Carolfoys last trip - all in one thread - PICS ADDED!!

[carolfoy]

Ok I'll start in the pre-trip waffle stages.
Its monday 18th september and there are 5 home sleeps and 1 Gatwick sleep to go. Excited? you betcha!
The gang this year will be Myself (35 - how did that happen?) Mum, (60) this year and Callum (10 - he had his birthday just before we went last year so he's chuffed he can tell everyone he's been twice in his tenth year)
My father once more refuses to come which is sad because I know he'd love it.
Anyway last years trip with the Pattersons was supposed to be our last to WDW for a while but as it was our first time on site and we had such an amazing time etc, etc it didn't take long before I started looking around at prices again. In fact I think all of December was taken up with my personal research! that's ok, I'm a travel agent so it was on-the-job training. To be honest most package prices seemed to have shot up in comparison to what we paid last year so I looked at individual component prices. Short time later I realised I can't justify paying that amount to go back to somewhere I've been before.
Christmas came and went, mid january and I noticed a TCD advert in a sunday paper offering 14 days Pop century for £299 a head - could it be true? yup! bargain city, with upgrades and tickets (special offer at £149 for 14 days) we've paid less than 2k. which was about £1500 less than Virgin not including the park tickets.
So, we're off agin, the only other change came when I noticed the announcement re All Star Movies pool being in refurb, a quick call to TCd and £50 amendment fee and we're changed to Pop, admittedly I could have waited until they informed me of the pool refurb and changed for free but it was £50 well spent in my eyes to guarantee another resort.
Another change came when I decided to change for the second week, I'd fancied the look of French Quarter for a while (actually I fancied the look of Poly concierge more but this was always supposed to be a cheapie) so another quick call and we're moving for the second week. This will remain a surprise for my mum, I'm pretty certain she'll love POFQ.
The plans to finally venture out to Universal and IOA are on hold as we just decided to see when we get there, but to be honest I'm pretty certain we won't even go - sorry Universal fans, I know I should but just can't tear myself away from Disney.

Now we're less than a week away. Matisse my killer-cat-from-hell has been booked into the only cattery in the country that will take her, The suitcases are basically packed. We're waiting to see if hand luggage rstrictions are lifted so Callum can take his wheelie rucksack with portable dvd player, gameboy and assorted bumph only children need. that's pretty much it so far.
Saturday will be a cattery trip, another clean through the house, top up the suitcases with last minute essentials and pick up Mum who will be working in the morning. We'll catch our train from Exeter around 2 or 3 o'clock and stay overnight in the Gatwick Hilton. Sunday we fly out at 12 and as long as it doesn't turn out to be like last years trip where we turned up at LGW to find the computers had crashed and we were delayed for hours, we should be there around 4:30 pm.

that's all for now, I'll update as and when.

[Minniespal]

Yessss ~ Another trip report.

Excellent start Carol ~ Can't wait to hear all about your travels to the Mouse House.

[jen_uk]

Carolfoys last trip

:rotfl:

Until next year I bet!! ;)

[carolfoy]

Carolfoys last trip

:rotfl:

Until next year I bet!! ;)

Well, That's the problem with you Jen - you know me too well :rotfl2:

[arieljasmine]

Great start, Carol. You are showing me up - we only have three sleeps left, and whilst we have started the packing, but I haven't packed my clothes yet!!!!

ArielJasmine princess:

[TinkTatoo]

......I think all of December was taken up with my personal research! that's ok, I'm a travel agent so it was on-the-job training......... (actually I fancied the look of Poly concierge more but this was always supposed to be a cheapie)...........

:rotfl:

Looking forward to hearing about the trip when you get back :surfweb:

[mandymouse]

Great start, I look forward to hearing all about your holiday when you get back :thumbsup2

[florida sun]

Great start hon, have the most wonderful time and cant wait to hear all about it when you get back. :grouphug: :cheer2: :cheer2: :cheer2:

[ely3857]

Looking forward to the rest! POFQ does look good :teeth:

:sunny:

Jodie

[jns]

enjoy your holiday
looking forward to hearing all about it

[Cyrano]

Great start. Look forward to hearing all about it when your back :)

[wils]

Have a great time - I'll be interested what you think of the resorts (as I'm nosey!)

[carolfoy]

.. had a meet the teacher thing at Cals school yesterday afternoon and it did not go well! I am :furious: let me explain..
Callum is extremely bright, the first 5 years at school his numeracy, literacy etc averages were like 18 months ahead of his year, ho hum, how chuffed am I? but this last year he hasn't just gone apathetic he's actually reversed now he can barely read, can't do the simplest of maths, its doing my head in! I don't know what to do, I was all for tearing his flight ticket up yesterday and making him stay at home with granddad. He's on a complete Tv, playstation and gameboy ban as well as not being allowed to go to friends houses or have anyone over. He's really got to knuckle down and if I knew it was going to be like this theres no way I'd have booked a hol for him to have time off school. I'm beside myself with worry, we're taking a whole heap of school work with us and he's going to have to work, work, and work!
So if you see any child standing in a queue maniacally chanting their tables its my son!!
rant over

[jen_uk]

Oh no just what you don't need! Could there be a reaosn why his performance has dropped so low such as bullying, needing glasses etc? Could he be upset about something like his dad splitting up with step mum?

Hope this gets sorted soon. :grouphug:

[wicket2005]

Hope you have a fantastic time.

Your son's brightness is still there. Please do not be too hard on him he is only 10. There is so much pressure on the kids to perform for this test or that test. When the SATs were introduced it was supposed to be a way to measure a school's teaching not for the child to be judged. I think there is far too much pressure put on kids today at an early age. So please relax, have a lovely holiday, your son missing a couple of weeks off school is not going to affect him, it would be different if he was taking his GCSEs. When you come back then give him your support to reach his true potential. :)

[carolfoy]

Thanks for your kind words of support, Jen, Callum has his eyes tested really regularly so that isn't the problem and he's definately not being bullied, his class has the very unusual distinction of all getting along together and Callum is definately a popular member, you've met him so you know that he's sociable, outgoing etc, I fear his problem could just be that he likes to chat too much but can't multi-task (boy!) so talks without working as well. I do think his dad/stepmum thing has had an effect on him so the teacher has been informed and will monitor him closely.Wicket - I will take your words on board and let him be a bit whilst we're away, and as long as he completes his holiday work I'll be happy.
once again, thank you

[jns]

what about getting him to do the trip report with you , or something fun that he his learning without really knowing

I always get mind to read the maps

Please don't let it ruin your holiday , :wizard:

[jen_uk]

what about getting him to do the trip report with you , or something fun that he his learning without really knowing


Thats a great idea! Maybe every evening Callum could write a trippie and then you can check his spelling etc.

