"To Disney & Beyond" ~ Road Trip 2010 ~ Final Drive & Final Thoughts

[antnyh]

Great update. Gatlinburg truly is a very unique area. Sometimes we forget all the "nature" fun you can have there since we live so close and go every year. I grew up in this area and have very fond memories of the areas you guys were visiting here in TN. Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge along with Disney can bring tears to my eyes every time I go. Even more so now that I have children. I love living my childhood over again through them. Can't wait to see your Disney photos and read your trip report!!

 

[taymacsmom]

Monica!!! My DDs and I always call each other that when its humid around here!! My hair does the exact same thing. Looks like a terrific trip so far!

 

[Spartangirl]

yay for Cooter's!!! haha We love going in there and seeing all the cool stuff from the show!

It was so neat...I loved seeing all of the old pictures on the wall!

I still need to figure out how to burn a commercial on my computer and upload it on here. I don't know if I told you, but a couple of years ago, Chad and I were at Atlanta Motor Speedway for the nascar race. Well, we were walking by and I looked over and said to Chad, "OMG, that is John Schneider!" They were filming a commercial for Duke Fest that they had at AMS. Well, this lady walked up to me and asked if I would like to be in the commercial. Of course I said yes!! I had to hold the microphone up to John as he was teaching someone how to slide across the General Lee. So cool!!

That is SO COOL, Heather!!! If you figure out how to get the commercial on your computer, please post it here!!! I'd LOVE to see it! What a fun experience!!! That would have been so cool just standing so close to John...I just loved those Duke boys growing up! And...that would have be so neat to be the person learning to slide across the GL. I don't think I could have done it as gracefully as those boys though!

Another great update! You two are very photogenic, and love seeing all of the places you visited. Appreciate the food report from No Way Jose - I've often wondered what their food is like. Those margaritas look delicious! We'll add to our Gatlinburg to-do list too!

Looking forward to your next post!!

Thanks, Kathy! We really enjoyed No Way Jose's. Before eating there, I recognized the name of the place...I recently figured out why! Do you ever watch the travel channel? Well, Sam Brown is my hero! When she was in TN, she ate at No Way Jose's and gave it great reviews. I thought the food was good...not the best Mexican I've ever had, but definitely good! And those margaritas..........YUM!!! I would go back!

Another great update. I am so enjoying your trip. The views are incredible. I showed your pictures to my husband and now he's very exciting about doing this trip next year. I love your photos. Can't wait for the update from WDW.

Thanks so much, Cheryl! The Smokies were just gorgeous!!! You guys are going to have such an incredible time! Glad I could help with getting you two excited for your trip! WDW is definitely our next stop!

Great update. Gatlinburg truly is a very unique area. Sometimes we forget all the "nature" fun you can have there since we live so close and go every year. I grew up in this area and have very fond memories of the areas you guys were visiting here in TN. Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge along with Disney can bring tears to my eyes every time I go. Even more so now that I have children. I love living my childhood over again through them. Can't wait to see your Disney photos and read your trip report!!

Thanks! It is so easy to forget the "nature" part of the area......I had been to Gatlinburg back in high school and I basically had memories of the strip...the shops, restaurants, putt-putt golf courses, etc. The beauty in the Smokies is UNBELIEVABLE!!! I am glad "those sights" are a new part of my memory! How exciting to be sharing all of your favorite places with your children...it's a great way to "relive" your childhood AND create new memories! Disney is coming up next!!!

Monica!!! My DDs and I always call each other that when its humid around here!! My hair does the exact same thing. Looks like a terrific trip so far!

That's great, Kelly......I love that you call each other Monica! I actually pulled out my flat iron each day. My hair started out straight and frizzed/curled within a minute of being outside. Don't know why I bothered to do anything with it........it would have been easier to go with the flow from the get-go I think!

 

[Spartangirl]

Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Headed to my "Happy Place!"

The alarm was set for 4:30 a.m. and we were ready, packed up, checked out, fueled up, and on the road by about 5:40 a.m. We took Highway 441 through Newfound Gap in the Smokies. Driving, we were fortunate to see some deer and a fox! We pulled over at the Tennessee/North Carolina border to take a few pictures because the sight we saw was quite majestic!

Just gorgeous...

Look at the layers of colors...

And just to prove we were there!

Back on the road, we encountered a little fog through the mountains, but nothing we were overly concerned about. At around 7:45 a.m. we stopped for some coffee and breakfast sandwiches, and crossed the Georgia border by 8:15.

As we were driving, we debated taking the direct south route or going out of the way to get to the interstate. Our GPS recommended the direct south route with an arrival time just after 5:00 p.m. That didn't sound too bad, so we decided to go with the GPS.

We chose poorly.

After 4 1/2 hours of driving on a rural highway (in construction), with our arrival time falling back later and later as we drove, we were practically jumping up and down as we hit I-75 just outside of Macon. I think I announced, "I have NEVER been so happy to see I-75 in my life!"

We officially arrived at Port Orleans French Quarter at five to 6:00 p.m., parked the car, walked in, and were officially checked in by 6:00. I had done the online check-in prior to our trip, but there was NO LINE at all when we arrived!

