The Empty Nesters Magical Mystery Tour *1/28* Link to New Girl's TR p141

[MEK]

Well, look at that- it's already "later!"

Darn girl! You're good!

I know I said it before, but your photos are CRAZY amazing- love the ones when you entered the treehouse, love the Illuminations pics, especially the globe ones!

Thanks! I think its the frames that make them look better!

You are really crackin me up in this TR, Wife of the Year!

Yup - that's me - wife of the year. I am sure there will be other moments which exemplify that as well!

We loved our recent dinner at La Hacienda, too! I am kicking myself now for changing that ADR to something else so many times in the past.

It's yummy food, isn't it? And, of course, the drinks there aren't bad either. Best darn ritas and the sangria I had was excellent! Oh, and then there's the view!

Dogfish is awesome- hope to have a beer there with you someday- at LEAST.

I love that place. Yummy beer and decent food. What's not to like?

And finally...yes, I'll say it-

And here I thought Walt Disney World 2013 was in Florida! Nice PIC!

Glad I was able to interject a little humor! (unintentionally, of course)

That Jen is crazy!!!! I tell you though, using the borders to frame the pictures can make a crappy picture look good and a good picture look even better! !

It totally works. It's visually interesting and it does make a mediocre picture look better. Thanks for the inspiration you crazy girl, you!

I stole that idea from a girl who is a photographer and she said it draws your eye to the picture better.!

It definitely does. See - you stole it from her and I stole it from you. The gift that keeps on giving!

I had did it for a few years when I used another editing program and then when I started photoshop I stopped. Then I read about it again and learned how to do it in photoshop and now I have it set to just one click when I am done editing the photo!

Now THAT is awesome. This is a labor intensive doing it through photo bucket, but its pretty mindless so I can handle it!

You are sooooooo good. I feel accomplished when I get them uploaded to PB AS IS.

Boy do I know THAT feeling!

But you are right, and that other girl was right- they look really great framed- it reminds me of scrapbooking- ohhhhh....that was so much FUN and it always looked SO GREAT!

I miss scrapbooking. I always liked it because its got the tactile side to it. I liked touching the different pictures, fabrics, items. That was the fun part of it.

Hope you have a fun weekend

Thanks Pam! It was a nice weekend. I enjoyed seeing my mom and Brian and his GF. She's 21 now so can actually order alcohol. That's pretty crazy. Brian still has a couple more months to go!

 

[MEK]

oh man, while I appreciate Denny's offer I wouldn't have been happy about it. that is a LOT of time and energy to do someone else's shopping.

I expected nothing less from Denny. I knew he would offer and, honestly, it was only painful for the hour we were there. And they were SO appreciative of it that I truly didn't mind.

And Asiago cheese isn't exactly an everyday item for most folks.

That was a bit of a challenge. That and the diapers.

What a sister in law you are!

While I may not win wife of the year, I am strong in the running for SIL of the year!

Lovely lovely lovely treehouse photos

Thank you!

UGH on the heartburn and I don't like the foreshadowing there one bit!

Let's just say I will be heavily medicated in May with an industrial strength PPI!

We don't do the Tree anymore as Mark hates the climb (I did do it with the girls two years ago...will have to see if they want to do it again this year).

Really? I guess the climb is a little annoying - mostly because there are always too many people going up that tree! I want it all to myself!

Love the photopass pics on the way out of the MK. And, at the risk of being thrown of the DIS, I will not comment on one particular photo.

Yeah - that one photo is a little risqué, shall we say? And I did the editing. Sheesh. What was I thinking!

How nice of you to make a Walmart grocery run for the inlaws. I have to say I NEVER go to Walmart. I cannot stand the store. That being said, we went in desperation a week ago, and Mark finally found a windbreaker type jacket to bring with us next month to Florida and it was only $13.96! But I still dislike the store.

You and Cynthia! I don't mind Walmart, mostly because the selection is the same from store to store and I can find things easily. I like that.

Great deal on the windbreaker!

I'm glad you had a good visit with your former co-worker.

We really did. I'm so glad we got to spend that time together. I miss him. He is a good worker and a nice guy.

For not having a "window" table, you got some awesome photos of Illimunations.

Thanks! We really did luck out on that location.

Although we are going back to the Boardwalk in September, I have to say that walk from parking to the resort entrance does feel like 2.2 miles.

that walk is so ridiculous. And what I don't understand is that they have so many spots reserved for valet that are empty. It just seems so disproportionate.

