What a disaster!!

[WillowBelle]

OMG! I would have DIED to have the inconvenience that you and DW went through!!! Hopefully what you had to go through that night wasn't too bad!

[Mrsdisneyb2b]

I don't know why. I don't mind eating french fries. Just not something I would crave for, that's all. Same with pizza. I can eat it. I just prefer not to eat it.


But are they Disney Crocs. :rolleyes1

.


YES disney Crocs!! I promise! lolol
You dislike my favorite foods... I will turn you into a pizza potato lover some how!!:rotfl:

[Mrsdisneyb2b]

Oh wow it started and ended with a bang aye?

However I do love Ted. We have a stuffy that we bring with us everywhere as well- its this little scotty dog that vin got me years back and he thought I was a odd ball for taking pictures of him everywhere... well then a penguin added to the equation and there went that one!

But other than that, i am glad you at least got to enjoy the aspect of the "world" without a camera. It is an awesome feeling, to just "Be" there instead of "looking" for the next shot!

So I guess no upcoming tr then? lol. Hope your feet are MUCH better now!

[Leger13]

:scared1: I can't believe you had such a hard time at the Atlanta airport with everything and it wasn't even during a storm. I live in Atlanta and the only time I've heard of it being that backed up is during major events (like 9/11) or during a storm. How crazy!! I've never had any problem there. I'm sorry you guys had such a hard time. And oh your poor feet! That sounds really painful!

Love the pictures of TED before you left. And also the pictures from the morning before your DW woke up.

What a cliff hanger.....

[MadiMouse]

Wow. That's all I can really say!!! Well, I live 5-10 mins from Atlanta airport. I wish I had known you at that time as I would have taken you all out to dinner! :lmao:

Seriously, I hope it at least gets better!:goodvibes

[GreatBiscuit]

I was couple of posts behind, so first off, loved the picutres as usual. We did the standard dining plan, but I may have to spring for the extra $ to add a bowl of that soup my meal at Whispering Canyon Cafe. That just sounds TOO good.

Sorry to hear about all your flight home drama. Sounds like it's going to be an interesting tale when it's all said and done.

[Planning fanatic mom]

1. Now that is my kind of lunch. You had all of my faves. I can't wait for unlimited milkshakes!!!:cool1:

2. Love the croc flipflops!!

3. I can't wait to stay at WL.

4. This is why I don't fly. Our connection out of Atlanta was canceled in 2006. Luckily we could get a flight to Dulles and stay with DSIL. They gave us ice cream vouchers. Big Woop!!!!

More please!!!

[WDWAtLast]

What a Disaster is right!!! I am scared to read what comes next!! And it sounds like the airlines needs to send their employees to the Disney charm school!!!

[robin09]

This is the reason we drive from Upstate NY! Not only does my daughter have to bring her entire room, but those airline delays would destroy us! By the way TopDog, it wasn't very nice to leave with such a cliffhanger!:surfweb:

[SleepyatDVC]

What a disaster!! is right!! :scared1: Just caught up with your trip report. Bad luck has seemed to dog your trip from beginning to the literal end!! And yet you and your wife seemed to have an awesome trip! Kudos for your attitude. :thumbsup2 What else can you do but roll with the punches instead of letting it ruin everything? Your humor looking back at everything going wrong is refreshing!

Can't wait to read MORE!

[KittyKat08]

OMG! That sucks. I have missed many connecting flights in my time and had to be put on a different plane but never the next day, so I can just imagine what a misrable experience this was for you guys. I hope it all works out in the end and you get home without any further issues. :goodvibes

By the way I love the Mickey Croc flip flops and the fact that you got Jibbits! :thumbsup2

[topdog]

I know I left you all hanging with such cliffhanger. However, there are a lot of details to write and my thought process can only go so fast. (A sign of old age.) I could've easily stretch out the ending in 3 parts but then you will have to wait even longer. That's why I consolidate everything into 2 parts. I will do my best to post the grand finale asap but I have to a lot of stuff to get done during this weekend and I will be going away to CT next Monday & Tuesday for business trip. Therefore, I am guesstimate the final won't be ready until next Thursday. Sorry.:flower3: Then I am going away to NY upstate (Lake Placid) next Friday & Saturday with my best friend for an auto club gathering. Busy..busy...busy...

However, I am almost finish organizing all my pictures plus I will post a few of the odd and end souvenir pictures we bought which they will not be on my website. Hopefully this will band aid the wait until the final installment is ready, I hope.

I hate to let my fans wait so long. :)

PS. There is a little typo on my last installment. Day #8 actually is Sunday and not Saturday. I have edited and correct my post.

[topdog]

Wow - this is just awful. When my vacation is over, all I want is to get home. I am in "gotta get home now" mode. Any situation like this would throw me off kilter and I am really not sure what the result would be. And it seems like things get worse the next day :sad1:.
You are correct. The worse isn't over yet.
Oh. My. Word. :scared1:
Yup! There are more on its' way.
OH MAN!!!

You should have called. I'm in the Atlanta area.

I have enjoyed reading your trip report.

Thank you for sharing it with us.
Thank you from reading my TR. I wish I know you all then so I don't feel so helpless at the time.
Cue the ominous music!

Now I know why you chose "What a Disaster!" for your title! :sad2:
This report will be ending with a bang...

How stressful!

Kathy
Stressful is only part of it. Painful is my other choice of word.
Wow TopDog What a Disaster is right!!!!! Last August when I was on my way to Disney I checked my flight to see if it was on time and it says its delayed so I call the airline and they tell me to get to the airport because they are trying to get the flight out on time so me DH and 3 kids head to the airport our flight is suppose to leave at 6:30 PM. When I get to the airport I see the flight is delayed until 11:50PM I almost freak out because I have 3 little kids who really want to get to disney. They start crying its a DISASTER. We stayed in the airport for 6 hours before our flight takes off its the longest 6 hours of my life when we finally board the plane at 12:00AM I put my baby in the middle seat and I have a safety harness for him that attaches to the seatbelt he is sleeping at this point, the stewardess comes over and tells me I have to move him to the window seat I look at her like she is crazy I say to her please don't make me move him he will wake up and he will talk and yell the whole flight she was really nasty and toldme to move him so I did and that was the kiss of death because the whole flight he was really loud and everytime someone looks at me I would point at that stewardness and say blame her I wanted to kick her BUTT LOL. wse finally arrived at our hotel at 3:30 am it was a disaster. LOL I feel your pain.
3 little kids wait to go to Disney with a delay flight. I can only imagine. I take it you must be flying out of Kennedy or La Guardia airport. Either one is still a mess.
How dare you leave us with such a cliffhanger!!!!
Get back over here and start typing!!:rotfl:
Sorry!!:flower3: My thought process can only go so fast. ;)
OMG...........I'm hooked, read the entire TR in ONE day!!!! DH thinks I have lost my mind. He left for work at 10:15 and I'm still sitting here reading. :confused3 I have a hard time sleeping so.............I have made it to the end and will NEVER be able to sleep now that you left me hanging like this!!!:lmao: I rarely read TR's but this one caught my eye and I must say it has been wonderful. Not only was the report itself very interesting and entertaining but your photographs were AMAZING!!!! :worship: I must show this to DH tomorrow at some point in time even if I must interrupt his sleep. Hmmm..............mean of me isn't it?? ..................NAH!!!! LOL:rotfl2: Anyway, thank you so much for sharing, I can't wait for the rest of the story.

Becky
Awww...thank you for reading Becky. I am so happy my TR is so interesting to you all.

[topdog]

Oh topdog! This day was so UNMAGICAL I don't know what to say! Pokey feet, delayed flight, missing connections and happy meals! :scared1: I'll bet KARMA is messing with you for messing with M. T. Wallet at WCC! How disappointing you never found the glass, but those Crock Flops look very comfy! I do hope that things are better in the morning.
Well...I never thought about messing with M.T. Wallet would give me bad KARMA. Who would've thought? As for the glass, at least we got one. I really thought we would've find the second one but it is what it is. The gift shop CM did told us we can call the Disney merchandise dept for it but I am afraid how much Disney might charge for shipping for an $8 item. :eek: The Crocs flops do feel pretty comfy. It feel better than I thought.

As for the next morning, let's just get through that night first before I can deal with what happen the next day. (Spoiler Alert!!!) The drama just wouldn't stop. The next 15 hours or so was the most stressful part of the entire trip. At the same time, there was some funny moment in between as well. At least I thought it was funny.
Oh Topdog I feel your pain. I cannot tell you how many times over the years we have missed our connector flight due to delays on the first leg. At least it was just the two of you. Doing it with young children is enough to make you go over the edge!!:lmao:
My DD's are not young anymore but I always check to see if I can get a direct flight that is not insanely priced.(Does not often happen:rotfl:)
Cannot wait for the next installment!:thumbsup2
I wish I can fly direct but I live in the middle of no where. Allentown is the closest airport. The only airport that have direct flight to Orlando is either Newark or Philadelphia, at least 2 hours away from me. I will have to either stay at a hotel near the airport the night before and leave our car there or get up real early in the morning to drive down. Either way, it is still a hassle. Not to mention then I still have to drive another 2 hours back home.
Hopefully what you had to go through that night wasn't too bad!
So I thought... :mad:
YES disney Crocs!! I promise! lolol
You dislike my favorite foods... I will turn you into a pizza potato lover some how!!:rotfl:
DW have been tried to turn me on to pizza for over 15 years. So far, it hasn't work but I still would eat it. I just don't like it.
Oh wow it started and ended with a bang aye?

However I do love Ted. We have a stuffy that we bring with us everywhere as well- its this little scotty dog that vin got me years back and he thought I was a odd ball for taking pictures of him everywhere... well then a penguin added to the equation and there went that one!

But other than that, i am glad you at least got to enjoy the aspect of the "world" without a camera. It is an awesome feeling, to just "Be" there instead of "looking" for the next shot!

So I guess no upcoming tr then? lol. Hope your feet are MUCH better now!
You are so right about "being" there without a camera. I felt so "free".

Thank you for asking about my feet. They are fully recover now. :)

[topdog]

:scared1: I can't believe you had such a hard time at the Atlanta airport with everything and it wasn't even during a storm. I live in Atlanta and the only time I've heard of it being that backed up is during major events (like 9/11) or during a storm. How crazy!! I've never had any problem there. I'm sorry you guys had such a hard time. And oh your poor feet! That sounds really painful!

Love the pictures of TED before you left. And also the pictures from the morning before your DW woke up.

What a cliff hanger.....
You are correct. When we landed, there was no storm. Weather was perfectly fine. We still don't know why it back up so bad.
Wow. That's all I can really say!!! Well, I live 5-10 mins from Atlanta airport. I wish I had known you at that time as I would have taken you all out to dinner! :lmao:

Seriously, I hope it at least gets better!:goodvibes
That's it. The next time we are going to Disney, I am taking names and numbers, just in case. :laughing: We can certainly use some friendly face while we were there.
I was couple of posts behind, so first off, loved the picutres as usual. We did the standard dining plan, but I may have to spring for the extra $ to add a bowl of that soup my meal at Whispering Canyon Cafe. That just sounds TOO good.

Sorry to hear about all your flight home drama. Sounds like it's going to be an interesting tale when it's all said and done.
The Southwest chicken soup was gooood. :thumbsup2 It has a little kick too.

You are right about the ending.
1. Now that is my kind of lunch. You had all of my faves. I can't wait for unlimited milkshakes!!!:cool1:

2. Love the croc flipflops!!

3. I can't wait to stay at WL.

4. This is why I don't fly. Our connection out of Atlanta was canceled in 2006. Luckily we could get a flight to Dulles and stay with DSIL. They gave us ice cream vouchers. Big Woop!!!!

More please!!!
Flight cancel!! :eek: Don't even go there. But 20+ hours driving down to Orlando is just a bear. I was driving about 200 miles per day to and back from work for 13 years. I just don't want to drive any more on my vacation.

Ice cream vouchers...:scared1: What were they thinking?!?!
And it sounds like the airlines needs to send their employees to the Disney charm school!!!
Funny you mention that. That subject would come up on my last installment.
This is the reason we drive from Upstate NY! Not only does my daughter have to bring her entire room, but those airline delays would destroy us! By the way TopDog, it wasn't very nice to leave with such a cliffhanger!:surfweb:
The entire room!!! :eek::eek::eek: Wow! Upstate NY!! I hope you did stay over night some where in the middle to break up the drive. We drove to Disney in 1995 from PA. It was tough. We stay over night at Savannah, GA. It was not a good experience either.

The cliffhanger wasn't on purpose. But the drama just wouldn't stop and I just can't keep writing without breaking it up.
What a disaster!! is right!! :scared1: Just caught up with your trip report. Bad luck has seemed to dog your trip from beginning to the literal end!! And yet you and your wife seemed to have an awesome trip! Kudos for your attitude. :thumbsup2 What else can you do but roll with the punches instead of letting it ruin everything? Your humor looking back at everything going wrong is refreshing!

