Chapter 1: Page 1, Post 1
Chapter 2: Page 1, Post 12
Chapter 3: Page 2, Post 30
Chapter One
Well its about time! There. I said it for you. It has only been two months since we got back. So I am now finally getting started on my trip report.
First, let me introduce us to those of you who may be new to my TRs. We are from Maryland. Well, that is where we live at the moment. I am actually from Glens Falls, N.Y., and the hubby is from Manila, Philippines. I am Jane, a 30-something big kid, retired Army Disney geek. Well, ok 40-something. Alright already 50-something. Sheesh. I love everything Disney and absolutely LIVE for our annual trips to the World. If I am not IN the parks, I am planning our next trip or talking about our last trip.
Leo, my DH, is not as much of a Disney geek as me, but he does love Disney. I am not allowed to tell you his age or even the something part. But, suffice it to say he is waaaaaaay older than me. But I think we both turn into 12-year-olds at the parks. But, with each trip, these 12-year-old wannabes get slower and slower and just dont seem to be able to put in the miles or hours we use to.
I thought it would take forever for Sept. 15 to get here, but it finally did. Woo-hoo! Its finally time to hit the road and head south to the house of mouse. We usually go in May, but due to monetary issues, we had to push the trip back to September. This means it was a year and a half since we went last. Didnt think I would make it.
But, he we are, a year and a half in the making and we are finally ready to go. Most of the car was packed last night. The only things we had left was the overnight bag and the cooler. With all our last-minute checks done, goodbyes said to our two fur babies and one last run-through of the house and we are on our way.
Now, if you read last years TR, you know we had a very old kitty we were worried about leaving. He lived long after last years trip, but sadly didnt make it through the year. We had to say goodbye to our 19-year-old boy earlier this year. But, even though we miss him dearly, he had a very long, happy and love-filled life.
About a half hour late hitting the road, we finally were on our way. We just had to make one quick stop at the corner for ice. Um, not quite as quickly as I thought. They didnt have any ice. What gas station doesnt have ice? Apparently, this one.
OK. So just one more quick stop at the next gas station. Finally iced up we were on the road at 8:30.
Even though we were a bit late getting started, traffic through DC was a breeze. And if you have ever driven in or around DC at any time of the day or night, you know that, in itself, was a small miracle. I guess that is a good reason to start our trip on a Sunday.
With Leo dozing in the passenger seat (as is his usual stance while I am driving), we breezed through DC and into Virginia in no time. I made our first stop at 9:55 for a very quick break. Back on the road with me behind the wheel, we made great time until about 11 a.m. when the traffic came to a crawl. And I do mean a crawl. It took 30 minutes to move literally three miles. Eventually I found out the backup was due to road work where three lanes went down to one. And Leo slept through it all.
So much for all the time we made up earlier.
By 1 p.m. we were ready to stop for lunch. The next exit had signs for several fast food joints, so I hung a right and headed off the highway.
Well, we thought we were going to get lunch.
Once we got off the highway, we saw nothing. And after driving about five miles, we decided to head back to 95. And, 30 minutes later, we still had not found a place to eat.
At this point 313 miles on the odometer I spotted the first South of the Border billboard. This is a true testimonial that we are, indeed, on our way south.
But still no lunch.
We finally found an area with fast food and other restaurants. Leo decided he wanted Cracker Barrel. The food was good, but took so long to get and eat it in addition to the traffic back-up earlier we were now well behind schedule. Full, but behind schedule.
By 7 p.m., Leo took over the driving and, within an hour was wanting to stop for the night. I wanted to keep pushing on to Jacksonville, but I guess he was just too tired to go another 140 miles. Theres that age thing creeping in again.
So, we found a Comfort Inn at about 8:30 and called it a day. It was a bit of an older Inn and the hall smelled horrible. I was a bit concerned with the stench, but the room was fine. I found out later that the smell was because they just had the carpet installed and the smell was carpet glue or something.
Leo jumped in the shower while I went out to get some dinner. I brought back a couple burgers and some chili cheese fries (might as well start the bad vacation diet now). But I forgot to grab forks. Ever try to eat chili cheese fries with your fingers?
After a quick shower and a little TV, it was dream land by 11 p.m.
