Holiday 2016 - Disney

Monday August 8th - Monday 22nd

Carabian Beach Resort

http://youtu.be/x-2BFJCJOjY

Summary

A great holiday, a bit stressful as on the go all the while and very hot/humid, but so much to do and a lot of fun. Andrew gets a GoPro and records quite a bit of lim, particularly at the water parks. There were some brilliant new things since our last Disney trip, MyDisneyExperiance app, Magic Bands, Photoplus, arrival times for the buses. Using the App we did a some early preparation, booking Fastpass details well before we arrived. We also stayed at the medium level Caribbean Beach resort which had a more relaxing vibe, as opposed to a more movie vibe of All Stars. As before she we only did fast food eating. We saw more Character this time and Alex collected autographs, we again collected some pressed coins. I had a new GoPro so took quite a bit of video.

As an extra Disney bit of fun we all played Disney crossy road game. We enjoyed Epcot more than usual, but there were a lot of annoying things (mission space breaks down, Soarin delay, Soarin long Fastpass queue, Alice wrong place, big queues, very hot). Animal Kingdom was very good, Alex did adventurer stickers. Magic Kingdom was good. Hollywood Studios was disappointing (used to be our favourite), too much Star Wars, felt 'small' with quite a bit closed for re-development, not much to do, bad food experience, lots of rain, poor photography. Islands of Adventure was very good, big queues. The water parks (Blizzard beach and Typhoon Lagoon were as usual very good (we did snorkelling and Crushum Gusher for thirst time). Universal Studios was also very good, a lot if rides were a bit similar. Harry Potter at both, with train, was brilliant. Disney Springs was good, quite a bit different from our last visit, lots of shops. Disney Quest was, as usual, good.

Underlined is each day's most memorable bit.

Day 1 - Monday - Travelling

A long day, got up at 4:30. Drove down with dad and got to airport in plenty of time, only slight hold ups. A lot tiring queuing during trip, the First queue to check-in, the second through customs (Deb gets searched). While waiting for boarding Deb got some Chanel noir in duty free! we also get some breakfast - porridge and bacon/waffles. Third queue at the gate. Flight was fine, highlight was the film Imagination Game. When we arrive It is dull and Raining which is a bit depressing. Fourth very big queue at passport control - don't get to use machine. We get our bags ok. Fifth queue short for customs. Sixth queue for car rental. Andrew has big trouble driving car - very stressful. Get a bit lost on way to resort, due to road works. Check-in at resort ok,

we are in the Barbados area, get magic bands (very cool), everyone is very tired. Room is very nice - wifi works very well which Han likes. After a brief rest we go for a wonder around the resort, it is quiet and relaxing. At the shops we get unlimited cups (last ones with handles) and have burger and chips for dinner. In the evening Andrew and Alex go for a walk around resort. Whilst unpacking we find that Andrew has packed wrong plug adaptor. Early night, very tired. 

Day 2 - Tuesday - Magic Kingdom - Weather is ok, a little bit cloudy at times

We woke up early, 6:30, early start, catch bus to Magic Kingdom at 8:00 and arrive at 8:15. The park is not open, Alex buys autograph book, watch opening ceremony which is good. When park open go on the Peter Pan ride. We have pano chocolate and hot chocolate for breakfast at Gastons tavern. We go on It's A Small World, our names on exit sign, how did they know we were there? Then on Haunted Mansion, a staff member makes Hannah scream during intro. We then met Goofy, but missed Donald Duck. We then have a Fastpass to Little Mermaid ride, and afterwards meet Ariel. We then have a cookie and slushy snack break. We are a train to frontier land and have a long wait in the queue for Splash Mountain, getting very wet. Afterwards we go on Pirates of the Caribbean, the queue is not too bad. The Jungle cruise has a long queue so we do the Tiki Birds show which is a bit boring. We then randomly catch the

show in front of the Magic Castle. Our last Fastpass is for the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, which is good. On the way out we catch the Festival of Fantasy parade and then do a bit of shopping, Alex gets a Stitch plush and Deb a Mickey t-shirt. We get the bus back to resort, but get off at the wrong stop, Jamaica, a long way from our room, so we go straight to the food hall, Andrew runs to the room to get cups. Deb finds an adaptor in the shop. We have pasta for dinner. After dinner Hannah and Alex go swimming in the resort pool. We look at the park photos on MyDisneyMagic site already, very good, followed by a late walk, we swing Deb on the hammock very funny, then get hot chocolate at the food hall

