Hrh 9/22 - 9/28

[PurpleChick]

Background
DH and I are a couple of young at heart forty somethings who wanted a relaxing vacation that didn’t require a lot of planning. Going to the Hard Rock during September fit perfectly. We stayed there in 2001 so we already knew the lay of the land. With Universal Express and low crowds, we would be able to do whatever we wanted without having to stick to a schedule. I am usually a lurker on this board but did post a trip report for our 2001 stay. It was nice being able to go back and read it while getting ready for this trip. It helped me remember what our days were like and what worked and what didn’t. So this trip report is as much for me as it is for you but I hope you enjoy it. Sorry I can’t include pictures but our digital camera broke before the trip and we didn’t have time to replace it.

Day 1 - Saturday September 22ndOur original plan was to fly into Orlando before noon on Sunday and then stay five nights at the Hard Rock. However, the only flight times I could get were either way too early in the morning or way too late at night. So plan B went into effect. Fly into Orlando on Saturday night, priceline a hotel for the night and then switch to HRH in the morning. I was able to get a flight out of Chicago at 6:50 pm that arrived into Orlando around 10:30 pm. I then got the Sheraton Studio Studio City for $52 on priceline.

Although the Sheraton Studio City is an older hotel, it more than met my expectations for the price we paid. Upon check in I was surprised to learn I was a Starwood Preferred Guest member. I travel for business occasionally and must have signed up for it somewhere along the way. Even though we pricelined the room they gave us access to the concierge lounge on the 20th floor which we used for breakfast.

When we arrived at the hotel, everything was pretty much shut down in the area. Since we didn’t have a car, we walked over to the 7-11 across the street and got some refreshments for the room. Although I thought we would turn in early and be well rested for our first full day in Orlando, we were wide awake from the plane ride and the excitement of being on vacation. We had some drinks in the room, watched tv and used our binoculars to check out the view. We faced Universal and were able to find the Hard Rock sign and also see part of the Hulk.

 

[PurpleChick]

We woke up to rain and decided to wait until noon to check out. If our room wasn’t ready yet at HRH there wouldn't be much to do with all the rain. I made two trips to the concierge floor to get breakfast for us and let DH sleep in. At check out time it was still raining and we cabbed it over to HRH. We checked in and gave the desk our cellphone number to call when the room was ready. We made it no further than the pool when they called to say they had a room. We got our keys and headed to garden view room 1137 on the first floor. The location of the room was great. Turn left and walk down a short hallway to the pool gate and path to Universal. Turn right and walk down the longer hallway to Emack & Bolios which was handy for breakfast. Some of the rooms down the hall from us at the end of the building did experience flooding though due to the heavy rains. See my post on the resorts board for more detail. DH was disappointed that they no longer had the white bed spreads but I was excited to see that all of our pictures in the room were of the Beatles.

We waited for our luggage to be delivered and then noticed a break in the rain so we headed to Hard Rock Café for lunch. I had only been in the old HRC and didn’t even realize when we stayed in 2001 that it wasn’t the same one until I saw someone’s pictures on the boards of the old one. We both had burgers for lunch which were good but way too much food. When we got ready to leave the skies ripped open again. We stayed inside for awhile and checked out the Beatles and Elvis rooms upstairs. Finally there was a break and we were on the path back to HRH.

Once back in the room we unpacked. The weather was really crummy and we decided we would hang at the hotel for the rest of day. At some point both us ended falling asleep while watching tv. When I awoke DH had the Bears game on and they were losing badly on national tv. All was not well. After the game we headed over to the Beach Club and had a few drinks and split a fish & chips before they closed.

 

[PurpleChick]

According to the news, Monday looked like the best day week, so we decided to pack as much in as we could. All the rain on Sunday had me worried about the rest of the week but aside for a few brief showers the rest of the week turned out fine.

We made it over to the US by 9:30 which is actually good for us. The crowds were light and were able to whip through the park in record time. Before lunch we went on Shrek, the Mummy, Earthquake and Jaws. Shrek and the Mummy were new for us. DH kept his feet up during Shrek (which he learned from Disney) and I screamed. I loved the Mummy. What a great ride but am still sad about BTTF.

