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

[MEK]

The wife is instantly repelled by a screw top bottle of wine. The stigma lives on, if only by perception.

Well now that I am educated and I know better, I will select screw top bottles for all my traveling needs. Wonderful to eliminate the need for a corkscrew.

I make my own wine and always choose the synthetics over real cork, and not just for price reasons - I've never ingested part of a synthetic cork that accidentally broke off into the bottle.

Good point! Denny got into wine making for a little while. He set it up on the dining room table. I told him it needed to go cause it looked like a science experiment. The wine was meh, although I have tasted some good home made wine.

So - ARE YOU GUYS GETTING EXCITED FOR YOUR SPRING TRIP??????

 

[eandesmom]

I admit, we buy a fair amount of screw top that is pretty darn decent wine. I do think though, for our local NW producers (who make some KICK A wine) that it's become trendy around here in it's own tree hugging kind of way. Granted, you probably won't see it on anything over $20 but there are some good things (and horrid things) under that, that work just fine with a screwtop.

It's more about the brand and the wine, than cork versus screwtop versus synthetic. I used to see it used more on whites than reds but that is starting to change.

 

[MagicShell]

Still here loving the pictures.

 

[MEK]

I admit, we buy a fair amount of screw top that is pretty darn decent wine. I do think though, for our local NW producers (who make some KICK A wine) that it's become trendy around here in it's own tree hugging kind of way. Granted, you probably won't see it on anything over $20 but there are some good things (and horrid things) under that, that work just fine with a screwtop.

The last time I bought a bottle over $20 I told you what happened to it, didn't I? Maybe not. Brian had some misc girl in here with a few other friends and she made her way into the kitchen and opened it. Then said, "Oh Brian. I just opened a bottle of wine. I hope that's ok." DOH!

I saw that bottle in Costco yesterday, but did not buy it. I did, however, buy a bottle of chardonnay from South Africa that has a screw top. If I like it, I thought that might be a fun bottle to bring to Disney.

Speaking of alcohol - Costco also has this whipped cream flavored vodka. It's not a top shelf brand. Probably a mid level brand, but it is pretty tasty.

Why am I writing about alcohol this early in the morning?????? Probably because I crashed on the couch last night at about 8pm while watching a movie. Bad week at work is all I can say.

It's more about the brand and the wine, than cork versus screwtop versus synthetic. I used to see it used more on whites than reds but that is starting to change.

I don't normally drink much red because it gives me a headache. But I certainly won't turn my nose up at it either. There are some lovely reds.

Still here loving the pictures.

I am so glad. I am uploading the rest of my last day pictures now, so I hope to have an update soon. Can't believe I finally made it to the end of the pics!

 

[MEK]

Well, I just uploaded my last 80 pictures. Yup - that's right! I am down to my last photobucket upload. This trip is coming to an end.

Jen and I wondered around France a bit more. So that means....MORE PICTURES.... Shock...Gasp....Faint!

This is actually my favorite because I was able to crop out everything but the balloon and the stroller.

And Because I have absolutely nothing better to do this morning (yeah right), I created a special photobucket edit just for you....

Continued in Next Post.......

 

[MEK]

This Gentleman is an Epcot Favorite, so Jen and I watched for awhile and took more....what else..... pictures!

Come On people. I'm not gonna perform if you don't up the applause level.

That's Better....Keep It Coming!

OK. Here We Go!

Steady Now

Keep those chairs coming Pierre. These folks aint seen nothing yet.

Hey Lady, What are you Lookin At?

Bravo!

I pledge allegiance to the flag....oops...wrong country

Hey Pierre ...pass me up something to drink. I'm getting a little thirsty up here.

What? I wanted chardonnay. This is a pinot grigio!

No Worries. I'll find a use for this bottle of wine.

Whoops.....

OK. Got it!

I pretty much rule! Thank you very much!

Onward.

Well, in reality, Jen and I only had a few more stops. It was time to head to the front of the park for our last monorail ride back to BLT.

But First......A final farewell picture to France....

Hi Mary P

(not a great resemblance...in fact she looks seriously stern!)

Hi England.....Bye England.....

We actually stopped and used the facilities in the Rose and Crown....I took a picture of my favorite English ale ....Boddingtons. But there was no time for a beer, only enough time for a quick bio break.

Let me just say, though, that the R&C was pretty much hopping for a mid afternoon in Epcot. That bar looks like a pretty fun place.

Ah...well..... maybe next time!

