In case you hadn't noticed ... Mini trippie-ish

[Orlandobelle]

... I'm back!

Had a fab 3 weeks in Florida, first time in 15 years that we've been at the height of summer - and I actually have a tan

We stayed at Lowfield Farm B&B - good value for money (£111 for a family room - B&B and three weeks parking with airport drop off/pick up)

We flew out BA, had seats together even though we didn't pay to book seats, flight was uneventful, AVOD is always a plus & I'm told we had quite a few trainees on our flight amongst the cabin crew.

We stayed at Mickeys Mansion on Bella Vida again - great villa in what is now our preferred area

Did 2 days at the main Disney parks (am at AK, pm at Epcot and a day at DHS), think we'll be skipping Disney next trip (or at the most park hopping for a day) as we all felt there was nothing to hold our attention there anymore & can't justify the cost.

Enjoyed relaxing at Seaworld for several short visits. We did the all day dining one day when we spent the morning & evening there - got our money's worth in drinks & fruit!

Visited Busch Gardens on the day of a horrific thunder storm (when lightning struck the park), which delayed our intended early exit and journey onto Clearwater.

We stayed at the Quality Hotel on the Beach in Clearwater - excellent hotel for the price (£60 for a partial Gulf View room). Spent the next day on the beach - which the girls absolutely loved.

Something we haven't done for a while are the waterparks - we spent a day at Typhoon Lagoon & another at Blizzard Beach. Both girls wanted to go back - they are now old enough & competent enough to swim & slide to their hearts' content and couldn't get enough

Highlight of the trip was WWoHP at Universal. We stayed onsite at RPR Club level for a night & took advantage of early entry. Hogsmead just takes your breath away when you enter. We spent both mornings at WWoHP, rode Forbidden Journey (wow!), Hippogriff & did lots of shopping before the crowds & the heat built. We also went back in the evening to check out the area at night. Frozen butterbeer is the best

We went back to Universal for a further 2 morning's early entry courtesy of the cheapest off-site package and breakfast at 3 Broomsticks (which turned into lunch after we were stuck in the HP&FJ queue for over an hour).

Did a fair bit of shopping (courtesy of the increased luggage allowance flying back WT+) - at Posner Park, Florida Mall, Premium Outlets, The Loop & Prime. Not as many shoes as normal but more teenage clothes for DD13 (who is getting increasingly fussy ) and work stuff for me.

Discovered Ruby Tuesday - impressed with the selection of dishes there - & Red Lobster, as well as Outback/Applebees/Chilis that we usually frequent.

Spent a lot more time chilling at the Villa - BBQs & carry outs are the way to go

Flight home was fairly comfortable - once again we had seats together without pre-booking. In fact we were originally allocated seats apart 3 days before the flight but BA switched them put us all together at check in - no mean feat in a full WT+ cabin!

Last trip for a little while - DH wants a change but we'll see ...

[Orlandobelle]

Ready for the off



Relaxing at Seaworld



On a mission with KP


Fun in the pool

[Orlandobelle]

Some of the wildlife we saw at the villa

[pchivvy]

welcome back- love the pictures!

[Cinnabon]

Sounds like a wonderful holiday.
Great photos, thanks for sharing.

[Andi]

Welcome back, sounds like you had a terrific time.

[Orlandobelle]

Clearwater Hotel
2 beds, fridge & microwave, small balcony, partial gulf view

[Guest]

welcome back, sounds like you had a very chilled out holiday

[Orlandobelle]

Some random shots





Sheltering from the rain at BG

[Guest]

Wow! Loved the photos. Looks like you had a fabulous time. I have a 13 year old DD who I know is going to be a nightmare clothes shopping on our next trip!

Welcome back.