West Coast DVC family takes on 7 states, 2 countries, 1 world and more points!
- Thread starter Brancaneve
- Start date
WilsonFlyer
DIS Veteran
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Loving your reports!
Gooding's. Groceries for tourists. Should be named Badding's.
When you absolutely, positively, under no circumstances whatsoever, can bear to drive another half mile to a real grocery store (There's a Winn Dixie a mile down on the right and there's the Super Target, of course.).
Gooding's. Groceries for tourists. Should be named Badding's.
When you absolutely, positively, under no circumstances whatsoever, can bear to drive another half mile to a real grocery store (There's a Winn Dixie a mile down on the right and there's the Super Target, of course.).
La2kw
DIS Veteran
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Enjoyed reading your TR. We are also teachers from California (L.A.) and have done the Florida road trip a few times. We loved it. We took about 6 days, stopping in Phoenix, Las Cruces, San Antonio, Baton Rouge, New Orleans, and Tallahassee on the way there. On the way home, we stopped in Pensacola, Baton Rouge, San Antonio, Las Cruces, and Phoenix. We have some wonderful memories from those road trips, though I can do without driving through Texas again (seems to take forever).
ajf1007
DIS Veteran
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Loving the TR!!! Thanks so much for sharing! I really enjoyed the information regarding the Cruise as well. My DH keeps telling me that he has no desire for the cruise and I really want to go. I'm going to share your TR with him as well cause if your TR doesn't change his mind, then nothing will!!
Can't wait to hear more about the road trip - I give you lots of credit, not sure I could handle that!
Can't wait to hear more about the road trip - I give you lots of credit, not sure I could handle that!
/
Brancaneve
That means Snow White in another language.
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Thank you very much for the nice comments regarding the trip report. After reading so many over the years, it has been fun to craft my own. 
Brancaneve
That means Snow White in another language.
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At about 5:00 am. we carried the kids into the white Dodge Caravan and left WDW for New Orleans, where we would be traveling for 648 miles. The snacks were placed strategically in the car, the electronics all juiced up and we were ready to go. We got onto the Florida Turnpike and then headed toward Highway 10. Once getting onto the 10 my DH and I commented that the 10 was going to be our friend. We were going to be on this highway for a long, long, long time.
Being that I live in California, and that my students had generously given me $100 in Starbucks gift cards, I hoped and expected for there to be Starbucks in the South. Boy, was I wrong. All we saw were signs for Waffle House, Dunkin Donuts and Wendy's! Finally, we decided to try Waffle House where the waffles are truly delicious, the grease sticks to you and the bathrooms are not as clean as I would have liked. But hey, dirty bathrooms come with road trips.
We arrived in New Orleans at approximately 2:00 after having a great day in the car. We had been so busy the past week that we needed the restful cocoon that our minivan provided. Our hotel was the Hampton Inn New Orleans-Downtown. Immediately, we were greeted with helpful and kind valets that reminded me why this hotel is #1 on Tripadvisor. Our room was not ready yet, so we went to the 4th floor where there was a large room that had water, coffee and tea served all day. We waited just a few minutes and then headed up to our room, which was surprisingly large and comfortable. After naps and showers we headed out to the French quarter.
Now, a friend warned me NOT to take the kids down Bourbon Street. I didn't think it was going to be THAT BAD. Our hotel is on a street that runs right into Bourbon Street, so we followed it and then quickly fled in horror to avoid having to explain what we just saw. For those of you who have never been, they have pornographic pictures taped to the windows!
The stench of Bourbon Street didn't help either and I was a bit sad that this was my first impression of New Orleans.
We breathed a sigh of relief after the kids didn't seem traumatized and began our search for the New Orleans we see in Disneyland: the hanging flower baskets, the quaint alleys and the waif of beignets. We went to Jackson Square, ate a beignet at the French Cafe, walked down Rue Royale and had gumbo at the Gumbo Shop. All of it was delicious. All day, my daughter and I joked about how spoiled we were on the cruise. "Where was Lisette(our assistant server) to place the napkin on my lap? Where was Lisette to bring me my dessert spoon and fork so I could start salivating? " Being that the Waffle House doesn't provide these services, we were a little shipsick.
Even today, we are still missing the cruise desperately!
If I had more time, I would have LOVED to take a tour of a cemetery or of the historical homes in the area, but we were leaving early in the morning for San Antonio. We didn't feel entirely comfortable staying there after it got dark, so we walked back to the hotel to rest up for 543 miles of driving.