[ely3857]

what about getting him to do the trip report with you , or something fun that he his learning without really knowing

I always get mind to read the maps

Please don't let it ruin your holiday , :wizard:

That is a great idea, he could learn so much without realising!

If there's a 10yr old British lad sat with a dictionary by the pool i'll try not to giggle :teeth:

:sunny:

Jodie

[carolfoy]

If there's a 10yr old British lad sat with a dictionary by the pool i'll try not to giggle :teeth:

:sunny:

Jodie


Thanks Jodie :goodvibes He's already under orders to do a diary, as he always does when I take him out of school. We've calmed down a bit today as the initial rage has depleted, still not terribly excited though. He's really got to knuckle down and I can just see I'll be nagging him the whole fortnight.

[carolfoy]

The trip up to Gatwick went too smoothly (I'm used to having mad last-minute bouts of things going wrong, missing cats, sick parents etc, etc) but no, caught the 3 o'clock from Exeter, arrived Gatwick ten to 7 and we were all checked into the Hilton by 7 o'clock. Had dinner in the restaurant (very expensive - £50 for 2 bowls of okayish pasta, 1 glass of wine, some fries and a coke!) The buffet looked nice but at £24 a head would have been a very expensive 1 course dinner (I could only eat 1 course).
Watched Afterlife then settled down for an early night.

[carolfoy]

Well, here we go, not a ridiculously early start which was amazing as Callum and I are usually awake at 2am on the morning of a disney trip, but more like 7am today. Great, time for a shower and a freshen up before going through to the terminal. A quick check in (gotta love premium!) and breakfast and it was through to departures. Now, my friends, I was most sceptical about flying TCD, especially as a lot of people on this board go in for TCD-bashing as a competitive sport so I was prepared for the worst. I hadn't shared my fears with Callum and Mum though as I iddn't want them to have any preconceived ideas. At best I was expecting a bunch of replica- Burberry-wearing chavs as flight attendants and the plane to be filled with fat people in sports attire (you know the sort - look like they've never done any sport in their lives), and at worst was expecting a 10 hour delay (as in our Virgin flight last year!, with no updates or info).
Well, we boarded and went upstairs to premium class, the seats were large and comfortable, in fact they were on a par with Virgin Premium, albeit slightly more 'worn' looking, but, hey, £300 each cheaper so I can forgive a little touch of shabby around the edges. The cabin crew were very smart and very courteous, One lady took a shine to Callum and he was waited on hand and foot. The food was excellent, I had a veggie pasta dish with hot bread rolls, salad, and the usual assortment of cakes, crackers etc.
We took off about 25 minutes late, due to a delay on the runway but landed on time in Sanford. All went very well, the captain kept us informed at all times when we hit a bit of turbulence and apologised for the late take off.
What could go wrong? absolutley nothing so far, the bit I'd feared the most (the flight) went perfectly and I wouldn't hesitate to book TCD again.
Landing into Sanford was fine, we arrived on schedule at 16:15, because we had the premium seating we were quick off the plane, through customs and baggage claim and were outside the terminal building at 16:45.
The transfer bus took a while to fill up but we enjoyed the blazing hot sunshine (what a shock to the system that was!) and a quiet ciggie before travelling down to Pop!.
This was the point where it all went a bit squiffy, 2 flights into SFB and 2 into MCO meant that the check in line at Pop! was huge and Disney obviously thought having 3 people on the desks would be adequate - it wasn't, we were 3rd in the queue and didn't get to our room until 8pm!!! I hate to think what time the family that was last got there - the check in staff were sooo sllooowww.
We were situated in the 80's block, number 8271, quite a long way from the food court but we did have a pool outside. after dumping the bags Callum and I headed back to the food court for refillable mugs, and snacks then it was an early night for us all.
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f280/carolfoy/Disney2006014.jpg
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f280/carolfoy/Disney2006063.jpg

[angel659]

Hi Carol,

Enjoying your trippie so far. I know what you mean about lines for check in. We had the same problem last yr at ASMo. We waited for about 45 mins before we were served. It was ridiculously slow and again three cast members for us as well.

Tell us about POR. We are debating about Port Orleans Riverside or a Villa for next year hence why we have not booked we just can not make up our minds.

[carolfoy]

I totally loved POFQ but know I wouldn't feel the same about riverside - its just too big, there are four bus stop areas there and being at FQ meant we were picked up/dropped off first so the busses were usually full by the time they got to riverside,be prepared to stand a lot! having said that it is very beautiful and the walks and quiet areas are lovely.

[angel659]

Hi

Problem with us now we are are a family of 5 and I think its only Port Orleans as a Moderate hotel will accomodate us. We cant afford any of the Delux hotels unforunately. We had transportation problems at ASMo on several occasions. At the end of the park days they decided they would share on bus stop for all three of the AS complex. The wait was long and not fun with 3 kids. This is why we would not return back to ASMo again. I would like to try Contemporary Resort mainly because they seem to have several offers on this hotel, again I dont think we will be able to afford this hotel either :sad2:

Thanks for your advice. I might drive on some days then.

[carolfoy]

Well of course we were up before the larks this morning, we wandered around the resort a bit and had an early breakfast. Caught the bus to MK and arrived in plenty of time for the opening ceremony, I thought I'd have to change our TCd ultimate ticket vouchers at guest services but Pop check in had put them on our room keys, so that was really useful.
The opening ceremony is just great isn't it? it really puts you in a disney mood.
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f280/carolfoy/Disney2006001.jpg
We rode Buzz twice, Callum won one, and I one won so we're level pegging, I'll sort that out another day and whip his butt!, we rode the TTa twice in a row as it was really quiet then hit the Indy car sppedway, mum drove so I was being flung around the car worse than BTMRR. we walked on Pooh, Its a small world and Peter Pan, watched Philharmagic (only complaint is that its about an hour too short! I love that show). We did the Haunted Mansion, BTMRR and Splash. I hate the queue for Splash, it never seems to move so I make a pact to never do it again unless we've fastpassed or its a walk on.
We met Push the talking trashcan in tomorrowland which was a first for us and I got some really good video footage of him.
We did POTC and enjoyed spotting the new Jack Sparrow additions then we caught the pirate show outside.
Cally got to skipper the jungle cruise which was also a first and he really enjoyed his few minutes of fame. It was really hot and the lovebugs were a huge problem. Many locals we met said it had been the worst year they could remember for them and there were swarms!
I had an ADR for 6pm at Tonys but we skipped it to go back to Pop to eat as we were more than a little bit tired.
At Pop I had a lasagne, Cally had a meatball sub and mum had salmon with rice, the meals were horrid looking but tasted great which we all agreed was the better of the two options. A long swim in the pool set us up for another early night.
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f280/carolfoy/Disney2006003.jpg
steps on the pedometer today - 16916!!! probably most of them were from walking to our room from the Pop food court :rotfl2:

