The NeverEnding Trip Report: 39 Parts and Counting (7/9 MK Day 2 & TL! LOTSA PICS!!)
- Thread starter Eeyore's Tailfinder
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Eeyore's Tailfinder
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t didn't take too long for us to wake up this morning as you can imagine! We had set the alarm, but I was up waaaay before then! I put the TV on quietly and stood in the window for a while just watching holidaymakers come and go on the shuttle bus, wondering where they've been, where they're going - do you ever do that at airports? I always look around wondering what destinations people are off to!
Els woke up when the alarm went off - before it had buzzed the second time though I was jumping on the bed whooping 'we're going to FLO-RI-DA!' (sorry if you were in the room underneath!) We washed and got dressed pretty quickly and it was such a rush finally pulling our cases through the halls of the hotel! As I mentioned, the shuttle was leaving the Travelodge at 7am, so we were at reception at 6.45am - the shuttle pulled up at around 6.55am and OH MY GOD was I excited!! I had my little travel wallet in hand with our tickets and boarding passes! There were 3 different families on the bus, I'm not sure where 1 was going to, but the others were going to Brazil - I bet that was exciting!
The shuttle bus drops off at T1 first and then at T2, so we were the second stop - however it only took a good 5 minutes to get there.
(TRAVELODGE FINAL THOUGHTS: We will most certainly stay here again - clean, cheap and cheerful - exactly what we needed before a flight, and very handy!)
The shuttle had to drop us off around the corner to the main exit (I think this is because of the Glasgow incident) but it was only a short walk - we took the lift up to the next floor, where the check-in desks were and made for bag drop. This queue was shorter than normal check in, but I can't say that the process was shorter than check in - there was also a huge family in front of us and took ages. We finished at bag drop at around 7.30am, and despite there seeming to be a large queue at Security, we were through it quite quickly at 7.40am.
Now it was time for Els' first suprise and I was quite excited! I had looked up where the Escape Lounge was a couple of nights before so I knew where it was, plus it was well signposted. Els was like, where in the name are we going?! As he had wanted to buy some aftershave in the airport and I was going no, no, we'll get some later, I just need to find this shop first...hehe.
So we stopped in front of the Executive Lounges stairwell, and I just tell Els, 'Oh, I found it' - he is looking so confused right now, so I make my way up the stairs. He sees the sign for the Escape Lounge and I think he's thinking - we are not gatecrashing the lounge!! SUPRISE! I wave a piece of paper in his face confirming I have booked (and paid!) for the lounge!
He didn't know I was taking this photo!
It was really nice sweeping in, and the hostess was really nice. We grabbed some chairs in the 'quiet' area and went straight up to the 'buffet/snacks' area. I was suprised at the selection of items available! I couldn't really find a lot of info on the Escape Lounge beforehand so I decided I'd get a bit of info together for anyone else wanting to know if it's worth it. So... here is a list of most of the items available at the Lounge!
Various Items: Ice & Lemon for the drinks, Natural Yogurt, Toast, Coffee Machine (Dowe Egberts), Cererals (Alpen, Weetabix, Special K), KP Peanuts, Pretzels, Muffins, Cake Bars, Danishes (Cheese, Jam and Pecan), Pan au Chocolat, Croissants, Biscuits, Shortbread, Mini Cheddars, Fresh Fruit Salads, Milk.
Alcohol: (Bottled) Becks, Budweiser, Grolsch (Cans) Tetleys, Guinness. White wines, red wines, Campari, Jack Daniels, Martini Rosso, Martini Blanc, Pernod, Baileys, Tia Maria, Harveys, Bells, Gordons, Smirnoff, Bacardi, Jamiesons.
Other Drinks: Bottled Water, small cans of Coke, Diet Coke, Lemonade, Tonic, Pure OJ Cans, Pure Pineapple Cans, Tomato Juice, Pure OJ (jug), Pure Apple (jug), Teabags (all flavours), Coffee, Galaxy Hot Chocolate.
Phew! I got a cheese danish, a fruit salad (and I saw them making them fresh in the back), cheese and biscuits and around 5 small cans of coke - good idea to have so much cheese and caffine in the morning?! Els got 2 cappuchinnos, jam danish, toast, OJ, and later on, a bud. We couldn't make full use of the bar really since we were on such an early flight. We sat in the quiet area for a few minutes, before spotting seats in what we thought was the internet area, but there was only a TV there, so we moved to some seats directly in front of the snack area (which is how I got such an extensive list of items!).
Els enjoying the Lounge!
The Lounge is really nice and a fantastic way to relax - I have to say it spoiled us a little and we will always go to the Lounge now before flying longhaul. We usually get breakfast in the terminal and it's awful and costs a small fortune. There was enough here to make breakfast out of it and it was really fresh! There is a small TV in there which shows flights, etc. so you can watch for when your gate opens.
We were really bummed when we were back out in the terminal again in the throng of people - it was really busy in the airport that day and I was so glad we'd had the Lounge - I think we were there for just over 2 hours, but we still felt we'd got our moneys worth out of it because it was just so relaxing and the snacks were really good. On the way out we noticed the computer area was across the way to the actual entrance of the main lounge - D'OH!! But we'll know for next time!
Els stopped quickly in the duty free to pick up some aftershave, and we joined the LONG queue to board our flight! I met someone from my street in boarding who was getting married at WDW, so I wished him well, and after boarding UC and PE, they started boarding from the back - WOO, that's us!! Since I'd got us the pairs of seats in back.
WE WERE FINALLY READY TO BOARD THE PLANE!
