Mummycat
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Apr 12, 2012
- Messages
- 281
Well my semi live report hit the dust after a week as just too busy making memories so wanted to do a quick catch up with highs and lows.
We've been home nearly 2 weeks and finally back into the real world! We had an amazing 3 weeks, the first of which was at a villa on Highlands reserve and included 2 days at longboat key, then universal and seaworld. The 2nd and 3rd weeks were at the amazing old key west resort. So happy with how the holiday went and how the kids coped with the long days. We last went 4 years ago with the kids in pushchairs so this time at 7 and 9 they had to walk but didn't moan once (well not about the walking!!)The only down side to them walking was no chance of them dosing off in a pushchair so I could enjoy a spot of shopping in the evenings- why do kids have to touch/ fiddle with everything in the shops?!
LOWS
Not really much to be fair and it certainly didn't spoil things for us, just a bit annoying at times.
The prices have certainly gone up since our last trip so that slowed my shopping down a bit (husband happy though!) I think the better bargains were actually in the malls then the outlets.
The main thing we found was how much busier the parks were in September then 4 years ago. The parks were busy with lots of South American families, which sadly gave us a very bad impression of the nations manners- very rare to hear a please, thank you or excuse me. No direct rudeness or meanness just completely oblivious to other people. For example on the pirates ride at magic kingdom despite me asking them not to and the signs saying not to the whole ride was lit up with their cameras flashing!! We were so upset as it's a favourite and were allowed to go back on again as it ruined the ride- the ride attendants were kind and admitted that whatever they say (in English or Spanish) that they generally just don't listen. Whatever the language there is always sign or body language you can use to communicate.
The last week we were there the parks suddenly quietened down and was more relaxing.
Nothing else to moan about that I can think of!
HIGHS
Were to start?!
The absolute favourite parts were the dolphin experiences.
The first was staying at the luxurious and stunning longboat key resort for 1 night and 2 days. Because it's low season we were allowed to check in early and check out late. We spent 2 days on the private beach and saw dolphins and mantas swimming past and nearly stepped on several sting ray! Kids so happy just snorkelling and chilling. We had dinner at the Sand bar at Anna Marie Island and danced on the beach under the most stunning sunset- gives me goosebumps thinking about it
we'll def go back for longer next time. So many friendly people and nice to relax.
The second dolphin encounter was on my 40th birthday at discovery cove. We had the best day and my birthday present was a silver necklace with a dolphin tail on it- a copy of our dolphin Dexters tail. Despite coming out with a cold it didn't spoil the day, maybe the on tap piña colada helped
dinner was at the California Grill-WOW! The view, the decoration, the food just took our breath away- what a way to celebrate.
Eating off site the first week was great, Olive Garden being a favourite with so much food. Of course we had several subways and had to visit dunkin doughnuts
I especially loved my walmart trip (although publix is our favourite) as it's so big and over the top. My fav purchase was the pop in the freezer cocktails (notice a theme yet?!)
We loved staying at old key west resort- so peaceful and beautiful. We had a 1 bed villa that was huge and in a very quiet location that we had requested. Our lovely view was of the river- the only disadvantage was remembering not to get dressed by the open window in case a boat went past
Our car was brilliant- massive and half the price to run then in this country. We used Alamo who were great. We did the on line check in so no hard sell and very smooth- we literally had 20 cars to pick from!
Food on site was great and would have been rude to say no (!) so have come back 7lb heavier. Loved the cakes at Main Street bakery and the little place near sci fi diner at Hollywood studios.
Extra treats included the wishes dessert party- great food and great view.
A great family photo shoot at the Polynesian- photos arrived on line today- excellent.
MNSSHP was great and we enjoyed wearing our matching home decorated Halloween t shirts and trick or treating.
All restaurants good, only one that was slightly negative was T. Rex which was due to our server. Not sure if she thought because we were from UK and might not tip or because we ere on the dining plan but she seemed very disinterested. Still tipped though.
Had a great priced (and first time) return home trip in premium economy which we enjoyed. Same leg room as extra leg room on the way out though. Smooth flight, on time and sailed through immigration. Immigration in the UK on the return was long though. At home we realised one suitcase had been checked by customs-think they might have been concerned by the 2 plastic swords, the toy gun and the light saber!!
So many things to remember and so many happy memories. We're not usually this extravagant but it's been a long time coming, it was my 40th, not sure when we'll get to go back so we just had the time of our lives.
I keep remembering little things like dancing to a one direction song in tommorrow land with sully and mike and totally embarrassing the kids!
As I remember things I'm sure I'll add more! Any questions feel free to ask.
