Life Begins at 50 The Dream Tour

[Guest]

Life Begins at 50 - The prequel

Back in May of 2006, it began to dawn on me that I was going to be 50 years old in January 2007, just 7 months away. I was 181/2 stone, totally unfit, and hadn't had a holiday abroad for the last 4 years. We hadn't been to America since 2002. That was the second year running that we had been, and the kids were getting a bit blasé about it all, so we decided then to have a couple of years away from it. We did a year in Spain, then bought a caravan in Whitby, North Yorkshire, so have spent the last 3 summers up there. I truly love the place, but the weather on each of our 3 main holidays was nothing short of abysmal, so we decided that we would make my 50th year special, and go back to Orlando.

We have been three times in total, the first time back in 1991 was the year my DW and I got married. I never dreamed back then that I would ever go to America, but my late father in law & my super human mother in law broke the news to us one Christmas eve that they were paying for not only my wife Lisa and I to go, but would be taking our 3 year old son, and both my older kids from my first marriage. We were also joined by my sister in law and her partner, together with his son. We stayed at a place called Days Inn McCoy and the holiday was almost ruined before it began, when I snapped my Achilles tendon just a month before we left. I finally got permission to go, with my leg in plaster up to my knee. In hindsight, it wasn't such a bad thing, as our party got pushed straight to the front of all the queues due to my disability. I even went water skiing with a plastic bag over my pot.


The highlight of that holiday will always be the first afternoon parade in the Magic Kingdom. I will never forget sitting there in my wheelchair in tears as Mickey went past. I spent much of that holiday hobbling around, trying to get the autographs of all the characters - for the kids of course. And the last night at the Magic Kingdom was heartbreaking, as we looked at the castle for the very last time. I vowed then that I would return one day.

Well it took 10 years, but in 2001, we finally got back to Orlando. This time there were 22 of us, staying in a 9 bedroom mansion on Formosa Gardens. This included all 4 of my kids (yes there was a new edition, now 7 years old) together with the older 2's partners, my 8 year old grandson, the mother in law and sister in law with her son aged 8, and then my brother & sister in law with their two kids and 4 family friends. We had two huge mini-busses to get us all around, and we all had a fabulous time.



A year later, 9 of us returned to Formosa Gardens, in a slightly smaller, but equally beautiful mansion. Again, we had a great time, but it was becoming noticeable that the kids were losing interest in the characters. My grandson has major heart problems, which mean he will soon have to have a heart / lung transplant, and as he has to be pushed around in a wheelchair he was often given special attention by the characters. This produced some wonderful moments, especially during spectromagic. The boys were all around 8 or 9 now though, and perhaps it was not cool to have a cuddle with Mickey any more. I was 45 for Gods sake, and I still needed a cuddle with Mickey. Any way, we decided to give the boys a break from Disney, to re-ignite their enthusiasm.

So back in May 2006, my passion was totally re-ignited, and I needed to get back to Orlando. My Grandsons illness meant that he & my daughter would not be able to make it, and my two other sons were in relationships now, so that just left my DW, my youngest son Ben and myself. A villa on Formosa wasn't quite as appealing for just 3 of us, so we decided to go for the full Disney experience, and stay on site. Never having considered this before, we were total novices, and we initially looked at staying at Fort Wilderness in a cabin. We also looked at All Star Sports, thinking this may attractive to my DS12. But as we began looking through the brochures, we became totally drawn to Animal Kingdom Lodge. This was to be the best decision we ever made. We shopped around and finally got a good deal through Holiday Hypermarket, to travel with First Choice. We opted to upgrade our flights to Star Class Premier, which again, would prove to be a very wise decision.

So having opted for luxury, we decided to really go for it. It was going to be a one off total luxury celebration of my 50th birthday. We immediately decided that we would fulfil our ambition to swim with dolphins, so booked Discovery Cove, with the Busch Gardens and Seaworld option included. We also pre booked the 14 day Ultimate Disney pass and 14 day Universal one too. I also discovered the discussion forums, which were to prove invaluable in our planning. I spent every available minute reading other people's experiences and suggestions. This led to me booking a night in the Hard Rock hotel, so we could have front of line access for 2 days at Universal and also led to us booking other exciting things like the Ultimate Tour at Busch Gardens and the Sharks Deep Dive at Seaworld. It also led us in the right direction for where to eat and how to book our ADR's.

