Where did this heat and all these people come from? The new PTR/TR link 5/7

[Charleston Princess]

Fun update!!! How nice you were able to enjoy the Magic Kingdom without those crazy crowds!

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Those ducks probably have a pretty good life! The scratch and sniff hats are neat... I haven't seen those. Looks like a super fun afternoon in the MK. Sure wish I were there now!

 

[KatMark]

Thanks for the update, Katie. It looked like a great morning at the MK.

 

[manntra]

Happy Birthday Katie!! ​

Love your picture on the Wildest Ride in the West!! I laugh the entire time I am on that ride!
I have a date with Sherpa MEK to head over to Tom Sawyer's Island in May
I haven't been there in.....let's just say decades! I will accompany her and watch while she takes amazing photographs!!!

Your lunch at GF looks strawberrylicious!! I keep meaning to head over there for a bite to eat....now I will make it a point to. I don't even like onion soup but who can resist that much cheese? I know I can't!!

Tracy

 

[jillyb]

Loved your update! You got some great pics!

 

[kschafer]

Fantastic update and I love your pictures. Those food porn pictures at GFC are making me drool.
I can't believe that you went to Tom Sawyer Island without kids! My DS would kill me if I ever did anything like that without him.

I wonder whether the Disney promotional video has gone to air yet....

And you know it was the right decision to just sit and chill! Sometimes, it's just good to relax and enjoy the resorts.

Maybe it was me just feeling tired but I wasn't excited by TSI, it was cute but I think it's definitely a with kids kind of thing.

We REALLY needed that relaxing evening, a short summary coming right up!

I think he succeeded.

That salad with strawberries looks good!

Great update to start my last day of school this week.

I think so too It's the reason we love it so!

GFC didn't disappoint. I might go there again for the salad, soup and dessert!

Fun update!!! How nice you were able to enjoy the Magic Kingdom without those crazy crowds!

It was a refreshing break from the crowd at the beginning and to come at the end of our trip

Those ducks probably have a pretty good life! The scratch and sniff hats are neat... I haven't seen those. Looks like a super fun afternoon in the MK. Sure wish I were there now!

silly ducks don't even know how lucky they are to LIVE in Disney World!!

those hats were the only shopping pics I took since I know how many Disers love the smell of WDW popcorn!

I wish I were there now too...it's cold outside here!

Thanks for the update, Katie. It looked like a great morning at the MK.

Thanks Kathy, it was a nice quiet morning, we got a lot done!

Happy Birthday Katie!! ​

Love your picture on the Wildest Ride in the West!! I laugh the entire time I am on that ride!
I have a date with Sherpa MEK to head over to Tom Sawyer's Island in May
I haven't been there in.....let's just say decades! I will accompany her and watch while she takes amazing photographs!!!

Your lunch at GF looks strawberrylicious!! I keep meaning to head over there for a bite to eat....now I will make it a point to. I don't even like onion soup but who can resist that much cheese? I know I can't!!

Tracy

Thanks so much Tracy! It was a good birthday...hoping next year will be celebrated at the world though!

BTMRR is one of my favorites, it was my first roller coaster and it always makes me smile

I haven't been following your PTR very closely...why is she sherpa MEK?

I would have no interest in onion soup if it wasn't covered in all that delicious cheese

Loved your update! You got some great pics!

Thanks Jill!! More coming right up!

 

[kschafer]

Thursday, May 6 continued

First, I interrupt this trip report for a little food porn! Some yummies we had picked up in the previous couple day

ZEBRA DOMES. O…M…G! These were absolutely everything everyone has always raved about! Creamy chocolatey and coffee goodness. Luckily, Shelby didn’t care for these because she is not a coffee fan so I got them all to myself

This was the half eaten cookie Shelby chose, I think it was german chocolate. I had a bite, thought it was OK, she really liked it though

Treats for the kiddos, we got these from Main Street confectionary, chocolate dipped and sprinkled marshmallows. Not my thing but my boys couldn’t have been happier!

Who doesn’t love fudge? My choice was turtle

A giant peanut butter cup. I think Shelby and I both got one of these. It was a nice Disney treat at home the following week!

And my favorite discovery of the trip…a HUGE piece of toffee dipped in chocolate and covered in nuts. It was simply divine!!

So if you recall, I left with us having cancelled our dinner plans for the evening in order to just stay in. I hadn’t quite gotten over that wall yet and by the time we got back to CSR this afternoon, I wanted nothing other than a nap! So that’s just what we did. I must say, I’m not typically a napper. I get sleepy during the day but rarely actually am able to fall asleep. Well this afternoon, it was no problem!

