14 NIGHTS SAPPHIRE FALLS...MARDI GRAS-MINIONS-HARRY & MORE...MARCH 2019 TR

schumigirl · Apr 17, 2019

DisneyLifePapioNe said:
I’ve got about every color and brand fanny pack available..........

Very convenient though

lol......every fashionable man about town should have one....or three :rotfl:

Glad you are as fashion conscious too...….. :rolleyes1

I-4Bound · Apr 17, 2019

I'm with Tom! I rock a fanny pack every time we go to the parks. They may not be beautiful, but they sure are convenient. We have really liked those chicken Stingers at fire-eater Grill. We've gotten them twice now and they made a very good snack. All of your pictures of the out of the way areas are lovely!

schumigirl · Apr 17, 2019

I-4Bound said:
I'm with Tom! I rock a fanny pack every time we go to the parks. They may not be beautiful, but they sure are convenient. We have really liked those chicken Stingers at fire-eater Grill. We've gotten them twice now and they made a very good snack. All of your pictures of the out of the way areas are lovely!

lol.....the fanny pack has it`s fans!!!!

I have the Kipling Multiple and it does hold a fair few bits.....haven't worn it for a while, but Tom`s does hold the camera when needed and whatever else he carries...….so yes, I do like them too

Now I want some of those chicken stingers!!! I remember them well...... :thumbsup2

pepperandchips · Apr 17, 2019

Carole I have had SUCH a good time catching up on your trip - laughing out loud many times! You are such a wonderful storyteller, which is probably part of your charisma in real life too and why you and Tom attract so many friends and curious admirers.

I thought fanny was a roodie doodie word?

agavegirl1 · Apr 17, 2019

Your photos are beautiful, the food was lovely, your reports were awesome but, I have been very sick for 4 days and missed the end of tax season as a result. I do love your report and hope for a little better weather.

schumigirl · Apr 18, 2019

pepperandchips said:
Carole I have had SUCH a good time catching up on your trip - laughing out loud many times! You are such a wonderful storyteller, which is probably part of your charisma in real life too and why you and Tom attract so many friends and curious admirers.

I thought fanny was a roodie doodie word?

lol....it is indeed a roodie doodie word over here :laughing:

...….I used it in annoyance yesterday in fact ::yes::

.....in the safe confines of my car where an idiot tried to entice me to race him after I passed him and he didn't like that...…..guy with an obvious inferiority complex...… :rotfl:

Thank you so much Melinda!!!! And I am so happy you have enjoyed reading......actually can`t believe it`s nearly over again.....almost on the last day now...….but I`m glad you`re here :wave2:

schumigirl · Apr 18, 2019

agavegirl1 said:
Your photos are beautiful, the food was lovely, your reports were awesome but, I have been very sick for 4 days and missed the end of tax season as a result. I do love your report and hope for a little better weather.

Thanks so much Wendy..…..I`m so happy you`ve enjoyed it, and can mostly give credit to Tom who can see clearly to take pictures......lol....I`m good at distances, he`s better close up!!!! We compliment one another well...…..

Oh no.....hope you are beginning to feel better and back on your feet....I know how busy you usually are this time of year...….sending many hugs for better days ahead...…. :wave2:

schumigirl · Apr 18, 2019

This is probably the quickest walk through of Seuss we have ever done...…

There really wasn't much happened in here today....one of the few times we saw no one, spoke to no one and didn't see any tantrums or weird rows between couples......everything seemed all lovely and peaceful.....just the way we like it...…..

Seuss is very colourful!!!! I guess that`s an understatement though...….the vibrancy is stunning especially on days like today, and you do see the almost sparkling paint is kept fresh and clean by Universal...….which is always good to see maintenance is important...…

I say we never spoke to anyone, and we really didn't...….but as Tom was taking this picture below, a lady wandered slightly from her husband and nudged me and sniggered a little...….she looked at it and mentioned how she would love to know what had surprised it so much to have a face like that!!!!!

Yes, I know....very childish!!!! But we both were now giggling like schoolgirls and both husbands looked a little bemused at to what was tickling us so much...…….

It doesn't sound so funny…...but, definitely one of those "you had to be there" moments...…..well, it amused me anyway!!!!

They wandered off and I tried to tell Tom what she said and how she said it...….guess I didn't tell it right, so because he didn't find it as funny as I did, now I laughed all the more...…..

Now I did need a bathroom!!!!!!

I always think these animals are all a little odd...…but kids seem to love them...….

Not knowing much about Seuss except for the Grinch and the cat, I have no clue if these are from the books....I guess they are…...again, we weren't raised on these books......so it still all does seem a little odd at times...….

Circus McGurkas is somewhere we have never eaten, and don't plan to......the trolley train does go through it and kids do love to wave up at it as it goes through.....

