I'm hanging in here!!!
I'm still here too!
Thanks guys, worried you wouldn't find me here
It's A Small World ~ Pre Trip Report
- Thread starter ariel2007
- Start date
Thanks guys, worried you wouldn't find me here
A Little Bit of Trip Planning
I went to Mums for a few days over my birthday and the day after my birthday we decided to have a planning session, our one and only. We planned to get KFC, as to make it authentic of course (yes I know were not going to Kentucky but were going to the South, home of the Southern Fried chicken), but it was such a nice day in the end we had a big BBQ instead. After filling up on BBQ food, and some southern fried chicken, we all sat down to discuss and finalize our holiday plans. I showed them the plan I had come up with and we discussed it on a day to day basis. I showed them websites for all the different places and restaurants I had found to visit, and they all agreed they looked good. Discussing it all together made us all so excited and made it all seem so real... and by the end of the night our plan was complete, all we had to do now was get on with booking things.
Tours and Tantrums
When I first looked into Atlanta the first thing that drew me to it was seeing that they had a 6 Flags Magic Mountain. I have seen so many programmes on the parks, and always see their rollercoasters on Top Rollercoaster programmes so thought it would be a great opportunity to go there. Then I found the City Segway Tour, which sounded like the perfect way to see the city, and more fun than sitting on a bus or trolley. At first we were worried Sophie may be too young, but then saw it was for people 12 and over... perfect as she was 12 at the beginning of August. We asked her if she wanted to do it, as I was worried she would say yes and then change her mind when we got there but surprisingly she got so excited about doing it. Then, just before we booked it I emailed the company to double check she would be okay to do it, only to find they had a minimum weight of 100lbs, and she was quite a bit off that. I didn't think she would mind too much but she was so upset, at first she cried and then that turned into one of her very rare but quite explosive tantrums. From then on everything was stupid... when I asked her about what she wanted to do instead and gave her options she just replied "I dont want to go to the stupid zoo", "I dont want to see the stupid panda", "I dont want to go stupid shopping"... and so it went for the next hour or so, everything and everyone was stupid, and it was all the stupid segways fault
. I knew Nick really wanted to do it, he loved it so much in Epcot I had to literally drag him off at the end. And although we hadn't mentioned it to Dad I knew he would absolutely love it. Mum was in the middle, but then decided she really wanted to do it, which was good as Nick didn't want to be responsible for Dad... you see he is the kind of person who is always hurting himself, always doing something incredibly stupid and almost impossible to most other humans, and although segways aren't rocket science to use, it may be beyond his capabilities 
So that was decided, Mum, Dad and Nick were going to do the segway and I was going to look after Sophie. From the beginning I said that if Sophie couldn't do the tour then I would stay with her and we would find something fun to do, just the two of us. Of course at first she didn't want to have stupid sister time, but then she snapped out of her mood and decided it would be great fun. We decided to go to Georgia Aquarium, it was close to the segway office and to other attractions and it looked like fun. Then being the avid planner I am I looked in to any tours they may have to make it extra specially fun for Sophie. They did do one where you can swim with a whale shark but after seeing the size of the blinking thing I quickly put that in the definite NO pile. On the YES pile however went the backstage tour, an hour tour learning about the running of the aquarium and getting closer to the animals. Heres a rundown of the tour:
* Visit the top of the live coral reef exhibit where you will
discover the secrets of the tropical waters and the
mangrove forest.
* Observe where the Aquarium team cares for the animals and prepares their food as you visit the Commissary and Veterinary Clinic.
* Hear the sounds of the "sea canaries" as you look over the top of the beluga whale exhibit.
* Enjoy the view at the top of the largest ocean exhibit in North America (Ocean Voyager), and observe the worlds largest fish, the whale shark, as it swims below you.
* Includes complimentary souvenir photo at top of an exhibit.
And so I booked the tour for Sophie and me as part of her birthday present, which she loved. Hopefully it will be a great experience and we will have lots of fun
. And the segway tickets are booked too, I brought Dad his for his birthday present, which is why we didn't tell him about it, we love to surprise him for all the hard work he does.
