and every one is so busy...Yeah that's it!
I keep saying I'm going to to a TR for our Alaska cruise, but can't seem to get going. Maybe a quick and dirty one = here's where we went, and here's a ton of pictures...

 

[MEK]

Glad you enjoyed the cheap beer at Celebration! I'd hate to have made a bad recommendation! Celebration is super cute and fun and relaxing to explore!

You made a great recommendation. I wish we had stayed for dinner, but I know we'll get back. You can't do everything, that's for sure.

I'd like to try Raglan Road sometime too. Note to self - don't get fish. Like I would.

With all the major changes going on at WDW - FP+, DTD parking, construction of new DVC... I'm sort of glad (a tiny bit) we're not going to go for a while. So they can work out all the kinks and my friends can give me their tips and advice after they experience it all!

I liked the FP+. It worked out well for us. I didn't have any glitches. With all the scheduled things we had it turned out to be a convenience.

You may not be going to WDW for awhile, but you have certainly enjoyed your share of Disney experiences and your trip to DL sounds wonderful. I can't wait to go there.

Lovely sunset pictures!!

Oh, Yes, I'm still here reading too!

Thanks and YAY!

I think the thing is that we all have made so many friends, that we have so many people's TRs to keep up with, it just takes a lot of time and every one is so busy...Yeah that's it!

It is so hard to keep up. And I always see TRs that I want to add to my subbed list, but I am holding back now. I just feel like I can't read them all and keep up. So I know what you mean.

I keep saying I'm going to to a TR for our Alaska cruise, but can't seem to get going. Maybe a quick and dirty one = here's where we went, and here's a ton of pictures...

That will work.

I think once you get started you'll get back into the swing of things. I love your TRs and I really hope you do one!

 

[MEK]

High Ho High Ho It's Off to the MK We Go!

I hope everyone had a marvelous Thanksgiving with lots of family, friends, and good food! I sure did, although I'll be glad for the boys to go back to school for a few weeks so I can have the house to myself again. This empty nester thing really does have its perks!

I have a few more pictures from that spectacular sunset at DTD, but for some reason they ended up in another folder. Memory card change perhaps?

So here we go...



Courtesy of Mother Nature













There was some evening entertainment



We walked past Splitsville which seems like a really cool place and I've heard they have great food, so its on the bucket list!





Our evening destination



We walked in during the first parade, but that wash't our destination. A hasty picture.



We were more interested in rides



So we landed here



What's so funny is I have this exact same picture with my October trip pictures. I guess I really AM pretty predictable



Clearly our boat was pretty empty



I think I remembered to take my lens off autofocus and I finally got this picture



I just love this holographic. I wish they had them throughout the entire ride. It really sets the tone.







I always try to get some pictures in this next scene, but they are never truly representative of the ride



The wenches

x



Oh yeah. Score. Clear picture!



Continued In Next Post

 

[MEK]

Continued From Previous Post







Here kitty, kitty is my favorite scene









I can never get a clear shot of this scene.



Oh wait - this is a little better



the boss







How great is this display?



Our next stop was BTMMR, where we watched the fireworks. Honestly, riding BTMMR and watching the fireworks is one of my favorite things to do.









It's hard for me to remember if we were actually riding when the fireworks started and then took these pictures once we got off.

At any rate, here is a ride photo, so its possible we rode twice and this time I got some shots from the queue.



Oh wait - I remember now! Doh! We WERE in the queue while the fireworks were going off and we watched them from one of the little windows.



I know I've said this MANY times, but I absolutely love to ride BTMMR at night! It's the best ever! What a great ride! Love it!

After BTMMR we headed over to HM, another favorite!



I can't step in this room without taking this picture. I don't know what it is, but I take this shot EVERY SINGLE TIME. Even if I don't have my camera I have to whip out my cell. It's a disease, I tell you.





First time I've gotten this to photograph



Ahh, there she is. I have close to a 100 pictures of her by now, but what's one more?



Or ten more (kidding)



Continued In Next Post

 

[MEK]

Continued From Previous Post

I am especially proud of this picture since I must have gotten the autofocus off right in time. That's hard to do in the dark. Well, at least for me and my amateur photography skills.





I even got the hidden Mickey on the table



Seriously? I have no idea what this was a picture of, which makes it freaky to me because maybe it really IS a ghost? Hey, you never know!



Shockingly I have no pictures of the bride, which is odd since she is usually a fairly easy shot. Hmmmmm. Perhaps I couldn't turn the auto focus back on. Ok, that's my theory and I'm sticking with it!

