The Greatest Hits: A Trip Like This Needs a Soundtrack!-A July 2012 TR Upd. 5/5!

[JLCJMC]

Excellent update -- looking forward to the next installment!
We leave for our 10 day trip tomorrow!

 

[oOJulieOo]

Joining in.

This TR has been a great read so far. Thanks!

 

[PlutosRHM55]

Thank you! I'm glad you appreciated the Disney touch! I was going to go with the original version of that song, but I had to do the Disney Rascal Flatts version!

I totally forget who sang and wrote the original now that I've heard the Rascal Flatts version. I always have to remind myself they only sang it for Cars every time. Probably the original version isn't that great

I am SO GLAD to hear that a male is not falling into believing that stereotype. Good for you! There's a lot of bad female drivers out there, but there's also a lot of bad male drivers! How is learning to drive going for you? I remember being awful when I first started. I ran into my driving instructor's mailbox!

Exactly! Masochism is a lost culture, all I'm saying.

Driving? Ummm... I'm a nervous wreck and drive fairly slow (I blame my nervous wreck backseat driver mother for that). So far I've only gone on the road once, but I seem to be doing a good job everyone says. I'm going to Driver's Ed and I'm absolutely terrified. It'll be interesting to see how that goes.

Thanks! I'm glad you like the rating system! Don't worry, there will be LOTS of Remys!

Hahaha your whole paragraph about the energy drink had me cracking up. Including a Disney song reference? Bonus points! Poor John, he is so patient with me and my antics. Bless him!

WOOT! I like Remys!

I'm glad you enjoyed it. Usually people think of my paragraphs as going on and on and on and on... you get my point! And of course I would add a Disney reference. What is a comment without a Disney reference?

We were so happy to be there, even if we weren't staying a Disney hotel just yet. John was thrilled with that billboard, because that's his favorite ride!

That's all that matters, right? And your husband has good taste in rides. Expedition Everest <3

 

[disneyhockeymad]

Hey! Joining in a little bit late, I tend to lurk a lot of the time! But I love your TR so far, it's awesome. Love the song lyrics for each chapter

I'm so impressed Stacey was on your TV I wish it was on mine, my family insist on staying offsite so I'm yet to see her

Love your backpack too, so cute!

It's so weird watching you both driving down to Florida, we always fly, well we have to, so seeing all the state signs is so cool! I'm glad it didn't take too long either, but I'm just the same as you, I get beyond frustrated at traffic! Drives me insane!

Can't wait to read more

 

[heatherlekay]

Great update! Loved the TOT elevator joke! Your hubby sounds like a he was def in the Disney spirit!
I couldn't help but notice your mani/pedi...is that shade Revlon Coastal Surf?

 

[therussells08]

Ahh yay your hotel had Stacey!!! Brilliance. Love the 2012 backpack! I kinda want one even though I have my Vera...

Love the ToT joke. Good one, John!

I was so relieved when I saw it had Stacey! It really felt like Disney then! Thanks! I love it too, but I think you should stick with your Vera! It's so pretty!

Haha he's a frump!

The hotel looks nice. And if it had Stacey, then it must've been good!

Yay! for making it into Disney!

It really was nice, for a non-Disney hotel!

Thanks! We were so excited!

Stacey at your hotel? How awesome is that?!?

I love the fact that you spent literally no time at all at the Springhill Suites, drop the bags off and head straight to Disney-that's my girl! Lol

I know right! I was so happy to see her!

Haha that's how we roll- in and out! We had to get to DISNEY WORLD!

Woo hoo, you've arrived! (well sort of). Not so bad for a non-Disney hotel, except the elevator. I have some major claustrophobia issues and would NOT have been able to get back on that thing, in fact, I probably would have just done the steps in the first place and wished DH luck as he went up the elevator with our bags

Can't wait to hear about your evening at MK

We were so happy to finally be there! Haha yeah the elevator was freaky, but other than that it was all good! You definitely would not have enjoyed it if you're claustrophobic!

The look on your face in the Stacey picture symbolizes pure joy. I love it.

I have that same backpack... only the '06 version. I literally can't go to Disney without it!! It's the perfect park bag!

Haha thanks! I was so excited to see QUEEN STACEY.

