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

[KathyRN137]

Hi Mary Ellen!

Haven't been on the boards in, like, forever! I don't recognize most of the Trip Reporters so I was thrilled to see a familiar name and face!

You had a rough 2013 and truly deserve this magical trip! And here's a belated to Denny!

Talk soon,

Kathy

 

[glennbo123]

Looks like you've got quite a few Dismeets lined-up for your next trip, and a couple already completed in this trip.

And admired the VGF

Hmm, I've gotta say that I don't really like that bare end on the left side toward the wedding chapel. It seems like it needs some windows or railings or something, even if they're fake.

Good job tackling the Sorcerer's game. Watching James play it was enough to get my head spinning!

 

[Leshaface]

Hey good photos of the parade! Mr. Incredible and Woody are pointing right at you

Agh, I really want to try the Sorcerers game. I just feel like I would get so into it, it would waste valuable touring time. But maybe not? Maybe we'll give it a go at some point.

How sweet that they set up a long, pretty candle for your lunch at Tony's. I rarely see those candles at restaurants nowadays. How special!

Yay for F&W!

 

[Pluto0809]

Back from my trip and all caught up. It looks like you did the exact opposite of us on this day. DH and I started in Epcot then headed to MK that night for the party. It was really cold around the lake at Epcot that day, we shivered our way through lunch at Rose & Crown because they sat us outside.

 

[MEK]

I think I started picking attacks to see what would be the most fun to see happen. There are some really funny results.

I bet they are. I enjoyed trying the different cards and in a weird sort of way I felt pretty powerful holding that car up in the air in the fight against evil!

I am getting better but I am always leery of new places since I can be a boring picky eater and my allergies are probably to blame.

I am sure your allergies are to blame. It must be terrible to have food allergies. I would totally be cautious of where and what I ate given the same allergies.

I have quite a few places I have yet to eat. But I am trying .....

Fortunately Disney is so good with food allergies. That's got to make a big difference.

Yes, but remember... you only get to see the green light come on 3 times a day.

Ahhh - but you forgot about park entrances and room entrances. All part of the magic!

Does he look miserable or what?

Come on! A little water never hurt anybody!

Depends on what you mean by "hurt".

Makes sense to me. If I'm in the area and the lines are short, I'm riding both.

You better believe. Plus those two rides are like bookends. You just have to ride both of them. They are both so much fun! The only decision is which one to ride first!

I was so psyched to see Kristy! That worked out perfectly! Love DIS meets!

I'm glad you enjoyed it. Positive reviews for Tony's seem to be rare.

They are rare, aren't they? It was a nice change of pace for lunch. We really enjoyed it!

I love that picture of Haunted Mansion!!!

Thanks! I'm glad it turned out as well as it did!

What a nice Dismeet! I always love to run into people while there!

Me too! It's so fun to see other DISers. It's really like we are one big family!

Lunch looked tasty! So much so that I had to take a break and go eat an english muffin before replying!

OMG Jen - you sound like me! Sometimes I get so hungry looking at DIS food porn!

 

[nowellsl]

The first time we ate at Tony's it was outstanding, the second time just so-so! Maybe you have to catch them on a good night!?

We've gotten several packs of the sorcerers cards but never really played the game the whole way through..... my niece and nephew seems to really enjoy it though!

You got some great pictures!!

 

[MEK]

Um, can I buy that Haunted Mansion picture from you?! That is SO GOOD! I just purchased my first "big girl camera" and I am learning all that it does - hopefully my pictures can be as great as yours!

Wow! Thanks! So glad you like it!

And congrats on your new camera! Enjoy! I still have so much to learn about photography. I just never get around to doing the homework.

What fun, all the DISmeets! And how sweet you had a candle at your lunch!

Nothing better than a DISmeet! I love when I've seen enough pictures of the person that identifying them is person is easy!

And I loved our candle. How cute!

Hi Mary Ellen!

