MagicBands + Margaritas + Muggles + Minions = TRP. New TR link is up! 10/31

[Chilly]

I hadn't heard about the new night time show at Universal, another thing for my to do list next year.

I like the look of those kebabs, where were they from? Something a bit different for lunch.

What date is it now I've gotten lost with where we're up to, 3rd Jan?

How fun that your Mum was in the show. A great memory from the trip.

 

[eandesmom]

Oh, I am so glad that the second day at Universal ended better than the first one! Sorry for the crowds, but it seems like you managed nevertheless.

It did work out. I really do want to stay on property next time. Very spoiled by having done it before.

I found it interesting what you said about the show, I have heard reviews that were positive as well as those that were rather negative. Happy to hear that you were in the positive camp!

Very positive

The THV look awesome, but I don't own nearly enough points (and not at SSR anyway) to ever consider them... Even though Katharina has been dreaming about them!

You'd really need a group to justify it, it'd be a bit ridiculous for 2 people. But if doing a split stay, 3 nights there is kind of a nice way to experience it without totally breaking the point bank. We did time it to be in the lower point season for our dates and that helped.

I'm glad you were able to have a great day after all and close down Universal! I've never seen the nighttime spectacular, but if it is better then WoC then it definitely sounds worth checking out!

Better is subjective but honestly, I liked it better and so did my folks.

Love the photos inside the treehouse! It looks very relaxing and homey and like the perfect DVC room to have a family meal in.

It is very relaxing and homey, you really feel "away"!

You are really making me want to venture back to US and IoA. It is probably time.

Probably! We want to go back for Diagon Alley and Gringotts for sure. I don't think it will be till 2017 though which seems so ridiculously far away.

You certainly did start a bit slow but made up for it by the end of the day. It sure sounds like an amazing show.

The day really turned out quite well in the end, albeit very long!

Sounds and looks like everyone got something for them, the boys, your parents and even you and Jeff going to Margaritaville.

Win win all around!

Beef and beer? Sounds like heaven!

No chicken for you?

NOW we're talking!

Ah, the blessing of older kids

Wait, what?

You take what you can get!

Fantastic! Took a while, but I'm glad you finally had some pixie dust here. Or whatever they call it at Universal.

Probably something with flames. They use a lot of flames there!

Excellent plan!

we thought so!

You have me intrigued!

we really enjoyed it

Especially with those crowds. When every ride has a 2+ hour wait time, you're going to be hard-pressed to get a lot in.

No kidding!

Hugely behind on posting comments but loving your reports from Universal
We are visiting in October to see the new Diagon Alley area
Particularly interested to hear your thoughts on the evening show - Cinematic Spectacular - as I wasn't sure if we should hang around for this or not

We really enjoyed the show and were glad we stayed. The kids missed it and honestly I am not sure they'd have enjoyed it as much as we did. Probably half of them would, half not so much.

I can't wait to see Diagon Alley...even if it is likely 3 years away until I do.

I hadn't heard about the new night time show at Universal, another thing for my to do list next year.

Apparently it's not all that new but it certainly was to us!

I like the look of those kebabs, where were they from? Something a bit different for lunch.

It's called Doc Sugrue's and they have Beef, Chicken & Vegetarian Kebabs, Greek Salads and Snacks. It's in the Lost Continent, by the talking fountain. It was not fast but it was worth the wait. It was also quite busy...slow moving line.

What date is it now I've gotten lost with where we're up to, 3rd Jan?

Very good! Spot on.

How fun that your Mum was in the show. A great memory from the trip.

It was!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[KatMark]

Cynthia, I'm sorry I'm a few days late in getting to your last update. I finally have gotten back to some more DIS time and caught up everywhere and did a few updates on my TR and yours is my last one.

For what started out as a not too great day, it sure ended up being not bad.

Love that your mom got picked to be in the show. I love when that happens with a family member.

I can't do those rides you were talking about -- Spiderman, etc., but glad you all had such a good time.

I LOVE the Beetlejuice show (but I guess not worth the price of admission just for that ).

The Universal's Cinematic Spectacular - 100 Years of Movie Memories looks spectacular.

I hope you all have a great 4th of July weekend.

