Live Trip Report :))) More photos added p5&6

[WSussex]

Hi Vanda

The penguins at the end are fantastic - it's freezing and you really can't stay too long but well worth it!! I did enjoy the ride and probably hyper critical - I just felt that considering the amazing technology they are using you basically go through a couple of caverns with multicoloured iceciccles and spin around a lot

Glad you are enjoying the updates

Sally

 

[WSussex]

DAY 8

Chill day which consisted of a lie in till 0930 then a trip to I Drive for some pirates cove crazy golf - kids love this but I have to say it was way too hot!!! And it was cloudy!!! The sweat was pouring off us! Then cooled off in some gift shops to stock on on family pressies then a quick top up at publix and an arvo by the pool. After we went for our 2nd millers ale house visit - fantastic again!! Then a disboards tip - we went to poly and sat on the beach and watched Wishes fireworks with a cocktail in hand - perfect!! As we left the mother of all thunderstorms kicked off with torrential rain = a very careful drive home!!

DAY 9

Magic Kingdom

Got there for opening ceremony and with a plan and fast passes we did EVERYTHING by 2pm and a few things twice - also while parade was on got a fantastic session with mickey
Mouse - just us and one other couple - priceless!! Back to villa by 4.30 lots of stôrms and rain so good to be indoors!!

Sally

 

[WSussex]

DAY 10

Hollywood Studios

Got in for park opening - it was heaving!! Jogged straight to toy story mania and was already a 35 min wait - when we came out was 65min!! Fast passes already up to 1415! Rockin roller coaster not working all day - big disappointment for us as hubby's fav ride, also muppets 3d closed bit of a let down to be honest but did a few bits and good character interaction more by luck than anything else - queues for everything crazy - left by 1300 - relaxed at home for a bit then off to Walmart followed by a lovely papa johns takeout pizza!

Tomorrow - Busch Gardens

Sally

 

[paul_toria96]

Loving your report can't wait to get back there

 

[Linda67]

Sounds like you are really enjoying yourselves!
Enjoy Busch Gardens

 

[Shazzie B]

Thanks for the updates, it's keeping me going until we leave in 7 days

 

[WSussex]

DAY 11

Busch Gardens

Nice easy drive, arrived 0940 - straight into park to collect quick queue unlimited it's HOT. We did everything - sheikra x 3 got completely soaked on Congo river rapids x 2 and then did tidal wave x 2 with the last ride sat at the front - drenched doesn't quite cover it - so as we were a tad wet we stood on the bridge and took the full force of the wave - awesome!! I have to say Busch is equal first with magic kingdom for the holiday so far!! Left at 5pm and an easy drive back where we ended up at Golden Corral - did this years ago so thought would give it another try - food was nice and plentiful and for 4 totalled $57 plus tip so can't complain!

Back home now and chilling in front of the tv before some much needed sleep then tomorrow...................

Typhoon Lagoon followed by an ADR at Hollywood & Vine with Fantasmic!!

Sally

Ps
Glad u r enjoying the trippie

 

[sandshal]

Thanks for taking the time to share Sally, loving your updates xxxx

 

[WSussex]

DAY 12

Typhoon Lagoon then Fantasmic

Love love love TL - well actually it's the wave pool really. - the slides and family raft are much better at blizzard beach but that wave pool is sooooo much fun got here at 9 and left at 1230 - home to the villa for a shower and lunch then onto Hollywood Studios!

Got there around 3.30 in torrential rain but that's Florida! Within 30 min boiling hot sun - got fast passes for rockin rollercoaster as this was down when we spent the day here - then for the first time did Beauty and the Beast - wow loved it!!! Then it was really nice just to mooch around and take photos without the pressure of "which ride next" - did the great movie ride as was a 5 min wait and a family favourite and we are all very much into the "hidden Mickey" hunt and there are a few on here then onto our ADR at Hollywood & Vine at 6.15 - bit annoyed as we waited 30 min to be seated and the place was half empty $191 for 4 for a buffet will be the last!!

