The Ferret's Florida Funtime

Having taken a deep breath or two we headed out for our world tour.
First up eeewwww Canada.a quick browse through the shops resulted in a new T-shirt for me winging its way back to the resort.The good old United Kingdom was our next stop.After a few topiary pics (can you find Peter Pan) we hit up the shops.Donna saw a Cheshire cat pillow pet and grabbed that.However after 15 minutes of waiting by a till and no one even looking to help he was returned to the shelf and we left.

Monster's U ;

Preview	Attachment	Size
	dscf4425.jpg	2.02 MB

After mooching around a few more countries we found ourselves in Morroco.Alladin and Jasmine were just heading off for a breather so we went to restaurant Marrakesh for lunch.We were seated straight away (Take that you ADR obsessives) and thoroughly enjoyed our meal.service was prompt and friendly.
As we exited Alladin and Jasmine had returned and we joined the line to meet them.
Jasmine was very impressed with the Tattoo of her Donna has.Hiking over to Norway we were sent back back over the falls .In the exit gift shop Gier Wiess was meeting but there is only one Blonde Norse for Mrs.F.so we didn't bother.
After exiting World showcase via the Oz garden we headed over to The seas with Nemo and Friends.

The Oz garden ;

Preview	Attachment	Size
	dscf4439.jpg	2.2 MB

Mrs.F takes way better pics than me .
After journeying through the EAC and rescuing Fabio we headed over to the imagination pavillion.After riding Figment we headed out through the gift shops to return to colonial Mexico.
Firing up the trusty steed we headed out of the bubble to do some shopping at old town and Dinner at the Golden Coral (say what you want we like it there).
Discovered a couple of new favorite shows.
Americas worst Tattoo's and Long Island Medium.

Friday 10th

Animal Kingdom

Arrived at the park to join the turnstile lines.They let us through to in front of the tree of life before letting us loose into the park general at 9 with a rope drop.We stopped at the caricature people outside the shop and left them with pictures of our nephew and niece to work their magic with.
From here we headed into deepest darkest Africa to secure fastpasses for the Safari.
Whilst waiting for our slot to roll round we tried an iced vanilla latte and apple and cinnamon muffin from the nearby refreshment point.Both were very nice and the sparrows agreed on the muffin ( can't help it if we dropped some crumbs ).
Suitably refreshed we headed off to our three week Safari.
There were a lot of animals around and about and we saw all sorts including the Bongo's
Our Safari ;

Preview	Attachment	Size
	Giraffe	2.15 MB
	Rhino MK1	2.2 MB
	Rhino MK2 Get the point ?	2.1 MB
	It's alright to stare folks they are wearing their trunks	2.13 MB
	She is sitting on limestone .. don't take it for granite.	2.03 MB
	Very rare Addax	2.23 MB

After exiting our truck we took a stroll over the border into Asia.
We snagged FP for Everest and proceeded to walk on as it was only a 20 min wait.straight after the first ride it was fastpass time so we disco'ed with the yeti one more time .

Preview	Attachment	Size
	All together now ... Y M C A	1.46 MB

Next on our adventure we popped into the big blue to see Nemo.It has been a while since we had seen this show because we were disappointed with it when we first saw it.We settled down to watch with an open mind and were pleasantly pleased.It was much better than we remembered (might have been too hot and tired last time).
After getting back to dry land we strolled around for a while soaking up the atmosphere and getting ideas for things we might buy at a later date.We found ourselves back at the caricature people who had finished.The pictures are amazing and really capture the look and attitude of our nephew and niece.
Whilst in the shop Donna spotted her Cheshire cat pillow pal that she had not been able to buy at Epcot and he was duly added into her backpack (shipping it back would be cruel dontcha know).
Caricatures sorted we forced down another French Vanilla latte and left for the day.
Once back at the resort we headed out to do some more shopping and for tea.

