This Trip Report Is Under Refurbishment For Your Future Enjoyment (UPDATED 9/13 with final bonus chapter)

Wait, are you washing your hair? :rotfl2:

Or something. :rotfl2:

Brownie points for you!

mmmm...brownies. Guess what I just had to get up and make.

With 4 kids, there's no way we could travel without the minivan. You just need the space! They're not always cheap to rent, though.
We often rent a minivan and find that they are cheaper than some of the other vehicles, then again we travel with enough luggage that we would need to hire a trailer if we didn't get a large vehicle! No room for any kids!

Oddly enough - I took a solo trip this summer and the first time I checked for a rental, the minivan was the cheapest choice. I thought it was a bit much for one person, so I waited...then decided it might be kinda nice for easy access to the backseat....alas, that deal was gone when I went back to book. Allison and I must be selecting travel destinations where minivans are not in high demand. :rotfl:

You pretty much nailed it. Pop tarts or donuts for breakfast in the room, pb&j for lunch, sit-down dinner. We did buy a few lunches, though.

See...I pay attention....and you're welcome - you have most of the dining report component already completed.

It's amazing to me that I can send them to clean up stuff on the floor and the act of their cleaning somehow results in more stuff on the floor.

They are smart cookies - make it worse than before and you won't be asked to help after awhile.

Now all you have to do is throw in an extra daily charge for parking and shut down every evening for a hard-ticket event and this whole circus will be rolling in profits in no time flat.

Let's not forget the daily resort fee.

Given that one is actually paid for overtime…

I've called it 'time donation' for years.
 
I am following along!

:welcome: aboard!

Page three, sheesh. That's what I get for not checking obsessively for any new TR by people I've already followed. Don't figure on lots of commentary, tho.

:welcome: Irene! Good to see you here.

Blasphemer! It's Downtown Disney.

Don't misunderstand me.
It's called Disney Springs... by those misguided souls in upper management.
True DISers will always call it DTD. And acronymize it that way too.


Whew...lucky I didn't call for your crucifixion for your blasphemy.

I thought we'd talked about this, so I was really puzzled when I saw you said it was Disney Springs.

I think I mentioned when we met...I told one of the bus drivers I wanted to go to DTD and he just nodded his head in agreement. I don't think they like the "stupid marketing department thought it would be good name" either.

Acronymize? I kinda like it.

Yep. We're on the same page.

Acronymize. It's a word. I just made it up.

I'm kind of on the fence here. It will always be DTD to me. But that's not its name now, so in order to be accurate I should use Disney Springs...

I like "acronymize". Totally stealing that.
 
Well that’s just great…
Now all you have to do is throw in an extra daily charge for parking and shut down every evening for a hard-ticket event and this whole circus will be rolling in profits in no time flat.

Oh, come on. Nobody would be that greedy.

You work for a DOT…
I think that we be foolish not to expect anything more than a mess.

As always, we are only noticed when something is not perfect.

Fixed that one for ya’.

Get ready for much more crap in the rest of the TR!

So…
Just what are you implying here?

That nobody reads the intros. I mean, I'm guilty of skimming them too.

Oooooo…
A back lot tour.

Will this tram be making a stop in Disaster Canyon?

Not any more.:sad1:

No one…
No one ever has, no one ever will.

Especially not the ones that know me.

I'm sorry, what did you say?

Heck, that’s the easy part.
It’s finishing the thing after you start that’s the problem.

I may be slow, but I try to always finish what I started!

Well, that’s a bit of a given.

Can't deny that.

There’s the harsh truth.

Good news! You will eventually outgrow that restriction.
But… you well be so far behind on tuition payments that you still can’t go.


Unless….
Well, don’t let me jinx that one just yet.

Hooray.

Actually, as long as Julie is teaching full-time, we're stuck with the summer travel. They seem to frown upon teachers using vacation days.

