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

[saintstickets]

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?

We will be at BWV 6/01-6/06 (6/07 if our waitlist for an extra night comes through), DCL 10/02-10/05 and BCV 10/05-10/10. I think we are going to miss each other this year. We need better planning!

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?

My sentiments exactly! It is just not long enough. It needs to be more like Popeye & Bluto's ride at that park that cannot be named! That one is plenty long and guaranteed to be totally soaked!!

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!

I love riding Kali with people that don't have a poncho thinking it will be like Splash Mountain! We've scheduled our FP in June for Kali with nothing afterwards for a while to give us time to dry off!

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

Love it !!!

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.

It's an acquired taste....and the more tasting you acquire, the less waxy it will taste! At least it's not as bad as Miss Scarlett muscadine wine!! What you need is some REAL moonshine from some ole Southern boy that may or may not make it for personal consumption....not that I would know anyone that does that!

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

Great picture of the male lion!

After all these trips we have yet to have set foot on Kali. We actually had FP+ reserved for Kali back in January but after three days of rainy weather by the time we got to AK nobody was in the mood for a water ride so I ended up changing out of it.

I wonder how many times that grill gets used for a cookout during the year?

 

[MAGICFOR2]

All caught up! Nice updates. I love your photography in AK! The frames you added make the pics look like artwork Fun PP pics in that park!
We never wear ponchos on Kali. I always wear light weight clothing on the days we might get wet, and time it to be out in the sun to dry, or I don't ride it. Of course, I don't get so wet usually. Jim usually gets all of it, or his uncle or my son. It seems like the raft always turns around and dumps on them at just the right time!

You are right! Kali does come up short - it is 3 min 30 sec, and GRR in Cali is 7 min 20 sec. It seems like all of the rides at DLR are longer

Congrats on getting the Majestic pic of the Lion finally! Great shot! (are you sure you didn't throw a steak up there?) Those chocolate sculptures are really something. I wonder how long they take to make?

I would stick to the wine tasting, too. Whiskey and I do not mix well.

 

[MEK]

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

Cynthia and I did several cooking demonstrations last year and they were fun, but since I am not much of a cook I decided to pick booze instead. It really was fun and I would definitely do another one.

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

Thanks! He was right there in all his glory and I had the correct lens! Finally!

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

It's outrageous. Here's one of many articles about it. The zoo master (or whatever he is called) continues to defend his position. It's just hard for me to believe that these euthanized animals could not be place elsewhere.

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

You got that right!

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.

Too bad, but I am sure you will show up in Jenny's TR. And I'm looking forward to meeting you in May. Did we figure out when we are meeting you. You know that Cynthia is the master scheduler and, although she forwards me the BFP, I have yet to memorize it!

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

It IS the worst. I remember one time getting absolutely SOAKED at US and wearing this horrible jean shorts for the rest of the day that would NOT dry out. It was like walking around with a diaper. Ugh! I hated every minute of it.

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

I know. Isn't it wonderful. I've been fortunate to stay there doing several of my last trips. I hope I don't miss it too much in May.

And lastly, for 1 month!!

Yay for one month

See above!!!!!!!!!

Great lion picture! That's gorgeous!

Thanks! It reminds me of the one you posted awhile back. The one I was going to steal! Finally I don't have too!

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!

At least on Splash you have a good chance of avoiding getting soaked (especially if you sit in the back), but Kali is like Russian Roulette. Three Word - Dollar Store Ponchos!!!!!!!!

Love the claws pic

That was fun! I take such a better picture when they give me something to do!

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

It's really pretty back there and its fun to look over and see the Friendship boats pass from time to time. It really is just so relaxing there.

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!

Those webs were really cool, weren't they? It's interesting how they were all along that one spot. Of course, once again I did not have the correct lens. I would love to practice photographing those webs with different settings and in different lighting.

The chocolate sculptures were very cool to see!

I think they were even better this year compared to last year year, if that is even possible.

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

That makes sense since its corn based. I remember now that you said you like whiskey. I really wanted to like it. Maybe its an acquired taste and I have to keep tasting it. Maybe the drinks were just a little strong. IDK, but I'll give it another go. It was a fun seminar.

Can't wait to hear about your DISmeet!

It was really fun! We had a great time. Coming up next!

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

Um, yeah I'd say you redeemed yourself with that Lion picture. Holy wow! And no bed head on him either!!!

