Florida

Arrive in Florida on Monday 9th February staying at the Rosen Inn at Pointe Orlando and got there 8.30ish. At first took wrong way to our room but eventually found and still got own queen bed. It was then to go get some good as not really eaten since breakfast only had a few pringles and Hershey malt balls. Was going to go to hotel buffet but was just shutting so ended up going to TGI Fridays across the road from our food. Food all good and reasonable had sharing starter then steak with spinach and salad mozzarella and tomato. Back to room were time to chill, unpack a little, watch TV and asleep about 12ish. Alarm went off 8am the next morning but we both didn't want to get up eventually got up 8.45. Looked abit cloudy so definitely not short weather which was disappointed about so decided on wearing my floral pants. It was then for breakfast buffet just before 10am and cheapest meal so far only $9 each. Then to decide what to eat had pancakes and fruit but unfortunately not freshly made then cereal but the coffee no good so had juice instead. We then had to find how to get to all the attractions so got an i-ride trolley 5 day ticket only $9 each. The i-ride trolley is a green bus which is a great way for getting around international drive with over 20 stops and cheap. Seemed to wait about 15-20 minutes for bus a few others went past but not ours and journey only about 10 minutes when got to SeaWorld at 10.45am. As soon as got there was straight to the dolphin theatre to watch the dolphin and parrot show at 11am. Was very good to watch the dolphins as find them just amazing animals but thought the shows used to have more educational value now just entertainment. After the show was to see the strongest lagoon where you can feed but choose against doing that. It was then to the Shamu stadium at 12 for the Shamu performance that seemed short also more about the other killer whales, Shamu only came out near end to splash. Was disappointing was a few rides closed like the sky tower and journey to Atlantis ride  which was looking forward to. Also when got to the empire of the penguin ride was a technical delay so had to wait 15 minutes to go on it. Had choice mild or wild so went wild which was still not that fast thought would off been faster and more spins at end of ride was at the penguin enclosure. We also couldn't get to the dolphin enclosure was nice to see all the animals but it didn't seem as good as when I came when 13years old. Didn't end up having anything to eat til 4pm at Cypress bakery which was only a coffe and cookie. Looked at our arrival photos but decided against getting them and got bus at 5pm but unfortuantely on wrong bus going right direction but on green line instead of red. So we had to make a slight detour through Hampton Inn car park which was only 1 stop down from our hotel and got back to our hotel 5.30ish. Chilled, watched TV for abit then got ready decided to go opposite way than last night so went south. Was going to go to Sizzler but didn't end up finding it s went to Marlow's Tavern instead an American cuisine. Ended up having the chicken stack with risotto was good but not a proper stack then shared chocolate pudding. After dinner stopped at Zebra bar in our hotel for a drink and got asked for ID the 1st time whilst in America was happy hour, play game and listen to karaoke who were very good. Once back in room not tired so watched TV til 1ish as couldn't get to sleep at first. Woke up before 8am as not having breakfast in hotel today so left hotel room 9ish stop at info desk to ask about Busch Gardens. Had to phone them to book on for transport tomorrow waited for 5 minutes and getting up at SeaWorld tomorrow at 9.15. It was then to catch the i-ride bus to Universal luckily didn't have to wait long on bus by 9.30ish and only 10 minutes ride. Got off near the wet n wild and 1st stop was for breakfast at ihop International House Of Pancakes. Was a lot of choice but had the strawberry and banana was very good but couldn't eat it all as 4 pancake stack. Then to walk to a Universal only 15-20 minute walk which is now spilt into 2 parks Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure, decided to do Universal Studios first. Luckily didn't take long to get our park ticket as just went straight to guest services since had voucher. Once in Universal Studios was nice to look at all the famous stars on the floor and obvisiously had to have picture with one. First ride was ET as just wanted to go on it as remembered it from last time I was here is a fantasy ride and probably more suited for kids. It was then on the Simpsons ride which was the old Back to the Future ride was a simulator ride causing ride to vibrate and spin felt abit funny after ride. Then to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter which is a theme area spanning both theme parks. First look round diagon alley which made you feel like was in London unfortuantely the ride 'Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts' not working. So decided to go on the functioning recreation of Hogwarts Express which connects King Cross station at Universal Studio to the Hogsmeade station at Islands of Adventure. It was then