As the months passed by, I decided I needed to lose weight, and boy did I lose weight. 41/2 stone dropped off me, leaving me at a sylph like 13 stone 10 lbs in just 4 months. These pictures show the new & old Kev




My actual birthday in January was a tremendous affair, with over 200 guests attending my big bash. The planning that went into that event helped to pass on the time. We eventually drew up our itinerary, and even that became a full Technicolor document, but everything was planned to perfection, to allow us to fit everything in that we ever wanted to do, while allowing us plenty of rest time to recover along the way. Eventually the big day, July 25th 2007 drew close, & we had the excitement of picking up our tickets & making sure everything was packed & ready, as we prepared to set off on the adventure of a lifetime.

[voddygirl]

Wow Kev a big congrats on losing all that weight !
Looking forward to reading about your special trip

[Guest]

Great news on the weight loss - you look fantastic! Looking forward to the rest of the trippies.

[Guest]

Day 1 The Flight, First Time Driving, AKL & Boma

The alarm went off at 4-45am, although it needn't have bothered, as I was laid awake, much too excited to sleep. My mother in law, God bless her, had stayed up all night so that she would be ready to take us to East Midlands airport. We set off on time, at 5-30am and arrived at the airport at around 6-20am. The check in desk was already open, so we quickly rid of our cases and got through all the security checks into the departure lounge.

We had a full breakfast, did a bit of shopping and my DW had to inject herself with heparin, as a result of a blood clot she had some years ago. The time soon passed though, and at around 9am we were called to our boarding gate. Being Star Class Premier passengers meant that we were boarded first, which was very nice. The seats were very impressive leather, extremely comfortable & with miles of legroom.





No sooner had we sat down than we were given a glass of sparkling Rose wine & crackers, and from that moment on, we were pampered like royalty. It was an amazing site as we took off at 9-47 to look down and see all the flood water everywhere, and even more amazing to think that we were leaving it all behind. I watched a few things, including the Royal Family & Paddy n Max on the seat back screen, listening through my anti static headphones. None of the films really appealed to me, or I just couldn't be bothered to get into them, as we were constantly served with drinks or food. I eventually became hooked on the game bejewelled, and this passed time on brilliantly. For our meal, we were served a Greek Feta cheese & olive salad with herb vinaigrette starter, served with warm bread,



followed by beef Diane, served with roast potatoes & vegetables. There was a choice of chicken or pasta for the main course.



This was followed by a lovely sweet, made up of 3 layers of chocolate with a fresh orange topping, and then cheese & biscuits & beautiful Belgium chocolates.



Wine was served with the meal, and it was all served on real pot plates, and we even had individual salt & pepper pots, not just paper sachets! There was also a plentiful supply of tea & coffee. Further drinks were served, and as we completed the visa waiver forms we got a delicious tub of refreshing ice-cream. Two or three hours later, after getting complimentary newspapers & magazines, we had a selection of sandwiches, with scones & fresh grapes, plus further tea & coffee. Lisa even turned down a further glass of sparkling wine, as she wanted to stay compus-mentus to help me with the driving (that's a first!) Our landing into Sandford airport was superb & just a few minutes early at 1pm local time.

We soon got through all the security checks, and our priority baggage soon came through, so we quickly headed for the Dollar Car Rental stand. Now, somehow, and I don't know how it happened, I got talked into upgrading my pre-booked economy car, to a Chrysler Sebring. This, together with the full tank of fuel that you have to pay for, and the optional? Roadside assistance suddenly cost me over $300. As I was not planning on doing much driving, I felt as though I had been a bit conned, but as the holiday progressed, I did not regret any of the additional costs, especially the roadside assistance, which will become obvious on our last day! I would eventually use the full tank of fuel, and more besides, and the comfort that the car gave us was well worth the upgrade. So, off we set, on my first ever-driving experience on the other side of the road. I had worried about this for months, but thanks to printing out detailed instructions from the US192 site, it was actually a doddle. I opted for the I4 route, and before I knew it, we were seeing the signs for the Disney exits. I did tend to drift over to the right, but Lisa would quickly put me right, and less than 2 hours after landing, we pulled in to AKL.

I dropped all the bags off with the porter at the door, along with Lisa & Ben & then, after getting in to the wrong side of the car (how embarrassing!) I went to self park. We all entered the building together, and even everything that we had read about this place couldn't have prepared us for that wonderful moment. It was like entering another world. The lobby area was just stunning. An African in full costume, greeted us by welcoming us home. We just couldn't stop looking around us and trying to take it all in. It then got even better, as we were checked in, and told that we had a free upgrade to a Savannah view. Our room was on the Zebra trail, on the 4th floor, which is 1 floor up from the lobby. It was quite a treck to the room, but with so many views of the savannahs & all the different artefacts on display it didn't seem too bad. We got to our beautifully decorated and themed room, with 2 king beds, and made our way straight on to our balcony.



