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

[MEK]

SOOOOOOO - busy weekend. Going to see Brian and his GF today and my mom tomorrow. Plus I need to finish packing and I have to work my overnight shift on Monday. Fingers crossed it's a good one. I will get to replies a little at a time and I hope to post one more update before we head out on our winter adventure!

Happy Weekend everyone!

 

[Pinkocto]

Hope you have a fun weekend

 

[eandesmom]

oh man, while I appreciate Denny's offer I wouldn't have been happy about it. that is a LOT of time and energy to do someone else's shopping.

And Asiago cheese isn't exactly an everyday item for most folks.

What a sister in law you are!

Lovely lovely lovely treehouse photos

UGH on the heartburn and I don't like the foreshadowing there one bit!

 

[KatMark]

We don't do the Tree anymore as Mark hates the climb (I did do it with the girls two years ago...will have to see if they want to do it again this year).

Love the photopass pics on the way out of the MK. And, at the risk of being thrown of the DIS, I will not comment on one particular photo.

How nice of you to make a Walmart grocery run for the inlaws. I have to say I NEVER go to Walmart. I cannot stand the store. That being said, we went in desperation a week ago, and Mark finally found a windbreaker type jacket to bring with us next month to Florida and it was only $13.96! But I still dislike the store.

I'm glad you had a good visit with your former co-worker.

For not having a "window" table, you got some awesome photos of Illimunations.

Although we are going back to the Boardwalk in September, I have to say that walk from parking to the resort entrance does feel like 2.2 miles.

 

[englishrose47]

Hi Mary Ellen !!Did you think I dropped off the planet !! I have been such a BAD Disser, that thing called work has kept me pretty busy and I have just plain been to tired to do anything but crawl into bed at night !!! At work right now till midnight and working again tomorrow Can't wait for a whole day off , but that is a good 9 days away !!!

 

[MEK]

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

Thanks! I do think its so cool that you can see Space and the atro orbitor from up there. I just never expect that because of the way one part of the park is hidden so well from the other.

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

They honestly did and, in retrospect, it wasn't too terrible since we did the divide and conquer approach. Finding diapers was a little tricky.

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

Not in the beginning of the trip, anyway!

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.

Yeah - you need to be able to climb to get up there. It is pretty cool. It's just got all those touches and views which makes it special.

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

Fortunately, since it was a long trip, I didn't mind leaving the bubble too much - well, at least in theory. You just can't think about it, you just need to get in the car and go!

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.

The Illuminations view was a total bonus. Honestly, I thought we would be out of there by Illuminations but apparently Not! It was really fun to meet up with them and I enjoyed sampling things off of both platters. Total score!

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

We met up with a lot of people this trip. It was amazing how many DISers were there and how many people from home also just happened to be there. But, then again, it is the perfect time to go!

Great view from La Hacienda.

Totally lucked out on that one!

I haven't ever been over to the treehouse, but it looks like a really interesting place to explore! You got some really good pictures, and I would say a few of them are even the "tops!"

thanks! The treehouse is pretty cool. The details are great and the views from certain vantage points are really special. It's a must -see for any Disney geek! Like me!

Yes, just LIKE that I bet!

But they bolt is down so well, don't they? Not obvious at all!

Comments, huh? You mean like...........

I haven't ever seen a pair of shorts like that in the Disney store. You must have made them yourself!

Or................

That rain jacket really didn't help you a whole lot on Splash did it???

Sorry, that's the best I've got without running the risk of being banned from the DIS.....

the worst part is I edited that border on there. You would have thought I would have noticed that strategically placed castle on my _________, I mean shorts. What was I thinking?????

 

[MEK]

How nice of you to make that Wal-Mart run and take care of the grocery shopping for the In-laws. It's a really thoughtful person that takes time away from their own trip and thinks of others!

It really wasn't that bad and they were very appreciative, so I didn't mind. But in a few days Denny offered to do a beer run for them. I said "You're on your own".

Good that you got rewarded with perfect timing making the delivery!

That did work out great. I'm glad we got to see them on arrival and firm up our plans for the next day. The kids looked so happy to be there.

I'm guessing you took that first picture very near where you took the second one. The tower with the flag in the background of the second one, along with the palm trees and the outline of the roof from the building look like it is at the same location, only zoomed in maybe?

I feel like that picture should have been the top of the Beach Club or YC, but I don't remember the sunset being that amazing and there really aren't enough identifiers. Crazy. I usually know where I take each picture. But I like a mystery.

Oh this doesn't sound good. I'm hoping it didn't cause you too much trouble, but somehow I'm afraid it did..........

It did have a slight impact. That's all I'm going to say right now.

