Hit it like you mean it

[Tramey]

Okay. I’ve been around for a while, but have yet to post anything. However, in honor of the Flower and Garden Festival about to begin at Epcot in a few days, I am giving my “flower” to the DISboards as a first-time poster. And what better way to pop the cork, than with a long, tiresome pre-trip report, right?

I’ve read lots of tips and reports that have been helpful and/or entertaining. I’ve also read things that made me want to beat my head against a wall. Hopefully, this will be more of the former and less of the latter for you. And, now… it starts…

First the cast members:
Me. I’m 26, a three-time WDW guest, and the mastermind behind this operation… sort of. This is my first jaunt into the world of crazy Disney vacation planning. Usually, the mother-in-law serves as official "Mad ‘n’ Crazy Disney World Know-it-all" (MnCDWKIA, for short). Since this is the first trip for just me and Wifey, I now don the title.

Wifey. She’s 23 (turns 24 right before our trip), and my raison d’etre. She’s something like a 6 or 7-time WDW veteran, but who’s counting?

The dates:
May 25 – June 2. I’m perfectly aware that this begins with Memorial Day weekend and ends with gay days/Star Wars weekend, but since Wifey is employed by the local school system, this is the earliest we can go. It is not when we want to go (our last visit featured the near-vacant parks of October 2005), but it is the best we can do.

The accommodations:
I’ve stayed on-site. I’ve stayed off-site. And? There is a difference. On-site feels more “Disney,” but off-site can be had at a bargain. What I’ve found when I’ve visited the World, is that I spend so very little time actually in my hotel room, that the accommodations are essentially meaningless. That is not to say that the posh Disney hotels are not in future plans, but for this trip, we are staying at the Seralago Hotel. Why? Well, we’ve actually stayed there before, and it wasn’t so bad. Another reason? $58 per night for a King room. For about $500, we are staying for eight nights. To stay (at an admittedly nicer hotel) in the World, it would cost at least $100 per night for a savings of about $300 overall. Did I mention that I was an accountant? It is a curse. Anyway, when you add in the cost of parking ($9/day), which is free if you stay in the World, the savings dips a bit, but even with the additional $63 for 7 days of parking, we are saving over $200.

The dining:
We considered the dining plan when we were trying to decide whether or not to stay inside the World. Howevah, Wifey doesn’t eat much. I mean that in quantity as well as variety. Her tastebuds have a list of items qualified for consumption, and “trying new things” is generally out of the question. As I am trying to get back and maintain my girlish figure, I don’t need the endless amounts of appetizers and desserts to tempt me. So, we opted for no dining plan. I did insist on eating at Le Cellier, though. I’ve never eaten there, and I’m really looking forward to it. We also have an ADR for the Rose & Crown because I have a hardcore hankering for some fish ‘n’ chips. Otherwise, we are going to hit the counter service areas for lunch and play the “wait and see” game for dinner.

The itinerary:
I made an excel sheet. Mad excel skills come with the territory in accounting. I can’t help it. Here’s the plan:

We will awake at 0400 hours Friday morning. We will drive (yes, I said drive) around 8 hours to sunny Orlando and arrive at approximately 1200 hours and proceed immediately to the Animal Kingdom. Even though the park closes at 6 p.m., we believe we can hit most of the highlights before the park closes. If we feel we didn’t get enough out of our AK experience, we could go back on Friday or Saturday before we leave to make it up.

[Why no flying? Cheapest flight I found was $250 per person round-trip. Add in the cost of parking at the airport (~$75), and a rental car (~$150), and we’ve added a whopping $700 to the cost of the trip. Though the price of gas is high, we can get there and back on about three or four tanks of gas at $30 each, or $125 on the high-side. That’s another savings of about $600 by not flying. My preference is to fly. Just not this time.]

Saturday. Likely the busiest day we’ll be there. The park? Epcot. Lunch at Le Cellier. Good times.

Sunday. MGM. We miss the pesky EMH’s and this is our best shot to do MGM.

Monday. Magic Kingdom. I hope we don’t regret this.

Tuesday. Universal Studios. While I love the World, sometimes I need to get my thrill on, and Universal is willing to accommodate at a nice price.

Wednesday. Magic Kingdom. More Magic Kingdom goodness.

Thursday. Islands of Adventure. More thrill-seeking at an affordable price.