Thanks for reading xx
We've been home nearly 2 weeks and finally back into the real world! We had an amazing 3 weeks, the first of which was at a villa on Highlands reserve and included 2 days at longboat key, then universal and seaworld. The 2nd and 3rd weeks were at the amazing old key west resort. So happy with how the holiday went and how the kids coped with the long days. We last went 4 years ago with the kids in pushchairs so this time at 7 and 9 they had to walk but didn't moan once (well not about the walking!!)The only down side to them walking was no chance of them dosing off in a pushchair so I could enjoy a spot of shopping in the evenings- why do kids have to touch/ fiddle with everything in the shops?!
LOWS
Not really much to be fair and it certainly didn't spoil things for us, just a bit annoying at times.
The prices have certainly gone up since our last trip so that slowed my shopping down a bit (husband happy though!) I think the better bargains were actually in the malls then the outlets.
The main thing we found was how much busier the parks were in September then 4 years ago. The parks were busy with lots of South American families, which sadly gave us a very bad impression of the nations manners- very rare to hear a please, thank you or excuse me. No direct rudeness or meanness just completely oblivious to other people. For example on the pirates ride at magic kingdom despite me asking them not to and the signs saying not to the whole ride was lit up with their cameras flashing!! We were so upset as it's a favourite and were allowed to go back on again as it ruined the ride- the ride attendants were kind and admitted that whatever they say (in English or Spanish) that they generally just don't listen. Whatever the language there is always sign or body language you can use to communicate.
The last week we were there the parks suddenly quietened down and was more relaxing.
Nothing else to moan about that I can think of!
HIGHS
Were to start?!
The absolute favourite parts were the dolphin experiences.
The first was staying at the luxurious and stunning longboat key resort for 1 night and 2 days. Because it's low season we were allowed to check in early and check out late. We spent 2 days on the private beach and saw dolphins and mantas swimming past and nearly stepped on several sting ray! Kids so happy just snorkelling and chilling. We had dinner at the Sand bar at Anna Marie Island and danced on the beach under the most stunning sunset- gives me goosebumps thinking about it
we'll def go back for longer next time. So many friendly people and nice to relax.The second dolphin encounter was on my 40th birthday at discovery cove. We had the best day and my birthday present was a silver necklace with a dolphin tail on it- a copy of our dolphin Dexters tail. Despite coming out with a cold it didn't spoil the day, maybe the on tap piña colada helped
dinner was at the California Grill-WOW! The view, the decoration, the food just took our breath away- what a way to celebrate.Eating off site the first week was great, Olive Garden being a favourite with so much food. Of course we had several subways and had to visit dunkin doughnuts
I especially loved my walmart trip (although publix is our favourite) as it's so big and over the top. My fav purchase was the pop in the freezer cocktails (notice a theme yet?!)We loved staying at old key west resort- so peaceful and beautiful. We had a 1 bed villa that was huge and in a very quiet location that we had requested. Our lovely view was of the river- the only disadvantage was remembering not to get dressed by the open window in case a boat went past
Our car was brilliant- massive and half the price to run then in this country. We used Alamo who were great. We did the on line check in so no hard sell and very smooth- we literally had 20 cars to pick from!
Food on site was great and would have been rude to say no (!) so have come back 7lb heavier. Loved the cakes at Main Street bakery and the little place near sci fi diner at Hollywood studios.
Extra treats included the wishes dessert party- great food and great view.
A great family photo shoot at the Polynesian- photos arrived on line today- excellent.
MNSSHP was great and we enjoyed wearing our matching home decorated Halloween t shirts and trick or treating.
All restaurants good, only one that was slightly negative was T. Rex which was due to our server. Not sure if she thought because we were from UK and might not tip or because we ere on the dining plan but she seemed very disinterested. Still tipped though.
Had a great priced (and first time) return home trip in premium economy which we enjoyed. Same leg room as extra leg room on the way out though. Smooth flight, on time and sailed through immigration. Immigration in the UK on the return was long though. At home we realised one suitcase had been checked by customs-think they might have been concerned by the 2 plastic swords, the toy gun and the light saber!!
So many things to remember and so many happy memories. We're not usually this extravagant but it's been a long time coming, it was my 40th, not sure when we'll get to go back so we just had the time of our lives.
I keep remembering little things like dancing to a one direction song in tommorrow land with sully and mike and totally embarrassing the kids!
As I remember things I'm sure I'll add more! Any questions feel free to ask.
Thanks for reading xx
at the dance in Tomorrowland! Love it! Did you have a blast for your birthday? It certainly sounds like all the planning paid off and then some!
