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 8 Sat 29/3/03 Typhoon Lagoon
Our original plan had Universal Studios down for today but we had decided to switch days to Friday as we wanted to avoid the crowds it had proved to be a good move. This meant that today we were to visit a water park for a bit of relaxation. Unfortunately, during our stay, Blizzard Beach was closed for refurbishment so Typhoon Lagoon it was.
After being on holiday for a week, we were getting lazier in the mornings. Even so we managed to get ready, have breakfast (Ponderosa that morning) and arrived at Typhoon Lagoon by 10.20am. I was feeling apprehensive. I had read Simon Vs advice about when to go; so it was with his words - arrive 30 minutes before opening and steer clear of weekends at all costs ringing in my ears, we entered - half an hour after opening on a Saturday! As someone who normally avoids crowded beaches such as Benidorm at all costs, I found the area around the main pool horrendous, but we managed to find a group of chairs in a relatively quiet part of the park behind the childrens Bay slides. The children were soon having a wail of a time in the surf pool, getting more and more bruised and battered by the minute; the floor of the pool is so rough! Me? I was just happy to sit in the sun and do nothing.
For a while, Tim and I took it in turns supervising Tom and Molly in the water but then thought we should all go in as a family. But what to do with the valuables? The lockers were situated on the other side of the park, so I suggested Tim tried to buy one of those little waterproof boxes that I had seen people wearing around their necks. Success! He bought one from the shop for only a few dollars and it was just big enough for the car key, hotel card and cash. (Number two great buy of the holiday, did I mention number one, the water bottles from Wal-Mart?)
We decided to explore a little. The queues for the water slides were all really long so they would have to wait until our second visit.
Shark Reef however, had only short queues so Tim, Thomas and Molly all got kitted out with snorkels and life jackets. Yes Im a wimp when it comes to putting my face under water as well as roller coasters! Tim and Tom both loved the experience but Molly panicked her way across. I was watching underwater through the portholes and I could see her little legs going like the clappers, Tim pulling her along. Shes a good swimmer, particularly underwater, but she couldnt get on with the snorkel and mask. They all had a second go, but Molly fared no better.
We all fancied having a drift along Castaway Creek, but after waiting for rings for ages we eventually went in without them and swam round.
For the rest of the duration, we just lazed around. At one point, we thought of buying something to eat but one look at the queues told us we werent really hungry after all. It was the first day we hadnt taken any food with us, as we didnt think we would stay that long!
We left at around 3.30pm. We had enjoyed the visit but it had been too busy for comfort. We knew we were going to return on a quieter day and so were not too bothered that we hadnt tried out the slides.
Back at the hotel, we had a snack in our room and another beer and wine or three.
The kids begged us to let them go to the kids club so who were we to disappoint them? Tim and I tried The Black Angus for dinner. It was popular and we had to wait a short while for a table. After ages studying the menu, we both settled on the special that the waiter told us about! Fillet mignons in a mushroom and wine sauce, served with garlic mash and salad, delicious. We even had pudding the first time Id had room. Tim had Key lime pie and I had the most gorgeous cheesecake Ive ever tasted. The American cheesecakes are so much nicer than the watery UK version. The price was very reasonable although I cant remember how much it was.
After dinner, we went back to the hotel bar and then collected the children at 9pm. We tried to encourage them to go to sleep whilst we watch TV but they werent having any of it. The downside of sharing one room. Another early night!
Day 9 Sun 30/3/03 Shopping
Mothers Day in the UK! The children had made cards for me and had actually remembered what day it was (I had forgotten) so I was presented with them on waking. Ahhh! Bless their little cotton socks!!!
We awoke to a rather dull and chilly day.
Breakfast in the hotel for a change. Tim and I ordered our eggs over easy I always wanted to say that! On discovering we were British, our waitress thanked us profusely for visiting Florida during troubled times (the war had been on for just over a week then). During our visit, we saw much support for the troops and it was interesting watching the news from an American viewpoint; the Americans are very patriotic.
After breakfast we headed off to Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores, credit card in hand. Tim, Thomas and Molly all hate shopping, so even though we compromised and visited the toy shops and play area there was much moaning.
