The ABC's of Trip Planning, Pt 1- K is for Keeping Things Kooky- Drinks V-Z; pg. 197 + New Link

[irene_dsc]

OH boy! I haven't been there in years, but do understand the frustration that can come with trying to snag a ressie when there are none to be had. And for camping! Sheesh! Who knew?

I really means a lot more intense planning and dedication to getting places early and having a solid plan. Or just not go. @CaptainObvious might know more about that park. I can't remember if that's one that he's done recently...?

Well, there isn't any frustration yet, since I can't even try until February or March for this summer!

We were in Yosemite this summer (I am actually working on a TR right now about the whole California trip that we did, including DL and Yosemite) and we booked our hotel exactly 12 months in advance. We were there in late August and the no reservation campground was kind of next to our hotel. I remember noticing that only one day in the evening did they show that they were full. The other days it seemed that they always had vacancies. Of course this summer there was a scare about some people who had gotten bubonic plague from some squirrels in Yosemite, so that might have scared some people away. But I got the impression that second half of August might be less busy than earlier times.

Yeah, I saw that hotels start 366 days out, which is also pretty intense. And tent cabins are $125 a night! In the Grand Tetons, tent cabins were only $55 a night a few years ago! Some of the more reasonable hotels were already not available for much of the summer. I think the second half of August is less popular both because kids are going back to school, and also because waterfalls aren't as good. But school is probably the biggest reason. The only reason we would try it is if we get totally crazy and decide to combine it with Pokemon Worlds in San Francisco, which will be mid-late August. Otherwise, we'd probably be looking at late July, which at least has the advantage of most (or all) of the campgrounds being open. If we even decide to do it, of course!

 

[Steppesister]

P is for: Pick Your Favorite!​

Feet up, drink in hand (Odwalla Berry Blue, Coconut rum, and a bit of fizzy), and a HUGE need for a bit of downtime, after spending the afternoon in the ER with my Nursing Bestie who had to rush her dad there thinking he was having a stroke (all's ok!), I'm finding time to contemplate some of the finer points of trip planning. Actually, right now, I'm finding myself still in dreamy-wishy mode, since FP and ADR time is WAY off. Wanna be dreamy-wishy with me?

Let's start with this:



Yes, it's dreamy and more. First off, you can thank me as that catchy little tune of tomorrow's promises haunt you as you try to fall asleep. Ask me how I know this; followed by how long it took me to drift off last night as after I wrote that.

Next, you can wonder along with me exactly what Skipper's Canteen will be like and what menu will be offered. I like a good mystery, don't you? Can we take the monorail to the park first?

Nova Era: Anyone gotten to see then at DTD (Nope, not ready to give that up yet...) yet? I ADORE Rondo Veneziano and have watched some YouTubes of Nova Era from Disney, and know I could EASILY sit with a Ghiradelli To-Go and watch for quite some time.

Next, it's about that time in the term where a student, well at least THIS student, gets dreamy-wishy about Graduation. Which sadly, is still a LONG way off. But it's never too early to plan. If you don't agree, I can kindly show you out the door. Because, this is a PLANNING forum. For nuts like me. And a lot of you too; I know this because I've seen your threads and some of you (you know who you are) are crazier than me.

Okay, sorry. Got side tracked there... I was wistfully thinking about Graduation and am starting to get my get-up together. I ordered my Regalia because after I get my B I'm not entirely sure I'll qualify to wear it. I am now, and they offered to sell me some, so I took the bait. Got my cords, tassle, and stole. I mean I BOUGHT a stole. Just to make sure you don't view me a thieving Cretan. But that's kinda standard- not nearly as fun as one of these:











So, now let's take a poll. Your turn to weigh in and choose a favorite. I do have mine, and some of you can probably guess which one that is after spending the better part of a year (and some of you YEARS) with me. Some people are so darned creative!

To wrap things up, I'll report that the last Ticket arrived. While I"m happy it's here, I am kinda bummed it's another Donald. It woulda been nice to have 4 images. I know, waaaaah, waaaah, waaaaah. I guess they all turn into Magic Bands anyway, right? Oh, and now that we have all of them, I suppose I can link them up to the My Dismal Experience. On tonight's agenda.... We'll see how that goes.

