Home at Last

We arrived home yesterday and the journey didn't seem as bad as the way out. I'm still very tired though.

I hope to put up the rest of the photos to flickr and to upload some videos to youtube over the next few days.

The Final Day

Back to the Magic Kingdom for the last day. We weren't as early as I had hoped but we seemed to be about an hour or so ahead of the masses. Marty, Donal & Martin did Splash Mountain and Thunder Mountain (twice) before the queues started to build.

We all met up at the Winnie the Poo ride and also did the Snow White ride (both strictly for kids). Everyone except me did the racing cars and and had a good time. We got to see Micky's 3-D movie - fantastic. After lunch we went on Buzz Lightyear (excellent) and the Stitch ride.

After the afternoon parade we left early for a quick trip to Downtown Disney and back to the pool where everybody is currently enjoying themselves.

Later this eening, we'll have to tidy & pack, ready for the loooooooong journey home tomorrow.

Anyway, you are keeping me from the pool so TTFN.

Back to Seaworld

Today we went back to Seaworld and we met up with Sheila's friend Karin and her 3 kids. We got to see the Dolphin show and Sea lion show. These were great - the sea lion show was really a pantomime with sea lions. We also got to see Penguins and Puffins.

We came home early as some of the kids wilted in the heat. After a quick dip in the cold pool, we had dinner. Mary & Martin went off to buy a camera for Treasa.

Tomorrow, we hope to get out early and have a full day in the Magic Kingdom.

Back to the Beach

Today we went to blizzard Beach - another Disney water park. It's not as good as Typhoon Lagoon. It has a bobbing pool which is not nearly as good or as warm as the Surf Pool in TL. The place was packed too. The boys managed to do a couple of slides before the queues became too long. The afternoon was spend having lunch, riding the river and lying out in the sun. Later in the afternoon, people began to leave and the queues got a bit shorter so we managed to to a few more slides before the park closed. Overall a good time was had by all, despite the crowds.

Afterwards, we all went to Walmart so the kids could do their shopping. We were there for ages and only arrived home at 10pm.

Going to have dinner soon. Sorry no photos today, just too tired.

3, 2, 1 Lift Off. The Dalys go into Space

Today we went to Kennedy Space Center to see the big rockets. As the boys were so slow to get out of bed, we got there a bit late and didn't get to do everything. We did get to see some of the old space rockets and a 3-D IMAX movie about the International Space Station.

We took a bus tour and saw the launch pads for the Saturn rockets and Space Shuttles (from a distance). We also saw a Saturn rocket in all it's parts. Unfortunately, we did not have time to see where they put together the bits for the International Space Station.

We had hoped to see the Space Shuttle land but it was delayed so we decided to head home. We saw some alligators as we drove out of the space center.

It's a Jungle out there

Today was a bit of a wash out. After yesterday's hedonistic heights, it would have been hard for Disney's Animal Kingdom to measure up but it was a zoo - literally and figuratively.

We saw a very good 3-D movie - It's tough being a Bug. But outside was absolutely mobbed. Just standing around was an ordeal. Dublin Zoo is a far better experience. So we bugged out at lunchtime. Lunch was at Denny's Diner again and then back to lounge around our pool and snooze for a couple of hours (I guess yesterdays efforts had their effect).

The evening was spent at a local shop trying to spend our dollars. Áine bought a li-low for the pool and Micheal bought a computer game. The others are waiting for a better opportunity to blow their wads.

Here is a photo of our bus, just in case you missed the pure scale of the thing.

The plan is to hit Cape Canaveral tomorrow. We may even get to see the shuttle landing.

A Tale of Two Disney Parks

Today was a long one, hence this blog being so late.

We got up and out a little earlier than usual. We went back to Typhoon Lagoon, the water park. Today the place was deserted - probably because it was quite cold in the morning. We had every slide done at least twice by about 2pm - there were no queues. Áine got to do a good few of them and Sheila did a few. Ronan was cameraman for the day as it was too chilly for him. All in all, this was probably the highlight of the tour so far.

