Your ULTIMATE SURVIVAL GUIDE to Disney World at Christmas Time! UPDATE x2 10/21

[michael's mom]

I agree! Aww where did you end up staying? I hope you get to stay at WL one day! I think that the experience of WCC can be really good if you get a good server and are with a good group of people. It just depends! Even if it's only "okay" it's still a fun time! YAY for having a new trip! I hope it's magical!

Thank you!
​

We stayed at CBR. It has been my Disney home for as long as I could remember and at the last minute I "panicked" and decided we had to stay there instead of trying something new. We had a wonderful trip and still love CBR, but the second we pulled onto the property I knew we should have stayed at WL. It'll be a long time before we get a chance to stay there I'm sure...but it's still on my list to try. There are several resorts on my list of places I'd like to stay...but being a teacher, it's tough to get down there during value seasons for me to afford the deluxes. I still haven't stayed at POFQ or CS (but really don't have a desire to stay at CS, as nice as it looks).

And you're right, we still had a fun time at WCC even though it was only "okay". I think we had a lot against us that day...it was the end of the trip (my last meal there) and everyone was tired. And...some of my family members don't like that kind of attention. We did get to see some great stuff though because we were smack dab in the middle of the big room.

I've been told by my family that we can't talk about our upcoming trip until we start planning/booking dining reservations (Oct). So I'm very thankful for the DISboards because I get my Disney fix whenever I want, with people equally as obsessed as I am.

 

[Caretames1]

I LOVE WL! That was like the only reason we ate there last year, I just wanted to go there and see it!

It's just so massive and loggy! I dream of staying there some day. I can't even imagine how beautiful it is with all the Christmas decor.

We love our milkshakes there as well, the skillet was good.

Sorry to hear your cornbread was hard. Ours was warm and soft and soooo good.

 

[NoOrdinaryPrincess]

How did I fall 15 pages behind again???? Great updates!

 

[JessicaFaye508]

We stayed at CBR. It has been my Disney home for as long as I could remember and at the last minute I "panicked" and decided we had to stay there instead of trying something new. We had a wonderful trip and still love CBR, but the second we pulled onto the property I knew we should have stayed at WL. It'll be a long time before we get a chance to stay there I'm sure...but it's still on my list to try. There are several resorts on my list of places I'd like to stay...but being a teacher, it's tough to get down there during value seasons for me to afford the deluxes. I still haven't stayed at POFQ or CS (but really don't have a desire to stay at CS, as nice as it looks).

I'm actually staying at CBR on my next trip! I haven't been there since I was three!
Aww I'm sorry that you regretted not staying at WL... but I am sure you will stay there someday and it will be SO worth it! It may be worth looking into DVC if you continue to travel to Disney. It is expensive up front... but that way you get to stay at all of the Deluxe resorts for a much more reasonable price overall. ​

And you're right, we still had a fun time at WCC even though it was only "okay". I think we had a lot against us that day...it was the end of the trip (my last meal there) and everyone was tired. And...some of my family members don't like that kind of attention. We did get to see some great stuff though because we were smack dab in the middle of the big room.

Yeah, those types of factors could make it a little less enjoyable. But hey, can't complain. Just being in WL is a treat in itself!​

I've been told by my family that we can't talk about our upcoming trip until we start planning/booking dining reservations (Oct). So I'm very thankful for the DISboards because I get my Disney fix whenever I want, with people equally as obsessed as I am.

Hahaha well that's what we're here for! I'm always up for talking Disney anytime!

I LOVE WL! That was like the only reason we ate there last year, I just wanted to go there and see it!

It's just so massive and loggy! I dream of staying there some day. I can't even imagine how beautiful it is with all the Christmas decor.

We love our milkshakes there as well, the skillet was good.

Sorry to hear your cornbread was hard. Ours was warm and soft and soooo good.

Hahaha I completely understand! It's BEAUTIFUL! I stayed there once when I was in middle school and I have been DYING to go back ever since I left.

Yeah, I should have asked for a new cornbread! Oh well. Next time!​

 

[emma212010]

Cute sweater!

Oh, the Wilderness Lodge is so pretty! Especially at Christmas! LOOK at that tree! We visited the WL on our trip this summer, and it was so warm and cozy even without the Christmas decorations. I'd love to see it at Christmas time!

