To Infinity & Beyond - Day 5 - The End Is Nigh

[kevg1889]

Day 5 28th March 2008 The Dreaded Journey Home

As I have already said, we just couldn't face getting up really early yet again, so we had a lay in until 8am. Yet again, I was up before the alarm, and able to use the bathroom before the rest of the team. We got into breakfast at around 8-30am and were able to have a really leisurely meal.

As soon as we finished, I took the kids swimming, while the girls went back to the rooms to pack, but Liam & Jordan didn't want to go in, so they were charged with the task of taking pictures & video, although I did manage to get my hands on the camera briefly to film from the other side of the pool.

<a href="http://s227.photobucket.com/albums/dd299/kevg1889/DLRP%20Day%205/?action=view&current=86b21043.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd299/kevg1889/DLRP%20Day%205/86b21043.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://s227.photobucket.com/albums/dd299/kevg1889/DLRP%20Day%205/?action=view&current=97e3ec02.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd299/kevg1889/DLRP%20Day%205/97e3ec02.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

The pool area is lovely, with a good slide built into a rocky area

<a href="http://s227.photobucket.com/albums/dd299/kevg1889/DLRP%20Day%205/?action=view&current=617d4e22.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd299/kevg1889/DLRP%20Day%205/617d4e22.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://s227.photobucket.com/albums/dd299/kevg1889/DLRP%20Day%205/?action=view&current=452962f9.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd299/kevg1889/DLRP%20Day%205/452962f9.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

with the spa pool set into the corner nearest to the reception desk.

<a href="http://s227.photobucket.com/albums/dd299/kevg1889/DLRP%20Day%205/?action=view&current=7b5402c6.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd299/kevg1889/DLRP%20Day%205/7b5402c6.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

The pool actually runs from inside to outside in the summer, when the big doors are opened up. The outside part of the pool was covered while we were there, but I did wonder if thats why the pool was cold the other night. It was, however much warmer today, and we had the pool virtually to ourselves.

<a href="http://s227.photobucket.com/albums/dd299/kevg1889/DLRP%20Day%205/?action=view&current=df01ca6f.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd299/kevg1889/DLRP%20Day%205/df01ca6f.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://s227.photobucket.com/albums/dd299/kevg1889/DLRP%20Day%205/?action=view&current=8538c48a.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd299/kevg1889/DLRP%20Day%205/8538c48a.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://s227.photobucket.com/albums/dd299/kevg1889/DLRP%20Day%205/?action=view&current=086ce596.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd299/kevg1889/DLRP%20Day%205/086ce596.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

There is also a steam room and sauna, as well as a gym, but we didn't have the time (or the energy)to make use of these facilities. Indeed, I had to literally drag the boys out of the pool at 10-15am, to give us chance to vacate our room by 11am. I took a couple of snaps on the way back, showing the pool area from outside the big opening door

<a href="http://s227.photobucket.com/albums/dd299/kevg1889/DLRP%20Day%205/?action=view&current=0e7cae03.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd299/kevg1889/DLRP%20Day%205/0e7cae03.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

and the boys outside the hotel

<a href="http://s227.photobucket.com/albums/dd299/kevg1889/DLRP%20Day%205/?action=view&current=0f6ca639.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd299/kevg1889/DLRP%20Day%205/0f6ca639.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://s227.photobucket.com/albums/dd299/kevg1889/DLRP%20Day%205/?action=view&current=24ecfef1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd299/kevg1889/DLRP%20Day%205/24ecfef1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

even the lifts were quite scenic!!

<a href="http://s227.photobucket.com/albums/dd299/kevg1889/DLRP%20Day%205/?action=view&current=bc589833.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd299/kevg1889/DLRP%20Day%205/bc589833.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

So we made our way back to the room, where the girls had finished packing, and we had to say goodbye to what had been our lovely home, for much too short a time.

To be continued below.

 

[kevg1889]

Day 5 continued

Our homeward journey got off to a better start, as we called at the consierge desk and they arranged a lift to the station for Jordan and a minder, so Lisa accompanied him, and we managed to get a couple of cases and that bloomin' great snowglobe box in with him. This made the walk dwn to the station more pleasant for the rest of us. I stood on the bridge, outside the New York hotel, and took pictures in all 4 directions, just as a reminder of our daily walk to the parks.