There they were, 2 giraffes and other, as yet unidentified animals plus flamingos and other birds, all within yards of our room. Amazing!

Lisa was busy unpacking, so Ben & I got straight into our swimwear and headed off down the stairs to the wonderful oasis that is the pool area. We got our towels and set up base on the ample sun loungers, before stepping into the water. As we lazed in the blazing sunshine, I looked around us and I really, genuinely thought I had died and gone to heaven! Everything was just beautiful, whichever way you looked, except upwards, as the expected storm began to move in. Eventually, everyone had to evacuate the pool, as the thunder & lightening began, so we went back to our room to watch it. It did not last long, and by the time it was over, we were ready to go and explore our surroundings. We just became more "gobsmacked" by the minute. The showcases, containing interesting items, the hand carved furnishings, the African art, the river flowing down the stairs from the lobby towards Boma, the wonderful large window and the views outside it, the firepit, the smell, the ambience, it was all too much to take in. We got our re-fillable mugs from Mara, which again, would prove to be excellent value for money & Ben got his points on his card for the amusement arcade and had a couple of games. Before we knew it, it was time for our ADR at Boma.

At this time, I was regretting eating so much on the plane. As we entered the restaurant, the aromas were amazing, and the open fires where the chefs were cooking really added to the feel of the place. As for the food, well, where do you start. The servery areas for the buffet were just laden with different things. The chicken curry stew was just to die for.



I had a salad too, with a mango dressing that was stunning, before moving on to prime rib and other delights. I was totally stuffed and struggled to manage one of the delightful sweets.





At this rate, the 41/2 stone I lost before coming would be back on in the first week! To top it all, the chef came to our table with a specially prepared sweet, consisting of a thick slice of pineapple, speared with chocolate filled doughnuts & decorated with chocolate sauce. My God, where were we going to put this? Our waitress kindly said that she would pack it for us to take to our room, it was far too good to waste.



Ben & I had another quick swim before we had another wander around to see the place by night, and were astounded to look through the night vision binoculars onto the savannahs. It was just like daylight, and all the giraffes, bongo's gazelles & vultures were right up by the fence. This was a truly wonderful end to an unforgettable but very tiring first day, so we slid into our beds at 10-15 ready for our extra magic hour in the morning at MK.

[2waterford]

Wow excellent trip report. I almost feel like I am there with you.

Well done on the weight loss.

[Guest]

Day 2 Magic Kingdom & Epcot


I woke up at 7am and sat on the balcony for 10 minutes, just listening to the African music gently playing in the background. I woke Ben & Lisa up and we quickly got ready for our first trip to MK. We filled up our re-fillable mugs on our way to the bus, and we got more or less straight on to one, arriving at MK at 8-10am.



We made our way straight to Buzz Lightyear & Ben was devastated when I beat him with my very last shot. We headed off to Space Mountain with virtually no wait, and then rode the Indianapolis race track, which we have never managed to get on in our previous visits.



Lilo & stitch came next, but I'm afraid none of us were too impressed with this one, it promised a lot but delivered a little. Ben really enjoyed Monster Inc, and then we did one of my new favourites, Mickeys Philarmagic. This is probably the best of all the 3D shows. Small world drove Ben insane & continued to do so as I sang the tune for the rest of the day!



We had burgers with all the wonderful trimmings in the Starlight before getting on the steamboat. It was incredibly hot by now & the queues were really building up, so we caught the steam train back round to the entrance & got a bus straight away back to AKL for a rest. We enjoyed a lovely relaxing bathe in the pool, enjoying the glorious sunshine, before heading off to Epcot.

Again we had hardly any wait for a bus and after the customary photopass pictures, headed off to Nemo which was nice & then turtle talk which was very good. Next came Honey I shrunk the audience, before a walk around the world showcase.



We had an ADR at the Rose & Crown especially for Illuminations, & when Lisa explained that I was here celebrating my 50th birthday, they ensured that we had the best seats on the patio, in prime position. The food and service were excellent. Lisa had a cheese & fruit starter, while I had chicken Satay.



Ben didn't fancy any of the starters, but he joined Lisa in having the Steak & Fish main course. I had a very large lamb joint in a beautiful sauce, i forgot to take apicture of my lamb joint, so here's the bone!



I enjoyed a pint of Boddingtons, while Lisa & Ben had cocktails with flashing ice cubes & a light up Captain hook.







Just before Illuminations, our lovely waitress brought out a special sweet for my birthday treat, made up of fresh cream cake in a brandy snap basket & covered in strawberries, together with a card signed by all the staff - yet another bit of pixie dust landing on our table.



