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Published: July 19th 2015
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Our last day in Florida came with mixed feelings. We're all looking forward to the next chapter of our journey but Izzy and I leave the enchanting world of Disney with a little sadness, not knowing when we'll be in such a magical place again. Izzy is like a mini-me and is overly enthusiastic and excited about everything. I have loved watching her face during this part of our trip, her eyes filled with wonder and her smile euphoric. We chose Epcot for our final theme park - a great place for meeting characters, a few thrill rides and the best vanilla slice outside of France.
Our morning began with a photo opportunity with Pluto who was lurking near the entrance, followed by the Spaceship Earth ride which is housed in the iconic 'golf ball' of Epcot. This ride is a slow journey through time while you sit back and relax to the dulcet tones of Judi Dench explaining the evolution of technology. A little tame for our liking! Our next stop was a meet and greet with Mickey, Minnie and Goofy - lots of hugs and photo's all round and Goofy kept Bruce behind for some one on one
photo's (I was a little concerned as to what was going on there!)
Epcot comprises two areas - one of technology and a world showcase made up of miniature countries set around a lake. Each country includes famous landmarks, food and many of the staff are natives of that country. By all accounts I have been ranting about a certain vanilla slice from a beautiful patisserie in 'France' for the last four years. I must admit, coffee time had arrived and I began salivating at the thought of tasting this exquisite delicacy again! It certainly didn't disappoint and was only topped by the ones we had in Paris. (Sorry Aunty Janet, you need to work on yours a little more!)
Our fast pass bookings worked a treat again, skipping an eighty minute queue for the Test Track ride. This was one of Bruce's favourites on our last visit but there have been some major changes and the improvements were amazing. You get to design your own car before testing out its specifications on the track (it is a ride, you're not actually driving). Mission: Space is a shuttle simulator where you get rocketed to Mars. There are sick
bags a plenty for those who experience motion sickness, but no empty water bottles are provided for those who need a last minute pee (mentioning no individual members of the Shears family!)
Bruce put Lily in charge of me when visiting the shop selling every possible Disney item imaginable with strict instruction not to let me buy stuff!! Well, it has come to my attention (and the girls have my back here) - it's not me who wants to buy everything, it's Bruce who wants to buy things under the guise of it being my idea. He practically forced me to buy a wife for the Mickey Mouse who sits on our bed at home!
It was an early finish at Epcot to give us chance to pack and reflect on our time here. It's been a fantastic two weeks, catching up with old friends, (thanks again for having us Alderson family) riding some amazing roller coasters, swimming with dolphins, meeting movie stars and making some magical memories. Walt Disney had an extraordinary vision when he built Disneyland sixty years ago but when he bought the land in Orlando to build Disney World his innovation and foresight was
truly inspirational. Disney World is vast and houses theme parks, water parks, hotels, golf courses, entertainment complexes and an abundance of magic. It is difficult to choose a favourite moment or a favourite ride or even a favourite park but there are a few that are up there at the top. Discovery Cove would have to be my number one choice for most outstanding experience. Swimming and interacting with the dolphins has become one of my all time most incredible experiences. Magic Kingdom for me is the most magical park and is a truly special place for any Disney fan but Busch Gardens would have to be top of the list for thrill rides. Nowhere has twists, turns, loops, speed and general scare factor quite like Busch - I think my adrenalin junkie family would agree!
A few things we have learnt while in Florida:
Ponte Vedra is stunning and we'd like to live there!
American people can't tell the difference between an English and Australian accent and they have no idea how big Australia is.
Outside of the theme parks, Orlando is pretty tacky.
Many people don't look in the mirror before they leave
the house.
Humidity sucks.
Bruce is genuinely terrified when on rides (but loves them all the same!)
I'm still crap at taking selfies and often take pictures of my armpits.
I'm hyper and a tad overly enthusiastic around Disney characters (we already knew this).
I'm slowly adjusting to Starbucks but coffee is far superior at home.
I love being with my family everyday and will miss them all when we have to go back to our normal lives.
So, time to catch a few zzzz's before our 'stupid o'clock' departure. Next stop - VEGAS BABY!!!!!
There may be no blog for several days because what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.
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Janet Snowden
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Vanilla Slice
Well, our Lyndsey. I'm very upset you chose to disparage my Vanilla Slice online, when you are thousands of miles away. That one looks disgusting!!! PS. I forgive you seeing as you are my favourite niece. XX