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

[MEK]

Hi guys! I promise to do replies and an update EVERY soon! Happy Friday!

 

[HockeyMomR]

Hi guys! I promise to do replies and an update EVERY soon! Happy Friday!

Mary Ellen - Happy Friday to you too!

Rebecca

 

[MEK]

Great Safari pix !!!Mine are always blurry or have some body part of someone in themAlthough in December Janet did get the perfect BUTT shot

OMG Rosie - you are TOO funny! Although I would like to see that BUTT shot again!

Lovely AK pictures, Mary Ellen! I kind of felt like I went through EE myself, but without the disorientation of the backwards part. Those kids behind you in the ride photo look like they are having the time of their lives!

That backwards part IS really disorienting, isn't it? I tend to close my eyes to make myself a little less dizzy. Glad you like the pics!

Aren't those kids just TOO adorable? They should have waited for the front row, too!

For some reason, we always seem to miss the Maharajah trek lately. It's been too long since I've seen those tigers! Definitely my favorite of the big cats. We simply must make time for it on our next long trip.

I love that trail. I think the theme is great and I tend to agree that the tigers are super cool. Plus so easy to photograph - unlike those animatronic lions on the safari.

Great Safari pictures, even without the zoom! I know a lot of people say it's boring posting/looking at photos from the Safari because they're always the same, but I never get tired of looking at them. I love seeing the animals up close & personal!

I never get tired of them either. I absolutely love that ride and I think its one of the best, if not the best, attractions in all of WDW. Not only do I like the animals but I really enjoy all the possible scenery pictures from the safari.

Fantastic update MEK!!! I don't know how you take those pics on EE. I'm holding on for dear life so I can't imagine taking pictures!

Thanks! It's much easier if you don't use the long lens because that sort of weighs down the camera and makes it harder to hold. But I think I finally have the timing down and I know when to hold the camera and protect it against my chest and when to try for pics.

Isn't it always the case where you leave the zoom at home and you finally get a chance for a pic that needs the zoom? Sighhhhh. I'm going to try taking better low light pics on our next trip so the zoom will be in a locker or back at the room.

Sighhhhhhhh is right! I pretty much KNEW that was going to happen.

Have you ever considered renting a special lens for low light pics? I have thought about it and it is tempting. But the way I over pack it feels like one more thing I have to be responsible for.

Speaking of our next trip, your girls trip is just before ours so y'all try and leave us an adult beverage or two to drink - not that I'm insinuating the ladies might imbibe - not that there's anything wrong with that!!!

Are you afraid we might drink through the whole world and leave it dry? I don't even think WE can do that?

Where are you staying? I forgot. I have to go back and look at your TR. I think I am just missing you this spring and maybe again in October?

Mary Ellen - Happy Friday to you too!

Rebecca

Thanks Rebecca! Isn't your trip just around the corner? If so, have SOOOOOO much fun!!!!!!! Doh - Just looked at your signature! One week! Woo Hoo!

 

[MEK]

Bourbon Neat


So if you notice my ticker today it says 1 month until our Girl’s Trip! Woo hoo! Getting very excited! I’m also pretty excited because we are finally having some nice weather here in the midatlantic! Gotta love it!

In my last update I had left my long lens in the room and had just missed a perfect photo op with the lion and lioness. How disappointing! So I vowed to redeem myself during our mini visit in March.

May I present the King of the Jungle! Isn’t he gorgeous?



I wonder how old he is? It makes me think about the Danish zoo where they euthanized the older male and female lions, plus two cubs, to make room for a new male lion. So sad.

So back to October -

After Safari we had a final FP plus and it was for a ride that I don’t normally do - Kali River Rapids. When scheduling my FP+’s I thought “Why not?”. I do this ride maybe, MAYBE every two or three years. Nick hates it because for some reason he hates to get soaked on a park ride. I know. I know. He's a chip off the old block! But I knew I could talk Denny into.

I always find Kali a little disappointing. I mean the theme is great, but the ride always seems to come up a little short. Length wise, that is. Does anyone else feel the same way? Like it should be at least 10 minutes longer?

I have seen some fun pictures from the actual ride, but without a waterproof camera I wouldn’t even dare try it.

So I decided to get a few pre ride photos.

On the way there



Pretty theme





The first raft I saw was an empty one. Huh?









Ahhh - there you go! Here are some people!



Whatch you lookin’ at Willis (man on the right)?









OK. Time to get wet!

We used the nearby lockers to lock up our possessions. Since I didn’t have a proper case for my camera I felt it would be better there than in the cargo hold of the raft.

We donned our dollar store ponchos and loaded quickly. We were surrounded by poncho less people who looked just a little envious.

