Mel's Pre-trip Report: Interactive Version

[Birdrav]

We have been to Charlotte many times. We always drive to WDW from West Virginia and the drive through Charlotte ( and Jacksonville) is the part I dread the most.

Two winters ago my daughter had a figure skating competition in Charlotte and we go to Lake Norman and came to a dead stop for 1 hour!
Lake Norman is really pretty and we had lots of electronics to keep us busy so it wasn't so bad.

We are leaving for this years Disney trip on friday
We are staying at a resort that is actually closer to Universal. Does anyone know where the grocery stores are in that area?

 

[Muffinygood]

Two winters ago my daughter had a figure skating competition in Charlotte and we go to Lake Norman and came to a dead stop for 1 hour!
Lake Norman is really pretty and we had lots of electronics to keep us busy so it wasn't so bad. That's where all the race car drivers live! My DH got offered a job for one of the teams and I looked at houses there. GORGEOUS!
We are leaving for this years Disney trip on friday Lucky!
We are staying at a resort that is actually closer to Universal. Does anyone know where the grocery stores are in that area?Nope, but someone should if you ask on the Universal Board...

Hi Jodi!
I need to work on my next chapter tomorrow. Buzz is moving right along. He'll be home next week because of Linnie's surgery, so he might churn more out. I'd better get moving to get us those margaritas! I'm still on Buzz's #19.1.a - SM Maintenance & Body Parts Disposal Crew Post. He's a frickin hoot![/B]

Wait a minute... don't you read my trippie? That was our first meal in Florida-- the pizza meal from the Super Target! We stopped there to pick up some groceries and saw the guy that looked like the Crabman from My Name is Earl!OMG, Rofl!!!

Are you driving down from MI? or flying and renting a car? Driving from MI. This will be the first time since our honeymoon... Which was MUCH better than yours!



I have never been to Charlotte NC,,
BUT! I have driven to FL, not WDW, Does it count? yes
I was 20, and engaged, he had just finished paramedic school in VT. His parents had retired in West Palm Beach,and he know he could get a paramedic job down there,, So we packed up my brand new car that my Mom had bought for me 6 Mos earlier and drove down. I`ll never forget the look on Moms face as we left the house.. It was a fun drive though! Think 20 YO in love moving to FL!! we stopped once in SC to sleep. I still smell Georgia paper mills, georgia was also my first palm tree sighting ever!!
We lived in a old people trailer park in his grandmothers trailer.. He ended up cracking up the new car and he made me use the $900 check my mother had given me for emergencies only! to buy an crappy used car..
I left 6 months later and met my husband 2 weeks after I got back home. its been 20 years (2 weeks ago) that I last saw him, I left for the auto train in the morning and he was still sleeping..
There is my driving to florida story,,boring,,but you asked!

OMG Ed! SOOOO NOT boring! Glad you find the RIGHT guy after that fiasco!

You went into the Super target?!! I saw that from the ME bus!! I got so excited,, I didnt know there was a Super Target till then!! (I dont leave RI much)

Ha! Ed, you kill me!

Hi Mel!!! Havent read anything yet,,but am going back to do that now!!

Hi Ed!!!!

Hi MEL! Hi Jodi!

I'm in for this one too. Yay!
We'll be staying at OKW in October. We've stayed at VWL in a one bedroom in Jan 2007 and our girls didn't have a problem sleeping on the sofabed. We're doing a one bedroom in October too and they'll have the sofabed again. We'll see how they do then. Just wondering because my boys are older and my DS15 is 6 foot 1 1/2 inches tall!!

This past December DH and I took an adults-only trip and split our stay between BCV and AKV. We stayed in a studio each place but I'm happy to say that no one had to sleep on the sofabed. We were celebrating our 10th anniversary. Well, thank god!

As for groceries, I think we stopped at a SuperTarget in December on the way over from the airport. I don't remember the prices being much higher than here in Indy. We've also gone to the Publix on 192. It was much cheaper than the Goodings right near DTD. thanks!

Thanks for having me. I should have brought a hostess gift of some sort. Your presence is enough!
MadJacksMom is OK. That's for both of my kids, not just one who is always mad. My name is Kim. Nevery Kimmy, if you expect me to respond. Kim it is!
I have never had to pull out the sleeper sofa yet.

Thanks!

