Compromise is a Disney word: Taking one for the team over Thanksgiving 2016* August PTR link! 5/28

[Terra Nova guy]

I've always liked the look of the Universal hotels. I especially like that kids room in the suite at Sapphire Falls. I just don't know if I ever see myself wanting to stay near Universal. I've been at the Universal parks for a couple days and enjoyed it, but it doesn't have the same "feel" as Disney for me.

 

[ArielSRL]

but if you're interested, it's over there! "It Takes Two, Baby, a 2017 Flower and Garden dining report"

I'm going there next!

although really nobody can beat me .

You know it...we all know it...

From an upper floor we got a really good view of the pool:

Very nice!

Sapphire Falls is one of Universals resorts that offers kids suites. It's 2 twin beds in a room off the main bedroom and also has a little sitting area:

Oh...I like this. Sort of their take on the family suite...

I liked the feel of Sapphire Falls; it's also technically considered one of their "value" resorts and like Cabana Bay the express pass isn't included in your stay

Eh, no can do. That would be a big part of the reason to stay there. Oh well.

it shows a main theme running through the resort which was orchids:

This is beautifully themed!

Oh definitely not! Let's cross our fingers the girls trip happens

I'm all in! I'd like to do it now but I suppose that isn't very realistic, huh?

 

[buzzrelly]

I really liked it Unless I felt we really needed the express pass I wouldn't hesitate to stay there with the family. When we went to Uni in late Aug. we didn't stay onsite but also didn't need EP because crowds were so super low. If you think it'll be busy when you're there and EP will benefit you, most likely it'll work out a bit less cost-wise to just stay at HRH-it generally does work out cheaper to stay at a resort that offers EP over staying at CBBR or Sapphire Falls and buying EP separately. I'm sure there are exceptions to that, though.

CB really just doesn't appeal to me. At all. The only thing I really like about it and hence the reason I would consider it, is the price. But without the EP, even that isn't appealing. I think I'm just going to stick with HRH…we ended up booking a deluxe 2 queen because my niece will be with us and we wanted the extra space. But the price for that particular week in April… I debated about it for so long though, and played with my dates at WDW…like if we went to WDW first and then UO after WDW, but then the DVC point amount goes WAY up! Sigh…the troubles of traveling around school vacations

LOL! Like I explained to @MeghanEmily I'm just not a water park lover and neither is DH -he doesn't ever come to the big one here by us. I will say if we end up going this Aug. and the boys are interested I MIGHT give in and do one day at one of them........

If you're only trying it this once, definitely go to Typhoon Lagoon. Grab a drink and float around the lazy river. It's super relaxing

I've begun my dining report for our first F&G trip last week

Yay! I'll head there next to find it

the one we would not be touring was Hard Rock Hotel

Boo! The one I really wanted to hear about

I like the colors and bed pillows in the Sapphire Falls rooms:

That actually looks really nice. It stinks that they don't offer the EP here either. They should at least offer a discount for it if you're staying on-site.

I was liking this resort A LOT more than CBBR and Sapphire Falls, not because those 2 were values but this theming just appealed to me more. This was also the first resort we toured that offered the express pass as part of your stay which of course is reflected in the higher price.

We stayed at RPR in 2015 and really liked it. The beds were SUPER comfy…way mores than any I've slept in at WDW. The grounds are beautiful and the pool was always fun. We are trying HRH for the deluxe room and because I think the kids might like the atmosphere and the pool better, but I wouldn't hesitate to stay at RPR again.

 

[xlsm]

I love Royal Pacific
It's where we "stayed" on our US/IOA day..."stayed" in quotations because we just got the room for the express passes and early entry. It was when the rooms were being renovated...we did go up to check ours out but it wasn't a refurbished orchid room. The view was great though!

It looked like this then:





I remember being so sad we didn't get a new room, even though it didn't matter since we were only in the room for about 20 minutes just to see what we'd paid for! I loved how big the rooms were there.

I like being able to see the rooms at the other resorts!

I often wonder if we could ever do a Universal focused onsite trip without Disney...I'm not sure if we could!!

 

[ariane37]

Aw we're staying at the Hard Rock next I would love to see in the rooms (but I did do some googling already). I'll have to take pictures for you!

Thanks! I've googled pictures of the HRH before too, because when we went in 2015 we considered staying a night or 2 onsite for the express pass and that's where I wanted to stay I think those rooms look so cool!

Sapphire Falls actually added a similar show recently too called Caribbean Carnaval.

Yup, I think they added it right after I left the training because I remember getting an email about it and thinking, "hmm, we weren't told about this at all....."