Hi Mary Ellen !!Did you think I dropped off the planet !! I have been such a BAD Disser, that thing called work has kept me pretty busy and I have just plain been to tired to do anything but crawl into bed at night !!! At work right now till midnight and working again tomorrow Can't wait for a whole day off , but that is a good 9 days away !!!

I wondered what happened to you Rosie - that sounds like a grueling work schedule. I hope you finally have some free time this week! I know when I was working long stretches the last thing I felt like doing at night was DISing. I just couldn't concentrate!

 

[LuvEeyore]

Love the candle at the table for two. Disney touches are so much fun!!

 

[MEK]

Hi Mary Ellen! I love the frames on your pics I may borrow your idea sometime. (Who am I kidding, I won't remember how you did it when the time comes. )

Thanks. It's easy. The frames are all in photo bucket under the edit option. A little time consuming, but very easy to do.

Cute pics of you and Denny on MS. I will not comment, I'm a lady.

And you don't want to get banned from the DIS boards, right?

Glad you like the PP pics!

I love the Wife of the Year moment! I would SO do that!

I'm sure a lot of us would do that. So, yup, wife of the year here!

Have a great trip if I don't make it back here before you leave.

Thanks! :good vibes

Wow - that was a fun filled packed day! The treehouse - great pics, you just gave me another idea, have not climbed up there in years. I agree, all of the decor must be bolted.

So you're going to take a trek up inside the treehouse! You'll love it - bolted down decorations and all!

We did have a great day. I really enjoyed it!

And nice of you to venture to Walmart for your in-laws. Actually, very very kind of you

It really wasn't that bad and they were very appreciative of our shopping expedition.

Crowds that evening at Epcot look crazy. Food looks delicious.

Rebecca

Those crowds did look intimidating. Fortunately they had really died down by the time we left.

I'm pretty sure it was the Del Mar, I just didn't remember it having fish??? I know it had shrimp and scallops, but thought there was also maybe chicken or steak along with it.

The Del Mar definitely has shrimp and scallops as well as fish. It's definitely all fish and seafood and lots of veggies. Definitely no meat or chicken.

I suspected maybe they used to be combined when I ordered it, and now maybe split into two menu items, but I went back and looked at past menus and it has always been that way since La Hacienda opened, so I guess not. I know the one I had didn't have the corn. Will definitely try that one next time so I have also had them both!

We had the Del Mar a couple years ago and the restaurant hasn't been opened that long so I suspect your memory IS failing you. But no worries, you can just join the crowd.

Hope your busy weekend went well!

It did. And my overnight shift is done so I am on the countdown to winter break vacation! Woo Hoo!

Well, I think your wonderful pics have reminded me I that I should put that on the to do list for my next WDW trip.

It's quick. It's easy. Why not? And you really don't have to wait for it. It's just a fun thing to do ever so often.

That does sound like a pain. So you have to cart your luggage all the way from car to room? Or would bell services deliver it once you check in with luggage in tow?

You can unload right out front and either take everything to bell services or just wait until the car is parked. It's not horrible. It just annoys me that they leave so many empty spaces for valet.

Although it may have been the sangria. (how did I not know there was sangria there?!! ) it might have been a change in policy. I mean, what places can take the dp can change so I would assume that who takes TIW can as well.

It probably WAS the sangria - which was very good by the way! I enjoyed it because I was afraid to drink a rita!

Howard and I picked up some Sorcerers of the MK cards, but we didn't actually have a chance to play the game. I didn't think I'd be into it because I very much love how the Kim Possible/Agent P games cause things to happen happening in World Showcase whereas Sorcerers is just a screen. But then we went through the tutorial just to get some cards, and we wanted to try it! It was just a little busy that day and it had started to rain. Next time!

It's a cute game. I loved the Kim Possible game too. This is similar, but it lacks some of the funny things that Kim Possible had - like the singing beer steins in Germany. I loved that. Sooooooo funny!

Love the detail pictures of Swiss Family Treehouse! I haven't been up there in quite some time too. I told Howard he could go since he wanted the views and had never experienced it. I said I'd just sit and wait for him, haha, but he never had the opportunity.

You were going to send Howard up the tree by himself. OK - now you win wife of the year award. I will turn mine over to you! It is a fun picture spot, so I did enjoy it. Denny just tolerates it.

How kind of you to do the asiago cheese hunting for your family! I don't know that I'd have the patience on vacation, haha.

It really wasn't that bad and they were So appreciative so I'm glad we helped them out. Hey - anything to make that first Disney trip special.

 

[annmarieda]

It probably WAS the sangria - which was very good by the way! I enjoyed it because I was afraid to drink a rita!

Oh that would be why I didn't realzie that there was the sangria there... I had a yummy rita!!!

