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

[dawnbu40]

I'm really looking forward to October. I would love to see you guys if you are free at any time.







:

Of course we'd love to see you in Oct. Let us know what evening works for you and we can all meet up at a park, resort or Cait's hangout "World of Beer".

 

[Steppesister]

Hey MEK!

Thought I'd drop by and drink in all of your delicious photos. Truly there are so many beautiful shots. DW is such a Nirvana for photography enthusiasts and I can't WAIT to get back there someday!

Loved all the chapters! Feeds my need.

Thanks for all your hard work here!!

Liesa

 

[natebenma]

That is awesome about your Williamsburg tickets. Glad you had a great trip- How was the weather?

Your October trip sounds FANTASTIC!!!

Although it is not really park-focused I am excited about your plans for MNSSHP, a FP for the Mine Train and your co-conspirator agreeing to wear a costume. AWESOME!!!

for your visit to the Park Which Must Not Be Named, VGF, Kona late breakfast (we love this) and your anniversary dinner! The food and atmosphere at T-Rex are great, but there are also some great places in US/IoA and City Walk (Margaritaville, Bubba Gumps, Finnegans in US, Mythos in IoA and the Harry Potter-themed restaurants are good bets)

And then you get to top this all off with a cruise.



I hope you are able to squeeze a meet or two in there somewhere.

 

[natebenma]

What a finale to your trip!!!

Those are some really neat photos from Test Track. I really love the colors and black light in the ride.

The fountains and Spaceship Earth are so beautiful at night- thanks for sharing your images!

I'm also impressed with the pictures from Nemo and the aquarium.

I turtles!

Since we tend to avoid the big crowds at the end of the night, fireworks over our shoulders is the most common way of viewing them

 

[MEK]

Thanks Mary Ellen!!! Offsite is 30 days advance for each day, so I could only do each day 30 days out. Quite the pain. And I can only hold 7 days at a time. But no, you don't have to tie the ticket to a Magic band (I have an AP but would apply to a third party ticket as well) but you can if you want. Since i have one, I did, but it's not required.

Thanks for clarifying that because I really didn't know what the rules were. Are you excited for your off site accommodations? I think you probably can get some killer deals in September!

Ummm...so in the same day are you changing hotels, going to the dark side and planning a possible dinner at TRex? Did I read that right? I would definitely scrap that. Lots of great placed either at Citywalk or in the hotels. Jakes at RPH, The Kitchen at Hard Rock or of course, Margaritaville!

You read that right. I don't think it will take long to get checked in, but we will have a lot of stuff to move because we'll be packed for the cruise.

I definitely want to eat at Citywalk and I totally overlooked Jakes in the planning. That's a great idea. I've eaten there once before and I really enjoyed it. I know we will definitely eat over there on Weds night, so we'll see how it all shakes out.

It is going to be odd without park tickets but you've got some good options lined up.

It will, but only because I can't go to Epcot. I would love to be able to get a one day pass for there and spend the whole day there. I don't really care too much about the other parks for this trip.

Fun update and as always, great fountain pics. I do love that walkway too, how can you not!

Thanks and you are right on about the walkway!

Your trip is just around the corner!!

It's shaping up nicely.

I'm really looking forward to it considering I never took an entire week off this summer. May was my last full week vacation and that feels really far away right now!

Does it seem strange to go there and not have park days planned?
People do it all the time and still have a blast, I'm sure you'll get your fill for at least one park when you go the MNSSHP, that's the best park any way.

It absolutely seems strange, but I feel like if I buy a Disney park ticket it will turn into an AP and then I will never go to Universal. I want an AP for 2015 so I can plan a Christmas trip, so that's why I'm passing on this trip. I know I will never try something new if I have an AP.

Time for me to catch up on your TR. I've been so behind on everyone's, including mine. I started out posting at least every two weeks, now I'm lucky if I get it done every month.

I know the feeling. It's been hard for me to keep up here and on the DIS boards. It's like a part time job!

 

[MEK]

Once again we are so close and yet so far...We'll be leaving October 11th so we'll miss y'all by less than a week! I'll try to leave some food but no promises!

I know. *sigh* But you've got to get another trip on that AP. That's what its all about. Christmas 2015 will be here before you know it!

Great update as usual.

Thanks!

Of course we'd love to see you in Oct. Let us know what evening works for you and we can all meet up at a park, resort or Cait's hangout "World of Beer".

