Turn Around and See What Happens -- It's Whoopi Time and that's a wrap 3/31; F&G add

[jenseib]

Welcome home Kathy!!!!

 

[that's nice]

Welcome Home Kathy! Looks like you guys had a great time.

 

[jedijill]

Welcome home!

Jill in CO

 

[annmarieda]

Welcome home, Kathy!

 

[MeMom]

I am so glad you got to take that Florida trip and that you got some Disney time and some Nicki time in. Just a long weekend right now would be so refreshing. At least we are getting a break in the weather now. The sun is beginning to peek out and the temperatures are rising. That helps - but there are still no palm trees. I may have to take a ride out to the hospital where Hadley was born. They had palm trees in the atrium at the food court.

So sorry to hear about Joe. A friend of mine lost her battle with cancer last week. Her service is today. She got to live to her early 60's, though, and see her kids grow up and have her kids know her. Joe will not get that, and that certainly adds hugely to the sadness. Prayers for the family and friends as they go on this unwanted journey together.

 

[Chicago Mo]

Welcome home! Thanks for bringing the warmer weather!!

 

[GoofyFan1515]

Welcome Home!

 

[mommy2mrb]

Prayers for Joe and his family heart goes out to his sweet little girl



welcome home! loved seeing your photos on FB, sorry you got some rain, but better than snow!

 

[KatMark]

I'm going to try to get as many replies done as I can (work has kicked my butt since we got back and I'm trying to put my house back together--we had four rooms painted on our first floor and I have a huge mess and a bigger job of putting everything back.

How fun to have lunch with a fellow diser!

We had a really good visit.

So funny...yet so sad about the snow. Funny how kids love to get their pic with that snowman!

Yes they do!

Not sure if I would say she looks like she is enjoying that ride.

Nope, she didn't like it at all.

That was a nice ride through the movies to end a long work week!

I'm glad you enjoyed.

I don't blame you for sitting out Star Tours, it makes me really sick too.

It never used to bother me, but now it does.

Hmmm, not too sure if Cayley liked the ride or not. She doesn't look too thrilled there but most people don't in that ride photo.

Nope, she didn't like it. She said she was happy she tried it, but she doesn't want to do it again. I'm not sure what Avery will do in May/June because I can't ride it.

Sorry I am a bit behind here Kathy... So relieved for your clean bill of health - I did comment on FB - but I figured that I would mention it here too... What a nice way to start your vacation with no worries!

D, no worries at all. I am so far behind everywhere again. You leave town for nine days and it throws everything off. It really was good news, as always.

Also - you know how I feel about Dismeets... How awesome that you were able to meet and have lunch. Still bummed that you won't be in Chicago when we come in May... The funniest part of all of this... You've met Suzi... You've met me... But you have yet to meet Mo - and you both live in Chicago... I think the two of you need to meet for lunch one day soon.

I am bummed too that I won't be here. I know...Mo and I need to work on that once the weather clears up.

Loved the update and the ride through TGMR!

Thank you.

Lastly - I hope you have a fantastic trip! Looking forward to some live updates on FB over the next few days! Enjoy the warm and the sun!

D~

Thanks, D. We had a good trip (and business was good too). We had one rainy day, but the rest of them were full of sunshine.

Congrats on the test results! I can't imagine what a relief that must be!

Thank you; every year I let out a huge sigh of relief.

Have a great trip! It's been cold in the mornings here the last couple of days, but warms up quick and has been perfect weather, especially for a Disney trip!

Thank you..we had a great trip and the weather was pretty darn good too.

Wrong? I never used that word.........

No...but I read between the lines.

The girls look real excited Mr. Mark took them to the movies.

I think Cayley was already dreading the Alien.

I still haven't gotten a picture with the snowman.......

Well what are you waiting for?

Great job my Cayley riding RnR with Mr. Mark.

Proud that she tried it, but she won't be back. She's my girl!!!

Hope you have a great trip!!!!

Thank you.

I am sure you are on your way but have a magical trip and be blessed with warm dry weather.

Thanks, Pat. We had mostly warm weather and only one rainy day, so it worked out well. We even came back to some warmer temperatures until the snow last night/this morning.

Not sure how Cayley feels. Hopefully she loved it.

Nope...far from loving it.

Nice DHS day all around. I never seem to spend time around the area where the snowman is.

Unless you are shopping in the Muppet Store there really isn't a reason to be back there.