Depending on how early you are Bugging out of Charlotte...Staying two days and then leaving early the third...

You could swing by the speedway and see if they will let you take the van out for a spin. HA HA !!!Um, we're doing that! Ha! I'm a huge Nascar fan. My husband works with a couple of the teams and with UNCC's engineering team...

Grab an early Lunch at "On the border" or go and play at Chuch E Cheese
Be sure NOT TO GET STUCK IN THE TUBES... It takes them nearly an hour to get them things apart.. which can be uncomfortable if you happen to be upside down, on your back... ( Not that I know this personally)OMG!!! I have not had that experience yet, but I did have to climb up them once when DS15 was little and got wigged out and wouldn't come down! AWFUL.

Need some new duds... Concord Mills baby... Nuff said...Staying at the Staybridge Suites at the Concord Mills...yay!

An English friend of my parents sent me a Brittania Bearm remember how those were going for $400 or more! I wish I had sold it now but it didn't feel right as it was a gift. Of course now they are worth nothing. Yes, it is sad. I couldn't part with my bear collection and now I'm stuck with roughly 30 beanie baby bears....worth NOTHING.

I'm on board!

Yay!

 

[DisneyJo]

Just marking my spot, I'll be back to read in a while

 

[kykatt2]

So After you race the "Van" around the track... you head over to the Dale Earnhart Museum... grab a few things...

Close to an hour away is Spencer.. It houses the NC Transportation Museum.

Several nice locomotives, Cars. You can even take in a ride around the yard on a train. ( those will vary during the year)

Sometimes you can get in the "Working Cab" and blow the horn.

And for the record.. I REALLY DO NOT KNOW ABOUT getting STUCK in the Chuck E Cheese tubes.... but it did actually happen when I was at one one time.
Guy curles up in sort of a fetal position... and he got wedged..
So be careful when in the tubes girlfriend !!

 

[kykatt2]

Hi Jo...

Are we all good and "christened"..
Did we make all the right seating decisions?? Or are we still stressing ??

 

[DisneyJo]

All read now and I'm absolutely no help to you so far Never been to Charlotte, don't even know where it is and we've never bought groceries in the US!!!!!

I'll try better next time

Hi Jo...

Are we all good and "christened"..
Did we make all the right seating decisions?? Or are we still stressing ??

I'm trying to decide the best way to write about it

 

[Muffinygood]

Just marking my spot, I'll be back to read in a while

HI Jo! Thanks for coming by! Don't worry, I'm sure you'll be able to help me on the next day (which I will post tomorrow!)

 

[KatGarcia]

HI KAT! Glad you're here! So, have you ever driven to FL? If you haven't, then what is the first thing you'd buy at the grocery store when you got there? I'm thinking wine....

We have not driven to Florida...although I think it would be nice to once..ifg we had enough time to stop a bit and see the country some.

I'm with you on the wine!!! I def should have brought more "spirits" with us this past time.

I sent myself a box of groceries to the resort and it worked out really well. Now I know better what to bring but it def was a good idea!

 

[jmskinner]

Are you driving down from MI? or flying and renting a car?



I have never been to Charlotte NC,,
BUT! I have driven to FL, not WDW, Does it count?
I was 20, and engaged, he had just finished paramedic school in VT. His parents had retired in West Palm Beach,and he know he could get a paramedic job down there,, So we packed up my brand new car that my Mom had bought for me 6 Mos earlier and drove down. I`ll never forget the look on Moms face as we left the house.. It was a fun drive though! Think 20 YO in love moving to FL!! we stopped once in SC to sleep. I still smell Georgia paper mills, georgia was also my first palm tree sighting ever!!
We lived in a old people trailer park in his grandmothers trailer.. He ended up cracking up the new car and he made me use the $900 check my mother had given me for emergencies only! to buy an crappy used car..
I left 6 months later and met my husband 2 weeks after I got back home. its been 20 years (2 weeks ago) that I last saw him, I left for the auto train in the morning and he was still sleeping..
There is my driving to florida story,,boring,,but you asked!

That was not boring!

Ok, I just had to subscribe. My DH's family lives outside of Charlotte. I am sitting here trying to think of any stories. DH would tell you to eat at South 21. He loves their onion ringss.

Don't have any grocery stories, but might after our trip to WDW this June since we will have a rental car when we get there and will probably stop on the way.

