Will You Chill Out if I Sprinkle You With Pixie Dust? The End p136 *New TR Link* p138

[Poolrat]

Hi Giraffe

Bye Giraffe

HI CAROL.


Yes those cards make you want to book....so I did. Adjusted the Jan half marathon trip, booked May and booked F&W 2013....

It is WAY too easy when you have points.

 

[englishrose47]

HI CAROL.

I'm telling

 

[MEK]

LOVE all of the "purple animals and you got great shots of the giraffe up close.

Ah - the purple animal menagerie! I won't make that mistake again. Loved having the giraffes practically walk up to us. That was fun!

LOVE Boma for breakfast; even if I didn't love the food, I'd go just for the Jungle Juice.

Yup - 3 glasses - gone. Our server even made a comment because I drank so much of it.

I've decided that a nap at Disney is not a bad thing at all.

It definitely was a GOOD thing that day.

Hey - I see your possible girl's trip looks to be around the same time in June as I'll be there. Keep me posted!

HI CAROL.

That IS Carol! I am so psyched that I actually recognized her. So cool! I can't believe the giraffes actually have names.

Yes those cards make you want to book....so I did. Adjusted the Jan half marathon trip, booked May and booked F&W 2013....

It is WAY too easy when you have points.

Nice! Well, if you have already booked for F&W then I guess I am going to miss you. Boo. We are not going to arrive until the end of October - 10/23. Going to book VWL this week and then hopefully change it over to BWV again. That was awesome! Wish I could go for F&G in May, but that won't be happening now that I have a June trip.

I'm telling

So I take it you are also on a first name basis with Carol?

 

[eandesmom]

well I swore I replied to your update but...apparently not! Ugh. I hate it when I read updates on my phone, wait to post on my computer and then somehow don't follow through!

That is a VERY purple filter! I had one on that did some odd things that I got for Alaska, haven't used it since. I do like the ones I have now, lens protectors if nothing else. Still, you did see the lioness even if she is a little blurry!

Impressed that you were able to nap, it's a skill I've never acquired though at times desperately wished I could. I'd have a sugar high from 3 glasses of that. Oh wait, I am pretty sure I did on the Trek! That was one cranky bored and annoyed kid. Rough life.

 

[MEK]

well I swore I replied to your update but...apparently not! Ugh. I hate it when I read updates on my phone, wait to post on my computer and then somehow don't follow through!

I do that all the time. Or sometimes I read an update, am all ready to get in a reply, and then something calls me away from my computer. So annoying! Sometimes I just don't see them at all and then think "what the....?"

That is a VERY purple filter! I had one on that did some odd things that I got for Alaska, haven't used it since. I do like the ones I have now, lens protectors if nothing else. Still, you did see the lioness even if she is a little blurry!

Yeah - live and learn, right? Notice you did not see a purple filter anywhere near my camera in October. I put it away for good. It's not good for green things and animals.

I saw her, but really? That "almost" doesn't count and my camera kept zooming in on that branch of the tree. They need to cut those things down for we visitors who are obsessed with getting a lion shot. Just sayin!

Impressed that you were able to nap, it's a skill I've never acquired though at times desperately wished I could. I'd have a sugar high from 3 glasses of that. Oh wait, I am pretty sure I did on the Trek! That was one cranky bored and annoyed kid. Rough life.

I was so tired that day that I really had no choice. I just laid down on the bed and the next thing you know. zzzzzzzzzzzzzz

I think that little boy just didn't want his picture taken or maybe he felt self conscious in that "outfit" that feels like a diaper when you first put it on. Yeah - rough life i right!

 

[glennbo123]

I musta missed it -- why were your pictures so purpley?

I like the picture of the beads in Africa.

Good call on switching up your ADR to Sanaa. Sounded like it fit much better with your plan for the afternoon.

 

[PracPerfPatricia]

Hey Mary Ellen,

I have a couple of newbie walking/running questions and I was going to PM you

but...

I thought there might be other souls reading your Epic Trip Report and you got be doing a public service by answering these questions for inquiring minds...


-When it begins to get cold outside... do you run outside still or do you use a treadmill...? (I have a treadmill...) do you get a similar impact...?

