Saturday, March 4, 2023

Dream Cast for The Dark Tower

Roland Deschain - Ethan Hawke

Eddie Dean - Aaron Paul

Susannah Dean (Detta Walker, Odetta Holmes) - Carmen Ejogo

Jake Chambers - Jackson Robert Scott

Walter Padik - Robert Pattinson

The Man in Black - Mads Mikkelson

Thursday, April 28, 2022

Stephen King Junk Journal Ideas

I like this concept from http://thetruthinsidethelie.blogspot.com/2021/02/all-lines-of-force-have-begun-to.html

If it's echoed thematically in Insomnia, perhaps the echo is this: that in order for someone whose spouse has passed away to fully enjoy any sort of new love, it is necessary for them to forget the traumas that helped enable that love. I'm not sure I've put the bat on the ball with that one, but I think maybe there's something like that going on there.

Monday, June 7, 2021

Travel Packing List

I want to thank a couple Youtubers for inspiring this post and providing insight into items I hadn't thought of before.

Life Well Cruised has a '50 Genius Cruise Hacks' post that's not only for cruisers. Some of my best ideas came from her.

Gary Bembridge from Tips for Travellers has a '21 Unusual But Essential Items' post for Cruisers that is geared towards cruisers but I found it also helpful for other types of travel. I like him a lot because he immediately dives into the list and there isn't any advertising or jibber jabber.

MiChelle Scrimpsher - After submitting deposit, she bought Carnival Gift Cards through the AARP site. They are discounted 10% and Carnival lets you apply them to your deposit (as of May 2021)

My List: I set up a table a few months before we leave and when I buy something new for the trip it goes on the table. I also use a packing checklist starting about 2 weeks before.

Note, I'm not monetized through any of these links. I've copied some from other sites and they may be monetized.

Air Freshener - I personally like the plug in ones from Bath and Body Works. The room smells nice when you come back from a long day of adventuring.
**Anti Chafing Gel (like Bodyglide or Monistat) if you do a lot of walking
**Carabiner
**Carmex
Clips; magnet, towel clips, binder clips
Ear Plugs
Fabreze - casino trips
**First Aid Kit - see list below
Flashlight
**Hand Sanitizer
Head Phone Splitter
Highlighter
Ipod (yes, I still have one of these and I still use it) and Speaker
**Lanyard
Laundry detergent sample size
Laundry bag - drawstring mesh bag
Light, magnetic, motion activated, battery operated -: https://amzn.to/33eMEqP
Magnetic hooks and clips
**Microfiber Towel
Over-the-door shoe organizer (see Life Well Cruised post at 7:30 for packing ahead of time idea)
Packing Cubes. Life Well Cruised has a great reason for packing these and that is you can put the entire cub in a drawer and save packing and unpacking time
**Pencil
Pillow and lavender pillow spray
Poo-pourri
**Pony Tail Holders
*Power Strip
Sewing Kit
**Sharpie - black
Stain Stick (like Tide)
Tea bags
**Tote Bag - large for day trips or to the pool
Trash bag for wet clothes
Umbrella or **Poncho
**Water Bottles - colored (see Tips for Travellers at 2:30)
**Wet Wipes
**Ziplock Bags - Multiple Sizes

First Aid Kit

**Antibacterial cream
Antihistamines
Anti-nausea
**Band-Aids (cloth, flexible, and waterproof types)
Cough drops
Dramamine
**Imodium
Moleskin
Nail Clippers
Tweezers
**Tylenol

Cruise Specialty Items;

Dental Repair Kit (Gary Bembridge post at 2:02) (Walmart $2.68)

Other Things to Consider Packing

Business Cards (for new friends)
Clothes Line Pins
Deck of Cards
Dice
Duct Tape
Fan - battery or handheld
Gift cards; old ones can be used to keep the power on in a room with controlled lighting (so you can keep charging devices)
Hooks - Command strips and Magnetic
Identification Bag Tags
Luggage set (connecting!): https://amzn.to/2QZ7sQm
Media - some people download movies, games, and books to their devices before they leave so they arent reliant on wifi
Post It Notes
Rubber Door Stops (added protection for your hotel or cabin door)
Rug - for the bathroom
Screwdriver - tiny toolkit
Shower Caps (from the dollar store, for dirty shoes)
Travel scarf/sun shawl: https://amzn.to/3gZYoWd
Walkie Talkies
Waterproof pouch for your phone
Wedding ring - fakes and leave the real ones at home

