Kidani, HRH & BLT in 6 nights- Yes! We are THAT crazy!! Nov 4-10,09 OBX updates 4/13

[MEK]

FINALLY.......I have seen all the pictures and I am all caught up. Wow - that was a fast little side trip to Universal. I can't believe its time to go already.

I love the picture of the HRH pool - very nice! I think its my favorite of the universal resorts (even though I didn't stay there - I toured it extensively). Since I play the guitar is is hard to not like that whole guitar theme. Everything is guitars, strings, fretboards, and picks. But for the serious guitar player who must leave their guitar at home while traveling, its almost too painful of a reminder. You look at that stuff and think......"I am going to lose all my callouses by the time I get home". (explanation......Callouses keep your fingers from hurting when you play. Once you lose them....ouch!)Oh well ....I digress.

Visiting Aunt Irma.........how great! I bet she was so excited for that visit. Why, just look at her face. She is beaming.

Love all the food pics. Yummy looking nachos. (and margarita!)

The Hulk is my favorite roller coaster....bar none!

 

[praisehisname]

Sounds like you had a great visit with Aunt Irma, and a lot of fun at Universal!

 

[englishrose47]

Great Updates Ellen !! Glad you got to see Aunt Irma !!! She looks soooo sweet!!!

 

[podsnel]

Good morning! I wanted to post some pics from our visit to IOA in 2005. The ages were Sean, 11, Tyler, 8, Timmy, 6. Sean was having the BEST time-

This is the only Blue they have- I always wonder why this character isn't in the park-

On the Caroseussel-

I have NEVER seen this open. Do you see the book in Sean's hand? It is Green Eggs & Ham. He is reading it even while I am taking the picture-

The BEST thing of all was that Sam-I-Am was in the park- and Sean fed him Green Eggs and ham- it was one of my favorite moments EVER with him!! Sean has been reading that book since he was 2- he would sit in his crib and read it to himself (although I think it was memorized) and would say, "Would-ya, would-ya, could-ya, could-ya" when he got to the "would you, could you in a boat? would you, could you, in a boat?" parts- so with his HUGE love of Green Eggs and Ham, you can imagine how touching this was for all of us- including his brothers, who were soooo excited- for him.

Fun, fun, fun! I wanted to include these, well, because I love the story with Sean and Sam, for one thing, but also because....I have so few from this recent trip like this. The past two years, Sean has REFUSED to slow down and go on ANYTHING in this part of the park- as a matter of fact, i am sure he would prefer to avoid it altogether, he pushes us through to the next "island", and I just can't figure it out! I guess you might think, well, maybe he thinks he's too old for it- but I don't know about that one, because he STILL reads Green Eggs & Ham incessantly, as well as many other Dr Seuss books and watches the videos (and just 2 days ago went on the computer for the first time in about 3 years to play with the cd-roms). So I am BAFFLED!!

Anyway- I will update more in a minute, and then answer the replies after (some of them are so nice I don't know what to say!)

Ellen

 

[podsnel]

As Sean charged us through Suess town, alllowing us to only ride the Cat in the Hat (T&T& me)-

which, by the way, is yet ANOTHER amazing ride- very, very similar to Winnie the Pooh, but more spinny/twisty, so more giggles on this one. And no wait whatsoever. But Sean would NOT get on! I can't figure this out!! Anyway, I had read on the U Boards that Mythos has been voted the #1 theme park restaurant IN THE WORLD many, many times, so I really needed to pay a little visit, of course!!

Sean was pretty hungry at this point, and thankfully they, once again, brough fries out quickly.

Tyler got a strawberry smoothie-

And I ordered some sort of rum concoction that came in a fishbowl-

B&B-

Once again ordering based on all the people drooling over certain menu items on that "darkside board", we started by sharing the Chef's Signature Pizza-

OMG, that was incredible- but it all was very, very good. Following the "darkside" suggestions, I ordered for everyone- the risotto of the day, which that day was with seafood. Lots of seafood-

Pastabilities-

And their signature dish, Blueberry & Pistachio crusted pork, with blue cheese and port wine sauce. served with smokey mac & cheese-

Was it all delish? Abso-tively! Was it better than ALL other theme park restaurants (including Bistro de Paris)???? Not so sure about that one....but I would go again, without a doubt!

