Sorry Gaston, They are MUCH More Interesting Than You!*6/8* NEW Trip Report Link p154

[Wicket's Mom]

Lama pa'ipa'i on the Lanai – an Aulani TR

I hope you'll join me!

I did!

 

[IheartDDuck]

Okay, I have to say that your logic is very sound with packing enough stuff so that you can't bring any souvies back. However....I sadly follow that logic....and end up buying a bag to bring stuff home!

Your trip is quickly approaching!

 

[MEK]

Hi guys! I am working on my final update. But its taking awhile since I literally have to go through all my photo bucket albums from this trip. But I'm getting there and hope to have replies and the final installment up by the end of the weekend.

 

[Nora03]

Hi Mary Ellen
I'm a lurker, and have read many of your trip reports. I've come out of lurkdom to tell you how much I enjoy your trip reports. Some people have a knack for writing, and you are definitely one of them!

I'm really interested in your upcoming offsite trip. Hope it is magical. We've been to WDW six times and have stayed onsite three times. We loved staying onsite (loved OKW especially when I thought I wouldn't) because we didn't have to drive to the parks and just enjoyed being in the bubble. However, next year (while saving for a new car) we are planning a budget trip and will be staying offsite, taking advantage of a generous friend's timeshare.

Thanks so much for taking the time to write trip reports and giving us many hours of enjoyment. Looking forward to reading about your next trip. Safe travels.

Nora

 

[MAGICFOR2]

Hi Ladies! Had to make a "mad dash" catch up after I got so far behind... Sorry to see your trip come to an end, but I know there is always another trip right around the corner for both of you.

Mary Ellen - loved all your parting pics. So cool you had so much room on your SW flight. I wonder what the others on the plane thought of you capturing every moment.

Cynthia - I think your "jealousy" shot worked. I am heading over to subscribe on your new TR - hard to believe you have already been there and are back.

 

[glennbo123]

Now I know why Southwest paints their name out there on the end of the wings!

 

[MEK]

Hi guys - I usually don't do this, but I'm about to post my last update before I have finished responding to everyone.

Please forgive me.

It took me awhile to write this update and I'd like to get it out there because its been 9 days since I posted.

Also, please forgive me for getting behind on your TRs. I am going to try my best to get caught up this week.

Firsts, Favs, & Final Thoughts.

But first - the only souvie I bought. This Tee for Denny



So, its time to do a little trip summary here. After all, we've been working on this TR since . It deserves a final chapter, don't ya think?

One of the things I really enjoying is making a list of Disney Firsts. No matter how many times I go to Disney, I always seem to find a few firsts and this trip was no different.

Park Firsts

In alphabetical order:

AK:

Considering we didn't spend much time in AK you might think it would be difficult to find some firsts. But we did!

First time inside the shop near Y&Y where Cynthia scored that cute little T and I photographed boxes of Tea



First time sitting in this cool little seating area across from the Tusker House





Epcot

First time attending F&W



And along with that - first time attending a F&W seminar (not one, but two)







First official F&W eats



First time in Tutto Gusto (and it won't be the last)





First time photographing THIS



First time here





First time in the Chase Lounge



and in a park bathroom without automatic flush



First time trying the cucumber margarita at the Ditch (its very much like the jalapeño)



Hollywood Studios

First Carrot Cake Cookie




First time drawing a Non-Classic Character



First time dining alfresco at a table service restaurant



Magic Kingdom

First time to Storybook Circus



First time riding Dumbo in Storybook Circus





First ride EVER on the Barnstormer (aka the Great Goofini)



Continued in Next Post....

 

[MEK]

Continued From Previous Post



First Character Meet n Greet in Storybook Circus




First time in the new Fantasyland



First time on Little Mermaid









First Time in Gaston's Tavern








First time seeing Storytime with Belle



First time dressing up for MNSSHP



Restaurant Firsts

I had a couple new restaurant firsts this trip. The surprise yummy new restaurant of this trip was the Captain's Grille. Totally spur of the moment and totally yummy burger.



