The NeverEnding Trip Report: 39 Parts and Counting (7/9 MK Day 2 & TL! LOTSA PICS!!)

[Eeyore's Tailfinder]

Hello! I'm relatively new-ish to the DIS and often frequent the dining and weddings boards! This is the very first ever trip report that I've written so I hope you'll like it!

CONTENTS: PRE-TRIP REPORT - The One Before We Went

1. The One With The Cast (This Post)
2. The One With The Loooong Itinerary (Part I) (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=18419668&postcount=7)
3. The One With The Totally Excessive Planning (ADRs included) (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=18462568&postcount=17)
4. The One With The Uber-Short Update (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=18463694&postcount=19)
5. The One With 3 Months To Go (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=18512320&postcount=25)
6. The One Where I Was Really Naughty (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=18581591&postcount=29)
7. The One With All The Tickets (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=18602817&postcount=30)
8. The One With The Revised Itinerary (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=18978050&postcount=53)
9. The One With A Bit Of Everything (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=18994819&postcount=58)
10. The One With 2 Months To Go (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=19026501&postcount=64)
11. The One With The Top Things To Do (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=19035082&postcount=72)
12. The One With All The DIY (Part I) (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=19229656&postcount=78)
13. The One With All The DIY (Part II) (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=19230186&postcount=80)
14. The One Where Els Got Excited (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=19468741&postcount=112)
15. The One With All The Good News! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=19862141&postcount=134)
16. The One With All The Packing! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=20021714&postcount=149)
17. The One With Yet More DIY! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=20022041&postcount=151)
18. The One With All The Surprises (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=20033105&postcount=157)

CONTENTS: TRIP REPORT! The One Where We First Went To Florida!

19. The One Where It All Began - The Day Before We Went! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=20608706&postcount=178)
20. The One Where We Finally Got To The Airport - Day 1 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=20608706&postcount=178)
21. The One Where We Flew! - Day 1.2 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=20646258&postcount=183)
22. The One Where We Got To Florida - Day 1.3 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=20968314&postcount=193)
23. The One Where We Actually Did Something! - Day 2 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=21022975&postcount=200)
24. The One Where We Did Universal, FOTL Style! - Day 3 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=21022975&postcount=200)
25. The One With The Posh Hotel Room - Day 3.2 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=21174677&postcount=215)
26. The One With All The Whinging (AKA Islands of Adventure) - Day 4 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=21698346&postcount=237)
27. The One Where We Did I Drive - Part I - Day 5.1 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=21773956&postcount=245)
28. The One Where We Did I Drive - Part II - Day 5.2 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=21773978&postcount=246)
29. The One Where We Shopped! - Day 6 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=23240396&postcount=261)
30. The One Where We Did Busch Gardens - Day 7 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=23456016&postcount=277)
31. The One Where We Went to SeaWorld - Day 8 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=24662587&postcount=288)
32. The One With All The Sharks and Hawaiians - Day 8.2 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=25100016&postcount=297)
33. The One Where We Did Wet'n'Wild - Day 9 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=25616245&postcount=300)
34. The One With All The Dolphins (Discovery Cove Part I) - Day 10 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=25867545&postcount=313)
35. The One With All The Dolphins (Discovery Cove Part II) - Day 10.2 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=25867550&postcount=314)
36. The One With More Shopping and More SeaWorld! - Day 11 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=25867629&postcount=315)

37. The One Where We Went "Home" - Part I (AKA We Move To Disney!) - Day 12 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=25867735&postcount=316)
38. The One Where We Went "Home" - Part II (AKA Magic Kingdom!) - Day 12.2 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=25867737&postcount=317)
39. The One With All The Characters - Day 13 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=26117319&postcount=327)
39.The One With The Waves (AKA Typhoon Lagoon) - Day 14 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=26117336&postcount=328)

I hope you don't mind me indulging in a pre-trip report when I'm still 98 days out, but it's now double digits and I'm soooo excited :yay:, I just can't help myself :teeth: Anyway, I hope you join in on our excitement - I can't believe I'm starting to write my very own, VERY FIRST trip report!

The Cast:
Me - I'm Hayley and I just turned 21 in January princess: This will be my first trip to Florida and the USA - That's right, I have NEVER been before! I'm a law student, graduating this July. I absolutely love Eeyore, Luigi and the colour pink :teeth: I'm also the planner out of the pair of us!

My DBF - Elfyn (Els) and he'll be 24 by the time we go to Florida pirate: This will be his 4th trip to Florida although the last time he went he was only about 9 and doesn't really remember much. He works as a computer technician for my university. He loves Stitch and Donald. He just turns up when he's meant to :laughing:

Two things you might have noticed about me by now - I go into detail about everything and take absolutely loads of photos on holiday - so expect a lot of both in my TR ;)

Let's get going!

This is us:
http://img412.imageshack.us/img412/3537/newyearen0.jpg
This is us on New Year's Eve

http://img209.imageshack.us/img209/4518/21stsm5.jpg
Us at my 21st birthday meal in January

We have been together 3 years now and hope to get married in Disney World someday :) He is the best boyfriend ever - he has let me plan this whole trip by myself and include everything I want to :love: When we first got together I told him how much I loved Disney and how much I had wanted to go when I was younger, so we made a plan to go when I after I turned 21 (so I could have a drink in the World :drinking1) - we would celebrate my graduating and our 3 year anniversary the same way. So, I have been planning this holiday in my mind all this time! I can't believe we are finally getting there after so many years of waiting! :laughing:

The Planning:

We started to discuss options for the holiday about a year ago and at first we were going to stay offsite as we weren't going to drive and we also wanted to visit Universal, SeaWorld and the other parks. But, in every brochure I looked at, I fell in love with the Disney hotels (I had originally wanted to stay in Animal Kingdom Lodge) and DBF agreed to it!

Next step, we made a list of all the things we wanted to do in Orlando - no way would we be able to do all this in 2 weeks :( Shall we cut a few parks out? - naaaahhh, let's just extend the trip to 3 weeks ;) And that's what we did. We made this into a trip of a lifetime, we decided to go all out as we probably would not repeat a holiday like this one for a few years!

We decided to split the stay between International Drive and Disney to get the best of both worlds. I believe I looked at every single hotel :rotfl: I had found a really great deal on the Swan and Dolphin on Expedia, but if we booked it we'd have to plump for a not so great off-property hotel (something we weren't willing to compromise) and I felt like it wasn't 'Disney' enough for our first stay. Once we saw the All Star Movies we just looked at each other and nodded :) It was perfect for us! We weren't planning on spending an awful lot of time in the hotel and I LOVED the theming, so that was sorted!

On 21st May 2006 we booked the holiday with Virgin Holidays - that's nearly a year ago now :scared1: We would be flying from Manchester in the UK on August 6th 2007 and staying in Sheraton Studio City on International Drive for 11 nights, before moving to ASMo for 10 nights and flying home on 27th August 2007.

The Waiting:

Now, I am not very patient - so when my 21st birthday rolled around in January this year, there was no doubt in my mind what I wanted to do - DISNEYLAND PARIS! I tease Els that we'll have to spend my 22nd birthday there too as it's becoming a trend (we also spent my 20th birthday in DLP and Paris). Luckily my best friends thought it was a great idea and they agreed to come :hug:

This is me on my 20th birthday (Jan 2006) in DLRP:
http://img228.imageshack.us/img228/6573/img1567sw0.jpg

With 1 of my friends on my 21st (Jan 2007) in DLRP:
http://img187.imageshack.us/img187/7115/img4932nl9.jpg

We really enjoyed ourselves and it really geared me and Els up for our Florida Holiday :teeth:

The waiting is the hard bit - I've tried my best to make up for it by planning! I more or less have all grounds covered now, as you'll see as my pre-trippie unfolds :thumbsup2 I've tried to get all the WDW books I can and my Passporter arrived last week :teeth: I've used this site and another board for sooo much planning! I basically made my ADRs on the great dining pics you guys posted up (something I hope to contribute to!) and I'm so so excited!

I hope I haven't bored you all and that you'll stick around for more! :goodvibes

NEXT UP: The Itinerary and our ADRs

[Eeyore's Tailfinder]

Hmmm it must have not been that interesting :confused3 :laughing:

[MTstitch]

Hi, I am enjoying your pre-trip report so far. Can't wait to see what you have planned! I am off to the world in 3 more days! I seemed like it took forever to get here. So if you don't see me respond to any of your report in awhile you know why :)

Nice to meet you by the way!

[Eeyore's Tailfinder]

Hello! Thank you for being my first subscriber :teeth: I'm glad you enjoyed it!

I can't believe you'll be there in just 3 days! I'll be looking forward to reading your report when you get back! Nice you meet you too!

[MTstitch]

If you have any questions for me when I return, May 9th) I will be glad to help you out! If there is anything you would like me to check out for you while I am there please feel free to let me know and I will do my best to help.

[Eeyore's Tailfinder]

If you have any questions for me when I return, May 9th) I will be glad to help you out! If there is anything you would like me to check out for you while I am there please feel free to let me know and I will do my best to help.

Thank you very much, that's very kind of you :hug:

[Eeyore's Tailfinder]

Right, here is our proposed itinerary :teeth: We are staying from 6th August til the 27th August, 11 nights at the Sheraton Studio City on International Drive, and 10 nights at Disney's All Star Movies Resort.

Sun 5th Aug
Woohoo! Our holiday and the excitement begins! We leave North Wales packed up and ready to go sometime after lunch - either with Els' parents or my parents, and set off for Manchester Airport. We're planning on getting dinner either in a nearby pub with the Parents as we're staying in Manchester Airport Travelodge tonight - not that we'll be sleeping as you know with the title of our trip report ;) Wave goodbye to parents and try and get some kip. We'll also try and check-in online either at the hotel or at home before we leave, and make sure we have transportation to the terminal in the morning.

Mon 6th Aug
We travel from the Travelodge to Manchester Airport and check our luggage in, making sure we get the seats I pre-booked on the VA website MONTHS ago! I remind myself not to eat the sausages at Manchester Airport as I hate them but always seem to order them. Our flight leaves Manchester at 10.25am - my first long distance flight, and first time with Virgin! We are looking forward to flying with them very much.
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2005-06/04/xin_3706020409588032663713.jpg
We arrive MCO at 2.35pm and transfer to the Sheraton. We're going to get a few snacks for the room from the 7/11 and have dinner somewhere close like IHOP.
http://www.orlandohotelfinder.com/img/Sheraton-Studio-City.jpg

Tues 7th Aug
Sheraton Pool & Congo River Mini Golf next door (I have never played mini golf in my life - I'm looking forward!) They also have Gators in the mini golf, so I'm looking forward to seeing them!
Hopefully in the afternoon go to Prime Outlets.
Dinner: Ponderosa (I found out a lad in my class will be at Ponderosa this date too, so I thought it would be fun to go the same time :goodvibes )

Wed 8th Aug
Our first taste of theme parks - Universal Studios!
We are planning on having lunch at Monster's Cafe (love the theming!) and dinner at Richter Burger. Remember to take obligatory photo in front of globe! Jaws is my DBF's favourite EVER movie, so we are both looking forward to going on that (me for the first time, him for the second)

Thurs 9th Aug
Wet'n'Wild
This is right across the road to our hotel, so we plan to take another 'easy' day today. Breakfast at Ponderosa (cannot believe the price of that breakfast buffet!)

Fri 10th Aug
Busch Gardens
I have booked us on the shuttle for 8.30am to be picked up at Universal Studios, since it's very near our hotel. We'll book a taxi from reception to get to US. I am VERY excited about this park, and cannot wait to ride SheiKra and Rhino Rally - if I do them I am happy! Els really wants to do Kumba again as that's the first rollercoaster he rode in his life. This will probably be a very tiring day and we won't have much time in the park due to the drop-off/pick-up times of the shuttle.

Sat 11th Aug
This is our International Drive day! It was meant to be 'easy' after yesterday's Busch Garden but it just sort of escalated! Another breakfast at Ponderosa and then off to Air Florida Helicopters for Tour No. 3 which goes over SW, DC, WW, IOA, US and I Drive. I'm excited as it goes over our hotel and hopefully I'll get some great pics here! We then plan on going to the Titanic Experience, something I really want to do (especially since I just finished my undergraduate thesis on Titanic & Salvage Law, which touched me a lot). We're also debating on doing Ripley's here, just for the reason we've been to the Blackpool one (in the UK). After lunch we're going to do Wonderworks which I think DBF will love, and I'd like to try and squeeze the 5pm Peabody duck march in here too if we have time. Dinner will be at CiCi's Pizza Buffet.

Sun 12th Aug
A park we're both very excited about - Islands of Adventure!
We're planning on doing Enchanted Oak for lunch and Pastamore for dinner as I just love pasta/Italian food. I cannot WAIT to ride Hulk! Els loves Marvel stuff so I think we'll love it here (I've told him everyone raves about Spiderman). We're big rollercoaster freaks.

Mon 13th Aug
Seaworld – Shamu :upsidedow !!
We're doing Mango Joes for lunch here - the menu sounds yum! Els is also doing his shark dive today at 2pm, he's really looking forward and a bit nervous! He loves sharks and has always wanted to dive with them - this was his birthday present from me. I have no idea what I'll do while he's doing that - shopping maybe?! :lmao: I'll also take some photos of him, and get him to write up his experience for the TR after we're home. Tonight, we are also doing the Makahiki Luau at 7.15 - can't wait! This is the only dinner show we're doing. I wanted to do Dixie Stampede, but since we're not driving it wasn't an option.

Tues 14th Aug
Depending on which park we liked best out of US/IOA, this is what we're doing again today. If US, we plan on getting lunch at Mel's Drive In and then dinner at somewhere I am really excited about - Bubba Gump!! I just can't wait to go here, I love Forrest Gump!

Wed 15th Aug
REALLY looking forward to this, we are doing Discovery Cove.
This is just going to be a nice relaxing day after the week we've had! We're going to be the first ones in and the last ones out!! We've just bought an underwater digital camera to take loads of pics here - which I'll post on my TR, of course!! ;) Dinner will be somewhere really inexpensive on I Drive as I've heard the DVD and Photos cost big $$$ here.

Thurs 16th Aug
Whatever park we didn't do out of US/IOA this is what we're doing this afternoon. If it's IOA, then we're doing Thunder Terrace Falls for lunch just for the view :scared1: In the evening we're planning on doing the night shows at SeaWorld we missed due to the Makahiki Luau.

Fri 17th Aug
We might have a last farewell early breakfast at the Ponderosa today as we're leaving I Drive :( BUT, we're moving to DISNEY! :yay: I have booked a towncar with *********** for 10am to get to the All Stars bright and early. We probably won't get our room this early, but we're going to take a little bag so we can at least go swimming in the morning. For lunch, we are going to take our first trip to the Magic Kingdom! I am planning on Pinocchio's Village Haus - I have seen the pics of the Figaro Fries which looks GREAT, and I am one of those people who loves the IASW ride :) DBF hates it :laughing: After a late lunch, we are going to do some of the MK rides and maybe character spotting :woohoo: For dinner, we have our first ADR at Cinderella's Royal Table - we get to meet Cindy! It's also EMH at MK tonight til 12am/1am so we are going to stay for that.

Sat 18th Aug
Magic Kingdom - are we mad doing it on a Saturday??! Well, hopefully we will have done a fair few rides the night before at EMH and we are planning to be there for park opening. We are going to have lunch at Pecos Bill, and have a 7.30 ADR for Whispering Canyon Cafe for dinner! I have told DBF they do GREAT tomato ketchup ;)

Sun 19th Aug
A 'down' day today at Typhoon Lagoon. We are planning to do the slides, but also take a very easy day swimming - as we haven't many swim days planned. We'll probably have lunch at Leaning Palms and have a 6.30 ADR at Boma. We might head to the EMH park after dinner.

Mon 20th Aug
Epcot - I have to admit, DBF is dreading this! When he last went to WDW he hated Epcot as he thought it was boring and big (he was 9)! I think he'll feel differently now he's older. We're also hoping to do Leave a Legacy at some point in the day. I'm not sure where lunch will be, but I'd like it in World Showcase, somewhere like Mexico - and I am definately going to have a School Bread in Norway! We have a dinner ADR at Biergarten at 6.55pm.

Tues 21st Aug
Another 'down' day today at Blizzard Beach. This park contains the only ride I have ever seen that I am scared of - Summit Plummet :scared1: We'll have lunch at Lottawatta Lodge, and go to Epcot in the evening for our Le Cellier ADR at 7pm.

Wed 22nd Aug
Disney MGM Studios today! It's also EMH PM here. I'm soooo looking forward to Tower of Terror! We have 2 ADRs today which we can't wait to do - Sci-Fi Dine In at 12.10pm and 50s PT at 6.05pm - also looking forward to seeing Fantasmic.

Thurs 23rd Aug
Today we are doing Animal Kingdom. It'll be a toss up whether we'll be running for EE or KS at rope drop! Probably Tusker House for lunch, and we have a dinner ADR at 6.30pm at 'Ohana. Hoping to catch Epcot EMH tonight too.

Fri 24th Aug
We are doing Epcot again this morning before moving to the Beach Club for lunch at Beaches and Cream for that No Way Jose! Pop back to the ASMo for a short swim and change *** we're off to the Pirate and Princess Party! pirate: princess: Arr Matey. We have a 5.30 ADR at Tony's for dinner.

Sat 25th Aug
This is our non-park day - well, kind of. We start off with a very early ADR at Crystal Palace at 8.25am in order to get pics of an empty Main Street. I get to meet Eeyore :love: We (reluctantly) leave MK and catch the Monorail - asking to be up front - to the Grand Floridian to explore the resort and its grounds. From there we go to DTD - it's time for Disney Quest! I think DBF will like this! Lunch will be at WP Express probably, then it's time to hit the shops! I want some Disney bits for my Mr Potato Head! We'll head back to ASMo for a nice swim and change for our 8pm ADR at Raglan Road. I want to visit the AC after dinner!

Sun 26th Aug
Back at Animal Kingdom this morning to finish off anything we missed. Lunch is likely to be at Pizzafari today before we head off to MGM in the afternoon. Kona Cafe tonight for 7.40 and hopefully catch the EMH at MK if we're not too tired!! Very Busy day, but it's our last full one.

Mon 27th Aug
Very sad today :( - we're going home! We'll check our luggage in at DTD, before heading to Chef Mickey's for our 9.30 breakfast - end with a bang! Off to MK after breakfast and ride our favourites, and finish with lunch at Columbia Harbour House. We get picked up at the airport and our plane leaves at 6.25pm

Tues 28th Aug
We arrive back in Manchester at 7.25am and get picked up by my parents - I already want to go back to Orlando!!

[happyindisney]

I am enjoying your pre trippie very much. I look forward to reading the whole thing!

[Eeyore's Tailfinder]

Thank you for reading and I'm glad you're enjoying it as much as I am writing it! :)

[MTstitch]

Mon 20th Aug
Epcot - I have to admit, DBF is dreading this! When he last went to WDW he hated Epcot as he thought it was boring and big (he was 9)! I think he'll feel differently now he's older. We're also hoping to do Leave a Legacy at some point in the day. I'm not sure where lunch will be, but I'd like it in World Showcase, somewhere like Mexico - and I am definately going to have a School Bread in Norway! We have a dinner ADR at Biergarten at 6.55pm.

[
Wed 22nd Aug
Disney MGM Studios today! It's also EMH PM here. I'm soooo looking forward to Tower of Terror! We have 2 ADRs today which we can't wait to do - Sci-Fi Dine In at 12.10pm and 50s PT at 6.05pm - also looking forward to seeing Fantasmic.


I love Biergarten, 50's and SciFi. Hope you enjoy them!

[Eeyore's Tailfinder]

Thank you! I think they're the restaurants we're looking forward the most to!! :)

[pat9283]

I am tired just reading your pre-trip! You will sleep for a week after you get home, thats between doing your trip report anyway!:lmao:

[Eeyore's Tailfinder]

I am tired just reading your pre-trip! You will sleep for a week after you get home, thats between doing your trip report anyway!:lmao:

I know! I think I will need another holiday just to recover:rotfl:

DCL maybe? :lmao:

[suzimar57]

just found your pre-trip report - i'm so jealous!

3 weeks! (both universal and disney - wow!)

enjoyed reading your itinerary - looking forward to the finished report when you get back! :)

[Heluvsme]

OH MY GOSH!! 3 weeks sounds Heavenly! You certainly do have a lot planned, and it all sounds like a true dream vacation!!


Your pictures are great, and you and your BF are so cute I just want to put you two on top of a wedding cake! LOL!! :goodvibes

Look forward to more....can't wait to read after you get back!!

[Eeyore's Tailfinder]

just found your pre-trip report - i'm so jealous!

3 weeks! (both universal and disney - wow!)

enjoyed reading your itinerary - looking forward to the finished report when you get back!

Thank you :) It's my first TR and my first trip to the USA so I'm very excited :teeth:

OH MY GOSH!! 3 weeks sounds Heavenly! You certainly do have a lot planned, and it all sounds like a true dream vacation!!


Your pictures are great, and you and your BF are so cute I just want to put you two on top of a wedding cake! LOL!!

Look forward to more....can't wait to read after you get back!!

Thank you for subscribing!! That's such a sweet comment :teeth: I'm looking forward to writing more! There's a lot more photos to come, I just get snap happy on holiday :)

[Eeyore's Tailfinder]

Just when you thought there couldn’t possibly be more planning… :rotfl:

I think I am just in that planning ‘mode’ at the moment. I should explain – I’m a student in the final year of my Law degree at university. The last 3 years have been a hard slog, so planning and working on something completely different – with something to look forward to after graduation – has been a welcome change. I should also explain that I’m a stickler for details and I love to ‘go against the masses’ and find things out that wouldn’t otherwise be possible if I just booked and went. I was chatting with my DBF the other day and I told him, if it wasn’t for my excessive planning, we wouldn’t have had 10% off our holiday, we wouldn’t be getting free dining for 10 days, we wouldn’t be going to Discovery Cove, we wouldn’t have made ADRs, and so on! :goodvibes

On with the planning! The planning really began after we booked our vacation in May last year. At this point I was so naïve and had no idea exactly how much planning was involved in a Disney vacation – but, I was determined that this would be the best holiday ever (You’ll recognise me on Main Street dragging my poor DBF and shouting ‘you WILL have fun!’ :laughing: – I’m just kidding!) so I began looking into it. At first I was incredulous as to why people wanted to book their dining reservations 180 days in advance, but I soon began to realise it was a necessity. I began to search out menus and dining photos (I just love food and a dining review will be a big part of my TR!) and thus my search brought me to the DIS. I have been soooo addicted to the Food Porn thread and even though I have now made my ADRs I still visit the board regularly. I often find myself wanting to give people advice, before I realise - I haven't actually been there :lmao:

At Christmas, my DBF got me way cute Disney related gifts because I was so excited! At the moment my favourite Disney movie is Cars, so he got me a Cars DVD, a Luigi toy (Luigi is my fave character) and a framed Cars film cell.
http://www.playfulplushtoys.com/miva/graphics/00000001/luigisytn.jpg
He also got me a Mr Potato Head, so 'you don't have to put a Potato Head in your box at DTD, you can just cram it with bits' :) He does listen to what I say!

January this year I went absolutely mad :) I ordered a whole load of tickets for our holiday and that really got me in the mood - it made it seem more real somehow! I ordered 3 Park/5 Day Universal Tickets - perfect for us as you can see, we're only planning on doing 5 days (2 US, 2 IOA, 1 WW); Discovery Cove Swim Plus with SeaWorld and Busch Gardens; Makahiki Luau; and I also booked the Sharks Deep Dive as a present for my DBF's birthday (his b'day is June 26) as he absolutely LOVES sharks and this has been one of those 'things to do before you die' for him. I was planning to keep it a suprise, but I just couldn't because I wanted to see his face so badly - I told him and he loved it, he can't wait to do it! I also booked our airport hotel and got a great deal on it as it was booked so early! We haven't done this before, but live 2.5 hours from the airport and have an early 10.25am flight (we'd need to be up 4.30) so thought it would be best.

February was an even more exciting month :) I got to make my ADRs - I got everything I wanted, for the time I wanted it:
17/08 - CRT Dinner 7.40pm
18/08 - Whispering Canyon Cafe Dinner 7.30pm
19/08 - Boma Dinner 6.30pm
20/08 - Biergarten Dinner 6.55pm
21/08 - Le Cellier Dinner 7.00pm
22/08 - Sci Fi Dine In Lunch 12.10am; 50s Prime Time Dinner 6.05pm
23/08 - 'Ohana Dinner 6.30pm
24/08 - Beaches and Cream (around 12pm); Tony's Town Square Dinner 5.30pm
25/08 - Crystal Palace Breakfast 8.25am; Raglan Road Dinner 8pm
26/08 - Kona Cafe Dinner 7.40pm
27/08 - Chef Mickey Breakfast 9.30am

If you are there those same dates, let me know or say hi if you see us!

March was a quiet planning month, just revised a few ADRs (I had originally booked Liberty Tree Tavern instead of Whispering Canyon. But, April has been fairly busy too! Firstly, I paid off my share of the holiday :cool1: and changed £350 into $700 (love that exchange rate), I then booked our Busch Gardens shuttle online and booked our Towncar from International Drive to Disney :woohoo:

The only things I have left to do now really is book PPP tickets for 24/08, get holiday insurance, and for DBF to pay off his share of the holiday (due by June 11) - I'm getting planning withdrawls with nothing left to do :(

[MTstitch]

Wow, you are correct, you sure have been busy!!

[Eeyore's Tailfinder]

UPDATED! UPDATED!

I just ordered my PPP Tickets online for the 24th August party! I can't wait :teeth: Hopefully I will have them in my hot little hands in a week or so!

[pierresgirl]

Hi Haley- I'll be following your report! Your plans sound so great! I always fly Virgin to the UK and used to live (well, in between boarding school) in St. David's, Wales.

