The FrenchFry takes on the Caesar Salad - DREAM COME TRUE GOT TO MEET PODCAST TEAM!

[klacey1]

LOL at your DBF's reaction to it's tough to be a bug! It does seem to scare quite many children, huh? Maybe they should take the stinger part out!

 

[Stefy]

Once I get up to speed with my blacbberry I'll PM you! my best friend is i phone and has been telling me to ping!

it would be too cool to run into you and Dave in Walt Disney World, but with DBF being tied to summer and you having the freedom to go in the nicer cooler quieter times it might be a while before we're there at the same time...maybe we've more hope of a London dismeet or maybe in the far future if you and Dave have any mini Disney fans that can't get 2 weeks out of school!

she finished the tudors on Day 2, so will have to borrow, we both love the Phillippa Gregory novels so I'm looking forward to watching them!

Thanks, I was totally surprised by how much fun we had at AK!

Yes defo PM me

Maybe a London meet would be good, let me know next time you are over here and we'll arrange something

OMG Philippa Gregory is my favourite author too, I have all her Tudor books and am waiting for her latest paperback to be released. What novel is your favourite?

Great update I am totally with the little kid on being stung by Hopper. I hated this ride/show from start to finish (must be something to do with my bug phobia) and hated that part at the end DF wants to go on it this year and I kinda feel obliged to go on with him, maybe I'll sit at the edge of my seat towards the end, that might not be so bad right

FotLK is a fab show, the songs, the costumes. Have you seen the Theatre show in London?

Looking forward to more

 

[irishdancer86]

LOL at your DBF's reaction to it's tough to be a bug! It does seem to scare quite many children, huh? Maybe they should take the stinger part out!

I love the stinger! although it was pretty shocking this time I felt, even after you'd been 'stung' you could feel where it had poked into you! it was the giant evil grashopper that really seemed to do them in though!

Yes defo PM me

Maybe a London meet would be good, let me know next time you are over here and we'll arrange something

OMG Philippa Gregory is my favourite author too, I have all her Tudor books and am waiting for her latest paperback to be released. What novel is your favourite?

Great update I am totally with the little kid on being stung by Hopper. I hated this ride/show from start to finish (must be something to do with my bug phobia) and hated that part at the end DF wants to go on it this year and I kinda feel obliged to go on with him, maybe I'll sit at the edge of my seat towards the end, that might not be so bad right

FotLK is a fab show, the songs, the costumes. Have you seen the Theatre show in London?

Looking forward to more

I love The Other Boleyn Girl, the Queen's fool and the rest in that time period but wasn't as fussed on the Constant Princess, then on the latest two I really really loved the White Queen and thought the Red Queen was pretty boring! and I can't remember the name of it offhand but have you read the one about the girl resorting to witchcraft to ensnare the Lord and she makes the little creepy was dolls, liked that but it totally freaked me out!

I was getting raging at the poeple sitting forward from the stinger and pulling their legs up and warning their children about different bits and pieces coming up, but I understand too that some people are genuinely freaked out but at the same time I wanted to shout at them 'Your ruining the surprise!!!' So you definitely won't be alone in avoiding the stinger!

I haven't seen the theatre show but I really want to and was thinking of taking my sister maybe at the end of the summer, so will keep you updated incase we could squeeze in a dismeet! Have you seen the London show, I've heard great reviews about it!

 

[onescgirl]

Your DBF would love to be in 'Bug's Life' 3d movie with my kids. It freaked them out when the 'bugs' moved under the seat at the very end.
The spiders dropping from the ceiling freaked me out. We were not under them, but I think I would have a heart attack if we were.

We rode Dinosaur for the 1st time on this trip & I loved it too. I wasn't sure how it would be because on some reviews people say they hate it because it's too bumpy & others love it.

I've never seen the Lion King show. After reading how everyone likes it, I wish that we would have seen it.

 

[Stefy]

I love The Other Boleyn Girl, the Queen's fool and the rest in that time period but wasn't as fussed on the Constant Princess, then on the latest two I really really loved the White Queen and thought the Red Queen was pretty boring! and I can't remember the name of it offhand but have you read the one about the girl resorting to witchcraft to ensnare the Lord and she makes the little creepy was dolls, liked that but it totally freaked me out!

I was getting raging at the poeple sitting forward from the stinger and pulling their legs up and warning their children about different bits and pieces coming up, but I understand too that some people are genuinely freaked out but at the same time I wanted to shout at them 'Your ruining the surprise!!!' So you definitely won't be alone in avoiding the stinger!

