- Joined
- Oct 19, 2004
Cast.
Me: Karen (a.k.a Kaz) 40-something. Loves all things Disney, a Kir Royale in Mizner's Lounge and spending DH's $$$...
Her: Sophie (a.k.a Soph) Slightly younger 20-something. Like her Mother, loves all things Disney. Like her Father, loves a Kir Royale in any Lounge and the exchange rate...
With only 4 weeks to go before Sophie and I return to the World, I thought I'd share some of the details of our upcoming trip. First of all, a little background... A few years ago, when my DD, Sophie, hit 21 and I crashed face first in 40, we decided that we should celebrate those milestones with a Girls Only trip together. After much brainstorming and Haribo StarMix we realised that, for us, the only place on earth was the Happiest Place on Earth and duly booked a vacation for May 2005 - a 3 night DCL cruise followed by a week in the Beach Club to experience the EPCOT's Flower and Garden Festival. To cut a long, rambling and rather girly story (of character photos, fine dining and excessive shopping) short, the trip was rip-roaring success and we promised ourselves another asap. Sadly life, university and finances got in the way but, finally, we were lucky enough to experience the delights of the Food & Wine Festival last October and enjoyed another top trip together!
But we really missed the Castaway Cay fix so when DCL released details of the 4 night Double Dip Wonder cruises for 2008, we knew we were just the ladies to spend a couple of days sunning ourselves on Serenity Bay so duly booked a stateroom and a Fly-Drive with Virgin as quickly as our fingers could type in the credit card numbers!! It also gave us the opportunity to try VWL (one of my home resorts) for the first time and to return to WDW at what remains our favourite time of the year...
Once again, my DD is paying her share and, as she had a fabulous year at work earning her first bonus (can you tell what a proud Mama I am?), we've opted to fly Virgin Upper Class!!! OMG I love this whole Mother thing - not only do I get to enjoy quality time with the most perfect travelling companion but I don't have to pay a penny to do so!!! I'm already savouring the prospect of sipping a Virgin Redhead in the Clubhouse whilst a beautician tarts up my tootsies...
So onto the itinerary:
Saturday May 3rd 2008: DH has kindly offered to drive us to LGW where we'll peruse the Duty Free emporiums and chill in the Clubhouse. I anticipate much Bellini-sipping over the Atlantic before we land in MCO and catch the Magical Express to VWL. Upon arrival, we'll explore the resort and maybe head for MK for a first whiff of WDW magic... Cocktail count: at least 2...
Sunday May 4th: The first park of this vacation is going to be the Hollywood Studios, so we're off there this morning to dip our toe into this particular den of Disney delights. Savour a Margarita at the Backlot Canteen... Can't dally too much as we need to get back and make ourselves pretty for our 9pm reservation at Victoria and Albert's! This will be Sophie's first V&A experience and I can't wait to see how much she loves it. We'll probably pop into Mizner's Lounge for a Kir Royale... Cocktail count: at least 2...
Monday May 5th: This morning we collect our hire car from the Dolphin and intend to hop to the shops for an early retail therapy fix. The plan is to flex our credit cards in Florida Mall and, for the first time, the Mall at Millenia! Neither of us have visited this up-market mercantile Mecca and TBH I can't wait!!! I know there's a handbag there with my name on it - just call me Chloe ...or Penny Prada ...or Daphne Dior... No ADR planned for today as we want to try an off-site restaurant for a change - possibly the Blue Martini Lounge at MaM... Cocktail count: at least 2 tho' as designated driver that will be of a Diet Coketail count...
Tuesday May 6th: Time to explore WDW and I'm desperate to get Sophie over to the Animal Kingdom so she can try my new fave ride, Expedition Everest! Also time for us to savour a Yak Attack cocktail... We have an 8.15pm Kona Cafe reservation and as well as enjoying a cocktail in the Tambu Lounge, I'm hoping to arrange a little surprise for my DD! My lips are sealed at the moment BUT I will divulge details at a later date... Cocktail count: at least 2...
