usa – Page 5 – Life is a Journey

Day 15 – Our first day at EPCOT

Posted on December 10, 2022February 2, 2023 by Libby Withnall

I woke up about 5am and we so happy to be able to make a cup of tea. I boiled the water in the bathroom to not be too noisy for Christy and luckily she is a deep sleeper so I didn’t disturb her. I worked on blog posts until 7.30am and then headed for my shower and to get ready for the day. I enjoyed a toasted bagel for breakfast for sitting on our balcony.

Then before 9am we walked over to the Skyliner for our first trip on it over to EPCOT. Such a fun and relaxing way to get to the park. Much better than the walk we had at Universal. The only takes about 5mins and you arrive right at the back entrance to EPCOT – which does seem a little strange when we are so used to arriving at the front.

The plan was, in fact, to head towards the front part of the park, do some things there and then work our way back to the back entrance/exit. So we did have a bit of a walk when we first got into the park and made our way to The Land Pavillion.

Our first ride was Soarin’ Around the World, with a 20min wait. This is always an enjoyable ride. When we got off the wait was 40mins.

Next was Living With the Land – which we hadn’t done for about 8 years. We did have a DAS booking but the wait was short so, though we used it, we didn’t really need it. We all really enjoyed this boat ride through all their gardens – all of the food grown is used in the restaurants. I wouldn’t mind doing this again as it was hard to take everything in.

Kevin wanted to get a snack from the Sunshine Season Food Court and though he didn’t end up getting anything, Christy got a M&M cookie – which Kevin ended up eating most of !!

We had a little rest and were then on our way over to ride Finding Nemo. We had only got the DAS pass for this while we were sitting having a snack and we were glad we did when the wait was 35mins by the time we got there. Another cute ride.

We then spent some time checking out all the fish in this aquarium type area.

And, of course, my favs. the manatees (which have been injured and are being treated here).

We then went for a wander around Spaceship Earth and to see the new entrance area to the park.

There were a few photopass photographers around so we were able to get some photos.

We then had a little sit down rest in the shade before watching The Jammitors – which was good little show (though hot standing in the sun – the top temp today was 28C). Though it was only 12pm we decided to place our order for lunch at 1.20pm so it would be ready to pick up later.

After that we went to Club Cool to sample some softdrinks from around the world. Some were really good and some not so good. Not sure how but Kevin actually got me to try the Beverly (don’t think I ever have before since I knew most people thought it was awful). And yep, it was awful, though Kevin is one of those weird people who like it. My fav was the tropical tasting Country Club from the Dominican Republic.

We were very excited to check out the new Creations store but were sadly dissapointed. The store it replaced was one of my favs but I don’t think there much here that we won’t find at World of Disney and other stores around the parks. But it was quite busy while we were there so maybe that’s why I didn’t like it.

Since we were so quick in the store we still had time to wait for lunch. It worked out well though because it meant we got to have decent break. We found a table in the Connection/Starbucks cafe buidling – which is huge. They even have some nice little couches with foot stool here – which would be the perfect location if you had a long wait for people.

After a while Kevin spotted a free booth so we moved to there but I’m not sure it was any more comfortable and part of it was in the sun. Finally (about 20mins after we said we were ready for our lunch order) Kevin was able to pick our lunch. Only to discover problems with getting our drinks. Kevin dropped off our lunch and went back to get the drink. But mine was unavailable for now and we were told to come back. I would have rather just gotten my money back but that didn’t seem to be an option. Kevin wasn’t impressed at how unorganised they seemed to be in the mobile order section of the cafe.

Thankfully my vegan curry pizza was absolutely delicious and I was given 2 HUGE pieces (one so big I had to cut it in two). Kevin said his kids burger was okay (but cold and dry by the time he got to eat it) and Christy enjoyed her fries. Kevin was enjoying his (alcoholic special drink) but started to feel unwell and get the sweats (which he can get usually when eating super sweet foods) so he decided not to drink anymore in case it was from the drink.