Yes, Khali is a little on the short side. Perhaps we've all been spoiled by the length of that OTHER "wet" ride Splash.

Haha, that happens so often. The ponchos often just do not quite work on Khali. I don't mind getting wet head to ankle, but I HATE getting my feet wet. So much discomfort and you just can't get them dry.

Your lounging location at the resort sure does look relaxing. And oh those sky-writers. So much a part of a Disney vacation for me now.

See that I learned something today about Bourbon and whiskey.

 

[Wood Nymph]

Kali River Rapids - The one and only time I rode this attraction I was in the lucky seat. I got drenched from the waist down. I was pretty miserable in those soaking wet shorts, especially since it was only in the 70's that day.

Food & Wine - I remember your trip report with Cynthia and those chocolate sculptures. Your reports and a few others I have read have made this event sound like fun. It is the reason why we are going back to WDW in October. We bought an annual pass, first time ever, and have been taking advantage of it. So far we have been there for the Christmas decorations, January to escape the sub-zero temps at home, last month for Flower and Garden, and the last trip will be Food and Wine. I'm running out of vacation days. We usually only go to WDW every other year, so this is something new for us, and most likely the only time we'll do this. It has been a lot of fun, though, because with the frequent trips we don't feel any pressure to do every ride, or do any rides for that matter.

BWV - I have always wondered if that open space on the top of that villa building is used for anything? Do you know if it is open to resort guests?

Breckenridge Distillery - Have you ever been to the town of Breckenridge? We visited it once with our daughter and her family. They had moved to Colorado and we wanted to do some touristy stuff. It is a cute little town. We ate at the brewery they have there.

 

[MEK]

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.

Let me guess - Spring sports? I remember when my oldest played soccer and baseball in the spring. Those were the days.

Thanks. I love taking pictures at the AK. Favorite photography park - hands down! You are right - so many great photo ops!

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!

Jen! Woo hoo! So excited that you made it back here! And you timed yourself reading. I'm impressed!

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!

I am even more impressed that you took notes! You know I am going to comment back. You practically have a whole reply just for you!!!!

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.

We really enjoyed it as our first lunch and sit down meal of the trip. The food is very average, but the ambiance is so cute and I love that they gave us a candle. It was so sweet!

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

Exactly - every once in awhile. It's great when there aren't a lot of people up there because stopping and taking pictures with people around is tough. I just think the views are so cool.

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!

Well, they treated us to breakfast the next day, which was so nice and them and it really wasn't that much of an inconvenience. Sort of a necessary evil. It's probably about 5 miles away. We actually stayed really close to it when we did our off site trip last June. It's a super walmart so it has everything. Although I don't recommend going on a Sat night (which we did in June and it was crazy busy at 11 pm at night).

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.

Oh don't worry - I have more Epcot pictures. We spent a lot of time there this trip. The weather was fantastic. It was SO much fun!

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

Thanks! I loved staying at the BWV. So convenient!

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 love CP. I have probably eaten there more than any other character breakfast. I always take newbies there because it is just SO Disney and the food is yummy. I mean, who doesn't love puffed french toast! YUM!!!!!

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!

We were lucky to get both of those FP's because it was before the tiering. It worked out really well. I have sort of mixed feelings about it. It has some good points and I guess I just have to look at it as the new normal. But it would stink to not be able to make FP+ reservations in advance.

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!

Me too! But to the no Disney. I guess we both probably really need to take a non-Disney trip one of these years!

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!)

I really love AK for the pictures. But I have gotten very specific about what I want to do there. I'm sort of in and out quickly. I wonder what it will be like when Avatar land is completed. Plus I do love the park at night and look forward to getting to see it then.

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

It was really special and really disappointing that I couldn't get a good picture of them. Oh Well. *sigh*

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!

Definitely bring the ponchos and then give them to someone else or throw them in the trash when you are done. I actually liked the ride this time. I really tried to soak in the scenery and think about what pictures I could take if I had a water proof camera.

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!

I'm going to give bourbon another try. It's weird because I like just about any other spirit (probably too much ). I think I need to try a mint julep. Attending the seminar was a lot of fun. I definitely think its a cool thing to do while you are there. It's always fun to see a different side of Disney.

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

Strong Work!

 

[Pinkocto]

The only day we overlap is your last day. I'm to call/text Cynthia when we're in the bus heading to WDW, so probably around noon. Im excited to finally meet you ladies!!!

