Sue's Hurricane Idalia Trip

Following Sue...good to see you lucked out with the storms. I really like AKV, but it's actually been awhile since we have stayed there. We bought the resort when it first came out, thinking that future grands would love it, they don't. Oh well....we tried. We arrive tomorrow evening and I am hoping for light crowds because of the passing storm. Enjoy your concierge stay!

TomandRobin - I'm surprised the grandkids don't love it! Ari does - but maybe the concierge lounge has spoiled him.

DAY 2 – Thursday 8/31/23
Who: Sue (64), DVC Member
Holli (59), friend
Plan: Drive to WDW, Concierge Lounge

Actual: Today Holli worked until noon and then left for the 2-hour drive here. Since my waitlist had come through and I arrived yesterday, and the weather sucked for any pool time, I decided on an early visit to the Food & Wine Festival at Epcot. My friend Carol Stein was originally going to join me yesterday (Wednesday), but between the storm and me not knowing if I would be there we decided to postpone. It might work for Friday – otherwise the next possibility for the concierge lounge is next May.

It's no surprise that I slept well last night, lol! I went to bed around 9 and wasn’t particularly happy when SB called at 5:45! I’m always up before then and had forgotten to call him to say goodnight last night, so his calling wasn’t out of line. I apologized for not calling and said I’d call later. Just after 6:30 I decided to get up & start the day. I made my cappuccino and after 7 went out to the lounge to bring back some breakfast.

On the way I passed cast member Jack and said good morning. We chatted a bit and I asked him for room keys for my other (invisible) guests (fake Holli & fake Amanda). He didn’t have to ask for my name or magic band – he just punched some keys and gave me the two key cards with the names written on there with a sharpie.

For breakfast today the hot stuff was turkey bobotie, oatmeal, warm sticky buns and sausage. The other usual stuff was there as well – hard boiled eggs, bagels, pastries, fresh fruit, etc. I fixed a plate and brought it back to the studio to enjoy with my cappuccino. It was a lazy leisurely morning spent online and taking care of some minor work stuff. Chris called to update me on their air conditioning trouble – a power company box that powers their a/c had failed, but hopefully the tech that’s due 5-9pm today will get it fixed. It’s miserable without a/c in Florida this time of year, and I think this is day 3 for them.

By 9:30 the sun was shining. Do I cancel Epcot and go to the pool, or stick with Epcot??? In the end I decided since I’d lost the cooler pool hours already, I might as well give Epcot a shot for a short visit and walk around the countries. I took my shower and got ready, leaving the studio around 10:30. The next bus was due at 10:47 so I must have just missed it. I sat on a bench and by the time it arrived at 10:44 there were enough people waiting to fill almost every seat. Several dads with jumbo strollers stood with those.

It is so humid outside it took forever for my sunglasses to unfog, and using my phone the screen was wet to the touch. We arrived at Epcot just after 11. At security the line was long but nobody was in the 2 stroller lines. The cast member there started calling people over, saying “no wait here” so I breezed right through. At the park entrance again there were lines everywhere EXCEPT at the passholder’s lane. Once again, I breezed right through, which was very nice.

The park was not crowded, and it felt nice at first (after coming off the chilly bus), but soon I realized that comfort was only temporary. I stuck with shade as much as possible, but it was brutally hot. My plan was to walk one loop around the countries and try a Food & Wine item or two. I already knew what each stand has, and which items were of interest to me this year. Unfortunately, it was so hot & miserable that nearly everything was unappealing. I sure hope it’s comfortable for our real Food & Wine trip in October.

I started on the Mexico side and walked around. Out here crowds were pretty light, and most festival stands had no wait at all. Even the margarita stand in Mexico had a very short line. When it’s cooler I look forward to the chicken tikka masala in India, the gyro in Greece, the chocolate fondue in the Alps, and other choices. For now, I decided I wasn’t leaving without getting the cheese soup in Canada.

