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

[jeremysdisneymom]

I have not been posting like I should Reading along but very little time to comment anymore. I see you are going in Feb. Do you know your dates? Waiting on airfare to come out later this month but we will be there late on February 24th and staying through Sunday. Hoping for GFV. It is a surprise trip for Jeremy's 13th. Would love to meet up if you are there then.

 

[eandesmom]

First - At the end of August I will be taking a short trip to Williamsburg, which is my second favorite vacation destination after Disney World. There are so many things I enjoy doing there, but I will definitely be hitting Colonial Williamsburg and Busch Gardens. I am seriously considering buying a Busch Gardens AP so I can use it again in Florida.

I know how much you love it and it is nice to have a summer trip even if it is short! I am kind of hating not having anything.

October is our 25th anniversary trip. We will be staying 2 nights at VWL and 3 nights at VGF. Of course, the WL pool is closed while we are there. UGH! But with our pool hopping privileges and a car I am sure we will be just fine.

Both pools are closed or just the main one?

We plan to go to the MNSSHP on the 19th. We have something special planned for our anniversary on the 21st. We won't have a Disney Park pass, but if we get that BG AP we will be heading to Seaworld for a day or two. I would also like to visit Universal Studios for a couple days, but I really don't want to get too overbooked before the cruise. I would like to have a day just to chill at the Grand Flo and do nothing. One of the things I really want to do this trip is finish the World of Beer (or whatever its called) that Princess Caitlin seems to love so much. I’ve got to see this place for myself.

I want to know the special plan!

Then its time for our first cruise. We are doing a 4 night Cream double dip that sails on the 23rd. I have to be honest. I haven’t really gotten into the whole fish extender thing. Is that bad? I’m subbed to a FB group and I guess I should try to meet some online friends, but I haven’t really felt like it. Am I missing out?

I admit, we haven't gotten that into meeting folks in the past either. FE is a lot of work so if you aren't into the idea, don't do it. The E's love it and that's why I did it the last 2 trips. I really wasn't going to this trip BUT then they made an adult only one...and I was in. Besides, Ellen is on your cruise, she will meet everyone and take care of it. All you need to do is show up and have a blast. LOL! I'm excited to meet Jill on ours (assuming we get to go).

Our (well my) plan for 2015 was a trip in DL (the mothership) at the end of February. But Denny wanted to wait, so we have tentatively pushed that back to early June 2015. If we go then we will invite Nick to join us. My dear husband is set to retire in May. Even though I am very happy for him, I have very mixed feelings about it. *sigh*

I knew I still needed a Feb trip, so for late February we are going to do a split stay between WDW and Vero. I booked our first three nights at SSR. O had no idea when I booked that It just happens to be the Princess 1/2 marathon that weekend. I already know of three DISers who are going to run it. I am considering running it myself, although the last time I ran a 1/2 marathon I swore I would never run another.

I am SO excited for this!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And to finally meet Denny!

Back on the home front I am training to do the MS Bike to the Bay here in Delaware in September. I haven’t ridden this ride since Brian was in 3rd grade. That’s a long time! But I’ve gotten inspired by a lot of my younger friends that I see getting into fitness and I work with much younger people in my new job and many of them are really into fitness. Clearly, training for this event is much harder than it used to be. But I’m committed now.

I have a fund raising website set up on my Facebook page and thanks to some amazing people from the DIS community I have almost reached my goal of $300. If you are interested in donating and aren’t a FB friend please pm me for a link!

I need to check out your page, with everything that has been going on, I've hardly been online anywhere. You can do this (the ride), this is the kind of stuff that keeps us young. Even if it does suck at times.

Even though it's half eaten, that veggie burger looks good. Did you like it? I might consider trying that in Sept.

 

[jenseib]

We saw Nemo for the first time in March and really enjoyed it... We definitely want to go back again!

 

[jedijill]

You will have a fabulous time on the Dream! I wouldn't worry about doing a FE if you don't want to. I skipped it on the last cruise. I'm doing one on the Southern because they decided on an all adult list which makes things easier.

I really only have tried to meet people online in the past since I was sailing solo. I've met some great people and I've met some duds.

