2nd Day 29th June 2013

We wakened in our huge kingsized bed at 5am ish.  Decided to get up anyway.  Got on with sorting all the chargers before mucking about in the kitchen with switches and turning the waste disposal on and waking the children.  

After an easy breakfast of cereal and pop tarts and toast.  We tidied up and got some photo's outside round the pool.  The boys decided to swim but found it too cold.  We covered the pool whole we were out.  

Our choice for today was Animal Kingdom.  This was a very hot morning and a new experience of not getting disney transport to any disney park.  It was an easy process and we did remember to note our parking space.  

It was very busy at the gates, quick bag check and through the turnstiles. Into the park. We had to pop in to the shop to get our photopass+ card.  Very impressed with the card.

Mr Groovee went straight to Expedition Everest for fast passes, while the children and I headed up to Kilamanjaro Safari's  It was a short walk and we had a bit of waiting.  Finally we headed to the safari and the walk to the safari truck was longer than the ride itself.  Was nice to be out in the truck seeing the wild life.  

After that we walked to Asia to see what the Kali River Rapids were like.  Too busy, so a toilet stop and time to collect a drink before our time for EE was ready.  We had the unfortunate experience of a Brazilian Tour group barging in with the usual lack of manners when it comes to queuing.  As it was, The Boy needed to be measured to get on, which he more than passed, this resulted in the group being split up and other guests blocking their way!  Will be doing that more often. Was fab to see Epcot in the distance and that both kids are wee coaster junkies.  

We then decided to head over to Dinoland.  I decided to do some pacing and found a good seat to view Primeval Whirl while the others rode it.  They were underwhelmed.  But I had the amusing experience of it raining and you could tell the brits.  We all stayed where we were while the Americans were shrieking and running for cover. Was quite funny as the rain was so warm. 

We tried to head to Dinosaur which unfortunately was shut and we were unable to get fastpasses.  So we headed to Restaurantasourus for some lunch.  The smell of the burgers lured us, so we shared 2 burger and chips with water.

We decided then to head to our favourite of Festival of the Lion King.  It was the first show we ever saw on our honeymoon in 1998.  Its a must do for us.  As we came out we raced into the line with Donald.  We have photopass Plus, so we need some use from it.  Had some fun with Donald.  Then we headed back to the front of the park for It's Tough to be a bug.  I checked the boy was ok and was laughing when he said "yes but I'm a bit wet!"  Then we decided to head to the front of the park and get some photopass photo's in front of the tree of life then some "magic ones"  Can't wait to see how they turn out,

We headed and bought some pin lanyards and autograph books for next time.  

We headed back to the car, where we realised we would have to beep the car to see which one was ours as there were 2 next to each other whoops.  Found ours and I had a turn of driving to walmart then back to the villa.  Got out of the car and went to unlock and unalarm the house when a squirrel jumped out of the bushes.  Gave me a right fright.

We headed to Sweet Tomatoes on the 192.  Have never been here before but we loved it.  We all ate well.  Well worth $50 for unlimited eating.  Then it was back to the villa for some pool time and chill out time, before bed.  It's so lovely to be chilling outside in the warm.  

First Day 28th June

Wide awake at 2am with excitement. At 4am we burst into lil miss's room singing Zipededoodah. The boy was sleeping in there and it was hilarious to see their shocked faces.

At 5.30, we were collected by Grandad who drove us to Glasgow airport. We arrived at 6.30am and had a 75 minute wait.

Despite being first we were 3rd to check in. We still had our seats which we'd booked online.

Having not been to Glasgow Airport since our last Orlando trip, the security area had really changed. Scanning your own boarding pass then we walked through security the quickest ever.

So it was time to head to Frankie and Benny's. we got a window seat which allowed us to watch the planes take off and see the action at the runway. The boy had his last roll and sausage for 2 weeks.  Pancakes were the girly choice and Davscotcar had a tradition breakfast.

Then it was shopping time while Davsvotcar had his 2 pints of beer to ensure he could drive at the other end.

My sought after watch was bought yipeeee. An iPad mini was purchased along with some Made in Edinburgh badges for our friends who now live in Florida's son.

Then it was head into departures for a seat. The airside has changed a lot in 5 years. Gate was named as number 29 so we headed there and found somewhere to chill. Had hoped to be last on the plane but we weren't. Only by about 6 others.

Found our seats and settled for take off. Except seat 13F's seatbelt wasn't working, so ground crew had to be called, delaying departure by 30ish minutes.

The meals came and there was no choice. It was a James Martin bangers and mash. It was very nice and both children scoffed it along with the crackers and cheese/roll/cheesecake.

The only complaint about the flight would be the idiot man sat behind us who was served too much beer and was being a pain in the rear. Despite being told by his party to quit it. He only shut up when the lovely crew member said "sir we will NOT be serving you any more alcohol.