Alright, off to a bona fide, home-cooked meal. Been a while. Like I said on FB, my family loves Exam Day; they get to eat again.

 

[cinderkelly]

OH wow! Those graduation caps are amazing!! Well my first vote is the "great big beautiful tomorrow". Just because we sing that song at random times at the tops of our lungs during the day for no apparent reason. The other one I love is the pixie dust one. So cool. Yea for graduation regalia!!

Glad your last ticket arrived! That's exciting! I'd be bummed to get a duplicate too, so I know how you're feelin'.


Ok, I have to ask....on your dream Mickey's, Splain' what the "using the back door for the first time" one is all about, cuz my mind went somewhere else on that one!

 

[Steppesister]

We were in Yosemite this summer (I am actually working on a TR right now about the whole California trip that we did, including DL and Yosemite) and we booked our hotel exactly 12 months in advance. We were there in late August and the no reservation campground was kind of next to our hotel. I remember noticing that only one day in the evening did they show that they were full. The other days it seemed that they always had vacancies. Of course this summer there was a scare about some people who had gotten bubonic plague from some squirrels in Yosemite, so that might have scared some people away. But I got the impression that second half of August might be less busy than earlier times.

I can see that. The Disney parks thin out about then then too. Looking forward to you Yosemite part; I'm sure you guys took fabulous pix! And I CERTAINLY hope you went to the Awahnee!

Well, there isn't any frustration yet, since I can't even try until February or March for this summer!



Yeah, I saw that hotels start 366 days out, which is also pretty intense. And tent cabins are $125 a night! In the Grand Tetons, tent cabins were only $55 a night a few years ago! Some of the more reasonable hotels were already not available for much of the summer. I think the second half of August is less popular both because kids are going back to school, and also because waterfalls aren't as good. But school is probably the biggest reason. The only reason we would try it is if we get totally crazy and decide to combine it with Pokemon Worlds in San Francisco, which will be mid-late August. Otherwise, we'd probably be looking at late July, which at least has the advantage of most (or all) of the campgrounds being open. If we even decide to do it, of course!

$125 a NIGHT?! Good grief! Do you know how many Dole Whips that is?!

San Fran is amazing! Have you been there before? There are so many cool things to see and do. I'd highly recommend the Alcatraz Tour. Keep us posted on what you decide.

OH wow! Those graduation caps are amazing!! Well my first vote is the "great big beautiful tomorrow". Just because we sing that song at random times at the tops of our lungs during the day for no apparent reason. The other one I love is the pixie dust one. So cool. Yea for graduation regalia!!

HAHA! Yeah, I"ve been known to do that too; my kids shake their heads and question their genetic stock. I like them all, but would have to pick one. Unless I went on for a few more degrees. Eh hemmmm...

Glad your last ticket arrived! That's exciting! I'd be bummed to get a duplicate too, so I know how you're feelin'.

It is SO exciting to have that paid off! Tickets: CHECK! Resorts: CHECK!!

Ok, I have to ask....on your dream Mickey's, Splain' what the "using the back door for the first time" one is all about, cuz my mind went somewhere else on that one!

Scared you, didn't I?!

That is a Term of Endearment for the International Gateway in World Showcase. I've never used it before OR taken a Friendship to ANY of those resorts. I've meandered around the Boardwalk a bit (done JellyRolls and Beaches and Cream) but haven't spent much time there at all.

 

[DonnaBeeGood]

.

 

[pkondz]

after spending the afternoon in the ER with my Nursing Bestie who had to rush her dad there thinking he was having a stroke (all's ok!),

Glad that everything's okay.

Wanna be dreamy-wishy with me?

Am I not already in your dreams?


Wait... nightmares are dreams, right?

What's "Use the backdoor"?
Is that referring to going through Rainforest Café to enter AK?

Ask me how I know this; followed by how long it took me to drift off last night as after I wrote that.

How do you know this and how long did it take you to drift off after you wrote that?

Next, you can wonder along with me exactly what Skipper's Canteen will be like and what menu will be offered.

