malcolm silcock
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- May 26, 2002
- Messages
- 75
Holiday from May 19th to June 2nd
Staying at Shadow Bay Apartments, Kissimmee.
Players
Orion (Malcolm) 40 year old, Story teller, Grump and Organiser (if things go wrong).
DW (Maria Spanyardo) 34 years old, Saver of holiday money, Proposer of holiday and Organiser (if things go OK).
DS (Ben) 14 years old, six foot tall (going through the spot zone just now), very laid back (in love with Buffy the Vampire Slayer arent we all).
DD (Katie) 12 years old, two foot tall, is going to be an actress or a barmaid, unable to talk so sings everything to you (and anyone else that will listen).
DS (Keiran) 5 years old (Autistic) provider of the most fun and biggest problems.
DM (Elva) 260 years old pixie, thrill freak and recipient of the largest food portions in USA.
DF (Roy) 200 year old water park and water ride expert, talked a good talk about riding thrill rides but total score for the holiday NIL.
Day 4 To balloon or not to balloon that is the question.
Monday
What is that stupid buzzing sound cant be my alarm clock Ive just fallen to sleep!
It is, so I shut it off before it wakes up the Tasmanian Terror - (Keiran). The last thing I need is grumpy up so I leave her asleep in bed as well!
Getting dressed into something warm (I dont remember who on the DIS board advised that you should have something warm for ballooning but when find out Ill burst them), when I hear the phone ringing. Trying to get the other leg into the trousers and open the door quietly, I stumble into the kitchen just as DM answers the phone. Its the ballooning company with an early morning call and confirmed directions to the meeting place I wonder just now many people just cant get out of bed and dont show up?
Right quick cup of caffeine and gather the odd bits of paper together not forgetting the camera (must be some Kodak moments coming up) and into the truck (DM sits in the front, its a treat for her as she is now high enough to see out the windows (LOL).
OK, all we have to do is go down the 192, under the I4, past all the Disney turn off and as we hit next part of the tourist area of the 192 turn right into the Ramada Hotel no problem? As we approach this built up area weve looking out for the Ramada (weve given ourselves plenty of time and are running to schedule). Cant see the Ramada on the right, wait at minute there it is on the left big hotel with a big Ramada sign on the top. Pull into car park and walk into the reception, weve a little early so are not surprised to see no one else gathering. Approach the night receptionist and ask where the Orange Blossom Ballooning people meet? The what? the receptionist asks. I repeat the name and fill in why weve here and what weve doing. The receptionist still looks blank, but is willing (must have been a very quiet and boring night). It becomes obvious that this is the wrong place so I ask if there is any other Ramada hotels in the area. Yes a few, Oh great! I think and explain the directions we were given. Ah, well there is a Ramada across the road (as per our directions) and after checking up his phone book he calls them for us, hes real helpful. We can hear half the conversation as he explains about Orange Blossom Ballooning and the daily meeting they have, etc. No - they dont meet over there (lier because it later turned out that that was the right Ramada hotel). OK, wheres the next Ramada? Well the only other one is about 15 mins. drive up the 192 again on the left.
By now weve running a little late but no major problem, up the road we go (still in the dark) way past Splendid China and we see the sign for a Ramada hotel and weve now about 25 mins late. Crossing over I get out the truck and run into the reception I dont think this is the place. The receptionist looks very confused at my story and confirms that he's only been in town for a few weeks himself after getting this job. He does make a call to his supervisor who tells him theres another Ramada further up the 192 and one back the way weve just come (been there already). The one 'further up the road turns out to be a complete hoax (rather like our first port of call) because after an addition 15-min. journey we run out of road. We have no choice now other than to turn back and head for home, pulling over to phone the operators of Orange Blossom Ballooning - no small feat, as I have to buy a call card and find a phone. When I get through and explain that wed been thrown a complete hoax by the hotel they use, I get a sharp - well if youd have followed my instructions you wouldnt have got lost.
I was/am very p s at Orange Blossom Ballooning attitude to our problem, we had spent over an hour driving from one wrong hotel to the other just because of bad/no signage for the correct hotel and a complete idiot who happened to answer the phone when we where 300 feet away from them at the first hotel!!!??
