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

[MEK]

Great pics of Illuminations!

Are we getting close to our meet yet?

I think we met on Day 4, so Yes. Yes we are!

 

[Lady Lallie]

I think we met on Day 4, so Yes. Yes we are!

Woooo Hooooo!! I'm excited!!

 

[MEK]

Woooo Hooooo!! I'm excited!!

Of course that was a really long day with a lot of activity before we even met you so it might be awhile! Hopefully not!

 

[MEK]

That's all I can do right now. Be back later to edit

More Pictures added on 11/11......

 

[KatMark]

That's all I can do right now. Be back later to edit

These and all of the other Illumination photos are fabulous, MEK!

And I love the pictures of Pluto and Mickey at Garden Grill. Were they the only two characters there? We've not been there since the boys were probably 8 and 10 (so 14 years ago!).

 

[All7OfUs]

Someday I'd really like to try The Garden Grill! I love fish. Really, really love fish! The fact that it cruises through one of my favorite attractions is just such a cool concept!

 

[mickeystoontown]

It's been a couple of years since we've eaten at the Garden Grill but I have to agree that the food was good and the character interaction was great. Hum...there's a hidden Mickey somewhere amongst those painted leaves? I don't see him?

Both of you girls' pictures of Illuminations turned out so good. I can never get good fireworks pictures.

 

[Nermel9]

Garden Grill looks really cute! I love the outfit Mickey has on! Your Illuminations pictures are great, I love watching from Norway too!

 

[jenjolt]

Great update!! What a great time you guys had riding all those rides so quickly and still making it to Illuminations!! Loved your pictures!!

 

[glennbo123]

I guess I didn't know very much about Garden Grill. For example, I didn't know that there were characters there. And I take it that it's a buffet?

That was Chip that you saw. Black nose like a chocolate chip = Chip.

Great Illuminations pictures. I like the effects you put on them.

 

[mickeysmyboy]

Garden Grill sounds great! DD and I are supposed to go there in March BUT I may have had to change that trip a tiny bit so I'm not too sure about that ADR anymore! We shall see!

MaryEllen, your edited Illuminations pics are too cool! WOW!

 

[Ducky4Disney]

Someday I'd really like to try The Garden Grill! I love fish. Really, really love fish! The fact that it cruises through one of my favorite attractions is just such a cool concept!

I ate at GG several times before ever riding Living with the Land and knowing what was going on down there! It used to be, and I think it still is, but the food you eat at GG is all from the Land gardens. Even the catfish was from their farm!

It's been a couple of years since we've eaten at the Garden Grill but I have to agree that the food was good and the character interaction was great. Hum...there's a hidden Mickey somewhere amongst those painted leaves? I don't see him?

Both of you girls' pictures of Illuminations turned out so good. I can never get good fireworks pictures.

I think GG food is top notch. The strawberry rhubarb crisp was really yummy too! It's hard to save room for that though!
:thank you: I am very happy with my globe shots and I really love MEK's fire shots! I didn't get any good pics like hers.

Garden Grill looks really cute! I love the outfit Mickey has on! Your Illuminations pictures are great, I love watching from Norway too!

Yes, it's Farmer Mickey at GG. This was the first time I've watched from Norway and it was a good spot, indeed! DH and I usually watch from Germany, but that's only because we prefer their refreshments. :

Great update!! What a great time you guys had riding all those rides so quickly and still making it to Illuminations!! Loved your pictures!!

We really were able to accomplish a lot that evening! I think we accomplished a lot every day. It was nice being with a like-minded Disney Freak, we knew what we wanted to do, and got it done.

I guess I didn't know very much about Garden Grill. For example, I didn't know that there were characters there. And I take it that it's a buffet?

That was Chip that you saw. Black nose like a chocolate chip = Chip.

Great Illuminations pictures. I like the effects you put on them.

Characters at GG are Farmer Mickey, Pluto, Chip, and Dale. I think you get good face time with each of them. It's served in a family all-you-care-to-eat style. First they bring you a platter with everything and you can ask for more of anything or everything; even dessert!

D4D

 

[PirateKate]

I am finally all caught up again! Great Animal Kingdom pictures! I have actually never ridden in the front on Expedition Everest, but your pictures have inspired me to wait the extra time for a front row seat.