I forgot what Skipper's Canteen was so I Googled it.
"Oh, right." Says I.
And then I see a link to a site "Skipper Canteen Menu"

Oh, boy! They put out the menu!

Nope.
All I got was a page with a lot of nothing other than "No menus are currently available for this location."

Can we take the monorail to the park first?

Nova Era: Anyone gotten to see then at DTD (Nope, not ready to give that up yet...) yet?

Just on Youtube.

Because, this is a PLANNING forum.

Is that what this is? I thought it was a free for all for all the inmates at the insane asylum.

I've seen your threads and some of you (you know who you are) are crazier than me.

Got my cords, tassle, and stole. I mean I BOUGHT a stole.

Just to make sure you don't view me a thieving Cretan.

Wait. Are you Greek?

So, now let's take a poll. Your turn to weigh in and choose a favorite.

I'm torn between the last two, but I'd have to pick the last one (Dreams do come true.)

Oh, and now that we have all of them, I suppose I can link them up to the My Dismal Experience. On tonight's agenda.... We'll see how that goes.

Good luck.

Like I said on FB, my family loves Exam Day; they get to eat again.

 

[irene_dsc]

$125 a NIGHT?! Good grief! Do you know how many Dole Whips that is?!

San Fran is amazing! Have you been there before? There are so many cool things to see and do. I'd highly recommend the Alcatraz Tour. Keep us posted on what you decide.

Lol! I was actually wrong - the tent cabins are $149-$155 a night in June-August. I think the $125 was from a guide book that was out of date. But of course, isn't that similar to a campsite at Fort Wilderness, or am I imagining things?

I've been to SF a couple times before, and dh's sister lives outside of there, so we would combine it with a trip to see family. Only the youngest of the three nieces is still at home - so we might even be able to stay there. The kids haven't seen much of SF, however, and none of us have done the Alcatraz tour (unless dh did before we met - he went to USC and did a bunch of random touristy stuff throughout CA back then.) We would also include a trip to Napa - might leave the kids with Auntie for that! (Heck, we might leave the grumpy 14 yo with Auntie for Yosemite - he looked at a photo of Half Dome yesterday and was not impressed...)

But first, gotta make lots of money. Depending on how things go, this could be 2016 - or 2017 - or....

 

[afwdwfan]

Team Steppe had big victories today!

Soooooooo happy with my 89%!!!

That puts me at an 86% with one regular exam and 1 Final to go. Phew, almost done with Term #1

Woohoo!!! Congratulations! Keep it up!

Yes, it's dreamy and more. First off, you can thank me as that catchy little tune of tomorrow's promises haunt you as you try to fall asleep. Ask me how I know this; followed by how long it took me to drift off last night as after I wrote that.

You know... I appreciate that song more than certain other songs in the parks.

So, now let's take a poll. Your turn to weigh in and choose a favorite. I do have mine, and some of you can probably guess which one that is after spending the better part of a year (and some of you YEARS) with me. Some people are so darned creative!

And just to show you how much I appreciate a certain song, I've got to go with "There's a great big beautiful tomorrow!"

 

[franandaj]

I'm going to put my vote in for, "There's a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow!"

 

[JPFamilyMom]

I like the Dreams Do Come True one hooray on final ticket, will you have a small break soon? If you don't post before it or I don't get on until after... Hope you have a blessed and Happy Thanksgiving

 

[Steppesister]

Well, this is what I would pick for myself!

Hope your MDE linking goes well. Enjoy your well deserved family dinner!

Thanks!! It was fabulous, only to be outdone by a family trip to the theater to watch the latest (and last) Hunger Games movie last night. What a great series!

Truth be told, I like them all, and now need to start gathering supplies for my favorite. I'll let you know which one it is soon...

MDE linking is on the to-do list for later today.

Am I not already in your dreams?


Wait... nightmares are dreams, right?

Yes, right up there with nightmares of misplacing confidential patient information and getting jailed.

What's "Use the backdoor"?
Is that referring to going through Rainforest Café to enter AK?

Nope. The IW to EPCOT from my cushy resort.

How do you know this and how long did it take you to drift off after you wrote that?

As long as it takes my teenage son to clean his room.

