Blue's Road Trip - Part II ~ New 5/6: It Pays To Have Connections!!

[blue_river]

GAT out of the way, Canadians coming through!!

For those of you who have followed me during my planning process – Welcome Back!
And a big welcome to any newcomers or lurkers!

Part I of this trip report was over 200 pages and has already been transferred to the completed board. This is Part II and continues with Day 6 of our trip!! If you are are new to my TR there are links to Part I below.

Trip Report Links - Part I

Jibber Jabber

Introduction
Our Special Plans
Richard Petty Driving Experience
Pictures - Ranchero & Grendade Launcher
Stitch's Great Escape
We've Arrived!!! - Stitch Misbehaving Already
Back Home :-(

---------------------------------------------------------------

Pre-Trip Chapters

Chapter #1 (part a) Driving My Travel Agent Crazy
Chapter #1 (part b) We're Staying at a Moderate
Chapter #2 Dinner With The Grandparents

Day One

Chapter #3 On Our Way For Reals
Chapter #4 The Terminator
Chapter #5 Feeling Like Rednecks
Chapter #6 Half Way There!

Day Two

Chapter #7 Three Shopping Stops
Videos Goofing Around on The Way
Chapter #8 A Night By The Ocean

Day Three

Chapter #9 The Morning of Arrival
Chapter #10 Building #26
Chapter #11 The Resort: Do They Love It Like I Do?
Chapter #12 The Canadian Ponchos
Chapter #14 The CM Cat Fight
Chapter #15 Tree Frogs - Yes, Spiders - No

Day Four

Chapter #16 DH's Richard Petty Experience - Part A
Chapter #16 Richard Petty Experience - Part B
Chapter #16 Richard Petty Experience - Part B Continued
Chapter #17 A Carriage Ride Around POR

Day Five

Chapter #18 Mission Rope Drop
Chapter #19 Signature T-Shirts
Chapter #20 A Ride To Remember
Chapter #21 The Kiss
Chapter #22 A Little Romance Goes A Long Way
Chapter #22 Continued
Chapter #23 Drenched Canadians Without Ponchos
Chapter #24 The Hidden Mickey Pins

Day Six

Chapter #25 A Peaceful Morning at the Resort
Chapter #26 Voyage Down The Sassagoula River
Chapter #26 Continued

PART II

Day Six - Continued

Chapter #27 Sci-Fi: A First For Us

Day Seven
Chapter #28 Why You Shouldn't Buy Fake Crocs
Chapter #29 DH Forgets the Tickets to HDD
Chapter #29 Continued


Day Eight

Chapter #30 We Finally Make Rope Drop
Chapter #31 Some New Rides For Us!
Chapter #32 Stitch Travels Around World Showcase
Chapter #33 Grumpy and the Angry CM
Chapter #34 More Character Pics
Chapter #35 The Racoon Encounter


Day Nine

Chapter #36 Testing The Card Readers
Chapter #37 Mischief With Twiddle Dee & Twiddle Dum
Chapter #38 It Pays To Have Connections

INTRODUCTION

Last year at this time, if you had asked me about returning to WDW for a second year in a row, I’d have laughed in your face. I would never have imagined that I’d be able to convince DH to agree on returning to Walt Disney World so soon. Yet somehow, I find myself trying to talk him into taking us next year as well. That part remains to be seen.

The important thing is, he did consent and we’ll be on our way in just a few short days!!!! The big difference being, we’re not flying this year. DH never complained about our flight last summer but I’m guessing it obviously wasn’t an experience he’d like to relive which is why we’re driving. Yes…driving. From Ontario, Canada. Twenty-four hours in the car people.

At first I thought it was the cost of the flight for the four of us that bothered him but after checking into it and learning that we could fly from Rochester, NY for almost the same cost as driving, I was still unable to convince him.

I didn’t press the issue because frankly, I was so excited he accepted my idea of returning this summer!!!!

How do you entertain two teen daughters for 24 hours in a car and prevent them from fighting? If you have the answer to that, please share the knowledge.

We will be leaving on August 22, after DH makes a quick appearance at work (enough time to pick up his pay check in other words). I’ve made no advance reservations for hotels on the way down (or back). Who knows where we’ll end up? Probably some truckers stop full of lot lizards.

We hope to arrive in Cocoa Beach on the evening of the 23rd and stay for one night. Then on the 24th we are going to spend the day at the beach before heading to our resort at WDW where we’ll be staying for nine glorious nights!


I’m now going to give you a quick, shortened version of the cast (if you prefer the longer version, please refer to my PTR):

Blue: That’s me! The DIS-addicted writer of this trip report.

