60 Candles, 30 Million Lights, Best Friends&Family at Disney--Priceless (New 5/23)

[shan23877]

Love all the F&G photos. The Lion King and badminton ones are awesome!

If you really want to know the fairies names, I can help you out.

 

[jenseib]

Is Mark possessed? he has no eyes!!!

I love the flower festival, it's just so pretty there. I have yet to find the butterfly garden and go in though. Well I think we saw it in 2011, but never made it that way. I need to remedy that next year.

 

[KatMark]

26 days.....

 

[KatMark]

LOVE the Monster's topiaries! and the one of Goofy with the sun behind him is very cool! so happy you got to experience Epcot and enjoy your treats!

I a so glad we decided to do this...it was well worth it (and I would have liked a second day as it turns out after getting to Daytona we could have

I usually start packing a couple weeks out for our WDW trips too, this time I'm going to ship down a box since we are going for 13 days, going to need some extra stuff and its cheaper than paying the baggage fees

I have al of my outfits lined up except for Disney t-shirts; not sure if I'm brining any with the temperatures they are predicting.

Love all the F&G photos. The Lion King and badminton ones are awesome!

Thanks, Shannon.

If you really want to know the fairies names, I can help you out.

I think I'm okay not knowing.

Is Mark possessed? he has no eyes!!!

I've never noticed that before when he wore his sunglasses in there (unless he normally takes them off )

I love the flower festival, it's just so pretty there. I have yet to find the butterfly garden and go in though. Well I think we saw it in 2011, but never made it that way. I need to remedy that next year.

The butterfly garden was really nice. I hope you can remedy it.

 

[KatMark]

So sadly we left the happiest place on earth.
Although it wasn't as sad for me as I knew I'd be back in two months...Mark would have to wait four months.

We hit a little bit of traffic once we passed Universal Studios, but then it was clear sailing the rest of the way. Before we knew it, we were seeing this:





I sent the above two pictures to Alisha to show her dad. Her family is huge NASCAR fans (me...NOT at all).

We then saw what used to be a favorite sign of ours:



Unfortunately, since the last huge hurricane to hit Daytona Beach, it's just not what it was when we used to go every other year. Buildings are still torn apart, buildings have been torn down and empty lot upon empty lot is found on the Beach. And, unfortunately, there are some strange folks walking around down there. It's become a little scary to us.

We checked into the LaQuinta where we got a really good rate. Well, I now know why we got a really good rate. I sure knew we weren't in Disney anymore. I informed Mark that next time if we were to go to Daytona we are going back to the family resort that his family and us have always stayed at even if I had to pay the difference.

Our room:



There were holes in the comforter, in the carpet. The oly thing it had going was that it was clean and no bed bugs.

After checking for bed bugs and going to get toilet paper (which the room had none of), we went out to the beach before it got dark.

This guy was at the outdoor pool:



And this guy welcomed Mark to his ocean:









We walked about a 1/2 mile and then turned back. The beach was filthy...cigarette butts, cans, plastic cups were everywhere. It's just not he place we used to come to all of the time.

By now, we were hungry so we decided to go to some place we had never been and kept talking about going to. We were going here:



Our grub:





Themed restaurant:











I'm glad we tried it, but I doubt we will be going back anytime soon. The clam chowder soup was fair at best (I've had better at Red Lobster) and the shrimp was nothing special. Our waitress...let's just say that we could not enjoy the theme of the restaurant because we could not understand a word she was saying.

We went to the old bandshell and enjoyed the ocean air and then stopped for a Starbucks and went back to the hotel. Mark sat outside and enjoyed a cigar and then we called it a night. We had to be up at 8:00 for our 9:30 meeting with a customer.

Up next...the customer that almost ruined our trip

 

[MeMom]

Yeah, Marc looks much better with eyeballs!

When you are not on Disney property, there is a definite difference. It has spoiled me for most other hotels anywhere. I can't help but compare - the physical environment, the atmosphere, and the feeling of a safe, family-friendly environment everywhere you go.

Ending the night by sitting outside and taking in the ocean sounds lovely.

 

[jenseib]

Thats such a shame that it was such a dump. And the beach being dirty sucks too. i have yet to try Bubba gumps, but I hear good things about it. Maybe it depends on location.

 

[englishrose47]

Great Flower Fest pix !! You are really making me think about a April/May trip next year as hopefully have an Ap !! Sorry about the hotel at Daytona !! I enjoyed Bubba Gumps in City Walk !! I remeber the Seafood hushpuppies were out of this world !!!!

 

[KatMark]

So we got up, I went to take a look at the ocean one last time while Mark showered and got ready.






We got in the car so that we could stop for breakfast before our appointment at 9:30.

We were having an all-time favorite (and NO boys it is NOT Waffle House this time).

We were having....





We finished up and drove the short 10 minutes to our appointment. We got there and went into the store and asked for the woman we were seeing (I don't remember her name). The two young guys working the store said she wouldn't be in until 1 p.m. We had a 9:30 appointment. They said she was home with the pool guy fixing her pool pump. I knew right then this was not a good sign. They called her on the phone. She indicated she had totally forgotten the appointment...even though Mark had emailed her on Friday to remind her. She said she would be there by 10:30. SO Mark and I hit the Starbucks at Target as the Krispy Kreme coffee did nothing for me and then walked around the all for 30 minutes.

