A Train to the Animal Kingdom

Thursday Evening 5th April

Another experience for the kids. We are on an overnight train from Washington to Orlando, that means Sleeper Cabins. Two per cabin and Pa on his own. We got our bags on and stowed while the children excitedly explored each cabin, bunk beds, one that lowers from the ceiling. Claire, my room mate eagerly asked “can I have the top bunk”, not sure why she thought I would want it!!!! Then the fold down basin and the toilet, the light controls and heat controls. All very interesting to kids who have never been on an overnight train before. It wasn’t long and we were off on our 20 hour trip heading south to warmer weather. Our Steward, Preston Ross, came along and talked to us all, worked out how we were all connected, told us not to worry about the “Crankies” next door who have already asked to be moved because they need to sleep (at 4pm) and the kids were making a bit of noise. Eventually we all settled down to watch the world go by and day fade into night. A gorgeous sunset and some dinner, which we had prepared before we left our Amish house. Then later bed time. As I said I had Claire with me. She was still firing on all cylinders and chatted and giggled and switched lights on and off until just after ten and then at 5.30 a little voice said “are you awake Ma”. And so started my day. We arrived in Orlando about 10.30 ish and caught Uber cars to the Budget Depot where we picked up our hire car, another Chev Suburban. Just as well it’s a big vehicle, we need it for the luggage and everyone to fit. We can’t check in to accommodation until 4pm so we found a Outlet Shopping Centre for some lunch and then some shopping.

We are staying at the Westgate Town Centre Resort and have a lovely two bedroom Villa with extra foldout beds. It’s very well set up, there is 4000+ rooms, 14 pools, a water park, a shopping and restaurant area all within the complex. Tristram and Philip head to book Disney tickets and get groceries and Joanne and I take the kids to our closest pool. A great way to end the day.

Friday

Off to the Animal Kingdom. (our accommodation is only a 10 minute drive away). Our first Disney World day today. The kids were excited and keen to try some rides. We had a great, long day and they all coped pretty well. Claire took Pa on the Expedition Everest with Hugh and Tristram later in the day while Lilly, Joanne and I watched the Nemo musical. The highlight of the day for all of us though was the Spectacular Rivers of Light show at 8.30pm. An awesome spectacle of light, music, laser lights and water. Then back to our accommodation for ice cream and bed.

(P- the train trip was fantastic and all enjoyed. It brought lots of memories to Joanne’s mind as she recalled some of our train travel adventures in Europe many years ago – it really is a great way to travel .

Orlando is the second largest “Tourist trap” in the USA (after Las Vegas), with around 125,000 hotel rooms !! If there is a Theme Park to be had it is in the area. They are masters of moving people and making them “Feel good” by the rides and attractions at the parks. Lining up for 50 – 120 minutes for a 2- 3 minute adrenaline rush seems to keep the crowds happy. (If you calculate the time each day waiting for rides (even with a fast pass for some rides) the humble tourist pays a small fortune for the privilege of lining up and waaaaaiiiiittttting! – not to mention the small fortune people pay for overpriced crappy “souvenirs” on offer! – I guess that’s the Business side of me showing out.

However it was a pleasure and was awesome to share the rides with the family and the smiles on their faces after the rides etc. (Pa did sneak off to have a couple of hours siesta thru the day and was very pleased he had his ear plugs to help combat the noise! ). After 12 hrs of rides and waiting I asked the kids what was best – the majority view was the “ River of Light show” in the evening! Not the rides. There was around 80,000 people at the Park yesterday, a very different scenario to our Amish Farm stay and I guess the Florida Everglades will be tomorrow. We will return for a couple more days “Theme Parking” just before the adventure ends.