Sun 26 June
I wake up early, but lay in bed until 8am.
Breakfast is a crunchy nut bar and pink lemonade drink, and a donut.
9am Take the bags down 3 flights of stairs to the car. 6 suitcases in total, 1 duffle bag, 2 carry-ons.
9.30am Drive to the Welcome Centre to check out. Sit in the lounge area and use the free wifi until 11am.
Drive to airport, but need to fill up before we return the car. As we get closer to the airport, the heavens open up. It's pouring with rain as I drive into the Wawa service station. Not undercover, to get from the pumps to the shop area, so I don a poncho. Pay $15 first, fill car, but not enough, so have to pay another $5. Rain stops as we drive to the terminal. Head to Terminal B and car rental return. Return the car. Wheel bags to terminal B. A Lady helps us check in. Apparently Kaylene has problems with her checkin, but eventually the lady sorts it out for us. Finally all our bags are checked in. Lily is so impatient. But we still have time, so we wait outside security. Check out the Disney store. Eat salad.
Finally go through security. Three of us have pre-check on out boarding passes, so we skip having our bags x-rayed or having to remove our shoes. Just go through screening and body x-ray gates. No need to take anything out. Kaylene however goes through the whole process. Once inside, Lily heads straight for the gates. Skip the shops and straight to Gate 54 lounge. Flight is scheduled for 3.40pm. As we are about to enter passageway to board - announcement that there are air con problems. Oh No! Not again. 10 min delay. Recommence boarding. But then there are no pilots. delays again waiting for the pilots to come from another flight.
4.53pm and we are still sitting on the tarmac, engines off.
5.10pm we finally take off. JT, LC and KC are in front of plane, I'm on my own down the back in 32E.
6.30pm Touch down in Fort Worth, Dallas. Exit to collect bags, but there are no bags on the carousel. Lily is worried. After checking with staff that bags would have probably gone through, we go back in through security.
7.30pm Take Skytrain to Terminal D, Gate D15. Change into winter clothes. Have burgers at Fuddruckers.
9.20pm at Gate D15 waiting to board.
10.04pm board plane for flight home
Sunday, June 26, 2016
Saturday, June 25, 2016
Sat 25 June: Packing
Saturday 25 June
8.30 am wake up. Wash hair. Have breakfast crunchy nut bar, cherries, blueberries, raspberries.
Pack and repack. How do we fit in Nathan's shoes, my photobooks, Kaylene's accumulated stuff, etc?
11am Janet goes to Resort sales talk.
12.20 pm We drop Kaylene off at Disney Springs. She is meeting a friend for lunch.
We get back and Janet is still not back. Eventually she comes back. Says it's the same old talk trying to sell time share.
2.30 pm We all go to pick Kaylene up. Stop at Walmart for last minute shopping. I buy 2 shorts and a skort, twine and snail glue as well as a 32gb SD card.
6 pm Back at resort. Shower, wash hair. wash clothes.
8 pm. Dinner - salad with Maccas nuggets, Left over miso soup.
Finish packing. We've had to mix and combine our stuff. Everything is all over the place to even out the weight.
11.30 pm Finally sleep.
8.30 am wake up. Wash hair. Have breakfast crunchy nut bar, cherries, blueberries, raspberries.
Pack and repack. How do we fit in Nathan's shoes, my photobooks, Kaylene's accumulated stuff, etc?
11am Janet goes to Resort sales talk.
12.20 pm We drop Kaylene off at Disney Springs. She is meeting a friend for lunch.
We get back and Janet is still not back. Eventually she comes back. Says it's the same old talk trying to sell time share.
2.30 pm We all go to pick Kaylene up. Stop at Walmart for last minute shopping. I buy 2 shorts and a skort, twine and snail glue as well as a 32gb SD card.
6 pm Back at resort. Shower, wash hair. wash clothes.
8 pm. Dinner - salad with Maccas nuggets, Left over miso soup.
Finish packing. We've had to mix and combine our stuff. Everything is all over the place to even out the weight.
11.30 pm Finally sleep.
Friday, June 24, 2016
Fri 24 June: Universal Studios Florida - Day 2
Friday 24 June
9am Breakfast. Crunchy nut bar. Cherries. Shallot pancake and spag bol.
10.30pm Drive to Universal Studios
11.10am Park in ET row 264
Take photo with Hello Kitty. See Doc Brown. Lines for Bart Simpson too long. From Rodeo Drive walk into Simpson Land. Lines too long. Head to Animal Actors show. MIB too long. Head to Fear Factor live. Head to London and Harry Potter world -Diagon Alley. Walk into shops to cool down. So hot. Check out shops and take photos. Ride wait is too long. Head to SF. Head back to HPW for lunch.
2.55pm lunch at Leaky Cauldron. Fish and Chips. Potato pie with salad. Beef Stew with vegies in bread bowl with salad. Share between 4 of us.