We had lunch at Lombard’s Landing. Lunch was okay but the service was really slow considering that the restaurant was not busy at all. At some point we also stopped by Finnegan’s for a beer. Their tap beer tasted nasty. Usually we stick to bottled beer and I have no explanation for our momentary lapse in judgment.

After lunch we went on ET, MIB and Terminator. We gave the names Bert & Ernie (to which the ride attendant rolled her eyes) on ET but ended up not hearing them. I am really bad at MIB and my big excitement was getting over 10,000 on the second time through. How embarrassing. I guess I need to study the MIB sticky on the boards before I go next time.

After US, I was surprised when DH wanted to continue on to IOA. First stop was the Alchemy Bar in the Lost Continent for a beer. The beers must have hitting me by now because DH talked me into doing a Yeager Bomb which I usually don’t do. We giddily left the Lost Continent and headed to Jurassic Park for the River Adventure. This is our favorite of all of the water rides and it did not disappoint us. Since we were already wet we decided to knock off the remaining two water rides in Toon Lagoon. Then we went over to Spiderman. At this point it was close to 5:30 and the park closed at six. DH told me he would go on the Hulk if we did another shot of Yeager, so off we went to Confisco’s for a shot of courage. Our picture on Hulk was hysterical so we ended up buying it. The park was now closing. I couldn’t believe how much we managed to pack into the day.

This was our first time having to use the lockers. It wasn’t bad after we got the hang of it. But it did always take me a couple tries to get it to read my thumb. I could see how it could get frustrating on a crowded day waiting for people to try and figure them out. The ones were you just put your birth date in were much easier to use.

Back at HRH, DH napped while I got ready for dinner. Then we headed to Margaritaville. The wait was around 15 minutes but we could get immediate seating in the bar or on the porch of indecision (I love that name). We headed inside to the bar and ordered drinks and then decided we would rather eat on the porch. It was around the corner from the bar but we had to walk outside to get to it. We took our drinks and headed out to the porch. The only problem was that our drinks were in glasses. Even though it was only a couple of steps away, the hostess took off after us with plastic cups in hand. It was pretty funny and completely unintentional on our part. There was a one man band performing on the porch. He interacted with the audience a lot and was quite amusing. DH had the teriyaki steak and I had the coconut shrimp and both were very good.

After we left, we heard some good dance music coming from the second level and we tried to go check it out but it was closed off for a private party. There were a couple of conventions going on including one for Proctor & Gamble, so I assume it was for one of the conventions. We did see other places in City Walk closed throughout the week for private parties but it didn’t interfere with any of our plans. We passed by Quite Flight Surf Shop and I noticed a croc sign in the window. I had been searching for turquoise crocs the week before we left since most of the clothes I packed ended up being turquoise but was unable to find a pair. They had the ones I was looking for and my fashion issues for the rest of the week were solved!

DH wanted to take the boat back, although I thought it was much faster to walk back since our room was so close to path. We ended up getting on the wrong boat and headed to Royal Pacific which was okay since we hadn’t seen the resort yet. I was very impressed with Royal Pacific. DH asked if it cost more than HRH and I told him no it was actually considered the value resort. He couldn’t believe it but I did tell him the rooms were smaller than HRH. Still the grounds are beautiful and although we love HRH, I would definitely stay there if ever couldn’t swing HRH. We stopped at the pool bar for a drink and then took the boat back to City Walk. From there I suggested walking back rather than getting on the wrong boat again!

 

[PurpleChick]

We slept in today since we had such a full day on Monday. I think we left the room around 11:00/11:30. We stopped at NBA city so DH could get a bloody mary and search for a paper to check up on the Cubs. We couldn’t find a paper anywhere in City Walk which gave DH the bright idea that he should open a newsstand there. I told him only we can live at HRH. We aordered a flatbread appetizer at NBA which was good but it seemed like we bothering them by being in there. The main floor seemed to be under going some remodeling and we sat at a small bar right near the entrance. I think they were still setting up for the lunch crowd. We just got a weird vibe there and didn’t stay long.

