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

[RGirl]

Hi Kathy - playing catch-up after returning from our trip and immediately getting sick. Yeesh!

I am so happy to read that Target worked it out so that Mark can continue to work. That must be a relief for you both. And he can do baseball too - perfect!

I loved reading all your updates too - I’m sorry I can’t manage to do tons of specific comments this time as I am just woefully behind on everyone’s TRs, but please know that I have read everything and thoroughly enjoyed. And now that we will be back in the routine of work and school, I can go back to doing much better replies. :

I did know the answer to the Mary Poppins question though - we had a PP photographer who was desperate to make sure that Willow met Mary on one of our DLR trips, but he explained that he couldn’t take any of the pictures and why.

Finally, I hope that Mark had a truly great birthday.

 

[KatMark]

I'm catching up. Lots of thoughts and hugs to those who need them. I also got Geary when I saw Robin's picture.

I miss him; so sad.

The BWV's look like a nice place to stay. Although the BC is our favorite, I would be tempted to try one of the villas some day. We really enjoy walking to DHS and it would be easy to do from there.

I really enjoyed being able to walk to the Studios and Epcot. I, unfortunately, was not a fan of the BC, and I'm looking forward to two more stays at the BWV this year.

Are you planning a return to Food and Wine in the fall? We have booked a bounce back for October, same time as last year. We are hoping to get lucky with the weather again since our October trip had perfect weather. We are never going to Florida is September again - too humid and rainy.

Yes, Sue, we are going in October.

Awe Figment, I love that ride too. I could do without the skunk smell though.

It's not too bad.

The Boardwalk is such a beautiful resort but boy that clown pool is creepy. That slide looks like a lot of fun but I'm like you and wouldn't go near it!

It really is creepy. I will stick with the quiet pool.

Happy Birthday Mark!

He says thank you.

The resort is Beautiful! Except that HORRIBLE HORRIBLE clown!!!
blah.. I just cannot get past the clown! I wish i could because i'd love to stay there!

And with the kids it would be hard to stay away from the main pool.

AWWWWWWWW FIGMENT!!! our favorite Purple dragon! like you i just adore that ride.

How can you not love the purple dragon?

Yes. I, like you, did give the most talented comedian a few minutes - standing there, just shed a couple of tears.. So so sad to lose him. we have lost so many fantastic comedians.

I lost it on the Great Movie Ride to when he was on at the end.

OK OK on a brighter note. HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARK!!!

Mark thanks you, Mo.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARK! I hope you have a great day!

Thanks; he had to work, but we are going out tomorrow night to celebrate.

The Boardwalk looks great. We enjoyed spending an evening walking around on our last trip and seeing everything. But I have to agree with you, I will not be spit out of that clown!! Hahaha.

It's really a beautiful area, and we've come to love it and it has moved up high on our list of favorites. Yep...not coming down a tongue.

First off, Happy birthday Mark!

He says thank you, Lisa.

Second, I love all of the pictures that you took of the Boardwalk. I guess that we need to make an attempt to get over there again but it sure is going to take convincing after the whole fiasco we went through last May.

Perhaps it would be better if you drove and made sure it was a clear night. It really is a great are.

Love your F&W pics! Happy Birthday Mark!

Thank you; and Mark appreciates the wishes.

 

[KatMark]

Happy Birthday Mark!!

Mark said thanks, Tim.

Wow... You guys hit so many F&W carts. You probably spent as much as we did on our dinner at Narcoosee's

Over the two times we were there, we may well have. And I know I enjoyed it more than if I had gone to Narcoosees.

Those perogies and those scallops look amazing. I just ate breakfast and now I'm hungry all over again. Thanks a lot. Can you believe I had 1 beer, 1! after seeing you and Mark in Epcot. After the fireworks, most of the carts were closing up and Epcot was open till 11? I donno.

Well that really stinks that the beer carts were all closing, especially with Epcot open until 11.

Well, now you know why we couldn't bring your gift into the parks. I think that is frowned upon. I guess we should of gotten you a rum cake too. Those are so gooooood.