Sorry your dinner wasn't amazing! But Holy Moley that skillet looks absolutely delicious! It definitley looks big enough to share- I'll keep that in mind because I really want to eat there again! I think the last time I ate there I qualified for the kid menu!

 

[hollisterluva92]

MY MAELSTROM FASTPASS PIN! My most prized possession. This is going into a vault and it will never be traded.

-I need that pin!!! I've been stalking Ebay for it

In my opinion, it is one of the best-decorated resorts for Christmas! The "lodge" theme just reminds me of sitting in front of a warm fireplace in the middle of winter.

-I agree completely It just seems so cozy and Christmas-ey

MY DEER SWEATSHIRT - courtesy of Forever 21! They just know me so well.

-Love it Forever 21 knows me so well.....I'm hoping to score a crewneck or two tmrw when I go to the mall!

I only ever get milkshakes if they’re supposedly REALLY good, so this was a big deal!

-I do the same thing! That milkshake looks delish!

I ended up getting the skillet, of course! Would it be a meal at Whispering Canyon without it?!

-That looks so yummy!!!!! I'm definitely ordering that when I go there!

I was TOO FULL FOR DESSERT.

-I hate when that happens! I did the same thing at Yak and Yeti I went there just to order the fried wontons, and I just couldn't bring myself to spend all that money on them and then only eat one bite...or eat too much and get sick.

 

[JessicaFaye508]

Cute sweater!

Oh, the Wilderness Lodge is so pretty! Especially at Christmas! LOOK at that tree! We visited the WL on our trip this summer, and it was so warm and cozy even without the Christmas decorations. I'd love to see it at Christmas time!

Sorry your dinner wasn't amazing! But Holy Moley that skillet looks absolutely delicious! It definitley looks big enough to share- I'll keep that in mind because I really want to eat there again! I think the last time I ate there I qualified for the kid menu!

Thank you!
I know, it was incredible! It just brings the Christmas Spirit to a whole new level!
Don't be sorry - I wasn't disappointed! Any meal in Disney is better than a meal at home, right?
The skillet is actually the family style option, so if two people order it, you have to pay one set price per person. That's why it's so huge because it's intended for a lot of people to order it.

-I need that pin!!! I've been stalking Ebay for it

-I agree completely It just seems so cozy and Christmas-ey

-Love it Forever 21 knows me so well.....I'm hoping to score a crewneck or two tmrw when I go to the mall!

-I do the same thing! That milkshake looks delish!

-That looks so yummy!!!!! I'm definitely ordering that when I go there!

-I hate when that happens! I did the same thing at Yak and Yeti I went there just to order the fried wontons, and I just couldn't bring myself to spend all that money on them and then only eat one bite...or eat too much and get sick.

I hope you find it!
Ahh I want to go to Forever 21 soon! It has been too long!
Aww I'm sorry! You'll have to go back!​

 

[JessicaFaye508]

Hi there, everyone! I just wanted to post another update because I'm leaving for Georgia TOMORROW! Can you believe it!? This summer FLEW by. I finished up my ice cream job on Monday and my last day of Recreation was today! Unbelievable. I'm really excited to see Preston and then go to Hilton Head immediately after! WOOHOO! I won't be back home for a little while, but I may or may not post some updates while I'm away. I have them written already so all I have to do is post it... but we will see if I have time!

Anyways... that's a mini update on one of the many things going on in my life right now. I will let you all know how the trips go once I get back and I hope you have a good couple of weeks!

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Chapter 85: Carriage Ride and BREAKING THE RECORD!!!!
December 29th, 2011

Once we left Whispering Canyon, we went to the gift shop. I picked up some Vick’s and some Contac – I HAD to get rid of that dang cold!

While we were cashing out, I asked to trade a pin with the Cast Member. She saw my ’06 bag and asked if we came every year. I said yes and she asked if I came in 2008. I said yes and she GAVE ME a 2008 Disney pin for free – no trade AGAIN! Seriously, this was my lucky day!! It was the one that requires 2 backs so it was too big for her lanyard. I had no problem taking it off her hands! THANKS CAST MEMBER!

Then we stopped at Roaring Forks to pick up a Magic Cookie Bar for later. Before we left Wilderness Lodge, I had to take a few more pictures of the lobby because I'm in LOVE with it! This tree is just spectacular!

