Who we are.
Me, Ali (40-but only just!) - chief planner, packer, and organiser
Tim (47) - husband, driver, generally willing to go along with my plans, hates queuing.
Thomas (9)- son, Harry Potter fan
Molly (6) daughter, loves Ariel and all the other Disney Princesses.
This is my first attempt at a trip report and I shall be working largely from memory. Forgive me if I ramble on (and on!) but remember as first-timers, it was all wonderful and new to us!
Day 13 Thurs 3/4/03 Rest day
Croissants and coffee in the room again for breakfast this morning; then I challenged the family to a game of mini-golf. As Virgin guests, we were entitled to a free game so were not going to pass on an opportunity to get our moneys worth! As always when we play competitive games as a family, it was a roller coaster ride of emotions from start to finish. I set the pace by amazing everyone with a hole in one on the second hole. This riled Tim, who immediately began getting serious about winning. Molly was soon in tears of frustration shouting, I cant do it! Thomas was the wiser older brother with tips and advice, until he took about 15 shots to pot the ball then started stomping around in a strop! Oh the joys of family games!
After the mini-golf, we went to the swimming pool to de-stress. Unfortunately, the pool by our room that had been mainly deserted all week was invaded by a group of high school kids. They were getting very rowdy with the boys throwing the girls in the pool (all those raging hormones) and so when Molly came running towards me with blood pouring from her mouth, I was very concerned. It transpired that Thomas had accidentally kicked Molly in the mouth (as brothers do) and had knocked out another tooth; leaving Molly with a really attractive gappy smile! The tooth had been at that annoying wobbly stage for ages so Tom had actually done Molly a favour. Once we had cleaned up all the blood we decided to relocate to a smaller pool by the next block. We had this pool to ourselves which was much more pleasant and we stayed there all morning.
A quick lunch of rolls and salad in the room and then it was off to Downtown Disney for the afternoon.
Everywhere looked so different in the sunshine (our last visit it had been torrential). The heat had increased considerably since our arrival nearly 2 weeks previously. Spent a considerable time browsing the lovely toy shops and Molly finally decided upon an Ariel doll and a Tinkerbell figurine to spend her money on. Thomas bought some Harry Potter Lego so much cheaper than at home. I bought myself a Minnie Mouse apron from the homeware shop and then we had a look around the Rainforest Café shop and restaurant. I just loved the animal-legged bar stools!
Thomas and Molly choose to go to the kids club again that evening so Tim and I went to Giordanos Italian restaurant. We liked this restaurant, there was a good atmosphere and the food was very tasty. Once again we were beaten by the portion sizes. We ordered a salad to share and a chicken pasta dish each (which came with bread too). The amount of pasta on each plate was as much as I would cook for the whole family! The bill for the food and drinks came to $40.46.
We went to bed that night happy we had at last managed a couple of relaxing days. It was our last full day the next day, and we would have to decide which Disney park to return to.
Day 14 Fri 4/4/03 Magic Kingdom
There was much excitement when we awoke; the American tooth fairy had visited in the night and left a dollar for Molly! Thomas was disgruntled because a dollar was worth more than the 50p he had always had!
It was our final day, and we had to choose which Disney park to return to. It was quite an easy decision really - it had to be MK. We felt there were quite a few rides we had missed on our first visit because of the crowds, and it does have that special magic.
Breakfast in the room again then off to the Kingdom, this time arriving by monorail. We were there just as the park was opening. I was really pleased with myself for achieving this on our penultimate day; we had really slowed down the pace on the previous few days. The early start paid off. We went straight to Fantasyland to ride Peter Pans Flight, which had tremendous queues on our first visit. This time we walked straight on, twice, changing sides for the second ride to make sure we hadnt missed anything!