Of course Denny, who didn’t want to give up his man card for wearing a poncho, decided to leave his hood off. Risky business there Denny. I, on the other hand had no man card to preserve, so I held my hood down over my head as tight as I could.

Denny seemed to make it fine through the first torrential water fall. But he didn’t fare so well with the second fall. Yup, the water went straight down the back of his poncho.

So when we unloaded and gave our ponchos to grateful people in line, Denny could definitely say that he was “barely used”. He was pretty soaked and all I could do was LOL!

Having used all our FP’s and not really feeling the need to do anything else at AK that day, since we would be going back later in the week, we debated as to whether to stay for lunch or go elsewhere.

We settled on this



After so many summer trips when its just too hot to sit outside, this was lovely and also served the dual purpose of allowing Denny to dry off.

After lunch we decided to head back to the Boardwalk for a little pool time.

Here are a very few pictures on the way out.







And I almost forgot - before we leave the AK allow me to post the rest of our PP pictures from that morning.











Continued In Next Post

 

[MEK]

When we got back to the room we may or may not have decided to take a little siesta. It was day three of our trip and, I’m not sure about you, but by Day 3 I always feel a tad beat up and tired.

I’m sure we didn’t siesta in the room too long because our plan was to head here - the villa quiet pool



The view from my chair







The skywriters were out





I love the location of this grill. I always think this would be such a great place for a party. Nice little cookout, a few adult beverages, and a sparkling blue pool. Ahhhhh - how fun does that sound?








After pool time we went back to the villa to shower and change and head out to our next adventure.

I decided to sign us up for something new this year at F&W - A Mixology Seminar. I had no idea what to expect, but thought it would be something new, different, and fun to do.

Heading to the IG to enter Epcot







It was a beautiful afternoon




Oh YC why can’t you have a DVC?



For late afternoon I thought it was pretty cool that this spider web was still in full view.





I put the camera away until we got over to the Festival Center. We picked up our tickets, but still had some time to kill.



I love, love, LOVE the chocolate sculptures. They are just too cool.







This so doesn’t look like chocolate.









Continued In the Next Post

 

[Mndisneygirl]

Busting in mid-posting -
Great shots again! Glad you got papa lion!!

I was at Denny with no hood and the water going down his back!! That would happen to me too! Lesson: hold down your hood!!

What did you eat at Y&Y? And was it good?

Oh my gosh - yes! Let's BBQ and party by the pool! I'm in!!

Love the chocolate sculptures! Too pretty to eat, but they do make me want chocolate!

 

[MEK]

No one had lined up to be seated yet so we decided to visit that little movie they have on making wine. It was just OK.





After killing off 7 minutes of our life we got in line and now there were plenty of people in front of us.

The view from our seat.



More waiting pictures



This is the same area they use for the wine seminars



We found out we would be tasting bourbon from the Breckenridge Distillery



I was looking forward to this because I had told Denny that I wanted to travel to Kentucky and do a Whiskey or Bourbon Distillery tour.

In case you were wondering what the difference is between Whiskey and Bourbon - Here’s your answer:

The simple answer is that bourbon is always whiskey, but whiskey is not always bourbon. A strict set of federal trade regulations defines what's what.

Whiskey the American kind, spelled with an "e" is a distilled spirit made from fermented grain and usually aged in an oak barrel. The various types (rye, rye malt, malt, wheat, bourbon and corn) each require different ingredients and distilling processes in accordance with specificalcohol trade regulations, called the Federal Standards of Identity for Distilled Spirits.

While bourbon whiskey has its roots in Kentucky, and continues to be primarily produced there, it is now manufactured in distilleries all over the United States. Manufacturers must meet the following requirements in order to advertise their whiskey product as "bourbon":

It must be produced in the U.S. from a grain mixture (called "mash") made up of at least 51 percent corn. It must be distilled to a maximum strength of 160 proof, bottled at a strength of at least 80 proof, and barreled for aging at no more than 125 proof. It must be aged in new, charred oak barrels. To qualify as "straight bourbon," the spirits must meet the above requirements as well as being aged for at least two years and containing no added coloring, flavoring or other spirits.



More than you ever wanted to know about Bourbon?


A postcard from the Breckenridge Distillery





Our host on the right and our distillery guy on the left



I think he was Brian Noyt. The interesting thing about Brian was he was actually scheduled to run the Marine Corp Marathon in the morning. Yup - He was due to get whisked right out of there and onto a flight leaving for DC. Go Brian. Don’t let us hold you up!