Please give us more!

 

[Muffinygood]

DH would tell you to eat at South 21. He loves their onion ringss. It's on the list!!
Please give us more!Yes, of course! And

Update Below!

 

[carrieannie]

Update Below!

I think I`m early to the update party! I brought flowers!!

 

[Muffinygood]

Day Two-Update ***Mel's Interactive Pre-Trippie!!***

Sorry this is late guys! I had every intention of posting this at 7 am this morning. I typed the whole thing and then hit something and DELETED IT ALL!!!! ARGH!!!!


So, here's the next part!

Wake up early! Gus and I are going to the "Behind the Steam Trains Tour at MK" We have to arrive at the tour no later than 7:15 am. I am really excited about this tour. It sounds like alot of fun! I am thinking we'll take poptarts and juice boxes with us to the park as it will be WAY early for breakfast. The tour ends at 11 am.

So, has anyone done this tour? Do you have photos? And thoughts on what the best way to get to MK from BWV at that hour?

While we are doing the "train thing", DH and Goofy will (hopefully) be awake and showering so they can make it to their 8:30 am ADR at Ohana for the character breakfast. I know they are 40 and 15, they wanted to! They are so silly. If they served LAPU LAPU'S at 8 am, I'd be suspicious of my DH's real intentions!

So, who's done this character breakfast? What is the food like? I think it's table service, but all you can eat. Again, what is the best way to get from BWV to the Poly?

After the breakfast and trains, I think we will have DH and Goofy meet us at the MK because they ARE only a monorail stop or two away! Perhaps we will ride one or two rides before we bug out! We will make our way back to the hotel for some swimming and *adult beverages* at the pool. The kids will pretty much dictate how long we are at the pool. I would be fine getting wet, jumping out and going back to the room to veg out but it's never up to me!!!

Do you guys like the pool at BWV? It looks great, except I can't decide if that slide is funny or SKEERY!!!! Anyone's kids afraid of it???

After swimming and 'vegging" we will shower and get ready for our MOM AND DAD ONLY dinner at the WL. I have a 6pm ADR at Artist's Point. I cannot wait! The kids are going to take the boat across to the MK and ride roller coasters together till around 9:30 pm. I figure it's as safe as it can be. They are going to be IN THE PARK, they both have cell phones (as do we) and it's only for 3 hours. Goofy is a GREAT big brother. They never fight and I trust him completely. We'll arrive just in time to watch the fireworks with the kids. Then we'll head on "home."

I know this letting the kids go to MK alone might be rough territory for some of you. What do you guys think? I mean, if I normally leave them home while we are on a regular date, is it really THAT much less safe there? Input welcome.....

So, that's day two. You guys do your part now!!

 

[ncsjodi]

Day Two-Update ***Mel's Interactive Pre-Trippie!!***

Sorry this is late guys! I had every intention of posting this at 7 am this morning. I typed the whole thing and then hit something and DELETED IT ALL!!!! ARGH!!!!


So, here's the next part!

Wake up early! Gus and I are going to the "Behind the Steam Trains Tour at MK" We have to arrive at the tour no later than 7:15 am. I am really excited about this tour. It sounds like alot of fun! I am thinking we'll take poptarts and juice boxes with us to the park as it will be WAY early for breakfast. The tour ends at 11 am.

So, has anyone done this tour? Do you have photos? And thoughts on what the best way to get to MK from BWV at that hour?

Dh did this in December. I got up early and drove him to MK that morning. Dropped him off at the corner by the Contemporary. There's no bus service this early, so it's either have someone drive you or take a cab.

DH is supposed to write his review of the event on our trippie soon. I'll bug him to get it done! I have, however, posted pics of a very empty MK on my trippie that he took that morning. They are cool!

While we are doing the "train thing", DH and Goofy will (hopefully) be awake and showering so they can make it to their 8:30 am ADR at Ohana for the character breakfast. I know they are 40 and 15, they wanted to! They are so silly. If they served LAPU LAPU'S at 8 am, I'd be suspicious of my DH's real intentions!

So, who's done this character breakfast? What is the food like? I think it's table service, but all you can eat. Again, what is the best way to get from BWV to the Poly?



