Today was supposed to be a “day off” where had a relaxing start and then did some shopping. While it is true that we had a late start and it is true that we did some shopping but we were more tired at the end of it than a day in the parks.
Once again we ate a late breakfast, or “brunch” as it is known in these parts, at Perkins before heading off to the Lake Buena Vista shopping outlet. There three quarters of our party revelled in the cheap goodies on offer while the fourth member trudged around politely waiting for the trip to be over.
These shops sell discounted goods from high street names but the outlets then dish out coupons which can reduce the overall cost even further when you spend over a certain amount. This means that what are already attractively priced goods are real bargains. Note to any UK shoppers – bring an additional empty suitcase you are going to need it.
From Lake Buena Vista it was a short drive to The Mall at Millenia which was at the other end of the shopping scale. This was a mall as seen in so many high-class US teen dramas but the shops were top end. I was there for one reason and one reason alone and that was to visit the Apple store. I had vague hopes of an iPad 2 but they are still rare here too so I was out of luck, although I could secure one if I queued outside at 6am – not something I was up for on holiday, even for an iPad. I settled for the superdrive I came for and then we were off.
When we planned today we had also intended to visit Orlando Premium Outlets but we were too knackered and so have left that for another day.
In the evening we went to one of our favourite restaurants, Red Lobster. One of the things that Helen and I had looked forward to on this trip was eating out every night and not having to worry about the cooking or the washing up. It is interesting to see how quickly that novelty wears off and you body is crying out for a night in and a sandwich.
I am not missing the washing up.