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

[Poolrat]

Next may! One whole week!!!

Just sayin'

Hey did you decide if you will be there for NYE or not? I can't recall...and if so where are you? BCV?

Those back stairs are great. I'm a view junkie though so can't say I'll ever book standard out of choice. Which is a little sad I know but...it is what it is.

May is such a hard month for me. March would be better and now that the kids are older since it is both their birthday month, but I think I can do March again.

I am already thinking of adding a couple of days to Oct. A Thursday - Tuesday ( already one extra day) Just might not be long enough.

I am book for NYE at BCV. ( 7 month opens up at the end of the month )

Thinking of switching to Kidani at the 7 month mark but still have some moving parts to that trip.
- need to actually secure the time off.
- we are under construction again, this time pool liner and maybe new HVAC and project is due to be done by that time but as always..... somehow I end up responsible when it is delayed even though I have NOTHING to do but watch. I am hoping for just pool heating time and my staff can be scheduled and cleaning. We are scheduleing way more time and pool temp is the biggest issue and no classes until the 13 of Jan so I should be good.

Hopefully that will be a long trip Dec 28 or 29 through Jan 4th.


Not having a standard view didn't mean no view - sure I had a partial parking lot but also had ToT.

 

[TarzansKat]

Thank you! It really was a gorgeous sunset that evening. I totally enjoyed watching it and taking pictures. I think that's one of the nice things about being alone. You definitely don't have to worry about bothering or holding someone else up.

That, right there, was probably one of my favorite things about my solo trip in September. There was no agenda but mine.

One a decade! That's awesome! As far as the hands up thing - I always pull them down at the last minute when I do the "tuck I don't want to get wet" maneuver at the end of the ride.

HA!!!

So what you're saying is your courage only goes so far? You're still braver than I am. I'll have to try the hands up thing next time I go on, see if I can test my limits.

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

Andy - 0
Mark 1 point

Well, I proved once again that I'm a terrible guesser. But at least I didn't get shut out, unlike some people.

I wondered if anyone would remember this...

The answer, of course, is no.

I think the Germany shirts would have been my 23rd guess.

Santa also put this in Evan's stocking

Evan has made us Fried Chicken from POP, Meatloaf from PTC and a Coconut Curried Chicken Stew from Boma. All VERY yummy!

That cookbook is awesome. We're partial to the Disneyland Monte Cristo sandwiches, Le Cellier cheese soup, and Flame Tree BBQ sauce.

 

[glennbo123]

Quick comment on this. I'd (I mean Evan) would make it again but honestly I'd use boneless meat or de-bone first. The flavor was fabulous but it was a bit of work. We used a combo of thighs and legs and they were a pita on a number of levels. I don't want to have to cut meat off the bone in a stew (or have skin in my stew for that matter) and that definitely isn't how it's presented at Boma. Conversely it's a giant mess to take it out of the stew after cooked to de-bone/remove skin. Next time we will just sear boneless breasts instead.

Thanks!

My only problem with this recipe....Judy doesn't like coconut. So, if it's going to get made, it's going to be by you-know-who. Which doesn't happen much. But, it's the same story with Boma's carrot-ginger soup, and I've made that several times.

 

[MEK]

Phew! After being away for 2 weeks, I'm all caught up! A lot happens around here in 2 weeks.

It sure does, doesn't it? Well, welcome back! I hope you had a marvelous vacation and please pm met if you do a TR so I won't miss it. I rarely go and search for new TRs. so I don't want to miss it.

Congrats Mary Ellen on the new job, that must be a relief, I'm so happy you're going to make it to Orlando after all, I'm looking forward to that TR. I loved the pics of HHI and Nick's prom, thanks for sharing!

Thanks! I am very happy to have the new job lined up. It is a relief. I am also looking forward to a couples only trip.

Glad you enjoyed the pics from Nick's prom. His GF just gave me a whole CD of pictures from her dad/GF which I haven't even downloaded yet.

Cynthia, your Hawaii trip is getting sooo close! I'm looking forward to that TR too, I've got to still catch up on the other one.

I bet that is going to be one awesome trip. Aulani looks A-MAZING!

I do believe I did see an afternoon tour but did not get to do one myself .

I really want to look into that and wish I knew how to find out ahead of time. It's such a cool resort so I would definitely love to learn a few factoids.