First time at Citricos







Resort Firsts

First time taking the ME on this route



I have stayed at all the East Coast DVC Resorts, so the firsts for me now boil down to room categories.

First time staying at VWL studio (I've stayed in a 2BR)







First time staying at BWV pool/garden view (last time was standard view)



First DISmeet with Poolrat Pat



First group DIS meet including first time meeting Sheree and family, Mary and girls, and Brook.




First Chance DIS meet with Tina



Continued In Next Post......

 

[MEK]

Continued From Previous Post

Miscellaneous Firsts

First time seeing the new Flights of Wonder Balloon



First time using an Annual Pass for 21 days total in a calendar year.

Favorites.

OMG. I have so many favs, so I think I am going to go through all my pics and pick out some. Let See…..

Halloween Decorations in the MK













The festive flavor to Storybook Circus



The flavor is festive in more than one way



F&W seminars were definitely a hit



Next year



One of my fav pictures



Another fav pic



Good stuff



Definitely a favorite moment



Meeting this nice couple from the town I grew up in



Amazing Chocolate



Gorgeous Evenings



MNSSHP is always a favorite. This was my third time at the party!



My favorite parade ever













Continued In Next Post.....

 

[MEK]

Continued From Previous Post





Fantasyland at Night



Love her


Cool Castle Show



And, of course, the fireworks



Best costume of the night award



Best New Attraction







Favorite Non- PP Picture of the Trip



Future Favorite Restaurant






Favorite Butterfly Picture





Favorite animatronic lion



Favorite Christmas Decoration I didn't buy



Favorite Balloon Shot



Favorite Hidden gem park area



Favorite morning run picture



Favorite boat trip (from MK to the GF to the Poly)





Favorite pool hop (well, only pool hop but whose counting!)







Continued In Next Post.....

 

[MEK]

Continued From Previous Post



Favorite Poly Beach Picture (I just love this little girl digging in the sand)



Favorite shot of space mountain



One of my favorite WL pics



Favorite light picture



Favorite MSEP pics









Hookah smoking caterpillar. How can you NOT like that?



Favorite post parade unplanned DIS meet




Favorite classic for a quick nap



Favorite random toe shot



Fav ToT shots











Favorite YC shots





Favorite unusual merchandise



Favorite quiet pool (with wedding venue)



Most embarrassing score on TSM



Favorite Inanimate Object



Continued In Next Post.....

 

[MEK]

Continued From Previous Post

Favorite walk between parks





Favorite Wedding Decoration



Favorite Happily Ever After Picture



Favorite Room View EVER!



Favorite meal of the trip (Flying Fish)







Favorite Candid Shot of the Crazy Crowds on a Saturday night during F&W



One of my favorite empty single rider queues



for one of my favorite rides





My favorite living vine, the incomparable Miss Devine!





Favorite TOL photo



Favorite AK Icon



Favorite street musicians



Favorite Seminar Food



Favorite Disney Mug



Favorite Recycled Disney Item



Favorite Unintentional Picture of Someone Else's Children



Favorite Epcot Unique Perspective



Favorite Nighttime ToT picture



Continued In Next Post.....

 

[MEK]

Continued From Previous Post

Favorite intergalactic travel mode



Favorite night time HS pic



Favorite Character For Posing with Children



Favorite Impromptu Nature Encounter



Favorite Black and White Photo



Favorite "bucket list" bar



Favorite fire place shot (with Todd and Paul MIA)



Favorite Random Boardwalk shot



Favorite Sunset Shots







Favorite nighttime random Epcot shot(s)





Final Thoughts

What haven't I said already???

I absolutely loved going to the world during F&W. I certainly understand the appeal. It's just a fabulous time to visit. It gives a whole new dimension to the Disney experience. I think I have found my new favorite time to visit and I seriously can't wait to go back this October.

The weather in October was perfect - sunny, warm, and low humidity during the day and pleasant/occasionally cool evenings. True perfection!

