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

[MEK]

We don't go back until next Tuesday. Our school board picked the strangest dates for our vacation this year. I hope to cram several updates in -- I can't believe I am only halfway through our second day.

Well then you have a lot of cramming to do! But I think you are lucky for having off until next Tuesday. If that was me I might just have to plan a quick trip to Disney. I hope you are at least enjoying decent weather down there.

I am all caught up!

First of all I am so sorry for the loss of your friend. What a terrible loss for her family and friends

Thanks Dawn. Tracy was a great person and I wished I had gotten to know her better, but I'm thankful for the times I get to spend with her.

I really enjoyed the pics of the WL. That remains on my list of resorts I want to try.

You should check it out on one of your stays! It's really different from the rest of the resorts, but its definitely got its pluses. I loved doing the boat transportation. That was fun! And the main pool is gorgeous.

BTW - where are you guys staying in May?

Hoping you update soon!

The Dumbo pics were great! They made that ride so much prettier when they re-imagined it!

So much prettier! I'm so glad we decided to head over there before going to Epcot.

Happy New Year

Same to you! I know you are just coming off a very busy holiday season with so many wonderful things to celebrate!

 

[Moira222]

hmmm my "multi quotes" are not working today. strange.

Thanks Cynthia & Mary Ellen for your good wishes - I am so glad I made this choice and took this step. Its not the easy way out at all but has been exactly what I needed to help me end the yo yo. And I can't wait to sit next to my girl on a roller coaster & not feel like I am squishing her



ME - I love your deer sighting. Honestly, when I am out and see wildlife just doing their thing I feel like its a special little blessing just for me, and a reminder of the simple but very special things in the world.

My DH got lost one day running from WLR to FW -- apparently there is one pretty confusing spot in that big run. He actually had to ask for directions GASP but seeing the path makes me want to rent bikes & ride it (I am not a runner....for now!)

Are those pumpkins really carved or are they painted? did they light them up at night? they are really cute!!

Your Circus photos are great - wish my multi quote was working because I love the photo you have of the entry with maybe a star filter on ? It looks sooooo cool! and the fountains! Oh I can't wait to get back there!

 

[eandesmom]

I had debated the night before as to whether or not to hit the gym in the morning while Mary Ellen ran. In the end I think I decided to play it by ear, not knowing how I'd sleep with the time change. While I'm not 100% sure, as I did hit the gym one of our mornings there, I do not think it was this day. Instead I think I awoke as Mary Ellen was getting ready (and no, she didn't wake me) and decided to have a cup of coffee, surf a little bit and shower while she was out so she could have the bathroom upon her return. One drawback to the H/A room was no split bathroom vanity but it really wasn't an issue. After she returned and we enjoyed a yogurt and maybe some fruit for MEK we headed out. Apparently the coffee hadn't quite hit yet as I too have no photos from the dock or the walk there. I find this on almost every trip, the first 12-24 hours is a bit lame on my photo documenting skills. Oh well.
My photos are not all that different from Mary Ellen's so I will share a few but not go overboard, need to work on taking different shots!

Boat ride

I know a lot of folks knock the garden wing but I really wouldn’t mind staying there I don’t think

Yep, not rope drop. But we hadn't really been shooting for it anyway

Love these guys!

Medium crowds, not too bad but not empty either

I really liked the baseball pumpkin

Loved the seasonal statues, I had no idea they did that!

My story book circus pictures are pretty much duplicates so I'll just post my favorites.

I love the whole look and feel and the vibrant colors of this area

Wonderful theming all around

This is what the time said

But as Mary Ellen mentioned, it was a walk on

And her picture is better

So much lovely detail!

This part however did NOT look new

The view from a flying elephant

The "other" side. Not nearly as cool as ours I’m sure.

And agreed, a wonderful message!

