Day 1 in Orlando ( day 10 post 109)

[irongirlof12]

wish I was there- keep the reviews coming - really appreciated

 

[dc1964]

Nice hot day today, we spent the morning at premium outlets, got some bargains at Levi store, 10% off with the vouchers from info centre then an additional $30 dollar off for spending $100. So we got four pairs of jeans for £48.
As u saw on my earlier post we went to then Orlando Ale house on I drive. Nice lunch and a good atmosphere in a trully american sports bar, cheap prices as well.
IOA next, i noticed on our arrival that it is now $14 to park, i thought it was $12 last christmas but could be wrong. We get it free with our preferred pass so that is ok i suppose.
IOA was quiet, practically no waiting, The Hulk was superb as always, we were straight on the front row.
Dr Dooms freefall was a 10 min wait but only because they had one of them working.
Did not bother with spiderman, done it too many times.
We decided to go on the Popeye raft ride and got completely soaked, that really is a great ride, not be missed, especially on a hot day.
Duelling dragons was no wait and was as good as ever.
Time for a beer after the parks so went To TGI front row on I Drive, they do $2 pints there so nice and cheap, they also to half price appetizers all day everyday according to the barmam, though it was not advertised, think we will go back there tonight.
Chilling in the room now, we have decided to stay here for remaineder of our holiday, we have a 1 bedroom suite and manager says she will let us keep it for $69 a night, so with the cooked breakfast and free beers and wine it is good value, which reminds me....it is 5.30pm and the free bar is on. See Ya!

 

[wayneg]

Enjoy that free beer!!!!

 

[disneyholic family]

wow - where you're staying sounds like really great value!!

 

[wayneg]

wow - where you're staying sounds like really great value!!

They are in a Hawthorne suites (Idrive?)
They sound similar to Homewood suites by Hilton we stayed in a few years back. I got a price error(as I do) £22/night coincidently with Netfights 3 of us got a suite which had everything, big american fridge, dishwasher, 2 large screen TV's, everything we could want, breakfast which included cooked food, free internet and then 4 nights a week(Mon~Thurs) they had a managers receptions, food and free drinks, wine beer etc, I rarely drink so just had soft drinks but great at £22/night for all that.

 

[disneyholic family]

They are in a Hawthorne suites (Idrive?)
They sound similar to Homewood suites by Hilton we stayed in a few years back. I got a price error(as I do) £22/night coincidently with Netfights 3 of us got a suite which had everything, big american fridge, dishwasher, 2 large screen TV's, everything we could want, breakfast which included cooked food, free internet and then 4 nights a week(Mon~Thurs) they had a managers receptions, food and free drinks, wine beer etc, I rarely drink so just had soft drinks but great at £22/night for all that.

wow!! that's incredible!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[dc1964]

Wayne is correct, it is exactly the same as Homewood suites apart from the managers reception is on every night here. They dont have the same choice of hot food at night (last night it was hot dogs) but we always eat out so that is not a problem, pool is better here than home wood suites, it gets the sun on it, Homewood suites pool is surrounded by buildings on all sides so it is blocked.
6.30am here so slept longer which is a bonus, of for a run in the gym then shower and breakfast. We paln to do florida Mall today.
We ate at Cicis pizza buffet last night, (5 min walk from the hotel) it was very cheap and pizza and salad was good, not the nicest of restaurants to look at but for the money what can one expect.
I have used the iphone maps a lot whilst here, with the wireless internet it has been great to find restaurants, shop etc and the maps are very accurate. would only use it on wireless though as data roaming is expensive.

 

[wayneg]

Only eaten at CiCis once, it had just opened at LBV so a few years ago now. Myself and DS enjoyed it, DW ate but not a pizza fan so not impressed. We would definitely go back but DW talks us out of it every time. With vouchers we paid a massive $17 for 3 of us incl sodas and tax. I think there was a choice of 16 pizzas, pasta salad and desserts. Some knock it but I liked it.
Have fun shopping.

 

[wicket2005]

Glad you are enjoying yourself. We do what Wayne does on the first night and stay up as late as possible eg 10-11 pm Florida time. If we go straight into a park we find the excitement keeps us awake.

 

[disneyholic family]

Glad you are enjoying yourself. We do what Wayne does on the first night and stay up as late as possible eg 10-11 pm Florida time. If we go straight into a park we find the excitement keeps us awake.

we do too - we go for dinner at earl of sandwich at DTD, then over to the magic kingdom until it closes...

 

[WSussex]

Hi

We are staying at the Hawthorn Suites in Lake Buena Vista in June - can you tell me whats on offer at breakfast - both my children cant eat wheat and it would be great to know whats on offer?!

Its so great reading your post its getting us soooooo excited for June

Thanks

S x

 

[natalielongstaff]

Sounds like you are having a great time i love reading your updates !

 

[dc1964]

Hi

We are staying at the Hawthorn Suites in Lake Buena Vista in June - can you tell me whats on offer at breakfast - both my children cant eat wheat and it would be great to know whats on offer?!

Its so great reading your post its getting us soooooo excited for June

Thanks

S x

There are 2 different cereals, fruit loops and cornflakes, different breads, fresh fruit, jams etc.
hot food appears to be scrambled eggs, fried potatoes, waffles. i think it varies from day today.
The wheat allergy may be a problem for you looking at what they serve, you could maybe get them stuff from walmart that is suitable and eat in the restaurant

 

[dc1964]

I should apologise really, non of my posts refer to anything Disney. To be honest dont really do Disney anymore, we like the bigger rides at Universal. plus i talk alot about more adult themes ie where to drink or eat.
Anyway....today hads been a shopping day and i am knackered, why is it so tiring. I dont think there are so many bargains around at this time of year, it is better after christmas IMHO. Florida Mall is still good though.
On a more adult theme, i can definately recommend the Orlando Ale house on I Drive, loads of drink specials eg 5 buds for $ 6,95 on a monday and thursday, $2.00 fosters everyday, plus many more. It is a very popular venue.
Cold and wet today, improving tomorrow hopefully.
Chilis again for tea $20 special, great value..

 

[jockey]

Sounds as though you are having a great time

 

[wicket2005]

Hope the weather improves, I am sure it will. We had about 3 cold days last year but the rest warm.

 

[scojos]

sounds like you are having a great time, and anyone who can shop that much is ok with me!
Tracy

 

[wayneg]

Wonder if Ale House will increase price of Fosters sometime soon, been $2/pt as long as we have been going (4 years?) Never had a drink there but they do look cheap.
Enjoy Chilis

 

[Netty]

Love reading your updates, keep them coming!!

Having flown Premium Economy on our last 2 holidays it is worth it if you can afford it. However, it is much better if you are upstairs in the 'bubble', more room, quieter and the cabin crew seem happier up there too.
Downstairs is still worth it but if you can get on the upper deck it's a totally different experience.

Shame as at the moment we are seated downstairs both ways next year.

Johnny, we also had seats downstairs both ways, but following Obi's advice I managed to get seats both ways in the bubble!
A few hrs before online check in go into your account and you should be able to change your seats, as more seats are released before online check-in opens.

 

[dc1964]

i forgot to mention that yesterday we had lunch at sweet tomatoes, i know a number of people on here like it there, the food was great, the choice on the salad bar was unbelievable, it nice to eat fresh raw veg for a change.
The soups were fantastic, i had 2 bowls of cream of Brocolli with Foccacia bread. very nice. It was $8.39, we were full all day until we ate at chillis later.