No Ticker Needed, I Live 10 Mins From WDW!! (9/9/12)

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

ALL GOOD THINGS MUST COME TO AN END

Hi Dis Friends!!!

I figured I would update before school starts tomorrow and the rest of my week gets crazy! We finished up teacher prep today and are ready for the 38 kiddos tomorrow I feel very not organized and don't really have a clue what to expect so for once in my life, I'm being forced to go with the flow and let someone else take control of the classroom..we'll see how this goes


JUNE 22, 2011

When I had left off, we had checked into our paradise of a room at the Poly. After saying bye to bro as he left for work, we decided to invade the lounge!

They say a picture is worth a thousand words (and $$$$ depending on how many days you stay!!):

We were there for the "afternoon snacks". Everything that the CL Threads report on the food being offered are all true at the Poly and everything was delicious!



I know most say you can't make a meal out of the food but depending on how much you need to eat and what you like..yes you can make the lounge food meals.

Dad found a spot and pretty much planted himself!

After our yummy snack, we decided to explore the resort before the dinner foods came out!

We decided to take the boat to MK, GF, and then hop on the monorail to do the monorail loop.

By the time we had our little adventure, it was time for the dinner foods! I guess I didn't take a picture of what the foods were but they were the appetizer foods from Ohana which was perfect since we had planned to go there but canceled the ADR.

After dinner we hit the pool for a little bit and then prepared for Wishes in the lounge! It was also dessert time!!!

(This is where my pics end. Apparently, I didn't think to take anymore so that's it! Sorry!!)

Once again, everything was wonderful! We got our seats and were ready for wishes but when the fireworks began..THE SOUNDTRACK DID NOT

$450 a night and I can't even listen to Wishes from in the lounge!!!!??

Some other guest made a comment about the sound not working AGAIN. I didn't complain and we enjoyed Wishes from inside since it was beginning to storm as Wishes finished up!

After Wishes, we retired to our paradise of a room and got ready for bed.


JUNE 23, 2011

When we got up that morning, we sampled the breakfast offerings at the lounge but had breakfast ADRs at Kona.

Like I said, I didn't have my camera so no pics but Mom/Bro had Tonga Toast, I had the pancakes, and Dad..I don't remember?!

After breakfast, we hit the pool as dad and bro his the mouse boats! I was able to use my AP discount for them..not as good as my CM one but still good!

At 1:00pm, our time in our paradise of a room had come to an end and we called for a Bell Hop to remove our bags and we hit the pool again!

I'm really disappointed at myself for not taking better pics of the Poly but it is what it is.

Thanks to the rental car, we got to leave 2 hours before our flight, not 3 like DME. We changed at the bathrooms at the pool and for the record, they do have shampoo/body wash so you don't have to go to GF Spa to shower/change!!!!

We got our car from the Valet, paid, and were on our way to MCO!

Our 4pm flight was on time, we got our bags in Columbus, and drove the 2 hours to Cincinnati. I was thankful that I didn't have to work the following day!!!!!


**THAT'S IT FOR NOW!!! I'LL BE BACK THIS WEEKEND TO RECAP THE TRIP AND START THE NEW TR, HAVE A GOOD WEEK!!!!**



UP NEXT:

~TRIP RECAP

~MOVING BACK TO FL TR!!!!

 

[IheartDDuck]

I would say that the reason you didn't get more pictures is because you were so distracted by the fact that you were staying CL.

That does stink though about the music not coming through for Wishes. You're right, you pay that much money to stay and thy can't pipe in the music?

 

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

I would say that the reason you didn't get more pictures is because you were so distracted by the fact that you were staying CL.

That does stink though about the music not coming through for Wishes. You're right, you pay that much money to stay and thy can't pipe in the music?

So true!!!

 

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

THAT'S A WRAP!!!


Hi Dis Friends!!

I figured I would take a few mins to recap the June trip before I begin the "moving TR"!!


