I Kicked it I Played it and now..Wheeling & Dealing at the WL final 9/9 p87/88

[Mndisneygirl]

Amazing pictures! I love the shadow one.
The caverns - I think I would not enjoy going down there so much. I know my kids would not do it. They did not like the caves on Tom Sawyer's Island!! HA!

 

[MEK]

Great pictures!!! I love all the green and coolness depicted in the first shots! Can you imagine how vibrant that area must be in the fall when the colors change? The caverns are interesting, but I don't think there is any way I would have been able to descend to the lowest level!

It must be heaven when the leaves change! Just curious - how far are the smokies from where you live? I am really spatial and I like to figure out how far different locations are from one another. I know my Daytona friends have vacationed there, so I am wondering about distances (as if I didn't have anything better to do today - LIKE PACK!)

Your pictures are beautiful! Although the pictures are lovely there is no way I'd want to go down into the cavern! I'm too much of a wimp

Glad you like the pictures!

I seriously had some anxiety issues in that cavern, but I forced myself to go because we had already bought a combo ticket. I don't remember Luray being so claustrophobic. Fortunately, the tour was fairly short and I am glad I went for it.

Great pictures!! I'm ~ 3 hours away from the White Mountains in NH and agree - fantastic place to vacation. We visited many, many times when I was a kid but I haven't been back in a long time. Maybe next summer...

Can't believe your next WDW trip is so close!!

I haven't been to the White Mtns since we starting taking the kids to Disney for our summer vacations. I love Franconia Notch, the Kankamangus (sp?) highway, and Mount Washington. I would love to go back in the fall with Denny. I better add that to my September list.

I can't believe my trip is so close either. I wish we were going in October, but its too late to change the DVC resie now. We picked this week because Jen was supposed to start PA school the following week. She decided to defer it a year to get her finances in order. Unfortunately, she also has to sell her DVC for more cash flow. So this trip is really important to her and I really want it to be a good one!

Beautiful pictures of the bridge and the caverns. I think I would have freaked out a little.... I would have done it but yeah....I would have been shaking inside and would have grabbed on to the person closest to me
It's fun to make little stops and do some exploring...it breaks up the trip and you can always find new things

Tracy

Thanks!

You just described my actions! Everyone else on the tour looked calm, cool, and collected, so I must have been the only one with second thoughts. Plus, some people were smart enough to bring sweatshirts because I think she said its a constant 65 degrees in there.

Amazing pictures! I love the shadow one.
The caverns - I think I would not enjoy going down there so much. I know my kids would not do it. They did not like the caves on Tom Sawyer's Island!! HA!

I did not know there caves on Tom Sawyer's Island. I haven't stepped foot on that Island since my very first trip. I keep saying I should go over there and explore, but I never make the time.

Glad you like the pictures.

 

[Nermel9]

Why don't you start scoping the DVC boards now so you can see how points are renting and you can start getting a feel for the whole process? You could probably get a 1BR at AKL for a reasonable rate. I wish I had enough points to rent out, but I am always in the hole borrowing from the next year.

I really love belonging to DVC. I didn't investigate it as much as I should have before I bought, so that's why I encourage people who are even remotely interested to read the DVC boards. You can learn a lot so you are prepared when you are ready to purchase.

I think the new Animation resort is going to be REALLY cool! I would like to stay there.

It is weird that I am going again in 2 weeks. I feel a little guilty because we have had a lot of trips this summer and Denny keeps making me guilty for spending more money. But, you only live once and I think its going to be a fun trip. I just wish I didn't have to buy a new AP this trip. If I still had one it wouldn't seem so bad. Oh well!

I've checked the DVC boards a few times, but I don't still don't get the whole renting points thing! I mean, I somewhat understand it, but I don't know how you just pick someone and hope they don't just steal your money! I would hope that doesn't happen on the DIS but you never know!

Don't feel guilty, I'm with you, you only live once, so you might as well have fun! My DH does the same thing to me, he complains about how much Disney costs all the time, but it gives me something to look forward to and it makes me happier than anything!

Anyway, I love your most recent pictures! Those mountains are so beautiful, so are the caverns! We used to go to Howe Caverns in NY on vacations all the time when I was a kid, they remind me of that!

 

[MEK]

I've checked the DVC boards a few times, but I don't still don't get the whole renting points thing! I mean, I somewhat understand it, but I don't know how you just pick someone and hope they don't just steal your money! I would hope that doesn't happen on the DIS but you never know!