Els woke up when the alarm went off - before it had buzzed the second time though I was jumping on the bed whooping 'we're going to FLO-RI-DA!' (sorry if you were in the room underneath!) We washed and got dressed pretty quickly and it was such a rush finally pulling our cases through the halls of the hotel! As I mentioned, the shuttle was leaving the Travelodge at 7am, so we were at reception at 6.45am - the shuttle pulled up at around 6.55am and OH MY GOD was I excited!! I had my little travel wallet in hand with our tickets and boarding passes! There were 3 different families on the bus, I'm not sure where 1 was going to, but the others were going to Brazil - I bet that was exciting!
The shuttle bus drops off at T1 first and then at T2, so we were the second stop - however it only took a good 5 minutes to get there.
(TRAVELODGE FINAL THOUGHTS: We will most certainly stay here again - clean, cheap and cheerful - exactly what we needed before a flight, and very handy!)
The shuttle had to drop us off around the corner to the main exit (I think this is because of the Glasgow incident) but it was only a short walk - we took the lift up to the next floor, where the check-in desks were and made for bag drop. This queue was shorter than normal check in, but I can't say that the process was shorter than check in - there was also a huge family in front of us and took ages. We finished at bag drop at around 7.30am, and despite there seeming to be a large queue at Security, we were through it quite quickly at 7.40am.
Now it was time for Els' first suprise and I was quite excited! I had looked up where the Escape Lounge was a couple of nights before so I knew where it was, plus it was well signposted. Els was like, where in the name are we going?! As he had wanted to buy some aftershave in the airport and I was going no, no, we'll get some later, I just need to find this shop first...hehe.
So we stopped in front of the Executive Lounges stairwell, and I just tell Els, 'Oh, I found it' - he is looking so confused right now, so I make my way up the stairs. He sees the sign for the Escape Lounge and I think he's thinking - we are not gatecrashing the lounge!! SUPRISE! I wave a piece of paper in his face confirming I have booked (and paid!) for the lounge!
He didn't know I was taking this photo!
It was really nice sweeping in, and the hostess was really nice. We grabbed some chairs in the 'quiet' area and went straight up to the 'buffet/snacks' area. I was suprised at the selection of items available! I couldn't really find a lot of info on the Escape Lounge beforehand so I decided I'd get a bit of info together for anyone else wanting to know if it's worth it. So... here is a list of most of the items available at the Lounge!
Various Items: Ice & Lemon for the drinks, Natural Yogurt, Toast, Coffee Machine (Dowe Egberts), Cererals (Alpen, Weetabix, Special K), KP Peanuts, Pretzels, Muffins, Cake Bars, Danishes (Cheese, Jam and Pecan), Pan au Chocolat, Croissants, Biscuits, Shortbread, Mini Cheddars, Fresh Fruit Salads, Milk.
Alcohol: (Bottled) Becks, Budweiser, Grolsch (Cans) Tetleys, Guinness. White wines, red wines, Campari, Jack Daniels, Martini Rosso, Martini Blanc, Pernod, Baileys, Tia Maria, Harveys, Bells, Gordons, Smirnoff, Bacardi, Jamiesons.
Other Drinks: Bottled Water, small cans of Coke, Diet Coke, Lemonade, Tonic, Pure OJ Cans, Pure Pineapple Cans, Tomato Juice, Pure OJ (jug), Pure Apple (jug), Teabags (all flavours), Coffee, Galaxy Hot Chocolate.
Phew! I got a cheese danish, a fruit salad (and I saw them making them fresh in the back), cheese and biscuits and around 5 small cans of coke - good idea to have so much cheese and caffine in the morning?! Els got 2 cappuchinnos, jam danish, toast, OJ, and later on, a bud. We couldn't make full use of the bar really since we were on such an early flight. We sat in the quiet area for a few minutes, before spotting seats in what we thought was the internet area, but there was only a TV there, so we moved to some seats directly in front of the snack area (which is how I got such an extensive list of items!).
Els enjoying the Lounge!
The Lounge is really nice and a fantastic way to relax - I have to say it spoiled us a little and we will always go to the Lounge now before flying longhaul. We usually get breakfast in the terminal and it's awful and costs a small fortune. There was enough here to make breakfast out of it and it was really fresh! There is a small TV in there which shows flights, etc. so you can watch for when your gate opens.
We were really bummed when we were back out in the terminal again in the throng of people - it was really busy in the airport that day and I was so glad we'd had the Lounge - I think we were there for just over 2 hours, but we still felt we'd got our moneys worth out of it because it was just so relaxing and the snacks were really good. On the way out we noticed the computer area was across the way to the actual entrance of the main lounge - D'OH!! But we'll know for next time!
Els stopped quickly in the duty free to pick up some aftershave, and we joined the LONG queue to board our flight! I met someone from my street in boarding who was getting married at WDW, so I wished him well, and after boarding UC and PE, they started boarding from the back - WOO, that's us!! Since I'd got us the pairs of seats in back.
WE WERE FINALLY READY TO BOARD THE PLANE!
Eeyore's Tailfinder
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We were quite excited to get onboard first - I hate to wait for anything, so when they said they were boarding from the back we rushed upfront with our boarding passes! We were finally going to fly with Virgin! Would I survive the longhaul flight?
As we walked to the plane, we passed an area which gave out free newspapers - I think Daily Mail or Express - and magazines (Full House), so I grabbed a mag but ended up not reading it! We found our seats at the back of the plane, 62H&K and began scouting out the goodies! A pillow and blanket, and the amenity kit was a plastic 'backpack' with travel socks, eyemask, toothbrush, toothpaste and a pen. We were so excited!!
Please ignore my Elvis hair.
