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

[MEK]

Can't say I'm familiar with that feeling.

I know. Up until that trip I was not familiar with that feeling either. It's almost shocking I actually felt that way at the time!

Wow, and no Disney security officers came rushing out of the bushes to stop you?

Hard to believer, right?

I love that place, too.

It's such an awesome resort. I just love it there!

I wish I had them in my shower!

Who doesn't?

And...this is bad?

Spoken like a true guy!

Says who? How many chances do you get to see a Walgreens?

Well, clearly for you - never! Wait - that can't be right - you've got kids!

That actually makes it sound way better.

Ya think?

I love the lighthouse pictures!

Thanks!

DISMeet!

It was so great to meet Caitlin and Dawn and a great way to end a trip.

So I don't have to be sad about leaving, then!

Nope. It's not over yet!!!!

What a great way to end a trip....nice comfort food and sharing it with Dis friends!

I personally can't think of a better way to end a trip! It was really fun to go out on a high note like that!

 

[rentayenta]

Great report!

Twelve days is amazing! Every trip should be that long.

I actually prefer driving if its feasible. Seems more dramatic when we drive away slowly, waving goodbye to the Disneyland Resort.

Digging the final AKV shots. It's such a gorgeous property. I also really like the Lion King tiles.

Chloe had one of those hair wraps that lasted well over a year.

Your meet looks fun and good for Caitlin for being a part of the college program.

 

[MEK]

Still ready to get back home?

Ummmm - In one word - NO! Quite the contrary. I am ready to get back to the world and pronto!!!!!

Interesting running route. Nicely done!

Thanks! That's the second time I've gone back there, but that was the furthest I have ever gone. Last time I wasn't quite so brave!

Seems fitting.

Leave it to Denny! If I asked him what the name of the bus was right now he would likely say MMT!

Yay for another successful meet, but leaving the World is such a sad time...

I loved getting to meet Caitlin and Dawn, but it was hard to leave the world. Even though a part of me was ready to get home and back to reality I would have really liked to experience some of the Christmas festivities.

Cool! I look forward to it!

It was a fun trip and it should move fast since most of it was outside of Disney!

How do you know there was a sign if you didn't see it???

Exactly! And I really did not see any signs so I just kept going. What else could I do, right?

Great trip report. I'm looking forward to your Final Thought Update.

Thanks!

I am going to work on final thoughts this weekend!

The pictures of the AKL villa look even better than the studios. Bag and all. Certainly not helping with the DVC bug Alex has come down with.

DVC bug? I like that! You're in a good place in your live for the DVC bug and the fact that you are Florida residents. I don't know any DVCers that regret their purchase. Just sayin!

All of the AKL villas are awesome no matter what the size. I love it there!

Glad you were able to get one last DISmeet in before you left. And even better that it was over a good meal at a fun restaurant. Can't beat that send-off.

I was really happy that my trip overlapped with Caitlin and Dawn's, even if it was just a few hours. It was fun to meet them since we have been DIS board friends for awhile!

Great wrap up! I was following Caitlin for a while but I just had too many I was reading and stopped reading her College program one. I had no idea that her family moved there. How awesome!

It is really cool that they moved there. Caitlin's dad interviewed for a job there and they basically made him an offer he couldn't refuse, so in less than a month they packed up and moved basically across country.

When Cynthia and I met up with them in May we were joking with each other that they were going to end up moving to Florida. Boy did we call that one!

 

[MEK]

What? No pharmacy stop pics? What kind of TR is this?

I know, what kind of TR writer am I???? Really????

You didn't correct him about the DME. LOL.

I figured "why bother?". If we ever take ME I'll make sure he actually knows the right name!

Fun Dismeet.

It really was. I was really looking forward to meeting Caitlin and Dawn!

Great report and pics.

Thanks!

As always your photos are stunning!! I really enjoyed reading this and am so happy you stayed on the boards and took the time to write it for us!!

Karla! You certainly are a blast from the past. The last I heard from you I think it was before the September anniversary trip Denny & I took in 2009 or 2010. You totally went missing and I remember asking other DISers if they had heard from you. Glad to see you are alive & well! Welcome back!

I'm glad to hear that you found out the cause of your pain and that you are doing so well now!! That's fantastic!!

Once I took Protonix for about 6 months I became good as new. Well, almost! I feel great now. Thanks!

I hope you will do a report for your anniversary trip this October! Cruise, Universal and Disney. That would be outstanding!!!

So far I have written a TR for every trip, so you can bet I will! :good vibes

I love your dedication. Even on your last day you do a run in the morning

I really enjoy running while on vacation. I never take it to seriously and I just love running in new places. There is always something to look at and I love that!

Everytime I would get into that shower, I would always look at the tile work. So beautiful!

One of my favorite things about the villas there. The bathroom is totally stunning and those tiles are a big part of it!

