Well, who knew I would be back here…..

If I’m correct it’s been nearly 3 years since I’ve blogged which feels like a lifetime but sometimes life just gets in the way and no matter how much I loved writing it was never top of my priority list.

Ok, so let’s go back; I’m still Lisa and it will come as no surprise to anyone that I am still a total Disney nerd and continue to drive anyone who will listen round the bend with my endless Disney chatter 🤣.

I’ve not yet won the lottery so continue to have my day job, whilst doing Disney crafts on the side; now all I need to do is figure out how to turn this into a multi million pound business and my life would be sorted……but the day job pays for my holidays so can’t complain.

We’ve had 3 amazing visits back to Walt Disney World, including 1 trip where Emmie Lou joined us (at least this way she couldn’t be woken up when I’m sending random tweets about ice cream and lack of buses – win win).

During those trips there were lots of smiles and happy memories, maybe a little argument (James it’s still not just fireworks!) and definitely some tears watching Wishes for the final time – Disney didn’t ask my permission to change it Happily Ever After and I’m still bitter!

I was going to say we’ve done lots of new things on our trips but most of the examples I can think of relate to food; Blaze Pizza I love you. But there have been some firsts last year we hired a car for the first time and wow we didn’t realise what we’d been missing (I think Walmart were happy about that too as I lost count of the amount of visits we made and money spent 😬). We watched Happily Ever After, I don’t know whether it’s because of my love for Wishes but I wasn’t overly sold it……maybe a second watch might make me change my mind.

Which brings me to this year, whilst most people have had their big holiday ours is approaching rapidly; which fills me with both excitement and anxiety. The major planning elements have all been done and now it’s just the final little but very important things left, which means there are lists to be written; I love a list and if it was an excel spreadsheet it would make me even happier.

Not surprisingly, one of these lists is going to include all of the amazing food we’re going to eat; top of my list is Blaze Pizza and of course it wouldn’t be a Disney trip if we didn’t make a stop at Katsura Grill in Epcot.

Anyways, on the thought of food I’m off to see what there is to eat; I can’t promise when I’m going to blog again but I will be back and it won’t be another 3 years until the next time xxx

If  you read my last blog you may have been lulled into a false sense of security and thought that I had been really organised and was going to do a day by day trip report; but oh no – I may be OCD about planning my holidays but when I’m out there documenting everything kind of escapes me (I promise to try harder next year)

So, I thought instead I would think about my highs and not so highs….

Highs

• Top of my list has to be the Wild Africa Trek – this is a private guided tour backstage and onstage at Animal Kingdom. Our guides Benji and Karen were phenomenal, seriously I cannot say enough good things about these two! We’ve both said we would love to do this tour again which says a lot
• Normally we have the coach transfers from MCO to the resort but we decided to go for a private transfer this time; which was a very nice Lincoln Town Car – we made it from plane to hotel in less than an hour and by the time we arrived at the hotel my travel anxiety had all gone
• We booked the Wishes Fastpss viewing area twice and this turned out to be a bit of a high and low really due to two different experiences; but for the view alone it makes it into the highs
• Receiving an anniversary card from Emmie Lou – front desk said we had a delivery and this was a lovely surprise; thank you! thank you! thank you! Emmie Lou xxxx

• Lemon meringue ice cream from the France pavilion in Epcot – so good I had to tweet about it (sorry for waking you Emmie Lou will try to remember the time difference next time)
• The cronut in Epcot, we had a disasterous lunch at Sunshine Seasons so wanted something else and this totally hit the spot; the bloke said he wasn’t really interested but that didn’t stop him helping me eat it (it was so good we didn’t even stop to take a picture of it)
• The weather was great, apart from 1 serious downpour – but at least this year we packed for every eventuality after the cold snap we had the year before
• Voices of Liberty performing Let it Go – we love the version on youtube so went and watched them (apologies but it was a little windy there)

