Well here it is - the review of a fantastic two week holiday. Ill just do the days here and put the meal reviews in the dining section.
Please pardon my spelling, grammar etc! Also I probably wont be able to remember every detail .its old age I m afraid.
Cast of Characters:
Me - 40 in March, not as slim a I d like to be and a recently converted Disney planner thanks to all you wonderful people! Vegetarian. The only English one and a coaster addict.
DH - 46, likes to plan, enjoys a beer and sunbathing but ready to embrace the Parks with enthusiasm! Doesnt like spinning rides and not sure about coasters.
DS - aged 6, cute as can be, not sure about the rides but willing to try most things (except pasta). Usually goes to bed at 8pm but goes to bed at the same time as us as its a holiday. Was the least tired one!
This is our second trip - we stayed at the Contemporary last Easter for a holiday of a lifetime but loved it so much that we resolved to try to return every year. Decided to stay at the Poly after seeing how beautiful it looked when we stayed at the Contemporary. Didnt hire a car, as we are happy to rely on the Disney/Mears transport. All ADRs (except for 3 nights) were made in February and March, mostly for 8pm. Wait times for attractions only stated if longer than 10 mins. The plan was to start early, come back to the hotel for a nap/swim and then go out between 6 and 7pm for the evening. Then DH (or all of us if not too tired) would have a night cap in the Tambu Lounge at the Poly.
Sat 1st April
Left frosty Edinburgh to fly to (London) Gatwick. Dropped our cases in at Virgins Twilight Check in - very handy! Stayed overnight in the Sofitel Hotel. Comfy room, but all way too excited to sleep.
Sun 2nd April
Left on the 12.30pm flight, good flight, luggage collection OK, in the Mears van for 5.45pm (local time).
Arrive at the Poly, which looks fabulous. So excited. Checked in by Bryon, very efficient and helpful (the first of many such kind CMs we will meet). Wear our leis with pride! Our room is on the third floor of Fiji and is wonderful - looking out to the marina and the Great Ceremonial House with a balcony - a luxury I wasnt expecting as we didnt one at the Contemporary last year.
Unpack and have an early night.
Mon 3rd April
Have a quick breakfast at Captain Cooks (convenient and not a bad selection). Will do this most days. Buy my refillable mug for all the coffee I m going to need to keep me awake! Get the bus to Downtown Disney for the Virgin welcome meeting so that we can buy our Mears transport vouchers.
Have a wander around DD which is almost deserted. Spend a few hours at Disney Quest, play our favourite Pirates of the Caribbean and a few others. Have a late lunch at the Rainforest Café.
Back to the Poly for a swim. The Volcano pool and slide is brilliant and we will visit it most days. The Poly grounds are beautiful and all the staff are so pleasant and friendly.
Off to Epcot for the evening. Have one ride on Spaceship Earth then its off to The Garden Grill for dinner. DS starts collecting stamps in his EPCOT passport (another DIS suggestion!) catch the fireworks on the way out.
Tuesday 4th April
Decide to go to the Animal Kingdom to see Expedition Everest which is due to open officially on Friday. Arrive at 8.55am as the gates are opening. Follow the crowds to EE and join a queue. Assume its for fast passes - but no - its for the ride! DS is excited but DH nearly backs out. Only the thought of being beaten by a 6 year old stops him! On the ride after 10 mins wait - its wonderful! Scary but in a Disney way - doesnt go upside down but is fast. All three of us declare it to be great so get fast passes for later. While waiting ride Dinosaur, Primeval Whirl, Triceratop Spin, Kali River, Kilimanjaro Safaris (see lots of elephants and giraffes) and watch Its Tough to be a Bug. To DH s fury I beat him to win a toy frog on the Dinosaur Derby (throw the ball thingy) at Hester and Chester s!
Lunch at Tusker House.
Tried to see as much detail as we could around the park before it gets too crowded. Back to the Poly for 3pm.
