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

[amazingact21]

I'm excited for all the DISers who'll be there in May, as well! It always fun getting to meet people from the boards while on a trip. Happy our dates coincided!


Oh no! I wondered how split stays would work with MagicBands. There's really nothing different about the bands, except color perhaps. I'm sorry you had to go all the way up to your room to swap out the bands, but at least you were able to see your room view. And while not the pool view you got in the past, still a pretty interesting view. Looks like itwould be very quiet and peaceful.


Did Denny enjoy Little Mermaid any more the second time around? I know it's not very "boyish" so I get why he might not be over the moon about it.


The lines for BoG lunch look a lot more intimidating than they actually are. Alex and I only had to wait about 30 minutes in line, which, compared to the length of the line, wasn't horrible.

 

[podsnel]

In! Back to catch up later!

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

Ahhh so cool to already have so many meets coming up. May appears to be quite popular this year.

Yup, I don't care if it's an extra 100 miles driving... You ALWAYS drive under that sign.

Wow, a meet so quick after entering MK. I like your style.

 

[dawnbu40]

We are so looking forward to seeing you again! They haven't announced an official date for the Mine Ride opening but I'm hearing it should be in the near future.

Driving in under the sign is the best, isn't it?!

 

[teekathepony]

Wow! So many Dis'ers at one time! If we didn't have so much going on this year you could probably count Johnny and I in too, we're dying for a Disney trip sooner than usual this year.
WOOHOO for arriving at the Boardwalk! So so beautiful! Happy your room was ready so early, that's fantastic. But of course it couldn't happen without a glitch! At least it was an easy glitch to fix, glad you got your correct MBs and got into the park!
Space Mountain first thing in the morning? Yes please! And followed up by TLM I really like that ride.
Our wait for BOG lunch looked even longer than that, but they kept it moving pretty well. It is a really daunting line!
Love that you've already got two rides and a Dismeet under your belt!

 

[annmarieda]

Your trip in May sounds like it is going to be full of great dismeets!!!

I worried about magic band mix ups on this last trip I took. I had them labeled to help with that. You know how you can put your name on the back... well, I just added "OKW" to the end of each of our names.

I love your view! Maybe you can answer a question of mine. I hope to (I know.. hope but I do realize it is a long shot) be able to change my reservation to BWV at the 7 month mark for my next trip. I would love to stay on that side rather than the epcot side just to be closer to DHS (and thus walking back from a race) I am not at all familiar with BWV... is that the only side they are on or should I request that side?

Sometimes, a boat across the lake is just the best way to get to or from MK!

That line for BOG is crazy! I have stood in it twice... and honestly, I only would to be able to eat in the restaurant. The food itself isn't my favorite. In fact, I would say that of the 3 times I have been there I haven't been overly impressed with any of the meals.

Yay for a dismeet!!!

 

[dizneeat]

I think I know where you stayed the night - if I am right there is a Disney outlet in that mall.

Isn't it great when you arrive and your room is ready?
Thanks for the tip with the different coloured magic bands - that is exactly what I ordered. 2 different colours for the two stays.

Your visit to the MK looks very nice so far! Space, the Little Mermaid ride and a DISmeet!

Your May trip sounds fun with all the DISmeets - can't wait to read all about it.

 

[MEK]

I'm excited for all the DISers who'll be there in May, as well! It always fun getting to meet people from the boards while on a trip. Happy our dates coincided!

I know - May is going to be great! It's such a beautiful time to visit and its not horribly crowded. Can't wait!

Oh no! I wondered how split stays would work with MagicBands. There's really nothing different about the bands, except color perhaps. I'm sorry you had to go all the way up to your room to swap out the bands, but at least you were able to see your room view. And while not the pool view you got in the past, still a pretty interesting view. Looks like itwould be very quiet and peaceful.

It was really my own fault. I thought I had grabbed the correct bands because I put two different names on mine. I was pretty surprised to see I grabbed the wrong ones. Live and learn. I am not making that mistake again. I got different colored ones for the next visit. Hey - I need all the help I can get.

