The character breakfast at Tusker House where we met Mickey Mouse.

Taking a look at the tropical fish.

Erin and Daisy.

Listening to the sounds of the rainforest.

Erin and Rafiki at the conservation station.

Erin and her ‘noculars’

Awake at 5.30 am, an hour later than yesterday, there’s hope yet.

This morning we headed to the very nutritious Dunkin Donuts for breakfast. I’m fully aware that donuts and coffee for breakfast is a treat and not the ‘healthy option’, unfortunately Dunkin Donuts don’t agree, their tagline is ‘America runs on Dunkin’. I’m not sure anyone runs anywhere after going to ‘Dunkin’ which is why we’ll drive thru when we go back for some Baskin Robbins or one of the uber calorific Snickers shakes.

Epcot was our intro to Disney World for Erin and we headed straight for ‘The Seas’ where we had a ride in a big shell to visit Nemo and then we had a chat with crush which was the highlight for Erin, she’s been saying ‘hey little dudes’ all day, unfortunately she wasn’t chosen to ask a question, which she says was “I like flowers”. Okaaay, crush will have been gutted to have missed that one. We also popped upstairs to see a real live ‘crush’ which amazed me, this turtle was hyowj, we also saw some dolphins.

The Disney transport system whisked us away to Disney Hollywood Studios where we did the Jim Henson 3D Muppet Show before heading to the Hollywood Brown Derby courtesy of Sarah. Our vouchers entitled us to a three course meal with non-alcoholic drink. I had a salad with goats cheese and candied pecans, followed by chicken and israeli cous cous with lemon aioli. Alex chose coconut shrimp followed by steak, which he said was the best he’d ever tasted! Erin had a hot dog and fries which she seemed to enjoy, it was the least sophisticated choice on the menu, one of the other options was tempura fish. We both had creme brulee for desert while Erin had an ice cream/jelly sweet/orio cookie concoction. I even had my first strawberry daquiri The whole lot was lovely, a real treat.

We decided to have a chillin out night, not sure Erin heard though, she’s still tearing around the room at breakneck speed.

The first of three videos I have for you this weekend, yes, I am like the person that invites you to watch their holiday slideshow Don’t be falling asleep now….or sneaking away. In this clip you see Tinkerbell flying through the air and a short bit of the firework display, unfortunately the Cinderella Castle is obscured by some trees.

The first time I went to Disney World I was seventeen, back in the year 2000! The ‘magic’ of the Magic Kingdom passed me by somewhat, maybe you need to be a parent or a young child…because this time it really hit me, and I absolutely cannot wait to experience it all with Erin.

The Buzz Lightyear attraction was our first stop which was very similar to the Toy Story ride in Hollywood Studios, but not as good.

On our way towards some other attractions we ran into the Move It, Shake It, Celebrate It parade. This a thrice daily event that is new this year and part of the ‘what will you celebrate’ campaign that is big in America. I loved this parade, it wasn’t overly busy meaning plenty of space to dance! It’s a real vibrant party atmosphere featuring characters from The Incredibles and Jungle Book, amongst others.

I took this little video, although nothing’s like seeing it live.

Afterwards we headed for Peter Pan’s Flight, which I think would be very good for the under fives and then to It’s A Small World which was a bit dated, but you can forgive it that seeing as it was the attraction that started it all.

We then headed for Minnie’s house which I thought was v.cool, I think I could see myself living somewhere like that

Feeding time again, this time we headed to the Italian made famous in Lady and the Tramp – Tony’s Town Square. The meal was a little underwhelming as my mash was cold (twice) our waiter (Casey) worked hard though and gave us free tinkerbells, all is forgiven. I also checked out a kids menu, it was a set price for three courses with the offerings including pizza, pasta and a healthy/balanced meal, no complaints there.

After our meal we enjoyed the Nightime Wishes Spectacular and Spectromagic Parade – videos to come.

The spa at the five star Grand Floridian resort.

