It was a lovely morning and before anyone else was up I decided to take myself on an early morning walk around the estate. It was very peaceful and I felt better for doing so in addition to getting my daily step count off to a good start.
We went outside and stood for a while watching the Giraffes, Zebras and other animals. We also had the usual conversation around if money was no object which Disney Hotel would we choose to stay in. This has a lot going for for AK Lodge but I think I would like to stay in one either on the monorail system or the boardwalk. I do keep saying to Karen though that I would prefer to stay in the AK Lodge rather than going on a proper African safari (and it would be cheaper) as I would be guaranteed to see animals and not have to go on long drives in the back of a landrover to perhaps see one 3 miles in the distance.
For some reason whilst there I did also muse the passing of the Chimps tea parties that zoos used to hold. I realise that this would be considered cruel in this enlightened age but my memories where of the chimps appearing to loving being dressed in clothes and eating cake. Of course I have no real idea of what really happened behind the scenes. I think Disney could have a hit on their hands if they could find a way to ethically reintroduce it. Now where is their suggestion box?
Then it was time to take the boys to the Halloween Horror Nights, something that Karen & I had opted out of. It was a slow horrible drive up the I4 in the rush hour traffic, but we got them there just in time at the drop off point. We then drove the short distance to the Premium Outlets and spent a couple of hours wandering slowly around. Almost opposite this was a newly opened Bahama Breeze and so we went for a meal. The place inside was lovely as was the waitress. My Rum & Coke Chicken & Ribs weren't bad either.
From here we drove another mile to the nearest Publix to stock up on fresh food and then made our back to Universal CityWalk to meet with the boys. Originally we were going to get there earlier but because they were still running the Halloween nights, car parking was still $25 until 10pm after which it was free. We arrived at 10.15pm and the cars were streaming in at that time. Our allocated spot seemed to be the furthest away possible.
Our intended venue to meet the boys was Pat O'Briens Piano Bar. However at the time we arrived they were charging an admission to get in and as we did not know how long the boys were going to be so we thought it might be a waste of money. If you arrive early enough then they do not charge as they are just grateful to get people inside.
