Haunted Houses, Scare Zones, a Candy Factory, Monsters, Goblins, Candy Apples and more. Is there a Quiet Place? My HHN 33 trip.

[Robo56]

I think it was the Immortal Thirst cocktail we ordered minus the pimento Bitters. The drinks were strong. They do nor skimp on the booze.


We found a couple spaces to sit on the curved sofa under the black light posters of the vampires. My sister K showed her nail polish which was glowing in the black lights. Very Halloween.


I had noticed when I was walking back with drinks it was raining buckets outside. I told my sister it was a torrential downpour outside. There is no way we would have stayed dry even with a poncho on if we had been caught out in that rain.

Oh she (me) who convinced her sister we shouldn’t bring those pesky rain ponchos. Just glad we had some nice cocktails and we were indoors surrounded by vampires.

A little while later a guy and his mom came and ask if they could sit by us. Of course. We talked and found out that they had a home not far from mine 2 hours away.

The guy told us he wanted to treat his mom to a little HHN fun. If I remember correctly she was just 6 to 8 weeks out after having a total hip done. She looked great and was walking with a cane. I was relieved as was my sister when they shared this was going to be the extent of the HHN night in the club.

He had said he had mobile ordered food from Cowfish and they were going to wait and watch for the dancing Vampires to come out on the dance floor. What a nice son. His mom seemed to be thrilled.

All I know is if I finished this drink they might have to scoop me up off the dance floor before the vampires arrived. This drink was strong. I’am a wimp when it comes to drinking….LOL…my sister is a good sport and she will usually help.

Last year when we were at the Halloween bar at Cabana Bay I asked the bartender to add a little juice to my drink as it had almost straight whiskey in it. I don’t mind a tad of whiskey, but not a big plastic drink glass full….LOL…we we’re doing a Halloween drink crawl and I wanted to last to make it to the next stop…My little sis helped me out again. I may or may not have staggered slightly as we headed to the next stop…..LOL









There were some nice photo ops inside the club

 

[Robo56]

It finally stopped raining and we decded to leave. I liked this neon green vampire sign and what looks like a fender Explorer.



We made our way down the escalator to ground level and past the Universal store.

The Marauder Map display in the window was nice.


We saw folks who had obviously been out in that torrential rain leaving heading to the parking garage and they were drenched.

We decided to head in for some HHN for the evening.




To be continued

 

[Robo56]

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 15TH CONTINUED

Once we entered for HHN we turned right and walked through the Demon Queens Scare Zone. I was surprised that it was still fairly busy even though I saw the masses leaving after the torrential rain that had just finished.

My sister wanted to stop by Central Park Crepes to try a Crepe. She ordered the Strawberry Hazelnut

This picture does not do justice as to how big this was. My sister liked the Crepe, but was not able to finish it as it was pretty big. I did not want to try it.

We of course had to stop by and look in the FIVE & DIME.

I really liked the Lil Boo popcorn buckets and pillows and I did buy a couple during this trip.


I love to see how they have rearranged the Universal Monsters in the store.








I thought the Minion backpack with braces was cute and the Sponge Bob purse was cool.




After coming out of the Five & Dime we decided to walk around. I wanted to walk back to my favorite houses. Goblins Feast and Universal Monsters: Eternal Bloodlines. It is a big hike back to these houses as I had shared before so I wanted to see them again.

My sister and I decided we would meet up in Knockturn Alley after I was done with the two houses.

I walked back to the houses and went to Eternal Bloodlines first. As you know there are snaking lines with metal poles and ropes that keep the lines to the houses orderly. There were puddles everywhere from the downpour of rain earlier. It was warm out and humid in this backlot area. There was no way to avoid the puddles of water so we all took the wet shoes in stride.

While I was standing in line there was definitely a Halloween moon in the sky.

 

[Robo56]

After I was done going through Eternal Bloodlines house I went to get in line for Goblins Feast. I enjoyed the run through of both houses. It took about 20 to 25 minutes to get to the front door of both of the houses with my EP.

I hiked back out from the area where those to houses are located and went over to meet my sister in Diagon Alley.

I found her sitting in what had become our favorite spot in Knockturn Alley and the Death Eaters were out roaming around. The Death Eaters are wonderful. Talk about acting they were all great.

After a little rest I went and bought something to drink from the Fountain of Fair Fortune. There was a little bit of line, but it moved fairly quickly. We enjoyed our drinks then decided to set off.

We took the turn past Transformers and the Lagoon and saw these Scare Actors out.

They were fun to watch. Although the Goblin wanting to share his boogie was a little gross. You could tell they were having a good time. They were very sweet and took pictures with folks who wanted them.


















When I looked at my watch it was already almost midnight. Where did the time go. The heat and humidity were taking its toll and I probably would have done a couple more houses, but I would be back so we decided to call it night.

