Sorry Gaston, They are MUCH More Interesting Than You!*6/8* NEW Trip Report Link p154

[khertz]

Great updates, Mary Ellen!! I know it must be difficult to post that meet with Tracy, but what a wonderful memory to share with your friend. That pillow is just perfect!

The afternoon DIS meet looks like fun! I love that the girls are already holding hands with you. How sweet!

 

[jenseib]

What a fabulous meet up. I had no clue you met up with all those gals! I am so jealous!

It sounds like your time with Tracy was well spent and you got her a lovely gift...just perfect!

 

[Wicket's Mom]

Now I understand about the pillow. It really was a meaningful gift. Just keep the memories of those wonderful times together at WDW.

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

When I envisioned writing this update, I had hoped that the outcome would have been dramatically different.

I'm sure. I'm so sorry the story didn't have a happy ending, but I'm really glad you could meet up and have the time with her.

Looking over our shoulders we had a great view of the WL

Still love that place.

We also passed this little island which had obviously been inhabited at some point

Anybody know what this is? Didn't there used to be some island, Discover Island?, that was a bird sanctuary?

Discovery Island...I remember visiting there as a kid when we stayed in Fort Wilderness. I seem to remember birds, alligators, and trails similar to Tom Sawyer's Island. I also remember visiting River Country...

It's hard to believe that this lovely lady left this world less than two months after this photo was taken.

But I'm glad you were there to get the photo and make her smile.

So who made it to the meet: Mary, Sheree, Brook, Christine, Melissa, Cynthia, ME, Tracy, Pat, Avery, Cayle (Mary's girls) and Sara, Paige (Sheree's girls). Both Mary and Sheree's DHs were there (not pictured). We were just a tad bummed that Henry and Joe were not there.

Wow, that is a mega-meet!

 

[Wicket's Mom]

Yes that was Discovery Island, educational tours were done there. One took the boat from FW & Discovery Island was a stop on the way to the Contemporary Resort. We rode the boat, but went on to the resort.

 

[englishrose47]

Mary Ellen what a beautiful update with your Dis Meet and Tracy !!!Just seeing you mention your Beautiful musical tribute to Tracey has my eyes filled with tearsDissers are truly special and I LOVE you all!!!

 

[englishrose47]

Now I have to comment on Pat's pix of the Land Boat Ride !!I didn't know that you captured that pix of Cayley !!!! Now if you say you told me I am claimimg Dementia

 

[MEK]

I'm sure this was a difficult update for you to write, MaryEllen.

I have been thinking about this update for awhile, so it really wasn't too terrible. Thank you for the virtual hug.

The photos are beautiful, as always: I especially like the ones walking around World Showcase. But the best is of your mega DIS meet with Tracy and with you holding my girls hands.

Thank you!

I am so glad Tracy was able to attend the DIS meet! I know she must have been tired and I know she got a wheelchair a time or two later in the week.

Your girls are just adorable. They are so super friendly!

Wow, what a great update. I'm so glad yall were able to spend that nice breakfast with Tracy. That pillow really was a great gift.

We had a wonderful visit and it was awesome to see her. I knew that it might be the last time, I just really hoped that it wasn't.

What a fun DISmeet! It's nice that you were all able to do that.

I am so glad we were able to pull off the meet and everyone was able to get there. We had been working on it behind the scenes for awhile. It's always so good to met a fellow DISer in person.

That looks like a PERFECT day at Epcot, ughhhhhh, it's just SO PRETTY.

It was a GORGEOUS day! I really enjoyed visiting in October. The days were absolutely perfect!

Attention Jasho8 - Your reply is below. Scroll down!!!!!

How wonderful that you were able to have breakfast with Tracy. That pillow really was the perfect gift.

I really enjoyed our breakfast with Tracy. It was wonderful to see her and hear her story. She was so brave throughout her illness. Very remarkable.

What a fun DisMeet!!

Can you believe we actually pulled it off???? I love meeting other DISers. So fun!

Haha I will never get tired of the Fountain of Nations either! I really could watch it for hours!