After lunch, stuffed to the gills, it was time to ride a roller coaster!! So the usual suspects rode Dueling Dragons- both sides- because the park was DEAD EMPTY- even this had very little wait! I actually have trouble remembering if Timmy went on or not- I think not, because I think he was in chicken dance mode- but I'll ask him when he gets home later. DD is a ride that will be a part of Harry Potter- it is supposed to be excellent, the cars nearly collide from the two different coasters (fire & ice) going at once- I think within inches of each other. Here is what Harry Potter looked like the first week of November-

Ok- I am off to upload some pics, and to do a little packing- I AM going away in 2 days, after all- but packing JUST FOR ME?? Piece of cake!

 

[Tiggerrn2]

New to posting on your TR. Enjoying the read. Thank you for sharing.

 

[karajeboo]

HOly updates BAtman! Slow down!!!!

We didn't get to ride RRR when we were just there, since we go on a super duper pass (escorted straight to the front of EVERY line) and no passes are allowed for that. But I had heard it wasn't all that, so I guess we didn't miss much.

DD, on the other hand, I love!!!! Hulk? Not so much, for the same reasons I don't care for RnR - that instant takeoff. I can never catch my breath after that!!! Gimme the old fashioned chain pulling me up the hill......

Great pics of the boys in 2005 - so AWESOME tht Sean got to meet Sam!!!

I think Universal gets a bad rap, but honestly, I think IOA is one of the prettiest parks anywhere. True, it doesn't have the pixie dust, and no castle backdrop, but it is beautiful in there!!!

I will look for my pics of Harry Potter from just a couple weeks ago - a lot more has been done!

 

[Mysteria]

HOly updates BAtman! Slow down!!!!

Word! So much catching up to do.

Actually don't. I love your reports and I know there will be another soon!

Aunt Irma doesn't look 94! Wow! Glad you had a nice visit.

Thanks for the update on RRR. I won't be waiting 2 hours for it.

Without knowing Sean, outside of what you speak of him, or his level of autism (and my understanding of) this is just a thought. Could he be feeling like he's too old for it even though he really does still like it?

 

[MEK]

You are really tearing through this TR....but I like it. I know there will be something new to read just about every day. And time for another vacation already? You go girl. Perfect remedy for the winter blues.

I love the Universal pictures from several years back. The boys all look like they are having a great time!

Lunch looks super yum. Cool restaurant. I really do think I need a little Universal visit after seeing these pics. I miss it!

 

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

Oooooh! Thanks for posting those Harry Potter pics!! I can't WAIT to get there...not this summer though. It will be much too crowded

It's so funny that Timmy and Ty look nothing alike but in those younger pictures of Sean, he looks like a combination of both of them! Adorable pics!

 

[areck]

We have never been outside of the "World" when in Orlando. Your pictures and descriptions have me thinking, maybe, just maybe the next time we can visit Universal Studios. Thank you. My husband and son thank you (in advance)!

The only thought I have about Sean's reluctance to ride his old favorites is his perspective has changed. He is much taller. Blue is no longer at eye level. Would that make him uncomfortable?

 

[englishrose47]

Loved the "Look Back Pix """ My nickmane is "SAM I AM" as I once cooked green eggs at camp !!! Several of the consumers call me thatActually my nickname is Sam but the I am is usually added !!! Do not ask how Rosalie became Sam it is a long story and for the Dis and Disney I am much happier being Rosie !!!!!!

 

[MAGICFOR2]

UPDATEAPALOOZA!!!! IOA looks fun. We haven't done it because I'm a big chicken and Jim didn't want to do it by himself. Maybe when we all go. Loved the food porn I'm glad Sean had fun! His face on the carousel is priceless! And Aunt Irma! She looks so young and vibrant - what a fun lady she must be.

 

[podsnel]

Well Ellen, you have truly left me (once again) in awe at your wondrousness! Not only do you write some of the most compelling and humourous trip reports out there, turns out you're the best mom in the world too!!

I just stumbled on this TR as I was drifting across the boards, but once I saw it was you ('cause I LOVED your VB TR) I knew I was going to be at the computer for awhile. Little did I know what a journey you'd take your readers on -- and share with us your family's amazing journey as well. You guys are all amazing, and clearly your gentle spirit, pragmatic view and generous dollop of humour make life that much richer.

