Travel – Page 32 – Life is a Journey

Day 3 – Back to Disney Springs

Posted on November 29, 2016October 10, 2026 by Libby Withnall

Kevin & I had a bit of a sleep in this morning as we’d both been awake during the night. I didn’t get up until 8am (when Athena came to wake up because my medication alarm had gone off). Athena had already been awake since 4am. I woke Kevin up around 9am and Christy shortly after. We got ready, packed up and checked out before heading to the Crossroads to have breakfast at Sweet Tomatoes.

I heard many great things about this place but to be honest we were all very dissapointed. Not sure if it was just out timing – it was 10am and they were changing over from breakfast (so it seemed) or just because most of the food wasn’t labelled and we didn’t know what it was. Anyway, I ended up with a plate of potatoes, and got a second small plate of salad. Not sure if I’ll be able to convince everyone to give it a second try for either lunch or dinner.

Afterwards we headed back to Disney Springs.

We were in the Coke store when Athena realized they were already in a lot of pain and was really going to struggle so we went to get them a wheelchair. Unfortunately Athena’s anti-depressants aren’t really working at the moment so it’s been a real stuggle for them and they get rather anxious at times. I pushed the wheelchair, which was a real workout for me.

Though we weren’t here for the black Friday sales we did enjoy seeing the Stolling Piano which just roams around Disney Springs.

We visited quite a number of cute stores today, including Sugar Boo…

and Anthropologie (where I would have bought lots if it wasn’t for the price and getting it back to Australia :-)).

I simply adored this cushion, but not the $90 price tag.

We also visited the lego store, where we decided to swap out the wheelchair for a scooter.

Kevin went to do this and realized that riding a scooter isn’t nearly as fun as he thought it would be.

Both kids got some tattoos. CHristy got this cute Eeyore one and Athena got Hawkeye.

We also visited Basin, where I got some soap and bathbombs,

and a shop where Christy and Athena bought tiaras.

We explored some more of Disney Springs trying to find somewhere for lunch.

Before we decided to head back to the Crossroads, where we went to Moe’s Southwest Grill. The chips and salsa served free were delicious and we were impressed when we got more chips delivered.

I ordered the vegetarian fajitas and they delivered ALL this food. Needless to say I didn’t manage to eat it all but it was yummy.

While we were at lunch Kevin got online and organised a scooter rental for the two weeks, which the rental company delivered to our accomodation that evening.

Then it was time to head to the Wyndham Bonnet Creek, where we are staying for the next 14 nights. Unfortunately we weren’t able to get a lagoon/pool view room this time and instead overlook the carpark. Luckily from the 5th floor we tend to see more trees than cars.

The room itself is lovely – almost identical (but flipped) but seems to have been renovated since our last stay.

After our luggage arrived we unpacked and rested up a bit before heading out to Whole Foods.

We had dinner first (though I can’t find any photos) and sat in the dining area to eat, before getting a cart and exploring the store.

We ended up spending $400 which was for food and other purchases – like some beauty products. Such an amazing store. Hopefully one day we might get some in Australia.

When we arrived back the carpark we were most excited to spot two raccoons. No idea if they are pests of not but we thought they were so cute.

Back in our apartment I quickly unpacked before having a cup of tea and heading to bed.

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USA Day 2 – Shopping at Disney Springs

Posted on November 28, 2016October 11, 2026 by Libby Withnall

I was awake at 7am after a good 8 hours sleep, feeling a whole lot better and more refreshed. Athena had awoken just before me. Kevin got up around 8am and we woke Christy at 9am, when Kevin and Athena went in search of breakfast. I showered and dressed while they were gone. The returned with Starbucks and my longed for tea (I hadn’t had any since we left home). I also had a nice breakfast wrap with spinach and feta.

After breakfast we checked out of the Caribe Royal,

headed to Disney Springs, arriving around 11am.

It has changed so much since we were last here in 2012 and is absolutely gorgeous. I love the new parking garages. We parked in lime but came out the wrong way – onto the road – and got in trouble by one of the security guards (not major trouble just told to follow the signs to the walkway).

Our first shop was the World of Disney and we were there for a good hour – having fun checking out all the goodies. Athena was so excited and bought quite a bit of stuff. I was super impressed with the range of sizes (so much more in large sizes than 4 years ago). I just bought a stuffed Eeyore and Kevin bought some shortbread and a t-shirt. Christy left empty handed.
We had to quickly leave and pay when I realised it was fast approaching our reservation time at the Rainforest Cafe. And after an hour on our feet both Athena and myself were in need of a rest.

Luckily we were seated quite quickly but I’d forgotten how loud the restaurant is. Luckily Athena had their headphones to wear. We’re going to see if we can get some concert earplugs (I’d actually ordered some at home but they hadn’t arrived in time).

I had the usual China Island Chicken Salad without the chicken and it was just as amazing as I remembered.

The kids were able to able to order kids meals -which I thought was really great and not normally allowed in Australia.

