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Our Wedding,Shopping,Park Hopping Trip Day 2: Licences, Lights and Lacoste ; DHS and Premium Outlets
the previous day is HERE
Day 2 – Thursday 13 November : Osceola Courthouse, Premuim Outlets and Hollywood Studios Urgh What a rubbish nights sleep :( We were awake at 0130 – the aircon was just too nosiy so we turned it off Awake again at 0530 – now it was too blinking stuffy and hot Oh my eyes are so sore, I have to peel them open – not enough sleep :nonono: We finally drag ourselves up and Andy makes us a coffee ( I forgot to say that on the way out of the bar last night we had stopped in the little 24hour shop by reception to pick up some milk and water) Still, it’s the first proper day of the holibobs, Wesh news is on – life is good. :D Its lovely sitting up in bed and sorting out the plans for the day ahead – which means lots of paperwork as we are off the court to get our wedding licence and it just wont do to forget anything , including these babies http://i819.photobucket.com/albums/z...ps48d500dd.jpg We are out of the room just after 8am We are on the very top floor and take in the view – I am still adjusting to the road noise – its exceptionally quiet where we live so any type of traffic noise is quite odd for us http://i819.photobucket.com/albums/z...ps60e787fd.jpg http://i819.photobucket.com/albums/z...ps3f317a36.jpg http://i819.photobucket.com/albums/z...ps0e56cc05.jpg http://i819.photobucket.com/albums/z...ps59726a00.jpg We are about as far from the lift as possible and seem to manage to take the long route round every morning. Being so tall, Andy is a bit freaked out by the height of the safety barrier ( its perfect for me ) but he is not at all keen on going near the edge ! http://i819.photobucket.com/albums/z...psb448091a.jpg This was our breakfast destination. This was just a little way down I Drive from the hotel. It was incredibly quiet , possibly as we were early on a weekday. Nothing like when we come in a August when everywhere seems busy all the time. Lovely server who soon had had sorted with coffee and orange juice. $2.99 for a coffee and $.99c for the juice I had the Brioche toast breakfast with scrambled egg and sausages $8.99 http://i819.photobucket.com/albums/z...ps7ccada49.jpg Andy went for the steak and mushroom omelette $9.99 http://i819.photobucket.com/albums/z...psde130672.jpg Total was $26.16 before the tip. It was all delicious ! As we leave Perkins the fog is lifting and it is turning into a beautiful day. We are off to the Courthouse which is about a 20 minute drive through parts of Orlando that we have not seen before. We are soon arriving here http://i819.photobucket.com/albums/z...psa51b635b.jpg http://i819.photobucket.com/albums/z...ps7a4acb03.jpg http://i819.photobucket.com/albums/z...ps47388a5c.jpg And head up to the second floor after going through the security on the ground entrance – I left my bag in the car and just took the paperwork we needed with us so that there would be no last minute security hiccups ! We are seen straight away upstairs as its so early – we had pre completed the form which helped and just needed to show our passports and check over the forms that the clerk then completed . I had taken copies of our divorce papers too in case they were needed but they were not asked for. After about 15 minutes we were raising our hands and swearing that everything was true and bingo, $93.50 later, we have our licence in our hands. Its only 9.20 now and the most important job of the day has been completed . Hurrah We had a quick look around the area before setting off for some shopping The arty bird shot returns http://i819.photobucket.com/albums/z...ps97e0fcb6.jpg http://i819.photobucket.com/albums/z...psb2845773.jpg http://i819.photobucket.com/albums/z...psb50b4827.jpg There is obviously investment going on in the area with a new marina being built and lots of new trees being planted – it looked very nice but Andy was keen to be on his way here http://i819.photobucket.com/albums/z...ps12318e90.jpg Our first stop though wasn’t here, it was the Kissimmee Shopping centre ( or Kissimmee Outlet centre as its cunningly called on the internet). This is where there is a Nike, Tommy Hilfiger, Converse, Hurley and Dollar Tree store – I have to say, its probably the best place to get TH bargains so we decided to stop here and see what they had before going up the outlets. One thing I will say about this store, if you see things here, you do need to get them there and then. They had racks of scarves on this first morning and I got one and said I would come back and get some more another day – next time we went, they were all gone. Anyway, back to the shopping, I got a pair of trainers in Nike for $42 and we picked up a few bits in Tommy Hilfiger and Dollar Tree – I could have gone to town on Xmas decorations but it was only our first day so I showed some restraint – we did buy coffee, biscuits and cakes in dollar tree though for our morning breakfasts. After a pleasant hour or so we set off again for the outlets, arriving around 1115. We are fortunate that someone is leaving just as we arrive so we don’t have to