Does everyone know your name??? 18 nights at RPR & HHN....A 2016 Trip Report......

[Raeven]

I think they'll bring those stores back again next year, they were incredibly popular with guests apparently and of course anywhere they can sell more merchandise is always good for them........

Sal's is so good!! Never heard anyone not enjoy it........

We never used them when we went to SF as it's so easy to walk through the conventions areas, and we don't want to go to Cabana Bay so I'm not sure about those two........we did use them between the three main hotels, RP, PB and HRH....it was ideal really........I would ask though........

I think they might only be free between the main ones. On one trip we went from PB to CBBR and it was a flat rate plus tip. We planned to walk from CBBR to SF and RPH though so we'll probably utilize the car to the other two then.

 

[schumigirl]

FRIDAY 30TH SEPTEMBER.........

We slept like babies last night.......the bed was huge and we had so much space.......pillows seemed even more comfortable than our other rooms pillows, but maybe we imagined that as the regular pillows are so soft and comfortable.....but, apart from getting up once for the bathroom, and once to just wander around......Tom laughed when he heard me wandering around..........

We got up extra early as I was keen to shower......again.......Tom stayed and watched some TV while I got ready......I loved this shower!!!! I had every water jet possible going this morning and I wouldn't have been surprised if they had charged us extra for the water I used!!! I didn't want to stop showering.......which is always nice......

Got back in room and dried and straightened my hair while Tom got ready......I heard my ipad go off and Kyle was skyping us.......he was keen to see the room again and so I walked around again and showed him the view out of the window again.......he liked it.

Tom came out of the shower and said hi to Kyle, then he had to go, so we headed up to breakfast rather reluctantly......I never want to eat in the room, but I could have ordered room service happily here and have my breakfast at this lovely table.......but we went up to breakfast and none of the usual staff were on this morning, so we were very quick today. We went back down and picked up my bag and headed out for the day. Well, we planned to do the outlet mall at the top of IDrive and just wander a little then head out for lunch to somewhere further afield today, although not too far.

It was toasty hot again when we stepped outside again.......we had no sunscreen on as it was just the mall today, we felt like a day off of the parks and this outlet centre is nice. Usually we prefer to do them at night when it`s a little cooler and not have to worry about burning, but we wont be here too long.

The volcano is really coming along..........

It`s a 5 minute drive from the hotel at the most, and it`s fairly quiet at this time of day. You can sometimes struggle with a decent close parking space, unless you use valet.....we found out 2 years ago after usung valet for years that our car insurance for the hire car didn't cover valet......so we stopped using it.........but it is so convenient.

We wander and find most stores just opening up, so we had timed it nice.......we went in a few and I was aware that I couldn't make any large purchases as we had reached capacity really with all our suitcases........but, Bath and Body, Lindt and Yankee Candle were essentials......I did purchase a few things, some would be gifts for folks but I love the body lotions and body sprays too........very hard to resist........

We really don't spend too long here, one, its too hot......and two, I`ve been limited on what I can purchase, so we take our bags back to the room and are glad to see the room has been done already..........we did meet our new housekeeper as we entered the room and she stopped us to say Thank You for her tip.......we do leave an envelope every day for the housekeeper, clearly marked so she knows it`s for her.......it`s nice to know it`s appreciated......she`s a nice lady. And our suite as always is immaculate........

We head back out to the car and set of for our lunch destination.......we are going to Yellow Dog Eats in Gotha. Not too far away, but very few tourists go there right now......I know a few that do, but it`s not a huge tourist venue yet.......the drive is beautiful......once you get off the main highway, you drive through a couple of really lovely little towns.....I see a house I fall in love with.......but, we have to drive past.......it only takes about 30 minutes to get there and if you blink you`ll miss it.......it`s just to the side of a road and doesn't look the greatest place but food is amazing........

You park around the back where there is ample parking spaces, but rustic is a good description........it is boiling hot now and we hope we can eat inside as there are very few inside seats......most folks eat outside......except us tourists who aren't used to this heat......

We step inside and it is cosy.......very small and intimate, there are maybe 2 tables you can sit at, and around 6 seats at the bar.......that's where we end up sitting today.......

It is such an interesting and eclectic place to eat.......very unusual items for sale and different which is good......the wines they had I had never heard of most of them, and if I was staying longer, we would certainly purchase a few of them.....they also have the most amazing desserts and cakes........

And Kyle would have loved this one.......

