Sorry Gaston, They are MUCH More Interesting Than You!*6/8* NEW Trip Report Link p154

[jecskc]

Thanks for the Hilton Head pics. It is like 2.5 hours away from us, but I am not sure we are ready to use our points on it just yet. We are still in love with WDW, the resorts there and everything it offers. It might be nice to head down there for the weekend.

Where is the beach house in relation to the resort ?? I was under the impression that the resort wasn't directly on the beach.

 

[saintstickets]

...I guess but also bummed cause the June trip is off....I don't think I can make it to October w no va-Kay And now I'm afraid that my October trip is too long for any new job I'm starting.

Glad to hear your June trip is back on! I was going to say that missing your June trip would just increase the anticipation of your October trip and our meet-up! I can hear Denny now, "You know, it's crazy enough you meeting women on vacations that you've only talked to online but now you're meeting some Mississippi redneck and his wife in October and I've gotta be there too?!?! BTW, isn't he the one that sent us that gosh-awful muscadine wine?"

for the good news on the job front. I hope it works out and is everything you want and need it to be.

After seeing those pictures from HHI, DW and I are going to have to try again to make it there. Maybe this time one of the kids won't surprise us with a wedding right before we were supposed to go!

 

[MEK]

Thanks for the Hilton Head pics. It is like 2.5 hours away from us, but I am not sure we are ready to use our points on it just yet. We are still in love with WDW, the resorts there and everything it offers. It might be nice to head down there for the weekend.

If you want to do a weekend I would definitely check out the member rate starting at the end of October. That's how I went the first time because the member rate was something like $150 a night for the 2BR.

I know what you mean about points. I tend to be selective about where I will and won't use them. I need to feel like I'm getting the most from my points. I think the next time I go it will be during a season when I can get a good member discount rate.

Where is the beach house in relation to the resort ?? I was under the impression that the resort wasn't directly on the beach.

The resort is actually on the Broad Creek. On one side of the resort is the Broad Creek and on the other side is the marina. A little over a mile away is the actual beach. There is a shuttle that runs there, but we just drove our own car. I'm sure that would be hard to do in the summer, but there is plenty of parking off season. It's actually close enough to ride bikes. Not sure if I would walk, just because I'm lazy.

It would be great if the resort was directly on the beach, but I honestly think this is better because of the access to Broad Creek for kayaking and fishing. The beach house is so beautiful that you can basically set up shop there and just stay at the BH pool or on the beach until you're ready to leave.

Glad to hear your June trip is back on! I was going to say that missing your June trip would just increase the anticipation of your October trip and our meet-up!

It would definitely increase the anticipation, but I am so happy I don't have to give up the June trip. I am so excited about October. I waitlisted for BWV and BCV for those first three days and prayer every day that one of them comes through.

I did make a reservation for 4 at R&C on Saturday night (i have to look up the time - I'm going to guess around 7 - 7:30ish ) if you guys are interested. I don't know if we ever decided if we were just to hit the booths or do a dinner. I am purchasing a TIW in June so I definitely want to make some ADRs so I can use it.

I can hear Denny now, "You know, it's crazy enough you meeting women on vacations that you've only talked to online but now you're meeting some Mississippi redneck and his wife in October and I've gotta be there too?!?! BTW, isn't he the one that sent us that gosh-awful muscadine wine?"

OMG - thanks for making me laugh at loud. And, for the record, we really enjoyed that wine. It was different, but very enjoyable.

He already rolled his eyes when I told him we had a breakfast ADR with Kathy. But it was just a little roll. More like a "sigh..ok". I'm breaking him in - ever so slowly......

for the good news on the job front. I hope it works out and is everything you want and need it to be.

Who really wants to change their job, but I knew I probably wasn't going to retire from my current job. So I'm very happy to have found a replacement in my field of interest.

After seeing those pictures from HHI, DW and I are going to have to try again to make it there. Maybe this time one of the kids won't surprise us with a wedding right before we were supposed to go!

I hope you do get to go. I think you would really love it. Despite our hospital adventure, we still managed to see Bluffton, Beaufort, Savannah, Tybee Island, and we had a brief stop in Charleston on the way home. I just love it there. I could totally live there.

 

[GoofyFan1515]

Looks like a full and fun final day! Some of that food looked delicious!!!

