Day 8 28/2/03 Changing Resort
Today we were moving resorts, so we finished packing, then I drove DM, DS and 2Sis to Seaworld where they would spend the day. Returning to the Vistana, DW and myself loaded up the van, and checked out at 10.15am, slightly disgruntled by the maids who had been knocking on our door since 9am to politely remind us that it was check-out day. As we left, we paid visit to Zimmies Internet Café to pursue my quest to obtain tickets for the Saints v Wolves FA Cup quarter final. Unfortunately the online booking system was down.
Our stay at the Vistana resort had been good, even though we didnt really take advantage of many of the facilities on offer. The accommodation was of a good, but not exceptional, standard and the location was excellent. The one downside was a frequent badgering from the Welcome Committee to attend one of their presentations. You would think that having told them once that we werent interested then they would leave you alone, but they kept trying.
We headed down to Lake Buena Vista Outlets so DW could do some shopping. With all our luggage in the van, this is a good place as you can park centrally and easily keep an eye on your belongings. I headed off to find a phone to call SFC and get my tickets. Managed to secure the last two tickets together in the stadium. Phew!!
After an hour or so, we headed to Ponderosa at the intersection of 535/536. A bit of a dump, and the buffet was more impressive than the steaks. The till operator was not the brightest individual, and struggled to deal with our 10% discount coupon, eventually asking me just to pay full price. I dont think so!!! A visit from the supervisor was required and the bill was rectified. Overall, this place just reminded me of a bad 1970s motorway service station café. Will avoid in future.
Despite the 4pm check-in time, we decided to chance our luck and arrived at Marriotts Grande Vista (on I-drive, about 1 mile south of SeaWorld) just after 1pm. Our room was ready and we were unpacking by 1.20pm. Although apparently due for refurb later this year, our 2 bed unit was definitely a notch superior to that at the Vistana. The décor was more tasteful as well. We had two screened in balconies overlooking the golf practice greens.
We took a wander round the resort heated pools, games room, gym, excellent indoor toddlers play area, activities centre where you could rent bikes, table tennis, boats, pedalos etc. The grounds were beautifully kept and we really felt that this resort was of a higher standard to the Vistana. We returned to our room, relaxed for a while, and awaited the return of the others from SeaWorld.
Day 9 01/03/03 Changing Cast
Departing DM, Sis1, Sis2 Arriving Mil, Gmil
My primary function today was to be Taxi Driver. At about 10am we headed up to Pointe Orlando, this took longer than expected due to activities at the convention centre causing traffic congestion. We spent about an hour in FAO Schwarz, before heading to the airport for the first of todays visits.
Mil and Gmil arrived on schedule. DS was once again the centre of attention and being showered with gifts, for which he didnt seem to be the least bit grateful. He only sees Mil and Gmil (or GM and GGM to him) about once a year, so we are never quite sure how he will react to them. However, after a couple of hours he had warmed to their presence and all was well.
We headed out for a family dinner at 5pm. Bennigans had a 25 min wait, and we did not have time to spare, so we went next door to the Steak and Ale restaurant. We were seated almost immediately and had a fantastic meal. Nothing fancy, but good food and plenty of it. The time had come for DM and 2Sis to leave. Another trip to the airport and they were headed back to the UK.
A fairly relaxing couple of days overall, and batteries recharged to hit more parks in the coming week.
Today we were moving resorts, so we finished packing, then I drove DM, DS and 2Sis to Seaworld where they would spend the day. Returning to the Vistana, DW and myself loaded up the van, and checked out at 10.15am, slightly disgruntled by the maids who had been knocking on our door since 9am to politely remind us that it was check-out day. As we left, we paid visit to Zimmies Internet Café to pursue my quest to obtain tickets for the Saints v Wolves FA Cup quarter final. Unfortunately the online booking system was down.
Our stay at the Vistana resort had been good, even though we didnt really take advantage of many of the facilities on offer. The accommodation was of a good, but not exceptional, standard and the location was excellent. The one downside was a frequent badgering from the Welcome Committee to attend one of their presentations. You would think that having told them once that we werent interested then they would leave you alone, but they kept trying.
We headed down to Lake Buena Vista Outlets so DW could do some shopping. With all our luggage in the van, this is a good place as you can park centrally and easily keep an eye on your belongings. I headed off to find a phone to call SFC and get my tickets. Managed to secure the last two tickets together in the stadium. Phew!!
After an hour or so, we headed to Ponderosa at the intersection of 535/536. A bit of a dump, and the buffet was more impressive than the steaks. The till operator was not the brightest individual, and struggled to deal with our 10% discount coupon, eventually asking me just to pay full price. I dont think so!!! A visit from the supervisor was required and the bill was rectified. Overall, this place just reminded me of a bad 1970s motorway service station café. Will avoid in future.
Despite the 4pm check-in time, we decided to chance our luck and arrived at Marriotts Grande Vista (on I-drive, about 1 mile south of SeaWorld) just after 1pm. Our room was ready and we were unpacking by 1.20pm. Although apparently due for refurb later this year, our 2 bed unit was definitely a notch superior to that at the Vistana. The décor was more tasteful as well. We had two screened in balconies overlooking the golf practice greens.
We took a wander round the resort heated pools, games room, gym, excellent indoor toddlers play area, activities centre where you could rent bikes, table tennis, boats, pedalos etc. The grounds were beautifully kept and we really felt that this resort was of a higher standard to the Vistana. We returned to our room, relaxed for a while, and awaited the return of the others from SeaWorld.
Day 9 01/03/03 Changing Cast
Departing DM, Sis1, Sis2 Arriving Mil, Gmil
My primary function today was to be Taxi Driver. At about 10am we headed up to Pointe Orlando, this took longer than expected due to activities at the convention centre causing traffic congestion. We spent about an hour in FAO Schwarz, before heading to the airport for the first of todays visits.
Mil and Gmil arrived on schedule. DS was once again the centre of attention and being showered with gifts, for which he didnt seem to be the least bit grateful. He only sees Mil and Gmil (or GM and GGM to him) about once a year, so we are never quite sure how he will react to them. However, after a couple of hours he had warmed to their presence and all was well.
We headed out for a family dinner at 5pm. Bennigans had a 25 min wait, and we did not have time to spare, so we went next door to the Steak and Ale restaurant. We were seated almost immediately and had a fantastic meal. Nothing fancy, but good food and plenty of it. The time had come for DM and 2Sis to leave. Another trip to the airport and they were headed back to the UK.
A fairly relaxing couple of days overall, and batteries recharged to hit more parks in the coming week.
