I have really been looking forward to writing this post! A) because I've not written in forever and B) because I have been back in London just over 24 hours and I have already broke the Hoover/been locked in/stubbed my toe/cried at X Factor/and ordered a domino's takeaway (I am revolting). A trip down memory lane, or at least the last 2 weeks are definitely in order!
Firstly, I was dreading this trip a little bit, I was absolutely excited to see the family, and of course, America but the truth is I absolutely hate flying! I have quite a fear and a couple of days before I get very tetchy, anxious and suffer really bad nightmares, thankfully our flight from London to Newark and then Newark to Orlando went without hitch. Jacob, as per usual fell asleep as we took off and was snoring away before we'd even hit 35,000ft. There is a God.
Arriving in Orlando was extra exciting as we were meeting Mike's sister, her husband and their two kids Madison & Ben at the airport (they had flown in from Aus via LA) so it was all hugs and excited faces galore as we all shared a mini van to our apartment in Kissimee, FL.
The plan was to spend the first week doing Disney resorts in Orlando Mon-Fri before going on a Disney Cruise on the Saturday for 4 nights. Mike and I were apprehensive about so much Disney! But we were excited for the kids and looking forward to it nonetheless (little did we know we'd get well and truly won over) On the very first day we hit Disney's Magic Kingdom, seeing the castle was definitely a pivotal moment! I plucked up the courage and brushed aside my fear of heights and fast moving objects to go on some of the rides, I did Space mountain, Splash mountain, and Big Thunder mountain railroad! (Never will I share the photos taken of me on those rides!) We also went on some of the kiddie rides and a definite highlight was Its a Small World and Under the Sea - Ariels Journey which takes you through a magical, colourful journey (literally, your sat on a little train or in Under The Sea's case, a seashell) with songs and dancing and visuals so stunning and theatrical its amazing. Magic Kingdom is the centre of all the Disneyworld's resorts and very very good for all ages, the Buzz Lightyear ride was also a highlight and The Mickey mouse philharmonic in 3D is a stunning show! The next day was Animal Kingdom where we saw a The Lion King show which gave us goosebumps, Jacob absolutely loved it too and was dancing and singing and clapping, this was definitely a highlight and something we'll never ever forget. We went on Expedition Everest which was quite possibly the scariest roller coaster I've ever been on (bear in mind I'm a huge wimp!) and also went on a Kilimanjaro safari which was brilliant, Jacob specifically loved seeing the Elephants and Rhinos (which he called Dinosaurs) all in all, another perfect day.
The third day was Disney's Blizzard Beach water park which was by far my favourite day of all, it was the day to relax, swim, go on water slides and generally just cool down and sunbathe. The day after was Universal Studios, we enjoyed a fun little Blues Brothers show on a New York street set and the Transformers 3D ride was unbeliveable but generally this was for the older kids and Jacob was beginning to get irritable and tired. Once we'd got back to our lovely apartment and had a quick swim in the pool which instantly cheered Jacob up, Mike and I decided that the previous days had probably been too much for Jacob, early starts, very hot stuffy weather and long queues to get on to the rides had taken its toll. We decided to give Hollywoods studios planned for the next day, a miss.
After a lovely day sleeping and swimming we were all relaxed and ready for Friday's adventure at Epcot, which was great and definitely worth a visit despite not being as "Disney" as the other theme parks! The highlight here was exploring the World Showcase which was little pockets of different countries, from an Oktoberfest beer tent in 'Germany' to belly dancing in 'Morocco' we ended up having dinner in a pub in 'England' called the Rose & Crown! The day was rounded up nicely with a glass of red wine and a beautiful fire works display.
All in all the Disneyworld resorts are truly out of this world, they are efficient, very clean and well organised. The characters walking around are fantastic and gives the kids plenty of chance to meet Micky & Co, and the parades are so much fun they make you feel like your in your very own Disney film! In hindsight though, I wouldnt recommend Disney for under 3's unless they have older siblings who will get the most out of being there! Having said that Jacob, Ben & Madison had an absolute blast, as did us adults! Tip: BRING SUNSCREEN.
The next stop was our Disney cruise around The Bahamas for 4 nights. I honestly don't know where to start with this one. It was just simply MAGICAL.
The Disney Dream ship is the most incredible ship, with a massive decking area with pools, slides, basket ball courts, mini golf, a salon and spa, theatres, clubs, restaurants, the lot. My mind was blown. Our cabin was beautifully decorated, and immaculate, with a personal assigned housekeeper who was at your service whenever you needed. Every time we stepped in our cabin she had left chocolate treats on our pillows or animal shaped towels for Jacob, the personal touches were just lovely. The same has to be said for the service staff too, you are assigned the same two servers for the whole four days,by the end of day two they feel like friends! They will bring your favourite drink without you even having to ask. Ours were called Daki and Ritesh and I honestly wanted to bring them home with me! (Not like that you dirty buggers!)
We simply had four unbelievable days sunbathing on some of the most beautiful Islands in the world, cocktails, swimming in green seas, eating beautiful food on the ships stunning 3 restaurant, parties on deck (Pirates of The Carribean party was a definite highlight! 3,000 people dressed as pirates and incredible fireworks at sea!) theatre shows, and evening drinks (& tequila!) at the adult only side of the boat with Mike (whilst Mike's mum Liliane kindly babysat!) I also got my hair coloured and conditioned and had a fabulous massage and facial in the ships salon! for someone who never really spoils herself, this was bliss.
I would go back tomorrow, in an instant and happily spend another 5 weeks on this beautiful ship!
So, after 4 nights and with the high shrills of Mickey shouting "See Ya Real Soon" ringing in our ears it was time for Mike and I to say goodbye to his family and Disney! and make our way to New York for one final night in America before coming home.
Well, what a contrast! Disney, New York is not! I was blown away by how loud, bright and fierce New York is, it was everything I expected it to be and more. We shopped, did some sights, had pickles and Reuben's at Katz deli. We also went and had a coffee with the hipsters at Stumptown at the Ace Hotel 20 W 29th st (extremely recommended) SoHo was also a massive highlight!
Alas, we had to get home and after cramming all of the above in one day we had to get to Newark airport for our evening flight home. Sad to leave and with big grand plans of coming back to New York soon we arrived home exhausted but having had the holiday of a lifetime.
Highlights: The Lion king show at Animal Kingdom, the Disney Dream cruise, Bahamas Castaway Cay Island and Stumptown NYC. A hilarious waiter called Carlton.
Not so highlights: dodgy cab drivers, being ripped off (I might be a tourist but I have a brain) The lack of things to do for under 3's at Disneys resorts.
And now, its back to reality! x
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