Next we headed to Splash Mountain, as the children had been disappointed to miss this one the first time. Unfortunately, the ride was not operational so rather than wait on the off-chance of it starting up, we went on Big Thunder Mountain, twice. By that time, Splash Mountain was running and the queuing time was 15 minutes, so the brave members of the party went off to do that. I was dispatched with the three bags and two water bottles to find the best spot to take a photo of their looks of terror as they descended the large chute. I dont know how, but somehow or other, I managed to miss them. I still had the camera trained on the ride when they appeared behind me, soaking wet and exhilarated. It would have been a great picture too!
Next stop was Adventureland where we rode the Magic Carpets of Aladdin, visited the Enchanted Tiki Rooms, (better than I expected), and then the Jungle Cruise (great commentary!)
Ariels Grotto, 50 minutes queue again, so to appeases Molly we went to see Storytime with Belle at 11.15am. Thomas was not quite so keen but was secretly very pleased to be chosen to play the part of the clock!.
Most of the queues were getting too long in Fantasyland, so after meeting King John and the Queen of Hearts, we moved on to Mickeys Toontown Fair. It was getting really hot so we went into the Hall of Fame Tent to cool off. This presented Molly with another shopping opportunity and after some considerable time agonising over the jewellery stands, she finally chose a rather lovely Mickey pendant necklace.
Thomas and Molly begged us to go on Goofys Barnstormer next (another one we had missed the first time). We had to wait 20 minutes, which we think was the longest we had waited for a ride during our whole stay not bad really. We all thought the ride was good fun but over far too quickly, and did anyone else find the seats hard on the back?
Next we caught the Railroad up to Main Street where we had our sandwich lunch. Previously this was an area that we rushed through, so it was lovely taking in all the details and watching the characters. We strolled down Main Street browsing in the shops and then treated ourselves to ice creams from the Plaza Ice Cream Parlor. Still amazed by the size of US portions! The next ten minutes was spent in silence as we all endeavoured to finish our ice creams before they turned to liquid.
We then decided to pay a last visit to Tomorrowland. We picked up FPs for Buzz Lightyears Spin then went on the Tomorrowland Transit Authority twice, so that those going backwards the first time could have a chance to go forwards!
I managed to improve on my score on Buzzs Spin but it was still pitifully low! I think my laser was only working intermittently!
The afternoon was I believe the hottest we had experienced during our stay, and the park was getting busy. The children were getting hot and bothered and were only a short while away from killing each other, so we decided to return to the hotel and cool off in the pool. This turned out to be a good idea and a great way to relax. There we stayed until it was time for dinner.
For our last meal, we had decided to return to the Black Angus for its combination of good food, nice atmosphere and reasonable prices. We all had steak in various forms, the children sharing the house special. We even managed puds. I noticed the British family on the next table, as their child fell asleep on the seat. The Mum explained that they had flown in that day. If only that was us again! It was home tomorrow and unlike most holidays, I really didnt want to leave. I could have easily stayed another week. And so it was with mixed feelings that we returned to our hotel and to bed.
Day 15 Sat 5/4/03 Homeward bound
It was a strange feeling as we awoke that morning. We were going home after two weeks crammed full of fun and excitement. Although it would be nice to be in our own home again, we really didnt want to leave Florida.
We began packing as soon as we got up boy did we have some smelly clothes! We took a break after a while to have a final BIG breakfast at Sizzlers, which we enjoyed, as it had been a few days since our previous breakfast out. Back at the hotel, we finished packing and checked out at around 11am. We were earlier than anticipated, so rather than driving straight to the airport, we took a detour down International Drive. This was somewhere we just didnt get around to visiting; we spotted several of the places I had read up about and had wanted to see, oh well; I suppose it is impossible to do everything in one visit.
At the airport (Orlando International), Tim dropped me, the children and the luggage off at the Terminal and then went to return the hire car. He was gone for ages and it was getting close to final check-in time. I was just considering checking-in without him when he appeared, puffing and panting and very irate. Apparently, he had returned the car without incident, but then had to wait in line to get a refund for the fuel.
