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

[Moira222]

Happy (late) New Year Mary Ellen! I have finally been able to catch up on your trip.

Your last day and 1/2 at Disney looked wonderful! Have not done the Pirates attraction at DHS...I was so disappointed in the Narnia exhibit that it turned me off. Maybe we will give it a go next time!

SCORE to get in Test track twice & soarin all in a morning at epcot! I like the car designs, especially the second car. I am looking forward to doing it again when I get to design the car in stead of Katie!

Looks like lunch is the time to go to Coral Reef. It does not look crowded at all and great seats near the aquarium. Your meal looks yummy.

I have bookmarked your not so secret resort...it looked absolutely gorgeous as a Disney Resort option.

Daytona....NICE.. It is strange to go into the stores down there and see the variety of alcoholic beverages and the prices are quite decent.

Your February get away looks peaceful. We want to spend more time exploring Florida are such Dis-a-holics we can't pull ourselves away! It will be nice for you to do the beach and a bit of Disney time. The cottage house looks so cozy.

oh..and WOOT WOOT for no mandatory OT and only 2 nights a month!

 

[Millie12591]

Mary Ellen, I think I'm going to have to vacation with you at some point.

You know how to blend in the perfect amount of being on the go, seeing the sites and knowing when to relax thrown in. How do you do it? Is it a wisdom thing that only comes with having the kids out of the house?

I too think it would be almost impossible for me to just lounge on the beach for a vacation, Vero sounds like honest to heaven torture to me.
I know, bad Diser.
But if I knew I were going to vacation like you, I think I could actually enjoy myself. A little lounging mixed in with knowing I'll be active at some point would be ideal. But the idea of beach lounging every. single. day.

You'll have to show me the way.

I think the little beach house is beyond adorable!
I'm with Jill, I could totally see myself living there. All that white and charm, looks like pure perfection.

Your pictures are so much fun, I have a beautiful Sony camera John got me a couple of years ago and I've never really learn to use it, since Brenda and I are talking/planning this Oct. trip I think I'll have her show me how to use the darn thing. It's not a DSLR, but as close as you can get to one while still being a point and shoot.
Lots of fangled choices on it and I have no idea what in the world I'm doing!

I love how the person who parked their beach bike on the sand used their flip flop to keep the kick stand from sinking into the sand.
Very clever.
At first I was thinking how in the world did they get it to stand up on the sand without falling over, then I saw the shoe. Totally Brill.

As always your updates are amazing and full of wonderful pictures and details (I'm a details girl), I love reading TR's but I have to say your TR is one of the few I truly look forward to.

 

[MEK]

Great pics!

Thanks wiigirl! Glad you approve!

I remember camping at Ft. Desoto back in my college days, it was beautiful!

Really? I'm glad to hear it's beautiful. It sure looks that way in the pictures. I'm excited to see it!

I've never spent a lot of time in Tampa, are you thinking of going to Busch Gardens? I haven't been there in years either, but it used to be a lot of fun!

Denny asked if we were going there and I did consider it, but then I nixed it. Since we still have the WDW AP and will be hitting those parks at the beginning and the end of the trip, I really wanted to do more non-park things for the rest of the trip. I want to take the time to explore the area. If we go back we'll definitely do BG.

Kinda makes me want a beach house? There's no kinda about it. Michael can retire in 749 days from the FD and we are OUT after that if all goes as planned.

Wow! Really???? That is so awesome! I'm totally jealous! That's for sure!

What beautiful beach photos. Just what I needed on this freezing cold and ugly Utah winter day. Sounds like a great tim was had.

Tell me about it. Winter is just too long, isn't it? I feel like its been so long since I've seen the sun! I miss it!

You ran with a hangover? Good girl. <----- That's me worshipping you. No seriously.

It couldn't have been a really bad one or I never would have made it.

I was so hungover this Friday morning I could barely find it in me to shop. Three hours in the jacuzzi with old friends and two cases of beer will do that to you. Could have been the 4 vodka, soda, with a splash of cranberries as well. Good times.

What? Not THAT's hungover. No shopping. Seriously? That's bad.