After lunch head to NYC. See Beat Builders - drummers on construction site. KC and JT go on Mummy's revenge - indoor roller coaster. KC goes on RocknRoll roller coaster.
KC and JT go on Transformers ride and another ride. Then head to HPW to ride Gringotts ride while LC and I find a spot to sit and watch parade. Move from Transformers cnr to in front of Mummy ride - much cooler.
7.00pm Universal's Superstar Parade - not as great as Disney parade. JT and KC join us for parade.
Go to MIB ride and Krusty ride. LC sits it out. See Shrek 4D. No time for Minions ride. Get a spot for 9.45pm Universal's Cinematic Spectacular:100 years of movie memories. Again not as good as Disney. Walk back through shops.
11.11pm back at resort
12midnight. Mi goreng with fried egg. Salad.
9am Breakfast. Crunchy nut bar. Cherries. Shallot pancake and spag bol.
10.30pm Drive to Universal Studios
11.10am Park in ET row 264
Take photo with Hello Kitty. See Doc Brown. Lines for Bart Simpson too long. From Rodeo Drive walk into Simpson Land. Lines too long. Head to Animal Actors show. MIB too long. Head to Fear Factor live. Head to London and Harry Potter world -Diagon Alley. Walk into shops to cool down. So hot. Check out shops and take photos. Ride wait is too long. Head to SF. Head back to HPW for lunch.
2.55pm lunch at Leaky Cauldron. Fish and Chips. Potato pie with salad. Beef Stew with vegies in bread bowl with salad. Share between 4 of us.
After lunch head to NYC. See Beat Builders - drummers on construction site. KC and JT go on Mummy's revenge - indoor roller coaster. KC goes on RocknRoll roller coaster.
KC and JT go on Transformers ride and another ride. Then head to HPW to ride Gringotts ride while LC and I find a spot to sit and watch parade. Move from Transformers cnr to in front of Mummy ride - much cooler.
7.00pm Universal's Superstar Parade - not as great as Disney parade. JT and KC join us for parade.
Go to MIB ride and Krusty ride. LC sits it out. See Shrek 4D. No time for Minions ride. Get a spot for 9.45pm Universal's Cinematic Spectacular:100 years of movie memories. Again not as good as Disney. Walk back through shops.
11.11pm back at resort
12midnight. Mi goreng with fried egg. Salad.
Thursday, June 23, 2016
Thu 23 June: Universal Studios - Islands of Adventure Day 1
Thursday 23 June
After lots of debate of where to buy the tickets, online or at the gate, we drive down to the Welcome Center and Janet negotiates to get us discounted tickets to Universal Studios, by attending a sales talk.
So eventually we head off to Universal Studios. Park in their parking lot - Spiderman level. Trek a bit to get to the entry to the Universal Studios Orlando Resorts - go through security and head to the Islands of Adventure.
Head to Seuss Landing and do the Cat in the Hat ride, the Caro-Seuss-el and the High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride.
Then we head into the Lost Continent and experience Poseidon's Fury - an explosive undersea adventure. Lead by an archaeologist into the mysterious temple through secret passageways, we get caught in the middle of a colossal battle between ancient titans Poseidon and the evil Lord Darkenon. Massive fireballs, lasers and huge explosions of water erupt around us, before good triumphs over evil and we're lead back to the surface.
Have lunch at Doc Sugrue's Desert Kebab House - I buy a beef and a chicken kebab (skewers with flat bread) with packet chips and free water to share. Thinking they would be like Disney size, they are actually not. Oh well - at least we eat.
Then we go see the Eighth Voyage of Sinbad Stunt Show - cheering on the heroes and booing the villains. See death defying stunts and breathtaking feats as the mighty Sinbad and his wisecracking sidekick Kabob attempt to rescue the beautiful Princess Amoura from the evil witch Miseria.
After the show we enter the Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Hogsmeade. Entering the castle gates, the Hogwarts Express is big and bold. Snow on the roofs, but it's like over 30 degrees. Take photos of the shops. Kaylene goes on the Dragon Challenge ride by herself. Looks to scary for us oldies. Check out the lolly shop, the wand shop. See the frog choir. Lines for the other rides are too long. Tried the frozen butter beer - butterscotch taste, very sweet - sickeningly sweet.
So we head to Jurassic Park. Go into the Jurassic Park Discovery center to get out of the heat. See a raptor egg hatch.
Leave Dino Land for Toon lagoon. It's a wet park ...good for kids and if you want to get soaked. Take photos but no rides, because people are getting off very wet. Walk though the Comic Strip shops and diners into Marvel Super Hero Island. Go on Dr Doom's Fearfall with Kaylene. A 25 min wait for a 4 sec ride.
We all go on the Amazing Adventures of Spider Man ride - riding in a car through the streets with Spiderman swinging above.