We drive back to our apartment feeling badly done to, let down and angry, Its taken DM weeks to get the bottle up to go for the balloon ride in the first place. Its starting to get light and we resolve that we will go ballooning, but it will be with anyone other than that rude man from OBB. We decide to call in and get some fresh donuts on the way back for everyones breakfast as a pick me up.
Back to the apartment just as some of the crew are starting to come out of their comas (well, weve been up for hours) DF asks why weve back so early followed by DW who is surprised that the ride is so short. Well we relay the sad story to all again and again as they stumble through for breakfast. It is agreed they are hasty people (or words of a similar meaning!). Well, Hay Ho we get on with the day and resolve to find another ballooning operator in the area.
I consol myself by cutting up my water melon for breakfast yes, you guessed it its all dried up inside! Im going to go back to bed.
Thats it, only one other option open to me that will cheer me up I going to find the Suzuki dealer and buy some custom parts for my bike (its a 750 Intruder. V-twin, looks like a Harley Davidson but cost a lot less I know, boys and their toys) so after getting permission from DW to go out alone (as does DF) we head off up the 192 to find the supplier yes, you guessed it again, theyve closed on Mondays!!!
Over to the Tourist Information Center on the outskirts of Kissimmee to find another Ballooning operator and while there we find another Suzuki supplier who is open (the lady assisting us called to check). It's a very useful and helpful information center this one and theyve not trying to sell you anything just give you information good maps here to.
We find it without too much of a problem and I order a set of chrome Highway pegs that will be in stock in three days and cost me $86.00 of my birthday money (UK price £129.00 - cheapest).
Back to the apartment for a cold one and to plan the rest of the day (just as the kids are getting back from the pool) and we decide some shopping is in order. How DF is to shopping what Saddam Hussein is to world peace he hates it with a passion, so its a great surprise when he agrees to come along!
On the way over to the Kissimmee Flea Market (the old one in the wooden buildings) we call in to a Steak n Shake for lunch. I dont remember much about this chain of restaurants other than the food was good and the costs were average.
We get all sorts of little bits and pieces here, wallets, T-shirts, gifts, etc. I also get Maria an Amber bracelet, is a thing I do when ever we go on holiday. Theres something about Amber we both like, for Maria its that each piece is so different and unique for me its because its cheap (Ouch no dear, of cause I only joking anyway it wasnt that cheap).
After the Flea market its up to the Beltz shopping malls. We dont get as much here as we have in the past (I get the feeling the costs here are starting to creep up. I do pick up some interesting pins (no sit down all you hyper Disney pin collectors, these were pins for my motor bike jacket). After a good walk round (except DF who found a table, chair and a cold one declaring this is the meeting point) we are starting to flag so decide well head back to Kissimmee and get something to eat on route.
At some point on the way back we have agreed on Angles seafood buffet (just across the road from the Ramada where we where (nearly) this morning) for dinner. This is our favourite restaurant Steaks, Chicken, Prime rib, Crab, Lobster, king prawns, crayfish, white fish, Snapper, Pizza, plus much, much more and puddings all for $19.00 a head for adults push me out in a wheelbarrow please (LOL).
Its been in the low 90s again today and DF has taken on a completion not un-simluar to the Lobster hes tucking into LOL.
As we are finishing off our meal the kids what to go and see the playroom (out by the front of the restaurant which is attached to a hotel NOT a Ramada) so off they go taking Keiran with them. Its while we are winding down that Katie runs up (with all her theatrical manor and at full blast) and tells us that Keirans dirtied his nappy, taken it off and is running around at the front of the restaurant (we are tucked away at the other end). Maria does a Linford Christie to the front of the restaurant, finds Keiran, picks him up and gets him into the restroom in about 3.5 seconds. By the time we sort the bill out (DF picked this one up what a very nice man) and get into the entrance Keiran and Maria are already outside in the car park area, but you can tell Keirans been here (odour deKeiran). Another restaurant we cant go back to (LOL).
I have no idea what time we stagger to bed other than Im a walking zombie by now and thats nothing to do with the cold ones.
