I guess I need to edjumicate myself on the "new" and non-improved (?) TT. Sounds like the took a perfectly good ride and wrecked it. Surprise, surprise.
Honestly, it is still the same basic ride. But you don't have the blocks and rough pavement that you drive on like you're testing the car... and the element testing rooms (hot/cold/etc) aren't the same. It really is made to look more like you're inside a computer rather than in a real world testing facility. A lot of fun still, but very different from what it used to be.
Time for another spell-binding episode of Let's See Nashville.... Day 2, if you'll recall, included a dip into Hell-like humidity where we saw dark and fascinating caves, animals from another continent, and the coolest cars on the planet. What I didn't share with you was that to top off an already overly-packed day, we attended a lecture by Dr. Zahi Hawass, leading Egyptologist/Archeologist. It was riveting to see the modern work happening all over the Valley of the Kings and the constant discoveries of intact tombs still being found despite the regional upheaval in the area.
But today was a new day, with new things to see and do. And like they say... "CARPE DIEM!" So we carped. And we diemed. All the way to Nashville.
And what better way to start off the carping than with this?
Only to be followed by the appropriate THIS:
The Tacqueria del Sol is unbe-freaka-lievably good eats. I took a walk on the wild side and got the:
MEMPHIS TACO Chopped smoked pork with a spicy jalapeño coleslaw and tequila BBQ sauce.
The enchilada was a green chili pork filled with the nomalicious, tender, juicy shredded pork smothered in spicy goodness.
The marg was a
WESTSIDE "Our Specialty Margarita" Herradura Reposado, Patron Citronge WOW! 2 thumbs up for this place!
After lunch we headed off to the first destination of the day... a kitchy little homespun place called the Parthenon. Oopsie, I just lied again. It's actually an astounding and immense monolith built as an exact replication of the original in Greece. The only difference is that it is constructed of formed concrete rather than solid marble. I guess they thought leaving what little bit of wealth Greece has left was a noble gesture. At first I was mystified as to why this was even here or why it was built, but here is a little history that will help you understand:
Apparently, Nashville has long been known at the "Athens of the South". In 1897 as part of the Tennessee Centennial Exposition, it was erected as the Centerpiece of the Event. It was re-built in 1990 with Athena added. Today it serves as an art museum and pretty substantial tourist attraction. However, being centered in a large and lovely city park, locals also like to go there to relax and picnic, just as they did 120 years ago. Rather than spend more time with lengthy commentary, I give you... The Parthenon.
The interior was intricately detailed with more solid brass than the inside of the Pentagon. Again the sizes were massive and I tried to get the kids in some of the shots to give some much needed scale. And by the way, Wiki has a fantastic write up on this place if you're interested in actually sizes and dimensions as well as a LOT more history.
For you Percy Jackson fans, note the chained doors.
I'm not sure I'd want to be naked in front of a kicking horse. Just sayin'. Cuz that guy's about to relegated to harem duty.
The goddess herself. She stands at 42' tall with her minion, Nike, at formidible 6'. And yes, that's gold leafing. Which amounts to a lifetime of Disney trips. In deluxe resorts with Water Parks and more tickets. Such a waste of money. I"m sure I could have put it to much better use- on Dole Whips. And Corvettes.
If you're at all familiar with the books and movie The Lightening Thief, here are some actual movie props used. In the movie, Percy Jackson had to collect 3 pearls, one shown here, in order to get to the other world. (Bear with me, it's been WAY too long since I've seen the movies.) Below is the dart used to kill the Janitor (The Hydra). And yes, those are the doors pictured above that were trapping them, chained just as they are in real life.
After touring the main exhibits, we looked through the museum portions which explained the history and I came across this: some old timey rules established for the (then) new park. Public parks were a new thing to Americana and I guess a new set of etiquettes had to be established. I found the list in the middle paragraph gut-splitting hilarious. Careful, boys! Don't frighten the horses.