I forgot what Skipper's Canteen was so I Googled it.
"Oh, right." Says I.
And then I see a link to a site "Skipper Canteen Menu"

Oh, boy! They put out the menu!

Nope.
All I got was a page with a lot of nothing other than "No menus are currently available for this location."

I see you used the EXACT same process I went through. And got the same frustrating results.

Is that what this is? I thought it was a free for all for all the inmates at the insane asylum.

Same, same.

Wait. Are you Greek?

Nope. French, English, Scottish, Belgian.

I'm torn between the last two, but I'd have to pick the last one (Dreams do come true.)

True, but you also classified nightmares in the same category. Is my new career about to become my biggest nightmare?

 

[pkondz]

Yes, right up there with nightmares of misplacing confidential patient information and getting jailed.

I have two stories about that... but neither of them will I share on a public forum.

Nope. The IW to EPCOT from my cushy resort.

Ah! Just another reason to want to stay at one of the Epcot resorts.

As long as it takes my teenage son to clean his room.

So.... you still haven't gotten any sleep?

I see you used the EXACT same process I went through. And got the same frustrating results.

True, but you also classified nightmares in the same category. Is my new career about to become my biggest nightmare?

Dun dun dunnnnn!!!!

 

[Steppesister]

Lol! I was actually wrong - the tent cabins are $149-$155 a night in June-August. I think the $125 was from a guide book that was out of date. But of course, isn't that similar to a campsite at Fort Wilderness, or am I imagining things?

I've been to SF a couple times before, and dh's sister lives outside of there, so we would combine it with a trip to see family. Only the youngest of the three nieces is still at home - so we might even be able to stay there. The kids haven't seen much of SF, however, and none of us have done the Alcatraz tour (unless dh did before we met - he went to USC and did a bunch of random touristy stuff throughout CA back then.) We would also include a trip to Napa - might leave the kids with Auntie for that! (Heck, we might leave the grumpy 14 yo with Auntie for Yosemite - he looked at a photo of Half Dome yesterday and was not impressed...)

But first, gotta make lots of money. Depending on how things go, this could be 2016 - or 2017 - or....

Absolutley NOT! I think Ft. Wilderness spots are around $80 a night. During Vaulue Season, but FULL HOOKUP! Yeah, summer is higher, but not $155! I'm telling you, "It's a TRaaaap!"

Staying with family is the only way to go! Saves a ton of cash! Which you'll need for other good and fun stuff. So yeah, I totally understand that. That's why it's taking me 2 years to save up for this Disney trip!

Woohoo!!! Congratulations! Keep it up!

That's my plan. One day at a time.

You know... I appreciate that song more than certain other songs in the parks.

I think "Imagination" is just as catchy. I think it gets a bad rap because of the cute, but annoying (and farting) purple dragon.

And just to show you how much I appreciate a certain song, I've got to go with "There's a great big beautiful tomorrow!"

You and several others.... It's a worthy choice.

I'm going to put my vote in for, "There's a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow!"

See above...^

I like the Dreams Do Come True one hooray on final ticket, will you have a small break soon? If you don't post before it or I don't get on until after... Hope you have a blessed and Happy Thanksgiving

Another nice one! And certainly one that is appropriate for this adventure I'm on.

I do get Wednesday-Wednesday off. To study. But during Christmas, yes. A real one. Except I'll probably work some of it.

YOU TOO!!! We'll be going up to Olympia to my SIL's place for a few days. Where I'll hole myself up and learn about how to manage pain. Hooray.

 

[Steppesister]

I have two stories about that... but neither of them will I share on a public forum.

Well, now I"m rather curious. Shoot me a PM if you care.

Ah! Just another reason to want to stay at one of the Epcot resorts.

EXACTLY! Even if only for a few short nights.

So.... you still haven't gotten any sleep?

Pretty much. Stupidly, I keep picking up random shifts as work. Which makes me nervous for this test coming up.

Dun dun dunnnnn!!!!

This doesn't look good.

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

Wanna be dreamy-wishy with me?

Sure! Beats doing work.

Next, you can wonder along with me exactly what Skipper's Canteen will be like and what menu will be offered. I like a good mystery, don't you?