We had seen some of the food on offer today, and it doesn't look like anything we would enjoy...….it is very child friendly too. It`s also a massive building......and I am always looking at ways where there might be alterations in the future......and if Seuss ever did change, they could do amazing things with this space!!!!

The sky and colours today, were the most vibrant we had seen it in a while......truly beautiful and the heat now, felt much warmer than 78ish it was supposed to be...…

Another odd creation of Seuss I guess...……

Got to go out...….back later...…….

schumigirl · Apr 18, 2019

We left Seuss and felt incredibly hot now......we had underestimated how warm it was going to feel and it was lovely...….but my hair now looked like I had been in a shower......never a good look...….

And it`s always when you look your worst, you meet someone who knows you...….yep.

We headed towards POE and I decided to go to the bathroom near Backwater Bar again before we headed out...….the bathrooms were more or less empty, but I did see a woman with what I guessed with a Granddaughter......she looked and looked again, and my first reaction was crikey I must look bad!!!! I caught myself in the mirror and I was very red in the face and hair was a little clamped down...…..oh dear.

As I got outside the lady very cautiously approached me and asked if I was the lady who did the trip reports......I kinda said eh, yes, I`m one of a few who do that.....she said Oh I thought it was you.....my daughter saw you yesterday in the hotel and pointed you out to me, but she was too shy to say hello!!!! Awww bless!!! I think it had been when we were in the lobby talking to Fernando the Strong Water manager, as she said we looked dressed to go out...….

I asked where her daughter was and she said she had taken her son back to the hotel as he was a little tired....but we had a lovely chat and she made my day by saying some very lovely things her daughter had mentioned...….and she particularly liked the restaurant choices and pictures which was nice to hear. I said some wouldn't always like our choices or the way we go....and she said yes, but you never tell anyone they`re wrong if the disagree with you...….actually....you can`t really tell someone they`re wrong.....you can disagree something would be for you.....I guess some people do get huffed if you disagree with their choices and then you become the disagreeable one in their mind......and they think you`re just negative......but folks like that....nah.....no time for that.....we all like different things.....and that's ok. Doesn't make me negative if I disagree.....and that was her point.....she liked our outlook on life I guess.

I wished I had met her daughter......she sounded lovely and I didn't get any of their names, except her daughter reads on here and I can`t even remember where they come from......I`m so sorry....I just forget!!!

But, it was a lovely chat and she even remembered Tom`s name and asked how Kyle was!!!! Nice family. Although the little girl, who was maybe four, her grandmother said was very shy.....wasn't shy at all with us and did give us a lovely wave as we said goodbye.....so cute.

We set off into POE with big smiles on our faces, she really had made our day.....especially with some of the comments lol...….

POE is stunning...….and we very rarely take pictures on the way out of the park....but it was so beautiful today and everything looked so alive...….

I know I said I wasn't going to buy anything else...…….

But......I had forgotten to buy some little gifts for someone who lives quite close to us in the village, well their kids......so we popped into the shop and picked up some little items I guessed they`d like.....and some candy with Minions or something on the front...….it wasn't big and wouldn't affect our luggage.....much......well, lets be honest, it was already too heavy...a little more wasn't going to make a difference now!!!!

Guess not!!!! But, it was a small bag in my defence.

I love this whole area!!!! We took so many pictures of all the little artifacts displayed around and again, so many are missed...…..I`d be posting forever if I put them all on here!!!

We had never gone round the back of the little store at the exit before, usually aiming to get out of the parks I guess......but today we did and totally surprised a TM who was emerging from a door and didn't see me.....yes, not a lot of people ever say that to me.....so I was surprised too!!!!

I hadn't noticed this little sign before, it`s on the door of another building that hosts offices and such like, but I love the exterior and think it will make a beautiful summer home in Europe somewhere...…

And this is the little building that would make a cute little getaway somewhere.....yes, it `s small, but I`m sure it could be perfectly formed inside with some ideas and effort!!!

Looking back we give a final glance towards the last buildings in the park and we head out towards Citywalk and the boat.

We were heading for lunch, meeting a friend for an hour and then out for dinner...….up next!!!!

schumigirl · Apr 18, 2019

Coming out of the parks for the last time is never fun...….but on such a beautiful day, it doesn't seem as bad somehow...….and we have a nice afternoon planned....

The iconic lighthouse is beautiful. I always remember the first time we saw it back in 2007...first thing we remember seeing as we entered the park for the first time...…goodness that seems like a lifetime ago now!!!!

And seeing the boats is pretty too....this whole area is beautiful.

We walked back down to get the boat and just missed one......of course we did.....but we stood for only around ten minutes waiting for another and time always passes so quickly between chatting and of course Tom takes some pictures.

He really is brilliant at taking all the pictures, or the vast majority of them......never complains and is always happy to take them whenever.....although a couple of times I stop him taking a bite of food when he is starving isn't always met with a smile. ..….lol......he is so patient too!!! I`m very lucky!!!

