Category: Travel

After a late night and disturbed nights sleep (with me eventually getting up at 4.30am) we ended up having a slow morning. I wasn’t really too good (had a headache and some fibro pain) but we left about 10.30 to go to World of Disney (at Disney Springs) to do our last personal and Christmas shopping. We didn’t get many photos as (1) Athena had the camera and (2) we were too busy shopping.

We then headed to Bahama Breeze for lunch. Most of the YouTubers I watch who visit WDW rave about this place.

We opted to sit inside since the theming was so cute and we had an awesome, fun server…

who recommended the lettuce tacos to me and they were delicious.

Christy had mac n cheese, Athena had baked chicken with mashed sweet potatoes and Kevin had empanadas.

Everyone enjoyed their meals and lunch was declared a big success. Such a relief after the Sweet Tomatoes failure.

After lunch we went back home and everyone rested up. Kevin and Athena had a sleep, I tried to have a sleep and Christy just watched Netflix.

Then around 5.30pm we set off for the Magic Kingdom.

for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. The kids didn’t know as it was a surprise from Nan & Pop.

Unfortunately this ended up being quite the ordeal. When we got to the ticket and transport center the monorail wasn’t working so we had to catch the ferry, which obviously had a rather long line/wait. Then there was some emergency on the unloading ferry which meant everything came to a stop. Luckily we were able to sit leaning against a wall, as we were there close to an hour, then once we finally boarded the ferry had to wait to dock and get off.

By the time we got the ticket booths it was about 7.30pm and after the official start of the party. We had hoped to be here by 6pm. The good thing was that it was indeed a surprise for the kids, who were puzzled when their magic bands didn’t work.

I love the Magic Kingdom at any time, esp at Christmas but night-time at Christmas is in a league of it’s own. Hence the number of photos you are about to see.

First up we had to get a family photo in front of the tree.

We then headed down Main Street.

And went to ride on Pirates of the Caribbean. Just a 5min wait.

We then got hot cocoas and snowmen cookies – they were pretty and blue but you can’t see that cause it’s so dark.

We took full advantage of the photographers tonight and were able to get a few family photos.

Next we rode the Haunted Mansion. I always see new things on this ride that I don’t remember from before.

We then walked around to Pinnochios Village Haus for dinner.

I couldn’t work out why it was so empty until I realized it was almost 9pm. We got a great table overlooking the It’s a Small World ride boarding area. We had tomato soup – which had been recommended – and was delicious.

And shared a caprese flat bread.

Then it was time to grab a spot for the fireworks. We managed to get a spot with seats, only to realize when the fireworks started was that it wasn’t a good spot and most of the show was blocked by trees :-(. It was however a good position to see Tinkerbell fly.

Luckily Athena moved off and found us a better, and less crowded spot, to watch them.

Then we went to the Winnie The Pooh ride, which we had missed out on the other day. All the characters were there and it would have been great to meet them but it was a 30min wait.

Even the ride had about a 10min wait.

Cute ride but so very short.

We were heading over to Tommowland when we spotted Club Tinsel.

Thee went and danced with the polar bears.

Another candy cane was spotted…

which meant….

The people mover was up next. Kevin started this weird way of riding the escalator.

Always good to have a nice sit down as you ride around Tomorrowland.

We then headed back up Main Street to find a spot to watch the parade.

We found a good spot by the entrance, but it meant the parade didn’t reach us until about 11.30pm.

Smiled the whole way through it. Disney sure do know how to do parades.

With having lost that 90mins at the start of the evening and having to wait so long for the parade we didn’t get to do everything we had wanted/planned. So at 11.45pm (with the park closing at 12am) we raced back down Main Street and over to Peter Pan. This ended up being a mistake as Athena ended up being in a lot of pain (due to us not getting them a wheelchair for the line) and Christy was upset to have missed a show. Again, cute ride but very short.

We did manage to catch the second half the 12am show. I don’t think it was that good anyway (certainly not as good as the last one we saw). But it was a nice way to end the night.

Heading back up Main Street for the last time we were all rather sad.