*check with cruise line to verify they allow

**packed in my daybag

Trip Tips;

Before you leave, take pictures of your Kids, Luggage, Passport, Travel Immunizations, Prescriptions, and any other valuables in case they get lost
Pack MORE bras and underwear and LESS other clothes than you need
If you are cruising, opt for an upgraded room and spend less on a booze package. You will generally spend more on a liquor package than you would have had you purchased them individually. AND, if you get stuck in your room, you will appreciate the space.
Eat lunch in the Main Dining Room (MDR) on your first day. Its hectic and Ive heard things close early on the first day.
Be flexible on your dates (and hotels and cruise lines) and compare costs
*Wine - you can generally bring 1-2 bottles of wine per person on cruises. Some cruise lines will store your wine and bring it to you at dinner. You can also get wine glasses from bars but you should bring your own screwdriver and I think it needs to be in your carryon. I mean who would check a bottle of wine right?
Consider bringing clothing that has a few wears left and then leaving it behind

If You Have Kids;

Pack each kids clothing, by outfit, into ziplocks bags and include everything they will wear for the day. THEN, pack each kids clothes into their own colored packing cube.

If You Are a Stockholder (CCL/Princess or Royal Car.);

There are multiple benefits (dining with the captain, behind the scenes tours, free non-alcoholic drinks, etc). This is called 'Royalty Perks'. RC has onboard credit.
I'm hearing you need to be a stockholder AND mention it at the time of booking?
If you manage your 401k or Roth accounts, you can purchase stock through them at no extra cost.

Thursday, August 30, 2018

WALT DISNEY WORLD RESORTS - FORT WILDERNESS

Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground

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Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground address:
4510 N. Fort Wilderness Trail
Lake Buena Vista, FL, 32830-1000
407-824-2900

Maximum persons per room: 6 (plus child in crib)
Total Number of Cabins: 363
Total Number of Campsites: 847
Total Cabins + Campsites: 1210
Campsites: From $75 - $189 per night
Cabins: From $364-568 per night
Room size: 504 sq. ft (Cabins)

Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground

Nestled away on a 750 acre cypress and pine forest between the Magic Kingdom and Epcot, sits the Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground. This resort offers the best of the outdoors and even offers one bedroom cabins for those who prefer the "great indoors." There are 847 campsites ranging in length from 25' to 65', for tents, tent trailers and recreational vehicles. New extensions are currently being made for larger campers.

For those who prefer the comforts of home, there are cozy freestanding Ft. Wilderness Cabins available that can accommodate up to 6 guests.

As you might expect "in the wild", there are rabbits, ducks, geese, deer, armadillos, and peacocks roaming the grounds. The Settlement Recreation Area is on Bay Lake and includes the marina, beach, Pioneer Hall, and the Tri-Circle-D Ranch.

The Settlement Trading Post sells gifts, sundries, groceries, snacks, and beverages. The Meadows Recreation Area is in the center of Fort Wilderness. This area includes the Bike Barn (for rentals) and the Fort Wilderness waterways and bicycle trails. Swimming, tennis, volleyball, and shuffleboard are all available at the Meadows Recreation complex. The Meadows Trading Post offers similar merchandise to the Settlement Trading Post.

Select cabins at Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground are now dog friendly. There is an additional cost of $50 per night to use this service at this resort. Dogs must be leashed in public areas, vaccinated, and well behaved. For more information on this new service click HERE.

Fort Wilderness Cabins / Campsites

Fort Wilderness Cabins

These air conditioned free-standing dwellings are approximately 504 square feet, 12' wide by 42' long. Each cabin has a separate bedroom with a double bed, bunk beds and a pull down bed in the living area. The cabins will sleep 6 people. There is a full bathroom, with hair dryer, and a living/dining area. This area has a sofa and cable TV. The dining area has seating for 6. You'll also be provided with an iron/ironing board.