I fully realize heavy warm soup sounds like a poor choice in weather like this! But sometimes we intentionally do silly things. There was no line in Canada, and shady seating across the way. I tried to pay with my Chase Disney rewards card and it wouldn’t accept it. After a couple failed attempts, I remembered I’d emptied it when renewing my annual pass. I have plenty of balance on a Disney gift card so I used that instead – transaction went through quickly once I swiped that card. A shady bench facing the lake was my lunch spot and both the soup and pretzel roll were excellent. I also got my passport stamped in case I complete the cheese challenge at some point (buy so many “cheese” items and get a surprise item).

Once the soup was finished, I continued walking while eating the rest of the pretzel roll. I passed through Odyssey to see what it looked like in there this year. That’s where the various chicken wing choices can be found. From there I browsed through Creations, partly for the air conditioning. When outside it was driving me crazy that my sunglasses were sliding down my nose. This only happens when it’s so hot I’m sweaty. Eventually I tore off part of a Disney paper napkin, folded it and placed it over the top of my nose. It did the trick, but clearly looked ridiculous. Any ideas for a better solution? They’re prescription sunglasses, plastic frame, bought in the last year (so not open to replacement).

I went back to the bus stop and once again had a long wait for a bus. I was there by 12:03. All the bus stops were empty except for mine (6) and bus stop 3 with one guy. Bus after bus came through, dropping off, sitting at an empty bus stop, then driving away. I saw multiple buses for French Quarter – one of the smallest resorts here! Finally, at 12:30 or so an empty bus moved from bus stop 7 to pick us up. The air conditioning felt so good!!!!

Holli texted to say she was stopping to get a quick lunch and would be here 2:45-3:00 so I’ll have time to catch General Hospital, lol! After a stop at Kidani Village and loading a scooter there, I was back at Jambo House around 1. In hindsight going to Epcot (or any park) was not a smart move. The overall experience was horrific, thanks almost entirely to the weather (heat/humidity) but also the long bus waits. That said, if the weather had been comfortable, I would have declared the experience ideal and nearly perfect, in every way except the bus delays.

Back in the studio I gathered up the laptop and my phones and set up camp in the lounge. I was able to get my work email running, which makes it much easier to make longer replies vs using the small phone screen & keypad. I took care of any work stuff then started updating the report. At 2 I moved to the sofa in my studio to finish up while watching General Hospital. I no sooner sat down when there was a knock on the door. A maintenance guy was there to fix my wallpaper.

I had not called anything in and had not even noticed having any wallpaper, but since this was Disney, I figured he probably wasn’t an axe murdered and let him in. I saw nothing but paint on the walls, but he found wallpaper in the bathroom – and behind the door was a small section with a tear! He asked if it was ok if he fixed it and of course I said yes. It took no time at all and then he was gone.

Holli texted right after 3 and I met her at the gate to give her the key card with her name and let her up to the lounge. We ordered 2 glasses of sparkling wine and it came in wine glasses! This is so wrong! It’s totally not festive and our wine class instructor would be mortified. I finished dealing with some work stuff and then put the laptop back in the studio. Holli enjoyed some of the food offerings – a lot of this is more to her taste than mine. She ordered another glass of sparkling wine and tried to ask the cast member for the right glass. She said the cast member just kind of looked at her with a confused look on her face – but the wine came in a champagne flute! Most likely the previous cast member just didn’t realize that’s the right glass and the second cast member was puzzled by this (blond) guest trying to specify a champagne flute when it’s already the normal style, lol.

I set my wine glass wine aside – it really wasn’t as good in the wrong glass. When a cast member passed by I ordered a half glass – which came cold and in a champagne flute <g>. Tonight, the hot foods were favorites – butter chicken and the tomato soup with paneer cheese. They also had mealie dogs (corn dog nuggets). Cheeses were Manchego, blue cheese and new to us Tea Hive. Meats were prosciutto and picante chorizo. All the other usual stuff was there as well.

