"MAY INCLUDE RUM"..14 NIGHTS SAPPHIRE FALLS.. MAY `19 TRIP REPORT

[schumigirl]

It was really nice of Mr B to invite you both to the MD brunch. Was it crazy crowded?

It wasn't mobbed at all.

There were a nice amount of people if that makes sense...busy enough but getting food wasn't an issue...didn't have to wait for anything.

And yes, we were thrilled to be invited by him personally....he really is a lovely, lovely man.

 

[schumigirl]

FRIDAY MAY10TH

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I woke up ultra early this morning......because it was so dark in the room, I was a little unsure of my surroundings at first......where was I, was my first thought....but took me a few seconds to realise where I was and what day it was......and that is one thing we do find.....we forget what day it is after we`ve been here a few days...….Tom was still sleeping so I got up and went through to the sitting area in the other room again to watch the sunrise over RP...….I got the images on ipad, but didn't use the camera...it was beautiful. Very, very red to begin with then just beautiful.....

The aircon was high so I got a little cold after a while, time to get ready......and I could have sat here for a while longer bar from feeling chilly.

Tom was awake and contemplating getting up too......but strangely didn't …….hmmmmm….so me for the first shower again!! It`s lovely having two bathrooms here too.....Once Tom has showered he tootles along to the other bathroom and gets ready there...….the one thing we do of course before we leave is put on sunscreen...….I`ve often said we could burn sitting too close to a lamp, so factor 30 for us and usually once a day is enough as we don't spend a full day in the parks.....but we do have to wear it or ouch!!!!

Today we are going to The Studios......we had decided last minute which park to do.....which is usual for us.....no plans and take about 10 seconds to decide what we will do for the day......

But, first we walk over to RPR for breakfast. I always love the little walk over to the other hotel, and it looks hot outside. We seemed to have arrived as the weather had picked up....several people at the hotel had told us there had been a bit of rain around, well it couldn't have been as bad as last May that's for sure....but it sure looked beautiful today.....

Once in the Club Lounge we said hello to the others we hadn't seen yet, and were thrilled to know Kayla was working......we would have a good chat to her today......one of the supervisors was heading off on vacation to Europe so we were also happy to see her before she left......we chatted for ages and enjoyed our breakfast too.....always nice. We didn't take any pictures today in here as we were just yakking away.....we forgot.

When we were setting off for the boat we did notice those dreaded love bugs.....it would be the worst May for love bugs in many years. We had seen a few in September, but nothing like this.....folks said it hadn`t been like this for many years...we hoped in a few days it would clear.....

The boat was waiting and fairly empty at first, and the boat was full of love bugs, so we had to swipe the seats before we sat down.....and to be fair there weren't as many around the boat as we thought.....but we did swipe a few away....there were some folks who were freaking out a little though.....before long the boat was almost full.

We love the boat....we love to walk too, it just depends which park we go to which way we choose....from RP anyway...…from Sapphire, we always take the boat.

There isn't really a line to get in the park this morning, so we are through in seconds and instead of wandering through the store as we usually do we head for the newly opened Today Show Café...….

It did look alright, very orange...and certainly a change of view from what was the Boulangerie......

We wandered in and had a good look around and although we had no plans to eat here today, we grabbed a menu and studied the food.

I did like the look of the cheesecake on a stick...….and maybe the muffins.....I think Kyle would like the chocolate muffin....hey, it`s chocolate of course he`ll like it.....

Tom thought there were a lot of things he would enjoy, but he really is easy to please...….

For those with allergies, the menu very helpfully lists many regular dietary requirements, nice touch.

I don't think I`d eat here for a lunch. Maybe a little snack like a muffin, but it`s a nice menu, just not overly inspiring. Not for me.....but it did need a change I have to say, the Boulangerie was nice enough, but again, needed updating...we know of the Today Show of course, but it`s not something we watch in the UK...I can`t help but think it could have been a better theme, but I guess it`s going to fit in with everything else.

We headed out and turned right today instead of heading down to do Minions and RRR first...….and we saw Scooby and Shaggy out early....we don't usually bother much with character pictures now in the parks as I`m sure we have them all in multiples......but I do have a soft spot for Scooby!!! But, it was hot and the line was long...….so we passed by.....

It was so quiet here this morning...….we love the parks when they are like this...more than usual.....