[carolfoy]

Another early start for us, but this is where EMH really comes into its own! I know all the planning guides etc say to avoid it like the plague but we really made use of EMH this year, it was so ridiculously hot that the early mornings and late evenings were the best times to be in the parks anyway and we were glad everyone took heed of the 'don't go EMH' advice as we always found it to be quiet. By The Way, I've no idea how some of you do this in August, temperatures were topping 93 degrees every day now, in September so I'm not sure I could manage the parks any hotter.
on with the show, We went to Epcot for EMH and rode Soarin with fastpasses held in hand for when the crowds arrived. We rode living with the land whilst we were waiting for the fast pass time and really enjoyed it - last year we got a duff CM who mumbled throughout the whole thing so left our boat completely baffled as to what it was all about. This year they'd reverted to a voice over which was clearer and Callum really enjoyed spotting the hidden Mickeys.
After Soarin again we headed over to Test Track and fastpassed this, I was trying to persuade Callum to try Mission:Space now they have the 'chicken' version but he wasn't having any of it,
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f280/carolfoy/Disney2006022.jpg
it was a shame as we got surprise fastpasses for it with the test track ones, we gave them to another family who were very pleased. Instead I showed Callum the Mission:Space training lab and he spent ages on this while I sent daft postcards to work.
After Test Track we headed over to Canada as I had a 12:30 ADR at Le Cellier.Callum and I had the steak sandwich, Mum had the Salmon with a mango smoothie to drink and I had an icewine Martini - yummy!! the whole bill was around $75 including tip. We had strongly debated going for the dining plan this year but after they'd announced it was free we'd have lost more by cancelling the existing booking than we spent on food in total. This was probably the most extravagant meal we had and it was well worth it and for this one obviously the dining plan would have been great but we really wouldn't have made the best of it the rest of the time.
After Canada we wandered up to France, I wanted to see 'Impressions De France' as it is one of the only things we've not done in Epcot, (that, and Mission:space!) We quite enjoyed this film and as we left the heavens opened up, it was the famous half past three downpour and we hid out in the france gift shop for a while.
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f280/carolfoy/Disney2006031.jpg
A wander around Morocco, Italy and Germany and we caught the boat down to Mexico, Its now mid afternoon so we walked back as far as Spaceship Earth so Jeremy could lull me with his oh-so-soothing voice.
Back to Pop for around 5:30, a very delicious clam chowder for dinner and another evening spent in the pool.
steps on the pedometer today - 22103!!!

[jen_uk]

Thats a lot of steps!! Do you have legs like bambi now??! ;)

[carolfoy]

It was dull and overcast today but the temperatures wewre still high, We returned to Epcot to do the half of the world showcase we missed yesterday, we started in Norway and rode Maelstrom twice,
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f280/carolfoy/Disney2006035.jpg
Callum found the hidden Mickey in the mural so he was happy! We shopped in China and Mexico and rode' El Rio Del Tiempo' - cute show. We rode Test Track again as its Callums favourite but unfortunately we broke down, we were actually stuck on the last really steep camber on the fast bit of the track and were dangling sideways for about ten minutes, Mum was on the far left and could just about rest her head on the track next to her whilst Callum was getting squashed in the middle and I was on the far right, hanging out of my seat and trying not to squash Callum. It was quite funny and we got to ride again straight away after so that kind of made up for it.
We went back to The Land for a lovely lunch of Yukon Potato soup and a Soarin Creme Brulee then visited the aquarium for Turtle Talk - this was fabulous, so cute and funny, really enjoyed it. Callum spent a couple of hours in Innoventions so Mum and I shopped in Mouse gear and relaxed in the sun which came out with a vengeance mid afternoon.
returned to resort around 6:30 for another evening swim.

Pedometer today reads 18927

[carolfoy]

Thats a lot of steps!! Do you have legs like bambi now??! ;)

I wish - more like the Incredible Hulk! :rotfl2:

[JohnnySharp2]

Welcome home dear friend :wave2:

[carolfoy]

We actually slept in a bit today and were feeling the effects of 'park fatigue' already so we opted for a wee bit of shopping, The Premium outlets were calling us, so, as we didn't have a car we caught the MK bus then the monorail to the TTC, Lynx bus number 42 to Seaworld and transfer to bus 50 to premium outlets, whole trip $7.50 for the three of us, I like a good bargain! The premium outlets are a bit hit and miss, we've had a couple of really successful trips there and a couple of unsuccessful ones too. This one was rated in the middle, I found some mega bargains in the cosmetics store and the Disney shop had some stuff much less than the parks. I bought lots of nice baby stuff for my Best Friend, due in Feb, but its rather difficult to buy non specific gender bits, still, a few cute baby grows, towels, socks and mittens later and we retired to the food court.
Caught the bus back to the TTC and we were lucky to get the front seats on the monorail for the trip over to MK. Callum had done this last year but Mum and I missed out so this was another first for us, what a great view!
After a bit of relaxation (read: nap!) we caught a bus to Fort Wilderness, we had the delicious chicken for dinner at Trails End and took the connection down to the campfire. CM Dawn wasn't quite as entertaining as CM Cindy last year but it was a good evening nonetheless. A fair few marshmallows later and we settled down for The Emperors New Groove under the stars.
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f280/carolfoy/Disney2006051.jpg
We didn't realise it until the next day but it must have been here that we were all bitten! having never been very attractive to mosquitos (nor, to men unfortunately!) I hadn't used any repellant but we were plagued after this, a case of once bitten, more bitten I'm afraid.
retired to Pop around midnight.

[CustardTart]

Great trippies, Carol! :thumbsup2 The more I hear, the more I'm getting v interested in the idea of trying TCD next time around. Love the sound of that icewine Martini... :rolleyes1

[carolfoy]

Welcome home dear friend :wave2:

Thanks sweetie, not good to be back though!