We slept for maybe an hour or 1 ½ hours (during which was the only daytime rain of the week…what a difference from June!!) and decided a dip in the pool sounded just right so we headed off to the dig site. I had thought we might get some drinks at the bar but I still was feeling a bit overfed and just wasn’t in the mood but the water was absolutely wonderful and we both enjoyed the pool slide!!

Another shot of the beautiful view from our room!

After our nap and swim, we both skyped home and talked with our kids for a bit then we headed out for a late dinner. We weren’t going far, just over to El Centro. We had 2 dining credits left and weren’t about to let them go to waste!

On our walk over, we caught a bit of Illuminations

And just took our time enjoying the cooler air and beauty of the evening

A bit more Illuminations

Then made our way through the nearly deserted building and to Maya Grill

I started with a peach martini type of thing. It was light and yummy! Although looking at this picture, what I am reminded of is the only other diners in the restaurant at this late hour. The woman you see was VERY drunk and was having a very loud conversation with what I think was a gentleman attending the same conference as her. She was clearly flirting like crazy with him while discussing how she regretted having gotten married. It was like being witness to a bad soap opera

Shelby had a mojito

Our waiter brought out some bread with chimichurri to dip it in.

For appetizers Shelby chose the Pulled Pork Empanada - served with chipotle cream $9 She thought it was good but a huge portion!

I went with Stuffed Portobello Mushroom - topped with chicken breast and monterey jack cheese $10 It was delicious!

I don’t see either of our entrees on allears. Mine I think was a special of the day, grilled shrimp with pasta in a slightly spicy, creamy sauce. I remember it being quite good but I only ate about half of the pasta because I was just too full

Shelby had some type of barbeque chicken over rice. I can’t even tell you at this point what she thought of it…I guess I have strung out this TR too long!!

Since neither of us were hungry for dessert and they were getting ready to close, we both got some type of chocolate cake to go. Shelby ate hers later and said it was good, mine ended up getting thrown away because I just never got back to it…what a shame!
We headed again to bed and even slept in a bit the next day because we had a slow morning planned!

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Vacation is DEFINITELY for relaxing. So glad you were able to! And how nice to time your nap for the rain showers!

 

[MEK]

Well, to be quite honest with you, I think your dinner looked better than what we had at Ohana. All I remember about that evening is that I kept looking at my watch (I mean my cell phone) because I just wanted dinner to end and I wanted to get to the MK. Then dinner drug on for ever, so I think you made the right choice.

But know this - if we are ever there at the same time and I have a car, I will always, always, always come and pick you up so you don't have to do the transportation dance. Even if it means we all have to squeeze in.

Anyway - I know we will have more trips in our futures where we can meet for dinner. I personally can only do the deluxe dining plan for about 4 days and then its just way, way, way too much food.

 

[jenjolt]

YAY for having some time to just relax and enjoy your time!!! Vacation is definitely the time to just take a deep breath and go AWWWWWWWWW!!!

Your dinner looked yummy!!!!

Can't wait for more!!!

 

[KatMark]

One of these days I am going to eat dinner at Maya Grill (nope, in nine stays we've never eaten dinner there). A relaxing day on vacation is always called for in our books. And your pics of the CSR are beautiful.

 

[Charleston Princess]

Disney treats always look so yummy! Glad you enjoyed the zebra domes! They are delicious, aren't they?

 

[Poolrat]

MMMMMMM zebra domes.



I have stayed at CSR only 3 times and I too have never eaten at Maya grill.

So much I have done yet so much more to do.

 

[brookelizabeth]

While planning a trip the DxDDP always looks so lovely to me---but then I read the realities of it and think back to our actual trips and know I'd be in the same boat you were - it would be just too much! However, all your food does look very tasty! We have an ADR for the GF Cafe for Feb/March, both that salad and the soup look TASTY! I might have to have a meal of appetizers...

 

[kschafer]

I have decided I am NOT giving up on this TR. Not sure if I still have any readers out there but I decided with a snow day today and a 3 day weekend coming up, I could get in our next to last day! If you're reading this...thanks for sticking with me

Vacation is DEFINITELY for relaxing. So glad you were able to! And how nice to time your nap for the rain showers!

The rain was a happy coincidence. 2 rain showers and I slept through both Right now, I would happily take any temps warm enough to rain

Well, to be quite honest with you, I think your dinner looked better than what we had at Ohana. All I remember about that evening is that I kept looking at my watch (I mean my cell phone) because I just wanted dinner to end and I wanted to get to the MK. Then dinner drug on for ever, so I think you made the right choice.

But know this - if we are ever there at the same time and I have a car, I will always, always, always come and pick you up so you don't have to do the transportation dance. Even if it means we all have to squeeze in.

Anyway - I know we will have more trips in our futures where we can meet for dinner. I personally can only do the deluxe dining plan for about 4 days and then its just way, way, way too much food.