We waited a bit for Kevin to feel better and finally headed to Guest Services to try and work out the Memory Maker photo pass that I had prepurchased. Funnily enough I think we were almost there with it but it just been a bit too confusing. Anyway, we quickly got it sorted and can download our photos.

It was then time for our DAS pass to ride Spaceship Earth. It wasn’t needed at this time though (2.30pm) as the lines had died down to a 5min wait. As always we enjoyed this ride and planning for our future at the end. Christy, who was seated behind us, said our videos of the future were almost identical.

We now started our walk back towards World Showcase, stopping to check out a few shops – mainly in search of magic bands but none of could find any we were in love with.

We stopped at the Canadian pavilion and shop for a look around. If you want a really quiet spot to hang out towards the back here is perfect.

There was a store across from here selling Twinnings Christmas tea so Kevin bought us 4 boxes since it’s one of our favs and yet we have none with us.

Next up with the UK pavilion. Lots of lovely things here and it was nice to here some British accents and a Hi-ya as we entered the store. I just love it in here. I really need to visit the UK again soon – it’s been way too long. I ended buying a nice double ended Alice in Wonderland oven mit saying “It’s always tea time”. Pretty perfect for me don’t you think?

World showcase we getting pretty crowded now as people were coming in to eat and drink at the Festival of the Holidays booths. We had managed to get a DAS pass for Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure so we headed past our exit to the French Pavilion. They have done a wonderful job with this area and it is just stunning. And the closest we’ll get to France for some time yet.

The wait time for Remy’s was ???. I am so appreciated to have the DAS pass and it’s already proved so worthwhile for us. No way could I have waited in such long, noisy lines – which would mean I’d have to miss an awful lot of rides. The ride was pretty cute – though I think we’d already seen much of it in youtube videos. Christy wasn’t impressed and said once was enough but I’d like to do it again to pick up more – I do find it hard wearing 3D glasses on top of normal glasses – I’m pretty sure I don’t get the best viewing of rides like this. Cute as it was there is no way I’d want to wait too long for this ride as it is one of the short ones.

Since we were in France Kevin had to get a crepe. In fact, he had been talking about them all day. Christy and I found a nice bench to sit on while Kevin ordered and then ate his crepe. He was pretty disappointed in it though and was really just wanting a nice lemon and sugar like he used to be able to get from the old crepe stand.

Finally it was time to end our day at the park, after taking some more photos, and catch the skyliner back to the Riviera Resort. I cannot say enough how wonderful this was. We are so pleased the the Riviera is one of our home resorts.

More photos, this time of the absolutely stunning murals, and we were back in our room with our feet up and a cup of Christmas Tea to enjoy.

I worked on this blog post for a while before enjoying a nice bath (the bath here is incredible), having dinner (another frozen dinner since Kevin just wanted to have some fruit) and watching a couple of YouTube videos with Kevin (he’s been really missing this). By 9pm I was crashing and went right to sleep without even reading one word !!

Day 14 – Checking into the Riviera Resort

Posted on December 9, 2022February 2, 2023 by Libby Withnall

We were all very appreciative of a sleep in this morning. Even though I woke up around 7am, I was in quite a bit of fibro pain, so was so glad I didn’t have to rush out of bed. Instead I tried editing a vlog – though I kept falling asleep. I would then have trouble falling asleep if I laid down – though I must have at one point cause Kevin said I was snoring.

About 9.30am I eventually headed for my shower so I could get dressed and start packing. I woke everyone else up around 10am – trying to give them as much sleep and rest as possible. My legs were still very sore and with some fibro pain I knew I needed a most restful day so opted out of another park visit. There were only a few things I missed out on doing (that I’d wanted to). Kevin was also feeling pretty sore today, but Christy was eager for a final visit.

