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

[MEK]

I agree with you about the All Star Resorts. I like the theming... something different and fun. I'm a sports junkie, so I'd love to stay at All Star Sports. I usually end up avoiding it like the plague though, because I know that if there is any kind of youth activity going on at Wide World of Sports, they'll be staying there.

It's really the youth groups that give it a bad rap. I bet its a nice place to stay when there aren't any kids around. It's super cute. I really loved running around the resort. I was actually disappointed we had such little time there.

Great pictures of RnRc and ToT. Thanks for leaving the camera out until the last second. Sorry the limo ride was a little rough, but I'm glad it didn't keep you down for long.

Glad you like the pics. I'm actually surprised I was brave enough to take all those pics. I didn't do that in May. Boo me!

Yup - the back of the limo is not a great spot for me. But the ride is always fun, rough or not.

I can't believe they're actually selling shirts themed on the magic bands...

Anything for a buck!

I'm glad you like your night at ASSports. My family has stayed there many times, it's where my husband and I stayed for our honeymoon, and it's where I worked during both of my College Program Internships.

back for my Feb TR Jedimeg!

You did two College Program internships? Cool! How fun that you and your DH stayed at the same resort you worked in . You obviously love the place. It is such a super cute resort. The All Stars really are so well themed and so timeless!

Ok, all caught up now!
Loved the recap/firsts and favourites.
And YAY for starting a new one!!

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed the recaps and I'm happy you were able to catch up!

I did, thanks for that Mary Ellen. Got a good chuckle! Although I'm worried because weather folks are saying we're in for (and I quote) "The T-REX of winters" this year.

I knew I could make a few of my northern friends laugh over that picture. Yup - scary stuff -that snow we got last year.

The T-REX of all winters. That does not sound good AT ALL!

Your flag is pretty cool. I googled it. I won't argue with you!

That's the Maryland flag. My state flag (Delaware) is seriously dull. But since I live so close to so many areas of Maryland I consider it my surrogate state flag and its awesome!

Sounds like a pretty smooth travel day. Glad you got to ASSports with no issues and (eventually) got checked in. I love that CMs try to be friendly and chatty, but I totally get you on it being too late for that!

Other than the slight flight delay it was a very good travel day. No complaints at all!

He was a super nice CM, but he clearly relies on caffeine to keep him going all night.

WOOHOO for 3 weeks to go until the next one!

It will be two weeks tomorrow!

I read about kayaking at the Fort before this trip. Johnny and I were seriously tempted, but our park time was just a little too short to use it up doing something we do almost every day at home. Still, next trip I'd really like to!

Honestly, I am sure where you kayak is MUCH nicer than any kayaking at Disney, but I am looking for something fairly budget friendly to do. I was going to do a water park. I have passes, but Denny would need one and for as little time as we would spend there I'm just not sure its worth the $50. We'll see. It's not out of the question.

LOVE rock n rollercoaster, it's usually where I run to first also. Although I LOVE the back!

I know you are a big fan of the back. In fact, I have yet to try the back of EE. I need to do that soon!

Great pics in the ToT line!

Thanks! :good vibes

WHEW! Caught up!

Yay!

 

[MEK]

You knew that? I seriously had NO idea and I thought I knew everything. Ummm - I mean close to everything!

FW is a pretty cool place. Lots to do there, and it's relatively secret for Disney!

I'm looking forward to checking it out. Not having a park ticket is making it so I want to uncover some hidden treasures. So FW - here we come!

My feeling is, if you're on Disney property, then it's a good place.

I couldn't agree more! There is no bad Disney resort. They are all special in their own ways!

I seriously hate the bag check there. It always feels SOOOOOOO endless!

Uh oh. I get that feeling a lot on EE. The backwards part feels so disorienting.

That backwards feeling on EE is super weird. There's a new coaster at BG Williamsburg that has a long section in the dark and it feels very similar only its going forward. For some reason shutting my eyes help which makes absolutely no sense because its pitch black.

Naturally, ToT makes perfect sense when you're feeling swimmy.