We started with the tomato soup – this is so delicious! Holli commented that a big bowl of this would be so good if you were sick. I’m rarely sick, so I’d enjoy it any time, lol! Next, we got the butter chicken, which was outstanding as always. For wine I was disappointed last night that the chenin blanc is now Fairview instead of Indaba, so tonight after a small glass of the chenin blanc I decided to switch to the Indaba chardonnay. I don’t normally like Chardonnay, but this one is not oaky and when my dear friend Kathy introduced me to the concierge lounge the only white option was Indaba chardonnay. Tasting it again tonight brought back memories of the years we had together and our nights in the concierge lounge before she passed away. This will be my “go to” wine when here, unless they bring back the Indaba chenin blanc. Holli had the Indaba merlot and said it was excellent.

She got some of the chorizo, cheeses and stuff. She loved the chorizo and raved about the tea hive cheese. I got a piece of Manchego, piece of tea hive, piece of chorizo, a crisp and a couple mealie dogs. The mealie dogs are always good! The tea hive was outstanding – just a great flavor. This is a cheddar-style cheese with a mixture of black tea and bergamot orange hand-rubbed on a one-day old cheese and allowed to mature for 8 months. It was wonderful! The chorizo was good as well, and less greasy than the paprika chorizo served last night.

Shortly before 7 a cast member came through with cardboard containers for people to gather up anything they wanted “to go” before they pulled it away. We declined, but then I thought about Amanda liking the butter chicken and asked about lids and smaller containers. The cast member suggested a coffee cup with lid and encouraged me to just do it. I dumped 3 portions of the butter chicken and rice into the coffee cup and have it in my fridge for Amanda. Coming back from the studio I saw someone holding one of the cardboard things full of mealie dogs and realized I should have gotten some of those for Ari!

We decided to go see the animals and took the stairs at the end of my hallway. At the first viewing area across from the firepit we found a lot of animals – more than ever before. Everything but the giraffe were right there, and we could see giraffe off in the distance. At the furthest viewing point there were no animals – unusual, but that’s because they were all in the other area. After watching and taking some pictures Holli suggested checking out the area by the pool so we headed over there.

Last trip the flamingos were nesting so we went there first and saw the nesting was done and quite a few younger flamingos were present. They’re gray, and fluffier. It was getting darker then so I decided to wait to take pictures tomorrow with better lighting. We walked over towards the savannah viewing area and were shocked to see a big giraffe closer than we’d ever seen – eating leaves from the tree right there. We rushed over and took pictures & video. A younger giraffe came over to join the big one but since he was too short to reach the branches and the big one wasn’t sharing, eventually the younger one wandered off. I spoke with the cast member working there and he said this (the giraffe so close) has never happened before. How fortunate we happened to be here to experience it! If only it was a bit earlier and lighter outside. Holli was over the moon excited and couldn’t stop talking about how incredible of an experience it was.

We went back inside and up to the lounge, where the dessert period had started. Tonight they had a new item – cashew caramel tart. I was intrigued and we both tried one but we were both disappointed. It was heavy on the caramel but runny – and also salty. They had the Kenyan coffee tart, orange sesame cake and a chocolate cupcake w/chocolate icing. I didn’t bother with the coffee tart but the orange sesame cake was great as always and the chocolate cupcake was a very pleasant surprise. Usually cupcakes look better than they taste but this was really good.

Holli got small samples of 3 of the 4 liqueurs and decided the amarula was her favorite. I told her that’s really good mixed with kahlua, and kahlua was the liqueur she had not sampled. She took her amarula up and added some kahlua and really liked it. I think we went through this same process last May, lol! When cast member Francisco came by she showed him a picture of a special drink he’d made her in 2019 that she still raves about and has posted on Facebook. He talked to her a bit, noted what she had tried and liked tonight, and said he would make her a special drink.

We saw him at the liqueurs and knew he was pouring amarula and kahlua. He took it out back and added some type of raspberry liqueur, not sure what else, and topped it with whipped cream. The drink looked great and when Holli tasted it she declared it amazing. I tried a ship and it was very good. I think she needs Francisco to come by and make them for her at home, lol! She used the MDE app to compliment him.

