What Time is the 4 o'clock Rain? -- Updates 11/2-4 -- Tim's surprise and Marco&Recap

[TMGosizk]

Great DisMeet! So exciting you were able to meet up for lunch not far from where you work!

 

[FauntleroyFAN07]

mmm drinks in disney at the pool sounds like a plan to me.

 

[KatMark]

Those steaks looked yummy!! I am very excited for Jiko!! And let me clarify the girls are going to the Simba's for fun not because they do not know how to behave in a restaurant . I have traveled with them since they were itty bitty and they know if they act up they will be on a one way flight to Tomorrowland. HA HA. I am big on manners but am lucky they are good kids. Can' t wait to get back to OKW in May!!

It was good talking to you and Cayley on the phone today. The steaks are yummy; we can do Yachtsman on our girls' trip. I'm excited for Jiko too. Oh, trust me, I know your kids would never behave that way in a restaurant. And I hate to tell you they might like that one way trip to Tomorrowland...Space Mountain is there after all. You have GREAT kids.

The BEST drink in all the world!

I agree; it's even better than my slush.

Well...other than maybe a few of the margaritas at The Ditch

Never had one; I'm not a big margarita drinker, but I do want to try one at some point.

What a lovely morning! I hope to try breakfast at Olivia's one of these days, we do have dinner reservations there in Jan and I am hoping maybe Mary Ellen and I hit it for breakfast one day in May.

We like dinner and breakfast...we've done them both a couple of times now.

Yay! a leisure day!

On longer trips, we really need one of those.

I am glad you enjoyed breakfast at Olivia's. We love it there.

It's my third time for breakfast...I'm with you...love it.

Would you believe that we have NEVER been IN the main pool. We usually enjoy the quiet pool. But your photos look so nice, well maybe next time we might even head to the main pool.

This was the first time Mark was at the main pool (I went with the girls to the main pool on our two girls trips at OKW). It was not overcrowded and not a lot of screaming people.

Hey your toe nails look like the same color I have on mine right now.

It's my favorite summer color.

I did some laundry last week also. I just sit at the quiet pool and relax. I may need to just do a pool (and adult beverage) day in May. DH is not a resort pool person. The chlorine makes his sinuses go crazy.

We love our pool time; and an adult beverage makes it all the better.

I have not tried the Turtle Crawl yet. I usually get the Piña Colava. Do they have it only at OKW?

Yes, the Turtle Krawl is only available at OKW.

There's that Turtle Krawl! I knew it would make an appearance! How nice to build in a relaxing day at the pool! I had to chuckle at the pool rules sign - "bathing load" can't say pool capacity?? But my favorite - don't swallow the pool water. Just a warning to anyone who is extremely thirsty I suppose.

You know me well, friend. I must have at least one (and probably more) each time we stay there. I didn't even read the pool rules...that is too funny.

I wonder how much that sauna gets used in August??

Would you believe we saw a young couple coming out of there?

I'm tempted to book a breakfast at Olivia's since you've seemed to have good luck there. We'd have to take a taxi since using the buses wouldn't be so convenient. But with any hidden gem, I'm sure there's a trade off.

We really like it; I love my buffets at Crystal Palace and my Kona breakfast, but Olivia's is really good.

Thanks for the heads up about Bob's travel dates. I didn't know he was there at the same time. For some reason I only saw mention of his June dates. I'll have to PM you guys.

Yep, there are a LOT of people who are on this thread who will be there the same week you and I are.

Looks like a nice relaxing morning! One of these trips I'm going to slow down enough to sit at the pool for a while. Not happening next week as Jim doesn't even own a swim suit!

Too bad you can't do it this trip; I know they don't allow you in the pool without swim suits.

I was afraid that the Boardwalk Bakery didn't have any seating. That's what I remember from being there last year. I'll probably still check it out so I can take some pictures for Mom. We are just trying to find a counter service somewhere near or on the way to the wedding venue, Seabreeze Point, for lunch. We don't have park tickets for that day or I would suggest heading into Epcot.

I hope you find something suitable for you for that day.

