Oh Florida! An East Meets West Girl's TR: 8/9 p56 & 8/17 p57

[SimplyGoofy]

What a fabulous evening in Downtown Disney - I love all your pictures!
Even more fabulous to have not only an expected DISmeet, but a surprise DISmeet! Awesome!

A Pink Grapefruit Margarita sounds delicious - what a shame that they no longer make them!

 

[micandminforever]

What a great surprise Dis meet, that we can all enjoy through pictures.

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

My fingers and toes are crossed for you Mary Ellen that you have no flight issues. This has been a weird winter so hopefully nothing causes any delays.

I love that you waste no time getting to DISmeets. I'm starting to get the same way, lol.

Ha, overwhelming is an understatement for WoD. It's just so massive. I'm convinced there are people in there from World War 2 that don't yet know the war is over.

YAY, I have that Monorail decal on my car.

 

[dizneeat]

Great meet with Rosie and Carol and great surprise meet with Pat and Marv. How much better can it get?

Love all the photos, especially the ones of OKW and I had to when you reported about the person trying to take a picture of the five of you. We had a similar situation at ESPN when we asked the bar tender to take a photo of us during a DISmeet and he held the camera the wrong way around. We got a lot of fun pictures of his red shirt.

 

[KatMark]

MaryElllen, I'm sorry I'm a bit tardy in responding. We went to see the kids in Dubuque for the weekend and that has put me three full days behind (I haven't even gotten back to do my wrap up on my TR or welcomes to those who have subscribed to my new PTR ).

I loved taking a boat ride with you to DTD from OKW. You know how I feel about OKW; and the boat ride is part of the reason I love it so much (can you say only 151 days for trip #3 to Disney this year and our stay at OKW).

We still have not eaten at House of Blues. Maybe one of these trips. The fries look yummy. And you couldn't ask for better company for dinner.

Love shopping at DTD...but all that construction.

I knew Pat and Marv were at Disney together around that time, but wasn't sure it was your dates. What a nice surprise for you.

 

[mickeystoontown]

I agree that the resort buildings are just lovely. I've often said that it reminds me of a more upscale Caribbean Beach. If it had beaches, I just might be able to talk John into staying there.

Yay for not one but two Dismeets with one of them being totally unexpected! I was laughing when you talked about Rosie and Carol huddling together and mumbling to each other because that's how my Mom and I shop when the darn sales clerk's try to bombard us with "can we help you?" questions.

 

[MEK]

What a great surprise to end up meeting extra Dis-sers at DTD. That's a fantastic surprise.

I was really excited that Pat was there and shocked that she was there with Marv. Apparently I was the last, or almost the last, to know. No wait - I think they surprised Rosie and Carol a couple of days prior.

Glad you made it to dinner in time. That was fortunate that the ferry dropped you off at the right spot.

Total Score there. I did NOT expect that and it worked out great!

Love the Harley memorabilia shots.

That was the first time I spent any time in that store and it was actually pretty cool. Who knew?

I know what you mean at sensory overload at WoD store. I always have to push past that feeling in order to get any shopping done. If not, I'd be walking straight out!

I do better in there during the day. At night when I am tired all bets are off.

Such a shame that the stranger couldn't help you out with a pictures. It would have been cool to see all of you together; but I love the picture of the others that you took.

I have no idea what the problem was. I should have just handed her my phone. It would have been easier.

So sorry we had to keep you shopping. I guess not knowing your plans really kept us up in the air. We knew you had dinner but unsure if you were going over to a park after with MK being the guess. When we found out Rosie and Carol were stalling you we hightailed it over but as you know, the bus to DTD is a slow one.

Originally I thought I might go to a park, but that was before I made the dinner plans. I figured it would be dinner and then a little shopping, not a marathon of shopping!

We had dinner at The Wave and then over to the Poly to watch EWP and see the construction. I am sure Marv will remind me as I think there was a walk to the TTC for a bus since bus service from the Poly just stinks sometimes and as a result we just missed a DTD bus pulling into the Poly.

I know how the DTD bus situation is. I have easily waited 45 minutes at DTD for a bus. It seems to be a very inconsistent route.

I am glad you stayed and we got to surprise you!!!

