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

[glennbo123]

Wow, your kitchen looks great Mary Ellen!

 

[MEK]

So Jen really wants to get this DAY 5 party on the road, so I will post some opening ceremony pictures. She's right, I kept saying that if we were staying at BLT we HAD to go walk over to opening ceremony. When I got up on Day 5 (it was Wednesday) I started just goofing around drinking coffee and enjoying the view from the balcony.
I can never resist an opportunity to take a sunrise picture:

Looks like there were some early morning fisherman out on the lake:

Jen reminded me that if we wanted to go to opening ceremony we shouldn't linger too long. That got me going. I really wanted to go for a run, since I missed it that day before, but I realized that I didn't have enough time for my private running path unless I wanted to leave my camera in the room.

So, I decided to run around the Contemporary resort. First, I ran all around the BLT parking lot. Boring! Then I headed over to the Contemporary pool. I ran around the pool, up and down the dock, and then I headed over to the contemporary garden rooms. I always wondered what it would be like to stay there. Woulc it be a disappointment compared to staying in the main building?

My impression?....absolutely not! Those rooms right along Bay Lake looked pretty cool. Secluded, but intimately connected with the lake. They seemed like an almost perfect place to be. Away from it all, yet all the action, a short walk away. They only thing I didn't like about those rooms were the bars on the windows. There were no balconies - just a fake balcony with bars. Crazy.

I tried to run at least 1 1/2 miles. When I got back, Jen looked pretty ready to go. I didn't have time for a shower, so I figured I would go as a stinky mess. Seriously, what difference did it make? Really? I was going to sweat again as soon as I hit the pavement.

So off we went. We got to the MK with only minutes to spare before the ceremony began.

First the Mayor, then the rest of the gang....

I love the opening ceremony. I think this is only the third time I've seen it. The first two times where when my kids were little and could still get up before the crack of noon. In fact, on our very first day of our very first trip ever we went to the MK and saw the opening ceremony. Not only did we see it, but we were lined up at about 8:20am to see it.

Here's the Mayor again welcoming the train:

There are some familiar looking faces coming off that train:

they sure can squeeze a lot of people on that train. Oh Look...Here's the big cheese himself:

I would totally love to be a member of this family. How great would that be?

Goodbye Folks:

Before I end this update, I want to introduce you to my 2 new friends. I specifically asked Denny for NO Christmas presents. I felt like our new kitchen was the best present I could ever get. Of course, he ignored me and underneath the Christmas tree were these two little cuties:

 

[MEK]

Wow, your kitchen looks great Mary Ellen!

Thanks Glen. We are very pleased with it!

 

[All7OfUs]

Guess what wine stopper I have sitting on a bottle doing its picture perfect job right now?? Yup, that very one!!

Your kitchen is stunning! I really, really like it; so clean and bright.

The pix of the opening were great! So many of ALL the characters- but I think I almost like the period costuming on the CMs just as much!

 

[Lady Lallie]

Your kitchen is simply stunning!

 

[SoonerGirl]

Love your kitchen remodel Mary Ellen, it looks awesome!!

The opening ceremony at MK always makes me smile, I try to make a point of seeing it at least once every trip

The Jim Shore pieces that Denny got you for Christmas are so cute!

 

[mickeystoontown]

We very rarely get to MK opening ceremonies any more. Like you, we were better at getting up early and to the parks when our kids were little. Every time I see pics of the ceremony, I tell myself that we have just got to get up and over ther early next trip.

I love the two Jim Shore pieces!

 

[KatMark]

I am way too far behind to comment on everything. Let me just say to both of you that your pictures continue to awe me -- they are spectacular.

And ME, the kitchen is absolutely fabulous. I need to win the lotto so that I can have one like that too.

Love the Jim Shore Eeyore and Mickey. Andy bought me a Pooh for Christmas (to go along with my Mickey Snugglie and a really pretty necklace; and then he went and got me George Strait and Reba McEntire tickets for my birthday!).

 

[MEK]

Guess what wine stopper I have sitting on a bottle doing its picture perfect job right now?? Yup, that very one!!

You know what they say about great minds. I love that stopper. It doesn't make a super tight fit, but it looks so darn cool. I love to open a bottle of wine just so I can use. Sad excuse to drink more!

Your kitchen is stunning! I really, really like it; so clean and bright.

I am so please with the kitchen. It's now my favorite room pf the house. I am forever straightening it up!

The pix of the opening were great! So many of ALL the characters- but I think I almost like the period costuming on the CMs just as much!

Glad you liked the pix. It was easier to concentrate knowing that I wasn't in a hurry to get in there. It was actually very relaxing.

Your kitchen is simply stunning!