Ooo Portofino Bay is one of my favorites. Well the rooms were nice but probably comparable to the others, but the outside of it is just stunning.

Exactly what I loved about it, the outside that's why I saved it for the next post lol because I have quite a few pictures!

BUT did they mention anything about bathtubs? I was surprised they'd have a stand-up shower, especially in a family suite! Speaking of which, the twin bedroom is cute!

No, no mention of tubs The only Universal staff with us as we walked through was our "guide" Barry, and while he did answer and question asked of him he didn't offer much else. It was basically a quick walk through of each room and even if anyone had questions, they were answered by Barry as we continued looking and walked out because other groups were waiting to see the room - there was also only one room in each resort being shown.
Sapphire Falls isn't the only resort with a kids suite either (which you might know) and I have more pictures coming up

Be careful with RPR. I stayed there in the teeniest tiniest room ever after paying something like $280 a night on my one and only onsite Universal stay. It was just Aria and me, so it was OKAY but not great. I liked the theming, though, and the included Express Pass would be really nice esp with more people in the room.

The RPR room we saw didn't seem any smaller than the rooms we saw at SF or Portofino but I'd have to look up the square footage to be sure. I wonder if those are really smaller? As for the price, I know those like @Raeven who stay on property often may disagree, but I do think their resorts are.......well, can be.....expensive Which Disney's certainly can be, too! I guess it' all how you look at it, what you get out of it, etc. As you can probably tell I'm doing my best to be very objective here lol.

The luau room area looks really awkward, the Disney one seems way better in comparison!

I've only seen pictures of the area where Spirit of Aloha is held but it does seem to flow better

We did enjoy Royal Pacific and I liked the fact you can pool hop at Universal

That's something I wanted to mention! There are a couple things I think are negatives at Universal compared to Disney but the fact that you CAN pool hop at Universal is a definite plus!

I am going to find it now. (Well, hopefully!)

I see you found me over there

No, no one can

Ok, ya gotta school a non-Universal chick. What is the express pass?

The express pass is sort of Universals equivalent of Fastpass, except it's NOT free. It allows you front of the line access to most attractions in their parks and there are 2 levels of the EP: one lets you on each included attraction once, the more expensive version lets you on as often as you like. If you aren't staying on property or stay at Cabana Bay or Sapphire Falls, the resorts that do not offer EP in the cost of their rooms, you can purchase it separately. Depending on the time of year (kind of like Disney's value, regular, and peak seasons) the pass can cost anywhere from say, $50 to I believe close to $80/pp per day. If you stay at their 3 more expensive resorts, they offer the EP with your stay-hence the more expensive price tag. I'll send you the test via text

Love the "fancy" card tables. No wonder its not popular

Universal - only the best

I've always liked the look of the Universal hotels. I especially like that kids room in the suite at Sapphire Falls.

It was really cute and a nice alternative to all being in one room. So was the suite at Cabana Bay although you didn't have an actual door you could shut between rooms.

I just don't know if I ever see myself wanting to stay near Universal. I've been at the Universal parks for a couple days and enjoyed it, but it doesn't have the same "feel" as Disney for me.

I'm right there with you. I like Universal enough to suggest it to people who are interested and I'd never try talking someone out of it who wants to go. BUT, I'm a Disney girl We went back and forth in 2015 with staying at a Universal resort since we *swore* we wouldn't do Disney that trip (didn't happen) but in the end used our timeshare and stayed at a Marriot instead. If my kids at some point wanted to do more than a day at Universal again I may consider a night at one of their resorts, and as I've said and you'll see as my TR goes on there are things I do like about it, but....... Disney

 

[ariane37]

I'm going there next!

I saw you there, I saw you there

You know it...we all know it...

LOL, and my friends are pretty cool, too!

Eh, no can do. That would be a big part of the reason to stay there. Oh well.

I agree. The only thing I'll say is this; when we went late Aug. we did not splurge for the EP. We just figured we'd suck it up and stand in long lines Well, we were pleasantly surprised that there were NO lines the 3 days we were there! So if you happen to hit Universal during a "slow" period you can probably manage without the EP. However - how easy is it to really know ahead of time if it'll truly be slow? IDK.

I'm all in! I'd like to do it now but I suppose that isn't very realistic, huh?

Listen, whenever you and Kelley @Jfsag123 are ready to being discussing dates, I'm ready

CB really just doesn't appeal to me. At all.

