Life is a Journey

This morning was a leisurely one, starting at 6.30am with some computer time and breakfast (oatmeal) made by Kevin. Shortly before 10am we were informed that housekeeping was coming at 10am to clean our room so we quickly got ready for a swim, tidied up and headed to the pool.

We spent a relaxing hour floating around the lazy river and then in the hot tub. Upon our return to the room we discovered we were locked out (we assume there was a mix up because so many people check out on Saturdays). Anyway, eventually they sent someone to let us in. The worst part the room had still not been cleaned :-(. We quickly got dressed and organised and head to the Hollywood Studios.

We arrived just on 12.3opm to find the park rather crowded. And amazingly in time for our first planned attraction for the day – the Beauty and Beast Musical. Here I discovered I hadn’t packed my phone today so all plans went out the window :-).

This is a lovely musical production which we all enjoyed. Amy had planned to go ride Rock n roller coaster while we saw it but the ride broke down so she joined us afterall.

We were all getting hungry so Kevin and I shared a veggie burger from Rosie’s Diner. This was delicious.

Then it was time to check out the Legend of Captain Jack Sparrow which only opened about 2 weeks ago.

It was showing a 30min wait but was only a 5-10min wait, which was okay. It wouldn’t have been worth a 30min wait. At the end I said to Kevin that I thought it was pretty good and he said “Is that all there is?” most surprised there wasn’t more.

When we walked out we saw that Voyage of the Little Mermaid was going in so we quickly headed in for the next show. We had about a 10-15min wait again. This is a cute show with puppetry and real people.

We then went to use our fast passes for rock n roller coaster. Fun as always.

We then headed back across the park to do the Studio backlot tour. But boy have things changed. I remember this being pretty good but now it is just pretty crap. We were all rather disappointed in this and would much have done something else with our time – like the stunt show which we saw bits of while on the tour (and it was the last stunt show of the day).

The girls really wanted to go and do some more tower of terror and rock n roller coaster so we found a table and put our feet for a bit while they went of to stand in lines and do some more riding.

By the time they arrived back the sun had set (it goes down pretty fast over here) and the Osbourne Christmas lights had been turned on. We had planned time to go and see them but this was not what it had been the last time we saw them (which was 12 years admitedly) so we were disappointed once more. And just looked at and photographed them as we walked past. There used to be a street with houses all decorated (probably also part of the backlot tour I’m thinking).

The girls were both keen to meet Phineas and Ferb, so we made sure to do that before they finsihed for the day.

Time for some dinner at the Pizza Planet.

Kevin went to order and came back with a loaded tray, including the salad he tried not to get (as we knew we wouldn’t eat it). The vegetarian pizza was very yummy but a little too big (as the base was so thick).

We had planned to stay and watch Fantasmic but with the crowds we decided to do a bit of shopping and just head home to beat the rush. I’m very pleased we did as I think it would have been a nightmare at closing.

Don’t you just love this window? The legs were doing kicks. Too cute.

We ended up getting home just on 8pm so I was able to get the photos uploaded and my blog written. Christy called Mia (and was very excited to tell her all about the trip so far). We were all in bed by 10pm.

After a very good nights sleep (and a green smoothie thanks to the blender in our apartment) we were off to the Animal Kingdom. Once again we were parked within walking distance of the entrance BUT when we arrived Kevin realized he had left our tickets at home. He was going to go back but would totally have mucked up our plans for the park so we thought we’d just by day tickets. However, it turns out they could just reissue us with new tickets. Thanks to Kevin who had photos of the tickets on his phone. YAY!!!!

Once inside we headed straight for Expedition Everest. It was only being built the last time we were here (in 2004) so we were very excited to ride it.

We walked right on with no wait and it was awesome. So much so we rode again straight away.

It was another gorgeous day. Love this photo. Shame I was in a hurry as I snapped it as I didn’t get the full reflection.

Next up was the Kali River Rapid where you will get wet, you may get soaked.

Get wet we did, but the girls rode again and got wetter.

 

 

 

Christy went on to ride another 2 times (staying on the ride the whole time) and did indeed get soaked. This photo is after 2 rides. Luckily the day was pretty warm (with a top of 26) so we all dried off pretty quickly).

From here we did the Maharajah Jungle Trek – where we saw bats, birds and tigers (no Komodo dragon as it was still too cold for him).