Luckily, there were hardly any queues so we were soon at the check-in desk where we were grilled with the usually security questions; did you pack your luggage yourself? Do you have any sharp objects? Which parks did you visit? What was your favourite ride? Im still not sure if she was just being friendly or whether she was establishing if we were genuine tourists. We must have said the right things as she checked us in and we went through to the central area with the fountains. I must say I was very impressed with the airport compared with some I have travelled through. We passed the time eating a snack lunch we had taken with us and browsing the shops.
The queues through security were fairly long, but we went through without incident. Then it was on the Shuttle to the gates. I was deposited on a bench with all the bags, whilst the kids (all three of them), rode the Shuttle back and forth pretending to drive it!
Walked up to the gate area which was really crowded; there were three flights leaving within an hour of each other. Spent the last of our loose change on two of the most disgusting cups of coffee Ive ever tasted.
The flight took off more or less on time at around 4.35pm (I had given up writing notes by this time!) and the flight home went without incident. I had the misfortune of being behind someone who insisted on reclining their seat right back for the duration of the flight, making it really cramped and difficult to see my screen. Some people can be so selfish!
When we arrived at Gatwick and collected our bags, we discovered that all three of our cases had been opened and searched all those dirty clothes- yuk! We collected our car, and arrived home at around 10.30am on Sunday morning.
Conclusion
We are all in agreement that the holiday was fantastic. We were pleased we had chosen to stay in Orlando for the whole holiday, as we were able to pace ourselves instead of cramming everything into the first week. Having said that, I would have really enjoyed a few days extra at the coast at the end of the holiday. My hours of research reading these discussion forums, and Simon Vs book really paid off. We believe we managed to make the most of our time particularly in the parks, and we were able to make informed decisions about what to leave out. As first-timers, I think we were desperate to see as much as was possible but without killing ourselves in the process!
Will we be going back? Well to start with we werent sure as it wasnt cheap, but the longer weve been home, the more we think about the wonderful time we had, the more likely it seems we shall. Tim is already talking about returning the year after next, before Thomas starts senior school. If we do go again, I think we would be able to slow the pace a little and be more selective about what we did.
Watch this space!
Me, Ali (40-but only just!) - chief planner, packer, and organiser
Tim (47) - husband, driver, generally willing to go along with my plans, hates queuing.
Thomas (9)- son, Harry Potter fan
Molly (6) daughter, loves Ariel and all the other Disney Princesses.
This is my first attempt at a trip report and I shall be working largely from memory. Forgive me if I ramble on (and on!) but remember as first-timers, it was all wonderful and new to us!
Day 13 Thurs 3/4/03 Rest day
Croissants and coffee in the room again for breakfast this morning; then I challenged the family to a game of mini-golf. As Virgin guests, we were entitled to a free game so were not going to pass on an opportunity to get our moneys worth! As always when we play competitive games as a family, it was a roller coaster ride of emotions from start to finish. I set the pace by amazing everyone with a hole in one on the second hole. This riled Tim, who immediately began getting serious about winning. Molly was soon in tears of frustration shouting, I cant do it! Thomas was the wiser older brother with tips and advice, until he took about 15 shots to pot the ball then started stomping around in a strop! Oh the joys of family games!
After the mini-golf, we went to the swimming pool to de-stress. Unfortunately, the pool by our room that had been mainly deserted all week was invaded by a group of high school kids. They were getting very rowdy with the boys throwing the girls in the pool (all those raging hormones) and so when Molly came running towards me with blood pouring from her mouth, I was very concerned. It transpired that Thomas had accidentally kicked Molly in the mouth (as brothers do) and had knocked out another tooth; leaving Molly with a really attractive gappy smile! The tooth had been at that annoying wobbly stage for ages so Tom had actually done Molly a favour. Once we had cleaned up all the blood we decided to relocate to a smaller pool by the next block. We had this pool to ourselves which was much more pleasant and we stayed there all morning.
A quick lunch of rolls and salad in the room and then it was off to Downtown Disney for the afternoon.