Ummm....yeah; I don't think the Disney police would have approved.

You can always order them at http://www.tortugarumcakes.com The prices include shipping and taxes. We bought a couple rum cakes but didn't buy ourselves any rum. I don't know what we were thinking.

I'll have to show that to Mark.

Did you guys have the boardwalk to yourselves? I don't see one other person in your pictures.

It was really empty that night...and quite romantic.

I'm not scared of clowns but that pool is just creepy!

I'm not afraid of them either, but that think just creeps me out (along with the chairs in the lobby; thankfully they don't have them in the rooms).

Oh my Kathy, Robin is the reason I will visit Figment one more time. I'm not a big fan of the ride (no hate, just not a fan), but he's worth it.

He truly is; Mrs. Doubtfire was on the other day and I got all misty-eyed.

Oh yes, that fountain is such a beautiful spectacle even if it does like to splash me from time to time.

You too? I always think it's raining until I realize where I am. II think it is the third most photographed thing after the Castle and Monorail.

That really is one quiet pool. I don't see a soul.

There wasn't a soul there; actually, Ii think there were only 3 or 4 other people in the Main pool.

I still don't understand that clown face. Do they not want people to use the slide?

I have no idea what they were thinking. I do like the elephants around the pool though.

Are you really coming up to the final day????? That can't be right.

Yes; last day at Disney coming up; I'll then add just a bit about Marco Island at the end. Then I'll probably start a PTR for my trip in May.

Aww Kathy, what a beautiful sentiment for your wonderful hubby.

Thanks, Rob. He's a good man! And I love your birthday button for him.

That clown slide really is a thing of Nightmares isn't it?

It is; and if I went on it, that's what I'd be having.

Sounds like a wonderful last evening in the parks.

It was a beautiful evening and people were behaved and the food was yummy.

I'm sad that the Disney portion of your trip is almost over.

Me too; but I have two more trips coming up and hopefully they'll be just as good.

Love all the pictures of the Boardwalk (except the scary clown!), I'm getting very excited to stay there in 3 months!

I really think you will love it.

I like the fountain picture. I can practically feel the FL humidity and the mist from the fountain looking at it.

Isn't that the truth about "feeling" the humidity.

Happy Birthday, Mark!

Mark says thank you.

Love all the pics from the archives, what a great exhibit!

It really was; I wish we could have spent more time, but it was so crowded.

I'm having fun re-living the Food and Wine festival through your pictures. You guys had some really yummy choices!

I was very pleased with most of it and can't wait to go back.

Oh... I forgot Robin Williams' picture was in Figment. I shed a few tears over that loss myself Kathy, what a shame indeed.

Yes; and I love the new "Genie" shirt at the parks and definitely want to pick one up for Mark.

Hahaha your reaction to the creepy clown slide, I would not want to be spat out of that either!!

I can't imagine anyone that would.

Ahhh hot tub... I could go for a soak in a hot tub... at the Boardwalk...
What a nice evening.

I could go for a hot tub right now. My back has been klling me for several days now.

 

[stacy~**]

So enjoyed your reviews of all the F&W yumminess! That slushy looked like the perfect cool down. I rarely drink (and never have at WDW) but one day I may need to make an exception for that!

We enjoy Figment too. No shame in that.

Haha...that infamous clown pool. Can you believe the one time we stayed at BW I avoided the pool completely (not really on purpose but it was a very rainy trip and the last thing we wanted to do was get wet)? I just booked us there for July so I think I will get to see the clown in all his glory then!

I can't believe trip is almost over! Now you spent time in FL afterwards, right? Are you sharing that with us?

 

[KatMark]

Happy birthday to Mark!

Thanks, Mark.

I would have just stuck with the cronut.

It would be very tempting.

I can't believe you wouldn't want the psychotic clown from Stephen King's IT to vomit you out into a pool.

somehow that just made the thought even worse.

I can imagine all the F&W booths cut down on the sales at the normal restaurants.

It could have as a lot of those booths were very crowded at times.

