Thomas cook flight to Orlando MCO

Our check in with Thomas Cook didn't quite go as smoothly as I'd liked the food for the flight, extra clothes I'd packed for my son just in case and the book took us over the weight limit for his back pack. Despite saying the food would be eaten for breakfast the check in lady was having non of it. Asking me to remove it. I found it really distressing given the fact that on the sheet in front of her it also stated we had a disabled allowance. But it made no odds. After placing a few more items in to the suitcase and carrying the food in the carrier bag it was in we were allowed to go.

I know it's their job to ensure that the weights are correct but I think what annoyed me the most was the condescending tone. 

 During the 9 hour flight, we saw a lot of sea and beaches off of the coast of England and the US.

The food was served up around 2 hours into the flight and first round of free drinks within an hour and a half. The choices of drinks were tea, coffee, water or orange juice. There was the choice off buying an alcoholic drink which wasn't too expensive.

TJ's meal was served hot with hard bread roll, butter, a dark chocolate pudding.

I was surprised when he ate all the pasta.

After eating his pasta he then ate my sausages and mash potato. These were again served hot with the additional extras. I managed to try some of the sausages and they were very nice. Highly recommend to any flyers.

The movie choice for the basic package wasn't the best as there was a choice of 2 movies. and 4 television shows. Luckily I took my tablet with a few movies and other shows I wanted to watch on.

TJ read and colored in for an hour then re-watched the same movie he'd already watched again. Guess he must've liked Rio. 

View from the plane of Kennedy space centre was spectacular. 

The staff were lovely and couldn't help out any more with TJ then they did.

We sat the last row of the plane on the left hand side and found there was plenty of leg room. So much so TJ colored on the floor beneath the seat for a little while.

The onscreen map we found brilliant as it kept us up to date with time to land and all other flight details such as speed, temperature and distance travelled.

For the price of the flight I was extremely happy and glad I saved the extra pounds for spending on various other treats over the holiday.

The beginning of the holiday starts TODAY!!

After months of planning the holiday started and better yet the boy still doesn't know.

After finishing school and saying bye to everyone (not forgetting the dogs) for our one night away, we were off two suitcases, two backpacks and one teddy bear named Threadbear.

Two hours and 18 minutes we were pulling in the valet parking at Gatwick airport which is a breeze to find and even easier to find a place to park. 

Once parked we emptied the car of any food and bags and headed to the desk to leave the keys and sign the forms. Unknown to me until this point I could've had my car cleaned inside and out for when we returned at a small extra cost. This would've been perfect if I hadn't had it clean the day before we left Poole. 

The check in to the valet took less then five minutes with minimum paperwork to fill in as it had previously been booked.

When staying at the Bloc hotel, and booking valet parking make sure you ask as you can get 10% off the total.

The Bloc Hotel.

 After Walking across the road and the terminal building we were on a roll with two bags each to manage. Finding the hotel entrance was really easy although the signage was a little confusing to begin with as TJ read it as go straight and not up the escalator.

Once at the top of the escalator the Bloc Hotel is on your left.

 The small reception that looked like a small cosy box to two very nice staff, who were very helpful and polite. Whilst one distracted TJ I found the paperwork to check in, and was directed towards the elevators and room. The elevators will only work with the room keys when trying to access different floors which we didn't realise for a few moments. 

Along the corridor and to the end we walked and accessed our room which had a fantastic view of the runways. 

The room was lovely and clean with a double bed fitted in an alcove area, a television built in to the wall at the foot at head height. One of the ceiling lights is along the far wall of the bed which I found to be bright even though it was a purple color.

The bathroom was a wet room which I didn't realise had two different showers. The showers are controlled by the same tap and whilst investigating the taps I managed to get soaked in the process. 

The tablet that is on the wall by the bed controls the lights all around the room and the thermostat.

 

Checking out of the hotel was as easy as ABC gather your things, head down the elevator and drop your key in the box by reception. 

This was a lot less stressful then any other hotel I've stayed in the night before. Next time I go away I'm definitely booking to stay again.  

Hotter shoes 10th Anniversary ....I whimped out !!