Thanks for making mine richer too!

Thank-you, thank-you, so very much for all of your praise. Once again (didn't you say such nice things to me in the VB report, too?), you have left me speechless! You make me so happy that I write all these TRs- and that YOU read them!! And I'd like to say (and I'm pretty sure I've said it to you before) I hope one day soon you will use YOUR wonderful way with words, and write a TR for all of us to read- I bet it would be fabulous!!

Thanks so much for making me feel so special. I truly appreciate it.

FINALLY.......I have seen all the pictures and I am all caught up. Wow - that was a fast little side trip to Universal. I can't believe its time to go already.

I love the picture of the HRH pool - very nice! I think its my favorite of the universal resorts (even though I didn't stay there - I toured it extensively). Since I play the guitar is is hard to not like that whole guitar theme. Everything is guitars, strings, fretboards, and picks. But for the serious guitar player who must leave their guitar at home while traveling, its almost too painful of a reminder. You look at that stuff and think......"I am going to lose all my callouses by the time I get home". (explanation......Callouses keep your fingers from hurting when you play. Once you lose them....ouch!)Oh well ....I digress.

Visiting Aunt Irma.........how great! I bet she was so excited for that visit. Why, just look at her face. She is beaming.

Love all the food pics. Yummy looking nachos. (and margarita!)

The Hulk is my favorite roller coaster....bar none!

There are a TON of guitars everywhere at HRH- I can see why, as a guitarist, it would make you miss your ax! I do know what the calluses are for- they are what I did NOT have when a friend tried to teach me to play as a kid (and I quickly quit- OUCH!). I do have cooking calluses as an adult, so maybe knives are MY instrument.

I wanted to ride the HUlk this time, and didn't- maybe next time. I know Pods & Ty love it, too!

Sounds like you had a great visit with Aunt Irma, and a lot of fun at Universal!

Great Updates Ellen !! Glad you got to see Aunt Irma !!! She looks soooo sweet!!!

Aunt Irma is the BOMB! Just like Pods' Dad was, who was her brother. I'm going to post a couple of pics from our first visit with her in a minute-

 

[podsnel]

New to posting on your TR. Enjoying the read. Thank you for sharing.

Hi there! Thank-YOU for reading!

HOly updates BAtman! Slow down!!!!

We didn't get to ride RRR when we were just there, since we go on a super duper pass (escorted straight to the front of EVERY line) and no passes are allowed for that. But I had heard it wasn't all that, so I guess we didn't miss much.

DD, on the other hand, I love!!!! Hulk? Not so much, for the same reasons I don't care for RnR - that instant takeoff. I can never catch my breath after that!!! Gimme the old fashioned chain pulling me up the hill......

Great pics of the boys in 2005 - so AWESOME tht Sean got to meet Sam!!!

I think Universal gets a bad rap, but honestly, I think IOA is one of the prettiest parks anywhere. True, it doesn't have the pixie dust, and no castle backdrop, but it is beautiful in there!!!

I will look for my pics of Harry Potter from just a couple weeks ago - a lot more has been done!

I can't slow down!!! I'm leaving in the morning!! Well, that will slow me down, so you won't have to worry about too many updates over the next week-

In a way I kind of like that RnR take off- I always feel like the scariest part is over and it REALLY gets my adreneline pumping for the rest of the ride. That IS what they say they love about the Hulk, tho- that take off. I wouldn't know- I was a big chicken and didn't ride. And clearly I should have, because there was no line. Next time.....

Hope you post those HP pix! Wondering how it's coming along!

And FWIW, I agree- Universal has a bad rap, and is a great place. Lots and lots of fun rides, and very pretty parks.

Word! So much catching up to do.

Actually don't. I love your reports and I know there will be another soon!

Aunt Irma doesn't look 94! Wow! Glad you had a nice visit.

Thanks for the update on RRR. I won't be waiting 2 hours for it.

Without knowing Sean, outside of what you speak of him, or his level of autism (and my understanding of) this is just a thought. Could he be feeling like he's too old for it even though he really does still like it?

