Holiday 2003 - Disney

Preparation

We book our Disney 2003 holiday well in advance, just after the previous years holiday. It is the last chance we will have to do the ‘Disney’ holiday with all the kids at a reasonable Disney age (2, 12, and 14). As we need to go during school time (because Deb cannot get 2 weeks holiday during the summer holidays, too hot during summer, too crowded and too expensive) this is the only possible year we can go (next year is Kath’s GCSE's and Jame’s SAT’s) and after this Kath will be too old (nearly 17). We get Hannah her first passport without any problems. We dither over whether to hire a car or not, transfers are expensive (£150) but the car insurance is also expensive (£450). In the end we look around on the Internet, and 3 weeks before the holiday, decide to hire a car ourselves for £300 with Alamo through a 3rd party booking firm. How come the 3rd party can do a full hire of a car cheaper than Going Places can upgrade the insurance on the ‘free’ car included in the package? As we have decided to hire a car we also buy a new lightweight car seat to take with us as it costs £5 a day to hire one with the car, we can also use it for Hannah when we get back. Because we have hired a car it is now more feasible to go to Universal Studios, but again we dither over how to buy the tickets. In the end, a week before the holiday, we buy some tickets on the Universal Website and get 5 consecutive days for the price of 2 days. We have to pick the tickets up from the park. The Holiday tickets arrive a week or so before the holiday, no problem, and so does the confirmation of the hire car. Big success the weekend before the holiday at car boots, we buy a large, light canvas bag, some new case locks and some Florida maps. Deb is working on the Thursday night before we go on the Saturday, and is also going to college on the Friday, so she will have little time for cleaning and packing on the Thursday and Friday so we start preparing early on in the week. We also need to avoid the pre-holiday stress, which normally results from trying to do too much at the last minute. Andrew concentrates on the cleaning and Deb on the packing. Andrew also has the Friday off to baby sit and pack. It all goes well and we do avoid the usual stress levels, although it is all a bit of a rush. Approximately 3 weeks before the holiday, Hannah starts watching Disney videos and is just at the age with enough concentration to actually watch and enjoy them. It all starts with Nemo, but she also really likes Toy Story, Little Mermaid, Lion King and Beauty and the Beast. She now knows a lot of the characters and even Mickey Mouse, she is looking forward to the holiday. The week before the holiday and we are all in the holiday mood. Andrew spend a lot of time on the Internet, at work, looking up details of travelling in Orlando, Orlando shopping and the Theme parks. The night before we go we are all excited.

Day 1 - Saturday 27th September

The alarm wakes us up at 5am, an early start, and we rush to have baths and get ready. We are flying from Birmingham airport at 9:40, however we do have ‘premier’ tickets which allows for a late check-in of 1:30 hours before the flight. The seats are also pre-booked so there is no problem with us not sitting together. Nigel arrives early at 5:45 and we are still rushing to get ready. We pile everything in the car, which just about fits, and start off at 6:15. The journey to Birmingham is straightforward and uneventful. There is very little traffic apart from when we get to the airport where there

is a big traffic jam getting in. We have allowed for a lot of extra time and it does not take that long before we jump out at the first opportunity, at the taxi rank. It only takes just over an hour. We get to check in plenty of time and there is not much of a queue. We are slightly worried about the weight of our luggage, especially the hand luggage after our last Disney trip, but there are no problems. We then have 2 hours in the airport before the flight. The time goes quickly. Hannah is very excited about the aeroplane, and we take her a few times to look at the planes. We go around the shops and

buy some magazines for the flight. We are called fairly early and spend a bit of time waiting in the boarding area. On the plane we have 2 window seats and 2 in the middle. Initially Andrew and Deb sit by the window with Hannah, but when we put the seatbelts on we are told that babies need to sit in the middle, so Deb and Kath swap seats. We also don’t have a baby strap which we have to ask for. Deb is again nervous about flying, particularly the take off, and we all wind her up a bit. Hannah gets a bit fed up of waiting with the seat belt on, but is OK when we finally get to take off. We take

of about 15min late due to the cleaners not turning up. There are no problems during the flight. We watch 3 good films ‘Nemo’, ‘The Italian Job’ and ‘Down With Love’. Hannah is very good only not liking having to be strapped in, especially for landing. The food is OK but a bit minimal. When we touch down after a 9 hour flight and the local time is 2:15 (after the 5 hour time adjustment), they stop the plane 6 feet short of the steps, so we have to wait to get the plane moved. Check in is fine and so is customs, although they are quite strict, and we find our luggage OK.

We are again surprised by the heat and humidity when we leave the airport. Andrew is worried about the car hire, but finding the Alamo place is no problem and there is a short wait before we get the car with no problems. They do try to sell us an upgrade. We find the car OK, a Gold Chevy Classic, and there is just enough room in the boot for all the luggage. The car is also very spacious inside. We head out of the airport. Driving is awkward, not being used to an automatic and it being a left hand drive. We get slightly lost straight out of the airport, but we head in the right direction and soon hit the

main Interstate 4 (I4) which takes us all the way. Hannah is very tired and gets a bit grumpy. It also rains a bit on the journey. It takes about an hour to get to Disney. All of the roads are dual or treble carriageways and turning left is takes a bit of getting used to. The maps we have a get fully comprehensive, only showing main roads, also the road signs do not give you much warning of what is coming up. When we get to the Disney area we have the only major incident of the day. At a dual carriageway left hand turn we turn into the right hand lane and are going the wrong way. There are no

other turns but luckily there is also no traffic about, so we do a quick 3 point turn and are back on track. When we get to the All-Stars resort we park and check-in. They seem to struggle to find our booking but it is all goes OK. Andrew sees that we might be in ‘Mighty Ducks’ section so we ask if we can be in ‘Toy Story’ (we were however going to be in ‘Dalmations’) but they let us have a room in ‘Toy Story’. Whilst checking-in it starts to rain really badly, any we get a bit wet going to the room.
On the way we go through the food hall area and buy some

