In Search of Sunshine Day 7 - Orlando

Up early to get ready and packed for stage 2 of the Florida 2012 trip. I have packing down to a fine art as long as everyone get up, ready and out of my way. Can't be doing with anyone 'helping'. Thats how things get left behind or put in the wrong suitcase. I always do the final check - you know the drawers and under the bed check. Sometimes glad I only do that when Im leaving! Once found a pair of dirty boxers! Anyhoo, typing this as we drive up the Interstate 95 just north of Miami. Three hours to go!

Arrived at the hotel on International Drive. We used to stay in this area when we came with the in laws, but have tended to stay in other places since. However, hubby came up trumps this time and bagged a bargain. A suite at The Extended Stay Deluxe costing just $23 a night. The place got some great reviews on Trip Advisor so we decided to give it a go. Its not the Hard Rock, but its clean, comfortable and has everything you need - including free wifi all around the hotel.

 

Just as we arrived, the Newcastle Utd friendly against Olympiacos started so I took Alexander to the pool for a swim while the other two watched the game. The Olympics opening ceremony was also on, but couldnt get it on my iPad, but got the jist of it from my twitter timeline. The pool is small but big enough for the kids to play and cool off in. Luckily there was a family from the midlands who had a boy the same age, so Alexander had someone to play with. Unfortunately, they go home on Sunday!

After the pool and match, we decided to go to Universal Islands of Adventure for a couple of hours. The park closed at 9:00 but it was still heaving when we arrived. This is the first year Alexander is tall enough to go on all the rides, so he made a bee line to The Hulk. He and Jordan went on together, and his face as they came through the exit afterwards coukd have lit up a dark room.

Full of adrenaline, he asked to go on The Tower of Doom. Not a ride anyone else wanted to o on so he went as a single rider - meaning he was on and off without having to wait in a queue. I love rollercoasters but not do keen on the ones that suddenly drop. It took me years to muster the courage to try Tower of Terror at Disney Studios - and that was when Alexander aged 6 wanted to go on it!

We walked around the lagoon, taking in the familiar scenery and enjoying the atmosphere. I dont have a picture, but so wish I'd taken one of the two British girls, as chavvy as you get, fat white/pink bellies hanging over shorts, tats, smoking and then stubbing their fags out on the concrete before flicking them to one side. I wouldnt have been at all surprised to see them hockle and spit as they walked past. Mingers! Luckily its rare to see Brits as embarrassing as that.

Hogsmead

Toon Lagoon, Jurassic Park, Harry Potter Land, Talking Fountain Land and then to my favourite part. Seuss Landing! I love the way they have re-created the Seuss storybooks. One year we were there late November and met The Grinch! Yes the REAL Grinch! There isnt a photo or video that can do this place justice. You have to be there.

Seuss Landing

By now we were hot, sweaty and hungry. International Drive is a busy place on an evening, and so being later than we uually like to eat we went to Friendly's. Not one of our usual eateries, but cheap and fast. Or not so fast as it turned out. The food was good and did the job, unlike the server who seemed a little stressed and forgetful. His tip steadily went down a dollar each time. It was quite late when we eventually climbed into our queen sized beds.

 

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