So we ordered a fresh lemonade and a coke for me, the after studying the menu for what seemed like forever we decided to just order sandwiches........the choice is tremendous and the meals like ribs are supposed to be amazing, not today......it is very different to most places that have standard sandwiches.........Tom had ordered the Black Forest Hambone and I had opted for the plain old pulled pork sandwich with their own gold sauce......they both came with a smoked pineapple slice which was heavenly.......

Tom loves sandwiches......he`ll eat most things on a sandwich and this one came in very high regard from him.....he even liked the odd tasting mayo which was made with Cointreau which he doesn't usually like, but he liked it a lot.......mine was lush.......really lush......one of the nicest pulled porks ever and the sauce really made you mouth water.......

It is such a friendly place and of course food is excellent, so definitely worth visiting.........

We paid and headed out as we had no room for dessert, and we spoke to a couple who said it was still quite unusual to see many tourists.......we did say we would keep it quiet.....lol.......she said she hoped so as they liked it this way.......we didn't take offence as we knew what she meant, then she suddenly realised what she had said and was horrified that she may have been rude........we just laughed and again said we understood what she meant.......but the poor lady did feel bad and her husband looked mortified........it was fine.

We got into our car and headed back to Orlando, driving through the very pretty countryside again......I thought I might like this house when it was finished......

Didn't take too long before we got back to the RP.......we got the car parked and went up to the room to freshen up and then headed back out to have a real wander around Sapphire Falls. When we had seen it last time we didn't spend a lot of time in the outside areas, so we planned to do that this afternoon.

 

[Lynne G]

what a cute little place. And that suite. So awesome. Mummy dust for sure. Thanks for the updates.

 

[Tmarmac]

What an amazing room! Love the shower!!!!

 

[schumigirl]

what a cute little place. And that suite. So awesome. Mummy dust for sure. Thanks for the updates.

It was a fabulous little place to eat Lynne.......not too far away either, but far enough........

Yep, the suite was truly fabulous..........glad you're still reading along.........

What an amazing room! Love the shower!!!!

It really was amazing, we thoroughly enjoyed spending time in it..........and yep, the shower was fabulous!! Think we were the cleanest couple in Orlando........lol.........

 

[angryduck71]

WHYYYYYY am I not in that suite now? WHYYYYYYY????!!!?? #stilljealous

 

[Bluer101]

They removed the office in the suite and shifted the living room down. Then made a 2 chair sitting area with tv where the dining table used to be.

I do like the new suite and such, but the old room with all the hand carved woodwork was very nice too.

When we stayed there it had a big shower on the left and hot tub on the right.

Loving all the photos as usual on your trippie.

 

[keishashadow]

Hi Kyle! .

All caught up but plan to do back and devour the pics again!!!

Really a nice job with them, as usual Carole, thank you! So, you're happy with 'our' camera?

I could live in that suite, it is utterly amazing. do believe the shower may be bigger than my smallest bedroom in my house lol

I am suddenly hungry for a snack btw.

 

[schumigirl]

WHYYYYYY am I not in that suite now? WHYYYYYYY????!!!?? #stilljealous

Lol.....so funny........always next time........

They removed the office in the suite and shifted the living room down. Then made a 2 chair sitting area with tv where the dining table used to be.

I do like the new suite and such, but the old room with all the hand carved woodwork was very nice too.

When we stayed there it had a big shower on the left and hot tub on the right.

Loving all the photos as usual on your trippie.

Yes its certainly different from the night you had in there.......it`s much nicer than it was though.......we wouldn't use a hot tub so we were glad of the ginormous shower we had..........it was mahoosive........

Glad you`re enjoying it anyway........

 

[schumigirl]

Hi Kyle! .

All caught up but plan to do back and devour the pics again!!!

Really a nice job with them, as usual Carole, thank you! So, you're happy with 'our' camera?

I could live in that suite, it is utterly amazing. do believe the shower may be bigger than my smallest bedroom in my house lol

I am suddenly hungry for a snack btw.

Kyle says Hi back to Keisha........

Yes, "our camera" was a big success......everyone sighed when they saw the colour though.......told them it was just coincidence........lol.......

Glad you`re enjoying reading too......yep, that is the biggest shower onsite I believe.......it was bigger than the shower in the Presidential Suite in SF which I thought was the most amazing room......

Always time for a snack.........

 

[schumigirl]

We were walking over to SF so we started by walking past Tchoup Chop and through the convention centre area, but instead of following it all the way we cut outside and went in through their outside area to the convention side of SF......just for a change......we really fancied a fairly quiet afternoon today and thought this would be a nice way to spend the afternoon.

