A very late start for us today, as we didn’t plan to leave for Aquatica until 9.30am. The weather was just perfect for a day in a water park. Karen had even sussed out which ‘rides’ she would brave.
Waze tried to take us on an interesting detour to avoid a fender bender on the I-4, which I then overruled as I could see everyone else was being redirected the same way. Instead, we took the slower run up International Drive, which worked quite well. Sometimes you have to know when to trust the Sat Nav and when to trust your own instinct and local knowledge.
As I turned into Aquatica, I couldn’t work out why the two cars in front had suddenly stopped—until I saw the sign: “Closed due to Inclement Weather.” Our jaws dropped as we looked at each other, then at the deep blue sky, blazing sunshine, and a forecast showing no rain for the next ten days.
We were flummoxed, annoyed, and disappointed all at once. Neil checked the website and eventually found a tiny note confirming the closure, saying it had been closed since the previous weekend. He checked Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon next and found it open as usual. He suspected Aquatica, being owned by SeaWorld, was closed because they expected low attendance. Ironically, low attendance was exactly why we wanted to go. Being our last full day in Florida made it even more irritating, as we wouldn’t get another chance.
I said I could feel a very sternly worded complaint composing itself in my head.
Karen and Neil voted that rather than waste the day, we should head back to the villa and enjoy a few lazy hours basking by our own pool—which we did.
I wrote the email, but I suspect the best I can hope for is some complimentary Aquatica tickets for a future visit, which slightly misses the point.
Still, back by the pool we were able to work through some of the remaining food in the fridge.
After much debate, we headed out again at about 3pm. First stop: Karen returning something to Walmart while I dashed off for more rolls for tomorrow’s lunch. I may also have picked up some more Mike & Ike’s for Neil.
Then we drove to Celebration, which was blissfully quiet compared to our last visit during the Farmers Market. Karen and Neil secured one of our favourite lakeside tables while I was dispatched to Starbucks for drinks. Sitting there in the sunshine, overlooking the water, was utter bliss.
There aren’t many places that could lure me away from Norwich, but Celebration is certainly one of them: the weather, the ambience, the lake, the community feel, the calm compared to the theme-park madness nearby, and its distinctive architecture. Even Neil looked quite chilled taking it all in—though he’d have preferred it if a couple of gators were fighting in the lake for entertainment.
We eventually wandered along the perfectly formed main street, popping into the delightful Christmas shop and then Kilwins, which for some inexplicable reason contains the only public toilet in town.
We walked the lake loop slowly, soaking up the last of the sun and admiring the beautiful surroundings. I had a near miss when the children’s fountains suddenly burst to life and almost drenched me, which amused the others greatly.
Back in the car, we headed to the nearest Cheesecake Factory—Karen and Neil’s choice for our final restaurant of the trip. It was heaving, even at 5.30pm, with a large crowd waiting for tables. For reasons unknown we were seated immediately ahead of everyone else. Perhaps they recognised me as the famous author who has apparently sold as many as fifty books.
Neil and I both had chicken dishes, while Karen went for pasta. As usual, the portion sizes were ludicrous, but we did our best. Karen and Neil then took an age to choose which cheesecakes to bring back with them. The bill, unsurprisingly, was by far the most expensive of the trip, easily double some of the other meals. Good job we only come here once per visit.
We then drove to Coronado Springs, where we knew we could park for free in the Event parking area. We admired the lobby before enjoying a lovely walk around the lake in the warm evening air. Karen decided this was another resort she’d pay for all of us to stay in once she wins the £1 million Premium Bond prize next month. That’s on top of the Polynesian, Grand Floridian, Wilderness Lodge, Boardwalk, and Animal Kingdom Lodge. I think she may need to win again the month after.
Back at the villa, we finished off the remaining wine and beers, started packing, and watched some college football followed by Shark Tank.
This is always the trip I look forward to most each year. It hasn’t let me down, and I’m already counting the days until we’re back again next year. Luckily, we all feel the same and already have a list forming of what we want to do next time.