The kitchen has all major appliances: a microwave oven, dishwasher (with packets of soap), coffee maker, refrigerator with ice maker, stove/broiler and toaster. It is fully equipped for all of your cooking and dining needs (minus the food!): cutlery service for 6, paring knives, manual can opener, serving spoon, measuring cup, pitcher, casserole, dinnerware service for 6, platter, Dutch oven, saucepans, skillet, paper towels, dish towel, sponge, and a drainboard. Outside each cabin, there is a small deck with your own charcoal grill and picnic table. Daily housekeeping service is provided. Check-in is 3 p.m. and check-out is 11 a.m. When checking into the Wilderness Cabins, guests must park at the Reception outpost and check in at the front desk there. There is parking for one car at your cabin. Please note that vehicular traffic is restricted at Ft. Wilderness. The cabins have free wireless internet access.

Fort Wilderness Campsites

Review of a premium campsite

Privacy for the 847 campsites throughout the 21 loops, is provided by the lush wilderness. The sites are approximately 25' wide and range from 25' to 65' in length. They are a combination of paved driveway and sandy pad. All sites have running water, electricity, wifi, cable TV hookups, charcoal grills and picnic tables. There are full hook-up sites that provide sanitary disposal.

TIP: Preferred hook-up sites are located near the Settlement Trading Post, Pioneer Hall, and the marina. These sites may cost a little more and are found in loops through 100 and 300. Premium loops are 400 - 1400, partial loops are 1500 & 2000, full hook-up loops are 1600 -1900 & 2100.

Air conditioned comfort stations are found throughout the resort. They have restrooms, private showers, laundry facilities, an ice maker, and phones. Guests can use their MagicBands access laundry facilities that are open 24-hours a day. There is camping gear available to rent for those in need. Pets are allowed in designated areas or can be boarded in a kennel near the entrance to the resort. Check-in time is 1 p.m. and check-out is 11 a.m. Guests checking in to the campgrounds may register at the drive-through windows at the Reception Outpost.

TIP: For a location close to the main pool, request a campsite in loops 600 or 800 - 1600.

Fort Wilderness Dining

Trail's End Restaurant

Trail's End Menu

The Trail's End Restaurant is a cafeteria found in Pioneer Hall. It is a buffeteria that features all-you-can-eat breakfast and dinner and offers pizza as a late night snack from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. as well. Breakfast hours are from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. and consists of breakfast "pizza", fresh fruit, cereals, pastries, eggs, bacon, sausage, biscuits and gravy, omelets, French Toast, grits, beef hash, oatmeal, Mickey waffles, and bread pudding. Dinner is offered between 4 p.m. and 10 p.m. and the buffet offers salad bar, soup, chili, pasta, pork ribs, chicken, potatoes, vegetables, peel and eat shrimp, roast beef, a daily special, pizza, the catch of the day, and desserts.

A Bountiful Brunch is offered every Saturday and Sunday from 7 a.m. until 2 p.m. and features Mickey & Belgian waffles with toppings, carving station with smoked bacon & glazed ham, omelets and eggs made to order, bacon, sausage and hash browns, pasta, fried chicken and mashed potatoes, cold foods like shrimp, smoked salmon & salads, plus, an entire island dedicated to dessert!

Hoop Dee Doo Musical Revue

One of the most popular dinner shows on property is the Hoop Dee Doo Musical Revue. In addition to the corny, hilarious hoe-down-style entertainment, guests are treated to a family-style, all-you-can-eat dinner.

Appetizers and dinner consists of chips and salsa, bread, salad, country fried chicken, barbecued ribs, corn, beans and strawberry shortcake. Drinks, including beer and wine, are included, however cocktails are separate. This show is held daily at 5:00 p.m., 7:15 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Priority Seating is a must and can be made up to 180-days in advance. Because of the "no vehicle" rule at Fort Wilderness, allow yourself lots of time to get there. Internal shuttle buses run to Pioneer Hall.

Mickey's Backyard BBQ

Mickey's Backyard BBQ menu

Offered at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort, the Mickey's Backyard BBQ is the perennial favorite of many guests. This all you can eat buffet features everything you would expect at a Barbecue and much more. There is also a variety of live entertainment (including character appearances)

As the name suggests, it includes everything you'd find at a barbecue/picnic, with carnival type games, food, music, dancing, storytelling and best of all, visits from Disney characters. The all-you-can-eat food includes BBQ pork ribs, baked chicken, hot dogs with all the fixin's, corn-on-the-cob, baked beans, macaroni and cheese, potato salad, corn bread, watermelon, marble cake. Unlimited draft beer, wine, lemonade, and iced tea.