Tomorrow Seaworld, if I ever wake up?
Staying at Shadow Bay Apartments, Kissimmee.
Players
Orion (Malcolm) 40 year old, Story teller, Grump and Organiser (if things go wrong).
DW (Maria Spanyardo) 34 years old, Saver of holiday money, Proposer of holiday and Organiser (if things go OK).
DS (Ben) 14 years old, six foot tall (going through the spot zone just now), very laid back (in love with Buffy the Vampire Slayer arent we all).
DD (Katie) 12 years old, two foot tall, is going to be an actress or a barmaid, unable to talk so sings everything to you (and anyone else that will listen).
DS (Keiran) 5 years old (Autistic) provider of the most fun and biggest problems.
DM (Elva) 260 years old pixie, thrill freak and recipient of the largest food portions in USA.
DF (Roy) 200 year old water park and water ride expert, talked a good talk about riding thrill rides but total score for the holiday NIL.
Day 4 To balloon or not to balloon that is the question.
Monday
What is that stupid buzzing sound cant be my alarm clock Ive just fallen to sleep!
It is, so I shut it off before it wakes up the Tasmanian Terror - (Keiran). The last thing I need is grumpy up so I leave her asleep in bed as well!
Getting dressed into something warm (I dont remember who on the DIS board advised that you should have something warm for ballooning but when find out Ill burst them), when I hear the phone ringing. Trying to get the other leg into the trousers and open the door quietly, I stumble into the kitchen just as DM answers the phone. Its the ballooning company with an early morning call and confirmed directions to the meeting place I wonder just now many people just cant get out of bed and dont show up?
Right quick cup of caffeine and gather the odd bits of paper together not forgetting the camera (must be some Kodak moments coming up) and into the truck (DM sits in the front, its a treat for her as she is now high enough to see out the windows (LOL).
OK, all we have to do is go down the 192, under the I4, past all the Disney turn off and as we hit next part of the tourist area of the 192 turn right into the Ramada Hotel no problem? As we approach this built up area weve looking out for the Ramada (weve given ourselves plenty of time and are running to schedule). Cant see the Ramada on the right, wait at minute there it is on the left big hotel with a big Ramada sign on the top. Pull into car park and walk into the reception, weve a little early so are not surprised to see no one else gathering. Approach the night receptionist and ask where the Orange Blossom Ballooning people meet? The what? the receptionist asks. I repeat the name and fill in why weve here and what weve doing. The receptionist still looks blank, but is willing (must have been a very quiet and boring night). It becomes obvious that this is the wrong place so I ask if there is any other Ramada hotels in the area. Yes a few, Oh great! I think and explain the directions we were given. Ah, well there is a Ramada across the road (as per our directions) and after checking up his phone book he calls them for us, hes real helpful. We can hear half the conversation as he explains about Orange Blossom Ballooning and the daily meeting they have, etc. No - they dont meet over there (lier because it later turned out that that was the right Ramada hotel). OK, wheres the next Ramada? Well the only other one is about 15 mins. drive up the 192 again on the left.
By now weve running a little late but no major problem, up the road we go (still in the dark) way past Splendid China and we see the sign for a Ramada hotel and weve now about 25 mins late. Crossing over I get out the truck and run into the reception I dont think this is the place. The receptionist looks very confused at my story and confirms that he's only been in town for a few weeks himself after getting this job. He does make a call to his supervisor who tells him theres another Ramada further up the 192 and one back the way weve just come (been there already). The one 'further up the road turns out to be a complete hoax (rather like our first port of call) because after an addition 15-min. journey we run out of road. We have no choice now other than to turn back and head for home, pulling over to phone the operators of Orange Blossom Ballooning - no small feat, as I have to buy a call card and find a phone. When I get through and explain that wed been thrown a complete hoax by the hotel they use, I get a sharp - well if youd have followed my instructions you wouldnt have got lost.
I was/am very p s at Orange Blossom Ballooning attitude to our problem, we had spent over an hour driving from one wrong hotel to the other just because of bad/no signage for the correct hotel and a complete idiot who happened to answer the phone when we where 300 feet away from them at the first hotel!!!??