Did Denny enjoy Little Mermaid any more the second time around? I know it's not very "boyish" so I get why he might not be over the moon about it.

He didn't make any negative comments about it, so that's probably an improvement, right?

The lines for BoG lunch look a lot more intimidating than they actually are. Alex and I only had to wait about 30 minutes in line, which, compared to the length of the line, wasn't horrible.

You wait wasn't long and wendy was in there in 25 minutes, so I know its probably not that bad. I just hate lines. I get immediately overwhelmed when I see one. I guess it's too much sensory overload for me.

In! Back to catch up later!

Ellen! Thanks for joining in! So glad you're here!

Ahhh so cool to already have so many meets coming up. May appears to be quite popular this year.

I am shocked at how many people are going to be there. More importantly, I am very excited! It's really cool to meet up with DISers in person. I remember how nervous I was during my first meet, now its nothing. Just plain old fun!

Yup, I don't care if it's an extra 100 miles driving... You ALWAYS drive under that sign.

Amen to that! Unfortunately we will be driving under that sign in the dark next time. Boo!

Wow, a meet so quick after entering MK. I like your style.

That meet was pure luck. It worked out perfectly because I knew Melissa was going home in the next day or two. It was really fun to see her again!

We are so looking forward to seeing you again! They haven't announced an official date for the Mine Ride opening but I'm hearing it should be in the near future.

Yay Yay Yay!

If you hear anything you need to let me know. I suspect that some of you TA's have top secret insider information. I know it probably won't be running by the end of the month, but my fingers are crossed for our week in May!

Driving in under the sign is the best, isn't it?!

Totally the best! It's the entrance to the bubble. What's not to love!

 

[emmysmommy]

So sad that I will miss you in May. But I look forward to hearing all about your trip and all those Dismeets. I think you will need a spreadsheet tat this point.

Back to your report.... YAY! Finally through those MK gates. I love the photo tour of the monorail resorts from the ferry. Some of my favorite places in all of anywhere right there on that lake.

That Mine Train ride should be open by the time you travel in May I believe. It has been great seeing the progress over the last couple years. I can't wait to see it.

Great photos - are those with your phone? Either way, very nice!

You are ever so popular. You can't be in a park more than 15 minutes before lining up a Dismeet! That's great it worked out.

 

[khertz]

Of all the Magic Band issues I have been reading on the boards, at least that one was an easy fix! Great tip about using 2 different colors for split stays.

I hope the Mine Train will at least be in soft openings by the time we go in May!!!

 

[eandesmom]

Before I start my next update I just want to say how excited I am about all the potential DIS meets for May.

Take Note Cynthia. Cynthia? Where is Cynthia? I don't think she's stopped by yet.

You ARE confused! I have been by, commented...you commented back...

So, let's see - There's Danielle! She better be bringing Yeti along for a visit to the Ditch. Dawn & Caitlin! I was fortunate enough to have lunch with them in October and they are just the cutest mother/daughter team! Can't wait to see you both again.

I just discovered that the infamous pole dancing Rosie will be there and she was gracious enough to invite me to join her for dinner on my arrival night. So excited! There better be some pole dancing going on! And if there is you can bet I will be photographing it!

And I just learned that Alicia will be there with her family. I can't wait to meet Landon. Hopefully he will do his "hulk" move for me!

Cynthia may know of some other DISers that we are going to meet.

I think we definitely need that spreadsheet now Cynthia!

Yes, at least 3. All of whom aren't very active any more and one we have traveled with before!

Started the spreadsheet today, figured I should do that before I try and move Cali so we can see the DHS FIREWORKS!!!!!!

VERY excited about that.

On to the update -


I did go running before we checked out. It was sort of cool and overcast, but I didn’t care. I was going to Disney World!

Ok I am impressed with that, given your location. I always map out my runs before a trip (or before heading out) but around a strip mall? Not sure I'd have done that!

