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Day 4

Monday 8th August

Slept a little while longer but it was still quite early when I woke up, 4.30 am and I couldn’t get back to sleep! Not a lot I could do except just lay there relaxing.

Scott was awake just after 6 then I heard Hayden. Scott and I started getting ready and it wasn’t long before Jamie and Poppy were awake. Jamie wanted to get into Islands of Adventure early so we could ride Hulk as we were sure it had reopened. Had our breakfast again in the room, cereal and fruit for the kids - coffee for Scott and I. We took some muffins out with us too, thought they’d be ok as a snack for later in the day.


The parks opened at 8am again today, we were soon through security waiting for a boat. Didn’t take long for one to arrive and we were at Islands of Adventure at 7.45. Waited another 10 minutes before they opened the gates it was getting really packed, thought they’d have already been open to let people through?


The boys walked up quickly ahead of us as they wanted to get on Forbidden Journey. Would be Scott’s first time on this one as I’ve always took Hayden and Jamie on, thought he’d really enjoy it.



We had a more leisurely walk round no power walking for Poppy and me this morning. It’s so lovely when you get there to be able to walk round a near empty Hogsmeade and take some photo’s.


Also gave Poppy an opportunity to practice some spells in peace before the crowds came and descended on the place.



Poppy wanted to use the restrooms at this point or should we say Public Conveniences, she wanted to hear Moaning Myrtle who was whining away as soon as we walked in!


Carried on with a few more spells before we walked up to the castle to find Scott and the boys. We’d not really arranged a meeting point as such, said we’d be milling around somewhere in that area.


Didn’t take long until we saw the boy’s again, they’d all really enjoyed the ride and Scott agreed that out of the two Harry Potter rides Forbidden Journey was the most intense one.

I’d noticed that quite a few people had been walking over the bridge, the one that leads through to Jurassic Park. I assumed it was to queue for the new Skull Island ride? A quick chat with Hayden and Jamie soon followed as to whether or not to join the line, of course their reply was yes! There was no way Poppy was going to go on this attraction, way too scary for her so Scott suggested a look round the Harry Potter shop followed by some butterbeer – Poppy was more than happy to oblige.

The CM’s was trying to deter people by saying the ride had not opened yet and it was pointless standing in a none moving line - I reckoned it was best to get there earlier rather than later. The time was 8.45 and the park would be open soon, so we joined the end of the queue. Luckily we didn’t wait long before it started moving. We didn’t even know where the ride was so was blindly walking and doing our favourite, following the crowds. After a bit of a walk we got our first glimpse of Skull Island and we were very impressed!


We were told to keep moving and to not stop for photo’s…whoops. Kept walking and walking and thought we were doing well as we’d now entered the queuing area within the ride, but of course the line had countless zigzags so we walked for absolutely ages. All the time the sky was getting darker and darker, a tell tale sign that rain was on its way. We’d been walking at a steady pace taking in all the detail but I felt a few spots of rain so I told the boys to quicken the pace up! Luck was on our side again as we were moments away from the covered element of the queue when the heavens really opened up, we were so pleased to have missed out on a complete soaking!



As expected the theming was incredible and felt very real, I was so glad Poppy hadn’t come with us as she’d have been really scared by now. The further we ventured down the line the more we became engrossed in the Skull Island experience, I must admit to feeling a little bit scared, I am a bit of a wimp though lol. Didn’t help at one point when I was scared witless and literally jumped a metre up into the air, gave everyone around me a good laugh. I wasn’t the only one jumping and screaming, heard plenty of others doing the same.


It was quite dark in this area, so atmospheric though with the sound of the drums and that scary old woman chanting. You really had a sense of something quite chilling was just around the corner! We were soon getting into the vehicle and driving through those enormous gates not knowing what exactly to expect.

Felt really immersed in the experience which we really revelled in. You do get jostled about a bit but it did all feel relatively smooth – Jamie likened it to going to the cinema and watching the film in 4DX but on a much bigger scale and with the screen surrounding you, thought that was a good comparison. Our total time wait had been 35 minutes which I thought was really good, glad we’d not left it till later as we wouldn’t have gone on with queue times of well over an hour.


The sun made a brief appearance as we left, was lovely to see some blue sky as the past few days had been rather cloudy. Quick restroom break before calling Scott to see where they were. They’d just come off Spiderman so we said we’d walk round and meet them there. The queue time was still 5 minutes, Poppy remarked on how much she’d enjoyed the ride – we all rode it together. Still brilliant as ever and is one of my favourite rides here.