Our first drink




No, I didn’t take any notes but here’s what I discovered. While theoretically I thought it would be fun to taste different Whiskeys and Bourbons, I found that I don’t really care for this particular spirit. In my opinion it has a funny after taste and an almost waxy consistency. That didn’t stop me from finishing all my samples. I soldiered through, but there was a woman near me who literally took a sip of each sample and discarded them.



The Old Fashioned





This was probably my favorite, if I have to pick a favorite. Again that waxy consistency prevailed (I guess because its so corn based).



Lastly, the bourbon neat. Clearly I was falling behind because these little samples were STRONG!







The bourbon neat was my greatest challenge of the seminar. I had to fight the urge to just hold my nose and just chug it down.


Sad! But at least I know I now have no desire to tour a distillery. I'll stick with wineries.

Once the seminar was over we needed to hightail it over to England for a very special DIS meet I was really looking forward to.


Up Next - Dinner and Illuminations with Saintstickets and his lovely wife!

 

[MEK]

Busting in mid-posting -
Great shots again! Glad you got papa lion!!

I know. You have NO idea how ecstatic I was! I have been trying for a good shot for literally years!

I was at Denny with no hood and the water going down his back!! That would happen to me too! Lesson: hold down your hood!!

Denny shouldn't have even put that poncho on because it did absolutely NOTHING to protect him!

What did you eat at Y&Y? And was it good?

I had the egg roll and I sort of glossed over that because I'm not completely sure. But if I had to guess it was probably some honey chicken. The food there is always OK made better when you are really hungry!

 

[englishrose47]

Great Updates Mary Ellen, I seldom do Kali as I am the pnly one who doesn't care if I get wet. Carol hates all water rides, so unless someone in the group really wants to do it , in which case I would go too, we skip it !!! Many moons ago while I was still newly married and in England, I was very friendly with the local "Bobbies", they frequented our apartment regularly and came up with A Rookie test, they brought them over and my Ex served them BOURBON, which of course was American and not available in England. It was hysterical

 

[MEK]

Great Updates Mary Ellen, I seldom do Kali as I am the pnly one who doesn't care if I get wet. Carol hates all water rides, so unless someone in the group really wants to do it , in which case I would go too, we skip it !!!

It's easy to skip. Especially when its not 90 degrees out. but it was fun this time. I actually enjoyed it. Maybe because I had the guilty pleasure of watching Denny get soaked.

Many moons ago while I was still newly married and in England, I was very friendly with the local "Bobbies", they frequented our apartment regularly and came up with A Rookie test, they brought them over and my Ex served them BOURBON, which of course was American and not available in England. It was hysterical

I bet! That stuff is ....potent....and sort of nasty. I guess its an acquired taste.

 

[Pinkocto]

That story about them euthanizing the lions is horrible! how could that even be an option

What a lovely afternoon. Sorry the tasting wasn't fantastic. Make sure you do some on your cruise. We did a fun one with mixed drinks I think you'd like.

 

[MEK]

That story about them euthanizing the lions is horrible! how could that even be an option

It was awful! I saw a zoo keeper on the news (I think he may have been from Detroit) who said they would have taken the animals. This is the same zoo that euthanized a giraffe to prevent inbreeding. And then the fed the meat to the lions in front of school children. I can't look at a giraffe without thinking about Marius the giraffe.

What a lovely afternoon. Sorry the tasting wasn't fantastic. Make sure you do some on your cruise. We did a fun one with mixed drinks I think you'd like.

I definitely will. Even though I found out I don't love Bourbon I still had a fun time at the event. How can you not?

Did you start a TR yet?????

 

[nowellsl]

The Mixology seminar looks fun! I love going to the culinary demonstrations! One of my favorite things to do during the Food and Wine festival - aside from eating

What a great picture of the lion! I think that's one of the best I've seen.

 

[Pinkocto]

It was awful! I saw a zoo keeper on the news (I think he may have been from Detroit) who said they would have taken the animals. This is the same zoo that euthanized a giraffe to prevent inbreeding. And then the fed the meat to the lions in front of school children. I can't look at a giraffe without thinking about Marius the giraffe.

How is this place still open! Are there no animal cruelty activists in that country?

I definitely will. Even though I found out I don't love Bourbon I still had a fun time at the event. How can you not?

With your hubby, at WDW, learning about new drinks. Definitely no option but to have fun

Did you start a TR yet?????

I don't think I'm going to be able to do one. I haven't had much time to do anything other than keep up with the threads I'm reading.

 

[dawnbu40]

I'm with Nick. I hate being soaking wet in the parks. It is the worst!

Beautiful pics of the BW and the other Epcot resorts. I love that area and cant get enough of it!

And lastly, for 1 month!!

 

[PrincessCaitlin]

Yay for one month

Great lion picture! That's gorgeous!

