The ABC's of a FALL Trip with Friends, Food, Wine, and a Conference- A PTR for Now UPDATED 9/14

[Steppesister]

The ABC's of a FALL Trip with Friends, Food, Wine, and a Conference


*** This is a PTR for now, but will become the real TR during the trip itself with daily "Sneak Peeks" ***​

Welcome, One and All to Steppe’s 16th Trip Report under this User Name! There were countless others a million years ago when I wrote as All7ofUs… almost 20 years of travel-blogging. Quite a milestone and there’s been a lot of “life’ under the bridge since then.

A new adventure awaits! Beginning in just under 6 weeks, this girl’s headed back into The Bubble where loads of fun awaits! This time however, I’m doing something I never thought I’d ever be part of. I’d always heard of conferences at Disney; I even have loads of friends who do Disney conferences regularly, but now it’s my turn to see what that’s all about. Devoting (3) half-days to medical Continuing Ed. lectures is a fairly small price to pay for loads of extra time of play. But I’ll get to that soon…

First, let me give the quick and dirty introduction of myself. I’m Liesa, an APRN here in Bowling Green, Kentucky- Home of the beautiful Corvette, fast horses, and expensive bourbon. Oh, sure we have meth and Mountain Dew Mouth here in our “hollers” too, but let’s focus on the good, shall we? Like bluegrass music and all the caves and rolling hills your little heart might desire. Ok, fine, and the occasional tornado.

I have 5 pretty great kids and 7 super cute grandbabies. They are scattered to the wind for the most part and I don’t get to see any of them nearly as much as I’d like. None really enjoy Disney so finding travel partners who like to go there has been tough lately. Until now.

Again, I’ll get to that shortly.

When I’m not at work as a Family Medicine Provider, I enjoy photography, writing (obviously), sipping coffee with friends, strategy board gaming, fine dining, and traveling. If you’re interested in destination TR’s other than Disney, but Disney-inspired, I have ones on a grand tour of Italy and Greece, Bali and Australia, and a currently ongoing one of a 16-day safari to Tanzania and Zanzibar (links in my siggie). The next big overseas extravaganza is likely going to be a circuit road trip through Central Europe, but let’s tackle October’s trip first, shall we?

Let's talk more about the WHO...

ME:



Also joining me is LORI:



​

We don't know each other well yet, but the times we've had coffee have been very sweet.

Another beautiful friend who gets to join briefly is Kari, here on the DIS now and then as @Malia78 She'll be coming off of a cruise I believe but will swing through and hang out for a bit on the 19th and 20th. We've traveled together several times and I just love her to pieces!

KARI and I:

​

CAROLINE, here on the DIS as @disneyAndi14 , is also joining me, but not until Wednesday the 22nd. Here is a photo of her and myself (and a couple of other super amazing nurses) from the EPIC trip a few years back (she's on the far right in white):

(Isn't she cute?!)​

Speaking of October, I should share a few details of The When before I dish out more over the next few weekends. Please note: I only really “DIS” on the weekends anymore as my job is fairly all-consuming and exhausting. And between now and this trip, I’ll be gone for at least one of them for a wedding. All that to say, here’s the first installment of this little ol’ TR to get us started.

This trip will start in the middle of the night on Sunday, October 19th. Literally. At 2:00 AM, Lori, my NP colleague who is joining me for the conference portion, is picking me up for our trek to Nashville for our 5:30AM flight. UGH. But know what that buys us? A whole day in a park before the conference starts!

The conference portion is from Monday-Thursday (won't be attending those Thursday sessions on-site). Since the conference lectures are available for 30 days afterwards, I’ll play hooky for most of it and hit the parks instead. I’ll share the juicy details of my BFP (Big Fat Plan) in another chapter. Generally, we’ll listen remotely at the pool or at another resort from 7:30-11:15, and the last 2 or 3 sessions from home or later in the evenings if we're not too pooped. In case there are any NPs out there who might be interested in the conference itself, or anyone else interested in what I'll be up to M-W morning, here is the link.

https://www.skinbonescme.com/conference/orlando-fl-oct-2025/#daily-schedule​

The 2nd portion of my trip was actually planned first. I’d missed some DISFriend time last December due to my dad’s passing and wanted desperately to have a chance at a re-do. When I found out that Caroline, @disneyAndi14 , was going to be there in the Fall, we started planning this trip together. Then I remembered my company re-imburses up to $2,000 for conference expenses and gives me 40 hours paid as well. HECK YES, I’m going to use that!! So, I found one that fortuitously backs up right against what I’d already booked!! HUZZAH!! And viola, just like that, a week’s pay at one of my favorite places and 3 free nights to boot!! CEU's aren't cheap so I'm super happy my contract gets me those for free!

If Caroline would like to chime in and make her own introduction, it’d be wonderful! Otherwise, she is just returning from her own Aug/Sept trip, and you can read about that on her thread that I’m sure she’ll start soon. Kari, if you're reading, the floor is yours too!