Todd and Paul were there and they say " Hey"

Right back at ya Todd and Paul!

I had a room almost all the way to the tennis courts. Being that the only elevators are near the lobby area, it was either walk up four flights of stairs from the quiet pool or backtrack to the center for the long hallway walk.

When coming from DHS and the pool it was stairs and when coming from EPCOT it was the elevator.

That is a LONG walk from the lobby to that part of the resort. But I would have used the same strategy as you.

I liked BWV but still have a soft spot for BCV, but the points for a standard can't be beat for the location. I have done too many short trips lately and really need a longer one. That and home stress had an effect on this particular trip.

The standard view really is a steal, so to speak. I wait listed pool/garden and then did my second wait-list at BCV for October. Maybe I should have done the standard as my alternate.

Now for the solo time ----- Isnt it amazing just to sit and watch a sunset like that!!! You ate, your drank, you rode. Great choices. They also shortented EMH to 2 hours, not sure how I feel about that yet. That last hour was always the best.

Really. I did not know that about the 2 hours. You're right - the last hour IS the best.

But solo time IS the best. It's just so spontaneous and so freeing! Love it!

Ugh. I hate when the food and wine samplings are teeny tiny.
But otherwise, looks like some very yummy food,

All the food was really good! I felt the serving size was reasonable, all except for the ice wine.

Beautiful sunset pictures! Not too much better than a sunset in Epcot.

It was such a gorgeous evening in so many ways. The sunset was the icing on the cake!

MK for the evening, eh? Nice. Very nice. LOVE your Splash photo!! Looks like a blast!!

I DID have a blast on Splash. It was awesome! It was one of those "woo hooooooooo" moments!

I am so behind, it's embarrassing! First, LOVE the prom pics. Your son and his date look fantastic.

Don't be embarrassed about being far behind! It happens to all of us. All the time. So glad you liked the prom pics!

Enjoyed looking at your last pictures of BWV and BCV. They're both such pretty resorts.

They are absolutely gorgeous resorts and I had such a nice time walking around there. It was an absolutely perfect evening! Perfection!

Way too much to catch up on everything! Guess I am too late to the T-shirt contest party. I don't know the E's well enough yet to venture a guess, and I'm guessing the results will be posted before I can consider all the options. Maybe next time around.

Yup - you just missed the result show! Cynthia says I have insider information, but I really just guessed. Hmmmmm......

I always hate last days. What is it about everyone trying to cram in their whole trip one last time the final night. Seems to work so much better just taking in the atmosphere, but you did get a lot done Mary Ellen. I always hate that exhausted feeling at the end of the trip when I'm heading home.......especially when I know I will be back again soon. Okay, who am I kidding............

I rarely feel like I am doing last minute cramming, but for some reason that evening I just felt like do the classic rides in purely random order. I just sort of went where the wind blew me. It was just some enjoyable spontaneity.

Some really good resort pics and how great to get animal pics in the pool without having to be at AK or AKL.

Thanks! I just love both those resorts and when Cynthia left I could take as many pictures as I wanted without feeling like I was holding anyone back. That's always liberating.

Those ducks were SO CUTE!

I hope all you Mom's had a great Mother's Day!!!

Thanks! I had a lovely day and it sounds like Cynthia did too!

 

[MEK]

Great Updates Mary Ellen !!! I really enjoyed my solo trips , it is sooo great to be in complete control !!!

It really is fun to be in complete control. I don't relish the idea of entire solo trip, but a little solo time each trip is always a good thing!

The pix of sunset at Epcot were amazing !!I started my Cruise TR by the way and link is in my siggie !!

Thanks! So glad you liked the pics. And thanks for the heads up on the Cruise TR. I am really looking forward to it.

What a joyous thing to sit by yourself to watch the sunset & ponder what to do next. I love my DH, but sometimes I would love to be alone on vacation.

See what I just wrote above - every trip needs a little solo time, so amen sister! Just don't let Bob hear you say that.

Beautiful sunset photos.

Thank you!

Great update

Thank you!

Mary Ellen 4 points

Now, Mary Ellen had insider knowledge and I'm not convinced she didn't see or hear me mention which way anyone was leaning so...I'm giving this hands down, to Sheree! Prizes to be discussed in a minute. Now...no one got all the points possible. I did leave out one detail.