I wasn't thrilled when I found out that was where they were putting us up, but I've always been partial to the whole 50' vibe so that part I actually liked

I think I'm just going to stick with HRH…we ended up booking a deluxe 2 queen because my niece will be with us and we wanted the extra space. But the price for that particular week in April…

Sigh…the troubles of traveling around school vacations

Yeah, we considered a trip to Disney next week which is our kids spring break but airfare is CRAZY. I'm sure that's why your HRH rate is so high! Still, I think it's a great decision because I think it'll really appeal to the kids.

If you're only trying it this once, definitely go to Typhoon Lagoon. Grab a drink and float around the lazy river. It's super relaxing

Good to know! I'd need suggestions as to which to try first and while I'm not a fan of water parks, I don't mind relaxing in a lazy river. And if I can have a drink in my hand while sitting in one, all the better.

Yay! I'll head there next to find it

That actually looks really nice. It stinks that they don't offer the EP here either. They should at least offer a discount for it if you're staying on-site.

That's how many of the TA's felt and they voiced it while we were touring SF. Even though I liked Cabana Bay and SF is also considered a value, there's such a big difference between the 2 and many were questioning why SF was a value and why it isn't included in offering the EP. If you explore the majority of their resorts I think most people would feel like hey, we understand not offering EP for those staying at CBBR, but why not all the rest?

I love Royal Pacific
It's where we "stayed" on our US/IOA day..."stayed" in quotations because we just got the room for the express passes and early entry. It was when the rooms were being renovated...we did go up to check ours out but it wasn't a refurbished orchid room. The view was great though!

I remember all that from your TR

I often wonder if we could ever do a Universal focused onsite trip without Disney...I'm not sure if we could!!

Um, I'm going to say nope. Because I don't think my family could. Actually I know we couldn't because we tried in 2015 lol. We were only doing Universal and spending time at our resort (Marriott) and I planned a couple nights at Downtown Disney. However by our 2nd night, as we sat in Raglan Road, we all decided we needed a day in a Disney park. I had innocently snuck mine and Steve's AP MB's into the suitcase so we got the boys 1 day tickets to MK and went RD to almost close and everyone was happy! Well, I would've been happier with like, 3 or 4 Disney park days, but that one day plus time in DD at least calmed me down! It just isn't the same with no Disney

 

[MeghanEmily]

My mom and I stayed at HRH for a couple of nights back probably 5-6 years ago, and we had a good experience there. I didn't fall in love with it because it didn't have the same magic and customer service I'd been experiencing the rest of the trip when we'd been at Disney, but I think if I were to go back with different expectations, I'd have an awesome time there. I loved the pool, and it wasn't super crowded with college kids or anything when we were there, though I've heard people's reviews like that in past.

Nathan and I stayed at Royal Pacific on our last trip and really liked it there. Again, we were a little biased against just due to the way we started at Disney (since we're "Disney people,") but it was a great stay. We had a nice room, friendly team members every time they dealt with us, and I loved being able to walk to the parks. (BIG perk over most of the Disney resort hotels!) We also really liked the pool there. I rarely do much swimming on vacation, but we got in 2 or 3 times on a 3-night stay in December. The only thing that put me off was that I felt like some of the hallways and even our room felt slightly claustrophobic. I don't know if it had to do with the height of the ceilings or the colors or something? Who knows.

 

[Glam]

Very interesting. Sounds like a neat experience and I'm glad you hit it off with your agency mates.

DH and I did a "just us" trip to Universal in January and had an amazing time. We loved the rides and the Express Pass and Citywalk. We stayed at RPR and loved that, too. Our room was comfy, large and nicely laid out and we loved the resort theming. It was very relaxing- we felt like we were on an island when we were back at the hotel. The staff was great and we loved the walkability and boat rides to the parks and city walk. So convenient! And getting thru security before even hitting the parks was also nice. We did the universal transfer service, but I would probably skip that for a cab and uber next time.

Anyway, my point was that we had stayed at the Grand Floridian the week before labor day and I feel like our RPR room compared favorably to the one at GF. We slept like babies and had a view of the Incredible Hulk from our room, no balcony though. It may have been a bit smaller, but it didn't feel small to us at all. The hallways were longer and less bright though.

We would totally go back to a Uni Deluxe and the Express Passes have us spoiled. Otherwise, I'd consider Cabana Bay and seriously consider Sapphire Falls. We visited there and thought it was lovely.

Looking forward to the rest of your TA report.

 

[ariane37]

I didn't fall in love with it because it didn't have the same magic and customer service I'd been experiencing the rest of the trip when we'd been at Disney, but I think if I were to go back with different expectations, I'd have an awesome time there.

