DIS Dads A Grand Tour of The Entire Midwest, But Mostly Wisconsin (UPDATE 11/12--BONUS Texas TR NOW COMPLETE)

[Captain_Oblivious]

Quick real-life update as I work on the next chapter: we have a new getaway planned!

Been stuck at home since the start of the school year, and we were starting to get cabin fever. So we started to mess around with day-trip or long-weekend ideas. Thought about taking a day trip to D.C., since Drew would love the zoo and riding the subway. But the day we had planned turned out to be cold and rainy, so we ended up staying home.

Looking further ahead, though, we thought about a quick pre-Thanksgiving getaway. My kids usually have off the entire week--the school does parent/teacher conferences for Monday and Tuesday, and then closes Wed. - Friday of Thanksgiving week. Sarah and David don't really have conferences anymore since they switch classes and teachers throughout the day. And Scotty's doing well, so we didn't feel the need to go in. My birthday is around that time of year as well, and Julie was looking to do something fun since I took her to NYC for her birthday earlier in the year.

We'd tossed around one particular idea for the last few years after noticing significant price drops in November. This time, we finally pulled the trigger: we're going to spend a long weekend at Disney's Hilton Head Resort.

We had a little scare after Hurricane Matthew passed through a few weeks ago--the resort was actually closed. Looks like it just opened back up for business yesterday. I'm hoping by mid-November it will be fine.

When we looked into getting a room, the website showed a 2-bedroom suite available. This is the only room that will accommodate a family of 6, so we were fine with that. However, the next day, when we were ready to book, the website showed no availability whatsoever.

Julie was determined to get out of Delaware, though, so she called in. As luck would have it, there was still a room available!

Downside: it was a Grand Villa.

She reserved it anyway.

Then she started calling friends. We found some suckers good friends who were available and willing to travel/split the bill with us, so as it turns out, we'll be able to try out a different Disney resort with good friends and still spend about the same as a 2-bedroom suite. We can't wait!

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

Lame. You need to up your game some.

I'm in my 40's now. My body doesn't move like that anymore.

 

[pkondz]

It's like putting a sign over a big red button that says: DON'T PUSH THIS BUTTON.

I would SO push it.

Like when our snowplow operators have to bunk on cots when we're called in during a storm.

They do that? Huh!

I really shouldn't be amazed at this point.

You expect people to have the same values as you do.

Nah, I'd still be broke.

Well if you'd stop spending those nickels I keep giving you...

We're all in the Matrix. But I can't do the cool kung fu stuff.

This is just wrong on so many levels.
Why can't we do that?
And when I say "we", I mean me.

Lame. You need to up your game some.

 

[pkondz]

we thought about a quick pre-Thanksgiving getaway.

Too late! Thanksgiving was two weeks ago!

My kids usually have off the entire week--the school does parent/teacher conferences for Monday and Tuesday, and then closes Wed. - Friday of Thanksgiving week.

Wow!
Remember when you were a kid and didn't get any days off? Ever?

This time, we finally pulled the trigger: we're going to spend a long weekend at Disney's Hilton Head Resort.

Niiiice.

I'm hoping by mid-November it will be fine.

Oh, sure. Pretty sure that's after hurricane season.

so as it turns out, we'll be able to try out a different Disney resort with good friends and still spend about the same as a 2-bedroom suite. We can't wait!

Nice! Sounds like it'll be a fun time.

I'm in my 40's now. My body doesn't move like that anymore.

I'm in my 50's.
The only time I make karate "HIYAH!" sounds is when I throw my back out.

 

[Steppesister]

I'm in my 40's now. My body doesn't move like that anymore.

Then I take it you've put your yoga pants to pasture...

 

[Steppesister]

WAIT!!! I just noticed that this is actually in the DIS Dads forum. Isn't this forbidden territory?! Or is this the place to find a treasure trove of blackmailable infos?

<intrigued>

 

[franandaj]

Downside: it was a Grand Villa.

She reserved it anyway.

Then she started calling friends. We found some suckers good friends who were available and willing to travel/split the bill with us, so as it turns out, we'll be able to try out a different Disney resort with good friends and still spend about the same as a 2-bedroom suite. We can't wait!

I'm still waiting for the downside....

I know Julie hates to cook, but are you guys at least planning a fun party night in the Villa? If its like all the others there is a pool table in the room. It's one of the few hotel rooms where it's actually cool to spend time in the room!

I hope you all have a great time!

 

[pkondz]

WAIT!!! I just noticed that this is actually in the DIS Dads forum. Isn't this forbidden territory?! Or is this the place to find a treasure trove of blackmailable infos?

<intrigued>

If the mods find you in the DIS Dads forum, you could be in for a shock.

 

[Steppesister]

If the mods find you in the DIS Dads forum, you could be in for a shock.

I can smell a ploy from a mile away.

 

[pkondz]

I can smell a ploy from a mile away.

Who, me????