I love your '06 backpack! I think it's better when you've had them for a while, because that means they've been on lots of Disney trips! I plan on keeping my 2012 bag for many years!

Yay for Stacey and yay for being so close to the gates of Disney wor- ahem I mean the gates of heaven

I was so happy to see Stacey! Haha yeah, the gates of heaven is right! We were SO excited!

 

[therussells08]

I can't believe you had Stacey at the non-Disney hotel! That's awesome!

Non-Disney hotels aren't as good as Disney ones, but to save a bit of money or to make a trip possible that would be otherwise impossible- They are totally worth it!

I know! It was so exciting! I didn't realize she was in non-Disney hotels too!

Yeah, that's how I was feeling about it too! I was okay with staying there one night, because it meant another night I was close to DISNEY!

Gah, I LOVE Stacey! My whole family loves that girl, in fact. Granted, I loved the old song better (I quoted your "hot sauce feeling" interpretation in my last TR!), but when I want to complain about that I'm reminded of a sign that used to hang in my aunt's bathroom that said, "qwitcherbellyachin."

We stopped off for one night and a continental breakfast last trip and encountered that same traffic, but early in the morning. Love that you're punny about it!

Haha yay! I love that your whole family is Stacey fans! HAHAHA I'm so flattered that you quoted my nerdy interpretation of that song! Thank you! That sounds like a good sign- I need one of those!

Ugh, wasn't that traffic a nightmare?! I love a good pun, though! I should've been a Jungle Cruise skipper!

Stacey at a non-Disney hotel?? Marvelous!

Cute backpack! I have a similar Cinderella one that accompanies me on every trip.

Yay! The gates! I can't wait to find out where you go/what you eat!

I know, it was so exciting when we realized she was on TV there!

Thank you! Aww I bet your Cinderella one is really cute!

Ahh, the gates. The most beautiful sight on earth! Here's a little teaser...we had a GREAT dinner!

Is that the springhill suites in the marriot village? We're going there in august and I am a Marriott traveler; everywhere we go we always stay at a Marriott chain hotel but never in Orlando before. We haven't been off site until now. Please tell me traffic is not always that bad there since they are right where downtown disney is located!!!!

I am subbing to your TR and I love it so far, love your rating system and yoiur wonderful sense of humor! I can't wait for more!

Yep, that's the one! The traffic was only that bad for us at night. When we left the next morning, it wasn't bad at all! I think you'll really enjoy it there! For a non-Disney hotel, it's really great!

by the way, and thank you for reading along and your kind comment! I'm so glad you're enjoying it so far!

YAY!!! You had stacey at your hotel!!! That is not the same without stacey!!!

Loving the back pack, I need to get myself one!!

So excited to read more soon!!! Can't wait to see what you got up to in the parks!!! And what park was your first choice!!!

You're so right- it's just not the same without Stacey!

Thank you! It's a great investment! It's the perfect park bag!

Thank you for reading along, and for being excited about my trip with me!

That actually seems like a good hotel (for non-disney at least) We almost stayed there, but I convinced hubby the price difference was not that much to stay on-site and the benefits were better

Cannot wait to hear what comes next!!!

It really was a pretty nice hotel! But still, not a Disney hotel! Way to go on convincing your hubby to stay on-site!

Stay tuned!

 

[therussells08]

I'm cracking up at "Important information about the continental breakfast" I mean... how much information can there be? You walk downstairs, the food is out...that's pretty much it...

Do I remember?! I watch that movie every year on or right before Halloween. One of the spookiest movies EVER. And oh Jack Nicholson, you flawless actor you.

Aww, love the pic of you guys in the mirror. What a cute couple.

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH STACEY!!!! OH THANK THE DISNEY GODS THAT SHE WAS IN YOUR ROOM!!!! The pic of you posing in front of her on the TV should be your default EVERYTHING photo for LIFE. In fact you should probably blow it up to poster size and hang it in your classroom.

hahaha, Babe! I used to love that movie when I was a kid!

YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAS!!! YOU'RE THERE!!! I can't wait to read more!

Haha I know right? I was all paranoid the next morning, like we needed a password or something to get into the continental breakfast.

I watch that movie every year too! Ugh, it still scares me so badly! And yeah, Jack Nicholson is such a great actor, and he does freaky really well!

