A Croc, a pair of crocs, Karma and what is all this stuff around my neck? update 6/17

[DisneyJo]

I'm in too, way to go on the first bag. PB looks beautiful!

 

[twob4him]

Wow...I didn't think I would ever hear a Diser say they liked Universal But the hotel is beautiful! I loved the bathroom pic too! Can't wait to hear more!!!

 

[PrincessV]

Oh something weird happened, I look at my window and somehow I’m in Italy! I don’t think I could have gotten a better view.

Wowee! Methinks the V's may have to check out Universal one of these days, after all!

I can't believe I'm late - I had no idea you'd started a new thread for this! I've been so busy catching up on subscriptions, I haven't had a chance till today to browse around. But I found you and I'm totally on board!

 

[DisneyDadFaNaTic]

WOW, those pictures are beautiful! What a nice place!

I'm really enjoying the TR. Can't wait to read more!

And I LOVE the picture of the puggies. They are so cute!

 

[oybolshoi]

We've stayed at Portofino Bay twice and the size and theming of the property never fail to amaze us. It's stunningly beautiful - absolutely rivals any of Disney's deluxe resorts and probably surpasses them because it is a Loewes Hotel (ooooh la la!!).

We actually walked quite a bit along that pathway over to CityWalk and USO / IOA - it's lovely, isn't it?

So glad to hear that you enjoyed your stay at Portofino. I'm a firm believer in being able to enjoy both Disney and Universal for the unique attractions they provide.

 

[kona-kraft]

Isn't Portofino bee-utee-ful ?!? It's probably my favorite of all the Universal Resorts, cause you really don't get the sense that it's so close to the roads around the Universal area. I used to live right across the street (Kirkman & Vineland Rds.) so I got to visit there QUITE often. My parents stayed there once, when they couldn't get in at the last minute for their entire DVC stay. Said it was VERY swanky

 

[puggymom]

Welcome everyone, thanks for stopping by.

DisneyDad, DJ, V and twob4him, you really should try Universal. PB is an outstanding hotel and the parks have some unique attractions. Worth stopping by once in a while.

 

[puggymom]

So after taking in my Italian villa, I decided to take the boat over to IOA, as that's what my spreadsheet says to do. I met the nicest family on the boat. I offered to take their pic. One of their daughters was special and a close friend of mine has a special daughter who I have gone to WDW with and it can be challenging, but so worth it when you see their faces. There were only a couple of rides I planned on as I have done this park for day trips 2x in recent years, but first I was getting hungry. As I am walking from the boat to the entrance I noticed all these people coming in from the parking garage. OH boy, lots of school trips, but I have front of the line, so no big deal, right...


So I head straight to Enchanted Oak, the reviews were good. I ordered the chicken platter which included a chicken leg, corn on the cob, corn muffin and fries. I did say I was hungry. It looked so good, couldn't wait to sit and eat. You know the saying don't judge a book by it's cover? Yeah, so I took a bite of the chicken and it was dry. NO. It was very dry. Nope. It was like having a mouthful of the Sahara in my mouth . It was that dry. Darn it, I just hate getting so psyched about eating something and then carp! So I ate the corn, corn muffin and picked at the fries.

So let's see, I have some carbs, some more carbs and it case that wasn't enough I nibbled at some more carbs. Ok, let's hit the overcrowded with teenagers park. First I see Dueling Dragons. It is two coasters whose tracks intersect. Very Cool. But first you have to put your stuff in a locker before riding. Sounds simple enough right? Well, see they use finger scans for the lockers. For you WDW AP holders, remember the 2 finger scans and how great they worked? Yeah, well this would be 10x worse, maybe 11x. So I wait in line (wait FOTL doesn't apply to the lockers?) get up to the thing that takes the scan and it doesn't work, try again, nope, finally they ask for a 6 digit code. I get a locker and put my reebox drawstring bag, the small bag that I have around my neck with my money etc. And I am one of those geeks that where's my sunglasses on a thingy so I don't lose them. All this goes in the locker. See easy enough.

I head for the ride and follow the FOTL signs, but wait about 2 feet after entering the queue there is a line. HUH? So I ask where is the resort guest line? I get one of these So I turn around and ask the attendant and he explains that I have to wait on line until the castle and then the line splits. UM, that doesn't sound like FOTL to me?

So I go back to the locker and there is a HUGE line to get back in. HMM, this isn't on my spreadsheet all this line waiting. At this point I am exhausted I have been up since 3:45 and have done nothing. I decide to head out to Citywalk and take it from there.

As I walk through the park I realize every HS in Florida has their class trip scheduled for IOA today. City walk was a bit better, bought myself a bracelet to feel better At this point I decided to put my ipod on and walk back to the hotel, it's not that far So almost half an hour later I get back to my room. But the walkway is gorgeous, absolutely beautiful! I grab a snack that I had packed and took a much needed snooze. Might as well throw the spreadsheet out as I am so off the plan, I might as well be on someone else's vacation.

