DAY 4 – Sunday
So we headed out on Sunday at about midday. We went straight to Disney and parked at the Boardwalk hotel. Parking at the Swan where we were headed is $10 but at the Boardwalk is free and as they are next door so being a nice day we figured the walk would do us good. There was actually a boat running across the lake so we decided to get on that instead. The weather was fab and we sat down at the Kabana at the Swan at about 1:15pm. Our Server was Rachel who upon recognising our accents told us about her boyfriend who was from Norwich. The food was as good as ever and everyone thought it was a great place to sit outside and while away the hours over a nice lunch.
We left the Swan and walked back through Boardwalk, looking in the shops on the way. (I almost bough another Tink T-shirt but decided against it – I did however get inspiration for words to put on my design-a-tee)
We had decided to go to another Target store to get a few bits. Paul’s mum wanted to get some baby things for Jayne (my sister-in-law who as you have probably guessed is expecting). We wandered through the store and despite not wanting anything specific managed to spend over $100! We got some Blu Rays as they were on offer – we got Eagle Eye, Transformers and Ghost Town. I also managed to get a denim skirt a the perfect length that I’ve been after for ages (not too short but not too long!)
By the time we came out of Target it was after 5pm. That just shows you how easily you can lose an entire day out here. It’s ok for us as we’re always here and like to chill out sometimes but for anyone on their ‘once in a lifetime’ trip; beware!
We came home and sat outside, as it was still warm enough. I manicured my nails out in the setting sun and we read mags and chatted. We had decided not to go out for dinner but to get take out. The folks opted for Chinese whilst Paul and I had a selection of Applebees appetizers.
As we sat out by the pool in the dark we began stargazing. We had the debate about whether you could see the international space station or if the bright star is Venus. There was also a very unusual star that none of us recognised. It twinkled and shone like you wouldn’t believe.
Since it was still early we put on a DVD – National Treasure. Love that film!
It was gone half 11 when we headed off to bed.
DAY 5 – Monday
On Monday we were up at 9am to go to Disney. We had bagels for brekkie and all got out of the house by about half 10. Since the whole party of 6 of us were going we needed to take 2 cars and Paul and I had to be one in each so as we could use our annual passes to get free parking (it’s a saving of 12 bucks so well worth it).
We began at Epcot which seemed really empty. Although as we walked past Spaceship Earth it had a really long queue. We have NEVER had to queue for this so decided to come back to it. We naturally had a look at our ‘leave a legacy’ pic on the way in and then went over to the Innoventions hall. We had decided to try out a new attraction; a kind of treasure hunt around the world showcase. It is called Kim Possible who is a US cartoon secret Agent character for kids. The idea is that you get a ‘communicator’ (which is a mobile phone) and that it will give you clues. You have to follow them and solve the crime!! We registered and were told that our start time was midday at Norway. Since it was only 11:30 we rode the Mexico and Norway rides on the way (both had no queues). As we exited the Maelstrom ride at Norway and walked through the shop there was some perfume items on sale and the guy that created them was there. His name was Geis. He had pics of him at the Golden globe ceremony with Hale Berry and Celine Dion and reckoned all the stars love his perfume. He gave us a hand massage with his hand cream and sprayed the perfume. It has a clean, fresh fragrance but sadly none of us bought any!
We then picked up our ‘communicators’ at midday and listened to our mission assignment. We were sent to China where our mission was to rescue a stolen jade monkey statue. It was good as we never really explore the countries in great detail and this meant we really got to go through China and see stuff we never would have. As we solved the clues and found the places we were led to as you hit ‘ok’ on the phone it obviously registers with some receiver at that place to give you your next clue. It is well worth doing, good for both adults and kids and keeps you amused for about an hour, maybe more.
Whilst in the Chinese shop I bought a Chinese silk blouse – in pink obviously!!
After this fun that definitely amused us all we went to America for lunch. Paul and I were not that hungry so decided to wait until we got into Magic Kingdom where we could get some Fairfax fries. We left the world showcase getting the boat back to the other side. As we left Epcot the queue at Spaceship earth had gone so we rode that on the way out.
We decided to get the monorail over to MK. Although you do have to change at the ticket centre. MK was much busier than Epcot.
When we got into MK we got straight on the steam train to Mickey’s Toon Town Fair which is the other side of the park. Paul and I got our fries and we all had a drink. The sun was beginning to go down but it was still very warm and great to just sit out and people watch!
As we walked through Fantasyland the ride queues were all quite long for Small World, Peter Pan and Winnie the Pooh etc and our fave Philharmagic is closed for refurb 🙁
We headed to the Haunted Mansion where Paul rode with Uncle Dave. I am still being a wuss and refusing to ride, despite the fact that I know the ride itself is not scary at all, the entrance plunges you into complete darkness and often the cast member touches people which completely freaks me out!!
After that we went over to Pirates of the Caribbean which had no queues thankfully.
We then got on the steam train once more rather than walking around the park!
In Tomorrowland Paul persuaded his mum and dad to record a ‘Dancing Heads’ video. Some may remember Paul and I doing jingle bells (just scroll down this blog for a reminder!). Viva Las Vegas was the chosen tune and the result was just as amusing!
After this we rode the Carousal of Progress (which broke down half way through as some guy tried to exit whilst it was in motion – dork!) and then the TTA. The TTA closes soon and it is rumoured it may never re-open – GUTTED. That means we can’t take my mum on it in May. And we will miss it loads as we always ride it.
It was now getting cold and was already dark as it was about 7ish. Everyone had had enough and no one really wanted to hang around for another hour to wait to see the wishes fireworks so we left. The Spectromagic parade had just started so we had to fight our way through the watching crowds.
We managed to get ‘up front’ seats on the Monorail for Paul’s family. There is only space for 4 and as we have done it before we let them have a go. This is one of the things that people often don’t know about. You have to ask, so if you get to a monorail and no-one is already ‘up front’ then ask the cast member if you can do it. You not only get to sit with the driver and get a fab view but you get given a souvenir card to say you have done it.
We got back to the car and decided to go to Chili’s on way home for dinner. None of us have been before but we looked at the menu on-line (yep the i-phone again!) and it looked like good family food. It was really good and the surroundings were cool too.
Even at the slower pace in the park we were shattered so opted for an early night I was tucked up in bed by 10pm!!
Today is Tuesday and after a lie-in and chill out by the pool writing this blog we are going to the Mall at Millenia. Since this is the home of Tiffany’s and the Jimmy Choo store – get that plastic at the ready!!