Accross the lake was the Newport Bay Hotel

<a href="http://s227.photobucket.com/albums/dd299/kevg1889/DLRP%20Day%205/?action=view&current=99c28d71.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd299/kevg1889/DLRP%20Day%205/99c28d71.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

To my right was the New York, with the ice rink clearly visible outside it

<a href="http://s227.photobucket.com/albums/dd299/kevg1889/DLRP%20Day%205/?action=view&current=d55a0a8f.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd299/kevg1889/DLRP%20Day%205/d55a0a8f.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

looking back behind me, was the wonderful Sequoia Lodge that had been our lovely home

<a href="http://s227.photobucket.com/albums/dd299/kevg1889/DLRP%20Day%205/?action=view&current=914c2879.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd299/kevg1889/DLRP%20Day%205/914c2879.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

and in front of me was the Village, home to Cafe Mickey, Annettes and so many other memories

<a href="http://s227.photobucket.com/albums/dd299/kevg1889/DLRP%20Day%205/?action=view&current=6981e847.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd299/kevg1889/DLRP%20Day%205/6981e847.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

So we arrived at the station, to find that our train was running 10 minutes late, so we sat and had a coffee. We also arranged assistance with the wheelchair, which made life so much easier. Again, we were upstairs on the double decker train, but it didn't seem as bad this time, as the porter helped us, and the train was going nowhere while he was still on it!

He phoned ahead to Lille station for us, and we were met on the platform by another porter, who took us straight through check in for the Eurostar, bypassing the queue. We had 8 seats, all together and round tables on the Eurostar, so this was going much better than the journey down.

By the time we had fetched sandwiches and drinks from the buffet coach (very poor selection!) we were going under the trunnel, coming out of the other side to absolute siling down rain. This had stopped by the time we arrived at St Pancras, and so too had the assistance!! We managed to get all our cases on to a trolley and were able to take our time getting back down on to the main platform, which was a good job, as there was only 1 lift, which everyone with trolleys was waiting for, and the moving walkway down was not working.

We offloaded our cases (and that box!) at the costly left luggage service at St Pancras, and made our way by tube to the London Eye, where I had booked us on at 4pm. We had only been in our pod for 2 minutes, and just left ground level when Jakey announced that he needed a pooh (and I don't mean our favourite bear!!) We tried to explain that there was no toilet onboard, but I think he had a pretty uncomfortable flight!

The weather was now gorgeous, and we were able to see for miles, taking in all the sights of the capital.

<a href="http://s227.photobucket.com/albums/dd299/kevg1889/DLRP%20Day%205/?action=view&current=905ed2a5.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd299/kevg1889/DLRP%20Day%205/905ed2a5.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

We called for McDonalds milkshakes as we made our way towards Picaddilly, taking in the Houses of Parliament

<a href="http://s227.photobucket.com/albums/dd299/kevg1889/DLRP%20Day%205/?action=view&current=b62244df.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd299/kevg1889/DLRP%20Day%205/b62244df.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

Big Ben (together with little Ben!)

<a href="http://s227.photobucket.com/albums/dd299/kevg1889/DLRP%20Day%205/?action=view&current=c1bf74db.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd299/kevg1889/DLRP%20Day%205/c1bf74db.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

The guard outside Horse Guards Parade

<a href="http://s227.photobucket.com/albums/dd299/kevg1889/DLRP%20Day%205/?action=view&current=08ab0ddb.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd299/kevg1889/DLRP%20Day%205/08ab0ddb.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://s227.photobucket.com/albums/dd299/kevg1889/DLRP%20Day%205/?action=view&current=8d4cc29a.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd299/kevg1889/DLRP%20Day%205/8d4cc29a.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

and two heroes together, Nelson & Jordan!

<a href="http://s227.photobucket.com/albums/dd299/kevg1889/DLRP%20Day%205/?action=view&current=273f6da4.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd299/kevg1889/DLRP%20Day%205/273f6da4.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

To be continued below

 

[kevg1889]

Day 5 Continued

We had been disappointed that we didn't have time to eat at the Rain Forrest Cafe at Disney, so we decided to try out the one in Picaddilly. Again, the queue to get in was quite long, but because of the wheelchair, they seated us straight away in the ground floor restaurant, all to ourselves. This area only opens at very busy times or for disabled people, due to the wheelchair having to go back outside, right through the Troccadero and on a couple of service lifts, finally arriving via the back entrance.