Well, I definitely want to try World of Beer. No question! So right now we can be free on Saturday night, Monday night, or Wednesday night. Whichever works best for you guys and everyone's work schedule. We don't have a park ticket so it will have to be outside the parks, but world of beer definitely sounds like fun. I must see this place! And we always have a car so we can meet anywhere!

Hey MEK!

Thought I'd drop by and drink in all of your delicious photos. Truly there are so many beautiful shots. DW is such a Nirvana for photography enthusiasts and I can't WAIT to get back there someday!

Liesa! What a blast from the past! Thanks for stopping by!

It really is a wonderful place for photography. Sometimes I feel rushed there, but I just pick up my camera and shot and get what I get. I especially love AK for photography.

Loved all the chapters! Feeds my need.

Thanks for all your hard work here!!

Liesa

Thanks and you're welcome! I try to keep the links updated as much as possible, but sometimes I'm a bit of a slacker!

 

[MEK]

That is awesome about your Williamsburg tickets. Glad you had a great trip- How was the weather?

The weather was absolutely perfect. We totally lucked out. And the crowds were low. We really did have such a great time! I just love it there!

Your October trip sounds FANTASTIC!!!

Thanks! I'm really looking forward to it!

Although it is not really park-focused I am excited about your plans for MNSSHP, a FP for the Mine Train and your co-conspirator agreeing to wear a costume. AWESOME!!!

The costume agreement might be the best part! I love MNSSHP. I'm really looking forward to that. Can't wait!

for your visit to the Park Which Must Not Be Named, VGF, Kona late breakfast (we love this) and your anniversary dinner! The food and atmosphere at T-Rex are great, but there are also some great places in US/IoA and City Walk (Margaritaville, Bubba Gumps, Finnegans in US, Mythos in IoA and the Harry Potter-themed restaurants are good bets)

I have been wanting to try Bubba Gumps for awhile and Cynthia reminded me of Jakes at RPH. I've eaten there once before and it was very good. I will definitely be eating over there at least once night. And I really should try Mythos while in the park.

And then you get to top this all off with a cruise.

That's going to be great. Can't wait!

I hope you are able to squeeze a meet or two in there somewhere.

I hope so too. Plans are in the works right now!

What a finale to your trip!!!

We really did go out on a high note! It was a perfect final evening!

Those are some really neat photos from Test Track. I really love the colors and black light in the ride.

I can't believe I got the outline of the truck. I try for that all the time and I never get it. My camera won't focus on it with the autofocus on. Must have gotten lucky!

The fountains and Spaceship Earth are so beautiful at night- thanks for sharing your images!

I love the night time fountains.

I'm also impressed with the pictures from Nemo and the aquarium.

I turtles!

I was pleased with all the turtle pictures. I loved watching him (or her) swim near us. It was really cool!

Since we tend to avoid the big crowds at the end of the night, fireworks over our shoulders is the most common way of viewing them

But wait - you're usually staying at the BC/YC and have you own private exit. I really can't WAIT to stay there again next February!

 

[MEK]

How This TR Got Its Name

Well by now you’ve pretty much figured out the empty nester part. But what about the rest of the tittle? It’s origin is about to be revealed. Can you just feel the suspense?

Bur first the tale of the morning of our last day. I bet you thought it was never going to get here. I mean, come on, Its September 2014 and this all went down 11 months ago. It’s about time. Let me hear that collective *sigh*

Last days are always sort of sad, but to be honest, I was pretty much ready to go home. This was Day 12 and my longest Disney trip EVER. Despite a couple days in St. Augustine, which were somewhat relaxing, I was beat. I was ready to get home to a regular schedule and my own bed. Oh wait - except that I had to work the next 11 days.

P&D were starting their drive home that morning. In a weird way, I almost wished I was driving. The thought of just chillin’ in the car and watching the scenery go by was sort of appealing at that point.

But no time to dwell on that thought. We were up early to finish our packing and, of course, to take my last pictures of our amazing view.







It was overcast that morning







There wasn’t too much animal action on the savannah



Except for this guy



I went for my last Disney run. Today I decided to swing down a service road past the basketball courts, tennis courts, and barbecues over near Kidani. I never really saw a sign that said “Cast Members Only”, but I still felt like I was going back stage.

See what I mean. I saw animals in the distance



And storage containers



And dirt roads



And I finally came to this



On my way back I could see Kidani over my left shoulder



This could have been a cool shot with my real camera



When I got back to Kidani I felt obliged to take this picture



Back in the villa I tried for some more animal shots.

