JessicaR
<font color=blue>DIS Veteran<br><font color=green>
- Joined
- Sep 26, 2000
- Messages
- 15,730
Universal was the second half to this trip with us starting out at Disney. We'll skip right onto Universal!
It was 4 of us 2 adults, me and hubby and our sons 6 and 10 yrs old.
We had a pick up at AKL arranged for 8:30A on 12/14. We used FL Tours this trip and offer their service our highest praise! Andy is terrific and cant wait to use them again. Up at the crack of dawn, kids dressed in their Universal attire (we did that a lot while at Disney) we were ready to rock and roll! Okay so HRH rubbed off with their lingo! As some already know this wasnt our first stay at HRH. Our last stay was okay but didnt have us anticipating a return. We felt it was overdue and decided since this was to be a short trip it was a great opportunity for us to give it another shot. I am so glad we did!
We arrived at HRH before just before 9A and walked right up to check-in. Lindsey greeted us with a big smile and good morning! Christmas carols Hard Rock style were playing and the tree was decorated with musical instruments cool! We were told our room was ready awesome! It was then I asked about a suite upgrade using a card I received after our last trip. Lindsey walked into the back for a bit and came out saying we could not use it with the rate we booked. I figured that would be the case. We had booked an APH standard room at $129.00 a night. However, an upgrade no charge to a deluxe room was offered. As I was saying great thanks well take it my husband was saying no thanks how much more for a suite. Typical of us. I then decided to try and get an answer to the inner workings of these upgrades and what discounts if any are allowed silly me I should have known there is NO straight answer to this question! It always depends on something. I liked Lindsey and she seemed to like us so far. We had time to change that. Kidding! So she walks away for the second time and my husband and I conference on how much more we would pay, me knowing full well that whatever hes telling me now will go right out the window once she returns. Lindsey returns to say that she can put us in a kids suite for $100 more a night. Ummm is that on club level by any chance? Nope thats already reserved! So I say the deluxe room will be fine, remembering how spacious it was last time. Before my husband opens his mouth I already know whats coming. He then decides he needs to share with Lindsey how wonderful PBH and RPRs suites are and how happy they are about putting us in suites when available. Another mention in case she didnt hear him the other 3 times that were Loews Platinum. Almost time for me to walk away but hey shes still smiling! What is it about vacation that makes him so willing to double our nightly rate? Does he not have a clue how diligent I am in getting us the best rate? I know all is lost and were about to agree with the extra $. Okay so $229 a night for a kids suite, its only 2 nights. I learn that the kids suites at HRH are not the same size as portofinos, they are larger and Lindsey tells us they are her favorite suites. Hmmm okay, like I have a choice anyway. Of course it isnt ready yet but she takes our cell # and well get a call when its ready. Milk and cookies are confirmed for later. We have a lovely conversation about Scotland where Lindsey is from. We say our good byes and by now Im sure we made her morning more entertaining.
I failed to mention that its absolutely pouring outside. With our bags stored with the bellman we decide to grab breakfast at The Kitchen. I cant believe this was The Sunset Grill. Its been revamped. Were greeted with a warm welcome and smile. They offer a breakfast buffet that has anything one could desire and more. Great coffee and after Disney I was thrilled!!! No more instant Nescafe crap icky, yuck, gross. The boys are loving life with the pancakes and French toast and I found my own happiness in their breakfast pizza! YUM. We enjoyed a leisurely breakfast and decided to walk around a bit. Checked out the shops and game room before heading back to the lobby to watch the rain yippee were having fun now! It appears that the rain is slowing to a drizzle so we break out the ponchos and decide to head to the park to meet Clare and Kevin. This will be the kids first meltdown of the day and of course wont be the last. It went something like this. Im NOT wearing that thing! Started by the 10 year old and by then the 6 year old said hey cool Im gonna jump on this bandwagon too with .yeah Im NOT wearing that thing either! The next scene was uglier with me physically pulling them over their heads as I tell them what they will miss if they dont wear them and my husband chanting if you dont wear it Im gonna bring you to the pool and make you sit there and watch the other kids swimming. Way to go Mom and Dad, that worked .NOT. We start our journey to the park as one son is saying this thing is itchy and trying to tear it from his body and the other son is now crying. Lets make a deal! Yeah that always works NOT. If it stops raining you can take it off. Now its semantics time, can it be drizzling? What if it stops and then starts up again what then? Uggghh! We enter Universal and of course it slows to a drizzle, off come the ponchos and all that arguing was for naught, as usual. We head for the GB show and meet up with Kevin and Clare in time to hear the show is cancelled. Oh well, we decide to catch the Make Up show love that show always great for some laughs! My husband and younger son didnt make it in time for the door closing and as we sit to watch the show hes chirping my cell phone that I forgot to shut off, how embarrassing and of course I hear it after the show how I left him and added insult to injury for shutting off the cell. Sorry honey, you need to keep up! Kevin has to leave and our room is now ready so I tell Clare Ill be back (I hadnt even seen the T2 show yet).Before heading back to HRH we took in MIB to shoot up some aliens and re-rode about 4 times. Scores were awful! Tomorrow would be better. Didnt have many lines today for anything. I was thinking it was the rain but the time of year played a big part too.
