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

[MiaBella05]

joining in

 

[MEK]

Makes sense to me.

Glad you agree! Disney is like a magnet, it just sort of pulls you in!

But even if you were the spy, would you be able to tell us?

Good point!

Good work!

Thanks!

I'd love to hear their comments about the Enchanted Tiki Room. Or IASW.

Wouldn't that be funny if the attractions did cross reference other attractions like that.

I remember eating there once and thinking, "Meh." Sounds like it's about the same.

For me it was a little bit above "meh", but Denny's dish was really good, so I'll give them that. It probably will be awhile before we eat there.

Well, sure, that's one way to empty your stomach.

Fortunately, THAT didn't happen!

First, I *might* have to conquer my fear of heights because those pictures from the balloon ride were AMAZING. Just spectacular. How fantastic!

It really was all that! You should definitely do it and just take your camera with you as a distraction. It really wasn't bad once you are up there. It's the anticipation that's a little scary.

My mouth was literally dropping seeing those VGF pictures; holy crap on a cracker. What a GORGEOUS place.

It really IS a gorgeous place. I am so excited to stay there 10 months from now!

I had a camera question I wanted to pose to you - what bag do you use to take your camera around with you to the parks? I have the padded bag that came with the camera (Canon Rebel DSLR) but it's bulky and not really conducive to carrying around. What do you do? I have a cross-body purse and I was thinking as long as I kept the lens cap on I could carry it in there. Do you think that'd work OK, or do I need to look into buying a padded bag that's easier to carry around? I'd of course have to be careful that it didn't bang into things while in the purse.

Sorry its taken me so long to respond to this question. I do use my regular camera bag most of the time. But I agree - it gets bulky and annoying sometimes. There are times I just pick a lens and carry the camera with me without a bag. Other times I just put it in my park bag and its fine. I've never bought a second bag, but that's definitely an option.

I love the walk down memory lane, what a neat memory! Sorry the food wasn't better, sadly sometimes the healthy pasta option can be awfully boring...darn vegetable broth anyway!

That was a fun family memory. I wish I had a picture of that visit. We had such a great time.

I love whole wheat pasta, but you're right - the lackluster vegetable broth didn't lend a lot of flavor.

May.

Tune In Lounge

Must do!

I've not really been. I've been "in", bought a beer and took it right out. I don't think that counts.

It's definitely a MUST! I have passed over it much too long. I've got to try that lemonade.

Sorry your meal at Mama Melrose's was not as good as you had hoped. Denny's dish looks amazing!! Made me kind of hungry, actually...:

Denny's pasta was really yummy. I was trying to go for something a little lighter, but it didn't work exactly as I hoped.

ToT is probably not the best post-meal attraction, but who cares? IT'S FUN!! Your expression in the ride photo is pretty awesome too!

Exactly. It was really our only chance to ride it so we went for it. I mean, we walked off dinner between the restaurant and TOT, right?

Oh how I love the details in the Muppet waiting area! Miss Piggy is striking a provocative pose in the calendar photo. And the dress boxes are too funny! I've seen the key, and taken pictures on two occasions, but never noticed its screwed down

I think that room is so cool. Every time I go in there I notice something new. Perhaps they change it around from time to time. That was actually the first time I ever looked for the key, so I really didn't notice.

Nice to relive those memories even though the food wasn't the best. I must tell you, I discovered an absolutely fabulous veggie sandwich at Studio Catering next to the Back Lot tour. We had never been there before and mom had a scrumptious Greek salad. That will probably be our go to place at HS now.

Really? I love veggie sandwiches. I'll have to check that out next time. And I LOVE greek salads, so good to know. Thanks for the tip.

I'm still glad we ate there even though my menu pick as not the absolute best, it was still a nice meal.

I think the rebel spy is always in the same seat, I may be wrong but I'm curious how they pick them.

Is it the same seat? I didn't know that. Hmmmmm - I might have to google that to find out.

Good luck with work this weekend, I hope it goes well

Can you believe that was a week ago? I made it. 11 days straight plus two overnights. I am behind on DISing, but I'll eventually catch up. Did you start your new TR yet??????

