October is here!!! A Semi-live TR!!! Our Oct 7-14 trip to the world!

[KathyM2]

So we are in DC...all good so far...I will post a mini update about that in a sec...we are chilling in our hotel so I thought I'd do some replies!

I'd love to go to DC. So much history. The Smithsonian is there too, right?
And I do remember you saying it was easier to do one at a time.

DC is pretty cool. I've been before a couple times but that was like 20 years ago and for work, so I didn't see much, but it was also...way back when you could actually go on a tour INSIDE the White House! Now there's no chance of that lol but we did see it from the outside. And yes, the Smithsonian...well so many parts of it....are here in DC too. We hope to hit at least one more of them on this trip...went to one today...I will post a bit about that in a minute lol.

And yes...travelling with one kid is infinitely easier (for me anyway) than with two. Only one to keep track of...and they aren't always competing for attention...and they really need the one on one time once in a while.

I think she sees you looking at all that online, etc. and is trying to prod you into going rather than knowing you're going. Still, I can see where the uh-oh moment can happen.

I hope you are right...and that is actually plausible...that maybe if she mentions it she can talk me into it or something...hope that is true...I'm gonna go with that and still try to keep the surprise, at least for now.

Disney is a tough one to just forget. But I still think she doesn't know.
At most, she suspects, or hopes. I think so anyway. Could be wrong.

You can say that again lol. I know I can't just forget about Disney lol...I think about it pretty much every day lol...but...hopefully you are right and it is just a suspicion.

I like that plan better too.

Yes, much less hectic. I so would fail at commando touring lol...although I do pretty well at RD and getting as much in as possible early in the day usually...and my family would consider THAT commando...but ...they really know nothing in the Disney scheme of things lol. I think they would faint from shock if I told them that some people actually try to hit all four parks in a day just for fun lol.

Have a great trip to DC with DS. I hope DD doesn't know about it...I'll keep my fingers crossed.

I like the plan changes for 1900 Park Fare.

Thanks!! So far so good in DC. And I hope DD doesn't know too...October is a long way away so she has some time to either forget...or keep hoping lol Glad you like the plan change...I think it's better too.

 

[KathyM2]

I hope you're having a great time in DC! There really is a lot of cool stuff to do there!

I hope your DD was just "exploring" and doesn't actually know. I really hope you can keep the trip a surprise!!

The change in 1900 Park Fare sounds like a great idea - it's always nice to not have to rush out the morning after a long night.

Thanks! So far so good! And there is...I've been doing lots of research (almost did a spreadsheet lol) to try to figure out how to fit in as much as we can without burning ourselves out...typical of a Disney vacay of course...lol.

I do hope DD was just exploring and maybe seeing how I'd react....a surprise really would be awesome. She will be thrilled either way of course but...a surprise would be so cool. And yeah, I'm definitely feeling better about our breakfast ADR...don't want to get exhausted by day 2 of the trip.

 

[kadrachb]

So we are in DC...all good so far...I will post a mini update about that in a sec...we are chilling in our hotel so I thought I'd do some replies!

Have fun in DC! I was supposed to go the botanical gardens this weekend in DC, but decided to push it back.

 

[pkondz]

way back when you could actually go on a tour INSIDE the White House! Now there's no chance of that lol but we did see it from the outside.

I didn't know they stopped doing the White House tours. That's so sad.
I understand why, of course. But still...

And yes, the Smithsonian...well so many parts of it....are here in DC too. We hope to hit at least one more of them on this trip...went to one today...I will post a bit about that in a minute lol.

Oh, boy! Can't wait to hear about it.

And yes...travelling with one kid is infinitely easier (for me anyway) than with two. Only one to keep track of...and they aren't always competing for attention...and they really need the one on one time once in a while.

I get that. I really do. I've done the same. Took one to Toronto to see her Aunt. Then the other a few years later when she was old enough.

I know I can't just forget about Disney lol...

Me too!