Happy Birthday To You...
When it comes to presents I love to get people things I know they will really like and enjoy. I have found that with Mum, who is a right pain to buy for, that taking her to see a show or getting her something to do or see is so much more appreciated than a top she will take back again in a week. And it means we get to do things together which is always nice. So for christmas 2 years ago I got Mum and Dad tickets for We Will Rock You and for this christmas just gone I took them to see Cirque Du Soleil in London, both which we made mini-breaks, and both which we all (Sophie included) loved and enjoyed thoroughly. So for easter I gave everyone the New York themed gift bags with NY goodies and tickets for the night cruise and for mothers day I got Mum a ticket to see the Lion King on Broadway. So then we dont go to New York and I have got us all surprise tickets for the Southern Belle lunch cruise, and have paid for Mum's helicopter flights, so that was that taken care of. But then I thought about Paul and Sophie's birthdays and what I could get them for the holiday. The segway tour was perfect for Paul so I booked that for him. Then I got him a French Connection wash bag with travel mini's, some extra toiletries and some dollars, so that helped sort him for the holiday. For Sophie I booked her the Backstage Aquarium Tour and also got her some mini-toiletries so now she feels so grown-up to have her own. I also got her (among a million other things, she is majorly spoilt by me, its so hard not to spoil her) some clothes for the holiday, including a really cute top with a guitar on, perfect for our holiday.
So Much To Do, So Little Time...
Like I said before when I first looked at Atlanta we decided we were going to go to 6 Flags Magic Mountains, they also had a water park which looked good but we knew we wouldn't have time to do everything. Then we decided to do the segway tour and the aquarium, and that covered the 2 days we had in Atlanta. However, I did the one thing an avid planner should never do when they have formulated a good plan, and kept looking into local attractions. This is when I found Stone Mountain Park, a park just outside Atlanta which had various attractions from paddle steamer boats, to ariel tramways, mini-golf, duck tours, train rides and walks to the top of Stone Mountain. The park looked lovely, really natural but with plenty to do and see. And it seemed a lot more appealing to Mum's tastes too. I tried to juggle the plans every which way so we could incorporate the segways/aquarium, 6 Flags and Stone Mountain but it just wasn't possible, the segways were only at 10am or 2pm and Stone Mountain Park was about 45 minutes out of town. So in the end I decided I would give up 6 Flags as I thought Stone Mountain was a better option for all of us... although its a shame, it gives us another excuse to go back to the area (always thinking ahead ).
Up Next: Party Planning and Presents
I went to Mums for a few days over my birthday and the day after my birthday we decided to have a planning session, our one and only. We planned to get KFC, as to make it authentic of course (yes I know were not going to Kentucky but were going to the South, home of the Southern Fried chicken), but it was such a nice day in the end we had a big BBQ instead. After filling up on BBQ food, and some southern fried chicken, we all sat down to discuss and finalize our holiday plans. I showed them the plan I had come up with and we discussed it on a day to day basis. I showed them websites for all the different places and restaurants I had found to visit, and they all agreed they looked good. Discussing it all together made us all so excited and made it all seem so real... and by the end of the night our plan was complete, all we had to do now was get on with booking things.