Friday. Epcot. Lunch at Rose & Crown. If we don’t do the AK justice on the first Friday, then we may start out there and work our way to Epcot for our late lunch ADR.

Saturday. Whatever we feel like. We’ll hit the high spots one more time before beginning our slow, depressing trek home. As UGA grads, we are accustomed to long, miserable drives home from Florida, but that’s another topic.

Miscellaneous musings:
I purchased a hydration backpack because we needed some way to carry things around (like ponchos, maps, cameras, sunscreen, etc.), and the chances that I was going to wear a fanny pack were slim and none, and I would beat slim with a stick if necessary. So, I have this handy-dandy backpack that carries water. I don’t know where I was going with this.

I want to buy a new camera. We have a nice Canon 4.1 megapixel that we got as a wedding present a few years back (3, actually). It takes really great pictures, but it weighs a metric ton. I don’t want to lug this thing around, but Wifey hates newer, smaller cameras because the pictures often come out fuzzy. She does not like fuzzy pictures. Does anyone have a suggestion?

 

[oybolshoi]

Excellent! You're going to be hitting the World the same time as my hubby and me.

I've really enjoyed reading what you have posted here so far and I look forward to more.

We love Islands of Adventure...so why don't you ride the Hulk an extra six times for us, ok?

 

[Goofyluver]

No suggestions on the cam! But, do love the TR! We'll just miss ya! You don't wanna be there when we are anyway!

You're a wonderful writer...would never know you're an accountant...they crunch #s, not words, right??

 

[Tramey]

Thanks for reading. It's a little more long-winded and boring than I anticipated, but some how you made it through the thing.

RE: camera... "No suggestion" is pretty much the same response I've gotten from lots of folks. Typical exchange:

ME: "I'm looking to get a new camera. I want one that is light, small, and takes exceptional pictures that aren't fuzzy."
STORE CLERK w/ bewildered look on face: "Yeah, I'm new here, but I know these cameras over here are really good."
ME:"You are not new here. I see you in here all the time."
STORE CLERK w/ embarrassed, yet still bewildered look on face: "Well, this isn't my department. Let me go find someone to help you." [Exits scene while calling for "Johnny" or some other generic name for store clerk's friend who undoubtedly smokes less dope... or at least he hides it better. Enter Johnny]
JOHNNY:"Let's see about getting you in a new camera today. What are you looking for? About 10 megapixels? I've got this great DLR that takes just perfect pictures. No fuzziness at all."
ME:"Yeah, I'm looking for something more in the lightweight, pocket-size category."
JOHNNY:"Well, this ultra-zoom 3000 is lightweight. It only weighs about 5 pounds, and depending on how big your pockets are, it should fit in one. With the 10% off we are offering on all digital cameras, it would only cost you $1,200 plus tax. Plus, it has 35x digital zoom and 100x optical zoom, meaning you could spot a tick on a monkey's back from 100 yards or more. Definitely a plus if you're going to the zoo. Are you going to the zoo?"
ME(to myself): I'm in a zoo. Right now.
ME(aloud): "No, not the zoo. I think I'm looking for something more in the $200-$300 range, and a camera whose weight is measured in ounces and not pounds."
JOHNNY:"Well, we don't work on commission. So, if there is anything we can help you with, just let us know."
[Johnny exits to go play more video games on the PS3 display. Original store clerk is still standing in the camera department, because, well, he is the manager of the camera department. He is staring at the screen saver on his computer monitor.]

 

[Tramey]

The first trip report really laid out the details of the planned travel to the World. However, I wanted to throw in some entries blog-style leading up to the big day capturing my random thoughts and other happenings related to the trip so I can rehash them at a later date.

So... where do I begin? How about the camera situation?

The Wife and I have a Canon A80, which takes excellent pictures (did the trick the last time we were in the World... pictures may follow. We'll see.). But, I hated lugging that thing around the last time. I tried to go with the cargo shorts for the most part last go 'round, but the camera beat the heck out of my knee. I refused to allow that to happen again (both the cargo shorts and the knee injuries), which is one of the reasons I bought a handy-dandy hydration backpack... it's a water bottle with storage... can you get any better? I mean, you could hide jewelry in it like Mike Vick, or some other controlled substance... like Mike Vick. It's the answer to all of your travel storage needs. Trust me on this one.