Today we just planned to get some pictures of the resort, mainly for the new Sapphire Falls thread macraven and I had started, and of course it is a lovely hotel, so it was nice to be back in it.......it was fairly quiet today we discovered.

We entered the building after being asked by a security guard if we needed any help, I suppose not many guests wander that way, but we thanked him and said we were fine. Came up to the convention area by escalator and walked round to the what is the back of the lobby.......

There are more pictures of Sapphire Falls including certain room types in the new thread in the hotel stickies.

This is the beautiful staircase in the centre of the lobby area......it is stunning.........

The main lobby is nothing short of impressive.......large and very spacious, and my first thought when I saw it was......what a great space for a massive Christmas Tree.........I love Christmas!!!

We wandered into Strongwater Tavern, which despite being closed we asked the manager who we met the previous visits if he minded us taking some pictures. Well, of course he didn't........this is such a beautiful bar and food is excellent too......we had planned to eat in here on Saturday night depending on weather and whether we felt like doing another HHN on a Saturday........we would decide tomorrow......

I loved the detain in here too.......the barrel lids on the ceiling were from genuine Rum Barrels......nice touch.

They have a beautiful outside area........plenty of comfortable lounging chairs and a lovely view of the waterway, some of the park and of course RP..........

We wandered back inside and headed down to the pool area........this did look beautiful from the rooms we had seen it from on our first tour of the hotel........large and very colourful........

It really is a lovely hotel, no doubt about that......love the newness feel that everything has.

We stopped in to the quick service place in the lobby for a cold drink and just sat and watched the hotel purr along quite merrily.......

We headed back to the RP through the convention centre again.......it`s so convenient and quick.

We went back up to our room and had some cold sprite from the fridge........we were thirsty today......then Tom put the bedroom TV on went for a snooze while I went for another shower............it had been a long day in the heat. Tom said he would shower after his snooze.........that bed was so comfy..........but the shower was magnificent......the power that came from the shower head and jets were amazing.......I had heard many at Sapphire Falls complain about the lack of water pressure over there, nothing like that for us, we had tremendous water pressure.

Once we were both showered we sat and chilled out for a bit in our rooms and admired the view and the rooms again.......we would never tire of this.

But HHN called again and we planned to be out late tonight.........

 

[Bluer101]

Lol.....so funny........always next time........



Yes its certainly different from the night you had in there.......it`s much nicer than it was though.......we wouldn't use a hot tub so we were glad of the ginormous shower we had..........it was mahoosive........

Glad you`re enjoying it anyway........

Yes, that shower is mahoosive, lol.

We had 4 days in there during HHN with macraven. Mac joined us everyday in club for food and drinks in the suite. Like you said, it's nice to grab food/drink from club lounge and relax in the suite dining room. I think that trip we missed you by a few days too.

Your pictures are absolutely gorgeous in today's post.

Have to report that I and pcstang have had no issues with water pressure here at SF. So hopefully it was just some kinks being new.

 

[schumigirl]

Up to Club Lounge and have our usual glasses of wine handed to us as soon as we sit down......cannot fault the service you receive from the wonderful staff in the Club Lounge......they are all so nice and genuinely care that you enjoy the experience of their Club Lounge. We chat longer than we plan to tonight, nothing unusual there for us......we are talkers and will talk to most people quite happily, but we had grown very fond of the staff in there and to a couple in particular.

I took our glasses back up to the counter and was stopped halfway down by a couple who asked if I was Schumigirl.......I said yes I was........I didn't ask their name, but he was Scottish and his wife was English and they had a very lovely daughter with them who was very nice to talk to.......we chatted about the hotel and such, they were staying for 3 weeks I think at RP......again, always lovely when someone recognises you and speaks......they were a nice family, but I was annoyed I hadn't asked their names.........I think they said he read the Dis, but didn't post....but hope they`re reading....

Tom of course was tickled yet again someone knew my name..........

But, we were ready to leave now and wandered down to get the boat after we had thought about walking......maybe not. Another hot one tonight. We had been so lucky with the weather this trip......we certainly got the heat we so craved before we arrived.......

The boat had just left, so we swiftly went through the security check and took a few images of the boat dock....the light was really nice tonight but wasn't nearly as dark as it looked like it was getting.........

(Again this weird date has appeared on some of these pics????)