We hiked back to the Water Taxi and again were able to catch a boat before it left. It was late enough now that they were dropping folks first at HardRock then to our resort Portofino. Not a problem.

I wanted to take the time and let everyone know how nice and professional and fun all the boat Captains are. It has to be hard being on your feet all those hours in hot and rainy weather. They always have a smile on their face. Some of them play music on the boats and get into singing along with the passengers. Some of them have been around for years and have a wonderful sense of humor. Thank you to all of them.

After we arrived back to the resort it was shower time. I had my shower and got my pj’s on and it was time for bed. Again my sister said I was out by the time she had her shower. The beds are very comfortable.

 

[Robo56]

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16TH

After a good sleep my sister and I got ready and went down to the Club Lounge for quick breakfast. My sister was going to the Villa Pool for the first part of the day and I wanted to go have a walk around IOA this morning.

Our sister D was going to be coming by this afternoon for a visit and we were looking forward to hanging out with her.

I stopped in the Universal Store in CityWalk to have a look around. There were some new Marauders Map merchandise.






They had some nice HHN T-shirts.




After entering IOA I walked around to Seuss Landing.






I walked back to the Halloween Boutique and had another walk through.






I handed out some Halloween bracelets that I had made to the TM’s.

 

[Robo56]

After the walk through The Halloween Boutique


I decided to go to Hogsmeade. As you can see it was really busy.

I decided to head back to Hogwarts Castle and take the walk through. I gave all the the TM’s at the Castle some Hogwarts Castle bracelets I had made to share with them.

I had a nice walk through the Castle. I always like to stop and see the Heads of each of the houses talking to one another in their respective paintings on the wall.

Godric Gryffindor




Rowena Ravenclaw


Helga Hufflepuff


Salazar Slytherin

 

[Robo56]

Of course I needed to stop and have a look at the Headmaster of Hogwarts Professor Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore.




Had to stop and have a look at the Fat Lady who guarded the the entrance to Gryffindor Tower



I always like to take pictures of the Castle.




I stopped by the Hogs Head for a Lemonade and some water. I went and sat down at a table for a rest from the heat and some needed refreshment.


I had made some Hogwarts School House bracelets and HogsHead and Honeydukes bracelets. I gave the Hogshead ones to the ladies at the bar and stopped in Honeydukes and passed those out to the TM’s before going to the Hogshead.


I sat at a table in the back outside of The Hogshead. There were plenty of empty tables that had the awning over them to get some reprieve from the heat. I like setting back here because the Velocicoaster runs by and you and see the folks pretty closely.

Some people came by and asked to sit at my table and I wondered why they did not sit at a table of their own. There were plenty empty to accommodate their group. Oh well. They were very nice and asked some questions about the Hogsmeade an Diagon Alley.

Once they had set down they realized there were plenty of empty tables they could have sat at and the lady asked if I wanted them to move. I told them it was not a problem as I was going to be leaving soon anyway. I needed to get moving as my sister would be showing up in a couple of hours and I needed to be back at the resort. So I had some more of my liquids and was on my way.

I went out the back past the Castle over the bridge that leads to The Jurassic Park area.

I wanted to stop and ride Kong and give the TM’s there some skull bracelets I made for Kong. You can see them in the bracelets I had sitting on the table.

I gave the TM’s the bracelets when I entered the EP line. They were so sweet and happy to get their bracelets.

I like riding Kong if the EP line is not to long. It was maybe 10 minutes. Strangely it little more rough a ride today. The bus seem to be jerking side to side more then I remember.



After I was done with Kong I walked on past Dudley Do-Right’s Ripshaw Falls. I always like to stop and see the folks come down this ride.


Then I wanted to stop in the AP lounge for a look around.






To be continued

 

[Robo56]

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16TH CONTINUED

I stopped by the AP lounge.




They were giving out the most recent AP pin. So picked one of those up.

It was nice and cool in the lounge and a nice reprieve from the heat outside.

I looked up and there was a beautiful chandelier on the ceiling.


I walked around and noticed there were marked down items available for sale to AP holders. Not sure I had ever seen that before at the previous AP lounge. That is a nice thing for Universal to do for their AP holders.

 

[Robo56]

There were some items I could see folks being interested in for sure.

I stopped by the comic book store and looked around.


I like that IOA has a Starbucks as does UO. It is convenient to pop in for a coffee or iced refresher.

 

[Robo56]

I walked through big Island Trading Store on the way out.

I had often walked by the mannequins that are dressed in various attire over the years. They are dressed in outfits that would be associated with Trading/Exploring. That is very fitting for the name of store, but I really looked at them today and the displays are really nice.










It is nice walking through the store on the way out. It is fun to look at all the merchandise and decorations and it is nice way to cool off too.

I headed for the boat after leaving the park. The boat was just loading for Portofino.