Just realised I haven't written the name of our plane down! I think it was a pretty cool name because I remember being excited when I saw it! Anyhow, we were initally worried about a delay flying out but we took off at around 10.45am which was good as our original flight time was 10.25am. We had a browse through Seatback magazine which tells you what's on what channels and saw a few films we wanted to watch - ideal. Els' TV was kinda broken, well it didn't tilt, but he lived! We're off!!
They were pretty quick about bringing round some snacks and drinks, and we got 2 small bags of Worcester Sauce pretzels, I got an OJ, Els got a Heineken, and we both got some Virgin Vie hand and face wipes and headsets for the TVs.
The weather was beautiful, and there wasn't much clouds in the sky so we could see quite a bit. The Captain had already told us we were due to fly over North Wales, so we were pretty excited when we saw this:
I have no idea if it was North Wales, but we waved goodbye to it nevertheless!
Ooh - films starting! Els settled down to watch Spiderman 3 whilst I started watching Shrek 3. We both really enjoyed our films and lunch came in the middle of the movie with a choice of Chicken Tikka, Meatball Marinara & Pasta, and Cottage Pie - you'll have to see what we got in my Dining Report!
We had a lot of fun watching the little map on the TV:
But it was time for the next movie to start, which was Blades of Glory for me - OMG this was such a funny movie! If you like Anchorman, you'll like this! Els watched Shrek 3 after seeing me giggle through it.
Another moment of excitement checking the TV Map after the film was over and realising we were heading into Canada - moreso after looking out the window and seeing we were approaching land at last!!
I'm sure the poor bloke behind me was thinking I was a weirdo taking photos of everything! Another momentus occasion as I visited an airplane toilet for the first time ever!
It was time for our third movie, and by now I was beginning to get a tad restless to say the least. Els watched Blades of Glory, and I almost wish I'd watched it again, as I watched 'I Think I Love My Wife', which is the worst film I've seen in a long time and I switched it off halfway through.
Will we EVER get there - the novelty of flying long distance was definately beginning to wear off! I began taking photos to pass the sloooow time.
Are we STILL in Canada?!!
Luckily for me, our snack arrived - which you can see in my Dining Report! Els decided to take a nap after the film, which didn't last very long as a very bored me woke him up by doing this:
However we FINALLY started to get closer to Florida on the TV map, so I began getting excited again! It was so weird setting our watches back 5 hours! I was glued to the window when we started seeing towns and houses to see if I could spot anything, and after a scary bit of turbulence, the plane landed nearly an hour early - result!
Lemme off this plane, I wanna go to Orlando!!
As we walked to the plane, we passed an area which gave out free newspapers - I think Daily Mail or Express - and magazines (Full House), so I grabbed a mag but ended up not reading it! We found our seats at the back of the plane, 62H&K and began scouting out the goodies! A pillow and blanket, and the amenity kit was a plastic 'backpack' with travel socks, eyemask, toothbrush, toothpaste and a pen. We were so excited!!
Please ignore my Elvis hair.
Just realised I haven't written the name of our plane down! I think it was a pretty cool name because I remember being excited when I saw it! Anyhow, we were initally worried about a delay flying out but we took off at around 10.45am which was good as our original flight time was 10.25am. We had a browse through Seatback magazine which tells you what's on what channels and saw a few films we wanted to watch - ideal. Els' TV was kinda broken, well it didn't tilt, but he lived! We're off!!
They were pretty quick about bringing round some snacks and drinks, and we got 2 small bags of Worcester Sauce pretzels, I got an OJ, Els got a Heineken, and we both got some Virgin Vie hand and face wipes and headsets for the TVs.
The weather was beautiful, and there wasn't much clouds in the sky so we could see quite a bit. The Captain had already told us we were due to fly over North Wales, so we were pretty excited when we saw this:
I have no idea if it was North Wales, but we waved goodbye to it nevertheless!
Ooh - films starting! Els settled down to watch Spiderman 3 whilst I started watching Shrek 3. We both really enjoyed our films and lunch came in the middle of the movie with a choice of Chicken Tikka, Meatball Marinara & Pasta, and Cottage Pie - you'll have to see what we got in my Dining Report!
We had a lot of fun watching the little map on the TV:
But it was time for the next movie to start, which was Blades of Glory for me - OMG this was such a funny movie! If you like Anchorman, you'll like this! Els watched Shrek 3 after seeing me giggle through it.
Another moment of excitement checking the TV Map after the film was over and realising we were heading into Canada - moreso after looking out the window and seeing we were approaching land at last!!
I'm sure the poor bloke behind me was thinking I was a weirdo taking photos of everything! Another momentus occasion as I visited an airplane toilet for the first time ever!
It was time for our third movie, and by now I was beginning to get a tad restless to say the least. Els watched Blades of Glory, and I almost wish I'd watched it again, as I watched 'I Think I Love My Wife', which is the worst film I've seen in a long time and I switched it off halfway through.
Will we EVER get there - the novelty of flying long distance was definately beginning to wear off! I began taking photos to pass the sloooow time.
Are we STILL in Canada?!!
Luckily for me, our snack arrived - which you can see in my Dining Report! Els decided to take a nap after the film, which didn't last very long as a very bored me woke him up by doing this:
However we FINALLY started to get closer to Florida on the TV map, so I began getting excited again! It was so weird setting our watches back 5 hours! I was glued to the window when we started seeing towns and houses to see if I could spot anything, and after a scary bit of turbulence, the plane landed nearly an hour early - result!
Lemme off this plane, I wanna go to Orlando!!
Hillary12.8.07
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Apr 15, 2007
- Messages
- 813
awesome report so far!! I started reading along right before you left, so I'm so excited you are back! I hope you had a wonderful trip (I know you did!) and I can't wait to read more about it!!!