We went into he store beside what was T2 building.....there are so many rumours going around what is replacing it...…..and it`s been a while since it closed, so looking forward to that announcement being made!!!!

The store is now filled with classic monster memorabilia and classic horror film pictures and of course the classic comedies like Ghostbusters...….love all of that stuff!!! They really do need to bring those themes back more into the forefront of their theme in the parks....maybe they will

Ghostbusters 1 & 2 are among some of our favourite movies (hated the remake with women) and seeing the classic Vigo...….and his wonderfully mournful voice as he declares he is "The scourge of Carpathia….the sorrow of Moldavia" lol....love it....so seeing his image up there was lovely.....I was a little disappointed it didn't move in real life...…..that would be so cool!!!! The lady in the store howled out loud when I told her that...….she said honey we`d kill of the guests if we did that...…..oh, ok then...…lol...….

And of course Alfred Hitchcock movies are such classics...….I would love to have seen the Psycho house before they removed it.....

And first shop of the day...…..I had to have that psycho dressing gown and one of the bath sheets…….and a tee shirt for a friends son who is crazy for Hitchcock...….he loved it!!!

One of the amazing perks of staying onsite is having packages sent directly to your room to save you carrying them around all day....if you`re not onsite they will send them to the front of the park where you can pick them up as you leave......but for the hotel guests, they are usually delivered the next morning...….

This hearse is the one they use for HHN`s......and it is strangely smaller looking in here...….but it does look good.

I loved this tee shirt......but didn't buy it......nor did I buy the Stay Puft Marshmallow tee either...….wish I had though...….

I don`t know if I will ever wear this bag…...but you know when you want something just because...yep...

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Yes I did.

Well, it may come in handy for Halloween this year....see, it`s useful already...lol...…...Tom just smiles.…….thank goodness!!!! It is nice.

Tom loves this movie.....and was thrilled to see the display......B movies and dreadful movies will amuse him no end......he can sit and watch movies that are so bad he will have to watch to see how much worse they get and how they end!!!! I just switch off if I don't like a movie......but, heyho…..each to their own I guess.

If you are passing this way and love all the old classic horror and newer ones like Ghostbusters, pop in because you will enjoy seeing all the displays they have in here.......it is cool!!!

The next couple of pictures contradict our claim of "no character pictures" this trip......

Betty Boop just appeared and started to chat to Tom and of course I was there with the camera...….she was so funny and I often forget how alike their characters they sound at times.

Once we had paid for our many purchases and filled in the form to have them sent back to the hotel, we wandered back out and ran into Popeye and Olive Oyl…….again they were very proactive in approaching us as we left the store and chatted in full character for around 5 minutes.....they really do characters well in the parks...….

We had just missed a Marilyn moment, but it was too hot to walk back......another day if we were there at the right time, we would maybe get a picture...who doesn't love Marilyn!!

I have to say, we were really feeling the heat today, and it was only going to get warmer during the rest of our trip.....but we did feel incredibly hot today.

The little morning parade was out...….not a huge affair, but so cute and of course everyone loves a Minion......and Gru…….we stood for a little while and watched and smiled as they had a little girl of around 4 go and dance with them while the music was still going......lovely. And she was over the moon.

We wandered off before the photo op started and headed over to the shade a little.....gosh we felt like wimps today and already looked like I had been dragged through a hedge backwards and then dragged again...….

We started to walk round to Harry Potter but stopped off a little to see the Back to the Future train and Central Park area...…..

Mainly designed as the new viewing area for the night time light, water and firework show, it does hold a fair few people and during the day it`s usually very quiet......hardly anyone wanders in to see the view over the lagoon and for some tranquility, which today wasn't needed as this part of the park was very quiet.......

This little guy was so tame and came looking for food.....I wish we had something but he hung around a little, but eventually wandered off looking for someone who could feed him...….so cute though....

This is a very picture centric day...….more to follow...

 

[keishashadow]

Was wondering how the Today Cafe would work out. We often would split a sandwich for brunch, can’t say the new menu appeals to me...although, cheesecake on a stick might indeed be worth a go lol

Have to say it at least once per TR, the street was nearly empty in your pic of studios? How do you do it?