 

[Mndisneygirl]

A little slow on reading here too.

Glad your day got better - what a rough start!

I don't know much at all about Universal or IOA, so I'm not sure what the rides are like, but cool that you got to do some finally, and your mom was the gardening grandma (whatever that is!).

The nighttime show looks cool.
My kids want to go there now that they saw a show about Diagon Alley the other night.
I said maybe sometime. Not the next trip - but they don't know about that one anyway!

I know who to ask for tips when we do decide to go!!

 

[dizneeat]

All caught up again, Cynthia!

 

[rentayenta]

All caught up.

Love the THV pics. Brings back such good memories.

 

[natebenma]

Looks like you gave what could have been another washout of a day a positive spin.

It can get really frustrating managing the conflicting wants and needs of a large, diverse group. The best thing to do is what you did- let the kids go and spend time waiting in lines if that is what they want to do, and then figure out what is best for everyone else left behind.

The kabobs sound awesome and a Hogs Head Red really completesthe culinary experience. Nice pairing!

I love that your mom was picked for the Disaster show!!!

Glad you got on Transformers and a couple of rides on Mummy (my favorite theme park ride anywhere).

Spending a couple of hours waiting in line for rides doesn't do it for me- especially the Simpsons- but RRR I can see. That is a cool ride. And it is incredible in the dark!

We haven't seen Beetlejuice in two trips to US (can't seem to drag the boys to shows) and we didn't see the Cinematic Spectacular either. Thanks for the info and pictures.

Nice job sticking to the taco plan, even though it sounds like the food delivery issues did not make it easy!

 

[englishrose47]

I wouldn't know what it is like t have family member or friend picked for the Cast of Disaster as each time I have seen it I have been Gardening Grannie Thanks Carol and Judy!!!!

 

[CarolynK]

THV looks spacious! I like the rustic look of it. The table can actually accommodate a family, nice! The bed in the master bedroom looks a bit small, is it a king?

 

[GoofyFan1515]

For getting there at noon, you sure packed a lot into your US day! Those kebabs look really good. What’s up with having such a hard time finding something to eat as simple as a hot dog?

How great that your Mom got chosen as the Gardening Grandma, and that she seemed to enjoy her “fifteen minutes of fame” so much.

The Cinematic Spectacular sounds very interesting. I wonder what they do differently with the water screens to make the quality so much better?

Haven’t been to US for many years……..sounds like it might be time for a return trip.

Too bad about the mess up with your bags and the groceries when you got back to THV…….that’s just crazy! Your room pics do look like it is very comfortable and roomy!

 

[englishrose47]

Just checking in !!Can't have Marv more up to date than me

 

[MAGICFOR2]

I love the way you just put your plans aside and enjoyed your night at US. Those spur of the moment-do what comes next-make memories times are the best parts of a vacation!

I really love the layout of THV. Nice way to relax at the end of the day. I keep thinking we'd like to book this but I think the kids would be a bit underwhelmed by the pool. I think a split stay like you did would be the best of both worlds.

 

[eandesmom]

Cynthia, I'm sorry I'm a few days late in getting to your last update. I finally have gotten back to some more DIS time and caught up everywhere and did a few updates on my TR and yours is my last one.

Kathy! I swear I posted on yours and last night I was looking though (as now I am back to one update behind) and couldn't find it. Super annoying as I'd waited on yours until I had time to get fully caught up and respond and now I don't see it there!

Then again it could have been that I was looking on my phone and just missed it. I've had so little computer time lately and phone postings are just...BLEH

For what started out as a not too great day, it sure ended up being not bad.

Not bad at all!

Love that your mom got picked to be in the show. I love when that happens with a family member.

I can't even remember the last time it happened, literally all I can think of is when I was 12, at Universal CA and got picked to be a bride of Frankenstien. LOL! It was a blast!

I can't do those rides you were talking about -- Spiderman, etc., but glad you all had such a good time.

We did, there are some fun rides but definitely more on the thrill side

I LOVE the Beetlejuice show (but I guess not worth the price of admission just for that ).

That is one of our favorite shows anywhere. In fact probably was the hands down favorite until I saw the DCA Aladdin show.

The Universal's Cinematic Spectacular - 100 Years of Movie Memories looks spectacular.