-At the beginning before you actually run... you are kind of fast walking... can you use the same kind of sneakers/athletic shoes... and if you are planning on being serious... is there something specific that you should look for in a shoe? What price point do you need to be at to get a good quality shoe?

-How many times do you really need to exercise a week to get the appropriate cardio benefits... (the answers I've seen are all over the place...)?

-Do you run everyday or do you take breaks in between...Should you take breaks in between?

and just to make this Disney related...

Since Dis is a very walking heavy vacation... Do the runs you take in the mornings energize you... because I'm guessing they do and yet it seems counterintuitive... since you're running in the morning before you even begin all the walking in the parks?

 

[amandaw]

You have some really nice pictures from that morning at AK!

I think AKL seems really nice. And I've heard so many good things about breakfast at Boma. I will try to get us there one day.

I think your changes for dinner sound great. And a nap is always nice!

 

[englishrose47]

This is Carol!!!!

Will be seeing her this afternoon and I know she will be thrilled to know a GIRAFFE is named after her

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

All caught up! I'm trying to hold back my surprise that the lion was sleeping. The Disney animatronics still have you fooled into thinking it's a real lion. Amazing!

Looks like you were packing a lot in. Glad you got over to the AKL. What an amazing place that is. And I can't fault you guys for taking a nap--you'd been going hard for a long time!

 

[Moira222]

Mary Ellen you could sell your photos, honest. I just love how you focus in on one little thing and then explore it. Your photos of the buildings, especially China, in Epcot are just awesome. I wanted to "steal" some to add to my wall paper rotation on my desktop at work.

Sounds like you really made the most of your last few days --- just the right combination of relaxing, eating, and exploring the parks.

I am amazed at how much you got done at AK in such a short time! Did you drive, or take a bus? Just wondering onthe timing from the park to the resort for your brunch.

Did you go to the creepy clown pool? The clown head is very very creepy but the slide part looks fun....just looking for confirmation of that

 

[MEK]

I musta missed it -- why were your pictures so purpley?

I used a purple filter over my lens. I was still experimenting with it and it didn't realize how purple it was making most of my pics. It worked great for the beach, but its definitely for pictures with foliage.

I like the picture of the beads in Africa.

Thank you!

Good call on switching up your ADR to Sanaa. Sounded like it fit much better with your plan for the afternoon.

I love AKL. I love Kidani. It just felt like the right move and it worked out great!

Hey Mary Ellen,

I have a couple of newbie walking/running questions and I was going to PM you

but...

I thought there might be other souls reading your Epic Trip Report and you got be doing a public service by answering these questions for inquiring minds...

Epic Trip Report - You're so nice!

OK - fire away!

-When it begins to get cold outside... do you run outside still or do you use a treadmill...? (I have a treadmill...) do you get a similar impact...?

Both. I run outside on the weekends, weather permitting. I don't mind being cold. I just avoid rain and snow. After work I run on a treadmill if its dark out. Today I got home early enough to run outside.

I think they are completely different workouts - at least for me. When I run on a treadmill I focus more on intervals. I also watch TV for distraction. When I run outside I pretty much keep the same pace and just look at the scenery.

-At the beginning before you actually run... you are kind of fast walking... can you use the same kind of sneakers/athletic shoes... and if you are planning on being serious... is there something specific that you should look for in a shoe? What price point do you need to be at to get a good quality shoe?

Absolutely.

I think the most important thing is to find a brand that works for you. For example, I can't use Nike or Adidas. My go to brand is Asics. I love them. They range in price from maybe $60 to well over a hundred. If you go to a running store they will analyze your feet and pick a model that works well for you feet - high arch, flat feet, inversion, ect.

Regardless of the price, you have to replace them after X number of miles. My last shoes (current ones) were very expensive - like $135 which is way more than I ever want to spend, but I rationalized because I had a partial gift card. I can find Asics at Kohls, although someone at the running store told me that are not the same (cheaper made) than their regular line. I don't know if I believe that since I have had good success with them. Plus I have seen the same shoe at both places. Kohls is great especially when I get a 30% coupon and they are already on sale. Bottom line - if I am near the running store I like (which is only in Rehoboth beach and Salisbury, Md) I get them there. If not, I buy them at kohls.

I do not buy them from regular chains like Dicks because they tend to have the lower end models and not enough sales.

