Why Not Just Queue Up Another Disney Trip? Link to New TR 6/24 p136!

[MEK]

Amazing fireworks pictures!

Thanks. So glad you liked them. I hope I can get some of Illuminations from BWV this summer!

And I'm glad to hear everything went well with your mom today!

Thank you! She is feeling much better today!

Glad to hear things went well for your mom

Thanks! It's such a relief that everything went well. I know she is very relieved.

It's good that your mother is doing well.

Thanks! I'm so glad everything was uneventful yesterday. I just hope her heart rhythm stays normal. Fingers crossed.

Did you use a tripod? Those pictures of the fireworks were very sharp & crystal clear.

Nope. No tripod. I may have used the ledge a bit for some stabilization. Instead I use a fast shutter speed so I don't have time to get camera shake. I probably should get one of those gorilla pods. They sound pretty cool.

I have pictures of the ELP from back when. I used 1000 speed film, remember film?!

I do remember film and I rarely took pictures back in the film day because of the cost. But remember the anticipation of getting that envelope of pictures back. Unfortunately, the pictures were never as good as you hoped they would be. Digital is so superior.

You should scan your ELP pics and post them. I bet they are pretty cool.

Gorgeous pictures!! I love this one! I'm always amazed how small the castle looks from afar. It seems so huge when you are standing right in front of it.

Thank you! I do enjoy seeing the whole perspective of the castle in relationship to the rest of the park. You're right - it does look small, but I really was trying not to zoom so I could still see the fireworks.

I love fireworks pictures! You're right though, it's crazy how all over the place they are, isn't it? Perfectly placed so that if you're standing looking at the castle dead on from Main Street, they look perfect. I watched them in Fantasyland once. It was like "turn.....turn.....turn...."

It really is an art, isn't it? I'm curious as to how a firework display like that is planned and implemented safely. I have never seen Wishes from Fantasyland. Sounds interesting. I wonder how it will all change when the new Fantasyland opens. Interesting!

Glad to hear your Mom's procedure went well.

Thanks! We are all very relieved and really hope she doesn't have to have it again for a long, long time. My mom tends to be very anxious, so it was stressful for her.

Great GF and CR pics. Cali Grill looks yummy!!!

It was SO good. I love that place!

Love love all the fireworks pics!!!

Thanks! Being up on the observation deck was such a great alternative to being at a sold-out Christmas party.

Fabulous Fireworks photos

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed. It was a great show. I bet it was fab on NYE!

Glad your mom is doing OK.

Thanks! My mom is feeling much better now that her cardiac rhythm is straightened out.

SPECTACULAR firework pictures, MaryEllen. I just can never seem to capture those very well. I actually had a tear or two looking at your pictures because Wishes is my favorite.

Ah Kathy - that is SO nice! Thank you! I think Wishes is my favorite too. Especially seeing the whole display from up in the air. It's so impressive. I did miss some of the show, but I did stop taking pictures in the middle so I could soak it all in!

I am glad things went well with your mom.

Thank you! It really did go as well as possible, so I am thankful.

CRAP!!! I have too much to catch up on!! Where are the cliff notes?? Did I see someone say you booked a cruise? WOOOHOOO!!!!!

Cliff notes? NOT! But at least I have links. I hope that helps.

Actually, we didn't book yet, but I did get green light for an October 2013 cruise for just Denny and I. I wanted to take Nick on a cruise next summer but he really isn't interested. He would rather rent a beach house for a week. So Denny and I will wait until after he leaves for school and then we will cruise away on the Dream. I'm very excited!

Please have patience with me- it may take me a while to read!

Hey - I'm just glad you are back. Take your time!

There are people withoput EZ pass?

WHY????????

That's what I said! Pure insanity. You have no idea how I panicked when I thought they were really going to suspend my account. I just wish they would extend EZpass down the whole east coast.

I can't BELIEVE you ate at South of the Border. Where's the food porn???

I know. It was actually pretty funny and my friend L felt so bad after she suggested it and we got inside. But then it just seemed really rude to leave. I think that's why I didn't take pictures. I was afraid they might interpret it wrong. But don't think I didn't consider it.

FABULOUS fireworks pictures as always I love watching Wishes from there too......such a good perspective of the park up high like that

Thanks! I agree that its a total bonus watching Wishes from the observation deck. What a great way to cap on the evening.

Dinner looked wonderful....glad you are lovin' the Conundrum. I buy it often The cheapest I have found it is for around $22 a bottle I think. Not too bad considering what you pay for a glass/bottle there Happy you had such a good waiter....it was weird in October with my niece and C...our waiter was ummmm not so good. Like he shouldn't have been at a signature restaurant...maybe a counter service

$22 a bottle - that's a great price. I found it on line for $30. Yikes! I love it, though. It's soooooo good!