refillable, souvenir mugs $12 (we get 4 but we should have got 2 and saved some money). Hannah loves the giant Buzz and Woody. Our room is on the 3rd floor at the back and is exactly the same as the one we had last time only reversed. We move the car to the back car park, unload the luggage and unpack. By this time we are tired and hungry, so we go to the food hall and get some dinner. The food is just the same as before only more expensive. After dinner we have a look around the Disney shop and then the kids go for a swim, in the Mickey Pool. It has stopped raining and is a nice

evening. It has been a long day and we decide to have an early night ready for an early start the next day. Hannah has loved everything, for the rest of us it is like we have never been away.
Kathryn’s thoughts
The beginning when the plane took off was very scary, it was really loud noise and it doesn’t help when daddy makes up things about crashing. It always crosses my mind that something might happen, but the films take your mind off it. When we get to America the weather is un-breathable and a bit disappointing when it rains.
James thought’s
I thought it was quite scary thinking about the plane, particularly the noise it makes when it takes off and lands. Once that was over I got excited. We got the car and drove to Disney which didn’t take very long. When we got there it was excellent remembering the stuff we did last time.

Day 2 - MGM Studios and Blizzard Beach

Our first evening was not the best, our room is close to the stair junction which also has an ice machine which is very, very noisy. On top of this Kathryn’s watch beeps every hour, so Deb in particular does not have a very good night. The weather today is dull and overcast, it also rained during the night, although it is still hot and we are wearing t-shits and shorts. We wake up early and decided to take advantage of the early, 8am, opening at Magic Kingdom, however it takes time for us to get going and we end up not that early. We have a bodge breakfast of bars then head for the

bus. There is a huge queue so we change our mind and head for MGM instead. When we reach MGM its not open, of course its only 8:30, and have to wait. They open up at 8:45, 15min early, and we have to have our bags searched, new since last holiday. Not all of the park is opened however, only the front shops bit, so we still have to wait another 15min. The main section opens at 9:00 and we head straight for the Tower of Terror. We use the child swap facility and Andrew, Kath and James go on first, Deb stays with Hannah. The ride seams scarier than before with more drop, very good. We then switch and Deb goes on with Kath and James.

We then wonder back to the Mickey Hat, new since last holiday, and, after a few arguments about rushing around, go to the Little Mermaid show. The is no queue and Hannah loves it. After this we see Mickey Mouse. Hannah is a little scared of the big character and will only have a picture taken being held by Kathryn. She still thinks it is exciting. Next we go on the Backlot Tour and again no queues. Although basically the same as last holiday things have been moved about and the route of the bus is different. This is because a huge corner of MGM studios is closed off being re-developed. When in Disaster Canyon the effects don’t work and we have to wait a long time before we start. We then get some lunch, turkey legs, which James has really been looking forward to. After lunch Hannah is getting tired so Deb, Kath and Hannah head back to the resort for a siesta, however the room is being

cleaned so they look around the shop and have some drinks. Andrew and James head for Star Tours which has a bit of a queue, 20min. The ride is much as we remembered it and James enjoys it. One disappointing thing is that they have removed the speeder bike and cruiser from outside the ride. We then head back to the resort and meet up with the girls just as they get into our room. At this point we decide to try to change rooms, because of the noise in the night, and go to customer services. They are very helpful and give us a great new room at the front of the Toy Story block overlooking the huge characters. We have a mad half our as we transfer all of our stuff from one room to the other but complete it in record time, although Andrew does forget Debs bath scrub. We then head off the Blizzard Beach for the rest of the afternoon. After changing, and cramming

our clothes into a small locker $5, we start with the creek tubes. These are great fun and Hannah likes floating in her own tube, she also wears a float swimsuit. Andrew and James then have a go on the rings slides which are very good, fast and dark, but then struggle to find the girls on the creek. When we do the whole family goes on the teamster ride, twice, which is brilliant, very long. We have a final go on the creek before getting changed. Hannah has had a great time which is topped of with getting a Nemo mug instead of the deposit for the locker. Back at the resort for dinner where we have the same as the day before, meatballs and spaghetti for Deb, Kath and James and burgers for Andrew. We then look around the shop and buy a large Mickey Mouse for Hannah which she loves and some postcards. Back at our room we write the postcards then go to the shop to post them. We have a final wonder around the Movies resort then its back to our room for an early night, 8:30, we are very tired. Hannah has had an exciting day and falls asleep straight away. Overall MGM is a bit disappointing, with a lot of things closed, but swimming is very good. The dull weather is also a bit of a downer.
Kathryn’s thoughts
We all got excited at the early start. We had a change of plan which I didn’t like because I didn’t really want to go to MGM. I wanted to go to Animal Kingdom. We got there and it was sad that they needed to check everyone’s bags. Tower of Terror was the best. Me and James went on twice. It was sooo scary. When we went to Blizard Beach we just chilled out, that was good. Early night again, boring.
James thoutht’s
Today was fun, MGM Studios was very good because we went to the Tower of Terror, it was really scary. We also went on the Star Wars ride which was excellent. In the afternoon we went Blizard Beach were we did the family ride which was good.

Day 3 - Animal Kingdom, Town and Disney Quest

Today was quite eventful. We have a better night in our new room, but still get up early at 6am. The weather is dull and threatening rain. Again we decide on doing a park early opening, Animal Kingdom, but first have a better breakfast of pancakes and bacon, which is a bit sparse and expensive. The queues are again long for the bus, but we persevere and just manage to get on the first one, as the people in front want a seat so wait. At Animal Kingdom we head for the Safari ride, and on the way see Goofy and Hannah gets a photo. The queues for the Safari are quite long but move quickly.

