ORLANDO 20 JUNE - 4 JULY 1999
Sunday 20 June
Arrived at Glasgow Airport at 7.10am and checked in at gate
28. We will be sitting in seats 29 ABC and 30 ABC. We then had a seat upstairs
to wait for departure which is 45 minutes late at the moment. We went through
duty free and then had only a short wait before boarding our plane. It's
Monarch Airlines 757. Our seats were changed to 33 ABC and 34 ABC for some
strange reason, but we were really glad as seats in row 30 don't recline as
they are right in front of the toilets. We took off at 11.30am. We watched Men
Behaving Badly and then Friends whilst having drinks and a snack. Our lunch was
braised steak with green beans, carrots and potatoes, followed by a pastry
dessert and custard, then cheese and crackers and coffee all washed down with
white wine. During lunch we watched the film You've Got Mail with Tom Hanks and
Meg Ryan. After we'd filled in customs and immigration forms we watched clips
from One Foot in the Grave and an episode of Kiss Me Kate whilst eating a snack
of sandwiches and shortcake biscuits. At 12.50 USA time we landed in Bangor,
Maine and whilst they refuelled the plane and changed cabin crew we were
allowed off into the terminal building for an hour. Our second flight was 3
hours long and we enjoyed another meal of chicken and salad, apple crumble,
cheese and crackers and more white wine. We watched the cartoon film A Bug's
Life before arriving and clearing customs. We eventually got the keys for our
villa and car and set off following directions to our villa through pouring
rain and a thunder and lightning storm. We eventually found it after a stop off
at the 7-11 store to pick up milk, bread, butter, and cereals. Our villa is
beautiful - 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, lounge, kitchen and our own swimming pool.
We had problems getting the car in the garage as the car alarm kept going off. We unpacked and fell into bed exhausted after being on the go for 22 hours.
We had problems getting the car in the garage as the car alarm kept going off. We unpacked and fell into bed exhausted after being on the go for 22 hours.
Monday 21 June
Got up and had showers and jumped in the car to go to our
welcome meeting at Arabian Nights arena for 9.30am. After that we went for
something to eat at McDonalds on Sandlake Road and then had a look at a few
shops on International Drive and then had a round of adventure golf at Pirate's
Cove.
Then we went to Eckerd's to pick up some groceries for the villa. We
stopped off for a carry out meal on the way home to eat at the villa. We had a
game of Newmarket and went to bed at about 11.00pm.
Tuesday 22 June
Got up at 9.00am and Jim and I nipped to McDonalds in the
car and brought back breakfast of pancakes and maple syrup. We then spent about
an hour sunbathing at the pool before setting off for Kennedy Space Center. We
arrived at about 2.15pm just in time for a guided tour of the rocket garden. We
then visited the Education Center and tried out all kinds of experiments.
After
that we went round the inside of a Space Shuttle before sitting down to have
some Space Dots - the ice-cream of the future!
We bought souvenirs from the space shop and then left and headed off for Daytona Beach.
We eventually found it after stopping off for something to eat at McDonalds. After a short walk on the beach it was time to head back to the villa. We all had showers when we got back as we have an early start in the morning.
We bought souvenirs from the space shop and then left and headed off for Daytona Beach.
We eventually found it after stopping off for something to eat at McDonalds. After a short walk on the beach it was time to head back to the villa. We all had showers when we got back as we have an early start in the morning.
Wednesday 23 June
Got up early, had breakfast, and set off for the Direct
Holidays office to buy our Disney passes. We then headed off for MGM Studios.
We started off at the Muppet 3D Theater which was brilliant,
then we ventured onto the Backlot Tram Tour including Catastrophe Canyon - very hot and very wet - and then went on the Great Movie Ride showing clips from all the classic movies. After that it was time for something to eat. We were just about to go into the restaurant when we bumped into a couple from Edinburgh that we know - what a small world! We then had a lovely lunch and then headed off to see the Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular. Jim took the boys on Star Tours before the Mulan parade which we weren't close enough to get a good view of.
Next it was the Hunchback of Notredame Stage Show and just time for a quick ice-cream before seeing the Beauty and the Beast Stage Show. After that Jim took the boys on Star Tours again whilst I took Gran and Papa so see the Little Mermaid Stage Show. Our last show was Fantasmic - a spectacular water and laser extravaganza where Mickey defeated all the villains from the Disney films. We visited a few gift shops on the way out.
then we ventured onto the Backlot Tram Tour including Catastrophe Canyon - very hot and very wet - and then went on the Great Movie Ride showing clips from all the classic movies. After that it was time for something to eat. We were just about to go into the restaurant when we bumped into a couple from Edinburgh that we know - what a small world! We then had a lovely lunch and then headed off to see the Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular. Jim took the boys on Star Tours before the Mulan parade which we weren't close enough to get a good view of.
