The End of An Era -The drive and the Renaissance World Gate

[jsmla]

This trip could be our last as a family to Walt Disney World. My incomparable dearest son Sam will be graduating next year and is planning a trip without us. Additionally, my hubby has finally put his food down on my Disney obsession. I’m deeply afraid that I’ll be doing something terribly rugged, outdoorsy and athletic next trip. This trip was to be a two-week extravaganza at Ft. Wilderness until our loving husband and father (aka Ebenezer Scrooge) decided he had too much to do at work and Sam got a job as a teaching assistant. So my vacation has been whittled down to a measly 8 days at the All Star Music.

Anyhoo, we are
Me (Mom) 42 Disney lover. Trip planner, driver and chaperone. Loves everything Disney as long as it doesn’t go round and round.

Sam (DS) 17 Think BIG! Big person, big voice, big personality. Loud and lively, he’s the reason we are remembered by most everyone we meet.

Liz (DD 14 Beautiful and charming. Terminally cool. Often embarrassed by the aforementioned. Very responsible, her father has entrusted her, not me, with the extra car keys.

Scott (DH) 46 Trip drop-out (Boo, hiss!) Deserves a mention since he’s paying for it all.

Wednesday June 12, 2002
Noon
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Yes, that’s right, it’s noon. All my plans to hit the road bright and early have once again fallen apart. Kids are moving in slow motion and Sam began packing around 11:50 this morning. But the car is finally loaded with all of Liz’s and my cases, blankets, pillows, food, galaxy of electronic entertainment and my snazzy new electric ice chest. At the last minute Sam tosses in his luggage. He’s planning on surviving 9 days with the contents of one gym bag. Let’s hope it contains deodorant.

1:30 pm
Slidell, Louisiana
A brief stop at my mothers to pick up a few items and let Dad inspect the van. Much to his regret the car is fine.

The drive is for the most part uneventful. Liz amuses herself braiding friendship bracelets and Sam sleeps. At some point they watch The Shawshank Redemption on the TV. We also play rousing games of “I’m Going to Disneyworld and I Brought… and the ABC game with Disney Characters, never did come up with one for X.

Oh, way too late
Lake City, Florida
We stop at a completely forgettable Ramada Inn, have sandwiches in the room and crash.

7:00 am
Lake City, Florida
Fortified with the Ramada’s idea of a continental breakfast (juice and donuts) we strike off. Our goal is the Disney AAA Welcome Center in Ocala. In an unguarded moment I’m afraid I sent our annual passes off to Russia with our departing exchange student and we need new ones.

8:30 am
Ocla, Florida
With our donuts a distant memory we have breakfast at the Cracker Barrel and open up the Welcome Center. The ladies at the counter are unfazed by my bizarre explanation. We had to produce a picture ID for each pass. Sam and I had driver’s licenses and Liz used her passport. The couple next to me was spending more on two days than I would for eight. Must not have heard of the DIS!

10:30 am
Lizzy and Sam both claim to spot Disney first and the ensuing dispute carries us onto 192 where we find the Renaissance World Gate. I got this hotel for one night on a $30 Priceline bid. The room is ready so we check in. The bathtub could have used a makeover but otherwise it was just fine. There's a ton of drawers and a small fridge. The room is adequate in size but the pool looked small and crowded. All in all an excellent deal at <$40. We have lunch in the room and head out. The vacation has begun. WooHoo!

 

[snuggles]

Boy your kids sound like mine...they wouldnt pack until the last minute for anything. I'm glad you had a safe trip.

 

[Deb8821]

Sounds like your heading for a great time. At least 8 days of disney is better than 8 days at home!!!! Have fun and thanks for posting.

 

[jcanary]

the kids never turn down a trip to Disney. I have a DD who will be a senior in college next year, actually when we go she would have graduated from college and I have been told, point blank, make sure you include me for atleast part of that trip. So no matter how much we think we are obsessed with Disney, I truly believe it rubs off on our kids too. this trip next year is for my youngest's 16th birthday where she will be bringing two of her friends. so disney, here we all come. One thing is that we are Disney Vacation Club owners so my husband will never agrue about going there, since the accomodations are first class and at the time of the trip, already paid for.

 

[Annie&Hallie'sMom]

What, no foreign exchange students on this trip? Now where's the fun in that?

 

[La_brer_bear]

Hiddy Ho neighbor. Looking forward to reading about your latest adventure. Keep 'em coming.