Disney Dreamin for Beginners - Our First Trip to WDW Nov/Dec '08

[caz1712]

By this time it was nearlly time for our ADR at Planet Hollywood so we thought we better get a move on to get back round there!
We got checked in 10mins early at the podium and we were seated up on the top floor:

By this time Aaron was in full destructive mode and it was starting to get rather stressful as he just would not sit at peace, not the toodles doodler or activity pack could keep him entertained!
Our server came and was really lovely ( but for the life of me I can’t remember his name!), he explained the Thanksgiving specials etc and then took our drinks order.
Paddy had the ribs ( surprise surprise!LOL), Mum had the Thanksgiving Special and I had the ( now I think it was called) LA Lasagne. Kieran and Aidan had the Chicken Tenders and I ordered Aaron the kids Pizza.

Aaron just wasn’t for letting anyone relax tonight, our meals came and I tried to eat mine – it was really good ( far too much of it though) but Aaron just wouldn’t settle. He refused to eat his pizza at all and no one could relax so as soon as I had had enough of mine I decided to take him outside and let the others eat in peace.
I will admit to having a little cry while outside as Aaron was just being really awful and I suppose tiredness on my part had just started to set in a bit.
The others all came out about 30mins later and Paddy settled the bill at $120 inc gratuities.
I think we had had enough for one day and just wanted to get back and have a bath and relax for a bit.
So we headed back up towards Westside where the car was parked and headed home. Overall it was a really enjoyable day but I think we were all just starting to feel a little jet lagged to be honest so I think a night in the house relaxing is just what we needed!
We got home the boys got ready for bed and watched Disney Channel in Bed. I had a bath and then put Aaron down in our bed. Mum went to her room to have a bath and Paddy and I started to watch the Polar Express on the tv with a large glass of wine a bottle of wine! BLISS!!!!!!
Then early to bed! We had decided to change the plan slightly as tomorrow was supposed to be Blizzard Beach but Saturday was supposed to be a scorcher of a day so we thought we would swap the days around and do Animal Kingdom tomorrow and leave Blizzard Beach for Sat!

Next up Animal Kingdom!

 

[mamaboogie]

Oh I am loving your report!

What fantastic pictures! I even loved the Manchester Airport stuff as we flew from there to WDW last August - I think I had the same meal as you!

I totally get your weepy moment when Kieran met Stitch - those really are magical moments aren't they?

I also loved your gift baskets you had waiting for you - I'd love more info about ordering them!

Can't wait to hear more!

Sharixx

 

[caz1712]

Day 4- Animal Kingdom

Friday 28th November

Ok so today we were up nice and early bright and bushy tailed after a good nights sleep! Today we had decided was going to be Animal Kingdom which opened at 8am! Seeing as this was the only day I had scheduled to visit we were going to spend the WHOLE day here which meant being here until closing at 8pm! Hope everyone has comfy shoes on!LOL
So bags packed, car loaded and off we set! As we drove up the US27 we spotted some hot air balloons which the kids loved seeing and asked if we could go in one? Not this time boys but maybe put that on the list of things to do next time we visit!

The Tom Tom luckily directed us up the Sherberth Road entrance! First we thought we might end up getting lost but as always the Sat nav got us there!

We parked up in Unicorn and as it was very close to the entrance we began walking in the direction of the crowds!

We didn’t quite make it in time to see the opening ceremony or rope drop but it was only around 8.20 so still wasn’t a bad starting time!
Kids got some pictures taken with the Christmas tree – but again Aaron wasn’t in posing mood!

We got some photopass pics taken as we went in with the Christmas tree

And then headed on in! It was still very airy but looked like it was going to be a very nice day indeed!
We started walking round taking in the scenery

cont....

 

[caz1712]

We spotted the Tree of Life and were stunned! It really is lovely all those carvings are just so well done and incorporated into the tree!