 

[MEK]

I hope to finish all my replies today and stay tuned for another update sometime this weekend - I hope!

 

[MEK]

The salad definitely looks yummy.

It was pretty yummy! And Denny's dish was quite good. I'm glad we tried it.

I think the Tune In Lounge is great. It is so kitchy in there.

I've been to the restaurant (Prime time) but never the lounge. I've really got to get there soon. If you stop there in January make sure you have a Dad's lemonade for me.

I am with Teeka. No Tower on a good day and absolutely no way on a full tummy!

Hey - I had a little time to walk off dinner.

Somehow I missed your update yesterday but it is a great one!

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it!

Love that you got on Star Tours and Muppets and I just love all the pics you took. Sorry about your pasta at MM. We have eaten there a lot of times and even though it can be hit or miss we had more hits than misses.

I think I just had a bad menu pick and, even then, it really wasn't bad, just mediocre. I'm still glad we went there. The whole experience was a good one.

Your ToT pics are AWESOME.

Thank you! :good vibes

Tower of Terror is one of my favorite rides. I despise elevators, but for the thrill of the ride, I make myself do it. I am always relieved when that door opens after the initial closing.

I'm not really a fan of elevators either. I will always take the stairs if I have a choice. I force myself to go on it too. I am always a little nervous for the drops, but I am always happened I rode it once its over.

We enjoyed our Mama Melrose spaghetti. The servings were huge! We have only been that one time, though. The only Hollywood restaurant we have not been to yet is Brown Derby.

I think I just had a bad pick. Denny's dish was pretty delish. I think I should try a pasta with red sauce. I just wasn't in the mood for anything heavy so I picked something semi-healthy and it just wasn't as good as it could have been.

I have eaten at BD a bunch of times, hence the reason we picked Mama's.

I have to join the ranks of NAY sayers for Mama Melroses , we had the worst service , the longest wait and cold food . It will be a long time before I try t again !@!

Wow Rosie, that sounds like a terrible experience. That's a bummer. Mine was simply a poor pick, but it sounds like you had an overall BAD dining experience.

Hi Mary Ellen, I hope work hasn't been too bad. Wanted to give you the link to my VGF TR

Thanks Pam! I finally made it over there today and I was thrilled to death to see all those great pictures of the resort.

I have never been to Mama Melrose's before. One of those places that's forever on my To-try list. And between Alex loving Sci Fi and me loving 50's, who knows when I'll get around to eating there.

I know what you mean. I actually wanted to eat at Sci Fi but that place is ALWAYS booked!
I've been to BD a bunch of times, so I wanted to try something new.

I can completely relate to eating at a restaurant for nostalgia's sake. Sometimes, it's the memory the place holds that makes the meal so fun. Denny's dish does look tasty, though, as does your salad.

I really do have such an awesome memory of our first family meal there. It was really fun and a great meal. We enjoyed every minute of it!

ToT after a meal?
Whew, you're better than me. I don't think I could have handled that. And your photos are fabulous! I always enjoy seeing your ride picutes. (Almost as much as I love your morning run shots.)

I am weird that way. I would rather ride something on a full stomach then on an empty stomach. I know that sounds weird, but sometimes when I am hungry I feel a little dizzy. I hate that feeling.

So glad you like the ride pics!

 

[MEK]

Is that the trick in POTC to take it off auto focus? I can never get good pics.

I actually haven't tried that, but it would probably work for that holographic at the beginning. In fact, come to think of it - maybe that's how I DID get that picture. I normally just crank the shutter speed to the lowest possible setting that I don't get blur and use the highest ISO. My camera only goes to 1600.

Great nighttime pics.

Thank you!

Fantastic photos from the balloon. Nice you got to stay up double the time. I think he was my operator too the last time I did it.

I was so excited that we got a double length ride. Cynthia and I are going to do it in May and I think getting there first thing in the morning is really the way to go! I would love to see the sunset from the balloon, but don't feel like dealing with the crowds.

Congrats on the purchase. We looked at the models also last week but I will reveal that in my tr. LOL

Thanks and I can't wait to hear about what happened with your visit.

