Another 18 nights RPR, just the two of us & HHN (2015 Trip)

[schumigirl]

Haha, I have also had this thought about the Aussie shampoo!! Why is it such a premium in the UK? it smells sooooo good.



I love American "biscuits". However don't watch them being made. Its like 50% butter, but so tasty!



That's a massive cocktail! It looks amazing

Rachel.....almost missed your post.........

I know, I have to hide the Aussie shampoo I bring back from friends, and if my niece visits she would be sure to whoop some away.....she loves it too!!! It does smell nicer from over there......yep, its ridiculously cheap in the States.....although almost cost us extra baggage this year I bought so much of it.......

Yes biscuits are gorgeous.......are they made from butter........ thought they were the healthy option........

That cocktail is huge......but so tasty and very fruity.........first time I got it Kyle was only about 13....he was mortified I was going to drink such a big drink.......lol.......put it on your list for next time.......

 

[schumigirl]

Wow, you are really cranking out the updates today.

Are there areas of the park/rides/shows you no longer bother with, having been so often or do you do pretty much everything during your trips still?

Sorry, missed this post earlier too........

We try and do everything at least once, with the exception of Twister......and this year we missed Terminator.....I use that for a snooze.....lol......they were amazed I could sleep through it.......

I suppose we also don't concentrate on character pics as much......we have them all from every year, and last year I think we got everyone including a very funny Dracula......never seen him again....it was during the day not horror nights......also never watched Blues Brothers or the parade this time.......but if it was on while we were there we would have watched it.

I think apart from that we do just about everything else......except the animal show.....won't watch that and don't go in the Barney area.........

Yes, didn't get a whole lot of other stuff done today........

 

[mls02]

Yes the reason your camera fogs over is from leaving the ice cold air conditioning to the hot and humidity. If you take a gentle cloth you can wipe your lens off the front, take it off the body and gently wipe it off on the back glass of the lens. If it is a big difference your mirror will also fog up in the camera body. I never touch that I just let it get acclimated and it will disappear.

Great report as usual! Thanks

 

[schumigirl]

Yes the reason your camera fogs over is from leaving the ice cold air conditioning to the hot and humidity. If you take a gentle cloth you can wipe your lens off the front, take it off the body and gently wipe it off on the back glass of the lens. If it is a big difference your mirror will also fog up in the camera body. I never touch that I just let it get acclimated and it will disappear.

Great report as usual! Thanks

Glad you're still enjoying reading..........it does go on a bit.......lol......

Yes we'd had the issue before and knew it was going from cold to hot, but it just took ages to clear that morning......annoying thing for Tom was mine cleared in about a minute........even opening it up didn't help.......just one of those mornings where humidity was ultra high.......

 

[schumigirl]

With the heat we decided not to go back to the park after all.........the coolness of the room was nice, so we decided to have some pool time again.......lazy option, but it was hot today.

So got changed and went down and found some loungers and parasols, which wasn`t difficult as the place was deserted apart from a few die hard sun worshippers and a couple of little kiddies.......we had got covered in sun cream so we should be ok going in the water without worrying about burning........it is lovely getting the pool to yourself on such beautiful day......we had no camera today so no pictures, but it was an incredibly relaxing afternoon.

We decided we wouldn't go far tonight either......so around 5ish we got showered and changed and went up to Club Lounge after putting in a load of laundry........I would try an remember it was in and go down when it was time to put them in the dryer. We felt very relaxed after our lazy afternoon.......we had a couple of glasses of wine and chatted to our favourite staff members, well, some of them......one of the newest members of staff was Anthony, we got to know him well.......had to get some pics......

We are so very lucky we get to spend a longer amount of time, and can get to know these lovely folks every visit......they really care about everyone`s experience and want folks to have the best time during their stay.

Such a nice guy........ we thought we would try The Islands downstairs tonight. I was a little wary due to onion, garlic and msg allergies.......but I would ask before I ordered anything. So went down and it wasn`t busy at all......there was a table of 8 and another couple, a family of four would arrive soon and that was it......so we were all in the one area of the restaurant. It was nice though.....we had a seat by the window and as soon as we were seated our waitress came over and asked for our drink order.......we would have a bottle of white tonight and I asked her about allergy options.....she immediately said she would get the chef to come out and speak to me. Anyway, couple of minutes later he appeared and I told him the allergies and what I wanted to order and he said it wouldn`t be a problem.......so I was happy with his words.

