HO-HO-HOLY GRINCHMAS...10 JOLLY HOLIDAY NIGHTS AT RPR..NOV/DEC 2018

[schumigirl]

So, I`m enjoying just wandering around and taking pictures here and there.

I even went for a seat in the shade outside Finnegans as it was getting extremely hot now.....a woman sat down beside me and started chatting about anything and everything...then she said......she was waiting for her dad which surprised me as this lady wasn't particularly young by any means, I would have guessed late 60`s...….but she said her dad was on one of the coasters...…

​

I thought I`d misheard...…..but no, she went on to talk about him and how he enjoyed the high life and was such a thrill seeker......she clearly wasn't by the disdain in her voice towards her father`s choice of activity......lol.....

I got up as she was an unusual lady who didn't seem very happy at all......I like to be surrounded by happy and positive people......folks who spout negativity and doom aren't folks I want to engage with.....so I extricated myself politely from her conversation and took some more pictures...…..

I liked this little façade...….it looks like a little tearoom from the turn of the last century....and when you look in the window you can see little delicacies and delights from a past time that was more formal than today....my pictures didn`t turn out very clear but you should have a peep in next time you pass...…

I head back to the Christmas Tree and see if I can see them heading down from RRR.....nope, no sign.....so I wander some more...…..

I just happen to see these lovely ladies appear in a festoon of parade......they are so impressive and I loved seeing the lady who is Marilyn Monroe.....she is very pretty and the dancers around her make a beautiful picture opportunity...….but as my guys aren't around, I give it a miss.

I wandered back up a little and was beginning to wonder where my guys were...….they surely couldn't still be on RRR...….but maybe they were...…..they do love this ride, even when it is rough.

If Ben & Jerry`s had been open I`d have laid bets they may be in there...……me, you might find me in a cocktail bar.....Tom you`d find anywhere there is sci fi stuff......but Kyle......anywhere that serves chocolate in any form is where I`d look for him.....

I do like to see the trains passing between the parks...….it is only a fleeting vision you have of them, but it`s still nice to see.

So, after I take this picture of the HE, I glance up the street and see them both coming out of The Mummy????

​

They had done The Mummy without me!!!!!

I had a very bemused look on my face.....and they looked confused as to why I looked bemused...….it was one of those moments of ……..."what???"

Turns out they thought I didn't want to ride The Mummy and had misunderstood when I said I`ll get you outside The Mummy.....they thought I meant after they had been on it...….and turns out they had been on it four times without me!!!! lol...…this was certainly going to be a day of misunderstandings...…...

We had a quick bathroom break and went to San Francisco area...….

This is so beautiful...…..we just kind of mooch around here for a while and Tom, camera now firmly ensconced back with him, snaps away and gets many pictures of the area...…...

We buy a couple of bottles of water to share between us and we are stood when a man calls my name...…I turn and he said his name was Matt......ColoradoCarr on here...….he said he was more of a reader, but enjoyed the trip reports..….well, that is always nice to hear...….

We enjoyed a very nice chat and he said he`d wondered if he would see us as he knew we were here at the same time.....of course everyone knows Tom too, so we are quite visible apparently......lol...….he had a lovely son called Makana which was Hawaiian for his dad`s name where I believe he was originally from...….but it was so lovely to chat to another Dis member and a very nice one he was too...…….

Kyle still gets a little bemused when a stranger comes up and chats when they recognise us from these trip reports......it doesn't phase him or anything, I think he thinks it`s quite cool somehow, but he enjoys meeting folks too. I genuinely have lost count of how many folks we have met, some briefly and some have stayed friends for years.

It looked relatively quiet again today, but it was Sunday so I assumed it would get busier before too long.....

We wander round to Diagon Alley and all things Potter...….but of course we stop first for our usual photo opportunities...….but, I loved seeing the garlands round the fake London façade. The whole area really does lend itself to have Christmas decorations up as the real London certainly does.

It was beautiful now and we were really feeling that heat build up......it was barely 11am yet, but this was gorgeous.

We wanted to do the Knight Bus today, but the line for the conductor was rather long, so we thought we`d do it the next time we were in the park.....

Entering Diagon Alley is fabulous...….it is visually stunning and always takes us by surprise how impressed we are with it every single time...…..

Always something to photograph, and with the added decorations it looks ultra pretty...…..

And at this point I regret not saying Pardon when Tom spoke to me this morning instead of just saying yes as I did...…..

