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

[MEK]

oh goodness, that's kind of hilarious about Denny's poncho experience!! I don't mind getting a little wet in the parks but I definitely don't like getting soaked to the bone. Walking around in soaking wet clothes is no fun!

No fun AT all! Fortunate Denny dried pretty quickly, but I would have hated having all that water run down my back! Yuck! Not a fan at all!

The whiskey seminar sounds interesting! I'm not a big drinker so it probably wouldn't be for me. But it is really cool that there are so many different F&W events to choose from so there is really something for everyone.

It really is cool that there are so many fun things to choose from. I think I'd like to try a wine tasting next time. That's more up my alley!

GREAT shot of the papa lion!!!!!!!!!!!!! Just stunning

Thanks! I was SO thrilled to see him out on Pride's rock standing right up there for me! FINALLY!!!!!!

on Denny and his poncho! Are we going on Kali? I think we are...I like the egg roll idea while drying off.

I already have dollar store ponchos purchased so its definitely an option!!!!!! to the egg roll! Love them!

LOVELY afternoon at the villa pool...that does look like the perfect grill spot, someday I hope to actually use it.

It really does, doesn't it? And knowing you I am sure you will fit it into one of your trips. I just think it looks like a perfect way to spend the afternoon.

BLEH on the bourbon tasting. Not my favorite for sure.

I love cooking with it though!

Bourbon Creme Angliase for Bread Pudding
Drunken Sweet Potatoes with Bourbon, Maple Syrup and Butter

Sometimes as an option in my rib marinade and well, it's not so bad in egg nog!

Wow - they all sound delicious, especially the sweet potatoes. Both Nick and Denny love making sweet potatoes so I'll have to check out that recipe. Nice!

Great update.

Thanks!

And I am SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO happy to report the possible drama for our trip has been averted. I had a scary couple of days. I'll update later on my report but all is well.

I can't wait!

Ugh - I just read about the drama on your TR last night. I have to admit, I was even hesitant to start reading it. I am ever so glad everything got worked out. New motto - NO DRAMA!!!

In fact, I may or may not have bought a new swimsuit that I didn't need...and a sundress that I didn't need

Cynthia - girls ALWAYS need a new bathing suit. Doesn't even count! I LOVE bathing suit shopping. Come to think of it, I haven't treated myself to one in quite awhile. Hmmmmm......

 

[HockeyMomR]

Mary Ellen - Happy Easter! We are on our way early early flight out of BWI tomorrow morning.

Rebecca

 

[englishrose47]

Hi Mary Ellen , just have time at work to catch up a bit . For once we are having a SLOW day, 3 are gone for the weekend , 1 is sleeping !!!!!! Oh Yea !!

 

[MEK]

Beautiful AK pics! And of course the pair would be out for you right?! And no long distance lens in sight...

Thanks and it figures, doesn't it? Like I said - Murphy's Law!

..And i just saw your redeeming picture! Awesome and perfect!

Thank you! I love that picture!

When it comes to getting wet, DH has no man card. He'll glady and willingly put it away and wear whatever it takes so he won't get wet...but when it comes to directions or being wrong...man card comes right out

OMG! That is SO funny! I am cracking up! I think every guy's man card comes out when it comes to directions and being wrong!

I would really love to do a Bourbon/Whiskey tasting one day. I feel like i've tried quite a few, but they were probably cheap, crappy ones. And they were probably heavily mixed with different mixers so maybe i've never even 'tasted' the whiskey

I honestly don't know if I could tell a good whiskey or bourbon from a not so good one. I guess if I tasted enough I might actually develop my palate or get completely $#%& faced trying!

Exactly... I'm not a huge fan of walking around a park in soaking wet clothes, but I do it if the ride is worthwhile. This one... just isn't.

I have to agree with you on that. It really isn't worth it! But there are probably some rides where its definitely worth getting drenched. On second thought....:roll eyes:

Look, if you're gonna wear a poncho... wear the poncho with pride. Otherwise, you're wearing a poncho and you're still just wet.

I know, right? That's like a double loss of man car right there. You have a poncho on and you STILL get wet. So NOT cool!

I wouldn't mind tossing a few steaks on that grill someday...

Me too!

They are. But I'm sure I could be tracked by the puddle of drool.