Always love the traditions!

Thanks.

"I will not lie...I shed a few tears as I stood and looked at this comedic genius. " ... must admit that our last trip I teared up a bit during wishes when you hear Aladdin say "Genie, I wish for your freedom!"

I did too, Phil! It just breaks my heart.

I also like Figment a lot - actually, as a kid, that was the one Disney stuffed animal I had - but also wish they would bring back the Dreamfinder. Actually, I just wish the attraction was better and more technologically advanced. When you think how important Imagination was to Walt and the creation of Disneyland/World - really should be a focus. Not sure if you have seen Mystic Manor at Hong Kong Disneyland - but picturing something like that but with Figment and the Dreamfinder would be really cool

That is sweet; the kids had one when they were little too (actually, I'm assuming he is probably in the huge bag we have downstairs of like 50 Disney stuff animals). I agree with you on Walt's wishes. No, I've never seen the Mystic Manor at Hong Kong Disneyland. Is this something you can see on youtube?

Sometimes those relaxing afternoons and just walking the boardwalk with someone you love are the best! Speaking of which - Happy Birthday to Mark!!!!

It was the perfect end to our last evening. Mark says thank you.

Happy belated birthday to your hubby! We love Figment, too. That pool area is beautiful. I'm undecided about that clown, though. Normally, clowns don't bother me - but that one's creepy!

Thanks, Darla, from Mark. He is a very creepy clown.

MAN ALIVE did I fall behind!!

I've done that a few times since November.

Your PP pictures are adorable, as always!

Thank you.

F&W looks SO yummy! The beef tips and kielbasa, yum! Especially those potato pancakes with the salmon I'd plan another trip just for those as well!

It was impossible NOT to plan another trip. I hope they have all those things again this year.

The Cronut! An invention that should be hailed for its greatness. I might be hungry...?

Yes; and one that Dunkin Donuts should NOT have ripped off.

Robin Williams. I'd shed a tear as well. He was a great performer, and a Disney legend.

He sure was.

We love Figment too! New old, whatever; he's a cute little guy.

He really is; love his little wings.

Happy belated Birthday to Mark! I hope you two had a wonderful time together!

Thanks; he had to work, but we are celebrating with very good friends tomorrow night.

Last full day? Say it isn't so!

It comes fast, doesn't it?

BW looks great, love all your pics. We nearly would have stayed at the BWVs but my waitlist went through and we will stay at the BCV. Less walking to Epcot - I hope.

I thought of switching to BCV in October as Mark has never stayed there. But the refurb will be going on the villas when we are there, and I did not care for it two years ago.

So sorry to have missed Mark's birthday.

Happy belated Birthday, Mark!

He thanks you.

Oh definitely! I will put that on my list for sure!! Sounds devine!

Liesa, you will love it.

Trying to play catch up around here... getting harder and harder to do, as the Term becomes more and more involved with adding Clinicals, some presentations, and SO MUCH READING.

Please do NOT worry about it. I know you'll get it here when you can.

But I am reading and love all of your pictures! That resort is on my list...

Thanks; BWV is really great.

Hi Kathy - playing catch-up after returning from our trip and immediately getting sick. Yeesh!

Roni, I'm sorry you got sick.

I am so happy to read that Target worked it out so that Mark can continue to work. That must be a relief for you both. And he can do baseball too - perfect!

We are both delighted.

I loved reading all your updates too - I’m sorry I can’t manage to do tons of specific comments this time as I am just woefully behind on everyone’s TRs, but please know that I have read everything and thoroughly enjoyed. And now that we will be back in the routine of work and school, I can go back to doing much better replies. :

Please no worries; I find myself doing that from time to time. And get here when you can. It's hard with young kinds.

I did know the answer to the Mary Poppins question though - we had a PP photographer who was desperate to make sure that Willow met Mary on one of our DLR trips, but he explained that he couldn’t take any of the pictures and why.

I'm glad someone confirmed what I was told.

Finally, I hope that Mark had a truly great birthday.