Let’s see…
Did you do something as foolish as arriving the week before an entire new “Land” opened up.
And then pack up and leave on the day it actually opened?


Didn’t think so…

We're not quite that dumb. But how about showing up 3 weeks after said "Land" opened?

That’d be the bloke at first base.

What?

Bwwwwaaaaahhhaaaahaaaaaaa….

I’ve got only one young’en and I can’t pull that off.

I think I got what I needed.

Captain!
Captain Sparrow… errrr… Oblivious.


(and why is the rum gone?)

I think we all know the answer to that question.

Enviable…
I believe the word is, enviable.

Try 7 days of PB&J and see if you still feel that way.

And pay close attention to the chapters on Montana, Iowa and Oklahoma.
A more thorough travel log of those locations has never been written.

Montana warrants further study. The other two...

Show me any married fell’a for whom this isn’t a true statement, and I’ll show you someone that is delusional (or is simply a compulsive liar).

I like to think there are some rather stellar examples of men out there, too. I'm just not one of them.

There is a fine line between thrill-seeking and stupidity, ya’ know.

:rolleyes1

A devastating super-power to have.
Just imagine if the doctors had upgraded her with Adamantium as well.

I still think that would have been cool.

Of course he is.
He’s fourteen.

Every bit of 14!

And the master of Happening.

It was easiest to find potential photos of him for the bio page.

Anyone that says that should be boiled in their own pudding.
(because they obviously have never had kids)

It has been fun to do things "for the first time" all over again. I think that's where it comes from.

Are you going to be running a pool on just how long you were able to pull that one off?
I’ll put five bucks down on forty-five minutes..

Actually we do pretty well keeping him away from caffeine. I don't think it matters, though.

About like trying to nail a couple pounds of Jello to a tree, I ‘spect.

Sounds about right.

Show me a family that ain’t dysfunctional.
I dare ya’

Well...we're not that way all the time.

Especially the ones attached to credit card readers…

Those are the worst, by far.

Is this even a question?

Rhetorical, maybe?

Cause whatever pride we may have had in our youth has long since been beaten out of us.

Oh, it's long gone. I don't even remember what that was like.

Now that one, we do employ.
Got a potentially interesting plan for those points depending on a few things
(but I’m still trying not to jinx it)

I'd ask you about it, but not if speaking about it out loud would produce said jinx.

Given that one is actually paid for overtime…

Not all the time. Mostly for storm events.

Unless it’s offered for free, it’s not an option (for us at least)
We can generally split most counter service meals and usually skip breakfast anyway.
Save up a bit extra for maybe one good table service and you’re considerably below the going DP rate (oh, and make sure to save some for several rounds of booze too – now that they offer such)

I can't make the math work for the dining plan. It's just too much money. There's no way I can eat enough food to make it worthwhile.

Por favor manténgase alejado de las puertas!

Gesundheit!

Nothing new about that…

Hey, it's what we do.
 
Or something. :rotfl2:

So I was close!

mmmm...brownies. Guess what I just had to get up and make.

Now I'm hungry. Did you make enough for the rest of the class?

Oddly enough - I took a solo trip this summer and the first time I checked for a rental, the minivan was the cheapest choice. I thought it was a bit much for one person, so I waited...then decided it might be kinda nice for easy access to the backseat....alas, that deal was gone when I went back to book. Allison and I must be selecting travel destinations where minivans are not in high demand. :rotfl:

It's all in the timing. And whatever they have on the lot.

See...I pay attention....and you're welcome - you have most of the dining report component already completed.

You mean you don't want more descriptions of PB&J?

They are smart cookies - make it worse than before and you won't be asked to help after awhile.

It is a truism. I use it to get out of chores too.

Let's not forget the daily resort fee.

:furious:

I've called it 'time donation' for years.

The beatings will continue until morale improves!
 


Did you make enough for the rest of the class?

Of course - did your 'prime' delivery not make it? You may want to log a complaint.