We went back and the witch told us that she had decided over the weekend that since both of her daughters now live in California she was going to sell her store and move there Seriously? You couldn't call and tell us that on Sunday or Monday so we didn't drive all the way to Daytona?

I was fit to be tied. We could have spent another night at Disney and not in that flea bag in Daytona; we could have gone to the Magic Kingdom and ridden Dumbo. I really just wanted to hit the woman.

So we got in the car and decided to drive to Coral Springs where we would be spending our next two nights and, if we got there in time, Mark could get some pool time.

First things first...lunch. We stopped some place we have not eaten at in years:



And it was the FIRST TIME I actually felt good being 55. Because I had a huge craving for a grilled cheese sandwich and it was not on the regular menu but it was on the "55 and over" menu and for half the price it probably would have cost had it been on the main menu.

Mark and my lunch:





Our tummies full, it was time to drive some more:



These signs are all over Florida...I'm speechless at times:



We got to the hotel, checked in and Mark went down to the pool for a little bit (no pool pictures this day).

We then decided to hit one of the nearby casinos. We set up a designated time to meet because we don't gamble together...he brings me bad luck. So with a 5:30 meet time, we went off our own ways. I really didn't like any of the machines...I couldn't find one that ONLY took 3 quarters at a time. It seemed they all took 6 or 9. I finally sat down at a machine and put in my ticket. I didn't realize it was a $1.00 machine but didn't want to move again. It took five coins each time, but I just didn't care at that point. I was still ticked off with the witch in Daytona and I was tired of being in the car so I figured I'll just go through the last $70 I had and that would be it.

Well, I had no idea what I was doing but all of a sudden the machine started making a weird noise and I got all these free spins and I ended up winning almost $500.

It was time to quit and I went to find Mark. He had lost his money already and I had my winnings. We decided to stop at the deli in the casino and grab a bite to eat. We forgot to take pictures before we ate.

This is what was left of Mark's sandwich:



And what was left of mine:



We went back to the hotel and watched a little TV and hit the sack.

Up next, our marathon drive to Marathon, Florida

 

[englishrose47]

Oh Kathy I would have been so mad at that women !!!! What a rotten thing to do !!Wahoooey for the winnings , at least it brightened your day !!!!

 

[ronnmel]

Oh man, I would have been so annoyed too! Some people can be so inconsiderate of others.

 

[Chicago Mo]

What an update!!!
I love your pictures. the one with Goofy and the Sun is cool!I LOVE the Monsters and love the butterflies garden!
i'm shocked to hear about Daytona!! Didn't know it went down as it did!
I was going to say they really themed up the Bubba Gump restaurant?!? the picture with Mark and the shoes sitting outside it is my favorite!!! Sorry to hear about the crazy mixed up woman you had to deal with.. that always is a buzz kill for any vacation!
another BEAUTIFUL picture of the kids!!!!

 

[jenseib]

How annoying. Not only was she late then she tells you she is selling the store. Couldn't she have done that on the phone? or last week sometime?

At least you won some money!

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

(this is where they had the dole whip with rum in it)

That sounds really interesting...

You know, I think I might be able to make one of those random monster topiaries.

We then stopped in the Butterfly garden and saw Tink and all her friends. I'm just going to post the pictures because I have no idea of the names of the other fairies:

Itchy and Scratchy?

More butterfly house photos:

It's amazing to me how much effort goes into these festivals.

What happened to Mark??!!

I sent the above two pictures to Alisha to show her dad. Her family is huge NASCAR fans (me...NOT at all).

Cars driving in a circle...for 4 hours...

We checked into the LaQuinta where we got a really good rate. Well, I now know why we got a really good rate. I sure knew we weren't in Disney anymore. I informed Mark that next time if we were to go to Daytona we are going back to the family resort that his family and us have always stayed at even if I had to pay the difference.

I once read a book where the author supposed that La Quinta is Spanish for "next to the Denny's".

We walked about a 1/2 mile and then turned back. The beach was filthy...cigarette butts, cans, plastic cups were everywhere. It's just not he place we used to come to all of the time.

We were having an all-time favorite (and NO boys it is NOT Waffle House this time).

We were having....

Krispy Kreme? Approved!

SO Mark and I hit the Starbucks at Target

We went back and the witch told us that she had decided over the weekend that since both of her daughters now live in California she was going to sell her store and move there Seriously? You couldn't call and tell us that on Sunday or Monday so we didn't drive all the way to Daytona?

I was fit to be tied. We could have spent another night at Disney and not in that flea bag in Daytona; we could have gone to the Magic Kingdom and ridden Dumbo. I really just wanted to hit the woman.

Do you want to borrow my taser?

First things first...lunch. We stopped some place we have not eaten at in years:

Was it next to the La Quinta?

These signs are all over Florida...I'm speechless at times:

Well, it is near the Happiest Place on Earth.