Nice way to end a trip.........at the pool relaxing! Love to see the Clown Pool one day!

Mary Ellen, some great pictures at the HHI resort! It looks like a great place to relax, and looks like there is so much beach to enjoy!

 

[DisMomAmy]

Wow... I was WAY behind!!! I feel like such a bad DIS friend! I can't believe everything that's been going on with you Mary Ellen! Kitty issues, college decisions, Denny's health scare, stuff with your parents, family vacation drama, job searching... I'm glad to hear most things are under control but I'm sorry I wasn't around to offer support through all of that!!! I'm so glad you have decided to go forward with your June vacation... it sounds like you need it!

Sorry we've come to your last day Cynthia! Nice job with your top 10 list! I'm not sure I have seen the Country Bears since I was nine years old!

 

[annmarieda]

Mary Ellen,

I am so glad you got a job offer!!!

June trip is on?!

The Chase lounge was something I missed due to losing my darn disney visa while on our trip. I would have liked to have enjoyed some of the amenities there. I totally would have picked up reserved illuminations viewing area!

I love the HHI pics!! I really am hoping to go there in the next year or two. You think it isn't a good use of DVC points? And... what airport would you say would be best to fly into?

Cynthia,

I want to know how you always seem to be color coordinated? Those pictures of you in front of the Food and Wine festival sign look awesome!!

 

[MAGICFOR2]

I think I missed posting after the last update. Mary Ellen, I'm so glad you landed the job and those worries are over - and for keeping the trip!

Love how you are getting so much food and fun into the last day. Too bad it is the last day, though.

Cynthia, nice pic of you with the F&W signs!

 

[MEK]

Looks like a full and fun final day! Some of that food looked delicious!!!

And there is more to come. Spoiler alert - I went back and made the F&W rounds again after Cynthia left.

Nice way to end a trip.........at the pool relaxing! Love to see the Clown Pool one day!

I hope you get to see the Clown Pool. It really wasn't bad to be sitting on the pool deck staring down the mouth of that crazy clown. And if you don't like the clown, the quiet pools are awesome too.

Mary Ellen, some great pictures at the HHI resort! It looks like a great place to relax, and looks like there is so much beach to enjoy!

Thanks. It's a beautiful island. The beach is very, very hard packed so its great for walking, running, and riding bikes. If you are going to sit you the beach you definitely need a chair.

Wow... I was WAY behind!!! I feel like such a bad DIS friend! I can't believe everything that's been going on with you Mary Ellen! Kitty issues, college decisions, Denny's health scare, stuff with your parents, family vacation drama, job searching... I'm glad to hear most things are under control but I'm sorry I wasn't around to offer support through all of that!!! I'm so glad you have decided to go forward with your June vacation... it sounds like you need it!

No worries Amy. I know you were busy getting ready for your trip and, of course, BEING on your trip. April was certainly a little funky for me when everything started to pile up at once. I am glad things are sorting themselves out and most grateful to have a job and a vacation to look forward to.

Are you doing a TR? I hope I didn't miss the start of one.

Sorry we've come to your last day Cynthia! Nice job with your top 10 list! I'm not sure I have seen the Country Bears since I was nine years old!

And you're planning to keep it that way, right?

Mary Ellen,

I am so glad you got a job offer!!!

Thanks! I am so relieved about that and look forward to starting.

June trip is on?!

yup yes:: I am very happy about that. I really want a vacation before I start a new job. And I am happy its just Denny and I. It's been awhile since just he and I traveled.

The Chase lounge was something I missed due to losing my darn disney visa while on our trip. I would have liked to have enjoyed some of the amenities there. I totally would have picked up reserved illuminations viewing area!

That is such a bummer that you weren't able to go there. It's a cute little lounge and I will definitely be visiting it again this fall. I hope I score a bracelet, but I'll be happy with the lemonade, too.

I love the HHI pics!! I really am hoping to go there in the next year or two. You think it isn't a good use of DVC points? And... what airport would you say would be best to fly into?

I think it depends on what time of year you go and where you live. If you already live in SC then it's probably not that big of a deal and maybe not worth the points. For me it's like going to a completely new place. When I went with my GF's in late Oct 2012 the 2BR was 34 points a night (I think), but they had a member rate of $150 a night. In my mind 34 points should be worth at least $340, so I went with the member rate.

