Stuck on Splash, Swimming in Sewage, & Still Laughing! A "Classy" 6/11 TR- 5/6 DONE!

[sbprincess]

Wow, I cannot believe I missed your start by a few days and I'm already stuck down on page 6!

Ya know, I totally didn't understand how "southern" people in NC were until I moved here. I am from Georgia originally so I know what country looks like. I just didn't know it extended up to NC too. And I totally know what you mean about the connotation of "redneck". It means very different things to different people.

Loving everything so far! Not sure if you remember, but you recommended to me to read the Harry Potter series instead of just watching the movies (in your December TR). I am so glad I took your advice! I've been reading the series and watching the movies only in between. I am on book 5, Order of the Pheonix and I like the books so much more (but they're also neat to see, of course). All through the movies I sit and commentate on how "this was different in the book" or "they explained that so much better in the book". Luckily, my DH doesn't care and even appreciates when I can make something clearer than it was in the movie. I can't wait to go to IOA in October now to see the land. So, I'm glad your including your Universal section in your TR.

You are hilarious, by the way! Love your writing style.

 

[cocofifi]

I'm going to crawl out from under my lurking rock for this one. Lovin' this trip report so far!

 

[tinacaplan]

You are very funny! And we absolutely spent an evening of one of our trip's watching "The Middle" and "Modern Family."

 

[Vwdiva93]

Hi! I lurked on your past TR/PTR, they are so funny and I love reading them. So definitely count me in on this one!

 

[shelbys mommy]

Hey everyone, this is the other Joni lol. Joni will be back soon with an update. She has a very serious eye infection & had to go to the dr today for allergy shots.

 

[DisneyFirefly]

Oh no! I hope she gets better soon!

 

[shelbys mommy]

Oh no! I hope she gets better soon!

She told me today that she had to go to the dr & get allergy shots. She thought she has poison ivy in her eyes.

 

[DisneyFirefly]

Ew That really sucks... I really hope she gets better soon.

 

[PrincessCharlie]

Hi, love your report I always like hearing about things outside Disney especially HP since we'll be there in sept.

We're the same with tipping, in England tipping is just not something you do that much unless your in a restaurant or a fancy hotel. We could'nt understand why the shuttle driver expected a tip when it was included in our package holiday He ended up being so miserable and chucking our bags on the pavement he didn't get a tip. Plus I never know how much, I don't want to insult the person by giving too little, or end up going over the top.

Get well soon, can't wait for the next installment!

 

[shelbys mommy]

Joni told me today that she is feeling better, but still not 100% to do the next installment. She hopes to be here soon!

 

[Kimmy]

I hope she is feeling better soon! What a beautiful resort. Can't wait to see more great pictures!

 

[therussells08]

Oh dear god, I am literally right now!!!

Ok I quoted those 2 things because well that is something I would totally do, both of them! I love the conversation!

I would have gotten the $5.00 out of his wallet & paid someone to carry all of the bags! He sounds like Ben about the wheelchair for me at Disney last year!

And LMAO at pickle-zilla!!!!

Oh, I did get a text from you while you was at Margaritaville!

I'm so glad you're enjoying it!

You and I are so alike! It's scary sometimes!

I was tempted to, but a part of me didn't want to have to do the awkward tip thing either!

You know, the only areas of Universal property I've ever been in have been the Lynx bus stop, the parking lot, and City Walk? That hotel is just gorgeous, though!

My dad's just like John about tipping people. When he and I were at the airport once, he tried giving a skycap $1 after he'd handled four checked bags for us. Needless to say, I gave the guy an extra $5. He just doesn't get it and is a horrible tipper.

Anyway, your dinner at Margaritaville looks fantastic! They're supposed to be opening one here in Chicago sometime soon, so maybe I can rectify the "never been" situation

Can't wait for more!

City Walk can be a little overwhelming! I think I definitely prefer Downtown Disney!

That's how John is with tipping! He doesn't do it to be rude, but he just doesn't understand proper tipping etiquette!