He did...thanks!

 

[that's nice]

What r u doing up?????? Late night?

 

[MAGICFOR2]

Hi Kathy! So cool you ran into Tim and Mel! It was sweet of them to bring you a gift.

Your F&W walk about looks so delicious and spontaneous. I'm really wanting to try that sometime.

You know I hate that clown, too. What a way to ruin a nice pool.
I can't believe it's your last night already.

 

[Poolrat]

Playing Catch up

Hope Mark had a wonderful Birthday!!!!

Your last day looks great and I am glad you are liking the Boardwalk area.

 

[GoofyFan1515]

Well as usual, I’m way behind but hey, why mess up a good thing right??? Besides, now that you’re 39, I don’t want to give you too big of a shock.

How dare you forget to post PP pictures when they include Goofy???

Love the difference between you and Mark in the “big drop” Splash Mountain picture. Glad you had a pretty day so you could risk getting wet. So tell me……did Mark win the checkers game??? I just love Mark’s Bon Appetit hat pick. Another really good one!!!

Nice day with MK and then heading over to Epcot. Then you got pictures with Poppins and then Chip and Dale………SCORE!!! And of course at F&W, you can’t beat being able to try out the Mushroom Filet in Canada; one of the tops on my list for sure. Can’t believe you got one that was disappointing……. The soup is always good too. Sounds like I need to give the trout a try sometime. I need to try that warm chocolate pudding in England too sometime! Looks like there are always more things to try at F&W.

The Disney Archives Exhibit looks really cool! You got some really good pictures! And I totally understand why you bought those pictures of you and Mark………

Beef Bourguignon in France……………..would you please quit showing me all the good stuff at F&W I haven’t tried. I guess I need to look into a trip this fall to shorten my “ain’t tried it yet” list. I knew I liked Mark…….. I love the trains in Germany too!

Nice to see you will at least try the Mexican “It’s a Small World” ride. Scallops and meeting up with Tim and Mel………………good stuff!

No comments about the stinky ride, but I just might have to do it again sometime just to pay tribute also.

Final days are always so sad. Happy Belated Birthday to Mark!

All caught up!!! SorryI missed your birthday Kathy A Happy Belated 39th !!! I did not realize you were a smoker !! I have been cigarette free for 6 weeks , still puffing those E Cigs though!! So glad Mark kept his part time job at Target!! I missed what department he is working in !!!

I'm guessing the "HAT" department.............

 

[KatMark]

So enjoyed your reviews of all the F&W yumminess! That slushy looked like the perfect cool down. I rarely drink (and never have at WDW) but one day I may need to make an exception for that!

I'm not a big drinker at home...rare occasions; but I do enjoy my WS drinks.

We enjoy Figment too. No shame in that.

Yay...another Figment friend.

Haha...that infamous clown pool. Can you believe the one time we stayed at BW I avoided the pool completely (not really on purpose but it was a very rainy trip and the last thing we wanted to do was get wet)? I just booked us there for July so I think I will get to see the clown in all his glory then!

Or just go to the quiet pool.

I can't believe trip is almost over! Now you spent time in FL afterwards, right? Are you sharing that with us?

Yes, I will be sharing a bit of the rest of the trip after I finish my last day.

What r u doing up?????? Late night?

I was waiting for Mark to get home from work...he had to work until 11 p.m. that night.

Hi Kathy! So cool you ran into Tim and Mel! It was sweet of them to bring you a gift.

I was glad we got to see them one more time; and it was very sweet of them.

Your F&W walk about looks so delicious and spontaneous. I'm really wanting to try that sometime.

It's now in the top three of my favorite times to visit.

You know I hate that clown, too. What a way to ruin a nice pool.
I can't believe it's your last night already.

I don't know what they were thinking with that clown.

Playing Catch up

Welcome to my club.

Hope Mark had a wonderful Birthday!!!!

He did, thank you. We went to dinner with friends last night and had a really great dinner.

Your last day looks great and I am glad you are liking the Boardwalk area.

I LOVE the Boardwalk area.

