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

[MEK]

Okay, finished with the trip update now.
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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.)
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No, Denny's was before. His was in March 2013 and mine was October. I know, its hard to keep the time frame straight when I write my TR's 9 months after the fact!

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.
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It did pay off and I ended up with much needed piece of mind and feeling so much better on the right medicine. At first I was disappointed with myself, but now I look back and realize it was just 24 hours out of my life.

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

I love everything AKL! Everything is so cool. It makes me want to redecorate an entire room!

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).

Thanks! I knew you guys had relatives there. I love it there. There's just a ton of things to do and I never get board with it. Love it!

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 would LOVE to go to OKW but I am not up for the drive for just 2 nights. It seems like too much work. Melbourne sounds like a better option, as much as I would like to see KW. And you are so right - its definitely up my alley!

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.
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Really? Poor Dave. I know how he feels. I am glad his symptoms are improving on Prilosec. It did nothing for me. Protonix works like a charm though. I think everyone is different when it comes to which PPI works best. Did he have an endoscopy? I hope everything turns out OK. Keep me posted!

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!
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It really is! So cool that you got the giraffe. I love them. That's why I need an AKL decorated room. Too bad my house isn't big enough. I would LOVE that!

Glad you were able to enjoy another day at Epcot!
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Me too! Finishing up a trip with Epcot is my way of going out on a high. I just love it there!

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 -

There you go - that's a solution! Betting start convincing the girls now that they want to go to school in New England!

I know what you mean about not enough points. I could always use more! I'm a little greedy like that! But aren't we all????

 

[glennbo123]

Yay for getting out of the doctor's office and back into the parks!

Glad to hear that D was enjoying it. It's always tough when you have someone along who's skeptical that they'll really enjoy it.

I have never eaten at Le Cellier...got to get there one of these days!

 

[MEK]

It sucks to be sick in Disney World. I hope you never have to lose any Disney time to something like that again.
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My illness was like a stubbed toe compared to what you went through. You were majorly ill and really lucky to have gotten such good care and made such a good recovery. That could have turned out not so good! So I realize I was lucky.

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.

I totally agree and I couldn't have said it better. AK just has something special. I think its the total immersion aspect. There is just so much to love about AKL.

I'm not sure which I like better - BC or BW. They are both awesome. So different from AKL but so great in different ways. I feel really blessed to have been able to stay at so many great resorts in the world. And I LOVE Jiko!

 

[IheartDDuck]

Awww, last night in Epcot. At least you were feeling a bit better. Emphasis on the bit.

Oooff. Parking at Epcot on Saturday and it's F&W? You're brave!

Adult beverages always help you to enjoy yourself even more in Disney. I'm glad D was having a good time.

I haven't been back to Le Cellier in a few years, because the steak was disappointing the last time we went. I definitely prefer Jiko's steak on Disney property.

 

[Wood Nymph]

Spaceship Earth is one of the rides that my husband always has to do when we go to WDW. I enjoy it, too.

We've never eaten at Le Cellier. There are just so many good steak houses here in the Chicago area that it doesn't appeal to us. But we're going to try the some of their offerings at the Food & Wine Festival:

-Canadian cheddar cheese soup

-Seared rainbow trout with bacon, frisee and maple Minus 8 Vinaigrette (gluten free)

“Le Cellier” wild mushroom beef filet mignon with truffle butter sauce (gluten free

 

[emmysmommy]

Hi Mary Ellen!

There's no such thing as too much SE at Epcot! I didn't know that was a 'mouse trap' game in the 1969 living room. I actually paid attention to it this last trip and tried to get a photo to investigate further. Good thing you satisfied my curiosity.

I recognized a few Christmas items that I've bought at Disney over the holidays like the Mickey gingerbread mix. It was actually really good.

I think I still love the Le Cellier's mushroom filet... I have not had a steak there in at least a year and a half. However, I admit that even if I didn't have anything other than the pretzel bread and the cheddar/ale soup I'd be completely happy. Em says the filet and the risotto is too salty so she won't order it any longer. I agree that the Canadian CMs there are always so friendly.

Other random comments since I'm desperately catching up!
That's AWESOME that you are doing the PHM! We've traveled those dates many times and I've always been in awe of the ladies displaying their medals. What an exciting thing to participate in.