So, there you have it. The first part of Day 3 of our Kentucky/Tennessee Trip. So far, we're packing it in as best we can!
You'll see it. You go through it in the queue. You design your car and then see how it performs when it is tested on the ride.
Honestly, it is still the same basic ride. But you don't have the blocks and rough pavement that you drive on like you're testing the car... and the element testing rooms (hot/cold/etc) aren't the same. It really is made to look more like you're inside a computer rather than in a real world testing facility. A lot of fun still, but very different from what it used to be.
So, that's actually new since I was there last in 2010. It'll be fun to see something new, but I sure hate to see the old stuff gone. I guess finding the fun in what is instead of what was will make the trip more enjoyable.
Ok, as promised, it's time to let you in on the biggest major delevoment (as Zach used to say when he was 6) of the trip since buying the last ticket- The Resort Choice. Duh-duh-duuuuummmmm....
Like many other DISsers I have a not-so-secret, somewhat irrational aim to stay at each of the resorts on Disney property. So far, I've enjoyed Fort Wilderness twice, Pop, the Poly, and POR. Having run out of 'P' Resorts, I have to resort to staying in ones that start with other letters. (See what I did there?) Before I tell you which ones exactly we're going with, let me just pose the question, "Wouldn't a great place to start with be Letter A?" Seems logical to me!
Now, let me ruminate on the finer points of what thought processes went into the all-important selection(s?)... lend me an ear and a few minutes if you will.
First of all, for the majority of the trip, the 10th- 17th, it will probably only be 3 of us: Zach, Anara and myself. Mikki, my 20 year old heading off to OSU in a couple of weeks just isn't sure if she'll be able to take the time off. She will be the only one I would let make a last minute decision on whether to go or not. The Newlyweds can't make a decision to save their lives whatsoever, even for dinner at our place 3 days before. I'm all for spur-of-moment fun, but that never happens either. Rant over. My folks may join us for a couple of days, but they don't know when or even if they'll come, so they'll have to be on their own for accomodations. As for my sister and her family, after spending the week with them last month, we've decided it wouldn't be a good mix to try to do Disney with them. To be very blunt and honest, their kids are pretty spoiled, bossy, and pouty. Just generally not very nice to be around. We need easy-going folks with us who can be flexible and are not whineypants, melt-down types who can't be happy with the food served, the places visited, the lines, the color of their band, the texture of the sidewalk, etc.... Sad, but true.
So that leaves a mere 3 of us who, in every way I can think of, will have a completely awesome time together, if only for the fact that we ARE only 3 of us. Small groups can move unbelievably fast through crowds and if the crowds don't move out of the way, there's enough of us to just run them over.
Another major factor that came into play was the fact that with only 3 of us and one who would rather swim a river of snot than take a shower or take more than 5 minutes getting ready in the morning, we can all be up and out of the room early. And then you have myself who runs on Disney adrenaline-juice until Park Closing; I just don't see us being at our resort a whole ton. Yes, we'll use the pool. But ANY Disney pool is better than the NO pool we have the other 355 days of the year- which makes even a value pool something only the demi-gods get to use. Like us.
Lastly, I am a Nursing Student. Life is freakishly busy for my family and I for one more year. With school events (which we severely limit), jobs, keeping up the house, and all that good stuff, my time is rather limited to play Disney-Lifer-Wannabe. As much as I'd ADORE spending the time it would take to figure out how to rent points, trust that HUGE component of our trip to a total stranger that I won't have time to "fix" if it gets screwed up, or find "just the right deal", it realistically isn't going to happen this time around. Maybe for a ladies' trip sometime in 2017, but not this year.