There will be other characters that make an appearance during the trip, folks who were on the Boards a million years ago but have since moved on. I’ll wait to share who they are for the actual TR.

So, to recap:

The WHO- Yours Truly: Lori, my fellow NP; Caroline (@disneyandi ), my beautiful, fun-loving DISFriend; and a smattering of others that are also truly wonderful, amazing friends.

The WHEN: October 19th-27th- Conference 20th-23rd; Disney Parks 23rd-27th. The conference actually runs through Thursday morning, but I'll listen to the Thursday sessions at home over the following few weeks after I get home.

19-21- With Lori and Karilynn
22-27- With Caroline

The WHY: Because I love Disney and found a way to extend my trip by 4 days with only paying extra for OOP food and park tickets.

The WHERE and the HOW coming to a chapter near you soon!

 

[Steppesister]

Saved for the Load of Drivel

 

[pkondz]

Steppe’s 16th Trip Report under this User Name!

That many!!

Beginning in just under 6 weeks,

Not too far away.

Devoting (3) half-days to medical Continuing Ed. lectures is a fairly small price to pay for loads of extra time of play.

I’ll take your word for it, but I’d think so too?

Mountain Dew Mouth

The what now?

None really enjoy Disney

Blasphemers!!

Isn't she cute?!

Well, you all are.

This trip will start in the middle of the night on Sunday, October 19th. Literally. At 2:00 AM

Only for Disney

And viola, just like that, a week’s pay at one of my favorite places and 3 free nights to boot!!

Nice score!

There will be other characters that make an appearance during the trip, folks who were on the Boards a million years ago but have since moved on. I’ll wait to share who they are for the actual TR.

Oh????

 

[Wood Nymph]

We absolutely need to meet up during this October trip. We will be staying at POR from Oct 20-25th - five nights. It will once again be what I call a sister's trip, which is DH's sister and my sister and DH of course. It is harder to maneuver around to meet up when traveling with the family, but it can be done.

That is a great opportunity to have the conference pay for some of your major costs.

 

[luvpoohandcompany]

I’m here but will be back later to read as I’m about to organize our tea. Looking forward to hearing all your plans

 

[missjackiemcg]

Yay, hooray!!! I'm super excited that you're doing a PTR to get pumped for the big trip. I wish there was a way for me to somehow manage a free week at WDW along with free CEUs. I hate having to pay for those! Can't wait to hear all about the BFP!

 

[Steppesister]

That many!!

I've been writing... forever.

Not too far away.

Coming up!!!

I’ll take your word for it, but I’d think so too?

Yep, and I really need them. I'm required I think 44 units with a fair amount of them being pharmacology. I'm actually kinda excited for the topics that'll be presented as a couple of them have been tougher for me.

The what now?

https://health.clevelandclinic.org/mountain-dew-mouth

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/mountain-dew-mouth-beyond-soda-between-smiles-thomas-tharakan/

You think I'm kidding. It's a real thing, with a real medical name.

Blasphemers!!

yes. Losers, that rotten lot.

Well, you all are.

Aw shucks!

 

[Steppesister]

We absolutely need to meet up during this October trip. We will be staying at POR from Oct 20-25th - five nights. It will once again be what I call a sister's trip, which is DH's sister and my sister and DH of course. It is harder to maneuver around to meet up when traveling with the family, but it can be done.

That is a great opportunity to have the conference pay for some of your major costs.

OH yes!!! We MUST!!! How exciting!

It is harder when you're trying to cater to everyone's hopes for the trip and schedules, but hopefully we can make some time somewhere!

I'll be posting my itinerary soon.

Free Disney? Yes, please!

 

[Steppesister]

I’m here but will be back later to read as I’m about to organize our tea. Looking forward to hearing all your plans

Tea, you say?! Looooove me some tea-time!

 

[Steppesister]

Yay, hooray!!! I'm super excited that you're doing a PTR to get pumped for the big trip. I wish there was a way for me to somehow manage a free week at WDW along with free CEUs. I hate having to pay for those! Can't wait to hear all about the BFP!

So glad you're here, Jackie!!! Always nice to get the introductions and Deets out of the way before heading out. That way, I can jump right in on return!

Yes, they are $$$$ ka-ching. Glad that was in my contract offering!

 

[pkondz]

I've been writing... forever.

In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. And God said, “Let there be animals.” And it was so. Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image.” And shortly after, Steppesister began to write. Thus it was so.

You think I'm kidding. It's a real thing, with a real medical name.

Lovely.

 

[suse66]

I'm joining in for the fun!

 

[missjackiemcg]

Oops just realized I forgot I quoted this picture when I did my comments! My favorite DIS nurses! AND I believe I took this picture, too!

 

[irene_dsc]

Ok, ok, chiming in! (Thankfully, I can usually do continuing ed online for free, but a free trip would be tempting!)

