WHO YA GONNA CALL" 29 NIGHTS OF GHOSTBUSTERS, MONSTERS & MORE - A 2019 HHN/SFR/RPR TR

I just wanted to say a HUGE THANK YOU for writing your trip reports!! We spent our week long vacation last week staying at Royal Pacific and going to the Universal parks for 5 days and we had the best time! This was the first time that we focused entirely on Universal Studios and we absolutely loved it! The unlimited express pass that comes with the Royal Pacific stay was amazing, as we never waited more than 10 minutes for any ride. The hotel is beautiful and the scent in the lobby smelled so good I asked the front desk if they sold it and sure enough, they do! I have already ordered 5 room sprays lol! We also were able to eat at the Orlando Ale House and NYPD Pizza and both were absolutely delicious!!! I am already trying to convince my husband to come back with me early next year for another week. Thank you again for all of the information that you put into your reports and I can't wait to hear all about your upcoming trip:thanks:

You are so welcome!!!

Oh I am over the moon you had such a fabulous stay at RP!!! It really is an amazing hotel and yes, the scent is gorgeous!! Sapphires is lovely too...but RP is my favourite of the two......and yes, EP is worth it’s weight in gold......we wouldn’t be without it.

And I’m glad you enjoyed the Ale House and NYPD......both firm favourites of ours........

And good luck......I’m sure your husband won’t take much persuading......another trip sounds like a good plan!

And thank you for your lovely comments......I really appreciate that and hope you do enjoy the report.........:wave2:
 
Hahaha good one. Reading this just jogged something out of my dusty memory I’ve been wanted to ask you. Have you ever considered renting the storage tub/container that many frequent DVC people do? Believe the company is still a sponsor here. Had tossed the idea around, if only for park clothes/gear I never wear at home but never acted upon on it since we usually fly SWA & they still offer lots of free luggage options

Lol....yes, we did laugh when he said it.....

We did think of it at one point.....but because we have such a good luggage allowance like you do, 80lbs each with one carrier and even more with Virgin, we never really thought it was worth it.

They are a good idea though......
 
Seriously, staying in a hotel for 29 consecutive days...you might as well be a rockstar!! Everyone will know you! So awesome!



No way without the EP for me either. So are all the houses just like haunted houses that you walk through? I didn't even know they did this...I think the way you visit with your AP and the EP makes it worthwhile...it sounds like it would be expensive and you would not get much done with just the regular tickets.

Lol.....everyone already knows us well!! Some we have known for years and they have become good friends, one in particular. Any new staff soon know us.....it’s nice though!

Yes, the houses are themed to a particular film and are fabulous.......quite scary but in a fun way.

It is an expensive event however you do it. We buy the Rush of Fear with Express Pass which runs $670 for both of us. But, we can do 17 nights this year.....not that we will!! We’d be exhausted.

Some folks do the event with no EP. Depending on the night depends how much folks do. Some lines can run 3 hours.....some houses early in the evening and not the most popular can be 20 minutes. It varies so much. But, would much rather have EP than not.......it is an amazing event though........never thought you’d like to try it?
 
Some folks do the event with no EP. Depending on the night depends how much folks do. Some lines can run 3 hours.....some houses early in the evening and not the most popular can be 20 minutes. It varies so much. But, would much rather have EP than not.......it is an amazing event though........never thought you’d like to try it?

I would love to try it! It's been years since I've been to any of the Universal parks and it's definitely time. I would want the EP though and the ability to go for multiple days. Nothing to me is worth a 3 hour wait. Even with an hour wait, I find that nothing lives up to it...if you just walk in then you are a lot happier with whatever you get to see and do!
 


I would love to try it! It's been years since I've been to any of the Universal parks and it's definitely time. I would want the EP though and the ability to go for multiple days. Nothing to me is worth a 3 hour wait. Even with an hour wait, I find that nothing lives up to it...if you just walk in then you are a lot happier with whatever you get to see and do!

Oh you are a woman after my own heart!!!

