MAGIC KINGDOM
Saturday 20th August 2005
I awake at 5.00 am - feeling suitably refreshed and looking forward to our first "Real Day".
We snack on "Breakfasty bits" while taking it in turns to sit at the "executive dining table" on the "executive dining chair" (singular!) in our "executive villa".
When I think about our "Master Suite" at Bahama Bay last year it really does put this place to shame!
The weather looks stunning - a warm and sunny 79 degrees and it's only 7.00 am. Lovely...... :
After I fetch the water from the well for my shower in the "executive bathroom"
I pack the cooler bag with drinks and ice packs and now I'm ready to set off for Magic Kingdom.
Unfortunately - nobody else is ready yet and as time wears on I am "Chomping at the bit". "Why do I have to wear this harness every year?" I ask. "Shut up or I won't get the whip out later" Lena replies - in an 18 or over kind of voice! "Ooer Missus!"!
The kids give me a funny look - "thanks - I've always wanted one of these" I tell them as I put it into my backpack for later. (Oh - please yourselves!
)
We plaster ourselves in sun cream factor 400 and Cyril straightens his tie and buttons up his Macintosh - and were off.
Jaunty feels quite frisky this morning - 6 under-fed lightweights on board and only light traffic on the west section of the 192. We will slow him down soon!
I "burn off" a couple of Hyundai's at the first set of lights and feel a chilling sensation in the back of my neck - it's the "don't you dare" stare from Joyce in the back seat.
OK - race over - I take off my crash helmet and full race harness and put my cardigan and slippers back on!
Huh! - I bet Michael Schumacher doesn't have to put up with this......I wonder how many Formula 1 races he would have won with my mother in law on his back seat!
We locate the Sherberth Road shortcut and merge with the rest of Great Britain on World Drive!
Through the entrance gates and into the car park to find Jaunty a spot at the front of the park. No need for the tram today - we have a short walk to Guest Services for fingerprinting and to exchange our vouchers for the "Real McCoy" tickets.
As we pass the dancing Mickey and Minnie hedges and make our way to the monorail the excitement starts to build. I find myself trying not to look at the castle so that I can catch the first sight of it as we walk up main street. Needless to say - I can't!
I always feel emotional at this point for some reason - I think it's just all that planning finally coming together and the payoff is about to happen. The Disney music is playing in the background, the weather is warm and it really is the start of our holiday FINALLY.
We manage to get four seats with the driver so Hannah and Ricky ride up front with Joyce and Cyril who have never done this before. Me and Lena video them getting on and follow in the next carriage. This is a great start and Cyril seems suitably impressed with my new-found knowledge and planning ability.
We are delayed at the "finger machines" as Cyril is unable to repeat the tricky task of finding the same two fingers which he put in the machine at Guest Services!
Eventually we get through the turnstiles and under the station into Main Street. This section of the park looks a bit "scrappy" as the station building is undergoing restoration and is all boarded up. I didn't notice this until later in the week actually as I was far too excited to let something as trivial as this get in the way.
This is the third visit to Orlando for me but I still want to cry as we gaze up Main Street to Cinderella's Castle. OK - it's not the same feeling as the first time but - boy - you have to be pretty cold hearted not to feel a small pang of excitement and emotion at this point.
It's suprisingly quiet for a Saturday morning - brilliant!
We stroll along - soaking up the atmosphere. There is almost too much to take in at first and all you want to do is run around like a little kid shrieking and giggling with excitement - so I do!
The rest of the party walk in the opposite direction and refuse to acknowledge me until I have calmed down and got it out of my system!
We head for Frontier land and walk straight on to Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.
Now - you know that expression "A heart stopping moment"? Well Cyril has one - literally - on this ride - the rush of blood and adrenalin is just too great for his heart valve and he momentarily passes out!
We are now brought back to reality with a big bump and realise that he will not be able to keep pace with us on this trip as he did three years ago.
We move on to something a little more "tame" in order to calm things down and settle for "It's a Small World" next. This ride was closed for refurbishment last year and we really missed it. It looks great much cleaner and brighter.
