30/6/11, Blizzard Beach & Downtown Disney

Today was a day spent away from the theme parks. We had breakfast in the Golden Corral and then headed off to Blizzard Beach. David thought we were going to a beach with Lizards on it. This is an amazing water park and we had a thoroughly good time here. David was running around from slide to slide in different areas of the park.

Thunder storms started looming around 2pm, but we managed to pack up and reach the car just as the heavens opened. It started chucking it Florida style. Could hardly see where we were going on the I4. Heading west along the 192 things got better. Home for some ice cream..still very humid.

Out for tea...choices,choices and loads of choices. Our pre-Disney planning recommended a number of special places to dine and tonight we headed to Downtown Disney and enjoyed a fabulous meal in great surroundings in the House of Blues. Walked around Downtown for a while and again enjoyed the magic of this corner of Disney.

Tomorrow???????? Epcot

29/6/11, Universal

Today was spent at Universal studios. Had some great fun here. Headed straight for Shrek 4D. the show lived up to all expectations. David loved it!! We then managed to get a picture or two with the main characters.

 

David then managed to get into a full blown conversation with Donkey. Donkey asked his name, age and then asked David where he was from. David looked at Donkey and replied 'Scotland....Falkirk'. Donkey was obviously struggling here with the shy Scottish accent and in sheer horror replied, 'Scotland!! and you know Farquad!! Don't you bring Farquad here David, Just Don't you bring him here'.

 

We then went on the Jimmy Neutron ride. Fabulous! This was followed by the Animal actors show. David was in stitches watching the Orangutan performance and has been imitating it ever since. Lunch was in the all American diner and then off to see the Blues Brothers. After this we went on the Simpson's ride. This ride replaces Back to the Future. It is a truly exhilarating ride and again David loved it and is still raving about the experience.

SCOOOOOOOOOOBY DOOOOBY DOOOOOO

28/6/11, Hollywood Studios

Headed for Hollywood Studios today. Went to fast pass Woody Mania at 10am but the pass would have not let us on until 5pm. An 80 min wait was too long. Headed to Playhouse Disney show. Here David watched all his favourite characters that he watches at home on the Disney Channel performing live on stage. From Handy Manny to Jake and the Neverland Pirates, David danced and sang along. His wee face was a picture. We then headed to one of our favourites..Muppet 3D.

This show is so much fun. 3D animation at its best. This was followed by the New Stars Wars ride. Ten out of ten for this ride. It was David's highlight of the day. Whizzing through space at incredible speeds. We then went to see another new Disney stuntshow LIGHTS, MOTORS, ACTION. Highly recommend it. Davids jaw was on the floor as cars flew threw the air..on FIRE...and in REVERSE.

After Honey I shrunk the kids we took a seat and watched the Pixar parade. Again David joined in. He took his toy Woody to the park to meet the real Woody. And as the parade marched down Hollywood Boulevard, David joined in and waved his toy Woody to the thousands strong crowd. He got a special sticker from a cast member for his participation.

Home for dip in the pool and then out for the best steak I have ever tasted from the Outback steak house.

27/6/ 11, Animal Kingdom & Chef Mickey

David was up early this morning (5am). His clock is taking a little time to adjust. Made the most of the early rise and headed for Animal Kingdom, This is a great park. We started the day on the Kilimanjaro Safari. Saw loads of animals. David loved the elephant

We then had a late breakfast in the Rainforest Cafe. This is themed restaurant with all sorts of things going on around you. This was followed by a ride on River Rapid. Great thrill and we all got soaked. Lion King show quickly followed with it's usual high octane performance. David and Alison went to see a bugs life as I soaked in some rays. Very hot now!! Took David on the Dinosaur ride. Freaked him out a little but now claims he enjoyed it. Tired now after 6 hours on the go. Home to the pool.

Out for dinner to the Contemporary resort to dine with Chef Mickey. Great fun as we ate all we could with Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, Goofy and Donald. David loved it...so did we!!

 

So the night went on......

HIGH 5

26/6/11 The magic begins

Well, where do I start?  After a slight delay, due to a flat car battery, we hit the Golden Corral for brunch.  Managed to fill our plates many times over, with David enjoying that well-known breakfast favourite: sausages, hot dog sausages, carrots and mashed potato.  Only in America!
Got to The Magic Kingdom by midday, and took the ferry across The Seven Seas Lagoon.  At this point the Magic really began! It was unplanned and totally not scripted and what happened in the next hour was truly amazing. By chance as we walked up Main Street USA the Disney characters appeared behind us as they started the move it, shake it, celebrate it street party. David danced the whole time, to such an extent that Donald Duck came down from his float and took his hand and danced with him. It was awesome! Donald was totally taken by his moves and now David has a new found friend in Donald Duck. What a start to the magic!

We then went to see Mickey's Philharmagic show. This was fantastic. There is a bit at the end when Donald goes shooting across the auditorium and crashes into the wall behind you. All you see is a half buried Donald in the wall with his tail feathers shaking at you. At this point as the 500 strong crowd looks on in awe David shouts out at the top of his voice...Donald!!!!! are you OK!! Drew laughs from all. We then did the following: DUMBO Winnie the POO ride Pirates of the Carribean Swiss tree house Peter pan David is now very tired. The temp is around 90 degrees. He decides to take a seat on the pavement. Time to go home

25/6/11, Arrived!

It was an epic journey. We arrived at the villa at 6pm and David went straight for the pool even though his 'body clock' is saying it is nearly midnight. Very warm and humid so he enjoyed the welcome dip. Villa is absolutely stunning with everything we need for our 3 week stay.Need now to try and stay up (12:37am UK time now). Mickey awaits us in the morning.

25/6/11, Morning Call

David is up early today

24/6/11, Night time

Up early on Sat Morn to catch flight at 10:30. David is now fast asleep after playing 'I Spy' for 3 hours on the train here. He totally entertained the carriage. Remember that we are 5 hours behind you guys, but we will try to keep this Blog up to date every day. So excited!!!  David's new song= I Ho!, Hi Ho, It's of to Florida  we go, We will have some fun in the Florida sun, I Ho! Hi! Ho!

24/6/11, Manchester airport

David is so excited that he is finding it very difficult to sleep. We have had a great start to our holidays. Train was a bonus. Hotel at Manchester airport was a 3 min walk from the platform through a glass tunnel. Terminal 2 tomorrow is 5 mins away through the rest of this awesome tunnel. 10:30 flight to Florida....bring it on!!!!