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

[glennbo123]

I read your update a couple of days ago (maybe on my phone?) and am just now getting around to commenting, sorry about that. Anyway, so sorry about your stomach issues, but that was wise of you to get looked at. I'm glad that medication was all that was needed to take care of it and that you're all better now.

Loved all of the pictures around AKL, one of my favorite places!

 

[MEK]

I loved your pre-update updates!

Thanks!

The trip to Williamsburg sounds fantastic. I know it is right up your alley and it is on my bucket list.

I love W-burg. It's one of those places I can visit multiple times. There's tons of thing to do on vacation and its within driving distance! Woo Hoo!

on booking your flights for the PHM (and just a tiny boo that they are not a day or two sooner)

I know. I swear I work with people that have vacation ALL the time. Even with advanced planning I could not get that Friday off because someone already had it off.

The B&B in Melbourne sounds incredible!

It looks really cute! I'm pretty sure I am going that route although I keep toying with Universal for those two nights. It's just that the rooms are SO expensive! I'd love to try the new place but that doesn't get the Universal Express Pass. I guess I could stay somewhere else and just buy that. Decisions. Decisions.

Remind me- what are the ports of call for your cruise?

I am doing the 4 night Dream cruise. It's a double dip with two days at Castaway Cay!

***********************************************

That stinks about the rain at the MK and really sucks that you were continuing to have such severe stomach pain- smart move to address it, though, even if it did mean losing some Disney time.

It just reached the point where I knew I had to do something. In retrospect that was the right thing to do and it got the ball rolling as far as figuring out the cause and a cure. So it was worth losing some Disney time!

I am so glad to hear you are feeling better now.

Thanks! :good vibes

Your pictures of the AKL lobby are gorgeous!!! Absolutely stunning!

Thanks!

Not to brag or anything, but I invented "Girrafic Jam" back in 2003 while on the drive-through safari at Six Flags/Great Adventure in NJ.

Silly me- I never trademarked it.

OMG! You totally should have. Then you would be the proud owner of those shirts and taking in the proceeds!

I'm sorry for your pain, and your lost time. Not a good time to have that happen. I'm glad you are okay now.

Thanks! In the grand scheme of things it wasn't that much lost time and I was happy to eventually have an answer to what was going on. With the right medicine I am SO much better. Don't ever want to go back there.

Love the resort pics! I noticed all the different colors in the seating areas - it brings out different colors in the wood - so artistic.

I just love that lobby. It's so calming and peaceful and it really IS so well put together. So perfect!

It is never fun to be sick at Disney. You were smart enough to know that you'd had enough before it got to a point where you'd be out for the count entirely.

I just knew I couldn't go back to work and the stress of work feeling that way, so I'm glad I got checked out. Not the best use of vacation time, but necessary all the same.

That "Giraffic Jam" shirt is the best. I'll have to re-visit their gift shop to see what gems are hiding there.

Isn't that shirt too cute? Love it. There gift shop is really the best!

 

[MEK]

That's convenient. Usually when it is raining is about the only time I see a long line there.

Believe me. It did get longer - a lot longer, but fortunately not until we finished fighting the evil Zurg!

It's raining...

so you ride Splash...

in ponchos...

Yup. You got it right! That's EXACTLY what we did!

I don't know what it is about that place, but I swear those burgers are better than the typical Disney burger.

I totally agree. I totally love those burgers and I'm surprised I picked the taco salad over the burger. Oh heck - my judgement was off since I wasn't feeling good.

Don't blame you a bit. Nothing to be gained by staying around the park if you're going to feel miserable.


You probably made the right call to go seek medical attention, but man, that's just brutal. Sorry you couldn't get something to just help you get by the next couple of days until you could return home and see your doctor.

I would have liked to just go home but then I would have had to fit it in around my grueling upcoming work schedule, which I think is a big reason I got so sick. I was really stressed and wound tight during my first 6 months at the job. There was no reason to be. I just put the stress on myself.

I'm glad it was nothing serious and you now have it under control.

Thanks. Me too! And just knowing what the problem was made me feel better because the pain didn't seem like typical heart burn pain to me.

I hope this includes being able to partake of at least a few EPCOT specialties before you leave.

Oh, yes, there will be some Epcot indulging before we leave the world!

Ugh...That totally sucks...but at least you were on your way to recovery and now feel much better.

Thanks Jen! As much as I hated getting sick and needing to get help, it was a relief to find out what was wrong and get on the right medicine.

