- Joined
- Jul 7, 2000
Sunday, 9th November
I wake in the night. Im guessing its around 3am as six hours is the longest I ever sleep in one stint and, sure enough, Im right. I manage to dose off after an hour or so, eventually waking at 6.40am. Thats okay, though, because Im keen to get to Saratoga Springs before 10am to check in. The only keenness Matt manages to muster revolves entirely around staying in bed.
We find ourselves having to physically check out this morning. Our early night last night meant we missed turndown and, more importantly, the two complimentary mini bottles of Fiji, forcing me to crack open one of the $7 bottles in the room. Linda (the same woman who checked us in two days ago) struggles to persuade the computer to add it to the bill. Just as Im about to suggest that its a sign ($7 for a bottle of water?!) she cracks it and were walking to the car by 9.10am.
We drive straight to our home DVC resort of Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa. Were anxious to get check in out of the way, besides which we believe were more likely to have our requests met by doing so early. Weve booked a one-bed villa and have requested Grandstand (the newest section and the one at which weve stayed previously), and a non-ground floor location at the extreme of a unit (the buildings are all laid out in a squared-off u format and those at the "ends", or "tops" if you like, of the "u", dont overlook other buildings). Theres no line as we enter the Carriage House (Matt mumbles something about everyone else being in bed), but checking in is the most peculiar affair. Im not sure whether the CM in question is thrown by our accents or is just plain weird, but she has no interest in any kind of interaction, barely speaking two words to us during the entire process, and failing to welcome us home. I ask two questions and receive a nod and a shake of the head respectively. At one point she seems on the verge of cracking a smile, but it's such a fleeting expression, I figure it must be wind. In her favour, she deals with everything at lightening speed and thats not to be underestimated as it can often be a bit of a drawn out process. She confirms that weve been allocated a unit in Grandstand and were to call back later for our room number.
We hadnt planned on visiting Premium Outlets this trip, but since our arrival in Orlando, the local news channel has reported the opening of a new annexe and 50 new stores, so we take the short drive there arriving at 9.50am. The parking lot is relatively empty, but theres a steady stream of cars arriving and a fair few people milling around awaiting the 10am opening time. Were keen to see the new stores at the back of the complex and head off in that direction. As we pass by, Lucky Brand Stores is just opening its doors (its one of the new stores, but located in an existing unit), so we take the opportunity to check it out as I want to look at the baby stuff for our Grandson. The staff congratulates us on being their first customers. I enquire about prizes, but it seems they havent thought that far. To my disappointment, I learn that they wont be getting the kids range until next week, but I take a look around anyway and end up buying two vest tops. I like this store its a true bargain outlet, unlike some others which are barely discounted. Lucky is expensive at full retail prices and my purchases are down to $14.99 each from $44.95 and $29.95 respectively, plus they have a permanent buy one, get second 50% off promotion on almost all merchandise. Lucky! (See what I did there?)
We carry on, stopping to browse in various stores. We both want some comfortable shoes and I take a look in Skechers, but this is one of those which doesnt seem that cheap. We buy both Kenny Chesneys and Brad Paisleys new albums in Music For A Song. Theyre marked at $14.99 each, but we havent a clue about the regular price of CDs these days, so dont know whether or not weve scored a bargain. Matt manages to find a pair of trainer-style shoes in the Timberland store for $59.99. Theyre not as nice as the Merrills he saw at Mall at Millenia, but, then again, those were well over $100, so he bites the bullet with the Timberlands.
The plan for today was always to make our way to Edwin Watts (albeit for browsing, rather than keeping them in business as we have done on previous trips) then to head to Corona Cigars and Seasons 52 at west Sand Lake Road. We leave Premium Outlets at 11.30am.
Whilst driving around a few days back, we spotted a new store Golf Galaxy next to the new Whole Food Markets at the junction of Turkey Lake and Sand Lake Roads, so we decide to check that out before going on to Edwin Watts. As we drive up, though, theres an opening soon sign outside, so its clearly not meant to be. Edwin Watts has seen a refit since our last visit in January this year and is sporting a new driving simulator. We spend some time browsing, but leave with just a new Trion-Z bracelet for Matt.
Next up is Corona Cigars at Sand Lake Road. Matts jotted down the names of some high-scoring, yet cheap, award winners from Cigar Aficionado magazine and manages to track down a few of them (although not the $5, 94 pointer, which hes told has been discontinued). He settles for a box of 24 La Gloria Cubana Serie R No 4 which scored a very respectable 90 points. Although this is a huge place, stuffed to the rafters with some pretty impressive cigars, he knows hell also want to buy some from Sosa at Downtown Disney, so he leaves it at that.