Tom ordered Mongolian Beef, extra hot and I ordered General Tso Chicken, extra hot too.......and we asked for noodles instead of rice as we are not big fans of rice.....no problem.........so our food came and it looked good......

Only thing about mine was....they forgot to make mine spicy.......Tom`s was perfect.....I couldn`t try his as it had everything in it I can`t eat.....and a year ago I would have ordered his meal!!!!

But we were enjoying it when out the corner of my eye I spotted something very small and very yellow appear.......followed by a very tall person..........Gru and Stuart!!!! I was over the moon!!!! Totally lost interest in my meal........almost yelled to Tom who it was.......they came over to the area and started to interact with the bigger table......Gru caught my eye and pointed to himself and gave the thumbs up......in other words did we want him to come over......I suppose maybe some couples don`t.......I gave him 2 big thumbs up and he nodded......we would wait........I kinda nibbled on some food while we waited......then they came over.......

They were brilliant!!!! Best interaction we have ever had.......and we have had some amazing interactions with Scooby and Shaggy, Simpsons and Shrek and Fiona few years back......but this Gru was amazing!!!! He would point to Tom`s baldy head and pretend polish it......I laughed so hard.........

I love this one where Stuart photobombs us........lol........these pictures don`t show how funny they were without saying a word......very clever.......

At this point Gru wandered off and just stood at the window.......and just stood.......people going past got such a shock when he gently tapped the window at them.......

While he was doing this Stuart kept us amused.........

Continued.........

 

[schumigirl]

They really were so good.......Stuart kept us well entertained while Gru was busy......

Then Gru was back from his window activities.......it was lovely it was so quiet as you felt you almost had them to yourself.....the bigger table had gone and the other couple hadn`t wanted any interaction........really???? So it was just us and the little family behind who the kids were so thrilled to see the minion and had a blast with him.........

Before long it was time for there set to be over.......so we waved our goodbyes and went back to our now very cool dinner......we didn`t care.....it was amazingly good fun and we loved every second.......

Just when we thought they had gone....they came back........

It was a fantastic interaction, and we were so glad we had came here for dinner tonight.......despite how quiet the restaurant was, there was a lovely atmosphere.......quiet, but fun........and the two kiddies who were sat behind us were adorable.........our waitress said she didn't know who enjoyed it more me or the little ones.......lol..........

This is a real nice place to eat, with or without character interaction, but if you can choose a night when they have characters you should go, it`s fantastic..........there is a nice ambiance in here, food and service is excellent too.

After the excitement of seeing Gru.......we decided to go and play some mini golf......so we took cameras and things up to the room then walked to Citywalk and did the haunted side again.......it was nice and there was hardly anyone playing tonight.......this would be our last mini golf this trip as we had every night accounted for till we went home now.......we really enjoyed it....and I got royally beaten by a lot!!! Didn`t know you could lose by that much at mini golf..........

Had a cocktail in Margaritaville......then meandered back to the hotel........as we got closer I realised I had left my laundry in the dryer in the laundry room from earlier........thankfully I hadn`t put tee shirts in.......and I fully expected someone to have removed it if they needed the dryer, although there is three of them.......but it hadn`t been touched and was still there!!! Had no memory of it whatsoever when we left Club Lounge earlier!!! I felt so bad, as I hate when that happens to me and someone leaves their clothes in......I wouldn`t make that mistake again.

Packed it into the bag.....then went up to our room and unpacked it all.......they were all so creased with just being left, so although it was late by now.....I got the ironing board out and got them done there and then......didn't take that long and Tom managed to fall asleep while I was ironing!!! Wasn`t long behind him.

 

[schumigirl]

THURSDAY 1ST OCTOBER!!!



It can`t be October.........means we only have a few days left!!!! I very swiftly put that thought to the back of my brain as we get up early again...can`t be thinking about that yet.......no Skype this morning as Kyle is in Uni right now.......so we head for Club Lounge......somewhat slower than usual, as we are feeling a bit tired by now......not as young as we used to be......not normally on the go from 6.30am till midnight.......but breakfast was lovely this morning....no moaning about money family, and it was so quiet.......had some lovely continental meats and fruit with some toast and lots of coffee.........Tom had some cinnamon bun which was lovely and fruit and meats too.....it was nice.......even the staff asked us this morning if we felt ok.......Tom said wait till you see her on Monday......lol.......