I think they would faint from shock if I told them that some people actually try to hit all four parks in a day just for fun lol.

Heck, I faint when I hear about it!

 

[KathyM2]

Day 1 in Washington DC mini report!!
​

So in case anyone is interested...we are chilling in our hotel room in DC...so I thought why not share this too in case anyone wants to read about it. I enjoy reading TR's but also learning a bit about people here and what else they do when they aren't thinking about Disney or AT Disney!

This morning my DS (age 12) and I flew from home in Toronto to Washington, DC (well we flew to Dulles lol...but are now in DC). The flight was about an hour and a half...on a pretty small-ish plane...well it was smaller than the type of planes that we usually take on trips to FL that's for sure. I don't know if it was this type of plane or the way the pilot was flying it ...but man...you could really feel the ups and downs...dislike. But anyway...we got to Dulles. I hadn't really figured out how we were going to get downtown from the airport...that was so unlike me too - no spreadsheet for this trip either lol. But anyway...we talked to a nice guy at the info desk. And I had this random thought...I had heard about the Udvar Hazy Museum - it's part of the Smithsonian Air Space museum, but it isn't downtown like the rest of the Smithsonians - it's out near the airport. I had heard it was really cool and boy heaven for a 12 year old...but I didn't know how we were going to get there. So anyway...it made sense to go there straight from the aiport. There was a handy public bus that went right there and it was only $1.75...which was awesome. The only non-awesome part about this brilliant plan is that we had to take our luggage with us!! I was assured though that the museum had big lockers because I guess it's pretty common for people to go there on layovers or when they had extra time near the airport!! So off we went...not without some adventure...as we first got on the wrong bus...and had to get off and wait for another one once we figured it out...but we eventually made it there...and it was SO COOL!!

Here's a pic of my son with a Blackbird... I know nothing...but apparently some kind of ultra stealth fighter jet or something...

The museum was FREE which was an added bonus. And it was just this giant hangar full of every type of plane imaginable from way back to futuristic...they had the Concorde and the space shuttle and everything in between.

So we spent a couple hours there and had some lunch. When we had enough of that, we retrieved our bags and then set about the task of figuring out how to get to downtown DC where we would be staying.....but sadly when we got outside it was pouring rain. We waited a few minutes for the same bus which would take us back to Dulles and hopefully more transportation options...and we had no clue how frequent the buses were and how long we might be standing there in the rain. DS had been pretty good up until this point but...I was worried about him getting tired and cranky because...I was getting tired and cranky...so when we saw a cab pull up I thought, this must be a sign lol. I went over and asked him how much $ to either back to the airport or into downtown...and both were ridiculous....BUT he had a better idea...he could drive us to a train station where we could catch a train into downtown and within a block of our hotel. YES PLEASE. So off we went.

Got to the train...and thankfully there were nice people in bright orange vests who could help the idiot tourists figure out how to get a metrocard and get on the train to our hotel. The train took about a half hour and when we got out we were super close to our amazing hotel which is right near the White House!! Did I mention I love my mom? She has Hilton Vacation club and was able to use her points to get us a room in a great hotel.

We arrived at our hotel and chilled for a bit and by this time it was almost time to eat again. I had done a little research and found some great places online but without knowing the city very well it's hard to gauge what is in walking distance and what isn't. Anyway...we went out the door of our hotel intending to just browse around and see what we found and a really nice lady saw the (obviously) tourists looking at a map and asked if she could help us. I mentioned this restaurant, called Founding Farmers that I had read about online and she said "oh, that place is great and it's only about a block away". How lucky is that? Off we went, and it WAS great. Where else can you get BACON on a stick as an appetizer?? Really good. I actually did take a pic......but it turned out really blurry and sadly isn't worth posting. I tried though...I know how you DIS'ers like food pics. I will try to do better next time.