Day 3 - Wednesday - Animal Kingdom - weather is very hot and sunny

We woke up about 7:00, lazy start. Alex has eczema on her face from yesterday's swimming. Have breakfast, mixed platter, the get the bus to Animal Kingdom. First we see It's A Bugs Life, which has no queue. Next we use a Fastpass for River Rapids, queue is not bad. Then Deb gets a new t-shirt and Alex some Mickey ears. After a short break we go on Kilimanjaro Safari. We then get some sorbet and have a sit down. 

Then we meet Doug and Russell from Up, and get a great Alex/Doug great photo. We then have some chips and pulled pork for a late lunch. We then walk around a bit, then meet Flick on the way to The Lion King Show. Then it's our last Fastpass to The Lion King show, which is very good. We then get another sorbet and head to Expedition Everest, which has a short queue, the ride is very good. Then back to the resort for a rest, everybody is tired. We get some drinks from the food hall. Hannah and Alex play on beach and see a turtle. Later Andrew and Hannah go back to the Animal Kingdom to watch the Jungle Book show, which is good, and also see the Tree Of Life lit up. Back at the resort we get a late cup of chocolate and a cookie, both chocolate machines spew out crap all over the place. It's quite a late night.

Day 4 - Thursday - Typhoon Lagoon/Disney Springs - weather is very hot and sunny

Another later start. We have breakfast, mixed platter again, then it's off to Typhoon Lagoon. We go in the main pool and the big waves, great fun, get a bit battered. Next we go on the lazy river, quite crowded but good. Then we did the rafts, single and family. We have a final go on the lazy river, then on the way out meet Stitch. Andrew is a bit sunburnt, the sun cream was not water resistant. Back to the resort for late lunch/dinner, burgers. After a short rest (disturbed by the cleaners) we take a bus to Disney Springs. Disney Quest has changed quite a bit since we were last there. We look around some shops, Alex gets Simba plush. Just as it started to rain heavily, we run last bit to Disney Quest. Disney Quest is very good (Rafts, Pirates of the Caribbean, Aladdin Magic Carpets, Virtual Rollercoaster). We take the bus back to the resort as everyone is very tired Andrew gets everyone hot chocolate and pastries.

Day 5 - Friday - Epcot - weather is very hot (with heavy shower)

Late start. Pancakes for breakfast then catch the bus to Epcot. We looked around Innovations, but found it a bit boring. The Queue was very long for Test Track so gave it a miss, so we carried on into the worlds. We looked around Mexico then met Elsa and Anna in Norway. It was a bit of a rush back then to our Fastpass to see Mickey, Goofy and Minnie. We then queued for a very long time to see Joy and Sadness, then straight on to Bemax. Our next Fastpass was Mission Space, near the end of the ride it broke down and we were stuck in it for 45min, very claustrophobic. Straight to our next Fastpass, Frozen Ever After, back in Norway, which had a very long normal queue, the ride was very good. We continue round the Worlds with some food in Germany and a turkey leg in USA. Then it rained and we used our macs. We got n a queue for the Alice character but it was in the wrong place. We then try the drinks at Club Cool (no longer cokes of the world!). On our way out we go on Spaceship Earth, as there was no queue, it is good particularly the personalised video. It's then on the bus back to the resort. In the evening we have a pizza with hot chocolate drinks and watch the Olympics and some American quiz shows on tv.