I haven't seen the theatre show but I really want to and was thinking of taking my sister maybe at the end of the summer, so will keep you updated incase we could squeeze in a dismeet! Have you seen the London show, I've heard great reviews about it!

Haven't read that one, sounds freaky though. I quite liked the Constant Princess, as it was nice to learn about Catherine of Aragon and where she came from. I haven't read the Red Queen yet, am waiting for that to be released on paperback next month (not a fan of hardbacks).

I guess we shall see if I venture onto ITTBAB, I most probably will though.

The London show is amazing and you must see it. Me and DF are thinking about seeing it ourselves again too, but not sure when. You must let me know if you do come over though

 

[irishdancer86]

Your DBF would love to be in 'Bug's Life' 3d movie with my kids. It freaked them out when the 'bugs' moved under the seat at the very end.
The spiders dropping from the ceiling freaked me out. We were not under them, but I think I would have a heart attack if we were.

We rode Dinosaur for the 1st time on this trip & I loved it too. I wasn't sure how it would be because on some reviews people say they hate it because it's too bumpy & others love it.

I've never seen the Lion King show. After reading how everyone likes it, I wish that we would have seen it.

I have no clue why he found it so funny, I think it was a combination of it being 3d/4d which he loves ( he still talks all the time about there may come a day when all movies are 4d and how easy it would be to wire up cinemas blah blah I'm like lets just go back and enjoy the ones that are already at Disney!) and the unexpectedness of the grasshopper appearing and the kind of shocking reaction! it really isn't very child friendly at times! my childhood fear was eariwigs, do you get those in the US? They have little pincers...I used to sleep with cotton wool in my ears at night I was so scared of one creeping in and nipping me!

I had noticed Dinosaur gets mixed reviews, but I totally loved it. Although again, I'm a 24 year old rational adult and it still literally scares the life out of me, so maybe not one to stick little ones on for their first ride in Disney!

Ohhh, you have to see the Lion King, one of our top ten moments of the holiday!

Haven't read that one, sounds freaky though. I quite liked the Constant Princess, as it was nice to learn about Catherine of Aragon and where she came from. I haven't read the Red Queen yet, am waiting for that to be released on paperback next month (not a fan of hardbacks).

I guess we shall see if I venture onto ITTBAB, I most probably will though.

The London show is amazing and you must see it. Me and DF are thinking about seeing it ourselves again too, but not sure when. You must let me know if you do come over though

I remember getting the Constant Princess when we were on holidays in Canada in 2006 I think and although I enjoyed it I found it much slower than the others, the Red Queen is similar in pace to it I think and has a big focus on religion and is pretty interesting but a little slow in parts! I wait for the paper backs too! I love getting the whole seies and having them all lined up!

I will keep you posted on our London plans, I drive a mimi and the clutch failed on my way to work yesterday morning and looks like its going to be about £300-£400 which pretty much knocked Alton Towers off the London plan, but I still really want to get it organised and theres more than enough to do in the city itself for 3 days!

 

[irishdancer86]

Although the whole holiday had been immense, I had been eagerly anticipating Harry Potter day, Hard Rock Hotel check in and showing DBF universal's offerings for months! So we had a very very early start and manage to arrive at the Hard Rock Hotel at about 7.15am!

We got our room key but the room itself wasn't ready and we headed through the Hard Rock grounds, along the lovely path to Universal and Islands of Adventure, we got there in plenty of time for the hotel guests only 8 am early entry and at last got let into the park, I remember there was a little girl behind us (maybe 14) in a thing one red t shirt giving her grandmother major attitude, which was a bit sad in so happy a place but hey I couldn't be sad for long because we were off at a trot to HP Land!

Lst weekend at a birthday party after a few alcoholic beverages me and my friend were talking about Harry Potter and I asked 'What's your favourite spell' to which she gave the very standard answer 'expelliarmus' a girl we know but not very well overheard and was shocked that at our Harry Potter geekiness! I have always bought the books and devoured them the day they were released and I just couldn't wait to see Hogwarts/Hogsmeade recreated!

We met a very nice couple (40's/50's) who we chatted with in line, they travel all over the US in a camper van going on all the major white knuckle thrill rides...sounded like a dream to me, a nightmare for DBF!

The ride itself was maybe a half hour wait and was absolutely brilliant! I was scared about taking my camera through because of the warnings about lo1ose objects and so the photos of Hogwarts won't be up until the next morning...we then took a while riding Dueling Dragons which gave DBF a headache and the little Unicorn coaster, looking through Hogsmeade and just revelling in the amazing detail! even the window displays were astounding!