A funny story about Dumbo. I don't think my kids have been on it at an age they can remember being on it. Maybe we did it in 2004 but I don’t think so and honestly am not sure if I did it with Evan in 2001 at Disneyland so it is possible they've never been on it. When I was about Evan's age, my brother and I went with our Aunt to Disneyland. She LOVES Dumbo, but even more, loved tormenting me with things that embarrassed me and as a tween/young teen there were a lot. She delighted in saying very loudly "Let's ride on DUUUUUUUUMBO!!!!!!!!" loud enough for anyone I swear a block away to hear. Or so it seemed at the time. I still smile every time I see dumbo and riding on it made me think of her. It clearly didn't scar me. She is my godmother and one of the first gifts I got my own goddaughter was...a stuffed Dumbo. Which I knew would make my brother smile too. And it did.

 

[podsnel]

OMG!!! I am SOOOOO late! Looks like I have a ton to catch up on- something for me to read tonight when I ride my bike after dinner-

Thanks for the heads up, girlfriend! Happy New Year!!

 

[cheekypoppins]

I love the jacket in your pre disney pic,cute!Sorry to hear about your friends passing she looks far too young Wilderness Lodge is gorgeous!! Oooh I spy Malibu yum looks like a good time so far,I can't wait to see all the new stuff in Mk when I go next,my lil princess is gonna love it!!

 

[dawnbu40]

BTW - where are you guys staying in May?

Hoping you update soon!

We are doing a split stay again. 4 nights in a Mermaid room at AoA and then 3 nights at YC. Dale got hooked on their CL but its way too much to spend a week there. I should have an update soon. My mom was released from the hospital today so I won't be spending all my days there anymore, thank goodness!

 

[rndmr2]

Great pics of the Halloween/Fall decorations! I just Love MK in the Fall, I agree, why can't the other parks decorate for Halloween like MK does? That's great that Dumbo was a walk on, last time I was on it was 2004 and then before that was probably 1989. Always a fun, although too short ride.

 

[Wicket's Mom]

Love the Halloween decor, to the person that asked, the pumpkins are probably fiberglass. I don't recall them lighting up, but I think spotlights are focused on them.

I saw the circus area, but didn't go in. Now I see I should have, there is always next time. When the boys were young they rode Dumbo, but Mama never did! Now, no kids on my trips & I always ride Dumbo!

 

[Later_Mater2009]

Later_Mater! Thanks for joining in! Glad you liked the pics. Spoiler alert - The Great Gofini will be featured in my next update and I'm sure Cynthia has some of her own Dumbo pics to share.

YAY!! Cant Wait!!

 

[amandaw]

Love all the pics of the fall decor! It's so cute! I was so happy to finally see it in person this year.

I'll say it again - Storybook Circus is great! The colors are great and the details just abound in that area.

 

[saintstickets]

Finally back online with my 'puter after having to wipe it clean and reinstall EVERYTHING! Love the TR ladies!! Want more!!!

 

[podsnel]

All caught up- love all those VWL pics- looking forward to checking it out for the first time this March with Timmy before our cruise.

So sad reading about Tracy. Made me cry all over again. She really was a fantastic person- I met her in May 2010, the same night we saw you in MK- remember, MEK? She was so witty! Soooo much fun! We were supposed to see her this past May, too- she was the one who pointed out we would all be in Epcot for Cinco de Mayo- DUH!!!! How did we miss that fact? Well...she wasn't able to make that trip- so I was SO happy when she was able to go for F&W. It looked like she had a beautiful time-

Anyway- looks like you are both having fun already-I love that you two have formed such a close friendship...now, who does that remind me of?????? Lol-

 

[Poolrat]

If you are in the "new" one, yes. What is interesting is I must have switched back 5 or so times yesterday with it never taking. I logged into tonight and got the "old" PB. So YAY! I was able to organize some of my pictures, not all but at least enough to get an update up maybe tomorrow over here.

Glad you both got it to cooperate. PB can be so mean sometimes.