The morning still be quite young we wandered over to the Hulk to see what the queue time was, couldn’t actually see the time it was so busy round here. We decided to use Hayden’s card and ask for a return time for me and the boys. As mentioned it was so busy and this being the first time we’ve been round this area we were a little unsure where to go. Eventually we found the express line - asked the staff there for a return time but he just ushered us through, as he was doing with everyone. They did eventually scan the card further down the line though. Walked through the metal detectors first before entering the main area inside, sorry no idea if anything had changed as we’ve never been in here before but we thought it looked fantastic and it certainly got us revved up for the Hulk.


Can I add that I’ve not been on a big roller coaster that goes properly upside down for many years. I was secretly wishing that the boys would want to ride this with their dad but no they wanting me to accompany them. I was trying not to think about it and thankfully the line kept moving and we kept getting distracted by all the screens showing the effects of all those gamma rays!

It was soon time to board the hulk, I warned the gentlemen at the side of me that I will probably scream my head off, he told me don’t worry he’d probably do the same. Before we knew it we were accelerating at great speed through the tunnel then shooting out into various twists and loops! Yes I screamed the whole way through, this ride was awesome! We all came off with the biggest smiles on our faces, what an experience and definitely the best ride of the day so.


Needed a drink to rehydrate ourselves then another restroom stop before Scott took the boy’s on Doctor Dooms Fearfall – what an adrenalin filled morning the boy’s were having. Poppy wasn’t at all bothered she was more than content, we found a nice shady spot at the foot of the ride and enjoyed a drink and a chocolate chip muffin each. There wasn’t a long wait and the boy’s soon came off buzzing – now I don’t think I could ever ride this as the height aspect of it would be too much for me. So glad that Scott always steps up for this one!


Did think it was only fair for Poppy to pick the next ride, of course it was to be her favourites, Suess Landing with One fish Two fish being the ride of choice. Hayden and Jamie wanted to sit this one out, think it was a little too intense for them haha.


Poppy Jamie and I braved a go on the Cao-seuss-el, I did feel a little woozy when I came off! Time was coming up to midday think that was the reason for me feeling a little light headed, we was in need of food.


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Continued

After seeing the food review on dixonsontour fab trippie I’d made a mental note to visit Mythos for lunch whilst we visited Islands of Adventure. It looked relatively quiet inside and even though we were asked to wait it was only for a mere 5 minutes.


Our server Lindsey was very helpful and went through the dishes of the day etc. We placed our drinks orders which, were promptly brought out to us, then we gave our food orders. Jamie and Poppy both had a kids meal which were really quite big, Hayden ordered from the adult entrees whilst Scott and I picked three different starters to share between us as our mains.


Jamie had the same burger as Poppy but had the corn on cob instead of the grapes.


The food was delicious, very tasty and full of flavour, we were all stuffed. Lindsey was very attentive and kept our drinks topped up. She seemed to be serving a lot of tables but she never let our drinks run down and was very sincere when asking how our meal was. We asked for the bill which was a very reasonable $73 with a 20% tip, it made for a very pleasing change from the hustle and bustle of the park. So lovely to sit and eat lunch in a relaxed setting.

We thanked our server for her wonderful service and just as we were leaving Lindsey came to our table with four drinks of soda for us to take out, how considerate.



Spent some time in the Lost Continent area, mostly having a chat with the Mystic Fountain. The kids found it hilarious and kept running back and forth to the tree trying to avoid the water. They didn’t do a very good job and ended up getting a little wet.



Walked back through to Hogsmeade which of course was now packed out, Jamie hadn’t had time earlier to do any spells. There’s not as many to do in here compared to Diagon Alley but still worthwhile enough to bring your wand. Poppy seemed to be having a bit of a problem with her wand, it wasn’t working and we were advised to get it repaired! Couldn’t believe it as it was virtually new and we always carried it around in the box, none the less the wand was repaired fairly swiftly.


We wandered through to Jurassic Park next where we could hear the noise of the raptor, he sounded fairly lively! We jumped into the queue as we couldn’t wait to meet a real life Raptor! We couldn’t stop laughing at people’s response’s as they approached the animal it was so funny – I know I will have looked a one when it was our turn for the Raptor encounter, I get really jumpy and twitchy!


We continued with our walk round this area by visiting the Jurassic Park Discovery Center next. The kids enjoyed the exhibits there but quite a few of them weren’t working properly, it felt as though this area needs some kind of update or revamp.




Walked back through Hogsmeade, the frog choir was singing we stopped and listened to them for a while – first time we’ve watched them and we thought they were really impressive. We’d walked this way with the intention to ride Hogwarts Express across to Kings Cross but the queue was 40 minutes so we didn’t bother.