Of course it does! It's completely logical!

Great job on the ghost pictures!

Thanks!

No, just sane.

Thanks! I consider that a compliment!

Not my best look!

 

[jedimeg16]

After the All Stars opened up my family has always stayed at value resorts since we really only needed a place to rest our heads at night. But the theming is just so much fun anyways. My family has slept in the Hoops Hotel and Baseball sections and for our honeymoon Ryan and I were in the football section. But I haven't stayed at All Star Music yet, but it's the current resort of choice for me and a friend for our girls trip in a year or two.

And yes, I did two Disney internships - Spring 2004 and Summer Alumni 2005. I actually requested to go back to my work location. I worked in the food court, usually on the breakfast shift. Some days were just crazy (like a 14 hour shift on Mardi Gras), but it was a lot of fun and those 8 months flew by in the blink of an eye.

 

[eandesmom]

I have obviously missed a TON of chatter but did enjoy the lovely parade of photos and the recap.

I have to admit I'd forgotten about the Feb trip (even though you mentioned you were going to add it in here) and breathed a sigh of relief that you were working on that now. LOL! So, you take off in LESS than 2 weeks, will finish the Feb trip and then we tackle May?

I need to get my head on straight.

I cannot believe how up and ready you were to go at after such a late arrival and overly chatty CM. Great run pics, I've only stayed at ASM and that was just for one night. They are fun themes all over but I have to agree, those hoops are cool!

Way to knock out the big 2 right away, I take that means no TSM that day since you did RRC? I really despise that part of the DHS FP+ system.

 

[Disney9.9.10]

I'm sorry I've been such a terrible reader Mary Ellen! I loved your last installments though. Disney always does a great job with theming and you captured some great shots - not ones you see very often either, which is nice. You are much more brave than me, riding ToT and RnR, although you do have quite a pained expression on ToT lol

I hope all is well!

 

[khertz]

Well, you're certainly making up for your lost DHS time! Two of my favs, back to back. So many fantastic ToT photos! I love those ones of the ghosts getting zapped. And your hair on the drop PERFECTLY captures that ride!

 

[Queenofallthings]

2 of your 3 quiet pools are my fav's too, but only cause I haven't been to the 3rd ASMu will always hold a special place for me for the same reasons its does for you! I remember so clearly sitting around that pool when Shan was 6 and all I wanted to do was go to the room and sleep...what i wouldn't give to have that time back now knowing how quickly the years fly by!

Great update and great pics as usual...I never tire of your amazing abilities with a camera!

 

[natebenma]

Really? Class trip again? What are your dates? There is a slim chance that we may be int he world during early June.

Yup, doing it again!!!

Our dates are June 8-12, but only June 9, 10 and 11 will be park days.

Keep me posted!

 

[natebenma]

OK, it looks like so far you are making up for your HS miss in a big way!!!

Love your pictures from RnR!

Love your pictures from Tower of Terror even more.

Wow! The photo of the raven in the lobby is awesome. Love all of your lantern/lights shots.

And the ghosts!!!!



SO COOL!!!

 

[MEK]

After the All Stars opened up my family has always stayed at value resorts since we really only needed a place to rest our heads at night. But the theming is just so much fun anyways. My family has slept in the Hoops Hotel and Baseball sections and for our honeymoon Ryan and I were in the football section. But I haven't stayed at All Star Music yet, but it's the current resort of choice for me and a friend for our girls trip in a year or two.

I think its awesome when people have a favorite resort that they keep revisiting! I think all the resorts are awesome and I love each level of resort for different reasons. I have to admit, I wish I had more time to explore the different sections while we were there.

I hope you really enjoy All Star Music. We loved the Broadway area. It was right in the center of things, but also felt very private.

And yes, I did two Disney internships - Spring 2004 and Summer Alumni 2005. I actually requested to go back to my work location. I worked in the food court, usually on the breakfast shift. Some days were just crazy (like a 14 hour shift on Mardi Gras), but it was a lot of fun and those 8 months flew by in the blink of an eye.