Saturday 11th

Seaworld.
Early start for the noble steed today as we were at the park before they opened parking by at least 20 minutes.
Once we had exchanged our vouchers for tickets we joined the line for the turnstiles.For park opening they play the American National anthem and this is where things went a bit south for a short while.I understand Patriotism and respect other nationalities and their anthems and will stand quietly until it is over. Some one however took exception to about half a dozen people that were in the various lines that had their hats on.He complained loudly and repeatedly for them to "remove your hats" "its disrespectful" .Surely its worse to be shouting over your own anthem ? and doesn't give visitors a good impression of Americans.(i wouldn't expect Americans to remove their hats during God save the Queen) .. Rant over.
First up was a quick picture in front of the penguin wall.
For those of you that don't know my wonderful wife and i have been on a low carb diet since June 2012 to try and improve or health.

Preview	Attachment	Size
	I can't believe how little ink we had !!	1 MB

Then off to Starbucks for a muffin and to sample the coffee from here (not the best but not the worst).The stingray pool was our first destination and two packs of fish were purchased and we proceeded to feed the little fellows.very cool and only a little damp.We strolled past the dolphins (huge line just to buy the food) and , as they were all hanging by the feeding area (clever chaps) we headed to turtle trek.
This is a very cool attraction and also has the Manatees here (Donna's favorite animal here)

Preview	Attachment	Size
	No Hurling on the shell Dude !	3.8 MB
	How cute	2.27 MB

Next up was Journey to Atlantis which due to the walk on nature of the crowds we did this twice in quick rotation.Next was the Kraken which I did back row twice in a row with just the time it took me to walk around to get on the ride.This theme continued at Manta which was ridden twice also with minimal time inbetween.Donna took time out to visit the aquarium.she said it was very cool and you could put your head up into the stingray tank in a special bubble or stand in a cutout style alcove.
As we (Donna more steady than me) approached the waterfront area they were diving for pearls so i shelled out and picked an ugly oyster for my Pretty Wife.One ceremony later and she was the proud owner of an 8mm blue pearl (second rarest).
From here it was off to pacific point to feed the sea lions.

Preview	Attachment	Size
	Who we wanted to feed ..	2.25 MB
	Who we actually fed :-/	2.27 MB

Next up we braved the shark tunnel .

Preview	Attachment	Size
	fish are friends not food	2.17 MB
	Smiley swordfish	2.11 MB

After escaping from here (and minding our step as the end of the walkway was approaching).we arrived at shamu stadium just as the show was starting.score.Love the show and the water jets add to the fun.Once it had let out we took the walking tour into base station alpha and the wild arctic.This was a little bit of a disappointing visit to the cold continent.The polar bear looked a little restless and the Walrus was asleep in the water tucked away in a corner.As for the Beluga's they were nowhere to be seen.
After a stroll around most of the park getting anything we had seen on the way in we stopped for a coffee and peaches and cream muffin (very nice).After exiting we headed off down to Wall-mart to buy a new case each ( our allowance is for 2 cases EACH and by gum we are going to fill that allowance).Then to Golden corral for a well deserved meal.

Will continue tomorrow but have to go and see if Jr can win the race and Jimmie the championship

Well that is 50% of this family happy.Well done on title no.6 Mr Johnson.

And back to the trip report.
Sunday 12th
Shopping Day

First late start of the holiday
Fired up the trusty steed and rolled on up to the Vineland discount shops.Eventually.(google maps wasn't that helpfull).
Had a good browse around and hit up the GAP outlet,Pacsun,Payless shoes,converse,and the Disney outlet shop.
Then on to the Florida mall ( much easier to find )
We shopped till we dropped including
Torrid,
Francessca's place,
Atomic tattoo (for t-shirts only)
We also went to Old Navy for the first time ... Much was bought here.
WE popped into M&M's world to spit on the KB car (nascar humour ladies and gents)
The Disneystore was a big let down as it only seemed to stock kids items
After a stop at .... Starbucks for an iced Macchiato and a peaches and cream muffin we exited via H & M.
Back down the I4 to the Golden Coral for tea brought an end to the shopping festivities.