All caught up

Pssst.....whole wheat pasta sucks. Unless its in a creamy vodka sauce and then it's still just okay. Michael likes ww pasta too but I just can't get into it. I'm sorry dinner was just okay but it is a cute place.

You are too funny! At first I thought it sucked, but now I sort of like it. The pasta wasn't what bothered me, just the flavor of the sauce. Just a little too bland, but I still enjoyed my meal.

Oh yes - Ohana - we did that as a family, too. That was a fun meal with the kids. They really enjoyed the whole thing - the food and the atmosphere. :good vibes

Last night already? Love your DHS pictures! That park is so much more vibrant at night. Congrats on the VGF!!! SO exciting!

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

Yup - Last night, but it was only a 5 night trip to Disney. Next we head to Daytona for our last two days. A week felt just about right that trip.

HS is so cool at night.

And thanks - I really look forward to staying VGF.

 

[MEK]

Last night already? Gosh time flies when you're having fun at Disney!

It really does fly. But since this was only a 5 night trip, it flew even faster. We still had two more days at Daytona and a week's vacation seemed just right for a bonus trip.

It's too bad that your meal was just meh at Mama Melrose's. At least Denny's had some flavor to it.

Denny's was pretty yummy. But, overall I did enjoy the dining experience and I'm glad we went there.

Flights of Wonder looks like a good time. Kind of neat to see all the various landmarks from so high up.

It was a really fun experience. I thoroughly enjoyed it and loved seeing all the landmarks. Another cool spot is seeing the landmarks from the top of the Wilderness Lodge.

Congrats on the new DVC purchase! I know that it will be a worthwhile investment for you. Granted, I'm not exactly big on the GF to begin with, but if that's what you're interested in, I know you'll enjoy it!

I never thought I was much of a GF gal but there is something intimate about the DVC resorts that I love. Believe me, I never expected to buy any points there, but now that I have them I will definitely enjoy them on special occasions.

A fun last evening at DHS hitting most of my favorites. I have to say that I really like Mama Melrose. I'm glad you went through with the meal there and got a few more park hours instead of going to Celebration. I'm sorry your meal wasn't quite as good as you would have liked though.

I'm glad we went there too. And even though it wasn't the best meal I had that week, it was certainly an overall good dining experience. We had a really nice evening in HS and I'm glad we went there.

I will empathize with you on this. After school all day - and all the craziness that comes with that - and then some nights the part-time job, I am wiped out when I get home. I try to peek in on FB for a few minutes to see what is going on in the lives of friends and family, but after a few minutes, I shut down and am ready for some sleep. I love coming to the DIS to see everyone's pictures, when my mind is awake and aware enough to absorb them.

Exactly - that's why I love DISing first thing in the morning. I am so into it then and I am always trying to squeeze in one more read. In the evenings I have been known to fall asleep with the computer on my lap. I hate when that happens. So NOT cool!

I hope things are slower for you now so you can really enjoy the holiday season!

 

[englishrose47]

Sorry for being absent for sooo long !! I just have not had much Dis time since getting back from Disney this month. Now I am starting plans for May 2014 Carol and I are going without a group !!! She needed absolutely NO arm twisting to agree !! I think she was jealous I went in December !! I have a quiet day at work ... 3 of the 5 have left already for their families So the 2 and I have already been shopping, and yes I managed to pick up some more things for me for gifts . Funny thing I was hunting for Cat Treats and one of them spotted them after I had walked right past them She was sooo proud to have helped me

 

[DWGal210]

Thanks! I think I will take a lens and put it on my park bag. I have this cloth bag that a purse came in, and I can wrap it in that, in the park bag, so at least it has some protection. I just don't want to lug around that other bag! I did see some cute ones on Etsy but just didn't feel like spending more money at this point in the year.

 

[Moira222]

aaahhh nothing like a bit of an MEK trip report to cheer up a dismal day!

I leave you with the final picture. Our red neck ride photo.

I love the look on your faces in this picture -- they definitely caught you at one of those drops where you fanny flies off the seat and you can't help your self but WOOOOP a bit!