The Safari is very good and we see lots of animals. After this we meet Flick and Atta and then go to the Bugs Life Show, which scares Hannah who hides with mummy. The show is very good. We then go to the Dinosaur ride. There is no queue at all and we do a child swap. Hannah is very tired and goes to sleep whilst waiting. The ride seems to be scarier than we remembered, being a lot darker. Form here we head for the new Dinorama area. This area is basically a small funfair and does not seem very Disney, no recognisable characters. We have a go on the Dino Rollercoaster which was quite short. Deb is feeling a bit ill so we head off back to the resort for a bit of a rest. We have a heated discussion about money and realise we do not have enough to eat all meals at Disney as the prices are so expensive, so in the afternoon we head off in our car to try to find a food shop to buy some provisions. We look at our maps and

head for a mall in Kissimee. Driving around and we realise that the shop distribution in America is very different from that in Britain. There is no large collection of shops all in one place, they are all dotted about at random all over the place and seem very hard to find. We see no supermarket or grocery type places, only lots of touristy places. When we get to the mall we find that it is derelict. We decide to head north to try to find the Florida Mall, which is a bit of a drive but we find it no problem, stumbling upon ToysRUs on the way, which we have a look around. In the mall we soon realise that it is the same one as we went to on our last Disney Holiday, it seems a lot bigger. We wonder around a lot but there are not many shops of interest, mainly clothes and luxury items. Debs finds some computer shops and looks at GBA games, which are a bit cheaper than Britain and the games are newer. Kathryn looks

for the Alias DVD but it is very, very expensive $60, dearer than Britain, she is very disappointed until we find a bookshop and an Alias magazine. Andrew finds a calendar and a really cheep LOTR lego set. The mood is a bit fraught as we still haven’t found any food so we head home only to get a bit lost. We find our way to International drive and see what may be a food shop but it turns out to be an expensive touristy shop. We head along International Drive4 and come across the Beltz Factory output where we get a load of cheap Disney presents and look in some of Deb’s shops.

Everyone cheers up a bit. Back on the International Drive we still cannot find our way until we realise we are going in entirely the wrong direction. Eventually we find our way to the I4 and get back to Disney at 5:30, not the best of afternoons. Back at our room we discover that we had been working on a total of $600 when in fact we had started with £600, with our reserves we still have over £750 left, everyone is a bit happier. Dinner is the same as usual. In the evening we head for Downtown Disney and look in a few shops before going to Disney Quest, which James loves. Deb and Hannah

are very tired so they head off home with Kathryn. The girls adventure – the only bus pick up they know of is back at the start of Downtown Disney so they carry Hannah the whole way and have a very long wait for a bus. They all fall asleep on the bus ride, eventually getting back at 9:45, where they go straight to bed and asleep. The boys adventure – after a few more rides at Disney Quest, the Pirates of the Caribbean is particularly good, we wonder back to a few shops. We get caught up in a magic demonstration outside the magic shop and James becomes the volunteer where he

is magically transported to Japan, he looks very scared. After this we head back passed Disney Quest to the busses but find that they no longer stop there so we walk all the way back to the Planet Hollywood stop. Just as we get there an All-Stars bus is just about to go, so we jump on it, however when it has done the first two All-Stars stops it heads all the way back to Downtown missing out Movies!! Back at Downtown we realise that there is a separate bus for Movies. After a bit of a wait we get on the right bus and eventually arrive back at our room at 10:30, very tired. Overall a very eventful day.
Kathryn’s thoughts
Everyone started tired and we had a rubbish breakfast. I liked Animal Kingdom, the safari was really good, and Bugs Life was wicked as well. Hannah was really sweet when she got scared after princess Atta touched her When we looked around for shops Mummy got a cross. Disney Quest was next, I found it rather boring, but I had a really nice dinner.
James thought’s
Today we went to Animal Kingdom where we saw Tough to be a Bug which was good and also went on a Safari which was also fun. After Animal Kingdom we went to town where we looked at some shops, they were not very good, I got a book though. At night we went to Disney Quest and that was excellent because they had lots of arcade games and things.

Day 4 - Magic Kingdom

For once we have a later start, following last nights adventures. It is a bright start but the rest of the day is dull, no rain though. Everyone has runny bums today. Breakfast consists of toast and toasted bagels, which we did manage to get during yesterdays shop trek, toasted in the food hall, with ‘procured’ honey and jam. It is very nice, and also saves us money. We then head for Magic Kingdom. Our bus driver is would be comedian and gives a running show throughout the journey. When we get in the part we see a few characters and get a photo with Balloo the Bear. We wonder up

main street looking in a few shops and then see some more characters outside of Cinderella's castle. We get a photo with Aladdin's Genie, but Hannah is not too well today and is a bit scared. We then have a go on the Winnie The Pooh ride, which Hannah loves, and then have huge ice creams before Deb, Kathryn and James go on the Tea Cups. After a bit of an argument about rushing around. Andrew and James have a go on the Indy Cars whilst the girls have a rest, and then meet up at the Space Mountain where we do an infant swap. The ride is very good. We then see Buzz and get photos, which Andrew is really excited about, before we go on Alien Encounter. Kathryn chickens out and looks after Hannah. The ride is not nearly as scary as we remembered, quite tame, but James had forgotten it and got a bit scared. We then wonder over towards Frontier Land and, on

the way get a photo with Pluto, which Hannah loves. We get turkey legs and whilst eating Hannah wee’s all over the place, luckily we have a spare set of clothes. After lunch we go on Splash Mountain using infant swap, there are no queues, and the ride is good. There is a bit of a disagreement as Andrew wants to see the parade but no one else does, so we go on the train to Mickeys Toontown and look around Mickeys house. We buy some really expensive fruit, $1.60 for one apple, but it is very nice. Kathryn and James go on the kids Goofy roller coaster, which is a bit tame. All are still a bit sulky as we wonder to Fantasy Land and catch a glimpse of the parade which people now want to see. We have a ride on the Horses and then go on Small World, Deb in a real mood. We then wonder through Adventure Land and go on the new Aladdin’s magic carpets which Hannah likes and then go see the Tiki Birds, not bad,

before finishing off on the Pirates of the Caribbean, which is not as good as we remembered. We are very tired so we head back to the resort. We have our usual dinner at the resort and get a mystery letter from reception which turns out to be a free gift from Disney, trading pins which James loves as he was going to buy some of these as his gift. We then call it a day and head for bed for an early night. An OK day although quite a bit of arguing.
Kathryn’s thoughts
Today was really good. It wasn’t too stressful and we got to go on lots of cool rides like Splash Mountain. The bus driver was wicked because he was funny. I liked the parade, even parade even though we didn’t see much of it. All the characters were there and they were good as well.
James thoughts
Today was good and fun. The rides were really good like Splash Mountain, Space Mountain and the Goofy roller coaster. Some of the rides were not that good as they were for Hannah, Tea Cups and Winnie the Pooh.