I really recommend Remy and Palo on the Dream...they are amazing!

Jill in CO

 

[MEK]

Plans are sounding great.

Have you done Busch Garden in Tampa before? We weren't thrilled with it the last time we were there.

I'm really please with our plans!

I have not done BG in Tampa. We thought about doing it in March (the trip where we saw you guys), but since we were doing the Disney Parks I really wanted to focus on non-park activities in the area. I read a review of it that was really good. I get the impression you have to really like the animal part of it and/or the coaster part of it. If we have an AP I would like to try it. Otherwise, I probably won't go out of my way.

I think part of the reason we've not committed to a cruise is those darn fish extenders. I have no desire whatsoever to participate in them and I am afraid it makes me an unfriendly DISer.

Kathy - you are about the LEAST unfriendly DISer that I know. But I know what you mean. I have seen some really cool gifts, but my creativity is not great and I don't want to worry about finding enough appropriate gifts, ordering them in time, and packing them to travel. It just seems like a stressor. I'm better with gifts on a small scale, but that's just me. I admire people who can do it large scale.

I really want to go to Williamsburg one day.

W-burg is so cool. If you like history, it's a wonderful place to visit. I am not a history geek by any stretch of the imagination, but I love old buildings and I love to see things preserved as they once were. The reinactors totally stay in character, which makes it so interactive. In addition to colonial Williamsburg there in Yorktown and Jamestown, plus many surrounding plantations, historical houses, and museums. The College of William and Mary is outstanding. The best part - only 4.5 hours from my house. Perfect for the long weekend.

Great pictures of the gorillas, and spectacular photos of the Finding Nemo show. I'm torn between Nemo and Lion King for our September trip (and don't think we'll have time for both).

Shockingly, we did both this trip on the same day. But that was a first. I'm glad you like the Nemo pictures. Choosing between both shows is a challenge. Good luck with that!

We love Williamsburg too. We've been a couple of times. Always have to have dinner at the Kings Arms when we're there, and catch an 18th century play or the crystal concert.

I had lunch at the Kings Arms and loved it. So cool! We will definitely visit one of the taverns this trip!

Are you the one that told me about the crystal concert before? I went to it a couple of years ago and I LOVED it! It was fantastic. I was just so amazed. It was a wonderful suggestion and I should check and see if he's there.

Nice job in keeping the Nemo pictures to a minimum.

Thanks!

BTW - Is there a TR yet????

Awesome plans.

Thanks Pat! You should consider a Feb trip! Just saying!

MAn.... Timeout again...

That was exactly one of Marv's comments. Did somebody just say something about great minds?

I snorted at that. Hehe

Glad you liked!

Have a wonderful time in W-burg this weekend!

 

[MEK]

We love Williamsburg - actually honeymooned there, stayed in one of the houses in the historic district.

Isn't it great to be fairly close to Williamsburg. It really is such a great place. I think its a great location for a honeymoon. Denny and I actually spent a couple nights there at the end of our honeymoon on our way home. I bet it was really cool to stay in one of the historic houses for rent.

Great pics from Nemo!

Thank you!

Either breakfast on the 23rd or maybe meeting for a drink before dinner on the 22nd would be fun. We can plan something as we get a little closer to the trip dates.

That sounds great. We actually won't have a Disney Park ticket during this trip so it will have to be somewhere outside of the parks. I know *gasp*. Our AP expired and I didn't want to get a new one yet since we our either going to US or Seaworld or both during our October trip. We are also doing MNSSHP on the 19th and we may do a water park one day.

Nice Nemo pictures! Love that show, although I ALWAYS tear up. Every time. Same thing with the movie. But it's a good cry!

OMG - the beginning gets me EVERY TIME! Especially during the movie. And then when Nemo gets caught in the net. So sad! It is definitely a good cry. You are right about that!

I don't have a caption for that gorilla picture. Interesting!

The only thing I can think of is NOT very DIS friendly!

Can you believe my family has never been to Williamsburg? And it's relatively close! We probably should address that.

I actually find that somewhat surprising since you guys are such great travelers. Maybe its too close for you. Sometimes people overlook what's close. I know I am guilty of that.