I am a bit lost as to exactly what order we did the rides that morning but I remember we didn't plan too great because we had to walk through Seuss landing about 5 times back and forth! and neither me or DBF like the theming there at all, the Cat in the Hat was probably the only ride of the holiday we unanimously hated! it freaked DBF right out!:laughing

We went on the Hulk once, Spiderman twice, Cat in the Hat then tried the Poseidon's Fury, where thay had done away with IMO the best part of the attraction, the big moving water tunnel! Boo! and then wasted an hour of our lives that we can never get back at the Sinbad show! it wasn't that bad, just very cheesy and a little bit lame, but with a few impressive and funny moments!

We then took a journey on Jurassic park which we both loved and then the water rides shut down due to risk of lightning I think and so me and DBF took some time out for a photoshoot, by which time it was about 1.30 and we'd already about 8 attractions under our belts!!

DBF has got a good friend called Blondie! and DBF's mum did not like the grave photo, she's very superstitious, we just thought it was funny!

DBF definitely wasn't used to such a busy hectic holiday!

Jurassic Park, all 3 of the, have lways been among my favourite films and although this arch hasn't got that Disney magic it still gives me a lovely feeling when I see it!

When your eye liner starts running that bad you know you gotta make a swift exit! we knew we were coming back the folowing morning so at around 3 o clock we headed back to the hotel as the only rides we had left were shut down, we were tired and a bit damp and we needed to recharge!

Up next: do we like our room at the Hard Rock Hotel?! some cool pool time and where do we go for dinner?

 

[Stefy]

I remember getting the Constant Princess when we were on holidays in Canada in 2006 I think and although I enjoyed it I found it much slower than the others, the Red Queen is similar in pace to it I think and has a big focus on religion and is pretty interesting but a little slow in parts! I wait for the paper backs too! I love getting the whole seies and having them all lined up!

I will keep you posted on our London plans, I drive a mimi and the clutch failed on my way to work yesterday morning and looks like its going to be about £300-£400 which pretty much knocked Alton Towers off the London plan, but I still really want to get it organised and theres more than enough to do in the city itself for 3 days!

Sorry to hear about your Mini troubles, hope all gets fixed soon

Sounds like lots of fun was had at IoA, loving all your pics and it looks like you got alot done too :

 

[Cat0727]

You got great pics at IoA, sounded like you had lots of fun. You guys got so much done! I loved what they did with Harry Potter. I read spoilers about Forbidden Journey before I went on my trip so I was warned about a certain creepy crawly. I had my eyes half-closed for about half the ride anticipating it

 

[klacey1]

Sounds like you guys had a great day!! We can't WAIT to see WWoHP in August! I love Jurassic Park, too-- both the ride and the movie. I thought they did a great job theming the ride. You really feel like you're in the "park!!"

 

[irishdancer86]

Sorry to hear about your Mini troubles, hope all gets fixed soon

Sounds like lots of fun was had at IoA, loving all your pics and it looks like you got alot done too :

Thanks Stefy yes car all fixed now just awaiting the dreaded bill!

After our early start and with the help of the Ecpress pass we got loads done in a quite short time!

You got great pics at IoA, sounded like you had lots of fun. You guys got so much done! I loved what they did with Harry Potter. I read spoilers about Forbidden Journey before I went on my trip so I was warned about a certain creepy crawly. I had my eyes half-closed for about half the ride anticipating it

there were loads of bits of HP i found scary but I was just in a weird state of euphoria from the minute I entered the castle so I was enjoying the scary bits far more than I would on a normal ride! I couldn't resist reading the spoilers too! it is probably the ride where I most felt I was about to get smacked in the face by something or someone...oooh dementor!

Sounds like you guys had a great day!! We can't WAIT to see WWoHP in August! I love Jurassic Park, too-- both the ride and the movie. I thought they did a great job theming the ride. You really feel like you're in the "park!!"

You will love Harry Potter land, DBF isn't into the books but had seen the films and thought they recreated the scenes perfectly!

We went on Jurassic Park a couple of times, I agree about the theming, you feel like Mr Hammond might be watching you from the control room! Its one of my favourites too!!! and even using express pass it was a pretty long wait on our first day, so think we're with the majority on this one!

 

[IheartDDuck]

Love your DBF's picture under the thought bubble. I have an old one just like it! Nice that you were staying so close by so you could head over there after a water ride. That's so nice to be able to do.

 

[onescgirl]

my childhood fear was eariwigs, do you get those in the US? They have little pincers...I used to sleep with cotton wool in my ears at night I was so scared of one creeping in and nipping me!

