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

[Sweetpeamd]

What amazing fireworks pictures!!! I have really enjoyed your TR. Thanks so much for taking the time to write it!

 

[lovebuzzandwoody]

Warning: more gushing over your pictures! I hope that doesn't get old! Seriously, Lynne, they are truly spectacular! I enjoy them so much!

 

[punkin413]

It was so cool to walk in and see this...

i saw a picture someone posted on the photography thread of a CM doing this and i thought it was so cool! never seen it with my own eyes but i hope to one day.

great pics of the MSEP! you got some of my favs - alice, peter and tink!

I didn't remember this float from the original parade??? I know some of the people around us really liked it, but I found it kind of creepy!

yeah, i'd have to agree with the creepiness!

The Pirates take over...

best part of the show!

BEAUTIFUL pictures of the fireworks!!!

What an AMAZING show!!! We both absolutely LOVED it! It may be my new favorite!!! I cannot think of a more perfect way to end our 1st full day in the World. Just spectacular!!! [/SIZE]

i whole-heartedly agree! these fireworks were the best i've seen at disney and i've been to all the special event parties and of course seen wishes. they are just unbelievable. i remember when we saw it in 2008, i was taking pictures and ray was standing behind me videoing them and i just kept turning around and looking at him and we'd just shake our heads at each other in astonishment. they were spectacular!

 

[Charleston Princess]

How neat to arrive at the Magic Kingdom and be greeted by Mickey -- what a talented water artist! There is no way I could do something like that!

Pecos Bill's is one of our favorite places to eat -- we love the burgers and fixings bar!

The Jungle Cruise is such a favorite of ours! We adore those campy jokes!

Great pictures of the parade and the fireworks! Seeing the MSEP did take me right back to my childhood! It was so cool to see it again!

 

[ashleighbass06]

I had a really great CM the last time I rode the Jungle Cruise too (His name was Robert)! What a great ride!

I really hope they keep the perimeter fireworks after Summer Nightastic is over (I guess it already is over. If they didn't, I hope they bring them back) because all the pictures I've seen are absolutely breathtaking and I would love to see it in person!

You're fireworks photos are really great! Thanks for sharing!

 

[mandas08]

Wow, that pool is so neat...I have never seen a pictures of it before. The picture of the castle with the reflection is beautiful!!! I think I should sneak you in my purse to take some pictures for us in two weeks.

I've been trying to avoid fireworks and electrical parade pics so they are a surprise for me when I go, but I snuck a little glance at a shot of the fireworks behind the castle and it was spectacular. I know shame on me. But in my defense your pictures are too good to pass up.

 

[MAGICFOR2]

Hi Lynn! Your resort looks so fun! There really is a big difference between the PO's
I loved ELP when we saw it at DL - so glad you got to see it!
Those fireworks look amazing! I hope they keep it in for a long time! You really did have a magical first day!

 

[MeMom]

Our room was right across from this fountain. Bella and I walk over there to see it several times. She would sit in my lap and just watch the water flow. That is a lovely resort, and we hope to stay there again.

Your fireworks pictures are just WOW!

 

[antnyh]

Talk about childhood memories! Great pictures of the fireworks too! Thanks for sharing.

 

[redsox721]

Amazing pictures again, especially of the hotel. After seeing your photos of the French Quarter, that is the next place for us.

So happy you were able to relive your chldhood memories. That is something that I love to have happen to me.

 

[stacikristine]

I was quite a few posts behind, but I'm all caught up now. And I want you to know I'm LOVING your report!!

POFQ looks so cute! I haven't seen a lot of pictures of it before. The pool is adorable, and that picture with Chris and the crocs is great.

I've always been leery to try a fried candy bar...but your Doh-Bar sounds like it was super yummy!

I'm sure the smile in the sky was a perfect start to your first full day. Chris' Buzz Victory pic and your Pirate pic are great! I love that you have so much fun together.

Your waits were SO short! I'm so surprised that so many things were a walk-on in the summer! I agree with you--rope drops are amazing!! Michael (my hubby) and I made rope drop every day (except our last) and we loved being there before the huge crowds came.

I could REALLY go for a Dole Whip right now... Aw, that's so sweet that you and Chris asked the little girl to come up to the front with you during the parade. I'm sure it just made her day! And your parade pictures are fantastic.

The picture of the Castle reflected on the water is SO pretty. Isn't it crazy how a building means so much to so many people?

The MSEP looks wonderful! The last time I saw it, I was 2...so I don't remember anything about it. But I love looking at all of the great pictures--it looks like such a good parade. Do you remember what settings you used for those pictures? I can never decide if I want to use the flash or not for pictures like that...

