Glennbo’s City, Sand, and Savanna PTR - TR Link (pg 73)

[onescgirl]

Awesome pre-trip report so far!
I can't believe Lauren is graduating. I am so jealous of her NYC trip. I would love to go to NYC one day.

 

[ddstratton]

I'm not doing the best at staying caught up here... I read the posts, but then get busy and don't get a chance to reply -- so here goes:

NYC! Wow! Sounds like a fun trip for the two of them. My DD wants to visit NYC also. But, being 12 (almost 13) -- she is into different things than your DD. You couldn't drag her into Kleinfelds. You couldn't PAY her enough to enter a bridal store. Much too girlie. Nope, she wants to go to NYC to visit Obscura. It's a weird little shop shown on a TV show -- Oddities. (Discovery or TLC or something like that)

Vero Beach looks wonderful. Love the though of just enjoying the beach for a few days. As for doing the relaxing part first -- that's what we're planning too! For our May 2013 trip (I know -- so far away!!) we're doing a few days in the Florida Keys before going to Disney.

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

Sand = Vero Beach, FL!

Aw, and here I thought you were heading to Death Valley.

Or, as seen via riptide:

(Yes, yes, this is another image borrowed from the internet.)

"via riptide"...

Beautiful picture, though. You'll have to work hard to duplicate that one.

Arriving on Tuesday will give Judy and Lauren a day or so of “turnaround time” after their trip to NYC, which may be short but life’s rough when you have all of these fantastic trips to take, isn’t it?

It's too much to bear! Make it stop!

I tell ya, between the RCI trade for New York City, and this non-home-resort reservation, I’m becoming the poster boy of flexibly using DVC. Or maybe just incredibly lucky.

Either way, it's nice work.

The latest edition of Disney Files magazine (a publication for DVC owners) brought to my attention that June and July are the prime months to see nesting sea turtles crawling on the beach to lay their eggs.

That's...kinda cool, actually.

Considering that the “flying” scenario has the cost of flights and the cost to rent a car to/from Vero, the cost of “driving” looks like a big savings in comparison, even though I’ll hate the extra time and effort required.

I hear you on that front. Maybe you can find some cool stops along the way? I hear MEK really loves South of the Border.

 

[eandesmom]

Yes, I wouldn't underestimate the kids in that regard. I'll be curious to hear what happens.


The Disney Files article said that it should be on everyone's bucket list....I'm not sure that I'd go that far, but I'm hoping that it works out.

I'll be curious to see what happens too. I'm not looking forward to the drama of vacation planning with Kendall's mom but if we don't start planting the seed now, it will be that much worse. I think we will be running the ideas by her this weekend. We are definitely in a quandary as to what to do and what is easiest to pull off is not our top choice so it's going to be very interesting to see how it plays out. Super frustrating. Not sure which part is more annoying, Disney waiting so long on the 2013 itineraries or the thought of fighting for our vacation time.

I'd say Sea Turtles should be on a bucket list. Jeff and I had the joy of seeing them in Hawaii. It was a major trip highlight.

Of course our joy was marred by the teen girl who kept putting rocks on it, with mom's encouragement! Despite the umpteen billion signs not to touch them, etc.

 

[dizlizz]

Hi Glenn
I see you've started a new ptr and I must come out of lurkdom to thank you for your last trip report ( which I'm ashamed to say I read entirely without chiming in )

It was a big help in planning our Aug 2011 trip (8 nights Yacht Club with dining plan). I never would have considered going to Boma but decded to make an ADR there after reading your TR- it ended up being our fave restaurant on the trip. ( I tried to book as many buffets/ all you can eats as possible to get the most value for my 2 hungry teenage boys - and this was hands down the best out of Biergarden, Chef Mickeys, Cape May Cafe, Garden Grill and O'Hanna. ( We also did Le Celier for lunch and loved it too!)

I can really indentify with you and your family as I am originally from SE PA ( but have lived in France for 20 years now -be happy to answer any questions about DLP as we go there at least once a year ) and am also a Penn State Alum (Grad school) and my 3 kids are the same ages as yours except I have 2 boys and then a girl.