Haven't been on the boards in, like, forever! I don't recognize most of the Trip Reporters so I was thrilled to see a familiar name and face!

OMG!!!!! Kathy!!!!! Stranger! Thanks for joining in! Great to see you back on the boards! I hope you stay!

You had a rough 2013 and truly deserve this magical trip! And here's a belated to Denny!

Talk soon,

Kathy

There were some rough moments in 2013, that's for sure. And thank you for the belated bday wishes for Denny!

Looks like you've got quite a few Dismeets lined-up for your next trip, and a couple already completed in this trip.

I can't even keep track on the May DISmeets! I need a customized Cynthia spreadsheet for that!

And we were fortunate to have multiple DISmeets in October! It was pretty awesome!

Hmm, I've gotta say that I don't really like that bare end on the left side toward the wedding chapel. It seems like it needs some windows or railings or something, even if they're fake.

I see what you mean, but in person I didn't really notice that so maybe its just the perspective of the photo. It's just too dead on and you can't see any of the definition in the building.

Good job tackling the Sorcerer's game. Watching James play it was enough to get my head spinning!

It was a fun game. I wonder what James thinks about adults playing. g

Hey good photos of the parade! Mr. Incredible and Woody are pointing right at you

They do, don't they? I think they just know how to smile pretty for the camera!

Agh, I really want to try the Sorcerers game. I just feel like I would get so into it, it would waste valuable touring time. But maybe not? Maybe we'll give it a go at some point.

I do feel sort of conflicted when I think about given up valuable park time, so I know what you mean. I would like to play it again when we go next week, but since we are barely going to be at WDW it doesn't seem like the best use of time, at all!

How sweet that they set up a long, pretty candle for your lunch at Tony's. I rarely see those candles at restaurants nowadays. How special!

That camera fit the theme just perfectly. It was a nice touch. I would have preferred an anniversary dessert, but I'm not picky!

Yay for F&W!

You said it! Bring it on!

Back from my trip and all caught up. It looks like you did the exact opposite of us on this day. DH and I started in Epcot then headed to MK that night for the party. It was really cold around the lake at Epcot that day, we shivered our way through lunch at Rose & Crown because they sat us outside.

back! I hope you had a great time! Are you doing a TR? If so please make sure you send me a bat signal.

I bet it was a little cool that afternoon by the water. Now does it make sense why I wanted a jacket on Splash? (That's directed to all the naysayers who think I'm a baby for wanting a poncho)

Hope you also had a great time at the party. I did miss it this year, but I'm on board for next October.

 

[MEK]

The first time we ate at Tony's it was outstanding, the second time just so-so! Maybe you have to catch them on a good night!?

I think you're right about that. It can definitely be hit or miss. At least that's been my experience with dinner. I have pretty much written it off for dinner, but I did enjoy the whole atmosphere for lunch!

We've gotten several packs of the sorcerers cards but never really played the game the whole way through..... my niece and nephew seems to really enjoy it though!

I didn't play the game the whole way through either. We only did Main street and Adventureland. I would like to try the other lands as well.

You got some great pictures!!

Thank you!

 

[eandesmom]

I am impressed! I can barely get my photos up at all and you are adding all kinds of cute borders! What are you using do to that? They are cute.

Your lunch looks lovely, I've never been to Tony's. Not avoiding it mind you but as it seems to get mixed reviews it's not been at the top of my list either. I can definitely see where it might be fun for lunch.

 

[GoofyFan1515]

Well, maybe not that guy in the back seat!

You found Mr. Happy!

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.

You're just shameless aren't you???

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.

Nothing wrong with strategically placed. I refuse to sit in the front seat anymore. The last thing you want is the majority of weight in the front so it digs into the water at the bottom of the hill. The last time I sat up front there wasn't very much weight in the rear. Early in the ride I had what felt like a bucket of water dump over the front right in my lap. At the bottom of the big hill even more water drenched me from my head all the way down.

