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

[MEK]

A Contest I love the idea post all the contenders !!!

I think this is a great idea!

I've caught up 8 out of 12 pages and if I don't stop and comment... I will forget stuff...

First of all - Welcome Back! I hope you had a fantastic time and I can't wait to hear all about it!!!!!!

Nothing like a good wait for TSM fastpasses in the morning... they should put a walkby coffee kiosk for people who haven't had one yet or need another...

That's an awesome idea!!!! Love it!

You ladies did get a lot done early... which is always awesome...

We did. I think we used our morning very efficiently!

Even though I'm not a diehard Star Wars fan (I like it-I just don't LOVE it) I think that is one of the best drop shops...

I agree - it really does have a great shop, but it's always SO crowded!

I love your tshirt "safari" Cynthia... I think you should think about patenting it... like the cupcake crawl ...

She does have her regular own T-shirt crawl. I'm very impressed with her diligence!

What an absolutely stunning view at the Boardwalk (oh which reminds me that the Captain's Grille looked very nice...)

Our view was awesome. I can't tell you how excited we were to see that wonderful view!

Great Dinner at Flying Fish... I'm a big tuna fan-when it's seared like that...

That tuna was absolutely delish!

Hmmm... I know I forgot stuff but I'm feeling a teeny bit under the weather... a combo of time changes from vacation, lots of good& indulgent wine & food and probably most of all- the same kind of college stuff you are talking about with Nick- Mary Ellen... except Em is still waiting on 4 schools...-two release decisions tomorrow and two on the first- she got 3 when we were away... 2 yes, 1 defer and my stomach isn't going to make it throw this whole thing...

Well, I just read on FB last night Emily's wonderful news and I am so excited for all of you. So happy she was able to make a quick decision. That's awesome.

I really wish Nick would make a decision soon. We have ruled out a bunch of schools and as much as I hated to cross Virginia Tech off the list, we are focusing on the most fiscally responsible schools, so to speak. One thing I have come away with is that all these schools offer a great engineering program. They don't all have the same name recognition factor, but they provide the education he will need to be successful. Now if he would just decide. It's killing me.

OH that's right I meant to send you condolences on your digestive woes Mary Ellen ...that's not fun at home... and really not fun on vacation... I really hope that eased up for you...

K-have to catch up on the rest...

Fortunately, my woes were short lived and I was able to quickly join back in the fun!

Whew! all caught up thanks again to the marvelous links.

Hey Stranger!!!!! Good to see you again! Glad you were able to get all caught up. All my links are actually up to date now!

Too much to comment on but I'm loving it all.

There really is a lot going on. Glad you are enjoying!

The view you had at BWV was amazing!

It truly was an amazing view. We were blown away. I seriously could stay in that room on every trip. How great would that be?

 

[MEK]

Hi Guys - I think its about time for a new update!!!!! I'd like to get this one in and maybe two more before HHI. I know that Cynthia and my schedules are not totally in sync right now, but I'm sure you'll forgive us if we end up posting a bit out of order for the next several weeks.

In future trip news - I wait-listed for BWV and BCV for the first 3 nights of my October trip. I also found out that Denny's brother and his family (8 total) will be in WDW the same time as us (before we leave on the cruise). The rented points and are staying in a treehouse for 5 nights. They originally booked on hotels.com for $4400, but I directed them to the DVC rental sites and they were able to book for $2700. Big difference. cha ching!

I am also considering changing my 4 night reservation at the end of my trip from two studios to a 2BR standard view at AKL. Fingers crossed its available. I have never stayed at the Jambo house before.


Front Row Rocks

Today was Sunday October 21, 2013 and sadly it was Cynthia's last full day in the world. But it didn't seem that way when we got up in the morning. We still had a lot of trip left. Our plans included AK in the morning, a F&W seminar in the afternoon, and late EMH at HS. A very full day indeed. Plus Cynthia wasn't due to leave until late Monday afternoon. Heck - she practically had 36 more hours on the East Coast.