Standing at the bottom of the platform wearing my mint Stellar Hotter Shoes, my head started spinning and stomach started churning and this was just looking up at the 60 ft tower, so who could blame me right?

I was nervous about the zip wire but excited at the same time. Now I love roller coasters and assumed this would be very similar. So decided to try and go with the flow and realized that due to weight I couldn't ride, which was really disappointing but also a huge relief.

To all the lovely ladies that celebrated the #HotterBournemouth10thAninniversary and took the zip wire down the 820ft line to the beach my hat goes off to you.

I wore my Hotter shoes to the event which I found to be so comfortable and light. The mesh material used on the outside of the shoe allowed my feet to breathe and at the panic point during the afternoon I was glad it did!

Whilst walking on the beach and along the decking of the pier I noticed how fantastic the leather soles felt on my feet. The lightweight durable soles were able to take the strain of hard to soft textures allowing ample support for my feet and ankles.  

When waiting for each person to soar through the skies on the zip wire I also noticed how my feet did not hurt and having flat feet this felt amazing to have the support that my feet require. 

I cannot push anyone in to buying but I recommend at least going to try a pair or three on, so you can feel for yourself how wonderful they feel on your feet. 

If your an active person like me - by this I mean always on your feet then do take a look at Hotters active wear collection online. 

         

Admiral young drivers lesson

My nephew took a drivers lesson a few weeks back with Admiral young drivers. My oldest nephew is 13 yrs old and way to tall as he towers over me.

There are to types of driving sessions which are designed for either 5 - 10  or 10 - 17 year old children/ teens.

The choices of different style cars to drive varied also from driving a small manual  or automatic car to driving a Bentley.

J had the 30 minute driving session which was very easy to follow instructions that were given by the instructors.

After going through the safety talk the fun began. 

When arriving there isn't many seats in the waiting area So best to turn up with 30  minutes before you are do to do the lesson.

Going up in the lift you can see the car park courses set up with lots of cones for each obstacle and area. 

The person who signs you into the driving area were very friendly and helpful and prepared for a response for any questions. 

After 20 minutes J was in the car and extremely nervous about driving. At this point It was obvious how fantastic the driver instructors are with each different lesson they all very calm and patient with all students not just J. With no driving experience at all he was very nervous and within 5 minutes relaxing into the driving seat.

Travelling through the coned road area's they practiced varied maneuvers including clutch control and start/stop. After this was driving round a cone roundabout and then down a ramp. after doing this area about 20 times J was then asked to drive down a ramp. Reverse parking was next and into a space. The instructor had to help J with this as he found it difficult.

After finishing J had his drivers diary signed and finished his lesson.

"I really like the driving lesson because they told you every thing but you had to wait a long time and there wasn't many seats to sit on if you got there early. The instructor was very helpful and told me how to change gear and how to revers park.  experience was amazing and very fun."

From J

 

Researching the best offers in Orlando Fl.

Only a few people know that I am planning my trip to Orlando in the near future. When I don't exactly know but with the rate of the pound to the dollar at the moment I am struggling with my budget.
I started this week by looking into companies that offer sign up sheets and discounts for eateries and shortlisted a few around the 192 area as this is where I'm intending on staying.  These are what I've come up with so far although if anyone else reading this blog can think of any more then please by all means let me know as I'm sure others would be interested. As a tip only sign up the week before you visit as the vouchers don't last more then two weeks.

Food

Blackangus.com - steak house

Ponderosaorlando.com - buffet steakhouse

Perkinsrestaurants.com - all day food and pie!

Restaurants.Ihop.com - pancakes and more.

Goldencorral.com - buffet

Cicis.com - buffet , Italian

Outback.com - seafood and steak house

Tgifridays.com - American style food

Locations.crackerbarrel.com - old country comfort food

Olivegarden.com - Italian

Flipperspizzeria.com - Pizza restaurant

fuddruckers.com - American style food

tonyromas.com/location/international-drive/ - ribs seafood steak

sweettomatoes.com -( im not entirely sure but have been told its nice food)

longhornsteakhouse.com/…/o…/orlando-international-drive/5502 - steakhouse

millersalehouse.com - American style food

brunos192.com - Italian

Shops

Walmart.com/store/5299/coupons - supermarket

mallatmillenia.com - millenia mall

Activities

Bonanzagolf.com - mini golf

Gatorland.com/public/specials-and-promotions/coupon/index.cfm  - gatorland $2.50 off admission 

wildfloridairboats.com/deals-for-humans/ - airboat rides discounts for all

Not forgetting Groupon Orlando which has some fantastic deals throughout the year.

