Inching My Way Closer to the Castle Final thoughts/future trips 4/2p90 The End 4/4p92

[MEK]

Wow thanks for all the great info MEK! We are going to stay at the BLT so this is getting me even more excited about our trip (except the small room maybe and deciding who gets to sleep on the pull out couch~ I'm thinking the kids).

Angiepangie! I almost missed your post. I hate that - when you miss a post cause you posted at the same time.

Oh yeah - you should definitely have the kids on the pull out. You will love BLT for the convenience. Great resort, despite the small room. Just watch that slippery floor!

Great updates ladies! The pictures, as usual, were stunning! Both of you were able to capture very cool mirror pictures on the safari ride.

Glad you are still enjoying the pics! Being in the front seat is great for the side mirrors. I tried a few more times, but none came out as well as the first one.

I have to admit that we've never been able to get into the new Nemo show. I don't know why but I get all confused about who I am supposed to look at...the actors or the puppets or the other people or......... I am confused just thinking about it.

I guess I can see that, because it is such an unusual presentation. You have to really channel your mind away from conventional puppet shows and stage shows. Yeah - I can see why that would be distracting and I'm sure you're not alone in that feeling.

Great photos (AGAIN), Mary Ellen.

First off, there are NEVER too many pictures of giraffes.

I love the Hidden Mickey you got.

You're probably right about the giraffes! Jen found the Hidden Mickey. go Jen!

I never noticed the end of the Safari ride all the little details with the warden's office; I'll have to be on the lookout now.

I honestly never noticed it before this trip and I think its because Jen is so laid back about the whole picture thing, that we just sort of strolled off the ride. And there it was - a hidden gem!

Well, you and Jen have convinced me that we definitely need to do Nemo next year.

Everyone has to see it at least once. The technology is pretty amazing and the movie has such a cute story line.

I've never noticed the Warden's office at the end of the safari either, nor have I seen those steps leading down to the water - I can't even place that, where is it?

I wouldn't have noticed it either if we hadn't been the last ones off the safari. Trick is - go slow and let everyone off ahead of you. then you can't miss it!

And those steps are on the pathway that leads from dinoland to the Nemo theatre. Just don't go into dinoland. Rather follow the path that is to the right of the water and look to your left.

AK has so many amazing details to see if we just slow down and look for them

So, so true!

Great safari pictures! You got a lot of interesting shots!

Thanks. It's so fun when you start to turn your focus away from the animals and just reflect on your surroundings.

Glad you sat back and enjoyed the Nemo show. You photojournalists deserved some down time

Yes, we photojournalists have such a tough job. We really did need that break!

 

[jenjolt]

Gorgeous AK update!! I love the pictures of the safari!! You ladies know how to take a great picture!!!

Pin Trading!! I love to pin trade!!!!

 

[All7OfUs]

I aimed for detail shots on my trip too, but sadly missed the mark when I see yours. Seriously, they are just outstanding!! I love the one of hanging shirts/laundry!

Hungry? There's only one place in my book- FTBBQ!! YUM!! But there are others you could have mistakenly wandered into.

 

[MEK]

Gorgeous AK update!! I love the pictures of the safari!! You ladies know how to take a great picture!!!

Pin Trading!! I love to pin trade!!!!

Thank you! We had such fun taking all those pics!

Jen is quite the accomplished pin trader. Me, well sadly I never tried it. I think its because I know I will become addicted and want ALL the pins I see. Better never to start, but I love the concept behind it.

I aimed for detail shots on my trip too, but sadly missed the mark when I see yours. Seriously, they are just outstanding!! I love the one of hanging shirts/laundry!

I like that laundry shot too because it really shows the detail in the theming. Any picture that I can shoot that captures detail, is a good picture in my book!

Hungry? There's only one place in my book- FTBBQ!! YUM!! But there are others you could have mistakenly wandered into.

Mistakenly? That's good. And that's sort of what happened!

 

[angiepangie8]

Angiepangie! I almost missed your post. I hate that - when you miss a post cause you posted at the same time.

Oh yeah - you should definitely have the kids on the pull out. You will love BLT for the convenience. Great resort, despite the small room. Just watch that slippery floor!

Thanks! Wow you are so good at responding back to everybody!

Checking in was fun. From some reason it never goes smoothly for me. It's always something: can't find the reservation, they find an old reservation, or something is missing. I'll take option #3 for $1000, Alex. That's right - DP is not on the ressie! David, the Bruin fan who checked us in, made a phone call and, after a few tense moments, it was fixed! Thanks David ! He then reminded us (well, me) to always call MS and make sure that DP is on the ressie about 72 hours before you check-in.