Being that I live in California, and that my students had generously given me $100 in Starbucks gift cards, I hoped and expected for there to be Starbucks in the South. Boy, was I wrong. All we saw were signs for Waffle House, Dunkin Donuts and Wendy's! Finally, we decided to try Waffle House where the waffles are truly delicious, the grease sticks to you and the bathrooms are not as clean as I would have liked. But hey, dirty bathrooms come with road trips.
We arrived in New Orleans at approximately 2:00 after having a great day in the car. We had been so busy the past week that we needed the restful cocoon that our minivan provided. Our hotel was the Hampton Inn New Orleans-Downtown. Immediately, we were greeted with helpful and kind valets that reminded me why this hotel is #1 on Tripadvisor. Our room was not ready yet, so we went to the 4th floor where there was a large room that had water, coffee and tea served all day. We waited just a few minutes and then headed up to our room, which was surprisingly large and comfortable. After naps and showers we headed out to the French quarter.
Now, a friend warned me NOT to take the kids down Bourbon Street. I didn't think it was going to be THAT BAD. Our hotel is on a street that runs right into Bourbon Street, so we followed it and then quickly fled in horror to avoid having to explain what we just saw. For those of you who have never been, they have pornographic pictures taped to the windows!
The stench of Bourbon Street didn't help either and I was a bit sad that this was my first impression of New Orleans. We breathed a sigh of relief after the kids didn't seem traumatized and began our search for the New Orleans we see in Disneyland: the hanging flower baskets, the quaint alleys and the waif of beignets. We went to Jackson Square, ate a beignet at the French Cafe, walked down Rue Royale and had gumbo at the Gumbo Shop. All of it was delicious. All day, my daughter and I joked about how spoiled we were on the cruise. "Where was Lisette(our assistant server) to place the napkin on my lap? Where was Lisette to bring me my dessert spoon and fork so I could start salivating? " Being that the Waffle House doesn't provide these services, we were a little shipsick.
Even today, we are still missing the cruise desperately! If I had more time, I would have LOVED to take a tour of a cemetery or of the historical homes in the area, but we were leaving early in the morning for San Antonio. We didn't feel entirely comfortable staying there after it got dark, so we walked back to the hotel to rest up for 543 miles of driving.
Brancaneve
That means Snow White in another language.
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Wow! A compliment all the way from Scotland!
franandaj
I'm so happy, I could BOUNCE!
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Wow! I had never heard things like that about New Orleans. I've heard people joke about the drunks and public urination but I had no idea that there were pornographic pictures in the windows!
Hmmmmm, perhaps that city might be moving a little lower on my list of "must sees".
Hmmmmm, perhaps that city might be moving a little lower on my list of "must sees".
ajf1007
DIS Veteran
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Wow! I had never heard things like that about New Orleans. I've heard people joke about the drunks and public urination but I had no idea that there were pornographic pictures in the windows!
Hmmmmm, perhaps that city might be moving a little lower on my list of "must sees".
I actually was just there for a few days on business. I forgot how seedy Bourbon St. was, until I walked on it for 2 minutes. Pornographic pictures is only the 1/2 of it, you should see what they put outside to try to lure you in.
Outside of Bourbon Street there are neat things to see but I really had an issue with the tour of the 9th ward, which is wear all of the devastation from katrina was. It just doesn't seem right.
Mickey'sApprentice
Shamelessly demand, it works bette
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OP - I'm loving your trip report. Dh and I have considered Disney Cruise. I made the trek from Alabama to California and back when I was 10 in a camper. I'm patiently awaiting the rest of your trip report.
Although its great to support the New Orleans economy, may I suggest a trip to Savannah, GA for everyone.
Touring the squares is just a very lovely experience. The Spanish Moss hanging off the 300 year old oak trees is just a sight to behold.
Hubby and I first enjoyed Savannah when we had DVC points to burn at Disney's Hilton Head Island Resort. That is very nice too. We usually combine our trip between beautiful historic Savannah, the low country marshes at the HHI resort, and Disney's beach house on Hilton Head Island.
Wonderful. Idyllic. You'll love it!
Although its great to support the New Orleans economy, may I suggest a trip to Savannah, GA for everyone.
Touring the squares is just a very lovely experience. The Spanish Moss hanging off the 300 year old oak trees is just a sight to behold.