 

[puggymom]

Ok, so I wake from my nap and feel much better. I don't relish the idea of tackling the parks yet, so I explore the resort some.

This is just so gorgeous, Disney could learn a couple things here.

I decide to head back to the parks, but go bag free I take my room key, a credit card, a little cash and chapstick. I'm a chapstick addict. There I said it, no need to repeat.

A little PSA here. I bought a lip infusion before I left. I got suckered by the sign that TSA approved. Well, this stuff left my lips as dry as that chicken. Well not that dry, just a regular sort of dry.

I used the logic that HS kids will prefer IOA to US, so back on the boat to US I go. This park is not nearly as crowded, but is around 5 so I figure the day trippers are mostly heading out the door. I am starvin like Marvin now. I try the Cheescake place near the entrance, and have a delicious tuna on a baguette. Oh and a giant chocolate chip cookie.

The park is only open til 7 but I ride Mummy 2x. just an FYI, this is much better than the California one. From there I head to Jaws, an oldie but a goodie. I heard good things about MIB ride and figure I would give it a try.
Now, I saw the 1st MIB years ago, didn't really care for it. Now look at the pic in my sig, see where this is going. I get on the ride and had a great time. I exit the ride into the requisite gift shop and then I see it, ALL of it.



PUGS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!




OMG, that's right MIB had Frank the pug!!!!!


I think I have died and gone to pug heaven. Mugs, picture frames, stuffed pugs, statues, shirts. Just give me one of everything and I will be on my way So once I calmed down, I bought a mug, a wind up pug (the folks at work are thrilled with that one )and a statue. I have a stuffed pug, that I have to keep out of sight of the one that likes to chase planes, so no need to buy any more.


OK I am no longer bag free, but who cares, I got me some new pug stuff

It is close to 7 so I go over to ET, no locker required to ride this one, so I can take my bag of pug stuff with me. Right after I give my name, the ride breaks down. But who cares I got my pug stuff! Well, the kid behind gets ants in his pants and is really on my nerves. I understand he is tired etc. but no need to step on my feet.

I need to tell you at this point my dogs are barking, I mean howling. I have a pair of beach crocs with me but I have yet to wear them in public. I have croc shame. I have only worn them on the treadmill and walking the pugs, I can't bring myself to wear them in public. And if I'm really honest. I haven't told anyone from my real world that I own a pair Like I said croc shame.

OK, back to ET. The ride starts up and I gratefully am not riding with the kid with ants in his pants. Woo Hoo, ET saves his planet. And I got my new pug stuff!

I am exhausted and head back to the hotel. On the way I call Mom to make sure everything went fine with her picking the pugs up. They gleefully go home with her. They know how spoiled they will be.

I make my way back to my beautiful Italian villa and collapse in bed. I find that Pearl Harbor the movie is on. Sorry I get a little sad here. See I lost my Dad a year ago January from a horrible illness called Inclusion BOdy Myositis. We loved to go to the movies together, we were both history geeks. Anything historical and we were there. As he got weaker and couldn't walk I would take him in his scooter to the movies followed by a steak dinner. Anyway, when I took him to see the Patriot (the one with Mel Gibson). Waiting for it to start we saw a preview for Pearl harbor, which was releasing the following May, it was now July, 10 months away. He immediately turned to me and said let's make a date now to go together. All through the fall, winter and spring, he kept reminding me how we had a date to go. We went had a great time. It was another great date with Dad. So now I am laying in this great hotel and boy am I missing my Dad.


I promise I will get cheerier on the next installment.

 

[DebIreland]

Yay!! Great Report!!!! Portofino Bay looks gorgeous! We stayed at the Hard Rock Cafe two years ago and are dying to stay there again or at any of the Universal resorts just for a night or two. We're probably the only people in the history of Universal to get lost on that path to the parks. But it was good cause we ended up all the way along at Portofino Bay hotel and it looked stunning.

Oh that dog from MIB is so adorable. I love him. He *made* that movie!!! lol!!! So glad you got the merchandise.

Aw, I hear ya about the happy memories of you and your Dad. My Dad will be dead 5 years next month and I still feel sad when I hear certain songs or see certain movies.

Can't wait to hear more!!

 

[Disneyland_Mama]

So after taking in my Italian villa, I decided to take the boat over to IOA, as that's what my spreadsheet says to do.

Atta girl!

Might as well throw the spreadsheet out as I am so off the plan, I might as well be on someone else's vacation.

I need to tell you at this point my dogs are barking, I mean howling. I have a pair of beach crocs with me but I have yet to wear them in public. I have croc shame. I have only worn them on the treadmill and walking the pugs, I can't bring myself to wear them in public. And if I'm really honest. I haven't told anyone from my real world that I own a pair Like I said croc shame.

Croc shame? Pain before beauty, eh???

So now I am laying in this great hotel and boy am I missing my Dad.

Wow, that hotel is really beautiful! Hmmmm... now I've got to come up with a plan to actually get there. :

 

[jcc0621]

We've been to US/IOA for several day trips. We always enjoyed it, but I have to agree that the food was never that great. That's a shame about dueling dragons because it is such a cool ride.