 

[Terra Nova guy]

We'd tossed around one particular idea for the last few years after noticing significant price drops in November. This time, we finally pulled the trigger: we're going to spend a long weekend at Disney's Hilton Head Resort.

Fantastic! It looks like a beautiful place for a getaway. I've been thinking about a getaway for my family in the spring. It's been 2 years since our last WDW trip, so we're really getting the itch now. We've been hesitant to pull the trigger for a few reasons, but we're thinking more seriously about it now. Hopefully I'll finally be able to do a trip report sometime in the new year!

WAIT!!! I just noticed that this is actually in the DIS Dads forum. Isn't this forbidden territory?

Proceed at your own risk. It does smell like boys in here from time to time. You have been warned.

 

[Steppesister]

Proceed at your own risk. It does smell like boys in here from time to time. You have been warned.

Tempting....

 

[Flossbolna]

That sounds like a fabulous getaway! I guess it will not be swimming weather, but I love the sea in cooler weather. And Hilton Head looks like a wonderful resort. I am sure you will enjoy the grand villa. Nice change from your usual road trip accommodations...

 

[GoofyIsAsGoofyDoes]

We'd tossed around one particular idea for the last few years after noticing significant price drops in November. This time, we finally pulled the trigger: we're going to spend a long weekend at Disney's Hilton Head Resort.

Really?
That would come under the heading of Most Excellent.

Remember to wave at Pedro and you quickly drive by.
(might check my notes to see if there’s anything equally idiotic that might require a stop along the way)

Will look forward to hearing your thoughts on the place afterward.

However, the next day, when we were ready to book, the website showed no availability whatsoever.

I take it that the inventory turns over rather quickly then.

It’s a spot I’ve not actually considered up to now.
Don’t know why because the Hilton Head area is one bit of my home state that I’ve never actually explored. Of course I’ve only been in the state for 40-odd-years so I suppose that’s understandable.

Ain’t it?

Might be that I don’t golf so figured I’d be turned away at the border check points as an undesirable and potentially illegal alien (certainly as a suspected member of the wrong social class).

Julie was determined to get out of Delaware

The perfect ambassador for the “Lower Counties”

there was still a room available!

Downside: it was a Grand Villa.

This is a down side?

OK, maybe for those of us who aren’t independently wealty, but still...

Then she started calling friends. We found some suckers

Never underestimate the value of the easily exploited.

as it turns out, we'll be able to try out a different Disney resort with good friends and still spend about the same as a 2-bedroom suite

Good plan.
What would that price happen to be if you don’t mind my asking.
It might be worth trying to find some suckers… errr… friends (or even random acquaintances) to see if we could spend some time down there.

Oh, sure. Pretty sure that's after hurricane season.

Not necessarily…
They’re not as common but November storms do happen.
Weather is always a gamble,

Then I take it you've put your yoga pants to pasture...

For the sake of all humanity, let us hope so.

I guess it will not be swimming weather

Again… Not necessarily.
At the moment we’re in the midst of both a drought and an unusually high spike in temperatures for this time of year. It’s been a good fifteen or more degrees above normal for a while now and the long-term forecasts have it staying that way for the time being. I would not be surprised at all to see temps in the upper 70’s to lower 80’s occurring in spells through December.

 

[irene_dsc]

And, I'm finally caught up! Must've missed a notification! I tried clipping quotes, but the Dis kept locking up on me. And now I can't remember what I was going to say. Just assume it was witty and insightful.

Yeah, right...

 

[irene_dsc]

My kids actually loved Wall Drug. They insisted on stopping there on our way back home from Yellowstone, too. Tacky souvenirs had a much greater appeal than I expected.

So, the Minuteman silos probably would've been wasted on them. But, it sounds pretty cool!

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

I would SO push it.

Who could ever resist?

They do that? Huh!

Yeah, our snowplow drivers might have to be in for days at a time. They have to start on the major highways and work several hours to get them clear and then keep them that way. Then they move down the priority list on the major to minor roads. It can take a few days to get everything plowed after a big storm. Delaware is unique in that the state maintains over 90% of the roads.

So, we need places for people to sleep and get some rest in between shifts.

You expect people to have the same values as you do.

Always a dumb mistake.

Well if you'd stop spending those nickels I keep giving you...

You're giving me nickels? Must have gotten lost in the mail.

Too late! Thanksgiving was two weeks ago!

Hey, we're not on that metric calendar of yours.

Wow!
Remember when you were a kid and didn't get any days off? Ever?

After walking 5 miles both ways in the snow, uphill! Absolutely!

Oh, sure. Pretty sure that's after hurricane season.

Still in the tail end of it, but I think we'll be fine.

Nice! Sounds like it'll be a fun time.

I hope so! I figure you can never go wrong with a Disney resort. We've wanted to try this one for a while.

I'm in my 50's.
The only time I make karate "HIYAH!" sounds is when I throw my back out.

Yep, sounds about right!

Then I take it you've put your yoga pants to pasture...