Favorite Resort:

Of course it was the Poly! I think we did it right by staying from POFQ to Vero to Poly CL. Even though it was just for a night, I loved the Poly! I wish we could stay there more often but the price is nuts In 1998 when we stayed at Poly MK View, it was $300 per night, rack rate, in the summer so times for sure have changed!!!!

I of course still love FQ (my fav moderate) and Vero was nice too but only for a few days! We thought Hilton Head was pretty quiet but Vero was for sure more quiet than HHI!

Favorite Meal:

TONYS!!! We had such a great meal and will return for sure!

Favorite Thing That We Did:

WWOHP!!! I'm so glad I sat down to watch the movies and could fully understand everything and after having gone back a few times now, I enjoy it more and more!

Worst Experience:

Our experience at VB's Shutters. I was looking forward to the meal, especially since it was mom's birthday and father's day but things could have been worse!


Overall, it was a great trip! I was glad that mom and dad got to go to a park while I was apt hunting. It was not good that bro and I got sick but as soon as I got home I went to the Dr. Mom and Dad loved the Poly CL surprise so I'm glad we ended up doing that!

Now for the next TR...

 

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

AND OFF WE GO!!!!!!!

Welcome to the next TR!!!

On June 30th, 2011, I moved back to FL!! I live 10 mins from AK, 20 mins from Downtown Orlando, and 30 mins to MCO!!!

Here's the journey from Cincinnati, OH to Kissimmee, FL!!

June 28, 2011


As soon as I got home from the June trip on June 23rd, I went into full packing, cleaning, and organizing mode! Since I had gotten sick on the trip, I went to the doctor to find out I had a sinus infection..again! I got some more meds that knocked it out and I haven't been sick since (knock on wood!)

I had 6 days to pack and prepare to moved back to FL. We agreed to move in on the 30th for cheaper rent which meant I had to bust out the color coded packing lists!

I would pack and pack and pack but finally by the 28th, I was packed and ready to go!

My little green Honda was packed to the brim one more time for the trip back to FL. I really didn't think she would make it but she did! lol.

After packing and unpacking the car 4 times, it was finally ready to go for the next morning!

JUNE 29, 2011

My alarm went off at 5am and I got ready to leave for FL!

It's typically tradition for me to take pics of my 2 dogs but it was sooo early and I totally forgot..Epic Fail! I got showered, packed the last of my things, kissed Dad goodbye, and Mom and I hopped in the car and drove off to paradise at 6:30am!!

I decided to drive the first part of the trip!

Bye Bye House!

Bye Bye Cincinnati!

Mom's attempt to take pics of the road signs..hm..

We made it through Cincinnati before rush hour and were making good time!

We stopped at a Kentucky McD's for breakfast and some caffeine!!

After breakfast on the road, we made our way to..

Mom did not get a pic of the "welcome" sign haha.

We made it through TN and headed towards GA with the hopes of getting through Atlanta without traffic but stopped for lunch first! I had wanted DQ but they only had ice cream..another Epic Fail so we settled for Wendys..ugh.

Back in car again and we made it through Atlanta without a ton of traffic!

Mom drove through Atlanta and did a great job! I was a bit worried since she doesn't like a billion lanes and traffic but she did splendid!

After Atlanta, things got pretty boring until we made it to:

But once again, just like in 2008..

Another Epic Fail! We had missed it by 30 mins, not as bad as in 2008 when we missed it by seconds!!

I got back into the driver's seat and off we drove!

The plan was to drive and eat at Shoneys for dinner! It seems to be another theme of our FL travel. My brother and I stopped in 2009 on my drive from FL and in 2010 when he moved to FL. We passed a few and decided to keep driving..but they seemed to disappear By the time we got to another one, we were almost to WDW!!! Needless to say we didn't eat at Shoneys but we did eat at WDW!!!

As we got closer to WDW:

Thankfully the rain stopped by the time we saw this little beauty:

We pulled into our resort right at 9:30pm...15 hours exactly from when we left Cincinnati. We had done the drive in one day, were tired, hungry, and wanted to go swimming too!!!!

