Steven Spielberg ought not to be afraid. With my video skills, I’m no threat to him, I know. But, here is some video we took at our favorite Disney park – previously known as MGM Studios.

We’re home again! The reunion was sweet, although the three of us are rather tired. I worked today, while both Henry and Tamasin spent some time sleeping. Unfortunately, none of us slept a wink on the plane!

This was the longest I’ve been away from my dear wife, and the longest I have been in America. We even found ourselves talking about “restrooms” and “strollers” and “pacifiers”—words for which most of my English friends would need an interpreter. Sadly I gained about 3 kg. during the last two weeks, so I’m afraid I was right about the poor diet I would likely be subjecting myself to. We wanted quick food, so that meant fast food, and on a few occasions, “eat as much as you like” deals. So all that walking didn’t do any good—thanks, I guess, to all those hot dogs and “freedom fries”! I missed our own English chips—which have nothing to do with either what Americans call “chips” OR what they call “fries.” Our chips are apparently like American steak fries or pub fries, and oddly, that was one of the first foods I craved on my return home! Far superior in taste, but probably equally as fattening. It’s now time to revise my food intake habits, I suspect!

I’ll share a couple more videos, and maybe a few more photos and reflections, but for now I’m about to go to bed in an effort to stave off the jet lag that is likely to hit me like a brick when tomorrow morning I have to start work at what will feel like 4 a.m. to my body!

On Thursday of last week we went to Magic Kingdom and then to Downtown Disney. Magic Kingdom was the first theme park. It’s amazing in its architecture and totally unique. But to be honest, we felt it was showing its age a little. It IS a magical world. It IS an amazing sight. But on the day we visited, two of its main thrilling rides were closed (including one which broke down that day). I understand that the roller coasters are not as fear-inducing as those at Universal, but there’s no doubt that younger children will be totally wowed by the experience. And while we DID enjoy it a lot—we just didn’t find it quite as enjoyable as some of the other parks we’d visited.

This may be a Disney heresy, but I have a confession to make. My children and I were thrilled more by Downtown Disney, and in particular DisneyQuest, than Magic Kingdom! Please don’t shoot me. Please let me out of the country tomorrow! Why did we like it so much? At DisneyQuest you have this large arcade with simulators, all kinds of games, and some animation all included in the admission price. We loved the simulator roller coaster, which allowed you to design and ride your own track. We managed to persuade someone to teach us how to produce one with 13 inversions! (We have a DVD to prove it!) 

Today I visited Metro Life Church in Orlando, which is part of Sovereign Grace Ministries. This is the home church of blogger, Jesse Phillips, and is led by Danny Jones, Senior Pastor, who is a part of SGM’s apostolic team.

The venue was very nice, and as the worship began I felt very comfortable, having been warmly welcomed. The worship time was upbeat, and the modern songs were carefully chosen for their rich theological content. There were several prophetic words—given mostly in the first person rather than reported in the “I feel God may be saying” style. There was a time of prayer ministry following one of these. Individualized prayers were offered and hands were laid on a number who responded to a call to acknowledge they were battling against fear in their lives.

Benny Phillips, Executive Pastor at Metro Life and father of Jesse, preached on Mark 4:26-29 on the way in which the gospel works progressively, slowly, but unstoppably. Benny explained that the Word of God is a seed that is doing the work. It can take years, but will produce fruit. Sometimes in our lives a period of harvest comes suddenly, but will be the result of years of faithfulness to God’s Word.

He highlighted the fact that God’s methods are different than ours, and that his glorious future victory has implications for the here and now. He shared the following quote, which explains this well.

“The kingdom which is to come . . . has, in fact, entered into the world in advance in a hidden form to work secretly within and among men.”

— George E. Ladd

He applied this to both our own personal lives and to the spread of the gospel evangelistically. He then drove home two questions: “What kind of soil are you?” and “Is the seed in you?” He argued that if the answers to both questions are correct, there is a guarantee that fruit will indeed be produced. The Word of God will permeate and have its effect. God’s intent is our salvation and our sanctification. We have to be patient like the farmer who sows the seed and waits for it to do its work. It is God’s miraculous work to build a kingdom into our own heart.

“The Lord is not slow to fullfill his purpose as some count slowness, but is patient towards you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9

Yes, it really is true that we managed to take all the above photos during a single day at the Animal Kingdom this week. Back on Wednesday, which seems an age away now, we spent a fantastic day on the wilder side of Disney. Actually, we got there closer to lunch time than opening time. (We are now firmly on American time and are no longer waking very early every morning as we did for the first few days!)

We saw everything we wanted to and had no need at all for Fastpass. The rides were good, but not too scary or dramatic. The safari was fantastic, and walking through the park a true pleasure. We were glad to see that the tigers were firmly behind walls which appeared totally unthinkable for them to jump over!