Have a great trip Kathy !! I love the GMR , can rid it over and over !!!

Thanks, Rosie. I know you love GMR...we do too (although wish they'd update it a bit).

Sorry I am late in wishing you a wonderful trip, but I am home sick and was too tired to DIS.

I hope you are feeling better. We had a great trip.

But ...... now, have a wonderful and magical time on your trip. Safe travels.

Thank you.

Hope your travels went well today!!

Thank you; we had a great flight going down.

BW Bakery looks so yummy!! Great start to the day!

Yes, it does. I can't wait to eat there again in September.

 

[KatMark]

Oh I am soooo with Mark to get outta this cold weather would be devine!!!!

It was so wonderful to see some sunshine, Rosie, and MUCH warmer temperatures.

Kathy hope you feel better in the morning drink some Florida orange juice and try to rest. After all you want to be better when you see Mickey.

Thanks, Judy. I did drink some juice and also took some Dayquil and I felt better the next morning and even better the day after.

I hope you feel better soon! Enjoy a lot of the Vitamin Sunshine!

Jill in CO

Thanks, Jill. I think the Vitamin Sunshine was a bigger cure than the pills I popped.

Boo on being sick!!! Hope you feel lots better SOON!!!

Thanks, Mo; I felt better the next day and good as new the day after.

yep you missed the snow. but as you saw i posted a picture for you...

Yes, I saw that. And what was with the snow last night/this morning. Enough already!

New hat!!! it looks GREAT!!!

Glad you liked the hat.

Love the walking picture PRECIOUS!!!

Thanks. I liked that one too.

I hope you feel better!!

Thanks, Ann...I ended up being fine in a couple of days.

Sorry you are feeling sick
I have it on good authority that zebra domes have a medicinal quality - good for you that you are heading to the right place

Thanks, Linda. I skipped the zebra domes (not a fan), but the juice sure helped.

Loved the update and he Pooh ears are very nice. I am hoping to have some good hat pics in May. My traveling companion is fun like that.

Thanks; I though the Pooh ears were adorable.

Hope you feel better. I would rather be sick in Florida than be here in Philly. We are getting another storm with up to a FOOT of snow tonight.

I can't believe the snow that we have all gotten; it's been brutal.

I may be changing the title of my TR so just look for my name although I will PM those who have been replying. Someone started one a couple of days ago and used my title. I know I should be flattered but I'm not. And I keep opening it thinking it's my TR which is getting tiresome.

I've yet to have a chance to look at TR's, but I promise to get to it by the end of the week or over the weekend.

Enjoy that sunshine.

Thank you...we did.

Kathy, I really hope you feel better soon! No fun being sick on vacation.

Thanks, Karin. It was a short thing and I felt better the next day and even better the day after.

You got some great pictures on GMR! It can be a tough ride to photograph. Very cute photo of the girls and the snowman. Hopefully the real snow will be ending for you soon! I know the mid-west has gotten a lot this winter.

It is a hard place to get pictures with the moving vehicle; I got really lucky. I love that snowman picture with the girls. As for snow here, we got another four inches last night (some places got 6 - 8 inches).


Glad you all arrived safely! Sorry to hear you aren't feeling well. Rest up when you can! Being sick on vacation stinks. Enjoy your stay!

Thanks; I did end up better in a day or two.

You love the snow! Admit it!

NEVER!!!!

I'm glad you made it. Have a great trip.

Thank you...and we did.

And remember, you're not allowed to be sick on vacation so get over it!

Yes, boss!

 

[KatMark]

Hope that you're enjoying your "business" trip and are feeling lots better!

Thanks, Lisa; it was a short bug.

Update? We don't need no stinking update!

Well then you won't get one.

Glad you are enjoying yourself! Hope you are catching some rays!

I got a tiny little tinge of color on the trip (too much work and not enough play).

I hope you are feeling better Kathy and able to enjoy the rest of your trip!! I'm looking forward to seeing photos of AKL. One recommendation for Raglan Road - Ger's bread pudding!! So awesome! If you are not feeling better by then it will be like medicine!

Thanks, Brenda; I felt better the next day. I don't eat bread pudding...not a fan. But trust me, my hubby orders it EVERY time he is there and he had it again this trip.

Thanks for sharing the Dismeet photo with Linda. Sounds like a lot of fun!

We had a really enjoyable lunch together.

Oh I'm so sorry to hear you're not feeling well! Hopefully the meds will knock the ickyness right out.