Continued in Next post.....

 

[MEK]

Continued.......

I can't wait to see Epcot decorated for F&G.

We stopped at a pin Kiosk. They had some really cool things. Of course, knowing we are about 500 steps from leaving the park can certainly drive up the desire for cool Disney things. This is one of those moments where I wish money was no object. If that was the case, I would have been hauling one of these babies home with me!

WE had just enough time for a check duck into Art of Disney.....

Jenjolt....THIS is the perfect picture for you:

One last evidence of Disney merchandising .....

before we exited the monorail to see this beautiful sight.....

I took this picture while walking to the resort monorail.....

We arrived at BLT safe and sound. In short order we had retrieved our luggage and we were soon safely boarded on the Magical depress for our journey back to MCO.

In case you are wonderful whatever became of Flat Mickey. Well, I see him every day at work. I slide his picture into the clear coating on my work binder. Now he follows me everywhere. And the best thing is....if I ever misplace my binder, everyone knows its mine!!!!!


So...Thanks everyone for following our trip report. It only took us 5 + months to write it.

As many of you may know, I am not done yet. It's tradition that I do a trip recap - highlights, lowlights, new adventures.

Oh Yeah...and I still have photopass pictures to post that even Jen has not seen.

So stay tuned for more!!!!!!!

And Have a great weekend.

 

[Ducky4Disney]

LOVE it Mary Ellen!

The commentary on the France performer was PERFECT! Cracked me up. I don't know about you, but I took over 1000 pictures on that trip; that's up there for me considering I've done 10 day trips and not hit that number of pics.

I can't wait to see PP pics! I did do some edits, so I know what some of them look like, but I never did get a CD, can we remedy that?

HELP IS NEEDED FOLKS!

I am planning my Sept trip and I am stuck on making some important decisions: ya know, like where to stay and when to go - little things.

The when to do part is difficult because my DS5 is starting Kindergarten this year and the first day of school is Thurs. Sept 8. My 10 year anniversary is Sept 7 and I'l like to be in WDW for that - is it a big deal to miss the fist couple days of Kindergarten? He can't be the only kid that won't start until Monday, can he?

My next dilemma is place to stay.

We are selling our DVC contracts so I'm thinking of stay non-DVC in a mod. We are big fans of CSR. We like the large layout, the lake, the Pepper Market, all of it. Bed size in important and at CSR we can get 2 queens, that's a big deal. I've seen the refurb'd rooms and I'm not impressed. I don't like the new mondern/sleek/contemporary styling. It doesn't match the warm exterior. I also don't think the pool is as kid friendly as it could be. No zero-entry area, no real kids play area with small slides/sprayers, that type of thing.

With that in mind I'd love to try CBR. It has the same large layout, bright colors, and the pool is very kid frinedly! I love the pirate theme and the kids play area looks great. Now the rooms are an issue because we'd get 2 full size beds. The pirate rooms are out of the question because DH is 6'7" and the beds in those rooms have footboards. DH and footboards don't get along! Is there a possibility of getting a king-size bed at CBR? We might be able to swing that with the infltable kid mattress we have and a pack-n-play (the kids will end up in bed with us anyway).

Last option is to just rent points and stay DVC, like a studio at SSR. I have to admit, I am looking forward to staying at a "new" resort; one I haven't stayed at before.

See my dilemma?

HELP!

D4D

 

[MEK]

LOVE it Mary Ellen!

The commentary on the France performer was PERFECT! Cracked me up. I don't know about you, but I took over 1000 pictures on that trip.

Glad you liked it Jen. I got that idea from Lurkyloo who visited all the Epcot Santas and did I similar thing.

I probably took about 1400 pictures. I add them up in photobucket.

I'l bring you the pp disc. I honestly have not downloaded them on my computer yet. I seriously put them aside so I would have something to look forward to.

HELP IS NEEDED FOLKS!


See my dilemma?

HELP!

D4D

The first question is easy. It will definitely not scar your child for life to have him miss the first two days of school. You won't even remember it 5 years from now. Plus, you have so many years ahead where your vacations will be severely restricted. Don't restrict yourself any sooner than you need too.

I took my kids out of school for a week every year until they were in 9th grade. Seriously. No regrets.

As far as resort. I get the sense you really want to try CBR, so you should. Book the king sized room and bring the air mattress (and use the pak n play). Book a room close to the main pool.