[Eeyore's Tailfinder]

St David's in Pembroke? Really? How interesting! I've never met anyone else on this DIS who lived in Wales! I live aaaaallll the way the other end of Wales (in Caernarfon)

Thanks for reading too!! :)

[lamagique]

subscribing... :) :) excited for you!!! (sorry im really tired so i dont know if i am making sense right now)

[Lovemy3babes]

Hi there!! What a fun report so far!! Joining in. :)

[Eeyore's Tailfinder]

Thanks guys for joining in :) I appreciate it and hope you're enjoying it :)

[Eeyore's Tailfinder]

3 MONTHS TODAY...

...Me and Els will be on our way to Manchester Airport to check into our airport hotel :cool1: I can't believe how much time has flown - I'm so excited!!! :goodvibes

I have a lot of planning things I'd like to post, but I'm afraid you'll have to bear with me as my final university exams are coming up in 2 weeks and I have to study :(. However once they are over, there will only be 2 months until our vacation :thumbsup2

[jcc0621]

Hi Eeyore. Your TR is great so far. We will be there in the same time frame, except we are backwards from you. We are in WDW for 10 days - the first 5 at Pop and then the last five off-site. What time are your ADR's for Lecellier? We have 5:00pm on the same day:thumbsup2 You are going to LOVE Sea World. We plan on Doing that the Monday after we leave POP. We have a DS celebrating his 4th Birthday while we are there who just loves animals, so this is a must do for us. DH wants to do the shark dive. Let us know how DBF likes it. Maybe he can do it next year, after I make sure to up his life insurance:rotfl: Can't wait to hear more.

Janet

[kathyanderson28]

How wonderful to get to take a "Dream" VAcation. And since it is during the year of million dreams, I hope you win something while you're there.

[Eeyore's Tailfinder]

Hi Eeyore. Your TR is great so far. We will be there in the same time frame, except we are backwards from you. We are in WDW for 10 days - the first 5 at Pop and then the last five off-site. What time are your ADR's for Lecellier? We have 5:00pm on the same day:thumbsup2 You are going to LOVE Sea World. We plan on Doing that the Monday after we leave POP. We have a DS celebrating his 4th Birthday while we are there who just loves animals, so this is a must do for us. DH wants to do the shark dive. Let us know how DBF likes it. Maybe he can do it next year, after I make sure to up his life insurance:rotfl: Can't wait to hear more.
Janet

Hi! I believe our Le Cellier ADR is 7.30pm - we might just catch you! Say hi if you see us!

I will be sure to let you know how the shark dive goes - I'll get DBF to write a report on that! :thumbsup2

How wonderful to get to take a "Dream" VAcation. And since it is during the year of million dreams, I hope you win something while you're there.

That is SUCH a nice thing to say - thank you! :goodvibes

[Eeyore's Tailfinder]

Update!!

Here is another update for you guys! Thanks for staying on and reading!

Well, as you guys know I ordered the Pirate and Princess Tickets - they arrived yesterday! I was so excited! I thought I was meant to sign for them, but the delivery man left them in the porch! Ah well, I got them safely. The designs are soooo cute! We got the Seven Dwarves one and the Mickey and pals one (I will post photos of all tickets and items in a future update). Els called the Dwarves one which I was VERY happy about since I really wanted the Mickey one :teeth:

I have also made a major change to our itinerary! I have just been REALLY spontaneous (and possibly very naughty!) and booked a one night stay at Universal's Royal Pacific Resort! I am so excited! I think this hotel is gorgeous and I can't wait to use the FOTL access! I just need to add my LoewsFirst number so I can get my beer and nuts :) The Universal Board Peeps have been amazing with information, so thank you very much!!

http://www.loma.org/images/Royal_Pacific.jpeg

http://www.registrationassistant.com/gefanuc/discover_2006/images/RPR-orchid-court.jpg

Now, we are meant to go to Busch Gardens on the 10th - but we may be tired after US/IOA in 2 days so I think I might have to rearrange that to a later date, but it's no big problem to edit the shuttle information.

COMING SOON:

The Revised Itinerary - The One with the new hotel
The Booty - The One with all the tickets
The Outfits - The One with the PPP Outfits

[Eeyore's Tailfinder]

Apologies that the photos are a little blurry - I took them with a camera phone.

These are nearly all the tickets we have so far (the WDW ones aren't there as they are coming with our Vacation tickets)

http://img292.imageshack.us/img292/4241/image205ew2.jpg
Our Universal Tickets! They are 3 Park/5 Day tickets for Universal, Islands of Adventure and Wet'n'Wild. As you know, we are now also staying a night at Universal's Royal Pacific Hotel so we will have FOTL access for 2 of those days - we are so excited and can't wait! It will be so lovely not to have to queue a lot for the rides!

http://img252.imageshack.us/img252/9061/image206ec6.jpg
VERY exciting tickets! These are our DISCOVERY COVE tickets! :teeth: They are both swimmers plus and we are very much looking forward to swimming with the dolphins as well as to the whole day. They also have 14 day passes to SeaWorld and Busch Gardens :) I've sorted the Busch Gardens shuttle out for us, and also a few activites in SW as you'll see in a second...

http://img252.imageshack.us/img252/5114/image207ju0.jpg
I've got my Orlando Magicard ready and waiting! Just in case it'll come in handy for some discounts whilst we're on International Drive :)

http://img391.imageshack.us/img391/5250/image208rg9.jpg
This is my Pirate and Princess Party Ticket! I think I got the cutest of the pair! I love it, and I hope I get to keep it after the party!

http://img510.imageshack.us/img510/9283/image209fv4.jpg
Els' Pirate and Princess Party Ticket - he wanted this one! I think it's really cute the way they're all on Splash Mountain!

http://img237.imageshack.us/img237/5137/image211gu7.jpg
One of our SeaWorld treats :) We're doing the Makahiki Luau and we're so excited! We've never been to a Luau before so we're really looking forward - I think we'll miss the Shamu night show, but we are planning on going another night so we can catch it then.

http://img249.imageshack.us/img249/4685/image212dt6.jpg
Els' personal favourite ;) He can't wait to do this one! I got him this as a present for his 24th birthday. His birthday is on 26th June, but he doesn't mind waiting a few weeks for it!

[hayanyujah847]

UPDATED! UPDATED!

I just ordered my PPP Tickets online for the 24th August party! I can't wait :teeth: Hopefully I will have them in my hot little hands in a week or so!

Hi Haley! I have loved reading your report so far :) Eeyore is my fav. too...I collect the Eeyore MBBP :eeyore:(and sell some of them on ebay). You seem to be a crazy planner like myself!! Although I am more your DBF's age (I just turned 24) my own DBF is 22---so more your age :P With the PPP, you will have to post if you two have fun. I am debating whether or not to book it for the two of us when we go. When I read the description, I can't picture the two of us hunting for treasures with all of the 10 year olds pirate: (Although when I went last I was often the ONLY older person w/o kids in line for all of the characters! lol!) So I definitely look forward to your full report! As well as all of your planning!

Oh! And we are staying 5 nights at the RPR so excited to see what you think of that :)

You are so lucky with your great exchange rate! I have a friend/Eeyore trading partner in Derbyshire who came last year for a whole month! She bought TONS and TONS of stuff at Disney World & shipped most of it back :P

[CHEK]

WOW!!, I'm exhausted just reading what you have planned :rotfl: , certainly sounds like one fab holiday :banana: :banana: , your going to need a month off after to recover ;) , I thought I'd done lots of planning for our upcoming trip!! . Hope you have a fantastic trip :goodvibes

[Eeyore's Tailfinder]

Hi Haley! I have loved reading your report so far :) Eeyore is my fav. too...I collect the Eeyore MBBP :eeyore:(and sell some of them on ebay). You seem to be a crazy planner like myself!! Although I am more your DBF's age (I just turned 24) my own DBF is 22---so more your age :P With the PPP, you will have to post if you two have fun. I am debating whether or not to book it for the two of us when we go. When I read the description, I can't picture the two of us hunting for treasures with all of the 10 year olds pirate: (Although when I went last I was often the ONLY older person w/o kids in line for all of the characters! lol!) So I definitely look forward to your full report! As well as all of your planning!

Oh! And we are staying 5 nights at the RPR so excited to see what you think of that :)

You are so lucky with your great exchange rate! I have a friend/Eeyore trading partner in Derbyshire who came last year for a whole month! She bought TONS and TONS of stuff at Disney World & shipped most of it back :P

Wow - thank you for the long post! I love long posts :thumbsup2 I absolutely love Eeyore! I am so psyched for the Crystal Palace breakfast! Please pardon the dumb question, but what is MBBP? I have loads of Eeyore stuff at home, and hopefully will get some more in WDW - gotta love that exchange rate, I already changed nearly $900 ;) I'm getting very excited now - I'm a very crazy planner :laughing:

There will most definately be a PPP trip report with LOADS of photos :goodvibes I think Els (my boyfriend) is kinda wondering what's gonna go on, are we going to be partying with lots of little kids, but I think there are a lot of adults going (I also frequent another more UK-based site, and there are a few of us going on the 24th) - plus I have never been to WDW before, so I am going to do all the little kid stuff :thumbsup2

Also will be a RPR trip report with PLENTY of photos - I often read the Disney reports, but not so much US, so I'm pretty excited to be doing one! I think the hotel looks absolutely stunning! I hope we have time to swim in the pool - I think I am broke after booking this one, but hopefully it'll be worth it for FOTL ;)

WOW!!, I'm exhausted just reading what you have planned , certainly sounds like one fab holiday , your going to need a month off after to recover , I thought I'd done lots of planning for our upcoming trip!! . Hope you have a fantastic trip

Thank you very much :hug: I hope you will enjoy reading my TR after I come back :)

Hopefully I will get some more updates in before the end of the month, however my final exams start next week for 3 weeks. I am in my final year at university studying law and my goal is to graduate with a 2:1 - cross fingers :coffee:

[hayanyujah847]

I absolutely love Eeyore! I am so psyched for the Crystal Palace breakfast! Please pardon the dumb question, but what is MBBP? :

Not a dumb question! I had to ask when I first started collecting. MBBP = Mini Bean Bag Plush. At Disney World they are usually 7-10" and $8-13. At the US Disney Store they are usually 5-8" and $6.50. I used to collect EVERYTHING Eeyore but it got a little out of control with an Eeyore bathroom, Eeyore bedroom, 12" plushes everywhere. Once I moved in with my DBf, he wasn't having every room decked out in Disney :( So now I limit myself to just one room! lol!

Good luck on your finals!!

[MousekaMaddi]

3 weeks...................ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh...Im GREEN with envy:thumbsup2 :sick: :thumbsup2 have a blast and tll us allllllll about it!!! Great report so far!!:woohoo:

[Eeyore's Tailfinder]

Not a dumb question! I had to ask when I first started collecting. MBBP = Mini Bean Bag Plush. At Disney World they are usually 7-10" and $8-13. At the US Disney Store they are usually 5-8" and $6.50. I used to collect EVERYTHING Eeyore but it got a little out of control with an Eeyore bathroom, Eeyore bedroom, 12" plushes everywhere. Once I moved in with my DBf, he wasn't having every room decked out in Disney :( So now I limit myself to just one room! lol!

Good luck on your finals!!

Thank you for clearing that up!! :thumbsup2 I'll have to try that :laughing: My DBF doesn't mind my Eeyore stuff so much, it's my mum that is sick of the sight of them (I live with my parents ATM) :rotfl: On our first Christmas my DBF wanted to buy me the biggest Eeyore I'd ever seen at £125 ($250) but my mum said no way is she getting anymore Eeyores :lmao: She is (half!) kidding of course! I would have loved to live in your Eeyore house :cloud9:

Els is pretty cool about my Disney habit though :thumbsup2 I even got him hooked on pins and now he has more than me :rotfl:

Thank you for the luck! I'll be glad when they're over - I'm taking a short break at the moment (yup, it's Saturday and I'm studying :surfweb: )

3 weeks...................ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh...Im GREEN with envy have a blast and tll us allllllll about it!!! Great report so far!!

Thank you so much! I hope you like LONG trip reports with lots of pics :thumbsup2

[Pixie Power!]

You can really feel your excitment when you read your posts!

Which towncar company did you book with? Im yet to book mine.

We decided yesterday to book a one night stay at a US hotel, it makes such sense. The express pass perk is fantastic and it also means we can enjoy citywalk a little more too :cool1: Whats the bear and nuts thing all about?


Cant wait for your next installment

Emma

[LouDisney]

I just found your TR and have enjoying reading it so far. How exciting...3 weeks!!

[Eeyore's Tailfinder]

You can really feel your excitment when you read your posts!

Which towncar company did you book with? Im yet to book mine.

We decided yesterday to book a one night stay at a US hotel, it makes such sense. The express pass perk is fantastic and it also means we can enjoy citywalk a little more too :cool1: Whats the bear and nuts thing all about?


Cant wait for your next installment

Emma

Thank you! :goodvibes

We booked with Quick silver and they were really nice and friendly when we booked. We're only using them to transfer from I Drive to WDW once because Virgin transfers are included to and from the airport.

Great news on the US Hotel! Might as well go for broke! Which one are you staying at? We really wanted Hard Rock, but because it was only 1 night and we only really wanted the FOTL pass we went for the cheapest, Royal Pacific.

Go to Loews First (you can google it) and sign up to their loyalty club for free. They'll give you a number and there's a space to enter it on the US booking. You'll get to choose on Loews First a free amenity which inc. beer&nuts (what we got) fruit&water, cookies&milk, bottle of wine, $10 minibar credit.... Plus a free upgrade if available - Free's always good! Hope this helps!!

I just found your TR and have enjoying reading it so far. How exciting...3 weeks!!

Thank you for reading - I'm glad you're enjoying it!

There will be another update real soon - I'm in the middle of my final exams at University (I have my 2nd tomorrow:surfweb: ) so I'll be updating after 31st May :thumbsup2

But...
75 DAYS TO GO!!!

[Summer-Caitlin]

Hi Hayley

Loving you pre trip report so far. I see you are in Epcot on the 20th of August, if you are in the area of Sea Breeze Point at 10.00am, feel free to come on over to my wedding;) I would love to meet a fellow DISser!!!It's an open gazebo so anyone can watch. We are having lunch at Citricos that day, I will have to check my itinerary and see if we are eating in the same places at any point:confused3
Isn't it so exciting?, the holiday is getting so close!!!

[Eeyore's Tailfinder]

Hi Hayley

Loving you pre trip report so far. I see you are in Epcot on the 20th of August, if you are in the area of Sea Breeze Point at 10.00am, feel free to come on over to my wedding;) I would love to meet a fellow DISser!!!It's an open gazebo so anyone can watch. We are having lunch at Citricos that day, I will have to check my itinerary and see if we are eating in the same places at any point:confused3
Isn't it so exciting?, the holiday is getting so close!!!

Hi Summer! It is soooo exciting! I bet you must be really thrilled! Do you have any exams at the moment? I can't wait for mine to be over so I can enjoy waiting for my holiday!!

I will have to put a reminder in my passporter just in case we are in the area at the time! I think you mentioned we are in Raglan Road the same time, so I will definately come over then and say hi and congratulations!!

[Cinderella16]

Hi :wave2: I love you TR! This sounds like the Trip of a Lifetime!!! You are very lucky. You and DBF make a very cute couple by the way!

Mon 20th Aug
Epcot - I have to admit, DBF is dreading this! When he last went to WDW he hated Epcot as he thought it was boring and big (he was 9)! I think he'll feel differently now he's older. We're also hoping to do Leave a Legacy at some point in the day. I'm not sure where lunch will be, but I'd like it in World Showcase, somewhere like Mexico - and I am definately going to have a School Bread in Norway! We have a dinner ADR at Biergarten at 6.55pm.

I can relate to DBF's feelings about Epcot. When I first went I was about 4 years old and I remember hating it...it was sooo boring! But the next time I went I was about 19 years old and I loved it!!! They changed it alot and added more attractions, but I really appreciated Epcot more when I was older. I love the World Showcase now and I think DBF will have a different experience now that he is older. Mexico's resturant (i cannot think of the name right now) is very romantic inside. We ate there once but I am not a fan of Mexican food, but I remember the setting was beautiful!!

Ok I am sorry I am blabbing away, something which happens quite often! I cant wait to read more of your plans!! :goodvibes

[Eeyore's Tailfinder]

Hi :wave2: I love you TR! This sounds like the Trip of a Lifetime!!! You are very lucky. You and DBF make a very cute couple by the way!

I can relate to DBF's feelings about Epcot. When I first went I was about 4 years old and I remember hating it...it was sooo boring! But the next time I went I was about 19 years old and I loved it!!! They changed it alot and added more attractions, but I really appreciated Epcot more when I was older. I love the World Showcase now and I think DBF will have a different experience now that he is older. Mexico's resturant (i cannot think of the name right now) is very romantic inside. We ate there once but I am not a fan of Mexican food, but I remember the setting was beautiful!!

Ok I am sorry I am blabbing away, something which happens quite often! I cant wait to read more of your plans!! :goodvibes

Thank you! Don't worry, you're not babbling, I love long posts :thumbsup2

I'm glad you said that, he is convinced he will hate Epcot. All he remembers last time is walking and walking and getting lost in China. However, I think he will love it because of Mission:Space, Soarin, Test Track Etc. and even he's admitted that he's looking forward to our Biergarten ADR :laughing:

I think he went when he was 8 or 9, and he'll be 24 in June - so it should be quite a different experience. Oh, and he remembers being mad that they sold 'made in England' toffee in the Wales shop :rotfl:

Hopefully another update after the 31st (my last exam!) :scared1:

[DizChick05]

ahh! your trip sounds AMAZING. im so insanely jealous!!
lol bf HATES epcot as well, and there is absolutley no changing his mind!!
good luck on your exam tommorow!!

[Eeyore's Tailfinder]

ahh! your trip sounds AMAZING. im so insanely jealous!!
lol bf HATES epcot as well, and there is absolutley no changing his mind!!
good luck on your exam tommorow!!

Thank you very much :goodvibes

Roll on 31st!! :surfweb:

[tinawv]

I can't wait to read about your trip, and I just love pictures. :)

[Nicole786]

Wow! neat TR! You're gonna have a blast in orlando....its really easy to do both IOA and US in one day especially when you have FOTL access! Its a breeze!

[canwegoagain]

Great Itinerary. However, I must warn you of the dreaded wall.....It is the arch nemesis of all vacationers. After about the 5th or 6th day you will be really out of gas, and you have along visit planned. And a "down" day at a waterpark will turn out to be anything but. A full days exposure in the hot Florida sun has a strange way of sapping your energy, even when you are surrounded by millions of gallons of refreshing waterslides, lazy rivers and wave pools. As a veteran of many multi-day visits to the world, I would strongly recommend you plan a "real" down day or two. Otherwise you may not get the full enjoyment of your trip. Being tired and crabby is no way to see WDW. Stay at your resort for the day and relax by the pool, take nap, etc. As a minimum, plan a day with only very little activity.

Having said all of that, I wish you and DBF the very best and sincerely hope that your holiday is the dream that you want it to be. It will likely be an experience you can look back on with happy memories for years to come.:goodvibes

[hayanyujah847]

I'm glad you said that, he is convinced he will hate Epcot. All he remembers last time is walking and walking and getting lost in China. However, I think he will love it because of Mission:Space, Soarin, Test Track Etc. and even he's admitted that he's looking forward to our Biergarten ADR

I think he went when he was 8 or 9, and he'll be 24 in June - so it should be quite a different experience. Oh, and he remembers being mad that they sold 'made in England' toffee in the Wales shop

Hope all your exams went well :) :)

I have to add my DBf's FAVORITE thing in all of WDW is Test Track. He loves it :) But he hattttesss Mission Space. It made both of us so queezy :sick: but now with the milder version it might not be so bad. He refuses to go on even that though :P And World Showcase, I think he really doesn't like that part...but he loves the food in World Showcase :thumbsup2 And the Maelstrom ride is surprisingly fun! I'm sure your DBf will appreciate Epcot this time around :goodvibes

[Eeyore's Tailfinder]

Thank you once again everyone for your wonderful comments and tips! I am really looking forward to going, and to writing my real TR - and hopefully you guys will enjoy reading it!! I'm also looking forward into getting this pre-trip into shape once my other 2 exams are over (1 Tuesday on Land Law, and 1 Thursday on Commercial Law)!

I really hope he will enjoy Epcot! I am looking forward to all the parks! I am intrigued about Mission Space - I get quite travel sick, so it will certainly be an experience. Hopefully we'll get to ride both sides and I won't be sick on the actual ride :rotfl:

[lazidazi07]

I've only had the time to read the beginning, but I just wanted to say how much I am loving this trip report! I'm excited to read the rest! Subing. :goodvibes

[Eeyore's Tailfinder]

Thanks again everyone - I have finally finished my exams! Therefore I'm going to sort this badboy out and make it better!!

[Eeyore's Tailfinder]

Right, here is our REVISED itinerary! :teeth: It is revised to fit our Royal Pacific stay in, and we didn't want to do IOA, US and BG consecutively! We are staying from 6th August til the 27th August, 10 nights at the Sheraton Studio City on International Drive, 1 night at Universal's Royal Pacfic Resort and 10 nights at Disney's All Star Movies Resort. I didn't include the Disney Itinerary, as that stays the same from post 7.

Sun 5th Aug
Woohoo! Our holiday and the excitement begins! We leave North Wales packed up and ready to go sometime after lunch - either with Els' parents or my parents, and set off for Manchester Airport. We're planning on getting dinner either in a nearby pub with the Parents as we're staying in Manchester Airport Travelodge tonight! Wave goodbye to parents and try and get some kip. We'll also try and check-in online either at the hotel or at home before we leave, and make sure we have transportation to the terminal in the morning.

Mon 6th Aug
We travel from the Travelodge to Manchester Airport and check our luggage in, making sure we get the seats I pre-booked on the VA website MONTHS ago! I remind myself not to eat the sausages at Manchester Airport as I hate them but always seem to order them. Our flight leaves Manchester at 10.25am - my first long distance flight, and first time with Virgin! We are looking forward to flying with them very much. :goodvibes
We arrive MCO at 2.35pm and transfer to the Sheraton. We're going to get a few snacks for the room from the 7/11 and have dinner somewhere close like IHOP.

Tues 7th Aug
Sheraton Pool & Congo River Mini Golf next door (I have never played mini golf in my life - I'm looking forward!) They also have Gators in the mini golf, so I'm looking forward to seeing them!
In the afternoon, go to Prime Outlets. This is purely for the character warehouse!
Dinner: Ponderosa (I found out a lad in my class will be at Ponderosa this date too, so I thought it would be fun to go the same time )

Wed 8th Aug
We're moving already! This morning we are moving to Universal's Royal Pacific Resort! I think this resort looks gorgeous - and we are staying there purely for the Front of the Line access it offers. We'll pack a little bag the night before with a couple of change of clothes (just in case we get wet!) and set off early in the morning to check in at RPR.
Our first taste of theme parks - Universal Studios! :woohoo:
We are planning on having lunch at Monster's Cafe (love the theming!) :thumbsup2 . Remember to take obligatory photo in front of globe! Jaws is my DBF's favourite EVER movie, so we are both looking forward to going on that (me for the first time, him for the second)
Dinner tonight will be at Bubba Gump - we are both REALLY looking forward to this restaurant! I'm getting excited thinking about it!!

Thurs 9th Aug
We have to check out of RPR today :guilty: But it doesn't matter - we get to keep our FOTL access for one more day!!
A park we're both very excited about - Islands of Adventure!
We're planning on doing Enchanted Oak for lunch and Pastamore for dinner as I just love pasta/Italian food. I cannot WAIT to ride Hulk! Els loves Marvel stuff so I think we'll love it here (I've told him everyone raves about Spiderman). We're big rollercoaster freaks. Back to the Sheraton for the evening.

Fri 10th Aug
This is our International Drive day! It was meant to be 'easy' after yesterday's Busch Garden but it just sort of escalated! Another breakfast at Ponderosa and then off to Air Florida Helicopters for Tour No. 3 which goes over SW, DC, WW, IOA, US and I Drive. I'm excited as it goes over our hotel and hopefully I'll get some great pics here! We then plan on going to the Titanic Experience, something I really want to do (especially since I just finished my undergraduate thesis on Titanic & Salvage Law, which touched me a lot). After lunch we're going to do Wonderworks which I think DBF will love, and I'd like to try and squeeze the 5pm Peabody duck march in here too if we have time. Dinner will be at CiCi's Pizza Buffet.

Sat 11th Aug
Wet'n'Wild
This is right across the road to our hotel, so we plan to take another 'easy' day today. Breakfast at Ponderosa (cannot believe the price of that breakfast buffet!)

Sun 12th Aug
Busch Gardens
I have just re-booked us on the shuttle for 8.30am to be picked up at Universal Studios, since it's very near our hotel (which reminds me that I need to cancel the other shuttle place in case I take someone else's). We'll book a taxi from reception to get to US. I am VERY excited about this park, and cannot wait to ride SheiKra and Rhino Rally - if I do them I am happy! Els really wants to do Kumba again as that's the first rollercoaster he rode in his life. This will probably be a very tiring day and we won't have much time in the park due to the drop-off/pick-up times of the shuttle.

Mon 13th Aug
Seaworld – Shamu !!
We're doing Mango Joes for lunch here - the menu sounds yum! Els is also doing his shark dive today at 2pm, he's really looking forward and a bit nervous! He loves sharks and has always wanted to dive with them - this was his birthday present from me. I have no idea what I'll do while he's doing that - shopping maybe?! I'll also take some photos of him, and get him to write up his experience for the TR after we're home. Tonight, we are also doing the Makahiki Luau at 7.15 - can't wait! This is the only dinner show we're doing. I wanted to do Dixie Stampede, but since we're not driving it wasn't an option.

Tues 14th Aug
This is sort of going to be a free day, and one which we haven't really decided upon - :scared1: you say? :laughing: If we feel like we haven't done all we'd like to at IOA/US then we'll split the day there. If we loved Wet'n'Wild we might pop back there. If we're really tired (of which there is a very good chance!) we'll take a relaxing day by the pool. There is also possibility of going for an outing to Walmart for a while. The possibilities are endless :teeth:

Wed 15th Aug
REALLY looking forward to this, we are doing Discovery Cove.
This is just going to be a nice relaxing day after the week we've had! We're going to be the first ones in and the last ones out!! We've just bought an underwater digital camera to take loads of pics here - which I'll post on my TR, of course!! Dinner will be somewhere really inexpensive on I Drive as I've heard the DVD and Photos cost big $$$ here.

Thurs 16th Aug
This is another I don't know day :laughing: This is most likely going to be our second SeaWorld day. Even if we won't be going to SeaWorld in the day, we are definately going back in the nighttime to see the shows we missed due to being at the Makahiki Luau.


Now that we are staying at RPR, and it is likely that we could do IOA/US in 2 days - this opens up a lot more flexibility in our itinerary, and more options for relaxation without feeling as if we should be doing something else :thumbsup2

[hayanyujah847]

Oh my goodness ^~ So jam packed with stuff! You will definitely need those down days to rest & relax :) The Discovery Cove should be awesome! I just saw a special on the Travel Channel about Discovery Cove and you two should have a ton of fun there~!!