Next it was the Hunchback of Notredame Stage Show and just time for a quick ice-cream before seeing the Beauty and the Beast Stage Show. After that Jim took the boys on Star Tours again whilst I took Gran and Papa so see the Little Mermaid Stage Show. Our last show was Fantasmic - a spectacular water and laser extravaganza where Mickey defeated all the villains from the Disney films. We visited a few gift shops on the way out.
Thursday 24 June
Got up late and lazed about. We all had a swim in the pool
before setting off for our meal at Bahamas Breeze to celebrate Gran and Papa's Golden Wedding Anniversary.
before setting off for our meal at Bahamas Breeze to celebrate Gran and Papa's Golden Wedding Anniversary.
We all had a lovely time and the restaurant even
threw in 4 glasses of champagne to help us celebrate.
We came home exhausted and full.
We came home exhausted and full.
Friday 25 June
Got up, had breakfast, and went to Cypress Gardens. We were
just in time to see a water-ski show and then we watched a mini-circus.
Next it was an ice show and then we stopped off for a bit to eat. We were just in time to see the raptor and reptile show and then we went for a ride on the island in the sky - a rotating platform which lifts up into the sky. After that we split up and I took the boys for a game of putting, whilst Jim took his Mum and Dad round the botanical gardens.
Next it was an ice show and then we stopped off for a bit to eat. We were just in time to see the raptor and reptile show and then we went for a ride on the island in the sky - a rotating platform which lifts up into the sky. After that we split up and I took the boys for a game of putting, whilst Jim took his Mum and Dad round the botanical gardens.
The boys and I soon caught up and we just managed
to get round it all whilst the thunder rumbled over the lake. We'd just got in
the car when the weather started to change. We travelled up the highway to
Haines City and we'd just got into the shops when the heavens opened and
torrential rain came on with lots of thunder and lightning. We stayed in the shops
for ages and still it poured down. We ended up with Jim making a run for the
car and bringing it up to the shop doorway. Even getting into the car as
quickly as possible we still got soaked. We called in at McDonalds for burgers
and apple pies and brought them back to the villa. By the time we got back the
rain had eased off but the swimming pool was full to over-flowing. We had our
meal and played Newmarket before having an early night.
Saturday 26 June
Got up late and went to Wal-mart and then on to The Florida
Mall. Went shopping round all the shops, stopping off for a bit to eat. When we
came out it was pouring with rain again so we came back to the villa, had
supper and played cards again.
Sunday 27 June
Got up at 7.00am and had breakfast before setting off for
Disney's Animal Kingdom. First we saw an animal training session, closely
followed by The Lion King Festival Show.
Then it was off on a very bumpy Jungle Safari and then a sedate train ride to the Conservation Station. Ross and Dad went to the affection section to pet some of their domestic animals. After that it was time to eat. We dined at the Tusker Restaurant on hot chicken, ham and cheese sandwiches with potato wedges. Next we went on a river boat cruise. Jim, the boys and I went to the Countdown to Extinction ride all about dinosaurs - very violent and scary. Gran, Papa, Scott and I had an ice-cream whilst Ross and Jim went on it again. Then the thunder started to rumble and big rain drops fell from the sky. We made a run for it to the 3D show It's Tough To Be A Bug. Great show with good special effects. When we came out there was unbelievable thunder and lightning and torrential rain. We've never heard such loud thunder before. We waited for ages for it to pass and the rain to go off but to no avail. Even the 3D show broke down with a power cut. Eventually the lightning stopped and we made a break for the exit and on to the car park. We stopped off at the garage on the way home for bread and cheese and then finished off the night with a game of Newmarket.
Then it was off on a very bumpy Jungle Safari and then a sedate train ride to the Conservation Station. Ross and Dad went to the affection section to pet some of their domestic animals. After that it was time to eat. We dined at the Tusker Restaurant on hot chicken, ham and cheese sandwiches with potato wedges. Next we went on a river boat cruise. Jim, the boys and I went to the Countdown to Extinction ride all about dinosaurs - very violent and scary. Gran, Papa, Scott and I had an ice-cream whilst Ross and Jim went on it again. Then the thunder started to rumble and big rain drops fell from the sky. We made a run for it to the 3D show It's Tough To Be A Bug. Great show with good special effects. When we came out there was unbelievable thunder and lightning and torrential rain. We've never heard such loud thunder before. We waited for ages for it to pass and the rain to go off but to no avail. Even the 3D show broke down with a power cut. Eventually the lightning stopped and we made a break for the exit and on to the car park. We stopped off at the garage on the way home for bread and cheese and then finished off the night with a game of Newmarket.