Lovely pictures of Dumbo - love the story too.

 

[Charleston Princess]

I love the Halloween decorations, too!!!

Lovely story about your aunt when you were younger! I love that you bought your own goddaughter a stuffed Dumbo.

I don't think we have ridden Dumbo since 2004. I guess it is time to fix that with the beautiful new ride.

 

[MEK]

hmmm my "multi quotes" are not working today. strange.

Thanks Cynthia & Mary Ellen for your good wishes - I am so glad I made this choice and took this step. Its not the easy way out at all but has been exactly what I needed to help me end the yo yo. And I can't wait to sit next to my girl on a roller coaster & not feel like I am squishing her

I'm sure it was a big decision and it won't always be easy, but it is pretty great that you are on this journey. I wish you much success and patience, as I'm sure you have moments where you want instant results.

ME - I love your deer sighting. Honestly, when I am out and see wildlife just doing their thing I feel like its a special little blessing just for me, and a reminder of the simple but very special things in the world.

I think the wildlife in Disney is pretty amazing. I love how the place is like one big nature perserve. I once saw a bobcat along the banks of the river near POR. Not joking. That was a little scary.

My DH got lost one day running from WLR to FW -- apparently there is one pretty confusing spot in that big run. He actually had to ask for directions GASP but seeing the path makes me want to rent bikes & ride it (I am not a runner....for now!)

When you run back towards the lodge it really is a bit disorienting. I remember the first time thinking I was so lost, but I just kept going and there was the lodge. So, I can definitely see that.

Are those pumpkins really carved or are they painted? did they light them up at night? they are really cute!!

Carved, but they aren't lit at night. During MNSSHP all the buildings are lit instead and they change color. It's pretty cool.

Your Circus photos are great - wish my multi quote was working because I love the photo you have of the entry with maybe a star filter on ? It looks sooooo cool! and the fountains! Oh I can't wait to get back there!

I put a photobucket edit on that because they sky looked so drab. I figured
that picture needed a little "pick me up" Glad you like it and noticed!

The "other" side. Not nearly as cool as ours I’m sure.

I read your post last night, but I was busy working on "the video", so I did not have a chance to comment. I hope I cut and pasted the right picture because I love that you took a picture of the "other" Dumbo. Definitely NOT as cool as ours!

[ When I was about Evan's age, my brother and I went with our Aunt to Disneyland. She LOVES Dumbo, but even more, loved tormenting me with things that embarrassed me and as a tween/young teen there were a lot. She delighted in saying very loudly "Let's ride on DUUUUUUUUMBO!!!!!!!!" loud enough for anyone I swear a block away to hear. Or so it seemed at the time. I still smile every time I see dumbo and riding on it made me think of her. It clearly didn't scar me.

This is a great story!

 

[afwdwfan]

My photos are not all that different from Mary Ellen's so I will share a few but not go overboard, need to work on taking different shots!

Won't it be hard to get different shots when you're doing and seeing the same things???

This part however did NOT look new

Apparently you got one of the recycled Dumbos.

I really like your Dumbo story! I'm sure it will always be special to you!

 

[MEK]

OMG!!! I am SOOOOO late! Looks like I have a ton to catch up on- something for me to read tonight when I ride my bike after dinner- :

Ellen! So glad you could drop by. You are really not that late as you have probably found by now that I have links for our updates (which I need to update now)

Thanks for the heads up, girlfriend! Happy New Year!!

Same to you!!!!!!

I love the jacket in your pre disney pic,cute!

cheekypoppins! Thanks for joining in!

I like that jacket too and the best part - which I shouldn't even say - - Is I paid $5 for post season during a major clearance sale!

Sorry to hear about your friends passing she looks far too young

She was in her early 40's, which is far, far, FAR too young. I have her pictures from this trip and when I look at them I still can't believe she's gone.