There is just something about that lobby!

I know, isn't there? I just love it. Probably my all time favorite lobby. It may not be as grand as the Grand Flo, but its so special and unique. Love it there.

Little treasure boxes.

Ah Hah. That makes sense. they are so cute!

I am so sorry the stomach pain came back with a vengeance. I hope Denny felt bad about the stomach pinching when he found out what was going on. Bummer to lose vacation time but better to take care of yourself. You'll be back to Disney.

I'm sure Denny doesn't even remember pinching me. And, yes, in the long run it was better to finally get a diagnosis and get on the right medicine even though the timing was NOT the best.

Congrats on booking your flights! And too cool about BCV and BWV!

I'm excited to have that taken care of. Now I just have to decide what to do with my two free days. Beach or Universal? I just can't decide.

 

[Pinkocto]

Universal looks soooo fun, but the B & B sounds lovely. You'll have a good time no matter what you decide. Will the beach be cold in February?

 

[MEK]

Oh my! That is no Bueno to need to seek medical attention on vacation. Thank goodness it was not like Denny's trip to the hospital. I was on Protonix prior to having my gallbladder removed. It helped immensely with my heartburn. So glad you were able to rally for one more Epcot trip!

Ashely! Thanks for stopping by. And, yes, thank GOODNESS it was not like Denny's trip. We have now both had out fair share of medical issues while on vacation. Hopefully that's the end of it!

Protonix works GREAT! I have tried Nexium and Prilosec. It's definitely the best out of the three IMHO!

Oh Mary Ellen how awful to be sick in Disney !!! Glad you are all better now !! Great pix and updates !!! Denny's burger looked delish !!!

Thanks Rosie! I'm glad I'm all cured. It really wasn't fun!

I bet his burger was good. I wasn't much in the eating mood that day, but it sure looks good now!

Soo you are off to Williamsburg !!! Say Hello to my Ghost !!!!

You found your own personal ghost???? Do TELL! I want details!!!!!

I read your update a couple of days ago (maybe on my phone?) and am just now getting around to commenting, sorry about that. Anyway, so sorry about your stomach issues, but that was wise of you to get looked at. I'm glad that medication was all that was needed to take care of it and that you're all better now.

Thanks Glenn! I am much, much better and was in just a short amount of time on the right med. So I'm glad I got things checked out even though I did lose some Disney time.

I Loved all of the pictures around AKL, one of my favorite places!

Mine too! Thank you! I always look forward to my future trips at the AKL. It's such a beautiful place!

Universal looks soooo fun, but the B & B sounds lovely. You'll have a good time no matter what you decide. Will the beach be cold in February?

I know! I am so TORN! I don't know what the right option is.

The water may be too cold to swim, but the beach should be fine. It was really nice this past February. Plus Denny and I aren't huge sit on the beach people. We rather get out early and walk on the beach, hang for an hour or so and go do something else. So it works great for us. The points at Vero are super high so that's why we are looking at other options.

 

[tazdev3225]

Caught up. I took a vacation from the boards to actually enjoy some of the summer.

I have been to Disney in the rain. I pack extra sneakers now since one trip I sloshed for several days. I'm still trying to get my aunt to give me a copy of the picture that shows me soaked up to my waist.

Glad you found out what the stomach pain was and that you are feeling better. I get IBS from stress, not fun.

 

[amazingact21]

I just began your latest update but had to stop and comment before I got to the actual update. If you're interested in Melbourne, you should absolutely stay there. I lived in Satellite Beach for 4 years (about fifteen minutes away) and my in-laws live in Cape Canaveral, across the bridge from the cruise ports. (I'm actually at their house as I type this.).

The area is amazing, very relaxed, laid back, and plenty of beaches to visit. Plus there's a bunch of little shops and blocks you can visit.
Melbourne is a lot quieter than the surrounding areas, as well. A lot of the tourists stay in cocoa beach and cape Canaveral, but since Melbourne farther inland you get less traffic and crowds. I'm sure you will love it there, the kayaking down the river is a popular activity, because it's pretty interesting to see some of the local life. If you're lucky, the manatees will be out and about.


AND, I'll either be on a cruise, be in Disney, or be in that area around that time. So if I'm in the area I could say hello.

 

[amazingact21]

Okay, finished with the trip update now.



I'm sorry you had to lose precious Disney time due to not feeling well, but your health was much more important. You did the right thing by backing off and listening to your body. And hey, it wasn't the first time there were health issues on Disney property. (Or did Denny's occur after? Sorry, my mind is second guessing itself.)