LOOK! IT'S LIKE THE BEARS FROM BRAVE!

Obligatory Wilderness Lodge totem pole picture:

We took the boat to the Fort Wilderness Campgrounds! We had a VERY special plan in store!

I went to the restroom, Mom looked in the gift shop, and then we met up and headed towards our destination.

What were we doing on this night?! GOING FOR A CARRIAGE RIDE! Thanks to Joni’s (therussells08) wonderful review from her 2010 Christmas trip report, this was on my list of things to do! It sounded like so much fun!

I didn’t catch the name of our driver, but our horse’s name was Thomas O’Malley – Tom for short!

The carriage ride took us through the campgrounds. There were Christmas decorations GALORE all thanks to the campers who stayed there!

It was very extravagant! There were tons of blow up characters, lights, etc. Some of the displays even danced to music!

Families come and decorate every year! A lot of them have storage units near Disney where they keep their decorations for the holiday season. Brilliant.

This one guy apparently blew up a HUGE picture of Cinderella’s Castle, stuck lights in it, and set it to music! He’s usually there until the 23rd, but this year he left early because his neighbors at home wanted to see his display. Apparently he’s pretty famous! I hope I get to see his decorations someday!

Our driver was really nice! She lived in Florida all of her life and always hung out at the Fort Wilderness campgrounds as a kid. She talked to us about her pets and the Citrus Bowl, which is where Dad and Jonathan were this night. The game was Notre Dame vs. Florida State University.

They provided us with blankets on the carriage! It was nice because it was a chilly night! Even though we could have probably survived without them, they just made the experience even better.

The carriage ride was 25 minutes long and it was WONDERFUL! What a nice experience! It was so unique and such an interesting way to see Disney! I didn’t realize how different the experience is for the people who camp there. That has to be a great deal of fun!

Christmas Tip #47: If you want a unique experience for a relaxing night, book a carriage ride at the Fort Wilderness Campgrounds! The grounds are all decorated for the holidays and it will definitely get you in the Christmas spirit!

Once we were all done, we went to the bus stop to catch a bus to Hollywood Studios. I had some Toy Story Mania Fastpasses to use up!!

But this was a BIG ordeal.

First we had to take a bus to the outpost. It took FOREVER because we had to make 4 or 5 freaking stops at the cabins.

Once we got to the outpost we had to wait for our DHS bus.

Minutes passed… 2 Epcot busses came through… 2 Downtown Disney busses… 2 Animal Kingdom busses… Outpost busses of ALL colors… and no DHS.

Keep in mind that the park was closing at 10 o’clock and we arrived at the first bus stop at 9. I figured we would be fine because we had an hour for travel time, but the bus just wasn’t coming!!

I posted on twitter:
Travel time is my biggest burden in life. #butreally

I was getting SO frustrated. I wanted to ride Toy Story Mania SO bad!! We went up to talk to a cast member and he said the bus was on its way. He said that if we didn’t make it in time, he would see if there were something he could do to get us other fastpasses. How kind of him.

This is why my Mom and I were not fans when we stayed at the Fort Wilderness cabins in 2009. The bus system is AWFUL.

The one humerous part of this situation was this thing I overheard at the bus stop. I tweeted it:
"all of these busses are sayin' Epcot and 'flyin' rider.'" hahahaha

FART SHOES!

FINALLY at 9:30 pm the freaking bus FINALLY arrived. Our cast member friend asked the driver if he could drop us off at the Hollywood Studios entrance.

Thankfully he did and we arrived at 9:47 pm!!! I entered the park and RAN to Toy Story Mania! LET’S GO, LET’S GO, LET’S GOOOOOOO!!!!!!

They let us in, we walked in the fastpass line, and then we were let through the right side gate. SCORE!

A cast member was handing out Buzz and Woody stickers! I asked him for some and he gave them to me. Yayayay!

We were seated quickly and I went in the car first – that’s my better side.

We were off and I was on FIRE!!! I was hitting all of the thousands targets and just spazzing like a mad woman!!!! I think that the adrenaline from the bus situation/the park almost closing/running to the ride was giving me super powers!

Then I heard the words “IT’S YOUR LAST GAME!” and I went NUTS! BAM BAM BAMIDY BAM!!