[Eeyore's Tailfinder]

Oh my goodness ^~ So jam packed with stuff! You will definitely need those down days to rest & relax :) The Discovery Cove should be awesome! I just saw a special on the Travel Channel about Discovery Cove and you two should have a ton of fun there~!!

Thank You :goodvibes I can't even think about resting and relaxing at the time being! :rotfl2: However, I'm sure I'll change my mind after a couple of days hitting the themeparks! It's so funny, I'm so looking forward to Disney that I keep forgetting everything else that we're doing! I mean, a helicopter ride over I Drive is just 10 mins out of our holiday, and so small when compared to Disney, but when I sit down and think about it - wow, I'm going on a helicopter ride!

Only 63 DAYS to go!! :banana:

[iluvmickeytown]

:cheer2: :cheer2: Yea. I'm really enjoying your pretrip report. Good luck with all your tests. I'm holding you to it that you'll post lots and lots of pictures.:banana: . It sounds like you are going to have a wonderful vacation. Keeping fingers crossed that you win something big for the "Year of a Million Dreams". Can't wait til your next inslallment.popcorn::

[Eeyore's Tailfinder]

:cheer2: :cheer2: Yea. I'm really enjoying your pretrip report. Good luck with all your tests. I'm holding you to it that you'll post lots and lots of pictures.:banana: . It sounds like you are going to have a wonderful vacation. Keeping fingers crossed that you win something big for the "Year of a Million Dreams". Can't wait til your next inslallment.popcorn::

Thank you very much :goodvibes

Don't worry - I will take lots of photos :teeth: I love trip reports with lots of photos everywhere. Last time I went to DLRP for 3 days I managed to take over 800 photos :rotfl:

[Eeyore's Tailfinder]

Hokey Dokey, time for another update with LOTS of pics - you ask, you get :thumbsup2 The photos aren't so great as they're taken with a camera phone - but hey, you get the jist!

http://img518.imageshack.us/img518/5930/image266hq7.jpg
Here are some tops I've specifically bought for Florida a couple of months back. Those of you from the UK might recognise the labels - yep, they're from Primark! Now this is the best shop ever ever! I think the most expensive top out of that bunch was $6 and the cheapest being $3 - I don't know how cheap that is in the USA, but in the UK that's CHEAP! I love Primark and it has a large following here. There will be some more clothes and what I'm taking photos to come when I start packing ;)

http://img452.imageshack.us/img452/1507/image270ih5.jpg
Some nice hair stuff I got for Christmas which I am saving for Florida. They're Trevor Sorbie stuff and Lee Stafford. I LOVE Lee Stafford stuff. I'd love to get some GHD shampoo before we go too as mine has ran out.

http://img266.imageshack.us/img266/5853/image268yw0.jpg
Here are the various guidebooks I've bought on Orlando - I can't help myself. I love getting a new book, reading it and getting excited! There's only 1 book I'm missing which I want, which is the Brit's Guide - but I think I have enough now! From L to R they are:
The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World
Walt Disney World and Orlando for Dummies
The Cheapskate's Guide to Walt Disney World and Orlando
Beyond Disney
Walt Disney World and Orlando: Cityguide
Passporter 2007

http://img413.imageshack.us/img413/8531/image274ez2.jpg
Getting prepared for the parks! Here is my lovely lanyard! I've only started collecting pins and what you see here is the whole collection :laughing: I got the Castle pin and Steamboat Willie at DLRP and it sort of escalated from there! My favourite pin at the moment is the Roquefort one. I have one pin which isn't on there and it matches the Castle pin. DBF also has a lot on a Nightmare Before Christmas lanyard. I'd never though that he'd get into it, but he went mad for those things. He has a few Cast Lanyard pins.

http://img502.imageshack.us/img502/3625/image277to1.jpg
Preparing again! This is an autograph book I got the first time I went to DLRP which only has Pluto's autograph in it. I forgot it when I went back this year and got a new one - so I'm taking this one to WDW to save some pennies.

http://img364.imageshack.us/img364/1915/image281cm5.jpg
My planning folder! I have an assortment of things in here. A brochure, some menus, confirmation emails and print-outs for hotels and tickets (some which I have posted earlier), Holiday Invoices, tickets, etc. I must remember to print out some stuff I have on my laptop to bung in here. If I lost this folder, I'm not sure what I'd do! :scared1:

http://img339.imageshack.us/img339/7342/image282xo8.jpg
Some of my Eeyore stuff! I have various bits around the house, and this was what was readily available in my bedroom - I intend to add to this collection while in WDW!

http://img529.imageshack.us/img529/365/image283nq8.jpg
Ok, I have no reason to post this up other than the fact that I like it :laughing: I got it at the Disney Store and I've never seen anything else like it! It's Winnie the Pooh wearing the Wales rugby kit - it makes me feel very patriotic and proud! We're a little country so I never expected to see anything like this there!

http://img384.imageshack.us/img384/5739/image287hp4.jpg
Some of the Disney things that DBF bought me for Christmas - Luigi, a Cars filmcell, Mr Potatohead (for getting bits at WDW for) and yet another Eeyore. I also got the Cars DVD (not pictured)

http://img475.imageshack.us/img475/9616/image289xg4.jpg
Apologies for the sideways image! This is my lovely pink suitcase which goes everywhere with me! I also have another small pink one, but I think I'll need another of the same size for Florida for 3 weeks! We're allowed to take 2 cases each at 23kg each on the Virgin airoplane :banana:

[Eeyore's Tailfinder]

UPDATE! UPDATE!

I am so happy, we just paid off our holiday!! All we have to do now is sit back and wait for our tickets! Of course, and the HUGE list I have written out of 'Things to do and buy before August' :teeth:

But we're actually going!!! :)

[hayanyujah847]

Yay! Isn't paying it off such a good feeling!? :banana:

I love all of your pics! Especially those Eeyore pics. If I photographed all of my Disney stuff...I think it would be pretty scary :P

[Thumpersmom]

You have a wonderful trip planned and I love all the details! That is my job in the family. They always call me the cruise director-even if we are on a land only trip. :rotfl:

We will be sharing WDW with you for a bit. We arrive late afternoon on the
15th (coming from the West Coast you either have to fly all night or all day!) and leaving on the 24th.

It is our DD's first trip to WDW-she will be 22 months old when we arrive and she LOVES Disneyland so we hope the World will be just as fun for her. Our trip is to celebrate our 15 year anniversary. We went for our honeymoon and 10 year anniversary (our DS was 6 then) so here we are back again for number 15!

Don't worry about being an adult and doing any of the kid stuff. My DH loves anything Disney too and he loves to do all the kid stuff and yes we did it before we had any kids.:scared1:

Can't wait to hear more!!!!!:banana: :banana: :banana:

[slk537]

I love your pretrip and you are an adorable couple!!

We spent two nights at RPH last May ('06) and it was just gorgeous. You will love it! Almost as much as you'll love the FOTL passes :thumbsup2 They work the day you check in and the day you check out so you get two days for the price of one night. We loved the pool - they had poolside movies when we were there and it was great!

I am excited for you - your enthusiasm just jumps off the page! I look forward to more updates and then a final TR!

[Eeyore's Tailfinder]

Yay! Isn't paying it off such a good feeling!?

I love all of your pics! Especially those Eeyore pics. If I photographed all of my Disney stuff...I think it would be pretty scary :P

I know! I was just thrilled when we paid it off! I made my DBF do a screen print of the zero balance, just so I could look at it some more :rotfl:

Thank you! Those are the Eeyores I currently have in my room :) I don't think everything would fit on the bed :laughing: I would love to see your Eeyore photos, I bet you have tons since you've been collecting! I think Els will let me loose in the DTD Pooh store whilst he can go off for a pint at Raglan - I think that's a pretty good compromise!!

Thank you for becoming my regular :teeth:

You have a wonderful trip planned and I love all the details! That is my job in the family. They always call me the cruise director-even if we are on a land only trip.

We will be sharing WDW with you for a bit. We arrive late afternoon on the
15th (coming from the West Coast you either have to fly all night or all day!) and leaving on the 24th.

It is our DD's first trip to WDW-she will be 22 months old when we arrive and she LOVES Disneyland so we hope the World will be just as fun for her. Our trip is to celebrate our 15 year anniversary. We went for our honeymoon and 10 year anniversary (our DS was 6 then) so here we are back again for number 15!

Don't worry about being an adult and doing any of the kid stuff. My DH loves anything Disney too and he loves to do all the kid stuff and yes we did it before we had any kids.

Can't wait to hear more!!!!!

Thank you for the long post! :teeth: I think I mentioned somewhere before, they are my favourite :)

Wow, you will be at WDW quite a bit whilst we are there! Even though we are arriving in Florida on the 6th August, we'll be getting to WDW on the 17th August until halfway through the 27th - I getcha about the long flight. This will be my first long-haul flight and whilst I am looking forward, I bet I'll be bored an hour into the flight! I believe it's 9 hours from the UK.

I bet this will be a whole different trip for you with your DD, and you'll be totally seeing it through new eyes! I'd love to see her face! I already told DBF that when we have kids, their first holiday is going to be to The World! Congratulations on your 15 year anniversary! We're celebrating our 3 year (dating) anniversary whilst at the World - I hope we're still as happy as you guys seem to be when we hit the big 1-5!

I love your pretrip and you are an adorable couple!!

We spent two nights at RPH last May ('06) and it was just gorgeous. You will love it! Almost as much as you'll love the FOTL passes They work the day you check in and the day you check out so you get two days for the price of one night. We loved the pool - they had poolside movies when we were there and it was great!

I am excited for you - your enthusiasm just jumps off the page! I look forward to more updates and then a final TR!

Thank you very much! I am so glad you stopped by! I think I must have spent a good hour last night poring over your food TR - YUM! Even DBF got into it :teeth: I hope my TR and my Food Porn TR is as good as yours when I'm done!! I'll be off to look for your TR next!

Your DS is adorable! I'm looking forward to trying some mac n cheese myself when I get to the US! Pasta smothered in cheese is always a good thing right?!

Thank you for the tips about RPR! The FOTL is a great perk, pretty much the only reason that we've chosen to stay there! But, the hotel is beautiful and I very much doubt we'll be happy to go back to the Sheraton after staying there!


There will certainly be more updates soon - I'm itching to start packing, but this might be too eager, even for me :laughing:

[Eeyore's Tailfinder]

I couldn't believe it this morning when I woke up and realised:

ONLY 2 MONTHS TO GO!!:banana:

Can you believe it? It seems like only a few days ago that I posted up 'The One With 3 Months To Go' - It's crazy! But, I'm not complaining ;)

2 Months to this moment, we will probably have just loaded up the car with our suitcases, double checked we have everything (quadruple checked for me) and will be on our way to Manchester Airport's Travelodge where we'll be spending the night before flying 2 months tomorrow!

I also started sending Els a Disney Countdown Character of the Day (Idea borrowed from Cinderella16 :thumbsup2 )
He got a Simba one for 62 days; and is getting a Dumbo one today for 61!

[Cinderella16]

I couldn't believe it this morning when I woke up and realised:

ONLY 2 MONTHS TO GO!!:banana:

Can you believe it? It seems like only a few days ago that I posted up 'The One With 3 Months To Go' - It's crazy! But, I'm not complaining ;)

2 Months to this moment, we will probably have just loaded up the car with our suitcases, double checked we have everything (quadruple checked for me) and will be on our way to Manchester Airport's Travelodge where we'll be spending the night before flying 2 months tomorrow!

I also started sending Els a Disney Countdown Character of the Day (Idea borrowed from Cinderella16 :thumbsup2 )
He got a Simba one for 62 days; and is getting a Dumbo one today for 61!

I have never been mentioned in someone elses TR before! Woo Hoo!!! :woohoo: I hope your DBF likes his Disney Countdown Characters as much as my DBF does.

And you are completely right, 2 months goes extremely fast!! It will fly by and you will be skipping down Main Street before you know it! Keep up the great updates, I love this Pre TR! :banana:

[veryblessed]

WOW! 3 weeks that is GREAT!!! There is just nothing like planning a Disney Vacation! :cool1:

[Lovemy3babes]

WooHoo!! Being paid off is a wonderful feeling! Love the photos. :)

[Eeyore's Tailfinder]

I have never been mentioned in someone elses TR before! Woo Hoo!!! :woohoo: I hope your DBF likes his Disney Countdown Characters as much as my DBF does.

And you are completely right, 2 months goes extremely fast!! It will fly by and you will be skipping down Main Street before you know it! Keep up the great updates, I love this Pre TR! :banana:

:laughing: Why thank you for the great idea :thumbsup2 He's not very good with Disney characters, so as you can see I've been giving him easy ones :rotfl: He's really chuffed to be getting them right! I can't believe you only have 10 days to go! I hope you have a great time and can't wait to read your TR when you get back!

WOW! 3 weeks that is GREAT!!! There is just nothing like planning a Disney Vacation!
I know, I can't wait! I've only been on vacation for 2 weeks once before, all the rest are 1 week. I however have LOVED planning it :goodvibes

WooHoo!! Being paid off is a wonderful feeling! Love the photos.
Thank you! I never thought the day would come! Now we only have to wait for our tickets :banana:

[wilma-bride]

I'm willing to lay you a tenner bet here and now that it will NOT be a trip of a lifetime. Me and my DH said that 3 years ago when we went on our honeymoon - 3 years later we're planning our 5th and 6th trips and have also bought into DVC.

Trust me, it's addictive.

Excellent pre-trip report - we will also be there while you are, albeit briefly - feel free to check out my pre-trip report. You may find some tips there for future use, when you just HAVE to go back again ;)

Will be checking regularly for updates now :)

[hayanyujah847]

Thank you! Those are the Eeyores I currently have in my room :) I don't think everything would fit on the bed :laughing: I would love to see your Eeyore photos, I bet you have tons since you've been collecting! I think Els will let me loose in the DTD Pooh store whilst he can go off for a pint at Raglan - I think that's a pretty good compromise!!

Thank you for becoming my regular :teeth:

lol I have become a regular stalker! :) :) I will try & get some of mine together and take some pix :scared: I just realized you are leaving the day we are getting there...maybe we'll pass at the airport :P

And I definitely agree with, Joh. Once you've gone Disney, you WILL go back! Many times! :love:

[Eeyore's Tailfinder]

I'm willing to lay you a tenner bet here and now that it will NOT be a trip of a lifetime. Me and my DH said that 3 years ago when we went on our honeymoon - 3 years later we're planning our 5th and 6th trips and have also bought into DVC.

Trust me, it's addictive.

Excellent pre-trip report - we will also be there while you are, albeit briefly - feel free to check out my pre-trip report. You may find some tips there for future use, when you just HAVE to go back again ;)

Will be checking regularly for updates now :)

Oh I'm planning on going back :thumbsup2 It started out as the trip of a lifetime (in terms of spending), but that's just become my tagline :rolleyes1 "Let's book RPR - it's the trip of a lifetime"; "Let's do DC - it's the trip of a lifetime" :laughing:

Since we booked this trip, we've also booked and gone on 2 DLRP trips - you're not kidding when you say it's addictive :lmao: I am already (secretly) planning our next trip, and both myself and Els have said we'd like to get married at WDW :woohoo: How do you like DVC - it's something I would DEFINATELY love to do, if I can get Els to agree! I just LOVE Disney!

I will most certainly check out your PTR :thumbsup2 I'm glad I can do it now as my exams are over :banana: Thank you for stopping by, I'm chuffed that some of the seasoned DISers are enjoying it :goodvibes

lol I have become a regular stalker! I will try & get some of mine together and take some pix I just realized you are leaving the day we are getting there...maybe we'll pass at the airport :P

And I definitely agree with, Joh. Once you've gone Disney, you WILL go back! Many times!

Wow, what time do you get to WDW? Our flight is at 6.25pm from MCO - maybe we will pass! I'm sure I'll meet a lot of DISers in WDW! I need a lime green something :thumbsup2

[Eeyore's Tailfinder]

I was chatting to Els and I asked him what are the things that he's looking to most on our vacation - sooooooo *surprise* I decided to post them up :rotfl2:

ELS TOP 5:
1. Shark Dive at SeaWorld
2. Dolphin Swim at Discovery Cove
3. Rides
4. Spending 3 weeks with me (Aah - I swear I din't make this up)
5. Food at places I've told him about

One thing you might notice from his tops list is that it's very generalised - you can tell I'm the planner ;)

MY TOP 5 (in no order):
1. Discovery Cove - The whole day
2. SheiKra at Busch Gardens
3. The Hulk (With FOTL access of course!)
4. Disney (I can't single one thing out here - maybe if I had a top 50?!)
5. ALL of my ADRs - each chosen with precision

If we made a list of my top foods to eat, we'd be here all day!

[Eeyore's Tailfinder]

Wooo now you guys can look out for me at the parks, thanks to Joh (wilma-bride) - she very kindly sent me some lime green Mickey heads (the Home Depot ones) and they arrived today :)

http://img69.imageshack.us/img69/6610/image290uf3.jpg

I am getting soooo excited! AND we're in the 50s today! I keep finding myself telling Els "Just imagine, a year today..." then I have to stop and correct myself and say no, 2 MONTHS TODAY!

2 months today we'll be lounging in the Sheraton pool, playing Congo River mini golf next door and looking at the gators, and hunting for bargains at the Disney Character Outlet! :teeth::teeth::teeth:

[punkin413]

just found your TR and i love it so far! you guys are too cute. :goodvibes i'm curious to see what you think of busch gardens. my DH keeps mentioning it and i'm now thinking of adding it to a future disney trip. oh, and what is the character-a-day countdown you mentioned? i'd like to know how that works if you'd care to explain. looking forward to more!!! :)

[Eeyore's Tailfinder]

If you check out Cinderella16's pre-trip report, it'll explain it better :)

I send my boyfriend an email each day with 3 clues, as to who the character is... if he gets it right, I email him back with a photo of the character saying XX DAYS TO GO!!

Glad you are enjoying the PTR so far!!

[Summer-Caitlin]

Hey Hayley, I can't believe I lost track of this amazing pre trip report:goodvibes

Isn't it so exciting!!! I will definately have to look out for you at Raglan Road on the 25th of Aug, our reservation is at 7.30pm.

You sound so much like me, it so scary. If I see you round the parks we may just be wearing identical clothing, you're right Primark is great when it comes to holiday wear, I've bought loads. I also have 2 pink suitcases for the trip and we have most of the same Disney guides.
We are going to Discovery Cove but not until the 4th of Sept. I'm so looking forward to that, so far I think it is our only down day of our entire 3 week trip. After reading your new one though, I am thinking of scheduling some more down time. I'm like you though, I can't imagine resting in Disney, but I know my new hubby won't be as gung ho as I am:lmao: I really want to schedule in some resort hopping and I want to visit Disney Quest too, I'm such a kid:cutie:
My ADR's are the most thought out things ever, even though I am still looking at rearranging a few, will I ever stop???
Are you doing Busch gardens at all? I look at my table, printed out from Word;) and it looks so full, I really am going to take another look, I can't imagine how people going for 2 weeks do it, mind you, we all haven't been to WDW before, so we have an excuse!
Keep up the enthuisiasm for your trip, not long now...

[Eeyore's Tailfinder]

Hi Summer! Glad the planning is going good! Not too long to go now, for either of us!

I've not been on much past few days as I've been busy busy busy making itinerary cards (I got the wonderful idea from Cinderella16 - another mention ;) - it seems I've been borrowing all of her ideas lately, and boy does she have some good ones!) - photos up shortly!

I am going to Busch Gardens - on 12th August. So excited to ride SheiKra - like Oblivion only better!

Isn't Primark the greatest?! Hehe! I've already begun throwing some stuff into my suitcase so I "don't forget" (in other words, packing without calling it packing to DBF) :rotfl:

If you're like me you're driving your DF crazy! :teeth:

[Eeyore's Tailfinder]

Here are my oh-so-cute itinerary cards! I have to give big hugs to Cinderella16 here for her wonderful ideas! Apologies that the photos of the itinerary cards are blurry - I think it's because the writing is so small on them, and also I took them with a camera phone (DBF keeps forgetting card reader in work therefore I can't use our normal camera!)

I had some spare coloured card, therefore I cut them out after printing and stuck them on the card, then I laminated them! However it did get a bit messy here - I'd never laminated things before, so the first ones were a bit wrinkly but they did get better as they went on... (You can tell I made the blue ones first and the yellow ones last!) but then the laminator ate 3 of my cards (that's why 3 of the Disney cards are missing - I'll have to print out some more)

I think they are so cute and handy! Another thought I had after laminating them (typical!) was to print out a mini-map of that particular park and also stick this on the back of the card.

Anyway, here are the ones that I've done:

http://img120.imageshack.us/img120/1476/image299ox4.jpg
Arrival Day - I spotted after it was laminated that I'd put Tuesday instead of Monday - d'oh! But I am not relaminating so it will have to stay like that!

http://img408.imageshack.us/img408/943/image304pa1.jpg
Pool Day

http://img177.imageshack.us/img177/2684/image305bu8.jpg
Universal

http://img392.imageshack.us/img392/6394/image311eo5.jpg
Magic Kingdom - Day 1

http://img99.imageshack.us/img99/1141/image310eg4.jpg
Magic Kingdom - Day 2

http://img140.imageshack.us/img140/7194/image298jx6.jpg
Typhoon Lagoon

http://img166.imageshack.us/img166/295/image296jn9.jpg
Epcot

http://img178.imageshack.us/img178/1101/image301bk8.jpg
Blizzard Beach

http://img140.imageshack.us/img140/9787/image303nq1.jpg
MGM

http://img392.imageshack.us/img392/2074/image312zc6.jpg
Downtown Disney (not yet laminated)

http://img444.imageshack.us/img444/6318/image314cb0.jpg
Departure Day (not yet laminated)

To be continued in next post...

[MissMichelle]

I'm still on page 1 but I can't wait to get in on this one! I started getting all excited that I would have your report to read the week leading up to my trip but then saw you'll actually still be there my first few days there. Maybe we'll "bump" into each other!
I just checked and you are doing the P&PP the same night I am and also AK on your last Sunday which is my park of choice that morning. So it may be that we see each other around ;0)

[Eeyore's Tailfinder]

Continued...

http://img481.imageshack.us/img481/8835/image316iy5.jpg
Size of the itinerary card - pocket size!

http://img140.imageshack.us/img140/4051/image315wk2.jpg
Some lime green Mickey heads! I stuck one of the LGMHs that Joh sent me on some leftover green card and cut it out in order to make it more sturdy to attatch to my backpack - it worked out so well I used that as a stencil to make up a whole batch of them! I'm going to laminate some and attatch them to my bag so other DISers can spot me!

http://img411.imageshack.us/img411/2573/image321bp5.jpg
If you spot my tag, say hello!

http://img411.imageshack.us/img411/5350/image319jh0.jpg

http://img249.imageshack.us/img249/1130/image317vs3.jpg
I photocopied the maps straight out of my passporter and trimmed them as I think they are soooo handy! There's a lot on them little maps! I am between 2 minds to laminate them - but I made 2 copies, so I might laminate 1 and keep the other as it is.

http://img217.imageshack.us/img217/4641/image318hp9.jpg
Close up of the maps

[Eeyore's Tailfinder]

I'm still on page 1 but I can't wait to get in on this one! I started getting all excited that I would have your report to read the week leading up to my trip but then saw you'll actually still be there my first few days there. Maybe we'll "bump" into each other!
I just checked and you are doing the P&PP the same night I am and also AK on your last Sunday which is my park of choice that morning. So it may be that we see each other around ;0)

Hi! Thanks for stopping by! :hug:

I have my DISer tag ready to go, so if you bump into me say Hello :goodvibes We might very well bump into each other, I'm sure there are a lot of DISers going in that time bracket! I'm getting excited now :banana:

[nicolita3]

I love your trip report so far, those cards and maps are the cutest!

[Eeyore's Tailfinder]

I love your trip report so far, those cards and maps are the cutest!

Thank you :goodvibes They took quite a while to do and I'm still not done! 3 weeks worth of cards take a looooong time to do :laughing:

I just remembered I need to finish my Mousekeeping envelopes too! I've done around 7 so have 3 to go - will post them up too when I'm done :teeth:

[Avivasmom]

What a great trip report....I have enjoyed reading it so far...cannot wait to read more.

We leave a few days before you get there. But helps we live 3 hours and a bit south of Disney!!

Love all the pics!

[Eeyore's Tailfinder]

What a great trip report....I have enjoyed reading it so far...cannot wait to read more.

We leave a few days before you get there. But helps we live 3 hours and a bit south of Disney!!

Love all the pics!

Thank you :goodvibes You're so lucky you live so close to the Mouse! This is my first trip to the States and I am so excited :) Is it weird that I'm excited to try ding-dongs and itsakadoozies - blame Saved by the Bell :lmao:
Your DD is so cute!! :goodvibes

[wilma-bride]

Love the itinerary cards Hayley :thumbsup2 You certainly have been busy.

[Eeyore's Tailfinder]

Thank you! And you can see the LGMH have certainly been put to good use - I might make a countdown with them next :teeth:

For some reason I can't relax and do nothing - DBF's mother is always telling me, put the laptop/book down and just relax but I can't do it :rotfl: I NEED to do something, and of course it helps when it's Disney!!

[CriminyCrafft]

I just found your TR - you are so cute with your excitement and little itinerary cards!!! The time will fly by and soon you'll be in Disney! I'm going back to WDW in October, and the wait is killing me!

Congrats on finishing exams! I just finished law school and am now studying for the bar exam. It's terrible, mostly because it's so boring. As I understand it, you can get a four-year degree and practice law in the UK (an LLB)? Here in the US we have to do 7 years of school to practice law (bletch!). How long do you have left?

Also, I'm jealous that you've been to DLP. I've been to Paris but didn't make it there and I want to go so badly now!

Anyway, great report so far and I can't wait to read more!

[Eeyore's Tailfinder]

Hi! Thanks for reading!

Unfortunately it's 6 years to practice here in the UK - a loooong time isn't it! We have to do the LLB Law degree for 3 years at University, then the LPC (Legal Practice Course) for 1 year, and then obtain a Training Contract (the hardest bit!) with a Law Firm for 2 years - and then you can become a solicitor and practice. To be a barrister - it's the LLB again for 3 years, then the BVC (Bar exams) for 1 year, and then obtain a Pupillage (again v.hard) in a chambers for 6 months non-practicing and 6 months practicing - however there's so much competition and it's so intense.

