Today’s forecast showed the possibility of some showers later in the day, so we decided to make the most of the bright start and enjoy more early morning time by the pool.
By noon, though, we were ready to go out and settled on Disney Springs for lunch, planning to use the Groupon I’d bought for the Earl of Sandwich.
We were aiming for the Lime Garage but ended up in the Grapefruit one instead — a first for us, as I don’t think it’s ever had the privilege of our custom before. We parked easily and walked over the two bridges, emerging beside the enormous Disney store. We tried to use it as a cut-through — silly idea really, as there were millions of people spending zillions of dollars on things that look great while walking round Disney, but are not quite the same on a cold December evening back in Norfolk.
At the Earl of Sandwich, Karen grabbed a table outside while Neil and I sorted the order. Karen and I both had the most substantial Chicken Caesar Wraps ever, while Neil went for the “Full Montagu”, which seemed to contain one of every possible ingredient.
As we sat munching, we had, on one side, a family with the best-behaved three children imaginable; on the other, parents who clearly had no idea how to control theirs. The worst of it was that they let them scrape heavy metal chairs across the concrete — a sound that, as anyone who’s been to Disney Springs will know, could cut through steel. I really thought Neil was going to say something at one point as the noise drilled through all our heads.
We wandered about for a while, including Neil’s usual wistful request to eat in the STK restaurant, where steaks seem to start at $129 each. We then had a hot drink from Starbucks and sat people-watching near the tethered balloon, which wasn’t flying due to the weather. Those “weather conditions” soon darkened into ominous clouds, and we wisely decided to head for shelter before the forecasted rain arrived.
We just made it to the M&M’s shop when the heavens opened. There’s only so long you can spend looking at M&M’s — even if they come in every shade imaginable and can have your face printed on them — so when cabin fever hit, we dashed across to the House of Blues shop for a change of scenery. By the time we’d finished there, the rain had completely cleared, as only Florida weather can manage.
We strolled back to the car, and I was, as ever, baffled, bemused, and slightly horrified by many of the other people there — their size, choice of clothing, and my perennial favourite… tattoos.
I know I’m overweight, but some people here make me look positively anorexic. I get that nobody wants to be just skin and bone, but honestly, I worry that if I sat too long in one place, someone might mistake me for a Scooby Snack.
As for fashion — I’m no Anton du Beke (the only person I can think of who’s always properly turned out), but really, some of the outfits on display were beyond comprehension.
And don’t get me started on tattoos. It seems worse among the British tourists — men and women alike. I just don’t understand paying good money to have a stranger draw all over you, permanently. You can change your hair, your clothes, even remove piercings, but tattoos are forever. Tastes change, bodies change, circumstances change. Would you really want to stare at the same picture on your lounge wall for the next 50 years?
Holiday rant over. Just don’t get Karen started though on people using mobility scooters when they clearly don’t need them.
Back at the villa, we had a quick turnaround before heading out to Chili’s — Neil’s choice for the evening meal. We’d never been before but thought the menu looked acceptable. Even more controversially, the closest one was in Clermont, so we headed off in a new direction. It only took 12 minutes to get there.
The car park was pleasingly full, and the restaurant seemed packed with locals. Neil ordered a trio combo special that the place is known for, while Karen and I played it safe with burgers. Neil enjoyed his, and we thought ours were fine — so Chili’s can officially be added to our “acceptable” list.
As there was a Walmart next door, it seemed rude not to pop in for Neil’s first visit of the trip. We were glad we did — it was the nicest, best-stocked, and least busy Walmart we’ve ever been in. We all came away with a few bargains, even if Karen and Neil mocked my loud, cosy fleece — which the cashier then admired, to my delight.
Back at the villa, Karen watched the Strictly results show while we enjoyed a large glass of wine each before turning in. Another early start awaits tomorrow.
