Pugsly
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Mar 8, 2002
- Messages
- 928
Pre-Trip Report
Day 1
Day 2
Monday, September 26th
This day, we did set the alarm as we were due to attend an owners update presentation for HGVC timeshare owners at 8:00. (read: we want to upsale you, and take more of your money.) Lucky for us, we woke up when we did as the alarm didnt go off.
We make the short drive over to their nearest Orlando property (kind of behind Crossroads). After our complimentary continental breakfast of a banana and the pastry of our choice (cinnamon roll, bagel, or Danish wow!), we were treated to a 2-hour droning by some guy with a fake rolex, telling us how we need a million (or more) vacation points just to be able to stay wherever we like, whenever we like. And how he and his family travel here and there, staying in Presidential Suites, yada, yada, yada. After turning down both him, and his boss (who offered us a trip to Hawaii for $1795 probably per person), we were shown the door (and I quote: rather than walking you out, how about I just point you out?) Smug so-in-sos anyway! For 2 hours of pain, we chose to receive a $100 American Express gift card, which turned out to be my spending money for the trip.
After that excruciating little exercise, we decide on a little retail therapy and spending that lovely parting gift, so we head to Downtown Disney.
We browse in World of Disney (of course), Trend, ESPN (or whatever that little store is with all of the sports-related merchandise), the Christmas Store (am I the only one who can spend a small fortune in that store?), and several of the kiosks. I find a coffee mug for Evan one with Walt and Mickey together on Main St. that I know he will love. Keith keeps saying we should buy him some Mickey-shaped ice cube trays.
Its time for a Disney break and Keith searches out a Flea Market, using his iPhone and the GPS takes us in circle after circle to get there. Why he feels the need to shop here (and I use that term loosely) is beyond me. Other than I can say there is certainly entertainment value in the items one can purchase there.
On our way to the Flea Market, while cruising the area of SeaWorld, we drove past Discovery Cove Keith asks what that is and my basic response is related to swimming with the dolphins. Being the planner that I am, and knowing we had not planned to visit Discovery Cove, I really didnt know much more about this park (other than I had read you should get everything done early: arrive early so as to get an early dolphin swim time, eat lunch early to avoid the massive rush, and pick up your pictures early also to avoid the massive crowds.) Keith goes in to inquire about reservations and they can get us in the next day for the bargain price of $199 each. She explains to us that pricing changes daily and I do know (at least, I think I know), this is a good price. We make reservations to do something Ive never done swim with the dolphins I cant wait! The purchase of this pass comes with a 14-day pass to SeaWorld and we thought we might make a visit this evening.
We find the desired flea market, but first, there is food! Lunch consists of carnitas tacos (shredded pork) from what Im guessing is a local chain, Del Taco. The popularity of the place (based on the number of local patrons) tells us lunch should be good and we werent disappointed. The over-sized flea market is well a flea market. Lots and lots of second-rate Disney-related merchandise (I liked WalMarts selection a lot better). And for the mere price of $11, I couldve picked up a package of 6 ladies undergarments. Oh boy! Keith, like any boy, is mesmerized by some toy helicopters ones that are battery operated, and that he thinks would be good for terrorizing Topo, my shih-tzu. He cannot figure out how he would fit it in his suitcase though, so it stays.
Keith pulls into the Outlet mall for a walk around to explore the shops we have not yet been in. We still come up empty in the shorts department. But for our trouble, we are presented with a rain shower.
While not totally soaked, its time for an afternoon nap (being subjected to high-pressure sales can really tire a person out!), so we return to the resort. We enjoy some snacks and Coronas on our balcony before being subjected to our ever-so-comfortable bed.
When we awake, sometime around 5:00, it is pouring down rain. Lightning and thunder accompany the downpour and we both agree going to Sea World this evening is likely out.
After freshening up, we find Carrabas nearby. We had given up going to Carrabas at home because they changed their menu, doing away with some of our favorite dishes. We were hopeful maybe we would find them here, but we were not so lucky. Nevertheless, we enjoy our meals (both chicken dishes and both with mashed potatoes that is one thing we have noticed they really like their mashed potatoes in Orlando, dont they?), and wash it down with a couple of Perronis.
