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

[Leshaface]

I love those photos you got of Illuminations from the parking lot!

Ahh, I love the twinkling lights path in EPCOT. So magical. I wish they could have those in the MK too when people are leaving the park. Would bring a bit more happiness, I'd think!

 

[Pinkocto]

Your upcoming trip sounds so much fun!!! I can't wait to hear what you think about Universal. Bonus you got Denny to agree to a costume.


I love all those Mickey ornaments, but scared they'll break on the way home.


Glad you had a great trip to Williamsburg!

 

[afwdwfan]

On October 19th we have party tickets and we have our costumes! Yup, that’s right -I got Denny to agree to wear a pirate costume and I will be his wench. I love my costume and can’t wait to wear it. If I could just get Denny to agree to wearing a jack sparrow hat and dreads we would be all set. I know he won’t. The costume itself is a MAJOR step. Trust me on this!

Come on... it is Disney World. Nobody would even blink at the Jack Sparrow dreds.

I’d like to try it but more for the ambiance then the food. We may just want to eat near Universal. I’m going to keep it for now, but there’s a good chance it may get canceled.

If you're going to be at Universal anyway, I'd just look for something around CityWalk. Plenty of good options over there, and probably better food.

Quite the night of do-overs.

I always love getting some do-overs on my favorites.

Design score

Not too shabby.

The fountains are so gorgeous at night. I miss them!

I was fearful that we may get stuck in the parking lot for a long, LONG time if we waited for the park to close.

Really? I've always thought they do a good job of getting traffic moved around. I don't think I've ever really got stuck in a parking lot there.

Finally - here are the rest of our PP pictures for the evening

Good pictures!

Not a bad end to the evening at all. At least you got to hear the fireworks as you beat the crowds to the exits!

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

But we had a great trip! And we found out that one of my dear friend’s sisters works for Colonial Williamsburg, so Denny and I ended up getting 1/2 priced annual passes. Can you say return trip to Williamsburg?

Score! Glad you had a great time!

It says this is my vehicle so OK!

Is that a steering wheel or a tire?

The fountains are so gorgeous at night. I miss them!

I agree! Love those fountains.

I’m kind of bummed I don’t have one clear picture of Nemo. Boo!

Booooo.

But I did get a clear pic of everyone’s favorite turtle dude!

Yay!

Always nice to have a return trip on the horizon to look forward to.

 

[dizneeat]

15 pages behind! Took me two days to catch up, but I am all caught up now.

 

[glaserjm]

Your Epcot pics are making me even more anxious to get my October trip started (27 days left to wait!). I think my favorite thing in WDW is Epcot at night.

Your plans before the cruise sound like a good combination between getting some Disney time in and relaxing! I'm eager to read about your impression of the cruise!

 

[MEK]

Playing catch up on everyone's TRs after returning from our vacation trip. Happy to hear that you had a great time at Colonial Williamsburg!

Welcome Back from your trip out west! Will there be a trip report coming????? PLEASE!

I love Williamsburg. It's one of my favorite places to visit!

I think that's the first time I've seen photos of Illuminations from outside the Epcot gates! Cool pics! Now back to working my way through your TR to see what else I've been missing!

I would have loved to stay and watch it from the park but our parking situation was SO bad and we had seen it several times this trip, so I made (we made) the practical decision and beat it out of there.

Your upcoming trip sounds like a lot of fun!

Thanks! I am VERY excited about it and can't wait for it to get here!

Yay for half price Williamsburg APs! It's always good to know people.

Jill in CO

I was so excited when I found out we could get half price passes! Totally worth it and now I have a great excuse to go back. We really enjoyed visiting the colonial section of Williamsburg. It's really fun!

Great update and pics.

Thanks! :good vibes

That is great about the 1/2 off for ap's to Williamsburg.

I was totally excited about that. $32 for a whole year is so great! Can't wait to go back again!!!!

Glad you are felling all better now.

Thanks!

OK so I admit that I am 5 months and 40 pages behind. sorry!!!

You are too funny! Welcome back stranger! I enjoy when you are here on the DIS. Are you updating your TR???? That's the most important question!

but have to say this is hands down the best lion photo ever.

Thanks! That was a spoiler alert for February.