You mean you don't want more descriptions of PB&J?

Sure - I'm sure you varied the type of bread, PB, J flavors and of course how they were/were not cut. Details please.

It is a truism. I use it to get out of chores too.

Maybe that's where I learned it....my dad.
 
Sorry Liesa, I would have to disagree with you. CA has Disneyland (small, but still good I've heard). FL has Disneyworld (and some other dark side stuff). Alaska has mosquitos the size of your fist. Washington has M$(hate windows) and the space needle. What's Oregon got (besides you, I mean)? All joking aside, Oregon does have someone special (you), but I wouldn't give it best for last just on that alone. All three have a lot of snow and automatically fall into the not best category (for me). I suppose for Ponzie, Jeff and Darcy (not sure if he's on this thread) and some others, not a big deal, but not best for me. I'm close to Mark...the only 4 I've not been to are Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont and Hawaii.

W. Oregon actually has very little snow. That's up in the Cascades and in the Northeast corner. Instead we have pristine (public!) beaches, the Spruce Goose, world class Pinot Noir (not that you like wine but still), no sales tax, and other beautiful places. :) I've been to all 50 (some I don't remember as I was too little), but, even for living here, I would move in a heart beat to the South or closer to FL.

Because he said so. Duh!

Besides, It's his TR, he gets to make the rules. :rotfl2:

Oh fine. Party pooper.

Uh...yes. Let's go with that.

;)

Gotta do your homework. Eating at Disney is expensive either way, but there's no reason to spend more than is absolutely necessary.

Absolutely true.

And acronymize it that way too.

Which is very different from "economize". There is NONE of that goin' on at DTD.
 


W. Oregon actually has very little snow. That's up in the Cascades and in the Northeast corner. Instead we have pristine (public!) beaches, the Spruce Goose, world class Pinot Noir (not that you like wine but still), no sales tax, and other beautiful places. :) I've been to all 50 (some I don't remember as I was too little), but, even for living here, I would move in a heart beat to the South or closer to FL.
For the record, I don't dislike wine, it's just not my thing in general. I happen to love a good Riesling, but just don't drink much in general. I've heard the beaches there are pretty. Never made it to the beach when I was there. :sad:

Well, whenever you're ready to move to FL, lemme know. Flying down there is nice. As a matter of fact, maybe I'll look into taking lessons once I'm settled in.


Oh fine. Party pooper.
That's me. Just glad you put party in front of that. :lmao:
 
Feel free. But I get credit.

Oh, sure. Have I ever let you down?

Don't answer that.

Of course - did your 'prime' delivery not make it? You may want to log a complaint.

I will write a strongly-worded memo right away!

Sure - I'm sure you varied the type of bread, PB, J flavors and of course how they were/were not cut. Details please.

Man, are you a glutton for punishment.

Maybe that's where I learned it....my dad.

It is kind of a dad thing. :rolleyes1

. Oregon actually has very little snow. That's up in the Cascades and in the Northeast corner. Instead we have pristine (public!) beaches, the Spruce Goose, world class Pinot Noir (not that you like wine but still), no sales tax, and other beautiful places. :) I've been to all 50 (some I don't remember as I was too little), but, even for living here, I would move in a heart beat to the South or closer to FL.

I can't wait to visit! Looking forward to the Columbia River Gorge. And you said I had to drive up the coast too.

Oh fine. Party pooper.

That's him. All the way.

Which is very different from "economize". There is NONE of that goin' on at DTD.

:rotfl2: Not even close!
That's me. Just glad you put party in front of that. :lmao:

If you had visited Taco Bell, you wouldn't need the "party" disclaimer.
 
Chapter 1: Its 970 Miles To Disney World, We Got A Full Tank of Gas, No Cigarettes, It's Dark...And We're Wearing Sunglasses.