Day 5 - Typhoon Lagoon, Epcot and Disney Quest
Today is a bit of a disaster. The plan is to go to Epcot when it opens early, but when we get up it is raining so we have a leisurely breakfast of bagels, toast and honey and then head for Typhoon Lagoon. When we get there the rain stops, but it is still dull. The water is very cold. We go on the roundy roundy and then in the big waves, which are very exciting although Hannah goes get a bit drowned and Deb does some accidental flashing. On the roundy roundy again, then Andrew and James have a go on the slides, which are very fast, however they cannot then find the girls again who have got fed up and gone back on the waves. It then takes a long time for both groups to find each other again, by which time everybody is very fed up. We head back to the resort and have some awful

chicken salad stuff for lunch. In the afternoon, Deb is very tired so her and Hannah have a sleep whilst the other head over to Epcot. At Epcot we go on the new Mission Space ride. Everybody is a bit apprehensive as it looks quite scary especially Kath who tries to chicken out. The ride is very good however, more a simulator than a thrill ride. On exiting we send home a video postcard ‘from Mars’. After this we go on Track, one of James favourite rides, and then through the coke ice station, Italy is horrible, to Honey I Shrunk the Audience. This show is very good although there is a very long ‘advert’ introduction. We are then a bit later than we had planned so we rush back to the resort, the bus takes an age to arrive, only to find Deb and Hannah still asleep. Dinner is the usual in the food all, very nice. We then head off to Downtown Disney and this is where

the day ends really badly. The bus takes forever to arrive but we get there in the end. We wonder around the shops, but Andrew, Kath and James want to get to Disney Quest so we rush Deb who wants to look around the shops. This get Deb very cross and she goes in a mood, which in turns puts Andrew in a mood, until nobody is speaking. Things get a bit better when Deb finds a video game she wants in Virgin, but we are all still sulking a bit, particularly Andrew, when we get to Disney Quest. We go on Pirates of the Caribbean, very good, which Hannah just gets into, Aladdin’s carpets and River Boats. Hannah likes the virtual painting but not the face distortions. Kath and James spent a lot of time on the Buzz Lightyear bumber cars, whilst Deb loves Dig Dug. By 10:30 the place is full of teenagers so we head back home, everybody is still a but sulky. Not the best day.
Kathryn’s thoughts
Today was awful. The day started badly with me and mummy getting sooo bored. Lunch was mingin, should have stuck to burger and chips. Epcot was good, the space ride was good and sop was Test Track. Downtown Disney was rubbish, everybody sulked, although I did get the Alias book I wanted, which was wikid. Sulk, Sulk, Sulk rubbish day.
James thoughts
We got bored after Me and Daddy went on a few slides and then couldn’t find Mummy again. We went back to the resort for lunch and had the most horrible Tako ever. Afterwards me, Kathryn and Daddy went to Epcot, it was excellent, with some wicked rides, Mission Space and Test Track and a wicked 3D shown Honey I Shrunk the Audience. Downtown Disney was wicked because me and Mummy brought some new games. After we went to Disney Quest where we went on Pirates and the Caribbean and I was the best on Aladdin. The best was the Buzz Lightyear bumpers, with me and Kath shooting other people.

Day 6 - Animal Kingdom

After yesterday we decide on a more leisurely start and have a traditional American breakfast at 9:30 of eggs, bacon, sausage and cake. Today is very sunny and hot. We head for Animal kingdom. On the way to the Tarzan Rocks show we see the Pooh character by the river so rush to find them. We see Pooh, Tiger and Eeeyore and get photos with each of them. Hannah is really excited and even Deb gets a photo with Eeyore, her favourite. The Tarzan show is very good, we get seats right of the front of the 2nd section with the skaters going just in front of us. Turk talks to Hannah which scares her. After the show we go on the River Rapids which are a lot wetter than before. Andrew and James get soaked through; so much that Deb does not have a go. We then go on the train to the conservation station. Hannah loves the petting zoo, brushing the goats and sheep. At the station we have a few

snacks for lunch. It’s then a big rush back on the train to catch the last Lion King Show, which again is good. After the show we stumble on the parade, which Deb thinks Andrew has planned for, but watch it anyway. It is not very good. We almost have a falling out again as Andrew is accused of rushing us about. It is then just about time for the park to close, so we head back to the resort. We have a leisurely dinner at the food hall of the usual burgers etc and then, after a look around the shop, have an early night ready for an early start for Universal Studios in the morning. All in all, not a bad day.

Kathryn’s thoughts
Today was a lot better than yesterday. We went to Animal Kingdom and it was wikid. We went to shows like Tarzan and Lion King, they were really good. The parade was a bit boring and Mummy still found something to sulk about. Good day all round.
James thoughts
Today we went to Animal kingdom which was good because we saw Tarzan Rocks. Everybody did start to get cross when they got hungry and tired.