 

[jenseib]

I would have to hold my nose to drink those too. I don't drink much though. I would have to go to the bud light tastings.

 

[MeMom]

Fabulous pictures again.

I enjoyed the Kali ride and some lounge time by the pool. Count me in on the cookout, too. Everybody bring your own steak and a side dish or two. I'll chip in a broccoli salad and maybe some Ghirardelli brownies. Fire up that grill!

 

[IheartDDuck]

One month!!!!!!

Awesome picture of the lion! Glad you were able to get the shot you wanted in March.

Yeah, I find Kali to be disappointing too from a length perspective. It's like "yaaaaayyyyy.....awwwwww it's over....."

We've used Yak and Yeti to dry off too!

A cookout there does sound fun. Count me in, I'd totally be there with the adult beverages in tow.

Wow, the chocolate sculptures are awesome!

Yup, I'm not a bourbon fan, so that seminar would have been completely lost on me.

 

[MEK]

I'm all caught up!

Yay!

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

That's a great question. I never thought about it but it's probably necessary to keep them from melting.

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

I tell you I take much better fun pictures than when I actually try to smile. Sad, but true!

I love Kali but I usually wear a poncho.

A poncho is the only way to go!

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

OMG girl. I stopped by your TR this morning and I can't believe how busy you have been. But its so great that you are doing something you are passionate about!

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

I am really looking forward to our trip. Cynthia has done a great job of figuring out our BFP! It looks great! The Star Wars breakfast is totally the icing on the cake!!!!!

Bungle in the Jungle:

for EE pictures!
for FRONT ROW EE pictures!

I absolutely love the front row of EE. It is SO MUCH Fun! And I have gotten the hang of taking pictures so it works out perfect!

Nice shots of the Yeti shadows.

Thanks. I think we got stuck there for awhile! Hence the good shots!

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

That trek is awesome! And I love all those murals. They are just so lovely. The murals and the prayer flags are so cool.

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!"

You are so lucky to have a water proof camera. Have I seen your pictures of Kali? I would love to see them. It's a very scenic ride, but just a little too short. Still - I bet your pictures are super cool.

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

It's lovely there. I absolutely love it there. So pretty and so relaxing!

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

Thank you! I totally laughed out loud at that!

Bourbon Neat:

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

Yes we do! BTW - we totally enjoyed our pool time at the Beach Club last month. I don't think I told you but Denny really enjoyed it there. We are going back to stay there after our cruise next October. Love it there!

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

Thanks! I love the YC. I would SO love to stay there some day!

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?

Yes - bourbon neat means just bourbon in a glass. Not sure what the neat means.

I guess I could have investigated it more and possibly all the mixology seminars are different. Even though bourbon is not my favorite spirit I still totally enjoyed the seminar.

 

[GoofyFan1515]

Great picture of an impressive looking lion.........even if he IS animatronic!

I agree about Kali. It would be a much better ride if it was more similar to Splash Mountain, especially in length.

Love that grill, and the surrounding location. When you decide to have that cookout there, let us all know so we can show up for the party.

Thanks for the whiskey/bourbon lesson. I never knew what the differences were.

 

[natebenma]

You are so lucky to have a water proof camera. Have I seen your pictures of Kali? I would love to see them. It's a very scenic ride, but just a little too short. Still - I bet your pictures are super cool.

Ask and ye shall receive

Here are a couple of updates from my "3rd Annual We Are Never Going to Disney in the Summer Again" trip report incorporating pictures from Kali. I don't think you have seen them:

Animal Kingdom, 2008

Animal Kingdom, 2009

.

 

[MEK]

We will be at BWV 6/01-6/06 (6/07 if our waitlist for an extra night comes through), DCL 10/02-10/05 and BCV 10/05-10/10. I think we are going to miss each other this year. We need better planning!

We totally need better planning! We are just missing each other each time. Well, in May we are missing you by a month and then in October we arriving the week after you. You have got to tell me your plans for 2105. Ours are up in the air right now because we have a lot of flexibility!

My sentiments exactly! It is just not long enough. It needs to be more like Popeye & Bluto's ride at that park that cannot be named! That one is plenty long and guaranteed to be totally soaked!!

That is a GREAT ride. I got soaked on it but it was So. Much. Fun! I can't wait to visit it in October with my dollar store poncho!

I love riding Kali with people that don't have a poncho thinking it will be like Splash Mountain! We've scheduled our FP in June for Kali with nothing afterwards for a while to give us time to dry off!