on the 'Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey' had to queue for 30 minutes was a simulated flight through the Hogwarts castle was fun but not sure worth 30 minute wait. Debbie then got to try the famous butter beer a non alcoholic drink, I tried it and thought similar to cream soda but too sweet for me. Then to go find more rides ended up on the 'Jurassic Park River Adventure' an unforgettable river raft where my top half got very wet. Look round the Toon Lagoon and Marvel Superhero area but no rides which fancied going on but nice to see. Next the gift shop to see if anything wanted to buy nothing I wanted but Debbie got a Harry Potter T-shirt it was then to go back to Universal Studios. Our aim was to go the Despicable Me Minion Mayhem ride but 35 minute wait so did the Shrek 4D instead as only 10 minute wait the 4D made it more realistic. We then went to watch the parade at 5pm waited for 30 minutes and was a disappointed as many floats only Despicable Me, Sponge Bob, Dora and Hop film. Since we were near the Revenge of the Mummy ride and only 10 minute wait had to go it, my favourite of the day. As it is a rollercoaster in the dark so just don't know what to expect after each turn. We then walked back though Universal Studios and look in shops but bought nothing then left after 6ish. I really enjoyed Universal Studio/Islands of Adventure think was better than last time here as nice to have both parks to use plenty of choice. Go to Citywalk for food after but everywhere too busy and long waits, so just got a pretzel but couldn't eat it all as too salty. So ended up walking back to international drive to catch the bus back to hotel and luckily only had to wait 5 minutes. Got back after 8 and straight for food as hungry went to Copper Canyon Grill an Ametican cuisine had roisitree chicken was good and shared wine. Back to hotel 9.30ish watch TV, shower wash hair so don't have to do it in morning and asleep 11.30ish. Alarm went off before 7am but let it snooze for abit and got up 7ish then breakfast at hotel had scrambled egg then Mickey Mouse waffle which you do yourself. It was then to catch the bus to SeaWorld which didn't take long and there in plenty of time to catch our next bus even had chance to look in gift shop and toilet stop. Before we got our next bus which left on time at 9.15am to Busch Gardens in Tampa kept nodding off but saw Downtown Disney and arrive 10.30. Unfortunately had to queue to go through bag check and first stop was the Walkabout Way to remind us of Australia but area abit small to what used to. It was then to have our picture taken with King Julien from Madagascar before off too look round the park. Where we got to meet Rosie the Asian elephant with the zoo keeper who was very cute only 46years young. We then hoped to go on the train safari ride but was delayed due to technical and medical emergency as didn't wait as u sure how long it would be. So instead off to see cheetahs before going on the Skyrail which gave a good view off the wildlife below and the rides. Once got to end off the Skyrail we could go on the train to do the Serengeti safari where saw giraffe, rhinos with good commentary. It was then lunch all quite expensive ended up at the pizza/pasta buffet for best value and got dessert only cupcakes or apple sauce very random. Then to the Iceploration show at 3pm an ice skating show with acrobats and live animals very clever and educational. The only ride we went on was the Cheetah Hunt ride very impressed is a fast rollercoaster ride with speeds of 60 miles per hour. Busch gardens has a wonderful animal them with rides for the adventurous and a zoo who just want to stroll the grounds. Am glad I went but not sure I would rush back as probably better ones in Florida maybe the animal kingdom. Got our picture of King Julien and look in gift for Debbie to buy some presents before getting picture off front of park. It was then to find our bus which was easy and left at 6pm this time no sleeping and just played games on phone. Got back to SeaWorld at 7.30 and i-ride bus their but just leaving luckily not ours then only had to wait 10-15 minutes for next one. On way back the bus driver was very funny and got back to hotel 8ish and couldn't be bothered going out so just ate in hotel at Zebra bar. Once back in room just watch TV and films on for a change first Ice Age then Wild Wild West with Will Smith asleep 11.30ish. The next day very excited as swimming with dolphin so thats probably why I didn't sleep well as woke up twice and got up 7.30. At least this morning no need for breakfast as we get at Discovery Cove as included in our package catch bus 8.20 and get to SeaWorld 8.35. Had to wait for bus then to take us to Discovery Cove which wasn't long and got there 9ish. When checked in we got the time of our dolphin swim which wasn't til 11.20 so have breakfast first but unfortunately the coffee no good. It was then to look round to see the otters, aviary and the Dolphins before putting our wetsuits went for full ones as abit chilly. We still had abit of time to wait til our dolphin swim so went for swim in the wind away river and took 20 minutes to go all the way round. Unfortuantely