Wednesday May 7th: I'm thinking today's the day we head off to Islands of Adventure/Universal Studios and squeeze one last visit out of our excellent value 2 year annual passes! Upon our return it'll be time to get ready for dinner at the Grand Floridian Cafe @ 8pm. I can't wait to order a glass of the Rosa Regale... Cocktail count: at least 2 - I'm relying on Sophie here...
Thursday May 8th: EPCOT and the Flower and Garden Festival today. Sophie and I both love EPCOT and the World Showcase is so stunning at this time of the year - must make sure we take lots of photos as we sample a selection of alcoholic beverages in and around the World... AKL and Boma @ 8.20pm... Cocktail count: at least 2...
Friday May 9th: This is our busiest day as we have booked the Adventure Segway Tour at Wilderness Lodge @11am. I don't know about my daughter, but I intend to chill at the resort this afternoon before preparing my piratical princess self for our 5.20pm ADR at the Liberty Tree Tavern Character Dinner Buffet. This is the start of our evening at Mickey's Pirate & Princess Party - another first for us... Cocktail count: not likely to be that high as "there will be no alcohol in the Magic Kingdom!" This quote is legendary in the Taylor household as it's what my DH was told by a CM when he asked for the wine list in Tony's many moons ago - I still giggle about it...
Saturday May 10th: The last full WDW day and I'm sad already! We'll possibly be up for an early morning trip to Hollywood Studios followed by a quick afternoon visit to the Animal Kingdom. We'll make sure we're packed and prepared for our departure before strolling to Artist's Point at 8.35pm for our final night dinner. Following dinner, we plan to pop over to the Magic Kingdom for a late night viewing of SpecroMagic... A fitting end to a fabulous stay in WDW... Sigh... Cocktail count: at least 2...
Sunday May 11th: This morning we'll be up bright and early in readiness for our drive to Port Canaveral where I've arranged yet another surprise!!! All I can say at the moment is watch this space!!! Get our photo taken as we board the Disney Wonder and experience the tingle as the Cast Member announces the arrival of the Taylor Family to the rest of the ship. Time for a little lunch at Parrot Cay (tho' we usually get directed to Beach Blanket Buffet) before heading to our stateroom and awaiting the arrival of our luggage. I'm hoping to arrange a little DISmeet in the Promenade Lounge before the lifejacket drill thingy and Sail Away but not sure how many takers there'll be. Ah well - another Razztini please barman!!! As it's Mother's Day in the US today, we've (OK, I've) decided to milk the celebration for all it's worth and have booked Palo's @ 8.30pm... Cocktail count: at least 2...
Monday May 12th: First stop at Castaway Cay. We'll head off to Serenity Bay before returning to try our hands at parasailing in the afternoon. Cocktail count: at least 2...
Tuesday May 13th: Nassau. Probably not going to get off the Wonder today but take advantage of the quieter pool area to sun myself and read a lurid crime novel. Hoping to get a stone massage at the Spa this afternoon but we don't want to miss the Wine Tasting session so I'm keeping my hectic schedule as free as possible... Cocktail count: at least 2...
Wednesday May 14th: Back to Castaway Cay. We've got the inimitable Palo's Brunch booked for 10.30am and I'm sure this will be the final highlight of this cruise! Again, this will be new experience for Sophie and just know she's going to love it... Bellies bursting, we'll saunter to Serenity Bay and drag a couple of chairs down to the shore line for a little sun, sea and sand solace!!! All too soon, it'll be time to head back to the Wonder for our last night... Cocktail count: at least 2...
Thursday May 15th: Up early to disembark and head back to Orlando for DTD check-In. Maybe we'll engage in a little last-minute shopping before driving to MCO, waving goodbye to our hire car and saying hello to the delights of the Delta Lounge... Before too long we'll onboard VS028, sipping Bellinis and snuggling down for as much sleep as we can manage before... Cocktail count: at least 2...
Friday May 16th: ...arriving at LGW! My DD is doing the usual straight off to work thing whilst I'll be driving myself and all our luggage back to Beckenham...
