WEDNESDAY 31ST AUGUST
D-Day....or Doom day as we know it
We were all up far too early this morning as DTD check in doesn`t open till 8, but we were all far too sharp and alert. We would have breakfast when we came back which should be about 9. So we got all our luggage together and got it downstairs and walked out to the car. It was 7.15 and boy was the Turkey Lake Road traffic busy. But we soon arrived and we were first there. We always find someone to chat too and everyones as depressed as we are. So, the luggage. First we have to pay $10 each for the privelidge of using this check in and bag drop. If you book a package with Virgin Holidays it`s free, but book direct with
Virgin Atlantic and you have to pay.....we`re all on the same plane!!!! Anyway, we move forward to have our luggage weighed.....oh dear this is going to be expensive.........anything over 23kg will be charged.......1st case is the really heavy one.......its 22.5kg......phew......no charge......the three others are under, but we do get charged $60 for the extra case. Get checked in and we have good extra legroom seats and 3 together as we`re flying home on the jumbo. We had already paid for these before we left for the states....one less thing to pay!!
Back to hotel, and into Orchids for breakfast. Our favourite breakfast lady is not on today, but we have a nice breakfast of pastries and cereal for Kyle who wants to eat up in the room. When we`re done we get changed and go down to the pool for the morning. We have a late check out as our flight is not till 8.30pm.....long day. As we had late check out, Tom thought he should maybe settle the bill for our trip......I didn`t go as last year the lady was so nice it had nearly set me off again, so on his own it was.
So down we went and it was very quiet, and hot. It was glorious, and we just had the lovliest time. But soon we had to move and went back up to get showered and changed and out for 1. It was actually about 12.30 when we left, and we had planned to spend the afternoon at the Millenia Mall.
We took a last few photographs, around the lobby and the elephants...even though we had about a gazillion!!! I could feel the emotions surfacing again, and fought with every ounce not to cry as we left the place we adored. Then out of the blue...Kyle was rubbing his eyes

Just as we walked out of the doors and I hadn`t expected it from him, but it was just a tiny tear as we looked back for the final glance. So with Tom the only one not openly crying we wandered down to get our car, trying to smile when the guys who get the cars wished us a safe journey and hoped to see us soon.........that was me gone........I mumbled thank you as Tom shook his hand and we went. Sat in the car park for 5 minutes while I got myself together.......it was a bit like childlike sobs, but they subsided and we drove out finally. Actually once we had left and were on the I4 we were fine. Nothing we could do now.
Spent and uneventful afternoon at the Mall, had lunch and passed the time before setting off for the airport as the car had to be back for 4.30. No problems here and we took our last gulps of fresh Orlando air and we entered the airport. Scenes of such happiness when you arrive, but the polar opposite when you leave. We mooched the few shops that they have and then had food from Nathans, it was just ok this time. Again that could have been us and not the food.
We head for security and take the laptops out to go through seperately, mine came through ok but Tom went to pick the other 2 up and they weren`t there........panic moment......had someone taken them........No. A very kind gentleman pointed out to Tom because he had put 2 in the tray the Security officer had seperated them and put them back at the end to go again......one at a time......... panic over. Got through and we headed for the monorail.
Once we got through we got a coffee and found a seat in the thronging crowds, our flight was supposed to be ontime. Left Kyle on the internet and we went back up to Duty Free

I didn`t need anything, but Tom got the huge 3 litre bottle of Jack Daniels, and one each of plain and Raspberry Absolut Vodka.........we don`t actually drink vodka.....but like it in cocktails

We will pick this up on the plane.
Our flight is delayed somewhat.....not by much though, we get on and find our seats and we take off at around 9pm. Kyle has the window seat but we can see the lights of the city as we go higher and further and soon we are over the sea with nothing to see. Kyle falls asleep immediately adn only wakes once for a bathroom visit, some water and back to sleep till about an hour before we land. After the meals....which were truly awful.....everyone kind of settles.....we ask the people behind if they are finished with their trays so we can recline.....they have already reclined and one is asleep so we settle back too. We had the worst turbulence ever on this flight.......cabin crew took their seats a few times apparently. We slept.......first time ever we must have had about 4 or 5 hours each. I only remember once a member of cabin crew pulled very gently on my blanket to check if my seat belt was fastened as I had it covered. I went straight back to sleep even with the turbulence

Scary!!!
We landed 9am British time, and it was a really nice day surprisingly enough, about 55 but sunny. But it`s not the same. Go through security again..........just a passport check really and Got our luggage......nearly last again......and went through Customs and we`re heading for breakfast in a little cafe......and my first cup of tea in 2 weeks. I love coffee in the states but it`s the first thing I want is a strong tea when I`m back. Now we don`t tan really.......but even I`m laughing when the guy in the cafe asks if we`re just heading off on our holidays.......eh no.......just come back from Florida........don`t think he really believes us
Get our car from The Radisson and set off on the journey home. Because we had slept on the plane the journey wasn`t too bad, but about 30 minutes away my head is unashamedly dropping. We`re all tired and soon we`re home

It`s 3pm and we go straight to bed where we sleep till 5pm, get up and start unpacking all the goodies we have and throw the laundry in the utility room till tomorrow. We have chinese food and get settled down for the evening absolutely gutted to be home.
So it`s over again but what a trip. We loved every single moment of it and have so many lovely memories again of so many things.
RPR........We just love it. No other words can describe how we feel about this place. There is such a special feeling when you enter this hotel. The atmosphere is just beautiful as is the decor and quality.
The staff........Words cannot do them justice. We found every single member of staff to be so friendly, courteous and so helpful if you need it. I would love to give them all a special mention.....but I would be here all night. They are truly wonderful and the staff members who went above and beyond to make our trip extra special I wish I could thank them personally as it was so appreciated and we won`t forget it.
Anyone who is thinking of staying at the RPR........do it......it`s fantastic, you won`t be disappointed. The restaurants are all lovely, pool area is lovely and the general feel of the hotel is second to none. Does it show how much we enjoyed it

The Express Pass is priceless, and with the close proximity from park to hotel this really is fantastic......go back and forward so quickly if you need a break form the heat or crowds.
Parks themselves......we just love them......both of them. Some people wonder how you can only do Universal and not Disney......well very easily is the answer, for us. Just love the atmosphere in the parks and the Team Members are phenomenal. We found the to be so friendly and they really got into their character if they had one. Couldn`t find a fault if I tried. I sometimes read negative comments about the parks or TM`s.........I just wish everyone could have the same positive experiences we did and have had the last few years.
While leaving is always so hard, we do have next year to look forward to. Haven`t sorted out exact dates yet but as soon as we know we`ll be making our reservation at RPR for our 2 week trip
Thanks for reading and all the lovely comments, I did enjoy reading them, glad you enjoyed sharing our perfect trip