That's so cool. Was the alumni after you graduated? I would love if one of my kids did the college program, but I'm not really sure if it will ever happen with their majors - finance and engineering. I know that advanced internships actually exist in both of those areas, but you must complete the basic college program first. And that's understandable, but both of them need major specific internships to graduate so its a lot to coordinate. We'll see.

I have obviously missed a TON of chatter but did enjoy the lovely parade of photos and the recap.

back Cynthia! I always avoid the banter, if I can. Otherwise I would always be behind on everyone's TRs.

I have to admit I'd forgotten about the Feb trip (even though you mentioned you were going to add it in here) and breathed a sigh of relief that you were working on that now. LOL! So, you take off in LESS than 2 weeks, will finish the Feb trip and then we tackle May?

Yup - two weeks from today we will be there and getting ready to enjoy MNSSHP. Can't believe its so close now. It really snuck up on me! I've got to get packing. At least I have everything out. That's a start!

I need to get my head on straight.

I hear ya! We can start whenever you want. I will finish this up, which shouldn't take long because its not all at Disney. A lot of it is pictures and commentary like - we went here and here and here and saw this and that, ect.....

I still have to edit my pics, but that's OK. I'll just do it as we move along.

I cannot believe how up and ready you were to go at after such a late arrival and overly chatty CM. Great run pics, I've only stayed at ASM and that was just for one night. They are fun themes all over but I have to agree, those hoops are cool!

I really wanted to get up and enjoy the time at Disney. I knew once we got over to Tarpon Springs we didn't have anything planned but dinner, so it would inevitably be an early night.

Way to knock out the big 2 right away, I take that means no TSM that day since you did RRC? I really despise that part of the DHS FP+ system.

We actually did RnR walk on and then started our FP's, so we did get to ride TSM!

 

[MEK]

I'm sorry I've been such a terrible reader Mary Ellen! I loved your last installments though. Disney always does a great job with theming and you captured some great shots - not ones you see very often either, which is nice. You are much more brave than me, riding ToT and RnR, although you do have quite a pained expression on ToT lol

back Krystan!

No worries! Sometimes its hard to be a consistent DISer. So easy to get behind. Trust me, I know!

So glad you like that pics. And, yes, I think my picture shows my true feelings. I honestly get very nervous on both rides. I'm always bracing myself. Normally I hold those hand grips like my life depends on it!

I hope all is well!

Thanks! All is going well and I'm excited to have another trip just a few weeks away.

Well, you're certainly making up for your lost DHS time! Two of my favs, back to back. So many fantastic ToT photos! I love those ones of the ghosts getting zapped. And your hair on the drop PERFECTLY captures that ride!

I really did try to make up for lost time. I was bummed that we never made it to HS last October. It's almost ridiculous that we completely missed it on 3 different occasions.

Glad you like the pics!

And, yes, my hair looks really crazy - almost like it has a bottle of hair spray holding it up.

2 of your 3 quiet pools are my fav's too, but only cause I haven't been to the 3rd ASMu will always hold a special place for me for the same reasons its does for you! I remember so clearly sitting around that pool when Shan was 6 and all I wanted to do was go to the room and sleep...what i wouldn't give to have that time back now knowing how quickly the years fly by!

back Jacquie!

Ahh - the ASMu piano pool. Nick was 12 and he was right at that age were I knew it was only going to look like a kid for another six months. We even decorated our window. He was just so darn cute. My friend was there with her son and the two of them stayed in that pool for hours.

Great update and great pics as usual...I never tire of your amazing abilities with a camera!

Thanks! You are too kind with the compliments!

 

[MEK]

Yup, doing it again!!!

Our dates are June 8-12, but only June 9, 10 and 11 will be park days.

Keep me posted!

Our dates are right before that. Of course. Boo! And my dates are never really that flexible with this new job. Plus, if we travel with Brian and Nick they need to go ASAP to get back for any summer internships they may have.

I know you are going to have a great time again and your travels with Ben's class always make for entertaining reading!

