Saving Dole Whip Float Money (Update 2/27: TR Link Posted!)

[Cat0727]

My sister took Amtrak down all the way to Fort Lauderdale last year, because she brought a lot of bags with her and they don't charge for luggage. It wasn't something she'd do again, but it was definitely an experience!

 

[RachelNinja]

Iago!

I like these late night posts

Haha.. had to get my answer in

Now for my comment on your post -

Yay for Amtrak. I definitely recommend upgrading to a sleeper car. I did 14 hrs in coach to a friend's wedding - it was pretty bad. But the train ride itself was fun. How exciting!

Haha, late nights posts seem to be the only thing I can do now because I'm not one round ahead! I have to make it up in between lesson plans, so I can't post it until late at night!

I read somewhere that we can upgrade to a roomette when you pass a certain point (Wash, DC?). It'd be a lot cheaper than booking it right away. Of course, we'd run the risk of there not being any sleeper cars, but I don't want to spend the money now. The whole point is to save instead of flying!

I went by Amtrak all the time in college-- from Providence, RI (where I went to school) to Penn Station. That felt like a longgg trip, and wasn't exactly cheap. It was really fun, though-- usually the ride home (to DBF lol) was more fun than going back to college. The seats are so much more comfortable than airplane seats!
I recommend booking a trip on an "off" time. If you travel in the early morning/rush hour time slots on a Friday-Monday, the train will be very crowded and chances are you will not be able to seat together. Heck, even two of you may not be able to sit together! Also, most seats are two per row, aisle, two more. There's usually only one "four seater" (two seats facing another set of two seats) every other car or so. So I definitely recommend traveling during "off" times. Plus, off times are always cheaper, too! (12-3 pm seemed like the least busy times)
I fancy myself a bit of an Amtrak expert (LOL), so let me know if you have any questions! It's definitely a great way to travel-- feels very old fashioned! DBF and I took a trip to DC on the Amtrak last year and had a lot of fun!

OoOoo, definitely going to ask you questions when they come up! Glad to know the seats are more comfy than airplane seats especially if we're going to be in them for quite some time!

At the moment, we're thinking about getting the 11am train from Penn Station. There's another one at 3pm, I think, but we figured we'd get on the train earlier to get to Florida earlier. We'd probably be anxious to get moving that morning. I don't, however, like the idea that we might not be able to sit together! I'm sure we can deal with the 4 of us not sitting together, but I don't want to sit next to a stranger! I thought that getting there earlier might be a good thing to get the seats we want.

Did you take the Silver Meteor or Silver Star? I think those are the 2 options we have.

Oh, I do have one question ... when you bring your "carry-on" stuff onto the train (stuff to do, snacks and whatnot), do you just leave it at your seat when you go eat? I guess I'm concerned about leaving personal belongings unattended. But at the same time, I know I can't lug it with me to the dining car because it's so small.

My sister took Amtrak down all the way to Fort Lauderdale last year, because she brought a lot of bags with her and they don't charge for luggage. It wasn't something she'd do again, but it was definitely an experience!

That was definitely another reason why we decided on Amtrak. Since we're staying a timeshare, we can bring some food with us (ex. box of cereal) so that we don't have to buy it down in Florida. On a plane, we'd be limited with what we could pack.

Why wouldn't your sister do it again? Haha, I know I hear good stories and then I also hear horror stories.

 

[RachelNinja]

Character Scrambler: Round 13 Answers

Congratulations to not_Joanna_eggs who got the correct answer of Iago from Aladdin! Here are the answers and a little bit more detail for some of them!

Clue #1: Tonga Toast = G
This entices me so much, but I don't like french toast or bananas! Haha. I wish they made a Tonga Toast stick that I could try. I'm sure it'd be a tasty dessert-like snack. I don't like sweet things for breakfast. I guess if that's the case, I'm never going to try this DIS favorite!

Clue #2: Utilidors = I
One day I'll see the Utilidors when Howard and I do the Keys to the Kingdom tour! I was always intrigued, but after reading about how some of the Kingdom Keepers had to go to the Utilidors to do certain things (don't want to spoil anything!), I really want to see it. Haha, I know I'm going to be thinking, "Finn Whitman was here!"

Clue #3: Disney World = O
I thought this was a slight trick question because it seems like it'd be an entirely different name! Roy just wanted to make sure that Walt was honored, so that's why it became WALT Disney World!