It's gorgeous, isn't it? And it photographs so well be it daytime or evening! Just love those fountains!

This is great! I am so glad you guys got to meet in this big group!

MeMom! Thanks for stopping by!

I was really psyched that we were able to pull this meet off and, more importantly, I was thrilled that Tracy could be there with us!

What a wonderful morning! You made some great memories at your DisMeets.

We really did! And I've gotta say - if you ever want to have a big DIS meet, go in October because it seems like so many DISers are there. So fun!

I love the pillow, how perfect!

Isn't that awesome? I am so happy that Cynthia found it because, knowing me, I would have totally missed it!

Thanks for sharing

You are welcome!!!!!

How wonderful that you got to have such a nice breakfast with Tracy. My eyes welled up just at the comment about her fighting for her dad... what a terrible thing is cancer. Hugs to you, Mary Ellen, I'm sure that wasn't too easy to write about.

I'm so glad we planned that. I knew it might be one of the last times I would see her, even though I hoped she would be here for future trips. Her comment about her dad made me realized that she had been facing her own mortality. She was so strong and so determined, but under the surface she must have known that this thing had a life of its own.

You guys picked out the perfect gift indeed! That pillow is adorable.

I have Cynthia to thank for her observant pillow finding skills. She found it in and among all the other pillows.

I love all the pics you took on the boat on the way, I love taking the boat. It's so relaxing!

We used the boat for a lot of transportation and that was really nice. I really enjoyed it. It's neat how Disney has its own little transportation system inside of a much larger one.

What a great DisMeet! Wow! How fun for so many of you to get to meet up!

It was so fun to see everybody. The best part was that everyone was so easily recognizable. Sometimes I am so not observant, but I knew everyone the second I saw them.

Aaaah! I can't wait to see the party update!

I took SO many pictures. In fact, I was doing a little editing today and last night and I keep getting so irritated because there is the same darn witch's hat in front of me in every picture of the castle. ARRRRRRRGH!

 

[dizneeat]

What a truely moving update.

I am so glad for the two of you that you got to have breakfast with Tracy and that you all enjoyed it so much.
The story behind the pillow is so wonderful.

Love the photo of all of you ladies and the PP pics too!

 

[cheekypoppins]

Beautiful video,since I've only been around since the Summer on the Dis i never knew Tracy,but I'm sure she would appreciate you making that for her.And you oh my goodness,someone needs to send that song into Disney it's beautiful!!! I couldn't help but tear up.in the past 5 years I've made alot of online friends from different sites and it's amazing that some of the these online friendships are greater than some "real life" friendships.You ladies seem like a great bunch!!!If i ever get to meet you it would be an honour

 

[rndmr2]

Great last couple of updates! Wow when you say DISmeet Extreme, you really mean it!

 

[eandesmom]

When I envisioned writing this update, I had hoped that the outcome would have been dramatically different.

You see, not only did we have a big group DIS meet planned for this afternoon, we also had a very special DIS meet planned for the morning. Several weeks or more before this trip I had been talking to Tracy on FB. She seemed very certain that she would be coming to F&W. She had two more treatments to go and was pretty positive her doctor would clear her to travel. I knew Tracy was staying at BLT and Cynthia and I already had a Wave breakfast planned. So I asked Tracy if she would join us. She happily agreed.

I was SO happy you reached out for her and set this up!

Since breakfast wasn't until 10:30 we both got up and exercised - Cynthia to the workout room and me to the great outdoors. We stopped in the gift shop on our way over to the Contemporary. We wanted to pick out something nice for Tracy and Cynthia ended up finding the perfect gift.

Now you would think that Cynthia and I could be on time from our breakfast date, but the Disney transportation conspired against us and we ended up being a few minutes late. Here's why - instead of our boat going straight to the Contemporary, it went to Fort Wilderness. Oh rats!

No you wouldn't, it was me, remember? I am never on time!

And I think there is another reason we were running late but I'll get to it in my update.

Anybody know what this is? Didn't there used to be some island, Discover Island?, that was a bird sanctuary?