On a side note if it seems like we are spending a lot of time shopping please bear in mind that we both need complete new wardrobes (see the Seaworld day for a clue)

Monday 13

Universal studios
So we saddled up the neeesan and headed east up the I4 to universal.Paid for preferred parking and after finding the hazard light switch (thanks to Donna) we followed the blue line up to the King Kong parking lot.
One quick trip along the travellators later and we were at the gates.
First up was Minion Mayhem (formerly jimmy neutron(formerly the Hannah Barbera ride)).This is a great new update of a good ride and we really enjoyed it with only a 5 minute wait.
Next up was Rip it Ride it Rock it . This was a walk on literally .Awsome ride and the tunes really add to the experience .
From here it was straight to ... Rip it Ride it Rock it ..again a walk on whilst my awesome wife waited for me.
After stopping at starbucks for a caramel crunch frappachino each we moseyed on over to investigate the new Harry potter section that is in construction.

Preview	Attachment	Size
	An ornithological rarity ... A Florida crane	74.58 KB

This looks like it is going to be a fantastic addition to the park and makes you realise how much room the Jaws ride occupied.
Having been suitably refreshed we headed over to the New York Worlds Fair for MIB .Regrettably the ride malfunctioned just as we were entering the giant bug towards the end so we never got any proof of our record breaking scores...
When we finally got of we went over to the E.T. ride ..BROKEN

Preview	Attachment	Size
	our consolation prize :-)	2.11 MB

Next we just about spotted the new Transformers ride.

Preview	Attachment	Size
	Subtle ain't it	64.77 KB

Next up we saw a crowd gathering on a side street and could hear the dulcet tones of a saxamaphone.This could mean only one thing

Preview	Attachment	Size
	Jake and Elwood ... They are on a mission from god !!	2.18 MB

The Blues Brothers show. this is awesome and always has us dancing and clapping along with it.
Having shaken much tail feather we headed over to The Mummy...
Not remembering exactly what this ride was like i popped through the single rider line to see how intense it was..
Having ridden it and finding it no worse than Everest Donna came on it with me.As the line was only ten minutes we managed to do it twice in a row.Donna now has a new favorite ride.

Preview	Attachment	Size
	Not really that scary ;-)	93 KB

Donna purchased a new bracelet from the gift shop as a present to herself for doing the ride.We then headed back to re-try the E.T ride.It was working and with only a ten minute wait we got on the bicycles and everything synched with our names perfectly.
WE strolled a few more gift shops before exiting for lunch at the NASCAR cafe.Both of us chose the quesadilla's and steak.next i might have purchased a couple of items from the store
We went over into Islands of Adventure for a stroll through the park so we could soak up the atmosphere without rushing for any rides.The new Harry Potter expansion is incredible and i would have to say that it is easily the best themed area in any Florida theme park..
once we had completed our meander through the 7 lands (Jurassic river ride was down for refurb ) we headed back to the car and back to our hotel.
Once back at the resort we hopped on a bus for Downtown Disney and went and saw Iron Man 3D at the AMC . Awesome film.We then took a quiet stroll back through the marketplace (and the build a droid station) to the bus stop.Passing through Earl of Sandwich for Tea.Tried the Holiday turkey this time.Very nice indeed

Tuesday 14th

Islands of Adventure

Once again we braved the I4 and headed on up to the universal area but this time we hung a left on citywalk and headed on over to IOA for the park opening.
Straight on over to the wizarding world of Harry Potter.

Preview	Attachment	Size
	Just in case you were unsure of where you were !!	3.06 MB

I can't say enough how impressed with this whole land i was.just make sure you use the public conveniences here as there is a special surprise
We rode the Forbidden Journey twice on the trot with Minimal wait time each time.The ride is just awesome.
Next up for me was the dragon challenge.With a walk on queue i was anticipating doing both dragons in quick order.However after loading onto the front of the Hungarian ridgeback (the ice dragon) we scooted on up the lift hill and this is where it went a bit wrong imho.they were launching the dragons at separate times.this kinda soured the ride for me as a large part of the fun was the near misses (possibly being too fussy).So after riding the one i opted not to do the second dragon as it didn't seem quite right.
we both sampled the local speciality brew (Butterbeer)It was actually very nice so i would advise to try it and not be put off by any negative reviews.

