In Between Days

Thursday.

A trip to Bridgeford to get the food for the Halloween night fuddle. We went to M&S, as we know that's the best themed food for Halloween hands down, plus, we know its decent quality. 

Because Amazon didn't deliver the batteries like they were supposed to last night, we got a few from Boots, not enough but Kev can get some from Heron if needs be. 

Everything got and a coffee and croissant in Costa devoured, we got back home. 

After a short break, Kev got some of the decorations down from the loft and the lean-to for outside. The hanging dead basket, Mr Skeleton Sir,  minus the swing which we still can't find, its somewhere "safe" which means we won't find it until Christmas. 

The light up cauldron and lanterns I got on sale last year. The Mickey Wreath, with added tiny lights that Kev added. All out, and it looks rather good. They'll be no witches or grim this year, it needs a good fortnight to drag it all out, and this year time has beaten us. Worth it though, for the best two weeks in Florida we've had in years! You have to make sacrifices to the Halloween Gods and the  price was no party and less decor. 

All done, Kev could finally chill out when Amazon delivered a parcel containing the batteries, but instead of AA and triple A they sent two boxes of triple A. Complete effing numpties! So they are being sent back tomorrow and hopefully a refund will be winging its way. Useless twonks. 

In Between Days.

Wednesday.

Wash day. A lot better than last week Kev only had the two bags to do. 

When that was done, he got the Halloween tree decorations from the loft and decorated the tree. This year we have  no party, we have no holidays left and are at work on Saturday, so it can't be done. Just Sue, Pete and Charlotte at ours for a bit of a fuddle. We are only putting the wreath on the door and Mr Skeleton Sir out on the hook outside. That'll be enough this time. 

Tree looks good though

In Between Days.

Tuesday.

Little did I know that as I showered and changed ready for the day ahead what an absolutely awful day lay in wait. 

First off, Doctors appointment.  Lovely Dr, by the way. Explained she wasn't happy with my bloods taken just before our holiday. Some of my values were slightly raised. So she wants more bloods taken. It could be something, could be nothing. We shall see. I bought to her attention that I had ordered my meds online last week and Well online had not received the prescription, I couldn't order more and my daily meds were running out tomorrow... She ordered me another 'Script,  yay I hear you utter but, no it then took 20 minutes for the reception team to figure out how to print it out. 

When we eventually got my print out, we caught the bus and went to the city. Mistake, big mistake. Forgot the kids were off, didn't know there are roadworks on Stragglethorpe Road again! Wonderful. 

Took my prescription into Boots, all good, she said come back in 15 minutes. We left it 30 to give them time. That's when we went in Lewis's. We got stuff in the sale. Kev loves the geometric light up pumpkins, they hadn't got those, but they did have a ghost, so home came Casper, ask Charlotte, its one of the movies we watched yesterday afternoon, along with Hocus Pocus 2. Good service in there thank goodness. And a bat infinity light... 

We then found Constance Hatchaway after that, but a hunt ensued for the box, took the girl 15 minutes to find it. Eventually it was found, and we could buy her. 

Then back to Boots. We went to the express pick up. 20 minutes later we got my meds ( don't ask!) Just let's say the day was hell bent on proving we were having a bad one. 

We decided to go to O' Neil's for a late lunch. As it was busy in there they said we had a 40 minute wait for our food. We ordered anyway and  got an extra drink.May as well go with it... 

We got our food, and it was worth the wait.

We eventually got the bus and cane home. Glad to put this day to the back of us... 

Casper the Friendly Ghost... 

In Between Days

Thursday. 

Another grey day, still feeling the cold, and still have jet lag, we didn't get up until 9.50 am. In fact we only woke up because Willow woke us up demanding her breakfast! I got my Halloween cards written and ready to post. Later than usual and I'm sending out less. Sorry, but my usual Halloween prep included the Holiday, this time.

Today I wrote my retirement notification letter, which will be handed in when I go back on Saturday. I haven't just said I want to leave I've pointed out why I've been put in a position where I have no choice but to leave. It won't make any difference, they won't really care, and yes I'm giving them an easy ride, by leaving, but, to be brutally honest the company is going to hell in a hand basket, and I no longer want to be there when it does. They've shown they don't care, so, in return neither do I. Yes, we will have less money, but we've had a lot less and survived. I'd sooner be happier any day. 

I'm obsessed with the smell you got when you walked into the lobby of the Resort hotel. Both at French Quarter and the Polynesian Resort. I bought some diffuser oils from Disney Springs that smell like it, but they don't ship to the UK. So hopefully, I've found an English company that copies them in wax melts. I've ordered a couple and we will see if its as good as the oils. 

The heated throw came and we put it on the bed. Kev gave in and put the heating on, Willow appreciated that.

