If we can DREAM it, we can do it! ..... another 30 day vacation Update 02/07

[Jillpie]

Welcome back Karin, we missed you! nice update, reminded me of our free night at the Hyatt, after getting bumped from our flight a few yrs ago, nice memories! We're staying there before our cruise in April. Is it too soon to wonder when your next update is, we loooove all the pictures and your storytelling.

 

[pigletgirl]

Awesome start! Subbing.

 

[WDisneyMom]

glad to hear you had a great time in Italy!

 

[pas130]

YES!!! I would and I did call them back and we are now all set to stay at the Southernmost again and this time with a nice discount!
We still have nearly 11 months until we go, but our summer 2013 vacation could not have started with a nicer planning detail.

Oh, and since we are on the subject of planning ........

We have gone back to looking into airfare (free flights) to Paris for a weekend. Keep your fingers crossed ....... this school year is off to a great start vacation wise.

Woohoo for a new trip to plan.......yay

 

[caroleRWO]

Hi Karin,
Definitely another trip is the best way to get over post-vacation blues
We so think alike - I finally booked our Paris trip - free flights using Amex points.
Now we have a nice weekend planned at Disneyland Paris before Christmas.
Carole

 

[dizneeat]

This is the first time I have seen pictures of the Hyatt. Very nice. The rooms are really nice and its pretty cool to sit outside and watch the airplanes fly by.

Bummer about the Owner's locker being MIA. I guess not a lot of them get delivered to the Hyatt.

Yeah for already planning your summer vacation for next year.

I am glad you like the photos. The rooms were nice and large and we loved the balcony and the view of the planes.
To be honest, I am getting kind of used to luggage services not knowing about Owner's Locker. Last time at the Poly they didn't find it either.

We actually came home with our mind made up about next year's vacation. We just turned things around a bit. We started out with the idea of driving to Key West right after our next year's cruises, but then the crowds over Labour Day hit us and we decided to go to Key West for Labour Day instead, leaving 4 days after the cruise and 5 days after Key West at WDW.

I was really interested in seeing the rooms at the Hyatt. It was a very nice room & balcony. It would be so cool watching the planes come & go.

Sbarro is not doing well, seems like I did read something about the company going into bankruptcy. Sbarro's is not a favorite of mine either.

Staying at the airport was really fun, especially since we did not have to hit another line to pick up a rental car and pay Disney prices for a late arrival.

I told Tom about Sbarro's tonight and he was surprised, but admitted that his visit was about 20 years ago and things change.

Great pictures of the Hyatt. We stayed there once a long time ago and it was all a blur to me so, cool to see the rooms. I don't remember ours having a balcony though. Did you get a special room? Because that looks totally cool to watch the planes land and take off.

Enjoying your trip report...

When I booked the room I booked an Executive room which has an outside balcony/patio instead of the "balcony" overlooking the arrivals hall. We were pretty pleased with our choice and I am sure we will book the same category room again.

Welcome back Karin, we missed you! nice update, reminded me of our free night at the Hyatt, after getting bumped from our flight a few yrs ago, nice memories! We're staying there before our cruise in April. Is it too soon to wonder when your next update is, we loooove all the pictures and your storytelling.

Thank you! Even though we needed to get back to work, it's nice to be back home again.
The Hyatt is so convenient if you are travelling on, or going on a cruise. I am sure you are going to love it there.
I am currently working on typing our Italy report and am already working on day three, so I guess there should be an update either tomorrow or the day after ..... well, I hope to post more than one update of the Italy trip.

 

[dizneeat]

Awesome start! Subbing.

Welcome!
Glad you enjoy the trip report and reading along.

glad to hear you had a great time in Italy!

We really did ..... trip report (with lots of pics) coming up soon.

Woohoo for a new trip to plan.......yay

Can't live without having another one in the works. And we are throwing around the idea of going to Disneyland Paris before Christmas.