I think you'll like a night at the Value but not much more. We stayed one night at Art of Animation before our last WDW trip and while I love the big colors and icons, I did miss the little perks DVC has got us all so accustomed too. But it was fun for a night. AoA is a super cute resort though.

I think the values are super cute. The last time I stayed at a value was when Denny and I did a free dining trip to Pop. I loved it. It was a great stay. But now that I have been staying DVC for so long it might seem a little weird. We'll see.

The February trips sounds incredible! I love the way you were able to maneuver and manipulate the original plans. I think you are taking a page or two from Cynthia's playbook (and I say that with all due respect)

Nothing like working it a bit, right?

A page from Cynthia's playbook? I love that. But no one can beat Cynthia for uber planning.

My fingers (and toes) are crossed that you get the BCV waitlist.

Thanks. I won't be disappointed if I don't. I'm actually looking forward to staying at SSR since its been so long since I've stayed in one of the regular villas. So I will be happy with either outcome.

I can't wait to read about the wonderful places you have described in your post.

************************************************

I hope we can fit everything in. I am looking forward to trying something new and to exploring the gulf coast.

Back to your trip- sounds like a really nice start.

You mean the drinking? Or the bike ride and the beach? No - seriously - Daytona is always fun. I love it there.

Some shopping for bargain booze, a birthday dinner with dear friends, a run, a group bike ride, a mellow day at the beach. Works for me!

Me too! The beach was awesome that day. The weather was PERFECT!

We have had this discussion, but the liquor selection at Costco would blow me away because of the crazy liquor laws we have here in Mass restricting where you can purchase adult beverages.

It's the same here and in PA. It is just so restricted. That liquor selection was pretty expansive. I wanted to take a picture of the whole place, but I thought that might seem a little odd to the rest of the patrons.

 

[KatMark]

First and foremost, I am so happy that we are going to see you on March 5 for lunch. I told Mark he has to wear a hat.

And now you want me wanting a beach house. The area is just beautiful. I think we will have to go to the Daytona Beach Shores the next time we head that way because Daytona Beach just isn't what it used to be.

Your pictures at the beach are just beautiful.

 

[scottny]

The plans sound great and that house looks so cute.
We used to go to Tarpon Springs when I was a kid. I loved the trips there.
MMM, Greek food.
SSR is a good choice. I love grandstand area. I could not do BCV for one night as I would want to enjoy the pool to much and I would fear rain. LOL
Bring your ID they proofed Vinny in Florida so they we are much younger than we appear. LOL. The orange mimosa champagne sounds good. Were you proofed?
Nice houses on the beach.
Love Denny’s shirt.
Great update and pics.

 

[Disney9.9.10]

Your plans for February sound great! There are so many things to do and so little time, but you guys have picked some really fun excursions. I hope that you get to take your Kayak tour this time!!

The carriage house room is so cute! And the price definitely seems right!

We've stayed at the All-Star resorts before, and they honestly aren't bad at all. They were always clean, the theming is adorable, and they really have a Disney feel to them. The updated dining area looks great, too.

 

[MEK]

Well, you have some great plans on the horizon. I've been to Tampa a couple of times to visit Busch Gardens. Don't remember much about Tampa, the park was nice, but certainly not Disney.

The park does look nice. It looks a lot like the BG in Wilmington - meaning its on the same par. Nothing beats Disney, though. There is part of me that wants to visit BG even though there are plenty of other things to do.

I prefer the Atlantic coast to the Gulf, the beaches seem prettier to me. We've been to Daytona quite a few times. It always seemed very windy when we were there, but it was usually during March.

Really? That's interesting. I can't wait to get the chance to compare. I thought that some of the gulf coast beaches had fine white sand. It will be interesting to see.

The cottage you booked is absolutely charming. I would rent that place in a heart beat.

Isn't it cute. I am really looking forward to staying there. I know it's not everyones cup of tea, but it really does like cute.

I love the picture of the mother & daughter on the beach. Someone took a random picture of my son & his partner his partner getting married on the steps of the Capital in DC. The picture was posted on Facebook & within a few days my son saw the picture. That was such an amazing thing to happen. Maybe you could do the same thing to find the mother.