Anyway, I have picked out about two or three models that I think would fit the bill this time if we decide to go smaller and lighter (which I want to do). The Canon SD1000 is pretty sweet, as it is ultra-small (4.4 oz) and has a nice retro, boxy look. The wife is terrified of smaller cameras because the two or three she has used have taken very blurry pictures. So, I suggested the Canon SD 800 IS and the Sony T100 Cybershot because they each have image stabilization. The downside is the $399 price tag which seems too high since we already have a camera that takes really good pictures.

Any time the topic comes up with the Wife, she says she is leaning toward buying a new camera, but she thinks every model we try out (at our local Best Buy or Circuit City) takes pictures of marginal quality (particularly the blurriness). I would really like to take one home to take some varied pictures and see what the printed images look like, but the 15% restocking fee is a little steep in my opinion. If the camera totally sucks, then I'll have to cough up at least $50 just to rent the thing for a few days.

So, that's where we currently stand on the new camera issue. If you ask me, I don't think a new camera is in our immediate future.

 

[winniethepoohsmom]

I too am interested in a new camera for our Aug. disney trip. I was reading in consumer reports for the very small (they call them subcompact) they rated the canon powershot SD500 digital ELPH as #1 in performance it's listed at $370, #2 is the Casio Exilim EX-Z850 at $300 and #3 the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W50 for $200. I agree that the sales people in staples did'nt help me any either.

 

[Tramey]

I read the Consumer Reports about digital cameras, too. They loved the Casio Exilim. It is a tiny, cool-looking camera, but the CNET review said it produced mediocre-quality pictures.

I'm no photography enthusiast, but I don't think you can go wrong with a Canon. The Sony cameras seem to be gadget-happy, much like everything else Sony produces. They may be more technologically advanced, but the image quality isn't on par with the other high-end whatevers.

My advice (for whatever that is worth) is to take some sample pictures. Get the cheapest camera that takes sufficient quality pictures with the features you want. The trouble we are having is that the cameras we are trying aren't really producing sufficient quality to warrant an "upgrade."

 

[Tramey]

Thinking. Yes, it can be dangerous. But, thinking none the less. What about? Well, things. Yes, thinking about things.

Namely, the initial salvo of the itinerary. When we arrive on Friday around noon, we are scheduled to hit the Animal Kingdom. Unfortunately, the Animal Kingdom closes at 6(!) that day. After seeing some of the new Disney shows on the Travel Channel, the Wife and I feel like we haven't given AK it's due. Plus, with the addition of Expedition Everest, we'll want to make at least one repeat ride. That means we'll need to squeeze in the Kilimanjaro Safaris, Dinosaur, It's Tough to be a Bug, Exp. Everest (x2), Festival of the Lion King, and the new Finding Nemo musical (which, honestly, I could take or leave after the departure of the beloved (in our household) Tarzan musical). The Wife also wants to try the Primeval Whirl. We've never ridden the P-Dub, so we'd like to try to squeeze it in at some point.

Now, I've been to the Animal Kingdom twice, and each time the family left shortly after lunch. We were able to ride everything and see all of the shows we wanted to see on both occasions. So, it is possible to squeeze these attractions in to a six-hour time frame, but that's with an early morning start. I fear hitting it in the afternoon may be problematic. Although, from what I've read, crowds begin dispersing in the early- to mid-afternoon (much like we've done in the past), so late-afternoon crowds might not be so bad, but the first few hours we'll be there will be the most crowded of the entire day. This will put more pressure on our already limited time.

Our tentative plan for the Animal Kingdom:
We're kinda banking on snagging a fastpass for Expedition Everest right as we arrive. This may be a pipe dream. I know with an earlier closing, fastpasses may all be gone by the time that we get there. (It may just mean that I have to drive faster.) If we miss out on the EE fastpass, we will fastpass another attraction on our must-see list that is still giving them out, and either see a show or visit another must-see attraction. With everything else, we'll have to wait it out. This is not the ideal way to start a Disney vacation -- the average weather for the day of arrival: Hi - 93 Humidity - only 59 %... but a 72% chance of a "sweltering day."

Another option we kicked around was going to Epcot upon arrival. That park doesn't close until 9 (for WS... 7 for FW), and we could use our second Epcot day (the following Friday) to visit the Animal Kingdom. That day, however, we have a 2:10 Reservation at the Rose & Crown Pub. We don't want to sacrifice that ADR for the AK, especially since the likelihood of moving it to the Friday of arrival is not good at this point. In addition, we're not crazy about making an ADR for our travel day. So many things could go wrong that I don't even want to think about.