 

[schumigirl]

Was wondering how the Today Cafe would work out. We often would split a sandwich for brunch, can’t say the new menu appeals to me...although, cheesecake on a stick might indeed be worth a go lol

Have to say it at least once per TR, the street was nearly empty in your pic of studios? How do you do it?

lol....it was very quiet that morning.....but we did manage a few others with no one around on other days.....and I did think of you when we took them...…

Yes, we would split a sandwich in the boulangerie too, but this just doesn't really appeal at all...….we didn't eat in the boulangerie often, but every now and again we`d be there......but this one......can`t see it.....although as you said the cheesecake might be a temptation for me!!!

 

[I-4Bound]

I remember seeing the Psycho house at Universal when I was in school...and I believe the Bates Motel was there, too, although that might be Universal Studios Hollywood. Those desserts at The Today Cafe looked nice, but I doubt we'll ever eat there. Too many other places we like in town!

 

[schumigirl]

I remember seeing the Psycho house at Universal when I was in school...and I believe the Bates Motel was there, too, although that might be Universal Studios Hollywood. Those desserts at The Today Cafe looked nice, but I doubt we'll ever eat there. Too many other places we like in town!

Yes it looked amazing.....

I agree, there are too many other places we like to eat.....the desserts, yes, they looked good.....but sandwiched didn't inspire us.....although Tom did like the look of the beef sandwich.......

 

[schumigirl]

There really is a lovely view over the lagoon from the Central Park area....and on a day like today it`s somewhere we could sit and enjoy for a while......and of course you can see the Potter train from here too trundling back and forwards...….

The Simpson`s area is one we really don't spend a lot of time in. Not fans of the Simpsons and I don't go on the ride ever......I think this has got to be our least favourite ride in the whole park...…Tom and Kyle don't get nauseous on it, they`re fine and will go on it once a trip when he is with us…..but for me.....never again. So when it`s just the two of us Tom doesn't bother riding it......

But we do like to see the BTTF train and today we didn't see Doc ambling around......he is so funny...…...

Walking round to Potter you can see how beautiful the park is all over......folks who say the only thing worth seeing in the parks is Potter mystify me...…..but heyho…...and we stand a few minutes here as there is a lovely breeze that is just taking the edge of the heat right now.....it`s still early, but wow is it hot…..

There is a large crowd of people outside DA as we go to enter and they were sprawled over the entrance which isn't huge anyway.....they were trying to take a huge group picture and there was maybe 30 of them???? However a TM appeared and asked them not to block the entrance as a few folks were getting irate......he very quickly took a picture of them and they dispersed and we all got in. I was glad they go their picture as they were so excited!!!! It wasn't any of the school groups at all, it was a group of adults who all had Mickey Mouse on one side of their shirts and Harry Potter on the other......they were so excited to go in to DA......I swear I never saw such a large group all almost shaking with excitement...….we watched them a little when they went in and several of them cried, something you see often in here....

I remember crying the first time I saw Wishes in MK back on our first trip, it is just a little emotional at times, so I understood how folks felt with Potter.

As it was hot, we went straight for a drink in the Hopping Pot......

I had never noticed this little door before...….

None of us like Butterbeer.…..(I know)

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Only if we had to could we maybe have a tiny bit of the frozen........if we had to......but it`s not something we have to have......we prefer their other drinks...….In Hogsmeade we always have the pumpkin fizz.....but today we ordered the tongue tying lemon squash and the otters fizzy orange juice......

I`m not sure about the cinnamon edging around the cup, but it was still nice...….and very refreshing….

We knew it wasn't long till the Celestina Warbeck show was on , so we sat a little in the shade then had a wander over to the travel agent store.....and it wasn't so buy this morning in here either...….and it is a pleasure to wander around when the area is fairly quiet....

The little travel agent store is small......but perfectly formed.....and I loved this little fireplace...….I do like things like this...….I love a traditional fireplace although this one is a little different from most we see...….

I honestly never tire of the colours in the parks......and the ones in DA are stunning......so pretty and very photogenic......

And then we saw Celestina Warbeck and backing singers who are really good!!!

It is worth watching and passes a little time.....

Going into the money exchange is always cute...….the chief goblin is interactive and has a very dry sense of humour with some questions.....but you can ask him anything and see if he can answer....some replies are very funny...…..

And quite disconcerting when he appears to stare at you with disdain!!!

It is unusual now to see it so empty......but we just got lucky today and no one came in the whole time we were in.....few minutes later it was bursting at the seams...….

