Nobody really wanted to get up today but as the girls wanted to round off Hollywood Studios, we knew that we had to. We weren’t rope-drop early, but still got there before crowds got too big. First stop was Tower of Terror as I knew if we waited the girls would change their minds. Polly almost didn’t go through with it at one point, but we finally made it onto my favourite ride. Neither came off in tears (although Winnie was doing a kind of laugh/ nearly cry/ slightly hysterical combo, but we distracted her with a new Tower of Terror pin) and Polly actually loved it.
Next stop was Rock and Rollercoaster. As we were about to enter the queue, I spotted a friend from my village growing up. I don’t think I’ve seen him for about 25 years, even though we live relatively close to each other, and then I bump into him at Disney!! It was a lovely surprise. Polly gave one of her 50th medallions to his youngest daughter as she was looking for someone special to give it to, and said she was perfect.
Winnie practically skipped along the queue, seemingly holding onto the idea that after Tower of Terror she could do anything! She even planned a photo pose for the start. I don’t think she quite banked on the speed of the ride. I think my hand lost all circulation with her gripping onto me. Still, she did it and my visions of being the bad mum trying to console the wailing child is forced onto the ride didn’t come true, so I’m taking it as a win.
We then did Muppets and Slinky Dog before getting a quick bite to eat at Pizzerizzo. The food is not great but it’s air conditioned and there’s a cool little dance floor upstairs with glitter ball and disco lights that the girls liked.
Polly wasn’t feeling great still after the rollercoasters, so decided on a nap at the room. Steve obviously joined her, so Winnie and I went to the pool. After about an hour the pool closed, so we went and sat on the chairs in the corridor near our room to wait for the others to wake up. Except then didn’t, so an hour later when the pool reopened, we headed back outside! Steve & Polly did eventually join us, and the girls had a play in the pool before taking part in a paid activity to make ice cream, which was fun.
We decided on Sanaa to go for tea, so Polly & I walked to pick up our order. It was lovely to have some time with her after having special time with Winnie this afternoon. The Sanaa food was a good as ever (we get two bread services and two kids butter chicken and rice, and it works perfectly for us) and we then decided to head down to toast some marshmallows before heading to Kidani for the starlight safari. We always have to allow excess time for this as my two nervous Nellies hold the marshmallows raft far from the flame that I think the sun actually toasts them faster than the fire!!
We’ve never done the Starlight Safari before as Winnie was too young (you have to be 8) or it was too late at night, but I spotted the 8.30pm slot this time and grabbed it as an extra birthday treat for Polly. You check in outside Kidani and sign a waiver before getting onto a huge open sided jeep where you’re given a night vision scope. The tour guide then talks to you and answers questions as you drive around the resort safari spotting animals. It was really good, and the girls absolutely loved it (Winnie never stopped asking questions!) It’s an hour long but goes really quickly and I’d definitely recommend it.
Tomorrow, we have Magic Kingdom booked but may just have a rest day instead.
Doodle & Peg Do Disney 