I Told You Driving Was Bad For Your Health! *2/2* NEW TRIP REPORT LINK P102

[MEK]

I'm here! Enjoying it so far and looking forward to the rest.

TarzansKat! I'm sorry I almost missed your post and I'm not even sure why because I saw it there. Anyway - thanks so much for joining in! So glad to have you here for my latest TR.

Have fun! Loved all the FB pics, keep them coming.

Glad you enjoyed all my FB posts. I rarely have anything to say at home, but when I'm visiting the world I just lover to update.

Safe travels home. Can't wait it hear all about it

I'm getting there Pam. I swear, I really am. I hope to atleast work on an update tomorrow.

I'm here!! But I'm going to come back and read later since your pictures aren't showing up. You are just that popular!

Amy! Thanks so much for joining in! Also - thank you for alerting me about the pictures. Trust me, I'm not popular. I got reverted back to a free account on PB and I was pretty upset they did that without warning. All fixed now!

Glad to hear you had a great trip! Can't wait to hear all the details!

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

We really had such a fabulous time, despite our top secret off site location. Couples trips can be so refreshing. It was great!

I'm here... I'd already read a little about the HHI trip... and about Denny...
But I'm anxious to hear about the rest of the trip!

self resqing prince! Thanks so much for joining in. HHI was quite the unexpected adventure, that's for sure. I am going to write an update tomorrow and post as soon as I can.

Sad your pictures aren't showing up though!
Can't wait to read more!

My photobucket account converted back to a free one. I am very upset they did not send me notice that my credit card could not be billed. Oh well - all fixed now.

 

[MEK]

Welcome home!!!!
Looks like you had a blast!!! now to figure out that secret location.

Thanks Pat! We really did have a great time. So great that I wish we could just turn around and head back.

Ahh - our secret location! There will be a contest involved.

Welcome back!!! Can't wait to hear about your trip!!!

I swear - I am getting there! This has been my longest update hiatus in quite a while.

Big souvenir! More DVC points? I can't wait to hear all about it!!!

That is a distinct possibility Pam! More details will be coming!

Dad and Max troubles? That doesn't sound good

Well, Max is doing great right now and my dad, he's really limping a long. It's a slow decline in his health, but he's home now so we'll see how that goes.

What is AAA Magic Creator?

It's a new program that the midAtlantic AAA is implementing. It's a program where they train you to sell Disney vacations part time from the comfort of you own home. You complete the Disney College of Knowledge and attend an AAA training class. You work with an AAA agent. You create your own client base and book trips. They are only taking about 20-25 people into the first training class and there were about 90 people in the session. In a few weeks they will contact people for an interview. I would LOVE to do it, but since I am starting a new job I won't be too sad if they pass me over.

Big Souvenir? Hmmm, I'd have to agree - DVC at HHI?

All us DVCers think alike!

Did you buy one of those amazing crystal Cinderellas castles? Hehe

Me? Haha! I'm way too cheap for that. But, if I ever win the lottery I am so getting one!

I hope everything gets better with Max, I saw about your troubles on Facebook

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

Max is doing MUCH better. I am checking his glucoses twice a day now and therefore I can tailor the amount of insulin I am giving him a little bit more precisely. Thanks for asking!

Pictures are back (and some beauties, too!!!) Love the sunset pictures and it looks like an interesting view from your room.

Our view was really nice. It wasn't the best view there, by a long shot, but still nice. Glad you like the pictures. I have plenty more. Shock, I know!

Thanks for letting us know what got blocked out. I thought you were trying to type "got my half over with", but coudn't figure out the obscenity.

That's the first time I have been blocker by an unintentional obscenity. Oops!

Someone over on the Y&B thread made a typo when she was talking about watching the clock and I was thinking "Were you in Morocco?"

Wow! That sounds like quite a great deal! BK (before kids) Mark and I always stayed in hotels on International Drive, but it really is a different type of stay.

It is a different type of stay, definitely. But this location was extremely convenient and I would not hesitate to stay there again in a pinch.

Thinking of you as you deal with the stuff in your life!

Thanks Dee!

I'm in! Can't wait for our 1st trip next month to HHI!