We had a bit of a diverted landing due to a thunderstorm. We landed and were off the plane at the same time as another flight. Immigration was busy but very well organised. The sniffer dog was going round the queue.

Immigration woman was lovely. She looked at Lil Miss's passport and said, "I've never seen that name before and I've had 2 in the last few minutes!"

Then it was to baggage. I was standing with the rucksacks when the sniffer dog could smell our sweeties and customs were at me for  a second. Then we breezed through customs and headed out of the building into that warm heat. The Thomas Cook rep encouraged me to run to get our villa, so was 3rd in line.

We were allocated Westridge as we thought. Managed to talk the guy into letting me register to save us going back. Then it was to budget for the car. At this point the rain came down.

Budget tried to give us a VW beetle or a mustang. Not for a family of 4. Managed to get a gold Toyota corolla for $3 a day instead.

So we headed down the 417 which is a completely new experience for us. We made it to the 192 to get to Highway 27. Stopped at subway for a sandwich before heading to Walmart for some essentials before making it to the villa in the dark.

We found we had a privately owned villa. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms with a coloured pool. Finally about 10pm we fell quiet and slept until 5am.

The Final Countdown

It's finally here, our long countdown is here.  We're wide awake, kids are sleeping.  We'll report back once we're home :-)

24 hours time...

We will have started the long journey to Orlando...

I'm so excited I may not sleep :-)

2 more sleeps

We're down to just 2 sleep.  1 work day for Mr Groovee and 1 school day for the children!

I can't believe it is here.  Need to keep pinching myself.  Think we now have everything sorted bar the hand luggage.

The Boy doesn't have football and Brownies is finished for me and Lil Miss, so may try to sort that all out tonight!

Tomorrow would be nice if we have a chill out time after school and work then an early night.

4 sleeps

 I don't feel well. Sore ears and throat again. Am completely exhausted. I've been trying hard to keep pacing so my fibromyalgia doesn't flare up 

Anyway, ds's bedding washed, dd's in the machine. Think we're almost there bar washing tablets! 

While the kids were at bowling, got my friend's son's girlfriend to do my sparkly nails. Can't get a nice photo to share though.

Hoping the nice weather stays to allow me to get the grass cut tonight too. Brown bin day tomorrow, so would be perfect if it all goes to plan. 

At least I don't need to work today. 

5 sleeps

5 more sleeps. Got a small box to carry my medication. Did a small food shop for fresh stuff and emptied the freezer and have enough to feed us for the week with some strange combinations lol. 

Going to pop down to a local market and buy some specialist marshmallows. Some for us and some for The Boy's teacher.

Lil Miss went on her friend's sunday school picture and got a medal for winning the sack race.

Kitchen and hall are clean and tidy, living room and dining room getting there. 

We now have 3 bags which have a combined weight of 28kgs! Luggage labels are done. My meds fit in one box yay! 

Think I can now chill bar the electronic chargers. The Boy's DSi was found thankfully. And he has a charger which is a multicharger. My kindle one can come down on Wednesday to charge the kindle before being packed and ensure we have the apple chargers too.

We've just realised that we hadn't packed the adaptors we'd bought whoops!

Just cannot believe it's only 5 sleeps now!!!!

7 days!

So we're now down to 7 days, this time next week we should be at the airport.  Can't wait to be at the airport.  Tidying up of the house needs done this week.  Maybe if it doesn't rain, I'll get the washing done.

Tickets are here

Our tickets are here, yipee.  Have logged on and chosen our seats.  We're rows 14/15 on the way out and 10/11 on the way home.  Have also added an extra 20kg of luggage on the way home.

Its all becoming so much more real.  Just cannot wait now.  I want to go tomorrow, not next week.  The next week will go so slow.

8 Days

Another beautiful morning in Edinburgh.  This time next week, I hope it's just as lovely to allow me to wash all the bedding to change before we go away.  We really have had summer here in the last couple of weeks.  

Apart from collecting our tickets, there isn't much to do now.  I have a small list of things to do but otherwise mostly done.  I took the photocopy of all our tickets and passports and driving licences.

Mr Groovee and the children have today then only 5 days left of school/work.  I may have 1 day of work next week.  Will have to wait and see what the weather is like tomorrow.

Going to have a lazy start to the day and then finish everything later on.  Long may the nice weather last.

Single Digit Dance

Single Digit Dance today.  Only 9 more sleeps until our 4am wake up.

Blue Man Group

We've been debating for a while whether or not to do Blue Man Group in Universal.  So today I bit the bullet and bought them.  Very excited as it looks good.

11 days to go

We're down to 11 days. That SDD is getting closer. It seemed so long ago with over 300 days before we went. 

Am off out for coffee with a friend who I just haven't managed to meet up with since last year. Completely shocking.

Have downloaded books on to my kindle. Am trying hard not to read them before I go! I've downloaded so many for "the holiday" and read them! 