This camera is fabulous..….amazing pictures, love how it works...….but......the battery isn't great......so we bought another battery after our last visit and make sure they are always charged up...….and we try and bring it with us every time...…..he looked and asked me for the spare battery...…

Go back 3 hours or so ago...…….

Tom had asked me from the other room this morning...…"Have you put the spare battery in your bag" and I hadn't really heard him and was concentrating on something else......and had just said Yes. OOPS!!!

So, he now informed me the battery had died and we couldn't take any more pictures...……..

And this was our exact words...…….

​

​

Now, whenever we hear someone say "You can`t be serious"...…..our childish brains automatically switch to Airplane mode and do the famous don't call me Shirley either out loud or in our brain to ourselves....but we each know what the other is thinking.......….and no different today. We could still giggle even though I was mad at myself for not listening.....and Tom was annoyed he hadn't confirmed what he`d asked me...…..

Well, these things happen...…..

We head to do Gringotts and I must admit I feel a little lost not taking pictures...….well, Tom taking pictures......and after we do Gringotts which was a lot of fun and more or less a walk on with EP today.....I decide they should go do MiB and Simpsons and I`ll walk back to the hotel and get the spare battery and then meet them in Backwater Bar in IOA for lunch...……

So that's what we do...…..they head off for a marathon run on MiB while I walk back in this beautiful sunshine to the hotel...…..if only I`d listened...……


More to come...……

 

[angryduck71]

Tom you`d find anywhere there is sci fi stuff.

I'll be with Tom!!!

 

[schumigirl]

I'll be with Tom!!!

Lol........I know you would!!!

He’d have a blast.......I get so bored with Star Wars and similar.........bless him.......

 

[micheleq]

Joining in! I love all your TRs Schumigirl Getting me excited for our April trip, it will be the first time for my parents (69 & 70 years old) and they cannot wait to experience the Wizarding World! Thanks for sharing all of your adventures, I especially enjoy all the dining (and cocktail!) reviews.

 

[keishashadow]

Ooooh, a cliffhanger! Shirley, you’ll tell us more lol

Seriously, it’s quite deflating to discover an uncharged battery when you most want it!

 

[schumigirl]

Joining in! I love all your TRs Schumigirl Getting me excited for our April trip, it will be the first time for my parents (69 & 70 years old) and they cannot wait to experience the Wizarding World! Thanks for sharing all of your adventures, I especially enjoy all the dining (and cocktail!) reviews.

And a very warm WELCOME to micheleq........

Lovely to have you join us..........and thank you for the lovely compliments!

Oh that sounds like an amazing trip for your parents.......oh wait......was it you that said you were doing a reveal on Christmas to them??? I have to go check and see........you have to let us know how that went..........I’m sure they were thrilled!

And April is just around the corner.........oh to see all the Potter stuff for the first time........I’d love to be able to go back and experience it all again new........although it still thrills us every time we go in.

I hope you enjoy this one and again, glad you posted......nice to see you here........

 

[schumigirl]

Ooooh, a cliffhanger! Shirley, you’ll tell us more lol

Seriously, it’s quite deflating to discover an uncharged battery when you most want it!

Oh Shirley not........lol.......

Yep.......I was gutted we didn’t have the spare battery........but one of these things that’s no one fault....... ok it might.......just might have been my fault......

We do love this camera, but seriously.......the battery sucks!! I think we did get a full day out of it, but my other camera, you know the one you have too.......battery lasted days at a time!!! So the rest of the trip we double checked every time we left the room we had the spare!

Newsflash.......we didn’t forget it again

 

[Dismamx2]

Following along, really enjoying your report, thanks We usually only go to Orlando during summer months but planning now for an October/November visit this year just doing Universal.

 

[schumigirl]

Following along, really enjoying your report, thanks We usually only go to Orlando during summer months but planning now for an October/November visit this year just doing Universal.

WELCOME along to Dismamx2...……

Lovely to have you join us...…..

I love October as a time to visit....although we are usually mainly September, but I`m sure you`ll love that time of year......and doing only Universal.....fabulous!!!

Have you got all your plans in place already???

And thank you.....I`m so glad you are enjoying this report.....nice to have you here......