Grumpy: My DH. Smart, sexy, charming, brilliant, special, loving, perfect, sweet, wonderful, darling man (As you can see, I’m laying it on thick here. That’s part of my plan to butter him up for next years trip)

JoJo: DD16 – The chatterbox who you can’t help but love.

Goofy: DD13 – My hot-tempered redhead with a heart of gold.

I see no point in telling you all the wonderful details about the cast because really…it’s not as if I’m going to write anything nasty or something and I don’t want to repeat too much of what has already been written previously.

Like I said, we’re leaving next week and I hope to post a few live installments during our trip this time around.

Stay tuned for the next installment where I will mention some of the special plans I have made for our trip. *cough* Lisa *cough*

Pre-Trip Report

A blonde was driving to WDW and saw a sign that said “Disney World Left” so she went back home.


Pre-Trip Index

Intro pg.1 #1
The Cast pg. 1 #8
JoJo's Version of the Cast pg. 1 #9
The Rest of the Cast pg. 2 #16
ADR's pg. 5 #66
Getting Ready pg. 7 #93
Buzz Lends a Hand pg. 9 #132
New Attractions in 2007 pg. 10 #137
Disney Pin Trading pg. 11 #152
Truth To Early ADR's pg. 12 #172
An Extra Day pg. 20 #290
Package From Goofster pg. 21 #307
Package From Goofster part 2 pg. 22 #316
Practise Run - 6 Hours in the Car with JoJo pg. 22 #324
The Mills Clan pg.26 #382
DH's Surprise pg. 29 #422
Less Than Two Weeks To Go and I'm Not Ready pg.32 #478




Yep, we’re heading back to the World except this time Prince Grumpy has decided that we could save a bundle of money by driving down. For those of you who don’t know me or haven’t read my first trip report, this means a twenty-two hour drive for us because we live in Canada!

When we discussed this with JoJo and Goofy, I was hoping for some back up, hoping to sway them to my way of thinking, but sadly their response was “YESSSSSSSSSSSSS………ROAD TRIP”. Why is it, I’m always outnumbered with those three? They are like the Lepage trio. (For my American friends, Lepage is a Canadian company that makes glue).

JoJo, who is much more enthusiastic about the planning this time around, sent this to me by email today (yes, my 15 year old daughter sends me emails but usually they are tear jerkers – I swear she likes to see me cry):

Do this while driving

Strange and silly things to do while driving. We do not advise doing any of the below "things to do while driving", as all driving should be taken seriously. The below "things to do while driving" are simply here for entertainment purposes.

Vary your vehicle's speed inversely with the speed limit.

Roll down your windows and blast talk radio. Attempt to headbang.

At stop lights, eye the person in the next car suspiciously. With a look of fear, lock your doors.

Two words: Chicken suit.

Write the words "Help me" on your back window in red paint. The more it looks like blood, the better.

Have conversations, looking periodically at the passenger seat, when driving alone.

Laugh a lot. A whole lot.

Stop at the green lights.

Go at the red ones.

Occasionally wave a stuffed animal/troll doll/Barbie out your window or sunroof. Feel free to make it dance.

Eat food that requires silverware.

Pass cars, then drive very slowly.

Sing without having the radio on.

Honk frequently without motivation.

Wave at people often. If they wave back, offer an angry look and an obscene gesture.

Ask people for Grey Poupon.

Let pedestrians know who's boss.

Look behind you frequently, with a very paranoid look.

Restart your car at every stop light.

Hang numerous car-fresheners in the rear-view mirror. Talk to them, stroking them lovingly.

Lob burning things in the windows of smokers who throw their butts out the window.

While stopped at a light, piss out the window/sunroof onto other cars.

Keep at least five cats in the car.

Root (cheer, not snuffle in the mud) for firetrucks.

Stop and collect roadkill.

Throw Spam.

Get in the fast lane and gradually ... slow ... down ... to a stop. Then get out and watch the cars. Throw Spam at them.


If this is an indication of what our road trip is going to be like – I’m in BIG trouble.


~

[m11dolphin]

OH-NO

sounds like fun

[Goofyluver]

We have missed you on our board! Please come back...

Uh...yea, I'm totally on board for your trippie!

But, have you heard my motto?

Show me yours and I'll show you mine!

[jojo05]

haha. glad you posted my thing.

mom, i have a few questions before we go. :

1.can we stop at a camp site and throw a big shin dig on someones lot? ohhhh how fun.

2.can oreo come too?

3. (knows answers :P ) can i bring a lizard home?

4.can i please strap goofy to the top of the truck when she gets annoying? (that would be the whole time by the way)

5.can i bring my crowbar to beat off any unwanted cops? (still have to buy one but we'd get there faster.)

6.will i be allowed to go into stealth mode while running through a bush taking some neat trees?