Thanks; the meds did a great job of knocking it out of me.

I LOVE the picture of Mark in the Winnie hat - TOO adorable!

I thought that hat was the absolute cutest.

Hey at least you are getting to see slot of Florida this week so when you do retire you will know where you want to style. Enjoy Disney for a coupe of days. It is minus 20 here today and I so wish I was with you.

Mark called me to tell me he put in his expenses so I would know approximately when we'd get reimbursed. We drove 1502 miles throughout Florida.

Thank you for lunch and taking the time for the meet!!! I loved the hour of Disney conversation!! We will have to do this again some time.

I would love to do it again...I really enjoyed meeting you and our visit.

Sorry you still aren't feeling 100% Sure hope you are able to enjoy your time at AKL without the sore throat and running nose.

It was gone by the time we got to AKL.

Enjoyed the update. I couldn't tell if you got the gangster or the cowboy on your GMR.

We had the gangster.

And I couldn't decide if Cayley like RNRC or not. Truly it looked like she feared for her life.

She definitely was NOT a fan.

I finally found the umbrella is DHS this year, but I can't recall ever running into Mr Snowman. (however, probably a good thing at this point-I might be tempted to knock him over! )

The problem is you'd break your foot if you tried (he's behind the Muppet Shop near the Christmas shop which is near Mama Melrose.

Loved the look on Mark's face when you were on the faux monorail. It was sort of like "HA-out of there".

He was SOOOOOOOOOOOOO happy to be out of Chicago...even if he did have to work.

And I loved that Pooh hat. Looks like the ears are furry.

I believe they were; I was hoping they had a Tigger one.

So excited for you as today you check in at AKL!! Wishing I had a trip planned sooner as well. However, I did just get this years' AWHONN (an obstetrical group for nurses) convention pamphlet-taking place June 14-18 staying at Coronado Springs. Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm. Maybe it's an omen!

We loved our stay at AKL again. Can you go to that convention? I LOVE Coronado Springs.

I'd sure have to do a lot of finagling at work to make that happen.

Work your magic, friend.

Really hoping you are feeling better and enjoy your next couple of days at Disney!

I was...thank you.

 

[KatMark]

for DIS meets!

DIS meets are the best, aren't they? You should know...you just had a mega one at your home this week.

For a second, I mis-read this and thought you had used a FP+ on this ride and was like, "What were they thinking??"

I think they have a class for "reading".

You can't escape! Oh, except you just did.

We did and then came back to sunshine...until last night and this morning.



It was a nay nay on her part.

Hope you're having a great time in Florida!

We did...thank you.

View looks awesome! Enjoy!

Thanks; it was a great view, even though we never saw a giraffe.

Plans sound good too - MK is always fun and another DISmeet with Mary Ellen! You are going to have a blast.

We had a really nice visit with Mary Ellen and Denny.

Ohhh SUN! GREENERY!!! Animals!!! WARMTH!!!

I brought a little of that warmth back...well, at least for a day or two.

LOVE LOVE LOVE!! So great! Sounds like you have a great day planned.

Thanks; I do LOVE AKL and we had a great day.

Enjoy!! Love the views

Thank you.

Nice view. Wow that is one big resort. We have eaten at Bona but didn't realize how big it is. You could have quite a hike to your room.

You could and we did...our first stay at Kidani. This time we weren't quite as far off the elevator.

Hi! I'm new here I just wanted to say that I'm really enjoying reading your trip report as I anticipate leaving for our next trip tomorrow!!

I am always delighted to have a new reader. I hope you are having/had a great trip.

Such a great view from your room! Isn't AKL just a super place to stay.......

I have to say that it is tied with OKW as our favorite place to stay.

I know you must be having a wonderful day and lunch getting to meet MEK and Denny!!!

I met MEK and Denny last summer with the girls; so this is a bonus visit.

Aaaaaaah, so pretty!!! Hope y'all have a lovely trip!!!

Thank you; we did and we loved our stay at AKL (for what little we were in the room).

Beautiful!!! Enjoy!!!

Thanks, Ann.

Nice view Looks like you had a great day with your meet.

We did, thanks, Pat.

Love the view from your room view

Thanks; it was quite stunning.

 

[KatMark]

When we did FP we did the building. Wish the option to opt out was there. You were lucky. LOl

I don't plan on going again unless the girls insist (Mark and I don't care to do it).

Great updates and pics.

Thank you.

Nice you had lunch with Mary Ellen.