Great pics of Kali! I can't remember the last time I rode that ride! I too hate getting wet on park rides so even though I love Splash I haven't ridden it in forever!

Love the claws pic

That quiet pool has such a perfect view! I prefer that over the creepy clown pool any day!

I am pretty sure I got a picture of the exact same spiderweb while on our November trip or else the IG is covered in spiders!

The chocolate sculptures were very cool to see!

The mixology course sounds like something I would love to do! I am a huge bourbon and whiskey fan and was very glad to find out I could still drink most of them after becoming gluten free

Can't wait to hear about your DISmeet!

 

[cstorm65]

I've been gone for a while...busy time of year, but just finished your updates. Great pictures at Animal Kingdom, I could look at those all day long. There are so many great photo opportunities there. Can't wait for more.

 

[Nermel9]

Guess what? I'm FINALLY caught up on your TR! It took me 28 minutes to read all of your updates, starting from the "Table for Two" chapters. Whew. Next time when you post an update, I'll be reading that day!

I even took notes, so a lot of my comments will be from old updates, feel free to not comment back if you don't want to!

Your Tony's lunch looked really good! I liked the candle they gave you, very classy! I hated Tony's the last time I was there, but I'd like to give it a try again someday.

The Treehouse can be fun every once in a while! I love the views from up there, you can get some really cool pictures!

Ugh, the dreaded Walmart run off property. That was nice of you to get your family their groceries! I actually don't even know where this Walmart is, is it close? We usually go to the Publix that's right near DTD or just a random Walgreens, but Walmart might be interesting!

AHHHH Food and Wine! Your pictures just got me SOOOO excited for my trip, I feel like it's been years since I've done Food and Wine! I seriously cannot wait. I'm probably going to be in Epcot every single day of my trip.

Wow, I love your pics of the Boardwalk at night, so pretty!

Crystal Palace was a good choice for breakfast with your family! And you have to love getting to the park before it opens! I think I'm going to book an ADR there for September, it's been a while since I've been there!

I'm not a huge fan of FP+ yet, maybe I will be on this trip since I will be able to book in advance (I couldn't in December bc I didn't have tickets yet, just a room reservation). I do love the idea of getting Soarin' and TT FP's for the afternoon, that's definitely a bonus!

I love the movie in Canada! It always makes me want to take a trip to Canada too...then I remember, there's no Disney in Canada!

Amazing pictures of Animal Kingdom, as always! Your pictures make me think I like that park more than I actually do! (Just kidding, I do love AK, just not as much as the other 3 parks!)

Aww, both of the lions on the safari, how lucky! I'm dying to see both of them at the same time!

I'm not a huge fan of Kali either, I think I've been on it once. Maybe I'll give it a try again, but right when I'm about to leave the park, in case I get soaked. I hate walking around soaked! Although ponchos aren't a bad idea!

Oooh, that mixology seminar looked like fun! And those chocolate sculptures were amazing!! I don't really like whiskey or bourbon...especially bourbon...ugh, just thinking about Jim Beam makes me want to be sick...but a Food and Wine seminar sounds awesome, I'm definitely going to look into them when they are announced!

YAY!!!! I'M OFFICIALLY CAUGHT UP!!!!!

 

[rentayenta]

I'm all caught up!

I cannot believe those sculptures are chocolate. That's some art! Those cases must be refrigerated.

Your growling pic at AK of you and Denny is too cute.

I love Kali but I usually wear a poncho.

 

[natebenma]

Finally back after losing a couple of weeks to the theatre.

Your girls trip sounds heavenly! Especially the Star Wars Breakfast. That is going to be incredible.

Bungle in the Jungle:

for EE pictures!
for FRONT ROW EE pictures!

Nice shots of the Yeti shadows.

I love the Maharajah trek. The closeup pictures you took of the mural are really interesting.

I like Kali, but Mark isn't that thrilled about getting wet, so we have to prepare well if we are going to ride like changing into flip flops. It has been a few trips since I have done this. Now with the lockers, we no longer need to carry one of the Ziploc big bags to use for our backpack. I always have my camera out and other riders always comment "I hope that your camera is waterproof!"

That seating area at Tamu Tamu is really great. So pretty. And shaded.

That is one awesome shot of the lion! Consider yourself redeemed!

Bourbon Neat:

You certainly know how to enjoy a mid-day pool break.

That is a beautiful shot of the Yacht Club as you were walking over to EPCOT.

Sorry the mixology seminar wasn't quite to your liking. I would have expected more information on putting together different whisky, whiskey or bourbon drinks. Bourbon Neat- isn't that pretty much just bourbon in a glass?