stalk anyone for their space. ;) Whilst the car park looks busy, the outlets are so quiet compared to our visits in the summer – its blissful not having to negotiate crowds of people. It is starting to warm up too and we have a lovely time browsing and making some purchases here http://i819.photobucket.com/albums/z...psbf94a316.jpg The Armani shop was having a great sale – I got two cardigans – they were $19 each but on buy one get one free . I also got two jumpers on a similar deal and Andy picked up a polo top. We had given him $$$ for his birthday and Fathers Day so he skipped off eagerly to spend these in Lacoste , getting some lovely jumpers. We had to avoid going mad on our first day so had a quick stop at Starbucks for an iced orange drink – in truth over priced and under tasty ! It was about 2.30 by now and it had got busier. The thing that lets the outlets down in my opinion are the toilets which were by this stage really horrid:omg:. It always surprises me quite how they can get into such a state – more akin to the end of a night at an outdoor pop concert than a shopping centre. Just not pleasant. We had somehow managed to get our timings all wrong and missed out on lunch. We had planned to go to Millers or Red Lobster tonight but its now almost 3pm and we know we cant last until dinner … but if we eat now, its also unlikely we will get to dinner ! We decided on Applebee's. It's one of our favourites for food that is tasty , comes in quantity and thus far, always tastes great. This one was Quiet , clearly the lull between lunch and dinner. I had a strawberry lemonade $2.79 and Andy had a Shandy with Bud light and lemonade added $4.29 http://i819.photobucket.com/albums/z...ps583ee4db.jpg Andy had a nice light lunch of a full rack of ribs $18.99 http://i819.photobucket.com/albums/z...psf4f433ed.jpg I had the equally light build your own trio $14.99 Beef Sliders Beer battered pretzel bread with cheddar cheese dip Boneless honey BBQ wings with ranch dip http://i819.photobucket.com/albums/z...ps4cc17935.jpg It didn't let us down . It was all completely delicious. I couldn't finish the bread and sliders but it was a great combo . Too full for dessert though. Sad face. Total for meal including tip was $50 It was just starting to get towards dusk now as we set of for Hollywood studios http://i819.photobucket.com/albums/z...ps036962b6.jpg http://i819.photobucket.com/albums/z...ps63a972f4.jpg http://i819.photobucket.com/albums/z...ps7981bdcd.jpg http://i819.photobucket.com/albums/z...s85007706.jpeg |
My first stop was guest services for some Happy Ever After badges
Lots of people were leaving as we were arriving http://i819.photobucket.com/albums/z...ps0f98cb91.jpg This seems to be common shot of the holiday – apparently I spend a lot of time firkling about in my bag according to Andy ! http://i819.photobucket.com/albums/z...ps81364ddf.jpg Badge secured, I am ready for the off http://i819.photobucket.com/albums/z...ps45dd2531.jpg Weirdly, I didnt notice the hoarding until I looked back at the pics http://i819.photobucket.com/albums/z...psacbd42ec.jpg I loved looking in the shop windows http://i819.photobucket.com/albums/z...ps1045cbde.jpg I will be sad to see this go, Andy on the other hand said he thought it was a bit of an eyesore http://i819.photobucket.com/albums/z...ps43afd21e.jpg http://i819.photobucket.com/albums/z...psce2db768.jpg I am not sure what possessed me but we decided to go on here http://i819.photobucket.com/albums/z...ps7b2cbf56.jpg Maybe as it said 15 minutes for SB – we had not been through the queue area before and it would have been quite nice had it not been for an absolutely non stop screamer of a child, who clearly didn’t want to go on the blessed ride and made sure we all knew about it. My head was pounding by the time we got to the area where they show you the video clips. It was ok as a ride, felt a bit dated and we couldn’t hear what the actors were saying ( gangster , of course) so that was a bit lost on us . Now though it was time for our Toy Story Fast Pass so a trot over here http://i819.photobucket.com/albums/z...ps37b4be09.jpg Standby was showing as 70 minutes but we walked straight in and as an added bonus as a couple we got even more fastracked straight to the front. All going great. Then the ride went tech – the way the CMs reacted it looked like someone had thrown themselves in front of the track, they were all arm waving and twittering away – which didn’t really help. The poor child in front of us had just been about to board and boy was he upset – omg he screamed his head off as he didn’t understand why he couldn’t get on – it was hot, chaotic as they were trying to move people back up the stairs as more people were streaming in and for a moment, I felt quite panicky . Its easy to see how panic can start in a crowd of people who are totally confused about whats going on. Got to say, it was handled really poorly . Too many people shouting at you to clear the area like it was burning down ! Ooh, not good, :(:( we came out feeling a bit shell shocked to be honest with the noise and hustling, but the anytime FastPass cheered us up. We went back later that night but it