I think Williamsburg is a great family vacation and your kids are good with touristy things. They would probably love Colonial W-burg. They really do an excellent job. There is just so much to do! Tell me if you ever go and I'll definitely have some suggestions.

Nah. The point of your trip is to have fun and do what you want. We didn't bother, and made out just fine.

As I'm sure most people do. I guess it seems like the sign of a true DISer is to do the FE thing. I'm not going to worry about it anymore!

Ellen is a hoot. I'm so glad she suggested this particular cruise because I think we were originally planning for an earlier one. this is perfect!

Congrats Denny!

:good vibes Thanks Mark! He really wants this. I wanted him to wait until Nick graduated, but I guess I wanted that more for me than him.

With all the running you do, I didn't think fitness was a problem!

The longer rides are harder on me than they used to be. I have been riding by your development quite a few times this summer. I just don't know which house is yours, so I guess you should be glad. I might be stopping in for a water or bio break. So if you see us on the road try to give us 3 feet!

Not one I can type here.

Exactly!

If it's a veggie burger, it can't possibly be a good food picture.

I should have put a disclaimer up for you Mark. I know how you feel about non meat imitations of the classic burger.

 

[MEK]

I have not been posting like I should Reading along but very little time to comment anymore. I see you are going in Feb. Do you know your dates? Waiting on airfare to come out later this month but we will be there late on February 24th and staying through Sunday. Hoping for GFV. It is a surprise trip for Jeremy's 13th. Would love to meet up if you are there then.

Yes - We will definitely be there by the 21st. We have a reservation from the 21st-24th. Then I was thinking of heading to Vero for a couple days, then back to WDW for the weekend. So we should definitely be able to meet up over the weekend. We will be going home on Sunday too! Looking forward to it! It will be great to meet you!

I know how much you love it and it is nice to have a summer trip even if it is short! I am kind of hating not having anything.

I am hating not having a longer one, but 5 days off is better than 2. And W-burg is a nice easy long weekend trip. If you leave early in the morning you can be there by lunch time and you really don't have to leave until mid afternoon in order to get home at a decent time.

Both pools are closed or just the main one?

Just the main one. I would pool hop to the GF, but we are staying there, so it seems silly. I might just pool hop over to OKW for a turtle krawl or SSR because I really enjoy all the pool there. I was also thinking a trip to FW or CSR but be fun. I've also never been in the pool at the Contemporary. So there are plenty of options.

I want to know the special plan!

I will reveal it!

I admit, we haven't gotten that into meeting folks in the past either. FE is a lot of work so if you aren't into the idea, don't do it. The E's love it and that's why I did it the last 2 trips. I really wasn't going to this trip BUT then they made an adult only one...and I was in. Besides, Ellen is on your cruise, she will meet everyone and take care of it. All you need to do is show up and have a blast. LOL! I'm excited to meet Jill on ours (assuming we get to go).

I can definitely see doing it with kids. It's a great kid activity. The adult only one sounds really fun. I could definitely get more into that I'm totally excited to meet up with Ellen. She is a total hoot and will be so fun to hang out with.

I am SO excited for this!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And to finally meet Denny!

Me too! I really thought it would be awhile before we met up again. I can't believe this is all coming together so well. And getting to see Caitlin and Danielle and their parents again is totally the icing on the cake.

I need to check out your page, with everything that has been going on, I've hardly been online anywhere. You can do this (the ride), this is the kind of stuff that keeps us young. Even if it does suck at times.

Even though it's half eaten, that veggie burger looks good. Did you like it? I might consider trying that in Sept.

I did like it. It was pretty yummy! The only veggie burger I didn't like was the crazy one at LTT. Bleech!

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

II have been riding by your development quite a few times this summer. I just don't know which house is yours, so I guess you should be glad. I might be stopping in for a water or bio break. So if you see us on the road try to give us 3 feet!

Feel free to stop by! You might get to squeeze a baby!

(not in the next 2 weeks, though, because we won't be there)

 

[MEK]

We saw Nemo for the first time in March and really enjoyed it... We definitely want to go back again!

Isn't it awesome? I bet you got amazing pictures! It's really a must do for me. I just think the whole concept is so great and the production is top notch.