That is so cool. What is the chance of that happening? I guess it's worth a chance. You never know. People's paths do cross in strange ways.

Catching up around these parts.

Welcome back Stranger! I hope your holidays were excellent!

Sounds like Daytona was nice to you and you were able to really relax a bit.

It really was a nice relaxing afternoon. I'm not a huge beach person, but usually once I get there I have no trouble settling in and relaxing!

Good for firming up your Tampa plans. Lots of great things to do and score on the carriage house.

I love the carriage house. I hope its as cute in person and is it in on the internet. I don't quite have the Tampa plans completely solid, but I have definitely made some progress with things!

Daytona looks nice - you got some awesome pictures at the beach - the kids - LOVE those!! I like to try to catch some of those type with my kids.

Thanks! I love taking pictures of kids. There is something so spontaneous with children. Play is their work and they do it so intently.

Your Tampa trip sounds fun too! It's nice to be able to add other things in and try new places. What a cute cottage!!

I am really looking forward to seeing Tampa. It looks like its a beautiful area with so much to do. I really want to explore the rest of the state of Florida a little more.

 

[MEK]

Happy (late) New Year Mary Ellen! I have finally been able to catch up on your trip.

Yay! Hope the new year is going well for you so far!

Your last day and 1/2 at Disney looked wonderful! Have not done the Pirates attraction at DHS...I was so disappointed in the Narnia exhibit that it turned me off. Maybe we will give it a go next time!

Our last morning was a lot of fun thanks to the instant FP's.

I don't think I ever ventured into Narnia, but I'm glad I went in to see this. Visually, it was a cool attraction, especially for the photographer in me.

SCORE to get in Test track twice & soarin all in a morning at epcot! I like the car designs, especially the second car. I am looking forward to doing it again when I get to design the car in stead of Katie!

So Katie designed your car? Cool. I'm not very good at the design phase. I just can't make decisions fast enough. Nevertheless, I enjoyed watching Denny do the design elements.

Looks like lunch is the time to go to Coral Reef. It does not look crowded at all and great seats near the aquarium. Your meal looks yummy.

I have bookmarked your not so secret resort...it looked absolutely gorgeous as a Disney Resort option.

There prices there now are not super low, but I have a feeling that the prices drop again in summer which makes it a great option for a summer trip.

Daytona....NICE.. It is strange to go into the stores down there and see the variety of alcoholic beverages and the prices are quite decent.

I wish I had taken a picture of the Costco liquor store because it seemed massive. Too much to take in and since we were flying home I didn't want to be tempted by too many purchases.

Your February get away looks peaceful. We want to spend more time exploring Florida are such Dis-a-holics we can't pull ourselves away! It will be nice for you to do the beach and a bit of Disney time. The cottage house looks so cozy.

I have trouble pulling myself away from Disney too. Obviously, cause if I didn't I would spend the whole time in Tampa. But we know THATs not going to happen.

oh..and WOOT WOOT for no mandatory OT and only 2 nights a month!

It's been a huge relief - you have no idea! I liked the money, but not the stress of working that much.

Mary Ellen, I think I'm going to have to vacation with you at some point.

Well, if I'm not mistaken it looks like our paths are going to cross in October. I'm looking forward to that!

You know how to blend in the perfect amount of being on the go, seeing the sites and knowing when to relax thrown in. How do you do it? Is it a wisdom thing that only comes with having the kids out of the house?

Before I started going to WDW I always planned outdoors vacations - ones that included sight seeing and outdoor activities like biking, hiking, skiing. I really love being outside and seeing new things. The Daytona relaxation comes from the fact that we absolutely have to see our friends when we are down in Florida. We don't do it every trip, but we like to see them at least once a year.

I too think it would be almost impossible for me to just lounge on the beach for a vacation, Vero sounds like honest to heaven torture to me.
I know, bad Diser.
But if I knew I were going to vacation like you, I think I could actually enjoy myself. A little lounging mixed in with knowing I'll be active at some point would be ideal. But the idea of beach lounging every. single. day.

You'll have to show me the way.