Day 6 - Saturday - Blizzard Beach/Hollywood Studios - weather is very hot

A fairly early start for Andrew and Alex (Deb and Hannah have a lazy morning at resort) with pastries for breakfast, also buy water proof sun cream, then they get the bus to Blizzard Beach, having to go to Animal Kingdom first. First in the main pool with big waves, which awe fun. Then on the Lazy River. Next we go on the straight race mat flume, then do the waves again, then the slalom mat flume (funny face video on Facebook, which Hannah puts on Facebook), and finally the Lazy River again before going back to the resort. All of us then get the bus to Hollywood Studios. Alex gets a new t-shirt, to cover up from the sun. We do the  Muppet 3D show first, which is ok but a bit dated. We then go straight to the Indians Jones show, which is good. Then it's our first Fastpass on Star Tours. Then our second Fastpass on Tower of Terror, which was good. We get ripped of for dinner which is expensive and poor, macaroni cheese/hot dog. We then do the Great Movie ride which has quite a long queue. Our last Fastpass is for the Fantasmic show, which we arrive early for, the show is excellent. We get to the bus stop quite quick and get on the second bus, just as the queues get huge. Back at the resort we get hot chocolate drinks.

Day 7 - Sunday - Magic Kingdom - weather is fine, humid, not as hot, storm pm

Fairly early start today. Have usual pancakes breakfast then catch the bus to Magic Kingdom. Our first Fastpass is to meet Cinderella and Aurora, then another Fastpass for Jungle Cruise, then driver is quite funny but also annoying. We then wonder around Frontierland before going on a raft to Tom Sawyers Island, the caves are fun, then get A Turkey Leg for lunch. Then we catch a train to Fantasyland where Alex plays in the water area. Andrew and Alex then go on the Dumbo ride, which has a very good play area queue. Deb and Han look around the shop and Han gets some Mickey ears. We then walk to Tommorowland where a storm starts (closing some rides) and we run to our final Fastpass Space Mountain.

We then go on Stitch's Great Escape, which is not as good as the old Extraterrestrial Encounter it replaced. A trip on the Peoplemover is better than expected and we spot Buzz Lightyear so have to meet him when we get off the ride. We decide it's time to leave so Walk to mainstreet, see a bit of the parade, Deb gets a Pandora souvenir, Han and Deb get t-shirts. For a change we take the monorail to Epcot then a bus back to resort. We have the usual burgers for dinner. 

Day 8 - Monday - Islands of Adventure, Animal Kingdom/Blizzard Beach - weather is hot, storm pm

We split into two groups today. Andrew and Hannah go to Islands of Adventure. A fairly early start. Panochocola for breakfast, then drive to Islands of Adventure, no problems with the drive. The Hulk ride has only just opened after refurbishment, we have to put our stuff in lockers which s a pain (and on all the big rides) and we queue for over 30 min, it is very hot and Hannah faints, we are given some water and get checked out by medical, she is ok, we then go to the front of queue, the ride is good. We then have a rest and some pretzel with chocolate source. We then go on the Jurassic Park ride and get a bit wet. Then head for the Harry Potter area going on the Flight of the Hippogriff ride, which is better than expected, then on the Forbidden Journey ride, which is very good, although Hannah breaks nail, and finally on the Dragon Challenge ride, which is good. The queues are not bad. We then look around Hogsmeade which is good. We then go on Poseidon's Fury, which is ok, then on the Spiderman ride, which is excellent. Storms close some of the other rides so we Drive home, get a bit lost (go to Disney Springs again, same turn around spot), then get in the wrong queue at the resort gate, which is embarrassing. 

Deb and Alex go to Animal Kingdom/Blizzard Beach. They have a late start then get the Bus to Animal Kingdom. They go on Kilimanjaro Safari then catch the train to the Conservation Station which is fun seeing lots of animals up close. Alex does adventurers badges, which is very good, and meets Rafiki. They then go on the River Rapids, but Alex gets bitten in queue and is taken to medical. Alex buys a Narla plush. They then get the bus to Blizzard Beach. They get some tires in the wave pool which is great fun and spend some time on the Lazy river before getting the bus back to the resort. We all meet up and go to dinner, the usual chicken/burgers, and here is a spectacular sunset. We then watch Ratatouille in the outdoor cinema.

Day 9 - Tuesday - Hollywood Studios - weather rainy
Quite a late start. We go to the resorts main pirate themed swimming pool, then have burger/salad lunch and take the bus to Hollywood Studios in the afternoon (on the journey we see a wild turkey). 