IDH and Denny are the same way. As soon as we walk into our room, wherever we stay at, the tv comes on. Personally, I could do without it.

Me too! Denny often has double TVs on in the morning and it drives me crazy. I think for him its like background noise. For me, it can turn into sensory overload.

IHow sweet of someone to give you a rose!

I wish I could remember where I got that rose. How bad is that?

IHow many times has he been and he's never been on ME?! Wow

We ALWAYS rent a car. Denny would get very uncomfortable if you couldn't leave the bubble if absolutely necessary. So, yeah, he's never been on ME and probably never will be.

IWhat a fun DIS meet and the perfect meal to end the trip. Super jealous that they all live in FL.

I was thrilled to finally get to meet them and it really was the perfect place for lunch. Boy, I could go for that sammie right now!

Yeah - I'm a little jealous, too. I mean, A LOT jealous.

 

[MEK]

Loved the update MEK and so glad you were able to meet up with Dawn and Caitlin. Looking forward to the wrap up.

I was so happy to meet Dawn and Caitlin. they are just lovely and the bonus was I got to meet them again in May!

BTW...We're shooting for 11/29-12/06/15 next year as per your preference. I wonder how many others we can convince to join us? Can you say mega-DISmeet?!?!?

That sounds perfect! I would love to go right after Thanksgiving!!!! Who knows. Maybe we'll make it a driving trip.

Great report!

Thanks!

Twelve days is amazing! Every trip should be that long.

I think there is something to be said for a long trip, but I have found that 7 or 8 days is really the ideal length for me. Maybe after I retire I can actually relax during a long trip. Right now its just really hard for me.

I actually prefer driving if its feasible. Seems more dramatic when we drive away slowly, waving goodbye to the Disneyland Resort.

I definitely have to drive once to Florida, if for no other reason than to say I did it. No, seriously, when we actually have more time I think I would like to drive - maybe once!

Digging the final AKV shots. It's such a gorgeous property. I also really like the Lion King tiles.

I love AkL. It will probably take me a couple years to circle back there, but I definitely will. It's too nice a of resort to leave out of the loop.

Chloe had one of those hair wraps that lasted well over a year.

Really? That's amazing and really cool! I wish I was younger. I would definitely get one.

Your meet looks fun and good for Caitlin for being a part of the college program.

I loved meeting Caitln and Dawn. I know she loves the CP. It really is such a great program. I wish one of my kids would do it. Then I'd be visiting every couple of months.

 

[MEK]

Firsts, Favs, and Final Thoughts

It’s just not a Disney TR unless there’s a final chapter. So here goes! Get ready - it’s a long one!

I’m a strong believer that no matter how many times I visit Disney World I can always conquer some firsts.

So I present The Empty Nester’s Firsts:


First Resort

AKL Jambo House





Loved it! The reclassified savannah view has spoiled me for life. I will be back!


First Restaurants

Tokyo Dining



This wasn’t my favorite meal, but I have to say that this restaurant did have the best costumer service. The CM’s were just lovely!

Beaches & Cream



Need I say more?

First Park Attractions

Sorcerer’s Game


While this may have been the only new park attraction, I have to say that I really enjoyed it a lot. So much fun. It’s like being in a secret society (filled mostly with kids lol)


First DIS meets

Kristy



Michelle & Jennifer




Bill & Grace




Dawn & Caitlin



I enjoyed each and every one of my DIS meets. Thanks guys for making time in your busy Disney schedules to hang out with us!

First Big Family Group Shot in WDW



I loved meeting up with Denny’s family. I don’t have a big family and this was quite the clan. It was so fun watching the kids enjoy so many wonderful pixie dust moments.

First F&W Beverage seminar





So bourbon and whiskey aren’t my favorite, but at least I know the difference now!

First New Out of the Bubble Attraction

Saint Augustine



One of the coolest southern towns ever and probably my favorite town outside of the bubble. Between the history and the beaches, what’s not to love? If you’ve been wanting to visit St Augustine, don’t miss it!

First time not going to all four parks!

There is no picture to describe this unfortunate event. On three separate occasions I was planning a HS visit and something happened each time. Hard to believe I could be on Disney property for so many days and never make it to HS. But don’t worry - I made up for it in February!


Now its time for my FAVS!

F&W 2013



Seriously, who doesn’t love F&W? It’s the best and I’m happy that Denny got his first chance to visit during this time of year. If you have been thinking of visiting during F&W I have three words for you - JUST DO IT!!!!!

Halloween at the World



I absolutely LOVE the decorations in the MK during this time of year and I can’t wait to attend MNSSHP a month from now!

Celebrating by candlelight



This was a nice touch for our anniversary and it didn’t go unnoticed. Plus it was really special because it was our first day!