CriminyCrafft
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Sep 11, 2006
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- 331
YAY I love your TR so far! Great detail and I love all the pics. That Econolodge looks NICE - way nicer than the ones here in the US. I can't wait to read more, and I'm so excited that you have three whole weeks of fun to share with us!!! 
mcarthur205
DIS Veteran
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- Nov 3, 2005
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- 500
Welcome back - I'm enjoying your report and looking forward to reading all about your time in Orlando! 
hayanyujah847
It looks like a ton of fun!
- Joined
- May 9, 2007
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- 650
Hi Hayley! Welcome home~! I just got home myself this weekend...Boo!
Love all of your pix so far. I love the map on your plane that shows your route. I would have loved to have that on my plane. How long was your flight??? And how was flying over the ocean? I am deathly afraid of flying and for have an idea that flying over the ocean creates more bumps then usual.
Can't wait to see & read more~!!!
Love all of your pix so far. I love the map on your plane that shows your route. I would have loved to have that on my plane. How long was your flight??? And how was flying over the ocean? I am deathly afraid of flying and for have an idea that flying over the ocean creates more bumps then usual.
Can't wait to see & read more~!!!
k_reile
Slowly converting my son into a Disney lover!
- Joined
- Jul 26, 2007
- Messages
- 1,638
YepI do now have a template, although I'm hoping to make a better one soon so it's easier for others to adapt to their own needs
Thank you very much for reading! Hopefully I will have MANY photos of Discovery Cove to share (for that price I don't want to forget it in a hurry) and we've also bought an underwater digital camera just for the occasion
I would also like to tell all readers of my trip report....
...I FOUND OUT TODAY I GOT A 2.1 IN MY DEGREE! I am so over the moon, I can't believe my hard work has paid off and I get to graduate with a 2.1!!! It still hasn't quite hit home yet!
I am still on your pre-trip report. You are back now. I hope you had an amazing time during your 1st trip to the United States and to Disney! Am I reading this right...you made a template for your interniary to make it mini sized? That is a really good idea. Would you be able to PM me a link of your template? I leave in 12 days!!
We are soo excited. It is DH's 1st time since he was 6!
Summer-Caitlin
DIS Veteran
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- Aug 15, 2006
- Messages
- 1,728
Oh Hayley I am so glad you started your TR!!! I am so disappointed I missed you in Raglan Road, I wore the ears especially for you so you might recognise me, we were running really late that day because of the weather, I was sure I would bump into you cause I knew your reservation was later than ours. It's easy to lose someone in there, it was so busy.
Love the beginning of your TR, you sound like you were having a blast, like me, are you thinking of returning next year? I already have been looking up prices to go back again, and with free dining, I have to see if I can convince my hubbie!
Love the beginning of your TR, you sound like you were having a blast, like me, are you thinking of returning next year? I already have been looking up prices to go back again, and with free dining, I have to see if I can convince my hubbie!
Tink2312
<font color=magenta>I didn't ask to be a princess
- Joined
- Mar 25, 2007
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- 2,053
Welcome Home!
So glad you've started your TR!
I'm getting through planning each day of our holiday using the templates - must've re-written each of them about 10 times though
Looking forward to hearing more about your hol
So glad you've started your TR!
I'm getting through planning each day of our holiday using the templates - must've re-written each of them about 10 times though
Looking forward to hearing more about your hol
Eeyore's Tailfinder
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Aug 19, 2006
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- 1,832
Hold onto your socks - I'll have another day up real soon I promise... it's been bedlam back at home AND we've booked another hol for next year to, drumroll please, FLORIDA!! August 21st until September 11th, 17 Nights at POFQ and 4 night DCL... so I'm looking forward to both your POFQ and DCL report Summer! I reeeallly should have gone after you, but I thought the RR would have thought I was crazy! I regret it now though!! DBF just goes, look at that girl wearing the bride ears, and I'm thinking SUMMER!! But I hear you are planning on going back, so maybe next year!!! 
I'm starting my PhD tomorrow, eek!! But I'll have an installment up real soon
I'm starting my PhD tomorrow, eek!! But I'll have an installment up real soon
Eeyore's Tailfinder
DIS Veteran
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- Aug 19, 2006
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- 1,832
Woohoo! Watch out Florida - Hayley has landed! I was sooo excited and couldn't wait to get off the plane to 'feel the heat'! We were one of the last ones to get off the plane since we were sitting at the back, so when we got to Immigration there were long lines at every open desk and they were moving veeeeeeryyyy slooooowwwwlyyyy :zzz: So to our delight they opened a queue which had 'US Only' on it and a Scottish Immigration lady started asking people to move there, only noone did because it said 'US Only' - we gave it a shot since we were at the back of the queue anyway and got through in 5mins - result!
Moved onto the customs bit, and had a mild panic when I thought the immigration bloke had kept our customs form, but found it in my passport
Slightly red-faced we move to stop number 3 - first baggage control! Just as we arrive, I spot my pink bags, and soon after we get Els' - I already love America! Ahh nuts - I forgot there were 2 baggage controls! We handed over our luggage at stop number 4, and made for the monorail - will we ever get out of this airport?! At the other end, 3 of the bags came pretty quickly and suprise, suprise, we were left waiting forever for the other one - I HATE waiting for my bags and I'm never happy til I've got them in hand.
Having lost count of how many stops we've made, we go over to the Virgin desk which thankfully is right next door to the carousel, to find out which bus we need. The guy gives me our Florida pack and we drag our cases off to find the bus. When we approach the doors to get out of the airport, Els holds me back and goes 'ready? ready?' - this is somewhat of a holiday tradition, meaning 'are you ready to feel the heat?' We step outside and I say what becomes the motto of the holiday - OMG is it hot!! Especially near the buses! Luckily we find ours no problem and we are first on. Minor panic when my phone won't find any signal, but all is well and I call my parents really quickly to let them know we've landed. £1.50 poorer, I text DizneyBlonde to tell her we're on American soil! Yeah!!