In April the points per night were similar (forgive me for not knowing the exact amount) but the rack rate for the room was over $400 a night. In that case - yes the points are totally worth it.

As far as flying - Savannah is about 50 minutes away and Charleston is at least 90 minutes away. I would say either of those places depending on flight cost.

It's an awesome place. I encourage everyone to visit there. It's really special.

Cynthia,

I want to know how you always seem to be color coordinated? Those pictures of you in front of the Food and Wine festival sign look awesome!!

She really got some great pictures that say, didn't she?

I think I missed posting after the last update. Mary Ellen, I'm so glad you landed the job and those worries are over - and for keeping the trip!

Thanks! I can't tell you how relieved I am that I will be starting a new job that I wanted and not one that I had to take. Makes such a big difference.

ILove how you are getting so much food and fun into the last day. Too bad it is the last day, though.

Last days are always a bummer. It was a bummer to see Cynthia leave, but I still had one more evening and was determined to make the most of it.

ICynthia, nice pic of you with the F&W signs!

I agree - they are such great pictures she got!

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

Missions completed at MK, not to mention a perfect start to my last day, I headed over to Epcot. That last monorail ride is pretty darn sad too.

Everything about re-entering the real world is sad.

Although interestingly enough since then I downloaded some of the retro icons you see in that picture and use them on my desktop at work.

That's a cool idea. I would have thought they would have a lot of merchandise centered on the old icons. They were pretty cool.

Yes, I know it’s not the fillet. I wasn't in the mood. Plus, they had me at "polenta"

They would have had me at "meat".

I decided that Soarin will always be there, but Cynthia would not. So I picked Cynthia over Soarin.

Good call. I'm sure Cynthia felt that way too!

When we got back to the Boardwalk Cynthia decided she had some time to hit the pool. And this time we got brave - real brave - and we decided to hit the Clown Pool.

Maybe that Soarin' FP is still good...

We actually both really enjoyed the Clown Pool even though neither of us braved the pool.

Sure, that sounds....wait, what?

Our first sunset

GREAT picture!

Lots of Spanish Moss

My wife would be snapping a ton of shots of this right there with you.

Inside the lodge

I really like the interior. Gives off a WL type vibe. Someday we'll have to check this place out!

 

[afwdwfan]

This will be a bit of a shorter update so we can stay sort of in sync and apparently I did not take many pictures at all towards the end.

Nobody wants to remember the "leaving" part anyway.

That last monorail ride is pretty darn sad too.

It's hard to say sad and monorail in the same sentence, but you make a good point.

I had really thought I might end up with some anniversary merchandise but nothing really "grabbed" me, for me. Although interestingly enough since then I downloaded some of the retro icons you see in that picture and use them on my desktop at work.

Merchandise at Disney, in general, seems to have that same effect or lack thereof on me.

The old EPCOT icons are pretty awesome though!

Tummy finally full and time closing in on me...

That was definitely another nice day at the F&W festival! A good way to relax a bit before you have to leave.

I decided that Soarin will always be there, but Cynthia would not. So I picked Cynthia over Soarin.

Awwww... :

We saw Mary Poppins on our way out. I just love Mary Poppins. So serene and refined.

Not to mention practically perfect.

When we got back to the Boardwalk Cynthia decided she had some time to hit the pool. And this time we got brave - real brave - and we decided to hit the Clown Pool.

And you know what - that crazy clown wasn't all that scary after all. We actually both really enjoyed the Clown Pool even though neither of us braved the pool.

Ok, maybe not scary, but still kind of an eyesore.

I love all the HHI pictures. I really would like to stay there sometime. It looks like it has a nice mix of beach/"other stuff" to it. I love how it has all the trees around it.

 

[eandesmom]

This looks really good. I guess I was still too full from the ravioli. I do have a picture of the cheese plate, somewhere.

Cute PP pictures as well!

It was really good but I imagine that ravioli was twice as filling.

Soarin or Cynthia

It looks like Cynthia did a great job finishing up her last couple hours in the world at F&W. I, however, must have been too full from that yummy ravioli.

But I did manage to make room for the Kerry gold cheese platter in Ireland



I can verify that we did travel to Canada, because here's a picture!

You did, we both had it I think. Either that or we shared but I don't think so...