In Between Days

Tuesday.

We both slept through until 9am. Willow came on the bed for cuddles a few times through the night, I woke up to her gazing into my eyes lovingly, aww... 

We were definitely chilly during the night, so I've ordered a heated throw for the bed. We aren't having an electric blanket this time ( we have two on the last two years and get fed up with them ending up moving around and only warming part of one side or the other. A heated throw however will just go on the top of the duvet so,  we can both get warm, hopefully. 

I had a call from the nurse, to discuss my blood test results. She was concerned about my electrolyte count and Magnesium count were high, but I've knocked all my supplements on the head. I also lost weight while we were away. She will check my values again in 6 months. 

We got the bus after, all of them are running late as they have yet more training drivers. They send them all to Cotgrave. We went to meet Sue and Pete for lunch at The Slug and Lettuce. It was lovely to see them both. 

After we left them we went to get some food in. That done we got the bus back home.

In Between Days

Wednesday.

Wash day. Poor old Kev had five bags to get through. We knew there would be a lot. We both outed stuff, but it needs a further cull of the wardrobe. And I'm not to buy any more clothes for the remaining two months of this year. We came back with much more than we intended, so, time to get real and part with stuff in the next couple of weeks is necessary. 

I cleaned the bathroom and put some of my clothes in space saving bags ( the packing cubes we took with us) 

Charlotte was on day off, so had lunch with us, it was nice to be at home with Willow and to drop back into pre holiday life. We caught up with Celebrity Traitors ( that started the week we went away) and we started watching another Race Across the World type programme called World's Apart. Not bad. 

We needed to chill out, and by the looks of the impending storm we will be staying in tomorrow. We have Covid and Flu Jabs on Friday, so even if the weather was bad, we have to go out. 

I finished a book, Expresso Yourself a cozy mystery novel with a supernatural twist. I really enjoyed it. Sometimes you need a cosy curl up book in your life. Ive even bought the next one in the series, hopefully it follows on in similar fashion. 

In Between Days

Monday.

When we got off the plane, we had to get our cases then go through Passport Control and Customs. We then had to find the National Express pick up point. That came at 9am and we set off, it has to tour all the London Airports so we didn't arrive back to Nottingham until 3.15pm. It was grey and cold as predicted, but we had changed at the airport loos putting on jeans and sweatshirts flight socks overtop of shorts and T-shirt. We tried to sleep on the coach as we couldn't on the plane with the turbulence. We managed  to snatch some sleep but not much. 

When we got home we only unpacked the gifts and what we had bought delicate wise only one casualty a popcorn bucket, but we can live with that. 

We had Charlotte and Ian round briefly so we could give them gifts, Charlotte stayed for a coffee we started watching The Traitors Celebrity but, I kept dozing off. After Charlotte went home we went to bed. 

In Between Days.

Sunday 

Travel home day. 

Up at 8am to finish the packing and go and have breakfast before the lady came for the wheelchair. That done we checked out and took our luggage to bell services so they looked after it for us until it was time for Mears to pick us up. We had cold brews and one last three tray of beignets between us.

We were happily sitting on the seats outside under the fans watching life at resort pass on by. Hearing kids playing in the pool and splash pad, others playing the huge chess pieces and connect 4.

At 12.30 Mears came to pick us up and took us to MCO airport, where we checked in, looked round the shops and found our departure gate and settled down charged our phones and watched the planes come and go. 

We got on board at 4.35pm, and once underway it was a very bumpy flight, they even delayed food service and refused to do hot drinks. It was like being on Tower of Terror constantly. One lady was sick, but the crew were amazing and handled it really well, they checked in on her all through the flight. When we landed, it was cold and raining. One of stewardess helped me safely onto the flight ramp as it was very slippy. Kind of her. 

Then we had to locate the Passport Control and Customs. All that done we made our way to National Express waiting room to wait for our bus back to Nottingham. Its now Monday with the time difference. So I will continue this in a later blog 

In Between Days

Saturday.

Last full day at the resort. Had a 8am start. Had breakfast, then took our coffee to the area round the fountain and sat for awhile. Lovely way to start the day. We caught the boat to Disney Springs and queued for Gideons Bakehouse. We waited a good hour fifteen to get in but it was worth it. Its a spooky themed shop with Artwork by Mr Eyes. We got two cookies,( which by the way, were way too sweet, one bite and I couldn't take another! Even Kev couldn't eat his!) two nitro cold brews and some merch.

While we were in the queue Kev spotted Raglan Road had some shirts on sale and bought a couple. 

After checking the pin shop we headed back on the boat. We started packing trying to get everything in. 

We donated the trick or treat candy and unopened snacks to the cast members at reception. 