I forgot my waterproof camera but chilled I the water til 11ish since it was lovely and warm. It was then to watch the people doing their dolphin swim before we got our briefing and watch video on dolphins. Also didn't realise had to take earrings as so had to put them in locker as can be harmful to the dolphin if swallow. When first got in our group for swim thought was going to get more time with dolphins as only 5 to start with as 3 extra who shouldn't be in our group. Then a family of 4 joined us a few minutes into swim when we had already touched our dolphin 'Kayleigh'. Our trainer was Alexis, assistant Lindsay and Kayleigh the dolphin is only 10 years old was born in park and no babies yet. After we had all had the chance to touch the dolphin and she did a few tricks off making different noises. We got the opportunity to have our pictures taken with Kayleigh with us kissing and hugging her. It was then to do the swim had choice deep or shallow choose deep was 12 foot with Lindsay to assist and just held top fin. Once everyone done swim she did more tricks and we met Dixie who was into her 40's and had 10year old son Dexter. Since the family arrived late it ended up giving us longer interaction with the Dolphins which was incredible. It was then to look at our pictures at 12.40 which were taken choose the adventure package which included 6 pictures, cd & extra cd with photo frame. After that time to do more this time snorkelling with the stingrays and fish in grand reef where their were feeding the stingrays so came very close. Debbie not keen as the stingrays did come right up to you and we're very big so I suppose can be abit scary, such a shame didn't have camera. Then time to shower was lovely and warm didn't want to get out and got to keep snorkel not mask. It was then for our complimentary lunch at 2ish I had the salmon, roast veg and rice with strawberries and wine was lovely. Go for a wander afterwards and have rest in hammock get mango slush cocktail and watch the dolphins but missed picture of all 3 of them jumping just got tail. Time then to look round gift shop and collect our dolphin package and our complimentary picture didn't take well so kindly took another one for us. Really enjoyed discover cove and would recommend to anyone the swim with dolphins is an unforgettable experience. Whilst waiting for the bus to arrive to take us back to SeaWorld after 3 gave us chance to take more pictures. Once back at SeaWorld luckily didn't have to wait long for i-ride and once back go to shops to get a few things then chill at hotel. Leave before 7 for dinner was going to go to Maggiano's little Italy but was 1hours 30 minutes wait so decided against it. So went for walk round and ended up at the pub a British pub where I had Shepherds pie and look in shops at Pointe Orlando. Back at hotel 9ish and watch TV til after 11 didn't sleep the best ended up waking up a few times. So not surprising that I woke up before alarm clock at 7.30 get ready and just missed bus so checked online so didn't have to wait long on bus by 8.50am. Was only a 10 minute to IHOP the pancake house busy today had to wait 15 minutes and had waffles this time were only came again as had $5 voucher to use. Walk to Quiet Flight Surf warehouse but nothing we wanted to buy, when leaving saw bus coming at the traffic lights so ran to next stop and made it with time to spare. Also ended up getting off at wrong stop for outlet as got off stop 3 as saw outlets but only outlet market. So had to walk rest of way to Orlando International Premier Outlet which has 140 stores but luckily only 10 minute walk away. Looking forward to go to Victoria Secret shop hoping to get some good deals but not impressed was like a jumble sale. Not sure we went round all the shops but managed to get a few more presents for Dad, Tiago and my godson's. Unsure on a Kate Spade red wallet as funny material so hid it anywhere but when went back had gone. There was also another Kate spade grey bag I liked but couldn't justify buying but just proves should of got the teal wallet I liked in Vegas. For myself got a Tommy Hilfiger grey cardigan which wanted a while which went back for as seen another liked in JCrew. But when got the cardigan was such a long queue and couldn't believe the amount of stuff people were getting. Got myself some bose headphones in purple as a bargain to get me back into running and a red vest to go with my floral trousers. Unfortunately no where to cross road so had to make another run for it for the day and got i-ride at 4.30ish. Back to hotel after 5 dump all our bags then straight out for dinner since we somehow managed to miss lunch. Went to TGI ridays shared mozzarella sticks, had Reuben sandwich as never has before but too much bread. Really wanted key lime pie for dessert but didn't have and no other deserts I fancied as seemed too sweet. Then to do the last minute shopping got Ellie frozen tutu dress and a Tommy Hilfiger dress. Back to hotel before 8pm time to do packing but couldn't get motivated to do it instead watch TV, shower then celebrate Debbies 30th English time with a glass of wine. So didn't end up packing til,about 10pm then watch end of bridesmaids