After dinner we strolled down to the White House. Got a couple pics there but then all of a sudden, all these police and secret service guys start clearing the road in front of the White House and asking everyone to move back....so we were all wondering what was going on. We (and a million other tourists like us) were thinking maybe the Obamas were about to drive by or something lol...but no. I finally asked a cop and he said he couldn't say exactly what but that they do it all the time for random alerts...ok...still mysterious but...we moved on and went back to the hotel lol....

So that's that...our first day in DC...pretty good so far. Tomorrow we are hoping to hit up some other uber touristy things!!

 

[SarahDisney]

way back when you could actually go on a tour INSIDE the White House

I didn't know they stopped doing the White House tours. That's so sad.

They still do White House tours, but you have to book it around 6 months in advance through your congressional representative, so I guess you have to live in the US (although ... I just googled it quickly and apparently people from other countries can submit a request for a tour through their embassy).

Udvar Hazy Museum

My brother did that when he went to DC a few months ago (I don't remember if he just took a cab out from DC or if that was the day he rented a car), and he loved it. Sounds like you guys did too!

Despite the rain and not really knowing how to get places, it sounds like you had a good first day!

 

[pkondz]

So in case anyone is interested

The flight was about an hour and a half...on a pretty small-ish plane...well it was smaller than the type of planes that we usually take on trips to FL that's for sure.

Out of curiosity... did it have jet engines or propellers?

I don't know if it was this type of plane or the way the pilot was flying it ...but man...you could really feel the ups and downs...dislike.

Were you guys okay? Or feeling a bit nauseous when you arrived?

I had heard about the Udvar Hazy Museum - it's part of the Smithsonian Air Space museum,

Oh, boy oh boy!

I had heard it was really cool and boy heaven for a 12 year old...

Or older... much older.

There was a handy public bus that went right there and it was only $1.75...which was awesome.

Sweet! Score on the cheapo transpo.

The only non-awesome part about this brilliant plan is that we had to take our luggage with us!!

Oh. Not as much fun taking bags on the bus.

I was assured though that the museum had big lockers

Handy.

So off we went...not without some adventure...as we first got on the wrong bus...

I shouldn't laugh, but...


Sorry.

Here's a pic of my son with a Blackbird... I know nothing...but apparently some kind of ultra stealth fighter jet or something...

He got that close TO A FREAKING SR71 BLACKBIRD!?!?!?!?!?!




That's not just a stealth jet. It's the stealth jet.
As far as I know it still holds the record for fastest plane... ever. And it did that in 1976.
It's really an incredible aircraft.

And it's also the source for my favourite aviation story.
Before I tell it, you have to realize that all pilots think they're gods... but jet pilots? Forget it. Off the scale.
I'll paraphrase for brevity.
One other note. In the US (and up here too) any plane in controlled airspace *must* be in contact with ATC.
But controlled airspace ends at 60,000 ft. Most commercial jets fly between 30,000 - 40,000 ft.
The blackbird usually flies well above that.

Here's the story.

One day, a blackbird was flying in Los Angeles airspace. A pilot of a little Cesna, probably trying to learn how to fly, asked LA ATC Center (hereafter referred to as "Center") what his ground speed was (i.e. speed traveling over the ground... while in the air.) Center replied that he was doing 90 knots (about 105mph). A moment later, a cocky voice came on the air from a pilot flying a slightly bigger plane with two engines: "Center, what's our ground speed?" Center replies 125 knots (145mph). Suddenly, an F18 (Think Tom Cruise in Top Gun) comes on the air. It's obvious this pilot knows exactly how fast he's going but just wants to show off and demonstrate his superiority to the world around him. "Center, Dusty52 ground speed check". (Dusty52 is the aircraft's call sign) Center replies "Dusty 52 we have you at 620 on the ground." (715mph). And normally, that would be the end of it. Nothing would be faster than that. That's far faster than even the airliners are flying. But the Blackbird pilots just couldn't let that go. "Los Angeles Center, this is Aspen20 (the blackbird's call sign), can you give us a ground speed check?"

There's a moment of silence.
Then, Center replies: "Aspen 20, I show you at one thousand eight hundred and forty-two knots, across the ground." (2,120mph!!!)

