Edinburgh to Orlando - our holiday was "awesome!!" (did I say it right??)!!! (+pics)

[ScotsMinnie]

And Wal-mart is notorious for understaffing its stores. Not only that, but with the way they treat their employees, it's no wonder they don't work with a spring in their steps. But I digress . .

Sorry...on with the TR!

Thats a shame - didn't realise that.......

 

[Mr. & Mrs. Smith]

Thank you for your continued TR! Sounds like you had a great day with just the girls.

I love your pic of the Family Fun Day parade. You see that firetruck with all the characters in it? Well, DH and I were the ones sitting in it leading the parade on our honeymoon!

 

[mplsmom1]

Linlithgow is very close to me and it does have a beautiful palace - I take it that is where you visited?

Yes, the palace where Mary Queen of Scots lived. It's incredible.

Wow! Your daughters as princesses -- so cute! What a fun, fun day!! Thank you for doing this trip report

 

[luckylady]

Your girls are cutie pies.Great TR and the princess are dolls in thier outfits.How long was the plane ride.One day DH and I are going to make it to Scotland.

 

[Scotfan]

and enjoyed a sidetrip to Lithingow (sp?!) even more.

I live in Linlithgow! I always have to spell it out when I call for my ADR's LOL

Loving the trippie. And I completely get the Walmart thing - mind you the asda in Livingston is nearly as big! if not such good value.

 

[jmskinner]

Finally got to catch up on your TR. Your Princesses are so adoreable.

 

[mplsmom1]

Scotfan: I live in Linlithgow! I always have to spell it out when I call for my ADR's LOL

Scotfan - How lucky for you! I hope your trips were just as magical! I'm looking forward to the next installment of ScotsMinnie

 

[ScotsMinnie]

Shamu is calling today so we get up early and go off to SeaWorld. We all love this park and so everyone is looking forward to a great day. The only problem with SeaWorld is that there is far too much to see in one day. You only ever get a little bit of what you want to do done. We always say we will use the second free day you can get at guest services but never end up doing it.

One thing my Mum noticed is that the planting in this park is exquisite (she loves her garden). It did draw my attention to it and started to see what she meant. Our 2 wishes for this park are the Sealion Show and the Shamu show - Believe. We picked out which shows we wanted to see and then filled the time before they started with seeing the Penguin Encounter (which DK loved) and the Shark exhibit which we all enjoyed. By the time we sat down for the Clyde and Seamore Take Pirate Island show the sun was baking and taking its toll on the wee one. I had to take her to the back of the theatre into the shade and she was fine after that. The pirate with the white face who mimes and takes the mickey out of people coming in was hilarious as usual. I love that guy. I dread the day I come and he isn’t there. The show was great and we all laughed and gasped at the size of Winston Walrus – what a strange creature!

After lunch we made our way to the Shamu show. We were very early and the DK was sleeping so Mum and DH went on to find seats and I stayed outside with DE and DK. DE wanted to ride on the new Shamu coaster by herself which she did and loved it.

Unfortunately when I went back it was closed as it was full!!!! I explained that I have seats already but nipped out for a drink as the baby was still sleeping and she let me in……………. phew! That is a lesson!!!!! The show was great. I always marvel at how these creatures and the trainers interact. At the end when the whale comes out to splash to audience her baby came too and so the whale refused to do it. The trainers explained that when they don’t do what they are asked they are ignored. But no amount of ignoring was going to make the whale engage so the show ended there. No splashing! I suppose it was good to see that the animals are not forced to do things that they don’t want to do.

DE just couldn't resist the fountains!

After that DH and DE rode on Journey to Atlantis and DH rode on Kracken. That sort of ended the day as the heat was so bad and we were all shattered. We missed the Elmo show which was a shame as DK would have loved it but I suppose that gives us something still to see when we back next time. We also didn’t get the chance to see Blue Horizons which is disappointing. A return trip here is definitely on the cards.