Yeah me! Even if you do think I had insider information, I thought I was totally guessing. Of course, maybe I was paying attention on some kind of subliminal level.

Never would have guessed the Germany T's. Guess I missed that subliminal message.

I love that T-shirt you got. I totally would have gotten one of those if that had one big enough for me. So cute!

MaryEllen, what beautiful, beautiful pictures around World Showcase. I especially love the colors in the fountain when you reached Future World. Mark and you would get along great...he'd love to wear a poncho on Splash Mountain too if I let him.

THAT is too funny! He would wear a poncho?????? You're right - we would get along just great. Are you sure he can't come with you in June????

Thanks for the compliment on the pictures. It was a gorgeous, gorgeous night and fortunately the pictures capture that.

Can't wait to see what else you decide to do at the MK with your solo time.

Let's just say that I hit up a few more MK favorites!

Nice purchases, Cynthia (sorry I didn't participate in the contest...this wedding in 29 days is taking all of my spare time). Love the t-shirts and the cookbook. I really need to pick up that cookbook one of these trips.

I can't believe the wedding is getting SO close. You must be so super excited. What fun! And I can't believe its going to be 95 degrees when we are in Disney World. Oh well - I guess its better than 100 degrees!

I never ever ever would have guessed the Germany tshirts. Sounds like a family trip to Germany is in order!

My thoughts exactly, but now when I think about it I know that Cynthia HAS traveled to Germany for family. I'm not sure about the rest of the family.

MEK, your Main St. pics really capture the hustle and bustle going on that evening. I'm glad your wait-times for rides weren't very long though. I was surprised that you were going to ride Splash at night, so the poncho made sense.

It really was crowded on Main Street, but in a good way. Not annoying at all. And Splash was definitely a winner. I really think the wait times were low because the air was just a bit cool. But, the wait time for Big Thunder wasn't bad either, so it must have been good ride mojo for me.

Cynthia, I would've never guessed the Germany shirts. I'd love to have that Coconut Curried Chicken Stew recipe from Boma. Mmmm.

Edited to add - don't bother typing the recipe...I found at least 8 sources on the inter-web, such as this one.

Glenn - If you ever make that, you better invite me over for a sample!

 

[MEK]

Quick comment on this. I'd (I mean Evan) would make it again but honestly I'd use boneless meat or de-bone first. The flavor was fabulous but it was a bit of work. We used a combo of thighs and legs and they were a pita on a number of levels. I don't want to have to cut meat off the bone in a stew (or have skin in my stew for that matter) and that definitely isn't how it's presented at Boma. Conversely it's a giant mess to take it out of the stew after cooked to de-bone/remove skin. Next time we will just sear boneless breasts instead.

That sounds much, much easier!

Hehehe I got one point at least!! I never would have guessed the Germany shirts, but they're really cute. I love all your souvenirs, especially your own t-shirt from Yak & Yeti!

Isn't that shirt adorable. I so wanted one but they didn't have anything close to my size.

I love all the purchases! I didn't come close to knowing the shirts you got for the boys...so not sure why I got a point.... but I will take it.

Be careful, she might take it back. Kidding!

What a score on the little tray. Super cool.

Perfect souvie size if you ask me!

I am very impressed that you made it over to MK after that gorgeous sunset and even more so that you went on Splash! I think the poncho was a brilliant idea and you actually look great in it! Super fun picture.

Well done and great pictures!!

I actually impressed I made it over there, too! For a brief moment I was a little nervous about leaving one park and venturing to another solo, but I just didn't want my night to end after Illuminations, so despite my wrist band, I headed out before it was even close to starting. It proved to be a good decision. The poncho was a good decision, too!

Love the tees that you chose, especially the one from Yak & Yeti. Cute the boys wanted the Germany shirts. My DH is half German, but the other half is Irish. Me, I'm Scottish & English.

I can't wait to until you do your TR about Aulani.

Love her Y&Y Tshirt. It's adorable!

I am so looking forward to the Aulani TR. That place is just so darn gorgeous!

Great update! I love your World Showcase sunset pictures, it's so beautiful there when the sun is going down! I probably would have stayed right there for Illuminations though!