Then we head back to Harry Potter land. Pass through Seuss Landing, so we do a quick ride on Cat in the Hat, as there is no queue. Play in the If I ran the zoo area - kids playground.
Queue up for the Flight of the Hippogriff. Lily sits it out. It's a little roller coaster, but Janet and I slide around in the seats. Straight after we queue up for the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. The journey through the castle to the ride had lots of interesting Harry Potter stuff to see. But the actual ride itself made me queasy. Screen was too big and flying around on broomsticks playing quidditch made me nauseous. Had to close my eyes to stop being physically sick.
7.30 pm we call it a day and head back to the car. Long walk back to the car park.
After lots of debate of where to buy the tickets, online or at the gate, we drive down to the Welcome Center and Janet negotiates to get us discounted tickets to Universal Studios, by attending a sales talk.
So eventually we head off to Universal Studios. Park in their parking lot - Spiderman level. Trek a bit to get to the entry to the Universal Studios Orlando Resorts - go through security and head to the Islands of Adventure.
Head to Seuss Landing and do the Cat in the Hat ride, the Caro-Seuss-el and the High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride.
Then we head into the Lost Continent and experience Poseidon's Fury - an explosive undersea adventure. Lead by an archaeologist into the mysterious temple through secret passageways, we get caught in the middle of a colossal battle between ancient titans Poseidon and the evil Lord Darkenon. Massive fireballs, lasers and huge explosions of water erupt around us, before good triumphs over evil and we're lead back to the surface.
Have lunch at Doc Sugrue's Desert Kebab House - I buy a beef and a chicken kebab (skewers with flat bread) with packet chips and free water to share. Thinking they would be like Disney size, they are actually not. Oh well - at least we eat.
Then we go see the Eighth Voyage of Sinbad Stunt Show - cheering on the heroes and booing the villains. See death defying stunts and breathtaking feats as the mighty Sinbad and his wisecracking sidekick Kabob attempt to rescue the beautiful Princess Amoura from the evil witch Miseria.
After the show we enter the Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Hogsmeade. Entering the castle gates, the Hogwarts Express is big and bold. Snow on the roofs, but it's like over 30 degrees. Take photos of the shops. Kaylene goes on the Dragon Challenge ride by herself. Looks to scary for us oldies. Check out the lolly shop, the wand shop. See the frog choir. Lines for the other rides are too long. Tried the frozen butter beer - butterscotch taste, very sweet - sickeningly sweet.
So we head to Jurassic Park. Go into the Jurassic Park Discovery center to get out of the heat. See a raptor egg hatch.
Leave Dino Land for Toon lagoon. It's a wet park ...good for kids and if you want to get soaked. Take photos but no rides, because people are getting off very wet. Walk though the Comic Strip shops and diners into Marvel Super Hero Island. Go on Dr Doom's Fearfall with Kaylene. A 25 min wait for a 4 sec ride.
We all go on the Amazing Adventures of Spider Man ride - riding in a car through the streets with Spiderman swinging above.
Then we head back to Harry Potter land. Pass through Seuss Landing, so we do a quick ride on Cat in the Hat, as there is no queue. Play in the If I ran the zoo area - kids playground.
Queue up for the Flight of the Hippogriff. Lily sits it out. It's a little roller coaster, but Janet and I slide around in the seats. Straight after we queue up for the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. The journey through the castle to the ride had lots of interesting Harry Potter stuff to see. But the actual ride itself made me queasy. Screen was too big and flying around on broomsticks playing quidditch made me nauseous. Had to close my eyes to stop being physically sick.
7.30 pm we call it a day and head back to the car. Long walk back to the car park.
Wednesday, June 22, 2016
Wed 22 June: Kennedy Space Visitor Center
Wednesday 22 June
A 1 hour drive to the Kennedy Space Visitor centre. Went through several tolls, as we didn't use the toll gadget in the car, we paid every time. Ranged from USD$1.25 to USD$2
We had try to buy the tickets online, but it was just as quick to buy it at the window, we arrived just before the rush.
First thing we did was the the bus ride out to the see the VAB and heavy crawlers before stopping at the Apollo/Saturn V Center to experience the historic Apollo 8 launch and marvel at the massive 363-foot-long Saturn V moon rocket. Other exhibits include the astronauts vault - filled with the different suits. Touch a moon rock. Entered the Lunar Theatre, which combines a blend of 3D theatrical elements, real NASA video and audio and multimedia imagery to recreate the historic day that man walked on the moon. Visit the space shop to get some souvenirs before boarding the bus back to the Visitor's Complex.
