Hallllooooooo!!!! LIVE FROM MK

[Tink]

IT's GAY DAY!!! :rainbowsmile2:

Hello everyone! :wave: Photos to follow (I've taken loads, but have no way to get them to you until I get home).

The park was JAMMED with people! Great!!! Loads and Loads and LOADS of red shirts, and tons of others not in red, but gay...

Fun and easy walk ons to most attractions. The 3:00 parade was GREAT. For the first time ever, and because it is the 20th anniversary of Gay Day at MK, Herself and I joined in the Impromptu Pride at the end of this parade. Too much fun.

We're in our red shirts, the ones that say "Marriage is so Gay." :D We've had many, many nice comments and unfortunately, too many unpleasant responses, but you know what? WHOCARES???! :lol:

It's way too hot to be in red though. YIKES.

We did the Country Bear Jamboree with "the bears" (a term some gay men use to define themselves) and let me tell you, it was the single best time ever at that silly show! You don't know laughter until you've listened to (how many can fit in there anyway) a hall FULL of gay men (and a couple of us token women :lol: ) singing the "man that I like turns me down" song! :eek: :laugh:

We ran into some friends from NY! :mental: Can you believe it?! They spotted us and there was a chorus of OMG!!!! and hugs all around.

We are at Bay Lake Towers, and although we do prefer Kidani Village, it's perfectly fine here for a weekend. We LOVE the Top of the World (insiders call it the Tip Top Lounge ;) ) lounge. The barkeep Mike is just an incredible guy, and the views are great too. We watched Wishes from there last night (and don't kill me but I forgot the camera :sorry: ). We may do it from there tonight, but I'm not sure.

Wishes isn't on, I don't think? Some other firework show? :unsure:

We are going back to the park for the 9:00 ELECTRICAL LIGHT PARADE!!! They are running it tonight, so we can't miss that.

I know I'm kind of babbling and running on here, but I wanted to share some excitement of the day with you, and let you all know that we are having a great time.

We left MK after the 3:00 parade and have sampled a margarita at Outer Rim and the Wave. The Outer Rim wins hands down.

We are headed back to Top of the World where we'll ask Mike to try his hand at making us some, and then we'll see who makes the best at the Contemporary, eh?

Oh, the champagne last night was just fine. :D

Take care everyone and we'll see you real soon! :wave: (With photos)!

[Keith]

IT's GAY DAY!!!

YAY!



We're in our red shirts, the ones that say "Marriage is so Gay." :D We've had many, many nice comments and unfortunately, too many unpleasant responses, but you know what? WHOCARES???! :lol:

Wow sorry you had a few unpleasant responses, I thought they were great shirts :yes:



We did the Country Bear Jamboree with "the bears" (a term some gay men use to define themselves) and let me tell you, it was the single best time ever at that silly show! You don't know laughter until you've listened to (how many can fit in there anyway) a hall FULL of gay men (and a couple of us token women :lol: ) singing the "man that I like turns me down" song! :eek: :laugh:

:laugh: :laugh: I can so imagine it! I love that corny show



We are going back to the park for the 9:00 ELECTRICAL LIGHT PARADE!!! They are running it tonight, so we can't miss that.

ooo oo ooo is that the one from LA ??



Take care everyone and we'll see you real soon! :wave: (With photos)!

Have a totally wonderful time you two :yes: :hug2:

[Mags]

What a fun day to be at MK Tink. Sounds like a fabulous day. Im just making do with a glass of red.

Margaret

[mumof2]

woohoo you are soooo excited, I can tell! :wiggle:

[Claire]

Sounds so exciting! Can't wait to see the photos.

[Tinkfan]

:wave: Life is good ehh!!!!:tongue:

[foreverducky]

I can hear the excitement! I love the shirts! :D

Can't wait to see photos!

[Isafari]

Wow, what a truly fantastic day for you both Tink. The excitement shines through in your words. Can't wait for the photos :thumbsup:

Keep enjoying your time there to it's fullest :hug2:

[Beccaberry]

YAYAYAYAY!!! You're there! You're there!!!!