Watch the Spirit of Aloha Show tonight which is magnificent. All three of us loved it - DS wants to go back tomorrow and be a fire eater when he grows up!
Wed 5th April
First day at Universal Studios. First to Men in Black which is DSs current favourite film. Pass ET and nip on that as theres no queue, its a great ride and the surprise at the end has us all laughing. MIB is fun, DH wins easily. The wait for Back to the Future is 40 mins so skip that. Next do the obligatory head in Jaws photo, and try the ride. Good fun and quite scary in a silly sort of way. Next stop off for a cooling drink - get some funny looks when were order two beers - OK it is only 10.30am but we are on holiday! Try Jimmy Neutrons Nicktoon Blast - we love Sponge Bob so DS and I are very happy to get our photo with him at the end of the ride! Shrek 4-D is really good but the 35 minute wait is difficult. The boys have their photo taken with Shaggy and Scoopy-Doo - another holiday highlight. The wait for the Mummy is 70 minutes so miss that one today.
Off to EPCOT for dinner at Chefs de France.
Thurs 6th April
DS is on The Pirate Cruise (again thanks to DISers). Monorail to the Grand Floridian. What a beautiful place! DS and I resolve to stay here when DS is older - it is definitely a grown ups resort. DS receives his pirates hat and is buddied up with another little boy and away they go, Ahhhh-ing all the way! DH and I relax by the GF pool. Heaven. DS loved the cruise, has his treasure and has made many new friends. Wants to go again tomorrow and be a pirate when he grows up!
Over to EPCOT for the rest of the day. Ride up front of the monorail from the TTC to Epcot - which is just brilliant! FP Test Track, Soarin FP is no longer available. Go over to the Living Seas and catch A Turtle talk with Crush after a 20 minute wait. Really glad we went because this is really good fun. DS calls us Dude for the rest of the day! Try Figment after DIS recommendations and really like it.
Have dinner at the San Angel Inn. Ride El Rio del Tiempo, I think Mexico is my favourite land - the market is so beautiful. Lucky enough to see Wishes on the walk back from the TTC. Sit down in the Poly grounds to watch it - magnificent!
Fri 7th April
I cant believe weve been here 5 days and this is our first trip to MK - DH s favourite Park. I love the atmosphere and have a cry when we arrive! Wasnt expecting that but the place does get to you. Arrive at 9am (no EMH) and soak up the surroundings. Quickly ride Splash Mountain, BTMR, Haunted House (DS not really sure - keeps his eyes shut most of the time), Magic carpets of Aladdin and the Jungle Cruise. Eat at Cosmic Rays then go on the Indy Speedway (DSs favourite), FastPass Buzz and go on the TTA while were waiting. I love that little blue train! Wait 15 mins for Goofy s Barnstormer then FS Space mountain. I think Ds is relieved when we discover that its currently not working!
DS off to the Neverland Club while we hit the California Grill. Go on the balcony for a wonderful view of Wishes with the music piped in. Stunning.
Collect DS who had a great time - there was so much to do and he made lots of new friends.
Sat 8th April
Have a lie in (until 8am!) and have breakfast at the Kona Café. Go to MGM about 1pm, fast pass Rock and Roller Coaster, DS doesnt want to go on it, I FP Tower of Terror as the other two are too cowardly to go on it! R&RC is good but tamer than I remembered but the ToT is still Disney s scariest ride in my opinion - screamed the whole time but loved it! Watch the Muppet show and go on Star Tours, which the boys really like. DS meets the Power Rangers and gets lots of great photos. Have an early dinner at Mama Melrose for the Fantasmic package. Watched the Beauty and the Beast stage show but the theatre is very hot, feels very stormy and oppressive. Off to our priority seating for Fantasmic which is breathtaking. Certainly lived up to the hype.