[carolfoy]

Great trippies, Carol! :thumbsup2 The more I hear, the more I'm getting v interested in the idea of trying TCD next time around. Love the sound of that icewine Martini... :rolleyes1

It sounds like you are maybe as sceptical as I was, what with all the negative reviews, all I can say is, I wasn't disappointed, nor do I wish I'd spent more money to fly with Virgin, I can only suggest give them a go.

[carolfoy]

We knew that MNSSHP was on at MK today so we decided to have a water park day, Blizzard Beach has always been closed when we've been in the past so we couldn't wait to try it out. EMH meant that we could get in there at 9am which was nice to be able to have the choice of sun loungers and shade. Callum wasn't as keen on the main pool here as he loves the wave machine at Tl but it was nice to be able to actually swim rather than get drowned whenever the waves go BOOM. Callum was delighted with the toboggan run though and spent ages going back and riding again.
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f280/carolfoy/Disney2006047.jpg
We loved the ski lift to the top of the mountain but, fearing a major wedgie, we gave summit plummet a miss, we did manage to get my Mum to join us on the family raft ride though - a major achievement as she hates the thought of getting wet. This was a great ride and beats the one at TL hands down.
We had a very nice portion of fish and chips for lunch (Why are they 'chips' when served with fish and 'fries' when served with anything else?).
A long lie in the sun proved unrelaxing as the lovebugs were out in such force, everyone was twitching and spasming on their sun loungers like a bunch of naff 80's breakdancers.
We showered and changed and headed over to the Boardwalk for a wander around. It was too hot really to appreciate it but it looked like a lovely resort. We walked into Epcot from there and just wandered back down through to the entrance. Caught the bus back to Pop for another shower and freshen up and returned to Epcot for EMH.
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f280/carolfoy/Disney2006062.jpg
Illuminations - reflections of earth is a fantastic show and we watched this before moving around several of the food stands in the world showcase (Food and wine festival opened today) tried some lovely chicken in China and had a real laugh with the CM as he desperatley tried to pronounce 'skewers' like us, he couldn't so we taught him 'kebab' instead. Had some thai vegetable curry and a lovely tiramisu in Italy (washed down with a Bellini, of course).
Back to bed around midnight. The bus stops were packed but Pop had 3 busses come in at once so it wasn't a problem.
I don't understand for the life of me though as to why the majority of 20-stone+ adults find it impossible to put their 2 year old fairy light Princes and Pricesses on their laps? My 10 year old son will gladly sit on my lap to allow another adult to sit down so why can't little Tinkerbell suffer on a mothers knee for a 20 minute bus ride? This is the only gripe I have about the general behaviour at WDW. They all seem courteous and friendly, but when it comes to seats on busses they're like tigresses protecting their young.

[carolfoy]

Another hot and humid day, we're moving to POFQ tomorrow so spent the morning lazing and doing laundry, Callum did his diary and homework (hee hee - evil laugh!) and I called Bell services to arrange for our luggage transfer. We went back to MK for the evening and it was so much nicer doing the parks later on as the heat was more bearable. Looking forward to moving to POFQ as Pop is quite noisy and we are miles away from the food court. We rode Buzz again and I beat Callum (2-1 to me!), chilled out on the TTa for ages, I'm pretty sure I can recite that ride word for word. We rode Goofys Barnstormer which we'd never done (for some reason Callum always thinks this looks too scary and no matter how much I try and tell him its a babies rollercoaster he won't have it to be!) anyway its a cute ride but pretty short. We rode the railroad round the park and emerged at Splash, now this ride was a walk on so we did. We plunged the 5 storeys and got duly saoked then the ride broke down,
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f280/carolfoy/Disney2006072.jpg
we were stuck on the log for about 20 minutes before the Cms came through and helped us out to be walked out the back way. This was quite interesting as we could see the Brer Rabbit and the Mississippi steamboat up close. We also had priority fastpasses to use at a later date. BTMRR was next as always then we stopped at Pecos Bills, Mum and I shared a chicken wrap - my, they're huge!!! then back down to tomorrowland to get a good spot on the bridge for Wishes. I shed a quiet tear during this, its so beautiful and I wished my heart out that this really wouldn't be our last trip.
Back to Pop to finish the packing as we've an early start tomorrow.

[Minniespal]

Really enjoying your trip reports Carol :goodvibes

[carolfoy]

We had a 7:30 wake up from Stitch this morning, luckily Bell services were collecting the luggage from the room so it was good we didn't have to drag our cases right through the parking lot to get to reception. We took the bus to AK and walked straight through to Dinoland for our 8:30 Donalds Breakfastosaurus. Now, we did Chef Mickeys last year and loved it but fancied a change this year, I really wished we hadn't, this was probably the worst meal we've ever had on Disney property, runny scrambled egg, really hard bacon, fruit that was on the turn. The characters came over for about 3 seconds each whilst they'd spent ages with us at Chef Mickeys. The doughnuts were quite nice though but all in all, not a great meal.
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f280/carolfoy/Disney2006080.jpg
Expedition Everest loomed and I've been trying to persuade Callum to try this all year, he was still undecided so I told him to get a fastpass and decide later. We did this witha return time of 11:30. We rode Dinosaur (another one my son refused to do lats year - he has very strange ideas of what's going to be too scary) needless to say he loved it. we then did the Kali river rapids and I was lucky(?) enough to get the seat that goes down backwards, hence a thorough soaking, honestly, I had wet knickers all day!, we caught flights of wonder which is one of the under rated shows at AK, its a wonderful bird show, and very funny. Then it was Everest return time... would he do it? we had our fastpasses and walked straight through. Mum was in the very front carriage - not a great place for a rookie, and Cal and I were right behind. Yeek! what a fabulous ride, we screamed like girlies all the way round, I was terrified, it was so funny! the backwards bit is the worst bit, the rest is like a bigger BTMRR. well, we survived, I looked at Callums little ashen stricken face and he says 'Mum, can we ride it again?'.
We all had the jelly legs for a bit so headed for Pocahontas, again another show we've never caught and although it was aimed at the tinies it was lovely and I want a possum!!
We saw the festival of the lion king for the umpteenth time but I never get bored with this, its so uplifting.
A late lunch at Pizzafari then back to Dinoland as Callum wanted to play in the boneyard. We were once again feeling the strain of the heat but my knickers still hadn't dried properly!
It was a nice feeling though to leave AK to catch the bus to POFQ. especially as the bus stop was nearer.
We checked into POFQ at around 5 o'clock, the check in was quick and smooth and they transferred the remainder of our ultimate ticket to our new room key, we had a ground floor apartment in block 7, so once again was as far from the food court as possible, although with the resort being much smaller thsi wasn't a problem. The luggage arrived within minutes and we actually made the effort to unpack here. The room was a lot bigger and it was nice having the privacy curtain cordoning off the sink area, especially as we were on the ground floor. It was nice, too having 2 sinks and extra seating area.
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f280/carolfoy/Disney2006109.jpg
Callum dashed off for a swim as he was dying to try out the serpant slide and later on we caught the little boat to Downtown Disney.
A lovely evening meal at Earl of Sandwich and a bit of shopping and we retired back to POFQ. Mum has cheered up amazingly, she has spent the last week trudging along and I could see she really wasn't enjoying herself but the atmosphere at POFQ made an immediate change in her (and me too to tell the truth).
Back at POFQ I found myself reacquainted with an old travelling companion of mine, Mr Baileys Irish-Cream, now, he's been a reliable and trusted friend over the years and it was lovely to see him again. We spent a few hours confiding our woes to each other then had a lovely nights sleep!

