We're home ***Updated with photos and V&As review***

[UKDEB]

Actually, we arrived home around lunchtime on Tuesday. The jet-lag has subsided and it's back to work today.

Incredibly, we spent very little time in the parks - I can hardly believe it of us! We had certainly planned to - it was all down there in black and white on the itinerary - but we somehow didn't feel the usual pull. We didn't get to MK at all! Knowing that we'll be back in July probably had a lot to do with it.

At long last we <i>did</i> get around to visiting Winter Park. We've been threatening to do so for at least the last 3 trips! The boat tour was a real treat - 50 minutes of total relaxation on a beautifully warm, sunny afternoon and very informative too. I'm usually pretty good at counting my blessings and being thankful for my lot in life, but, if you do this, be prepared for some major pangs of jealousy - those lakeside estates are something else!

As usual, eating and drinking featured heavily. Victoria and Albert's way exceeded our expectations. Tchoup Chop was disappointing (this was our favourite place in May, go figure).

The outstanding highlight of the trip has to be the Ritz Carlton. We loved every minute. It's a very central place to be, but I'm not sure I'd go there with young children. We also spent some time checking out the JW Marriott which, although cheaper, is equally impressive and more kid-friendly. Every space within both resorts is stunning. We ate at Norman's and the Vineyard Grill (at RC), Primo (at JWM) and Fairways (RC Golf Club). There are 3 pools - one at RC, one at the RC Spa and one at JWM (which has a lazy river and is probably the most attractive of the three). The resorts are linked by acres of gratuitous opulent, open space! I'll try to post some photos later. I'd love to stay there again in July (I'd be happy at either), but the kids want to stay at the Hard Rock Hotel or somewhere on Disney - they love the freedom.

My brother is a keen golfer and we played twice - once at the Ritz Carlton and once at Disney's Eagle Pines (he wanted to play Osprey Ridge, but we couldn't get a tee-time), plus he played at one other, the name of which escapes me. He and Matt played, whilst s-i-l and I drove the buggies - great fun in beautiful surroundings. Amongst other wildlife, we saw an osprey, a deer (fleetingly) and several armadillos (how cute are they?) We also visited Edwin Watts on Turkey Lake Road about a k-zillion times I want to take up golf just to buy all the stuff!

Roll on July...

 

[Mrs Dazzle]

Hi Deb Hi Matt. Sounds like you all had a great trip. Welcome to cold, wet and windy England , memories are a wonderful thing

 

[squitty]

Welcome Home both of you.

Sounds like you had a fab time

 

[KayleeUK]

Welcome Back sounds like you had fun. DH is jealous of the golf Glad you enjoyed V & A - it is lovely isn't it

 

[Claire L]

Sounds like you had a wonderful time and not too long until you go again, lucky you!
Claire

 

[Astrid]

Welcome home you two, sounds like you had a lovely holiday and tried out some great places to eat - it's odd isn't it how one meal at a restaurant can be absolutely fantastic and the next time you go there can be just average!! As you say, 'go figure'!!

Least you don't have to wait long to go again.

Astrid

 

[Fantasia Sam]

Welcome home guys

It sounds as if you had a truly idyllic and relaxing holiday. I'm so glad you loved V&A and I would love to hear more about it when you get time.

The resorts sounded wonderful.

 

[UKANGEL]

welcome home!
Glad you had a good time...I'd love to hear more of V & A's too!

 

[kazzie]

Welcome home

The trip sounds lovely as always.

Wot no theme parks I know how that feels,we are doing less and less theme parks every time we go.

 

[Edayy]

welcome home Deb glad to hear that you all had such a wonderful holiday!!!!!!!! I too would love to hear more about V&A.

Any chance of a trip report?

Eda

 

[WDWfan uk]

Welcome home !!

It's good to hear the boat trip in Winter Park is going strong! When we visited last, because of drought they could not offer the full tour through the narrow cuts to the other lakes and could only offer a trip around the lake, consequently they had hardly any customers.

At the time the 'cuts' were being dredged so that if the water level was low, boats could still use them - sounds like it was successful !

Thank you for the min-report Debbie

 

[BONZO]

Hi folks!


Welcome back - nice to hear about the trip.

We are hoping to pay Winter Park a visit over Easter this year and hopefully this will make people a lot keener on the idea.

 

[UKDEB]

As promised, here are some photos:

<b>The Ritz Carlton</b>

<b>J W Marriott</b>

<b>Winter Park Estates!</b>

<b>Armadillo (awwh!)</b>

*************************

I was really looking forward to V&As, but my expectations weren't astronomical which I think always helps. Despite what I've read about it, I was still expecting it to be a tad "Disney", but it wasn't at all.

For those who don't know, there are two sittings each evening - the first staggered for arrivals at 6pm, 6.15pm and 6.30pm, and the second for 9pm, 9.15pm and 9.30pm (at least I'm fairly sure those are the times). I had decided that the earlier sitting was just <i>too</i> early in the evening, but if we go again I will opt for that (we were getting a bit weary towards the end). I booked for 9pm, but when I called to confirm they told me 9.15pm.

As it was the day of my brother's 40th birthday we had consumed a bottle of champagne before leaving the villa. The taxi-driver picked us up at around 8.25pm and we arrived at the podium shortly before 9pm. Our table wasn't ready, so we went for cocktails in Mizners. Now, as you probably know, they don't dish out meagre measures in the US, so two of those later and we were all "happy" by the time we returned to V&As (not rowdy, you understand, just happy!).

The dining room was much smaller than I'd expected - perfectly intimate and with the most spectacular flower display in the centre (which the men didn't notice until it was pointed out to them after we'd been there about two hours ).

We decided to go for the wine pairings which was a master-stroke. It always takes the four of us far too long to choose - we get into protracted discussions and keep veering off topic. We'd also done the wine pairing at Norman's a few nights earlier and it was a real lesson for us. Let the sommelier choose - that's what he's good at!

Our personalised menus arrived. They're beautifully presented and include each diner's name and the date (plus "Happy Birthday" in my brother's case). There are 7 courses, plus coffee:

Amuse Bouche (a little surprise from the chef - this is the only course you don't choose) accompanied by Iron Horse Fairy Tale Cuvee;

Cold starter;

Hot starter;

Soup course;

Entree;

Cheese or sorbet;

Dessert.

Everything was perfect. The Foie Gras (which I had as my hot starter) was to die for. You know you've had a good meal when you taste something you know you will remember forever (don't laugh - I <i>do</i> live to eat!)

 

[AlisonB]

Sounds wonderful Deb!

I'll bear that in mind for my 40th - many years ahead yet you understand!

 

[Fantasia Sam]

Thank you Deb that was great to hear and I love the piccies

 

[Beth__WDW23/6/02]

Welcome Home.
Sounds like you had a fabulous time.
The pictures are stunning
Thanx for sharing

Full steam ahead to july I bet?!

 

[Kevin Stringer]

Well, I suppose they are reasonable enough places if you can't afford a decent resort. Alright if you have to rough it for a couple of days.

Me, jealous? No, no, no.

And V & A's? If they don't do mac and cheese, well, what sort of American restaurant is that?
Mind you, perhaps they do if you ask. I wonder what the wine pairing is with that! I nice little Liebfraumilch (sp?), freshly warmed?

Take me with you next time Deb? Pretty please!

Kev

 

[BONZO]

I'll bear that in mind for my 40th - many years ahead yet you understand!

Yeah! - Right!

Look out!