Mandymouse’s ‘Loving This FOTL Perk’ Report – Part 3

[mandymouse]

Castmembers

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v491/MMM120/CIMG5965.jpg

Mandy (44) & Paul (43)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v491/MMM120/CIMG5950.jpg

Becky (15) & Kerry (17)

Mandymouse’s ‘Free Dining Here I Come’ Report – Part 1 http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1944769

Mandymouse’s ‘Double Dipping with the ‘Bahama Mama’s’ Report – Part 2 http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1945654

Thursday 28th August ‘08

Sadly :( we disembarked the Disney Wonder around 9am. We loaded the suitcases into the car and drove off for Universal, and the Hard Rock Hotel. Once checked in, we were pleased to find our room was ready for us, so after a quick unpack we took off for Islands of Adventure. We walked out the back of the hotel and caught the water taxi to Citywalk (so cool !)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v491/MMM120/CIMG5949.jpg

We arrived at the Islands of Adventure gates around 11am, where we found that one of our tickets had already been activated months before. :confused3 So after a 20 minute wait at Guest Services, we ended up buying one more ticket. We had bought our tickets through Attraction Tickets Direct, and although I spoke to someone last week regarding this subject, I am still waiting to hear from them. I will keep you posted

Anyway, it was really hot today, but surprisingly the park was rather quiet. We loved using our room keys for the Front of the Line, and we used them to ride The Hulk twice, SpiderMan twice, Jurassic Park and Duelling Dragons

After some burgers for lunch we headed back to the Hard Rock Hotel. The girls cooled off in the room and Paul & I sunbathed by the pool

After an hour or so, it began to rain, so I did some laundry and then we hopped in the car for some shopping and dinner

We went to the Mall at Millenia, where we all had Chinese food and the girls made some final purchases at Urban Outfitters and Hollister

After Mall at Millenia, we dropped the girls back at the room, and Paul & I went to the Premium Outlets where I bought a bag at the Character Corner ~ then it was back to the room and in bed by 10.30pm

[mandymouse]

Friday 29th August ‘08 ~ Our last full day :(

I was up at 7am and after a quick shower I got the troops up around 7.30pm and we walked to Universal Studios, which took only 5 minutes from the HRH

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v491/MMM120/CIMG5950.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v491/MMM120/CIMG5955.jpg

The gates opened at 8.45am, and the place was empty. First stop was my Brendan Fraser fix. We all rode The Mummy twice, then me and Becky rode it again (on the last go, me & Becky were the only ones riding it)

After chasing The Mummy, we stopped off at a bakery for some cookies, apple pie, fruit and orange juice. While I was sitting there, I noticed a family walk by and I thought ‘that looks like Theresa’, and it was. I went over and said ‘hi’ and I introduced them to my lot, then made sure we were all OK to meet up for our DIS meet at Margaritaville that afternoon

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v491/MMM120/CIMG5956.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v491/MMM120/CIMG5959.jpg

After finishing our breakfast, we took our usual photos outside Jaws and then we went to ride the new Simpson’s ride. We really enjoyed it, it was much better than the bumpy old Back to the Future ride, so we rode it again

We then had a couple of goes on Men In Black using our FOTL room keys and then we left the park

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v491/MMM120/CIMG5962.jpg

We took the water taxi back to the HRH and we all got changed so we could hang out by the pool. Paul & I sunbathed while the girls had a swim and a dip in the hot tub. It was really hot today, so we only lasted about an hour, and after showers we went off to do some final shopping at DownTown Disney and the Florida Mall

We got back around 3.30pm, and while the girls cooled off in the room, Paul & I got changed and walked to City Walk. We got to Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville for 4pm, and moments later we ran into Rachel (jjk,) her hubby Pete and their lovely boys. We went inside to cool down and get a drink and a few minutes later Tony came over, and we followed him over to where Theresa and their kids were sitting

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v491/MMM120/CIMG5966.jpg

We all had a lovely time together. It was great chatting about our holidays and getting to know each other, and at one point, 5pm to be exact, Jimmy Buffet appeared on the TV overhead and Tony reminded us of Matt

BTW ~Thanks for the Bahama Mama Tony :)

I think Paul & I could’ve stayed there all afternoon (and evening), but we had to pop back to the hotel to pick the girls up and head out for our 7pm ressie at the Hard Rock Café. Thanks for a great afternoon Tony & Theresa and Rachel & Pete (& your families), it was lovely to meet you all

Once we checked in at the Hard Rock Cafe, we had our photo taken (which we did buy) and we were taken to our table. We had a great meal here (one of our fave meals infact). We had a combo for a starter. For mains, we had a chicken club sandwich, steaks and ribs, then Paul & I shared a chocolate fudge brownie sundae, and I had a couple of delish cocktails

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v491/MMM120/CIMG5974.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v491/MMM120/CIMG5976.jpg

After a jaunt around City Walk, we got the water taxi back to the HRH and began the sad job of packing to go home

After a great day, we were in bed around 10.30pm

[mandymouse]

Saturday 30th August ‘08 ~ Time to go home :sad2:

I was up at 7am and woke everyone up as we wanted to do early check-in with Thomas Cook (down on Universal Boulevard) which opened at 8am.