Hi Karin,
Definitely another trip is the best way to get over post-vacation blues
We so think alike - I finally booked our Paris trip - free flights using Amex points.
Now we have a nice weekend planned at Disneyland Paris before Christmas.
Carole

I am glad you think so too!

When are you going to Paris? We are thinking about going Friday to Sunday in mid November. I need to check for holidays in France and really want to see the Christmas decorations up.

 

[dizneeat]

Italy September 2012

Day 1, September 21

“Is that a water view?” - Part 1

Well, this trip to Italy was a REAL spur of the moment trip. We had just returned from a 4 week vacation in the US and were suffering from Post Disney Depression when I tried to price a short weekend getaway to Disneyland Paris. Prices were outrageous and we quickly said goodbye to the idea. Kind of as a joke we decided to see if we could get away to Italy for the weekend. I looked it up and low and behold there was a room available. We gave it a quick thought and booked the room and though the idea for this trip was born.
On Friday we both had to work. Tom started his day super early, so he would be able to get home early, get everything set up and we would be ready to leave when I got home. My lessons started at 10am and I was done at 5 to 1pm. Usually the drive home only takes me half an hour and since I was prepared and had brought everything with me for the last lesson I was in my car at 1pm.
I got on the road and pressed the button for my phone on the steering wheel and it did not work. Tried again, nope, it didn’t work. So I had to stop, get the phone and use it the old fashioned way, by holding it in hand. After I had told Tom that I was on my way I got in my car and got going again, but not very far. There is a detour on the way and a truck was trying to cross a very fragile and narrow bridge.
More minutes wasted and I was starting to get really nervous. Once the truck had cleared the bridge traffic started rolling again and I was on my way. No more hiccups and I made it to the grocery store where I quickly picked up some sandwiches and then I was finally arriving at Tom’s.
He was already waiting for me, the car was packed and we decided to have our sandwiches on the road. A quick drink of water and we were in the car and on the road. We had planned on leaving at around 1.30, by then it was close to 2pm. Traffic in the city was heavy and it took a while to get out of the city, but once we hit the motorway we were going at a nice pace. About 50 km into our drive the traffic jam warning on the GPS went off

and suggested an alternate route. We were a bit weary, but decided to wait and if we would see the traffic getting heavier we would indeed take the detour. So we drove for another 50 km

and the exit for the detour was approaching and while we were still discussing IF we should follow the GPS we saw the end of the traffic jam and got off the motorway.

Our drive followed one of the country roads and was pretty scenic, so we were indeed happy with our decision.

After about 20 minutes we went back onto the motorway and were driving with little traffic,

when the GPS warned us of another traffic jam. There was another alternate route which was a few minutes shorter, so we decided to trust the GPS and follow its advice. Then, when the exit came closer we weren’t all that sure any more, as the traffic was still light, but then again, with the exit in sight we saw the traffic jam building up and got off the motorway. Again, we followed a country road and we were happy we did, as it was a really beautiful drive

AND saved some time as well. About half an hour later we again got back onto the motorway

and drove for another 30 minutes, when we left the motorway again, to drive into the nearby town to fill up the car again, as gas IS expensive at the gas stations along the motorway and in Italy.
While Tom filled up the car, I got some M&Ms and some water out of the trunk and then we finally hit the road again. About 45 minutes later we left Austria behind and were in Italy.

There were still another 150 km of drive ahead of us, but we were close enough.

As we drove the mountains got smaller and smaller

and finally the scenery opened up and we were on the home stretch.

Within a short time we left the motorway and drove towards Lignano Sabbiadoro which lies at the tip of a peninsular.

 

[MEK]

Thank you for the wonderful scenery pictures. I have never been to Europe and I just love reading about it. The mountains are amazing.

Thank goodness for your GPS working properly. Sounds like it saved you a bunch of time!

 

[jedijill]

I love the pictures....I love the Alps.

Jill in CO

 

[WDisneyMom]

beautiful beautiful pictures, Karin!!

