Non-football related stuff that really makes your day

[Panoptes]

That will be a memorable trip G.

That's the plan.

Certainly does sound like a great holiday, Panoptes. Can we look forward some Florida Xmas snaps in the family thread? Ask that Mickey Rat guy to put on a Maiden "Trooper" T, and get a picture together.
That name Mickey Rat, makes me think of my oldest son when he was about 4 or 5 years old. He said, "Actually dad, it's NOT Donald Duck. It's Donald Mallard." He was learning about birds and things at nursery.

Youngest son Scotty flies off to Florida this coming Friday with girlfriend and her parents. He's buzzing for it.

Memories are kept inside. Photos are for evidence.

[froot loops]

All I know about the Disney cruises is everyone I've spoken to like them a lot more than the other cruises. Take it with a grain of salt, most of these people live in Orlando and work for Disney. I've never taken a cruise, so I don't have an opinion.

[Panoptes]

We're vet cruisers but year after year the level of service and food quality for the most part continue to denigrate at alarming rates. Throw in sick ship syndromes and it is becoming a sad affair. Really wanted to get to the Turks and Caicos but it won't be this time.

[froot loops]

Are you staying on property when you go to Disney?

[Malto Marko]

I could have bet the mortgage you were going to suggest the Disney cruise. ;)

I nixed that idea early on. There was no way I was going to be trapped on board with Disney in every direction. At least this way we can come and go from the scene (just like we do out here with the park).

Kitchenette in our villa will make eating a breeze and save a bundle.

My experiences with kitchenettes is we arrive, hit the grocery store, spend a weeks worth of groceries, head out the next day and impulse eating left a lot of groceries to take home.

[AMP]

Great plan Gonzo. You'll have a blast. We stayed at the Polynesian. It's on the monorail and was fine. I probably wouldn't go back, but the proximity to the parks, and the pool with a slide was nice for the kids.

[Panoptes]

Are you staying on property when you go to Disney?

My brothers time share at the Sheraton Vistana Villages Resort Villas. $289 for 8 days. I guess it's about 10 minutes from one of the parks. WDW will be nice but it's not the main reason we're going. My kid is 10 now and has been to Anaheim Disney many times. My wife and I dig S. FL and will be driving all around, including getting down to our favorite mainland U.S. beaches in Key West to hopefully continue my kids surfing lessons.

[Panoptes]

My experiences with kitchenettes is we arrive, hit the grocery store, spend a weeks worth of groceries, head out the next day and impulse eating left a lot of groceries to take home.

Yeah, I'll be sure to keep the excess more on the alcohol side.

[Mainevent]

You know it's like 6 hours to get down to the keys from Orlando, right?

[Panoptes]

You know it's like 6 hours to get down to the keys from Orlando, right?

Only about 6? Cool. We were planning 7+ thru a quick on-line map check.

Yeah, no problem. I love road trips. My kid might balk at it but she will see the Keys with us.

[Mainevent]

Maybe more like 7 all the way out to key west. Been a long time since I made that drive. That's a lot of driving to do just to get somewhere when you're already on vacation.

[Panoptes]

I enjoy driving in new territory. Its not a burden, plus, my kid gets to see that part of the country for the first time. The Keys are not new to my wife and I but I will gladly make that drive again because the pay off is spectacular. We routinely drive 8 hours to get to Lake Tahoe so the drive time is cake to us.

This is all assuming that there is no rain at the time. I won't drive it in the rain because it would significantly slow my roll.

[Sharkbait]

We spent a week during Christmas 2 years ago. Most assuredly you will enjoy.

[Panoptes]

We spent a week during Christmas 2 years ago. Most assuredly you will enjoy.

cool

[Malto Marko]

My son got married in Key West at Christmas in '12. It was a wonderful experience and high on my list to revisit.