[Jules224]

I'm really enjoying reading your trip report.
Sorry to hear about donalds breakfastosaurus, that's what i have booked for our DS 3rd birthday. :sad1:

[carolfoy]

I would seriously advise a change to Chef Mickeys! really, I was sceptical after reading a few bad reviews and I regret not changing. The character interaction was very minimal, and that is what you pay for.

[carolfoy]

We slept in this morning, which we put down to the quiet atmosphere at POFQ so we had a late breakfast. I will ponder a while over the bizarre combinations of food at WDW, I've travelled a bit in the states so know that not every where has the same dining habits and I hesitate to tar them all with the same brush but, honestly, why the combinations? In both resorts Callum would order a childs chocolate chip pancakes, now that's 2 pancakes to me and you but these came with a tub of apple sauce(?) either 2 strips of bacon or a sausage (??) and, wait for it, a burger(???) why a burger? how odd, not a burger in a bun but a plain burger. other combinations were a bowl of soup with 2 cream crackers, a packet of crisps with a sandwich, waffles with blueberries and bacon, and meatballs with apple sauce. Is there a glut of apples in the states? '*** why can't they just give you an apple, at least you could save it for later, but adding sugar loaded apple sauce to every meal is daft. Anyway, musings over.
After our later start we decided to catch a bus to the Florida Mall, when we went to the premium outlets the other day I hesitated to go by the cheap method, preferring the convenience of a cab but it worked out fine, the Florida Mall on the other hand is a different matter, the same bus from TTC took us to Seaworld. But the journey from there to the Mall took us over an hour. We decided we'd definately get a cab back.
Gap had a good sale on so many bargains were to be found there and after raiding Skechers, Yankee candles and spending a relaxing half hour in the massage chairs we had a half hour trip back in the cab. Fare to the Mall = $3.75, fare home = $39. time saving = priceless.
At 8 o'clock we headed to MGM for EMH and Callum fulfilled his ambition of riding Star Tours three times in a row. We did the great movie ride but had a female CM, definately not as good as some of the men we've had in the past. Saw Muppets 3-d which we didn't catch last year and I had forgotten how good this was.
After some more shopping we got back to the room at 11:20
forgot to add this one earlier....
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f280/carolfoy/Disney2006046.jpg

[carolfoy]

Another late morning start, getting to love those lie-ins. Mooched over to Typhoon Lagoon at around 10 and managed to get a sunlounger on the main beach. Spent a long time on the lazy river and Callum actually went on Humunga Kowabunga - he was so chuffed with himself as he's been working up to that one for years, when I explained it was the equivalent of doing Splash Mountain without a log he was beside himself. We did the gangplank falls but as I said before the raft ride in BB was much better, in TL you have to carry your own raft up to the start and the ride only lasted a few seconds, then it was a long queue to do it again.
Mid afternoon we went back to POFQ and had Clam chowder again for dinner, caught the boat again to DTD and Callum spent the evening in Disney Quest. mum and I bought a load of cd's in Virgin and then joined him for a few games of human pinball and pirates of the caribbean.

[florida sun]

Fabulous reports Carol, Im really enjoying them. Hope you have some piccies to share with us soon :thumbsup2

[Jules224]

I would seriously advise a change to Chef Mickeys! really, I was sceptical after reading a few bad reviews and I regret not changing. The character interaction was very minimal, and that is what you pay for.


Now i don't know what to do as we have chef Mickey's booked the night before DS birthday as it is a friends birthday then who is coming with us and we have CP booked for our first morning there.
Maybe i have just got to hope being his birthday he might get a little more character interaction. :confused3

[natalielongstaff]

great reports carol :thumbsup2 i agree with you as regards the bus situation :sad2: it made me really cross last time

hope you have some piccies for us !!

[jns]

really enjoying your report :thumbsup2

[jen_uk]

Great trippies! :cool1:

[carolfoy]

Guess what? yup! its hot again today, although I think we've got it sussed now - spend days in resort by pool and go to parks in the evenings! so that's what we did. We sizzled by the pool and had lunch at POFQ before venturing over to Epcot around 3pm. We had to ride Soarin' again (mums fave) and to add to the much discussed topic on these boards we still can't smell the ocean! all the other smells are definately there but the ocean? not so much. Mum and I went to Mexico so she could buy a silver bracelet for her friend like the one I'd bought myself a few days earlier $12 bargain, really pretty silver bracelet. Callum whiled the time in innoventions again. We were hungry by this time so after stopping for a sample of icewine at the Canada food and wine stall we had fish 'n' chips in the UK, eaten whilst watching The British Invasion. Callum and mum really enjoyed theirs but I thought it was greasy and not cooked particularly well.
We caught Off Kilters act after this and they were brilliant. Callum wants test track AGAIN so we agreed to go single rider as the queue was huge, Cal and mum end up in the same car anyway then its time to pick up wristbands for the EMH. I really thought this system would be a hassle but its not, very easy and efficient. I'm still trying to persuade Callum to try MIssion:Space as I know he loves simulators (they make me feel a bit sicky) so he queues up with mum but has a meltdown inthe final waiting area just before boarding and emerges embarassed and tearful. I agree to ride it with mum first and if its too intense he doesn't have to try it again. So Mum and I join the very short queue and end up in a group with one other guy who also had never done this ride before, we were all giggling like nervous fools and panicking when we realised we were one short to 'land the shuttle successfully'. Help! never mind, it was so easy and I really didn't feel queasy at all (not that I'd be brave enough to do the 'real' version). I explained it to Callum and he agreed to ride it so off we went again, and again, and agaian! He's now kicking himself for giving away the fastpasses we had last week.
Another test track and spaceship earth before retiring to meet Mr Bailey again.

