Hollywood Studios today and it's a hot one! Toy Story Mania is simply the most wonderful ride - it's a must do in my opinion. Luke actually came with us... miracle of miracles. It's pretty much the only time he's spent with us and to be honest doesn't seem to be having a great deal of fun, although he's not especially trying very hard....
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One of the things I was absolutely most looking forward to was our meal at Whispering Canyon, Wilderness Lodge. Whilst the food, atmosphere and location was breathtaking, it was dampened slightly by the lack of enthusiasm from the teens. Trying hard not to be too upset but a bit sad anyway.
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A super early start to the day to get to EPCOT in time to meet Anna and Elsa and boy was it worth a little rush because we wandered straight in. Breakfast in Norway followed and then a very hot but successful day in the park.
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Saturday and it's a big game safari day at Animal Kingdom. We start the day with lunch at the Tusker House restaurant, with Donald Duck in charge of the safari lunch. This restaurant very quickly climbs to the top of our dining experiences, with an awesome array of food catering for all.
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A slow start was needed this morning so we cancelled our bookings and spent the morning watching tv. It was bliss.
We headed out mid afternoon for supper at the Magic Kingdowm and Jungle Navigation Co. Skipper Canteen. Oh boy was it fantastic!
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Today was all about trying to grasp back some magic and not to be too upset by the events of last night. A superb cast member at Sanaa did just that for us and we wound up having a truly wonderful day. Phew!
EJ x
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Off to Epcot again today and we had a tremendous time (as always) on Soarin' We also met Crush and watched the dancing fountains. Lunch in amazing Mexico was simply luscious.
Paul and I snuck back out for more time at World Showcase, mainly sampling more nosh! What a super day.
EJ x
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Today started of with just Flick and I braving rocking rollercoaster then met up with the small people for some Star Wars fun.
Lunch with the gang from Disney Junior and then home for a much needed nap.
A spontaneous visit to Magic Kingdom at 9pm meant we got to see Wishes and The Electrical Parade which is one of my favourite things. A midnight Haunted Mansion finished off a truly magnificent day. EJ x
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Epcot again, this time for breakfast and we were joined by one of the elusive teens! Garden Grill has become my favourite character meals. After the initial fun of the rotating restaurant has mellowed, it's actually an uncomfortable and cramped environment to eat in - but the food (breakfast for us) was superb and the character interaction was fantastic.
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We are closing in on the end of our stay at Saratoga but are still squeezing every inch of fun out of it.
A much anticipated breakfast in the Beast's Castle, watching the enchanted rose slowly drop it's petals, and seeing the snow outside the great ballroom.
We then braved the seven dwarves mine train, and many more magic kingdom fun. A superb day was finished off at Disney Springs with a spectacular meal experience at TRex, dancing in the fountains and drinking cocktails. Again. EJ x
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We split up today; Dorothy and I stayed at 'home' and started the tiresome process of packing - a new suitcase having already been purchased to accommodate the new stuffed toys - and Paul and Albert went on a hunt around Orlando for the desired Kion - from The Lion Guard. Fortunately he was found and so peace was restored in Albert's life.
We headed off to the Hoop De Doo Review at Wilderness Campground and had such a truly fantastic time - even the teens cracked the odd smile.
The day was finished sitting by the pool, taking the occasional dip in between cocktails, and watching the kids doing loops of the slide until late. It was a hard, hard day. EJ x
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Checking out of Saratoga meant an early start and day of fun filled Disney magic. Storytime with Belle, The Voyage of the Little Mermaid which has the most spectacular queue, lunch at the Liberty Tree Tavern in LIberty Square - no of course the teenagers didn't join us We also managed to track down JemSessionz' bolt and put our scribble on it. Hooray!
Leaving Disney was sad but arriving at Universal was excited. Guitars, marble and water everywhere. Initials feelings are muted - lets see what the rest of the week brings.
EJ x
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Our first full day at Universal and what more could you want except brunch at the three broomsticks? Hmm. Quite a lot it would seem.
EJ x
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A really good day today - lots of fun, well behaved children and some new pets.
EJ x
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We woke bright and breezy ready for a day at the Premier Outlet Mall but things spiralled, as they so often do. I had a good sob and we salvaged the day at the pool, despite the hurricane and tornado warnings.
EJ x
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I didn't manage to film much, mainly because it was a day filled with water rides and soggy knickers. But it was a positive day with lots of fun although Albert is obscenely ready for school - far too many temper tantrums!!
EJ x
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We decided a day with a plan was called for having been winging it for a few days - plus I also decided to force the teens to participate in a few things with us. It actually wasn't as much of a disaster as I thought it might be and the occasional smile was generously gifted in our general direction. Dorothy and Albert braved a huge water drop slide called The Adventure and D enjoyed it so much she went twice more - god help the world....!
The highlight for me was actually the otter on the slide, but don't tell the family that.
EJ x
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Our final full day of holiday left us yearning for a Disney fix. In order to simplify life, we had a slow start and Paul kept the short people entertained for a while running up and down the hotel corridors and posing in the "spotlights" (Dorothy has gathered a small following doing this - we hope royalty cheques will follow). I stayed back at the room and got most stuff packed. It may not have been fun but it was cathartic and there's something reassuring about getting organised when you have a big change on the way.
Having then worked out which of Disney's parks was open the latest, we trundled off to Animal Kingdom - for the first time in the car all the while regretfully eyeing up the buses. But at least it meant Albert got to try out the car park trams.
A late and very large lunch in Rainforest Cafe was then followed up with a hot and mostly happy afternoon in the Animal Kingdom doing stuff we'd previously missed.
We spent some time in Dinoland then headed off to Finding Nemo the Musical. It's quite a spectacle and needs to be on your watch list if you like stage shows - most especially looking out for Crush. Both the song and the performer are outstanding and send chills up my spine. John - one for you especially although I expect you've already seen it!
I hadn't seen the Tree of Life all lit up and it is truly spectacular - quite emotional actually.
The end of the holiday hit me and I ran out of patience - hence my rather grumpy rant at the end. It was all meant at the time, but life has a way or ironing out the kinks, so don't take me too seriously.
EJ x