Tonight was kid free zone! Mum and Dad were babysitting and DH and I had a night on our own!!!! We had reservations at the California Grill. We got there, checked in and got escorted in the elevator up to the top floor. We went into the lounge bar area and found a seat by the window with a drink. Our server was a lovely man and he walked us through the menu and made some recommendations. We started with the Rainbow Roll Sushi which was lovely and then we both had the lobster salad. It was delicious but by this time I was worrying that I wouldn’t manage my main course. For main course DH had the prime rib and I had the Kona fish and corn butter sauce dish. They were both amazing and so very filling. The different flavours were perfect – one of the best meals I have had in a very long time. Before dessert we made our way out onto the terrace to watch Wishes which was a real treat. It was very special to watch it from up there with such a beautiful view over the Magic Kingdom. I tried to imprint it on my mind so I never forget it. I didn’t quite realise how far back from the castle the fireworks are set off from as we usually watch it from in front of the castle. They pipe the music up there so you do get the whole experience. DH had dessert – a molten chocolate concoction which was very rich – too rich for me but he thoroughly enjoyed it. After a drink at the bar we made our way home. A very special night thanks to Mum and Dad for allowing us the time to do it. If you have the chance this was a very special thing to do and I would highly recommend it. The food and atmosphere was terrific and although slightly pricey, well worth the cost.

The view from the top!!! Unfortunately the fireworks ones didn't turn out well.

 

[soldiersmom]

I just found your trip report, and am loving it! Looking at your posting dates, I guess I missed the beginning because I was in...wait for it....Scotland! I was absolutely charmed by your lovely country. (Although I like the bacon here better, too!)

Your girls are darling--the pictures of them walking up to the castle in their princess outfits nearly brought a tear (I only have boys myself). Can't wait to hear about the rest of the trip!

 

[ScotsMinnie]

I just found your trip report, and am loving it! Looking at your posting dates, I guess I missed the beginning because I was in...wait for it....Scotland! I was absolutely charmed by your lovely country. (Although I like the bacon here better, too!)

Your girls are darling--the pictures of them walking up to the castle in their princess outfits nearly brought a tear (I only have boys myself). Can't wait to hear about the rest of the trip!

Thanks!!!

Glad you had a lovely time. I need to get my hands on some of your bacon. Its just tooo tasty!!!

 

[jmskinner]

Love your pics of Seaworld! I can't wait until we can go. I figure when the weather is a little cooler. We did go to the one in Texas and really enjoyed ourselves.

It was so nice of your parents to keep the girls while you went out. You have me wanting to try CG.

 

[Disney Brat]

Loved your installment! I haven't been to Sea World for about 12 years(very rough estimate), I would really like to go back this trip! Yay for a kid free night!! Those are great, Cali Grill looks amazing, and the views were spectacular! That is one place that is on my wish list!! Can't wait to hear more!!

 

[ScotsMinnie]

Love your pics of Seaworld! I can't wait until we can go. I figure when the weather is a little cooler. We did go to the one in Texas and really enjoyed ourselves.

It was so nice of your parents to keep the girls while you went out. You have me wanting to try CG.

Loved your installment! I haven't been to Sea World for about 12 years(very rough estimate), I would really like to go back this trip! Yay for a kid free night!! Those are great, Cali Grill looks amazing, and the views were spectacular! That is one place that is on my wish list!! Can't wait to hear more!!

California Grill was one of the highlights of my holiday. It was very special and being able to see the MK and Wishes up there was amazing.

Go Go Go!!!!

 

[irky416]

Sea World is really beautiful. I love the picture of the baby and mom whale. I;m glad to hear they don't force them to do the tricks, either!

How nice that you had a night out by yourself. The pictures from the top of Cali Grill look amazing. I've never been up there. It sounds like you had a nice night!

 

[Mr. & Mrs. Smith]

The pirate with the white face who mimes and takes the mickey out of people coming in was hilarious as usual. I love that guy. I dread the day I come and he isn’t there.