And it's good to hear all the medical work and doctor's visits paid off and you are feeling much better now. My father and brother-law (and Alex was tested) for a hiatal hernia, and they just sound awful. I've seen them I pain from it, so I can only imagine how it must have been to suffer through that in Disney.


Love some of that AKL merchandise! Ahhh, that gift shop is so much fun to browse.

 

[Mndisneygirl]

First of all - your Williamsburg trip! Have a great time! We love it there too - we'd visit DH's sisters and mom/dad there in years past (they live about 45 minute away from W-burg).

I like the idea of a B&B at Melbourne. Sounds right up your alley! Double Dip! I'd like to do that and one with Key West as a stop - never been there.

I'm really glad you stopped and went and sought some medical attention, so sorry that it did impact your trip so much! But what a relief to find the solution. Ironically - Dave's been having trouble this past week, and I knew it was bad when he decided to go in. I thought gall bladder at first. But they don't think that's it. Sounds like, based on his tests and such that he may have what you have. He is taking prilosec and it's improved. Of course, eating lunch at BW3 was not smart today! He'll be feeling it later.

I too, could sit in the AKL lobby and look around! So beautiful! We have that giraffe carving/statue in our family room. LOVE IT!!! I think that's one of the best gift shops on property. So many cool unique things!

Glad you were able to enjoy another day at Epcot!

We're in the process of planning our trips for the next year and points are crazy! I need about 300 more!! We are trying to do so many things before the kids graduate - which will be here before we know it! We still have about 19 states left to go. Not all of which are on the way to WDW, so we'll have to take at least one trip that does not involve Disney! I think I'll put that one off until it's time to visit colleges - maybe we'll visit some in New England! again -

 

[MeMom]

It sucks to be sick in Disney World. I hope you never have to lose any Disney time to something like that again.

I love all the AKL pictures. I really think that of all the resorts in which we have stayed, that is my favorite one. I know it's not on the monorail loop, and you can't walk a few yards to Epcot's back door, but it's five minutes from a park we frequent. I just love the atmosphere of the resort. Beach Club is probably second for me, but there's something so warm and inviting about AKL, and having the animals and animal activities there is a cool bonus. We love Boma, but have not tried Jiko or Sanaa.

 

[MEK]

Disclaimer:

I don't normally do this, but I want to get an update posted tonight and I still have a few more replies to do.

Will you guys forgive me if I post and do the replies tomorrow? It's been a very busy weekend without a lot of free time and I have to work tomorrow night. I don't want to delay this update.

So here goes......

Back in Business

This may be my last update before we leave for Williamsburg. I’ll try to get another one in before next weekend, but no promises, OK?

In my last update, the “Lost 24 Hours”, I spent that much time out of commission because of stomach pain from a bad gastritis. Pumped full of every antacid known to man, I was ready to tackle our last evening at Epcot. How sad, another park to say good-bye to.

I took a bunch of pictures in the lobby before we headed out. And, of course, I had to take a picture of my favorite window.





Back at the villa I captured a few more giraffes in action.



The baby giraffe was out!



Still can’t believe this is a reclassified view.



Last pic before heading out!



On the road!



Passing a monorail



Woo Hoo!



It may look like not much was happening at Epcot that day, but let me tell you something that doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out - parking at Epcot in the late afternoon on a Saturday during F&W is not for the faint of heart! OMG! I could barely even see Spaceship Earth from where we parked. I needed to leave crumbs or something to find our way back.

Finally, after a mile or so hike, there it was





Phew - I was already exhausted.

Kidding!

We got a PP picture on the way in (mine)





We decided to ride Spaceship Earth because (1) there was NO line and (2) We (well I) love this ride.

So for the third time during this TR you will have to endure another round of pictures on Spaceship Earth. No judging please - I’m trying to make up for the lost 24 hours here!























Continued In Next Post

 

[MEK]

Another feeble attempt to photograph the Mouse Trap game







This picture is always a challenge too. Someday!







I always feel like we are Jane & George Jetson when we get this scene. Can’t you just here the theme song now?




Yup, I can definitely see the resemblance



Destination China



I think Denny would make a great waiter



From China to the deep blue sea



Denny and I ended up in the Pacific Ocean, yet again!



Back outside we set off to find P & D. They had been in the park all day and were definitely enjoying the F&W festivities.