Th-that's all folks....
Me: Karen (a.k.a Kaz) 40-something. Loves all things Disney, a Kir Royale in Mizner's Lounge and spending DH's $$$...
Her: Sophie (a.k.a Soph) Slightly younger 20-something. Like her Mother, loves all things Disney. Like her Father, loves a Kir Royale in any Lounge and the exchange rate...
With only 4 weeks to go before Sophie and I return to the World, I thought I'd share some of the details of our upcoming trip. First of all, a little background... A few years ago, when my DD, Sophie, hit 21 and I crashed face first in 40, we decided that we should celebrate those milestones with a Girls Only trip together. After much brainstorming and Haribo StarMix we realised that, for us, the only place on earth was the Happiest Place on Earth and duly booked a vacation for May 2005 - a 3 night DCL cruise followed by a week in the Beach Club to experience the EPCOT's Flower and Garden Festival. To cut a long, rambling and rather girly story (of character photos, fine dining and excessive shopping) short, the trip was rip-roaring success and we promised ourselves another asap. Sadly life, university and finances got in the way but, finally, we were lucky enough to experience the delights of the Food & Wine Festival last October and enjoyed another top trip together!
But we really missed the Castaway Cay fix so when DCL released details of the 4 night Double Dip Wonder cruises for 2008, we knew we were just the ladies to spend a couple of days sunning ourselves on Serenity Bay so duly booked a stateroom and a Fly-Drive with Virgin as quickly as our fingers could type in the credit card numbers!! It also gave us the opportunity to try VWL (one of my home resorts) for the first time and to return to WDW at what remains our favourite time of the year...
Once again, my DD is paying her share and, as she had a fabulous year at work earning her first bonus (can you tell what a proud Mama I am?), we've opted to fly Virgin Upper Class!!! OMG I love this whole Mother thing - not only do I get to enjoy quality time with the most perfect travelling companion but I don't have to pay a penny to do so!!! I'm already savouring the prospect of sipping a Virgin Redhead in the Clubhouse whilst a beautician tarts up my tootsies...
So onto the itinerary:
Saturday May 3rd 2008: DH has kindly offered to drive us to LGW where we'll peruse the Duty Free emporiums and chill in the Clubhouse. I anticipate much Bellini-sipping over the Atlantic before we land in MCO and catch the Magical Express to VWL. Upon arrival, we'll explore the resort and maybe head for MK for a first whiff of WDW magic... Cocktail count: at least 2...
Sunday May 4th: The first park of this vacation is going to be the Hollywood Studios, so we're off there this morning to dip our toe into this particular den of Disney delights. Savour a Margarita at the Backlot Canteen... Can't dally too much as we need to get back and make ourselves pretty for our 9pm reservation at Victoria and Albert's! This will be Sophie's first V&A experience and I can't wait to see how much she loves it. We'll probably pop into Mizner's Lounge for a Kir Royale... Cocktail count: at least 2...
Monday May 5th: This morning we collect our hire car from the Dolphin and intend to hop to the shops for an early retail therapy fix. The plan is to flex our credit cards in Florida Mall and, for the first time, the Mall at Millenia! Neither of us have visited this up-market mercantile Mecca and TBH I can't wait!!! I know there's a handbag there with my name on it - just call me Chloe ...or Penny Prada ...or Daphne Dior... No ADR planned for today as we want to try an off-site restaurant for a change - possibly the Blue Martini Lounge at MaM... Cocktail count: at least 2 tho' as designated driver that will be of a Diet Coketail count...
Tuesday May 6th: Time to explore WDW and I'm desperate to get Sophie over to the Animal Kingdom so she can try my new fave ride, Expedition Everest! Also time for us to savour a Yak Attack cocktail... We have an 8.15pm Kona Cafe reservation and as well as enjoying a cocktail in the Tambu Lounge, I'm hoping to arrange a little surprise for my DD! My lips are sealed at the moment BUT I will divulge details at a later date... Cocktail count: at least 2...