Wilderness Lodge is gorgeous!! Oooh I spy Malibu yum looks like a good time so far,I can't wait to see all the new stuff in Mk when I go next,my lil princess is gonna love it!!

The WL is very pretty and I think we enjoyed our 4 nights there. I'm looking forward to going back next October.

You lil princess is really going to LOVE all the changes to MK. It's really most suited for girls (IMHO)!

We are doing a split stay again. 4 nights in a Mermaid room at AoA and then 3 nights at YC. Dale got hooked on their CL but its way too much to spend a week there. I should have an update soon. My mom was released from the hospital today so I won't be spending all my days there anymore, thank goodness!

Nice Dawn! That sounds like a great combo! I know you guys love the YC and I can definitely see why! And the AoA Mermaid rooms look amazing. I really, really, REALLY want to stay there! Glad your mom is home from the hospital and everything is OK!

Great pics of the Halloween/Fall decorations! I just Love MK in the Fall, I agree, why can't the other parks decorate for Halloween like MK does? That's great that Dumbo was a walk on, last time I was on it was 2004 and then before that was probably 1989. Always a fun, although too short ride.

Thanks! Those fall decorations are so wonderful. I think this is my 3rd time going in the fall and I like them even more now than I did last time.

I'm going to Disney world again in June this year and I guarantee you that Dumbo will NOT be a walk-on!

Love the Halloween decor, to the person that asked, the pumpkins are probably fiberglass. I don't recall them lighting up, but I think spotlights are focused on them.

Fiberglass - that makes sense. I figured if they were real then they had multiples of the same carving and the used something perserve it. But fiberglass? There you go - Disney pumpkins. They should see them. Seriously!

I saw the circus area, but didn't go in. Now I see I should have, there is always next time. When the boys were young they rode Dumbo, but Mama never did! Now, no kids on my trips & I always ride Dumbo!

If you keep going in September you will definitely be able to walk-on! Isn't it funny how you will do rides now that you never would have been caught on when you were younger? That's me. All the way!

YAY!! Cant Wait!!

And I've got a bunch of pictures from the new Little Mermaid ride. I just edited them and they are really fun!

 

[MEK]

Love all the pics of the fall decor! It's so cute! I was so happy to finally see it in person this year.

It really is so stunning the first time (and everytime) that you see it! Nothing says fall like the MK decorations!

I'll say it again - Storybook Circus is great! The colors are great and the details just abound in that area.

It's so perfect for someone Reid's age. It just screams fun and excitement to a kid! I love that!

Finally back online with my 'puter after having to wipe it clean and reinstall EVERYTHING! Love the TR ladies!! Want more!!!

Welcome back to cyberspace! Sounds like a pain, but at least your computer wasn't cooked and you were able to salvage everything!

Want to hear something funny - Denny's brother, wife, son, DIL, and grandkids are all going to Disney on October 24th - the same day that Denny and I arrive. (Pure coincidence) Actually, I think there two other sons are going as well. So we'll be seeing them, as well as you during F&W. I really can't wait. It's going to be a blast!

All caught up- love all those VWL pics- looking forward to checking it out for the first time this March with Timmy before our cruise.

First time? Nice! I hope you love it. It's really an amazing building and the views from the pool area make you realize what an architectural feat it was. You should definitely try to take the lodge tour if you can (its offered most mornings at 9am and lasts about 45 minutes) It great!

So sad reading about Tracy. Made me cry all over again. She really was a fantastic person- I met her in May 2010, the same night we saw you in MK- remember, MEK? She was so witty! Soooo much fun! We were supposed to see her this past May, too- she was the one who pointed out we would all be in Epcot for Cinco de Mayo- DUH!!!! How did we miss that fact? Well...she wasn't able to make that trip- so I was SO happy when she was able to go for F&W. It looked like she had a beautiful time-

I totally remember that because she and I had dinner at the Wave right before that. It was a pure coincidence that we made practically the same ADR. I still have that blurry picture that Denny took of all of us. Still so bummed it didn't turn out.