There were no more calls for speed checks.

The museum was FREE which was an added bonus.

Free??? FREE????? All that... and it's free?!?!?

I have to get to DC.

they had the Concorde and the space shuttle and everything in between.

Wow. Just. Wow.

but sadly when we got outside it was pouring rain.

Ugh. Not how you want to start a vacation.

BUT he had a better idea...he could drive us to a train station where we could catch a train into downtown and within a block of our hotel.

Nice! A lot of cabbies will just take you back to the airport or hotel and make you pay the $$.

The train took about a half hour and when we got out we were super close to our amazing hotel which is right near the White House!!

Cool!

She has Hilton Vacation club and was able to use her points to get us a room in a great hotel.

Nice!

"oh, that place is great and it's only about a block away".

You guys are really lucking out.

Where else can you get BACON on a stick as an appetizer??

Bacon = yes. Bacon on a stick = Heck yes!

I will try to do better next time.

I hope so... but I don't know. No bacon on a stick pic. Don't know if that can be topped.

I finally asked a cop and he said he couldn't say exactly what but that they do it all the time for random alerts...

Huh. Interesting. Of course there's no way he's going to tell you what's actually happening.

Thanks for the update!

 

[ariane37]

Looks like a nice start in DC! Hope today is fun, too. I've been there a couple times and we took the boys a couple years ago. We did the Air & Space Museum, Museum of American History (more for me ), saw the White House (outside-didn't plan our trip far enough out for the 6 month request thing), walked to a bunch of monuments, and toured Ford's theater which was the kids favorite. Oh also the zoo which was nothing compared to the Bronx Zoo, so the boys weren't very impressed lol. There was so much more I wanted to do! I like the mini DC update, keep them coming

 

[mercydisney]

Subscribing.....

 

[KathyM2]

They still do White House tours, but you have to book it around 6 months in advance through your congressional representative, so I guess you have to live in the US (although ... I just googled it quickly and apparently people from other countries can submit a request for a tour through their embassy).

My brother did that when he went to DC a few months ago (I don't remember if he just took a cab out from DC or if that was the day he rented a car), and he loved it. Sounds like you guys did too!

Despite the rain and not really knowing how to get places, it sounds like you had a good first day!

Yeah, I know for Americans you can request a tour through your congressman...and at first glance it looks like Canadians can go through their embassy...but if you get to the fine print it says they aren't even doing that "at this time" whatever that means...so yeah...as a Canadian...unless you are BFF's with the Obamas...no inside the White House tours.

The Udvar Hazy museum was AWESOME. I highly recommend it. I have actually heard that it is better than the Air/Space in Downtown DC...we still may go there too if we have time...but that place was way cool.

Day 1 was pretty good I must say. Score one for arrival day fun

 

[KathyM2]

Out of curiosity... did it have jet engines or propellers? Were you guys okay? Or feeling a bit nauseous when you arrived?

It's funny that you should ask that. Because as we were sitting on the plane, I asked my DS...did you notice if this is a prop plane? Because it sounded really rumbly and noisy sort of like the Porter Air (prop planes) I've been on...but he said, "no, it's a jet" Uh, ok...pretty small and rumbly for a jet...oh well. I didn't get nauseous but I just didn't like the dropping feeling as the plane was levelling out especially...and the landing felt...fast...maybe that's why I don't go on ToT lol. DS didn't say anything at the time, but he did as later, "are we going to have to go on the same type of plane on the way home?" I said I had no idea...but more than likely...I'm not thrilled about it either...but what can you do...still beats a 12 hour drive.

Oh, boy oh boy! Or older... much older.

Yes...it was amazing. And I really liked the layout and the way it was organized etc...oh and that it was FREE didn't hurt either...You had to pay if you wanted to see the IMAX movie but we had enough to keep us happy there without it. I would have liked to stay longer and take the time to actually read all the info about every plane/helicopter/spaceship/missile that we saw...but I was also worried about hitting rush hour on the Metro with our luggage...so we had to cut it a bit short. But still well worth it.