It was hard not to stay for Illuminations. But I knew if I stayed then I wouldn't go to MK. So I'm glad I made that choice. I saw so much of Illuminations last June that I didn't really feel like I missed anything.

Thanks for the compliment on the pictures. It really was a gorgeous evening.

BUT going to MK was a great idea! Even if it looked crowded, I'm sure the energy was great! And you got to do 2 of the mountains with very little wait, awesome! Can't wait to see where you're headed next!

The energy was great and, since I hadn't ridden Splash this trip, I just knew I needed to. The lines were really very manageable and the wait time was less than the listed in each case.

All caught up!

You son looks very handsome in his suit for prom! They both look great all dressed up.

Thank you! They both did look great! And now I have even more pictures from her dad that I still have to download.

AW! I love the duck story. On our last day, we were at MK and saw a momma duck with her ducklings. Cutest thing ever! You have some restraint, I must say! I would have gone over immediately and pulled him out of the pool

Cutest thing EVER - for sure!

You know - if that man hadn't been right next to me I might have had to reach it and help that little duck. It was totally stressing me out. I wanted that family together again in the worst way.

Great idea on hopping over to MK. A perfect way to end the trip

It really was a perfect way to end the trip. And because it was so spontaneous, I think it added to the fun!

 

[afwdwfan]

After I watched the sunset I had a decision to make - should I stay for Illuminations or should I go to MK to close out the night?

Hmmmmmm - I didn't have to think about it very long. As much as I would have loved to see Illuminations from a private viewing area, I also really wanted to go to MK and ride some rides.

My favorite park to see transition from day to night is EPCOT, and my favorite park to be in any time is MK. This is like the perfect Disney evening.

I think I sat on a bench here and called home to talk with Denny for awhile. I needed to make sure he knew what time to pick me up at the airport.

That seems like an important detail to have lined up.

Check out that back row! And yes - that IS a poncho. I wasn't taking any chances with getting wet. The boys can call me a sissy, but it was just too darn cool out to walk around wet.

Well, I'll call you a sissy.

Andy - 0

Wow. That's just epically pathetic. You could have just ignored the fact that I even tried.

Well, I proved once again that I'm a terrible guesser. But at least I didn't get shut out, unlike some people.

 

[rentayenta]

Catching up.

 

[eandesmom]

Love the tees that you chose, especially the one from Yak & Yeti. Cute the boys wanted the Germany shirts. My DH is half German, but the other half is Irish. Me, I'm Scottish & English.

I can't wait to until you do your TR about Aulani.

I really love that Y&Y shirt, I wear it all the time. I wear both of them all the time actually!

Great updates!


Cynthia,
Love the T shirt choices, I like the Mr Potato Head one, Fun!

I read that Walt Disney Book, there was another one I really liked, called "The Man Behind the Magic" that was really good. I did a term paper on Walt too, it was while I was in Nursing School for an English class and I got an A on it.

My mom had an earlier version of the Disney Cook Book, I want to get the more recent one.

Thanks! I love that shirt on Evan, it cracks me up. I"m going to need to remember that book, I'd love to get Eric another one, he'd gobble it up (and then share). I don't think the current cookbook is really all that recent...it still says MGM on the pages but it's a good one.

Well, Yay for me!!
I feel pretty lucky!
I wish I'd bought that cookbook - I've eyed it many times!

I got the same festival shirt as you did. Love that the sleeves are a bit longer.

Cute stuff at Y&Y! I've never been in there either. Of course, I want to eat there one of these trips too.

I really like that shirt, it's a good transition weather one, I wear it a lot! Yay for you is right!

Nice gifts!
I hope there will be a day when Brooklynn has the chance to do a report on Walt Disney. Pretty awesome that you'll be reading that book in Aulani!

Santa had a lot of fun, so fabulous to be there without the kids and be able to shop close to Christmas like that. Ok it wasn't all that close but it wasn't far either. I'm sure Brooklynn will have that chance

Awesome updates ladies!!!

Cynthia: Good purchases! I love the items that we buy that we use and see in daily life, like your little tray.

I love that little tray thanks!

May is such a hard month for me. March would be better and now that the kids are older since it is both their birthday month, but I think I can do March again.

I am already thinking of adding a couple of days to Oct. A Thursday - Tuesday ( already one extra day) Just might not be long enough.

