One week to go before we are due to leave, I am working for three days in Leeds but just cannot wait to finish and get home but not without visiting Elland Road and the Leeds United shop, as we all support Leeds and I have a list of items to buy from Val. The whole time I was in Leeds I kept saying to everyone this time next week guess where I will be after doing this hundreds of times I did hear someone say hospital if he mentions it again.
I drive home in record time carefully not adding any more bonus points to my license which I collect from the DVLA in the same way as some people collect air miles, it is late Friday evening and I have not packed not even got a bag out and although we do not leave until Tuesday I have very little time left, I am starting to panic, Val has started packing and is well ahead but I have to wash and iron my t-shirts and some other items and shock of horrors I cannot find my favourite Adidas shorts that I have had for years and I always take them on holiday with me, I am making a big fuss but still cannot find them, but nobody else cares, what was that Grow Up!!!
We are travelling light as we will be buying clothes etc in Orlando so we agreed to only take seven days worth of clothes, this is a major coup on my part as Val normally tips the wardrobes on there side and checks them in. I must admit I took far more than was agreed while everyone else kept to the minimum agreement.
18th October
The day has finally arrived, my main objective was to get into work on time so I could leave by 12.15 [I tried to get the day off but is was refused so we agreed 12.15], the day before I worked to midnight at home to ensure that everything was finished and I would not be delayed leaving. The morning was very quiet, so much so that I was able to get on the DIS site for a last minute Disney fix and also onto Delta to check the flights as I had been checking each days flights i.e. if on time etc.
I had my computer turned off by 11.45 lol and then tidied my desk [well tidy to my standard], I was out of the door by 12.15 and one second, driving out of the car park within minutes. The 50 minute drive home was uneventful apart from having to stop to get some fuel and also make a quick stop to Thomas Cook to change a small amount of money, then back home by 1.40, I reversed the car onto the drive so I could load the cases from the garage
After loading the car quite easily [before it was dented by my wife on the Friday we returned, sorry I will not mention it again!!] as the cases were not even half full, I managed to get them all in the estate part at the back, this is a first time achievement for our family.
Glenn got home at 2.30 as he was allowed to leave before his last lesson and quickly changed, Scott who had finished college at 1pm was still missing, I had said we would leave between 3 and 3.30 so he took that to mean he could arrive back with seconds to spare, actually got back at 2.50. The boys and I got into the car at 3pm after I had checked all the lights and timer switches in the house, we had to move the car out so Val could put hers on the drive, now the whole point of the exercise was to leave before the street got too busy, but Val decided to have a candlelight dinner with the cat or it seemed that way before she was ready to leave. How long does it take to pick up a handbag and say goodbye to a cat? It is not like he can talk and ask you what rides you are doing where are you staying and have a safe trip?
We managed to actually leave at 3.24, I know what the exact time was because when I moaned in the car I was reminded that I said we were leaving between 3 and 3.30 and it was only 3.24.
The drive to Gatwick was uneventful apart from a little traffic at the M4 / M25 roadworks, we got to the Hilton by 5.15 and parked in the only available space, unfortunately it was disabled parking only but as all we were doing was unloading and checking in before I drove it to long term parking, I thought it would be ok. I left Scott there so if someone needed the spot he could call me on the mobile and I would move it straight away.
Val, Glenn and I went with some of the cases to check-in, I am surprised there is a big queue and as I am parked in a tow away zone, I get jumpy but as always there is one area that is for special card holders that is empty just what I need. Hold on what is the queue area for Hilton Honour gold card holders, I quickly search through my wallet and find the gold card that British Airways Executive club sent me last week , I actually activated it as it was the Hilton and I thought it may be useful, normally I throw them away, so I tried that lane and yes it was ok, I was being called sir and they were checking for a room upgrade, does life get any better, well actually it does because the lovely lady then says and I quote come to the executive lounge on the top floor between 6 and 8pm for free drinks This is a bonus having the HH card as I have had my BA card for three years and have earned no tier points so this is the first time I have benefited apart from on-line check in.
Before going up to the room I decide to go and try and move my car as I am feeling guilty that it is in a disabled spot, luckily there are some other spaces available so I get in to move it. Unfortunately the concierge decides to tap my window, when I open it he says to me do you need a disabled space? To which I replied no I already have one obviously this man in a top hat does not share my sense of humour, so after I move my car 6 inches to the normal parking area he is giving me bad looks, when I reversed it out I missed him by inches, why did he stand behind my car when he knows I am moving it out? but all I can think off now is free beer!
