Last Trip? It was until we met Food & Wine -- Recap 2/12

[DisneyKid4Life]

Good job Mark!! You always take the opportunity to get a picture with some lovely Main Street ladies.

Wow, I would really love to have the money to buy some of those beautiful and expensive pieces. Of course, more than buying them, I'd like to have the money, lol.

That is so lovely that you have last traditional lunch. And a nice looking lunch it was.

Oh Kathy , that gesture with the balloon touches me so much. I am ashamed that this is my first time reading about this, but my goodness, I love this so much!! What a wonderful tradition to have.

For a second I forgot you weren't going home yet until I saw the Mickey Power Pole. I was thinking, that's not the way to the airport, lol.

Ugh, it just wouldn't feel normal if it didn't rain.

Glad to hear it's not quite over yet.

 

[SarahDisney]

I love that you have some last day traditions. The Plaza seems like a great place for a last ADR.
I love the balloon tradition! It's a really nice way to bring some magic to a little kid and it's great to have a piece of your dad with you on every Disney Trip!

Your monorail selfie is so sad!

Sad that you had to leave Disney ... but at least you had some snacks for the road, and seeing friends at the end of the trip definitely makes it a little easier, even if you didn't get as much time with them as you wanted.

 

[MEK]

Love the Plaza. It's such a fun place to eat!

You know I love your balloon tradition. I think its awesome!

I didn't realize Nicki's grandmother died during the time you visited. That's so sad.

Looking forward to Marco and the Gator boys.

 

[Cdn Friends of Pooh]

Hadn't been on the boards for some time and decided I was missing my Disney fix so came to read some trip reports and found your wonderful report! Well done - I can't wait to read more of your reports

 

[momabbate]

Mark's reuben looks great! I always tear up at your balloon story. I think you got the rain cause Disney didn't want you to leave. Can't wait to hear the second part of your trip.

 

[disneygirlll]

Too much to go back and comment on, but will say again that your pics are so amazing. They will be so special to look back on in the future. Your matching tshirts are cool. (This was the day that I spotted you in front of the Plaza Restaurant. I’ve actually “come out” since that trip and met my first Diser after recognizing her from trip reports during a trip last month)

 

[Sydney2977]

While I was browsing, Mark picked up some fine ladies and was having a marvelous time

My DH picked up the same lady I think on our visit back in 2010- how funny! She was commenting on his "boot" that he had from a recent surgery saying her son had just gotten one and they were "all the rage in Paris!" We had a great conversation with her- what a hoot she was!



We also had another lady stop to comment on his lovely and unique hat!



That's one of the things that makes WDW so special and magical!

I soooo enjoyed reading your trip report and all the pictures you shared. You got lots of amazing ones with your new camera! It's so fun to hear about all of your adventures and I can't wait to hear more about the rest of your vacation!

 

[MissMaryQC]

Great picture of Mark and the Main Street ladies; they’re always a hoot!

MMM, candy treats for the ride home, yum!

The fall décor is so lovely!

The Plaza! What a great last day tradition!! My mom hasn’t been in many years so we hope to have a meal there.

The plates are HUGE! Looks SO yummy!!

What a great photo of you two, again I adore your shirts.

The balloon giving is a wonderful tradition in memory of your father. I’m sure you make a child’s day every year. Got a little misty reading about it; it’s a beautiful gesture.

Sad Selfies are a last day tradition for everyone it seems, us too.

Ah, Florida monsoons, such a joy to drive through! Nothing like some candy to make it better!!

Marco Island looks gorgeous! Looking forward to your visit there and some final thoughts, but I’m sad this TR is ending; it’s been such fun!

 

[Chicago Mo]

What a riot with picking up chicks!!!

What a lovely lunch spot. His Ruben looks delish. No fat?!? YUM!!! but the desserts looked better! as always your pictures are great and i do adore the fall decorations.

Glad cookie got to ride up front! terrible about the rain. Was NOT fun to drive in. Not at all/

So sad faces! You will be back!! Yes you do have to make a highlight of your trip post..

I do want to hear all about Marco (polo) Island!

 

[Pluto0809]

Wow, those costumes on those two ladies that Mark found were something else. All I could think about though was how hot they must have been.

Ahhh, lunch at the Plaza, yum! I've eaten there three times now and it is quickly becoming a favorite.