Next up was the Space Shuttle Atlantis. In the entry is the lifesize booster rockets which you need to pass under. When you first enter, you go up around and up a ramp into the Hubble Space Telescope theatre which showcases breathtaking images of life in space inside the International Space Station. Exiting the theatre, the Space Shuttle Atlantis is displayed as only spacewalking astronauts have seen her before - rotated 43.21 degrees with payload doors open and its Canadarm (robotic arm) extended, as if it has just undocked from the International Space Station. There are two replica shuttle flight controls so that you can experience what it's like to sit at the controls.
A 1 hour drive to the Kennedy Space Visitor centre. Went through several tolls, as we didn't use the toll gadget in the car, we paid every time. Ranged from USD$1.25 to USD$2
We had try to buy the tickets online, but it was just as quick to buy it at the window, we arrived just before the rush.
First thing we did was the the bus ride out to the see the VAB and heavy crawlers before stopping at the Apollo/Saturn V Center to experience the historic Apollo 8 launch and marvel at the massive 363-foot-long Saturn V moon rocket. Other exhibits include the astronauts vault - filled with the different suits. Touch a moon rock. Entered the Lunar Theatre, which combines a blend of 3D theatrical elements, real NASA video and audio and multimedia imagery to recreate the historic day that man walked on the moon. Visit the space shop to get some souvenirs before boarding the bus back to the Visitor's Complex.
Next up was the Space Shuttle Atlantis. In the entry is the lifesize booster rockets which you need to pass under. When you first enter, you go up around and up a ramp into the Hubble Space Telescope theatre which showcases breathtaking images of life in space inside the International Space Station. Exiting the theatre, the Space Shuttle Atlantis is displayed as only spacewalking astronauts have seen her before - rotated 43.21 degrees with payload doors open and its Canadarm (robotic arm) extended, as if it has just undocked from the International Space Station. There are two replica shuttle flight controls so that you can experience what it's like to sit at the controls.
Kaylene takes the slide down to the lower level, while we take the ramp. Down in the lower level, you can take a simulated flight experience which Janet and Kaylene went on. Janet describes it as a glorified massage chair ride. No g-force effects. While waiting for them on the 30min ride, I play with the docking and flight simulators. We take a look at the permanent memorial honouring the astronauts who lost their lives during the space shuttle missions.
It is now well past lunch time, so we stop for a break and have lunch in the Orbit cafe. I have a Romaine (Cos lettuce, avocado, oranges, tomatoes, cucumbers and cilantro-lime vinaigrette) salad with shrimp. Lily has a Hickory smoked pulled pork sandwich, Kaylene has a seared beef burger. Janet has a bit of all our food.
Next we enter the Science on a Sphere presentation, where a space expert takes us on a tour of the planets using a six foot diameter sphere.
Then we watch IMAX 3D - The Journey to Space - followed by a walk in the Rocket Garden and then back for another 3D movie - A Beautiful Planet.
Last but not least, check out the Space Shop for last minute souvenirs, then it's time to head back to the resort.
Tuesday, June 21, 2016
Tue 21 June: Disney Springs
Tuesday 21 June
Kaylene had arranged to meet a friend for lunch at Disney Springs, so we were going to tag along and check it out too. Unfortunately for Kaylene, her friend changed the plans, so we still went anyway.
Drove to Disney Springs - no need to go through Disney gates. They have several parking stations, 2 undercover and open parking. We parked in the Orange carpark, which is past the Lime carpark. Free parking all day.
Went into Vera Bradley where Kaylene bought something (she later bought it cheaper at Disney store and returned the Vera Bradley one). Went into several clothing shops, but all so expensive. Went into Nathan's shop - Trophy Room - Kaylene facetimed him, showing him the shoes, but they didn't have his size (phew) so we ended up buying t-shirts for Nathan and Darren.
Had lunch in Cookes from Dublin - Bought a kids fish and chips, 2 salads and chicken pie. Janet and I shared a salad and fish and chips, and Kaylene and her mum shared the salad and pie.
Walked into all the Disney shops. Took photos of the Lego sculptures. The serpent in the lake is still there, just like 17 years ago. Some things look similar, but it has expanded and more new shops are slated to open. There was a Uniqlo shop, but not open yet.
Didn't buy much, just window shopped and took photos. Oh bought a "curious and curiouser" t-shirt from Disney Marketplace where Kaylene worked, she bought some Alex and Ani bracelets. Also bought Mickey and Minnie figurines and an etched glass cube with Pooh and friends from the Arribas Bros. Kaylene bought an engraved Disney shot glass.
Kaylene had arranged to meet a friend for lunch at Disney Springs, so we were going to tag along and check it out too. Unfortunately for Kaylene, her friend changed the plans, so we still went anyway.
Drove to Disney Springs - no need to go through Disney gates. They have several parking stations, 2 undercover and open parking. We parked in the Orange carpark, which is past the Lime carpark. Free parking all day.
