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

[disneykiwi]

Mary Ellen

Thrilled to hear about the new job and you are still heading to Disney - wonderful news.

 

[MEK]

Congrats on the job !! I imagine that nurse practictioners are in pretty high demand. I had a nurse practictioner that I LOVED. She really listened and understood me. I was so sad and lost when she got married and moved away. I still miss her.

I love being an NP. I actually decided it was what I wanted to do because I loved the NP I took my kids to when they were little. I never scheduled with the pediatrician, always the NP because she was so awesome. So I know exactly what you mean.

Anyway, I hope Denny is feeling better and that you love your new job.

Thanks. He is feeling really well and I am looking forward to starting my new job.

We got that same thing from the Italy booth a couple of years ago and and I had to go back and get two more for the kids who LOVED it. They were disappointed that didn't have it at the Flower and Garden booths this last trip.

It really was good and nicely filling. Sometimes those different foods are very tasty, but not very filling. This was perfect.

We've already talked on FB, but you know how happy I am that your June trip is back on. I was having major depression that I wasn't going to meet you. I'm so glad our breakfast is still on.

I am so happy, too! And, hopefully, Denny will want to join us for breakfast. Now that my brother's family is not going he's stuck with just me. He really enjoys CMC and is starting to get used to DIS meets. He's not 100% yet, but he's definitely getting closer. Mark and Glen did a good job of breaking him in last summer!

Love your Spaceship Earth photos, as always. And glad to see you had a "healthy and safe" trip into the future.

Nothing like a healthy and safe trip to make my day! I don't think I ever chose that sequence before, but I wanted to try something different!

Mark and I never did get to sample any of the booths the one day we were there for F&G. I love the looks of that ravioli thing you got...it looks yummy.

C ordered it first and I remember thinking "why not". It was definitely a good choice.

I have to see the Bears since they changed it up. Nice pics..

I guess I really should too. I honestly can't remember when I saw it last - yup - its been that long!

I so agree about the parade at MK. .

Seems the general consensus is that parade has got to go!
_________________________________________________

Good luck on the job. I have been out of work since January 2012. .

Thank you so much! I am really thrilled to have a new job to move into.

Nice pics in DHS. The PP pic during running looks good. .

Thanks! I actually can't believe I was brave enough to pose in my running clothes. Clearly I was throwing caution to the wind on my last few days.

Oh you should try Rose & Crown..

I ate there once about 3 years ago and I really enjoyed it. Since then I have scheduled countless reservations there and I always end up changing them. I have no idea why it works out that way. But you will be happy to know that I scheduled an ADR there for June! And I intend on showing up and not canceling!

I thought the Segway tour was canceled?.

That's what I heard. So I guess October was one of the last months where it was still running.

Congrats on the job.
Hope the hotel is nice. If the reviews say it is then I would not worry to much. I love tripadvisor. .

Thanks!

I love Trip Advisor, too. I won't stay anywhere without reading the TA reviews. The reviews here were mostly glowing (like 98% positive). I think the only potential drawback will be the longer drive, but we'll manage!

Nice SE pics..

Thanks!

Mmmm, Morocco. Love that place to eat..

Me too! The QS is SO good. I only discovered it last June and I can't wait to eat there again.

All caught up ladies.

 

[MEK]

I am so happy for you that everything is working on out on the job and vacation fronts!

Thanks! I am thrilled. It was really stressful knowing my job was ending and I didn't have a replacement.

I love me some Spaceship Earth. Your pictures came out beautifully. Makes me nostalgic, in a good way.

Spaceship Earth is one of my absolute favorites. It reminds me of when my kids were little. They absolutely loved that ride and it was a given that we had to ride on every Epcot visit.

It sounds like a lovely time afterwards, noshing and vino-ing.

Perfect combination, isn't it? I just can't say enough about F&W. It was such an awesome experience.

BTW - How is you family? I hope all is going well with you!

Conratulations on the good news! I'm glad things are finally starting to fall into place for you.

Thanks! I knew things would feel better and fall into place better when I got a job. I just was at the point where I needed to know whether I got this job or whether I needed to really intensify my search.

Growing up we always stayed off property. Now, I can hardly even consider that possibility. If it makes the difference between affording a trip or not going though, staying off property would be a no brainer. I hope you enjoy the resort.

