Thanks everyone
We've had a fab first few days! Currently at AKL relaxing. We had planned to be at Hollywood Brown Derby tonight followed by Fantasmic and EMH til 12am but honestly I'm knackered!
I'll start at the beginning of the trip and recap up until now
Friday - checked in at The Hilton at Manchester Airport. We got a great rate to stay here, king bed with breakfast and evening meal, so we took it over our usual Premier Inn (surprisingly not much cheaper at all, just over £10 without the cost of the shuttle). Check in was swift and easy, lady very helpful and booked us a reservation for dinner that evening. The room was great, large bathroom but the bed was quite hard and not enough pillows. Gary says it was a noisy hotel...I didn't notice. Dinner at Masons in the hotel was great (sticky toffee pudding was fab!) and breakfast was excellent. Lots of choice - full English, fruit, porridge, continental etc. Shuttle was free and quick - dropped off at T1 and T2 within five mins. When I checked in online my pre selected seats had gone, we were given 63a and 63c...I think...right at the back (twos not threes). A little worried as pain disorder means I can't stand for very long and, if I have to, I willed up not walking. Oddly, walking is better for me than standing due to the on off pressure.
Saturday - bag drop with VA. young lad helped us. He asked if i needed assustance as i had called a few months before and they noted my issues re pain and potenrial panic attacks due to OCD on the booking. I explained my worries about arrival and he kindly moved us to the aisle and middle seats on row 26 - one behind the exit seats. flight VS073. We had English Rose, beautifully refurbed. Really comfy, great new systems. Very impressed. Landed early, approx 5:40 - the cabin crew stored my dress for me and then let us off before upper and premium because of my feet - ba flight had just landed so immigration a little busy..but it moved very very quickly. Waited maybe 10 mins max, waited longer for luggage!
up the escalator and through to DME. Didn't have to wait for that either, last on the bus to drop off at All Star resorts and AKL. Check in was FAB! We were helped out by a great guy called Jeff, who upgraded us from queen standard to king pool view - very very much appreciated :-D he was lovely, in good hands if ever helped by him. Grabbed food from The Mara and crashed out.
Sunday - Magic Kingdom. Arrived just in time for the opening ceremony...up Main St and through Adventureland, Frontierland and Liberty Square. We walked onto everything. Lunch at Liberty Tree Tavern. Server was Russell and he was also FABULOUS! Big time. I'll save that for our trip report though
in pain so headed back to room approx 3 (after shopping ;-) ) to have a break before heading back to have dinner the poly. Got back to MK and the monorail down and ferry heaving
arrived 10 mins late to Ohana but they seated us right away. Another great server, and assistant. Back to MK for Wishes and EMH. Didn't stay too long but the buses were heaving when we left at 11pm. The queue was curving round to the ferry stop. I was on the floor at one point in serious pain after waiting 40 minutes...I dread to think how long everyone behind us had to wait... and then had to stand on the journey back. Out.like.a.light.
Monday - Hollywood Studios. Late today as phone died in the night
arrived inside park approx 9:05 and headed to Toy Tory Midway Mania. Loved it! Drew Minnie in animation Academy - mine is better than Gary's
lunch at sci if - a little disappointed but still enjoyed. Left park at 2ish as feet still complaining and more walking hasn't helped. Relaxed by pool, now in the room.
Going to Kissimee courthouse tomorrow morning, followed by hair and make up for engagement photos at the Boardwalk in the afternoon. Nervous!
Oh, we're getting married at Luau Beach between the Poly and the GF
on the 24th. Tomorrow night is the boardwalk and flying fish cafe
I'll do a proper trip report on our return...I've got over 2250 photos already!!
