"MAY INCLUDE RUM"..14 NIGHTS SAPPHIRE FALLS.. MAY `19 TRIP REPORT

[Pumpkin1172]

I'm sad this trip report is ending I really enjoy looking at your pictures including the food porn pictures,the tales of your trip, and all the different places you explore. Your trip reports make me wish, long and constantly price out trips constantly. . Your really not going to want to go back home after 29 days!!!!!! No cooking, no cleaning...just pure relaxation, good food, your own schedule and time to spend with each other, and chatting away with all your friends...and of course...spending time at HHN!!!!

I will add...that I'm not in the pineapple club. You don't cook fruit and put it onto something with a tomato based sauce in it!!!! I like a good pie with fruit...but that's about it. I don't like any meal/food that has any fruit or anything with a fruit in it except for a dessert type item. I know, I'm one of " those " people. I don't even like my food to touch when i'm making my own plate at the dinner table lol!!!!!

Have you ever been to the Florida Keys? I see all the pictures you take and places you say are so amazing, and the Florida Keys is exactly like that. My daughter and I had that stopped in Key West. I have to say...it was amazing. I want to go back there. The 8 hrs we had there were definitely not long enough for either of us. You might want to look into going there for a little side trip for a night and drive back the next day. I believe it's a 3 hr drive from Orlando...but I could be wrong lol. But it is a great little place to visit. I know you would love all the architecture there. The small little shops vibe. So many little things to see and do there. Both the daughter and I want to visit there again lol I do hope that you will go there one day. I don't think you would be disappointed.

I can't wait to read all about your next adventure. Until then

 

[schumigirl]

Amazing report!!! Thank you for taking all of us along in your's and Tom's adventures!!! I don't know about you, but it seems like your trips go by so fast!!! I can't wait to read about your September trip since you'll be there a whole month... We are headed to Disney (yes, I'm one of THOSE people ) in November, but I've already told my husband, next years trip is going to be Universal in the fall and we're buying AP's so we can go again the following summer... Your trip reports are the BEST advertisement for Universal that I've seen!!!

Awww Nancy, thank you so much.........

Thankfully it doesn't seem to go by quickly at the time......oh you’re forgiven for going to Disney......lol.......I hear it can be a fun place to visit...... I’m sure you’ll have a wonderful to visit.....

And fabulous idea to buy an AP for Universal.....I’m sure you’ll get good use out of it and will love your time there.

Again, thank you so much, I’ve loved reading your very kind comments....and hope to see you on the September trip too.......

 

[schumigirl]

I'm sad this trip report is ending I really enjoy looking at your pictures including the food porn pictures,the tales of your trip, and all the different places you explore. Your trip reports make me wish, long and constantly price out trips constantly. . Your really not going to want to go back home after 29 days!!!!!! No cooking, no cleaning...just pure relaxation, good food, your own schedule and time to spend with each other, and chatting away with all your friends...and of course...spending time at HHN!!!!

I will add...that I'm not in the pineapple club. You don't cook fruit and put it onto something with a tomato based sauce in it!!!! I like a good pie with fruit...but that's about it. I don't like any meal/food that has any fruit or anything with a fruit in it except for a dessert type item. I know, I'm one of " those " people. I don't even like my food to touch when i'm making my own plate at the dinner table lol!!!!!

Have you ever been to the Florida Keys? I see all the pictures you take and places you say are so amazing, and the Florida Keys is exactly like that. My daughter and I had that stopped in Key West. I have to say...it was amazing. I want to go back there. The 8 hrs we had there were definitely not long enough for either of us. You might want to look into going there for a little side trip for a night and drive back the next day. I believe it's a 3 hr drive from Orlando...but I could be wrong lol. But it is a great little place to visit. I know you would love all the architecture there. The small little shops vibe. So many little things to see and do there. Both the daughter and I want to visit there again lol I do hope that you will go there one day. I don't think you would be disappointed.

I can't wait to read all about your next adventure. Until then

Thanks so much pumpkin.........yep, after 29 nights we’ll be wondering if we might as well just stay.....lol......wishful thinking!

Oh I agree with pineapple with tomato sauce......but my excuse is.....(there’s always an excuse isn’t there) it’s always pineapple with bbq sauce......does that make it better???? I do put pineapple in curries too for added sweetness as my curry is hotter than hades! Although I do know folks who don’t like their food to touch on plates!

