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

[MEK]

Joining in. I am glad 2014 is starting better than 2013 did. 2013 was a rough year for several people I know including me. Planning another trip always helps!!

LuvEeyore! Thanks for joining in!

I'm sorry to hear you also had a bad 2013. I hope your 2014 is starting out better. Here's what I tell myself - it can ALWAYS be worse.

And, yes, planning a new trip ALWAYS helps!

Love the meets you have planned for May.

I am totally excited about the May Meets!

Caught up! Thanks for the tip on magic bands, but I don't see myself reserving a split stay anytime soon. Too many headaches!

You have too many kids to coral - you need to keep it simple! Hope all is going well in the Oblivious household these days!

on the BOG line. I'd love to try it someday, but that sure does look intimidating.

VERY intimidating!

 

[MEK]

Table for Two

Our morning at the MK was shaping up nicely, if I do say so myself. Let’s recap - a ready room at BWV with a stellar view, a peaceful trip across Bay Lake, a fun filled ride on Space Mountain, a visit with a mermaid, and a DIS meet.

What next, you ask?

Well, we had FPs for Splash burning a hole in our pocket (figuratively speaking) and we weren’t about to let them go to waste. Quite honestly, it was an overcast day so I’m sure we could have walked on and changed the FPs to something else. But I’m pretty sure we were entranced by the magic of our bands and we wanted to see the green light come on again. It's the novelty, my friends.

Of course there were a few pictures along the way







See what I mean? No massive lines for Splash today.



But these folks seemed to be enjoying themselves.



Well, maybe not that guy in the back seat!



Now here’s where I realized I didn’t bring a rain poncho and these folks were looking a bit soggy. Drat! What to do?

So I asked Denny if I could use his jacket. He was not buying it so I resorted to begging and bargaining. Hey, I’m not proud.

The result



OK, OK, I know this is the worst red neck ride photo ever, but that IS me with the green jacket on. Look how strategically placed we are to avoid any splashes.

After Splash I can’t imagine we would pass up an opportunity to ride BTMMR. Our FP wasn’t until later, but I’m sure if the wait time was short we would have stopped to take spin. I have no pictures to prove or disprove this theory.

My next picture is here



Looks like we ran right into the parade, so why not take a few pictures.














I have to admit that this is not my favorite parade, but today I really seemed to enjoy the interaction







After the parade ended we still had some time to kill before our lunch ADR.



Denny casually mentioned that one of his work friends is a big fan of the Sorcerer’s game. Denny asked if we were going to the Halloween party, because his friend wanted the collectible cards that are given out at the party.

I had to disappoint Denny by telling him that we weren’t going to the party. Why, you ask? Well, I have been three times and Denny has been once. He generally isn’t a fan of repeat parties. I debated with myself about just going ahead and purchasing tickets, but then I remembered we won’t have a park pass next October so MNSSHP is definitely on the agenda for October 2014!

Anyway - we started to head down Main Street because Denny wanted to see where the Sorcerer’s cards come from.

As we started down Main Street I started to think to myself that Kristy (khertz) was somewhere in the park with her family. I knew her DS was getting his hair cut at the Barber’s shop. I decided I'd take a peek in the barber shop when we walked by.

No sooner did that thought go into my head when I heard someone say “Mary Ellen” and I literally almost bumped right into Kristy!

*Insert girlie squeal here*

Am I psychic or what?

I may be psychic, but Kristy has eyes like a hawk because I probably would have walked right by her. I was so glad she spotted me.

I was pretty excited that she saw me and I got to meet her DH and adorable son. Of course he was being shy, but I remember those days well with my own boys.

If you haven’t visited Kristy’s TR make sure you do. She’s a great story teller, her DH takes amazing pictures, and her DS is so darn cute.

We did remember to get a picture to prove that we met.



Not even lunch time and I got to see two DISers! Gotta love it!

We said our goodbyes and continued down Main Street.

And it was here that I got my traditional balloon pictures



Because I love Balloons!



Especially Disney Balloons!



Continued In Next Post

 

[MEK]

We also paused for a little entertainment.



I love their fall themed garb.





How much fun do they look they are having?



Our next destination







I love the patches from the various fire companies





The line was pretty short and someone ahead of us was kind enough to give us an overview of the Sorcerer’s game. Then it was our turn to get our cards. We got another explanation of the game from the CM on duty. We still weren’t completely sure how it worked, but we were determined to give it a try.

By now it was almost 11:30, so we decided to check in for our lunch ADR. Where was our table for two today?