We always buy some Gringotts bank notes as gifts for friends kids/grandkids...….if they are coming to visit they adore getting real Potter money......and it`s a good souvenir too......I think we have one twenty for ourselves......won`t ever spend that...…..

I think he was getting fed up with us now asking all sorts of questions....lol......but we did enjoy having the place to ourselves which was nice.

More to come...…….

 

[Lynne G]

Thank you for posting the menu of the new Today Cafe. Me too, don't think I will buy anything from there, but I may pop in, to see the new. And yes, I do like cheesecake, so maybe.

Love the character pictures. They are so fun, particularly when no line.

Glad the weather has been lizard weather for you, and not much rain. And bugs. That's one thing I don't like about Florida's love bug season.

Great pictures from the Potter area. I agree, great place to take pictures in. I always see little things I had missed every time I visit Diagon Alley.

And one of these days, I'll buy those bank notes. Most of the time, when I decide, it's mobbed, and I give it a pass. If I do an early entry, I'll try to go there. While I am an early bird, I rarely use early entry. Guess that express pass hotel card, and a number of days in the parks, makes me move a little slower, and enjoy a long breakfast, that I usually don't have. I do like the parks the first hour they are open, as it is usually much less crowded.

Enjoying reading your report.

 

[schumigirl]

Thank you for posting the menu of the new Today Cafe. Me too, don't think I will buy anything from there, but I may pop in, to see the new. And yes, I do like cheesecake, so maybe.

Love the character pictures. They are so fun, particularly when no line.

Glad the weather has been lizard weather for you, and not much rain. And bugs. That's one thing I don't like about Florida's love bug season.

Great pictures from the Potter area. I agree, great place to take pictures in. I always see little things I had missed every time I visit Diagon Alley.

And one of these days, I'll buy those bank notes. Most of the time, when I decide, it's mobbed, and I give it a pass. If I do an early entry, I'll try to go there. While I am an early bird, I rarely use early entry. Guess that express pass hotel card, and a number of days in the parks, makes me move a little slower, and enjoy a long breakfast, that I usually don't have. I do like the parks the first hour they are open, as it is usually much less crowded.

Enjoying reading your report.

Thanks Lynne....glad you`re enjoying it.....and the pictures too......I can thank Tom for them again.……

Yes, when it`s busy it`s not much fun.....and we never do EE....as you say with EP there`s never really a need to do that.....that`s us too Lynne....like to be early birds and take it easy, but not that early for the parks!!!!

Weather was phenomenal.…..very lizard like...… so we were happy!!!

Yes, the café is worth a visit and a wander, and definitely for the cheesecake on a stick.....who came up with that idea!!!!!

 

[PoohIsHome]

The new Today Show cafe looks like it might be a good spot for a quick snack, but that would be about it for me.

Although it's really not needed with EP, Corey and I like getting up and doing EE together. We usually do it on the mornings that Tony runs. It's cheesy, but there's just something about that early morning rush that's fun for us to do together.

Now I'm trying to remember where in the world I put the Gringott's bank notes I bought last time! LOL!

Looks like you had a beautiful (read: lizard like) first park day!

 

[schumigirl]

The new Today Show cafe looks like it might be a good spot for a quick snack, but that would be about it for me.

Although it's really not needed with EP, Corey and I like getting up and doing EE together. We usually do it on the mornings that Tony runs. It's cheesy, but there's just something about that early morning rush that's fun for us to do together.

Now I'm trying to remember where in the world I put the Gringott's bank notes I bought last time! LOL!

Looks like you had a beautiful (read: lizard like) first park day!

Yep, I can see why folks do EE....even with EP it`s nice to see the Potter areas a little quieter during busier times...…

I think the café would be a one and done for us......but it was busy and looks like folks were enjoying what they were eating.....

lol....I do that too!!! I say I`ll put it where it`s safe then......bam....it`s lost!!!

It was a gorgeous day......we were so happy to be back in the parks!!!!

 

[keishashadow]

kudos to Tom for the stellar pic taking, he has a good eye for interesting composition.

 

[schumigirl]

kudos to Tom for the stellar pic taking, he has a good eye for interesting composition.

He does have a good eye......

Think our of all of those, I took the ones in the Money Exchange and a couple in DA......but most are his...….