We really were not planning to go this summer. But my brother practically begged us to go with him. Originally they wanted us to book again on points and pay our annual fee, but we just didn't have the points. I suggested VRBO for them. Because they found a great 4 BR property they asked us to stay with them, so we said yes. I think once you get in your head that you are going, its hard to give that up. I hope we like the resort. I am up for one off-site adventure. One and one only!

It isn't just you... I think they've been used and abused to the point that pressure on the screen in one corner is pretty much spread over the whole pad.

Hmmmm - that's a theory that I will have to agree with. The only thing is I haven't been able to hit the right spot for years. I think I have klutzy fingers.

I didn't realize they had things like that there. A nice little bonus!

It is nice that they do that, so, of course, I had to take advantage.

That looks awesome!

It really was yummy and nicely filling!

And it just made me realize that I'm hungry. Very, very hungry.

I have the hardest time going on the DIS when its close to lunch for exactly that reason.

First and foremost, a big CONGRATS! on the new job. I'm sure that you've got it in the bag.

Thanks! I feel very fortunate that I got the job because I am sure there were other qualified candidates. I prepared myself for the worst, just in case.

I was happy to read that your trip to Disney is back on. We used to stay offsite and, while it wasn't the same as staying onsite, I'll take staying offsite over not going at all.

Since we were planning on staying off-site right from the very beginning on this trip I'm fine with it. I have it in my head that its that way and I have an open mind. Plus I like to try new things, so we'll see how it goes.

Great pictures on Spaceship Earth! Mine never turn out and are, most times, blurry.

You have to put your camera on the Tv setting (shutter speed) Then lower the shutter speed to let light in and you'll get some clear pictures.

So happy toi hear abou the new job!
And I am so happy you do get to make it down to Florida in June.

Thanks and thanks. It's definitely a win-win situation. I am happy we are going to have a couples vacation. I think we need it.

Your morning looks great and how nice to meet up with Christine.

I was pretty psyched we ran into C. Totally random that we were walking right by each other. It was nice that we got to hang out for a bit.

 

[amazingact21]

Glad to hear things are beginning to fall into place and hopefully your life can become a bit less stressful now. Keeping my fingers crossed everything works out as you hope it will!

I am sure your june trip will still be fun, even with not staying on property. The fact that you can step foot inside the parks is good enough.



I think I would've chosen the Illuminations viewing spot, as well. Can't wait to see if you took some photos, because if you did, I'm sure they are great.

 

[glennbo123]

Yeah I got suckered I mean upgraded tot eh premier card. I usually have a rule that I don't pay annual fees, they pay me but I guess I offset the annual fee. At least I am trying to.
I need to check to see if I got my signing bonus.

I'm with you. This is the first card I've had with a fee....I'm trying to justify it that the bonus points will outweigh the fee. It did the first year, with the signing bonus; we'll see going forward.

 

[dizneeat]

All caught up again!

Job news is the best news! Congratulations, Mary Ellen. And I am so glad to hear that your June vacation is back on the board as well.

 

[disneydancer86]

Yay MEK!! The stars aligned!! The stars aligned!!!

Congratulations on the job and the June trip! I think I am still going to miss you...by a day...but at least you get to go!

Love the SE pictures..I really did imagine myself riding it. We always make stupid faces when it asks us to take a picture. One time...I had a mohawk...

 

[MEK]

That's great news about the new job and the trip still being in the works.

I am very, very happy about that. Thanks!

Hey, we were just talking on my thread how DISers often end up sharing a lot of personal information, but this is taking it to a whole new level!:

Good one!

Were these types of Chase giveaways part of F&W or is there always something available? I've got that premier card and I'm wondering if I'm missing out on freebies (that I've paid for via the annual fee, if you know what I mean).

F&W from what I understand. Just flash your Disney Visa and you're in! The lounge is a nice little hang out!

Congrats on all the great news, especially the new job! That's so great that it worked out, and hopefully it will be a great environment.

Thanks! I am very excited. I used to work at this hospital and the unit I will be working in is really laid out well. I'm looking forward to it.

