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

[KatMark]

Mira Joey is to cute. I hope they are ok over Christmas. It's hard losing someone at the best of times but I think the closer it is to holidays the worse it is.

She really is. She learned to walk the day after her daddy died, and she was walking all over the gymnasium yesterday. I totally agree with the holidays.

Luvin your updates. I love the Lion King show.
Luvin Mark's Mine birds t-shirt as well btw

Thanks, Emma. Lion King is a great show. Mark has several Mine bird shirts.

It is so sad that Amanda and Mira Joey will have Christmas and a very special first birthday without Joe.

It just breaks my heart. Amanda continues to amaze me with her strength. And one thing I forgot to mention yesterday is that one of the Chicago Bears players came to the Memorial which I thought was really, really nice of him. He gave Joe tickets to a game early in the season and when Joe didn't feel up to it, the player came to where Joe was staying and spent 2 hours with him. He then made arrangements to have two police escorts follow his private car so that Joe could make it to half the game, and not have to sit in traffic.

We haven't been to the Animal Kingdom since they opened the new theater. It is still seat up the same way, with the stage in the middle and the four sections of seats surrounding the stage?

Yes, it is still set up the same way.

Congrats on being smoke free!!

Thank you.

What a beautiful picture of Mira and her daddy. I'm sure he's watching over her.

I am sure he is too. He will always be with her and she looks a lot like her daddy.

Flame Tree is a favorite of ours, and I'd planned on us going on our AK day, but it goes down for refurb the day before. Figures! I'll make Nate (hubby) feel better by telling him your ribs weren't great

Yes, do tell him that. And they really weren't that good.

Looking forward to FOTLK in the new space!!!

It was really great and much easier to get to.

All caught up!

; glad you are caught up.

Your holiday pics are cute. The picture of you and Mark at the wedding is really nice. You look great in that dress!

Thank you very much.

That Backstage Safari sounds like a lot of fun. About how long does it last?

It was about three hours.

Joe's Memorial Service sounds positively gutwrenching. Life is not fair and sometimes it just doesn't make any sense.

No, life is not always fair. And it was a beautiful service.


I love FotLK. I can't wait to see it in the new theatre.

We do too; it is spectacular.

Sorry you were disappointed with your lunch. I can honestly say I've never eaten at Flame Tree BBQ. We generally stick with Tusker House and Yak and Yeti when visiting AK.

We will definitely go back to Yak & Yeti next trip.

The key is to just everything in Gods Hands and just trust that things happen the way they are supposed to. Not an easy challenge to be sure. But if anything going through the challenge of Layers of fertility complications (PCOS and Thyroid issues for me) makes the prize that more cherished.

I try to look at things that way too And bless you for that cherished prize.

Yay for Doubling your smoke free days since I last checked in!!!! You so got this!

Thanks; yesterday after the Memorial was tough, but I refrained.

Don't blame you for skipping Everest. I skip it too.

Just can't handle it anymore.

(* side note I better hurry this up. I hear a certain little miss knocking at her door. Someone just woke up.)

Awww...nap time over.

The view of Everest from That place is so nice.

It really is, if the walls weren't there.

There just seem to be Walls, Walls Everywhere. I'm not looking forward to that part and if we could have timed our trip better we would have.

It was so depressing.

The Picture of Mark with the... (Is that a gorrila?) statue is cute.

Yes, I think it is.

Congrats on quitting smoking!!! It's a tough thing to do, but YOU CAN DO IT!!!

Thanks for the encouragement, Darla.

Sorry to hear of Alisha's diagnosis. Hopefully, she can find a way to manage it that keeps her feeling good.

I hope so. I told her the first thing she needs to do is eliminate some of the stress in her life (including the stress her mother causes her).

Loved the pictures from your special safari. And your Flametree lunch looked good, even if the ribs weren't good.

Thanks.

 

[KatMark]

So sorry to hear about this. You and family have had it pretty rough. Like you said though that it's not a life threatening illness. One of Danielle's childhood friends also has fibromyalgia so we understand how debilitating it can be. Danielle's friend has been doing herbs and homeopathic to help relieve it some.

Thanks. Alisha is researching and reading everything she can get her hands on before she decides which path to take. She knows she may have to try several things until she figures it all out.

Yeah congratulations on day 6

Thank you.

awesome pictures of Everest. I love that ride. Sorry that you weren't able to get the pictures on Memory maker. I love the videos they have now too.