I had a FP for Soarin, but I needed to make a decision….head back to BWV with Cynthia or stick around and use my FP.

I decided that Soarin will always be there, but Cynthia would not. So I picked Cynthia over Soarin.

We saw Mary Poppins on our way out. I just love Mary Poppins. So serene and refined.

I always think the Epcot Mary has something magical about her, I adore watching her interactions.

and YAY for picking me!

And you know what - that crazy clown wasn't all that scary after all. We actually both really enjoyed the Clown Pool even though neither of us braved the pool. It was a perfect afternoon and I was certainly not disappointed that we hit the pool. It was just perfect

We debated the slide for sure, it looked fun but I didn't want to get on a plane all chlorinated and really didn't have time to rinse...maximizing the sun time was far more important. He wasn't creepy at all, it was amazing. I loved the entire vibe of that pool, absolutely loved it. Surprisingly so.

AT some point I got a text from Tracy saying that she had just had her makeup done in France and she wanted to know if I was still in the park to come see it. I was bummed that I missed her. I know she looked totally beautiful because later that evening she posted a picture on FB of her with her niece at Victoria's and Alberts. How would I know that was going to be one of the last pictures I would ever see of Tracy.

Sorry. I just have that memory and its so vivid.

Wow, I don't know if I knew that.

GORGEOUS HH pics. I really wish I could get Jeff into the idea of checking it out someday.

Nice for the morning in EPCOT and having Cynthia do her wandering through the parks and meet up with you.

I will staring at the clown in 6 days!!!!!

less than that now, yay for the clown! It was a lovely Epcot afternoon.

That Irish cheese plate is making me drool I love me some cheese !! I often wonder how many random pix I am in and who is seeing them !!Do they know I am a pole Dancer and would they care
Hilton Head looks great !! Looking forward to more pix !!

The cheese plate was incredible, I did hit costco and buy some of that dubliner after the trip Hope you are having an amazing cruise Rosie!

MK: Definitely the low light of the trip is when your traveling companion must leave... heck, when you have to leave! It's good to know that you abandoned your FP to spend time with Cynthia!

I'm glad she made that choice too!

So you went to the pool but now clown slide?

Cynthia: I'm completely agreeing with your chicken chipotle sausage and polenta choice! Was the sausage spicy? I'm picturing it having a bit of a bite but even if not, I love polenta.

Such beautiful photos of you at Epcot near the entrance!

It looks like you guys are synced up in your TRs.

Thanks! I think we are although It means I really only have a few updates left. SAD! I didn't want to get wet, drying would have cut into my sun time and I love me some sun time! The sausage was "just right" in terms of heat, quite yummy and the polenta was really delicious, just perfect.

BOO to the end of the trip! MEK, even though your HHI trip wasn't ideal, at least you got some pretty pictures.

BOO is right!

Cynthia, I saw the program that was being filmed on tv this past Thursday night! I recognized the man sitting at the table by the hat he was wearing! They did a segment on the new Fantasy Land & some other things. I think it was Destination America channel. Also the program before that was about the DCL.

Oh how fun, I don't know if we get that channel, need to see

I'm emotionally invested here and suddenly I feel very sad that Cynthia is leaving.

Why do all Disney trips have to end? So we can go again, I guess. :::sigh:::

What a lovely way to end your trip, though! Food and wine and lounging by the pool! Sounds like a little slice of heaven to me.

Why do they have to end??? It would be so much nicer if they didn't. I am quite sad I am leaving too.

Cynthia, that looks like a wonderful way to start wrapping up a trip. I would have inhaled the cheese plate before any photos could be taken too.

It was delicious! A wonderful end to the trip. All of it, the food and wine...the pool...just another perfect day all around. Well other than my impending departure

Glad the clown pool wasn't as scary as you thought it would be.

It really isn't creepy at all. Go figure.

Sweet memories of special friends and special times. It reminds us to be appreciative of each day that we are able to share together.

Yes it does

Great updates, I love seeing all of the yummy things from F&W, although it makes me want to go this year, which I don't think I'll be doing!

Me either and I'm quite sad about that

Good choice to spend more time with Cynthia, MEK! You're right, you can always ride Soarin', it's better to spend time with friends!

I'm glad she picked me too!

 

[glennbo123]

I'm lovin' those Hilton Head pictures MEK. We'll have to get there one of these days. I need more points!

