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

[MAGICFOR2]

Yay! A new Spartan Girl TR!!! Just checking in - going back to read!

 

[MAGICFOR2]

I cheated and read just the updates, so I'm all caught up! Once again, your photography is fabulous! I love all the beautiful scenery pics of Tennessee! Makes me want to visit Gatlinburg for sure! I loved your wax museum fun
I was curious - did the llamas carry your lunch, or what was the purpose of bringing them? The camel rides looked really fun!
You are off on a fantastic adventure - thanks for taking us along!

 

[Spartangirl]

Awesome Tennessee pictures!

Thanks, MeMom!

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

Thanks, we loved it! Glad you enjoyed it too...I wouldn't hesitate to stay there again!

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!

Oh no...you, Jill, and the girls? Ugh! I'm SURE you were happy to see the normal travelways!

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!

I always thought the GPS would give us the best route........I'm continuously learning that it doesn't always work that way! A gravel road? MUST have been an adventure!!!

Love the pictures of the resort, we stayed at Port Orleans Riverside once and loved taking the boat to DTD.

Thanks! We loved taking the boat to DTD too!

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

Thanks, Jackie!

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

We thought it was funny too!

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!

I can definitely relate to Chelsea!

More beautiful views from the Tennessee/North Carolina border!

It was so pretty!

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

We DEFINITELY learned the hard way!!! Next time we'll know better!

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.

We really couldn't believe how close everything was! I don't think any of the buildings would be a bad choice at POFQ. Chris and I were so happy with our stay there and will definitely be back in the future!

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

Hey Nicole! Welcome!!! How could I forget another Spartan girl?

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

So glad you're back for another one of my TRs!

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!

Sam Brown has had many different series...she's currently doing a series on Asia, but has done Weekend Getaways, Hawaii, Europe, and has done quite a few Disney specials. I just love her...actually, I'd LOVE to have her job! Cooter's was kind of a neat stop...it's super small inside, but has tons of pictures from Dukes along with some of the items from the show. It's definitely worth a quick peek!

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

It was not fun, but at least we didn't have to be anywhere at a certain time!

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!

Thanks so much, Kathy! Photography is kind of my hobby...I haven't taken any classes YET, but would love to someday!

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

Definitely take the time to watch a sunrise if you get the chance...SO BEAUTIFUL!

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!

We LOVED POFQ!!! However, with that said, I haven't stayed at the Caribbean Beach Resort before. I bet it will be beautiful! How can you not have a great time at any resort though? You'll be in Disney!

Yay! A new Spartan Girl TR!!! Just checking in - going back to read!

Yay! So happy you're here, Tammie!

I cheated and read just the updates, so I'm all caught up! Once again, your photography is fabulous! I love all the beautiful scenery pics of Tennessee! Makes me want to visit Gatlinburg for sure! I loved your wax museum fun

Thanks so much!

I was curious - did the llamas carry your lunch, or what was the purpose of bringing them? The camel rides looked really fun!
You are off on a fantastic adventure - thanks for taking us along!

The llamas carried all of our "stuff." This included our lunches, chairs, and table. Plus, it was a lot more fun to hike with a llama walking next to you! The camel rides were very fun...I thought it would be kind of like riding a horse..........it was A LOT more wobbly!

 

[Spartangirl]

Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Downtown Disney & "Doh-bars"

After checking out our new "home," Chris and I walked down the canal and hopped on a ferry to Downtown Disney. We thought this was a HUGE perk in staying at POFQ.

It was very cool to approach Downtown Disney from the water...this was a first for us! The ride was so relaxing. Here are a few pictures that I snapped on our boat ride...

After docking, I had to take a picture of the cute welcome sign!

I was so happy and giddy being back in the World!

Chris and I were a bit hungry and we wanted to try something new, even though Earl of Sandwich was calling our name. We chose to eat at Cookes of Dublin.

We both got their famous fish and chips, which were piping hot and super tasty!

Dessert was very unique...the CMs gave us a suggestion, and we tried Doh-bars for the first time. These are fried candy bars (Snickers, I think?). The inside was a hot, gooey, delicious, melted mess. Thankfully we were on vacation because the calories didn't count!

Chris and I were happy and full and decided to walk around a bit. We listened to various musicians and watched this cool "statue guy."

Check out this short video clip we took...it was kind of busy in Downtown Disney and we were trying to mentally prepare ourselves for this "craziness" that we were expecting to get into for the next few days!


After checking out a couple of stores including the World of Disney, we decided to call it a night. The next day would be our first park day and we wanted to be ready to hit the Magic Kingdom!

I snapped one last picture before leaving Downtown Disney...I just LOVE these signs!

Up Next: Rope Drop ~ The only way to go!