And guess what!?!?! SO WAS I!!!

I popped over to pick up an ornament for Johnie this morning and truly enjoyed the "vibe" of the park :) Loved seeing all those red shirts and smiling faces. I wish I could have stayed longer!

So glad you two are having a good time...the margarita's sound DELISH!!! (as does the champagne :wink: ) Have one (or three) for me!! I'm sat here at the airport waiting to go home (BOO!)

Can't wait to see the photos... :yes: :yes:

[lisaw]

So glad you are having a blast! Can't wait for the photos! :wiggle:

[kazzaqld]

It certainly sounds like you are having a fabulous time, Tink, so glad!

Babble away, we like babbling - it means you are enjoying yourself! :hug2::wiggle:

[Keith]

It certainly sounds like you are having a fabulous time, Tink, so glad!

Babble away, we like babbling - it means you are enjoying yourself! :hug2::wiggle:

totally :yes:

[Shellyamc]

:lol: I don't think I've ever 'heard' you so excited!! Sounds like a darn good day :bounce:

[Dawn]

Well someone is excited. :lol:

[arkvilla]

Aw Tink, it's just great that you and Herself are having such a wonderful time

Looking forward to photo's and ENJOY today too :rainbowsmile2:

Sandra

[uscwest]

Tink, glad to hear you are having such a marvelous time. It sounds like they have gone all out. Hooray for Disney.

[Skywatcher]

Brilliant beyond words :D

[josh.p.]

:D You sound like you are having a great time!! You sound so excited Tink.

Boo-hiss at whoever was negative about your shirts- I thought they where fantastic :yes:

[Britchick]

Glad you're having a great time :hug2:

[Deafjeff]

Can't wait for the photos!

[Esmeralda]

Glad to hear the negatives were way outshone by the positives. Good for you and you sound like you are having a blast!.

[Tink]

Some of the promised photos... This first is a test to see how large the photos are once posted... this is one of my favorite tshirts of the day!

[Tink]

More photos of the guests...

[Deafjeff]

simply fab!

:wiggle:

[ukwdwnut]

so glad you had a good time tink, sounded like you had a blast :yes: :D

[Tink]

Country Bear Jamboree... let's just say, you haven't seen it until you've done it with Da' Bears (and not just the ones from Chicago ;) )! :D This little guy in the red vest was the favorite... I'm sure you can guess why! :D

[Tink]

You are SUCH a better man than me, Gunga Din! This very brave man wore these heels ALL DAY and was dancing in them, along with the 11:00 am parade! :eek:

[Deafjeff]

Lovely legs though! :yes:

[Tink]

Some parade photos... we saw a total of three parades on Saturday! :mental: One at 11:00 am, one at 3:00 pm and then the Main Street Electrical Parade at 9:00!

[Tink]

Through some unexpected tears (long story... better left for another day) here are some shots of the MSEP. The photos aren't good, given the location and the emotion, but I wanted to share some of it with you...

[Deafjeff]

:hug2:

[Keith]

awesome photos Tink :yes: really gives a sense of the day

[Claire]

A-Maz-ing! I am getting a real carnival atmosphere from your photos Tink.

[Tink]

Here are some shots of the lobby chandelier in BLT. Again, my photos are not good, and don't come near to capturing how incredible this piece is, but I wanted to try and capture some of it for you...

[arkvilla]

Lovely to see your photo's Tink - thank you so much for sharing

Sandra

[Keith]

better photos than I got Tink with all my fancy cameras :lol:

What did you think of BLT? I was very impressed but it felt a bit like a ghosttown when I was there. Hardly anyone ever in the lobby, no one playing outside by the pool and so on.

Did you see the plaques of the first so many people to invest in DVC there? I thought that was kinda cool

[Deafjeff]

*cough*
:sorry:
:surrender:
BLT?!

[Tink]

Bay Lake Towers... overall nice enough for a weekend stay, especially when the weekend centers around MK. We'll stay again for that first weekend in June. However, we'd not recommend here for a much longer stay... there isn't much room for storage (although there are some really creative small storage areas). Also, we aren't fans of banquette seating... more to follow.