Can't wait to read MORE!
Thanks. I hate being negative. It's not a good feeling. DW always said I am a half glass full kinda person.
OMG! That sucks. I have missed many connecting flights in my time and had to be put on a different plane but never the next day, so I can just imagine what a misrable experience this was for you guys. I hope it all works out in the end and you get home without any further issues. :goodvibes

By the way I love the Mickey Croc flip flops and the fact that you got Jibbits! :thumbsup2

This is the first time for me to reconnect a flight the next day. Then again, I also had my share of sleep at the airport also. Not fun. This whole missing flight experience doesn't really bothers me that much. It happens. It's how the airline treat their customers that irk me. I felt like we were a herd of cattle to them.:mad: No sense of urgency. No compassion.

Every thing did work out at the end. Just a lot of bumps in between until we get there. ;)

[SleepyatDVC]

http://www.dewlama.com/Public/Photos/Disney/09/Extra/Souv/AAA_8344.jpg


I bought the exact same rolling duffel bag during a promotion last August!! Love it!

[MICKEY4EVER!]

Sorry to hear about your airport fiasco. Sounds like a disaster! Love the Mickey Croc Flips, though. I hate that you didn't find the other margarita glass. Bummer...

[GoofyFairie]

Topdog, I think you should call disney merchandise and see if you can get the mickey margarita glass, but pay to have them ship you three. Not only will your DW be happy you did something so nice for her, but she'll have spares in case one gets broken or extra when you have guests. As for the 2 hour drive to the airport, well, that is how long we have to drive to get to the nearest airport and we get a direct non-stop flight straight to Orlando. We leave at 6 a.m. and are in our room by mid afternoon and we did it with a 4 yr old and a 7 yr old AND we woke up to 3 inches of fresh snow as well. My DH spends his life driving the roads too, but it wasn't bad at all. For me the worst part was killing time at the airport waiting for our flight to board with 2 nervous and excited kids. Okay 3, I was excited too! :)

[annie1995]

Wow, what an ending for your trip!! I'm almost afraid to say I can't wait to hear the rest, but I really am looking forward to seeing the rest of your pics and finding out what happened. I am all caught up now and your pictures have been fantastic!!!

[Diamondintheruff]

Have a good trip to CT. Hopefully you're not taking connecting flights.:lmao:

[Dreamer & Wisher]

I'm not TD either, but do own a shiny dSLR like he does and if I were going to buy a smaller "bridge" camera---I would look into the Canon Sx10IS. It's the more updated version of the Canon S3 that PP mentioned above. It has manual controls if you want to use them, 20x zoom and IS (image stabilization) to help avoid motion blur in your photos. It seems to get really great reviews and on Amazon.com is only slightly more than your $350 budget ($380). I'm sure you can find it cheaper elsewhere but would seriously consider spending the $30 extra to get this over the S3 if you can. While I'm sure it's a more than capable camera, it is a few years old and lacks some of the features the new Canon Sx10IS offers.

Here is the link to the camera on Amazon.
http://www.amazon.com/Canon-Powershot-SX10IS-Digital-Stabilized/dp/B001G5ZTZO

Yes, I'd recommend the Sx10 over the S5 just because it's the newest in Canon's super-zoom/bridge camera line. The S5 is DEFINITELY a great little camera, but I think the Sx10IS would be a nice step up. It's got 20X zoom rather than 12x zoom, it's got 10 megapixels rather than 8 megapixels, etc. Just a few small things that IMO make it a better choice.

In terms of the AA batteries that all of these cameras will take, I honestly don't think they are such a big deal. I would not spend the money to constantly replace them with new AAs, but I would invest in some rechargeable AA batteries (do a little research, find out which brand is recommended, you might want to take a peak on the Photo Board). If the camera takes 4 AAs, having 4-8 extra AAs charged and in the reserves really shouldn't be much more trouble than carrying around an extra Canon rechargeable battery (if they even offered them for this camera, which they don't).

Again, you will have to look at the size, price, etc. to decide if ultimately this camera is right for you---but there are a lot of people on the Photo Board that have it and seem to love it, and a lot of good reviews on sites like dpreview.com, Steve's Digicams and Amazon. It will not fit in your pocket, but it won't be as heavy as a dSLR either....probably somewhere in between. The shipping weight is 1.2 pounds, so not too bad at all.

:thumbsup2I just got the SX10IS Now I need to learn how to use it better.
I too was disappointed that it didn't come with the rechargeable batteries. DH did some research and bought the SANYO eneloop rechargeable batteries to go in the camera. So I think they will work well.

I think that it isn't all bad to have a camera that uses a standard battery. On our most recent trip we had our little Canon Powershot. Towards the end of the week I asked DH to charge the battery pack. When we go to Hollywood Studios the next day we had the camera with us but no battery. So I had to use a couple of disposable cameras I had purchased for the kids to use. If the camera had used regular batteries I could have just purchased some in a gift shop to put in it.

[annnewjerz]

:thumbsup2I just got the SX10IS Now I need to learn how to use it better.
I too was disappointed that it didn't come with the rechargeable batteries. DH did some research and bought the SANYO eneloop rechargeable batteries to go in the camera. So I think they will work well.

I think that it isn't all bad to have a camera that uses a standard battery. On our most recent trip we had our little Canon Powershot. Towards the end of the week I asked DH to charge the battery pack. When we go to Hollywood Studios the next day we had the camera with us but no battery. So I had to use a couple of disposable cameras I had purchased for the kids to use. If the camera had used regular batteries I could have just picked up some to put in it.

Congrats!!! If you have any questions, need information or just want to share pics---you should drop by the Photography Board. Lots of really great photographers that are more than willing to share tips, tricks and advice. Plus, weekly contests to enter! :goodvibes

Here (http://www.disboards.com/forumdisplay.php?f=97) is the link.

[carrie6466]

I'm just going to pipe in here and say I almost bought that camera, until I found out it took regular batteries. One of the reasons I decided on the Canon G10 was that it had a rechargeable battery. I remember my brother trading up on his Canon that took regular batteries last year because he said it just ate up batteries.

[topdog]

Sorry to hear about your airport fiasco. Sounds like a disaster! Love the Mickey Croc Flips, though. I hate that you didn't find the other margarita glass. Bummer...
The airport fiasco is only part of the disaster. :mad:
Topdog, I think you should call disney merchandise and see if you can get the mickey margarita glass, but pay to have them ship you three. Not only will your DW be happy you did something so nice for her, but she'll have spares in case one gets broken or extra when you have guests. As for the 2 hour drive to the airport, well, that is how long we have to drive to get to the nearest airport and we get a direct non-stop flight straight to Orlando. We leave at 6 a.m. and are in our room by mid afternoon and we did it with a 4 yr old and a 7 yr old AND we woke up to 3 inches of fresh snow as well. My DH spends his life driving the roads too, but it wasn't bad at all. For me the worst part was killing time at the airport waiting for our flight to board with 2 nervous and excited kids. Okay 3, I was excited too! :)
Driving 2 hours to the airport is no fun. I guess it is still better than 20+ hours driving on the highway.
Wow, what an ending for your trip!! I'm almost afraid to say I can't wait to hear the rest, but I really am looking forward to seeing the rest of your pics and finding out what happened. I am all caught up now and your pictures have been fantastic!!!
I am afraid it get's worse for that point. But in the end, it's all good.
Have a good trip to CT. Hopefully you're not taking connecting flights.:lmao:
Thank goodness I am not flying to CT but it is still a 3.5 hours driving each way. No fun.
I'm just going to pipe in here and say I almost bought that camera, until I found out it took regular batteries. One of the reasons I decided on the Canon G10 was that it had a rechargeable battery. I remember my brother trading up on his Canon that took regular batteries last year because he said it just ate up batteries.
I remember my first digital camera, a Nikon Coolpix 900. It used so many batteries...I have to buy them in bulk.

[topdog]

Although my last installment is no finish yet but I will do my best to type it as fast as I can so I can post it tonight.

In the mean time, here are some of my left over souvenir pictures.

This is my Mickey camera lens cleaning microfiber cloth I ran around all over MK for it.

http://www.dewlama.com/Public/Photos/Disney/09/Extra/Souv/AAA_8362.jpg

And here is the Mickey head sugar cube DW bought for her cousin and the coffee scoop I picked up.

http://www.dewlama.com/Public/Photos/Disney/09/Extra/Souv/AAA_8354.jpg

http://www.dewlama.com/Public/Photos/Disney/09/Extra/Souv/AAA_8356.jpg

This is some kind of Mickey computer monitor decorator. It was a bargain hunt. Only $3 a pack.

http://www.dewlama.com/Public/Photos/Disney/09/Extra/Souv/AAA_8360.jpg

[Planning fanatic mom]

I love the mickey cubes. I wouldn't want to use them. It would make me sad to see Mickey melt away.:guilty:

How am I going to go shopping next week without looking for that glass?? I have loved this TR so much. We have all said it. Your writing and experiences are addicting. :lmao:

I hope you are able to finish the TR before I leave on Sunday!!!:goodvibes

[GeminiAngel]

I love the sugar cubes. I can't wait for your next installment. :surfweb:

[KathyRN137]

This is my Mickey camera lens cleaning microfiber cloth I ran around all over MK for it.

http://www.dewlama.com/Public/Photos/Disney/09/Extra/Souv/AAA_8362.jpg




Oh, this was made for you, topdog!! :thumbsup2

Kathy

[wide receiver]

Yep gotta love the sugar cubes!

[WillowBelle]

Where did you find the lens cleaning cloth? I must have one of those. We leave in 14 days!!!!!!! You said you ran all over MK, so I'm narrowing it to that park.

[eandesmom]

Oh no! I've been delayed many many a time on a business trip but only once, overnight. It was on a flight out of FL but I think I got stranded in Dallas...but it could have been Atlanta. I try to block that one from my memory.

It was a nightmare. The hotel vouchers were for a scary spot, a million miles away from the airport. By the time we got there and then given what time we had to leave to catch an am flight, it was maybe 4 hours of sleep in a scary nasty room. It would have been even less sleep except we opted to get a town car instead of the free shuttle. And the food vouchers were worthless since nothing was open. I hope your story turns out better but I have a sneaking suspicion...not.

I'll never use airline vouchers again if that happens. I'll either sleep in a chair at the airport or find a room on my own, it was that bad.

Love the mickey cubes, I meant to get some of those for DH to use in his coffee while we were there and will have to on the next trip. I hope you are still enjoying the mickey croc flip flops, I have eyed them before :)

[Disney4nonah]

Wonderful TR, Fun, Excitement, Adventure.... and I stuck with it....can't believe it's over.... loved your pics Thanks TOPDOG!!! :thumbsup2

[karenwwu]

Hey Topdog! I'm coming out of my lurking to say hello. I have spent my entire work day (don't tell anyone) reading your TR :surfweb:popcorn:: from start to almost finish. Now please, :worship: post that last installment. FYI, you did a FANTASTIC job on your TR. Of course I/we all loved the pictures. How could you not? And then the writing style is brilliant. Thank you for making Disney real to me. The first and last time I went was way back in 1990 when I was in college. Now I have a family of my own. Your TR is the inspiration to make that trip happen. Not sure when, but maybe one day soon. They are still young, they won't be 3 until September so maybe in a few years. Can I wait that long? :confused3 You'll just need to go back with DW before then and do another TR. :lmao: Thanks for everything. :flower3:

[taylor5]

I have been reading this TR all day long!! And believe it or not it is the first one I have ever read. I just couldn't stop!!:surfweb: Now I will be waiting anxiously to see what happens.....hopefully tonight!! :woohoo:

[wide receiver]

Hi Top dog love your report...can't wait for your next chapter. I have to cross talk to Karen who says her children will be three in Sept (must be twins? triplets?) anyway..I think pre three is a great time to take the children. The first time we took DD she was a week from being three and she was free (kids under three are free). It was fun and alot she could enjoy. Oh my did she love the princesses...and she still believed they were real!

[topdog]

I love the mickey cubes. I wouldn't want to use them. It would make me sad to see Mickey melt away.:guilty:

How am I going to go shopping next week without looking for that glass?? I have loved this TR so much. We have all said it. Your writing and experiences are addicting. :lmao:

I hope you are able to finish the TR before I leave on Sunday!!!:goodvibes
Thank you PFM. I will post my last installment soon.
I love the sugar cubes. I can't wait for your next installment. :surfweb:
I am just not sure why anyone would put a mouse in their coffee. :rolleyes1
Oh, this was made for you, topdog!! :thumbsup2

Kathy
Yes. It's probably the best souvenir I have picked up.
Yep gotta love the sugar cubes!
Too cute to use it though. :laughing:
Where did you find the lens cleaning cloth? I must have one of those. We leave in 14 days!!!!!!! You said you ran all over MK, so I'm narrowing it to that park.
I got that from the gift shop right at the MK entrance. When you past the turnstile, it all the way to the left right under the main street train station. I believe I saw it at the main street Emporium gift shop first. Subsequently, they sold out by the time I decide to get it. It's a fairly popular item.