 

[Charleston Princess]

The boat ride from POFQ is so relaxing!!!

Oh, how I love fish and chips! They look nice and crispy just the way I like them!

The Doh-bars are very interesting! I could probably make a meal out of just that!

Yep, looks like it was just as crowded at Disney when you arrived as it had been for us.

 

[Shannon84]

You are right the calories do not count on vacation...that is a pretty interesting dessert to say the least! I have never experienced arriving to downtown disney by boat, those were some great pics you snapped on the way in

And I have to say that I have never seen DTD that busy before, eek!

 

[klacey1]

Love DTD!! I agree, that water taxi is a great part of staying at PO! It's a bit longer than the bus ride, but if you have time to spare, it's sooo relaxing (and scenic!).

 

[MAGICFOR2]

I love the looks of Port Orleans! I think we'll have to try it sometime - it's just that the points for a mod are so much more than the DVC resorts, it stops me. I'm putting it on the list, though. I love how you can take a boat to DTD - too cool! I've tried the fried candy bars and twinkies in Vegas - Just can't do it. I know alot of people love them!

 

[magichusky]

Hi! I just found your TR and am loving it! I'm enamored w/ all the photos of your many adventures and can't wait for the WDW segment. And GIRL, you don't even know what big hair is! Your "big hair" looked great in those other pics! My hair seems to believe it's in equilibrium when configured as an afro so it's a good thing I live in the desert! I'm traveling to WDW for the first time this December so hopefully it won't be too humid, but I have no idea what my hair would do in extreme humidity! And I must say, if I ever get a llama, I would most certainly have to name him Abu.

-Lauren

 

[redsox721]

You and Chris definitely look happy to be at WDW. That Doh-bar looks amazing, as does the fish and chips. The ferry to Downtown Disney was a favorite of ours when we stayed at the Riverside. It was wonderful in the evening too.

 

[MeMom]

I was so happy and giddy being back in the World!

I feel that way every trip. You would think I would get used to it, but I am like a silly school girl every time. I keep my cool on the outside, but inside, I am doing this:

We're staying right across the lake from DTD in October, and we won't be going back until March. That combination is so very dangerous! I am going to have to leave the credit card in the safe and go 'cash only', or it'll just be ridiculous.

 

[Spartangirl]

The boat ride from POFQ is so relaxing!!!

We LOVED it!!! It was nice to have some down time, especially after our little road adventure (through Georgia) in getting to Disney!

Oh, how I love fish and chips! They look nice and crispy just the way I like them!

Me too! They were great!

The Doh-bars are very interesting! I could probably make a meal out of just that!

They were very rich, but good! Oh, and super MESSY!

Yep, looks like it was just as crowded at Disney when you arrived as it had been for us.

We were a little nervous for the crowds at the parks, based on what we saw at Downtown Disney.

You are right the calories do not count on vacation...that is a pretty interesting dessert to say the least!

We had to try the doh-bars at least once, just to say we did! They were good, but super rich.

I have never experienced arriving to downtown disney by boat, those were some great pics you snapped on the way in

It was a first for us too and I have to say I LOVED it! Thanks!

And I have to say that I have never seen DTD that busy before, eek!

We usually travel the week between Christmas and New Years and it's pretty much always like that....however, I don't think we expected it to be so busy when we were visiting this past time.

Love DTD!! I agree, that water taxi is a great part of staying at PO! It's a bit longer than the bus ride, but if you have time to spare, it's sooo relaxing (and scenic!).

We LOVED taking the water taxi...makes it hard to want to take the bus there on future trips!

I love the looks of Port Orleans! I think we'll have to try it sometime - it's just that the points for a mod are so much more than the DVC resorts, it stops me. I'm putting it on the list, though. I love how you can take a boat to DTD - too cool! I've tried the fried candy bars and twinkies in Vegas - Just can't do it. I know alot of people love them!

It was super nice, Tammie. That's a tough call though with the DVC resorts/points...One of the major perks was the boat to DTD! We loved having that option! The doh-bars were good, but super rich. We had to try them, just to be able to say that we did!

Hi! I just found your TR and am loving it! I'm enamored w/ all the photos of your many adventures and can't wait for the WDW segment.

Welcome, Lauren!!! So glad you joined in!

And GIRL, you don't even know what big hair is! Your "big hair" looked great in those other pics! My hair seems to believe it's in equilibrium when configured as an afro so it's a good thing I live in the desert!

You are too funny! I think the pictures actually made my hair look somewhat presentable, if that's at all possible. I had so much frizz and it continued to grow by the minute.....Chris couldn't stop laughing!!!

I'm traveling to WDW for the first time this December so hopefully it won't be too humid, but I have no idea what my hair would do in extreme humidity!