I have never heard of eariwigs, so I had to look them on the internet to see.
Those things are disguisting looking!!!!
I think those would have been a childhood nightmare for me too!


I have really enjoyed reading this past update. Yours is the 1st Universal report that I've seen. I didn't know what it looked like, so it's neat seeing your pictures.
Lexi, Levi & I love Harry Potter. I never saw the movies or read the series until last year. I could not stop once I started with the 1st book. I think I'm going to read them all again soon. It was kindof sad when I finished the last book, I wanted it to keep going.
I would love to see the WWOHP at Universal one day.

DBF tombstone pic is very cute, and as always, all of yours are!

 

[Jazzabelle508]

So excited to see posts about WWOHP!!!!!! I am a major Harry Potter Freak so of course I just had to go there in January! My mom and I go to Disney about once a year and she has kind of a hard time leaving disney property. Luckily she was fine with going to Universal (or in our house The Place that Must Not Be Named). With that being said we absolutely loved it! I just saw that you went there in a quick glance but I plan on continuing to read your post. I liked seeing what you thought of the places in the greater orlando area like Sea World and Busch Gradens. Like I said before it is unlikely we will ever go beyond Disney and Harry Potter Land but I definetly enjoyed reading about your experiences.

 

[amandaluvsgoofy]

Great update! You guys got so much done, and it seemed like your DB was having an awesome time (guarantees he'll want to bring you back! ).
You know, I haven't thought about going to Universal, but your TR really makes me want to go! Especially with Harry Potter and Jurassic Park! Although we won't have time this trip, maybe in the future...

 

[irishdancer86]

Love your DBF's picture under the thought bubble. I have an old one just like it! Nice that you were staying so close by so you could head over there after a water ride. That's so nice to be able to do.

Yep it was very cool to be staying so close but although I loved the Hard Rock DBF was not quite so bowled over, he actually preferred our cosy little hapton inn! but for handiness and the experience I'm really glad we tried it!

I love that photo of BDF!

I have never heard of eariwigs, so I had to look them on the internet to see.
Those things are disguisting looking!!!!
I think those would have been a childhood nightmare for me too!

I was 100% freaked out by those little buggers! I felt something move in my shoe one day when I was about 7 and it was a little hidden eariwig and I nearly had a heart attack! I'm so thankful we don't get snakes in Ireland, I'm fascinated by them but they also scare the living daylights out of me, sometimes I wake up in a panic thinking there's a snake creeping under the covers! Thanks St. Patrick!!!

I have really enjoyed reading this past update. Yours is the 1st Universal report that I've seen. I didn't know what it looked like, so it's neat seeing your pictures.

Oooooh, glad I can be of help, thats what I love about the disboards you can get an idea and a review of things and can figure out if they are a must do for your family or maybe down the priorities a bit, I think you guys would love Universal! especially the age your two are at now they can experience most of it, I don't think its as suited for little kids...

Lexi, Levi & I love Harry Potter. I never saw the movies or read the series until last year. I could not stop once I started with the 1st book. I think I'm going to read them all again soon. It was kindof sad when I finished the last book, I wanted it to keep going.
I would love to see the WWOHP at Universal one day.

I was the same at the last book, really not wanting it to end, I'm a total HP geek and have re read the books loads of times, I used to visit the scholastic website and take the Harry Potter quiz over and over again trying to get a better score! sad I know! At least we have one movie left!

Have Lexi and Levi read the books? Brad? there is not one chance that DBF will ever pick up that book! I've only recently converted him to trying to read novels but so far he refuses to try anything but John Grisham!

Harry Potter world is truly awesome, but also a little bit short and sweet! a few hours and you can see most of the highlights, I hope they add another big ride in the future

DBF tombstone pic is very cute, and as always, all of yours are!

Thank you for saying that, I'm looking at those photos thinking how ridiculous those trainers look! but my feet were so sore I was just thinking of comfort! I loved DBF's pic, his mum hated it, she's very religious and did not find it as funny as us!

So excited to see posts about WWOHP!!!!!! I am a major Harry Potter Freak so of course I just had to go there in January! My mom and I go to Disney about once a year and she has kind of a hard time leaving disney property. Luckily she was fine with going to Universal (or in our house The Place that Must Not Be Named). With that being said we absolutely loved it! I just saw that you went there in a quick glance but I plan on continuing to read your post. I liked seeing what you thought of the places in the greater orlando area like Sea World and Busch Gradens. Like I said before it is unlikely we will ever go beyond Disney and Harry Potter Land but I definetly enjoyed reading about your experiences.

Hi! thanks for reading!