Sweet! Score on the cheapo transpo.
Oh. Not as much fun taking bags on the bus.
Handy.
I shouldn't laugh, but...
Sorry.

Yeah the cheap transpo was awesome...though we did spend some unanticipated $ on the cab back to the train station...but what can you do. It made sense at the time. And yeah...it's always funny later when you get lost lol...what is also funny about that is, we were actually sort of following this other guy who said he was going to the museum too...and we just figured he knew what he was doing. BUT thankfully...when we had gone one stop on the bus...I had a bad feeling and thought to double check with the driver who was all "oh, you wanted to go to the museum???" Uh yeah...so...that's how we found out we were on the wrong bus.

He got that close TO A FREAKING SR71 BLACKBIRD!?!?!?!?!?!



That's not just a stealth jet. It's the stealth jet.
As far as I know it still holds the record for fastest plane... ever. And it did that in 1976.
It's really an incredible aircraft.

And it's also the source for my favourite aviation story.
Before I tell it, you have to realize that all pilots think they're gods... but jet pilots? Forget it. Off the scale.
I'll paraphrase for brevity.
One other note. In the US (and up here too) any plane in controlled airspace *must* be in contact with ATC.
But controlled airspace ends at 60,000 ft. Most commercial jets fly between 30,000 - 40,000 ft.
The blackbird usually flies well above that.

Here's the story.

One day, a blackbird was flying in Los Angeles airspace. A pilot of a little Cesna, probably trying to learn how to fly, asked LA ATC Center (hereafter referred to as "Center") what his ground speed was (i.e. speed traveling over the ground... while in the air.) Center replied that he was doing 90 knots (about 105mph). A moment later, a cocky voice came on the air from a pilot flying a slightly bigger plane with two engines: "Center, what's our ground speed?" Center replies 125 knots (145mph). Suddenly, an F18 (Think Tom Cruise in Top Gun) comes on the air. It's obvious this pilot knows exactly how fast he's going but just wants to show off and demonstrate his superiority to the world around him. "Center, Dusty52 ground speed check". (Dusty52 is the aircraft's call sign) Center replies "Dusty 52 we have you at 620 on the ground." (715mph). And normally, that would be the end of it. Nothing would be faster than that. That's far faster than even the airliners are flying. But the Blackbird pilots just couldn't let that go. "Los Angeles Center, this is Aspen20 (the blackbird's call sign), can you give us a ground speed check?"

There's a moment of silence.
Then, Center replies: "Aspen 20, I show you at one thousand eight hundred and forty-two knots, across the ground." (2,120mph!!!)

There were no more calls for speed checks.

That is such a funny story!! Poor little Cessna guy...hey he was flying a plane at all...that's pretty cool. But yeah...you can only imagine how cocky those pilots must be. Chris Hadfield somehow defies all that...it seems anyway. But I'm sure the rest of them can be jerks.

Free??? FREE????? All that... and it's free?!?!?
I have to get to DC.
Wow. Just. Wow.
Ugh. Not how you want to start a vacation.
Nice! A lot of cabbies will just take you back to the airport or hotel and make you pay the $$.
Cool!
Nice!

You definitely DO have to get to DC and see that place. And heck if you don't have a lot of luggage...go straight from the airport. Or on your way home just head to the airport early!! One thing that was weird though...I wish the airport had those big lockers as well. If they did, I would consider heading back to that museum on the way home!!

Anyway...yes, score one for the nice cabbie and getting to our hotel on the cheap (and much quicker...we could see the traffic backed up on the highway)

You guys are really lucking out.
Bacon = yes. Bacon on a stick = Heck yes!
I hope so... but I don't know. No bacon on a stick pic. Don't know if that can be topped.
Huh. Interesting. Of course there's no way he's going to tell you what's actually happening.

Thanks for the update!