Around 9:30 we called it a night and returned to our studios. I did some online stuff then went to work finishing the report. It’s a later night than last night, but after sleeping so long I guess that’s not unexpected.

Today overall was a great day. Going to a park in this weather was a really stupid move on my part. Everything else about being in the park was wonderful, but the weather more than canceled out the good stuff. I should have just gone to sweat at the pool – which is what I will do tomorrow. It’s been great seeing all the cast members from last trip. They recognize and remember me, which is so welcoming and nice. The food and drinks were excellent tonight and the giraffe experience is something most people will never get to do – we were so fortunate!

Tomorrow it’s definitely pool time – even if it’s cloudy! Chris & family will be arriving and should be here before 5. Carol Stein & hubby are planning to be here a little before then, so it’ll be a big group this night. I don’t normally have so many people, but a studio allows 4 people and last night it was only 1 and tonight was only 2, so trip-to-date I’m not exceeding what’s allowed <g>.

Thanks to some Disney friends I saw the news about Gideon's a/c problems. I plan to go over there before leaving on Monday, so hope it's all fixed by then. The lemon poppyseed is not of interest but I love the orange pecan chocolate chip cookie!

DAY 3 – Friday 9/01/23
Who: Sue (64), DVC Member
Holli (59), friend
Chris (36), my son
Amanda (34), my daughter-in-law
Ari (7), my grandson

Plan: Pool, Concierge Lounge

Actual: I slept well again last night, turning the lights out just after 11 and getting up just after 5:30. I enjoyed my cappuccino in bed with the local news on the tv. I also ordered some silicon non-slip nose pads for my sunglasses (thanks Mandy). Today it’s supposed to rain but mostly in the afternoon, so I’ll definitely get out to my spot outside the pool area early. Ridiculously, the pool area doesn’t open until 10 am. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – that’s way too late for a pool to open, especially when it’s so hot! The “feels like” temperature this afternoon is supposed to be 105-110 degrees again.

Last night I told Holli about the bacon & gruyere quiche at Mara and learned she loves quiche. She specifically thought quiche with gruyere cheese was amazing. We agreed that one of these mornings if the lounge offerings were no spectacular we’d order & share the quiche. A little before 8 I dressed in a swimsuit & coverup then went to check out the lounge food. Today they had French toast bread pudding, oatmeal, vegetable boboti and biscuits w/sausage gravy. I can pass on all of that, so I texted Holli to let her know. She agreed, so I placed the order.

We met in the lounge and added some fresh fruit. The order was ready quickly and I went downstairs to pick it up while Holli got her coffee. We forgot about mimosas – that would have been a nice touch! I’d gotten an extra plate and used that to cut the quiche in half. Holli took her half and declared it wonderful – she really liked it. I agree – and since it’s only sold here the only time I get it when I’m staying here.

Around 8:30 we left the lounge, stopping to look at the chocolate carving – an African mask and the shape of the African continent. Quite impressive, and I assume it’s due to being Food & Wine Festival time. I gathered up my stuff and headed down to the outside of the pool area by 8:45.

I spent the time reading but also dozed off for a bit. They opened the pool just before 10 and Holli arrived right after that. My chair was outside one of the gates, so I just stayed there and walked inside to use the pool when I needed to cool off. Holli spent most of her time in the pool and chose a chaise lounge just inside the gate. It filled up quickly in there! It was very hot but the water was nice and cool. Amanda texted to say they were on the road early (around 11).

At one point when I was reading my kindle gave me a warning message that I was using it outside of the safe temperature range. Not wanting to ruin it, I took it upstairs and put it in the studio. The housekeeper arrived just then – club level guests get daily housekeeping. It’s not something I need but admit it’s really nice coming back to a room the looks like I’m just checking in for the first time!