Not so highs

• Bus transport from Magic Kingdom, was at times a bit slow (it seemed like French Quarter because the stop is right at the far end was getting forgotten – again Emmie Lou I will try and remember the time difference when I tweet Disney about it)
• We had a couple of meals that didn’t quite go to plan, but we managed to work round it and at least we will know for next time
• Having to wear a poncho – now anyone who knows me has a pretty good idea about how much I detest ponchos; however that downpour I mentioned earlier was pretty spectacular (basically your typical July rain but in October) and I was grateful for it; it rained that much that my shoes had to be thrown away because when they dried the canvas cracked – however I don’t intend to wear another one for a very long time
• There was a proper argument which almost came to blows one night when we were eating dinner – where some very un-Disney words were said in public and very loudly; it was the kind of scene where you just want to grab some popcorn and watch how it all unfolds but we had a fastpass that wasn’t going to wait
• As per usual there was the normal stuff where other peoples attitudes kind of spoilt things – everyone has paid good money to be there so why do certain people think that they are more important?
• And finally and rather randomly the bannisters at the resort – seriously I think they were out to get me; I cannot count the amount of times I caught my arm on them as were heading to our room – ending up with some pretty spectacular bruises. Next year I want a ground floor room – none of this stairs lark for me!

Until next time xxx

I really can’t believe that we have been back more than 2 weeks now, which seems like forever however the ten days we were there flew by – how does that work?

Obviously because I am writing this now it means I survived the trials and tribulations of the Wild Africa Trek, which was AMAZING!!! The bloke wasn’t sure I would be able to do the trek what with my fear of heights, but I did it – yay go me 😊! I will admit to being a bit scared when crossing the first bridge (and no pressure I was crossing a bridge and they were taking photos too; photos and heights seriously!!!!!), but the second one was way easier.  Anyways, I am jumping way ahead of myself – first things first the trip to the airport was well interesting what with me making such a big deal of James not forgetting anything I managed to leave my purse up by the computer after doing online check in DOH!!!! Honestly I cannot express how mortified I was to even say it out loud – what with me being a little OCD and all that 😝😳.

Whilst James got in line for bag drop I went and checked in for our overnight stay at the new hotel in Gatwicks South terminal – The Bloc (this is the one in the terminal whose front desk is next to customs) I’d requested a runway view what with me being a geek and loving to watch the planes and we weren’t disappointed. This was our view ……..

 I must say we couldn’t fault the hotel, we had a fantastic room, view and a good nights sleep which doesn’t normally happen before we fly so much so that I am seriously considering cancelling our booking we have at the premier inn for next year and booking the Bloc again even though it is more expensive (I reckon the bloke won’t need much persuading after all he sees how cranky I get on a normal lack of sleep day without adding in the stress of travelling  on top of that ☺️)

Travel day itself started with a slightly delayed flight and a visit to the Virgin Holidays Lounge (which closes next February – not for good but Virgin are moving to the North Terminal and they need to build the new one over there)……..hmmmmmm now what am I going to do with myself next year; note to self find a new airport lounge for some peace and quiet or not go through customs as early and maybe even have a lay in 😕

So, the flight was ok – no turbulence but we did have to take the long route to avoid the remnants of Hurricane Joaquín; we made up for this though by being off the plane through customs and at the hotel within an hour. This was with private transfers which although an additional cost definitely were worth their weight in gold in terms of us not having to wait for everyone else to get to the shared coach

And so the fun could begin, we managed dinner (my first meal was a burger and I didn’t even have ice cream that first night 😳) then we had a quick wander around the hotel shop before it was off to sleep after all it was like 2am in the UK and we had lots to do the next day……….

Until next time xxxxx

I am ready for this holiday, not in the literal sense like I’ve packed or anything (although I will admit to having been popping things into my lovely new suitcase that I got for my birthday – thank you Emmie Lou!!!). I can tell the holiday is getting closer as James has even said it would be a good idea to get the suitcases out and have a look at them and considering he is most definitely Mr last minute.com as far as packing goes this is an encouraging sign…..hmmmm, I wonder where my suitcase locks are and more importantly what are the combinations?????

Our planning is coming along nicely; fast passes are done, Be Our Guest breakfast and Mickeys Not So Scary Halloween Party are booked and all that is left to do now is the sometimes boring bits…… booking extra bags for the way home, adding some credit onto the phone and figuring out how we are going to get there; I know we are going on a plane but first we have to figure out how we are going to get to the airport???