Yes...the bacon on the stick was pretty cool...it was kind of sweet actually...had some kind of glaze on it.

And yeah...I knew the cop wouldn't say much...I just wanted to know if it was worth waiting around to maybe see something like a cavalcade going by lol

And no problem on the update...I'm gonna do day 2 shortly....my DS wants to watch Spongebob for a bit before we go out today...sigh...we could be anywhere and he'd want to watch Spongebob rather than go out...sigh...

 

[KathyM2]

Looks like a nice start in DC! Hope today is fun, too. I've been there a couple times and we took the boys a couple years ago. We did the Air & Space Museum, Museum of American History (more for me ), saw the White House (outside-didn't plan our trip far enough out for the 6 month request thing), walked to a bunch of monuments, and toured Ford's theater which was the kids favorite. Oh also the zoo which was nothing compared to the Bronx Zoo, so the boys weren't very impressed lol. There was so much more I wanted to do! I like the mini DC update, keep them coming

Thanks!! Ford's Theatre?? I might have to check that out...hadn't got it on our list but if it was a favourite I might have to see what that's about!! We have a great zoo at home too so I think we will skip that but hope to maybe hit the spy museum and maybe natural history!

Subscribing.....

Hey thanks for following!!

 

[KathyM2]

Washington Mini Report Day 2 Update
​

We are chilling in the room before heading out for the day. Not gonna make Rope Drop...errr...forgot where I was for a sec lol.

Yesterday was an early morning. I really wanted to get an early start because our (my) plan was to head to the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (the Mint) where they print American money. My background is in print production...so I have a special interest in this area (well other than the obvious..it's MONEY lol) But the thing is...to get to go on the tour, you have to first be at the ticket booth by 8:00am to request tickets for sometime that same day. They are again FREE (I love this about Washington...lots of FREE stuff) BUT...you have to jump through some hoops. So we set the alarm for the ungodly hour of 6:15am to allow time to enjoy the FREE breakfast at our hotel before heading off to the ticket booth. Of course...DS did NOT want to get up. If I had any doubts about not taking him to Disney this fall...they were gone at this point....he was brutal to get out of bed. I know...it wasn't to go to a theme park and that maybe would have made a difference...but...this was not the only sign I saw yesterday that taking him city touring was a MUCH better idea than taking him to Disney.

Anyway...we got our breakfast and headed off on the subway to the ticket booth. We got there at about 7:40am and there were people lined up...but it wasn't bad at all..it looked long at first because people were kind of sitting single file along a fence...so it went on a while..but there was maybe 50 people ahead of us? Didn't seem to bad at least to me. DS though...saw this line and was all "what? You want me to wait in THAT??" Uh...yeah...it's because the ticket booth isn't open yet buddy...I'm sure it will move quickly as soon as 8am hits. So we took a seat...and he whined and complained a bit...but we survived. Finally the booth opened and the line did move fast. The first available tour was at 9am so we requested tickets for that and then we had an hour to kill before the tour. So we strolled over and saw this!

Soo cool! You could also line up to get tickets to go inside this...but we opted not to as that line WAS long in reality. So we strolled around a bit...and then headed back to the entrance to the bureau of printing and engraving. We went through security and had bags checked etc. Then we had to wait in a little foyer before they took us in for the tour.

This was in the foyer and the last time we'd be allowed to take pictures on the tour:

I found this fascinating. The tour was really interesting. We got to see the actual presses where they print, insert all the security features, trim and finish all the ones, twos and fives. The other denominations are printed on higher floors in the building...that they don't let you see on the tour . But anyway...I found it really interesting.

After that, we took a quick stop back at our hotel to drop off our raincoats which we thankfully...looked like we wouldn't need and didn't want to carry around. Then we decided to get lunch and then we went to go check out the National Geographic Museum. This had a cool exhibit on Monster Fish and another on Indiana Jones...which were both ok..but considering this one was NOT free...I found it a bit underwhelming. Actually the best thing about this museum was that on the outside of the building they had some amazing photographs and descriptions of them the whole way around the building...so we spent some time looking at those...but we wouldn't have really needed to go inside and pay to see those...oh well.