That is lesson #2 for this trip - call to confirm DP before you check-in.

Once we had that dealt with - we had lunch at the Contempo Cafe.

I will leave you with - FOOD PORN!

Do not attempt to adjust your monitor! This is the actual size of the Chicken Chop Salad!

MEK a sandwich... which 'wich is this?

And for dessert...

I had a Caramel Dos Leches cupcake and MEK had the Black Forest cupcake in the background. Let me explain to you how good this cupcake was. When I pushed my fork down through the soft, moist, cake and pulled it away, a delicious river of caramel flowed from the inside! I was giddy when I saw it!

The room is next!

D4D

I'm way behind but I just read this... and wow I'm gonna make sure I call before hand to make sure hey have DDP on my Ressie. I put in a couple requests on my ressie too(high room, facing MK) so I'm crossing my fingers and hoping that everything goes smoothly and I maybe even get my requests.

I'm glad there is a good counter service at the Contemporary and I am looking forward to a carmel filled cupcake.

Also I am enjoying all of the wonderful picts you both took! Thanks for sharing!

 

[glennbo123]

Just want to report-in that I'm still here and loving your AK pictures. Don't worry about not taking any Nemo pictures -- I took enough for all of us! When I get to that part of my TR I'm going to have a hard time paring them down.

 

[carejo]

Hi MEK enjoying your report and beautiful pictures. I have a little time this am as I am home sick from my job at a hospital with what I suspect may be a return of my cdiff! I had posted on one of your other reports how many similarities we shared , this being one of the more unfortunate ones. Another better one is that I am looking forward to early am runs when we travel back to BWVs in June to celebrate DS17's high school grad. ( which will really be something to celebrate if you know what I mean!) Looking forward to treading about the rest of your trip

 

[MEK]

Thanks! Wow you are so good at responding back to everybody!

Thanks! We aim to please. Once I start a TR I really like to keep up with it as much as possible.

I'm way behind but I just read this... and wow I'm gonna make sure I call before hand to make sure hey have DDP on my Ressie. I put in a couple requests on my ressie too(high room, facing MK) so I'm crossing my fingers and hoping that everything goes smoothly and I maybe even get my requests.

When I stay on points I usually add the dining plan at the last possible minute, so I have never had trouble with them finding it at check-in. I think calling to remind them is probably a good idea.

I hope you get a fabulous room!

I'm glad there is a good counter service at the Contemporary and I am looking forward to a carmel filled cupcake.

The counter service was really good and there are enough different desserts to keep you busy for awhile. YUM!

Also I am enjoying all of the wonderful picts you both took! Thanks for sharing!

Thanks. We have many more to post!

Just want to report-in that I'm still here and loving your AK pictures. Don't worry about not taking any Nemo pictures -- I took enough for all of us! When I get to that part of my TR I'm going to have a hard time paring them down.

OH goody - I can't wait to see your Nemo pics because you do a great job with attraction pictures! Don't pair them down - post them all!!!!

Hi MEK enjoying your report and beautiful pictures. I have a little time this am as I am home sick from my job at a hospital with what I suspect may be a return of my cdiff! I had posted on one of your other reports how many similarities we shared , this being one of the more unfortunate ones. Another better one is that I am looking forward to early am runs when we travel back to BWVs in June to celebrate DS17's high school grad. ( which will really be something to celebrate if you know what I mean!) Looking forward to treading about the rest of your trip

Carejo! So happy to have you join in!

I seriously hope you do not have Cdiff! I am totally keeping my fingers crossed for you. I can't remember if you told me whether or not you are taking probiotics, but if you aren't - go get some florastor now!!!!!! I also use Align, but I know that florsator is prescribed for Cdiff.

I totally know what you mean on the high school graduation being something to celebrate! I cross my fingers every day that my son continues to do reasonably well and that he is able to adhere to his behavior contract until the end of the year!

 

[disneydusted]

Ok, I have to jump in and say you guys take awesome pictures!!! I have just discovered you from Brookelizabeth and SoonerGirl, I kept seeing your comments and thought I'd see how your trip went. WOW! What great fun to go through all of your pictures! Thank you for sharing them! I have subbed to this thread so I can stay current.

 

[MEK]

Ok, I have to jump in and say you guys take awesome pictures!!! I have just discovered you from Brookelizabeth and SoonerGirl, I kept seeing your comments and thought I'd see how your trip went. WOW! What great fun to go through all of your pictures! Thank you for sharing them! I have subbed to this thread so I can stay current.

disneydusted! Thanks for coming over from Brooke and Michelle's TRs!!!! So glad you are enjoying the pictures. We are heavy on the pics here, light on the commentary! Just the way we like it! More updates coming soon so definitely stick around!!!!!