The bus ride only takes around 20mins and we pass the 'outside' of International Drive, passing all the hotels and we even catch a glimpse of SeaWorld which gets me bouncing. We are soooo excited as we spot the Sheraton for the first time, and we also spot IOA behind it!
Thankfully, we are first to be dropped off! The lady driver stops at the back of the hotel to let us off - not the most graceful entrance, but okay. We drag our cases off the coach, we have 2 each, and hand luggage, and we've barely got our things together when the driver goes, don't forget the tip and holds her hand out! Give me a bloomin chance to get my purse out, while trying to make sure my cases don't fall over with my feet.
We drag our cases down the corridor to the check-in and desk and now I am excited again! We're finally here!! Check-in went quite smoothly, and when I asked if she had a high floor she said we'd already been given one, on the 16th floor! I couldn't wait to see what our view would be! We got our keys, made it to the elevator - the hotel has added security that you have to swipe your room key to go up in the lift. Oh my, the excitement is building!!
Have you ever tried rushing in a door with 2 suitcases? Don't - it's quite impossible. They fell over just inside our room, so I just abanoned them and left Els on the other side, and ran at the window. I peered out and saw... IOA!! WOOOOO! I was screaming at Els and jumping 'We got IOA! WE GOT IOA!' while he was still trying to get through the door. We were both pretty happy with the room!
We set up the laptop straight away so we could Skype our parents to let them know we were at the hotel - in FLORIDA! It was around 5pm now, what could we do? Why go to the pool of course!! Packing can wait! We scouted our swimming cossies from the case, grabbed some towels and headed on down! It was still really hot when we went outside, and there were a few people poolside. I got us a couple of cokes from the pool bar ($5) and didn't know if I was meant to leave a tip or not, so I left $2.
For the next couple of hours we had a lot of fun, messing about in the pool and taking photos - it was hard to believe we were finally in Florida! I couldn't believe how relaxed I was feeling, and I was so looking forward to the next 3 weeks.
After swimming, we changed in the room and headed out to the 7/11 over the road for some supplies. It was so much fun looking at all the cool American stuff - I have this weird thing when I'm in a foreign country to buy all these random snacks, just cos they look different! We came away with 6 bottles of Bud, 6 bottles of Smirnoff Apple, 2 big cokes, Pork Rinds, some pepperami thing with cheese, reese's crunchie and pretzels, all for $20!! And I didn't get ID'd either!
We dropped them off in the room, set the beer on ice, and headed out to Denny's for dinner. We were served by the cutest little man with a deep Southern accent - you can read about our experience in my dining report, just click on the link in my siggy!
We walked, or rolled, back to our hotel, where we were greeted by the bellhop who told us about the I Trolley, we thought he was trying to be nice before he announced, I sell passes. Even though I told him we didn't need any til next week, he did push a bit and we ended up buying 3 Day Passes at $5 each, as we did need them anyway. The trying to sell thing was the only bad bit about the hotel really.
$10 lighter, we make our way up to the room and Els cracks some beers open for us. I make a few notes for my TR and make the fatal mistake of going under the covers to drink my beer and watch TV. I'd been up since 5.40am and it was now 1.45am UK time - erm, which meant it was only 8.45pm FL time! So much for staying up late! I conked out around 9pm (having taken 1 sip of beer) whilst Els was a good boy and stayed up to unpack - he got to bed at 10pm.
Moved onto the customs bit, and had a mild panic when I thought the immigration bloke had kept our customs form, but found it in my passport
Slightly red-faced we move to stop number 3 - first baggage control! Just as we arrive, I spot my pink bags, and soon after we get Els' - I already love America! Ahh nuts - I forgot there were 2 baggage controls! We handed over our luggage at stop number 4, and made for the monorail - will we ever get out of this airport?! At the other end, 3 of the bags came pretty quickly and suprise, suprise, we were left waiting forever for the other one - I HATE waiting for my bags and I'm never happy til I've got them in hand.Having lost count of how many stops we've made, we go over to the Virgin desk which thankfully is right next door to the carousel, to find out which bus we need. The guy gives me our Florida pack and we drag our cases off to find the bus. When we approach the doors to get out of the airport, Els holds me back and goes 'ready? ready?' - this is somewhat of a holiday tradition, meaning 'are you ready to feel the heat?' We step outside and I say what becomes the motto of the holiday - OMG is it hot!! Especially near the buses! Luckily we find ours no problem and we are first on. Minor panic when my phone won't find any signal, but all is well and I call my parents really quickly to let them know we've landed. £1.50 poorer, I text DizneyBlonde to tell her we're on American soil! Yeah!!
The bus ride only takes around 20mins and we pass the 'outside' of International Drive, passing all the hotels and we even catch a glimpse of SeaWorld which gets me bouncing. We are soooo excited as we spot the Sheraton for the first time, and we also spot IOA behind it!
Thankfully, we are first to be dropped off! The lady driver stops at the back of the hotel to let us off - not the most graceful entrance, but okay. We drag our cases off the coach, we have 2 each, and hand luggage, and we've barely got our things together when the driver goes, don't forget the tip and holds her hand out! Give me a bloomin chance to get my purse out, while trying to make sure my cases don't fall over with my feet.
We drag our cases down the corridor to the check-in and desk and now I am excited again! We're finally here!! Check-in went quite smoothly, and when I asked if she had a high floor she said we'd already been given one, on the 16th floor! I couldn't wait to see what our view would be! We got our keys, made it to the elevator - the hotel has added security that you have to swipe your room key to go up in the lift. Oh my, the excitement is building!!