While we were there for this training we for the most part experienced excellent customer service. Of course, we were also constantly wearing our credentials which pegged us as part of a training so I always wondered if that had anything to do with it. I would wonder the same thing if I were at Disney wearing credentials, except that having been there many times I know their customer service is (almost) always top notch. However, and as with many things I write in this TR this is my opinion, I do think you need to readjust your frame of mind at Universal as to what to expect. Not that Uni is bad but I don't think anyone can argue it's different.

Again, we were a little biased against just due to the way we started at Disney (since we're "Disney people,"

Ha ha yes, anyone who is "Disney people" will most likely feel that way!

I loved being able to walk to the parks. (BIG perk over most of the Disney resort hotels!)

I agree! There are things Disney does better that one can't argue with, some things Universal does better, and the fact that you can only walk to parks from a few of the Disney resorts is not a plus.

Sounds like a neat experience and I'm glad you hit it off with your agency mates.

It was really a very positive experience and I'm so glad I did it! Would have been a different ballgame I believe if I hadn't gotten along with Cathy and especially Pam......

. We stayed at RPR and loved that, too. Our room was comfy, large and nicely laid out and we loved the resort theming. It was very relaxing- we felt like we were on an island when we were back at the hotel.

Yup, RPR is my favorite as far as theming. I may prefer HRH if I saw it again since all I've seen is the lobby, but for now it's RPR.

And getting thru security before even hitting the parks was also nice.

Definitely a plus over Disney!

my point was that we had stayed at the Grand Floridian the week before labor day and I feel like our RPR room compared favorably to the one at GF.

Unfortunately the GF is one we haven't stayed at so I can't compare but since the deluxe rooms at Disney do vary in size, it doesn't surprise me that some would be comparable to Uni rooms.

We would totally go back to a Uni Deluxe and the Express Passes have us spoiled. Otherwise, I'd consider Cabana Bay and seriously consider Sapphire Falls. We visited there and thought it was lovely.

I'm glad you guys had such a good trip! I do think Citywalk is really nice for adults to hang out at. Sapphire Falls was so pretty I'm just very surprised they consider it more of a "value"

 

[pepperandchips]

Your write up is making me miss Universal something fierce! I gotta admit we love Universal just about as much as Disney! Aside from my check in snafu last time, I also feel like Loew's blows Disney hotels out of the water. The time we stayed at Portofino was Orlando heaven. I can't wait to go back there again - that would be a great spot for a resort focused vacation (no parks, or low parks). Can't wait to see what else you were treated to at Universal! Of course now I no longer have an AP and am just torturing myself...

 

[Jfsag123]

You got some great pics! And I'm becoming hyper-aware of my Disney bias as I read through the Universal stuff. It's just not appealing to me, as beautiful as it is. I feel like all I'd be able to think about is how WDW is just down the road and I could be spending the day there instead. It's a problem!

My family had a hard time convincing ME to go in 2015! I actually think it was good we waited until the boys, at least Ricky, were older. Of course younger kids can enjoy the HP sections which are incredible. We asked Ricky if he wants to spend a day at Universal if we go in Aug. He hasn't decided yet but let's just say I won't be disappointed if we don't

Even though I'm not really interested, I'm sure we'd have a good time, which is why I've talked to them about it in the past. I went once as a kid way back in 1992 and enjoyed it, but haven't been back since. However, part of our problem is none of us like Harry Potter...like, at all

Listen, whenever you and Kelley @Jfsag123 are ready to being discussing dates, I'm ready

Pencil in 2019. I'll be on internship from 7/2017-7/2018, after which we plan to return to the world as a family for as long as humanly possible. After that I should have a real job with a real schedule and can finally start living like a real adult lol. I have been in school for about a billion years at this point.

 

[ariane37]

Your write up is making me miss Universal something fierce! I gotta admit we love Universal just about as much as Disney! Aside from my check in snafu last time, I also feel like Loew's blows Disney hotels out of the water.

I know there are some of you out there who love it lol!! I think it's all about taste. And I also think it's a little about age, seriously. The first time I went I was in my late 20's and I LOVED it - it was also much different than it is now. And I went to Universal Hollywood when I was 24 and thought it was the best thing ever, also did DL that trip for the first time and we both preferred Universal.

The time we stayed at Portofino was Orlando heaven. I can't wait to go back there again - that would be a great spot for a resort focused vacation (no parks, or low parks).

Definitely perfect for a resort focused vacation; really most of their resorts are. I feel in general Universal is a more laid back vacation so it's easier to build in relax/pool time if you aren't going for like, 10+ days.