After I returned to Portofino I had noticed they added more covering on the West Wing for the painters to start in that area.




I received a call from my sister K that our older sister D had just arrived so I met them in the Lobby. It was 1:30 pm and everyone had not had lunch. We talked about options for lunch and everyone wanted pizza and salad. So we went to Sal’s.

My sister K remembered we had another gift certificate from the sweet folks in the Club lounge for Sal’s so we used that. We ordered pizza and some salads for lunch.

We had a wonderful visit and enjoyed our lunch. Anytime with my sisters is very special to me.

After lunch we wondered out to the Piazza and the girls wanted to get some gelato.

We stopped into the Gelateria and looked at the Gelato flavors they had.


I got the pistachio and it was really good. Not too sweet and a really nice creamy texture. I don’t usually stop here for dessert, but I enjoyed it with my sisters and they liked their gelato choices too.



After we were done we decided to go over to CityWalk so D could see the Halloween decorations and the Epic Universe preview Center.



To be continued

 

[Robo56]

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16TH CONTINUED

We headed to CityWalk on the Water Taxi. My older sister D is on a scooter and she know how to drive her scooter onto the Water Taxi pretty easily.

After getting to CityWalk we headed over to The Epic Universe preview center to let D have a look at the new upcoming park. Her son my nephew works right next store to the new park for a big company. So he has had an up close look at the building process.

We walked through the big Universal Store and looked at the Halloween Decorations in CityWalk.

I decided what Halloween merch I was going to buy. I would pick those things and have them shipped on the Wednesday.

It was warm out so we decided to head back to the resort. We caught the Water Taxi and when we got back to the resort we went to the Club lounge for some drinks and more sister time. We talked and enjoyed each others company. Before long it was time for D’s grandson arrived to pick her up. We had been a nice visit. It was a nice time with my older sister D and my baby sister K and myself all together.

Later in the evening we stopped by the Club Lounge for something light to snack on and something to drink. I was still a little full from lunch earlier in the day, but a light snack would do.

We saw some of our favorite staff in the lounge and they stopped by to have a chat. Can’t say enough about the kind staff in the Club Lounge. They really do go out of their way to make sure your Club Lounge experience is a great one.

We headed back to the room and took turns in the shower. I got my jammies on and we called our hubbies to catch them up on what we had been up to.

We watched a little TV then before we knew it, it was 11 pm and I was out for the night.

My sister again said she marveled at how as soon as my head hits my pillow I’am out.

 

[Robo56]

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17TH

I got up nice and rested this morning after a good nights sleep. My sister K slept a little longer. I’am an early riser typically.

K got up and we got ready and set off for the Club lounge for a light breakfast. I enjoyed my coffee.

When we were done we went up and got ready for the pool. I also got our laundry ready for the laundry room. It was time to get any laundry that needed done out of the way. So while we were at the pool was a good time. The Laundry is not far from the Villa Pool.

Did you ever notice that when you initially arrive for a long stay (over 7 days) that the time seems to move slowly the first few days then the last 4 days seem to run at lightening speed. It just feels that way to me.

So off went to the Villa Pool.

It was a beautiful day.




We found some loungers that were located where we wanted them. There was no one at the pool. We set up the loungers with the lounge covers and got plenty of towels.

After we were done getting settled by the pool I went and got the laundry started.

We had a relaxing day at the pool. I was able to get in the pool and swim some laps and later we enjoyed drinks and lunch by the pool in the afternoon.

Pool time and laundry completed it had been a nice day. I was glad to get the laundry out of the way. I don’t like traveling with dirty laundry in my suitcase.

We left the pool about 3:30 pm and went up and got our showers. It was time for a little nap for me.

We went down to the Club Lounge for a light dinner and some drinks later in the evening. After we were done we decided to head over to CityWalk and the big Universal Store there. I wanted to pick out the Halloween things I wanted to buy and have them shipped to my house. You can do this right at the counter when you purchase your merchandise. This is a wonderful option so you don’t have to worry about getting the things you purchase home on the plane.

I bought two of the Lil Boo popcorn buckets.


Two little Boo pillows.


The little Tim Backpack.


The mummy Minion.


The nice lady at the register was very helpful and made the process very easy.

We took a walk around CityWalk it was warm, but much more pleasant this evening with a little breeze. Before long it was already 10 pm. We were ready to head back to the resort.

The Water Taxi for Portofino was at the dock and on we went.

After we arrived back to the room I got in the shower and got in my comfy jammies. Called my hubby and told him of my days events.

My sister K and I watched a little TV and I dozed off while watching TV. Must have been pretty tired.



To be continued

 

[Robo56]

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18TH

Woke up early this morning showered and was ready to go down for a light breakfast. My sister got up and ready and off we went to the Club Lounge.

It was not that busy in the Club Lounge this morning. We enjoyed a leisurely breakfast.