Disney should pay you for some of your photos for their marketing. they are that good. really!!

Thanks! You are too kind!

I cracked up about Khali & Denny's man card. I made the mistake of wearing a denim skort on our last trip to AK. Yeah, NOT a good wardrobe choice when riding Khali. could not wait to get back to our room to change!!!

OMG. That's about the WORST wardrobe choice you could have. Can you say 10 pound wet chafing diaper wrapped around your hips! UGH! Now you know why I wear ponchos!

Bummer that you didn't enjoy the actual drink as much as the seminar...but good to find out about it at a mixology seminar rather than planning a whole vacation around whiskey & bourbon!

I really had no idea I didn't like whiskey & bourbon. I figured I would like them because I like ALL liquor. So, yeah, probably wouldn't have been too fun to find that out AFTER I got to Kentucky.

LOVE the chocolate images. they were simply amazing to look at!!

They get better every year. Well, actually I've only gone two years in a row, but still...

LOVE the view of the pool. I really want to try that pool. Are DVC members allowed to pool hop at the Boardwalk? That's the only way I would get to use the pool. Joe flat out refuses to visit the creepy clown head!

Yes, you can pool hop. Tell Joe he can go to the quiet pool while you have some pool time with the clown. Honestly, the clown is not nearly as creepy when you are sitting on the pool deck. You have to go see for yourself.

You had some great DISMeets while you were there! and bride stalking. But I really want to know what that drink was. Its not grey goose or grand marnier.....was it only for food & wine?

I loved all my DIS meets and there is still one to come!

It's some kind of berry slushy that they only make for F&W. I'm sure some DISer, with a better memory than mine, knows the name.

Help me out here people!

ok, back to life now, need to walk the dog & head out for my nieces' birthday & then a labor day picnic/birthday for my nephew. party on!

Sounds like you had a fun labor day weekend and your most recent trip looked like a lot of fun!

 

[MEK]

Looks like a fun night, but sad saying goodbye to Epcot. Glad you all had a great trip to Williamsburg as well.

It was a lovely last night. And, as you know, its always hard to say good bye to Epcot. *sniff sniff*

your upcoming plans sound great.
I vote for eating at Universal. so many great places on City Walk.

Thanks!

And I will definitely pick out a place to eat on City Walk. I haven't been there in FOREVER!!!!!

I've been away from the Dis the last few weeks, for obvious reasons, but all caught up! Your October plans sound great and I cant wait to see pics of the two of you in your costumes!

I can't imagine why you would have to take any time off from the DIS. It's not like you moved cross country or anything like that.

I'm really looking forward to October. I would love to see you guys if you are free at any time.

IVery cute PP pics And beautiful pictures around Epcot

Thanks! :good vibes

Sigh - I miss EPCOT. The fountain, the fireworks. SIGH

I hear ya - double *sigh* And you were just there!!!!!

As always some great pictures and it sounds like a wonderful evening.

Thanks and it really was a great evening for our last night. Sorry to see it end but we went out on a high.

Your October plans sound wonderful, with a great mix of activities and relaxation. I love the different Christmas ornaments you can find at Disney. Luckily I have yet to purchase nearly as many as I'm tempted by.

I am SO excited for October. Right now it can't get here soon enough. Now that summer is unofficially over I am totally ready for our October trip!

I love ALL the Christmas ornaments, but they are all so over priced so that helps keep me in check!

Hard to beat EPCOT at night, with all the lights and fountains and IllumiNations! Great to see Denny is still enjoying Test Track!

He is, isn't he??? Once again, Denny shows his true colors!!!

Love the balloon PP picture

That was a fun one even though my position looks slightly unnatural.

 

[KatMark]

I could have sworn I replied to this.

I love your October plans, and I'm so happy Denny has agreed to wear a costume.

Your pictures, as always, are wonderful.

 

[MEK]

All caught up!

Yay!

I

'm so sorry you were feeling that sick It kinda seems like the poor weather may have been a blessing in disguise. At least the day you missed was rainy. And now I keep thinking of this picture I keep seeing on Pinterest that says "I'm ready for some blessings that aren't in disguise." LOL. So glad you're feeling better!!!