Of course now I no longer have an AP and am just torturing myself...

You live so close you should just constantly get BOTH AP's!

And I'm becoming hyper-aware of my Disney bias as I read through the Universal stuff. It's just not appealing to me, as beautiful as it is.

Right there with you. I did find more to like during this training, but if I had to pick one to visit, it will always be WDW over Universal

I feel like all I'd be able to think about is how WDW is just down the road and I could be spending the day there instead. It's a problem!

That's what happened when we went a couple years ago! Hence us adding a MK day last minute to our non-Disney Orlando trip...............

However, part of our problem is none of us like Harry Potter...like, at all

Blasphemy! Lol, I'm the only one in the family who has read the books other than Ricky who read the first one a couple years ago for school; Chris has seen one of the movies. The HP areas are so fantastically themed, even if you aren't familiar with the books you can enjoy them, but obviously it's harder to do if you don't know the stories and if you don't like them at all...............yeah

I'll be on internship from 7/2017-7/2018, after which we plan to return to the world as a family for as long as humanly possible. After that I should have a real job with a real schedule and can finally start living like a real adult lol. I have been in school for about a billion years at this point.

You're making me sweat! You will definitely be ready for many vacations when you're done!

 

[ariane37]

Hi all! Before I continue with my Uni update I want to update you on a change I made for mine and Steve's May trip. We were staying Beach Club Club Level, which would have been our first ever CL stay. However we are now staying at AKL Jambo House, deluxe studio, standard view. Why?
Well, for one thing it saves us a boatload of $$. However obviously we were ok with the pricetag since we booked it but I was trying to figure out when we'd be able to take advantage of the lounge. And of course the free adult beverages that come with it. And I found myself trying to work in lounge time. And I didn't like doing that because there are quite a few things I'm trying to fit in this trip, more than our March trip. So in the end I decided that, while I love the idea of turn down service and little chocolates on my pillow, and Steve loves being on the BW, this trip just wasn't the right one for our first CL stay. Someday we'll do it, just not this May (I rhymed there, ya see?) Anyway more on our May trip at a later date, let me finish up my first TA training day!

Universal TA Training, Day 1, Part 3
Portofino Bay and Floatin' Away at Mardi Gras!​

Our last stop on the resort tour bus was Portofino Bay, another one I knew nothing about. The name gives you a bit of an idea; it's themed to an Italian village. I unfortunately don't have pictures of the lobby but that, too is stunning. However in my opinion, the most beautiful part is out back; it's like you're on a small street in a small Italian village on the water. Enjoy:






Ooh, free Vespa rides?? Nope, notice they can't be moved lol. There's a gelato shop so imagine yourself sitting out there on a hot summer day, enjoying some chocolate gelato




In the above 2 pictures you can see to the right where the water taxi is under the green awnings.
Next it was time to tour the rooms. Again, I was slacking in the picture taking dept. and only have 2 of the room, but seems like lots of you guys have been before! The rooms at Portofino have an understated, more elegant theme:






Understated, until you see what's behind this door! Remember the kids suites over at Sapphire Falls? Check THIS out!







It's a Minions kids suite!! How cool is this? There are 2 twin beds in the kids suite. Like the suite at Sapphire Falls, it is separated from the main bedroom by a connecting door - see picture. Still only one bathroom which is in the main bedroom but totally a way to get our kids excited!
After leaving the room portion of the tour we looked around a bit and bused back to Cabana Bay. We had some time before our evening plans to change if we wanted, but not much time. Coming up was our first meal included in the training and our first venture into a park!


We needed to be at Universal Studios by 6 and once again we were bused over together. In early Feb. Universal was celebrating Mardi Gras. They had concerts going on, although none were happening during our stay; they had some decorations at the parks and a Mardi Gras parade at Universal every night. Also, once the evening rolled around some additional tables/booths were set up selling Mardi Gras/New Orleans type foods. We were told on the bus that our dinner was going to be Mardi Gras themed and I was psyched! I had visions of the Club Villain food in my head. While not specifically Mardi Gras themed it was N.O. themed and delicious.
The bus brought us in a back way, much like the new(ish)express transportation takes you "backstage" in all the parks. We still went through a security screen since we didn't go through the one at CityWalk but I think the entrance we went in might have been an employee entrance. Or just a simple VIP entrance
We went directly to our dinner spot which was down by the water - don't ask me to be more specific because I'm still not that up on those park layouts that well. But it was a very pretty spot and I will say they had it decorated very nicely in green, purple and gold. The food though.........was not quite what I expected. Not at all what I expected. Let me say as far as the resorts, at first I was surprised they didn't put us up in one of the "higher end" resorts to impress us. My initial thinking was, don't they want us to sell the more expensive resorts to clients, and wouldn't it be to their benefit if we got to stay in one? Then I realized that 1. we took up 30 rooms and 2. being in the suite gave people who didn't know each other not only separate beds, but separate sleep areas if they wanted since the couch in the living area pulled out. OK, now it made sense. Food-wise though I really thought they'd want to impress us, and feed us often from their restaurants. I was expecting really delicious food.
Here's what I got for dinner:



Yup, this was our dinner. The only thing we were given to eat since 1:00. This is all that was offered too, minus a seafood gumbo that I didn't get since I don't eat it. Cathy and Pam got it and both said it was overly and ridiculously spicy.
On my plate is a piece of a Muffaletta sandwich, veggies obviously with a dill dip, and 2 andouille sausage puff pastry things. They were delicious and I ended up eating 5 of them, as well as getting more veggies. The sandwich was just ok. I'm not sure exactly what is on your classic Muffaletta but I know this had bologna and some other spiced meat that resembled an Italian Soppressatta but wasn't nearly as good, and no sauce or dressing whatsoever. Not sure I mentioned this but my friend Kari @kastoney was next door in Disney at the same time I was enjoying this plate o'greatness and she happened to text me a picture of her Jiko dinner, so I had to text her a picture of my sad, sad dinner. Anyhoo moving on to our next thing-to-do which was way more exciting than dinner...............
As I said, every night during Universal's Mardi Gras celebration they had a special parade, and we were asked to ride on the Mardi Gras floats Whooo!! We did have the option to not ride but as far as I know everyone did. We weren't really sure until the time came what this would entail so in a nutshell, after dinner we were escorted to the back corner of the Barney area of the park where we were divided into groups. Our TA group were not the only ones riding the floats that night; there was an airline training going on and they were there as well as a couple other groups, but no kids. So each group had a color and we were green. We had to agree to wear a "costume" which made me a tad nervous; would they try dressing me like Betty Boop? Beetlejuice? And we were told, just like on most WDW tours, that under no circumstances could we take photos once we were "backstage". Little spoiler alert there guys, no float pics. They then read off the list of floats in the parade: an alligator float, a Bourbon St. float, a Fairy float, a Phoenix float, and a bunch more, I believe 12 in total. Then they started saying which color group would ride which float and I was really hoping for the Phoenix float for the totally makes no sense reason that Ricky has a good friend named Phoenix (who has a twin brother named Quentin and I think they are the coolest of names together). Our color was called last and YES! We had the Phoenix float!!! Because we were forbidden from taking pictures the minute we walked back to the float area, here is a google image of the float I rode:



That isn't us on it though but if you zoom in those ARE the costumes we wore, over our clothes. They were orange, basically like old-style plastic Halloween costumes but silky, not plastic, and they wrapped around the waist and then tied in the back. Then there was a Cleopatra-like bib that went around your neck and tied in the back. Stylish lol! Each float had the same costumes in different colors. Oh! And the Phoenix breathed out FIRE every few minutes!!!!
I will admit that this didn't really sound so awesome to me until I was standing on that float, waiting to move out to the street from backstage. It was absolutely the coolest thing EVER and the coolest thing we did on the trip. But let me back up a sec to when we were waiting to be told what float we were riding, to when we were told what we'd be doing ON the float. What is synonymous with Mardi Gras and rhymes with seeds?
Yes,
BEADS!
We'd be tossing beads from the float to the guests watching!!! So naturally we were given a brief tutorial beforehand on the proper way to throw, and not throw beads. For instance, do not throw overhand because you could throw too hard. Do now throw 50 strands of beads at once, because you could hurt someone (and I assume Uni could get sued?). The proper way to toss beads at people below you while riding a float vehicle is one strand at a time, underhand. Oh, and try not to aim at heads OK
Again I have to say how incredibly awesome this whole experience was!!! We began moving and were soon out of the gates where we could finally take pictures. Being already on the float I couldn't take a picture of it but I got some of the parade going on behind our float:







Below is the Fairy float coming out of the gate behind us



I know they aren't the best shots but I was taking pictures, I was excited, and I was chucking beads at people all at the same time! I'll say it's hard not to hit people in the head with the beads, seriously! There were so many kids with their hands up wanting beads tossed to them, but after we all realized we didn't have the aim of professional baseball players we gave up throwing to kids and instead aimed at their parents. Their parents' heads. Just kidding, we only aimed at the heads of people who weren't paying attention to us. Now THAT was fun! I'm kidding.