I absolutely adore all your photos from AKL. You can't post too many - especially since you had some magnificent ones. Sorry your Jiko dinner - especially Denny's entrée wasn't that great. I've broken the cardinal rule too but I usually second guess things and just think that it's me and I'm too picky.

Oh noooooo! Feeling ick on vacation - no bueno! Sorry about that.

Have fun in Williamsburg!

 

[MeMom]

My illness was like a stubbed toe compared to what you went through. You were majorly ill and really lucky to have gotten such good care and made such a good recovery. That could have turned out not so good! So I realize I was lucky.

Well, I was told one of my options for that round of illness was...... death. I'm glad everything turned out well for both of us, and I do have a new compassion for people who have long-term illnesses. It could get really depressing to be down and not feeling well day after day.

I totally agree and I couldn't have said it better. AK just has something special. I think its the total immersion aspect. There is just so much to love about AKL.

I'm not sure which I like better - BC or BW. They are both awesome. So different from AKL but so great in different ways. I feel really blessed to have been able to stay at so many great resorts in the world. And I LOVE Jiko!

We have been blessed to stay at many Disney resorts, as well. Each one has its own unique atmosphere, and I love seeing the landscaping, pictures, furnishings, etc. of each one. Although I have visited all resorts except Shades of Green, I am still lacking actually staying at GF, Poly, Contemporary, Bay Lake, Coronado Springs, Caribbean Beach, OKW, and POR. We're thinking we might stay at OKW for at least part of the March trip, but that has not been decided for sure. We might get a suite at AoA again, or we might even try a Music suite. We've stayed at Music a few times, but not at a suite, and I like the fact that those suites have doors that open to the outside. My claustrophobic self likes a room that opens to the great outdoors as opposed to a hallway.

 

[glaserjm]

Great updates Mary Ellen...glad that that GI issues are under control, internalizing stress can do it and sometimes you don't even notice until it's gotten bad (as you now well know!)

I'm so excited that you're doing the PHM and can't wait to see pics from that report. I'm planning on doing it in 2016 as part of my Coast to Coast for that year.

I agree about steak, while I do order one every now and then when I'm at a nice steakhouse, I barely even think about it when I'm considering what I'd like to eat!

 

[KatMark]

Apologies on replies not needed, MEK. We all get those no time to DIS moments.

You can never have enough pictures of Spaceship Earth...a favorite. Would you believe I have NEVER noticed that Mouse Trap game. I'm going to be sure to point that out to Mark next month because I doubt he has ever noticed it either.

I'm glad dinner was a success at LeCellier. But I'm with you...I was not happy that you can no longer make substitutions, etc., and our filet in 2011 just was not good...especially for the money they charge (we took Andy that year and we've not been back since).

If I don't get back here, have fun in Williamsburg.

 

[MEK]

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

Me too! Thanks! I knew I needed to get back into action for my last night!

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

It's so fun how I have multiples from several rides but totally missed out on other rides. Oh well, that's just the way it goes I guess!

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.

My friends have been to Disney several times when their kids were young and P & I did a couple mom/sons trips, so I knew she loved it. But I just wasn't sure about D and it was great to see him having a wonderful time!

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

It was just so salty, but looking back maybe that's because my taste buds were out of wack from being sick!

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.

That's right. I had to go into picture overdrive! I was so glad I was feeling well enough to spend my last night in my favorite park! Score! And thank you!

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.

Definitely not worth it on the dining plan, but with TIW it makes sense and I hadn't been there in quite awhile. I think my taste buds were still a bit wonky that night so my food tasted off, but it was definitely an enjoyable last meal!

 

[MEK]

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

We just missed one and we probably should have waited for the next one, but I was so darn antsy to get inside the park. So we walked...and walked...and walked.

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

He definitely was. It was pretty cool!

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!

I think my taste buds were off, so overall it was a fun and relaxing meal that everyone enjoy! I'm glad its how we spent our last evening.

Have a fabulous time at Williamsburg!!!!

Thanks Pam! I intend too! I have taken any vacation since my May trip and it will be nice to have a few extra days off! yay!

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.

You've got that! Being in any Disney park is NEVER a bad thing! Woo Hoo!

Giraffe's

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

Amen! How perfect is THAT!!!!!!

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

They sure do!

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

I love the Canadia pavilion too! Seriously, whenever I visit the Canadian pavilion I always feel the urge to go visit Canada in person. True proof that it's a winner!