I'll probably go back to lurkdom now - but just had to thank you for your entertaining reports - I look forward to reading about your 2012 trip!

 

[Poolrat]

I know what you mean....my thighs hurt after our first few driving lessons because I was constantly pushing on the (brake I wish I had) on the floor of the passenger side.

With DD I had my hand on the door and my foot jammed into the front of the car. Like I was going to get out at some point?

Thanks. No, I can't come up with a good time for something like that. I know I'm not alone though.

My niece totaled the family van on Christmas Eve a couple of years ago. It wasn't that. Lauren and the other driver were not hurt so it could have been much worse.

I did almost all of the riding with Lauren when she was learning and then Judy rode with her on a long trip over the summer. She was like "that wasn't restful at all, when I wasn't driving!" Tell me about it!

My Ex did the driving with DD. I did not have the stomach for it. I did most of it with DS. I was broken in a bit by then and my job was to calm him down and actually tell him it was OK to go faster.

It should be fun, and relaxing. Vero, that is, not the car hunting, which will be anything but. Thanks!

Good Luck on the car hunting. It is just so time consuming, all the back and forth.

I hear MEK really loves South of the Border.

So glad I was not drinking when I read that. I would have had a mess to clean up.

 

[glennbo123]

Hurray for Vero-looks so fun and beachy there!!! I think you guys will have an awesome time.

I think so too! Just reeeee-laxin'.

I do hope you get to see some turtles. My DD's would love that!

Me too...it should be fun for all ages!

Very sorry about the van. What a bummer

Thanks. You win some and you lose some. It actually could have been much worse, so we're counting our blessings.

Awesome pre-trip report so far!

Amy! Welcome! Er, I mean

I can't believe Lauren is graduating. I am so jealous of her NYC trip. I would love to go to NYC one day.

Pretty sweet, huh? I'm jealous too!

I'm not doing the best at staying caught up here... I read the posts, but then get busy and don't get a chance to reply -- so here goes:

Don't worry about it, everybody's busy. Post when you can.

NYC! Wow! Sounds like a fun trip for the two of them. My DD wants to visit NYC also. But, being 12 (almost 13) -- she is into different things than your DD. You couldn't drag her into Kleinfelds. You couldn't PAY her enough to enter a bridal store. Much too girlie. Nope, she wants to go to NYC to visit Obscura. It's a weird little shop shown on a TV show -- Oddities. (Discovery or TLC or something like that)

Obscura is a new one on me...I'll have to google it.

I'm back....not a whole lot on their webpage, they haven't started online sales yet. Looks interesting though!

Vero Beach looks wonderful. Love the though of just enjoying the beach for a few days. As for doing the relaxing part first -- that's what we're planning too! For our May 2013 trip (I know -- so far away!!) we're doing a few days in the Florida Keys before going to Disney.

I looked at that condo you reserved -- it looks really nice. I didn't remember that you were going there before WDW. We're just resting up for all of the park time, right?

Aw, and here I thought you were heading to Death Valley.

"Which way to Albequoikee?"

"via riptide"...

That's the only way I'll get that shot.

Beautiful picture, though. You'll have to work hard to duplicate that one.

It'll be hard to keep the water droplets off the lens.

It's too much to bear! Make it stop!

Either way, it's nice work.

Well, I did plan in advance and call right on the first day I could book....so yeah, maybe it was nice work!

That's...kinda cool, actually.

I hope it works out.

I hear you on that front. Maybe you can find some cool stops along the way? I hear MEK really loves South of the Border.

Yes, she does! I've never stopped...all of the lights on the signs just make me go . But I do like the billboard signs leading up to it!

I'll be curious to see what happens too. I'm not looking forward to the drama of vacation planning with Kendall's mom but if we don't start planting the seed now, it will be that much worse. I think we will be running the ideas by her this weekend. We are definitely in a quandary as to what to do and what is easiest to pull off is not our top choice so it's going to be very interesting to see how it plays out. Super frustrating. Not sure which part is more annoying, Disney waiting so long on the 2013 itineraries or the thought of fighting for our vacation time.