OK, it looks like so far you are making up for your HS miss in a big way!!!

That was the whole goal! I couldn't wait to get back to HS and make up for some seriously lost time!

Love your pictures from RnR!

Love your pictures from Tower of Terror even more.

Me too! I had fun taking those ToT pictures, plus it distracted me (briefly) from my fear of the drop. I kept saying - "one more, one more".

Wow! The photo of the raven in the lobby is awesome. Love all of your lantern/lights shots.

And the ghosts!!!!



SO COOL!!!

Thanks Dee! Those ghosts are super cool. I would love to be brave enough to take a picture as the car is dropping, but just not that brave!

 

[MEK]

Hi Guys! I didn't DIS yesterday because the site was down for awhile, so I will catch up on everyone's TRs later today.

But I used my time wisely and have another update ready. I'd like to get two more down before we leave for our trip, so let's get this one going, shall we?

DIS Meet with a DIS Mom

In my last update I left off here



We had just ridden RnR and ToT and look - we are still smiling!

Our next FP was for Star Tours, so we slowly headed in that direction. It was a beautiful morning. A little cool, but sunny with crystal clear blue skies.





The park was still fairly quiet



Time to get our ride on





We probably didn’t even need a FP + here, but we used it anyway.







Once again I was NOT the Rebel Spy, but I did find this article on how to increase one’s chances.

Be a Rebel Spy


After Star Tours we walked past The GMR. I seriously can not even tell you the last time I was on this ride. I don’t hate it, so I’m not sure why. I think its because the line is always super long and I have no idea why.



We were just enjoying the moment so I decided to take some pictures of all the handprints.



We all know where those hands were!





A lot of my pics turned out like this because of the extreme shadows I was creating in the bright sunlight.





We were still a little early for our arranged DIS meet



So more pictures



We stopped in OMD



I love Steamboat Mickey





I actually love all retro Mickey icons.



I feel like I can never get a good picture of this castle



Animatronic Abe



Love these models





Continued In Next Post

 

[MEK]

I seriously can’t wait to ride this in TWO WEEKS!!!!!!!!



Mickey’s Wheel of Death



Cool poster



I love this drawing. I take a picture of it every time I sneak in here



It was almost time for our DIS meet, so we sat outside and waited. In about 5 minutes we saw DISmom Amy and her family. Her boys are adorable. They had a FP for TSM and so did we, but the ride was currently down. Bummer. We chatted for a bit and the boys told us about their trip to watch baseball over in Tampa. Not surprisingly, after some adult conversation the boys got restless - no surprise there - they ARE boys! I remember the days when my kids were that age - same thing.

We did get the required picture proof of our meet.



We said our goodbyes and then Denny and I were off to kill some time while we waited for TSM to open back up.

With all the hype about this movie I knew I needed a picture



We decided to drop in here. I wanted to do the drawing class, but the line was fairly long and Denny doesn’t really care for this. I guess he’s just not in touch with his artistic side.



I really enjoyed the collage like effect of the pictures on the wall.









I just LOVE this drawing!



I like to buy a postcard whenever I go in here, so I looked through them. But I have most of them and none of the remaining ones caught my fancy.

We decided to check back and see if TSM was open.



That was a NO



So we took a walk.

I kind of wished I had done the Backlot Tour then because its closed now. Boo!













Our lunch ADR was at 12:30 and I was starting to feel a little hungry so I stopped for one of these (and made Denny hold it for a picture)



Our next stop was here.



That’s right - time for some Muppet Mania







Continued In Next Post

 

[MEK]

We arrived just before a new show started. Works for me!

This woman was right in front of me entering the theatre and I grabbed a quick picture because I wondered if this was one of Lisa’s bags. The pattern just looks so familiar.



Show time!





Love these guys



The 3D in the Muppets might not be the best, but this special effect is pretty cool.



Back outside to that beautiful blue sky





I know you saw this pic already, but we actually walked back in this direction



Time to head back to TSM



The hat



It was really shaping up to be am amazing day. It just felt so awesome to be out in the glorious sunshine



Was TSM finally open?

