Devores great escape- 20 Dec - 26 Dec

[devores]

Ive been back a couple of days and left everyone in suspense as to when my TR would get started. Well, the wait is over. Im not promising an emmy winning performance, but it will be a glimpse into our trip. We may bond, grow a little closer and hopefully yall leave with a sense of accomplishment. If not, I still had a blast.

The trip starts out on 20 Dec 2010. DW had to work, so it left me and the kids to get the camper ready for the long trip to the fort. We end up hitting the road about 1230. Traffic was light, and we pulled into the checkin lane around 1305. I end up in lane 2, third camper back. After a few minutes, I noticed the were opening lane 1 and they waved me over, sweet, or maybe not. You know those little red tags the CMs wear? The "Earning My Ears" ones? Yeh, the CM cheking us in had one. Normally, I have no problem with this as everyone has to learn sometime, but when the words "we have no reservation under that name" came out of his mouth I about came unglued. Luckily I always travel with the proper documentation and I showed him that I did indeed have a reservation and I completed the online chekin. He found it after some supervisor help and the first hurdle was cleared.

I was then told my site was not ready yet. No problem, we were kind of early. So we complete the chekin process and head over to pick up our disney GC. My plan was to park in over flow and do some looping till the site was ready. The GC keys are handed to me and guess what happened. I get a txt saying my site was now ready. Score.

We were assigned site 433, in the infamous Jackwagon Run.

Only the sign had been vadalized and the name changed.

No worries though, I hear the name was changed due to a longterm guest of that loop departed.

This was our first stay in the 400 loop so did not know what to expect. It was a nice loop, close to the outpost. Site 433 however is to be avoided. The site is located right at the entrance to the loop. To get in, you must pull forward into the loop, the back up around a curve. It was a little difficult, but with strict instructions to DD17, we made it in. The noise form the traffic on the main road got a little old after a few days as well. It is right acrossed from the 100/200 entrance and near the outpost bus stop, so you have traffic from all directions all hours of the night. Not to mention the foot traffic that passes within feet of the rear of the site.

Here are a few pictures.

This is looking out the front of the site

I get the site set up and begin working on the Dish. As some of you know, I posted earlier that it took me an hour to dial it in for a good signal. It was suggested my man card be revoked for this hanas act. In my defense (in hoping to keep my man card) during that hour, I never gave up. I was determined to get a signal despite. A few beers later, and I had a good 75% signal strength. I was proud. But let me show you why it took so long.

This is where the dish ended up. I was able to get a signal here.

Note the gap in the foilage. This is the only clear view I could get. I had to aim the dish between the trees.

One final look to show the complicity of the set up.

The sad thing is, I spent an hour setting this up, and we watched TV maybe 3 times the entire week. One was the season finale of the Sing Off, A christmas story (family tradition), and we recorded the Disney Christmas Day Parade. But I got it working.

Tonight was family night. DWs mother came by to do gifts with the kids. Ill spare you the family pics.

Comming up next, my 40th b-day at Hollywood studios.

 

[2goofycampers]

Great start. And, you don't look a day over 39.

 

[SCtigercock]

The trip starts out on 20 Dec 2010. DW had to work, so it left me and the kids to get the camper ready for the long trip to the fort. We end up hitting the road about 1230. Traffic was light, and we pulled into the checkin lane around 1305.

Wow, LONG drive there. I bet you were wore slap out when you got there. But you are the man!

Got NOS on that unit?

 

[devores]

Today is my 40th b-day and our tradition is to spend them in a park. I chose Hollywood Studios as my park for the day as I didnt want to fight the MK crowds. Plus I have not seen the Osborn Lights yet this year.

We get to the park just after rope drop and head straight to TSM. After a brief 45 min wait, we are through the line and enjoying the ride. We head to HTT next. They are doing some construction to the facade of this ride and the workers are on scaffolding just outside of the elevator doors. I thought this was odd as it seemed a bit unsafe and kind of ruins the ride. Can you imagine, the doors open just before the drop and there is a guy standing there staring back at you. If you dont believe me, look at this.

You can clearly see the yellow safety vest the workers are wearing.

After HTT, we ride RRC. We had the major rides done by noon and after a quick lunch, headed to Indiana Jones Stunt Show.

The line for this was rediculas but we were still able to get good seats.

Next, Lights Motor Action. Probably my favorite show at DHS.

After the LMA show, it was time to find a nice spot for the OFL. We get a great spot right in front of the switch and settle in with some hot choclate.

During this show, one whole building went out. Every strand went dead. I heard of problems with the show before, but never experienced it first hand.

And I would be remiss if I didnt post a picture of the DHS tree.

We left the park around 7 and headed back to the Fort.

After dinner, we decided to do some looping.

