Fun With Dick & Kaz - & Sam! An A-Z of Eggcellent Easter Trip Highlights...
- Thread starter CustardTart
- Start date
Tammy Stringer
<font color=red>I love babies - all milky and baby
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Have a fantastic time Karen. I can't wait to read all about it
Tammy
Tammy
SusanEllen
DIS Veteran
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- May 24, 2004
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- 1,717
If you manage half of what you've planned, Karen, it should be a wonderful time for all--and I'm betting you get through the entire list with more things added on the fly. Have a ton of fun then tell us all about it.
irongirlof12
<font color=blue><marquee>Am I the only one who lo
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fab trip planned
Snowy-girls
Did you speak to a 'human being'
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Not long to go now Karen 
,you're dog's are so cute.
My mum is looking after my cat's for me,they would be so scared in a cattery.
We may see you out there,hope you have a fantastic time.x.
,you're dog's are so cute.My mum is looking after my cat's for me,they would be so scared in a cattery.
We may see you out there,hope you have a fantastic time.x.
mandymouse
Bahama Mama Time !!
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Karen, you're going to need another holiday to get over this action packed holiday. Have a fab time and I can't wait to hear all about it 
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Have been back almost a week now and it's clear I am just not going to have time to write a trip report due to studying commitments! 
So, I have decided to do a quick A-Z of our trip for a change of format...
Eyes down and we're off for part 1!!!
A is for... Animal Kingdom Villas!!! This was our first stay here and we unreservedly loved it!
The 1 bed villa was spacious, attractive and comfy...
...check out the tiles in the bathroom...
...but it was the view of the savannah that really rocked our world!!!
And the animals that called it home...
We were fortunate enough to be offered the opportunity to rent a viewing scope from the lovely John at Owners Locker and that was totally awesome - Samuel especially loved it... We were very sad to leave after our 10 night stay but eager to plan a trip to Kidani Village at some point in the future...
B is for... Busch Gardens!!! A first for us and a complete hit! We pre-booked the Adventure Tour which was supposed to last for 5 hours but we were still riding the log flume at around 6pm so it turned into a 7.5 hour tour!!! Our tour guide, Cindy was fantastic and we had a great day... Feeding the giraffes was definitely my high point...
...tho' I think my menfolk thought Sheikra took some beating...
I was also very happy at how well-cared for the animals looked...
TBH I have very mixed feelings about zoos but Cindy explained that most of the animals are rescued from a variety of sources - including, in this guy's case, a local home!!!
C is for... Celebrity Apprentice!!! We got totally sucked in to this show and watched a couple of episodes during the trip. Sadly it's not on here so we'll be relying on You Tube to keep up-to-date with Donald Trump and the remaining celebs who are competing to raise cash for their charities...
D is for... DISers!!! It was my pleasure to meet David (Wickesy) and Ray as well as Lynn (Tink,Too) and her family for the Illuminations Cruise! I couldn't have wished to share the experience with a nicer bunch of people - thank you guys... I also met up with my pal, Monica on Saturday afternoon in DTD. We enjoyed some delish ice-cream at Ghirardellis (last time it was Beaches & Cream - is there a theme here??) whilst talking and laughing non-stop!!! Hugs to you, Monica - look forward to seeing you in September... I'm kicking myself as there are no photos for either meeting!!! Amateur!!!
E is for... Extra Magic Hours!!! Not a fan as a rule but the crowds were sooo crazy that my DH and DS got up super-early on our final morning and headed to MK for 7am just so they could ride Space Mountain. Me, I stayed behind to pack and met up with them at Tusker House for breakfast...
F is for... Fishing!!! We'd pre-booked a catch-and-release fishing excursion departing from the Contemporary as a surprise for Samuel. Unfortunately, we somehow contrived to do it on the coldest morning of the trip and believe me, it was flippin' chilly out there on the lake!!!
Also the cold meant the fish were keeping themselves warm in the deepest parts of the lake and we had a rather unproductive expedition with only Dick managing to catch a couple... Having said that, the peaceful tranquility was amazing and we have unanimously decided it's worth repeating in the future when more of the family are around...
G is for... Giraffes!!! Loved feeding 'em in Busch Gardens and loved watching 'em from the balcony of our 1 bed villa...
To Be Continued...
So, I have decided to do a quick A-Z of our trip for a change of format... Eyes down and we're off for part 1!!!
A is for... Animal Kingdom Villas!!! This was our first stay here and we unreservedly loved it!