Everywhere looked so different in the sunshine (our last visit it had been torrential). The heat had increased considerably since our arrival nearly 2 weeks previously. Spent a considerable time browsing the lovely toy shops and Molly finally decided upon an Ariel doll and a Tinkerbell figurine to spend her money on. Thomas bought some Harry Potter Lego so much cheaper than at home. I bought myself a Minnie Mouse apron from the homeware shop and then we had a look around the Rainforest Café shop and restaurant. I just loved the animal-legged bar stools!
Thomas and Molly choose to go to the kids club again that evening so Tim and I went to Giordanos Italian restaurant. We liked this restaurant, there was a good atmosphere and the food was very tasty. Once again we were beaten by the portion sizes. We ordered a salad to share and a chicken pasta dish each (which came with bread too). The amount of pasta on each plate was as much as I would cook for the whole family! The bill for the food and drinks came to $40.46.
We went to bed that night happy we had at last managed a couple of relaxing days. It was our last full day the next day, and we would have to decide which Disney park to return to.
Day 14 Fri 4/4/03 Magic Kingdom
There was much excitement when we awoke; the American tooth fairy had visited in the night and left a dollar for Molly! Thomas was disgruntled because a dollar was worth more than the 50p he had always had!
It was our final day, and we had to choose which Disney park to return to. It was quite an easy decision really - it had to be MK. We felt there were quite a few rides we had missed on our first visit because of the crowds, and it does have that special magic.
Breakfast in the room again then off to the Kingdom, this time arriving by monorail. We were there just as the park was opening. I was really pleased with myself for achieving this on our penultimate day; we had really slowed down the pace on the previous few days. The early start paid off. We went straight to Fantasyland to ride Peter Pans Flight, which had tremendous queues on our first visit. This time we walked straight on, twice, changing sides for the second ride to make sure we hadnt missed anything!
Next we headed to Splash Mountain, as the children had been disappointed to miss this one the first time. Unfortunately, the ride was not operational so rather than wait on the off-chance of it starting up, we went on Big Thunder Mountain, twice. By that time, Splash Mountain was running and the queuing time was 15 minutes, so the brave members of the party went off to do that. I was dispatched with the three bags and two water bottles to find the best spot to take a photo of their looks of terror as they descended the large chute. I dont know how, but somehow or other, I managed to miss them. I still had the camera trained on the ride when they appeared behind me, soaking wet and exhilarated. It would have been a great picture too!
Next stop was Adventureland where we rode the Magic Carpets of Aladdin, visited the Enchanted Tiki Rooms, (better than I expected), and then the Jungle Cruise (great commentary!)
Ariels Grotto, 50 minutes queue again, so to appeases Molly we went to see Storytime with Belle at 11.15am. Thomas was not quite so keen but was secretly very pleased to be chosen to play the part of the clock!.
Most of the queues were getting too long in Fantasyland, so after meeting King John and the Queen of Hearts, we moved on to Mickeys Toontown Fair. It was getting really hot so we went into the Hall of Fame Tent to cool off. This presented Molly with another shopping opportunity and after some considerable time agonising over the jewellery stands, she finally chose a rather lovely Mickey pendant necklace.
Thomas and Molly begged us to go on Goofys Barnstormer next (another one we had missed the first time). We had to wait 20 minutes, which we think was the longest we had waited for a ride during our whole stay not bad really. We all thought the ride was good fun but over far too quickly, and did anyone else find the seats hard on the back?
Next we caught the Railroad up to Main Street where we had our sandwich lunch. Previously this was an area that we rushed through, so it was lovely taking in all the details and watching the characters. We strolled down Main Street browsing in the shops and then treated ourselves to ice creams from the Plaza Ice Cream Parlor. Still amazed by the size of US portions! The next ten minutes was spent in silence as we all endeavoured to finish our ice creams before they turned to liquid.
We then decided to pay a last visit to Tomorrowland. We picked up FPs for Buzz Lightyears Spin then went on the Tomorrowland Transit Authority twice, so that those going backwards the first time could have a chance to go forwards!
I managed to improve on my score on Buzzs Spin but it was still pitifully low! I think my laser was only working intermittently!