I used to love it; but as my body has gotten older, it has told me to stop. Yes, I'm sorry the picture wasn't working too They have a video for EE? I knew about TOT and Mine Ride, but not Everest.

love the pictures! well it may not have been good but the pictures of your ribs LOOK scrumptious!

Thanks, Mo.

I had to on the Sully hat Mark had on!
One of the pictures has three spots on it that looks like a mickey head!!!!

I vaguely remember that those ears were part of the hat.

too many walls up at Animal kingdom.. almost as bad a DTD!!

Way too many; unfortunately AK, it may be that way for quite some time.

I really like the new area for the FotLK show building. It definitely deserves to be where it is (in Africa) and the theming just fits perfectly.

I agree, Rob. I'm not sure why it wasn't there to begin with.

Weren't the Walls everywhere??? It really takes away from the beauty of Animal Kingdom.

Yes, everywhere and it was such a distraction and made for some really bad PP pictures.

I do like your table view!!!

I do love that view.

My Everest. <3 I love that ride so much. That stinks that the ride photo didn't show up though.

I wish I could love it. It just doesn't agree with me anymore.

Congrats on being cigarette free - that's a huge accomplishment!

Thanks, Sarah.

That picture of Joe and Mira Joey is adorable! I can't imagine how hard this holiday season will be for Amanda and Mira Joey ... I hope they can get through it okay.

I am sure it's going to be one filled with many tears. Amanda told a story during her talk. Joe was recovering from his second cancer surgery, she was recovering from her C-section and Mira was five days old. All of a sudden Joe realized that he didn't have a Christmas present for his daughter. Amanda told him that it didn't matter...she was a baby and she wouldn't know/remember. On December 24, they got in the car and drove through all of the traffic to Downtown Disney where Joe purchased his first and only Christmas gift for his daughter, a Tinker Bell jewelry box. Brings a tear to my eye just writing that.

I like the location of the new FOTLK theater ... we were lucky enough to get a spot (on the standby line) that was totally covered and away from the heat.

You got lucky; it was very hot where we were standing.

I definitely don't blame you for skipping Expedition Everest ... I generally regret it right after I go on it (not that it stops me from going on again, but whatever). You got some great pictures. Sorry to hear that the ride photo wasn't working!

I did it in June on the girls trip and thought I was going to die. Definitely my last time.

 

[MAGICFOR2]

Hi Kathy! Love the 7DMT pics! It's a good thing you decided to leave MK before the rain poured down. Mmmm the boardwalk treats look yummy. Of course there have to be frozen cupcakes
Looks like a nice day a AK so far. EE is one of my favs! I think it's because I can't really tell we are dropping as far as we are - what you don't know can't hurt, right?

Congrats on quitting smoking. Should be 15 days by now!!!! You need to be healthy to play with those future grandbabies!!!

 

[goofy4prez]

Kathy, As I have been reading your updates over the last couple of days and your 1 year ago posts on FB, It couldn't help but remind me that our 1 year ago overlapped your one year ago... I can't believe how fast this past year went.

My heart is absolutely broken over Amanda and Mira Joey. It is so sad to think of them going through this Christmas season without their husband and father. I just officiated a funeral/memorial service a couple of weeks ago for someone who lost her husband suddenly to a heart attack and left behind an only child in his 8 year old son; it's never easy. My prayers are with Amanda and Mira Joey.

So glad you were able to see the Lion King in it's new home. When we were there in December the venue was opening later in the week but we were not able to see it since it was not on one of the days we were visiting the AK (which turns out to be one of your days). And I think I'm going to do the same thing you did with taking pictures. I also think I need to just sit back, not worry about the camera and enjoy the show next time.

Sorry to hear that you did not have a good experience with the ribs at Flame Tree. Every time I have been there they have always been very good. But then again I have not done a CS restaurant in the last two years. We have been on the signature dining plan these last two visits and did all TS. I was planning to eat at Flame Tree in June (won't be on dining plan) and will have to let you know how it was for us.

As for Expedition Everest. I'm with Mark on this one, I love EE and always ride it several times. Usually we get there at rope drop and end up riding it about 3 times in a row with little waiting. I'd love to blame this on a teenage daughter, but the truth is I love it as well.

 

[KatMark]

I'm so glad the memorial service for Joe was lovely. His daughter is so precious!

Maryellen, I am too. It was lovely and sad. Mira is just that...precious. I just saw Amanda post a picture on her personal Facebook page. They just got back home to Florida, and their house was decorated, inside and out, for Christmas. Joe is watching over them always.

So, what's this about quitting smoking? I didn't even know you smoked. So congratulations. That is a huge accomplishment.