Cool that you got to meet up with your ex-coworker! I love La Hacienda. You ordered one of my favorite meals there. Just don't ask me which one because I'm not sure now which of those two I had. There may or may not have been margaritas involved....... I think it was the Del Mar, but it could have been either. I just remember it was really good!

Love it that you can't remember which of the platters you had. Well, clearly you like beef and fish equally. The Del Mar is definitely NOT for the non-seafood eater. I'm not sure which I liked better. It was just really fun to enjoy some of both!

You got some absolutely fabulous pictures of IllumiNations! What a great vantage point.

Thanks! I think I totally lucked out with those pics!

 

[MAGICFOR2]

Hi Mary Ellen! I love the frames on your pics I may borrow your idea sometime. (Who am I kidding, I won't remember how you did it when the time comes. )

Cute pics of you and Denny on MS. I will not comment, I'm a lady.

I love the Wife of the Year moment! I would SO do that!

Have a great trip if I don't make it back here before you leave.

 

[HockeyMomR]

Wow - that was a fun filled packed day! The treehouse - great pics, you just gave me another idea, have not climbed up there in years. I agree, all of the decor must be bolted.

And nice of you to venture to Walmart for your in-laws. Actually, very very kind of you

Crowds that evening at Epcot look crazy. Food looks delicious.

Rebecca

 

[MEK]

Our kids never let us forget about going up THE tree house in MK. Like you, I go up because I enjoy the scenery at the top. It's beautiful up there.

It really is so cool up there. I certainly don't go up every trip, but I do like to make sure I get up there ever so often. And I love looking at treehouse pictures.

I walked into Epcot WS on my last night of stay in October and boy was it packed for the F+W. I love all the food options they have the kiosks and wished I had the stomach space to try every single item.

Or the wallet! The funny thing is all those little samples add up and I think you can easily spend more money noshing around the world than just sitting down and having dinner. It's sort of crazy. Great money maker for Disney and I think that's why they have added so many kiosks for other times of the year.

Will have to try La Hacienda sometime. The view of Illuminations looks great!

The food is pretty yummy and the atmosphere is great and even though I didn't have one, the margaritas are pretty yummy too. I have scored great seats every time I have been there.

How on Earth do you even get him to go to Disney World with you???

Well, hmmm, let me think.... Oh yeah - we took our kids! And it was HIS idea to go the first time. Little did he know he was going to create a monster!

Not nice. Funny. But not nice!

That's exactly what I was going for!

Bolted, welded, glued. Something like that. I mean I don't think Disney would take any chances of part of the attraction getting away in a storm.

Or of having any part of that attraction hit someone in the head. Do they close the treehouse down for bad weather? I'm thinking yes.

Probably pretty universal that everyone has been in a Walmart at one point or another.

Well done! I'm glad that it was satisfactory and you didn't get the wrong kind of asiago cheese or something.

Well, quite honestly, I think there may have only been two brands to choose from so we were safe on that one. I was more worried about getting the wrong size of diaper.

I could get used to days like that...

Yeah - me too!

What's to decide??? :

Good point!

Can't blame you. I'd do the same in that circumstance and deal with the consequences later...

Which is exactly what I need.

Looks like a great dinner with friends. And some very nice Illuminations pictures to go along with it!

Thanks! It was a really fun dinner. I'm glad the four of us were able to get together and enjoy good food, good conversation, and a beautiful Illuminations!

Whew, thank goodness the Treehouse didn't have it's normal 60 minute wait.

I know, right? That would have ruined my entire photoshoot!

Oh and I don't think I mentoned it yet, but I love the frames on your photos. They really add a little something extra. Beautiful.

Thanks. I got that idea from another DISer who frames all hers. I'm not sure I will be able to stay that motivated, but its fun to start out trying. Let's see how long it lasts.

It's actually been a few years since I've done a WalMart run, but whenever I stayed offsite, it became a regular thing. And believe me, it's still busy at 1am.

I know. Denny and I were there one Saturday night around 10:30 pm and it was CRAZY busy. I was shocked. People everywhere. Well, I guess at least if you were a cashier on the midnight shift you wouldn't have any trouble staying awake.

Those shots of Illuminations are fantastic!!! Obviously you had a great table.

Thanks! We had a really nice table. It wasn't directly against the window, but close enough with my distance lens.

 

[MEK]

Hahaha, kid-phobic. That's too funny. And distress text messages to boot?

I know, right? He walked away from me. Now he can't find me. Sheesh. Go to where the kids are man!