We agreed to go on more ride so we took a stroll round the park and ended up at Popeye & Bluto’s Barges in Toon Lagoon. The queue was quite short which did surprise me a little, the day was quite cloudy so maybe that was putting people off. Oh my word as expected we got absolutely soaked, we couldn’t stop laughing at the barge in front of though. They had stopped in the boat wash area for a good few minutes and received a proper good drenching from the big jets of water there! This is one of the best family raft rides.




We squelched out of the park lol, but before catching the boat back i popped into Guest Services. I wanted to leave some comments about the excellent service we'd received at lunch time from Lindsey. I know how sometimes we're quick to have a moan about stuff but i thought it was only fair to let them know about our positive experience. Didn't take me long and we were soon boarding the boat back to Sapphire Falls. We got out of our wet clothes and got on with our showers, it started raining then so we’d left at the right point. We had an issue though with finding somewhere to hang our wet clothes, there wasn’t really anywhere. We used the clothes line in the shower after we’d finished which we’d been using for our swimming costumes but it wasn’t really suitable for heavier items. Ended up pegging our shorts up on the coat hangers in the wardrobe!

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Tonight we were trying Teak Neighbourhood Grill for the first time after reading about it on the Dibb – thanks again dixonsontour. Amazed that we found the place ok, took us about 10-15 minutes from the resort, we arrived there around 6pm. It was quiet inside, we were told we could sit where ever we liked. Our server came over with the menus’ and we all ordered drinks. I think the offer that night for the cocktails was the premium ones were half price?


Scott and the kids all had the usual sodas and Jamie and Poppy ordered from the kids menu. The place was scattered with plenty of TV’s so we tried to catch up a bit with the Olympics.


Didn’t have to wait long for our food to come out, although our order wasn’t correct. Hayden had asked for garlic mash with his meal, I’d asked for garlic wedges but we’d both ended up with garlic fries. We couldn’t be bothered with calling the server back as she was nowhere to be seen so we just left it.


Oh my the burgers were so good, just what was needed. I was a little dubious about a donut burger, it sounded so wrong but it tasted so right! We were too stuffed to have a dessert, we left with full satisfied tummies.

On the way back we filled the car up with some gas, $20 and the tank was practically full. Somehow we missed the turning for our hotel which meant we had to go all the way back round! Takes ages, it’s so crucial not to miss the correct turn off to avoid having an extended road trip around Orlando.

It was still fairly early and as we walked back to our room Poppy asked if we could go swimming, course we could. I always smiled to myself as we walked down the corridor to our room, Poppy just had to skip down each time.


Hayden wasn’t bothered so just Poppy and Jamie got changed, along with Scott, and we all walked down to the pool. Hayden took one of car magazines with him to read and I took my notebook down. Made a slight detour into the Dutch Trading Co to purchase a smores kit and some sticks.


Jamie and Poppy were soon in the pool whilst Hayden and I settled down with our various books. There weren’t any films playing tonight, I wondered if they just showed them at the weekends. They played nicely together for quite some time before eventually bickering with each other about as brothers and sisters do! I distracted the squabbling by suggesting we made use of the smores kit, quietened them for a little while.



All the seating round the fire pit were taken, we just round the side and got on with the task in hand. I’m not bothered about warm marshmallows I think they’ve got a weird texture but the kids love them.



The kids advised me that the smores were of an excellent quality and met their high standards of gooiness! I had to smile to myself as we sat round the fire, most of the seats were took by a group of young girls who were mostly wearing jeans and hoodies! Now I know the weather hadn’t been brilliant since we’d been in Orlando – mostly cloudy but warm but even I wouldn’t have dreamed of wearing anything long sleeved! And believe me I am right nesh (Yorkshire saying for a person who feels the cold a lot)!




We called it a night around 10pm, we’d had a pleasant couple of hours down by the pool and I’d particularly found the time spent round the fire to be extremely relaxing. What a great way for us to end another fab day. I noted in my book what a great day we’d had but we were so full with food, vowed not to eat as much tomorrow, not sure what had come over me I think the fire must’ve frazzled my brain for me to be thinking in that way!


Another brilliant day that was filled with both new and thrilling rides and experiences

Lovely report 👍

Fab day. I can't wait to meet the raptor!

A lovely day I'm not sure about the doughnut burger but lots of dibbers seem to enjoy them

Joan

Lovely day, i also hate melted marshmallows too! Your lunch looks great, what restaurant was it tho, you didnt say? X

Thank you

You'll love it, he's ever so friendly!

Thank you Joan, I felt the same but it actually tasted really good

Silly me I can't believe I've done that

I've edited it now, the restaurant is Mythos.

Thanks for reading X

Great day, you all have such a fun time and make the most of your day. Fab x