mkingdon
Obsessed...and admits it!!
- Joined
- Jul 30, 2002
- Messages
- 408
Cast
Me - Craig, only just 33. Rucksack carrier and stroller pusher.
Louise - Wife, 34, slowly becoming addicted to WDW.
Emily - Aged 8. Moody, full of attitude and daddys girl.
Rebecca - Aged 6. Comedian, Olympic eater and worrier.
The Williams tour of Florida restrooms, sponsored by VISA.
Day Sixteen Friday 29th August They think its all over .
Well, what can I say. Two years in the making, and fourteen short days fly by in the blink of an eye.
I have made no notes on todays activity as I was sulking. So this is from memory.
We all got up at the normal time, and having done no packing at all yesterday, we (that means Louise) work really hard packing everything. I supervise the kids in the pool (from the sofa) and as we draw towards 10.30, I start to then make sure Louise is doing a decent job, generally get in the way, and sit on cases so we can shut them.
The kids are prised from the pool at the last possible moment and showered and dressed and we leave our home for the last time at around 10.40. I have a lump in my throat the size of an apple, and the post holiday depression hits early.
We drive up to the 192 to drop the keys off. This was simple and painless, and then as we were approaching lunchtime, and we hadnt had any breakfast, we planned to stop for brunch on the 192 before driving up to Sanford.
Dennys was the diner of choice. It was busy. We luckily found a parking space where we could watch the car whilst we ate, as we were fully aware of the recent spate of dirty clothes thieves operating in the area.
The dining experience was slightly disappointing to be honest. Service was quite slow, and my fries were only just cooked. We didnt even have time for one last dessert, and got back in the Jeep and set off for Sanford.
The I4 was fine, and despite the gloom in the car, particularly the drivers seat, we had one last laugh on the way. As we were driving through the Central Orlando bit of the I4, an open top Volvo sped by us, cutting us up, and several others. The smooth operator in drivers seat (no, not me, the chap in the Volvo) was on his phone, no doubt doing some mega bucks deal, or telling him Mum hed be home soon.
Well, anyway, we turned a bend, and suddenly ahead the sky was pitch black. Out of nowhere, literally, a torrential storm started. We went from blazing sun to monsoon in about 20 seconds.
Well, the wise guy in the Volvo was in big trouble. His soft top was down, and he was already soaking. He cut across all the traffic (again) and came to an emergency stop under a bridge, and very hastily had to get his top back up.
It made us laugh anyway!!! Sick sense of humour, and if I was having a bad day why shouldnt someone else. Noble I know!!
We get to the airport without anything else of note happening. The drop off at Dollar was very impressive. We simply drive in, the chap scans our bar code from inside the door, asks our mileage and we leave the car with the keys in. Very good.
We drag the cases into the check in area, and join a fairly short queue, but we are quite early.
For some unknown reason the woman from the family behind us starts talking to us. What is she doing doesnt she know were British. I leave Louise to do the small talk, as again this woman begins to tell us how to do Florida, as they have been TWICE now, so they know the score!!!!! Besides I just want to sulk by myself.
We get checked in within ten minutes, and then move through the x-ray bits. Louise beeps and undergoes a scan and shoe inspection. We move through to departures, and race to the Guest House, as the lounge looks like a cattle shed.
Having parted with around £45, we are wristbanded and in. We all make full use of our unlimited drinks and cookies, and then I just go to look at the PS 2 room. I emerge three hours later when our flight is called.
Louise had watched Minority Report and the kids had done something Im sure, but I was involved in a crucial World Cup Quarter Final against Argentina so I don't know what . I think Emily played PS2 as well.
We pay a quick visit to the shop to buy sweets and books and then we board. We are all sat together this time, and we are soon off.
I do some reading, and after about half an hour I get the worst headache in the history of the world. I often suffer when flying with painful ears and/or headaches, and this was a monster.
The next few hours are just a blur of painkillers, pain and bits of sleep. Louise had to look after the kids by herself, and they dont sleep either.
As we start to descend the pain kicks up a notch, and Emily starts to suffer too. Ah the joys of international travel.
Once on the ground we all recover fairly quickly. Through the intense passport check (not) and on to wait for our bags. They take an age but finally come.
We call the car park people and they send a bus for us. Very soon we are back in our car, and heading home. The kids fall asleep, and as we pass the Trafford Centre on the way back to Bolton, I realise it is all over, until next time.
We have a spent a fortune and we are exhausted. What sort of holiday is that?? Its the best you can get. Simple as that.
Final Thoughts
After so much build up and so much planning the holiday could never have been as perfect as I had imagined it to be. There were things we did wrong, despite all the planning, and the night in the hospital was a bit of a downer. Louise is fine by the way.
We have already watched all the video about three times, and its funny how from each trip there are certain memories that get locked into your brain. This time ours include
Whispering Canyon Café
Rain and Fantasmic
Splash Mountain over and over
Spectro
Brown Derby
R&RC
TOT
Walmart
ROE
Our Jeep
Ice Station Cool
So they are not all the BIG events, they are just things that will always be associated with our Orlando trip 2003. They will be added to all the others from our previous trips.
So are we going back. Absolutely, but I dont know when. It looks like next year may be beyond our means, but then again, we couldnt afford to go this year either, so you never know.
Thank you for listening to my over detailed drivel, it has really helped me to remember some fantastic times, and some not so fantastic. Now Ive finished writing this report, the holiday really is over, and I have no escape from returning to reality full time!!
Lessons learnt do it DIY next time. NEVER have a villa allocated on arrival. Have more rest days, now that we have been so many times that we dont need to do all the rides/parks every time.
Until the next time, have a great day, and thank you for visiting the Walt Disney Resort in Florida.