 

[Steppesister]

Another weekend closer to the Big Fall Hoo-rah! Next weekend is my niece’s wedding in Richmond, VA, then after that, only 4 weeks of work!

So, this weekend, let’s talk about the WHERE!

I’ve had many, many trips in the past as split stays and I actually kind of like that. It’s a lot like having 2 trips in one as the resorts are so very different in vibe and theming. I can’t think of a single Disney resort I don’t like although I don’t “connect" quite as deeply with Caribbean Beach or the Flo as much as the others. And to be fair, I’ve still never gotten to stay at the Beach or Yacht and I have zero desire to stay at the Contemp(t). (That’s not to say I don’t adore some individual elements at those resorts.)

Okay, okay, I’m rambling, this trip will be split again, and this time between… drum roll please…

Coronado Springs and AKL
​

I’m going to a conference, so to reveal I’ll be at Coronado was probably not shocking. However, I can also tell you that I’ve stayed there several times while NOT part of a conference and it’s absolutely lovely. The many water features and quiet courtyards speak my love language. I also love that it has 4 differently themed areas:

• The Casitas, resembling a graceful cityscape
• The Ranchos, based on Southwestern desert habitats and architecture; and
• The Cabanas, intended to give the sense of “a quaint beachfront retreat complete with cozy hammocks.”
• Gran Destino Tower, which extends the theming concept to South America and Spain, and has most of the other amenities

I’m a desert rat at heart and have spent quite a LOT of time in the SW; my first degree in Elem Ed. Was gotten at NAU in Flagstaff, AZ and I had the privilege of travelling all over that beautiful state, so I’m a bit partial to the Ranchos area myself.

BUT!! I upgraded this time to a Preferred Room which means I’ll almost certainly be in a Casitas Room. I’m ok with that. I’m old and crotchety now and want a quick walk to the bus after a long day in the parks. Heh, maybe I’m just wiser. My plan is to listen to the sessions on Tuesday and Wednesday from the quiet pool, the Dahlia bar, or a quiet table along the lake’s edge so being close to all of that will be nice too. (Monday, I’m heading somewhere else for the morning sessions, so stay tuned for that.)

(Not my photo, looks like a legit place to study)​

As a geek might do, I’ve been listening to the BGM (background music loop) while I sit on my lovely deck writing or editing photos so I am familiar with the nice soundtrack they pipe in. I am not sure I know anyone else who is as obsessed with Disney music loops as myself. (I have the Grand Floridian’s on right now as I write.) Raise your hand if those soundtracks are in your go-to list as well!!! (My especialicious fave is Classic Fountain of Nations.)

Sorry, I have a lot of drivel to share…

I snagged the Conference Rate for $280/night; by doing a 3-night package at the contracted hotel; I also get a $75 Amazon gift card. I can’t get it until after my stay, but I’ll take it. So, Sunday morning- Wednesday morning, I’ll be staying at Coronado with Lori and Karilynn ( @Malia78 )

(My photos from a 2021 stay)​

Wednesday morning I’ll get my luggage over to Luggage Services and have it transferred over to AKL where I’ll be for the remainder of my stay through Monday morning with Caroline ( @disneyAndi14 )

Kinda love me some AKL. One time I stayed with my family, and we were magically upgraded to Club Level. It was smash and I loved having the blessing of a place to go to relax, have a nice morning spread with coffees and a posh afternoon break with a beautiful hors d’oeuvres hour. It was likely a once-in-a-lifetime thing, but a nice memory for sure. Nice memories can be made in most circumstances; good to check the perspective fairly often.

Having just gotten back from the real Africa, I am pumped to be staying here again. All things Africa, especially E. Africa, make my heart happy. It’s a beautiful country with beautiful people, beautiful scenery, and beautiful animals. Note the excessive use of the word beautiful.

My long-time friend and TA, Mary Ellen, was able to scope out a pretty good rate for the Free Dining Package for this portion and was actually a much better value than even some of the Mods she looked at for me. Why would I stay Mod when I can get Deluxe for not much more? Bonus that it’s nearest my favorite park- AK, as is CSR. We did not book a Savannah-view room, so it will be interesting to see what we get in terms of location.

​

And that, my friends is the WHERE!

Still lots to come, including THE PLAN, THE EATS, and THE MISCELLANEOUS.

 

[Steppesister]

In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. And God said, “Let there be animals.” And it was so. Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image.” And shortly after, Steppesister began to write. Thus it was so.

There are mornings I feel that old.

 

[Steppesister]

I'm joining in for the fun!

, Susan!! It's great to have you here!

 

[Steppesister]

Oops just realized I forgot I quoted this picture when I did my comments! My favorite DIS nurses! AND I believe I took this picture, too!

I do believe you did!!!! :

 

[Steppesister]

Ok, ok, chiming in! (Thankfully, I can usually do continuing ed online for free, but a free trip would be tempting!)

YAY!!! I'm so glad you found me here and joined the chatter! Such a happy party here!

Disney has loads of conferences, I wonder if you could find one there?!