Dreams Do Come True in New Orleans WDW 2.2012 Relocation Prep

foreverbelle · Mar 26, 2012

OK sweet ride!! I am so jealous right now. I had this dream back when I was a teenager of driving A1A up and down Florida in a white convertible! It has been my mission to make this a reality just once, this pic reminds me I need to do it...seriously even if it is just renting one for a day I will have my dream.

And how awesome is the Tower of Terror photo. I mean that is one to go in a book somewhere, frame it or whatever but I don't blame you for keeping it. I would have totally done the same thing.

And yeah for finding houses in the area that you like, isn't it amazing when you find the neighborhood and its like this is it...this is the neighborhood!!

Great that you have a friend down there. I know that has dif got to be an added bonus.

PeoplemoverTTA · Mar 26, 2012

Fashionista007 said:
I still need to see the Coruscant scene!!

I've been on Star Tours 2.0 four times and EVERY time I've been to Coruscant :lol: And EVERY time I've had Ackbar!

I'm so jealous every time I see people who have had different variations. The life of a geek

Fashionista007 · Mar 26, 2012

diddy_mouse said:
You know what's funny, Jason's sweatshirt matches the colors of the bellhops costumes in that ToT picture. I almost didn't see him! :lol:

Haha yeah his shirt does match the ToT costume! I of course stick out like a sore thumb. I even tried to think of a pose but I always end up making the exact same face on every ride :hammer:

foreverbelle said:
OK sweet ride!! I am so jealous right now. I had this dream back when I was a teenager of driving A1A up and down Florida in a white convertible! It has been my mission to make this a reality just once, this pic reminds me I need to do it...seriously even if it is just renting one for a day I will have my dream.

And how awesome is the Tower of Terror photo. I mean that is one to go in a book somewhere, frame it or whatever but I don't blame you for keeping it. I would have totally done the same thing.

And yeah for finding houses in the area that you like, isn't it amazing when you find the neighborhood and its like this is it...this is the neighborhood!!

Great that you have a friend down there. I know that has dif got to be an added bonus.

I know I still can't believe how lucky we got with the rental car. While we were driving by the Disney buses Jason said he felt like we were now on the outside. I said no, we're on the inside. THEY'RE on the outside :sohappy:

We definitely felt "the feeling" while driving through the neighborhood. It's really nice when both husband and wife agree on something so huge as a house 100%. Neither of us have any doubts that we will be happy there!

I feel like I have SO many friends down there! Not everyone lives in Orlando but they visit often so we'll always have friends to hang out with. Most people I've met online in the past year except for my very good friend who I've known since high school. I can't wait to meet even more people after we move!

PeoplemoverTTA said:
I've been on Star Tours 2.0 four times and EVERY time I've been to Coruscant :lol: And EVERY time I've had Ackbar!

I'm so jealous every time I see people who have had different variations. The life of a geek

No way you've seen Coruscant every single time?? That's too funny! I guess I've ridden it 4 times now too. I'd love to go on a light day and ride it 10 times in a row just to document what I get. Hah talk about geeks <insert nerd emote here>.

enchanted_belle · Mar 27, 2012

PeoplemoverTTA said:
I've been on Star Tours 2.0 four times and EVERY time I've been to Coruscant :lol: And EVERY time I've had Ackbar!

I'm so jealous every time I see people who have had different variations. The life of a geek

Fashionista007 said:
No way you've seen Coruscant every single time?? That's too funny! I guess I've ridden it 4 times now too. I'd love to go on a light day and ride it 10 times in a row just to document what I get. Hah talk about geeks <insert nerd emote here>.

..... I really want to do that now. Thanks Shel. :lookaroun

Fashionista007 · Mar 27, 2012

enchanted_belle said:
..... I really want to do that now. Thanks Shel. :lookaroun

Hah no problem

Maybe we can do that in September!!

Fashionista007 · Mar 29, 2012

Day 3: Animal Kingdom & Realtor Meeting

The first stop of the day was Sassagoula for breakfast. I had a balanced meal of sausage and fruit. Jason had pancakes, bacon, and fruit.

After a yummy breakfast, we drove over to Animal Kingdom. Parking is a bit more confusing there because we didn't see any numbers on the specific rows. At the other parks, the rows are clearly marked. Oh well. I still prefer to driving and parking vs. taking the bus!

We explored the Tree of Life garden first. I love this area, it's so quiet and peaceful!

And here it is, the (other) backside of water!!

We headed over to Asia and did some shopping along the way. I started taking pictures of things I wanted for our new house!

I love the ABC show Once Upon a Time, I have to get this pillow!