Some folks say they can do fine without the EP.......for us, nope......even if the regular line is 10 minutes we still use Express and walk on usually......I’m with you, nothing is worth an hour wait.....heck we won’t wait if anything is over the supposed 20 minute max wait with EP.

Oh yes, we need to get you back to Universal.......there will have been so many changes if it’s been years since you’ve been......definitely as many days as you can and EP.....perfect combination!
 
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3 WEEKS TILL OPENING NIGHT

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One of our more regular places we enjoy is Longhorn Steakhouse.

This restaurant is a staple chain all over Orlando and beyond. And it`s one of these places that some folks love or just don't like. We`ve always had fabulous meals and service in the one in LBV. Can`t say the same for our one venture into the one on International Drive. Never again to that one. But, we do always drive over to LBV and know we`ll get exactly what we want.

This is one of Kyle`s favourite places too.....he enjoys sharing the Chocolate Stampede with his dad....I do manage to enjoy a little of the ice cream.


But, we go for the steaks.

Not an expensive place, especially compared to higher end places, where steaks run $50 - $60 plus....steaks here are around the $25 mark. And they are still tasty and always cooked as desired.

We did try Outback a couple of times, and despite being initially impressed we swiftly decided they weren't as good as Longhorn and once tried to sell me a tiny flat steak as a filet......I think they thought as I was a Brit I wouldn't know a good steak from a piece of shoe leather....


I`m curious about Texas Roadhouse......a few folks have recommended it over the years and we've never managed to get there yet. Maybe one day...….

The bread is always plentiful and will be replenished as often as you like, but we have never gone beyond one. Honey wheat and is very nice.




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We don't often have an appetiser here, but I think I said before, I don't remember having this.....but it`s there....so we must have.




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We have enjoyed a variety of steaks in here over the years......porterhouse, new York strip, ribeye and of course their famous filet...….which is my steak of choice.....although I did have the strip one night and it was one of the nicest strip steaks I have ever eaten.




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I only once got the addition of a lobster tail, and although it was nice enough, id stick to just the steaks here. It was fairly small and maybe, in hindsight a little overcooked. But very edible.




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This is definitely Tom`s favourite steak!!




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We did get the ribs one night quite recently, and have to say they were very good......fall off the bone as they should be and full of flavour…...
The Chocolate Stampede is a large sharing dessert.....although we do have one friend who claims he ate it to himself......I`m not sure, the guy is incredibly slim and doesn't have a great appetite at the best of times.....but if he says he did, then I believe him. But, no way could either of my two eat one to themselves.....not after an entrée anyway.

As I`m not a big chocolate fan, I have one of the scoops of ice cream.....usually even scraping off the sauce as I just don't like it......we did once ask for the ice cream separate and of course they did bring it....but we usually forget to ask!





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Like most places the have a fabulous cocktail menu and a good selection of drinks...….

Service here is friendly and you can have a wait at times for a table. But, it`s not normally too long and you can call ahead. We don't usually bother but if it was a Saturday evening we might.

If you`re planning to eat here, come hungry!!!! I know this is one place we will definitely be visiting!
 
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Longhorn is a great place for take out as well. They always package things up so nicely. Like you I much prefer them over Outback. I have found myself longing for a Florida trip so badly lately! But, school is starting and another trip is likely a long way out, maybe even next summer. I'm thinking about trying to talk my hubby into a long weekend getaway again during the school year, if we can get the teenagers squared away!
 
Longhorn is a great place for take out as well. They always package things up so nicely. Like you I much prefer them over Outback. I have found myself longing for a Florida trip so badly lately! But, school is starting and another trip is likely a long way out, maybe even next summer. I'm thinking about trying to talk my hubby into a long weekend getaway again during the school year, if we can get the teenagers squared away!

Oh Andrea, yes!!!

