wicket2005
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- Joined
- Mar 31, 2005
- Messages
- 5,959
Tuesday, 18th July 2006
Dear Friends
Dont the days pass quickly? It wont be long till you are back in Orlando again. The first time we went was with my parents and sister, the kids were only 5 and 7. It was such a special holiday. Not only because we shared it with special people but because everything was new. Each ride surpassed anything we had experienced before.
Today, I lay in the bath enjoying a bit of tranquillity before the day started. A quick email to my parents followed by breakfast in the Red Deli. We had got the breakfast in with Craig. Gary isnt the fastest person in a morning. We waited in the lobby for him with his breakfast. I think the kids did really well getting up at 7 ish each day and being on the go till 10-11 ish each night so I cannot complain. Gary is the night owl so missed his sleep ins, whilst Craig is the early bird ready in 2 minutes flat.
It was in about 15 minutes flat we reached the Universal Resort, parking in Spiderman again. You know I cannot believe you have not been to this park yet, it is the kids favourite.
Gary particularly likes The Mummy, Craig isnt too fussed and I think I am a lovely person. The only problem with the ride is that I am jerked around a lot and end up with bruises. Make sure you wedge yourself in and keep yourself tense on it, otherwise you might feel a bit battered. You have to put your bags into a free lockers right next to the ride before you go on. Just remember your locker number. We had 2 goes before walking further into the park.
The park was fairly empty with it being early. That empty, in fact, I could take a picture of Jaws with no one in the picture. (There is a huge shark hanging from its tail just outside the ride, which is a popular photo shoot.) I also took the obligatory photo of one of the family (Ian) being eaten by the shark not a cool thing for teenagers to do even if there was no one else about.
There were a few people waiting outside Men In Black, this ride was hugely popular with the kids last year as they tried to beat each others high scores. It is like a teenage version of Buzz. Remember to hit that red button when you go on it.
Back to the Future was next, on Craigs request, it was extremely jerky. It is about time this ride is refurbished or something. Both kids banged around quite a bit. I was doing my tense act, keeping everything planted down so I was okay.
I wasnt okay when we headed to ET. The kids and Ian were in stitches they had decided to give themselves silly names from Lost for their ET passport. (You get a card on entering, then just before you go for a walk to the ride, you tell a CM your name, this card is collected just before your ride, then at the end ET is supposed to say your name. Usually it is a bit unclear but sometimes you can make out the names.) They had problems keeping a straight face as they said their names. The ET ride was as cute as ever.
We were fully prepared for Curious George next. Electronics in a waterproof bag, quick drying clothes and sandals. When you go, please dont sit outside go in and join in the fun as long as it is a hot day and you dont mind getting wet. It is so cooling. I think you can get wetter here than all the other water rides put together.
Now 1988, was a special year for us (as was 1990) because we had our first child. Our soon to be 18 year old lay in wait, ready to spring a water loaded trap at the unsuspecting, every bit the little kiddie we knew about 10 years ago. I need talk I was just as bad. For the first time, Ian joined us and walked right into Garys trap. It was very funny and, fortunately, Ian thought so too.
After burning up our last bit of energy it was time for a fuel stop. We tried the Hollywood Palace and had lunch a la fresco. Ian and me had chicken salad, the kids burgers and they shared Craigs chocolate cake. I was too busy eating my salad. No wonder salads fill you up, by the time you have finished eating it, it time for your next meal.
Still it was healthy food and would give us a lot of energy. I think you need to go in to training before you go to Orlando. My exercise levels were not quite what they had been due to my accident but normally I spin, swim, glide and hit a shuttlecock all at once. How fit is that? I even play a bit of footie with Craig but that is as far as the footie goes I am not in to football.
Anyway, back on track, before you fall asleep, run out of time or simply just runaway next was Earthquake. Another wonder of technology, the USA is just miles ahead of us. It does make me wonder what they would think of our parks.
Mind you some of the American shows can be a bit sicky. Have you watched The Fear Factor, not the programme to watch whilst you are eating anything! Well Universal has its own little entertaining show. I like the big spider bit the best and the worse the eating bit. The rest of the show is okay. Luckily Gary wasnt 18 otherwise he would have been up for it but not the eating part. When you go, get there a bit early there are some entertainers on some bouncy stilt things that are really good.