 

[Leshaface]

I can think of a few things about that picture, but probably best not to say them! I like being on the boards

Can I say, you're quite the trooper to be battling heartburn and fighting on to have some drinks!

Ooh dinner looks pretty amazing and so fun to catch up with an ex-coworker!

 

[MEK]

I do believe I am caught up!

Darn girl - and what a great job you did. You remembered so many comments. I can never do that.

A Table for 2:

Love the pictures of random people on Splash- even better than some redneck ride photos I have seen of the ride.

I really did capture their displeasure, didn't I?

Nice parade pictures.

Thanks!

Neat "accidentally-on-purpose" meet at the barbershop.

I was really psyched to bump into Kristy. It was great to miss her and her family in person.

Great balloon pictures. I am amazed at all of the different varieties they have.

Thanks and, yes, they have the BEST balloons. Love each and every one!

Cool carved pumpkins. I want that job. I suck at carving and artsy stuff, but I think that would be a great occupation.

I suck at that stuff too, but they really are super cool. I so wish I could do something creative like that!

Glad you enjoyed Tony's. Had a reservation once that we had to ditch because Nate was not feeling well and we haven't made our way back.

Well, just another reason to go back then. It was a fun meal. Not the best, but the theme was really enjoyable and it fits so well with the MK.

Up The Tree:

Once again, I will comment that you have a great eye. I love your closeup pictures of details I often miss.

Thank you! :good vibes I love taking detail pictures because I generally miss all those fun details without them. Pictures are the only way I can pay attention to detail.

How nice of you two to do the Walmart run for everyone. And you got to pass under the arch again!

It's never bad to pass under the arch, is it? The Walmart run turned out to be pretty painless, so we didn't mind that much.

Woah! Beautiful sunset.

Thanks!

PHEW!!! You enjoyed your meal at La Hacienda! We got the meat mixed grill, but I was also tempted by the seafood one- your picture makes me wish we had room for both.

Well it was ready your TR that made me realize how amazing the La Hacienda was. I'm really glad I got to sample some of each. So thanks!

Great chance to see parts of Illuminations. Your pictures of the globe, and fireworks are fantastic.

We totally lucked out on the table. And thank you!

It looks like you had a great start at the MK! Jeremy never got into the Sorcerer's game. He did it once and lost interest. Glad you liked it.

We had a fun day at MK. Jeremy really didn't like it? Wow. I mean it is somewhat mindless so maybe there wasn't enough of a challenge for him.

How nice of you to go grocery shopping for your family on vacation! I hate going to Walmart and try to avoid it at all cost. Couldn't imagine doing it on vacation.

I don't mind Walmart too much because I actually know where everything is. They stay pretty consistently from store to store, so that makes it a lot less painless.

Your meal at La Hacienda looks yummy! We still have not ate there. Will have to add it to the list for November this year.

I really enjoyed our food there. It was pretty yummy. Plus the atmosphere and adult beverages are great. You should definitely check it out!

Food and Wine.......still on my bucket list! We have never been. Really hoping that one day I can convince my boys to miss our local fair (or part of it) and go to Disney. Fair week is our fall break and it is hard to get them away with Jeremy in 4-H. Anxious to hear about all your good eats!

That does sound like a conflict. I know that 4H is a big thing. I love looking at the displays at our state fair. It's pretty cool what those kids do. I can certainly understand why Jeremy wouldn't want to give up the fair.

Hope you have a magical trip in a few days!

Thanks!

 

[MEK]

I am gone for a week and I fall nearly 10 pages behind?

back! I know you had a fabulous time! Are you sure its 10 pages? I'm shocked.

Love all the updates, Mary Ellen! Too much to comment on, but I can report that I am all caught up again.

Thanks and yay for being all caught up!

Wait, some of the muppets are bolted down?

Surprisingly shocking, isn't it? Who knew?

Love your pictures, especially the sunset one and all of the IllumiNations ones. Wow those were some great seats!

Thanks and we did have a great table. We totally lucked out. We had our fingers crossed but you never real know until they seat you!

Love the candle at the table for two. Disney touches are so much fun!!

Disney touches are the BEST and that's totally an example of it! I loved that candle and what does it cost them? Basically next to nothing.

Oh that would be why I didn't realzie that there was the sangria there... I had a yummy rita!!!

The ritas are SO good there, aren't they? A-MAZING!

I can think of a few things about that picture, but probably best not to say them! I like being on the boards

I know, me too! That's why I bit my virtual tongue and didn't say a thing!

Can I say, you're quite the trooper to be battling heartburn and fighting on to have some drinks!

