[c-bolt]

Excellent thread! I enjoy seeing your travels.

I can't wait for the rest of it!

Also, I sent you a pm the other day. Not sure if you've seen it or not.

Joe

[Wild Blue]

Originally Posted by c-bolt

Excellent thread! I enjoy seeing your travels.

I can't wait for the rest of it!

Also, I sent you a pm the other day. Not sure if you've seen it or not.

Joe

Hey, will look when I can!

[Wild Blue]

Day 9:
Stationary in Greenville, South Carolina, day after PCD, New Owner's Track Drive
Total Miles: 20




Given that Extreme Colors wanted at least a couple days to do the wrapping and protection work that I asked them on the X5, I stuck around Greenville for a couple more days after the PCD while they got it done.

Early in my planning stage, I looked on the BMW Performance Center class schedule to see if there was something I could fit in the interim. Sure enough, the day after PCD, they offered a "New Owner's Track Drive" (NOTD). This is a FREE class that is available to ANY new owner of a BMW. And, unlike the PCD, the NOTD class is offered at both Performance Centers, east and west coast. Since I was taking delivery the day prior, and needed to kill time the next day, sure, why not get more free BMW fun?





There was a lot of similarities in the 2 hours of NOTD exercises, to the PCD the day before, minus the car delivery and factory tour. The NOTD also ended up being almost identical to a "Performance Driving Class" I did last year, the day after my PCD, but I had to pay for that one.

Another difference was, being that this was open to all new BMW owners, everybody had gotten themselves to the Performance Center for the class, which was not oriented to the specific car each of us had purchased. Beyond the driving, the NOTD also doesn't include the Marriott stay or food.








As always, the class began with brief classroom instruction, and safety information.

Then we went straight out to the offroad course, in the trusty X5's. I've done the offroad course, maybe 5 times now over the last 2 years, and it's almost the same every time. Still, I find something new to learn each time.








This time, it was the most aggressive I've ever done hill 1. Instructor Adam watched from the bottom of the backside, talking each driver through lining up just right for the crest. He then told us when to hit the brake HARD, dropping the left front wheel aggressively into the little rock pocket past the crest, making the car tip hard to the left.

It really was a "trust fall", following his instructions, believing that the car wouldn't tip over, even when it rocked aggressively.

One driver just couldn't bring herself to do it, and chose to get out and let her partner drive instead. This is A-ok, as the PC instructors do everything "Challenge by Choice". They will push you to grow your skills and learn the vehicle's performance, but if you just flat out aren't comfortable doing something, they won't force you to do it. Very professional.








Here was a 25 degree side tilt on one of the final side hills.

Next up, autocross! But instead of using a version of the car we just bought, like the PCD, this time we rotated through 5 BMW models that were some version of M or at least performance types.

We also used a bigger autocross loop, just like the "Performance Driving Class" I did last year after my PCD.

This time, the instructor randomly put each pair of us into one of the cars. I got put into the M5Competition, which luck-wise was not so good. It was the beast of the lineup this time, which meant that after driving it first, all the other cars were a step down for me.

But... I was a solo driver again, which meant every time we did a driver swap, I stayed behind the wheel and got double track time. Woot woot!

The M5Competition was just a monster. I quickly learned I could push her hard, past the cones the instructors had set up at the end of the straightaway, saying "brake here for turn 1". The M5 Comp didn't need that much space.





Next up was the M4. Very respectable performance, and a great track car. 2nd best of the lineup, behind the M5C.





Next, the M2. Also a fine track car, smaller and more lithely than its two bigger M brothers.

Once on the M4, and once on the M2, during the big turn 1, my hand bumped the steering wheel shifter paddle, which put it into manual shifting mode. Unfamiliar with those particular cars, it took me a few seconds each time to realize what had happened, and get back into the groove.





Next, I got the X3M. For an SUV, it's a blast to drive, and could hold its place on the track. But it's just not in the same class as the others.

Last up, the Z4 M40i. Fun open top. Also held its place on the track, but just not quite the same performance class as the others.

As mentioned, the NOTD class is open to all new BMW owners. A couple of the participants were there for the fun, and not really performance driving. I can't fault them--they bought a new BMW just like I did, and deserved to be there.

Unfortunately, what it meant for this autocross portion was they were taking a leisurely Sunday stroll around the track. Each portion (I think there was 10 rounds of 3 laps each, since there were 5 cars, and a rider swap for each one), I only got a half, to maybe one full lap, before I caught the person in front of me, and then they caught the leisure drivers.

So just as I started warming up and dialing in each car, we were driving in a slower trail around the track. What I did, was drive the 2nd lap eeeeeeextra slow, building up room in front of me, which then let me punch it exiting the final turn into the straightaway, and get another good half to one lap at decent speed again, before coming into the pits to swap cars.

One thing I learned, and need to work on, the instructor told me I was braking too hard, doing a max braking effort to dump speed before each turn. he said we needed to brake hard, but not like a panic brake. I need to mull that over.

Last up, one last instructor hot lap. This time, I got Adam as my instructor, and got the GoPro to work. Great, fun, stuff. Again, the Center is presently conserving tires, and dialing back the hot lap one tick. But... it's better than not having a hot lap at all. For me, this is probably the best part of these level of classes.





We went back to the classroom, letting the other various classes running at the PC that day, take over the track.

The instructors did a great job sitting with us for maybe 30 minutes or more, just answering questions and taking feedback that everybody had about the cars they just bought. One lady couldn't get her MyBMW app to work, so they grabbed a delivery specialist and got her taken care of. Good stuff.