We packed up and left our room about 5mins past our check out time of 11am. So nice to have such a late check out time – though that seems to be the norm here in America. In Australia is it usually 10am check out, which is just too early for relaxing.

We took all our luggage out to the front of the hotel and Kevin went off to fetch the car. Christy headed off to the parks for a couple of hours. Once we had loaded everything in we set off for a nearby SuperTarget. We had a nice wonder around – and managed to find some Britta (filter) bottles for Kevin and Christy – I had bought mine from home. As always we marvelled at ALL the things available in the USA but unlike past trips we didn’t buy much – mainly consumable stocking stuffers and some groceries.

We also had a rest break at Starbucks where I got my usual Dragon Drink. While there we overhead someone ordered a Mango Dragonfruit Lemonade – so we got one of those to try. It was nice and would probably extra good if you hot, but I still prefer my Dragon drink.

We were almost finished our shopping when Christy texted to say she was heading for the gates (having ridden on Hagrids again). So that was pretty perfect timing indeed. We went through checkout and then headed back to the Pacific Resort to pick her up.

We arrived first but didn’t have to wait too long for her to appear, tired and sore but happy. Though it turns out the boats had just started running again. Typical that this would happen as we were leaving. We really missed having the boats as an option to get too and from the parks. Even though it’s only about a 10min walk, it still a saving on your feet :-).

Finally it was time to head to the Riviera Resort – which is one of our home DVC resorts. It was our first time ever seeing and staying here so we were very excited. And oh my – it is just stunning.

When we drove up some cast members came to welcome us home and take our luggage (ready for when our room was available). Sadly we didn’t have change for which to give them a tip – something we need to rectify. We then parked the car, getting one of the best spots possible and headed into the resort. We had checked in online so we just waiting to recieve a text with our room number, which is said to be available after 4pm.

And it is even more stunning than we thought. Firstly it smells amazing when you walk into the lobby. Of course, it looks extra good decorated for Christmas. It is so stylish, yet welcoming at the same time. There are beautiful flowers, fresh I think, and lovely comfy seating.

We were quick to spot the gift store and headed in there for a look. Excited to see many things when seen in vlogs, and of course, new things as well, and some things we want to buy. We also checked out the cafe and looked at cakes and desserts that look too good to eat. Around the corner from that is a “library” which looks like another quiet place to chill or hang out.

Honestly I don’t think photos will do justice to this place and the videos we’ve seen certainly didn’t. After a little explore, and lots of photo taking, we joined Christy who was sitting in the lobby. The lounges here were super comfy and it was really nice actually having the opportunity to hang out here and enjoy the atmosphere – usually it’s just straight to your room or off to a park. But this is the SLOW TRAVEL we are trying to embrace.

We hadn’t been here long before we had one of the magical Disney moment. I got SO EXCITED when I saw Donald entering the lobby, along with Pluto. He heard me exclaim “There’s Donald” and came over to see us first. He looked so good in his 50th Birthday celebration attire. It’s funny I think I get more excited about seeing the characters now than I did when I was younger, or maybe it’s just post pandemic. We got some photos and then waited for Pluto to come around. I told him how it was so nice to see him since we were missing our puppies and he gave me a big hug. He was so soft and cuddly. What a way to start the Disney portion of our holiday.

We sat for a bit longer then I realized it was approached 3pm and we should probably get some lunch. We decided on the Bar Riva and went outstairs and outside to the pool ( the bar is directly opposite). We got a great table and place our order with the waitress. Christy was even able to order a cheese toasty from the cafe next door (instead of having to order it there) as I assume they share a kitchen

Like the lobby, this was a lovely place to have relaxed and take in the atmosphere – which really does look like I imagine the Riviera does. Kevin ordered mushroom aranchini and I order the grilled veggie skewers with pita bread. We all absolutely loved our meals and ate every bite !!