You see - the good news - our room was ready! The bad news - I had the wrong magic bands with me. Denny checked the right ones with our luggage. Doh! And here is an important tip my friends - If you have a split stay, pick different colors for your magic bands so you don’t confuse them. They could have reprogrammed then, but I decided to go with plan B.

I am surprised it was an issue. When we were there while I did check in iwth the "right" MB, it also worked on the second stay room. Either band did, both for doors and tickets. Granted, I didn't try the 2nd rooms band with the first one but...

I did get different colors for each stay. Which reminds me, you need to pick a color for your 2nd band (although you still have 6)+ days still do it lol).

Love the borders and your view!!!! And I just love the Boardwalk, long halls and all. Besides, there are always stairs nearby, we hardly used the hall at all.

YAY you are at the MK and visiting Melissa! I do know how those meets go when the kids are along, I had one of those in January..it was like a drive by meet!

she looks fabulous!!!!

 

[MEK]

Wow! So many Dis'ers at one time! If we didn't have so much going on this year you could probably count Johnny and I in too, we're dying for a Disney trip sooner than usual this year.

Hmmm - I wonder what that means in terms of your trip planning. You must have something in the works. Can't wait to see whats up your sleeve.

WOOHOO for arriving at the Boardwalk! So so beautiful! Happy your room was ready so early, that's fantastic. But of course it couldn't happen without a glitch! At least it was an easy glitch to fix, glad you got your correct MBs and got into the park!

I was shocked the room was ready. It was literally 8am. What a bonus and getting the MB's squared away wasn't a big deal. I just can't believe I screwed them up in the meantime.

Space Mountain first thing in the morning? Yes please! And followed up by TLM I really like that ride.

I'm glad we started right out with Space. It's always the best first thing in the morning! It was a great ride AND I got the front row.

Our wait for BOG lunch looked even longer than that, but they kept it moving pretty well. It is a really daunting line!
Love that you've already got two rides and a Dismeet under your belt!

Your wait didn't sound bad at all. I was shocked when you said you were in in 25 minutes. Plus you used your time wisely with lots of great pictures.

Your trip in May sounds like it is going to be full of great dismeets!!!

And Cynthia just told me about a couple more I either forgot about or didn't know about. I think we might need to plan another group DIS meet! It's going to be hard to coordinate everything, but we're up for the challenge.

I worried about magic band mix ups on this last trip I took. I had them labeled to help with that. You know how you can put your name on the back... well, I just added "OKW" to the end of each of our names.

That is such a great idea. I labeled mine with different names but I never thought to put the resort on there. Genius!

I love your view! Maybe you can answer a question of mine. I hope to (I know.. hope but I do realize it is a long shot) be able to change my reservation to BWV at the 7 month mark for my next trip. I would love to stay on that side rather than the epcot side just to be closer to DHS (and thus walking back from a race) I am not at all familiar with BWV... is that the only side they are on or should I request that side?

Honestly, if you really want to be closer to Hollywood studios then request a room overlooking the DVC quiet pool. That's about as close as you can get. All of the DVC rooms are on the same side (the side closer to HS). It's the inn rooms that are farther away. I think you will be fine wherever you end up. But the rooms overlooking the DVC pool are definitely the closest.

Sometimes, a boat across the lake is just the best way to get to or from MK!

I totally agree!

That line for BOG is crazy! I have stood in it twice... and honestly, I only would to be able to eat in the restaurant. The food itself isn't my favorite. In fact, I would say that of the 3 times I have been there I haven't been overly impressed with any of the meals.

I've had dinner and it was a nice experience, but I agree that the food was average at best. I still want to try lunch there, but that line is darn intimidating.

Yay for a dismeet!!!

I think I know where you stayed the night - if I am right there is a Disney outlet in that mall.

Really? I definitely didn't see a Disney outlet. I would have noticed that, but maybe it was further down the street. All those darn strip malls look the same.