Yeah, I'm gonna say all the stuff in the treehouse is bolted down? Could you imagine if it wasn't? Windy day, you're standing eating a dole whip having a conversation. And bam! I bowl hits you in the head.

Everything I'm thinking about that particular picture is in my head.

OMG - I totally cracked up the other day when I read this and Denny wanted to know what was so funny! I said, "never mind you won't get it!" That visual is just too funny.

Right?! It's F&W. You can't not have drinks. Seriously. It's just out of the question. I'd be the same way. Forget this, I'll just deal with the side effects!

The only time I ever gave up drinking was when I was taking an antibiotic that would have made me deathly ill if I drank while taking it. And believe me, that was the WORSE. I was pouting every time we got near a bar or restaurant.

You were very nice to go to Walmart for your in-laws. I would have said I'll go somewhere else - anywhere else - for you! You're right, we don't want to see pictures of that! Unless they're of the funny/weird people of Walmart!

You can always go to the "people of Walmart" site for that!

We usually always make a Walmart run for water and breakfast items, so it wasn't too much of an inconvenience. And the nice thing about Walmart is its easy to find stuff. When I go in a grocery store I'm not familiar with I walk up and down the rows in a daze.

The treehouse has been discussed at my house recently. Paige is reading Swiss Family Robinson. I don't remember reading the book myself, but then I got to thinking - were they actually Swiss? Might need to go back and read it with her! But I digress! Cool pictures (I enjoy your borders too!)

I read that book so long ago I don't remember much about it at all. So perhaps I should have Paige give me a brief synopsis to get me on track!

Thanks! I probably won't keep up the borders that much longer, but I do like the way they look.

Cute Main Street pictures of you and Denny!

Thanks!

Have yet to eat at La Hacienda - but your food looked so good!! Wonder if my family could handle it? Grilled meat should go over okay with even the pickiest eater! What a great view of Illuminations too! Your pictures are awesome (as usual!).

The corn on the La Hacienda platter was really good, too! Everyone likes corn, don't they? It was nice and buttery. I enjoyed all the food. I hope you can get your family in there on one of these trips.

As always, I am in awe of your photos! I don't really do the treehouse often. In fact I think it has been several years. Your pics really make me want to venture up.

Thanks! I don't do the treehouse often either, so its fun to go up there every couple of years. The details and the views are awesome. I really enjoyed our little journey.

You mention the long walk from self park to your room at BWV. Just how far is it? I am really considering my options for fall and want to have a good handle on things.

Hmmmm - I guess its about 1/4 mile. The annoying thing about the parking lot is there are a lot of empty spaces but they are all roped off for valet parking. Yet, they remained empty the whole time we were there. They made us enter the parking lot from way in the back (away from the building) and then you drive closer, but there were never any spots even semi close. You'll just have to see it for yourself. It's annoying.

Love what you had at La Hacienda! We ate there last month also shared one of those.. also while watching illuminations. I was happy that they took the DVC discount since they didn't take the TIW... strange that they didn't take the TIW...

Wow - I thought they took my TIW. Show's how much I remember. Guess it was that sangria. Yikes.

That is VERY nice of you to do the grocery shopping.

What can I say. There was no way Denny was not going to volunteer!

 

[MEK]

Dinner looks like it was delicious. And goodness, what AMAZING pictures of IllumiNations!

Dinner was great! I really enjoyed sampling so many yummy food items. So glad you like the Illumination pictures. Thanks!

Bella's long lost mingo, perhaps???

OMG Caren - I totally forgot about that! Thanks for the laugh and the trip down memory lane.

I remember being fascinated by the Treehouse when I first went to Disney World in 1971.

It is a really cool place and some places just remind you of when you were a kid. I think the treehouse is one of those places. It's something a lot of people imagined playing in.

That food looks good!

It was very good!

Just confirmed while reading Swiss Family Robinson, they were indeed, Swiss. I know you're all relieved to know that.

I, for one, am VERY relieved to hear that!

You probably all already did!

I thought they were Swiss, but heck, I would have looked it up too!

I thought of Bella's Mingo too!!!

Poor Mingo.

You said it Pat - Poor Mingo!

MEK- YAY for a good meal at La Hacienda. Once again awesome pictures of IllumiNations. What a great way to catch up with a former co-worker.

It was a very yummy meal. It was really fun getting to see my friend and his wife. Getting a close up view of Illuminations was a major bonus!

Awesome photos from the treehouse. Touring the treehouse doubles as a work out with all those stairs as well.

Depending on how fast you climb them, that's for sure. So glad you like the pics. I really enjoyed going up there and seeing the sights. It's been a couple years.

Your sunset photo between your Walmart run and Epcot evening is spectacular! Just lovely.