Then it was spa time. We spent a good couple hours chilling in that area before going for food, and spending our last night around the pool bar. We took advantage of the laundry and washed and dried our swim costumes ready to be packed.

Its a beautiful resort. Quiet, friendly staff, some friendly guests. For saying Kev booked this, on his own, through Disney everything has turned out great. I'd stay here again, If we get the chance, and do the parks exactly as we have. 

In Between Days.

Friday.

Lie in after the party. A relaxed start and then we headed to Epcot. That way we didn't upset any rope droppers ( they see wheelchair and ECV users as a hindrance to their plans. The drivers load us up first, and we take up space. That slows them down and means they might not get on the bus. You get used to the filthy looks so, we choose to go later in the day, the buses are emptier, the people at the stops not so impatient. Today it was easy. I can't believe the size of the pushchairs ( strollers) some of them are like tanks. Even folded down they take up more space than an occupied wheelchair.

We had brunch at Connections Cafe and then wandered round the Park.  We went to the Mexico Pavilion and rode The Three Cabalaros. We had milk shakes and smoothies and then as it was getting busy with drinkers we did Guardians of the Galaxy, which there is no photo of because I almost barfed, and we didn't swipe our magic bands as we needed the restroom fast. Its fine, but there is a lot of spinning as well as being a roller coaster. I found out the hard way I can't do both. Kev ss always loved it. 

Luckily the nausea passed quickly and we rode the Skyliner out to Hollywood Studios. I bought some pins, and we went to watch Indiana Jones Stunt Show. 

We had another ride on Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway and then we headed out to the buses to get "home" for food and a chill by the pool bar... 

In Between Days

Thursday.

Another stunning day here in 2025 paradise. 

Pool day before Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween party tonight. 

I'm loving this relaxed way of doing the parks, we've only managed two rope drops, and that was because we were wide awake due to jet lag, we find it unnecessary as we pick our rides carefully. Look at the wait times and go with that. We aren't that bothered to be honest, if we ride it we do, if not its not the end of the world. We wander looking at the hidden Mickey's, the little details you miss, the nods to previous rides and landmarks of the years we came regularly. Like I bought a sipper for Kev with the Earful Tower which used to be the main landmark of MGM Studios  ( now Hollywood Studios) before they built and opened Tower of Terror. But you'll find all sorts of hidden extras in a line queue rock paintings on the walls of rides like Pandora:Rite of Passage, to long forgotten movies like Brother Bear or Robin Hood, I even found graffiti saying Vincent P, with a definite hint at the Great Mouse Detective in the queue for Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway. My tip look up in a queue line, look at the floor in most of the parks. You'll find little secrets everywhere. Walt and the imagineers of today and yesterday have always left us clues. Like the headstones in the Haunted Mansion graveyard, Master Gracey was the first imagineer to apply the peppers ghost method on the dancing ballroom ghosts, and Mr Toads wild ride, now gone in WDW has a headstone of Toad himself... 

Back to the Party... We got there just after 4pm. It was still hot, too hot for a wig so, I just had shorts and Villains top on. I bought some ears, sparkly cobweb ones, black naturally.

We did this week what we didn't do last week which was the parade including the headless horseman. It was even better live. Then we went straight to the Castle to watch the Hocus Pocus stage show. Kev needed a drink and a sit down we went to The Lunching Pad. We had had food earlier at Cosmic Ray's with Sunny Eclipse.

As we sat there the fireworks started. We had a great view in TomorrowLand. Once that was done we made it out of the Park and on to the bus home. Brilliant night and Im so glad we had two nights worth of tickets as that enabled us to catch it all.

In Between Days

Wednesday.

Wash day Disney style. We have free use of the laundry so why not wash what we've worn put in the case or wear again if its something you like. 

While it was washing we went to the restaurant and had breakfast. I had an omelette and Kev had a bagel. They all come with potato barrels, I'm not keen so mine sadly go in the pig bin. You can't take them off the order otherwise I would. But the omelette was perfect. Free refills on your drinks means plenty to drink! When you think this is free ( the dining plan was included in the cost of our stay) its very good. Saved us loads of money. 

After that was washed and dried we took ourselves off on the Bus to Hollywood Studios. We managed to do all the rides we didn't get chance to at the weekend. Starting with Rock and Roller coaster  ( ride was OK, again with the climb in and out was a bit of a challenge... 

Then we made for Batu  and we went on Rise of the Resistance. Which was stunning. If a little scary first me as you are left in a room with hundreds of Storm Troopers. But the ride was fun. We had lunch at Backlot Express, Chicken Teriyaki and sticky rice. Good food. Finally we went to Tower of Terror! We got on a lot easier, in the morning it broke down so we left the queue, but this afternoon it was only about a 30 minute wait. It was fantastic, better than I remembered and the drops caught you by surprise totally. I thought I'd be able to guess, absolutely not... 