The Keys isn’t a place we’ve ever thought about going to visit for some reason......it does look beautiful, but not on our shortlist of places we want to see yet........friends love it and always say we should go and don’t understand why we don’t......but they also love Disneyland and can’t understand why we’ve never had an interest to go there either.....lol.....maybe one day the Keys will feature.......I’m glad you enjoyed it though.

I’m glad you enjoyed the pictures and the report, that means a lot.......I fully admit to having Tom to thank for most of the beautiful photographs.....we love taking as many pictures as we can on our trips, they make fabulous mementos........and yes, we are so looking forward to relaxing, lots of walking in the parks, lots of good food and I’m sure a few cocktails.......and of course HHN.........

We have my birthday and our wedding anniversary while we’re there and the extra time there is really to celebrate Tom’s birthday in August.......so although there’s no official “celebration” we plan to enjoy a few nice dinners in lieu of all 3 celebrations......

Hope you enjoy reading the next one too......and again, thank you for the lovely comments along the way.....always enjoyed reading them.......

 

[Robo56]

Knockturn Alley is one of my favourite places in DA......it`s dark and mysterious as it was designed to be......well, I love it.....from the colour and vibrancy of Diagon Alley...you enter the almost black and white world where the supposed underbelly of Potter society reside...….

We are kindred spirits as Knockturn is one of my favorites also. Never get tired of it.

...the barmaid at this point said they were discussing alter egos and I immediately shook his hand and said "Anastasia Beaverhausen" pleased to meet you...…..I thought the barmaid was going to choke with laughter...

That’s a hysterical.

.the blackberry daiquiri with thyme....

Wow...another drink I need to try. It looks very good.

Another fantastic trip report Schumi. As always very well written with lots of great information on places to visit and restaurants to eat at.

Tell the camera man his pics were great as always.

Thank you for sharing your travels with us all again. I know it’s a labor of love.

Your next trip will be coming before you know it. Sounds like you have lots of fun things to celebrate.

 

[schumigirl]

We are kindred spirits as Knockturn is one of my favorites also. Never get tired of it.



That’s a hysterical.




Wow...another drink I need to try. It looks very good.

Another fantastic trip report Schumi. As always very well written with lots of great information on places to visit and restaurants to eat at.

Tell the camera man his pics were great as always.

Thank you for sharing your travels with us all again. I know it’s a labor of love.

Your next trip will be coming before you know it. Sounds like you have lots of fun things to celebrate.

Robo….thank you so much!!! I`m so happy you enjoyed it and I will pass the comment on to the photographer......he`ll be happy to hear......

Yes Anastasia and I have a lot in common!!! lol......and oh yes, you`ll have to try Lenny`s Blackberry Daquiri....it is lush!!!

Knockturn Alley is amazing…...we do love it too though......I`m always so impressed with every single tiny detail they have incorporated....well, everywhere in Potter!

But, thank you again....and for the lovely comments along the way. Yes, I love doing trip reports and yes, the next one has a few little celebrations......not as big as the celebration we had two years ago.....but hey....it`s still a celebration.…...hope to see you on that one too.....

 

[Worfiedoodles]

Another wonderful trip report! I'm sorry it's over, but super excited for your month in Orlando How exciting to come along with your for that fantastic adventure Thank you for creating these lovely reports, which help us feel like we are right there with you. I can't wait until you start your next report!

Maria

 

[schumigirl]

Another wonderful trip report! I'm sorry it's over, but super excited for your month in Orlando How exciting to come along with your for that fantastic adventure Thank you for creating these lovely reports, which help us feel like we are right there with you. I can't wait until you start your next report!

Maria

Awwww....Thank you so much Maria...…..

Your comments always make me smile!!! I`m so happy you enjoy reading them, it`s always lovely to read that.

Yes, we`re so much looking forward to spending a month there......although not seeing Kyle for that length of time will be tough.....thank goodness for Facetime!!! He`ll be fine though...….

We have tentatively made a couple of plans.....and immediately changed them.....lol.....it`s so early to decide where to eat and when......so we`ll do our usual and play it by ear and decide nearer the time.