Clue #4: Lanterns = A
Because of little facts like this (the thirteen lanterns representing the thirteen colonies), I really wish I could bring my classes to Disney World for a class trip! Haha, oh well.

Lastly, the reason why I chose Iago is because I'm hoping to get a recording of his comment all the way at the end of the Tiki Room show. He makes a comment that he needs a nap and should go to the Hall of Presidents! Howard and I waited a long time in the theater underneath Iago after everyone else excited just so that we could hear it. I didn't know if the CM was going to shoo us out, but I guess she had to have known what we were waiting for!

Scoreboard
floridascgirl - 1
HowWeird - 3
SoonerGirl - 1
wdwgirl03 - 1
peterpanlover96 - 1
therussells08 - 1
disneybarbie - 1
not_Joanna_eggs - 3
Jennifer48 - 1

 

[therussells08]

Oooh...I'm online, you're online...could I be just in time for Round 14?!

 

[therussells08]

Okay I just read your "Getting There" post, and I must say that I think AMTRAK sounds awesome! I have always wanted to travel somewhere by train. I can't wait to read your TR! I am obsessed with Harry Potter, so I would definitely spend the entire trip pretending that I was on the Hogwarts Express!

 

[RachelNinja]

Oooh...I'm online, you're online...could I be just in time for Round 14?!

Maybe!!! Just gotta write up a few more clues!!!

Okay I just read your "Getting There" post, and I must say that I think AMTRAK sounds awesome! I have always wanted to travel somewhere by train. I can't wait to read your TR! I am obsessed with Harry Potter, so I would definitely spend the entire trip pretending that I was on the Hogwarts Express!

It's something that really excites me even though I read really good reviews and really bad ones. I figure that Howard and I have sat in a car for much longer in the backseat with Matt. This is more space, right? The gross thing is that I read that the bathrooms get yuckier as time passes on ... blech. Gonna find out if we can upgrade to a roomette en route since it's much cheaper IF the roomette is still available!

 

[RachelNinja]

Character Scrambler: Round 14

Directions
1. Figure out the word or words for each clue.
2. Identify the mystery letter from each clue.
3. Unscramble all the mystery letters to reveal the mystery character, which will be a character in any Disney movie!

Clue #1 (1 word / 7th letter): __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __
Feel that you suddenly need a makeover while in Epcot? Head to this new store that has a makeup counter and experts to help you select and apply the appropriate product.

Clue #2 (2 words / 1st letter of 2nd word): __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ / __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __
This is a Disney tradition now in its 40th year that has a celebrity narrator reading the Christmas story.

Clue #3 (2 words / 1st letter of 2nd word): __ __ __ __ __ __ __ / __ __ __ __ __ __
The film at One Man's Dream was originally narrated by this former Disney CEO.

Clue #4 (3 words / 2nd letter of 3rd word): __ __ __ / __ __ __ / __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __
There are many sandwiches from which to choose at the yummy Earl of Sandwich in DTD. However, the best sandwich (okay, I've only tried two so I know I can't really say it's THE BEST) is this one that has roast turkey, buttermilk ranch, cranberries, cheddar cheese, lettuce and tomato.

Clue #5 (2 words / 6th letter of 2nd word): __ __ __ / __ __ __ __ __ __
Can bagpipes really be cool? Check out this band in Canada and find out for yourself!

Clue #6 (3 words / 5th letter of 1st word): __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ / __ __ / __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __
Before it was changed to Dinosaur, this ride had this name.

Clue #7 (5 words / 2nd letter of 1st word): __ __ __ __ / __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ ' __ / __ __ __ __ __ / __ __ __ __ __ __ / __ __ __ __
Keep these tips in mind when on this ride: Hit the back of the orange robot's arm! Hit the volcano to make it erupt! Moving targets are worth more points!

Mystery Letters (scrambled): __ __ __ __ __ __ __
Mystery Character (unscrambled): __ __ __ __ __ __ __

Post your final answer when you're done. Have fun and good luck!

 

[klacey1]

OoOoo, definitely going to ask you questions when they come up! Glad to know the seats are more comfy than airplane seats especially if we're going to be in them for quite some time!