Yeah - what can I say - health versus adult beverages. Hmmmmm - let me decide?

Ooh dinner looks pretty amazing and so fun to catch up with an ex-coworker!

It was a super yummy meal and I'm glad I got to sample off both platters. That was fun. And I loved catching up with my former coworker. He's a great guy and his wife is so nice, too.

 

[MEK]

Family Reunion

So we closed out Day 2 (Our first Disney Day) with a walk home to our BWV studio.

How about a recap of the day -

We rode all the mountains at the MK, had two DIS meets with Melissa and Kristy, played the Sorcerer’s game for the first time, went up into the treehouse, did a Walmart run, experienced our first taste from the F&W kiosks, had dinner with a former coworker, and watched Illuminations.

A great first Disney Day if I do say so myself.

We walked with our friends from the restaurant until they hung that right to the bus stop.

But not us. No. We had only had to walk to the IG and out to the Boardwalk. I will admit, I drug my feet a little and almost wished we had walked counter clockwise just to save a little bit more World Showcase time.

As we near the Boardwalk I tried for a few night time shots















It was a real low key vibe tonight on the Boardwalk





What a lovely evening. As exhausted as I was from our first full day, I still almost hated to go inside.

But we had a early morning and, not surprisingly, I was asleep as soon as my head hit the pillow.

In the morning we were really pressed for time as we had an 8:30 ADR at Crystal Palace. It was time for our family reunion!

I didn’t have time to go for a full run so I hit the gym for 20 minutes - 10 minutes on the treadmill and 10 minutes on the elliptical. Not the best workout, but it was all the time I could allot time for that morning.

Our plan was to drive to the MK. As we left the BWV I glanced over at the bus stop. I saw a bus pulling out. Sure enough it was an MK bus. So any last minutes doubts I had about driving went out the window when I saw that bus pull away.

Once again, the bonus of driving was taking in the views on Bay Lake.















It was just after 8am as we pulled in.







One of the things I was looking forward to, besides breakfast, was entering the MK before the crowds. That’s always such a cool experience.



I know you saw these guys yesterday, but it really is fun to take their pictures when no one is around.







Continued In Next Post

 

[MEK]

In one of the windows at the Emporium





But the best part of taking pictures with no one around is photographing the castles. I mean, doh, how could it not be?











My inlays showed up right on time. I was so worried about that because (1) they were staying at the Treehouses (2) there were nine of them (3) did I mention they were staying in the Treehouses? I figured they would need to be out the door at 7am to deal with that transportation mess.

But guess what, they showed up at Crystal Palace less than 5 minutes after we did.

Hugs all around and it was time to go inside.

Guess who showed up first - my favorite!



Followed by Pooh. Wrapped up in Pooh is my nephew’s son. How cute is that? He was not shy in the least.



Pooh has this look on his face that says, “ Hmmmmm - what’s going on?”



I think he wants to get picked up!



I didn’t ask permission to post pictures, so I’ll just post this one because its my favorite.



In case you are wondering what my plate looked like, here you go.



OK, what’s one more?





Here’s another one of my nephews



Breakfast was wonderful and Denny’s brother and SIL were kind enough to treat us to breakfast. I used my TIW card and my BIL paid the bill. I took a lot more pictures of the kids, but since I didn't ask permission to post them I will stop there.

I'm pretty sure everyone had a fun time and watching the little ones totally enjoy their character interaction was such a highlight. It almost makes me want grandchildren. Note - I said "almost".

When we got outside I insisted that we get a PP picture. Thank goodness there was a photographer right outside the restaurant. The only bad thing - the PP version never showed up. This picture was taken with my camera.



So from left to right are my oldest nephew and his wife and kids, me and Denny, Denny’s brother (they look so different, don’t they?), his wife, my middle nephew and his girlfriend (who happens to be a nurse, so I liked her immediately), and my youngest nephew who is a PA and lives in NC.

So, not a super long update, but I really wanted to get something posted before we leave town for our winter break.

See you around the DIS real soon!

 

[Leshaface]

Aww such cute kids!! And what great photos you got of a very empty MK!

You know, I had lost about 5 pictures from this past trip with the Photopass, so I contacted them. There is a form you can fill out about what park you were at, what time, where in the park, what you were wearing and if you can, an option to provide a photo of what you were wearing that day and they'll locate the lost photo for you. They found all of mine!

 

[MEK]

Aww such cute kids!! And what great photos you got of a very empty MK!

Aren't they adorable?

I love an empty MK. It's even more magical then when its crowded.