I think you are right. If it had been a beautiful day I think I would have pushed through to feel better. Once the rain hit, that didn't seem quite as important. I am feeling so much better and have for months. It's almost like it never happened. Thank you for the well wishes! :good vibes

And hooray for having a great time in Williamsburg!!

It really was such a fun time! I love it there!

LOVE the magic shot with the balloons!!!!

Thanks! I kept asking for magic shots, but I kept getting PP photographers that couldn't do any. Finally got one!

Yay for Denny agreeing to wear a costume. But it still hasn't actually happened yet, so we'll see, right?

Nope, it hasn't happened yet. But, the moment he puts that costume on there WILL be a FB picture, so BE ready!!!

The one good thing about fireworks over your shoulder is the lack of activity in the parking lot in front of you.

You got that 100% right on! We got right out of that parking lot. I can't imagine what a mess that parking lot must have been starting in about, say, 10 minutes!

You will find out how big that parking lot really is at the PHM.

Uh oh - THAT doesn't sound good.

Do you mean I'll find out how big it is when I am lined up in the last corral or when I have to run through it? Or both!

We're really looking forward to it, too!

It's going to be a lot of fun!

we are debating about whether or not we want to go to MNNSHP. Have you been to it before?

I have been to the party 3 times before. I skipped last october because I knew I was going this year. It's really a great party. I highly recommend it. The decorations are great, the parade is awesome, and Hallowishes is wonderful. If you don't go this trip you must put it in your future plans. Well worth it!

I’m loving your plans for the October trip! Sounds like some laid-back fun! Celebrate a ilttle bit extra on the 22nd – that’s my birthday!

I'm very excited for our October trip and I promise to celebrate a little harder (if that's possible) on the 22nd!

I love that ornament!! Not sure just what it is about it, but I love it.

That ornament is so pretty! I have to give it to Disney - they sure know how to make some pretty ornaments.

Nice pics of the fountains and the aquatic life.

Thanks! Gotta love the fountains!!!

I had to post this before I forgot....if you have a water park ticket and are going to buy Denny one, I'd suggest Blizzard Beach. We spent the morning and early afternoon at the water park and then walked to Winter Summerland to play mini-golf. We left our things in the park locker and walked to the course. After playing mini-golf, I walked back into Blizzard Beach, retrieved our bag and then we walked to the bus stop. It was super easy to do.

That's a great idea! I really didn't think of that before. That would work perfectly! Thanks Lisa! We did got to BB last October and we loved it. Definitely need to play some mini-golf this trip!

Okay, going back to read the rest of the update.

 

[MEK]

Okay, I'm back and I forgot to post more about your upcoming trip plans. I'm betting that you won't get Denny into the Jack Sparrow hat and dreads. Like you said, you've already talked him into a costume so you'd be best to stop there.

Lisa - I think you are right on with this one! Probably is best to leave it alone! :roll eyes:

Your pictures on Test Track and in Nemo and Friends are all great! I can never ever get good pictures on either one of them.

Thanks! I think I lucked out on some of those pics. Nemo is next to impossible. I tried taking the camera off auto focus and that may have helped a little.

I love those photos you got of Illuminations from the parking lot!

Thanks! Hey - if I was going to miss Illuminations I at least had to get something.

Ahh, I love the twinkling lights path in EPCOT. So magical. I wish they could have those in the MK too when people are leaving the park. Would bring a bit more happiness, I'd think!

I totally agree! They should put them in all the parks. There is something so happy about looking at them. Just another part of the magic. pixie dust:

Your upcoming trip sounds so much fun!!! I can't wait to hear what you think about Universal. Bonus you got Denny to agree to a costume.

I haven't been to Universal in years so I am sure I am going to love it. I just hope the crowds aren't super crazy.

Total bonus on the Halloween costume for Denny!

I love all those Mickey ornaments, but scared they'll break on the way home.

Me too! I know they wrap everything really well, but I have definitely passed on things for fear that they would not survive my flight home. Plus those darn ornaments are all so overpriced. It irks me!

Glad you had a great trip to Williamsburg!

We really did! It was a short trip, but it was so much fun!

 

[PracPerfPatricia]

Okay - I'm def going to forget stuff - I've read half way through...