Thanks! I'm still not 100% sure where I took that. I'm thinking its the Beach Club, but I'm not entirely sure.

I can say that I'm counted among the tourists that have been to the Walmart in Kissimmee late at night. That was very nice of you to pick up groceries for the family.

That Walmart is hopping 24/7. Fortunately, it wasn't crazy busy that afternoon. But they do keep all the lines open, so that's a plus. Our family was very grateful for the grocery delivery. It's nice to be appreciated.

Sorry about the heartburn issue but your logic makes complete sense.... it's F&W so you are compelled to partake. Speaking of food, the meal at La Hacienda looks wonderful. I have to resist the urge to change one more ADR! Gah, it's hard.

Dinner was really good. I've had the Del Mar before, so I knew that was yummy. The La Hacienda was also very tasty. It was fun to sample from both.

And, yes, heart burn or not - there were drinks to be had!

 

[GoofyFan1515]

Love it that you can't remember which of the platters you had. Well, clearly you like beef and fish equally. The Del Mar is definitely NOT for the non-seafood eater. I'm not sure which I liked better. It was just really fun to enjoy some of both!

I'm pretty sure it was the Del Mar, I just didn't remember it having fish??? I know it had shrimp and scallops, but thought there was also maybe chicken or steak along with it.

I suspected maybe they used to be combined when I ordered it, and now maybe split into two menu items, but I went back and looked at past menus and it has always been that way since La Hacienda opened, so I guess not. I know the one I had didn't have the corn. Will definitely try that one next time so I have also had them both!

Hope your busy weekend went well!

 

[annmarieda]

Thanks! I don't do the treehouse often either, so its fun to go up there every couple of years. The details and the views are awesome. I really enjoyed our little journey.

Well, I think your wonderful pics have reminded me I that I should put that on the to do list for my next WDW trip.

Hmmmm - I guess its about 1/4 mile. The annoying thing about the parking lot is there are a lot of empty spaces but they are all roped off for valet parking. Yet, they remained empty the whole time we were there. They made us enter the parking lot from way in the back (away from the building) and then you drive closer, but there were never any spots even semi close. You'll just have to see it for yourself. It's annoying.

That does sound like a pain. So you have to cart your luggage all the way from car to room? Or would bell services deliver it once you check in with luggage in tow?

Wow - I thought they took my TIW. Show's how much I remember. Guess it was that sangria. Yikes.

Although it may have been the sangria. (how did I not know there was sangria there?!! ) it might have been a change in policy. I mean, what places can take the dp can change so I would assume that who takes TIW can as well.

 

[RachelNinja]

Howard and I picked up some Sorcerers of the MK cards, but we didn't actually have a chance to play the game. I didn't think I'd be into it because I very much love how the Kim Possible/Agent P games cause things to happen happening in World Showcase whereas Sorcerers is just a screen. But then we went through the tutorial just to get some cards, and we wanted to try it! It was just a little busy that day and it had started to rain. Next time!

Love the detail pictures of Swiss Family Treehouse! I haven't been up there in quite some time too. I told Howard he could go since he wanted the views and had never experienced it. I said I'd just sit and wait for him, haha, but he never had the opportunity.

How kind of you to do the asiago cheese hunting for your family! I don't know that I'd have the patience on vacation, haha.

 

[MEK]

Love your treehouse pics! They turned out really well.

Thanks! Creative editing!

Now THIS is what we tune in for!

I know - it really WAS the most anticipated part of the day! NOT!

Always nice to see Delaware getting a shout-out.

Funny that I didn't even notice that before we tried the Namaste when we were there in December. They were making a VERY big deal about it being available in bottles.

Looks like a great dinner. And what a terrific spot for Illuminations! Love the effect the window frame has on the pictures.

Thanks!

It was a super yummy dinner and we totally lucked out on the seating location. I was so happy, especially for our friends that don't get to travel there as much as we do!

Loved the pic from the treehouse. I have climbed it once in all my trips with a very much in a hurry 4 year old grandson so I didn't get the best pictures. I'll have to see if my ankle I up to it in May. I doubt it though.

Glad you liked the pictures. It is hard to go up there when you're chasing a 4 year old. Kind of hard to take in all the details. I hope your ankle does recover so you get a chance to get up there again soon.

The food look amazing at La Hacienda but my DH has developed an allergy to a spice and we aren't sure what it is. He is eating bland on vacations.

The food was very good.

That is a total bummer about the spice allergies. I hope you can identify the spices so he can avoid them consistently. That must be very difficult!

Great update MEK!! Love the treehouse pics. Makes me want to stay at the SSR Treehouse Villas at some point. Right now I have it penciled in for a family trip in May, 2017 (do you think I plan a little far in advance?