Back to HRH great room! WOW really impressed and happy I was able to talk hubby into spending the extra $ for the suite. Oh thats right it was his idea. Well if its a good idea its always my idea, right? The kids already picked who would be in which bed and life was good again. The kids suite has a deluxe king room with a really nice sitting area another room attached with 2 twin beds and their own bathroom with a tub, sink and toilet. We had a bath with 2 sinks and a large glass enclosed shower. A very large walk in closet with robes iron, board, and a safe and umbrella. 2 large TVs a CD player VCR and play station (oh great a play station). Lots of phones all over the place too even in the bathroom.
Were all pretty exhausted from the 1st half of the trip and it is raining so the boys settle into play station of course as my husband settles into the comfy king bed! Me, well I dont usually rest and feel the need to get back to the parks in the rain. As Im walking back hoping to see the last scheduled GB show with Clare I notice Im being followed by an ear of corn. Every time I turn around he stops and makes like hes not following me. So now I decide to make a run for it and he runs too! Quite odd being chased by corn. Finally he yells out Im not stalking you if thats what youre thinking! Hee Hee corn, stalk, hey thats funny! My first interaction, okay so what if it was with corn! I find Clare, where else but in her spot! Thats right I stood right next to her in her spot! They were attempting to dry the steps for the show but the rain was starting again. I got to meet her Mom; very sweet also. This time after announcing no show they said they would have a meet and greet. There was the cutest little boy waiting forever to meet the GBs, my heart broke for him when they said no show. He did get to meet them and he seemed happy with that. I got to also and that was cool and fun. Clare was meeting up with her parents for another show so I walked around and waited for the parade to start. I had the park to myself so awesome. The characters from the parade were all over and so friendly. I got a great spot and watched it go by as I took pictures of it all. Caught some candy too! They had marching bands and many floats as well as characters from the park. The ending of course was Santa. This was my first time seeing this parade and anticipated seeing it the next day with my family and better weather.
We had dinner reservations at Tchoup Chop at 7:30P so I headed back to the hotel to shower and get ready. I stopped at the beach bar and remembered the talk we had on the boards about the great libations and decided to try one. It was so good! I cant remember what it was called but it had lots of different liquors and juices in it. No matter if it was raining or just cold outside you could always find people swimming in the heated pool. It was said to be 84 degrees but at the moment I wasnt gonna find out, maybe later.
When I returned to the room our pitcher of milk and 4 large home baked cookies were waiting. They are so good! Amazing the kids hadnt touched them yet but of course thats because they were too busy racking up $8.00 an hour playing playstation. We showered and dressed and walked out the door at 7P on the nose heading towards the boats to City Walk. This was to be our first encounter with Henry our boat Captain. He was simply awesome and really funny too. After telling him we were catching the next boat to RPR he called ahead and had them wait at the dock for us. That worked out great since we were getting close to our reservation time.