Were the crayon markings still on the wall at Mama Melrose?

I've never been to that restaurant -- frankly Disney World is 0 for 2 when it comes to Italian cuisine for us, so we have decided except for maybe Via Napoli pizza, we will not try Italian there again. We have friends who live in Florida who swear that its near impossible to get good Italian anywhere in the area....maybe the weird water effects the flavor of the sauce & pasta? oh well. I'm glad Denny like his anyway!

hmm key under the mat. Gotta look there.

If I don't get back on, have a fabulously Merry Christmas Mary Ellen!!!

 

[KatMark]

Oh good, one place where I have NOT missed several updates.

MaryEllen, I hope you, Denny and the rest of your family have a truly

 

[MEK]

I hope everyone had a great Christmas. I am finishing replies tonight no matter what!!!!!!

 

[MEK]

Sounds like they're working you to the bone! I hope you're doing ok

Thanks Pam! My days of OT are supposed to be officially over! The extra money was nice, but I'd rather just work 40 hours a pay period.

I'm finally getting caught up and you are almost ready to wrap this one up.

Welcome back Brenda! I still have a bit more to write about, like our visit to Daytona Beach. But that won't take nearly as much time as the WDW TR piece. I really want to get my TR started, but I seem to be lagging.

The view from the balloon was awesome. I love all the photos that you took so we know the perspective from that high up what is around. I didn't realize the Epcot resorts were so close. They seem so far away when you are on a Disney bus!

Isn't that the truth. It is pretty cool to see the spatial relationship of everything. I loved that part of being up high. It was similar to when I got to take pictures from the WL roof. That was pretty cool, too.

Congratulations on your VGF purchase. The few photos you did take make me completely want to give up my children's college funds and buy a ton of DVC points so I can live there for a month! What a great thing to look forward to!

Well then don't read Pinkocto (Pam's) TR. You will want to move in tomorrow. The resort is really amazing. I can't wait to stay there.

I'm a photo creature of habit too. I've come to realize that recently... I just can't help having the same Carousel of Progress photos every trip and so on and so on.

I love taking pictures in CoP even though I have a set from every ride. Like, really? Why do I need all those pictures? But I can't help myself from taking them.

Bummer about Mama Melroses. We haven't been there since 2010 so I can't say that I've missed it.

It wasn't awful, but it certainly wasn't the best. Still, it was a fun meal even though it will be awhile until I go there again.

I think you made the right choice about heading to Hollywood Studios.

I totally agree it was the right choice!

Yay for Star Tours and Muppets! Thanks for sharing the detailed theming in the queues. I especially like the calendar with Miss Piggy. She could be a Porks Illustrated swim suit model for sure!

I know that was exactly the look she was going for.

Sounds like your meal at Mama's was just "serviceable". We have been once, in 2009, with the F! package. Meal was ok for us, but we haven't been back. Too bad about your pasta. Based on the menu description, I would have considered ordering this. Based on your review... Not so much!

Yeah - it sounded like it would be really good, didn't it? Oh well. In menu choices you win some and you lose some. I lost this round, but we still had a nice evening. But it will probably be awhile before we go back again.

on Tower of Terror.

LOVE YOUR PHOTOS!

Thanks! I always ToT - when its over! The anticipation gives me butterflies every time.

Thanks for posting the link to Dave's pictures. I don't follow his trip report. Yet. But I clicked on the link and I am totally blown away by his gorgeous shots!

Aren't they wonderful? Just amazing! I'm so glad I stumbled onto his TR! His photos just transport me right to WDW.

I hope you will have a break from your brutal work schedule soon, but please, no worries about catching up. We know "You would rather be DISing", but we understand being slammed!

.

I am done working OT, so the brutal work schedule has ended (only to be replaced with the hectic time known as Christmas). I still have to do two overnights a month, but no more OT.

 

[MEK]

joining in

MiaBella. Thanks for joining in. Sorry its taken me so many days to welcome you. I have become such a slacker recently.

Sorry for being absent for sooo long !! I just have not had much Dis time since getting back from Disney this month.