Then on to the Haunted Mansion.
Can anyone tell me where that flippin' ring is buried in the cement?
I read it in one of the guide books and I can't find it!
As we queue up just outside the Mansion we read the tombstones in the graveyard - I'd forgotten about these - they are quite funny.
"Here lies good old Fred - A great big rock fell on his head!"
"Dear departed brother Dave - He chased a bear in to a cave!"
Next it's Mickeys Filmharmagic - one of my own personal favourites.
Cyril loves 3D shows and this is no exception - he now seems fully recovered much to everyones relief but he does not risk Splash Mountain with us and sits this one out.
We find a shady spot for him while we partake in our favourite ride.
Whilst in the queue - just before the loading area - there is music playing and Joyce picks up the notes and begins a rousing rendition of "Show me the way to go home". Lena joins in - it's like some mad Mother and Daughter audition for Stars In Their Eyes!
I apologise to a lady behind and explain to her that it's a combination of sun-stroke and in-breeding!
She says "No No - it's really lovely - keep going - I just love seeing people enjoying themselves - it's the magic of Disney that does it". Hmm! - that and a handful of tranquilisers! There's that sniffer dog again!
We have never had a Dole Whip before and this is high on my "must do" list this year.
We plump for the Dole Whip Floats from Aloha Isle - mmmm - they are really yummy - no wonder everyone raves about them.
For those who have not tried these - it's freshly squeezed Dole pineapple juice with a swirl of pineapple ice cream floating on top. SLLUURRPP!!!!
Joyce and Cyril look really contented here. After the early scare today I think they are now happy to be sitting with the family in this wonderful place.
I think this picture says it all - you don't have to be a child to appreciate the Magic Kingdom - just a child at heart.......
We sit in the shade and watch a mischievous Cast Member with a water pistol squirting unsuspecting passers-by. He stops when a large gentleman in a W.W.F. T-shirt threatens to snap his "skinny little neck"! Some people just can't take a joke can they?
On to Pirates of the Caribbean before purchasing a Cookies & Cream ice cream from the Parlour on Main Street for Ricky and Hannah on the way out.
Its over 90 degrees and I think its time to move on weve had a great start (apart from BTMR!) and I would not like to spoil it by pushing the pace too soon.
We release Jaunty from his solitary confinement in the car park. He looks a bit hot and bothered standing in the blazing sun. Luckily the cooler bag in the boot which is full of cold drinks has been protected and the cans of minute maid lemonade are a welcome sight.
I feel a bit guilty gulping down these ice-cold drinks -perhaps I should pour one into Jaunty's tank.......maybe not!
We set off for Animal Kingdom Lodge for a look round and to see if we can persuade Joyce & Cyril to join us for our ADR at Boma later in the week.
I love this resort and could happily spend another couple of weeks staying here (maybe next time!).
The smell from Boma is absolutely delicious.
Lena and I are salivating.
Joyce and Cyril are gagging and retching.
"Pwargh! - it smells of garlic".
Oh well - looks like they will be eating elsewhere when we come back later in the week.
We take the time to have a wander round the resort and stroll out to the Arusha Rock to see the animals.
I don't want to leave really but I suppose we must!
We head back to Highlands Reserve to change villas.
I drop off the party while I go to see George and collect the keys to our new villa. He greets me with a wince he has a face like a robbers dog! - ooh! This doesn't look good!
He begins to explain that the Air Conditioning Unit in the new villa has broken and can not be fixed for 72 hours.......GREAT! ......but........he has got another possibility for us.
A villa has just been vacated today on the Highlands Reserve site. It's located in "Bloomingdales" - now that sounds posh to me but in America......who knows! It is a 5 x bed villa with one bedroom locked off (the owners accommodation) but it is a "Superior Executive".
"What's a Superior Executive?" - You ask.
"I have no idea!" I reply!
But apparently it's still going to cost an extra £130.00!