The CM gave us cute anniversary buttons and we were on our way!

We headed straight to our room in building 1. Chris and I LOVED having a quiet building and we were fortunate to score a corner room on the 2nd floor.

I know some people consider this a far building, but we LOVED it! It was peaceful, quiet, and a short walk from the food court.....plus, it was super close to the boat dock!

We checked out our room...

And smiled when we saw "Mickey" on the bed!

We were extremely happy about our outside view. The river, golf course, and ferries made for a nice view!

To the right...

And to the left...

Here's a shot of building 1. Our room was the corner room on the 2nd floor, right behind the "1" sign.

What a great start to Disney for us!

Up Next: Downtown Disney & "Doh-bars"

 

[SoonerGirl]

Don't you hate that when the GPS leads you astray?! We encountered a ton of road construction during our recent trip to Minnesota, I think it's our stimulus dollars at work.

We were in Building 1 when we stayed at POFQ too, I also loved it there! The resort is so small that it's no big deal to walk anywhere you need to go and it was a nice quiet place to be

 

[mickeystoontown]

Again, gorgeous pictures of the mountains. The colors are just beautiful. Gosh, I keep saying that don't I?

Yay for making it to Disney even if the stupid GPS took you down rural highways and through road construction. Port Orleans is a very pretty resort.

 

[klacey1]

Hi, joining in! I have to go back and catch myself up, but I LOVED your intro. I think that's great that you and your hubby travel so much. I'd much rather spend money on experiences than "things."
I see that you went to Vegas last year-- we're going next week for the first time. Any tips/must-see's?
** Caught up! You take absolute beautiful pictures! That camel/llama day must have been just amazing! Excited for more!

 

[Shannon84]

Great update as usual, the picture of that butterfly and the different colors of the sky in the following pictures were all beautiful

The Monica comment cracked me up, at least your hair looked nothing like hers on those episodes and with that awful hat she tried to cover it up with

YAY for Disney!! It looks like you guys snagged an awesome room, i think its worth the extra distance to have that great view and some peace and quiet

 

[ashleighbass06]

Ooo! I've never seen pics of French Quarter before, it looks like a really nice hotel! Excited to hear more!

 

[TinksThree]

Gorgeous pictures of the mountains!! We always stop at Newfound Gap but never at sunrise...beautiful!!

We stayed at POR in June and loved it!! It is pretty awesome you got a corner room!!

 

[redsox721]

What beautiful mountain photos. You are an amazing photographer. I love the French Quarter pictures. I have stayed at Port Orleans Riverside in a corner room. Loved having the two windows. Its so nice to see her sister hotel. Might have to stay at the French Quarter next time. It will remind me of our trip to New Orleans.

 

[Jennifer48]

Very fitting that you have a fabulous room. You've had a fabulous view so far this trip! with the exception of construction but that doesn't count

 

[Spartangirl]

Don't you hate that when the GPS leads you astray?! We encountered a ton of road construction during our recent trip to Minnesota, I think it's our stimulus dollars at work.

We questioned the way the GPS was taking us to begin with...should have gone with our instincts! Road construction is TERRIBLE right now...it's pretty much on all of the major roads around our house. Makes it kind of hard to get where you're going!

We were in Building 1 when we stayed at POFQ too, I also loved it there! The resort is so small that it's no big deal to walk anywhere you need to go and it was a nice quiet place to be

Glad to hear that you enjoyed it too, Michelle! I agree that the resort was small.......everything was so close no matter where you were at! I really liked that...

Again, gorgeous pictures of the mountains. The colors are just beautiful. Gosh, I keep saying that don't I?

That's ok! The mountains were so pretty!!!

Yay for making it to Disney even if the stupid GPS took you down rural highways and through road construction. Port Orleans is a very pretty resort.

Oh my gosh...we were SO GLAD to finally make it to Disney! Port Orleans was very pretty...I wouldn't hesitate to stay there again! We loved that the French Quarter was so quaint and small!

Hi, joining in! I have to go back and catch myself up, but I LOVED your intro.

Welcome and glad to have you here! Awww...glad you enjoyed my intro!

I think that's great that you and your hubby travel so much. I'd much rather spend money on experiences than "things."

That's exactly how we feel! Our motto is "Live each day to the fullest!"

I see that you went to Vegas last year-- we're going next week for the first time. Any tips/must-see's?

Oh my gosh...We LOVE Vegas! I've been there 3 times now! Definitely go see the Bellagio Fountains...they're cool during the day, but spectacular at night! See a show if you can...the shows in Vegas are fantastic! We've seen several! Take your time to explore as many of the hotels on the strip as you can...they are all so unique and different from one another! If you head into the old part of Vegas, go at night and check out the Fremont Street Experience. It's a canopy of lights that are set to music and it's kind of cool to see. Have a great time...Vegas is like a whole other world!

** Caught up! You take absolute beautiful pictures! That camel/llama day must have been just amazing! Excited for more!

Thanks so much! We loved our camel/llama adventure...it was so different from anything that we had ever done before!