Day 7 - Universal Studios

 

Today is very sunny and hot. It our first Universal Studios day and we are all excited. We get up early, although Deb struggles, and have our usual toast and honey breakfast.
The car trip is straight forward and takes about 20min and we arrive at opening time 9am. The car park costs $8 and is a huge multi-story. There is not many people about. We park and head towards the parks down moving walkways and through City Walk.
We head for Universal Studios itself and first have to get our tickets. We try to use the automated ticket machines but they do not work so we have to wait for customer services, which we have to wait in a queue for some time for but we get our tickets no problem. Its then straight into the park. Bags are checked the same as Disney. Although we are early into the park, the queues are already big

for their new Shrek ride, so Deb, Kath and James have a go on the Twister rider, which is OK but load. We then wonder around the park and next go on the Jaws boat ride which is good. Next Andrew, James and Kath go on the Back to the Future ride, there is no queue. It is a huge screen close up 3D ride, which is very good, whilst Deb and Hannah go to the kids area and see Barney. When Barney talks to Hannah she does a runner right out of the attraction. We then all go on the ET ride, an unusual ride on a bike,which is very good, even Hannah although it was a bit dark and loud. Next

we go on the Terminator ride, again with no queue, and another 3D show, but with some actor intervention. It is also very good. Deb and Hannah are getting a bit tired, it is also very hot, so we stop for some lunch of pretzels and turkey legs. After some lunch we find that the Shrek queue is not quite so long so we decide to queue. It does not take long before we get to the show. The pre-show is very good and so is the main show.
We are now all getting a bit fed up of 3D shows so we head for the Islands Of Adventure park. It is only a quick walk back through City Walk to the other park, one there Andrew has to sign in as he didn’t get his hand stamped at Universal. We head straight for the Hulk roller coaster which is huge. Deb, Kath and James are very excited are rush straight on whilst Andrew stays with Hannah who falls asleep. There is hardly any queue and

the ride is excellent, James and Kath’s favourite and they go straight on again. When they have finished they persuade Andrew to have a go. He is not keep but eventually does, keeping his eyes shut all the way round. Next Deb, Kath and James go on Doctor Dooms Fear Fall which is high vertical drop. It is short and a bit disappointing. We continue on round the park and Deb, Kath and James go on Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls, a flume ride, on which they get very, very wet. Its getting late and the park is shutting early, so we hurry on to the Duelling Dragons roller coaster which Deb, Kath and James go on. There is a bit more of a queue this time. The ride is very scary with 2 hang down coasters which go very close to each other. The kids love it but Deb thinks it’s a bit too scary. In the Saus Landing area Deb is very disappointed with the ‘All the Books you Can Read’ shop

which is just for kids. Hannah, Deb and Andrew then go on the Fishes roundabout which Hannah likes, whilst Kath and James have a 4th go on the Hulk coaster. Everyone is now very tired, and the park is also about to close, so we head on out.
On our way back through City Walk, Hannah plays in the magic fountains which she loves. Back at the car park we do not know which area we left our car in, a big problem until the man in front of us recognises us and that we are lost and tells us which area we are on. An amazing bit of luck. The trip back is no problem and

quite quick.
For dinner we have the usual. In the evening we go swimming in the resort pool. As soon as we get there, there is a problem and the pool is closed. The say it is a ‘chemical imbalance’ but we think they have found a floater. It takes a before it opens again. During our swim Hannah falls in and Andrew has to drag her out a drowned rat. She is a bit shaken, but is soon back swimming again. After swimming Deb, Kath and James go and get some chocolate and it’s a fairly early night after a busy day. All in all the best day so far.
Kathryn’s thoughts
Universal was really good. The first park was all right, loved the Shrek ride and Jaws. The second park was the best. Me and James went on the Hulk 4 times. It was really cool. It went upside down and everything. We went on this thing like Tower of Terror, but I thought it was going to be better. We got soaked on this water ride better than Splash Mountain. The other big dragons roller coaster was wicked. I was scared to start with but when I was on it, wow, it was brilliant. The worst bit of it was when we got really close to the other dragon. That scared mummy. A great day.
James thoughts
Today was the best day ever because it was excellent with the really exciting Hulk ride and terrifying Duelling Dragons, which was the best ride because you go really fast and upside down 5 times and also really close to the other dragon roller coaster.

Day 8 - Town and Magic Kingdom

Another very sunny and hot day. After yesterdays excitement we have a late start today. We have also run out of provisions, so we take another trip out in the car. This time however we are a bit more planned and have found details of a shopping centre called ‘publix’ from an advert on TV and looked up in the yellow pages in our room, it is on the same road as Florida Mall. Firstly we go to Toysrus. Andrew buys some cheap Lord of the Rings stuff, Hannah gets a little mermaid, and some knickers, and Deb buys a gameboy game guide. We then try to find a discount bookstore which Deb

remembered from the last trip out, but, despite driving around for a while cannot find it. We do however find a different bookstore which is quite good. Kath buys a Buffy script book and James another captain underpants book. We then find the food supermarket, which is on the other side of the main I4. It is just what we are looking for, exactly like ours back home. We replenish our stocks with apples, bananas, crisps, bagels and other snacks as well as a salad dinner for today. Andrew also buys a pack of Lord of the Rings 7up. Its 2pm so we head back to the resort and have a

very early/late dinner/lunch of our salad. We then decide to go to Magic Kingdom specifically to see the Spectro Magic evening parade (which is only on a Saturday) and the fireworks. When we get there it is very crowded and they are also doing some filming for a TV show on main street. We head for Tom Sawyers Island but it is closed so, after a bit of a rushing about argument, go to the Haunted Mansion (which James was scared of on our last Disney holiday). The queue is fairly long but it does not take much time before we get on the ride. The ride is not bad, not so scary for James, even Hannah is unworried. We then go to fantasy island and, after a bit of a queue, the kids go on the Dumbo ride, which Hannah loves. We then sit and have ice creams. It is close to 7pm so we head over to the parade root which is already filling up. We just manage to get the last front row seat partly in the walkway right on the centre roundabout. The wait goes quick and Hannah gets a Mickey balloon, and we what the castle change colour. The parade is good. One of the seven dwarfs comes and touches Hannah, which scares her a bit. After the parade we watch the fireworks, which are also good. We then join the huge crowds out of the park. The queues for the bus are very long, but there are a lot of buses so it doesn’t take very long before we are back at the resort. It is very late so we go straight to bed. Overall not a bad day.
Kathryn’s thoughts
Today we went shopping and I got Buffy scripts. We then went to Magic Kingdom, it was really good. We went on the Haunted House and Dumbo ride. The light show was brilliant. One of the dwarfs shook Hannah’s hand, she was so sweet. A good day.
James thoughts
Today was good because we went to the big bookshop and I bought captain underpants. After the bookshop we went to the supermarket which was good because we bought loads of food. After lunch we went to the Magic Kingdom where we saw a parade which was really good and one of the seven dwarfs touched Hannah’s hand. We then saw the fireworks which were good but didn’t last very long.