Have you ever tried rushing in a door with 2 suitcases? Don't - it's quite impossible. They fell over just inside our room, so I just abanoned them and left Els on the other side, and ran at the window. I peered out and saw... IOA!! WOOOOO! I was screaming at Els and jumping 'We got IOA! WE GOT IOA!' while he was still trying to get through the door. We were both pretty happy with the room!
We set up the laptop straight away so we could Skype our parents to let them know we were at the hotel - in FLORIDA! It was around 5pm now, what could we do? Why go to the pool of course!! Packing can wait! We scouted our swimming cossies from the case, grabbed some towels and headed on down! It was still really hot when we went outside, and there were a few people poolside. I got us a couple of cokes from the pool bar ($5) and didn't know if I was meant to leave a tip or not, so I left $2.
For the next couple of hours we had a lot of fun, messing about in the pool and taking photos - it was hard to believe we were finally in Florida! I couldn't believe how relaxed I was feeling, and I was so looking forward to the next 3 weeks.
After swimming, we changed in the room and headed out to the 7/11 over the road for some supplies. It was so much fun looking at all the cool American stuff - I have this weird thing when I'm in a foreign country to buy all these random snacks, just cos they look different! We came away with 6 bottles of Bud, 6 bottles of Smirnoff Apple, 2 big cokes, Pork Rinds, some pepperami thing with cheese, reese's crunchie and pretzels, all for $20!! And I didn't get ID'd either!
We dropped them off in the room, set the beer on ice, and headed out to Denny's for dinner. We were served by the cutest little man with a deep Southern accent - you can read about our experience in my dining report, just click on the link in my siggy!
We walked, or rolled, back to our hotel, where we were greeted by the bellhop who told us about the I Trolley, we thought he was trying to be nice before he announced, I sell passes. Even though I told him we didn't need any til next week, he did push a bit and we ended up buying 3 Day Passes at $5 each, as we did need them anyway. The trying to sell thing was the only bad bit about the hotel really.
$10 lighter, we make our way up to the room and Els cracks some beers open for us. I make a few notes for my TR and make the fatal mistake of going under the covers to drink my beer and watch TV. I'd been up since 5.40am and it was now 1.45am UK time - erm, which meant it was only 8.45pm FL time! So much for staying up late! I conked out around 9pm (having taken 1 sip of beer) whilst Els was a good boy and stayed up to unpack - he got to bed at 10pm.
Eeyore's Tailfinder
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Aug 19, 2006
- Messages
- 1,832
Not to worry, photos sorted now
Spartangirl
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- May 19, 2007
- Messages
- 1,670
Wow, the view from your room is amazing!!! Looking forward to reading more...
Looking forward to reading more...
hayanyujah847
It looks like a ton of fun!
- Joined
- May 9, 2007
- Messages
- 650
Love the latest addition! You are doing better then me as I haven't even started my TR yet! lol
I can't believe the bus driver asked you for tip & held her hand out...Oh my!
I can't believe the bus driver asked you for tip & held her hand out...Oh my!
wilma-bride
<<This space intentionally blank>>
- Joined
- Jul 13, 2005
- Messages
- 22,681
Hayley, I love how excited you were when you arrived. I was just like that the first year we went - everything seemed so surreal. Even DH (who never gets excited) was enthusiastic that first year.
It's great that you've booked to go back already - the Florida bug has obviously well and truly bitten you both
Looking forward to reading more of your adventures - BTW, ,my DD Rhiannon absolutely loves your itinerary cards and we have been having lots of fun trying to figure out some little changes to them for our trip in April
It's great that you've booked to go back already - the Florida bug has obviously well and truly bitten you both
Looking forward to reading more of your adventures - BTW, ,my DD Rhiannon absolutely loves your itinerary cards and we have been having lots of fun trying to figure out some little changes to them for our trip in April
Summer-Caitlin
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Aug 15, 2006
- Messages
- 1,728
Hey Hayley
Loved your update, I passed by Sheraton Studio City and I wished I had booked that instead of The Crowne Plaza, at least your hotel had theming.
I loved the view you had.
You sound just like me, really excited about the little things that may not mean much to anyone else.
If my driver held out their hand for a tip I wouldn't have gave them one. We had a tendency to overtip, but we had some great service. I hate when they expect it though and holding your hand out in my opinion is a no-no.
Keep it coming.
Loved your update, I passed by Sheraton Studio City and I wished I had booked that instead of The Crowne Plaza, at least your hotel had theming.
I loved the view you had.
You sound just like me, really excited about the little things that may not mean much to anyone else.
If my driver held out their hand for a tip I wouldn't have gave them one. We had a tendency to overtip, but we had some great service. I hate when they expect it though and holding your hand out in my opinion is a no-no.
Keep it coming.
Eeyore's Tailfinder
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Aug 19, 2006
- Messages
- 1,832
Okay, where were we?! Ah yes day 2! Now youll have to excuse me since all of this is going to be from memory. My notebook is in a bag somewhere at home, and I am at Els house 25 miles away (enjoying an ice cold glass of WKD and relaxing for the first time in a week!)