I'm glad you got to see WWoHP, it's a very unusual experience being there after being a book and movie fan for all these years, almopst surreal! Did you enjoy the Forbidden Journey?

I would like to take a leaf out of your book and concentrate on all that Disney has to offer for our next trip, my nana and granda originally brought me to Orlando and although they liked Disney, they LOVED sEaworld and Universal so I've had more exposure to them over the years so I'm aining for an on property stay at Disney now!

One of the best experiences of the whole holiday was the BELIEVE Dolphin show at Seaworld, if you and your mum ever fancy a day out of Disney in the next few yrs, I'd say go see that show!

Great update! You guys got so much done, and it seemed like your DB was having an awesome time (guarantees he'll want to bring you back! ).
You know, I haven't thought about going to Universal, but your TR really makes me want to go! Especially with Harry Potter and Jurassic Park! Although we won't have time this trip, maybe in the future...

Yep, he loved having express pass and not having to rush as much and really enjoyed lot of the rides here, he has kindly agreed that we can come back to Disney a) after our honeymoon (so sad no disneymoon for me although will hopefully squeeze in Disneyland Calif, not engaged but we discuss it sometimes) and b) as soon as we can afford it! could be a loooong time as we are also starting to build our own house!

Definitely try Universal next time you get a chance, it is a totally different vibe from Disnye but amazing in its own way!

 

[irishdancer86]

After walking back to the Hard Rock hotel past the gate to Universal Studios we walked along the scenic path back to our hotel, we were both very excited to see the room! I Had always looked at photos of the Hard Rock hotel but never dreamed I would get to actually stay there!

We enjoyed walking through the lobby and hallways and looking at some of the rock n roll memorabilia...but we were even more excited to see what our room was like!

The massive bed

I really loved the modern decor...

separate vanity area:

We both loved the room, although DBF was not as impressed as I was... he couldn't believe you had to pay extra for the fridge when the wee hampton inn gave us one for essentially free. I think during our stay DBF was aware of the price in comparison to the Hampton whereas I was just so excited to actually be in my dream hotel!

fter unpacking we headed down to the pool area and floated about in the lovely pool for a while, thunderstorms closed the pool and so we lay on the loungers on the sand and both of us actually nodded off to sleep!

upon waking up we had little bit more swimming, both queued up with the little kids and went down the very tame slide watched the kids doing a hoola competition (some of them were amazing at it, down on one knee, 2 at once etc) and then we soaked in the jacuzzi for a while and just people watched! it was great!

after heading back to the room I hopped into the shower and got ready whilst my healthy DBF The caesar salad!) went for a run round one of the Har Rock Hotel's jogging paths, he was in a great mood upon his retun...we then reached an impasse on what to do next, I wanted to ride Rip Ride Rockit, DBF wanted to drink a cool beer by the pool, sooooo we decided to go our separate ways and meet at the front of the Hard Rock Cafe in Citywalk in about 1.5 hours time, 8.15 might've been the meeting time!

so DBF Lay and chilled at the pool with a bud light (he even likes healthy beer) and I headed off as a solo traveller! the queue for RRR took ages, the ride kept breaking down which did not inspire confidence, the ride itself was a little tricky to get on, strapped in and figured out and my dress got blown up round my waist and apart from that it was the scariest ride i've ever been on! but awesome too! I just had time to squeeze in a little jaunt on the mummy before it was time for our rendezvous!


A waiter kindly offered to help us out when he saw our feeble attempts to get both us and the pink cadillac in the photo...

We thought we deserved a treat and so I got a strawberry daquiri...mmm

and DBF had another Bud Light

I think we may have shared potato skins for starter and we both had burgers for our mains, the waitress was awesome and we had an amaxzing night with a nice romantic stroll along the water back to the hotel around half 11. I had picked up some cinnamon and green apple jelly beans for me and m&m's for DBF so we skipped dessert and instead went back to the room and watched tv and ate our lovely candy!

A brilliant day and going to sleep knowing we were going back to see Harry in the morning!

 

[IheartDDuck]

Nice end to the day!

The hotel looks really nice. However, I do have to agree with your DBF. I love Hampton Inn's! But there is something to be said about being able to stay at your dream hotel.

 

[Stefy]

A perfect end to a perfect day

HRH looks lovely, shame DBF wasn't as impressed Looking forward to more

 

[klacey1]

Sounds like a perfect night! I'm glad both of you got to do what you wanted-- pool and RRRI! I love roller coasters but I don't know if I could do that one! Looks terrifying!
HRH does look beautiful but the price is pretty steep-- you do get terrific perks staying onsite at Universal, though!! Love the Express pass!!