And then that was it! Goodbye for now, Performance Center! Hope to find excuses to come back again in the future, one way or another!





Seth, my delivery specialist on my X5 yesterday during PCD, recommended this place for BBQ in Greenville, when I told him I was an afficianado.

Although it says "SBH" on the front, its full name is "Smoking ButtHeads".

I'll give it a try for lunch.





Another barbecue place with lots of competition championship trophies. I fully respect that, but as I described in Oklahoma City on Day 6 of this journal, that doesn't always translate to good large-scale restaurant barbecue.

Let's see.





Okay, not a bad sign when you get these big coffee-type dispensers for the barbecue sauces. Let's see.





I got the "Judge's Plate", as I usually get stuff like this at BBQ places to try their various meats and see how they do.

From the top left, that's 2 slices of pork loin, 2 ribs, a half link of sausage, slice of brisket, cornbread, side of mac n'cheese, and the usual pickle accents.





Oh HELL yes. Look at how well this brisket is rendered, using the finger test. Compare this pic to the one I took of the brisket slice in Oklahoma City on Day 6 of this trip. This one, the intra-muscular fat is fully rendered, almost falling apart without getting mushy.

THIS is great barbecue. i loved every part of it. The ribs were good, the sausage was great, and the brisket was the best of all. This actually might have been the best barbecue I've had outside of Texas.

On my way out, I took time to stop and talk to the pitmasters, giving them my sincere compliments. Very well done, and I STRONGLY recommend "SBH" (Smoking ButtHeads) for good barbecue in Greenville when visiting the Performance Center.

[Flying Ace]

So the off road course used the 2019 X5s with the offroad package. Were you able to play with the modes and cameras?

[Wild Blue]

Originally Posted by zhangyi17

I remember you had a pretty serious sunroof incident with your X7 on that trip. I hope you have better luck this time with the X5..

I will follow your trip. Long distance road trip is something I really want to do as well, but got no time with young kids at home and busy schedule work. So I can only read journals like yours to experience.

Good luck..

Thanks! Yes, in my X7 road trip last year, driving back from PCD, my sunroof spontaneously shattered while cruising on I-40, west of Albuquerque. BMWUSA was great taking care of me, though, got fixed in Los Angeles, and everything turned out fine. I was worried for a bit, though, as it looked like it might become a serious roadblock.

I found out this week, talking to the guys at the Performance Center about that event, that I may have gotten one of only two available pano sunroofs available at that time. Because BMW does Just In Time logistical production, they don't keep a bunch of extra spare car parts around. (if I remember correctly, during the plant tour, the guide said at any given time they only have enough parts in the factory for 4 hours of production!!!)

Originally Posted by Edwardsc1

This thread is incredible! The badlands pictures remind me very much of the painted desert. My dad and I flew out to Arizona when I was in middle school and drove a car back across the country and this reminds me of that time.

I live here in Greenville, SC so it was great to see you take the X5 over to Extreme Colors; they've done quite a few cars for me and my family and they always do a phenomenal job.

I actually just got back from Anchorage last week visiting a friend up there, so it's so cool that this popped up on the news feed. Alaska is beyond incredible; I can see why people want to live there. I look forward to following you on the rest of your road trip!

Thanks, dude! Yeah, I'll show off pretty Canada and Alaska when I drive there at the end of this trip!

Originally Posted by P1

I noticed your white PCD X5 had two "up and down" switches. One is similar to what the 45e had (air suspension) but what is the other one for?

Roxxor is correct, that other switch is for the off-road package.

Originally Posted by Flying Ace

So the off road course used the 2019 X5s with the offroad package. Were you able to play with the modes and cameras?

We only played with the modes a little bit. Mostly with Hill Descent Control, which is part of the course demonstration coming down hill 3. As I mentioned, the course is the same, but I've learned a few things and picked up some nuances every time.

On PCD day this year, I learned from Derek that HDC actually works in forward or reverse. Due to the student composition we didn't do it, but Derek said a couple times he's taken advanced students, backed up hill 3, and then used HDC in reverse coming down. That's awesome.

Adam, interestingly enough, had us turn on HDC the whole time, before even starting the course. First time I've done that. It meant that HDC kicked in several times when coming off obstacles. I bumped up the HDC speed several times to 10-15 mph to avoid this, but for some reason, it kept reverting back to the default 5 mph even though HDC stayed on the whole time.

I didn't really play with the car cameras, but found it interesting they had set up the car with a geofence, so that the wide pano front camera automatically came on while coming down hill 1. If you're referring to my GoPro camera and phone camera, yeah, got to play some with those!

[Wild Blue]

All, I added several more videos to both the PCD day and next NOTD day.

[Wild Blue]

Day 10:
Greenville, South Carolina, to Orlando, Florida
Total Miles: 567


Got another treat for you guys today. It's time to pick up the new car from the detailer, and finally hit the road! Extreme Colors is not only finished with the car, but also went above and beyond with some great pictures and video of the work in progress. Brian at Extreme Colors is the man, compiling these for me, and giving you guys a look at the work. Enjoy!

Extreme Colors does paint protection work for the BMW Performance Center cars, so they're really the prime guys to take your new Bimmer to, right from your PCD.

They did great work on my X7. This time, since the X5 is a secondary family car, I'm having less work done to it, but still want it to look pristine after this road trip back to Alaska. So I got their Paint Protective Film "Cross Country" package, which focuses on the whole front end, plus prime scuff areas like the door edges. I also put film on the center dash screen, and the driver's door sill.

Also asked for the front windows to be tinted to match the rears, which came out beautifully. She looks great! I'm planning on doing more protection this time when I get back to Alaska.