At the moment, we're thinking about getting the 11am train from Penn Station. There's another one at 3pm, I think, but we figured we'd get on the train earlier to get to Florida earlier. We'd probably be anxious to get moving that morning. I don't, however, like the idea that we might not be able to sit together! I'm sure we can deal with the 4 of us not sitting together, but I don't want to sit next to a stranger! I thought that getting there earlier might be a good thing to get the seats we want.

Did you take the Silver Meteor or Silver Star? I think those are the 2 options we have.

Hmm, not sure what I've taken. I think 11 am is a good time! Definitely not "peak." I'd say you have a good chance of getting seats together. Just be aware of the Penn Station RUSH-- hoards of people getting off, and many more pushing in! Just stand your ground and don't let anyone knock you down! Also, definitely don't be afraid to walk through multiple cars to try to find seats together. I'd also suggestion positioning yourself on the platform where the back of the train will be when it pulls in. Many train stations aren't big enough to accommodate all of the cars (some stations only the first 4 are accessible, or whatever), therefore, it's a rule that from the middle up toward the front is much more crowded than the back. Oh, and I would always leave my carryon bags at my seat when I'd go to eat/go to the bathroom. I'd leave my wallet/phone when I'd go to the bathroom, but for anything longer (like snacks/meals), I'd grab them.

 

[therussells08]

Thumper?!

 

[therussells08]

I think that's right but I can't be entirely sure...I'm not usually awake at at this time so my brain is not functioning as quickly as it normally would!

 

[RachelNinja]

Hmm, not sure what I've taken. I think 11 am is a good time! Definitely not "peak." I'd say you have a good chance of getting seats together. Just be aware of the Penn Station RUSH-- hoards of people getting off, and many more pushing in! Just stand your ground and don't let anyone knock you down! Also, definitely don't be afraid to walk through multiple cars to try to find seats together. I'd also suggestion positioning yourself on the platform where the back of the train will be when it pulls in. Many train stations aren't big enough to accommodate all of the cars (some stations only the first 4 are accessible, or whatever), therefore, it's a rule that from the middle up toward the front is much more crowded than the back. Oh, and I would always leave my carryon bags at my seat when I'd go to eat/go to the bathroom. I'd leave my wallet/phone when I'd go to the bathroom, but for anything longer (like snacks/meals), I'd grab them.

Thanks for the tips! I sent Howard the link to your post so he could read it too. It's good to know about the rush because I just pictured it to be a lot more mellow! Haha, I don't know what I was thinking ... it IS NYC after all!

When you said that many train stations aren't big enough to accommodate all of the cars, are you saying that we'd have more access to the back cars at Penn Station because it can fit it? That's an excellent tip! Fewer people would walk to the back, I'm hoping! That's how it is on city buses, so why wouldn't it be true on Amtrak!

Is there a space under the seat for a carry-on thing like there is on the plane or is it just the space above the seats? I guess it'd be important to leave something at the seat when going to dine because then can't someone come along and take the seat you were just in?

Did you find that the bathrooms got dirtier as the hours passed? That's the one thing I read that really makes me feel yucky. I think I can deal with feeling a little uncomfortable for a long period of time on the seats, but I don't want to deal with uncleanliness! Are the bathrooms small like airplane bathrooms? Thanks for your help!

Thumper?!

So excited you got to play!

I think that's right but I can't be entirely sure...I'm not usually awake at at this time so my brain is not functioning as quickly as it normally would!

Haha, it is correct. I completely understand the non-functioning brain; it is Friday! I'm the teacher who fell asleep for an hour and 15 minutes on the living room floor ...

 

[oboedm]

I can't believe you haven't seen Emporer's New Groove! I think it's really funny and we always quote it on rides.

Isma! Put your hands in the air!"

You can also hear us randomly saying "Yay! I'm a llama again!" or "Llama face!"

 

[RachelNinja]

I can't believe you haven't seen Emporer's New Groove! I think it's really funny and we always quote it on rides.

Isma! Put your hands in the air!"

You can also hear us randomly saying "Yay! I'm a llama again!" or "Llama face!"

Haha, your comment reminded me so much of the 8th graders we graduated this past June. There was one girl who was obsessed with llamas in a joking way, and I couldn't figure out why! Maybe it had something to do with the movie!

 

[RachelNinja]

Character Scrambler: Round 14 Answers

Congratulations to therussells08 who got the correct answer of Thumper from Bambi! Here are the answers and a little bit more detail for some of them!