LAST ONE

7. Can i sing really loud to songs i hardly know and wave to the people in the next car?



CAN'T WAIT x 1000000000000000000+

[winkers]

20 hours in a car together is family bonding at it's best!!!

[blue_river]

Originally Posted by m11dolphin

OH-NO

sounds like fun

Hey!! I know you Thanks for jumping on board here too

Originally Posted by Goofyluver

We have missed you on our board! Please come back...

Uh...yea, I'm totally on board for your trippie!

But, have you heard my motto?

Show me yours and I'll show you mine!

Hiya!!! Gee, it's been awhile since I stopped by to talk with you all, you're right. I will try to visit tonight

I see you have a pre-trip report going also - give me a day or two to get caught up with it!

Originally Posted by winkers

20 hours in a car together is family bonding at it's best!!!

Family bonding or someone will have to get us out on bond

JoJo - I will answer your questions later because I want to post the cast next.

[solgent]

Hi Blue, I'm so happy for you that you're going back! When is your trip? I am guessing that you are going during the free dining period. When do your kids start school? Ours start Aug 29 so our trip is Aug 17-24 and we will not get free dining. Where are you going to stay? Tell us all your plans!

[blue_river]

I believe some introductions are in order.

Blue: Me, the planner of our trip and writer of this report. Since this is our second trip, I am no longer considered a Disney Newbie! I am a mother of three, JoJo, Goofy and Prince Grumpy. I’m a stay-at-home mom who has decided it is time to go back to work and will do so as soon as a job finds me.



Prince Grumpy: This is my wonderful husband of 18 years who puts up with my Disney obsession and DISboard addiction. He’s a jack-of-all-trades and master of one – plumbing. My man can fix just about anything. He built our garage, built on a 400 square foot addition to our home and changed the engine in my car. We always have a new project on the go and I’m his “little helper”, working right along beside him. He’s a lot like “Tim The Tool Man”. Did I mention he is cheap? I called him Prince Grumpy today and he said “I’m only Prince Grumpy in WDW, now I’m Scrooge McDuck.” He also said “Well, we’re going to start out as family on this trip…….can’t say if that will be the case by the time we return home.”



JoJo: This is my oldest daughter, who will turn 16 before we leave. She has a great love for all animals and tries to save every poor stray she comes across. JoJo has a wonderful imagination and terrific sense of humour. She brings so much joy and laughter to our house. Before our last trip, she wanted nothing to do with a vacation to the World but quickly fell in love with everything Disney once we arrived. I am pleased to say that JoJo plans to participate more with my second trip report.



Goofy: This is our 13 year old, the sweet baby of our family. She too has a fondness for nature and keeps me busy running to look at all the strange creatures she brings home. Goofy is known as the fish in our family, she loves the water. She is a member of our local swim team and swims competitively in the intermediate group. Mischief is her middle name but with her loving attitude, it’s hard to get angry with her. She dotes on her older sister, who wants nothing to do with her most of the time.

[jojo05]

Woah! Mom, my cast is way better.
Okay guys, this is the real cast.

Mother; also known as BLUE:

Quiet. Unless she gets frustrated, then she gets loud and mad at you. Happy, jumpy, all about Disney! Disney! Disney! Not too crazy about my kitty Oreo, but at least she gives her love. Gets annoyed when people don’t take her side such as Goofy, Prince Grumpy and myself. Uses up our phone line all the time on the DISboards. One day I swear I’ll be calling home from the hospital and get “BEEP, BEEP BEEP”. I’ll have to leave a message “hey uhh mom, I’m sitting here with a broken leg and they won’t let me leave until you come get me. Don’t worry though, take your sweet time on the DISboards, I’ll be alright for another 5 hours.” Ha, Ha. She laughs a lot, at ME. I don’t know why people get such a kick out of me but whatever floats their boat right?
She doesn’t really like the public. I will try to be stealth and say something like “hey Mom! Look at the person with the funny hair” then she’d turn around and say louder than anything, how they can hear me. (umm hello, that’s why I was in stealth mode) but anyways, the funny hair - it turned out it was Prince Grumpy. :P Mom doesn’t get mad too easy but when she does, I swear watch out!!!!

Father; also known as Prince Grumpy:

That suits him. Really, it does. He bugs and bugs and bugs and won’t stop until you get really mad and then he’ll laugh at all the funny faces you’re making when really, it’s those kind of faces saying “ Dad, please just leave me alone.” He always thinks he’s right and half the time he doesn’t have a clue. * Think positive things JoJo * Thinking about him always thinking he’s right reminds me of the time I got a Barbie airplane for Christmas and you had to put window stickers on it with all the Barbie’s looking out. I was ready to do it myself when he took the stickers and insisted he better do it in case I made a mistake. After he was done sure enough something be wrong. The people in the stickers were all facing backwards, and oh boy didn’t that look nice. I’m really like Prince Grumpy though I’m loud. So is he. He doesn’t care what other people think about him and he’s a really fast thinker. Which helps in some situations.