[topdog]

Oh no! I've been delayed many many a time on a business trip but only once, overnight. It was on a flight out of FL but I think I got stranded in Dallas...but it could have been Atlanta. I try to block that one from my memory.

It was a nightmare. The hotel vouchers were for a scary spot, a million miles away from the airport. By the time we got there and then given what time we had to leave to catch an am flight, it was maybe 4 hours of sleep in a scary nasty room. It would have been even less sleep except we opted to get a town car instead of the free shuttle. And the food vouchers were worthless since nothing was open. I hope your story turns out better but I have a sneaking suspicion...not.

I'll never use airline vouchers again if that happens. I'll either sleep in a chair at the airport or find a room on my own, it was that bad.

Love the mickey cubes, I meant to get some of those for DH to use in his coffee while we were there and will have to on the next trip. I hope you are still enjoying the mickey croc flip flops, I have eyed them before :)
You are close.

I still haven't wear my mickey crocs flip flops yet. It's still too cool here.
Wonderful TR, Fun, Excitement, Adventure.... and I stuck with it....can't believe it's over.... loved your pics Thanks TOPDOG!!! :thumbsup2
Thank you. Glad you like it and glad you were able to join us.
Hey Topdog! I'm coming out of my lurking to say hello. I have spent my entire work day (don't tell anyone) reading your TR :surfweb:popcorn:: from start to almost finish. Now please, :worship: post that last installment. FYI, you did a FANTASTIC job on your TR. Of course I/we all loved the pictures. How could you not? And then the writing style is brilliant. Thank you for making Disney real to me. The first and last time I went was way back in 1990 when I was in college. Now I have a family of my own. Your TR is the inspiration to make that trip happen. Not sure when, but maybe one day soon. They are still young, they won't be 3 until September so maybe in a few years. Can I wait that long? :confused3 You'll just need to go back with DW before then and do another TR. :lmao: Thanks for everything. :flower3:
Awww...thank you for the compliments Karen. 3 yrs old actually is a fun age to go to Disney. You got to train them young. :laughing: I hope you didn't get into any trouble from reading my TR at work. :)
I have been reading this TR all day long!! And believe it or not it is the first one I have ever read. I just couldn't stop!!:surfweb: Now I will be waiting anxiously to see what happens.....hopefully tonight!! :woohoo:
Thank you Taylor. The final install shall post soon. Stay tune...:surfweb:
Hi Top dog love your report...can't wait for your next chapter. I have to cross talk to Karen who says her children will be three in Sept (must be twins? triplets?) anyway..I think pre three is a great time to take the children. The first time we took DD she was a week from being three and she was free (kids under three are free). It was fun and alot she could enjoy. Oh my did she love the princesses...and she still believed they were real!
If it is free for children under three, then that's a darn good reason to take them to WDW. Last installment is almost ready. Just keep checking tonight. :surfweb:

[topdog]

Without any more interuption...here is the final installment...dun dun dun...

Day #8 (Sunday) Part 2

So after we left the airline counter and start walking towards the exit to look for the shuttle bus station. It was a long walk, at least it seems to be. Every step just add more pain to my feet. The additional 50 pounds or so between my camera bag and the rolling duffle certainly isn't helping the situation. I guess I have an OCD about the new rolling duffle. I just refuse to put the new wheel onto the ground so instead I choose to carry it on my shoulder.

Once we got out of the airport, it took us a while to find the shuttle bus station and it wasn't exactly a short walk either. By then the sky was already dark and we were stranded in a strange city. All we can do was look for sign and hope it will lead us there. Thankfully, even it was in the middle of February, temperature at Atlanta was only cool and not cold. DW and I, both were wearing a sweatshirt, just enough not to freeze ourselves. After a few try, we finally found the shuttle bus station.

The station was pretty big. Each terminal has it's own designated shuttle for its' particular hotel. So we kept walking and look at the terminal sign hoping we can find the Comfort Inn shuttle soon. Of course, it has to be on the other end of the station. Once we thought we found our shuttle bus and trying to board, the bus driver stopped us from getting in. He looked at our vouchers. It turns out our vouchers was for Comfort Inn South. The shuttle he drives is for Comfort Inn North. Arghhhh!!! Either the woman behind the counter never told us about the difference or we were just not paying any attention at all. Luckily, the shuttle terminal we suppose to get on is only a few more terminal over. It wasn't bad. Once we got there and saw the sign for Comfort Inn South, I thought I was about to pass out because the shuttle isn't there and my feet were hurting really bad. What can we do?? We sat at the bench and wait and wait and wait. I can't even remember how long we wait before we see the shuttle pull in. While we were waiting, there was a young woman in her early 20s asked us if we were waiting for the shuttle to Comfort Inn South. I said, "Yes". She then proceed to seat down and told us her flight "problem". I forgot where was she flying out of. I only remember she was trying to get home at Harrisburg, PA for a break from her internship program. Some how the airline kept screwing up her flight and they kept bounce her flight to all over the country.

Anyway, the shuttle bus finally arrived. We all boarded the bus and soon we left the airport. The hotel was only about 15-20 minutes or so from the airport. Everyone on the bus were staying at the same hotel. So obviously, once we got off the bus, there was a line at the hotel front desk waiting to get check-in. The lobby seemed nice, so I thought... They even have a Mexican restaurant right by the lobby. (Not exactly my kind of restaurant but I can tolerate.) It took a while for our turn to check-in. By the time we got our key and got into our room, it's already 9:30pm. It was an unexpected long day.

Once we got into the room, I dropped everything and took my shoes off to checked my blisters. It was hurting like a SOB. I can see my left foot blister looked like a water pocket. My right foot was a little better but equally painful. Once we settle in, we discovered this is a hotel from "HELL". DW was freaking out. There were holes in the carpet, I meant you can actually see the concrete floor. (These pictures were taking by DW.)

http://www.dewlama.com/Public/Photos/Disney/09/Extra/Hotel/DSCN0654.jpg

http://www.dewlama.com/Public/Photos/Disney/09/Extra/Hotel/DSCN0656.jpg

Stain spots on the bed sheet.

http://www.dewlama.com/Public/Photos/Disney/09/Extra/Hotel/DSCN0661.jpg

http://www.dewlama.com/Public/Photos/Disney/09/Extra/Hotel/DSCN0662.jpg

Rust stain under the toilet and in the bath tub as well.

http://www.dewlama.com/Public/Photos/Disney/09/Extra/Hotel/DSCN0658.jpg

http://www.dewlama.com/Public/Photos/Disney/09/Extra/Hotel/DSCN0659.jpg

DW was not a happy camper. But due to our situation, we can only make the best of the situation and deal with it.

I reluctantly to washed my face from the sink and my feet from the bath tub because I just felt so dirty. After I cleaned myself up a bit, I felt a little better. Then DW cleaned herself a bit and we were hungry. So we took the elevator back down stair and starting to walk down this long hallway to the Mexican restaurant. Suddenly I heard a voice saying "There are two coming down the hall." What the...I turned around and looked, there was nobody behind us. Then as soon as we turned the corner, there was a security guard talking on her 2 way radio. I looked around more closely, that's when I notice there were surveillance cameras all over the hallway ceiling. I am afraid to ask what had happened at this place.

So we thought we might able to get something to eat the the Mexican restaurant at the lobby with our $7 meal vouchers. Guess what?! They were about to close because the place close at 10pm. That goes our dinner idea. So we venture out to try our luck. Once we step out of the hotel front door, there isn't a whole lot of options we can choose from. Either A, go to a local bar next door and get drunk out of our mind (which is probably a better idea) or B, go to KFC for something quick which is also next door. We choose option B.

But again, they were cleaning and getting ready to close once we walked in. The guy behind the counter still serve us. At that point, we both already lost our appetite. All we want was 4 fried chicken sliders and a couple of small sodas. That's all. Not too complicated...so I thought. This was the conversation between DW and the guy behind the counter.

Guy behind the counter: How may I help you?
DW: I would like to order 4 fried chicken sliders and 2 small Pepsi to go.
Turn around and look at the oven. Guy behind the counter: We only have 5.
DW: Huh??
Guy behind the counter: We only have 5 sliders left.
DW: But I only order 4.
Guy behind the counter: I just want to tell you we have 5 left.
DW: (Scratch her head) All I want is 4 sliders.
Guy behind the counter: Ah...okay.

I was watching this from the side line scratching my head. I don't know I should laugh or cry. :rotfl2::rotfl2:

Then of course, the guy has to reheat the chicken while he was cleaning the kitchen and mopping the floor. At least we are getting some very "clean" chicken, right?? It felt like forever for him to get the sliders ready. Once we got our so call "food", we left immediately and back to our room. The sliders actually taste decent but I just don't know how "clean" it was. Given how tired we were, we just want to have something in our stomach instead of starving.

After our "meal", DW called the airline and ripped them a good one. I can honestly say I can't blame her. I have stayed at high end hotel from Hyatt, Hilton and Ritz Carlton for business trip to some pretty sad shape hotel like Red Roof Inn or Ramada. This is by far the worst place I have ever experienced. Luckily, she has unlimited minutes for weekend on her cellphone. She must be on the phone for good 30 minutes telling them about the delay, the next day switch, how the lady behind the airline counter treated us and put us up at hotel from hell. At one point, DW mention we were on our way home from Disney vacation and we were never treated this way. I believe the response she got was "We don't have service like Disney." In the end, the airline only to offer a $75 credit towards our future flight. I am not sure if we would ever fly with this airline.

We were a bit hyper afterward so we end up watched TV until close to 1am. Then finally, we both fell asleep. I didn't even bother to change my clothes, not that I have anything to change anyway since I have no luggage. I slept with my clothes on top of the comforter. The overnight kit that the airline gave us has some paper thin night shirt in it and I didn't even open it. I can't bear to sleep under the sheet with the stain. If I could, I probably would sleep on the floor. But with the holes in the carpet, that's not an option either. Needless to say, we did not have a good night sleep.

Day #9 (Monday) The final frontier!

Who would've thought a 7 days Disney vacation would turn into a 9 days ordeal.

Since our flight is @ 7:30am, we set our alarm at 4:30am so we can take the shuttle back to the airport at 5:00am. However, even we slept at 1am, I woke up at 3:30am. I basically stare at the ceiling for an hour. By 4:45am, we couldn't wait to leave the room with barely a rinse on my face.

The shuttle bus arrived at 5:00am and there were a few airline pilots on the bus also. We got to the airport at about 5:15am. First thing we did was go to the airline counter to confirm our names were on the flight in the system. Once we did that, we then went thru the security and head to the gate. During the security check, DW went thru without any problem. I, however, was not so lucky. They had me went thru this chamber, raise my arm to have a full body scan. :eek:Yikes!!! It was kinda cool though like I was in a sci-fi movie. After my camera bag and the rolling duffle went thru the X-ray machine, the TSA agents were making fun of me on how much stuff I carried while DW only had 1 backpack. Those TSA agents were pretty funny and chatty. I guess at 5:30am, I am the only entertainment they got. LOL...

Once we got to the gate, (obviously it was empty) we sat by the door. By 6:30am, the gate began to get crowded. I think by 7:00am, they start boarding people. Armed with our boarding passes, we waited patiently for our section to be called. Once our section was paged to board, I handed over our boarding passes to the lady.
She said, "You can't get in yet."
I said, "What do you mean?"
She said, "Your boarding pass is not valid for this flight."
I explained, "We miss our connect flight last night and the airline transfer us to this flight then reconnect back home."
She said, "The airline must release your name from the missing original connect flight and then we can board to this flight."

By then, it's already 7:15am. I was so frustrated of the whole situation especially sitting there since 5:30am. Thankfully, there is another lady behind the check-in counter offer to help and see what she can do. She seems to be the supervisor of that crew. If it wasn't her, this would've been turned from disaster into destruction. All I saw was this lady behind the check-in counter keep typing on her terminal and pick up the phone to called whomever to confirm release of our name from the original flight. By 7:25am, she squared away everything for us and we were good to go to board the plane. We were the last two passengers to board the plane. Of course, there wasn't much room left for the overhead storage since we board so late. At that point, I don't really care how I stuff the rolling duffle up there. I just reshuffle other people's bags and shove my rolling duffle in there then close the door. The camera stayed by my side and I usually kept it under the seat in front of me.