Wednesday May 7th: I'm thinking today's the day we head off to Islands of Adventure/Universal Studios and squeeze one last visit out of our excellent value 2 year annual passes! Upon our return it'll be time to get ready for dinner at the Grand Floridian Cafe @ 8pm. I can't wait to order a glass of the Rosa Regale... Cocktail count: at least 2 - I'm relying on Sophie here...
Thursday May 8th: EPCOT and the Flower and Garden Festival today. Sophie and I both love EPCOT and the World Showcase is so stunning at this time of the year - must make sure we take lots of photos as we sample a selection of alcoholic beverages in and around the World... AKL and Boma @ 8.20pm... Cocktail count: at least 2...
Friday May 9th: This is our busiest day as we have booked the Adventure Segway Tour at Wilderness Lodge @11am. I don't know about my daughter, but I intend to chill at the resort this afternoon before preparing my piratical princess self for our 5.20pm ADR at the Liberty Tree Tavern Character Dinner Buffet. This is the start of our evening at Mickey's Pirate & Princess Party - another first for us... Cocktail count: not likely to be that high as "there will be no alcohol in the Magic Kingdom!" This quote is legendary in the Taylor household as it's what my DH was told by a CM when he asked for the wine list in Tony's many moons ago - I still giggle about it...
Saturday May 10th: The last full WDW day and I'm sad already! We'll possibly be up for an early morning trip to Hollywood Studios followed by a quick afternoon visit to the Animal Kingdom. We'll make sure we're packed and prepared for our departure before strolling to Artist's Point at 8.35pm for our final night dinner. Following dinner, we plan to pop over to the Magic Kingdom for a late night viewing of SpecroMagic... A fitting end to a fabulous stay in WDW... Sigh... Cocktail count: at least 2...
Sunday May 11th: This morning we'll be up bright and early in readiness for our drive to Port Canaveral where I've arranged yet another surprise!!! All I can say at the moment is watch this space!!! Get our photo taken as we board the Disney Wonder and experience the tingle as the Cast Member announces the arrival of the Taylor Family to the rest of the ship. Time for a little lunch at Parrot Cay (tho' we usually get directed to Beach Blanket Buffet) before heading to our stateroom and awaiting the arrival of our luggage. I'm hoping to arrange a little DISmeet in the Promenade Lounge before the lifejacket drill thingy and Sail Away but not sure how many takers there'll be. Ah well - another Razztini please barman!!! As it's Mother's Day in the US today, we've (OK, I've) decided to milk the celebration for all it's worth and have booked Palo's @ 8.30pm... Cocktail count: at least 2...
Monday May 12th: First stop at Castaway Cay. We'll head off to Serenity Bay before returning to try our hands at parasailing in the afternoon. Cocktail count: at least 2...
Tuesday May 13th: Nassau. Probably not going to get off the Wonder today but take advantage of the quieter pool area to sun myself and read a lurid crime novel. Hoping to get a stone massage at the Spa this afternoon but we don't want to miss the Wine Tasting session so I'm keeping my hectic schedule as free as possible... Cocktail count: at least 2...
Wednesday May 14th: Back to Castaway Cay. We've got the inimitable Palo's Brunch booked for 10.30am and I'm sure this will be the final highlight of this cruise! Again, this will be new experience for Sophie and just know she's going to love it... Bellies bursting, we'll saunter to Serenity Bay and drag a couple of chairs down to the shore line for a little sun, sea and sand solace!!! All too soon, it'll be time to head back to the Wonder for our last night... Cocktail count: at least 2...
Thursday May 15th: Up early to disembark and head back to Orlando for DTD check-In. Maybe we'll engage in a little last-minute shopping before driving to MCO, waving goodbye to our hire car and saying hello to the delights of the Delta Lounge... Before too long we'll onboard VS028, sipping Bellinis and snuggling down for as much sleep as we can manage before... Cocktail count: at least 2...
Friday May 16th: ...arriving at LGW! My DD is doing the usual straight off to work thing whilst I'll be driving myself and all our luggage back to Beckenham...
Th-that's all folks....
- I love your holidaying style