Day 9 - Typhoon Lagoon and Disney Quest
Another very sunny and hot day. Today we decide on a lazy day and therefore have a late start. Breakfast is the usual bagels, toast and honey. We then head for Typhoon Lagoon. When we get there it is quite crowded, with queues for the lockers (Andrew and James queue whilst the girls get changed). We go on the roundy roundies which are quite crowded. James gets bad, swollen eyes, so we go and wash them with shower water, after which they are a bit better. We then go on the wave pool, which is great, although Hannah is a bit out of sorts, grumpy, so we take it in turns to stay in they shallow pools with her. We then go and have a look at the snorkel pool which again is crowded, then Kath and James have a go on the fast flumes (we are unable to persuade Deb to go on them). Then have a go on the family rafts which are good, but with a bit of a wait. Hannah then has a play in the kids area, with its own mini-flume. Its then back on the roundy roundy for a while, before a last go in the wave pool. Then back to the resort. It is mid afternoon so we have a late/early lunch/dinner of the usual buggers etc. before heading for Downtown Disney and Disney Quest. At Downtown Disney we go on Pirates, which is brilliant, and then split up. Deb spends a lot of time on ‘Mr Do’ in the retro arcade. Kath and James spend a lot of time on the Buzz Lightyear bumper cars. Hannah loved the Dance Game and spends a lot of time watching people playing, and dancing alongside them. We also find the Internet desks and check up on e-bay. We eventually leave at 9pm back to the resort where we have a late supper of Tuna bagels then a relatively early night. A quiet day.
Kathryn’s thoughts
A good day today. Swimming was good, no one sulked. Went on a good flume it went straight down. Downtown Disney was good again, we went on Buzz bumpers seven times wikid.
James thoughts
Today was really good because we went swimming with wicked waves and after that had a great time at Downtown Disney.

Day 10 - Universal Studios and MGM Studios
Another very sunny and hot day. Deb is a bit tired so we decide to split up with Andrew, Kath and James going to Universal on their own.
Andrew, Kathryn and James Day

We leave Deb and Hannah in bed and have our usual toasted breakfast. We get to Universal with no problems and arrive just after it opens at 9:00am and go first to Islands of Adventure as we are keen to go on the Superman ride. There are no queues so we get straight on. The ride a mixture of ride and 3D screens. It is excellent the best ride we have been on. Kathryn and James then go on the Hulk roller coaster, which they still really enjoy. Next we rush to Jurassic Park and the main water ride. Again no queues and we get to ride on our own in the front of the boat. It is not bad, similar to Dinosaur at Disney, with the main feature being a very big drop at the end. Kathryn and James then go on Duelling Dragons, still no queues but only 1 dragon is going. They sit near 2 gay men who scream like little girls, but apologies at the end. We then head for the Poseidon’s Fury show

which according to the sign starts if half an hour at 11am, so we join the queue. 11am passes, no show, queue gets bigger and bigger and more restless until it opens at 11:30. The show is very good, particularly the water tunnel. We then go back to Spiderman but the queues are 45min so we get a fastpass for 3:15. Kath and James have a final go on the Hulk before we head from Universal Studios. At the Studios Andrew tries to sneak past the bag search, but gets stopped and searched thoroughly. We see the Shrek character first and Andrew gets a picture. We then go to the Earthquake show,

no queue, which is very similar to Disney Backlot. The Earthquake effect is very good. Next we go to Men In Black, the queue is 45min so we get a fastpass which is only in 30min time. We wonder about for a while, have some snack lunch and an ice drink, before going back to the ride. There are no bags allowed so Kathryn stays with them. Not much of a queue with the fastpass. The ride is similar to Disney Buzz Lightyear, only better. We then go to Shrek, which has a bit of a queue but we decide to wait. We are just about to give up when there is a bit move in the queue and we just get in.

The show is good, with the pre-show a bit different from last time as the commentator adds in a lot of extra jokes, very good. We then go back to Islands of Adventure to use our Spiderman fastpass. Halfway round the ride, the film stops but the ride carries on. It is a bit scary as we are moving in the dark. We do get an extra ride, with no queue. Spiderman is a brilliant ride. We then head back to Disney, although we go the wrong way out of the car park and head North and having to double back.
Deb and Hannah’s Day
A late start followed by a fruit breakfast the we go to Animal Kingdom. We hire a ‘stroller’ and wonder slowly around the park. We go through both the African and Asian walking safaris where we see a Tiger close up and also some Guerrillas. Back at the resort the room has not been cleaned so we tell a cleaner. We then go swimming in the resort pool. After getting back to the room we have lost Deb’s shorts so head back to the pool and find them on a bin, very lucky. The room has then been cleaned so we have a bit of a nap. Bath groups then meet up and go for our usual dinners. We then head to MGM for the Fantasmic show. Luckily we arrive early as the show starts at 7:30 not 8:00 as last week. After a bit of a rush to the show we still get not bad seat’s although it fills up fast. The show is very good. Hannah enjoys it although she covers her eyes for the scary bit. At the end of the show there is the big rush for the buses with huge crowds. We get split up but meet up again at the buss stop. There is not much of a wait for the bus. Back at the resort, we have some drinks then have a reasonably early night. A pretty good day.
Kathryn’s thoughts
Today was really fun. Universal was good again, we went on Spiderman which was great!! Daddy had a picture with Srek, you couldn’t tell the difference between the two. The Fantasmic show was wicked, I really enjoyed it.
James thoughts
Today was good because we went to Universal again and went on some of the rides we missed like Spiderman and Earthquake. Afterwards we went to MGM to watch Fantasmic which was really good.