I present: "Giraffe without a head"




and the infamous “Blurry Giraffe”



At the point P&D were packed up and ready to hit the road. So I pulled myself off the balcony and we said our goodbyes.

Once they left I took the obligatory villa pictures that I was didn’t have time for on arrival. P&D were in a lock off and the housekeeper was already dying to get into that room. So I let her. Hence, no pictures of the lock-off.

Bad lighting and a hastily made bed. These rooms are gorgeous. I just love everything about them and it was hard to say goodbye











My attempt at a curtain picture. Fail!





Continued In Next Post

 

[MEK]

Who doesn’t love this tile?





When Denny is around the TV must ALWAYS be in the ON position.



Not such a great picture with my bag sitting on the table.

















Artwork



I know, my bag IS pretty cool, but check out the rose!



I think someone in the lobby handed it to me either the night before or in the morning. I couldn’t say no, but I certainly couldn’t take it with me. So there it sat, waiting for the mousekeeper or the next guest. .





Bye People Pen



And We were off!

We had a pharmacy stop to make and a DIS meet to get to!

I know you don’t need pictures of the pharmacy stop, so I’ll resume with our DIS meet destination. Who were these mystery DISers?

It actually turned out that these DISers were just arriving that morning and they texted me around 10am-ish that they were on ME. I told Denny that they had arrived and would probably be at the Boardwalk in about 30-45 minutes. He said, “Where are the now? On the magical mystery tour?????”

OMG - spoken from the mouth of someone who has NEVER been on ME, this just totally cracked me up. I decided not to even correct him.

My answer, “yup” because, after all, isn’t Disney just one big magical mystery tour?

So as far as Denny is concerned, the Magical Express IS the Magical Mystery Tour.

So ta da - the second part of my TR title. Pure genius, I tell you!

So we arrived at the Beach Club before our DISmeet buddies and walked around a bit killing time and taking pics.







This is a cell phone pic to prove to my friend C that Denny was indeed ON this vacation with me.



Cell pic



Cell pic



Finally, a straight cell pic!



A pick a pearl kiosk was set up outside.



Pretty. By it was too late in the game to be tempted to spend any more $



Continued In Next Post

 

[MEK]

SAB looked so awesome. Even with the overcast weather.





The hair wrap station was doing a booming business







It was hard to believe that it wasn’t that long ago that we were staying at the Boardwalk.







Looks like Denny got his picture with the “real” camera, too! Smile Honey!



We got a text that our DIS meet friends had arrived so we swung on back to Beaches & Cream for lunch!





And who, exactly, where our mystery guests?

Two lovely ladies that I think a lot of you know.

Dawn (Dawnbu) and Caitlin (Princess Caitlin).



Since this meeting I have been fortunate enough to hang out with Dawn, Caitlin, & Dale on several occasions. Caitlin is in the college program now and the whole family are new Florida residents. Can you say jealous????

So food porn.

Denny’s something? BLT? I see bacon.



My grilled cheese and tomato soup (less a bite)



This was a really good comfort food choice and since we were leaving that day, comfort food was definitely in order!

I caught my first up close and personal glimpse of the kitchen sink (no it wasn’t ours) during this visit.



Once our meal was over we posed for pictures outside





One more. Good job Denny!



And all too soon it was time to say goodbye to our final DIS meet of the trip and to Disney World. Boo!

I loved meeting Caitlin & Dawn (& Dale in May) and I hope to see you guys on every Disney trip from now on since you LIVE THERE!!!!!

I tried for the sandcastle shot because I love this so, but it didn’t come out all that great.




Of course, I had to take a couple more pictures of SAB, you know, because it was there!





And all too soon we where here and saying goodbye to central Florida (which we do NOT call home, by the way - I love how they always say that on the fakeorail)





And, that folks, is a wrap! I took not plane pics or aerial shots this trip. You’ll have to wait until the next trip for those!

But don’t be sad, as is customary for me, I will be doing a firsts, favorites, and a final thoughts update.

AND - BONUS!!!!!

I’ve decided to write about our February trip right here in this TR. It wasn’t a really long trip, just a quickie, so I think it will fit here nicely.

Until Next Time….

 

[dawnbu40]

Beautiful pictures of your villa. I love that bathroom

Love,love, love the BC pictures. My favorite area in WDW

We were so glad we finally got to meet you that day! And of course we were so happy to see you again in May and look forward to seeing you many more times! Caitlin's new day off is Tues, and Dale sets his own schedule, so that would be a good night for us to meet up.

 

[jedijill]

What a nice last day. B&C is a great place for a Dismeet.