We get back to the room and it is of course immaculate......my home is always tidy but there is something lovely about having it done for you every day...….we don't leave a mess, and generally clear up after us, but having the bathrooms and bed with fresh towels every day......I could get used to that...…..

We freshen up and head back out to get the car...….

Lunch today is NYPD Pizza.....we had gone to the one on Universal Blvd last year and really enjoyed it, so today we planned to go to the one in the Metro West area.....and it is only a five minute drive from the hotel.

It was certainly a lot quieter than the one on UB......but it looked ok, and there were a few office workers in and the staff were friendly.

It was seat yourself, I guess because it was so quiet......and we found a seat watching the pizzas being made....best seat in the house...….

We ordered two fanta`s and then had a glance at the menu while we waited...…...we were hungry and I was surprised when Tom said he was starving......it`s very unusual to hear him say that...….

So we decide to order some boneless wings, hot sauce and a side of honey mustard...….that would keep us going till our pizzas arrived...…

And they were surprisingly nice......they were fairly hot and the honey mustard sauce was delicious......and I loved seeing Tom enjoy his food and he really did like these...….

The individual pizzas are a good size, so it really is just a nice size for lunch......Tom had gone for the meat lovers as is his normal choice...…..

And he really enjoyed it!!!! Very different to the other pizza we had a Flippers...…

I had my usual too...….bbq chicken, no onions, but add pineapple and jalapenos......and it was delicious.....everything was lovely.....chicken, base and pineapple all as I like it......and plenty of jalapenos too!!!!

We enjoyed our food an chatted briefly to our waitress who was playing the game of let me guess where you are from game........she was kind of right.........nice girl though...….We paid the check and headed out to the car. It was hot!!!

The food was good, and so was the service, but I`d choose to go back to the other one on UB I think.....mainly because this place was just too quiet.....I know it was lunch time, but the other place had been so much busier and this just lacked atmosphere more than anything......but I`d still tell anyone to go, maybe at night it would be a little more characterful...…..

We drive to visit a friend who lives close by......it isn't a long visit, but it`s always nice to catch up with friends we don't see very often as they`re usually working...…

After around an hour and a half, we leave and head to The Mall again......I had lost one of my chubby lipsticks and wanted to head to the Clinique counter in Macy`s to replace it...….I `m quite boring with lipsticks and wear the same two or three of different brands, but the Clinique one is always the same......I knew the other one would be gone by time we were back in May...…..

And this wouldn't take up any room at all!!!!! The girl on the counter knows us and I always look for her to serve me, she is so nice and knows what I like.....she was surprised to see us as we had just been in December......told her we`d see her in May.....she just laughed and said we should just move here...…..

I love this Mall...….it is pretty beyond belief...….inside and out!!! And I do think today was the quickest Mall visit we have ever had.......no visits off to any other store...…

We`d be back in May.....………….

We again, dropped the car off and went back to our room...….

A little relaxing was nice, but we got showered and changed and then walked over to RP...….this was relaxing enough for us...….

The walk is always nice and one we always enjoy, especially since it`s inside and air conditioned.....on a day like today it was welcome.

Although we were eating out, we did have a little bit of sour cream, salsa and chips.....just enough to share before we headed out later for dinner...…

We sat for a while and chatted again......it is the friendliest place, and again we saw someone give us an odd look...…..but again, never said anything...…

The staff as I always say are the best!!! And they take care of everyone so well......anyone who walks in the doors are welcomed with a smile and an Aloha...….

We head downstairs and have a wander through the lobby...…..I have as you can imagine, hundreds of similar images over the many years we`ve stayed here.....but as we knew the lobby renovations were starting soon, we made sure we had every inch covered...…

This little store below sold some very odd items......we never saw anyone even look in it, never mind buy anything and it actually closed either today or yesterday......I`m not surprised...….I remember when there was a public phone in there and it had a couple of seats, but that was long ago.

I have always loved this lobby.....from the first time we walked in......and even though I know it`ll be stunning when it`s all complete I will miss some of the features and style of this South Pacific themed resort. The wood although dark, is beautiful and the carvings are so ornate, it`s a shame they are changing......but it`ll be worth it I`m sure...…..

We go outside and admire the entrance to the hotel......it is lush and beautiful and very fitting with the theme of the hotel...….

We are going to the Ale House on Kirkman, a five minute cab ride away.....we had planned to use the ODC but the valet told us there were none available. There is a standard charge of $20 to take you somewhere local....and it`s nice just to have them out front.....but the valet offers to get us a cab, at that one pulls up dropping someone off, so we hop in and we are at the Ale House in five minutes...….

It`s busy of course, and the wait for a booth is around 30-40 minutes......so we go sit at the bar which we like a lot...….

This Ale House is one of our favourite places in the area......very local and so friendly...….and food is darn good too!!!!