[Tink]

Meant to say, the bathroom is the second bath. There are two in the one bedrooms at Bay Lake Towers (and Kidani Village).

[Deafjeff]

WOW!!!!!!!!

Looks amazing!!!! I really really like that!

[Keith]

looks a lot larger than the studio we had there

[Tink]

Here are some additional photos of the BLT villa...

[Tink]

The first two are shots of the master bath. The shower is showing you that there are two shower heads, however only one can be used at a time. Neither of us cared for either one. The one on the wall was just weird, and we wondered how a tall person would use it at all. The one overhead was like "rain" and was about as efficient as standing in a summer shower... :unsure: :lol:

[Deafjeff]

I am truly impressed yes....

I wonder if we should try and stay there for one night this Sept....

[Keith]

The first two are shots of the master bath. The shower is showing you that there are two shower heads, however only one can be used at a time. Neither of us cared for either one. The one on the wall was just weird, and we wondered how a tall person would use it at all. The one overhead was like "rain" and was about as efficient as standing in a summer shower... :unsure: :lol:

yep weird innit? I remember the first time I stayed at Disney and the shower was on some kind of torture setting :lol: the force of the water was so strong it was actually painful on some settings!

Things have certainly changed with the gentle dribble that comes from them now

[Tink]

Top of the World Lounge is at the very top of BLT. Right now only DVC members staying at BLT on points can use the lounge. We'll see how long that lasts. It's a lovely place, but a bit boring as there really aren't that many members that use the place. :shrug: The flatbread was quite nice (tenderloin with carmelized onion, goat cheese and balsamic vinegar) and the margarits refreshing, but the best were at Outer Rim... :D

[Keith]

Must admit that looks pretty cool :D but as you say, needs some people to get some atmosphere

[Deafjeff]

Is it worth trying to get a room for one night?

[Keith]

Is it worth trying to get a room for one night?

I enjoyed it but I would try and splash for an MK View room especially if only for one special night :yes:

[Tink]

Testimony to the excellence of the Outer Rim Margaritas! They were perfect after a long day at the HOT MK (we took a break just after the 3:00 parade, went to the resort, did our impromptu margarita taste testing before returning for the evening parade and fireworks...).

The red margarita is from Sunday at EPCOT... the Cave in Mexico. Go. Get one. They are beyond fab.

[Keith]

I love the outer rim, I really do. It's so over looked but it's a great little bar

[Deafjeff]

oohhh I will!!!

[Tink]

OK. We're getting toward the end of the shots I'll bore you with. :embarassed: (Trust me, I've loads more! :lol: ).

Here are some of Nightastic, the evening fireworks show that has replaced Wishes for the summer. Tinkerbell does fly, but not at the beginning or end as you'd expect so if you want a shot of her, be ready! I missed her. :sigh:

These are really poor shots, but we were buried shoulder to shoulder near the ice cream parlor on Main Street...

[ukwdwnut]

great photos tink. you know we love photos so the more the merrier plzzzzzzzzzzzz :D

[Deafjeff]

ooooooohhh!

[Tink]

So there you have it... some of the shots (be nice or I'll force you to view more! :lol: ).

We had a wonderful time. We do plan on staying through Sunday next year, checking out on Monday, and we'll probably do BLT again as it's just too convenient. There were some beautiful surprises along the way, and some unexpected meetings (who KNEW our friends from NY would be down?! :lol: ) and just good all round fun.

We were a little suprised at the lack of "cool tshirts" this year. Many were plain ol' red... and many gay folk were not wearing red at all. Can't blame them as it's too silly hot to be wearing red in June!

One or two men in kilts, not the group that usually is there.

As always, it's the older gay men and women that cause me to choke up. There were two really old men wearing shirts with their wedding date (Mass.) on the front then their years together in love on the back. That got me. The two very old men, one with an o2 tank... you know they've been through hell. The two old, old women, one with a walker...

The families, they were wonderful to see. One Mom in red was dancing with her two little girls in red at the parade. There were babies, and teens and Dads and Moms... there were party animals ;) and couples, and you know? There were representations of "everybody."