 

[schumigirl]

I have plenty of time to take my time and walk before our arranged meeting time in the Backwater Bar behind Confisco Grill......and the walk was lovely.....Tom and Kyle have much longer legs than me, so at times they march on and forget I`n shorter.....although they are very good at accommodating my short legs...….but today I sauntered back and I meant to go in the lobby entrance but I was in a world of my own and was at the pool before I knew it. It really is a lovely walk along the pathway...…

Up to the room it had of course been cleaned and the aroma was beautiful.....it was exactly like the scent in the lobby....very fresh. I do love coming back into a room that`s been done and fresh towels everywhere.....we don't leave the rooms in a mess ever, we wouldn't do that......but do enjoy having housekeeping come in every day.

I had a freshen up and a glass of Snapple.....then remembered I was there for the spare battery.....wouldn't I have felt an idiot if I had went back without it!!!

More or less left straight away and walked the short walk back to IOA.....I was a little early, so wandered around the store before going to sit in the cool and shade of Backwater Bar. I sat at a table and told the guy serving I was waiting for my family but ordered a fanta meantime......I was still thirsty and realised I hadn't really drank enough water today...….something we are usually so conscious of doing. But this heat had been quite unexpected today..……

I sat quite happily and passed my time people watching and it was around 15 minutes later when they both appeared and were both delighted with their score on MiB…...I forget what it was......although I do like to remind Kyle of the time I beat them both....without even trying!!! Oh they were both gobsmacked that day with Kyle constantly asking how on earth I managed it, as I went round the whole ride with a bored look and as he called it, waved my gun around a little...….lol...….that still griped Kyle today...…...and of course I always smugly reminded him of it...….

​

Good thing Kyle is so good natured!!!!!

Kyle ordered a strawberry smoothy and Tom a lemonade......I got another fanta while we decided what to get to eat...…..and we got some water too.

It`s the same menu as Confisco Grill, it`s usually quieter though and you get the excellent chatter from the barmen they have who are usually a lot of fun...…..

It`s an easy choice today for food......Kyle wants the plain cheese pizza, Tom has the Croissant moon sandwich, it has turkey, bacon, lettuce and tomato which comes with a very nice potato salad, and I opt for the chicken and shrimp sandwich....I ask for a side of jalapenos......it comes with them on the sandwich which is fine...….and we are served fairly quickly with being sat in the bar.

We did notice the restaurant was very busy today. Some days it can be almost empty and others it`s mobbed, but we`ve never waited long for a table in here at all.

This place is sometimes passed by as folks head to Mythos for food. We much prefer CG for food and service.....and it is pretty inside.

I think this is the hottest food we have ever eaten in here......it must have come straight from the grill and on to our table...….and it was lovely...…

I did taste a piece of Tom`s potato salad and it was lovely...….it was all nice......Kyle`s pizza looks a little dry, but he really enjoyed it. And my sandwich was beautiful.....nice and spicy with the extra jalapenos.

Usually I`d have a cocktail, or their sangria which is actually very nice for what it is......but today I just felt a little headachy......so decided to leave the alcohol alone for now...…

We paid the check and headed out to do The Hulk although I was giving it a pass today......with a slight headache the last thing you want to do is go on a rollercoaster!! So I "wandered" a little more and took some pictures...……

It is so lovely down by the lagoon.....and usually so peaceful.

I often wish they would utilise the lagoon area in some way. They don't have the room for amphicars or anything like that, but I can see some kind of little boat activity here......but, I guess it`s not really big enough to do that with.

I walk back up and notice how quiet it is around this area. I saw a lot of folks just head out, but even so it`s normally buzzing with people here...….I do love the lulls you get when crowds dissipate. And it is blazing hot now.

I see, and hear my guys on Hulk...….Tom is so funny when he goes around a coaster....he enjoys it with every fibre of his being......Kyle loves it too, but he is more of a sedate fan!!

I do love Dr Doom and fully intend to go on that today...….

They are still on Hulk when I go around and see all the superheroes getting ready to leave. We don't really stop and look for photo opportunities anymore....I think we have them all....but if we see one and the timing is right we`ll of course get our pictures taken...….but we don't mind if we miss them.

And looks like I missed them all today...…..but seeing them all on the vehicles is quite cool......we usually miss this altogether with our timings in the morning and are far too early, but they are a cool bunch of guys!!!