The 1 bed villa was spacious, attractive and comfy...
...check out the tiles in the bathroom...
...but it was the view of the savannah that really rocked our world!!!
And the animals that called it home...
We were fortunate enough to be offered the opportunity to rent a viewing scope from the lovely John at Owners Locker and that was totally awesome - Samuel especially loved it... We were very sad to leave after our 10 night stay but eager to plan a trip to Kidani Village at some point in the future...
B is for... Busch Gardens!!! A first for us and a complete hit! We pre-booked the Adventure Tour which was supposed to last for 5 hours but we were still riding the log flume at around 6pm so it turned into a 7.5 hour tour!!! Our tour guide, Cindy was fantastic and we had a great day... Feeding the giraffes was definitely my high point...
...tho' I think my menfolk thought Sheikra took some beating...
I was also very happy at how well-cared for the animals looked...
TBH I have very mixed feelings about zoos but Cindy explained that most of the animals are rescued from a variety of sources - including, in this guy's case, a local home!!!
C is for... Celebrity Apprentice!!! We got totally sucked in to this show and watched a couple of episodes during the trip. Sadly it's not on here so we'll be relying on You Tube to keep up-to-date with Donald Trump and the remaining celebs who are competing to raise cash for their charities...
D is for... DISers!!! It was my pleasure to meet David (Wickesy) and Ray as well as Lynn (Tink,Too) and her family for the Illuminations Cruise! I couldn't have wished to share the experience with a nicer bunch of people - thank you guys... I also met up with my pal, Monica on Saturday afternoon in DTD. We enjoyed some delish ice-cream at Ghirardellis (last time it was Beaches & Cream - is there a theme here??) whilst talking and laughing non-stop!!! Hugs to you, Monica - look forward to seeing you in September... I'm kicking myself as there are no photos for either meeting!!! Amateur!!!
E is for... Extra Magic Hours!!! Not a fan as a rule but the crowds were sooo crazy that my DH and DS got up super-early on our final morning and headed to MK for 7am just so they could ride Space Mountain. Me, I stayed behind to pack and met up with them at Tusker House for breakfast...
F is for... Fishing!!! We'd pre-booked a catch-and-release fishing excursion departing from the Contemporary as a surprise for Samuel. Unfortunately, we somehow contrived to do it on the coldest morning of the trip and believe me, it was flippin' chilly out there on the lake!!!
Also the cold meant the fish were keeping themselves warm in the deepest parts of the lake and we had a rather unproductive expedition with only Dick managing to catch a couple... Having said that, the peaceful tranquility was amazing and we have unanimously decided it's worth repeating in the future when more of the family are around...
G is for... Giraffes!!! Loved feeding 'em in Busch Gardens and loved watching 'em from the balcony of our 1 bed villa...
To Be Continued...
- Joined
- Oct 19, 2004
- Messages
- 15,500
H is for... Hard Rock Hotel!!! Love, love, loved our four night stint at this hip hotel and can confirm we'll definitely return during our next family trip!!! We had a double room on the club level...
...and totally enjoyed a few days of concierge living...
It was fab to be able to saunter through the beautifully landscaped grounds to the Universal parks...
...and the pool area was stunning!!!
The decor was fantastic, the food amazing, the staff exceptional and some of the characters we met here were rather famous!!!
I is for... IHOP!!! Our traditional last-morning-brunch-stop was crowded and crazy but the food didn't disappoint... I love the Big Steak Omelette - just delicious with that side order of blueberry pancakes and butter pecan syrup... Mmmmm...
J is for... Jiko!!! DH and I enjoyed a Friday Night Date here and thought the meal was probably the best we had the whole trip - and, as we had exceptional food thro'out, that's a BIG compliment!!!
K is for... Kicking back in an airport lounge!!! OK, tenuous I know but I was struggling!!!
Virgin Clubhouse...
...and an early start for some...
...whilst others concentrate on paperwork...
...and I line up the Redheads!!!
Delta Lounge...
L is for... Locker!!! Of the large purple variety! Owners Locker is a great facility for us as it means I can have refillable mugs, bathrobes and other essentials ready and waiting upon arrival...
To Be Continued...
...and totally enjoyed a few days of concierge living...
It was fab to be able to saunter through the beautifully landscaped grounds to the Universal parks...
...and the pool area was stunning!!!
The decor was fantastic, the food amazing, the staff exceptional and some of the characters we met here were rather famous!!!