We left the Park once we left the shop and caught the bus with a lovely couple with two kiddies from Oregon. Little boy was zonked out, and his littler sister was too. Both woke up on the journey back to the Resort, but bless them they were both good as gold. Nothing worse than being on a bus with screaming children.

Home to shower and change before a night at the resort at the pool bar and restaurant.

In Between Days.

Tuesday.

We rope dropped Magic Kingdom. As its a party night less people go to MK. We had a few rides we wanted to get done. Although I had done Tron, a cast member told us about the light rover, which can be added onto the back which means you can sit normally and ride rather than straddle the light cycle. Much better for me! I enjoyed it so much more. Wow! What a powerful ride. I loved it. I was quite proud of myself for giving it another go. We also got on the people mover. Just for old times sake. 

Then we did Pirates, naturally Sadie would never forgive us if we didn't! 

We got a call back time to ride Jungle Cruise and I did a cast compliment as the whole crew were amazing. Even the corny Dad jokes were funny! 

We went into philharmagic which a 3D cinema attraction. Which was Donald Duck and Mickey Mouse messing with magic and musical instruments.

Before we left the Park we found the Roy Disney and Minnie statue by the train station. Just by accident really, as we had looked for it and couldn't see it, and there it was!

We then Park Hopped to Epcot to try and get a bit more done. We did Nemo and Friends in what used to be the living seas pavilion years ago. 

We did get to go on the Land this time and once again the cast members were so helpful. 

Later after a wander round the shops and a trip to First Aid I was in need of antacids. They were great gave me some straight away even some for later on. No charge, we just had to sign to say we been seen. Excellent service.

We decided to go and watch another Eat to the Beat concert at The American Pavilion. Latin band. Very good. 

After which Kev bought a beer and we sat people watching up near the UK Pavilion. The Park is so lovely lit up at night, the geo sphere changing colours constantly, and Walts Park at the back of it is bathed in the reflection. 

We made our exit from Epcot and caught the bus back to our resort. We had food at Sassagoula Float Works and I bought a collection of pins. 

I must also mention the massage chairs in the arcade. What a fantastic way to recover from a long day in the Parks. Worth the few dollars for a deep tissue rub down. Saves us having to go change into swimwear  to use the spa, but still has a great effect. 

In Between Days

Monday. Day 8.

Much the same as last week, though not as early we went to Animal Kingdom. Perfect blue skies and searing heat. 

First we had breakfast at our favourite food location, Sat'ulli Canteen. Not only is it good food, but its themed so well as it is in Pandora. 

We then braved the 95 minutes wait for Flight of Passage. I almost talked myself out of riding thinking I would struggle to get on and off the ride vehicle. So glad Kev persuaded me to do it, as it was fantastic. It actually felt like you were flying through the landscape, and the way the ikron swooped and dived taking you with it was something else. It even felt as the Ikron was breathing. Stunning. So glad I did it. 

We wandered around and found a puppet theatre with characters from Finding Nemo. Really enjoyed that. Once again wonderful cast members that positioned us so I could see from my chair. 

We did another safari and saw different animals to the one last week. It all depends on the time of day, some are more active in the morning etc. 

We had another meal at Satu'lli Canteen, in the evening a slight malfunction meant that we had to place a mobile order instead, but to be fair, it was so easy to do that I think we will mobile order from now on... 

After a few more photo ops around the place we left the Park. It closes at 6pm so you can imagine there is a lot of call for all the buses. 

Once "home" we called in on Scat Cats for coffee and Benignets ( has to be done) We had the ghoulish ones with Irish cream liqueur dipping sauce... I sat outside in the courtyard imagining I was having coffee and Benignets at the Cafe du Monde in New Orleans, Vampire watching. 

Photo is of Sat'ulli Canteen... 

In Between Days

Sunday.

Perfect blue skies, perfect for a Magic Kingdom Sunday.

We crammed so much in. 

Haunted Mansion naturally was our first port of call. Better than I remembered, Hat Box Ghost really stood out, and I actually jumped when the ghoul in the grave popped up! 

We then went to TomorrowLand and went into Monsters Inc Laugh Floor. Kev got picked as "That Guy" and got a sticker to prove it. 

Then as it was busy we did Country Bears Musical Jamboree. We watched the Festival of Fantasy parade. Which was amazing as they put us in a wheelchair spot. We eat a waffle house, I had berry pancakes Kev had waffles. 

We grabbed a Mickey cream bar for watching the parade. Everything tastes better when its Mickey shaped.