This is quite a debate between me and the bloke, as he won’t be driving up there he is happy to get a taxi which as you can imagine as soon as you say the word airport the price goes up. Living where we do there are another couple of options – there’s the bus which with a couple of suitcases isn’t really practical and would involve a change in Crawley or my option would be the train…yes there are a couple of changes but it’s not that big of a deal and you arrive right in the South Terminal where our check in is.

As in previous years we will be staying at an airport hotel the night before and doing twilight check in (for Virgin Atlantic you can check in between I want to say 5-9pm for your flight the next day) which kind of takes some of the stress out of it for me. If we were to go by car the most direct route to Gatwick for us is M25, M23 which at the time we would need to leave to check in on the morning of the flight could be a bit risky – I don’t want to be that sad person at the airport whose missed their flight because of traffic; so the airport hotel option is a no brainer!

View from the premier inn

For the past couple of years we have stayed at the new Premier Inn at the North Terminal (which will be very handy for future holidays once Virgin move across there – but no Vroom for most of next year while this change takes place). But this year for a change because I am geek and even though i don’t like flying but love watching planes we are staying at the Bloc in the South Terminal which offers runway views in certain rooms; having searched for it on the net I am looking forward to it (just a quick thought if you are interested sign up at mygatwick.com and get 10% off a stay there)

Apart from how we are getting to the airport I am still a little concerned about what I am going to eat on the plane – the great sweet debate has been resolved and we have milk bottles and matchmakers but having seen the latest menu for on board meals I know i won’t each much. A couple of years ago I pre-ordered a kids meal but after doing a quick search to see what it currently is (I don’t care that I am not a kid I need to eat!) but having seen that it is tomato and pesto pasta…..pesto for kids????? I am back to absolutely no idea; on that note I am off to see what options there are in departures that I could take on the plane and not offend everyone else with

xxxx

A couple of weeks ago I am sure everyone must have heard the screaming from my bank account as it was that time that the lovely people at Virgin wanted paying for our holiday; the cheek of them!!!

Which means the holiday is coming ever closer – but definitely not quick enough for my liking! What’s left on my list to do, well aside from the obvious book our fast passes I think we need to decide if we want to attend MNSSHP and book it; I’m sure there is a whole lot more to do but right now its escaping me – well apart from one thing……..

My thoughts turn to the important stuff – food, I know we don’t go for a little while yet but because I’m a fussy mare I like to spend lots of time thinking about what I am going to eat and what’s even worse is that I’m not talking about ADR’s I’m thinking what am I going to eat on the plane ✈️

Did you know that the average in flight meal contains over 1,000 calories 😳 and as far as I am concerned they are wasted ones! I did a search of the net to find the sample menu and of course it contains the standard chicken or beef (spanish chicken and beef in red wine) and neither of them are up my alley.

A few years ago I did order a kids meal, which got me plenty of strange looks but at least I ate more than a bread roll, although I haven’t heard great things about them either so it looks like I will be doing my own thing. We are staying at an airport hotel the night before and we usually have an in room picnic so maybe I will have some bits and pieces left over from that?

My other option is having a massive breakfast in the airport lounge – but the downside of that is that flying bloats you so having a heavy meal just before the flight wouldn’t be a pleasant experience for me or those around me. What to do, too many decisions – maybe I might be able to get myself a nice plain sandwich in the departure lounge; I guess that means I need to find out what options are available otherwise I might end up disappointed

There are some givens though, I always take a piece of fruit onboard (but remember people if you don’t eat it leave it on the plane as you can’t take it into the U.S) I always have some salt and vinegar crisps and a bag of milk bottles; said sweets have already been purchased and are ready and waiting with my hand luggage bag. So the biggest decision now is what chocolate to take……

Having read through this I wouldn’t blame you for thinking that I am going to eat my way across the atlantic but seriously I don’t like plane food, when I’m tired I get hungry and if I don’t eat I feel properly ill – so I am just preplanning to stop it being a miserable 9 hours (are you reading this James – my obsession about food on the plane is so that I don’t spend the whole time annoying you!!!!)