Some more:





While I waited, I watched a little promo video Extreme had running in their lobby. Cool to see my X7 as part of it!








I love that BMW marque plate on the rear, and had to put a Darth Vader plate frame on it, at least until I get home to Alaska.











I chose to put mud flaps on the rig again. But BMW still doesn't make OEM mud flaps for the G05/G06/G07. So the best option available was these cheapie guys from Amazon:
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

They're not the best, but the fit is actually better than the ones i got for my X7. They look good, and I'm guessing they're going to prove to be just as functional as my X7 set. And worst case, if they suck, I'll use them for this massive road trip, and then take them back off when I get home.











For floor mats, I wanted to try something different. I went with the OEM BMW all-weather floor mats on the X7. From reviews here on Bimmerpost, this time I decided to try 3D MaxPider mats set. Also from Amazon:
https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B083JZKZ...roduct_details

Ehhhhh... they're okay so far. I'll give them a chance, but so far I'm not impressed. They're lighter and thinner than the OEM rubber mats, made from a synthetic polymer of some sort. I had liked how the driver's mat came up over the dead pedal, which tends to get dirty and salty in weather locations.

I'll post my thoughts on them after I use them for a while on the drive.





For a trunk mat, I decided to try this guy. The BMW OEM mat has received some not-great reviews here, so this appeared to be a decent alternative for something not canvas or fabric-based.
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Also... meh. It's also a moderately lightweight polymer. Not rubber. Don't get taken by the crease marks in the picture. It's been out of the shipping package for about 24 hours, where it was all folded up. I'm sure it'll flatten out with time. I'll give it a chance too.




Again, big thanks to Doug, Sheldon, Brian, and everyone else at Extreme Colors. Job well done, and I feel comfortable now about taking my new baby out on the road.

So, it's time to hit the trail! I'm starting with a conference down in Orlando, so we're off to Florida.

Today is going to be paaaaaaaainful. The worst thing (okay, maybe not THE worst) you could do to a brand new car just driven off the factory floor, is to get on the highway, set the cruise control, and just cruise for hours at one set speed and RPM.

Unfortunately, that's exactly what a PCD can set you up for, to drive back wherever you call home, with a long highway drive.

So, even though I was hitting the road right away, I started slow, gradually increasing top speed over the course of the day, driving varying speeds, and occasionally manually shifting gears, so as not to lock in one particular RPM.

Oh, and I also like using "Eco Pro" during initial break-in, driving like a grandma, taking it easy.





I know... overkill, perhaps. But I only buy cars every 10 years or more, take good care of them, and own them long-term. So I also go overboard on breaking them in. Take care of your car, and it'll take care of you.

I was the unpopular guy on the highway, even getting passed by the semi trucks. But, I kept in the right lane all day like a good boy, and let everybody pass.





Dang, I do love these color Heads Up Displays. (briefly testing out cruise control too)








I got Georgia on my mind...





By the time I made it all the way to Orlando, it was LATE. Long, painful painful day of break-in driving.

I'll probably talk more about lodging in Orlando and Disney. But Orlando is a great place where I like to take advantage of a military retiree benefit I have access to, through Armed Forces Vacation Club. What they do, is offer hotel and timeshare resorts that are going unfilled, to military folk.

Most properties on AFVC is just $350 for a week. So I was able to get a 1 bedroom condo for $50 a night. Full kitchen, room to breathe, washer and dryer in the room, etc. Makes it very nice compared to a hotel when doing Orlando, especially with the amusement parks, for an extended period.

[Wild Blue]

Days 11-20:
Stationary in Orlando, Florida
Part 1 of 4

So, I intentionally started this journal about a week after I actually started my travels. Primarily, I did this because my first stop after PCD at Greenville, South Carolina, is Orlando, Florida, where I'll be spending about 10 days. I'm doing a conference, plus multiple days of Disney World.

Instead of boring you for 10 days with stuff from the conference, and day after day of Disney, I'm going to consolidate Orlando down to 3 or so parts, showing the best. For anyone that might want to skip Orlando and get back to the driving parts, (or for anyone definitively avoid spoilers about Disney World and Star wars) you could jump ahead to day 21.

This means that as of tomorrow or so, I'll be caught up and posting truly live, whatever the adventure is of that day.

But there will be more than just Disney, there will be LEGO, and good food, and lots of Star Wars. I don't think I'm the only one here with eclectic tastes in other fun things. There's a ton to sort through in 10 days, so I'm just going to throw a lot of stuff here, and then come back and refine it as I'm able.





My G05 X5, parked next to the previous model X5 at the conference. Styling difference apparent in the rear.





I found this pretty cool about the G05. (The X7 doesn't fully do this). Lifting up the rear trunk (boot) floor, there are these nice instructions underneath. (also note my spare tire there I ordered)





The retractable cargo cover fits under the floor there. Nice fit.





Okay, let's do some Disney World!





First stop, as a warm-up, Disney Springs. This is a restaurant and shopping area in WDW, fun for an evening of walking and light activities.





People have been raving about Gideon's Bakery, particularly the cookies, so I thought I'd see what the fuss is about. Got in line--but no, you have to go up to the front door and put your name on a waiting list first.

... which was 4.5 hours.

Four...

... and a half...

hours...

For a cookie.

Yes, that's right. And then when you're called, after 4.5 hours, THEN you get to get in the line to enter the place. The line stretches across the entire left side of that picture, if you can see.

For the heck of it, I put my name on the list, but didn't get called until 10:45 at night, when I was already driving back to my condo. I don't need a cookie that much, no matter how good it is.