Sun 9th April
First trip to Universal Islands of Adventure. Straight to The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man which is fabulous. DS has his photo taken with all the superheroes and DH gets his photo with Storm - luckily he can stop drooling long enough. I try the Incredible Hulk Coaster - its a really smooth ride and I love it. DS thinks about it and finally decides to go on it. He says he liked it, but he looks a bit green (appropriately!). Next to Pteranodon Flyers, the sign says no queue but still have to wait 20 mins, OK ride - more for DS than us. Next its Jurassic Park River Adventure which I really love, but DS is a bit scared of. He didnt like the dark bit in the electricity station but was fine with the water drop! As we are a bit damp decide to go for the water rides - bad move. Dudley Do-Rights Ripsaw Falls is a good ride but all three of us are soaked. No wonder there was no queue! As we think we can't get any wetter decide to do Popeye & Blutos Bilge-Rat Barges. This is a VERY big mistake as all three of us end up soaked to the skin. Yes I know the signs tell you that but I honestly didnt imagine we would get this wet! The sun is behind the clouds so I have to buy new shorts (after wringing my undies out!) and we buy DS a complete new Spiderman outfit - he is very happy! DH decides to be brave as he has swimming shorts on anyway. After a snack for lunch try Poseidon s Fury which is an odd one but fun, and The Cat in Hat which we all liked. Next its The Flying Unicorn with a 15 minute and I go on Dueling Dragons - have to say this is easily the scariest right I have ever been on! Ride Fire and keep my eyes open. Your brain tells you that you re not going to hit to Ice but your heart tells you something different! Come off with my legs shaking!
Back for dinner at Downtown Disney - House of Blues.
Mon 10th April
Blizzard Beach - our first ever waterpark. Arrive at 9am for the EMH. Park is quiet so claim our spot (loungers on a beach by the wave pool), and have a wander round. Go on the ski lift, and then come down via Teamboat Springs - great fun. Relax for a while on the Cross Country Creek and then try some of the slides - Runoff Rapids, Snow Stormer and Toboggan Racers. DH goes on Downhill Double Dipper, but DS and I are happy to relax. DS declares this to be his favourite park. Leave after light lunch to try the minigolf. Go on the Winter course which is great fun. Back at the Poly, the boys try a water mouse which they really enjoy.
Dinner at Ohana, with a Castle view table and a wonderful setting for the Electric Water Pageant at 9pm and Wishes at 10pm.
Tues 11th April
All day at MGM to do the things we missed on Saturday. Start with Who Wants to be a Millionaire - good fun but none of the three of us are even close to being in the top ten. Both players in the hot seat are Florida residents - looks like they are regulars at this game.
Lunch at the 50s Prime Time Café.
Had a 30 minute wait for the Backlot tour though - its worth because this is one we all enjoy. Next its Lights, Motors, Action which is a great show. Luckily we got fast passes so walked straight in. Jump on Star Tours again and this its back to the Poly.
DS is back to the Neverland Club tonight while we hit Downtown Disney. Have a few drinks at Raglan Road, then its dinner at Wolfgang Pucks Dining Room.
Wed 12th April
All day at Universal - both parks. Decide to skip the queues and buy the two parks Express Pass. Yes it is expensive but it was well worth it to be able to walk straight onto every ride. First its the Studios and Back to the Future, which is good fun. Then its MIB, ET, Jimmy Neutron and Jaws again as we loved these last time. Try Earthquake which is fun, then DH goes on the revenge of the Mummy. He enjoyed it and on I go on, but very disappointed as after all the build up I think its just a tame coaster. Others will disagree but I was not impressed at all.
Back over to Islands of Adventure. Do the Hulk and Spiderman (twice) again as we loved these. DH again has his photo taken with Storm - the poor woman looks a bit nervous as she thinks she may have a stalker! I try Ice on Dueling Dragons - scary but Fire was worse!
Dinner at Jimmy Buffets Margartiville. Back at 10.30 after a very long day.