Finally, at 7:30am sharp, the flight left the runway and headed to the sky on our way to Detroit. (I swear, I felt like I was in the Home Alone II movie or doing the reality show, "Amazing Race".) I couldn't pull my DSLR camera out of the bag but I was able to get my old P&S camera out to get a shot of the takeoff. If you look at the background, I believe that's downtown Atlanta.

http://www.dewlama.com/Public/Photos/Disney/09/Extra/Flight/DSCN1409.jpg

The flight was uneventful. We were over Michigan a little after 9:00am. I took a few more shot while we were over the Lake Erie.

http://www.dewlama.com/Public/Photos/Disney/09/Extra/Flight/DSCN1420.jpg

http://www.dewlama.com/Public/Photos/Disney/09/Extra/Flight/DSCN1423.jpg

We landed at Detroit airport without any problem. The plane headed right to the gate as soon as we landed. However, Detroit airport was huge. It felt like forever before we get to the gate. By the time we got out of the gate, it was already 9:30am. Our connect flight to Allentown was at 9:50am. We checked the monitor and identify which gate we need to go. Once we determine our direction, let the race begin.

Of course our connection has to be on the other end of the airport. So we ran as fast as we can and we have to ran thru this tunnel under the airport that looks almost like a time tunnel. Very weird. I ran and limp at the same time because my feet were already in the full pain mode. DW told me why don't I put the rolling duffle down to lighten the weight I carried so I can just pull it since my feet hurt so much. My OCD side of me refuse to do that because I don't want to dirty the new wheels on my rolling duffle. DW just rolls her eyes at me and called me weird. Yes, I am that weird and stubborn.

It took us a good 10 minute of full throttle running to get to the gate. Our boarding pass went thru without any hiccup this time. Even the lady at the check-in told us we still have 10 minutes. Once we boarded the plane, I have to check-in my rolling duffle at the entrance because this flight is much smaller and the overhead is not large enough to accommodate. They gave me a tag to wrap on the handle and that was it.

Again, we were the last two check-in to this flight. Finally, now I can rest. At 9:50am, our flight left Detroit and on our way back to Allentown. The flight landed at Allentown airport at 11:00am preciously. Hurray!!!! We made it. We don't care if we were the last two passenger to leave the plane. Once we got out of the plane, I picked up my rolling duffle immediately. But now what, where do we picked up our luggage. So we went to asked the guy who work behind the airline counter. (There is something to be said about the workers who work at small airport. They always went out of their way to help people.) This guy looked up our name in the system. He even went to the back to checked our luggage wasn't there. He said our luggage should be coming out at where all the other luggage came out from our flight at Detroit.

So we went to the luggage claim area and found the terminal with our flight number. Unfortunately, we don't see our luggage and it's not a big flight. There isn't really a whole lot of luggage came out of this flight. I said, "Oh boy! This is not good." DW offer to go back upstair and see what she can find out since my feet just can walk that much any more. After she left me for about 10 minutes, I saw a young girl who help us to check in when we were leaving for Disney 9 days ago walked pass me by. She went to one of the offices next to the terminal where I was standing next to it. She then came out with these 2 pieces of luggage with a sign tag on one of the luggage. I recognize right away that was our luggage. I flagged her down and said, "Those are my luggage." I think she recognize me from over a week ago. She said, "Do you mind if I leave this with you because they are "HEAVY". I said, "Sure. You can just let my wife know I have the luggage and she can just come back down." Before the young girl left, DW already already came back down and saw our luggage.

Apparently, the luggage arrived Allentown the night before and they held it at one of the room. I guess they don't normally have incident like that.

Finally, we got our luggage and all our bags and headed over to the parking lot to load up our car. Once we got on to the highway, we both felt hungry. (I wonder why??) We stopped at one of my favorite Chinese restaurant for lunch. Nothing fancy or exotic dish. We just want some common Chinese food. That's all.

After our lunch, then we headed back home right away. At about 1pm, we were finally home. I turned on the water and took a hot shower right away. Can't stand myself after no shower for over 24 hours. I couldn't even unpack our luggage. We just left everything at the family room. As soon as I got out of the shower, I splatter myself on the couch. Switch on the TV and felt asleep. I believe DW was on the phone left and right calling all her friends trying to give them update on what happen on our trip.

All I can say is...after 12 hours of delay from the original schedule, I am just glad disaster is finally OVER!!! Zzzzzz...

[topdog]

Although the trip report is over but I am not done yet. My photo book is not finish and there are still a couple of silly moment I want to share that never made it to the TR. So there are still some loose end.

I am going away again starting tomorrow until Sunday afternoon. So I will be MIA for a couple of days.

Please keep posting your comments. I will catch up when I come back on Sunday.

[CdnDisneyLover]

Wow....I have really enjoyed your TR. I'm sorry about all of your flight problems but glad that didn't happen to us back in March when we went. BTW I live about an hour away from Detroit but on the Canadian side. We flew out of Detroit for our trip and yes it is a very big airport.

[WDWAtLast]

I am so glad you finally made it home!! I do not like to stay at airport hotels - it seems they are all like the Comfort Inn you stayed in - dirty and scary!! Can't wait to see the other funny moments that didn't make it into your trip report!!

[GeminiAngel]

What a screwed up trip home! I'm so sorry the end of your trip was very undisney like. Thank you for sharing your trip. I will be looking forward to reading your future reports. And I'm looking forward to seeing the rest of your photos. :cool1::thumbsup2

[eandesmom]

Oh my, I was afraid I was close!

Except your luggage made it, mine didn't. I didn't have concrete showing through the rug but the filth was....ugh.

I've been through Detroit many times on business, it is huge and not a fun sprint (and not much food if you are stranded there either lol! although a few parts have gotten better in recent years).

I'm glad you made it home, that your luggage was actually there and will look forward to the photobook!

[ladylyons]

Awesome update!! Glad you and your DW finally made it home safe and sound. I'm sorry about the blisters on your feet. I've been there done that. Both feet had 2 big silver dollar sized blisters and the bad thing was we were going to Disney World in like 3 days. So I know the pain you were in. Overall glad you were able to look past all your disasters and have a great trip. Now you just need a do over trip but it probably would be as much fun as this one. Can't wait to see the rest of your pics and hear about the final things you want to post about.

[OneTreeHillAddict]

No way would I have accepted that room! YIKES! :scared1: This is why I don't fly anywhere. I am happy to hear you made it back safe and sound. Your shots are up to date right? If not ya might wanna get yourself a tetanus shot after sleeping at that place. :lmao:

[piglet50]

what a way to end a great trip. i'm sorry that you had so much trouble getting home. hope your feet got better quickly. i've really enjoyed this tr and these great photos. i'll be looking for the last of your pictures. thanks so much for sharing.

[tiggrbaby]

Glad to hear that the end of your trip report won't be the end of your trip report. I have really enjoyed all of your photos and your positive writing style!

[Planning fanatic mom]

Well the disaster is over. I have been here from the beginning and am kind of sad that it is over. Because you are a true Disney lover, you won't let this disastrous flight affect your going back. I agree with a previous poster. You need a do over trip. :cool1

I am happy to say that I won't be able to read your extra posts until I get back from WDW. I leave on Sunday for a 10 day trip.:cheer2::dance3:
But, I will catch up.

Have a good weekend.

[PurpleTurtle]

I LOVE your TR. Thanks for taking the time to post all of it. I've read the beginning and the end. Now, to get caught up with the middle. Great job!!!

[Born 2B a Princess]

What a horribly disgusting hotel room! Yuck. How miserable to go from wonderful customer service at WDW to such miserable customer service with the airline. I'm sorry. But I'm so glad you finally made it home!

[GoofyFairie]

That was such an unmagical disney like ending! :headache: I can't believe it! I would definately NOT be flying that airline again. At least your luggage was waiting for you at home. When DH and I went to Disney on our honeymoon the airline managed to put our luggage down the wrong shute- but no one else's. We were standing there wondering :confused: what were going to do for the next 8 days w/out any clothes when I happened to look over and spot it on the turn table. What a relief!
I have to say I love the in-flight pictures. Awesome! So cool to see Lake Erie from that perspective. I haven't been up there for a long time. I also have to add that I am glad that you have at least one more installment to post. I love your TR and look forward to reading it. Your writing style and humor leave your readers feeling like they have made a new friend. :goodvibes Thank you (and DW) for sharing a bit of your lives with us.

[MICKEY4EVER!]

You're right: WHAT A DISASTER!!!! OMG, that hotel looked so nasty. I wouldn't have even wanted to sleep on the comforter. Ewww. I felt so bad for you guys! I can't imagine how you both must have been feeling.

I laughed so hard at the KFC conversation. What a dummy! We only have five, yes but I only need four. Um, yeah... :rotfl2:

Hey, at least your luggage "magically" appeared at just the right moment... thanks for posting your story. I have thoroughly enjoyed the long bumpy ride!

[MadiMouse]

OMG!!!!!!!!! I'm so sorry this happened to you. But when you were taking off in Atlanta, you were on the runway near my house! ;)

Sometimes it's good to get home!!!!

[wide receiver]

Thanks for sharing your TR with us Top Dog. It was an awsome report. Ofcourse thank you also for sharing your pictures! Can't wait to see what else you have to tell us!

[DisneyMomLiz]

:scared: OMG Topdog!! What a way to end a trip! Glad you and DW made it home safely though! Can't wait for more pics and some more stories popcorn::

[GGOOFY1]

Top Dog you sure know how to finish with a bang!! Glad you and DW made it home safely after your delays. How are the pokey feet?? Hopefully healed by now!!

[Tikihula]

Oh TopDog, what a story! I followed along the whole fascinating, hilarious, frustrating adventure. Isn't it a letdown when you have such a wonderful vacation and have to put up with such substandard service on your way home?

We drove home from WDW last year and stopped at a motel about 2/3 of the way because we were too tired to drive anymore. We walked in and the desk clerk was on the phone and didn't even look up or acknowledge us. I waited and waited to check in while she gabbed away. She finally got off the phone but she really had poor communication skills and acted like I was just in the way and bothering her. I just wanted to scream at her, 'YOU NEED TO TAKE SOME CUSTOMER RELATIONS TRAINING FROM DISNEY!!"

Have you ever tried moleskin for blisters? It comes in a little flat pack and you can buy it at a drugstore or WalMart. It works a lot better than bandaids which tend to come off. When you feel a hot spot forming on your foot you just cut out a piece of the moleskin, peel off the back, and put it on the blistered area. It's very soft (it's not real moleskin) and it prevents the sock or whatever is causing the friction to glide over the affected area and not rub on it, plus it provides protection to the pokey area itself. Hope that makes sense.

I wish you could just hop online occasionally and give us a trip report on your daily life. You would probably make it as entertaining to read as your vacation was. Thanks for the great story, and hopefully you'll have more to share with us.

[topdog]

Wow....I have really enjoyed your TR. I'm sorry about all of your flight problems but glad that didn't happen to us back in March when we went. BTW I live about an hour away from Detroit but on the Canadian side. We flew out of Detroit for our trip and yes it is a very big airport.
Thank you. So glad you enjoy the ride. I never realize how close between Michigan and Canada. I used to go to Toronto to visit my childhood friend but I always travel through Niagara Fall.
I am so glad you finally made it home!! I do not like to stay at airport hotels - it seems they are all like the Comfort Inn you stayed in - dirty and scary!! Can't wait to see the other funny moments that didn't make it into your trip report!!
Yes. I was so glad to be home at that time even temperature was still in the 30s. We were just exhausted from being stranded in a strange city and running between terminals.
What a screwed up trip home! I'm so sorry the end of your trip was very undisney like. Thank you for sharing your trip. I will be looking forward to reading your future reports. And I'm looking forward to seeing the rest of your photos. :cool1::thumbsup2
It was okay. We were just glad to be home and we didn't loose any luggage. All our souvenir were accounted for and nothing was broken. It was a little inconvenience. Well...maybe a lot. But in the end, it was all good. Beside, it gave us something to talk about when we came back.
Oh my, I was afraid I was close!

Except your luggage made it, mine didn't. I didn't have concrete showing through the rug but the filth was....ugh.

I've been through Detroit many times on business, it is huge and not a fun sprint (and not much food if you are stranded there either lol! although a few parts have gotten better in recent years).

I'm glad you made it home, that your luggage was actually there and will look forward to the photobook!
Yes. Photobook is my next priority project. However, I just added a new project also. I called it operation "Yellowstone". I will let you guess what that is.
Awesome update!! Glad you and your DW finally made it home safe and sound. I'm sorry about the blisters on your feet. I've been there done that. Both feet had 2 big silver dollar sized blisters and the bad thing was we were going to Disney World in like 3 days. So I know the pain you were in. Overall glad you were able to look past all your disasters and have a great trip. Now you just need a do over trip but it probably would be as much fun as this one. Can't wait to see the rest of your pics and hear about the final things you want to post about.
Sorry to hear about your blisters too. This is the first time I ever have blisters on my feet. Never had it in my life. Pictures should be ready tonight.
No way would I have accepted that room! YIKES! :scared1: This is why I don't fly anywhere. I am happy to hear you made it back safe and sound. Your shots are up to date right? If not ya might wanna get yourself a tetanus shot after sleeping at that place. :lmao:
You have a lot shorter drive than I am. For me to drive, it will be 20+ hours to get to WDW. I am not sure it's healthy for DW and I stuck in a car for that long. :rotfl2: I thought about return the room but then sleeping on the airport floor isn't my idea of rest also.