<snip>

Before dessert we made our way out onto the terrace to watch Wishes which was a real treat. It was very special to watch it from up there with such a beautiful view over the Magic Kingdom. I tried to imprint it on my mind so I never forget it.

We love the mime too! Don't worry; he's been there since the early 80s at least so I doubt they'll get rid of him any time soon.

Isn't the view from CG fanastic? That was one of my favourite experiences. The piped in music really made it special.

 

[mplsmom1]

Hoping for more updates!!

 

[ScotsMinnie]

A day at Disney's Hollywood Studios was planned for today so we were up and about getting organised to go. Dad had gone into the garage to hang up some washing to dry when he came in and announced that there was another snake! This one looked the same as the last one but was a bit smaller. It was curled up in the corner of the garage where the door was. Enough was enough and we decided to call the management company. We explained the story and that we had seen one a few days ago outside and that we thought it was a cottonmouth. They said to stay out of the garage and they would send someone over. In the meantime Dad had been in the garage and put a bucket over it!!!!

A really nice guy from the management company came round and looked at the photos we had taken of the previous snake and confirmed that it was a cottonmouth or water moccasin as we had thought. He said the juvenile ones are very aggressive and he hates dealing with them as they can't control their venom very well. Adult ones inject just enough as is needed whereas the juvenile just empty their venom sacks completely which made us feel great about the fact that one was eyeing up DE's leg the other night.

He opened the garage door and kicked the bucket down the drive so the snake landed on the driveway.

Now sorry to any snake lovers out there - look away now......................

He then got his spade and chopped it up! Must admit to being quite glad. He picked it all up and washed it down and went on his way. They said they would send someone in to block up the hole in the garage door and to check round the outside for others! Makes you really nervous and the amount of snake checking that was done for the rest of the trip was ridiculous!

Thankfully no more were spotted!

Here is Mr Hiss!

So much for our early start! It was late morning before we eventually left the villa. With DE dressed in her East High Cheerleading outfit we made our way to Hollywood Studios. As we arrived the High School Musical show was about to start so we got a good spot and waited. DE was in her element and sang and danced through it. She did get picked by the cheerleader to do the limbo and of course was able to dance with the other kids at the end.

We tried to get fast passes for Toy Story Mania but the return time was not till later that night and we would not be staying in the park that long which was a shame. We did however go to the Beauty and Beast show which DE loved so much the last time we went. DK also enjoyed it and even managed not to be scared of the Beast. My enjoyment was marred however by the teenage boy sitting next to me who spent the whole show spitting on the ground. Totally disgusting and actually was turning my stomach. Of course his parents said nothing about it.

When we came out of that show we met up with DH and Dad who had gone to have a wander round - Beauty and the Beast is not really their thing!!!! We missed the parade as people were hungry (can you tell that I would have preferred to see the parade but was outvoted??!!) People were tired and rain was on the horizon so we decided to leave for the day. A short but sweet visit. We were coming back to this park so decided to do the rest when we returned later in the trip.

Mum and Dad only have another full day after this one so we went home, had a swim and something to eat and got the kids to bed early. Mum and Dad packed their bags for their return journey as we have a busy day and night planned for tomorrow. Mum starting to get upset about going home. DH and I had a trip out shopping while we can still go out without the girls – who are not such patient shoppers!!!

 

[ScotsMinnie]

Mum and Dad’s last full day

Epcot was the park of choice today. We still had things we wanted to do and also Dad was very keen to ride Soarin again.

We went straight to Soarin for fast passes and then to Test Track as this is another of our families favourites. I took a little video of the fast part of test track which was funny – lots of squeals. DK was desperate to go in aswell and even stood under the height chart but as you can see she was well below the limit!!!!! DK took a shine to the Hummer and was happy playing in the exit area.

When we had all rode we made our way to the Living Seas with Nemo and Friends. It was our first time on the clam shells and I loved it. How on earth do they get the animation to appear so clearly in the water? Very clever. A lovely vibrant ride. A real highlight for me. I love coming off a ride wondering how they did something. It is so realistic. Both girls loved looking at the fish and seahorses in the small tanks. A cast member was feeding the angler fish and it was amazing to see how quickly they snap up the food. After the obligatory snap inside Bruce’s mouth for DE – DK screaming as I don’t think she realised he was plastic! – and a quick look round we made our way to the Land.