You will have a fabulous time on the Dream! I wouldn't worry about doing a FE if you don't want to. I skipped it on the last cruise. I'm doing one on the Southern because they decided on an all adult list which makes things easier.

It sounds like the all adult FE is the way to go. I like that concept so much better. I'm not going to worry about it any more!

I really only have tried to meet people online in the past since I was sailing solo. I've met some great people and I've met some duds.

I bet. It sort of goes like that, doesn't it? I know that everyone I've met here on the TR boards has been great. I feel like everyone is my family and its pretty cool. I guess I'm satisfied with that and don't feel like I need to go our of my way to meet other people on the ship. I'm looking forward to seeing Ellen and just sort of doing my own thing.

I really recommend Remy and Palo on the Dream...they are amazing!

Jill in CO

I have heard (and seen) that they are both amazing. The brunch looks especially yummy!

 

[MEK]

Feel free to stop by! You might get to squeeze a baby!

I could totally get into some baby squeezing!!!!!! Drew is so cute in all his pictures. He just looks so happy!

(not in the next 2 weeks, though, because we won't be there)

I hope you have such a great time! I just know you will! I am really looking forward to hearing all about this adventure! So Cool! Post lots of pix on FB!

 

[Mndisneygirl]

Love all your pics from AK!

Also love your travel plans! We love Williamsburg and that area - my DH lived near there many years and his sister and cousin still do. I also enjoy Jamestown - go there if you haven't been.

Cruise stuff - FE is fun, but a lot of work. My kids enjoyed doing a lot of it so I let them. On the 7 day Alaskan cruise it was a lot easier to fit in the time. But we had to make/buy stuff and pack it… Our next cruise is only a 3 day, so I think we will skip it. Our cruise thread isn't very active yet, and at least one other person suggested just a meet and greet. I'm okay with that.

I agree -try Palo (or Remy). We have done Palo dinner and brunch and it's great! I really enjoyed the brunch!!

Ron Jon's! I have a story to tell you! On our kids' first trip to Florida, we had booked rooms in Cocoa Beach at a comfort inn. My parents were also with us. one day we were at the RJ surf shop, and Dave finds out about this new hotel/timeshare place they put up on the beach. He checks it out and we decide we are moving over there! We got a 2 bedroom condo overlooking the water for the rest of our time there. OH MY GOSH, was it great!! The pool area is so fun - slide, lazy river, etc. Great beach - can watch the cruise ships go… So he tells his sister about it, and they BUY the timeshare there!! We were able to enjoy it with them one week in July 2010. So nice. Now two of his sisters (including that one) have bought their own condos in buildings right on that same beach as RJ. We're hoping to get down there again soon. It's a great area. And you can go to the DIS Unplugged Welcome Center in Cape Canaveral too!

Way to go on the Bike Ride and the 1/2!!! All the best for your training and all that goes with it. Not something I can do, but I'll be rooting for you all!

Retirement? Already? Lucky guy. My DH will likely retire from his "main" job before me (he's 5 years older), but he'll never be without some kind of job. He can't sit still that long or he'll fall asleep! He'd be bored out of his mind.

 

[MEK]

Love all your pics from AK!

Thanks. It's a great resort, isn't it?

Also love your travel plans! We love Williamsburg and that area - my DH lived near there many years and his sister and cousin still do. I also enjoy Jamestown - go there if you haven't been.

I remember you said that! It's a great place and so is Jamestown. I've been to W-butg, Jamestown, and Yorktown several times but I still feel like there's so much more to see. Plus I would like to get to Norfolk and Newport news one of these trips. I just need more time!

Cruise stuff - FE is fun, but a lot of work. My kids enjoyed doing a lot of it so I let them. On the 7 day Alaskan cruise it was a lot easier to fit in the time. But we had to make/buy stuff and pack it… Our next cruise is only a 3 day, so I think we will skip it. Our cruise thread isn't very active yet, and at least one other person suggested just a meet and greet. I'm okay with that.

I can definitely see it working better on a 7 day cruise and when you have kids that really want to do it. It's really the make/buy stuff that intimidates me. BAD! I am so NOT creative!

