Players
Me, Wendy 35 year old High School Biology Teacher
Mum, Doreen, 72 year old going through her second childhood!
Well this was our usual summer extravaganza! I save all year to spend a month in the US and usually spend some time in either WDW or Disneyland. For the past 5 years we have also done a DCL cruise. So with the Magic moving to the West Coast for the 50th celebrations we decided to do all 3! Well I decided to do all 3 mum just says yes I pay and she drives so it a perfect arrangement.
Ive split this report into the three parts but will link them at the end. Be warned they are long!
Well what can I say about this vacation. It was pretty full on Disney Walt Disney World (WDW), Disneyland (DL) and a Disney cruise (DCL)! However probably the highlights were all the wonderful people I met both old and new friends!
Wednesday 29th June
Finished school with prize giving the last few weeks had been hectic, first year activities week, cadet camp (which involved staying over night in a nuclear bunker AND not being allowed to sleep!) etc. I was supposed to go in the next morning but I got permission to fly off instead there were no pupils in so nobody had to cover for me. Prize giving finished at 4.30 and we were at the airport by 6pm after a very quick shower! Got the luggage checked in pity we had to pick it up in London as we had to stay overnight. There was a delay and we reached London by 10.30am but it took ages to get through the taxi queue, however it worked in our favour as we got a gem of a taxi driver who even carried our luggage into our hotel for us. The Sheraton Skyline was gorgeous such a pity we only spent 5 hours there! I got it through Priceline so it was still worth. Front desk booked our taxi for the morning and the concierge took our luggage to the room. This room was amazing 2 huge beds and a lovely desk bathroom was huge too! Quick drink and then time to collapse before our very early alarm call.
Thursday 30th June
Up at 4.30am. Our personal concierge took our luggage down to our awaiting minivan! Checked in by 6am and yet again had to wait for the check in desks to open no problem with the cases and they went all the way through. Fortunately we remembered to put on the Magical Express tags, as we wouldnt have had time in Washington to do it. Had a nice breakfast at Chez Gerard, bought some perfume and were boarded by 8am. Everything went perfectly until some stupid little light wouldnt go out we took off 3 hours later! Watched Robots waiting to take off. After take off we had breakfast and a free alcoholic drink for our understanding! Then I watched the Pacifier and Wedding Date. We arrived at 1.45pm. They had booked us on the 4.15pm flight to Orlando and as we saw our original flight had been delayed this would have meant we got there first! Well that didnt work as they rebooked us onto the original flight which was delayed 7 hours with no compensation.
Finally we arrived at 9.45pm. Magical express was Magical no line to check in and the bus had us to the hotel by 11pm. We bought the refillable mug, a Caesar salad, kids mac n cheese (I wanted the Mickey shaped plate!), orange juice and cheesecake I used the Disney Dining Experience (DDE) card and got 20% - this was the only place that ever wanted ID. We were in room 7329, the 80s and it took a while to find but when we got back after being to the food court all our luggage was there magical!
Friday 1st July Happy Canada Day.
Had Breakfast at the Pop food court Mini Mickey waffles, bacon and sausage and rainbow toast! We were at Epcot by 10am. Collected fast passes for Soarin then we did the Living Seas. Talking with Crush from Nemo was amazing. So interactive and we both enjoyed it. As usual we walked onto Figment with very little wait and emailed a few people. Then walked onto Honey I shrunk the audience. So glad we got the fast passes for Soarin as the standby queue was already 2 ½ hours long. It was exactly the same as in California but still good. We took a leisurely walk to Canada it was very humid today. Wished all the cast members Happy Canada Day. I had the beef tenderloin salad and mum had the chicken and maple muffin, I also had a Lablatt Blue I loved how the DDE card also gave us 20% off of alcohol. We walked passed the UK and then took a boat to MGM the bus stop back to Pop is much closer there and saves walking back through Future World. It started to rain but it was only light and there was no sign of a thunderstorm so we went swimming in the rain. Then a much needed nap.
Tonight was extra magic hours night at Magic Kingdom and what fun we had. We took the bus and arrived at 8.15pm. They took us backstage to Tomorrow land to avoid the crowds and saw some cool stuff. Did the Tomorrow land Transit Authority (TTA) and watched the crowds. Then had an ice cream and smoothies. We had a great view of Wishes fireworks and then went on to Small World. Also did Haunted Mansion and then started to get peckish so shared a burger at Peco Bills and get a great view of the Electric Parade. We also did Pirates before heading back to the hub and checking out the decorated castle. We then did Stitch, it was good but glad we didnt queue too long for it the smell was hilarious though! I did Space Mountain while Mum did TTA a few times great to have somebody to hold your bag! Then we did Buzz Lightyear and because there were no lines we got to stay on although when the young cast member loading people on spotted us he started to pretend to give us into trouble saying he never expected it of nice people like us!