Because I know YOU won't give up your man card to ride it with a poncho!

Love it !!!

I love that one, too!

It's an acquired taste....and the more tasting you acquire, the less waxy it will taste! At least it's not as bad as Miss Scarlett muscadine wine!! What you need is some REAL moonshine from some ole Southern boy that may or may not make it for personal consumption....not that I would know anyone that does that!

What - I like that muscadine wine. Don't go hating on that! That's totally a different taste.

But that bourbon is very waxy. So you are telling me that goes away after you taste it more? So I need to get back on the tasting wagon?

OMG to the "may or may not make (moonshine) for personal consumption". Too freaking funny! You are not the only DISer who likes moonshine, you know!

Great picture of the male lion!

Thanks. I was thrilled to see him out in his glory!

After all these trips we have yet to have set foot on Kali. We actually had FP+ reserved for Kali back in January but after three days of rainy weather by the time we got to AK nobody was in the mood for a water ride so I ended up changing out of it.

I can totally understand why you passed over it in January. Who wants to do a water ride in the rain? It's like adding insult to injury. Definitely save Kali for a hot day. I don't know if you ever go in the summer, but that's a perfect time to get wet.

I wonder how many times that grill gets used for a cookout during the year?

I definitely saw it being used during one of my trips in June. But I know what you mean - its a nice feature but most people who are balancing the parks and on the go, go, go don't want to take the time to cook out!

All caught up! Nice updates. I love your photography in AK! The frames you added make the pics look like artwork Fun PP pics in that park!

Yay for getting caught up! And thanks on the compliment on the pictures! The frames take a lot of time, but I love the results.

We never wear ponchos on Kali. I always wear light weight clothing on the days we might get wet, and time it to be out in the sun to dry, or I don't ride it. Of course, I don't get so wet usually. Jim usually gets all of it, or his uncle or my son. It seems like the raft always turns around and dumps on them at just the right time!

OMG! That is perfect. If I could be assured the raft would turn on others at just the right time I would definitely leave the poncho at home.

You are right! Kali does come up short - it is 3 min 30 sec, and GRR in Cali is 7 min 20 sec. It seems like all of the rides at DLR are longer

Wow - really. I knew it was short, but 3:30 is really short! GRR is so much longer. Thanks for telling me their lengths. I had no idea.

Congrats on getting the Majestic pic of the Lion finally! Great shot! (are you sure you didn't throw a steak up there?) Those chocolate sculptures are really something. I wonder how long they take to make?

NO steak, just pure luck. It's about time - I have tried FOREVER to get a decent full on picture of the male lion. FINALLY!

I can't imagine how long those chocolate structures take to make. They really are a work of art.

I would stick to the wine tasting, too. Whiskey and I do not mix well.

Right on with the wine tasting!

 

[MEK]

Ask and ye shall receive

Here are a couple of updates from my "3rd Annual We Are Never Going to Disney in the Summer Again" trip report incorporating pictures from Kali. I don't think you have seen them:

Animal Kingdom, 2008

Animal Kingdom, 2009

.

OMG I know I am totally going out of order but these are wonderful! Thanks for posting!!!!!!!

 

[glennbo123]

Great picture of the lion!

A mixology seminar sounds like a blast.

 

[Poolrat]

A Great Picture of the Lion in March.



I looked at the mixology but the spirit didn't entice me much. I have tried the bourbon and not for me either- especially neat- If I am remembering correctly I had some at Food and Wine one year and had to stop for a cup of ice at the outpost to dilute it. I was going to get it down one way or another but I think that trip I did have a nap in Ellen.


Kali is for a hot day and I can 't stand being in really wet clothes- a bathing suit sure I do that often but not wet clothes. At GRR I went back tot he room to change.

 

[KatMark]

Great update, MEK.

Funny...just after I posted my update on my PTR, I came to read your update (and then got sidetracked with having to cook dinner, etc.). And I posted I'm doing Kali River Rapids with the girls in June...first time I've done this attraction in years.

I LOVE all the photopass photos...they are really great.

I can't wait to try that quiet pool at the Boardwalk...it looks so peaceful.

We've never been to F&W so we've obviously never done a seminar. I don't think I'd like that one...I don't like bourbon or whiskey.

I can't wait to read about the DISmeet.

 

[englishrose47]

We will be there in 24 days !!!!!!!!!!