You know - since they are enclosed in glass that really helps. When you can't smell the chocolate and they definitely helps with the drool factor.

Well, that certainly would be inconvenient.

Yeah - great time to discover that I don't like bourbon. Timing is everything.

Whew... I was worried. I'm glad you didn't let some good bourbon go to waste.

Now you should know me well enough to know I would NEVER waste alcohol. Never gonna happen!

You can have the wineries. I'll take the distilleries!

They're all good, IMHO!

I'm about halfway done now! Sorry it's taking me so long to get caught up!

No worries! It's great to see you here again!

What a great start to your trip!

It really was. It was so much fun to be there with such a wide variety of things to do. Sometime different everyday and all the DIS meets were so fun!

I love your photos from the MK, they are all gorgeous. The HM one is one of my favourites though. And the ones over Bay Lake are so pretty.

Thank you!

Yours is the first TR picture I've seen of the finished villas at the GF. It looks huge! Is it really as close to the wedding pavilion as it looks? And is the roof a different colour? It might just be the way the light was hitting it, but I like the original colour better (even though there isn't a huge difference).

It's VERY close to the wedding pavilion. I am actually curious to see how the two are positioned. I went to the GF long before the villas went up and I remember thinking how close the wedding pavilion was to the GF quiet pool. It's still hard for me to imagine how the villas are actually positioned in relationship to the pavilion.

Pre-parl opening reservations are so great. We are hoping to get one for our trip this year. I love the picture with the whole family

Aren't they great? I think everyone really enjoyed breakfast and I am so glad that we got that group shot!

 

[MEK]

How exciting is that??!!!

I know! Our magic bands came today! So excited!

I think this may be the best lion pic from AK I have ever seen!!!

Thank you! I was so psyched to finally see that guy in all his glory!

I had not heard about the lions... but I had heard about the giraffe. Where he wasn't ill...or old.. just not "proper breeding stock" So the euthanized him. THEN they actually dissected him in front of the public. The directer/curator... I am pretty sure he holds a phd - he stood by his decision.

I know. I was so horrified when I heard about that. He was so sweet, too! He just looked like a sweet and gentle sole.

It is funny, cause this one I skip most trips. I kinda feel like no matter what I do I get wet... then I am left either cold and wet or hot and wet.

Yeah - both are actually pretty BAD! Dollar store ponchos to the rescue!

It kinda does to me. I think the river ride in CA is longer. Maybe I am wrong?

Someone actually posted that its like twice as long. Most raft rides that I have been on...No wait - all raft rides that I have been on are longer!

As always I love all of your pictures!!!

Thank you!

The quiet pool looks very calm.. with a great view!

I love both the quiet pools at the Boardwalk. They are both so different, but both so relaxing.

Fun pictures! I think the only time we ever get the "special" photo is in AK. I know that other parks must have them...but for some reason the only time we get them is at AK. maybe we got one at DHS once

I think we got that picture at HS once. It's surprising how different the PP photographers are in what magic shots they can and can't do. I think I asked a bunch of different photographers which photos they could do and a lot of them couldn't do anything. Really?

How fun!

It was fun! I'm so glad I tried it. I would definitely do another one!

I know, right? But, I guess there is BCV....

And I love BCV, but I would really just love to stay over at the YC. I can't explain. I just want to stay there once.

What a cool picture!

Thanks! I wish the lighting had been a little better. It would have made that web look so much better!

I really enjoyed seeing them too. I just wish that I could take better pictures of them.

It's that darn glass. It just gives such a glare. I think it makes it impossible to get a good shot.

Did you then try the drinking chocolate? OMG! So decadent! I look forward to sharing a little glass with my dh next fall.

I didn't. I wish I had. I know I would have loved it. Yum!

So you don't know ahead of time what spirit you will be tasting? I am not a huge fan of whiskey... or bourbon. Can make for a great sauce though...

Maybe you can find out. I just don't remember when I signed up for it. It just said mixology seminar and it was offered at a bunch of times. I probably just didn't pay enough attention.

Wow! Just Wow! The picture of the lion is absolutely fantastic! It looks like he's just standing there waiting for his picture to be taken. Oh and I read about the zoo that put the lion to sleep to make room for the younger lions. Did you see the stories about the giraffes being put down?

I think he WAS waiting for me! I was absolutely thrilled to find him standing there like that. Definitely made my day!