Upon reconsideration, the Wife and I decided to stick with the status quo. If we don't manage to fulfill our AK checklist, we will go back the morning of our 2nd Epcot day and finish it off. That should give us enough time to make our 2:10 ADR at Epcot. If we feel short-changed at Epcot, we'll revisit the next morning before departure back home.

Of course, "the best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry."

Tomorrow's topic? You'll have to check in and see.

 

[Goofyluver]

I would say if you run...you'll be able to get everything in....BUT...the FPs may be all gotten for the getting by the time you arrive!

I'm gonna miss Tarzan too... ...you have to come home and post in a hurry and let me know how Nemo is!

 

[medicgirl911]

The dining:
We considered the dining plan when we were trying to decide whether or not to stay inside the World. Howevah, Wifey doesn’t eat much. I mean that in quantity as well as variety. Her tastebuds have a list of items qualified for consumption, and “trying new things” is generally out of the question. As I am trying to get back and maintain my girlish figure, I don’t need the endless amounts of appetizers and desserts to tempt me. So, we opted for no dining plan. I did insist on eating at Le Cellier, though. I’ve never eaten there, and I’m really looking forward to it. We also have an ADR for the Rose & Crown because I have a hardcore hankering for some fish ‘n’ chips. Otherwise, we are going to hit the counter service areas for lunch and play the “wait and see” game for dinner.

The itinerary:
I made an excel sheet. Mad excel skills come with the territory in accounting. I can’t help it.

Miscellaneous musings:
I purchased a hydration backpack because we needed some way to carry things around (like ponchos, maps, cameras, sunscreen, etc.), and the chances that I was going to wear a fanny pack were slim and none, and I would beat slim with a stick if necessary. So, I have this handy-dandy backpack that carries water. I don’t know where I was going with this.

Your DW taste buds sound similar to mine, however we are gently probing into the deeper waters of Disney Dining this trip! I am also curious about how you won't wear a fannypack but you will wear a hydration pack?? hehehe Hrmmm I personally rate them along the same level, or maybe it's just because my DH's really is the absolute largest he could find, he might as well wheel it around the parks after him. I think he knocked out 2 or 3 small children with it last year before I made him keep it in the room. he had it while he was in Iraq. Apparently it's hard to find clean water there *haha* I loved the "beat slim with a stick" comment!!! And oh how I wish I had mad excel skills!!!

ME: "I'm looking to get a new camera. I want one that is light, small, and takes exceptional pictures that aren't fuzzy."
STORE CLERK w/ bewildered look on face: "Yeah, I'm new here, but I know these cameras over here are really good."
ME:"You are not new here. I see you in here all the time."
STORE CLERK w/ embarrassed, yet still bewildered look on face: "Well, this isn't my department. Let me go find someone to help you." [Exits scene while calling for "Johnny" or some other generic name for store clerk's friend who undoubtedly smokes less dope... or at least he hides it better. Enter Johnny]
JOHNNY:"Let's see about getting you in a new camera today. What are you looking for? About 10 megapixels? I've got this great DLR that takes just perfect pictures. No fuzziness at all."
ME:"Yeah, I'm looking for something more in the lightweight, pocket-size category."
JOHNNY:"Well, this ultra-zoom 3000 is lightweight. It only weighs about 5 pounds, and depending on how big your pockets are, it should fit in one. With the 10% off we are offering on all digital cameras, it would only cost you $1,200 plus tax. Plus, it has 35x digital zoom and 100x optical zoom, meaning you could spot a tick on a monkey's back from 100 yards or more. Definitely a plus if you're going to the zoo. Are you going to the zoo?"
ME(to myself): I'm in a zoo. Right now.
ME(aloud): "No, not the zoo. I think I'm looking for something more in the $200-$300 range, and a camera whose weight is measured in ounces and not pounds."
JOHNNY:"Well, we don't work on commission. So, if there is anything we can help you with, just let us know."
[Johnny exits to go play more video games on the PS3 display. Original store clerk is still standing in the camera department, because, well, he is the manager of the camera department. He is staring at the screen saver on his computer monitor.]