Thank you. I think they really did the best the could with the room they had to work with. I think it would be cool to have the talent to be able to redesign a kitchen.

Love your kitchen remodel Mary Ellen, it looks awesome!!

Thanks! We are so please with the results. Actually makes me want to cook a little more because I can finally find everything!

The opening ceremony at MK always makes me smile, I try to make a point of seeing it at least once every trip

It is so fun! It reminds me of when the boys were young. The second time I saw it I actually started to cry because I was just so happy to be there again!

The Jim Shore pieces that Denny got you for Christmas are so cute!

Thanks! We had been out christmas shopping and we were looking for an angel for his mom. I commented on how much I liked the Jim Shore stuff. Apparently he listened.

We very rarely get to MK opening ceremonies any more. Like you, we were better at getting up early and to the parks when our kids were little. Every time I see pics of the ceremony, I tell myself that we have just got to get up and over ther early next trip.

It is so much easier when you have little kids, cause little kids get up early and then so do you. Teens or tweens want nothing to do with it. I figured if we couldn't see it while we were at BLT, we would never see it.

I love the two Jim Shore pieces!

Thank you! They were a total shock!

 

[rndmr2]

Love your new kitchen! We had ours done a couple years ago, the cabinets were completely replaced but it didn't take too long, that was the easy part! Our countertop took forever! We used the inside of the top drawers as most of our "countertop" for about 2 weeks, although we did have a sink, we just used the old one (not too securely attached, mind you! ) set into the new cabinet while we waited for the countertop to be done.

Loving the TR! I really would like to see that opening ceremony someday but I haven't been able to get my rear end out of bed that early to go to it!

 

[glennbo123]

These are pretty cool. Are they just figurines? I don't mean a belittle-ing "just", but I'm wondering if they're bookends or stocking hangers or anything?

 

[Wicket's Mom]

The new kitchen was worth waiting for IMO! I'd love to change up my cabinets someday. We are going to totally redecorate the family room instead of spending Feb. in Florida. At this point I think that I would rather go to Florida!

 

[MEK]

I am way too far behind to comment on everything. Let me just say to both of you that your pictures continue to awe me -- they are spectacular.

weird that I missed your comment yesterday. I just saw it this morning! So glad that you are enjoying the pics. Don't worry about being too far behind, because its mostly pics anyway. I have been trying to keep the chapter links updated, although I think I am three posts behind. Better fix that today.

And ME, the kitchen is absolutely fabulous. I need to win the lotto so that I can have one like that too.

I have to tell you a secret - my wonderful uncle passed away a couple years ago. He had no children, so he divided his inheritance between my mother, my other uncle, and the nieces and nephews. He was an extremely generous man and despite that, my cousins seem to want to nickel and dime that will for everything. But that's a story for another day. Having that extra money certainly helped facilitate things.

Love the Jim Shore Eeyore and Mickey. Andy bought me a Pooh for Christmas (to go along with my Mickey Snugglie and a really pretty necklace; and then he went and got me George Strait and Reba McEntire tickets for my birthday!).

Wow - nice! I was so surprised with the Jim shore pieces because said to Denny - I love these, but I think they are a little expensive. The small ones are perfect. But I guess I need a Pooh now. Hmmmmmm.

Holy concert tickets - that's great.

Mickey snugglie - I like the idea of that!

 

[MEK]

I would love to finish replies right now, but I think I'm going to get ready for work so I am not rushing at the last minute.

Be Back Soon!

 

[Charleston Princess]

Gorgeous kitchen Mary Ellen!!! I want to come have a cup of coffee with you now!

 

[MEK]

Love your new kitchen! We had ours done a couple years ago, the cabinets were completely replaced but it didn't take too long, that was the easy part! Our countertop took forever! We used the inside of the top drawers as most of our "countertop" for about 2 weeks, although we did have a sink, we just used the old one (not too securely attached, mind you! ) set into the new cabinet while we waited for the countertop to be done.

Thanks for the compliment on the kitchen.

Isn't that the pits? - no countertop! Its so hard to function without a kitchen. At least you had a sink to use. That was the worst part for me.

I am not sure why the countertop takes so long. I don't know if its the final measurements and cutting. I guess I should have asked.

Loving the TR! I really would like to see that opening ceremony someday but I haven't been able to get my rear end out of bed that early to go to it!

The opening ceremony is so fun. But if its a choice between much needed sleep and the opening ceremony, I would have to pick the sleep.

These are pretty cool. Are they just figurines? I don't mean a belittle-ing "just", but I'm wondering if they're bookends or stocking hangers or anything?

When I put them up on the mantle I thought they would make the cutest stocking hangers, but they're not - they are just figurines. However, if we both thought the same thing then I suspect there is a marker for Disney figurine stocking hangers.

