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

[MEK]

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!

It really IS the best feeling! Speaking of which - I hope you are having a fantastic time on the cruise right now! Wait - how can you NOT be?

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

Kardenni put on a great show. I definitely recommend checking him out if you get the chance. Very entertaining!

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

He did. He recovered by the next day. US Air definitely does not have the costumer service that SWA does. Denny is lucky that he doesn't need to travel much. I don't think he could take it!

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

You mean if you CAN remember after drinking the Happy Lychee. That drink was very out of character for Denny but I do think it made him happy.

All caught up now I need to get to mine.

I didn't DIS much this weekend and now I am completely behind. So I know what you mean. It's a constant battle to stay updated.

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 hope you had a good work weekend. It rained all weekend up here. It was ridiculous. I hope you didn't have the same weather because if you did I'm sure you didn't get much work done.

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

I haven't flown them in years. There's no reason to, but for Atlanta from Philly it makes sense. But how the heck do you cancel an entire flight at the last minute for no reason and not offer compensation? I don't get that.

 

[MEK]

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

I know what you mean. It's so easy to get behind with your subbed TRs, isn't it?

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.

The quiet pool at the inn is definitely a lot nicer in person than in pictures. You should try to check it out and see what you think. Even if you can't sit then just go out there for a work and check out the cottages. They are so cute.

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

July is the only month that I haven't been to Disney, so I completely get that. It's far too hot and crowded. That sounds fun - celebrating in Christmas!

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.

F&W is the best!

Boo to not being able to ride Soarin or sit through O Canada. That stinks. I know sometimes I get a little dizzy with O Canada, which seems crazy since its just a movie.

Animal Kingdom is definitely one of my favorite parks.

Isn't it great? I just love that park. It's just so visually beautiful.

OK think I'm caught up.

Yay!

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!

Khaleesi! Thanks for joining in!!!!

It was a really fun. I enjoyed the game a lot. I hope Denny and I get a chance to play it again sometime. Well, actually I was the one playing and he was observing, but you know what I mean.

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

Thank you and it was. It was a really fun trip and I feel so lucky we were able to enjoy it so much.

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

Kardenni was excellent and he's not the only magician, but he's my favorite. I can't help it. Solving that Rubik's cube in about 3 minutes did it for me. That WAS cool!

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

The film is great. It's really a visual treat and I just love the way it surrounds you in all directions. No matter which way you turn there is always something to look at.

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

I agree - AK is such a visual treat and I think there are more picture opportunities there than anywhere else. I also love the way they change up the vehicles and the bicycles. Every time I visit AK the details are slightly different.

 

[Wood Nymph]

The quiet pool at the inn is definitely a lot nicer in person than in pictures. You should try to check it out and see what you think. Even if you can't sit then just go out there for a work and check out the cottages. They are so cute.

We were staying at the BC just last week and one of the things I really wanted to do was to check out the BWI quiet pool and cottages. It looks like such a nice area and I'm curious about the cottages. We got all the way over there but then weren't sure how to get to that pool from the boardwalk side of the resort. Is there a way to get to the pool from the ground level, or do you have to go up a level, across, and then down again?

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[MEK]

We were staying at the BC just last week and one of the things I really wanted to do was to check out the BWI quiet pool and cottages. It looks like such a nice area and I'm curious about the cottages. We got all the way over there but then weren't sure how to get to that pool from the boardwalk side of the resort. Is there a way to get to the pool from the ground level, or do you have to go up a level, across, and then down again?

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

Sue. Thanks for joining in!

I had heard they were doing construction over there recently so maybe things are messed up. We just walked all the way through the lobby to the exit facing the inn rooms and cottages. We walked outside and straight to the pool. Yes - everything was on ground level. There are a bunch of stairs to go down. I wonder if things have changed. Hmmmm.

 

[Moira222]

Ok have to ask...how did you get FP+ for Soarin AND Test Track?

Your pool time must have been lovely. I could go for that right about now!

what a nice meet up with C & Brielle! AND they finished their passport? awesome!!!

 

[KatMark]

Ok have to ask...how did you get FP+ for Soarin AND Test Track?

MaryEllen, I'm sure MEK got them as we did before they started doing the Tiers (same as we got ours before they started "tiering" rides).

 

[annmarieda]

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

Yes... after that one drink, I didn't need any more!

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

I am tucking away this piece of info! I bet it may come in handy in the fall.

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!

I figure there will come a day in the not distant future that I can't do long runs anymore too. I actually have an appointment with a pediatrist in the coming weeks... I am trying to prepare myself for the caution he may give me.