ProudMommyof2! Thanks for joining in! Is this your first trip to HHI? You are absolutely going to love it. Let me recommend the beach walk. It is completely free and they take us to a very deserted beach and teach you all types of interesting factoids about the marine life there. I have a ton of pictures, but might not get them posted before you leave. Please feel free to ask me any questions in the meantime!

Luckily I am thinking before I write because my first thought would have just made it worse.

And I would hate to see you get censored or kicked off the boards.

So lucky I was not drinking my SODA while reading this, it could have led to an obstruction.

Not only do I want you here on the boards, but I would prefer if you stay alive as well! Just sayin!

I am so glad you have been busy. I thought I would be pages behind and I am in luck. I have basically missed nothing since I last read!

Jen - I think I have been purposefully ignoring your TR because I am certain I am hopelessly behind. I have looked at it in my queue and said, "I'm not ready to catch up yet". But I think I am going to head over there now and take a look at your wonderful pictures.

 

[MEK]

Your PB situation sounded like a real pain...glad you've got it taken care of.

I am glad I took care of it, too! It was really confusing to me and it shouldn't have been. But I am operational again and hope to have an update soon!

Hmm....big souvie? Wish I had a really funny suggestion about what it could be possibly be...but I'm out.

All I'm going to say is "it's a keeper".

Really enjoyed your report with your nephews and looking forward to this one too!

Apple Orchard! Thanks for joining in! Glad to have you along for this TR!

Bad Brenda! I thought I already subscribed! Oops! Ok, now I'm here and I've secured my sub so I'm not going away until I've heard everything. (Except the curse words! ) Even though we know what that ominous tone foreshadows.... I will be hanging on every word.

Brenda! Thanks for joining in! Glad to have you here and I am even gearing up for a real update. It's only taken me three weeks!

Hey, shift happens.

It sure does!

I'm back from my road trip and ready to hear all about yours!

Jill in CO

Jill - Did you have a fabulous time? Will there be a TR involved? Details please! I am working on an update now as I type, so stay tuned.

I'm late but here!

Now off to catch up

Alicia! Thanks so much for joining in! Hope you have a great trip to PA/NJ and I hope to have an update soon so stay tuned. You are definitely NOT late.

I'm not sure how I missed this But I'm here now and looking forward to it

Dawn. It definitely wouldn't be a TR without you here and joining in! I sort of snuck this in right before I went away and I haven't update since. But I'm getting there.

For the life of me, I couldn't figure out what word replaced the astricks Yes, i'm weird like that!

Well, if I wasn't so dyslexic that little typo would never have occurred. It took me awhile to figure out what my infraction was as well. I had to go back and look at my original document and then I said. "ah - hah".

Very cool that you were given a choice of buildings Still trying to figure out when would be a good time to visit HHI with DH. I just feel like if we're going to be flying to that part of the country, it better be for WDW! Do you know how far the drive would be from HHI to WDW?

It's over 300 miles. Hopefully one of my pictures will list the exact number of miles. I know what you mean, though. If you are going to fly cross country, why wouldn't you just go to WDW.

I guess one option would be to fly to Savannah or Charleston, rent a car there, visit HHI for a few nights, then go to WDW and fly home from Orlando. It really is a very cool resort. The entire low country is just so unique. I love it there.

Can't wait to read about the rest!

I promise a new update very soon!

Subbing on... Going back to read... LOVE the title... (but also afraid that's going to be coming out of my mouth next month....

Patricia! So glad you are here. As long as no one in your family ends up in the emergency room I don't think you will end up repeating those words.

I love the look of the HHI resort... It reminds me of a cousin of the Wilderness Lodge... I'm dying to stay there... I know the points vary wildly depending of the time of year....

I hope you get a chance to stay there. The drive is really not bad. It is very similar to the WL but the fishing theme is really obvious. It's very reasonable point wise in the off season and since the weather is so nice for most of the year, that's the time to go.

You made really great time driving.. It probably helps not having someone with a 10 year old bladder...

I do have a ten year old bladder , but I limited my coffee and I did really well on the way down. I think I tried to stay on the "dry" side so I wouldn't be the one calling out for BR breaks.