After breakfast we headed back to the room. My sister was going to enjoy some pool time at the Villa Pool and I wanted to head to the parks for a little while.

It was my last full day here and I just wanted to get out and enjoy myself in the parks.

The Water Taxi was on its way to the dock when I arrived at the security check in. Before long we were off to CityWalk.

I always have a quick walk through the big Universal Store to see if they have added anything new. New merchandise is added all the time.

I had noticed this collector medallions and location board before. The medallions depict the spell motions you need to perform for the magic spells in the parks and the board allows you to put the medallions in the corresponding spots they are located in the parks.




After walking around the store I headed over to Universal Studios. I made a right after getting in the park and saw the wonderful Betty Boop.




I will have to say the TM’s in character costume are always so sweet and happy to pose for photos.


Central Park Crepes is pretty popular with folks.


My sister ordered a Strawberry Hazelnut Crepe on this trip and she liked it. The crepes are pretty big. She could not finish all of hers. I would say the crepes could easily feed two people.




I had shared this before, but here is the photo of her crepe again.



I continued by walk to the new DreamWorks Land.


This is fun area for the little ones and a nice addition.

 

[Robo56]

It was pretty warm out and the sun was pretty hot and there was not much wind moving.

I wanted to have my favorite special treat one last time for this trip.


I stopped by the Trolls Treats Boom Box for the lemonade ice cream.





I was looking for a place to sit and get out of the heat and remembered my sister talking about the seating that is behind the outdoor bar where you get your Duff Beer. It is behind and near the water.


There was a little bit of air that was coming across the water and it was a relief.


I brought some bracelets with me to give out to the TM’s in Diagon Alley. That was going to be my next stop.


My must have photo when going to Diagon Alley.


I popped in Leaky Cauldron. Here is the menu for those who would like to have a look.


I stopped into the small bank Gringotts Money Exchange which has the talking Goblin and they had a new Bank of Gringotts gold little purse.





To be continued

 

[Robo56]

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18TH CONTINUED

After coming out of Diagon Alley it felt as if I had walked into a wall of heat. The sun was full out and it had turned hotter then when I entered Diagon Alley.

I decided to stop into the Starbucks and get a frozen refresher. I always tell them not to add the lemonade. The Lemonade at Starbucks tastes like soap to me. I know that is weird, but it does. I always just have them add extra base juice.

It was busy I think a lot of people had the same idea of getting a cold refreshing drink because it was busy.

I ordered by drink and headed out of the store.


I turned the corner by Transformers and took my first drink and yuck!!!!!! They had put the lemonade in my refresher. I was not going back to the Starbucks and wait. I tossed it in the trash.

I would need to stop and get something else to drink to get the soap taste out of my mouth.

I saw one of the Transformers out. It was the bad one as my grandson calls him. Megatron. I have stopped over the years and heard the interaction Megatron has had with people and it is pretty funny.


It was 1:40 pm and I wanted to see THE UNIVERSAL MEGA MOVIE PARADE. The parade was supposed to start at 2 pm.

I stopped and bought a Coke Zero to get the soap taste out of my mouth from the refresher.

I went to stand outside the big Universal Store near the street. It was smoking hot out. The sun was full out. I’am not a person who sweats easily, but once I start It is hard to stop. So I made sure to go in and get a bottle of water to go along with the Coke Zero.

I had to wait 15 minutes for the parade to start and almost decided to leave, but I wanted to see the parade. I had heard how awesome it was.

I stepped back into the store to cool off for a few minutes before the parade started.

I’am used to the Florida heat and I know when I’am close to having enough. So a little cool off was needed.

Before long the parade started and wowwwwwwww.

First in the parade was Back to the Future float.

Marty and Doc were on the float.




It is awesome how they have half of The Plutonium Time Machine Car that Doc created going through the clock with exhaust and gears.




Both of the Cast members were very good representations of the original characters Marty McFly and Emmett “Doc” Brown.




I love the expression on the face of the Cast Member who was playing Doc.

 

[Robo56]

The next float was based off of the animated movie “Sing”. I’am not familiar with this movie so the name is all I know.

 

[Robo56]

Next up was the Minions. I love the Minions. The Minions are to Universal what Mickey is to Disney. That is the best analogy I can come up with. Just love the Minions

The different characters in the Minions are cute. I have two great-nephews who love the minions.

My little great-nephew J loves Minion Bob and his teddy bear Tim.












I’am working towards wrapping up my longest lasting Trip Report ever. Thank you to everyone for following along. More to come.

 

[macraven]

(minions has aways been my favorite..)
(I adore them)

 

[Robo56]

(minions has aways been my favorite..)
(I adore them)

I know you are a big fan of the Minions Mac. They are fun to watch for sure.

 

[Robo56]

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18TH CONTINUED

Next up was the KungFu Panda Float.