Were not willing to fight the rain any longer, so its back to the resort, as we call it a (down) day.
Day 1
Day 2
Monday, September 26th
This day, we did set the alarm as we were due to attend an owners update presentation for HGVC timeshare owners at 8:00. (read: we want to upsale you, and take more of your money.) Lucky for us, we woke up when we did as the alarm didnt go off.
We make the short drive over to their nearest Orlando property (kind of behind Crossroads). After our complimentary continental breakfast of a banana and the pastry of our choice (cinnamon roll, bagel, or Danish wow!), we were treated to a 2-hour droning by some guy with a fake rolex, telling us how we need a million (or more) vacation points just to be able to stay wherever we like, whenever we like. And how he and his family travel here and there, staying in Presidential Suites, yada, yada, yada. After turning down both him, and his boss (who offered us a trip to Hawaii for $1795 probably per person), we were shown the door (and I quote: rather than walking you out, how about I just point you out?) Smug so-in-sos anyway! For 2 hours of pain, we chose to receive a $100 American Express gift card, which turned out to be my spending money for the trip.
After that excruciating little exercise, we decide on a little retail therapy and spending that lovely parting gift, so we head to Downtown Disney.
We browse in World of Disney (of course), Trend, ESPN (or whatever that little store is with all of the sports-related merchandise), the Christmas Store (am I the only one who can spend a small fortune in that store?), and several of the kiosks. I find a coffee mug for Evan one with Walt and Mickey together on Main St. that I know he will love. Keith keeps saying we should buy him some Mickey-shaped ice cube trays.
Its time for a Disney break and Keith searches out a Flea Market, using his iPhone and the GPS takes us in circle after circle to get there. Why he feels the need to shop here (and I use that term loosely) is beyond me. Other than I can say there is certainly entertainment value in the items one can purchase there.
On our way to the Flea Market, while cruising the area of SeaWorld, we drove past Discovery Cove Keith asks what that is and my basic response is related to swimming with the dolphins. Being the planner that I am, and knowing we had not planned to visit Discovery Cove, I really didnt know much more about this park (other than I had read you should get everything done early: arrive early so as to get an early dolphin swim time, eat lunch early to avoid the massive rush, and pick up your pictures early also to avoid the massive crowds.) Keith goes in to inquire about reservations and they can get us in the next day for the bargain price of $199 each. She explains to us that pricing changes daily and I do know (at least, I think I know), this is a good price. We make reservations to do something Ive never done swim with the dolphins I cant wait! The purchase of this pass comes with a 14-day pass to SeaWorld and we thought we might make a visit this evening.
We find the desired flea market, but first, there is food! Lunch consists of carnitas tacos (shredded pork) from what Im guessing is a local chain, Del Taco. The popularity of the place (based on the number of local patrons) tells us lunch should be good and we werent disappointed. The over-sized flea market is well a flea market. Lots and lots of second-rate Disney-related merchandise (I liked WalMarts selection a lot better). And for the mere price of $11, I couldve picked up a package of 6 ladies undergarments. Oh boy! Keith, like any boy, is mesmerized by some toy helicopters ones that are battery operated, and that he thinks would be good for terrorizing Topo, my shih-tzu. He cannot figure out how he would fit it in his suitcase though, so it stays.
Keith pulls into the Outlet mall for a walk around to explore the shops we have not yet been in. We still come up empty in the shorts department. But for our trouble, we are presented with a rain shower.
While not totally soaked, its time for an afternoon nap (being subjected to high-pressure sales can really tire a person out!), so we return to the resort. We enjoy some snacks and Coronas on our balcony before being subjected to our ever-so-comfortable bed.
When we awake, sometime around 5:00, it is pouring down rain. Lightning and thunder accompany the downpour and we both agree going to Sea World this evening is likely out.
After freshening up, we find Carrabas nearby. We had given up going to Carrabas at home because they changed their menu, doing away with some of our favorite dishes. We were hopeful maybe we would find them here, but we were not so lucky. Nevertheless, we enjoy our meals (both chicken dishes and both with mashed potatoes that is one thing we have noticed they really like their mashed potatoes in Orlando, dont they?), and wash it down with a couple of Perronis.
Were not willing to fight the rain any longer, so its back to the resort, as we call it a (down) day.