If your visiting on hoiday ensure to sign up to for additional information on orlando area.

Ideas and guidance 

http://www.experiencekissimmee.com/

http://www.osc.org/

https://www.orlandoattractiontickets.co.uk/ 

Apps 

visitorlando.com

disney exprience 

Landry's

kids eat free

Seaworld 

kissimmee travel guide

There are probablly 100's more that I have not added so please feel free to share in the comments box.

when signing up instead of having the different marketing come through to your normal email account perhaps look into opening up another account just for your holiday?

Weymouth sea life centre

Having visited the sea life centre in Weymouth over 7 years ago. I expected the place to be really run down and not as much fish as there actually were.

 When going into the park there is a restaurant on the left and a few other attractions in which you can visit.Car parking is not free and costs from 80p upwards depending on how much time and how busy the sealife centre is so allow for plenty of time.

I was surprised as it was looking a little shabby but all the areas were in the process of being remodeled and new playgrounds being built within the grounds.

The route in which the booklet helps guide you through the different areas was a little dated as was the park but that didn't stop us having a fun experience throughout the 2 hours we were there.  

 Whilst looking around at the mixture of sea creatures its clear to see that the tanks are kept clean at all times and that the fish are cared for a great deal.

My favourite tanks are  the urchins, sea horses and the lion fish. Whether its because I used to keep these myself makes for happy memories.

There is a restaurant on site but as I wanted vegetables we ventured off in the car on a 5 minute drive which was recommend by a local.

The food at the harvester was very filling and was priced well. 

The service was not the best but it was busy, and I expected the service to be a little slower then the normal. I didnt get to take any photos of the meal although I wish I had as it was lovely, but by the time it had been served up I was starving and couldn't wait any longer. 

Motissfont - national trust

Our trip this weekend took us an hour and a half to find. With the sat nav guiding us to the front door of Mottisfont.
Mottisfont is part of the National trust and can be found just outside Romsey in Hampshire.

The grounds are lovely with a secret garden hidden behind walls, a fast flowing river hidden far beyond the fields that belong to Mottisfont.
The breathtaking scenery as far as the eye can see is beautiful.

Bearing in mind that Saturday had been non stop rain all day and night, we still decided to venture to the grounds.

When walking in the grounds the first thing we saw was a young boy around the age of 12 covered head to toe in mud. He said he'd slipped over playing tag with his friends in one of the play area's.

Taking the dogs along the path next to the stream we came across a wooden play area that was surrounded by mud. This had to of been where the young boy had fallen. The trail was arranged in a circular pattern with various obstacles to scale and balance along, which would've been great fun for TJ if it hadn't of been so wet and slippery. Within five minutes he'd had enough of doing the splits on numerous obstacles.

The next stop was where the river splits and causes an over flow point. Now this area is fantastic for the kids. There's an area that feeds of so the kids can pump the water into a trough with different levels. Each level has a barrier which can be raised to allow water to pass through.

The river falls across a smooth stone based area in which if anyone is feeling brave can walk across before it approaches the small waterfall area.

Continuing around the grounds there is an old fishing Hut which has been perfectly preserved with decorations for the keenest of fishermen/women. The stables which is also where the bathrooms are located and a restaurant. Although the price are a little expensive it's no different to any other national trust site.

The main house has 3 different levels which can be accessed via different areas. Ground floor can be accessed through the side of the building. Around the at the maids entrance towards the back you can find a small door which leads upstairs to the first floor.
Ive not visited the second floor but have been told it is trickier to find as you need to ask a staff member to visit it because of the very small staircase. Here you can find an alligator in the bath tub. (A former member of the household once kept one in the tub, and so the tradition is kept going with this stuffed reptile).