Escaping Snowy New England for Freezing Florida Feb 2015 Final Hours 11/17 p. 23

[Sue M]

LovIng it! My youngest daughter is 25 and still hard getting a pic of her sometimes but guess I'll forgive her because she's the one who will go on the Universal thrill rides with me!!

As you may remember we did 3 nights at Universal last Aug, while the rest of you were having the big meet!! Loved both parks, and what an amazing job they did with both Harry Potter areas, wow. Just blew us away. We could have done 4 days easy. And Portofino was fantastic. We never did get to enjoy HRH amenities during that stay thanks to Tropical Storm Faye.

 

[ProudMommyof2]

LovIng it! My youngest daughter is 25 and still hard getting a pic of her sometimes but guess I'll forgive her because she's the one who will go on the Universal thrill rides with me!!

As you may remember we did 3 nights at Universal last Aug, while the rest of you were having the big meet!! Loved both parks, and what an amazing job they did with both Harry Potter areas, wow. Just blew us away. We could have done 4 days easy. And Portofino was fantastic. We never did get to enjoy HRH amenities during that stay thanks to Tropical Storm Faye.

 

[ProudMommyof2]

Yikes Dee!
Your story is exactly why we are April vacation people!
We just got back from hearding 140 HS band and chorus kids at Disney and had 30-40 minute delays each way on Jetblue from PVD, with no weather issues.
My friend was in Disney your week, so I know it got chilly. It was hard to feel bad for my friend in 55 degree weather when we were 30 degrees colder, but it would be a bummer thinking that you are escaping the cold.

 

[JanetMom]

What a stressful start to the trip, but better to have the stress at the beginning of the vacation rather than the end.

Love that Ben is growing up and has perfected the teen glare.

 

[Sue M]

Gotta love the teenage glare! How I survived 2 of them I'll never know! Lol.

 

[sharona]

Loved your aerial view of Boston covered in snow. It's starting to melt and I won't miss it a bit when it's finally all gone! We're heading to Universal in April so looking forward to the rest of your TR and pics.

 

[Sue M]

 

[natebenma]

I'm in! I'll follow along, but only because I like Dee so much - not because I approve of Universal. Very interested in the Harry Potter developments and always interested to learn more about resorts! Photos of the boys are too funny - Ben seems to be losing patience! Our boys are still making the "awesome face" for photos with their mouths wide open. Dee, you know what I'm talking about. This means they always look happy, but also a little crazed.

Well, whatever your motivation, I'm glad you are here!



I'll have my post about the Hard Rock next.

We had the tongue photo years and now the glaring years. I would probably opt for the awesome face years your boys give you.

Dee,
What an ordeal. I guess 3 hours and 40 minutes late could be early? Hmmm

Ben's look at you in the plane picture certainly would be evidence that he doesn't not approve of this picture! If looks could kill.

Look forward to reading more!

Rebecca

It was a long day!!! And of course we count every minute late as time we missed in the parks.

I had to sneak the first photo in and I think Ben heard the click of my camera and that's when I snapped the second picture.

LovIng it! My youngest daughter is 25 and still hard getting a pic of her sometimes but guess I'll forgive her because she's the one who will go on the Universal thrill rides with me!!

As you may remember we did 3 nights at Universal last Aug, while the rest of you were having the big meet!! Loved both parks, and what an amazing job they did with both Harry Potter areas, wow. Just blew us away. We could have done 4 days easy. And Portofino was fantastic. We never did get to enjoy HRH amenities during that stay thanks to Tropical Storm Faye.

Mark doesn't like to have his picture taken either, so I blame him for part of the boys attitude. Then I have to request photos of me because I am the one with the camera.

I'm glad you liked Universal. They certainly have been investing a lot in their parks and resorts over the past few years. The Harry Potter parts are just amazing!!!

I hear you on the horrors of TS Faye. But I do credit our Fayecation for being responsible for the Beach Club do-over trip, so some good came of that.

Yikes Dee!
Your story is exactly why we are April vacation people!
We just got back from hearding 140 HS band and chorus kids at Disney and had 30-40 minute delays each way on Jetblue from PVD, with no weather issues.
My friend was in Disney your week, so I know it got chilly. It was hard to feel bad for my friend in 55 degree weather when we were 30 degrees colder, but it would be a bummer thinking that you are escaping the cold.

We have been SOOOOOO lucky in our previous winter trips. Only minor delays. But this winter was just

We had a two plus hour delay during Nate's class trip to Disney (145 teens). No weather issues here- the plane from Texas was delayed. Jet blue was pretty good to us during the wait. They brought out a bunch of free snacks, non-carbonated drinks and headphones.

Yes, we were fortunate to be in warmer weather than back home, but it really wasn't what we were expecting. And of course it started warming up the day we left.

What a stressful start to the trip, but better to have the stress at the beginning of the vacation rather than the end.

Love that Ben is growing up and has perfected the teen glare.

We discussed whether it would be better at the beginning or end of the trip. I hated missing park time, but we were landing back in Boston at 9:30, so we wouldn't have wanted to be any later than that!

Lucky me- I have twin teen glares.