But I do have a weak shot of these guys.



And the next thing you know, I must have been transported outside to the tangled bathrooms (which I still haven't been inside of).



Looks like we visited Philarmagic next



That's always a favorite, but I sometimes find it just a tad too loud. No wonder it frightens kids.

Back outside.



How can I resist a mine train in the making photo?



Past the tea cups



and into Tomorrowland



And back out to Main Street for the second parade



















Yeah. Go ahead. Just eat those people. they are in my way!



My favorite part of the parade.





And that, my friends, is a wrap!

Our evening in the MK complete we headed back to our off site location. We weren't entirely sure how we were going to spend the next day. But now our plans were firmly in our minds.

So stick around for Up, Up and Away!

 

[teekathepony]

Glad to hear you had a great Thanksgiving Mary Ellen!
What a wonderful evening at MK making the rounds of the rides! I love taking advantage of parade/fireworks time to do rides with no wait. BTMRR is awesome at night, so much better. Love that you got to watch a little of Wishes from there too!
Great shots on HM! And I especially love the parade pics. I SO love MSEP!

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

Gorgeous sunset!

I'm going to have to put riding BTMRR at night and during Wishes on my to do list. That sounds like a lot of fun!

I just love the Haunted Mansion. I think that ghostly photo that you took may have been one of those Happy Haunts that pop out like Jack-in-the-Box in the cemetery scene?

 

[dizneeat]

What a great evening! I love that you got on all those rides and your photos are phantastic!
I tried to take a few pics inside the HM, but mine are nowhere near yours.

And just a little fun fact - I guess you need to get yourself on one of those nice airplanes and jump across the pond to ride BTMRR in DLRP! It is the most awesome of them all.
Located on an island you need to go underwater while you pick up speed. We LOVE that ride!

 

[amazingact21]

Riding the MK rides at night is a favorite of mine. It adds a whole new element, experiencing them in the dark. Especially Thunder, it's like a completely different attraction!

Your HM photos are always great!

 

[Mndisneygirl]

I agree with Karin - BTMRR at Disneyland Paris is AWESOME!!!!! Way better than MK's.

Glad you had fun at MK!!

 

[Poolrat]

I just love the Haunted Mansion. I think that ghostly photo that you took may have been one of those Happy Haunts that pop out like Jack-in-the-Box in the cemetery scene?

That was my guess based on the order of the pictures. It moves up so fast I guess I never really see what it is. Kind of spooky.


Great sunset pictures, and hooray for a night at MK. Great POC pictures and and well all of them are great, HM, BTMRR.

I like seeing the mine train mountain begin to take shape.

The tea cups and the parade. AAHHHH can't wait to go back.

 

[MEK]

Glad to hear you had a great Thanksgiving Mary Ellen!

Thanks Wendy. It was a lot of fun and no family drama! That makes for a great Thanksgiving!

What a wonderful evening at MK making the rounds of the rides! I love taking advantage of parade/fireworks time to do rides with no wait.

I am always so torn - rides versus parade. I'm glad we got to do a little of both.

BTMRR is awesome at night, so much better. Love that you got to watch a little of Wishes from there too!

I love being on the ride when the fireworks go off. To me its the best of both worlds - awesome fireworks and a great night time ride!

Great shots on HM! And I especially love the parade pics. I SO love MSEP!

Me too! It's such a cute and festive parade. I'm glad we caught the tail end of it and even had a decent spot for pictures.

Gorgeous sunset!

Mother Nature at her best! It really was a gorgeous evening.

I'm going to have to put riding BTMRR at night and during Wishes on my to do list. That sounds like a lot of fun!

It really is so cool to see fireworks going off overhead while riding the fastest ride in the West. I just love that ride at night and timing it with the fireworks is pretty magical.

I just love the Haunted Mansion. I think that ghostly photo that you took may have been one of those Happy Haunts that pop out like Jack-in-the-Box in the cemetery scene?

Oh yeah - I think you're right. I never even try to take a picture there because its so dark - but that makes sense. Thanks!

What a great evening! I love that you got on all those rides and your photos are phantastic!
I tried to take a few pics inside the HM, but mine are nowhere near yours.

We really did have a fun evening in MK. Looking back it seems like a long day, but I think that little siesta during the rain allowed us to get a good rest in.

Taking pictures in HM is really a challenge. I use a slow shutter speed to take in more light, but when my lens is on autofocus it just spins and won't focus in
with low light. I tried fooling around with that and it helped get the ballroom shots.