It's not anything I advertised. Yes, I've been doing it for too long to count. But I am almost at two weeks now without.

Love you view from lunch. I walked back there in October just so I could take a picture of the view, even though I wasn't eating there. It's so lovely. The pork sandwich does look good!

It is worth the walk...it is a great view.

I love the sideways picture on EE. You should definitely keep it that way. It looks really cool. And I love the other picture of the car going up the track. Boo to memory maker picture being down. That stinks.

I didn't even notice the sideways picture...oops! Yes, I was disappointed about the memory maker.

Digging myself out of a deep, DIS hole!!! I haven't had a chunk of time to DIS for about 2 weeks!

Dee, no worries...I am always falling behind myself.

Your pictures from the Mine Train ride are awesome.

Thank you.

The Memory Maker ride photo location seems a bit random, though.

I haven't figured out where that one is yet.

I like the videos they are doing now.

I love that they've added videos.

Wow, those kids on the carousel are just too cute!!!

Aren't they though?

Great meets with Tiana and Peter Pan, but I'm with Tim. Dole Whip Float, please!

I'll stick with Tiana and Peter Pan.

EPIC Sword fight! I think Christopher won. Sorry, Mark!

I think you are right, Dee.

I have not been to Liberty Tree Tavern. Everything you had looked really good! Shame you were not hungry for the OGTC. Even though I have never been- I know all about that!!!

Yes, everyone raves about it. I do think Mark had it a on a previous trip.

Gorgeous!!!

Thanks; I'm rather fond of that one too.

Bummer about the downpour and like you said, what a shame for everyone at MK for the party

I really felt bad for those poor souls.

Bummer that you weren't able to keep your fireworks date.

Yes, I was sad, but spoiler alert we do run into Tim ad Mel again later.

But on Boardwalk treats.

Mark was very happy with his and wants to get it again.

Scrolling through and I just saw the news about Alisha. Thanks for keeping us updated. I'm so relieved that it is not a life-threatening diagnosis, it is good to know what she is facing, but I know it will be a long road ahead for her and all of you. My thoughts continue to be with her.

Thanks, Dee. I'm worried about her...she's been really depressed about this the last couple of days.

Pretty morning pictures at the Boardwalk!

Thank you.

Looks like a really interesting tour. Or actually sounds since you couldn't take pictures until the safari. The pictures from that were great. Never get tired of hippos, giraffes or elephants.

I never get tired of animals in general.

Or butts!

True that.

Fantastic lion pictures! And the cheetah, too- they are usually tucked far away in the woods.

That was the first time I ever saw the cheetah.

Thanks.

Hi Kathy I'm back for today anyway. I can't believe how hectic I am at work both jobs. Never ending activities and parties and soo much shopping to do . Just got bck from taking a group to sing Carols at a church and hand out Christmas Cards to the congregation . Went well but today was my day off !!

Rosie, always good to see you. Take care of yourself.

 

[EstherS]

Kathy I am so sorry I haven't had a chance to send you that info. I will try to get it tomorrow. Send me a reminder on Facebook. I started a second job and it's kicking my butt.

 

[KatMark]

The backstage safari tour is pretty neat. I took my DD for her 16th and we both loved it. You had a great safari with both Lions out.

We really enjoyed it, Pat. We lucked out with the lions.

I am glad the new theater is like the old one but a bit bigger I believe. The lighting is better too. Too bad I didn't see"my monkey" in your pictures.

I think you are right...a bit bigger and definitely better lighting. I didn't think "your monkey' was there.

I am glad Mark got his ride on EE. I totally get why it is hard for you to ride. The backwards part sometimes gets to me but I just make it through.

I almost didn't make it through last time so it ws definitely the last time.

I will be ready to see some walls down- it just seems like EVERYWHERE there are walls these days.

It's so depressing, isn't it?

Kathy, so proud of you in your efforts to quit smoking. Wishing you all the willpower and strength you will need, but man, what a great incentive!!!

Thanks, Dee.

And I am caught up!!!

YAY!



I'm happy for you...you had a bit to get through.

For now.

I'm not sure I'll get an update done today.

The new theatre for Lion King looks great, and I'm glad you no longer have to trek into Timbuktu to get there. What an amazing gathering of talent in that show!

I never could understand why it was where it was. I agree...outstanding talent.

The last lunch we had at AK was at Flame Tree and I was disappointed with the ribs, too! But you are so correct- can't beat that view!

Definitely won't be getting the ribs again.