This year I had wanted to put in more rest times. We didnt do that last year and you saw the state of us when we returned. Zombies looked better than us. Two weeks of 6 am 11 pm days certainly took its toll. Therefore, we left the park without doing our favourite Shrek ride, shame - we went back to the hotel for a swim and a rest. A thought quite alien to us but I knew it was a good idea from what you had said.
Unfortunately, lightning was in the area so the pool was closed. The hotel was still full to the brim of the God Squad as one Americans called them but up in the room it was quiet. We all had a little rest, Ian had a nap. He can sleep anywhere, anytime and anyhow I wish I was like that. After a short rest we found the pool was open. You were right it was so relaxing having a swim and sun bathing. You could almost feel the battery levels recharging.
When we went back to the lifts, it was full of religious people. One fiftyish, Reverend woman sharply told Gary to press 20 for the floor. He has been quite helpfully pressing the floors for people but the rest had been polite. I was not impressed with this woman. Somehow I thought extremely religious people would be nice to others and not rude but there you go.
Anyway suitably refreshed we went to Sea World. We saw beautiful flamingos, slowly swimming turtles, mad swimming stingrays and delightfully playful dolphins. I have to say, I feel a bit wary of the old stingrays now after poor Steve Irwin. We loved his shows, he was a special man. He was born in 1962, the same as us so it does hit home that you just have to get the best from life on a day to day basis because you just dont know what is round the corner.
I appreciated that bit of advice you gave me by the way, about not dreading the kids not coming on holiday with us and that we would have just as fantastic a holiday but in a different way when that day comes. I dont think that will be for a while with them both being students, I dont think they are going to turn down a free trip to Orlando somehow.
Well, as a family of four, we matched on to The Kraken. This has to be my favourite rollercoaster. I just love that first drop. I was instructed to smile for the camera, which is apparently on one of the loops, I grinned insanely which is no mean feat when you are being twirled upside down and every which way, for all the loops. Needless to say we didnt buy the picture. Everytime I go on rides I remember you saying pull a funny face and I can still picture that funny picture of you all looking scared stiff on Splash!
Talking about funny have you seen the new Clyde and Seymour Night Time show? It is a must do. We just happened to try it right place, right time. It was very funny, it looks at all the other rides/shows at Sea World and take the Mickey out of them. I wont spoil it for you. However, I would say get there early otherwise you will get the Mickey taken out of you by the Mime Artist he is one of the best things at Sea World. We will have to try the Believe show again
We saw seals, seal pups, sharks and sea horses before heading right across to Wild Arctic. The place was empty, we had a whole theatre to ourselves and played making shadow pictures. When we headed to the exhibits the CM was straight over to us, telling the kids to touch the ice wall. We then had a discussion on where we were from and had we been there before? It turned out we had been there more times then the CM and had seen more of the animals. She lost us when she tried to convince us that the Beluga whale must have remembered her friends because she popped her head out of the water and looked straight at us. Class. She then warned us that we probably wouldnt be able to see the polar bear, she never had, because it was usually asleep. It, however, kindly walked around for us before snuggling back down. One year when we went we saw it swimming underwater that was quite something.
The walruses were doing the same circuit around the pool that we have seen before. Again we commented on the size of them. You know I do love Sea World but those Wild Arctic enclosures look ever so small for the animals.
It started to rain as we headed back to the car. We popped to a Subway for a sandwich on the way back. The rain quickly became torrential then went into a fully blown thunderstorm. My favourite.
We were right up on the 21st floor and had a fantastic view of the storm. Though I hoped the hotel had good lightning conductors. I remember reading about not being the tallest object when there was a storm about and I dont think the buildings came any taller than the Rosen Centre. We went to sleep with the curtains open watching the storm, a whole area of Orlando lost its lights. Thankfully we didnt.
Before I forget I didnt get to buy any Crocs which I know you had recommended. Ian did, after saying they were horrible back home. Somehow a dose of sun and seeing loads of men wearing them made him think different.
My goodness, I do apologise for the length of this letter, I hope I have not interrupted your day too much or sent you to sleep! I just had to tell you everything and I am pleased you enjoyed my last letter. I will send you some photos as soon as I get them.
Take care.