I feel certain that I started my day with a run. What's weird is I don't have any pictures to prove it. It's quite possible that I felt I had enough pictures of the walkway to HS from the day before. Plus, I took a lot of "on the run" pictures when I stayed at the Boardwalk in June.

I'm pretty sure I ran out of the villas, to the entrance gate of HS, and back. I'm sure I ran around the boardwalk a bit more to make it an even 2 miles.

The first pictures I have from today are of our empty bus ride to AK.

Hello? Anybody back there?

Hello? Hello? Well, at least there is someone driving the bus.

Pretty sure we made the rounds to each the resorts - the BCV/YC, The Swan, and the Dolphin.

We arrived safe and sound and lined up with the rest of the pre rope drop gang

Breakfast on the run

Trying to shoot above the "head" line.

The poor CM who has to stand by ITTBAB at 9am. No one ever wants to stop there, despite their best efforts at enticement.

I think our first stop was to grab FPs for EE.

On the way

Given that the single rider line was already open, we decided to get our ride on!

Seriously empty Single Rider Line

I'm in the green and I'm pretty sure that's not Cynthia to my right.

While waiting for our FP's to ripen we ducked into a little store near Kali River Rapids.

I was fighting the sun glare all morning and you can see by this picture that the sun was definitely winning!

There were a few cute little items in here and I think Cynthia bought something, but once again, I am far from positive.

I think I am going to have to ride Kali this summer with my nephews. I just wish I had a water proof camera to get some pictures. This is one attraction where I have no pictures, except for a few taken when standing on the bridge.

I thought he was dead, but he eventually got up and flew away. Clearly not in the best of health.

I took these next pictures near a little kiosk outside of the store. Cool theme.

We had a second go round with the Yeti. Since I am slowly learning to trust my photo bucket ordering, it appears that we also met up with a PP photographer before our second ride on EE. In fact, we may have seen him before we even hit the shop.

I remember it was actually a little cool that morning, so I wore two shirts!

Our photographer was also having sun glare issues

I love this shot

Continued In Next Post........

 

[MEK]

Continued from Previous Post



Crowds were still sparse

EE - Round two

Hats off to Apa Sherpa - greatest number of ascents. Probably doesn't even need an Oxygen mask when he ascends to 35,000 ft. I find the whole idea of ascending Mount Everest to be fascinating, considering I have gotten altitude sickness at 10,000 ft. But I digress.

I always do…….

Trust me, I always do!

We decided to do front row and waited one, maybe two trains at best. After all - nothing rocks like the front row of EE. Seriously, Space Mountain is cool in the front seat, but its dark in there. In my opinion, EE is the best front row ride in Disney World.

Woo Hoo!

Scenery rushing by

Up We Go!

Weeeeeeeee…………

What? Another Hill? OH NO!!!!!!!!!

Stupid Sunglare

Such great detail

Continued in Next Post........

 

[MEK]

Continued From Previous Post......

Almost to the top!

To my right

There - that's better

To my left….oh wait …..that's Cynthia!

Rounding the corner to the unexpected…….

………broken track! Oh NOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Not too close now!

I said - NOT TOO CLOSE!!!!!

HI EPCOT

Wait are we moving BACKWARDS……INTO THE DARKNESS……….

Finally we stop and see

My, my Yeti - you look a little blurry

What? We're moving again?

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH………

Oh Crap…Ouch….ohh…..that hurt!

Somebody slow this thing down!!!!!!

Thank you!

Made it!

I didn't know we were riding with Thing 1, 2, 3 & 4. Wrong park kids!

Never noticed these before. I'm pretty sure I saw them in the dump shop, but's its possible they were in the queue. Anyone know for sure?

Gift shop

This reminds me of something Jen's (Jenseib's) daughter Claire would wear. Isn't it cute?

A few post EE pics. I always love taking pictures of the reflections in the water and nowhere is it quite as cool as AK

Today's photo pass shot

With two rides on EE under our belt we were ready to leave and venture elsewhere. The question is where would the rest of the morning lead us? To be continued in the next update!

