Gemini's Florida Adventures

[Daisy]

Gem, I'm really interested to know a bit more of the best rides, and the things that stopped you in your tracks. Reading your posts has made me feel I need a Disney holiday while I'm more or less young enough to enjoy it! 😀😀😀

[Gemini]

Only too happy to oblige Daisy. And yes, do it again before too long!

[Gemini]

Now, where was I? Now I am over the jetlag and general tiredness I have the energy to write and finish this!

On leaving day we had to be out of our villa by 11am. This was no problem, as packing to leave takes no time, but in an ideal world we would have stayed until the afternoon, relaxing by the pool. Our flight wasn't until 7.45pm.

Although we had most of the day, we didn't want another park day, or even part of one. OH gets too twitchy when she knows she has to drive to the airport later.
So, having read up I decided that the little town of Celebration would be good to visit. Made by Disney, but there is nothing Disney about it, it is based on an old time American town. Pretty nice little houses and shops, restaurants and a lake. You can while away time in the rocking chairs by the lake or hire a bike or Segway if you like. No crowds, no 20 dollar parking fee, no bag search, just a relaxing last few hours. OH agreed, so we were going to have lunch there and while away a few hours, have ice cream by the lake etc.

Firstly we had to go to Disney Springs (once called Downtown Disney for those who have been before) A collection of bars restaurant, cafes and stores. It's Disney, but no parking or entrance fees. Virgin offer a check-in service there between 8 and 1 so that is where we drop our bags, then it is done with and we just take ourselves and hand luggage to the airport later. We did that, easy and no problem. Then I wanted to go to the massive Disney store there to get GS1 a Lion King T shirt, as I had neglected to get him one on the parks as I had planned. Massive store, no Lion King clothing at all! Eventually I settled on a Mickey Mouse one for him. Luckily he seemed very happy once I gave it to him

This all took longer than we expected, but eventually we were back in the car, satnav set to Celebration about 3 or 4 miles away.
You know what they say about the best laid plans?! There were a lot of roadworks all around the Disney area. We noticed this our whole trip and often were sent a long way around to reach something we could see.
However, on this occasion the satnav couldn't cope. She sent us in an eternal square, right left right left.... always ending up back where we to started. OH was getting extremely stressed and telling me to set it to the airport!! In the end I did, but we still didn't get beyond this area.
Eventually she just had to go for it and ignore it and go in any direction, hoping the satnav would catch up. Thank goodness it did, and we could see the signs for the road we wanted to be on. Phew!
Our time in Celebration was far shorter than we planned but we did get lunch and a nice relaxing sit by the lake!
Going to the airport, dropping off the hirecar and going through security were problem free. Orlando is a very nice airport to be in.
Our flight was delayed in taking off, as someone didn't show up but there bags were on board. It took ages to locate and remove the bag. The rest of the flight went smoothly. and although we had one baby in the row in front of us and another to my right, they were little angels throughout the flight.
We collected our own car and OH drove us home.

OH has a 5 day golfing holiday with 3 friends in June to Portugal, I don't know when or where my next trip will be

[Gemini]

Daisy, I will be making another post here about the rides etc

[Plantaholic]

Sounds like a very hairy journey, the town of Celebration sounds lovely, a place to relax before your flight.

[Daisy]

Gem - as you say, the best laid plans .... Last time we went to Florida was before satnavs - I don't know if yours was a blessing or not with all those road works. It's frustrating when you can see where you want to go, but can't. I remember Downtown Disney, and loved being able to check our luggage in without going to the airport. After our first few trips we used to go to Sanford Airport - much smaller and further to drive, but much easier and chepaer. I imagine the roads are much busier now, though and your OH did really well - it must have been very stressful.

Looking forward to hearing about the rides when you have time.