I went back to the pool for a bit longer and moved to the shade around 11:45 to cool down. Just after noon I let Holli know I was leaving and went up to take my shower. Coming off the elevator, I turned in the wrong direction (towards the balcony) and quickly turned around to fine Jack laughing at me, lol! He said it happens all the time and not to worry about it <g>.

I showered and got dressed, then returned to the lounge. I ate some cucumber slices and drank some water. After the quiche I still wasn’t really hungry. Amanda texted when they were 25 minutes away. Holli was on her balcony reading her book. Characters appeared in the lobby – Donald, Tigger, Stich and some aviator duck. Amanda sent me a picture of Ari with the aviator duck guy. Their room was ready, so they brought their stuff to their room and then met me up in the lounge. Their magic bands did not work but the app on the phone did. Chris went down to get the magic bands reset, since I’ll need a magic band to access their room on Sunday when I’m homeless.

We’d been eyeing tables in a prime location and 2 of the 3 we’d need were available, so we moved over there. When the people at the 3rd table left, we grabbed that table and moved it over to complete what we needed. Ari face timed Holli so she came up to join us. Soon Carol texted to say they were at the valet parking, so I went down to meet them in the lobby. She’s been to the resort before but never up to the lounge. I’d met her husband Lee a couple times before, but it had been over a year or more since last time. He owns and ice company but is also a ventriloquist.

We joined the others at our table, and it was just a lovely evening. Lee loved all the fresh veggies. The hot foods tonight were Ivory coast seafood stew over rice, sweet corn pudding with Durban chicken (spicy but delicious), and macaroni & cheese. The cheeses & charcuterie were similar to 2 nights ago. The watermelon tomato salad with feta cheese was excellent!

We had great conversation, and everyone seemed to really hit it off and enjoy both the food and company. Carol and Lee travel extensively now that she’s retired so it was interesting to share travel stories. After we were full of the food and wine we went down to check out the animals on the savannah. There were quite a few animals out and we enjoyed seeing them until it started to sprinkle. We came inside and sat around the fire pit for a while. Around 7 Carol & Lee decided to hit the road. It was great having them here and we all had a very nice time together. Ari endeared himself to both of them, as usual.

The rest of us went up to the lounge and the food was out by 7:30. Tonight the 4 desserts were all new to us – cheetah spots (chocolate mousse things), salted caramel brownie, confetti bar and banana cream tart. We tried them all. Chris was the only one who liked the confetti bar. The salted caramel brownie was too salty for me. The cheetah spot was the favorite of Amanda, Holli & Ari. Chris & I liked the banana cream tart the best.

Chris had gotten a special drink made earlier and had another with his desserts. It was an African pina colada but with no rum but cognac instead and some jungle juice. It was very tasty! Holli headed back to her room and the rest of us hung out together in the lounge until almost 9pm before turning in.

Today was a delightful day, even with it being so hot at the pool! I wish it had been cool enough for my kindle, but even with having to return that to the room I enjoyed having a nice morning in the sun. It’s great having everyone together again, and Carol & Lee were a nice addition to the group. Ari really took a shine to her, and also to Lee. The food in the lounge was great once again, and although I didn’t care for a couple of the dessert offerings there was more than enough to satisfy!

Tomorrow is another relaxing day – pool for the morning and concierge lounge in the evening. A Disney friend from RADP, Barry Wallis will be coming by to visit and meet in person for the first time and later in the day people Holli know will be checking into a club level room and will be in the lounge for the evening. Should be another fun day!

DAY 4 – Saturday 9/02/23
Who: Sue (64), DVC Member
Holli (59), friend
Chris (36), my son
Amanda (34), my daughter-in-law
Ari (7), my grandson

Plan: Pool, Concierge Lounge

Actual: I slept well and got up a little after 5:30. My cappuccino came back to bed with me while I watched local news and did online stuff. Looks like the president and first lady are flying into Gainesville this afternoon, then will drive up to Live Oak to see the damage caused by Idalia. It looks horrific!