Gotta love the teenage glare! How I survived 2 of them I'll never know! Lol.

^^^ If you figure it out, let me know!!!

Loved your aerial view of Boston covered in snow. It's starting to melt and I won't miss it a bit when it's finally all gone! We're heading to Universal in April so looking forward to the rest of your TR and pics.

Thank you!!!

I'm sure I'll have several US/IoA posts by the time you go, but I can't promise I will finish.

I'll have a post on the Hard Rock and maybe our first trip into the park tomorrow morning. Working today- I'll be churning and grinding and then I am competing in a trivia fundraiser tonight.

 

[saintstickets]

My family was like "WHAT are you taking a picture of now?!?"

I'm glad I'm not the only one that hears this!

 

[tarak]

I'm in! I really want to see the HP stuff. my son would love it, I think. But he's too small still to go on most of the rides. I'd love to take Aria to Suessland, since she shares her birthday with Dr. Suess. Someday...

We've gone twice in January and, luckily, never had any travel issues. It was pretty cold the last time, though. I thought I'd be fine with 60s because it was 20 the day we left PA. But by mid-week, I was really wanting more pool time. Well, I should say "good" pool time. My kids were fine with the temp. I just wanted to sit in the hot tub and drink a margarita.

I have to say I empathize with the refusal to participate. My MIL insists every year that we get a family photo on Christmas day with everyone smiling in it. Never happens. It's just a miserable experience. I tell my kids to just smile and get it done with because she will not stop harassing them until they comply. They never listen.

 

[SimplyGoofy]

I'm with you on this year's cruddy winter weather and the woes of winter travel. Boo to both of them. Our February WDW visit in 2012 started with a three hour delay due to a freak winter storm - thank goodness we didn't have connection!

Despite your crappy and delayed journey, I'm thrilled that you finally arrived!

 

[dreamseeker9]

Following along! I've only been to Universal for one day in 2012, never for an overnight. Looking forward to learning more about Universal and what it can offer for a vacation!

 

[MEK]

Thankfully I wasn't too far behind.

I am so thankful that you did not have any travel issues with all the snow you have had. WOW. Seriously lucky. We, well Denny, had some serious travel issues in February, but it all worked out well. Ironic because we probably got a tenth of the snow you have.

Right on to the AP club level upgrade! Nice. I bet the boys were surprised.

If I ever need transportation I am going to pm you so I can get that company's name. Sounds like a winner!

 

[MEK]

Oh - and I forgot to add - I loved the snow pictures from the plane!

 

[natebenma]

I'm glad I'm not the only one that hears this!

I know that they all think it a lot, but this time I think it was Mark who said it out loud.

But I got a little bit of vindication- I posted some detailed pictures in the US resort forum of our Hard Rock room, including closeup pictures in the bathroom of the toiletries, hair dryer and such. Someone replied with thanks for the hair dryer picture because she loved using the one in her room and wanted to order one when she got home but she forgot to make note of the brand. She was able to get that info from my picture.

I'm in! I really want to see the HP stuff. my son would love it, I think. But he's too small still to go on most of the rides. I'd love to take Aria to Suessland, since she shares her birthday with Dr. Suess. Someday...

We've gone twice in January and, luckily, never had any travel issues. It was pretty cold the last time, though. I thought I'd be fine with 60s because it was 20 the day we left PA. But by mid-week, I was really wanting more pool time. Well, I should say "good" pool time. My kids were fine with the temp. I just wanted to sit in the hot tub and drink a margarita.

I have to say I empathize with the refusal to participate. My MIL insists every year that we get a family photo on Christmas day with everyone smiling in it. Never happens. It's just a miserable experience. I tell my kids to just smile and get it done with because she will not stop harassing them until they comply. They never listen.

Tara!

The Harry Potter stuff is absolutely amazing, but it does make sense to wait for a trip until everyone can enjoy most of the attractions.

It was definitely nice to get away from the below freezing weather back home, but it was a downer having to wear sweatshirts and jeans for most of the trip. A lot of the rides were also affected by the cold and we didn't even attempt the wet (and wetter) rides.

Yikes! That sounds like a miserable Christmas tradition!

I'm with you on this year's cruddy winter weather and the woes of winter travel. Boo to both of them. Our February WDW visit in 2012 started with a three hour delay due to a freak winter storm - thank goodness we didn't have connection!

Despite your crappy and delayed journey, I'm thrilled that you finally arrived!

We have been extremely lucky with past winter travel. It certainly is a gamble going away at this time of year. But so necessary!

I was thrilled when we finally arrived, too.

Following along! I've only been to Universal for one day in 2012, never for an overnight. Looking forward to learning more about Universal and what it can offer for a vacation!

Thanks for joining in.

I hope you find my report to be helpful once I get going.

:

Thankfully I wasn't too far behind.

I am so thankful that you did not have any travel issues with all the snow you have had. WOW. Seriously lucky. We, well Denny, had some serious travel issues in February, but it all worked out well. Ironic because we probably got a tenth of the snow you have.

Right on to the AP club level upgrade! Nice. I bet the boys were surprised.