After the breakfast and trains, I think we will have DH and Goofy meet us at the MK because they ARE only a monorail stop or two away! Perhaps we will ride one or two rides before we bug out! We will make our way back to the hotel for some swimming and *adult beverages* at the pool. The kids will pretty much dictate how long we are at the pool. I would be fine getting wet, jumping out and going back to the room to veg out but it's never up to me!!!

Do you guys like the pool at BWV? It looks great, except I can't decide if that slide is funny or SKEERY!!!! Anyone's kids afraid of it???

After swimming and 'vegging" we will shower and get ready for our MOM AND DAD ONLY dinner at the WL. I have a 6pm ADR at Artist's Point. I cannot wait! The kids are going to take the boat across to the MK and ride roller coasters together till around 9:30 pm. I figure it's as safe as it can be. They are going to be IN THE PARK, they both have cell phones (as do we) and it's only for 3 hours. Goofy is a GREAT big brother. They never fight and I trust him completely. We'll arrive just in time to watch the fireworks with the kids. Then we'll head on "home."

I know this letting the kids go to MK alone might be rough territory for some of you. What do you guys think? I mean, if I normally leave them home while we are on a regular date, is it really THAT much less safe there? Input welcome.....

So, that's day two. You guys do your part now!!

I think your plan sounds good. My kids are much younger than yours, so we'd never let them go off on their own. However, I can see us doing that when they're older. Never been to Artist Point, but I've heard really gud things.

I met DH after the train tour at MK. I believe I was on the Haunted Mansion when he finally called me. It was pretty close to 11:00 am. He was pretty tired after getting up so early, so we ended up going back to BCV after lunch and taking a nap.

Never been to the BW pool (or the BC pool for that matter), so I can't help you there. Hopefully we'll be spending some time at OKW pool come October though.

 

[Montana Disney Fan]

Hmmm... what's going on in here...

 

[kykatt2]

Day Two-Update ***Mel's Interactive Pre-Trippie!!***

Sorry this is late guys! I had every intention of posting this at 7 am this morning. I typed the whole thing and then hit something and DELETED IT ALL!!!! ARGH!!!!


So, here's the next part!

Wake up early! Gus and I are going to the "Behind the Steam Trains Tour at MK" We have to arrive at the tour no later than 7:15 am. I am really excited about this tour. It sounds like alot of fun! I am thinking we'll take poptarts and juice boxes with us to the park as it will be WAY early for breakfast. The tour ends at 11 am.

Scott has always wanted to take that EARLY tour... Since Joshua really loves trains.. but the lecture would be too much for him probably.

After swimming and 'vegging" we will shower and get ready for our MOM AND DAD ONLY dinner at the WL. I have a 6pm ADR at Artist's Point. I cannot wait! The kids are going to take the boat across to the MK and ride roller coasters together till around 9:30 pm. I figure it's as safe as it can be. They are going to be IN THE PARK, they both have cell phones (as do we) and it's only for 3 hours. Goofy is a GREAT big brother. They never fight and I trust him completely. We'll arrive just in time to watch the fireworks with the kids. Then we'll head on "home."

I know this letting the kids go to MK alone might be rough territory for some of you. What do you guys think? I mean, if I normally leave them home while we are on a regular date, is it really THAT much less safe there? Input welcome.....

So, that's day two. You guys do your part now!!

Mel.. you know you'r kids best.. if they are together and you leave them alone usually then I guess it's o.k. I am just sweating Camp right now for Sarabeth.
I know one day I'll have to let her on a longer leash... after all she will be MARRIED and you do not want your MOM on your Honeymoon . Even though I'll be close by.. We are planning the Wedding and Honeymoon in Disney. April 2021.......I need to get it booked....... by then We'll have it paid off !!!!

 

[DisneyJo]

So, has anyone done this tour? Do you have photos? And thoughts on what the best way to get to MK from BWV at that hour?

I think Michelle's DH might have done it When you check in ask at reception what time the buses will start, I think it's different at different times of the year!

So, who's done this character breakfast? What is the food like? I think it's table service, but all you can eat. Again, what is the best way to get from BWV to the Poly?

Doing it in August I would get a bus to the MK then either monorail or boat to the Poly

I know this letting the kids go to MK alone might be rough territory for some of you. What do you guys think? I mean, if I normally leave them home while we are on a regular date, is it really THAT much less safe there? Input welcome.....

Your eldest DS is quite old isn't he? They should be absolutely fine especially as he sounds so responsible!