Love the moss on the trees... can't wait to get a chance to see it...

The Spanish moss is lovely. You are just going to love the low country. It's awesome. You are going to have such a great time!

 

[jedijill]

Jill's Roadtrip to Kansas City Trip Report

Thursday: Loaded jeep with dog and birthday presents up and headed east on i-70 where we passed lots of wheat fields and oil wells. 9 hours later curse the humidity of KC.

3 birthday parties and made 2 cakes.

Monday: Loaded jeep with dog. Headed West on i-70 where we passed lots of wheat fields and oil wells. 9 hours later thank God for no humidity and mountains.

The End.

Sorry...Kansas is very boring.

Jill in CO

 

[MEK]

Jill's Roadtrip to Kansas City Trip Report

Thursday: Loaded jeep with dog and birthday presents up and headed east on i-70 where we passed lots of wheat fields and oil wells. 9 hours later curse the humidity of KC.

3 birthday parties and made 2 cakes.

Monday: Loaded jeep with dog. Headed West on i-70 where we passed lots of wheat fields and oil wells. 9 hours later thank God for no humidity and mountains.

The End.

Sorry...Kansas is very boring.

Jill in CO

Omg Jill. That was too funny and I'm reading on my phone right now so I can't even insert a smilie! Thanks for the laugh! I really wasn't sure if you trip was a driving trip to WDW or something else. I've never been to Kansas so I imagine it looks like what lower Delaware looked like 25 years ago. Only there is a lot more of it! Haha!

 

[Millie12591]

Jill's Roadtrip to Kansas City Trip Report

Thursday: Loaded jeep with dog and birthday presents up and headed east on i-70 where we passed lots of wheat fields and oil wells. 9 hours later curse the humidity of KC.

3 birthday parties and made 2 cakes.

Monday: Loaded jeep with dog. Headed West on i-70 where we passed lots of wheat fields and oil wells. 9 hours later thank God for no humidity and mountains.

The End.

Sorry...Kansas is very boring.

Jill in CO

Yuuuup!!

 

[jedijill]

Omg Jill. That was too funny and I'm reading on my phone right now so I can't even insert a smilie! Thanks for the laugh! I really wasn't sure if you trip was a driving trip to WDW or something else. I've never been to Kansas so I imagine it looks like what lower Delaware looked like 25 years ago. Only there is a lot more of it! Haha!

Once you hit the Colorado border its still another couple of hours until you hit Denver and civilization. Now I remember why I fly most of the time.

Jill in CO

 

[MEK]

Yuuuup!!

So the take home message is that I NEVER want to drive across Kansas. Good to know in case the need ever arises.

Once you hit the Colorado border its still another couple of hours until you hit Denver and civilization. Now I remember why I fly most of the time.

Jill in CO

That and Denver has the coolest airport ever! Seriously, I can't even imagine that because its so NOT like that along the east coast. But I will remember never to drive through Kansas. Thanks for the tip!

 

[MEK]

An Update & Stuff

Sorry that it's been three weeks since I started this TR and I have yet to do my second update. For the past two weeks I have been focusing on ending my job. I've changed jobs before, but I've never turned the lights out on a program. Well, today I did just that. I felt like I was in a TV sitcom when I turned my office lights out for the last time. It was a very weird feeling. I start my new job on Monday. I am excited and nervous. One things for sure - I am ready to move on. I've been in my current position for 11 years. I won't miss the commute, but I will miss a lot of the people.

On Saturday we have Nick's graduation party. We've been doing a lot of stuff around the house and we have a bunch a stuff to do today I'm trying to get an update in now because who knows when I'll update again.

Before I begin my update I want to announce a contest. Yup - that's right. I am generally not a game person, but since many of you know that I recently visited a top secret off-site lodging location during my trip to WDW, I have decided to run a contest to see if anyone can guess it.

So - here's the deal. I will start by giving a clue, then you may ask one question per day. It has to be a "yes or no" question. You may only ask one question a day. Every few days I will summarize the questions and answers. The first person to guess the name of the resort wins. Please list your resort/hotel guess right in my TR. Do not pm me. That way everyone else can keep track of wrong answers. You may have one "yes or no" question a day and one resort/hotel guess per day. So put your thinking caps on because there are a lot of properties in the WDW area.