SERVICES/AMENITIES:

Babysitting/Childcare Services
Valet Service Cleaning
Coin Laundry facilities
Express Check-out
Refillable Mugs
Complimentary newspapers (to the Homes/Cabins)
Voice Mail
Lockers
Shops: Settlement Trading Post (gifts, sundries, limited groceries) Meadow Trading Post (gifts, sundries, limited groceries)
Free Wireless Internet available at cabins (free wired internet available at campsites)

Fort Wilderness Fun Facts:

Disney's Ft. Wilderness Resort and Campground opened on November 19, 1971. At the time there were two "comfort stations" and 232 campsites.

In 1973, Fort Wilderness expanded by adding more campsites and 10 Airstream trailers. The now defunct Wilderness Line Steam Railroad was introduced. The four Forney Type 2-4-2T engines pulled up to five cars and could transport 90 guests. This predecessor to the Internal bus system was not only enjoyed by Fort guests, for $1 anyone could ride it all day long. Here's a tidbit for Disney trivia buffs: these engines became ticket booths for Pleasure Island before being sold to collectors.

Today there are 847 campsites and 363 Wilderness Cabins. Not only are the Cabins (as well as the Reception Outpost, Meadow Trading Post, and Crockett's Tavern) equipped with free wireless internet access, but the campsites have free wifi access.

While 'Phantom of the Opera' may claim longest running Broadway musical status, the 'Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue' is the longest running musical in America.

Fort Wilderness Pools/Recreation

The larger main pool and kiddie pools are located near the Meadow Trading Post. One of the many benefits of this resort, is the large number of recreational activities available here.

Keeping with the wilderness theme, guests can go horseback riding, have pony rides, visit the petting farm, and go on nightly hay rides or on fishing excursions along the campground's canals or on Bay Lake. Fishing equipment is available to rent, along with bait for purchase. Those wishing for a little more exercise can rent bicycles, jog on the 2.3 mile jogging trail, do the Fitness Trail, play beach volleyball, basketball, shuffleboard, horseshoes or tetherball, or go on a nature walk.

At the Bike Barn guests can rent kayaks and canoes. There are 2 arcades and playground areas for children as well. Two lighted tennis courts are available for tennis buffs. Forget your racquet? No problem, equipment can be rented. Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground is also home to the award winning Tri-Circle-D Ranch where the draught horses used to pull the trolleys down Main Street, U.S.A. are housed.

Chip & Dale's Campfire Sing-A-Long is held nightly at the Meadow Trading Post and begins with a fire lighting (weather permitting). Tiimes vary by season, so check with guest services for the times during your vacation. It features a sing-along, Disney movies and cartoons. Marshmallows can be toasted over the campfires. You can bring your own or buy them there. The Fort Wilderness Food Truck is located there and sells food and beverages.

This entertainment is free to all Walt Disney World resort guests. Also nightly, weather permitting, Bay Lake is the backdrop for the Electrical Water Pageant. Dancing lights on a 1000 foot string of floating barges shimmer over Bay Lake. This seven-minute show can be seen from the Fort Wilderness beach and marina around 9:45 p.m. (Check the schedule with guest services.)

Marina Boat Rentals: Guests can rent Sea Raycers, Boston Whaler Montauks, and SunTracker pontoon boats at the resort marina. For more information and pricing click HERE

Fort Wilderness Transportation

In keeping with the wilderness theme, motorized vehicle transportation within the grounds is prohibited unless entering or leaving the resort. Alternatives are bicycles, golf carts, the internal bus system or walking. Supply is limited, but golf carts can be reserved up to one year in advance by calling the Cart Resrvations at 407-824-2742. The two internal buses are called Chip and Dale. The external bus routes are the Crockett and Boone.

To get to:

Magic Kingdom - take an internal bus to the marina and take the Magic Kingdom boat

Epcot - take an internal bus to the Outpost bus depot, and take the bus to Epcot.

Disney Hollywood Studios - take an internal bus to the Outpost bus depot, and take the bus to Disney's Hollywood Studios.

Disney's Animal Kingdom/Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park - take an internal bus to the Outpost bus depot and take the Disney's Animal Kingdom/Disney's Blizzard Beach bus.