We stopped for another PP



And found ourselves here to meet up with P&D. They were watching the tribute band in Merry Old England. Is it still called the British Invasion. We got there just as the band was finishing their set.





I don’t have any pics of the band because we were so far away from the stage, but we found P&D and they were having a great time. It was especially great to see D have a great time because there were times before the trip when I sensed he was skeptical about going to WDW. But he was smiling from ear to ear and it was obvious that the Disney magic was in full swing. Well, that and the adult beverages.





We still had a little time until dinner so we stopped for some shopping and Christmas was out in full swing.





I picked up some German candies for my neighbor who was cat sitting.




I loved the Christmas decorations in the shop. I secretly wished they had already made their way into the rest of the park.



Continued In Next Post

 

[MEK]

So where were we heading for dinner?

Does this look familiar?





Love Canada (or Canadia as Rob would say)



So pretty











By now I guess its no surprise that we picked LeCellier for our dinner destination. I hadn’t eaten here in quite awhile and I figured it would be a good pick with our TIW card.




I think the CM on the left was our server. I always love all the CM’s from Canada. They are always super polite and friendly.



Who doesn’t love pretzel bread? Even half eaten pretzel bread?



I went with the filet.



True confession - I have never been a huge steak fan (cover your ear Captain O). I much prefer fish and seafood and chicken and pasta over red meat. I know this is blasphemy to some. Sorry. It’s just the way I was wired. So it takes a really good steak to impress me. The first time I had the filet here (years ago) I absolutely loved it. It melted in my mouth. I deemed it BEST STEAK EVER and it became my “go to” steak in Disney World.

Well, maybe my palate has changed, but more likely its the quality of steak. This steak just wasn’t as good as I remembered. I was disappointed that I could no longer sub the risotto for the once famous cream cheese mashed potatoes. The risotto was just too salty and it detracted from the filet. I realize I sound like I am complaining. I’m not trying to. I just got the sense (in general) during this trip that the food quality at the Disney restaurants has declined.

But maybe I just picked the wrong restaurants in October because, spoiler alert, Cynthia and I had many wonderful meals in May.

Sorry for the side track rant.

This was Denny’s entree

"Maudite" Braised Wagyu Short Rib - pearled root vegetables, roasted pearl onion, pickled vegetable, garlic chips $43.00



A huge improvement over the Jiko meal. His review, “Yum”.

We ordered the cream spinach for the table. I felt the need for a little green, but this was also sort of salty and rich.



I’m not sure whose entree this was but I think it might be the
Angus New York Strip - caramelized onion pastry, Flora Nelle cheese, ramps, wilted kale, Cabernet butter $45.00



Dinner was a success. Everyone enjoyed it. When it was over I had just enough time to hit one more F&W kiosk before our final ride of the night.

Up Next - closing out the night and how this trip report got its name!

 

[DWGal210]

Glad to hear you were feeling better and were able to go into Epcot.

I don't mind more Spaceship Earth pictures - post away! Looks like you had fun.

It's great to hear that your friends were having fun at Disney. I always find it kind of nerve-wracking to take a "non-Disney" person to Disney for the first time, hoping they will love it as much as I do.

Le Cellier looks yummy! Sorry to hear it wasn't as good as before.

 

[mickeystoontown]

Very happy to hear that you were feeling well enought to make it over to Epcot. I didn't mind more Spaceship Earth pictures...like you said, you had to make up for those missing 24 hours.

It's been a few years since we've eaten at Le Cellier. Just can't see using two table service credits there. But, your entrees looked really really good.

 

[Pinkocto]

Oh my about the walk from the parking lot. There weren't any trams?


How awesome D was feeling the magic, love it!!!

Sorry it wasn't the best steak you've ever had again sounds like it was a great meal overall though. I had the pasta when I went in June and it was fabulous! Freshly made every morning with butter and vegetables. YUM!


Have a fabulous time at Williamsburg!!!!

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

I look at it this way Mary Ellen. While it's another park to say goodbye to, you have to be at that park to say goodbye. And that's never a bad thing.

Giraffe's

I guess you have to love a future where your hubby waits on you. Well done Disney.

Haha, adult beverages do have a way of bringing on the good vibes.

Awww Mary Ellen, I do love a photo of the Canadia pavilion. Thanks for keeping this alive!!!

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

This may be my last update before we leave for Williamsburg. I’ll try to get another one in before next weekend, but no promises, OK?

Just enjoy your trip. That's the only requirement here.

Still can’t believe this is a reclassified view.

Amazing!