Yay for June still being on! Staying offsite can have its downsides, but hey, at least you will be in Disney, right? I had a much easier time getting used to it than I would have thought, and we always had an easy time getting to the parks from Kissimmee.

I am very excited to have this June vacation to look forward to! I know you stay off-site and you make out great. I do think it will be nice to have a bigger place. I am also glad we are not staying in a strip hotel. I stayed in Kissimmee once before and I found the access easy. Of course, that was a while OK, but I think it will work out fine.

Congratulations!!! I'm so happy for all this good news

Thanks Pam! I'm very excited that everything worked out with the job and the trip. I have been really excited about planning.

omg ahaha I love the pics of your Future you look so happy with whoever that guy is Fez???

He does look like Fez from that 70's show!

 

[MEK]

Glad to hear it! Is that in the new facility? I use the Park & Ride next door every day.

Nope - Its actually at the mecca! That's what we call it at work now. Either way - no more I95!

I would have a hard time skipping it too. I'm glad you will be able to get away in June, though. Makes sense to use up that vacation time!

I am using it all up! I am so happy that we will be vacationing in June! I want to have some free time before I start my new job. I'm looking forward to it.

DISmeet!

I am very excited to meet Kathy. I met Mary and the girls last October. Those girls are lovely. I am very excited!

Ah...I can smell the fake smoke already.

I love the burning embers smell! I can almost smell it just thinking about it.

That's ok. Julie put us in Michigan one time.

Really? I couldn't even manage to stay in the continental USA!

Mmmm...meat and cheese...

It was really good!

Yay!

I absolutely loved F&W. It was so much fun. I can't say enough good things about it.

Boo.

I know - I was so sad when Cynthia left! We had such a great time. It's always hard when a trip comes to an end.

Whew! Big sigh of relief that you got the job! Fingers crossed your credentialing goes through quickly! God knows it can be a pain in the backside, especially the governmental payers. Also super glad you all get to go in June and I hope you have a much more restful vacation this time!

Thanks! I got my credentialing packet in yesterday so I hope everything goes through quickly! I am shocked at how much paperwork it is to apply for a job and get credentialed. I've been at my current job for 11 years and I don't remember it being anywhere this labor intensive. I am really looking forward to a June vacation.

So glad to hear you may have a new job! Looks like things are starting to fall in place in your life. Congrats!

Thanks Doris! I am very happy about the new job and the June trip! Can't wait !

First Congrats on the new job!!!

Thanks Rosie! I am very happy things worked out with the job I wanted.

Great pix of F & W too , that ravioli morsel does look yummy!!!

That ravioli was really tasty. I will definitely be chowing down on that the next time I hit F&W!

I only have 4 more sleeps till my cruise !!

Woo Hoo! Now only THREE more sleeps! I hope you have the best time ever and I certainly hope you are feeling better than you were a few days ago!

OMG I know. Leave it to Glen. That was too funny!

It was part of it this year ( 2012) The Chase lounge was in the festival center and I got an email but totally forgot about the VIP area for Illuminations and did not realize it was also for eat to the beat.

IT really is a nice little perk. I'm glad I found out about it and I'll be flashing that Visa next year, for sure!

I hope they do it again this year. Yeah I got suckered I mean upgraded tot eh premier card. I usually have a rule that I don't pay annual fees, they pay me but I guess I offset the annual fee. At least I am trying to.
I need to check to see if I got my signing bonus.

I didn't upgrade to the premium. Denny doesn't even really want me to use the Disney Visa because we get better rewards with our AAA Visa and there is no annual fee. For example, its straight 2% back and then for three months this winter it was 5% back on gas. How can you pass that up? But I like using the Disney visa just so I can have a little bit on a gift card. I'm going to let it roll over and use it in October.

Signing bonus IS important!

 

[MEK]

I'm so happy to hear about your new job! That's awesome! By the sound of it, it looks like things are picking back up, which is terrific! Very happy for you

Thanks! I am very happy that I got the job and that I we are going back to Disney in June. I feel like a really need a good couples trip.

well, I've been reading, but haven't had a chance to comment.

I know that feeling!

YAY for your new job Mary Ellen! I'm so glad for you - I'm sure that's a huge weight lifted off your shoulders!