I know one day I'll have to let her on a longer leash... after all she will be MARRIED and you do not want your MOM on your Honeymoon . Even though I'll be close by.. We are planning the Wedding and Honeymoon in Disney. April 2021.......I need to get it booked....... by then We'll have it paid off !!!!

Oh Katt

 

[Figment's Friend]

Hey there, I just started reading this afternoon and I'm loving it so far! I can't wait to hear about the Train tour -- I've heard of it but never been. You'll have to fill us in with all the details.
Never stayed at BW either.... but I'm really enjoying everything!

 

[jcc0621]

So, who's done this character breakfast? What is the food like? I think it's table service, but all you can eat. Again, what is the best way to get from BWV to the Poly?

O'Hana is great! The character interaction is really good. Food is typical breakfast food (eggs, potatoes, bacon, sausage, and the ever present Mickey Waffles). It comes family style in a big wok and they keep bringing it until you tell them to stop. They give you some awesome bread when you get there and also a plate of fresh fruit. We are going agin in August. Here is a picture of Jimmy from last August

After swimming and 'vegging" we will shower and get ready for our MOM AND DAD ONLY dinner at the WL. I have a 6pm ADR at Artist's Point. I cannot wait! The kids are going to take the boat across to the MK and ride roller coasters together till around 9:30 pm. I figure it's as safe as it can be. They are going to be IN THE PARK, they both have cell phones (as do we) and it's only for 3 hours. Goofy is a GREAT big brother. They never fight and I trust him completely. We'll arrive just in time to watch the fireworks with the kids. Then we'll head on "home."

I know this letting the kids go to MK alone might be rough territory for some of you. What do you guys think? I mean, if I normally leave them home while we are on a regular date, is it really THAT much less safe there? Input welcome.....

Don't forget to look for mom

You know your kids best. If they have a cell phone to be able to call you in case something happened, I don't think I would have a problem with it

 

[Muffinygood]

DH is supposed to write his review of the event on our trippie soon. I'll bug him to get it done! Yes Please!



I think your plan sounds good. My kids are much younger than yours, so we'd never let them go off on their own. However, I can see us doing that when they're older. Never been to Artist Point, but I've heard really gud things.They are very good kids anyway...if they were like ME at that age, NO WAY I'd let them! And I have heard good things too!

Hmmm... what's going on in here...
HEY! It's BUZZ! DANNNNGGG BAAAABEEE! I'm somebody now! Seriously, Dude, I LOVE YOUR TR. Welcome, Welcome. Cocktail? HUH....silly question......

Mel.. you know you'r kids best.. if they are together and you leave them alone usually then I guess it's o.k. I am just sweating Camp right now for Sarabeth.
I know one day I'll have to let her on a longer leash... after all she will be MARRIED and you do not want your MOM on your Honeymoon . Even though I'll be close by.. We are planning the Wedding and Honeymoon in Disney. April 2021.......I need to get it booked....... by then We'll have it paid off !!!!

HA! Katt, you are FUNNY!

I think Michelle's DH might have done it When you check in ask at reception what time the buses will start, Gud Plan Jo! Sensible Brits....

Your eldest DS is quite old isn't he? They should be absolutely fine especially as he sounds so responsible! He's 15 and a half. He also thinks he's QUITE OLD. HA!

Hey there, I just started reading this afternoon and I'm loving it so far! I can't wait to hear about the Train tour -- I've heard of it but never been. You'll have to fill us in with all the details.
Never stayed at BW either.... but I'm really enjoying everything!

What can we call you? Glad you are liking it!



MEL

 

[kykatt2]

I am just sweating Camp right now for Sarabeth.
I know one day I'll have to let her on a longer leash... after all she will be MARRIED and you do not want your MOM on your Honeymoon . Even though I'll be close by.. We are planning the Wedding and Honeymoon in Disney. April 2021.......I need to get it booked....... by then We'll have it paid off !!!!

Oh Katt

HA! Katt, you are FUNNY!

Who's kidding... I have decided to go back to college and get ANOTHER DEGREE when she goes to college. We can be roomates...

And the Honeymoon.. I'm not that BAD.. I'll be in the adjoining room And it will be in April at the same time Scott Ususally takes his train Collector's Vacation.. I AM SOOOO BAD !!!