Given all of that, I'm going with AoA. We've spent a fair amount of time looking at photos of the 4 options, and think that the Little Mermaid option is the best theming and best pool. I mean if you have to settle for "only" a value pool, may as well have the nicest one nearest your room, right? And yes, of course, we'll swim in all 4 at some point, probably. I *think* I can make my ressie even now by calling WDW. I'll pay a deposit, but that will be adjusted when 2016 prices come out. For those in the know, correct? If so, I want to do this pretty soon. I have the money for that deposit now, and definitely want to put that request in.
!!!!!!!!!!!!! BUT WAIT THERE'S MORE !!!!!!!!!!!
As you know, our party of 3 will grow to a party of 4 on the 17th when Mike arrives. And since he's not all about the parks like we tend to be, we'll spend a bit more time at the resort. Which will mean I think we will be wanting a nicer place to enjoy the sights, sounds, tastes and splash of. And more towel animals. Especially more towel animals. I vividly remember a post by @MEK or was it @glennbo123 's Judy? a while back of a Sunset -something-or-rather drinkypoo by the pool, feet up, and nothing to do but enjoy the 'Savannah'-like pool. Want me some of that. I mean, not a poop drink, in case you got confused.
Behind Door #2, and for the 2nd part of our stay, I've chosen to splurge it up (a LOT) and stay in a standard room atAKL. I think by going value for most of the stay, we can stay within our budget and add the 3 nights there. We may even have enough left over to eat. If not, at least there will be fresh game, and even scraps we can fight the buzzards for. It's all good. Mikki has long wanted to stay here, and it might, just might, convince her to take a few days off of classes next year to join us when Mike flies out and she can fly back with the kids on the 20th. Gonna toss that out as an option as it gets closer. But for only 2 full park days, it may not even be worth it.
So, there you all have it. I'm generally not a big fan of changing things up once I've made up my mind, but you never know. I could win the lottery anytime and just buy a resort. Remind me to start playing, k?
Hope all is well in your individual worlds! I'll be over to as many threads as I can muster... but first hair cuts and bank deposits.
Oh no! How did I miscalculate?!?! We check in on Sept. 30 and out on Oct. 6. Doh! Looks like we will just miss you.....bummer. i need to check my ticker, maybe it's wrong
Oh no! How did I miscalculate?!?! We check in on Sept. 30 and out on Oct. 6. Doh! Looks like we will just miss you.....bummer. i need to check my ticker, maybe it's wrong
It's actually probably mine. I put it up in haste almost a year ago, when our dates were still ballpark. I was actually toying with the idea of doing a new one now that we've got resorts and plans a bit more firm. Yes, I think I shall re-create a new ticker... just for accuracy's sake. Thanks for pointing that out!
BUT yes, that is a seriously major bummer!! I would have adored meeting you for sure. Do you have a PTR going??
It's actually probably mine. I put it up in haste almost a year ago, when our dates were still ballpark. I was actually toying with the idea of doing a new one now that we've got resorts and plans a bit more firm. Yes, I think I shall re-create a new ticker... just for accuracy's sake. Thanks for pointing that out!
BUT yes, that is a seriously major bummer!! I would have adored meeting you for sure. Do you have a PTR going??
I'm really excited you're staying at BOTH AoA and AKL!!! That is so exciting! We stayed at AoA last year in the Cars family suites and loved the resort! I think you will love it too! And AKL is so beautiful! We haven't stayed there but in my over obsessive need to see every resort on Disney property I made my family go there one night just to eat in the food court .
I'm going to miss seeing @Elevationist by a couple of weeks too
Yes, you can make your ressie's for 2016 now, I made mine about a month ago and had just assumed they reflected 2016 pricing already?? I could be totally wrong 'bout that and will get sticker shock later.
And yes!! I do have a PTR going....would LOVE to have you stop by! Just follow the link under my ticker
Sounds like you made some great choices for your family and the various needs during your trip. Plus it is always a bonus when you can stick with the alphabet theme of your report.