We got there as it opened and we were happy to get rid of our cases and pick up our boarding cards (BWT, this service costs $10 per person, and we think it’s really worth it)

When check-in was done, we drove back to the HRH to take some photos and then we caught the water taxi over to City Walk and we went to Islands of Adventure

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v491/MMM120/CIMG5998.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v491/MMM120/CIMG6004.jpg

Again the park was very quiet. We rode The Hulk 3 times, SpiderMan and Duelling Dragons twice each side and on the way out of the park, the girls rode One Fish, Two Fish

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v491/MMM120/CIMG6001.jpg

We had some pastries on our way out, and then we went back one last time to the HRH to pick up our car

We had one final wander around Festival Bay, where we had some Chinese food and then he decided to head back up to Sandford

The line for security was small and in no time we took the escalator up to the departure lounge. I think we got there around 2.30pm and our flight left around 4.30pm (on time)

The flight home was uneventful, and luckily we had booked some of the seats for two at the rear of the plane. I think I slept pretty much all the way home, and I can’t remember what food or films were onboard (I knew I should’ve written this down once I got home)

We landed around 6.10am and I’m sure we were on the road heading home around 7.30am

Once we got home, we all crawled into bed and a few hours later, I began a ton of washing :crazy:

Thoughts

Hard Rock Hotel – It was a lovely big hotel, and nothing like what I was expecting. Once in the room, it felt like you could be in any hotel room (nothing special). The pool area was great and the biggest plus for us was being able to use our room key for the Front of the Line on the rides

But what can I say ? We hated the idea of getting off the Cruise and not being able to go back to a Disney Resort or Park – I can’t imagine me doing that again

Would we stay there again ? Perhaps, but just for one night, so that we could use FOTL at both the parks

Hard Rock Café – We really liked it here. Our server was really good and very attentive, and the food was really nice

Would we go there again ? A definite YES !!

Everything Else

Thomas Cook – Our planes were old MyTravel ones, but it did feel like the seats had a bit more leg room on them. We paid to choose our seats, and although it was an expense we weren’t at first planning to do (£30 each), we were pleased to book seats close to the exit on our way there, and seats of two at the rear on our way back. We were also happy to pay the $10 each to do early check-in for our return journey, just so we could get our boarding cards and have our luggage taken away

USRentacar – We have used this company many times, and once again we were happy with our 7 seater van. We will definitely use them again

Attraction Tickets Direct – We’ve never had any problems with them in the past. I sent an email last week to let them know what had happened and to let them know that a letter was on it’s way. Within minutes someone rang me and asked me to forward all the tickets to them. Unfortunately, I haven’t heard anything for a week now, but I’m sure I’ll hear from them soon. I will let you know the outcome

QPark Meet & Greet – We have used this company many times, as we get a discount through the AA., and I’m sure we’ll be using them on Boxing Day

Travelodge – We can’t complain at 19 quid a night for all of us (bargain) and our rooms are booked for Christmas Day night

Overall

Yet again we had a great holiday. The highlight of course was our Cruise, we had an amazing time onboard the Disney Wonder and along with the Free Dining and the FOTL perk with the Hard Rock Hotel, they made up for Tropical Storm Fay, missing out on SeaWorld and not staying at the Pop Century

I now have my planning hat on and can't wait for our trip in 15 weeks ::yes::

Thanks again for taking the time to read my reports and your lovely comments :hug:

[natalielongstaff]

Great report Mandy, sounds like the HRH made up a little bit for you having to leave the ship !

Keep us posted on the ticket situation, im surprised that you havn't had an update by now :guilty:

[CustardTart]

Another great installment, Mandy and more fab photos!!! :thumbsup2 We're staying at HRH next April for 4 nights at the end of our trip and my DS15 is really looking forward to it! :goodvibes

[saratogagirl]

brilliant report Mandy, thanks for sharing with us

[bombhead444]

Great to read your trip reports, sounds like fun was had by all.

[SusanEllen]

Thanks for providing another entertaining trip report. I would be jealous of the fact that you're going on your next trip so soon, but since I can't go myself I'm glad that you can. I'll just have to make do with your Christmas trip report which I'm guessing we'll be seeing mid-January. Again, thanks for taking us along with you on this trip.