Went into Vera Bradley where Kaylene bought something (she later bought it cheaper at Disney store and returned the Vera Bradley one). Went into several clothing shops, but all so expensive. Went into Nathan's shop - Trophy Room - Kaylene facetimed him, showing him the shoes, but they didn't have his size (phew) so we ended up buying t-shirts for Nathan and Darren.
Had lunch in Cookes from Dublin - Bought a kids fish and chips, 2 salads and chicken pie. Janet and I shared a salad and fish and chips, and Kaylene and her mum shared the salad and pie.
Walked into all the Disney shops. Took photos of the Lego sculptures. The serpent in the lake is still there, just like 17 years ago. Some things look similar, but it has expanded and more new shops are slated to open. There was a Uniqlo shop, but not open yet.
Didn't buy much, just window shopped and took photos. Oh bought a "curious and curiouser" t-shirt from Disney Marketplace where Kaylene worked, she bought some Alex and Ani bracelets. Also bought Mickey and Minnie figurines and an etched glass cube with Pooh and friends from the Arribas Bros. Kaylene bought an engraved Disney shot glass.
Sunday, June 19, 2016
Sun 19 June: Premium Outlet Shopping
Sunday 19 June
Sleep in until 9.30am.
Check kitchen inventory and quite a few things missing. Breakfast. Boiled egg with pan fried tomatoes and avocado.
11am Shopping at Premium Outlets.
Dress at Ralph Lauren
Shoes at Skechers
Tops and shorts at BR
1.30pm lunch. China max $9.04 fried rice. Peppee beef. Chicken brocolli.
Sushi fuji. $14.35 noodles, vegies. Teriyaki chicken
Card holders from Kate Spade. Tops from Loft. Ann Taylor.
Dinner back at resort. Rice paper rolls with pork mince.
Sleep in until 9.30am.
Check kitchen inventory and quite a few things missing. Breakfast. Boiled egg with pan fried tomatoes and avocado.
11am Shopping at Premium Outlets.
Dress at Ralph Lauren
Shoes at Skechers
Tops and shorts at BR
1.30pm lunch. China max $9.04 fried rice. Peppee beef. Chicken brocolli.
Sushi fuji. $14.35 noodles, vegies. Teriyaki chicken
Card holders from Kate Spade. Tops from Loft. Ann Taylor.
Dinner back at resort. Rice paper rolls with pork mince.
Saturday, June 18, 2016
Sat 18 June: Grand Floridian
Saturday 18 June
A late breakfast reservation at 1900 Park Fare, Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa.
We drive to the Grand Floridian - lucky Kaylene's pass is still usable to get us in to Disney - flash it, say we have reservations - they have to swipe the magic band though and we park at the Grand Floridian.
As we're a bit early, we check out the resort. The beach is all fenced off due to an incident where an alligator took a young boy from the beach, the other night.
10am Supercalifragelistic Buffet Breakfast with characters, Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, Mary Poppins, The Mad Hatter and Alice in Wonderland. I have eggs benedict x 2 with sausage, cheesy blintz, bacon, corn beef hash, pancake with maple syrup, scarmbled eggs, avocado, watermelon, rockmelon, honeydew, pineapple and Mad Hatter's juice.
After breakfast we take a look in the shops. Kaylene wants to buy a bag, I end up getting her to buy me a top.
12.30pm We drive back to the resort.
1pm - 3pm we all nap.
I have a late lunch of caesar salad with 1/2 fried chicken, cherries chips.
A thunderstorm rolls in with heavy rain, so we stay in and watch TV, food channel, tennis and news.
7.30pm dinner is Pork ribs with rice, carrots, beans and corn.
A late breakfast reservation at 1900 Park Fare, Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa.
We drive to the Grand Floridian - lucky Kaylene's pass is still usable to get us in to Disney - flash it, say we have reservations - they have to swipe the magic band though and we park at the Grand Floridian.
As we're a bit early, we check out the resort. The beach is all fenced off due to an incident where an alligator took a young boy from the beach, the other night.
10am Supercalifragelistic Buffet Breakfast with characters, Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, Mary Poppins, The Mad Hatter and Alice in Wonderland. I have eggs benedict x 2 with sausage, cheesy blintz, bacon, corn beef hash, pancake with maple syrup, scarmbled eggs, avocado, watermelon, rockmelon, honeydew, pineapple and Mad Hatter's juice.
After breakfast we take a look in the shops. Kaylene wants to buy a bag, I end up getting her to buy me a top.
12.30pm We drive back to the resort.
1pm - 3pm we all nap.
I have a late lunch of caesar salad with 1/2 fried chicken, cherries chips.
A thunderstorm rolls in with heavy rain, so we stay in and watch TV, food channel, tennis and news.
7.30pm dinner is Pork ribs with rice, carrots, beans and corn.
Friday, June 17, 2016
Fri 17 June: Rest Day
Friday 17 June
After all those late nights, it's good to be able to sleep in.
