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

I just want to weigh in on those dang paper straws

EEEEEWWWWW We have a few establishments that have jumped on that wagon here in Santa land. They are just gross and disgusting once they start to break down. I think there are way more other things that are pollluting the oceans than straws!!!!

I don't see the biggest offending countries of ocean pollution doing things like this to cut back on their plastics that seem to find its way to the ocean.

Personally, we try to recycle where and when I can. We compost, recycle anything that can be recycled. I use cloth bags for all my grocery shopping ( even putting produce and meat products into their own separate cloth bags to launder later ) I even have these neat stretchable reusable plastic film for over top of glass to use for food in the fridge. I have very few plastic dishes in my home...and recycle any that do come in. Alright...getting off my soap box now lol. It just makes me fume when we talk about what we do to cut back on our carbon foot print and see many people who preach it, and tell us all what we need to do...but they don't practice what they preach....I'm looking at you Lenoardo DeCaprio, Jane Fonda and MANY MANY others. Alright...getting off now...before I start another rant!!!!! :rolleyes1 :laughing: :blush:

I hear you.

I used to be a big fan of Emma Thompson, but recently we had protests over here about flights and so on....she flew first class from LA and back and has done so on several occasions......more a case of do as I say not as I do.....she said it was one of these things we have to do for the bigger picture......far too preachy for me......funny thing was half the folks had flights booked from Heathrow......no time for folks like that.

We do what we can, but we don't go overboard.....we have recycling wheely bins....we take the time to separate them all....the council charges us through tax to pick it up….then they sell it to the Chinese....chuck it all on the one ship...altogether.....then sail it over to china in a very un eco friendly diesel guzzling ship!! So, I don't worry too much about it. Reusable bags for grocery shopping is about limit now.

Yes, there are worse things than straws.....I can understand the need for less plastic.....although try telling that to friends in the chemical industry who rely on plastics for business. Ying and yang......

But, glad you`re still reading along......and yes, I`ll have my plastic straws with me in September as I may have an iced cocktail or two...…:thumbsup2
 
I disagree. Just because you tend to order the same dish does not mean you are dull. There's nothing wrong with knowing what you like and sticking with a meal that you enjoy!



Oh my gosh I'm afraid that will probably be me too. 😊 As much as I try to research before going somewhere, I'm not good with maps or directions. I'll be the one walking back and forth muttering, "I know it's here somewhere. I read about it on DIS darn it!".

lol...that made me laugh!!!!

Tom and I can get lost in a parking lot....even with satnav!!! We really shouldn't be let out alone at times!!! So, I know what you mean.....and full disclosure here.....my mother and I lost sight of the Empire State Building once......we couldn't work out where we were as everything around us was so high.....we were almost underneath it!! But wouldn't ask in case I met someone like me......lol.....I would have laughed at that as it was a little ridiculous..…..and yes, if the Dis says its true.....it must be!!!

I do like familiar dishes at times.....and crawfish chowder is one we don't really get in the UK....so we like to binge on it when we can......but, I`m going to try and vary a few dishes in September!!! :thumbsup2
 
Knockturn Alley is one of my favourite places in DA......it`s dark and mysterious as it was designed to be......well, I love it.....from the colour and vibrancy of Diagon Alley...you enter the almost black and white world where the supposed underbelly of Potter society reside...….

It is also beyond cool and has a few benches in the darkness if you need to rest those weary legs awhile...….




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There is a good little spell here at this door if you have a wand....although you don't always need a wand to get a shock if you stand too close! A fun shock, not a bad shock...….




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It`s lovely and quiet in this part of KA today....I guess everyone else is through on the other part..…..it`s nice when it`s not crowded in here....you can grab some clear pictures and use the flash without disturbing everyone around you.....we always try to be considerate with the flash, but it`s not always possible...….everyone has their flash going in here I guess.



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Least it`s not on a ride!!!!!





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We didn't take many pictures in here today, think we have them all anyway......but it is a nice place and some good spells for those with wands...….




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Borgin and Burkes must be the darkest store in all of the Potter enterprise......there are some fabulous items in here to buy and some impressive pieces of craftwork to enjoy visually......well worth a visit.....we don't go in today as we are just wandering around......




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The singing heads are funny...….and they do sound like they`ve had a few too many rums...…..




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We head into the Leaky Cauldron purely for pictures and a look around.....




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Never eaten here as it doesn't appeal at all. This isn't British food....although there are a few things you`ll find in Britain.....Scotch Eggs, fish and chips, although they have wedges here not chips (that`s not fish and chips) .....casseroles although I`ve never seen beef and lamb in a dish together like they do here and several other things...….Cornish pasties would never be served with salad...….and ribs aren't exactly British.....so I guess it`s an Americanised British menu, altered for different palates...….I`m sure many enjoy it, but it`s not for us......but it`s not what I would call British Food.