Sounds like you had a good time at Williamsburg... It's a great place to go- not that I'm a big history geek or anything like that

I'm always impressed that you're able to photo on EE- I'm pretty proud that I make it through the ride- although I have to say I do enjoy it- that really steep climb up is the worst part for me...

F & W - you always have the best stories/photos from there - I NEED to do that and some seminars -Funny- we were in Ireland back in March and I got picked to do the whiskey tasting- (about 6 people on the Jameson's tour get to do it) and I actually do like whiskey- you get to taste scotch, whiskey and bourbon - I don't know if the whiskey you get is the highest quality of the three but I did prefer the whiskey, the bourbon wasn't bad- I like bourbon in a cocktail i.e. with apple cider,etc. I didn't particularly care for the scotch. I think for a lot of people the clear alcohols-vodka, light rum are easier on their palates unless they acquire a taste for one of the others.

Nice, nice day in World Showcase... making me decide what to do -Eric booked a surprise trip for family- mid December -4 nights in Dis, 2 at Universal- really 3 days in WDW and 2.5 in Universal (broke down need to do Harry) so now I have to figure out how to break down the WDW days and deciding whether to just do three parks... sorry to hijack- just thinking...

Ahhh- those creepster chairs Todd and Paul are back- Huh? & I haven't gotten to this part yet- but when I was paging through to get to reply it looks like those questionable Morocco pictures are back as well... (can't wait to see why they're making an appearance... is the rating of this TR about to go from a PG13 to an R?

As always enjoying your awesome photos...

 

[Disney9.9.10]

I'm sorry that I'm so behind Mary Ellen! I hope to get caught up soon, but I did take a quick look through your last update.

Great title for your last update! Fireworks over your shoulder, until next time!

Your photo pass photos turned out great!

I hope that you are doing well

 

[MEK]

Come on... it is Disney World. Nobody would even blink at the Jack Sparrow dreds.

True. It's just getting Denny to believe that!

If you're going to be at Universal anyway, I'd just look for something around CityWalk. Plenty of good options over there, and probably better food.

We will definitely eat over there one night. I just need to decide where. I have always wanted to eat at Bubba Gumps. I think that's over there, but I'm not even sure.

I always love getting some do-overs on my favorites.

Me too! I have been to the parks with people that only want to do each ride once, but if there's no line and I'm feeling it, I totally want to go around again.

Not too shabby.

Thanks!

I STILL miss them!

Really? I've always thought they do a good job of getting traffic moved around. I don't think I've ever really got stuck in a parking lot there.

Well, if anyone can empty a parking lot, its got to be Disney. But I have NEVER parked that far away and I have to admit, I was seriously intimidated!

Good pictures!

Thanks!

Not a bad end to the evening at all. At least you got to hear the fireworks as you beat the crowds to the exits!

Hey - and that's almost like watching them, right????

Wait - you mean its NOT???

Score! Glad you had a great time!

I have been there several times without buying the pass because anyone can walk into the historic district. You just can't go inside the exhibits. And, honestly, I don't even think they check the passes. But we went inside a lot of the exhibits and I loved it. It was so much fun and Denny, well you just can't get him to stop asking questions.

Is that a steering wheel or a tire?

Hmmmmm - good question.

Denny? Oh Denny?

I'll get back to you on that!

I agree! Love those fountains.

They are totally part of the magic!

Booooo.

I know, right?

Yay!

Always nice to have a return trip on the horizon to look forward to.

It's really the best feeling!!!!

15 pages behind! Took me two days to catch up, but I am all caught up now.

YAYAYAYAYAY! Welcome Back!

 

[MEK]

Your Epcot pics are making me even more anxious to get my October trip started (27 days left to wait!). I think my favorite thing in WDW is Epcot at night.

NICE! Early October, I presume?

I love Epcot at night, too!

I hope you have a wonderful trip!

Your plans before the cruise sound like a good combination between getting some Disney time in and relaxing! I'm eager to read about your impression of the cruise!

I'm really looking forward to the cruise. We have been waiting for this for quite awhile! It's going to be a blast!

I could have sworn I replied to this.

You were away last weekend, so no worries. And maybe you did? Seriously, I am such a slacker these days that I am having trouble just getting my replies done.