There was a smaller, little bit older lady in the seat behind me. I think she took great pleasure in the fact she was able to hide behind me and keep from getting wet also..........

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.

They are getting really picky about handing out the cards now, and verify that you have actually been playing the game. Apparently some people are just collecting the cards so they can sell them to the highest bidder on Ebay???

You got some really good parade pictures, and who could possibly not like balloons? Especially, Disney balloons!!!

Like so many others, I've heard differing opinions about the food at Tony's. I think that has mostly been from people eating dinner there. Sounds like it might be worth giving a try for lunch sometime.

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.

Yes, but remember... you only get to see the green light come on 3 times a day.

Don't even get me started on this disaster that is FP+

 

[MEK]

I am impressed! I can barely get my photos up at all and you are adding all kinds of cute borders! What are you using do to that? They are cute.

I am channeling my inner Jenseib. She puts them on all her photos. It's an edit on photo bucket. I doubt I will keep it up because its takes too long to do a whole bunch of them.

Your lunch looks lovely, I've never been to Tony's. Not avoiding it mind you but as it seems to get mixed reviews it's not been at the top of my list either. I can definitely see where it might be fun for lunch.

Exactly - lunch is the way to go. You know how small the Plaza is and LTT has a ton of people in the entrance waiting to be called. Tony's is pretty spacious compared to both of those places. Plus the food was decent.

You found Mr. Happy!

That I did!

You're just shameless aren't you???

Why Yes, Yes I am!

Nothing wrong with strategically placed. I refuse to sit in the front seat anymore. The last thing you want is the majority of weight in the front so it digs into the water at the bottom of the hill. The last time I sat up front there wasn't very much weight in the rear. Early in the ride I had what felt like a bucket of water dump over the front right in my lap. At the bottom of the big hill even more water drenched me from my head all the way down.

The front seat right side is totally the soaker seat. The second row is slightly better. I think the worst is when that spray at the bottom of the hill is timed perfectly, you boat goes around the corner, and *pow* you get a major dunking. Hate that. Hence the reason for the poncho!

There was a smaller, little bit older lady in the seat behind me. I think she took great pleasure in the fact she was able to hide behind me and keep from getting wet also..........

I think your theory is wrong - like I said above, the second row can be wet, too! There's no blocking from that!

They are getting really picky about handing out the cards now, and verify that you have actually been playing the game. Apparently some people are just collecting the cards so they can sell them to the highest bidder on Ebay???

That sort of makes me mad that people would actually sell them on Ebay. Come on! Tacky! I did hear its been harder to get the cards. I understand Disney wanting to make sure you play the game. I think its sort of hard to police that.

You got some really good parade pictures, and who could possibly not like balloons? Especially, Disney balloons!!!

Thank you! Exactly what I said!

Like so many others, I've heard differing opinions about the food at Tony's. I think that has mostly been from people eating dinner there. Sounds like it might be worth giving a try for lunch sometime.

I'll be honest - the last time I ate dinner there is wasn't stellar so I took a break from Tony's for awhile. But lunch turned out to be a fun option and I would definitely repeat it!

Don't even get me started on this disaster that is FP+

I liked FP+ in October, but now it is getting increasingly restrictive so its not as much fun. It also bothers me that its really discriminatory to people staying off site and A LOT of people stay off site.

 

[MEK]

I am trying to get at least two updates in before we head out of town for our winter break. So may I present -

Up the Tree

After finishing our first Sorcerer’s game we decided to try our hand at a second mission in Adventureland.









This is where Denny and I got separated from each other because, you know, he was being kid phobic and didn’t want to play the game if the number of kids in the queue outnumbered the adults.

We actually lost each other for a few minutes.



I saw him before he saw me and I watched him struggle for a few minutes sending me distress text messages. I guess I won’t win Wife of the Year for that one.

When I completed the Adventureland mission I suggested we climb the treehouse. I think the last time I took pictures I had an older camera. I wanted to update my current pics and it didn’t look that crowded.