UP NEXT:
~CHECKING INTO PARADISE!!
~Welcome back to 34747!!!!

 

[Wonders10]

Great TR and great start to your "moving to Florida" adventures! I've said it many times before, but I still have wishful thoughts (at least a couple times a month) about moving up to Orlando, but I (obviously) have never followed through with it. Now is the time to do it though since I don't have anyone else to be responsible for, you know? We'll see.

P.S. Love your parents' house!

 

[IheartDDuck]

I am impressed with how much you fit in your car!

Ha ha on all of your epic fails. Hate it when you have something in mind that you want to do and then you completely forget to.

Can't wait to hear more about your moving.

 

[disney.nut]

Just found this trip report and can't wait to hear more. My daughter and I remember when you started working at BBB in the MK doing the college program. That is so cool that you have moved to Fl.

 

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

Great TR and great start to your "moving to Florida" adventures! I've said it many times before, but I still have wishful thoughts (at least a couple times a month) about moving up to Orlando, but I (obviously) have never followed through with it. Now is the time to do it though since I don't have anyone else to be responsible for, you know? We'll see.

P.S. Love your parents' house!

Thanks That is why I moved..because I don't have anyone to be responsible for Eventually I'd like to be closer to my parents for them to move closer to me but that is of course down the road! I love their house too. After 26 years, I finally get a refrigerator that's side/by/side with an ice maker/water on the door and I move

I am impressed with how much you fit in your car!

Ha ha on all of your epic fails. Hate it when you have something in mind that you want to do and then you completely forget to.

Can't wait to hear more about your moving.

Thanks! Some things had to be left behind like pictures and extra towels but thankfully my brother drove home for a week just after I moved down so he was able to bring back what didn't fit and then when I was just home 2 weeks ago, I got the rest of it.

Just found this trip report and can't wait to hear more. My daughter and I remember when you started working at BBB in the MK doing the college program. That is so cool that you have moved to Fl.

I can't believe how many followers I had! I found my CP BBB thread and looked through it a few days ago and cried at the end of it I can't believe in Jan it will be 4 years. I'm very lucky to have said how great my roommates were and that I still keep in contact with all 5 of them!!! I hope you enjoy this!

 

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

"I'LL DO MY RESEARCH NEXT TIME!!!!"

Hi Dis Friends!!

I hope you had a good weekend! I debated about going to Epcot today but then decided to hit the pool and clean my apt. Next weekend, I have a 3 day weekend so you can bet your bottom dollar that I will be at a park!!! Pep Boys was kind enough to put my FL license plate on/take Ohio ones off for free so that and an oil change + grocery shopping were my Saturday!

On a happy note, Mom and Dad got their DME package for the Sept/Oct trip! It will be nice to be at a resort for 3 days to escape "the real world" 10 mins away!

I hope you have a good week! My week is jam packed! Tomorrow I have to get my bro from MCO after work, Wed we have a parent's night at school, going out to dinner with a friend on Thurs, and finally the long weekend starting Friday!! See you this weekend!!!

JUNE 29, 2011

When I left off, after 15 hours in the car, Mom and I finally made it to CSR!!!

I had wanted POFQ but it was full with my friend's CM discounts so we settled for CSR which still gives us queen beds and it is the closest moderate to my apt which ended up being nice!

My friend, "D", was just getting off work at CSR and met us at the front desk to check in!

We got all of our welcome packet materials and were given our room number which was in building 8A which is where D put the girls and I last Oct!! I love that building bc it is close to the parking lot, bus, pool, and short walk to the food!

We got to the room and inspected for bugs and found a clean room!

After we unpacked, bro arrived and the 3 of us headed to Pepper Market for a late dinner! With bro's crazy work schedule that weekend, we didn't add him onto the room or QS DDP but he did end up using the DDP with us since we weren't at the resort much! We found out how great of a value the QS DDP is at Pepper Market since their food is higher priced! We left a $3 tip and were stuffed. I can't even recall what we ate that night since we ended up eating there 3 or 4 times that weekend.