You would love Margaritaville! I hope Chicago gets one soon!

I just love your writing style! And great pics
I'm from near Charlotte, not in it but close by.

and thank you!

That's so cool that you are from NC too!

Thanks!

No problem I love English. I've been crazy into writing and reading since I was like 6. I'm hoping to get published someday Yes, I'm still in high school, this year was actually my first year (AND I SURVIVED ) And my favorite thing I've read this year... in classes or just in general? In my classes, it would have to be The Hunger Games, but I read that two years before, so... well I didn't enjoy anything that much, but Catcher in the Rye was decent. I just didn't like Holden's personality, but the ending was awesome! Now, I'm rambling on sorry

That is so great that you like to write and read so much! Congratulations on finishing your first year of high school! That's probably the toughest. I primarily teach English I so I know how rough freshmen have it! I completely agree with you about Holden Caulfied's personality. He seems a little whiny to me, but a lot of you young people connect with that character so I appreciate him. That book does have a great ending. Don't apologize, you're not rambling! I love hearing from students who are passionate about English!

Joining late, but I'm all caught up and can't wait for the rest!

You're not late, you're right on time!

Haha, when you said your husband doesn't like to give tips, I thought it was going to be because he pays too high or too low. How it works in my family LOL Let's just say tips come in all shapes and sizes. My family's "financial" life aside... Great update! I loved reading about your whole chat about the mini bar. Those prices are crazy, sheesh! And I thought Disney was expensive And that pickle is huge, but that burger looked really good Can't wait to read about your day at WWOHP!!! *jealous*

It turns out that Universal was SO much more expensive than Disney! I always complained about Disney's prices, but this little side trip to Universal really made me appreciate them!

Loving your pictures! Your burger looked so yummy! We may finally be going to a Margaritaville on our upcoming trip. Have never been to one, and it looks like fun. Looking forward to more!

Margaritaville is great! I always love eating there, and the Universal location was really fun!

 

[therussells08]

I'm here!!! A little late but still here! Sorry we never got a chance to meet but I guess you were on your last day when we were arriving!!!

I love the pics of Royal Pacific! I want to stay there sometime this summer..with my brother's discount of course!

We also ate at Margaritaville but on the 17th I got the same thing!!!!

I won't spoil for your readers who the celebrities were but I know who they were bc my brother was working that day at Forbidden Journey and met them!!!!!!!!! I can't wait to see what you thought of Universal since we were there several days after you!!

I'm so glad you're here! I hate that we didn't get to meet too; hopefully next time!

You definitely should stay there sometime! It's even better when you've got a discount!

That cheeseburger was great, wasn't it? I loved it!

That's so cool that your brother met them! All I did was take pictures of the backs of their heads!

I'm in, and all caught up! Can't wait to read more!

I'm glad you're here!

Subscribing! I can't wait to read more about your trip - I love your narration style

Thank you for saying that! I'm glad you're enjoying it!

Yay your back and started!! I finally made my way over!

Love the intros and the no dancing comment/pics! I totally get not being able to sleep the night before - I still don't know how I will cope! Am glad Lee helped you get to your destination again.

Lol I wouldn't have guessed guns or junk drawers to that question!

Leows looks so nice - wow at the price of the snacks/drinks!

Love the pic you took whilst looking at the mini bar and how it will be remembered for that moment!

Lol at the story of trying to overtake the fast walkers! Margaritaville looks great and you are right - that pickle is huge!

I'm so glad you're here!

I'm glad you're enjoying everything so far!

Enjoying your TR; can't wait to read more.

I'm so glad you're enjoying it!

Haha, had to at the Dumb and Dumber reference...that's one of Brandon's favorite movies. He especially likes the bathroom scene.

The Royal Pacific Resort looks so nice! I think if we ever actually decide to do Universal, I'd like to stay there for one night, then move to a Disney resort like you did, get Universal out of the way!

Wow, $7 for a bottle of Fiji water??? And that's not even good tasting water (I'm weird with my bottled water, I only like certain kinds!)