It was at this point we noticed the nice yellow glow of the low battery light on the GC. Now mind you, it had a full charge when we set out on our journey. We decided to head back home. We didnt make it. The GC came to stop just past the pool area. I did my manly duties and pushed the cart while DW steered. Luckily it mostly downhill all of the way. We cruise into the site and plug the cart (this is a key piece of information you will want to remember).

On a side note, has anyone seen one of these:

If youve been to the Fort lately, Im sure you have. In fact, you may have seen 34 of these. I was tempted to take a pic of each and everyone of these beutys, but opted to save space for more important pics. I guess these are popular items and are phasing out these:

I hear these are controversial and a bann may be in the works to prevent anyone from displaying them at the Fort.

Next up, DTD.

 

[devores]

Today we decided to head to DTD. The kids recieved some gift cards and wanted to use them. On our way out we witnessed a horrible RV accident. I am reluctent to post a pic of it because of the severity, but figure enquiring fiends are entitled to all of the details. I am unsure of the exact details, so you can come to your own conclusions when you look at the pic.

If you are the least bit quessy, look away now......

I guess there are 33 at the Fort now.

Now I remind you that last night we plugged the GC in to charge. When we woke up, after charging all night, it still read dead.

So I drive up to the checkin area and let them know the cart is dead and will not move. After 10 mins of them trying to explain that I dont know how to operate a GC, they give me a new cart and say they will tow the old one away later.

While waiting for the bus to DTD, I snapped a few pics of the TCD ranch

and this weird camper

While loading the bus (we never had magicbus as one of our drivers-dissapointing) I saw them towing the old GC back to the GC area.

At DTD I did some professional photos of my daughters. My DD17 is a senoir in highschool and wanted some senoir pics done. So I took advantage of the backdrops offered at DTD.

For lunch we had

We have eathen here before, just after they opened. But were dissapointed with this go around. The food was not as good as the last time we ate here.

I also wanted to point out that even Disney recognizes us fiends (or Dis in general)

Should be easy, but any guesses on where this is located?

The rest of the day was spent shopping. When we returned the GC parking area was full.

I assume its the hordes of folks going to the MK. I steered clear of there for obvious reasons so Im not sure how bad it was.

The rest of the night was spent watching movies because DW had to work.

Ill skip ahead a day here. We went to see Tangled at DTD. It was a good movie but a little creepy for a Disney movie. Anyone else see it and notice she was 17 and he was quite a bit older? Im just sayin......

We also resort hoped on the monorail loop. We hit the Contemporary first.

Then the Poly

Where we had sushi for dinner

and dessert was, what else

We also ran into these characters

Then onto the Grand Floridian

Next up, Christmas Eve.

 

[kampfirekim]

Great TR thus far!

Very often TR's look similar, but you have gone outside the box my friend. In all of the TR's I have read, I have never...and I mean NEVER seen Merry Christmas written just above Santa's bare crack! Priceless!

Seriously, I'm enjoying.....

 

[devores]

Christmas eve.

I woke up early and decided to suprise everyone with breakfast. So I hoped on the GC and headed to the settlement for donuts. What did you expect? Bacon and eggs?

I also took advantage of the alone time to do some exploring. Found this guy sleeping outside...

I also noticed some work going on over by the outpost. It looked like some tree trimming, but I didnt stick around too long to see what exactly it was.

Then we always need to empty beach pics

We spent the morning watching Sorceors Apprentice and making cookies.

Keylime stopped by to say hello. I apoligise Keylime. I hope I didnt seem disinterested in talking to you. I had a plate of cookies in the oven about ready to be taken out. It was good meeting you though and hope we can meet up sometime later when we have more time.

While making cookies, I looked up and noticed a little disney magic, right there in our living room.

This is an unedited photo and is exactly what I saw on our wall. A little hidden Mickey right there.

We also had a visit from some of the Forts wildlife.

You may be wondering "what is he staring at?", was it me? The camper?

Nope, he was having a staring contest with our cat

Still unsure who won, but he left shortley after the pic was taken and the cat had a grin on her face.

DW had to work, so the kids and I geared up for all of the Fort offerings.

While waiting for the GC parade, I noticed this

They were replacing one of the tables and it looks like there is a burn mark on the one being hauled away. I wonder what happened???

Comming up next, more GC pictures than you can shake a stick at.

 

[jriae2000]

Great job so far. Cant wait to read more. Makes me " home " sick.

 

[Minnie&Mickey]

Loving the trip report! Keep it coming! I need my Fort fix!

 

[lklasing]

I'm really enjoying your report! Looking forward to more...

 

[devores]

Now who on earth would say such a thing...

Don't worry, you can keep your man card. I know where you are coming from though. Once you get started on it, there is no way you're going to quit until you get it tuned in! It's man vs satellite and man must win!!

Can't wait to hear about the rest of your trip!

I can keep my man card???

 

[devores]

Great start. And, you don't look a day over 39.

Your too kind. Everyone always says I look younger than I am.....

