House - ✔!

of course, i want kian to have the same big 1st birthday his kuya had. para fair d b? but tantan dont want to go to the philippines, expensive daw. he convinced me to celebrate it in florida instead (as if that'll be any cheaper!). who would say no to that?! honestly, it would still be nice to celebrate it with family and friends. but the kid in me is excited already with just the thought! florida = disney!!!

been to orlando in 2008 (end of june) for 10 days and it was so bitin. plus the weather wasnt that good. personally, i think, that was the worst time to go (we didnt know, ok! =D)! a friend who frequents orlando also agreed on this. it was so humid and very hot - much hotter than manila. plus it rained every afternoon. june is in fact the start of the hurricane season. weather aside, we had fun though. we were like kids in a candy store! so when tantan suggested this, i immediately said yes! again, who would say no?!!

kian's birthday is in feb. i did my research and found out that it's one of the best times to go - weather wise and crowd-wise. coming from england in the middle of winter, a milder weather is a very welcoming reprieve. and since it's school term time, the crowd in theme parks is less.

first assignment was to find the right accomodation for us - affordable yet comfy. we stayed in a hotel previously but having young kids in tow, it's ideal and more practical to stay in a "home-type" environment. so it's either a villa or a townhouse. we're eyeing this particular property already but the dates that we're looking at weren't open yet. to my dismay, when i checked a few days after, it was booked already! i panicked, it's always never too early! fortunately, i found another property in the same block, a bit more expensive but at least it's in the same area! we didnt want to lose it anymore so when i saw that the dates we wanted are still open, i contacted the owner right away and paid the deposit. balance is due in november.

so what made us like the property?:

Luxuries:	Jacuzzi / Hot tub, Internet access
General:	Central heating, Air conditioning, TV, Telephone, Satellite TV, Wi-fi available (this is a must have!!)
Standard:	Kettle, Toaster, Iron, Hair dryer
Utilities:	Clothes dryer, Dishwasher, Cooker, Microwave, Fridge, Freezer, Washing machine
Rooms:	2 Bedrooms, 2 bathrooms of which 2 en suites
Furniture:	Sofabeds (1), Single beds (2), Double beds (1), Dining seating for 6, Lounge seating for 6, Sleeps maximum of 6
Other:	Linen and towels provided.
Outdoors:	Shared outdoor pool (heated)
Access:	Parking space

Further details indoors:
Both bedrooms include en-suite bathrooms and large walk in wardrobes.

Clean bed linen and towels are provided.

Brand new large flat screen HD Television with over 250 channels plus high speed fibre optic wireless internet. Televisions are also in both bedrooms.

Further details outdoors:
Property also includes an external porch area at the rear of the house, with outside seating which is perfect for relaxing after a long day exploring Florida.

The property is located within easy access of Florida's main attractions, including Disney, Sea World including Discovery Cove & Aquatica (Orlando's newest water park), Busch Gardens, and Universal Studios. Universal Studios also includes Island's of Adventures and City Walk, which has numerous bars and restaurants to choose from.

In addition to the many theme parks, there is also easy access to several shopping outlets, which include brand names such as Calvin Klein, Reebok, Gap, and Levi, with excellent discounts.

There are many restaurants and bars within an easy drive of the house. There is also a large supermarket situated less than a mile away, whist Walmart is less than a five minute drive.

need i say more?! it's perfect! it's got really good reviews too =D. here's one comment that cracked me up:

Your townhouse was excellent! My wife's first reaction summed it up when she said "Love this place, I'm not going back home!" Nice, clean & cosy, with all the appliances one could need! The agents were ever so friendly and there is nothing to complain about!

i may not want to leave too if i get too comfortable!

i know the kids are still young to even remember this trip. but not me lol! we can always go back when they're older. hey, it's my treat too! i had to give up my birthday trip for this year so as not to add to tantan's expenses (see, im being considerate here) =D

next assignment: flights!

************************
read about our previous orlando trip here, here, here, here, here, here and here if you're still up for it! =D. looking back, i miss photography!