Tom asks if I fancy getting a pitcher of something tonight between us...….I smile and say of course......he can even choose it...…..and he never disappoints...….

He orders us a pitcher of red sangria...….love it!!!!!

I guess I took that picture as it`s a little blurry!!!!

Food is easy tonight...….we are going to share the pan fried potstickers…..we`ve had them before and they are so nice.....we did get them steamed the first time we had them, then tried them fried......so much better fried...….but they`re not greasy, very fresh and tasty...…..

We are in no hurry tonight, and we take our time with food and in between we chat, watch sports that we haven't a clue what`s happening......there is a game of English Football on, but we ignore that as we don't like it or have any interest in it......but we do enjoy the ice hockey and I believe basketball...….

The atmosphere is fun and it is lively...….we get chatting to the folks either side of us who are on their own.....and that`s one of the things we love about eating at the bar, everyone chats and your evening passes with the extra pleasure of chatting to new folks...…

We are sitting close to where the food is served.....oh my goodness!!!! I couldn't do that......the amount of food coming out and everyone knows exactly what they have to collect and it`s non stop!!! I admire them as I`d have given up ages ago...….but they seem to know what they`re doing...…even the three, yes three managers are pitching in too to the never ending stream of food being sent out.

We had long finished the sangria......pitchers weren't huge......so we ordered a second and it was just as nice.....and a real bargain to be honest.....$10.50 a pitcher...….

Our entrees had arrived too...…..

Being Thursday it was Prime Rib night...….so Tom had of course ordered that as he adores that dish...…..

Garden salad first for us, with honey mustard dressing...….

I had gone for the filet, medium rare and fries, and had asked for a side of their second hottest sauce they use for the zingers......and it was hot!!!! Didn't finish it...….but it was a beautiful addition to the food.

My steak was perfectly cooked and for the bargain price of $20!!!! Can`t ask for better...….it is a nice little steak and I did like the addition of the side pot of hot sauce...….

We really had enjoyed our evening here......and once the meal was finished we kept chatting to the guy beside Tom.....he was interesting and quite funny...…

Around 10pm it was seriously busy now...….the wait for tables was so long......and so many people were piled up waiting there was barely room to ask the guy if he could call us a cab...…..

But, he did and said it would be here soon, but couldn't tell us how long...….

We did go outside as there were less people out there, but it got cold and we went back in as it was warmer inside...….there was no sign of a cab, but we did see a town car pick someone up and asked if he would come back for us.....he said he would...…..

After another 20 minutes of waiting, this was the down side of not bringing the car.....there was no cab and no town car...….but at that we saw another one drop someone off and we asked him if we could take us to Sapphire......yep, he would. I was so cold now, so asked the driver to put the heating on which he did and I think laughed a little at the same time.....I didn't care, I just wanted to be warm!!!

Few minutes later we were back home and went inside and straight to Strong Water to see Maggie and Brittany...…..they were off tomorrow night so had asked us to come in and see them......we declined having a drink as we just wanted to go to bed.....we felt incredibly tired tonight...….I guess all the late nights and early mornings had caught up with us...…..so we had a hug from each of them and headed along to our room.....

It was around 11pm now…..we put on the tv and chilled out for a while, but soon we were yawning our heads off and bed was calling...….

Where we resigned ourselves sadly that tomorrow was our last full day...……

No plans, but we did have to see and say goodbye to a couple of folks over the next two days.....

keishashadow · Apr 18, 2019

You have morphed into a real goodwill ambassador for both Universal and Loews Hotels. Has to seem odd when people ‘recognize you’

schumigirl said:
Oh yep, we always have jars of them at home.....very small jars though, and as I did confess....they seem to be used up rather quickly!!!!

With Chanel perfumes, the only one I ever wear is the Chanel Chance eau fraiche......it has a green colour box......I have tried others but they smell odd on me.....one of my friends wears Chanel no 19 and 5....both smell like cats that have gone off on me!!!! But, they smell gorgeous on her....she`s easy to buy for though.....

Yes, I think St Augustine sounds a bit like that for homeless......I was surprised they weren't moved along as they were in some very obvious places, but they genuinely didn't bother anyone.....we never felt unsafe, a bit like when we went to Lake Eola….there were a lot there then too....but left everyone alone....no begging.

lol....yes, doesn't the pizza look good!!!! Huge disappointment......so, two places I won`t return to...Flippers and Steak and Shake!!! Always good to know where not to go!!!

Ew, conjuring up both a visual and odorous picture there of the perfume

schumigirl said:
lol.....the fanny pack has it`s fans!!!!

I have the Kipling Multiple and it does hold a fair few bits.....haven't worn it for a while, but Tom`s does hold the camera when needed and whatever else he carries...….so yes, I do like them too

Now I want some of those chicken stingers!!! I remember them well......