It was at dinner that I had realized very quickly..I HAD NOT DONE MY CONVENTION RESEARCH!!!!!!!!!!!

I had noticed in passing that there was a Karate convention to CSR that weekend but what I didn't know was that the convention was huge and there was also a dance one. The place was packed and normally I wouldn't care if we were in and out at parks but this trip was NOT that type of trip and our relaxing night at the pool was overrun with teens/kids and I had quickly decided that I would not book at CSR again without doing research first!!!!

After a 10 min quick trip to the overrun hot tub we got ready for bed with a 7am alarm set for Move-In Day!!!!!!

UP NEXT:
~WHO KNOWS HOW TO DRIVE A UHAUL?!
~I DON'T LIKE CHANGES TO MY SCHEDULE!!!!!!

 

[IheartDDuck]

Yay on a bug free room!

I haven't stayed at CSR in year. I know what you mean about conventions though. There was actually a convention group at the Contemporary when we were there in July.

Um, I'm intrigued to hear about the Uhaul.

 

[wdwgirl03]

Great wrap-up for your trip. I still think it's so awesome now that you've moved you can just go to the parks whenever you want. Wish I could do that. LOL. Glad you enjoyed the WWOHP. I really can't wait to go back there.

Oh, and I love the pictures from the boat as you were getting closer to the Magic Kingdom. How perfect there was a monorail going by at that time too.

 

[bouncycat]

Hey!! I was getting ready to start my year long AP holder report/blog thingie, and found yours!! I have another friend doing one too, so she gave me the idea!! There's a BUNCH of us locals on FB, we have a central florida disboarders group, and I do believe we are looking at a meetup on Saturday, just haven't decided where as of yet. PM me and I'll give you my info!! We do have some teachers there too. Very diverse group age wise, profession wise, and it's ALWAYS a good time!! So, if you don't want to do the parks alone, let me know!!

BTW I LOVE your report. Vero looks wonderful!!! My dream stay is at the poly, I'm hoping for my 40th birthday we can afford to stay there. Anyways, I'm tuned in now!!! Nice to meet ya!!

 

[PlutosRHM55]

Alright I missed a few updates here... time to catch up!

Looks like you ended off your trip nicely with Club Level, the monorail loop, Wishes and lots and lots of desserts (and various food). Those look so good! I would just stay on Club Level for the food, don't care about concierge service, I WANT FOOD! And great pictures of the monorail resorts, btw!

Can't wait to read about your return to Florida!

 

[PlutosRHM55]

Oh wow! I can't believe you managed to fit so much into your car. Good thing she made it, because I don't think that would've been a fun situation to deal with

LOL @ your epic fails. Aren't they always bound to happen? Darn DQ for only having Ice Cream, that's pretty messed up right there At least Wendy's was right there next to it

YAY WDW! Awesome to hear you got the room you wanted and it looks so nice anyways Sorry to hear about the onslaught of conventions there. I'm pretty sure many were going on then since I think one of my friends was down there for some science competition, robots maybe? I totally forget and she was staying at CSR. At least you were going to move into your apartment soon!

Can't wait to read more!

 

[KatGarcia]

I'm so in! I moved down to FL from NY in July! I'm about 45 min from orlando and we make it up there a lot!

I can't wait to read about your adventures!!!

 

[disneydreamingdebby]

Peeking out of the "overwhelmed teacher world for a little while." You and your mom made great time...How'd you get furniture (i.e., bed) to your apt? Did I miss something?

Love CSR! Stinks that sound didn't work for Wishes. It's a shame no one broke out an ipod/ iphone (I bet people in the room had it. )

 

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

Great wrap-up for your trip. I still think it's so awesome now that you've moved you can just go to the parks whenever you want. Wish I could do that. LOL. Glad you enjoyed the WWOHP. I really can't wait to go back there.

Oh, and I love the pictures from the boat as you were getting closer to the Magic Kingdom. How perfect there was a monorail going by at that time too.

