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

[MEK]

What a great day and evening you had with your family and Denny!

I really did have a great day! It was so much fun and it was great to know there was still a lot of the trip left!

Looks like your next day is starting off on a good note. I love riding a thrill ride to get my morning going. Although, I usually end up with a headache after riding EE, but it doesn't stop me from riding it!! Great way to wake up!!

I, too, love the adrenaline burst of riding first thing in the morning. It sort of clears the cob webs out of my head. Love it!

I get coaster headaches really easily, too. That's why I don't like riding in the back. I can usually remain headache free if I sit near the front.

Can't wait to see the pictures you take while riding EE. Who said that?!?

You know me all too well!

Really enjoyed reading your TR. We are in a similar boat....taking an empty nest trip to WDW in a week.

zdad! Thanks so much for joining in! You must be getting SO excited about your trip next week. Have an awesome time.

R Our oldest son is recently married and out of the house. Our youngest is a Senior and football player for U of Delaware. we are looking for some nice, non-commando quiet time together.

My younger son is a freshman at UD. Very cool. Another Blue Hen parent! I only made it to one football game this year. How sad. Every time they had a big game I was either working or away. I got all my UD attire, now I have to wear it. Will your son be graduating in the spring or does he have some coursework left. I would imagine its very difficult for a student athlete to graduate in 4 years.

Appreciate all the writing and photos. It really makes the wait bearable.

Glad that I can help with the wait. It's almost over now!

R

What a great family picture! Thanks for posting!

SOOO many great pictures, and yeah a few blurry ones too!

Yeah - just a few blurry ones! Oh well. Gotta keep that story line coming!

Kardenni that is a riot!

It was too funny that they are both named Dennis (I looked at Kardenni's bio) and they use Denny as their nickname.

You were up early running...it looks like it was still dark out. Bleh, that's too early for me if it's still dark.

Remember - it was fall before the time change. Like the time change was the next weekend. I don't remember it being pitch black or anything so maybe it just looks worse in the pic!

Too funny that you also took a picture of the allergy cart menu and we posted them on the same day!

I noticed them. That was when I was thinking with trying gluten free and I also knew I was seeing Caitlin later in the week who is gluten free.

BOO for 24 hour shifts, I hope it goes by really fast and thanks for the mega update first!

You know the good thing about the 24 hour shift starting on Monday is that before you know it, its Weds and the week is half over. In a weird way I like the variety. It started out to be a super easy night and then I got called at 9pm for a patient that was trying to die on me. Needless to say I didn't get very much sleep and it was just a sad night.

 

[GoofyFan1515]

Will have to try one of those Happy Denny’s…….I mean Lychee’s!

I love the acrobats in China! They are truly so very talented and precise.

Don’t think I’ve ever paid any attention to those lights in Morocco. They are such an interesting design! Thanks for sharing them…….will certainly look for them on my next trip. And I always love stained glass.

LOL on being an 18 minute Canadian!

With the similarity in names, I’m not surprised KarDenni was able to come up with the DennyCar……d. I didn’t know he even existed. I need to try and catch his act sometime.

So nice that you got in the early morning run. Better you than me!

And on the “suck it in” no smile pic!

You got some fantastic AK pics, and on the EE front seat! I'm hoping for the "in ride" photos.

 

[zdad]

My younger son is a freshman at UD. Very cool. Another Blue Hen parent! I only made it to one football game this year. How sad. Every time they had a big game I was either working or away. I got all my UD attire, now I have to wear it. Will your son be graduating in the spring or does he have some coursework left. I would imagine its very difficult for a student athlete to graduate in 4 years.

He could finish in May but will save a class for the fall so he can play his 5th year. Technically, he'll be a December graduate. If you think of it in the fall, shoot me a note, we can have you at our tailgate, making it a mini-DIS meet. If you do make a game, cheer for #67

 

[dizneeat]

Sorry for the lack of replies from me, Mary Ellen. Things have gone a bit "pearshaped" since Tom went on his spa treatment "vacation".
I did read, but it is just too much to comment on.

Love all the photos!

 

[MEK]

Wanted to finish all my replies last night but between Denny traveling home from Atlanta and his canceled and switched flights (He hates USAir BTW) and Cynthia and my mad emails about our May plans, I didn't quite finish.

zdad - I am totally taking you up on your offer to tailgate in the fall! I no longer work weekends so I really want to get into the UD spirit this fall and I will definitely be cheering for your son.

And Karin - you're back!!!!!!!

 

[MAGICFOR2]

We stopped at the little photo areas on our way out. Bad attempt at a selfie



I like how you look like you're in the scene. Too bad we can't see your face!