 

[eandesmom]

Looks like a full and fun final day! Some of that food looked delicious!!!

Nice way to end a trip.........at the pool relaxing! Love to see the Clown Pool one day!

It was a fabulous afternoon all around!

Sorry we've come to your last day Cynthia! Nice job with your top 10 list! I'm not sure I have seen the Country Bears since I was nine years old!

I made headway with some parts of my list and not at all with others. I am glad I was able to get the Country Bears in!

Cynthia,

I want to know how you always seem to be color coordinated? Those pictures of you in front of the Food and Wine festival sign look awesome!!

Dumb luck. Not planned at all.

Cynthia, nice pic of you with the F&W signs!

Thanks!

Everything about re-entering the real world is sad.

it is

That's a cool idea. I would have thought they would have a lot of merchandise centered on the old icons. They were pretty cool.

they did, just none of it grabbed me. Guess it wasn't quite feminine enough in what it was used on. the retro T's were cool...just not me.

They would have had me at "meat".

Yeah but I bet you'd have gone for the fillet

Good call. I'm sure Cynthia felt that way too!

I did!

Sure, that sounds....wait, what?

He's not creepy, I swear!

Nobody wants to remember the "leaving" part anyway.

No, we try to block it. Before, during and even after.

It's hard to say sad and monorail in the same sentence, but you make a good point.

True, wistful might have been more appropriate or even melancholy.

Merchandise at Disney, in general, seems to have that same effect or lack thereof on me.

The old EPCOT icons are pretty awesome though!

I actually bought more this trip than on most but I also shopped WAY more than I ever do so my odds of finding things I liked went way up.

That was definitely another nice day at the F&W festival! A good way to relax a bit before you have to leave.

It was

 

[annmarieda]

I think it depends on what time of year you go and where you live. If you already live in SC then it's probably not that big of a deal and maybe not worth the points. For me it's like going to a completely new place. When I went with my GF's in late Oct 2012 the 2BR was 34 points a night (I think), but they had a member rate of $150 a night. In my mind 34 points should be worth at least $340, so I went with the member rate.

In April the points per night were similar (forgive me for not knowing the exact amount) but the rack rate for the room was over $400 a night. In that case - yes the points are totally worth it.

As far as flying - Savannah is about 50 minutes away and Charleston is at least 90 minutes away. I would say either of those places depending on flight cost.

It's an awesome place. I encourage everyone to visit there. It's really special.

Thanks for the info! It is high on our wish list of places to go. Flying from WA though... air fare into either is going to be a bit more tricky than going to FL. I don't mind fare staking though... so I will have to keep an eye on fares into those two places.

 

[MEK]

Everything about re-entering the real world is sad.

It sure is!

That's a cool idea. I would have thought they would have a lot of merchandise centered on the old icons. They were pretty cool.

Very cool!

They would have had me at "meat".

Now there's a shock!

Good call. I'm sure Cynthia felt that way too!

I hope so!

Maybe that Soarin' FP is still good...

Don't I wish, especially if it would still be good in June!

Sure, that sounds....wait, what?

Yes - I know it seems impossible to believe, but its totally true. Staring down the mouth of the clown was really not the bad when we were at his level. Crazy, but true!

GREAT picture!

Thanks. .... and I took that with my phone. How crazy is that?

My wife would be snapping a ton of shots of this right there with you.

I love the oak trees with the Spanish moss. It's so pretty and just gives me that feeling of relaxation.

I really like the interior. Gives off a WL type vibe. Someday we'll have to check this place out!

It really does. It's got the fishing theme going on. It's really a cute villa. I hope you guys do get a chance to visit some day. I think your kids would love it. It's got the best of Disney hospitality in a beach vacation.

Nobody wants to remember the "leaving" part anyway.

You got that right!

It's hard to say sad and monorail in the same sentence, but you make a good point.

I have to agree with Cynthia - the last monorail ride is very sad.

Merchandise at Disney, in general, seems to have that same effect or lack thereof on me.

I often find things I like, but rarely something I absolutely have to have.

The old EPCOT icons are pretty awesome though!

I totally agree!

That was definitely another nice day at the F&W festival! A good way to relax a bit before you have to leave.

F&W is a fabulous way to relax. Every afternoon that we visited just filled us with that totally relaxed feeling.