The afternoon was I believe the hottest we had experienced during our stay, and the park was getting busy. The children were getting hot and bothered and were only a short while away from killing each other, so we decided to return to the hotel and cool off in the pool. This turned out to be a good idea and a great way to relax. There we stayed until it was time for dinner.
For our last meal, we had decided to return to the Black Angus for its combination of good food, nice atmosphere and reasonable prices. We all had steak in various forms, the children sharing the house special. We even managed puds. I noticed the British family on the next table, as their child fell asleep on the seat. The Mum explained that they had flown in that day. If only that was us again! It was home tomorrow and unlike most holidays, I really didnt want to leave. I could have easily stayed another week. And so it was with mixed feelings that we returned to our hotel and to bed.
Day 15 Sat 5/4/03 Homeward bound
It was a strange feeling as we awoke that morning. We were going home after two weeks crammed full of fun and excitement. Although it would be nice to be in our own home again, we really didnt want to leave Florida.
We began packing as soon as we got up boy did we have some smelly clothes! We took a break after a while to have a final BIG breakfast at Sizzlers, which we enjoyed, as it had been a few days since our previous breakfast out. Back at the hotel, we finished packing and checked out at around 11am. We were earlier than anticipated, so rather than driving straight to the airport, we took a detour down International Drive. This was somewhere we just didnt get around to visiting; we spotted several of the places I had read up about and had wanted to see, oh well; I suppose it is impossible to do everything in one visit.
At the airport (Orlando International), Tim dropped me, the children and the luggage off at the Terminal and then went to return the hire car. He was gone for ages and it was getting close to final check-in time. I was just considering checking-in without him when he appeared, puffing and panting and very irate. Apparently, he had returned the car without incident, but then had to wait in line to get a refund for the fuel.
Luckily, there were hardly any queues so we were soon at the check-in desk where we were grilled with the usually security questions; did you pack your luggage yourself? Do you have any sharp objects? Which parks did you visit? What was your favourite ride? Im still not sure if she was just being friendly or whether she was establishing if we were genuine tourists. We must have said the right things as she checked us in and we went through to the central area with the fountains. I must say I was very impressed with the airport compared with some I have travelled through. We passed the time eating a snack lunch we had taken with us and browsing the shops.
The queues through security were fairly long, but we went through without incident. Then it was on the Shuttle to the gates. I was deposited on a bench with all the bags, whilst the kids (all three of them), rode the Shuttle back and forth pretending to drive it!
Walked up to the gate area which was really crowded; there were three flights leaving within an hour of each other. Spent the last of our loose change on two of the most disgusting cups of coffee Ive ever tasted.
The flight took off more or less on time at around 4.35pm (I had given up writing notes by this time!) and the flight home went without incident. I had the misfortune of being behind someone who insisted on reclining their seat right back for the duration of the flight, making it really cramped and difficult to see my screen. Some people can be so selfish!
When we arrived at Gatwick and collected our bags, we discovered that all three of our cases had been opened and searched all those dirty clothes- yuk! We collected our car, and arrived home at around 10.30am on Sunday morning.
Conclusion
We are all in agreement that the holiday was fantastic. We were pleased we had chosen to stay in Orlando for the whole holiday, as we were able to pace ourselves instead of cramming everything into the first week. Having said that, I would have really enjoyed a few days extra at the coast at the end of the holiday. My hours of research reading these discussion forums, and Simon Vs book really paid off. We believe we managed to make the most of our time particularly in the parks, and we were able to make informed decisions about what to leave out. As first-timers, I think we were desperate to see as much as was possible but without killing ourselves in the process!
Will we be going back? Well to start with we werent sure as it wasnt cheap, but the longer weve been home, the more we think about the wonderful time we had, the more likely it seems we shall. Tim is already talking about returning the year after next, before Thomas starts senior school. If we do go again, I think we would be able to slow the pace a little and be more selective about what we did.
Watch this space!
I am sure you will be back soon !
Aw, all good things must come to an end, and your holiday has which means so have your trip reports. I have so enjoyed reading them - thanks for sharing your fantastic holiday with us