 

[MEK]

Well, its been a busy week. Two soccer games this week and a Wednesday night music rehearsal. Today I went to a conference, which was refreshing. It's nice to see people I haven't seen in a while and its nice to learn a few tidbits. All in all a decent week except an acquaintance of Brian and Nicks' was killed in a car accident yesterday. A 16 year old girl whose boyfriend was driving at an excessive rate of speed. The car was completely demolished. Apparently Nick knows this girl from the many years they were in the same summer camp together. I haven't really had a chance to talk with him (since we didn't find out until late last night after the soccer game), but apparently he is pretty upset. I will talk to him later tonight when he gets home. Things like this are always a complete tragedy and such a waste. I can't imagine the pain and suffering those parents are experiencing. And I can't help thinking.....there but for the grace of God go I.

OK, enough of that. Time for an update. Guess what? I found more safari pictures. I thought I purposely didn't take any elephant pics, but they were there all along. So without any further adieu......that Lost Safari Pics.........

I like this pic......

Elephants are cool animals.....they seem so disinterested in their surroundings. Just don't get them po'd.

Someone has been busy!

I even took a picture of that rickety old bridge. Is it my imagination or do they no longer do the shaking routine?

OK, moving on......Have I exhausted your safari attention span yet? I have more. No, seriously, I am kidding. I am sure you are interested in knowing where Jen and I decided to have lunch.

As you may recall, we had just finished watching Nemo - the 35 minute show that feels like its over in 15. As soon as we got outside we decided it was definitely time to eat lunch. And, as soon as we got outside we decided that we needed to eat indoors. No question about it. Earlier in the day I had considered going to Y&Y for a walk-up, but nixed that idea. So now we needed to find CS that was inside. That basically left us two choices - Pizzafari and Restaurantsaurus. The later was closer and seemed like the logical choice. It would actually be my first time eating there (since it used to house Donald's Safari breakfast) and I really didn't know too much about it. I was under the impression it was ALL burgers and chicken nuggets. I didn't care. I was hot and hungry and I've eaten at Pizzafari a bagillion times. So Restaur........ect it was.

I have always liked the theming of this place and it does house one of my favorite bathroom pit stops. When we got inside the line was not ridiculous and I found they had entree choices other than hamburgers and chicken fingers. Hmmmmmm....what to get? I was toying with the burger idea and then I noticed they had a grilled vegetable sandwich. Yikes - this could be a gamble. I am a vegetable freak. I love veggies. I could actually be a vegetarian except for one small thing. I don't think I could completely give up meat.

So, should I try this unknown sandwich. It could really be a bomb. But, what did I have to lose? So, "I'll have the grilled vegetable sandwich" were the next words out of my mouth. It came with sweet potato fries and I love those.

Jen and I got a little separated at lunch. Well, actually I think she went to find a table while I got the food. I found her deep in the corner of the building. She set off to put the fixins' on her hamburger while I decided to take a bite of the veggie sandwich.

And you know what...... IT WAS DELICIOUS!!!!!!! REALLY, REALLY GOOD! My only complaint was that it was on a white roll instead of a wheat role. Cause, after all, if you are going to be that healthy with vegetables and sweet potato fries, shouldn't you go the extra mile and have a whole wheat roll? Personally, I think so, but that might be because I had a coworker who was crazed and obsessed over healthy eating. White bread, or anything with high fructose corn syrup for that matter, was strictly off limits. Working with this girl was an education in healthy eating, except that she scrutinized other peoples' food and that was uncomfortable.

So.....if you want to try something really different, I highly recommend the scrumptious grilled vegetable sandwich at Restaurantsaurus. Unfortunately, I don't have a picture of this scrumptious sandwich. Why? Because I literally inhaled it! Gone before Jen made it back to the table. Surely, a record of some sorts.

I did, however, take a picture of my dessert.....

I think it was a cheesecake in a plastic cup. It was OK.

Not surprisingly, I also took some pictures of the decor.

When lunch was over we decided we had just enough energy to waddle over to Dinosaur, one of my perennial favorites. Surprisingly, Dinosaur had a bit of a line. We soon learned it was because one side of the Rovers were not running.

Of course, all that meant was time for another...PHOTO OP!

These are some seriously BIG feet.......

Of course, no ride on Dinosaur is complete without a Red Neck Ride Photo....

Continued.........

 

[MEK]

After Safari we cruised through the dump shop. I think Jen did a little more inside cruising while I took some outside pics.....