Honestly, for most of my vacations I am totally happy to stay at WDW and just do the parks. I feel like I'm missing out if I'm not. But lately I have wanted to explore other parts of Florida. I really want to be a snowbird when I retire. If I am going to spend 6 or 8 weeks there in the winter I obviously need to do more than WDW. 6 weeks of the parks might be a bit too much for anyone. I think that's why I am on the kick to explore other areas of the state.

I think the little beach house is beyond adorable!
I'm with Jill, I could totally see myself living there. All that white and charm, looks like pure perfection.

I hope its as cute in person and it is in pictures. I just thought it looked perfect for us, especially considering the price. A room at a Holiday Inn Express was at least that much a night (probably more). The prices were ridiculous because spring training starts in March.

Your pictures are so much fun, I have a beautiful Sony camera John got me a couple of years ago and I've never really learn to use it, since Brenda and I are talking/planning this Oct. trip I think I'll have her show me how to use the darn thing. It's not a DSLR, but as close as you can get to one while still being a point and shoot.
Lots of fangled choices on it and I have no idea what in the world I'm doing!

I think the major thing to learn is how to change your settings to take low light pictures. Everything else can be done in an automatic mode. You want to pick a mode where your flash does not go off constantly. You probably have a P mode. Use that the majority of the time. For low light you need to use the TV mode and adjust the shutter speed to get in enough light but not blur the pictures. Just experiment and delete a lot .

I love how the person who parked their beach bike on the sand used their flip flop to keep the kick stand from sinking into the sand.
Very clever.
At first I was thinking how in the world did they get it to stand up on the sand without falling over, then I saw the shoe. Totally Brill.

I guess those beach people get pretty creative in beating the elements. They know all the tricks. I know my friends certainly do from living there so long.

As always your updates are amazing and full of wonderful pictures and details (I'm a details girl), I love reading TR's but I have to say your TR is one of the few I truly look forward to.

One of the reasons I love taking pictures so much is that I tend to ignore details in real life, but in pictures I am able to capture them and then appreciate them later. Thank you for the compliment. I really appreciate it!

 

[MEK]

First and foremost, I am so happy that we are going to see you on March 5 for lunch. I told Mark he has to wear a hat.

I am SUPER excited!!!!! How great is that? I can't believe we are overlapping. I am very excited to meet Mark and, of course, see him in a hat!

And now you want me wanting a beach house. The area is just beautiful. I think we will have to go to the Daytona Beach Shores the next time we head that way because Daytona Beach just isn't what it used to be.

DBS is really nice. There is easy parking, close restrooms, and an expansive beach. I don't think I have ever been to the main area of Daytona except to drive by it. We always go to DBS with K & T. They know just where to go.

Your pictures at the beach are just beautiful.

Thanks!!!!!

The plans sound great and that house looks so cute.

Thanks! I am excited to stay there. It just looked too cute and the reviews really sold me.

We used to go to Tarpon Springs when I was a kid. I loved the trips there.
MMM, Greek food.

Really? How cool. I can't wait to try some greek restaurants. All the menus look amazing.

SSR is a good choice. I love grandstand area. I could not do BCV for one night as I would want to enjoy the pool to much and I would fear rain. LOL

We spent a lot of time at the Grandstand area when we stayed in the Treehouses. I really do love SSR. I think I like the Congress Park area the best because I love the pool there.

I hear ya on the rain. That would stink. Plus, if I do get BCV it will be a tease staying there for just one night.

Bring your ID they proofed Vinny in Florida so they we are much younger than we appear. LOL. The orange mimosa champagne sounds good. Were you proofed?

I can't even tell you the last time I was proofed. Denny used to get proofed until his hair turned totally white.

Nice houses on the beach.

Daytona Beach Shores is a nice area. I always enjoy visiting there.

Love Denny’s shirt.

I love that shirt. I can't believe he left it at home in October. What the heck? He's not a fan of white t-shirts, which I do NOT understand.

Great update and pics.

Thanks!

Your plans for February sound great! There are so many things to do and so little time, but you guys have picked some really fun excursions. I hope that you get to take your Kayak tour this time!!

So much to do, so little time - right? The number one thing I want to do is kayaking, so I am going to make sure it happens. I was so bummed to miss out on it at HHI. I am really looking forward to this winter getaway!