It`s like his favourite toy...…..

 

[PoohIsHome]

I do love it when you post pics!! I have a new Nikon and a couple of new lenses since we last went (d750) and I'm very anxious for some photo time!

174 days and counting!

 

[Raeven]

I did like the look of the cheesecake on a stick.

I do too, I want to try that and the very elaborate cake with the macarons on top. I agree, the food doesn't sound too good, but the desserts look delicious.

we know of the Today Show of course, but it`s not something we watch in the UK

Much like with Jimmy Fallon it's not something commonly watched over here either, at least not among people I know

The store is now filled with classic monster memorabilia and classic horror film pictures and of course the classic comedies like Ghostbusters...….love all of that stuff!!! They really do need to bring those themes back more into the forefront of their theme in the parks....maybe they will

I can't wait to see this store! I'm hoping for more classic monsters stuff too. Maybe in the T2 building? But I'm thrilled it'll be at HHN this year. My friend that I'm taking for her first time was really hoping for something themed to that so it was extra exciting when they announced it.

 

[schumigirl]

I do love it when you post pics!! I have a new Nikon and a couple of new lenses since we last went (d750) and I'm very anxious for some photo time!

174 days and counting!

I do love a new camera...….I look forward to seeing some of your pics with new one.....and 174 days!!!!! Love a countdown!!!!

 

[schumigirl]

I do too, I want to try that and the very elaborate cake with the macarons on top. I agree, the food doesn't sound too good, but the desserts look delicious.



Much like with Jimmy Fallon it's not something commonly watched over here either, at least not among people I know



I can't wait to see this store! I'm hoping for more classic monsters stuff too. Maybe in the T2 building? But I'm thrilled it'll be at HHN this year. My friend that I'm taking for her first time was really hoping for something themed to that so it was extra exciting when they announced it.

yep, desserts seem to be the best option there for many...…

lol...….I asked folks we know in America about Jimmy Fallon and no one seems to like him or watch……

I think the monsters is a fabulous addition, something they should have been capitalizing on all along......it really is the heart of Universal.....and T2 building...….well.......cannot wait for that to finally have something announced...….and wow for a first timer to experience that on a first visit to HHN...…..it`ll be amazing……..we are so looking forward to it again.....

 

[schumigirl]

We wandered round to do Gringotts and the regular line was fairly long enough we didn't want to walk through to take some pictures, so we popped the bag and camera in a locker, that for once weren't surrounded by hordes of people and all clambering round the one locker...….I still however went to the rear of the lockers as it`s usually easier if there`s a crowd when we come out..….

The EP line was quick and we thought we were going to have to leave the ride due to technical issues when we were in the elevator.....it seemed to not work correctly for a few seconds......but we went on our merry way and were soon walking up the stairs to get on the ride.......we were put on the second row and as we climbed in a family started to make a fuss that they wanted to sit in the same row....there were 5 of them???? We said we`d move so most of them could sit together but they were being a little unreasonable, so we just shut up and sat down...….how the TM put up with stroppy people all day amazes me at times.....they soon sat down and we were off.....with a cheer from the folks behind us...….lol...….

This ride is simple and so much fun...….I like the way you are swooshed around rather than flung from side to side...…..and the non drop as we call it, is still fun...…..it`s not really a drop, so if you don't like drops you don't need to worry......it`s not a drop!!! Jurassic Park is a drop!!!!

I like the way the TM cheer as everyone gets back....some folks find it corny.....heyho…....we like it…….we get off and are charmed to listen to the family who complained about where they were sitting to continue to moan and complain about the seating on the ride...….

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Yep...….some people...….


The store as you come out of the ride is full of terrific displays and worth seeing...….I did wonder where the picture went that was on the wall......it was of Hogwarts from the sky and very striking...….I wondered if it was damaged as it was on the wall fairly low and people could be seen leaning on it at times.…..

We didn't buy anything today and wandered out to the street where we soon took shade again in the other store...….not fond of this store, purely because it has snakes and items like that.....even fake snakes are something I don't care to see.

I think it was fairly crowded in this area today, lots of people milling around but still not as packed as it has been in the past on certain days.....but we could still watch folks performing spells with not too many people getting in their way......