 

[MEK]

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

You know I will enjoy my trip! I love W-burg! It's definitely my local, go-to place. And by next week most kids are back in school, which makes it that much better. Not that I don't like kids, but I enjoy the low crowds.

JAmazing!

I absolutely loved that view! It was so perfect!

JNothing wrong with that. Although I would have been worried if it was Journey into (Lack of) Imagination.

Ouch! Figment fans - you didn't hear that!

J Hey, whatever works!

Yup!

J

Canada really is a beautiful pavilion.

So beautiful. I really enjoy spending time there. It is usually quiet and a place where you can actually sit and reflect.

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

Yummmmmm - that cheese soup is so good!

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

Good one Mark! touche!

J
I had a similar experience my first time there!

I still remember how delicious that was. It was SOOOOOO good! Definitely a very memorable meal!

J
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.

I would never use the meal plan there. It's silly. I have had lunch there several times before they changed that to 2 credits. But I think you are definitely right - it can't be the same cut of meat. That disappoints me. I feel like Disney has chipped away at some of the quality of their food and that's a shame.

leaving a trail of crumbs!

We were SO ridiculously far away. I was seriously worried about getting lost, I had to keep repeating the animal and the row number. Maybe it wasn't an animal, but there was some marker showing us our general location of Timbuktu.

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

Multitasking. Always multi-taslking!

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.

I LOVED those potatoes. They were amazing and really complimented the steak. The risotto was just "eh".

 

[Poolrat]

I am so glad you found the source of the stomach issues and it got solved!!!!

What a dreary day in MK. Only so much sloshing around you can do. I do believe I have a Jan 1st day at MK that looks a lot like yours.

YAY for an EPCOT rebound.
I too have not been to LeCellier since they went signature and my only hope for the potatoes would be an allergy to the risotto?

I am glad your friends were enjoying the time at WDW. I look forward to hearing about what you did next.

 

[GoofyFan1515]

Another ride on SE and I'm thinking about the pictures coming, and I have never been more disappointed!


I mean, I have probably tried to capture every one of those scenes you got and have never gotten a single picture I even considered posting...... and once again you post one right after another! Thanks for the humiliation.......

Haven't done LeCellier since it went to signature dining at dinner, except for lunch. Sorry you didn't enjoy the steak as much as in the past. F&W has a small version at the kiosk which was really good, and a whole lot less........

I guess maybe I should have tried it again for dinner with TIW. Might have to add it back on the list.........

for Disney magic!!!

 

[eandesmom]

Never too many SW pictures and oh I do love Canada! Bummer about the steak, I've never been and I have to say I am not dying to try. Never been quite able to figure out why either.

We DID have some lovely lovely meals in May!

Hope you are having a great time in Williamsburg

 

[teekathepony]

So glad you were feeling better Mary Ellen!
Oh those giraffes, they're so gorgeous. Especially that baby!
Hahaha breadcrumbs! I can just imagine. One thing I'm not looking forward to this year is just that -- the parking! I've never had to worry about it before!
I do LOVE Spaceship Earth. I could look at pics from it allllll day.
Beautiful pictures of Canada!
Last time we ate at Le Cellier Johnny said the same thing about the lesser quality of the steak.
I am glad that dinner was deemed a success though!

 

[khertz]

Oh gosh, I missed the update about your tummy troubles. Sucks you had to deal with that in Disney and miss out on park time, but I'm glad you got the right meds so you could enjoy the rest of your trip and feel better long term.

The dishes look so pretty at Le Cellier. We have still never eaten there, and I doubt we ever will since it just keeps getting more and more expensive. Too bad it didn't taste as good as you remembered, though.

 

[jenseib]

I have only eaten at LC once and it was super salty...and I am a saltaholic...but it was just not good. I won't go back now...too high priced and I am not going to take that chance again.

 

[MEK]

Yay for getting out of the doctor's office and back into the parks!

I was so happy to have that last evening in the park! It was a beautiful night and I felt 100% better!

Glad to hear that D was enjoying it. It's always tough when you have someone along who's skeptical that they'll really enjoy it.

He really had a great time and I was so happy. He loved the band and I think he just loved spending time in Epcot with his DW. The last time he was there it was with young kids. A totally different experience!

I have never eaten at Le Cellier...got to get there one of these days!