It still nice to see the red, if only to realize that you are not alone in this world.

I'll be happy to answer any questions about the weekend, the parades, BLT, the margaritas ;) or what have you, that I can.

Thanks for bearing with me! :D

[Deafjeff]

Thank you for sharing all this with us, it means a lots to me :yes:

It is so nice that you can share all this in this forum and it is so heartwarming that others can also share things without any snide remarks!

:hug2: to everyone here!

[Tink]

Is it worth trying to get a room for one night?

I don't know. The MK view is nice, but only if you have a higher floor. I was not thrilled that our villa was on the second floor, and in hindsight probably should have said something.

We didn't much mind as we really weren't in the room much, and our view was ok... meh.

It would all depend upon how much it cost, and I'm guessing it's pricey as it's new. A studio would be less costly, but then it's a single room, and not an apartment setting like the one in the photos.

Remember too that you check in at 4:00 and have to check out by 11:00 am the next day, so you really don't have that much time with one night.

There is no restaurant in BLT proper, but there is a very convenient covered walkway to the Contemporary where you have the Wave, the Contemporary Cafe, California Grill and Chef Mickey's.

We walked to MK each time, and it was an easy walk. We did take the Monorail back once, too.

[Tink]

better photos than I got Tink with all my fancy cameras :lol:

What did you think of BLT? I was very impressed but it felt a bit like a ghosttown when I was there. Hardly anyone ever in the lobby, no one playing outside by the pool and so on.

Did you see the plaques of the first so many people to invest in DVC there? I thought that was kinda cool

Overall, it's a fine place for a weekend. It does have a bit of a sterile feel to it still? Not sure if it's because it's so new, or if because some of the areas come across as too stark? Wasn't overly impressed with some of the lobby staff, but they are new-ish too, eh? No one said, "Welcome Home!" :nono:

We never made it to the pool, but there did seem to be a bit of traffic there. We had a view of it from our room.

No! We didn't see the plaques! :lol:

[Tink]

Thank you for sharing all this with us, it means a lots to me :yes:

It is so nice that you can share all this in this forum and it is so heartwarming that others can also share things without any snide remarks!

:hug2: to everyone here!

Jeff, this is a forum of truly beautiful people who understand what life means in this strange old world. The members here truly care about one another, and while we don't agree on everything (and wouldn't that be boring) we all do agree that everyone is absolutely as important to this world as the next, no more, no less.

When we say there is no other site as warm, caring and friendly as this site, we mean it! :yes:

[Keith]

Wasn't overly impressed with some of the lobby staff, but they are new-ish too, eh? No one said, "Welcome Home!" :nono:


it was our first stay at a DVC so we didn't expect it BUT we did feel that the staff just sorta stared at us as we walked in/out which was a bit disconcerting.

Later on as we passed more guests in the corridors, we had a number of "Welcome homes" from them which was just weirdly nice :lol: and got chatting to one family who were REALLY put out about the lack of welcome from the lobby staff. They were going to complain about it they said!

[Tink]

Yeah, well we don't go that far! :lol: But it is a real issue with most DVCers. "Welcome Home" is sort of a de rigeur sort of requirement, you know?

One woman who walked us to the "secret elevator" to the Top of the World Lounge did ask us (out of earshot of the lobby) where she could get a tshirt like ours (the "Marriage is so gay" one). She was a very quiet and almost solemn young woman.

The check in experience was a little weird too. We are certain that they goofed up our villa some how as it took several people and a managerial type to "finally" assign us a room... :shrug: Didn't realize that we were on the second floor until we got to the towers. I forced myself to not care about that as I was committed to not letting ANYTHING bother me for the entire weekend! :lol:

[Keith]

The check in experience was a little weird too. We are certain that they goofed up our villa some how as it took several people and a managerial type to "finally" assign us a room... :shrug: Didn't realize that we were on the second floor until we got to the towers. I forced myself to not care about that as I was committed to not letting ANYTHING bother me for the entire weekend! :lol:

yeah, I arrived outside the contemporary and said "where do I check in for BLT" the lady said, with a flourish of being too busy for stupid questions :lol: "over there at BLT". So over I go, lugging suitcases etc. only to find the only staff was a DVC person who told me to go back to the contemporary :/

Go back we did, waited in queue and as per your experience, took a while to assign our room and when it was assigned, second floor with a delicious (cough) view of the underside of the monorail.