Especially Spider-Man.......the first year we went to IOA in 2007, I was too chicken to go on Dr Doom......so I stood at the bottom but nearer the store entrance and planned to wave up to them.....as I waved I felt a hand on my shoulder and a voice say...."they`ll see you now".....I turned and there was Spider-Man stood right beside me, and he waved up too...….Kyle was beside himself shouting to Tom mum was standing with Spider-Man...….so it worked, they did see me...….I was thrilled to be so close to him.....lol.....I`ve never forgotten that moment......Kyle was so excited when he came off the ride to tell me they had seen him with me...…of course the following year I went on every ride and regretted being a chicken that year!!! ​

I waited a few more minutes and they appeared off of Hulk and we went to ride Dr Doom...…

​

This really is the shortest thrill ride ever. No doubt about that. But......it`s fun......especially when the guy who is setting you off gives you the fake countdown...….we squeal with laughter all the way up and back down...then up a little again.....I do wish this was a longer ride and it shot you up more often...…but, it`s quite a slow loading ride now the safety harness has changed....not only do they lave to check you in as they always did, but they need to come and unlock the harness too....which gives me a little moment of worry at times.....but I always put that to the back of my mind....

So much fun!!!! We only do this twice today as I do feel not that great for some reason....although I believe I hadn't drank enough water over the course of the day the way I usually do, and it was now 87F...….we hadn't expected that heat at all. Although it was very welcome and we always enjoy the heat...…...

I thought about going back home right about now and letting them carry on without me......my headache was getting a little worse and the heat was baking now...….but, I decided to go buy some Tylenol and water then sat in the cool for a little while and then decided to do Spider-Man...…..I was so glad I did...…..

The regular line was 50 minutes, so as always we went in the EP line which was indeed a walk on......there was no one in front of us and no one behind us...…..

Then we turned a corner.…..and saw this guy just hanging around...….

He was brilliant!!!!!

Very chatty and encouraged us to take lots of pictures, I think we got around 10....more or less the same though...….how his thighs stood up to sitting like that for ages amazed me!!!! We must have stood for almost 5 minutes chatting as no one else passed...….and he was so funny...…

I had heard of him stood in the regular line at times, but never had we seen him in the EP line.....and it made our day......he is so cool!!! I was indeed glad I hadn't gone home.

But, the ride that I usually find so smooth and seamless, today it bit back. I think the head was already upset, but I should have just stayed off of the rides altogether......my head was now banging. But I was so glad I had seen Spider-Man.

I told them to carry on round and I`d walk back to the hotel. I could see Tom was worried I`d be alright (of course I would be) but he is a worrier......I assured them I`d prefer if they carried on as they wanted to do more rides, and I`d go back to the room and sleep for a while.

So, that`s exactly what I did. I walked slowly and took my time to get back.....

I Walked back and lay on the bed for over an hour and a half till they came back and woke me up. I had really needed the sleep as when I woke up I felt fine.....and even better they had enjoyed an afternoon of Kong which was a walk on for EP, and three times on FJ which again was a walk on with EP. They had fun.

Next up is showers, Club Lounge, Red Lobster and Aventura...….

 

[I-4Bound]

I'm glad the nap helped! It's always bad when you feel sick on vacation like that. We had a similar encounter with Spider-Man when my children were smaller. We were walking around the store outside the ride, and suddenly, he appeared and started talking to my kids. They loved it!

 

[schumigirl]

I'm glad the nap helped! It's always bad when you feel sick on vacation like that. We had a similar encounter with Spider-Man when my children were smaller. We were walking around the store outside the ride, and suddenly, he appeared and started talking to my kids. They loved it!

Oh I`ll bet your kids loved that!!! That must have been fabulous......He really does seem to the most accessible of super heroes.....lol...….and so much fun.....even Kyle was delighted to see him there....

Yes, tanks, the nap was just what I needed. I think we underestimate how tired we get from the flight day out....and then it hits. But, I was fine later......and even managed a cocktail That`s when Tom knows I`m fine......when I happily indulge in them!!!!

 

[Dismamx2]

WELCOME along to Dismamx2...……

Lovely to have you join us...…..

I love October as a time to visit....although we are usually mainly September, but I`m sure you`ll love that time of year......and doing only Universal.....fabulous!!!

Have you got all your plans in place already???

And thank you.....I`m so glad you are enjoying this report.....nice to have you here......

Haven't even booked flights yet We usually do about 3 week during summer in the US but this year eldest DD 19 is going to work in summer camp in the US on a J1 visa so we have only planned a couple of small European breaks while she is away but really miss not having a US trip in the planning. Just figuring out some dates for October mid-term that will work for eldest in Uni and youngest in school. We will probably only manage about 10 days so decided on only doing Universal, DD's are really excited about HHN.

We're thinking about trying out the new Universal hotel/resort Surfside Inn & Suites. We've stayed at RPR 3 times and Cabana Bay, we love RPR and would go back in a heartbeat but for 10 nts the price is crazy and hopefully we should be okay without EP if we are doing 3-4 days in each park.