You just described every trip I have ever taken to any electronics department, usually to buy something for Dh that I have no clue about anyway! But it still sounds better than my last trip to the electronics dept at Walmart *shudder*

Our tentative plan for the Animal Kingdom:
We're kinda banking on snagging a fastpass for Expedition Everest right as we arrive. This may be a pipe dream. I know with an earlier closing, fastpasses may all be gone by the time that we get there. (It may just mean that I have to drive faster.) If we miss out on the EE fastpass, we will fastpass another attraction on our must-see list that is still giving them out, and either see a show or visit another must-see attraction. With everything else, we'll have to wait it out. This is not the ideal way to start a Disney vacation -- the average weather for the day of arrival: Hi - 93 Humidity - only 59 %... but a 72% chance of a "sweltering day."



Of course, "the best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry."

Tomorrow's topic? You'll have to check in and see.

What about leaving earlier in the morning so you get there earlier?? If you left say around 0200 or 0300 then you would get there an hour or two earlier so I bet for sure you would be able to get fastpasses if you arrived earlier?? just a suggestion, because I really wouldn't want to haul my butt outta bed at those hours either.

can't wait to read more, you are a very talented writer!

 

[serendipity]

Jumping on board. You sound exactly like my fiancee who works in finance. He has a budget spreadsheet for our upcoming wedding and honeymoon and it gets down to absolute minutia. Can't wait to see how things go!

 

[Tramey]

What about leaving earlier in the morning so you get there earlier?? If you left say around 0200 or 0300 then you would get there an hour or two earlier so I bet for sure you would be able to get fastpasses if you arrived earlier?? just a suggestion, because I really wouldn't want to haul my butt outta bed at those hours either.

Well, considering the fact that I'll be so jacked up on Disney adrenaline that I won't be able to sleep anyway, I may do just that (get up a wee bit earlier). Just don't tell the Wife. She thinks I'm a little crazy anyway. My plan, however, is to drive while she sleeps off a dose of Benadryl or some other sleep enducer. By the time she awakens, we'll be in sunny Florida making our way to Orlando. However...

<beginning of talking in super-secret whisper that is strangely loud to create dramatic effect>

I may need to set up a black ops mission the night before and set all of the clocks in the house and in the car ahead about an hour or two, so she thinks we are leaving at the negotiated 4:00 start time. We'll be a few hundred miles from home by the time she realizes that we left an hour or two early. The more I think about it, the more ingenious this plan seems.

<end of talking in super-secret whisper that is strangely loud to create dramatic effect>

Of course, that is really, really early. I don't want to wear myself out on the first day of a nine day vacation... particularly one at Walt Disney World. I may need to revisit this later.

 

[Tramey]

I am also curious about how you won't wear a fannypack but you will wear a hydration pack?? ~ medicgirl911

We are five weeks from departure. I've already given up hope for buying a new camera, reconsidered the previously set in (Excel) stone itinerary, and devised an ultra-secretive black ops mission. Now, I must defend the backpack.

There are a litany of reasons why the backpack is far superior to the fanny pack. I could make a pro/con list. I could write a dissertation. I could simply state the facts. All of these options would likely bore the dear audience (that being you) to tears. We don't want that, do we?

The only option is to scour the internet. What do you think happens when you google "fanny pack?" Nothing really. That's kinda disappointing. However, wikipedia does not let me down. Plus, anything in wikipedia is true... right?

From the glorious pages therein (I underline the relevant data):

"If the fanny pack is slung to the front, it is often times referred to as a, crotch pocket. Also, a fanny pack worn over the shoulder can be considered a purse or in the case of a man wearing it, a man purse."

I don't want to be found dead wearing a crotch pocket or a man purse. That's what everyone will remember. I'll have been killed some horrific, terrifying way, and everyone will refer to me as the guy wearing the crotch pocket. Seriously.

And...

"Some brands even make leather fanny packs for those few individuals utilizing the fanny pack as a fashion statement."

Ooooh...

"Fanny packs are briefly mentioned in the hit song by Weird Al called White & Nerdy: 'Got myself a Fanny Pack.'"

Weird Al makes fun of fanny packs. At this point, it seems almost like overkill. But, I must continue to whack the deceased equine.

From Wired. com (an article entitled "Gotta Ditch the Fanny Pack, Dude" (posted one year and one week ago today)):

"(The fanny pack) is great if you're trying to create a singularity of pure geekness that will open up a portal to an alternate universe where they're still making episodes of Reboot. But if there are even two working neurons in the style portion of your brain, the same neurons that explained that Mr. T's haircut won't look as good on you, then you're going to want to pass on this one. On the other hand, if you've burned those neurons out through years of cosplay, more power to you. Just don't stand near me.

