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

[amazingact21]

All right, finally back on the DIS, and I'm all caught up on your trip report.


Congrats on signing up for the Princess Half. I think I already told Danielle this on her update, but I was just shocked at the number of DIS friends and real life friends that are participating in this race. It's the place to be at in February.


I never did Fish Extenders on my cruise. Just didn't feel like putting in the time or effort. That being said, though, I did talk to a lot of the people in my cruise's thread. I sailed with a great group of people; we all ate a Palo brunch together, and one couple (well, one divorced couple now) are still very good friends with us. They sent Landon a massive baby box full of clothes, and one of them always makes a point to hang out with us when we are in his neck of the woods.
So, while you don't have to go out of your way to do anything cruise related, you can meet some fun people and create a good friendship with them for years to come.




That gorilla picture....



The Nemo show looks so good; I loved the way you included some of the movie lines in with your photos. I found myself reading the sentences in the characters' voices.



Oh wow, I actually DO remember waiting in line for ITTBAB. I visited AK the first year it opened, and that show was a headliner. I wonder if TSMM will ever become like that and lose its crowds? Yeah, probably not...


Seeing both shows in AK is something that I've always intended to do, just haven't found the time to actually go through with. I'm glad you were able to, though. It had to be fun to kind of compare/contrast the two shows and how they interpreted each film.

 

[annmarieda]

Great update. I love all the FOTLK pics. I have missed that show several trips now. I must not miss it in October!

Love the AKL pics too... I really love that resort. I just wish it wasn't quite as far out as it is. Not a bad trek to and from AK though..

 

[praisehisname]

Congrats on signing up for the PHM!!!

Fantastic pics from FOTLK!

 

[MEK]

Congrats on signing up for the PHM.

Thanks! I've got a lot of training to do between now and then as I am not used to running anything of distance.

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.

I love your pics! and remember - I don't have any of Mark trying on hats.

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.

I'm very pleased with the majority of those pictures. I have been doing better and remembering to change my camera settings when I get inside. Remembering to manually set the ISO has helped a lot with my inside pics.

That theatre looks so amazing. I bet its just lovely in there! I also wonder how large the capacity is.

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

I was feeling a lot better by afternoon!

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

I am SO jealous that you are staying in a 1BR!!!!!! I would love to splurge points on that. But, as I said on your TR, the only time I get that master BR is if we are traveling with other people. I don't see that happening for awhile, so Boo! I just think the point structure for the 1BR is not a good value. The 2BR is, but the 1BR just never seems to make sense.

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.

And run you did! You had a great inaugural post toe break run! You must be feeling very encourage right now. I don't have a run planned for this weekend because of all the biking I am doing. I have to plan a longer run for next weekend. I did do 5 miles on Wednesday. I want to get a regular gps watch so I don't have to use my phone. It's just awkward. I did the map my ride app yesterday and it worked well, but its a pain to keep turning it off if you stop.

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.

You may be right on with that. I sort of remember having to roar (or maybe I made that up)

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

Don't let Pat hear you say that.

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.

It's sad, isn't it? And for some reason I have the worst time saying goodbye to AK. Not sure why, but that park is nostalgic for me. I think its because it really has the best photo-ops!

 

[dawnbu40]

Back from our little visit to Caitlin and all caught up

We haven't done the FOTLK in a long time and your amazing pictures have me thinking we must do it next month when we're there!

Thanks for the update

 

[eandesmom]

Oh my goodness, you got some amazing FOTLK pictures! LOVE the fire eaters!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It will be interesting to see what happens with ITTBAB. In DL that theater gets used for other things (we saw a preview of Maleficent there). In both cases though, it does seem it's time may be past.

Ah, AKL. You feel so very very "away". That's magical right there.

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.

She will be a blast! I am excited there is an adult only one

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 really thought it would be awhile too! It is going to be SO much fun!

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

Oh I remember that one, that was horrible! Good know, to I love a good veggie burger.

 

[MEK]

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!!!

Not completely sure why I skipped over your post this morning. My only excuse it I didn't have enough coffee and somehow I completely ignored it. What the heck?????

There is a boat tour in Norfolk and there are a few other attractions (the names all escape me right now). Same thing with Newport News. There are several historic homes to tour and the Virginia Living Museum (or something like that). There are also some museums related to sailing and water. I sent away for the visitor's guides. I'm really not sure if I will get to either town. It's sort of up in the air.

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

Anyway - hope your training is going well.

Thanks! I did a lot of bike riding this weekend and it went fairly well. We took the mountain bikes out today and rode all along the C&D canal, which was pretty cool. I enjoyed it because I haven't been down there in 20 years.

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

I hope she loves those shots when she gets back from W-burg. She is there this weekend helping Rosie. I think she comes back sometime tomorrow.