Just before 7 Amanda texted to say they were on their way up to the lounge. I met them out there. Ari ate a lot last night and continued that practice this morning with 2 bowls of cereal, oatmeal, bacon, hard boiled egg, 2 milks, and I’m not sure what else. Chris lagged behind to take his shower so Ari fixed Chris’ breakfast and had it waiting for him – sticky bun, oatmeal and a toasted bagel with cream cheese. Amanda said lately he’s gotten interested in cooking and did some type of chef’s camp.

The hot foods today were sticky buns, oatmeal, bacon and bacon & swiss cheese bobotie. The bobotie was very good, and I was able to find a piece of crispy bacon. Amanda loved the cheese Danish and the croissants. Holli showed up just as the others were heading out, so I sat with her a bit longer, returning to the studio to get ready for the pool around 8.

I changed into a swimsuit/coverup, added ice to my water bottle, then went down to verify the magic band works on Chris & Amanda’s room. I’ll be storing my stuff there tomorrow while I change rooms and may end up having to shower there. Once that was done, I went out to my usual spot outside the pool.

It was completely overcast – no blue sky at all. It stayed that way until 11am!! The plus side is it made it more comfortable, but clearly it wasn’t great for getting sun. At 11 the clouds disappeared, and it was sunny with blue skies without a single cloud. By noon it was cloudy and overcast again. Holli showed up just before 10 and was surprised by the clouds. When the pool opened, she went inside the fence and did some reading. I stayed on my chaise lounge outside doing my reading.

When the sun came out it got warm very quickly, so I went into the pool and sat on the edge with my kindle. Chris, Amanda & Ari were at Magic Kingdom, and it seems the park was full of idiots today. Some lady and her kid exited the Tomorrowland Speedway before getting to the unloading area! Cast members were yelling at her to get back in the car. Had another car come up on the next rail they could have been hit – how stupid! Then at Astro Orbiter some kid exited on the wrong side, which caused them to shut the ride down to run it empty as a safety precaution. Chris later said something similarly stupid happened at Tron.

Just before noon Amanda texted to say they were on their way back. Just after that Barry texted to say the same, but they were not on the same bus. When Barry got closer, I went up to meet him in the lobby. We’ve known each other via the internet for 25-30 years but had never met in person. We went upstairs to the lounge and had a wonderful afternoon. At one point Chris’ family came by so they got to meet Barry. Later Holli came up so she joined us. Barry happens to be an accomplished magician and did a number of tricks for us – it was a real treat and he’s very good! Conversation (and sparkling wine) flowed easily and I think everyone had a really nice time.

Around 3:15 Holli left to take her shower and it was time for me to do the same. Barry was headed to Epcot for a dinner at Monsieur Paul tonight. I’m so glad he was able to come by and finally meet in person.

I took my shower and was back out in the lounge by 4:15. I secured our table for the evening and soon Chris’ family arrived. They plan to see what the food is but probably head to Epcot. Holli used to be in a long-term relationship that she ended 4 years ago. She remained friends with the guy’s sister and found out Thursday night that they’re arriving to a club level room here (4th floor) this afternoon.

Tonight, the cheeses are Barely Buzzed (espresso and lavender hand-rubbed with hints of butterscotch and caramel), Manchego and blue cheese. Hot foods are bbq meatballs, chicken corn chowder and some new rice dish. The crispy bread was excellent – not the rye, not the olive. The meats were a chorizo and salami. Overall, it was one of the best combinations. I loved both the chorizo and salami and the barely buzzed cheese was outstanding.

New friends Chris (sister of Holli’s ex) and hubby Jerry arrived, having checked in this afternoon, and they were terrific people! Chris & family left for Epcot after enjoying the food, leaving the 4 of us at the table. We had a fabulous time sharing stories of travels. It’s a shame SB wasn’t here as they’re a fan of the Orioles and attend games there. SB is heading up to Baltimore at the end of September and I know he’d met these people he’d look forward to seeing them up there.