The scores were being tallied up…. And then I saw it:

214, 300! I GOT A 214,300!!!!!!!!!!!!!! OH MY GOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I COULDN’T EVEN BELIEVE IT!!!! I wanted to beat 200,000 SO bad so I was FREAKING out that it finally happened! I was so incredibly excited!!!!

This is my current record to date! This was a BIG deal!

I posted on twitter:
I channeled all of my anger from the late bus into my game and BAM high score of the hour

I think trying to get these high scores is why I love this attraction so much. There's so much anticipation and challenge so every ride is different! The competition gives it an aspect that other attractions lack, so that really appeals to me. YEAHHHH TOY STORY!

We got off the ride and I literally danced my way out of there.

TOY STORY MANIA RIDE COUNT: 8

Then things just got even better.

We saw our Cast Member friend from the real Hollywood (for the THIRD time!!) and we talked to him and another cast member. He asked how long we were staying and what our plans were for New Years! He and the other cast member also asked me what my score was and I told them about my big accomplishment! They gave me high fives!

Then he asked if we’d be back to Hollywood Studios before the 31st. We said yes and HE GAVE US A TOY STORY MANIA FASTPASS GOOD FOR UP TO FIVE PEOPLE!!!! Oh my God that was SO nice!! I was so incredibly happy and I thanked him profusely.

I posted on twitter:
AND I JUST GOT A FREE FASTPASS TO COME BACK TO TSM FROM MY CAST MEMBER FRIEND I SEE EVERY DAY OMG BEST NIGHT EVER!!!!!

I really should have played the lotto that night! I WAS ON FIRE!!!!

That was one of the biggest highlights of the entire trip! I skipped out of Hollywood Studios and was SO happy! Pixie Dust all around!! AHHHH SO EXCITED!

I tweeted at Kristen:
that was just like the best 20 minutes of my life.

I WAS HIGH ON DISNEY AND HIGH ON LIFE AND CHRISTMAS TIME AND PIXIE DUST AND MAGIC AND PERFECTION AHHHHH. Such a good night!!!

We caught our bus back to the Contemporary and arrived back at the hotel.

Mom and I decided to go check out the Top of the World Lounge.

I wrote in my trip journal, got water, Mom got another wine, and we ate our MAGIC COOKIE BAR while admiring the castle!

You didn't think I'd make it through the entire night without dessert, did you?! We picked it up when we were at Wilderness Lodge and dang, that thing was DELICIOUS! It really hit the spot! I wish I could remember what was in it, but all I know is that it truly was MAGICAL!

After a little while, we went back to the room, told Dad our story, I caught up in my journal and went to BED.

Overview of December 29th, 2011

Highs:
- Going on Toy Story Mania 3 TIMES today!!
- Taking a nap
- Earl of Sandwich
- Shopping!
- The Ghiradelli Cookie
- The Magic Cookie Bar
- Getting 2 free pins!
- The Carriage Ride
- Making it to TSM with minutes to spare!!
- Getting Toy Story Stickers!
- Getting my High Score on TSM!

Lows:
- Having a cold
- The cold temperature
- Not having room for dessert at Whispering Canyon
- The bus service at Fort Wilderness
- Almost missing DHS at night!

Weather:
The morning and night were in the high 40’s/low 50’s and the daytime was high 60’s.

Food of the Day:
Magic Cookie Bar from Roaring Forks at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

Continued in Next Post
​

 

[Aussiesalad]

Oh! When you said "jumper" I thought you were referring to a dress, because that's what I used to call them when I was little.

Haha that's so funny!- like a little jumper suit thing.
Yeah jumpers are sweaters over here!
Hello language barrier! lol
Although I'm a little confused about what makes it a crewneck?

They really do! It's my favorite store!
I think everyone needs a deer sweatshirt!
And aww really!? Come on Australia, get with it! It's such a good store!

Heck yes! Deer sweatshirts/jumpers/crewnecks all around!!!
Exactly! Come on Australia, get with the program.
When I went to Hawaii earlier this year I bought a ridiculous amount of clothes from F21.
In my defence they have a huge 4 level store in the middle of Waikiki- what's a girl to do?