Mums intention had been to go back to the hotel about 11pm but her it was 2am and we were both going strong. We bought a cinnamon bun and some sweets and caught the bus back at 2.10am. We were in bed finally by 3.15am!
Sat 2nd July
We checked out of Pop Century its great because you leave the luggage in the room and they take it to the front for you to pick up later. We went back to Epcot again looking for a friend of ours, Chelsea, who is doing the College Program. She works in Innoventions but we never did manage to catch her there! We did Living with the Land and then had coffee in the Seasons food court I love the new selection but getting drinks was a nightmare! We then got the boat over to Morocco and got the boat to the Boardwalk. I had signed up on the Gordon Biersch website and they sent me an email offering me a $20 passport for $10, which meant I got $20 of food for $10. Also days later I got an email for a free meal for my birthday. We shared chicken quesidillas and the pulled pork sandwich and I had a great beer. Our server was excellent. We then picked up the car at the Dolphin took a while but we eventually got it although I thought it was a bit old for a rental as it had 20000 miles on the clock. Back to Pop to pick up our luggage and then to our timeshare at Westgate Lakes. We were in a villa by 4.15pm. Went to Publix for shopping and had take out from Panera bread I love that place! a swim and an early night.
Sunday 3rd July
We had a much-needed lie in and lazed at the pool and the villa I even got a Sunday paper! We went to the Boardwalk in time to eat at Spoodles at 5pm. I had a Vine salad and a 4-cheese flatbread, mocha crème brulee (yum!) and a cappuccino. Also had a glass of the Happiest Celebration Chardonnay bottled by Buena Vista which I really enjoyed. We always valet park at the Boardwalk but the DDE allows us to do this for free but of course we always tip. It means I can go to more places as it cuts down on Mums walking.
We took the bus to MK and took the train to do Hall of Presidents. We watched an amazing firework show it was the same at the 4th of July one Fantasy in the Sky. They went on forever and we could hardly see afterwards because of the smoke. Well worth going to see!
Monday 4th July
I had booked into Pop Century for today so we could use Disney transport and not worry about traffic. We had checked into Pop by 9.30am and even got into our room immediately we were not expecting that! We were given a great room in the 50s Tramp building very close to the food court. We had breakfast the pancake platter in the food court and then got the bus to MGM. We just did not want to deal with the crowds at MK and Epcot was too much walking. We did Tower of Terror in fact we did it 4 times that day! We went back to Pop and shared a flatbread and went for a swim. We went back to MGM and did Terror again and then had our Fantasmic dinner package meal at Hollywood and Vine. This meal was excellent huge selection at the buffet and great servers. We both loved the desserts. We left the restaurant absolutely stuffed and watched the Stars motorcade parade. Did the Great Movie Ride, rock n roller coaster and terror again! Sat waiting for the 4th July fireworks, which were good and then went to Fantasmic unfortunately because of the weather they had to cancel it but we had a ball waiting for it!
Got the bus back to Pop and bought some beer and chocolate this was the only time the DDE card was denied even though the letter didnt exclude 4th July (I had it to show!) and I had got the discount twice that day already. Trust me to get a manager it wasnt the money more the principle that annoyed me.
Tuesday 5th July
Somebody had flagged us down the other night to tell us we had a flat tyre. We phoned Alamo this morning and they told us they would phone us in the room (wish I had a US cell phone) when a repair truck arrived. Of course we had to be out of the room by 11am. Well to cut a very long story short, after two trips to the car care centre, we got a nice new car and with a full tank of petrol much nicer car to drive as well! Before heading back to the Timeshare we went to Subway for lunch. Went for a swim and chilled.
As we were still registered Disney guests we could get extra magic hours at Animal Kingdom not Mums favourite park so I thought it would be the ideal way to go. However it was still very hot and tonight was when all the FBI were there for a conference. Still managed to do the Safari. Lion King and Dinosaur though. We went to Pizzafari and had an apple pizza and soda first. We ended the evening at Jungle Jims and using the entertainment voucher had a French onion burger basically soup and a burger and a teriyaki one.