It was a great time.

Love the updates on FB.

Thanks, Scott.

Sounds like you had a very nice visit with tiggerrn2!

We did; and, of course, we talked DISNEY a good portion of it.

The girls are ready for their closeups!

I didn't realize HOW close I was until I saw the picture. Oops.

Love these!

Thanks! I just love the look on Cayley's face.

Wishing you a rain free day!!!

Thanks, Jeanette. Unfortunately, we started with a mist and by the time we went on an errand to fulfill the request of a fellow DISer, we were getting poured on.

Didn't know you would be live-posting here!

I try when I can.

Sounds like you are having a nice time, hope you are feeling better.

We had a really good time and I was feeling much better.

I hope the rest of your time away is wonderful!

Thank you; we had two great meals with Todd and Nicki and, of course, Nicki and I had a blast shopping.

So glad you got a good clear test!!!!

Thanks, Jen.

Looks like you having a lot of fun down there right now! too bad it wasn't a few weeks later and we could've met up! So jealous you got to meet up with Mary Ellen too!

One of these days our paths will cross.

I'm loving all of the live updates! It looks like you've been having a great time.

Thanks, Lisa. We really did have a great time.

This was Cayley's first time on the ride. How do you think she liked it?



Up next, another FP+ attraction, some lunch and OUR surprise.


I love this picture! I screamed my head off the first time I rode it last week.

I don't know if Cayley screamed (I'll have to ask Mark). I know she won't be going again, nor will I. I hope you loved it.

 

[KatMark]

I'm so sorry to hear about Joe. I saw your post on FB about it but I didn't know the connection. I frekken' hate cancer.

It just breaks my heart; he is so young with an entire life ahead of him that he will never see.

Loved your pics on FB! I especially loved the grey goose rainy slush pic. A little rain isn't stopping your fun! Enjoy your dinner with your 'sis!

That would be the Grand Mariner Slush, sir! That poor slush kept getting raindrops in it so I had to drink it a little faster than I usually do. And trust me...my head let me know it.

We had two great dinners with my 'sis!

When I get to heaven I want to become part of God's army and find what ever slimy, sleezy, freak of a demonic spirit who cohorted-my word- with the devil and came up with AND spread cancer to people, and kick their ever hell dwelling a**!!

Not that I have an opinion or anything.
Sorry, just one of those days.

Camille, I hear you and I certainly understand your rant. My heart bleeds for Joe, his wife and their adorable baby girl.

Ms. Kat I hope you are having an amazing time with your hubby.

We had a great time, thank you, Camille.

What a sad and tragic story. I will definitely say some prayers.

Thank you, Ann. Chemo started on Monday. I keep saying "I believe in miracles" and hoping for one for them.

So Sorry Kathy.. He will be in my prayers.

Thank you, Mo.

Kathy Cancer sucks! I will pray for Joe and his family, that they embrace every day together. The world can be so unjust sometimes

It certainly can. As my dad would say, that should be "him" when he reached a certain age and not someone who had their whole life ahead of them.

Hope you have a great time with Nicki and Todd (like always)!

Thanks; we did...but it was way too short.

So sorry to hear about Andy's friend Joe. Keeping Joe, his wife, that precious little girl, and the rest of his family in my thoughts and prayers, and sending lots of

Thank you very much; they can use all the prayers they can get.

I am finally here!

Erika is here.

Hope you are having a wonderful time this week in Florida.

We did, thank you. It was so nice to be somewhere without white stuff all over the lawn, etc.

We haven't done a lot of table service our past several trips to WDW so I am enjoying your pictures. Never done Yak & Yeti but think I will add it to our plans for November. Bummer about Garden Grill. We loved it many, many years ago when we first went. The food was good and you are right, the character interaction can't be beat. However two experiences later and we were done. Hate that it still isn't any better.

Mark and I are probably cutting down on our TS's this September as well. We LOVE Yak & Yeti. I was so wanting Garden Grill to be better.

Jiko looked wonderful. Need to try it sometime.

It was very good and I'm glad we tried it.

Do you use the dining plan when you go or do you have Tables in Wonderland? We have an AP this time and wondered which would be better.

I currently have Tables in Wonderland. We used to do the Dining Plan when it included an appetizer AND dessert AND the tip. Now, we find that the TIW card is the best option for us.

Too funny about Mark falling. I would have been soooo embarrassed. Glad he was okay.