I love your October plans, and I'm so happy Denny has agreed to wear a costume.

I am thrilled he agreed to the costume. That is huge!!!!!

Your pictures, as always, are wonderful.

Thanks! :good vibes

Okay - I'm def going to forget stuff - I've read half way through...

So funny that you posted on my TR because I was thinking about you today! Hope your summer was great!

Thanks for stopping by and getting caught up!

Sounds like you had a good time at Williamsburg... It's a great place to go- not that I'm a big history geek or anything like that

Nah - not you!

I adore Williamsburg. Every time I go there I have a great trip. I never tire of it (just like another place we all love).

I'm always impressed that you're able to photo on EE- I'm pretty proud that I make it through the ride- although I have to say I do enjoy it- that really steep climb up is the worst part for me...

I've had lots of practice. It's gotten easier. Now if I could just get brave enough for ToT!!!

F & W - you always have the best stories/photos from there - I NEED to do that and some seminars -Funny- we were in Ireland back in March and I got picked to do the whiskey tasting- (about 6 people on the Jameson's tour get to do it) and I actually do like whiskey- you get to taste scotch, whiskey and bourbon - I don't know if the whiskey you get is the highest quality of the three but I did prefer the whiskey, the bourbon wasn't bad- I like bourbon in a cocktail i.e. with apple cider,etc. I didn't particularly care for the scotch. I think for a lot of people the clear alcohols-vodka, light rum are easier on their palates unless they acquire a taste for one of the others.

I think you are right. Vodka and rum are definitely much easier on my palate. I guess I could keep working on the whiskey and bourbon. Of course, I would probably need to drink a lot to do that. Which might not be a bad thing?

I hope you had a wonderful time in Ireland!

Nice, nice day in World Showcase... making me decide what to do -Eric booked a surprise trip for family- mid December -4 nights in Dis, 2 at Universal- really 3 days in WDW and 2.5 in Universal (broke down need to do Harry) so now I have to figure out how to break down the WDW days and deciding whether to just do three parks... sorry to hijack- just thinking...

That sounds like a wonderful trip! Definitely not a hijack. I love to hear your plans. It sounds perfect. Will Em be able to join you?

Ahhh- those creepster chairs Todd and Paul are back- Huh? & I haven't gotten to this part yet- but when I was paging through to get to reply it looks like those questionable Morocco pictures are back as well... (can't wait to see why they're making an appearance... is the rating of this TR about to go from a PG13 to an R?

Not really. I forget how we got on the Morocco pictures. Oh wait - its because I found something questionable at AK and the stream of consciousness that followed...... But I blame it all on Pat!

As always enjoying your awesome photos...

Thanks!

 

[MEK]

I'm sorry that I'm so behind Mary Ellen! I hope to get caught up soon, but I did take a quick look through your last update.

No worries! It's so easy to get behind when you are busy. I have been behind all summer!

Great title for your last update! Fireworks over your shoulder, until next time!

Exactly. Until next time and fortunately there have been a couple next times since then!

Your photo pass photos turned out great!

Thank you!

I hope that you are doing well

I am. thanks! We had a nice quiet summer and have another Disney trip on the horizon. Nothing wrong with that!

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

I'm glad you were able to make you FP+'s. I really wasn't sure how that worked with staying off site. Do you have to tie the ticket to a magic band? :

Thanks Mary Ellen!!! Offsite is 30 days advance for each day, so I could only do each day 30 days out. Quite the pain. And I can only hold 7 days at a time. But no, you don't have to tie the ticket to a Magic band (I have an AP but would apply to a third party ticket as well) but you can if you want. Since i have one, I did, but it's not required.

 

[eandesmom]

In upcoming trip news:

I got our tickets to MNSSHP and was able to secure a FP for mine train during the party! Yeah! That was the ONLY FP I could secure. Oh well.

As you probably know, we won’t have a park ticket for October and that’s going to be tough.

Here’s our plans so far:

We arrive on October 17th in the evening and check into the VWL on the 18th. My plan for the 18th is to head over to Celebration for Oktoberfest 2014. I’m looking forward to that. It’s something different and gives us a chance to visit Celebration again.