The new kitchen was worth waiting for IMO! I'd love to change up my cabinets someday. We are going to totally redecorate the family room instead of spending Feb. in Florida. At this point I think that I would rather go to Florida!

I hear ya on that. This winter had been such crappy weather everywhere. I think everyone would pick a Disney trip over just about anything else. That's why I am so glad I got the kitchen done in December. No time for regrets before it started. Now I know it was totally worth it and I am positive you will feel the same way.

Gorgeous kitchen Mary Ellen!!! I want to come have a cup of coffee with you now!

I sooooooooo wish you could. But if you ever travel up in this direction you darn well better stop by for a cup of coffee!

 

[podsnel]

I am so excited for you and your beautiful kitchen!! You did a great job! So happy for you!

That was so sweet Denny got the 2 Jim Shores- I think they are adorable, I have a few myself. I put them on my mantle to get all pumped up for WDW- like I need an extra pump, LOL!!!

 

[MEK]

I am so excited for you and your beautiful kitchen!! You did a great job! So happy for you!

Thanks! I love it. It meant no DVC point purchases this year, but there's always next year.

That was so sweet Denny got the 2 Jim Shores- I think they are adorable, I have a few myself. I put them on my mantle to get all pumped up for WDW- like I need an extra pump, LOL!!!

That was such a surprise to find them on Christmas because I said NO GIFTS. (well, actually I had picked out one thing for him to give me, but he picked them Jim shores out all on his own).

I keep all my Disney stuff in my guest bedroom, but I am going to find a "better" place for them.

 

[eandesmom]

I love the granite. It doesn't show the dirt and its very pretty. Its actually elegant and I am glad that he talked me into granite. Honestly, I didn't care at first because I just wanted to get rid of those horrible blue formica countertops.

The jen-air had to go back in the island. There was no other place to put it. I am happy with it now, but I would prefer a kitchen that had a regular stove.


Maybe I should bring the mickey stopper in May. Better yet - maybe I should just buy another one! I think they have Mickey heads with pretty swirly colors in them!

the cooktop looks like a vast improvement over the old one

they do have pretty swirly ones and I think you definitely need one. I may "need" some of the mickey wine glasses so between us, we should be set for some vino on the balcony in May!

Granite, real or fake is the best. Nothing better than never having to worry about finding a hot pad or trivet again!

I don't cut on it as that grosses me out but lots of folks do.

 

[Ducky4Disney]

After the opening ceremony at MK we went back to BLT to prepare for our day. I think I was more ready than MEK so she showered up while I got dressed and went down to the front desk to look for my batteries . Before I left on my trek, we made a split decision to change our ADR. We had such a good time at Epcot the day before that we really wanted to spend more time there. Instead of having dinner at Yak & Yeti tonight we decided to find somethng at Epcot. We made a short list of places to eat and I was sent to the concierge to check for batteries and switch the ADR.

Pics along the way!

Look! More vultures! They make Space Mountain look more like the Haunted Mansion!

Love the Mickey details.

Some of the things I dislike about the Contemporary include the setup of the shops inside. Bayview Gifts is the largest shop and has clothes, jewelry, confections, art, housewares, frames and such. Across the hall is Fantasia Market which is more like a grocery store. Smack in the middle (of the walkway) is Fantasia which offers some clothes but mostly toys, pins, mugs, and collectibles. I just can't figure out why A) it's smack in the middle of the walkway, and B) why are the names so similar? Fantasia and Fantasia Market! I needed stamps and they are sold at Fantasia Market. Silly me, went in to Fantasia by mistake and waited in line to find out I was in the wrong place. Picking the wrong one is hard not to do considering it's *in the middle of the walkway* and is the first thing you see. Very easy to walk right past Fantasia Market and not even know it's there.

See what I mean? Fantasia is easy to find, but on the right of the picture, way in the back, is Fantasia Market.

Again, love the Mickey details! Pants!

One of the other things I dislike about this resort is how hard it is to get to the front desk. It's quite the windy path you have to take. Out my door, down the hall, down the elevator, across the walkway, down an escalator, past the conference rooms, around and down another escalator. But I made it! While I waited to check for my package and make a new ADR I admired the front desk area. They went with a chocolate brown and blue color scheme which is nice but how long is that going to work? I also think the whole place looks like it was furnished by Ikea. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE Ikea but for a place as "swanky" as this is supposed to be, Ikea doesn't cut it. There were beautiful arrangements of brown orchids all along the desk and they were being changed out while I waited. The "old" ones didn't look bad to me but the GM of the Contemporary makes sure they stay fresh. Now that I think about it, I should have asked if I could've taken some of the old ones back to my room. Damn hindsight!

D4D