And just as were finishing up at 3.30pm we got the text to say our room was ready. So Kevin paid the bill and we headed up to our room – which wasn’t too far away. Kevin did stop to get out some cash so we’d have something to tip people with.

Then the grand reveal of our room. Which is stunning. The furniture and attention to detail is just what you expect with Disney. We are thrilled to have a kitchen again (and laundry facilities) and Christy will have her own room to sleep in. Everything just seems so perfect.

Kevin wasn’t feeling the best today so had a lie down while I unpacked our suitcases and the groceries we had bought from Target. We didn’t have any cold groceries yet and would need to go get them.

Which we did about 5pm. The plan had been to go to Wholefoods, not realizing it would take almost 30mins at this time of day. Instead we opted to go to Publix in Celebration (we had been here once before but tried to avoid it since they sold live lobsters). Kevin is not all that comfortable driving in the dark since his eye surgery and Publix was only 10mins away.

Unfortunately he still wasn’t feeling good but we managed to get our groceries and were back in our room just after 6.30pm. While I sent Kevin off to have a bath I put the groceries away and then worked on yesterdays blog post (before I get too far behind and can’t remember what’s happened).

We ended up having dinner about 8pm. Kevin had some stuffed potatoes, Christy had mozzerella sticks and I had an Amy’s frozen meal – it was pasta and broccolli and rather yummy. We then all headed to bed, where I worked on blog posts till about 10pm. Thankfully I got yesterdays all finished and wiill hopefully have time in the morning to write up todays (which I did).

Kauai Day 3 – The North Shore

Posted on May 10, 2022February 2, 2023 by Libby Withnall

I was awake again at 5.30am and this time got to see a pretty nice sunrise as I worked on my blog. I do miss the old days of being able to go for a sunrise walk but at least I can enjoy it from the comfort of our apartment while I wait for my pain med (thanks fibro) to take effect.

We Kevin awoke we enjoyed breakfast out on the lanai and then got ourselves somewhat organised for todays adventures.

First stop was at Snorkel Bob’s where Bob (I assume) met us at the door to request that we are facemasks. I don’t blame him and had actually been trying to decide wheather to fetch ours from the car when he’d opened the door. It was such an easy and streamlined process to get our gear and I was able to get prescription goggles, which means I’ll actually be able to see the fish clearly for a change.

Next stop, before starting our official guided tour, was the Kauai Juice Company in Kapaa (though I do believe these are all around the island). I decided on the Akala juice while Kevin went with a matcha. We drank them during the car journey and really enjoyed them. Pretty pricey (though everything seems to be here on Kauai) but it was a holiday must do (at least once).

Finally as we left Kapaa it was time to start our Shaka guided tour of the stunning North Shore. We find these guided tours to be awesome as they take you to and point out places you wouldn’t normally see – like the Kalalea Mountains where the “fin” resembles King Kongs profile when you get closer to it.

We then drove to Moloa’a Beach where Gilligan’s Island filmed it’s first season. Boy did I love that show as a kid.

Next up was Kahili Beach – remote and down a dirt road, we’d never have found this patch of paradise without Bobby (who we’ve named as our Shaka Guide). Here you have the beach on one side and a kind of lagoon on the other. Apparently at low tide you can wade across the water to the other side of the beach. We did see people doing this but didn’t attempt it ourselves.

There was then a brief stop at Kilauea Lighthouse – though it is closed on Sundays so we only viewed it from a distance. We did enjoy seeing some of the sea birds flying around, though I was probably more enamored with this little red headed bird – actually known as a Red Chested Cardinal (though in fact they are not cardinals). We’ve seen them all over and they are just stunning. I believe the white bird in the tree is a Red Footed Booby.

We did follow the guide out to Secret Beach but since it’s a hike down & up, and we had a bus to catch at 12pm, we didn’t visit. We also missed Anini Beach were we had planned to snorkel, but realized we would not have enough time.