The carriage house room is so cute! And the price definitely seems right!

Those are the reasons I was sold - it looks adorable and the price really can't be beat! Plus the awesome reviews on VRBO.

We've stayed at the All-Star resorts before, and they honestly aren't bad at all. They were always clean, the theming is adorable, and they really have a Disney feel to them. The updated dining area looks great, too.

I've stayed at ASMusic and I really liked it there. Honestly, I would much rather stay at a value resort than pick a random resort. I mean, I have stayed off site when I've gotten free nights for one reason or another. But I do like the advantage of the magic band, plus the cute theme. It's a winner.

 

[chattadisser]

I think your February trip sounds wonderful. I grew up about one town away from Tarpon Springs to the north. You’ll love the weather that time of year. The sponge docks are kinda cheesy (you can purchase any item you can think of made out of shells) but there are also some awesome places to eat, especially if you like Greek food. I remember doing the sponge dive back when I was a kid with my grandparents! I thought it was so cool then, now it just seems cheesy.

The carriage house looks super nice, I’m not sure where it’s at in town but take the drive down the boulevard to the beach, beautiful old homes to see along the way. You might also like Dunedin, it’s about one town down alternate 19 from Tarpon Springs, cute little downtown with shops and it’s on the way to Clearwater.

Traffic around the area will take some time as it’s winter and its all highways with stop lights every quarter of a mile or so. I would say it will take an hour to get from Tarpon Springs to Tampa or St. Pete. You might want to check out the Dali museum in St. Pete one day while you are down there. PM me if you have any questions and I’ll be glad to help in any way I can.

Christine

 

[MEK]

I think your February trip sounds wonderful. I grew up about one town away from Tarpon Springs to the north. You’ll love the weather that time of year. The sponge docks are kinda cheesy (you can purchase any item you can think of made out of shells) but there are also some awesome places to eat, especially if you like Greek food. I remember doing the sponge dive back when I was a kid with my grandparents! I thought it was so cool then, now it just seems cheesy.

Really? How cool. I knew I would find someone who knew the area. The sponge docks do look rather cheesy. I think I read they actually import the sponges? Whaaaaaat? But I am excited to try the Greek food. That looks amazing.

The carriage house looks super nice, I’m not sure where it’s at in town but take the drive down the boulevard to the beach, beautiful old homes to see along the way. You might also like Dunedin, it’s about one town down alternate 19 from Tarpon Springs, cute little downtown with shops and it’s on the way to Clearwater.

I believe the carriage house is several miles east of the actual town of Tarpon Springs. Away from the main tourist area, but close enough.

I notice that Dunedin looked like a cool town. I love old homes and historic areas so both sound cool to me. And we definitely need to take the drive to Clearwater.

Traffic around the area will take some time as it’s winter and its all highways with stop lights every quarter of a mile or so. I would say it will take an hour to get from Tarpon Springs to Tampa or St. Pete. You might want to check out the Dali museum in St. Pete one day while you are down there. PM me if you have any questions and I’ll be glad to help in any way I can.

Christine

That's sort of what I was thinking - about an hour to get to Saint Pete. I was hoping there might be a quicker way to get from Tampa to the Tarpon Springs. Oh well, I will strictly be in tourist mode so I'll be taking it all in during the drive.

Thanks for the offer. If I come up with some questions I will definitely take you up on that.

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

I think the plans for February look nice! I wish I had a vacation on the horizon to look forward to!

Holy crap - I am used to our tiny little outside liquor store here in Delaware.

At the Costco? Yeah, it does seem like an afterthought there.

Despite the hangover I am sure I had, I got up early to go out for a run. I ran through K & T's development and for some random reason I took a picture when I got to this gate and hand to turn around.

Well...um...that's a very nice gate you have there.

I know we were out for several hours and I remember that K pays no attention to traffic patterns or signals. Yeah - it was one of THOSE kind of rides.

I thought it was odd that this tree had a lock around it. Like someone might want to steal it?

Now that is weird. I got nothing.