Back and sun cream on, headed for the boats this morning which were fairly busy........this was where the Captain saw us, we hadnt seen him in over a week and we knew him from last couple of years and he proclaimed rather loudly Lordy you`re still here!!!! We just laughed and he said we should just move in.......I wish!!! It was fairly dull this morning, cloudy and kinda grey but still blisteringly hot.......we wished the Captain well as we left the boat and headed to Studios..........

Love this park, and much as though we adore IOA I think if I had to choose one over the other it would be this one......but it`s close.....really close......TM are always so friendly when you go through the gates, well we haven't ever come across a TM that wasn`t fantastic!!! When I read about grumpy or uncaring staff here I do wonder if there was a reason........but today again, no issues going through and we head straight for DM......queue was 45 minutes and it was only just after 9ish, can`t remember exact time....but no queue for EP.......we honestly cannot say enough good things about having Express......even on days that are not so busy, I still wouldn't want to spend time in such a queue for any ride.......

DM was fun as always.......and we even got on with no-one trying to take pictures or re-organise their seats on the ride.......I never feel queasy on this ride, even re-riding it never sets me off......but today we plan to spend some time in Potter so we ride once and then head to RRR.

Here we see lots of people argue with TM about why they should be able to take their phone/money/keys/wallet/camera........why they think they are ok to do that despite the notices is beyond me.......TM deal with it well......do it or you don`t ride........simple!! I feel for them having to deal with this day in day out........but we get on and I get buzzed again....metal detector finds nothing of course......we are rule followers......so get up and we ask for the front and we are straight on......first time in ages we see someone almost cry as they get on......she doesn't want to ride.......I hope she doesn't get on then scream to get off........but she just doesn't get on and I turn to see her crying as we set off.......I can understand that.......it is a daunting ride to look at it........I stood for ages before I rode it for the first time absolutely petrified but I so wanted to go on it. Tom and Kyle had done it that year and said I would love it.....and they were right......but it took a lot to get me on it at first. Today was brilliant........front row as always......Gloria telling me I would survive.........I even enjoyed the climb today and kept my eyes open and turned to the side......it`s high!!! Then we were off...........such a controlled drop then wheeeeee all the way round........Did it twice today then headed round the park.....today we stopped and took some things in we hadn`t done in a while........it does look less pretty with the HHN bars and food joints set up.

The New York area is one of my favourites, especially since Amity was long gone......we loved that area and although we do like Potter, we thought it was so pretty and a nice area to hang around in....and of course it had the long lamented Jaws. But this area is nice and of course it has Mummy........we do this ride several times, maybe 3 before I decide actually it has made me feel a bit heady after the last ride........but it`s so good and the TM`s were hilarious today........

We come out of the Mummy and buy some water, drink that then have a bathroom break before heading around to do more.....not before taking some pictures though.....

Louie`s is a nice place........cheap as chips and pizza is good......this was a regular place for us last few years, but this year we hadn`t managed to eat here yet........but we would try and fit it in somehow......

This day could take a long time to finish!!!

 

[schumigirl]

I still have to look at the difference in Studios from just a few years ago before Potter......admittedly I think it`s vastly improved, but I often say I do hanker back to the days Universal really was a place that was quiet. But it`s spectacular to come around the corner and see what is now Potter.

Lombards is a lovely building and food is good. It`s a very nice restaurant to eat in, quite pretty if you compare it to some places in a them park.........

Loved the Halloween touches throughout the park this year.....they were very good.......this looked very good in all the mist and atmosphere of a horror night........

Potter next..........photos are prevalent in next few posts.........

 

[keishashadow]

The board is so glitchy today! I'm all caught up – finally lol. So many great pictures, makes me smile to remember things in the parks.

Bravo for riding that monster of a coaster! Can't say i've had the pleasure lol

I'll be thinking of you when we'll be @ Islands for dinner this Thursday. Now I know what I'm ordering - that beef dish looks delish! Fingers are crossed my GD gets to the same great character interaction in your pictures.