You said that perfectly. That's exactly how I felt. I would wake up every day and feel that weight and it didn't feel good. I'm nervous about starting a new job, but I am so happy to have one.

and DOUBLE YAY for managing a WDW trip this summer!!
I'm sure it will be a little different off site, but you're still at WDW!!

It will be a little different, that's for sure. But honestly, if I like the resort and can settle in then I'll be good. It's going to be a further drive, but I think we can handle that. As long as the pool area is relaxing I'll be good. You know I love my pool time!

Cynthia - I hope Kendall's soccer stuff goes well! I can't imagine what that would be like - trying to figure out teams, trips, scholarships, college stuff...I guess I will find out soon enough! (well, not the team part, my kids aren't in team sports).

I really hope it all works out well, too! It's a stressful time when a kid wants to play a sport at the college level.

Love Spaceship Earth - it's just cool. Nothing else to say about it.

Yup - that pretty much sums it up!

I'm pretty sure I tried that ravioli dish too. I am lagging in my TR - hopefully I will get to the F&W stuff soon so I can relive my yummy memories! I'll have to dig out my "passport".

That ravioli dish was excellent. I have no idea what I did with my passport. I am going to do better next year keeping track of it. I'm glad you said you were behind because I know I haven't read one of your updates in awhile. I want to make sure I'm not missing anything.

I got an email from Disney VISA about the lounge but I think ( MNdisneygirl? maybe ) someone posted on the DIS FB page about the special viewing area for IllumiNAtions, but that part and the fact you had to pick up a wristband for it early did not fully register. Until it was too late of course.

I don't remember getting that email, but who knows? I get so many darn emails. You know how that goes.

Too late? bummer - sorry you never got to do it.

Hopefully they will do it again this year.

I really hope so!

I agree with Jill... Mary Ellen you deserve a dancing banana dude in congratulations for your new job offer!! ...And one of these special guys!

I love the dancing dude. Thank you!!!!! I am very happy that I was offered the job. Huge relief.

I love how you just can't stay away from Disney! It has its own magnetic force that sucks you in - yep, pretty sure it does.

Yup - it sure does. And when you live on the east coast its just so easy to go. 2 hour flight and there you are! I think DVC and Disney in general really targets people living in the mid atlantic region. We just flock there.

Yay for Kathy still getting to see you!

I am very excited to meet Kathy. She is a DIS board super star. And I love that she has made some amazing friends from the DIS boards. That's so cool.

Back to your TR...How do you get such clear amazing photos in SE?? You must know how to use a camera! Me not so much! I like to say that I'm from Turkey or Switzerland (Turkey & Swiss! ha!) that way my photo flies far far away.

I actually put my camera in the Tv mode and adjust the shutter speed. That helps get the light in. As long as the camera is relatively still I can get a decent picture, even though I have to lighten them up a bit.

You know way too many people NOT to have a random or planned Dismeet every day! That's so cool.

I'm not sure about every day , but I love having at least one DIS meet per trip. October was wonderful because of all the DIS meets we managed to have.

 

[Poolrat]

I didn't upgrade to the premium. Denny doesn't even really want me to use the Disney Visa because we get better rewards with our AAA Visa and there is no annual fee. For example, its straight 2% back and then for three months this winter it was 5% back on gas. How can you pass that up? But I like using the Disney visa just so I can have a little bit on a gift card. I'm going to let it roll over and use it in October.

Signing bonus IS important!

Between my Capital One that I use to erase travel expenses and my Discover with the random 5% I hemmed and Hawed over upgrading. The signing bonus sealed the deal for this year. We shall see as time goes on.

 

[MEK]

Mary Ellen

Thrilled to hear about the new job and you are still heading to Disney - wonderful news.

Thanks - I am so happy on both accounts. I am so thankful that everything came together so well.

Glad to hear things are beginning to fall into place and hopefully your life can become a bit less stressful now. Keeping my fingers crossed everything works out as you hope it will!

Thank you! I have definitely been way less stressed this past week. It was really starting to get to me. Phew - what a relief!

I am sure your june trip will still be fun, even with not staying on property. The fact that you can step foot inside the parks is good enough.

Exactly! As a bonus trip I really can't be too upset about staying off site. I just hope I like the resort and that it has a decent pool area for relaxing. I love my pool time!