If I ever need transportation I am going to pm you so I can get that company's name. Sounds like a winner!

Oh - and I forgot to add - I loved the snow pictures from the plane!

So glad to you here, Mary Ellen.

We got out of Boston late, but unscathed. I felt really badly hearing the reasons behind Denny's delay

The boys were surprised, but not as excited a reaction as I thought. But they really did enjoy the perks.

I would certainly share the info for Ed Korgan Travel whenever anyone may need it for transportation in Orlando.

I love taking airplane photos. Glad you liked those.

:

 

[natebenma]

Down at the End of Lonely Street:

Hard Rock Hotel

Our driver Willie dropped us off at the Hard Rock entrance.














We headed to the checkin desk





As I mentioned in my post-pre-trip report, we upgraded the room we booked from a regular room to a club level room for $9 per night. We told the boys in line “Oh yeah, we have a club level room” “Cool.” (No exclamation point). They were glad, but not really blown away with excitement. Ben did say he wondered what we were going to be doing for breakfast. Like his mom, he always likes to make sure we have a plan for our next meal!

I had put in another secret request that I didn’t tell anyone about. There are a few (3? 5?) deluxe club level rooms that have extra space and a pullout sofa. These rooms do not cost any more than the regular club level rooms, but can’t be booked. They are available by request only.

The person checking us in didn’t say anything, so finally I said “I know there are a limited number of deluxe rooms. I put in a request for one. Is there one available?” I was told no.

No Mummy Dust for us!

Oh well, I guess we will be paying for the rollaway cot ($25 per night)- Nate prefers his own sleeping space if we are able to manage it.

Our room was ready. I guess that is one advantage of a late arrival.

Here are a couple of lobby pictures.









Before going up to the room to dump off our bags, we needed to get our Express Passes. As guests of a Universal Deluxe Resort, we get Front of the Line Passes that are valid for most of the rides at the parks (Certain Harry Potter attractions may not apply). You go to a kiosk in the lobby, insert your room key and have your picture taken, and then you get another card that gets scanned in the Express line. You also get early entry, an hour before offsite guests, when you stay on property.

When you arrive to a park in the morning, each person needs to have their park ticket (in our case, Annual Passes), an express pass and a room key. Lanyards are very popular at the parks, especially since purses, backpacks and pretty much anything loose may not be brought onto many of the extreme rides. A waist pack with a 3-prong connection IS permitted on all rides, so I proudly wear my fanny pack during our park time.

We took the elevator up to the 7th floor- you need to use your room key to program the elevator to get to club level. When you get off the elevator at any floor, there is a piece of musical memorabilia in a display case.

This one of Cher’s dress from the Sonny and Cher show, greets you on Floor 7





These are the windows overlooking the pool and the parks as you wait for the elevators.








We stopped off at the lounge to grab some snacks and cool drinks and then we continued to our room.

Continued in Next Post- Room 7103

 

[natebenma]

Room 7103.

All of the rooms at HRH were recently renovated, sometime between our July 2013 trip and this one.

One of the big changes: the rooms have refrigerators in the rooms instead of the mini-bars filled with expensive snacks.

Here are a few pictures of our room, but if you want to see the full set of pictures I posted in the Universal Resort subforum, click on the link below:

http://www.disboards.com/threads/hard-rock-renovated-room-7103-photos.3387973/













Daybed next to bed, up against window, $25 per night







Garden View

 

[natebenma]

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall...Who got Murdered in this Hall?



Seriously. What is up with this mirror? Am I missing the rock reference?



Here- this mirror is much better. You can compare your height to famous rock stars.






My husband is the same height as Bruce Springsteen, my boys are as tall as Bob Dylan and Madonna, and I would see eye to eye with Pat Benatar.


**********************************************************************************************************

Rock Royalty Club Level





I posted a link with lots of pictures from the Club Level Lounge in the Universal Forum. I’ll probably be posting a few of these pictures during the trip report at the appropriate time, but here is the full set all in one place.


Link to Hard Rock Club Level Photos


********************************************************************************************************************

On Tour at the Hard Rock Hotel

This is the point in my trip report where I usually do an overview of the resort, but as I mentioned, I am anxious to get my ride on! In my trip report from 2013, I did a pretty comprehensive tour of the resort and I’ll post the links here for anyone who wants to read more about the Hard Rock.


No biggie if you don’t.

:


Be Our Guest (Lobby and Public Areas)

A Few of My Favorite Things (Memorabilia)

I Melt With You (Emack & Bolios Ice Cream and Marketplace)

Twistin' by the Pool

(Rockaway) Beach Club (Poolside Bar and Restaurant)

Get Busy (Resort Activities)

Walk This Way


Next up- (Finally at a Park) Universal Studios: Tradition! Tradition!...Tradition!!!

 

[sharona]

Yeay!

 

[ddluvsdisney]

My boys LOVE HRH!! The last time we stayed there we had a pool/theme park view. (I'm pretty sure we were upgraded) Looked just like the view from the elevator you had. The rooms look really nice. I'm with you and that picture...freaky. The measurement mirror is really cool.