Anyway back to chocolate – I was thinking about a share bag type of thing; my top choice would be cadburys mini eggs but they only do them from like December until Easter which sucks! So, back to the drawing board – I think for the last couple of years we have had matchmakers but these run the risk of getting too warm and becoming one huge chocolate lump; I could go for something like minstrels but not really feeling that……if you don’t hear from me for a couple of weeks I am down the supermarket sweet aisle pondering my decision.

Until next time xxxx

For all of you who follow any Disney news I am quite sure you wouldn’t have been able to miss the great selfie stick debate, first them being banned from rides and now being banned from the parks completely (that’s Disney Parks and resorts worldwide including the waterparks).

Sadly this is due to safety reasons, but if we are more honest this is more about guest stupidity – I mean what kind of numpty goes on a rollercoaster and thinks that it is a good idea to stick their phone on the end of an extendable pole and then hold it out; for the love of god people if you don’t care about your own personal safety think of the other people who are on the ride!!!!

This recently happened at Disneyland’s California Screaming right at the crest of the ride, which was then shut down – the guests evacuated off and the ride then having to be reset…..which all takes time. What worries me is that it is more than likely that the person who did it was surprised at the outcome.

Which brings me to an interesting thought and something I can honestly say I have never done before – I decided to look for and read the park rules; yes there is such a thing (it can be found on the WDW website)

The general rules include:

• All persons, bags, parcels and other items will be subject to security checks at the entrances (but what I didn’t know was that additional checks could be completed within the park)
• Show courtesy to other guests and cast members by not undertaking offensive behaviour
• Shoes and shirts must be worn at all times, and we can deny admission to those we consider wearing inappropriate or attire that may distract other guest experience (hmmmmm not so sure that this one is always kept to as I have seen some pretty interesting sights – most of which have been an “my eyes, my eyes” moment!)
• You cannot come in costume – this is to stop guests impersonating characters but as no one is going to think a child is the real Elsa they allow children to wear costumes; the only exception to the rule for adults is at special events which is when a different set of rules that apply. But again, how many people have looked them up – a couple of years ago at MNSSHP I was quite sure that the Snow White outfit that one woman was wearing would be something more likely to be found in Ann Summers and not necessarily appropriate for a theme park

That is just a snippet of the general rules – there are also sections covering: Prohibited items (including those offending selfie sticks and weapons of any kind!!!!), Prohibited activities and company rights. All of these rules are out there for anyone to read but I wonder how many people have ever taken the time? I know I hadn’t until now but then I am not a rule breaker kind of girl – I worry about things and if I don’t have anything to worry about I worry about having nothing to worry about!

Anyways, enough of my rambling for this week – I’m off to look at this years MNSSHP dates to see if I can fit one into our ever expanding plan xxxxx

It’s been a while since my last post, and its all Disney’s fault…….you see when I left my last job I moved blogging from Sunday to Tuesday to allow me to spend my weekends with the bloke. Since my last post whilst James has been off doing his fire brigade stuff I have been spending my Tuesday evenings plotting a surprise for him; now if only Disney would have worked with me on the whole Tuesday night thing!!!!!

You see, my lovely man has put up with a lot over the past 10 months what with me being made redundant and then temping; so I thought I would do something special for him. And then I remembered that he had said he wanted to do the Wild Africa trek at Animal Kingdom after seeing it in a See Ya Reel Soon video

I emailed Disney explaining it was a surprise, and I’d been waiting for the phone call back for a couple of weeks and they had to call me back when we were together!!!!! Anyway to cut a long story short I had a lovely chat with a cast member who confirmed that the tour was available for the day after our wedding anniversary but unfortunately she couldn’t book it for me and I would have to call back.

I booked it and managed to keep it a secret for a whole……….day; I was just too excited. Thankfully he was very happy with the tour, but then worried that I wasn’t going to enjoy it; after all everyone knows I am not a thrill junky and those rope bridges do look a bit hair raising. But as I have explained, this is something I wanted to do for him and I will do it (after all you’re harnessed up and Disney aren’t going to let you be in danger; wow I’ve just managed to convince myself….way to go Marchant!!!!!!!)