I have been there multiple times and I have to say that I enjoy lunch more. Of course, maybe that has changed too!

Awww, last night in Epcot. At least you were feeling a bit better. Emphasis on the bit.

I was really feeling better and there was NO way I was missing my last night in Disney even if I had to go in on a stretcher!

Oooff. Parking at Epcot on Saturday and it's F&W? You're brave!

More like stupid. Last year I was with Cynthia so there was no car involved and earlier in this trip I was at the Boardwalk. Clearly I had NOT considered the driving population.

Adult beverages always help you to enjoy yourself even more in Disney. I'm glad D was having a good time.

He really was! He had a great time. I was so happy to see that!

haven't been back to Le Cellier in a few years, because the steak was disappointing the last time we went. I definitely prefer Jiko's steak on Disney property.

Yeah - I probably won't be back for while. That steak used to be SO amazing. It's really a shame that there is a noticeable difference in quality.

 

[MEK]

Spaceship Earth is one of the rides that my husband always has to do when we go to WDW. I enjoy it, too.

It never gets old, does it? It reminds me of being a kid and the anticipation of going on a fun journey in the dark. I just love it. I feel like a little kid when I am on it!

We've never eaten at Le Cellier. There are just so many good steak houses here in the Chicago area that it doesn't appeal to us. But we're going to try the some of their offerings at the Food & Wine Festival:

-Canadian cheddar cheese soup

-Seared rainbow trout with bacon, frisee and maple Minus 8 Vinaigrette (gluten free)

“Le Cellier” wild mushroom beef filet mignon with truffle butter sauce (gluten free

You know - I have been to F&W the last two years and I don't think I tried any of these. I've had the soup before and its really lovely. The trout sounds delicious! Yum!

Hi Mary Ellen!

There's no such thing as too much SE at Epcot! I didn't know that was a 'mouse trap' game in the 1969 living room. I actually paid attention to it this last trip and tried to get a photo to investigate further. Good thing you satisfied my curiosity.

I tend to agree. SE is always a multiple must do for me, especially when there is NO line!

I saw the mousetrap game on another TR. I think you need a REALLY long lens to get a shot of it. Its sort of hidden behind the couch and its really dark back there. But how classic! I totally loved that game as a kid!

I recognized a few Christmas items that I've bought at Disney over the holidays like the Mickey gingerbread mix. It was actually really good.

Really? Good to know! I just love all the Christmas items and can't wait to go back during Christmas in 2015!

I think I still love the Le Cellier's mushroom filet... I have not had a steak there in at least a year and a half. However, I admit that even if I didn't have anything other than the pretzel bread and the cheddar/ale soup I'd be completely happy. Em says the filet and the risotto is too salty so she won't order it any longer.

I am glad that someone else thinks its too salty. The salt was just overpowering. I mean, seriously? It can't be good for you to eat THAT much salt. Just saying! I used to go for lunch a lot of I loved the prime rib sandwich. I wonder if that's still on the menu.

I agree that the Canadian CMs there are always so friendly.

They are wonderful. I have eaten there multiple times in the past and they are my favorite CM's!!!!!

Other random comments since I'm desperately catching up!
That's AWESOME that you are doing the PHM! We've traveled those dates many times and I've always been in awe of the ladies displaying their medals. What an exciting thing to participate in.

I was supposed to go to DL that week, but Denny wanted to wait. So I insisted we go somewhere since we had left over DVC points. I had NO idea it was PHM until I saw Danielle, Ann, & Cynthia posting about it. I thought about it for about a week and then I KNEW I has to register. I'm very excited, although I know the preparation is a lot of work.

I absolutely adore all your photos from AKL. You can't post too many - especially since you had some magnificent ones.

Thank you! :good vibes I just LOVE that resort!

Sorry your Jiko dinner - especially Denny's entrée wasn't that great. I've broken the cardinal rule too but I usually second guess things and just think that it's me and I'm too picky.

I know what you mean. I think that's probably how Denny felt in the moment, but as soon as dinner was over he realized he many a mistake. Oh well. Live and learn!

Oh noooooo! Feeling ick on vacation - no bueno! Sorry about that.

Thanks! I hated losing 24 hours, but I was happy to find out what the problem was so I could do something about it.

Have fun in Williamsburg!

Thanks! Love it there!