[topdog]

what a way to end a great trip. i'm sorry that you had so much trouble getting home. hope your feet got better quickly. i've really enjoyed this tr and these great photos. i'll be looking for the last of your pictures. thanks so much for sharing.
Thank you for reading my TR. I really enjoy writing it. My feet were fully recovered in about a week after we got home. I basically poked a hole in both blisters and drain out the fluid. Have a band aid on for about a day and it dried up pretty quickly. After a few days, the skin just fall off.
Glad to hear that the end of your trip report won't be the end of your trip report. I have really enjoyed all of your photos and your positive writing style!
Yes. I still have a couple of things in the hoppers right now. Thank you for reading from the beginning to the end.
Well the disaster is over. I have been here from the beginning and am kind of sad that it is over. Because you are a true Disney lover, you won't let this disastrous flight affect your going back. I agree with a previous poster. You need a do over trip. :cool1

I am happy to say that I won't be able to read your extra posts until I get back from WDW. I leave on Sunday for a 10 day trip.:cheer2::dance3:
But, I will catch up.

Have a good weekend.
It was a big relief when the trip was over. So glad you stuck with me for the entire trip report. I will post later what's the development on the do over trip.

I hope you have a safe and magical trip. pixiedust: 10 days at Disney...that's just awesome. :woohoo: Take many many many pictures for your TR.
I LOVE your TR. Thanks for taking the time to post all of it. I've read the beginning and the end. Now, to get caught up with the middle. Great job!!!
Thank you. Take your time to catch up. I am not going anywhere any time soon.
What a horribly disgusting hotel room! Yuck. How miserable to go from wonderful customer service at WDW to such miserable customer service with the airline. I'm sorry. But I'm so glad you finally made it home!
Some time...getting home is a good thing even after Disney. :)

[topdog]

That was such an unmagical disney like ending! :headache: I can't believe it! I would definately NOT be flying that airline again. At least your luggage was waiting for you at home. When DH and I went to Disney on our honeymoon the airline managed to put our luggage down the wrong shute- but no one else's. We were standing there wondering :confused: what were going to do for the next 8 days w/out any clothes when I happened to look over and spot it on the turn table. What a relief!
I have to say I love the in-flight pictures. Awesome! So cool to see Lake Erie from that perspective. I haven't been up there for a long time. I also have to add that I am glad that you have at least one more installment to post. I love your TR and look forward to reading it. Your writing style and humor leave your readers feeling like they have made a new friend. :goodvibes Thank you (and DW) for sharing a bit of your lives with us.
Thank you GF. You are another one who follow my TR from the beginning to the end. It seem all the Pennsylvanian were there with me the whole trip. :laughing: So glad you enjoy my TR.

I wished I was able to take my regular camera out for the in-flight pictures. But I buried it so deep and it's too much trouble to dig it out. My little P&S didn't do bad either.
You're right: WHAT A DISASTER!!!! OMG, that hotel looked so nasty. I wouldn't have even wanted to sleep on the comforter. Ewww. I felt so bad for you guys! I can't imagine how you both must have been feeling.

I laughed so hard at the KFC conversation. What a dummy! We only have five, yes but I only need four. Um, yeah... :rotfl2:

Hey, at least your luggage "magically" appeared at just the right moment... thanks for posting your story. I have thoroughly enjoyed the long bumpy ride!
We don't really have much choice about the hotel. Either that or sleep on the airport floor.

The KFC conversation was a riot. I can't believe it actually happened that way. You can't make stuff up that way.

We really got lucky on the luggage. Even the trip was bumpy but we still enjoy every bit of it.
OMG!!!!!!!!! I'm so sorry this happened to you. But when you were taking off in Atlanta, you were on the runway near my house! ;)

Sometimes it's good to get home!!!!
You are that close to the airport. Can you sleep with those plane going up and down???
Thanks for sharing your TR with us Top Dog. It was an awsome report. Ofcourse thank you also for sharing your pictures! Can't wait to see what else you have to tell us!
Thank you. I will have my website ready soon.
:scared: OMG Topdog!! What a way to end a trip! Glad you and DW made it home safely though! Can't wait for more pics and some more stories popcorn::
Thanks. Those little stories were just some silly moments that I am not sure how to incorporate into my TR. Pictures should be ready soon.
Top Dog you sure know how to finish with a bang!! Glad you and DW made it home safely after your delays. How are the pokey feet?? Hopefully healed by now!!
My feet were fine now. They were fully recover. Thank you for asking.
Oh TopDog, what a story! I followed along the whole fascinating, hilarious, frustrating adventure. Isn't it a letdown when you have such a wonderful vacation and have to put up with such substandard service on your way home?

We drove home from WDW last year and stopped at a motel about 2/3 of the way because we were too tired to drive anymore. We walked in and the desk clerk was on the phone and didn't even look up or acknowledge us. I waited and waited to check in while she gabbed away. She finally got off the phone but she really had poor communication skills and acted like I was just in the way and bothering her. I just wanted to scream at her, 'YOU NEED TO TAKE SOME CUSTOMER RELATIONS TRAINING FROM DISNEY!!"

Have you ever tried moleskin for blisters? It comes in a little flat pack and you can buy it at a drugstore or WalMart. It works a lot better than bandaids which tend to come off. When you feel a hot spot forming on your foot you just cut out a piece of the moleskin, peel off the back, and put it on the blistered area. It's very soft (it's not real moleskin) and it prevents the sock or whatever is causing the friction to glide over the affected area and not rub on it, plus it provides protection to the pokey area itself. Hope that makes sense.

I wish you could just hop online occasionally and give us a trip report on your daily life. You would probably make it as entertaining to read as your vacation was. Thanks for the great story, and hopefully you'll have more to share with us.
So glad you like my story.

I never heard of moleskin. Thank you for the tip.

I told you what. I will post a mini TR that I am in the middle of it now. Not Disney though but some what entertaining.

[topdog]

Well...I was able to get WiFi at the hotel my friend and I are staying at. So now I have some time to do some posting.

My picture website is complete somewhat. The only thing I haven't post were the food pictures. Otherwise I have pretty much everything in there that I thought were post worthy. Hope you like them.

You can view it from here (http://www.dewlama.com/Public/HTML/Disney_DIS.html) or the link (2009 Disney pictures) from my signature.

[KathyRN137]

Hi topdog... I'm just catching up with your finale... All I can say is, "WOW!"

That hotel was really unbelievable! The "cherry" on the "disaster sundae!"

I'm glad you both arrived home safely! I just want to say how much I've enjoyed your TR and all your lovely photographs. From now on, I'll be thinking of you every time I use my camera at Disney!

Take care,

Kathy

[topdog]

Here is my little mini non Disney related TR live because I am still at the hotel at this moment.

My best friend and I do this once in a couple of years. We will pick a place to go that's at least 6 or 7 hours of driving away from our home for a couple of days. I guess you can call it the guy's weekend trip.

This year we decide to try out Lake Placid at upstate NY plus a few friend to tag along. We stay at this resort call High Peaks resort.

Here are a few of our friend to meeting up at the Catskill area.

http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs084.snc1/4891_1159310135844_1020498169_30502535_3093815_n.j pg

http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs104.snc1/4891_1159310175845_1020498169_30502536_6061968_n.j pg

After we hooked up with our friend, then we stop at this theme restaurant called "Daily Planet" for lunch. The place is very cool and food was pretty good too. I didn't have any food pictures like Disney but I had a frozen Mango smoothie that taste very good.

http://www.dewlama.com/Public/Photos/LakePlacid/AAA_8423.jpg

http://www.dewlama.com/Public/Photos/LakePlacid/AAA_8418.jpg

After lunch, we continue to drive to the desination. Here is me driving the final leg of the trip.

http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs104.snc1/4891_1159310335849_1020498169_30502540_1447933_n.j pg

Once we got there, we check-in to the resort. It wasn't a super high end resort but it was still pretty fancy.

http://www.dewlama.com/Public/Photos/LakePlacid/AAA_8458.jpg

http://www.dewlama.com/Public/Photos/LakePlacid/AAA_8457.jpg

Then after we settle in and unpack, we have to drive to our dinner. Dinner was at a lake front restaurant called "Moose Lodge".

http://www.dewlama.com/Public/Photos/LakePlacid/AAA_8473.jpg

http://www.dewlama.com/Public/Photos/LakePlacid/AAA_8476.jpg

The view from the restaurant was magnificient.

http://www.dewlama.com/Public/Photos/LakePlacid/AAA_8478.jpg

http://www.dewlama.com/Public/Photos/LakePlacid/AAA_8495.jpg

After that, we then went to a place called "Lake Placid Lodge" for a tour. This place was rebuilt recently from a fire incident. It was unbelievable huge and beautiful. Very woodsy and very elegant at the same time.

http://www.dewlama.com/Public/Photos/LakePlacid/AAA_8521.jpg

http://www.dewlama.com/Public/Photos/LakePlacid/AAA_8522.jpg

http://www.dewlama.com/Public/Photos/LakePlacid/AAA_8536.jpg

http://www.dewlama.com/Public/Photos/LakePlacid/AAA_8527.jpg

http://www.dewlama.com/Public/Photos/LakePlacid/AAA_8537.jpg

http://www.dewlama.com/Public/Photos/LakePlacid/AAA_8514.jpg

When the tour was over, we all went back to the resort for the day. Then this morning, we met at 9am for breakfast. After breakfast was over, we went to a museum call "Adirondack Museum". It was very nice. This place show a lot of local history on how they harvest lumber since the 1800s and what they did with those lumber. Very fascinating!

http://www.dewlama.com/Public/Photos/LakePlacid/AAA_8539.jpg

http://www.dewlama.com/Public/Photos/LakePlacid/AAA_8545.jpg

http://www.dewlama.com/Public/Photos/LakePlacid/AAA_8559.jpg

http://www.dewlama.com/Public/Photos/LakePlacid/AAA_8569.jpg

[Planning fanatic mom]

WOW,WOW,WOW! That place is amazing. I love the decor and, of course, your pics.

What a fun outing!

I will check out your website now.

[GeminiAngel]

HOLY COW!! That place is beautiful!!! And no wife? :lmao:

[wide receiver]

Thanks Top Dog! Hubby and I drove through Lake Placid on our honeymoon (17years ago). You have peeked my interest. Maybe its time to go back!

[MadiMouse]

You are that close to the airport. Can you sleep with those plane going up and down???



Believe it or not, we don't hear them unless it is storming and the planes tend to fly in lower and I can hear the house rumble a little bit. Other than that, we don't hear them. :lmao:

[GGOOFY1]

WOW for a second there I thought you were back at the Wilderness Lodge:rotfl2::rotfl2: Take a wrong turn???

[WillowBelle]

So sad that your TR has come to an end :sad1:. I told my DH all of your stories and even shared a few of your pictures. He does not have the same love of all things Disney as I do so gets bored and rolls his eyes a lot when I talk about it. DDs and I are leaving in 11 days for WDW. I have rented a Tokina fisheye after seeing your pictures. Hopefully you'll see my TR and come along with me and critique some of my photos.

[Pooh&OurHunny]

Thanks for sharing your stories and pictures. I have enjoyed your TR...just wanted to drop a note of THANKS...

[topdog]

WOW,WOW,WOW! That place is amazing. I love the decor and, of course, your pics.

What a fun outing!

I will check out your website now.
Now that's a diehard fan. Even you are leaving for WDW, you still follow my TR. I still have more pics to post on my mini Lake Placid trip.
HOLY COW!! That place is beautiful!!! And no wife? :lmao:
Yes, no wife. This is a boys' weekend. :banana:
Thanks Top Dog! Hubby and I drove through Lake Placid on our honeymoon (17years ago). You have peeked my interest. Maybe its time to go back!
I always though Lake Placid is only for winter activities like skiing. Was I wrong!! You can do kayak, swimming, golfing & biking. We drove up to Whiteface Mountain Observatory and went all the way as high as over 4,400 ft elevation. The view was more than awesome. I will post more of those pics later.