Yes - I did - poor Maurice. I thought that was terribly sad. He had the sweetest face.

It has been years since we've ridden Kali River Rapids. None of us have any desire to get soaking wet and having to walk around with wet underwear. Poor Denny should have known better than to not put on the hood of his poncho. Did the poncho at least keep most of him dry?

It IS the wet underwear that does you in, isn't it? It's like wearing a big wet diaper. Yuck!

As far as Denny, all I can say is . I honestly think more water went on his shirt then on the poncho!

I am not a drinker at all so I am not sure that I would have liked the tasting seminar. John, on the other hand, would have probably enjoyed it. He's done the tastings of Moonshine and Whiskey in Tennessee.

Has he? See - that's what I wanted to try, but now I'm pretty sure I couldn't handle it. Maybe I can work my way up to it!

 

[MEK]

Count me as DISer 501 that thinks the king of the jungle photo on the safari was awesome!

Thank you! I was so excited to see him like that! It was definitely one of the highlights of my day. I just had a feel in he would be out and he was!

No Kali RR for me since I hate to be soggy in the park - even on hot days. It's been since 2006 since I've been on that ride. Even Grizzly River Rapids at DCA doesn't get me on there often.

I know - I am SO not a fan of being wet all day. But the dollar store poncho totally saved me! Denny - not so much.

I've never noticed the grill by the quiet pool at the BWV. It does look like a great place for some grilling and drinking.

Doesn't it? I just think that grilling area looks so nice and so relaxing.

What amazing chocolate sculptures. They just look like a piece of artwork. As much as they may put people in the mood for chocolate they should have a little kiosk that sells artsy chocolate nearby. They could make a killing on the suggestive sell aspect of that!

I think you are SO right about that. Imagine if they had minis of all those sculptures. They would sell off the hook. Great marketing suggestion!

Oh my... If I attended the mixology seminar I may have been like the lady who ditched the whiskey samples… or is bourbon? We'll just call it hooch. I'm more of a wine and frozen cocktail person myself.

hooch! I haven't heard that term in awhile. I've got to agree with you that wine and frozen cocktails are much superior to hooch!

Mary Ellen - Happy Easter! We are on our way early early flight out of BWI tomorrow morning.

Rebecca

Rebecca - HAVE A GREAT TRIP and a safe flight!

Hi Mary Ellen , just have time at work to catch up a bit . For once we are having a SLOW day, 3 are gone for the weekend , 1 is sleeping !!!!!! Oh Yea !!

Hey Rosie! Nothing like a nice slow day! Enjoy your weekend. I hope you are off!

 

[IheartDDuck]

Mmmm, Chefs de France, good choice! It's been on our list a few times recently, but somehow it comes off. Need to get back there. Maybe November.....hmmmmm.

Yum Kona! Okay, I just posted about that on my July TR. I know you're a coffee fan, but if you're a pork fan too, I recommend the coffee rubbed pork loin. I got that. OMG it was amazing!

Glad that everything with Mark's surgery went well.

 

[poohbear12880]

No fun AT all! Fortunate Denny dried pretty quickly, but I would have hated having all that water run down my back! Yuck! Not a fan at all!

It really is cool that there are so many fun things to choose from. I think I'd like to try a wine tasting next time. That's more up my alley!

Thanks! I was SO thrilled to see him out on Pride's rock standing right up there for me! FINALLY!!!!!!

I already have dollar store ponchos purchased so its definitely an option!!!!!! to the egg roll! Love them!

It really does, doesn't it? And knowing you I am sure you will fit it into one of your trips. I just think it looks like a perfect way to spend the afternoon.

Wow - they all sound delicious, especially the sweet potatoes. Both Nick and Denny love making sweet potatoes so I'll have to check out that recipe. Nice!

Thanks!

Ugh - I just read about the drama on your TR last night. I have to admit, I was even hesitant to start reading it. I am ever so glad everything got worked out. New motto - NO DRAMA!!!

Cynthia - girls ALWAYS need a new bathing suit. Doesn't even count! I LOVE bathing suit shopping. Come to think of it, I haven't treated myself to one in quite awhile. Hmmmmm......

Jbnnbnnn

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

 

[Mndisneygirl]

Can't remember when I posted and I'm too lazy to look.

Not thinking I'd like the bourbon. I'd do a wine seminar ANY day!