Old enough to have purchased fanny packs when they were first considered fashionable, i resisted another go-round until I got sick of storing my bags on the U rides. Have varying sizes from just cell phone sized up to a monster sized one with multiple pockets that the paramedics tend to use. Was shocked to discover they sell an even larger that would cover most hip to hip. Still, way more comfortable than a shoulder bag or over-stuffed pockets in the parks.

disneyAndi14 · Apr 18, 2019

The sushi looks amazing! I would love this.

Love all your pictures at Hogsmeade, such an awesome place.

I am getting excited for our 2 days at USO this summer, your reports always make me want to be there!

Is there a certain area at RPR to request for a room? We have stayed once before and I for the life of me can’t remember where are room was, haha!

schumigirl · Apr 19, 2019

keishashadow said:
You have morphed into a real goodwill ambassador for both Universal and Loews Hotels. Has to seem odd when people ‘recognize you’

Ew, conjuring up both a visual and odorous picture there of the perfume

Old enough to have purchased fanny packs when they were first considered fashionable, i resisted another go-round until I got sick of storing my bags on the U rides. Have varying sizes from just cell phone sized up to a monster sized one with multiple pockets that the paramedics tend to use. Was shocked to discover they sell an even larger that would cover most hip to hip. Still, way more comfortable than a shoulder bag or over-stuffed pockets in the parks.

lol.....it`s so lovely actually......well, except for the weird competitive lady last year!!!! But, other than that everyone that we`ve met has been lovely......yes, I guess I can talk at length about the hotel and Universal.....

Yes, classic Chanel isn't for me......wish it was, as it does smell beautiful on others.

They are handy aren't they.....I don't understand the hate for them.....well, they may not exactly be the most attractive object...but I`m at the age now I couldn't give a fig so we`ll continue wearing them...…

Yep, handy and comfortable!!!

schumigirl · Apr 19, 2019

disneyAndi14 said:
The sushi looks amazing! I would love this.

Love all your pictures at Hogsmeade, such an awesome place.

I am getting excited for our 2 days at USO this summer, your reports always make me want to be there!

Is there a certain area at RPR to request for a room? We have stayed once before and I for the life of me can’t remember where are room was, haha!

It really was gorgeous Caroline, and only 5 minutes from Universal...…

Hogsmeade and DA are both stunningly beautiful, never tire of wandering around there, and now the new ride is coming it`ll be even better......you`ll get to do that hopefully this summer!!!

We always stay T3. We have stayed in T1 when that tower was refurbed and we were offered the chance to stay in one of the refurbed rooms.....which we did!!! But we do prefer T3.

Ask for T3 with a high floor and pool view......that way you should be able to see Hogwarts too......nice views of the park...….if at check in they tell you that isn't available ask if there is any high floor pool views T1....next best thing.....

The good thing about RP is we find it quite compact and you are only moments away from the central lobby which leads to either the walking path or the boat dock....so distance isn't an issue with walking....

Glad you`re still enjoying reading

schumigirl · Apr 19, 2019

FRIDAY MARCH 22ND

LAST FULL DAY

Today we woke up fairly chirpy, but that overwhelmingly familiar feeling that everyone gets near the end of a wonderful trip soon appeared, as we became more conscious of the fact this was our second last day...….we`d be worse tomorrow!!!!!

And the first words Tom spoke this morning were...…..

Do you think we could change our flight and add a week...…………………

That`s something you really can`t say to me as a joke...….usually I`d have flights changed and rebooked in less than a flash!!!!! But.…...we did have a meeting planned next week so I knew we had to back.....darn it!!!!!

It would have been easy though...…...and I did mumble the old words back.....I told you we should have booked 3 weeks!!!!

We then got up extra early this morning...….our friend Kayla was back from NY and was coming in this morning, so we were so keen to see her and hear how the half marathon had gone!!! So, it was a fight to see who got in the shower first....I won...….takes me longer with having my hair to do....although Tom said I`m only allowed to use that argument once a trip!!!!

He went through to the other bathroom to shave while I showered, and before too long we were heading over to RP!!! But first we ran into our friend in the lobby of Sapphire......there seemed to be quite a few managers around including Larry Beiderman again...….and after seeing and chatting to our friend again we spoke to another man we hadn't seen yet, Phil who is the food and beverage manager and a lovely man we have known for a couple of years now......lovely man who has a good sense of humour…...it`s always lovely to catch up with folks every trip.

We waved to our friend and set off over to RP...…..

It was fairly quiet this morning and we enjoyed breakfast, while chatting to the staff who were on this morning.....and got some pictures of the view and noticed how lovely the day outside looked...

Kayla had been held up in meetings, and was incredibly busy, so we arranged with her to call back over late this afternoon when she wouldn't be as busy......that suited us too as we really didn't have many plans today.

Our friend had mentioned earlier there was an MCM store at the outlet centre in LBV.....that was the brand of bag I had got....so we did plan to drive over there this morning...….