If you haven't been there for 17 yrs, this is a great time to go back. I plan to go back with DW this fall and then again in winter for skiing with my friend again.
WOW for a second there I thought you were back at the Wilderness Lodge:rotfl2::rotfl2: Take a wrong turn???
Funny you mention that, there is a resort there that looks like WL. It is call "Whiteface Lodge". Absolutely stunning!! Google it and you will see what I meant. Unfortunately, the price at that place makes WL like slumming. Their lowest price is around $500 per night even in low season.
So sad that your TR has come to an end :sad1:. I told my DH all of your stories and even shared a few of your pictures. He does not have the same love of all things Disney as I do so gets bored and rolls his eyes a lot when I talk about it. DDs and I are leaving in 11 days for WDW. I have rented a Tokina fisheye after seeing your pictures. Hopefully you'll see my TR and come along with me and critique some of my photos.
Yay!! I can't wait until you come back with your pictures. I will be anxiously waiting. popcorn::popcorn:: Have a safe and magical trip! pixiedust:
Thanks for sharing your stories and pictures. I have enjoyed your TR...just wanted to drop a note of THANKS...
Thanks. Glad you were able to drop by.

[Leger13]

Wow! Your TR title was perfect. What a Disaster indeed! I think the ending part was the worst part! I think I would have had a panic attack by the time the flight attendant on the flight the next morning had told me "you can't board this flight". :scared::scared1:

And omg at that hotel! Out of all the awesome hotels in Atlanta they just had to put you up at the crappiest one!? That is just awful! I can't believe there were actual holes in the carpet!! Now I've stayed at some awful dives in my time but geez. I think that takes the cake!

I'm so glad you guys made it home safely though. That's the key really, right? And thank God your luggage was at your home airport.


I'm looking fwd to seeing the stories you have to post that didn't make it into the TR :thumbsup2

[topdog]

Wow! Your TR title was perfect. What a Disaster indeed! I think the ending part was the worst part! I think I would have had a panic attack by the time the flight attendant on the flight the next morning had told me "you can't board this flight". :scared::scared1:

And omg at that hotel! Out of all the awesome hotels in Atlanta they just had to put you up at the crappiest one!? That is just awful! I can't believe there were actual holes in the carpet!! Now I've stayed at some awful dives in my time but geez. I think that takes the cake!

I'm so glad you guys made it home safely though. That's the key really, right? And thank God your luggage was at your home airport.


I'm looking fwd to seeing the stories you have to post that didn't make it into the TR :thumbsup2

I guess the airline didn't have the budget to put their stranded customer to a better hotel.

I am still debating should we drive or should we fly when we visit WDW again.

[topdog]

I haven't written my silly moment yet. Therefore, I decide to post the rest of the pictures of my Lake Placid trip.

Here is me standing in front of the restaurant we went to.

http://www.dewlama.com/Public/Photos/LakePlacid/AAA_8739.jpg

We finally left the resort for good and went to climb the Whiteface Mountain.

http://www.dewlama.com/Public/Photos/LakePlacid/AAA_8773.jpg

Zoom...zoom...zoom...

http://www.dewlama.com/Public/Photos/LakePlacid/AAA_8774.jpg

http://www.dewlama.com/Public/Photos/LakePlacid/AAA_8812.jpg

http://www.dewlama.com/Public/Photos/LakePlacid/AAA_8959.jpg

We arrived the entrance of the Whiteface Mountain.

http://www.dewlama.com/Public/Photos/LakePlacid/AAA_8998.jpg

Waiting for the rest of the crew.

http://www.dewlama.com/Public/Photos/LakePlacid/AAA_8999.jpg

We took a break from climbing up the mountain and enjoy the view.

http://www.dewlama.com/Public/Photos/LakePlacid/AAA_9060.jpg

http://www.dewlama.com/Public/Photos/LakePlacid/AAA_9033.jpg

We zoom again.

http://www.dewlama.com/Public/Photos/LakePlacid/AAA_9116.jpg

At last, we reach the top...almost.

http://www.dewlama.com/Public/Photos/LakePlacid/AAA_9122.jpg

http://www.dewlama.com/Public/Photos/LakePlacid/AAA_9144.jpg

After we parked our cars, we climb thru this tunnel and climb even higher by foot until we really reach the top.

http://www.dewlama.com/Public/Photos/LakePlacid/AAA_9239.jpg

http://www.dewlama.com/Public/Photos/LakePlacid/AAA_9259.jpg

http://www.dewlama.com/Public/Photos/LakePlacid/AAA_9193.jpg

http://www.dewlama.com/Public/Photos/LakePlacid/AAA_9196.jpg

http://www.dewlama.com/Public/Photos/LakePlacid/AAA_9238.jpg

http://www.dewlama.com/Public/Photos/LakePlacid/AAA_9259.jpg

What goes up must come down and this is the trail how we climb down by foot also.

http://www.dewlama.com/Public/Photos/LakePlacid/AAA_9167.jpg

http://www.dewlama.com/Public/Photos/LakePlacid/AAA_9273.jpg

http://www.dewlama.com/Public/Photos/LakePlacid/AAA_9285.jpg

I always want to ride one of this.

http://www.dewlama.com/Public/Photos/LakePlacid/AAA_9307.jpg

[robin09]

I guess the airline didn't have the budget to put their stranded customer to a better hotel.

I am still debating should we drive or should we fly when we visit WDW again.


After your disaster, you could still debate? Drive all the way, it's the only way... YOu choose the hotel. When you look at all the hours you spent, waiting for a plane, on a plane, changing planes, you could've been enjoying the scenery and taking more gorgeous pictures! You get to bring anything you want, and not worry how to carry it all home! No question about it... Driving is the best way!:goodvibes

Your pictures of Lake Placid are gorgeous, thankyou for sharing:goodvibes

[Diamondintheruff]

Sounds like you and DW must have been thrilled to finally arrive home.

Thanks for sharing your story with us!

For once I was glad to be reading a TR instead of wanting to be there with the writer. Hopefully you and DW can laugh about it now.

[piglet50]

thanks for sharing the rest of your tr to wdw and the lake placid pictures. i've really enjoyed the writing and the great photos.

[Leger13]

I guess the airline didn't have the budget to put their stranded customer to a better hotel.

I am still debating should we drive or should we fly when we visit WDW again.

apparently not. What airline was it? Sorry if you've already answered this question.....

From PA? I have some friends that drive to Orlando every year from PA. They just always make sure to drive half one day and drive the other half the next day so maybe if you do it that way it would work. Might just have less time in WDW that way tho.

[MICKEY4EVER!]

Cool! A TR within a TR! :woohoo:

I thought the Lodge you stayed at looked a whole lot like Wildnerness until you told us to google that other Lodge. Um, that's wierd! They're almost identical!!!

Enjoyed the new pics, too. What beautiful scenery...

[nowellsl]

DW told me why don't I put the rolling duffle down to lighten the weight I carried so I can just pull it since my feet hurt so much. My OCD side of me refuse to do that because I don't want to dirty the new wheels on my rolling duffle. DW just rolls her eyes at me and called me weird. Yes, I am that weird and stubborn.

:rotfl:

I have enjoyed your trip report so much!

[kath1210]

I haven't written my silly moment yet. Therefore, I decide to post the rest of the pictures of my Lake Placid trip.

http://www.dewlama.com/Public/Photos/LakePlacid/AAA_8812.jpg



Gorgeous pictures! Looking at this one makes me feel like I am actually flying along the road!

[topdog]

After your disaster, you could still debate? Drive all the way, it's the only way... YOu choose the hotel. When you look at all the hours you spent, waiting for a plane, on a plane, changing planes, you could've been enjoying the scenery and taking more gorgeous pictures! You get to bring anything you want, and not worry how to carry it all home! No question about it... Driving is the best way!:goodvibes

Your pictures of Lake Placid are gorgeous, thankyou for sharing:goodvibes
Glad you like the pictures.

You do have a point about driving. However, flying would restrict us how much we can bring and how much we can buy. That's a good thing. Otherwise, we end up over buying everything at Disney. Maybe that is a bad thing. :lmao:

Beside that, 20+ hours of driving and seating in that tight quarter is just too much on my back. I do like the idea taking pictures along the way.
Sounds like you and DW must have been thrilled to finally arrive home.

Thanks for sharing your story with us!

For once I was glad to be reading a TR instead of wanting to be there with the writer. Hopefully you and DW can laugh about it now.
Thanks. We definitely glad to be home. DW doesn't talk about the trip at all. All she talks about is when are we going back again. :rotfl:
thanks for sharing the rest of your tr to wdw and the lake placid pictures. i've really enjoyed the writing and the great photos.
Thank you. So glad you enjoy it.
apparently not. What airline was it? Sorry if you've already answered this question.....

From PA? I have some friends that drive to Orlando every year from PA. They just always make sure to drive half one day and drive the other half the next day so maybe if you do it that way it would work. Might just have less time in WDW that way tho.
The original flight was Delta. The reconnect flight from Atlanta to Detroit was NorthWest.

I guess we can do that. We do have family at NC we can stay overnight and then continue our trip afterward. But I will have to add 2 more days of traveling.

[topdog]

Cool! A TR within a TR! :woohoo:

I thought the Lodge you stayed at looked a whole lot like Wildnerness until you told us to google that other Lodge. Um, that's wierd! They're almost identical!!!

Enjoyed the new pics, too. What beautiful scenery...
The Whiteface Lodge is magnificent. It was equally stunning as WL. Lake Placid was beautiful. My friend and I are planning to go back for skiing this up coming season.
:rotfl:

I have enjoyed your trip report so much!
Thank you. Glad you like it.
Gorgeous pictures! Looking at this one makes me feel like I am actually flying along the road!
Thanks. It wasn't easy to take that picture. I have to stick my camera out of the window on top of the roof while my friend was driving. I was afraid my camera might blew away. :eek:

[topdog]

At this point, we are not sure when is our next trip yet. We did contemplate for a land/sea Disney cruise since neither one of us ever went to a cruise before. That's a possiblity. However, both of us really want to experience Christmas at Disney.

Initially, we thought we can go again at the beginning of this December since that seems to be the low time at Disney. I wouldn't want to go during Chrismas day. Althought I did do that once back in 1977 and I even stick around for New Year Eve firework as well. That was then. I am sure the crowd is much more intense now.

We did receive the 40% discount code and then free dining offer after we came back. However, both of those offer only go as far as to October. On top of that, I've been planning a long term project at work for almost a year now. It's getting close to be implement and that will take 4 to 5 months of work to install everything. During the implementation, my management want all team members on site at all time. I can't blame them because it's a very expensive expansion project. Therefore, a trip for this Christmas for over a week would be out of the question. Weekend trip or a day here and there is one thing. What kills me was Disney just email me another free dining plan promo yesterday. This time...they did extend the offer into December!! Grrr... I don't know I can't go without doing the DxDP. That's a MUST for me.

So...chances are the next Disney trip won't happen until Feb or Sep 2010 and then again on Dec. It's just something to hope for. We really like late Sep time frame the best. Low attendance and we don't have to worry about snow storm when we come home. I will definitely push for next Dec as well. We've been wanted to see the Disney Christmas decoration for a very long time.

As for travel arrangement, flying is still an option for us. We just might have to drive down to Philly for a direct flight instead of Allentown for a connect flight at Atlanta. We might drive also. Is there anyone here who live between Carolina and Georgia willing to put us up for a night? :goodvibes Just think, that's a possibility you can be part of my TR. :rotfl2:

Other possibility is Adventure by Disney. We want to try China because DW want to have picture taken with a panda on her lap. It will take some serious saving for that trip.:eek:

[GoofyFairie]

topdog you are such a busy man, how do you get any sleep?!

I am advising the drive to the philly airport for a direct. It is still way less hours in the car driving to Disney that you could be spending in a park!

I can't wait to read another trip report and see pics of DW holding a panda. You better get a second job to pay for all these trips!

[topdog]

Sorry I haven't been around lately. It rained so much here...I have to squeeze in all my chores between "dry" time. My grass was so tall...It's a jungle out there. I managed to mowed it Friday after work right before it rain again. Spend the who Saturday at home cleaning and vacuuming. We finally have some sun yesterday so I can do some outdoor stuff for a few hours.

topdog you are such a busy man, how do you get any sleep?!

I am advising the drive to the philly airport for a direct. It is still way less hours in the car driving to Disney that you could be spending in a park!

I can't wait to read another trip report and see pics of DW holding a panda. You better get a second job to pay for all these trips!

You are right boarding at Philly. I am just not a big fan of big city and I grew up in NYC. We do have family members live at NC so we do have a place to rest should we chose to drive.

Trip to China with a panda won't happen for a long time unless the U.S. currency gets a little stronger quick.

[WDWAtLast]

Lake Placid is beautiful!!! And I would also love to be at Disney for Christmas (in early December!) Maybe in a few years!!!

[MICKEY4EVER!]

We went the week after Thanksgiving in 2006 and they had all the Christmas stuff out. We stayed in Wilderness that year, too. Lovely! Breathtaking! Awesome! Lots of those types of adjectives to describe what I saw. I'd give anything to do Disney again at that time of year. Crowds were perfect - never had to wait more than twenty to thirty minutes for any ride and FP were obtainable also.