I don't even think he was embarrassed; mad that I laughed, but not embarrassed.

Wish they would change the eyes on the clown pool. It needs real eyes and not stars. I think that is what makes it creepy looking, even more at night.

I didn't realize they were "star" eyes...I couldn't look that closely.

Glad you are having a good time.

Thanks; it's always a goo dtime in Florida.

Sorry to hear about your friend. He will be in my prayers.

Thank you.

 

[KatMark]

Welcome home Kathy!!!!

Welcome Home Kathy! Looks like you guys had a great time.

Welcome home!

Jill in CO

Welcome home, Kathy!

Thanks for the welcome home everyone.

I am so glad you got to take that Florida trip and that you got some Disney time and some Nicki time in. Just a long weekend right now would be so refreshing. At least we are getting a break in the weather now. The sun is beginning to peek out and the temperatures are rising. That helps - but there are still no palm trees. I may have to take a ride out to the hospital where Hadley was born. They had palm trees in the atrium at the food court.

Caren, I am too. We really needed a break from this winter. It's amazing what a little sunshine and palm trees can do to lift your spirits. It's just so exhausting dealing with all of the snow, etc. I like your idea of going to visit the hospital where Hadley was born to see the palm trees.

So sorry to hear about Joe. A friend of mine lost her battle with cancer last week. Her service is today. She got to live to her early 60's, though, and see her kids grow up and have her kids know her. Joe will not get that, and that certainly adds hugely to the sadness. Prayers for the family and friends as they go on this unwanted journey together.

It is such a sad, sad situation. I am sorry to hear about your friend. Even though still difficult when someone is older and loses the battle, it is just heartwrenching when it is someone who is so young. You should not be dying of cancer at the age of 30.

Welcome home! Thanks for bringing the warmer weather!!

I tried; I'm sorry I couldn't keep the snow away though.

Welcome Home!

Thank you.

Prayers for Joe and his family heart goes out to his sweet little girl

Thanks, Lisa; and she is already daddy's little girl.

welcome home! loved seeing your photos on FB, sorry you got some rain, but better than snow!

Thank you...glad you enjoyed them. I'll take Florida rain ANY DAY to snow in Chicago.

 

[eandesmom]

welcome home!

 

[KatMark]

welcome home!

Thank you, Cynthia. I'd rather be in Florida with the weather, but Mark leaves for Vegas tomorrow for a week and I have a house to put back together after all of our painting.

 

[KatMark]

After the girls and Mark got off Rock & Roll Roller Coaster, it was time for our next fastpass.

On our way there, we stopped here for a photo op:



In case you don't see the little blondie, she's sneaking her head in because the sun was in her eyes; I offered her my glasses but she didn't want them on. You can tell how bright it was by Avery's face.







Photopass pictures taken, we arrived here:

















We zipped right through with our FP and were on the ride in literally 3 minutes.

I believe I rode by myself and so I got no pictures of anyone's scores.

After that, it was off to do a little shopping. I had promised Cayley if she rode R&R, she would get a special present that she could pick out (and no I didn't leave Avery out). While the girls shopped, Mark tried on a hat:



They each bought a new doll (I know Avery got Belle; I can't remember what Cayley got).

The girls thanking us:





It was time for lunch and we were ALL hungry. Well, all except, Mark. Mark had a stomachache which he thought was from something he ate at the Garden Grill the day before. As it turns out, we found out just before we went to Florida that Mark has gallstones and needs his gall bladder removed (he's been having stomach pains off and on for over a month; he will have his gall bladder removed on April 17).

We were dining here:



Mark and I sat in the front row, Mary sat in the middle and the girls were hitchhikers.





Avery had a milkshake for her drink:



My onion rings (Lord, I love these):



My lunch:



Our waiter graciously took a group shot:





Up next, our BIG surprise.

 

[jedijill]

Mmm, lunch looks great!

Sorry Mark wasn't feeling well...hope the surgery goes off without a hitch and he is back up and feeling a lot better!

Jill in CO

 

[Tiggerrn2]

Loved the photos!!
Great hat for Mark!!
I almost didn't see Cayley in the photopass pix! That sun can really be bright when it is coming from the wrong direction at photo time.

Cute SciFi photo in the car too! Your food pix were making me hungry. Good thing it's time for bed or else I'd be headed to raid the cabinets around here.

Well, just waiting for the to finish in the dryer and I shall head off to rest my head on my pillows. With any luck, I will find myself in WDW in my dreams.