growing a MIckey pumpkin at Living With The Land
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f280/carolfoy/Disney2006021.jpg

[carolfoy]

Another morning by the pool before heading to MGM for around 2pm, we were in time to get a good spot for the parade (I do love the Stars in their cars). Mum went to catch the last Beauty and the Beast showing and Callum and I went to meet Lightning Mcqueen and Mater at the streets of America.
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f280/carolfoy/Disney2006079.jpg
He then rode Star Tours again before we met up with mum to check in for the Hollywood and Vine Fantasmic dinner package. The selection of food was great, I had Chicken with peanut satay sauce, salmon, Prawns, pasta with scallops, rice, green beans, broccolli and cauliflower. Callum had meatballs, pasta, bread rolls and salmon, Mum had the same as me but with less chicken and a HUGE piece of steak. The bill for this came to $75 inc tip, and was certainly worth every penny, the meal was huge and was by far the biggest dinner we had, I couldn't eat a buffet more than once a week though.
We shuffled off, all fat and plumptious to One Mans Dream, I always feel this is the most overlooked attraction in any park, Walts story is truly inspiring and the stills and museum pieces are great to look at.
The Man whose vision inspired us all...
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f280/carolfoy/Disney2006106.jpg

We had a slow wander back to Fantasmic and managed to get the front bench seats.
Fantasmic is the best evening entertainment on WDW and I love this show, there was a family behind me who had a son aged around 4, they had obviously never seen it before and after it finished to rapyurous applause the little boy turned to his dad and said 'Daddy, that was the best thing I've seen in my WHOLE life' I have to agree, I know exactly what he meant, I'm sure the dad was sniffing back a tear or two as I was.
The only thing that can follow Fantasmic is an early night with Mr Bailey!

[carolfoy]

Very excited today about MNSSHP, Callum is dying to get into his stormtrooper outfit first thing but I manage to persuade him to hold off til later, all that plastic in the sun can't be a good thing! So again, a leisurely morning spent by the pool before reaching MK at around 2. We manage to catch the parade before treating ourselves to ice creams from the Main Street parlour. We queue up for Pirates of The Caribbean and Callum is delighted to come across another Callum in line, this little guy was about 7 and was from Toronto and his mum was saying how noone can understand her sons name, I agreed that we have the same problem in the states, they just can't say or get the word Callum, and as for buying anything with his name on, its impossible. We had a discussion about the origin of the name and I explained that being 2 'L's meant it was Scottish and 1 'L' was the Irish version, she was delighted to hear she'd chosen right as their last name was Murray.
After POTC we wandered up to Cosmic Rays for a cheeseburger (I love the toppings bar!) and I let Callum change into his Stormtrooper suit,
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f280/carolfoy/Disney2006153.jpg my own stormtrooper at the MNSSHP
we picked up wristbands just before 7 then watched the hoardes as they left the park. What a great evening! everything was a walk on, The Haunted Mansion was great fun, being patronised by the Doombuggies fans, we saw the evening parade which I thought was brilliant, loved the haunted mansion float and the grave diggers, and the headless horseman was really cool too, we collected candy from the trick or treat lines, even though we were told numerous times that we'd be given tons on the way out, (we weren't - so be aware!) We got a spot on the bridge to watch Hallowishes. The fireworks were, of course, fantastic, when Disney wants to do something, they always do it better than any one else, and I love the villains so it was right up my street.
We rode everything in fantasyland, frontierland and tomorrowland, it was so lovely not having to queue at all and I'd recommend this evening even just for this privilege.
We left the park around quarter to midnight and it was just cooling down a little then, not enough for a cardi, mind you! My mum had spent every day religiously carrying around a cardigan for the evenings because 'you never know' and didn't wear it once.
Last full day tomorrow and I'll be sad to go, its supposed to be my last trip, and certainly with Callum not being able to be out of school any more it seems like it will be, I couldn't stand the heat of August and Easter is so crowded and expensive. ah, well, back to the Baileys.

[carolfoy]

Last full day, the morning was spent packing everything that could be packed and we ended up eating breakfast quite late, we were unplanned for today so everyone got to vote on their favourite ride to do again. Callum and I both wanted to experience Everest again so we hotfooted over to AK, we fastpassed with a return time of 3pm so whiled away the time watching Its Tough To Be a Bug and rode the Kilimanjaro Safaris, surprisingly we saw loads of animals, even the cheetahs. Then it was time to return to Everest, mum wasn't riding again as she really didn't enjoy the first time so Callum and I went on, the fastpass queue moved really quickly and we were seated in the middle of the train, I enjoyed this ride even more the second time, and Callum actually kept his eyes open enough to see the yeti!. Its a great ride, even for a wuss like me!
We left AK after a lunch in the flame tree barbecue (great onion rings) and went back to MK - we felt we had to end our holiday here as this is the very essence of Disney. Buzz lightyear evened up the score again so Callum and I remain on 2-2! which means of course, that we will have to go back at some point.
I insisted on riding the Carousel of Progress just so we could spend the rest of the evening singing 'there's a great big, beautiful tomorrow'. MK was packed tonight as it was general admission until midnight, but although we didn't get to ride much we did see Wishes again and it wa lovely to spend our last evening soaking up the wonderful atmosphere.

An 'action' shot at MTMRR
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f280/carolfoy/Disney2006070.jpg
We left just before closing and returned to our room to finish the packing (and the Baileys).

[jns]

Yes we love to spend our last evening at Magic Kingdom
and we are nearly always the last leaving , it is really nice walking down main street at night when it is empty

Thanks for the great report

[carolfoy]

We slept in late as we didn't have to vacate until 11am, so there was no point in rushing. The packing was finished and we trundled over to the food court to get breakfast. This was the third morning in a row that someone else paid for our breakfast! people who had the free dining and hadn't used their credits were offereing to get ours - how lovely, I wonder if they are DISsers? if they are - a great big thank you! much appreciated.
We checked out and waitied for our 12 o clock transfer back to Sanford, when it didn't turn up by quarter to one, I called the office to find that TCD hadn't told them we'd be travelling into Pop and out of POFQ. Never mind, no hassle, they sent a bus out and we were off at quarter to two. This may sound like a huge problem, but really POFQ was so lovely and relaxing it was no problem to just sit in the shade there and watch the world go by, even Callum was happy, if we'd have been at Pop it would have been a different matter, there weren't any seating areas apart from the food court and that was so noisy and busy, it wouldn't have been nice.
We arrived at Sanford in plenty of time to take advantage of the lounge, it was nice to sit away from the general hubbub of the airport and have a smoke before boarding. Again I'm waiting tentatively for the TCD delay announcements but they never came, probably because there were no delays. yay! again the seating was great, the premium boarding and disembarking was fine, the food was well up to scratch and we made it into LGW on time the next morning, no problems at all.
We then have a 3 hour train journey back to Exeter and an hours drive, Dads there waiting to pick us up and its all gone smoothly.