Then we headed over to IOA. We started in Seuss Landing with the Cat in the Hat and the Trolley ride. Next we did Poseidon’s Fury which wasn’t working when we there in 2001. Then I convinced DH to go on his least favorite ride Dueling Dragons. We ended up riding Ice and I am happy to say that DH survived. I took off my new crocs for the ride and looped the straps around my wrists so that I wouldn’t lose them.

We decided to go back to HRH so that I could hit the pool. When we got back to the room around 2;30 pm, the room hadn’t been cleaned yet. I called and told them I just want them I just wanted clean towels and the garbage cans emptied since I didn’t know if DH would want to nap later on. DH headed to the Beach Club and when I was leaving the room for the pool, housekeeping was already at the door. They ended up cleaning the entire room before we got back. While I was in a lounge chair reading, DH had the waitress bring me over a drink which I thought was very nice of him. I called him from my cellphone to thank him and waved to him across the pool. What a guy.

We had 8:30 dinner reservations at Tchoup Chop which I booked on opentable before I left. In hindsight I probably could have gotten an earlier time once we go there since there since RPR seemed to have a lot of conventioneers with scheduled events but you just never know. We walked to the City Walk boat dock and caught the boat over to RPR around seven since DH was in search of the Cubs game on tv somewhere. We went to Jake’s American bar which was dead. They thought they might pick up later once the convention activities were over for the night. We had the bar to ourselves but no Cubs game. They were playing the Marlins so we didn’t think it would be so hard to find the game but it was. While we were in the bar, Shrek and Fiona came in and they posed for pictures with us. I teased my husband about having the hots for Fiona. She was a very pretty girl and chatted with us for awhile. Shrek isn’t allowed to talk.

We headed into Tchoup Chop early and no problem getting in. The maitre d asked us where we were from and when we said Chicago he told us the head chef was from Chicago and a huge Bears and Cubs fan. Well that was our golden ticket. The chef came to our table to meet us and talk sports with DH and then sent over a special appetizer plate for us. It had three different kinds of appetizers. I couldn’t tell you what they were but they were but they were all very good. We are usually not that adventurous in our food choices so it was nice to try something that we wouldn’t have ordered. DH had the filet mignon and I had the braised lamb shank. DH loved the filet. My lamb shank was a little too fatty for me but I think lamb shank usually is. It came with blue cheese smashed potatoes that were out of this world. We skipped ordering wine for dinner since our server recommended the raspberry mojito’s before dinner and we couldn’t get enough of them. For dessert we ordered the coconut crème brulee which was also very good. Overall this was an excellent but expensive dinner. Service was great and the atmosphere was wonderful. We rolled back to HRH and called it a night.

 

[PurpleChick]

DH had golf reservations and had to be out the door by 8:45. I planned on bumming around the parks for awhile to check out the gift shops since DH does not like to do that. I headed to City Walk around 9:30 and stopped at Starbuck’s to get a coffee. I planted myself in one of the chairs in front of Margaritaville, drank my coffee and watched the people stroll in. I started out at IOA and walked around the park, stopping in any shop I pleased without complaints from DH. It was nice but I got kind of lonely after a while and made sure that I told him that. While at IOA, I decided to ride Fire since the chances of getting DH back on Dueling Dragons wasn’t good. The sky turned dark when I got off of dueling dragons and I sought cover before the downpour hit. It lasted about 15 minutes. Then I was on my way to ride spiderman before leaving IOA.

Next I picked up our Blue Man group tickets for the 8 pm show. On the voucher from the internet it said that I needed the credit card that I purchased the tickets with to get the tickets from the machine. That’s when I realized I had given it to DH that morning for golf. I went to box office and only had to show them my license.

Then I headed over to US for more browsing. Believe it or not I didn’t buy anything the entire day. I rode the mummy and looked in a few shops. Another downpour hit and I took shelter in the I Love Lucy tribute. On the way out I stopped for a couple minutes to check out a band playing outside of Mel’s diner.

As I was on my way out, DH called to say he was back from golf. I met him at the Beach Club and he said he wanted to go the parks. We headed over to US to do Jimmy Neutron and Twister, which we missed the first day we were there. We also rode the mummy again.