Wedding carriage complete with wigged horsemen.

The Disney 7 on the beach in front of the wedding chapel.

Lunch at the Grand Floridian, strawberries, feta, leaves, strawberry vinaigrette and roast cashews.

The Tower of Terror behind us we headed for something to eat and a stiff drink. The Hollywood Brown Derby was our destination and I don’t think I’ve ever been quite so happy to see a strawberry daquiri.

The food, once again, was amazing. I had pork tenderloin, spaetzl (which I’d seen being made on Saturday Kitchen a while back, very tasty), red onion chutney and cider jus.

We weren’t able to sit too long as we had VIP seats for the American Idol Experience! The theatre seats a thousand and it was packed out for the show. The set was amazing, I mean really amazing, you could have been at the real thing. We were at the final show which is in the evening, they basically hold auditions all day and the best go through to the evening show to sing for a golden ticket (which gets you to the front of the queue at any ‘real’ American Idol audition). This sort of attraction is the reason why Disney are one step ahead of the competition, the entertainment they offer within each an every park is so diverse that there really is something for everyone, and not only that but something that you’ve never experienced before. Yes, I was pretty blown away with the whole thing.

The show has all the usual features, the singers, the cheesey presenter, the judges, and the over enthusiastic audience (that was us). Everyone ‘played’ their parts without really meaning to, you get completely sucked in and it all feels so real, even down to the ‘nasty judge’ calling the contestant from Manchester an ‘English tart’ haha, he didn’t mean it ‘that way’ but it was still a bit jaw dropping for the British audience members At the end you get to vote for your favourite and there’s the familiar tense announcement.

Post show we headed across the road for a ‘quick’ drink before heading to Fantasmic. Unfortunately we got caught up in the flaring talents of Craig the barman and didn’t make it to Fantasmic… Here’s a video, especially for Laura and Becky.

When I received my itenerary a week or so before I flew out I was kind of worried about being the only one who didn’t want to do the rollercoasters, or my nemesis, the Tower of Terror.

The first ride Sarah decided to take us on was the Aerosmith Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster (one of my ‘don’t think I can do that’ ones). We hovered outside as we established who was prepared to give it a shot, before my brain was in gear I’d already agreed and we were whipping past the queues at breakneck speed, fastpasses in hand. I’d barely had a chance to change my mind and we were at the front of the queue. I vaguely remember demanding to know what was about to happen, Sarah admitted to one loop but refused to disclose anymore (until after the damage was done!)

What can I say, it was the best ride I’ve ever done! (and I have done a few at Alton Towers and the stand up one at Drayton Manor). It starts out with you hurtling from 0 – 60 mph in 2.8 seconds into a pitch black inside rollercoaster with 3 (yes three, think someone has a problem counting!) full loops and blaring music, you get completely disorientated, which is actually quite comforting, I prefer it when you can’t see what’s going on. I can see myself in the singles queue for this one in five weeks time! (all is forgiven Sarah)

Next up was the more sedate Toy Story Mania which is a shooting game of sorts (you’ll see what I mean if you ever have a go). It was a lot of fun, both adults and children can enjoy this one

Onwards to the Muppet Vision 3D, which is lots of fun and ideal for the whole family.

And finally the Tower of Terror, after the success of the Rock ‘n’ Roller coaster I found myself agreeing to it…I figured it would be over in no time if I didn’t like it. Here’s a quick ten second shaky hand video of us approaching the Tower, and yes, that is terror you can hear in my voice…

We fastpassed our way through and just as we were being shuffled into position a wave of panic came over me, I’m not joking, I was on the verge of crying like a baby, it must have been embarassing because Laura was quick to whip out her camera and grab a photo (note to self: never expect sympathy from a fellow blogger, their just after their next big post, disgraceful). We entered what can only be described as a chamber with seats, fortunately we’d already engineered it so that we were at the back. As soon as we were seated I snuggled into Linda – she had a black t-shirt on, I thought if I could hide behind it the horror would be over before I knew it.