Margaritaville looks fun, I've only been there once, at the casino in CT, but I think I only got a drink. I'd like to eat there someday. That pickle is kind of ridiculous!

John loves that bathroom scene too! That's classic boy humor. Okay, I'll admit, I laugh at it too.

Royal Pacific is actually the cheapest resort at Universal, so I can't imagine how nice the others are!

I agree, I don't like Fiji water either!

Margaritaville has pretty good food. The atmosphere is the best part, though!

Great update! And wow, was your resort beautiful!!! I was so happy to see that you and John went to Margaritaville - I am a HUGE Jimmy Buffett fan and went to the one in Key West several years ago and loved it!!!!!! Can't wait to read more!

Margaritaville is so fun! We enjoyed the Orlando location even better than the Myrtle Beach one!

Thanks for including the Universal stuff, I'm considering staying at one of the Universal hotels for part of our next trip (to get free Express Passes and boat transportation, mostly). Am enjoying your report!

I'm glad you are enjoying the Universal stuff! The free express passes and early park admission for the main reason we decided to stay there. It definitely made things a lot easier! I'm so glad you're enjoying it!

 

[therussells08]

The hotel looks beautiful! I had to laugh when you sped past the security checkpoint. Totally something I would do!

I wonder why you are feeling depressed? Could it be that you are betraying Mickey and cheating with Harry Potter?


Ooooh celebrities?! Can't wait to find out who!

I am such a nerd sometimes! I drive John crazy when I do stuff like that!

I think you have a very good idea about my depression! Stay tuned!

Oh my god, minibars are just terrible aren't they? I can't believe they charge so much for things. It's crazy.

The hotel looks very pretty. i've seen lots of pictures of it, but haven't actually be there before.

Your DH sounds just like my dad. He always wanted to take the route to have us lug everything rather than just paying someone to help us out. You definitely feel like a pack mule.

They really are awful! They are so expensive.

John is so hilarious. He is just like his dad but he refuses to see it.

Really enjoying your report. Thanks for sharing with us.

I'm glad you are enjoying it! Thank you for reading along!

I'm here!! I didn't know you started a new one but Kristen told me! I finally had time to catch up!

I really want that burger... it looks delicious! haha YUM

I'm excited for you guys to get back to Disney! YAY I love reading about your adventures

I'm so glad you're here!

I wish I had that burger again right about now!

I can't wait to get back to Disney in this TR! As fun as Universal was you know Disney was a million times better!

WOW! The resort is beautiful!!!

I've never really gotten into the whole Universal thing, because I just can't be in Orlando and not be in Disney, but that resort is starting to change my mind! It's gorgeous!

Love the room! The modern decor is really pretty.

Oh the mini bar...love the pic! You guys are too cute!

SEVEN DOLLARS?!?!? For WATER?? I mean, I know it's Fiji water, but still! I can buy two cases for almost that much at Wegmans!!!

I love the silent married conversation...I can totally picture that.

for saving 5 bucks!

That pool looks SO FUN! OMG it's so tropical and gorgeous! If I ever am talked into going to Universal for more than just a day, RPR is where I want to stay.

HAHAHA "Ma'am, excuse me Ma'am!!" LOL. I would TOTALLY do the exact same thing, that is so funny! Good thing you weren't actually a thief!

MMMMM...Margaritaville! I love the atmosphere there, so tropical and fun! I seem to be noticing that a lot in this update. LOL.

Woah, that pickle IS huge! YUMMM.

What a great first day! I can't wait to hear about the next one!

I'm the exact same way about Universal. It's great and all, but it's just not my Disney!

We never did swim in that pool, but we did sit by it one night and eat icecream!

I was so embarassed when I breezed past that security guard! She probably thought I was smuggling in a weapon or something!

Wow, I cannot believe I missed your start by a few days and I'm already stuck down on page 6!

Ya know, I totally didn't understand how "southern" people in NC were until I moved here. I am from Georgia originally so I know what country looks like. I just didn't know it extended up to NC too. And I totally know what you mean about the connotation of "redneck". It means very different things to different people.