Thurs 13th April
Character Breakfast at Ohana with Lilo (who is a bit under the weather so doesnt tour the tables), Stitch, Pluto and Mickey.
Over to Animal Kingdom, arrive at 10am and grab fast passes for EE, with a return time of 14.50pm! Go to the Lion King Show. DS smiles and says hello to a CM on arrival so I think that s why she picks him to demonstrate the Hand Jive with her! I m a bit concerned as he has inherited his parents rhythmic ability (ie none) but he does brilliantly! He is taken to each of the four sections in turn, introduced and then shows the crowd how to hand jive - so if you saw Joe from Edinburgh demonstrate the hand jive - that s my boy! I m so proud of him and feel a bit tearful - he is really pleased with himself! He is given a certificate to take home with him. This is the highlight of the trip and the one thing that weve told everyone - an yes, he still remembers how to hand jive!
After the excitement the show is wonderful. Walk over to Dinoland to ride Dinosaur and Primeval Whirl again, fail to win another frog! Have a final ride on EE then its back to the Poly then over to Epcot for dinner at Le Cellier.
Friday 14th April
Alarm goes at 5.45am. Tempted to ignore it but instead head on the monorail to the Magic Kingdom for 7am EMH. Its worth it when we stroll along Mainstreet with the castle almost empty. Almost start to blub again but force myself not to as there are rides to be ridden! Go on Dumbo, its a Small World (THE Disney ride ), Peter Pan, Snow White, The Many Adventures of Pooh, Mad Tea Party, Indie Speedway, Astro Orbiter and THREE times on Buzz in the first 90 minutes - its amazing and well worth an early start. DS is really brave and comes on Space Mountain with us - he loves it but its too jerky for me. Try Stitch again as the wait is only 5 minutes - surely its not as bad as I remembered? But it is - a truly pointless ride and a waste of space. Have a snack then its over to the Haunted House (5 mins wait), BTMR (FastPass) and Splash Mountain (35 minutes but worth it). As we leave at 11.30 the crowds are huge - we congratulate ourselves for our planning. Jump on the boat via the Grand Floridian and back to the Poly. Have a quiet afternoon around the pool. Get the monorail to the GF. Take DS to the kids club and we have a drink in Mizners lounge then its off to Citricos.
DS decides that he likes the Mousekerters Club best, but has loved all three of his Kids Club visits.
Sat 15th April.
Last full day. Off to Epcot so that DS can complete the stamps in his Passport. Arrive at 8.55am and follow the crowds to Soarin. 45 minutes posted wait but we are on in 25. Good ride but as we were in the second row I found it off-putting seeing the first rows feet above us. Get fast passes on the way out for 3pm. Go on Figment again as DS loves this ride. Walk around the Countries, go on Maelstrom - a pleasant enough boat ride - but why is this a FastPass? Have a beer in Germany and a wine in Italy - all the countries are quiet so spend quite a bit of time just looking around especially France and Morocco.
DS has collected all the stamps so back to Test Track (had Fastpassed) and Soarin. All like Soarin but agree that Test Track is our favourite here, the boys love the cars at the exit too.
Off to Downtown Disney and Raglan Road for Dinner.
Sun 16th April.
Last day. The boys go for a swim while I pack. We throw coins into the water outside the entrance as we vow to come back one day. Leave our bags then its one last trip to The Contemporary for a walk and relax. Picked up at 3.45pm, very very sad to leave.
The journey is fine, we are all very tired.
Mon 17th April
Arrive back at home at 2.05pm local time.
Summary
Favourite Park:
DS -Blizzard Beach
DH - MK
Me - EPCOT
Favourite things:
DS - EE, Figment, Lights, Motor, Action, Test Track, Pirates Cruise
DH - R&RC, Test Track, Spirit of Aloha Show
Me - Dueling Dragons, Peter Pan, Spirit of Aloha Show, its a Small World
Next years trip is already booked - same time, Yacht Club for 10 days then Hard Rock Hotel for 4 days!!