We started to walk round to Camp Minnie Mickey. We noticed Rafiki standing close by so thought we would go get some autographs!

The boys were so loving the autograph taking that we had to end up going and buying them a new autograph book each at a little nearby cart! Kieran also bought a plush baby Simba and Nala here too.
We noticed these guys along the way :

cont...

 

[caz1712]

Then we noticed some people lining up just a little bit further up and I realised this must be where the Character Meet and Greet was!
Sure enough Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Goofy were all waiting to meet us in full Seasonal get up!
The boys loved this but Aaron was having none of it so I waited with him and Mum, Paddy and the boys went for Autographs

As they were going down the line and Mum had had a few pics taken she then swapped over with me so I could get a picture with Goofy! I wanted to get with Minnie and Mickey but the line got rather big and I managed to sneak in with the boys at Goofy!LOL

When we were done here we walked round towards Africa

cont....

 

[caz1712]

And the boys spotted another meet and greet – it was Baloo and King Louie from Jungle Book so off we went and joined the line for them! The boys were having so much fun meeting the characters that we didn’t mind waiting if they didn’t! We had lots of fun watching the interaction the characters had with all the people in front of us so that kept them entertained! King Louie and Baloo were fab fun!

Next we hit the Kilamanjaro Safri! Wow was this a bumpy safari!LOL Very difficult to get camcorder footage or pictures as we were knocked all over the place but our Tour Guide was Steven and he was fantastic! He really got into character so much so I think at one point we all believed we were on the hunt looking for the poachers!LOL
Here are a couple of the pics from the safari!

We came off this and noticed the silverback Gorilla but only got a bum picture I’m afraid as it was soo busy!

cont....

 

[caz1712]

We headed on up the Pangani Forest Trail we saw lots of animals here which the kids enjoyed seeing but I think after a wee while they got slightly bored!

We then jumped on the Wildlife Express Train up to Rafiki’s Planet watch area. Aaron loves trains so this put him in a great mood!

When we got off we saw this lovely owl

We headed on into Affection Section which the boys all seemed to love!

After spending a good while up here the boys started to ask about rides! We couldn’t put it off much longer we had to start doing them!LOL
So we hopped back on the train back down and made our way to Asia! It was River Rapids first!
Mum, Kieran, Aidan and I all decided to ride first! Now everytime we go to a theme park that has water rides it has to be done to death for Aidan! He just absolutely loves the feeling of getting wet and the adrenaline that comes with it on a water ride!
We got into our raft which we shared with an American family all gowned in HUGE ponchos! I thought to myself – its gorgeous if you get a bit wet who cares!
I wasn’t saying that when I got off mind you!LOL The boys and Mum all managed to get away with a little splash! I on the other hand was completely drenched!

It was a good job it was a hot day! It still seemed to take forever to dry mind you – more my bum than anything else!LOL
Boys started to say they were hungry and after that we all started to feel a bit peckish too! So we spotted a Hot-Dog cart and the smelled oh so good. We all had one expect Kieran as he was being fussy and saying he didn’t like them! He does normally just wanted to be awkward I think! Aaron devoured his and it was the first proper thing he had ate so far so was pleased to see him eat!
We walked a bit further round and noticed a snack place selling Chicken so Kieran said he would rather that. All fed and watered we decided to hit EVEREST!

Paddy, the boys and I rode first and we got a baby swap for Mum! Kieran was really nervous about doing this – remember Rock n Roller incident? Well he sucked it up and said he was definitely going to try it!
So off we went- Paddy with Kieran and Aidan with me! Aidan as usual was in his element he loves that “woosh” feeling he gets and its amazing to listen to him enjoy it! Again this winds Kieran up which isn’t Aidan’s fault but Kieran can be very aggressive towards Aidan at times as he sees it as Aidan is trying to wind him up! Which Aidan couldn’t possibly understand how to do!
Anyway Kieran came off rather upset but Aidan was desperate to go on again! Paddy, Aidan and I thoroughly enjoyed it and its definitely in our top 5!