I think it has happened once in a blue moon. I believe you look for people who had high post counts. If you hang out on those DVC boards I am sure there are people who recommend other people. Also - you could pm people who have rented and find out how the did it. I am friends with the person I rented from and she puts her points up for rent on the boards from time to time. But now she has to sell her contracts or I would put you in contact with her.

As far as the actual renting of points. You can go to a point calculator and figure out how many points it would take to rent during the time frame you wanted to go. You also have to know the size villa you want (i'm thinking studio) Let's say is 12 points a nights for Sunday - thursday and 35 points a night for Friday and Saturday. Add them up and then multiply that by the price the person is asking (let's say $10 a point). Let's say its 128 points X $10 a point - that's what you pay. ($1280) (I am doing the math in my head so it may be wrong, but you get the idea). If you compare it to rack rate you can see that its a cost savings. Usually you do it in divided amounts with a deposit now and the rest due before or around 30 days outs.

You name is on the reservation, but I think only the member can make changes and add the dining plan and add ME. The nice thing about the dining plan is you don't have to add it until about 48hrs before your trip and you pay for it on arrival.

Once you are there you are entitled to full DVC member privileges.

Don't feel guilty, I'm with you, you only live once, so you might as well have fun! My DH does the same thing to me, he complains about how much Disney costs all the time, but it gives me something to look forward to and it makes me happier than anything!

I'm trying not to but I think its the Catholic guilt which gets me!

I
Anyway, I love your most recent pictures! Those mountains are so beautiful, so are the caverns! We used to go to Howe Caverns in NY on vacations all the time when I was a kid, they remind me of that!

So glad you enjoyed the pics. I have never heard of Howe Caverns. I'll have to look that up!

 

[eandesmom]

COOL cavern pics! Reminding me, though they are totally different of your cool cool pics from Niagra and made me make a mental note to put that on the list of things as we figure out next summer.

Yeah, Yeah......I made it on page 2. Why am I so slow with these things and I didn't even see you had posted this until tonight! Great start to your TR, BTW!

All that matters is you are there

 

[SoonerGirl]

Gorgeous pictures once again! The ones from the cave are so cool, not sure I would have liked the enclosed space with no lights either.....

 

[MEK]

COOL cavern pics! Reminding me, though they are totally different of your cool cool pics from Niagra and made me make a mental note to put that on the list of things as we figure out next summer.



All that matters is you are there

Just like you to already be planning for next summer!!!!!! I love it!

Well, if you get yourself anywhere near the East coast let me suggest that we start planning a DISmeet pronto.

Niagara Falls was spectacular and I do recommend it. Then you could head yourself on over to NYC because that would make you so central to so many Dis'ers.

Gorgeous pictures once again! The ones from the cave are so cool, not sure I would have liked the enclosed space with no lights either.....

When those lights went out I experienced the true definition of PITCH BLACK! I really did not care for that brief experience!

Glad you like the pictures!

 

[MEK]

.......and I am happy to announce that it is one day off! I actually leave in 2 weeks....that's 14 days. In fact, if all goes as planned Jen and I should be on ME right now two weeks from today. From there we will be heading over to POFQ for our first night. Jen is a true CSR fan and I really like CSR myself, but since we are only staying one night and we want to check-in bright and early at BLT on September 12th, I think POFQ will work out great. We are thinking of heading to DTD and shopping and then having dinner. Not sure where yet. We are winging it, so it was likely be Counter service. I want to visit the margarita stand, the basin, goofy's and I have never set foot in Tren-D. After shopping we will probably head back to the resort and go see Bob or watch the entertainment at POFQ. Who knows.....maybe we'll run into LL and Marc (although we do have set plans to see them on the 12th) or maybe we will go for a swim. I really love POR, so I wouldn't mind taking a walk and taking some pictures over there.

I have never started a trip with DTD, so this will be a first.

But WAIT....I am getting ahead of myself. I wanted to post some more OBX pictures and also get my final thoughts done this weekend.

So watch 'ya waiting for.......

Everybody needs to end their day with a good sunset......

These pictures were taken in Duck, NC. The ladies spent one of our first evening shopping. Lucky for us the stores were all sound side and it was a beautiful night.

I am really glad I brought my camera because the next night the sunset was completely obscured by clouds.

The shops.....

Horses were a big theme at the OBX:

I don't know one lady who doesn't agree with this......

Of course, technically you can be too thin, but we won't go there!

This was the name of the complex where we stayed.

I got up early one morning to go running and then I set out on a walk with my camera. I took ALOT of pictures.....