Please pardon my spelling, grammar etc! Also I probably wont be able to remember every detail .its old age I m afraid.
Cast of Characters:
Me - 40 in March, not as slim a I d like to be and a recently converted Disney planner thanks to all you wonderful people! Vegetarian. The only English one and a coaster addict.
DH - 46, likes to plan, enjoys a beer and sunbathing but ready to embrace the Parks with enthusiasm! Doesnt like spinning rides and not sure about coasters.
DS - aged 6, cute as can be, not sure about the rides but willing to try most things (except pasta). Usually goes to bed at 8pm but goes to bed at the same time as us as its a holiday. Was the least tired one!
This is our second trip - we stayed at the Contemporary last Easter for a holiday of a lifetime but loved it so much that we resolved to try to return every year. Decided to stay at the Poly after seeing how beautiful it looked when we stayed at the Contemporary. Didnt hire a car, as we are happy to rely on the Disney/Mears transport. All ADRs (except for 3 nights) were made in February and March, mostly for 8pm. Wait times for attractions only stated if longer than 10 mins. The plan was to start early, come back to the hotel for a nap/swim and then go out between 6 and 7pm for the evening. Then DH (or all of us if not too tired) would have a night cap in the Tambu Lounge at the Poly.
Sat 1st April
Left frosty Edinburgh to fly to (London) Gatwick. Dropped our cases in at Virgins Twilight Check in - very handy! Stayed overnight in the Sofitel Hotel. Comfy room, but all way too excited to sleep.
Sun 2nd April
Left on the 12.30pm flight, good flight, luggage collection OK, in the Mears van for 5.45pm (local time).
Arrive at the Poly, which looks fabulous. So excited. Checked in by Bryon, very efficient and helpful (the first of many such kind CMs we will meet). Wear our leis with pride! Our room is on the third floor of Fiji and is wonderful - looking out to the marina and the Great Ceremonial House with a balcony - a luxury I wasnt expecting as we didnt one at the Contemporary last year.
Unpack and have an early night.
Mon 3rd April
Have a quick breakfast at Captain Cooks (convenient and not a bad selection). Will do this most days. Buy my refillable mug for all the coffee I m going to need to keep me awake! Get the bus to Downtown Disney for the Virgin welcome meeting so that we can buy our Mears transport vouchers.
Have a wander around DD which is almost deserted. Spend a few hours at Disney Quest, play our favourite Pirates of the Caribbean and a few others. Have a late lunch at the Rainforest Café.
Back to the Poly for a swim. The Volcano pool and slide is brilliant and we will visit it most days. The Poly grounds are beautiful and all the staff are so pleasant and friendly.
Off to Epcot for the evening. Have one ride on Spaceship Earth then its off to The Garden Grill for dinner. DS starts collecting stamps in his EPCOT passport (another DIS suggestion!) catch the fireworks on the way out.
Tuesday 4th April
Decide to go to the Animal Kingdom to see Expedition Everest which is due to open officially on Friday. Arrive at 8.55am as the gates are opening. Follow the crowds to EE and join a queue. Assume its for fast passes - but no - its for the ride! DS is excited but DH nearly backs out. Only the thought of being beaten by a 6 year old stops him! On the ride after 10 mins wait - its wonderful! Scary but in a Disney way - doesnt go upside down but is fast. All three of us declare it to be great so get fast passes for later. While waiting ride Dinosaur, Primeval Whirl, Triceratop Spin, Kali River, Kilimanjaro Safaris (see lots of elephants and giraffes) and watch Its Tough to be a Bug. To DH s fury I beat him to win a toy frog on the Dinosaur Derby (throw the ball thingy) at Hester and Chester s!
Lunch at Tusker House.
Tried to see as much detail as we could around the park before it gets too crowded. Back to the Poly for 3pm.