What I didn't share with you was that to top off an already overly-packed day, we attended a lecture by Dr. Zahi Hawass, leading Egyptologist/Archeologist. It was riveting to see the modern work happening all over the Valley of the Kings and the constant discoveries of intact tombs still being found despite the regional upheaval in the area.
Sorry... movie reference that I just couldn't let go. Probably not one you've seen. It was Out Cold. I think only 20 people saw that one, but those 20 people were my friends in college and we quoted it all the time.
I was in Nashville for a conference several years ago. A group of us took a bus from our downtown hotel out to the Opry to go on a river cruise on the General Jackson. On the way back to the hotel, the driver asked us if we wanted to see what we thought he referred to as the "parkinlot" in his thick southern drawl. We were all like why in the bleep would we want to see a parking lot???? Anyway he keeps on talking about it and somebody asked him what was so special about this parking lot. He finally slowed down and spoke a little more clearly so we could understand what he was talking about. Pretty awesome place to see though!
Public parks were a new thing to Americana and I guess a new set of etiquettes had to be established. I found the list in the middle paragraph gut-splitting hilarious.
To be very blunt and honest, their kids are pretty spoiled, bossy, and pouty. Just generally not very nice to be around. We need easy-going folks with us who can be flexible and are not whineypants, melt-down types who can't be happy with the food served, the places visited, the lines, the color of their band, the texture of the sidewalk, etc.... Sad, but true.
Yeah, definitely doesn't sound like you want to do Disney with them. I mean I'm sure they're fine people, but those personality traits just don't tend to do well in the parks.
As much as I'd ADORE spending the time it would take to figure out how to rent points, trust that HUGE component of our trip to a total stranger that I won't have time to "fix" if it gets screwed up, or find "just the right deal", it realistically isn't going to happen this time around.
It isn't really too difficult to understand enough to use points rentals. I've looked into it a few times and strongly considered renting points on our next trip. But I'm kind of leery of it, because one of the disdads recently got hosed on a rental deal. And it was through a "reputable" third party rental agency. Something got screwed up, I think the point owner was behind on paying his maintenance or something so Disney canceled the reservation. The rental company did their part and refunded his money, but it was close to time for the trip and there was no longer availability for the room type he wanted at the resort he wanted and he was going to basically have to pay more than originally planned to get a reservation either through point rental or directly through Disney that would work for their group. Just not worth it to me to put that much faith in a stranger. If I knew someone personally who had points to rent, that might be a different story.
I *think* I can make my ressie even now by calling WDW. I'll pay a deposit, but that will be adjusted when 2016 prices come out. For those in the know, correct?
I believe this is correct. I've never booked this far out, but I think that's how it works. Honestly, I'd go through a travel agent. That way you don't have to sit on hold with Disney when you make changes or update later as rates are released... not that you will, but you just never know.
Behind Door #2, and for the 2nd part of our stay, I've chosen to splurge it up (a LOT) and stay in a standard room atAKL. I think by going value for most of the stay, we can stay within our budget and add the 3 nights there.
So, there you all have it. I'm generally not a big fan of changing things up once I've made up my mind, but you never know. I could win the lottery anytime and just buy a resort. Remind me to start playing, k?
I believe this is correct. I've never booked this far out, but I think that's how it works. Honestly, I'd go through a travel agent. That way you don't have to sit on hold with Disney when you make changes or update later as rates are released... not that you will, but you just never know.
I would very much recommend using a travel agent as well. I used to be in the camp of wanting to have control over everything myself, but since I started cruising I started using a travel agent and the one that I now use is just wonderful and makes things so much easier for me.
To be very blunt and honest, their kids are pretty spoiled, bossy, and pouty. Just generally not very nice to be around. We need easy-going folks with us who can be flexible and are not whineypants, melt-down types who can't be happy with the food served, the places visited, the lines, the color of their band, the texture of the sidewalk, etc.... Sad, but true.
