Disney Season Pass - Highly Addictive

Seven weeks ago I started a fantastic adventure across the country. Of course I was passing by Disney so why not stop in right. I have a season Park Hopper pass. It does not cover hotels so they do make a few bucks on me.



Since September I've been eight times and six of those were by myself. I don't mind. I enjoy the freedom to move fast and see exactly what I want. I usually go week days to avoid crowds so that really limits who can go with me.



I can get a pretty good Florida Resident deal at the at the "All" resorts. All Sports, All Music, All Movies. But for about $15.00 more I decided to upgrade to Pop Century. Great choice as it is closer to all the parks I was visiting to lesson the time on the Disney Transportation. Not that it's a really long trip from any of the resorts but closer is always better.



This past year I've done two events I've never done before. Food and Wine and as you can see, International Flower and Garden Festival. Since I've seen everything many times I love enhancing my visits with new experiences.



On this particular day I met up with a friend. Just have to post on Facebook and usually someone I know is around. I'm going to hold off for a short while as the summer crowds pass by but I plan on a few more visits before the pass runs out.



For the rest of my Disney photos [click here]

For a few more of the Pop Century Resort [click here]

Retired at 55 - 10 Months Down the Road.

Have you missed me? Did you think I was sitting home watching TV? Not quite.

I have just returned from a 6 week road trip through 8 states and over 3,700 miles. I also have over 3,400 photos to process and a lot of stories to write. I had only scheduled for 3 weeks but I just didn't come home. I actually could have gone one more week but I do have a few obligations at home. And money.... not enough. 

For about half my career I was fortunate enough to have 4 weeks vacation a year. Sure there was years I got none from changing jobs or took very little and opted for the cash instead. Only twice did I vacation slightly over two consecutive weeks. A cruise to Alaska and a cruise through Northern Europe. 

When you ask most people what they plan to do when they retire - the answer is usually travel. Some manage to squeeze out a week here and there. The reality of locking up the house and taking off seldom meets most people's half thought out plans. Travel is hard. Couples seldom agree. Bad things can happen. For me worst of all - you might miss something because you failed to research. 

I don't have any of those problems. I've traveled all my adult life. I have never fully unpacked a suitcase since 1986. I don't remember a time I slept in the same bed for a full 30 days in a row. In the last 3 years I've juggled a condo, house renovation, and girlfriend in three different cities. In years gone by I worked in 8 different cities so on average a week a month was spent in hotels. 

Even so - Six weeks is a very long time. Long enough for the road work near my house to be completed and for me to forget my password to my computer. I didn't even recognise my own bathrooms as I remember the disaster they were the last 3 years and had just renovated them before I left. 

As I write this I am already checking bank accounts, making doctors appointments, looking at a map of the US, and planning for another go in just a few months. It has always been my dream to travel when I retired and so far that dream is coming true. 

Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show - No More

I recently found out Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show was closing April 2, 2016. I made a special trip up to capture this fantastic show. 

They will be making way for the new Star Wars and Toy Story lands. As excited as I am to see those, it was sad to see Catastrophe Canyon being demolished right behind this stadium. I never seem to get tired of doing the same rides over and over but I suppose I have seen both of these enough now. 

The first time I caught this show I was in total disbelief Disney would even attempt it. There are not only a tremendous number of moving parts and people, they are moving at tremendous speed. This is not some dance number where a bump might go unnoticed by any but the closest observer.

These cars and motorcycles are flying (literally) throughout the show. I've seen it several times and it still thrills me knowing how real the action is. Most of Disney's attractions are on rails or some other pre programmed convenience. This one takes an incredible team of performers with split second timing. 

I captured all the major scenes for my own future enjoyment but if you were a fan of the show or maybe never even seen it - take a look. I got in early for some great seats. 

If you only have time for one video - then watch the last one. You won't be disappointed.