Grizzly River Run in CA is DEFINITELY longer- I must have been hollering for 10 minutes on that ride! Poncho on, hood up, not too wet. DH did not have a poncho. He was soaked! It was a fairly rough ride too. My hip kept banging on the side of the seat. The best part was after wards, we walked to our room in 5 minutes and got changed! Loved staying at GCV!

Anyway - YAY! I see you have some magic bands for your girls trip! It's coming up in less than a month right? Wish I was going too. I always say that when anyone else is going! LOL!

Have a Happy Easter!!

 

[khaleesi]

Oh wow.... I just want to pet Mr Lion! I'm sure he's very friendly! I mean, it's DISNEY!! Haha.

The only time I went on Kali it was a horrifically hot day, so I was very happy to come out soaking wet. I don't remember anything about the theming; just that I was happy to have cooled off!

 

[achinfeet]

Facebook?

 

[MEK]

Mmmm, Chefs de France, good choice! It's been on our list a few times recently, but somehow it comes off. Need to get back there. Maybe November.....hmmmmm.

Yum Kona! Okay, I just posted about that on my July TR. I know you're a coffee fan, but if you're a pork fan too, I recommend the coffee rubbed pork loin. I got that. OMG it was amazing!

Glad that everything with Mark's surgery went well.

Danielle - I am going to repost this on Kathy's TR because I know this wasn't meant for me. My clues - No recent visits to Kona, Chefs, or DH named Mark.

Jbnnbnnn

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

I think this might say "joining in" but I'm not completely sure! Anyway and thanks for joining in!

Can't remember when I posted and I'm too lazy to look.

Boy do I know THAT feeling!

Not thinking I'd like the bourbon. I'd do a wine seminar ANY day!

Me too! Next time I go during F&W and really want to try one!

Grizzly River Run in CA is DEFINITELY longer- I must have been hollering for 10 minutes on that ride! Poncho on, hood up, not too wet. DH did not have a poncho. He was soaked! It was a fairly rough ride too. My hip kept banging on the side of the seat. The best part was after wards, we walked to our room in 5 minutes and got changed! Loved staying at GCV!

See - ponchos ARE good! Best investment EVER! But I have to say that if I could be changed again in 5 minutes I might actually risk it without the poncho.

Anyway - YAY! I see you have some magic bands for your girls trip! It's coming up in less than a month right? Wish I was going too. I always say that when anyone else is going! LOL!

Yup - we are going the second week of May. I can't wait even though I feel like I was just there. Life is Good!

Have a Happy Easter!!

Thanks! Hope you and the family had a great day and a great weekend!

Oh wow.... I just want to pet Mr Lion! I'm sure he's very friendly! I mean, it's DISNEY!! Haha.

Exactly. Isn't he is the best looking animatronic lion you have ever seen? SO realistic! Here Kitty Kitty...

The only time I went on Kali it was a horrifically hot day, so I was very happy to come out soaking wet. I don't remember anything about the theming; just that I was happy to have cooled off!

OMG - that must have been one of those brutal summer days. I have been in the parks on days like that when you felt your shoes were melting to the pavement. Kali would definitely come in handy on a day like that!

Facebook?

Well in all fairness I guess I can you to my TR! Let the lurking begin!

 

[MEK]

Hi All! I hope everyone had a great weekend and a wonderful Easter if you celebrate the holiday. I had a crazy, busy weekend. Both of my kids were home, which was fun. Can't believe Monday is here already. I work at noon today so I have time to post an update...finally!

Meeting a Saint

In my last update Denny and I had just finished a mixology seminar where we tasted bourbon from the Breckenridge Distillery. As soon as the seminar was over we needed to hightail it out of there for a DIS meet that I was really looking forward. We were meeting Saintstickets (Bill) and his lovely wife Grace.

Even though we were speed walking to get over to the R&C, I had to take this picture. Shout out to 2012 F&W with Cynthia & Pat.



And some palm trees.



I turned back to grab a quick shot of Spaceship Earth.



We passed Canada



and I stopped for a view of the Good old USA



Then it was time to put the camera away and dodge some serious Saturday night F&W crowds. Can you say crowded?

Fortunately you were able to find Bill quickly (or he found us, I forget). He informed us that we just missed an entertaining brawl outside of the Rose & Crown. Drat! Sorry I missed THAT! Not!