I have an interview for a PhD next month, so that's 3-4 years and depending on how much I like the academics I might stay to lecture or go on to do the LPC (will however will add another 3 years - Noooooo!!)

I LOVE Paris - I think I could live there! DLP is great in it's own quirky little way and great for a quick Disney fix this side of the pond - however compared to WDW, well... you know how it goes! I think once they've put some new rides in it'll be better! That doesn't stop me going there though :teeth:

I'm so jealous that you've been to Tokyo Disney! I'd love to go to Japan :) I'm off to read your TR now!!

[Thumpersmom]

Great job on the cards Haley!!!!

You are moving along nicely.:cool1: It will be August before you know it!!!!!
Keep up the great work!:banana:

[hayanyujah847]

Wow, what time do you get to WDW? Our flight gets in at 11pm! So we won't pass. But good thing you got some lime green Mickey heads so other Disers will recognize you!:thumbsup2

I've not been on much past few days as I've been busy busy busy making itinerary cards (I got the wonderful idea from Cinderella16 - another mention ;) - it seems I've been borrowing all of her ideas lately, and boy does she have some good ones!) - photos up shortly!
I just started working on mine, too! It takes a lot of time but they look so cute! That was a great idea Cinderella16 had!! :) :)


http://img249.imageshack.us/img249/1130/image317vs3.jpg
I photocopied the maps straight out of my passporter and trimmed them as I think they are soooo handy! There's a lot on them little maps! I am between 2 minds to laminate them - but I made 2 copies, so I might laminate 1 and keep the other as it is.
Great idea! I am going to have to do the same. Also, I like your idea of putting maps on the back of the cards. Both great ideas I have to use~!! :P

I just remembered I need to finish my Mousekeeping envelopes too! I've done around 7 so have 3 to go - will post them up too when I'm done :teeth:
Me, too! I'm sure you already know about this site. But I heard about this site on the Dis Tagrel.com ~ They have a section with Cast Member appreciate cards that you can use for Mousekeeping or just other cast members that spread the magic while you are there! :wizard:

Isn't it exciting how fast the days are going by!? And I really think that planning is some of the fun of going :yay:

[Eeyore's Tailfinder]

I haven't heard of that site!! But I'm going to check it out right away!

Can't wait to read your pre-trippie!!

[Spartangirl]

I LOVE your pre-trippie! :thumbsup2 Your itinerary cards are so cute! :goodvibes I look forward to reading more...

[Eeyore's Tailfinder]

I LOVE your pre-trippie! :thumbsup2 Your itinerary cards are so cute! :goodvibes I look forward to reading more...

Thanks for stopping by and glad you're enjoying it!

There'll be plenty more to come :thumbsup2

[Nicole786]

Those cards are so cute! I WANT TO DO THAT!!!! lol

as if my crew doesnt think im crazy enough

[Eeyore's Tailfinder]

Those cards are so cute! I WANT TO DO THAT!!!! lol

as if my crew doesnt think im crazy enough

I just PM'd you back :thumbsup2

I've had a lot of people asking about them, maybe I should make a template for DISers :laughing:

[Nicole786]

By the way I meant to ask, the chapter list at the top...is that a reference to "FRIENDS?" by having each title "The One With..." ??

[veryblessed]

Ok... I LOVE THE CARDS!! I have to do that!! Do you have a templet???

[DisneyJunkieLC]

You are an amazing planner!!! The itinerary cards are great. I just read through your whole trip report and love it. 3 weeks - that sounds so wonderful. :cool1:

We really want to go to Discovery Cove one day so I can't wait to see your pics of that. We've also talked about planning a longer trip with Universal Studios as a portion of the trip for years down the road when my son is a bit older.

I can't wait to read more!!

[Eeyore's Tailfinder]

Yep :) I do now have a template, although I'm hoping to make a better one soon so it's easier for others to adapt to their own needs :) I'm sure Cindy will want to help when she's back too!

Thank you very much for reading! Hopefully I will have MANY photos of Discovery Cove to share (for that price I don't want to forget it in a hurry :rotfl:) and we've also bought an underwater digital camera just for the occasion :teeth:


I would also like to tell all readers of my trip report....

...I FOUND OUT TODAY I GOT A 2.1 IN MY DEGREE! I am so over the moon, I can't believe my hard work has paid off and I get to graduate with a 2.1!!! It still hasn't quite hit home yet!

[Thumpersmom]

...I FOUND OUT TODAY I GOT A 2.1 IN MY DEGREE! I am so over the moon, I can't believe my hard work has paid off and I get to graduate with a 2.1!!! It still hasn't quite hit home yet!


CONGRAT HALEY!!!!! Way to go! Hard work almost always pays off.....just like the hard work you are doing on your Disney trip. It really does pay off to be well informed and have a plan.:cheer2: :cheer2:

[Nicole786]

How does the grade system work in the UK? A 2.1 sounds great!! In the US, thats not so good though so i'm just curious!

[Eeyore's Tailfinder]

Really? I have no idea how the US system works!
In the UK the order is, from highest to lowest: 1st (which is near enough impossible to get!), 2.1, 2.2, 3rd, Ordinary Pass Degree (without honours), Fail, Bad Fail.
I am over the moon to get a 2.1, especially as it was quite close to a 1st! I can't believe I have a degree in Law! If you go for a Doctorate without a Masters degree, you need a 1 or a 2.1 - which is fantastic news for me! I'd be really interested to know how the system in the USA works! I have had a look at the US system versus the UK system and I think it might be equivalent to your A grade.

Oh, and I missed your other post! 'The One With...' is indeed a reference to FRIENDS! I am a FRIENDS nut!!

Thankyou also Thumpersmom!!

[Nicole786]

Really? I have no idea how the US system works!
In the UK the order is, from highest to lowest: 1st (which is near enough impossible to get!), 2.1, 2.2, 3rd, Ordinary Pass Degree (without honours), Fail, Bad Fail.
I am over the moon to get a 2.1, especially as it was quite close to a 1st! I can't believe I have a degree in Law! If you go for a Doctorate without a Masters degree, you need a 1 or a 2.1 - which is fantastic news for me! I'd be really interested to know how the system in the USA works! I have had a look at the US system versus the UK system and I think it might be equivalent to your A grade.

Oh, and I missed your other post! 'The One With...' is indeed a reference to FRIENDS! I am a FRIENDS nut!!

Thankyou also Thumpersmom!!

I am SUCH A FRIENDS nut!! LOL i'm way too obsessed with that show....:rotfl:

In the US, the system goes from 1-4...4 being the highest...so if you get a 4.0, it means you've gotten a A or 100 in your class. A 2.0 would be like a D, which is not so good, and a 3.0 would be like a B. I don't think anyone gets a 1.0 otherwise what are they doing? :rotfl: Most people recieve a number, and then another number...like instead of a 3.0 they would have a 3.2 or a 3.8....but the hightest you can go is a 4.0. Hope that makes sense! lol Isn't that just kick you in the crotch, spit on your neck fantastic? :happytv:

[Eeyore's Tailfinder]

Hehe! Love that line!

That's so funny! Ours kind of go backwards to yours then! I'm figuring I would have something like a 3.5 by American standards, I have no idea! I can imagine going round telling Americans I have a 2.1 and them thinking - why in the name are you so happy about it :rotfl:

[Marc A.]

Congrats on your exams and have the best of times on your 3 WEEK TRIP (WOW). I couldn't imagine 3 weeks but you deserve it. I know how law school and exams are firsthand and I could have used a 3 week trip after the bar exam.
Enjoy it and keep us posted. Love your enthusiasm!!!!

[Eeyore's Tailfinder]

Thank you very much! Yep, you know the score - it's tough! But I'm so glad! Thanks for tuning in!!

[hayanyujah847]

Congrats on your exams~!!!

And how do I get a look at your template for the cards ?! Thanks!! :thumbsup2

[Eeyore's Tailfinder]

Hey Sarah - if you PM me your email address, I'll email them over. It's the document which have my pre-made cards in them :)

[Carrieannew]

I just PM'd you back :thumbsup2

I've had a lot of people asking about them, maybe I should make a template for DISers :laughing:

Ohhh OHhh can I get them too? Your report is great. Cant wait to read more.

[ThinkTink75]

just subscribing... ill be back to read on later!

[Eeyore's Tailfinder]

Well, I thought I hadn't updated in a while so I might as well post another installment ;)

Now, first let me say HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Els who was 24 on Tuesday and had very much a Florida 'themed' birthday :teeth: I gave him presents in the morning - a Shark Dive at SeaWorld (which I'd booked since January) and a Mr Potato Head (I already have one, so we can both do Potato Head 'picknmix'). He also got a Tigger birthday cake. In the evening we went to see Silver Surfer at the cinema (Els loves Marvel - he's excited for IOA!)

http://img441.imageshack.us/img441/4536/image410xd9.jpg

Today, Els called me up in the middle of the day and said 'I've got a surprise for you!' When he came home this afternoon, he'd bought me a pack of 3 Hershey Bars, so we could get excited for the USA! Bless! I think someone's starting to get excited!!

http://img442.imageshack.us/img442/5193/image415xx0.jpg

I've also picked up a few bits and bobs - just stuff like deodorant, more shampoo (I've got long hair okay?!), toothpaste, cooling spray (This was sooo handy in Turkey and I managed to locate it in a pound shop instead of £4 at Boots) - These I won't take a photo of! I also got some pink grapefruit soap and shower gel at Morrisons and it smells HEAVENLY! I usually use coconut stuff on holiday but this reminded me of Calippo! DBF also bought us a 2gig SD card for the camera.

We've also been looking for a good insurance deal everywhere, and are still looking! It'll be costly because I think we'll have to get annual travel insurance. I'm looking forward to tomorrow as we're going SHOPPING! I had quite a bit of money after getting my results, so I'm going to try and get some holiday stuff tomorrow!

And lastly, something I promised in an earlier installment - a photo of DBF's lanyard (nothing exciting, just forgot to include it last time!) I have my eye on the bottom left pin!

http://img404.imageshack.us/img404/3696/image411st7.jpg
http://img405.imageshack.us/img405/2797/image412dr3.jpg

I'm planning on making him a Florida Welcome Bag, which he doesn't know about of course. So far I've ordered him a pin, which has Donald (his favourite character) wearing Mickey ears and and eye mask for the plane with Mickey Gloves on. Any other ideas most welcome!

[ThinkTink75]

Great Pre Trip Report! I just love it! You are so excited and it comes out everytime you post! I keep getting more and more excited for our upcoming trip when I read on! :banana:

[Summer-Caitlin]

NNNNNOOOOOOO, I want those laminated cards now!!! How could you do that to me Hayley? I thought we were friends;) As soon as I saw them I started thinking about how the hell I'm going to find time to do them, plus I now need to find a laminator, they are so cool, I feel a temper tantrum coming on:guilty: Great, I now have to do this, it's a must! Bring on the arts and crafts:)
I really love your pre trip report, it's great I'm going to come across you at Raglan Road, hmmm, let me think of a surprise...

[AlyssinWonderland]

Awesome Trip Report! I'm going for a week Aug 13-20 and will be there some of the dates you will be! Exciting!!! I'll have to compair our ADR's! LOL Hope to see you there! Have a wonderful Time and your TR is really good!!!

[Nicole786]

Awesome lanyard! His birthday sounds great :D

[hayanyujah847]

DBF also bought us a 2gig SD card for the camera.

We've also been looking for a good insurance deal everywhere, and are still looking! It'll be costly because I think we'll have to get annual travel insurance.

I'm planning on making him a Florida Welcome Bag, which he doesn't know about of course. So far I've ordered him a pin, which has Donald (his favourite character) wearing Mickey ears and and eye mask for the plane with Mickey Gloves on. Any other ideas most welcome!

You have to change Els' age now in your siggy! :hug:

I just bought a 2gb card for my camera, too, for the trip. It's awesome how much more it holds!:woohoo:

Getting the insurance must be the most annoying thing. :confused3 Hopefully someday we'll have universal health care here like in the UK!

For a welcome gift, I went with Memories By Sarah (http://www.memoriesbysarah.com/). If you look at the baskets, I got the "romance" basket lol! Then you can add ANYTHING from Disney World. They charge a fee for making the whole basket ($28 I believe) and then all of the items in the basket they just charge you the exact cost. It's a cute idea and they deliver it your hotel room! :wizard:

[disneymoon_0307]

I have just found your TR and I'm loving it. Y'all are so cute together. I am going in Sep and can't wait. Your TR should get me by. That's so great that you graduated with such a high grade.:yay: I can't wait for yall to actually go to the world. I hope you take lots of pictures and I look forward to hearing about everything. Can you also PM me the template for those cards? I absolutely love them. You are so good at what you do. I think it's so good that you DisBF is so excited about this. My fiance and I went last year (him for the first time in 10 years) he was excited but not as excited as I was. I did get him to get a pin lanyard and some pins though so that is something. :banana: Keep it coming.

P.S. I am a huge Friends fan also. It's great that I have found people on here that are also.

[Eeyore's Tailfinder]

Great Pre Trip Report! I just love it! You are so excited and it comes out everytime you post! I keep getting more and more excited for our upcoming trip when I read on! :banana:

Thank you for coming back! It's true, I can't keep it in - I'm sooo excited :goodvibes It's just everything about the USA and Disney World - I'm even excited to eat at Ponderosa (now that may be bordering on lunacy!)


NNNNNOOOOOOO, I want those laminated cards now!!! How could you do that to me Hayley? I thought we were friends As soon as I saw them I started thinking about how the hell I'm going to find time to do them, plus I now need to find a laminator, they are so cool, I feel a temper tantrum coming on Great, I now have to do this, it's a must! Bring on the arts and crafts
I really love your pre trip report, it's great I'm going to come across you at Raglan Road, hmmm, let me think of a surprise...

I would be more than happy to email them over Summer! I've sent them to quite a few people! I haven't *quite* finished them yet (I haven't done the IOA, SeaWorld, Discovery Cove, etc... cards) but the Disney World ones are all done! It's my first go at being crafty and I'm surprised they came out OK! I really need to finish them!! I can't wait to read your TR when you come back, with your wedding and the cruise and everything!


Awesome Trip Report! I'm going for a week Aug 13-20 and will be there some of the dates you will be! Exciting!!! I'll have to compair our ADR's! LOL Hope to see you there! Have a wonderful Time and your TR is really good!!!

Thank you very much for stopping by! I hope I'll see lots of DISers out in Florida - remember if you happen to see me, say hello! I'll have my Lime Green Mickey Head with me ;) Have a great time!

Awesome lanyard! His birthday sounds great :D

Isn't it? It's a DLRP lanyard and I was sooo jealous when he bought it! Nightmare Before Christmas is one of my favourites!

You have to change Els' age now in your siggy!

I just bought a 2gb card for my camera, too, for the trip. It's awesome how much more it holds!

Getting the insurance must be the most annoying thing. Hopefully someday we'll have universal health care here like in the UK!

For a welcome gift, I went with Memories By Sarah. If you look at the baskets, I got the "romance" basket lol! Then you can add ANYTHING from Disney World. They charge a fee for making the whole basket ($28 I believe) and then all of the items in the basket they just charge you the exact cost. It's a cute idea and they deliver it your hotel room!


I forgot to change his age! Will have to do that now!! The 2gb is so much better don't you think? I was worried as we've just bought an underwater camera for Discovery Cove and I thought I'd need a bigger SD card - now I'm happy!

That's a really cute idea - I'll look into it! I bet it'd work out cheaper than me buying stuff over the internet!

I have just found your TR and I'm loving it. Y'all are so cute together. I am going in Sep and can't wait. Your TR should get me by. That's so great that you graduated with such a high grade. I can't wait for yall to actually go to the world. I hope you take lots of pictures and I look forward to hearing about everything. Can you also PM me the template for those cards? I absolutely love them. You are so good at what you do. I think it's so good that you DisBF is so excited about this. My fiance and I went last year (him for the first time in 10 years) he was excited but not as excited as I was. I did get him to get a pin lanyard and some pins though so that is something. Keep it coming.

P.S. I am a huge Friends fan also. It's great that I have found people on here that are also.

Thanks for joining! Sure, if you PM me your email I'll send you the ones I've done right over! Believe me, I will take PLENTY of photos :thumbsup2 My DBF hasn't really been excited until now - he's starting to get excited now though, which of course sends me into overdrive excitement :rotfl: I am determined to get him to love Epcot as he remembers being dragged around the WS when he was about 9!

I love that you love Friends! It's my favourite TV show ever :) I watch the re-runs every day even though I have the whole series on DV which drives DBF crazy! I think he secretly enjoys it too though! His fave show is The Simpsons which I also love!

[wilma-bride]

Hey Hayley, great minds must think alike - I just posted an update to my pre-trippy last night also :thumbsup2

For travel insurance, try www.insureandgo.com - we used them last year, they were pretty good and reasonably priced :)

We have also used Norwich Union, who are a bit more expensive but are very good when it comes to claims (take it from one who knows ;) )

It's getting close now - we're very excited here, well I am anyway :banana:

[hayanyujah847]

We're also hoping to do Leave a Legacy at some point in the day.

Bad news for you according to the All Ears Weekly newsletter. :(

"The Leave A Legacy program, first launched at Epcot in Fall 1999, has been discontinued as of June 16, 2007. The current display of more than 550,000 tiles at the main entrance of Epcot will remain for the time being. The Leave A Legacy Locator station will be relocated to the Camera Center underneath Spaceship Earth. If you need to get information about your Leave A Legacy tile from home, contact the following email address: WDW.EC.legacy@disney.com"

[Eeyore's Tailfinder]

Bad news for you according to the All Ears Weekly newsletter. :(

"The Leave A Legacy program, first launched at Epcot in Fall 1999, has been discontinued as of June 16, 2007. The current display of more than 550,000 tiles at the main entrance of Epcot will remain for the time being. The Leave A Legacy Locator station will be relocated to the Camera Center underneath Spaceship Earth. If you need to get information about your Leave A Legacy tile from home, contact the following email address: WDW.EC.legacy@disney.com"

:eek: I think those Disney suits hate me, they closed down Haunted Mansion while I'm there too!

They could have at least told me before I made my itinerary cards! :headache:

[hayanyujah847]

lol I have only made one itinerary card and have already had to edit it!! And I am super disappointed that Haunted Mansion is going to be closed while we're there, too. As well as Spaceship Earth! :(

[winkers]

I just found your report and I'm loveing it!! I can't believe your itenerary cards. You put my case of ocd to shame! And I'm really jealous of your Welsh Pooh!..............hmmm that didn't sound right! They need to sell those in Epcot! Anyway, I'm loving your style and enthusiasim!

[Eeyore's Tailfinder]

lol I have only made one itinerary card and have already had to edit it!! And I am super disappointed that Haunted Mansion is going to be closed while we're there, too. As well as Spaceship Earth! :(

I know right? It sucks! But I just told DBF I NEED to arrange another trip to go back to ride these 2 :rotfl:

I just found your report and I'm loveing it!! I can't believe your itenerary cards. You put my case of ocd to shame! And I'm really jealous of your Welsh Pooh!..............hmmm that didn't sound right! They need to sell those in Epcot! Anyway, I'm loving your style and enthusiasim

Thank you :) I'm a huge fan of your foodie report - I love food porn :thumbsup2 Hopefully mine will be as good as yours when I come back! :lmao: Thank you for the Welsh Pooh thing! Isn't he the cutest?! I couldn't resist buying him as I'd never seen Disney sell anything Welsh before! Now if they only made an Eeyore....

If I don't get a Pal Mickey before I go, I'm thinking of taking him along as a mascot (kinda like the great Plankton if you read Brenda's trippies ;) ) Anyway, thank you very much - stay on board, there's plenty to come, only 4.5 weeks to go :dance3:

[winkers]

Thank you :) I'm a huge fan of your foodie report - I love food porn :thumbsup2 Hopefully mine will be as good as yours when I come back! :lmao: Thank you for the Welsh Pooh thing! Isn't he the cutest?! I couldn't resist buying him as I'd never seen Disney sell anything Welsh before! Now if they only made an Eeyore....

If I don't get a Pal Mickey before I go, I'm thinking of taking him along as a mascot (kinda like the great Plankton if you read Brenda's trippies ;) ) Anyway, thank you very much - stay on board, there's plenty to come, only 4.5 weeks to go :dance3:

You should definatley use Pooh as your mascot! Just thinking of the poses you could do with him are totally cracking me up!!!

[Thumpersmom]

Just checkin back in with you Haley...I know some of our dates cross at WDW and we just got our Magical Express Luggage Tags..:banana: :banana: :banana:

Kinda makes it more real. Looking forward to getting more paperwork from the mouse.:cloud9:

[Eeyore's Tailfinder]

Me too - I'm really looking forward to getting our tickets!

I've got a lot more PTR to come, when I start packing in a bit - I've done LOTS of shopping :teeth:

[Summer-Caitlin]

Looking forward to some more Pre-Trip Report, you are getting so close to going now, you must be bursting with excitement:hyper:

I'm still working on my itinerary cards. BTW you have Body Wars is closed when you're there, where did you find that, I really want to go on that and I searched and couldn't find it anywhere:confused:

[Eeyore's Tailfinder]

Looking forward to some more Pre-Trip Report, you are getting so close to going now, you must be bursting with excitement:hyper:

I'm still working on my itinerary cards. BTW you have Body Wars is closed when you're there, where did you find that, I really want to go on that and I searched and couldn't find it anywhere:confused:


Hi! I got it off the official Disney Epcot site - went to park hours and it was there. Spaceship Earth is closed too... I thought the whole Wonders of Life Pavillion was closed. I'm bummed too - I wanted to go on them :(

[Summer-Caitlin]

Damn, I guess I could go back after our cruise, I see Haunted Mansion is only closed until Aug 31st? We intended to do Universal and Discovery Cove pretty much the whole time after the cruise, I may have to convince DF to take one last trip to the World before we go;)

[fraggle551]

i just found your trip report, and it is great! 3 whole weeks in disney...you are so lucky! congrats on your excellent grades also. and thanks for explaining the system. at first i was a little confused as to why you were so excited!

my DBF and i are taking our first trip down next May. I can't wait!!

i was also wondering if you could send me the template for those cards. they are wonderful!

i hope you both have an AMAZING trip! i cant wait for the trip report when you come home. :)

[Eeyore's Tailfinder]

Thank you so much! I guess I have to be careful when I tell Americans I got a 2.1 or they'll be wondering why I'm so happy about it!! :teeth:

Sure, if you PM me your e-mail, I'll email them over :) I am so excited for our trip, I can't believe it's nearly here - stick around for more, there's a lot more to come!!

[Eeyore's Tailfinder]

Latest update from me!

I graduated yesterday morning! It was a really nice, albeit long day! It was crazy to think that I'd been at University 3 years and it was coming to an end yesterday! For those of you that are just joining my PTR, I graduated in Law. Secondly, I had an interview on Thursday morning for a PhD Scholarship at my University - my lecturers told me yesterday I'd got it! I can't believe it, I'm just so happy! That was really the icing on the cake! I can't wait to start, and I can't believe I'll be a Doctor of Law in 3 years :goodvibes

Thirdly, my mam just called to tell me that my holiday tickets have arrived this morning - this week could not get any better!

Here are some photos of yesterday:


http://img61.imageshack.us/img61/2988/img5663tf0.jpg
Me and Emma, a Friend on my course

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Me, Els (DBF) and Emma

http://img227.imageshack.us/img227/5508/img5666ks2.jpg
Me in the University

http://img225.imageshack.us/img225/8779/img5668op9.jpg
Me and my grandad

http://img440.imageshack.us/img440/9264/img5677pq1.jpg
Me, Huw and Helen - some of my best friends on the course

http://img73.imageshack.us/img73/5228/img5681qd4.jpg
Me and my proud parents!


Just loading up some more now!

[punkin413]

double congratulations no graduation and on the scholarship!!!!! :woohoo: :thumbsup2 that's really amazing! you've definitely had a good week. :goodvibes

[Cinderella16]

Aw Congrats on your graduation!! Now go on and celebrate in DISNEY of course!!! :goodvibes :banana: :yay: I love your pictures, you look so cute in your cap and gown! Must feel great to be finished! Yay!! :goodvibes

[Eeyore's Tailfinder]

double congratulations no graduation and on the scholarship!!!!! :woohoo: :thumbsup2 that's really amazing! you've definitely had a good week. :goodvibes

Thank you! I'm soooo happy! Right now I couldn't be happer - well if I was 28 pounds lighter maybe :rotfl:

Aw Congrats on your graduation!! Now go on and celebrate in DISNEY of course!!! :goodvibes :banana: :yay: I love your pictures, you look so cute in your cap and gown! Must feel great to be finished! Yay!! :goodvibes

Thank you! It feels great to be finished, but also quite sad as a chapter of my life is over. But again, exciting as I feel the rest of my life is beginning :goodvibes

I'm just extremely happy right now :teeth:

[hayanyujah847]

Latest update from me!

I graduated yesterday morning! It was a really nice, albeit long day! It was crazy to think that I'd been at University 3 years and it was coming to an end yesterday! For those of you that are just joining my PTR, I graduated in Law. Secondly, I had an interview on Thursday morning for a PhD Scholarship at my University - my lecturers told me yesterday I'd got it! I can't believe it, I'm just so happy! That was really the icing on the cake! I can't wait to start, and I can't believe I'll be a Doctor of Law in 3 years :goodvibes

Thirdly, my mam just called to tell me that my holiday tickets have arrived this morning - this week could not get any better!

Love the pics!! Congrats on everything...graduating, the scholarship! Wow! That must be amazingly nice to get the scholarship~!! :banana:

And you only have 15 days now! YAY! :dance3:

[Nicole786]

Congratulations! i'm so excited for you!

Ok, so i dont know if its the beautiful graduation gown or the fact that I'm picturing you speaking with an accent, but your photos remind me of harry potter! lol could also be the harry potter mania thats sweeping the world right now.....

Hats off to you!

[Spartangirl]

Congrats on your graduation!!! Love the pics! :thumbsup2

[Summer-Caitlin]

Hayley, Congratulations it must be such a wonderful feeling to wear that cap and gown, I still have a while to go:sad2: You looked great!
Also congrats on the PHD acceptance, what is it you want to do when you you are finished with all the studying?
You ust be getting really excited now for your trip, it's getting so close, I'm parcatically bursting at the seams:cloud9:

[Eeyore's Tailfinder]

Love the pics!! Congrats on everything...graduating, the scholarship! Wow! That must be amazingly nice to get the scholarship~!! :banana:

And you only have 15 days now! YAY! :dance3:

Thank you! Yeah, I am over the moon - really happy! Not long to go now we are really excited over here!!