Molly found the most bargains. At the Character shop, she purchased a Winnie the Pooh light thing that whizzes round for $2.99; she had seen them at the parks for over $10. Thomas decided against buying a Buzz Lightyear one as he was still hanging on to his money. He later regretted his decision and kept trying to borrow Mollys. Molly also found a bargain at Claires Accessories 10 items for $5. She was in her element, and was seen the remainder of the holiday dripping with jewellery and hair accessories.
Meanwhile, I was not having much luck. Either I couldnt find what I wanted, or they didnt have my size. I bought some sandals and then decided to give up on further shopping. The weather didnt help our spirits, as it was drizzling and chilly.
It was time for a fix of Wal-Mart! We bought a selection of Disney T shirts, assorted souvenirs and gifts, four CDs, film, some sports gear for myself, oh, and we stocked up on beer and snacks. $200 in about an hour! I felt much better after that bit of retail therapy.
It was then back to the hotel where we sampled some of the biscuits we had just purchased. I think the children had a quick swim.
That evening, we went to The Pirates Adventure. We had booked the tickets at the hotel the previous day and surprised the children. On arrival, the pre-show nibbles were good and the entertainment got everyone in the mood.
The set for the main show was really impressive; we were in purple team, our pirate had very nice muscles! Although lively and fun, the shows sound quality was quite poor and at times it was difficult to follow the story, especially whilst eating.
The food was pretty good considering the mass catering; salad, bread, chicken, beef, veg and rice, followed by apple cobbler and coffee. My gripe was the drinks. Tim was kept topped up with beer throughout the show; the kids had their own jug of water, and me? One small plastic tumbler of wine to last the whole meal! Well, I do like the occasional glass of wine while Im on holiday, so I was not best pleased. Especially as I noticed the people on the next bench had a whole bottle in an ice bucket! The waitress was continually flying past so I was unable to attract her attention, but I made my feelings clear when she passed her little tray for her tip!
After the show, we had a look around the museum, but decided against staying for the Buccaneer Bash as there was a large group of high school kids celebrating in a very noisy fashion. We left at around 9.30pm a late night for us!
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 8 Sat 29/3/03 Typhoon Lagoon
Our original plan had Universal Studios down for today but we had decided to switch days to Friday as we wanted to avoid the crowds it had proved to be a good move. This meant that today we were to visit a water park for a bit of relaxation. Unfortunately, during our stay, Blizzard Beach was closed for refurbishment so Typhoon Lagoon it was.
After being on holiday for a week, we were getting lazier in the mornings. Even so we managed to get ready, have breakfast (Ponderosa that morning) and arrived at Typhoon Lagoon by 10.20am. I was feeling apprehensive. I had read Simon Vs advice about when to go; so it was with his words - arrive 30 minutes before opening and steer clear of weekends at all costs ringing in my ears, we entered - half an hour after opening on a Saturday! As someone who normally avoids crowded beaches such as Benidorm at all costs, I found the area around the main pool horrendous, but we managed to find a group of chairs in a relatively quiet part of the park behind the childrens Bay slides. The children were soon having a wail of a time in the surf pool, getting more and more bruised and battered by the minute; the floor of the pool is so rough! Me? I was just happy to sit in the sun and do nothing.
For a while, Tim and I took it in turns supervising Tom and Molly in the water but then thought we should all go in as a family. But what to do with the valuables? The lockers were situated on the other side of the park, so I suggested Tim tried to buy one of those little waterproof boxes that I had seen people wearing around their necks. Success! He bought one from the shop for only a few dollars and it was just big enough for the car key, hotel card and cash. (Number two great buy of the holiday, did I mention number one, the water bottles from Wal-Mart?)
We decided to explore a little. The queues for the water slides were all really long so they would have to wait until our second visit.
Shark Reef however, had only short queues so Tim, Thomas and Molly all got kitted out with snorkels and life jackets. Yes Im a wimp when it comes to putting my face under water as well as roller coasters! Tim and Tom both loved the experience but Molly panicked her way across. I was watching underwater through the portholes and I could see her little legs going like the clappers, Tim pulling her along. Shes a good swimmer, particularly underwater, but she couldnt get on with the snorkel and mask. They all had a second go, but Molly fared no better.
We all fancied having a drift along Castaway Creek, but after waiting for rings for ages we eventually went in without them and swam round.