Day 11 - Universal Studios and Town

Still very sunny and hot day. Today we decided on a quiet day. We went back to Universal to have a final look around as it was the last day of our tickets. We needed to get there early to miss the crowds but we were a bit late up, so we had breakfast in the car. We still managed to arrive at 9:15. We went straight to Islands of adventure so that Deb could go on the Spiderman ride. We used the child swap and all enjoyed it. The older people on with Andrew, Kath and James forgot to use the 3D glasses and got a bit confused. Andrew and Kath then had a go on Dudley Do Right water ride and got very wet. We then headed for Jurassic Park and Deb, Kath and James go on the water rider, which they think is very good. Kath and James have a go on the Duelling Dragons which again only have one Dragon going. Finally Deb, Kath and James have a go on the Hulk as the

final ride at Universal. On the way back to Disney we do a bit of shopping, going to the large bookshop (Barnes and Noble) where Kath gets another Alias book and Deb has a Sturbucks coffee, which she is very impressed with. We then go to the Publix supermarket, which is only next door, for some supplies and have some sandwiches in the car for lunch. We then have a last look in ToysRUse, getting Hannah some LeapPad books for her birthday, and then head back to Disney, still managing to get a bit lost on the way. When we get back, Andrew and James go for a trip on the Monorail which involved a lot of queuing for busses and ended up taking a long time (very boring). Dinner is the usual, Burger and Hotdogs, which we eat in our room and afterwards get into a bit of an argument about going out again. We end up staying in and watching TV, before an early night. During the evening there is a massive thunderstorm, which is very exciting. A rather quiet day.
Kathryn’s thoughts
OK day, samemole Universal again. Went shopping again and got an Alias book, very good. Stayed at home which was good, although James bugging. Quite a good day.
James thoughts
Today was really good because of the rides at Universal. Went on the monorail in the Magic Kingdom which was boring. Then we had a really nice time in our room, it was very wet outside.

Day 12 - MGM Studios
Very, very sunny and hot. Today we had a later start planning on spending the whole day at Epcot. Breakfast is the usual bagels and toast. When we get to Epcot we find that it is very crowded. We head straight for Mission Space and find that the wait time is 75min and the fast pass is for 6pm. This is probably because it is the launch day of the Mission Space ride and, we think, Columbus Day bank holiday in America. We decide that MGM would be a better option.
At MGM we go in a few shops and James buys a Buzz Lightyear neckless.
We then go to Tower Of Terror which has a 45min wait as only 1 tower is in action, but Deb, Kath

and James have a go anyway. It’s a quick dash to the Beauty and the Beast show, which is just about to start. The pre-show is good with some ‘sound technicians’ doing some songs. The show itself is a bit bland and our seats are not the best. We then have an ice cream, Kathryn drops hers on the floor but quickly picks it up and eats it anyway, very funny. She then stands under a tree and has a bird poo on her head, even more funny. Its then on Rock N Roller coaster using child swap, we do not have too long to wait. The start is very scary, very fast to watch, but the ride is not bad in the dark. We then wonder across the park and stumble on the motor parade, which Andrew and Hannah watch whilst the others go in some shops. Hannah likes the parade, all her favourite characters. After the parade we take Hannah for a play on the Honey I Shrank The Kids playground, whilst Kath and James go on Star Tours. In the playground Andrew looses Hannah, but she turns up after a few minutes frantic searching having climbed round the back of a big tree. On our way back out of the resort, we see that the Muppets show is about to start so we go in. We have to wait a bit longer than we thought and the 3D show looks a bit dated after similar shows at Universal. We then head back to the resort, with a big crowd at the buses but not too long a wait. Back at the resort we have a late dinner of the usual Burgers and Pasta then its back to the room for an early night. An average day.
Kathryn’s thoughts
Quite an interesting day, Epcot was very crowded. It was really hot. MGM was quite good. Queues were long. Tower of Terror was very scary as it stopped half way in the total darkness. We went on Rockin Roller Coaster, better than I expected. Good day overall.
James thoughts
The first half of the day was really boring ay Epcot because it was very busy. The rides at MGM were very good.