No apologies are ever necessary here Rosie. I know I'm behind on your TR too! But after the holiday craziness dies down I promise to get caught up again.

Now I am starting plans for May 2014 Carol and I are going without a group !!! She needed absolutely NO arm twisting to agree !! I think she was jealous I went in December !!

May? When are you going in May? Cynthia and I will be there May 12th-18th. Please say we overlap.

I have a quiet day at work ... 3 of the 5 have left already for their families So the 2 and I have already been shopping, and yes I managed to pick up some more things for me for gifts . Funny thing I was hunting for Cat Treats and one of them spotted them after I had walked right past them She was sooo proud to have helped me

That's a great story Rosie. How sweet! I hope work continues to be slow for you. Better yet - I hope you are off for the holidays and are enjoying some much needed relaxation time with your family!

Thanks! I think I will take a lens and put it on my park bag. I have this cloth bag that a purse came in, and I can wrap it in that, in the park bag, so at least it has some protection. I just don't want to lug around that other bag! I did see some cute ones on Etsy but just didn't feel like spending more money at this point in the year.

I hear ya on the money. It really is hard to put out money for something you don't really need. I think your plan will definitely work. I don't blame you for not wanting to lug around the extra camera bag. I say "go for it".

aaahhh nothing like a bit of an MEK trip report to cheer up a dismal day!]

Gee thanks! I'm glad I can help you chase away the winter blues.

[/SIZE][/COLOR]

I love the look on your faces in this picture -- they definitely caught you at one of those drops where you fanny flies off the seat and you can't help your self but WOOOOP a bit!

]

I do look a lithe shocked, don't I? Usually I just look super serious.

Were the crayon markings still on the wall at Mama Melrose?
]

I don't know. We sat pretty far from that area so I'm really not sure.

I've never been to that restaurant -- frankly Disney World is 0 for 2 when it comes to Italian cuisine for us, so we have decided except for maybe Via Napoli pizza, we will not try Italian there again. We have friends who live in Florida who swear that its near impossible to get good Italian anywhere in the area....maybe the weird water effects the flavor of the sauce & pasta? oh well. I'm glad Denny like his anyway!

Via is really good. I've eaten there several times. I think you're safe. I agree that Tutto and Mama Melrose are not that great.

hmm key under the mat. Gotta look there.

I was so shocked it was actually there.

If I don't get back on, have a fabulously Merry Christmas Mary Ellen!!!

Thanks! Love it! I hope you and your family is having a great holiday season as well,

Oh good, one place where I have NOT missed several updates.

MaryEllen, I hope you, Denny and the rest of your family have a truly

Nope. I am such a slacker you have missed nothing! Gotta love that. I really need to get my you know what in gear and get this TR finished.

I hope you and your family had an awesome Christmas and are enjoying your holiday.

 

[MEK]

Our Last Re-entry

Soooooo…..

I hope everyone had a wonderful and merry Christmas and I hope everyone is enjoying their holiday season.

Sorry for the delay in getting this update posted. I was supposed to post a week ago. That obviously didn't happen.

I do have some good news. As most of you know, I started a new job six months ago. I am finally settling in and I no longer have to work OT starting in January. How great is THAT? I also will only be doing two overnight shifts a month. I am thrilled. I feel like I am finally getting my free time back. Woo Hoo!

When I left off last we had just finished riding this



I wanted to ride this



but the stand-by line was lengthy and Denny doesn't do single rider and we didn't feel like waiting in line.

But we weren't ready to leave yet, so we headed back towards the center of the park,



Yum!



I

I tried to convince Denny to draw a character, but he's not a fan and I just missed the start of a new class so we didn't wait.

Instead we went here



The Legend of Jack Sparrow.



We knew nothing about the attraction so we had no idea what to expect



I used it as a photo op



The effects were kind of cool











It surrounds you on all four sides, but most of the action can be seen by facing forward.







I'm glad we decided to stop in and check it out.

Then we went here



I seriously love this desk. When I was a kid I wanted to sit at a desk just like this at school, but they stopped making them. Boo!





That's all the pictures I took. Not sure if we watched the movie or not.

At this point we called it a night.