I really think it was awesome that she was able to have one last trip to Disney. Other than being very, very thin, she really did not look sick. I am making a you tube video of her pictures and some of them are so awesome. So stay tuned. I'm having a little trouble with the music recordings, but the pics are great.

Anyway- looks like you are both having fun already-I love that you two have formed such a close friendship...now, who does that remind me of?????? Lol-

Hmmmmmmm - who could that be?

Glad you both got it to cooperate. PB can be so mean sometimes.

................and spiteful!

Lovely pictures of Dumbo - love the story too.

That is a great story! Childhood memories are the best!

I love the Halloween decorations, too!!! .

Aren't they the best? I am already looking forward to going back next Halloween, especially since it's Denny's birthday!

Lovely story about your aunt when you were younger! I love that you bought your own goddaughter a stuffed Dumbo.

I think that's such an awesome story. However, even as a teen I can't imagine Cynthia being embarrased by anything.

I don't think we have ridden Dumbo since 2004. I guess it is time to fix that with the beautiful new ride.

It really is a pretty ride. However, I don't think I would wait in summer lines for it. Well, except maybe to play inside that new tent.

Won't it be hard to get different shots when you're doing and seeing the same things???

I didn't realize we had so many of the same shots - acutally almost ALL the same shots. Hopefully there will be some diversity in our future updates. I hope!

Apparently you got one of the recycled Dumbos.

I really like your Dumbo story! I'm sure it will always be special to you!

That's an awesome story of a great childhood memory!

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

My photos are not all that different from Mary Ellen's so I will share a few but not go overboard, need to work on taking different shots!

Just stand back to back when you're taking pictures.

I know a lot of folks knock the garden wing but I really wouldn’t mind staying there I don’t think

You're at Disney World. I'd gladly pitch a tent next to the dumpster.

Medium crowds, not too bad but not empty either

At least the crane wasn't there.

A funny story about Dumbo. I don't think my kids have been on it at an age they can remember being on it. Maybe we did it in 2004 but I don’t think so and honestly am not sure if I did it with Evan in 2001 at Disneyland so it is possible they've never been on it. When I was about Evan's age, my brother and I went with our Aunt to Disneyland. She LOVES Dumbo, but even more, loved tormenting me with things that embarrassed me and as a tween/young teen there were a lot. She delighted in saying very loudly "Let's ride on DUUUUUUUUMBO!!!!!!!!" loud enough for anyone I swear a block away to hear. Or so it seemed at the time. I still smile every time I see dumbo and riding on it made me think of her. It clearly didn't scar me. She is my godmother and one of the first gifts I got my own goddaughter was...a stuffed Dumbo. Which I knew would make my brother smile too. And it did.

Very cute story. I admit I've always encouraged skipping Dumbo back when it was a 30-minute wait for a 30-second ride. Maybe with 2 of them it's not as bad?

 

[eandesmom]

OMG!!! I am SOOOOO late! Looks like I have a ton to catch up on- something for me to read tonight when I ride my bike after dinner-

not late at all, it's only our first morning!

I love the jacket in your pre disney pic,cute!Sorry to hear about your friends passing she looks far too young Wilderness Lodge is gorgeous!! Oooh I spy Malibu yum looks like a good time so far,I can't wait to see all the new stuff in Mk when I go next,my lil princess is gonna love it!!

They've really done a lovely job with it, so many new fun things. Tracy was too young but boy she sure made what she had, count.

We are doing a split stay again. 4 nights in a Mermaid room at AoA and then 3 nights at YC. Dale got hooked on their CL but its way too much to spend a week there. I should have an update soon. My mom was released from the hospital today so I won't be spending all my days there anymore, thank goodness!

I the YC. If it had DVC I'd be in heaven. I'm glad to hear your mom was released.