Me, Wendy 35 year old High School Biology Teacher
Mum, Doreen, 72 year old going through her second childhood!
Well this was our usual summer extravaganza! I save all year to spend a month in the US and usually spend some time in either WDW or Disneyland. For the past 5 years we have also done a DCL cruise. So with the Magic moving to the West Coast for the 50th celebrations we decided to do all 3! Well I decided to do all 3 mum just says yes I pay and she drives so it a perfect arrangement.
Ive split this report into the three parts but will link them at the end. Be warned they are long!
Well what can I say about this vacation. It was pretty full on Disney Walt Disney World (WDW), Disneyland (DL) and a Disney cruise (DCL)! However probably the highlights were all the wonderful people I met both old and new friends!
Wednesday 29th June
Finished school with prize giving the last few weeks had been hectic, first year activities week, cadet camp (which involved staying over night in a nuclear bunker AND not being allowed to sleep!) etc. I was supposed to go in the next morning but I got permission to fly off instead there were no pupils in so nobody had to cover for me. Prize giving finished at 4.30 and we were at the airport by 6pm after a very quick shower! Got the luggage checked in pity we had to pick it up in London as we had to stay overnight. There was a delay and we reached London by 10.30am but it took ages to get through the taxi queue, however it worked in our favour as we got a gem of a taxi driver who even carried our luggage into our hotel for us. The Sheraton Skyline was gorgeous such a pity we only spent 5 hours there! I got it through Priceline so it was still worth. Front desk booked our taxi for the morning and the concierge took our luggage to the room. This room was amazing 2 huge beds and a lovely desk bathroom was huge too! Quick drink and then time to collapse before our very early alarm call.
Thursday 30th June
Up at 4.30am. Our personal concierge took our luggage down to our awaiting minivan! Checked in by 6am and yet again had to wait for the check in desks to open no problem with the cases and they went all the way through. Fortunately we remembered to put on the Magical Express tags, as we wouldnt have had time in Washington to do it. Had a nice breakfast at Chez Gerard, bought some perfume and were boarded by 8am. Everything went perfectly until some stupid little light wouldnt go out we took off 3 hours later! Watched Robots waiting to take off. After take off we had breakfast and a free alcoholic drink for our understanding! Then I watched the Pacifier and Wedding Date. We arrived at 1.45pm. They had booked us on the 4.15pm flight to Orlando and as we saw our original flight had been delayed this would have meant we got there first! Well that didnt work as they rebooked us onto the original flight which was delayed 7 hours with no compensation.
Finally we arrived at 9.45pm. Magical express was Magical no line to check in and the bus had us to the hotel by 11pm. We bought the refillable mug, a Caesar salad, kids mac n cheese (I wanted the Mickey shaped plate!), orange juice and cheesecake I used the Disney Dining Experience (DDE) card and got 20% - this was the only place that ever wanted ID. We were in room 7329, the 80s and it took a while to find but when we got back after being to the food court all our luggage was there magical!
Friday 1st July Happy Canada Day.
Had Breakfast at the Pop food court Mini Mickey waffles, bacon and sausage and rainbow toast! We were at Epcot by 10am. Collected fast passes for Soarin then we did the Living Seas. Talking with Crush from Nemo was amazing. So interactive and we both enjoyed it. As usual we walked onto Figment with very little wait and emailed a few people. Then walked onto Honey I shrunk the audience. So glad we got the fast passes for Soarin as the standby queue was already 2 ½ hours long. It was exactly the same as in California but still good. We took a leisurely walk to Canada it was very humid today. Wished all the cast members Happy Canada Day. I had the beef tenderloin salad and mum had the chicken and maple muffin, I also had a Lablatt Blue I loved how the DDE card also gave us 20% off of alcohol. We walked passed the UK and then took a boat to MGM the bus stop back to Pop is much closer there and saves walking back through Future World. It started to rain but it was only light and there was no sign of a thunderstorm so we went swimming in the rain. Then a much needed nap.
Tonight was extra magic hours night at Magic Kingdom and what fun we had. We took the bus and arrived at 8.15pm. They took us backstage to Tomorrow land to avoid the crowds and saw some cool stuff. Did the Tomorrow land Transit Authority (TTA) and watched the crowds. Then had an ice cream and smoothies. We had a great view of Wishes fireworks and then went on to Small World. Also did Haunted Mansion and then started to get peckish so shared a burger at Peco Bills and get a great view of the Electric Parade. We also did Pirates before heading back to the hub and checking out the decorated castle. We then did Stitch, it was good but glad we didnt queue too long for it the smell was hilarious though! I did Space Mountain while Mum did TTA a few times great to have somebody to hold your bag! Then we did Buzz Lightyear and because there were no lines we got to stay on although when the young cast member loading people on spotted us he started to pretend to give us into trouble saying he never expected it of nice people like us!