Oh boy, I remember that drama from your last trip. Ugh. Good luck in your discussions and planning.

I'd say Sea Turtles should be on a bucket list. Jeff and I had the joy of seeing them in Hawaii. It was a major trip highlight.

What an awesome picture!

Of course our joy was marred by the teen girl who kept putting rocks on it, with mom's encouragement! Despite the umpteen billion signs not to touch them, etc.

Oh my gosh! What is wrong with people?

 

[MissLiz]

I've been lurking for a bit, but decided to join in. Hi!

We are heading to Vero Beach for Memorial Day weekend. It's not our home resort, either, and I was very surprised to get exactly what we wanted at 7 months. We had the same thought as you this trip...we are heading to the beach for a few days before heading up to the World. I'm a little excited to try something new.

Can't wait to read more!

 

[glennbo123]

Hi Glenn

Hi dizlizz, and I like your screen-name!

I see you've started a new ptr and I must come out of lurkdom to thank you for your last trip report ( which I'm ashamed to say I read entirely without chiming in )

You just made my day!!! You're welcome! Thank you for chiming in, even now!

It was a big help in planning our Aug 2011 trip (8 nights Yacht Club with dining plan).

I never would have considered going to Boma but decded to make an ADR there after reading your TR- it ended up being our fave restaurant on the trip.

It's our favorite. I've seen enough posts from people for whom it wasn't their cup of tea, that I'm finally resigning to the fact that it's not for everyone, but.....for us, we love it! I'm glad you did too, and really psyched that my TR encouraged you to try it.

Our first time there wasn't planned. We were at AKL in 2001 (on the trip that my parents took all of us on) and my sister-in-law came to visit us for the evening, no parks or anything, just came to the hotel. We decided to go to dinner and it was either Boma or Jiko -- we went with the buffet restaurant because we knew we'd be able to find things for the kids to eat. (And, well, I like a buffet.)

( I tried to book as many buffets/ all you can eats as possible to get the most value for my 2 hungry teenage boys - and this was hands down the best out of Biergarden, Chef Mickeys, Cape May Cafe, Garden Grill and O'Hanna. ( We also did Le Celier for lunch and loved it too!)

I've never done Chef Mickeys, I don't think that's for us since our kids aren't into the characters anymore. My sister went to WDW last year and raved about Cape May, but they're big on those seafood buffets. We may try it sometime, but it's not on the "short list". Garden Grill, another character buffet, so nah. O'Hana I liked, and wouldn't mind going back, but it's not in the works for this trip.

I can really indentify with you and your family as I am originally from SE PA ( but have lived in France for 20 years now -be happy to answer any questions about DLP as we go there at least once a year ) and am also a Penn State Alum (Grad school) and my 3 kids are the same ages as yours except I have 2 boys and then a girl.

Wow! Very similar. Do you ever get back to the states?

I'll probably go back to lurkdom now

Don't you dare -- you're one of my favorite posters now.

but just had to thank you for your entertaining reports - I look forward to reading about your 2012 trip!

You're very welcome. Thanks for letting me know! Now, don't be a stranger.

With DD I had my hand on the door and my foot jammed into the front of the car. Like I was going to get out at some point?

I can totally relate to the foot jammed into the floor, but not the door handle!

Lauren and the other driver were not hurt so it could have been much worse.

I know, I know. We had some sleepless nights thinking about that.

My Ex did the driving with DD. I did not have the stomach for it. I did most of it with DS. I was broken in a bit by then and my job was to calm him down and actually tell him it was OK to go faster.

The driver test guy told Lauren that! I guess we had pounded into her that she had to make sure she didn't speed during the test, and she kind of overdid it. Or underdid it. Well, you get the idea.

Good Luck on the car hunting. It is just so time consuming, all the back and forth.

Thanks.

So glad I was not drinking when I read that. I would have had a mess to clean up.

 

[glennbo123]

I've been lurking for a bit, but decided to join in. Hi!

Hi MissLiz! I've seen you around the boards, thanks for joining! And

We are heading to Vero Beach for Memorial Day weekend. It's not our home resort, either, and I was very surprised to get exactly what we wanted at 7 months.