We arrived right at 7:30 and walked into a packed Tchoup Chop. This was our 3rd time dining here and we got a couch booth along side the lily pond. The seating is so comfortable and the atmosphere is very tranquil. Our head server greeted us and introduced the other 2 servers that would be waiting on us this evening. What a friendly group we got! The kids got their kids menus and we all ordered drinks while we looked over the menus. Kids had Shirley temples, I had a mai tai (I think they forgot to add any mixer) and my husband had a kettle one and tonic. Out came those great puffed wantons with peanut dipping sauce that we all love. For appetizers I had the crispy calamari with a spicy red sauce and feta cheese, husband had the dumpling box and one son ordered chicken fingers and the other had the kids filet mignon. Service was outstanding and so far the food was as well. Although it was crowded we werent rushed at all and we did take our time. For our entrees I asked our server to choose for me, I do this a lot as I eat most everything. He chooses the Chilean sea bass served with a creamy risotto and bok choy. My husband ordered the thick cut pork chop with sweet potatoes and they offered to butterfly the meat. We also ordered a side of green beans in a garlic and pork glace. Great choices and we are very happy! My sons mashed potatoes came out covered in gravy and he doesnt like it that way. We asked the server if he could bring him a small serving plain. He brought out a large bowl for the table and man are they great! After dinner there was no way I had room for dessert and thats always disappointing since they are terrific at Tchoup Chop. The kids ordered the gooey brownie and gooey is an understatement. Its very rich but they seemed to enjoy it. I had a double espresso and husband ordered a slice of banana crème pie. Total bill was $150.00 with tip. We took a few pictures and they took a family picture for us also.
It was late and we were full and exhausted so we decided to call it a night and headed back by boat to City Walk. It got very cool in the evenings while we were there, around 40 degrees. Before we knew it we were back at HRH. As we entered our room the lights were dimmed music was playing the blinds were drawn and we each had a gift on our pillows. This evenings gift was a furry leopard pen with a feather tail on the end. They also leave you a cool good night card on the turned down beds. A robe was also placed on the bed. Nice touches. In the boys room their pjs were laid out for them. Oh yeah, I forgot, the kids room was Cat in the Hat inspired and it was really decorated adorable with huge stuffed Sam I am and cat in the hat.
Ohhhhhhhh that bed was delicious! It was mere seconds before we were all fast asleep.
It was 4 of us 2 adults, me and hubby and our sons 6 and 10 yrs old.
We had a pick up at AKL arranged for 8:30A on 12/14. We used FL Tours this trip and offer their service our highest praise! Andy is terrific and cant wait to use them again. Up at the crack of dawn, kids dressed in their Universal attire (we did that a lot while at Disney) we were ready to rock and roll! Okay so HRH rubbed off with their lingo! As some already know this wasnt our first stay at HRH. Our last stay was okay but didnt have us anticipating a return. We felt it was overdue and decided since this was to be a short trip it was a great opportunity for us to give it another shot. I am so glad we did!
We arrived at HRH before just before 9A and walked right up to check-in. Lindsey greeted us with a big smile and good morning! Christmas carols Hard Rock style were playing and the tree was decorated with musical instruments cool! We were told our room was ready awesome! It was then I asked about a suite upgrade using a card I received after our last trip. Lindsey walked into the back for a bit and came out saying we could not use it with the rate we booked. I figured that would be the case. We had booked an APH standard room at $129.00 a night. However, an upgrade no charge to a deluxe room was offered. As I was saying great thanks well take it my husband was saying no thanks how much more for a suite. Typical of us. I then decided to try and get an answer to the inner workings of these upgrades and what discounts if any are allowed silly me I should have known there is NO straight answer to this question! It always depends on something. I liked Lindsey and she seemed to like us so far. We had time to change that. Kidding! So she walks away for the second time and my husband and I conference on how much more we would pay, me knowing full well that whatever hes telling me now will go right out the window once she returns. Lindsey returns to say that she can put us in a kids suite for $100 more a night. Ummm is that on club level by any chance? Nope thats already reserved! So I say the deluxe room will be fine, remembering how spacious it was last time. Before my husband opens his mouth I already know whats coming. He then decides he needs to share with Lindsey how wonderful PBH and RPRs suites are and how happy they are about putting us in suites when available. Another mention in case she didnt hear him the other 3 times that were Loews Platinum. Almost time for me to walk away but hey shes still smiling! What is it about vacation that makes him so willing to double our nightly rate? Does he not have a clue how diligent I am in getting us the best rate? I know all is lost and were about to agree with the extra $. Okay so $229 a night for a kids suite, its only 2 nights. I learn that the kids suites at HRH are not the same size as portofinos, they are larger and Lindsey tells us they are her favorite suites. Hmmm okay, like I have a choice anyway. Of course it isnt ready yet but she takes our cell # and well get a call when its ready. Milk and cookies are confirmed for later. We have a lovely conversation about Scotland where Lindsey is from. We say our good byes and by now Im sure we made her morning more entertaining.