Great update Kathy... The pool at OKW looks marvelous! It just looks like such a relaxing resort.

D, it has really become our "home". It is very relaxing and very quiet, even when busy.

I think you do your days off like they should be done... Just relaxing by the pool. I hope to fit a day like this into our next trip.

D~

Best way to spend a morning off.

Nice updates, Kathy! Yachtsman really looks like a great place for us to try on our next "just us" trip! I'm glad you were able to wait for a nice quiet table for your anniversary dinner. Not cool of people to let their children run amuck at a place like that.

Yes, it is definitely a good place for a "just us" trip; it would be really expensive if you took that entire crew you traveled with last time.

Ahhh, your pool day is shaping up nicely. Looks like you both got your relaxation on!

I did and the drink made it all the more relaxing.

Oh what a LOVELY morning!!!! even more lovely DRINK!!!

Mo, it most certainly was.

i just love your reports!!

Thank you.

regarding kids... YES bad parent's = worse kids!!!! I just wish people/kids had RESPECT...

My parents and Mark and I would NEVER allow some of the stuff we see to go on.

 

[KatMark]

what a wonderful morning to relax and sip a favorite drink the pool area looks so fun!

I think it is one of my favorite resort pools; and I love the slide area.

I do love leisure days at WDW. I wish I would plan more of them

Jen, when you reach our age, you probably will.

Loved your relaxation day!!

Thank you.

It sounds just lovely, and I actually found myself sighing longingly a few times looking at your pictures! Haha!

It's funny, I can do that at a pool for hours, but not at the beach (probably because those drinks aren't at the beach.

The pool looks wonderfully not crowded at all and that drink looks yummy!

I was surprised that the pool wasn't more crowded.

Looking forward to reading about your shopping excursion!!

I had hoped to get it up today, but probably tomorrow for the next update.

Tell her that I said hello!

I did, Lisa.

Is anyone else shocked they didn't meet at Starbucks?

You are such a brat, timmy.

Glad you guys had a chance to meet... good job getting the pic!

I think I've only missed a picture once on a DIS meet. It really was a fun meet.

So I caught up with the relaxation chapter and...now I'm feeling pretty mellow.

I'm glad I could help you out, Mark.

Olivia's is another place on the list I need to try. As long as the building doesn't suddenly flip upside-down like in your first picture.

I didn't even notice that. And I'm too lazy to go back and fix it.

Great meet! Glad you two were able to get together.

I am too; Cynthia is a lovely lady.

Do NOT encourage him, Mark.

Awesome Dis meet! Two gorgeous ladies.

Jill in CO

Jill, thank you...you are too kind.

 

[KatMark]

Yay for a lovely DISmeet!

I love my DIS meets.

What a lovely relaxing morning at OKW
Lovely that you got to do a DIS meet today as well

Thanks, Lisa. It really was relaxing (despite doing laundry), and I had a great time with Cynthia.

yay for a Dismeet!!! And we WILL have to meet this year-maybe at a Museum of Science and Industry Disney Archives day!

That would be fun, Linda.

Loved the photos of your pool area. That looks like such an awesome spot to spend the afternoon relaxing. And the pool is soooooo wide open and uncrowded! Have you tried the slide?

It's a great pool. I have not tried the slide, but I know that Cayley and Avery love it.

What's for dinner next?

You'll have to wait a little longer to find out.

I was so surprised when I saw the Archives exhibit in the upcoming events for MSI! We last went to the museum last year, but I hope we can make it to see such a magical exhibit!

Mark noticed the sign when we were there with our son and daughter-in-law last month.

Kathy, I don't why, but when I saw the picture of Mark in the pool it reminded me of the movie "Grown Ups" with the scene where Kevin James peed in the pool. Not that Mark would ever do that.

Bob, you are killing me. I am And I'm sure Mark would never do that.

Love the pics of the pool area at OKW, I had no idea it looked that nice. I also agree, I think the sea shells imbedded into the sidewalk looked awesome. and speaking of looking awesome; you look just that in your Dis meet picture. You also have a heart to match. Mark has good taste.

