DAY 13
MON 23rd OCT 2000
Up
at 7:00 to begin packing. We are returning to WDW today and Tam
wants to stop at the Belz Mall on the way through, hence her
keenness for an early start. We have had breakfast and are in the
car by 9:00.
It is sad to be leaving Vero Beach but I am looking forward to
being back in WDW even more. This time we take the direct route
up I95 with Tammy cursing every car that passes us, after all
they might be going shopping. We don't want one more person in
front of us at the check out now do we?
The drive is uneventful and we are in the car park at Belz by
11:00. Now I have to be honest here and confess that the shopping
goes less painfully than I expect. (I know, I know, I'm shocked
too!) By far our biggest outlay is on CD's. I manage to lay my
grubby little mitts on CD's by Green Day, The Violent Femmes and
Barenaked Ladies. Tam buys a greatest hits album by Roxette. Yes,
I did try to talk her out of it, but, what can I say, she's
musically challenged.
Georgia buys a Christina Aguillera (sp?) CD which shows how she
is growing up. This time last year it would have been the
Teletubbies or something similar. According to Georgia Christina
Aguillera is 'cool' and 'ex'.
India is looking for the Fantasmic! CD but can't find it. She'll
have to get it in Epcot tomorrow. We have lunch in the mall and
much to my amazement we are back in the car by 1:30. I can hardly
believe it but wisely keep my big mouth shut for fear that Tammy
might change her mind, decide it's only half time and rush back
in for the another go.
Off to Goodings for a few bits and pieces and cookies and sweets
for work colleagues
On to the Boardwalk Villas where we check in at 2:30 and our room
is ready! This time we have a preferred view room number 3064, on
the third floor, just 2 rooms from the elevators. Our balcony
overlooks the main pool and also gives a lovely view of the Swan.
I
could not be happier. Much as I have enjoyed Vero Beach, I really
feel like I have come home. We even had a 'Welcome home' from the
lady at check in.
We unpack quickly and take a walk around. as we leave the room we
turn left to follow the corridor along to the end as I have read
a lot of people complaining about the distance from the elevators
to the farthest rooms. They are not wrong as we have to walk
quite a way to the end. Here we find a place called the Attic
Lounge (or it may have been Room.) The doors are shut but I try
one and it opens so in we go. The room is lovely with comfy
chairs and sofas all over the place and large windows giving a
panoramic view over the Boardwalk. Outside is a patio (directly
above Jellyrolls) and we take a couple of photos. As we leave the
Attic Lounge there is a CM coming along with a trolley loaded
with drink. I am starting to think that this is not a guest area.
Back at Guest Services I ask about this room and am told that it
is only for private parties, convention groups etc. Oh dear.
Never mind, at least I have seen something that most guests never
get to see. If you get the chance to have a peek inside then take
it as it really is beautiful.
We wander along the Boardwalk and go into the DVC presentation
area where we ask to see our DVC guide Bobby. He is not working
until Wednesday so perhaps we will see him then. While there we
ask to see around a 2 bedroom unit (which is really a 1 bedroom
plus studio) to see what our accommodation will be like next
year. Wow, it really is spectacular. I haven't finished this
years holiday and I'm already looking forward to next year.
The main pool is next where a beer is purchased for me along with
a vodka and citrus cocktail for Tam and drinks for the girls.
With tip it comes to $13. Oh well, we are celebrating our return
home. We walk around to the quiet pool with our drinks and I sit
and write up the trip report while the girls enjoy a late
afternoon dip.
Back in the room the girls have a shower and Tam and I enjoy a
beer on the balcony. It's one of those very special times when
you are so relaxed and at ease that all seems right with the
world. The view is lovely and the sounds of people enjoying
themselves in the pool seems to fit in perfectly with the moment.
All too soon the girls are done and it's time for us to get
ready. To give Tammy her due, she has been in commando mode when
it comes to getting ready for the evening on this holiday. By
that I mean that it takes her half an hour to get ready rather
than the usual interminable length of time. England could lose a
Test Match in the same time it takes her to apply makeup.
(Cricket, for my American friends.) Mind you, why should I
complain, it gives me time for another beer.
Tam asks if I'm turning into an alcoholic. (Jokingly!) No, I'm
just on holiday and relaxing. I employ the classic Stringer
counter 'Well, are you becoming a food-a-holic?) Humorous, eh? By
the look of her stomach she is definitely ahead on points. (Ducks
as empty beer bottle misses head by inches.)
We are off to the Kona Cafe in the Polynesian so we catch the bus
to the Magic Kingdom. As it draws up at 7:00 the park is just
closing for the day. As we walk past the gates on the way to the
monorail I get a sort of tingle that makes me feel I am where I
belong. I ask Tammy if she feels the same and she says 'No, it
doesn't feel that long since we were last here.' That's the
difference between us, Tam likes it, I love it.
I don't even want to go in particularly, just being around makes
me feel good.
We get the monorail round to the Poly. There is quite a variation
in the dress of the people on board as some are leaving the park
after a long day while others are dressed up for an evening meal
at one of the resort restaurants. At the Poly we are seated at
the Kona Cafe within 5 minutes of arrival. We start with Prawn
and Shrimp Potstickers (8.5). Our entrees are Beef Teriyaki with
Sticky Rice (6 - too spicy) and Herb Crusted Chicken with
Parmesan Mash (8.0). The girls share a kids ice cream cone with
M&M's on top. Total is $68. The food is of good quality but
just not quite to our taste, a little over spicey.
The Poly is a lovely place at night with all the flowing water
and vegetation. We go outside but unfortunately the main dock and
pool area are being refurbished. Also the flaming torches are not
working, which makes it a little difficult to get around.
Down on the beach we watch the Electrical Water Pageant. There
are one or two other people watching but that's all, so when a
large round of applause breaks out when it's finished I look
around to see what's going on. I hadn't noticed all the people
sat on their balconies overlooking the Seven Seas Lagoon. Now
that is some view.
We get a taxi back ($13 with tip) and are in bed by 10:30.