So we went to find Mum to swap with her, but then Kieran started saying he wanted to try again and be brave. We said he didn’t have to prove anything but he kept protesting that he wanted to go again! So off Paddy, Mum, Kieran and Aidan went to go again!
Mum loved it! She’s not much of a ride fan but she really enjoyed that one! Kieran said it was a bit easier that time but not sure if he would do it again! But since returning he has said if we go again he will go on everything!LOL

cont...

 

[caz1712]

So with that ticked off our “to do” list we decided to head over to Dinoland USA so that Aaron could do a few things! He wasn’t as grumpy as he had been but still not quite right! Aidan, Aaron, Mum and I all rode TriceraTop spin together which was great fun!

We had missed the Finding Nemo show which I would have loved to see but it wasn’t to be!
So Kieran and Aidan wanted to try Primeval whirl so off we went! Its kina similar to Spinball Whizzer at Alton Towers and the boys loved that!
We enjoyed it but its not one that I would be all that bothered about doing again really!
Mum, Paddy and the big two now rode Dinosaur! They all came out buzzing saying it was really good fun so I went on again with them while Mum waited with Aaron
We never bought any ride photos which we were disappointed with as we usually get ride photos at Alton Towers and Legoland made into Magnets as that’s what we collect but they don’t do that at Disney unfortunately so we never bothered as I knew the pics would just gather dust somewhere! But I did manage to take a picture of the ride photo on the screen

It was great fun and we thoroughly enjoyed it! As we were coming out though there was a man hiding round the corner with a toy dinosaur and jumping out and scaring folk as the went by! I jumped out of my skin and Paddy and the boys have never let me live it down!LOL
Was one of those really funny moments!LOL


By now it was getting close to time for Mickey’s Jingle Jammin Jungle Parade so we wanted to head round to get a good view! We got a great little spot right across from Disney Outfitters but we still have about another half hour to go. So we got some icecreams and the boys sat and waited very patiently considering. Kieran then decided that he wanted to have a wee quick look in Outfitters so I took him over while the rest waited. It still wasn’t all that busy yet so we could get over and back fairly quickly!
Kieran bought a Pirates of the Caribbean T-shirt in here and I bought a Animal Kingdom Magnet ( this is what I wanted to collect from the parks!). By the time we came out (which only seemed like 5-10mins later) it had gotten really really busy and everywhere was roped off so getting back to where the others where was a bit of a task as we had to go the long way round and the jump over some ropes!LOL
But we made it back before the parade started!
We really enjoyed this Parade too! It was sooo colourful and vibrant and the characters where fab interacting with the crowds!

cont...

 

[caz1712]

We headed back round to Camp Minnie Mickey as we were going to try to catch the next showing of Festival of the Lion King, but as we went round we spotted Terk from Tarzan and yep you guessed it the boys just had to get her autograph!
She was really funny and really interacted well with the kids, Kieran got down on all fours and pretended to be a gorilla and Terk copied him it was just a really funny moment!

As we started to walk round a bit further we spotted Lilo and Stitch! We couldn’t go past – even though we already had autographs from a few days ago Kieran would have been heartbroken. The line was pretty long but we joined it anyway. Mum took a wee seat on a bench with Aaron and Paddy and I waited with the boys!
As we got closer to the front of the line the Cast Member with them said that Lilo and Stitch needed to “go potty” and would be right back! I thought to myself the boys are going to kick off here but they didn’t and asked if it was still ok to wait! So how could I refuse when they were being so patient!
About five mins later only Stitch returned! Slightly disappointed as it would have been good to have gotten pictures with Lilo too but Kieran and Aidan were more than happy it was just Stitch!
Again Kieran was glowing! I meant to say in the DHS day when we met Stitch the first time I had told Kieran how lovely his smile was and how it made me so happy to see him so happy so whenever he was getting a photo done he would turn to me and say “a Stitch smile mummy?” so that’s our little catchphrase now for photo taking Stitch smile!LOL Just thought I would share that with you all as it always makes me smile!

cont...