But, it is aesthetically pleasing on the eye and looks like a fun place to have a meal...….and like the 3B`s....the smell is gorgeous...….


And like everything Potter, the theming is magnificent......you can look up and see the accommodations above, well the entrances to the imagined space above the pub.




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A family of four who are taking pictures of each other ask if we`ll take a picture of all of them.....Tom had just been about to offer anyway, and they of course reciprocated with us...….and Tom had forgotten to change his glasses...….




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The leaky Cauldron name explained...…...




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We sadly left the Potter area for the last time this visit, but it wouldn't be long till we were back.....although it did feel a long way off at this point.

We slowly headed out and there were a few more people around at this time of the day......but the heat was amazing...….this felt like a very warm July day, not May.





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The Studios is a very pretty park...….it has plenty of greenery, trees and bushes and some of the most beautiful flowers I`ve seen......and still colourful enough you know you`re in a theme park, but beautiful anyway.




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We don't really stop for many character opportunities anymore......we have managed to catch everyone that Universal offered over the years....but some we cannot resist......and Scooby is one of them.

As soon as you approach them, you can hear them already in pitch perfect character voices......and they are exactly as their character is supposed to be...…..Fred is Vain as is Daphne, Velma is inquisitive and Shaggy and Scooby are just that......Shaggy and Scooby……...

We have been fortunate to meet the whole gang several times......years back it was quite unusual to meet them all....but over the recent years they are an easy catch...…..




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I get teased again about my HHN lanyard...…..Scooby is scared of it and doesn't want to see it......and he is reassured he doesn't have to go to the event......but the whole interaction is amazing.....they ask questions, they expect you to have fun with them and not just get a picture taken and go......although quite frustrating I imagine for those waiting as they absolutely don't rush your time with them...….even for us that quite obviously have no kids with us...….and the Scottish accent of course is made fun of......with Shaggy asking if we know Shrek......lol...….





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Heading out for the boat we are glad to be exiting and not going in which many are doing.....it was busier than I thought heading into the park...….we just love Citywalk too......so pretty.




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We don't wait long for a boat...….this time of day, they can be less frequent than at peak times, but we hit it lucky....although with the heat of the day I was firmly ensconced under a fan blowing extremely cool air on me at this point......I could have stood and waited longer!





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A few minutes later we are in our suite and freshening up before heading out for lunch......the suite is lovely and cool to the point of freezing, so we do adjust the temp just a little...….and we have some ice cold water before heading back out...…..we had bought a bottle each this morning, but with this heat, we made sure we drank plenty of water.

Out to get the car, the valet manager Mike had the car ready as he saw us coming...….he was surprised this was our last full day and we were leaving tomorrow.....time does fly!!

Into the car, we drove down to NYPD pizza again on Universal Blvd, down past the Eye, we ignore this is the route we take tomorrow to get back to MCO, not a good thought......we liked this location over the Metro West location.....it was busier and had more a lively feel about it. Although I still think the lady who greets you could be a little happier.....but that aside, it`s a lovely place and food is excellent...…..


We like our table......we are by the window and can see the bar area.....we haven't ever sat there but might try it once next time......




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The menu here is lovely and has every kind of pizza or calzone you can imagine...…..

We decide to share the big house salad, no onions with honey mustard dressing as always...….must have been the freshest salad I ever tried!!! Certainly the crunchiest lettuce.




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Again, I have my favourite of the bbq chicken no onions, and add pineapple and jalapeno...….it is lush!!!!

The base is crisp and light, toppings are perfect and the sauce is sweet and spicy.....just the way I like it...…..




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I love pineapple on pizza.....but I love pineapple on many things......and of course there are those that think it`s diabolical......including our genuine Italian friends who just don't understand it......and won`t try it......but they`ll try back pudding which is Satan`s food!!!! They also don't like having bbq sauce on it either.....that's not a pizza to them......lol....Good job we`re not all the same...…..

Tom opts for the pepperoni roll today with marinara sauce...…..




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And he does enjoy it, but it did have rather a lot of cheese in it......I know it`s supposed to be like that, but maybe a little less would be better for him. He said he wouldn't order it again though.….I told him to stick to pizza`s here....

This had been a lovely lunch, and the whole time we were in, we lost count of the number of emergency service folks came in for food.....always a good sign if Police Officers eat here regularly.....

We paid the check and headed into Publix for some last minute cookies to take home and a few other little bits a bobs.