It really is a great pool. In truth, I liked it better than the Beach Club. The Beach Club was just TOO big for me.

You guys are all making me blush with your sweet words.

We haven't had a pool day in Florida since 1995. I don't think I could sit still long enough lol. Luvin the pics of the resort though.

You are young...you can take that "on the go" all the time; we just can't do that anymore.

I loved your Dismeet photo on FB and I love it here! That's so awesome that you guys were able to get together! Bummer that the boss actually expected you back in the office after lunch.

I don't understand WHY the boss expected me back. Actually, my one boss would not have minded if I stayed longer, it was the other one who probably wouldn't have appreciated it. It was hard to say goodbye because we were having such a nice visit.

 

[Mndisneygirl]

Great DISmeet photo of the two of you! I had the pleasure meeting up with Cynthia last October at WDW and then just in August in Seattle. She's great fun!!

 

[KatMark]

I'm guessing they have a nice IPA there!

I'm guessing IPA is a beer? I don't drink it so I'm just guessing.

Nice meet up Ladies! You both look great - too bad you had to get back to work so soon!

Thank you, Tammie. We had such a good time; we could have talked for hours.

I love the atmosphere of Old Key West! It is a beautiful place. I try to visit every trip, although occasionally I do fail on that mission. Jill and I have had Olivia's on our radar for a long time, but it doesn't seem to thrill our guys, so we will probably do it on a girls' trip.

Caren, I am so with you; it's so laid back and beautifully done. I hope you and Jill try Olivia's some time...I think you would like it.

Glad you and Cynthia got to meet. It's always fun to see Disney friends getting together in real life. That fireplace looks nice and cozy.

It really is, and she is absolutely lovely. I have a few followers/DIS friends here on this thread that actually live in Chicago or surrounding area, and I have to work on meeting them.

Hey, we know your morning routine pretty well by now.

So you've said a few times.

I didn't get enough to eat this morning. You're making me hungry.

Did you go get some of that popcorn in your office to help with the hunger pains?

Really??? Even with a Starbucks in the MK???

Yep, really. I'd take a Turtle Krawl anyday over my Starbucks.

So I guess I was 2 updates behind... Just read your Yachtsman update too. Dinner looked really good. Good call asking for another table.

I'll forgive you only because you have a trip coming up that you are getting ready for. Yachtsman was great. I forgot to mention besides our free dessert they also gave us each a free glass of champagne. Unfortunately, neither Mark or I like it.

I really enjoyed OKW when we stayed there in Jan. Of course we didn't spend much time at the resort but we did get a few hours in at the pool. Looks like you guys had the place to yourselves.

You stayed there the time you went for the race, right? I'm glad you got to at least try the pool out. It was very empty that morning at the pool.

Of course!!!!

Good thing I like you.

I'm a sucker for a good IPA. Been drinking strickly IPAs for a few months- I think I ruined my palate. All other beer doesn't taste 'right' to me anymore.

Well, I'm guessing for sure now that it is a beer if you have been strictly drinking it.

OMG! I laughed so hard!!!!!

It was funny, wasn't it!

Holy Cow, I just realized I missed a whole bunch of your updates/pictures. Like all the princess ones. How did I do that I wonder!

No worries, Dee. I knew you'd be back. The princess meet was so much fun.

Anyway, I loved Rapunzel also. We had the pleasure of meeting her with Flynn. DD had a blast! Complete BLAST with them.

I would like to meet Flynn one of these times.

We love OKW too. WE've only done Olivias for dinner, noone loved the food enough to go again. BUT, now that I have seen the breakfast food, we are going there to try that! Turtle Krawl.... We've never had a drink at the gurgling suitcase, however that also is on the list. Now that we have older kids to help watch the youngest one, I can relax by the pool a bit more. Although I'm sure one would be it.

I'm surprised; we had two really good dinners there. You must definitely go to the Gurgling Suitcase! I will say those drinks hit you quick.

Sorry, I have been such a slacker on commenting (and apparently skipping entire updates).

Like I said, no worries, dear.