-How many times do you really need to exercise a week to get the appropriate cardio benefits... (the answers I've seen are all over the place...)?

20 - 30 minutes 3X week

-Do you run everyday or do you take breaks in between...Should you take breaks in between?

I can't run everyday. During the summer I was running 5X/week but I also developed problems with plantar fascitis. I definitely take days off. You have to so your muscles rest and get rid of lactic acid.

and just to make this Disney related...

Since Dis is a very walking heavy vacation... Do the runs you take in the mornings energize you... because I'm guessing they do and yet it seems counterintuitive... since you're running in the morning before you even begin all the walking in the parks?

A big reason I run in the morning is just to get it over with so its not hanging over my head all day. Plus, it just gets hotter as the day goes on. Plus, I love the solitude of morning. And - yes - it does energize me - I go out right after I drink my coffee!

You have some really nice pictures from that morning at AK!

Thank you! I love, love, love taking pictures at AK. Its my favorite park for pictures!

I think AKL seems really nice. And I've heard so many good things about breakfast at Boma. I will try to get us there one day.

Have you ever toured AKL? If not, I definitely recommend a trip over there. It's such a beautiful and unique resort. Love it! And Boma is super yummy for breakfast and dinner! My GF went last year and she loved dinner so much that she went back the next night and just waited for a reservation to open up. Gotta love it!

I think your changes for dinner sound great. And a nap is always nice!

Sanaa is so beautiful and the food is yummy! I was very happy that we changed things up. Love that about Disney.

 

[MEK]

This is Carol!!!!

Will be seeing her this afternoon and I know she will be thrilled to know a GIRAFFE is named after her

Hey, I wish they would name one after me, but can you picture a giraffe named "Mary Ellen". OMG! That poor giraffe!

All caught up! I'm trying to hold back my surprise that the lion was sleeping. The Disney animatronics still have you fooled into thinking it's a real lion. Amazing!

Bahahahahahahahahahaha! I guess I should feel better for NOT getting a good picture of an animatronic lion then!

Looks like you were packing a lot in. Glad you got over to the AKL. What an amazing place that is. And I can't fault you guys for taking a nap--you'd been going hard for a long time!

I knew we would make it make to AK and I was really looking forward to seeing AKL again. It really is one of my favorite DVC resorts and I am long overdue for a repeat visit. I just love everything about that place.

Yeah - that nap was seriously needed!

Mary Ellen you could sell your photos, honest. I just love how you focus in on one little thing and then explore it. Your photos of the buildings, especially China, in Epcot are just awesome. I wanted to "steal" some to add to my wall paper rotation on my desktop at work.

Thank you. That is such a lovely compliment! I really appreciate it. I swear, the reason I enjoy detail pictures is because I have always had ADD and I can't look at any one detail too long. But with a picture I get to look at it over and over again and perfect it through editing. Feel free to "steal" whatever you want.

Sounds like you really made the most of your last few days --- just the right combination of relaxing, eating, and exploring the parks.

We really did incorporate the relaxing part into our last few days. It was really perfect of everything.

I am amazed at how much you got done at AK in such a short time! Did you drive, or take a bus? Just wondering onthe timing from the park to the resort for your brunch.

We drove. We had that AAA parking permit and the AAA lot of AK is over with the handicapped lot. I don't think I have ever even parked in the regular lot.

Did you go to the creepy clown pool? The clown head is very very creepy but the slide part looks fun....just looking for confirmation of that

I went to the creepy clown pool in October, but not in June. The pool is definitely less creepy when you are actually ON the pool deck. I did not go down the slide, but I have to admit that I was tempted!

 

[MEK]

A Hidden Gem

So, in my last update we went back here to take a nap

A much needed nap.

In fact, when I woke up I grabbed my phone to see how long I had actually been passed out. Then I jumped up and told Denny, "I'm going to the pool". Heck, it was my last day in Disney World and the last day I would be around a pool for awhile. I was certainly going to enjoy it.

Last night I discovered what I considered to be a "hidden gem" at the Boardwalk Inn.

You see - I knew there had to be a quiet pool on the inn side of the resort and I wanted to find it. So, after dinner at the Bistro we stumbled around in the dark to find it.