 

[caz1712]

Ok so by this time we had missed the 5pm show of the Lion King and the next was around 6-6.30pm I think? So we decided to head round to Flame Tree BBQ for some dinner!
Mum and I had the Turkey Sandwich Meal, Paddy had the Half Chicken Meal, Kieran had a Chicken Drumstick Kids meal and Aidan and Aaron both had another Kids HotDog meal all together that came to £59 according to my receipts!
We really enjoyed it and the kids all ate theirs! Hurrah!LOL

As we walked back round we saw another photopass photographer and this time I remembered about the Simba Magic shot I had read about and decided to get that done!
It was only Kieran and I that got it done but they were lovely!

It was now time for the Festival of the Lion King show. This show was worth any entrance fee alone! We all thoroughly enjoyed it! Even Paddy! Which I was soo surprised about! He usually hates anything musical like!LOL

It really was a special end to a fantastic day!
We got a few pictures taken of the Tree of Life and the Christmas trees at night before we headed out of the park!

Must have been around 7.30 when we left ! We took Mum and the Kids back to the house and got them settled for bed. Then Paddy and I went back out to Walmart to pick up some bits and pieces such as birthday cards and wrapping paper for Aaron and we needed to get a clothes airer as there was no-where in the house to dry clothes and I hate tumble drying everything! Always scared in case everything shrinks!
We got back and just chilled with a glass of wine before heading to bed around 11pm! It had been a great day!

Next up...how many parks can we visit in one day???

 

[caz1712]

Day 5 - Epcot, Blizzard Beach and Magic Kingdom

Saturday 29th November


Ok so today Aaron wasn’t too well again! We had been up half the night with him coughing and choking so we weren’t sure what to do today. I think tensions were running a little high today with little sleep and busy days! Mum was feeling homesick I think and was a little grumpy with everyone.
We really wanted to go to Epcot first before heading to Blizzard Beach as it was the only Disney Park we hadn’t been too. Mum and I had a bit of a falling out as she didn’t want to do either Epcot or Blizzard Beach today. She had wanted us to drop her off at shopping malls before we went out for the day. But we just didn’t think it was fair for us to have to stop what we were doing to go pick her up when she had had enough especially when we had a whole day tomorrow dedicated to shopping! I know that may sound a bit mean but Mum had always maintained that she was so grateful we were taking her that she was quite happy to do whatever we wanted to do. So this is what we had wanted to do!
After a bit of silent treatment while we got ready she finally decided to come with us. So we packed up our swimming gear in a bag to leave in the car and then headed out to Epcot.
We arrived not long after 9 and took a picture of the “Giant Golf Ball” as Kieran and Aidan called it!

As all the parks Epcot had all the Christmas decorations up now! The green topiary had a Christmas theme which was lovely!

First things first we spotted the Character Meet and Greet Area, the boys were desperate to go in and meet the Characters but the queue was at least an hour long maybe more! There was just no way they would wait that long even if it was to see Mickey Mouse! We were stood hovering outside when a cast member came over to talk to the boys. Paddy happened to mention we had the GAC and he said that we could use it for the Meet and Greet! We didn’t use it anywhere else as the line was always manageable but if we had have walked away at this point there would have been major meltdowns from Aidan especially. So we decided to take advantage of the offer!
The Characters in here were lovely and good sports with the boys! This was the first Meet and Greet that Aaron took notice of so as soon as he could get free from the buggy he was off!LOL
He had a thing for squeezing the character’s noses! He had done the same at DHS with Handy Manny and the Little Einstein characters! I think because they were so huge he just had to touch them!LOL
Here are a few of our own photos I will leave the photopass ones for the end!

cont...

