Disney Vacation and MouseFest 2008

Trip report for December 10th, 2008

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Who's Who on our trip and who went along for the ride:

Me -- Erin "RoguePony" - This was a very special MouseFest for me: it's my first as a member of All Ears Net.

John - beloved husband, "Johnny Black" on a lot of boards.

Casey the Little Dog: -- a toy fox terrier and Canine American Princess.

Morgan "the Big Dog" -- American mutt, and our hugging dog.

Elphie the bug: -- a pug-terrier mix

We looked forward to this vacation for a long time! It was going to be a great trip with seeing friends and being part of MouseFest.

If you don't know what MouseFest is or haven't really heard it's history:

Walt Disney once said, "All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them." MouseFest is a real-life example of Walt's quote.

Several years ago, Deb Wills, Editor-in-Chief of ALL EARS™ was attending the annual December gathering of the Usenet newsgroup RADP (rec.arts.disney.parks) at Walt Disney World. In talking with meet attendees, she realized RADP was not unique -- that there were other similar Disney Internet communities that also had well-established followings. She thought to herself how incredible it would be if someone could bring the various Disney communities together somehow. Over the next few years Deb saw Internet groups devoted to Disney blossom, and even more communities, such as DIS and Intercot, held their own gatherings at WDW throughout the year.

As Deb met these folks, she found that many of them participated in several different groups -- as one reader told her, "There is a lot of cross-pollinating!" Some of them were torn, wanting to attend the meetings of each of their cyber-groups, but unable to travel to WDW multiple times a year. After mulling it over for some time, Deb decided to try to make her dream a reality. She began by talking to a few unofficial Disney webmasters about coordinating the Disney Internet community get-togethers for one weekend in December. The concept of MouseFest was born.

Instead of small gatherings throughout the year of different groups, people came together, on the cruise, in the parks, many meeting in person for the first time friends they had made in cyberspace. They not only met people from their own groups, but made new friends because of the opportunity to be together in one place of celebration.

Deb Wills' dream came true. One Disney community was born from all these splintered groups.

Or as someone said: "We have created a Disney 'Learning Community'... MouseFest has shown that that we have touched people's lives in a way that brings them joy with their love for Disney and Walt Disney World."

And from Deb Wills:
Each year MouseFest has grown in official participants and attendees. Each year it's an opportunity to see old friends and make new ones. It reminds me of being young and not wanting to sleep a minute for fear of missing something!!!
MouseFest is Magical Moments...

... it is when the only language you need to speak is laughter and joy...

...it is spending time with the AllEars® team that works so hard all year long to bring you the magic...

...it is hugs and tears of joy with a dear friend...

And now to the trip report: Day 1 - Wednesday, December 10th 2008

And a good time was had by all! What a great start to the vacation! I was aggravated at first; we couldn't get into either of the loops that we wanted. That bugs me; we're more on top of our neighbors in this site, with less privacy and no trees to add a nice atmosphere. No dog walk or the canal leading to the beach and the castle right behind us. Then I found out Flickr is acting up and not posting the things I send. Grrr!!!!! Plus, we thought we'd have all this time for setting up our decorations. Instead, it seemed like no time at all before we had things to do. But everything has gone so well since then.

We got our new Mickey lamp post from Gary; I went over to pick it up after I decorated the golf cart and unpacked. One nice change: you get the golf cart -- or electric cart as they call them -- right at check-in, and since check-in is done through the drive-thru lanes, it was all so simple. As we got here, I send a text to Gary & Carol, our friend Ed from back home, and John & Cathy A. John sent a text back: Welcome Home.

Yes, indeed.

So as my hubby John finished decorating, I got our Mickey lamp. After chit chatting with Carol & Gary, and finding out their dog Zak hurt his leg, we came back with the lamp. I gave Gary low dosage aspirin for Zak; our vet had recommended it for Morgan when she had hurt her leg. A quick whirlwind of getting ready and we were off to Trails End.

As you saw in the live post, we had 77 people all together! We hadn't seen some people since last year, while others we haven't seen since July. One person, Tacey, couldn't make it, so Betsy Ann made up a doll that looked like her. Someone else had a photo of Diznee Momma to represent her in pictures! Then John A. put in Imposter-kun, a cutout version of our friend Masayo's Ponnichi-kun bear.

Betsy Ann also told us that she had shown the Hershey Park photo -- the ones where we the women dressed like gunslingers & the men dressed like saloon girls -- to her father who has Alzheimers. She said he laughed for hours and then said, "Tell those guys to close their legs!" John said that if he could give an Alzheimers sufferer a few bright moments, then it was all worth it.

So it was a great time catching up with everyone, and Penne with Vodka Sauce had been added to the buffet! Yum!!