I is for... IHOP!!! Our traditional last-morning-brunch-stop was crowded and crazy but the food didn't disappoint... I love the Big Steak Omelette - just delicious with that side order of blueberry pancakes and butter pecan syrup... Mmmmm...
J is for... Jiko!!! DH and I enjoyed a Friday Night Date here and thought the meal was probably the best we had the whole trip - and, as we had exceptional food thro'out, that's a BIG compliment!!!
K is for... Kicking back in an airport lounge!!! OK, tenuous I know but I was struggling!!!
Virgin Clubhouse...
...and an early start for some...
...whilst others concentrate on paperwork...
...and I line up the Redheads!!!
Delta Lounge...
L is for... Locker!!! Of the large purple variety! Owners Locker is a great facility for us as it means I can have refillable mugs, bathrobes and other essentials ready and waiting upon arrival...
To Be Continued...
- Joined
- Oct 19, 2004
- Messages
- 15,500
M is for... Magic!!! Orlando Magic, that is!!! It was a great time to see them as they've made the play-offs so support was high and the stadium packed! We had a wonderful evening at the Amway Stadium, watching the game against the New York Knicks! OK, so Dwight and the team didn't have the best game (the Knicks won) but the experience was exceptional and if anyone is keen to try something different, I totally recommend it...
We had awesome seats and could easily see the Knicks warming up and having their team talk...
N is for... New Coaster!!! They are building an INSANE looking ride at Universal Studios called Hollywood Rip, Ride, Rockit!!! Needless to say, my menfolk were virtually salivating at the sight of it and cannot wait to try it out on their next trip - me, I'll just be happy to watch...
O is for... Off-site and on-site dining!!! We had some excellent eats on this trip - in fact, we didn't have a anything approaching a mediocre meal! Highlights included the Cabernet Sirloin at nearby Houlihans (busy, busy, busy with a 30 minute wait for a table but we opted to sit in the bar and were served in moments); Coral Reef in EPCOT was fab as usual - excellent service and delicious food; The Wave at the Contemporary impressed us for lunch so we are definitely going to book dinner here on our next trip; we tried both Tusker House buffets - the character breakfast was great and the lunch with preferred seating for the Finding Nemo musical was excellent... Unfortunately I didn't manage to take any photos of our fabulous food - half was usually gone before I remembered to get the camera out!!!
P is for... Pontoon!!! This is what we hired for the Illuminations cruise and it really wasn't what we imagined at all! Both Dick and I had visions of rustic, uncomfortable, wooden bench-seated craft and so we were extremely happy to see what awaited us at the marina...
...with lovely squidgy seats...
The view of the fireworks was absolutely second to none and we will undoubtedly be booking again for our next trip. I apologise for the quality of the following photos - I didn't pay much attention to the viewfinder or settings as I wanted to enjoy the fireworks so just kept clicking and hoped for the best...
Another family enjoying the Illuminations cruise...
Q is for... Queues!!! Wow - what can I say other than we'd never seen the like!!! Everywhere was uber-busy - the resorts, the shopping malls, the parks, the roads and the airport... Unfortunately our first week coincided with the Spring Breakers and our second week was the Easter week so we were sandwiched between hoards of holidaymakers... Some of the rides had craaazy wait times - Soarin's 150 minutes being one of the more memorable!!! Suffice to say, we didn't soar... We didn't let it detract from the trip tho' and despite initial misgivings, would have no qualms about visiting at this time in the future... We even had to queue in the Express Pass line for The Simpsons Ride...
...tho' we kept our sense of humour...
R is for... Rosé Champagne!!! On our last night, we dined at the Palm restaurant in the HRH and, unbeknown to me, my DH ordered a bottle of Moët et Chandon Imperiale Nectar - IMO the BEST champagne in the world ever that I have enjoyed two years in a row at the International Food & Wine Festival!!! Sadly, it's only exported to the US so not available elsewhere and, believe me, I have checked - I even have an email from Moët Hennessy confirming this... So thank you, Richard for such a fab treat and the perfect way to celebrate our wonderful holiday - cheers!!!
S is for... Shopping! Not such good value as in recent years - but fun nonetheless and there were quite a few sales on... Glad I did a little research prior to the trip so knew what to buy/not to buy as when factoring in Quidco cashback versus the Florida sales tax, some items definitely not worth purchasing... We did have fun in Prime Outlets which was another new experience for us. I bought a pair of Cole Haan Nike Air sandals that I had been lusting after for ages at a fraction of the price I had been intending to spend...