Worst part: Do you really want to appear to have two rear ends?"

Uh-huh...

And, finally, from styledash.com:

"A fanny pack by any other name would still be just as lame."

So, from three highly reputable sources, fanny packs should be shunned like the pimple on the butt crack of style that they are. And, thus, they are not allowed to be worn in public by anyone between the ages of 12 and 37 or the end of coolness, whichever comes first. I, being within that age range, am not allowed to don the abomination of style.

So, now that we realize that fanny packs are not an option, what do we do with all of the stuff we gotta carry around? Well, cargo shorts are also not an option, more for the knee injuries than anything else. That leaves us with a backpack.

Why the backpack is not ideal:
1) It's not exactly convenient to have to take the thing off for every ride and every time you want to get something out of it.
2) It can be heavy.
3) Somebody's got to lug the thing around all day everyday.

Why I got a backpack anyway:
1) I would not have gotten an ordinary backpack. It was a hydration backpack or nothing. If it couldn't be multi-purpose, then it would just be more trouble than it was worth. Plus, the hydration backpacks can be had at smaller sizes than the traditional backpack, which also means they'll be lighter.
2) It's really amazing how much stuff you can fit into one of these small hydration backpacks. We have two ponchos that are almost like rain jackets (Why have a $1 poncho? They're impossible to get on in a hurry, and you still end up wet once you get it on. Why not pay $3 to get re-usable ponchos made out of material more than 0.01 mm thick? I digress.), a first-aid kit, two-liters worth of water, our current camera, and we still have room for snacks and items to be named later. Try getting all of that into one stinkin' fanny pack.
3) The backpack I bought was from Wal-Mart and cost under $30. While a Camelbak would have been nice, $120 is not cost-effective and undermines the perceived value of the added benefits.
4) I was going to carry all of the stuff around anyway. It might as well be in something small, that would also provide refreshment.

You see, the hydration backpack was the only true option for me at this juncture. That is why I am the proud owner of one now.

See you tomorrow.

 

[medicgirl911]

We are five weeks from departure. I've already given up hope for buying a new camera, reconsidered the previously set in (Excel) stone itinerary, and devised an ultra-secretive black ops mission. Now, I must defend the backpack.

There are a litany of reasons why the backpack is far superior to the fanny pack. I could make a pro/con list. I could write a dissertation. I could simply state the facts. All of these options would likely bore the dear audience (that being you) to tears. We don't want that, do we?

The only option is to scour the internet. What do you think happens when you google "fanny pack?" Nothing really. That's kinda disappointing. However, wikipedia does not let me down. Plus, anything in wikipedia is true... right?

From the glorious pages therein (I underline the relevant data):

"If the fanny pack is slung to the front, it is often times referred to as a, crotch pocket. Also, a fanny pack worn over the shoulder can be considered a purse or in the case of a man wearing it, a man purse."

I don't want to be found dead wearing a crotch pocket or a man purse. That's what everyone will remember. I'll have been killed some horrific, terrifying way, and everyone will refer to me as the guy wearing the crotch pocket. Seriously.

And...

"Some brands even make leather fanny packs for those few individuals utilizing the fanny pack as a fashion statement."

Ooooh...

"Fanny packs are briefly mentioned in the hit song by Weird Al called White & Nerdy: 'Got myself a Fanny Pack.'"

Weird Al makes fun of fanny packs. At this point, it seems almost like overkill. But, I must continue to whack the deceased equine.

From Wired. com (an article entitled "Gotta Ditch the Fanny Pack, Dude" (posted one year and one week ago today)):

"(The fanny pack) is great if you're trying to create a singularity of pure geekness that will open up a portal to an alternate universe where they're still making episodes of Reboot. But if there are even two working neurons in the style portion of your brain, the same neurons that explained that Mr. T's haircut won't look as good on you, then you're going to want to pass on this one. On the other hand, if you've burned those neurons out through years of cosplay, more power to you. Just don't stand near me.

Worst part: Do you really want to appear to have two rear ends?"

Uh-huh...

And, finally, from styledash.com:

"A fanny pack by any other name would still be just as lame."

So, from three highly reputable sources, fanny packs should be shunned like the pimple on the butt crack of style that they are. And, thus, they are not allowed to be worn in public by anyone between the ages of 12 and 37 or the end of coolness, whichever comes first. I, being within that age range, am not allowed to don the abomination of style.