 

[glennbo123]

Yeah, it might be time to start thinking about putting a new attraction in the Tree of Life theater, much as I hate to say it.

 

[khaleesi]

Great pics from both Nemo and FOTLK!!!

I looooooooooove ITTBAB, so I hope they don't replace it anytime soon.

Congrats on signing up for the PHM!!!! I have some friends who are doing it and I'm so excited for them!! I do NOT run. Like, not ever. I briefly considered going with them and walking the 5K, but my pace is borderline and I would be crushed into a million pieces if I went and then got swept out.

I have to ask. What is a fish extender??? It sounds unpleasant!

 

[MEK]

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!

I worry about that happening to me all the time. In fact, I feel like I have some missing threads right now.

Congrats on registering for the PHM!

Thanks! I'm excited about it, even though its going to be a lot of work!

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.

It's the time to make stuff that intimidates me. And I never really thought about the packing of stuff.

I'm glad I'm not an unfriendly DISer for not participating. That makes me feel better!

I'm all about the quality gifts. I much prefer that over multiple smaller gifts.

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

I think it was a veggie burger, but it may have been a type of veggie sandwich. Whatever it was during that meal, I really enjoyed it! It was really yummy and I would totally have it again!

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. )

That's the truth, isn't it? I love all of those attractions. I actually enjoy all of the fabulous attractions at the AK! It's such an awesome park! Love it!

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.

So you were there? How was your trip? I hope you are going to do another trip report. Please make sure you let me know if you do. I hope it was an AWESOME trip!!!!!

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!

I never realized they were there. The facade hides them so well. I really enjoyed spending some time outside at the fire pit and walking up the stairs, of course!

 

[DWGal210]

Congrats on doing the Princess 1/2! Awesome!!

Looks like a nice end of your day at AK! I completely know what you mean about the end-of-trip blues. I try to stay in the moment and enjoy it but it's hard to not think "this is the last" when it's happening.

You got some great FOTLK pics! Nice!

I am really jonesing for Disney today, thanks for taking me there!

 

[MEK]

OOPS! Mistake Post!

 

[Poolrat]

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!

You will all do great!!!!

Pat - Is this your monkey?



Or is this your monkey?





Or - perhaps THIS is your monkey?



Is this him????





The line up

Nope Nope Nope and Nope.

This is MY Monkey...

Don't let Pat hear you say that.

 

[rndmr2]

Fun Update! You got some great FOTLK pics, I love the fire juggler too, well, I love the whole show, one of my faves at all parks.

Oh and did you see I have a new ticker now?? I am so excited!

I was thinking we weren't going to be able to get there this year but then the time frame opened up. We made the reservation this afternoon. I went right in and made all my ADR's already, a few were already booked but I got most of what I wanted-- Boma (dinner), Biergarten, 50's PTC, Kona Cafe (Breakfast), Yak and Yeti, Via Napoli, and Crystal Palace (Dinner). the Biergarten is the only one we have been to before.

 

[cstorm65]

Nice pictures as normal. And congratulations on registering for the race!!

 

[Leshaface]

Nemo is such a fun show! I remember how much DH despised it, but now that we have a kid, he really enjoys it.

Yay for registering for the PHM!! I'm sure you'll do fantastic! Especially training with this group of awesome women.

Luckily for me, I never had to experience the wait for ITTBAB. Have done it so many times over at Disney's California Adventure, we rarely check it out at AK. In fact, I don't think we've ever done it at AK!

I always considered grabbing an extra pair of bug eyes for my camera. Wonder if they would work?!

 

[tazdev3225]

OK caught up again. Had two 50th birthdays this weekend to attend.

I love the FOTLK. My pics in December were horrible but I think it's because the camera was not working right at all. The main control panel in the camera was bad.

Congrats on the marathon. I would be happy to be able to walk in Disney let alone run. From the damage in my ankle my back and hip are acting up. I'm glad when I can walk with no pain. I used to be really athletic too. I miss those days.

 

[mickeystoontown]

Congrats on signing up for the PHM! You've got some really great running buddies too!

Your pictures in this update are as fantastic as always. Love the ones of the Festival of the Lion King and in Camp Minnie Mickey. My show pictures always turn out gosh awful. Unfortunately, the show was closed when we went on our last trip so I'm really really looking forward to seeing it in the new theater.

 

[MEK]

I'm sorry I didn't get around to replies today, but I do have some great news!

I booked the BWV for the Princess Half Marathon 2/21-2/24!!!!!! SO EXCITED IT WAS AVAILABLE!!!!!

That is all....

 

[KatMark]

I'm sorry I didn't get around to replies today, but I do have some great news!

I booked the BWV for the Princess Half Marathon 2/21-2/24!!!!!! SO EXCITED IT WAS AVAILABLE!!!!!

That is all....

That is awesome, Mary Ellen!