This picture isn't so exciting now that the ride is open, but it wasn't at this point so seeing the sign already up was kind of cool. While I don't like simulators it's getting great reviews BTW:



The parade route was long and the park must have been crowded because there were tons and tons of people watching and screaming for beads. Eventually it was over and we went backstage once more. We got out of our costumes and went back to our dinner spot for dessert. I got my hopes up for dessert but I shouldn't have. I also took a couple pictures but have no idea where they went unfortunately. They had a bread pudding which I'm not a big fan of so I passed because I saw trays and trays of little chocolate truffles and I thought, "I have come home!" I put like, 7 on my plate and found a seat with Cathy and Pam. One bite told me that these were not real chocolate and that I'd do better buying a snack from the local $ store. Ugh I was bummed! Was it going to be like this for the next 3 days, because I need my food!!!!!
*Of course we could buy our own stuff but honestly we were on a tight schedule most of the time*
For those of you that are familiar with Universal Studios, here are 2 pictures I took while not eating my dessert that may give you an idea where exactly it was that they'd set up our dinner:







It was about 8:30 when all was said and done. We were told we could hang and a bus would be leaving from our special entrance at 9:30, but if we wanted to leave earlier we could walk to CityWalk and take a bus to CBBR from there. We were ready to go but figured by the time we walked through CityWalk it would be almost 9:30 anyway so we hung around and we all called home so we wouldn't have to do that back at the hotel. It was Monday so Chris would be going to sleep soon anyway. Cathy and I were beat since we'd been up, in my case, since 1:30 am and her almost that early. We got back to the room and Pam stopped off in the lobby to grab a Starbucks while Cathy and I headed to the rooms. I was again nervous about spending the night with still-a-stranger and it was weird guys, but not as bad as I thought. It helped that I was exhausted and didn't have any trouble falling asleep. Day 1 was pretty good and I was looking forward to Day 2!

UP NEXT, AN ENGLISH BREAKFAST AND FREE AT LAST, FREE AT LAST! (EVEN THOUGH IT'S ONLY DAY 2)​

 

[Jfsag123]

How cool that you got to ride on a float! I think I would have *accidentally* been chucking beads at people who looked annoying. Did the great parade experience make up for the disappointing food? It's like they kept teasing you with things that sounded like they'd be good, then pulling the rug out. However, the sausage puffs do look great, and I'm sure I would have stuffed as many in my face as possible, so I admire your restraint at 5.

Your reasoning for switching from BC for May makes a lot of sense. My DH just recently started talking about wanting to do CL at BC one day in the distant future when our kids are older. Even though it's years away I already felt a tiny amount of stress thinking about trying to plan in lounge time and maximize the experience. First world problems?

 

[xlsm]

And I found myself trying to work in lounge time.

THIS!! This times 1,000. I am always so tempted to book CL, but then it never seems to make sense. We like to eat at Disney World, and if we used the lounge, I think it would make us skip out on School Bread and Dole Whips out of guilt or something??

Anyway, I totally understand the change. And I will take really good care of AKL while I'm there, in preparation for your arrival

I love that you guys got to ride the floats, but I am sorry the food was so blah. I'm with you - I figured they'd want to roll out the carpet to encourage you all to really book those Uni trips. I get the room issue, but they should have done better with the food!

Wow, that was a long day for you! I'm glad you were able to get to sleep ok...it's always awkward when you have to share a room with someone and deal with their sleeping habits!

 

[wdwnut61]

Portofino Bay looks really nice love your pictures. Wow that was a long day for you and that dinner was sad. Very cool you got to ride in a float for their Mardi Gras parade and throw beads
That's great you were able to change to Jambo House we love AKL for your May trip.

 

[ariane37]

Did the great parade experience make up for the disappointing food?

I'd have to say not, as much as I love a parade lol. We did eat a couple good things while there but that was mostly my doing!

However, the sausage puffs do look great, and I'm sure I would have stuffed as many in my face as possible, so I admire your restraint at 5.

No complaints about the sausage puffs! I was still trying to behave as I got to know my co-workers. Believe me by the next night I had no shame with Cathy and really Pam either!

My DH just recently started talking about wanting to do CL at BC one day in the distant future when our kids are older. Even though it's years away I already felt a tiny amount of stress thinking about trying to plan in lounge time and maximize the experience. First world problems?

We have thought that it would be better with the kids, since Ricky an eat anytime and always in large quantities. And definitely on a longer trip of at least a week when I don't feel the need to pack SO many other good eats into a too short trip.