[carolfoy]

well, generally the holiday was fantastic - isn't it always when you're in Disney? I hate to think its my last trip and will be looking into DLRP soon to get my 'fix'.

Pop Century - the resort was clean and tidy but it never really got under our skin, last years stay at ASMo was fantastic, but we were situated in the Toy Story block which has since become 'preferred', I wouldn't stay at Pop in unpreferred again, it was too far to walk to go to the food court and busses, we were taking our refillable mugs with us every day into the parks so we could get drinks when we arrived back to resort. The resort is huge and the pools were always noisy, the icons were nice but we didn't miss them when we moved on.

POFQ - we really felt like our holiday started when we moved here - it was so relaxing, I'd booked it for mum for a surprise and to be honest I did think that Callum wouldn't enjoy it much here as it maybe wasn't 'Disney' enough, but no, he says he preferred it. The Staff in the food court seemed happier and more chatty too. Mousekeeping weren't quite as adventurous on the towel animals, buy, hey, a small price to pay!

The Dining Plan - We hadn't booked for free dining because by the time it was announced, I would have lost £400 on the original booking to re book it, if that makes sense? I'm glad I had a few ADR's though as every table service place was packed and at every counter service there was always that family in front of you saying to the cashier 'can we swap x for x and can we get x on the plan etc?' which just held everyone else up. We probably spent around £400 on food total for the three of us anyway so it was much the same. We really couldn't have eaten enough to justify the plan, very often we were getting a meal of, soup, breadstick, chicken strips and fries, and that would feed all three of us! we only had 2 ice creams and 1 tub of popcorn the whole time. I was very upset though to hear numerous families encouraging their kids to order this and that because 'its free, Hon, just take it' only to see food being thrown away. Honestly the gluttony is appalling and the food thrown away in Disney every day could feed Africa for weeks. rant over :blush:

TCD - no problems at all having flown to Sanford with Thomsons Brittania, I'd choose TCD any day, Having flown to MCO with Virgin I'd have to say that if Virgin Premium was the same price, I'd probably choose them, but, and its a big but - they are more expensive, MCO is slower to get out of and the fact that TCD kept us informed when we were (slightly) delayed travelling out and Virgin who think they are gods gift to aviation couldn't be bothered with info when we were (very) delayed last year, makes us think again

The weather - it was too hot to really enjoy the parks at the height of the day, once we'd got into the routine of spending mornings by the pool and using afternoons and evenings it was a lot more enjoyable.

EMH fabulous! a great use of time, not busy and crowded like it seems to suggest in all the guides, almost everything was a walk on during these times, and the extra hour in the mornings at the water parks was very useful for getting good sun lounger spots.

Overall it was fantastic, I choke up when I think I can't go back for ages, if at all, it really is a magical place. I may not be around on these boards for much longer as I don't think I can bear to hear everyones Disney tales without being able to experience it myself, but I thank all of you for your friendship, advice and laughs these past couple of years. Its been great.
xxx
:love:

[natalielongstaff]

sounds like a brilliant holiday carol,im glad you had such a great time :)

[Minniespal]

Excellent, thanks Carol ~ I've really enjoyed reading your report :goodvibes

[ariel75]

sounds like you all had a great time

[Lizzy Lemon]

Very interesting report Carol, I hope you will soon be able to return. I always said we would never take the boys out of school for a holiday but we are tagging on a week next October to half term. I'm worried they will be missing something but this week Glen has been to Alton Towers (for lectures on force and gravity which lasted 1/2 hour and 4 hours on the rides). He's had a supply teacher who taught them nothing and talked about his new dog and then he said in Year 10 (next year) they are going skiing for a week at a cost of £600!!! Not in the same year as Disney, can't afford it. We have had to save up 3 years for this holiday and I thought it would be our only time, I'm determined its not going to be even if it takes us 5 years saving up next time. Don't disappear off the boards, you knowledge is invaluable.

[florida sun]

Carol hon, loved your reports, sounds as though you had a great time, I have stayed at both the All Stars and The Pop and whilst I loved both of them I know what you mean about the All Stars, we did miss it a lot last year as much as we loved the Pop. Vicki still says she prefers the All Stars. :cheer2:

I know you dont have another trip planned and I know how hard it is to come on here when you dont have a trip to look forward to, but I would be truly sorry to see you not posting at least once in a little while as I love your contributions to this board not only as part of Disney but in general on the UK Community and would miss your friendly and often comic posts a lot, so please stay in touch as much as you can bare to my friend :grouphug:

Thank you for sharing your lovely memories with us all :goodvibes

[mandymouse]

Thanks for sharing your fab report Carol, you sound as though you had a great time. I hope you are able to post some piccies, *** I'd love to see them

Thanks again

Mandy :)

[fizz13]

Hi Carol :wave:
I am ashamed that I have barely started my report and you have finished your whole masterpiece, a wonderful report, thankyou so much for sharing. i do understand about needing to be away from the boards when you don't have a trip ( I used to cry buckets reading about other trips) but give it time, I'm sure you'll find a way to still be here. Wanted to send you many :grouphug: for your contributions and here's hoping for many more,

[Merylj]

Wow that is a brilliant trip report! Thankyou so much.
Please give my regards to Mr Bailey ;)

[jen_uk]

Brilliant trip reports!

Please dont leave us Carol! :sad: We will all miss you, your sense of humour is hilarious, your advice is sound and it wont be the same without you! If you cant stand to post without a trip booked then I think that that is a good enough reason to book another one!!! Surely a week either side of a half term wouldnt matter too much!! :rolleyes1 You know you want to! ;)

[Cyrano]

Shame your report is over, but it has been an enjoyable read :)

[carolfoy]

Thank you all so much for your comments and support. I'm in the process of sorting the pics so they will be on soon.
Lizzy - I totally understand what you mean, it seems very unfair that it works one way only, I hope Glenn doesn't mind missing the skiing too much, tell him he can ride the toboggans at Blizzard Beach instead.
Jen - you naughty girl, you're a teacher, you shouldn't condone me taking Call out of school :rotfl2: . If he'd only buck his ideas up I wouldn't be too worried about doing it. I'll just have to go on my own! **mean mum**
Once I get over the Post Disney Blues I'll probably be back with a vengeance.