Bye Hollywood Studios - I'll see you in October (oh - wait - that never happened lol)









Continued In Next Post...

 

[MEK]

Continued From Previous Post

Of course, no trip to HS is complete without a shout out to Bo!



And with that we headed back to spend the last night in our no longer top secret location.

I did as much packing as I could and was grateful for my new Vera bag. I used that to pack what I would need for Daytona.

In the morning I skipped my run so we could finish packing then head over to Epcot as early as possible since we only had a half day there.

Here are some pics of our condo as we were leaving.

I can tell from the cracked curtain that it was a beautiful day outside



Sorry my bags are all over the place





I liked this little alcove for a computer desk



The spare bedroom (which became my dressing room)





And that door was the entrance to "my" bathroom



Close up of the artwork



"My" bathroom





The other bathroom









This is the master bedroom, but as you can see we weren't quite packed.







We stopped by the registration area to check out





To the right is the desk where they try to trap you into a timeshare presentation. We steered clear of that.



A Happy Father's Day Message from the Diamond Resorts



Good Bye Polynesian Isles. We had a fun time!




Our last venture back into the world!



Today we were heading to Epcot for the morning.



Continued In Next Post….

 

[MEK]

Continued From Previous Post

We had 6 instant FP's from our DVC visit and we intended to use the first two here:



In case you don't recognize that picture - we were getting ready to check out the new improved Test Track.

Our first Design



I didn't take any pictures on the first ride.

It appears we had some stiff competition. Clearly Denny is a chemical engineer, not an aeronautical engineer. He's got some work to do!



A nice red camero? Don't mind if I do!



I thought the photo finish area was pretty neat



Cute T



So what did I think of the new TT?

I really liked it. I liked the whole idea of designing a car. It was a challenge. I also liked the refurbishment of the track. It was fun and held my interest. I think Disney imagineers did a good job of taking what already existed and changing the concept of the ride. I know not everyone is a fan, but I think they really reworked the old ride to the best of its potential

Once outside I couldn't help but take a picture of someone else's kids. I really need to stop doing that.



With two FP's down and 4 to go it was only logical that we head over to Soarin' next.















With two rides under our belt in a short period of time and two more FP's to use, where would we go next?

The answer revealed in my next update, plus my surprise favorite meal of the trip.

Oh - and Happy New Year's everyone!

 

[Wicket's Mom]

Great pictures, as usual! Your condo was very nice, if I didn't love staying on property so much I would definitely stay there.

I have sat in many of those school desk & they are not that cool! Kids would always push the seat up when a student had to stand up. When said student went to sit down, plop they hit the floor! That was always good for a laugh. The tops of those old desks were usually carved with names,etc.

 

[teekathepony]

Merry Christmas, Mary Ellen!
I'm so glad to hear that your new job will be settling down a little on the OT and night shifts! Fantastic news indeed.

I didn't do The Legend of Jack Sparrow thing. I guess I was expecting something like Narnia that was there and I just wasn't all that interested. It looks better than I expected though.
Your resort looks so pretty, what a great suite.

I totally agree with you on the new Test Track! I really liked it, I think they kept the best parts and got rid of the things I didn't like. I'm a fan.

Soarin!

Happy New Year if I don't get another chance to say it!

 

[rentayenta]

Your condo looks great. I may have missed it but is it part of another time you own?

David Puddy! I love him. We always take a pic of him too.

Can't wait to ride the new TT. It was down during our last visit.

Denny doesn't do single rider? He wuvs you. .

Packing up and heading out seems a little less painful when I'm not leaving DVC.

I haven't even heard of the Legend of Jack Sparrow. Where in DHS is it?

One Man's Dream.



Happy almost 2014!

 

[amazingact21]

The amount of space in your resort makes it so appealing. To have little things like a computer alcove must've been nice. Plus, I was digging those pineapple carvings in the dining chairs and chandelier.


I'm happy that you like the new Test Track and were able to go on it using the FPs. It seems that attraction takes much longer in standby now that you have to build your vehicle.


Oooh, I think I know where your lunch was at, and if so, I can't wait to read about your experience there!