We all really enjoyed our food – just as well since it cost us US$90. I don’t know how people afford to eat out all the time at WDW unless they are on a dining package – we only have two sit down meals planned. Of course, the bad Aussie dollar doesn’t help because converted lunch lost us about $120!!!
We then to visit more shops and got to buy our Magic bands for the parks, which we’ll use for park entry and fast passes.

After an hour I made sure we stopped to have a short rest before a few more shops.

By 3pm we decided we’d had enough and all wanted a drink.

So we headed to the Hanger Bar, which was a surprise for Kevin, as it was based on the bar in Indiana Jones (but he didn’t really remember it).

Oh well, we still enjoyed the theming, and Kevin enjoyed his drink…

and the prezels that he shared with me.

We then headed back to the hotel via CVS (which I’ve heard lots about but never visited). We picked up a few things, including my favourite Choc Mint Milanos. Kevin decided to dry out his US money that had gone through the washing.

Then it was time to head for a swim. The water was unbelieveably warm. We had a lovely time and had the pool all to ourselves.

Back in the room we ordered room service for dinner. I got a sweet potato soup…

and hummus sampler.

Once again it was a late dinner and we didn’t eat until after 8pm (at home dinner is normally around 6pm).

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USA Day 1 – Thanksgiving Day twice

Posted on November 27, 2016October 10, 2026 by Libby Withnall

After planning all year, the big day finally arrived and it was time to head to Orlando and WDW on 24th November – aka Thanksgiving Day (in the USA). I was awake about 5am (not unusual for me) and by 7am we were all dressed and packed ready for our pick up at 7.30am. We said our farewells to Mum & Dad, and the pups, and we were off. It was a little squishy in the car but we managed – excitement to be finally on our way probably helped.
Luckily we had no traffic on the way to the airport and arrived just before 9am. Checking in was a breeze. Even though we had an American Airlines flight number, since we were flying on a Qantas plane we were able to use Qantas Club check in and skip the longer line. We also scored because the lady checking us in was able to move our seats (back to what I had booked a few months ago – before Qantas kindly moved our family to all be seated together – which isn’t what we wanted). Kevin has to have a window if he has any hope of sleep and I was trying to have a bit of extra room for everyone because the plane wasn’t full. So once Kevin and Christy were moved it meant Athena and I had 2 spare seats between us. Christy was just across the aisle from me (good because she likes to chat) and Kevin was a few rows back at a window (and a spare seat beside him).
Unfortunately by the time we went through customs and security and a shop (Athena wanted to buy a gift for an American friend), found we couldn’t use Qantas Club (because of our American Airlines flight number – which I had thought might be the case), and tried to find somewhere to get something to eat, Athena was in a LOT of pain (and the noise of the airport was intolerable – but luckily they just put on their noise cancelling headphones and that helped). We did find somewhere to order breakfast and Athena and I went to sit down while Kevin waited for our order. I had a cheese, egg and tomato jaffle, which was rather yummy – not a combination I would normally order. We then got a few drinks/snacks for the plane and it was time to head onboard. Poor Athena though was in so much pain by now so it was good they not only had extra leg room (no seat in front) but 3 seats to lie across. As for myself, I was doing pretty well.

Travelling on a long haul flight, we discovered, is not the easiest for suffers of fibromyalgia.

We flew on the A380 so the plane flew pretty spacious and were served lunch shortly after takeoff.

I read for some time before watching a healthy food documentary. While we didn’t get dinner, we were served a panini for a snack before the lights were dimmed. Athena had managed to get some sleep but didn’t eat much (as their stomach was unsettled).

I was able to get a few hours sleep and awoke just before lights went back on for breakfast. Christy was asleep then but had trouble sleeping so didn’t get very much.
The hash browns and homemade baked beans were yummy, the eggs not so much. Surprisingly the 13 hour flight seemed to go rather quickly. We arrived at LAX just after 6am (local time) on Thanksgiving Day.

When I had booked our flights there was only 2 hours before our next flight to Orlando, which would have meant express customs/immigration but that flight had been cancelled and we now had 4 hours before our flight, which meant a much slower process. Again, this meant Athena ended up being in a lot of pain. This had been the part of the time I had been most worried about when my fibre pain was at it’s worst so I knew only too well what Athena was experiencing. In hindsight we should have requested a wheelchair. Which is what we ended up doing once we had cleared immigration (which took some time because only I got immediate approval from the self-serve terminals), collected our luggage, finally got through customs, dropped off our luggage (which was checked through to Orlando) and walked the thankfully short distance to the American Airlines terminal. Poor Athena could barely stay on their feet by this time so it was relief they could sit and be wheeled though security and all the way to the gate. Obviously with Athena only being diagnosed with fibre a few weeks ago, and this being the first big trip since my diagnosis, we still have a lot to learn about travelling with this stupid illness.

After resting up for a bit and Kevin changing the sims on our mobiles we went in search of more food. Even though we seem to get fed often on a plane the meals can be quite small (or you only eat a small amount) and you end up missing some meals (like we missed dinner but had breakfast in the middle of the night (Australian time).