The less dangerous animals were close enough to touch from our safari truck. Those people (such as my darling wife, Andree) who have been to Africa will have to confirm this, but it seemed to me that Disney has done a pretty good job of at least trying to get a flavor of the real thing.

Animal Kingdom was definitely a treasured experience, although it was very different to any of the other theme parks we’d experienced.

On Tuesday we visited Disney’s answer to Universal Studios. It’s not as big as its rival, but has lots of rides and shows. Fantasmia lived up to its reputation at the end of the day. The Tower of Terror set a mildly horror-based scene which was an irritating distraction to the real basis of the ride—a crazy, randomly generated sequence of rapid rises and drops in a demented elevator. It was a real hit and the ride that we have repeated the most times (except for the Universal roller coasters). The best thing about it is that it was a new ride each time we rode it and therefore you couldn’t predict when you were going to plunge or be launched with equal violence!

The Rocking Rollercoaster is good, but not as scary as any of the top three Universal ones. We enjoyed the backlot tour, and some of the shows—especially the two stunt shows and the Star Wars ride, which was surprisingly rough.

We only needed one Fastpass during the whole day, which was for the roller coaster. The lines were short, perhaps partly because of the rain, which didn’t put us Brits off. Tamasin said, “Now I don’t feel as homesick!”

After a quieter day when we went back to Islands of Adventure to revisit some rides we especially liked, we moved to the Pop Century Hotel at Disney.

One major advantage of being here at this time of year is that we were able to do almost everything we wanted to do at EPCOT despite arriving just before lunchtime.

We still had to use FastPass, however, for Soarin’ and the Test Track. Soarin’ is an “unmissable” hand glider experience. A 3D movement effect is produced that makes you think you’re flying over parts of America. More than once I found myself moving my legs to miss the rapidly approaching trees!

The Test Track brought you to speeds of 65 MPH in a small open car, close to the track. The crash into a wall test was genuinely scary for a moment.

What felt like the strongest G-forces I have yet experienced occurred on the Mission:Space ride. In fact, it is the sustained nature of the 2G force that makes it feel stronger. Other rides produce over 4G (the biggest being Hulk), but do so for a matter of a few seconds (see http://www.local6.com/news/5423136/detail.html). We worked up to the Mission:Space by doing the no-spin version first, which seemed a good strategy, especially after hearing that someone had died on it!

We enjoyed the shows such as the Circle of Life, O Canada, and the 360 film of China. The way in which the park is laid out—exhibits of different nations around a lake—made for a lot of walking. But, especially for those Americans who never leave their own state, it made for an interesting introduction to some of the cultures around the world, even if they were a bit stereotypical.

The American history show was surprising for a Brit. The level of self-belief and pride in their history of the average American is staggering for those of us who are, more commonly apparently, ashamed of our past. It did make for quite a story, but not quite enough to inspire me to want to live here, Andrée will be glad to know!

I’m slipping a bit behind with my update posts . . . too busy enjoying ourselves! Here is some video we took at Sea World, however.

Saturday was Sea World day and the Mardi Gras. Tamasin described it as follows in her diary:

Today we went to Sea World. Sea World is joined up with Discovery Cove (the place with the dolphins). Sea World was really cool. They had a roller coaster (it was easy but fun) and a water ride. I got so wet I had to buy a new top. There was loads of shows, including a dolphin and whale show, an otter and sea lion one, one nothing to do with animals but called itself a circus, another with big massive killer whales (we got soaked).

Henry said:

Today was great coz we went to Sea World to go on a few rides and shows and rushed off to the Mardi Gras! I collected 34 beads that you have to catch.

There is even less that I can say about today than yesterday. I’m almost speechless, which is a rare thing for me!

Discovery Cove was not cheap. But I’m glad I spent the money. The photos above tell our story, but don’t show the amazing snorkeling pool full of wonderful fish you can see up close and personal or the Lazy River.

I’ve received several questions from readers which I thought I’d answer right here . . .

First . . . No! I have not received funding from the Florida Tourist Board or any company for this blog series! But if anyone reading this runs an Orlando-based restaurant or tourist attraction and wants to offer me something free for a mention on the blog, I’m certainly open to such an arrangement!!

Second . . . someone asked about the video clips. I can confirm that I am just uploading them without any editing straight from the 640×480 video that my Canon PowerShot A700 takes.

Third . . . I have been asked if we plan to go to church. I can confirm that this Sunday we will not be going—there just seems to be too much to do. I know many Christians take different positions on going to church on vacation. On the one hand, it’s really great to visit another church. But on the other hand, especially for preachers and other church leaders, it can interrupt the sense of a break. It is just impossible to go to a church without assessing it and thinking about what we can learn to “take back home.” So, at least for this Sunday, we won’t be going. Next Sunday, depending on how we are getting on at Disney, might be a different story.