[wickesy]

Another great set of trip reports Mandy, looking forward to the next one. :)

[Pinky166]

Thanks for sharing your holiday with us. :hug: It sounded like you all had an amazing time and the best thing is that you get to do it all again in 15 weeks. :banana:

[traceycooper]

oh Mandy i cant believe your lucky enough to be going back so soon, how do you do it - if you have any tips on getting a bargain pleeeese let me know i might be able to talk DH round with a good offer!!!
We stayed at Universals RPR (we visisted HRH & PBH) & loved it :)
Great pics - thanks for a great TR :)

[tony64]

Great trippie Mandy. How you got it out so quickly is very impressive.

The song at Jimmy Buffets was 'It's Five O'Clock somewhere' and it's on Matts signature so it always makes us think of Him and Debs.:thumbsup2

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a140/tony1964/FloridaAug2008tony578.jpg

As for the Bahama Mama, your more than welcome.

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a140/tony1964/FloridaAug2008tony580.jpg

Dead jealous now though about you Xmas trip as we don't have a ticker and I'm not sure when the next trip is likely to be.

[Minniespal]

A fantastic trip report Mand:thumbsup2

As much as I love the Universal hotels, I think I will stick to the tried and tested methof of visiting in the middle of the trip for a couple of days. I couldn't imagine going home and not having one last Disney fix.

[Jets fan]

I have really liked reading your trip reports, especially about the different cocktails you consumed - am very jealous. It did sound like you had a perfect holiday. Thanks for sharing them.

Tina

[Cruisin]

Loved your entire report Mandy.

Looking forward to your next one:thumbsup2

[natalielongstaff]

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a140/tony1964/FloridaAug2008tony578.jpg

As for the Bahama Mama, your more than welcome.

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a140/tony1964/FloridaAug2008tony580.jpg


Great pics Tony :thumbsup2

[suzycute]

Really enjoyed reading your reports. How great to think that you will be back in 15 weeks - will look forward to those trip reports!!

[Cyrano]

Hope you get the ticket problem resolved.

Really enjoyed reading about your HRH experiences :)

[Goofysmate]

Another great report Mandy and looking forward to hearing more.
Everyone is enjoying every moment of their trip :thumbsup2
Hope you here back soon about the mistery over the activated ticket

[Boss Hogg]

Great report Mandy have enjoyed reading them this morning.

The song at Jimmy Buffets was 'It's Five O'Clock somewhere' and it's on Matts signature so it always makes us think of Him and Debs.:thumbsup2 More a way of life than just a signature Tone:thumbsup2 Glad to see my spirit is alive and well in Margaritaville;) :lmao:

[tony64]

More a way of life than just a signature Tone:thumbsup2 Glad to see my spirit is alive and well in Margaritaville;) :lmao:

Matt I was picturing you both sat in the Cabana bar with a couple of hurricanes.:thumbsup2

[Boss Hogg]

Matt I was picturing you both sat in the Cabana bar with a couple of hurricanes.:thumbsup2
Close, when at Margaritaville we are always at the Volcano bar, coz I do know where I'm a-gonna go when the Volcano blows!! Also, surely when in Margaritaville one has Margaritas? Otherwise it'd be called Jimmy Buffett's Hurricaneville:confused3 :confused3

Count down's well and truly on, we'll be ploughing our way through that Margarita list in a few weeks, I reckon between the two of us we can go through the whole Margarita menu in one night - a person's got to have ambition and a goal in life after all:thumbsup2 :thumbsup2

[Strommie]

Have loved reading all about your trip Mandy. I don't think I would like to end my trip without visiting Disney again either though.

[Snowy-girls]

Excellent Mandy-i have thouroughly enjoyed your report.Love the photo's.Keep us updated about the ticket=that is terrible.x.

[mandymouse]

Thanks again everyone for taking the time to read my report. I think I'll have to make a start on the pre-trip report for our next holiday soon ;) :rotfl2: :rotfl2:

As for the Bahama Mama, your more than welcome.

Dead jealous now though about you Xmas trip as we don't have a ticker and I'm not sure when the next trip is likely to be.

Cheers Tone, and great pics too http://bestsmileys.com/drinking/10.gif

C'mon Tony, you always have to have the next holiday in the planning, that's half the fun :thumbsup2 I hope you and Theresa have a new countdown soon

Great report Mandy have enjoyed reading them this morning.

More a way of life than just a signature Tone:thumbsup2 Glad to see my spirit is alive and well in Margaritaville;) :lmao:

I liked the atmosphere in Margaritaville, it was very laid back, so I could imagine you enjoying a relaxing time in there Matt ::yes::

Sorry but I'm not keen on Margaritas, so I think it should be renamed BahamaMamaVille ;)

[Boss Hogg]

Sorry but I'm not keen on Margaritas, so I think it should be renamed BahamaMamaVille ;)I'll suggest it to Gerry the barman when we're there in a few weeks, but don't get your hopes up!

I wouldn't be too surprised if there's a BahamaMama-rita, they do have them in the biggest range you can imagine!