Day 13 - Town, Blizzard Beach and Downtown Disney
Again Very, Very and hot. Nearing the end of our holiday so we decide on a final shopping trip. We have a late start so have breakfast on the move. Our car is running low of fuel but we are unsure as to what type it uses. So we stop off at Disney customer services and are told that most cars are petrol. We stop at the petrol station opposite MGM Studios, which we spotted the night before. Buying petrol in America is a lot different than in the Britain. You first have to pay for the petrol and then the pump only lets up put in the amount paid for. We pay $4 and fill almost a quarter of the tank. We head for Florida Mall again and wonder around. Again finding few shops of interest. Deb buys three games for her SP (which are cheaper and newer than in Britain) and a cheat book. We buy some cooked nuts for a snack. We buy Kath an Alias calendar for a Christmas present, she sulks bad as she wants it now. We then head for Toys R Us again and ‘luckily’ they have sold the LOTR stuff that Andrew wanted (we couldn’t get it home anyway). We do buy some Leap Pad books for Hannah’s birthday which again are cheaper than Britain, and also on offer. After this we go to both the bookstores we found and Andrew gets some LOTR bookmarks and a limited edition Legolas figure (which should have been brought with a book). Deb has a Starbucks coffee in the second bookshop. Andrew buys the wrong one, but Deb likes it all the same. Its then back to the resort which Kath still in a sulk which is getting Deb annoyed. We decide to go to Blizzard beach and consider driving. We drop James as customer services to ask about parking (we need to get a pass, which is free). Eventually we consider the amount of petrol we have left and decide not to drive. It is 2:30 and Blizzard Beach closed at 5:00 so it’s a bit of a rush, however we get there very quick. We go on the roundy, roundies and then the family rafts (a few times) which are very good. The queues are quite big but do not take long. We then have a go in the big waves. After getting changed Andrew insists on taking some photos which is a bit tedious and gets everyone cross. Back at the resort we have the usual dinners. Kath is back in a sulk, although she was not bad at swimming. We then head for Downtown Disney. Kath and James go straight to Disney Quest. Andrew, Deb and Hannah have a quiet stroll through the shops looking for presents, do not find much. They have a rush for the toilets for Hannah at one point. Then wonder through Pleasure Island without being checked. Kathryn and James play mostly on the Buzz Lightyear bumpers. When we finally meet up at Disney Quest it is getting late and is quite crowded so we decide to call it a day. James buys a light stick from the Quest shop which he was after. We head back and go into Virgin and get a LOTR draughts game and an Alias book for Kaths friend. Kath goes into a worse of a sulk when we wont get her some other Alias books (although we have already brought them for her birthday). Kath and Deb have a big falling out.
Back at the resort, Kath still sulking, we get ice-creams (Kath nearly missing out) then back to our room to start packing. Packing is a bit of a problem with all of Andrews LOTR stuff. It ends up a late night. A good day apart from Kath’s sulking.
Kathryn’s thoughts
Shopping again, quite boring. Swimming, family ride good. Downtown Disney good but quite boring. In a sulk most of the day. Rubbish day altogether, for me.
James thoughts
Shopping was good because we brought some SP games. Swimming at Blizzard Beach was fun and refreshing out of the sun. To finish off the day me and Kathryn went to Disney Quest whilst everyone else went shopping, it was the best part of the day.

Day 14 - Epcot

A Dull Day. Today is the final day of our holiday. We have another late start and a proper American breakfast. We then decide to head for Epcot, which we haven’t been too much yet. We have a very, very long wait for a bus (45min). Lots of buses come and go but none are ours. We chat to an American family who tell us that this week is an American holiday (explains the larger crowds this week). Epcot is busy. We head straight for a Mission Space fastpass, the queue is 100 minutes. We do a bit of shopping and get Hannah some birthday presents, then go to the living seas. Hannah

loves the fishes and we see a dolphin and a huge sea turtle. We then  use our fastpass to go on MissionSpace, using the child swap facility. Everybody thinks it is very good. Andrew with Hannah then Kathryn and James send a video postcard home. We have a late pizza lunch (queuing behind a family ordering 16 pizzas). After lunch we decide it would be a good idea to get some pressed pennies as a souvenir. We find one in Epcot and then decide to get one from all the other parks. We split up with Andrew and Deb going to press pennies and the kids going back to the resort. Whilst waiting for the bus to Animal Kingdom, which takes a while to come, Deb has second thoughts and heads back to the resort. Andrew has a rush around the parks to find the penny presses. After struggling in Animal Kingdom it a big rush to get to the Magic Kingdom which is

closing early, he jumps on a waiting bus to the ticket centre and then on the monorail to Magic Kingdom. He is the only person on the monorail and has to get off on his own in front of a massive crowd at the station leaving Magic Kingdom. It’s a struggle to find a press, some are out of order, but after running around the park, he finds one back near the entrance. There is no direct buss to MGM so he jumps on the first bus back to the resorts which is a Music bus and walks across to Movies. Back at the resort James goes with Andrew to MGM where they get the last pennies. When they finally get back we have our usual dinner and do some final present shopping in the resort, Deb getting a watch for her birthday. Its then back to the room for final packing and we watch the Tarzan movie on the Disney channel. A fairly quiet last day.
Kathryn’s thoughts
Epcot was pretty good. We didn’t do much. I got a really nice charm bracelet, good day really. Pretty quiet.
James thoughts
Today was our last day and good. Mission space was excellent and mummy decided to do these pennies so me and daddy went to places looking for them. All in all the day was fun and good.

Day 15 - Journey Home
A Hot Day. We are up fairly early and finish off the last of the packing. It is very tight to get everything in, particularly with all of Andrews LOTR things. We manage OK in the end, but with a lot of carrier bags. We want to get to the airport early to get good seats on the plane. There is a bit of an argument over whether we have time for breakfast. We load up the car, check out and then have a quick breakfast. We also use the last of our change to get some final pressed pennies. We eventually leave the resort at 10:30. The trip to the airport takes longer than we thought, about an hour. The petrol gets very low, with the warning light coming on, we are not sure if we are going to make it. We give the car back with no problem. Getting the luggage to the terminal is a bit of a struggle. Deb, Kath and Hannah go on ahead to get in the check-in queue whilst Andrew and James struggle with the cases, James getting very left behind. We are queuing for only a little while, and then hide some of the hand luggage. The rest weighs in just under the limit and we get seats all sitting together. The customs is quite strict. We are very early for the flight and have to wait over 3 hours in the terminal, which goes very slowly. We have some chips and continuously look around the shops. We also eat a lot of our food we have left which reduced the number of bags we have. We board the plane on time, all sitting together and it leaves on time. The flight back is long, Hannah only sleeps for an hour. Half way through Hannah wee’s on Deb, she has been very good throughout the holiday. Deb has to wear Andrews shorts. During the flight we realise that we told Dad to pick us up on the wrong day, having got the time difference calculation wrong. We have told him to pick us up the day before. Cannot do anything about it now, we just hope he will be there. We arrive on time and pick up our bags OK. Dad is there, he had turned up the day before, we apologise a lot. Everyone is very tired. The drive back is fine, with everyone falling asleep in the car, and arrive home at 7:30 in the morning. Its straight to bed.