Awh the carriage ride looks so wonderful!
That would be so interesting to see the camping area.
It seems like they have so much fun there and it's so awesome that they decorate so much!
Seems like such a community feel there.
I don't know if I could camp at Disney though, I like the resorts far too much!

I'm so impressed that you made it back to TSM in time!!
Aw yay! What a great cast member! That is the sweetest thing ever.
Pixiedust galore!
So glad you are back to your dessert eating ways- you had us worried there for a minute.
That looks freaking delicious by the way.... and magical

Yay!! You leave tomorrow!! Have the best time ever!

 

[Disneydude97]

I didn’t catch the name of our driver, but our horse’s name was Thomas O’Malley – Tom for short!

​

Actually, if the horse's name was Thomas O'Malley, his real full name would be Abraham de Lacy Giuseppe Casey Thomas O'Malley.

Reference to The Aristocats FTW!

 

[POLY1985]

I love the Wilderness Lodge! We just went back to Whispering Canyon having not eaten there since 2003. My husband and I had dinner there the one night and then our whole family had breakfast one morning. We had been avoiding it because we prefer quieter meals. Both servers we had seemed to sense that we did not want to participate that way. They joked a little bit but kept it to a minimum which we appreciated. Both meals we had were very good. I wouldn't hesitate to go back.

I camped at Ft. Wilderness as a teenager and then we stayed there in 1998 in the cabins when my kids were small. Although it's really nice, I was not fond of the bus service either. First you have to walk to the end of the "loop" you are staying in and then you pick up the bus (it used to be a tram) to the front where you have to get another bus. It always seemed to take F O R E V E R.

 

[emma212010]

Yay for visiting Preston!!!! Have an AMAZING time!!!!!

Awww, that sleigh ride sounds wonderful! I'd love to try that someday! Jeez, so many things I need to do- I have to make a list!!! LOL!

I feel ya on the transportation when you're on a time limit! It always seems like you have all the buses in the world when you can take your time and don't have to run to something. When you NEED a bus, it seems like it takes FOREVER! I'm glad you got to use your FPs, though! I mean, why let them go to waste??

It's great to have friends in great places! Love the extra FPs!

That view from the lounge is breathtaking! Beautiful colors, both Space and the Castle in the distance... *sigh*

 

[marDgreen88]

YAY GEORGIA!!! Omg, you're going to have such a fun time! Hooray!

THOMAS O'MALLEY. That is awesome. Although I believe the horse on Aristocats was named Frou-Frou. Although why would they name the horse Frou-Frou? No one would get that reference. I don't even know what I'm talking about anymore. I just really like that horse's name.

I remember you tweeting about that bus ordeal that night. That must have been so incredibly frustrating. OY. That makes me never want to stay in the cabins without my own car! (And I basically only want to stay in the cabins because I want to stay at all the resorts. Oof.)

That score is incredible! I'm slowly getting better at TSM... one day I'll get there! But until then I will remain jealous and continue to make up excuses as to why my score is so low. (SOME OF THE EXCUSES ARE LEGIT THOUGH.)

HOLY what? The Top of the World lounge looks incredible. I'm in love with everything Bay Lake Tower. SIGH.

 

[amandaluvsgoofy]

Another awesome update(s)!!

You guys are seriously making me consider carving out time to check out WL! We stayed there last summer and I knew it would be beautiful around the holidays. Now I just gotta figure out an excuse to get over there...

What a fun thing to do, the carriage ride! The campgrounds look very cool! I've seen other pics of the area decked out for Thanksgiving and Halloween. Those folks sure know how to go all out!

Great job on TSM! I don't think I could ever score above 100K!

And, yeah, that Magic Cookie Bar....drool!!!! I'm telling ya, my "to do" list for our trip is growing thanks to your TR!!

Please don't leave us hanging for more installments too long! I totally live vicariously through your updates!!

 

[cindianne320]

I MUST have that bar sometime SOON. OMG! (I have Gest Diabetes and cannot have anything of the sort for 17 more days!)

 

[princess_momma]

AHHHHHH the carriage ride seems like such perfection. How magical. I think that would be so awesome!! I love looking at Christmas decorations as is, so I can imagine that it would be even better when it was practically all Disney themed and AT Disney. Perfection.

And yeah TSM!! Even more yay for awesome DHS friends who give you special fp's good for up to 5 people AND at any ride! I actually had a DHS friend who gave me one every time i went last June, so I know just how exciting it is!! LOVE IT!! DHS is so amazing.