Clue #1: Givenchy = H
I read on AllEars that this is where the library in France used to be. You know, the one that had the stained glass with the Beauty and the Beast stuff? Um, does that mean they got rid of that? Because I didn't see it yet with my own eyes!!!

Clue #2: Candlelight Processional = P
I know I'll probably never get to see this for myself, but I'm intrigued every time I read how moving it is when people see it for themselves.

Clue #3: Michael Eisner = E
After Eisner's Disney days, my dad actually worked with him for a bit.

Clue #4: The All American = M
I'm eating this in February. No doubt about it. There's also a possibility that we might pick up Earl of Sandwich again for the Amtrak ride back home. Wonder if I'll finally try another sandwich or if I'll get ANOTHER All American!

Clue #5: Off Kilter = R
Saw British Invasion in April, I'd like to see Off Kilter in February!

Clue #6: Countdown to Extinction = T
I rode it when the ride was Countdown to Extinction. Did they make it less scary when they changed it to Dinosaur? I don't remember much from the ride except that it was jerky, and I loved it!

Clue #7: Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin = U
I'm curious to see how well Dani and Ray do on this ride in February! Howard and I will be "competing" again. We decided it'd be better if we each took Dani and Ray on it the first time to point out all the high point targets.

Lastly, the reason why I chose Thumper is because Howard has a little Thumper plush at home. Haha, I just think that's so cute. There's really no other reason why I chose him! Haha.

Scoreboard
floridascgirl - 1
HowWeird - 3
SoonerGirl - 1
wdwgirl03 - 1
peterpanlover96 - 1
therussells08 - 2
disneybarbie - 1
not_Joanna_eggs - 3
Jennifer48 - 1

As some of you may have noticed, I didn't post a round yesterday. The plan was to do it at night after Howard left (Saturdays are the days we spend together). However, in the car on the way to dinner, one lone mosquito that was apparently in the car decided to feast on my flesh 7 times. There are 5 welt-sized bites on my right arm and 2 smaller ones on my left. We got to the restaurant and the spots were swelling up, and I was miserable. I thought it might have been hives (I was trying to pretend that they were because hives go away a lot faster than bites do!). We picked up food instead of eating there and headed on back to my house. I took Benadryl, which of course, got me so drowsy, but what was even worse is due to the fact that decongestants also mess with my heart. They make me feel very uneasy, which is why I don't take decongestants often (hence the sinus infections and throat infections that I seem to get once a year). I was in bed by 10 but then proceeded to wake up every hour for the entire night. Not fun at all!

This upcoming week is going to be a long one again due to the fact that we have Curriculum Conferences at school. Since I teach 6th, 7th, and 8th grade, I have to prepare for all 3 of them. I'm going to take another break from Character Scrambler this week. The break is also needed because I haven't had time to update my April TR! I already posted an update today, and I'm hoping to get moving with that since our February trip is not that far away! So I won't be back with Character Scrambler until next week. If I do post this week, it'll be a "surprise" round because it's not planned at this point.

 

[klacey1]

Lol-- mellow is definitely not the word to describe getting on the train in NYC (or really anywhere else!). People just are pushy!
Yup, exactly. The platform at Penn is long enough so that every car's door will open, allowing for access. If you stand at the very end of the platform, I'd say you have a very good chance to get seats together. Plus, a lot of people will be getting off at Penn. It's a popular stop, of course.
There's plenty of leg room and your bag should fit under the seat in front of you (or under your own if you get a four-seater). There is also racks above you.
The bathrooms-- eh. Not amazing, but never DIRTY. Just bring lots of hand sanitizer and seat liners (I always carry these in public. Obsessive much?) They're definitely small. Also, try to 'go' when you know you have awhile before the next stop. Being in the bathroom when the train suddenly stops is NOT fun-- you don't want to fall over in there!! Glad to help

 

[Cat0727]

I'm getting bit by mosquitoes, too. I don't know why there are so many popping up now. I hear ya on Benadryl- it messed me up so bad the 2 times I took it that I'd just rather suffer than take that stuff again.

 

[chunkymonkey]

Just wanted to stop by and say Hi!! I have started reading your PTR and then am now going to start reading your TR too. Looks like I have waaaaay to much to catch up on, so off I go!
Great idea to do the amtrack. I used to travel from boston to ny that way all the time and it was much nicer and faster than the bus.
Looking forward to hearing more of your plans!