 

[afwdwfan]

I love the plan for the February trip. Like you said, you've got an AP, so you might as well use it... It looks like you got a fantastic deal on the condo... let's just hope Denny is wrong and the reviews are accurate.

I'm actually kind of disappointed that you didn't buy the bargain basement mimosa wine from Costco. I'm often intrigued by cheap liquor and have to try it just to see if it is really as bad as it's price might lead me to believe. Sometimes it is a pleasant surprise!

 

[amazingact21]

I'm sure you're going to love Tampa. I've never been to that side of FL before, but everywhere along the Gulf of Mexico is just gorgeous. I can't wait to see your photographs of the beautiful beaches.


All Star Sports is not a bad place to stay for a quick trip. Although, I do agree, not having coffee in the room stinks. From my experience, the several times I've been there, the resort is never crowded and the rooms are immaculate. Can't ask for much more with a All Star value....


Haha, we are pretty lenient here with our booze. You should see the local stores during a holiday. Alcohol as far as the eye can see!


Beach days are great. Especially when it's not crowded like it seemed you guys lucked out with.

 

[Wicket's Mom]

My son went Duniden last year, he liked it a lot, said it had a lot of nice shops. They used to make cigars in Tampa, it was a pretty big industry back in the day.

There are lots of neat little places in back roads of Florida. Near where my mother lived was Crosscreek where The Yearling was written. Also another town south of Gainsville is Miconopee, lovely sleepy small town. A lot of nice antique stores, I love Disney, but their really is lots to explore in Florida.

My son called this evening with the news he had won a three day trip to Disney. He just was there January 3, his first trip since the late seventies.

 

[MeMom]

I lived in St. Pete when I was a teenager, so I will look forward to all the pictures you take of the Tampa/St. Pete area. I want the girls to see more of Florida, too, outside of Disney World. We enjoyed our time at Vero last summer, and we explored the Brevard Zoo, as well. We spent a day at Sea World. I want to get them over to Busch Gardens and show them St. Pete and Clearwater Beach, but it will probably be a few years before that happens.

Yay for a February trip for you, by the way. February is possibly my least favorite month of the year. The holiday fun is over, spring break still seems far away, and it is cold, cold, cold - and I do not do well in the cold. I think the carriage house is cute.

 

[khertz]

Your February trip sounds wonderful! It will be fun to get to see another part of Florida and still have your Disney fix.

Daytona beach looks beautiful! I love the pictures of the kids running through the sand and water. It looks like they are really having a blast.

 

[MEK]

I think the plans for February look nice! I wish I had a vacation on the horizon to look forward to!

You've got something better to look forward to - a baby! Then I'm sure it won't be too long until you are planning your next great advantage!

At the Costco? Yeah, it does seem like an afterthought there.

No kidding - especially after seeing the warehouse sized liquor store in the Florida costco. It was HUGE!

Well...um...that's a very nice gate you have there.

Well…um…thank you!

Exactly. Every time he would just dart across the road I was a nervous wreck. I mean - granted he lives there so he should know the traffic patter, but still.

Now that is weird. I got nothing.

You mean that lock stumped you? Of all people? Then I totally give up!

I love the plan for the February trip. Like you said, you've got an AP, so you might as well use it... It looks like you got a fantastic deal on the condo... let's just hope Denny is wrong and the reviews are accurate.

I really hope the reviews are spot on. I will be so excited to say, "I told you so". Seriously, I'm kidding. I just had to give it a try. It looked too cute to pass up.

I'm actually kind of disappointed that you didn't buy the bargain basement mimosa wine from Costco. I'm often intrigued by cheap liquor and have to try it just to see if it is really as bad as it's price might lead me to believe. Sometimes it is a pleasant surprise!

I'm intrigued by all liquor. I know that makes me sound like a lush, but I do get a kick out of all the different types, brands, and bottles. Probably if I had been home I would have tried it. I guess I knew if we didn't drink it right away I would have to pack yet another bottle to fly with and we had already picked out two.

I'm sure you're going to love Tampa. I've never been to that side of FL before, but everywhere along the Gulf of Mexico is just gorgeous. I can't wait to see your photographs of the beautiful beaches.