Tours and Tantrums
When I first looked into Atlanta the first thing that drew me to it was seeing that they had a 6 Flags Magic Mountain. I have seen so many programmes on the parks, and always see their rollercoasters on Top Rollercoaster programmes so thought it would be a great opportunity to go there. Then I found the City Segway Tour, which sounded like the perfect way to see the city, and more fun than sitting on a bus or trolley. At first we were worried Sophie may be too young, but then saw it was for people 12 and over... perfect as she was 12 at the beginning of August. We asked her if she wanted to do it, as I was worried she would say yes and then change her mind when we got there but surprisingly she got so excited about doing it. Then, just before we booked it I emailed the company to double check she would be okay to do it, only to find they had a minimum weight of 100lbs, and she was quite a bit off that. I didn't think she would mind too much but she was so upset, at first she cried and then that turned into one of her very rare but quite explosive tantrums. From then on everything was stupid... when I asked her about what she wanted to do instead and gave her options she just replied "I dont want to go to the stupid zoo", "I dont want to see the stupid panda", "I dont want to go stupid shopping"... and so it went for the next hour or so, everything and everyone was stupid, and it was all the stupid segways fault
. I knew Nick really wanted to do it, he loved it so much in Epcot I had to literally drag him off at the end. And although we hadn't mentioned it to Dad I knew he would absolutely love it. Mum was in the middle, but then decided she really wanted to do it, which was good as Nick didn't want to be responsible for Dad... you see he is the kind of person who is always hurting himself, always doing something incredibly stupid and almost impossible to most other humans, and although segways aren't rocket science to use, it may be beyond his capabilities So that was decided, Mum, Dad and Nick were going to do the segway and I was going to look after Sophie. From the beginning I said that if Sophie couldn't do the tour then I would stay with her and we would find something fun to do, just the two of us. Of course at first she didn't want to have stupid sister time, but then she snapped out of her mood and decided it would be great fun. We decided to go to Georgia Aquarium, it was close to the segway office and to other attractions and it looked like fun. Then being the avid planner I am I looked in to any tours they may have to make it extra specially fun for Sophie. They did do one where you can swim with a whale shark but after seeing the size of the blinking thing I quickly put that in the definite NO pile. On the YES pile however went the backstage tour, an hour tour learning about the running of the aquarium and getting closer to the animals. Heres a rundown of the tour:
* Visit the top of the live coral reef exhibit where you will
discover the secrets of the tropical waters and the
mangrove forest.
* Observe where the Aquarium team cares for the animals and prepares their food as you visit the Commissary and Veterinary Clinic.
* Hear the sounds of the "sea canaries" as you look over the top of the beluga whale exhibit.
* Enjoy the view at the top of the largest ocean exhibit in North America (Ocean Voyager), and observe the worlds largest fish, the whale shark, as it swims below you.
* Includes complimentary souvenir photo at top of an exhibit.
And so I booked the tour for Sophie and me as part of her birthday present, which she loved. Hopefully it will be a great experience and we will have lots of fun
. And the segway tickets are booked too, I brought Dad his for his birthday present, which is why we didn't tell him about it, we love to surprise him for all the hard work he does.Happy Birthday To You...
When it comes to presents I love to get people things I know they will really like and enjoy. I have found that with Mum, who is a right pain to buy for, that taking her to see a show or getting her something to do or see is so much more appreciated than a top she will take back again in a week. And it means we get to do things together which is always nice. So for christmas 2 years ago I got Mum and Dad tickets for We Will Rock You and for this christmas just gone I took them to see Cirque Du Soleil in London, both which we made mini-breaks, and both which we all (Sophie included) loved and enjoyed thoroughly. So for easter I gave everyone the New York themed gift bags with NY goodies and tickets for the night cruise and for mothers day I got Mum a ticket to see the Lion King on Broadway. So then we dont go to New York and I have got us all surprise tickets for the Southern Belle lunch cruise, and have paid for Mum's helicopter flights, so that was that taken care of. But then I thought about Paul and Sophie's birthdays and what I could get them for the holiday. The segway tour was perfect for Paul so I booked that for him. Then I got him a French Connection wash bag with travel mini's, some extra toiletries and some dollars, so that helped sort him for the holiday. For Sophie I booked her the Backstage Aquarium Tour and also got her some mini-toiletries so now she feels so grown-up to have her own. I also got her (among a million other things, she is majorly spoilt by me, its so hard not to spoil her) some clothes for the holiday, including a really cute top with a guitar on, perfect for our holiday.
So Much To Do, So Little Time...