And then it began…a 13 floor drop and shutters revealing your terror to the masses, up, down, up, down, up, down….

Okay, so it wasn’t as bad as I’d expected but I’m unlikely to do it again, catch my drift.

Sarah was quick with her Disney fact of, it’s the only ride at Disney World that has a randomizer so that every ride is different…..and that ride was tamer than some of her other experiences. Great, bloody great, there I was thinking I’d been semi brave and that was an ‘easy one’.

Never again

Photo courtesy of Laura

After our character breakfast it was time to board the bloggerbus (as it’s been fondly named by English Mum, I think).

Disney World has two water parks Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach. The last time we were there we only did Blizzard Beach so it was nice to have the little tour of Typhoon Lagoon to get the full picture before our own holiday.

The two parks are pretty equal in terms of size and how busy they get and they both have rides and areas to suit all ages. I don’t know what it is but I think I like the look of Typhoon Lagoon better.

Here’s a quick overview;

The Slides & Attractions

There’s the crush ‘n’ gusher (above) and gangplank falls which both get busy so do them early. The lazy river which is an incredible half mile long. A few really steep flumes which can get you going at up to 40mph and some smaller kids rides, that’s a kids rubber ring ride in the pic, can’t wait for Erin to have a go. One of the most unusual attractions is a snorkelling tank with tropical fish, anyone from toddler upwards can take part at no extra cost. If you don’t fancy the snorkelling bit there’s an underwater viewing area.

Food & Drink

There are plenty of snack shacks dotted around the park, selling the usual fare plus a whole new array of healthy options, but don’t worry I’m assured that the turkey legs are still going strong. Grab your refillable mug for $10.25, not a bad deal if you all share, and don’t forget your pail of ice cream, only in America! (I can’t wait).

Facilities

You can pretty much hire anything you’ll need and there are lockers available too. There are water fountains spread around, and the park has been designed with plenty of shady areas, no excuse to forgo the suncream though! There is a lost parents area in case you lose the tikes (at Disney parents lose children, not the other way round!) – easily done when you have your face in a bucket of ice cream.

Out of all the attractions and parks at Disney World this is second on my list of where I can’t wait to go back to, I’ll let you guess at the first (and no, it’s not the bar Laura).

You’ve heard of the Bibbity Bobbity Boutique, okay maybe not, it’s a cool shop where little girls can be transformed into princesses by fairy godmothers, very sweet. There is one boutique at the back of the Disney shop in Downtown and another inside the cinderella castle, don’t get too excited though, that one has a 6-month waiting list!

The deal used to be that boys could get their hair coloured, gelled and have bits stuck in it, which is okay I suppose but a bit second rate to the girls (you should see them in their tiaras and gowns!).

Disney World must have felt a bit sorry for them too because they have the male version of Bibbety Bobbety Boutique opening in July. Bookings are open now, as of yesterday. I reckon it won’t be long before this will have a 6-month waiting list too, why else would you open bookings a whole two months before the service begins?

Okay, you’ve been warned, book now to avoid disappointment. (The Pirate League isn’t mentioned on this page but phone the number at the bottom which covers all makeovers)

More Disney Posts…

After approximately two hours sleep it was time to meet in the lobby for breakfast. We headed for the Cape May restaurant which is located inside the Beach Club resort.

The breakfast is an all you can eat buffet which includes; bacon, sausages, asparagus, potatoes, fresh fruit, pastries, Mickey Mouse waffles, fruit cobblers, yoghurts, cereals and dried fruits… and probably much more which I didn’t get to see.

As well as all the lovely food there were some surprise visitors, Minnie Mouse , Goofy and Donald Duck all rocked up for photos and autographs! You should have seen the kids faces, okay, and ours too Definitely going to try and do a character breakfast when we go back.

Prices $18 for Adults, $10 for Kids, book in advance.