But, will start Trip Report soon......would love to see you there too......and thank you again for joining along...…..

 

[TommyJK]

Wow. Didn't realize you hand another TR since your March one. Just got through all of it. I love your TR's as they're so detailed and tons of wonderful pics. It gets me excited to go back again (although my next trip is still over 7 months away!). You and Tom always have the biggest smiles on your faces.

Question for you. In going through the TR I can see in the RPR Club lounge they had for their evening dishes for different nights as:

Veggie Pesto Pasta
Orange Chicken
Pulled Pork
Paella

Do you happen to know/recall what the other nights were? I've seen weekly (6-day) menus online with things like Mediterranean Night (Fish) or Asian Night (Beef w/Brocolli Noodles) etc. But this was from back in 2017.

 

[schumigirl]

Wow. Didn't realize you hand another TR since your March one. Just got through all of it. I love your TR's as they're so detailed and tons of wonderful pics. It gets me excited to go back again (although my next trip is still over 7 months away!). You and Tom always have the biggest smiles on your faces.

Question for you. In going through the TR I can see in the RPR Club lounge they had for their evening dishes for different nights as:

Veggie Pesto Pasta
Orange Chicken
Pulled Pork
Paella

Do you happen to know/recall what the other nights were? I've seen weekly (6-day) menus online with things like Mediterranean Night (Fish) or Asian Night (Beef w/Brocolli Noodles) etc. But this was from back in 2017.

lol...yes, I didn't wait long to start this one...….

It`s now a 5 night rotation I believe in the Club Lounge......the only thing missing from your list (unless I missed it) is American night where it`s chicken mac n cheese and a rather nice coleslaw...….the paella replaced the lemon chicken which was one of my favourites! Not fond of paella...…although they do change the menu seasonally so it could be different again.

I`m so glad you caught up with this one and enjoyed it.....we love lots of pics and do take loads.....so I`m happy you liked them.

Thank you for the lovely comments....and I`ll pass them along to the photographer of the two of us...….lol.....hope to see you on the next one.....coming up soon...….

 

[TommyJK]

lol...yes, I didn't wait long to start this one...….

It`s now a 5 night rotation I believe in the Club Lounge......the only thing missing from your list (unless I missed it) is American night where it`s chicken mac n cheese and a rather nice coleslaw...….the paella replaced the lemon chicken which was one of my favourites! Not fond of paella...…although they do change the menu seasonally so it could be different again.

I`m so glad you caught up with this one and enjoyed it.....we love lots of pics and do take loads.....so I`m happy you liked them.

Thank you for the lovely comments....and I`ll pass them along to the photographer of the two of us...….lol.....hope to see you on the next one.....coming up soon...….

Thanks for letting me know on the rotation. I'm not fond of Paella either! (and I know none of my kids would eat it too). This is ok though because my plan for our trip is to take advantage of the Lounge food on nights where the whole family would enjoy the entree and go do our restaurant nights when it's something we don't like. It will strike a good balance.

 

[schumigirl]

Thanks for letting me know on the rotation. I'm not fond of Paella either! (and I know none of my kids would eat it too). This is ok though because my plan for our trip is to take advantage of the Lounge food on nights where the whole family would enjoy the entree and go do our restaurant nights when it's something we don't like. It will strike a good balance.

Yes, it`s a popular dish, but not everyone`s cup of tea......

Sounds like a good plan you have...….

 

[schumigirl]

Link to new September Trip Report...…..

https://www.disboards.com/threads/w...-monsters-more-a-2019-hhn-sfr-rpr-tr.3761899/

 

[acndis]

Another great report! We just returned from Universal Hollywood where we got to ride the new Jurassic World ride. It's AMAZING! I could not help but think Tom & Carole would love this! You may have to make a trip to sunny CA to try it out. Mummy is a lot of fun there, too. Totally different story with some fun twists. Can't wait for the next report.

 

[schumigirl]

Another great report! We just returned from Universal Hollywood where we got to ride the new Jurassic World ride. It's AMAZING! I could not help but think Tom & Carole would love this! You may have to make a trip to sunny CA to try it out. Mummy is a lot of fun there, too. Totally different story with some fun twists. Can't wait for the next report.

