Back today / Hard Rock / Auto Train/ AWESOME

[locoexw]

We got home 3 hours ago.

Took the auto train down (Virginia to Florida). I loved it - husband was lukewarm. Not sure about kids.

Stayed at HRH Club level (2nd time - took kids in Feb). Concierges recognized me. Cool. Room was late getting ready, so got $$$ off of the bill. If you are on Club, don't try to handle anything like this yourself; have them do it (this includes weird charges to your bill). This saves you from getting PISSED OFF (as I am inclined to do). If you are a HRH Club level fan, join the Hard Rock All Access "club"; you get the lowest room rates at the Hard Rock (not at the other hotels, though). Our rate was 194/night.

Univeral Express is ABSOLUTELY essential if you are going to take little kids to these parks. You cannot wait in line for an hour with a four year old (unless you like that kind of craziness...).

If you have little ones, get Cabana 8 - it is right next to the "turtle" pool; a shallow pool with some fountainheads (perfect for the 2/3/4 crowd).

Only real commentary: The new Ghostbusters show was stupid. Really.

It rained all week; but we went to the parks in the rain. No problem.

Drove back to Maryland - in the rain. Stressful, but no problem.

Can't think of anything else unusual. I did want to comment that we had no problems with our bill at all (although I will watch for the final charge on my MC to be sure it matches up). There was some weirdness with our last stay, but the hotel mailed me an updated bill before changing the charge (and it seemed to be correct, so...).

Hope everyone has great trips. Universal ROCKS!!!

Elaine (mom to Noah - 4 and Ian - almost 2)

 

[chucknrita]

Hi,
Could you please tell me what was offered at club level for breakfast, late afternoon/evening snacks? What kind of drinks are available in the evening (beer types, etc.). Was it crowded in the lounge? Thanks for the info.

 

[locoexw]

For the happy hour drinks, there were a few kinds of beer (didn't notice them all, one was Heinekin), and wine (maybe three varieties).

For food, each night has a theme. I think it's always the same for the days of the week... Monday was "Mexican" - they put out a mexican hat and some little figures. The food was ham / turkey wraps. And Cheese/bread/fresh vegies/chips. (The vegies were great - red/yellow/green peppers, asparagus, brocoli, cauliflower, carrots, zuchini - nice spread.)

Tuesday was dip night. Lots of different kinds of dip and Cheese/bread/fresh vegies/chips.

Wednesday was little hot dogs/rolls. Cheese/bread/fresh vegies/chips.

Thursday was Key West - with chicken skewers. Cheese/bread/fresh vegies/chips.

Don't know the rest since we had to come home Friday!!!

The happy hour was always enough for me and my little guys to eat. But not enough for my sort of burly husband. He picked up a sandwich afterwards (usually at the park). We would hit the happy hour right at 5 and then go straight to the parks.