[jen_uk]

I honestly dont think that having a week off school puts kids behind, maybe if you told Callum at he could only go back IF he starts working harder it would be a good incentive for him!!

[gilld]

Great trip report Carol. I really hope you continue to post, as even though I seldom look at the Dis these days, I always make a point of reading what you've written.

Who knows what's around the corner, you may get back to WDW sooner than you think - I hope so.

[carolfoy]

Thank you Gill, thats a really nice thing to say, I had noticed you were AWOL recently, hope everythings ok and you're just all cruised-up on excitement rather than not enjoying the Dis

[gilld]

Thank you Gill, thats a really nice thing to say, I had noticed you were AWOL recently, hope everythings ok and you're just all cruised-up on excitement rather than not enjoying the Dis

So many cruises booked now....6 of varying lengths to go between now and Dec 2007 and just back from Regent Seven Seas Voyager which was ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS that we don't have time for WDW until at least 2008 - if then! We haven't been frequent visitors for years anyway ...too many other things to do and places to see. Going less often makes it more enjoyable for us now - I think you can have too much of a good thing.

But I do hope those of you who like to go frequently, continue to get the opportunity to do so.

[Funniebunny]

Great trip report, I can't wait to see some pictures.

I really hope that you can continue posting on Dis even if it's just on the UK community board. I know it is difficult when you can't get to WDW yourself but I like to think of the Dis as more of a community than just a message board. I haven't been for 2 years and love to look on the Pic of the Day thread to remind myself of why I love the place so much. It gives me a little smile everytime I see the castle or a character.
Anyway what I'm trying to say is we will miss you

[AndRu]

I honestly dont think that having a week off school puts kids behindI used to think like this until we actually did it and it affected 2 of our 3 children. I personally wouldn't do it again.

As for the trip reports I've enjoyed reading them, especially the bits about bus travel as they re-enforce my view that Orlando (or America) without a car is a bind.

[carolfoy]

To be honest there was absolutely nothing wrong with the bus system - it was the people who were at fault! The boat drivers at POFQ who ferry you back and forth to DTD and Riverside would ask everyone to squeeze up to get more people on and the looks on some peoples faces!!! you'd have thought they'd have been asked to pee on the floor :rotfl2:

[jen_uk]

:rotfl:

Ive never hired a car in Orlando and Ive never found it to be a problem, I think I would find it more trouble to have a car than not have one.

[Minniespal]

Lovely piccies Carol :thumbsup2

[natalielongstaff]

great pics carol,thanks for posting them :thumbsup2 callum looked great in his stormtrooper suit :)

[JohnnySharp2]

Great photos Carol.

Hope you stick around the Trip Planning Forum, does seem to be missing a few of the regulars at the moment and it wouldn't be the same without you.

Like you I am not sure (for many reasons) what the future has in store holiday wise but for sure the TPF without Carol & Johnny = unthinkable ;)

[ariel75]

your report looks great with the piccies added

[jen_uk]

.

the TPF without Carol & Johnny = unthinkable ;)

::yes::

[ely3857]

Great stuff Carol :thumbsup2 I 2nd your thoughts on Pop but it is my 1st onsite so I wasn't sure what to expect and we did have a 50's room so were close to the food court but it was, even in low season very caotic

:sunny:

Jodie

[Lizzy Lemon]

Jodie - you're back! Are we going to get your report?

[arieljasmine]

I have loved reading your trip reports, Carol, and great photos, thanks for sharing. You made me laugh a lot too. I hope you will be able to get back to the magic sooner than you think - just believe (I love Wishes too).

ArielJasmine princess:

[wils]

Great report Carol - I'm glad you had a great trip and I loved Callum's stormtrooper costume.

I can understand your gloom with your next trip uncertain but please don't leave us!

[Lisash]

Have loved reading your report Carol. Please don't leave us as Johnny said it won't be the same without you

[angel659]

Sounds like you had a great holiday. Love the storm trooper outfit. I am pleased TCD worked out well for you, gives me more hope when I book TCD tomorrow.

[florida sun]

Great photos hon, really loved your reports :thumbsup2

[Scottish-Helen]

Welcome back Carol, great trippie, sounds like you had a great time again. Don't worry, I'm sure you will be back before too long. :thumbsup2

I visited Pop on a fam trip and wasn't as keen on it as the All Stars where I had stayed myself. Glad you enjoyed POFQ, I'd like to stay there one day.

[Spook]

Like you I am not sure (for many reasons) what the future has in store holiday wise but for sure the TPF without Carol & Johnny = unthinkable ;)

Too true. ::yes:: ::yes:: ::yes:: Lovely TR Carol, especially enjoyed reading your take on POFQ as we had intended to split our stay here with I-Drive but of course it got cancelled, still I am determined to get there one day.

Jan

[Cyrano]

Great photos. Really brings your report to life :goodvibes

[mandymouse]

Thanks for posting your piccies Carol, they're great :thumbsup2

[Ware Bears]

Really enjoyed reading this Carol and loved your photos :goodvibes

[carolfoy]

Thank you all for your kind words,here and the pm's. I'm still logging on faithfully every day so I won't be going anywhere just yet! I don't know how I feel a year down the line though when you've all been again and again and I'm suffering lack-of-Disney-blues.
many thanks again

[ely3857]

Thank you all for your kind words,here and the pm's. I'm still logging on faithfully every day so I won't be going anywhere just yet! I don't know how I feel a year down the line though when you've all been again and again and I'm suffering lack-of-Disney-blues.
many thanks again

In a year there could be the option of WDW again for you, providing Callum bucks up his performance at school and of course dont forget DLRP! Cheaper (well a little bit!) and closer.

:sunny:

Jodie

[lynninpa]

Hello, my friend! :wave2: I am in the midst of reading your trip report yet had to pause to write and say how much i am enjoying it! :thumbsup2 We also had our "firsts" like riding the monorail up front and my DS9 being the "skipper" on the Jungle Cruise. So happy you had such a great time! Ok, back to reading more of your report now! Ps It was great to finally see a pic of you!! Amy

[carolfoy]

Thanks Amy, hope you enjoy the rest of it, and well done on your own secret surprise trip :goodvibes

[cazzie]

Great trip report and lovely photos. Hope Callum improves at school soon, I am sure he will do well in the future. :thumbsup2

[KayleeUK]

Great reports :)