Sheila suggested that, instead of staying there all day, that we could do another park in the afternoon/evening. So, after a light lunch at Waffle House, we went to Epcot. This was reasonably busy but, by avoiding the longer queues, we were able to do a good few rides. Even Sheila was suckered into doing some. We did Ellen's Energy Adventure, Missing: SPACE, Honey I Shrunk the Audience and Living with the Land (boring). We stayed on till 9pm to see the fireworks and light show. Finaly we got home at about 10pm.

The current thinking is that we may go to Cape Canaveral tomorrow.

By the Way, Treasa & gang in Doughty, I think the battery on the laptop is knackered. But I'm disappointed to hear that the power lead isn't working properly. It was fine when I left, though getting a little twisted.

Blogging by the Pool

This episode is brought to you from the poolside at the Solana Resort. It's a tough job but somebody has to do it.

Yesterday was a rest/pool/shopping day. Martin, Mary & Ronan went shopping while the others stayed at home. The morning was spent at the resort pool (see photo) but it rained in the afternoon. Sharon arrived at lunchtime with meals-on-wheels from McDonalds.

Ronan bought a very nice new video camera, despite having a credit card that was 6 years out of date. It was all that I could do to stop Mary buying another one. Mary & I managed to track down some chocolate Easter bunnies which we doled out this evening.

We spent the evening vegging indoors due to the weather. The women went out for dinner as the rest of us had been fed and had no notion of going out. Sharon left later after a lovely evening was had by all.

Today was spent at Sea World. This was very good - kind of a mixture of Zoo, Animal Shows and Rides. We only managed to do some of the attractions - we will definitely have to make use of our second day. The highlight (for the adults anyway) was the Shamu show - killer whales showing off. See video for a taster.

Despite it being a Sunday, it didn't seem too busy and we weren't waiting too long for anything. We left about 5:30 so we could get home for a bit of time in the warm resort pool. The only thing keeping me out of the water is this blog so I'm going to wrap it up pretty quick.

We have no plans yet for tomorrow. I suggested a water park and that idea seemed to go down well. It'll probably be Blizzard Beach as we haven't done that yet, though I'd suggest Typhoon Lagoon again as the kids really loved it, despite not having seen very much of it.

And on the seventh day, they rested

Today is a rest day. The plan is to lounge around the pool which is just as well - I never thought I would see the day that Donal Daly would wake up, turn over and go back to sleep! There is to be an egg hunt in about 30 minutes. If the Dalys can be roused, they will join in.


Yesterday's big news is that Mickey Mouse got to meet the Dalys. When asked, Mickey said "This is the greatest day of my life".

We went to Disney's Hollywood Studios with Sharon and had a great time. We got to go on the Star Wars ride - even Sheila was suckered into it. Later we saw the Muppets in 3-D. Believe me, you haven't seen the Muppets until you've seen them in 3-D.

We were at the Jedi training class. Unfortunately, none of the Dalys were picked for the class but it was a good show nonetheless. There is some video below for the O'Donoghues.

Later, we went to the Animation Studio. There was a short presentation which was funny. This is where Mickey go to meet the children. Then the kids were shown how to draw Goofy. You will be able to see the fruits of their lesson when we get home.




The weather this morning is overcast and not as warm. Mary & I are treating ourselves to an American breakfast. Later, we may go shopping. Don't forget to look at the flickr site. I have added photos from yesterday. http://flickr.com/photos/martinflynn/sets/72157603866699604/

Any news from home? Don't forget to email as we'd love to hear from our adoring fans.

It's Friday so we're off to Hollywood Studios

On a tight schedule as we are on our way out.

Last night was the coldest so far - everybody had to wear jumpers. We saw the parade and fireworks. I have added some photos (good & bad) to Flickr http://flickr.com/photos/martinflynn/sets/72157603866699604/. See some video below.




Today's plan is to meet Sharon (this didn't happen yesterday) and go to Hollywood Studios (aka MGM studios).