Loving everything so far! Not sure if you remember, but you recommended to me to read the Harry Potter series instead of just watching the movies (in your December TR). I am so glad I took your advice! I've been reading the series and watching the movies only in between. I am on book 5, Order of the Pheonix and I like the books so much more (but they're also neat to see, of course). All through the movies I sit and commentate on how "this was different in the book" or "they explained that so much better in the book". Luckily, my DH doesn't care and even appreciates when I can make something clearer than it was in the movie. I can't wait to go to IOA in October now to see the land. So, I'm glad your including your Universal section in your TR.

You are hilarious, by the way! Love your writing style.

I'm so glad you're here!

YAY! It's so great that you are enjoying Harry Potter! I absolutely remember recommending them. I love it anytime I can get someone to hop on board with the Harry Potter obsession. That means you will get all of my nerdy jokes in my next update!

I'm going to crawl out from under my lurking rock for this one. Lovin' this trip report so far!

I'm so glad you're here! Thanks for reading!

 

[therussells08]

You are very funny! And we absolutely spent an evening of one of our trip's watching "The Middle" and "Modern Family."

Thank you so much! I'm glad we're not the only ones who do that!

Hi! I lurked on your past TR/PTR, they are so funny and I love reading them. So definitely count me in on this one!

Thank you for saying those nice things! You are very sweet! I'm glad you are enjoying it!

Hey everyone, this is the other Joni lol. Joni will be back soon with an update. She has a very serious eye infection & had to go to the dr today for allergy shots.

Thank you so much for letting everyone know! I really appreciate it!

Oh no! I hope she gets better soon!

Thank you so much! I'm feeling much better!

She told me today that she had to go to the dr & get allergy shots. She thought she has poison ivy in her eyes.

This can only happen in NC!

Ew That really sucks... I really hope she gets better soon.

Thank you! I am a lot better now!

Hi, love your report I always like hearing about things outside Disney especially HP since we'll be there in sept.

We're the same with tipping, in England tipping is just not something you do that much unless your in a restaurant or a fancy hotel. We could'nt understand why the shuttle driver expected a tip when it was included in our package holiday He ended up being so miserable and chucking our bags on the pavement he didn't get a tip. Plus I never know how much, I don't want to insult the person by giving too little, or end up going over the top.

Get well soon, can't wait for the next installment!

I'm so glad you are enjoying the report!

I'm glad we are not the only ones confused by tipping! It just varies so much depending on the service, it really mixes me up!

Thank you so much! I am getting ready to update now!

Joni told me today that she is feeling better, but still not 100% to do the next installment. She hopes to be here soon!

Thank you again so much! You rock girl! I don't know what I'd do without you!

I hope she is feeling better soon! What a beautiful resort. Can't wait to see more great pictures!

Thank you! I feel much better!

 

[shelbys mommy]

Thank you so much for letting everyone know! I really appreciate it!

This can only happen in NC!

Thank you again so much! You rock girl! I don't know what I'd do without you!

I'm so glad you're enjoying it!

You and I are so alike! It's scary sometimes!

I was tempted to, but a part of me didn't want to have to do the awkward tip thing either!

You are so welcome!!! Glad I could help!!!

And yes we are alike! I still say the Joni's need to do Disney!

 

[therussells08]

Hi everyone! Thank you all so much for being so patient for my next update. As Joni said, I have been dealing with some serious allergies the last few days, so I'm finally able to stop scratching my eyes long enough to post an update!

Anyway, let's get back to it! We woke up the next morning at 6:30. I showered and got ready with lightning speed because according to John the world was going to end if I wasn't ready to go by 7:15. Well you can come out of your bomb shelters folks because I am proud to say I was ready at 7:10! Granted, my hair looked a little crazy and my makeup looked like a three year old had applied it, but darn it, I was ready!