Ready for the first clue - I booked this hotel/resort on Priceline for $72 a night. I found the resort on trip advisor. It is not on Disney property and it is located approximately 7 miles from MK and 4 miles from Epcot.

Fire away with you questions!


Now on to my HHI TR! When I last left off ( three weeks ago), we had just arrived at the HHI resort. We unpacked, walked around a bit, and had a lovely dinner. The only thing nagging at me was Denny's odd complaint of heartburn after carrying the luggage upstairs. I actually had forgotten all about his complaint by the time we went to bed that evening.

On HHI Day 2 I woke up before the rest of the gang. Is anyone else out there always the first person up, besides me? Jen, I know you are! The only bad thing about being the first person up is that it can be hard to find the lights to the kitchen in a place you are unfamiliar with. But I fumbled around for a bit and finally had a lighted kitchen. I made coffee and got dressed to go for a run. Everyone was still asleep. It was a pleasant run towards the beach. I didn't run all the way, but managed to run about 2.5 - 3 miles that morning. I got back to the villa to find everyone else awake.

C and I headed down to the pool to sign up for kayaking. We wanted to kayak on member day, which was Wednesday. I brought my camera so I could take more pictures of the resort.





The pool looked very inviting.



It was still a little early to go for a swim,







A few more pics near the marina.







Spanish moss



and lots of it



I guess if you live in the low country you get used to Spanish moss, but I still find it intriguing



It was still early, but we decided it would be fun to go visit the beach house. The first time someone visits the HHI resort, the big question is where is the beach? You really can't tell where it is on the island.

In actuality, the beach house is probably about 1.5 miles from the resort. A shuttle bus runs on a regular basis, but it was early, so we all hoped in the car and drove over.

Here is the beach house pool







We were the only ones at the Beach House that early in the morning.

Creative tiles near the pool



The beach house actually has a lovely interior are which looks like this







Seriously - I could live here.





There is some really awesome artwork in there, like this



and this



We walked down to the beach as they were setting up chairs



The chairs are not Disney owned. Rather, they are rented through a beach vendor. I really don't remember the price, other than I thought they were a little "pricey".



We took a nice long walk on the beach

Continued in Next Post.....

 

[MEK]

Continued From Previous Post











The best thing about the beaches at HHI is they are so flat and hard packed. They are perfect for bike riding and running. I think they are like this because HHI was the highest tides along the East Coast (south of the Bay of Fundy). If my memory serves me right, the tides fluctuate 7 - 8 feet per day.







Such a peaceful morning. It really doesn't get any better than this!













Just in case you are interested in the RULES!



We returned to the beach house. The plan was for Denny and C to go shopping while C and I go the pool back at the resort. Gotta love when the boys take on the shopping duties and the girls get to relax!



That's the beach house covered by foliage as seen from the beach



It's really very private, as you can see.



I love this little seating area right outside the counter service area







And the view from that area couldn't be any better



The menu



The more important menu



The bathroom, because what would a TR be without a bathroom picture? I mean, really?



Continued In Next Post.....

 

[MEK]

Continued From Previous Post...

Couple more pictures of the pool on the way out, complete with kids that were using it.







Bye Beach House



View of the Beach House parking lot



We got dropped off at the entrance to the resort, while the boys went to the grocery store



This is the side of the restaurant where we ate the night before.



It's just a short walk across the bridge to get to the resort entrance.

View of the marina from the start of the bridge.



I laughed when I saw this



The night before when we walked home from dinner, these planters had been filled with a hearty, cooler weather plant. Denny commented that they needed to replant everything with some spring/summer annuals. He was spot on, because that's exactly what they were doing.

From the middle of the bridge



View from the resort side of the bridge



Back at the resort I decided to go to the main check in area. I honestly forget why. I think there may have been a minor problem with our villa, so I decided to walk down and talk to them in person. Clearly it was minor, because I can't remember what it was. Oh yeah - my card already deactivated and wouldn't open the gate.