The boat arrives and it was our favourite captain who was driving......he welcomed us on board like old friends with a hug and asked when we were leaving......nice.....I kinda groaned and he laughed and said he shouldn't have mentioned the "leaving" word.....lol..........they are all so nice........we like this little journey to Citywalk

Doesn't take long and we are there.........it looks incredibly busy tonight......but I know once everyone is in the crowds will slowly disperse........

Tonight we do Krampus again.......there is no queue at all for EP so we hop in and get through this house in what seems like seconds........it was good, but not great, and certainly better than the awful movie it came from........but the gingerbread smell was nice........

We walk quickly through the Vamp area tonight, think we have done that a lot........it was fun watching tonight as others got scares...........Did stop for this guy though.......

We did walk through what I think was our favourite scare zone........Lair of the Banshee.......I think we were kinda like old friends now, I recognised the original characters that we had encountered most nights.......you can tell sometimes the different actors playing parts.........but, someone asked if Tom ever got a scare.......I knew I had a picture that was close to him getting a scare.....searched it out and finally found it........

That spook got him good!!!! The spook actually turned and high fived me......lol......I guess it was the same guy we had seen every night we were there........

I did turn at that point see one of our favourite SA who was a Banshee we had encountered many nights.......she saw us and uncurled her long finger and gestured for me to go over to her........so, of course I did........Tom was snapping away, and some aren't clear.......i thought she was just telling me to come and get a picture with her....why not, we already had hundreds.....lol.....but basically she was telling me to put my finger up to my face the same way she was doing, I didn't click immediately.........duh........but she patiently showed me.......

Poor girl........eventually I clicked and got it right.........

She was brilliant.......when it came to going to guest service to commend the specific SA that had been outstanding was difficult........when its a TM during the day it`s easy as they all have names........but, I couldn`t exactly say which Banshee she was.......but I think we got the ones that were exceptional.

We basically wander around and do Halloween house twice, once through a very short regular line and then again with EP........amazing. Can`t add anything I haven't already said about this house. Loved it. Then we did Tomb of the Ancients and then rather foolishly tried TCM again........very poor for us.......just some big guys with chain saws......but, Tomb of Ancients was decent.......shame they had to stop the moving floor though........

After those, which we got through very quickly we decided to go and spend some time in DA and do Gringotts.......I must apologise for all the pics of me tonight and only a couple of Tom, but by now he said he was almost pictured out.....I kinda gave in at this point and let him take all the pics........usually of me!!

DA is fun and quiet at night during HHN, so a perfect time to explore if you haven't seen it quiet.......

We did go on Gringotts.......as I said previous night we don`t usually ride the rides on HHN, but we had so many nights this trip to do it, so we enjoyed relaxing and taking our time. Folks mention the VIP tours but we don't want to spend that much time in one night......we find the way we do it, suits us. Gringotts was a total walk on......no-one else there at this point......very strange getting a train to ourselves.......we sit in the front row which was nice.......and enjoy the ride......

I love both Potter areas at night, but DA just edges it despite not having the amazing castle.......it is beautiful all lit up and so intricately designed.......

Did find another of my husband.......

Knockturn Alley is so good too, but tonight we take a couple of pics......we already have hundreds and want to now to get back to HHN........

So we head back out towards Horror nights and try to decide which way we want to go.........

We have a quick wander back through Lair of the Banshee.........

This character hovered around me for a few minutes.......quite disconcerting......

Continued..........

 

[schumigirl]

We wandered over and had a drink in DA before heading back out.......it was so nice to sit and just enjoy the atmosphere with other HHN folks........everyone was in such good spirits and so much fun......people often describe it as being full of drunks, and not a very nice place to be. But we had never experienced anything like that in all our years of visiting......yes, people drink and have fun but have never seen any trouble except from squawking kids........lol....they were the worst!!!

But now we decided to go do AHS, WD and Exorcist.........these houses are all walk ons for us tonight and we do enjoy them..........we quickly wander through the scare zone........

We don't take a huge amount of pictures tonight.........

I got so many scares........considering it is such a small scare zone........they were amazing!!!

We wander back through Lair of the Banshee and get some pictures after dark, but they don't all turn out great......

One of our favourite characters, but different SA this time around........

There are so many amazing SA at this event.......every one of them puts in everything they have to their performance and it shows, they are amazing and they all have a love of the event, and that shows too. We have several friends who are SA and they never tell us who they are.....I know Universal encourages them not to announce things like that...but we thought we recognised one of them by his walk tonight.......maybe not though.......