Next was the LEGO store. One of the larger ones out there, that is at least supposed to have all the current LEGO models, although a few were out of stock.

There's some awesome sculptures outside the store, all made entirely out of LEGO bricks.

















To my knowledge, LEGO only makes one BMW set, and it's the motorcycle currently available.











Had to get a proper keychain for the new BMW key, of course.

And the Disney Springs store offers a unique LEGO experience, where you can design and build your own custom LEGO minifigure. I felt it most appropriate to make something commemorating this massive BMW road trip. I love it.

They didn't have the BMW roundel as a stock image, and I'm sure if I tried to freehand draw it in the design program, it would have come out terrible. This is fun enough.





The main reason I went to Disney Springs, though, was for this place, Raglan Road, an Irish pub and restaurant.

I love all things Irish. Ireland is my favorite country outside of the USA.

This is totally my jam. "Whiskey in the Jar" on the 2nd video. No, Metallica did not sit in, on this one.





Soda bread served with a honey Guinness reduction. I love ciders, so this is a Kopparberg cider. On the sweet side, but delicious.





Braised beef. Nice and soft, with some good flavors, but on the dry side tonight.





After the conference ended, hit my first Disney park. On the way in, saw this billboard which cracked me up. How very 'Murica.

Or at the very least, very Florida.








First park, the Magic Kingdom, for "Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party". (MNSSHP). This is a specially ticketed event that takes place on certain nights, leading up to Halloween. The park is transformed with Halloween decorations and special events, including trick or treating for those who want to binge on candy.

Magic Kingdom is also the most complicated park to get to, as it's the only one without its own dedicated parking lot. You have to park at the Transportation Center and take a monorail, which is fun, albeit time consuming with extra walking.

The monorail also goes through the middle of the Contemporary Resort building. As a kid, I thought this was the coolest thing, having a monorail go right through your hotel, and always wanted to stay at the Contemporary someday. But as an adult, I've come to appreciate the benefits of a bigger condo, so I've never stayed there.





Main Street is always a treat to see as you enter the park, with Cinderella's Castle framed at the end.





Disney is also celebrating 50 years this year, with special things and decorations.








The Haunted Mansion is a must-do for a Halloween party, of course.





There are a couple evening Halloween parades





Hey, we are a car forum here, after all. Had to do the speedway for some driving fun.





And of course there's an evening show and fireworks spectacular, with a Halloween show projected onto Cindy's castle that is very well done.

[RNJ26]

I generally don’t like grey cars. But when I saw Artic Grey in person I was sold. Too bad BMW killed that color on X5 for 2023, such a great color. Congrats and good luck!

[Wild Blue]

Days 11-20:
Stationary in Orlando, Florida
Part 2 of 4


More Disney fun, and oh, do I have a treat to show!!!!





Even though it's the end of the summer, Florida has been quite hot and muggy. And I'm not a fan of humidity.

I tell ya what... that little fan icon on the right side of the MyBMW app is a Godsend. Cool your vehicle before you get to it. Made for Disney trips.





Spent the equivalent of a few days in Disney's Hollywood Studios. It's always been my favorite of the big 4 WDW parks, even before Disney bought and added Star Wars things.

I just love movies. And theaters. And there's just a great feel oldie movie vibe to the place, with styling from 1950's California. Puts a smile on my face.





Right inside the entrance is this great old gas station, Oscar's, where parents can rent strollers.





Hollywood Studios' equivalent of Magic Kingdom's Main Street, with the same 50's California feel, with neon and deco styling. A takeoff of the Chinese Theater framed in the back.











A side street styled after Sunset Boulevard.





Toy Story Land is lots of fun, with some nice rides. "Slinky Dog Dash" is my favorite, a smooth, modern roller coaster.





One of my favorite Disney restaurants, the Sci-Fi Drive-in Diner. Not favorite for the food, which is meh. For the design and concept.





Behind the check-in, you see this big tall wooden wall, which is the back side of the drive-in movie screen.





Apologies for the blurry pic--didn't realize it was blurry until too late. But you get the idea of the design. You sit in these table booths in cars, watching the screen while you eat your meal.

I freaking love this. I'm a lover of movies, and theaters. And a drive-in theater brings me back to my childhood, remembering things like seeing "E.T." at a drive-in.











The screen shows short clips and movie trailers for old, old, cheesy sci-fi and other movies. Lots of campy fun.





I don't go there for the food. This is a salmon pasta. Meh... not bad.





Now getting to some of the good stuff. Disney used to have some licensing for a few Star Wars things, and had a "Star Tours" ride. After Disney bought the Star Wars franchise from George Lucas, they've really ran with it. At the parks, other than the high prices they charge, they've done a really good job at bringing the Star Wars universe to life around you.

(just please, PLEASE keep Rian Johnson away from Star Wars, okay???)

If you look at that above picture, and get just the tiniest bit of a chill, you can be my friend.








This is Star Wars legacy. Note the two posters. The one on the right was the original plan for Episode 6, until Lucas rethought it, deciding that revenge wasn't a Jedi trait. And it became Return of the Jedi.





Disney has added a Star Wars land to Disney World's Hollywood Studios, and California's Disneyland. They call it "Galaxy's Edge". The land is set in a Star Wars planet called Batuu. And EVERYTHING is Star Wars. All the cast members are in character, role playing. Food is SW. Drinks are SW. Even the bathrooms are SW styled.





The Batuu marketplace. Can't you just see Luke, or Rey, walking down the row?

I explain it like this--when I was a kid, when we'd pick up a stick, we'd either go "pew pew" shooting each other, or have pretend light saber fights, misquoting Empire Strikes Back with "Luke... I am your father".