(Of course, that spoiled me for when we went in March and the crowds were ENORMOUS!!!! :eek:)

[scottny]

great updates and pics.

your pics are so gorgeous.

Your Lake Placid trip looked really nice too.

Sorry about the trip home, what a mess that was.

I called today and got the free dining for Mid October. Very happy. You can do deluxe on free dining but it is like half price I believe.

[topdog]

I got an interesting update. Thanks to mecllap's warning about Disney might have issue on my photo book should I choose to sell it. I decide to send an email to Disney corporate customer relation and ask how to acquire permission to sell the photo book of my Disney trip. That was a few weeks ago. I thought I would never hear anything from them.

Interesting enough, I got an email today from Disney corporate stating their business unit doesn't handle this type of request. However, she gave me a mailing address and a fax number of Disney's permission department because Disney won't give any kind of permission through internet inquiry. (I never thought there is such department exist.) I can sent or fax a letter explain what are my photos about and what are the nature of the photos so Disney can consider to give me permission or not should I need it.

I guess my next step is to mail or fax Disney a letter and see what's their response.

So stay tune for further development...:surfweb:

[Leger13]

At this point, we are not sure when is our next trip yet. We did contemplate for a land/sea Disney cruise since neither one of us ever went to a cruise before. That's a possiblity. However, both of us really want to experience Christmas at Disney.

Initially, we thought we can go again at the beginning of this December since that seems to be the low time at Disney. I wouldn't want to go during Chrismas day. Althought I did do that once back in 1977 and I even stick around for New Year Eve firework as well. That was then. I am sure the crowd is much more intense now.

We did receive the 40% discount code and then free dining offer after we came back. However, both of those offer only go as far as to October. On top of that, I've been planning a long term project at work for almost a year now. It's getting close to be implement and that will take 4 to 5 months of work to install everything. During the implementation, my management want all team members on site at all time. I can't blame them because it's a very expensive expansion project. Therefore, a trip for this Christmas for over a week would be out of the question. Weekend trip or a day here and there is one thing. What kills me was Disney just email me another free dining plan promo yesterday. This time...they did extend the offer into December!! Grrr... I don't know I can't go without doing the DxDP. That's a MUST for me.

So...chances are the next Disney trip won't happen until Feb or Sep 2010 and then again on Dec. It's just something to hope for. We really like late Sep time frame the best. Low attendance and we don't have to worry about snow storm when we come home. I will definitely push for next Dec as well. We've been wanted to see the Disney Christmas decoration for a very long time.

As for travel arrangement, flying is still an option for us. We just might have to drive down to Philly for a direct flight instead of Allentown for a connect flight at Atlanta. We might drive also. Is there anyone here who live between Carolina and Georgia willing to put us up for a night? :goodvibes Just think, that's a possibility you can be part of my TR. :rotfl2:

Other possibility is Adventure by Disney. We want to try China because DW want to have picture taken with a panda on her lap. It will take some serious saving for that trip.:eek:

Bummer that a trip for first week of December won't work this year. As you know that is when I am going and we could have had a dis meet. Chris and I are also contemplating land and sea cruise. Sounds like a blast! I hope they offer free dining again next year so you can get it in September again. It's always such a good deal. And you got a pin code for free dining in December!? I haven't gotten that yet! No fair! Oh well, I wouldn't be able to use it anyways. A friend of mine hooked us up with CM discount on our room so that's always better than free dining. We just can't get the dining plan at all with that kind of discount though so that stinks. Oh well. Can't have everything.

I have a question....how far are you from Akron Ohio? I have family in PA and whenever we go to visit them we fly into Akron because we hate the Philly airport as well. Maybe you could try that? (I can't remember where you flew out of for this last trip).

Anyways, hope you're having a great week! Almost Friday!! :woohoo:

[topdog]

Bummer that a trip for first week of December won't work this year. As you know that is when I am going and we could have had a dis meet. Chris and I are also contemplating land and sea cruise. Sounds like a blast! I hope they offer free dining again next year so you can get it in September again. It's always such a good deal. And you got a pin code for free dining in December!? I haven't gotten that yet! No fair! Oh well, I wouldn't be able to use it anyways. A friend of mine hooked us up with CM discount on our room so that's always better than free dining. We just can't get the dining plan at all with that kind of discount though so that stinks. Oh well. Can't have everything.

I have a question....how far are you from Akron Ohio? I have family in PA and whenever we go to visit them we fly into Akron because we hate the Philly airport as well. Maybe you could try that? (I can't remember where you flew out of for this last trip).

Anyways, hope you're having a great week! Almost Friday!! :woohoo:

That would've been fun if we can have a Dis meet in December.

I am way on the northeast side of PA. That's about 6 to 7 hours of driving from Akron, OH. We normally fly out of Allentown airport. Scranton/Wilkes-Barre is the next closest but they don't have direct flight either. Philly is the closest airport that has direct flight to FL. Otherwise, Newark NJ is the next option.

Unfortunately, this is a rough week. I got home tonight and found out our fridge just died. Water everywhere. Now we have to shop for a new fridge this weekend. Not fun. :mad:

[ang38]

Good luck with that! Years ago I sent a letter to them to request permission for a high school play to be performed. I did receive a confirmation letter telling me they had indeed received my letter and will get back to me soon. Well, I am still waiting! It's been 8 years:confused3 I think I should give up:rolleyes1 I hope you make out better :goodvibes

I got an interesting update. Thanks to mecllap's warning about Disney might have issue on my photo book should I choose to sell it. I decide to send an email to Disney corporate customer relation and ask how to acquire permission to sell the photo book of my Disney trip. That was a few weeks ago. I thought I would never hear anything from them.

Interesting enough, I got an email today from Disney corporate stating their business unit doesn't handle this type of request. However, she gave me a mailing address and a fax number of Disney's permission department because Disney won't give any kind of permission through internet inquiry. (I never thought there is such department exist.) I can sent or fax a letter explain what are my photos about and what are the nature of the photos so Disney can consider to give me permission or not should I need it.

I guess my next step is to mail or fax Disney a letter and see what's their response.

So stay tune for further development...:surfweb:

[GoofyFairie]

I have a question....how far are you from Akron Ohio? I have family in PA and whenever we go to visit them we fly into Akron because we hate the Philly airport as well. Maybe you could try that? (I can't remember where you flew out of for this last trip).

Anyways, hope you're having a great week! Almost Friday!! :woohoo:[/QUOTE]


Maybe you mean Pittsburgh airport. It is on the western side of PA.

[Leger13]

That would've been fun if we can have a Dis meet in December.

I am way on the northeast side of PA. That's about 6 to 7 hours of driving from Akron, OH. We normally fly out of Allentown airport. Scranton/Wilkes-Barre is the next closest but they don't have direct flight either. Philly is the closest airport that has direct flight to FL. Otherwise, Newark NJ is the next option.

Unfortunately, this is a rough week. I got home tonight and found out our fridge just died. Water everywhere. Now we have to shop for a new fridge this weekend. Not fun. :mad:

Wow so not a lot of options for you as far as good airports go huh? That totally sucks that you're so far away from Akron. I'll be flying out of Akron to go on my trip in November to WDW. Will be visiting my family there in PA and then going straight to Disney from there. Hopefully nothing awful will happen.

Oh man sorry to hear about your fridge :( That happened to us last year but it was a lot cheaper to fix the old fridge than to go out and get a new one. I hope you guys can at least find a good deal on a fridge that you're happy with. You just don't realize how much you rely on that appliance until it craps out on you. :headache:

[Leger13]

I have a question....how far are you from Akron Ohio? I have family in PA and whenever we go to visit them we fly into Akron because we hate the Philly airport as well. Maybe you could try that? (I can't remember where you flew out of for this last trip).

Anyways, hope you're having a great week! Almost Friday!! :woohoo:


Maybe you mean Pittsburgh airport. It is on the western side of PA.[/QUOTE]

ah yeah that's what I meant....Pittsburgh......haha I was SO bored yesterday that my brain was in "off" mode. I'm finding I made a lot of mistakes in the posts I made yesterday :lmao:

[cherokeemamma]

Hi TopDog!

First, I want to say that I am sorry for abandoning your TR over the last month. I work at a church in the Children's division and we have been getting ready for VBS. I worked many, many hours. Have not been on here at all. VBS is over now so I finally caught up! :surfweb:

Wow...what a report. Great pictures! :thumbsup2I am terribly sorry for your last series of disasters. Thankfully, everything worked out well in the end. I also live close (about 45 minutes) from the Atl airport. So, if you are ever driving through or have a layover we should plan a Dismeet.:goodvibes

I had a similar thing happen a couple of years ago. My DD and I went to WDW for a long weekend. A friend is a flight attentant for Delta and gave us buddy passes. We had no problem leaving Atl but on our return we spent the entire day...14+ hours waiting to get on a flight. We never did get on a flight and had to get a hotel room. Unfortunately for us, Delta doesn't pay for standed buddy pass riders so all expenses came out of our pocket. Thankfully we did get on a flight the next morning. The bad thing was my DD missed a day of standardized testing at school. The teacher and school administrators were not happy. It was very stressful but looking back, we laugh about it now. The really sad part of my story was that we could have spent that day at WDW because we had another day's pass. But who knew.:confused3

Love the pictures form Lake Placid...looks beautiful and the lodge there reminds me of something else...Wilderenss Lodge. Glad you had a great guys weekend.

Let us know what happens with your email to Disney about your pics.

I am sad to see your report come to an end. It has been fun. Thanks for sharing with us. :flower3:

TTFN
Darlene

[TeresaNJ]

Hey TD! Long time, no see.;) Sorry to be slacking on reading the ending of your TR. I've just been so preoccupied with my daughter's graduation from college, and a few personal health issues. Oh my goodness, I would have been freaking if that happened to me on a flight home. Your poor wife! You too, of course. What a lousy ending to a magical trip. I was happy to read your luggage made it home safe and sound. That is always one of my big fears.

Loved your Lake Placid pics. I've never been there, but it looks like a beautiful place to visit. I just can't seem to pull myself away from Disney vacations though. We've got one planned for this December, staying at the new Contemporary Bay Lake Villas, and then our next family trip after that will be to the Grand Californian in Disneyland, woo hoo!!!:cool1: I've never been to California, nor have any of my kids, so we're planning on going in October 2010 so we can do MNSSHP there. My son and daughter-in-law are huge Nightmare Before Christmas fans, and are dying to see the Haunted Mansion in Disneyland decorated like NbeforeC.

I was telling my DH about your flight troubles, and he said you could get a direct flight out of Allentown to the Sanford Airport, which is about a 30-40 minute drive to Disney. Maybe you could do that and rent a car when you get there. It looks like Allegiant Air flies out of Allentown directly to the Sanford/Orlando Airport. My niece flew into Sanford from Notre Dame to meet us at Disney, and my DH had to go pick her up, and he said it wasn't a bad drive at all.

I'm really looking forward to seeing your Disney book!

[topdog]

Good luck with that! Years ago I sent a letter to them to request permission for a high school play to be performed. I did receive a confirmation letter telling me they had indeed received my letter and will get back to me soon. Well, I am still waiting! It's been 8 years:confused3 I think I should give up:rolleyes1 I hope you make out better :goodvibes
Magic can happen, right?? ;)
Maybe you mean Pittsburgh airport. It is on the western side of PA.
You know...I've been at Pittsburgh airport a few time. Never even thought about that airport.
Oh man sorry to hear about your fridge :( That happened to us last year but it was a lot cheaper to fix the old fridge than to go out and get a new one. I hope you guys can at least find a good deal on a fridge that you're happy with. You just don't realize how much you rely on that appliance until it craps out on you. :headache:
I fixed the old fridge a few times already. This time, the motor just died and it will cost a lot more to fix it plus we would be out of a fridge for a week or two. Not sure if it's worth to fix it. The new fridge was delivered yesterday. We shopped the best as we can and I think we got a pretty good deal. Hope this one last. The old fridge was 12 years old.
ah yeah that's what I meant....Pittsburgh......haha I was SO bored yesterday that my brain was in "off" mode. I'm finding I made a lot of mistakes in the posts I made yesterday :lmao:
Maybe you need some black coffee and heavy dose of chocolate. :rotfl:
Hi TopDog!

First, I want to say that I am sorry for abandoning your TR over the last month. I work at a church in the Children's division and we have been getting ready for VBS. I worked many, many hours. Have not been on here at all. VBS is over now so I finally caught up! :surfweb:

Wow...what a report. Great pictures! :thumbsup2I am terribly sorry for your last series of disasters. Thankfully, everything worked out well in the end. I also live close (about 45 minutes) from the Atl airport. So, if you are ever driving through or have a layover we should plan a Dismeet.:goodvibes

I had a similar thing happen a couple of years ago. My DD and I went to WDW for a long weekend. A friend is a flight attentant for Delta and gave us buddy passes. We had no problem leaving Atl but on our return we spent the entire day...14+ hours waiting to get on a flight. We never did get on a flight and had to get a hotel room. Unfortunately for us, Delta doesn't pay for standed buddy pass riders so all expenses came out of our pocket. Thankfully we did get on a flight the next morning. The bad thing was my DD missed a day of standardized testing at school. The teacher and school administrators were not happy. It was very stressful but looking back, we laugh about it now. The really sad part of my story was that we could have spent that day at WDW because we had another day's pass. But who knew.:confused3

Love the pictures form Lake Placid...looks beautiful and the lodge there reminds me of something else...Wilderenss Lodge. Glad you had a great guys weekend.