Once I got the text from you I wasn't about to leave. And, yes, you totally surprised me.

 

[Tracy161]

I'm back and all caught up! This may be the first time I'm actually current on an MEK trip report (which explains why I rarely post because my comments would be ancient history at that point... ). First off, amazing shots of the welcome sign - mine are typically all lopsided and blurry.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the weather cooperates for you so you can't get race packet asap - I'm positive that'll happen! I'm very excited to hear all about the race. I'm a runner, too, but I'm having some knee issues right now which has me bummed. When the weather cooperates (it's winter in upstate New York... so, that = rarely), I get out and run when I can. I'm very much looking forward to the spring... and not just because of my May trip.

I think it's so amazing that you two met here and take regular trips together. It's really what these boards are all about. Disney + friendship.

 

[IheartDDuck]

First off, I seriously cannot believe that the trip is coming up already! I'm freaking out a little, but in a good way.

MEK what corral are you in? We're all starting in K. Jeni is technically in I and her sister Veronica is in J, but they're coming back to start with me and my slow boat.

I get you with the desire to drive in case weather gets crazy. I heard the northeast might get hit this weekend.

We'll say you got a picture of the Treehouse you stayed in. LOL. Just go with it.

Yay Rosie! So awesome that you met and had a meal together.

I had a few pictures turn out that way too and my camera was on auto! I was like "seriously dude? Figure it out!"

You took a picture of the Hoy Poloi store sign. Only reason I know that is every time I walk by, I say Hoy Poloi. Can't help it. Hehe.

I find WOD overwhelming at times too. I don't like going on there at night, because it's so busy. I prefer to go early in the day when everyone else is in the parks. Plus, I don't find their offerings unique, so I don't think it's worth it to go anyway.

Yay for meeting Pat and Marv. But boo for the ding dong that couldn't figure out how to work the camera. Jeeeeezzzzz.

 

[thornton0511]

Okay Mary Ellen first I have to compliment you on your fantastic TR pics! OKW looks lovely. I have heard that it's like a hidden Disney gem, and your pictures make it look like a resort I would like to stay at someday....along with the treehouses....maybe one day! A boat ride to DTD is always a plus, but oh my goodness that construction was a nightmare! Glad to see that your boat docked close to your destination. Dinner with DIS friends sounds like a good way to kick off a Disney trip for sure and the bread pudding looked wonderful!! And then shopping afterward, goodness you make me homesick for Disney! Your friends were being awful sneaky but it seems as though it was for a good reason! Yay for surprises and more reunions!! Great update! Can't wait to read more

 

[MEK]

Fun night! Nice pics of Downtown Disney while it was getting dark. What an awesome surprise DIS-meet!

It was a great way to start off the trip, especially since I was essentially solo! And, yes, I was TOTALLY surprised!

What a fun surprise!

It really was. I felt a little silly that I was the last person to know they were there, but I appreciated the surprise all the same!

WoD can be very overwhelming. Somehow I end up spending a ton of time in the princess area there LOL

Imagine that? Spending time in the Princess area? Having two boys I never spent much time there, so here's hoping for a granddaughter some day so I can get my princess on!

Love the Christmas shop. I always spend way too much there.

I am a big fan of Christmas shops all year round. And, yes, I could spend way too much time there, too! I just love Christmas decorations. Heck - I haven't put my village away yet just because I love having that little touch around the house.

How strange that woman would offer to take the picture if she was that uncomfortable with cameras!

She actually didn't offer. I asked the first people I saw and she took the camera. I actually felt really bad for her. I really didn't mean to make it a challenge. Oh well....

What a fun trip to DTD!!! I don't spend much time there, so I really appreciate seeing all of your pictures. On our last few trips there it has been Lego Store, T-Rex, out!

I don't spend a lot of time there either because I am not a super big shopper on vacation. Now - if I go there to drink, well - that's another story!

Your meal at House of Blues sounds like it hit the spot, but that's about it. Doesn't matter, though when you are with friends.

It was just your basic chicken sandwich and fries. More like counter service food, but it was fine and totally hit the spot! And meeting up with Rosie and Carol and getting to know them better was great!

What a SUPER surprise at the end of your visit there! A stealth meet-up with two wonderful DIS pals.