Today's kids pick up a stick and might say "Wingardium Leviosa". It's their thing.

Well, for anyone that ever played Star Wars, Galaxy's Edge lets you not just play, but LIVE a Star Wars life for a few hours. It's immersive, surrounding you with grandeur. So much fun. Childhood fantasy for some. (I wasn't a super SW geek as a kid, but my fandom has greatly increased since 1999)














Who hasn't dreamed of actually flying the Millenium Falcon? Multiple jumps to hyperspace? You get to do it!

Perhaps BMW will continue their vehicle growth, and someday produce a Corellian-class freighter.

I'm sure it would have one hell of a front grille.

Warning: Do NOT watch the next two videos if you're planning on going to Galaxy's Edge someday and want to avoid spoilers on building a lightsaber.

This is a highlight. I chose to build a lightsaber from "scrap metal" at "Savi's Workshop". High Disney cost, but it's not just the custom lightsaber you take home.

The build experience is fantastic too. Almost spiritual. Star Wars fans will feel it. Two years ago, I built a blue-bladed light saber from the "Elemental Nature" style theme. But I must bring balance to the force, of course. So this time, I built a red-bladed saber from the "Power and Control" style theme.

Again, do NOT watch the vids if you think you might do a Savi's build in the future and don't want spoilers.





At Oga's Cantina, you can live the cantina scene from Ep IV, while sipping on SW universe drinks.





This is the beer flight served in Rancor teeth, which I get to take home. I've got trunk space in the X5!

On the far left, I think that's a Bespin Fizz, if I recall. It's a constantly bubbling drink. Lots of fun.





My favorite, the Fuzzy Taunton. The foam on top has a numbing agent that literally makes your lips go numb. It's hilarious. I commented that my lips weren't feeling too numb, and the bartenders gave me an extra cup of the foam.





My favorite part of Galaxy's Edge, the "Rise of the Resistance" ride. For Star Wars fans, this one will just blow you away. IMHO, the best ride of its kind anywhere in the world.

I will try to refrain from revealing too many spoilers. So I'll present the next pictures without comment.














Okay, I'm going to have to break this Orlando portion up into 4 parts to do this justice.

The best... is yet to come!!!!

[Wild Blue]

Days 11-20:
Stationary in Orlando, Florida
Part 3 of 4








So here's the deal. Just a few months ago, Disney opened the "Galactic Starcruiser", which is connected to the Star Wars Galaxy's Edge land in Disney World. Has been referred to as a "Star Wars hotel" by some, which is not really accurate.

What it is, is a 3 day, 2 night full-time immersive Star Wars live action experience. Think of it like "Westworld" (minus the killer robots). For a total of about 36 straight hours, you're part of a live Star Wars story on a ship, surrounded by live actors role playing Star Wars characters in an adventure you become part of.

The story is, you're taking a space cruise on Chandrilla Star Lines, aboard the ship "Halcyon", cruising to the planet Batuu (the planet in Galaxy's Edge). Enroute, you're boarded by the First Order, and a true Star Wars adventure story takes place.

Just like "Westworld", everything is open play, and you can choose who you want to be, and what you want to do. The story changes with every decision you make, and your interactions with the cast members are real, not scripted. You can choose to support the First Order, or the Resistance, or be a Scoundrel and be out for yourself. Or hop from one allegiance to another, or just sit back and watch everything unfold. (it's far more fun to dive in and play)

Also like "Westworld", the cost is exhorbitant (even by Disney's standards), but I found a way to minimize the cost just for myself, and decided to take the plunge. WOW. What an experience.

WARNING: I'll try to avoid most spoilers about this experience, but if you think you might do this in the future, you may want to consider skipping ahead to my next Orlando section 4 of 4 post








Getting there is the first challenge, lol. It's tucked away behind Disney Hollywood Studios, and since it's new, Disney is just now putting up road signs on how to get there.

Most people take a taxi or equivalent to get there from the airport or hotel. But for people like me that drive, there's free Valet service.

I showed up fully in character in my Jedi costume. Waiting at the security shack, the guard firmly emphasized no weapons were allowed onboard. But when I told him I always have my trusty light sabers with me, he said "of course. Go right ahead."

What's more appropriate than listening to Star Wars music while waiting in line for the Galactic Starcruiser?

I told the valet that I just won my X5 ship in a game of Sabaac, and to be careful, as it was fully loaded with Coaxium. He caught on right away.
"Now... not a scratch. I have your word...?"
"Would you get going you old pirate?"





The Halcyon symbol at the starport entrance.

Once inside, you board a shuttle from the planet surface up to the cruise ship. And the immersion begins.





The atrium of the cruise ship is where most large ship events and gatherings take place.





Of course, you're first taken to your cruise cabin.





https://youtube.com/shorts/kKVBDdroTSo


I can't tell you how cool this is. You're not just watching Star Wars. You're LIVING it. Everything is in SW universe. The cabin viewport there has a live shot of planets and ships going by (which changes through the cruise, including First Order ships at pertinent times).

On the left, is a screen where you interact live with the droid D3-09. Your interactions with her and responses actively engage you, and change the story based on your responses. She actually hears your responses and adapts real-time.














Again, EVERYTHING is Star Wars. Even this hair dryer is a "Thermal Blower". The bathroom is a "Refresher".





Best just to dive right in. Start your story. Talk to the crew members. Tell them about your own character (I was a youngling during Order 66 and somehow survived, growing up on Coruscant, and traveling the Galaxy searching for other force users). Explore the ship and see what puzzles and clues you can find.