Will gave us all small LED flashlights that are fantastic. After photos and hugs, we went outside to start our Lights and Dogs tour. It went great! First, it gave everyone a chance to talk to one another as we walked around. Gary & Carol did a great job planning out our route. And for me, who so loves this resort, it was wonderful to share that with everyone. We showed them something they didn't know about -- how great a resort this is, and then to share the decorations with each other! We sang carols and took photos, and just had a ball. I had our golf cart, decorated with lights and a reindeer costume (antlers and red nose) and gave a ride to people who got tired of walking. When we were in Loop 300, our favorite, I asked Moley (her web name) and Robin if they'd like to see a surprise. We zipped up to the beach from the canal; I deliberately drove so we'd come around the corner and there would be the Castle with all its lights. Moley actually gasped. They both thanked me and I was so happy they enjoyed it as much as me.

We picked our dogs and our friend Mary Jane actually brought gourmet biscuits for them. We also picked up the treats as John drove up with our friend Ed. After getting turned around cutting through the loops, we all hung out at Gary and Carol's. That's when I turned on the webcam. Some people left until it was 8 of us just enjoying relaxing. My sister-in-law Ann and our friend Kim D. texted us with things that she saw on the webcam.

We dropped the dogs off to see the Water Electric parade at the marina. Then it was time to call it a night; John drove Ed back to his resort and I came to see how the dogs are.

I'm so happy that everyone enjoyed tonight. I can't wait to see their photos!

The wi-fi signal has gotten low so I'll have to post this another time; same thing with uploading the photos and videos.

Photo slideshow:

Photos for December 19th, 2008

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Photos for December 18th, 2008

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Photos for December 17th, 2008

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Photos for December 16th, 2008

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Photos for December 15th, 2008

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Photos for December 14th, 2008

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Photos for December 13th, 2008

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I did the photos for the PhotoWalk meet separately, so this is how we spent the EARLY morning. ;)

Then later in the day and night:

Photos for December 12th, 2008

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Photos for December 11th, 2008

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Photos for December 20th, 2008

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There be live posts ahead!

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All the posts after this (the older posts) are the live ones made during the trip! I'm keeping them posted even though the trip report I'm posting and the photos will duplicate some things, it's fun to see the posts, pictures, and videos as I did them from my phone.

I actually made more than what's here, but I had a problem with Flickr before I left, and in trying to fix it, I screwed up the address in my phone. I didn't find out about it and fix it until late in the vacation.

I hope you're enjoying the blog!

It's freezing cold, but we're

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It's freezing cold, but we're home.

Back in NJ and in

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Back in NJ and in last stretch.

Going pass the stadium where

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Going pass the stadium where the Eagles are tanking. What a great welcome. With the the delays, we won't be home til 9 - 10.

Passed the Iwa Jima memorial

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Passed the Iwa Jima memorial near Quanthco. So beautiful at night.

Stop for dinner

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Taco Bell: not exactly dinner at Epcot, but filling the belly.

We had to get the winter coats out for the first time in 10 days. Our sweatshirs weren't enough anymore. Anyone know where I put my gloves?

Virginia! And Rodney Dangerfield on

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Virginia! And Rodney Dangerfield on the radio!

Backseat drivers

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Backseat drivers, originally uploaded by eblackwell.

It's a good thing John has all that help.

Just passed a bad accident:

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Just passed a bad accident: car flipped over. Looks like no one was hurt, thank goodness.

At least weather is better.

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At least weather is better. Sun is out here and Lewis Black on CD. Stupid colds, though, knocking us out.

Oh man, we're 2 hours

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Oh man, we're 2 hours behind schedule. I had gone in the back for a nap. Didn't know it, but John pulled over to sleep. just wok

Storm just hit.

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Storm just hit.

Sky is turning BLACK! Uh

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Sky is turning BLACK! Uh oh....

Apparently we left a 8:00 wakeup call

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And its name is Casey "the Little Dog" Blackwell. Equally apparently, the wakeup call is only for us because Casey, Elphie, and Morgan are back in bed!

By the way, John gave me his cold. That's a heck of a thing to give your wife for Christmas!

Drove further than originally planned.

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Drove further than originally planned. Now stopped for the night at a Howard Johnsons. The campground where we had planned to spend the night closed its office before we got there.

The town where we're staying is Lumberton, the same town name where I worked. The woman at registration has the same last name as us. Ah, irony.

Watching Polar Express. I'd so

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Watching Polar Express. I'd so be perfect to work on that train.

South Carolina! Had dinner and

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South Carolina! Had dinner and will stop for the night when we hit North Carolina.

1220081651a.jpg

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1220081651a.jpg, originally uploaded by eblackwell.