This time DH, DE and I rode Soarin first while Granny and Grandad took DK to Sunshine Seasons to get something to eat. We were in the front row which was my first time and it was even more enjoyable than usual. A swap with my parents and we had something to eat. I was impressed by this place – I thought the choice was great compared to other places. DK however took exception to the fact that Granny had gone off and left her so screamed for about 20 mins. It was embarrassing. It was like I had kidnapped her and she didn’t know me! I am sure people around me were thinking I must a really bad mummy! She finally calmed down but I was a nervous wreck by then!

As usual there was a bit of last minute shopping to be done. DH also wanted to get some polo shirts form the Lacoste shop so we made a quick visit to Mall at Millenia. Cue Grandad and DE complaining very loudly about shopping – after about 2 mins. We only had 2 shops to go into. You would have thought he was the 6 year old. We got some cheesecake to take away from the Cheesecake Factory…. Yummy!.... and headed back to eat it!!!!!

We all freshened up and got dressed to go to the Grand Floridian. Its tradition to do something really nice on the last night and it usually ends up at the MK! Tonight we have bookings for the Cinderella’s Gala Feast at the Grand Floridian. We parked at the GF and got there with time to spare. We got our pager and sat in the lobby to wait for it to light up. DE used DK’s wand to magic it into lighting up and eventually that worked!!! We got seated and not long after that the characters started to come out. I should also say that the food here was terrific. Last time I was here I had a urinary tract infection and had only just got the antibiotic so managed to eat nothing and spent the time in the toilet! So I was super glad to be eating the food!!!! The choice was great and we ordered the cups for the girls with the light up tinkerbell which they loved. I saw a woman with a cocktail with a flashing ice cube in it too late to have one myself (although I did find these in the World of Disney shop and brought some home!!).

The character there were Prince Charming (and very charming he was too!!), Cinderella (of course!), Lade Tremaine (very good at playing the part – I think she scared a lot of the men!), and the 2 step sisters (again very good at acting the part). The quality of the characters made it really quite special. The step sisters and Lady Tremaine bounced off each other constantly and I’ll never forget their “interesting” rendition of Sing Sweet Nightingale!!!!

Then it was on the monorail to the Magic Kingdom. We found a great spot for Spectromagic just as it enters Main Street USA. DK especially loved this parade and waved to all the characters. DE also enjoyed it and got to do a bit of hula-hooping before it started. As it finished we did a sprint through the shops and got a great spot for Wishes right in front of castle – just to the right where the little river is. We love it from here as noone is in front of you. Its quiet too as the parade is still not finished at that spot so everyone is still watching the parade.

Wishes of course was amazing. I had forgotten to bring cotton wool for the girls ears so nipped into the First Aid to ask for some. They gave me proper ear plugs for them to wear which were great. They are soooo nice in there. So DE and DK had their ear plugs in and DE was very nervous but she loved the sparkles – just hates the noise. DK loved it too but fell asleep on my shoulder just before the end. She was obviously not bothered by the noise!!!

So the end of a perfect night. We make our way out and queue for the boat back to the Grand Floridian to get our car. The boat ride is a great way to end the night. As we sailed over the Electrical Water pageant was on and it is really pretty. The GF also looks amazing all lit up and we slowly walked back to the car.

Granny very sad about going home. Serious tears on the way for tomorrow!!!

 

[jmskinner]

Really enjoying your TR! I'm sad just reading about your Mum and Dad going home.

The whole snake thing would have me so freaked out I wouldn't be able to sleep!

All of your pics are great, especially the girls dressed up for High School Musical.

 

[irky416]

to the snake. I would have been freaking out.

The HSM outfit is cute!

I want to meet the Stepsisters and stepmother! Everyone says they're so funny!