A Dream Come True - Pre Trip Report

[Pinky166]

So who are we? I hear you ask……


Well i’m Claire, a 30 something year old Disney freak, I also love a “little” bit of retail therapy & the occasional cocktail or Rosa Regale.


Lee, also 30 something, aka the Mad Hatter - my wonderful hubby who doesn’t share my Disney obsession but must love me a hell of a lot as he funds it & keeps letting me go back!

So when are we going and where are we staying?......well, that’s what my dearest hubby keeps asking!


We head off to the Hilton at Gatwick on Saturday 22nd January.

Then on Sunday we are flying direct with Virgin Atlantic, once we land we will pick up our hire car & head to the Royal Pacific Resort at Universal, which will be our home for the next two nights. I am really looking forward to staying here as we have stayed at the other two (Hard Rock Hotel & Portofino Bay) but not this one yet. We will spend two days in IOA/US, I am looking forward to seeing WWoHP as it opened a few days after I returned in June.

We are then driving late afternoon to Cape Canaveral for one night at the Radisson Inn.

We will be up bright & early the next morning as we are boarding the DREAM for her Maiden Voyage!!!!!!


Our home for the next 4 nights…….

Once we are booted off the ship we will be staying at Animal Kingdom Villa’s for 9 nights in a Studio.

ADR’s:

We have booked a few but plan to eat offsite a little too. We have our two favourite restaurants, Le Cellier & Yachtsmen Steakhouse, also Raglan Road, Mama Melrose, Ohana (breakfast & dinner), plus we will be making at least one stop to Earl of Sandwich. We are also hoping to try the Cheesecake Factory this trip as it is one that I’ve wanted to try for ages but never seem to make it there. I have a long list of restaurants offsite & we will just pick one on the day depending on what’s nearby.


We will also be going to our first NBA game to watch…..

VS

I booked this as a surprise for Lee & gave him the tickets for Christmas we are both very much looking forward to it. We are not massive NBA fans but just want to experience a game as we’ve heard that it’s good fun & a great atmosphere.


If we have time I would like to go to Celebration as we haven’t been there before, we will probably fit in some miniature golf & also a "little" shopping along the way too. I am trying my best not to over plan it as I want to just relax & go with the flow.


So that’s about it really, the time is coming around really fast now so I need to pull my finger out & get my Fish Extender gifts finished (75 cabins, over 200 people!!!), I also need to print my door magnets & get the packing started.


Arrrghhhhh so little time! ​

 

[Chilly]

Sounds brilliant Claire, but 75 cabins for the FE

 

[mandymouse]

Wow ! What an amazing trip you have got planned Claire Oh my, 75 cabins for the Fish Extender Exchange

Have you got any excursions planned ?

Have a fab time, and I can't wait to read all about it when you get back

 

[Pinky166]

I know!!!! I nearly fainted when I saw the list too.......it is a bit of a weird set up as they have said you don't have to deliver to each one, plus they have let others join since the cut off date. I have done about 58 cabins so far so i'm getting there but if anymore join then I will have to draw the line somewhere!


We haven't got any excursions booked Mandy, we want to spend as much time exploring the ship as possible. We may go over to Atlantis for a couple of hours (to visit the scene of the crime , can't believe it will be 10 years ago in July that we got married there ) and we will be relaxing on Castaway Cay for a few hours but nothing else is planned. No Palo or Remy as no one other than Platinum & Gold managed to get in. but I am sure we will be enjoying the new restaurants anyway, plus we will be having too much fun with our tablemates.....a certain Ms Tart & DD!

 

[irongirlof12]

oh Claire you lucky thing; the maiden voyage of the dream. please take lots of photos and enjoy the cocktails I can't wait to read all about your amazing trip when you return.

 

[jjk]

Sounds Fab Claire, cant wait to hear all about it

 

[mandymouse]

plus we will be having too much fun with our tablemates.....a certain Ms Tart & DD!

Ahh, now I see why you're worrying about the bar bill

I don't blame you for just wanting to stay onboard, though it will be lovely for you to visit Atlantis again

Have fun

 

[disney_princess_85]

Sounds fab Claire!

 

[Claire L]

Sounds like you will have a wonderful time

Claire

 

[mark&sue]

everything single element sounds amazing. You will have just the best time.

so pleased for you.

enjoy the rest of your planning



susan

 

[squitty]

Hi Claire

Your trip sounds lovely. Can't wait to hear all about it.

 

[strawberry blonde]

What a fantastic trip. Glad you and Karen are letting Lee tag along this time ......if only to pay for the cocktails

 

[scottish mum]

Sounds like you have an amazing trip planned, can't wait to read all about it

 

[jen_uk]

Sounds like an incredible trip!

 

[Pinky166]

Thanks for reading everyone.

Ahh, now I see why you're worrying about the bar bill

I don't blame you for just wanting to stay onboard, though it will be lovely for you to visit Atlantis again

Have fun

Lee's wallet is flinching at the mere thought of it! I already warned him that it was named Pink's for me, so he is aware of how much time I will be spending in there.

Hi Claire

Your trip sounds lovely. Can't wait to hear all about it.

Hi Michelle, I will do a trip report & tell you all about it.

What a fantastic trip. Glad you and Karen are letting Lee tag along this time ......if only to pay for the cocktails

I honesty hadn't thought of that.

 

[jockey]

Your plans sound great

 

[saratogagirl]

It all sounds wonderful honey, I can't wait to hear all about it, and I need you to do lots of research on Pink for me...

Have you stayed at the studios in the AKL before, they are lovely, you are quite a bit taller than me (which is not difficult), if you weren't I would have advised that you take a pole to vault onto the bed.. They are sooooo high!!

 

[cannp123165]

Sounds amazing! Have a brilliant time!

 

[Linda67]

Just wanted to wish you Bon Voyage

Can't wait to hear all about your trip

 

[Pinky166]

Thanks everyone, I am pretty much packed & ready to go. Just got to wait until tomorrow.....I am SO not going to sleep tonight!