 

[basketlacey]

Beautiful! I was confused for a minute because by Italy, I thought you meant EPCOT. Obviously, I've got Disney on the brain! Rofl

 

[Wicket's Mom]

The photo of the castle is so cool, almost like Sleeping Beauty's!

The Swiss looking chalets were nice also. I've always wanted to go to Europe, maybe some day, but I don't have much hope of getting there anytime soon!

 

[podsnel]

What a gorgeous drive! I need a gps like yours- how great that you missed the traffic and had an even more beautiful ride!

 

[pas130]

Can't live without having another one in the works. And we are throwing around the idea of going to Disneyland Paris before Christmas.

That scenic drive is just lovely Karin!!!

Yep I understand the need to plan an immediate return to Disney...

 

[dizneeat]

Thank you for the wonderful scenery pictures. I have never been to Europe and I just love reading about it. The mountains are amazing.

Thank goodness for your GPS working properly. Sounds like it saved you a bunch of time!

I am glad you like the photos of the scenery. We are so used to seeing the Alps day in day out, but once I started to take pics for my DISfriends I really started to see them differently.
The GPS DID save a lot of time. We were to check in by 8pm and only had 6 hours for a 5 1/2 hour drive, so NOT being stuck somewhere was a nice treat for my nerves as well.

I love the pictures....I love the Alps.

Jill in CO

I love how the scenery changes. Where we live it is more rolling hills, then there are the Alps to cut through and finally the country flattens out again towards the seaside. Really beautiful.

beautiful beautiful pictures, Karin!!

Thank you!
You take a lot of it for granted, but taking pics to post here made us see the scenery differently.

Beautiful! I was confused for a minute because by Italy, I thought you meant EPCOT. Obviously, I've got Disney on the brain! Rofl

You know, I was thinking that I should write "the real Italy" when I started, but then forgot about it.
Plus, you are not the only one with Disney on her mind ..... guess who else is thinking Disney all the time?

 

[dizneeat]

The photo of the castle is so cool, almost like Sleeping Beauty's!

The Swiss looking chalets were nice also. I've always wanted to go to Europe, maybe some day, but I don't have much hope of getting there anytime soon!

I loved the view of the castle too! It so nicely sits on top of this mountain and even has a funicular railway going up to it.

The "Swiss looking chalets" are actually Austrian farmhouses. They are really typical for the Salzburg/Styria area.
If you'll make it to Europe, let me know and I'll put together a really scenic route through your countries of choice.

What a gorgeous drive! I need a gps like yours- how great that you missed the traffic and had an even more beautiful ride!

The drive is really awesome down there. The scenery changes so much and we are amazed every time at how much not even the scenery, but even the style of buildings change. And once we arrive there are a lot of things that remind us of our childhood vacations.

That scenic drive is just lovely Karin!!!

Yep I understand the need to plan an immediate return to Disney...

I guess the drive is pretty impressive. We consider ourselves lucky to have so many different views and to be so close to a lot of European countries.

 

[Minnie&Nana]

Karin, the photos are gorgeous! I can see how one gets used to living with such natural beauty all around. After living in New England for so many years, I have a greater appreciation now that we are in NC. I am not sure there is anywhere more beautiful in the Fall than New England.

Every time I see your photos of Austria, it always looks like Disney reality , rather than the lovely copies in the parks.

I would not share this with anyone who doesn't love Disney as much as all of us...but the first time we went to England, I called home and told my godson (who had been to WDW/DL many times with us) that England was like Disney come alive...and a million times better!

Thanks so much taking the time to share your trip with us...it's wonderful!!

 

[mickeystoontown]

I guess now is as good a time as any to confess that I've always been a lurker on your trip reports. I have an excuse though.....it seems as if I catch them half way in and then there's too much to comment on so I just read along. I promise to post this time around.

Wow! The pictures that you took while driving to Italy are beautiful! Here in Louisiana, we have no mountains so I really enjoyed your gorgeous views.