still wasn’t open- I don’t know if it opened again that night or not. WE decided to walk up to see the switch on and got a spot near the Christmas tree Getting excited ! http://i819.photobucket.com/albums/z...ps0903b0d6.jpg Us and a few others …. http://i819.photobucket.com/albums/z...ps85ca8f07.jpg It was lovely when the “ snow” started http://i819.photobucket.com/albums/z...ps8b19b374.jpg And then the lights came on and wow, wow, wow http://i819.photobucket.com/albums/z...ps5e3f8da5.jpg http://i819.photobucket.com/albums/z...ps3f1da03b.jpg http://i819.photobucket.com/albums/z...ps7f421c60.jpg http://i819.photobucket.com/albums/z...ps0360a0e4.jpg http://i819.photobucket.com/albums/z...psd9c98a83.jpg http://i819.photobucket.com/albums/z...ps976e0710.jpg http://i819.photobucket.com/albums/z...pse1e5d16b.jpg http://i819.photobucket.com/albums/z...psc6dca9a0.jpg Fantastically timed shot , just as the lights went off ! http://i819.photobucket.com/albums/z...ps1b47de18.jpg http://i819.photobucket.com/albums/z...ps6ad00b24.jpg http://i819.photobucket.com/albums/z...ps2dd86101.jpg http://i819.photobucket.com/albums/z...ps82bbfd7b.jpg Lol, this is when we realised selfies wont work for us as we are about a foot different in heights – so its either all my head and Andys chin or all his head and just the top of mine ! http://i819.photobucket.com/albums/z...ps14ce4322.jpg Just where is that selfie stick when you need it ? Ah, never mind the official lights, a thousand ipads and I phones light up the night …:erm: http://i819.photobucket.com/albums/z...ps0af77a84.jpg http://i819.photobucket.com/albums/z...pse4e93465.jpg We were genuinely blown away with the spectacle – the lights , the music, it was fantastic – so good that Andy asked straight away if we would come back again to see them once more. This photopass pic is weird, it looks like we are almost super imposed onto the background of other people ! http://i819.photobucket.com/albums/z...s27a237f7.jpeg And a couple of the official Disney photopass pics of the lights – so good http://i819.photobucket.com/albums/z...s0af83751.jpeg http://i819.photobucket.com/albums/z...sf9321504.jpeg http://i819.photobucket.com/albums/z...s196484af.jpeg http://i819.photobucket.com/albums/z...s7135155f.jpeg We were flagging a little by now but really excited to have seen the lights – a quick trip into Writers Stop for my first must have snack of the trip, a Carrot Cake Cookie – omg how amazing is that ! http://i819.photobucket.com/albums/z...ps75abbeef.jpg That was breakfast tomorrow sorted We had a quick stop in One Mans Dream but it was a bit of a wait till the next show so we went back to see if Toy Story was up and running but sadly not. We decided to call it a day - we had FP+ for Star Tours and ToT but didn’t feel like going on either. I had wanted a red velvet cupcake but Starring Rolls was closed by now. We thought we were a bit tired when we left the outlets so by now we were dead on our feet – but in a nice way, we had enjoyed a really great day. Back at the Rosen Inn we stopped off in the Zebra Bar for a couple of drinks. We were still full from our late lunch so there was no dinner this evening. I picked up a caramel macchiato from the coffee shop/gift shop in the reception area – it sells Starbucks coffee and it was delicious. Andy was flat out asleep by 8.30 – the day really had caught up with us now – I watched TV while finishing my coffee and made the final arrangements to meet up with someone tomorrow at the MVMCP. I turned the lights off at 10pm hoping for a long night of lovely sleep . Our shopping haul from the day settled in too .. http://i819.photobucket.com/albums/z...ps4601a577.jpg the next day is HERE |
What a lovely day Amanda (especially as it included two of my favourite things - carrot cake cookie from the Writers Stop, and the Osborne Lights :D )
Was it your first time for both? |
Wow! The Osborne lights look fab. Would love to visit at this time of year, but can't see it ever happening. :cry:
Love the term 'firkling about' to describe you looking in your handbag. That's a new one for me! :D |
Lovely day and great photos.
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Lovely day Amanda and some great bargains:D Andy loves his shopping doesn't he:D
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What a great day Amanda.
That window with the leg baubles was my favourite window when we went in 2012, love it. I also love that cookie and I do not share! I can't believe we didn't ever go for switch on! But I loved those Osbourne lights, knew Andy would want to go back!;) not much Disney, pah! |
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Lol, firkling is a common word in our house for anyone rummaging around. Of course, as the chief bag carrier who ends up with all the cameras, tickets, phones glasses etc, I have quite a lot to firkle for in there :erm: Quote:
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Great day and pictures
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What a lovely relaxed day, the Osbourne lights look fab, that's definitely something on my bucket list.
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