After falling asleep at 8.45am last night, I groggily opened one eye to the still dark room, afraid to look at the clock. I peeked over Els shoulder at the clock ******. I hope 4.30am in Florida means 9am. No matter how I try to get back to sleep, I just cant Im TOO DARN EXCITED! I am dying to jump on the bed and wake up Els, but wisely choose to leave him sleep hes not really a morning person, and would not be happy waking up at 4.30am!! What can I do?! I get up and walk over to the window, and just sit there for a good 15 minutes gazing out. Its still dark outside, but I can see the little lights over IOA and little cars whizzing by. I still cant believe Im here, and its so relaxing watching Orlando slowly wake up. Reluctantly I leave my post and plop down next to my suitcase still where I left it last night. Cant I just live out of my suitcase for the next 10 days? It doesnt take me too long to unpack though and when I look at the clock when Im done it isnt even 5am yet argh! But, that means its 10am at home DIBBers will be up!
At around 6.30am though Els still isnt up, so I accidentally switch on the TV and turn the volume up a bit louder than I should. I have a bit of a giggle at myself since Im so excited at hearing the American accents on the news! Im even more excited when I hear Florida is having a heatwave and its around a 105 today this will later come back to haunt me. At 7am Els finally opened his eyes and I was thrown into hyper mode come on, I had been up for 2.5 hours and I wanted to get out! The sun was very nearly up (and believe me I had checked a hundred times on the internet when sunrise was and I swear it was getting later everytime I checked!) so I practically dragged him out of bed, and changed faster than ever before. Els on the other hand seemed to be taking FOREVER! I wanted pancakes for crying out loud! I shoved him out the door and out we went to our first morning in Florida.
IHOP was right next door to our hotel, we only had to cross a small road and we were there traffic wasnt too bad at this time of the morning either. We sat down at a booth in IHOP and it was pretty chilly in there with the AC on Els was freezing! I think adrenalin was keeping me warm at this point! I ordered an OJ (and it was massive!), Els got a coffee, and we both got a breakfast sampler details in my food TR! I do actually have the receipt, but I havent had the time to go through them yet! After rolling outta there, we walked back up to the room and were tickled to find it was still only 8.45am. We threw some stuff for the day in our bag, and got down to the pool for around 9am 9.15am. We were the first ones there so we were happy to have our choice of the sunbeds, and suffice to say I chose the wrong ones! The sun went the opposite way, so for the first couple of hours we were without sun! But it was still really warm, and I got us a couple of cokes. Not to worry though the sun soon came around past the Sheraton and we got straight into the pool to cool off! You could really feel the heat straight away! It was just so good to lay back in the pool with the sun shining down on you, knowing that you were in Florida! We splashed about in the pool until around 1.30pm and decided to go back up to the room so we could change to go play mini golf at Congo River next door. I also discovered that I should have put more suntan lotion on . Waaaaaaay more suntan lotion! I tan extremely quickly and hardly ever bun, but there was no mistaking my bright red shoulders and chest! I still have the tan line from that day! But I digress. I slapped a load of aftersun on, changed and headed for Congo River which is right next door to our hotel. I had also never played minigolf before so I was excited! I felt bad for not warning central Florida that I suck at sports and was guessing I would be pretty dangerous with a golf club and ball, and hadnt practiced my FORE! Now pass me a rugby ball and I will happily bulldoze my way into anyone within a 20 metre radius, I used to play for my town but golf?
We arrived at Congo River and were surprised to see it was pretty quiet we wouldnt be so surprised 20mins into the game. I think we paid around $20 for both of us, chose our clubs, balls and headed off to play it was a pretty good course and we had a blast playing! I even won a couple of holes! It was pretty funny, every time I got the video out to film Els he missed a shot so the video camera was banned! We discovered why it was quiet when we saw that only 2 holes had any shade by the time we got to the 10th hole I was absolutely melting, my shoulders were on fire, and I didnt care about golf any more. Ive had sunstroke twice and was really worried about getting in on our first day! We really quickly finished the game, and handed in our clubs we got 2 scratchcards free from the girl, I won a Congo Dollar and Els won a free game woo!! They didnt expire so we could use them whenever! We went out to see the gators and the turtles really quickly, before heading back to the room.
I turned the aircon up full blast and just sat near it for half an hour I was so hot and feeling really ill, but with the aircon and a lie down I felt much better phew! Not sunstroke! We skyped both our parents and had long chats with them on what wed been doing so far, before both heading to the shower. We were going to head to Ponderosa tonight so I was quite excited for the buffet Id heard so much about! It was quite a bit cooler by the time we went out, but still hot! It wasnt too far down so we decided to walk to Ponderosa. We both got the 8oz steak dinner I think, and sat down ready for the buffet this was when I discovered mac and cheese! I just didnt get it at all before we went, but I had to try some and Im glad I did! It was so yummy! Of all the mac and cheese in Orlando though, Ponderosas was the best!
We encountered a small difficulty with the tips when we discovered we had no change! Els had to go back to the till to change a $20 bill so we could tip the waitress, but just a small hiccup and we were off. We sat on the bench outside to wait for the I Ride back up since it was quite dark now, and were waiting a good 20 minutes this was the beginning of my difficult relationship with the I Trolley! We paid our $1 each for the short ride back up wed have been quicker walking!!
We decided to go back to the minigolf in the evening to give it another go, but mainly to stop us from dropping off to sleep! We used the receipt from the earlier game and got half off, which was good and meant we go to keep Els' coupon. It was packed this time around, but still a good game, and we caught the US Fireworks at 10pm which was really cool!
Once back, we put the TV on and watched a bit of that, I made notes then read a bit of my book. I was determined not to wake up at an ungodly hour tomorrow especially as we were heading to US and RPR!! Els cracked me open another alcopop but yet again it went nearly untouched as I crashed around 11pm.
I promise therell be more action and photos tomorrow!!