Like I said before when I first looked at Atlanta we decided we were going to go to 6 Flags Magic Mountains, they also had a water park which looked good but we knew we wouldn't have time to do everything. Then we decided to do the segway tour and the aquarium, and that covered the 2 days we had in Atlanta. However, I did the one thing an avid planner should never do when they have formulated a good plan, and kept looking into local attractions. This is when I found Stone Mountain Park, a park just outside Atlanta which had various attractions from paddle steamer boats, to ariel tramways, mini-golf, duck tours, train rides and walks to the top of Stone Mountain. The park looked lovely, really natural but with plenty to do and see. And it seemed a lot more appealing to Mum's tastes too. I tried to juggle the plans every which way so we could incorporate the segways/aquarium, 6 Flags and Stone Mountain but it just wasn't possible, the segways were only at 10am or 2pm and Stone Mountain Park was about 45 minutes out of town. So in the end I decided I would give up 6 Flags as I thought Stone Mountain was a better option for all of us... although its a shame, it gives us another excuse to go back to the area (always thinking ahead
).Up Next: Party Planning and Presents
Spartangirl
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- May 19, 2007
- Messages
- 1,670
Subbing in! Wow, I LOVE the way you plan your trips!!! I can't wait to hear about all of the wonderful holidays you have planned!
tink1957
Proud Redhead
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- May 18, 2008
- Messages
- 3,401
You've got to be the best trip planner ever!
I've been to both Stone Mountain & Six Flags (I grew up about 5 minutes from there) and I think you would enjoy Six Flags more IMHO, there's more to do there, but as you said there's always next time.
I've been to both Stone Mountain & Six Flags (I grew up about 5 minutes from there) and I think you would enjoy Six Flags more IMHO, there's more to do there, but as you said there's always next time.lmillercrew
DIS Veteran
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- Mar 5, 2007
- Messages
- 2,924
I'm here still and following both your TR and PTR. Can't wait to hear about your next trip to the States!!
BellaSwan
Mouseketeer
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- May 6, 2008
- Messages
- 204
A Little Bit of Trip Planning
I knew Nick really wanted to do it, he loved it so much in Epcot I had to literally drag him off at the end. And although we hadn't mentioned it to Dad I knew he would absolutely love it. Mum was in the middle, but then decided she really wanted to do it, which was good as Nick didn't want to be responsible for Dad... you see he is the kind of person who is always hurting himself, always doing something incredibly stupid and almost impossible to most other humans, and although segways aren't rocket science to use, it may be beyond his capabilities
You had me laughing pretty hard on that one!!!! Although instead of my dad being that way I am that way. He and DH always tease me about being able to fall on perfectly flat ground with nothing around. As much as I would love to try the segway tour at Epcot I am way too scared of falling on my face.
The aquarium is a great idea. I love aquariums. I have only been to the one in Gatlinburg and the one in Myrtle Beach but I have heard that the Georgia Aquarium is really nice. You are going to have a great time!!!
I also applaud your planning skills
HAPPY LATE BIRTHDAY!!!
retiredkid
<font color=blue>Your shots make me want to try ag
- Joined
- Apr 29, 2007
- Messages
- 784
Happy Belated Birthday. I can't remember if we celebrated with you on your other report.
Your plans, as always are fantastic!!! Can't wait to read more.
And it was my dear Mother who was like your Dad and Bella. She would also trip on nothing at all. My dear Dad used to say "There was a hole sticking up"
Your plans, as always are fantastic!!! Can't wait to read more.
And it was my dear Mother who was like your Dad and Bella. She would also trip on nothing at all. My dear Dad used to say "There was a hole sticking up"
Subbing in! Wow, I LOVE the way you plan your trips!!! I can't wait to hear about all of the wonderful holidays you have planned!
Yes, glad you joined us and thanks for your nice comments
You've got to be the best trip planner ever!
Yes I'm a bit gutted we can't do both but I think Stone Mountain will be more fitting for all of us as my Mum isn't in to big rollercoasters and Sophie will probably be too small too... which could lead to big dramas
Yes not long to go now... not even 6 days
You had me laughing pretty hard on that one!!!! Although instead of my dad being that way I am that way. He and DH always tease me about being able to fall on perfectly flat ground with nothing around. As much as I would love to try the segway tour at Epcot I am way too scared of falling on my face.