When we got off TT I had a casual DIS meet that I was hoping would work out. C (2excited2sleep) and Brielle (Tracy aka Manntra’s) niece had been in WDW for the past week and they were due to leave the next day. Tracy is a DISer that passed away in December 2012. Brielle traveled with Tracy on many of her trips. It was so cool that C brought Brielle.

We didn’t have a lot of time to spend together, but it was great to see them. And guess what? They completed their entire F&W passport. Way to go C and Brielle. I hope someday I can follow in your foot steps.

So, you know what they say - if you don’t have a picture it didn’t happen. But what does is mean when you have a blurry picture (courtesy of the Denster)?



Up Next - the rest of the evening in Epcot and what park do we go to in the morning?

Let's just say he was going with the soft effect. Still a fun pic - nice you could meet up!

 

[MAGICFOR2]

I was trying to update my table of contents and I must have accidentally copied and pasted it in a new post. Sheesh. What they heck was I doing?

Oh well, at least we don't have to go back to page one!


Loved your anniversary castle pic! Good for you, getting your workouts in on vacay! And then you took pics - I was thinking I would be passing out and have to be carried up to the room - let alone window shopping and taking pics. Wow! Front row at EE - I'm impressed!

 

[PrincessCaitlin]

I am all caught up!!!!!

It was so great meeting you and Denny! I can't wait to see you again in May!

Great pictures as always and can't wait to read more!

 

[emmysmommy]

Ohhh that Happy Lychee sounds wonderful. I want to try more drinks from around WS - just to get a taste of more cultures mind you.

Martin Short is the perfect host for O Canada. It doesn't help that I'm a big fan of most of his movies - like Father of the Bride. Such beautiful landscapes and cityscapes. That was funny about being invited to go sailing with the dentist - yeah, probably was a wise choice to decline seeing as how Denny probably wouldn't have been delighted! I loved your nostalgic perspective for that show.

I vote for you were running so fast past DHS that the blurry photo is proof of your pace! I remember your pose in front of DHS on one of your runs from your girls trips and how you looked wayyyy better than me when I run. I'm still quite impressed that you do this every trip. Great motivation.

Ahhhh EE! what a great way to start an AK day. I'm thinking your camera may have been out. It's hard to resist.

 

[englishrose47]

Hi Mary Ellen !! In just a few days we can say "see ya next month"

 

[annmarieda]

I was trying to update my table of contents and I must have accidentally copied and pasted it in a new post. Sheesh. What they heck was I doing?

I was very confused by the post... glad it wasn't just me.

I go into work at noon today for one of my 24 hour overnight shifts, so I decided why not post an update. If I don't do it now who knows when it might happen.

I don't know how you do that! I have a 12 hour day and I am spent the next day!

We were capping off a great day at the World. It stated with CP for breakfast with a family reunion, followed by MK time, pool time, Soarin & TT, a DIS meet. Now it was time to circle the world showcase and enjoy a little F&W.



My first "eats" looked like this.



I had the mongolian beef. I tried it last year and it was really tasty, so it seemed like a good choice.

This was surprisingly good to me!

Denny’s choice of beverage with the Happy Lychee



The reason it undoubtedly got its name is because, if you like adult beverages, drinking one of these should make you very happy. It was quite strong.

OMG! so strong!!!!

After our brief stop in Morocco, we ventured forward to Canada. I’m not sure why Canada, but we decided to stop and watch O Canada. I share emmysmommy’s sentiment about this film. I love it and I always walk out of there wishing I could be an honorary Canadian and wanting to immediately plan a trip. Nova Scotia is still on my bucket list.

One of my favorite shows in WS! Funny thing is, I dont' live THAT far from Canada and yet never go. (have been to Vancouver once) I really should go to the gardens in Victoria. That is not a long boat ride at all....

When we got back to the Boardwalk we stopped to see the magician performing. A lot of times I don’t even bother stopping because sometimes its hard to see with a bunch of people gathered round. But this time there was plenty of space, so we stopped.

That is so cool! I really hope to be able to see a street performer there in the fall.

We didn’t quite catch his name at first but it sounded like he said something like “Car Denny”. He immediately asked for a volunteer and I guess because my Denny was still happy from his Happy Lychee, he didn’t resist when I offered his services.



He asked Denny his name and when Denny said “Denny” he thought we were messing with him and replied “No. That’s My Name”. I said, “No, that really IS his name”.

Since I had more time this morning I went for a run outside and ended up here.

I am always so impressed that you get your runs in!

Today we were heading to AK, one of my favorite parks.