Great DisMeet! So exciting you were able to meet up for lunch not far from where you work!

It was a few blocks for Cynthia and a few blocks for me. I didn't know that at first and took a cab there; but I walked back to walk off my lunch. And it was a great DisMeet.

mmm drinks in disney at the pool sounds like a plan to me.

Always a good way to spend time at the pool, Dan.

 

[KatMark]

Great DISmeet photo of the two of you! I had the pleasure meeting up with Cynthia last October at WDW and then just in August in Seattle. She's great fun!!

Thanks, Sheree. I saw the picture of you two from Seattle visit, and I think I saw the photo at WDW (with MEK, Mary and her girls etc). You are right...she is great fun and lovely.

 

[KatMark]

So I left you with us finishing up at the pool.

We went back to the room and took showers and then went to the car to go shopping.

We drove to the outlet mall that we normally go to and we browsed a few windows until we found the Disney store (Character Outlet I think is the official name). What a DISAPPOINTMENT! We usually come away with at least one bag or two bags from this store and the selection was awful. Absolutely nothing came home with us this day. We did stop at Starbucks after and got a drink and then tried to beat the raindrops and decided to just head back to DTD.



As you can see from the picture, the 4 o'clock rain was in full force.

We arrived:



We parked the car right behind Team Mickey because I had a special gift I wanted to pick up there and have shipped home.



As many of you know, Andy was appointed the Head Varsity Baseball coach of a local high school in July of this year. As he was the one home taking care of Cookie and the fact that we were very proud of him for getting this job at the age of 27, we bought him a baseball bat and Coach Andy Schultz and his school name were engraved on it (when he got it later that week he called because he absolutely loved it!).

That mission accomplished, it was time to eat. I was starving. Where should we go?

How about here?



I got the Ham 'N' Swiss:



And I swore I was going to remember what Mark got, but I don't. I think he might have gotten the Full Montagu with Roasted Beef, Turkey, Swiss, Sharp Cheddar, etc., along with a bag of barbecue chips:





Next we stopped here



as I had an errand for Nicki (I had to pick her up some mints).



We did some more browsing.





We stopped here to take a peek inside:



And we decided to be silly:







I wonder if this gets stale once you start into it and leave it (I can't imagine anyone being able to eat the whole thing):



Then we stopped for our annual photos:







All that window shopping and our rather "lite" dinner, made someone very hungry:



And then the rain came again. But we found a seat outside near the building so we avoided getting wet (at least for awhile):





Mark's treat:



And mine:



The man needs a bib:



Up next, more shopping, more drinks and MORE rain

 

[emmysmommy]

You guys are so funny! This last update with the silly mirror photos, napkin tucked under the chin, waving the table number and all.. you guys are a hoot!!

That's awesome that you had a custom bat ordered for your HEAD COACH son!!

That huge Mickey Krispie treat I'd love to have right now.... it may not even have a chance to get stale. I suppose I should get myself some breakfast!

Happy Friday to you.

Ooops! edited post since not paying attention!

 

[Tinker_Tam]

I can't wait till we can meet up in December!! You guys are having so much fun! You can just tell from the pictures!!

I had been thinking about heading out to the outlet. I don't know if there will be enough time... seems like everyday is packed to its fullest. I think I need to add another week to our vacation!

Again, I LOVE the shirts. I wish I could find one like Mark's shirt for Jon. I know he would sooo wear that!!!

 

[KatMark]

After finishing up our yummy ice cream, we decided to walk over to the West Side. Unfortunately, due to the rain and wind, our hopes of finally going up in the balloon were dashed again.

Let's take a walk, shall we?

















We hadn't done this yet, so it was time we did:







We went in here and it was really neat. This is definitely something we would want to do when the kids go with us...they love to bowl:







Continued in next post

 

[KatMark]

To the Harley Davidson store:









We decided we were done browsing and to head back to the car and then the resort. But on the way, we had to stop here:




(notice the three people in the photo with Mark...they play a part coming up)

Mark got me my wonderful Bailey's Shake and he got himself a beer



We were going to walk with them back to the car. And then the skies opened up. Literally. It rained and rained and rained.