The aquarium is a great idea. I love aquariums. I have only been to the one in Gatlinburg and the one in Myrtle Beach but I have heard that the Georgia Aquarium is really nice. You are going to have a great time!!!
I also applaud your planning skills
HAPPY LATE BIRTHDAY!!!
Thanks for the birthday wishes and the planning comment, I do love to plan if its for something fun
You should do the Epcot tour, I was worried about falling off but was fine. I've got an idea... if my Dad manages to get through it without hurting himself, or someone else, then you can do it next time you go to WDW... yes
Happy Belated Birthday. I can't remember if we celebrated with you on your other report.
Your plans, as always are fantastic!!! Can't wait to read more.
And it was my dear Mother who was like your Dad and Bella. She would also trip on nothing at all. My dear Dad used to say "There was a hole sticking up"
Thank you, I had a really good day with all my family and got some really good pressies too.
Since your all mentioning about being clumsy or clumsy people I will give you a bit more information about my Dad's clumsiness, or skill of always hurting himself.
Every holiday we go on he always does something really stupid. The first time we went to France Dad nearly got knocked out by a pine cone, of all things to get hurt by... a pine cone. It was so funny. Then a few years ago when we were in a villa in France there was this one King fly which was always annoying us. Dad would always try and catch it, but always failed, until one day... when he swallowed it. He was choking on the King fly... and all we could do is laugh, Mum laughed so hard she pulled a muscle
. In WDW a few years ago Dad and Nick played golf and when we met up with them in MGM at Lights, Motors, Action Dad was missing. Turns out he had rubbed all the insdie of his legs and was now walking like John Wayne, it was sooooo embarrassing. And this is just a small portion of what he does, its like this everyday with him... at least he makes things entertaining, a bit like his driving Hey guys, sorry for not posting anymore updates, I have been so busy trying to get everything ready for the holiday, all our luggage and Mum's presents, checking I've got all the reservations etc. And then when I have had a few spare minutes our internet hasn't been working 
.
Mum, Dad and Sophie are all here, we've just had a nice chinese and some wine whilst we finish sorting some last minute bits. Were off to the airport tomorrow to stay overnight at the Hilton and then were off Saturday morning... were all so excited, me and Sophie have been screaming all night
Anyway I hope everyone is ok, take care whilst I'm away. Speak to you all soon
.Mum, Dad and Sophie are all here, we've just had a nice chinese and some wine whilst we finish sorting some last minute bits. Were off to the airport tomorrow to stay overnight at the Hilton and then were off Saturday morning... were all so excited, me and Sophie have been screaming all night
Anyway I hope everyone is ok, take care whilst I'm away. Speak to you all soon
retiredkid
<font color=blue>Your shots make me want to try ag
- Joined
- Apr 29, 2007
- Messages
- 784
IT'S HERE!!! IT'S HERE !!!
Have a wonderful, safe, DRY trip!!
Hope you can post from time to time
Have a wonderful, safe, DRY trip!!
Hope you can post from time to time
Spartangirl
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- May 19, 2007
- Messages
- 1,670
Have a wonderful trip!
manntra
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Feb 19, 2007
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- 2,367
Have a great trip!!
Side note to BellaSwan: I finished the book and I thought it was great...happy ending and all. I don't understand what all the fuss was about with so many people putting it down .
Take care everyone! I am off to bed to make my flight tomorrow am hoping Fay will stay out of the way!
Side note to BellaSwan: I finished the book and I thought it was great...happy ending and all. I don't understand what all the fuss was about with so many people putting it down
.Take care everyone! I am off to bed to make my flight tomorrow am hoping Fay will stay out of the way!
lmillercrew
DIS Veteran
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Have a GREAT trip. Hope to hear about it when you get back! Safe travels
disneydusted
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Hi Ariel!! I missed your send-off but I have been thinking about you and your family traveling here. We are down in NC right now so we are in the land of southern accents too. 