You got a lot of great and unique pictures in AK!!!

 

[Pinkocto]

All caught up again. Love that you've already had such fun and there's still tons of vacation left. It's the best feeling!

I had no idea there was a magician on the boardwalk, will have to check that out.

Bummer about Denny's canceled flight, hopefully he got home relatively unscathed.

 

[Poolrat]

I had the Happy Lychee and yes very strong if I remember right.

All caught up now I need to get to mine.

Working this weekend and while there are some things on my plate I need to get done I got most of it done during the week so I should have some "free" time.


I hear Denny on USAIR- I have a hub airport and try NOT to fly USAIR- much more expensive than driving to another airport.

 

[tazdev3225]

I have been neglecting TR's lately. So I will try and do what I can remember.

The pool area looks nice. I may spend some time hanging out there in May but then again I may not. I just can't relax.

I celebrated my anniversary on my December trip, except I was married in July. My DH REFUSES to go in July.

I love F&W. Really missed it this year. I can't do O Canada or Soarin. I turn a lovely shade of green. I have a issue with IMAX too. I can't even play some video games or I get sick.

Animal Kingdom is definitely one of my favorite parks.

OK think I'm caught up.

 

[khaleesi]

I'm about a third of the way through You just finished playing Sorcerers. I never did get around to doing that on my trip, but it sounds fun!

Your pictures are great! Sounds like an amazing trip and I can't wait to get caught up!

 

[MEK]

Well...I sure hope that you took EE photos.

It's pretty much a given.

Waiting for more...and glad you got an update when on a 24 hour shift. On our unit, few take 24 hour call...it can be great or slammed!!! Thankfully the longest they will let RN's work is16 hours. Hope you have time off and get another update done soon.

I usually get to sleep about 4 or 5 hours when I work. I try to go to sleep by midnight and I set my alarm for 5. I usually get called during that time and I never sleep well, but it goes make the week go fast!

I enjoyed reading about the memories the O Canada movie brought up. I think it's great that you can associate happy memories with something at Disney. And it just goes to show why taking trips (no matter) can create memories that last a lifetime. Even things that don't seem important at the time, like forgotten sunglasses, can stick with you for years to come.

It's so true. It really is funny how those childhood memories stick. Some of my best memories are of my childhood vacations. That's why I think vacations are so important and should be a priority. And that's why I love Disney - its a great vacation!

Good to know the magician on the Boarwalk was entertaining and pretty good. Alex loves magic shows, so maybe I'll have to get him over there one night. Storing that piece of information away for later....

Kardenni was REALLY good. I definitely recommend his show. And that rubies' cube trick was so amazing. See if Alex can figure it out.

First row on EE, the best seat to be in!

I couldn't agree more. I know some people are fans of the back, but I just love the front and I can't pass up an opportunity to be there!

Fun updates, MEK with terrific pictures as always.

Thanks Kathy!

I love O Canada and really enjoyed your memories of that ride. One of these days I'd like to visit Canada.

It's such a well done movie. A movie is so simple yet Disney has a way of making it so much more. I agree - I definitely want a trip to Canada.

I am sure you had other things at F&W...I've never known you from previous reports to just sample one food item and definitely not one drink.

You know me all TOO well. Yup - F&W is all about the sampling. One sample isn't even close to enough.

I want to stop and see the acrobats our next trip...we have yet to stop and see them.

They are really good. It's like a little minnie cirque de soliel. They are very talented.

I'm with you...I LOVE Animal Kingdom. Great photopass photos when you arrived.

Thanks! I just can't wait to get back to AK. It's just such an awesome park.

for your front row seat on EE (although I'd be taking the "exit" row). Hmmm...you not take pictures? I think NOT!

Yeah - I think there were a few pictures involved.

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

I didn't know they had a magician performing on the Boardwalk! That's pretty cool!

We haven't been inside the Canadian Pavilion in a long time. Going to have to have to change that our next visit.

I love those abandoned vehicles along Asia and Africa at AK! So much fun to take pictures of!

 

[MEK]

I've only seen O'Canada once and it was in 2008...i'm very overdue! And don't even remember any of those pictures you posted. How terrible am I?!

You are not terrible at all. It's really hard to remember individual scenes of a movie that moves so fast. I hope you do remember to watch it the next time you are there. It's very well done.

The more I go, the more I really enjoy Animal Kingdom. I used to visit because it was there and I felt that I needed to, but now i'm finding myself wanting to go. I'm actually listening to the Animal Kingdom music right now on D-Cot so your pics put me in an AK mood!