The show was everything I remembered it to be, with just a perfect view, which made it all the more enjoyable. We stayed for extra magic hours and had quite a lengthy wait for the stunning Soarin, and a slightly shorter wait for the equally brilliant trip to Mars, before our feet could take no more, so we headed off back to AKL for a quick paddle in the pool, before dropping in to bed to dream about yet another wonderful day.

[voddygirl]

The FC flight sounds superb...the food pics look great and well done on getting the room upgrade

[Guest]

Day 3 MGM, Whisperin Canyon, Magic Kingdom

Up early again, but slightly later at 7-30am. Noticeable that Lisa & Ben are less keen to get out of bed now, but I am happy to sit on the balcony for five minutes, taking in the amazing views while they come round. We are soon up & running though, and manage to get through the normal mug filling, ciggy smoking, bus catching routine and still get to MGM at 8-30am, so catching the last half hour of the EMH. Again we take advantage of the photopass opportunities as we race towards the Tower Of Terror.





I quickly run off to fastpass Ben's favourite ride from our previous visit, Rock n Roller Coaster. It was his first ever real rollercoaster, so he was looking forward to re-living the moment. We got straight on to TOT & it was every bit as hairy as I remembered.



The thing that always impresses me with Disney is everything around the ride, the build up, the surroundings and how everything is themed to perfection. Anyway, we had an hour to pass on before our RRC fastpass time, so we headed up to do the Back lot Tour. I love catastrophe canyon, and it never ceases to amaze me how they get the whole thing re-set before the next tour bus arrives. Time to fit in Muppets 3D before heading back to RRC. Ben loved it again & we posed for the old air guitar shot in front of the ride before crossing back over to the Lights, cars Action show.



This was very impressive, although one of the main scenes had to be cut when there was a problem with the car. It was very hot again & we were getting hungry, so we had lunch in the ABC Commisary. Ben had his usual burger, while Lisa & I had a bowl of curry, which to be fair, was average at the very best. We decided we had had enough for now, so headed back to AKL for a much needed dip in the pool.

It was really nice to be able to take an afternoon break, as our previous trips had involved long days in the parks, so just laying back and soaking up the sun for a couple of hours seemed to take much of the stress out of it all. Ben & I spent hours just throwing his American football to each other in the pool. Eventually, it was time to leisurely get ourselves ready for our ADR at Whisperin Canyon, which I was really looking forward to after all the good reports on the boards about how much fun it was.

We took the bus to MK and then the boat out to Wilderness Lodge, arriving at around 6-10pm for our 6-40pm ADR. This gave us time to look around the place, as we knew the same person who had designed AKL had designed WL. This was soon obvious, as the place was magnificent & very impressive. Before our ressie, we got talking to the Disney Vacation Club representative, & ended up booking a tour for Sunday afternoon. A colleague of my wife's was already a DVC member & we were keen to find out more. So, on to our table at WC. This was undoubtedly the first (and possibly only) disappointment of the holiday.

We got stuck right out in the back room, out of the way of all the activity and our server just wasn't into the fun side of things. We even tried asking for ketchup, as we had been told to do on the boards, and got a bottle of ketchup! The girl serving on the next table was trying hard, but the fun factor just wasn't there, which was immensely disappointing. As for the food, we had wings & cheesy nachos for starters, with loads of salad, cornbread & coleslaw.





This was all really nice Lisa & I then had the skillet, which was generally disappointing. The pork, ribs, sweetcorn mashed potatoes & beans were good, but the chicken & shrimps were just OK.



There was plenty of it, and it wasn't a bad meal, but I guess the night just didn't turn out to be the fun affair I wanted it to be for Ben, although he did enjoy his Prime Rib.



We were soon on the boat back to MK, and Main Street was already crowded with people waiting for Spectro Magic to start. We knew we had another night planned to watch the parade & fireworks, so thought that we would get smaller lines on the rides while they were happening - wrong! We waited over an hour to get on Splash Mountain, but did manage to get on Pirates of the Caribbean & the Jungle Cruise much quicker.





POC was much improved, with the animatronic Jonny Depp looking very realistic. We were all really tired by now, so we decided to give EMH a miss, and headed back home to prepare ourselves for the day we were all looking forward to - Discovery Cove.

[Guest]

More to follow tomorrow guys, starting with the greatest day of our lives at Discovery Cove. Thanks for taking the trouble to read my report, I hope it gives you as much pleasure as it is giving me recalling our sensational 2 weeks.

[purple myra]

a fantastic trip report...lots going on and lots of gorgeous food pics. sounds like you all had a fantastic time... and well done on your weight loss