We headed out into the morning sunshine and made our way to Islands of Adventure! There was already a decent number of people walking that way from our resort, so I was anticipating pretty big crowds.

We made it to the entrance before 7:30 and got into the already surprisingly long line. I started to have horrific flashbacks of our experience with the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in December: people racing toward the entrance, almost getting trampled as I tried to get to the restroom, waiting in line for an hour to get into a shop... John shook me out of my nightmarish reverie at about 7:45 to tell me they were opening the gates early. Instantly I got my game face on and crouched into position like a professional runner at a big race. I was ready. Let's do this.

The gates opened and I could almost hear the pistol firing. And...they're off! The rushing crowds weren't quite as bad as they were in December, but it was still closer to a Black Friday sale at the Feed 'n Seed in North Carolina than a nice leisurely walk in the park. I managed to keep up with the crowds lest I be trampled like Mufasa in The Lion King, and in just a few minutes we were entering the land of all my childhood dreams- The Wizarding World of Harry Potter!

Unfortunately I don't have any pictures from very early on in the morning because I was afraid to stop and try to take one with all the people rushing to get on The Forbidden Journey. Speaking of which, we headed straight for that and managed to almost walk on! I realized then what a huge difference getting into the park an hour early makes! In December we waited in line over an hour to ride this. After we finished with that we headed over the shortest roller coaster known to man, Flight of the Hippogriff. Just to prove a point I tried to hold my breath for the duration of the ride, and I would have done it too if we hadn't hit a particularly nasty bump which knocked the wind out of me.

These are the only two rides we go on at the WWoHP because we rode that dragon challenge thing when it went by another name and it gave me the worst migraine I've ever had. I had several other things on my list of "must dos" for that day, and one of those things was eating at the Three Broomsticks. We stopped by to see if they served breakfast and lo and behold, they did! I felt like I had just drank a huge bottle of Felix Felicis. (Nerdy Harry Potter reference.Sorry.)

We went inside to order our breakfasts. John decided to go with the American Breakfast and I went with the Pancake Breakfast. The lovely witch behind the counter asked us our beverage of choice and I asked for a Diet Coke.

"Sorry, there is no soda served in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter."

I beg your pardon? You're telling me that I am standing in the middle of all of my fantasies come to life and I can't get a Diet Coke? Well, being deprived of my number one choice and my only chosen source of caffeine is not very magical, Harry Potter. I stood there for a minute trying to figure out if maybe they did in fact sell Diet Coke but they just had some clever wizard-y name for it like Dieticus Cokius, but alas. It looked like my choices were milk or orange juice, so I grumpily mumbled "orange juice" and went to find a table.

On a brighter note, the breakfast was delicious! It was extremely greasy, which in my opinion is the perfect amount of greasy. In fact, I was so busy eating that I didn't stop to take pictures of the interior of the restaurant. Don't worry, I didn't forget to take pictures of the food!

Here's John's American Breakfast:

And here's my Pancake Breakfast:

Oh, and here's my NOT Diet Coke.

After breakfast we decided to wander over to some of the gift shops. In December we had waited in line to get into the candy store, Honeydukes, for about an hour, but today we were able to walk right in!

I decided not to buy anything since I had spent enough money here in December to pay someone's mortgage for six months, but I did take some pictures!

We left Honedukes and went to a few other shops. Dervish and Banges was pretty crowded so we didn't stick around in there for long. On our way to the next shop, Filch's Emporium, I stopped to take a few pictures of Hogwarts.

In Filch's Emporium I deliberated for about an hour and finally settled on a deck of cards for my sister and a coffee cup for my mom. I thought I was going to have to call an ambulance for John because he went into complete shock when he realized that I had managed to go in three stores without buying anything for myself. Chalk this up as another one of my weird vacation symptoms. I had been feeling sad the night before, and now I didn't want any souvenirs? What was going on with me?! ...More on that later!

After we finished my tiny bit of shopping we stopped for my next "must do"- Butterbeers!