We then decided that we'd do a little bus touring since it was hot and our feet were getting tired. We went into a hotel to ask about the tour...and I had planned on going with the DC Trolley Tours...based on my research and Trip Advisor etc...but was talked into the Big Bus Tour by a pushy saleslady. Sadly...I was kicking myself and had buyers remorse almost immediately...because the bus took forever to come...and the pre-recorded touring guide...was barely audible and not that interesting. I knew there was a reason I had wanted to go with trolley tours - live drivers doing the tour spiel....and also reviews said their busses were more frequent and predictable....sigh. Oh well...lesson learned. But we will go on the Big Bus today again to get our moneys worth.

Anyway....we sat on the bus a bit....toured Georgetown which was lovely...but it was super hot on the top of this bus and DS (and I) were getting cranky....Looking at the bus map...I had a brilliant idea that it made sense to get off at a transfer point and get on the different bus that would take us back closer to our hotel....sadly though...my sense of direction failed me and we got on the bus...and it was not going where I thought it was. We did get to see the Pentagon though lol so that was good.

But at this point...DS had had enough of this hot bus...and when we passed a stop where there was a (air conditioned) mall and a subway entrance...we booked it off the bus. We stopped for some ice cream and then subway-ed it back to our hotel. We rested for a bit...and thought about going out for some dinner...but then we looked outside...and there was torrential rain and even a warning on the TV about flash floods!! Gah!!. So we decided to order some takeout...thanks to Google I found a place that delivered...so we ordered food.

Funny thing though...by the time the food arrived the rain had stopped and it was sunny!! Whatever...we ate in the room and then decided to go see Inside Out at a nearby movie theatre!! It was pretty cute I thought. Sadly my fave character was Disgust )

So that was pretty much our day...we subway-ed back to the hotel and hit the sack. Today we are having a relaxing morning and heading out shortly to see more on that dang Big Bus.

 

[kadrachb]

toured Georgetown which was lovely

I absolutely love Georgetown! One of my favorite places to go, and some really good places to eat, too.

Soo cool! You could also line up to get tickets to go inside this...but we opted not to as that line WAS long in reality

If you do want to do this, you can get them online! Last summer when it reopened, my boyfriend got us tickets online to go up. The view is AMAZING!

 

[pkondz]

and the landing felt...fast...maybe that's why I don't go on ToT lol.

Yes...it was amazing. And I really liked the layout and the way it was organized etc...oh and that it was FREE didn't hurt either...You had to pay if you wanted to see the IMAX movie but we had enough to keep us happy there without it. I would have liked to stay longer and take the time to actually read all the info about every plane/helicopter/spaceship/missile that we saw...but I was also worried about hitting rush hour on the Metro with our luggage...so we had to cut it a bit short. But still well worth it.

I'm definitely putting it on my bucket list.

That darned list.... the more I do from it, the longer it gets!

we were actually sort of following this other guy who said he was going to the museum too...and we just figured he knew what he was doing. BUT thankfully...when we had gone one stop on the bus...I had a bad feeling and thought to double check with the driver who was all "oh, you wanted to go to the museum???" Uh yeah...so...that's how we found out we were on the wrong bus.

So, did that other guy stay on or get off?

Chris Hadfield somehow defies all that...it seems anyway.

You definitely DO have to get to DC and see that place.

On the list!

sigh...we could be anywhere and he'd want to watch Spongebob rather than go out...sigh...

Back later to read the update.

 

[DonnaBeeGood]

.

 

[pkondz]

Not gonna make Rope Drop...errr...forgot where I was for a sec lol.

I really wanted to get an early start because our (my) plan was to head to the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (the Mint) where they print American money. My background is in print production...so I have a special interest in this area

I can see why you'd be interested. Believe it or not, I have yet to visit our mint here in Winnipeg.
Don't ask me why I haven't been.
Well, actually I do know. It's well, I live here so I can always go whenever I want... so you never do.