The crowds were steady, but nothing I would really call heavy, with the exception of Saturday night in Epcot.

Bottom line - if you've never done a F&W trip and have been dreaming of one, what are you waiting for? GO!

Girl's Trips - I am such a big fan of girl's trips. They are SO much fun. I'm not saying that I don't love family trips or couple trips, but there is something really special about a girl's trip. IMHO girls don't do enough for themselves and this is just a fabulous way for a gal to get away from it all. Cynthia is an awesome roommate and I look forward to future girl's trips with her!

F&W is also a great time for DIS meets. Let's see - I think we had 6 impromptu or planned DIS meets including (in random order) the group meet, Melissa and her DH, Tracy, Christine, Pat, and Sheree. Oh -and Tina. That's 7!!!

I did neglect to mention that we used the TIW card for all our table service meals and that resulted in a nice savings. I definitely got my $ out of my TIW card since I used it on 3 different trips. This trip has the most table services and I found a lot of value in the impromptu table service lunch. For a few bucks more it was really nice and worth it to sit down and be waited on.

What's cool is the more times I go to Disney the more I really feel like its my home away from home. I used to feel like I was a visitor, but now I feel like I really own a little piece of the magic. It's such a great feeling of freedom. I walk around with my head held high feeling that this is "my place", but I'm kind enough to share it with everyone else.

Lastly, I want to mention how grateful I feel to have gotten to spend a little time with Tracy on this trip. I knew there was a chance I might not see her again, but she looked so good and seemed so healthy that, at the time, it seemed improbable that she would do anything other than make a full recovery. Next time you're in Disney world don't forget that Tracy's spirit is there and, no doubt, its there in full force. RIP Tracy!

So, I'm sure I'll think of more I want to say. But I want to wrap this up. A week from now I should be at dinner at BOG!

I'd like to thank everyone for reading and following along and I don't care if you lurked, posted once or multiple times. Thanks for following along with me! I really appreciate it and I know that Cynthia does too.

I'd like to ask the mods to keep this open until I get back from my trip. As soon as I can I'll post a link to my new TR to be entitled "I told you driving was bad for your health".

 

[teekathepony]

Fantastic wrap up, Mary Ellen. I love the long list of firsts! That's what's amazing about disney, no matter how many times you go there are so many new things to be done and seen and eaten.
I love your favourites list too. Many of my own favourites made their way there.
I've done September and November, but not October. Some day. I want to do a girls trip too, it just looks like so much fun!
I have very much enjoyed this joint TR by the two of you, thank you both for sharing. Mary Ellen, I can't wait to hear about your next one!

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[Poolrat]

What a great wrap up and I cannot believe I made your favorites -

Seriously though- I love Food and Wine and getting to share part of it with you and Cynthia was great. I truly appreciate the invite to the party and part of the famous trio and had a wonderful time visiting and getting to know you both.



Enjoy your trip and I look forward to hearing all about it.

 

[MEK]

Ugh the last day, so sad!! Loved the pictures from your run, the Swan and Dolphin area is so pretty!

The last day is always so bittersweet, isn't it? I swear - TRs help me recover from the trauma of re-entry!

Haha I love that you documented your whole flight home! I do the same thing when I can see land, I like to know where I am! When we used to drive to Florida (or anywhere when I was a kid) I was the dork in the backseat with the atlas, figuring out where we were and how many more miles we had to go, and then trying to figuring out when we'd get there.

No life, clearly!

Jen - that is too funny because that's EXACTY what I used to do. I still love to look at maps and just have that spatial relationship in front of me. I don't think its dorky at all. Well, maybe it is but that makes me a total dork and I'm not!

Can't wait for your final thoughts and trip recap! I love how you always manage to end your TR's right before you have another trip coming up too, I don't know how you plan it that way!

Seriously not planned! I sweat. Maybe somehow I pace myself subconsciously. I know one thing - I would not be good with multiple TRs, so it will always have to be one at a time.