Monday 28 June
Had a long lie and went to the Belz Factory Shopping Outlet.
Spent all day shopping! Stopped off on International Drive on the way home for
some souvenirs.
Tuesday 29 June
Got up early and headed off to Disney's EPCOT. We started
off in the Universe of Energy where Ellen and Bill Nye, the science guy, took
us on a tour through time from the dinosaurs up to date telling us how energy
is made. Then it was on to Body Wonders and then Innoventions, which was full
of Sega consoles and computer games. The Living Seas was all about the
different kinds of marine life. We dined in The Land on healthy baked potatoes
and pasta before boarding a boat ride called Living With The Land, which took
us through greenhouses filled with vegetables growing in unusual positions as
experiments. When we left the Land we ventured into the 3D show Honey I Shrunk
the Audience - brilliant - especially the bit where the mice were let loose in
the theatre and the giant dog sneezed at the end showering us all. Next Jim
took the boys on Body Wars and Gran, Papa and I got a seat near the fountain.
We met up again to go on the ride inside Spaceship Earth. It took us through time telling us all about communications. When we got off it we experimented with computers and simulated rides. After that, the rain came on so we sheltered and had an ice-cream.
We met up again to go on the ride inside Spaceship Earth. It took us through time telling us all about communications. When we got off it we experimented with computers and simulated rides. After that, the rain came on so we sheltered and had an ice-cream.
Luckily, the rain didn't last long so Jim took
the boys back to the Sega consoles whilst Gran, Papa and I went round the World
Showcase starting with Canada, UK, France, Morocco, Japan and made it to the
USA to see a half hour performance of Lord of the Dance - brilliant. After that
we all picked a good spot to watch the "Illuminations" - a
spectacular display of lasers and fireworks across the lake. We then wandered
through Italy, Germany, China, Norway and Mexico before making our way back to
the car park past Spaceship Earth. When we got home Ross and I had a late night
dip in the pool before supper and bedtime.
Wednesday 30 June
Had a lie in and after breakfast Jim dropped us off on
International Drive to do some shopping whilst he took Scott to the Star Wars
movie. Ross and I went to the Thomson Shop to buy stamps and we met up with
Gran and Papa in McDonalds for lunch. Jim and Scott dined in Burger King across
the road and then we all went in the car to more gift shops. We also visited
the Reebok shop to buy trainers. By this time the heavens had opened again and
we had thunder and lightning and torrential rain. We sheltered in a gift shop
till it went off a bit and then came back to the villa for supper and a game of
cards.
Thursday 1 July
Got up early and arrived at The Magic Kingdom just after
9.00am. Our first stop was The Timekeeper who made us travel though time on a
360 degree screen called 9 Eye. Next it was on to Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger
Spin where we fired lasers at Z's and scored points. We were lucky enough to on
it twice before a big queue built up. After that we experienced the Carousel of
Progress - a circulating theatre which took us from the turn of the century
right up to date with a typical American family. We then took the Tomorrowland
Transit Authority Train for a trip through Space Mountain and round
Tomorrowland. Next we saw a show called The Legend of the Lion King and had a
ride on It's A Small World.
We went back to Tomorrowland to see a show called Disneymania, which included songs and dances with characters from Disney's biggest movies. We had a late lunch in Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe, before watching the 3.00pm parade, which was very colourful. Jim took Ross for a trip on Big Thunder Mountain, whilst Scott, Gran, Papa and I watched a show which included anamatronic images of all 42 presidents of the United States. After that we met up with Jim and Ross and had a sail on the Liberty Belle Riverboat. Jim took Scott and Ross back to Big Thunder Mountain whilst I took Gran and Papa to the Enchanted Tiki Bird Show. When we came out we had an ice-cream and watched a university brass band playing great music. We joined up with Jim and the boys and went on the Jungle Boat Cruise closely followed by The Pirates of the Caribbean. We then watched Jim and the boys on Big Thunder Mountain again before catching the Disney World Railroad back to Main Street USA to get a good view to watch the Electric Mainstreet Parade. The parade was spectacular and after it was over we walked up towards Cinderella's castle to get a good view of the fireworks. The fireworks were started off by Tinkerbell flying down from the top of the castle on a wire and then there were brilliant fireworks which lit up the sky to the sound of Disney music. We eventually met up with Jim and the boys and made our way back to the car via the monorail and the tram.