WALT DISNEY WORLD RESORTS

Walt Disney World Resorts

You picked your vacation dates and this year you’re heading to Disney World. Next comes the “easy” part, choosing your Disney resort. It’s only one place, how many choices can there be, right? Well, there are 5 value resorts, 4 moderate resorts, 9 deluxe resorts and 10 Deluxe Villa and Home Away From Home resorts. Add them up and that's a lot of resorts to choose from. YIKES! Check out our Disney World resort comparisons page for an overview of what all these resorts have to offer, and our Disney World Resort descriptions for a quick summary of each resort. If staying off property is more your style, then we have a list of hotels near Walt Disney World with which we have negotiated some incredible rates.

Disney World Resort News

Disney Confirms Location of Upcoming Star Wars Hotel
5/30/18 - Disney has confirmed that this Resort will offer guests a “seamlessly connected” experience with Disney's Hollywood Studios’ upcoming Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.

Disney Sets Up Plans and Contractors for Former River Country Area Hotel
5/30/18 - Plans and contractors are being put in place for Disney’s ongoing Project 89, which will add yet another hotel to the Walt Disney World Resort roster.

Disney Confirms Overnight Parking Fees for Their Resort Guests Beginning March 21
3/14/18 - Effective for reservations made March 21, 2018, and thereafter, standard overnight self-parking is available to registered guests for a fee that will be applied to their hotel folio upon check-out. All parking fees include applicable tax Valet parking is also available for a fee.
Complimentary standard self-parking is available while enjoying select dining, shopping, entertainment, and recreation experiences at Disney Resort hotels.

New Concept Art of Re-Imagined Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort Lobby11/1/17 - The major expansion and re-imagination of Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort is well underway and will incorporate various new features such as a two-story grand lobby that will welcome guests, a 15-story tower that overlooks Lago Dorado, the resort’s centerpiece lake; 500 brand new guest rooms, concierge-level suites and services; and a new rooftop restaurant and lounge boasting panoramic views.

7 Disney Resorts in 7 Days

Disney World Resort Guides

On Property Disney World Resorts

Value Disney World Hotels:

Moderate Disney World Resorts:

Deluxe Disney Hotels:

Disney Deluxe Villas:

Home Away From Home:

Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground

Orlando Area Hotels:

Orlando Hotels Around Disney World

Caribe Royale Orlando Rates from $81 Per Night!
If you are looking for a comfortable, clean, friendly resort (like you'd expect on Disney property) then consider the Caribbean-inspired, Caribe Royale Orlando Resort. The 1335 room resort is just minutes away from Walt Disney World and offers all the amenities and comforts you would expect from a top tier resort. From fine dining, to excellent quick service meals, spa treatments, grotto pool and transportation to and from the theme parks, the Caribe Royale is an excellent alternative for your next Disney visit. Book Now

Buena Vista Suites - 2 Room Suites from $88 per night! - - Call 800-537-7737 and mention Rate Code DREAMRES

Sheraton Vistana Villages - Rates as low as $117 per night!* - * Save even more when you take advantage of our No Housekeeping option with great savings off retail rates. It's easy to be green and forgo daily housekeeping with dishwashers and washer/dryers in every villa. Enjoy all of the same amenities when you choose to save the planet. Call 1-888-847-8262 and mention Rate Code 'DMNHK' - Click Here for Details and Book Now

Sheraton Vistana Resort - 1-Bedroom Villa from $117 per night!* - *Save even more when you take advantage of our No Housekeeping option with great savings off retail rates. It's easy to be green and forgo daily housekeeping with dishwashers and washer/dryers in every villa. Enjoy all of the same amenities when you choose to save the planet.. Call 1-888-847-8262 and mention code DRUNL - Click Here for Details and Book Now!

Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin - Rates as low as $242 per night!* - *Discount for Teacher / Education Support Staff, US Government Employee/Military and Nurses. Based on hotel availability and not all dates are available. Other great discounts offered to Annual Passholders, AAA/AARP and Entertainment Book members. - To obtain this discount please call 1-800-227-1500 and mention the code DREAMS!

Dreams Villas of Orlando - 4-Bedroom Villa from $99 per night!* - *7 night minimum required. 4-Bedroom Villas from $99/night (plus tax). 1-877-VILLA-01 (877-845-5201) - SEE PRICING AND AVAILABILITY

*Restrictions may apply. Based on hotel availability.

Click Here for a complete list of Orlando hotel discounts

Tips of picking a hotel near Disney World