Me - Craig, only just 33. Rucksack carrier and stroller pusher.
Louise - Wife, 34, slowly becoming addicted to WDW.
Emily - Aged 8. Moody, full of attitude and daddys girl.
Rebecca - Aged 6. Comedian, Olympic eater and worrier.
The Williams tour of Florida restrooms, sponsored by VISA.
Day Sixteen Friday 29th August They think its all over .
Well, what can I say. Two years in the making, and fourteen short days fly by in the blink of an eye.
I have made no notes on todays activity as I was sulking. So this is from memory.
We all got up at the normal time, and having done no packing at all yesterday, we (that means Louise) work really hard packing everything. I supervise the kids in the pool (from the sofa) and as we draw towards 10.30, I start to then make sure Louise is doing a decent job, generally get in the way, and sit on cases so we can shut them.
The kids are prised from the pool at the last possible moment and showered and dressed and we leave our home for the last time at around 10.40. I have a lump in my throat the size of an apple, and the post holiday depression hits early.
We drive up to the 192 to drop the keys off. This was simple and painless, and then as we were approaching lunchtime, and we hadnt had any breakfast, we planned to stop for brunch on the 192 before driving up to Sanford.
Dennys was the diner of choice. It was busy. We luckily found a parking space where we could watch the car whilst we ate, as we were fully aware of the recent spate of dirty clothes thieves operating in the area.
The dining experience was slightly disappointing to be honest. Service was quite slow, and my fries were only just cooked. We didnt even have time for one last dessert, and got back in the Jeep and set off for Sanford.
The I4 was fine, and despite the gloom in the car, particularly the drivers seat, we had one last laugh on the way. As we were driving through the Central Orlando bit of the I4, an open top Volvo sped by us, cutting us up, and several others. The smooth operator in drivers seat (no, not me, the chap in the Volvo) was on his phone, no doubt doing some mega bucks deal, or telling him Mum hed be home soon.
Well, anyway, we turned a bend, and suddenly ahead the sky was pitch black. Out of nowhere, literally, a torrential storm started. We went from blazing sun to monsoon in about 20 seconds.
Well, the wise guy in the Volvo was in big trouble. His soft top was down, and he was already soaking. He cut across all the traffic (again) and came to an emergency stop under a bridge, and very hastily had to get his top back up.
It made us laugh anyway!!! Sick sense of humour, and if I was having a bad day why shouldnt someone else. Noble I know!!
We get to the airport without anything else of note happening. The drop off at Dollar was very impressive. We simply drive in, the chap scans our bar code from inside the door, asks our mileage and we leave the car with the keys in. Very good.
We drag the cases into the check in area, and join a fairly short queue, but we are quite early.
For some unknown reason the woman from the family behind us starts talking to us. What is she doing doesnt she know were British. I leave Louise to do the small talk, as again this woman begins to tell us how to do Florida, as they have been TWICE now, so they know the score!!!!! Besides I just want to sulk by myself.
We get checked in within ten minutes, and then move through the x-ray bits. Louise beeps and undergoes a scan and shoe inspection. We move through to departures, and race to the Guest House, as the lounge looks like a cattle shed.
Having parted with around £45, we are wristbanded and in. We all make full use of our unlimited drinks and cookies, and then I just go to look at the PS 2 room. I emerge three hours later when our flight is called.
Louise had watched Minority Report and the kids had done something Im sure, but I was involved in a crucial World Cup Quarter Final against Argentina so I don't know what . I think Emily played PS2 as well.
We pay a quick visit to the shop to buy sweets and books and then we board. We are all sat together this time, and we are soon off.
I do some reading, and after about half an hour I get the worst headache in the history of the world. I often suffer when flying with painful ears and/or headaches, and this was a monster.
The next few hours are just a blur of painkillers, pain and bits of sleep. Louise had to look after the kids by herself, and they dont sleep either.
As we start to descend the pain kicks up a notch, and Emily starts to suffer too. Ah the joys of international travel.
Once on the ground we all recover fairly quickly. Through the intense passport check (not) and on to wait for our bags. They take an age but finally come.
We call the car park people and they send a bus for us. Very soon we are back in our car, and heading home. The kids fall asleep, and as we pass the Trafford Centre on the way back to Bolton, I realise it is all over, until next time.
We have a spent a fortune and we are exhausted. What sort of holiday is that?? Its the best you can get. Simple as that.
Final Thoughts
After so much build up and so much planning the holiday could never have been as perfect as I had imagined it to be. There were things we did wrong, despite all the planning, and the night in the hospital was a bit of a downer. Louise is fine by the way.
We have already watched all the video about three times, and its funny how from each trip there are certain memories that get locked into your brain. This time ours include
Whispering Canyon Café
Rain and Fantasmic
Splash Mountain over and over
Spectro
Brown Derby
R&RC
TOT
Walmart
ROE
Our Jeep
Ice Station Cool
So they are not all the BIG events, they are just things that will always be associated with our Orlando trip 2003. They will be added to all the others from our previous trips.
So are we going back. Absolutely, but I dont know when. It looks like next year may be beyond our means, but then again, we couldnt afford to go this year either, so you never know.
Thank you for listening to my over detailed drivel, it has really helped me to remember some fantastic times, and some not so fantastic. Now Ive finished writing this report, the holiday really is over, and I have no escape from returning to reality full time!!
Lessons learnt do it DIY next time. NEVER have a villa allocated on arrival. Have more rest days, now that we have been so many times that we dont need to do all the rides/parks every time.
Until the next time, have a great day, and thank you for visiting the Walt Disney Resort in Florida.
Mike
). Glad Louise is ok - what was wrong with her or did I miss that bit?!
)