We went back to Tomorrowland to see a show called Disneymania, which included songs and dances with characters from Disney's biggest movies. We had a late lunch in Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe, before watching the 3.00pm parade, which was very colourful. Jim took Ross for a trip on Big Thunder Mountain, whilst Scott, Gran, Papa and I watched a show which included anamatronic images of all 42 presidents of the United States. After that we met up with Jim and Ross and had a sail on the Liberty Belle Riverboat. Jim took Scott and Ross back to Big Thunder Mountain whilst I took Gran and Papa to the Enchanted Tiki Bird Show. When we came out we had an ice-cream and watched a university brass band playing great music. We joined up with Jim and the boys and went on the Jungle Boat Cruise closely followed by The Pirates of the Caribbean. We then watched Jim and the boys on Big Thunder Mountain again before catching the Disney World Railroad back to Main Street USA to get a good view to watch the Electric Mainstreet Parade. The parade was spectacular and after it was over we walked up towards Cinderella's castle to get a good view of the fireworks. The fireworks were started off by Tinkerbell flying down from the top of the castle on a wire and then there were brilliant fireworks which lit up the sky to the sound of Disney music. We eventually met up with Jim and the boys and made our way back to the car via the monorail and the tram.
Friday 2 July
Got up late and had a swim in the pool. We then went to
Kissimmee to the flea market. We wandered through the market stalls and then
had our lunch/dinner in the market. Lovely big sandwiches and a Danish pastry
to follow. We then visited a 99c shop and bought a few souvenirs. It came on
rain so we went for a drive and came across a Wal-Mart. We all got bargains
there and then returned to Pirates Island for a game of adventure golf.
We then
returned to the villa and had supper and a game of cards.
Saturday 3 July
Got up late, had breakfast, and had a dip in the pool. We
then had a short trip to Haines City for last minute bargains. Had our mail in
McDonalds. On the way home we went a different route past Bridgewater Crossing
and Loma Linda (the other two estates where we could have been allocated a
villa). We stopped off at McDonalds near our villa for ice-cream sundaes before
coming back to the villa to pack. We had a game of Newmarket to finish off our
holiday.
Sunday 4 July
Got up at 8.00am and had breakfast. Packed up all our
belongings and said goodbye to our lovely villa and swimming pool.
Drove to Sanford Airport and dropped off our brilliant 7 seater car and checked in our luggage. We went upstairs and found a table and chairs. Our flight is an hour late coming in so we'll be at least an hour late taking off. We had our sandwiches and biscuits then visited the duty free shop and played cards. Jim and I chatted to the manager of the Dunfermline Football Club and his wife who are on the same flight as us, for about an hour - very nice couple - which helped to pass the time. I think we've convinced them to go to Las Vegas next year! We boarded our plane just after 6.00pm and took off at 6.40pm on our short flight to Bangor, in Maine. We were served drinks and watched Men Behaving Badly and Frasier before our meal of tuna mayonaise, roast chicken, chocolate profiteroles, cheese and crackers, coffee and white wine. We landed at Bangor at 9.25pm for refuelling and boarded again at 10.25pm. Once aboard we were served drinks and watched a film called The Out of Towners with Goldie Hawn, Steve Martin and John Cleese. Then it was time to try and get some sleep. After a couple of hours the cabin crew woke us up with continental breakfast and we watched Jasper Carrott and then The Simpsons before landing at Glasgow Airport at 9.00am (4.00am US time).
Drove to Sanford Airport and dropped off our brilliant 7 seater car and checked in our luggage. We went upstairs and found a table and chairs. Our flight is an hour late coming in so we'll be at least an hour late taking off. We had our sandwiches and biscuits then visited the duty free shop and played cards. Jim and I chatted to the manager of the Dunfermline Football Club and his wife who are on the same flight as us, for about an hour - very nice couple - which helped to pass the time. I think we've convinced them to go to Las Vegas next year! We boarded our plane just after 6.00pm and took off at 6.40pm on our short flight to Bangor, in Maine. We were served drinks and watched Men Behaving Badly and Frasier before our meal of tuna mayonaise, roast chicken, chocolate profiteroles, cheese and crackers, coffee and white wine. We landed at Bangor at 9.25pm for refuelling and boarded again at 10.25pm. Once aboard we were served drinks and watched a film called The Out of Towners with Goldie Hawn, Steve Martin and John Cleese. Then it was time to try and get some sleep. After a couple of hours the cabin crew woke us up with continental breakfast and we watched Jasper Carrott and then The Simpsons before landing at Glasgow Airport at 9.00am (4.00am US time).