I can't believe there was no wait for Soarin'! That is awesome. My favorite part of Soarin' is the initial take off, especially in the top row. The worst part of Soarin' is coming back down.

Love the Illumination pictures. I think that shot of the globe is clearer than it looks in person.

 

[nilla]

I have actually never ridden in the front on Expedition Everest, but your pictures have inspired me to wait the extra time for a front row seat.

We went last April and it was actually just as quick to get the front as it was any other seat. Since Disney does not allow people to pile up in the chute for the front like other parks, most don't seem to realize that you can wait for the front. Just ask the CM when you get up to the platform, and you'll be staged in an area of to the side. Very efficient.

I'm not usually a fan of the back of coasters (read my TR for more background - PLUG!), I must say the back seat of EE is something to be experienced. Definitely close to as good as the front, if not better.

 

[MEK]

Garden Grill sounds great! DD and I are supposed to go there in March BUT I may have had to change that trip a tiny bit so I'm not too sure about that ADR anymore! We shall see!

You'll have to let me know what happens with that. I think it would be a nice dinner for you and DD. Can't say it enough - good food and good character interaction = great dinner!

BTW - that's great about your daughter only missing one day of school!

MaryEllen, your edited Illuminations pics are too cool! WOW!

Thanks. I actually didn't do major edits. Just put a couple of touches on them for color. Hope to do more soon!

I am finally all caught up again! Great Animal Kingdom pictures! I have actually never ridden in the front on Expedition Everest, but your pictures have inspired me to wait the extra time for a front row seat.

As Nilla said below, you might not have to wait that long. Just ask for the front row queue. It's off to the side, so a lot of people don't realize its there. One trip we only needed to wait for 4 extra cars. The second trip we walked into the queue and right out of it again and onto the train.

I can't believe there was no wait for Soarin'! That is awesome. My favorite part of Soarin' is the initial take off, especially in the top row. The worst part of Soarin' is coming back down.

I totally agree with that!!!!!

Love the Illumination pictures. I think that shot of the globe is clearer than it looks in person.

So glad you are enjoying the pictures. I hope to get some more posted soon.

We went last April and it was actually just as quick to get the front as it was any other seat. Since Disney does not allow people to pile up in the chute for the front like other parks, most don't seem to realize that you can wait for the front. Just ask the CM when you get up to the platform, and you'll be staged in an area of to the side. Very efficient.

I agree - it is very efficient and works well. I LOve the front row!

.

I'm not usually a fan of the back of coasters (read my TR for more background - PLUG!), I must say the back seat of EE is something to be experienced. Definitely close to as good as the front, if not better.

Really????? I don't think I've tried the back row. I am usually not a big fan of backrow since I often get "coaster headaches". I will consider it for May.

And - yes - you should plug your TR. I can't wait for the next one.

 

[Queenofallthings]

We have never been to Garden Grill but I think it will be on our list of character meals next summer when we go with my nieces. I love their little faces when the characters come around....it fills me with joy

 

[vamassey1]

Both of your pictures from Illuminations are outstanding. You really did get a lot done in a short amount of time. I can't imagine there being no line for Soarin'.

 

[manntra]

Finally caught up Thanks for not getting too far ahead
Great pictures of Illuminations.....I admit I am a bigger fan of Wishes....the music etc...BUT Illuminations is really, really awesome because it is IN the park and so close to you....and the water too. Growing up at our cottage in the summer we always had fireworks at the lake over the water...

Garden Grill looked like a fun place to eat....minus the close quarters!! It is a place that I have never even given a second thought but I do like the idea that it is mostly from the "land."

TT is one of my favorites too....especially at night. Depending on who I am with I opt for the single rider line and we often actually end up riding together!!
Love MS too and I am cracking up that you could hear Jen on the other line!!

Tracy

 

[MaryAz]

More great pics! We have a ressie for GG in Dec. i am so excited. i Chip and Dale. And it looks like there are things for my semi veggie to eat there-eggs on the salad-potaos and maybe if I am lucky fish. Great evening!

 

[nilla]

Really????? I don't think I've tried the back row. I am usually not a big fan of backrow since I often get "coaster headaches". I will consider it for May.

In the back row, you're right in front of the "engine", which is cool, plus you can turn around and get a good view of the track flip at the top of the mountain. Most of all, the reverse run from the back is NUTS!!

When are you going down in May?? We'll be there the 4th-15th.