Well as usual, I’m way behind but hey, why mess up a good thing right??? Besides, now that you’re 39, I don’t want to give you too big of a shock.

Yes, don't mess with the old lady and shock me.

How dare you forget to post PP pictures when they include Goofy???

I'm so sorry.

Love the difference between you and Mark in the “big drop” Splash Mountain picture. Glad you had a pretty day so you could risk getting wet. So tell me……did Mark win the checkers game??? I just love Mark’s Bon Appetit hat pick. Another really good one!!!

The man hates to get wet. I'm sure he won at Checkers...he does cheat, you know.

Nice day with MK and then heading over to Epcot. Then you got pictures with Poppins and then Chip and Dale………SCORE!!! And of course at F&W, you can’t beat being able to try out the Mushroom Filet in Canada; one of the tops on my list for sure. Can’t believe you got one that was disappointing……. The soup is always good too. Sounds like I need to give the trout a try sometime. I need to try that warm chocolate pudding in England too sometime! Looks like there are always more things to try at F&W.

Loved seeing Mary Poppins and Chip and Dale are always fun. I haven't liked the mushroom filet since we took Andy in 2011; we won't be going back except for F&W and the trout and soup.

The Disney Archives Exhibit looks really cool! You got some really good pictures! And I totally understand why you bought those pictures of you and Mark………

Thanks.

Beef Bourguignon in France……………..would you please quit showing me all the good stuff at F&W I haven’t tried. I guess I need to look into a trip this fall to shorten my “ain’t tried it yet” list. I knew I liked Mark…….. I love the trains in Germany too!

Oh that was heavenly...I can almost taste it because it was sooooo good. Men and their trains.

Nice to see you will at least try the Mexican “It’s a Small World” ride. Scallops and meeting up with Tim and Mel………………good stuff!

I'll ride that every trip over the one at the MK!

No comments about the stinky ride, but I just might have to do it again sometime just to pay tribute also.

I wish they'd bring my Dreamfinder back.

Final days are always so sad. Happy Belated Birthday to Mark!

Mark says thank you.

I'm guessing the "HAT" department.............

Rosie, he works as cashier, restock, and electronics.

 

[BebopAngel88]

Yahh, I am now all caught up. I love reading all of your TRs!

 

[afwdwfan]

Before we moved on, we stopped in UK for a photopass

You and Mark got some great pictures... at UK and your other stops along the way.

Did we like it? Oh yes we most certainly did. We went back for seconds on the short ribs and I LOVED my drink. But was it ever strong. No way I could have had two or I would have taken a nap right on the bench where we sat and ate.

Well, if you liked it and ordered it instead of a Grand Marnier slush, that must be a ringing endorsement.

I did have my Grand Mariner Slush at one point

I didn't doubt it for a single second.

It was so lovely of them to think of us while they were on their cruise and bring us a little memento. We thoroughly enjoyed all the different ones when we got home. Thank you again, Tim and Mel, for spending time with us on the trip and your long time friendship.

Rum!!! And it isn't gone!!!

I had to see Figment

You know... last Tuesday, when things just weren't going right, and just after I'd found Trader Sam's closed, I walked into the World of Disney store just trying to kill some time... and you wanna guess what song was being played in there?

One Little Spark calmed my nerves and gave me a nice little pick me up. I still hate the fact that the ride is a joke compared to what it should be, but I always love to see Figment... and Dreamfinder whenever they finally get their heads out of their butts and bring him back.

While I packed, Mark was going to relax in the hot tub for awhile, so I got some pictures of the main pool which I had avoided up until now because of that nasty clown slide

I don't blame you!

Where you get drinks at the main pool

The important stuff.

Sorry...I am NOT being spit out of that

At least if you're going down the slide, you don't see the creepy clown coming...

I know we hit the gift shop on the Boardwalk and the sweet shop, but I have no picture proof.

Not a bad way to spend a nice, relaxing evening.

Up next, our final day at the Magic Kingdom and some traditions

 

[KatMark]

Yahh, I am now all caught up. I love reading all of your TRs!