Too bad you don't have the EE ride photo. I hate it when that happens!

It's the first time that the camera wasn't working for us.

Hi Kathy! Love the 7DMT pics! It's a good thing you decided to leave MK before the rain poured down. Mmmm the boardwalk treats look yummy. Of course there have to be frozen cupcakes

Thanks, Tammie. There is something Frozen everywhere.

Looks like a nice day a AK so far. EE is one of my favs! I think it's because I can't really tell we are dropping as far as we are - what you don't know can't hurt, right?

It hurts me.

Congrats on quitting smoking. Should be 15 days by now!!!! You need to be healthy to play with those future grandbabies!!!

Thank you. It's not easy and my poor hubby is taking the brunt of my mood.

Kathy, As I have been reading your updates over the last couple of days and your 1 year ago posts on FB, It couldn't help but remind me that our 1 year ago overlapped your one year ago... I can't believe how fast this past year went.

It went way too fast, Bob.

My heart is absolutely broken over Amanda and Mira Joey. It is so sad to think of them going through this Christmas season without their husband and father. I just officiated a funeral/memorial service a couple of weeks ago for someone who lost her husband suddenly to a heart attack and left behind an only child in his 8 year old son; it's never easy. My prayers are with Amanda and Mira Joey.

I don't know how you do it. I am way too emotional for those things. I was a mess at the Memorial. They are going to need a lot of prayers these next couple of weeks with Christmas and Mira's first birthday.

So glad you were able to see the Lion King in it's new home. When we were there in December the venue was opening later in the week but we were not able to see it since it was not on one of the days we were visiting the AK (which turns out to be one of your days). And I think I'm going to do the same thing you did with taking pictures. I also think I need to just sit back, not worry about the camera and enjoy the show next time.

Sometimes it is a good thing to just sit back and enjoy.

Sorry to hear that you did not have a good experience with the ribs at Flame Tree. Every time I have been there they have always been very good. But then again I have not done a CS restaurant in the I last two years. We have been on the signature dining plan these last two visits and did all TS. I was planning to eat at Flame Tree in June (won't be on dining plan) and will have to let you know how it was for us.

I prefer Baby Back ribs and the just didn't appeal to me at all.

As for Expedition Everest. I'm with Mark on this one, I love EE and always ride it several times. Usually we get there at rope drop and end up riding it about 3 times in a row with little waiting. I'd love to blame this on a teenage daughter, but the truth is I love it as well.

You are a lot younger than me, Bob. Mark even said it was starting to get to him a bit too.

 

[KatMark]

Kathy I am so sorry I haven't had a chance to send you that info. I will try to get it tomorrow. Send me a reminder on Facebook. I started a second job and it's kicking my butt.

Will do, and thank you. Alisha doesn't go to the doctor until the 17th so we have time for her to have everything that she wants to look at first.

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

Please keep Amanda and Mira Joey in your prayers. This will be a tough month for them as their first Christmas without Joe and Mira Joey's first birthday is December 19.

Will do.

It's a nice new area, but it is HOT standing in the sun to get in to the theater, even in the FP line. But I continued to take pictures as we waited to get let in.

Just like the lines in Disneyland in California.

We arrived at our lunch destination

Mmmm...Flame Tree is my favorite!

I was very disappointed in it. I used to love this meal, but the ribs were really tough. Next time, I'll stick with the pork sandwich.

That stinks. I'm glad the onion rings saved it.

 

[KatMark]

Will do.

Thanks, Mark.

Just like the lines in Disneyland in California.

Are all of the lines like that in DL?

Mmmm...Flame Tree is my favorite!

It used to be ours.

That stinks. I'm glad the onion rings saved it.

Thankfully they did.

 

[mickeystoontown]

What great picture of you, Mark and the kids in front of the Christmas tree! I love it!

Congratulations on being (if I am counting correctly) ten days without a cigarette! I am sure that it's tough but you are a tough broad so I'm sure you can do it.

The backstage tour at the Animal Kingdom sounds like something that Hunter and I would like to do. John? Well, not so much but I'm sure that he'd trudge along if we asked him to.

It's been years since we've eaten at Flame Tree. It's too bad that the ribs weren't as good as they had been in the past. At least you had a wonderful view.

 

[Clarf]

So glad to hear you're doing so well quitting smoking! I can only imagine how hard it must be.

Sorry Flame Tree wasn't good. We loved it. I hope you just had a bad batch.

Ugh, those refurb walls at AK. Totally ruined it for me this year.