:woooo:

OMG! I was totally shocked. Seriously! It was a fun meet, for sure!

Let's all toast with a round of Grapefruit Margaritas... Never Mind!

That was an awesome drink. How could they discontinue it? Seriously? Sort of like that drink you love at the Beach Club. What was the called again? I should see if I can get someone to make me one while I am there. I need the recipe!

 

[Wood Nymph]

I am loving your pictures of OKW. We'll be there in just a little over two weeks and I am on a mission to learn everything I can before I get there. I would love to have time to take the boat to DTD.

We were at DTD last month and there is no longer a resort bus stop at the west end. So you have to backtrack to get back to the buses. A boat at the west end was the perfect way to tour it. Hopefully they put a bus stop back at the west end when everything is all completed.

 

[teekathepony]

Good luck with your running!

Wow, that really is a beautiful resort!
Glad you got to DTD in time, what a wonderful dinner and evening shopping, especially with DIsers!
Awww what a great surprise!!

 

[MEK]

I'm here a bit late but not as late as I often am to TRs these days... Going back to catch up. More soon!

Tracy! Thanks for joining in! Happy to have you here!!!

Yuck... I totally understand your stress. Unfortunately, you just never really know until a day or 2 beforehand what the weather will look like. Hopefully it will be clear and you won't have any problems.

I know I shouldn't worry about it that much, but I am. Hopefully we'll have good weather and smooth flying. I even went so far as to look into a car rental just to get down there. It's super expensive because they charge a relocation fee. Totally not worth it.

I know that feeling all too well.

I'm glad I'm not the only one who just frequents the TR boards. Everything I know I learn for this forum! Is that bad???

Well, at least we can tell that there were 3 people in the picture. We might have to take your word for it as to who is in it though...

Hey - I resemble that! I think there is a bit of a resemblance, don't you???? hehe

That place is crazy. I really don't even like going in there. I much prefer Mouse Gears or the Emporium due to the fact that they aren't as crowded or as easy to get separated from your group.

Both of those stores have a nice selection, but you're right - you don't feel like you need a GPS just to keep track of your family!

Wow! Nice surprise! Sounds like it was quite an effort made to surprise you.

They really did make quite the effort and it paid off - I was TOTALLY surprised.

Favorite drink lists are always a welcome addition to a TR. I'm always collecting new ideas for something to try on vacation.

Well I hope you are not disappointed that the grapefruit rita no longer exists. That was a nice drink. I do recommend that every DISer try a Turtle Krawl - at least once.

I had a feeling that the strange shopping behavior was going to result in a good surprise for you! How fun!

And it did! But why did they make me wait so long? Sheesh!!!! I was really fried by the first time I tried to leave, but thankfully I got my adrenaline going again.

I have never availed myself of the margarita stand at DTD...that's something I'm going to have to try in the future, but now I'm sad because I love grapefruit drinks!

That was a really good drink. Loved it. I was said to see it go. I ordered the classic and that was pretty good, but the grapefruit was amazing!

I love the pictures of OKW from the boat, that's such a relaxing ride...I can't wait to take it again in about 33 days!

Woo hoo for 33 days!!!!!! Are you staying at OKW? I love it there!

 

[HockeyMomR]

Mary Ellen - I am totally impressed with your training and dedication! I think your 11 minute/mile pace is terrific. Good luck with those shorter training runs.

Great OKW pictures. We have not been there, but your pictures make it so appealing. And WOD - total sensory overload for me. Can't do but a short time in there.

What a nice surprise too!

Rebecca

 

[natebenma]

That was an awesome drink. How could they discontinue it? Seriously? Sort of like that drink you love at the Beach Club. What was the called again? I should see if I can get someone to make me one while I am there. I need the recipe!

The Sunken Treasure!!!

We have a whole tribute section to it on the FAQ

Sunken Treasure: The unofficial beverage of the Beach and Yacht Club FAQ forum:


Ode to my "first" Sunken Treasure by natebenma

Contents: Malibu Rum, Midori, orange juice, pineapple juice and Sprite with a splash of BOLS Blue Curacao.


Thanks, pixarmom, Feckless, WDW4us2006 and Ninja Mom for the photos!