Your balloon story still makes me tear up even though I've read multiple TRs where you've done that.

Yuck, that rain looks horrible! I hate driving when it's raining that hard.

Can't wait to read about the rest of your adventures.

 

[afwdwfan]

We then cut over across Main Street and went into the candy shop to get Mark his treat for the ride later

Now that's where I like to do my shopping.

Maybe when I win the lotto.

Maybe you should just go to the casino and earmark your winnings to buy it. You always win, so it shouldn't be a problem...

Mark ordered the chocolate ice cream (you can see it in the background BEHIND my Hot Fudge Sundae)

I approve of both choices.

We settled the bill and proceeded toward the exit for our last tradition.

I love it! And I'm sure it is something that your dad appreciates each and every time.

We then headed out to the monorail to get back to the TTC to get our car.

What??? You took the monorail????

Cookie enjoyed the ride with us

Looks sad to be leaving Mickey if you ask me.

I hope you'll stick around for that and then I'll probably do a "favorites" or something at the end.

Oh, we'll be here... you can't get rid of us that easy!

 

[ddstratton]

So sad to see the Disney portion end. But you guys had a great "last meal" and I love your balloon tradition. Looking forward to the rest!!

 

[LisaKeys]

The photo of the Crystal Palace is lovely!!! Gotta love Mark with the CM's. I know your Dad enjoys the sharing of the balloon on your final day. Such a wonderful tradition.

I always am so sad when you leave the Magic. I swear, tears well up in my eyes. So silly.

I'll be sticking around to see the photo's from Marco Island, and any other bits you'll be sharing with us. TY so much, Kathy, for the time you invest in giving us fun to follow posts. They brighten my days.

Read you soon!

 

[KatMark]

I love all sorts of Disney traditions - like what you have with eating last at the Plaza ... but obviously your tradition with giving a balloon to a child is an extra special one

Thanks, Phil.

You do both look sad and pathetic on your last ride on the monorail ... that last time heading away from a park is always sad - and always feels like it comes way to quickly.

It does, doesn't it? It seems to take forever for the trip to get here (I'm at 95 day) and it is over in an instant.

My goodness that was some bad weather that came in - glad you got to Marco Island safely. Hope you had a nice time there - I am sure you are thinking fondly of the warm weather if nothing else right around now.

It seems EVERY single time we get past Tampa, we hit a major storm driving to Marco. It's happened the last three years for sure. We had a great time on Marco as we always do.

Those "last" moments of a trip are always bittersweet.

Yes, they are Dee.

Gorgeous!!!

Thank.

Those gals are giving Mark a run for his money with their flashy hats!

They sure were!

Your meal at The Plaza looks great. I love a good Reuben!

Mark says it's the best reuben he has ever had.

I always get misty reading about your gift balloon.

Awww....thanks.

What a great trip report for your Food & Wine Anniversary trip. Some really great memories!!!

It really was a great trip.

The last day is always sad but at least you knew you would return sometime and now you have two trips planned.

At the time we didn't think we'd be going back for at least a year, but I am so happy we are.

We have never eaten at the Plaza but it is the list for next year due to your reviews. And the fact I love ice cream

It really is nice, comfort food after all the heavier meals we eat the rest of the time we are there.

Yikes that rain looked awful. Almost like the snow out my window right now.

I hope you are staying warm and dry with all of the snow.

Good job Mark!! You always take the opportunity to get a picture with some lovely Main Street ladies.

The man has a way with the ladies; he won my heart.

Wow, I would really love to have the money to buy some of those beautiful and expensive pieces. Of course, more than buying them, I'd like to have the money, lol.

The problem is when I have the money I tend to buy too much Disney stuff.

That is so lovely that you have last traditional lunch. And a nice looking lunch it was.

It's been a favorite of ours for years.

Oh Kathy , that gesture with the balloon touches me so much. I am ashamed that this is my first time reading about this, but my goodness, I love this so much!! What a wonderful tradition to have.

Thank you, Rob; that means the world to me. My Dad was my hero and my best friend.

For a second I forgot you weren't going home yet until I saw the Mickey Power Pole. I was thinking, that's not the way to the airport, lol.

Nope, no airport for us yet.

Ugh, it just wouldn't feel normal if it didn't rain.