We decide we have had enough tonight, I have no idea of what time it was or how long we had been in tonight, but we wanted to chill out.........so back to the boats and straight back to the hotel.........

We go up to our lovely room and open a bottle of wine, have some snacks and order room service.........it is so lovely......

I don't have any pictures of our room service meal tonight, but we both had steak with fries and some salad and it was gorgeous.....I was worried the steak would be overcooked, but it was perfect.....and we were starving at this point, but I still wanted it to be decent, and it was they were both lovely........then we chilled on the sofa......

We had enjoyed such a lovely day, now we were tired......although we did sit up till around 1am watching a scary movie on TV........can`t remember what it was but we enjoyed it.......

I was tempted to have another shower, but the late hour prohibited it, I would be up in a few hours anyway.......

So, off to bed for us and tomorrow we planned some park time.

 

[schumigirl]

Yes, that shower is mahoosive, lol.

We had 4 days in there during HHN with macraven. Mac joined us everyday in club for food and drinks in the suite. Like you said, it's nice to grab food/drink from club lounge and relax in the suite dining room. I think that trip we missed you by a few days too.

Your pictures are absolutely gorgeous in today's post.

Have to report that I and pcstang have had no issues with water pressure here at SF. So hopefully it was just some kinks being new.

Yes I did know how long you had the room........I was confused there why you mentioned it, so I read back and see I missed out the S at the end of the word night and didn't type nights......I rush my typing sometimes......

Glad to hear you`re having a good time....and water pressure is good, so many seem to have had issues there. Yes, we missed you both by a couple of days that time.......hopefully that can be rectified in the future sometime.......

Thank you for the lovely compliments........I do like a picture or 2........

 

[pattyw]

The suite is amazing!!! Nice treat for you two! I've always wanted to ring the doorbell on the suites and ask for a tour. You saved me from doing that at RP! Sapphire Falls looks spectacular but I hesitate to stay there with no EP. Maybe as a couple of day add on after the Hard Rock? Sad that your TR is coming to an end soon- I've so enjoyed reading this!

 

[Raeven]

I love DA during HHN! That's when we always go because Gringotts is a walk on and sometimes we're the only people there.

Last year we went first thing when no one else was there and then at night which was also lovely.

 

[schumigirl]

The suite is amazing!!! Nice treat for you two! I've always wanted to ring the doorbell on the suites and ask for a tour. You saved me from doing that at RP! Sapphire Falls looks spectacular but I hesitate to stay there with no EP. Maybe as a couple of day add on after the Hard Rock? Sad that your TR is coming to an end soon- I've so enjoyed reading this!

Thanks, it was a real treat!! Lol......I know what you mean about the doorbell.......I was wary in case it rang during the night.....but, no one touched it.....but I did wonder how many would liked to have done so.......lol......

SF is lovely, no doubt, but yep, wouldn't give up EP for it......

Yep, only 2 more full days and I'm done........finally! Seems to have taken ages.......but thank you, I'm so glad you're enjoying it and it's not been too boring........

I love DA during HHN! That's when we always go because Gringotts is a walk on and sometimes we're the only people there.

Last year we went first thing when no one else was there and then at night which was also lovely.

It's been fabulous the times they have opened it up during HHN.........Yep, it's so quiet and the perfect chance to get some Gringotts time with hardly anyone around.........we loved having the ride to ourself that night......of course every TM gave us a huge cheer when we came back........felt very odd......lol.......

 

[keishashadow]

Lol you look dwarfed by that massive table! Wonder how many it would seat?

Lot of cringe-worthy scares, cool! Love the one where Tom got caught, the guys rarely do, priceless.

Can't say I've ever noticed the ground @ Gringotts, always jam-packed with muggles. On my bucket-list to visit when it's 'dead'.

We really did enjoy SF, glad to hear the water pressure is working well now too.

 

[schumigirl]

Lol you look dwarfed by that massive table! Wonder how many it would seat?

Lot of cringe-worthy scares, cool! Love the one where Tom got caught, the guys rarely do, priceless.

Can't say I've ever noticed the ground @ Gringotts, always jam-packed with muggles. On my bucket-list to visit when it's 'dead'.

We really did enjoy SF, glad to hear the water pressure is working well now too.

Think it held 12, did feel a bit lost sat at it........yes, Tom never gets frights or even jumps so I was happy to see him at least get a bit of a start!

Yep, we really liked Sapphire Falls, everything was just lovely........

Muggles can spoil potterville........lol.......it's different when it's so quiet

Glad you're still enjoying reading along........