I'm very, very curious about that one. And no news since the original announcement.

That's my vote. Mostly because we stole that saying as a motto for the family trips.

I guess they all turn into Magic Bands anyway, right?

Um...sure?

Like I said on FB, my family loves Exam Day; they get to eat again.

 

[pkondz]

Well, now I"m rather curious. Shoot me a PM if you care.

I'm too tired right now to start, but PM me (If you want to know) so I have that little #1 up there as a reminder to do it later.

 

[irene_dsc]

Absolutley NOT! I think Ft. Wilderness spots are around $80 a night. During Vaulue Season, but FULL HOOKUP! Yeah, summer is higher, but not $155! I'm telling you, "It's a TRaaaap!"

Staying with family is the only way to go! Saves a ton of cash! Which you'll need for other good and fun stuff. So yeah, I totally understand that. That's why it's taking me 2 years to save up for this Disney trip!

I got curious - Spring Break is around $125, and that's when we went this year, so that's probably why I'm remembering it at that price. Not so sure I'd be willing to camp in Florida during the summer, however! (When it is about $90 a night.) And the cabins start at $327!

Before our first Disney trip, we didn't do any travel that included hotels! Everything was to visit family or friends or camping! We did branch out eventually, since we wanted to visit other places. But we still don't get to do it very often. And our life is way too unpredictable for me to envision planning a trip 2 years out! I always think it's cool when other people do it, of course.

 

[KathyM2]

So, now let's take a poll. Your turn to weigh in and choose a favorite.

I vote for anything that has the words "Pixie Dust" in it

 

[Steppesister]

Sure! Beats doing work.

True dat!

I'm very, very curious about that one. And no news since the original announcement.

It seems a little odd that there's no menu out, and yet they are hoping to have a soft opening without ADRs in a month. I wonder who's going to bother making an ADR with only a month to look at a menu and build it into a plan.

That's my vote. Mostly because we stole that saying as a motto for the family trips.

It's certainly a simple design. And we too have used it quite often at the outset of a trip. A very useful phrase to be sure!

I'm too tired right now to start, but PM me (If you want to know) so I have that little #1 up there as a reminder to do it later.

On its way...

I got curious - Spring Break is around $125, and that's when we went this year, so that's probably why I'm remembering it at that price. Not so sure I'd be willing to camp in Florida during the summer, however! (When it is about $90 a night.) And the cabins start at $327!

Before our first Disney trip, we didn't do any travel that included hotels! Everything was to visit family or friends or camping! We did branch out eventually, since we wanted to visit other places. But we still don't get to do it very often. And our life is way too unpredictable for me to envision planning a trip 2 years out! I always think it's cool when other people do it, of course.

We've done it. Twice. It wasn't too bad. We did have to evacate one night due to a tornado warning. But the evenings were cool enough. And we often didn't get back to camp until WAY late in the evening. We were like you for a very long time couch surfing our way around to here and there. But as time went on, we could venture out and go places we had to pony up, but still it's not very often. Too ExPeNsIvE!!!

I plan my Disney trips out so far because they only happen about every 4 years or so. By doing a PTR and a TR on the other end, I can milk the trips out for more than a year! And the peeps here are just so much fun!!

I vote for anything that has the words "Pixie Dust" in it

I like your thinking!

 

[Steppesister]

The next 2 weeks are going to be extremely busy and stressful for me, so I have to bid you (mostly) adieu until I finish up this term on December 8th. Until then, I have lecture tomorrow, my LAST of this term! Then, our family travels up to Olympia from Wednesday through Saturday (where my life will be consumed with eating embarassing amounts of turkey and stuffing, and studying impossibly large amounts of pain management and meds. Sunday-Tuesday will be 3 straight days of more of the same, but with my besties. Then 1 short week later we have our comprehensive Final for which I have done ZERO review so far. I have 1 Clincal Day left, as well as one day of Seminar. Needless to say, I have to re-focus even more and buckle down for this last push.

Please feel free to make yourselves comfortable; my playground is your playground.

My American Friends, From our family to yours....: Have a Blessed and Wonderful Thanksgiving with your families and friends! Remember, there's ALWAYS, always something to be thankful for!