We drive back to our apartment feeling badly done to, let down and angry, Its taken DM weeks to get the bottle up to go for the balloon ride in the first place. Its starting to get light and we resolve that we will go ballooning, but it will be with anyone other than that rude man from OBB. We decide to call in and get some fresh donuts on the way back for everyones breakfast as a pick me up.
Back to the apartment just as some of the crew are starting to come out of their comas (well, weve been up for hours) DF asks why weve back so early followed by DW who is surprised that the ride is so short. Well we relay the sad story to all again and again as they stumble through for breakfast. It is agreed they are hasty people (or words of a similar meaning!). Well, Hay Ho we get on with the day and resolve to find another ballooning operator in the area.
I consol myself by cutting up my water melon for breakfast yes, you guessed it its all dried up inside! Im going to go back to bed.
Thats it, only one other option open to me that will cheer me up I going to find the Suzuki dealer and buy some custom parts for my bike (its a 750 Intruder. V-twin, looks like a Harley Davidson but cost a lot less I know, boys and their toys) so after getting permission from DW to go out alone (as does DF) we head off up the 192 to find the supplier yes, you guessed it again, theyve closed on Mondays!!!
Over to the Tourist Information Center on the outskirts of Kissimmee to find another Ballooning operator and while there we find another Suzuki supplier who is open (the lady assisting us called to check). It's a very useful and helpful information center this one and theyve not trying to sell you anything just give you information good maps here to.
We find it without too much of a problem and I order a set of chrome Highway pegs that will be in stock in three days and cost me $86.00 of my birthday money (UK price £129.00 - cheapest).
Back to the apartment for a cold one and to plan the rest of the day (just as the kids are getting back from the pool) and we decide some shopping is in order. How DF is to shopping what Saddam Hussein is to world peace he hates it with a passion, so its a great surprise when he agrees to come along!
On the way over to the Kissimmee Flea Market (the old one in the wooden buildings) we call in to a Steak n Shake for lunch. I dont remember much about this chain of restaurants other than the food was good and the costs were average.
We get all sorts of little bits and pieces here, wallets, T-shirts, gifts, etc. I also get Maria an Amber bracelet, is a thing I do when ever we go on holiday. Theres something about Amber we both like, for Maria its that each piece is so different and unique for me its because its cheap (Ouch no dear, of cause I only joking anyway it wasnt that cheap).
After the Flea market its up to the Beltz shopping malls. We dont get as much here as we have in the past (I get the feeling the costs here are starting to creep up. I do pick up some interesting pins (no sit down all you hyper Disney pin collectors, these were pins for my motor bike jacket). After a good walk round (except DF who found a table, chair and a cold one declaring this is the meeting point) we are starting to flag so decide well head back to Kissimmee and get something to eat on route.
At some point on the way back we have agreed on Angles seafood buffet (just across the road from the Ramada where we where (nearly) this morning) for dinner. This is our favourite restaurant Steaks, Chicken, Prime rib, Crab, Lobster, king prawns, crayfish, white fish, Snapper, Pizza, plus much, much more and puddings all for $19.00 a head for adults push me out in a wheelbarrow please (LOL).
Its been in the low 90s again today and DF has taken on a completion not un-simluar to the Lobster hes tucking into LOL.
As we are finishing off our meal the kids what to go and see the playroom (out by the front of the restaurant which is attached to a hotel NOT a Ramada) so off they go taking Keiran with them. Its while we are winding down that Katie runs up (with all her theatrical manor and at full blast) and tells us that Keirans dirtied his nappy, taken it off and is running around at the front of the restaurant (we are tucked away at the other end). Maria does a Linford Christie to the front of the restaurant, finds Keiran, picks him up and gets him into the restroom in about 3.5 seconds. By the time we sort the bill out (DF picked this one up what a very nice man) and get into the entrance Keiran and Maria are already outside in the car park area, but you can tell Keirans been here (odour deKeiran). Another restaurant we cant go back to (LOL).
I have no idea what time we stagger to bed other than Im a walking zombie by now and thats nothing to do with the cold ones.
Tomorrow Seaworld, if I ever wake up?
Rough day - tomorrow has got to be better!
Krissy