Late breakfast then we head off to the UPS to post Nathan's shoes back to sender and go shopping at Publix.
After all those late nights, it's good to be able to sleep in.
Late breakfast then we head off to the UPS to post Nathan's shoes back to sender and go shopping at Publix.
Thursday, June 16, 2016
Thur 16 June: Kaylene moves out. Magic Kingdom
Thursday 16 June
After breakfast we help Kaylene move out of Chatham Place.
Compared to the others, she is well organised. Manage to get everything into the car and back to Vistana.
Kaylene has 1 more ticket to the parks, so I offer to drive her and either JT or LC to Magic Kingdom and drop off, but they say I should go, so we go.
Park at the Contemporary resort on the pretext that we have a reservation there - much easier than parking in the Magic Kingdom parking lot. Walk to Magic Kingdom.
Watch the parade with Kaylene, before she leaves me to go say her farewells to her "Glow" family.
I'm not keen on going on any rides by myself, more interested in taking photos and just exploring.
Watch the street marching band. Check out some of the rides in Fantasyland but the wait times are all over 30mins.
Get msg from Kaylene that she is going to watch the Move it, Shake it, Dance it, Street Party, so I head on over to in front of the castle to get a spot as well. The characters come out and I feel a few drops of rain, which the dancers do as well, and as quickly as they came out, they head back the way they came. Black clouds are looming, but no heavy rain yet. But then I think I thought it too soon, as I'm heading into Adventureland, the heavens open up and the rains come pouring down. Kaylene who was in Adventureland, tells me to stay put and wait out the rain. As quickly as it comes, it soon stops. And we meet up.
Kaylene buys me dole whip float and just a plain dole whip for herself. We head over to Tomorrowland.
Do some of the rides and shows there.
Head down to main street - Parade is about to start, but we go to have dinner at the Tomorrowland terrace.
After dinner we head out to find a spot to watch"wishes" and then the fireworks.
As the park empties out she looks for her glow friends to take photos with them.
Watch wishes again - this time with a better vantage spot.
Make our way slowly out of the park - last minute shopping. I need to drag her out - she doesn't want to leave.
After breakfast we help Kaylene move out of Chatham Place.
Compared to the others, she is well organised. Manage to get everything into the car and back to Vistana.
Kaylene has 1 more ticket to the parks, so I offer to drive her and either JT or LC to Magic Kingdom and drop off, but they say I should go, so we go.
Park at the Contemporary resort on the pretext that we have a reservation there - much easier than parking in the Magic Kingdom parking lot. Walk to Magic Kingdom.
Watch the parade with Kaylene, before she leaves me to go say her farewells to her "Glow" family.
I'm not keen on going on any rides by myself, more interested in taking photos and just exploring.
Watch the street marching band. Check out some of the rides in Fantasyland but the wait times are all over 30mins.
Get msg from Kaylene that she is going to watch the Move it, Shake it, Dance it, Street Party, so I head on over to in front of the castle to get a spot as well. The characters come out and I feel a few drops of rain, which the dancers do as well, and as quickly as they came out, they head back the way they came. Black clouds are looming, but no heavy rain yet. But then I think I thought it too soon, as I'm heading into Adventureland, the heavens open up and the rains come pouring down. Kaylene who was in Adventureland, tells me to stay put and wait out the rain. As quickly as it comes, it soon stops. And we meet up.
Kaylene buys me dole whip float and just a plain dole whip for herself. We head over to Tomorrowland.
Do some of the rides and shows there.
Head down to main street - Parade is about to start, but we go to have dinner at the Tomorrowland terrace.
After dinner we head out to find a spot to watch"wishes" and then the fireworks.
As the park empties out she looks for her glow friends to take photos with them.
Watch wishes again - this time with a better vantage spot.
Make our way slowly out of the park - last minute shopping. I need to drag her out - she doesn't want to leave.
Wednesday, June 15, 2016
Wed 15 June: Fort Wilderness, Epcot, Hollywood Studios
Wednesday 15 June
Pick Kaylene up from Chatham Place and Drive to Fort Wilderness. End up going through the wrong entry, bus entry - need to turn around and go through main entry. Park in parking lot and take shuttle bus to Pioneer Village.
Buffet breakfast at Fort Wilderness Trail's End.
Take shuttle bus back to car.
Drive to Epcot and park in parking lot.
Kaylene is meeting up with her friend, Catherine to go on some rides.
Visit The Seas and The Land
Meet up with Kaylene and do World Showcase - take photos at all the countries, but again don't get a chance to see what each one has except for France - walk through perfume and cooking shop.
After Epcot, we drive to Disney Hollywood Studios
See Fantasmic and the Star Wars fireworks - which Kaylene said had to be seen to be believed - the earth shook - but I think Sydney's NYE fireworks are still the best.