Once we ascended there were more people than I anticipated behind us and the pictures got a little more hasty





I wanted a picture of Space Mountain from the top and this was the best I could do



An out of focus astro orbiter



The top of the castle



It’s amazing what you can see from the top of the treehouse





Coolest sink ever!



Another hidden view









I always wonder if this stuff gets knocked over or blown away during a particularly vigorous storm.



Continued In Next Post

 

[MEK]

Maybe it’s all bolted down.



That must be it. Everything is bolted down. Just like those guys in the Muppets.



After we descended, we did a time check and decided we better head out for a Walmart run. I really wasn’t feeling much in the mood for a Walmart run, but, as I mentioned to you earlier, Denny’s brother and family were due to arrive this afternoon. They were coming in on ME and my SIL had asked me specifically about getting groceries. I had mentioned the various services that did delivery. But Denny, being the thoughtful person he is, volunteered our grocery delivery services since we had a car and we were planning to make one trip for drinks and snacks.

So we headed out, list in phone.

We saw the Mayor on the way out



And stopped for pictures (my camera)



Here are some PP pictures from when we left the park

In honor of Denny’s birthday



I know someone is going to make a comment on THIS picture!



Well, it WAS Halloween season



Even though there was a little bit of a line, I insisted we get a picture from this location.





I took no pictures from our shopping trip because, let’s face it, we’ve all seen a Walmart. And the one in Kissimmee is no different. Maybe just a bit more crowded and, I swear, I think there are people that camp out in their cars in the parking lot.

But today was not the day to dwell on social issues. I had a list with about $100 worth of groceries on it and I needed to get cracking. Not being a professional shopper I had to pause over some of the items and I really wasn’t sure where to find asagio cheese. That threw me for a momentary loop. But I filled the cart for Denny’s family and he got some breakfast items and beverages for us. Fortunately, my SIL is very laid back and not super picky. She was just very grateful that we did her shopping and pleased with our selections. .

An hour or more later we were heading back to Disney property for the second time in a day.



Our in laws were staying at the tree houses. It was really the only onsite place that would work for all nine of them. I tried to text and call them to say we would be dropping off the groceries at bell services at SSR, but I couldn’t get through to anyone. Turns out they all still had the phones off from the plane.

So just as we pull up to bell services to unload, who do we see but the whole family.

Perfect timing!

Groceries unloaded we welcomed them and confirmed our plans to meet them for breakfast in the morning.

And then we were off. I didn’t take a single picture while over at SSR and I love how pretty that resort is.

In fact, the next picture I took looks like this.



Heck, I’m not even completely sure where I took that picture, but it was somewhere between the BWV and Epcot as we were heading in for the park for the evening.

When we got back to BWV, parked, and hiked the 2.2 miles from self parking back to the room, we just unpacked, took showers, and got ready for our evening jaunt into Epcot.

Horrible picture, but it was a Thursday evening and it gives your the idea of the crowds.



Denny couldn’t decide if he wanted a beer for his first drink



Notice Flight #1 has Namaste from the Dogfish Head Brewery in DE. When Denny and I actually at the brewery in December they had finally released the bottled version and we brought some home. Good stuff.

We ended up visiting the Mexico kiosk for our first drink. Denny had a tequila sunrise and I had the sangria.



Now here is where I add my F&W disclaimer: I went into this trip with some nasty stomach issues. I was having a lot of trouble with heartburn and Prilosec OTC was NOT cutting it. I mention this because it factored into my alcohol choices and it had an impact later in the trip. You might be thinking - well, if you were having stomach issues what the heck were you doing drinking alcohol?

It was Food & Wine people! Wine! Alcohol! Not about to let a little heartburn slow me down - yet!

We had dinner reservations tonight. And we had a very special meet arranged. Not a DIS meet. Rather an ex-coworker meet. That’s right. It turned out that one of my old coworkers and his wife were going to be in Disney at the same time we were. Once I found that out, I suggested dinner. It ended up being their date night, while their DS hung out with his granny.