You need another trip..... next summer is so far away! A long weekend sounds like a fabulous idea just the two of you......sounds perfect! And the teens would be just fine...........tell him Carole says you should..... :rotfl:
 
I do enjoy Texas Roadhouse every now and again, the downside it’s loud, but the Steaks always perfect. I know we have a longhorn, surely we’ve been but I can’t recall having an opinion about it. Maybe we should give longhorn a try.
 
We tried Longhorn the other day, it was fine but I had them leave most of the seasoning off since they said it was 'bold' and peppery.
I prefer Texas Roadhouse....they have THE. BEST. BREAD. (if only I could eat the cinnamon butter, but alas it's plain butter since I'm allergic to cinnamon). It's much more rowdy and loud, the only part I don't care for, but their steaks are very flavorful. It's very reasonably priced as well. My other favorite is Season's 52, not sure if it's local or a chain. It's pretty pricey but the steaks are good, the whole cauliflower appetizer is yum and my Mom said the Lemonade (?) cocktail was delicious. They also have 'mini' desserts which are just perfect.
 
I do enjoy Texas Roadhouse every now and again, the downside it’s loud, but the Steaks always perfect. I know we have a longhorn, surely we’ve been but I can’t recall having an opinion about it. Maybe we should give longhorn a try.

Oh not sure I like the sound of loud! But a good steak might be worth it.....

Yes, give Longhorn a try.....I know some chains do vary in standard, so hopefully the one near you is a good one!!
 
We tried Longhorn the other day, it was fine but I had them leave most of the seasoning off since they said it was 'bold' and peppery.
I prefer Texas Roadhouse....they have THE. BEST. BREAD. (if only I could eat the cinnamon butter, but alas it's plain butter since I'm allergic to cinnamon). It's much more rowdy and loud, the only part I don't care for, but their steaks are very flavorful. It's very reasonably priced as well. My other favorite is Season's 52, not sure if it's local or a chain. It's pretty pricey but the steaks are good, the whole cauliflower appetizer is yum and my Mom said the Lemonade (?) cocktail was delicious. They also have 'mini' desserts which are just perfect.

Yes, Kyle has his without seasoning although he loves pepper!!

I love cinnamon......never tried cinnamon butter, I don't think I have anyway. I will look at it and see if we can fit it in. I`ve never heard of anyone allergic to cinnamon.....hope it`s not too difficult to seek it out in dishes or products.

I`ve seen seasons 52 , I think it looked far too healthy.....:rotfl: there is one on Sand Lake Road. As I can`t eat many vegetables it`s not somewhere we considered, but do hear many good things about it.

Love a good cocktail anywhere though!!!
 
Yes, Kyle has his without seasoning although he loves pepper!!

I love cinnamon......never tried cinnamon butter, I don't think I have anyway. I will look at it and see if we can fit it in. I`ve never heard of anyone allergic to cinnamon.....hope it`s not too difficult to seek it out in dishes or products.

I`ve seen seasons 52 , I think it looked far too healthy.....:rotfl: there is one on Sand Lake Road. As I can`t eat many vegetables it`s not somewhere we considered, but do hear many good things about it.

Love a good cocktail anywhere though!!!
The reason I LOVE your food pictures....so many things I cannot eat so I live vicariously. :tongue:Cinnamon isn't as bad as the coconut allergy (also strawberry) coconut oil, milk, water and palm oil are in EVERYTHING!!!

It's getting so close, I keep getting email alerts about the houses for HHN, they all sound so fun and kinda spooky!!
 
The reason I LOVE your food pictures....so many things I cannot eat so I live vicariously. :tongue:Cinnamon isn't as bad as the coconut allergy (also strawberry) coconut oil, milk, water and palm oil are in EVERYTHING!!!

It's getting so close, I keep getting email alerts about the houses for HHN, they all sound so fun and kinda spooky!!

Thanks......glad you like them!!!

I do remember you mentioning a coconut allergy........but I can imagine how difficult it is searching labelling to make sure it’s free from your problem foods.......I agree palm oil in the states seems to be in everything.