So sad this was not open yet :-(.

We got fastpasses for the Safari and did the Pangani Forest Trail – where we saw gorillas, birds, fish….

and a sleeping hippo…..so cute… It doesn’t look very dangerous to me :-).

Then it was time for Kilimanjaro Safari – which is basically a drive through zoo.

Even though it was midday by now we still saw quite a few animals – though a number were snoozing…. like these hippos….

This giraffe was right beside the vehicle checking us out.

Back in Africa (the theming of this whole park is just amazing) we watched the Tim Tam Drummers of Harambe.

Time for a bit of shopping and a snack.

We had a bit of time before our lunch reservation so went to see It’s tough to be a bug.

Then it was time for lunch in the Rainforest Cafe.

I haven’t eaten here since I became a vegetarian but I always loved the China Island Chicken Salad so I just ordered it without the chicken. Oh, my, this was SO amazing. Even better than I remembered and definitely did not need the chicken. It was HUGE though so I only got through half and bought the rest home (too good to waste).

In the shop Amy bought herself this hat/scarf/glove thing :-).

A quick pic of the tree as we left the park.

And, since it was there and waiting, we hopped on the tram for the short ride back to our car.

We went back to our room and had a relax. Kevin had a snooze, Christy went for a swim (of course), Amy hung out in her room doing teenage girl stuff, and I played on my laptop.

At 4.30pm, feeling all refresh, we headed out to the Premium Outlet Mall on International Drive. It was about a 20min to drive, but we chose this one because it had all of the shops we wanted to visit.

Christy had lots of fun posing with this guys.

Kevin got to check out a few electronic stores and North Face (where he got a jacket). And the girls and I got to check out LOTS of shops. He certainly gets Dad/Hubby of the year award for his patience tonight.

Amy and I were very excited to visit stores like Forever 21 and Lane Byrant for the first time, and Christy had her first visit to Justice. It was thanks to YouTube I knew about these shops :-).

 

Kevin was very pleased to find a Starbucks but said his coffee wasn’t the best.

Around 8pm we got dinner from Subway. I had the most delicious veggie patty on flat bread. So different to what I get in Australia.

There was then more shopping. Our final shop of the night (around 9.30pm) was Bath & Body Works – which I was so excited about.

Oh, my, so many goodies. I’ll be filming a haul video to so you what we got. I think I need to go back as it was kinda overwhelming and we were very tired… so I didn’t buy very much. Or at least not enough :-).

I was still pretty happy though.

Time to head home. We were too exhausted to visit Victoria’s Secret or J. Crew (will have to check them out when we go to the Florida Mall on Wednesday). We grabbed a big, no make that huge, drink of Sprite, on the way out.

Not to worry between the girls and I it was gone by the time we got back home. Shopping is VERY thirsty work indeed. We got home around 10pm (after refuelling the car and marvelling the cheap price of petrol (gas)). We all went straight to bed, though I went with a cup of tea and some ginger cookies :-). Fast sleep by 10.30pm.

————————————————

I had a request to share some photos of the smash book I am working on. Since I already have a diary in the form of this blog and I will be doing a photobook of our photos, this is a place to put all the bits and pieces we collect. The girls are doing them too. Christy, in particular, is loving working on hers. I bought away all the stuff we needed including lots of Disney themed stickers.

After a solid 8.5 hours sleep it was on with another day of touring the parks. Today we headed to EPCOT. We’ve been having great weather (with the exception of yesterday afternoon) – around 23/24 deg (celsius), blue skies, a slight breeze, perfect for lots of walking. Today was no exception.

We had some photos taken on arrival (which was before opening again) and headed towards the iconic Spaceship Earth for a ride through information history.

Then it was on to the Living Seas (though Kevin was kind enough to go get some fastpasses for Soarin’). This was a very ride starring all the gang from Nemo.

We then saw Turtle Talk with Crush, which we all loved. It is so clever and well done.

From here we headed to the Land Pavillion and watched the Circle of Life, before waiting for our Fastpass time for Soarin’. We all love Soarin’. Such a unique ride. Christy wanted to go again but with wait times of 60mins it was not going to happen.

Instead we headed to the UK Pavilion & wandered through the shops. Amy and I got a Celtic Mickey necklace I had seen online. We also picked up some tea.

Looks like we’re in the UK… except the ears kinda give it away.