Congratulations! i'm so excited for you!

Ok, so i dont know if its the beautiful graduation gown or the fact that I'm picturing you speaking with an accent, but your photos remind me of harry potter! lol could also be the harry potter mania thats sweeping the world right now.....

Hats off to you!

Thank you very much! A lot of people actually call that part of the University Hogwarts because it looks quite Gothic and very much like Hogwarts :laughing: I don't have a HP accent though I'm sorry, it's very much a Welsh accent :goodvibes

I have a lot more photos on my Bebo - http://legallypink01.bebo.com

Congrats on your graduation!!! Love the pics! :thumbsup2

Thank you very much! It was a really nice day!!!

Hayley, Congratulations it must be such a wonderful feeling to wear that cap and gown, I still have a while to go:sad2: You looked great!
Also congrats on the PHD acceptance, what is it you want to do when you you are finished with all the studying?
You ust be getting really excited now for your trip, it's getting so close, I'm parcatically bursting at the seams:cloud9:

Thanks Summer! It was really bizarre to think 3 years had come to an end so quickly! I had applied to do the LPC (I've always wanted to be a lawyer) and got accepted to all my choices, but then this opportunity came up and I decided to take the chance and go for it - that was a very scary moment rejecting my LPC places - but now I'm soooo glad that I did it!

My Scholarship will also involve teaching - I think I will be doing Contract and maybe Tort this coming year. VERY scary, but I'm excited about it too. Therefore depending on how I enjoy teaching, I might stay to lecture, or go on to do the LPC after :goodvibes

Now I am SO excited for my trip! I am still shopping, I am unstoppable - I think it's an addiction! My First Aid Kit could rival a paramedics :rotfl:

[Thumpersmom]

Congrats on your graduation!!!! Wonderful to be done and have a plan too!!!

We are counting down the days too!!! My DD and DS are heading off to Disneyland tomorrow with my parents but we have to stay home and work. I told my DS who is 11 to enjoy this month. They will be at Disneyland and WDW all within a one month span!! ;) I guess I am just jealous!!!

[Tink2312]

Hi, Eeyore's Tailfinder your PTR is excellent!
Just wanted to congratulate you on your results and Graduation! I graduated with a 2:1 Law degree last year so I know how much work's put into it - so you definitely deserve the break in Florida.
I've just completed my LPC - the results come out tomorrow :scared1: - hopefully then it's on to a training contract for me.
Good luck on your PhD - congrats on getting the scholarship!
I'm an insane planner too - my parents and friends think I'm mad but then they're thankful when we get there ;)
P.s love the itinerary cards - don't suppose if I PM you my email I could get a template could I? :love: I'll try anything to take my mind off results and it looks like planning for our November trip is it!

[winkers]

Congratulations on getting your degree!! :cheer2:

[Eeyore's Tailfinder]

Thank you both - and congrats Tink! I'm sure you did brilliantly! Let me know!

Did you go to CoL Chester? I was planning on going there (applied and got accepted!) before this opportunity came up and I jumped at it. It was pretty scary rejecting my LPC place when I'd wanted to do it all my life, with no guarantee of the PhD, but I'm glad the gamble paid off!

PM away - I'll send no problem - I've got a bit more done on the cards now, DC, IOA, SW and the likes :)


Keep looking back guys, I've booked a LOT more stuff since I last posted and will update hopefully tomorrow night :) DBF has started packing, and I've started the mad taking photos!!

AND --- 8 BLOOMIN DAYS TO GO!!

[Tink2312]

Thanks, I got a distinction:woohoo: I'm on :cloud9:
I went to BPP Law School Manchester in the end (although I almost went to CoL Chester).
Wow - less than a week to go for you!!!!!
Just about to PM you with my email.
Good luck with the packing - I always end up taking far too much!

[Eeyore's Tailfinder]

Thanks, I got a distinction:woohoo: I'm on :cloud9:
I went to BPP Law School Manchester in the end (although I almost went to CoL Chester).
Wow - less than a week to go for you!!!!!
Just about to PM you with my email.
Good luck with the packing - I always end up taking far too much!

WELL DONE YOU!! That's awesome! :banana:

I just e-mailed you back, I must say, I got an e-mail and didn't realise it was you, half asleep lol!

Packing coming right up!

[Eeyore's Tailfinder]

After a bit of holiday shopping on Saturday (again!) we were quite in the holiday mood, so decided we should finally start packing Els up! I have been waiting for this moment for weeks! He is a very tidy packer, complete opposite to me, which is funny since I'm the organised one! He also has massive cases compared to me!

Here are Els' very tidy cases!
http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL252/1889677/17315417/268750823.jpg

Els demonstrating exactly how big his cases are!
http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL252/1889677/17315417/268743418.jpg

Deciding what to wear - decisions, decisions!
http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL252/1889677/17315417/268743425.jpg

Concentrating hard on his packing list:
http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL252/1889677/17315417/268743436.jpg

Right, see how nice, easy and tidy that was? Until Hurricane Hayley hit on Sunday night that was! This is my idea of packing below, points for noticing how many pink items there are, no points for guessing that pink is my favourite colour!

Where do I start?!
http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL252/1889677/17315417/268749887.jpg

EEK!!
http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL252/1889677/17315417/268743431.jpg

My Too Cute Disney pyjamas!
http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL252/1889677/17315417/268749886.jpg

Ready for Anything!
http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL252/1889677/17315417/268749900.jpg

How much did Els help?
http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL252/1889677/17315417/268749891.jpg

Ahhhh - tidy at last!
http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL252/1889677/17315417/268749890.jpg

[Eeyore's Tailfinder]

Right the itinerary cards - I've done quite a bit of booking and that after I did my original itinerary cards, plus the laminating wasn't that good on them last time AND I hadn't finished them, so we decided we'd reprint them today, and have another go at them. So many people have asked about them, and asked me to send the template, that I thought I'd take photos as I made them for anyone who is interested. So here they are!

I printed them out of Powerpoint as handouts, 2 to each A4 page, and cut them out:
http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL252/1889677/17315417/268750382.jpg
http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL252/1889677/17315417/268750388.jpg

Then I glued them each onto a coloured card, like Meg the dog is helping me do here:
http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL252/1889677/17315417/268750681.jpg
http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL252/1889677/17315417/268750386.jpg

Then after cutting them all out
http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL252/1889677/17315417/268750680.jpg
Els laminated them:
http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL252/1889677/17315417/268750679.jpg

I got a bit carried away with the laminator and laminated my Passporter maps and some Mickey ears:
http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL252/1889677/17315417/268750678.jpg

Els helping me with Disney stuff (had to take a photo, this is a rare occurance!) These are my Mousekeeping & Housekeeping envelopes! I made an image using 'Disney Font' and a photo of Mickey Mouse, printed and cut them out, then Els stuck them onto plain envelopes for me:
http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL252/1889677/17315417/268750389.jpg

End Result:
http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL252/1889677/17315417/268750682.jpg

And last by not least, my lovely Pal Mickey arrived today from kitster:
http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL252/1889677/17315417/268750725.jpg
He's so cute! I've been playing games with him all night! I can't wait to take him into the parks!

[Eeyore's Tailfinder]

Right the itinerary cards - I've done quite a bit of booking and that after I did my original itinerary cards, plus the laminating wasn't that good on them last time AND I hadn't finished them, so we decided we'd reprint them today, and have another go at them. So many people have asked about them, and asked me to send the template, that I thought I'd take photos as I made them for anyone who is interested. So here they are!

I printed them out of Powerpoint as handouts, 2 to each A4 page, and cut them out:
http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL252/1889677/17315417/268750382.jpg
http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL252/1889677/17315417/268750388.jpg

Then I glued them each onto a coloured card, like Meg the dog is helping me do here:
http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL252/1889677/17315417/268750681.jpg
http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL252/1889677/17315417/268750386.jpg

Then after cutting them all out
http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL252/1889677/17315417/268750680.jpg
Els laminated them:
http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL252/1889677/17315417/268750679.jpg

Els helping me with Disney stuff (had to take a photo, this is a rare occurance!) These are my Mousekeeping & Housekeeping envelopes! I made an image using 'Disney Font' and a photo of Mickey Mouse, printed and cut them out, then Els stuck them onto plain envelopes for me:
http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL252/1889677/17315417/268750389.jpg

End Result:
http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL252/1889677/17315417/268750682.jpg

And last by not least, my lovely Pal Mickey arrived today from kitster:
http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL252/1889677/17315417/268750725.jpg
He's so cute! I've been playing games with him all night! I can't wait to take him into the parks!

[Cinderella16]

Omgosh you leave in 1 week, you lucky duck you!! :goodvibes
Love the planning cards, very organized, I approve! I love that you took a picture of your DBF laminating, I would have so done the same thing!! :rotfl2:

[Eeyore's Tailfinder]

Omgosh you leave in 1 week, you lucky duck you!! :goodvibes
Love the planning cards, very organized, I approve! I love that you took a picture of your DBF laminating, I would have so done the same thing!! :rotfl2:

I am flattered, coming from the Queen of planning :thumbsup2 Thank you very much for the idea! I've had lots asking me about them - they've been very popular!

I was so excited that he was excited about Disney, so I took a photo :lmao:

[winkers]

Els demonstrating exactly how big his cases are!
http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL252/1889677/17315417/268743418.jpg

]

:lmao: I love the picture! It's good to see he's getting in the disney mood!

[MissMichelle]

You have me motivated to make cards like that! I usually do the mouskeeping envelopes but had forgotten this trip---Good thing I still have plenty of time!
WOW--you leave in 6 days! Tad bit jealous--and that it's worse...U ARE THERE for 3 weeks!!!!!! I have been following your Pre TR all along and I ADORE it so very much and I can't beleive you are finally about to go...

Maybe we'll bump into each other @ the P&PP!?! I'll be on the look-out---Check out my pre trippie to see what we look like.

[Nicole786]

wow you're so close, and those itinerary cards are great!! have a GREAT time!!

[Eeyore's Tailfinder]

Thank you so much guys - I just can't WAIT now!! I can't believe we leave for the airport on Sunday, it's unreal and out of this world!! I have booked a few more things since my last update, so I'll share with you all now :teeth:

Today I booked some VIP Launch Tickets to Kennedy Space Center on August 7th with Grayline - I am so excited for this! I really hope the shuttle goes off. It's the day after we arrive, so chances are we will be knackered, but we reckon it's worth it - we can sleep after we get home right?! :rotfl
With the VIP package you get round transportation from your hotel; Maximum Access Pass to KSC Visitor Complex where there's special launch day stuff too; access to NASA Causeway, the closest place where the public can view the launch; and a souvenir t-shirt. A week today, I'm so looking forward! I booked that today!

I have booked 5 suprises that Els (DBF) does not yet know about, and I'm so excited to see his face when he finds out. I am usually so bad at keeping suprises, but I have kept these and am so proud of myself :teeth: They are:

1. I have booked the Escape 'executive' Lounge at Manchester Airport on the morning we fly for us. I figured it would be a good way to relax before a 9 hour flight, and a 5 hour time difference!!

2. Today, I booked the "Shamu Rocks" Dinner Buffet at SeaWorld! This was a spur of the moment thing, but I am really looking forward to this! We were going to see Shamu Rocks that night anyway, so this is a little something extra :teeth:

3. I have reserved a Limo to take us from the Sheraton Studio City to All Star Movies when we move hotel. Can you just picture DBF's face when the limo pulls up and I say it's for us?! He thinks we're just getting a towncar!

4. On arrival at ASMo, I have ordered a basket from Memories by Betsy (I highly recommend her!) with some Disney goodies for DBF. He loves Donald Duck and Stitch. It includes:
2x YOAMD Refillable Resort Mugs
Mickey Mouse/Park Icons Throw
YOAMD Donald Duck Plush
YOAMD Photo Frame
Stitch Antenna Topper
'CM Style' Name Badge with DBF's name on
'2007' Pin
2x Free 1st Visit Badges
Here's a photo that she sent me:
http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL252/1889677/17315417/268890553.jpg

5. And last but not least, I've booked us a Wishes Fireworks Cruise. I am really looking forward to this. It's 4 days from the end of our vacation, so will be a nice wind down to it. We are sailing from the Poly, which is perfect as we have an ADR at 'Ohana there beforehand :)

Now, I'm taking my CC and locking it firmly away and throwing the key!

[winkers]

Wow! That's alot of suprises! Will you have a computer with you for live updates or are we going to have to wait for 3 weeks for you to get back?:)

[Spartangirl]

Wow, your surprises sound fantastic! :thumbsup2 I can't wait to hear about how they turn out!

Have a magical trip! pixiedust: You must be pumped....less than a week!

[Eeyore's Tailfinder]

Thanks :teeth:

We will be taking a laptop, and hopefully be getting internet connection a few times (so we can skype our parents!), so I will try and pop in and say hello, but I won't be writing my TR until I get back :) I won't have time to do a whole Hayley style TR though whilst I'm there :rotfl:

4 DAYS TO GO NOW! I'M SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO EXCITED!! :)

[winkers]

Are you bringing your Welsh Pooh for a mascot? I think you should!

[Eeyore's Tailfinder]

I was going to, but now I have bought a Pal Mickey, so I think he is going to be my mascot :D I won't have room in my backpack for both :(

Well you guys, I AM HEADED FOR THE AIRPORT TOMORROW!! We are in DBF's house at the moment, going to get some takeout with his family tonight, and going down to my house in the morning for my parents to take us to the airport. We're staying at Travelodge Manchester Airport tomorrow night, and flying on Monday morning :teeth:

[hayanyujah847]

Els helping me with Disney stuff (had to take a photo, this is a rare occurance!) These are my Mousekeeping & Housekeeping envelopes! I made an image using 'Disney Font' and a photo of Mickey Mouse, printed and cut them out, then Els stuck them onto plain envelopes for me:
http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL252/1889677/17315417/268750389.jpg


You are lucky to have a boyfriend that helps! :thumbsup2

Seeing the shuttle launch sounds awesome!! I hope you guys get to see it~!!

Is it only a 9 hour flight? That’s not as bad as I thought it was…I had it in my head it was AT LEAST 12 hours~! :eek:

Your basket by Betsy looks fantastic! I’m sure Els will love it & be super surprised~! I am getting one done by Betsy, too, and can’t wait to surprise DBf with it. And mine is almost identical to yours except I got the YOAMD Mickey & Minnie instead of Donald and no 1st visit pins~! :woohoo: It’s kind of funny that us girls create all these surprises for our boyfriends, isn’t it? :rotfl: I am DYING to know how you guys like the Fireworks cruise!

Your trip is finally here! :dance3: :cloud9: :dance3: :cloud9: :cheer2:

[Eeyore's Tailfinder]

IT'S HERE, IT'S HERE!!!!! :teeth:

I am so excited, pretty nervous too! We are going to bed in an hour or so, and hopefully will get to sleep with no troubles. We might be like that advert - "but mom I can't get to sleep, WE'RE TOO EXCITED!!"

We are no longer going to see the shuttle launch, since it's moved 24 hours (typical, huh?) and I've been trying to get a refund on our tickets for the past 2 days which we are entitled to (never booking with Gray Line again) - BUT trying not to put a negative vibe on things, since WE ARE GOING TO FLORIDA!!

I will be getting up early tomorrow to shower and check-in online, then we're heading down to my parents house as they are taking us to the airport, and we are staying the night at Manchester Airport Travelodge :teeth: AND THEN FLYING MONDAY MORNING!! I am really looking forward to the flight - I LOVE to fly! I'm a bit of a freak, I love the inflight meal :)

I'm soooo looking forward to loads of things, Discovery Cove, Seeing Shamu, seeing manatees, seeing Mickey, meeting EEYORE, seeing the Castle for the first time, doing the Wishes cruise, doing all my ADRs, Seeing Beauty and the Beast, the limo ride, riding Hulk and SheiKra - LOADS OF THINGS. I AM JUST EXCITED!!!!!!

[MissMichelle]

YAY!!! I can't wait to read all about it when you get home---unfortunately that won't be until AFTER *I* get home since you leave after I get there. I am sure you are going to have a BLAST and you have such awesome things planned....See you @ the P&PP on 8/24!

[Eeyore's Tailfinder]

Hope to see you at the PPP Michelle!!

Well guys - I AM OFF! Well, to our airport hotel anyway!!

This time tomorrow I'll be boarding that plane!! I'll try and pop on during the next 3 weeks to say hello!

THANKS EVERYONE FOR READING MY TRIP REPORT!

SEE YOU SOON,

HAYLEY & ELS

XXX

[Thumpersmom]

Have a safe Flight!!!! I'm sure you will be on :cloud9:

We will be catching up to you soon! Only 10 days until we arrive....man I have a lot of things to do before then!!!!!!

Magical Mickey Moments await you!:cheer2:

[Summer-Caitlin]

Good Luck Hayley, I hope you have a wonderful time. I will catch up with you at Raglan Road, until then have a blast:yay:

[Cinderella16]

I hope you are having a magical time on your 3 week trip!! LUCKY GIRL!! :goodvibes I cannot wait to hear all about it when you get back!! :yay:

[Nicole786]

Hope you are having a wonderful time, cant wait to hear all about it!

[Eeyore's Tailfinder]

Hey! I am back! We had an awesome time and are already looking for next year!!!

However I am extremely jetlagged still and finding it very hard to adjust back into my normal routine. I can't sleep til like 2am, then wake up at 8am, then I'm tired throughout the day... argh!! Hopefully I can start my TR next week though!!

[apirateslife4evr]

Hey! I am back! We had an awesome time and are already looking for next year!!!

However I am extremely jetlagged still and finding it very hard to adjust back into my normal routine. I can't sleep til like 2am, then wake up at 8am, then I'm tired throughout the day... argh!! Hopefully I can start my TR next week though!!

I know a thing or two about jet-lag......drink as much water as you can, and try to get to bed as early as possible. It took me about a week to re-adjust to the 6+ hour time difference when we came home from 2+weeks in Hawaii.

Can't wait to hear about your 3wks at WDW !!!! :banana:

[nicolita3]

Glad you a great trip, cant wait to hear about it!

[Spartangirl]

Can't wait to hear about your trip!!! :yay: Good luck readjusting back to your normal routines......that's the hardest part about traveling. :rolleyes: But, it's all worth it, especially when you get to take a trip to WDW!!! :goodvibes

[Cinderella16]

Welcome Home!! I cannot wait to hear all about it!! :cool1: :banana: :cheer2:

[CriminyCrafft]

WHOOHOO you're back! I can't wait to hear all about your trip. I'm so glad you had a great time. Of course we all knew you would! :thumbsup2

I hope you recover from your jet lag soon!

[MeeshKapeesh]

Great Trip Report!! You sound very excited - VERY exicted!! I would be too!! I would def love to venture out of DL / WDW and go to tokyo, HK & paris!!!

Thanks a bunch!

[Eeyore's Tailfinder]

We're finally getting started on the real deal! Brace yourself folks, you might need to get up now to make a cuppa, grab a sandwich, call your boss to book the next couple of weeks off.... it's gonna be a long ride! I'm gonna try and cut the smiley-usage down as I wanna try and cram the photos in! All in all we took just over 2,000 photos in 3 weeks!

We agreed it was the best holiday of our lives, and can't wait until we go back next year... but somehow I think Els will take a bit more interest in the planning this time!

The Cast
ME - I'm Hayley, I'm 21, and I'm a Disney Addict. Like you know, I am the planner - well, I like to call it planning, others like to call it OCD. I was on a mission to have the time of my life, see some manatees and get photos taken with as many characters as possible... did I succeed? Well, you'll just have to read on and see! Loves Eeyore, Manatees, Pink Lemonade and Shamu. Hates the DTD Bus, Rain, Sweat Rashes and Fat Stingrays.

DBF - He's Elfyn, or Els as everyone calls him, he's 24 and is now a self-confessed Disney Addict. Up until now, he had the 'sit-back-and-take-it-as-it-comes' take to Disney and couldn't tell an ADR apart from DVC. Now he's muttering something about "We can use our FC miles, and book a stay at POFQ with free DDP".... He loves Donald Duck, Women's Trainers, American Commercials, Sharks, and 7/11 Double Gulps. Hates Getting Sunburn, Not getting a tan, Large queues to see the Duck, Ugly male trainers.

Now that you've met us, hopefully this will all make sense in the TR to come! In case you haven't read my PTR (then go read it now!!) we have been together for 3 years and this was my first trip to Disney and Els' 4th (although he hasn't been since he was 10 and remembers nearly nothing). We've been planning to go this summer since we got together, and it's hard to think it's been and gone.... but I digress, it's TRIP REPORT time!

It all began on Sunday, August 5th...

Els had packed on the Saturday, and we'd had a goodbye meal in his house the night before. Got up quite early on the Sunday morning and went for a shower - the day was finally here!!

I set up my laptop so I could do online check-in at 10.25am exactly - I was determined to get our seats that I'd pre-booked what seemed like years ago! So 10.25am comes and I check-in... ummm, problem! Hello, do VA not know that I have planned this holiday meticulously and there aren't meant to be any problems? Try again - nothing doing. Crisis!! I called Virgin Atlantic and turns out you are meant to put your Firstnamemiddlename in the 'Name' box, and she also gave my my VA number - not the XXXXX/S07 number. Thankfully this worked and we got our seats - 62 H&K. Panic over. Went to change into my holiday clothes which I'd laid out about 3 days ago!! Loaded Els' cases into my car, printed our boarding passes out, made him check about 8 times that he had his passport and our money, said goodbye to his parents and FINALLY we were off to stop number 2 about 12.30pm.

When we got to my house, I had to pack a few last minute items into my cases which I hadn't had a chance to do over the weekend. Packed my flight bag which weighed a ton, and finally we were ready to go! We didn't take photos during this process because, well, we weren't doing anything interesting! But I promise there'll be lots later on. After cramming the cases in the car, and we had one between us in the back-
http://img294.imageshack.us/img294/8408/img5813kd3.jpg
-we (Me, Els and my parents) left I think around 2pm and made two stops on the way so I could get 2 big bottles of Lucozade - I love Lucozade and wouldn't get any for 3 weeks - I know, shock, horror right?! The second was McDonalds as we hadn't had any lunch.

A few miles away from Manchester Airport I realised that I'd forgotten the directions to the Travelodge which I'd written out the night before - D'OH!! We had to call Els' mum at home - who has used the internet like twice before - and tell her to find the directions on their website. Thankfully she got them and we arrived around 4.30pm. This is one day that I actually made notes, so I've got a bit of info. We checked in, which was quick and simple, and the guy told us that food was available from the BarCafe 5pm-10pm and after that you order room service. The Bar is open until 3am, and the Shuttle runs every 20mins 24 hours and is £3 each from 1-4 people.

Something I forgot to mention about today - It was HOT! And it was boiling in the Travelodge! There's this bit where you come off the lift into this little bit where the snacks machine is and it's boiling there! Luckily it wasn't that hot in the room! We were in room 214 and we were quite impressed for the price we paid - I think I paid £26 back in February. It was quite spacious and clean, and it faced the front of the hotel.
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We all went down to the bar for a drink and it was quite quiet there. I think my dad had a shandy, my mum a half, Els a pint, and me a pineapple bacardi breezer. We sat by the window and watched some rabbits in the garden!

My mum and dad left and we went back to the room for a bit, and watched Deal or No Deal! This was really just bumming about now until tomorrow morning. We reserved the shuttle for 7am, but if we flew the VS075 again I'd probably reserve the 6.40am.
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We went into the BarCafe for some dinner, and thought the prices were quite reasonable for an airport hotel. It had picked up a bit now too and was quite busy. I had a Tuna Melt Panini and Els got a Pepperoni Pizza (Dining TR later on), along with a pint and a J20 for me it cost around £16.

We found internet in the lobby, £1 for 10mins, and went online for a bit before I decided I wanted Ben & Jerry's from the snack machine (£2) but they were sold out so I settled on a Feast (£1.10) - Coffee, Tea, Hot Chocolate, etc. was £1.50; Water was £1.20; Can of Coke 80p. I sat outside to eat it as it was so hot. We returned to the bar for a quick nightcap, pint and a Archers and lemonade (£5.20) before going back to the room at 9pm. It was really busy at the bar now.

I decided to take another shower, which was really easy to use (hotel showers seem to hate me) and there was plenty of hot water and clean towels. We watched a bit of Big Brother and went to bed REALLY EXCITED!

We were going to FLORIDA tomorrow!!

[Thumpersmom]

Welcome Back Haley!!!!

Sounds like your vacation is off to a nice start.....looking forward to more!:goodvibes

[MissMichelle]

Hi Hayley! I looked for you as much as I could while running in the rain storm last Friday night @ the P&PP but no luck. Can't wait to read all about your trip!

[winkers]

Welcome home!! What is a Lucozade? Some sort of drink? I can't believe how fast you are at getting a chapter up!

[Eeyore's Tailfinder]

t didn't take too long for us to wake up this morning as you can imagine! We had set the alarm, but I was up waaaay before then! I put the TV on quietly and stood in the window for a while just watching holidaymakers come and go on the shuttle bus, wondering where they've been, where they're going - do you ever do that at airports? I always look around wondering what destinations people are off to!

Els woke up when the alarm went off - before it had buzzed the second time though I was jumping on the bed whooping 'we're going to FLO-RI-DA!' (sorry if you were in the room underneath!) We washed and got dressed pretty quickly and it was such a rush finally pulling our cases through the halls of the hotel! As I mentioned, the shuttle was leaving the Travelodge at 7am, so we were at reception at 6.45am - the shuttle pulled up at around 6.55am and OH MY GOD was I excited!! I had my little travel wallet in hand with our tickets and boarding passes! There were 3 different families on the bus, I'm not sure where 1 was going to, but the others were going to Brazil - I bet that was exciting!
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The shuttle bus drops off at T1 first and then at T2, so we were the second stop - however it only took a good 5 minutes to get there.
(TRAVELODGE FINAL THOUGHTS: We will most certainly stay here again - clean, cheap and cheerful - exactly what we needed before a flight, and very handy!)
The shuttle had to drop us off around the corner to the main exit (I think this is because of the Glasgow incident) but it was only a short walk - we took the lift up to the next floor, where the check-in desks were and made for bag drop. This queue was shorter than normal check in, but I can't say that the process was shorter than check in - there was also a huge family in front of us and took ages. We finished at bag drop at around 7.30am, and despite there seeming to be a large queue at Security, we were through it quite quickly at 7.40am.