Right - I drive off to have a look at the villa - it is in a great location at the far side of Highlands Reserve - overlooking some grass and woodlands - the pool looks fantastic with a built in Jacuzzi.
"I'll take it" I tell George.
I drive back to "Northampton Services" to break the good/bad news to the others and I can see the tension returning to their faces.
I try to reassure them that it will be fine and we load up Jaunty for the short hop across the estate.
We park on the drive of our new villa -
and open the front doors
- the place is fantastic - just what we expected in the first place!!
At last - we can unpack!
After a quick exploration of the villa we choose rooms and do what most of us Brits do - have a cup of tea on the patio!
"Nice one Cyril" (I think that has the makings of a song!)
There is a huge deck and a nice big lanai to sit under in the shade - perfect.
We are now in "Full Holiday Mode" and as tradition would have it - Hannah and me hit the pool while Lena un-packs, Ricky video's the villa, Joyce puts another pinch of bat wing essence in her cauldron
and Cyril presses his dinner jacket and bow tie!
The previous tenants have been kind enough to leave behind all of the water floats and lilo's so we have a whale of a time - literally - as there is a big blow-up whale! There is also an inflatable dragon, a big green turtle and a rather strange looking doll with a shock of blonde hair and a gaping mouth!
We "Ponderosa" for dinner today to celebrate our new home and Ricky sets a new consumption record - beating his best from last year by two platefuls!
Then back via Publix for more essentials before a final swim and bed.
Joyce gives me a cuddle and almost cries - she is so happy we are finally settled and able to start enjoying ourselves properly. Aw - bless!
We have 3 x TV's including a huge one in the lounge and bedside tables and lamps in all rooms. Yippee!
We sit in the Jacuzzi and watch the sun go down over the pool with a cool beer, a cup of tea and some white chocolate macadamia nut cookies - slurp...
"The Plan" is back on track - tomorrow is Epcot day - Soarin' for the very first time, a DIS-Meet at the Rose & Crown followed by an ADR at the same venue while we watch the fireworks (Hopefully!).
This is more like it.....................
Saturday 20th August 2005
I awake at 5.00 am - feeling suitably refreshed and looking forward to our first "Real Day".
We snack on "Breakfasty bits" while taking it in turns to sit at the "executive dining table" on the "executive dining chair" (singular!) in our "executive villa".
When I think about our "Master Suite" at Bahama Bay last year it really does put this place to shame!
The weather looks stunning - a warm and sunny 79 degrees and it's only 7.00 am. Lovely...... :
After I fetch the water from the well for my shower in the "executive bathroom"
I pack the cooler bag with drinks and ice packs and now I'm ready to set off for Magic Kingdom. Unfortunately - nobody else is ready yet and as time wears on I am "Chomping at the bit". "Why do I have to wear this harness every year?" I ask. "Shut up or I won't get the whip out later" Lena replies - in an 18 or over kind of voice! "Ooer Missus!"!
The kids give me a funny look - "thanks - I've always wanted one of these" I tell them as I put it into my backpack for later. (Oh - please yourselves!
)We plaster ourselves in sun cream factor 400 and Cyril straightens his tie and buttons up his Macintosh - and were off.
Jaunty feels quite frisky this morning - 6 under-fed lightweights on board and only light traffic on the west section of the 192. We will slow him down soon!
I "burn off" a couple of Hyundai's at the first set of lights and feel a chilling sensation in the back of my neck - it's the "don't you dare" stare from Joyce in the back seat.
OK - race over - I take off my crash helmet and full race harness and put my cardigan and slippers back on!
Huh! - I bet Michael Schumacher doesn't have to put up with this......I wonder how many Formula 1 races he would have won with my mother in law on his back seat!
We locate the Sherberth Road shortcut and merge with the rest of Great Britain on World Drive!
Through the entrance gates and into the car park to find Jaunty a spot at the front of the park. No need for the tram today - we have a short walk to Guest Services for fingerprinting and to exchange our vouchers for the "Real McCoy" tickets.