I picked LaHacienda. I thought that would be a fun dinner destination.

It was great seeing my ex-coworker and his wife. They were having an awesome vacation and it was fun sharing a small piece of their vacation with them. We probably talked a little too much about work, but, hey, that’s what happens when you work somewhere for 11 years and your program closes.

So enough of the small talk. What you really want to know is what we had to eat? Well, check this out. All four of us decided to split

Del Mar - Mixed grill offering shrimp, fish, scallops and vegetables, served with beans and fresh salsas $49.95




and

La Hacienda - Mixed grill offering New York strip, chicken al pastor, chorizo and vegetables, served with beans and fresh salsas $49.95



This was the perfect idea for all four of us since we got to sample some of each platter!

In one word - Yum!

I’ve had the Del Mar before, but I think I saw the La Hacienda on Dee’s TR and I have been wanting to try it since. It did not disappoint.

Once dinner was over we discovered that we were in great seats to watch this



We weren’t at the table right near the window, but I managed to move my chair to the end of our table and I tried to get a few shots.

















Continued In Next Post

 

[MEK]

The colors of the globe were so amazing from this perspective.













The light this show emits is amazing












Up Next - Family Reunion

 

[teekathepony]

I've only been in the treehouse once, and I don't think I took a single picture! Lol
Awwww man! I wanted to see the Walmart pictures! just kidding! Sounds like your timing worked out just great!
Hmmmm hoping the stomach issues don't cause too many problems for you! That's definitely not a fun thing to deal with on vacation!
How wonderful that you got to meet up with an old coworker for dinner, that sounds like such a great way to catch up! And the meal looks really good too.
Great shots of IllumiNations, you guys must have had a really great table!

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[amazingact21]

That was nice of you to pick up the groceries for everyone that afternoon. It never fails, though, whenever you're picking something up for someone there's always that ONE item you have no clue about. And it always happens when you're in a new store, too.


Mmm, Food and Wine, can't wait to hear more about that. I'm sorry that you had heartburn issues, though. Talk about rotten timing with that. Alex has to take daily medication for his reflux, though, so I completely understand what you mean about alcohol not treating you well.
But like you said...how can you pass up on F&W?!


How great that you got to eat dinner with a fellow coworker. What's a better place to catch up and share a meal than in Disney World? Plus, it's enjoying to hear about how much fun they are having, because you know exactly what they mean.

And man, you were running into familiar faces left and right on this trip! Heck, in one day!

 

[jenseib]

What a busy day! I know it sounds all nice and good to make the grocery run when planning, but when you get there....well who wants to leave the bubble. But at least you did it fairly fast and got back for a wonderful evening.
I have to laugh that Denny got lost and was frantically trying to find you! That would be Skip. He would walk away and then walk too far and get lost and then his directions for me to find him would not be even close to where he actually was.
One time Claire and I met him at AK and I called to ask where he was....he could see the big tree from where he was...oh and there is a bridge near by. Um...do you know how many bridges are at AK?

 

[Pinkocto]

You got some beautiful shots from the treehouse. Love the one with Space and the astro orbitor.

How nice of Denny to volunteer your grocery services I hope they appreciated that.

Dinner looked and sounded lovely. I hope the stomach issues didn't crimp your style too much.

 

[mickeystoontown]

I really enjoyed looking at your pictures from the treehouse. We haven't gone up in several years because Mama traveled with us and couldn't climb. Gotta put it on the list to do next trip.

I know that it's hard to leave the Disney bubble and go grocery shopping but it was nice of you to do.

It's so nice that you and your former co-worker were able to meet up and spend time together at Epcot. Your dinner choices look absolutely delicious! And, what a bonus that you were able to watch llluminations right from your table.

 

[Mrs Doubtfire]

Another great day. Even though you are empty nesters you seem to be meeting plenty of other people to keep you company

Great view from La Hacienda.