Thanks!!

Yay on a bug free room!

I haven't stayed at CSR in year. I know what you mean about conventions though. There was actually a convention group at the Contemporary when we were there in July.

Um, I'm intrigued to hear about the Uhaul.

Conventions, ugh! I did more research for in Oct when we stay there and there only seems to be one and not that bad hopefully! Unlike in June, we shouldn't be at the room/resort much since we'll be at MNSSHP and Food and Wine! At this point, it's our only Moderate choice with queen beds since POFQ is sold out and POR doesn't have enough rooms completed yet to take that chance!

Uhaul..haha

Hey!! I was getting ready to start my year long AP holder report/blog thingie, and found yours!! I have another friend doing one too, so she gave me the idea!! There's a BUNCH of us locals on FB, we have a central florida disboarders group, and I do believe we are looking at a meetup on Saturday, just haven't decided where as of yet. PM me and I'll give you my info!! We do have some teachers there too. Very diverse group age wise, profession wise, and it's ALWAYS a good time!! So, if you don't want to do the parks alone, let me know!!

BTW I LOVE your report. Vero looks wonderful!!! My dream stay is at the poly, I'm hoping for my 40th birthday we can afford to stay there. Anyways, I'm tuned in now!!! Nice to meet ya!!

Thanks for the tip, I'll have to check it out!!!

Alright I missed a few updates here... time to catch up!

Looks like you ended off your trip nicely with Club Level, the monorail loop, Wishes and lots and lots of desserts (and various food). Those look so good! I would just stay on Club Level for the food, don't care about concierge service, I WANT FOOD! And great pictures of the monorail resorts, btw!

Can't wait to read about your return to Florida!

Thanks!

Oh wow! I can't believe you managed to fit so much into your car. Good thing she made it, because I don't think that would've been a fun situation to deal with

LOL @ your epic fails. Aren't they always bound to happen? Darn DQ for only having Ice Cream, that's pretty messed up right there At least Wendy's was right there next to it

YAY WDW! Awesome to hear you got the room you wanted and it looks so nice anyways Sorry to hear about the onslaught of conventions there. I'm pretty sure many were going on then since I think one of my friends was down there for some science competition, robots maybe? I totally forget and she was staying at CSR. At least you were going to move into your apartment soon!

Can't wait to read more!

Yay

I'm so in! I moved down to FL from NY in July! I'm about 45 min from orlando and we make it up there a lot!

I can't wait to read about your adventures!!!

Peeking out of the "overwhelmed teacher world for a little while." You and your mom made great time...How'd you get furniture (i.e., bed) to your apt? Did I miss something?

Love CSR! Stinks that sound didn't work for Wishes. It's a shame no one broke out an ipod/ iphone (I bet people in the room had it. )

The furniture update will be next!!! I could have sung the wishes song..I believe I was playing the soundtrack in my head My parents think I'm crazy but often forget that in the "non-peak seasons", BBB would be closing right as Wishes would start so we'd often see it as we were waiting for a bus to get to the parking lot!

 

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

"WHO WANTS TO DRIVE THE UHAUL?!!

Happy Labor Day Weekend Dis Friends!!!

I hope you all have a good weekend and have a ton of activities planned! My goals for the weekend are: fix my bed, go to at least 2 Disney parks, get my nails done, grocery shopping, and laundry!

The first full week of school went well but I've very excited about a long weekend! Yesterday was my first payday!!!

JUNE 30, 2011

When I had left off, mom and I had made it to CSR after a 15 hour drive from Cincinnati!

Today was MOVE-IN DAY!!!!!

Mom and I got up bright and early at 7am. We were able to get our apt keys by 11am so the plan for the day was: move everything in, unpack what I could, and go to Ikea to buy furniture to have shipped to the apt.

Sometimes things don't always work out the way you want!!...

After a quick breakfast at CSR grab and go, we hit the road for my apt!

We signed the last of our paperwork and keys were given! I took pics as soon as we walked in!