I hope your mom has a great birthday and loves all of your surprises! I also hope the rain stays away.. seems like it is futher south from you. Can't wait to hear how it all went!
I hope your mom has a great birthday and loves all of your surprises! I also hope the rain stays away.. seems like it is futher south from you. Can't wait to hear how it all went! Home From Our Brilliant Trip... And Very Sad 
Hey Guys, Im back
. Hope everyone is ok, I missed y'all
Well we we got back yesterday and we all had an absolutely amazing time, it was everything we hoped it would be and so much more. I will be writing a trip report when I've sorted everything out at home, done all the washing, put all our zillion souvenirs away etc and of course finishing my WDW Adventure and updating you on our other holiday plans. But for now here is our highs and lows:
HIGHS:
Its hard to mention them all cause there were so many but here is a few.
BA ~ I was worried about flying with them as I have heard so many bad reports but the flights were really good. Nicks headset didnt work on the way over but they were very apologetic and have passed on the issue to CS. And all our cases made it back to us.
Hilton Gatwick ~ A big hit with my parents and little sister, their family room was absolutely huge, they want to move there.
Sheraton Read House, Chattanooga ~ Gorgeous hotel with lovely rooms and extra comfy beds. I worried after some reports on here but it was perfect and the others loved it.
Chattanooga ~ A lovely city with so much to see and do. Our trip up the river on the Southern Belle Riverboat was great as was visiting the beautiful Rock City with views over 7 States.
Our Cabin in the Smoky Mountains ~ WOW. It was absolutely gorgeous, none of us wanted to leave. No-one knew what it would be like but Nick and I and they were expecting some 1 storey, 1 bedroom thing with no view. In reality it was 4 floors, 4 bedrooms, 2 hot tubs, amazing views over the mountains and absolutely gorgeous decor. Mum was so amazed she cried for ages. And it was so nice relaxing in the hot tub under the stars with a glass of champagne after a long day.
Dollywood ~ An amazing park with beautiful scenery, a lovely, charming, laid back atmosphere, great rides and friendly people. Yes its not on Disney's scale but we didn't compare it to Disney as it was pretty different. It was still well themed but had much more natural beauty, and with the shows and food showed a real insight into country life.
Mum's 50th Birthday ~ An amazing memorably day. She loved all her pressies, including her Tiffany's necklace from her 3 girls, and we had a great day with a great lunch at Hard Rock Cafe, Dolly Partons Dixie Stampede and our own mini cowboy party.
Dixie Stampede ~ It was great to see it again after closing in Florida. And it was great to see it where it all started.
The Smoky Mountains National Park ~ So beautiful and varied. We did an auto tour round Cades Cove and it was fantastic.
Our helicopter tour ~ An amazing experience with beautiful views over the towns and mountains.
The food ~ Real southern food, with real southern charm.
The people ~ They are all so friendly but in such a natural way. It was lovely getting to meet Dolly's kinfolk at Dollywood and great to see so many older people working there, it added to the charm of the place.
The area ~ Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg had so much to offer, all the restaurants we know from Florida and many local ones too, mini golf, go karts, shops and so much more. We were worried it was going to be too tacky as we had heard it was but we loved it. And being surrounded by the mountains was great.
Atlanta ~ An amazing city with so much to see and do. There were some big events happening there so there was so much atmosphere, it was great.
Sheraton in Atlanta ~Another lovely hotel with a great pool area and such comfy beds.
Georgia Aquarium ~ Sophie and I went there whilst the others did a City Segway Tour (which they loved) and it was amazing. It is laid out so well and getting to see the huge Whale Sharks was so cool. We did a backstage tour and got to see the Whale Sharks and beluga whales up close and also learn more about the aquarium and life there. It was great and great spending quality time with Sophie.
Hard Rock Cafe ~ Both the one in Gatlinburg and one in Atlanta were great. When we went to the one in Atlanta there was some big College League football games that day and it was absolutely packed and buzzing with so much atmosphere. It was great to be a part of it and see how supportive they are of their teams, but also how friendly their rivalry is. It made us all want to move there.