Thank you so much! We love taking awkward couple pictures.

SERIOUSLY. I had to just stop for a moment of silent spazzing out for the queen herself. I am going to frame that picture and mail it to her. That's not stalker-ish, right? RIGHT?!

I loved that movie too! Babe was so cute!

AHHH WE WERE SO EXCITED!

Firstly, love the title! Princess and the Frog, my all-time FAVORITE Disney movie and I love that song, should've been won that Academy Award not the crappy country song from Crazy Heart Anyways...

Wow, you have one cool off-property hotel. That may be the nicest non-Disney hotel worker I've heard of yet, but, in reply to your Shining reference with some variation, "All work and no play makes Joni a dull girl." (Awesome movie! Jack Nicholson is the man!) Until you turn on the TV and then STACEY! Wow, I can't believe they had Stacey at the hotel, so cool! I never even knew there were good neighbor hotels like that in WDW, only thought they were in DLR. Well, learn something new everyday! LOL @ John's reaction to the elevator, this hotel is truly Shining-esque.

Sorry to hear you hit traffic on your way out though, GPSs really are awful when picking a route since they always go for the popular one. But you made it! Gotta love those gates, always prepare the way for an awesome trip!

Can't wait to read more!

I'm glad you liked the song choice for this one!

It really was a nice non-Disney hotel! Except for that elevator... hahaha I love your modified Shining quote, and that's so true! I had to go back to work today, and I was feeling it for sure!

Ugh, that traffic was no fun but we made it soon enough! YAYYY!!!

I just found this TR today and as a result, went back and read through your first TR from 2010! I really enjoyed it and I look forward to your newest adventure at WDW! In between updates, I'll read your other TR. Until I can get back and visit, I'll live vicariously through your posts!!

Thank you so much for reading all of my TRs! I'm so glad you're enjoying them, that's great! I hope that my TR helps pass the time until you get to go again!

Joining in Great start to your trip! You are a lovely couple!

Thank you so much for reading along, and for your sweet comment!

That DH is a sneaky one. He manages to get "the pic" with your complete cooperation! What a guy!!

I didn't even notice that!!! You guys are good, I'm telling you. Sneaky!

Love the trip report. With no trip on the immediate horizon, it is always good to live vicariously through others

We stayed at the Spring Hill Suites a year ago on a quick trip down. It was really nice for a non-Disney hotel, but the traffic was brutal every night!!!

Thanks so much for reading along, and for your kind comment! I hope that my TR helps pass the time until you get to go again!

Ugh, isn't that traffic terrible? You're right though, the hotel itself was really nice!

 

[therussells08]

My dad is the same way about wanting to drive the entire time. Only recently has he started letting my mom do some of the driving because he's old and his knees get tired. Oh, men and their pride...

I'm sorry about the traffic. I hate it too. Sitting in traffic gives me anxiety. There's nothing worse. OK, there are worse things (ie: death, illness, birds) but traffic is just awful.

QUEEN STACEY! Is it just me or do non-Disney hotels become a lot less gross and uninviting when you discover that Stacey's there waiting to divulge all the must-do's?

YAY DISNEY WORLD!!

Haha I seriously don't understand the male brain. Anytime I have the opportunity to let someone else do all the work, I'm totally taking it. Pride shmide. I have no pride!

I know what you mean, I can think of worse things too (praying mantises, three-toed sloths) but traffic is right up there. It's SO stressful.

YES! You're so right. I was feeling a lot more affection toward that hotel when I saw Her Frumpiness on TV.

Excellent update -- looking forward to the next installment!
We leave for our 10 day trip tomorrow!

Thank you so much! Ahh, I guess you're on your trip now, so I hope you're having a GREAT time! I can't wait to hear about it!

Joining in.

This TR has been a great read so far. Thanks!

Thanks so much for reading along! I'm glad you're enjoying it!

I totally forget who sang and wrote the original now that I've heard the Rascal Flatts version. I always have to remind myself they only sang it for Cars every time. Probably the original version isn't that great

Exactly! Masochism is a lost culture, all I'm saying.

Driving? Ummm... I'm a nervous wreck and drive fairly slow (I blame my nervous wreck backseat driver mother for that). So far I've only gone on the road once, but I seem to be doing a good job everyone says. I'm going to Driver's Ed and I'm absolutely terrified. It'll be interesting to see how that goes.