Now it was time for Els' first suprise and I was quite excited! I had looked up where the Escape Lounge was a couple of nights before so I knew where it was, plus it was well signposted. Els was like, where in the name are we going?! As he had wanted to buy some aftershave in the airport and I was going no, no, we'll get some later, I just need to find this shop first...hehe.

So we stopped in front of the Executive Lounges stairwell, and I just tell Els, 'Oh, I found it' - he is looking so confused right now, so I make my way up the stairs. He sees the sign for the Escape Lounge and I think he's thinking - we are not gatecrashing the lounge!! SUPRISE! I wave a piece of paper in his face confirming I have booked (and paid!) for the lounge!
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He didn't know I was taking this photo!
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It was really nice sweeping in, and the hostess was really nice. We grabbed some chairs in the 'quiet' area and went straight up to the 'buffet/snacks' area. I was suprised at the selection of items available! I couldn't really find a lot of info on the Escape Lounge beforehand so I decided I'd get a bit of info together for anyone else wanting to know if it's worth it. So... here is a list of most of the items available at the Lounge!

Various Items: Ice & Lemon for the drinks, Natural Yogurt, Toast, Coffee Machine (Dowe Egberts), Cererals (Alpen, Weetabix, Special K), KP Peanuts, Pretzels, Muffins, Cake Bars, Danishes (Cheese, Jam and Pecan), Pan au Chocolat, Croissants, Biscuits, Shortbread, Mini Cheddars, Fresh Fruit Salads, Milk.

Alcohol: (Bottled) Becks, Budweiser, Grolsch (Cans) Tetleys, Guinness. White wines, red wines, Campari, Jack Daniels, Martini Rosso, Martini Blanc, Pernod, Baileys, Tia Maria, Harveys, Bells, Gordons, Smirnoff, Bacardi, Jamiesons.

Other Drinks: Bottled Water, small cans of Coke, Diet Coke, Lemonade, Tonic, Pure OJ Cans, Pure Pineapple Cans, Tomato Juice, Pure OJ (jug), Pure Apple (jug), Teabags (all flavours), Coffee, Galaxy Hot Chocolate.

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Phew! I got a cheese danish, a fruit salad (and I saw them making them fresh in the back), cheese and biscuits and around 5 small cans of coke - good idea to have so much cheese and caffine in the morning?! Els got 2 cappuchinnos, jam danish, toast, OJ, and later on, a bud. We couldn't make full use of the bar really since we were on such an early flight. We sat in the quiet area for a few minutes, before spotting seats in what we thought was the internet area, but there was only a TV there, so we moved to some seats directly in front of the snack area (which is how I got such an extensive list of items!).

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Els enjoying the Lounge!
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The Lounge is really nice and a fantastic way to relax - I have to say it spoiled us a little and we will always go to the Lounge now before flying longhaul. We usually get breakfast in the terminal and it's awful and costs a small fortune. There was enough here to make breakfast out of it and it was really fresh! There is a small TV in there which shows flights, etc. so you can watch for when your gate opens.
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We were really bummed when we were back out in the terminal again in the throng of people - it was really busy in the airport that day and I was so glad we'd had the Lounge - I think we were there for just over 2 hours, but we still felt we'd got our moneys worth out of it because it was just so relaxing and the snacks were really good. On the way out we noticed the computer area was across the way to the actual entrance of the main lounge - D'OH!! But we'll know for next time!

Els stopped quickly in the duty free to pick up some aftershave, and we joined the LONG queue to board our flight! I met someone from my street in boarding who was getting married at WDW, so I wished him well, and after boarding UC and PE, they started boarding from the back - WOO, that's us!! Since I'd got us the pairs of seats in back.

WE WERE FINALLY READY TO BOARD THE PLANE!

[Eeyore's Tailfinder]

We were quite excited to get onboard first - I hate to wait for anything, so when they said they were boarding from the back we rushed upfront with our boarding passes! We were finally going to fly with Virgin! Would I survive the longhaul flight?

As we walked to the plane, we passed an area which gave out free newspapers - I think Daily Mail or Express - and magazines (Full House), so I grabbed a mag but ended up not reading it! We found our seats at the back of the plane, 62H&K and began scouting out the goodies! A pillow and blanket, and the amenity kit was a plastic 'backpack' with travel socks, eyemask, toothbrush, toothpaste and a pen. We were so excited!!
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Please ignore my Elvis hair.

Just realised I haven't written the name of our plane down! I think it was a pretty cool name because I remember being excited when I saw it! Anyhow, we were initally worried about a delay flying out but we took off at around 10.45am which was good as our original flight time was 10.25am. We had a browse through Seatback magazine which tells you what's on what channels and saw a few films we wanted to watch - ideal. Els' TV was kinda broken, well it didn't tilt, but he lived! We're off!!
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They were pretty quick about bringing round some snacks and drinks, and we got 2 small bags of Worcester Sauce pretzels, I got an OJ, Els got a Heineken, and we both got some Virgin Vie hand and face wipes and headsets for the TVs.

The weather was beautiful, and there wasn't much clouds in the sky so we could see quite a bit. The Captain had already told us we were due to fly over North Wales, so we were pretty excited when we saw this:
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I have no idea if it was North Wales, but we waved goodbye to it nevertheless!

Ooh - films starting! Els settled down to watch Spiderman 3 whilst I started watching Shrek 3. We both really enjoyed our films and lunch came in the middle of the movie with a choice of Chicken Tikka, Meatball Marinara & Pasta, and Cottage Pie - you'll have to see what we got in my Dining Report!

We had a lot of fun watching the little map on the TV:
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But it was time for the next movie to start, which was Blades of Glory for me - OMG this was such a funny movie! If you like Anchorman, you'll like this! Els watched Shrek 3 after seeing me giggle through it.

Another moment of excitement checking the TV Map after the film was over and realising we were heading into Canada - moreso after looking out the window and seeing we were approaching land at last!!
I'm sure the poor bloke behind me was thinking I was a weirdo taking photos of everything! Another momentus occasion as I visited an airplane toilet for the first time ever!
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It was time for our third movie, and by now I was beginning to get a tad restless to say the least. Els watched Blades of Glory, and I almost wish I'd watched it again, as I watched 'I Think I Love My Wife', which is the worst film I've seen in a long time and I switched it off halfway through.

Will we EVER get there - the novelty of flying long distance was definately beginning to wear off! I began taking photos to pass the sloooow time.
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Are we STILL in Canada?!!

Luckily for me, our snack arrived - which you can see in my Dining Report! Els decided to take a nap after the film, which didn't last very long as a very bored me woke him up by doing this:
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However we FINALLY started to get closer to Florida on the TV map, so I began getting excited again! It was so weird setting our watches back 5 hours! I was glued to the window when we started seeing towns and houses to see if I could spot anything, and after a scary bit of turbulence, the plane landed nearly an hour early - result!

Lemme off this plane, I wanna go to Orlando!!

[Hillary12.8.07]

awesome report so far!! I started reading along right before you left, so I'm so excited you are back! I hope you had a wonderful trip (I know you did!) and I can't wait to read more about it!!!

[winkers]

I love how excited you were on the plane and all the pics! I've never seen a map showing where the plane is before, that's cool! So how long is the flight?

[CriminyCrafft]

YAY I love your TR so far! Great detail and I love all the pics. That Econolodge looks NICE - way nicer than the ones here in the US. I can't wait to read more, and I'm so excited that you have three whole weeks of fun to share with us!!! :cool1:

[mcarthur205]

Welcome back - I'm enjoying your report and looking forward to reading all about your time in Orlando! :goodvibes

[hayanyujah847]

Hi Hayley! Welcome home~! I just got home myself this weekend...Boo!

Love all of your pix so far. I love the map on your plane that shows your route. I would have loved to have that on my plane. How long was your flight??? And how was flying over the ocean? I am deathly afraid of flying and for have an idea that flying over the ocean creates more bumps then usual. :P

Can't wait to see & read more~!!!

[k_reile]

Yep :) I do now have a template, although I'm hoping to make a better one soon so it's easier for others to adapt to their own needs :) I'm sure Cindy will want to help when she's back too!

Thank you very much for reading! Hopefully I will have MANY photos of Discovery Cove to share (for that price I don't want to forget it in a hurry :rotfl:) and we've also bought an underwater digital camera just for the occasion :teeth:


I would also like to tell all readers of my trip report....

...I FOUND OUT TODAY I GOT A 2.1 IN MY DEGREE! I am so over the moon, I can't believe my hard work has paid off and I get to graduate with a 2.1!!! It still hasn't quite hit home yet!

I am still on your pre-trip report. You are back now. I hope you had an amazing time during your 1st trip to the United States and to Disney! Am I reading this right...you made a template for your interniary to make it mini sized? That is a really good idea. Would you be able to PM me a link of your template? I leave in 12 days!! :banana: :banana: :cool1: :cheer2: We are soo excited. It is DH's 1st time since he was 6!

[Summer-Caitlin]

Oh Hayley I am so glad you started your TR!!! I am so disappointed I missed you in Raglan Road, I wore the ears especially for you so you might recognise me, we were running really late that day because of the weather, I was sure I would bump into you cause I knew your reservation was later than ours. It's easy to lose someone in there, it was so busy.
Love the beginning of your TR, you sound like you were having a blast, like me, are you thinking of returning next year? I already have been looking up prices to go back again, and with free dining, I have to see if I can convince my hubbie!

[Tink2312]

Welcome Home!
So glad you've started your TR!
I'm getting through planning each day of our holiday using the templates - must've re-written each of them about 10 times though :rotfl:
Looking forward to hearing more about your hol :goodvibes

[Eeyore's Tailfinder]

Hold onto your socks - I'll have another day up real soon I promise... it's been bedlam back at home AND we've booked another hol for next year to, drumroll please, FLORIDA!! August 21st until September 11th, 17 Nights at POFQ and 4 night DCL... so I'm looking forward to both your POFQ and DCL report Summer! I reeeallly should have gone after you, but I thought the RR would have thought I was crazy! I regret it now though!! DBF just goes, look at that girl wearing the bride ears, and I'm thinking SUMMER!! But I hear you are planning on going back, so maybe next year!!! :D

I'm starting my PhD tomorrow, eek!! But I'll have an installment up real soon :D

[Eeyore's Tailfinder]

Woohoo! Watch out Florida - Hayley has landed! I was sooo excited and couldn't wait to get off the plane to 'feel the heat'! We were one of the last ones to get off the plane since we were sitting at the back, so when we got to Immigration there were long lines at every open desk and they were moving veeeeeeryyyy slooooowwwwlyyyy :zzz: So to our delight they opened a queue which had 'US Only' on it and a Scottish Immigration lady started asking people to move there, only noone did because it said 'US Only' - we gave it a shot since we were at the back of the queue anyway and got through in 5mins - result!

Moved onto the customs bit, and had a mild panic when I thought the immigration bloke had kept our customs form, but found it in my passport :blush: Slightly red-faced we move to stop number 3 - first baggage control! Just as we arrive, I spot my pink bags, and soon after we get Els' - I already love America! Ahh nuts - I forgot there were 2 baggage controls! We handed over our luggage at stop number 4, and made for the monorail - will we ever get out of this airport?! At the other end, 3 of the bags came pretty quickly and suprise, suprise, we were left waiting forever for the other one - I HATE waiting for my bags and I'm never happy til I've got them in hand.

Having lost count of how many stops we've made, we go over to the Virgin desk which thankfully is right next door to the carousel, to find out which bus we need. The guy gives me our Florida pack and we drag our cases off to find the bus. When we approach the doors to get out of the airport, Els holds me back and goes 'ready? ready?' - this is somewhat of a holiday tradition, meaning 'are you ready to feel the heat?' We step outside and I say what becomes the motto of the holiday - OMG is it hot!! Especially near the buses! Luckily we find ours no problem and we are first on. Minor panic when my phone won't find any signal, but all is well and I call my parents really quickly to let them know we've landed. £1.50 poorer, I text DizneyBlonde to tell her we're on American soil! Yeah!!

The bus ride only takes around 20mins and we pass the 'outside' of International Drive, passing all the hotels and we even catch a glimpse of SeaWorld which gets me bouncing. We are soooo excited as we spot the Sheraton for the first time, and we also spot IOA behind it!
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Thankfully, we are first to be dropped off! The lady driver stops at the back of the hotel to let us off - not the most graceful entrance, but okay. We drag our cases off the coach, we have 2 each, and hand luggage, and we've barely got our things together when the driver goes, don't forget the tip and holds her hand out! Give me a bloomin chance to get my purse out, while trying to make sure my cases don't fall over with my feet.

We drag our cases down the corridor to the check-in and desk and now I am excited again! We're finally here!! Check-in went quite smoothly, and when I asked if she had a high floor she said we'd already been given one, on the 16th floor! I couldn't wait to see what our view would be! We got our keys, made it to the elevator - the hotel has added security that you have to swipe your room key to go up in the lift. Oh my, the excitement is building!!

Have you ever tried rushing in a door with 2 suitcases? Don't - it's quite impossible. They fell over just inside our room, so I just abanoned them and left Els on the other side, and ran at the window. I peered out and saw... IOA!! WOOOOO! I was screaming at Els and jumping 'We got IOA! WE GOT IOA!' while he was still trying to get through the door. We were both pretty happy with the room!
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We set up the laptop straight away so we could Skype our parents to let them know we were at the hotel - in FLORIDA! It was around 5pm now, what could we do? Why go to the pool of course!! Packing can wait! We scouted our swimming cossies from the case, grabbed some towels and headed on down! It was still really hot when we went outside, and there were a few people poolside. I got us a couple of cokes from the pool bar ($5) and didn't know if I was meant to leave a tip or not, so I left $2.

For the next couple of hours we had a lot of fun, messing about in the pool and taking photos - it was hard to believe we were finally in Florida! I couldn't believe how relaxed I was feeling, and I was so looking forward to the next 3 weeks.
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After swimming, we changed in the room and headed out to the 7/11 over the road for some supplies. It was so much fun looking at all the cool American stuff - I have this weird thing when I'm in a foreign country to buy all these random snacks, just *** they look different! We came away with 6 bottles of Bud, 6 bottles of Smirnoff Apple, 2 big cokes, Pork Rinds, some pepperami thing with cheese, reese's crunchie and pretzels, all for $20!! And I didn't get ID'd either!

We dropped them off in the room, set the beer on ice, and headed out to Denny's for dinner. We were served by the cutest little man with a deep Southern accent - you can read about our experience in my dining report, just click on the link in my siggy!
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We walked, or rolled, back to our hotel, where we were greeted by the bellhop who told us about the I Trolley, we thought he was trying to be nice before he announced, I sell passes. Even though I told him we didn't need any til next week, he did push a bit and we ended up buying 3 Day Passes at $5 each, as we did need them anyway. The trying to sell thing was the only bad bit about the hotel really.

$10 lighter, we make our way up to the room and Els cracks some beers open for us. I make a few notes for my TR and make the fatal mistake of going under the covers to drink my beer and watch TV. I'd been up since 5.40am and it was now 1.45am UK time - erm, which meant it was only 8.45pm FL time! So much for staying up late! I conked out around 9pm (having taken 1 sip of beer) whilst Els was a good boy and stayed up to unpack - he got to bed at 10pm.

[Eeyore's Tailfinder]

Not to worry, photos sorted now :D

[Spartangirl]

Wow, the view from your room is amazing!!! :goodvibes Looking forward to reading more...

[hayanyujah847]

Love the latest addition! You are doing better then me as I haven't even started my TR yet! lol :P

I can't believe the bus driver asked you for tip & held her hand out...Oh my!

[wilma-bride]

Hayley, I love how excited you were when you arrived. I was just like that the first year we went - everything seemed so surreal. Even DH (who never gets excited) was enthusiastic that first year.

It's great that you've booked to go back already - the Florida bug has obviously well and truly bitten you both ;)

Looking forward to reading more of your adventures - BTW, ,my DD Rhiannon absolutely loves your itinerary cards and we have been having lots of fun trying to figure out some little changes to them for our trip in April :cool1:

[Summer-Caitlin]

Hey Hayley

Loved your update, I passed by Sheraton Studio City and I wished I had booked that instead of The Crowne Plaza, at least your hotel had theming.
I loved the view you had.

You sound just like me, really excited about the little things that may not mean much to anyone else.

If my driver held out their hand for a tip I wouldn't have gave them one. We had a tendency to overtip, but we had some great service. I hate when they expect it though and holding your hand out in my opinion is a no-no.

Keep it coming.

[Kirsteen]

Loving your TR chick - looking forward to the next installment - your hotel is gorgeous. Kx

[Eeyore's Tailfinder]

Okay, where were we?! Ah yes – day 2! Now you’ll have to excuse me since all of this is going to be from memory. My notebook is in a bag somewhere at home, and I am at Els’ house 25 miles away (enjoying an ice cold glass of WKD and relaxing for the first time in a week!)

After falling asleep at 8.45am last night, I groggily opened one eye to the still dark room, afraid to look at the clock. I peeked over Els’ shoulder at the clock… ******. I hope 4.30am in Florida means 9am. No matter how I try to get back to sleep, I just can’t – I’m TOO DARN EXCITED! I am dying to jump on the bed and wake up Els, but wisely choose to leave him sleep – he’s not really a morning person, and would not be happy waking up at 4.30am!! What can I do?! I get up and walk over to the window, and just sit there for a good 15 minutes gazing out. It’s still dark outside, but I can see the little lights over IOA and little cars whizzing by. I still can’t believe I’m here, and it’s so relaxing watching Orlando slowly wake up. Reluctantly I leave my post and plop down next to my suitcase – still where I left it last night. Can’t I just live out of my suitcase for the next 10 days? It doesn’t take me too long to unpack though and when I look at the clock when I’m done it isn’t even 5am yet – argh! But, that means it’s 10am at home – DIBBers will be up!

At around 6.30am though Els still isn’t up, so I ‘accidentally’ switch on the TV and turn the volume up a bit louder than I should. I have a bit of a giggle at myself since I’m so excited at hearing the American accents on the news! I’m even more excited when I hear Florida is having a heatwave and it’s around a 105 today – this will later come back to haunt me. At 7am Els finally opened his eyes and I was thrown into hyper mode – come on, I had been up for 2.5 hours and I wanted to get out! The sun was very nearly up (and believe me I had checked a hundred times on the internet when sunrise was – and I swear it was getting later everytime I checked!) so I practically dragged him out of bed, and changed faster than ever before. Els on the other hand seemed to be taking FOREVER! I wanted pancakes for crying out loud! I shoved him out the door and out we went to our first morning in Florida.

IHOP was right next door to our hotel, we only had to cross a small road and we were there – traffic wasn’t too bad at this time of the morning either. We sat down at a booth in IHOP and it was pretty chilly in there with the AC on – Els was freezing! I think adrenalin was keeping me warm at this point! I ordered an OJ (and it was massive!), Els got a coffee, and we both got a breakfast sampler – details in my food TR! I do actually have the receipt, but I haven’t had the time to go through them yet! After rolling outta there, we walked back up to the room and were tickled to find it was still only 8.45am. We threw some stuff for the day in our bag, and got down to the pool for around 9am – 9.15am. We were the first ones there so we were happy to have our choice of the sunbeds, and suffice to say I chose the wrong ones! The sun went the opposite way, so for the first couple of hours we were without sun! But it was still really warm, and I got us a couple of cokes. Not to worry though – the sun soon came around past the Sheraton and we got straight into the pool to cool off! You could really feel the heat straight away! It was just so good to lay back in the pool with the sun shining down on you, knowing that you were in Florida! We splashed about in the pool until around 1.30pm and decided to go back up to the room so we could change to go play mini golf at Congo River next door. I also discovered that I should have put more suntan lotion on…. Waaaaaaay more suntan lotion! I tan extremely quickly and hardly ever bun, but there was no mistaking my bright red shoulders and chest! I still have the tan line from that day! But I digress. I slapped a load of aftersun on, changed and headed for Congo River which is right next door to our hotel. I had also never played minigolf before so I was excited! I felt bad for not warning central Florida that I suck at sports and was guessing I would be pretty dangerous with a golf club and ball, and hadn’t practiced my ‘FORE!’ Now pass me a rugby ball and I will happily bulldoze my way into anyone within a 20 metre radius, I used to play for my town – but golf?

We arrived at Congo River and were surprised to see it was pretty quiet – we wouldn’t be so surprised 20mins into the game. I think we paid around $20 for both of us, chose our clubs, balls and headed off to play – it was a pretty good course and we had a blast playing! I even won a couple of holes! It was pretty funny, every time I got the video out to film Els he missed a shot – so the video camera was banned! We discovered why it was quiet when we saw that only 2 holes had any shade – by the time we got to the 10th hole I was absolutely melting, my shoulders were on fire, and I didn’t care about golf any more. I’ve had sunstroke twice and was really worried about getting in on our first day! We really quickly finished the game, and handed in our clubs – we got 2 scratchcards free from the girl, I won a Congo Dollar and Els won a free game – woo!! They didn’t expire so we could use them whenever! We went out to see the gators and the turtles really quickly, before heading back to the room.
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I turned the aircon up full blast and just sat near it for half an hour – I was so hot and feeling really ill, but with the aircon and a lie down I felt much better… phew! Not sunstroke! We skyped both our parents and had long chats with them on what we’d been doing so far, before both heading to the shower. We were going to head to Ponderosa tonight so I was quite excited for the buffet I’d heard so much about! It was quite a bit cooler by the time we went out, but still hot! It wasn’t too far down so we decided to walk to Ponderosa. We both got the 8oz steak dinner I think, and sat down ready for the buffet – this was when I discovered mac and cheese! I just didn’t get it at all before we went, but I had to try some and I’m glad I did! It was so yummy! Of all the mac and cheese in Orlando though, Ponderosa’s was the best!

We encountered a small difficulty with the tips when we discovered we had no change! Els had to go back to the till to change a $20 bill so we could tip the waitress, but just a small hiccup and we were off. We sat on the bench outside to wait for the I Ride back up since it was quite dark now, and were waiting a good 20 minutes… this was the beginning of my difficult relationship with the I Trolley! We paid our $1 each for the short ride back up – we’d have been quicker walking!!

We decided to go back to the minigolf in the evening to give it another go, but mainly to stop us from dropping off to sleep! We used the receipt from the earlier game and got half off, which was good and meant we go to keep Els' coupon. It was packed this time around, but still a good game, and we caught the US Fireworks at 10pm which was really cool!
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Once back, we put the TV on and watched a bit of that, I made notes then read a bit of my book. I was determined not to wake up at an ungodly hour tomorrow – especially as we were heading to US and RPR!! Els cracked me open another alcopop but yet again it went nearly untouched as I crashed around 11pm.

I promise there’ll be more action and photos tomorrow!!

[Eeyore's Tailfinder]

Wow, the view from your room is amazing!!! :goodvibes Looking forward to reading more...
Thank you! We loved the hotel, I was sooooo excited to see that view!

Love the latest addition! You are doing better then me as I haven't even started my TR yet! lol :P

I can't believe the bus driver asked you for tip & held her hand out...Oh my!
I'm still going very slowly! Summer is way outgoing me! Hope you had a good vacation and welcome back! Looking forward to seeing what you think of POFQ - we've booked to stay there next year!

Hayley, I love how excited you were when you arrived. I was just like that the first year we went - everything seemed so surreal. Even DH (who never gets excited) was enthusiastic that first year.

It's great that you've booked to go back already - the Florida bug has obviously well and truly bitten you both ;)

Looking forward to reading more of your adventures - BTW, ,my DD Rhiannon absolutely loves your itinerary cards and we have been having lots of fun trying to figure out some little changes to them for our trip in April :cool1:

Thank you :goodvibes I still can't quite believe we've been! We are so looking forward to going back, and funnily enough, Els doesn't groan when I mention ADRs and the rest anymore! In fact he has a list on his laptop of places to make ADRs at :laughing:

Glad your DD is enjoying the itinerary cards! I love her Welsh name :teeth:

Hey Hayley

Loved your update, I passed by Sheraton Studio City and I wished I had booked that instead of The Crowne Plaza, at least your hotel had theming.
I loved the view you had.

You sound just like me, really excited about the little things that may not mean much to anyone else.

If my driver held out their hand for a tip I wouldn't have gave them one. We had a tendency to overtip, but we had some great service. I hate when they expect it though and holding your hand out in my opinion is a no-no.

Keep it coming.

It was a really lovely hotel, and a lot nicer if I'm honest than the room at ASMo, and we would stay there again in a heartbeat - But nothing quite compares to the magic of staying at Disney does it? :goodvibes Glad you loved POFQ!

I really regreted tipping her later, but at the time I just wanted to get in that hotel :laughing:

Loving your TR chick - looking forward to the next installment - your hotel is gorgeous. Kx

Thank you very much for reading! I'm in the middle of your PTR as we speak :teeth:

[CriminyCrafft]

I love your TR! You write so well. Also, I *love* your hair. Perhaps next year mine will almost be as long!

How's your PhD going?

I can't WAIT to read more!!!

[m11dolphin]

I am loving your trip report. I just read all of your pre-trip report. You guys are so lucky. I can't wait to read about the dolphin swim. I was suppost to do it in December when we go but looks like I won't be able to now:headache: Can't wait for the rest of the report.

[Summer-Caitlin]

Loved the latest instalment Hayley. I regret not playing mini golf, I've never played before and I would have liked to in Florida.

You are right, staying in Disney can't be beat, hence why I'm looking to go back. I never realised before the magic of staying onsite!

How are you going with school? Are you back yet?

Can't wait to hear what you thought about US, I loved it there!

[Eeyore's Tailfinder]

I don't think I woke up too badly today (my notebook is still AWOL so I'll have to carry on without it!) - I think it was around 7am when I woke which was much better, and we had set the alarm for around 7.30am so that wasn't too bad. I had already packed a bag for us both yesterday as today, we were moving to RPR for the night!! I was really excited to FINALLY get to a park, as I'm sure you will be to finally get some proper action!! I doubled checked our bag to make sure we had everything we needed, and made sure to double check I had our RPR confirmation and our Universal tickets! I got the laptop up and running and decided to Skype the taxi company instead of using the room's phone - we had been recommended to call Checker Cabs, and I had seen them pass the other day so had written down the number on the side. I had no problems with phoning them, and they told us they would meet us outside the hotel. I quickly left the maid her tips for today and tomorrow on the bed, and we were on our way down!