The Cheesecake Factory ~ Great fod all round, and a lovely surprise for Mum.
Stone Mountain Park ~ A great, natural park with so much to see and do. The ariel tram to the top of the mountain was great and then the views from the top were absolutely amazing. It was great value, and different from the normal theme parks.
Their lazer show was amazing and the atmosphere again was so cool, there were so many people, people were getting spots for it at 10am and the whole lawn was packed. They had bands playing all day, and the show itself was so clever and patriotic, it was great to be a part of it.
LOWS:
There weren't really many, and none that put our holiday down at all.
Not having enough time ~ We didn't manage to do half the things we wanted to do, there was just so many things to see and do. More reason to go back though
The weather ~ For the first week we had rain. Saying that it didn't really prevent us from doing anything we wanted it just meant we had to walk round Dollywood and Gatlinburg soaking wet. We also had to postpone the helicopter tour which was booked for Mum's birthday for a few days. It did clear up on our last day in the mountains and from then on we had clear blue skies and it was so, so hot, so it was probably good it rained for Dollywood as we don't know if we could have coped in that heat.
Not seeing bears in the National Park ~Some people saw them but we didn't get to unfortunately.
Coming home ~ We had such an amazing time, none of us wanted to come home . Were already planning on going back again soon, hopefully next year
Anyways I hope to catch up with you all soon. I hope everyone is ok and hasn't been hit by the storm too hard, love and good wishes to you all
Hey Guys, Im back
. Hope everyone is ok, I missed y'all Well we we got back yesterday and we all had an absolutely amazing time, it was everything we hoped it would be and so much more. I will be writing a trip report when I've sorted everything out at home, done all the washing, put all our zillion souvenirs away etc and of course finishing my WDW Adventure and updating you on our other holiday plans. But for now here is our highs and lows:
HIGHS:
Its hard to mention them all cause there were so many but here is a few.
BA ~ I was worried about flying with them as I have heard so many bad reports but the flights were really good. Nicks headset didnt work on the way over but they were very apologetic and have passed on the issue to CS. And all our cases made it back to us.
Hilton Gatwick ~ A big hit with my parents and little sister, their family room was absolutely huge, they want to move there.
Sheraton Read House, Chattanooga ~ Gorgeous hotel with lovely rooms and extra comfy beds. I worried after some reports on here but it was perfect and the others loved it.
Chattanooga ~ A lovely city with so much to see and do. Our trip up the river on the Southern Belle Riverboat was great as was visiting the beautiful Rock City with views over 7 States.
Our Cabin in the Smoky Mountains ~ WOW. It was absolutely gorgeous, none of us wanted to leave. No-one knew what it would be like but Nick and I and they were expecting some 1 storey, 1 bedroom thing with no view. In reality it was 4 floors, 4 bedrooms, 2 hot tubs, amazing views over the mountains and absolutely gorgeous decor. Mum was so amazed she cried for ages. And it was so nice relaxing in the hot tub under the stars with a glass of champagne after a long day.
Dollywood ~ An amazing park with beautiful scenery, a lovely, charming, laid back atmosphere, great rides and friendly people. Yes its not on Disney's scale but we didn't compare it to Disney as it was pretty different. It was still well themed but had much more natural beauty, and with the shows and food showed a real insight into country life.
Mum's 50th Birthday ~ An amazing memorably day. She loved all her pressies, including her Tiffany's necklace from her 3 girls, and we had a great day with a great lunch at Hard Rock Cafe, Dolly Partons Dixie Stampede and our own mini cowboy party.
Dixie Stampede ~ It was great to see it again after closing in Florida. And it was great to see it where it all started.
The Smoky Mountains National Park ~ So beautiful and varied. We did an auto tour round Cades Cove and it was fantastic.
Our helicopter tour ~ An amazing experience with beautiful views over the towns and mountains.
The food ~ Real southern food, with real southern charm.