Please note that the Sunken Treasure is no longer on the menu at Hurricane Hanna's, however if you get a bartender who knows how to make the drink, you may still be in luck!


Thanks to medicgirl177, who experiemented at great personal risk to decipher the secret formula:

Sunken Treasure- recipe by medicgirl177
1 1/2 shots Midori
1 shot Malibu Coconut Rum
1 shot orange juice
1 shot pineapple juice
Sprite or 7-Up to fizzy taste
1 shot Blue Curaçao
Over ice
Dress with Pineapple slice, cherry, or umbrella

 

[Poolrat]

Sunken Treasure- recipe by medicgirl177
1 1/2 shots Midori
1 shot Malibu Coconut Rum
1 shot orange juice
1 shot pineapple juice
Sprite or 7-Up to fizzy taste
1 shot Blue Curaçao
Over ice
Dress with Pineapple slice, cherry, or umbrella

How in the world do I NOT know about this drink????????

I think I have a shopping list now.

 

[Pinkocto]

How fun they surprised you with a meet!

Those fries look mighty scrumptious!

When DTD is busy I just want to hightail it out of there. But there are several shops I really like too.

Love that boat ride from OKW

 

[MEK]

OMG I was dying! You would not believe the sheer volume of texting going on keeping me updated as this all played out. It was hysterical I felt so bad for you as I knew they were stalling big time!

Ugh! I felt so silly that night. I was the last person to know and so much intrigue in getting me to stick around at DTD. They should have just surprised me the next day. I would have been equally surprised. But seriously, I do appreciate all the effort they put into it.

Really? I am surprised it is gone, it was there on my last trip to DTD but then again that was over a year ago. You were robbed!

I was TOTALLY robbed! That was a great rita! Boo!!!!!!!! I had a classic, which wasn't bad, but it wasn't the grapefruit.

My travel night coming up soon

I figure I should get one more update in before I leave next week.

best of luck with the rest of your training and then the race. I generally only run when chased so definitely am impressed with anyone who is commited to running and can finish the race

Thanks! The bulk of the training is done now. I am not doing any more long runs until the 1/2 and I am ready for the break until then. Now I am just worried about adjusting to the temp change. I guess I'm as ready as I can be at this point!

OKW and SSR seem like resorts that if you haven't stayed there you don't think about staying at but once you have people really get the feeling of "home" from them

They are both such pretty resorts. As much as I love some of the other resorts (especially the Epcot resorts) there is something to be said for an outside entrance and that feeling of getting away from it all. Our location this trip was the best of both worlds - staying at OKW, but being able to run to SSR was really neat.

What a great surprise! Though I am sure you were a bit tired at that point for it to fully sink in

Oh - it sunk in all right. But at the same time I probably did stay dazed and confused a bit longer.

Wow great reading!

cheryllarsen! Thanks so much for joining in! Glad to have you here!

 

[MEK]

Maybe once or twice?

OK smartie pants...maybe 10 or 15????

Just go with it. Even if it's completely wrong. That's what I do.

Works for me!

I might know a thing or two about bad random photographers...

Well, then why does every family picture I see of you and your family look pretty darn good. I would say, for the most part, you have gotten some great family shots by total random strangers.

Especially when you need that one t-shirt you forgot 2 hours before you're supposed to be at the airport.

Forget about it!

"She keeps taking photos of weird stuff in the store..."

Who? Me?

We have that one on our minivan!

Do you really? I love it and I haven't seen it for awhile.

It was quite the surprise - that's for sure!

Don't feel bad. I didn't know, either.

That actually DOES make me feel better that I was not the absolute last to know.

What a fabulous evening in Downtown Disney - I love all your pictures!

Thanks! It was a fun night. All except for the construction. That really made DTD not look all that great!

Even more fabulous to have not only an expected DISmeet, but a surprise DISmeet! Awesome!

I really did score that evening. It's fun to start the trip off right just by meeting fun DISers. Pat was one of the first DISers I met on my Girls F&W 2012 trip!

A Pink Grapefruit Margarita sounds delicious - what a shame that they no longer make them!

It was really good. I've only had it a few times, but it was awesome every time I had it. Bring it back DISNEY!!!