I noticed this building and immediately decided that it had to be the number 1 requested unit because it was right on the Broad Creek and the views had to be spectacular



A view of the fishing pier



Topiaries at the entrance to the Live Oak Lodge



The Lodge



The units in there are mostly all studios. Perhaps there a few 1 BR's in there. Next time we go back it will probably just be a couple's trip, so I'm sure we will be staying in the lodge.

Shadow's House, but would we see Shadow?



Inside the Lodge



Sorry, this is a tad blurry







Yeah - I couldn't resist







Great picture



Continued In Next Post.....

 

[MEK]

Continued From Previous Post

Mickey at the front desk



This view is actually from the side of the lodge and the coveted building I would love to stay in.





From the back of the lodge



I love this view. I could wake up and look at it every day







One more just so I can say "ahhhhhhhhh….."



Back inside on the wall



Another cool painting



Can't forget a picture of this at the registration desk



And with that we walked back to our room and got ready for the pool.

Up Next, more foreboding and a marvelous dinner.

 

[teekathepony]

I am going to bow out of the guessing game. I received some insider information and I think know exactly where you stayed so it just wouldn't be fair!

HHI is so beautiful, the whole thing is gorgeous. I love the little Disney touches everywhere!
That Spanish moss is really awesome. And that beach! Wow, what a place! The buildings and lodges are so gorgeously themed. Looks like a really amazing place.

 

[afwdwfan]

I'm going to be horrible in this game. I hardly know any of the off site properties. I see them as we drive past, but that is about as much attention as I give them.

The more you show us of Hilton Head the more I think I'd like to visit that resort sometime. I liked your pictures, but I especially took note of the "Rules" picture. They sure have a lot of things listed that you're not allowed to do. Is there anything you can do?

 

[wiigirl]

Awesome pictures!

 

[jedijill]

So the take home message is that I NEVER want to drive across Kansas. Good to know in case the need ever arises.




That and Denver has the coolest airport ever! Seriously, I can't even imagine that because its so NOT like that along the east coast. But I will remember never to drive through Kansas. Thanks for the tip!

I do like the Denver airport! I have to fly into Philadelphia for work and I HATE HATE HATE that airport...except the Earl of Sandwich.

Jill in CO

 

[Mndisneygirl]

Did you notice in the "key board" behind the registration desk there are hidden mickeys? We had fun finding them.

I have a lot of the same pictures for my TR, but I'm not quite finished with our WDW part yet. It's going to be kind of weird seeing yours, and then going back and doing mine!!

I may have to do some serious research to even make a guess on the contest. I'll get back to that. But here's my question for the day:

Is it a hotel chain? (like Holiday Inn, Marriott, etc)

 

[marDgreen88]

I've never stayed off property on a Disney trip before and I really have no clue what's out there besides the Disney resorts, so I will say... good luck to everyone else!

Love your HHI pics! I've been a bit interested in it lately, because my mom has always wanted to go to Hilton Head but since we've been to Myrtle Beach so many times, I didn't really think it would be exciting. But the more I see of Disney's resort in HHI, the more I think it would be a great place to go!

 

[rentayenta]

Yay an update!

I know you we're sad to leave your old job but your new one and the future holds great promise. I'm excited for you to begin and hear all about it. Change is bittersweet. I'm not very good at it.

Tell me more about the grad party! Food? DJ? Deets girl!

I will follow along with the offsite game but I'm am not good at games. Or very competitive. Or know anything about off site hotels.

If I'm the Jen you're referring to too, I'm always the first one up. Always. That's one of the reasons I so love our DVC. I don't have to tip tow around and not wake the others. I can bang my heels into the floor if I want. I don't do that but my family swears I do.

Love the resort. The pics are fabulous. I so enjoy a nautical theme. It reminds me of the resort I was at in Nantucket. I've got al album on FB if you want to see the pics. Amazing.

Seashells. I collect them from every beach we visit. I have them all over the house. Sand too.

We do love our bathrooms pics. We're all sick here. But in great company.

 

[saintstickets]

Great TR MEK!! (as usual) The pics of HHI might make me rethink my plans to go there in May, 2015. Yes, I have trips planned that far out using our DVC points....but I'm sure addonitis will strike again and I'll have to redo my whole schedule AGAIN!