 

[scottny]

The pool looks so inviting and relaxing.
Nice that you met up with them.
Your pics from O’ Canada came out good.
Sounds like you had a great day.
Ooh! AK. Love it there.
I am caught up again.

 

[MEK]

Hi DIS friends.

I have barely had DIS time this past week. Something to do every night after work and all last weekend.

But I DO have a new update just about ready and I have no plans for this evening so I will be posting tonight and getting caught up on everyone else's TRs.

Happy Friday!

 

[jenseib]

I have yet to see the Canada movie, though I actually saw it was for the first time this past trip. We just didn't feel like going.

 

[MEK]

Ok have to ask...how did you get FP+ for Soarin AND Test Track?

It was before the tiering system. It worked out SO well. Unfortunately that didn't last long.

Your pool time must have been lovely. I could go for that right about now!

Me too! And every time I think it might be getting a little nice outside the weather turns so dreary again. It stinks!

what a nice meet up with C & Brielle! AND they finished their passport? awesome!!!

They sure did. And I was thrilled to get a chance to see them.

MaryEllen, I'm sure MEK got them as we did before they started doing the Tiers (same as we got ours before they started "tiering" rides).

Exactly. I wish the non-tiered system had last longer. It was great to be able to ride both TT and Soarin!

Yes... after that one drink, I didn't need any more!

Well, at least you can say you got your money's worth. I actually hate paying for alcoholic beverages that are weak on the alcohol.

I am tucking away this piece of info! I bet it may come in handy in the fall.

I figure there will come a day in the not distant future that I can't do long runs anymore too. I actually have an appointment with a pediatrist in the coming weeks... I am trying to prepare myself for the caution he may give me.

Oh - I hope not. I hope you can keep doing distance for as long as you want to. You obviously love it and are good at it. Enjoy it as long as you can.

The pool looks so inviting and relaxing.

I LOVE that pool. The particular pool and the one in Congress Park at SSR are my two favorite quiet pools. I also like the piano pool at ASMu.

Nice that you met up with them.

It's always great to see C and Brielle.

Your pics from O’ Canada came out good.
Sounds like you had a great day.

Thanks and we really did. It was a lot of fun!

Ooh! AK. Love it there.

Me too! Such a gorgeous park. I love it!

I am caught up again.

Yay! I wish I could say the same about myself. I am so far behind.

I have yet to see the Canada movie, though I actually saw it was for the first time this past trip. We just didn't feel like going.

Welcome back Jen! I hope you all had a wonderful trip. Please let me know when you start a TR. Maybe you already haves. Glad you finally got to see Canada Movie. It's one of my favs!

 

[MEK]

I know it's been FOREVER since I've done an update. My apologies. I have had something to do after work every night for the past week and a ton of running around last weekend.

I finally have a free Friday night, so update time it is.

I have to say I am getting totally excited for our girl's trip in May. Cynthia has done a great job organizing the BFP (Big Fat Plan) and I applaud her for that since its hard for me to do that kind of stuff at work. Lot's of fun stuff in store.

One of the things I most excited for is our Star Wars breakfast. Yup - that's right - we booked a Star War's breakfast and we are meeting up with Princess Caitlin, Dawn Bu and Dale (Dawn's DH and Caitlin's dad). Caitlin is a HUGE Star Wars fan so its going to be so fun to see her get so excited. I'll share more details with you in future updates.

So, I’ve been wracking my brains to decide what to call this update. Hmmm- How about Bungle in the Jungle? Yeah - that will work! I like that!

So when I left off last Denny and I had just arrived at AK and we were patiently (well maybe not that patiently) waiting here.



And I posed the question - Could I put the camera away and not take pictures.

HECK NO!

Come ride with me.

The train before us



Our turn!





In the distance





This is a new view in my picture repertoire





Getting closer to the real climb



Oh yeah!





I love going through this little temple-like area. It’s cool











When I see this picture it makes me glad that I have never been on EE when its broken down. What a maze of track.









For some reason I felt compelled to take a picture of more of the exit steps.



Oh No! Could this be the end of the line?





Of course not!



BTW - has anyone noticed how all the flags that used to be on the top of EE have sort of disintegrated? I hope they eventually replace them. They are completely shredded and there really isn’t much left.

Continued In Next Post

 

[MEK]

The end to another fun filled ride on EE!



Not my most flattering picture, but the kids behind me are pretty cute!



After EE we had some time to kill before our next FP+ on Safari. We could have gotten back on EE through the single rider line but decided to go visit the Mahalarja Jungle Trek.

And this is where I realized I made a tactical error in my park planning. As many of you know I can be quite the sherpa. I tend to carry a camera bag and a park bag. Well guess what? It may come as a surprise to some of you that I am trying to change my ways.