Surfboard in the trees....

of this house.......

This cool old house was once a life saving station. Now its a realtor....

A restored school house.....

Out front there were hanging...lots of them....all made by kids......

I decided to stop here to get some information on kayaking.....

The girl told me to go ahead and take a walk on the boardwalk back to the sound so I could see where they put in.

More later...

 

[SoonerGirl]

Enjoying your OBX pics! Did you see the wild horses while you were there? We spent a week in Corolla years ago and were lucky enough to see them a few times.

 

[KatMark]

I just don't even have the words any more to describe your pictures. Beautiful seems so redundant. You do a great job, Mary Ellen. And for two weeks (we're down to 20 days). Let me know what you think of POFQ (it's probably third on our list for moderates if we ever left CSR).

 

[mickeysmyboy]

Your pictures of the Natural Bridge and the caverns are beautiful! I would have freaked out when the tour guide turned the lights off! Why would they do that?! YIKES!

Your obx pictures are beautiful too! I love the sunset pictures!

2 more weeks are you ready?!

 

[eandesmom]

Just like you to already be planning for next summer!!!!!! I love it!

Well, if you get yourself anywhere near the East coast let me suggest that we start planning a DISmeet pronto.

Niagara Falls was spectacular and I do recommend it. Then you could head yourself on over to NYC because that would make you so central to so many Dis'ers.

That would really be a great trip! Hmmmnnnnnn (wheels turning). I love NYC and the kids are dying to go. Even Taylor. A bit more expensive than the Oregon Coast I owe Jeff a couples only big trip though so not sure what that will mean for a family trip next year.

You know me, I can't bear not having something to plan! Jeff is angling for a weekend in Portland but we are supposed to go to PS with his Dad and stepmom so who knows. I would really like to go somewhere in Feb though.....

Your OBX pics are spectacular, what a wonderful summer of trips you've had! I would love love love to go there. If for some reason you decide to do sit down your first night, I can't say enough nice things about Raglan Road but we did have a great lunch at WPE!

TWO WEEKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Charleston Princess]

It must be heaven when the leaves change! Just curious - how far are the smokies from where you live? I am really spatial and I like to figure out how far different locations are from one another. I know my Daytona friends have vacationed there, so I am wondering about distances (as if I didn't have anything better to do today - LIKE PACK!)

Um, I am not sure, but I would guess maybe between three and four hours.

 

[brookelizabeth]

The Natural Bridge is amazing! I'd love to see that someday! I'm excited about living on the east coast to adventure to some of these places easier - I've never heard of the White Mountains in New Hampshire, but I'd LOVE to go!

Those sunset pictures are beautiful, it looked like a gorgeous night!

 

[Nermel9]

OMG I love those OBX pictures! I have to go there someday, it looks like such relaxing place!

I'm so happy we have another trip report to look forward to from you so soon! I can't wait to see pics of POFQ, if you happen to wander over to POR for any reason, take some pics over there for me since I'll be there in 2 and a half months!

Is it ok if I pm you with DVC questions? I feel bad talking about it on here so much!

 

[MEK]

Enjoying your OBX pics! Did you see the wild horses while you were there? We spent a week in Corolla years ago and were lucky enough to see them a few times.

Yes - we saw the horses. Those are the next pictures I am going to post. The horses were pretty cool and so tame because they are obviously used to tons of people coming up to them and touching them.

I just don't even have the words any more to describe your pictures. Beautiful seems so redundant. You do a great job, Mary Ellen. And for two weeks (we're down to 20 days). Let me know what you think of POFQ (it's probably third on our list for moderates if we ever left CSR).

Thanks Kathy!

13 days today!

I actually stayed at POFQ for one night in December 08 and I loved it. Denny and I got the nicest room with a great view of the river. I liked the room, I liked the theming, and I liked the small size of the place.

It's really different than CSR, so its hard to compare. I really like all the mods - there isn't one I don't like, but I think POFQ is good for a one-nighter!

Your pictures of the Natural Bridge and the caverns are beautiful! I would have freaked out when the tour guide turned the lights off! Why would they do that?! YIKES!

I think they really wanted to illustrate how dark complete darkness is, and let me tell you it is crazy dark. I would not be able to tolerate that very long if I was alone in that place.

Your obx pictures are beautiful too! I love the sunset pictures!

Thanks!

2 more weeks are you ready?!

Ummmm - NO! Actually, I ironed and packed half my outfits yesterday so I should have all the packing done next weekend. It's easy when you only have to pack for yourself, plus I have had lots of experience this summer!