Sister; also known as Goofy:
ha, ha. Goofy. O yea that’s her. A goof. Annoying. She wears my clothes! Bugs me and get this everyone, she thinks that she’s stronger than me. Mhmm. Ha-ha, yea okay there sis. I can beat her down in a heartbeat. Just give me a shoe or something to stop her fists from hitting my face. Gets on my nerves all the time and then asks if she can hang out with me. “Umm durr kid heck no you can’t”. But when she’s not annoying and puts on this “I’m an innocent angel act” she’s okay. Really she’s a fake and evil too. I mean all those things Blue said about Oreo in the first TR, take those and use them towards goofy. J nahh she’s a pretty cool sis, just needs to learn when enough, really is enough.

Me; also known as JoJo:

Wow, what is there to say. I’m great. Wait, that sounds too full of myself. But wait it’s true. I really am great. I love having fun. I’m loud. I like to go out in public wearing the craziest things you could ever imagine but you still wouldn’t be imagining it. I say what I believe in. I speak up for myself. If I don’t like something, you’ll be the first to know. I have my own style and I hate fakes. I love writing, poems, and stories. I have a lot of them. I can be shy, but not like –hide my face in my mother’s shirt shy- just shy. I laugh a lot. At the weirdest things you probably wouldn’t find funny. Such as -nacho cheese- ha, ha. It’s just so funny, or the word, fork. Like what kind of word is that? I can be random. And I mean that. People say I’m amusing. I just have a great personality, what can I do about that? I love animals and being out doors. And just last year, I realized WDW isn’t just for little kids. Oh, and one more thing. I love my kitty Oreo, she means everything to me J

[blue_river]

My answers are in RED.

Originally Posted by jojo05

mom, i have a few questions before we go. :

1.can we stop at a camp site and throw a big shin dig on someones lot? ohhhh how fun. NO

2.can oreo come too? NO

3. (knows answers :P ) can i bring a lizard home? NO

4.can i please strap goofy to the top of the truck when she gets annoying? (that would be the whole time by the way) NO

5.can i bring my crowbar to beat off any unwanted cops? (still have to buy one but we'd get there faster.) ??? - NO

6.will i be allowed to go into stealth mode while running through a bush taking some neat trees? If you mean digging up trees to bring home - NO

LAST ONE

7. Can i sing really loud to songs i hardly know and wave to the people in the next car? NO

Your teen years are preparing Dad and I to welcome the empty nest.

[blue_river]

Originally Posted by solgent

Hi Blue, I'm so happy for you that you're going back! When is your trip? I am guessing that you are going during the free dining period. When do your kids start school? Ours start Aug 29 so our trip is Aug 17-24 and we will not get free dining. Where are you going to stay? Tell us all your plans!

Thank you sooo much! What a nice surprise to see your post - I remember you once said that you don't read pre-trip reports

I'm awfully excited - can ya tell??

Our girls start school on September 4 which means means we are lucky enough to get the free dining.

I hope to post all the details soon.

[Goofyluver]

I am so excited for this trippie! A dual one at that...

Yay! Just like meeska and I!

You guys are funny girls!! Yes, you guys are!

[jojo05]

Originally Posted by blue_river

My answers are in RED.



Your teen years are preparing Dad and I to welcome the empty nest.

ummmm kayyy mother. way to take the thrill out of more thrills than a boatload of fish.
ahha and if you did that you'd be left with just a boatload of fish. haha. ohh that's a keeper.

we'll see how many get answered no by the time we get back.

and yes,i did mean dig up the trees, they're sooo cool.

[KathyRN137]

JoJo,

It's nice to meet you! And since I know that teenage girls just love to give their mothers a hard time, I'm going to enlist your help!

Please tell you mom to finish her first report and then she can work on her pre-trippie!! We are all left hanging on the other board!

(Love ya, Blue!)

Kathy

[blue_river]

Originally Posted by Goofyluver

I am so excited for this trippie! A dual one at that...

Yay! Just like meeska and I!

You guys are funny girls!! Yes, you guys are!

Well it's not just like yours and Meeska's but JoJo has promised to chime in a bit more this time around We'll see how long that lasts, she gets bored quickly

Originally Posted by JoJo

we'll see how many get answered no by the time we get back.

Stop making me worry will ya!

Originally Posted by Kathy

Please tell you mom to finish her first report and then she can work on her pre-trippie!! We are all left hanging on the other board!

(Love ya, Blue!)

You are such a sweety Kathy

I have one more thing to post here today and then I promise to work on the other one. My first TR is almost finished - I only have one day left after AK