We did Tron. OMG! Never again for me. Kev loved it, me, I found it too intense and was a bit shaky afterwards, not going to lie. 

Later on we went back to Main Street to shop before taking lots of pumpkin photos before heading out. The evening we spent at the pool bar.

In Between Days

Saturday. 

We had breakfast at the resort, before getting to bus to Epcot. We tried to get a few more rides done. We went on Journey to the Imagination, and went through Moana's Journey of Water. I loved both, but Moana held the edge.

We also went in to watch Turtle talk with Crush, which is funny as... 

It then got ridiculous as the hoards descended so we left Epcot to resort hop we caught the Monorail to the Polynesian Resort. Beautiful place, the lobby smelled so good, fruits and flowers with a hint of spice. Whoever does their scent blends is spot on. We bought some for our diffuser at home. 

So we had lunch at their quick service, Capt Cooks. Watched a wedding take place in the grounds and then made our way back to the monorail. We got back got changed ss it dropped chilly, and went to Scat Cats for drinks and watched the band on live. After a couple of cheeky coctails I had a Hurricane, which is what they drink in New Orleans, we went to

bed. 

In Between Days

Friday. 

We had a lie in as we were out late the night before. We woke around 8am which is a lot more normal than the 4am/5am of early on in the week. 

We woke up to gray skies, first time this week, so we had a fruit platter left from Wednesday we had that in our room and chilled out Kev used the laundry near the pool area, we were struggling to get our pool gear dry so he nipped that and a couple of other things while he was at it. Once that was done, we caught the bus to Hollywood Studios. You could tell it was busy, but no matter, we got on what we wanted to apart from Tower of Terror and Slinky Dog Dash. Slinky we avoided as you have to climb into it similar to the Test Track car, and Im a little scared of falling since that near miss. So it might be one Kev rides solo. Tower I know I can ride, but it was 120 minute wait, we can go back midweek and ride that once the weekend rush has gone. 

We did get on Minnie and Mickey's Runaway Train. This is in the Chinese theatre where the Great Movie Ride was. I must admit I didn't think much of it before we rode it, but now I see why this was an worthy successor to the Great Movie Ride. It really is clever. And more immersive than it looks on our TV screen.

We then strolled round to see Gertie, and found the Villians show Unfairly Ever After. I really enjoyed that. 

Then we went to Batu at Galaxies Edge and were blown away with the theme in general. It felt like you were indeed on another world. The rides were like 180 minutes wait, so we skipped those and made it to Toy Story land. A bit cutesy for me, as I'm not a fan of the movies myself. But again brilliantly done. This was when we discovered the step up to Slinky. We went on Alien flying saucers which was such good fun, we both giggled none stop at that. 

We made our way past Indiana Jones, which hasn't changed in 30 years. We found the new Ariel show, a great combo of live actors, puppets and digital effects. Really loved the huge Ursula puppet. 

We had food at the ABC Commissary twice once when we got there, and before Fantasmic ( the end of the night show) both times we had good food. I again had the kids size meals, and I remarked to Kev possibly eating healthier than I do at home. I had the grilled chicken, salad, and later the shrimp bowl salad. Kev had the grilled chicken sandwich and Mediterranean chicken salad with feta and flatbread. Both times the food was freshly cooked and tasty. I will point out again you can eat well and healthy at Disney. There are dietary requirements met for ever need. That's all I heard before we went, you'll eat junk for 14 days, yes you can, if you want, but there are options. This was all available on the quick service dining plan, which feels like free food because it was added to our package when we booked. 

We watched Fantasmic in the open air theatre and ended the night there. We had a couple of heavy downpours, during the day but the ponchos saved us. And the beauty of Florida is it rains, sun comes out

and dries you out soon after. Most of the day was hot and humid, but you do have to expect downpours, and ones that are biblical in nature. We just carry on. Alton Towers training you see, if you've ever done a rainy day there you know the drill, keep squelchy and carry on. 

In Between Days

Thursday.

As we were going to the Halloween Party and the Beak and Barrel in the evening we had a more relaxed start to the day. We had a later breakfast. And then caught the Frendship boat to Disney Springs. 

I bought the newly released Mickey popcorn bucket. We had Joffrey's PSL ( they're coffee is so good, better than Starbucks) they give it you in the resort for your room. 

Then we found another gift in World of Disney. 

We headed on the boat at lunchtime so we could relax and change before we had to get the bus to Msgic Kingdom. 

We arrived, got our wristbands and went into the Tiki Room to stay cool, as it was very hot and humid. 