 

[schumigirl]

Oh you have to try RRR........you'll be glad you did........

I wished I could have had Tom's dinner........hot spicy full of onions and garlic.......lush!!! Yes I hope your GD gets a good visit from the characters

Glad to hear you enjoying it.........

 

[schumigirl]

So, on to Potter. This area has done more to enhance Universal`s profile in recent years than anything else, IMO of course......and as it should be......I tend to assume everyone is as aware of what Universal and offers than I am......however an encounter with a couple soon showed I was wrong. Last year I helped an Asian couple who thought JP was in the Studios.....had no idea where it was.......however this couple really took the biscuit.

I sat down as Tom went in the bathroom, and this couple asked the woman beside me where Dr Doom was.......she had no idea!!!! I was gobsmacked.......even doing a basic look at a park map will tell you that......so she turned to me and I told her it was in IOA....you know, the other park......no clue what I was talking about......they thought it was all one park, except for Harry potter world???? I gave them a very brief recant of the parks and her eyes got wider the more I told her......simple things......2 parks, EP, park maps etc........I gave up when they both exclaimed Disney was so much less work!!!! Seriously!!!! Do people not do even the most basic of research before coming to such a place. I excused myself at that point.......can`t deal with that kind of person......

I was shaking my head as departed and we walked around to what is visually impressive to anyone......

Definitely more photographed than the Real King`s Cross........warmer too generally!!! This area is so nice, we don't spend an awful lot of time on the outside though, but it is worth taking the pics......especially as empty as it was here.........

But as always, walking through those bricks you are automatically transported in the magical and colourful world of Potter.....with dragons and goblins and all sorts of weird and wonderful creatures......some nice, some not so........but it`s very evocative and a total sensory overload for first timers......a rare thing today......I honestly take an extra breath whenever I enter this area in particular, probably over Hogsmeade and just absorb every assault on the brain there is.........

I swear we never saw one person look disappointed or underwhelmed in what Universal and Rowling have created in this.....so much attention to detail and despite having been in here so many times.....we see something new every visit. When I say sensory overload I really do mean it.


This was definitely a picture taking day..........

 

[schumigirl]

Every shop in Potter has an eclectic selection of objects, gifts and displays.......all impressive even if you have no interest in what is being sold, I have no desire to buy a wand but have bought some for friends kids.......but they are interesting to see and check out for a little bit if you have the time.......

As we came out of this shop we heard the familiar rumble and knew that the dragon was going to impart his flame......one woman looked bewildered and I pointed up and said wait.........she must have just came in as she had no idea........it is warm standing underneath it........

So many picture opportunities....yes we may have them all before, but there`s something special about this place.........Then it`s into my favourite place.......Knockturn Alley..........quite fitting as my English Literature lecturer always said she thought there was something of the Dark Side in me...........what could she mean...........

 

[schumigirl]

As I said, today was definitely a picture day........we snapped our Butts off if I`m honest..........

Yes, this is from last year........had to put a picture of my boy in somewhere....he loves this place as much as we do......and even though we did have an absolute ball just the two of us, it was different. We missed him being with us in different ways every day, but we knew he would be back another time.........

We walked into Leaky Cauldron.......have no desire to eat here, but it is impressive to see and have a look around........I as usual, got chatting to a TM who was so friendly......could have chatted to her all day......that`s just me though........but we took loads of pictures without the flash as people were sitting eating all around us.....

 

[tink1957]

Great Dragon shot Carole

Just had to comment on the woman who thought planning for WDW was easier...she must be nuts...we spent 7 nights at the darkside and 1 at WDW and I planned more for that one day than the week at Uni...silly lady.

 

[schumigirl]

We head back out into the sunshine.....well.....it`s warm anyway......not too bad at all today outside, yes it`s hot but not too oppressively so.........

Back in the sun, we decided to have a quick blast on Gringotts since we were here and there was hardly any queue......this was something of a blessing this trip.....we were lucky to be able to ride it many times without a wait of any kind......Again this is another impressive feat of design and imagination.......

So much attention to detail and it`s visible at every turn.......I`m not sure pictures ever do it justice........