While we are on the subject of doing things you aren’t necessarily comfortable with, what is it with people who when you say you want to try something tell you that they don’t think you will like it – you know who you are!!!!

We have been loads of times and I am yet to ride Splash Mountain, basically I don’t like the feeling of my stomach dropping but considering that is all over so quickly I think I am willing to give it a go. Now I’m not saying I am going to use a fastpass for it but if we are there early one morning and the queues aren’t too bad you never know…..

I’ve read loads of stuff about other people just like me who managed to conquer their fears by watching you tube videos of the rides before they go, so maybe that will be my starting point; either that or I just need to give my self a stern talking to like I did about the tour we are doing 😬. You never know this could be the start of a whole new adventure for me and I’ll be riding Expedition Everest next……hmmmmm one step at a time

Anyway, I’m off – see you next week xxx

I wouldn’t say that full planning mode has commenced but making plans is definitely in my head, I have a 20 minute train ride to work and have been passing my time listening to podcasts and reading the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World (not the actual book version which is now the size of a house brick but the kindle version which is far more portable).

And this has got me to thinking, this year we are going to be in Florida for our 16th wedding anniversary; now I’m sure if you’ve read my blog for a while you may remember that there was a time when I seriously have considered having a vow renewal in Florida (I even ordered the brochure – without the bloke knowing 😮) but I can’t justify the cost

I know it would be my dream wedding but for that money I could have a couple of very nice holidays – hmmmm, now that is a very good idea. And considering that the bloke isn’t exactly good at romantic gestures (don’t even get me started about his proposal – although I  guess he must have done something right as I said yes)

Anyway, our anniversary is on a Friday this year which just happens to be the same day that the shopping trip that we go on runs; I have spoken to James about this and he still wants to go which is fine by me (I am hoping this means I am going to get a very pretty anniversary present 😊)

The actual shopping trip is quite a long day and we won’t get back to the hotel until maybe about half six; but that’s dependant on the lovely Orlando traffic. My idea of a romantic evening would be going to watch Wishes – who am I kidding I would love to watch Wishes every night but the Halloween parties have scuppered that plan so I am currently pondering a plan B

I am sure most people would suggest going out for a romantic meal 💕 however that would normally be some kind of sit down, formal type of thing which really isn’t us; on top of that after a long day shopping going to a park is probably not an option as I am sure we would be too tired for that.

Currently my thoughts are a meal at Downtown Disney which is definitely a less formal option, we can take a nice boat ride from our resort down the Sassagoula River; which I guess could be considered romantic however it’s a Friday night which I assume would mean all of the locals will be out…..

Last year we tried Wolfgang Puck Express for the first time and had a fantastic meal there but I’m worried that we will wait that long for a table that we would better biting the bullet and going to the Earl of Sandwich – brownie for 2 please (speaking of EoS brownies I have just baked some and they are a-ma-zing but definitely not low in calories 😁) 

Maybe instead of over thinking this I should just go with whatever the day brings, because after all as long as we are together that’s all that matters (but Mr Marchant I know you will read this, that is not an excuse for you to watch sport! 😝)

I’m off to check on the brownies, fingers crossed there are still some left by the morning xxx

Ok. I will admit it – I have a new favourite thing to do: I’m sure some people would think it is painting my nails – which are currently pink gradient nails with silver glitter shards on them which I think look amazing! And its not doing holiday planning – well maybe it is actually as it has given me a few new ideas…..