Cool! It is a really great park, isn't it? I started getting really into it after I started to enjoy photography. IMHO its the best park for taking pictures. There are just so many cool things to look at. It's a pretty magical place.

I adore that first picture in the update of the Chinese temple! Gorgeous!

Thank you!

Whatever those lion statues are, I WANT THEM!!!

They are in the gallery below the Boardwalk. They have some really nice things in there - and most of them I can't afford.

Love O' Canada! It has always been an enjoyable movie, but the addition of Martin Short really put it over the top.

Martin Short is a lot fun as narrator. He adds the fun to the movie, but the content is amazing because of that incredible scenery.

Ohhhh the F&W eats look good! I'm so excited that we're going to be there for F&W this year!

You are going to LOVE it! It's such a cool time to visit. There's just such a great atmosphere in Epcot.

Mary Ellen, come to Nova Scotia and I promise to show you some of my favourite parts! Cape Breton has some truly amazing scenery

I would love to see Cape Breton. I so wish I could take some extra time off this summer. I really want to get up there. I keep putting it off. I blame it on Disney. Once I buy that annual pass I feel like I have to keep going back to use it.

I love O Canada too. It makes me really home sick though! I'm a big fan of Martin Short as the narrator of my country.

It's a great movie and it really highlights the interesting and beautiful parts of Canada. Can you imagine do the photography and videography for a movie like that. So amazing.

We can honourarily adopt you!

Yay!!!!!

If you say them out loud, there's no difference between Car Denny and Kardenni!

Exactly!

The magic show looks really cool! I'd like to run across that some day!

Kardenni did put on a good show. I was pretty impressed. And that Rubik's cube was pretty amazing.

Great AK Photopass pics!
The theming in AK is so wonderful, I love it all.

Me too! It's a great park.

And thank you!

I'm going with the sun was working against you. Backlighting is the worse!

It was really bad that morning but what are you going to do!

I know I'm in a minority, but I MUCH prefer back row on EE to front row! It's faster!

I thought about you saying that when we where there in early March. But I am such a ride chicken that I knew my propensity for getting coaster headaches might be a problem. I came off RnR with a stiff neck. I guess they put those warnings up there for a reason!

Feel free to borrow anything you wish, dear lady! And yes, the spicy hand roll was fantastic!!

I just might take you up on that!

And yes it WAS!!!!! My mouth waters just thinking about it!

 

[MEK]

Will have to try one of those Happy Denny’s…….I mean Lychee’s!

That was so far off the mark for Denny. He likes wine and beer but rarely drinks hard liquor. I don't think he knew what to make of it.

I love the acrobats in China! They are truly so very talented and precise.

They really are. Have you ever seen cirque? It's like a mini cirque performance.

Don’t think I’ve ever paid any attention to those lights in Morocco. They are such an interesting design! Thanks for sharing them…….will certainly look for them on my next trip. And I always love stained glass.

I love all the details in Morocco. I think it's my favorite country to take pictures of. I just find one detail after another. And I love lights.

LOL on being an 18 minute Canadian!

Hey - it could happen!

With the similarity in names, I’m not surprised KarDenni was able to come up with the DennyCar……d. I didn’t know he even existed. I need to try and catch his act sometime.

He was really good. I don't know how long he's been there, but he is good and he's funny. We definitely did through him off though with the duplicate names. There really aren't that many Dennis' named Denny so it was pretty funny.

So nice that you got in the early morning run. Better you than me!

And on the “suck it in” no smile pic!

Sometimes multi-tasking it just so hard!

You got some fantastic AK pics, and on the EE front seat! I'm hoping for the "in ride" photos.

Thanks and I do love the EE front row. I just love being up front and being able to see everything with an unobstructed view.

He could finish in May but will save a class for the fall so he can play his 5th year. Technically, he'll be a December graduate. If you think of it in the fall, shoot me a note, we can have you at our tailgate, making it a mini-DIS meet. If you do make a game, cheer for #67

I don't blame him one bit for doing that. I think its great that kids can play college sports for 5 years. Why the heck not! That's great that he is done except for one class. It had to be hard to keep up and play a sport. I really don't know how student athletes do it.

And thanks for the invite to a tailgate. I will definitely take you up on that. And I'll definitely be cheering for 67!

Sorry for the lack of replies from me, Mary Ellen. Things have gone a bit "pearshaped" since Tom went on his spa treatment "vacation".
I did read, but it is just too much to comment on.

No worried Karin. I just hope Tom is doing well and that his back is getting better. It's good to know you are still finding the time to read. I know that sometimes it can be really hard.

Love all the photos!

Thanks!