We saw a pup so small, it could get its butt kicked by a hamster!

We just ledt Disney property

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We just ledt Disney property, originally uploaded by eblackwell.

Sniff... The signs are green!

Lunch!

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Lunch!, originally uploaded by eblackwell.

Getting something to go with our last dining credits

Goodbye Fort Wilderness

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Goodbye Fort Wilderness, originally uploaded by eblackwell.

We'll miss you.

Have to pack up and

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Have to pack up and leave. Dammit.

Now for one of the

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Now for one of the most important events: thedogs meet Santa.

Castle lighting!

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Castle lighting!, originally uploaded by eblackwell.

Parking my butt here

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Parking my butt here, originally uploaded by eblackwell.

To wait for the castle lighting ceremony

John may have flu

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John may have flu, originally uploaded by eblackwell.

Webcam is up!

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More of a view across the trees with the beach beyond. Very peaceful.

In fact, I think I'll take a nap. :)

LATER:

OMG, I really did fall asleep! LOL! The cord got kicked out and the battery ran out. What a goober!
Here's the video if you've missed this broadcast:
Live TV : Ustream

You can also see any of the Fort Wilderness webcam videos that I recorded here.

Everyone sing!

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Everyone sing!, originally uploaded by eblackwell.

That will be in your head all day

Paddle wheel

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Paddle wheel, originally uploaded by eblackwell.

Riverboat cruise

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Riverboat cruise, originally uploaded by eblackwell.

Perfect day..

Mmmmmm!

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Mmmmmm!, originally uploaded by eblackwell.

Mickey bar!

Up early for breakfast

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Up early for breakfast, originally uploaded by eblackwell.

So we can get in the park before it opened & get good pics!

Wishes from Fort Wilderness!

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Just saw Wishes from our beach path... wow.... I'm speechless

I got my niece her

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I got my niece her Christmas presents: I have her for our family pollyanna. I know she'll love 'em because I'd love to get 'em!

More lights

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More lights, originally uploaded by eblackwell.

Osbourne Lights in the snow!

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Osbourne Lights in the snow!, originally uploaded by eblackwell.

I'm in heaven!

Taginators look!

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Taginators look!, originally uploaded by eblackwell.

Woman had this at Epcot!

Carolers!

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Carolers!, originally uploaded by eblackwell.

At Trails End in Fort Wilderness

Laptop battery dying

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Looking for plug!

Animal Kingdom tree

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Animal Kingdom tree, originally uploaded by eblackwell.

Close up

John is still sick

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He's been sleeping, but he's starting to feel better. I gave him cold medicine and liquids for dehydration. He's hungry, so I'm going to make Trails End reservations.

I hope we can still see Osbourne Lights tonight; it's my only chance. But we'll have to see how things go with dinner and him.

Webcam is up!

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I'm broadcasting from our golf cart: the view is of the Fort Wilderness marina including a parasailor!

LATER: If you missed this broadcast, here's the video from it. You can even see me frolic! LOL!

Live TV : Ustream

John called: Casey's sick too.

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John called: Casey's sick too. Sick husband, sick dog... I'm headed back.

More: the CM called me

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More: the CM called me their Christmas angel & the boys kept chanting We love you!

We have extra counter credits

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We have extra counter credits because we kept sleeping through breakfast. So I just treated a teacher & 4 students 2 lunch.

Woman took off pants in

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Woman took off pants in ladies room to dry them under hand dryer!

Going to AK, home of

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Going to AK, home of best pastry ever: the bear claw! Got lots of night shots yesterday. Today: oasis, paths, & safari.

Waiting for a Saratoga bus

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Waiting for a Saratoga bus so we can go Downtown. I thought they gave DVC faster service. They must know we're frauds. Lol!

Gorgeous!

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I forgot how beautiful it is here at Animal Kingdom during the dusk and night time. The lighting is so gorgeous.

Time to say goodby to

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Time to say goodby to Epcot. Sniff...WAAH!

Sitting on a bench in

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Sitting on a bench in Norway before movie. 'people' are talking in houre about

Now we're doing Epcot countries

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Now we're doing Epcot countries and their holidays!

John collapsed so I'm organizing

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John collapsed so I'm organizing photos and trip notes. It's a beautiful night & I'm watching Mary Poppins. Just need Internet.

That exceeded my expectations! Gave

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That exceeded my expectations! Gave a good way to see pavilion details, unepextected interaction, and missions differ per guest.

Almost got myself killed getting

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Almost got myself killed getting a pic of a Disney cruise bus. the things I do for my obsessions.

Going to Pepper Market for

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Going to Pepper Market for breakfast & then Epcot. Hope to do holidays in the countries.

