Florida days


So after settling into the villa and realising that the wifi didn't work ( that's a disaster when you are are a16 year old boy that cant survive without your phone being connected !! ) - remember that the USA isn't on the free roam data packages most of us have, it's either going to cost you a small fortune, or you need to get by with the free Wi-Fi that's almost everywhere ( supermarkets, restaurants etc)

We decide to head out to the supermarket to send an email to the villa people and get some provisions, after spending what seems like an in ordinate amount on the copious goodies that were displayed, we decide to head to Disney springs https://www.disneysprings.com/ It's been a few years since we came here last, but boy it's seen some changes ( bigger and better ). The place is buzzing, music, shops entertainment. You can easily lose many $$ just on the foody treats alone ! We just wander and soak up the atmosphere with a cheeky few drinks thrown in.













The day's travelling has caught up with  us, so we head back to base for some welcome rest, ( and hopefully some answers to the Wi-Fi! ) We check the advice on the Wi-Fi ( turn it/ on etc ) try this and that...no joy. Oh well I'm sure we'll survive.

No trip to Florida would be complete without a trip to the outlets - it's amazing how many hours you can while away buying those clothes that just scream bargain at you, the parking's free and the food court sells decent food when you get a bit peckish. The outlets are huge and if you search hard enough you can get some real branded bargains - Nike, Hilfiger, Under Armour, Polo, etc etc I'm a real sucker for trainers and shoes ! With weary feet and a credit card that is crying we head back to the villa and the pool.


Up at reasonable time to drive East to the Space Centre - it always fascinates me what and how they achieved, not so fascinating for a16 year old boy it appeared !! It's one of the cheaper Florida attractions and worth fitting into your  itinery if your looking for a day away from the parks or shops.













Another favourite is Boggy Creek airboats, https://bcairboats.com/ again not hellishly expensive, and you can just turn up for their half hour rides. They generally put you on a boat in about an hour or  so.. probably a ploy to get you spend some time spending money in the bar, or if you've got kids doing some of the activities. Anyway it is warm and sunny so a drink and while away the hour before our allotted time.

We sit at the front , put the ear defenders on - it's loud ! and off we go racing through the creek stopping occasionally to see the Gators and other wild life. The boat captains are very good and usually have some good stories and Banter.








Over the next few days the Wi-Fi gets fixed ( hooray !) more shopping, eating, generally mooching, relaxing . One thing that seemed different this time was the traffic way more than I remember so everything takes an age to travel to even though we're only a few miles from the attractions.

No trip would be complete without exploring International Drive I Drive for eating/drinking etc here's  just a few, literally everything is there to suit your taste buds. 







If your still wanting a bit of adrenaline try Icon Park, with it's skyride and big wheel  icon park
Not if you don't like heights !!


 
For a bit more of a relaxed step back in time, Ice Cream , small artisan type little shops try Celebration, not much for a youngster but us oldies sure appreciate the change in pace ! 




Last day, and out of the villa by 11.00 hrs filling in a a few hours with crazy golf , a meal, then the short drive back to the airport, literally drop off the car and the short walk to the new terminal, no wait at the check in desk, then straight through to the lounge (which we had pre booked) - the food is adequate but you can watch the planes go by whilst drinking and the seats are a bit more comfy than the hard ones in the terminal ( especially if your flights delayed !! ) beware this lounge is used by all the airlines so it gets busy !!











The overnight flight was Spent in Premium Economy ( larger more comfy seats , more recline, better food etc ) for me t's money well spent as a 6ft man scrunched up for a long flight doesn't enthral me anymore !! We land to a cold UK .. time to look to the next trip......

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