Leaving in the morning

[princess_ariel_85]

Sounds like your having an awesome time so far! Enjoy the rest of your trip

 

[Mummycat]

Thanks all for reading along, sounds like there's a few of us that love the area around Sarasota. Thanks Elise for the tip re longboat key and now I'm going to have to google nose at the Ritz for my future trip Janey (in my dreams-it's going to take a few years of saving!).
Today has been spent at sea world doing virtually everything! I reminded myself why I love Kracken and Atlantis- such fun. We absolutely loved the dolphin and shamu shows, both gave me a lump in my throat.
The thing I have really noticed that since our last trip 4 years ago the crowd numbers have definitely increased for September. Wait times are still quick but rides such as kracken and atlantis we previously could walk on and do 5 times in a row but now it's a 20 min que.
We have noticed a huge amount of South American families and tour groups. So far they haven't left a good impression as there are generally no manners or politeness on show- not a good example to the kids- either there's or mine!
We finished the evening off with a great meal at Olive Garden. The bruschetta was amazing and no room left for dessert. A tip I got from reading the dis was to register with lots of the restaurants email addresses and in return received discount vouchers. Today's bruschetta (huge portion) was a freebie
Tommorow we say goodbye to our villa (our 3rd trip here) and move to Disneys old key west. Looking forward to the Disney part of the trip and first time staying on site but sad to leave the villa as who knows when and if we'll return-lots of happy memories.
1 more day until the big 40
Catherine

 

[tinks_1989]

Just caught up on your journey we check in to a villa in highlands reserve next Wednesday.

Hoping the crowds are still light then.

And hope you update with weather reports I can't wait to defrost when we get there x

 

[Julia Ann]

Sounds like you are having a fab time - thanks for the report. Happy 40th birthday can't think of a better place to celebrate

 

[Mummycat]

Just caught up on your journey we check in to a villa in highlands reserve next Wednesday.

Hoping the crowds are still light then.

And hope you update with weather reports I can't wait to defrost when we get there x

Have you stayed at Highlands reserve before?-it's a lovely place, we're on Troon circle and back on to trees and the golf course, so peaceful.
The weather is lovely 85-90, with hardly any rain. We've heard about the weather at home-glad we're here and dreading returning to it!
Have a safe trip.

 

[Mrs Doubtfire]

Have a great 40th and enjoy OKW

 

[tinks_1989]

We have yes we love it so beautiful we are staying on birkdale drive or street something like that. Very excited I doubt dd will get out the pool.

Oh I can't wait to feel hot again. I miss the sun so much.

I hope the parks aren't too busy easy WDW said this week is the quietest week all year.

 

[Mummycat]

The last 2 days have whizzed past in a very happy blur. On the 20th we moved accommodation to old key west and got our request of block 45. No top floor rooms available but the location is worth the occasional thudding from above! Stunning views and the 1 bed is huge-I keep going into the wrong rooms! We had dinner at planet Hollywood and a message from friends back home reminded me I had just turned 40 in the UK-it then appeared on the big screen. I had my revenge on the hubby when the big screen video camera focused on me when the dj played gangnam style and I proceeded to do the dance!

Yesterday was the day of the big 40. We woke the kids early with the surprise of Discovery cove. It was an amazing day and the kids loved their first dolphin interaction. Kate got a bit freaked out by the enormous stingray that swam underneath her though If anyone is thinking of going here in colder months either limit your time in the stingray pool or avoid as it took a while to warm up. My present from hubby was a lovely silver dolphin tail necklace, in the exact shape of our dolphin Dexters tail. On tap yummy piña colada all day
A brief turnaround at the room with a very bubbly (oops!) jacuzzi bath.
Dinner was at California grill for the first time. WOW the restaurant and the view took our breath away. Other people were dressed up too so I felt comfortable in my new dress (shame it was hard to breath as put in weight already this trip) The best birthday ever.
Today I have my first disney cold (typically came out yesterday) but we're looking forward to our first day at magic kingdom and will be wearing my new sparkly mickey ears

 

[foxxxy83]

Awwwww.. SO happy for you!! HAPPY 40th BIRTHDAY!!

 

[Shazzie B]

Glad you had such a fantastic day for your 40th Happy Birthday

I kept getting lost in the 1 bdr too- such an odd layout

 

[tinks_1989]

Happy birthday glad you are having such a lovely. Time the sting rays would freak me out too x

 

[Mrs Doubtfire]

What a lovely birthday, enjoy the MK