We decided to ride Spaceship Earth because (1) there was NO line and (2) We (well I) love this ride.

Nothing wrong with that. Although I would have been worried if it was Journey into (Lack of) Imagination.

It was especially great to see D have a great time because there were times before the trip when I sensed he was skeptical about going to WDW. But he was smiling from ear to ear and it was obvious that the Disney magic was in full swing. Well, that and the adult beverages.

Hey, whatever works!

So where were we heading for dinner?

Does this look familiar?

Canada really is a beautiful pavilion.

Who doesn’t love pretzel bread? Even half eaten pretzel bread?

Put it with the cheese soup and it's a killer combo!

True confession - I have never been a huge steak fan (cover your ear Captain O). I much prefer fish and seafood and chicken and pasta over red meat. I know this is blasphemy to some. Sorry.

Don't worry, MEK. There are 2 kinds of people in this world. Those who love steak, and those who are wrong.

The first time I had the filet here (years ago) I absolutely loved it. It melted in my mouth. I deemed it BEST STEAK EVER and it became my “go to” steak in Disney World.

I had a similar experience my first time there!

Well, maybe my palate has changed, but more likely its the quality of steak. This steak just wasn’t as good as I remembered. I was disappointed that I could no longer sub the risotto for the once famous cream cheese mashed potatoes. The risotto was just too salty and it detracted from the filet. I realize I sound like I am complaining. I’m not trying to. I just got the sense (in general) during this trip that the food quality at the Disney restaurants has declined.

Sorry. I don't think they are getting quite the same quality of steak they used to at Le Cellier. And I'm totally with you on the side--give me the mashed potatoes anyday. I stopped going here when they started charging 2 table credits because I'm just too cheap to use 2 credits in one place. But we'll always have the pretzel bread and soup.

 

[Leshaface]

leaving a trail of crumbs!

I like how Denny is working as a waiter, than relaxing with you playing checkers

Totally acceptable to rant, especially for the price you paid. And you can't sub for the mashed potatoes anymore?! Yeah, I probably won't be visiting anytime soon, even though I really enjoyed my steak (With mashed potatoes) back in 2010. Ugh, that stinks i'm sorry.

 

[MEK]

First of All - Sorry for the Delay in getting to these replies!

Caught up. I took a vacation from the boards to actually enjoy some of the summer.

Yay for enjoying summer! I know whenever I go away I have to take a long break from the boards because it takes me awhile to catch up. Hope you had a great summer!

I have been to Disney in the rain. I pack extra sneakers now since one trip I sloshed for several days. I'm still trying to get my aunt to give me a copy of the picture that shows me soaked up to my waist.
.

Oh My! If you wear sneaks to the park I can certainly understand why you would need a second pair. I wore flip flops and they were soaked. The strap was cloth and it was WET. I did not enjoy walking through the ankle deeps puddles. Yuck!

Glad you found out what the stomach pain was and that you are feeling better. I get IBS from stress, not fun.

Thank you! I am SO much better. And, yup, I have IBS too! But I seem to tolerate that better and probiotics have really helped me in that department!

I just began your latest update but had to stop and comment before I got to the actual update. If you're interested in Melbourne, you should absolutely stay there. I lived in Satellite Beach for 4 years (about fifteen minutes away) and my in-laws live in Cape Canaveral, across the bridge from the cruise ports. (I'm actually at their house as I type this.).

I love hearing this endorsement from you! I know you have lived in several different Florida locations, but I didn't realize Satellite Beach was one of them! I knew your in-laws lived close to the cruise ports.

The area is amazing, very relaxed, laid back, and plenty of beaches to visit. Plus there's a bunch of little shops and blocks you can visit.
Melbourne is a lot quieter than the surrounding areas, as well. A lot of the tourists stay in cocoa beach and cape Canaveral, but since Melbourne farther inland you get less traffic and crowds. I'm sure you will love it there, the kayaking down the river is a popular activity, because it's pretty interesting to see some of the local life. If you're lucky, the manatees will be out and about.

Melbourne, from all accounts, sounds perfect to me. I loved the idea of visiting the city, kayaking and seeing manatees, and hitting the beach. It sounds like the perfect combo. Plus - you know - i'm going to be a snow bird so I need to pick out my perfect snowbird locations!

AND, I'll either be on a cruise, be in Disney, or be in that area around that time. So if I'm in the area I could say hello.

Really???? REALLY????? That is awesome! I really hope we get to meet up again. Seriously - how fun would THAT be?