Then it was time to check in at the Beak and Barrel. It only opened a month or so ago, and Kev was lucky to get us a reservation. It was stunning inside and so well themed. We had the two cocktails we were allowed. You can only stay in 45 minutes, our wench was amazing and let us have another five bless her, so Kev could go round and take some photos. We bought souvenir pirate mugs and learned to parlay with the best of them. The cocktails were very strong and you can see why they limit you to two. Both of us were quite giddy after for a bit. We then went straight to Town Square Theatre to meet Jack and Sally, which made our night, I especially loved it.

Then as with life you make choices, tonight we skipped the parade and had food at the Lunching Pad, then we went on the trick or treat trails. And that's when the magic happened, we found one right next to Snow White's runaway mine train that had The Evil Queen in it. A rare sighting character if ever there is one. I gave her a royal wave and tugged my forelock, Kev blew her a kiss, to which she scowled and mouthed the word " peasants". I couldn't be more happy for anyone to insult me. Highlight of my night. I never imagined we'd see her. 

We then went exclusive merch shopping, I bought three MNSSHP shirts, a light up poison apple, and of course the Jack Skellington sipper. Kev got a couple of shirts too. Before you knew it the fireworks were on by the castle, and the night came to a close. We left the Park knowing that we'd be back to next week's party where we can do the stuff we didn't do this time. 

In Between Days

Wednesday.

Rest day. It's been full on since Saturday evening so to avoid burning out we took a rest day. We had a later leisurely start to the day. Breakfast at Sassagoula Float Works at nine.  An uber booked to go to Walmart, better late than never as we were going Sunday but we were too tired. There were a few essentials we needed like aftersun, some more socks for Kev as he can't get on with the trainer socks he bought. I got a kooshi for the shower and loads of water for our drinks cooler/ fridge in the room. We of course had to pick up some sweeties to bring home stuff we can't buy except in American sweet shops that are quadruple the price. Swedish Fish, Hot Tamales, and Almond M&Ms. We will take them home and enjoy them over time. We got a box of watermelon and fruit platter to have round the pool.

We got back unpacked and were round the pool for around midday. It's a gorgeous pool and spa area. Themed for Mardi Gras as the whole hotel is, with Jesters and Jazz musician alligators. 

We sat round the pool for about an hour and then went to the hot tub which was amazing, tucked away in a little shady nook, the hot water and jets helped both our aching limbs no end. 

After showering and chilling back in the room, we got ready to head to Magic Kingdom, for two reasons only to have food at Cosmic Ray's starlight cafe ( to see our old pal Sunny Eclipse) he is an alien animatronic who sings and plays his galactic keyboard. We love him. And secondly to catch the new Starlight Parade. Trouble was the world and his wife decided to do the same. 

Everything was heaving. We did get food and we did see Sunny. Check him out on YouTube and he will show up. So after a quick stop in Momento Mori ( the shop next to the Haunted Mansion) where  I bought an ornate hand fan. 

We went out to try and find a spot for the parade. I'd say it was a sea of people, but a sea at least moves, this was a carpet that didn't move. Inadvertently we somehow ended up right at the front of the park, next to the train station, which was actually a great spot. How to describe the parade is another problem. Photos, videos dont do it justice, the fully lighted floats are huge, stunningly detailed and the characters are decked in lighted costumes too. Took your breath away.  Hard to pick a favourite, but if I'm pushed to say the train. 

Instead of rushing to leave we inched down Main Street after and went in  the Emporium to shop. I got myself a Lug bag from the resort earlier in the day, a Halloween one ( naturally) but while everyone filed up to the Castle to watch the fireworks and show we went shopping, Present secured from a well known charm company, a Park exclusive no less. We made our escape
out the Park before the crowds  decended on the bus terminals. We got a bus after a short wait and came back to room to chill out and eventually sleep. There ain't no tired like a Disney tired. Photo at the bottom is Sunny Eclipse.

In Between Days

Tuesday.

Epcot.

If you are in any doubt about staying at a WDW resort, let me tell you, it might cost a bit more than a hotel on I Drive, but its saved us more than that in taxis, parking charges, fuel and car hire. It's so efficient, drivers are lovely, not met any grumpy ones yet, all are brilliant with the chair and strap you in so you don't move. I was having a bad day with my legs.so I was in it a lot more. But the people we've met and chatted to in queues and on the buses ( sadly, not the Brits, they I am afraid to say,  on the buses are rude, see you as an obstacle to negotiate round as quickly as possible ) I even heard one British bloke say, quite loudly that we, ( less able) should be sent on separate buses as it slows there journey down. The cheek! 

Anyway negative ignorance aside from our fellow countrymen. We had the most amazing day. In many respects emotional, starting with the female bus driver who made everyone on the bus wish us a Happy Anniversary. 