[Lizzybear]

Great report! I think if we visited at a busier time of year we'd consider staying overnight at Universal, last September the parks were pretty dead! Hope ATD sort out the ticket issue for you soon.

[irongirlof12]

fab report. I am proud of the cocktail count :thumbsup2

[jockey]

Mandy, I have really enjoyed your trippies and all the pics too! Can't wait for your next trip! :)

[sandshal]

Hi Mandy,

Fantastic reports .... another Jimmy Buffet classic would have to be ... ! "wastin away again in Margarietaville!"

We've done the HRH twice now, once during HHN which was absolutely horrendous and this year on Club which made amends for all the bad things that happened during 2007 .... my only annoyance is the "tip" they automatically add to the bill at the Beach Club on everything. Happy to have the tip added for the guys who deliver the drinks and food to your sunbed ... but standing at the bar for 15 minutes waiting for 2 x M&M icecreams for 17 dollars was no joke, and that included their tip! .... still only gripe everything else was great, but definately preferred the Portofino.

Can't believe you're back at Christmas! Thanks again for sharing.

Sharon

[Ware Bears]

A great report and fab photos especially the ones of Kerry and Becky with Jaws! :thumbsup2

We visited Universal for the first time last trip and managed to ride all we wanted with minimal queues by getting there early, it helps that we're wusses and don't do upside coasters ~ the Mummy is as scary as it gets for us!! :rotfl2:

However anything we wanted to repeat as the day went on meant a long queue so next time we do Universal we'll stay in one of their hotels for a night too. I'm keeping everything crossed that the Wizarding World of Harry Potter (or whatever it's called) will preview for Christmas 2009.

ETA: Forgot to say good luck with getting it sorted about that ticket.

[Kevin Stringer]

Enjoyed the reports very much, Mandy.

We're hoping to stay 3 nights on-site at Universal next May, so it was interesting to get your views.

Margaritaville will definitely be on the agenda.

Kev

[Dalpal]

Mandy,
Its a great TR...and Id say a great trip in spite of Fay...:thumbsup2

15 weeks!...No too long to wait!;)

Very enjoyable reading!.....Thanks!:goodvibes

TTFNpaw:

[florida sun]

Brilliant report hon and great photos.:goodvibes Thanks for sharing them with us all:thumbsup2

Hope you manage to get that ticket problem sorted out:hug:

[tennisfan]

Great report Mandy, it sounds like you all had a lovely trip. I hope you get the ticket problems rectified soon:thumbsup2

[KayleeUK]

Brilliant trippies hon :)

[UKDEB]

I've enjoyed re-living your travels with you, Mand. Lovely to see you all enjoying your "Boat Drinks" at Margaritaville! :thumbsup2

[mark&sue]

Thanks for your great trip report. We felt the same way about the Hard Rock Hotel. Nice but could be anywhere and after leaving Disney (Saratoga Springs) really missed a balcony especially as the hotel is not cheap.

It really is not long until your next trip and you have one booked next summer too. sooooo jealous, but am happy to enjoy yours through your reports.

Once again thank you.




susan

[Chilly]

Great end to the report. Lucky you going again so soon.

[Miffy2003]

Awww, I wish I hadn't raved so much about the HRH so much now :sad2: :sad2: Still it sounds like you had a nice time anyway and will finish at Disney next time ;)

As always, I have just loved your trippies.

[mandymouse]

Awww, I wish I hadn't raved so much about the HRH so much now :sad2: :sad2: Still it sounds like you had a nice time anyway and will finish at Disney next time ;)

As always, I have just loved your trippies.

We still had a lovely time Karen, I think our problem was that we couldn't get back to WDW

Once again, it's great to hear from you :hug:

..........................

I forgot to mention that ATD did get back to me, and they refunded me £40, which did cover the cost of the ticket that we bought in Universal, but at the end of the day we paid £57 for our original ticket - nevermind

[Clare D]

Great TR Mandy - thank you for sharing.
I cried when I left the Wonder, thankfully we had a week in Boca Raton so weren't coming straight home but I like you would have liked to return to Disney. I can't believe how quiet US looks. I was going to book 2 nights next year purely for the FL pass but now I am not so sure.
Can't wait to read your next report :santa:
BTW how good are the on board discounts when you re book on board the cruise?

[wicket2005]

Lovely report Mandy. We love the Hard Rock, just love the convenience to the park. FOTL is fantastic but especially so during the busy months, when lines are an hour plus. We went back in December and Universal was so quiet compared to what we were used to.

Claire, if you are going in the summer peak months, FOTL is well worth it for going on rides several times at any time of the day. We used to just get to the parks early when not staying onsite and you can get all the rides done but staying onsite means you can have a leisurely stroll to the parks then still be front of the line. Back in December FOTL was still good but lines were no way as long as in July.