I was literally running for the taxi, and I swear the lift was going slower than usual! The taxi found us no problems, and we were finally on the way to RPR. It is a really short journey from our hotel, and we can see it from our window at the Sheraton, but we'd have to walk along a pretty big road to get there, and we didn't really know the way. I think it was around $6 to get there and I left him $10. I believe it was around 8.30am by now, so we made it over to Check-In which didn't take long at all, and I opted not to leave a CC number on my account. They told me my room wasn't ready, which we expected, so we left our bag with Luggage Services and proceeded to find the boat which would take us over to Universal Studios - FINALLY! It was opening at 9am, which meant we wouldn't be too far behind park opening.

We found the boat launch no problem, it's pretty well signposted and only a 5 minute walk from the main building. There were quite a few people there when we arrived, but we managed to get onto the boat okay, and bag a seat closest to the water/IOA so we could see everything that we were passing like the Lighthouse and Dr Doom, and I got VERY excited!!
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We got off the boat at Citywalk and proceeded to head for US, when I saw the globe I got even more excited still! Of course we had to take the obligatory photos with the globe, and we took our first photos of the day on the bridge.
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Momentary excitement... okay who am I kidding, momentary hysteria occurred when we spotted Homer and Marge Simpson over at the entrance to Universal Studios. Both me and Els are HUGE Simpsons fans so we rushed over... only to be told that they were going indoors in a moment, and then Lisa and Bart would be out in 10 minutes or so - BOO!! We want a photo with our main man Homer! It was a tough decision to wait it out or hit our first park hard, but we were so excited for Universal, we chose the park. We rushed over to the front of the Globe for some more photos,
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before queuing up and entering the park. It seemed quite quiet at this time of the morning, and we knew which ride we wanted to go on first!! JAWS! This is Els' all time favourite movie, and you'll see a bit further along in the TR that he just loves sharks - I have no idea why.

Entering Amity, we were practically the only ones beyond the Mummy Ride,:
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and I loved seeing the different sets and street, and made Els take some photos along the way:
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We literally ran the whole way and it was boiling! I had read beforehand that the big Jaws photo op gets crowded later in the day, so we made sure we got a couple of photos when it was quiet now.
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We got to Jaws and didn't even use our FOTL pass, and got straight on. This was a fun first ride to go on! We got a great skipper who was really into it and we really enjoyed it! We were on the lefthand side of the boat, but didn't get wet at all, but I got some really good shots of Jaws!!
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From here, we had no real plan, but made our way towards Men In Black. We put our stuff in lockers, and despite there being no queue again we used FOTL this time, just because we could!! I thought MIB was a really good ride, it was quite long, but to tell the truth I didn't really know what I was shooting at since I couldn't see any targets - needless to say, Els won!

We pass the new Simpsons ride along the way, and are greeted with this:
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I take the opportunity to take a photo 'alongside' my favourite Simpsons character, Ralphy:
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We go to ride ET, but we are informed that it is currently broken down - I really hope it opens up later! We walk down towards Terminator 2 3D, not intending to watch it, and we happen to be in the right place at the right time when a bus load of characters jump out and we are the first to get our photos taken with Bullwinkle & George!
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Since we are quite near Shrek 4-D, we decide to see that, and even with our FOTL privilege it's a bit of a queue, but understandably since it is a show and not a ride. However, I thought the pre-show in here was waaaaay too long - I must point out though, that I hate pre-shows! Just get me on the ride already! I thought bits of it were very cute, but I must say I wasn't a too big a fan of the storyline itself. I can't really remember it now so it must not have been that good! I do love Shrek though! We're all let out, and of course I want to have a photo taken with Donkey and Shrek who is waiting near the exit. There is a 10 minute queue and I can tell Els isn't too keen to queue since it's so. blooming. hot. I swear, it was one of THE hottest days today, it was awful. We queue anyway, and it doesn't take long to meet the twosome! Donkey was too funny - he asked where we came from, and when I said Wales he replied "You live in a Whale? Like Pinocchio? How did you get out?" Speed of lightening I replied, "Through the blowhole" - his reaction was really funny, he was like "Giirrrl this is a family show, you can't say that!!" Shrek was also very cute!
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Since we were in a bit of a character mood, I could see from my Itinerary card that Spongebob would be in the Nick Store, and we were nearby, so we'd go and have a looksee. As we walked to the back, a woman announced Spongebob would be out in 5 minutes so we raced and were 2nd in line to see the Bikini Bottom cutie! Just in time too, as Jimmy Neutron let out next door! I was half hoping that Patrick would be with him since I just loooove Patrick! Unfortunately he wasn't but we were still excited to meet Bob! I could've spent a fortune in the store there, but came away with just a photoframe of SB and Patrick.
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Next up for us was Twister, again with the pre-show! But I really loved this attraction! I thought it was really good! We were finally at Revenge of the Mummy again, so we threw our stuff in a locker and raced through the queue - we literally got straight on - we love FOTL! This ride was AWESOME! Easily the best in Universal Studios! It kind of reminded me of Valhalla in BPB if you've been on that, in that it's not a 'hardcore' coaster IMO, but the effects and props are amazing! Four thumbs up from these coaster freaks! Of course, we got off and went straight back on - no wait!

By now we had done quite a bit, and I was dying for a drink so thought it would be a good time to go for lunch. It was 11.45am by now and there was a bit of a queue but plenty of room to sit inside. A man started speaking to me in the queue with the question, can I tell you a secret? Umm sure.... He wanted to tell me about the Meal Deal Bands. I said, okay thanks for letting me know, even though I knew already of course. He seemed incredulous that I didn't want to buy any, and kept on going, they sell them right outside! We were only planning on a light lunch and wanted to try Bubba Gump for dinner, PLUS drinks weren't included so this wasn't a good deal for us. The soda machine also wasn't working this day so we had to get a large lemonade instead of our usual Sprite.

Out we went and made for Earthquake. Again loooooong pre-show, but I really loved when we finally got into the train. A bit of stuff I wasn't expecting which was pretty cool! I considered going on it later in the day, but the neverending pre-show put me off a bit.

Since we were quite near Amity, we decided to ride Jaws again. We showed our FOTL and got straight on again. Somehow we got the same skipper again, and I decided to film the ride this time around. It made for really cool viewing once we got back home. Over the bridge we go, and decide to try ET again, which thankfully was working this time! The little card thing is cute so ET can say your name, but I'm not sure if it's worth the extra queuing. For some reason though, I loved this ride! ET was one of my favourite movies as a kid and the fact we got to sit front row was really cool!

When we got out, the heat was really starting to get to us, and we roamed around looking for a slushie drink - which we found in the form of a lemon slushie and shared. We still haven't seen Terminator 2 3D, so we start walking over past Shrek. One of those street entertainers comes over and tells me off for 'doodling' on Els' arm whilst he's asleep (he has a tattoo) which was really funny and I got it all on film! I also got Shrek jumping over the fence to dance with them! I spotted Princess Fiona in the meet and greet really quickly, and was disappointed not to have her earlier.

There was around 15 minutes wait for the next Terminator and we decided to wait inside where there was AC - however my feet were killing (I had no crocs!) and there was nowhere to sit, which resulted in a very whiny me. When we finally got into the show, we were say right over on the left hand side which I thought were bad seats, but a lot of the action was happening over here and we were very close to the actors! This was a great show and very clever!

I think the weather had defeated us at this point, so we headed over to the Mummy for another ride (excellent again!) and to the US Store to buy some stuff. I came away with 2 postcards and a magnet... last of the big spenders huh?! However I did try on a very fetching hat!
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We grabbed a large sprite on the way out, which was about $3.19 and headed over to the water taxi. It was around 3.30pm now, so we were hoping our room would be ready and we were excited to see it!

Next TR: Our RPR room, Bubba Gump (Dining TR), and Back to US at night!

I didn't include photos of the rides, etc. as I figured you have seen them all anyway!!

[Eeyore's Tailfinder]

I love your TR! You write so well. Also, I *love* your hair. Perhaps next year mine will almost be as long!

How's your PhD going?

I can't WAIT to read more!!!

Thank you! My hair gets so annoying in the heat!!

I haven't started my PhD yet, starting this week! I can't wait to get my own office!!

I am loving your trip report. I just read all of your pre-trip report. You guys are so lucky. I can't wait to read about the dolphin swim. I was suppost to do it in December when we go but looks like I won't be able to now:headache: Can't wait for the rest of the report.

Thank you for reading!! You should really try and go, we really loved it! I have a ton of photos for that TR!

Loved the latest instalment Hayley. I regret not playing mini golf, I've never played before and I would have liked to in Florida.

You are right, staying in Disney can't be beat, hence why I'm looking to go back. I never realised before the magic of staying onsite!

How are you going with school? Are you back yet?

Can't wait to hear what you thought about US, I loved it there!

Hey Summer! I am back in Uni this week! It will be weird to be back after so long, but hopefully August won't be too long in coming around!!

Hopefully you will get to go same time as us!!

[wilma-bride]

Another great update Hayley. Your photos are great too :thumbsup2

[apirateslife4evr]

Haley,

I am so enjoying your TR !!! Looks like you had a blast at Universal....I used to live right across the street off of Kirkman, so I used to watch the Hulk and Dr Doom every morning when I worked the late shift.

BTW, is there a link to your dining report? I couldn't find it....:confused3

[Thumpersmom]

Great Report Haley!!!!

Looking forward to more.....popcorn::

[Tink2312]

Hi Haley :wave2: great TR! Can't wait to see the pics of your RPR room - would love to say there next time we visit US :cloud9: FOTL would be a godsend :cool1:
It's so sad to see the Simpsons invading Back to the Future - don't get me wrong, I love the Simpsons but BTTF was my fave US ride :sad1:
We're not going to US/IOA this hol but I'm definitely looking forward to going to the new Harry Potter themed area of IOA opening 2009ish :wizard:
Hope you're PhD is going well.
Looking forward to reading more :coffee:

[Spartangirl]

Great update! :thumbsup2 Glad to hear that you had such a fun day at Universal! DH and I went a few years back and also stayed at RPR. We LOVED the Mummy ride too! RPR is a beautiful resort....can't wait to hear what you thought about it and to see your pics! :goodvibes

[winkers]

I'm finally caught up! I'm loving your tr. You get alot done in one day! Makes me tired just reading about it!

[MousekaMaddi]

fun report.........keep it comingpopcorn::

[Nicole786]

Awesome stuff! Cant wait to hear about RPR...I wonder if it was as awesome as the Hard rock!! The people at the hard rock were just unbelievable!!

Its also so cute how you go over the top with the american stuff and find it "cute" because here in america, my friends and I walk around and go "I wish i had a british accent, that would make me SO cool!"

[Eeyore's Tailfinder]

We were so glad to get on the water taxi, as it was so hot, and luckily there wasn't a problem with queues. Once back at RPR, we head to reception for our room assignment - it's ready! WOO! We get new keys and are told we are in room 3544, which is ideal as it is in the main building - so no walking around trying to find our room! We pick up our bag from Luggage Services and head on up! Again, I was excited to see our view.

The Hotel itself is really plush, and thought it was really pretty albeit a bit dark. Entering our room, it really is beautiful and the bed is massive, but looking out the window at our beautiful view I see... a tree. A massive tree blocking our view of anything. If we were staying for more than one night I probably would've gone down to reception and complained since I paid for a garden view room (only room left when booking) but I didn't bother since we would hardly be there to look out of the window.

We're hardly there 5 minutes when I get a knock on the door. It's a guy with a trolley - beers and nuts! Our LoewsFirst gift! We got 3 bottled beers (Bud, Bud Light & Michelob) in an ice bucket, and quite a big jar of salted peanuts with the RPR logo on. He hovered for a bit before I remembered, oh yeah, the tip!! I had no less than a $5 bill, so I gave that to him. I don't drink beer (only if I have some lime juice) so this was a little treat for Els. A really nice touch by Loews I thought, and I was suprised they remembered!

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The Hotel room was really nice, one of the nicest rooms I've stayed in I think, except for the fact that it was a bit dark - but that's me just being really picky. It's polynesian themed, so I was expecting it to be dark timber, etc... but it was a really beautiful room. We had chosen the RPR really to get FOTL and this was the cheapest of the Universal Hotels. I would have loved to stay at HRH, but it was pointless really for one night. The bed was huge, and very much the main feature of the room, and I loved the panelling between the bedroom and the bathroom. When we've shown it on video to mine and Els' parents, it's got a wow from both of them, so it must have been pretty nice!

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I was dying for another drink, as Els had his beer when I spotted some Fiji water near the TV. It was really lucky I noticed just in time a small sign saying if you opened the water you would be subject to a $7... whaaaaat?! Is this some sort of magical water? Later on in the holiday we would find out that it isn't, and that 7/11 sold it for around $1.50 a bottle.

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We didn't do anything for the next hour really. I switched the TV on and we chilled out a little. We'd had a really busy morning so it was nice to relax on the bed for a while before going out again. I'd had my heart set on eating at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co, so that's where dinner was going to be tonight. We changed to some fresher clothes before making for the water taxi again, this time stopping at Citywalk. Now, to find Bubba Gump. We could make head nor tail of the map, so we decided we would find it on foot. Now we could see a huge revolving Bubba Gump sign on top of one of the buildings on the second level of Citywalk so we headed up there. Nope, nowhere up here. We literally scoured the area, but the sign we saw was on top of a club/pub type place. I walked to the cinema end, then turned back and saw it... it was actually past the second level escalator on the first level... confusing huh?! It was near the exit/entrance to Citywalk, but since we had never come that way, we had no idea!

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Walking up to the restaurant, there were a lot of BG employees just playing with a ball outside, and we actually had to walk around them to the restaurant... they weren't moving, which made me kinda think, do we want to go in? Full BG review is in my dining thread so I'll just say the food was good, whilst service was just alright.

We came out into the Bubba Gump shop which sells a lot of fun things! I really wanted to buy a whole bunch of stuff, but this was only the first 'real' day of our vacation, so due to being careful with money and luggage space I didn't buy anything - since we had already gotten Bubba Gump glasses in the restaurant anyway. Els spotted a t-shirt that he really wanted, but we also wanted to get back to Universal so we left and walked over to Universal again.

It was certainly less busier at night, and definitely a bit cooler. We went straight for the Mummy and packed our backpack and our newly acquired Bubba Gump carrier bag into a locker outside. Of course, we had to go around twice - it would be rude not to! We came out and I double checked what time we could have the locker for free for - I think it was either 2 or 3 hours - so we left our bags in there and walked straight for Jaws. This ride was sooo much cooler in the nighttime! Although when it got to the fire bit, I'm not sure if something went a bit wrong or if they do that when it gets dark anyway, as the fire burnt for ages right across the water and the guy stopped our boat until it went out. I definitely recommend a nighttime ride on Jaws!

We quickly walked around to MIB and we waited 5 mins for this even with a FOTL Pass... this is a ride that's busy all day, so unless you have FOTL, do it early. We got put in the back, with a young British lad that was obviously an expert on the ride. I was completely rubbish so when we got to a certain point in the ride, my button flashed (something which I didn't notice earlier) and he told me to push it... I did and got an extra 100,000 points! So if that was your son - thank you, I totally obliterated Els!!

We carry on going, determined to fit in as much as possible tonight, since we wouldn't be coming back to US tomorrow or in fact this holiday. For some reason I had loved ET earlier in the day, and Els hadn't heard him say his name, so we went back for that one. I have to say this brought back sooo many childhood memories! I absolutely loved ET as a child (except that part when Elliot finds him by the river and then the guys in the white tunnels come to get him - I did not like that part at all) and I especially loved the bit where you get to fly across the moon and go to his home planet! This was most certainly one of my favorite rides of the day and very nostalgic!

We decided we'd better go back now and get our stuff again from the Mummy locker. Oh what the hey, one last ride wouldn't hurt would it? So we ride again before collecting our belongings. We could see people begin to gather on the pavements ready for the fireworks to begin, and we didn't really feel the need to see it - I mean, we could see a lot of it from our room every night, and we would be seeing Wishes in 2 weeks time. So since there wasn't a too large queue on Jimmy Neutron (and there had been all day) we hopped on that... still FOTLing of course! We sat down, got comfy... and the ride broke. Whilst they were trying to fix it, the guy in charge was quite good at keeping everyone entertained and kept quizzing the crowd with Spongebob trivia. There was some really good kids in the crowd that got every question right! For some reason, I just couldn't remember what kind of ride Jimmy was - unlucky for me, it was one of those simulator types. I felt really sick at the beginning of the ride (I also feel ill on Star Tours in DLRP) but as it progressed it passed, which I was really glad about - I didn't want to be up all night! I really loved that the ride goes through all the different Nick cartoons, especially Bikini Bottom!

We got out the ride, and straight out the Spongebob store since I was still wanting to buy everything in the shop. I was desperate for a drink, you know the feeling, when everyone walking past you is carrying an ice cold soda and you just want to jump on them and drink it in one gulp - that kinda thirsty. I hadn't had a proper drink since lunchtime, all the others had been slushies (good to cool you down, not so good at quenching thirst!), but practically every booth we passed was closed. I was so happy to find one open near the exit and promptly ordered myself a large sprite for now, and a bottle of water for the room - just in case thirst struck again and I was tempted to open the $7 water. By the time we had reached the water taxi landing, the large sprite had finished - boy, you were thirsty, Els said! Luckily he wasn't thirsty!! We saw some of the fireworks from the water taxi, but we were glad we had beaten the crowds!

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We headed straight up to the room and I made a few notes whilst the TV was on the background. Not being able to fight it any longer, plus we'd had a really long day. I think it was around 11-11.15pm when we clambered into bed and immediately fell asleep, ready for another day tomorrow.

Next: Will we ever get our stuff?

[Eeyore's Tailfinder]

I really want to reply to everyone in person, however when I multi-quote it is really really slow! But I read every single comment and thank you everyone for your nice comments!

I loved seeing all the cute American stuff - I think it comes from years of watching Saved by the Bell, reading Sweet Valley High, Teen High School Movies, etc... it was so cool seeing like ding dongs and twinkies and all the rest... haha, that sounds reallyy weird doesn't it?!!

[swankybeth]

I'm loving your report. You and Els make such a cute couple! :goodvibes
Looking forward to the next installment. :thumbsup2

[Summer-Caitlin]

Hayley, WOW, you read Sweet valley High too? I LOVED those books, pity the series wasn't nearly as good as the books though. I also loved Saved by The Bell, Zach was pretty dreamy:cloud9:

Anyway, loved your instalment. RPR looked really nice, would you recommend staying on Universal property for the one night? I found Universal was actually pretty okay just going in the normal queues, we must have waited no more than 20 min and that was only for Jimmy Neutron.

I'm looking forward to reading your Dining Reviews too.

I am calling Virgin today as I hope to make a booking tonight. Disney 2008, here we come...

[Thumpersmom]

Yah! You made it to Bubba Gump! I love :love: their coconut shrimp. We have one about an hour away and just yesterday one of my friends said I think we need to take a trip to Bubba Gump for some coconut shrimp! I said let me know when!!!

We have not been to US and I have enjoyed the trip with you and Els! Looking forward to more!!!!

$7 water kills me!!!! I'm sure glad you read the tag. How many people do you think they get to drink $7 water? Probably a ton in the summertime.

[Eeyore's Tailfinder]

SUMMER!! That's SOOO exciting! Let me know when you have - we will have the same countdown, how cool is that?! Yup, I read Sweet Valley High and Sweet Valley Twins (My shameful confession is that I still get them out and read them sometimes!) I loved Jessica :teeth: I think that's where the America obsession began!!

I would definately recommend staying at an US Hotel, but I guess it really depends on the crowds - it was so convenient to back and rest and we walked onto every ride with the exception of a few.

I will have to get their coconut shrimp next time then :) I'll know what to get! I'm so glad I realised just in time about the water, I thought it was free! I was about to open the lid and it was one of those movie-slow-motion NOOOOOOOOO! moments! I bet a lot of people open it without realising!

[Leslieann1024]

< < < Full BG review is in my dining thread so I'll just say the food was good, whilst service was just alright. > > >

Great reports, Haley ! I'm enjoying both your trip report and your WDW dining report !

You mention dining reviews of your pre-WDW stay several times, but I haven't been able to find them . . . . . (I have a "thing" about dining reviews - I love them !)

Keep up the great reporting, waiting for the next installments popcorn:: !

[KimAshton]

I just love this TR. I am glad you had a great time in FL. 3 weeks I wish I could take that time off of work but I do get 2 which I use up so fast. LOL.

[Eeyore's Tailfinder]

Thanks for reading guys!

I'm sorry about my pre-WDW Dining Reviews... I wrote them for an UK Disney board I'm on and mostly consist of Ponderosa, Sweet Tomatoes, Denny's, etc. so I thought that since the DIS is mostly American that no one would be interested... but I will post after I finish my WDW Dining Reviews is people are interested :teeth:

We had an awesome time in Orlando - I just LOVE America! Els has been badgering me since we got back to move to Fla. after my PhD but I'm afraid that the novelty would wear off, if you know what I mean - although I would love to live so close to Disney!

We have just booked another 3 weeks in Disney for Aug/Sept 2008 and it will take us all year to save, sacrificing nights on the tiles - but we know what we'd rather do! This time though we're just doing Disney, so I will have plenty of Dining TRs!

[CriminyCrafft]

Thanks for reading guys!

I'm sorry about my pre-WDW Dining Reviews... I wrote them for an UK Disney board I'm on and mostly consist of Ponderosa, Sweet Tomatoes, Denny's, etc. so I thought that since the DIS is mostly American that no one would be interested... but I will post after I finish my WDW Dining Reviews is people are interested :teeth:

We had an awesome time in Orlando - I just LOVE America! Els has been badgering me since we got back to move to Fla. after my PhD but I'm afraid that the novelty would wear off, if you know what I mean - although I would love to live so close to Disney!

We have just booked another 3 weeks in Disney for Aug/Sept 2008 and it will take us all year to save, sacrificing nights on the tiles - but we know what we'd rather do! This time though we're just doing Disney, so I will have plenty of Dining TRs!


I would love to read reviews of American chains from a British perspective. I LOVE Sweet Tomatoes- DROOL. I'm glad you liked the US. That's so cute that Els wants to move to FL. I figured most Brits found America to be but a cheap amusement (although I've never been to Wales). The first time I went to England my English friend said "Welcome to a country with a history!" :rotfl:

Could you do study abroad in the US with your PhD program? There were some Scottish exchange students at my law school! :thumbsup2

Anyway, can't wait to read more!!!!

[LMO429]

LOVE your tR!

[Eeyore's Tailfinder]

I would love to spend some time in the US, be it even for a few months. There's an institution in Massachusetts I think which deals specifically with underwater exploration, so I'd love to go there :there: My dream would be to road trip across America visiting places like Memphis, New Orleans, NY, Vegas, etc... We just loved America - the people are friendlier, the weather is better and everything is cheaper (but maybe it feels like that anyway when you're on vacation!)

However Wales is a really beautiful country and if we moved I'd be really sad to leave it behind - you should come see it! :teeth:

[TjDisney07]

I just love your TR, it was alot of fun reading all the planning details. I am going to Disney in Nov. 2007 with my Aunt and cousin, 3 boys :banana: . I would love a copy of your card template to use for our trip, can you please mail me the template to jmw308gates@msn.com:) Thanks , Tj

[askelton]

Wow you accomplished a lot! :thumbsup2 We live here and don't think we have done everything you two did. Maybe I'll find something new we need to try.

[Ciciwoowoo]

I have enjoyed reading your dining report so much that I knew I had to come and find your trip report as well!

It is very cleverly written and I look forward to reading more! :goodvibes

[Kristina]

Loving your trippie, and can't wait to read the rest :thumbsup2 what with all the amazing things you have planned! Thanks for including so much detail too, makes it that much more fun to read ::yes::. Your pre trip planning pages got me all excited, and I have more than a year to wait until we can go again although we do have a DLRP trippie coming up very soon :yay:!

[Princess Amy]

Great trip report!!! Wish I could be in Orlando for 3 weeks....I'm lucky I can do 10 days...:rotfl: I'm so glad you had a fantastic time. Trust me no other vacation spot is like Disney. I've been to a lot of places and always say the "been there, done that". But when it comes to Disney, I always say..."been there, and doing it again and again and again".

Cannot wait to hear more of your trip report. You have so many days left to write about...You are definitely going to have a large thread!!! :thumbsup2

[Eeyore's Tailfinder]

Writing it is taking longer than I thought :laughing:

Not so much the writing, but the photo uploading!!! But I'm getting round to it! Hopefully I have a bit of spare time this week, I'm uploading IOA as we speak :)

[stitchlover]

LOVE your TR. Can't wait for the next installment. I also really like your Itinerary cards! What a cute idea.

[iggbees]

After swimming, we changed in the room and headed out to the 7/11 over the road for some supplies. It was so much fun looking at all the cool American stuff - I have this weird thing when I'm in a foreign country to buy all these random snacks, just *** they look different! We came away with 6 bottles of Bud, 6 bottles of Smirnoff Apple, 2 big cokes, Pork Rinds, some pepperami thing with cheese, reese's crunchie and pretzels, all for $20!! And I didn't get ID'd either!

ewww! you bought pork rinds!! i always see them in the store and think that they look so gross then i saw a show on them once that made me realize just how gross they were. haha :lmao: i think your american choices of snacks are funny. i probably would have no idea what to get in england though, so i guess i shouldn't talk... haha. how'd you like them by the way???

your trip report is awesome! i love seeing things from a foreign point of view. it's fun to see what is fascinating about american culture.

[Lileigh]

I just found your trip report as I had finished reading your dining reviews (I like to see what everyone rates the restaurants and food etc.) and your review so far has been wonderful. I have friends in Wales and Scotland, and I enjoy "seeing" reactions when they visit the states. The beginning of your trip sounds so wonderful so far, I am so happy you had a great time. I am planning to make that overseas first time trip next year (to visit Edinburgh), and the plane ride is what worries me the most - I get really fidgety after awhile, which it seems you experienced as well.

IOA and US are great parks, I always have a great time. The Mummy is such a fun ride, it is a must do each time I visit Orlando. I didn't realize they are putting in a Simpsons attraction, thanks for the pics! That will be interesting I am sure.

I can't wait for your report on IOA and then Disney.

Can't wait to read more, and your pics are great. :thumbsup2

[Eeyore's Tailfinder]

Thanks for the comments!

I know, we are kinda weird! But we do actually like pork rinds - well, the ones we have in the UK are sort of different...but a lot of people don't like them! Very much a pub snack! Later in the week we also bought beef jerky, Ding Dongs (heard about them in the Sweet Valley books!) and Lucky Charms. I remember Lucky Charms in the UK when I was small but haven't seen em in years! I bought a box, picked out the 'charms' and ate em dry! We also got a couple of squishees in there! We love America!!