Into Knockturn Alley, which again brought some relief from the already building heat of today...….it was lovely, but so was the air conditioning in so many places...…

There are so many items to picture in here, and I think we must have them all, but we still document as many things as we can every trip.....it`s just something we do......I guess folks that don't take pictures, or don't understand folks who do take pictures will ever get......but.....for us....we love it....the more pictures the better...…..

We do love this little almost secret alleyway...….with the right light you can pick up the pawn store sign and it looks so downright murky.....Tom was taking this picture today and one man nudged me and asked what was up there so interesting…….I just said oh nothing really...….and he walked on......me, I`d have looked to see what it was that was interesting someone so much...….it reminded me of the time we had exited DA and we were stood outside facing the bus and two ladies with a park map asked us if there was anything interesting behind us...….we were a little astounded and later wondered how gutted they would have been if we had said oh not much...…...instead we simple said DA is in there....or words to that effect...….they looked a little surprised and wandered in...….they had a map!!!!!

We didn't hang around much today as we had plans, but as we were too early for lunch just yet, we thought we`d quite like to share a slice of one of our favourite park pizza.....Louie`s...…..

This has been a constant place we have eaten for years......simple pizza, but done so well...…..

A while back they had started serving a quarter of their rather large pizza as a serving...….it is massive and can easily be shared.....it used to be smaller, noticeably smaller......so we thought we would half one between us and opted for our usual pepperoni......it was freshly cooked and we did manage to pay quickly so our slice didn't get cold...….

And how was our long awaited little treat...…….

It was dreadful.

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The pizza has always been light and crispy, and the pepperoni thick and tasty without being greasy.…….

This one was doughy, the sauce tasteless, the pepperoni was beyond greasy and was now paper thin...…..to say we were disappointed was an understatement...…..most of it went in the trash......I`ve never eaten a pizza slice where I felt I was chewing gum...…...yuk...….

We could have complained and asked for our money back....and maybe we should have....but we didn't. It didn't seem that worth it to complain....

As we left, we were approached by a survey on our experience in Louie`s today......perfect. So I was brutally honest and explained our experience...…..nice timing.

We wandered round and went on RRR...….some people need to have an empty stomach to go on coasters and such and I understand that feeling....for me, I need to have something in my tummy or I feel extra nauseous......so although I hadn't eaten much of the pizza slice, it was something......I just hoped it wasn't too greasy...….

We again took a few seconds to put my bag in the lockers.....so easy here.....no crowds and then wandered through and noticed the regular line was long, I have no idea of the wait time, but the EP in this line is never usually very long in our experience...….we again asked for the front and got it...…...

I love this climb!!!! And Tom always goes up waving his arms and singing along to whoever he has chosen to listen to...…...me......always Gloria reassuringly singing I will indeed survive...…...and we`re off for the 13 second climb to the top and then for one of the smoothest drops of all...…….love it!!!!!!

We always sit at the front.....it`s a much less bumpy ride on the front and you get the best view......we have sat on the back cars once....never again.....much too bumpy. But, even in the front, the last portion of the ride is always a little juddery…….very bouncy!!!! But such a good ride.....

Minions is next for us as head round......again the regular line is long, around 70 minutes...….sorry, no minion is worth that wait......but the EP line is empty so we walk straight on and are first in the car on the last row.....I do think that's our favourite seat......it means you are first off and can get either a quick start off out, or a good advantage to being the first few to get a picture with a minion and Gru if he is there...….

This ride is always fun....cute and fun. It seems to bring a smile to everyone`s face both in the pre shows and the ride itself...…...

We come out and head back round to do The Mummy......we had unbelievably forgotten to go on it...

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Not sure how that happened.....I think we were just talking too much and walked past without even thinking on it.....plus we were doing the park backwards.....that's our excuse anyway!!!!!

We walked straight on the Mummy......sometimes we do go through the regular line as it is nice to see every now and again.....but with a long line, no. The EP line was short and again we asked if we could get the front.....no problem, we didn't even have to wait as there was no one behind us...….and what a ride The mummy is...…..it`s fairly tame and so much fun.....it does go fast on the coaster part and a decent little drop.....we love the speed of it and at times it feels incredibly fast.....but we love it.....and we only do it once today...…..this is a ride we can do many times usually, especially when Kyle is with us.

It seemed even quieter round here right now...….

We did wonder where everyone was...…...