For the rest of the duration, we just lazed around. At one point, we thought of buying something to eat but one look at the queues told us we werent really hungry after all. It was the first day we hadnt taken any food with us, as we didnt think we would stay that long!
We left at around 3.30pm. We had enjoyed the visit but it had been too busy for comfort. We knew we were going to return on a quieter day and so were not too bothered that we hadnt tried out the slides.
Back at the hotel, we had a snack in our room and another beer and wine or three.
The kids begged us to let them go to the kids club so who were we to disappoint them? Tim and I tried The Black Angus for dinner. It was popular and we had to wait a short while for a table. After ages studying the menu, we both settled on the special that the waiter told us about! Fillet mignons in a mushroom and wine sauce, served with garlic mash and salad, delicious. We even had pudding the first time Id had room. Tim had Key lime pie and I had the most gorgeous cheesecake Ive ever tasted. The American cheesecakes are so much nicer than the watery UK version. The price was very reasonable although I cant remember how much it was.
After dinner, we went back to the hotel bar and then collected the children at 9pm. We tried to encourage them to go to sleep whilst we watch TV but they werent having any of it. The downside of sharing one room. Another early night!
Day 9 Sun 30/3/03 Shopping
Mothers Day in the UK! The children had made cards for me and had actually remembered what day it was (I had forgotten) so I was presented with them on waking. Ahhh! Bless their little cotton socks!!!
We awoke to a rather dull and chilly day.
Breakfast in the hotel for a change. Tim and I ordered our eggs over easy I always wanted to say that! On discovering we were British, our waitress thanked us profusely for visiting Florida during troubled times (the war had been on for just over a week then). During our visit, we saw much support for the troops and it was interesting watching the news from an American viewpoint; the Americans are very patriotic.
After breakfast we headed off to Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores, credit card in hand. Tim, Thomas and Molly all hate shopping, so even though we compromised and visited the toy shops and play area there was much moaning.
Molly found the most bargains. At the Character shop, she purchased a Winnie the Pooh light thing that whizzes round for $2.99; she had seen them at the parks for over $10. Thomas decided against buying a Buzz Lightyear one as he was still hanging on to his money. He later regretted his decision and kept trying to borrow Mollys. Molly also found a bargain at Claires Accessories 10 items for $5. She was in her element, and was seen the remainder of the holiday dripping with jewellery and hair accessories.
Meanwhile, I was not having much luck. Either I couldnt find what I wanted, or they didnt have my size. I bought some sandals and then decided to give up on further shopping. The weather didnt help our spirits, as it was drizzling and chilly.
It was time for a fix of Wal-Mart! We bought a selection of Disney T shirts, assorted souvenirs and gifts, four CDs, film, some sports gear for myself, oh, and we stocked up on beer and snacks. $200 in about an hour! I felt much better after that bit of retail therapy.
It was then back to the hotel where we sampled some of the biscuits we had just purchased. I think the children had a quick swim.
That evening, we went to The Pirates Adventure. We had booked the tickets at the hotel the previous day and surprised the children. On arrival, the pre-show nibbles were good and the entertainment got everyone in the mood.
The set for the main show was really impressive; we were in purple team, our pirate had very nice muscles! Although lively and fun, the shows sound quality was quite poor and at times it was difficult to follow the story, especially whilst eating.
The food was pretty good considering the mass catering; salad, bread, chicken, beef, veg and rice, followed by apple cobbler and coffee. My gripe was the drinks. Tim was kept topped up with beer throughout the show; the kids had their own jug of water, and me? One small plastic tumbler of wine to last the whole meal! Well, I do like the occasional glass of wine while Im on holiday, so I was not best pleased. Especially as I noticed the people on the next bench had a whole bottle in an ice bucket! The waitress was continually flying past so I was unable to attract her attention, but I made my feelings clear when she passed her little tray for her tip!
After the show, we had a look around the museum, but decided against staying for the Buccaneer Bash as there was a large group of high school kids celebrating in a very noisy fashion. We left at around 9.30pm a late night for us!
I swam like the clappers too!! LOL
Ah, the lazy river ride at Typhoon Lagoon - can't wait to get back there in October. The disposable water camera always does well there for piccies
I was stoopid enough to go into the wave pool wearing my sunglasses last year . . really just forgot I had them on - until a HUGE wave smacked my straight in the face. Did eventually find the glasses and not broken either