 

[dizneeat]

Italy September 2012

Day 1, September 21

“Is that a water view?” - Part 2

Within a short time we left the motorway and drove towards Lignano Sabbiadoro which lies at the tip of a peninsular.
We contemplated doing some shopping at one of the supermarkets prior to arrival, but then decided against it, as we knew, check in was only until 8pm and it was already past 7pm. The hotel is in a pedestrian area and once we had reached that, we very slowly drove the last few metres to the hotel. We left the car in the driveway and when we got out of it, the receptionist, was already out in front of the hotel to greet us. All of us quickly went inside and we were handed our keys and the voucher for a beach umbrella and some deck-chairs and when I offered her an ID, she just smiled and told us that we no longer needed them. We had been there before and all our info was in the computer and she was happy to have us back. We were very surprised and happy and then we were off to park our car. The receptionist went down to the garage with us to show us our assigned parking spot and to help manoeuvre the car in.
Now, let me tell you that the garage is small and holds A LOT of cars. The spots itself are VERY small and there is not much room to position the car. So Tom had to move the car back and forth to fit it into the tiny, slightly tilted spot, but in the end he made it. The receptionist waved goodbye and wished us a wonderful stay and we opened the trunk, got all our stuff out and hauled it over to the lift to get it into our room, which was on the second floor.
It was very conveniently located close to the lift and after we had taken everything in, we took some photos

and I peeked out the window. The blinds were halfway down when I moved the curtain and all I could see was a wall and part of the parking lot. So I proclaimed it a parking lot view room, but who cared anyway, we were on vacation.
We both picked a drink out of the ice-chest and refreshed, before we headed out in search of some dinner. Now, since the hotel is located on the main shopping street, we just started slowly walking up the street, looking at shops and checking out the restaurants. The ones that looked inviting were full, others were completely empty, so we kept on walking.

About halfway up the street there is a large restaurant which we both know from previous visits and they were only three quarters full, so we headed inside, picked a table, sat down and were greeted and handed a menu. Tom ordered

some beer which he had more than earned after a 5 ½ hour drive and I ordered a Diet Coke, which funnily enough came in a slender can. We both decided on ordering pizza. Tom ordered the

Frutti di Mare Pizza, venus mussels, clams, mussels, tomatoes, parsley and a seafood mix. I had thought about several pizzas and then went for an unusual pizza “in my opinion”. I ordered the

Caprese, tomatoes, cheese, garden rocket, parma ham, olives and fresh tomatoes. Both arrived very quickly and were wonderful, a thin crisp crust, topped with tasty tomato sauce and a lot of yummy ingredients. We both were obviously very hungry as we both finished our pizzas. Once we had finished our meal and settled the bill we realized how tired we both were. It was half past nine, when we left the ristaurante and we slowly made our way back to the hotel.

A lot of the shops had closed by then, but there were still a lot of tourists strolling along. It took us about 20 minutes to get back to our room and once we were inside, we started to unpack and get comfortable. Since we didn’t bring that much stuff, unpacking was an easy affair and suddenly it dawned on me that I hadn’t even really looked out the window, so I opened the blinds in the kitchen, pulled the curtain to the side and took a look outside.
Hm, what was that back there in the dark. Something glittering? Well, what could it be, it couldn’t possibly be the beach and the sea. So I called Tom over and asked if this was “another water view room”.
He took one look and indeed he was sure we had been put in a water view room. So, off we went to the next window to take another peek. And low and behold there was a beautiful view of the beach to the left and a kind of obstructed view of the beach to the right. Oh well, we had another room to check out.
And there we went, into the bedroom, blinds up and curtain moved aside and we had two perfect water views, one to the left and one to the right, both only divided by a building in the middle. To say I was excited is a bit of an understatement. But even with an adrenalin kick from discovering the view we both were dead tired and decided to call it a night and head off to bed. We only had one full day and we wanted to make the most of it.