Hubby and I first enjoyed Savannah when we had DVC points to burn at Disney's Hilton Head Island Resort. That is very nice too. We usually combine our trip between beautiful historic Savannah, the low country marshes at the HHI resort, and Disney's beach house on Hilton Head Island.
Wonderful. Idyllic. You'll love it!
Brancaneve
That means Snow White in another language.
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That is on my short list of DVC related vacations. I have always been intrigued by Savannah. Good to hear you loved it!
Brancaneve
That means Snow White in another language.
- Joined
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Beautiful San Antonio!
The great thing about driving out west from Florida, is that you are gaining an hour each leg of the trip. We woke up around 4:00 am ready to go. DH took all the luggage to the car and then came back up to carry my son to the car, while my daughter and I walked out of the hotel where the valet had the van ready and waiting. New Orleans to San Antonio was a relatively short trip at 543 miles. We arrived about 7 hours later to a really nice city that seemed welcoming even from lanes of Highway 10.
Some of you may be wondering how the kids are doing after 1,500 miles of being in the car. The kids were very, very good all day! Before we left home we purchased the new Pirates 4 and Harry Potter DSi game, as well as some apps on the itouch. But we did not reveal them until we started the road trip which was a tip I would suggest to anyone. Being that I own a Mini Cooper, the van was so comfortable and spacious that they were very content and did not complain even once.
As for myself, I was on book 3 on my Kindle while DH was happy to just drive and listen to music or podcasts on itunes. He also went through two bags of pumpkin seeds throughout the whole trip and was such a trooper. And in case you are wondering, I offered to drive several times but DH insisted that he wanted to be able to tell people that he drove all the way from Florida BY HIMSELF. My hero......
We checked into the Holiday Inn-Riverwalk and found ourselves in a so-so room but an incredible location. The back of the hotel faced the Riverwalk and all we had to do was walk out the back door and take the path to all the lively restaurants. To top it off, the front of the hotel faced a Starbucks!!! The passion iced tea felt a little like coming home.
While DH napped, I had to engage in my post road trip ritual which was showering and trying to de wrinkle myself. The kids' ritual was to watch cartoons and get some energy out while trying not to wake dad. We took off and explored the extremely impressive Riverwalk. If New Orleans is for the young and single, San Antonio is excellent for families. We saw so many different groups of people of all ages, really enjoying the variety of restaurants and bars. In various spots, there were tour guides wearing labeled vests and sun hats standing in various locations to give us directions. Riverboats cruised up and down with drivers giving historical information. My kids loved all the baby ducklings that paddled in the river after their mamas. We decided that we had to have some Barbecue while in Texas and had a delicious dinner of brisket and moist, smoked turkey breast. I am still dreaming of the moist turkey and smashed potatoes. No assistant server was there to place the napkin on my lap, but by now I am getting more used to that. Ok....I'm also dreaming about the cruise ship and eating my mozzarella and tomato sandwich on ciabatta while hearing kids scream in joy on the aqua duck and while watching a movie on the big screen.
Now back to San Antonio...... the Alamo is a short distance from the Riverwalk, where you will also find other tourist magnets like the Rainforest Cafe and the wax museum. I really enjoyed touring the lovely garden adjacent to the main building at the Alamo.
It was starting to get late, it was hot and the kids just wanted to watch cartoons.
So, I went back to the hotel with them and checked email with the free wi-fi (I guess they get it from me) and DH explored more of the Riverwalk. He came back so impressed with how safe, clean and family friendly the place was. We are certainly anxious to go back and see the children's museum, catch a basketball game and go to the Mariachi mass at the nearby cathedral.
I promise I will be back soon to tell you about Tuscon and then the long, long, drive home.
The great thing about driving out west from Florida, is that you are gaining an hour each leg of the trip. We woke up around 4:00 am ready to go. DH took all the luggage to the car and then came back up to carry my son to the car, while my daughter and I walked out of the hotel where the valet had the van ready and waiting. New Orleans to San Antonio was a relatively short trip at 543 miles. We arrived about 7 hours later to a really nice city that seemed welcoming even from lanes of Highway 10.
Some of you may be wondering how the kids are doing after 1,500 miles of being in the car. The kids were very, very good all day! Before we left home we purchased the new Pirates 4 and Harry Potter DSi game, as well as some apps on the itouch. But we did not reveal them until we started the road trip which was a tip I would suggest to anyone. Being that I own a Mini Cooper, the van was so comfortable and spacious that they were very content and did not complain even once.