I’m allergic to MSG and it’s in the strangest things in the States more so than the UK.......so I check everything now.....although I have been known to forget on occasion. Tom is good at prompting me though....The onion and garlic issue is fairly easy......but for things like your allergies, must be a lot more difficult.

I love coconut and strawberries......I can eat coconut, but things like fruit is so limited for me......can eat a little but if I overdo it.......not fun. And I love most Fruit.

Yes, HHN is just around the corner........we are so excited for this years event.....especially the classic monsters and Ghostbusters!
 

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So...……………….with it being two weeks till we take off again......time to start thinking about HHN...…..our main focus of this trip!!!!

To say we are excited about the houses and some of the scare zones this year is a complete understatement...….although some of the houses for example Ghostbusters should be more fun than scary, we`re still anticipating lots and lots of scares!!!

We first went in 2007 and immediately loved it......Jack`s carnival of Carnage was a wonderful introduction to the wonderful world of scares and horror....in fun of course!!! That first show where Jack put folks through the chipper was hilarious......and we were hooked!!!!

It also had the wonderful PsychoScareapy house which was mentioned again in 2105...….one of my favourites ever. But, there are too many to choose from to pick one overall favourite. Halloween excluded of course.....





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2008 was reflections of Fear which still has one of my favourite houses ever.....the Bloody Mary house itself...….it was fabulous!!!




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This was the year the face of Bloody Mary was on billboards all along the I-4 and parents all complained it was giving their kids nightmares and so on and they should be removed......I don't think they ever were thankfully!!!!


Tom is very good at capturing me at the most opportune of moments....and this one was just about perfect...…..I had no clue the "prop" I was standing in front of......was a person in disguise! All I saw was the slow moving branch like fingers appear slowly either side of me!!! Second time that night I actually ran!!!

Tom and Kyle thought it hilarious......





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And of course a couple of years later they did finally make a house out of my favourite guy!!! No, not Kyle......but there was finally a Halloween house.....and to be honest the first one they did was the best of them!!!! Classic Halloween and one of the Michaels got me real good one night!!!! Well, more than once.....but one was legendary and someone even mentioned they had seen it happen in the Club Lounge...….it was funny the lounge manager at the time could ask me about it the next day......lol...….

And then Tom one day said he had seen friends of ours wander past....as I looked to see where they had gone....Kyle had put this mask on and crept up behind me as I turned back!!!! No he didn't get to buy the mask as he wanted to!!!! Scared the bejeesus out of me......he did get the tee shirt though...….always laughs when he wears it!!!





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Some years the scare zones are better than others.....but they all put their heart and soul into their part.....whatever it is. The sets you can pose for pictures anytime and they are happy for you to do so.....

Over the last 4 maybe 5 years, I feel the roaming SA are now much better at posing for pictures with guests......years back they seemed to keep moving more...….but last few years we have hundreds of images with the SA...…..





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Chance was hilarious...….the other night we got such a good picture with her, Tom had on his Jack tee shirt and she had a blast teasing him......it was genuinely funny and she was so rude......but again, very sharp and witty......





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And even Tom managed to get a scare one night......something that didn't happen very often....….and I guess we both had a camera that night!!!




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This guy was known to those who saw all the pictures we have of him, as Hot Guy...….he was brilliant and I glanced at him as we walked past and he came up behind me and tapped me very gently on the shoulder and intimated we should take some pictures...…..he was classic!!!! And yes......he was hot!!!! I think we have about 10 of him with me in various stages of laughter......Tom thought it was so funny......the young ladies in the Club Lounge at that time planned to seek him out the next time they went!!!!




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You can get startled when you least expect it...…..




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lol.....I assumed she had turned the other way after I did...….oh no......she sensed a victim in me...…. :rotfl:




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I don't have the after picture of this snap as I took off like a bat out of hell when I saw the spooky hand as I had no idea there was someone behind me!!!!





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The lanterns around all look amazing during the event when it goes dark and they are lit...…..the bar area is always busy it seems.....they do a couple of special cocktails every year...….we have the souvenir glass from every year we have gone.....and even the Reflections of Fear glass still lights up after all this time!!!