Well, I had no idea what I was doing but all of a sudden the machine started making a weird noise and I got all these free spins and I ended up winning almost $500.

Now that was worth the trip!

 

[MEK]

Kathy - what is it with you and your lucky winning streaks? Can I take you somewhere where there's is gambling so you can win me a few extra hundred dollars.

Yeah - I would have been pretty po'd to drive to Daytona and then have the client cancel. That's awful. I don't think I've ever gone to the main part of Daytona. We always go to the beach in Daytona Beach Shores which is much, much nicer. How depressing to walk a beach full of trash and sleep in a bed with holes in the comforter.

Back to Epcot - I just LOVE that topiary of Sully! OMG - how cute. What an awesome time at Epcot!

 

[wiigirl]

Great update!

 

[KatMark]

25 days....

 

[afwdwfan]

(this is where they had the dole whip with rum in it)

I'm making my own in the MK next time.

We totally skipped the Oz area: it was crowded and I'm really not sure I want to see it. The Wizard of Oz is my all time favorite movie and I just don't think I'd like this new one.

I haven't seen it yet, but I am kind of eager to see it. Not sure how I'll feel about it, but I plan to have an open mind going in. Since it is kind of a prequel, I hope it feels "right."

I'm just going to post the pictures because I have no idea of the names of the other fairies

Me neither, but DW was watching one of those movies on Disney channel a few days ago.

Awesome!!! They made a topiary for Barry and Ryder!!!

If you really want to know the fairies names, I can help you out.

That is quite alright.

I'm sure I'll learn soon enough anyway.

It's become a little scary to us.

I've heard this from some other people recently.

Our waitress...let's just say that we could not enjoy the theme of the restaurant because we could not understand a word she was saying.

Did she talk like Bubba?

Did they at least give you a box of chocolates for dessert?

We were having an all-time favorite (and NO boys it is NOT Waffle House this time).

Waffle House didn't even cross my mind. I was expecting Starbucks.

SO Mark and I hit the Starbucks at Target as the Krispy Kreme coffee did nothing for me

Ok, that's better. I was starting to worry about you.

We went back and the witch told us that she had decided over the weekend that since both of her daughters now live in California she was going to sell her store and move there Seriously? You couldn't call and tell us that on Sunday or Monday so we didn't drive all the way to Daytona?

And it was the FIRST TIME I actually felt good being 55. Because I had a huge craving for a grilled cheese sandwich and it was not on the regular menu but it was on the "55 and over" menu and for half the price it probably would have cost had it been on the main menu.

These signs are all over Florida...I'm speechless at times

And yet, you photograph them...

Well, I had no idea what I was doing but all of a sudden the machine started making a weird noise and I got all these free spins and I ended up winning almost $500.

Well, you certainly wouldn't have won $500 in the MK. Maybe the inconsiderate witch did you a favor.

What happened to Mark??!!

His eyes look hollow.

I once read a book where the author supposed that La Quinta is Spanish for "next to the Denny's".

Now it all makes perfect sense!

Well, it is near the Happiest Place on Earth.

 

[GoofyIsAsGoofyDoes]

Is Mike wearing braces there?
That’s quite an interesting detail even for the masters of detail. I’ll have to pay attention when we get to actually see the new film to determine if that’s what’s goin’ on.


The Butterfly garden is gorgeous but it’s also interesting that Tink and all her friends are missing their faces. That’s the reverse of what I’d expect detail wise from the masters of detail.

So sadly we left the happiest place on earth.
Although it wasn't as sad for me as I knew I'd be back in two months...Mark would have to wait four months.

Better then four years
Once we get back this time that may well be our schedule.

We checked into the LaQuinta where we got a really good rate.

Yah… we stayed at one of those once.

Just “once”.

We walked about a 1/2 mile and then turned back. The beach was filthy...cigarette butts, cans, plastic cups were everywhere. It's just not he place we used to come to all of the time.

Dang shame…

I'm glad we tried it, but I doubt we will be going back anytime soon.

Thanks for the honest review

The clam chowder soup was fair at best (I've had better at Red Lobster)

And that ain’t sayin’ much right there,
I believe we’ll be skipping the Gump experience.

We went back and the witch told us that she had decided over the weekend that since both of her daughters now live in California she was going to sell her store and move there Seriously? You couldn't call and tell us that on Sunday or Monday so we didn't drive all the way to Daytona?

Wow…
That’s a pretty blatant disregard for the fact that there are other humans living on the same planet.

Must be satisfying to lack a conscious.

Well, I had no idea what I was doing but all of a sudden the machine started making a weird noise and I got all these free spins and I ended up winning almost $500.

Nice!
A little bit of karma for enduring the trials back in Daytona

Up next, our marathon drive to Marathon, Florida

Nice Key.
A long way from where you were at the time, but I’d make the trip if I had the chance.

 

[goofy4prez]

Kathy, how can you not be interested in Daytona International Speedway. That is hallowed ground. I love Nascar.

Sorry to hear about the hotel. I have never had a good experience at a LaQuinta and will not stay at one. But hey, at least it didn't have bedbugs.