4 weeks, My Highs and Lows

[roodlesnouter]

Got back on Friday after a wonderful trip with DD15, flew with Delta, thanks to the glitch, Stayed on I drive, Clearwater, Tampa, Cocoa, Cruise, Universal RPR and finished off at SSR WDW, phew.

Highs
Castle Hotel on I drive, great hotel at a reasonable price.

Segways around clearwater beach, wanted to do this at Epcot for ages but DD not old enough. Segway Adventure took from 12 years. DD was a bit nervous but took to it like a duck to water and we ended up having a fantastic time. Highly recommend them.

Dolphin spotting, again at CW on the little toot boat trip. Spotted dolphins and had them jumping in the waves behind the boat. Something I will never forget, I have done the swim before at DC but to see them in there natural environment, having fun, was something else.

Coaster tour at busch, bit geeky this one but DD and I love coasters. We has a great guide,Gabe, who was very good and really entusiastic. We got to see behind the scenes at montu and learn about how the ride works. A must for coaster fans.

Hyatt place at Tampa another great well priced hotel. 5 min shuttle to busch.

5 day cruise on the Dream, WOW, highlight of the holiday for both of us.

Universal RPR, we love it here. Pricey but the FOL passes really make it worth while.

Signing up for DVC.

SSR loved it here, good job as its my new home

18 Instant fastpasses hit all parks in one day as had to use em up, worn out and the end but had fun doing it.

Dole whips, took me 5 trips but I finally got one.

Free DDP, had some fantastic food, but for me still cant beat cali grill out traditional last night restaurant. Never fails to impress, be interesting to see what the refurb brings.

LOWS

Budget car rental, 3 hours in queue to get car, I only tried them cos I read more chance of a Mustang with them. Always used Dollar express before

NO Mustang again, got one once out of 6 tries. That was out of Miami.

Budget charging me $99 and $15, managed to sort it but these rental guys prey on tired travellers, grrrrrr.

Wifi at resorts and MK, people just walking round staring at screens including DD who wanting to facebook all the time, I lost count of the times I threatened to throw her phone in the river.

DD growing up, we have had some great trips together over the years but I have a feeling this may be the last, at least for a while.

Hotel Clearwater Beach, vastly over priced for what it was, booked with booking.com.

Jet Lag. First day back at work without a wink of sleep last night, get me every year.

TO SUM IT UP
On the whole we had a wonderful trip, although not as magical as previous ones, DD had a good time despite wanting to stay in bed or face book rather than hit the parks. She really enjoyed the cruise, segways ,dolphins and dressing up for our "posh" signature meals. Oh and her face lit up when she saw stitch and just had to get a hug lol, not bad for little miss grown up.

She has exams next year so won,t be coming along. On a happier note I have a med cruise booked as a treat for my mum and DVC points to spend, even if I might have to travel solo.

Also a big thanks to all the dibbers whos great advice help plan the trip, especially Geoffa and Bats who were great helping me book my first, and by no means last, cruise. Both were kind enough to send me advice and goodies through the post, many thanks to you both.

Thanks for reading and let the planning begin.

Mark

[Alyson]

A lot more highs than lows!

Don't worry about DD growing up, when she comes through her teenage years you can return together as grown ups and have a whole new kind of holiday together me and DD did this is 2007 just for a week at Disney and we had such a good time

[cricket50]

Thanks for your thoughts it seems as if you and your daughter had a wonderful time. I have the same feeling about phones as you. In my opinion they ought to be banned in all the parks.

Peter

[Milner]

Welcome home.

[roodlesnouter]

Originally Posted by cricket50

Thanks for your thoughts it seems as if you and your daughter had a wonderful time. I have the same feeling about phones as you. In my opinion they ought to be banned in all the parks.

Peter

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I agree about the ban, only thing is smart phones seem to be playing a large part in disneys next gen plans, so im sure we will be getting WIFI resort wide, including all parks. Typhoon Lagoon of all places is in testing now.

I have a vision that in 20 years babies will be born looking at there hands and will have to pacify them with a small mobile, instead of a dummy lol.

[pudge]

Welcome Home... sounds like a great trip and a DVC member to boot

[cdavenport]

Sounds like a great time all round.
Don't worry about your daughter, my DD is 17 and the next time we are planning to go she will be 19 or 20 and I can guarantee she will be with us! DS is 13 and he'll be with us too!

[bigbear]

Originally Posted by cdavenport

Sounds like a great time all round.
Don't worry about your daughter, my DD is 17 and the next time we are planning to go she will be 19 or 20 and I can guarantee she will be with us! DS is 13 and he'll be with us too!

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I agree, ours were 18 and 13 the first time we went. Next time they will be 24 and 19 and they are already excited! Mind you, no-one is as excited as me

[roodlesnouter]

Im sure she will come again one day too.
I think it really dawned on me during this trip that she has grown from my little girl in to a young lady. Im really proud that she is putting her studies before another trip.

It doesnt seem 5 mins since she was running around collecting autographs and
Iighting up when she met the princesses. Time sure does fly.

Makes me feel that little bit older too, but hey in my eyes she will always be my little girl

[Guest]

welcome home