Even waiting for the elevator is eventful.......unfortunately although we were a very small group waiting, one little boy thought it would be fun to kick his mother........his father immediately began to admonish him sternly when he just began to yell and scream at such a volume!!!! You could see people think oh heck.......is he going to scream all the way......but the dad took him back out the ride....the mother apologised, a general apology, a woman beside her told her no need, at least he was removing the child instead of placating him....so peace was back.........

The elevator is eventful also.......some didn't expect it kinda bounce up and down so it was fun to see........again, the theming is magnificent......very realistic.

This was where I talked a woman into riding.......she held back a little and I heard her boyfriend say it would be fine.......I smiled and told her it wasn`t bad at all.......she had heard someone say how rough it was....really......we told her it was fine......drop was miniscule and nothing further after that.......they could employ me to talk people on to rides I think......may suggest that........anyway she got on and absolutely loved it!! She was so glad she hadn't listened to negative comments........she had heard all sorts of stuff, rather aptly mostly from folks who hadn`t ridden it yet..........

We had a good ride too and as always exited in the gift shop and got some stuff sent back to our room.......we were running out of time to take advantage of that perk. Today was some Hogwarts Coasters and little trinket things and a Hufflepuff School book for my friends 21 year old daughter...........

 

[schumigirl]

Great Dragon shot Carole

Just had to comment on the woman who thought planning for WDW was easier...she must be nuts...we spent 7 nights at the darkside and 1 at WDW and I planned more for that one day than the week at Uni...silly lady.

Vicki, you know the stereotype......she had dressed as though Mickey had thrown up on her ........her hat said I love Walt Disney World.......but yes, I haven`t been to Disney in years.....doesn`t sound like fun to me.......hate planning!!!

Glad you still reading along Vicki.......trying to get done......but RL does get in the way sometimes.........lol

 

[keishashadow]

loving the picture of Kyle worked into the report.

hmmm, you do have an eye for pictures

cannot figure out exactly where this one or the embalming one are located. will have to hunt for the sites

 

[choppee]

hello to you!

i have been enjoying your trip reports for quite a while now, and i must finally say that you are a good deal of the reason why my family and i will be visiting universal this year around christmas! your pictures, commentary, wonderful descriptions of the progression of your days along with your happy family and the catalyst that sent me over to universal, quite happily, from disney. even this september, while you were enjoying your time in universal, i was in wdw for a short trip, and while it was nice, i can't say that i had as much fun as you! too busy, too crowded, too everything. thanks for your trip reports and advice. i am sure i'm not the only one who appreciates the time you take to share your wonderful tales!

and btw, i love purple too!

 

[wilma-bride]

Ooh, more updates. I am seriously loving them and I am so much more excited for our April trip now (even though I know it is going to be horrendously busy).

Young Anthony from the club lounge is very easy on the eye, isn't he?

I cannot wait to get back to Diagon Alley. We only rode Gringotts once on our last visit as we were only at Universal for 2 days and the ride was having serious technical difficulties, meaning we waited over 90 minutes for it. None of us really wanted to spend any more time in line for that ride then so we are all excited to ride when we go back in April.

@keishashadow the brick wall picture, I believe, is taken from just inside of Diagon Alley looking back towards the entrance. It's a great shot Carole

How cool was that character interaction with Gru and Stuart. I am embarrassed to admit that I haven't seen either of the DM movies but I will endeavour to do so before our next trip. My son, however, loves them so would have been in his element there. We have 4 nights at RPR in April so we might have to include a dinner at Islands on our ever-growin list of things to do.

Nice to see the picture of Kyle - a little way of including him, even though eh wasn't there with you. Funnily enough, my daughter posted a 'Timehop' picture on FB yesterday, from her last trip with us in 2013. I told her she should come with us at Easter, because I know she would absolutely LOVE to see Diagon Alley and all the new stuff at Uni. We are now talking about taking a trip, just the two of us, for a week (it won't be long enough but it's all she can manage to get off work) in October next year. It would be fabulous if it comes off.

 

[schumigirl]

loving the picture of Kyle worked into the report.

hmmm, you do have an eye for pictures

cannot figure out exactly where this one or the embalming one are located. will have to hunt for the sites

Thanks Janet....yes as Joh says below, it`s just as you enter through the bricks.....then turn.....lol.....embalming sign is in knockturn alley.....can`t miss it........

Had to include Kyle somewhere.......