It's hard enough planning a Disney trip for your own family. Planning for 13 people is a whole new level. I was told by my extended family that I could take the lead since I knew the ropes, and they would just follow our lead, by which they meant they would ignore my suggestions altogether. When we made our reservations, we got a room discount and found the best price to be at Coronado Springs. So I reserved two rooms there, one for my family and one for my parents (with a couple of my kids stashed in there). My brother, however, was insistent on staying in a Fort Wilderness cabin. This was where we had stayed when we were kids, so I think there was some nostalgia involved. But they also said they wanted the kitchen. Fair enough.

The original plan was to arrive on Saturday, July 21 and stay through July 28. My family would be driving down, since buying roundtrip airfare for 6 gets expensive. My parents would fly down on the evening of the 21st. And my brother's family would arrive on the 22nd.

I made dining reservations at the 180-day mark with no problems. My strategy was to get the ones my family wanted, add the other family members to meals we wanted to do together, and leave them on their own for anything else. My brother told me he didn't want to plan every single meal in advance and he'd try and walk up at the spur of the moment when they were in the parks. I told him to enjoy Cosmic Ray's.

Keep in mind that my brother hadn't been in Disney World since 2000. A few things have changed since then. But it seemed that in his mind, everything would be just the same as it was on his last visit.

At the 60-day mark, I logged on first thing in the morning to grab Fastpasses. Toy Story Land would be open for about 3 weeks before we arrived, so I knew Slinky Dog Dash was going to be a Fastpass or bust. Same with Flight of Passage. It took some maneuvering, but I got every ride we'd wanted. So far, that was a success. Except there was one problem--my brother's family was arriving the day after us, so they were not officially at the 60-day mark. I could not add them to my FP+ reservations.

I told them about this in the afternoon, and they seemed nonchalant. "We'll just get what we can," my sister-in-law said. I was able to add them to some rides the next day, but not the most popular ones, of course. And I really didn't want to give up the times now that I had them reserved. My brother told me he didn't want to bother setting times for rides, anyway. He said he could just wing it when he was down there. I told him to enjoy the Country Bear Jamboree.

As we got closer to our departure, Julie and I started to scheme. The original plan was to leave Friday morning, drive all day, stay somewhere in Georgia, and finish the drive on the 21st. Maybe squeeze in a couple of hours at the Magic Kingdom in the evening.

The problem was Washington D.C. Our home is in Delaware. If I left at 6:00 a.m., we'd be hitting rush hour in D.C. The D.C. Beltway at rush hour moves at roughly the same speed as my boys when Julie asks them to empty the dishwasher. If it was any slower, it would be moving backwards. But if I left later, we wouldn't cover as much ground and would have to drive most of the day on Saturday to get to Disney.

Our goal, when emptying our savings account to visit Disney World, is to spend as much time on Disney property as humanly possible. It's all about the value. If I'm going to be spending my kids' college money, I want to wring every last bit of value out of that money as I can.

So we hatched our first crazy idea: we'd leave earlier, thereby bypassing D.C. long before rush hour, and we could make it as far as Jacksonville. Then we'd have an even shorter drive to Disney the next day. Then we started thinking some more (dangerous, I know). It really hurt my head to do that, but we persevered. If we were going to go as far as Jacksonville, why not just finish the drive all at once? If we left at 3:00 a.m., we could make the entire 15-hour, 970-mile drive in one day. It's so crazy...it just might work!

At first, we were excited about the idea. Yes, it would be a horribly long day, but we'd get to Disney even sooner. So I added another night to our reservation. An extra day at Disney? Sign me up!

Then we started thinking some more (I had a migraine at this point from the exertion). I'm 43 years old. Things hurt for no reason. If I started driving at 3:00 a.m., I'd be going for about 4 hours on my own with no one else awake in the car. And then we'd still have another 11 hours to go.

This seemed like a bad idea for my family's safety. So we chickened out acted prudently, and left on Thursday evening (the 19th).