Oh, sweet and delicious Butterbeer. If you've never had Butterbeer before, it tastes like butterscotch, shortbread cookies, and heaven. When you drink it you can hear a thousand harps playing and Elton John singing a song he wrote just for you about the moment when you first taste Butterbeer. Someone should seriously bottle that stuff because I would most definitely buy it in bulk at Sam's Club.

While I was sipping away at my liquid joy I decide to take a few pictures. First I took a picture of the adorable crooked buildings.

Then I turned to take a picture of the red steam engine, the Hogwarts Express. What's this? I couldn't see the Hogwarts Express because the area was roped off and there was a ton of people standing around. Well I am a southern girl and that means rubber neckin' is in my blood, so I mosied on over to take a peek. I saw a bunch of people standing around and big lights set up in front of the train. I also saw two extremely familiar looking twin boys. The conversation went as follows:

Me: (whispering dramatically) John...John! Look over there. I think that's Fred and George Weasley.
John: (squinting skeptically) Who, those guys? (pointing) No. That's not them. Those guys have brown hair.
Me: Yeah but, it really looks like them. Plus all these people are standing around looking at them.
John: But, they have BROWN HAIR. Everybody knows the Weasleys all have red hair.
Me: Well honey, in the magical world of Harry Potter land they have this wonderful potion called "hair dye." Ever heard of it?
John: (rolling his eyes) Joni, that is NOT Fred and George Weasley. Trust me.

Well call me crazy, but I didn't trust him. I proceeded to ask the nearest employee who those people standin' over yonder were, and he kindly informed me that they were Oliver and James Phelps. As in, the Oliver and James Phelps who play FRED AND GEORGE WEASLEY in the Harry Potter movies! Boo-yah, Johnny Boy!

After I got over my initial "I told you so! See, you said it wasn't them but I said it was and I was right! Neener neener neener!" I switched into psycho paparazzi mode and starting taking a million pictures.

Here are the twins filming the commercial. One is wearing a blue polo and the other is wearing a purple polo. It was so funny because while they were filming they had all these extras wandering around in the background pointing at random things and trying to look amazed.

Every few minutes they would take a break and wander over to talk to the extras.

I'm pretty sure those two red haired girls were twins, and I got really excited and started secretly wishing that the Weasley twins would fall in love with those girls and whisk them away to The Burrow. (Sorry, another nerdy Harry Potter reference.)

I would have stood there and taken pictures of the backs of their heads all day but John finally dragged me away. I sucked down as much of my Butterbeer as I could hold and we decided to leave this area before the crowds got any worse. I waved to Fred and George, solemnly swore that I was up to no good, and said "goodbye for now" to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter!

Up Next: More adventures at Universal and beyond, and I realize why I am so sad! Stay tuned!

 

[therussells08]

You are so welcome!!! Glad I could help!!!

And yes we are alike! I still say the Joni's need to do Disney!

You were a huge help!

YES! The Jonis definitely need to do Disney! That would be one heck of a TR!

 

[shelbys mommy]

You were a huge help!

YES! The Jonis definitely need to do Disney! That would be one heck of a TR!

Definitely a lot of laughs!!!

And what??? No Diet Coke???? I would have DIED!!!! I get Diet Coke with everything!!!

Yes for Neener Neener moments!!!! I love those!!! You so reminded me of our last trip to Disney!!!

And at psycho paparazzi mode!!!! I wouldn't have known or took pics, since I don't know who they are. Probably because I don't watch Harry Potter or read the books.

 

[PlutosRHM55]

Ok, this update just made me really nervous about going to WWOHP, since I really want to go and now I hear the words "stampede" and "hour long waits", I'm not so sure, but I think I need to go to Universal at least once. Disney, no doubt about it, will still be better in my eyes I can't believe they don't serve Diet Coke in Universal! That would not be good if my mom comes At least, there will be Butterbeer, really want to try Butterbeer And that's so cool, you got to see the Weasley twins filming a commercial. Love all the random Harry Potter references and I love the pictures you took of Hogwarts! Can't wait to read about more of your adventures in Universal!