The cocktails aren't all that great, but you`ve got to get them!!!





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You haven't had a night out till you get your picture taken with Freddie Mercury, Michael Jackson and Prince...….

This guy sounded so much like Freddie I drew back surprised......it was uncanny.....very proper and so gentle spoken, just like Freddie...…





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Many people ask every year.....will my little kids be traumatised going to the Studios during the day……..yeah, they`re going to do that...….some of the larger props are left.….anything gory or bloody is either removed or covered up...….





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So, just a few pictures of the event over the years...…..I know a lot of people say it`s not for them and I can of course understand that.....you do get scares from all around at times, we love it.....but if you don't enjoy that kind of thing, then it`s not for you.....I must admit, although I do love the scares and frights, there have been a few times I`ve been completely taken by surprise and it has shocked me! But, and this is what I always say......it`s a fun event....nothing bad is going to happen to you!!!

It is so much fun and of course there used to be Bill and Ted`s show, which we loved first few years, but latterly for us, it did need a change....but I just wish they had the funny scripts of years earlier back......and of course they always made pot shots at Disney which was funny......very funny usually.

The one show most of us miss is the Rocky Horror Picture Show...…..




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This was the funniest and such a full of fun show with very adult humour…..and the best dance ever!!!! (well...one of them) A real crowd pleaser and audience participation was always fabulous!!!

Would love it if they brought it back...…...pretty please!!!!!!

For now we have Academy of Villains which is a high energy and very clever show with some amazing dancers and one we will watch once for sure, then if we`re around we will watch it. If you haven't seen it don't miss it...….

The new light show around the lagoon will be well received I think......and as it`s like the shows and on at the same time it`s easy to plan to see it. It`ll be busy for sure, but like the regular night show, you don't need to be right at the front to get a good view and enjoy it......so we`re looking forward to that too! Will make sure to see it at least once.

Our Rush of Fear with Express Pass ticket offers tremendous value......we could go 17 nights during our month long stay.....but no question we won`t be there every night.....

But, as the event has got so much busier every year and last years opening night was the busiest we have ever seen, for us, being able to go many nights is perfect...….we can do a few houses each night, redo favourites and enjoy the scare zones without rushing around......we have no desire to do a tour as we don't want to "have" to stay in the parks too long if we don't feel like it. nd we would NEVER do the event without EP!!! So this ticket is perfect for us.

Roll on September 6th!!!!
 
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I can't LOVE your pictures with the scareactors enough. You're braver than I! I get freaked out, I KNOW they are actors but still..... we've got 30 days to go!! I am SO excited!
 
I can't LOVE your pictures with the scareactors enough. You're braver than I! I get freaked out, I KNOW they are actors but still..... we've got 30 days to go!! I am SO excited!

Awww thanks.......I’m so glad!! We have thousands of pictures over the years and we LOVE going through them all again.....even the bad ones......lol......

Yep, excitement levels are high here too........cannot wait to experience everything that is HHN!!!!
 
Oh my goodness, I so remember the Bloody Mary billboards! We were on a fall trip to Disney, and that billboard scared my daughter so much! She was just a little thing at the time. Your pictures are fabulous!
 
Oh my goodness, I so remember the Bloody Mary billboards! We were on a fall trip to Disney, and that billboard scared my daughter so much! She was just a little thing at the time. Your pictures are fabulous!

Oh dear!! They were quite scary.........we were in Disney for a few days back then and do remember one woman apparently claiming loudly she was going to sue that “hell hole devil worshipping place” into the ground for having such evil billboards..... :rotfl: she really thought she was going to shut them down for upsetting her ten, yes ten year old son!! We didn’t hear it ourselves, a fellow Universal fan who was staying at French Quarter too heard her at the front desk......what they were supposed to do I have no clue......

Thanks, I’m glad you like the pictures........it really is fun to look over them now and again........::yes::
 

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