Congrats! I suppose you were a little nervous trying to get a holiday weekend 7 months out...I'm glad you got it. I thought that June might be a popular time, so I was a little worried about my reservation too.

We had the same thought as you this trip...we are heading to the beach for a few days before heading up to the World. I'm a little excited to try something new.

It'll be fun to explore it!

Can't wait to read more!

Thanks!

 

[englishrose47]

All caught up with the chatter !! I almost forgot in '95 when I was on a cruise to the Caribbean we toured a Turtle Farm it was awesome if memory serves me it was in Grand Cayman !!!

 

[Poolrat]

I can totally relate to the foot jammed into the floor, but not the door handle!

I think I was holding on for dear life. When I realized I was doing it, I wondered if I was trying to get out subconsciously.

The driver test guy told Lauren that! I guess we had pounded into her that she had to make sure she didn't speed during the test, and she kind of overdid it. Or underdid it. Well, you get the idea.

Chris had the opposite at first. We warned him he couldn't be pop pop on the test so he ended up speeding. It is no fair that the speed limit actually changes on the road they do the test. To something ridiculous for the road, a 4 lane divided hwy. Since he was going the speed before it was reduced, he failed and had to go back. The second time he was pop pop but the guy passed him since he saw the notes from the other inspector.

Overall I think he was a better driver than my DD when taking the test but she passed outright. Go Figure. I think he got really nervous.

 

[MEK]

I wanted to post some Vero pics for you yesterday, but I never got around to it. Bad day! Anyway - I haven't forgotten and maybe I can post a few of my favs tonight.

I hear ya on the driving - flights are way too high. Looks like we'll be driving too (and probably passing each other on the road).

 

[ddstratton]

Obscura is a new one on me...I'll have to google it.

I'm back....not a whole lot on their webpage, they haven't started online sales yet. Looks interesting though!

The shop is the center of a Discovery Channel show called Oddities. They just sell really weird stuff. I mean REALLY weird. Just what my DD loves!

I looked at that condo you reserved -- it looks really nice. I didn't remember that you were going there before WDW. We're just resting up for all of the park time, right?

Yup. That's the ticket! Resting up.

 

[glennbo123]

All caught up with the chatter !! I almost forgot in '95 when I was on a cruise to the Caribbean we toured a Turtle Farm it was awesome if memory serves me it was in Grand Cayman !!!

Turtle Farm -- I'm picturing a turtle farmer heading out very slowly to milk the cows....gets back inside and it's time to do it again.

I've seen "Turtle Talk with Crush"....does that count?

I think I was holding on for dear life. When I realized I was doing it, I wondered if I was trying to get out subconsciously.

Of course you were! It was your survival instinct kicking in.

Chris had the opposite at first. We warned him he couldn't be pop pop on the test so he ended up speeding. It is no fair that the speed limit actually changes on the road they do the test. To something ridiculous for the road, a 4 lane divided hwy. Since he was going the speed before it was reduced, he failed and had to go back. The second time he was pop pop but the guy passed him since he saw the notes from the other inspector.

Overall I think he was a better driver than my DD when taking the test but she passed outright. Go Figure. I think he got really nervous.

Lauren took a couple of attempts to pass too. The first time was a comedy of errors, none of which were her fault.

I wanted to post some Vero pics for you yesterday, but I never got around to it. Bad day! Anyway - I haven't forgotten and maybe I can post a few of my favs tonight.

That'd be great! Thanks. No hurry, somehow I have to keep this thread going for a few months yet.

I hear ya on the driving - flights are way too high. Looks like we'll be driving too (and probably passing each other on the road).

DISmeet at South of the Border?

The shop is the center of a Discovery Channel show called Oddities. They just sell really weird stuff. I mean REALLY weird. Just what my DD loves!

They wouldn't sell if it there wasn't a market for it!

Yup. That's the ticket! Resting up.

 

[hucifer]

Yay! Another update from my favorite Glenn!

As seen from the road:

(This photo has been borrowed from the internet and will be returned the moment you close this post, I promise.)

You "borrow" a lot from the Interwebs, I noticed.