Having the floor to ourselves was great, as the kids were able to wander around, looking at all the lifelike moving exhibits and fish tanks etc

<a href="http://s227.photobucket.com/albums/dd299/kevg1889/DLRP%20Day%205/?action=view&current=10eb8c54.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd299/kevg1889/DLRP%20Day%205/10eb8c54.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://s227.photobucket.com/albums/dd299/kevg1889/DLRP%20Day%205/?action=view&current=feef84e3.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd299/kevg1889/DLRP%20Day%205/feef84e3.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://s227.photobucket.com/albums/dd299/kevg1889/DLRP%20Day%205/?action=view&current=d94eced4.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd299/kevg1889/DLRP%20Day%205/d94eced4.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

Have I mentioned before that Lisa likes to try the cocktails? Well the ones that she and Becky ordered in here were stunning, and following a beer, Liam & I became lush's too and we joined their cocktail party.

<a href="http://s227.photobucket.com/albums/dd299/kevg1889/DLRP%20Day%205/?action=view&current=0ef787f4.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd299/kevg1889/DLRP%20Day%205/0ef787f4.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

I don't know if Liam was using his bottle as a pretend microphone, or trying to push it up his nose

<a href="http://s227.photobucket.com/albums/dd299/kevg1889/DLRP%20Day%205/?action=view&current=59215539.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd299/kevg1889/DLRP%20Day%205/59215539.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

We had the hottest Buffallo wings I have ever had in this country

<a href="http://s227.photobucket.com/albums/dd299/kevg1889/DLRP%20Day%205/?action=view&current=5c368396.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd299/kevg1889/DLRP%20Day%205/5c368396.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

with garlic bread that wasn't very good to be honest

<a href="http://s227.photobucket.com/albums/dd299/kevg1889/DLRP%20Day%205/?action=view&current=bacd2014.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd299/kevg1889/DLRP%20Day%205/bacd2014.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

Before having perfectly cooked and beautifully tender steaks

<a href="http://s227.photobucket.com/albums/dd299/kevg1889/DLRP%20Day%205/?action=view&current=76522c28.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd299/kevg1889/DLRP%20Day%205/76522c28.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

while Jordan had meat balls

<a href="http://s227.photobucket.com/albums/dd299/kevg1889/DLRP%20Day%205/?action=view&current=d7b08da0.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd299/kevg1889/DLRP%20Day%205/d7b08da0.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

and guess what Jake had??

<a href="http://s227.photobucket.com/albums/dd299/kevg1889/DLRP%20Day%205/?action=view&current=2155e9ed.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd299/kevg1889/DLRP%20Day%205/2155e9ed.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://s227.photobucket.com/albums/dd299/kevg1889/DLRP%20Day%205/?action=view&current=54bbfb3d.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd299/kevg1889/DLRP%20Day%205/54bbfb3d.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

Watch out - the thunder and lightening is about to start

<a href="http://s227.photobucket.com/albums/dd299/kevg1889/DLRP%20Day%205/?action=view&current=5002bc42.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd299/kevg1889/DLRP%20Day%205/5002bc42.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

This was so funny, as Jake shot under the table, and hid there until the special effects had finished. Max looked quite relieved too once it was over

<a href="http://s227.photobucket.com/albums/dd299/kevg1889/DLRP%20Day%205/?action=view&current=9f4ffc5c.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd299/kevg1889/DLRP%20Day%205/9f4ffc5c.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

just time for the boys to eat their ice creams

<a href="http://s227.photobucket.com/albums/dd299/kevg1889/DLRP%20Day%205/?action=view&current=2ad1787e.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd299/kevg1889/DLRP%20Day%205/2ad1787e.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

before having to set off back to St Pancras, in time to pick up our luggage and wait for our 9-20pm train direct to Sheffield. Ben amused us all on the journey, as he wrote his first novel, entitled "Billy Bob Ted and his cousin called Fred", and before we knew it we were arriving back in our home city. Jordans mum & dad and my mother in law met us on the station, and thankfully they took charge of that great big box, while I ran Liam & Becks and the two very tired boys home, finally arriving home ourselves at just after 1am.

As I dropped the boys off, a million memories flashed through my mind, of what an absolutely amazing, wonderful time we had had, and all that was left was the desire to do it all again real soon. I knew I was going to miss having the boys with me over the next few days, but I was happy in the knowledge that we had all had a week to remember for the rest of our lives.

