Pesky Gnomes

Anne mentioned she was looking for potential yard art. I recommend some metal yard art from a guy named Fred Conlon. I particularly the Gnomebearers and the Flamingoaway.

Postcard

Postcard
Originally uploaded by Sirelroka

I was using a new camera this past trip and this picture turned out absolutely awesome!

Susan Diving

Susan
Originally uploaded by Sirelroka

Sadly Anne and Karl had to leave the next day. They left pretty early so we bid them farewell the night before. Jason and I had plans to dive the next day at the Living Seas, while Roland had reservations for one at the Coral Reef (the restaurant that looks into the aquarium). He was debating between getting an appetizer or a dessert. He went with dessert. He tried to take some pictures through the acrylic, but they didn't turn out too well. I was trying to stay back because earlier pictures were too dark, but I think I should have come closer since there was no ledge above to block the lights. Ah well. Guess we'll have to go back and try again :)

On thing I'm very excited about is that the new camera I bought has a underwater housing available for it. I couldn't use it for this dive because they don't allow it, but for other dives I'm totally stoked. I think I'm going to ask for it for Christmas!

The gang at the Sci-Fi Dine In Theater

The gang at the Sci-Fi Dine In Theater
Originally uploaded by Sirelroka

We met up with Anne and Karl later for dinner at the Sci-Fi Dine in Theater. I hadn't been there in a long while and was sad to see they don't wear roller skates anymore. We had a lovely dinner (I'm happy to say the menu has improved leaps and bounds since I last ate there) and enjoyed some oreo shakes.

With Todd English

With Todd English
Originally uploaded by Sirelroka

We left Anne and Karl to their own devices on the next day to attend one of the Food and Wine Festival events. It was a Kitchen Conversation with Todd English. He demonstrated cooking two dishes which we got a tasting of. He made a beef with mushroom riboletta and a beet risotto (which was outstanding). It was very high tech, with lots of cameras in the ceiling and cameramen running around. There were a bunch of screens around the room so everyone could have a great view. After, he did a book signing. Since a copy of his cookbook was included in the price of the event we went over and had them personalized.

Flights of Fancy

Beer Flights
Originally uploaded by Sirelroka

The next day we went to the Animal Kingdom in the morning and Downtown Disney in the afternoon. We took in some safari action and saw the Flights of Wonder show and came very close to winning a day fast pass to the Animal Kingdom through the Year(s) of a Million Dreams thingy. We played at DisneyQuest for most of the afternoon and Jason met up with us for dinner at Raglan Road. This is arguably our favorite restaurant and we always make sure to take people there. We like to go late to catch the Irish band and dancer. Most everyone enjoyed a beer flight (or three) with dinner and Karl *really* liked his shepherd's pie!

Funnel Cake 'splosion

Funnel Cake 'splosion
Originally uploaded by Sirelroka

When you are at Disney you must partake of the funnel cakes at one park or another. This time it was the Magic Kingdom and powdered sugar fun ensued.

Teacups

Teacups
Originally uploaded by Sirelroka

Anne, Karl, and Roland went on the teacups. I wasn't up for it and decided to take pictures. Apparently getting three adults into one teacup is pretty dicey, especially when two of them are over 6 feet. They really went after it too and were by far the fastest spinning teacup on the floor. Anne got some great shots from within the teacup, but mine came out noisy because of the setting I was using.

Karl moves in the for the kill

Karl moves in the for the kill
Originally uploaded by Sirelroka

The Magic Kingdom was up next and it was a little on the chilly side. We all rode the Indy Speedway and I made Roland share a car with me so I could take some pictures. Karl is always willing to ham it up so it was pretty awesome. Here he is getting ready to take us out. Anne was a little far away for me to get any good pictures, so there is just a blurry one over at flickr. Seriously, he even went after the little girl in the next car over!

Smiles

Smiles
Originally uploaded by Sirelroka

The next day we were off to Disney's Hollywood Studios. Anne wore her awesome bat ears and I think this was probably Anne and Karl's favorite park. It's all about the movies for one thing and for another it has both the Tower of Terror and the Rockin' Rollercoaster, two of the more thrilling rides at Disney World. Here we are at the Lights, Motors, Action show which it seems Anne really enjoyed. Although this was the first time I've ever seen one of the drivers make a mistake and the motorcycle guy that was supposed to be on fire didn't get lit. Something about the flammable gel drying or going through the flame too fast. Bummer for him! He has to spend all that time getting ready only to not have the stunt work.

Rose and Crown

Karl and Anne at the Rose and Crown
Originally uploaded by Sirelroka

We ate at the Rose and Crown after our day at Epcot as that was one of the places that Karl requested. It is also one of our favorite spots since the firework viewing is the best from their patio. I thought this picture turned out rather nicely, I'm always jealous of Anne's blue eyes and cute hair!

Duck!

Pow!
Originally uploaded by Sirelroka

Our first day was spent at Epcot. Normally my initial reaction is to take people to the Magic Kingdom on their first day since it is the first park, but since Anne had recently been to Disneyland and the Food and Wine Festival was on, I went with Epcot first. Here we are by China standing in line for pot stickers (Roland) and Caramel and Ginger Ice Cream (Anne). Apparently there was a disagreement while waiting in line and Anne felt the need to deck Roland...Don't underestimate her, she may be small, but Roland was out cold for an hour!

Are you ready?

Are you ready?
Originally uploaded by Sirelroka

We've just returned from our latest jaunt to Disney World. It was Anne's first trip there and I think it was a success on that front. She seemed to enjoy the festivities and while I could have wished for a little more variety for her vegetarian eating it was overall pretty easy to find and of good quality.

The very beginning of our trip starts here. We always like driving under this gateway to Disney World. Somehow we feel that as soon as we're past this we are officially on vacation!