Dan's PTR:

[Molyneuxd]

Well, thought was time I put a PTR up, been browsing the forums now for few months.

Flying from MAN - MCO on 27th April via Virgin, just going for a week due to GF's work.

Just the two of us going:

Dan (me) 26 - IT Tech for large (green) haulage firm, this be my 11th trip to Orlando.
Shonnell (GF) 25 - Teacher, this will be her 3rd trip to Orlando.

Haven't been abroad for past two years after buying our first home, so can't wait, previous to this been abroad every year since I was born so missed the sun.

Hired a Mustang for the week via Hertz, had a Dodge Charger last time but was bit on the big side for 2 of us.

Staying at Westgate Lakes & Spa (Parents are owners at Westgate Towers) so have stayed at most of the Westgate resorts in Florida and like the location of Lakes, so when I spied out deal online it was too good to turn down.

Plans...

Haven't really got any, already purchased Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure tickets.

Would like to try out the new Drive in Golf at City walk one evening, possibly attending the Pie Festival at Celebration on 28th April just for something totally different.

Have a look at Old Town car cruise Sat night and a special heroes edition on Sunday so pop down for a quick look round.

Will check out the CSI Experience on I drive, wanted to do the one at MGM in Las Vegas but it opened just after our last visit to Vegas a few years ago.

Places to eat...

Golden Corral / Ponderosa breakfast before visiting parks
Cheesecake Factory
P F Changs
Bubba Gumps

Other than those see where we end up on the day.

Got 4 days to fill in but can't decide what to do or what parks to visit, as you can see I'm not a huge planner.

 

[stephensmum]

Oh, not long to go then. Looking forward to reading all about it.

 

[tinks_1989]

Wow your trip is so close and you seem very relaxed! My posts would be full of !!! and crazy smiley faces as I was running around! LOL!

Have a great time

 

[wilma-bride]

Quite a relaxed approach you are taking. I like that (although I couldn't do it myself )

Are you planning to visit Disney World at all or just do the non-Disney parks? If you havent' been for a while, Sea World is probably worth a vist. If you're into the rides, Manta is a great ride. Busch Gardens is also one of our favourite non-Disney parks and, again, great for the thrill rides. You could get a combo ticket for Busch, Sea World and Aquatica (Sea World's water park) for about £90.

What is the CSI Experience? Never heard of it? Sounds like something DH might like.

Not long to go at all. Hope you have a great trip and can't wait to hear all about it on your return.

 

[Molyneuxd]

We plan to do a few other parks but its deciding which ones, we usually go to Animal Kingdom so may avoid that this time, Sea World I think I've visited each time as its good value for money especially if coupled with Aquatica / Busch.

I quite fancy Hollywood Studios and Epcot as I haven't been to them for some time and Shonnell hasn't been to either since she was 11.

CSI Experience, is on I Drive, they have 3 crime scenes set up and you have to go act all CSI and work out whats gone on, who's guilty etc.

More info here: CSI Exhibit

I'll report back what its like after I've been, I think each visit you do 1 of the 3 crime scenes.

So what Disney park would you all recommend?

Magic Kingdom - More for young ones, and Thunder Mountain is closed.
Animal Kingdom - Always enjoy this park, but fancy a change.
Hollywood Studios - Not been for many years, so all be changed.
Epcot - Same as above but rumours Test Track be shut.

Sea World - Will no doubt visit even just to try Manta.

Getting excited now, colleague of mine is in Orlando at the moment, on his families first ever trip so waiting his report of what he thought was best.

I like the laid back, relaxed approach its a holiday not work.

 

[tinks_1989]

If I could only do one Disney park it would be Epcot! I love everything about Epcot! X

 

[Molyneuxd]

Just watched HP for first time ever tonight, refused to watch it since it came out. Thought I better atleast know something's that go on at WWoHP before we go!

 

[Molyneuxd]

Sat in the Escape lounge at Manchester airport having a few beers before the flight! Next stop Orlando International!

 

[stephensmum]

lucky you, hope you have a great trip. Looking forward to hearing all about it.

 

[wilma-bride]

Hope you have a great trip Dan. Looking forward to hearing all about it.

 

[Molyneuxd]

Pie Festival at Celebration, is amazing, $10 all you can eat pie if you really wanted you could eat as much pie as you want from 11am - 7:30pm

Key Lime pie, was by far the nicest!

Room is more than adequate for the two of us, huge bed, sofa, small kitchen, table for 2 and a huge balcony and huge bathroom!

And for all those with a phobia of Westgate due to a hard sell, I just told them at the desk, I don't want a free breakfast with your buy a timeshare patter! We were checked in and not pestered at all!

Pre ordered a Mustang via Hertz they didn't have one on arrival and after a 40-45min wait at MCO I finally got my car, followed by a $25 off voucher and then free fuel for having to wait!

Here she is...

 

[Molyneuxd]

Been to Down Town Disney tonight, stupidly busy must have taken 1hr to get 5miles!

The must do on a visit to DTD, Goofys Candy Co.

1 x Rice Crispy Treat, White Choc, Oreo cookies, Milk Choc drizzle.
1 x Marshmallow Treat, Dark Choc, Oreo cookies, White Choc drizzle.

Those will be consumed tomorrow, now time for bed! Night!

 

[stephensmum]

Been to Down Town Disney tonight, stupidly busy must have taken 1hr to get 5miles!

The must do on a visit to DTD, Goofys Candy Co.

1 x Rice Crispy Treat, White Choc, Oreo cookies, Milk Choc drizzle.
1 x Marshmallow Treat, Dark Choc, Oreo cookies, White Choc drizzle.

Those will be consumed tomorrow, now time for bed! Night!

Those look yummy.

 

[Molyneuxd]

Lazy day today, beside the pool until dinner then went to Milenia Mall, Old Town for Heroes cruise which sadly was a very poor attendance!

This evening, TGi Fridays for tea...

Mozzarella Dippers:

BBQ Pulled Pork:

Oreo Ice Cream:

Which was all amazing, then had a walk down I Drive to Ripleys Believe it or not, had been a few years ago, some strange and amusing things on show, got to love Ripleys and Wonderworks buildings:

 

[Molyneuxd]

What a hectic, amazing, devastating and awesome day!

Early start today, breakfast buffet at Golden Corral then straight over to Universal Studios, quietest I've ever seen a park, rides were 5-10mins wait but pretty much walk on!

Had been on everything by 12pm, so watched a few shows then went to watch United vs City at NASCAR Cafe, gutted with the result but drowned my sorrows with a trip to Bubba Gumps, the food and service was brilliant!

Then back to Universal to ride everything again, rip ride roller coaster is great!

We were also lucky enough to see the 100 years of cinematic show, possibly the best night show I have seen in Orlando, very very clever!

No pics as yet as everyone is on camera, didn't take my phone today!

Possibly, Hollywood Studios tomorrow!

 

[Molyneuxd]

Well home sweet home, over the jet lag but wishing I was still riding the Hulk and drinking frozen butter beer!

Will sort through my photos and upload some more over time!