Drive back to Vistana resort
Late night - late dinner
Pick Kaylene up from Chatham Place and Drive to Fort Wilderness. End up going through the wrong entry, bus entry - need to turn around and go through main entry. Park in parking lot and take shuttle bus to Pioneer Village.
Buffet breakfast at Fort Wilderness Trail's End.
Take shuttle bus back to car.
Drive to Epcot and park in parking lot.
Kaylene is meeting up with her friend, Catherine to go on some rides.
Visit The Seas and The Land
Meet up with Kaylene and do World Showcase - take photos at all the countries, but again don't get a chance to see what each one has except for France - walk through perfume and cooking shop.
After Epcot, we drive to Disney Hollywood Studios
See Fantasmic and the Star Wars fireworks - which Kaylene said had to be seen to be believed - the earth shook - but I think Sydney's NYE fireworks are still the best.
Drive back to Vistana resort
Late night - late dinner
Tuesday, June 14, 2016
Tue 14 June: Polynesian Village Resort, Grand Floridian Resort, Magic Kingdom
Tuesday 14 June
Check out of Animal Kingdom resort and move our stuff into the Vistana resort.
Drive to Disney's Polynesian Village resort. Have lunch at Kona Cafe.
Take monorail to Grand Floridian - buy souveniers
Take monorail to Magic Kingdom - Kaylene's last night of working
Check out of Animal Kingdom resort and move our stuff into the Vistana resort.
Drive to Disney's Polynesian Village resort. Have lunch at Kona Cafe.
Take monorail to Grand Floridian - buy souveniers
Take monorail to Magic Kingdom - Kaylene's last night of working
Monday, June 13, 2016
Mon 13 June: Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios and Magic Kingdom
Monday 13 June
Three parks in one day.
Catch the Disney shuttle bus from Animal Kingdom Lodge to Animal Kingdom.
Lunch at 50's Prime Time Cafe in Disney's Hollywood Studios
Dinner at Crystal Palace with Characters in Magic Kingdom
Three parks in one day.
Catch the Disney shuttle bus from Animal Kingdom Lodge to Animal Kingdom.
Lunch at 50's Prime Time Cafe in Disney's Hollywood Studios
Dinner at Crystal Palace with Characters in Magic Kingdom
Sunday, June 12, 2016
Sun 12 June: Disney's Animal Kingdom Resort
7:50am reservation at BOMA - Flavors of Africa - buffet breakfast.
Have breakfast, then we need to drop Kaylene off at Magic Kingdom, she directs us through the entry gates to Disney, using the staff lane - flash her staff ID and they wave us through. Drop her off and we head back to the resort.
Check out the shop, look around the inside and outside. As it's closer to midday, there aren't any animals out on the Savanna, except for some ? and pelicans. head back to our room to get some rest as we're still jetlagged.
Sleep until 3pm - the others still sleep, but I get up and go check out the corridors and lookouts. Get some ice to fill up our water bottles.
5.30pm and it's time to go and pick up Kaylene. Drive back to her place to pick up some of Ming's shoes and other stuff before driving to Vistana Resort where Lily checks us in. We are in Rm 1724, not in the main area, need to drive out and into the Fountains area.
Since Kaylene has taken some of her foodstuffs, we have that for dinner before heading back to the Animal Kingdom resort.
Have breakfast, then we need to drop Kaylene off at Magic Kingdom, she directs us through the entry gates to Disney, using the staff lane - flash her staff ID and they wave us through. Drop her off and we head back to the resort.
Check out the shop, look around the inside and outside. As it's closer to midday, there aren't any animals out on the Savanna, except for some ? and pelicans. head back to our room to get some rest as we're still jetlagged.
Sleep until 3pm - the others still sleep, but I get up and go check out the corridors and lookouts. Get some ice to fill up our water bottles.
5.30pm and it's time to go and pick up Kaylene. Drive back to her place to pick up some of Ming's shoes and other stuff before driving to Vistana Resort where Lily checks us in. We are in Rm 1724, not in the main area, need to drive out and into the Fountains area.
Since Kaylene has taken some of her foodstuffs, we have that for dinner before heading back to the Animal Kingdom resort.
Saturday, June 11, 2016
Sat 11 June: Sydney via Dallas to Orlando Florida
Saturday 11 June
10am Leave for airport. We all have a bag each. Nathan drops us off.
Echeckin and drop bags off in automatic weigh station.
Buy and eat sausage and egg mcmuffin and hash brown waiting for JT to get sim.
Go through e-customs - passport scanned and facial recognition. Pulled aside for drug swabbing - told the guy I often get pulled up and he said it's because I was too organised and efficient.
Walk straight to gate - Lily needs to be there even though we have time. So sit and wait for boarding.