Tomorrow I think we will go to Sea World.

What can I say about a day that truly was unique? Experiencing the simulator version of a shuttle launch in the Shuttle Experience, then climbing inside one, then learning about the International Space Station in a 3D IMAX movie—all before seeing a real launch live . . . not many people get to do that!

We were so glad that the weather held out as there had been concerns earlier in the week that a storm might delay things.

It was fantastic to spend the day with Jesse Phillips and his son. We were only sorry we brought with us some serious traffic worthy of London’s M25 after an accident on the way back. It seemed like the whole of America had flocked to the space coast to witness this awesome sight. We then ate dinner at Cici’s, which is one fine American food chain that hasn’t made it to the UK (unlike McDonald’s, Burger King, Pizza Hut, Pizza Land, Papa John’s, Starbucks, Outback Steak House, Kentucky Fried Chicken, and a few others). There were even THREE different salad options in their buffet. (We get a lot more salad choices than that in pizza joints in the UK!)

Next up . . . swimming with dolphins.

We are back in our hotel room after a long day in the second of Universal’s parks. This was an amazing day and we enjoyed it immensely, as you can probably tell from our photographs. The Hulk roller coaster towered terrifyingly above us as we entered the park. The noise was rather imposing also. I plucked up all my courage and showed real leadership (although at the time I wondered if it was stupidity!). The worst part of the ride was getting into the carriages. Once you were past the point of no return, it was truly an invigorating experience. There is a sudden launch up the opening hill (no slow climb here!) and I think I screamed the whole away round the coaster, but I did come back later in the day for a second dose.

The Fear Fall was more of a fearfully powerful take off. Spiderman was a nice mix of 3-D video and ride. Then there were a couple of incredibly wet rides. They were like diving into a swimming pool fully clothed!

The Jurassic Park section was nicely implemented, and sadly we missed it’s aerial ride as it had the longest queue in the park (over an hour even on a day when the rest of the park was fairly empty!) and no express pass access. If you want to do that ride, get to the park early and head straight there! The dinosaur river ride was not as wet as the ones in Toon Town, but was full of great special effects and surprises.

Flying Unicorn is near Jurassic Park and makes a good introduction to roller coasters if you want to work your way up more gradually to The Hulk or its neighbors, the Dueling Dragons. The Dragons made The Hulk look like child’s play. But even they look far worse to watch than they actually feel to ride on. Apparently you pull over 4G on the ride!

The Sinbad Stunt Show has to be the best live-action show I have ever seen. It had everything—fire, water, explosions, wire tricks, and fights. We failed to catch Poseidon’s Fury today, so will probably pop back into the park later in the week to catch that and perhaps one or two of those roller coasters!

This is the stuff of which memories are made!

We learned an invaluable lesson today about vacations in Florida. You really can’t do it all, and you actually don’t want to. Having spent a stimulating and enjoyable day at Universal Studios yesterday, we took someone’s advice and decided to have a day at a waterpark before hitting Islands of Adventure tomorrow. The idea of a less full day in-between parks is very sensible.

On the way into the park, we were feeling excited, and only mildly apprehensive at the sheer height of the slide rides. We made a plan to go on all of them one-by-one. That plan evaporated when we got up close to some of the rides. We loved the ones we did go on, including one that took the three of us together in a “boat thing” and dropped us down a steep slide. We planned not to scream, since being stiff, upper-lipped English people it seemed somehow inappropriate. All three of us kind of screamed in a not totally terrified way on the way down, however, as we just couldn’t help ourselves! So much for being among the stiff upper-lipped English!

Sadly I have to report that I was one of many guests who just couldn’t bring myself to be shut into an area which looked disturbingly like a coffin, and then have the floor disappear from under my feet, dropping me vertically onto a ridiculously fast slide. My embarrassment at knowing I’d have to admit my fear to you was outvoted by some deep-wired self preservation drive that told me I was far too high up to throw myself down, or let someone else do so, even if there was a slide there! So, I have to admit that I didn’t do even the “easier” version of that terrifyingly fast and high slide! I turned back and walked the walk of shame down the steps. Tamasin and Henry both did the version without the coffin, so they are officially braver than me.

Anyway, we enjoyed the slides we did do, the wave lagoon, and a “Lazy River” which is basically a set of circular rapids which pushes you around allowing you to pretend you’re able to swim really fast! We also tried unsuccessfully to teach ourselves beach volleyball.

So, after a relaxing day, which offered me much time for quiet reflection while sunbathing, we are all the more ready to hit the serious roller coasters and other rides offered at Universal’s Islands of Adventure tomorrow.