That's too short, the minute you start to unwind, it's time to go back! Fun but not relaxing or rejuvenating (to me) when they are that length.

I am book for NYE at BCV. ( 7 month opens up at the end of the month )

Thinking of switching to Kidani at the 7 month mark but still have some moving parts to that trip.
- need to actually secure the time off.
- we are under construction again, this time pool liner and maybe new HVAC and project is due to be done by that time but as always..... somehow I end up responsible when it is delayed even though I have NOTHING to do but watch. I am hoping for just pool heating time and my staff can be scheduled and cleaning. We are scheduleing way more time and pool temp is the biggest issue and no classes until the 13 of Jan so I should be good.

Hopefully that will be a long trip Dec 28 or 29 through Jan 4th.

Sniff, if you move I can't walk next door and meet you for a drink GUGH you need to get the time off...a full week at least!

Not having a standard view didn't mean no view - sure I had a partial parking lot but also had ToT.

That's true, it is a crap shoot though for sure. Love seeing ToT

Well, I proved once again that I'm a terrible guesser. But at least I didn't get shut out, unlike some people.

Well gee, I should have given everyone a point for trying at least!

I think the Germany shirts would have been my 23rd guess.

Not the obvious choice

That cookbook is awesome. We're partial to the Disneyland Monte Cristo sandwiches, Le Cellier cheese soup, and Flame Tree BBQ sauce.

I need to get Evan busy! All of those sound fabulous.

Thanks!

My only problem with this recipe....Judy doesn't like coconut. So, if it's going to get made, it's going to be by you-know-who. Which doesn't happen much. But, it's the same story with Boma's carrot-ginger soup, and I've made that several times.

Ah...there is that. BTW I always sub light coconut milk and it works great and makes it a bit healthier.

Yeah me! Even if you do think I had insider information, I thought I was totally guessing. Of course, maybe I was paying attention on some kind of subliminal level.

Never would have guessed the Germany T's. Guess I missed that subliminal message.

I love that T-shirt you got. I totally would have gotten one of those if that had one big enough for me. So cute!

It was some crazy sizing on those shirts.

I know I talked about the Germany tees ... Too funny. I was with you when I bought potato head, well in the same park anyway, you were at animation. SM I didn't get till that last morning and was the reason I HAD to to MK no matter what.

My thoughts exactly, but now when I think about it I know that Cynthia HAS traveled to Germany for family. I'm not sure about the rest of the family.

My folks go pretty much annually, siblings if and when they can. Yes, I was there in 2011 for my goddaughters baptism and had a DISmeet with Magdalene . I've been there twice prior to that. Kids are dying to do. Of course their cousins there, are dying to come here!

I actually impressed I made it over there, too! For a brief moment I was a little nervous about leaving one park and venturing to another solo, but I just didn't want my night to end after Illuminations, so despite my wrist band, I headed out before it was even close to starting. It proved to be a good decision. The poncho was a good decision, too!

You did good!

I am so looking forward to the Aulani TR. That place is just so darn gorgeous!

I'm just looking forward to GOING! 4 days!!!!!!!!!!!

Wow. That's just epically pathetic. You could have just ignored the fact that I even tried.

I always get zero points on Mark and Glenn's so you are in good company At least you tried, maybe you can get a soda credit, but not a slushie.

Catching up.

me too!

 

[englishrose47]

Good Mornin' Cynthia and Mary Ellen !!

 

[rentayenta]

Love the photo of you on Splash! I wear a poncho too, especially at night, sissies unite.


I agree, that thimble full of ice wine was obnoxious. I drank mine like a shot too. They should be embarrassed to charge more than $1 for that.


Your sunset photos are beautiful. Dusk is my favorite time of day anywhere but especially over any body of water.

 

[englishrose47]

I missed the BIG Reveal so just went back !!! I didn't know about your German roots or the Scottish one ( remember Scotch is a drink) Do not call a Scot .. a scotch !! Ireally loved that Y &Y shirt !!!

 

[Poolrat]

That's too short, the minute you start to unwind, it's time to go back! Fun but not relaxing or rejuvenating (to me) when they are that length.

For you with the time change it also shortens it. We shall see. If I can swing I will do it. It will probably mean a day or two at POP or AoA.

Sniff, if you move I can't walk next door and meet you for a drink GUGH you need to get the time off...a full week at least!

