An Island Frame of Mind (A Cam and Luke Trip Report) COMPLETED 8/6 - Page 5 - PassPorter - A Community of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and General Travel Forums
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I had a question about transportation to DHS from Poly for S WE. How was it? Did you get there early? Just thinking about next year and where to stay.
We had to wait a little bit, maybe 5 - 10 minutes, for a DHS bus, but it got us there just passed opening, which was our plan. We didn't want to be in the opening mob scene.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Terrio
Great start to your trip report! Last time I went to Nashville, they were just getting ready to build Opry Mills. If I remember correctly, they built it where Opryland was. We drove past a field of dirt that still had the Opryland sign and a coming soon sign for Opry Mills.
You are correct. In fact a little of Opryland used to remain, but since the restoration after the flood, it is all gone now.
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First off, Welcome to the Boards Pam!!! I was so excited when I logged in today to see that you started your TR Cam You're one of my favorite TR writers and I always look forward to you beginning after a trip It sounds like you had a smooth start so far with the exception of that darn spider! I'm with you on having a strong dislike for those little buggers! Can't wait to see your new Vera Bradley bag and your new bathing suit! I'm so particular about two piece bathing suits that I usually just wear a one piece but I'll have to check out the Aerie website! Can't wait for more.
You are so sweet! And I just realized I haven't taken a photo of either the VB bag or the bathing suit. That will be on my list of things to do for tomorrow.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dlandmom2
Happy to hear Pam has joined us here! Hi, Pam!
I'm looking forward to hearing about your adventures. They're always wonderful!
I was now driving. The traffic had grown in the early afternoon, so it was quite busy until we slowed to a stop just past Murfreesboro, Tennessee. For almost 8 miles we only inched ahead a little at time. At the end of the 8 miles, we saw the horrible aftermath of a car crash. In the opposite lanes a mini-van and trailer were turned on their sides across both lanes. The worst part was that they were a charred, burned out mess. Even the grass in the median was scorched all the way across to our side. I’ve tried finding something about it on the internet, but not found anything. So scary and so sad.
Way Point #4 -- I drove until we were atop Monteagle where we stopped at a McDonald’s BP for gas, a bio break, ice, and one bag of M&M (our little reward for the weight loss before the trip).
From here, Luke drove down Monteagle and out of Tennessee into Georgia.
Way Point #5 – We stopped at a Wendy’s somewhere in Georgia as my bladder seems quite small today. But it also gave us time to stretch and walk a bit. Around 7:00, we exited the interstate in search of dinner. We finally decided on Taco Bell to go, hoping it would be an easy meal for Luke to eat while driving. We also visited the restrooms here. I’m not kidding about my small bladder this day. Unfortunately, this did not turn out to be an easy meal for Luke to eat while driving nor me while riding. Both of us managed to spill part of dinner on our shirts.
Driving through Atlanta on a Sunday late afternoon/early evening (6:00 PM) isn’t so bad as rush hour. I felt comfortable enough to grab a few photos so I can do a road trip layout in the scrapbook. We even witnessed numerous planes flying overhead, making their way to the Atlanta airport.
Notice the plane just over the interstate.
At 9:30 we arrived at Way Point #6 our hotel for the night, the Hampton Inn in Valdosta, Georgia. The room was spacious and well appointed, making two tired travelers very happy. Luke got all our electronics and phones hooked up to the battery charging station on his nightstand while I unpacked clothes for tomorrow. I also tried on my new swimsuit and spot cleaned both our shirts. The stains came out of my top easily, but I had to work on Luke’s monorail t-shirt again when we got to Disney. Room Review – large bathroom in contrast to the teeny bathroom we had in Macon back in December where some of you may remember that Luke had to step over the toilet to get in the shower/tub. Our room and the hotel itself were very clean with a nice décor. The mattress was quite comfortable. I got ready for bed and even set up the shower for tomorrow. Then I climbed in bed to quickly check e-mails, phone texts, and FB messages for Mother’s Day. At 10:40 my head hit the pillow and I was out. Only I was awakened a while later, maybe an hour, by something running outside. Then around 3:00 AM I simply woke up and only napped off and often afterwards. Disney excitement was really kicking in.
Steps = 7, 862 Miles = 2.94
This was quite a bit less than normal for us, but then we did spend the biggest part of the day traveling in the car.
Scary accident to come across. Glad it wasn't you!
Thanks for the info on the bus situation! I'm very indecisive about where to stay next year.
I did wonder if we hadn't stopped at Oprymills if we'd have been closer to where the wreck happened. Just glad we were not. We had originally booked Beach Club for the easy access to both DHS and Epcot with SWW and F&GF. But we couldn't pass up a chance to stay at the Poly, and it did work out nicely.
Taco Bell seems like such a messy choice for driving food! Sorry you both havd some spillage! The room looks so comfortable & I'm guessing you'd stay there again on future trips?
I had to laugh when I saw your photo of Mounteagle. We were traveling with a friend who had planned on us spending the night somewhere right before Nashville. However, FanFair changed our plans and we drove all the way to Mounteagle before we found a room.
The Hampton Inn in Valdosta is very nice, in fact they have somewhat become our stopping point of preference anymore. Hamptons have been consistently clean, comfy and large. The breakfasts have always been good. Maybe we have been lucky. Love the photos of 'no traffic' in Atlanta!
I was off the boards most of the weekend and that's not wise when there's a Cam TR in progress! A lot to catch up on already! You had a pretty easy drive down so far, with the exception of the horrible, scary accident. So glad Pam is PassPorter member now and hope to see her posting once she feels comfortable.
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It sounds like you had a smooth start so far with the exception of that darn spider!
Our room and the hotel itself were very clean with a nice décor. The mattress was quite comfortable. I got ready for bed and even set up the shower for tomorrow. Then I climbed in bed to quickly check e-mails, phone texts, and FB messages for Mother’s Day. At 10:40 my head hit the pillow and I was out. Only I was awakened a while later, maybe an hour, by something running outside. Then around 3:00 AM I simply woke up and only napped off and often afterwards. Disney excitement was really kicking in. 
Disney Magic - Oct 2015
Parlor Panther in 'stalking mode'
PassPorter Guide Author
Previous trips: POFQ 2005 & 2007, Boardwalk 2008, BCV & AKLV 2009 (our honeymoon) & 2012, BCV & BLT 2011, BCV 2013, AKLV 2014
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