WOOT! I like Remys!

I'm glad you enjoyed it. Usually people think of my paragraphs as going on and on and on and on... you get my point! And of course I would add a Disney reference. What is a comment without a Disney reference?

That's all that matters, right? And your husband has good taste in rides. Expedition Everest <3

I can't remember either! Let's see...I'll Google it. It says Tom Cochrane. I've never heard of him.

I totally agree!

I'm sure you'll be fine in Driver's Ed! It's stressful, I won't lie, but you'll be comfortable behind the wheel before you know it! It's totally worth it, and it sounds like you're already doing really well!

I like Remys too!

I like long comments and paragraphs!

Haha, he does have pretty good taste in rides! I love Expedition Everest too!

Hey! Joining in a little bit late, I tend to lurk a lot of the time! But I love your TR so far, it's awesome. Love the song lyrics for each chapter

I'm so impressed Stacey was on your TV I wish it was on mine, my family insist on staying offsite so I'm yet to see her

Love your backpack too, so cute!

It's so weird watching you both driving down to Florida, we always fly, well we have to, so seeing all the state signs is so cool! I'm glad it didn't take too long either, but I'm just the same as you, I get beyond frustrated at traffic! Drives me insane!

Can't wait to read more

Thanks so much for reading along! I'm glad you like my soundtrack idea!

I hope you get to see Stacey on your next trip! If you stay at one of the Disney's Good Neighbor hotels you'll still get to see her, even though it's offsite!

Thank you! I love that thing! It's so useful!

Yeah, I think I'm one of the few who drives! I guess I should just be grateful that I live close enough to drive there in 9 hours, but I really prefer flying!

Great update! Loved the TOT elevator joke! Your hubby sounds like a he was def in the Disney spirit!
I couldn't help but notice your mani/pedi...is that shade Revlon Coastal Surf?

Thank you! Haha, he is such a Disney nerd, just like me! I've trained him well!

Hmm...you know, I think that is what it's called! I know for a fact that it's Revlon polish. You've got a keen eye!

 

[TexasBelle]

Hey Joni!!!
I'm loving your trip report... Thank you for writing it and making it so much fun to read... All day long I'm checking my email to see if you have posted a new update...
I have a question, Beach club is my favorite resort... and I've stayed there 3 times... I've also stayed at Wilderness Lodge, all of them are Deluxes...
So, We have decided to go to Disney for my 50th Birthday... But we're going on a budget... and are thinking about staying at Port Orleans - French Quarters... You've now stayed at both. So, my questions are... What do you think??? Will I like it??? Will I be disappointed because I can't walk down the halls to the lobby or walk to Epcot and DHS??? It will be Jan... I'm afraid I will be so cold... Should I try to come up with the extra money and splurge for Beach Club or will I love French Quarters???
TexasBelle
Carolyn

 

[therussells08]

Hi everyone! Before I started this update I just wanted to say THANK YOU so much to all my amazing readers. All of your kind comments and feedback mean the world to me, and I’m so happy to be writing this TR for you! While I wish I could sit around and write it all day, I had to go back to work today, so my updates might be a little sporadic while I readjust to my work schedule. Bear with me; I promise I’ll update as much as possible!

Taking Care of Business- Bachman Turner Overdrive​

July 7, 2012

And I'll be...
Taking care of business, every day
Taking care of business, every way​

You would think that the first thing we did after driving into Disney World would be something thrilling and adventurous, but alas. We had some serious business to take care of.

Does that give you any clue where we were headed?

We were on our way to Shades of Green to get our park tickets! We had a lot of tickets to buy, since we needed to get two sets of the 4 day park hopper passes for John, one for my mom for when she came down, and an ANNUAL PASS for me.

If you read my PTR posts from my last report, you may remember that this was my FIRST TIME EVER getting an annual pass. I was so excited, and I seriously felt like I was joining some kind of secret society. That reminds me of that old show that used to come on Nickelodeon, “Are You Afraid of the Dark?”. Do you guys remember that? “Submitted for the approval of the Midnight Society...” Anyway,

I’m always so impressed by Shades of Green. It’s really a beautiful resort!