Bev, Ian, Gary and Craig
xxxxx
Dear Friends
Dont the days pass quickly? It wont be long till you are back in Orlando again. The first time we went was with my parents and sister, the kids were only 5 and 7. It was such a special holiday. Not only because we shared it with special people but because everything was new. Each ride surpassed anything we had experienced before.
Today, I lay in the bath enjoying a bit of tranquillity before the day started. A quick email to my parents followed by breakfast in the Red Deli. We had got the breakfast in with Craig. Gary isnt the fastest person in a morning. We waited in the lobby for him with his breakfast. I think the kids did really well getting up at 7 ish each day and being on the go till 10-11 ish each night so I cannot complain. Gary is the night owl so missed his sleep ins, whilst Craig is the early bird ready in 2 minutes flat.
It was in about 15 minutes flat we reached the Universal Resort, parking in Spiderman again. You know I cannot believe you have not been to this park yet, it is the kids favourite.
Gary particularly likes The Mummy, Craig isnt too fussed and I think I am a lovely person. The only problem with the ride is that I am jerked around a lot and end up with bruises. Make sure you wedge yourself in and keep yourself tense on it, otherwise you might feel a bit battered. You have to put your bags into a free lockers right next to the ride before you go on. Just remember your locker number. We had 2 goes before walking further into the park.
The park was fairly empty with it being early. That empty, in fact, I could take a picture of Jaws with no one in the picture. (There is a huge shark hanging from its tail just outside the ride, which is a popular photo shoot.) I also took the obligatory photo of one of the family (Ian) being eaten by the shark not a cool thing for teenagers to do even if there was no one else about.
There were a few people waiting outside Men In Black, this ride was hugely popular with the kids last year as they tried to beat each others high scores. It is like a teenage version of Buzz. Remember to hit that red button when you go on it.
Back to the Future was next, on Craigs request, it was extremely jerky. It is about time this ride is refurbished or something. Both kids banged around quite a bit. I was doing my tense act, keeping everything planted down so I was okay.
I wasnt okay when we headed to ET. The kids and Ian were in stitches they had decided to give themselves silly names from Lost for their ET passport. (You get a card on entering, then just before you go for a walk to the ride, you tell a CM your name, this card is collected just before your ride, then at the end ET is supposed to say your name. Usually it is a bit unclear but sometimes you can make out the names.) They had problems keeping a straight face as they said their names. The ET ride was as cute as ever.
We were fully prepared for Curious George next. Electronics in a waterproof bag, quick drying clothes and sandals. When you go, please dont sit outside go in and join in the fun as long as it is a hot day and you dont mind getting wet. It is so cooling. I think you can get wetter here than all the other water rides put together.
Now 1988, was a special year for us (as was 1990) because we had our first child. Our soon to be 18 year old lay in wait, ready to spring a water loaded trap at the unsuspecting, every bit the little kiddie we knew about 10 years ago. I need talk I was just as bad. For the first time, Ian joined us and walked right into Garys trap. It was very funny and, fortunately, Ian thought so too.
After burning up our last bit of energy it was time for a fuel stop. We tried the Hollywood Palace and had lunch a la fresco. Ian and me had chicken salad, the kids burgers and they shared Craigs chocolate cake. I was too busy eating my salad. No wonder salads fill you up, by the time you have finished eating it, it time for your next meal.
Still it was healthy food and would give us a lot of energy. I think you need to go in to training before you go to Orlando. My exercise levels were not quite what they had been due to my accident but normally I spin, swim, glide and hit a shuttlecock all at once. How fit is that? I even play a bit of footie with Craig but that is as far as the footie goes I am not in to football.
Anyway, back on track, before you fall asleep, run out of time or simply just runaway next was Earthquake. Another wonder of technology, the USA is just miles ahead of us. It does make me wonder what they would think of our parks.
Mind you some of the American shows can be a bit sicky. Have you watched The Fear Factor, not the programme to watch whilst you are eating anything! Well Universal has its own little entertaining show. I like the big spider bit the best and the worse the eating bit. The rest of the show is okay. Luckily Gary wasnt 18 otherwise he would have been up for it but not the eating part. When you go, get there a bit early there are some entertainers on some bouncy stilt things that are really good.