At Tony’s

I’m not entirely sure why I picked Tony’s. I know this - I like having a TS lunch in the MK. With TIW its really not much more expensive than CS and its fun to sit and get waited on. Over the years we have had quite a few lunches at the Plaza and Liberty Tree Tavern. I thought I would give Tony’s a try for lunch.

Since we had our Anniversary buttons we got a special little treat on our table for two.



I loved our candle. How cute.

We ordered the zucchini fries



They were pretty tasty. Not as good as fried green beans, but still pretty yummy.

My entree
Grilled Salmon Salad - with orange and fresh fennel dressing and a walnut mascarpone crostini $17.99




Denny’s entree

Chicken Bianca Pizza - grilled chicken breast, crispy pancetta, arugula, and mascarpone cheese 15.99



Everything was very tasty and it was nice to have a relaxing lunch complete with candlelight.

After lunch we stepped back outside to learn the Sorcerer’s game





If you haven’t played the game before here’s an explanation


We used a map to locate our first station, but then we had to ask some kid how to get started. So much for following the CM’s instructions we received barely an hour ago.

We completed our mission along Main Street. It was a cute game. And it makes you discover little hidden areas in the MK that you would normally just ignore.

Denny seemed to enjoy the game too. Well, until a bunch of kids would get in line behind us. Then he would suddenly disappear when the kids appeared. Imagine that?

Oh yeah - here’s one of our sorcerer screens





So what did I think of the Sorcerers?

Fun! And the people who play the game are very friendly. It’s like a little community. They will ask you if you have any extra cards (duplicates) and they are more than willing to give up their extra cards. Pretty cool if you ask me.

So, up next - Up the Tree and our first glimpse of food & wine!

 

[teekathepony]

You guys are having a terrific start to your trip!
I've never worn a poncho or jacket on splash! I usually do get fairly wet though, so I can't say I blame you for bargaining with Denny.
Wow, another Dismeet? Awesome!
I've never tried the Sorcerers game, I keep meaning to but then I'm never sure I'm ready to dedicate any time to it! Haha some day I'll try it.
Yummy lunch at Tony's, I really like it there!

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[MEK]

You guys are having a terrific start to your trip!

It was such a fun and relaxed start to the trip. It felt great to be there.

I've never worn a poncho or jacket on splash! I usually do get fairly wet though, so I can't say I blame you for bargaining with Denny.

What can I say? I am a water wimp. And I hate frizzy hair!

Wow, another Dismeet? Awesome!

How great was the timing on that? It was really cool to meet Kristy. And her DS reminds me of Brian when he was that age, so its an instant flashback.

I've never tried the Sorcerers game, I keep meaning to but then I'm never sure I'm ready to dedicate any time to it! Haha some day I'll try it.

I would say that we devoted at least an hour to it that day. We really enjoyed it, but it is an investment of park time. I would like to go back and finish the rest of the adventures. It was pretty engaging.

Yummy lunch at Tony's, I really like it there!

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

Our lunch was really nice. I'm glad we decided to eat there.

 

[jedimeg16]

My husband and I both loved playing the Sorcerers game! We were 28 and 29 during our trip last April when we spent a good chunk of our time playing the game over our two days at the Magic Kingdom. I only wish that we had also taken the time to play Agent P's World Showcase Adventure at Epcot.

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

You know, you touch on something that I've been thinking about regarding FP+. In fact I just had this conversation with another DISer. FP+ is available 60 days out. But, at least to me, I only used FP when necessary. That being when a line was really long. Now we show up with a FP to a ride that has no wait. Kind of a waste when you consider you only get 3.

Haha, funny. I always consider jackets/ponchos to be cheating, lol.

Ahhh Move It Shake It!!! This IS my favourite parade.

Awww Kristy. Now it all comes full circle since she covered this great meet in her TR.

Oh I so love your balloon pictures!!!!

So cute that you played a bit of the Sorcerer's Game. And when in doubt... ask a kid. Good advice.

 

[MEK]

My husband and I both loved playing the Sorcerers game! We were 28 and 29 during our trip last April when we spent a good chunk of our time playing the game over our two days at the Magic Kingdom. I only wish that we had also taken the time to play Agent P's World Showcase Adventure at Epcot.

I haven't played Agent P, but i've played the game that proceeded it - Kim Possible. That was fun and made infinitely better after a couple adult beverages.

I would like to finish up in the areas we missed. I don't know when we will do it again, however. Our visit in a couple weeks is literally a drive by. But I hope I get another chance.

You know, you touch on something that I've been thinking about regarding FP+. In fact I just had this conversation with another DISer. FP+ is available 60 days out. But, at least to me, I only used FP when necessary. That being when a line was really long. Now we show up with a FP to a ride that has no wait. Kind of a waste when you consider you only get 3.