And OH MY GOODNESS your fireworks/castle pictures are GORGEOUS! Absolutely breathtaking. Thanks so much for sharing them with us!

 

[Disneygrl36]

Awesome update! Loved the water artist....I hope to see this sometime.
MSEP is sooooo great & I was so excited I got to see it too! It really does take me back to my first ever visit to WDW.
WOW those night tastic fireworks are AMAZING!!!!! Loved the video of the pirate section. I was so hoping they would hold those over as well but they didn't. I love WISHES but those fireworks are incredible!

 

[Dizneydawn]

Thank you for having the links in your TR!!

We did a huge Road Trip again this summer through the Smokey Mountains and you have given me some places to stop and see in Oct!

Love your TR and can't wait for more updates.

I do have one question though - Did you just walk the llamas or did you ride them? I guess I have never thought about the plausibility of riding a llama before!

 

[SoonerGirl]

Great update Lynne! I love that you blinded your JC skipper, poor guy!

I don't remember the creepy float being in the electrical parade when I saw it in DL, it has to be new - and yes, it's creepy.......

Fabulous pics from the fireworks! Did you use your tripod, or is your hand just that steady?

 

[Tracy161]

Hi Lynne! I'm just joining in and am now caught up. I LOVE your trip report so far, you guys seem like you have so much fun with each other! What a fantastic road trip... you have all the elements of some of the things I love most in this world: Disney, hiking, and history! Can't wait to read more!!!

 

[klacey1]

Your pictures just continue to astound me!! Your fireworks pictures are sooo beautiful-- if you ever have free time and want to make a few bucks, I totally bet you could sell them!
I love having a good Jungle Cruise skipper! That ride is such hit or miss-- it really depends on the CM running it.

 

[Aburns8]

Hi Lynn I am joining in! My husband and I were in Gatlinburg many years ago and it looks like it hasn't changed much. It looks like you had a blast at the Hollywood Wax Museum! The llama looked like fun as well! You are lucky to find a gnome with your college on it! I to WMU - so you can't find any Western stuff anywhere. I should have gone to MSU - just so I could find some school swag!

I am loving the Disney portion as well. You are staying at the hotel I wished we were staying at. We are staying at my in-laws time share so no property for us . It looks like you had a blast and I can't wait to read more!

 

[Spartangirl]

Your pictures of the parade and fireworks are AMAZING!

Thanks so much, Shannon!

Watching that video gave me chills, Disney just knows how to do it right!

That's the truth...I'm always disappointed in seeing fireworks and shows elsewhere, after seeing them in Disney! Everything is so much bigger and better in the World!

What amazing fireworks pictures!!!

Thank you!

I have really enjoyed your TR. Thanks so much for taking the time to write it!

Absolutely...I really enjoy writing it! There's so much more to come!

Warning: more gushing over your pictures! I hope that doesn't get old! Seriously, Lynne, they are truly spectacular! I enjoy them so much!

LOL!!! Thank you so much, Nicole. I really do enjoy sharing them!

i saw a picture someone posted on the photography thread of a CM doing this and i thought it was so cool! never seen it with my own eyes but i hope to one day.

It really was unbelievable to watch! Chris and I stood there for several minutes just enjoying the show. There were several other CMs doing this too...I think we saw "Donald" and "Pluto" too!

great pics of the MSEP! you got some of my favs - alice, peter and tink!

Thank you! I just LOVE that parade!

yeah, i'd have to agree with the creepiness!

The float just didn't seem to "fit" in the parade...I think it was supposed to be part of the whole Pinocchio part, but I just didn't care for the float at all.

best part of the show!

I AGREE!!! LOVED IT!!!

BEAUTIFUL pictures of the fireworks!!!

Thanks so much, Dawn!

i whole-heartedly agree! these fireworks were the best i've seen at disney and i've been to all the special event parties and of course seen wishes. they are just unbelievable. i remember when we saw it in 2008, i was taking pictures and ray was standing behind me videoing them and i just kept turning around and looking at him and we'd just shake our heads at each other in astonishment. they were spectacular!

Chris and I did the same thing!!! The fireworks seemed to get BETTER with each change of music! Truly unbelievable! Disney's going to have a hard time topping these ones!

How neat to arrive at the Magic Kingdom and be greeted by Mickey -- what a talented water artist! There is no way I could do something like that!

It was so cool! The CM was very talented! I couldn't do that either, Jackie! That's why teaching 1st grade is perfect for me...the kids always tell me how talented I am of my drawings of "stick people!"

Pecos Bill's is one of our favorite places to eat -- we love the burgers and fixings bar!

The fixings bar is the best!

The Jungle Cruise is such a favorite of ours! We adore those campy jokes!

The jokes never grow old for us...we love it too!