We did visit a few shops and I bought a print (something I had wanted to get this trip).

And we finally left the park about 12.30am. By the time we caught the ferry back and then walked to our car and drove home, it was about 1.30am. Definitely the latest night I’d ever had a Disney. And surprisingly I wasn’t even too tired (yet).

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This morning we were up and headed to Hollywood Studios about 8.30am. By the time we arrived the park was already open so once we’d gone through bag check and ticketing we headed straight to Toy Story Mania.

It said a standby time of 20mins but I think we only waited just over 10 mins.

It’s a fun ride but I still don’t get the mad obsession with it.

Kevin was happy to get the highest score of 139,000. Athena got 115,300 ; Christy 91,000 and, not surprisingly, I was last with 80,800.

Next we walked though One’s Man’s Dream, which I always like.

Then we checked out some shops – Christy later bought this Todd with a very long tail.

Athena did some pin trading.

Then it was fast pass time for the Tower of Terror.

Some people, won’t name names but I’m sure you can guess, wanted a snack from this shop.

Which he took to eat while waiting to see the Beauty and the Beast musical. I ate a banana and yesterdays popcorn :-).

Athena bought a candy apple which they shared with Kevin (after he’d eaten his carrot cake cookie.

The show was wonderful, as it always is. And we were in the front row (perks of having a scooter) so had a great view.

We then used our fast pass for Rock n Roller coaster. Still the coolest ride if you ask me.

We headed around to the Voyage of the Little Mermaid and saw that Princess Sophia had a short line so Athena went to meet her and get a photo.

Voyage of the Little Mermaid is so clever. Love all the puppets.

By now we were ready for lunch. We found a table and Kevin went to order for us again. Athena and I had baked potatoes – which as you can see were huge. I don’t think I even got through a half of it.

Christy then headed off to do Tower of Terror and Rock n Roller coaster by herself. Athena went to meet Doc McStuffin and Kevin went to watch some Star Wars thing.

Then Athena and I went to watch the Disney Junior show (where Kevin joined us). Didn’t think I’d be back watching it again but Athena really wanted to see it.

Our only other goal today was to see the Frozen Singalong. On the way we saw the Storm Troopers marching by. We had seen them earlier and they must do this every hour or so. Loved the music they had playing.

We were lucky enough to get into the Frozen Singalong on stand-by.

Very cute show. We all really enjoyed it. Even if only some of us sang along :-).

We headed home about 4pm and it was nice to be able to put our feet up for a bit. Kevin and Athena had naps.

Around 6.30pm we headed to Disney Spring – with Kevin wearing his new lights (that he got after seeing his youtube girl-crush wearing one).

We ended up getting here later than planned and at the wrong end of Disney Springs, but were able to get a good view of the drone show. It was cute (and impressive that it is all drones) but not something you definitely must see.

We then got tickets to see Moana at the Dine In movie theatre.

We had a bit of time to kill so visited the Coke store to buy a present and Kevin posed for a photo (in a very strange position).

The theatre is VERY different to our Gold Class theatres in Australia. As you can see you have a table in front of you and a waiter who takes your order when you sit down. And a button you can press for service during the movie.

Christy had some fries, and a later a (huge) popcorn. Kevin and Athena had burgers and chips, and I got the quinoa burger which was delicious (and came with fruit I was too full to eat).

The movie was really good. Definitely well worth seeing. Athena and I (and maybe Christy) are planning to go again when it opens in Australia after Christmas. So cute. And the music is really awesome.

It was quite a late night and we didn’t get back until about 11pm.

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I was up around 4am today in pain (so just got up). Spent time working on blogs and vlogs and had breakfast before heading to EPCOT about 9.30. This meant we were behind the initial crowds so got through bag check and ticketing pretty quickly. On our way to the Seas area we spotted a line for Baymax and quickly got in it. I think we waited about 15mins for a photo with him (no signatures as obviously he can’t sign this those hands :-)).

He’s so cute. And our motorhome is named after him so he has extra meaning for us.