DH wanted to relax in the room before Blue Man group, so we stopped at the Kitchen and ordered the Mac & Cheese and a salad to go. It was nice just to kick back in the room and take our time getting ready. We both loved Blue Man group. It has been in Chicago for years but we have never gotten around to seeing it. When we got back to HRH, I tried to go in the hot tub but since it was after ten they had turned the heat off. I headed back to the room and went to bed.

 

[PurpleChick]

We got up fairly early and went down to the Kitchen for breakfast. After breakfast DH went back to bed and I took my time getting ready. We left around eleven and headed to Nascar. DH was still in search of place that would have the cubs game on that evening. We ended up having a couple drinks there after they assured us they would have the cubs game on. DH ordered a snack and we chatted with the bartender for a while. Everyone was really nice there. We are not Nascar fans but it seems like they are going for more of a sportsbar feel in there now. Before leaving we went upstairs and I beat DH in some racing games. Who knew I was so good at riding a motorcycle.

On the way to IOA, we stopped at the t-shirt booth in City Walk. DH had a cubs shirt made. It kind of looks like graffiti but they did a good job on it. Next we headed to IOA and rode One Fish Two Fish. DH was working the controls and we managed not to get too wet. I managed to get DH to ride fire and he agreed with me that it is much smoother than Ice. We also went on Spiderman and the Hulk again. We wanted to go on Pteranodon Flyers and the guys said we could go on without kids (never thought to ask before) but there was no express line and wait for forty minutes.

We decided to cool off by going to see a movie. We saw the 2:45 showing of Mr. Woodcock with Billy Bob Thornton. It was funny but not one of his better movies. Then we headed back to Nascar for the Cubs game. We had dinner at the bar while watching the game.

I decided to go back to the room and freshen up since I only had a tank top on and was freezing in the bar. Back at HRH people were starting to come in for the Velvet Sessions. The guy from Men at Work was playing. We decided to skip it since it wasn’t someone we were interested in seeing. I headed back to Nascar for the end of the Cubs game (Cubs lost and DH was not happy). It was the employee preview night of HHN and I could not believe all the people streaming into US.

Then we headed over to the piano bar at Pat O’briens. We had fun but it was toned down since they allow kids in there until 9:30 which I thought was a little late considering it is a bar. I requested Lucille and then told me they couldn’t play it until after 9:30. By the time they started kicking the kids out we were feeling no pain. DH wanted to go back to the room and change and then head back to City Walk. Of course once we got back to the room I hit the bed and that was it for me. DH woke me up around midnight with a pizza he had ordered from room service. It had a really strong garlic taste and I do not recommend eating it and then going back to sleep. I almost had to break open that $6 bottle of Fiji water in the middle of night.

 

[PurpleChick]

I called in the morning for a late check and they gave us until noon. Eleven was just too early for us considering we hadn’t packed at all and I was hurting a little bit from the night before. We stayed in the room until noon, stored our luggage and headed over to Bubba Gump’s for lunch. Bubba Gump’s really isn’t in a good location. Once we finally found it I had the stuffed shrimp which was very good. DH wanted ribs but they only had a full slab on the menu and they wouldn’t do a half slab for him, so he ended up ordering an appetizer tray which he picked at. Next we headed to the US store in citywalk for some last minute gifts.

Back at HRH, we went in the pool and hot tub for while and then changed for our flight. The concierge suggested leaving at 3:45 for our 6:20 flight since traffic can be bad on a Friday at that time. We had one small little mishap when DH discovered his phone was missing. He talked to his brother while we at the pool. We thought he lost it while changing but he found it back on the chair at the pool. This set us back about 15 minutes but we made it to the airport with plenty of time to spare. After the terrible sports week DH had, it was a relief to arrive home to the Cubs winning their division.

We are already talking about the next time we go. Our last big vacation before this one was Disney and the pace at Universal is just so much nicer. I didn’t return home from vacation feeling like I needed a vacation. Since we were able to get the seven day tickets for only $89, we didn’t feel like we had to be in the parks all day to get our moneys worth. Overall this was a very relaxing vacation. September is a great month to go.

 

[JawsCPA]

Thanks for your trip report. We don't seem to get as many on this side of the boards.

Sounds like you had a great time.

My DH won't go on any of the coasters - and after 20 years of marriage, there is nothing I can do to convince him to try it.