Lileigh - love your avatar!! I am also a big fan of P.King :teeth: Wherebouts in Wales are your friends from? Thanks for reading my report and the dining ones also! I did get fidgety on the flight, but it's not too bad :)

We loved visiting America! Els (DBF) wants to move there for real when I've finished my PhD!!

Guess what guys?! TR coming right up :teeth:

[Eeyore's Tailfinder]

Okay folks, I admit this has been a long time coming, but I am determined to finish this TR sometime or another! At least before the next Disney ditty.

We left you snoozing cosily in our obscenely huge bed in the Royal Pacific, after a bellyful o’ Bubba Gump. We had set the alarm for around 7/7.30am, and surprise surprise I was up again before it went off. Darn time zones. However, this meant I got to finish off packing our stuff that I was too tired to do the night before, meaning that all we had to do was change and skedaddle when the bell tolls.

And that’s what we did. We quickly change, had the obligatory CSI-like room scour to make sure we hadn’t left anything under the bed/in the shower/in the drawers (even though we hadn’t put anything in there – something always lands up in there doesn’t it?). Carting our now fuller bag after our purchases yesterday, we check it into the luggage storage place, stick ticket safely in purse, and check-out of the room.

We manage to get to the boat launch in good time, and lo and behold – what good luck, here comes a boat straight away! It must be our lucky date! Oh, how fate must have been looking down, laughing and pointing at us at that very moment – more to come on that later. We arrived at Citywalk and this time walked around to Islands of Adventure instead of Universal Studios. I kinda hoped the Simpsons would be out again as we walked by, but no such luck this morning. We got into the queue in IOA, and waited.

You know how you can get out of the wrong side of the bed? Can you get into the wrong queue, because I swear, there must be at IOA. Els went through the bleepy-ticket-fingerprinty-thing (yes, that’s its technical name) first with no problems. Me with my seemingly alien fingers on the other hand, wasn’t so lucky. For some reason, my ticket just wouldn’t work – I put it through the machine, put my finger on the scanner and…. zilch, zero, nada entrada, do not pass go, do not collect £200. The employee eyed my ticket suspiciously and told me to fingerprint ‘Again!’ and ‘Again!’ and ‘Again!’. Oh boy. That got old fast. She had me try every finger, in case I had forgotten which finger I scanned (why I would scan with my little finger I had no idea), and then asked could I have done it with another finger? “By golly, you’re right! Now that you mention it, I did scan it with the spare finger I carry in my purse”. She must have wiped my fingers a million times with her little cloth and nothing. All the time making it worse was this girl in the queue behind making comments, which I understand was frustrating, but I must say I was thrilled that I was participation in the biggest attraction, which was getting into IOA.

Girl: “Gawd, this is takin’ forever. Her taykit ain’t workin’”.
Me: *Evil Stare*

Employee finally made it work, or just gave up on me and let me in, and thankfully I was reunited on the other side of the border with Els.
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Naturally, this had put me in a bit of a stinking mood, but I brightened up a bit when we rounded the corner and saw Hulk towering over us.
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I was reeeaally looking forward to riding this. The employee at the front told us we needed to put our bags in the lockers, so off we went in a hurry – we wanted to ride! I told Els jokingly, as I don’t seem to have fingerprints any longer so you do it – I would live to regret this. The locker machine selected a locker at random for us, we put our stuff in, but if you pulled at the door it just opened even if it was ‘locked’. Els went back to the machine, chose another locker and put our stuff in that one, it locked and we were good to go.

We used our FOTL Pass to get on Hulk and were on in about 5 minutes max – we really loved our FOTL Pass! Hulk was awesome, a bit bumpier than I’d imagined, but still awesome! Not wanting to waste the opportunity of being here so early, we jumped on another 2 times with our FOTL. While we had our bag safely stowed away in the locker, we moved onto Spiderman.
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Now I had heard that this was the best ride in IOA, and all the time I was thinking, how can a simulator/ride be better than a crazy rollercoaster like Hulk? Besides, VR rides make me queasy. Anyway, off we go as I wanted to ride this fabled holy grail. We skipped the queue again and walked onto the ride, front row – cool! I have to say, this ride was awesome! Hands down the best ride at IOA! It’s one of the best 3-D things I’ve ever seen, and the bit where you fall at the end is so realistic! We went on again! Since we were near Dr Doom, we rode that next, and this is a good ride, although we visit Blackpool Pleasure Beach quite often, around 2-3 times a year, and this is practically the same as the Playstation (what can I say, I’m oldschool, it will never be IceBlast to me!) so nothing new for us – but the view of Orlando was great!

Thinking we’d spent enough time at Marvel Island for now, we thought we’d just grab our bag and head over to Toon Lagoon, right? Wrong! We got back to the lockers and I realised that in the confusion earlier and the hurry to get on Hulk, I didn’t remember the number, and neither did Els – but we were certain that it was one of 4 so at least that was something! So we did the reasonable thing, try Els’ fingerprint with all 4. Uh Oh. That’s not working. We tried again, and again, and started trying every single locker on the whole wall with Els’ fingerprint. We started second guessing ourselves as to whether this was the wall where we’d left our bag. I was starting to feel sick, and Els went off to find someone to help. A guy finally came over and tapped some code into the machine, scanned Els’ finger and open popped the locker door, and the guy started to walk away… but wait! That’s not our locker! We started in dismay at the one that had opened… it was the one that we’d had originally and wouldn’t close – we didn’t officially ‘finish’ with that locker before adding Els’ fingerprint to the next one, so the machine still thought we had the first! Eek!

Wait locker dude! After we explain the situation, he does seem a tad suspicious, but anyway, covers the machine with his hand, enters another code, puts his key in the top, and the lockers pop open one by one (he closes one and the next opens, he closes that one and the next opens, etc…). The first 3 were empty but the 4th, the locker we thought we’d had, popped open and our stuff was in it! Yeah! He asked if we had any ID in the bag to identify ourselves – luckily my purse was in the bag, so I did, and I gladly showed them to him so we could have our precious goods back! Yay!

With that drama over, and a good ten to fifteen minutes wasted, we decided we should shake the bad start to the day and have some fun! I got out my camcorder and started filming our surroundings – I’ve watched it when we got home, and you can see the wait for Spiderman in the background is 90 minutes long!
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(Sidenote: Els loves Marvel everything, so we have way too many photos of this land!)

We entered Toon Lagoon and walked though a bit. I loved this land as I thought the theming was amazing! It was so well done and bright and colourful.
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The water and the fountains were a welcome relief – it was an immensely hot day, one of the hottest we had in Florida. The heatwave was still well and truly on. We bypassed this as it contained Bilge Rat Barges and Dudley Do-Right. We didn’t want to get wet just yet. We stopped at a cart just before going into Jurassic Park and bought a blue raspberry slushee to share – it was so, so hot!
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We pretended to be T-Rex Snacks for a while.
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For some reason, we were both getting really cranky again. We’d had a really bad morning and the heat was getting to be unbearable – but I have no idea why we started being snippy with one another. Somehow amidst the crankiness we decided to go on River Adventure – this was a really good ride I thought! Could be scary for some small children though! We didn’t get wet at all really, but I almost wish we had as it was so hot. By now, we were ready for some cover and I suggested the Discovery Centre. Still being miserable gits, on we plodded and headed downstairs to see what was going on. Nothing too substantial to do here, but kids might like it, especially if they love dinosaurs. I decided to mate with a T-Rex that caught my fancy.
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We were also ‘lucky’ enough to watch the eggs hatch.
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I remember seeing a programme where they said that IOA had a really lifelike Stegasaurus (I’m sure budding palaeontologists will correct me on that one!) and for some reason I thought it was here, but I was left disappointed.

How about lunch I suggest? I could smell the burgers coming from Burger Digs upstairs and boy did they smell good. But it’s only 11.30! Came the reply. True, true, and I had really wanted to eat at Enchanted Oak, only one land away… but I could not face going out in the sun again for a bit, and just wanted a sit down. Els went to grab a table and I went to grab the burgers. Luckily for me, I was second in line. Unlucky for me, the person in front’s family of fifteen came to join him. Argh! Don’t you hate it when that happens! I wouldn’t mind him standing in line and another person joining him, but heck, fifteen people – are you kidding me?! And all of them wanted to buy the Meal Deal wristband. And none of them knew what they wanted. Argh! Argh! Argh! The polite thing to do would have been to let me go first…. You know the type of people who have an overflowing trolley in the supermarket, yet you only have a bottle of water and a packet of Nik Naks and they just let you wait… ok, I’m off my soapbox.

Fifteen minutes later, I order us 2 double cheeseburgers and fries, a coke for Els and a Sprite for me. Get my receipt, and oh, I spot that they also do single burgers. Ah well, we need energy. While I wait at the get-yo-food area, I notice people being served and they get their food way before me, it’s practically ready as they arrive at the collection point. I politely ask a girl what was going on, and she asks for my order so they can put it together. I get 1 of everything. I’m sorry *sigh* I asked for 2, and gave her my receipt. Another girl comes to look at it and she squeals, omg a lady just collected that 5 minutes ago! Can you believe it? While I was making the very long 3 metres over to the food-getty-place, someone had stolen my food! I was incredulous, this was the mother of all bad vacation days. The girls were great and just made up my order, I after all had the receipt! I think they should really ask for receipts, but I can’t believe the cheek of it! Someone got over $20 worth of food for free!

I walked back to the table Els had got and told him the story – well, we couldn’t do anything except laugh, and it definitely lightened the mood! The mystery of the Burgernapper is ongoing. Anyway, I promise that is enough whinging in this TR and we’ll get back to the real business. I’m not going to post a review of Burger Digs here, but I shall say the burgers were awesome and huge! And post this:
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I’m glad we went there now!

After a sit down and refreshment, and our tummies now full, we got a new lease of life. Onwards and upwards we go, for the Duelling Dragons!
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First up, the queue for this is long! I don’t mean the waiting, but you walk for ages just to get to the line! Luckily, it’s worth the walk! We tried Fire first and we set off in front of Ice and whilst it was great, we kinda wished they had waited to send us both of together. So as we were walking off, we spotted a side entrance to ride again. You don’t have to tell us twice! Off we went, this time choosing Ice, and this time, they sent us both off together and it was SUCH a better ride this way and the fear of getting your head kicked off was there (wait – did I say that out loud?!) We rode Ice again, before deciding it was in the best interests of our newly-fed stomachs to move onto something a little calmer. Thirsty again, we sidled up to a drink cart and I chose a pink lemonade slushee – very good, except a definite brain freeze alert! We took a break and a few photos:
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We watched the fountain for a while, before moving on to Seuss Landing.
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Now this is a cool land! The theming is absolutely fantastic and the colours are so bright! The only this is, it’s very very hot in this land, and I think it’s because of all the different colours. We filmed and took quite a bit of photos in here. I had wanted to ride the Sky Trolley, but it was out of use for the moment so we headed straight onto the Cat in the Hat – it was really cute but I wouldn’t make an effort of going on it unless you had kids. Maybe I’m biased as I had to throw away my lovely pink slushee before going on.
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We emerged into (surprise!) a giftshop and there were plenty of cool stuff here! We thought the Thing 1 Thing 2 t-shirts were a hoot, but they were quite expensive and we probably wouldn’t wear them again.

Back around we go to Marvel Superhero Island. I was nervous about leaving our bags inside the locker again, but I made sure that we had one that shut properly and we remembered the number. The queue for Hulk was much larger now, even with FOTL it was around 10 minutes, so go when we park opens!
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We rode this again, and moved over to Spidey which we also rode again. Els is a huge Simpsons fan, and it’s true, he’s converted me over the 3.5 years we’ve been together, so everytime we rode this he had to quote Dr Nick: “I want upside down kiss with Mary Jane”. That is one of our all-time favourite Dr Nick quotes, aaaand if you don’t watch, you just think I’m insane right now!

On with the show! It was approaching 3pm, and we’d done everything we wanted once, twice, thrice. If we were staying at RPR again tonight then we’d probably have gone back and chilled out, then come back and rode some more. But we weren’t, and it was getting very hot. We decided to go for it and we would ride Bilge Rat Barges and Dudley Do Right while our bag was in the locker. We queued for Bluto, and if I haven’t said it a hundred times this TR I’ll say it again, it was sooo hot! I couldn’t wait for that water! We got sat in a raft with a bunch of really fun Americans! We had a blast and the ride was awesome! The best rapid ride I’ve ever been on and we got SO WET it was unreal – there wasn’t a bit of me that was dry! Next up was Dudley Do Right – hey, when in Rome (another favourite quote from one of the best movies – Anchorman!). Since we were already soaked, we went for it, and this was really good too, especially the huge dip – but if you only have time to do one water ride, let it be Bluto!
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Dudley Do Right's Ripsaw Falls

Walking back, people actually seemed jealous that we were soaked as opposed to finding it funny, like I say, it was so darn hot!! Els spotted a sunglasses stand near Hulk so he went for a look there since his had broken the day before. He managed to get some really cool ones for $20 - bargain! Especially in a theme park! We were sideswept into a shop and I was paying for a few goodies to take home. when I turned around and there was a local celebrity queing behind us. He exclaimed he was so tired having been out fighting crime til 2am, and now just wanted to buy something for his dog. Els remarked, you look good though, and he answered, 'thanks bud, creepy, but thanks' - I thought this was hilarious! He posed for a quick photo:
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Before vanishing to have upside down kiss with Mary Jane! Sorry! Couldn't help myself! Els loves Spidey!

We collected our bag and waved goodbye to IOA as we set off towards Citywalk. Els had seen a t-shirt in Bubba Gump the night before, so we went back. I thought t-shirt sizes in America were quite large, and very long – I could get away with an XL Kids there and I usually take an UK 14 because of…ahem… certain assets that need accommodating. So when Els had discovered the t-shirt too big/long for him last night (he’s 5’6 and quite lean) he grabbed a kids size. When we took it to the counter, I had to laugh when the lady looked us up and down and stated “you do know this is a kids size dontcha?”. I quickly saved Els’ embarrassment and said, “yep, it’s a present for a friend” – and by the way lady, it fit perfectly, so nanny nanny boo boo. What was so special about the t-shirt you say? It stated ‘My Momma thinks I’m Special’!!

By this time, we had completely dried off due to the Sun, and even though I was still full from the huge burger I’d had at Burger Digs, we passed Cinnabon. Now those of you who’ve read my Food TR know that I hate cinnamon. So you ask, what was I doing here? Well my co-people, I had read online about something called Caramel Pecanbon and I thought that sounded good! I thought I wouldn’t get a chance to get another on vacation so I went in and got one, and a vanilla ice cream for Els. The sauce on it was really good, albeit a little too sweet, but I could tell this would have been a good snack…. For someone who likes cinnamon! Yes, I know, the place is called Cinnabon, but it just didn’t have cinnamon in the title so I thought – yeah well, who cares what I thought, it had cinnamon in! I ate a bit of the outer pastry without the dreaded spice, but I probably wouldn’t have been able to eat more than that anyway. Admitting defeat, we caught the taxi boat back to RPR and collected our bag.
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Now taxi, taxi, where can we find a taxi? Els asks concierge if they could call us one and they tell us to go outside and the doorman would flag one down for us. When I say taxi, I mean yellow thing, four wheels, has a seat, moves. I don’t mean practically a limo, white luxurious, leather seats, drive of your life, costs you $20 for about 3 miles, Lincoln Towncar – which is what we got, and yes it cost us $20 with tip to get from IOA to the Sheraton Studio City. Our final kick in the teeth from IOA which sums up the day nicely. Couldn’t get in, bags locked in locker, someone stole our food, cinnamon in the pecanbon, a small fortune to ride round the corner….

For the rest of the day, we chilled out in the room, had a much needed shower and called home. We decided on dinner at Sweet Tomatoes tonight and it was very good! Review at a later date! We practically fell into bed after such a hectic day and went straight to sleep, hoping we’d have better luck in general tomorrow!!

[erinstar]

Hi Hayley,

I am loving your trip report, I've just spent 3 weeks in USA as wel, but we did LA, NY, LV and Orlando...

Keep up the great work!

[Eeyore's Tailfinder]

Thanks for reading Erin!! You got my top 2 other places to visit in the States there as well! LV & NY are two places I've always wanted to visit!! Hope you enjoyed yourself - that sounds amazing!!

Plus you get to live in Oz! Me and DBF hope to visit there also in the next few years - our family friends live in Adelaide :) My penfriend is currently living in Melbourne on her gap year and she is loving it!!

[jeminni]

This is a great TR Hayley, looking forward to reading more of your and Els adventures :goodvibes

[whogirl'smom]

Great trip report, Haley! I love to hear your reactions to American stuff. Glad you liked Bubba Gump (have to go read about it in the food report)--we went to one in Charleston, and weren't very thrilled with it at all!

Please don't take a month for another update!:flower3:

[Thumpersmom]

Wonderful update......we were at WDW around the same time as you and man was it HOT!!!!! I totally agree with you on the hotness!

We have not been to IOA or Universal-might have to do that on the next visit.

[Lileigh]

Lileigh - love your avatar!! I am also a big fan of P.King :teeth: Wherebouts in Wales are your friends from? Thanks for reading my report and the dining ones also! I did get fidgety on the flight, but it's not too bad :)

We loved visiting America! Els (DBF) wants to move there for real when I've finished my PhD!!



My friend lives around Cardiff - I'd have to look to see exactly whereabouts, I can never remember off the top of my head. Could be Canton, which is not "NEAR" Cardiff, but I am not all that familiar with the map of Wales.

Lovely report updates. You take as many pictures as I do it seems, hahaha. They make wonderful memories.

Can't wait for more princess:

[Eeyore's Tailfinder]

Thank you for reading once again!! I am working on another update as we speak and have already uploaded the photos!

[Eeyore's Tailfinder]

After our last tiring 2 days, we felt no need to get up very early today, but still managed to get up at a decent hour, around 8.30/9am… we’re making progress on this time zone thing! We packed up our bag for the day, changed and headed on out of the hotel. Just as we were walking out, we spotted the Trolley at the stop so practically ran for it, and luckily we caught it. We were lucky in the fact that we were one of the first trolley stops on the way down I Drive, as it was usually empty when we got on which meant we could grab a seat.

Today we were off to sample the delights that International Drive has to offer! Our first stop was to be Air Florida Helicopter. I had already had a look at tours and prices on their website so we knew which one we wanted. We had also seen some helicopters fly overhead when we were in our hotel pool earlier in the week, so we were quite excited! Nevertheless when some people got on asking if the trolley was going to the WDW transfer stop I got quite jealous of them – we weren’t going for another week! We continued to travel down I Drive and it was much bigger than I had realised!

We got off at our stop and found Air Florida quite quickly.
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I think we might have been the first flight of the day, since it was quiet when we went in. I think the guy was trying to push the (more expensive) WDW Tour, but I was determined not to take it since I wanted my first views of Disney to be at Disney, I didn’t want to spoil that first glimpse. So, we stuck to our original plan and chose Tour 3. I had printed out a $5 off voucher from their website, but of course I had left that at the hotel, so we paid up, and went through to another room to wait until it was time to go. We were given a key to small locker to put our bag inside, but we were allowed to take our camcorder and camera up. We soon headed outside with the pilot and had some photos taken – I didn’t know there would be a photo op and kind of wished I’d made a bit more effort with my hair that day and put on a bit of make-up! Els let me have the front seat with the pilot and we put on our headsets so we could hear the pilot. I was going to record the journey on our camcorder and Els would take photos.

The take-off felt really weird since we in such a small ‘aircraft’, but we were soon up in the air, and our pilot began pointing things out to us as we passed them. One of the first things he said when we were up, was pointing out the Contemporary Resort – I got extremely excited to catch a tiny glimpse of Disney! There was THE Contemporary! We turned and continued down I Drive towards the SeaWorld end. The cars looked so tiny and it was so strange flying overhead. We passed over Discovery Cove first which looked really cool from the air – we would be going here in a few days, so that got us all excited! We could clearly see the dolphin interaction areas and it just looked awesome!
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Next, we passed over SeaWorld, and we spotted the Shamu stadium easily. An image that not many people get to see is the large SeaWorld logo on it’s roof!
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Kraken looked awesome and we couldn’t wait to get on it!
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We also passed over Aquatica in the middle of being built and snapped a few photos here.
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Up we continued over International Drive, as the pilot pointed out places like Ripley’s, the Convention Centre (which is massive!) and a few others. We were soon at our end of International Drive and we could see our hotel!
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We went around the back of it, and snapped a few photos of Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios.
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Coming back around the front, we passed right over Wet’n’Wild and it was really cool to see all the slides from the air!
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Our ride was almost over and it was back to base for us. The landing was almost as weird as take off, but we made it safely back to the ground before we quickly hopped off as another pair were waiting to go. We went back inside, collected our belongings, and was shown our photos. Now I had no intention of buying them because I looked awful, but Els really wanted to, and I thought we’re on holiday, what the hey, so we went ahead and bought the package, which was a DVD with all our photos on, including some extras of the parks from overhead, and 2 photos in a folder – however the girl didn’t wait long enough for these to dry and they stuck together a bit, leaving me with bits of my face missing. Just a heads up if you’re going to the helicopter place, take money if you plan to buy photos. I will say though, that they were quite cheap compared to the parks to buy, I think the package was around $20-25.

We headed on out and over the road towards Wonderworks which was to be our next stop.
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I had remembered the voucher I’d printed out this time, so paid and went on in. We were greeted by around 30 hyperactive teenagers in matching t-shirts. Oh gosh. It looks like summer clubs take the kids to places like this, so bear this in mind if you’re planning to go. They were taking over all the attractions, so we planned to wait a while until they moved onto the next level. We tried a few of the attractions on the first floor, such as the Earthquake, and a pins thing. I don’t really remember much about here.
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The second level was much better than the first, and had a lot more attractions. We had some fun playing with the bubbles whilst we waited for the big group to clear the floor.
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There was a bed of needles, a huge pin pusher, a VR basketball game, some pulley things, and loads more.
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The next bit I think was the ‘space bit’.
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All the club children had gone into the simulator thing so there was a long wait for that, so we just tried out all the other things, where you can take a photo of yourself, and make yourself older, or combine your face with another persons.
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(Why we shouldn't procreate)

The last bit I remember was an area where you could ‘play the piano’ with your feet, test how cold the water was on the night Titanic went down, take ‘shadow’ photos, and other little bits and bobs.
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My Tom Hanks Impression

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Overall we thought Wonderworks was good fun, and we spent about 60-90 minutes in there. Would be a good place to go if it was raining or something, but I wouldn’t make a special trip to go there or anything. It’s expensive for what it essentially is.

We were quite hungry after coming from Wonderworks, and had planned at grabbing something to eat at Hooters in the nearby Pointe Orlando, or going to the B-Line Diner at The Peabody and seeing the ducks at the same time. Now that we were here and it was boiling, I could see that the Peabody was going to be too far to walk, so we opted for Pointe Orlando. However when we got here, it was completely dead, only a few workmen about.
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We decided we didn’t want to be the only ones sitting in Hooters, so we figured we’d have something to eat at the next stop, which was the Titanic Exhibition.

Continued in next post so I can add more photos!

[Eeyore's Tailfinder]

However, after catching the Trolley up there, we discovered there wasn’t really much choice at this stop at all. We would first do Titanic and then take care of our hunger. We paid at the main entrance to the exhibit, and luckily I had remembered a coupon I had for this as well.
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I thought the tour would start from here, but he directed us from the entrance towards the back, inside the Mercado. The Mercado is sure in a sorry state at the moment, it’s in ruins. I really hope they do something here, it’s a waste of space as it currently stands. Of course when we got the queue to wait for our tour, there was another huge school group of around 30 kids, all under the age of 7. It was them, another family and us.

I was really looking forward to this exhibit, due to my research. My PhD thesis is about the laws and legalities surrounding salvaging from shipwrecks, and basically preserving the wreck as opposed to commercially salvaging it. I specialise in the Titanic, so this was definitely an interest point for me. We looked at our tickets that we were given, and I honestly cannot remember the names now (I do have the tickets somewhere), but I was in 2nd Class and Els was in 1st. I was unsure of mine, but Els’ being first class, I knew whether his died or survived since I pretty much know all the 1st class passengers, but I told him I’d let him see at the end as I didn’t want to spoil it for him.

Our guide soon came out and led us into the first room. I won’t go into too much detail here, as I don’t want to spoil the tour for anyone who wants to take it. But, it was really informative and a great way to learn about Titanic. Our tour guide was very good, knew his facts, and whilst he didn’t tell me anything I didn’t know already, I found it very useful and much more meaningful to tell the story using ‘sets’ and ‘props’ as they do. At the end, when we reached the wall where all the names are listed we checked to see if we survived or died, and I’m very happy to say we survived. The tribute was very poignant, and a lone lifejacket in the room reminded us exactly why the exhibit was in place. I’m also very happy to say the little children behaved exceptionally well. Our guide told us we were free to go back to any part of the tour and me and Els were the only ones that took him up on this offer as we wanted to take some decent photos.
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After exiting the exhibit, instead of walking to Bahama Breeze, we decided to go back to our hotel and then decide what we wanted to eat. Well, we ended up picking up some subs and snacks from the 7/11 as it was quite late, and we didn’t want a huge meal before dinner tonight. For the rest of the day, we chilled out in the room, calling home and showering before taking the Trolley again down to CiCi’s Pizza. As we were walking back to the Trolley stop after the meal, we heard our names being called. It was a couple who we know from home – small world huh?!

Next Up: Busch Gardens!!

[CriminyCrafft]

Great updates! I love seeing all the cool I-drive stuff I haven't seen or done in years! The helicopter tour pics are FANTASTIC!!!!

Hope all is well and that your studies are going smoothly!

[scottny]

Hi,
Found your report tonight and it is really good. Love all the pics. The helicopter tour looked amazing. Looking forward to more.
:thumbsup2

[Eeyore's Tailfinder]

Woo! I figured out how to multi quote!

Great updates! I love seeing all the cool I-drive stuff I haven't seen or done in years! The helicopter tour pics are FANTASTIC!!!!

Hope all is well and that your studies are going smoothly!

Thank you for still reading!! It's very hectic over here I can say that! How about you?!

Hi,
Found your report tonight and it is really good. Love all the pics. The helicopter tour looked amazing. Looking forward to more.
:thumbsup2

Thanks for joining and commenting!! Will be more along soon :thumbsup2

[erinstar]

Another great update Hayley - that Helicopter ride looked awesome. Thou I love all things Disney, it is refreshing to hear about peoples tales in other parts of Orlando. I can't wait to read more!