Thursday is for shopping

The Flynns spent today shopping. Mostly shoes. The Dalys lolled by the pool and played with the Playstation - Lego Starwars seems to be the game of choice. After yesterday's exertions they were slow to leave their beds so the rest seemed like a good idea.

After dinner, the plan is to head to the Magic Kingdom for the evening parade and fireworks.

More news tomorrow.

It's Wednesday so it must be Waterpark Day

Rewind to Tuesdady evening... Mary & I bought phones in Walmart before dinner.

The Sudbays called around yesterday evening for dinner. Rita has dislocated her shoulder and broken her upper arm. She will need to have a pin implanted when she gets home. Even still, she was in good form. We had a couple of sideshows: Karin showed us photos of Chuck & rita's 50th wedding anniversary. I showed the photos & video of the days events.

Today we hit Typhoon Lagoon. It's a water park with a big wave pool in the middle. The water was really warm and every couple of minutes, a huge wave crashed onto the shore. Very popular with all the children! Another popular feature was a river that flowed around the park. You pick up an inflatable ring at one stop and sit on it as it meanders through the park. Get off at any stop you like. It's much nicer that it sounds.

The girls did the river ride again and Áine went on some of the kids rides. Click on the video to see her in action. Meanwhile, the boys went on one of the bigger water slides. After a long queue, we sat on inflatables and shot down an around the slide. Donal, Ronan & Marty seemed to love it but Micheál (with me) wasn't so sure. I think the chute we went down was a bit more exciting than the others.

After lunch it was back on the river ride and wave pool until the park closed & we left. We got dinner and went shopping on the way home. After a quick supper, the kids went to bed.

Today's (Thursday) plan is for most of the adults to go shopping in the afternoon and the kids lounge by the pool. As of now (10:00) they are all in bed. Later, we plan going to the Magic Kingdom to see the parade & fireworks.

Sorry this episode is so late but you'll have to get used to it.

The Magic Kingdom at last

On day three of their epic, the Dalys finally entered the Magic Kingdom.

While Aine was making a stir in a teacup and visiting Mickey & Minnie's houses, Donal & Marty were rocking & rolling on Goofy's Barnstormer. Later, we all joined up to visit the Haunted Mansion & It's a Small World. A good time was had by all. The queue's were quite long for the bigger roller coasters so we decided to visit Tom Sawyer's Island instead. This was a big hit with everybody. Especially the Rickety Barrel Bridge and Fort Langhorn.

After a very busy morning & afternoon, we all returned home and the Daly's hit the pool. Mammy Daly is falling in love with the hot tub.

At last, ye have arrived!

A cold swim, first thing in the morning, is just what the Dalys love.

After a very long journey from Ireland, via New York, the Dalys have finally arrived in Orlando. Not put off by jet-lag, the Dalys got up early in the morning and jumped into the cold swimming pool. The warm weather took the edge off the chill.

In the afternoon, they went for lunch with Chuck, Rita and Karin Sudby. We went to Denny's Diner and had a lovely meal. Even Áine ate it all up.

As we were still tired from our journey, it was decided, not to head straight for Disney World. Instead we went to Downtown Disney. We got an ice-cream and went shopping. Donal bought a pen and Mickey Mouse teddy. Áine bought a pen. Micheál and Martin decided to wait before deciding what to buy with their Disney Dollars.

Then the women went shopping for groceries and the boys went home. Marty is playing with the playstation and the rest of us have gone up to the big pool.

The weather is very warm, but with a nice breeze, and we are having a great time so far.

We are traveling in a very big bus. There is lots of space inside but it is a bit hard to park.

The Dalys are going to Disney

These four lucky children don't know it yet, but they will be going to Disney at Easter.

Martin, Micheal, Donal and Aine will accompany their Parents, aunt Mary and uncle Martin on a 2 week trip to Disney World in Florida.

On Sunday, 16 March, they will fly from Dublin to New York and then on to Orlando Florida.


On Sunday, 30 March, they will fly from Orlando to Atlanta and then on to Dublin. The journey is so long that they will not arrive until Monday, the following day!