Discovery Island I think but I'm not sure what it was, though it was "something" at one point.

We stayed at the Wave after breakfast and talked for quite awhile. Despite Tracy's concern over her weight loss, I think she looked wonderful. Besides her arms and legs being painfully thin, she looked lovely and had a pretty glow to her skin. At one point she told us that she didn't want to give up the fight - she was fighting for her father because losing her would destroy him. Gulp! I could just feel my eyes welling up with tears. It was a poignant moment and one I will remember forever.

I won't ever forget that either. She really looked wonderful, ate well and was in amazing spirits, she just glowed. I know it was hard for her at home, her folks literally came over for dinner each night and so she didn't feel she could really share when she didn't feel well and hiding that can be so very draining. The relief to not have to feel like she had to do that I know was huge and she was just really enjoying her trip and just "being". Tracy had "chicken legs" before she got sick as she called them and honestly, if you didn't know she was sick you would never have guessed it.

Breakfast was SOOOO good! I am not a buffet person but it has some lovely non traditional options (like sweet potato pancakes) that jsut made it for me.

After breakfast we went back to Tracy's room at BLT. She had a lake/MK view that was lovely. The last time I stayed at BLT the sink was outside of the bathroom. I really like how they remodeled the studios and I really would like to stay there again.

I'm super happy we went up there. She wanted to drop off the pillow but I'd never seen a BLT room and had heard horror stories about the size of the studios and was actually surprised. I could stay there with the family. Maybe not for a week but a night or 2? For sure and I do like the decor.

Keeping with our lateness theme, I think we were one of the last to arrive for our DIS meet at the R&C.

So who made it to the meet: Mary, Sheree, Brook, Christine, Melissa, Cynthia, ME, Tracy, Pat, Avery, Cayle (Mary's girls) and Sara, Paige (Sheree's girls). Both Mary and Sheree's DHs were there (not pictured). We were just a tad bummed that Henry and Joe were not there.

No, we weren't late, I know this for an embarrassing moment of mine which I will cover in my update. Well we might have been late, but we weren't last. John was there too (Melissa's husband).

Apparently we did have at least one adult beverage!

Since we had party tickets for tonight, we made it a very early afternoon. The plan was for the three of us to meet back up at the Wilderness Lodge to change into our party costumes. Then the three of us would head into the party together.

Only one adult bev, our plan actually included the villa pool and poolside drinks!

 

[petals]

What a great Dis meet you had there was loads of yee.

 

[MEK]

Nice picture!!! I see Hidden Mickeys.

Pat is always good for some hidden Mickeys! She's got great detail pictures!

That's why they need a baggie stand there!

Good one!


**************************************************

Cynthia and Pat- enjoyed your recounting of awesome afternoon and evening, with bonus tracks!

I did too! Very fun updates!

The pumpkin mousse does look and sound amazing!!! Mmmmmmm!

Cynthia really raved about it and I am disappointed that I never tried it. Next year, I tell you!

What a great meet in Mexico!

It looks like they had a ton of fun!

Glad you found some food. Love Tangierine!

Me too! The food is so yummy!

Love your gorgeous photos from the boat over to the CR!

Thank you! We really enjoyed all our boat travel this trip. The weather was just perfect for it. Not too hot. Not too cold. Just right!

What a wonderful couple of DIS meets- can't think of a better way to spend a morning.

We really did enjoy our DIS meets. So much fun!

I'm glad you and Cynthia had a nice breakfast with Tracy. Great gift for her.

I am too. It was a great location because of how quiet it was in there. I would not hesitate to eat there again for breakfast. So good and so many selections.

On the cool artsy pic of the monorail track- was that done all in the camera or lots of post-processing?

Hmmmmm - what do you think? I have been having some post-processing fun these days. Can't help myself.

Awesome, awesome pictures, but my only comment is that you need photoshop that water bottle out of this picture and add in either a margarita or a Grey Goose slushie!

That is probably the only picture this whole trip where I am NOT holding alcohol. I should have at least one, don't you think?

Can't wait for the party pictures!