 

[devores]

Wow, LONG drive there. I bet you were wore slap out when you got there. But you are the man!

Got NOS on that unit?

No NOS. And I only reached a whopping 70 mph. Still only took about 30mins. ALMOST not worth bringing the camper.

 

[devores]

Great TR thus far!

Very often TR's look similar, but you have gone outside the box my friend. In all of the TR's I have read, I have never...and I mean NEVER seen Merry Christmas written just above Santa's bare crack! Priceless!

Seriously, I'm enjoying.....

Thank you, people say Im different. But Im not sure thats a compliment.....

 

[YodaGirl]

Great job thus far!

 

[DaveInTN]

Great report! Got more???

 

[keylime359]

Christmas eve.





We spent the morning watching Sorceors Apprentice and making cookies.

Keylime stopped by to say hello. I apoligise Keylime. I hope I didnt seem disinterested in talking to you. I had a plate of cookies in the oven about ready to be taken out. It was good meeting you though and hope we can meet up sometime later when we have more time.

.

Thank goodness it was cookies! I left and went right to the comfort station and took a shower, put on extra deodorant and brushed my teeth!
JK of course and I thought nothing of it. I mean, I did stop by unexpected like. Yes, we will meet up soon. I did not realize your kids were older. My daughter is 13. That would have been great. Great TR and Happy Birthday!

 

[devores]

All right, lets get this TR rolling again.

Remember, I promised more GC pics than you can shake a stick at. Well, it would have to be a small stick. I was kind of dissapointed with the GC parade this year. It was nothing like the Halloween one and there seemed to be a lack of participation. It was a decent turn out, but nothing compared to years past.

So here they are.....

Segway guy still lead the parade,

but this guy made an appearance as well. Wonder if they charged him the steep Disney charge to use a GC?

BTW, I noticed more and more Disney GCs used by CMs around the Fort. A lack of renters due to the high cost?

And there ya have it. Kind of like a blind date. All the anticipation and excitement, and its over before you know. Then your left with a sense of unfullfillment. It was fun, but underwhelming.

We did blast christmas music on the campers outdoor speakers during the parade, since we could basicaly sit under our own awning and watch.

Next installment, christmas eve looping.......

 

[stefa70]

Great Job so far! You got great pictures of the decorations, my night pictures of lights never turn out as I would have hoped. HAPPY BELATED 40th! My 40th was on Monday the 27th, so unfortunately I guess I am older!

Can't wait for the next installment!

 

[devores]

After the parade, we decided to do some looping. Its not christmas eve with out taking in all of the christmas decorations offered. This would also be the kids' first real exploration of the Fort.

We found this nifty piece of art. The family loves this song, so it was kind of an inside joke as to why I took a pic of this.

And I thought this was a great idea. I love the way they made thier light. Nice twist.

We also found this guy hanging out. The kids wanted to pet it. I told them if they could catch it, they could keep it. Thank god they didnt even get close before he flew off.

Oh deer.


No really, deer. We found this family grazing over by the tent area. We laughed so hard when my DD17 made a reference to the movie "Without a paddle". "Hey guys look! A wild deer! All out in the open like that!"
[Deer growls]

Now, on our way back around something caught my eye.

Remember the heated discussions about RVs in partial loops? Well, I have fuel to add the fire. This is site 2242. And everyone knows that the 2200 loop is a cabin loop, right? Well what the heck is this?

And for the ney sayers who will say, "Maybe he just parked there and was using the cabin because no sites were available." please note the slide extended, power cord hooked up.

and a closer look

I wonder what the rules are for this?


A few more christmas eve pics to go

I had to give a special shout out to this tree. These folks didnt use thier grill to hold thier stinky slinky, they used thier tree. Its a novel idea and actualy looks nice.

While looping we ran into vacamper and her daughters. We talked a bit, its always good meeting fellow fiends.

Tonight, since DW was working, we decided on pizza for dinner. We love the pizza from TE. For being frozen, they taste pretty good. So we splurged some and had Mickey Bars and pizza for dinner.

DD14 always colors the box once the pizza is gone. Its her little tradition.

While we waited, I took the opportunity to snap a few pics.

After dinner, we wanted to end our night with one last show at castleguys. We stopped by every night to watch the show and chat with Dave. Great guy and his display is awsome. This was the night I chose to photograph the show. So pull up a seat and settle in.

I took a million more, but only post these. You really have to see it in person to appreciate the beauty of this display.

On our way back home, we noticed the entrance to the 300 loop flooded. A couple of Disney vehicles were parked near there and a ton of people standing around looking. We were not sure what was going on on, but had flashbacks to our last Fort stay. For those who dont remember, we were subject to a water main break in the 600 loop when some guy backed over a water valve and flooded the 600 loop just down from our site. We went without water for most of the next day. This will come into play the next morning.


Next up, Christmas morning.......