Im particularly excited to be visiting Seasons 52 for lunch. [Despite its rave reviews, it had never really appealed, but we found ourselves in the vicinity and at a loose end during our last trip in January and immediately fathomed its popularity. Its a gorgeous space with just the right combination of glamour and laid-back ease. Notwithstanding its healthy tag, the food is tasty and creative.] We elect to sit at the bar which clearly isnt a popular choice for Sunday lunch as, whilst the restaurant is fairly busy, were the only patrons at the bar. The restaurant boasts an award-winning wine list and I waste no time in ordering the ZD chardonnay. Matt has a Sierra Nevada.
(We didn't have the DSLR with us, so the shots aren't great. I'm not quite sure, either, what caused the maniacal look on my face...)
We take our time perusing the menu and I eventually settle for two appetisers - Small Plate Baby Spinach Salad with Blue Cheese, Pear and Pine Nuts followed by the Goat Cheese Ravioli in a Tomato Broth with Rosemary and Parmesan Flat Bread. Matt opts for Barbecue Chicken Skewers and Grilled Flank Steak Sandwich. The bartender is working the entire bar area and, on his return from attending to a couple of diners in booths, expresses surprise that our appetisers arent out. Weve been happily chatting away and havent noticed an overly long wait. He disappears off to the kitchen and is soon back with them, telling us that theyre on the house. We insist that it isnt a problem, and that were just happy to be sitting there chilling out, but hes equally insistent that it isnt up to their usual high standards, so we dont press the point. I have another glass of the ZD and Matt fancies a shiraz. The bartender recommends a couple the Woop Woop (Australian) which were familiar with and know is at the lower end of the price range, and the Sequillo (South African) which he says is expensive, but worth it. After taking a moment to check the list, Matt decides on something else altogether as the Sequillo isnt listed as being available by the glass. Were surprised to learn that, actually, all their wines are available by the glass and even more surprised that theres no premium (a 175ml glass costs a quarter of the bottle price). I make a mental note to pay attention at other restaurants in a bid to discover if this is usual policy in the US. At home, its considerably cheaper to buy by the bottle.
I wake in the night. Im guessing its around 3am as six hours is the longest I ever sleep in one stint and, sure enough, Im right. I manage to dose off after an hour or so, eventually waking at 6.40am. Thats okay, though, because Im keen to get to Saratoga Springs before 10am to check in. The only keenness Matt manages to muster revolves entirely around staying in bed.
We find ourselves having to physically check out this morning. Our early night last night meant we missed turndown and, more importantly, the two complimentary mini bottles of Fiji, forcing me to crack open one of the $7 bottles in the room. Linda (the same woman who checked us in two days ago) struggles to persuade the computer to add it to the bill. Just as Im about to suggest that its a sign ($7 for a bottle of water?!) she cracks it and were walking to the car by 9.10am.
We drive straight to our home DVC resort of Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa. Were anxious to get check in out of the way, besides which we believe were more likely to have our requests met by doing so early. Weve booked a one-bed villa and have requested Grandstand (the newest section and the one at which weve stayed previously), and a non-ground floor location at the extreme of a unit (the buildings are all laid out in a squared-off u format and those at the "ends", or "tops" if you like, of the "u", dont overlook other buildings). Theres no line as we enter the Carriage House (Matt mumbles something about everyone else being in bed), but checking in is the most peculiar affair. Im not sure whether the CM in question is thrown by our accents or is just plain weird, but she has no interest in any kind of interaction, barely speaking two words to us during the entire process, and failing to welcome us home. I ask two questions and receive a nod and a shake of the head respectively. At one point she seems on the verge of cracking a smile, but it's such a fleeting expression, I figure it must be wind. In her favour, she deals with everything at lightening speed and thats not to be underestimated as it can often be a bit of a drawn out process. She confirms that weve been allocated a unit in Grandstand and were to call back later for our room number.
We hadnt planned on visiting Premium Outlets this trip, but since our arrival in Orlando, the local news channel has reported the opening of a new annexe and 50 new stores, so we take the short drive there arriving at 9.50am. The parking lot is relatively empty, but theres a steady stream of cars arriving and a fair few people milling around awaiting the 10am opening time. Were keen to see the new stores at the back of the complex and head off in that direction. As we pass by, Lucky Brand Stores is just opening its doors (its one of the new stores, but located in an existing unit), so we take the opportunity to check it out as I want to look at the baby stuff for our Grandson. The staff congratulates us on being their first customers. I enquire about prizes, but it seems they havent thought that far. To my disappointment, I learn that they wont be getting the kids range until next week, but I take a look around anyway and end up buying two vest tops. I like this store its a true bargain outlet, unlike some others which are barely discounted. Lucky is expensive at full retail prices and my purchases are down to $14.99 each from $44.95 and $29.95 respectively, plus they have a permanent buy one, get second 50% off promotion on almost all merchandise. Lucky! (See what I did there?)