The stop at the Hanalei Lookout overlooking Hanalei Valley was incredible. Seeing the patchwork of taro fields with the mountain behind them was such a picture perfect scene.

Bobby (the Shaka guide) then took us down into the valley, over the single lane Hanalei bridge and on a drive out alongside the taro fields. It’s definitely not what you expect on a Hawaiian Island but was beautiful.

We then drove into very quaint little town on Hanalei. This was our planned stop to pick up some lunch to eat later. The foodtruck I had wanted to eat from was closed but luckily the Thai Elephant had some vegan options.

We also had to get some Holey Grail donuts since they are vegan. I didn’t know they made them fresh so they were hot when we got them. Don’t think I’ve ever had hot iced donuts before. While waiting for our lunch we tried two of them. They are made from taro and I really like the flavour and they definitely aren’t as sweet as normal donuts. We tried the bottom two in the photograph and much to my surprise I like the Lilikoi (passsionfruit) the best.

Once our lunch was ready we had a short drive to the shuttle parking area. One the way we passed by this incredible little church which was completed in 1912.

We arrived just as a shuttle was leaving but we were booked on the 12pm one anyway. It was a 15 min ride up to Ha’ena Beach where we got off. Sadly it was pretty rough out in the water so snokeling at Tunnels Beach was out.

Instead we decided to have our lunch and then have a swim at Ha’ena Beach. Lunch was okay but nothing amazing. We were visited by a hen and her 3 chicks which were oh so cute.

Then it was time for our swim. The beach drops off super quickly and there is a flat rocky bottom (which was really strange) but once out deeper it was wonderful. As you can see the water is such an amazing turquoise colour and it was a comfortable temperature (after that initial shock).

Best of all was the amazing view back to the beach. I could have stayed out here for hours just taking it in. But all good things must come to an end – and a pretty disasterous one at that. I already mentioned the suddenly drop when you enter the water which made exiting even harder than entering. I felt pretty confident – having spent much of my youth in the surf but I hadn’t realized how much slower I was now at 50. I wasn’t able to exit switfly once I got in close to the shore so I got bowled over. Not normally a problem but this shore break (due to the steepness) was FULL of sand – which I meant I then ended up with sand EVERYWHERE !!!!. I think another wave got me before I was able to get to my feet and make it to “dry” land, taking what seemed like half the beach with me.

We ventured back up to the park area to collect ourselves and luckily Kevin spotted some showers off in the distance. I was then able to get most of the sand out of my hair and some out of my cozzie (the showers weren’t private so I couldn’t remove it). Now I have been dumped a time or two in my younger years and played in the sand for hours but I have NEVER had so much sand in my swimsuit.

The next step was to dry off a bit and then get changed back into normal clothes – wiping the remaining sand off as best I could. At least I felt sand free enough that we could continue on with tour of the North Shore.

Just across the road from the beach is Maniniholo Cave, which is actually an old lava tube. It’s not especially exciting but definitely worth a visit if you stop at the beach. We had the place to ourselves so that was cool. We then walked back over to where the bus dropped us off and were about to sit down to wait when one turned up. Talk about good timing. Kinda glad someone else was driving since the roads are pretty narrow and there are quite a few one way bridges.

Once off the shuttle and back in our car we drove back into Hanalei to Wishing Well Shave Ice. I’d read good things about this food truck and there was a line when we arrived. They also have some natural toppings (made in house) and offer coconut cream as a topping.

Both Kevin and myself went with this option and while it might not look as stunning as the photos you see with the artifical coloured toppings, this tasted AMAZING.

We decided to drive the few minutes down to Hanalei Pier where we sat at a picnic table and enjoyed the remainder of our shaved ice while taking in the view, though as you can the clouds were starting to roll in.

Shaved Ice thoroughly enjoyed (esp. after not drinking very much today) we wandering out along with pier stopping, of course, for a little photo session. My hair was totally crazy ,thanks to the sand, surf and ocean breeze.