We finished eating and said goodbye to some of the staff we wouldn't see later then went downstairs to see one of the front desk staff we know well......and took some pictures too of course...….as if we didn't have enough...…

We walked back over to Sapphire and as we turned into the business centre, we ran into our friend again.....it`s always a treat to see him...….and we again chat for ages about everything......just the nicest man on earth!!!! And we very selfishly could keep talking to him all day ...….but eventually we head off and walk back over to get the car...….

Wow it`s hot!!!!!

We take the new short cut down to LBV from Turkey Lake Rd......well, not a new road now.....but it takes you straight into the Outlet Centre thus avoiding Crossroads area where you can lose hours at those lights!!!!

There are certain areas that you pay to park now, but there are still plenty of places to park for free around....and they are still very handy.....you don't have to walk miles. I wandered off to that shade and Tom looked for a sign to say if parking had to be paid for or if it was free...….he asked two young ladies who had got out of their car and he asked them...….they said no it was fine to park here and then immediately asked him if he was from Scotland......lol....everywhere we go...….they were lovely girls who had visited Scotland recently and had loved, and now loved everything Scottish......one of them did say I didn't sound as Scottish as Tom.....which I don't usually......but I can go back into Scottish brogue in a heartbeat, you should hear me after I`ve been with friends from up there after an hour......I become more Scottish than Braveheart ....we then thanked them for the info on parking and set off.

I`m not a great fan of Outlet Centre`s......but I may come back to this one as it had changed a little since we were last here, maybe in 2008????? It was nicer than I remember...…..

We did find the MCM store, and he had explained to us it didn't stock brand new items, but maybe last season....but they did have some lovely pieces...…and he was right......it was lovely, and the staff I have to say were chatty and friendly without trying to force a sale...…..I saw a purse (wallet) I thought I liked....I thought it was a deep burgundy colour, but when I saw it close it was dark brown......so didn't get it after all.....but would happily go back and look again.

We popped into a candy store that was next door...…..if only we had room in the cases...….the kids we buy for would love these huge boxes of candy!!!! Their mum and dad maybe not so much...…...

I did like the look of this book...…..

We stayed maybe 20 minutes or so wandering around the centre…….I did want to come back and have a good wander around, there were a few nicer stores we could shop in...…I think we did look to go there one evening few years back, when we had eaten at the Longhorn we go to close by......but I think the problem was there were no parking spaces at all, and loads of cars were driving around looking......so that would put me off going anywhere like that...….and I think that was one reason we didn't go back.

But, this had been alright………

As we had been later leaving this morning, it was past lunchtime now......and of course my tummy was rumbling......we hadn't eaten a lot at breakfast.....so lunch was back in Sand Lake Rd.....a short drive back from here with the new road.

Hot n Juicy Crawfish we had discovered last year for the first time...….this isn't somewhere Kyle would particularly enjoy...he does like seafood, but not the kind you have to rip their heads and tails off......lol.....I understand that, I really do.....it`s something some people just don't like doing...….we love it!!!! So that's the reason we didn't go in December, it wouldn't have been enjoyable for him.

But we adore shrimp....and in the States shrimp are at a whole other level...…..

Shrimp in the US are cheaper than we could imagine......we don't get anywhere near the quality unless we pay so much more.....we usually have langoustines from Scotland, we love them.....but it`s one of the things we love about Florida......shrimp....in so many ways...…..

But, our favourite is plain steamed shrimp...….peel and eat...…..then this place takes it to a new level of flavour…….

They are doing a revamp and last time we were here, the front didn't have many tables, everyone was through the back......it feels a lot more spacious now......and we were glad we went in when we did as it got steadily busier the whole time we were in...…..

We just ordered fanta to drink and our order was easy...…..

Tom ordered the 1lb of crawfish, hot n juicy seasoning served medium hot....I did laugh and say wimp!!!! I was always going to have the shrimp, again 1lb, with the hot n juicy seasoning but mine was to be spicy.....and we also rather unnecessarily ordered some Cajun fries...…..they had been so lovely last time!!!!

Our frame of mind is we eat what we want and leave what we don't......and as long as we enjoy what we have......that's the main thing......

Our fantas arrived quickly and our waiter told us our food was going to be out next......everything is cooked fresh so we don't mind a slight wait......and it really wasn't long...….

I did put my bib on in anticipation of the delight ahead...…..

This really is a nice place, staff are nice and although the bathrooms could do with an update, it`s a nice place...…

They make sure you have your bucket for all the shells, plenty of paper towel and a load of wet wipes.....you also get clear plastic gloves to wear if you choose......

Tom`s crawfish came out first...….mine followed a few minutes later...….and they do come in a sealed clear plastic bag you have to unwrap...….and once you start eating you don't touch anything else as your fingers are as coated as the seafood.…...

Tom`s crawfish didn't appeal to me as much as the shrimp did...….and although he enjoyed it, there wasn't a hug amount of meat on the ones he had, apart from one or two that were rather large...…and I got one of them...….they were nice, but I`d never order them...…..