This year I had wanted to put in more rest times. We didnt do that last year and you saw the state of us when we returned. Zombies looked better than us. Two weeks of 6 am 11 pm days certainly took its toll. Therefore, we left the park without doing our favourite Shrek ride, shame - we went back to the hotel for a swim and a rest. A thought quite alien to us but I knew it was a good idea from what you had said.
Unfortunately, lightning was in the area so the pool was closed. The hotel was still full to the brim of the God Squad as one Americans called them but up in the room it was quiet. We all had a little rest, Ian had a nap. He can sleep anywhere, anytime and anyhow I wish I was like that. After a short rest we found the pool was open. You were right it was so relaxing having a swim and sun bathing. You could almost feel the battery levels recharging.
When we went back to the lifts, it was full of religious people. One fiftyish, Reverend woman sharply told Gary to press 20 for the floor. He has been quite helpfully pressing the floors for people but the rest had been polite. I was not impressed with this woman. Somehow I thought extremely religious people would be nice to others and not rude but there you go.
Anyway suitably refreshed we went to Sea World. We saw beautiful flamingos, slowly swimming turtles, mad swimming stingrays and delightfully playful dolphins. I have to say, I feel a bit wary of the old stingrays now after poor Steve Irwin. We loved his shows, he was a special man. He was born in 1962, the same as us so it does hit home that you just have to get the best from life on a day to day basis because you just dont know what is round the corner.
I appreciated that bit of advice you gave me by the way, about not dreading the kids not coming on holiday with us and that we would have just as fantastic a holiday but in a different way when that day comes. I dont think that will be for a while with them both being students, I dont think they are going to turn down a free trip to Orlando somehow.
Well, as a family of four, we matched on to The Kraken. This has to be my favourite rollercoaster. I just love that first drop. I was instructed to smile for the camera, which is apparently on one of the loops, I grinned insanely which is no mean feat when you are being twirled upside down and every which way, for all the loops. Needless to say we didnt buy the picture. Everytime I go on rides I remember you saying pull a funny face and I can still picture that funny picture of you all looking scared stiff on Splash!
Talking about funny have you seen the new Clyde and Seymour Night Time show? It is a must do. We just happened to try it right place, right time. It was very funny, it looks at all the other rides/shows at Sea World and take the Mickey out of them. I wont spoil it for you. However, I would say get there early otherwise you will get the Mickey taken out of you by the Mime Artist he is one of the best things at Sea World. We will have to try the Believe show again
We saw seals, seal pups, sharks and sea horses before heading right across to Wild Arctic. The place was empty, we had a whole theatre to ourselves and played making shadow pictures. When we headed to the exhibits the CM was straight over to us, telling the kids to touch the ice wall. We then had a discussion on where we were from and had we been there before? It turned out we had been there more times then the CM and had seen more of the animals. She lost us when she tried to convince us that the Beluga whale must have remembered her friends because she popped her head out of the water and looked straight at us. Class. She then warned us that we probably wouldnt be able to see the polar bear, she never had, because it was usually asleep. It, however, kindly walked around for us before snuggling back down. One year when we went we saw it swimming underwater that was quite something.
The walruses were doing the same circuit around the pool that we have seen before. Again we commented on the size of them. You know I do love Sea World but those Wild Arctic enclosures look ever so small for the animals.
It started to rain as we headed back to the car. We popped to a Subway for a sandwich on the way back. The rain quickly became torrential then went into a fully blown thunderstorm. My favourite.
We were right up on the 21st floor and had a fantastic view of the storm. Though I hoped the hotel had good lightning conductors. I remember reading about not being the tallest object when there was a storm about and I dont think the buildings came any taller than the Rosen Centre. We went to sleep with the curtains open watching the storm, a whole area of Orlando lost its lights. Thankfully we didnt.
Before I forget I didnt get to buy any Crocs which I know you had recommended. Ian did, after saying they were horrible back home. Somehow a dose of sun and seeing loads of men wearing them made him think different.
My goodness, I do apologise for the length of this letter, I hope I have not interrupted your day too much or sent you to sleep! I just had to tell you everything and I am pleased you enjoyed my last letter. I will send you some photos as soon as I get them.
Take care.
Bev, Ian, Gary and Craig
xxxxx