I have enough party pictures for 5 updates!

It really is interesting. I'm not typically one to really notice what people are wearing, but I'm pretty sure I'd spot that one too. Especially after a few drinks...

That hat was just .....well, for lack of a better description....weird. Not really sure why someone would wear that out in public?

Ok, I've got to say, I couldn't see your pictures at first on my work computer. I had to get my phone out to see them (thank goodness for smart phones). I'll admit I was little disappointed. When I saw "Past Figment" I guess I was expecting some kind of retro Dreamfinder and Figment picture or something.

Ah - so you have a restricted work computer, too? I suffer from that malady, but lately I have been bringing my own in.

retro Dreamfinder Figment? I like that!

Cool! Although that isn't exactly the dancing that Morocco is known for.

Ain't that the truth!

 

[MEK]

Great update, as usual. We will be heading to Disney this Thursday!! These reports are getting me so excited (and reminding me of everything I need to do this week while trying to work.....)

I am not sure how I completely missed responding to this. I read and got all excited for you because your trip is so close and then I someone skipped right over when doing replies.

I am so lame!

Anyway - I hope you have a wonderful time! And I hope the time between now and Thursday flies!!!!!!!

 

[MEK]

I'm glad that you had the opportunity to have breakfast with her that morning. I'm sure it was great to be able to spend some quiet, quality time with her, and I know that moment will always be with you.

I am so glad we set up a breakfast date. It really was nice to spend that time with her. And - you are right - those moments will always be with me!

Wow, epic Dismeet!

We did good, didn't we? I am so happy everyone showed up!

Ok, don't hold us in suspense for too long... I can't wait to see what your costumes of choice were.

All I can say is don't be drinking a beverage when you see our costumes - you might wreck you computer screen!

Great update!

Thank you! Stay tuned for the Halloween party!

I know that you are so glad that you had breakfast with Tracy that morning and were able to spend some time with her. It's a memory that I'm sure will last a lifetime.

It is a memory that will last quite awhile. Sometimes its hard to think about it. Such poise and grace. How I wish it could have been different.

What a fun Dis Meet! We've met Mary and her girls before and they were the cutest things ever. Ya'll make one fine looking group.

It really was a fun DIS meet and I'm so happy that everyone showed up! OMG - Mary's girls really are adorable and they are so incredibly friendly. I am hoping to see them again in June! Sheree's girls are lovely too, although they are a little bit more reserved.

Great updates, Mary Ellen!! I know it must be difficult to post that meet with Tracy, but what a wonderful memory to share with your friend. That pillow is just perfect!

I think I was really prepared to write about it. I was really looking forward to it. At the same time I was apprehensive about it because I know what hell she went through during the summer. But she put us at ease immediately and it was a wonderful breakfast. Cynthia found that pillow. She did darn good!

The afternoon DIS meet looks like fun! I love that the girls are already holding hands with you. How sweet!

Those girls are just absolutely adorable. I have seen their pictures on Kathy's TR on so many occasions and I knew they were sweet kids. I am hoping to see Mary, Kathy, and the girls in June. Looking forward to it.

What a fabulous meet up. I had no clue you met up with all those gals! I am so jealous!

We definitely hit it just right with that DISmeet. So many DISers were at the world at the same time and we were able to hit on a date when everyone could be there. Score!

It sounds like your time with Tracy was well spent and you got her a lovely gift...just perfect!

It was well spent. We had a lovely time together and we made lasting memories.

 

[Nermel9]

Great update! It must have been hard doing this update, posting about Tracy. I'm glad you got to see her on this trip. She looked beautiful, you would never know she was sick from your pictures! I love the pillow you guys got for her, perfect!

Wow, that DIS meet looks like it was so much fun! I always see Cayley and Avery in Kathy's TR's and I think they are so beautiful, it must have been fun to meet them, they seem like such sweet girls!

Epcot was gorgeous that day, I love all of your pictures, as always!

 

[kschafer]

I was very excited and a little nervous to see Tracy. I know she really struggled with her cancer treatments.