That would really be a great trip! Hmmmnnnnnn (wheels turning). I love NYC and the kids are dying to go. Even Taylor. A bit more expensive than the Oregon Coast I owe Jeff a couples only big trip though so not sure what that will mean for a family trip next year.

I guess you have some choices to make, but with it being Taylor's last year before he leaves you definitely need a family va-kay!

You know me, I can't bear not having something to plan! Jeff is angling for a weekend in Portland but we are supposed to go to PS with his Dad and stepmom so who knows. I would really like to go somewhere in Feb though.....

Yes - I know you! I am the same way. I am already planning my soccer moms spring trip. I have sent them a bunch of emails with probably too much information because they are not nearly as obsessed as I am.

A weekend in Portland sounds nice! Feb is great time to travel, too!

Your OBX pics are spectacular, what a wonderful summer of trips you've had! I would love love love to go there. If for some reason you decide to do sit down your first night, I can't say enough nice things about Raglan Road but we did have a great lunch at WPE!

TWO WEEKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thank you! I definitely want to go back there again soon and not wait another 20 years!

I do like WPE, but I have never tried Raglan Rd. I wouldn't mind trying for a walk-up. Ya never know.

Be Back later with more replies. Sorry I gotta run a few errands.

 

[eandesmom]

I do like WPE, but I have never tried Raglan Rd. I wouldn't mind trying for a walk-up. Ya never know.

It may have been my favorite meal of the trip. I absolutely loved it. It is so large, I wouldn't be surprised if you could get in as a walk up, plus there is a giant bar and I think you can eat at the bar. Great entertainment!

 

[MEK]

Um, I am not sure, but I would guess maybe between three and four hours.

That's close! Maybe you should take a trip there sometime. Then you won't be the only one in your school who hasn't been there.

The Natural Bridge is amazing! I'd love to see that someday! I'm excited about living on the east coast to adventure to some of these places easier - I've never heard of the White Mountains in New Hampshire, but I'd LOVE to go!

Those sunset pictures are beautiful, it looked like a gorgeous night!

You are in a great location to see so many places. New England is absolutely beautiful and you should really see it while you are living here. I love the White Mtns and I think Mt Washington is one of the coolest places anywhere. It boosts the worst weather in the world. Even though its under 5000 ft it is the highest peak east from the Rockies and has recorded winds up to 160miles plus. In the winter people go up there and have to stay for weeks at a time. It's really an unusual place. People die every month of the year trying to hike up it, usually because of unexpected weather changes. You can actually drive up it during nice weather or you can take the cog railway.

OMG I love those OBX pictures! I have to go there someday, it looks like such relaxing place!

It really was very relaxing. I loved that the beach was so laid back. Dogs on the beach. It's OK to alcohol on the beach. In other words, not a lot of rules and restrictions. Just very casual.

I'm so happy we have another trip report to look forward to from you so soon! I can't wait to see pics of POFQ, if you happen to wander over to POR for any reason, take some pics over there for me since I'll be there in 2 and a half months!

)

I will definitely take some pics for you. I love POR. It has very special memories for me since we stayed there on our first onsite trip. I remember thinking it was the most gorgeous place ever. I like it a tad better than POFQ, but I am going FQ for the one night convenience.

Is it ok if I pm you with DVC questions? I feel bad talking about it on here so much!

Absolutely - pm me anytime or keep asking questions here. Either is fine.

It may have been my favorite meal of the trip. I absolutely loved it. It is so large, I wouldn't be surprised if you could get in as a walk up, plus there is a giant bar and I think you can eat at the bar. Great entertainment!

Really? Favorite of the entire trip? That's really saying something. Do tell - what did you have to eat? Details...I want details!

 

[MEK]

The Currituck Lighthouse.....

Close up of people who climbed to the top......

Walking back.....

My next stop was the Nature Center and the Whalehead club.

People rode bikes everywhere AND left them unattended everyone. Pretty cool. You could never do that at a Delaware beach.

I cropped the crap out of this and its a little fuzzy, but I like it.....

This was inside the nature center.....

Later that Day....Back to the Beach.......

This dog was in the water so long that he was making me tired.....

Nick chillin....

 

[MEK]

Sick of wild horses yet?

I enjoyed the drive on the beach. We were in my friend's big truck and he drives a little wild so it was a tad unnerving.

I guess people need 4WD to get to these houses. Talk about peace and quiet!

One More......