Ooh, that's lovely. You guys mind a stowaway in your van?

We figured we’d like to give another Disney resort a try, and this one would definitely give us a different type of vacation than the theme parks.

Five days at the beach would probably be better AFTER the WDW trip.

One other potentially cool thing though… The latest edition of Disney Files magazine (a publication for DVC owners) brought to my attention that June and July are the prime months to see nesting sea turtles crawling on the beach to lay their eggs.

I admit, this would be wonderful to experience for yourself. But if you miss it, you will definitely see them when you and Judy go to Hawaii. I recommend Turtle Beach in Kona!
[sigh] Ah, Hawaii...

Considering that the “flying” scenario has the cost of flights and the cost to rent a car to/from Vero, the cost of “driving” looks like a big savings in comparison, even though I’ll hate the extra time and effort required.

Now see, I would be excited at the thought of a driving trip to Florida. Especially with teenagers!

Well anyway, there you have it. Now you know part 2. The "Sand" portion of the trip is for our family, ie. me, Judy and the kids, to spend 4 nights in Vero Beach Florida.

And here I was, thinking it had something to do with blasting paint off of a vehicle. Don't I feel dumb.

 

[vamassey1]

The "sun" portion of your trip sounds FAB! Be careful and don't get too burned.

Sorry about the van being totaled. Good luck on the car shopping. I hate car shopping and leave it to Dennis. He actually enjoys it.

As far as driving, we do it for most of our trips. We will be driving next month. The worst part is going through Florida. We in the state F O R E V E R! We zoom through LA, MS and AL, but Florida takes F O R E V E R!

Looking forward to more.

 

[oopsiDAISY]

Just read your 2010 TR in it entirety...now it's time to come out of lurking and join the Glennbo fun!

 

[glennbo123]

Yay! Another update from my favorite Glenn!

I got a warm/fuzzy feeling when I read that and then I thought "She doesn't know any other Glenns!"

You "borrow" a lot from the Interwebs, I noticed.

If they'd put out an envelope, I'd contribute. What's that you say? The founder of Wikipedia has made an appeal for support? No, I've never clicked on that.

Ooh, that's lovely. You guys mind a stowaway in your van?

Yes, Patrick is welcome any time!

Five days at the beach would probably be better AFTER the WDW trip.

I admit, this would be wonderful to experience for yourself. But if you miss it, you will definitely see them when you and Judy go to Hawaii. I recommend Turtle Beach in Kona!
[sigh] Ah, Hawaii...

Thanks! <pretends to jot it down> (I'll ask you again when I'm planning that trip in a couple of years.)

Now see, I would be excited at the thought of a driving trip to Florida. Especially with teenagers!

I'll bet you would. I'm sure it'll be a joy-filled ride with the "License plate" game and "I spy".

And here I was, thinking it had something to do with blasting paint off of a vehicle. Don't I feel dumb.

Don't be so rough on yourself...anyone could have made that mistake.

The "sun" portion of your trip sounds FAB! Be careful and don't get too burned.

That's a good point -- we don't want to be fried lobsters when we get to the parks. Judy's our sunscreen nazi...she won't let us go too long without reapplying.

Sorry about the van being totaled. Good luck on the car shopping. I hate car shopping and leave it to Dennis. He actually enjoys it.

Thanks. Dennis is welcome to come up and pick one out for me!

As far as driving, we do it for most of our trips. We will be driving next month. The worst part is going through Florida. We in the state F O R E V E R! We zoom through LA, MS and AL, but Florida takes F O R E V E R!

It's the same for us -- we hit the Florida state line and we're all "Woo Hoo!" "We're almost there!" And then we keep driving, and driving, and driving....and driving.....

Looking forward to more.

Just read your 2010 TR in it entirety...

And you're still awake enough to type??? Thank you for reading it! to the PTR! Another great screen-name -- I wished I'd put more thought into mine....too late now, oh well.

now it's time to come out of lurking and join the Glennbo fun!

I'd say so! I'm glad you've joined.

 

[tinacaplan]

DISmeet at South of the Border?

That sounds perfect!