These hologram tubes in the atrium showed important ship statuses.





Everybody gets training on the ship's bridge at some point, and then more events take place there later, with immersive galactic ship space battles that require your help.





In the sublight lounge, you can get unique SW drinks, and play holo Sabacc. There's even a tournament.

Everybody also gets to do light saber training at some point, which is one of the highlights of the cruise. Tons of fun, and well constructed with training drone blaster shots.








You don't have to, but just like the cast, many guests also dress up for cosplay. This little Ewok was adorable. And the Jawa costume was a big hit. I don't think we ever saw the kid's real face. He kept his Jawa hood on the whole time. Epic.

Someone said we had a much higher percentage of guests that dressed up than usual. It was a GREAT group of really nice people. And some seriously cool and creative outfits that people made, with armor, headpieces, jewelry, and whatnot.





Just like a cruise, all food and non-alcoholic drinks are included. Breakfasts and lunches are self-serve buffets with real interesting dishes, all in-universe, like "Gondark Meat" and such. The food is really delicious.

And yes. That really is blue milk. And it's good.

















Delicious foods and desserts. Some of that is Bantha (beef). Blue shrimp (yummy).

Everything is served family style, shared among a table where you're sitting with others. Lots to taste and share around.





Fun entertainment, too, while you eat. This is the galactic superstar "Gaya", a Twi'lek singer, performing with her Rhodian (like Greedo) assistant Ouanni.





Drinks with your fellow passengers in the Sublight Lounge is great, sharing what quests you're on. What story plots you've discovered. What character track you're on. What interactions you've had with the cast and crew. What you know of the story. What new areas you've found as you explore the ship and sneak into areas.

... or just boring stuff like real Earth life.

Pink glitter drink? Sure, why not. Tastes good, has alcohol.

This behemoth is called a Krayt Reactor. Four chambers of tequila and whatnot. They won't even serve it to you by yourself. You have to find 1-3 other passengers willing to drink it with you.








To minimize spoilers, I'll post these pics without comment.

I say the whole experience is 36 solid hours of cosplay, as you board this ship mid-day on day 1, play as late as you want, visit Batuu for a half-day on day 2, where you have the option to do all sorts of quests to further dive into the role playing story. Then play as late as you want back onboard the Halcyon with big story events unfolding. The morning of day 3, you have breakfast and check out first thing, and there's no real story playing that day.

What an amazing experience. I'll full-up admit I shed a couple tears at certain moments. Leaving, you feel like you're being pulled out of a real Star Wars adventure back to reality, and it's sad for real.

If you're a Star Wars fan, I do recommend it. If not a fan, it would still be fun. But the big question is, if it's worth the extreme cost. If you can work it to minimize cost as a (Han) solo traveler... maybe. But if you're trying to take a 4-8 person family all onboard... whoa. I don't know if it's justifiable, unless you have lots of disposable income, or just want to mega splurge.

Geez... these Orlando bits are taking longer than I thought. (or I'm being overly detailed and verbose). I'll wrap it up in the last Orlando section, and we'll get back to the traveling road trip.

[skyline408]

Holy crap! This has been the most amazing thread I've ever read in any forum! I'm really digging your pics and of course everything you're doing on this trip. Simply amazing!

[Keithwand]

Enjoying this. I lived in Orlando for 8 years 04-12 and was annual members at WDW and Sea World. Kinda burned out.
Learned from you that I could store the trunk shade in the spare tire area and the fan switch on my BMW.
Thanks

[FullFatDoom]

I'm not much of a star wars fan but that is AMAZING!

[Wild Blue]

Originally Posted by Keithwand

Enjoying this. I lived in Orlando for 8 years 04-12 and was annual members at WDW and Sea World. Kinda burned out.
Learned from you that I could store the trunk shade in the spare tire area and the fan switch on my BMW.
Thanks

Oh, I'll be doing lots more tips and tricks and reviews and thoughts on BMW stuff all throughout this trip!

[Wild Blue]

Days 11-20:
Stationary in Orlando, Florida
Part 4 of 4

Wrapping up my time in Orlando, with two more of the major Walt Disney World parks, and one of the best dining experiences I've ever had, anywhere in the world, with a top recommendation.





Disney's Animal Kingdom is my personal least favorite of the 4 big WDW parks. It's fun, but I can get all the fun and rides I personally need from it in a half day visit, and save time for others.





A good portion of the front of the park looks like this, with live animal exhibits on the sides. Nice ambience.





The center of the park has this gigantic "Tree of Life" with various symbolism in it.





When Universal Studios opened Harry Potter World, it was a huge hit. Disney responded by opening the "World of Pandora", from the movie Avatar, to draw from those crowds. Then later on came Star Wars Galaxy's Edge.

In World of Pandora, there are some cool stuff, like these giant floating islands from the film Avatar.





There are two Pandora rides, both of which are very popular. This is from the Na'vi River Cruise, which has beautiful colors.





The Africa land area has fun shows, like a live performance of the Lion King, and these gentlemen putting on a show in the street.





The African Safari ride there is one of the best things in the park, seeing these animals in a sculpted semi-natural habitat. Behind the giraffes, you can see one of the safari trucks you ride around in.





Lastly, over to EPCOT, which I took two slower days to drink in (literally) thoroughly. The "Spaceship Earth" sphere at the entrance is quite the icon.





Unfortunately, the large land space behind the sphere, that used to house two large buildings with assorted imagination stations in them, was demolished. When I was there in January 2020, right before COVID hit, it was under new construction.

Two and a half years later, and it's still under construction, with these huge walls around the area, and almost no visible progress. Very sad, and I'm guessing a victim of COVID.