Nah - you can never plan too far in advance and I think its the perfect location for a family trip! You will love it!

Pshaw to those that say that can't imagine making reservations at 11 months out....they're just planning wussies! )

You can say that again! Actually, though, I am having a little difficulty planning my 2015 trips. I keep changing my mind. Mostly on the DL trip. I just can't decide when to go!

Your pics are always the best but that sunset pic over EPCOT is fantastic! I didn't know you and Denny saw Illuminations on Thursday and then again on Saturday too? Y'all must have been "illuminated out" by then!

Thanks.

I'm still not sure where I took that sunset pic. It looks like the top of the Beach Club, but I am just no sure. Weird, cause I usually remember where every picture was taken.

We were definitely NOT illuminated out. The plan was to see it multiple times on that trip and to see it from different locations. So it was cool to see it from a totally new perspective at the Rose & Crown.

Hey girlfriend!

Hey Ellen!

I am lovin the frames- all the pics are great to begin with, but that Jen Seib and her frames are kinda catchy over here!

I know - I think Jensib is starting a trend. I always love looking at her frames and how "clean" her pics look. I think the frame does clean up the picture. Well, maybe that's not the word I am looking for. Maybe "structure". It gives the picture more structure. Yeah - that's it!

I FINALLY ate at Tony's on our last family trip with Sean- the pasta with shrimp was yummy, not the greatest ever, but certainly good enough to go back sometime. I guess I am in the "I don't hate it" category.

Exactly - I agree with the "I don't hate it" category. The atmosphere definitely wins over the food, but it is definitely good enough to go back.

I love that you took pics of the Fire House patches! So many are from NJ! In the first pic is one from East Hanover, NJ- that's where I went to High School. A loooooooooong time ago in a galaxy far, far away....

I know that feeling!

There are a lot from NJ. It's cool that people remember to bring their patches and that they hang them up. I love that. It's cool to see all the different patches.

I am SO GLAD you played the game!! Next month I am going on an AEP (Agent Education Program) and I really, REALLY hope this is something we do while I am there. (I'm SO excited!! We are staying at the Yacht Club! YAYYYYY!!!! And AoA the nite before! YAYYYYY! And OKW the night after! YAYYYYY!!!!).

Wow - that sounds perfect. Both the YC and AoA are places I would love to stay. AoA is definitely more likely. It's hard to justify staying at the YC when you own DVC, but if its a work trip then that's perfect.

Haven't been up a tree yet, so I will comment on that later-

 

[natebenma]

I do believe I am caught up!




A Table for 2:

Love the pictures of random people on Splash- even better than some redneck ride photos I have seen of the ride.

Nice parade pictures.

Neat "accidentally-on-purpose" meet at the barbershop.

Great balloon pictures. I am amazed at all of the different varieties they have.

Cool carved pumpkins. I want that job. I suck at carving and artsy stuff, but I think that would be a great occupation.

Glad you enjoyed Tony's. Had a reservation once that we had to ditch because Nate was not feeling well and we haven't made our way back.


Up The Tree:

Once again, I will comment that you have a great eye. I love your closeup pictures of details I often miss.

How nice of you two to do the Walmart run for everyone. And you got to pass under the arch again!

Woah! Beautiful sunset.

PHEW!!! You enjoyed your meal at La Hacienda! We got the meat mixed grill, but I was also tempted by the seafood one- your picture makes me wish we had room for both.

Great chance to see parts of Illuminations. Your pictures of the globe, and fireworks are fantastic.

 

[jeremysdisneymom]

It looks like you had a great start at the MK! Jeremy never got into the Sorcerer's game. He did it once and lost interest. Glad you liked it.

How nice of you to go grocery shopping for your family on vacation! I hate going to Walmart and try to avoid it at all cost. Couldn't imagine doing it on vacation.

Your meal at La Hacienda looks yummy! We still have not ate there. Will have to add it to the list for November this year.

Food and Wine.......still on my bucket list! We have never been. Really hoping that one day I can convince my boys to miss our local fair (or part of it) and go to Disney. Fair week is our fall break and it is hard to get them away with Jeremy in 4-H. Anxious to hear about all your good eats!

Hope you have a magical trip in a few days!

 

[dizneeat]

I am gone for a week and I fall nearly 10 pages behind?

Love all the updates, Mary Ellen! Too much to comment on, but I can report that I am all caught up again.

 

[glennbo123]

Wait, some of the muppets are bolted down?

Love your pictures, especially the sunset one and all of the IllumiNations ones. Wow those were some great seats!