 

[DLPdaft]

Thank you for all the effort you put into your trip reports - so detailed, I felt like I was right there with you all!

Elaine

 

[ema74]

Great Great Great again!!!

You shouldn't get disappointed that you didn't manage to eat at Rainforest Cafe in DLRP - we ate there on our first visit and the food was dreadful. Having eaten in the one in London before, the Paris one was a disaster, microwaved food and just awful. You really didn't miss anything. At least in the one in London, they cook the meal as you order...

Glad you had a fab time and everyone especially Jordan anjoyed it!

Thanks for the lovely reports!

 

[BRobson]

Thanks for a great report - I have enjoyed every minute


So when you going back ?

 

[Elroe63]

What lovely, lovely trip reports. Almost brought a lump to my throat!

 

[Ware Bears]

I have enjoyed every minute of your reports. You are a lovely family thank you so much for sharing your week with us.

 

[Ware Bears]

So when you going back ?

He has to go back soon ~ we want another trippie!!

 

[kevg1889]

Thanks for the lovely comments everyone, it makes all the effort worthwhile, although just re-living it all as I write is wonderful.

Believe me, I would go back this afternoon if I could!! I went there thinking I would be a little diappointed after being to WDW, especially after the things we did last year, but I loved this holiday just as much. To see the boys faces was an absolute delight & I will never forget it.

Lisa is going to be 40 next year, so we may be doing something special, but we may leave it while 2010, as Liam thinks they be able to afford it by then & it would be great to see the kids there, especially if we could stay in Animal Kingdom Lodge again.

Keep an eye out, because I am going to try and add a couple of video clips soon, especially of Cafe Mickey

 

[LoobyLoo33]

Fabulous trip report i have throughly enjoyed reading the whole thing. Its sad there will no more instalments for now. Looking forward to the next report from wherever you go on holiday

Lisa

 

[thelittlemermaid83]

Wonderful trip report.
Thanks so much for sharing

 

[kid-at-heart]

Thank you for sharing your memories. Brrr, the weather appeared to be chilly but that did not seem to dampen the fun for your family.

 

[Cazgal]

I agree - what a super report ... will be nice for you to keep as well as a record of your fab trip.

Thanks for sharing

 

[Cyrano]

you are home and the report is finished.

Thank you for sharing

 

[Disney owl]

Thanks for sharing your family holiday with us, I really enjoyed your reports

 

[karenmoloney]

I loved reading your reports & was looking forward to each new installment. I hope you & the rest of your family go back again soon & have another brilliant holiday. I must say, I admire your enthusiasm & energy & your last paragraph nearly made me cry.

 

[SusanEllen]

Thanks for another excellent report. What a good idea to take along more characters (I mean your own characters) to help you have all that fun. The three grandkids being with you this time must have taken some of the pressure off Ben to always have to be the cute kid in the photos. He had lots of help posing for the pictures this time.

Your enthusiasm for your task makes your trip reports special, Kevin, and a lot of fun to read.

Please, keep us updated on Jordan's progress. He'll be in my prayers. Best wishes to you and your fellow Disney adventurers.

 

[kevg1889]

Ben (or spider pig as the kids call him) is absolutely brilliant with the boys and they idolise him. They follow him around like sheep, and Jakey even has to wear his cap in exactly the same way as Ben, so we now call him Spider piglet!! Ben did a great job in DLRP either taking photos or video this time, so we could keep both cameras going all the time.

Jordan had some great news yesterday, as the doctors from Leeds came down to see him in Sheffield and everything is going as well as possible. We just take every day as it comes, some good days, some bad, but he takes everything in his stride.

 

[tennisfan]

Ben (or spider pig as the kids call him) is absolutely brilliant with the boys and they idolise him. They follow him around like sheep, and Jakey even has to wear his cap in exactly the same way as Ben, so we now call him Spider piglet!! Ben did a great job in DLRP either taking photos or video this time, so we could keep both cameras going all the time.

Jordan had some great news yesterday, as the doctors from Leeds came down to see him in Sheffield and everything is going as well as possible. We just take every day as it comes, some good days, some bad, but he takes everything in his stride.

Thats great news about Jordan, he is an inspiration to others I think you need to take another trip though so we can read your fab reports