I *think* I can make my ressie even now by calling WDW. I'll pay a deposit, but that will be adjusted when 2016 prices come out. For those in the know, correct? If so, I want to do this pretty soon. I have the money for that deposit now, and definitely want to put that request in.
You can make your rezzies up to 499 days out but will likely need a TA to do so (at least that's what I'm learning) so get on the phone girl (if you haven't already!!) btw -- did I mention that I'm becoming an Authorized Dis Vaca Planner?? If you need me, holla! Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaannnd -- nobody wants no stinkin' "whineypants, melt-down" poops in tow -- ya gotta know who's in and who is O.U.T.!!
I'm really excited you're staying at BOTH AoA and AKL!!! That is so exciting! We stayed at AoA last year in the Cars family suites and loved the resort! I think you will love it too! And AKL is so beautiful! We haven't stayed there but in my over obsessive need to see every resort on Disney property I made my family go there one night just to eat in the food court .
The more I research the AoA, the more I think we'll really like it. I like that it's new, I like that it has 3 pools, I like that there's a nice variety of landscaping (I'm actually a closet plant geek, and have been known to actually stop the garderners along the way to ask questions), and I like that it's still a reasonable price.
Yes, you can make your ressie's for 2016 now, I made mine about a month ago and had just assumed they reflected 2016 pricing already?? I could be totally wrong 'bout that and will get sticker shock later.
Sounds like you made some great choices for your family and the various needs during your trip. Plus it is always a bonus when you can stick with the alphabet theme of your report.
Your resorts sounds like a couple of great choices! I think the picture in your mind of a drink by the pool probably came from @MEK. I always like the idea of a drink at Disney until I see the prices and then I have trouble justifying the expense. My budget goes more towards food!
Sorry... movie reference that I just couldn't let go. Probably not one you've seen. It was Out Cold. I think only 20 people saw that one, but those 20 people were my friends in college and we quoted it all the time.
I was in Nashville for a conference several years ago. A group of us took a bus from our downtown hotel out to the Opry to go on a river cruise on the General Jackson. On the way back to the hotel, the driver asked us if we wanted to see what we thought he referred to as the "parkinlot" in his thick southern drawl. We were all like why in the bleep would we want to see a parking lot???? Anyway he keeps on talking about it and somebody asked him what was so special about this parking lot. He finally slowed down and spoke a little more clearly so we could understand what he was talking about. Pretty awesome place to see though!
That's funny!! The General Jackson is one of the bigger mainstay tourist attractions we DIDN'T do. But it's on the list for next time, because if you do EVERYTHING, then what would be the point of going back?
Buahahahaha! The parkinlot! That's a riot. Kinda like us getting out chaysberguhs n frahs.
Yeah, definitely doesn't sound like you want to do Disney with them. I mean I'm sure they're fine people, but those personality traits just don't tend to do well in the parks.
It isn't really too difficult to understand enough to use points rentals. I've looked into it a few times and strongly considered renting points on our next trip. But I'm kind of leery of it, because one of the disdads recently got hosed on a rental deal. And it was through a "reputable" third party rental agency. Something got screwed up, I think the point owner was behind on paying his maintenance or something so Disney canceled the reservation. The rental company did their part and refunded his money, but it was close to time for the trip and there was no longer availability for the room type he wanted at the resort he wanted and he was going to basically have to pay more than originally planned to get a reservation either through point rental or directly through Disney that would work for their group. Just not worth it to me to put that much faith in a stranger. If I knew someone personally who had points to rent, that might be a different story.
I think given enough time and focus it wouldn't be too bad to navigate, but oddly, Tim (@that's nice ) also privately told me that story, and I've been leery every since. I won't have time worth diddly squat to fix crap like that, so will probably just use the TA and roll with it. And I totally agree! If someone were to step forward that I already "know" somewhat, someone I've interacted with say here on the threads, I would probably do it; that would most likely be the only way I'd change resorts at this point, in fact.