Watch the Spirit of Aloha Show tonight which is magnificent. All three of us loved it - DS wants to go back tomorrow and be a fire eater when he grows up!
Wed 5th April
First day at Universal Studios. First to Men in Black which is DSs current favourite film. Pass ET and nip on that as theres no queue, its a great ride and the surprise at the end has us all laughing. MIB is fun, DH wins easily. The wait for Back to the Future is 40 mins so skip that. Next do the obligatory head in Jaws photo, and try the ride. Good fun and quite scary in a silly sort of way. Next stop off for a cooling drink - get some funny looks when were order two beers - OK it is only 10.30am but we are on holiday! Try Jimmy Neutrons Nicktoon Blast - we love Sponge Bob so DS and I are very happy to get our photo with him at the end of the ride! Shrek 4-D is really good but the 35 minute wait is difficult. The boys have their photo taken with Shaggy and Scoopy-Doo - another holiday highlight. The wait for the Mummy is 70 minutes so miss that one today.
Off to EPCOT for dinner at Chefs de France.
Thurs 6th April
DS is on The Pirate Cruise (again thanks to DISers). Monorail to the Grand Floridian. What a beautiful place! DS and I resolve to stay here when DS is older - it is definitely a grown ups resort. DS receives his pirates hat and is buddied up with another little boy and away they go, Ahhhh-ing all the way! DH and I relax by the GF pool. Heaven. DS loved the cruise, has his treasure and has made many new friends. Wants to go again tomorrow and be a pirate when he grows up!
Over to EPCOT for the rest of the day. Ride up front of the monorail from the TTC to Epcot - which is just brilliant! FP Test Track, Soarin FP is no longer available. Go over to the Living Seas and catch A Turtle talk with Crush after a 20 minute wait. Really glad we went because this is really good fun. DS calls us Dude for the rest of the day! Try Figment after DIS recommendations and really like it.
Have dinner at the San Angel Inn. Ride El Rio del Tiempo, I think Mexico is my favourite land - the market is so beautiful. Lucky enough to see Wishes on the walk back from the TTC. Sit down in the Poly grounds to watch it - magnificent!
Fri 7th April
I cant believe weve been here 5 days and this is our first trip to MK - DH s favourite Park. I love the atmosphere and have a cry when we arrive! Wasnt expecting that but the place does get to you. Arrive at 9am (no EMH) and soak up the surroundings. Quickly ride Splash Mountain, BTMR, Haunted House (DS not really sure - keeps his eyes shut most of the time), Magic carpets of Aladdin and the Jungle Cruise. Eat at Cosmic Rays then go on the Indy Speedway (DSs favourite), FastPass Buzz and go on the TTA while were waiting. I love that little blue train! Wait 15 mins for Goofy s Barnstormer then FS Space mountain. I think Ds is relieved when we discover that its currently not working!
DS off to the Neverland Club while we hit the California Grill. Go on the balcony for a wonderful view of Wishes with the music piped in. Stunning.
Collect DS who had a great time - there was so much to do and he made lots of new friends.
Sat 8th April
Have a lie in (until 8am!) and have breakfast at the Kona Café. Go to MGM about 1pm, fast pass Rock and Roller Coaster, DS doesnt want to go on it, I FP Tower of Terror as the other two are too cowardly to go on it! R&RC is good but tamer than I remembered but the ToT is still Disney s scariest ride in my opinion - screamed the whole time but loved it! Watch the Muppet show and go on Star Tours, which the boys really like. DS meets the Power Rangers and gets lots of great photos. Have an early dinner at Mama Melrose for the Fantasmic package. Watched the Beauty and the Beast stage show but the theatre is very hot, feels very stormy and oppressive. Off to our priority seating for Fantasmic which is breathtaking. Certainly lived up to the hype.