Fashionista007 · Mar 29, 2012

I'm happy to see Jessica Rabbit merch! I love Who Framed Roger Rabbit, I think many of you know that is where my online name comes from - WaltSentMe007. It's a combination of 2 things I love: Roger Rabbit and James Bond

We stopped at our favorite Animal Kingdom watering hole - Drinkwallah! We really like the slushies

As we walked through Asia, I noticed that the Kodak picture spots were still there. I found this confusing since Kodak pulled out of Journey Into Imagination over at EPCOT and we figured the picture spots would soon be gone as well.

Then we took a leisurely walk through the Maharajah Jungle Trek!

Fashionista007 · Mar 29, 2012

While I was taking pictures, a family with small children came around. Usually when this happens, I move out of the way because I have had so many bad experiences with people getting in my way while I'm taking pictures, especially at Animal Kingdom. I was pleasantly surprised when the whole family, including the kids, recognized I was taking pictures and they got out of my way! Thank you, polite family, you made it possible to take this awesome photo of a tiger yawning!! +1 for good manners

I really like this mural and I've always wanted to get a picture! Luckily the crowds were down so I was finally able to!

We finished our trek and made our way over to Expedition Everest! I noticed this cool fountain on the way.

We rode Expedition Everest and I screamed my head off! A funny little girl behind us kept saying "I dont like this!" and then at the end of the ride she said "Is it over? Can we ride again?" TOO FUNNY!!

We decided our next stop would be Finding Nemo the Musical which Jason had never seen before. He loved it! I cried of course because the message is that you need to let your children find their own way. You have to let go. Some people are having a hard time letting Jason and I go since we decided to move to Florida. I hope they can understand this is our adventure and has nothing to do with them.

We started to make our way back to the entrance since we were going to meet with our Realtor soon! On the way I found more merch that I want after we move. I am so excited that I will be able to wear my Disney clothes anytime! I have a pile of clothes that I don't wear often at home. I remember once I was in a grocery store wearing my Nerds Rock shirt, Mickey crocs, Mickey shorts, and Nerds Rock tote bag. I noticed people staring at me and I now think twice about what I wear when I'm at home! But now home will be Florida so I'll blend right in

Fashionista007 · Mar 29, 2012

These next 2 are for Jason!

We ate lunch at Flame Tree BBQ and split the ribs/chicken combo. Neither of us have much of an appetite on this trip! It was delicious as usual!

On our way out, I found more awesome Nerds Rock merch!! I LOVE that they are expanding this line and I must have it all!

One day when I have saved up enough, I'll be able to buy the smallest Disney Dooney

I really love this subtle Expedition Everest shirt!

Fashionista007 · Mar 29, 2012

We drove back to our hotel and rested up for the reason we came here in the first place, to meet with our realtor!

We drove to the first house and met our Realtor, Amy Reed. She was really great, the house was not. It was small and had no carpet which Jason informed me is not ideal for children. The pool was a mess! That one was a no for sure. I didn't even take pictures, we knew pretty quickly that wasn't the one.

The second house was our first pick from our drive around the previous day. It was absolutely perfect, we both agreed. The only problem was the Realtor info said no pets! We have 2 kittens, Merlin and Mim. Amy said she would check on it for us. We were feeling so upset because we really wanted this house!

I positively LOVED the kitchen! I cook a lot and the other houses we saw had very small kitchens. Every house we saw was marketed as a "vacation home" so I think they expect people will eat out more which is why the kitchens are small. I expect to cook 3 - 5 times a week so I need a good kitchen! Plus, at Christmas I like to make yummy baked goods so I need a lot of counter space.

We were also specifically looking for a house with a pool and spa. I wanted the spa because when we move I am going to become involved in Run Disney so I think my muscles will need it!! We were very impressed to see that the house had been kept up very well and everything was immaculate. I'm a huge clean freak so seeing the sparkling clean pool was enough for me!

The house is in a golf course community and the views are spectacular!

We weren't going to go to the last house at all but then we thought we might want to have a backup just in case our favorite house wouldn't allow pets. So, we went to the third house and it was god awful. There was graffiti on the lanai and there was water damage. That one was definitely a no. I would be really embarrassed if I owned that house!

We made a plan to meet with Amy in the lobby of Port Orleans French Quarter the next morning. If we found out that the house we liked didnt allow pets, we would select 3 alternates to view. Sigh. After dinner with Mom, we spent the evening in the hotel room pouring over other listings just in case we needed to be prepared. Nothing was as perfect as the house we wanted but we selected alternates anyway. It was a very tense evening, we just weren't sure what was going to happen.

foreverbelle · Mar 29, 2012

Kudos to the family who decided to let you take that incredible pictures. How awesome is that. Believe me my husband and I just got back from Europe and while we have some amazing shots, there are plenty were people didn't care at all..it would be nice for one without someones head..