Well given we'd paid a lot extra for MK view, I was a bit put out but really didn't want the hassle of complaining yah know? Anyway after stewing on it a bit, I decided it had to be done so back to contemporary checkin desk.

They initially said they had nothing available except a more expensive contemporary room. I said that wasn't good enough and they almost immediately came up with another two room suggestions. I said could I go over and try to see where they were to establish if they had a better view or not "no, once you leave the desk they will no longer be available to you" :/

So in the end just picked the highest sounding floor and went with it. The view in the end was absolutely spot on perfect but that they're selling the lower floors as MK views is out of order in my opinion. Notably different from the contemporary main where if you choose an MK view you will get a higher level because the lower ones aren't classed as theme park views.

[Tink]

See? That's what we thought too. We booked a LAGOON view, not a POOL view... However, the points are less for "that side" so meh...

Have to say wasn't overwhelmed with the friendliness of the whole experience but again, was totally committed to having a good weekend so refused to acknowledge it. :D :lol:

In our experience, nothing beats OKW for "WELCOME HOME!!!!" atmosphere and cordiality. We recognize our bias. :D

We did find the hallways a bit imposing and again, sterile. The overall effect we declared "Theme Jetsons" :laugh: not what the designers had in mind, I don't think.

It's really not a bad place, and like I say, perfect for MK visits, but it will never be our favorite.

[Keith]

We did find the hallways a bit imposing and again, sterile. The overall effect we declared "Theme Jetsons" :laugh: not what the designers had in mind, I don't think.

Yep I'd have to agree :yes: It's hard for the cynic in me not to think that every inch of space has been planned to the absolute minimum required in order to pack the place out with "usable" rooms.


It's really not a bad place, and like I say, perfect for MK visits, but it will never be our favorite.

Not at all bad no! I really loved the view we ended up with and the convenience of the MK pathway is just wonderful. I prefer the Contemporary itself though, I like the hustle bustle of the place along with the much larger rooms.

[Tink]

Larger than the studio you mean? :unsure:

Do you happen to have photos of both the studio and the Contemporary resort rooms? That would be a good comparison. :yes:

[Keith]

Larger than the studio you mean? :unsure:

ah yes, I must remember that to you DVC VIP people DVC resorts tend to mean large 1/2 bedroom villas :yes:

yep, the studio was long but very thin. Someone said it reminded them of an RV and I could see what they meant. Enough room for two people undeniably, but by no means spaceous.


Do you happen to have photos of both the studio and the Contemporary resort rooms? That would be a good comparison. :yes:

Now you're asking a good question :lol: I bet I do yes. I'll try and dig them out :yes:

The contemporary room was just insanely large in comparison, better appointed in my opinion too. The new stuff, the wave, BLT, all have this kind of 60/70s fabric styling going on and you can tell they've tried to do it really well but it's on the edge of feeling a little tacky rather than oppulent.

[Tinkfan]

:wave: And a wonderful time was had by all!! Did Herself enjoy "herself"! The pics are great and BLT looks amazing. I tried to book the Contemporary for November but alas all sold out I was told. It's been Tylers dream to stay there. BLT does look a little stark to me as well but amazing. It looks really crowded Sister Tink, were the crowds manageable?

[Tink]

It did get very busy very early (unlike last year where the attendance didn't build until after 2:00).

It was brutally hot, too which didn't much help. Manageable? Yes. We didn't do much other than stroll around and go on whatever attraction had the shortest line. :lol:

And yes, Herself (and I) did enjoy! :D

[uscwest]

Great photos Tink. Thanks for sharing them.

I don't even understand how women can stand to walk in high heels let alone a man wearing them all day.