Sun 9th April
First trip to Universal Islands of Adventure. Straight to The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man which is fabulous. DS has his photo taken with all the superheroes and DH gets his photo with Storm - luckily he can stop drooling long enough. I try the Incredible Hulk Coaster - its a really smooth ride and I love it. DS thinks about it and finally decides to go on it. He says he liked it, but he looks a bit green (appropriately!). Next to Pteranodon Flyers, the sign says no queue but still have to wait 20 mins, OK ride - more for DS than us. Next its Jurassic Park River Adventure which I really love, but DS is a bit scared of. He didnt like the dark bit in the electricity station but was fine with the water drop! As we are a bit damp decide to go for the water rides - bad move. Dudley Do-Rights Ripsaw Falls is a good ride but all three of us are soaked. No wonder there was no queue! As we think we can't get any wetter decide to do Popeye & Blutos Bilge-Rat Barges. This is a VERY big mistake as all three of us end up soaked to the skin. Yes I know the signs tell you that but I honestly didnt imagine we would get this wet! The sun is behind the clouds so I have to buy new shorts (after wringing my undies out!) and we buy DS a complete new Spiderman outfit - he is very happy! DH decides to be brave as he has swimming shorts on anyway. After a snack for lunch try Poseidon s Fury which is an odd one but fun, and The Cat in Hat which we all liked. Next its The Flying Unicorn with a 15 minute and I go on Dueling Dragons - have to say this is easily the scariest right I have ever been on! Ride Fire and keep my eyes open. Your brain tells you that you re not going to hit to Ice but your heart tells you something different! Come off with my legs shaking!
Back for dinner at Downtown Disney - House of Blues.
Mon 10th April
Blizzard Beach - our first ever waterpark. Arrive at 9am for the EMH. Park is quiet so claim our spot (loungers on a beach by the wave pool), and have a wander round. Go on the ski lift, and then come down via Teamboat Springs - great fun. Relax for a while on the Cross Country Creek and then try some of the slides - Runoff Rapids, Snow Stormer and Toboggan Racers. DH goes on Downhill Double Dipper, but DS and I are happy to relax. DS declares this to be his favourite park. Leave after light lunch to try the minigolf. Go on the Winter course which is great fun. Back at the Poly, the boys try a water mouse which they really enjoy.
Dinner at Ohana, with a Castle view table and a wonderful setting for the Electric Water Pageant at 9pm and Wishes at 10pm.
Tues 11th April
All day at MGM to do the things we missed on Saturday. Start with Who Wants to be a Millionaire - good fun but none of the three of us are even close to being in the top ten. Both players in the hot seat are Florida residents - looks like they are regulars at this game.
Lunch at the 50s Prime Time Café.
Had a 30 minute wait for the Backlot tour though - its worth because this is one we all enjoy. Next its Lights, Motors, Action which is a great show. Luckily we got fast passes so walked straight in. Jump on Star Tours again and this its back to the Poly.
DS is back to the Neverland Club tonight while we hit Downtown Disney. Have a few drinks at Raglan Road, then its dinner at Wolfgang Pucks Dining Room.
Wed 12th April
All day at Universal - both parks. Decide to skip the queues and buy the two parks Express Pass. Yes it is expensive but it was well worth it to be able to walk straight onto every ride. First its the Studios and Back to the Future, which is good fun. Then its MIB, ET, Jimmy Neutron and Jaws again as we loved these last time. Try Earthquake which is fun, then DH goes on the revenge of the Mummy. He enjoyed it and on I go on, but very disappointed as after all the build up I think its just a tame coaster. Others will disagree but I was not impressed at all.
Back over to Islands of Adventure. Do the Hulk and Spiderman (twice) again as we loved these. DH again has his photo taken with Storm - the poor woman looks a bit nervous as she thinks she may have a stalker! I try Ice on Dueling Dragons - scary but Fire was worse!
Dinner at Jimmy Buffets Margartiville. Back at 10.30 after a very long day.
Thurs 13th April
Character Breakfast at Ohana with Lilo (who is a bit under the weather so doesnt tour the tables), Stitch, Pluto and Mickey.