film and asleep 11ish. Alarm went off 8.30 got moving just before 9 shower, finish packing and thought best weigh case was about 20kg. Decided for travelling would wear my new Roxy pants, cardigan but not sure converse went with it, but isn't a fashion is comfort. It was then for breakfast as didn't want to eat in hotel again so looked round Pointe Orlando nothing there. So ended up at Denny's after 10am had pancakes made with wheat which were more filling plus had mango smoothie, didn't eat everything and definitely prefer IHOP. Back to hotel 11ish sort things out before checking out at 11.30 and sit outside to wait for airport transfer which arrived abit early just before 11.55. On the way stop at Rosen Plaza to pick up one more person who had to wait abit for and got to airport 12.30ish. Dropped the other person off first at terminal A and luckily both me and Debbie at Terminal B but drop Debbie off 1st at Delta then me for United. Wasn't sure if would be able to check in yet as flight over 5 hours away but could but queue was very unorganised and was self check in. In the end wasn't sure how much case was but obvisiously less than 23kg and suitcase goes all way to Sydney Yeh. Thought would then go see how Debbie doing and still at Delta as had bother checking as saying different airline so now in customer services line there for about an hour. Where we found out her flight was cancelled to JFK due to weather conditions 'snow' so changed to Lufthansa at 8.20pm 5 hours later than original one. So what a lovely 30th birthday present for Debbie having her flight cancelled. Unfortuantely she couldn't check her luggage in til after 4pm so went to food court at 2pm for coffee and doughnut at Krispy Kreme, coffee not as good as Starbucks. Then sit and wait in food court til could check in, went at 3.45 and already open so did self check in. Still abit to wait so wander round shops on outside but nothing to buy but saw new rucksack I want a Dakine one but same price if get in Australia. Since my flight now leaving before Debbies left her before 4.30 so queue for security looked long but only took 10-15 minutes. I then got the tram train to gate but unfortuantely not much here no duty free, how bizarre. Also found out flight delayed til 6.20pm supposed to be 5.55pm so just play on iPad wander to gate 5.20pm to recharge phone. Started boarding after 6pm, sat on 23F a window seat and took off 6.30pm. Finished my book by 7.30 as couldn't watch TV as have to pay for it and obvisiously not going to pay for it. So during flight just read and listen to music as had abit of turbulence on flight, seatbelt sign came on 3 times only got two drinks no food. Landed at 8.55pm local time in LA which was 3hours difference than Florida so flight was 5 and half hours. Once off plane 1st stop toilet then look for something to eat not much choice ended up with Turkey club sandwich, cookie and coffee. Look in duty free shop which was quite small didn't have anything I wanted like my Clairns make up. Luckily my next flight was in the same terminal so didn't have to go far but trust it to be delayed 35mins as supposed to be 10.40pm. So on this holiday even though only stayed in 2 places went via 5 states California, Nevada, Arizona, Texas and Florida. Supposed to fly at 11.15 but ended up been later as had to take luggage off for 2 people. Whilst waiting read more of book but ended up falling asleep for about 45 minutes and took off about 11.45pm. Luckily sat in window seat again on 38A and watch film 'Big Hero 6' an animated film was an easy watch. An hour into flight got choice of dinner chicken or pasta, had the padta but only ate half and chocolate brownie which was too sweet. When Film finish over 11hours left of flight and watch ' The Judge' which was slow to start with but enjoyed and had abit of turbulence in flight. It was then to watch my 3rd film 'Fault in our Stars' a very sweet sad romantic film about 2 teenagers with cancer and ended up crying. Still wide awake so watched another film 'American Hustle' as always wanted to watch but as good as expected. Also got a sandwich, crisp a and cookie and ate everything apart from sandwich as not appealing. Had a little turbulence in the film and when it had finished only 4 and hours left of journey back to Sydney. I then thought I would try to get sone sleep by listening to music but after 30 minutes not succeed so gave in so watched 2 episodes of suits and comedy film 'magic in the moonlight' not that funny and more turbulence. It was then breakfast had choice french toast or omelette had french toast which was best only had 1 bite but ate crossiants and fruit. Even though we left LA late we still managed to land on time at 8.45am. Luckily straight through security as could just scan passport and only had to wait about 15 minutes for lugguage. When got to train station realised only had 2 minutes to make my train which I made and speak to Tiago but connection went when going through tunnel. Then once at Wynyard station bus there so ran for it and left a few minutes late and got home just after 10am. Once home sort clothes do a wash, have shower and then go meet Sarah and Hisako for sushi at Westfield at 1pm.