We checked out the room and it was really good, the boys had a bunk bed [which caused an argument i.e. I am sleeping on top no I am] and the room area was ok not as nice as the Meridian but at £50 cheaper who is moaning. After taking the car to long term parking with Glenn and dropping the keys off, we caught the bus back to the south terminal.
My only goal now was to get the free beer, I have no car, I am free of bags, and so why is nobody else excited? I took Glenn with me and I was welcomed into the lounge, it was so nice and free bottles of Stella Artois as well, Glenn had a gallon of sprite, I was really chilled talking to Glenn, obviously I had to spoil that by phoning the room and getting Val to join us! She had a couple of glasses of white wine and was teasing me that it was always like this when I travel for work [I can promise you it is not], unfortunately the time came when we had to go back to the room and leave the free beer as we had brought sandwiches to eat and then as my boss was staying with his family at Le Meridian as he was also going on holiday we had agreed to meet up for a beer. I promised Val that I would not have another beer as I do not want to be fuzzy next morning at 5am but as we walk into the bar at the north terminal I have a pint already waiting for me, we had a really good time and a few more beers with him and his family, my boss is a big fan of WDW so we spent the whole time talking about the rides etc, he went on his own in April as he was in the USA on business and had spare time, we were trying to convince his wife to take their children next year but she thinks they are too young.
Anyway after one for the road we said our goodbyes and went back to the Hilton, it was now 11pm, I stayed in the bar with Glenn as he was hyper whereas Scott and Val were quite tense as the flight was getting nearer, I thought it would be good to let them have 20 minutes to chill out and get into bed. I had one more beer and then got some water for the room, went up about 11.45.
Val and Scott were asleep so Glenn and I got changed as quietly as possible except for the time I kicked the luggage trolley that I had left in the room, I was asleep in minutes.
Oh my god that alarm clock is loud I cannot believe it is 5am already, well I am right it is 12.50 and it is the fire alarm, I am not feeling at my best and now I am in the rain standing outside the hotel, we were out for about an hour before the all-clear. To say I looked like something out of a horror movie is an understatement as I have left my head in the room, I did hear Val say you deserve it, but chose to ignore her.
Back to the room, do you think these good folks at the Hilton will allow me to have a peaceful two hours sleep now!!!!!!
[ I apologise for the length of the report, and promise from Day 2 they will be shorter, I always find the trip to the airport, travelling and the first day the best part of the holiday reports as the excitement level is high also as I enjoy this part so much I remember more, please read the next one]
Next instalment, travel to WDW, check in and first night in Disney]
I drive home in record time carefully not adding any more bonus points to my license which I collect from the DVLA in the same way as some people collect air miles, it is late Friday evening and I have not packed not even got a bag out and although we do not leave until Tuesday I have very little time left, I am starting to panic, Val has started packing and is well ahead but I have to wash and iron my t-shirts and some other items and shock of horrors I cannot find my favourite Adidas shorts that I have had for years and I always take them on holiday with me, I am making a big fuss but still cannot find them, but nobody else cares, what was that Grow Up!!!
We are travelling light as we will be buying clothes etc in Orlando so we agreed to only take seven days worth of clothes, this is a major coup on my part as Val normally tips the wardrobes on there side and checks them in. I must admit I took far more than was agreed while everyone else kept to the minimum agreement.
18th October
The day has finally arrived, my main objective was to get into work on time so I could leave by 12.15 [I tried to get the day off but is was refused so we agreed 12.15], the day before I worked to midnight at home to ensure that everything was finished and I would not be delayed leaving. The morning was very quiet, so much so that I was able to get on the DIS site for a last minute Disney fix and also onto Delta to check the flights as I had been checking each days flights i.e. if on time etc.
I had my computer turned off by 11.45 lol and then tidied my desk [well tidy to my standard], I was out of the door by 12.15 and one second, driving out of the car park within minutes. The 50 minute drive home was uneventful apart from having to stop to get some fuel and also make a quick stop to Thomas Cook to change a small amount of money, then back home by 1.40, I reversed the car onto the drive so I could load the cases from the garage
After loading the car quite easily [before it was dented by my wife on the Friday we returned, sorry I will not mention it again!!] as the cases were not even half full, I managed to get them all in the estate part at the back, this is a first time achievement for our family.
Glenn got home at 2.30 as he was allowed to leave before his last lesson and quickly changed, Scott who had finished college at 1pm was still missing, I had said we would leave between 3 and 3.30 so he took that to mean he could arrive back with seconds to spare, actually got back at 2.50. The boys and I got into the car at 3pm after I had checked all the lights and timer switches in the house, we had to move the car out so Val could put hers on the drive, now the whole point of the exercise was to leave before the street got too busy, but Val decided to have a candlelight dinner with the cat or it seemed that way before she was ready to leave. How long does it take to pick up a handbag and say goodbye to a cat? It is not like he can talk and ask you what rides you are doing where are you staying and have a safe trip?