As for myself, I was on book 3 on my Kindle while DH was happy to just drive and listen to music or podcasts on itunes. He also went through two bags of pumpkin seeds throughout the whole trip and was such a trooper. And in case you are wondering, I offered to drive several times but DH insisted that he wanted to be able to tell people that he drove all the way from Florida BY HIMSELF. My hero......We checked into the Holiday Inn-Riverwalk and found ourselves in a so-so room but an incredible location. The back of the hotel faced the Riverwalk and all we had to do was walk out the back door and take the path to all the lively restaurants. To top it off, the front of the hotel faced a Starbucks!!! The passion iced tea felt a little like coming home.
While DH napped, I had to engage in my post road trip ritual which was showering and trying to de wrinkle myself. The kids' ritual was to watch cartoons and get some energy out while trying not to wake dad. We took off and explored the extremely impressive Riverwalk. If New Orleans is for the young and single, San Antonio is excellent for families. We saw so many different groups of people of all ages, really enjoying the variety of restaurants and bars. In various spots, there were tour guides wearing labeled vests and sun hats standing in various locations to give us directions. Riverboats cruised up and down with drivers giving historical information. My kids loved all the baby ducklings that paddled in the river after their mamas. We decided that we had to have some Barbecue while in Texas and had a delicious dinner of brisket and moist, smoked turkey breast. I am still dreaming of the moist turkey and smashed potatoes. No assistant server was there to place the napkin on my lap, but by now I am getting more used to that.
Ok....I'm also dreaming about the cruise ship and eating my mozzarella and tomato sandwich on ciabatta while hearing kids scream in joy on the aqua duck and while watching a movie on the big screen. Now back to San Antonio...... the Alamo is a short distance from the Riverwalk, where you will also find other tourist magnets like the Rainforest Cafe and the wax museum. I really enjoyed touring the lovely garden adjacent to the main building at the Alamo.
It was starting to get late, it was hot and the kids just wanted to watch cartoons.
So, I went back to the hotel with them and checked email with the free wi-fi (I guess they get it from me) and DH explored more of the Riverwalk. He came back so impressed with how safe, clean and family friendly the place was. We are certainly anxious to go back and see the children's museum, catch a basketball game and go to the Mariachi mass at the nearby cathedral. I promise I will be back soon to tell you about Tuscon and then the long, long, drive home.
heaven2dc
DIS Veteran
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- May 26, 2003
- Messages
- 4,126
What a dream vacation! You are all a beautiful family - loved the pic in front of the Alamo building 
We drove from Oregon to Orlando back in 1994 and got to see Las Vegas, the Grand Canyon, visit the Alamo, only drove through San Antonio so didn't get to see the Alamo, stopped only in New Orleans to get snacks and fix the van for the millionth time then arrived in Kissimmee several days later (on a sad note, my hubby had a massive heart attack in the hotel room in Kissimmee on Dec 18th and passed away, never getting to take our 5 kids to WDW but he had a wonderful time seeing so much of the country.) We had a memorable trip across country and loved Arizona most of all (the little bit we saw of New Orleans was the cemeteries which scared us because of seeing the "graves" above ground, and we were in a not-so-safe part of town). I can't wait to read how you liked Arizona and the rest of your trip!
We drove from Oregon to Orlando back in 1994 and got to see Las Vegas, the Grand Canyon, visit the Alamo, only drove through San Antonio so didn't get to see the Alamo, stopped only in New Orleans to get snacks and fix the van for the millionth time then arrived in Kissimmee several days later (on a sad note, my hubby had a massive heart attack in the hotel room in Kissimmee on Dec 18th and passed away, never getting to take our 5 kids to WDW but he had a wonderful time seeing so much of the country.) We had a memorable trip across country and loved Arizona most of all (the little bit we saw of New Orleans was the cemeteries which scared us because of seeing the "graves" above ground, and we were in a not-so-safe part of town). I can't wait to read how you liked Arizona and the rest of your trip!
Brancaneve
That means Snow White in another language.
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Thank you heaven2dc for the kind words! Your personal story touched me very deeply and despite the trauma you can look back on this trip as memorable in a very positive way. I hope you are all well and living the Disney dream in memory of your husband.
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