Over to Animal Kingdom, arrive at 10am and grab fast passes for EE, with a return time of 14.50pm! Go to the Lion King Show. DS smiles and says hello to a CM on arrival so I think that s why she picks him to demonstrate the Hand Jive with her! I m a bit concerned as he has inherited his parents rhythmic ability (ie none) but he does brilliantly! He is taken to each of the four sections in turn, introduced and then shows the crowd how to hand jive - so if you saw Joe from Edinburgh demonstrate the hand jive - that s my boy! I m so proud of him and feel a bit tearful - he is really pleased with himself! He is given a certificate to take home with him. This is the highlight of the trip and the one thing that weve told everyone - an yes, he still remembers how to hand jive!
After the excitement the show is wonderful. Walk over to Dinoland to ride Dinosaur and Primeval Whirl again, fail to win another frog! Have a final ride on EE then its back to the Poly then over to Epcot for dinner at Le Cellier.
Friday 14th April
Alarm goes at 5.45am. Tempted to ignore it but instead head on the monorail to the Magic Kingdom for 7am EMH. Its worth it when we stroll along Mainstreet with the castle almost empty. Almost start to blub again but force myself not to as there are rides to be ridden! Go on Dumbo, its a Small World (THE Disney ride ), Peter Pan, Snow White, The Many Adventures of Pooh, Mad Tea Party, Indie Speedway, Astro Orbiter and THREE times on Buzz in the first 90 minutes - its amazing and well worth an early start. DS is really brave and comes on Space Mountain with us - he loves it but its too jerky for me. Try Stitch again as the wait is only 5 minutes - surely its not as bad as I remembered? But it is - a truly pointless ride and a waste of space. Have a snack then its over to the Haunted House (5 mins wait), BTMR (FastPass) and Splash Mountain (35 minutes but worth it). As we leave at 11.30 the crowds are huge - we congratulate ourselves for our planning. Jump on the boat via the Grand Floridian and back to the Poly. Have a quiet afternoon around the pool. Get the monorail to the GF. Take DS to the kids club and we have a drink in Mizners lounge then its off to Citricos.
DS decides that he likes the Mousekerters Club best, but has loved all three of his Kids Club visits.
Sat 15th April.
Last full day. Off to Epcot so that DS can complete the stamps in his Passport. Arrive at 8.55am and follow the crowds to Soarin. 45 minutes posted wait but we are on in 25. Good ride but as we were in the second row I found it off-putting seeing the first rows feet above us. Get fast passes on the way out for 3pm. Go on Figment again as DS loves this ride. Walk around the Countries, go on Maelstrom - a pleasant enough boat ride - but why is this a FastPass? Have a beer in Germany and a wine in Italy - all the countries are quiet so spend quite a bit of time just looking around especially France and Morocco.
DS has collected all the stamps so back to Test Track (had Fastpassed) and Soarin. All like Soarin but agree that Test Track is our favourite here, the boys love the cars at the exit too.
Off to Downtown Disney and Raglan Road for Dinner.
Sun 16th April.
Last day. The boys go for a swim while I pack. We throw coins into the water outside the entrance as we vow to come back one day. Leave our bags then its one last trip to The Contemporary for a walk and relax. Picked up at 3.45pm, very very sad to leave.
The journey is fine, we are all very tired.
Mon 17th April
Arrive back at home at 2.05pm local time.
Summary
Favourite Park:
DS -Blizzard Beach
DH - MK
Me - EPCOT
Favourite things:
DS - EE, Figment, Lights, Motor, Action, Test Track, Pirates Cruise
DH - R&RC, Test Track, Spirit of Aloha Show
Me - Dueling Dragons, Peter Pan, Spirit of Aloha Show, its a Small World
Next years trip is already booked - same time, Yacht Club for 10 days then Hard Rock Hotel for 4 days!!
