Bonnie's Trip Report - Part III

[Bonnie40]

Day 9: March 17

We checked out first thing in the morning and packed the car. Unfortunately, we left the two back windows in our van open a crack and when we opened it up we had a colony of ants running around inside! I had a fit and the kids kept saying they weren’t going to get in the car until they were all gone. Good grief! So DH spent almost ½ hour brushing them out and then packed all the stuff inside.

Weather was much improved over yesterday and we hit Universal Studios for 9 a.m. We worked our way around the park but became aware of how many attractions do not open when the park opens. The same with food carts and such. Again, I’m not the complaining type, but I was surprised at that. Anyway, enjoyed all the attractions, especially Shrek which wasn’t open when we went last year. We didn’t think that the Jimmy Neutron ride was all that great – it made us nauseous!

We were quickly realizing that we were getting burned out with the crowds and the pace we were trying to keep. DH and oldest DS decided to go back to IofA and DD, youngest DS and myself went back to enjoy a few hours by the pool. I had organized our stuff so that we could get it out of the car easily. This was actually the nicest part of the trip. We love the pool area at RPR. The pool was nice and clean, although it was funny to see ducks swimming around with all the people (last year it was a turtle). I know how messy ducks can be so I was surprised that nobody did anything about it. There was even a duck nesting on an island area at the pool. Kids thought it was cute!

Anyway, we all hooked back up late in the afternoon and began our 2 hour trip down to Venice Beach. We always make a point of traveling there…it’s a lovely place and we so enjoy spending time there. The weather was awesome, but unfortunately, even with sunscreen and an umbrella, we got too much sun.

What we learned: I won’t try to duplicate a vacation again like I did this time. It’s difficult to recapture the ‘magic’ – next time we will do things differently. Maybe try another Universal hotel, see some other attractions, or maybe try going at a different time of year.

Thanks for reading my reports. I’ve enjoyed writing them!

 

[AlexandNessa]

I enjoyed your reports -- we haven't had any new ones in a few days (heaven forbid I go through "Trip Report Withdrawal!"). Reading everyone else's trip reports makes me excited for our own.

Sorry about the ants and bad weather. Sounds like you made the best of it.


I understand what you mean about not recapturing the magic. Our first Caribbean Cruise was one of the most fun weeks ever. Our second was just OK. Not that it was disappointing, just that we didn't recapture the magic of the maiden voyage. Hope you get to try a different resort next time.

 

[Flyfly_Eclipse]

Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaat?!?!?!?!?!?!!?!?!?!? VENICE BEACH???? You may have run into my mom (her s/n is Jiffy on these boards). We live in Venice, and the past few days or so she's been to the beach. She too said the water was quite beautiful lately.

Well go figure!! A fellow DIS'r was within 10 miles from me!

 

[d.daniels]

LOVED THE REPORT. WE ARE GOING IN SEPTEMBER, SO I LOVE READING ABOUT EVERYONES TRIPS....

 

[mainelyj]

Several years ago, my DS wanted an ice cream, but is was in the morning. He was little and we were on vacation, so we had no problem with this. We were on a mission and was told to go over to Suess Land to the food court area. However, we had to wait about 20 minutes for it to open. When it did open, they told us they did not sell ice cream and we had to go someplace else. At this point, we were hot, tired of waiting and had a very cranky child on our hands. By the time the second place opened, we all got ice cream, but were so mad at each other, we left the park. The bottom line - is the the parks open early, most of us are on vacation, and they should have food vendors open too...

I will have to say I was at my wits end, that I complained at customer as we left - they actually comped us tickets to come back another day. Which we did.

 

[Flyfly_Eclipse]

yeah, I dislike the facts that concession stands and restaurants do not open until around 10:30 or 11:00AM. My parents and I get up at 6AM or shortly after, and we don't eat breakfast on our way, so we tend to get hungry around 10:00, but we have to wait. At least breakfast restaurants are open, but still...they should at least have the concessions open...