Boma is a buffet. John

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Boma is a buffet. John A. took my hubby John to the check-in desk and said, "You're losing money tonight!"

Headed for Boma in Animal

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Headed for Boma in Animal Kingdom Lodge for dinner with friends. It's our last with them: they go home tomorrow. I'm sad.

All of a sudden, I

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All of a sudden, I am really tired. I slept in too, but I'm going to go back and relax a bit.

On our way to Magic

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On our way to Magic Kingdom. John just told me we're not coming next year, so I'm going to absorb as much I can now.

Our Mickey lamp post is

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Our Mickey lamp post is shattered! we can't fix it! John says I didn't secure it enough and a breeze got it

Gary and Carol said the

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Gary and Carol said the new Canada is much better. 'They don't show us all as lumberjacks anymore!'

Hanging out at Le Cellier.

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Hanging out at Le Cellier. Our res is for later, but we're enjoying chatting with our friends who have an earlier one.

How many times do John:

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How many times do John: my fat is not a toy! he keeps making my waist a puppet: hello, my name is Roley!

I'm so glad Disney has

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I'm so glad Disney has healthy food options now. I'm eating a double chocolate muffin.

On our to Capture the

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On our to Capture the Magic - the photo scavenger hunt! My competive juices are already erupting! That's sad. :)

Waiting 4 Illuminations. I have

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Waiting 4 Illuminations. I have light up ears and a blanket tied like a cape. I am a fashion statement.

Rosebud made hand puppet of

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Rosebud made hand puppet of John in his Hershey Park dress!

Now in Mexico, my fave

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Now in Mexico, my fave pavilion, with mango marguerita!

Overslept! To make res, I

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Overslept! To make res, I had to pass up the MouseGears store! ME!

Headed for mega meet. This

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Headed for mega meet. This is where all the travel agents, authors, sites, and forums gather for the public. I'm with All Ears.

OMG, what am I doing

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OMG, what am I doing up at this hour?! Photo tour of the Boardwalk! (The moon is still out!)

Rock n roller coaster! 2nd

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Rock n roller coaster! 2nd row!

On the way Studios then

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On the way Studios then to Gaylord Palms!

We're ok! Neighbors said we

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We're ok! Neighbors said we never took care of dogs making them bark all day. Threatened to call humane society. we're happier

Nightmare neighbors!

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We just went thru a nightmare. Neighbors complained we were neglectful to dogs. Disney stuck up 4 us but we moved sites. Tired!

Back at Fort Wilderness. walked

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Back at Fort Wilderness. walked the dogs and will relax before going to dinner at the Grand Floridian Cafe.

Eggrolls, haunted mansion, and so

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Eggrolls, haunted mansion, and so many laughs! What a great time! When we finish here, it's tomorrowland time!

Raining but it's not stopping

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Raining but it's not stopping us! And it's supposed to clear up. Hanging out with cruise people hearing about Deb serving them!

Headed for the Contemporary. we'll

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Headed for the Contemporary. we'll get something to eat and then mousefest 101. It'll explain the special events this weekend.

Signing off!

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We're headed for the beach to see the water electric parade.

Webcam up!

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It's the people from Tagrel for our lights tour!!

LATER: If you missed the webcam live, here's the video:

Live Broadcast by Ustream.TV

This is fantastic! 77 people!

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This is fantastic! 77 people! We haven't seen in a year.

We're here!

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I don't know why Flickr didn't post the video of us coming here. We got in around 11:45am. I even had a video of Elphie and I driving around in the golf cart.

We didn't get the site we wanted, but we got Internet!

AND WE'RE IN FORT WILDERNESS!

That's the important thing. We got here safely and we'll have a good time.

The webcam is up and we get organized. I'll move it outside as we do decorations.

My chin got a zit!

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My chin got a zit! John's already teasing that he has to buy my friend a drink!

Stop for the night! We

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Stop for the night! We actually got here awhile ago and are figuring out dinner.

Georgia! Yay!

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Georgia! Yay!

Hello from Subway sandwich in South Carolina!

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A free wi-fi network somewhere around here has put us online. I have a little free program called The Go Button that finds them and logs us on. We're stopping here for lunch. I could start the webcam, but do you really want to see us eating sandwiches? I thought not.

Getting the van and RV washed put us a little behind schedule, but we're cool with it. We're around mile 150 in South Carolina which is halfway I think. Then Georgia and we stop for the night. The weather is still good; it's nice to be in a t-shirt again!

Ugh, I hate this part of the drive. These two states take so long to get through. And Rte 95 is really bumpy in the Carolinas. You need a sports bra to ride comfortably in these states.

Trucks all around. It's like

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Trucks all around. It's like the monster car episode of speed racer.