I am so shocked you had a terrible waiter. That stinks because the server is really part of the experience. I wonder how they slipped that guy in.

Happy everything went well with your Mom

Tracy

Thanks! She was a nervous wreck, but the procedure was success for so we are grateful!

 

[rndmr2]

Glad your mom's Cardioversion was successful. That's good she was able to go home.

Great Fireworks shots!

 

[MEK]

Glad your mom's Cardioversion was successful. That's good she was able to go home.

Thanks. I am very glad it is behind her!

Great Fireworks shots!

Thanks. So glad you enjoyed them! It really was a great show!

 

[tinacaplan]

Glad to hear that the procedure went with your mom.

...and those pictures. WOW! They are certainly frame-worthy and some should probably be appropriated by MK as postcards. I felt like I was there. And, indeed, what an great way to end the day.

 

[MEK]

Glad to hear that the procedure went with your mom.

Thanks. She was relieved to have it over.

...and those pictures. WOW! They are certainly frame-worthy and some should probably be appropriated by MK as postcards. I felt like I was there. And, indeed, what an great way to end the day.

Thank you! That's such a nice compliment!

And you will be there.....In one week sister! Can you say jealous?

I just noticed that you have 4 tickers going for the next 8 months. Whose queueing up the Disney trips now?

 

[tinacaplan]

Thanks. She was relieved to have it over.



Thank you! That's such a nice compliment!

And you will be there.....In one week sister! Can you say jealous?

I just noticed that you have 4 tickers going for the next 8 months. Whose queueing up the Disney trips now?

You're welcome! I can't wait. And, yes, I have four tickers. Let's just say that April and October are definite. July is still somewhat up in the air. I've decided, but Mark hasn't come around quiet yet, although I tend to get my way with these things. And you're right, definitely lining the trips up!

 

[MEK]

You're welcome! I can't wait. And, yes, I have four tickers. Let's just say that April and October are definite. July is still somewhat up in the air. I've decided, but Mark hasn't come around quiet yet, although I tend to get my way with these things. And you're right, definitely lining the trips up!

You tend to get your way, huh? Why the heck not? I'm just excited that we will be there at the same time in October! Fingers crossed that the July trip comes to fruition!

 

[2xcited2sleep]

So glad everything went well with your mom.

Looks like it was a really fun evening. So glad you enjoyed CG. Such a great view of Wishes from the deck there, isn't it? Can't wait to dine there again in May although as Tracy mentioned, hoping for a different server than we had in Oct. I agree with you, the server really can make a big difference in the whole experience!

And oh how I love the Electric Water Pageant or whatever it is called. I don't think it has changed a bit in 30+ years but it is such a great piece of nostalgia for me.

 

[MEK]

I couldn't think of a catchy title for this update, so I stole this one - I think from Podsnel. All The Single Riders!

I personally love the single rider line, but Denny does not. For whatever reason he must have a single rider phobia, because he consistently refuses to enter one. Go Figure! And today was AK day, so taking a jaunt through the single rider line could be in the plans. KWIM?

When I woke up this morning (Saturday December 17, 2011), I was definitely feeling the muscle soreness and fatigue that comes with hitting the parks hard. It's a good kind of tired. You know you are enjoying yourself, in addition to beating your muscles back into shape. But once my feet hit the floor, I knew there would be no run for me today.

When I originally planned this as our AK day, the park was only open until 5pm. The original plan was to head into the MK that night because I have yet to see the current parade. Yup - true - two trips to Disney and I have not seen the MSEP or the castle show. I feel like a DIS failure, but that's the way it goes sometimes.

Well, park hours changed and now the park was open to 7pm, which was awesome because now, if I wanted to, I could hang out all day and ride EE at night. If you are familiar with any of my TRs you may know that riding EE in the dark is the #1 thing on my bucket list. In my head I started rearranging my plans so that perhaps I would just head back to AK in the evening for a quick ride on EE.

This require that I cancel yet another ADR. I had a 5:45 ADR at the Grand Floridian Cafe, so I called in the morning to cancel it.

You may be wondering why I had all these extra ADRs. Well, at the time I booked them I really thought we would be doing the DxDP for three days. Remember that little blip in time where DVC stays could book different dining plans, all during the same stay? Cynthia and I did it in May and it worked out great. I thought I would do it again this trip because we had two signature meals planned. But then the Disney gods frowned and took that little perk away and I was left with too many meals. So I canceled GF Cafe and a Rose & Crown lunch I had planned the next day.