 

[peterpanlover96]

I'm caught up! I missed so much, I feel like a bad DISer Haha, the Amtrak sounds like a good idea. I've actually never thought about taking a train to Disney. If it's cheaper, why not? We fly every time but the last couple of times we have driven. I'll definitely consider a train next time I'll try to catch your next round of the Character Scramble since I proclaimed today my lay in bed and relax day

 

[RachelNinja]

Lol-- mellow is definitely not the word to describe getting on the train in NYC (or really anywhere else!). People just are pushy!
Yup, exactly. The platform at Penn is long enough so that every car's door will open, allowing for access. If you stand at the very end of the platform, I'd say you have a very good chance to get seats together. Plus, a lot of people will be getting off at Penn. It's a popular stop, of course.
There's plenty of leg room and your bag should fit under the seat in front of you (or under your own if you get a four-seater). There is also racks above you.
The bathrooms-- eh. Not amazing, but never DIRTY. Just bring lots of hand sanitizer and seat liners (I always carry these in public. Obsessive much?) They're definitely small. Also, try to 'go' when you know you have awhile before the next stop. Being in the bathroom when the train suddenly stops is NOT fun-- you don't want to fall over in there!! Glad to help

Thanks for the info again! I really like the tip of trying to get on the cars at the end. I'd really prefer that it be quieter.

I like the idea of the seat liners too. I can't imagine that they'd stay THAT THAT clean considering it is a moving vehicle. Also, some people don't keep bathrooms clean even when they're not moving, haha.

I'm getting bit by mosquitoes, too. I don't know why there are so many popping up now. I hear ya on Benadryl- it messed me up so bad the 2 times I took it that I'd just rather suffer than take that stuff again.

I don't think I'll ever take Benadryl again unless I know for a fact that I have hives and I can't stand the itchiness! I'd save it for desperate measures. I think I could have just used topical things this time instead of taking drugs! Ah, so uncomfortable!

Just wanted to stop by and say Hi!! I have started reading your PTR and then am now going to start reading your TR too. Looks like I have waaaaay to much to catch up on, so off I go!
Great idea to do the amtrack. I used to travel from boston to ny that way all the time and it was much nicer and faster than the bus.
Looking forward to hearing more of your plans!

Yay! So glad you're here! I haven't been writing that much here because work has been really busy. Plus, we needed to book Amtrak and all that before making definite plans. We do finally have it booked though, so I'm sure I'll have more updates soon!

Ooo, glad to hear that you liked Amtrak! We just love that we're saving money. Haha, lots more money to spend at Le Cellier and all that.

I'm caught up! I missed so much, I feel like a bad DISer Haha, the Amtrak sounds like a good idea. I've actually never thought about taking a train to Disney. If it's cheaper, why not? We fly every time but the last couple of times we have driven. I'll definitely consider a train next time I'll try to catch your next round of the Character Scramble since I proclaimed today my lay in bed and relax day

I feel like a bad DISer too because I haven't really been on DIS! I think that if Amtrak saves a LOT of money, it's definitely worth it. I'm so used to sitting in the car anyway. I'm sure this will be more comfortable. Plus, I actually don't like stopping when we're in the car because I feel like it's wasted time. This is perfect because we're just constantly moving for the most part. I mean, I know we stop at some other stations, but we're still on our way.

 

[RachelNinja]

Character Scrambler: Round 15

Directions
1. Figure out the word or words for each clue.
2. Identify the mystery letter from each clue.
3. Unscramble all the mystery letters to reveal the mystery character, which will be a character in any Disney movie!

Clue #1 (6 words / 1st letter of 2nd word): __ __ __ / __ __ __ __ / __ __ __ __ / __ __ / __ __ __ __ / __ __ __ __
The current song at Carousel of Progress is "There's a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow." When it first opened, this was the theme song.

Clue #2 (2 words / 3rd letter of 1st word ): __ __ __ __ __ / __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __
This popular ride in the Magic Kingdom can actually be found in all four global Disney theme parks. Just make sure you don't mind the dark when riding any of them!

Clue #3 (4 words / 3rd letter of 4th word): __ __ __ __ / __ __ / __ __ __ / __ __ __ __ __
Splash Mountain is based on this movie that can't be found any longer due to it being classified as racist.

Mystery Letters (scrambled): __ __ __ __ __ __
Mystery Character (unscrambled): __ __ __ __ __ __

Post your final answer when you're done. Have fun and good luck!