The shrimp on the other hand was gorgeous!!!! Huge shrimp and full of flavour….then there was the seasoning......wow.....spicy was good!!!!!

I did share a couple with Tom and tried to scoop up as much of the spicy juices as we could......he agreed he would get something else next time...….but this was totally delicious...….

We didn't get a picture of the fries as they arrived after we took the pictures of the seafood...….so no way were we touching the camera....and I had gloves on now...….

To say we didn't talk much was an understatement...…..the shrimp were phenomenal....and I knew what `I`d be ordering next time........although I love lobster and scallops, I prefer them plain, just as they are....well, maybe some drawn butter with the lobster.....and that's about all lobster needs...….so wouldn't order it from here as the flavours although gorgeous would overpower it. It works with shrimps somehow.

This place is a bargain for food. Good quality at excellent prices...….we would definitely be back in May, and hoped the girl we know that is going to be working there would be on the day we visited...…

We paid the check and went along to Publix to pick up the chocolate cookies from Pepperidge Farm Kyle likes so much, then back home for a lazy hour then back over to RP to see friends.

Tonight, dinner was going to be the Wok Experience in Islands Dining Room.

TommyJK · Apr 19, 2019

Waiting patiently for your review of the Wok experience......

schumigirl · Apr 19, 2019

TommyJK said:
Waiting patiently for your review of the Wok experience......

Coming right up!!!!

schumigirl · Apr 19, 2019

Back in the hotel, we went for a wander before we met someone for a coffee......this hotel you can wander around and everywhere is so pretty......the pool is shallow, although it does have a slide, which is not a concern of ours.....we just want a pool that is pretty and serves good food and drinks....and Sapphire certainly has that!!!

We sat and had coffee and passed some time, and it was a lovely couple of hours that as always, passed so quickly...…

Then, we went back to our room to pick something up and headed over to RP to see everyone in the lounge including Kayla.....we also planned to see Samuel, who was also leaving Concierge, and we were sad about that too!!! We would miss him...….

Views from both side of the lobby bridge area...…..

The lounge was ultra quiet when we went in, and were delighted to see some folks we could say adios to till next time...…

We sat in our usual seat, and enjoyed the conversations we had with everyone......they really are the best folks around!!!!

And then Kayla came in and we had a good old chat and found out all about NY and the marathon and it was fabulous hearing about it…...we chatted for a while and we also saw Samuel, who we said we`d see later before we headed back over to Sapphire. We could have sat there all night, it is so relaxing and friendly.....

But, we had dinner plans so headed downstairs to Islands and we asked if we could be put on Casey`s table as we knew he was working tonight......and he did...……

Always lovely to see him....he knows us well by now and is just the nicest young man...…..

When he comes over he is glad we made it before we left, as we said we would try to get over, but weren't sure we`d make it.....and of course we`d always ask for him if we did...…..

He guessed we were doing the wok experience, and took our drinks order.....Tom ordered a prosecco cocktail and I ordered my usual, that Casey guessed correctly…...the lovely Royal Pacific Sunset...…

Our water waiter brought over some bread and butter, but we didn't think we would have any, as the meal is pretty filling...…...

We don't usually have soup, but last time I had taken a little of the Thai Green curry soup, and wanted to have some again as it was beautiful...….Tom opted to try the hot and sour soup......and they were both lovely.....I`d happily have chosen either...…

Our cocktails had arrived and mine was beautiful as always, Tom`s wasn't as good as it sounded but he still said it was alright...……

With the wok experience, you take a bowl and choose your veg from the options available, peppers, onions, mushrooms, cabbage, carrot, broccoli, snow peas and baby corn and you fill the bowl up as high as you like......then you tell the chef which protein and choices of beef, shrimp, chicken and...tofu...…

He asks if you want garlic ginger and chilli flakes......then he takes your veg and starts cooking......then you choose rice or noodles or like the guy in front of me......both!!!!

There are a selection of sauces to choose from, and Tom and I both chose teriyaki mixed with Szechuan and we both got chilli flakes too...….we had also both chosen chicken and shrimp...…..

They were delicious......the food is really good and we have always enjoyed the Wok Experience every time we have done it...…..

I will say this time the chef was rather sparing with the sauces.....and I asked him to put more on both our dishes......usually this isn't an issue...…...but it was still lovely...….if we hadn't asked for the extra sauce it would have been dry.

We mentioned it to Casey who said the guy was new......well, that explains it.....and said we should have said and he`d have got us more sauce.....but it really wasn't that bad. He said he`d pass on the feedback.....

We didn't have dessert last time we did this meal, but tonight Tom had a little cheesecake...…and he said it was nice.....they are the same desserts they serve in the lounge for dessert hour...…

We thanked Casey and paid our check and said we`d see him in May no doubt......we had so enjoyed our meal again tonight......I would thoroughly recommend the Wok Experience to anyone.....good value for such a meal. You can go up as many times as you like but we have always found that once really is enough...….