 

[caz1712]

We came out and the dancing fountain was in full swing which was lovely! We headed on over to Mission Space. Mum was still a bit silent at the minute so she said she didn’t want to ride and took Aaron for a seat while Paddy, Me and the boys did!

We stuck to the Green version! Really didn’t need anymore ill children at this point!LOL We thoroughly enjoyed it! Aidan wanted to go straight back on and had a minor moment while we told him we could come back another day and do it but there was loads more to see!
Crisis averted we then headed over to Test Track! Again Mum didn’t want to ride so off we went!

Even with the GAC we had about a 30min wait which ordinarily would be fine but Aidan was already agitated about not being able to get back on Mission Space straight away so it was hard work waiting with them! Finally we got on and the kids LOVED it! Here is our ride photo!

We came out and the boys had some pictures taken with all the cars!

We headed out to find Mum and Aaron and found them sitting on a bench! By this time it was around 11am and I thought we should try something for Aaron so we headed down to the Seas Pavillion to do the Nemo ride.

We all really enjoyed this and I thought we should give Turtle Talk a go but Kieran went in a bit of a mood and said he really wanted to go to the waterpark now! Aaron was starting to look a bit tired anyway so thought we may as well call it a day for Epcot!
So off to the car we went! We made our way over to Blizzard Beach and parked up! Now I don’t have ANY pictures of Blizzard beach from my digital cameras as we had bought a Waterproof disposable camera to use here! Well I have only just found it and put it in to be developed so If there are any good photos I will post them at the end! But to be honest I don’t remember taking all that many! Think the kids may have gotten a hold of it!
Once we had gotten changed and our lockers sorted we headed on over to a little spot over by the big ice cube stepping stones bit ( I hope you know what I mean!LOL).
Mum doesn’t swim and it was a scorcher of the day so she just wanted to lie on the sun lounger and rest in the shade! I took Aaron over to the little toddler area and Paddy took the big boys with him!
Aaron just wasn’t for going into the pool at all, he normally loves swimming which made me realise he really wasn’t well! He had a temperature again and was coughing and sneezing everywhere so thought it best just to take him back out and get him dried and changed and let him sleep!

cont...

 

[caz1712]

Went back over to the loungers to get him sorted and could see the boys having fun over in the pool with Paddy! Next thing I know Kieran came over in tears! He had to get rescued by the life guard after falling off the zip slide into the pool! I thought Paddy was with him but he was watching Aidan come down a nearby slide! The pool area for that zip slide bit is really really deep and Kieran can’t swim properly so he had got himself in a panic!
But the photopass photographer must have kept snapping away as its one of the few pics we have from Blizzard Beach!

I felt terrible and was mad at Paddy for not watching him! But I know how hard it can be to watch two of them at once and both Kieran and I can laugh about it now- Thankfully!
Ok so we were getting a bit hungry by now so Mum and I headed off to Lottawatta lodge to get some food! Aaron had fell asleep by this point so we didn’t bother getting him anything!
So we got 6chicken nugget meal, 2 chesseburger meals, 2 hot dog meals a milk, diet coke and a refillable sprite mug and that came to $47
All ate and suitably filled, Aaron was still sleeping and I really wanted to do the teamboat springs with the boys! Mum wasn’t interested so she stayed with Aaron and we all went to climb our way to the top ! My god there are a lot of stairs to get to that one!LOL
We thought this was great fun the only thing was there never seemed to be any photopass photographers at the bottom of these rides when we done them so again no photos!
By this time it was around 4pm and Aaron had woke up and was a bit grumpy so we decided to head back! In the car on the way back Mum said if Paddy, the boys and I wanted to go do something else she would be happy to stay with Aaron as she was knackered anyway and just wanted to chill! Well we looked at the time and we thought we could still get lots in if we went back to a park!LOL

cont....

 

[caz1712]

SO we took Mum and Aaron home and got ourselves freshened up and decided to head back over to Epcot so the boys could have another go on Mission Space and Test Track as they were itching to do it again!
So we got parked up and got the Tram over!