Let us know what happens with your email to Disney about your pics.

I am sad to see your report come to an end. It has been fun. Thanks for sharing with us. :flower3:

TTFN
Darlene
Thank you for catching up. Another Atlanta "connection", I am all set now. LOL...
Hey TD! Long time, no see.;) Sorry to be slacking on reading the ending of your TR. I've just been so preoccupied with my daughter's graduation from college, and a few personal health issues. Oh my goodness, I would have been freaking if that happened to me on a flight home. Your poor wife! You too, of course. What a lousy ending to a magical trip. I was happy to read your luggage made it home safe and sound. That is always one of my big fears.

Loved your Lake Placid pics. I've never been there, but it looks like a beautiful place to visit. I just can't seem to pull myself away from Disney vacations though. We've got one planned for this December, staying at the new Contemporary Bay Lake Villas, and then our next family trip after that will be to the Grand Californian in Disneyland, woo hoo!!!:cool1: I've never been to California, nor have any of my kids, so we're planning on going in October 2010 so we can do MNSSHP there. My son and daughter-in-law are huge Nightmare Before Christmas fans, and are dying to see the Haunted Mansion in Disneyland decorated like NbeforeC.

I was telling my DH about your flight troubles, and he said you could get a direct flight out of Allentown to the Sanford Airport, which is about a 30-40 minute drive to Disney. Maybe you could do that and rent a car when you get there. It looks like Allegiant Air flies out of Allentown directly to the Sanford/Orlando Airport. My niece flew into Sanford from Notre Dame to meet us at Disney, and my DH had to go pick her up, and he said it wasn't a bad drive at all.

I'm really looking forward to seeing your Disney book!
Oh no! I hope you feel better soon. I saw your daughter's graduation pictures. Very nice!! :thumbsup2

Lake Placid was very nice. DW and I might go there some time at the end of the summer. My manager already gave me an order...I am not allow to take any vacation days from late July until mid Sep unless it's family emergency.

Holloween at Disney must be fun but we want to see Christmas at Disney first. Not too far from me, we have a haunted mansion too which is somewhat the Disney one base on from what I was told. It's the Harry Packer Mansion at Jim Thorpe. It's much creeper than the one at Disney.
http://www.murdermansion.com/images/harry_packer.JPG

I heard about the Sanford airport. DW told me about it. That's definitely another option but then we won't able to use the ME. Grrr.... :mad: If Disney would participate at Sanford airport, then I am all set. :)

I should able to post a few page of my photobook layout soon. Stay tune and don't touch that dial... :surfweb:

[Leger13]

I fixed the old fridge a few times already. This time, the motor just died and it will cost a lot more to fix it plus we would be out of a fridge for a week or two. Not sure if it's worth to fix it. The new fridge was delivered yesterday. We shopped the best as we can and I think we got a pretty good deal. Hope this one last. The old fridge was 12 years old.

Maybe you need some black coffee and heavy dose of chocolate. :rotfl:



Oh man yeah I would have decided to get a new fridge at that point too. Sounds like the old one lasted you a good long time though so that's good :thumbsup2 Ours was only 5 years old by the time it decided it needed a new defrosting element. :headache:

:rotfl: yeah, I think you may be right on that one. Hopefully this week will prove better for me since it's a short week :thumbsup2

[TeresaNJ]

Wow, that is a creepy looking place!:scared1: Cool, but creepy. Do they do tours there?

[TeresaNJ]

Nevermind, I just went to their website and saw it is a bed and breakfast! How neat!!! That would be an amazing place to stay sometime in the fall. Hmmm, something to think about.

[jade1]

Day# 8 (Sunday) Part 1

http://www.dewlama.com/Public/Photos/Disney/09/Extra/LastDxDp.jpg
...

Great (challenging) report. One last question is why does it say "MT Wallet" at the end of your last receipt? Just to rub it in?

[KeepSwimmingDory]

topdog - I thought of you when I saw this article. There's always hope!

Oregon Man's Wallet Found After 63 Years
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,529528,00.html?test=latestnews

[LWQuestie]

Thanks for writing such an entertaining trip report! I've been reading it all week at work, and am absolutely gob-smacked by your photography skills! I think I've added several new restaurants to my wishlist for the upcoming trip in December. Your photos made the food look so yummy!

[LindaBabe]

TopDog, you will reap the benefits of decreased energy usage with your new fridge, too. In the 12 years since your old one was new, there've been great improvements in fridge technology.

Maybe the convenience of a non-stop would be worth the cost of a 2 way rentals? There's an Alamo at WDW where you could return a car and pick one up.

[Tikihula]

Great (challenging) report. One last question is why does it say "MT Wallet" at the end of your last receipt? Just to rub it in?

:lmao:

Actually, all the servers at Whispering Canyon Cafe have funny names. Most of them are western style names but this server must have really had a sense of humor to actually come up with the MT Wallet moniker. :rotfl:

[topdog]

Great (challenging) report. One last question is why does it say "MT Wallet" at the end of your last receipt? Just to rub it in?
Eventhough it's a coincident, still very funny though.
topdog - I thought of you when I saw this article. There's always hope!

Oregon Man's Wallet Found After 63 Years
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,529528,00.html?test=latestnews
63 years!!! I would've turned into dust already. :lmao:
Thanks for writing such an entertaining trip report! I've been reading it all week at work, and am absolutely gob-smacked by your photography skills! I think I've added several new restaurants to my wishlist for the upcoming trip in December. Your photos made the food look so yummy!
Glad you like my TR. I am jealous you get to go in December. Have a great trip!! pixiedust:
TopDog, you will reap the benefits of decreased energy usage with your new fridge, too. In the 12 years since your old one was new, there've been great improvements in fridge technology.
That's what I was told too.
Maybe the convenience of a non-stop would be worth the cost of a 2 way rentals? There's an Alamo at WDW where you could return a car and pick one up.
I guess I will make that decision when it's time for our next trip.
:lmao:

Actually, all the servers at Whispering Canyon Cafe have funny names. Most of them are western style names but this server must have really had a sense of humor to actually come up with the MT Wallet moniker. :rotfl:
You are correct. Our first meal was at WCC also. The server's name is "Pippin".

[mecllap]

Hi topdog -- it was fun to catch up on your report after I got back home. Looking forward to your next trip and photos (of course I kind of think you should "branch" out and try somewhere else than WL, just so we can enjoy your photos -- how about AKL?).

I've finally made a slow start on a trip report on my regular blog site ( http://www.travelblog.org/Bloggers/mecllap/ ) but it won't be anywhere near as entertaining as yours has been. I may also get it over here to the disboards (need to think of a catchy title), but it's harder to do the photos (for me) here -- have started uploading some to photobucket. We didn't have disasters like you did, but it was not our most magical trip - but still looking forward to going back in Nov -- when it will be cooler!

I loved the kahlua cake at WCC and the Bailey's and JD mousse at Coral Reef (per your recommendation)-- but it did feel like "MT Wallet" when we got the check (we just did the QSDP, so WCC and CR were OOP).

[Leger13]

TopDog ~ came on here today to see what I have missed...thought there might be an update on your picture book? :confused3 But doesn't look like I've missed anything. I'm not as big of a slacker as I thought I was :laughing:

Hope you are doing okay. :goodvibes

Oh yeah....and I'll be up in your neck of the woods in a couple of weeks. My quilt retreat is up in PA. Around the Hershey area :thumbsup2 I heard it's been nice and cool up there lately so I'm really looking fwd to a break from the heat.

[Jeanine3kids]

Hey Topdog what ever happenend with your wallet???????

[topdog]

Hi topdog -- it was fun to catch up on your report after I got back home. Looking forward to your next trip and photos (of course I kind of think you should "branch" out and try somewhere else than WL, just so we can enjoy your photos -- how about AKL?).

I've finally made a slow start on a trip report on my regular blog site ( http://www.travelblog.org/Bloggers/mecllap/ ) but it won't be anywhere near as entertaining as yours has been. I may also get it over here to the disboards (need to think of a catchy title), but it's harder to do the photos (for me) here -- have started uploading some to photobucket. We didn't have disasters like you did, but it was not our most magical trip - but still looking forward to going back in Nov -- when it will be cooler!

I loved the kahlua cake at WCC and the Bailey's and JD mousse at Coral Reef (per your recommendation)-- but it did feel like "MT Wallet" when we got the check (we just did the QSDP, so WCC and CR were OOP).
Welcome back!! I will go check out your blog.

Yes. That Kahula cake at WCC is the "bomb". That is my #1 favorite dessert at Disney. JD mousse is #3.
TopDog ~ came on here today to see what I have missed...thought there might be an update on your picture book? :confused3 But doesn't look like I've missed anything. I'm not as big of a slacker as I thought I was :laughing:

Hope you are doing okay. :goodvibes

Oh yeah....and I'll be up in your neck of the woods in a couple of weeks. My quilt retreat is up in PA. Around the Hershey area :thumbsup2 I heard it's been nice and cool up there lately so I'm really looking fwd to a break from the heat.
I've been super busy for the past few week. The project I've been working on at the office for almost a year is finally going into the implement phase. It's a massive project. Let's just say the project worth $3.5 million. I am basically in the middle of the storm right now. Lots and lots of logistic, coordination, integration, configuration and testing. On top of that, my car has serious problem so I have to rebuilt the entire front end suspension myself. That takes up at least a couple of hours everyday after I come home from work. I am hoping I can finish it by this weekend. I'll need a vacation after all these said and done. Got any suggestion where can I go?? ;)

Hershey is about 2 hours away from me. It's really not that far. I was there a few weeks ago. Yes. So far, this summer has been cool around 70s in day time and 50s in night time. I love it. I can tolerate heat that well and I have no A/C at my house.

I will continue work on my photobook once my daily routine free up a bit. Hopefully, I can post some update as well.
Hey Topdog what ever happenend with your wallet???????
I am afraid that's a goner. I doubt I will ever see it again.

[disneyfreak71]

Hey Topdog,

I really enjoyed reading your report. We are staying at WL in December. I too bring along my Pentax DSLR (not quite as much equipment though) and 2 lenses. I will do my best to get some good shots of WL in December for you to see. How are your feet? All better now?

Thanks again.

[4HppyCamprs]

subscribing! late:lovestruc

[topdog]

Hey Topdog,

I really enjoyed reading your report. We are staying at WL in December. I too bring along my Pentax DSLR (not quite as much equipment though) and 2 lenses. I will do my best to get some good shots of WL in December for you to see. How are your feet? All better now?

Thanks again.
Welcome. Glad you are coming on board. I am jealous that you are going to stay at WL in December. You get to see their Christmas decoration. :lovestruc I can't wait to see some of your shots.

Yes. My feet are fully recovered. They are fine now. Thank you for asking.

I wish you to have a magical trip in December. pixiedust:
subscribing! late:lovestruc
Better late than never. LOL... Welcome aboard!!

[Leger13]

I've been super busy for the past few week. The project I've been working on at the office for almost a year is finally going into the implement phase. It's a massive project. Let's just say the project worth $3.5 million. I am basically in the middle of the storm right now. Lots and lots of logistic, coordination, integration, configuration and testing. On top of that, my car has serious problem so I have to rebuilt the entire front end suspension myself. That takes up at least a couple of hours everyday after I come home from work. I am hoping I can finish it by this weekend. I'll need a vacation after all these said and done. Got any suggestion where can I go?? ;)

Hershey is about 2 hours away from me. It's really not that far. I was there a few weeks ago. Yes. So far, this summer has been cool around 70s in day time and 50s in night time. I love it. I can tolerate heat that well and I have no A/C at my house.

I will continue work on my photobook once my daily routine free up a bit. Hopefully, I can post some update as well.

Wow that does sound like you've been super busy at work. That's a good thing though. Sounds like a bunch of stuff I would never understand :laughing:And bummer on the car. Hope you can get it fixed.

Ah yeah that's not too bad. Seems like everyone I know from DIS that's in PA is 2 hours from Hershey. I'm looking fwd to going to the museum. That weather sounds divine!! I'm really looking forward to it. And no A/C in the house? I guess you can get away with that up there but there's no way I could survive w/o it down here. Your summer electricity costs must be so much cheaper than mine. I'm jealous. Come to think of it, my Grandmother that is in Brookville doesn't have A/C in her house either.