I think the adults liked it more as we knew the movies. I'm not sure the kids would have loved it as much but we all thought it was great

I hope you all have a great 4th of July weekend.

Thanks Kathy, you too! It's been quite busy, had the 4th itself down at the lake as usual, yesterday was filled with a coming home party for my nephew who's been an exchange student in Italy for the last year and then picking up Evan and my folks at the airport, they'd been in NYC for the last 9 days. Now it's off to take Evan to youth group camp.

After I go run 11 miles.

A little slow on reading here too.

It's that time of year! me too, everywhere

Glad your day got better - what a rough start!

I'm not sure it was rough but it was SLOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOWWWWWWWWWW

lol!

I don't know much at all about Universal or IOA, so I'm not sure what the rides are like, but cool that you got to do some finally, and your mom was the gardening grandma (whatever that is!).

Closest thing to it would be enchanted tales, only in the sense that folks get picked for a part. In some ways it's more like being "that guy" in Monsters. Both parks have some wonderful rides, I just did a spectacularly bad job of taking pictures of them!

The nighttime show looks cool.

It was really cool!

My kids want to go there now that they saw a show about Diagon Alley the other night.
I said maybe sometime. Not the next trip - but they don't know about that one anyway!

I know who to ask for tips when we do decide to go!!

when are you going to tell the girls, or are you?

I want to go see Diagon Alley! We will wait till Gringotts opens. It will be a while, I don't see anyway around it. I did find out that our national youth group conference for the Sr High kids will be at Disney in 2016. Which of course is the same year as the kids band trip to Ireland. I told them they can go...if they can raise 100% of the $$ But I won't be on that trip. I am thinking sadly, 2017 is the next family trip...and the last while Evan is in HS. If I want to get one more in while is in HS. Sad!

All caught up again, Cynthia!

Hi Karin! I need to hop over and do the same!

All caught up.

Love the THV pics. Brings back such good memories.

LOVE THV!

Looks like you gave what could have been another washout of a day a positive spin.

It really did work out

It can get really frustrating managing the conflicting wants and needs of a large, diverse group. The best thing to do is what you did- let the kids go and spend time waiting in lines if that is what they want to do, and then figure out what is best for everyone else left behind.

Yes, our biggest hurdle was getting the group together in the first place, it got better after that and much better when we split in two,

The kabobs sound awesome and a Hogs Head Red really completesthe culinary experience. Nice pairing!

those kebabs were good! I'd get them again

I love that your mom was picked for the Disaster show!!!

Glad you got on Transformers and a couple of rides on Mummy (my favorite theme park ride anywhere).

Spending a couple of hours waiting in line for rides doesn't do it for me- especially the Simpsons- but RRR I can see. That is a cool ride. And it is incredible in the dark!

I do want to do it. It's never been less than a 60 minute wait anytime I've been to the park and so it's never fit in. Either it was too hot to contemplate a 60 minute wait, or in this case, just not enough time in the day for me to lose that much to standing in line.

Still, we did get enough in that both Jeff and I were ok. We were more bummed about Despicable Me!

We haven't seen Beetlejuice in two trips to US (can't seem to drag the boys to shows) and we didn't see the Cinematic Spectacular either. Thanks for the info and pictures.

If you can ever sneak in and see Beetlejuice you really should, it's a ton of fun

Nice job sticking to the taco plan, even though it sounds like the food delivery issues did not make it easy!

Well it didn't make it fast that is for sure, but it worked out and we were all happy to be "home"

 

[eandesmom]

I wouldn't know what it is like t have family member or friend picked for the Cast of Disaster as each time I have seen it I have been Gardening Grannie Thanks Carol and Judy!!!!

You'd be perfect! I love that

THV looks spacious! I like the rustic look of it. The table can actually accommodate a family, nice! The bed in the master bedroom looks a bit small, is it a king?

It is only a queen. The bedrooms are definitely on the cozy side. Due to the shape of the treehouse it is a bit of a challenge on the rooms I think but the living space is so wonderful that we didn't mind the slightly cozier rooms at all.

For getting there at noon, you sure packed a lot into your US day! Those kebabs look really good. What’s up with having such a hard time finding something to eat as simple as a hot dog?