So, now that we realize that fanny packs are not an option, what do we do with all of the stuff we gotta carry around? Well, cargo shorts are also not an option, more for the knee injuries than anything else. That leaves us with a backpack.

Why the backpack is not ideal:
1) It's not exactly convenient to have to take the thing off for every ride and every time you want to get something out of it.
2) It can be heavy.
3) Somebody's got to lug the thing around all day everyday.

Why I got a backpack anyway:
1) I would not have gotten an ordinary backpack. It was a hydration backpack or nothing. If it couldn't be multi-purpose, then it would just be more trouble than it was worth. Plus, the hydration backpacks can be had at smaller sizes than the traditional backpack, which also means they'll be lighter.
2) It's really amazing how much stuff you can fit into one of these small hydration backpacks. We have two ponchos that are almost like rain jackets (Why have a $1 poncho? They're impossible to get on in a hurry, and you still end up wet once you get it on. Why not pay $3 to get re-usable ponchos made out of material more than 0.01 mm thick? I digress.), a first-aid kit, two-liters worth of water, our current camera, and we still have room for snacks and items to be named later. Try getting all of that into one stinkin' fanny pack.
3) The backpack I bought was from Wal-Mart and cost under $30. While a Camelbak would have been nice, $120 is not cost-effective and undermines the perceived value of the added benefits.
4) I was going to carry all of the stuff around anyway. It might as well be in something small, that would also provide refreshment.

You see, the hydration backpack was the only true option for me at this juncture. That is why I am the proud owner of one now.

See you tomorrow.

Wow make some tounge in cheek sarcastic remark and I am met with a debater complete with fact finding lists and verifiable sources!
So I will admit you win! Are you sure you are an accountant...I definetly do not doubt you have mad accounting skills, but I am suggesting you may have missed your calling in another field! LOL

I guess my main issue with the whole hydration pack is the reason I stated before plus everytime I picture one...my mind also immediately flashes to one of those big yellow hats that hold 2 beers with the flexibile tubing allowing the wearer to have hands free drinking at will. Don't ask me why
I hope you take pity on those like me who will be sprawled along the sidewalks, delerious from the heat, clawing our way to the nearest refreshment stand to find they only sell popcorn and pretzels. Don't make fun by standing over us drinking from your endless waterfountain perched on your back singing.."Its a hydration pack ladies!!!"
Hmmm that picture doesn't sound too enjoyable either, maybe I should relent and allow DH to take his...or at least a more condensed version

 

[Goofyluver]

Did ya' know that they have DIS crotch pockets??? Just sayin'!

 

[Tramey]

Medicgirl911 -- I assure you that my fact-finding lists and "verifiable sources" were referenced with my tongue firmly planted in my cheek.

"...my mind also immediately flashes to one of those big yellow hats that hold 2 beers with the flexibile tubing allowing the wearer to have hands free drinking at will."

I fail to see the problem. Perhaps this goes back to why the Wife thinks I'm crazy.

And, be certain, that if I were to ever own a crotch pocket, it would be a DIS crotch pocket.

 

[Tramey]

The Wife and I are serious about this Disney trip. We have been training for it like we're going off to hunt lions in the African savanna with only a sharp stick and our keen wits preventing us from meeting a gruesome end. Do you know what happens when someone who does little-to-no exercise begins training for the Disney/Universal Studios Hexathlon?

That someone loses weight. In fact, I'm that someone, and I've lost 15 pounds over the last month or so. From my rather portly 200, I've slimmed down to a more nimble 185. That's still about 10 pounds more than my fighting weight, but I figure I'll need some reserves since food is sparse on the savanna.

The Regimen: The Wife and I have instituted mandatory, daily walking to prepare for the marathon of walking that is necessary to do Disney the way we want to do Disney. And that can only be described as... as... well, I'm not sure they've invented words that use sufficient detail. I can think of a few phrases that come close, but I think the DIS would deem those inappropriate. I'm talking lions vs. stick here. We are out to tame the beast.