It also makes it very inconvenient to go from the right side of the park to the left, and vice versa. If this huge area isn't blocking your way, the lagoon does, in the world showcase area.











The SOARIN ride is one of my favs, dangling you right up against a massive screen, like you're flying through world landscapes. Quite beautiful.

My feet, and those in the row above, deliberately inserted in the pics for context.





It rained almost every afternoon in Disney. Some just light sprinkles, and a couple heavy downpours like this one, which is often hard to capture on camera.

Wasn't too bad though. I could usually compensate with inside rides or something when they hit.





"Frozen Ever After" is another popular ride, in the Norway area of World Showcase.





This is always a treat to watch. Those little squiggles in the picture are spouts of water. There are barrel-like containers around this walkway. And as you walk, the containers shoot streams of water over your head and into the next container, where it is then shot into the next one, and back.

The "JAMMitors" trash can drummers





One of my days there, I did lunch at the Rose and Crown pub and restaurant, in the UK area. Felt obligated to get my usual fish and chips. And that's a cider (cidre?) mixed with Fireball whiskey as a drink. Yummy yummy.














I really like the design that Disney put into the UK area. And I had to get this pic from the UK area version of Disney's plethora of giftshops. Monty Python fans will get it.

I was hoping there would be a tribute set up to the Queen in the UK area. A cast member said there was a spontaneous tribute started by guests when she died, putting momentos in a collected area. But Disney wasn't able to keep it, and didn't choose to put up an official tribute. Disappointing, but I suppose I can understand and picture a Disney executive meeting where they may have wanted to avoid any perception of politics or something. I think it would have been respectful though.





Disney's Food and Wine Festival is currently going on at EPCOT. You can literally eat and drink yourself around the world as you walk through the World Showcase around the world.

I only did some. I'd have a little here, little there, and just when I felt full, as I'd walk past the next cultural kiosk, I'd think "ooh! I have to try that one!" Ugh...

I'll share most of my culinary explorations:

(note that this is over multiple days)








The honey mead from the Ireland kiosk. Again, I just love all things Irish.

Just note that most items are $6-$12 or so. And note how tiny that little cup of mead is. Receipt put in the picture for scale. Cost adds up quick.














Canada deserves a special mention here. In EPCOT, I usually have one meal at the Le Cellier restaurant, a French-Canadian gastronomic extravaganza, with steak and wine and poutine and cheese, etc.

Since the festival is going on, Canada has not just one, but two kiosks, serving some of the same things from Le Cellier. That's the cheddar bacon soup, which may be the best thing at the entire festival. So freaking good.

The filet mignon, which was pretty good. Blackberry cider, which was great. Maple cheesecake, very good.

I would have ordered the poutine, too, but decided not to blow my entire festival stomach room just on Canada.








In the France area, Remy's ride is a popular new one, with the new trendy technology of trackless ride cars. You're a little rat in Remy's restaurant, scurrying under tables, a mix of actual physical sets around you, and 3D screens.

That's a scoop of (totally yummy coconut white chocolate) French ice cream, or le glace. Which of course always makes me think of this:





Bonus points to the person who can tell me where that pic comes from.

EDIT: At this point (approaching the end of this 2 month road trip) still nobody has commented, what movie that picture is from, with Napoleon and ice cream.

Here's a hint: "EXCELLENT!!!!!!"





Drumming in Japan








Cowboy mac n' cheese, which surprisingly was only so-so.








Spam Nigiri and pineapple wine from Hawaii. Pineapple wine pretty good.

I love sushi. While I don't entirely get the spam culinary tastes of Hawaii, it does pair well with some Hawaii dishes, like poke, and does have its place.





Disney and China have done a FANTASTIC job of capturing the essence of the Forbidden City in Beijing, which is magnificent.

One thing to mention, though. While making big strides, Disney is not 100% back yet from COVID. Many shops and shows in the various parks were closed and still canceled.

One thing I previously loved about EPCOT, is that Disney had an ambassador program. Students and young adults from the various areas of the world would come work at EPCOT to represent their home countries. It was great to talk to them, hear where they were from, and about their home.

This year, as I was being seated at the UK's Rose and Crown, I asked the host where she was from, and she said "Colorado". Looking at nametags in the various countries, they said they were from "Orlando", or "Michigan", or such. Very, very few were from the actual countries. So sad. Probably yet another consequence of COVID.

In China, (or maybe especially in China?) there were NO workers there that were Chinese. It was very disappointing, and around the park really felt like a big part of the world cultures were missing.





As part of Disney's 50th anniversary celebration, there are 50 gold character statues throughout the parks. Using the new Magicband+ on your wrist, if you wave at the character, you activate them to say something, your Magicband+ vibrates and dances with colors, and you add to a collection in your Disney play app.








Traditional Vietnamese spicy beef pho. Not the best pho I've ever had, but pretty good.








German oompah performers





Beautifully constructed Italy area, that makes me want to go back to the actual country of Italy for another visit. So wonderful.





One of the nights at EPCOT, I deliberately grabbed a dinner reservation far in advance for the Hacienda restaurant in the Mexico area. It's one of the best places to watch the evening EPCOT show spectacular, particularly when it's raining, as it's inside, and they play the show music inside the restaurant when it's time.

I did a long, slow dinner, waiting for the show. This is a margarita flight, with chips, salsa, and queso. The classic margarita was the best.





I love seafood, but couldn't get a small seafood platter. So I ordered the big one, and took half home for the road trip that was about to resume.