Totally a waste unless you change it. I guess at that point I didn't even consider changing it. Later on in the trip I made some switches. But my phone is also older so its slow with apps and I was never really sure if the change went through. I guess if I bought a new phone I would have more confidence in my abilities to change things on the fly without going to the kiosk. *sigh*

Haha, funny. I always consider jackets/ponchos to be cheating, lol.

So do a lot of other people. I consider them to be a sign of vanity for girlie girls who don't want to get their hair wet.

Ahhh Move It Shake It!!! This IS my favourite parade.

I know. I have to admit, your enthusiasm over that parade has caused me to look at it in a whole new light. And the tune is rather infectious!

Awww Kristy. Now it all comes full circle since she covered this great meet in her TR.

I'm so glad we met. She is too cute!

Oh I so love your balloon pictures!!!!

Thanks!

So cute that you played a bit of the Sorcerer's Game. And when in doubt... ask a kid. Good advice.

Kids are great. They are always so willing to share and they generally don't make you feel super stupid for not picking up on the directions the first time. It was genuinely a fun game. I would definitely like to play it again.

 

[tazdev3225]

Love the pics.

I though about doing the Sorcerer's just never go around to it. I did see someone at Tortugas Tavern playing and it really does look like fun. Maybe next trip with the grandkids.

The food at Tony's looked very good. One of the places I have never tried.

I try and avoid Splash Mountain when I can. I'm always afraid that my camera will get wet and I have to much invested in my equipment. I think I will have to get a good waterproof bag for May though as I owe my friend a ride on it.

 

[MeMom]

Nice shot. I think Brooklynn, Bella, and I may spend a little time on Tom Sawyer Island in July. We haven't been in a long time. As a matter of fact, I'm not sure if Bella has ever even been over there.

I have to admit that this is not my favorite parade, but today I really seemed to enjoy the interaction

A lot of people never bother to see any of the parades, but we like them. The girls love dancing to this one. I'm sad that we've lost AK's Jammin' Jungle, but glad we got to see it many times. What do you think of the new Festival of Fantasy previews?

 

[MEK]

Love the pics.

Thanks!

I though about doing the Sorcerer's just never go around to it. I did see someone at Tortugas Tavern playing and it really does look like fun. Maybe next trip with the grandkids.

It was pretty fun. I have played Kim Possible in the past so I was pretty sure I would enjoy it. It's entertaining and its a way to look at the park in a different light. I think they do a very creative job of integrating everything.

The food at Tony's looked very good. One of the places I have never tried.

Tony's is one of those places that gets mixed reviews. I have had dinner there before, but this was our first lunch and it was very enjoyable. I would definitely go again and the customer service was great!

I try and avoid Splash Mountain when I can. I'm always afraid that my camera will get wet and I have to much invested in my equipment. I think I will have to get a good waterproof bag for May though as I owe my friend a ride on it.

Here's my tip - wrap your bag in a poncho. I have never gotten my bag very soaked on the ride. Plus - request the 3rd or 4th row. It's really on the front two rows that take the direct hit. Wear a poncho. You'll be fine!

Nice shot. I think Brooklynn, Bella, and I may spend a little time on Tom Sawyer Island in July. We haven't been in a long time. As a matter of fact, I'm not sure if Bella has ever even been over there.

Thank you!

You must go if its been awhile since you've visited. I love it over there. I can imagine through a child's eyes it is probably SO much fun with all those paths, forts, and bridges. Enjoy! I'm glad you are planning out your July attack!

A lot of people never bother to see any of the parades, but we like them. The girls love dancing to this one. I'm sad that we've lost AK's Jammin' Jungle, but glad we got to see it many times. What do you think of the new Festival of Fantasy previews?

Jungle Jammin' is my favorite afternoon parade (especially the Christmas version) so I am sad to see it go. I just love all the wonderful colors. It's so festive.

I haven't read a lot about the Festival and Fantasy, but it does look cool. And I think it fits with the whole princess craze. I know I will enjoy seeing it.

 

[Pinkocto]

What a fun morning I absolutely love the shot of the HM you got.

Tony's looks quite tasty, I might just have to put it on the list.

That Denny hiding from the kids playing Sorcerers... Too cute tgat it was his questioning about the cards that got you playing in the first place

 

[MEK]

What a fun morning I absolutely love the shot of the HM you got.

Thanks! And it was a fun morning. It was a perfect temperature and not crowded at all. Very fun!

Tony's looks quite tasty, I might just have to put it on the list.

I enjoyed Tony's for lunch. It was really nice that it was so empty when we got there. It felt very private.