Thank you so very much...I'm glad you enjoy the TR's. It's people like you that makes me want to write them.

You and Mark got some great pictures... at UK and your other stops along the way.

Thanks, Andy.

Well, if you liked it and ordered it instead of a Grand Marnier slush, that must be a ringing endorsement.

Oh my....ten times better than the Grand Marnier; but I still love my Grand too.

I didn't doubt it for a single second.

Hey, I'm on vacation.

Rum!!! And it isn't gone!!!

Yes, Tim didn't dip into it before he gave it to us.

You know... last Tuesday, when things just weren't going right, and just after I'd found Trader Sam's closed, I walked into the World of Disney store just trying to kill some time... and you wanna guess what song was being played in there?

One Little Spark calmed my nerves and gave me a nice little pick me up. I still hate the fact that the ride is a joke compared to what it should be, but I always love to see Figment... and Dreamfinder whenever they finally get their heads out of their butts and bring him back.

Awwww....I'm so glad. That song always makes me smile (unlike that other song that sticks in your head all day). I know you had a rough one that day.

I don't blame you!

Scary, I tell you, just scary.

The important stuff.

Absolutely!

At least if you're going down the slide, you don't see the creepy clown coming...

I still can't do it.

Not a bad way to spend a nice, relaxing evening.

It was the perfect end to our last night.

Thanks; I know you know how special those traditions are to me.

 

[DVCWDWMEMBER]

I am asking you to keep good thoughts, pray, whatever it is you do when there is trouble for very good DIS friends of ours. IheartDDuck's dad is having bypass surgery right now and we all want him to have a good surgery and smooth recovery. Mark and I met them late last year (it was before our September trip), and they are wonderful people.

Popadon...love you and wishing you a full recovery.

Thank you so much Kathy for the get well wishes. Popadon will be coming home tomorrow. We will PM you and see when you can come over for Waffles and Fries

You and Mark are awesome friends.

 

[KatMark]

Thank you so much Kathy for the get well wishes. Popadon will be coming home tomorrow. We will PM you and see when you can come over for Waffles and Fries

You and Mark are awesome friends.

So happy that Popadon will be coming home tomorrow. This is the best news!!!

We look forward to those Waffles and Fries.

 

[KatMark]

We woke up, showered and finished packing up the toiletries and headed to the car, saying goodbye to the Boardwalk for what we thought would be a long time.





Before long, we were parked and walking here



And walked here

















We walked up just as the opening show had gotten underway





















We let the crowd go ahead of us and I got a picture of this



And then we entered the MK for the last time this trip



I love Goofy, but I really needed my coffee





Continued in next post

 

[KatMark]

We continued our walk to our first destination









YESSSSSSSSSSS






Breakfast is served





We finished eating and took our drinks with to head to our next destination. We saw the trolley



And then we were in Tomorrowland



And boarding our first ride of the day





My score



Mark's score


Don't we look awake



It was then over to the People Mover

















Up next, another spin on Buzz, Storybook Circus and some special Photopass photos

 

[Mndisneygirl]

Just wanted to pop in and say hi!
I'm catching up with the links! Now I really want to go back for F&W. Maybe I can convince DH now that we have APs!!!

Sad to see your last MK day! how did Mark get such a high score on Buzz? I stink at that one!!

 

[TheMaxRebo]

first, here is a youtube link to a ride through of Mystic Manor. It used a trackless ride system and then these other effects that make it look that like pixie dust is flying through the room bringing objects to life - it's pretty cool!
http://youtu.be/1vku_yWmmtQ

Always bittersweet when you enter the Magic Kingdom for the last time of a trip

I'd say you guys got pretty good scores on Buzz for not being away!

Mark just looks so happy and content riding on the Peoplemover with you

 

[Wood Nymph]

Hi Kathy - this was the day that we tried to run into you at the MK. I remember that it was a very sunny morning. In fact, it may have been one of the reasons we kept missing you. We ended up ducking into air conditioned places to cool off.