I can't either! TGIF

Nothing like a short workweek to help with re-entry!

8 days!!! ​

Do you have any idea how hard I laughed when I saw this the other day?

Priceless!

Lama pa'ipa'i on the Lanai – an Aulani TR

I hope you'll join me!

How many updates did I miss this weekend - that's what I want to know!

I did!

Okay, I have to say that your logic is very sound with packing enough stuff so that you can't bring any souvies back. However....I sadly follow that logic....and end up buying a bag to bring stuff home!

Your trip is quickly approaching!

I think part of my logic was that I thought I would be driving in June. I figured I would just buy all my souvies then. Of course, now we are flying so I might have to get a new bag!

Very excited for the June trip!

 

[MEK]

Hi Mary Ellen
I'm a lurker, and have read many of your trip reports. I've come out of lurkdom to tell you how much I enjoy your trip reports. Some people have a knack for writing, and you are definitely one of them!

Nora! Thanks so much for joining in! I am so glad you enjoyed this TR. Thank you for the compliment! I appreciate it!

I'm really interested in your upcoming offsite trip. Hope it is magical. We've been to WDW six times and have stayed onsite three times. We loved staying onsite (loved OKW especially when I thought I wouldn't) because we didn't have to drive to the parks and just enjoyed being in the bubble. However, next year (while saving for a new car) we are planning a budget trip and will be staying offsite, taking advantage of a generous friend's timeshare.

I love OKW!! That's great that you alternate between off and on-site. That's why we are staying off this time. We did not plan any lodging costs originally because my brother invited us to stay with him, but they canceled. So I challenged myself to find cheap lodging. Honestly, I'm a little nervous, but I think it will be fine.

Score on the generous friend's timeshare! That's awesome!

Thanks so much for taking the time to write trip reports and giving us many hours of enjoyment. Looking forward to reading about your next trip. Safe travels.

Nora

You're welcome. I hope to get to work on the new TR ASAP. I plan to write about our HHI trip first then get right into the WDW trip.

Hi Ladies! Had to make a "mad dash" catch up after I got so far behind... Sorry to see your trip come to an end, but I know there is always another trip right around the corner for both of you.

Welcome back! Glad you were able to get caught up. Cynthia just got back from Aulani, so if you are not subbed make sure you do so. I leave on Saturday for my couples trip to WDW. Can't wait!

Mary Ellen - loved all your parting pics. So cool you had so much room on your SW flight. I wonder what the others on the plane thought of you capturing every moment.

How great was that? I am so excited that no one ever sat with me. I have no idea what other people thought. I was so crammed into that window that I didn't pay attnetion to anyone lease.

Cynthia - I think your "jealousy" shot worked. I am heading over to subscribe on your new TR - hard to believe you have already been there and are back.

Now I know why Southwest paints their name out there on the end of the wings!

For freaking crazy people like me that take a few too many pictures! Yup, won't forget the name of that plane anytime soon, will we?

 

[IheartDDuck]

I need to check out the shop inside Y&Y, because I love tea, and any new kind of tea is good for me.

I love your first and fav's!

21 total days on an AP! That's awesome.

Favorite Animatronic Lion.

Random toe shot in Teva Mush sandals! My favorite Tevas!

I've wanted one of those recycled bracelets or necklaces for a while. I may break down and get one this time.

October is my favorite time to visit also, hands down.

One week from today at BOG! Jealous! Still a ways to go for me.

 

[Mndisneygirl]

Oh Mary Ellen you never have to apologize for going out of order on your own TR!

Your favorites are so great - I love that I made the cut on a couple occasions! I know that some of my favorite moments involved my fellow DISers!

F&W was awesome - I agree!
You have such fun and beautiful pictures!
It's true - no one has ever "done it all before" at Disney World!


Thank you for sharing!!!!

 

[jedijill]

Fantastic wrap up! I love F&W too and am so happy my birthday falls within it....gives me an excuse to go!

Jill in CO