The sun was really going down now and it was lovely to see the park all lit up!

Mission Space first again! This time Paddy and Kieran did the Orange one but Me and Aidan stuck to the Green one!LOL

Again we loved it – Aidan loved pressing the buttons – I can’t remember which role we had at all to be honest!
We met Paddy and Kieran as we came out and we spotted the space man hats!

We went back over to test track again and we loved it even more at night! Was great fun!

Ok so by this time it was time for the park to start shutting and we knew we wouldn’t get on any other rides so we headed over to Mousegear for a look around!
Wow we loved this shop so many lovely things – especially for the kitchen although I didn’t indulge this time but maybe next trip!
I bought a few postcards for sending back home and a few more magnets! As we were headed towards the tram Paddy said what time is Magic Kingdom open until tonight - my face lit up – midnight I told him! You fancy going over there now?
DO I ? DO I? Of course I do! Wait better phone mum first and see how Aaron is! Phoned and Phoned and phoned no answer! They must be away to bed if there was anything wrong she will phone me!
So of we went to Magic Kingdom!


cont...

 

[caz1712]

Ooh I was so excited to see it at Night all lit up – the castle! OMG was it gorgeous!

The Christmas Decorations everywhere - just wonderful! They must work so hard to do this!
We timed it just right Wishes was due to start shortly so we decided that we would wait and see it – our first time watching Wishes!
We were so lucky we saw the Cast Members marking out the walkways and we managed to get right at the front of the line just outside Casey’s Corner right in front of the castle! Was a fantastic spot! The Cast Member was this really lovely older gentleman who just stood and talked to the kids for absolutely ages! Kieran loves to talk so he chatted away happily to the man. He was telling him to just wait and see once the music begins that’s when the magic really happens and to watch out for a special somebody flying above! It was soo lovely!
No sooner had he said that and everything went dark and the music started! I thought I was going to start bubbling there and then! I had heard so much about Wishes from friends that I was soo excited! I wanted to capture it all on camera and camcorder but my hands were shaking! I tried to get as much as possible on film but Paddy did the photos – very difficult to do but I’m sure you will agree he got some amazing shots!
Please forgive me but I just love the castle and Wishes so much that there will be lots of photos!

cont...

 

[caz1712]

As it was finishing I was trying to hold back the tears so badly and then Kieran turned to me and through himself at me and hugged me so tight and said “ Mummy thank-you so much for bringing us here it is just the most amazing thing EVER!” Well that was me – hysterical! I’m sat here trying to type and I can hardly see the screen now for the tears! It was the most amazing moment of the whole holiday! I thought the Stitch Moment got me well this just melted my heart! We started to move as the crowd was moving and had decided to head towards Tommorowland! Even by the time we had beat the crowds and managed to get round there I still hadn’t stopped crying! The people walking past me must have thought I was mad!
After getting myself together we decided to do Space Mountain! Aidan was desperate to do this being the coaster fan he is!
When we got over the standby queue was so long it was going under the Tommorowland Transit Authourity track and heading towards Astro Oribit! So we utilized the GAC again! Needless to say that once we were inside the fastpass line was just as long and we still had to wait 45mins! We played games like name a Disney character beginning with the letter A, and we talked about what rides we still had to do. Eventually the time passed and it was time to get on! Aidan had to sit at the front!
I have to say Space Mountain is a bit rickety for my liking! Just seemed to make a lot of noise but Aidan didn’t seem to mind! Kieran on the other hand got very anxious and worried by all the noises coming from it! It really knocks you about too!
But Aidan came off high as a kite and ready to do something else! We decided to slow the pace down a bit and go and watch the Monster Inc Laugh floor!