I agree -try Palo (or Remy). We have done Palo dinner and brunch and it's great! I really enjoyed the brunch!!

I really want to try brunch. I am sure both meals are fabulous. I would really like to try it. But if I don't do it this time I am OK with waiting till the next one. Because I am sure there WILL be a next one!

Ron Jon's! I have a story to tell you! On our kids' first trip to Florida, we had booked rooms in Cocoa Beach at a comfort inn. My parents were also with us. one day we were at the RJ surf shop, and Dave finds out about this new hotel/timeshare place they put up on the beach. He checks it out and we decide we are moving over there! We got a 2 bedroom condo overlooking the water for the rest of our time there. OH MY GOSH, was it great!! The pool area is so fun - slide, lazy river, etc. Great beach - can watch the cruise ships go… So he tells his sister about it, and they BUY the timeshare there!! We were able to enjoy it with them one week in July 2010. So nice. Now two of his sisters (including that one) have bought their own condos in buildings right on that same beach as RJ. We're hoping to get down there again soon. It's a great area. And you can go to the DIS Unplugged Welcome Center in Cape Canaveral too!

OMG - that's the best story ever. I think I started reading your trip reports after you stayed there. Is that possible. The way you described it is exactly how my friend T described it. She said it was really wonderful and they live in Florida! We are staying in one of the two bedroom condos. You have me excited about it now! It probably will be a really relaxing way to end the cruise.

Way to go on the Bike Ride and the 1/2!!! All the best for your training and all that goes with it. Not something I can do, but I'll be rooting for you all!

Thank you! It does feel pretty ambitious. I'm more worried about the 1/2 than the bike ride. I've done long rides before. It's been awhile, but I know better what to expect. I've only done 1 1/2 marathon before and it was TOUGH. But it was also super hilly. UGH. Hopefully I will be well trained by the time Feb rolls around.

Retirement? Already? Lucky guy. My DH will likely retire from his "main" job before me (he's 5 years older), but he'll never be without some kind of job. He can't sit still that long or he'll fall asleep! He'd be bored out of his mind.

He is very set on retiring and reached his goal for what he wanted to save for his retirement. I'm not thrilled about it because I still have 5 more years to work and then I'd like to find a part time job. We'll just have to wait to see how it goes.

 

[MEK]

Monkeys & Fire Eaters

Before I move on with my update, I have a quick announcement - I DID register for the PHM!!!!! That’s right - I am going to join Cynthia (eamdesmom), Ann (annmarieda), Danielle (IheartDDuck), and Caitlin (Princess Caitlin). Let the Training begin. Well, it actually already has!

In my last update we just finished lunch and then watched Nemo. Of course, its possible that we just finished Nemo and THEN had lunch. T’m really not sure. What a Mystery!

Either way, I’m still not exactly sure how we did it, but I encountered a new first - I watched two shows in the same day. That never happens to me and I felt pretty special.

BTW -I saw pictures posted of the new FOTLK theatre on FB and it looks really cool.



I took far too many pictures of this wonderful show, so I’ll try to pick only the best.





I wish this picture had turned out because I think these little girls are adorable. So, despite its poor quality, I left it in.



Which animal is our section? I have NO idea! Your guess is as good as mine!















Pat - Is this your monkey?



Or is this your monkey?





Or - perhaps THIS is your monkey?



Is this him????





The line up



This picture gives me a headache.







I think my favorite part of this show is the fire juggler.









Continued In Next Post

 

[MEK]

Hey - down in front!



Check this out





I think his foot is on fire!



As if you burning his foot was not enough, now let’s see this guy eat some fire.



That looks tasty. Yum!



Next up - the feathered people





These guys move so fast that getting good pictures always proves to be a challenge





Another favorite part of the show are the singers. They are so good!







She is having too much fun!





FOTLK is such a great, interactive show AND they sing “The Lion Sleeps Tonight”. I just LOVE that song!

Back out in the sunshine we headed back towards the middle of the park.





Chillin’






We had our pictures taken near the tree of life.
Looks like everyone is in a better mood!





Photopass Pics!






Continued In Next Post

 

[MEK]

Close Up!