Great pics of the Halloween/Fall decorations! I just Love MK in the Fall, I agree, why can't the other parks decorate for Halloween like MK does? That's great that Dumbo was a walk on, last time I was on it was 2004 and then before that was probably 1989. Always a fun, although too short ride.

Really, they all should! It is so pretty.

Love the Halloween decor, to the person that asked, the pumpkins are probably fiberglass. I don't recall them lighting up, but I think spotlights are focused on them.

I saw the circus area, but didn't go in. Now I see I should have, there is always next time. When the boys were young they rode Dumbo, but Mama never did! Now, no kids on my trips & I always ride Dumbo!

I'd assume fiberglass as well, they were so much fun to look at.

YAY!! Cant Wait!!

Yep, that will be coming up next for both of us.

Love all the pics of the fall decor! It's so cute! I was so happy to finally see it in person this year.

I'll say it again - Storybook Circus is great! The colors are great and the details just abound in that area.

I love the colors, and a few other things in there that we haven't gotten to yet!

Finally back online with my 'puter after having to wipe it clean and reinstall EVERYTHING! Love the TR ladies!! Want more!!!

UGH Bill, that is no fun at all. Jeff's graphic card just died and we are trying to figure out what to do. Almost not worth getting a new card at all but what he wants to replace it (it's 6 years old and toast anyway) isn't quite out yet (the business version of the Surface). Total pita.

All caught up- love all those VWL pics- looking forward to checking it out for the first time this March with Timmy before our cruise.

So sad reading about Tracy. Made me cry all over again. She really was a fantastic person- I met her in May 2010, the same night we saw you in MK- remember, MEK? She was so witty! Soooo much fun! We were supposed to see her this past May, too- she was the one who pointed out we would all be in Epcot for Cinco de Mayo- DUH!!!! How did we miss that fact? Well...she wasn't able to make that trip- so I was SO happy when she was able to go for F&W. It looked like she had a beautiful time-

She was a riot and a half, definitely enjoyed life. I'm so glad she could make the trip too. WL is such a pretty resort. It's always a little odd for me as it is so much like "home" that I don't always think it wows me as it should but I do really enjoy it.

Anyway- looks like you are both having fun already-I love that you two have formed such a close friendship...now, who does that remind me of?????? Lol-

We were having fun already, heaven knows my family never would have gone for the first ride of a trip being Dumbo, and I'm so glad it was!

Glad you both got it to cooperate. PB can be so mean sometimes.

It got weird again yesterday when I wrote the update. Went back to the new version. I figured, ok, no biggie, I've already organized them the way I wanted. Then, if I'd edit anything, it would change the order so that if I went to the next picture in the folder, it was going backwards. I'd have to go out, show all again, to get it back in the right order. Once it put them back in the order they were before I'd organized them and I almost flipped...but then they flipped back.

Buggy beta to be sure. I do like the side nav better but UGH.

Lovely pictures of Dumbo - love the story too.

Thanks!

I love the Halloween decorations, too!!!

Lovely story about your aunt when you were younger! I love that you bought your own goddaughter a stuffed Dumbo.

I don't think we have ridden Dumbo since 2004. I guess it is time to fix that with the beautiful new ride.

I have never seen the Halloween Decorations and just loved it, so pretty! Dumbo made me smile, I had forgotten how short it was though! The queue looks neat if you did have to wait but we really didn't get to experience it.

I think the wildlife in Disney is pretty amazing. I love how the place is like one big nature perserve. I once saw a bobcat along the banks of the river near POR. Not joking. That was a little scary.

I remember that! I think I have a picture of it too. Blurry but...that was WILD.

I read your post last night, but I was busy working on "the video", so I did not have a chance to comment. I hope I cut and pasted the right picture because I love that you took a picture of the "other" Dumbo. Definitely NOT as cool as ours!

It was definitely a grey morning, even with all the bright colors a lot of my pics are drab as well.

This is a great story!