Across the South

Sunday we stopped in El Paso Texas and spent a few hours at the Chamizal National Memorial on the border with Mexico, learning the history of the border there.

When we reached the junction with I-20, we turned northeast and drove to Fort Worth, where we spent a few hours visiting Bryan Monday evening. 

We then continued across Texas to Louisiana, and stopped at the Cane River Creole National Historic Park, where we learned about plantation life in central Louisiana. We stayed the night in Slidell.

Yesterday we made our way across Mississippi and into Alabama. We stopped to walk around the Bass Pro shop in Spanish Fort Alabama and at the nearby Buc-ee's. Shortly thereafter we entered Florida. 

We were still a few hours from home when the tire on our U-Haul trailer came apart. Luckily we didn't have to wait too long until someone came out and replaced it. After this trip and the one in November I have driven across the U.S. fifteen times.

Winter at Disney World

After Thanksgiving, the Christmas decorations went up, and Epcot switched to the Festival of Holidays. Like other Epcot festivals, there were booths around the World Showcase selling “holiday” food and drinks, as well as special holiday entertainment.  

 

We went into the park early in December to enjoy the festival. We also checked out the new Epcot Experience in the Odyssey building, which gives a glimpse of what is coming soon to Epcot.

Jenn and I also spent some time in the Magic Kingdom, to see the holiday decorations and special entertainment.

On Sunday Jennifer and Susan flew out to Portland to take care of a few things and visit the University of Portland. I came out a couple days later, then we drove to Bend and loaded up a U-Haul trailer with stuff. We drove down through California to I-10, then turned east.

Sesame Street Land at Sea World

Earlier this year, Sea World had reopened its kid area up with a new Sesame Street theme. In the fall, they announced an all Season Dining Plan, so we renewed our passes and purchased the plan.

We visited twice this month, mostly to enjoy the Christmas Celebration but also to check out the new area and watch the parade. Jenn knew a girl performing in it. Last week just Susan, Jenn, and I went, and we ate at Voyager's Smokehouse.

Monday we spent an evening at the Universal parks, checking out the holiday decorations there. We ate at the Three Broomsticks in Hogsmead, then took the train to Diagon Alley.

Last night we returned to Sea World. Bryan was out for Thanksgiving, so he came with us. This time we tried Mama's Pretzel Kitchen. Sea World is definitely not as nice as a Disney park or even one of the Universal ones, but it can be a good time, and is definitely less expensive.

Dapper Days

Jennifer continues to visit the parks often, usually with friends. She usually wears themed outfits, and has photos taken with characters. Saturday was the fall Dapper Day at Hollywood Studios, so she wore a Star Wars inspired outfit.

 

Sunday morning we got up early to do another Cast 5K, again at Animal Kingdom.

After the race she attended the Dapper Day gathering at Epcot. She also visited the Studios, so she could get photos with Chip and Dale.

Last week Jennifer was promoted to trainer at work. She celebrated by visiting Magic Kingdom yesterday, Mickey Mouse’s birthday.

Disney Characters

After Halloween all of the parks switched to holiday decorations. A few times a year, Disney will have some characters available for photo opportunities as cast members come in to work. I almost always walk right by them at Epcot, but Jennifer usually stops. 

Last week, we decided to take our cargo trailer back to Oregon. We couldn't figure out how to change the title on it to Florida, and we were paying every month to store it and not using it.

Susan and I drove to Bend in only four days, so we didn’t have time to stop and see anything. We left Susan's car in Oregon and flew home.

While we were gone, Jenn spent an evening at Hollywood Studios.

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party

 

This fall, Jenn was able to purchase a pass to attend most of the Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Parties at a special cast rate, and went to most of them.

She also enjoyed picking up a shift for one. I joined her for a party in the middle of October. We checked out the Halloween decorations at the Magic Kingdom, saw special characters and entertainment, and collected lots of candy at the trick or treat locations.

She continued going to parties the last two weeks, dressing up in various costumes and meeting characters.

Monday after work Susan came to Epcot to ride my boat. After my shift was over we checked out the Food & Wine Festival. At the International Gateway I took a photo of the progress of the France expansion.

Fall at WDW

At the end of August, the Food and Wine Festival started at Epcot. Jenn came into the park last week to check out the festival and ride my boat.

Friday night, we used one of our Holiday coupons to eat at Artist Point at the Wilderness Lodge. Jenn enjoyed taking photos with Dopey, Grumpy, Snow White, and the Wicked Stepmother. I enjoyed the food. We all enjoyed the decor. 

Yesterday after work I went into the Magic Kingdom to visit Susan and Jenn and check out the progress on the Tron building. 

I took the monorail over so I also checked out the progress at the front of Epcot.