We then went to ride The Seas with Nemo & Friends…

Cute ride. I love the special effects on this. We then spent some time viewing the fish…

and the manatees (which I love so much)…

Kevin and Christy also did Turtle Talk with Crush but didn’t feel it was good as it used to be (and not as interactive).

Then it was over to The Land to get some lunch..

from the Sunshine Season fair…

I had the vegan korma which had been recommended (even by non-vegans) and it was REALLY good. Kevin & Athena weren’t as impressed with their lunches.

We then had fast passes for Soarin’ but still ended up waiting at least 15-20mins. We ALL loved this ride.

When we came out the weather had changed and it was raining pretty heavy. We waited undercover for a while and when it eased up, made for the next covered area.

Which was the Coke tasting area. We managed to trick the kids with the yucky one (though strangely Kevin said he quite liked it).

It was still sprinkling but Kevin wanted crepes from France so Athena and he set off to get some (and a top that Christy wanted) and Christy and I waited in a VERY cold building.

Athena was happy to be able to meet Aurora while in France.

With the weather not looking to improve we decided to head for home.

With a quick stop at Goodings on the way for a few grocery items.

I had a lovely bubble bath before dinner, which was another Amy’s meal for me, before a relatively early night since I had been up so early.

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Today Kevin and I celebrated our 24th Wedding Anniversary by doing something we’ve not done before. Taking an airboat tour of the Everglades with Spirit of the Swap tours.

It was so much fun and we all loved being out on the water. It was a gorgeous day and the scenery spectacular. Definitely a side of Orlando we haven’t seen before (and just 30mins from Disneyworld).

There was lots of wildlife including birds…

and cows (the swamps overlap cattle farms)…

and of course, lots of alligators…

This Mumma had two babies close by….

And lots of little babies at another spot (about 20 in total) …

We all loved the 2 hour tour. It was expensive but well worth it I think. After this we drove to the Florida Mall (unfortunately getting quite a bit of traffic on the way).

Our first destination was the Dining Pavillion for lunch. This had been remodelled since we were here 4 years ago and is really lovely now.

Luckily Charley’s Philly Steaks is still here…

And I was able to order the Veggie Sub like I’d had and loved last time and was really looking forward to. It was just as good as I remembered.

Then it was time to shop. Christy and Kevin went to the Apple Store while Athena and I went to Sephora.

Then it was the m&m store – where we didn’t buy anything!!

Then Macy’s where I bought an evening bag and checked out the Christmas decor.

We visited the Crayola store. Athena really wanted to do the Crayola experience but it took 1-1.5hrs and cost $20pp.

A sketchers store where we spent about 30mins trying to get some shoes for Athena – with no luck. Kevin managed to have a little lie down…

We visited Godiva and were very sad to find their drink machine wasn’t working, which meant no peppermint iced chocolates for me :-(.

We waved hello to Santa.

Bought a few things in the Disney store.

And stopped for a break at Starbucks, where I had a Green Tea Frappachio.

Athena and I then went to Torrid for the first time. It had been recommended to me and after looking online I thought it was a store that Thee would really like. They weren’t very impressed at first. Winter clothes are nowhere near as cute as summer clothes. But the more we looked around the more we found and they ended up getting two tops, a skirt, about 4 pair of leggings, some knee high socks and some rings.

A few more stores, including JC Penny where Athena got some Converse and I got another pair of sketchers (almost identical to my current pair but half the price).

We left about 6pm and drove back to the Crossroads. We really should have just gone to Taco Bell for dinner but being our anniversary we chose to go to Chevy’s again.

Kevin got the guacamole made at your table.

He also had an appetizer and I had veggie quesadillas. The reason I said we should have gotten Taco Bell is that it turns out none of us were that hungry. Luckily we were able to bring home the leftovers (which Athena and I ate for breakfast the next day).

Trying to get a cute anniversary photo but I’m giving Kevin “the look” because he was misbehaving :-).

Now that’s better.

I wonder what we’ll do to celebrate our 25th Wedding anniversary next year?

Back home Athena and I filmed our haul from the Florida Mall, even though it was after 9pm and we were so tired from our long, but very fun day.

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