I was enjoying walking up that beautiful path, until I looked down and saw a giant demon grasshopper from Hades about an inch from my foot. After that I was in a bit more of a hurry.

As we were walking into the resort I saw a wedding going on, and I got super excited!

Yeah, I stalked that bride. Don’t judge me. Just wait, it gets worse.

Here’s the fountain they were standing in front of. So pretty!

We made our way over to the ticket desk, and while John talked to the woman behind the counter I admired all the pretty statues they have.

THANK YOU for military discounts, Disney!

I think overall we ended up spending $975 on park tickets. That sounds outrageous, but you have to think, John got eight days worth of tickets, my mom got four (both with park hopper), and I got an ANNUAL PASS. So really, that's a pretty darn good deal.

Well, actually, I got an AP voucher that I had to exchange for the real thing, but still, I was really excited.

We were on our way out of SoG with our tickets in hand, until we realized that the lady who sold us the tickets didn’t give John his change! Granted, it was only $5, but still. That’s like a dole whip right there. So naturally we had to go back and get it!

On the way back we saw the wedding party headed back into the resort! Naturally I respectfully stayed back and gave them their space.

JUST KIDDING. I stalked them again.

Haha, ah well. Maybe everyone thought that I was a part of the wedding party, with my lime green Disney shirt and back pack. No? Well, that’s okay.

Luckily we had no trouble getting our change, and soon we were leaving SoG and heading to our next destination! On the way we saw our first monorail of the trip!

So, any guesses on where we were headed now?

We still had some more “Disney errands” to run, so we were on our way to Downtown Disney! Unfortunately John had a brain fart, and drove right past the entrance, so we had to make an awkward (and I’m pretty sure illegal) U-turn. Soon, though, we were crawling through the DTD parking lot searching for a spot!

Finally, after lots of creepy car-stalking, we managed to nab a spot near the Pleasure Island entrance!

I desperately wanted to go in some of the shops and more importantly to EAT, but we still had some business to take care of, so it was off to Guest Relations!

I did, however, get sidetracked by these lovely folks.

And I was terribly tempted by this enticing sight.

After a lot of distractions, we finally made it to Guest Relations! We were helped by a really nice CM named Scott. He was from Pittsburgh (where my extended family lives) so we chatted about our shared love of the Steelers and Penguins. Then we got down to business, and Scott issued me my actual Annual Pass!! YIPPEEEEE!

If you can’t tell, I GOT PLUTO. Which is pretty much perfect, because he’s my favorite! It’s meant to be.

I was super excited to have my AP, but we weren’t finished with Scott just yet! Before we left we also bought the Tables in Wonderland card! Since I was now officially an AP holder, we were able to get the card for $75!

After all that, we were finished with all of the business at hand, so it was time to EAT. THANK YOU, LORD.

Any guesses where we went?

Up Next: Our first Disney meal...FINALLY! Stay tuned!

 

[therussells08]

Hey Joni!!!
I'm loving your trip report... Thank you for writing it and making it so much fun to read... All day long I'm checking my email to see if you have posted a new update...
I have a question, Beach club is my favorite resort... and I've stayed there 3 times... I've also stayed at Wilderness Lodge, all of them are Deluxes...
So, We have decided to go to Disney for my 50th Birthday... But we're going on a budget... and are thinking about staying at Port Orleans - French Quarters... You've now stayed at both. So, my questions are... What do you think??? Will I like it??? Will I be disappointed because I can't walk down the halls to the lobby or walk to Epcot and DHS??? It will be Jan... I'm afraid I will be so cold... Should I try to come up with the extra money and splurge for Beach Club or will I love French Quarters???
TexasBelle
Carolyn

Thank you so much for reading my TR and for all of your sweet comments! I'm really glad you enjoy it!

YAY! That's so exciting that you get to go for your birthday! How wonderful!

Honestly, as much as I love BC (and I love it A LOT), I also really love POFQ! I've stayed there twice now, once on my Disneymoon and now with my mom, and it's by far my favorite of the moderates! I really think that you would be perfectly happy there! It's a gorgeous resort, and I don't think it really "feels" like a mod.

Of course the one downside is not being able to walk to Epcot. We enjoyed walking to Epcot SO MUCH when we stayed at BC. But other than that, I really think you can have a magical time at POFQ! I hope that helped!