In fact, I liked them so much, I bought another pair in a different colour - well, it seemed rude not to!
Someone else bought a pair of work shoes and insisted on posing for a comedy photo...
To Be Continued...
We had awesome seats and could easily see the Knicks warming up and having their team talk...
N is for... New Coaster!!! They are building an INSANE looking ride at Universal Studios called Hollywood Rip, Ride, Rockit!!! Needless to say, my menfolk were virtually salivating at the sight of it and cannot wait to try it out on their next trip - me, I'll just be happy to watch...
O is for... Off-site and on-site dining!!! We had some excellent eats on this trip - in fact, we didn't have a anything approaching a mediocre meal! Highlights included the Cabernet Sirloin at nearby Houlihans (busy, busy, busy with a 30 minute wait for a table but we opted to sit in the bar and were served in moments); Coral Reef in EPCOT was fab as usual - excellent service and delicious food; The Wave at the Contemporary impressed us for lunch so we are definitely going to book dinner here on our next trip; we tried both Tusker House buffets - the character breakfast was great and the lunch with preferred seating for the Finding Nemo musical was excellent... Unfortunately I didn't manage to take any photos of our fabulous food - half was usually gone before I remembered to get the camera out!!!
P is for... Pontoon!!! This is what we hired for the Illuminations cruise and it really wasn't what we imagined at all! Both Dick and I had visions of rustic, uncomfortable, wooden bench-seated craft and so we were extremely happy to see what awaited us at the marina...
...with lovely squidgy seats...
The view of the fireworks was absolutely second to none and we will undoubtedly be booking again for our next trip. I apologise for the quality of the following photos - I didn't pay much attention to the viewfinder or settings as I wanted to enjoy the fireworks so just kept clicking and hoped for the best...
Another family enjoying the Illuminations cruise...
Q is for... Queues!!! Wow - what can I say other than we'd never seen the like!!! Everywhere was uber-busy - the resorts, the shopping malls, the parks, the roads and the airport... Unfortunately our first week coincided with the Spring Breakers and our second week was the Easter week so we were sandwiched between hoards of holidaymakers... Some of the rides had craaazy wait times - Soarin's 150 minutes being one of the more memorable!!! Suffice to say, we didn't soar... We didn't let it detract from the trip tho' and despite initial misgivings, would have no qualms about visiting at this time in the future... We even had to queue in the Express Pass line for The Simpsons Ride...
...tho' we kept our sense of humour...
R is for... Rosé Champagne!!! On our last night, we dined at the Palm restaurant in the HRH and, unbeknown to me, my DH ordered a bottle of Moët et Chandon Imperiale Nectar - IMO the BEST champagne in the world ever that I have enjoyed two years in a row at the International Food & Wine Festival!!! Sadly, it's only exported to the US so not available elsewhere and, believe me, I have checked - I even have an email from Moët Hennessy confirming this... So thank you, Richard for such a fab treat and the perfect way to celebrate our wonderful holiday - cheers!!!
S is for... Shopping! Not such good value as in recent years - but fun nonetheless and there were quite a few sales on... Glad I did a little research prior to the trip so knew what to buy/not to buy as when factoring in Quidco cashback versus the Florida sales tax, some items definitely not worth purchasing... We did have fun in Prime Outlets which was another new experience for us. I bought a pair of Cole Haan Nike Air sandals that I had been lusting after for ages at a fraction of the price I had been intending to spend...
In fact, I liked them so much, I bought another pair in a different colour - well, it seemed rude not to!
Someone else bought a pair of work shoes and insisted on posing for a comedy photo...
To Be Continued...
Pinky166
<font color=deeppink>a little on the OCD side<br><
- Joined
- Feb 6, 2008
- Messages
- 13,928
What a great way to do a quick trip review. 
I love, love, love those Sandals!!!!
I am so glad you liked Busch Gardens - we go every trip as we like it so much. Great rides & well kept animals....who could not love feeding those Giraffes.
I'm glad that you enjoyed the Illuminations cruise. Are you still up for doing it again in September?
Looks like you had great seats for the Magic game, where did you buy your tickets from?
Love the piccie of Richard in his shorts & shoes combo! LOL!!
I love, love, love those Sandals!!!!
I am so glad you liked Busch Gardens - we go every trip as we like it so much. Great rides & well kept animals....who could not love feeding those Giraffes.