Time for lunch at the Rose & Crown. We’ve eaten here for lunch every trip so it’s a must-do for us.

I requested a table outside, which we got, and though it was a touch cool in the shade, it was worth it to sit outside by the water.

Kevin ordered himself a special drink, which came in a keepsake glass.

I was a little disappointed in my meal, which was vegetable pie. To me this was spinach quiche, and while it was lovely, it was not pie, AND I’d had the very same thing for breakfast! The sides of mashed potato and cauliflower gratin were amazing. And overall it was a very successful meal.

After lunch we split up. Christy and I went to see my very favourite celtic rock band – Off Kilter (just same as always, except all the guys are that much older) and Kevin & Amy went for a quick stroll to Germany (enjoying some crepes from France along the way).

We met back up and listened to how Canadian celebrate Christmas.

We then scored big time with the characters.

Belle….

Merida… who Kevin has a crush on…. guess I’m no longer the only redhead in his life :-).

Some fairy from Tinkerbell… my girls are too old for this….

And Mulan and Shay (who we had already met earlier in the day). Christy was keen to tell them she’d been watching Mulan 2 last night.

Kevin enjoyed yet another frozen banana & we went for one last ride on Spaceship Earth. We love the film with your heads at the end. So fun. We’re not sure why Christy has a bite out of her head!

We then headed home for a break. Kevin had a nap, I wrote up part of this blog post, Amy read and had a bath and Christy went for a swim.

We had thought to go to the outlet malls but I was sore and didn’t think we really had enough time. Instead we had some microwaved Amy’s meals, watched some TV including Glee (as it actually aired) and worked on Smash books.

 

Today it was back to the Magic Kingdom but this time we caught the monorail instead of the boat and managed to arrive in time for the opening.

We had a quick stop on Main Street for a photo.

Then it was on to our first ride of the day… the Haunted Mansion, which is always fun.

Next up was Aladin’s Magic Carpet.

Then the Jungle Cruise. Amy really enjoyed the corny jokes.

Time for some action on Big Thunder Mountain, and our first wait for the day… of about 5mins.

As you can see Chrsity really enjoyed this one.

Then it was a chance to cool down on Splash Mountain… though we only seemed to get wet bums.

By now the crowds were starting to build but we were following my plan (from Touring Plans) so were not having to wait much at all. It was on to Pirates – one of very favs.

 

Next was the Tiki Room. One of those attractions you just have to visit and remember how much the girls loved it when they were younger.

After this we had a short wait to see the “How to be a Pirate” Tutorial with Captian Jack Sparrow. This guy was great and sounded just like the real thing.

I saw this sign by some bushes (I assume this is a toilet area). We’ve been amazed at how many service dogs (both big and small) we’ve seen in the parks.

All aboard for a trip around the park to Fantasyland.

and a visit to Beast’s Castle.

where we had lunch at the Be Our Guest restaurant.

The theming of this place is incredible. There was about a 30min wait to get in (you can only book for dinner and I had been unable to get a reservation as it only opened a few weeks ago), but it was well worth it.

Once you order (online) you find a table in one of the three rooms (below is the amazing ballroom) and your meal is bought to you.

We did feel there was something strange about the place, not sure if it’s just the number of tables or the fact that it’s not a traditional sit down meal (which it is at dinner). I really can’t put my finger on it but though the rooms were amazing, it was missing  a certain something. I ordered the Quinoa Salad for lunch, which was rather yummy. Kevin had the braised pork which he said was delicious.

For desert (the main meals are not very big) we shared two cupcakes. So cute to look at and rather delicious to eat.

The girls were a bit irritable at lunch and I was feeling a bit sore (with my arthritis – which was bothering me for the first time this trip) so we decided to do It’s a Small World together and then let the girls go off and do some more rides while we had a rest.

I enjoyed a lovely cup of tea as it had turned rather chilly. Then we had a wander through some shops, where I spotted the Dapper Dans performing on Main Street.

I then joined Kevin and Goofy and waited for the girls to meet us.

We left about 4.30pm, catching the monorail back to the carpark. I needed to get some more milk so after another visit to the supermarket (where, not surprising, we bought a lot more than milk), we got some take away from Taco Bell (the girls insisted) and we headed home.

After dinner everyone relaxed (Christy and I worked on our Smash books & I blogged) before heading to bed.