We left the villa that morning with enough time to get to rope drop, except that I while I was checking email or face booking or something, Denny drove right by the exit for the AK and we ended up outside of Disney property. How can you miss an obvious turn when you have (1) Great signs and (2) a GPS????? But leave it to Denny! Somehow this ended up being my fault because I was "not paying attention". Right!

So our GPS took us on a little side tour down some road where I don't think Disney wants you to ever go because there were all kinds of "behind the scenes" buildings. Then Denny ends up missing another turn for the parking lot, so instead of being out of the car at rope drop we where here......

We were in a VERY long line of traffic to get into the park lot. They only had one booth open and it seemed like everyone needed change for a $100 or they were asking directions or something. Ughhhhhhh! I could feel myself starting to get irritated. They opened another booth, but we were in the wrong lane to be able to get into it. Oh Well - better than standing on a bus I guess!

When we finally got to the parking lot we got one of the last spots in the AAA lot. A word about the AAA lot at AK - very good! It puts you right next to the handicapped lot. I will miss this in June, unless my SIL buys her tickets at AAA and can get two passes (doubt it!)

When we finally got through bag check, which was especially excruciating because the CM was opening every single zipper on every single bag, I suggested Nick take our tickets and head straight to EE while we lumbered behind. I knew he could get through the throngs in no time.

I have to tell you that because our day got started much slower than I thought (and it was only 5 minutes after rope drop), I did not take a single picture on the way into the park. I just put my head down and walked to where Nicholas was waiting with FP's in hand.

The standby time was 20 minutes and, considering the crowds were already heavy, I suggested the single rider line. I mean, after all, we were a party of 3. Someone is going to BE a single rider. But Denny replied, you two go ahead. Ugh! Really?

So because it was the first ride of the day and I didn't really want Denny waiting for us, we detoured over to Dinosaur, which is one of Nick's all time favs.

Here is our first red neck, cell phone, stinky ride pic. We are in the second row. Yup - that's Nick - hamming it up for the cameras. He screams like a baby through this whole ride and generally has blast of a time.

Now check out the child in the front row, who is none too happy

When we got off the ride Nick said he wanted to ride it again. Denny opted out, so Nick and I headed back in. This time I decided to take a few cell phone pics of the pre -ride (no flash). If you are feeling a little nostalgic for Dinosaur today, these should help!

Welcome to our little trans-dimensional joy ride

I'm Dr Seeker...... a heck of a paleontologist, if I do say so myself!

You can help me make history today with the time rover. Anyone interested in visiting the late Cretaceous period?

Well it seems I arrived just in time to correct a little mistake. Our tour is designed to take you to the early Cretaceous period and I assure you that all time rovers have been securely locked on those coordinates.

Or have they, Dr Marsh?????????? Mawh Ha Ha Ha!

I could have ridden it another time, but our FP's would be due in about 10 minutes so we decided to slowly head back to EE.

A few pictures along the way.....

And now I present the saddest looking Christmas tree in all of Disney world

When its 25 degrees outside like it is today, I really miss flowers.

Hello Everest. I have begun my final ascent

Closer

Arrival

But, alas, we still had a few minutes to wait.

Nick went over and got our next set of FPs (which we now no longer be able to use the way we did this trip - bummer).

Note the FP time (if you can see it)

11:45 (and it was 10:25). Although there were crowds in the park, which you can't tell from my pictures, these people were mostly uneducated about the FP system, which totally worked to our advantage.

Are those lights on?

Hello Yeti - I think its "Go" time!

So here's where Denny probably wishes he had taken the single rider line. As I mentioned, there seemed to be a lot of newby's at the parks, so when I peered around the corner to see what the status of the front row line, must to my amazement and gratitude, it was EMPTY! Denny was walking in front of me, so I grabbed Nick and said to the CM, "Could we have the front row" and she pointed me to the VERY empty line.

Denny kept walking while I tried to mouth "sorry". Whose a single rider now?????

So maybe what I did was wrong, being that I gave him no warning, but I just couldn't pass up this chance for Nick to ride in the front row.

It was awesome. As usual! And because I have already taken front row pics on several occasions, I did not take them today. I considered trying to take some with my iphone, but decided that the nightmare I have had about losing my phone in Florida might actually come true.

I was too slow to get a red neck ride photo and I honestly didn't care. I did, however, find the coolest wine glass in the gift shop. All the cute Christmas ornaments I considered as souvies, but I ended up with my heart set on this wine glass.

Continued...........

 

[MEK]

Continued........

Here are some post ride pictures

We always like to stop here for a little monkey action

It was a great day to watch the monkeys, because as you can say, it was the PERFECT weather day! Probably the best day of the whole trip!