Oh I remember those looking for the houses day. We saw some awful houses ourselves, but hang in there. I know it will come. I know our house isn't perfect but we were able to get a lot better than the awful ones we saw in the early stages of looking.

And I agree I LOVE ONCE UPON A TIME just out of curiosity do you know if there i OUAT merchandise at all? Because I would pretty much be in trouble if there was.

Fashionista007 · Mar 31, 2012

foreverbelle said:
Kudos to the family who decided to let you take that incredible pictures. How awesome is that. Believe me my husband and I just got back from Europe and while we have some amazing shots, there are plenty were people didn't care at all..it would be nice for one without someones head..

Oh I remember those looking for the houses day. We saw some awful houses ourselves, but hang in there. I know it will come. I know our house isn't perfect but we were able to get a lot better than the awful ones we saw in the early stages of looking.

And I agree I LOVE ONCE UPON A TIME just out of curiosity do you know if there i OUAT merchandise at all? Because I would pretty much be in trouble if there was.

Yes I am always happy when I encounter good manners in the parks, especially from an entire family!! The kids were pretty young too, they looked tween-ish about 8 - 10!

I didn't notice any Once Upon a Time merch but I'm sure it's coming. The show is REALLY good now! I usually watch it on Hulu on Mondays but last week I actually watched live television for the first time in over a year :lol:

Fashionista007 · Mar 31, 2012

Day 4 Fate Stepped in to See Us Through!

We woke up feeling hopeless about the house and we even discussed not moving at all. If our favorite house wouldn't allow pets, maybe it wasnt meant to be.

Then, I got a call from our Realtor, Amy Reed, and she said the landlord would allow our kittens! She was so sweet to call first thing in the morning, it wasn't even 9AM yet. She just needed some photos of our fuzzy little pals to follow protocol! Of course our iPhones were loaded with pics of our kittens!!

I sent this picture of Merlin, he's our Tuxedo cat! We love his crazy eyebrows, it just makes him look more like the Disney version of Merlin

And this is a cute photo I shot of Mim smiling while she was sleeping. She does that a lot, she's a very happy kitten! I think it also looks like she's doing the "Buddy Christ" pose

I wasn't sure if the landlord would be freaked out by black cats so I also put a note in my email that in the Japanese culture, black cats get rid of bad luck.

Hallelujah, our prayers were answered and we wouldn't need to see anymore houses! We were so excited because we were 99.99% sure our application would be approved. We had recently worked very hard to clean up our credit issues from when I was unemployed for 10 months in 2008. Fate had once again stepped in to see us through. This was our house and we knew it!

Feeling like we were on top of the world, we went over to Sassagoula and had breakfast. I had beignets and they were so delicious that I didn't get to take a picture! Then we waited for Amy in the lobby and I made a wish in the fountain. Hmm guess what I wished for?

Amy arrived right on time and we went to the outside tables at Sassagoula to handle the rental application paperwork. Easy peasy! She had already told me what I needed to bring: copies of our drivers licenses, last 2 paystubs, and proof that I would not be changing jobs since I work from home (I used a copy of my offer letter). We had everything in order and the application would be approved in 3 - 5 days! We really didn't have any concern there. We parted ways and thanked Amy for all her hard work, she had really helped us and we appreciated it. I had actually tried to work with a few other Realtors but they didn't seem keen on email. Amy was the only one who responded to my email within 1 hour and she sent me listings the very next day. She also worked with me on the bazillion questions I sent her about every single property I was interested in! I highly recommend her!

Jason and I went back to the hotel room to rest and talk things over. We had a LOT to do now! He called friends and family members while I updated social media. The response was overwhelming! People were so happy for us and welcoming us to Florida. I cried big crocodile tears like Alice in Wonderland as I responded to everyone!! Jason got me tissues

It finally hit me, this was real and I was living the dream!

We decided to go to Magic Kingdom. It was a really nice day and we drove with the top down! We parked at the Transportation and Ticket Center and walked to the Polynesian. Jason had never been there and I hadn't been there since my first trip to WDW in 1988!

Fashionista007 · Mar 31, 2012

We took the monorail over to the Magic Kingdom and we got to see what was going on with construction over at the Grand Floridian. Needless to say, we were very glad to have gotten married before the construction vehicles were there! I took a few pics from across the lagoon, at least you can't see the construction too much from here. The construction is on the left of the resort in between the resort and the Wedding Pavilion.