After falling asleep at 8.45am last night, I groggily opened one eye to the still dark room, afraid to look at the clock. I peeked over Els shoulder at the clock ******. I hope 4.30am in Florida means 9am. No matter how I try to get back to sleep, I just cant Im TOO DARN EXCITED! I am dying to jump on the bed and wake up Els, but wisely choose to leave him sleep hes not really a morning person, and would not be happy waking up at 4.30am!! What can I do?! I get up and walk over to the window, and just sit there for a good 15 minutes gazing out. Its still dark outside, but I can see the little lights over IOA and little cars whizzing by. I still cant believe Im here, and its so relaxing watching Orlando slowly wake up. Reluctantly I leave my post and plop down next to my suitcase still where I left it last night. Cant I just live out of my suitcase for the next 10 days? It doesnt take me too long to unpack though and when I look at the clock when Im done it isnt even 5am yet argh! But, that means its 10am at home DIBBers will be up!
At around 6.30am though Els still isnt up, so I accidentally switch on the TV and turn the volume up a bit louder than I should. I have a bit of a giggle at myself since Im so excited at hearing the American accents on the news! Im even more excited when I hear Florida is having a heatwave and its around a 105 today this will later come back to haunt me. At 7am Els finally opened his eyes and I was thrown into hyper mode come on, I had been up for 2.5 hours and I wanted to get out! The sun was very nearly up (and believe me I had checked a hundred times on the internet when sunrise was and I swear it was getting later everytime I checked!) so I practically dragged him out of bed, and changed faster than ever before. Els on the other hand seemed to be taking FOREVER! I wanted pancakes for crying out loud! I shoved him out the door and out we went to our first morning in Florida.
IHOP was right next door to our hotel, we only had to cross a small road and we were there traffic wasnt too bad at this time of the morning either. We sat down at a booth in IHOP and it was pretty chilly in there with the AC on Els was freezing! I think adrenalin was keeping me warm at this point! I ordered an OJ (and it was massive!), Els got a coffee, and we both got a breakfast sampler details in my food TR! I do actually have the receipt, but I havent had the time to go through them yet! After rolling outta there, we walked back up to the room and were tickled to find it was still only 8.45am. We threw some stuff for the day in our bag, and got down to the pool for around 9am 9.15am. We were the first ones there so we were happy to have our choice of the sunbeds, and suffice to say I chose the wrong ones! The sun went the opposite way, so for the first couple of hours we were without sun! But it was still really warm, and I got us a couple of cokes. Not to worry though the sun soon came around past the Sheraton and we got straight into the pool to cool off! You could really feel the heat straight away! It was just so good to lay back in the pool with the sun shining down on you, knowing that you were in Florida! We splashed about in the pool until around 1.30pm and decided to go back up to the room so we could change to go play mini golf at Congo River next door. I also discovered that I should have put more suntan lotion on . Waaaaaaay more suntan lotion! I tan extremely quickly and hardly ever bun, but there was no mistaking my bright red shoulders and chest! I still have the tan line from that day! But I digress. I slapped a load of aftersun on, changed and headed for Congo River which is right next door to our hotel. I had also never played minigolf before so I was excited! I felt bad for not warning central Florida that I suck at sports and was guessing I would be pretty dangerous with a golf club and ball, and hadnt practiced my FORE! Now pass me a rugby ball and I will happily bulldoze my way into anyone within a 20 metre radius, I used to play for my town but golf?
We arrived at Congo River and were surprised to see it was pretty quiet we wouldnt be so surprised 20mins into the game. I think we paid around $20 for both of us, chose our clubs, balls and headed off to play it was a pretty good course and we had a blast playing! I even won a couple of holes! It was pretty funny, every time I got the video out to film Els he missed a shot so the video camera was banned! We discovered why it was quiet when we saw that only 2 holes had any shade by the time we got to the 10th hole I was absolutely melting, my shoulders were on fire, and I didnt care about golf any more. Ive had sunstroke twice and was really worried about getting in on our first day! We really quickly finished the game, and handed in our clubs we got 2 scratchcards free from the girl, I won a Congo Dollar and Els won a free game woo!! They didnt expire so we could use them whenever! We went out to see the gators and the turtles really quickly, before heading back to the room.
I turned the aircon up full blast and just sat near it for half an hour I was so hot and feeling really ill, but with the aircon and a lie down I felt much better phew! Not sunstroke! We skyped both our parents and had long chats with them on what wed been doing so far, before both heading to the shower. We were going to head to Ponderosa tonight so I was quite excited for the buffet Id heard so much about! It was quite a bit cooler by the time we went out, but still hot! It wasnt too far down so we decided to walk to Ponderosa. We both got the 8oz steak dinner I think, and sat down ready for the buffet this was when I discovered mac and cheese! I just didnt get it at all before we went, but I had to try some and Im glad I did! It was so yummy! Of all the mac and cheese in Orlando though, Ponderosas was the best!
We encountered a small difficulty with the tips when we discovered we had no change! Els had to go back to the till to change a $20 bill so we could tip the waitress, but just a small hiccup and we were off. We sat on the bench outside to wait for the I Ride back up since it was quite dark now, and were waiting a good 20 minutes this was the beginning of my difficult relationship with the I Trolley! We paid our $1 each for the short ride back up wed have been quicker walking!!
We decided to go back to the minigolf in the evening to give it another go, but mainly to stop us from dropping off to sleep! We used the receipt from the earlier game and got half off, which was good and meant we go to keep Els' coupon. It was packed this time around, but still a good game, and we caught the US Fireworks at 10pm which was really cool!
Once back, we put the TV on and watched a bit of that, I made notes then read a bit of my book. I was determined not to wake up at an ungodly hour tomorrow especially as we were heading to US and RPR!! Els cracked me open another alcopop but yet again it went nearly untouched as I crashed around 11pm.
I promise therell be more action and photos tomorrow!!
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