Since we were right near the TOL it only seemed fitting that we should see ITTBAB.



Remember the days when it used to take forever to get through this line?



Now there’s barely time to take a few pictures!










See what I mean - We were already waiting for curtain call



I managed to get one decent 3D picture and then deleted everything else because those pics were a hot mess.



On the way out we saw some more tree dwellers





I think he was pointing the way to the exit.







I hate saying goodbye to a park for the last time during a trip. It’s sad. It’s a reality that says - this trip is coming to a close.



And even though I had several more days to enjoy in the world, I looked back longingly at the AK, and paused longer than usual to secretly say goodbye.

I couldn’t resist an opportunity to take a picture of this vendor’s goodies



I put the camera away for the 5 minute ride back to the resort.

P and I decided to go enjoy the main savannah that is off of the lobby. (Sorry - I’m not up on my AK savannah names)




I think I was still on the main level of the lobby looking through the glass when I took these pictures.





The fire pit is one of the many things I really love and enjoy about this resort



I think this stairs are really cool



Clearly I was not on ground level for this picture.



Talk about a picture that really makes you feel like you are someone completely away from reality



There are stairs that lead from outside ground level to the second floor (I think -that’s the way I remember it, but I could certainly be WRONG!)



Back to the Room - but WHERE to Next?

Coming Up Next - More Animals, Pool Time, & Dinner!

 

[Mndisneygirl]

I was telling my DH that you were interested in Norfolk and Newport News. We both thought, "What for?" We've been to both just mainly to shop when visiting family, but there doesn't seem to be much there unless you have a military connection and could go on base or tour. My BIL works at the naval shipyard down there. I imagine there are boat tours in the area. I told DH - it's Mary Ellen, if there's an interesting historical tour, she'll find it!!!

Funny timing - he was just on the phone with his sister who lives there.

Anyway - hope your training is going well.

Love the AK pics - I bet Pat is loving those tumble monkey shots!

 

[KatMark]

Congrats on signing up for the PHM.

I think from now on when I go to Disney, I'm not going to take pictures and when I do a TR, I'll just come borrow yours as you put us to shame with your photos.

The pictures at FOTLK are outstanding, Mary Ellen. They are just simply spectacular. I'm sorry we missed the show in June, but will definitely see it in it's new home in September.

You look much better in the photopass pictures...you look to be feeling better.

Great shots around the resort. That resort is so beautiful for photography...I can't wait to be there in 62 days.

 

[IheartDDuck]

YAY PHM!!!! And now I'm going to go on my run.......after I respond to your update of course. I'm so happy you registered! I'm freaking out.....but woooooo saaaaaahhhhhh.

I'm gonna say you were a lion? Mainly because the cutie that I think was the lion is facing you. That's my guess and I'm stinking to it.

I have no idea which monkey is Pat's, but they can all be my monkeys.

I hate saying goodbye to a park at the end of a trip too. Even if you have a few days left, because you know you're not going to be at that park again.

 

[Pinkocto]

I'm sorry Mary Ellen, I just realized today I must have unsubscribed accidentally. I realized it had been quite a long time since I'd seen an update, thankfully I wasn't too far behind!


Congrats on registering for the PHM!

Here's the thing about the FE. You have to think up stuff to make/take. You have to deliver it during precious cruise time, and you have to take all your gifts home. It is fun, but after the first cruise we have not done it again. We ended up with so much STUFF! You are definitely not an 'unfriendly diser' if you don't join in. What was really nice on my cruise with Jenny is that I only got her and Josh presents. I was able to get them more quality things and very much enjoyed doing that. You could always just do one with podsnel.

I skipped Restaurantosaurus last time because I didn't see the veggie burger on the app menu that looks super delicious!

 

[marDgreen88]

Oddly enough, three of my favorite Disney things were in this update: FotLK, ITTBAB, and AKL! (If any non-Disney person were to read this comment, they would have a tough time deciphering all those abbreviations. )

The new Lion King theater is great, and thankfully the show is just as wonderful as ever! Actually, it might be even more beautiful than before.

Those stairs at AKL really are awesome. I feel like a lot of people don't realize that's what they are, so they're kinda hidden gems!