They look like they were having a ton of fun

Hey - come back!

Moving on

I had another thing on my bucket list today. I really wanted to visit the Maharajah Trail. I think I was on this trail once in the blazing summer sun and went through it as fast as I could to get out of the heat. But not today, it was 75 and sunny and I was ready to go.

I have to admit, I have been wanting to walk this trail ever since Jackie (CP) posted pictures of it a couple years ago. I was totally intrigued.

Who doesn't love old creatures,

pretty waterfalls,

gorgeous flowers,

and big animals?

Not to mention the occasional man made item!

Travel forth young treker because there are more sights to see

BAAAAAAAAAATTTTTTTTTTTTTSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Cool

Hungry?

Why, yes.....yes I am!

I found the bats to be very fascinating so I started to ask the CM a few questions like how many different species are in that cage, how old do they get, why are they so active in the day light? This CM was definitely not all that interested in her post because she looked bored to tears and I can't even remember her answers, so I stopped asking.

Continued.........

 

[MEK]

Continued........

Next Up.....

What is that? Off in the distance? Would I have better with the tigers than I do with the lions on safari?

Well, yes, I think I will.....

At even given moment at least one of my three cats assumes this pose

There was also a tiger sleeping right near the window and I stalked him until he went form this......

to this.......

I have to say that the theming back here was incredible, so I took a few more shots

There were a few other animals on the trail as well

Some more sights on the trail

I am going to take a break now. Up Next, the end of the trail and a lunch date with the Yeti!

 

[MEK]

So glad everything went well with your mom.

Thanks C. I hope she gets to stay out of the cardiologist's office for awhile, but we'll see!

Looks like it was a really fun evening. So glad you enjoyed CG. Such a great view of Wishes from the deck there, isn't it? Can't wait to dine there again in May although as Tracy mentioned, hoping for a different server than we had in Oct. I agree with you, the server really can make a big difference in the whole experience!

I hope you guys do get a better server. I think that's so odd because both of my servers have been fantastic with really great personalities!

Speaking of CG, isn't it about time for us to start discussing some October ADRs????

And oh how I love the Electric Water Pageant or whatever it is called. I don't think it has changed a bit in 30+ years but it is such a great piece of nostalgia for me.

It really is. I love it too! I was just thinking how great it is that they have left it alone and not changed it. It's such a nice touch and I really enjoyed seeing it last trip!

 

[Wicket's Mom]

I love walking those trails in AK! One of our favorite activities there.

Maybe you can answer this question, who is the guy in that film that is shown at Dinosaur? I know him from somewhere, but my mind comes up blank. I usually remember where I've seen someone, but I keep drwind a blank with this guy!

 

[dawnbu40]

I loved this update (except for the bats...they kinda creep me out )

I find AK so beautiful and think that park has the best photo ops. Your update has me so excited to be back there in 2 weeks

I had to laugh at your story about Denny missing the exit. Sounds like something Dale would do and it would bug the heck out of me

 

[MEK]

I love walking those trails in AK! One of our favorite activities there.

I have to say that going down the walking trails in 75 degrees weather is much nicer than summer weather. It was just perfect and I'm so glad we took advantage of it.

Maybe you can answer this question, who is the guy in that film that is shown at Dinosaur? I know him from somewhere, but my mind comes up blank. I usually remember where I've seen someone, but I keep drwind a blank with this guy!

I goggled it and I found that his name is Wallace Langham. At least that's what it said on the youtube video I found of the pre ride. CSI Las Vegas?

Yup - here it is

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wallace_Langham

 

[IheartDDuck]

Haha, I saw your title and couldn't help but to bust into the Beyonce song. "All the single riders, all the single riders....now put your hands up!" Appropriate, right?

Funny, I rarely take advantage of the single rider line. I don't have an aversion to it, we just never really use it. But you're right, in a party of three, one is going to be alone.

 

[eandesmom]

No picture of the wine glass? I have to wait??

AACK!

Gorgeous gorgeous pictures, what a stunning day! I love the tigers.

It really is a huge bummer they discontinued the dining plan segments though I can only imagine the admin logistics of it being

 

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

Gorgeous AK pictures, as always!!

 

[glennbo123]

I have been in the same situation as Denny and I agree, it had to be totally your fault. (Hey, us guys have to stick together. )

Love the Maharajah Jungle Trek (it wasn't the Pangani -- that's the one with the gorillas...now do you see why Denny got lost?).

Beautiful pictures Mary Ellen.

 

[2xcited2sleep]

I am with Cynthia...where is the picture of the wine glass????

So many fun areas and details to explore in AK. I vow each time to spend more time there but somehow never make it happen. Maybe in May...