Awwww... :

I'm a good friend, what can I say?

Not to mention practically perfect.

How could I forget that?

You can hear the scary music playing in the background, can't you? But I tell you, it really wasn't bad AT ALL. The clown looked much less intimidating when you are staring right back at it.

Ok, maybe not scary, but still kind of an eyesore.

It didn't even seem like much of an eyesore. I'm not kidding. It really was not bad at all. I would face him again in the future.

I love all the HHI pictures. I really would like to stay there sometime. It looks like it has a nice mix of beach/"other stuff" to it. I love how it has all the trees around it.

It's a gorgeous island, a wonderful resort, and a magical place. I really don't think I can say enough about it. It's really a special place.

 

[MEK]

It was really good but I imagine that ravioli was twice as filling.

It was VERY filling!

You did, we both had it I think. Either that or we shared but I don't think so...

It was really good. I totally enjoyed it.

I always think the Epcot Mary has something magical about her, I adore watching her interactions.

She does. She really does!

and YAY for picking me!

Like there was any doubt!

We debated the slide for sure, it looked fun but I didn't want to get on a plane all chlorinated and really didn't have time to rinse...maximizing the sun time was far more important. He wasn't creepy at all, it was amazing. I loved the entire vibe of that pool, absolutely loved it. Surprisingly so.

I didn't have the chlorine concern, so I must have simply chickened out.

I was surprised at how much I enjoyed the pool considering I had tried so hard to avoid it in June and again in October. Not really sure why I was avoiding it all that time?

Wow, I don't know if I knew that.

I'm not sure where you were when she texted me. I didn't think that much of it at the time, but now when I think about it it makes me sad.

GORGEOUS HH pics. I really wish I could get Jeff into the idea of checking it out someday.

It's such a cool resort. I just love it there. I am glad its so geographically accessible for me. It definitely makes it a "go-to" place.

I'm lovin' those Hilton Head pictures MEK. We'll have to get there one of these days. I need more points!

We all need more points Glen!!!!!!! I hear you on that! It is a great resort. I hope you get a chance to visit! It's totally worth it!

Thanks for the info! It is high on our wish list of places to go. Flying from WA though... air fare into either is going to be a bit more tricky than going to FL. I don't mind fare staking though... so I will have to keep an eye on fares into those two places.

I know airfare there from Philadelphia or Baltimore is higher than flying to Florida, so I understand the challenge. Both Charleston and Savannah are such great cities and both are fun to visit, so flying into either place would be a win-win.

 

[Poolrat]

Totally perfect for a couple. There are a lot of activities at the resort and a ton of great dining options near the resort. Plus the next town across the inter coastal - Bluffton - is really neat. They have a market every Thursday afternoon where they just set up booths down one of the main streets. Performers are outside and there are restaurants and antique shops right there. It was pretty cool. I didn't post those pictures yet. I have to do a whole report I think.

Sounds great. Now I just need the points to use there. :

That makes me wonder - Did we both have the cheese plate? Did she have the cheese plate only? Did I actually eat the cheese plate? Hmmmmm - I thought I did? I need to find that darn pass port. My memory is terrible!

Looks like you both may have had a cheese plate.

You did, we both had it I think. Either that or we shared but I don't think so...

The cheese plate.... on the left side - another cheese plate??? I think you each had one.
Thats my Judy spotting skills right there.

I'm lovin' those Hilton Head pictures MEK. We'll have to get there one of these days. I need more points!

Yeah - Me too!!!! I feel like I am always borrowing.

 

[Mndisneygirl]

Boo for Cynthia's last day!
Yay for some pool time and more F&W - who doesn't love cheese? Now I'm craving some.

Love the HHI pics! What building were you in? Looks like it was near where we were.

 

[KathyRN137]

So very sad to see you go, Cynthia. How sweet of you, Mary Ellen, to give up Soarin' for more time with your DISfriend!

Those HHI pix make me long for a trip there someday!

Kathy

 

[dizneeat]

Hm, I thought I had commented on the HHI post, but somehow I can't see that post, so maybe I did not.

Just wanted to say that you are such a good friend to give up Soarin for Cynthia.
I just loved to see the HHI photos. Not very likely we will go there any time soon, so this is MY way of visiting. Thanks for sharing.