[foreverducky]

Now Tink, you don't be down about those photos!:nono: They are great! :yes:

Looks like a wonderful visit. Wow, heels at WDW...I am truly impressed and in awe.

Thank you for sharing with us! :hug2:

[Isafari]

Truly wonderful photos Tink....every one of them :yes:

[Tinkerbell]

Heels! :eek3: He's a braver man than me! :worship:

Fantastic pics sister Tink, thank you so much for sharing them with us :hug2:

[Beccaberry]

Thank you :hug2: for sharing your day with us :)

I saw Da Bears....they were uber friendly :)

And I'm dead jealous of that man's legs! WOWZA! :eek:

[mumof2]

TINK!!!!!

I love your photos, i love your excitement and i love that you both had a wonderful weekend....you soooooo deserved it! :hug2::hug2:

[Johnie]

Thanks for sharing your enthusiasm and the photos!!

I had wanted to go to MK on Sat but after dealing with luggage checkin and all that it just seemed pointless to go to a park :sorry: BUT Rebecca and I did wear our shirts so we were there in spirit!!

[Tink]

Now Tink, you don't be down about those photos!:nono: They are great! :yes:

Looks like a wonderful visit. Wow, heels at WDW...I am truly impressed and in awe.

Thank you for sharing with us! :hug2:

Aren't those heels high! :eek: He was not having a bit of a problem either. His feet weren't red like you'd expect them to be ... honestly he walked just fine in them. I'd not be able to take a step! :embarassed:

[Tink]

Truly wonderful photos Tink....every one of them :yes:

Thank you Issy! :hug2:

[Tink]

Thank you :hug2: for sharing your day with us :)

I saw Da Bears....they were uber friendly :)

And I'm dead jealous of that man's legs! WOWZA! :eek:

They all were, weren't they? :yes: It was a day filled with smiles and laughter and silly innuedos. :yes:

His legs are pretty muscular, aren't they? See? He's figured out what women have known for years; as uncomfortable as those shoes are, they do wonderful things to the calves. :D

[Tink]

Heels! :eek3: He's a braver man than me! :worship:

Fantastic pics sister Tink, thank you so much for sharing them with us :hug2:

Me too, Sister Tinkerbell! :eek: Waaaay braver. :yes: I'm so happy that you like the photos! :hug2:

[Tink]

TINK!!!!!

I love your photos, i love your excitement and i love that you both had a wonderful weekend....you soooooo deserved it! :hug2::hug2:

Awww, thanks Mairead. :yes: I've been pretty grumpy, so I'd made up my mind that I wasn't going to be anything but cheerful. Herself has put up with quite enough! :sorry:

[Tink]

Thanks for sharing your enthusiasm and the photos!!

I had wanted to go to MK on Sat but after dealing with luggage checkin and all that it just seemed pointless to go to a park :sorry: BUT Rebecca and I did wear our shirts so we were there in spirit!!

Thanks Johnie! Maybe another year you can get to go. :yes:

[Beccaberry]

They all were, weren't they? :yes: It was a day filled with smiles and laughter and silly innuedos. :yes:

Indeed they were! The entire vibe in MK was just FUN. Some of the shirts were just too cute and funny.


His legs are pretty muscular, aren't they? See? He's figured out what women have known for years; as uncomfortable as those shoes are, they do wonderful things to the calves. :D

SOOOOOOOOOOOOO TRUE!!! I would LOVE to have legs like that!

[ROO]

:wave:,Fantastic photo's loved them.
I loved BLT we had 2 weeks in 1 bed last october, I did request 7th floor as I had been told anything below that could be iffy !! And 7th floor we got with fab view of the CR/ CR pool area & lagoon it was fab. Have to say that apart from check in staff & the mousekeepers we never seen any staff but the ones we did see did say hello & check-in did say welcome home.:thumbsup:
I don't do heels on a night out back home definitly couldn't do them in MK!! You have got to admire that man.:worship:

[Johnie]

Indeed they were! The entire vibe in MK was just FUN. Some of the shirts were just too cute and funny.



SOOOOOOOOOOOOO TRUE!!! I would LOVE to have legs like that!


You already have legs like that!