I need to remember to collect my prescription for the holiday and to actually go to the chemist too.

Lil Miss has her wrap party tonight, so I have cakes to bake, have made the cadbury's new chocolate chocolate crispies. 

I am working my last day tomorrow, then I am going into rest mode. I am exhausted just now and need a rest! If I don't my fibromyalgia will just flare up and the holiday will be a waste of time for us all. 

So 11 days to go. 8 school/work days for the children and Mr Groovee. 1 work day for me.

12 days

And we are packed.  The grandparents had the children last night.  So me and Mr Groovee got packed.  We couldn't find The Boy's PJ's but Lil Miss let me know where she had put them.  Then we found the toothbrushes today.

Just need to find my other flip flops and I can pack the ones I want to take.

I spent last night doing a scrap book of our trip in 2007.  Am very impressed with myself and it's a nice memory.  I may get some of our Photopass photo's printed off from last time too.

It's Father's Day today.  The Boy has been to football, Mr Groovee is is bowling.  Then we're off to my mum and dad's for tea.  May pop past Home Bargains first..

1 Week 6 days....

It's strange to think a year ago we didn't think this would be possible.  But it turned out it was.  Am really hoping it doesn't come in too fast.  Hopefully get packing today.  Children are off to Granny's for the night.  But how odd to be nearly at single digits and saying 1 week until we go.

The Boy received his Silver Chief Scout Award last night from Cubs.  We are so proud.  He's off for a County Trial for bowling this morning.  

Lil Miss is off to a birthday party.  It's so strange now they are older as the parties completely change.  

I also managed to get paper for my scrap book yesterday.  Minnie Mouse paper. Couldn't believe my luck.  

So best get on with the packing and preparations for 13 days.

14 sleeps... 2 weeks....

We're down to 14 sleeps.  In 2 weeks we should be at the airport.  The next fortnight is still full on with activities and things!  Will be glad to get packed etc.

Am considering the Blue Man Group but worried it is too late.  

Sports day for The Boy then on to his scout BBQ tonight.  He will be receiving his silver award for Cubs.  Proud mum and dad.  

Busy weekend too.  But hopefully will get packed.

19 days and counting

Our cash dollars arrived yesterday.  So we took some time out of the hot sun to organise our car parking envelopes.  $15 in each envelope for 13 days.  We had received $760 and had some left from last time... had to laugh that when Mr Groovee counted what was left we had $777.

Went shopping yesterday.  Tried on size 16 dresses.  Asked for my friend's opinion and she told me to try another size.  Was very delighted that size 14 fitted.  It makes me feel so good.

I think all our paperwork etc is in order, just have to wait for the tickets to arrive.  Then it down to packing.  We cleared the airing cupboard out last week and binned 5 bags of crap.  But still need some space in the room.  Hope to try and sort that this week.  Just need some more little things to pack and we'll be fine.  Have picked out some towels that we don't mind leaving behind if needs be to bulk up the suitcases haha.

The sun seems to have disappeared.  Hoping it's nice on Friday.  It's The Boy's sports day and the Scout Group's BBQ.  The Boy will be presented with his Silver Award for cubs.  We're very proud of him.

20 sleeps

Down another 10 days to 20 days now.  Its getting so much closer from the original 300+ countdown.

All dollars purchased.  Waiting on the cash arriving now.  Managed to get 1.5330 which made me very happy.  If it goes higher, oh well.  That gives us around $3500 for 14 nights.

Summer seems to have arrived.  So making the most of some vitamin D.  Kids and Mr Groovee are bowling this morning.  Gorgeous day for it.

21 sleeps... 3 weeks...

We will be nearing the airport.  It's all becoming so real now.

Have bought quite a few dollars in the last few days.  The dollar jumped from 1.50 to 1.53 so just had to snap it up.  Now looking for a good rate on cash.  Not sure I'll get as good a rate as I did on my card.

The weather has been stunning.  Headed to East Lothian yesterday and had a fabulous day with a lovely friend.  She's found a deal for later in the year which is just a bargain.  Fingers crossed she goes for it.

Beautiful day, so lots more washing to do :-)  But only 3 weeks left to get sorted.

23 days...

Have work coming out of my ears. I am turning down so much work just now.

Have just bought the first of our dollars. Quite happy to have got 1.50. May need to sit down and see if we need cash or more on the card just now. 

Photopass arrived this morning too.  Must remember to put it in the folder upstairs.

Am just chilling just now. 2 days at work have triggered off my pain in my feet. Thankfully the next 3 days are in the nursery I love and know I will get to sit down. Brownies tonight but one good thing is we've paid off the car loan, whooppeee.

It's June...

We go on holiday this month!!!!!  Whooopeeee.

Lil Miss is at her Godparents for the weekend and The Boy is bowling all weekend.  So busy weekend for Groovee and Davscotcar.