Great update as usual, the picture of that butterfly and the different colors of the sky in the following pictures were all beautiful

Thanks, Shannon!

The Monica comment cracked me up, at least your hair looked nothing like hers on those episodes and with that awful hat she tried to cover it up with

It may not have looked like hers, but it sure felt that way!!! Chris couldn't stop laughing...he kept saying, "Your hair is growing!"

YAY for Disney!! It looks like you guys snagged an awesome room, i think its worth the extra distance to have that great view and some peace and quiet

The room was fantastic...we LOVED our location!

Ooo! I've never seen pics of French Quarter before, it looks like a really nice hotel! Excited to hear more!

Hey Ashleigh! The French Quarter was such a cute resort...we loved it!

Gorgeous pictures of the mountains!! We always stop at Newfound Gap but never at sunrise...beautiful!!

Thanks so much! I'm so glad we took the time to stop...the colors were amazing!

We stayed at POR in June and loved it!! It is pretty awesome you got a corner room!!

Very cool! I actually stayed at POR when it was still Dixie Landings! We were thrilled to get a corner room!

What beautiful mountain photos. You are an amazing photographer.

Awww...thanks, Cheryl!

I love the French Quarter pictures. I have stayed at Port Orleans Riverside in a corner room. Loved having the two windows. Its so nice to see her sister hotel.

This was our first time staying in a corner room...it really is nice!!!

Might have to stay at the French Quarter next time. It will remind me of our trip to New Orleans.

Chris and I kept saying how it reminded us of New Orleans too! I wouldn't hesitate to stay at POFQ again...we LOVED it!

Very fitting that you have a fabulous room. You've had a fabulous view so far this trip! with the exception of construction but that doesn't count

Thanks Jennifer...we were so happy with our room! Oh my gosh, the construction! Don't even get me started!

 

[MeMom]

Awesome Tennessee pictures!

The view from (and of) your POFQ balcony is beautiful. We very much enjoyed our stay there.

We've done the same thing with the GPS. It led us into little side streets. It was crazy! And we were two women and two babies alone on these rural roads in the dark. We felt the same way you did - extremely happy to see normal travelways!

 

[Disneymommy2006]

Our GPS recently led us down a gravel (very remote) road then back on to the Blue Ridge Parkway when we were heading to Mt Mitchell NC. It was quite an adventure!
Love the pictures of the resort, we stayed at Port Orleans Riverside once and loved taking the boat to DTD.

 

[Charleston Princess]

I had two updates to catch up on! Gorgeous views from the Appalachian Trail and Clingman's Dome! So pretty!

I had no idea there was a place called Cooter's! Too funny!

No Way Jose's looks delicious! Chelsea has the same problem with her hair and humidity -- it always curls right up when she is outside!

More beautiful views from the Tennessee/North Carolina border!

Yeah, I would never recommend taking rural roads in Georgia! The major highways are the way to go!

Hurray for being at Disney with a great corner room at POFQ! We love that place and have stayed there twice! I agree that the far buildings are still super close to everything. We were in Building Seven one time, and it was still just a short walk to the food court and gift shops.

 

[lovebuzzandwoody]

Remember me? I read your last TR. I'm a Spartan girl too!

I just happened to be looking at the TR board and noticed you were back! I just read all of your updates ~ thanks to your handy links ~ and I'm here for the rest of the ride!

~Nicole

 

[MinnieTexan]

Thanks, Kathy! We really enjoyed No Way Jose's. Before eating there, I recognized the name of the place...I recently figured out why! Do you ever watch the travel channel? Well, Sam Brown is my hero! When she was in TN, she ate at No Way Jose's and gave it great reviews. I thought the food was good...not the best Mexican I've ever had, but definitely good! And those margaritas..........YUM!!! I would go back!

*************
Thank YOU, Lynne! I'm really intrigued, not only reading your review, but knowing that Jose's was featured on the travel channel too! I watch the travel channel sometimes, and enjoy it when I do, but am not familiar with Sam Brown. Which show is Sam on? --Having been raised in Houston, I do love Mexican food...so Jose's will be a definite stop on our list while visiting Gatlinburg next...and Cooter's will be too! I can't tell you how many times we passed right by it, and said we should stop. Next time we will!

 

[MinnieTexan]

How awful that the GPS mis-routed you. I really hate when that happens!

What incredibly beautiful scenery in the Smokies - and Lynne, you captured it so well! You (and Chris) have photography talent! The sunrise photos are pretty amazing - and the rest of the pictures are wonderful too!

Another "next time to-do" for us - watch the sunrise over the Smokies in TN! Thanks for another great tip!

 

[MinnieTexan]

We *almost* reserved Port Orleans French Quarter...but, at the last minute, booked Caribbean Beach Resort. We've never stayed at either, and we had a hard time making the decision. After seeing your overview, I hope we made the right choice. POFQ looks really, really nice - and tranquil. They gave you a great room - fantastic views in every direction! I requested a water view at CBR, and I hope we are as fortunate as you two were!