I don't know- I think that, but then he runs around naked when we have dinner parties, so I'm not so sure he's worried about social appropriateness. I think that's why I'm so confused!

You are really tearing through this TR....but I like it. I know there will be something new to read just about every day. And time for another vacation already? You go girl. Perfect remedy for the winter blues.

I love the Universal pictures from several years back. The boys all look like they are having a great time!

Lunch looks super yum. Cool restaurant. I really do think I need a little Universal visit after seeing these pics. I miss it!

Glad you were able to see the pics, finally! A few retros coming up- and I REALLY am excited for tomorrow!! Thanks!

Oooooh! Thanks for posting those Harry Potter pics!! I can't WAIT to get there...not this summer though. It will be much too crowded

It's so funny that Timmy and Ty look nothing alike but in those younger pictures of Sean, he looks like a combination of both of them! Adorable pics!

I agree- I think HP is going to make Universal a LOT more crowded! Good for them- it's a great experience!

Funny you say that about T&T&S- when people look at our kids with us, the general concensus is that Timmy is Pods, Tyler is me, and Sean is both of us. But I SWEAR to you that when they were all born, Tyler came out lookin' like a big 'ol Sean, and Timmy looked like nobody! Genetics are absolutely fascinating to me! Really they all have a part of both of us- and I think when they were little, Timmy & Tyler were often mistaken for twins- but maybe that was the blonde hair. Who knows?

 

[podsnel]

We have never been outside of the "World" when in Orlando. Your pictures and descriptions have me thinking, maybe, just maybe the next time we can visit Universal Studios. Thank you. My husband and son thank you (in advance)!

The only thought I have about Sean's reluctance to ride his old favorites is his perspective has changed. He is much taller. Blue is no longer at eye level. Would that make him uncomfortable?

You're welcome!! You will enjoy it- it's a blast there. A very nice diversion.

And, I don't know (about your Sean theory) but it's certainly possible that's it! I'll have to give it some thought- thanks!

Loved the "Look Back Pix """ My nickmane is "SAM I AM" as I once cooked green eggs at camp !!! Several of the consumers call me thatActually my nickname is Sam but the I am is usually added !!! Do not ask how Rosalie became Sam it is a long story and for the Dis and Disney I am much happier being Rosie !!!!!!

Ok Sam...

UPDATEAPALOOZA!!!! IOA looks fun. We haven't done it because I'm a big chicken and Jim didn't want to do it by himself. Maybe when we all go. Loved the food porn I'm glad Sean had fun! His face on the carousel is priceless! And Aunt Irma! She looks so young and vibrant - what a fun lady she must be.

There is a LOT of stuff you can go on at IOA even as a big chicken- all the Seuss stuff, Spiderman (which is MY personal favorite on the darkside) and a couple of others. REALLY- it's not ALL coasters!

 

[podsnel]

I had a few pics of our 1st visit to see Aunt Irma as a family that I'd love to show you. As I said, it used to be that we would go out to dinner when we went to visit. The first time, she took us to her favorite spot. It was a biker bar! Go Irma!

The boys were 4, 6, & 9. They were runnin' AMUCK the entire night- well, in the part where all the games and stuff were before we actually ate. It was very funny. Here are the couch pics from that same visit-

See the Popeye and blue star? Those were prizes T&T won playing hoops at IOA- they had no idea who Popeye was, and Tyler kept calling him "puh-pie". They were so PROUD of those prizes!!

Ok- have to run & get my nails done, and go for one last visit to the gym, and pack my snorkel gear!! Yay!! Time for STJ!!!!

 

[MEK]

Ellen -

NOt sure if you left today or are leaving in the am.....have an awesome time in the Virgin Islands. Snorkling gear? Ahhhhhh......blue, warm water. What lovely imagery! Have a great trip. But selfishly, I can't wait for you to get back with another update!

Anymore trips between now and May???? Just checking?????

 

[podsnel]

Hello from paradise!! We are having so much fun- so sad it's almost over!! We went to BVI's yesterday and had a little too much fun- today I think we're going to Trunk Bay. Lots of photos for you when I get back!

 

[UGAFan0829]

Woohoo! We've been thinking about you, Ellen! Glad to hear that you're having a grand time. Can't wait to see pics and hear all about it!!!