We hit D.C. around 4:30 p.m., just on the leading edge of rush hour. The Beltway slowed at points, but we managed to keep moving for the most part. The worst part was I-95 south towards Fredericksburg. It was clogged up worse than my digestive system after visiting Burger King. Fortunately, they had some high-speed toll lanes built in the center of the highway. If you had an EZ Pass tag, you could drive in those lanes for a little over $10 for an 18-mile stretch. Or you could sit in the free lanes at a dead stop. Best $10 we ever spent.

We got dinner at a Denny's just south of Fredericksburg, mostly because they were offering Super Slam breakfasts for $5.99. Hard to beat breakfast for dinner.

We stopped for the night in Petersburg, VA at a Country Inn. In the morning, we stopped for breakfast at the World's Greatest Convenience Store: Wawa.

You might think that's hyperbole, but it's not. We Philadelphia-area residents take our Wawa seriously. Articles have been written about our devotion. It's like Canadians with Tim Horton's. Or so I hear.

We still had an 11-hour drive ahead of us, but we had a good night's sleep and coffee. We were on the road just after 6 a.m.

I'm happy to say we achieved our biggest goal: getting through North and South Carolina by lunchtime. Apologies to those of you who live in the Carolinas, but if you look up "mind-numbing" in the dictionary, it shows you a poster for The English Patient. But then right next to that is a picture of I-95 through North and South Carolina. When this qualifies as the only recognizable landmark, you have a serious problem:

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By the way, don't ever stop there. Trust me on this.

We even stopped at a Wendy's for lunch, so at that point life was really testing our will to live. Thank goodness Disney World was on the horizon.

The rest of the drive continued to be uneventful. We did get to pass Doofenshmirtz Evil, Inc.

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At that point on I-4, we started getting traffic reports on Google Maps that indicated Orlando was a parking lot. In other news, water is wet.

We trusted Google with our lives and took FL 414 to FL 429. It worked like gangbusters--no issues with traffic, and it took us all the way around to the west entrance to Disney World. By this time, the anticipation was so palpable that the kids actually turned off their electronics.

It was a long 6 years between visits to the theme parks for the kids, but right around 6:00 p.m. on July 20th, the wait was finally over.

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I can't prove it, but I do feel like you can feel an actual weight lift off of your shoulders when you pass through those gates.

We pulled up to the gates of Coronado Springs, and immediately entered a construction zone. Fences were up everywhere, and you could see the cranes and new high rise looming in front of you. We found the parking lot and practically burst out of the van into the front lobby.

The first thing you do when you walk into a Disney Resort lobby is stop and inhale. It has that Disney Resort Smell®. Just another sign you're back in the bubble.

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We'd never gotten a text that our room was ready, so I had to go to the front desk to check in. When I'd made the reservation, I'd requested a room in buildings 8A, 8B, or 9A. I figured it was close to the main pool, the front desk, and the last bus stop on the loop.

coronadosprings.gif


We were assigned a room in 7A. So at least we could work off the calories from our meals. I learned later that the buildings I'd requested were largely under renovation.

Here's the front lobby. I'm showing this just to point out the Hidden Mickey in lights at the far end. As it turned out, Drew noticed this one and turned out to be incredibly adept at finding Hidden Mickeys throughout the parks. I feel like this means we're doing something right as parents.

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I thought Coronado Springs was very nicely themed. The only other moderate we've stayed at was Port Orleans Riverside, and both are gorgeous resorts. We were very happy here, even with the construction going on all over the place.

They must have known we were coming, since they brought out the jack--uh, they had the gift shop open for us.

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Here's our room before we trashed it like the slobs we are.

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We took the (long) walk back to the main building to get dinner.

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Just to the right of this photo was a huge crane and lots of construction in the pond. They were building a new bar out in the lake. Honestly, the construction didn't bother us. We just chose to focus our attention on the nicer views.