I like how you look like you're in the scene. Too bad we can't see your face!

Not much of a selfie, is it?

Let's just say he was going with the soft effect. Still a fun pic - nice you could meet up!

Yup - that's right - the "soft" effect! I like that!

Oh well, at least we don't have to go back to page one!

I know, right? I'm thinking about posting the TOC every so often. It may make life easier for everyone!

Loved your anniversary castle pic!

Thanks! I just love that location for a couples shot. It's a great spot!

Good for you, getting your workouts in on vacay! And then you took pics - I was thinking I would be passing out and have to be carried up to the room - let alone window shopping and taking pics.

Oh believe me - I took the time to catch my breath before I was taking pictures. I usually like to cool down before I go inside. I hate to see people in the hall ways while I am still breathing like I'm going to pass out.

Wow! Front row at EE - I'm impressed!

I love the front row. It's really fun and the view is fantastic. It's the best!

I am all caught up!!!!!

Caitlin and yay for getting caught up!!!!!

It was so great meeting you and Denny! I can't wait to see you again in May!

We really enjoyed meeting you and your mom and I am SUPER stocked for May! It's going to be SO. MUCH. FUN. And you can certainly go as crazy as you want!!!!!

Great pictures as always and can't wait to read more!

Thanks! I'm a little behind this week, but there will be an update sometime in the upcoming week.

 

[MEK]

Ohhh that Happy Lychee sounds wonderful. I want to try more drinks from around WS - just to get a taste of more cultures mind you.

Right!

Martin Short is the perfect host for O Canada. It doesn't help that I'm a big fan of most of his movies - like Father of the Bride. Such beautiful landscapes and cityscapes.

I love that movie! So funny. It's a classic!

The videography is really beautiful in that movie. It's so impressive. I love it!

That was funny about being invited to go sailing with the dentist - yeah, probably was a wise choice to decline seeing as how Denny probably wouldn't have been delighted! I loved your nostalgic perspective for that show.

I met him skiing and it was tempting since Denny and I had just started dating not too long before that. Nice guy.

I didn't even know I was that nostalgic about the show until I actually started making the associations. Interesting what the distant memory can drag up.

I vote for you were running so fast past DHS that the blurry photo is proof of your pace! I remember your pose in front of DHS on one of your runs from your girls trips and how you looked wayyyy better than me when I run. I'm still quite impressed that you do this every trip. Great motivation.

I like your confidence it me. Yes - that was IT - I was BLAZING by HS.

I remember that picture, too! I'm telling you the only reason I looked decent at all is because I am apparently not working out hard enough. You should see me at the gym. Yikes!

Ahhhh EE! what a great way to start an AK day. I'm thinking your camera may have been out. It's hard to resist.

It is REALLY hard to resist, so I think you're right!

Hi Mary Ellen !! In just a few days we can say "see ya next month"

OMG - that's right Rosie! Woo hoo! and that would be tomorrow!!!!!! So excited!

I was very confused by the post... glad it wasn't just me.

That was so odd. I must have opened it, copied it, and pasted it before I edited it. I totally blanked out on the second two steps. Poor genius I tell ya!

I don't know how you do that! I have a 12 hour day and I am spent the next day!

It's mostly mental. I just psych myself up and I usually can get through it. I usually get about 4 - 5 hours of sleep during the middle of the night. It's not good sleep, but I manage to make it through the next morning because I only have to work to noon. Typically I go home and crash on the couch after that!

This was surprisingly good to me!

Very yummy! I really enjoyed it both last year and this year!

OMG! so strong!!!!

I only had a sip and I was like "Yikes", so imagine how Denny felt after drinking the whole thing.

One of my favorite shows in WS! Funny thing is, I dont' live THAT far from Canada and yet never go. (have been to Vancouver once) I really should go to the gardens in Victoria. That is not a long boat ride at all....

I have always wanted to go to Vancouver. It looks so cool. Sometimes I think its easy to overlook places you live close to. Like I live close to NYC yet I rarely go there because I always think I have time to do it so I never plan.

That is so cool! I really hope to be able to see a street performer there in the fall.

Kardenni was excellent. If you see him out you MUST stop. His show is great - especially the Rubik's cube!

It was pretty funny that they actually have the same name and almost the same nickname.

I am always so impressed that you get your runs in!

And I am SO impressed that you have a training schedule that I could never keep up with and runs scheduled for the next 12 months! Like I said before, you and Cynthia are an inspiration. I can't do long runs anymore. Boo!

You got a lot of great and unique pictures in AK!!!

Thanks. that is my favorite park for photography. I absolutely LOVE it there!