Chapter 2: Page 1, Post 12
Chapter 3: Page 2, Post 30
Chapter One
Well its about time! There. I said it for you. It has only been two months since we got back. So I am now finally getting started on my trip report.
First, let me introduce us to those of you who may be new to my TRs. We are from Maryland. Well, that is where we live at the moment. I am actually from Glens Falls, N.Y., and the hubby is from Manila, Philippines. I am Jane, a 30-something big kid, retired Army Disney geek. Well, ok 40-something. Alright already 50-something. Sheesh. I love everything Disney and absolutely LIVE for our annual trips to the World. If I am not IN the parks, I am planning our next trip or talking about our last trip.
Leo, my DH, is not as much of a Disney geek as me, but he does love Disney. I am not allowed to tell you his age or even the something part. But, suffice it to say he is waaaaaaay older than me. But I think we both turn into 12-year-olds at the parks. But, with each trip, these 12-year-old wannabes get slower and slower and just dont seem to be able to put in the miles or hours we use to.
I thought it would take forever for Sept. 15 to get here, but it finally did. Woo-hoo! Its finally time to hit the road and head south to the house of mouse. We usually go in May, but due to monetary issues, we had to push the trip back to September. This means it was a year and a half since we went last. Didnt think I would make it.
But, he we are, a year and a half in the making and we are finally ready to go. Most of the car was packed last night. The only things we had left was the overnight bag and the cooler. With all our last-minute checks done, goodbyes said to our two fur babies and one last run-through of the house and we are on our way.
Now, if you read last years TR, you know we had a very old kitty we were worried about leaving. He lived long after last years trip, but sadly didnt make it through the year. We had to say goodbye to our 19-year-old boy earlier this year. But, even though we miss him dearly, he had a very long, happy and love-filled life.
About a half hour late hitting the road, we finally were on our way. We just had to make one quick stop at the corner for ice. Um, not quite as quickly as I thought. They didnt have any ice. What gas station doesnt have ice? Apparently, this one.
OK. So just one more quick stop at the next gas station. Finally iced up we were on the road at 8:30.
Even though we were a bit late getting started, traffic through DC was a breeze. And if you have ever driven in or around DC at any time of the day or night, you know that, in itself, was a small miracle. I guess that is a good reason to start our trip on a Sunday.
With Leo dozing in the passenger seat (as is his usual stance while I am driving), we breezed through DC and into Virginia in no time. I made our first stop at 9:55 for a very quick break. Back on the road with me behind the wheel, we made great time until about 11 a.m. when the traffic came to a crawl. And I do mean a crawl. It took 30 minutes to move literally three miles. Eventually I found out the backup was due to road work where three lanes went down to one. And Leo slept through it all.
So much for all the time we made up earlier.
By 1 p.m. we were ready to stop for lunch. The next exit had signs for several fast food joints, so I hung a right and headed off the highway.
Well, we thought we were going to get lunch.
Once we got off the highway, we saw nothing. And after driving about five miles, we decided to head back to 95. And, 30 minutes later, we still had not found a place to eat.
At this point 313 miles on the odometer I spotted the first South of the Border billboard. This is a true testimonial that we are, indeed, on our way south.
But still no lunch.
We finally found an area with fast food and other restaurants. Leo decided he wanted Cracker Barrel. The food was good, but took so long to get and eat it in addition to the traffic back-up earlier we were now well behind schedule. Full, but behind schedule.
By 7 p.m., Leo took over the driving and, within an hour was wanting to stop for the night. I wanted to keep pushing on to Jacksonville, but I guess he was just too tired to go another 140 miles. Theres that age thing creeping in again.
So, we found a Comfort Inn at about 8:30 and called it a day. It was a bit of an older Inn and the hall smelled horrible. I was a bit concerned with the stench, but the room was fine. I found out later that the smell was because they just had the carpet installed and the smell was carpet glue or something.
Leo jumped in the shower while I went out to get some dinner. I brought back a couple burgers and some chili cheese fries (might as well start the bad vacation diet now). But I forgot to grab forks. Ever try to eat chili cheese fries with your fingers?
After a quick shower and a little TV, it was dream land by 11 p.m.
Following along... can't wait to read more 
we leave February 8th... here's hoping for great weather and low crowds for both our trips 
Can't wait to hear more!
On the bright side we are going to be trying Hale Koa in a couple months