Then, we went to play Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom. My Mom and I had picked up 2 packs of cards already but I forgot where we were supposed to go so we picked up another pack with a new key card. It's a cute game but it took too long because there were lines at every portal. It was also confusing as to what to do. Most of the time, the cards didnt work. We tried waving them and holding them out straight, sometimes it worked, sometimes it didn't. One guest told us that the cards were being sold on eBay! I checked my eBay app and sure enough, the full deck was going for upwards of $200! Overall, we were a bit disappointed with it

I think it would be better at night when there are less children. One kid actually started pushing Jason while he was trying to play, it was nuts! Also from a gaming perspective, the game is just too easy for us. We were hoping for a challenge but basically any card you use will get the job done. I believe there are harder modes but you have to make it through the easy ones first? I would like to give it another shot when the park isn't so busy.

This was really the first trip where we had no agenda in the parks. We walked around aimlessly since we would be Florida residents soon! We caught the Main Street Philharmonic in Liberty Square and Jason actually ran to see them, he loves them so much! That is a magical memory for me, seeing my husband run to watch them

He also took some videos, you can see them on his YouTube Channel.

Fashionista007 · Mar 31, 2012

I was hungry so we went over to Pecos Bill's. I had never eaten there and I got the taco salad. YUM!!

We were pretty tired from all the emotional excitement plus I had forgotten sunscreen so we decided to head back to the hotel. We caught the Main Street Philharmonic again on Main Street

On the way out, I wanted to see if Mickey was in talking mode. We hadn't seen his new home at the Town Square Theater and luckily there was no line! I was glad to see a nod to Scrooge McDuck in there

While we were waiting, Jason noticed a crunching noise. It was coming from the rabbit in the hat, presumably eating carrots!

I love the Rehearsal Schedule - Let's All Be There On Time!

Mickey was not in talking mode but I didn't care. I am always happy to see Mickey and Minnie!!

We rested up at the hotel and then made our way to EPCOT in our neato convertible

We had plans later that evening to have a celebratory dinner at Teppan Edo with the Petermann family of TheRelocatedTourist.com!

Fashionista007 · Mar 31, 2012

As we made our way to World Showcase, we had a chance to see some of the topiaries being unveiled for the Flower and Garden Festival.

But first we needed alcohol! We started in Canada where Jason had a beer and I had an apple ice wine. Oh my it was good!! We sat near the waterfall and talked about all the good things that were coming our way! It was a Zip-a-dee-doo-dah Day!

As we left Canada, a nice older couple stopped us to ask about O Canada. We ended up talking to them for almost 20 mins! We told them we were newlyweds and they said they were celebrating their 54th Wedding Anniversary. Of course we had to ask them for advice! I hope Jason and I are that happy in 54 years. They even took a picture of us and I gave them one of my business cards so they could send us the picture! I call exchanging addresses "old school Facebook"

A few weeks later, we got a card from them in the mail and they sent us a book called The Secret of Family Happiness. I love Disney people, they are so thoughtful!

We continued drinking our way around the world until we reached Japan where my Mom was waiting for us. We didn't wait long before the Petermann family arrived as well. While we waited for our table, we talked about everything from our move to gaming

We quickly found that we were all kindred spirits!

When our table was ready, we climbed up the steep staircase to Teppan Edo. Jason and I had taken bridal portraits in there but we had never eaten there. It was the first time eating there for everyone in our party!

We had an absolute blast. The Petermann's hadn't really had sushi before so I got us some California rolls for an appetizer.

Proof that Amy tried her first sushi!

The chef came out and she was wonderful! She was very energetic and funny. We told her about our relocation and she was genuinely happy for us! The food was as amazing as the company! I shot some videos on my iPhone (sorry next time I will hold it sideways) of the very talented chef! You can view them on my YouTube Channel.

Fashionista007 · Mar 31, 2012

At the end of dinner, we started talking more about our move and I burst into happy tears right at the table! If you didn't know already, I'm a__crier__

After dinner we all watched Illuminations together. I couldn't help the tears there either. The line "We go on, through the joy and through the tears" really resonated with me. Jason and I have been through so much together. I still can't believe what we have achieved together in the last 3 years (and 6 years overall). We were literally broke with 18 cents in our checking account at one point. But, we worked together to fix our financial woes and now here we are! I am a lucky girl indeed.

We walked out with the Petermanns and I felt very blessed indeed to have found such wonderful new friends. I cannot wait to see them again when we move in just a few short weeks!!