Great pictures of the parade and the fireworks! Seeing the MSEP did take me right back to my childhood! It was so cool to see it again!

Thank you! I loved seeing MSEP too...it's funny how the music and floats bring you right back in time!

I had a really great CM the last time I rode the Jungle Cruise too (His name was Robert)! What a great ride!

Isn't it fun!!! I really feel like the CMs can make or break this ride! I love getting the CMs who are really "into it!"

I really hope they keep the perimeter fireworks after Summer Nightastic is over (I guess it already is over. If they didn't, I hope they bring them back) because all the pictures I've seen are absolutely breathtaking and I would love to see it in person!

They really were amazing and I hope you do get to see them in the future!

You're fireworks photos are really great! Thanks for sharing!

Thanks so much, Ashleigh!

 

[Spartangirl]

Wow, that pool is so neat...I have never seen a pictures of it before.

It was a great pool...I just loved the water slide!

The picture of the castle with the reflection is beautiful!!!

Thanks so much, Amanda!

I think I should sneak you in my purse to take some pictures for us in two weeks.

Sounds good to me!

I've been trying to avoid fireworks and electrical parade pics so they are a surprise for me when I go, but I snuck a little glance at a shot of the fireworks behind the castle and it was spectacular. I know shame on me. But in my defense your pictures are too good to pass up.

Awww...thank you! I KNOW you will enjoy them! Just spectacular!!! I wish we were heading back...

Hi Lynn! Your resort looks so fun! There really is a big difference between the PO's

Hey Tammie! We LOVED POFQ! I would definitely stay there again! I can't really comment too much on PO Riverside though because I haven't stayed there since it was Dixie Landings!

I loved ELP when we saw it at DL - so glad you got to see it!

Isn't it great?!? I saw it as a child in WDW, a few years ago in DL, and once again in WDW. It brings back such great memories!

Those fireworks look amazing! I hope they keep it in for a long time!

The fireworks were probably the BEST I've seen...we absolutely LOVED the show!

You really did have a magical first day!

It truly was unbelievable...I wouldn't change a thing!

Our room was right across from this fountain. Bella and I walk over there to see it several times. She would sit in my lap and just watch the water flow. That is a lovely resort, and we hope to stay there again.

You had a great location too, MeMom! The resort was just beautiful and the fountain too! Chris and I are in the same boat...we'd love to stay there again too!

Your fireworks pictures are just WOW!

Thanks so much!

Talk about childhood memories! Great pictures of the fireworks too! Thanks for sharing.

Thank you so much! I'm enjoying sharing both my TR and pics!

Amazing pictures again, especially of the hotel. After seeing your photos of the French Quarter, that is the next place for us.

Thanks so much, Cheryl! Chris and I LOVED the FQ and wouldn't hesitate to stay again. It was so pretty and quaint and the walking distance to everything was so close!

So happy you were able to relive your chldhood memories. That is something that I love to have happen to me.

Thank you...I love it too! It's funny how you can be brought right back to a certain moment in time!

I was quite a few posts behind, but I'm all caught up now. And I want you to know I'm LOVING your report!!

Awww...thanks so much, Staci!

POFQ looks so cute! I haven't seen a lot of pictures of it before. The pool is adorable, and that picture with Chris and the crocs is great.

We LOVED POFQ...it was nice being in a resort where everything was so close to walk to...I loved how it was "smaller!" Chris is something else!

I've always been leery to try a fried candy bar...but your Doh-Bar sounds like it was super yummy!

I was a bit nervous to try one too...the CM convinced us! I'm glad I did! It was really good, but super rich and MESSY!!! I don't know that I'd get one every time, but I'm glad I tried one!

I'm sure the smile in the sky was a perfect start to your first full day. Chris' Buzz Victory pic and your Pirate pic are great! I love that you have so much fun together.

We really had a great day all around, from beginning to end! Chris and I really do have a ton of fun together and it's nice to know that it "shows" even through the pictures!

Your waits were SO short! I'm so surprised that so many things were a walk-on in the summer! I agree with you--rope drops are amazing!! Michael (my hubby) and I made rope drop every day (except our last) and we loved being there before the huge crowds came.

I was shocked at how short the waits were, especially being there in the summer! I'm sure rope drop helped...trust me, I'm converted now!!! I'm a rope drop girl from here on out!

I could REALLY go for a Dole Whip right now...

Me too!!! Just LOVE those!

Aw, that's so sweet that you and Chris asked the little girl to come up to the front with you during the parade. I'm sure it just made her day!

Thanks...we always try to spread the magic whenever we have a chance!

And your parade pictures are fantastic.

Thanks so much!

The picture of the Castle reflected on the water is SO pretty. Isn't it crazy how a building means so much to so many people?