Chris & Amanda texted to say their bad luck on rides had continued – earlier every attraction they did at Magic Kingdom had some stupid guest issue, and now the skyliner was stopped. They eventually got moving again and headed back to the resort. We were all still there in the lounge, having enjoyed the desserts. They joined us in the lounge, and Ari immediately hit it off with Chris, which concerned Holli since Ari gave her a play doh engagement ring a few years ago. Males can be so fickle <g>.

Eventually we all retreated to our respective rooms. I need to get Holli’s key from her before she leaves, so I can continue to access the lounge tomorrow. Once I check out and check into my non-club level room my magic band won’t work for lounge access even though I am entitled to be there until midnight.

Today was a delightful relaxing day, which passed all too quickly! The cloudy pool time was disappointing but more comfortable. It was great to finally meet & spend time with Barry – such a nice guy and a very talented magician. The evening in the lounge was great, and meeting Chris & Jerry was an unexpected bonus. They heard about this place via Holli, who was here via me. This is their second stay – they’re hooked.

Tomorrow is my last full day (big BOO HOO) and I’ will be checking out of my club level studio and checking into an ordinary studio to save dvc points. The ordinary room is about half the points, and while that’s not huge when you only have 150 points at this resort it’s a necessity. I plan to enjoy the pool in the morning and relax in the lounge for the afternoon. I’ll store my stuff in Chris’ room until mine is ready and we’ll have one last evening in the concierge lounge.

Thanks for your review and the AKL concierge are my favorite since I usually get a December trip there every year which I did get this year. After talking to my group we have decided to to two trips per year to concierge since I have 250 points at AKL son we will try for the end of September.

DAY 6 – Monday 9/04/23
Who: Sue (64), DVC Member

Plan: Possible Gideon’s, Drive to Gainesville

Actual: I slept well, although this room wasn’t as silent as my last one. Around midnight I could hear what sounded like carts being rolled around on a cement floor, but I have no idea what it might have been. I think there’s a cast member area next to me but what would anyone be doing in the middle of the night? Around 5 I heard what sounded like thunder, but I got up and turned on the tv to find there’s no weather out there at all.

I made my cappuccino and decided cookies from Gideon’s are the last things I need after all the food I’ve eaten this trip. Also sweating outside in the line to get in wasn’t very appealing, so I decided to skip Gideon’s this trip. Around 7:15 I got up and got ready to head home. Part of I-75 is shut down on the southbound side (I’m traveling north) so hopefully that doesn’t create a nightmare drive.

I made a quick trip to Mara for a bagel – not my normal breakfast but since I’d gotten the quiche earlier in the trip didn’t want to do that again. I did my check out via the app and was out the door around 7:30. Traffic was light, and I felt bad for the hordes of people having to exit the southbound side of I-75 due to the closure. There was a big semi-truck that had jack knifed and was laying sideways across the highway. I pulled in right about 9:30, which gave me plenty of time to do my laundry, go into the office and catch up with some of the recorded shows while I was away.

I only took a small number of pictures this trip (besides the few on facebook) but did put them in an album on Snapfish www.snapfish.com/share?via=link&lc=en_US&locale=en_US&token=ucjdG1Px2x6Yk2qTFz5WcQ/SFO/27953446084060/SNAPFISH

Overall, it was a really nice trip – relaxing and fun spending time with friends. I don’t miss the parks at all this time of year. I’m undecided on whether I’ll try for club level next Labor Day weekend. I enjoy it but might wait for a cooler weather weekend (like January). Guess I have almost a month to figure it out!

The next trip will be with SB for Food & Wine Festival. All of the park reservations are Epcot (no surprise there, lol). We’ll arrive Sunday 10/22, get settled and then enjoy Food & Wine Festival Monday through Thursday, going home Friday. We’ve got a 1-bedroom villa at Boardwalk for this trip. Not long after that we’re doing a long weekend Nov 9th in a 2br at Beach Club with Chris’ family. Should be fun – and hopefully cooler!