You know, I had lost about 5 pictures from this past trip with the Photopass, so I contacted them. There is a form you can fill out about what park you were at, what time, where in the park, what you were wearing and if you can, an option to provide a photo of what you were wearing that day and they'll locate the lost photo for you. They found all of mine!

I knew that it was possible to contact them, but I was in a share and I had to work an 11 day stretch when I got home so it just wasn't a priority. They lost that picture and another people Denny and I had taken on the bridge to France.

 

[jedijill]

Ah, those kids are adorable! CP is a great breakfast. So glad you all had a great time!

Jill in CO

 

[MEK]

Ah, those kids are adorable! CP is a great breakfast. So glad you all had a great time!

Jill in CO

Aren't they adorable? They made going to a character breakfast so much fun. And we already know CP is a great breakfast just made a little better!

 

[rentayenta]

What a perfect place for a fámily reunion. Love the photos of an empty park and castle.

I'm impressed you going to the gym with only 20 minutes to work out.

 

[amazingact21]

Mk pre-park opening is so nice. You really get to enjoy the sights without worrying about being in anybody's way or getting bumped by guests' shoulders and strollers. Your photos with the pink roses in the them are beautiful. Reminds me of a perfect park day.


Looks like your in-laws had a nice time at breakfast, and kudos to them for making it to CP on time! Those little ones seemed very happy to see Winnie the Pooh and his friends. How adorable.

 

[eandesmom]

But the best part of taking pictures with no one around is photographing the castles. I mean, doh, how could it not be?

There were so many great shots it's hard to pick just one but I adore this one. I love the focus on the roses, with the soft castle behind it. Just lovely! I am enjoying the borders. not enough to actually make them myself (still impressed, that is time dedication) but they are really cool.

My inlays showed up right on time. I was so worried about that because (1) they were staying at the Treehouses (2) there were nine of them (3) did I mention they were staying in the Treehouses? I figured they would need to be out the door at 7am to deal with that transportation mess.

I honestly didn't think it was bad. Granted we never took the bus from the treehouse itself but if you plan accordingly, not an issue and I didn't think any slower than several other of the bigger resorts and mods.

I'm pretty sure everyone had a fun time and watching the little ones totally enjoy their character interaction was such a highlight. It almost makes me want grandchildren. Note - I said "almost".

that can wait but the little ones are fun for a bit aren't they!

When we got outside I insisted that we get a PP picture. Thank goodness there was a photographer right outside the restaurant. The only bad thing - the PP version never showed up. This picture was taken with my camera.



So from left to right are my oldest nephew and his wife and kids, me and Denny, Denny’s brother (they look so different, don’t they?), his wife, my middle nephew and his girlfriend (who happens to be a nurse, so I liked her immediately), and my youngest nephew who is a PA and lives in NC.

So, not a super long update, but I really wanted to get something posted before we leave town for our winter break.

See you around the DIS real soon!

CUTE picture, what a lovely looking family, how fun!!!

 

[Pinkocto]

What a great morning first trip for everybody? I hope you're being sarcastic, because slap a mustache on Denny and they look identical, to me at least. Maybe it's too far away to tell.


Safe travels and have a marvelous trip!!!!!!!

 

[natebenma]

What a fantastic morning!!!

You are tempting me with all of the gorgeous things you saw from the ferry coming in to MK! We are bus or monorail people, but WHAT A VIEW!

Your castle shots are incredible. My favorite is the one with just one rose or maybe the one with the castle not in soft focus. We have never done the pre-park opening breakfast, but that is on my bucket list. I wonder if you have even less people when you have an 8:25 reservation than right at opening?

Extremely cute character pictures in CP. I love Disney through the eyes of children.

GREAT family photo, and that was extremely smart of you to have them take it with your camera too. The only pictures PP lost for us were some in front of the guitar at RNR- never saw a photographer there before or since- and I tried following up, but they never did find our missing pictures and I didn't have them take it with my camera.

How close are Denny and his brother in age. WOW! Good thing his brother has a moustache, because it would be tough telling them apart!

HAVE A FANTASTIC TRIP!!! Can't wait to hear all about it.

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

A great first Disney Day if I do say so myself.

Any day in Disney is a great day.

It was just after 8am as we pulled in.

Love the morning castle shots!

One of the things I was looking forward to, besides breakfast, was entering the MK before the crowds. That’s always such a cool experience.

I SO want to do that sometime! Bucket list item.

But the best part of taking pictures with no one around is photographing the castles. I mean, doh, how could it not be?

Ok, you can stop rubbing it in now.

So, not a super long update, but I really wanted to get something posted before we leave town for our winter break.

See you around the DIS real soon!

Have a great time!