Epcot is amazing and unrecognisable to the place we remember, mind you, then we were tear arsing around riding every ride barely stopping to breathe. Now we are Disney adulting, going on what is important to us and sitting in these gorgeous landscapes, having time to admire the work put into every little detail. And of course looking at and buying whatever we really can't resist. I bought a new stainless steel sipper, classy black with subtle little embossed Mickey's on it today along with a Minnie ghost T that I loved, in with that we also got a thick canvas tote on a special price ( yeah, they do our equivalent of bogof) if we bought $40 worth of merchandise we got it half price. We also got a beautiful Halloween ornament for our tree.

We went on the new version of Test track. I got on fine,even with the big step down, but the ride itself was great, if a little intense it certainly went quicker than the old one! Climbing out was another matter, and I almost fell, but the helpful cast member helped me. That knocked my confidence a little so we laid off going on anything else for a while and went round the different countries of World Showcase, including the UK. Funny how they see us, flat caps, tugging our forelocks to the king, drinking tea and walking corgis. Lol... We had a well earn adult beverage in The Rose and Crown. Then sat looking out at Spaceship Earth's Geodome over the lagoon, chatting to a quite merry American who used to be so he informed us a skater boi in his youth. Nice chap. That's the big change at Epcot. There are a lot of places to drink now, they call drinking round the world, and it can get a bit tricky negotiating large groups of hens and stags. However, I dare say things can get out of hand. But we didn't see anything untoward. 

We went to the Beauty and the Beast singalong show... Belting out the songs like any six year old in a Princess frock and bubble wand. Lol... 

We went to Ratatouille and that had to be a good hour and a half wait. We refuse to buy lightning lanes. We joked between us that the first million years was the worst, the second million were the worst too. After that it was always a going to go into a bit of decline. But no matter how good the ride was, we wouldn't wait that long for anything else except meeting Jack and Sally maybe. Thank God for my wheelchair I would not have made it otherwise standing. Thanks also to Kev for being my chauffeur! 

When we got out we went to one of the Eat to the Beat concerts, Element were playing, Kev has been checking out the bands online that are playing the food and wine festival. We had Fish and Chips afterwards as the chippy was a recommendation from a cast member. Ive found I do better having a kids meal as the adult size is just a waste. Very good, if a tad too greasy fish wise. Didn't cost us anything as we have dining plan. Which is again an absolute must do if you are staying on property. It came in with our package and you get two main meals a day, and two snacks, plus your drinks including alcohol if you want. That's more than enough even for Kev and his appetite. The portions are huge, hence why I'm opting for the kids sizes, and Im not even finishing those. 

We went on Soaring around the World ride. 15 minutes wait, practically a walk on. Oh before I forget, we had our photo pass done at a lot of, but not all the locations, including Walt the Dreamer statue, and yes, I did cry after the photo, his statue is gorgeous and I wonder what he would think if he was sat there for real looking out at a world he created and how it turned out. The statue looks out on a beautifully landscaped garden area towards to lagoon he drew on his plans all those years ago. He was a innovator for his time, and Epcot was his dream. I've always been a fan, from watching his black and white cartoons, to his TV show when I was stuck in hospital as a kid. I always wanted to come here then, and I've been lucky to come quite a few times. 

Then it was time to watch Luminous the symphony of us. This was our undoing. All the waiting, the years of not being able to come back "home" all the stress of what was happening work wise etc came bubbling up because of the words and music. Disney hits you in the feels, every time. We both cried ugly crying. The

little make up I had rolled off with those big fat tears, not that I cared. They were happy/sad. So grateful Kev Kev gets it too, and is just as soppy as me... 

In Between Days

Monday.

We were up for 4.30 am. Jet lag lag kicked our butt's... But, as we wanted to rope drop Animal Kingdom we got up showered and set up our magic bands. Kev has the NBC one and I have the Haunted Mansion one. 

We got the bus, just outside the resort. I was in the wheelchair as I was in pain from the day before I did a hell of lot of walking, the airport is massive. We got to Park around 7am and they opened at 7.30 am. First we went on Navi River Journey in Pandora. I must say that the ride was beautiful, I can't describe the smell, tropical with spicy undertones. The bio luminescent plants and creatures were stunning and the Shamen animatronic was amazing. 

We had our photo pass photos done at the Tree of Life and Everest as well as Pandora. 

We had breakfast at Satuli Canteen. And the heavens opened. Rain didn't stop play and typical of the climate it was dry again in ten, the only clue it had rained was the mist rising from the floor. 

We went on Dinosaur ( it gets replaced next year) boy, that throws you around like rag doll! But good fun. We headed to Asia next, and went on Expedition Everest. We got back row, and believe me when I say it was intense. I came off feeling quite nauseous and had a bit of a headache. So we grabbed a drink afterwards and I took some motion sickness pills and paras. 