Generally December is not too bad humidity wise! Wow...you're taking your first trip...I hope you have a BLAST!!! I LOVE Disney in December.......the decorations are GORGEOUS!!!

And I must say, if I ever get a llama, I would most certainly have to name him Abu.
-Lauren

Love it!

You and Chris definitely look happy to be at WDW. That Doh-bar looks amazing, as does the fish and chips. The ferry to Downtown Disney was a favorite of ours when we stayed at the Riverside. It was wonderful in the evening too.

We were so happy to finally be in the World, Cheryl! Our meal was really good...I was so happy we took a risk and tried a new restaurant! We love DTD too...it's such a fun place to explore and shop!

I feel that way every trip. You would think I would get used to it, but I am like a silly school girl every time. I keep my cool on the outside, but inside, I am doing this:

I love it! Isn't it funny how those feelings never go away? I think I get more excited with each trip!

We're staying right across the lake from DTD in October, and we won't be going back until March. That combination is so very dangerous! I am going to have to leave the credit card in the safe and go 'cash only', or it'll just be ridiculous.

Oh my goodness...cash only has got to be the plan! I know how you love to SHOP!

 

[SoonerGirl]

Yikes, DTD looks so crowded! Hope your park days were a little better.

That Doh-bar sounds interesting, I doubt I could take more than a couple of bites, but I bet it was good. Also really good that calories don't count on vacation

 

[Spartangirl]

Yikes, DTD looks so crowded! Hope your park days were a little better.

It WAS crowded...it definitely made us a little nervous for our park days!

That Doh-bar sounds interesting, I doubt I could take more than a couple of bites, but I bet it was good. Also really good that calories don't count on vacation

I didn't finish mine! It was good, but so rich! Believe me, I hit the gym HARD when we returned home!

 

[Spartangirl]

Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Rope Drop ~ The only way to go!

We began our morning nice and early at the Sassagoula Floatworks Food Factory and used some of our snack credits for breakfast.

Chris got a bagel and cream cheese and I got a yogurt parfait.

We ate quickly and were out to the bus stop at 8:20 a.m., just as a bus was coming around the corner. We pulled up to the Magic Kingdom in no time at all and looked up in the sky to see this!

We had 20 minutes before rope drop so we took a couple of pictures.

Soon the opening ceremonies began...we couldn't control the smiles on our faces!

Here's a short video clip Chris took of the countdown...


I turned around to see this...Chris even got in on the action!

First on the agenda was grabbing FPs for Space Mountain...return time 10:30 a.m. ... not too bad!

Now Chris and I are super competitive with each other and we started smack-talking with each other right away. It was only fair that we start at Buzz. Let the competition begin! We were neck in neck up until the end...check out our serious faces!

Then Chris made a killer shot and pulled away with the lead. Here he is in all his victorious glory!

After Buzz, we headed to Fantasyland and walked on Winnie the Pooh...

Peter Pan's Flight...

And It's a Small World.

Then we headed over to ride with 999 happy haunts...again walk-on!

Continued in the next post... http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=37938594&postcount=216

 

[Spartangirl]

Continued...

It was nearing 10:30 and we were just about eligible for a new FP, so we headed toward Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. We scored FPs with a return time of 12:30 p.m.

We then felt the need to hop on a boat to try to catch a glimpse of the legendary Jack Sparrow, so we headed to Pirates!

After seeing Jack, I was recruited to join his crew.

With Pirates done, we decided to utilize our FPs for Space Mountain. However, we got trapped by the Partner's Statue as the Move It, Shake It, Celebrate It Street Party rolled on by. So what did we do? We joined in the fun! Here are a few pics from the celebration!

We decided to use the opportunity to take some pictures of and with the Partner's Statue.

Then we continued on our journey to Space Mountain...but we got side-tracked again! This time it was by the Mickey & Minnie Topiary.

We had to get our picture in front of the castle, of course!

Finally, we made it to our destination!

Space Mountain was fun as always and we giggled the entire ride. Our final ride before lunch was the always relaxing, TTA.

We were extremely happy with the way that our morning went! Chris and I don't generally do rope drop, but we're thinking it may become part of our regular Disney routine.

Up Next: I want to "take" Minnie home

 

[Shannon84]

It looks like you guys got a ton of things done before lunch! I think I may have to attempt rope drop, just for MK even Looks like nice sunny sky, was it extremley hot out? I know it has been here in VA all summer

 

[SoonerGirl]

Gotta love rope drop! You can get so much accomplished in a short amount of time

Wasn't the Move It, Shake It, Celebrate It party fun? We saw it in December and thought it was pretty cute.

You make a fearsome pirate!

 

[jillianml]

subbing

 

[ashleighbass06]

It looks like you had a beautiful day to be in the Magic Kingdom!

I'm excited to hear more!