In general we found food more difficult at Universal on our last trip as well but seriously, a hot dog? Should have been around every corner.

How great that your Mom got chosen as the Gardening Grandma, and that she seemed to enjoy her “fifteen minutes of fame” so much.

She did!

The Cinematic Spectacular sounds very interesting. I wonder what they do differently with the water screens to make the quality so much better?

It's a constant flat screen versus water coming up and down in F! and WOC. there are other shooting water elements but the screen itself...is constant in shape, size and water stream. Made a huge difference

Haven’t been to US for many years……..sounds like it might be time for a return trip.

Yes it is!

Too bad about the mess up with your bags and the groceries when you got back to THV…….that’s just crazy! Your room pics do look like it is very comfortable and roomy!

That was a bit annoying!

Just checking in !!Can't have Marv more up to date than me

I will try for an update later, it's a bit of a crazy day but I did start another PTR for the DL 1/2 and will post a link!

I love the way you just put your plans aside and enjoyed your night at US. Those spur of the moment-do what comes next-make memories times are the best parts of a vacation!

Plans are good but so is seizing the moment!

I really love the layout of THV. Nice way to relax at the end of the day. I keep thinking we'd like to book this but I think the kids would be a bit underwhelmed by the pool. I think a split stay like you did would be the best of both worlds.

Well, you do have use of all the SSR pools as well so there are tons of options. The THV pool is lovely but...very quiet. We adored THV

 

[eandesmom]

In the spirit of the fact I'm off for a long run (if I finish, longest so far, ever!) I did decide to start a PTR/TR for the DL half trip.

Too much running chatter bogging this one down and I'd like to get this one wrapped up and start on the marching band trip!

I will hopefully have an update here though later today.

In the meantime, I'd love it if you'd join me over here!

Confessions of a reluctant runner - a DL 1/2 PTR

 

[englishrose47]

Great Start Cynthia !! I always said I wouldn't run and I haven'tWell unless you count running from the "Bobbies" as a child ,for climbing on the Abbey Ruins

 

[annmarieda]

You may have started off the day slow, but it certainly looks like it was an awesome day!

After reading your updates I kinda feel as though I might want to go to US/IOA in the fall... it really looks like you had an over all good time there.

When I first looked at your pictures of the night time show I thought they were on a projected screen. That is much better than F. or WoC.

Love that you are finally at the THV. Can't wait to see more pictures!

 

[eandesmom]

You may have started off the day slow, but it certainly looks like it was an awesome day!

It was a good day!

After reading your updates I kinda feel as though I might want to go to US/IOA in the fall... it really looks like you had an over all good time there.

That actually could be really neat with your niece at her age

When I first looked at your pictures of the night time show I thought they were on a projected screen. That is much better than F. or WoC.

Exactly!

Love that you are finally at the THV. Can't wait to see more pictures!

More up soon!

 

[eandesmom]

Today begins the full explanation of my TR title

MagicBands + Margaritas + Muggles + Minions = TRP

We started this trip with MagicBands, we’ve had our share of Margaritas.

Muggles and Minions went to Universal and the Islands of Adventure. This all brings us to the TRP.

Treehouse Recovery Program

Ah. The Treehouses.

I really can't think of a better place to recover after the craziness that is New Years Eve in the World. And the craziness that was Islands of Adventure and Universal!

It was now January 5th. The last day for some of our clan.

Our initial plan was to sleep in a little and then head to DTD for brunch. We had 11am reservations, which is the earliest possible at our destination.
Our morning started a little less relaxed than that. A huge winter storm had rolled in causing massive delays across the country. While it hadn't hit Florida yet it was certainly impacting flights out of Florida. Kerri had gone to check in the previous night only to find...

Their flight was cancelled.



Melissa's still showed on time.

Lots of phone calls later and a frustrated baby sister who couldn't get a live person on the phone, Kerri and Eric decided to simply head to the airport and see what they could do there.

Which I thought was crazy but kept that thought to myself. She wasn't a new traveler by any means and if that’s what she felt she had to do, that’s what she felt she had to do.

While the rest of the gang lazed around, I bet you know what I was doing!

Coffee on the
















DECK!