Fashionista007 · Mar 31, 2012

Day 5 Back to Reality...For Now

This was our last day but we were ready to go home to get our relocation on! We got up very early, packed, checked out, and checked our luggage with the Magical Express. The biggest tip I can give anyone regarding Magical Express is to check your luggage EARLY. In 2010 when we stayed at Animal Kingdom Lodge, I stood in line around 10AM for over an hour. After that, we've always checked our luggage around 7AM and there is no line.

We had a very nice final breakfast at Sassagoula. No photos here since we had the same thing basically every day! We drove Mom in our convertible to show her the house we picked. She loved it of course! We drove with the top down and we noticed that the neighborhood had orange trees so it smelled like oranges. I can't wait to live there!!!

We drove the car back to Alamo and got a shuttle to EPCOT. Our experience with renting a car at Disney was very easy! Everything went to plan and we didn't have any problems. I wasn't sure if we could get a shuttle directly to one of the parks but you can get a shuttle to any Disney resort, Downtown Disney, or any park.

We wanted to ride Soarin so our first stop was the Land pavilion to get Fastpasses. Then we rode Journey Into Imagination (sans Kodak) and the Seas which Mom had never ridden and really enjoyed!

We stopped for a Blue Raspberry Slushie, see a theme here? We love our slushies!

I noticed some music I hadn't heard before so I shot some video right next to a speaker. I know they were testing new background music at EPCOT that week, I'm not sure if this music was a part of that. You can check it out on my YouTube Channel.

We caught the Jammitors which Jason had not seen before. He loved it!

We got in a very short line for Chip & Dale, yay low crowds!

I asked them why they weren't in their Rescue Ranger outfits and they struck a pose!

Fashionista007 · Mar 31, 2012

We had a nice leisurely day at EPCOT. We rode Soarin and got perfect seats! Then we made our way over to World Showcase where we shopped in Canada and split some fish & chips in UK.

We started making our way back to the emtrance and we rode Spaceship Earth. I picked the healthy living option and it was too funny! We were really tired so we closed our eyes on purpose when the picture was taken. I wish I had gotten the picture but the kiosks were full and we didn't feel like waiting. It's ok, we'll be back REAL soon!

We left EPCOT and went back to the hotel. We had to take the bus, ugh

We went for lunch at Sassagoula one last time. Jason and I split the shrimp po boy, it was so good!! The bread and the sauce make this one of the best sandwiches I've ever had in my life! Seriously the sauce was so good I was wondering if it was made of angel tears

Finally, it was time to say goodbye. We got the Magical Express and were on our way back to MCO. Generally this is where I stop the trip report but we had such a horrible experience on DME that I have to write about it. First of all, our driver had a very thick accent and no one could understand him. I have a travel app called TripIt that I pay a service fee for yearly and it texts me my flight info. It is never wrong. My app said terminal A and my Mom asked the driver which terminal and he said B. my Mom wasn't sure he knew what she was talking about so she asked him again. He was very rude and said he already told her terminal B. So we got back on the bus. On the way to the next terminal a car in front of us went the wrong way and blocked one of the three entrance gates, and it was not the gate we were approaching. I'm not sure why but the driver got all ed off and honked and yelled. It was pure unadulterated road rage and it was not acceptable from a DME driver. My Mom was about to ask him about the terminal again but I stopped her because frankly the dude scared me. I have never seen a DME driver act like that, this guy was bonkers. We did not tip him and I have never not tipped a DME driver. Luckily the terminal he told us was correct but it wouldn't have mattered anyway because of the layout of the MCO airport. All terminals lead into a large central hub anyway. The DME experience was so bad that I am going to write to guest services about it. I was seriously__appalled__at the drivers' behavior.

Other than the bad DME experience, we had an awesome trip! We found the house of our dreams and met new and old friends. One week later, we were approved for our house and we set the move date! We cannot wait to move down in April 2012 and become FL residents!!!!!

Fashionista007 · Mar 31, 2012

That's a Wrap!

Holy cow, I cannot believe we are moving THIS WEEK!!! Jason and I are so excited and this weekend will be super busy so I wanted to just go ahead and finish up my trip report while I had the chance :sohappy: We're leaving in just 6 days and it will take us about 14hrs to drive from Baltimore to Orlando, 946 miles straight down 95! Our plan is to leave around 7PM and we will drive all night (Jason will probably drive most of the time, I'm expecting to take over in the early morning because I'm a morning person, he's more nocturnal). I am praying for a totally uneventful and smooth drive down!

Dreams Do Come True in New Orleans WDW 2.2012 Relocation Prep

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