I am so happy you had such an amazing trip!!! I’ve heard good things about the JW ride out there.......yes, we’d love to ride that.......I didn’t know the Mummy was different out there.....we always say we won’t visit Universal out there, but then I read comments like yours and how much you enjoyed it and think.......hmmmmm........maybe we should......lol.....

Thank you........I’m so glad you enjoyed this report though.......next one is up and running......would love to see you over there too.......

 

[Cara]

With the early weird part of our day behind us, we did put it out of our mind......well, I say that.....I found I couldn't really snooze as it was annoying me a little. Which annoyed me even more as usually I don't let things I can`t control bother me too much.....lol....so it was a vicious circle...….but it was nice just resting for a little while in a darkened room!! Tom watched tv in the sitting room....I think he found an episode of the original Star Trek and was hooked. Of course.

But, eventually I got up and showered and changed, and it wasn't too long till we were ready to go.

We always love to try new restaurants, and even better when it`s a personal recommendation from someone who`s opinion we trust...…and a few days before one of the managers of Strong Water had mentioned a place in Winter Garden, and we hadn't heard of it before. He had worked with the man who is the head chef before and from speaking to us, he and Fernando knew it was somewhere we would both enjoy a lot.

It was the Chef`s Table at The Edgewater and this place had an amazing reputation and booking was definitely recommended. So when we had looked at the menu we knew we would love it, so Mike had made the booking for us and spoke to his former colleague about the allergies I had and they said they wouldn't be an issue.....so we were very much looking forward to it. He said to make sure and ask for Matt when we went in as he would look out for us.

It was hot when we went outside for the car, and then set off on the drive to Winter Garden...…..the roads were fairly quiet and not as busy as expected. It only takes around 30 minutes to drive here, maybe more maybe less depending on the route you take I guess...….but it was pleasant. And Downtown Winter Garden is beautiful...…..

We surprisingly hadn't been here before. We had driven through the main area where 4Rivers is, but this part is very pretty and scenic. And a very warm and welcoming feel about it.

We had been told parking could or maybe tricky, there was nowhere to park directly at the restaurant, but we did get parked a 5 minute walk away, so quite handy. There is on street parking and I`m sure we saw a sign for a car park, but this was ideal and as we were early (we usually are) we managed to have a wander around a few of the little stores in the town. And it was beautiful.

As soon as we stepped out the car, the heat almost imprinted itself on us, this was bliss......but the dress I was wearing wasn't the finest of materials and felt quite heavy on tonight....but it was lovely and we already knew we would want to come back to this beautiful little town.

There is a plethora of stores and all unique and the design of the stores all fit in to this quaint little town......it was beyond pretty. And folks were so friendly everywhere...….

There is a store in Mount Dora that we love that sells all sorts of Olive oils and balsamic vinegars.…..it is beautiful and this town had a similar store only a little smaller but much prettier. The ladies who ran it were extremely nice and when we said we weren't buying anything tonight they were still chatty and encouraged us to look around and try the vast range of products...….we would come back here and try some of the produce....it was a lovely little store called The Sacred Olive.

We wished we`d had more time to peruse, but it was near our reservation time so we wandered across the street and found the building.

It is right on the main street, called a rather vapid, bland and non descriptive address of West Plant Street...….you say a name like Ocean View or Mountain Plain and your mind portrays a rather splendid image.....but this one inspired me to think of industry, when nothing could be further from the truth, it was a beautiful street.

And you couldn't miss the green canopied restaurant.

We walked in to a rather busy front bar...….and at the desk I saw the man awaiting us had Matt written on his jacket, so we had found our man...…..I said I believe you`re expecting us......he smiled and came out from behind the desk and said our names and welcomed us to the restaurant...….he was as nice as we had been told and he immediately took us through the back of a rather large restaurant that belied it`s original impression...….and then through again to the very private area that housed 3 chef`s tables……...we chatted about Mike who he had worked with previously and we told him how much we loved Sapphire and of course Strong Water Bar...…..he surely hoped we would enjoy our meal and said he`d come back and check on us and brought in our waiter for the evening, Ryan.

We loved it here immediately...….the personal welcome was lovely and the ambience of the restaurant worked for us and it was very intimate in here, which we liked. At the moment we were alone, but one of the other tables was soon occupied by a mother and daughter. The third table lay vacant till we left.