Of course...DS did NOT want to get up.

So.... typical kid, huh?

If I had any doubts about not taking him to Disney this fall...they were gone at this point....he was brutal to get out of bed.

Oh, dear. Well, at least you found this out before hand and not while you're trying to actually make rope drop.

So we took a seat...and he whined and complained a bit...but we survived.

Ah, yes. The bane of every parent. The whine.
I am familiar with this phenomenon.

So we strolled over and saw this!

Cool!

You could also line up to get tickets to go inside this

I didn't even know it was open again.

I found this fascinating. The tour was really interesting. We got to see the actual presses where they print, insert all the security features, trim and finish all the ones, twos and fives. The other denominations are printed on higher floors in the building...that they don't let you see on the tour . But anyway...I found it really interesting.

Sounds interesting... but how did your DS like it?

we went to go check out the National Geographic Museum.

That sounds like it would be a good one to go to, but...

but considering this one was NOT free...I found it a bit underwhelming.

So disappointing.

but was talked into the Big Bus Tour by a pushy saleslady. Sadly...I was kicking myself and had buyers remorse almost immediately...

Oh, crap. That sucks. It's tough when someone is pushing, though.

We did get to see the Pentagon though lol so that was good.

And again.... cool!

We rested for a bit...and thought about going out for some dinner...but then we looked outside...and there was torrential rain and even a warning on the TV about flash floods!!

At least you were inside when it hit. Not on the top of an open air double decker bus.

we ate in the room and then decided to go see Inside Out at a nearby movie theatre!! It was pretty cute I thought. Sadly my fave character was Disgust )

I've heard some really good things about it. Would you recommend it?

Today we are having a relaxing morning and heading out shortly to see more on that dang Big Bus.

Good luck with the Bus!

 

[Steppesister]

Been to DC a ton of times, since my sister lives in McLean, VA. I included it in my last TR, and we had a huge DISMeet there. Super fun stuff!

Mt. Vernon was TOTALLY worth it, I spent a full day (+DISMeet time) in the American History Smithy, and time on the Mall. So glad you're having a great time. Hope the whining improves.

 

[KathyM2]

I absolutely love Georgetown! One of my favorite places to go, and some really good places to eat, too.
If you do want to do this, you can get them online! Last summer when it reopened, my boyfriend got us tickets online to go up. The view is AMAZING!

Yes Georgetown is so cute. I'm hoping we can go back tomorrow and browse around a bit more. Good to know about online tickets to the monument...I don't think I'd get DS back there lol...we've now driven by it a good half dozen times on the dreaded bus lol. But next time for sure.

I'm definitely putting it on my bucket list.
That darned list.... the more I do from it, the longer it gets!

I know what you mean about the bucket list...just keeps growing...let's hope we all have a big bucket

So, did that other guy stay on or get off?

When the other guy saw us asking the driver and then get off, he scrambled off the bus after us lol..it was kinda funny actually. We (well, I) ended up chatting with him while we waited for the next bus. He was actually here on business from Germany and had a bunch of time to kill at the airport before his flight so decided to go check out the museum. I felt bad for him that he (and we) wasted some time getting on the wrong bus...but what can you do. He didn't seem to upset about it as he had like 8 hours or something ridiculous to kill.

 

[KathyM2]

Awesome DC report! And a great way to confirm that you won't have guilt about DS not going to Disney, and instead getting better one on one quality time together. I hope the hop on hop off bus redeems itself today!

It's true. And you're right...much less guilt now and the quality time is good. Though I do have to keep telling myself to not sweat the small stuff and try not fight with DS over stupid things like where to eat for lunch...but I can't help but be annoyed when we are in a city of a thousand good restaurants and he wants to eat at Subway...sigh.

As for the bus...somewhat...we at least got some more rides on and felt like it wasn't a complete waste of money...gonna update soon though and will share more about that