No one needed that mental image.

WAIT!!! I just noticed that this is actually in the DIS Dads forum. Isn't this forbidden territory?! Or is this the place to find a treasure trove of blackmailable infos?

<intrigued>

I have a strong feeling you'll be very disappointed. It's like any other boys' clubhouse. Bacon photos and fart jokes. And pointless trip reports.

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

I'm still waiting for the downside....

I know Julie hates to cook, but are you guys at least planning a fun party night in the Villa? If its like all the others there is a pool table in the room. It's one of the few hotel rooms where it's actually cool to spend time in the room!

I hope you all have a great time!

Thanks!

The downside was just due to the cost. We fixed that by convincing our friends to go with us. That made it much easier on us!

I'm looking forward to goofing off. I'm sure we'll explore the resort quite a bit, but I could definitely see us hanging out and eating a lot of junk food while watching football on Sunday.

If the mods find you in the DIS Dads forum, you could be in for a shock.

Nah. Just being here is punishment enough.

I can smell a ploy from a mile away.

Who, me????

He went to Taco Bell earlier.

Fantastic! It looks like a beautiful place for a getaway. I've been thinking about a getaway for my family in the spring. It's been 2 years since our last WDW trip, so we're really getting the itch now. We've been hesitant to pull the trigger for a few reasons, but we're thinking more seriously about it now. Hopefully I'll finally be able to do a trip report sometime in the new year!

Let me know if you do start one! I'll join in.

We seem to get cabin fever every 3 months or so. Usually we can fix that with a nice day trip, but when Disney is involved, you have to plan for more time!

Proceed at your own risk. It does smell like boys in here from time to time. You have been warned.

Hey, pull my finger.

That sounds like a fabulous getaway! I guess it will not be swimming weather, but I love the sea in cooler weather. And Hilton Head looks like a wonderful resort. I am sure you will enjoy the grand villa. Nice change from your usual road trip accommodations...

The Carolinas in November are iffy for weather. It's definitely possible that it could be warm. It's also possible that the weather will be warm, but the water is cold. It's virtually guaranteed that the weather will be better there than in Delaware.

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

Really?
That would come under the heading of Most Excellent.

Remember to wave at Pedro and you quickly drive by.
(might check my notes to see if there’s anything equally idiotic that might require a stop along the way)

Will look forward to hearing your thoughts on the place afterward.

We will definitely wave at Pedro. We will most definitely not stop.

I take it that the inventory turns over rather quickly then.

It’s a spot I’ve not actually considered up to now.
Don’t know why because the Hilton Head area is one bit of my home state that I’ve never actually explored. Of course I’ve only been in the state for 40-odd-years so I suppose that’s understandable.

Ain’t it?

Might be that I don’t golf so figured I’d be turned away at the border check points as an undesirable and potentially illegal alien (certainly as a suspected member of the wrong social class).

I'm guessing that week just before Thanksgiving is probably a popular one, due to holiday time off and the drop in rack rates in November. We'll see if the recent hurricane scared anyone off.

I've never been to Hilton Head, either. Myrtle Beach was always much closer to my price range.

We're actually not planning on golfing there. Seems like the golf rates in Myrtle Beach match my wallet better, too.

The perfect ambassador for the “Lower Counties”

Somtimes you just need to get out of Dodge.

This is a down side?

OK, maybe for those of us who aren’t independently wealty, but still...

Price was the downside, definitely.

Never underestimate the value of the easily exploited.

I guess other people need to get away just as much as we do!

Good plan.
What would that price happen to be if you don’t mind my asking.
It might be worth trying to find some suckers… errr… friends (or even random acquaintances) to see if we could spend some time down there.

I'll PM you.

Not necessarily…
They’re not as common but November storms do happen.
Weather is always a gamble,

We could say that anytime, though. I never worried about hurricanes. But this year it looks fine. They already got hit once.

For the sake of all humanity, let us hope so.

Nobody needs to see that. Or even imagine it.

Again… Not necessarily.
At the moment we’re in the midst of both a drought and an unusually high spike in temperatures for this time of year. It’s been a good fifteen or more degrees above normal for a while now and the long-term forecasts have it staying that way for the time being. I would not be surprised at all to see temps in the upper 70’s to lower 80’s occurring in spells through December.

I'd love to see that happen. I'm sure we'll pack layers.

And, I'm finally caught up! Must've missed a notification! I tried clipping quotes, but the Dis kept locking up on me. And now I can't remember what I was going to say. Just assume it was witty and insightful.

Yeah, right...

I'm imagining all of your comments, and they're hysterical!

My kids actually loved Wall Drug. They insisted on stopping there on our way back home from Yellowstone, too. Tacky souvenirs had a much greater appeal than I expected.

So, the Minuteman silos probably would've been wasted on them. But, it sounds pretty cool!

My kids just rolled their eyes. Which is an appropriate reaction.

LOVED that missile tour! Highly recommended.

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

Please disperse. Nothing to see here.