I was SUPER excited to find a place selling all plant based meals but then it was hard to choose what I wanted. I ended up with a delicious wrap, which I ate half of, then half later on the plane.

Everyone else had something from Dunkin’ Donuts. We then had about a half hour wait till boarding time. This flight was full so no spare seats and I was in LOT of pain by now but was thankfully able to sleep for much of the flight. As was Athena and Christy. Kevin got a little more.

Then finally it was time to arrive in Orlando.

Much easier here as we just had to catch the monorail and pick up our luggage and hire car. Unfortunately here we ran into problems as even though I had booked months ago, there was trouble finding a car (people mover) for us. We waited at the desk for some time before getting our paperwork and heading over to the parking garage. Instead of a 10min wait for the car, it ended up being a 60min wait (not fun after travelling for over 27 hours). There were no seat but two wheel chairs which Athena, and later I, took advantage of, while Christy sat on the ground. We were all hungry and very tired and just wanted to be on our way.

Finally the car turned up and we headed off. Being that it was now 8pm we decided to just head towards our accomodation and find dinner on the way. We found an IHOP, which I thought would be quick, but being Thanksgiving turned out not to be the case and we didn’t end up eating until 9pm.

Thankfully though (no pun intended) we all really enjoyed our food.

Then it was just a short drive to our accomodation for the next two night – the Caribe Royal Villas.

The kids still thought we were staying in a hotel room with just two beds. The foyer was breathtaking, with a lovely gingerbread display. Luckily check in didn’t take too long (though longer than we would have liked) and finally we could surprise the kids with this room. They were thrilled to have their own beds and all the space. As were Kevin and myself – our bed/bathroom is massive.

The place is very similar to where we’ll be staying the rest of time at WDW so it feels rather like “home”.

Finally around 11pm we were all showed and off to bed. Ah, not so quick, as Christy had fallen asleep in the bath and Athena was unable to wake her, so I had to shout her name and rattle the door till the she woke. Then it was time for me to finish off my book and go to sleep.

Be sure to watch to watch the vlog for more

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Long weekend in Canberra

Posted on November 3, 2016October 11, 2026 by Libby Withnall

For the long weekend in October we decided to avoid the coast and head back to Canberra in the motorhome. We’ve missed using if over the winter and we excited to be away again.

Of course, we always have to stop at Oliver’s on the way.

And admire the view of Lake George – which actually had some water it for a change.

Christy stayed at home but Athena drove their car down to join us for one night (and try out the motorhome for the first time). We first went to the War Memorial, where we had lunch in motorhome. Unfortunately I wasn’t feeling very well at all and Athena was having problems with her phone, so we decided I’d have a rest (and hopefully recover) while they went to the Apple store to get Athena’s phone replaced.

I took an anti-nausea tablet and had a little sleep up on the top bed where Christy normally sleeps, and I felt a whole lot better.

View from the top bed.

By the time Kevin and Athena returned we decided not to bother with the museum (we’d try again later) and headed to the caravan park (the same one, and even the same site, we’d had in April).

It was a rather cold and drizzly afternoon so we stayed indoors, watching some of the local kangaroos and reading/playing on laptops.

The next morning the kangaroos returned and were right outside our bedroom window.

Thankfully the day was much brighter and much warmer.

We drove both Athena’s car and the motorhome down to the lake where you can feed the swans and left the motorhome to drive to the markets (not realizing they were close enough we could have walked).

Kevin got his usual honey lemon ginger drink and we wandered around the stores, making quite a few food purchases, including the bagels we always buy here.

Then it was back to the motorhome where we said farewell to Athena who was headed back home.

Before leaving I took some photos. There was only two swans today and two pelicans.

Canberra in Spring means Floriade (which we didn’t attend) and plenty of Spring blossoms.

Our next stop was the National Aboretum. It was our first visit here and we were most impressed. We took a short guided tour and then set off to explore more on our own.

Though the forests are very immature at the moment (only a few years old) the place will be stunning in 20-30 years when the trees are fully grown.

We drove up to Dairy Farmers Hill where this awesome sculpture looks out over the landscape. It’s made up of things that were found on local farms.

From here you can see over quite a few of the different forests.

We then headed over to the Wide Brown Land sculpture, which I just loved. If you look closely you can see Kevin, which will give you some idea of the size.

Looking towards Canberra city center.

We then drove the to War Memorial, where we had lunch in the motorhome before going inside. It was VERY busy (being the long weekend) so we walked around for a bit, but neither of us were interested in competing with the crowds to read the boards, so we didn’t stay long. Luckily it’s free (donation requested) and we’ll be back in Canberra before too long, so we can visit again.

We then headed back to the caravan park where I spent some time sitting outside in the sun. I didn’t realize the sun was so strong and actually got a little sunburnt :-(.

The next morning we set off for home, stopping at Goulburn to buy some pies for lunch, and spent the rest of the day hanging out with our kids and pups.

As always you can watch the vlog to see more of our trip.

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