Then we had planned a visit to Bed Bath and Beyond, but we really couldn't be bothered if truth be told......and we knew we had positively no more room for any more purchases. I still maintain to not be a shopper.....I`m really not......but internet shopping...….I love that!!!! It`s like getting little presents every time you order a parcel...…..I did say once to Tom can you imagine no internet shopping...…..he kind of glazed over a moment...….



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More coming up...…...
 


We don't really stop for many character opportunities anymore......we have managed to catch everyone that Universal offered over the years....but some we cannot resist......and Scooby is one of them.
Hi @schumigirl! How are you? I won't say I'm caught up, but I've been enjoying your report! I was off the boards for a while. I took the kids to Alaska for two weeks, which was totally awesome, and then I've just been catching up on life stuff.

I love the Scooby interactions. I was walking by them one time and said something like, "We would have got away with it, if it wasn't for those nosy kids." Shaggy called to me, "It's MEDDLING kids! If you're going to insult us, at least get it right!" My kids still laugh about that one.
 
We finally tried the Scotch eggs this last trip! I am not a big hard boiled egg fan, so I probably would not get it again , but it wasn't bad.
 


My the pizza looks yummy!! I love pineapple on anything as well. Not a fan of sauces of any kind though so my pizza can be blah...
My elderly Mom would LOVE that salad, she always asks if the salad has tree leaves or lettuce.....there's an interesting story behind that,
but that salad looks right up her alley.
Speaking of alleys ( :crazy2: ) the photos of Knockturn Alley make me want to go there, hide away and just live there. I do like a little bit of the darker side of witchcraft and wizardry.
Cannot believe the trip (report) is winding down:guilty:. September will be here before you know it, although time seems to be dragging for me lately, must be the heat.
 
Sign me up for the club! Pineapple on pizza is yummy!!

I love Jay Pritchard (Ed O'Neill)!

lol.....I think he`s fab too! Funnily enough never watched an episode of Married with Children......

New club has been formed…….pineapple on pizza Fan #1 Lori.....you take pride of place!!!! :flower1:
 
:oops: Nope! Internet shopping is the best thing since BBQ pineapple jalapeno pizza! LOL. I need to try that pizza place it looks fab! Great pics and report as usual!

member #2...….that pizza is fabulous......one of my favourite pizza`s wherever I go......and NYPD is excellent.....

Yes, I`m a big internet shopper.....and so is Tom if truth be told.....he likes to pretend he never buys anything...….lol.….he has a knowing smile whenever I go get my purse for the credit card after prowling the net for a while...….he has the patience of a saint!!!

Glad you`re enjoying reading along....always glad to see your posts......:wave2:
 
Hi @schumigirl! How are you? I won't say I'm caught up, but I've been enjoying your report! I was off the boards for a while. I took the kids to Alaska for two weeks, which was totally awesome, and then I've just been catching up on life stuff.

I love the Scooby interactions. I was walking by them one time and said something like, "We would have got away with it, if it wasn't for those nosy kids." Shaggy called to me, "It's MEDDLING kids! If you're going to insult us, at least get it right!" My kids still laugh about that one.

Hey stranger!!!!!

Nice to see you......wow Alaska.....I wondered where you were, hadn't seen any posts from you. Hope the trip was fabulous...….never been to Alaska.........always looks......er, cold!!!!

I do watch Ice Road Truckers.....lol...think that's the closest I`ll ever get to it! Yes, it takes some time to get back to normal after a trip.....

Oh that is so funny with Shaggy!!! yes, meddling kids.....lol.....they have fabulous interactions with guests.....well, all the characters do at Universal...never had a bad experience with them.

Glad to see you back and hope you manage to get caught up with everything.... :wave2:
 
We finally tried the Scotch eggs this last trip! I am not a big hard boiled egg fan, so I probably would not get it again , but it wasn't bad.

I hate Scotch Eggs...….yuk......not an egg fan at all anyway, but you do get some nice ones in the UK, made with good meat around the egg. Tom quite likes them, and will get them from farmers market places, not grocery stores. Haven`t heard anyone rave about it...….

Shame you didn't like it though......was the other food enjoyable from Potter?
 
My the pizza looks yummy!! I love pineapple on anything as well. Not a fan of sauces of any kind though so my pizza can be blah...
My elderly Mom would LOVE that salad, she always asks if the salad has tree leaves or lettuce.....there's an interesting story behind that,
but that salad looks right up her alley.
Speaking of alleys ( :crazy2: ) the photos of Knockturn Alley make me want to go there, hide away and just live there. I do like a little bit of the darker side of witchcraft and wizardry.
Cannot believe the trip (report) is winding down:guilty:. September will be here before you know it, although time seems to be dragging for me lately, must be the heat.