Right now we have an evening ADR at Kona, but I may drop it all together and either eat in Celebration or do a walk in at Olivia’s.

On October 19th we have party tickets and we have our costumes! Yup, that’s right -I got Denny to agree to wear a pirate costume and I will be his wench. I love my costume and can’t wait to wear it. If I could just get Denny to agree to wearing a jack sparrow hat and dreads we would be all set. I know he won’t. The costume itself is a MAJOR step. Trust me on this!

During the day we may go to Kona for a late breakfast then swing on over to the Contemporary or the GF for some pool time. The WL main pool will be closed. I’m also considering just driving to another resort to go swimming. I wouldn’t mind hitting up one of the SSR pools or maybe the pool at CSR.

On October 20th we are going to head over to the Dark side. We also check into the VGF today! Woo Hoo! I can't wait to stay here and wish our stay was longer.

We have a dinner reservation at T-Rex that evening, but once again I am just not married to this idea. I’d like to try it but more for the ambiance then the food. We may just want to eat near Universal. I’m going to keep it for now, but there’s a good chance it may get canceled.

Ummm...so in the same day are you changing hotels, going to the dark side and planning a possible dinner at TRex? Did I read that right? I would definitely scrap that. Lots of great placed either at Citywalk or in the hotels. Jakes at RPH, The Kitchen at Hard Rock or of course, Margaritaville!

It is going to be odd without park tickets but you've got some good options lined up.

Fun update and as always, great fountain pics. I do love that walkway too, how can you not!

 

[Millie12591]

Your trip is just around the corner!!

It's shaping up nicely.

Does it seem strange to go there and not have park days planned?
People do it all the time and still have a blast, I'm sure you'll get your fill for at least one park when you go the MNSSHP, that's the best park any way.

Time for me to catch up on your TR. I've been so behind on everyone's, including mine. I started out posting at least every two weeks, now I'm lucky if I get it done every month.

 

[saintstickets]

Here’s our plans so far:

We arrive on October 17th in the evening and check into the VWL on the 18th. My plan for the 18th is to head over to Celebration for Oktoberfest 2014. I’m looking forward to that. It’s something different and gives us a chance to visit Celebration again.

Right now we have an evening ADR at Kona, but I may drop it all together and either eat in Celebration or do a walk in at Olivia’s.

On October 19th we have party tickets and we have our costumes! Yup, that’s right -I got Denny to agree to wear a pirate costume and I will be his wench. I love my costume and can’t wait to wear it. If I could just get Denny to agree to wearing a jack sparrow hat and dreads we would be all set. I know he won’t. The costume itself is a MAJOR step. Trust me on this!

During the day we may go to Kona for a late breakfast then swing on over to the Contemporary or the GF for some pool time. The WL main pool will be closed. I’m also considering just driving to another resort to go swimming. I wouldn’t mind hitting up one of the SSR pools or maybe the pool at CSR.

On October 20th we are going to head over to the Dark side. We also check into the VGF today! Woo Hoo! I can't wait to stay here and wish our stay was longer.

We have a dinner reservation at T-Rex that evening, but once again I am just not married to this idea. I’d like to try it but more for the ambiance then the food. We may just want to eat near Universal. I’m going to keep it for now, but there’s a good chance it may get canceled.

October 21st is our anniversary and we currently have dinner plans at the California Grill. We have no day time plans, so maybe we will go to a water park or DQ. Maybe we’ll do nothing but hang out by the pool. I have waterpark tickets, so we would just need one for Denny. I would also like to play min golf, because I’ve never done that at Disney. It’s going to be a laid back day and that is just fine for me.

October 22nd is our last full day before our cruise, so its back to Universal studios. No dinner plans for tonight. I would really like to make sure we hit up World of Beer during this trip. Caitlin has raved about it so much I don’t see how I can NOT go there.

I don’t have any definite DIS meets set up yet. I hope to remedy that. Whose going to be there? Rebecca? Are you up for a meet?

October 23rd is the start of the cruise. We will probably do a walk in breakfast somewhere before we leave for the port.

Once again we are so close and yet so far...We'll be leaving October 11th so we'll miss y'all by less than a week! I'll try to leave some food but no promises!

Great update as usual.