We carry on, stopping to browse in various stores. We both want some comfortable shoes and I take a look in Skechers, but this is one of those which doesnt seem that cheap. We buy both Kenny Chesneys and Brad Paisleys new albums in Music For A Song. Theyre marked at $14.99 each, but we havent a clue about the regular price of CDs these days, so dont know whether or not weve scored a bargain. Matt manages to find a pair of trainer-style shoes in the Timberland store for $59.99. Theyre not as nice as the Merrills he saw at Mall at Millenia, but, then again, those were well over $100, so he bites the bullet with the Timberlands.
The plan for today was always to make our way to Edwin Watts (albeit for browsing, rather than keeping them in business as we have done on previous trips) then to head to Corona Cigars and Seasons 52 at west Sand Lake Road. We leave Premium Outlets at 11.30am.
Whilst driving around a few days back, we spotted a new store Golf Galaxy next to the new Whole Food Markets at the junction of Turkey Lake and Sand Lake Roads, so we decide to check that out before going on to Edwin Watts. As we drive up, though, theres an opening soon sign outside, so its clearly not meant to be. Edwin Watts has seen a refit since our last visit in January this year and is sporting a new driving simulator. We spend some time browsing, but leave with just a new Trion-Z bracelet for Matt.
Next up is Corona Cigars at Sand Lake Road. Matts jotted down the names of some high-scoring, yet cheap, award winners from Cigar Aficionado magazine and manages to track down a few of them (although not the $5, 94 pointer, which hes told has been discontinued). He settles for a box of 24 La Gloria Cubana Serie R No 4 which scored a very respectable 90 points. Although this is a huge place, stuffed to the rafters with some pretty impressive cigars, he knows hell also want to buy some from Sosa at Downtown Disney, so he leaves it at that.
Im particularly excited to be visiting Seasons 52 for lunch. [Despite its rave reviews, it had never really appealed, but we found ourselves in the vicinity and at a loose end during our last trip in January and immediately fathomed its popularity. Its a gorgeous space with just the right combination of glamour and laid-back ease. Notwithstanding its healthy tag, the food is tasty and creative.] We elect to sit at the bar which clearly isnt a popular choice for Sunday lunch as, whilst the restaurant is fairly busy, were the only patrons at the bar. The restaurant boasts an award-winning wine list and I waste no time in ordering the ZD chardonnay. Matt has a Sierra Nevada.
(We didn't have the DSLR with us, so the shots aren't great. I'm not quite sure, either, what caused the maniacal look on my face...)
We take our time perusing the menu and I eventually settle for two appetisers - Small Plate Baby Spinach Salad with Blue Cheese, Pear and Pine Nuts followed by the Goat Cheese Ravioli in a Tomato Broth with Rosemary and Parmesan Flat Bread. Matt opts for Barbecue Chicken Skewers and Grilled Flank Steak Sandwich. The bartender is working the entire bar area and, on his return from attending to a couple of diners in booths, expresses surprise that our appetisers arent out. Weve been happily chatting away and havent noticed an overly long wait. He disappears off to the kitchen and is soon back with them, telling us that theyre on the house. We insist that it isnt a problem, and that were just happy to be sitting there chilling out, but hes equally insistent that it isnt up to their usual high standards, so we dont press the point. I have another glass of the ZD and Matt fancies a shiraz. The bartender recommends a couple the Woop Woop (Australian) which were familiar with and know is at the lower end of the price range, and the Sequillo (South African) which he says is expensive, but worth it. After taking a moment to check the list, Matt decides on something else altogether as the Sequillo isnt listed as being available by the glass. Were surprised to learn that, actually, all their wines are available by the glass and even more surprised that theres no premium (a 175ml glass costs a quarter of the bottle price). I make a mental note to pay attention at other restaurants in a bid to discover if this is usual policy in the US. At home, its considerably cheaper to buy by the bottle.
). We unpack and take some photos before sitting on the balcony for half an hour, soaking up our surroundings and basking in mutual contentment. Although moving around isnt a problem for us and the accommodations this trip have been absolutely perfect for what weve wanted to do, it's so nice to be in this spacious suite knowing that we're settled for the rest of the trip. 
SSR check in area looks lovely, as does the food. I loved the Premium Outlets when we went last year. 
But you made up for it as the day progressed 