And it obviously rains in other parts of Florida too.

Glad to hear it's not quite over yet.

Nope, some fun pictures (probably not many words) still to come.

I love that you have some last day traditions. The Plaza seems like a great place for a last ADR.

Sarah, we like it as a change of pace from all the heavy meals we eat at the other sit downs during the week.

I love the balloon tradition! It's a really nice way to bring some magic to a little kid and it's great to have a piece of your dad with you on every Disney Trip!

Thank you, Sarah. We usually pick a child who is just thrilled to get the balloon and has a big smile on their face; I know my dad would approve.

Your monorail selfie is so sad!

Yes it is.

Sad that you had to leave Disney ... but at least you had some snacks for the road, and seeing friends at the end of the trip definitely makes it a little easier, even if you didn't get as much time with them as you wanted.

It's always great going to see our best friends after the trip. I just wish we'd had more time with them. But I get two trips with them to Disney this year and a week on Marco.

Love the Plaza. It's such a fun place to eat!

It really is (best french fries in all of Disney).

You know I love your balloon tradition. I think its awesome!

Thanks, Mary Ellen.

I didn't realize Nicki's grandmother died during the time you visited. That's so sad.

Yes; we had seen Nicki on Saturday when I went shopping with her, Sunday and Monday. On Tuesday we were supposed to meet for dinner when Todd called to tell me her grandmother passed (she was in her 90's). Nicki had to fly to Boston, so we never saw her again after that last dinner together. Trust me, we will be making up for it on our two trips.

Looking forward to Marco and the Gator boys.

Thanks; hopefully I can get something up on Sunday in between shoveling when we are supposed to get a bit of snow.

Hadn't been on the boards for some time and decided I was missing my Disney fix so came to read some trip reports and found your wonderful report! Well done - I can't wait to read more of your reports

and thank you very much for the kind words. I'm so glad you enjoyed it.

Mark's reuben looks great! I always tear up at your balloon story. I think you got the rain cause Disney didn't want you to leave. Can't wait to hear the second part of your trip.

Sandy, Mark loves that sandwich (he says the one at Sci Fi is just as good). Thanks...I tear up writing that story every trip.

 

[KatMark]

Too much to go back and comment on, but will say again that your pics are so amazing. They will be so special to look back on in the future. Your matching tshirts are cool. (This was the day that I spotted you in front of the Plaza Restaurant. I’ve actually “come out” since that trip and met my first Diser after recognizing her from trip reports during a trip last month)

I've missed you around here...good to see you. Thank you! I really loved our shirts. I wish you'd have said hello.

My DH picked up the same lady I think on our visit back in 2010- how funny! She was commenting on his "boot" that he had from a recent surgery saying her son had just gotten one and they were "all the rage in Paris!" We had a great conversation with her- what a hoot she was!



What a wonderful story; I have no idea what they were talking to my husband about...I'm guessing our anniversary since we had the buttons on and they said "oh there she is" when I walked up.

We also had another lady stop to comment on his lovely and unique hat!




Awesome.

That's one of the things that makes WDW so special and magical!

I love the street performers.

I soooo enjoyed reading your trip report and all the pictures you shared. You got lots of amazing ones with your new camera! It's so fun to hear about all of your adventures and I can't wait to hear more about the rest of your vacation!

Thanks...that means a lot.

Great picture of Mark and the Main Street ladies; they’re always a hoot!

Thank you; he was having quite the time while I was browsing.

MMM, candy treats for the ride home, yum!

Have to have something for that four hour ride.

The fall décor is so lovely!

It is...it's really one of my favorite times to visit.

The Plaza! What a great last day tradition!! My mom hasn’t been in many years so we hope to have a meal there.

Oh I hope you get an ADR; I think your Mom will love it.

The plates are HUGE! Looks SO yummy!!

We probably share a sandwich but then we wouldn't be able to have fries and chips.

What a great photo of you two, again I adore your shirts.

Thank you.

The balloon giving is a wonderful tradition in memory of your father. I’m sure you make a child’s day every year. Got a little misty reading about it; it’s a beautiful gesture.

Thanks; it brings back such fond memories of my dad.

Sad Selfies are a last day tradition for everyone it seems, us too.

It's become like the monorail picture, the People Mover foot picture...a must for everyone.