I'm sorry your Ohana dinner ended so late! I know I made the right decision but I'm still bummed we didn't get to hang out some more. Any chance you might go the week after Thanksgiving this year?

Yeah, 5 days of deluxe was plenty!

YAY for having some time to just relax and enjoy your time!!! Vacation is definitely the time to just take a deep breath and go AWWWWWWWWW!!!

Your dinner looked yummy!!!!

Can't wait for more!!!

I just have a hard time staying away from the parks I guess. Next trip I will have to make myself take some time to just breathe, maybe an afternoon or 2 of visiting the resorts to take in the holiday decorations

 

[kschafer]

One of these days I am going to eat dinner at Maya Grill (nope, in nine stays we've never eaten dinner there). A relaxing day on vacation is always called for in our books. And your pics of the CSR are beautiful.

It was pretty yummy but not particularly special. I can see how you might easily skip it with all the other TS options in the world!

Disney treats always look so yummy! Glad you enjoyed the zebra domes! They are delicious, aren't they?

Yes yes yes!! Boy could I go for some right now!!

MMMMMMM zebra domes.

I have stayed at CSR only 3 times and I too have never eaten at Maya grill.

So much I have done yet so much more to do.

If I ever have the good fortune to live near Disney, my first year investment would be for an AP (I hear they can be dangerous ) and a TIW card then seeing how many restaurants I could get to in a year!

While planning a trip the DxDDP always looks so lovely to me---but then I read the realities of it and think back to our actual trips and know I'd be in the same boat you were - it would be just too much! However, all your food does look very tasty! We have an ADR for the GF Cafe for Feb/March, both that salad and the soup look TASTY! I might have to have a meal of appetizers...

Wait until you and Joe can sneak in an adults only trip, kids just can't appreciate it and it takes a lot of time! Definitely a fun thing to do on a short visit. I often feel that way about appetizers...so many good choices!

 

[kschafer]

Friday, May 7 – Day 7

Today was a scheduled slow start day. We slept in then made our way to the bus stop for our more laid back destination.

While walking to the bus stop, I had commented to Shelby how cute the young girl walking through the parking lot with us was dressed. I was a bit shocked when she came over to me at the bus stop and asked if I had made it to the Cinco de Mayo meet!

It was Tinkgirl26, I knew she was going to be staying at CSR too but had sort of forgotten to keep an eye out for her so I was really glad she came over to say Hi. Soon our bus came and we got on. There was a boy riding with us sitting on his Dad’s lap. Every time his Dad said something to him, they boy would cry. Anyone else could talk to him and he was fine but for some reason he did not want his Dad talking to him. It was actually quite humorous! I gave him a sheet of stickers I had in my bag and he was happy

Finally we arrived at our destination

And said goodbye to Tink. She was on her way to interview for a lifeguarding position which I believe she got. I haven’t seen her around the boards so I hope things are going well for her!

We stepped into the art store and admired some of the works

I have rented this movie twice and still haven’t seen it

These are a couple of my favorites!

Then we had some shopping to do, first up was Basin!

I loved all the soaps but ended up buying bath bombs to take home with me.

 

[kschafer]

Next on over to…

We spent quite a bit of time in here (and quite a bit of $$) then made our way over to the Lego store

Where we spent some more $$ of course!

After a brief stop in Once Upon a Toy

We decided to stop for some lunch

We had eaten a lot of really great food during our time on deluxe dining but were ready for some more basic fare for a change. Shelby went very basic with the PB&J

I had The All American - roast turkey, buttermilk ranch, cranberries, cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, and buttermilk Ranch.

We were both very happy!

Finally, a stop into Goofy’s…yum yum yummies!!

We brought our purchases back to the resort and had evening plans but Shelby decided to stay at the resort for a few hours. I think she rested and returned some work calls while I made my way here

 

[MEK]

I'm sorry your Ohana dinner ended so late! I know I made the right decision but I'm still bummed we didn't get to hang out some more. Any chance you might go the week after Thanksgiving this year?

:

Wait! Are you kidding? Are you going to be there then???? Denny and I actually have a reservation for the week after Thanksgiving. Well - we have a reservation for one night - the Monday after T'giving on the premium package. We have tentative plans to fly down Sunday, stay at Pop for three nights (one night on the premium package, 2 nights room only) and then 3 nights DVC. That would be so fun if we were there the same week again. Denny said he would be ready to go again by then!

OK - back to read!

 

[MEK]

Great update! What a beautiful day that was. That was the day I got to go up to the roof of the WL. So much fun! Love your pictures. I hear ya on the DxDP. You get to the point where you just want a regular sandwich, something basic. Glad you got to go back to Epcot and that you woke up refreshed and ready to go!