I did a bit of pre- testing the waters and I should be able to get eh week off. Of Course as with any construction it may be pins and needles up until holiday time but there is really nothing I can do and being shut down other that the regualar stress of construction I have nothing else really going on during that time.


Either way ..... a meet up will happen!

That's true, it is a crap shoot though for sure. Love seeing ToT

It was a nice view. Parking lot beyond the trees and a bit of the water in between and it worked out just fine.

 

[IheartDDuck]

It's always predictable that upon arriving at HS, you would go get a FP for TSM. I mean, that's what we all do, right?

WHAT!? I thought I was Pink!? Seriously though, that guy is mighty tall!

Wow, that's a bit sobering with the family needing help for their daughter. We've seen a few things happen before, and you're absolutely right, it does pull you out of your world for a little while.

"It was a dark and stormy night".....oh wait, nevermind. That's how Snoopy always started his writings.

Carrot cake cookie!!!!!!! Sorry, got a little excited there.

I'm going to make sure to get a little Bo action for you in July.

Oooohhh, that burger looks yummy!

I would definitely like to stay at the Yacht Club. It's the only resort I haven't stayed at, but I can't justify the points!

I totally bought that drain stopper for my Mom! She loves it.

I hate skinny drink marketing too! It's like "really?" I don't drink because I'm concerned about being skinny.

Nice view!

My Mom and I are planning on eating at Flying Fish on our girls trip in February! I'm excited.

I adore WS during F&W. The drunk people crack me up. And I'm always one of them.

 

[MEK]

So, I'm behind on my own TR again! Busy weekend. My dad is in the hospital, so I went to see him yesterday. Nothing too serious. He got the GI virus that's been going around and with his underlying medical issues, it made him very, very weak. He should go to rehab tomorrow. I have a parade today, which I would love to ditch, but I've hardly done any events this year so I have to go.

I hope to get to replies this evening and maybe even catch up on some of YOUR TRs. With three weeks till Disney I have to get this thing wrapped up. I think I have two more updates and final thoughts. Can I meet my deadline? I hope so.

Hope everyone is having a great day.

 

[DisMomAmy]

I want that cook book!!

 

[GoofyFan1515]

Yup - you just missed the result show! Cynthia says I have insider information, but I really just guessed. Hmmmmm......

That's your story and you're sticking to it......

I rarely feel like I am doing last minute cramming, but for some reason that evening I just felt like do the classic rides in purely random order. I just sort of went where the wind blew me. It was just some enjoyable spontaneity.

That must have been quite a windy evening.

Now why is the George Carlin joke about a butterfly with gas stuck in my head???

 

[MEK]

I miss Tina too! So Tina...if you are lurking...HI!

I don't think she's lurking, but I have seen her on FB. Not the same, but better than nothing.

I
well they were supposed to post the results yesterday, then last night and it still isn't up. Which meant she went to another tryout last night (same club as the ECNL team but for their A team..which apparently includes 4-5 "reserve" players for the ECNL team) and then tonight I'm not sure if she plans to go to her current/old club's tryout or not.

Well, I hope that things have turned out positive in the try-out department.

I
And of course, because she is 16, she didn't track all of this and agreed to babysit for someone even though she and Jeff were supposed to hit opening night for Star Trek since she heads to Cal Poly tomorrow. UGH. I will be so glad once we just know what is what.

I hope Cal Poly went well. I am sure everyone will be glad when its all worked out. It's a hard time.

Great updates!

Thanks!

Mary Ellen,
Looks like a good last night, Beautiful sunset pics at Epcot, Great you were able to ge to MK one last time, I love BTTMR at night, but have never been on Splash at night, I don't blame you for wanting to stay dry.

It was a great last night! Glad you like the sunset pictures! I'm so glad I hit MK at night. Splash is really cool at night. The castle looks so great all lit up - that is for the split second you can see it.

Cynthia,
Love the T shirt choices, I like the Mr Potato Head one, Fun!

That is a super cute T.

I read that Walt Disney Book, there was another one I really liked, called "The Man Behind the Magic" that was really good. I did a term paper on Walt too, it was while I was in Nursing School for an English class and I got an A on it.

My mom had an earlier version of the Disney Cook Book, I want to get the more recent one.