The people ~ They are all so friendly but in such a natural way. It was lovely getting to meet Dolly's kinfolk at Dollywood and great to see so many older people working there, it added to the charm of the place.
The area ~ Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg had so much to offer, all the restaurants we know from Florida and many local ones too, mini golf, go karts, shops and so much more. We were worried it was going to be too tacky as we had heard it was but we loved it. And being surrounded by the mountains was great.
Atlanta ~ An amazing city with so much to see and do. There were some big events happening there so there was so much atmosphere, it was great.
Sheraton in Atlanta ~Another lovely hotel with a great pool area and such comfy beds.
Georgia Aquarium ~ Sophie and I went there whilst the others did a City Segway Tour (which they loved) and it was amazing. It is laid out so well and getting to see the huge Whale Sharks was so cool. We did a backstage tour and got to see the Whale Sharks and beluga whales up close and also learn more about the aquarium and life there. It was great and great spending quality time with Sophie.
Hard Rock Cafe ~ Both the one in Gatlinburg and one in Atlanta were great. When we went to the one in Atlanta there was some big College League football games that day and it was absolutely packed and buzzing with so much atmosphere. It was great to be a part of it and see how supportive they are of their teams, but also how friendly their rivalry is. It made us all want to move there.
The Cheesecake Factory ~ Great fod all round, and a lovely surprise for Mum.
Stone Mountain Park ~ A great, natural park with so much to see and do. The ariel tram to the top of the mountain was great and then the views from the top were absolutely amazing. It was great value, and different from the normal theme parks.
Their lazer show was amazing and the atmosphere again was so cool, there were so many people, people were getting spots for it at 10am and the whole lawn was packed. They had bands playing all day, and the show itself was so clever and patriotic, it was great to be a part of it.
LOWS:
There weren't really many, and none that put our holiday down at all.
Not having enough time ~ We didn't manage to do half the things we wanted to do, there was just so many things to see and do. More reason to go back though
The weather ~ For the first week we had rain. Saying that it didn't really prevent us from doing anything we wanted it just meant we had to walk round Dollywood and Gatlinburg soaking wet. We also had to postpone the helicopter tour which was booked for Mum's birthday for a few days. It did clear up on our last day in the mountains and from then on we had clear blue skies and it was so, so hot, so it was probably good it rained for Dollywood as we don't know if we could have coped in that heat.
Not seeing bears in the National Park ~Some people saw them but we didn't get to unfortunately.
Coming home ~ We had such an amazing time, none of us wanted to come home
. Were already planning on going back again soon, hopefully next year Anyways I hope to catch up with you all soon. I hope everyone is ok and hasn't been hit by the storm too hard, love and good wishes to you all
manntra
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Feb 19, 2007
- Messages
- 2,367
Yay! Happy to see you had such a great time! I was thinking you may have had some rain because Fay left Florida pretty much the day we got there and then headed your way. Can't wait to read all about everything in your great detailed way! I wrote a mini TR on the DVC mousellaneous board if you want to check it out--some cool pics.
Take care! I am planning my next trip already and I know you are too!!
Can't wait to read all about everything in your great detailed way! I wrote a mini TR on the DVC mousellaneous board if you want to check it out--some cool pics. Take care! I am planning my next trip already and I know you are too!!
retiredkid
<font color=blue>Your shots make me want to try ag
- Joined
- Apr 29, 2007
- Messages
- 784
Can't wait to read all about it!!!!!
Looks like a pretty amazing trip......when the lows are all about coming home, you know you've had a good holiday!!!
Looks like a pretty amazing trip......when the lows are all about coming home, you know you've had a good holiday!!!
disneydusted
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jan 17, 2008
- Messages
- 766
Hey! You've made it home and you had a great time! I'm so glad! I was also wondering if Fay messed up your time down south but it sounds like you all survived. Looking forward to hearing all about the trip!!
lmillercrew
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Mar 5, 2007
- Messages
- 2,924
Oh Goodie Goodie! You're back. I'm so glad you had a great trip to the states. I do hope you finish your Disney TR and maybe we'll here more about your Dollywood trip.
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