But, for us we were heading out of the park and stopping off somewhere for lunch....not too much as we were eating a nice dinner out tonight, but we did think we may go to Confisco in IOA......

It was just lovely walking in the sunshine through the park......and on a day like today it is extra beautiful......

For years people always ask us if we never get bored here.....and the answer is always no, we never do......of course we don't spend all our time in the parks, but on the opposite side of the coin, I don't understand how people can do two or three days and say that's more than enough...…..so, very much each to their own......

The Today Café is busy, which is good to see......and not too many sitting outside as it is hot today......

The band playing is always nice to hear....and today they are playing the Scooby Doo theme tune.......very nostalgic for someone my age who classes that as my all time favourite cartoon as a child......the band are very good and are there regularly....very upbeat.

There are many forms of entertainment around the Studios.....very different to our first visits way back...…..you can see the original Blues Brothers, Beat Builders who are incredibly entertaining and very energetic.....there`s a singing group who come out every hour around the Blues Brothers area and also perform a very energetic routine of song and dance......all lots of fun to catch if you can.

It is very....orange.

We head out of the park now and walk round by HRC and Toothsome....neither are places we eat in...….HRC is just too darn loud, although they do amazing burgers and ribs if I remember correctly.....and Toothsome we have tried and just weren't impressed.....food was mediocre and mine was downright poor. The them doesn't grip me either, but maybe one day we`ll give it another try...….

Looking over the lagoon you can see so many food choices.....NBC is one we always enjoy and have missed it last few visits...….but portions are so huge we give it a miss today again...…..

Toothsome however does have a very impressive building and looks amazing......

As we near the entrance to IOA we decide to go to Margaritaville instead of Confisco…….we like the bar area here as the bar staff are always so much fun in here….despite our favourite barman Greg having left a while back...….his partner in crime John was still there though.....they all make great cocktails...….

So, we head in and the bar area is empty apart from a few folks already sitting at the bar.....we plonk ourselves down and Rodney who has been there a while asks what we want...….Tom who is driving tonight orders a strawberry lemonade.....eventually...…..and I of course opt for a Blackberry Margarita...……

​

I tell Rodney this is the best cocktail in Citywalk…….and even though Greg is gone I still love it....Greg made the strongest around, but still so tasty...…..he says to me Jack still makes them as good......I ask who Jack is....and he points to the other guy we know as John......

Now I do look at Rodney as if he`s losing his marbles......he laughs and tells me to shout Irish Jack.....so I do and "John" turns around...….turns out John who we knew was a keep fit guy and a wrestler, but he does also have a professional name....and answers to both...…..well, you do learn something new every day..…..

The famous Irish Jack......heck of a nice guy and his stories are legendary...….he can spin a good yarn and shares them with such detail and humour……..

We sat for a little while then ordered Lava Lava Shrimp as a snack instead of a meal......it was now maybe around 1.30......so no large meal for us now......

It is a decent sized appetiser so we can easily share this......and it is enough...….but the best part of being in here is the banter with the staff.....and Irish Jack told us a couple of stories to make your hair curl .....we laughed and laughed as he regaled us with tales of his travels......we really didn't want to leave...…..

Margaritaville we always enjoy now....there was a time a few years ago we gave it a miss for maybe two or three years, but now it`s one place we try and visit at least twice, if even just for drinks...…..

We sat longer than planned and eventually paid the check......when we looked at it, there was only a $18 charge......we shouted him over and realised it was a mistake and he gave us our proper check thanking us for our honesty.....no way would we give anyone the shaft that way.....so with our correct check paid we thanked them for taking care of us and we set off back to the boat to head back to Sapphire......

And this was one thing we loved about being onsite and so close to home......we are a five minute boat ride away from our hotel and ideal if you don't want to spend all your day in the park....which on a day like today was ideal...…


Coming up.....Ocean Prime.……...

 

[PoohIsHome]

Looks like you had another lovely start to a great day....except for the Louie's pizza. Even the pic looked different from what you usually post.

 

[schumigirl]

Looks like you had another lovely start to a great day....except for the Louie's pizza. Even the pic looked different from what you usually post.

It really was a lovely day.....very relaxing and not rushed or manic......and lovely with the heat!!!! Although we did look whooped when we got back to the room.....lol...….

Yes, the pizza was a big disappointment......we always look forward to a slice in there.....but not any more.....too many other places to choose from.