Having said that the reserved seating that was included with the meal allowed us to do our RR fast pass and get into Fantasmic at 8.20 where for standby guests was standing room only - it was packed and we had great seats - have seen this show a few times and was never a favourite but this time a lot more pyrotechnics and loved it

Feeling a bit sad that we have 3 days left but also have that totally shattered feeling too and a yearning for my own bed

Tomorrow - my personal favourite - Epcot

Sally x

 

[WSussex]

DAY 13

EPCOT

this is my favourite place put into action our usual park plan - hubby jogged to soarin to get FP whilst kids and I meandered over to test track - all got on tt within 10 min then did 2 further goes in single rider - I think this is the best ride of the holiday - refurb is brilliant - rode this a total of 6 times in one day - 2 with FP and 4 single rider with a wait of between 5-10 min - the standby line at one point was 180 mins

Soarin - always good but always feel a bit nauseated after so once with a FP was enough - then to world showcase - so beautiful and really enjoy looking around shops etc - had a beer in Germany - was not asked for any id (I'm 38) kids coloured in Perry the Platipus and enjoyed getting each country to stamp/personalise them. Didn't leave until 5.30 and we will be going back on our last day (fri) to do spaceship earth, universe of energy and innoventions

Sky's have been black all day with a couple of down pours - heavens opened again as we left - good ol Mc D's on the way home - now sat on deck with fab thunderstorm going on going to really miss this weather - love storms

Tomorrow is a pool/pack day - cant believe its nearly over but it is always nice to go home - we are so lucky to be in a position to enjoy such an amazing holiday - we never take it for granted and we make sure our kids know how lucky they are


Sally x

 

[Shazzie B]

That's how we start Epcot too Sounds like you've all had a fab time - I'm at that last minute panic stage Enjoy your last few days, it's been fun reading, Thanks again.

 

[sandshal]

Another couple of great days

 

[Debs Hill]

Sounds like you are having an amazing time and looking forward to seeing your photographs!

We are considering Hard Rock for our next trip, what did you think of the resort? Worried that I may be too old (40) and hubby (60) and our too kool for school 13 year old son!!!! Was the pool area very busy? How were the restuarants?!

Love Busch Gardens......did you do Cheetah Hunt? Can I ask how much the unlimited fast passes were? Do they cover all the rides?

Continue to have an amazing holiday!!!
Debsx

 

[Linda67]

Sounds like such a fun trip
Have a lovely last day and a safe flight home

 

[Mrs Doubtfire]

Enjoy your last few days, enjoying reading about your holiday

 

[WSussex]

Hi debs,

Hard Rock is great - please don't worry about age etc its much more a family resort in Orlando than its other locations - there are grannies, babies, massive figures in bikinis and the beautiful people all together we love HR as its a 5 min walk to the park so no hassle getting there/parking etc.... The front of the line passes are fantastic - this value to you depends on when u r going? Having done it in August it's a god send!! However we have done it in sept and they really were not necessary! We have only eaten in Emack & Bolios which is like a Starbucks - counter service with about 4 tables - we grab cereal pots or muffins and eat there before walking to the park - not expensive - the other restaurant The Kitchen does full breakfast etc but is pricy!

Busch gardens - the quick queue unlimited was about $25pp but depends again on time of year you go - includes all major rides as many times as you like and you walk straight to the front of the queue! There is another quick queue that is one go only which is cheaper - we just did this as you know and was fantastic as park was busy! Cheetah hunt is FAST! quite a few tummy loosing dips and one small cork screw but very very smooth

Glad everyone enjoying reports - it's a bit like therapy writing it all down and really nice to read back to yourself! - we have also been doing a video blog so we can look back at all the excitement the kids had and funny stories being relived - priceless

Pool and pack day today - feeling a bit sad but last day at Epcot again tomorrow - going to be a long day - up at 0600 leaving villa at 0730 - check in at downtown Disney at 0815 then onto Epcot then flight leaves just after 7pm - landing in UK at 0830 - and I just cannot sleep on the flight - I always try to stay up when back in UK until bedtime so we are looking at around 38 hours straight of no sleep the downside of USA - UK!!

Sally x

 

[WSussex]

DAY 14

Lovely lie in till 0930 followed by packing and then some pool fun in torrential rain lol - we were wet anyway so why not

A drive down 192 and a gift shop fix plus a visit to the big target store
And a lovely final meal at millers alehouse!!

Tomorrow - early checking at DD then onto Epcot - flight leaves at 1930 so enough time for some final fun!! Going to be a long day and night lol but all worth it!! Will do my final report once home and miserable lol

Sally x

 

[Lisash]

Enjoy that final day and have a safe journey home

 

[Mrs Doubtfire]

Enjoy your last day and have a safe flight home

 

[Debs Hill]

thanks so much Sally......will bite the bullet and go for Hard Rock!! I know my son will love it!
Glad you had such a great trip and can't wait to see all your photos!
Debx