Yes, my room request had been granted! I'd listed I think 5 or 6 treehouses that had water views.

As you can see, it was lovely out!



MUCH warmer than it had been



Sadly, I was forced to drink out of the stock kitchen mug

Way too small





I made do



After our coffee, Jeff and I went for a run. While we ran, Mel and the kids headed to DTD. She needed to drop their bags off for airport check in. The plan was my folks would pick them up and drive them over, then leave their car at SSR. They wanted to shop a little before breakfast. Unfortunately, I don't have a single picture of our run. As a general rule, when I run with Jeff, we start together for a little bit, he runs ahead and then waits for me at the end. We usually high five as he passes me heading back.

Here though, we were running blind, just kind of feeling out a route. We had mapped it out but still, it's always a little different the first time in a new area. Which means I follow him and he points as he goes, or slows down if he doesn't see me so we don't get lost and separated. We ran from THV, through and around SSR. We managed to get about 4 miles in. We may or may not have been on golf cart paths by accident a time or 2 or have gotten turned around a little but in the end it was a lovely loop of sorts. It was warm! I had worn a tee and wished for a tank top most of the run.

Back at the treehouse, I enjoyed looking at our lovely dining room view in the morning sun.



We showered and headed off to the boat ourselves.



Pretty ride









Arriving (late as usual) at Raglan Road we found the rest of the crew waiting, Mom and Mel had gone ahead and gotten a mimosa while they waited.
We were seated at the coolest table!



But with the sun shining as it was, it made it very hard to see


 
In the other room, the dancers were going!





I can call this a Christmas in July update!



After ordering I ended up outside on the phone for quite a bit. I had purchased trip insurance through DVC and since Kerri and Eric were technically booked at the treehouse (which was really to give them magicband access the day before, which they’d enjoyed), they were covered. I explored the options as the reports from the airport were not good.

They'd been rebooked.

On a flight that left THURSDAY.

It was Sunday.

This is why I will not fly United.

Coming back in, my breakfast had arrived

Eggs En Cocotte - Farm fresh eggs baked with spinach, mushrooms and Dubliner cheddar cheese served with toast soldiers









Jeff went for more of a lunch options, Shepard's Pie



Keen eye for the Shepherd’s Pie - We give the traditional Shepherd’s Pie a little makeover with our contemporary twist to this favorite dish

Everyone LOVED their food and as for me? BEST BREAKFAST IN DISNEY! Oh seriously I loved that dish. I am having it again in September!!

Continued in next post

 

[eandesmom]

Continued from previous

After breakfast, more dancing





So hard to get them in motion





I loved the holiday versions of their dresses



We heard from Kerri and Eric. They had decided to wait out a 3 hour line, trying to get a flight somewhere, anywhere. They had gotten through that line and had an evening flight to....Denver. They didn't have a flight from there to anywhere else yet, they'd have to get that upon arrival at that airport. The good news is Jeff's mom lives there so worst case, they could crash at her house. A cab back to hang with us for a few hours was discussed, they could still take DME back, but in the end they decided to stay put. We decided to head outside.

Mel and the gang had a little last minute shopping before DME.

Jeff and I weren't really interested in shopping, we still had 3 days.

We headed here

It was vacation! Besides, I have to live up to the TR title.














I forget which one we got. It was the cheaper of the "classic" options and fully based upon the bartenders very strong recommendation.

It was a great recommendation!

The kids headed here





Well some of them did, the others were busy inside at WOD shopping

Jeff did find something





And ultimately so did the E's who managed to con me into an "extra" purchase that wasn't part of their souvenir money (which I think was completely gone at this point or they spent the rest of it there and then). At the end of the day, each one of the nephews ended up getting the promo throw blanket they were selling if you spent more than $25.

With that, it was time to take the boat back. Mel and the boys had a bus to catch.

Mom and Dad had decided to save their one remaining park day for another day where they’d get a full day out of it. They'd be actually using that after we left. Instead they planned to hang in DTD for a bit and honestly I am not sure what else. Originally we had planned dinner together but instead, rescheduled for breakfast the following morning.

As for the 4 of us, guess what today looked like?



Half of our remaining group had only one pressing thought.

POOL TIME!