Anyway, this walking thing has been great. We've been walking around the rolling hills of our neighborhood. The path we walk is exactly two miles in length, and the beginning of the second mile is a hill about a quarter of a mile long at what seems like a 5% incline. We can gauge how we've been doing by how well we make it up that hill. We keep a pace of about 4 mph, so the whole thing usually takes us about thirty minutes. We are going to add additional length leading up to the departure date, hopefully hitting 4 miles before we leave. We can already tell a difference in our endurance, without the aches and pains that accompany jogging. (I hate jogging. In fact, the impact on the bones and joints during walking is half of that which occurs during jogging. Yet, the calories burned during jogging are not twice those burned during walking. So, the cost-benefit of walking is greater than that of jogging. (You knew I would have to bring in some finance-speak, didn't you?))

The Benefits: First, I'm down a pants size, which is nice, since I still have a bunch of shorts, pants, etc. that I couldn't wear for a while. My blood pressure is a tad lower, and my cholesterol is undoubtedly lower (both are key, since heart disease runs in the ol' family). Besides the health benefits of getting outside and walking around, the Wife and I really enjoy our debriefing sessions during our jaunts. Mine usually lasts about thirty seconds, while the Wife takes the remaining twenty-nine minutes, but it is still nice to discuss the goings-on in each of our days without the distractions of phone calls, or the television, or whatever else may be going on. We are able to set aside time to be with one another, and we find ourselves to be in a better mood afterwards. It seems ridiculous that we have to set aside time to see each other since we don't have kids, but often times we are here, there, and yonder without settling down to talk to one another.

This walking thing has been a blessing to our relationship as well as our waistline. And it's all due to our love of Disney. Bring on the lions.

I'll probably be taking a 72 hour hiatus, resulting in no weekend updating. I'll see you on Monday, though.

 

[Goofyluver]

OHHHHHH! You have the secret! I must exercise to lose weight...ding dang darn it!

I hope you take your crotch pocket on your walks!

 

[Tramey]

Yeah, so life has happened at an alarming rate over the past three and a half weeks. I've ticked twenty-five days off the calendar in the blink of an eye, and the trip to Disney is just right around the corner.

In an effort to bring you up to speed in as short a time as possible, here is the rundown:

1) My best friend/college roommate's father lost the battle with lung cancer. This is the event that sort of sent me off the beaten path for a while. "Best friend" is not an adequate description of our comrade. He is more of a brother to The Wife and me.

2) We got a new camera after all. The Canon 800 IS. It's not quite as small as some we looked at, but in the end, we valued the image stabilization more than size. So far, it has been hit or miss in terms of picture clarity, but that is just user-error. The Wife and I have been practicing, so maybe our skills will be Disney-ready.

3) I am in the final week of a two-week break between Spring and Summer semesters. I'm currently attending classes to get my MBA, and Spring semester is finally over. I start back next week, then miss class (only one) to go to Disney for a week. Class being canceled for Memorial Day was a deciding factor in going to Disney this week instead of a lower-attended week.

4) I was able to do a dry-run for the first quarter of the trip, as I was out of town on business the past two days. Oddly enough, my conference was on my route from Athens to Orlando, so I was able to see what traffic was like early in the morning. Aside from the random assortment of old people who prefer to drive ten miles per hour below the speed limit before dawn*, traffic was pretty light. This makes me happy.

[* Absurd rant for the day: Why, oh why, do people drive so slowly in the post-wee hours of the morning? I'm talking around 5 to 6 a.m. here. Why not get a little more sleep and leave a little bit later and drive just a smidge faster? The Wife thinks it is a conspiracy where all of the old people get out and about to drive slowly to get those poor souls stuck behind them riled up so they'll have something to talk about over coffee at their local morning meeting. Sorta like...

"I got somebody good this mornin'. I dropped it down to 25 in a 55. It was great. This lady behind me was cussin' and screamin'. A classic for sure."

"Aaah, Fred, that's nuthin'. I pulled out in front of somebody that was goin' too fast. Then I accelerated up to about twenty before I turned my left blinker on for about a mile so the guy behind me couldn't pass me. I eventually turned right after comin' to a complete stop in the middle of the road... yeah, his head exploded."]

Today's item of worry: The wildfires in Southern Georgia and Northern Florida. These could seriously impact my travel arrangements. They have closed sections of Interstate 75, which is the route down to Orlando. More importantly, I suppose, they are destroying hundreds of thousands of acres of forest land and homes. Seriously not good. Rain. Please. And lots of it.

See you 'round.

 

[Goofyluver]

I once had a lady pull out from a country road right in front of me on the highway. I swerved to avoid her and as I passed by, I gave her the cursory "dirty look." I swear she smiled.