If you can rent points I don't know if I'd go back to SSR just because it might make you sad. I highly, highly, highly recommend Kidani if you can get it. The pools are fabulous. Seriously. Plus I think you kids might really like the whole animal thing.

OK - that's my 2 cents.

 

[Ducky4Disney]

The first question is easy. It will definitely not scar your child for life to have him miss the first two days of school. You won't even remember it 5 years from now. Plus, you have so many years ahead where your vacations will be severely restricted. Don't restrict yourself any sooner than you need too.

Thanks, I needed that. I might shift my dates a bit to include my 10th anniversary at WDW.

As far as resort. I get the sense you really want to try CBR, so you should. Book the king sized room and bring the air mattress (and use the pak n play). Book a room close to the main pool.

Problem: just called WDW and a king size room will accomodate 2 adults and an infant, can't have 4 people in the room (which is bogus IMHO). Still considering CBR even if it means 2 full size beds.

Ethan also just got a *nice* bonus from work so I thought about splurging I've looked into WL with a queen and bunkbeds but I've stayed at VWL before and the parking was an issue. Still considering it.

I even priced with BC with a pool view! Stormalong Bay is bonus prizes there but again, I've stayed BCV and was not overly impressed with it and again, the parking issue.

If you can rent points I don't know if I'd go back to SSR just because it might make you sad. I highly, highly, highly recommend Kidani if you can get it. The pools are fabulous. Seriously. Plus I think you kids might really like the whole animal thing.

Hmmm.... not going back to SSR. *sigh* I see your point. But just because we won't be DVC members doesn't mean we can never stay there again!

I did price out AKL in a Savannah view room (Lodge, not Villas). Price wasn't too bad. Points for AKV in a studio with Savannah view is 109 - again, not bad.

I think I've made the decision more difficult!

D4D

 

[nilla]

So - ARE YOU GUYS GETTING EXCITED FOR YOUR SPRING TRIP??????

60 days! I'm already getting some TR ideas

BTW, your TR is great! I know you hear this all the time, but your pictures are second to none.

 

[manntra]

Thanks Cynthia for the information on the corks Very interesting.

MEK...I pretty much rule!!! Great commentary..and great pictures as always.

Yes, I have stayed at BC...back in 2007 but not in the villas. CAN'T WAIT!! I am thinking that I might ship some wine in my OL box...I am FedExing a box down with my OL stuff and if I can wrap the bottles well then I will bring some screw tops

Jen...my birthday is September 7

Thanks for sharing your trip....looking forward to your final thoughts and recap!

Tracy

 

[dawnbu40]

Nice update Your pictures around France were just beautiful!

Looking forward to your recap

 

[Queenofallthings]

Wow...wonderful pics!! I love those performers in France....we saw them for the first time in January and I was holding my breath most of the performance

I want that first pic you posted that says Walt Disney World in the pins....I fell in love with it.....oh to have an endless supply of money

I can't believe another MEK TR is coming to a close....but I know there will be another right around the corner and I'll be there!!!

 

[MEK]

Thanks, I needed that. I might shift my dates a bit to include my 10th anniversary at WDW.

Oh. No question - you definitely should. Anniversaries are so special at the world!

Problem: just called WDW and a king size room will accomodate 2 adults and an infant, can't have 4 people in the room (which is bogus IMHO). Still considering CBR even if it means 2 full size beds.

That stinks Jen! Cause I really think that would be the best option for you. Ethan is a big boy. I know that even Denny and I don't like sleeping in a full size bed together. You'll both probably end up sleeping in two separate beds. Oh well.

Ethan also just got a *nice* bonus from work so I thought about splurging I've looked into WL with a queen and bunkbeds but I've stayed at VWL before and the parking was an issue. Still considering it.

I even priced with BC with a pool view! Stormalong Bay is bonus prizes there but again, I've stayed BCV and was not overly impressed with it and again, the parking issue.

Really.....You didn't love BCV???? I didn't know you had stayed there. How about OKW? Have you guys ever stayed there? The studio has two queen beds, plus no parking issues.

I did price out AKL in a Savannah view room (Lodge, not Villas). Price wasn't too bad. Points for AKV in a studio with Savannah view is 109 - again, not bad.

I think I've made the decision more difficult!

D4D

Parking is not great a AKL, but I really think you would like it there. It really is gorgeous, relaxing, and tropical. I pick AKL as my vote.

60 days! I'm already getting some TR ideas

I am so looking forward to your next TR. And I am also looking forward to all your great PP pics of the family. Plus I can't wait to see what cute clothes Kristin has been making this year!