I know it looks pretty much like your standard quiet pool, but look what surrounded it.

What was this??????

Are these little cottages?

And more importantly, why did I not know that they even existed?

To say I was intrigued is an understatement.

Unfortunately, it was dark and I decided to wait until daytime to nose around a little bit more.

Here's a picture of the regular hotel

Since I missed showing you these pictures from the previous night, I'll post a few now

There's that girl with the camera again

Post cards framed and on the wall

I have this thing from blue and white china, so thank you for allowing me to indulge myself

There were a few people hanging out at the Belle vue Lounge. It's still on my bucket list to have a drink there.

I love this painting

and this carousel

and this model roller coaster

and this........

CREEPY LITTLE CHAIR!!!!!!!!

Actually, this chair scares me just a little. I know I'm not the only one who feels that way. What is the significance of that chair? Really? I mean, other than making one heck of a "time out" chair, I can't think of any purpose it would serve.

The other CREEPY LITTLE CHAIR!!!!!!

elephant

Can I have this for my house?

Thank you for letting me back track for a bit.

So, after I woke up from my nap I knew I had to go see those cottages again in the daylight.

Ahhhhhhh - Bliss and Tranquility. Let me just say this again "Why did I not know that that Boardwalk was home of this gem - the cottage suite?

In case you are as intrigued or uninformed as I am, here is a youtube video. Enjoy!

http://youtu.be/AReq_9nvRK4

Continued in Next Post.............

 

[MEK]

Continued from Previous Post.......

Hidden Mickey in the gate

So what do you think? Are those cottages the coolest thing ever? I want one. To live in. For life!!!!!!

Denny and I settled in at the pool.

Love this pool. The water was the most perfect temperature and there was no one there. It was me, Denny. and one other person. Bliss. All those people in WDW and we had a whole pool to ourselves!

Here are a few pictures of the rest of the Boardwalk hotel

Continued In Next Post......

 

[MEK]

Continued From Previous Post.......

Back near the edge of the pool I found this gate

I don't think this was supposed to be open. There was a CM back there doing yard work who was catching a smoke break. I really, really, really wanted to peak around the corner, but I fought the urge. I was wondering if that area backed up to France in Epcot.

We had a wonderful hour or so at the pool. Just perfect. I could have stayed there all day, but I wanted to get back to AK for an hour or two.

One we went inside I took the same pictures I had taken the night before. So original, I am.

I checked out some of the stuff over at the Belle vue lounge

I love the Belle vue Lounge. So cool.

I also love this old viewers out in the hallway

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

And with that I will sign off until my next update......AK, Sanaa, and what do we have in store for our last evening in the world?

 

[dawnbu40]

I loved this update! The Boardwalk is such a beautiful resort and your pictures certainly did it justice!

I had actually booked us one of those cottages for our last trip but then I discovered that it was just one bedroom and I couldn't see spending the $ for her to sleep on a couch. Plus after my dad and Andrew decided to join us it never would have worked. Someday, Dale and I will stay there even for 1 night!

 

[jecskc]

Sigh ...... I love the Boardwalk !!

 

[amazingact21]

Those cottages look so nice. I could easily take up residence in one those.


99% of the decorations and designs at the Boardwalk are so tasteful and well-done. I used to think the creepy slide was the worst, but that chair is crazy creepy! I would never sit in that thing. For some reason, the arms are the worst, to me. I'd have this childish terror that they'd wrap around and lock me in. I believe that's one thing I don't have to ever see at WDW.

 

[Nermel9]

Getting caught up! I love your safari pics, even if some were purple! I always try to take a picture of the safari truck in the mirror now, all because of your TR's, it's such a cool shot!

Yum, Boma! I'm not sure why we never thought of going to AK for a while, then leaving to go to Boma, we usually do it the other way around! Might have to give that a try next time!

Ahhh, the Boardwalk, so beautiful! I can't believe you didn't know about those cottages! Aren't they so cute? I could totally live in one.

I love all of the decorations at the Boardwalk, all the little details are so perfect! That and AKL are my top choices for my next trip with Brandon, whenever that will be, and I'm leaning more towards the Boardwalk, I just really love the atmosphere there! Although I love AKL too...but we drove from there back to POR one day and I swear, the drive was like 3 hours long!