I love this guy.....

I think I may have had one too many soda refills at lunch because it appears that I needed to take yet another bio break. This time I took a picture of the tiled floor.

You may be thinking, "Oh, No She Didn't!"

To which I will respond, "Oh, Yes She Did!" Ahem!

Moving on, we shopped a bit more. I bought a really cool mug in this next shop. I love my coffee mugs and this one was yellow with animal print mickey heads all over it. This was a great purchase. Denny won't touch it because he declares it "too big". Sweet! I never have to worry about it being dirty!

In addition to making my purchase I took, yep you guessed it........more pictures!

This was the mural on the wall.....

And this........

I'm not exactly sure what this was (meaning was it a store decoration or a piece of merchandise?)......

More vinylmation......

And WHO doesn't love Steamboat Willy? It's all about getting back to your roots, people!

Steamboat Willy was actually Nick's first ever Disney purchase. 7 years old and that's what he wanted. You go Nick!

At this point I finally put the camera away. I know, hard to believe. We took our time walking to the front of the park just chatting about our morning and our prior trips. I think a bus arrived fairly quickly and before you knew it, we were back home at BLT.

Getting off the bus I had the camera back out and took one of my first monorail pictures of the trip....

Jen's oldest son used to call this the "mama rail". I love that. So cute. Sometimes I slip and call it the "mama rail", too.

Jen and I entered BLT through the main lobby. We stopped and took some pictures.

Continued........

 

[MEK]

Here's a few more lobby pictures....

This is the view out of the back of the lobby.....

Up Next......the BLT pool followed by dinner in Epcot!

 

[Nermel9]

I love your AK pics, as always! You always find such interesting things to take pictures of...after I look at your pics I always feel like I'm missing out on so much of that park!

I love the BLT lobby, and that fountain outside, really pretty!

 

[SoonerGirl]

I always just assumed that Restaurantosaurus was just burgers & nuggets too, who knew they had yummy sandwiches?! I may have to check it out sometime.

We don't get to see a picture of your cute mug?

I love that light fixture in the BLT lobby!

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Another trip on the books and I'm still saying I need to spend more time exploring AK. I've never tried Restaurantosaurus but I will put that veggie sandwich on my list!

BLT looks divine. A bit too cool for me, perhaps, but the lobby looks great!!

 

[MaryAz]

More awesome AK pics. Love the safari ones. Cool lobby at BLT. I also like ur fountain pics!

 

[MEK]

I love your AK pics, as always! You always find such interesting things to take pictures of...after I look at your pics I always feel like I'm missing out on so much of that park!

You're not! Sometimes when I look at my pics I have a hard time remembering exactly where I took the picture. That's what so great about pictures. I see details I would not normally notice. Just try taking off beat pictures and see what happens. Its fun.

I love the BLT lobby, and that fountain outside, really pretty!

The lobby is really pretty. The furniture wasn't very comfortable, but it looks good.

I always just assumed that Restaurantosaurus was just burgers & nuggets too, who knew they had yummy sandwiches?! I may have to check it out sometime.

I sure didn't know, but that sandwich was so yummy! It is definitely now my #1 CS place at AK. It gets mad points for food AND AC.

We don't get to see a picture of your cute mug?

I never took a picture of it, but I will - promise!

I love that light fixture in the BLT lobby!

Those lights were super cool!

Another trip on the books and I'm still saying I need to spend more time exploring AK. I've never tried Restaurantosaurus but I will put that veggie sandwich on my list!

I think its because you always stay at BC. Epcot is just too darn convenient. But I love AK for for all the detail. It's total eye candy.

Veggie sandwich gets major props!

BLT looks divine. A bit too cool for me, perhaps, but the lobby looks great!!

I hear ya - It's a little too modern of a theme for me, too but its definitely worth a visit.

More awesome AK pics. Love the safari ones. Cool lobby at BLT. I also like ur fountain pics!

Thanks! The safari is such a cool place to take pictures. Its so interactive. And how could I stay at BLT and not get tons of lobby pictures!

 

[Mndisneygirl]

More cool pics!
I had to laugh at the vinylmation one. Poor Donald Duck looks awfully confused and Mickey looks cross-eyed!!!

As much as the BLT decor doesn't really do it for me, your pictures captured some really cool and unique features. Love the water shots!!

 

[KatMark]

First, I am so sorry to hear bout Nick's friend. When will our youth realize that just because they are young does not mean that they are indispensable. Please give Nick a hug for us.

Your pictures are great as always. Do you know we have never even stepped foot into where you ate lunch. We will definitely have t o put that on the to do list.