I am addicted to watching a youtube channel – if you love your disney holiday video’s its more than likely you will have come across See You Reel Soon

Now admittedly they may not be everyones cup of tea (James isn’t overly keen on them – but as I am normally watching them while he watches sport who cares!!!). I think they kind of grow on you, and to be honest its really refreshing to see people who are completely in touch with their inner child and have the ability to completely let go (ooooops got distracted while finding the link for this video so have just watched another one)

They release a new Vlog each week which is either a video from a recent vacation or some kind of Disney stuff – but at the rate I’m watching them I’m going to run out of stuff to watch; I guess I could just go back to the beginning or watch some classic Phil, Ben and Emma (who might be in WDW while we are there – which means new videos to watch)

So what is a girl with a new computer to do; taking into account that said new computer has a movie making function on it???? Well, its not a movie as such but just lots of photos mashed together; as after all its not like I like having my picture taken. I started off making one which included lots of holiday photos from last year set to the final Wishes music which everytime I watch it makes me cry so I thought I would have a little play and came up with this …..

https://youtu.be/mdbdP0opW6U

This amuses me no end, I especially love the picture of James as the chipmunk – still one of the best pictures of him I have ever taken; hmmmm need to ponder what the photo of the year will be this year. I need ideas ………anyone?

Have I done any holiday planning – well kind of; I have been doing lots of walking so been catching up on my podcasts and found out that once you have used your first 3 fast passes on any given day before you leave that park (if you are going to park hop) you can book your next fast pass at a kiosk for the park you are going to. So if you are at Magic Kingdom and wanted to go to Animal Kingdom to do the Safari you could book that before you leave MK

The other thing I did was look at the crowd calendar for the time we are there, there are multiple sites that offer a crowd calendar but you can’t beat touring plans for simplicity – we used their app last year (it was especially useful when we couldn’t find something out on MDE) so I guess I will be renewing my subscription again in the next couple of months

Oh and I’ve started my shopping list…..the important stuff of course – I’m off to check the Disney store website xxxx

After the drama of last week and my frustration over poor customer service normal random Disney ramblings are back (and for those of you who were wondering the problems I was having sorted themselves out – but a strongly worded letter is going to be written 😡)

Anyway, on to more important things – the bloke and I finally have a new countdown; and will be off to see the mouse in October (seriously someone needs to create Disney emoticons so I could put in some Mickey Mouse heads 😀)

To say I am excited is an understatement; I’ve already linked the booking to my Disney experience account, printed off the park hours and set up a countdown app on my phone and made sure my esta is still valid………..And after a conversation about her holiday with Emmie Lou, who said she had pre booked her seats for her flight I remembered that last November Virgin Atlantic changed their seat booking process

In previous years the seat map opened up to everyone 60 days before their flight and booking seats was free but this meant it could be a bit of a bun fight to get the seats you wanted – there was always the chance that someone else could select the same seats and if they pressed submit a nano second before you; you kissed them goodbye and had to make a different selection (as happened to us last year but still managed to get the bubble there and back)

But now the seat map opens 336 days before your filght, and everyone who wants to book a seat can – but at the cost of £25 per seat per journey 😳 (call me a cynic but I just see it as another way for airlines to make money; after all airlines have been known to charge for:

• Seat selection
• Extra leg room
• Bulk head seats
• The seat next you to remain empty
• Extra baggage
• Food
• Drink
• And not forgetting upgrades – which by the way (for one way would have been an extra £1,000 on top of the cost of our holiday; now that was an easy decision would I like extra dollars for shopping or a slightly bigger seat for 9 hours?!?!?!?)

Thankfully, a few years ago we joined the Virgin Atlantic Flying Club and have been quietly earning miles (did you know being a Flying Club member entitles you to 7% off Virgin Holidays) anyway I found our membership log ins and  we both have enough miles to give us a total of £200 credit so basically Virgin have paid for our seat bookings themselves – bonus!!!

So, where are we sitting; we had 2 options; we could either go for a 2 at the back of the lower deck (which means no one else to annoy or be annoyed by but you are last off) or in the bubble again. Strangely I think we could get a 2 on the way out but not on the way back but we could get upstairs on both journeys – so it would have been rude not to; I have picked the window seat for both journeys and now the bloke is considering Seat Plus (which you purchase the seat next to you) so that we have a little extra room

On a separate note, did anyone hear about the lady who received an anonymous letter from a friend stating she was oversharing her baby updates on Facebook – wow there are some harsh people out there; what surprises me more is that I haven’t received one for my obsessive Disney sharing……yet. Until next week I’m off to finish editing my holiday photo montage (might create a mini one for a blog one of these days) xxxx