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Here's your up-to-the-minute construction update on the new tower at Coronado Springs (from July 20):

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We went to the Pepper Market to grab dinner. The boys opted for boring ol' cheeseburgers or chicken strips. Since I have a much more refined palate than them (ahem), I figured when in an Artificial Recreation of Generic Mexican And Southwest Culture, I should get an artificial recreation of Mexican cuisine. Julie and Sarah and I split a plate of nachos and another plate of tacos. Sarah and I let Julie have the refried beans to herself, since we feel they have the appearance, texture, smell, and consistency of poo.

We managed to convince the cast member to put the beef for the tacos on top of the nachos as well, so that was a win. Like I said, refined palates.

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The meal wasn't bad. Not the greatest I've ever had, but not bad either. Now it was on to more important things. Like I said, it's about the value--if we're paying Disney hotel prices, we're going to make sure we use the pool at least once!

The Dig Site pool is very cool. I love that they went to the trouble of building an entire Mayan (or Aztec?) pyramid here.

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The kids and I spent the majority of our time riding the waterslide. It's just to the right of the pyramid. You climb up the steps, stand in the tub at the start, and then go when the light turns green. About halfway down there's a figure of a jaguar perched over the slide like he's about to pounce. But he's just vomiting water on you as you slide. Fun for all ages!

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We even got Drew to go down the slide, which was a good omen for attempting the rides later in the week. However, after the second run, he went underwater for a moment at the end, and then he decided he didn't want to slide anymore. So that was less positive as an omen.

Anyway, we had a blast at the pool. The kids have loved our travels, and every trip we've taken around the states has been worthwhile many times over. They've seen and experienced things that they'll never forget. But I think if you asked all of us at that moment, there was nowhere else we'd rather be. We had a whole week at Disney World ahead of us. The real world was just a distant memory.

Coming Up Next: Drew enters the Magic Kingdom for the very first time. And there is no debate over the Christmas card photo this year. We have a winner!
 
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You might think that's hyperbole, but it's not. We Philadelphia-area residents take our Wawa seriously. Articles have been written about our devotion. It's like Canadians with Tim Horton's.
We live in Voorhees, NJ and I endorse this statement! WaWas sandwiches are the best! Which I know sounds weird, gas station sandwiches, really? But Yes!

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By the way, don't ever stop there. Trust me on this.
We stopped here on our way to Myrtle Beach. Yup. We did it. Don't need to do it again.

The rest of the drive continued to be uneventful. We did get to pass Doofenshmirtz Evil, Inc.

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It totally is!

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I can't prove it, but I do feel like you can feel an actual weight lift off of your shoulders when you pass through those gates.
I feel this when we land at MCO usually. We made it! But I know the feeling.

We were assigned a room in 7A. So at least we could work off the calories from our meals. I learned later that the buildings I'd requested were largely under renovation.
We were just there last week! We were in 7B and it was a LONG walk!

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The kids and I spent the majority of our time riding the waterslide. It's just to the right of the pyramid. You climb up the steps, stand in the tub at the start, and then go when the light turns green. About halfway down there's a figure of a jaguar perched over the slide like he's about to pounce. But he's just vomiting water on you as you slide. Fun for all ages!
The main pool was closed when we were there. Thankfully they have all the smaller pools.

Sounds like you had a good drive and first day at the resort!
 
970 Miles To Disney World

:eek: :faint: I'm on edge after the 4-5 hour drive to/from Vegas. That's alot of driving.

I told him to enjoy Cosmic Ray's.

I told him to enjoy the Country Bear Jamboree.

For some reason, I'm thinking your brother and family will have no problem waltzing right in for any reservation, have no problem with lines, and will have amazing bus luck.

Hard to beat breakfast for dinner.

Agreed - fixed that for dinner tonight.

We were assigned a room in 7A.

Bummer. They couldn't put you farther away from your goal of being close to everything.

they had the gift shop open for us.