We did Universal in June 2006 and you are right - it was a relaxing vacation.

Too bad about your camera.

Reading trip reports makes me want to get back there ASAP!

 

[tlinus]

I loved your trip report. Sounds alot like our vaca in April (except we were dragging our kidlets around) dd12 does the coasters with dh - I am too chicken (can't do the Mummy without a cup of courage from Finnegan's first )

Thanks for sharing your story, bummer about the camera!

 

[bubba's mom]

Thanks for sharing...too bad about your camera..you coulda had some good pix....(and we love pix here).... Dontcha hate when you finally get to shop alone, you don't buy anything Oh well....sounds like a nice, relaxing vacation.... a reason WE love UO too..... the relaxing, not rushed, tired feeling

 

[loribell]

Great trippie. Thanks for sharing.

 

[bstnsprts]

We got up fairly early and went down to the Kitchen for breakfast. After breakfast DH went back to bed and I took my time getting ready. We left around eleven and headed to Nascar. DH was still in search of place that would have the cubs game on that evening. We ended up having a couple drinks there after they assured us they would have the cubs game on. DH ordered a snack and we chatted with the bartender for a while. Everyone was really nice there. We are not Nascar fans but it seems like they are going for more of a sportsbar feel in there now. Before leaving we went upstairs and I beat DH in some racing games. Who knew I was so good at riding a motorcycle.

On the way to IOA, we stopped at the t-shirt booth in City Walk. DH had a cubs shirt made. It kind of looks like graffiti but they did a good job on it. Next we headed to IOA and rode One Fish Two Fish. DH was working the controls and we managed not to get too wet. I managed to get DH to ride fire and he agreed with me that it is much smoother than Ice. We also went on Spiderman and the Hulk again. We wanted to go on Pteranodon Flyers and the guys said we could go on without kids (never thought to ask before) but there was no express line and wait for forty minutes.

We decided to cool off by going to see a movie. We saw the 2:45 showing of Mr. Woodcock with Billy Bob Thornton. It was funny but not one of his better movies. Then we headed back to Nascar for the Cubs game. We had dinner at the bar while watching the game.

I decided to go back to the room and freshen up since I only had a tank top on and was freezing in the bar. Back at HRH people were starting to come in for the Velvet Sessions. The guy from Men at Work was playing. We decided to skip it since it wasn’t someone we were interested in seeing. I headed back to Nascar for the end of the Cubs game (Cubs lost and DH was not happy). It was the employee preview night of HHN and I could not believe all the people streaming into US.

Then we headed over to the piano bar at Pat O’briens. We had fun but it was toned down since they allow kids in there until 9:30 which I thought was a little late considering it is a bar. I requested Lucille and then told me they couldn’t play it until after 9:30. By the time they started kicking the kids out we were feeling no pain. DH wanted to go back to the room and change and then head back to City Walk. Of course once we got back to the room I hit the bed and that was it for me. DH woke me up around midnight with a pizza he had ordered from room service. It had a really strong garlic taste and I do not recommend eating it and then going back to sleep. I almost had to break open that $6 bottle of Fiji water in the middle of night.

Small world. DW and I were at NASCAR and Pat Obriens that same night. I recall two Cubs fans sitting to the left of us at the bar. I remember Lucille being requested and it not being able to be played until later on. I always figured that 8pm would be the under 21 cut off. DW and I were the people from MA. who requested the Boston song after the NY song was played. Sounds like you had a great trip as we did also.

 

[peel]

Great trip report! Makes me even more excited to go!

 

[disneyfreekdotcom]

Awesome trip! it feels like i was there. lol

 

[macraven]

loved your report.
also from chicagoland and came back home from UO yesterday.

love the hrh also!!

 

[PurpleChick]

BSTNSPRTS - How weird is that! I do remember the Boston song being requested at Pat O'Briens. I wish I could have held out for Lucille. The first time I ever heard the "special lyrics" was at Pat O'Briens on our 2001 trip and the crowd was quite vocal that night. Hope you had a great trip.

 

[Disney owl]

thanks for the rports I enjoyed them.

Lucky you having 7 nights at HRH we just managed 1 in August