1pm boarded and in plane seats 56H, J and K. Flight is delayed due to fault in air conditioning system. This is fixed and then they find an error in their system - which needs to be investigated - announcement is "once we get rid of the error message".
2pm still sitting on tarmac.
3.30pm finally ready to fly. I hope we can make our connecting flight.
4pm meal is served - beef pie with vegies.
I watch movies - Midnight Special, Hail Caesar, Two by 2, Zootopia, Dressmaker (started but didn't get to finish it)
Snack of chicken panini.
Breakfast - but not that hungry
5.37am Sydney time they announce 1hr arrival to Dallas.
3.30pm Arrive in Dallas. Self E-check for passport and finger print (only left hand 4 fingers). JT held up (not sure why) but Lily and I go through to wait for baggage which takes over an hour and then we have to queue for customs
4.30pm go through customs, not sure where we are supposed to check our bags in. Ask an officer and they just tell us to put bags into check-in, an area in the terminal, which doesn't really look like check-in, but we leave them with staff and rush to security check-in. Have to take shoes off and go through all body scanner. Catch skytrain to Terminal A.
5.30pm by the time we get there but gates are already closed, even though plane is still sitting at the gate and sign says boarding delayed. No one is manning the desk. By the time someone gets there, it's now too late, so we are told to go to the AA customers service desk to see if we can be put on the next available flight. Only 2 people on the desk, we are 3rd in line, but line gets longer as we wait. Booked on 8.20pm flight.
Need to get skytrain back to terminal C. I spend my time walking the terminal looking at shops and memorial display. Free wifi, chat to ES and check FB.
8.20pm Finally board and on our way to Orlando. Free pretzels, coke. Watch the free shows - Glee. ETA is 11.58pm
12midnight - arrive in Orlando. Collect our bags and go to Avis rental desk. Upgrade our car at no extra cost supposedly, but still sounds like it's going to cost us more. Follow directions given by man at counter to get to the garage where the car is parked. Collect the car and drive to KC's place with Lily navigating using Mapsme.. She has been waiting for us, nearly fell asleep. Pick her up and drive to Animal Kingdom Resort.
2am - KC checks us in to room 2424. Line up for shower.
3am - We are all so tired. Finally get to bed.
10am Leave for airport. We all have a bag each. Nathan drops us off.
Echeckin and drop bags off in automatic weigh station.
Buy and eat sausage and egg mcmuffin and hash brown waiting for JT to get sim.
Go through e-customs - passport scanned and facial recognition. Pulled aside for drug swabbing - told the guy I often get pulled up and he said it's because I was too organised and efficient.
Walk straight to gate - Lily needs to be there even though we have time. So sit and wait for boarding.
1pm boarded and in plane seats 56H, J and K. Flight is delayed due to fault in air conditioning system. This is fixed and then they find an error in their system - which needs to be investigated - announcement is "once we get rid of the error message".
2pm still sitting on tarmac.
3.30pm finally ready to fly. I hope we can make our connecting flight.
4pm meal is served - beef pie with vegies.
I watch movies - Midnight Special, Hail Caesar, Two by 2, Zootopia, Dressmaker (started but didn't get to finish it)
Snack of chicken panini.
Breakfast - but not that hungry
5.37am Sydney time they announce 1hr arrival to Dallas.
3.30pm Arrive in Dallas. Self E-check for passport and finger print (only left hand 4 fingers). JT held up (not sure why) but Lily and I go through to wait for baggage which takes over an hour and then we have to queue for customs
4.30pm go through customs, not sure where we are supposed to check our bags in. Ask an officer and they just tell us to put bags into check-in, an area in the terminal, which doesn't really look like check-in, but we leave them with staff and rush to security check-in. Have to take shoes off and go through all body scanner. Catch skytrain to Terminal A.
5.30pm by the time we get there but gates are already closed, even though plane is still sitting at the gate and sign says boarding delayed. No one is manning the desk. By the time someone gets there, it's now too late, so we are told to go to the AA customers service desk to see if we can be put on the next available flight. Only 2 people on the desk, we are 3rd in line, but line gets longer as we wait. Booked on 8.20pm flight.
Need to get skytrain back to terminal C. I spend my time walking the terminal looking at shops and memorial display. Free wifi, chat to ES and check FB.
8.20pm Finally board and on our way to Orlando. Free pretzels, coke. Watch the free shows - Glee. ETA is 11.58pm
12midnight - arrive in Orlando. Collect our bags and go to Avis rental desk. Upgrade our car at no extra cost supposedly, but still sounds like it's going to cost us more. Follow directions given by man at counter to get to the garage where the car is parked. Collect the car and drive to KC's place with Lily navigating using Mapsme.. She has been waiting for us, nearly fell asleep. Pick her up and drive to Animal Kingdom Resort.
2am - KC checks us in to room 2424. Line up for shower.
3am - We are all so tired. Finally get to bed.
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