We then went to see The Festival of the Lion King Show and a lovely cast member pixie dusted us with Anniversary badges as he heard us telling some one in the queue. The show was amazing and I fell in love with the Simba puppet. 

It was all a bit emotional the songs reminded us of the last time we came, as that film had just come out.

After that we had shaved ice, sitting in Harambe square, as the heat was on by then. We then went on Safari, the queue was an hour and a half, but we didn't mind as it was a shady area with overhanging trees. There is always a demand for moving Safaris as that's when the Animals are most active.  

We saw ( and I think we got the count right, around 25 different species the cutest being the baby giraffe.

We had a nosy round the shops after that, and then we had lunch I had a rice and tofu bowl with a blueberry cheese cake desert. Kev chose a prawn rice bowl and  purple chocolate mousse. I also had a Paradise Martini. 

Afterwards we did the Jungle Trek and saw the Tigers and Kimodo Dragons. And bats lot of them, naturally they were my favourite! Birds of all kinds in the Aviary section. We left the Park around 5pm ( it shuts at 6pm, so we wanted to avoid the mad dash. 

Back at the Hotel we got home, changed and went on the bus to Disney Springs. We went there on the Sassagoula Friendship Boat. It's changed dramatically since the Downtown Disney days we found a few things including some Mint M&Ms ( rare and expensive in the UK) to bring back with us, one gift, and some oils from Bowes candles that smell of the French Quarter lobby and a Spiked Pumpkin scent a limited Halloween scent. 

We went in World of Disney but I couldn't see the merchandise I wanted there. 

After a good wander round, we went back to the boat and came back to the Resort. We filled our resort mugs and sat in the terraced area outside Scat Cats lounge and bar, then took a toddle down to the pool area and then to the room. It wasn't long before our heads hit the pillow and I must say Im liking this no rush, do just what you want approach to Disney, no pressure, no you've got to the whole thing in one day. Just taking our time and I love having the chair there for me to sit in when Ive had enough. The Anericans, older ones, are very welcoming and patient. The younger ones and The British not so much, and they walk in front of the wheelchair occupied or not without looking, too busy on their phones. We had a few near collisions, and not all being their fault sometimes we misjudged width or area. 

But all in all a fabulous day, I love Animal Kingdom, I thought there wouldn't be enough to see and do with it being most people least favourite park, but we have lots left to see and do for our return visit next week. 

In Between Days.

Saturday.

First Saturday off in an age (June!) I didn't sleep well, things going round in my head, like a fever dream. 

But I had to be at the salon at 8.40, so I got up at 7am. 

Amanda did a cracking job as always, black and red with a black Mickey shaved into the undercut at the back. 

The rest of the day was spent in limbo. Watching streamers from the parks.

Charlotte came round at 8, and Ian picked us up at ten. We were at the bus station for 10.15 and on the bus down to Gatwick by 10 to 11. Pretty plain sailing apart from a woman kicking off because we had paid for coach seats, she was adamant that she was told she couldn't book seats on a bus heading to airport. Well love, you obviously can. 

Anyway poetic justice prevailed two people asked her to move as they had pre-booked those seats. She flounced off in a huff. 

Sunday.

We got to the airport at about 4 am. Once checked in, (what a faff!) You do everything yourself. Like a self scan checkout. Then there was security, I lit up the scanner like Christmas, and you could see the metal in my ankle on the screen you walk past. Even the woman security guard said what a delicate job on they had done  reconstructing my ankle!

We then had breakfast and keeping ourselves busy until the flight at 10.45am.

The flight was a little late, and it was quite turbulent, and there were a couple of times my ears popped. 

But we made good time getting into Orlando at1 3.15pm.

We were the last to get our cases and the line for passport control was very long. We finally got to the resort around 5.30pm. My wheelchair arrived not long after. 

We unpacked and then headed down to the Sassagoula Float workshop to get our resort refill mugs. After that we had Mickey shaped Benignets and then we went shopping. We both bought magic bands.

An earlyish night called our names and we were greatful for comfy clean beds. Jet lag meant we were spark out by 11pm and the awake for 4.30 am.

In Between Days

Friday. 

I woke up early, I'm not sleeping great probably I'm too excited, anxious. Whatever. We've done all the packing and I have re-jigged a few bits. 

Ian has very kindly offered to take us to the bus station Saturday night, which is great and we are both very thankful. It should mean that is less stressful for us. 

I think I'm worrying about leaving Willow for so long, not because we are worried she won't be looked after, we know she will be in good hands with Charlotte. It's just we love her so much. I've bought a Feliway plug in to help keep her calm and hopefully she won't have too bad separation anxiety.