YUP!!!!!!



And we’re in!







OUCH!









It’s go time!



It is with great embarrassment that I post our lowly scores. But the good news is I actually won! Woo Hoo! Denny looked at his score and said Wahhhhhhhh! Well, that may not have been his exact word, but he was just a little dismayed by his dismal score.



We need some serious training by Danielle

*sigh*

Back out into the sunshine and I forgot to adjust my setting, by I like balloons so I didn’t dump this shot.



And with that we arrived at our lunch destination.




Up Next: Lunch and a bucket list drink!

 

[natebenma]

Our dates are right before that. Of course. Boo! And my dates are never really that flexible with this new job. Plus, if we travel with Brian and Nick they need to go ASAP to get back for any summer internships they may have.

I know you are going to have a great time again and your travels with Ben's class always make for entertaining reading!



That was the whole goal! I couldn't wait to get back to HS and make up for some seriously lost time!



Me too! I had fun taking those ToT pictures, plus it distracted me (briefly) from my fear of the drop. I kept saying - "one more, one more".



Thanks Dee! Those ghosts are super cool. I would love to be brave enough to take a picture as the car is dropping, but just not that brave!

Maybe that's good that you won't be there before we invade the parks with 130 teenagers. But I have to say, I am very proud of this group. From the time they were in elementary school, they have always been complimented for their polite behavior when they are on field trips.

Nate's classmates, while they did present a few issues for me, on the whole were well-behaved at the parks and the resort. We got compliments from the flight crew on the plane and we were at ASMo at the same time as other youth groups and our kids had much more consideration for others than the others I saw.



I do like to take pictures during "The Drops" (Tower of Terror, Splash Mountain, Rip Saw Falls at Islands of Adventure), but Mark gets made because all of our ride photos have pictures of me with my camera in my face.



I have never seen the detail and definition of the "ghost" pre-lightning strike before seeing your pictures!

 

[natebenma]

Hi Guys! I didn't DIS yesterday because the site was down for awhile, so I will catch up on everyone's TRs later today.

Yesterday was a BAD day for DISaddicts!

GORGEOUS picture!

Animatronic Abe

Animatronic UnAnatomically Correct Abe

(Yes, I know that is wrong in so many ways)

This woman was right in front of me entering the theatre and I grabbed a quick picture because I wondered if this was one of Lisa’s bags. The pattern just looks so familiar.

That's funny! I wonder if it is one of Lisa's bags.



Nice meet with Amy and the boys. I wonder who they saw play in the training camps. If I recall correctly, one of her boys is a Red Sox fan and one of them roots for the Evil Empire.



Awesome pictures from Toy Story Mania and Muppets.

Oh yeah- thanks for posting the link to the How to Be a Rebel Spy article. Totally going to send it around to my group before we go.

 

[teekathepony]

That "How to be a rebel spy" article is really interesting. I've never been the spy, maybe I should try some of those tips.
I love OMD, can't believe I missed it this past trip. I love so many of the concept paintings and drawings in there!
YAY for Dismeets!
I can NEVER get a good score on TSM. I finally learned a few tricks on Buzz though, but I'll still never try my luck against Danielle.

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

Don't worry Mary Ellen, I don't think many people were DISing during that time.

Not going to lie... "A little cool" at Disney sounds like a slice of heaven relatively speaking.

"We all know where those hands were!" OMG

I simply love everything about One Man's Dream. Period. Love your photos.

YAY DISmeet!!

 

[KatMark]

Seriously, was that not a pain in the neck yesterday with the DIS not working. We had a bit of rain and I really wanted to catch up everywhere.

Anyway, great updates! You got all those big attractions taken care of to make up for your lack of DHS the previous trip.

Great photos as you walked around the park until it was time f or your DIS meet.

We didn't have time for One Man's Dream this trip so I want to be sure we go next time for sure; I really hate missing it.

you got to meet Amy and her family. I've not yet had the pleasure, but she seems to be a real sweetheart.

I can't wait to hear about lunch at Sci Fi.