As we pass the dancing Mickey and Minnie hedges and make our way to the monorail the excitement starts to build. I find myself trying not to look at the castle so that I can catch the first sight of it as we walk up main street. Needless to say - I can't!
I always feel emotional at this point for some reason - I think it's just all that planning finally coming together and the payoff is about to happen. The Disney music is playing in the background, the weather is warm and it really is the start of our holiday FINALLY.
We manage to get four seats with the driver so Hannah and Ricky ride up front with Joyce and Cyril who have never done this before. Me and Lena video them getting on and follow in the next carriage. This is a great start and Cyril seems suitably impressed with my new-found knowledge and planning ability.
We are delayed at the "finger machines" as Cyril is unable to repeat the tricky task of finding the same two fingers which he put in the machine at Guest Services!
Eventually we get through the turnstiles and under the station into Main Street. This section of the park looks a bit "scrappy" as the station building is undergoing restoration and is all boarded up. I didn't notice this until later in the week actually as I was far too excited to let something as trivial as this get in the way.
This is the third visit to Orlando for me but I still want to cry as we gaze up Main Street to Cinderella's Castle. OK - it's not the same feeling as the first time but - boy - you have to be pretty cold hearted not to feel a small pang of excitement and emotion at this point.
It's suprisingly quiet for a Saturday morning - brilliant!
We stroll along - soaking up the atmosphere. There is almost too much to take in at first and all you want to do is run around like a little kid shrieking and giggling with excitement - so I do!
The rest of the party walk in the opposite direction and refuse to acknowledge me until I have calmed down and got it out of my system!
We head for Frontier land and walk straight on to Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.
Now - you know that expression "A heart stopping moment"? Well Cyril has one - literally - on this ride - the rush of blood and adrenalin is just too great for his heart valve and he momentarily passes out!
We are now brought back to reality with a big bump and realise that he will not be able to keep pace with us on this trip as he did three years ago.
We move on to something a little more "tame" in order to calm things down and settle for "It's a Small World" next. This ride was closed for refurbishment last year and we really missed it. It looks great much cleaner and brighter.
Then on to the Haunted Mansion.
Can anyone tell me where that flippin' ring is buried in the cement?
I read it in one of the guide books and I can't find it!
As we queue up just outside the Mansion we read the tombstones in the graveyard - I'd forgotten about these - they are quite funny.
"Here lies good old Fred - A great big rock fell on his head!"
"Dear departed brother Dave - He chased a bear in to a cave!"
Next it's Mickeys Filmharmagic - one of my own personal favourites.
Cyril loves 3D shows and this is no exception - he now seems fully recovered much to everyones relief but he does not risk Splash Mountain with us and sits this one out.
We find a shady spot for him while we partake in our favourite ride.
Whilst in the queue - just before the loading area - there is music playing and Joyce picks up the notes and begins a rousing rendition of "Show me the way to go home". Lena joins in - it's like some mad Mother and Daughter audition for Stars In Their Eyes!
I apologise to a lady behind and explain to her that it's a combination of sun-stroke and in-breeding!
She says "No No - it's really lovely - keep going - I just love seeing people enjoying themselves - it's the magic of Disney that does it". Hmm! - that and a handful of tranquilisers! There's that sniffer dog again!
We have never had a Dole Whip before and this is high on my "must do" list this year.
We plump for the Dole Whip Floats from Aloha Isle - mmmm - they are really yummy - no wonder everyone raves about them.
For those who have not tried these - it's freshly squeezed Dole pineapple juice with a swirl of pineapple ice cream floating on top. SLLUURRPP!!!!
Joyce and Cyril look really contented here. After the early scare today I think they are now happy to be sitting with the family in this wonderful place.
I think this picture says it all - you don't have to be a child to appreciate the Magic Kingdom - just a child at heart.......
We sit in the shade and watch a mischievous Cast Member with a water pistol squirting unsuspecting passers-by. He stops when a large gentleman in a W.W.F. T-shirt threatens to snap his "skinny little neck"! Some people just can't take a joke can they?