Thank you...and you're so right! I get goosebumps whenever I see the castle...especially for the first time each trip!

The MSEP looks wonderful! The last time I saw it, I was 2...so I don't remember anything about it. But I love looking at all of the great pictures--it looks like such a good parade. Do you remember what settings you used for those pictures? I can never decide if I want to use the flash or not for pictures like that...

I LOVE MSEP and I'm sure a lot of it has to do with memories from my childhood! Yeah, I can't imagine you'd remember much from when you were 2! I did end up using the flash...sometimes the lights end up brighter and more colorful without it, but then you risk having the floats blurred since they are in motion.

And OH MY GOODNESS your fireworks/castle pictures are GORGEOUS! Absolutely breathtaking. Thanks so much for sharing them with us!

Thank you so much! I really do enjoy sharing them!

 

[Spartangirl]

Awesome update! Loved the water artist....I hope to see this sometime.

Thanks, Melanie! The water artist was amazing...wow, to have that talent! It really is incredible to see it in person!

MSEP is sooooo great & I was so excited I got to see it too! It really does take me back to my first ever visit to WDW.

Isn't it great?!? With the first bar of music, I felt like I was transported right back too!

WOW those night tastic fireworks are AMAZING!!!!! Loved the video of the pirate section. I was so hoping they would hold those over as well but they didn't. I love WISHES but those fireworks are incredible!

We LOVED them! I really didn't think anything could top Wishes, but these fireworks certainly did! Sorry that you didn't get to experience them...my fingers are crossed that they'll bring them back and you'll have a chance in the future!

Thank you for having the links in your TR!!

You're welcome and thanks so much for joining in!!!

We did a huge Road Trip again this summer through the Smokey Mountains and you have given me some places to stop and see in Oct!

Very cool!!! Aren't the Smokies beautiful? Glad you found some new ideas through my TR!

Love your TR and can't wait for more updates.

Awww...thanks! Plenty more to come!

I do have one question though - Did you just walk the llamas or did you ride them? I guess I have never thought about the plausibility of riding a llama before!

We just walked the llamas......although, now you have me thinking about "trying" to ride one and that sure would be "interesting!"

Great update Lynne! I love that you blinded your JC skipper, poor guy!

Thanks, Michelle! I felt kind of bad after I did it, but he was so great and took it in stride, jokes and all!

I don't remember the creepy float being in the electrical parade when I saw it in DL, it has to be new - and yes, it's creepy.......

Ok...I feel better now. I didn't remember it being in the DL parade either and I couldn't imagine not being able to remember something that creepy looking!

Fabulous pics from the fireworks! Did you use your tripod, or is your hand just that steady?

Awww...thanks so much! I only can dream about being that steady! It was all TRIPOD!!!

Hi Lynne! I'm just joining in and am now caught up.

Hi!!! Thanks so much for joining in!

I LOVE your trip report so far, you guys seem like you have so much fun with each other!

Glad you are enjoying my report! Chris and I really do have a lot of fun together!

What a fantastic road trip... you have all the elements of some of the things I love most in this world: Disney, hiking, and history! Can't wait to read more!!!

It really was a great trip and so much fun! It was hard to come back home to reality! There is definitely a ton more to come!

Your pictures just continue to astound me!!

Awww...thanks so much, Kylie!

Your fireworks pictures are sooo beautiful-- if you ever have free time and want to make a few bucks, I totally bet you could sell them!

Ok...you just totally MADE MY DAY! Thanks!

I love having a good Jungle Cruise skipper! That ride is such hit or miss-- it really depends on the CM running it.

I couldn't agree more! I was so happy with our CM on this past trip...but, I have had the "not so great" ones too.

Hi Lynn I am joining in!

I'm so excited you're here and joining in...welcome!

My husband and I were in Gatlinburg many years ago and it looks like it hasn't changed much. It looks like you had a blast at the Hollywood Wax Museum!

We LOVED the HWM...what a blast!

The llama looked like fun as well!

It was so much fun and quite a unique experience!

You are lucky to find a gnome with your college on it! I to WMU - so you can't find any Western stuff anywhere. I should have gone to MSU - just so I could find some school swag!

Yeah, I can understand how it might be a little tougher to find WMU stuff! I was shocked to find the MSU gnome in TN...I couldn't pass up bringing it home!

I am loving the Disney portion as well. You are staying at the hotel I wished we were staying at. We are staying at my in-laws time share so no property for us .

Thank you...we really did enjoy POFQ! Awww...that stinks about not being about to stay on property, but you will be in DISNEY!!!

It looks like you had a blast and I can't wait to read more!

We really did have a fantastic trip and I have tons more to share!