This was sooo funny we really enjoyed it. We were all in stitches when we came out! Kieran wanted to do the Stitch’s Great Escape again as Paddy hadn’t done it yet! So off we went and done that! Kieran and Aidan loved it – the smell isn’t too great in here mind you! But really funny too!
We came off and Kieran really wanted to buy a Stitch T-shirt so we eventually found one which he loves wearing even now!
Paddy had to try on the Stitch ears and Paws!

We then headed over to Buzz Lightyear to do that again! This was still brilliant, Paddy being the competitive so and so didn’t let Kieran win so that caused a minor meltdown but was all over fairly quickly!

We had a few pics taken over by the castle and the decided to call it a night as it was around 11pm by this point! We started to walk down Main St and we had a little wander in the shops on our way out but by this point Aidan’s wee legs were hurting so we just heading on out!

As we were heading back to the car Mum phoned! She had falled asleep and had got worried when she noticed we weren’t home yet! I did try phoning her remember! But all was ok with Aaron and he was sound asleep!
We got home a little after midnight and just flopped into bed we were all knackered! Tomorrow was chill out and shopping malls day!

Next up Chilling and shopping!

 

[caz1712]

Day 6 - Shopping

Ok people thanks so much for your patience! Paddy and I had a wonderful weekend away in London with NO KIDS!!! It was just what the doctor ordered! Unfortunately though when we returned we had the bad news that my Aunt had died so things have just been a bit hectic around here!
Finally have a spare few minutes and thought I would get on with a quick update!


Sunday 30th November

Ok so I’m afraid there are absolutely NO pictures today and this will hopefully be rather brief as it was just a shopping day and I don’t remember this in as much detail!LOL
So we were up at the crack of dawn with Aaron as usual but we decided that this morning we were just going to take it easy and take our time getting organised before heading out to do some shopping!
It looked quite overcast outside but it was really muggy outside so we had a feeling we might be in for some rain!
We got our selves organised tidied up the house a bit and got some more washing done before heading out.
We headed up the 192 and had decided that today we wanted to try IHOP (international house of pancakes). The kids like pancakes so they should hopefully eat something here….shouldn’t they???LOL
Just as we were parking up the heavens opened up and it was a mad dash into the diner! We got seated in a booth and it was very busy!
Mum and Paddy ordered coffee and me and Kieran had Orange Juice while Aidan and Aaron had milk. The menu was wonderful so much to choose from! Ok so this is what we had:

Paddy : Breakfast Sampler : Two eggs, two bacon strips, two
pork sausage links, two pieces of
ham, hash browns and two fluffy
buttermilk pancakes

Me : Rooty Tooty Fresh ‘n’ Fruity: Two eggs, two bacon strips,
two pork sausage links and two
buttermilk pancakes crowned with
cool strawberry topping,

Mum : Pancakes with bacon and Maple syrup ( disgusting if you ask me but she likes it!)

Kieran and Aidan : Chocolate Chip pancakes

Aaron was in grumpy mode again so didn’t order him anything.
I loved mine although by the time I had finished my bacon and eggs I really didn’t have room for the pancakes! I had a bite or two out of one of them just to try and they were fab! Paddy managed all his plus my pancakes! Mum loved hers as well and the boys well….surprise surprise they didn’t like them! They said the chocolate chips tasted funny! Never mind all in though I think it was approx £40 don’t have the receipt for that one!
Ok so all suitably filled and loaded back in the car, we set the Tom Tom up for Florida Mall. We got there quite easily, again it was still raining really hard but we were going into a mall so who cares!LOL
It’s a huge mall but to be honest we didn’t see much that we really liked or thought was a bargain! We bought the boys trainers in the skechers shop and that was about it really! But it take us a good hour or so to get round the place!
Anyway we decided to head out to Premium outlets! Well this was a whole other story! When we go back this would probably be the only other “Mall” we would visit as it had lots more of our kinda stuff and more reasonably priced too!
Can’t remember what order we went round all the shops? We were there for about 5hrs and we still never saw everything we wanted!
We spent a lot of time in the Disney outlet store where we got LOTS! The kids bought themselves more cuddlies! Kieran got more Stitches in different costumes and Aidan got a Baloo and King Louie.
Paddy got a Grumpy zip up as it was getting quite cold and he didn’t have a jumper with him, I got a pink Mickey Mouse hoody, scrapbook and stickers, some Pirates of the Caribbean watches for the kids stockings (only $2.99 each!) and a Pirates of Caribbean hoody for my nephew.
Paddy also got two pairs of Timberland boots and I got a beautiful Leather handbag from the Guess shop!
We were all knackered! But had a great day! The kids got a pizza that night from the Pizza place and we decided to get a Chinese from the little place at Berry Town Centre! We just ordered a few different things to try and it was really yummy! Paddy was very excited that it came in the little white cartons you see on TV!LOL He wants to know why our Chinese don’t sell them like that!LOL
Sad I know! Anyway we had our dinner and then vegged out in front of the TV for a bit before heading to bed!