I believe this is correct. I've never booked this far out, but I think that's how it works. Honestly, I'd go through a travel agent. That way you don't have to sit on hold with Disney when you make changes or update later as rates are released... not that you will, but you just never know.
I would very much recommend using a travel agent as well. I used to be in the camp of wanting to have control over everything myself, but since I started cruising I started using a travel agent and the one that I now use is just wonderful and makes things so much easier for me.
I think she'd really like the Parthenon being a PJ fan!! And I think you'd both enjoy Nashville; it definitely has a LOT to offer in terms of things to do! The Opryland Hotel alone is worth a trip- coming up in next installment!
Last trip I did the AK Trifecta- Boma, Sanaa, AND Jiko. All 3 were soooo amazing!! I'd go back in a heartbeat to every one of them. And maybe we will this coming trip...?
You can make your rezzies up to 499 days out but will likely need a TA to do so (at least that's what I'm learning) so get on the phone girl (if you haven't already!!) btw -- did I mention that I'm becoming an Authorized Dis Vaca Planner?? If you need me, holla! Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaannnd -- nobody wants no stinkin' "whineypants, melt-down" poops in tow -- ya gotta know who's in and who is O.U.T.!!
Your resorts sounds like a couple of great choices! I think the picture in your mind of a drink by the pool probably came from @MEK. I always like the idea of a drink at Disney until I see the prices and then I have trouble justifying the expense. My budget goes more towards food!
Thanks, Glenn. You're partly to blame you know! LOL! All of your AKL TRing and amazing photos certainly spurred my love for that resort in so many ways. It certainly may have (concerning the drink by the pool). I just don't remember. But it stands out today as the epitomy of vacation bliss. Warm sun, cold drink, splishy splashy pool, good book in hand....
Agreed. I actually don't like it when I'm reading a TR and I'm like "Cool!" and the next poster is "I remember when you posted about that on Facebook!"
Where's the surprise in that?
I don't like opening my Birthday present before my birthday either.
Oh, I'm sure someone did. There's always construction going on somewhere and occasionally a backhoe will clip a cable. Haven't you ever seen a picture or news item where a city crew broke a sewer line? Or a gas line? Same thing.
What better way to celebrate being on the cusp of booking our first resort than watching this:
It's been YEARS since I've gotten to enjoy watching this sassy red-head defy her father and get married at 16. She needs a spanking. Yes, she married a prince. Big deal. She burned bridges with family. Bad move.
But the music is so, so, SO good in this movie!! How can you help but sing along? Jodi Benson rocks it!
Anyway, we also needed a way to pass the time while we await NariLoo's orthodontic appointment where she is actually getting her braces ON!! WOOT! This is the first kid we've been able to afford to put in braces and it's a rather big deal. Zach has an appt next month for a consult, 2 of our kids didn't need them, and Bek got married before we could pony up for them.
So, all-in-all, it's been a GREAT morning. All the laundry is done, but not folded yet, I'm using up previously cooked meals to make way for new pre-cooked meals I'll do up in a week or so for the ENTIRE next term, so dinner is made, and I've gotten to DIS some. Life is good!!
ETA: Walked out to the mailbox to find my latest pay stub. I can officially say that it was enough to cover 3rd Term of tuition, and school is now funded 100%!!!
From here on out it's gravy for the trip! Resort deposit here we come!
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It's actually an astounding and immense monolith built as an exact replication of the original in Greece. The only difference is that it is constructed of formed concrete rather than solid marble. I guess they thought leaving what little bit of wealth Greece has left was a noble gesture. At first I was mystified as to why this was even here or why it was built, but here is a little history that will help you understand:
How did I miscalculate?!?! We check in on Sept. 30 and out on Oct. 6. Doh! Looks like we will just miss you.....bummer. i need to check my ticker, maybe it's wrong 
. 
but will likely need a TA to do so (at least that's what I'm learning) so get on the phone girl (if you haven't already!!) 