So, you have pizza without a sauce of any kind? I can`t imagine a dry pizza.....but if you don't like sauces I can sympathise…..yes, the salad was lovely.....although now I have to limit salad too......typical. Oh always love an interesting story!!!!

Yes, all those little alleys are fascinating......I, in my mind make up little short stories in my mind of where they lead to and what kind of trouble you could get into wandering the wrong way......lol....I`m a dark witchcraft and wizardry fan too!!! Macbeth was a favourite at school.....teacher told me then I had a dark side......guess that's why I fit in so well at Universal then :rotfl:

Yes, final few days....I had meant to finish this much earlier, but with taking mum to NYC and then a Scotland trip, it has been a bit slow to be completed.....but, getting there...….

September is just around the corner...….oh I hope things are fine with you......heat can drain you at times.......but best wishes as always...….and glad to see you here as always...….:goodvibes
 
Oh I like pineapple on pizza too, with spicy bbq sauce and chicken. Enjoy seeing the park and CityWalk pictures. And, add a pizza place to our places to eat at. I think my picky little one would like that pizza. She will eat at Red Oven. And sadly, the go to place for a local pizza place where I live, changed their pizzas to no one one. Hence, finding a good, local pizza may only be found in FLA. LOL

Did not know it gets so hot in May. We are looking forward to a short trip to get some park time in. Portofino this time, though I like RPR the best of the three, but really enjoy PBR's larger bathrooms.
 
There is a good little spell here at this door if you have a wand....although you don't always need a wand to get a shock if you stand too close! A fun shock, not a bad shock...….
I was just telling my mom the story of the first time we went to DA and how I told Davy about Knockturn Alley and he was at first afraid to go in, but now it's his favorite part of the park anywhere. On that first trip, he discovered the door knob "shock." He spent at least 30 minutes standing next to the door and if someone came near, he'd grab it, and it'd make the shocking noise and he's scream like he was dying. He thought that was the most amazing thing ever. LOL
 
Oh I like pineapple on pizza too, with spicy bbq sauce and chicken. Enjoy seeing the park and CityWalk pictures. And, add a pizza place to our places to eat at. I think my picky little one would like that pizza. She will eat at Red Oven. And sadly, the go to place for a local pizza place where I live, changed their pizzas to no one one. Hence, finding a good, local pizza may only be found in FLA. LOL

Did not know it gets so hot in May. We are looking forward to a short trip to get some park time in. Portofino this time, though I like RPR the best of the three, but really enjoy PBR's larger bathrooms.

That is my favourite pizza anywhere! Although when we were in Italy many years back I asked for something else on the pizza and was told no, that's not pizza.....lol.....we were away from the regular tourist areas so I could understand it.....

Our local pizza place in next town is decent...not great but decent....and they do bbq chicken so Kyle and I are happy. It`s a shame when places change......

Yes, this past May was HOT. Previous May was the wettest May for years, this one was the warmest in a long time according to locals.....we loved it though....lol.....it was in the 90`s a lot.

Your trip is just around the corner now, I`m sure it`ll be lovely.....it`s you and DD isn't it? And then she starts school??? What a lovely way to end the summer before such a big change...….
 
I was just telling my mom the story of the first time we went to DA and how I told Davy about Knockturn Alley and he was at first afraid to go in, but now it's his favorite part of the park anywhere. On that first trip, he discovered the door knob "shock." He spent at least 30 minutes standing next to the door and if someone came near, he'd grab it, and it'd make the shocking noise and he's scream like he was dying. He thought that was the most amazing thing ever. LOL

lol.....so funny!!!

I must remember that and do it...….. :rotfl:

It is quite dark when you enter I guess......so can imagine it might be a little daunting for some kids......and there are a few artifacts that might be a little scary for some.......I love seeing the claw hand catch folks out when they don't know it moves suddenly and without warning......I have to remember and not laugh so loud...…:blush:
 
I hate Scotch Eggs...….yuk......not an egg fan at all anyway, but you do get some nice ones in the UK, made with good meat around the egg. Tom quite likes them, and will get them from farmers market places, not grocery stores. Haven`t heard anyone rave about it...….

Shame you didn't like it though......was the other food enjoyable from Potter?

We don't eat a lot of the meals, mainly the snacks. I got the Ploughman's Platter just because it looked tasty, more of a snack for us all to munch on rather than a meal. We love the ice cream at Florean Fortescue's and all the different drink options. I have tried the fish and chips before as well, and my daughter likes the turkey leg with fries. We do most of our meal-time eating offsite, because we always drive and there are so many restaurants around town we love!
 

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