I think I would've chosen the Illuminations viewing spot, as well. Can't wait to see if you took some photos, because if you did, I'm sure they are great.

You shall see soon enough! Let's just say that after Cynthia left and I was solo I took A LOT of pictures!

I'm with you. This is the first card I've had with a fee....I'm trying to justify it that the bonus points will outweigh the fee. It did the first year, with the signing bonus; we'll see going forward.

OK - this signing bonus is intriguing me. I know I originally signed up for the card because I got $100 gift card. That was the only way I could get Denny on board with it.

All caught up again!

Job news is the best news! Congratulations, Mary Ellen. And I am so glad to hear that your June vacation is back on the board as well.

Thanks! Job news is the best news because you can't have Disney without a job to support the Disney habit. I am really happy that the June trip is back on track and that we are flying.

Yay MEK!! The stars aligned!! The stars aligned!!!

Congratulations on the job and the June trip! I think I am still going to miss you...by a day...but at least you get to go!

Yes - the stars aligned. I am thrilled that we are going. I am bummed I am going to miss you by a day. I wanted to fly in Friday but I may have to go before a credentialing board, so the earliest I could fly in is late Friday night and Denny is sort of balking at that. Fortunately my reservations on SWA so I might be able to talk him into it.

Love the SE pictures..I really did imagine myself riding it. We always make stupid faces when it asks us to take a picture. One time...I had a mohawk...

OK - that is AWESOME! Thanks for posting! Too cute!

Between my Capital One that I use to erase travel expenses and my Discover with the random 5% I hemmed and Hawed over upgrading. The signing bonus sealed the deal for this year. We shall see as time goes on.

That's exactly what Glen said. Hopefully Cynthia will chime in here too because she has the premiere card. With my AAA card I get these awesome rebate certificates and I have literally paid down my cruise by about $450. I should have another certificate or two coming before my final payment is due. I just love that!

 

[rndmr2]

Getting caught up, so glad you got a new job, it can definitely be scary being between jobs, it's great you will be able to avoid that.

Glad you were able to still make your June trip work out. That's good you were able to get a good price.

Love the WS pics!

 

[rentayenta]

Congrats!!

I'm glad you're still doing your June trip. That'll be fun and a nice thing before delving into a new job.

Great update. DS also loved the ravioli.

 

[MEK]

Getting caught up, so glad you got a new job, it can definitely be scary being between jobs, it's great you will be able to avoid that.

I was absolutely worried about being between jobs. That was scaring the crap out of me, so I am thrilled it all worked out.

Glad you were able to still make your June trip work out. That's good you were able to get a good price.

I booked through priceline. It's a refundable rate and hoping it will end up actually being a good deal - that is if I like the resort - than its a deal.

Love the WS pics!

Thanks!

Congrats!!

Thank you! You know I am quite happy to have that all work out.

I'm glad you're still doing your June trip. That'll be fun and a nice thing before delving into a new job.

Absolutely. I feel vacation is essential before changing jobs. Heck, I always feel vacation is essential!

Great update. DS also loved the ravioli.

Thanks! That ravioli was really good. Glad I took C's lead and went with it.

 

[eandesmom]

This will be a bit of a shorter update so we can stay sort of in sync and apparently I did not take many pictures at all towards the end.
Missions completed at MK, not to mention a perfect start to my last day, I headed over to Epcot. That last monorail ride is pretty darn sad too.

So...I decided to document my last visit to the Food and Wine festival this way











Sniff.

Happy Anniversary Epcot!





I had really thought I might end up with some anniversary merchandise but nothing really "grabbed" me, for me. Although interestingly enough since then I downloaded some of the retro icons you see in that picture and use them on my desktop at work.

I headed over to the WS to meet up with Mary Ellen and Christine. If memory serves they were in Italy at a lovely table, just enjoying a drink and each other. As I was now ready for something (or a lot of somethings) myself we headed to the Florida Local kiosk.



White Corn Arepa with Magalista Pork Rillette and Zellwood Sweet Corn Salad. And Florida Orange Groves Hurricane Glass 5, Florida White Sangria.

I LOVED the Pork Rillette, the sangria however was too sweet for me.
It was a little trickier to find a spot to eat but we did and were able to watch the filming going on.