Isn't it great when you arrive and your room is ready?
Thanks for the tip with the different coloured magic bands - that is exactly what I ordered. 2 different colours for the two stays.

It is really nice to get a ready room that early in the morning. How often does that happen?

Yup - I think color coding is really the only way I can be sure I will keep them straight!

Your visit to the MK looks very nice so far! Space, the Little Mermaid ride and a DISmeet!

It was a fun morning and there is more to come!

Your May trip sounds fun with all the DISmeets - can't wait to read all about it.

I can't believe how many DISers are going to be there at the same time. It's really awesome!

 

[annmarieda]

Honestly, if you really want to be closer to Hollywood studios then request a room overlooking the DVC quiet pool. That's about as close as you can get. All of the DVC rooms are on the same side (the side closer to HS). It's the inn rooms that are farther away. I think you will be fine wherever you end up. But the rooms overlooking the DVC pool are definitely the closest.

I wondered if they were all on that side. I will be happy no matter what then.

 

[natebenma]

Great start to your trip! Especially with your room ready, already. Not a bad view from your balcony.


This is such a happy picture!

Today was obviously a busy day on the Mine Train Mountain

Mine! Mine! Mine!

*shudder*

Yikes!


I love all of the different borders you are using for your pictures.

Yup, I don't care if it's an extra 100 miles driving... You ALWAYS drive under that sign.

Once we actually intentionally avoided that welcome arch!

It was our first trip to US/IA and we were surprising the boys with a day at MK, so we told our driver to go a back way. It worked. Somehow the boys didn't know our destination until we reached the Contemporary.

 

[tazdev3225]

OK catch-up time. I get lost with maps and GPS so I can understand losing the hotel. I wrote down the wrong exit for our December trip. If Jim had listened to me we would have been in Tampa.

The MBs are mixed for me right now but good thing it was an easy fix.

I have never ben on Space Mountain and don't think I ever will. Just not a huge fan of dark coasters.

I really hope the construction is finished on the Mine Train and the ride is up and running by the end of May. I only have one trip planned this year.

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

Here a little late but I finally am getting back to the swing of things on DIS after our trip last week!

Couldn't help but notice that the strip mall at your first hotel also had a Giordanos Pizza place!! I totally would have had a midnight snack if I was staying there.

Great start to your MK day!

 

[GoofyFan1515]

Wow, so many DISmeets set up for your May trip! Can't wait to hear all about them, and if Cynthia has any to add. Must be exciting to need a spreadsheet to keep up with them all.

I expect there will be a lot of MB mix-ups in the future until they get all of the kinks worked out of the system.

I love heading to MK on the boats! So many sites to take in, and picture opportunities!

Looks like your first park day got off to a great start, and was action packed!

 

[HockeyMomR]

:welcome" Stranger! OMG - I was just thinking about you the other day and wondering how your boys were doing. I hope they are still loving school. Nick had a great first semester at UD and declared mechanical engineering. It was nice to see them over winter break, but I'm glad they are both back now!

So glad you are here joining in!

Mary Ellen - Hope you are well. Glad Nick had a great first semester and settled on Mechanical! My boys are doing well. Connor is loving Lehigh and Sean is sad to be graduating in May as he has loved it so much! And the winter break thing - I totally get it Right there with you!

Enjoying your report and pictures as always! BWV view very nice. I love the Epcot area. We are trying WL in April and just hoping we won't miss Y&BC.

Little Mermaid - so cute, I rewatched the movie after we returned from our trip in September. It is a cute ride, think DH has same opinion as Denny.

Rebecca

 

[Pinkocto]

Don't forget about me! I over lap on your last day, hoping we can make something work

Love that you were so excited to get to the park! Sounds like a fun morning so far, and total bonus your room was ready

 

[Poolrat]

Driving on property is such a magical thing. YAY for a boat ride, I am looking over at the Poly for progress but man it looks so sad right now with the construction going on.
Way to knock off a couple of the E ticket rides.

I love the borders.