And just a little fun fact - I guess you need to get yourself on one of those nice airplanes and jump across the pond to ride BTMRR in DLRP! It is the most awesome of them all.
Located on an island you need to go underwater while you pick up speed. We LOVE that ride!

Wow - that DOES sound pretty awesome. DLRP sounds so wonderful. I would love to see it someday. DL is on my bucket list for 2015, so maybe after that. It is such a beautiful park and I would love to try different versions of the classic rides.

Riding the MK rides at night is a favorite of mine. It adds a whole new element, experiencing them in the dark. Especially Thunder, it's like a completely different attraction!

I completely agree! It IS like a completely different ride. And I know its my imagination, but I always feel like Splash Mountain is darker at night. Silly, isn't it? Well, I know the outside parts are darker, but I always imagine the inside darker as well.

Your HM photos are always great!

Thank you!

I agree with Karin - BTMRR at Disneyland Paris is AWESOME!!!!! Way better than MK's.

Wow - you guys are KILLING me! By all descriptions it really does sound fantastic. I hope I get a chance to try it someday!

IGlad you had fun at MK!!

We had a blast. It was a great day all the way around.

That was my guess based on the order of the pictures. It moves up so fast I guess I never really see what it is. Kind of spooky.

It is. No wonder I didn't recognize it as first. I always try to take pictures there, but usually nothing turns out.

Great sunset pictures, and hooray for a night at MK. Great POC pictures and and well all of them are great, HM, BTMRR.

Thanks Pat! The sunset was courtesy of mother nature. Every time I go I keep trying to get better pictures. It's nice when a few of them are successful.

I like seeing the mine train mountain begin to take shape.

I can't wait for that to open! It's going to be so cool. I could really see the progress last month. It's fun to see it take shape.

The tea cups and the parade. AAHHHH can't wait to go back.

When are you going back? Are you going this month? I have to admit, I'm out of the loop with your trip line up. I am still secretly hoping that you will go in May.

And you must tell me your dates for October 2014. We are going earlier next year. I think we arrive on the 18th.

 

[dawnbu40]

Glad to hear you had a nice Thanksgiving.
We sat outside and had a drink at Splitsville and enjoyed their musicians on our last trip. Very fun

Isn't it fun watching the progress on the mine ride? I'm hoping it's open by our May trip.

Beautiful pics! Thanks for sharing your fun evening!

 

[natebenma]

Sorry I didn't have a chance to pop in to wish you a Happy Thanksgiving. I'm glad to hear you had a nice one.

The additional sunset and balloon pictures are GORGEOUS! Kudos to you, and to Mother Nature- you are both extremely talented.

What a fun night at MK!

I love the challenge of taking pictures in Pirates and HM, but I have never gotten results as good as yours. The B&W jail scene on Pirates is great! And you are definitely the Leota Queen!

Watching Wishes from the BTMRR queue?!? AWESOME!

 

[MEK]

Glad to hear you had a nice Thanksgiving.
We sat outside and had a drink at Splitsville and enjoyed their musicians on our last trip. Very fun

You two really got around on that last trip, didn't you? That sounds like a ton of fun! I'm definitely hitting DTD in March since I totally missed it in October.

Isn't it fun watching the progress on the mine ride? I'm hoping it's open by our May trip.

May? Is there a possibility it might be open that soon? That when be awesome.

More importantly - May? - when are you guys going in May. Cynthia and I will be there from May 12th - 18th?

Beautiful pics! Thanks for sharing your fun evening!

Thank you! It was a really fun evening. One of those evenings when time just flew.

Sorry I didn't have a chance to pop in to wish you a Happy Thanksgiving. I'm glad to hear you had a nice one.

Thanks. I hope you and your family did as well!

The additional sunset and balloon pictures are GORGEOUS! Kudos to you, and to Mother Nature- you are both extremely talented.

:good vibes You are much too kind! But it really was a simply gorgeous evening!

What a fun night at MK!

It really was a ton of fun. We went in there without a plan and it worked perfectly.

I love the challenge of taking pictures in Pirates and HM, but I have never gotten results as good as yours. The B&W jail scene on Pirates is great! And you are definitely the Leota Queen!

The Leota Queen... haha - that's too funny. I always say I'm not going to take her picture and then I can never help myself.

I lucked out on that black & white photo. Not sure how I got it to come out so clear.

Watching Wishes from the BTMRR queue?!? AWESOME!

It's even better from the train, but, hey, I'll take it!