This Really is the Trip of a Lifetime Day 2

[DisneyMadAng]

The Cast

Me – Ang 34
DH – Enz 43
DD – Gabriella 11
DS – Gianni 8

Apologies in advance for waffling and irrelevant info

15 October 2004

The Going to Florida Day!

After a very restless night – Gianni’s eczema was hurting; all wise awake at 2am (why? ); lots of noisy people/slamming doors – we got up at 7am and had brekkie in the hotel. Continental for me @ £4.50, Enz had the full English @ £6.50 and the children were free.

The taxi we booked arrived at 8.30 to take us to the hotel. Of course having done the twilight check-in we needn’t have left so early but I wanted to have a look at the duty free shops because I never gat a chance to! We also needed to buy a spare battery for the camera.

The flight was due to take off at 11.15 but was delayed until 12.30 – oh what a shame…… I used the time wisely and bought 2 jackets at Fat Face, lipstick, make-up and a few bits at the Body Shop whilst I was waiting

It was finally time to board Pretty Woman for an uneventful flight. I watched Stepford Wives & Saved. The food was better that I remember from our previous trips. Whilst ordering a kids meal for Gianni & a veggie meal for Gabs on Virgin’s flight planner, I ordered low fat meals for me & Enz. We had poached salmon & pasta, salad, fruit salad and some dried fruit. Our ‘snack’ before landing was a veggie wrap and some fresh fruit. Gianni had nuggets & chips, cup cake, fruit and other bits. Gabs really enjoyed her veggie curry, rice & mini naan.

After a big bags of sweets – the kids started to panic about their ears as soon as we spotted the Space centre! - we finally landed at about 4.45 Florida time.

We did the 2 stage luggage pick-up and got talked into (ok not much persuasion needed) paying an extra $12 a day for a Grand Voyager. Apparently due to the hurricanes Dollar had too many cars and were offering upgrade for this price for any car and no need to pay more for the insurances. Don’t know if it was a good deal or not but we definitely needed it for the luggage! Enz & I found it comfy but the kids didn’t – the seatbelt buckles were annoying them when they tried to lie down to sleep.

We left the airport at 6.30 and drove straight to the Tradewinds Resort in St Pete’s. It seemed to take forever to get here. Ok it was only 2 hours. Our room is lovely with a balcony and a Gulf View. Bliss!

We were all shattered and starving so we went down to eat in the hotel’s Flying Bridge Snack Bar. I had a turkey sub, Enz a vegetarian wrap, Gabs a cheese toast sandwich & Gianni a cheeseburger. Came to about $55.00.

Back in the room I unpacked then it was straight to bed for some much needed zzzzzzzzzzzzz

[Guest]

Great start. Isn't the Gulf view room something else?! We love the Flying Bridge for a light dinner and to watch the sunset.
Claire

[janeywaney]

What a tiring start to the holiday, but well worth it though!
Jane

[Cinderella]

Sounds like a great view.

[Mike]

..starting off at the Gulf? Magic!