Tom had opted to drive tonight, we did plan to go back to Strong Water later so we would get a bottle of wine then......but for me I had a lovely couple of glasses of Pinot Noir, while Tom stuck to water. he`s not a huge fan of coke type drinks so water would be fine for him.

The Chef`s Table menu is a 3 course set dinner with four options for each course. The appetisers for me, weren't something I`d normally choose but it was nice having something a little different for a change.

Tom is very keen on his water!!!!

Tom`s appetiser was a mushroom and chive crepe torte.....it had a roasted shallot cream and truffle salt and almost looked like a triangular lasagne…….

It was unusual for him to have anything vegetarian as we do like a meat or fish appetiser usually, but this had appealed to him and he absolutely loved it.....I couldn't try it as it had onion in it, but he cleared the plate.....

Mine was a frisee salad with an assortment of beets and the sauce was beautiful.....

There was no rushed feeling in here either, and I could have talked wines with our waiter all night.....he was knowledgeable without being too effusive.

Our entrees arrived with a perfect amount of time between courses, and I had ordered the fish which tonight was Tile fish, one I had never tried before......and came served atop a beautiful rice dish adorned with crab which was one of the tastiest dishes I had ever tried...….

Tom had of course opted for the filet......

The pictures aren't the clearest as it was a very romantically lit restaurant.....and we just wanted to eat to be honest...….

Both dishes were glorious. Tom`s filet could be mistaken for butter as it was so soft and full of flavour…...not over seasoned at all which is sometimes the case. But he had asked for medium rare tonight and it was ideal for him.

My fish was soft and creamy while flaky in texture......perfect, and that rice.....I could have eaten that meal every night for a month!!!!

Matt came in just as we had finished our entrees and we assured him we had indeed loved every second of our experience tonight......he really was a nice man who had a genuine passion for the restaurant......the owners were there too and seemed like very nice people too. No wonder this place gets amazing reviews.

We then ordered our desserts...….I went for the crème brulee and Tom the cheesecake...…

I cannot for the life of me remember what the crème brulee flavour was, but it did have a flavour and the cheesecake was white chocolate and something......I didn't write them down...……..of course not!!!!

​

https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=i&r...aw1tWD9f78iLoTOd14Q5yVk4&ust=1562335003026564​

They were a treat.

Crème brulee was perfect and for me a good judge of a restaurant indeed if they can get the top correct. Tom`s cheesecake was creamy and well balanced so it didn't feel to heavy after our other two courses, so it was nice to have a dessert like that.

The whole meal was blissful. It truly had been one of the nicest restaurants we had ever been in. We like unique and we like different.....although we do like chains at times too....but places like this are true gems and keep their well deserved reputations by keeping up high standards like this...….we would absolutely come back.

We thanked Ryan and paid the check which was a lot less than we thought it would be.....such a meal could easily be served at a higher price. It was worth every cent.

A quick bathroom visit and we looked for Matt to say thank you and good night.....he was waiting for us at the door and we had a lovely chat before he showed us out of this wonderful restaurant. He said he hoped to see us again and they would keep our details on file so when we booked again they`d know it was us, with allergies this is ideal as it saves going through them every time. So, once again we thanked him for a lovely meal and we set off for a wander in the centre of this lovely little area.

It was a beautiful Friday evening and the singer was indeed very good.....people were just sat around listening or singing along. Some were lazing on the grass with blankets, others were lounging on the many benches strewn around and it was just a lovely atmosphere...…

We, as always, got chatting to many people around the town and every single one of them were beyond friendly and keen to chat. The Scottish connection keeps coming up with many people talking of how they have family there or their family originated there......it`s always lovely to hear these stories...…and yes, one lady did ask if we might know her family name......I have to say we admitted we hadn't heard of anyone by that name. Bless her.

One other couple offered to take our picture and made us check we were happy with the image before they headed off for their evening.....people are so nice.

The last of the daylight made the place even prettier, and we were loathed to leave to be honest......

This was a town we will come back to. I`d love to visit for lunch one day, and then dinner at the Edgewater again another night. They have a beautiful regular tasting menu which appealed to us a lot, so I`m not sure whether we will do that or the chef`s table again....I know Tom would go back for both!!!

The car was only a short walk away and we got in and drove back home....we were full and had no room for any more items tonight......