Tomorrow SEAWORLD!!!!

 

[caz1712]

Day 7 - Seaworld and Chef Mickey's

Monday 1st December

Ok so on to another “proper” day! Lots of photos coming up people!LOL
We were up at the crack of dawn again (although to be honest the early starts are starting to take its toll slightly now! ) but we had to be on the ball as today was the only day scheduled at Seaworld!
We arrived just as the park had opened

And we bumped into this little guy as we went in!

We got some maps and started to make our way in! We looked at the timings of all the shows and we decided to do all three “big” shows first and get them out of the way as we could basically see one after the other and have them done by lunchtime and have the rest of the day free to just take everything else in!
So Clyde and Seamore show was up first! On the way round we saw the dolphins

Which are just lovely! I really love dolphins and so does my Mum so we just loved being able to see them. We would have loved being able to go to discovery cove but just couldn’t justify the price plus Aaron would have been too small anyway so that will be something for years to come hopefully!
They weren’t letting anyone into the auditorium yet so we headed in to see the penguins first

They were lovely and all Aidan kept saying was” are they going to sing and dance like in Happy Feet Mum?” was soo cute!
We then realised it was time to head over. We got quite good seats at the back end of the splash zone in the middle. We got seated and then the mime guy came on! He was sooo funny! We really enjoyed watching him take the mick out of everyone going by !

Us waiting for the show to begin

cont....

 

[caz1712]

Then the show began!

We really enjoyed this show especially the kids! Aidan loves all that slapstick humor! We walked round to the sealions and otters

And then it was time to walk round for the Blue Horizon show!
Again we got not too bad seats in the back of the splash zone and we waited for it to begin ! The set is so colourful, I was really looking forward to this one!

It is really cheesy and a bit of a pointless story line but we loved it! Mum was in tears at the end! She said this just made her holiday! Which was really nice to hear!

cont...

 

[caz1712]

There are loads of pictures I know but its really hard to pick which ones to post, we took over 5000 of our own pictures so picking the best is really difficult!LOL Plus I know I really loved reading trippies that have lots of pictures!LOL
So with that finished it was a mad dash to get to the Shamu Stadium in time as it’s a fair wee walk!
We got there – this place is HUGE!! Our seats were off to the right which weren’t too bad! There was no way I was sitting down the front but Kieran insisted! So I warned him I said “ IT’S A KILLER WHALE!!!! It won’t be a little splash of water!” but no he was determined so he sat down the front while we sat on the last row of the splash zone!
Aaron was really tired and grumpy and clinging to Paddy so Mum took the camcorder while I tried to get pictures! Again it’s a really cheesy show but you just can’t help smiling and loving it!

All the divers came jumping over the tank and stood in front of us getting us all to do the “Shamu” dance/chant thing! Kieran was in his element and really joined in! I just knew what was coming although I don’t think he did! Then all of a sudden woooossshhhh – the water came flying over the tank and right on top of Kieran!

cont...