Samuel had said he`d come find us in the Islands, we said we`d be there till around 8pm. When he didn't appear we went up the concierge desk hoping to catch him there.....we wouldn't leave RP till we had seen him, but as the girl on the desk was going to call and find him he appeared...….he had gone down and we had just left, so he came up wondering if we had come up here.....

We chatted and then had to say goodbye to another friend.....we had a Good Luck card for him so we gave him that and one last hug, wished him well (we would see him again) and we set off over to Sapphire.

The walk was good as we were quite full......so it was nice to not just sit down straight away...…..

When we spoke to Phil earlier, he had told us they were having a special Rum Flight available tonight.....it was from Bacardi and one night only, although they are planning to have more of them in the future......so Tom thought he might try it...….

Strong Water was fairly busy and Ashley caught us as we came in and told us they had the rum in for her cocktail......yay!!!! I knew what I was having now!!!!!

Phil saw us and came over to say hi with Fernando.....always lovely to see them all...….and then Mike too.....full house tonight.…...Phil asked us what we would like and we said 2 of Ashley`s Fools Gold please!!!!

He said he would have to try one too....I said he`d like it....no doubt!!!

Ashley brought them over and they were lovely...…..with the correct rum, it was even nicer than the sample she gave us the previous visit!!! She was pleased we liked the cocktail she had come up with...….

We enjoyed our cocktails…..they really were delicious...….and I ordered another, as Tom had spoken to the girl who was there for the Bacardi Rum Flight promotion......and he was going to have one...…

She came over as she saw us looking at the display set up......and she was a lovely girl......Lexy, she was local and we got to chatting about HHN of all things......I think we convinced her to give it a try again....I hope so...

But, she poured Tom his flight and spoke of the three differences between them...….Bacardi isn't really something we ever drink.…..despite loving rum, we never consider Bacardi a rum weirdly...…

He enjoyed the flight......but wouldn't purchase them again.....but, we did say we would try some of the other flights planned for the future if we were there...…

And Lexy was such fun, we really enjoyed talking to her tonight...….we also enjoyed seeing Josiah again tonight too....he was the one we had met last year for the first time and had brought Chef Carlos out to meet us......really nice guy.

I have made a mistake with what happened when on a previous night...….I said Fernando had given us the pastelitos to take away.....it wasn't that night I had mentioned, it was tonight...….I guess even I get mixed up with all our visits to Strong Water.....I had written this down twice, once in the wrong day....and on tonight`s entry......oops!!!!! Really need to pay more attention to what I`m writing....or less visits to Strong Water......guess it wouldn't be the latter!!!!

But, he had come over to say goodbye as he knew we were leaving tomorrow and had asked if we wanted dessert, we were still full but said we were leaving early to start packing...….

So, as we were paying he check to Josiah Fernando came over with a take out box, with the pastelitos in.....so kind...…..

And then we said our goodbyes to Fernando and Mike......we thanked them for their wonderful hospitality over the last two weeks...... and we`d see them in May.....we had big hugs and then headed to our room...….

We went round to buy two coffees and take them back the room and enjoy that with the pastelitos before we began to pack.....we really did have to make a start...…..

So, after enjoying the coffee with two of the dessert......we laid out every thing on the bed (and floor) we had to pack over and above our clothes and stuff...…..

Whoooooops!!!!!

We looked at each other and decided to leave it till the morning.....we really didn't have the energy for this tonight.

We each consoled ourselves with another pastelito that we had planned to leave till morning...….lol...….this was so much better than packing...……

Around midnight, we finished watching some movie or other and rather reluctantly we headed to bed. We couldn't postpone the end of our trip approaching like a runaway train...…

Tomorrow......last day and journey home...……

chicagoshannon · Apr 19, 2019

What day do they do they Wok experience?

schumigirl · Apr 19, 2019

chicagoshannon said:
What day do they do they Wok experience?

It varies.....

On peak times like summer and Mardi Gras it`s on every night, other times it seems to be just Fridays and Saturdays.

Last year they stopped doing it every night in mid to late August.

14 NIGHTS SAPPHIRE FALLS...MARDI GRAS-MINIONS-HARRY & MORE...MARCH 2019 TR

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It's a bit of a roodie doodie word for lady parts

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It's a bit of a roodie doodie word for lady parts

It's a bit of a roodie doodie word for lady parts

It's a bit of a roodie doodie word for lady parts

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It's a bit of a roodie doodie word for lady parts

It's a bit of a roodie doodie word for lady parts

It's a bit of a roodie doodie word for lady parts

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It's a bit of a roodie doodie word for lady parts

It's a bit of a roodie doodie word for lady parts

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It's a bit of a roodie doodie word for lady parts

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