I failed to mention that its absolutely pouring outside. With our bags stored with the bellman we decide to grab breakfast at The Kitchen. I cant believe this was The Sunset Grill. Its been revamped. Were greeted with a warm welcome and smile. They offer a breakfast buffet that has anything one could desire and more. Great coffee and after Disney I was thrilled!!! No more instant Nescafe crap icky, yuck, gross. The boys are loving life with the pancakes and French toast and I found my own happiness in their breakfast pizza! YUM. We enjoyed a leisurely breakfast and decided to walk around a bit. Checked out the shops and game room before heading back to the lobby to watch the rain yippee were having fun now! It appears that the rain is slowing to a drizzle so we break out the ponchos and decide to head to the park to meet Clare and Kevin. This will be the kids first meltdown of the day and of course wont be the last. It went something like this. Im NOT wearing that thing! Started by the 10 year old and by then the 6 year old said hey cool Im gonna jump on this bandwagon too with .yeah Im NOT wearing that thing either! The next scene was uglier with me physically pulling them over their heads as I tell them what they will miss if they dont wear them and my husband chanting if you dont wear it Im gonna bring you to the pool and make you sit there and watch the other kids swimming. Way to go Mom and Dad, that worked .NOT. We start our journey to the park as one son is saying this thing is itchy and trying to tear it from his body and the other son is now crying. Lets make a deal! Yeah that always works NOT. If it stops raining you can take it off. Now its semantics time, can it be drizzling? What if it stops and then starts up again what then? Uggghh! We enter Universal and of course it slows to a drizzle, off come the ponchos and all that arguing was for naught, as usual. We head for the GB show and meet up with Kevin and Clare in time to hear the show is cancelled. Oh well, we decide to catch the Make Up show love that show always great for some laughs! My husband and younger son didnt make it in time for the door closing and as we sit to watch the show hes chirping my cell phone that I forgot to shut off, how embarrassing and of course I hear it after the show how I left him and added insult to injury for shutting off the cell. Sorry honey, you need to keep up! Kevin has to leave and our room is now ready so I tell Clare Ill be back (I hadnt even seen the T2 show yet).Before heading back to HRH we took in MIB to shoot up some aliens and re-rode about 4 times. Scores were awful! Tomorrow would be better. Didnt have many lines today for anything. I was thinking it was the rain but the time of year played a big part too.
Back to HRH great room! WOW really impressed and happy I was able to talk hubby into spending the extra $ for the suite. Oh thats right it was his idea. Well if its a good idea its always my idea, right? The kids already picked who would be in which bed and life was good again. The kids suite has a deluxe king room with a really nice sitting area another room attached with 2 twin beds and their own bathroom with a tub, sink and toilet. We had a bath with 2 sinks and a large glass enclosed shower. A very large walk in closet with robes iron, board, and a safe and umbrella. 2 large TVs a CD player VCR and play station (oh great a play station). Lots of phones all over the place too even in the bathroom.
Were all pretty exhausted from the 1st half of the trip and it is raining so the boys settle into play station of course as my husband settles into the comfy king bed! Me, well I dont usually rest and feel the need to get back to the parks in the rain. As Im walking back hoping to see the last scheduled GB show with Clare I notice Im being followed by an ear of corn. Every time I turn around he stops and makes like hes not following me. So now I decide to make a run for it and he runs too! Quite odd being chased by corn. Finally he yells out Im not stalking you if thats what youre thinking! Hee Hee corn, stalk, hey thats funny! My first interaction, okay so what if it was with corn! I find Clare, where else but in her spot! Thats right I stood right next to her in her spot! They were attempting to dry the steps for the show but the rain was starting again. I got to meet her Mom; very sweet also. This time after announcing no show they said they would have a meet and greet. There was the cutest little boy waiting forever to meet the GBs, my heart broke for him when they said no show. He did get to meet them and he seemed happy with that. I got to also and that was cool and fun. Clare was meeting up with her parents for another show so I walked around and waited for the parade to start. I had the park to myself so awesome. The characters from the parade were all over and so friendly. I got a great spot and watched it go by as I took pictures of it all. Caught some candy too! They had marching bands and many floats as well as characters from the park. The ending of course was Santa. This was my first time seeing this parade and anticipated seeing it the next day with my family and better weather.