 

[__disneygirl]

OMG yay, so much to read waiting for me! I haven't had time for the Dis in several days and it has been a very dark time. Of course, I came to your TR first!

AH, the Maelstrom. The greatest ride. The greatest pin. The most important Fastpass. Period.

Can you believe I have not been to the WL in 6 years?! Omg. I miss it! I really want to go during our Oct trip, but Whispering Canyon has like no availability and we're already doing 1 signature (California Grill <3) so I don't want to do Artist Point (even though I reeeally wanna try that place)... and we only have six days... sigh. Never enough Disney time.

Those Quinoa cakes look amazing! I love quinoa. That's quite a unique dish, I wouldn't expect that at Whispering Canyon. Awesome!

LOL omg that whole skillet just for you. Not surprised. Like I've said before, I envy your ability to eat more than basically anyone. AHH It looks so good!

Aww YAY, I'm so happy you get to finally relax and have some fun! And see Preston, of course. You've been working so hard all summer, you really deserve it. I hope you have a beyond amazing getaway, and I can't wait to hear all about Hilton Head! I'm interested in hearing if the Disney magic carries on in SC as well as it does at WDW. I'm sure it does. =)

The carriage ride sounds awesome. I wanted to do the haunted one they have during October, but they're not offering it this year. Grr.

FLYIN rider? What a frump. It's Flynn, dude, get it right!

OH MY GOD, BOWING @ YOUR GREATNESS RIGHT NOW. 214,300!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ahhhhhhhh!!! I must crack 200,000!!!! I MUST CRACK 200,000!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[PlutosRHM55]

Why is it you have such awesome pins? WHY?! I mean you have a Maelstrom FP one! Just... I NEED TO GET BACK TO MY HAPPY PLACE!! lol Love your pictures of Bay Lake Tower and the Contemporary, they are just so pretty at night. It truly is a beautiful resort. Same with Wilderness Lodge! Reminds me of AKL and the Christmas decorations are just so pretty. How I wish to stay at any of these one day!

Whispering Canyon Cafe... as I soon as I saw that I immediately thought "KETCHUP!" I swear I feel if I went back to Disney with anyone, it would be tough picking any ADR lol But everything does look good there, I mean any vanilla shake would work for me and the Quinola cakes your mom ordered look good too. Sorry to hear you didn't get dessert, but as you said, always next time.

Can't wait to read more!

 

[PlutosRHM55]

Hope you have a great time in Georgia and at the Hilton Head Resort! Both seems like they've been long awaited.

That's awesome you got another free pin, no trade! Talk about one lucky DISer right here. Love all your pictures around the resort, it makes me want to stay there more and more especially for a picture with the totem pole (though that may not entail a reservation). Hope you got rid of your cold though!

Oooo... a sleigh ride at Fort Wilderness! I'm excited to hear about this. Love the name of the horse. "Thomas O'Malley, O'Malley the alley cat..." Haha, a shame I haven't seen the movie in its entirety. Anyways, OMG those are some great Christmas decorations though I would've loved to seen the Cinderella Castle set up. I think my favorite is the Santa on the John Deere, so funny, and of course all the Mickeys and Fab Fives are cool in photos too. I will definitely have to try and see this someday.

Ugh, I'm sorry you got stuck waiting around for the bus to DHS. Now I know what resort NOT to stay at. That's awesome though the CM was willing to offer some FPs for you, oh CMs! But at least you got there soon enough for one last ride. Then you get a HIGH SCORE! Wow, you really were channeling all your energy into that last round. I think that score may be double my own high score. Means I got to work harder now on that ride, back to Disney I go! to getting a special FP from your CM friend!

Oh the Top of the World lounge looks so cool! I'm absolutely in love with the Chandelier especially, I want that in my house! And the view is absolutely gorgeous. Must be awesome to watch Wishes from that room. to eating the Magical Cookie Bar right before going to bed, it looks good, must try one of those.

Can't wait to read more!

 

[m6c5a90]

Caught up on this TR and am loving it. It's always reassuring to see someone else college age that is obsessed with Disney, makes me feel a little less crazy anyway!! Hope you are having a great time in GA and then at Hilton Head!