I definitely agree with you on that.

 

[Bonnie40]

Hey Fly-Fly Eclipse!

Isn't it a small world! And it's funny that while we were at Universal I thought about going to see the Ghostbusters show because I've read a bit about it from your posts, but it didn't happen this time around.

We absolutely love Venice Beach! It's such a gem of a place and I love to drive around and imagine myself hanging out there when I'm retired. I always feel safe there. I just loved the house that's being built on the beach just to the left of the public beach. Can't imagine what it must be costing...

This year we stayed at the Days Inn on 41. They call it Days Inn Venice Beach Resort, but it's the farthest thing from a resort that I've ever seen! lol

Can't say it was dirty, but it was in really rough shape. I couldn't justify staying at Best Western though, way too pricey especially when you never know what kind of weather you're going to get. We've stayed there and at Inn at the Beach before, and will probably try the Holiday Inn on 41 next time.

I envy the fact that you live there!

 

[Flyfly_Eclipse]

Some of my dad's family have stayed at the Inn at the Beach, directly across from Venice Beach. The people there are really nice!! They may be a bit more expensive though, but worth checking into, IMO.

I'm not too thrilled about living here because there's not much for me (a teenager) to do. The beach...yes...but I don't like the beach...LOL I know... **gasp** plus living so close, we just take it for granted, and rarely go.

Houses are indeed expensive down here!! Including ours...and we're not even on the beach!

Awww! you missed the GB Show! Shame on you!! Your DD would have loved it I think Oh, and you too.

 

[SpideyHulk24]

Great report. I enjoyed reading them!

 

[AllieKat]

Hi Bonnie!

I really enjoyed reading your trip reports. Uggh, bad weather and ants. I remember reading about someone else having a problem with ants in their vehicle while staying at RPR. Maybe I should consider putting some ant bait in my car & trunk when I get there.

I too have noticed that most of the concessions & food places don't open until quite sometime after the park opens. Kinda strange. My & my b/f really wanted a green egg & hamwich first thing in the morning but they were never open when IOA first opened so we'd go ride Hulk while waiting or just hang out & enjoy the Seuss Landing surroundings.

If you don't mind me asking, are you a Loews member? If so, did you get your welcome gift? Also, do the rooms at RPR have the refreshment pantry w/fridge? Thanks!

 

[Bonnie40]

Hi AllieKat!

Yes the room at RPR had the fridge and refreshment pantry, but I was firm about nobody touching anything in it!

Yes, we are Loews members, and I requested the fruit basket like last year. Unfortunately, it wasn't as nice as last time - I remember more exotic fruits before...

 

[bratray]

i really enjoyed your trip reports

having been to disney many times i have learned not to set expectations too high- as they always seem to be let down a little- maiden trip anywhere is always exciting- so this is my maiden trip to UO & i am hoping for the best

lisa

 

[Bonnie40]

Lisa...you'll love it! Are you staying on site?

Bonnie

 

[AllieKat]

Hi Bonnie!

Thank you for responding...I do appreciate it greatly!

The items in the minibar/refreshment pantry are so expensive. I remember getting in a good laugh last year at HRH while reading the price list. I was just wondering if RPR had the fridges cause my Mom & sister are considering having the fridge in their room emptied instead of bringing a cooler for my niece's milk. My sis is all about convenience so she'd rather spend the bucks instead of messing w/a cooler.

Too bad the fruit basket wasn't as nice as last year. I got the wine while at HRH. Maybe this year I'll go for the cookies.

 

[nhrenee]

Thanks for taking the time to write!

 

[themepark]

THanks for sharing your trip with us Bonnie. I was at RPR last week and my fruit basket was very different than the first time we stayed. It had apples, oranges, a banana, grapes and strawberries this time. Last time, there were mangos and different kinds of berries, more exotic offerings. We enjoyed both though.