We managed to actually leave at 3.24, I know what the exact time was because when I moaned in the car I was reminded that I said we were leaving between 3 and 3.30 and it was only 3.24.
The drive to Gatwick was uneventful apart from a little traffic at the M4 / M25 roadworks, we got to the Hilton by 5.15 and parked in the only available space, unfortunately it was disabled parking only but as all we were doing was unloading and checking in before I drove it to long term parking, I thought it would be ok. I left Scott there so if someone needed the spot he could call me on the mobile and I would move it straight away.
Val, Glenn and I went with some of the cases to check-in, I am surprised there is a big queue and as I am parked in a tow away zone, I get jumpy but as always there is one area that is for special card holders that is empty just what I need. Hold on what is the queue area for Hilton Honour gold card holders, I quickly search through my wallet and find the gold card that British Airways Executive club sent me last week , I actually activated it as it was the Hilton and I thought it may be useful, normally I throw them away, so I tried that lane and yes it was ok, I was being called sir and they were checking for a room upgrade, does life get any better, well actually it does because the lovely lady then says and I quote come to the executive lounge on the top floor between 6 and 8pm for free drinks This is a bonus having the HH card as I have had my BA card for three years and have earned no tier points so this is the first time I have benefited apart from on-line check in.
Before going up to the room I decide to go and try and move my car as I am feeling guilty that it is in a disabled spot, luckily there are some other spaces available so I get in to move it. Unfortunately the concierge decides to tap my window, when I open it he says to me do you need a disabled space? To which I replied no I already have one obviously this man in a top hat does not share my sense of humour, so after I move my car 6 inches to the normal parking area he is giving me bad looks, when I reversed it out I missed him by inches, why did he stand behind my car when he knows I am moving it out? but all I can think off now is free beer!
We checked out the room and it was really good, the boys had a bunk bed [which caused an argument i.e. I am sleeping on top no I am] and the room area was ok not as nice as the Meridian but at £50 cheaper who is moaning. After taking the car to long term parking with Glenn and dropping the keys off, we caught the bus back to the south terminal.
My only goal now was to get the free beer, I have no car, I am free of bags, and so why is nobody else excited? I took Glenn with me and I was welcomed into the lounge, it was so nice and free bottles of Stella Artois as well, Glenn had a gallon of sprite, I was really chilled talking to Glenn, obviously I had to spoil that by phoning the room and getting Val to join us! She had a couple of glasses of white wine and was teasing me that it was always like this when I travel for work [I can promise you it is not], unfortunately the time came when we had to go back to the room and leave the free beer as we had brought sandwiches to eat and then as my boss was staying with his family at Le Meridian as he was also going on holiday we had agreed to meet up for a beer. I promised Val that I would not have another beer as I do not want to be fuzzy next morning at 5am but as we walk into the bar at the north terminal I have a pint already waiting for me, we had a really good time and a few more beers with him and his family, my boss is a big fan of WDW so we spent the whole time talking about the rides etc, he went on his own in April as he was in the USA on business and had spare time, we were trying to convince his wife to take their children next year but she thinks they are too young.
Anyway after one for the road we said our goodbyes and went back to the Hilton, it was now 11pm, I stayed in the bar with Glenn as he was hyper whereas Scott and Val were quite tense as the flight was getting nearer, I thought it would be good to let them have 20 minutes to chill out and get into bed. I had one more beer and then got some water for the room, went up about 11.45.
Val and Scott were asleep so Glenn and I got changed as quietly as possible except for the time I kicked the luggage trolley that I had left in the room, I was asleep in minutes.
Oh my god that alarm clock is loud I cannot believe it is 5am already, well I am right it is 12.50 and it is the fire alarm, I am not feeling at my best and now I am in the rain standing outside the hotel, we were out for about an hour before the all-clear. To say I looked like something out of a horror movie is an understatement as I have left my head in the room, I did hear Val say you deserve it, but chose to ignore her.
Back to the room, do you think these good folks at the Hilton will allow me to have a peaceful two hours sleep now!!!!!!
[ I apologise for the length of the report, and promise from Day 2 they will be shorter, I always find the trip to the airport, travelling and the first day the best part of the holiday reports as the excitement level is high also as I enjoy this part so much I remember more, please read the next one]
Next instalment, travel to WDW, check in and first night in Disney]
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