We watch the Beauty and the Beast show, which is good but Alex leaves her hat. Deb sees someone playing the Disney Crossy Road game, which then becomes our game of the holiday. We then have a Fastpass for Star Tours our second go but different scenario and just as fun. There is lots of thunder and rain all afternoon, shows are cancelled and the rides are very busy, Tower of Terror's queue is closed, Rockin Rollercoaster has a very long wait. We then use our second Fastpass on Toy Story Mania, which is very very good, lots of fun (the main queue is huge). Then our last Fastpass for the Little Mermaid show, which is ok (annoying people videoing it). We then do a bit of Shopping, get Kathryn's present Cheshire Cat plush, and sort out the pictures from yesterday's Animal Kingdom (but don't ring Alex's hat in lost property). We then get the bus home and have a chicken dinner. In the evening Andrew and Alex watch Bugs Life in outdoor cinema.

Day 10 - Wednesday - Epcot/Blizzard Beach - weather is very hot and sunny

A late start today, no breakfast, get the bs straight to Epcot. We have a Starbucks then use a Fastpass to Soarin. There's a 30 min wait even with the Fastpass, the ride also takes 10 min to start, however the ride is very good. We then see The Circle of Life show, which is ok, and then use another Fastpass to the Disney and Pixar Short Movie Festival, which is good. We have some nuggets lunch, then our final Fastpass for The Seas with Nemo. We then get the Bus back to resort, get our swimming kits and the bus to Blizard Beach via Animal Kingdom. We don't get a locker but leave our shoes/towel on the beach then go on the Lazy river. We then have a couple of goes on Teamboat Springs, which is very good, and Alex plays in the kids area. We then have a slushy and a final go on the lazy river before getting go bus back to the resort. We have a burger dinner and watch storms in the distant clouds.

Day 11 - Thursday - Animal Kingdom/Epcot (fireworks) - weather good (one huge storm)

Another late start. We go for a swim in the resort pool then get some soup for lunch. Deb is not feeling good, we thing sunstroke, so stays in resort. We get the bus to Animal Kingdom. On the way a big storm starts, we are stuck in the Animal kingdom bus shelter, there is massive thunder and lightning but it stops after about half an our and we can go in the park. Alex does some more wilderness stickers throughout day. We see the Finding Nemo the musical, which is good, then the Asia walking trek, which is poor with nothing to see. We then use our Fastpass for Kilimanjaro Safari, there is a long queue despite the Fastpass, it's good see lots of animals including lions, we get stuck for 15 min with giraffe in the road. We then use another Fastpass to River Rapids then rush back to bus to resort. With Deb, who is feeling a bit better, we get the bus to Epcot. We have some nuggets then watch the Illuminations show, which is good but a bit drawn out. On the way out we see a large turtle in the river. Despite the queues we get the second bus back to the resort. We get some soup, Deb is not feeling well again.

Day 12 - Friday - Universal Studios/Disney Springs - weather hot and sunny

Early start for Andrew and Hannah, out at 8:15, who are going to Universal. We drive to Old Port Royal and pick up pancakes, then drive to Universal. We rush to Islands of Adventure and straight to the Kong ride, despite early arrival the queue is still 75 min, so we do the single rider and get on in 20 min, the ride is disappointing. We then take the Harry Potter train to Universal Studios, it's very good (journey is also a ride in itself). At Universal Studios we cannot find Diagon Alley, which is the point, but when we do it is very impressive. We go on Escape from Gringotts, again single rider, which is good. We then go on Transformers, which is good, then The Mummy, which is very good. We bottle the big rollercoaster then walk around the park to Men In Black, which is ok (but not as good at Disney Toy Story Mania). The Simpsons land is very good, and I take lots of pictures, and we go on the Simpsons ride, which has quite a long queue but is quite a good ride, we also meet Sideshow Bob. We then go on the ET ride, which is ok, a bit kiddies. Lastly we go on Despicable Me, which again has a big queue, but is good (although a lot of the rides done today are quite similar so getting a bit blasé), afterwards we meet some minions (I got in at the last minute amongst loads of kids). During our walking around we see lots of characters (Transformer, Bart and Lisa, Shrek and Donkey, Scooby and Gang, Curious George) and movie bits (Back to the Future Delorean and Train, Jaws). 