My Room:

Kitchen/Dining Room/Living Room/Laundry Room:

Roomie's Room:

Our electric was not turned on till 12pm which was a HUGE Epic Fail. I guess it said in the paperwork it could be turned on at anytime..ugh!

After we unpacked the loaded cars, my roomie still had furniture at her apt and other items so it was decided that she would get a Uhaul.

When we got to the Uhaul place (off OBT if you are familiar with the area) and it was then that we learned that you had to be 25 to drive the uhaul haha. My roomie isn't 25 but her friend and I were so her friend "J" drove and I rode in the Uhaul with her. It was an experience let me tell you! I was glad I didn't have to drive!!!


We drove 30mins to get the Uhaul, another 30 mins to her apt, and loaded everything/unloaded everything.

It was then decided that we should take the Uhaul and go to Ikea and not pay for shipping. THAT WAS NOT PART OF MY PLAN! I had no interest in having to load and unload all the boxes from Ikea but mom thought it was a good idea so off we went to the Mall at Millenia area for Ikea. After 2.5 hours at Ikea, we were loaded and headed back to the apt only to be caught in traffic! At that point, I wished we had just bought the items and had Ikea deliver them for the same price as what we paid for the Uhaul!

By the time we unloaded, the girls made it back to the Uhaul place 15 mins before they closed!

After the girls came back, the 4 of us went to Ale House for lunch which was at 5pm at that point. Poor mom was starving, I felt horrible We should have been more prepared with snacks! EPIC FAIL!

After lunch/dinner, mom and I went to Target for a few items to clean and then headed back to CSR to relax!

By that point, the karate/dance conventions were in full force and kids were everywhere. We decided to skip the pool and just relax in the room. After my brother got off of work at 9, we met him at Pepper Market for a late dinner. Once again it was yummo but I didn't take any pics..SORRY!!!

After dinner, we attempted the hot tub again but it was crazy busy again so we ended up turning in for the night!!

**SORRY FOR THE LACK OF PICS IN THIS POST!!!


UP NEXT:

*IT'S SATURDAY, 4TH OF JULY WEEKEND..DO YOU TAKE THE BUS TO DTD OR DRIVE..HM..??

 

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

BUS OR DRIVE TO DTD 4TH OF JULY WEEKEND?!

JULY 1, 2011

After a long day of moving, shopping, and unpacking the day before, I was looking forward to sleeping in for a bit!

The plan for the day was to relax for most of the day, shop, and go to DTD!

We had scheduled for Brighthouse to come install our cable/internet for 10am-12pm so I had to be at the apt for 10am.

After a quick breakfast again, I headed to the apt to clean and wait!

By 11:30, BH came and everything was set up in 30 mins!

In the meantime, mom was shopping with bro and I met up with them back at CSR.

Bro left for work and mom and I decided to go to Walmart and do the shopping that day instead of the next day!

2 hours in Walmart later, and we made it back to the apt just before 6pm. After unpacking all the supplies, we made our way back to CSR.

We decided to take the bus to DTD since it was a weekend/holiday. It took us an hour to get to DTD We should have driven!

Because we were on the QS DDP, the plan was to eat at WGP Exp but I wasn't thrilled with the menu so we ended up at RFC and paid OOP.

By the time we got there, ate, and shopped, it was 11pm and things closed!

We got back to CSR rather quickly and went right to sleep!

*Sorry no pics from that day!

JULY 2, 2011

This was mom's last day in FL

Mom and I got up, had a quick breakfast at the grab and go again and then hit the pool!

After an hour at the pool, we got ready to head back to my apt at 12pm so bro could begin building my Ikea furniture!

In the day, we were able to build: my bed, nightstand, table, and chairs.

At 4pm, we stopped and went to Olive Garden before taking mom to MCO. I was really upset when she left but bro took me into the Universal store and bought me a Tshirt that I had wanted so then I was happy again!!

We made a stop at POP to use up the last of our QS credits and if fell asleep pretty quickly that night!


UP NEXT:

*APT PICS!!!!