Hi everyone, have decided to have a bit of a rest day at the villa after being at MK till closing last night, so sitting by the pool with the laptop I thought i'd give people a few updates.
- US Airways flight out via Charlotte was really good, with immigration at Charlotte very pleasant and straightforward indeed. Great arriving at MCO having cleared customs, and saving £600+ compared to a direct flight with Virgin or BA is a decent bonus too. IFE good, and better than Virgin too. Food was ok, and cabin crew helpful.
- Did the dessert party at MK last night. Was a great experience with lots of lovely puddings, but probably wouldn't do this again. The didn't replenish a lot of the desserts after the initial rush, and the seating area was IMO a little oversold. Perhaps it was down to it being a Saturday night, but they need to be careful they don't overmilk this new source of income.
- Halloween party at MK was great, and most rides were a walk-on. Parade and special fireworks as good as ever, and we thought it was well worth the cost of the tickets.
- Spent Friday night at Celebration, first with a meal at Market St cafe, then watching the leaves 'fall' from the sky on the hour! Kids had brown paper bags from the local shops, and spent ages collecting the paper leaves. Not sure what we're going to with them all, but apparently we just have to take them home...
- Saw Buzz Lightyear's homecoming parade with Buzz Aldrin on Friday. Was wonderful to see the great man up close and Mr Aldrin as well, of course!
- Had AP special passes to see a preview of the new Tinker Bell DVD at MK last Sunday. Disney really made us feel special - free drinks and snack, plus chance of photos with Tink and her friend Terrence (coming to the parks in a month or so), and a goody bad for the kids.
- Lunch at Chefs de France was lovely. Their lobster bisque, ham and cheese sandwich and creme brulee combination is great value, and we saw Remy too! He really is impressive and so neatly operated too, so well worth a visit.
- Parks have generally been not that busy, although the F&W at Epcot does get very busy (and the number of drunks by late afternoon seems higher than previous years). Saw Starship and Richard Marx in the Eat to the Beat concerts. Nice to have them scheduled every day compared to the Flower and Garden festival restriction of just weekends - you can be walking around the park and just think to pop along for a seat near the back.
- Staying at the most beautiful off-site villa at Windsor Hills. Love the home and the resort. Very spacious and beautifully kept, with good facilities.
- Oh, last thing - the weather. Compared to the constant rain back in May it has been gorgeous, in the high 80s/low 90s most days. Probably 30 mins rain in total all week due to humidity. Not sure how comparable this is to August conditions - probably a little drier I guess - but we're likely to give that time a try next year as the kids have stood up well to the heat.
Right back to the pool and some swimming to work off some calories. Any questions about anything, just ask away.
Paul
- US Airways flight out via Charlotte was really good, with immigration at Charlotte very pleasant and straightforward indeed. Great arriving at MCO having cleared customs, and saving £600+ compared to a direct flight with Virgin or BA is a decent bonus too. IFE good, and better than Virgin too. Food was ok, and cabin crew helpful.
- Did the dessert party at MK last night. Was a great experience with lots of lovely puddings, but probably wouldn't do this again. The didn't replenish a lot of the desserts after the initial rush, and the seating area was IMO a little oversold. Perhaps it was down to it being a Saturday night, but they need to be careful they don't overmilk this new source of income.
- Halloween party at MK was great, and most rides were a walk-on. Parade and special fireworks as good as ever, and we thought it was well worth the cost of the tickets.
- Spent Friday night at Celebration, first with a meal at Market St cafe, then watching the leaves 'fall' from the sky on the hour! Kids had brown paper bags from the local shops, and spent ages collecting the paper leaves. Not sure what we're going to with them all, but apparently we just have to take them home...
- Saw Buzz Lightyear's homecoming parade with Buzz Aldrin on Friday. Was wonderful to see the great man up close and Mr Aldrin as well, of course!
- Had AP special passes to see a preview of the new Tinker Bell DVD at MK last Sunday. Disney really made us feel special - free drinks and snack, plus chance of photos with Tink and her friend Terrence (coming to the parks in a month or so), and a goody bad for the kids.
- Lunch at Chefs de France was lovely. Their lobster bisque, ham and cheese sandwich and creme brulee combination is great value, and we saw Remy too! He really is impressive and so neatly operated too, so well worth a visit.
- Parks have generally been not that busy, although the F&W at Epcot does get very busy (and the number of drunks by late afternoon seems higher than previous years). Saw Starship and Richard Marx in the Eat to the Beat concerts. Nice to have them scheduled every day compared to the Flower and Garden festival restriction of just weekends - you can be walking around the park and just think to pop along for a seat near the back.
- Staying at the most beautiful off-site villa at Windsor Hills. Love the home and the resort. Very spacious and beautifully kept, with good facilities.
- Oh, last thing - the weather. Compared to the constant rain back in May it has been gorgeous, in the high 80s/low 90s most days. Probably 30 mins rain in total all week due to humidity. Not sure how comparable this is to August conditions - probably a little drier I guess - but we're likely to give that time a try next year as the kids have stood up well to the heat.
Right back to the pool and some swimming to work off some calories. Any questions about anything, just ask away.
Paul