Bill said security emerged out of the crowd in about 2 seconds flat and the altercation was quickly put to rest. I wonder how many times a night that has to happen during F&W?

Fortunately, as crowded as things were, we were seated rather quickly AND we got a seat outside with a prime Illuminations view.

I won’t keep you in suspense waiting for our picture (which actually wasn’t taken until the end of the evening).

Here you go:



It was Bill & Grace’s last night. They were due to start driving home the next day. I was very happy that they agreed to spend their last evening with us. I think we all hit it off great. As it usually goes with DISers, I felt like we had known each other for years and the conversation came easily.

Bill totally entertained us with his stories of his college days at ‘Ol Miss. ‘Ol Miss - I love the sound of that. Having lived my entire life in the Northeast, Bill is the first person I have ever met that went to school there. I’m not going to share stories of Bill’s college days. You are just going to have to meet him yourself for that!

So you probably want to see food pics. Well, I didn’t take too many. But I did decide to order something on my bucket list. Yup, I ordered the fish & chips. I have been wanting to try them for awhile.



Not the healthiest meal, but it fit the bill when accompanied by my favorite R&C beer - Boddington’s. It was very tasty.

Denny’s choice:

Oh Wow - Sorry -this picture IS terrible (but remember I DID just finish a bourbon tasting).

I think this was some corned beef dish. I’m not entirely positive and, quite honestly, I don’t feel like looking it up.



Our dinner was paced perfectly and soon it was time for Illuminations.

The beginning fireworks










So my firework pictures officially stink. I just couldn’t seem to get the depth correct or the lens correct or something.

But we did get a great view of the globe.

















The lights on the buildings always add to the ambiance of Illuminations












Continued In Next Post

 

[MEK]

What is that line????























The final fireworks







So that’s probably more Illumination pictures than you ever wanted to see, but oh well.

Continued In Next Post

 

[MEK]

We said our goodbyes to Bill and Grace as they headed to the Beach Club and us to the Boardwalk. It was really a fun evening and I’m glad we planned it.

I guess this would be a good place for me to stop, but why not just start Day 4 at the world.

Day 4 started with a run. I only took a handful of pictures.

This was a view of our villa from across the water. I guess I decided to run by the Swolphin today.



Too bad this picture didn’t turn out. I thought it was a fun view of the ToT.



And one final run picture.



Once inside I took this picture of the pool area. I was standing at the balcony near the elevator. I love this view.



One more



Today we had a relaxing morning planned. Any guesses?

Well, if you guessed a breakfast DIS meet, then you are correct.

After showering we left the room to head out to the car. And guess what? I got to stalk a bride on the way out!



Awwwwww!



A few pics on the way to the car








Our wheels for this trip



Our destination was here








Breakfast was at the Wave. But who would we be dining with today? I’ll leave that for the next update!

I will leave you with a couple hints:

1. Both DISers are no longer very active on the boards.
2. One DISer is a TA and lives in Oklahoma
3. One DISer is an educator and lives in Maryland

Any Guesses?

 

[chattadisser]

What a great seat for Illuminations! And a DIS meet too! Looks like a fun time.

Good for you for running on vacation. I always bring my stuff with good intentions and then never use it.

I've got no guesses on the upcoming DIS meet...

Christine

 

[natebenma]

I was wondering if the boys were home for Easter. When are their school years done?

Wow, love that shot of the palm trees- the colors are spectacular!

I also really like all of your Illuminations and globe pictures. What a fun dinner & a show.

As for your title "Dinner with a Saint"... which one is the saint? Bill or Grace (sorry, Bill)

 

[Tracy161]

Sounds like a fabulous Dis meet with Bill and Grace!!! I love your Epcot nighttime pictures! I love the parks any time of day but there's just something about nighttime at Disney that feels extra special.

I'm SO impressed that you run at Disney. I'm a runner myself but figure I log enough miles around the parks just walking each day that I can't be bothered! so major kudos to you!!!

 

[IheartDDuck]

Normally I'm so good at using two windows to do my replys so I can read and type at the same time. And then sometimes......I open up the wrong TR to reply to. Lol. What a doofus!

 

[DWGal210]

What an awesome way to watch Illuminations!

Sounds like you had a great dinner - I love a DIS meet!