On to Pirates of the Caribbean before purchasing a Cookies & Cream ice cream from the Parlour on Main Street for Ricky and Hannah on the way out.
Its over 90 degrees and I think its time to move on weve had a great start (apart from BTMR!) and I would not like to spoil it by pushing the pace too soon.
We release Jaunty from his solitary confinement in the car park. He looks a bit hot and bothered standing in the blazing sun. Luckily the cooler bag in the boot which is full of cold drinks has been protected and the cans of minute maid lemonade are a welcome sight.
I feel a bit guilty gulping down these ice-cold drinks -perhaps I should pour one into Jaunty's tank.......maybe not!
We set off for Animal Kingdom Lodge for a look round and to see if we can persuade Joyce & Cyril to join us for our ADR at Boma later in the week.
I love this resort and could happily spend another couple of weeks staying here (maybe next time!).
The smell from Boma is absolutely delicious.
Lena and I are salivating.
Joyce and Cyril are gagging and retching.
"Pwargh! - it smells of garlic".
Oh well - looks like they will be eating elsewhere when we come back later in the week.
We take the time to have a wander round the resort and stroll out to the Arusha Rock to see the animals.
I don't want to leave really but I suppose we must!
We head back to Highlands Reserve to change villas.
I drop off the party while I go to see George and collect the keys to our new villa. He greets me with a wince he has a face like a robbers dog! - ooh! This doesn't look good!
He begins to explain that the Air Conditioning Unit in the new villa has broken and can not be fixed for 72 hours.......GREAT! ......but........he has got another possibility for us.
A villa has just been vacated today on the Highlands Reserve site. It's located in "Bloomingdales" - now that sounds posh to me but in America......who knows! It is a 5 x bed villa with one bedroom locked off (the owners accommodation) but it is a "Superior Executive".
"What's a Superior Executive?" - You ask.
"I have no idea!" I reply!
But apparently it's still going to cost an extra £130.00!
Right - I drive off to have a look at the villa - it is in a great location at the far side of Highlands Reserve - overlooking some grass and woodlands - the pool looks fantastic with a built in Jacuzzi.
"I'll take it" I tell George.
I drive back to "Northampton Services" to break the good/bad news to the others and I can see the tension returning to their faces.
I try to reassure them that it will be fine and we load up Jaunty for the short hop across the estate.
We park on the drive of our new villa -
and open the front doors
- the place is fantastic - just what we expected in the first place!!
At last - we can unpack!
After a quick exploration of the villa we choose rooms and do what most of us Brits do - have a cup of tea on the patio!
"Nice one Cyril" (I think that has the makings of a song!)
There is a huge deck and a nice big lanai to sit under in the shade - perfect.
We are now in "Full Holiday Mode" and as tradition would have it - Hannah and me hit the pool while Lena un-packs, Ricky video's the villa, Joyce puts another pinch of bat wing essence in her cauldron
and Cyril presses his dinner jacket and bow tie!The previous tenants have been kind enough to leave behind all of the water floats and lilo's so we have a whale of a time - literally - as there is a big blow-up whale! There is also an inflatable dragon, a big green turtle and a rather strange looking doll with a shock of blonde hair and a gaping mouth!
We "Ponderosa" for dinner today to celebrate our new home and Ricky sets a new consumption record - beating his best from last year by two platefuls!
Then back via Publix for more essentials before a final swim and bed.
Joyce gives me a cuddle and almost cries - she is so happy we are finally settled and able to start enjoying ourselves properly. Aw - bless!
We have 3 x TV's including a huge one in the lounge and bedside tables and lamps in all rooms. Yippee!
We sit in the Jacuzzi and watch the sun go down over the pool with a cool beer, a cup of tea and some white chocolate macadamia nut cookies - slurp...
"The Plan" is back on track - tomorrow is Epcot day - Soarin' for the very first time, a DIS-Meet at the Rose & Crown followed by an ADR at the same venue while we watch the fireworks (Hopefully!).
This is more like it.....................
....that 2007 is one hell of a holiday 
