The Desperately-Writing-This-One-Before-We-Go-Again Trip Report - August 2007

[AlisonUK]

Yes, this trip report is over a year late - we went 13th August 2007! We are currently in the throes of planning our next trip in August 09 and, while looking through the box of stuff we brought back, I came across all the notes I had made. Nigel started to say, ‘Where was that place we ate in Animal Kingdom?’ and I was squinting to make out what I had scrawled down so decided to write it all up – and here it is!

There were 3 of us – me, Nigel and Stephen, 7. We love Disney and had already had four trips to DLRP but had been saving our pennies for Florida. (We are both teachers so had to be school holidays.) I was really lucky as a child – my dad worked for British Airways so we had four trips to Florida when I was younger – the first was in 1978 or 9 when there was only the Magic Kingdom. I have a lot of happy memories and couldn’t wait to share them with the boys.

Our holiday lasted for a fortnight and we stayed offsite in a villa. We were celebrating our 10th wedding anniversary while we were there and had a night booked at AKL.

This is my first trip report, so here's hoping that it all goes OK!

 

[AlisonUK]

Apologies - no photos today but plenty to come!

Monday 13th August

Everyone was much too excited to sleep much, despite trying to have an early night and a good night’s sleep – we were all up, dressed and ready to go by 7.30! We weren’t due at my parents’ house till 9am, but we gave up at 8am and headed off. Dropped off the car and chatted to my parents for a bit, then said goodbye to my mum, piled into my dad’s car and we were off to Gatwick.

Uneventful journey and we were able to go straight through security as we had done twilight check-in the night before. Clear bag of toiletries to go through separately, shoes and belts off and Nigel got stopped for a search. Browsed around the shops for a bit, bought some water and an apple for Stephen and went down to the gate (32). Very excited to see the plane as we went past the window!

As we were Sunshine Premium, we were among the first passengers to be called, but we ended up being held up twice – the first time to have all our passport details emailed (this must have been missed during twilight check-in but was no problem) and the second time for Nigel to be searched again!

Seats fine – 74 H, J & K. Lots of leg room which we appreciated as Nigel is 6’4! Flight passed fairly quickly – Stephen enjoyed reading his Beano, watching the TV and playing with his Kingdom Hearts figures. Nigel enjoyed looking out of the window – I tried to sleep but failed! The films were Shrek the Third and Spiderman 3, which were a big success.

Food was fine – typical aeroplane food. Pasta pesto salad, then I had chicken & mushroom casserole with dumplings and the boys had beef stew, mash & Yorkshire pud. There were profiteroles and crackers with cheese spread. Tea was a calzone pizza and scone with jam and cream.

Despite taking off a little late from Gatwick, we arrived early at Sanford and were among the first off. When Stephen heard one of the ground staff speak, he announced, “That lady sounds American!” which gave people in the queue a little chuckle! Couldn’t believe how quickly we got through the airport – we had less than 5 minutes wait at immigration, our bags were already on the conveyor belt when we got there and we were straight through Customs and on to Dollar. Resisted all offers of an upgrade (apparently we needed one as Nigel is so tall!) and we were off within half an hour of getting off the plane!

Nigel got used to the car and the driving very quickly (he had been quite apprehensive about it) and we almost made it without a hiccup – we’ll blame the sat nav!

Arrived at the villa about 6.30pm. It is on the Indian Ridge Oaks development, just off the 192 and is absolutely beautiful. The children’s bedroom and bathroom have been painted by a Disney Imagineer with a castle and under the sea themes and had everything we could possibly need – walkie-talkies, ponchos, a Pal Mickey, besides all the obvious things! The welcome pack was substantial, including bacon and eggs and coke as well as bread, milk and cereal. We were all absolutely shattered by this time, but Stephen’s eyes lit up at the sight of the pool, so I found his trunks and he was straight in! I unpacked while he swam and we figured out the pool alarm (!) and then headed off to McDonalds on the 192. Not the most exciting of meals but we wanted something quick and simple and it filled a hole – not that we could eat that much. Stephen fell asleep at about 8.30, which was 1.30am UK time, so not bad at all for a boy who is asleep by 8pm most nights! Nigel and I kept going till about 10, before finally giving up!

 

[teruterubouzu]

Good start! Isn't it fun how a trip report brings back the memories? I'm writing one right now too. I needed some sort of Disney fix to tide me over until I can plan another trip.