Looking forward to reading about the rest of your trip, sorry to hear that you all weren't well coming home

 

[schumigirl]

Haven't even booked flights yet We usually do about 3 week during summer in the US but this year eldest DD 19 is going to work in summer camp in the US on a J1 visa so we have only planned a couple of small European breaks while she is away but really miss not having a US trip in the planning. Just figuring out some dates for October mid-term that will work for eldest in Uni and youngest in school. We will probably only manage about 10 days so decided on only doing Universal, DD's are really excited about HHN.

We're thinking about trying out the new Universal hotel/resort Surfside Inn & Suites. We've stayed at RPR 3 times and Cabana Bay, we love RPR and would go back in a heartbeat but for 10 nts the price is crazy and hopefully we should be okay without EP if we are doing 3-4 days in each park.

Looking forward to reading about the rest of your trip, sorry to hear that you all weren't well coming home

Are you from the U.K. then??

Uni and school dates can be a nightmare to work around........but you’ll get sorted.......how lovely for your eldest daughter to have such a wonderful experience in the States.....

HHN is so much fun!! You’ll have a blast.......is this your first time at HHN??

We love it and wouldn’t miss it.......we arrive earlier in September this year and we’re delighted to find HHN is starting earlier than usual, we’re happy we’ll still see opening night.......

Surfside Inn looks as if it’s going to be lovely.......yes, you should be fine staying there......

 

[micheleq]

And a very warm WELCOME to micheleq........

Lovely to have you join us..........and thank you for the lovely compliments!

Oh that sounds like an amazing trip for your parents.......oh wait......was it you that said you were doing a reveal on Christmas to them??? I have to go check and see........you have to let us know how that went..........I’m sure they were thrilled!

And April is just around the corner.........oh to see all the Potter stuff for the first time........I’d love to be able to go back and experience it all again new........although it still thrills us every time we go in.

I hope you enjoy this one and again, glad you posted......nice to see you here........

Yes! We did a cute reveal on Christmas Day. We live in Michigan and my family is in Connecticut, so we FaceTimed while she opened her gift which was an ornament shaped like a ticket on the Hogwarts Express. She was thrilled to the point of tears! My girls are excited to have a fun trip like this with their grandparents

 

[Dismamx2]

Are you from the U.K. then??

Uni and school dates can be a nightmare to work around........but you’ll get sorted.......how lovely for your eldest daughter to have such a wonderful experience in the States.....

HHN is so much fun!! You’ll have a blast.......is this your first time at HHN??

We love it and wouldn’t miss it.......we arrive earlier in September this year and we’re delighted to find HHN is starting earlier than usual, we’re happy we’ll still see opening night.......

Surfside Inn looks as if it’s going to be lovely.......yes, you should be fine staying there......

We're from Ireland! Yeah, first time at HHN, I'm unsure if I will go myself or just leave DD's to it, I'm a bit of a wimp ha ha!

 

[Tink2Day]

Ugh headaches are the WORST. Happy the nap helped.
Looking across the water and seeing the castle, just wish they could have worked in a water ride similar to the scene where the kids see the castle for the first time, coming across the water at night. I've often wished that was one of the ways to the castle.

 

[lebeau]

Spidey was already topping my must-do list for characters this year, but you have raised the urgency on that. Must meet Spider-Man!!

Cap's my favorite which is why I haven't been in a big hurry to meet with ol' Wedbhead. But this will be the trip in which that box is checked.

 

[schumigirl]

Yes! We did a cute reveal on Christmas Day. We live in Michigan and my family is in Connecticut, so we FaceTimed while she opened her gift which was an ornament shaped like a ticket on the Hogwarts Express. She was thrilled to the point of tears! My girls are excited to have a fun trip like this with their grandparents

Oh how lovely!! That is so sweet.......and what a lovely reveal.....I’ll bet they were thrilled.

And April is just around the corner......it’ll be here before you know it......look forward to hearing about how it went when you get back.......

 

[schumigirl]

We're from Ireland! Yeah, first time at HHN, I'm unsure if I will go myself or just leave DD's to it, I'm a bit of a wimp ha ha!

Oh you have to go to HHN!!! It is so much fun.....we’ve been going since 2007, most folks on here have been going longer.......

The whole event is massive and the scare actors and houses are to a phenomenal standard. It would be a shame if you were there and missed it!!!