I'm glad that you enjoyed the Illuminations cruise. Are you still up for doing it again in September?
Looks like you had great seats for the Magic game, where did you buy your tickets from?
Love the piccie of Richard in his shorts & shoes combo! LOL!!
mandymouse
Bahama Mama Time !!
- Joined
- Mar 8, 2003
- Messages
- 72,440
I'm loving your A-Z trip report Karen 
Great photos and those shoes are FAB-U-LOUS !!!
I look forward to reading some more
Great photos and those shoes are FAB-U-LOUS !!!
I look forward to reading some more
- Joined
- Oct 19, 2004
- Messages
- 15,500
T is for... Toyota Rav 4!!! Our hire car which we collected with seamless efficiency from Alamo at the Dolphin. Forgot to take a pic but found this one which is the same model...
U is for... Unrelated Photos!!! Can't link them alphabetically so here's just a selection of random pics from the trip...
Getting there...
Rides...
Bay Lake Tower - our next destination...
The windswept look is SO in this year...
Loved the attention to detail in HRH - even the wall fountains wear shades!!!
V is for... Victoria & Albert's!!! This is Disney's upscale restaurant which we visited on the final night of our AKV sojourn... We were surprised to see it half-empty but the server explained that this was usual during the really busy holiday periods when most people visiting are families. The lack of fellow diners didn't detract from the atmosphere and the food was, as usual, spectacular! We opted for the wine pairings to go along with the courses and had a thoroughly fab time...
Here are our menus...
W is for... Winter-Summerland Mini Golf!!! Forget the Masters - we played like potential green-jacketed champions on the Summer course and Samuel was the top scorer of that day!!! Angel Cabrera eat your heart out!!!
X is for... Xtreme Ping Pong!!! I'll let the pictures tell the story...
Y is for... Yankee Candles!!! I came, I saw, I shopped - 'nuff said really... Oh, apart from the fact that I picked up a couple of discounted medium jars that were simply entitled Encore Collection.
Further inspection revealed that they were named on the underside and I chose Peanut Butter Cookie and Banana Cream Pie - do they sound yummy or what..?
Z is for... Zat's All Folks!!! Sorry, I ran out of inspiration...
Hope you enjoyed my speedy A-Z and I look forward to sharing more magical memories with you all soon... xxx
U is for... Unrelated Photos!!! Can't link them alphabetically so here's just a selection of random pics from the trip...
Getting there...
Rides...
Bay Lake Tower - our next destination...
The windswept look is SO in this year...
Loved the attention to detail in HRH - even the wall fountains wear shades!!!
V is for... Victoria & Albert's!!! This is Disney's upscale restaurant which we visited on the final night of our AKV sojourn... We were surprised to see it half-empty but the server explained that this was usual during the really busy holiday periods when most people visiting are families. The lack of fellow diners didn't detract from the atmosphere and the food was, as usual, spectacular! We opted for the wine pairings to go along with the courses and had a thoroughly fab time...
Here are our menus...
W is for... Winter-Summerland Mini Golf!!! Forget the Masters - we played like potential green-jacketed champions on the Summer course and Samuel was the top scorer of that day!!! Angel Cabrera eat your heart out!!!
X is for... Xtreme Ping Pong!!! I'll let the pictures tell the story...
Y is for... Yankee Candles!!! I came, I saw, I shopped - 'nuff said really... Oh, apart from the fact that I picked up a couple of discounted medium jars that were simply entitled Encore Collection.
Further inspection revealed that they were named on the underside and I chose Peanut Butter Cookie and Banana Cream Pie - do they sound yummy or what..?
Z is for... Zat's All Folks!!! Sorry, I ran out of inspiration...
Hope you enjoyed my speedy A-Z and I look forward to sharing more magical memories with you all soon... xxx
mandymouse
Bahama Mama Time !!
- Joined
- Mar 8, 2003
- Messages
- 72,440
Thanks for sharing your fab trippy with us Karen. You certainly packed lots into it. I love your pics too
BTW, I love that pink top on the last picture - where did you get it from ? it's lovely
Thanks again
BTW, I love that pink top on the last picture - where did you get it from ? it's lovely
Thanks again
natalielongstaff
<font color=deeppink>I need a cup of tea and a big
- Joined
- Apr 7, 2004
- Messages
- 80,430
Great quickie trippie Hun fab pics as well x
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