BTW, your TR is great! I know you hear this all the time, but your pictures are second to none.

Thanks Nilla. *blush* You obviously haven't read Lurkyloo's TRs yet. You've got to go check out that Root photography!

Thanks Cynthia for the information on the corks Very interesting.

Who knew that Cynthia was such a wine connoisseur? My future Disney room mate continues to amaze me!

T
MEK...I pretty much rule!!! Great commentary..and great pictures as always.

Thanks. I am glad I found a way to make an otherwise boring last few hours more entertaining.

Yes, I have stayed at BC...back in 2007 but not in the villas. CAN'T WAIT!! I am thinking that I might ship some wine in my OL box...I am FedExing a box down with my OL stuff and if I can wrap the bottles well then I will bring some screw tops

to the wine!!!!!! Of course, Christine and I are planning a little wine shopping expedition in France, so you are welcome to replenish your OL there, too!

I hope we BCV!

Jen...my birthday is September 7

Duly noted!

Thanks for sharing your trip....looking forward to your final thoughts and recap!

Tracy

Thanks Tracy! So Glad to have you following along!

Nice update Your pictures around France were just beautiful!

Looking forward to your recap

Thanks Dawn.

I have been working on this TR for so long that I need to seriously regroup before I recap. But I'll be working on it soon.

Wow...wonderful pics!! I love those performers in France....we saw them for the first time in January and I was holding my breath most of the performance

Thanks.

Aren't those guys amazing? Seriously, they make it look so effortless. I couldn't even stand on the first chair.

I want that first pic you posted that says Walt Disney World in the pins....I fell in love with it.....oh to have an endless supply of money

Aren't those pin pictures fabulous????? I hear ya on the endless supply of money. They are so expensive that it's hard to justify them because they are so unnecessary, but boy would I love one.

I can't believe another MEK TR is coming to a close....but I know there will be another right around the corner and I'll be there!!!

Yes. Sad, but true! I am very happy that my next trip is only 8 weeks ago (actually probably 7 now). It will be interesting to see how we write that one. I think we should each take turns and go on a rotating schedule.
That's going to be one crazy trip with lots of good TR material!

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Wow! You two never fail to impress me with your unique perspective and camera angles allowing me to see our happy place in a new way. I love it. And trust me... look forward to exploring every last nook and cranny of France with you, ME, in May!

Jen - so sorry you are selling your DVC contracts but can't argue with your priorities! My home resort is BCV and I do love it but primarily for location and Stormalong Bay. I can't imagine staying anywhere else . But I'd agree that the rooms themselves are in BIG need of a refurb.

When it comes right down to it, I'm not sure you can pick a "bad" Disney resort. And I'll be looking forward to your TR!

For my May traveling companions - that is not to say we won't adore BCV. And how much time do you spend in the room anyway? The common area, SAB, the quiet pool, the walk to Epcot and DHS... all of that we're going to love!!

 

[glennbo123]

I enjoyed your pictures around France and on your way out of the park. I still have never seen Serveur Amusant.

I'm looking forward to the recap and photopass pictures.

 

[Nermel9]

I can't believe your TR is over! Although, I also can't believe that this trip was in September! I loved all the WS pics! I have never seen that performer in France, we always seem to miss all the fun stuff in WS somehow! I really want to see those drummers in Japan someday, we always miss them too! Can't wait to read the recap!

 

[SoonerGirl]

I've never stopped to watch that performer in France, just seen the show from a distance - looks pretty impressive though!

I too, want those pins that spell Walt Disney World, so cute!!

I'm sad your report is at it's end, but looking forward to your next one, I know you're going to have some fabulous pictures from the F&GF!!

Jen, I would totally not worry about your DS missing the first two days of kindergarten, he won't miss much!

CBR is a lovely resort, but I don't know about those full sized beds for your DH, he'd probably need one bed all to himself....

 

[All7OfUs]

I have to get ahead of myself just a tiny bit on my own TR in order to comment on yours. That favorite "French" acrobat that is the favorite is actually...









A Russian who came right out of the Russian circus!!!!! (We've been to many!)

I wanted a picture with him, which I did get, (you'll have to wait for that) and immediately noticed his accent. When I asked him if he was in fact, Russian, he go the funniest EVER smirk on his face, and admitted that yes, he was. After a fun picture, I bid him a hearty Das Vidanya, and he cracked up. So funny!