She did look quite thin in her pictures but I will always think of her FB posts of this trip of being filled with joy! If you didn't know she was sick, you would never have known from her comments. It comforts me to believe that last trip was so happy for her!

What a fun group Can't wait for my next Dismeet

 

[MEK]

Now I understand about the pillow. It really was a meaningful gift. Just keep the memories of those wonderful times together at WDW.

Apparently one of her favorite sayings had become, "Just Believe", so the pillow was more than perfect. We definitely formed a lovely memory that morning.

I'm sure. I'm so sorry the story didn't have a happy ending, but I'm really glad you could meet up and have the time with her.

I knew Tracy was very ill and I knew her prognosis had to be poor, but I still thought she would live more than 2 months. It's still crazy to think about, but I am so glad we had the time together.

Still love that place.

The first time I stayed there I wasn't in love with it as much as I thought I would be. But this time I really enjoyed the lodge even more. I think I was expecting too much the first time. This time I just went with the flow and I loved the place.

Discovery Island...I remember visiting there as a kid when we stayed in Fort Wilderness. I seem to remember birds, alligators, and trails similar to Tom Sawyer's Island. I also remember visiting River Country...

So you visited it? I heard it was pretty cool. I know they closed Rive Country because of using the lake for swimming, so I guess closing Discovery Island was an extension of that.

But I'm glad you were there to get the photo and make her smile.

I'm so glad we shared that time together.

Wow, that is a mega-meet!

That's the biggest DIS meet I have ever been part of. October & F&W is certainly the time to go for DIS meets!

Yes that was Discovery Island, educational tours were done there. One took the boat from FW & Discovery Island was a stop on the way to the Contemporary Resort. We rode the boat, but went on to the resort.

I'm sorry I started to go to Disney after Discovery Island closed. I think my first trip was right after it closed. I bet it was fun to tour the island. I heard or read that there was quite an array of birds on the island.

Mary Ellen what a beautiful update with your Dis Meet and Tracy !!!Just seeing you mention your Beautiful musical tribute to Tracey has my eyes filled with tearsDissers are truly special and I LOVE you all!!!

Thank you Rosie! It was really special to have that breakfast meet with Tracy and I have to totally thank Cynthia for finding the perfect gift.

Now I have to comment on Pat's pix of the Land Boat Ride !!I didn't know that you captured that pix of Cayley !!!! Now if you say you told me I am claimimg Dementia

DISmentia, Rosie! DISmentia!

What a truely moving update.

I am so glad for the two of you that you got to have breakfast with Tracy and that you all enjoyed it so much.
The story behind the pillow is so wonderful.

We really did have a wonderful time together and it was so awesome to have quiet time with Tracy. This trip was all about resting and relaxing for her and I think that's exactly what she did.

Love the photo of all of you ladies and the PP pics too!

Thanks! It was so great that we were able to pull-off our DISmeet! We picked a perfect time to go since our trip overlapped with so many other DISers.

Beautiful video,since I've only been around since the Summer on the Dis i never knew Tracy,but I'm sure she would appreciate you making that for her.And you oh my goodness,someone needs to send that song into Disney it's beautiful!!! I couldn't help but tear up.in the past 5 years I've made alot of online friends from different sites and it's amazing that some of the these online friendships are greater than some "real life" friendships.You ladies seem like a great bunch!!!If i ever get to meet you it would be an honour

Thank you for watching the video and I'm glad you liked the song. It really worked with the pictures I had of Tracy.

I agree with you that there is something unique with on-line relationships. I think there is someone about the written word that takes communication to a whole new level. That has to bring you closer to other people. Plus, I think that knowing we all share a common bond makes it easier for us to trust other people we meet in this forum.

 

[glennbo123]

I was a couple of updates behind, but am now caught up.

Wow and Cool for those great DISmeets! You got to meet Jenny and Michael, and then see Tracy, and then Mary, the girls, Brook, etc., etc., etc.!

Tracy looked great...that's so sad that she lost her battle, but I'm sure that she treasured being at DisneyWorld and spending some time with you guys.