Well, except for wine of course...…….

The bottle we ordered was the same one Fernando had sent to our room as a gift last visit. It really was a beautiful wine and not on the menu as it was a bellhop special one they had in. Our lovely waiter managed to find it as we couldn't remember the full name...…..he was a star!!!!

We spoke to Mike and Fernando and told them how lovely our meal had been and the whole place had been a treat......they were glad!!! I know when I recommend somewhere, I always want it to be a good experience and pray it`s a success....so I knew they were glad it had been a success for us. Mike said Matt had sent him a text saying we had been in and enjoyed the meal and how nice we were......awwww...…...that was nice to hear...…..

Fernando brought the wine over himself and was glad we liked it enough to order our own bottle.....it really was worth the cost. Very smooth but full wine.

It was fairly quiet for a Friday night right now...…..and the guitar guy wasn't on yet, he can be quite loud at times and we do see folks ask for his music to be turned down a little as it can be a little overpowering. But, he is good.

It got busier around 10pm, and we did enjoy our evening in here.....we like evenings like this where we just sit and chat.....Lenny came over a couple of times to chat and so did one or two of the others......it is the friendliest of places...….

We sat till around 10.30pm before admitting we were tired......Friday night and we were sloping off before the place livened up....we did feel a little old doing this.

But, tired we were and we did apologise to the couple coming out of the elevator as we were getting in as the doors opened all they saw was our mouths wide open yawning...…..how rude of us!!!! They laughed....lol.....usually we do cover our mouths, but didn't this time....oops......I hate that!!! It`s as bad as people coughing and not covering their mouth!!!

In the room we popped the water in the fridge and we did think about watching some tv......but, honestly......we were whooped.

Bed was very appealing tonight...…….we had enjoyed such a lovely evening after such a weird day...….but as always, when these odd and strange things happen to us my motto is always the same...…….

​

Tomorrow we had no idea what we planned to do at all...…..just the way we like it...…...but for now, sleep.

Well, as you know, I am VERY late to the party here. But I have to chime in and with a comment that my husband, who used to be a youth pastor, had a similar experience at a mall where he had sent kids off on a photo scavenger hunt. They were stopped and told that for security reasons they could not take photos of the stores. I thought it was so odd at the time!

And the Chef's Table looks LOVELY! I had to Google the restaurant to peruse the menu, and my mouth dropped open at the price of $58.90 per person for the three-course prix fixe menu! What a good price for what looks like a unique and amazing meal!

 

[schumigirl]

Well, as you know, I am VERY late to the party here. But I have to chime in and with a comment that my husband, who used to be a youth pastor, had a similar experience at a mall where he had sent kids off on a photo scavenger hunt. They were stopped and told that for security reasons they could not take photos of the stores. I thought it was so odd at the time!

And the Chef's Table looks LOVELY! I had to Google the restaurant to peruse the menu, and my mouth dropped open at the price of $58.90 per person for the three-course prix fixe menu! What a good price for what looks like a unique and amazing meal!

Late or not, it’s always lovely to see your comments.......

Yes, it was odd.......we went back this trip and took pictures all over the place.......in front of security too, no one said a word. Weird. And stopping kids on a scavenger hunt???? That is even weirder........strange world we live in!!

It is a beautiful restaurant........and yes, a fabulous price for what we received. I didn’t take the wine pairings and just had two glasses of red, as they were offering whites and reds with each course.....I can’t mix the two, so easier just to choose my own.

We did plan to go back this trip, but never made it expire going to Winter Garden, but we’ll go back in May. Kyle isn’t fussed in going there so won’t be going next trip.

Glad you’re enjoying this one now too........

 

[Vicki Rickerd]

So, my overactive imagination could simmer down to a panic now

I am right there with you sister. In this day and age, our overactive imagination is really happening. You did the right thing by alerting someone.

 

[schumigirl]

I am right there with you sister. In this day and age, our overactive imagination is really happening. You did the right thing by alerting someone.

Seeing something like that did make me nervous......and a few folks around too were the same but didn’t want to say anything! There are signs up all over the airport telling you to report anything you find odd......of course in the end it was completely harmless, but seeing someone strap a device to them......now I know of course......

I‘d do the same again in a heartbeat......