Drew has learned well.....get right to spending your hard earned dough.

And there is no debate over the Christmas card photo this year. We have a winner!

We all look forward to our copy in the mail....ok...at least seeing it in the next update.
 
Howdy!

:wave:

I think this is the first of your trip reports I have followed. But we seem to hang around a lot of the same places here, and I enjoy your humor, so I'll hop on!

Great introduction to your family.

I look forward to reading more, but I wanted to make sure I rushed through the first post so I could mark my place on Page 4.

:sad2:
 
Wawa is serious business!!! We've stopped at that VA Wawa a few times while driving to WDW.
 
For the record, I don't dislike wine, it's just not my thing in general. I happen to love a good Riesling, but just don't drink much in general. I've heard the beaches there are pretty. Never made it to the beach when I was there. :sad:

That I do get. A lot like me and beer.

Except I hate beer. LOL!

Then it's time for a re-do!

That's me. Just glad you put party in front of that. :lmao:

:rotfl:

I can't wait to visit! Looking forward to the Columbia River Gorge. And you said I had to drive up the coast too.

The Gorge is so pretty. You'll need a wide angle lens...

If you had visited Taco Bell, you wouldn't need the "party" disclaimer.

True dat.

we got a room discount and found the best price to be at Coronado Springs.

I have been waiting for someone I'm on a TR for to stay there. THat's where I'm booked for May, and am trying to learn all I can about the resort. So, yay!!

My brother, however, was insistent on staying in a Fort Wilderness cabin. This was where we had stayed when we were kids, so I think there was some nostalgia involved. But they also said they wanted the kitchen. Fair enough.

Only one word comes to mind.

Inconvenient.

My brother told me he didn't want to plan every single meal in advance and he'd try and walk up at the spur of the moment when they were in the parks. I told him to enjoy Cosmic Ray's.

Keep in mind that my brother hadn't been in Disney World since 2000. A few things have changed since then. But it seemed that in his mind, everything would be just the same as it was on his last visit.

:sad2:


This is going to be... entertaining in the most cringe worthy ways. Like a train wreck you can't avert your eyes from.

My brother told me he didn't want to bother setting times for rides, anyway. He said he could just wing it when he was down there. I told him to enjoy the Country Bear Jamboree.

It's like a slow motion catastrophe in the making.

The problem was Washington D.C.

Isn't DC always the problem? The epicenter seems to be the Mall area.

I want to wring every last bit of value out of that money as I can.

Hence squeezing and eking out every last Disney minute you can. Even if it's not at a park.

Then we started thinking some more (dangerous, I know).

That usually ends up adding a zero to the end figure.

So I added another night to our reservation. An extra day at Disney? Sign me up!

I see you are rather as astute as the rest of us with Fuzzy Disney Math.

By this time, the anticipation was so palpable that the kids actually turned off their electronics.

:faint:

NO. WAY.

I can't prove it, but I do feel like you can feel an actual weight lift off of your shoulders when you pass through those gates.

Yes, this really happens.

Here's the front lobby. I'm showing this just to point out the Hidden Mickey in lights at the far end.

Okay that's pretty cool. I like subtle.

Sarah and I let Julie have the refried beans to herself, since we feel they have the appearance, texture, smell, and consistency of poo.

:lmao:

NO really, Mark, tell us how you really feel.

But he's just vomiting water on you as you slide. Fun for all ages!

How fun!! Water vomit!
 
Well, I'm so glad someone finally educated me on how to properly write a report. I'm taking notes. Well done. Also, I did not skim a single important word.

Looking forward to more.
 
First time reader! Awesome intro and can’t wait to read more! popcorn:: Love your photos of the kids. We are up for an adventure with a semi-large group in January. All 8.5 of us. Found out DIL is pregnant after trip was booked soooooo ya can’t wait to read how you and yours did it ....it sounds like you are experts :worship: :cool1:
 

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