 

[natebenma]

Love the start to your morning at AK! It is such a fun park to photograph- so many awesome details.

I adore all of your EE photos! Great call on front row. I haven't even noticed that mural of the Yeti in the cave, tunnel. You got a great picture!

I also LOVE your ride photo! The two of you look great, and "The Things" are cool too.

 

[englishrose47]

Great update and pix Mary Ellen !!I was even scared looking at your pix of the top of the ride !!!The theming at AK is so cool!! The girls always ride EE but not me !!!!!

 

[dawnbu40]

Looks like your day was off to a wonderful start! I love all the AK pictures. That park is so beautiful

 

[Queenofallthings]

Early morning at AK...love it! It's tough sometimes with sun but so worth it! I don't think we've ever ridden EE in the afternoon always first thing in the morning!

Love the pics while you're on the ride, they are fantastic!

 

[Poolrat]

A nice way to start a Sunday. Nothing beats the blood pumping EE for a start to a "wild " time.

 

[wiigirl]

Great update!

 

[saintstickets]

Great EE ride pics MEK! I've always wanted to try that but I have yet to figure out how to take pics on a ride with no hands...mine are usually white-knuckled around the lap restraint!

 

[KatMark]

Great update, MEK. I LOVE the Animal Kingdom first thing in the morning when everything is coming alive. It's such a beautiful park, and the detail is amazing.

Although I don't ride EE, I would guess the front row is the best as far as getting a great view of things all around you...and in front of you.

Great photopass of you and Cynthia.

 

[cheekypoppins]

i love that outfit in the yeti store ,I want to buy that for my boo I hope they have it in her size

 

[marDgreen88]

Aww, this day was my birthday! Special.

I swear, I've had the goal to ride EE in the front for years now and it STILL has not happened! I don't even care, next time I WILL DO IT

Your pictures are amazing!! Looks so fun! I just love DAK.

 

[rndmr2]

Great update, I love AK, so many cool Photo ops.

I don't think I could handle front row on EE. I really wanted to go on it last trip and I finally was able to go but it is a LOT faster than I thought it would be, it was fun but I definitely wouldn't go by myself so it will be a while before I go again since it's looking like next trip will be with just me and DH, maybe with my BFF and neither of them have any desire to ride.

 

[dizneeat]

Great update and awesome photos, Mary Ellen! AK can be so awesome when it is not too hot.

And EE in the front row is a MUST!!!! Best seat in the house, you cannot beat the view.

 

[Mndisneygirl]

Wow - I am so impressed at the pictures you take while hurtling up and down Mt. Everest! I really want to ride it but am a bit, shall we say, apprehensive?! Okay, it is SOO high up! It's scary! I would have the camera safely stashed away so I can grip the bar with all my strength!

But you are right - for taking photos, AK is the best! SO much to see there! And then there's the animals!

Hope Nick manages to figure out where to go to school. It's tough - I remember getting a migraine trying to decide between my last two. I've never had a migraine in my life other than that time.

When you get there, you'll have to say hi to Matt and Gaby at HHI for me (they are in the activities area/lifeguard) We loved them - Gaby's from my town!

 

[MeMom]

I always love seeing pictures of Animal Kingdom. We were over there three times, I think, on this trip; maybe four. I walked through Pangani twice and saw no meerkats either time and only two gorillas. I was calling it No Animal Kingdom for a while!

Will the real Yeti ever rise again? Since Everest is still drawing a huge crowd just with what they've got, I'm going to go with no.

 

[Nermel9]

Great update, I love AK in the morning when it's not crowded! It's such a pretty park to take pictures of, especially Asia, I love that area!

Yay, EE! Usually Brandon and I always request the front row, you might have to wait a bit longer, but it's so worth it! I didn't get to do the front row with my sister and Caitlin, so I'll definitely have to make up for it in December!

 

[MEK]

I've read everyone's posts and I promise to do replies tomorrow. Just got home from church and dinner with Nicholas. I'm beat. See ya mañana!