Mums intention had been to go back to the hotel about 11pm but her it was 2am and we were both going strong. We bought a cinnamon bun and some sweets and caught the bus back at 2.10am. We were in bed finally by 3.15am!
Sat 2nd July
We checked out of Pop Century its great because you leave the luggage in the room and they take it to the front for you to pick up later. We went back to Epcot again looking for a friend of ours, Chelsea, who is doing the College Program. She works in Innoventions but we never did manage to catch her there! We did Living with the Land and then had coffee in the Seasons food court I love the new selection but getting drinks was a nightmare! We then got the boat over to Morocco and got the boat to the Boardwalk. I had signed up on the Gordon Biersch website and they sent me an email offering me a $20 passport for $10, which meant I got $20 of food for $10. Also days later I got an email for a free meal for my birthday. We shared chicken quesidillas and the pulled pork sandwich and I had a great beer. Our server was excellent. We then picked up the car at the Dolphin took a while but we eventually got it although I thought it was a bit old for a rental as it had 20000 miles on the clock. Back to Pop to pick up our luggage and then to our timeshare at Westgate Lakes. We were in a villa by 4.15pm. Went to Publix for shopping and had take out from Panera bread I love that place! a swim and an early night.
Sunday 3rd July
We had a much-needed lie in and lazed at the pool and the villa I even got a Sunday paper! We went to the Boardwalk in time to eat at Spoodles at 5pm. I had a Vine salad and a 4-cheese flatbread, mocha crème brulee (yum!) and a cappuccino. Also had a glass of the Happiest Celebration Chardonnay bottled by Buena Vista which I really enjoyed. We always valet park at the Boardwalk but the DDE allows us to do this for free but of course we always tip. It means I can go to more places as it cuts down on Mums walking.
We took the bus to MK and took the train to do Hall of Presidents. We watched an amazing firework show it was the same at the 4th of July one Fantasy in the Sky. They went on forever and we could hardly see afterwards because of the smoke. Well worth going to see!
Monday 4th July
I had booked into Pop Century for today so we could use Disney transport and not worry about traffic. We had checked into Pop by 9.30am and even got into our room immediately we were not expecting that! We were given a great room in the 50s Tramp building very close to the food court. We had breakfast the pancake platter in the food court and then got the bus to MGM. We just did not want to deal with the crowds at MK and Epcot was too much walking. We did Tower of Terror in fact we did it 4 times that day! We went back to Pop and shared a flatbread and went for a swim. We went back to MGM and did Terror again and then had our Fantasmic dinner package meal at Hollywood and Vine. This meal was excellent huge selection at the buffet and great servers. We both loved the desserts. We left the restaurant absolutely stuffed and watched the Stars motorcade parade. Did the Great Movie Ride, rock n roller coaster and terror again! Sat waiting for the 4th July fireworks, which were good and then went to Fantasmic unfortunately because of the weather they had to cancel it but we had a ball waiting for it!
Got the bus back to Pop and bought some beer and chocolate this was the only time the DDE card was denied even though the letter didnt exclude 4th July (I had it to show!) and I had got the discount twice that day already. Trust me to get a manager it wasnt the money more the principle that annoyed me.
Tuesday 5th July
Somebody had flagged us down the other night to tell us we had a flat tyre. We phoned Alamo this morning and they told us they would phone us in the room (wish I had a US cell phone) when a repair truck arrived. Of course we had to be out of the room by 11am. Well to cut a very long story short, after two trips to the car care centre, we got a nice new car and with a full tank of petrol much nicer car to drive as well! Before heading back to the Timeshare we went to Subway for lunch. Went for a swim and chilled.
As we were still registered Disney guests we could get extra magic hours at Animal Kingdom not Mums favourite park so I thought it would be the ideal way to go. However it was still very hot and tonight was when all the FBI were there for a conference. Still managed to do the Safari. Lion King and Dinosaur though. We went to Pizzafari and had an apple pizza and soda first. We ended the evening at Jungle Jims and using the entertainment voucher had a French onion burger basically soup and a burger and a teriyaki one.