Preview	Attachment	Size
	The Other castle	62.09 KB

We took a short stroll around to Marvell superhero island via the Jurassic gift shops.

Preview	Attachment	Size
	Donna's favorite blond Norse	98.26 KB
	cooler than a nimbus 3000	134.99 KB

First up was the Spiderman ride followed by twice round on the Incredible hulk coaster (single rider lines are awesome for the bigger coasters).
We then headed back over to Hogsmead to ride The Forbidden Journey once more and then for lunch at the Three Broomsticks.We both opted for the shepherd's pie with salad and another frozen Butterbeer each .Suitably lunched up we proceeded out of IOA and across the lagoon back into the studios.
We got straight on to minion mayhem and then caught the parade.

Preview	Attachment	Size
	What a star	2.1 MB

Next up was Revenge of the Mummy ..
We rode this three times in a row

Preview	Attachment	Size
	It all got too much for us .	91.36 KB

We finally got off and headed back round to Men In Black in the hope i wouldn't break it this time.Luck was with us and we duly got two turns round on this ride ( Donna won the first one,Me the second).
After exiting we went straight on over to pets on stage to watch the show.
Once this had kicked out we took a slow stroll towards the exit via the gift shops..... Until i realised i had left a couple of pictures in the locker for MIB (i am such a (insert age appropriate word here)).. 'whilst Donna continued to browse i hurried back to the locker area and,after a 10 minute wait my locker was opened by the person who had rented it after us.Thankfully the photo's were still there and she handed them over to me (nice people still exist).So please note people ALWAYS DOUBLE CHECK YOUR LOCKER BEFORE MOVING ON.. be a Dooright not a Doofus.
With that panic over we finished up the shopping and headed back to the ranch for the evening with a couple of stowaways on board...

Preview	Attachment	Size
	BANANA !!	1.2 MB

Wednesday 15th

Another late start today as we were re-visiting the Florida Mall.
When up there we re-visited ;
M&M's world (that car is soaked )
Old Navy
and also went to
Sketchers
Gap
A t-shirt/shoe shop near the food court
and strangely enough ... Starbucks for and iced caramel crunch frappechino and a muffin.
Back down the I4 to walmart for some jeans and T's and then it was back to the resort and on a bus to ..
EPCOT
Once we had arrived we stopped in to the Electric umbrella for a bite to eat.Chicken nuggets and a bacon cheeseburger.
Once satisfied it was a short hop on over to Mexico to ride EL Rio Del Donald .
Then Norway and we once again braved the trolls and polar bears.
We stopped in the shop on the way out to purchase a new HH rainjacket each with some funds we had been given for christmas.
Then it was off to the Germany pavillion .
Once we had passed the border into Germany we went to Caramel Kuche.We tried a caramel drizzled cookie and were a bit disappointed as we have tasted better.So to make up for this we strolled around to good old Blighty for an iced hazlenut coffee.On our way out of the world showcase we got given a pair of fastpass tickets to test track.Thank you random strangerpeople.With the time a little way off we did Ellen's energy adventure (i actually like this ride).our fastpass time had arrived so we headed over there and managed to design one of the top vehicles of the day on the board as you exit .
We popped over for a quick visit to the great big blue.
As the light was beginning to fade we headed over to our favorite coffee cart and got a ... Hot coffee.
We settled in to watch illuminations from here.
Here is where i will offer some advice to everyone.Always Always Always check which direction the wind is blowing and watch with the wind at your back.Because the fireworks don't seem to reach as high as other show everyone in our area got covered by ash and Donna was hit on the upper arm by a still glowing ember. (
We decided to cut our losses at this point and left before the show had finished.