The drive back to the resort is fine, the first time we don't go wrong. Deb and Alex have a late start and catch the bus to Disney Springs. They do some shopping for presents and then go to Disney Quest and go on Aladdin and some racing arcade machines, Alex goes in a bit of a strop about a photo on a machine. They then get the bus back to the resort. When back Deb is not feeling too good. We all meet up and get dinner, burgers, Deb has a pizza in the room. In the evening Andrew and Alex go to All Star Movies (Hollywood Studios there, Epcot back) to have a nostalgic look around and to get a picture of Dalmatians patch. Back at the resort Andrew and Alex watch Zootopia in outdoor cinema and bring back a pizza for Hannah.

Day 13 - Saturday - Typhoon Lagoon/Magic Kingdom - weather very hot and sunny

A late start. We drive down to Old Port Royal as Deb is still not feeling too well, the car indicates  100 degrees. We have a big lunch, burger/nuggets. Back to our room as Deb is not good, Andrew and Alex decide to go swimming and catch the bus to Disney Springs/Typhoon Lagoon, Alex makes a friend on bus. We don't use a locker, take minimal stuff, and leave it on the beach in a towel. We do the main pool first with the waves, and wait for a long time but don't get any huge waves, we meet Alex friend again. It's then on the Lazy River followed by Humunga Kowabunga and the Storm Slides, which are good fun. Then we do some Snorkelling, it's a bit scary for Alex but she does it well. We then do Crush N Gusher, which we haven't done before, before getting the bus back to the resort via Disney Springs.

In the evening, we all go to Magic Kingdom. We have a Fastpass for Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin, it's good but Toy Story Mania was better. Then another Fastpass for Little Mermaid Ride, our second go on this, and another go on It's a Small World. We then watch the Electric Parade, but the view is not good as everyone stands up at the last minute, and then watch the Fireworks, but again the view is not good as we are too close to the castle. Although it's late we do a little bit more shopping for presents, then eat some waffles with Strawberry and cream before getting the bus back to the resort where we have a late evening drink.

Day 14 - Sunday - Disney Springs/Animal Kingdom - weather very hot and sunny
Last day. Another late start. Again we drive to Old Port Royal for lunch, the car says 102 degrees. 

We have pasta for lunch, then catch the bus to Disney Springs for some present shopping. We then go to Disney Quest and have a go on Pirates, Aladdin and the arcade racing games, then get the bus back to resort. Andrew gets the car and drinks from Old Port Royal. Andrew and Hannah then go to Animal Kingdom for last minute presents, they look round every shop but cannot find what want (a jungle book plush).We walk to dinner and get some toasted marsh mellows on the beach. Dinner is burgers again, the we spend the last of our American money in the resort shop. We then go evening swimming in the Barbados pool and finally an earlyish night.

Day 15 - Journey home

Reasonably early start today, Alex wakes up very late, pack and leave the room before 11:30. With bags in the car we drive to Old Port Royal for a big lunch. We then leave the resort at 12:30 and drive to the airport, with no problems during the journey, and return the car ok. Check-in is fairly quick and customs is ok. Boarding is delayed and take off is 40min late. The flight has some problems, few movies the same as the flight out, no choice of meal. We get James some duty fee cigarettes. Arrival is fine, no problems with check-in, passport control or customs and we find the bags ok. Dad is late picking us up, he parked in an off site car park, and whilst waiting Deb finds a caterpillar in her jumper, scares her to death. Dad arrives and we get the bus to the carpark. The journey home is fine. The dogs are pleased to see us, James doesn't wake until mid morning. James has done well with the house and dogs. Everyone is very, very tired, we struggle with tiredness and sleep for the rest of the week.

Presents: Us - Mickey Mouse ornament glove. Deb - t-shirts, Pandora bead, seagul plush, pins. Kathryn - Cheshire Cat plush, pins. James - cigarettes, t-shirt. Hannah - t-shirt, ears, Mickey plush. Alex - autograph book, t-shirt, Stitch plush, Simba plush, Narla plush, Mickey ears, pin. Luke - cap. Mum/Dad - Mickey figure. Auntie Pauline - Aristocat figure.