I have heard the Gulf of Mexico is pretty amazing, so I am really looking forward to seeing it foe myself. It's going to be a nice treat. It's always good to see new places.

All Star Sports is not a bad place to stay for a quick trip. Although, I do agree, not having coffee in the room stinks. From my experience, the several times I've been there, the resort is never crowded and the rooms are immaculate. Can't ask for much more with a All Star value....

You really can't. Just knowing that the room is going to be clean and well maintained it important to me. I'm not sure why they haven't added coffee machines yet. I hope someday they do. But I think I can manage!

Haha, we are pretty lenient here with our booze. You should see the local stores during a holiday. Alcohol as far as the eye can see!

Then I would have a field day because I am very much intrigued by pretty bottles. I love roaming up and down the isles of a liquor store. I love looking at the bottles and seeing the vast variety of that even one type of booze has.

I
Beach days are great. Especially when it's not crowded like it seemed you guys lucked out with.

It was not crowded AT ALL!!!! It has never been crowded when we have visited in June. Does it ever get crowded? Somehow I doubt it.

 

[MEK]

My son went Duniden last year, he liked it a lot, said it had a lot of nice shops. They used to make cigars in Tampa, it was a pretty big industry back in the day.

Really? Cool. Happy to hear his endorsement of the place.

I didn't know that about the cigars. Interesting.

There are lots of neat little places in back roads of Florida. Near where my mother lived was Crosscreek where The Yearling was written. Also another town south of Gainsville is Miconopee, lovely sleepy small town. A lot of nice antique stores, I love Disney, but their really is lots to explore in Florida.

I am finding exactly that. It seems like each town has something. I am shocked at how much there is to see in the Tampa bay area. I am really looking forward to it.

My son called this evening with the news he had won a three day trip to Disney. He just was there January 3, his first trip since the late seventies.

Wow. Congratulations to your son! That is awesome! Two trips in one year when he hasn't been there in years. Now that 's something!

I lived in St. Pete when I was a teenager, so I will look forward to all the pictures you take of the Tampa/St. Pete area. I want the girls to see more of Florida, too, outside of Disney World. We enjoyed our time at Vero last summer, and we explored the Brevard Zoo, as well. We spent a day at Sea World. I want to get them over to Busch Gardens and show them St. Pete and Clearwater Beach, but it will probably be a few years before that happens.

Did you? Cool. So you must know the area fairly well. I am looking forward to taking pictures and seeing some new sights. I have a feeling I am really going to like the area.

I am torn about visiting BG. Part of me would like to spend a day there, but the other part of me wants to do more "nature" and sight seeing type things.

I'm sure you'll be a great tour guide when you do get the girls over there.

Yay for a February trip for you, by the way. February is possibly my least favorite month of the year. The holiday fun is over, spring break still seems far away, and it is cold, cold, cold - and I do not do well in the cold. I think the carriage house is cute.

My thoughts exactly. January and February are my least favorite months because I feel like spring is never going to come and I miss the sun. Now I have something to look forward to. yay!

Your February trip sounds wonderful! It will be fun to get to see another part of Florida and still have your Disney fix.

Exactly. I am really looking forward to it. At first I was thinking there would be no Disney, but its sort of hard to go to Florida and NOT go to Disney. Actually, its pretty impossible!

Daytona beach looks beautiful! I love the pictures of the kids running through the sand and water. It looks like they are really having a blast.

Parts of Daytona are really lovely. The sand is nice and fairly white and the beaches are huge. Compared to the beaches near me its such a world of difference. I always enjoy a nice Daytona Beach Day. And those kids do look like they are having a blast.

 

[tinacaplan]

Checked the vid on FB; loved it! I love that song, too.

Your ride pictures never cease to amaze me....and you're right...definitely wish i was in Disney right about now.

And you got gorgeous shots of my favorite geodesic dome.

The place in Tarpon Springs...can I move in?? Some day we will venture off Disney property. There are so many other things I'd love to see in Florida. I don't think I'd even know where to start.

Your time at Disney sounds great, too. You know my feelings on the Beach Club and SAB. It is my definition of heaven, I swear!

Oh, yeah, and I definitely want a beach house. In Florida. Or any house in Florida.