I love the Magical Mystery Tour....I'll never think of DME the same again!


Jill in CO

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

Thanks for clarifying that because I really didn't know what the rules were. Are you excited for your off site accommodations? I think you probably can get some killer deals in September!

Well I won't say I'm excited since I'll miss Disney property, but staying off site is really the main reason I'm going just for cost. As for deals... well, if $21/night, Canadian, is a deal, then yup. Basically 8 nights for the price of 1 night at Pop.


You know, I tend to feel a little better leaving when it's overcast. It's subtle and relatively minor, but it helps.

Hmmmm, that's not the Stacey channel.

Haha, I think unless you're at Pop or AoA, ALL Disney buses are a Magical Mystery tour.

Aww yay for your DISmeet with Dawn and Caitlin, the latter who I am looking forward to seeing in action in 11 days.

 

[khertz]

Great way to end a trip! I love the title reference. That's pretty hilarious.

I'm looking forward to hearing about February.

 

[IheartDDuck]

There definitely is a nice component to driving. Just being able to relax and watch the cars go by. But then there's the time component, and I'm out.

Seeing your pictures reminds me of how much I love AKL. We will be staying there for the PHM, so I'm pretty happy about that.

Hahahaha, the Magical Mystery Tour. It totally could be depending on who's driving!

I remember when you had lunch with Dawn and Caitlin! Feels like ages ago already. I had a brain fart like "who did they meet???"

So when are you guys writing about May? Huh? Huh?

 

[natebenma]

What a way to end it!!!

First, totally love your trip report title reveal. The return trip on ME will forever be known as the Tragical Depress and from now on, the trip from MCO to Disney will be the "Magical Mystery Tour"



You know, know, know I love all of the pictures of the BC, YC and SAB!



Beautiful!

Lunch looks good at Beaches & Cream, but that doesn't matter anyway because... Dawn and Caitlin!

That is awesome!

I can't remember, and I could go back and check, but did you start your trip with a meet with someone who was leaving that day or am I confusing this with another report?

Looking forward to your bonus tracks and wrap-up and then getting right into February.

 

[Poolrat]

Do you mean I'll find out how big it is when I am lined up in the last corral or when I have to run through it? Or both!

EPCOT parking lot

All the PHM tents and such are in the Wonder parking lot. Now follow that road the lower right hand side ....

Googlemaps of parking lots service road.

You can move the map above- to GET to the corrals you walk down the road, make a left towards the divided 4 lane road ahead.... That's where the corrals are. Consider the walk over your warm up.

You end up back in that wonder parking lot at the end after you exit EPCOT from the right side of SE

Not really. I forget how we got on the Morocco pictures. Oh wait - its because I found something questionable at AK and the stream of consciousness that followed...... But I blame it all on Pat!

 

[marDgreen88]

Between all the AKL and Epcot resort pictures, this update is making me homesick! Beautiful pictures though, as usual!

Ugh, flying home after a Disney trip is one of the least fun things... ever. And I can imagine that knowing you have to work a solid week and a half after made things worse. Glad that's all in the past now!

I always love reading about people's firsts, I find it so interesting to know there is still new stuff to discover at Disney after countless trips. Looking forward to that post!

 

[Mndisneygirl]

I'm kind of glad you were in Williamsburg - gave me time to catch up! I swear I haven't been on the boards in 2 weeks! So busy. I don't know if I'll be able to finish my DL TR.

Glad you had fun in W-burg. Now that I think of it, DH's cousin works for colonial W-burg - he should be getting us discount tickets!! If we ever get our buts back there!

End of your magical mystery tour? Love that title! Sad to see it end, but as usual, you leave us with wonderful pictures and lots of future plans to look forward to!

I will be back at WDW for a few days (in 3 weeks!!!) without my family - weird! So I hope to get on 7DMT - even though my MNSSHP night I wasn't able to get a FP+ for it. I'll wait in line if I have to. My DD13 says I should not ride a new ride without them. HA! Of course, they don't think they are going until spring break, but will be there in 3 1/2 months!

Looking forward to your firsts, favorites and finals!

 

[KatMark]

Beautiful pictures before you departed AKL. I can't believe I'll be there in 12 days. And I may live in the bathroom as I just love that bathroom.

I love the headless giraffe.

I don't know your DIS friends, but it looks as if you had a great lunch with them at one of my favorite places (love that grilled cheese and soup).

Great pictures around the BC and the Boardwalk.

Can't wait to read your final thoughts and see the mini February TR as well.