Ah, Florida monsoons, such a joy to drive through! Nothing like some candy to make it better!!

It never fails on the drive to Marco...monsoon time.

Marco Island looks gorgeous! Looking forward to your visit there and some final thoughts, but I’m sad this TR is ending; it’s been such fun!

It really is beautiful there and we really love it. Oh trust me...there will be a May TR and October TR. The four of us (Nicki and Todd will be with us) will be one for the books.

What a riot with picking up chicks!!!

The man still has it at 62!

What a lovely lunch spot. His Ruben looks delish. No fat?!? YUM!!! but the desserts looked better! as always your pictures are great and i do adore the fall decorations.

There wasn't a piece of fat on that sandwich and why he loved it. Thank you.

Glad cookie got to ride up front! terrible about the rain. Was NOT fun to drive in. Not at all/

I'm a wreck when it's raining like that. Thankfully I'm never the one driving.

So sad faces! You will be back!! Yes you do have to make a highlight of your trip post..

I promsie to do a highlight.

I do want to hear all about Marco (polo) Island!

We had a good time and I will share some of that with you.

Wow, those costumes on those two ladies that Mark found were something else. All I could think about though was how hot they must have been.

I think that on a lot of the costumes those performers wear.

Ahhh, lunch at the Plaza, yum! I've eaten there three times now and it is quickly becoming a favorite.

I'm glad it is becoming a favorite of yours too.

Your balloon story still makes me tear up even though I've read multiple TRs where you've done that.

Thanks, Ariana.

Yuck, that rain looks horrible! I hate driving when it's raining that hard.

I leave the driving to Mark; I refuse to drive in snow and I drive really slow in rain like that.

Can't wait to read about the rest of your adventures.

Thanks.

 

[KatMark]

Now that's where I like to do my shopping.

I'm glad we agree on something.

Maybe you should just go to the casino and earmark your winnings to buy it. You always win, so it shouldn't be a problem...

Hey, now there's an idea. I'm going to the casino next weekend when we go see the kids in Dubuque and then again in March when we are in Phoenix. Excellent suggestion, Andy.

I approve of both choices.

I'm going to ; we agreed again.

I love it! And I'm sure it is something that your dad appreciates each and every time.

Thanks, Andy...I appreciate your kind words.

What??? You took the monorail????

It was 3:30 or so in the afternoon and hoped it would be faster as we'd just missed the ferry.

Looks sad to be leaving Mickey if you ask me.

She probably was (it was her first adventure out of Chicago).


Oh, we'll be here... you can't get rid of us that easy!

I wouldn't want to, my friend.

So sad to see the Disney portion end. But you guys had a great "last meal" and I love your balloon tradition. Looking forward to the rest!!

Thanks, Darla. The Plaza has been enjoyable 99% of the time we've eaten there.

The photo of the Crystal Palace is lovely!!! Gotta love Mark with the CM's. I know your Dad enjoys the sharing of the balloon on your final day. Such a wonderful tradition.

Thank you; considering how hot and sweaty we were, the picture turned out pretty good. Mark and the girls. Thanks...I think Dad does too.

I always am so sad when you leave the Magic. I swear, tears well up in my eyes. So silly.

Awww...you are so sweet.

I'll be sticking around to see the photo's from Marco Island, and any other bits you'll be sharing with us. TY so much, Kathy, for the time you invest in giving us fun to follow posts. They brighten my days.

Read you soon!

Thanks; I will try to do by Sunday (if not sooner).

 

[disneyshakeygirl]

Okay, I am finally nearly all caught up! You have such spectacular times at Disney!

 

[KatMark]

Okay, I am finally nearly all caught up! You have such spectacular times at Disney!

Thanks, Laura. We really try.

 

[Poolrat]

Ah the last walk through MK on a trip is always bittersweet.

A Plaza burger is my favorite too!

I love your sweet tradition and I am sure that boy and his family really appreciate the gesture.

Ohhhh that rain. I hate those downpours, so scary.

Looking forward to seeing a bit of Marco. So sorry your time with Nicki was cut short and our hearts went out to her as she went to Boston.

 

[Steppesister]

Seems I'm behind at least one update, possibly more...

Hopefully this weekend I can catch up on all my favorite threads and "visit" with my friends