Brent... Just Brent

Definitely NOT a drought. Looks like they're cleaning and refurbishing. There were custodial CM's scrubbing portions of it, but I couldn't get close enough for a photo. 

Lots of Epcot refurbishment last week:

Spaceship Earth is supposed to be quick, but major construction walls:

A little crazy seeing the retaining ponds/fountains dry:

Wait.

 

You were in the MK on Saturday?

 

So was I!  I also saw the new pickle stand.

 

TCD

I didn't see the pickle stand or the TCD. It was a whirlwind trip.

Scooped! I saw this Saturday and took pics thinking it would be a FF exclusive.

Wow. You really did your research.

Hominy Grill is good, but get there early. It fills up quick with visitors in the know and Medical University Faculty during the week and locals for brunch on the weekends. It's gotten a little crazy since it was on a bunch of Food Network shows, but it's definitely worth the early morning for some of their good breakfast. I think the one I enjoy is "The Big Ugly Biscuit" or something along those lines.

Tatooed Moose is... unique. NOT somewhere I'd take my kids. It's more of a bar than a restaurant, but man are those duck fat fries good. It's greasy, it's messy, but it's delicious. And the beer is great.

Jestine's is fine. Old school Charleston. If you want traditional southern food, give it a shot. Great backstory behind it, too. The fried pork chops and fried chicken are great. Don't miss the lowcountry/southern desserts.

I have, shockingly, never eaten at Rita's. Friends like it, but I see a lot of "Drinks at Rita's" Facebook posts.

Taco Boy. Meh. It's the home of the $4 taco. It's unique, but I think way overpriced for bad service. I go there because it's 2 blocks from work, but I always leave wondering how I spent $20 on a few tacos.

Overall, great choices. Definitely some of the better places. I'd also recommend Husk. It's Charleston Casual and one of Sean Brock's (James Beard award winning chef) casual places. Make reservations NOW, though.

PS - Just saw the cost of parking at the Port. It's the same as the hotel cost. Well worth it all of a sudden for the 7-day cruise.

Thanks! I think that's what I'll book. The parking is a huge selling point.

I second the four points sheraton, we stayed there the same night We4mickey did. It includes parking for the cruise, and they shuttle you to the cruise terminal.

 

It is right next door to Ron Jons, and a short walk to the beach.

I also assume they shuttle you back? And it's not one of those on the hour shuttles? I saw a giant billboard for them on I-95 yesterday advertising the parking. Sounds like a great choice.

I just booked the same RC cruise and ship for February!

Double Ghost of KFK rant.

Shockingly, and some of you have met me and would be really shocked, I agree with Dave. I cringe when I walk into Magic Kingdom and kids AND dads are in gym shorts. Really? So, like Dave, you KNOW this is coming on a cruise. I can see guys wearing nicer shorts to dinner, but I actually wouldn't mind slacks myself. For what I'm paying for my February cruise I may flip out if some guy sitting at my table rolls in wearing his best Under Armour shorts. Was that just a rant?

I've cancelled three ADR's here this year. I always think its a good idea, then I remember its $50 price tag. I just can't do that for a buffet.

Wow. This does look great. Too bad it doesn't start until September.

Great to hear as we actually have an ADR there in October with a couple of Fiends.

And yes... yes you should.

I keep my promises. You keep the secret list coming. I suppose I should get on an ADR or two.

We had it inside of an upside down can to conform to Fort Rules ! Maybe that's why it didn't work so well. :-)

I figure since they sell them at the trading post they're ok.

There are places to rent bikes all over, but it wouldn't hurt to bring your own. Outside of the battery, be careful riding your bike downtown. It's illegal to ride on the sidewalks and traffic can get a little crazy. I've seen many riders hit on meeting and king. They're major streets for us as we'll as historic touristy spots.

Parking is indeed free along the battery. I would avoid parking on the harbor side of the street though unless you're sure you won't be there still at high tide. You may end up with salt water splashed all over your car.

Parking on city streets otherwise is a tedious process. If you can fit in a garage, I'd highly recommend spending the money. Imsee so many tickets everyday. Locals know how to play the parki g game, but it can be confusing about districts and zones for a visitor. Tickets in residential areas start at $25, FYI.

I think Beaufort has some great things to see, but it's a little out of the way and can be seen pretty quickly. I might skip it in favor of charleston or savannah. It'll take you longer to get there than it will to see everything.

Love dinner at Kona. Ate there in June after taking a break and things are definitely better than what they had slipped to a few years back. The scallops are absolutely some of the best I've ever had. Also love the steak. It's sweet, but really tasty. Maybe I should write a restaurant review....

As a charleston local, I can offer a little advice. James Island County Park campground is probably your best option if you plan to visit the city. The rest are questionable or really far away. Also, you're close to Folly Beach there. If you can make it around the holidays, they have a giant light festival.

Good food is much easier to find here than good campgrounds. It really depends what you like, but I'd try and stay away from the tourist traps like Hymans, Bubba Gump, Tbonez, etc. For good, fried seafood I like The Wreck of Richard and Charlene, but take cash. No credit cards or checks accepted. It's no frills, but great and fresh. Also Sullivan's on Sullivan's island is a local spot with classic dishes, huge portions and family friendly. For non-seafood your choices are limitless. I'm a fan of Leaf, Husk, and Blossom.

Enjoy you trip and let me know if you have any question!

Don't forget Everest.

The place is never open, so how do they expect to sell any?

Actually I ate there for lunch twice this summer... And once during a very much not-busy time. It looks like it may be open more often than it used to be.

So back on topic, I always wondered why the entrance to DHS off World Drive was massive and near impossible to use if you're staying on property. Meanwhile the one off Buena Vista is tiny and takes forever to get in.

That's my favorite as well, but yes, they take up a ton of room.

I thought the zebras had been out in that area, just shy. I'm fairly sure I remember bad zebra jokes from the guides.

Oh, and I'm on a TR commenting roll tonight. Great report. The poly looks great since the rehab.

I'm not much of a TR commenter, but you said butthurt. Then I had to wipe the tea off the iPad. Well done. And great report. Except the part about kayaking across that lake with the storm clouds. That I could barely stand to read. Water and I aren't good friends like that.

At least that's two attractions. You'd think they would add more before taking two offline.