I decided to avoid bag check by just bringing my wristlet and camera with one lens and no bag. But guess which lens I brought? If you guessed the 50mm lens you are correct. Crap. No distance shots for me.







So let’s take a stroll, shall we?









I think the bats are so cool but I almost did.t want to look at them because I forgot my long lens.



I went to the bat area anyway, just to see if they were out.



There’s a bat. You can barely tell without the long lens. But I don’t think too many birds hang upside down to eat lettuce.



No bat there!



There he is!







Back on the trail





Look who’s sleeping.



Continued In Next Post

 

[MEK]

Hey - where are you going? Don’t turn your back on me!



That’s better!







How cool is he?



There’s some great scenery here.


































I just love the flags!







Continued In the Next Post

 

[MEK]

There were some cool birds there but it was tough to take there picture without any distance.



He’s colorful.



Oh the details back here are to die for!

















Can I take him home?



Now after all those pretty pictures I have to show you this surprise picture. Get ready for it.



YUCK! I can believe I found a cigarette butt in Disney in a no smoking zone. What gives?

I tried to put that out of my mind and finish the trek



because it was time to head over to Safari



Now that I am more awake I have obviously done a better job mastering the “smile AND suck it in” technique!



Perhaps we still had a few minutes to kill because I took a few pictures back in one of my favorite hidden places.





Finally it was FP+ time, but what we found was a pretty long line. Has that happened to anyone else? It’s crazy. It’s happened to us three times every since FP+ started. The line looks crazy long but it actually movers pretty fast.



Fortunately it didn’t take long for us to be ready to board our safari vehicle






I don’t know about you guys but I have multiple upon multiples of the same Safari pictures. Here’s proof.

Yup - got this one.



and this one



this one



I could go on, but I’ll stop.

Continued In Next Post

 

[MEK]

I didn’t find this new shot.




And I love seeing the hippo viewing area on the Wild African Trek




Random bird







A rickety old bridge



Yup - I’ve got multiples of this tree, but I just love it. It looks so cool.



I love the giraffes. They are beautiful animals



This makes me want to do the African Trek again.



That’s a monkey on the rock but you can’t see it thanks to the wrong lens snafu.


Even my elephants are pint-sized.







I just love this scene. I don’t see any animals, but I love it anyway.







Do you recognize this scene?



No? Well its the scene where the leopards hang out. Only i had no chance of finding them today because I lacked a distance lens. Boo!

So those of you who have read my previous TRs may know that the one picture I always fail to get is one of the lions. They are rarely in full view when I am on Safari and, if they are, they usually turn or something equally silly. I had a feeling my luck might change. Why did I think that? Well because I didn’t bring my distance lens. You had to know this was the perfect time for Murphy’s Law to strike!

So were either of the lions out? Let see.



I see her profile. I really do. Let me zoom in some. Oh wait, I can’t!



On the other side of Pride’s rock the mister was also sunning himself in the sun.



And there he is again …. behind the brush. Are you kidding? UGHHH!





And here is the dynamic duo in quite possibly the most blurred cropped picture ever. So disappointing because it could have been a good picture, but wasn’t.



Oh well, they’re animatronic after all!

Up Next - Some river rapids and a F&W seminar.

 

[Mndisneygirl]

Well, I was having a perfectly boring Friday night until I came here and saw you updated! YAY!

Your pictures, no matter the lens, are absolutely stunning! So clear!! It does stink that this is the safari where the lions were out and you didn't have the other lens though. Bummer.

My DH says next trip he's riding EE!! None of us have done it. I'm going to have to watch some POV ride videos. It looks high and fast - not sure I can handle it, but I'll take my bonine and see what happens!

 

[KatMark]

Fabulous updated, MEK.

I love the pictures on Expedition Everest. I am having to ride that awful ride in June with Avery...I made her a promise (and after her great showing at the State Meet in Gymnastics today, I probably owe her two rides).

Love your trail pictures (although I skipped the pics of the bats) even without the zoom camera. What a pretty colored bird.

And, as always, fabulous safari pictures.

I like the photopass pictures too.


And kudos on the Star Wars meal that Cynthia got you all.

 

[dizneeat]

Mary Ellen, I REALLY love your updates. All those great pics bring me right back to our happy place.

Love your EE photos - you got a lot of the same ones I get every ride.

The Jungle Trek - we have not been in a long time and your photos convince me that we have to do it again SOON, but that will have to wait until summer 2015.

Count me in on the ones who have a gazillion of Safari photos. But it never gets old and yours are awesome as always!

 

[annmarieda]

What great updates. I am sorry you forgot your lens. You still took better pictures than I do... if it is any consolation.

And you are so brave taking those pictures on EE!!!