Our Amazing View at the BWV





Night time



I loved the view I had with Cynthia in 2012, but this was really great for a couple’s trip. It felt very private and secluded. I liked that.

Kardenny on the Boardwalk



He was a hoot! Go see him! This guy has a great act!

Favorite Beverages

Eiffel Sour Cosmo Slush (Vodka, Grey Goose Cherry Noir, Grand Marnier, Cranberry Juice)



One word - YUM!

Schöfferhofer Grapefruit Beer




A F&W favorite. I love this beer. So light and refreshing!

Grey Goose Slush (Industrial Size) At Blizzard Beach



I realize its not the exact same recipe as the GGS in Epcot, but boy is it tasty!


Favorite Happy Anniversary (free) Dessert



The ginger cake at Tokyo Dining! This was absolutely delicious! Try it!

The infamous Zeppole di Caterina



This was really enjoyable and was on my food bucket list, so score!

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[MEK]

Favorite Character



While Eeyore is technically my favorite non-person character, there is just something really special about Mary P.

And this guy



What’s not to love?

The girl I wanted to buy in Saint Augustine



If I ever see her again (flying or not), she is MINE!

Babies on the Savannah





I loved the savannah view. I know I said that already, but I feel like I can’t say it enough.

We celebrated a favorite milestone birthday!







And finally - My Favorite Picture of the Entire Trip




Hey - I know it wasn’t taken in Disney World, but the surreal appearance just grabs my attention.

Final Thoughts -

What can I say? Thanks to everyone who joined in on the TR -whether you lurked, made one comment, or twenty comments - Thank you! I love writing TRs and you guys make it all worthwhile.

This was a wonderful trip to celebrate our first year of being Empty Nesters. I love the October weather. It’s such a great time of year.

Overall, this was a fantastic trip with a few ups and downs. The major downer was getting sick mostly because of stress. But that was then and that’s a chapter of my life that’s over.

I think it was hard for me to do a 12 day straight trip and I think the major reason why was that we scheduled our time with friends at the end of the vacation. I love my friends, I really do, but on the tale end of a trip where there’s lots of eating, drinking, and activities involved, its easy to get burnt out. The only thing I would have changed is a little more me and Denny time at the end of the trip. Otherwise, it was pretty darn perfect.

Lastly -

Parade O’ Pics

Sit back and enjoy as I capture the 12 days of this trip through the lens of my camera

On Our Way



1st night



Day 1



Our view





Remember this?







DIS meet 1

















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[MEK]

Brenda’s boyfriend




















Day 2













My nephew’s family at CP











J and Jesse dancing in the streets







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[MEK]

Our New Home









TT Ride 1










Happy Lychee





O Cananda Bay of Fundy








Day 3





















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[MEK]

Day 4

Morning view



Bride Stalking





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[MEK]

Our rental car



AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!





Turning Anonymous



Sampling Beers















TT Ride 2



Classic F&W





Day 5

Morning Run




















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[MEK]

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[MEK]

Day 6 -8 Saint Augustine




























The Beach











The Pool



The coolest college ever













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[MEK]

Free dessert!



Another beautiful beach - Flagler









Wild Florida



Daytona Beach



Back to the Bubble





TT # 3



Pink Sky at Night









Day 9















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[MEK]

Day 10 - 12








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[MEK]

TT #4

















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[MEK]

Up Next - The best way to face the cold and snow in February is to get the heck out of town and head to Florida! They’ll be more DISmeets and a trip to the Gulf Coast! See Ya Real Soon!

 

[jedijill]

Great trip wrap up! I loved seeing all your pics again,

Jill in CO

 

[KatMark]

Talk about a wrap-up! That was spectacular Mary Ellen.

I so enjoyed seeing all those pictures again...they are spectacular. And I can certainly understand your favorite even if it wasn't a Disney photo.

Sounds like a super trip excep3t for being sick and tired at the end. Thanks, as always, for sharing with us. I can't wait to read about February.

 

[Poolrat]

Oh YAYAYAYAY! Well, at least I will get a nice warm up on the way to the corrals. Can't wait. All I have to say is there better be plenty of bathrooms there.

Plenty of Porta potties as you go down the service road. Right after a bunch of people give up and use the side of the road.

I'd really like Denny to be able to cheer me on at the MK and get back to Epcot for the finish. Do you think that will work out logistically?

Denny should be able to see you at the start, get on the monorail to the TTC, make it in to MK and see you run in and then through the castle and then back to EPCOT for you to cross the finish line. Of course that depends on how fast you run.



Nice re-cap and final thoughts. I can relate to be away from home "enough" to want to be back home. One of my conference trip had "bookends" to Disney and by the end I was ready to be back in my bed. So much moving around and being out of a suitcase... I was ready.

Nice to look through all your pictures again and see the trip in FF.


Looking forward to the Feb. Trip and May. Hopefully I can finish mine up and get to Aug.