From there, apparently according to my pictures we moved on to Singapore and I got this



Seared Mahi Mahi with Jasmine Rice and "Singa" sauce. And a glass of Marques de Caceres "Satinela"

Delish!!!

At this point I believe we parted with Christine. It was SO wonderful to hang out with her for a bit, nosh in the sun and sip some wine. The perfect "winding down" for the end of my trip.

After we parted, in a complete trek across the world we headed to Ireland for cheese. Actually we just headed over that way and the menu grabbed us...Kerrygold and all. I have no picture to prove it...perhaps Mary Ellen does?

I do however had a receipt and a memory and my passport. Thank heavens for all of it or I wouldn't have a clue. I had the

Kerrygold Cheese Selection. Irish Aged Cheddar, Dubliner and Cashel Blue Cheese with Apple Chutney and Brown Bread.

Heaven on a plate. I probably have zero pictures as I inhaled it.
Last but not least (and it was next door) Canada for this beauty




Chicken Chipotle Sausage with Sweet Corn Polenta and "Minus 8" Onion Jam.

Yes, I know it’s not the fillet. I wasn't in the mood. Plus, they had me at "polenta"

Tummy finally full and time closing in on me...what would be next? I still had almost 2 hours before I had to be on the not to magical express.

 

[dizneeat]

No! You cannot go back home now.

Love the update. F&W is outside our vacation time, so I really live through all of your reports.

 

[MEK]

Seared Mahi Mahi with Jasmine Rice and "Singa" sauce. And a glass of Marques de Caceres "Satinela"

Delish!!!

This looks really good. I guess I was still too full from the ravioli. I do have a picture of the cheese plate, somewhere.

Cute PP pictures as well!

 

[MEK]

Soarin or Cynthia

It looks like Cynthia did a great job finishing up her last couple hours in the world at F&W. I, however, must have been too full from that yummy ravioli.

But I did manage to make room for the Kerry gold cheese platter in Ireland



I can verify that we did travel to Canada, because here's a picture!





I had a FP for Soarin, but I needed to make a decision….head back to BWV with Cynthia or stick around and use my FP.

I decided that Soarin will always be there, but Cynthia would not. So I picked Cynthia over Soarin.

We saw Mary Poppins on our way out. I just love Mary Poppins. So serene and refined.



I know its wrong to take pictures of totally random people, but I can't help it when its comes to getting pictures of Mary P.



Goodbye Epcot









When we got back to the Boardwalk Cynthia decided she had some time to hit the pool. And this time we got brave - real brave - and we decided to hit the Clown Pool.



And you know what - that crazy clown wasn't all that scary after all. We actually both really enjoyed the Clown Pool even though neither of us braved the pool.

(sorry random person who appears in this next shot)



It was a perfect afternoon and I was certainly not disappointed that we hit the pool. It was just perfect



AT some point I got a text from Tracy saying that she had just had her makeup done in France and she wanted to know if I was still in the park to come see it. I was bummed that I missed her. I know she looked totally beautiful because later that evening she posted a picture on FB of her with her niece at Victoria's and Alberts. How would I know that was going to be one of the last pictures I would ever see of Tracy.

Sorry. I just have that memory and its so vivid.

Now, just to change the subject, here's a picture of a resort trash can.



So, I'm going to stop here because I am sure Cynthia would like to write about her departure before I do. So I think I'll use the space to post some HHI pictures. Enjoy!

On our way to the island (once we exited I95)

(sorry for the dirt on the windshield)



Getting ready to cross the intercostal





A cell pic of our arrival - note the Mickey glove



Our first sunset



A squirrel in the tree off our back porch



The view from our porch



A better view from our porch




The view from our porch to the marina






Cell pic from my run the first morning. This is the start of the path that goes to the beach




Cell pic from the path - this shows the main lodge which is impossible to photograph in its entirety unless you are on this path



Continued In Next Post.......

 

[MEK]

Continued From Previous Post

The resort pool









Parking lot to the right, marina to the left



Lots of Spanish Moss





The beach house pool











The view of the beach from the beach house





The inside of the beach house








The beach













Back at the resort



The marina




Continued In Next Post....