That's mahi mahi, jumbo shrimp, veggies, and my personal favorite, scallops. All so good, including the veggies, which had a rich spice to it. But amazingly, the corn of all things was outstanding! There was some sort of flavoring to it. May have been the best corn I've ever had.





Nice performance, called "Harmonious".





The EPCOT sphere is stunning at night.





And that was it for Disney!

[Wild Blue]

Days 11-20:
Stationary in Orlando, Florida
Part 5 of 4 (BONUS)

Okay, I know I said that was going to be the last post about Orlando before resuming the road trip driving, but it just got to be too big of a post, so I'll put the last part here as a bonus. I guess if I'm accurate, this one isn't Orlando, it involves driving in the X5 as well.

Whenever I'm in central Florida, I have to drive to Tampa for a dinner at Bern's Steakhouse. About 90 minutes each way from Orlando.

Recommended to me maybe 15 years ago, Bern's is probably the best overall dining experience I've ever had. And that's saying something--I've traveled extensively around the world, sampling every major culture, in many different countries. I've done the entire spectrum, from living in a tent, eating street food, to 5+ Star hotels, eating in gourmet restaurants. From dirty to snobby, shabby to chic.

Good food at Bern's, good service, multiple courses, expert wines, professional tours, and a whole second half of desserts. This is one of the top experiences I can show you on this trip.








Bern's is in an old-timey, eclectic area of Tampa.











Some nice cars parked outside, both before and after the dinner.








Pretty swanky inside.

That Beard award is significant. In addition to the good food and experience, Bern's has a wine cellar of thousands, and thousands of bottles of wine.














Bear with me as I share just some of Bern's menu. It's changed since I was here last, as it used to have pages and pages of info and choices for steaks--cuts, thicknesses, cook temps, cattle choice, etc.





Have you ever been to a restaurant where the full wine list is maybe 500 pages long?





I chose to start with smoked trout caviar. Mmmmmm... a rare treat





After a discussion with the sommelier, about what I was looking for in a wine, preferences, tastes, he gave me samples of two recommended wines to choose from. Me definitely preferring one over the other, he poured a full glass.

This is a 2018 Frog's Head Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa. Full bodied, rich in flavor.





For the 2nd course, all steaks come with Bern's signature French Onion soup, unless you choose an alternative. Simply amazing.





Third course, even the house salad was delicious.





Main fourth course. OMG. Just looking at this picture makes me drool. That's a 14 oz, 100 day aged, Delmonico steak, cooked medium rare. Bern's signature fried onion, which by itself is worth the price of admission. (you have to try it)

Normally they also include a loaded baked potato, but I chose to get extra vegetables this time.

That's a truffle infused butter in the back. And I just love a side of sauteed mushrooms with steak. They brought a whole bowl full.





Holy hell. I'm in heaven.





After dinner, as your stomach is settling, Bern's offers personalized tours of the kitchen and vast wine cellar, given by waiter trainees that are trying to earn their place on staff. These tours are also worth the price of admission just by themselves.

Sadly, this is another victim of COVID. (grrrr). So my "tour" this time was looking through the glass window into the kitchen as my waiter explained things and answered my fascinated questions. And no wine cellar tour this time, which would have been good for pictures, but I've done it several times before.





But wait... there's more! We're only half done! Bern's has a whole separate restaurant upstairs, that is just for desserts. A separate reservation is required for people just going for dessert. A reservation is automatically made for patrons that have dinner.

So, after dinner, you trundle your full body upstairs (there's also an elevator if you're feeling extra full), and have a seat in really cool big barrel booth-types, with a wonderful darkened relaxed mood.





Remember that 500 or whatever paged wine list before? Well that was just for dinner.

This is an entirely different wine list, just for dessert wines. And even THIS one is so big, it has a multi-page table of contents!





I forgot to take a picture of my "Bern's Cappuccino". Coffee beans marinated in Kahlua and liquors for 10 weeks, with chocolate melted in. Delicious.

After a good, gastronomic meal, I really enjoy a good cappuccino, bit of dessert, and/or dessert wine as a digestiv to settle the stomach.

This is the popular macadamia nut sundae, and a glass of Grahams 20 year old tawny port.

Wow. Just wow. Everything was simply amazing.

Fantastic foods. Some items were the #1 best of its type I've ever had in the world, and the others would probably still be in the top 5. And the overall dining experience is still probably the best I've ever had, even traveling and experiencing things worldwide.

Can't recommend Bern's enough.

Okay, NOW I'm done with Florida. That was an amazing way to end the Florida stay. Let's get back on the road and resume this road trip!

[snowbimmer]

Jesus Christ, man! Wouldn't Sizzler have been a lot faster and cheaper???

[IFlyX5]

Originally Posted by Wild Blue

Traditional Vietnamese spicy beef pho. Not the best pho I've ever had, but pretty good.

There is nothing traditional about this type of junk. People who know how to cook Pho never, ever put bell peppers and mushrooms in Pho. I am sorry you got taken.

[Wild Blue]

Originally Posted by snowbimmer

Jesus Christ, man! Wouldn't Sizzler have been a lot faster and cheaper???

Yes, yes it would. And I think Golden Corral would have been even cheaper than that, lol.

That was a special splurge meal.

Originally Posted by IFlyX5

There is nothing traditional about this type of junk. People who know how to cook Pho never, ever put bell peppers and mushrooms in Pho. I am sorry you got taken.

No argument there. They just put "traditional" in the menu name. the noodles were also much firmer than a usual pho. Not the best pho I've had. It tasted ok though.

[gofast182]

It has been enjoyable to read about your experience. Thank you for sharing!

[BobsM3Coupe]

Boy, you can certainly eat.