That Denny hiding from the kids playing Sorcerers... Too cute tgat it was his questioning about the cards that got you playing in the first place

That Denny! I may have to change the title to this TR to "That Denny". And it was all his questions that got us to check it. I don't think I would have suggested it on my own, but I ended up really enjoying it!

 

[marDgreen88]

I love that y'all were the only ones in your log and you sat in the very back! Too funny.

Yay for bumping into Kristy! It's fun to hear about it from both perspectives.

Tony's is yummy! Glad you had a nice lunch.

 

[rentayenta]

I love how you're framing the shots. Looks very nice.

Great pic of Splash!


I'm glad you enjoyed Tony's. It gets such a bad rap and we really like it. And via candle, Ooo la la.

 

[HockeyMomR]

Mary Ellen - your MK day is progressing nicely. Great ideas for our upcoming April trip that will again just be Chuck and me! Yes, must have a poncho for Splash, I also am not beyond begging to have one on this ride. My family has made fun of me for years, but I am always the dry one who is comfortable after the ride.

Love, love your balloon pictures as always. The Salmon salad looks delicious. Your picture is so good, very enticing! Sorcerers game - Hmmmm, looks interesting and fun to try.

You asked about my older son's job prospects. We are so happy for him. He signed his contract with GE transportation last September and starts July 23! He was in Lehigh's Coop program with GE. Wonderful experience and he is thrilled with his job offer.

Rebecca

 

[MEK]

I love that y'all were the only ones in your log and you sat in the very back! Too funny.

What can I say? I am totally a wet water wimp!

Yay for bumping into Kristy! It's fun to hear about it from both perspectives.

I'm so glad she saw me. She is such a sweetie and it was fun to meet her DH and DS. Made my day!

Tony's is yummy! Glad you had a nice lunch.

It was a nice relaxing lunch with some yummy food.

I love how you're framing the shots. Looks very nice.

Thanks. I stole that idea from Jenseib. I just feel like my pictures from this trip are a little lackluster. They needed a little boost.

Great pic of Splash!

Thanks! I liked the way that turned out with the boat all the way down at the bottom - sort of an after thought.

I'm glad you enjoyed Tony's. It gets such a bad rap and we really like it. And via candle, Ooo la la.

Ooo la la is right! It was really a nice change of pace for lunch. I'm glad we (well I) decided to put that on the agenda!

Mary Ellen - your MK day is progressing nicely. Great ideas for our upcoming April trip that will again just be Chuck and me! Yes, must have a poncho for Splash, I also am not beyond begging to have one on this ride. My family has made fun of me for years, but I am always the dry one who is comfortable after the ride.

Exactly! Why get wet when you don't have to. I don't mind it in the summer when it is HOT, but at night or when its cooler I live without the extra drench!

Love, love your balloon pictures as always. The Salmon salad looks delicious. Your picture is so good, very enticing! Sorcerers game - Hmmmm, looks interesting and fun to try.

Thanks!

The salad was yummy! Very enjoyable.

The Sorcerers game was a lot of fun. I'm glad we decided to play a few rounds.

You asked about my older son's job prospects. We are so happy for him. He signed his contract with GE transportation last September and starts July 23! He was in Lehigh's Coop program with GE. Wonderful experience and he is thrilled with his job offer.

Rebecca

That is beyond awesome! I am thrilled for him as well. I think those Co-ops are amazing. It must be wonderful for him to know he has a job waiting for him after graduation. And he even has time for a summer vacation! Gotta love it!

 

[rentayenta]

I can't go to WDW and MK without going to Tonys. I'm at the mall right now, lol, with Gabby and her friend, and I just bought myself a large Lady and the Tramp tee on sale for $5.99. I'll just sleep in the dang thing. I love Lady.

 

[MEK]

I can't go to WDW and MK without going to Tonys. I'm at the mall right now, lol, with Gabby and her friend, and I just bought myself a large Lady and the Tramp tee on sale for $5.99. I'll just sleep in the dang thing. I love Lady.

I bet its an adorable T! I have to admit the lady and the tramp theme gets me every time!

 

[amazingact21]

I can't blame you for sitting in the back of Splash and trying to avoid getting soaked. I know that's part of the appeal of the ride for some, but walking around the park in wet clothes just doesn't sounds like fun to me.


It's great that you were able to have a DISmeet with khertz! Sounds crazy, but it was kind of cool for me to read both of you talk about meeting each other, since I've been reading both of your TRs for awhile now.


I've heard mixed reviews about Tony's, but the fries and Denny's entree look pretty good. Definitely worth a try there, I'd say.