THIS!! This times 1,000. I am always so tempted to book CL, but then it never seems to make sense. We like to eat at Disney World, and if we used the lounge, I think it would make us skip out on School Bread and Dole Whips out of guilt or something??

I'm glad you understand! It's hard enough giving up a couple TS in favor of eating around F&G, but to have to pencil in lounge time...... Especially on a 4 night trip. Maybe one day, and I do think it would make more sense when we had the boys because other than possibly the alcohol I think they'd get more out of it than Steve and I. There's just too much deliciousness out there to eat while holed up in the lounge!! I think breakfast is really the best perk of the lounge - again aside from the . And already our first morning we need to be in MK by 7:45 for our tour which means waiting for, if not ON, some form of transportation by 7 which is when the lounge opens so that's one morning we wouldn't get breakfast there. And from that point the stress of fitting in lounge time spirals out of control!

Anyway, I totally understand the change. And I will take really good care of AKL while I'm there, in preparation for your arrival

I believe you'll keep it spiffy!

I'm with you - I figured they'd want to roll out the carpet to encourage you all to really book those Uni trips. I get the room issue, but they should have done better with the food!

We ate a couple decent things over the course of the 4 days but my best meal was when we went - another spoiler alert except for my FB friends - to Disney Springs

t's always awkward when you have to share a room with someone and deal with their sleeping habits!

Yup, Pam asked me if I sleep with a TV on or not. I do, but with the volume down (I know, why?). She sleeps with the volume up and for the sake of her comfort I said that was fine. I was tired enough the first night that it didn't matter but by the 2nd night it was kind of hard. I'm just really nice that way

Portofino Bay looks really nice love your pictures

Thanks! While I liked the overall theming of Royal Pacific better I thought Portofino was prettier and it's my 2nd favorite.

That's great you were able to change to Jambo House we love AKL for your May trip.

I love it, too! We stayed in a pool view room on points in Jan. last year or 3 nights, a split stay with Poly. Both Steve and I much preferred AKL and I've been wanting to go back ever since. I thought it was my favorite until we stayed at WL but AKL is still a close 2nd

 

[StarWarsMomofGirls!]

Man, looking at the parade photos, all I could think is "Toto, were not in Disney any more!" Ha!

 

[Raeven]

However we are now staying at AKL Jambo House, deluxe studio, standard view

If you had to move anywhere at least you moved somewhere equally awesome

Our last stop on the resort tour bus was Portofino Bay, another one I knew nothing about. The name gives you a bit of an idea; it's themed to an Italian village.

If you google the real place in Italy it's a dead ringer for it. So beautiful.

Ooh, free Vespa rides?? Nope, notice they can't be moved lol. There's a gelato shop so imagine yourself sitting out there on a hot summer day, enjoying some chocolate gelato

I have a picture of me on one of those at Portofino Bay! They're great for photo ops

It's a Minions kids suite!! How cool is this? There are 2 twin beds in the kids suite. Like the suite at Sapphire Falls, it is separated from the main bedroom by a connecting door - see picture. Still only one bathroom which is in the main bedroom but totally a way to get our kids excited!

I heard on the Dis podcast they are so well themed that they are really really popular so they're hard to get and really expensive. But totally worth it if you have minion obsessed kids.

Food-wise though I really thought they'd want to impress us, and feed us often from their restaurants. I was expecting really delicious food.

Hm you would think so. I think what they probably gave you was a sampling of some QS stuff from the booths. I have not been overly impressed with any park QS I've had there yet. But we rarely eat QS at either so I don't have much to compare.

I will admit that this didn't really sound so awesome to me until I was standing on that float, waiting to move out to the street from backstage. It was absolutely the coolest thing EVER and the coolest thing we did on the trip. But let me back up a sec to when we were waiting to be told what float we were riding, to when we were told what we'd be doing ON the float. What is synonymous with Mardi Gras and rhymes with seeds?
Yes,
BEADS!

So cool! If we go for Mardi Gras next year I want to sign up to do this because AP holders can.

We were told we could hang and a bus would be leaving from our special entrance at 9:30, but if we wanted to leave earlier we could walk to CityWalk and take a bus to CBBR from there.

You should've went to Citywalk and got some good food!

 

[MeghanEmily]

So strange they didn't try to wow you with the food! What a sad little dinner plate you had

Your parade experience sounds amazing!!

I'm psyched you're going to stay at Jambo House!! <3 <3 We loooved our stay there. So much so that it was actually on the table when we started planning our honeymoon, but just never quite made the cut. Now I'm all the more excited to read about the May trip after you come back