We found a table that was undercover and we grabbed some napkins as the people who had been there previously had left quite the mess and we sat down. The bar area is not undercover, so the three people in the previous picture with Mark, asked if they could join us as we had the only table with chairs left that were undercover.


(the tables here had umbrella, but with the way the wind was blowing, those tables were not staying dry).

So, of course, we welcomed. And for the next 45 minutes we never laughed so hard. These three wonderful people were in town for a conference and came to DTD to have drinks before meeting co-workers for dinner. Well, since it was pouring, they couldn't very well leave, so they decided to stay and drink some more. Two of them were from Atlanta and one was from England and they just had us

We finally parted ways and stopped at the big Disney store so that Mark could do this



We finished a little shopping in there and then headed to the car.

First, we had to stop for another photo op





We got back to Old Key West and I felt the need for another cocktail. No Turtle Krawl this time, but I got myself a pina colada:



We walked back to the room and we found we had a surprise on our bed:



It was a gift from my very first real DIS friend, Tim (that's nice) and his family:



Thank you again, Tim, Mel, Juliana, Christopher and Gabriella for the 30th Anniversary gift. That was very sweet of you. And "that's nice." Love you guys.

We sorted our packages, got our clothes out for the next day and hit the sack. We had a long day planned tomorrow.

 

[Tinker_Tam]

I have to giggle. That seems like one long wet day! Of course all the drinks looked yummy, so I am sure the rain wouldn't have bothered me too much!

DTD is such a fun place. Last trip I almost didn't plan anytime at DTD. I was super glad we did. It started a new obsession for Gavin... LEGO! Until that time he showed no interest... well, now that is where all his extra money goes... or should I say all MY extra money???

 

[norybell]

Between the pool and DTD, it looks like a lovely relaxing Disney day (despite the rain).

I've only been to EOS once, I never seem to have time to get back to DTD and have it again, even though it was delicious. (I'm on a stupid still-have-30-pounds-of-baby-weight diet lately, so I'm really drooling over all food pics!)

Sorry the outlet didn't work out for you this time, but at least you found some good stuff at DTD. The bat sounds like the perfect gift.

 

[GrammyJudy]

I love DTD and shopping and eating and stopping for a cocktail. Sounds like a fun way to end your relaxing day.

 

[Linda67]

Kathy your posts just make me smile
You two always look like you are having so much fun together - you are certainly a match made in heaven

 

[KatMark]

You ever have one of those days you don't feel like doing what you should be doing? Yep, that's the kind of Friday I'm having. I don't feel like doing the work on my desk, so I'm going to DIS and do another update for all you wonderful people.

We were now on Thursday...our last full day at the park. Yes, we'd be back tomorrow for a special surprise I had arranged for hubby, but we would be leaving after that surprise to go to Marco Island to see Nicki and Todd, so Thursday would be our LAST full day.

We were up early, showered and ate breakfast in the room and then we were off. We had to be somewhere very magical first thing.

Someone is excited to get going:



Soon, we were arriving at our destination:



We parked the car here



and walked over to the TTC.



We decided this time we were going to take the Ferry Boat and they were just going to start loading so on we got and pretty soon we were off:





How I love the Poly (and am so afraid of what they are going to do to it):









Soon we had arrived. It was Extra Magic Hours at the MK and Mark and I love doing EMH's in the a.m. because we get so much done in that one hour before the doors open to the general public. We even got to see the Welcoming Show:















We were let in and everyone very calmly and slowly proceeded in (nothing like some of our entrances into the MK in the past).







Up next, where shall we go first?

 

[Chicago Mo]

OMG the mirror pictures are WAY TOO FUNNY! Mark has puffy knee pads on!

way too funny...

Umm i totally get the I WILL NOT WORK today.. I am in the same rut here. hence my 32 updates on mine! LOL

 

[MeMom]

So sweet of you to get the engraved bat. What a treasured gift for your son!

That ice cream looks good!

Cool that you made some new friends to laugh with in the rain.