PB is BEAUTIFUL. Hmmmmm, I guess my parents Disney castmember discount wouldn't work here, huh.....I will just have to convince DH that we will have to stay there one time.

Can't wait for the next installment

 

[IluvXU]

I love your pictures from the other park! Maybe someday we will check it out!

 

[Goofyluver]

First...your pics are georgeous!!! I may have to look into that!

2nd...when we went to US, my favorite thing was ET. I love how he says your name at the end...and how he enunciates...

"Jeneeefur" and "Jawn-O-thawn"

 

[*MickeyFan*]

On my way to BC the driver didn't like to say what stops we were at, or if he did he mumbled. So I didn't know until after we left BC that that was my stop! It was after 11, and I didn't want to ride all the way back to DTD and try again, so I got off at the next stop and hoped I could walk the bridge over. And I could! I was so releived!! I met a bunny along the way, that was fun, there was barely anyone out.. anyway, the guy at the desk was nice, but kinda creeped me out. I didn't want to leave Fritzie out in the open, that's why he was wrapped! Sorry for Highjacking!!
I am just happy you got him ok, On with the show

 

[LITTLEKID58]

Tfs

 

[DisneyJo]

I head for the ride and follow the FOTL signs, but wait about 2 feet after entering the queue there is a line. HUH? So I ask where is the resort guest line? I get one of these So I turn around and ask the attendant and he explains that I have to wait on line until the castle and then the line splits. UM, that doesn't sound like FOTL to me?

That does not seem right also what a long winded way to get on a ride

Might as well throw the spreadsheet out as I am so off the plan, I might as well be on someone else's vacation.

I am starvin like Marvin now. I try the Cheescake place near the entrance, and have a delicious tuna on a baguette. Oh and a giant chocolate chip cookie.

At least that meal was nice!

I need to tell you at this point my dogs are barking, I mean howling.

Do you know how long it took me to realise you were talking about your feet

So now I am laying in this great hotel and boy am I missing my Dad.

 

[PrincessV]

As I am walking from the boat to the entrance I noticed all these people coming in from the parking garage. OH boy, lots of school trips, but I have front of the line, so no big deal, right...

YEAH, did you notice loads of groups at WDW, too? We saw them everywhere.

But first you have to put your stuff in a locker before riding. Sounds simple enough right? Well, see they use finger scans for the lockers. For you WDW AP holders, remember the 2 finger scans and how great they worked?

Yep.

I head for the ride and follow the FOTL signs, but wait about 2 feet after entering the queue there is a line. HUH? So I ask where is the resort guest line? I get one of these So I turn around and ask the attendant and he explains that I have to wait on line until the castle and then the line splits. UM, that doesn't sound like FOTL to me?

Me neither…

PUGS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!




OMG, that's right MIB had Frank the pug!!!!!


I think I have died and gone to pug heaven.

Just what was needed to save your first day!

I need to tell you at this point my dogs are barking, I mean howling. I have a pair of beach crocs with me but I have yet to wear them in public. I have croc shame. I have only worn them on the treadmill and walking the pugs, I can't bring myself to wear them in public. And if I'm really honest. I haven't told anyone from my real world that I own a pair Like I said croc shame.

Tsk, tsk, tsk.

I make my way back to my beautiful Italian villa and collapse in bed. I find that Pearl Harbor the movie is on. Sorry I get a little sad here. See I lost my Dad a year ago January from a horrible illness called Inclusion BOdy Myositis. We loved to go to the movies together, we were both history geeks. Anything historical and we were there. As he got weaker and couldn't walk I would take him in his scooter to the movies followed by a steak dinner. Anyway, when I took him to see the Patriot (the one with Mel Gibson). Waiting for it to start we saw a preview for Pearl harbor, which was releasing the following May, it was now July, 10 months away. He immediately turned to me and said let's make a date now to go together. All through the fall, winter and spring, he kept reminding me how we had a date to go. We went had a great time. It was another great date with Dad. So now I am laying in this great hotel and boy am I missing my Dad.

 

[puggymom]

On my way to BC the driver didn't like to say what stops we were at, or if he did he mumbled. So I didn't know until after we left BC that that was my stop! It was after 11, and I didn't want to ride all the way back to DTD and try again, so I got off at the next stop and hoped I could walk the bridge over. And I could! I was so releived!! I met a bunny along the way, that was fun, there was barely anyone out.. anyway, the guy at the desk was nice, but kinda creeped me out. I didn't want to leave Fritzie out in the open, that's why he was wrapped! Sorry for Highjacking!!
I am just happy you got him ok, On with the show

I was going to call you to let you know but then I realized I had thrown the paper out with the bag. OOPS! Sorry about the creepy guy. He was gone when I checked in. Very nice lady checked me in

 

[puggymom]

Do you know how long it took me to realise you were talking about your feet

Hopefully not as long as it took me to figure out what a static caravan was?