Do you know we have never seen FOTLK?!?!?!?! We did however score free tickets to the Broadway tour of Lion King in Milwaukee last month. What an incredible show!

 

[KatMark]

We had just finished with seeing the Lion King and having lunch. We decided to go to Dinosaur. For some reason, we ended up going back through Africa (not sure how that happened) and stopped on the bridge near Expedition Everest to get some photopass pictures.







We then walked towards the Dinosaur ride.







And then it was time for me to ride Dinosaur.





For those of you who have followed me in the past, you know that Mark no longer rides this attraction after his neck surgery. I didn't have a fastpass as we had fasptassed EE, FOTLK and Finding Nemo. But I didn't need one. I walked through





And I was in the preshow room:







My redneck photo of the ride:

(I'll have to look at the photos on my computer at home to see if I have the one from my Memory Maker as I'm not seeing it right now on photobucket).

After Dinosaur, we did a little browsing to waste some time until our FP return for Finding Nemo.



















Continued in next post

 

[KatMark]

After we exited the store in Dinoland, a dance party was coming out so I took some pictures









We started walking towards Finding Nemo the Musical as it was really hot standing and watching the parade.





We timed it just perfectly as they were just opening the doors for the FP people.



We had some pretty decent seats on the end just to the right of the center.

I took a bunch of pictures here as it is only the second time we have seen it, but I won't post ALL of them...I promise.





















We really enjoy the show and will probably go back in a couple of years (it's not something we have to see every trip).

When we left, we passed the spot where Pooh, Tigger and Eeyore used to appear. There appeared to be no line for the character there, so we hopped in. And who did we get to meet:





I think I'll stop here as I am approaching my picture limit, and the next update has several pictures I need to post

Up next, some fun new Photopass pictures and we hit Food & Wine for the first time

 

[KatMark]

What great picture of you, Mark and the kids in front of the Christmas tree! I love it!

Thanks, Lisa.

Congratulations on being (if I am counting correctly) ten days without a cigarette! I am sure that it's tough but you are a tough broad so I'm sure you can do it.

It's hard, but I am determined.

The backstage tour at the Animal Kingdom sounds like something that Hunter and I would like to do. John? Well, not so much but I'm sure that he'd trudge along if we asked him to.

I really think Hunter would enjoy it. John...he might be bored since he is not fond of animals.


It's been years since we've eaten at Flame Tree. It's too bad that the ribs weren't as good as they had been in the past. At least you had a wonderful view.

Could not beat the view.

So glad to hear you're doing so well quitting smoking! I can only imagine how hard it must be.

There are days I want to pull my hair out of my head.

Sorry Flame Tree wasn't good. We loved it. I hope you just had a bad batch.

I think it's the style of ribs; I much prefer the baby backs.

Ugh, those refurb walls at AK. Totally ruined it for me this year.

I agree, Clare. I really didn't even want to take pictures because of them.

Do you know we have never seen FOTLK?!?!?!?! We did however score free tickets to the Broadway tour of Lion King in Milwaukee last month. What an incredible show!

I would love to see the Broadway tour of it. Lucky you!

 

[Clarf]

And now you posted another update! As you can see, I'm working very hard today!

Lion King was truly amazing. I work at a professional theater company, and sometimes we get offers for other shows. Rarely the Broadway shows, so Lion King was truly a treat to get tickets for. We all loved it.

I love Dinosaur. I can't believe you had a whole row to yourself! I can see why Mark wouldn't ride it though, if he had neck surgery.

I love the Donald Duck hat he's wearing. That's hilarious!

Finding Nemo is such a great show. That one we HAVE seen!

And Daisy Duck. We love her.

 

[DVCWDWMEMBER]

love the pictures of you and Mark with the butterflies. Yeah for Dinosaur picture. We always try to do some silly pictures too. Danielle comes up with some good ones for sure and Popadon too.

 

[petals]

Luvin the butterfly magic shots, they're so cool. I had a hard time finding photopass people that did Magic shots in Disneyland

 

[mickeystoontown]

Ooh those are cute magic shots with the butterflies! I've never seen those before.

Wow, what perfect timing to be able to walk right on into the preshow area of Dinosaur.

It's been several years since we've seen the Nemo show at the Animal Kingdom. It's a little too long for our taste.

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Those are some great photopass pictures from the EE bridge - love the magic shots!

The dance parade looks fund but that can be a very hot section of AK (which itself seems to always be 10 degrees hotter than the other parks)

Glad you enjoyed Nemo - I think it is a very good show, but agree, not a necessity every trip