 

[JessicaFaye508]

Thanks for the little sneak peaks of Shades of Green. I have never been to the resort (and who knows if I will ever go there because I have no affiliation with anyone in the military!) so it was cool to see!

I would have totally stalked that bride too

HOLY COW $975 for all of that!? LUCKY LUCKY that's seriously a fantastic deal. WOW!

PLUTO PLUTO PLUTO! He's my favorite too! I'm so glad you understand

Downtown Disney.... Food.... hmmm I can't WAIT for the next update!

 

[TexasBelle]

What is Tables of Wonderland Cards???


I did a little research.. and found it...

TABLES IN WONDERLAND is a dining discount program for eligible Florida Residents, Disney Vacation Club members and Annual Passholders 21 and older, good for 20 percent off food and beverage at a number of Walt Disney World Resort hotel and theme park restaurants and lounges. The discount is good for up to 10 guests in your party. Thank you ALLEARS.NET

That's a great deal...

TexasBelle
Carolyn

 

[disneylover04]

I've been keeping up with your trip report ever since you started. It just keeps building up my anticipation. We are leaving for our vacation in 31 days and we are so excited!! We have started a tradition of going to Downtown Disney first. We usually have dinner at T-Rex. After reading so many trip reports though, I really want to try Earl of Sandwich. So I've included it in our itinerary. I would love to get an annual pass but I'm not sure I would use it enough.

 

[amandaw]

That's so awesome that you got to get an AP! I dream of owning one of those one day. And I think that's a great price y'all paid for all of those tickets!

And Yay! for getting a TiW card, too!

Can't wait to hear where the 1st meal was!

 

[Disneyfreak616]

Ahh I know just where that fountain is! What a beautiful place to get married! I totally would have stalked her too. In fact, when Allie and I were at the Boardwalk, a bridal party there was having photos taken in the lobby and we totally stalked them. It was fabulous.

YAY military tickets! Those things are beautiful. Me gusta.

I totally would have detoured into World of Disney and someone would have had to forcibly remove me. Props to your self-control!

I totally know where you ate. Tehehe. I can't wait to hear ALL about it though! Hope you had a great first day back at work!

 

[PlutosRHM55]

Shades of Green does look very pretty. My uncle and aunt, who have a house about a few hours away from Disney, stayed there for a weekend and loved it. It must be much better to see in person. LOL @ your little bride-stalking endeavor. WOOT to your AP too (with such a great deal )! I guess this was mean to happen someday and I like your little "Are You Afraid of the Dark?" reference. I was always into Goosebumps at that age, not sure if I saw AYATD, but I watched a few episodes and I think it's awesome. They don't make shows like that everyday anymore.

Sorry to hear about your little parking trouble. I can see how complicated it may be getting parking in DTD. When I was there as an Honorary Cast Member for the day, thank you very much, even our CM bus driver had trouble maneuvering us to the right spot. But you got in! Huge props to being able to bypass the entertainment and World of Disney aka the store of gods. So cool you got a PLUTO AP! If that ever happened to me, I would have a little conniption. Though, thinking about it, probably would get Donald if that ever happened And to the Tables in Wonderland card, it seems that is the way to go now, may have to check it out one day. My guess is you will use it first at... Wolfgang Puck and I'm going out on a limb with that one (my gut keeps saying EoS, but we'll see).

Wow, I can't believe you are already starting school already. I have basically a whole month ahead of me. We'll hope all this goes smoothly since I have AP work. I really am regretting not taking a second English class now, I'd rather write a long essay on something then read and take notes from a non-fictional chapter book and text book, BLEH! Anyways, hope you get to be on the DIS as much as you can so we won't have to wait too long for the next TR installment!

 

[princessmef14]

It's so funny you followed the wedding party...I've done the same thing before!

Ahh getting an annual pass! That is my dream to one day spend enough days in Disney to get a pass. So cute that you got Pluto!

Can't wait to see where you end up eating! I'm going to take a guess and say Wolfgang Puck Express?

 

[mommys3]

SOG is such a beautiful resort. We've never stayed there but have been there to purchase tickets as well. I hope to renew our wedding vows there one day...just have to convince the hubby Too funny about stalking the wedding party And yay for getting an AP