I think Walt is a great subject for a term paper. He really has a great story. It's so inspirational. A true rag to riches story.

Well, Yay for me!!
I feel pretty lucky!

Woo Hoo! I guess you beat out my "insider information".

I wish I'd bought that cookbook - I've eyed it many times!

It would be a fun cookbook to own.

I got the same festival shirt as you did. Love that the sleeves are a bit longer.

Very cute shirt.

Cute stuff at Y&Y! I've never been in there either. Of course, I want to eat there one of these trips too.

I love the T she got at Y&Y. It was adorable.

Nice gifts!
I hope there will be a day when Brooklynn has the chance to do a report on Walt Disney. Pretty awesome that you'll be reading that book in Aulani!

Both of my kids did summer reading on Walt Disney. That was my favorite summer reading book for both of them!

Awesome updates ladies!!!

Thanks!

Mary Ellen: Your pictures from Epcot are awesome!

Thank you! The sunset was so perfect that night. So glad I waited for it.

Cynthia: Good purchases! I love the items that we buy that we use and see in daily life, like your little tray.

I agree. It's always so nice to have a Disney souvie that we connect with every day.

May is such a hard month for me. March would be better and now that the kids are older since it is both their birthday month, but I think I can do March again.

I originally wanted to do a March trip, but since I started a new job its probably better if I wait until May to go. My vacation is definitely not going to be as flexible as it had been. Boo!

I am already thinking of adding a couple of days to Oct. A Thursday - Tuesday ( already one extra day) Just might not be long enough.

Definitely not long enough! You need MORE! Easy for me to say - right?

I am book for NYE at BCV. ( 7 month opens up at the end of the month )

Nice!

Thinking of switching to Kidani at the 7 month mark but still have some moving parts to that trip.
- need to actually secure the time off.
- we are under construction again, this time pool liner and maybe new HVAC and project is due to be done by that time but as always..... somehow I end up responsible when it is delayed even though I have NOTHING to do but watch. I am hoping for just pool heating time and my staff can be scheduled and cleaning. We are scheduleing way more time and pool temp is the biggest issue and no classes until the 13 of Jan so I should be good.

Hopefully that will be a long trip Dec 28 or 29 through Jan 4th.

That sounds nice. You'll get to see Cynthia because that should definitely overlap with her dates. Nice. And Kidani is such an awesome resort. You really can't go wrong with Kidani!

Not having a standard view didn't mean no view - sure I had a partial parking lot but also had ToT.

Tot? Nice! I have heard that some of the standard view room views are great. Mine wasn't because I was on the first floor, but I understand the upper floors are nice.

 

[MEK]

That, right there, was probably one of my favorite things about my solo trip in September. There was no agenda but mine.

Exactly. No agenda can be a really good thing!

HA!!!

So what you're saying is your courage only goes so far? You're still braver than I am. I'll have to try the hands up thing next time I go on, see if I can test my limits.

Yes - my courage DOES only go so far. I am a chicken at heart. Shhh - con't tell anyone.

Well, I proved once again that I'm a terrible guesser. But at least I didn't get shut out, unlike some people.

Ouch! Burn!

The answer, of course, is no.

I think the Germany shirts would have been my 23rd guess.

The answer is NO here as well and I was WITH her. What does that say about me? Wait. Never mind!

That cookbook is awesome. We're partial to the Disneyland Monte Cristo sandwiches, Le Cellier cheese soup, and Flame Tree BBQ sauce.

OK - now you're talking. I might have to get that book after all. The Monte Cristo sandwiches sound like a winner.

Thanks!

My only problem with this recipe....Judy doesn't like coconut. So, if it's going to get made, it's going to be by you-know-who. Which doesn't happen much. But, it's the same story with Boma's carrot-ginger soup, and I've made that several times.

All the more reason why you should invite me over to try the coconut chicken dish. Just sayin!

My favorite park to see transition from day to night is EPCOT, and my favorite park to be in any time is MK. This is like the perfect Disney evening.

It really WAS the perfect Disney evening. I was surprised how easily everything went.

I have to say I completely agree with you.

Well, I'll call you a sissy.

Go ahead - call me a Sissy - I can take it.

Wow. That's just epically pathetic. You could have just ignored the fact that I even tried.

Next time! You'll get 'em next time!