We had dinner reservations at Tchoup Chop at 7:30P so I headed back to the hotel to shower and get ready. I stopped at the beach bar and remembered the talk we had on the boards about the great libations and decided to try one. It was so good! I cant remember what it was called but it had lots of different liquors and juices in it. No matter if it was raining or just cold outside you could always find people swimming in the heated pool. It was said to be 84 degrees but at the moment I wasnt gonna find out, maybe later.
When I returned to the room our pitcher of milk and 4 large home baked cookies were waiting. They are so good! Amazing the kids hadnt touched them yet but of course thats because they were too busy racking up $8.00 an hour playing playstation. We showered and dressed and walked out the door at 7P on the nose heading towards the boats to City Walk. This was to be our first encounter with Henry our boat Captain. He was simply awesome and really funny too. After telling him we were catching the next boat to RPR he called ahead and had them wait at the dock for us. That worked out great since we were getting close to our reservation time.
We arrived right at 7:30 and walked into a packed Tchoup Chop. This was our 3rd time dining here and we got a couch booth along side the lily pond. The seating is so comfortable and the atmosphere is very tranquil. Our head server greeted us and introduced the other 2 servers that would be waiting on us this evening. What a friendly group we got! The kids got their kids menus and we all ordered drinks while we looked over the menus. Kids had Shirley temples, I had a mai tai (I think they forgot to add any mixer) and my husband had a kettle one and tonic. Out came those great puffed wantons with peanut dipping sauce that we all love. For appetizers I had the crispy calamari with a spicy red sauce and feta cheese, husband had the dumpling box and one son ordered chicken fingers and the other had the kids filet mignon. Service was outstanding and so far the food was as well. Although it was crowded we werent rushed at all and we did take our time. For our entrees I asked our server to choose for me, I do this a lot as I eat most everything. He chooses the Chilean sea bass served with a creamy risotto and bok choy. My husband ordered the thick cut pork chop with sweet potatoes and they offered to butterfly the meat. We also ordered a side of green beans in a garlic and pork glace. Great choices and we are very happy! My sons mashed potatoes came out covered in gravy and he doesnt like it that way. We asked the server if he could bring him a small serving plain. He brought out a large bowl for the table and man are they great! After dinner there was no way I had room for dessert and thats always disappointing since they are terrific at Tchoup Chop. The kids ordered the gooey brownie and gooey is an understatement. Its very rich but they seemed to enjoy it. I had a double espresso and husband ordered a slice of banana crème pie. Total bill was $150.00 with tip. We took a few pictures and they took a family picture for us also.
It was late and we were full and exhausted so we decided to call it a night and headed back by boat to City Walk. It got very cool in the evenings while we were there, around 40 degrees. Before we knew it we were back at HRH. As we entered our room the lights were dimmed music was playing the blinds were drawn and we each had a gift on our pillows. This evenings gift was a furry leopard pen with a feather tail on the end. They also leave you a cool good night card on the turned down beds. A robe was also placed on the bed. Nice touches. In the boys room their pjs were laid out for them. Oh yeah, I forgot, the kids room was Cat in the Hat inspired and it was really decorated adorable with huge stuffed Sam I am and cat in the hat.
Ohhhhhhhh that bed was delicious! It was mere seconds before we were all fast asleep.
Love the bit about the ear of corn stalking you. Wish I could get my husband to take a few lessons from your husband. I wouldn't put it past my DH to ask for a downgrade and a refund 
J/K. Looking forward to hearing about the rest of your trip.
January FOR SURE! No getting around it this time 
It was great meeting you!
Could be wrong but...every room we have stayed in at all 3 on-sites had it! The breakfast buffet at The Kitchen was expensive but we did enjot it a lot. It cost us $50 for 2 adults and 2 kids here is a link to what was available.
