Michael Myers returns..and so do we....19 Fabulous nights of HHN, RP & SF Sept/Oct 2018

[schumigirl]

September 10 - 18 did the extra night because I didn't want to fly on 9/11...I might add another night before it's over depending on the HHN dates.

Wondering if it will start earlier as per rumours with Rock the Universe dates being moved

 

[schumigirl]

Carole, still here and thanks for reminding me of the Monster's Cafe memorabilia. DH is a huge fan of "old" Universal Horror Movies.

Hey Wendy...……

Hope you`re doing ok........

The memorabilia in there is fabulous......we love it!!! And yes, we are huge fans of the old classic monster movies......we even love the Abbott and Costello ones too......lol...…heck, we just love many old black and white classics......watching Basil Rathbone as Sherlock Holmes as I type...….love them!!

We and others have said for years they should do a classic HHN house with all the old favourites……

Nice seeing you post again...….

 

[schumigirl]

So, we went up to our room and cooled down a little...….we got changed, freshened up and then headed out to the car to go for lunch...…..I was starving now, as usual...….I`m never far away from being hungry!!!

The drive up there is beautiful......it has so many little places we go through that I would love to live in!!!

Yellow Dog Eats is a wonderful little place and not too far away in Gotha...….it`s a very local place and not too many tourists go......there are a few but not too many. And busy......boy is it always busy...…..there is car parking at the rear and some extra parking across the street, we`ve always been lucky and got parked no problems, but at night I think it can get incredibly busy.

It has a very unique menu...…..loads of choices and everything is freshly made to order......it is also the friendliest place and you are made to feel so welcome...…

There is a huge amount of space outside to eat and drink, but it`s always too hot for us to sit out and eat.....but there are loads of seats...…and big fans blowing to cool folks down....which is very welcome on a day like today.

Once inside there are very few indoor seats.....there are three small tables and of course you can sit at the bar and get food there too...…

Some days you go in and there is barely room to move.....the line for food can stretch out the door.....and today as we were a little later, we had missed the rush, although it was still busy...……

We did manage to find a free table today......and had a quick look at the menu...….I knew what I was having as I wanted the same sandwich as I had the last time...…..and Tom was still choosing as it was a hard choice!!!

Eventually he decided he would have the classic yellow dog club sandwich...….which was turkey, smoked gouda, bacon, salad and he exchanged Cointreau mayo for regular mayo all on wholegrain bread.....comes with potato chips and coleslaw...….

You order your food at the counter and pay then they call your name when it`s ready, usually in a funny and humorous way...….and you go pick up your food which is served on a tray rather than a plate which we quite liked…..

While we wait we study the walls which are covered in pictures of dogs from all over the world from various folks who have been or visited in the past.....very cute...….

I opted again for the Rufus...…...oh my goodness this is the best sandwich ever!!!!

Pulled pork, sliced brie, hot cherry pepper rings, raspberry melba sauce along with their own gold bbq sauce....I of course add jalapenos...….and on a white bun...….and comes again with coleslaw and potato chips...…..

I swear I`ve never enjoyed a sandwich more...…….it was the tastiest pulled pork and everything else blended well together...…..I`ve tried to recreate this one at home.....but it`s never the same...….and the coleslaw is lovely too...…..

Tom loved his...….so much so he was quite full but couldn't stop eating it!!! It was that kind of place...…I very rarely see him eat a sandwich with such relish!!!

We both just had cokes today although there is a full bar...….and they have the most amazing choices of beers......I had never heard of most of them......wines were also quite unusual...….but never got around to trying them. Maybe if we come up in the evenings we might and get a cab...….it really was a place you could enjoy any time of the day or evening.

Today we only looked at the gorgeous desserts on offer...….so tempting......but we were so full up!!! We didn't even feel like taking any away with us today...…..

They do have some unique memorabilia outside too...….it`s just one of those places that is a little bit different to mainstream choices for food...……

More coming up...…….

 

[keishashadow]

Love how that slice of old Florida via traditional roadhouse is serving up American bistro type food. No greasy spoon stuff there

lol...…...

Oh congratulations!!!!

Always hear fabulous reports about Disney cruises......and we do like the Portofino too......when do you go on your next trip?

DCL sailings we’ve taken have been awesome, mostly for the service and Disney vibe. When no kiddos along tho have found myself booking the other mainstream lines. Typically, Find I can book at least 2 nice week long balcony sailings vs a shorter DCL inside for the same price.

September 10 - 18 did the extra night because I didn't want to fly on 9/11...I might add another night before it's over depending on the HHN dates.

Next year’s date & rate thread is in place lol

 

[schumigirl]

Driving back to the hotel we made a few plans for the rest of the day...…..we thought we would go back into the parks and do the water rides again.....and since it looked like it would rain a little that's exactly what we did.....

We got back and changed into quicker drying clothes...….and made the walk back to IOA for the water rides.....to be honest we felt like sleeping.....but we also wanted to have another go at the rides that soak you as we only ever do them when we make a special visit to do them.....although we do Jurassic park on regular park days......but Bluto and Dudley just drench you......that's no fun to then wander around soaked.

We slowly walked back to the parks as it was too hot to go any quicker anyway.....

We went past Bluto Barges as they had an issue that would be fixed soon, so straight on Dudley Do Rights.

Dudley is an awkward ride...…..I`m big and find it quite awkward but you do see a lot of folks struggling to get out of the boats.....they are narrow and you really have to push yourself up and out at the same time......while soaking wet.....and if you`re like me and have very weak wrists.....it`s a challenge!!

But, it is such a good drop on this ride!!! Love it......the rest of the ride isn't very interesting to me at all, but that drop is so fast......and again I wish it were taller!!! We love drops so the bigger the better...…

We share a boat with a mother and her daughter who was around 10......they both were nervous as the mother had only done it once before and the daughter had never been on it......and they both loved it......screamed like the damned as it went down the drop.....then declared it the best ever!!!! Loved to hear that...…..

We were soaked though!!!! Drenched to the bone...….and laughing like drains as it is an incredible drop.....and glad to see the pair we were on with want to go round again...….although we all helped the mother out as she was stuck......lol.....and we were all laughing which didn't help matters...….especially the mother!! But, we got her out with a good haul.……

We went back to Bluto and got straight on a barge immediately......this was a nice crowd we were on with today...….no ponchos and everyone just wanted to get wet...….although the rain had come on a bit now which was nice.....but we all wanted drenched...….the heavy pour missed Tom and I and got the mother and one of the sons the most...….they took it in good spirit......as everyone was just laughing...….love when you get put on a ride with folks like that...…..

We dripped off as we were even wetter now and thought we might as well go back on.....so we did and ended up on a barge to ourselves......this time we did get drenched under the crescendo of water that falls at one point...….we were now almost drowning in water!!

But, we were cool......and it was dull now......not heavy rain as such, but a little drizzle...…

Even without the rain we couldn't be bothered now to walk all the way around to JPRA...….so we dawdled back home and our clothes flapped around us all the way...….even in this heat there was no sun right now so we weren't going to be dry anytime soon...…

Once back in the hotel we hoped again we wouldn't run into anyone we knew on the way as we did look like drowned rats...….me more so as I have long hair.....well, I have hair......lol...….we went up and got showered and changed, then went down to the Club Lounge to sit for a while.

I checked my mails and Matt had emailed if we were around to meet for a drink later......so I replied we would meet them at Jake`s at 6pm.

We enjoyed our time in the lounge again tonight, such good fun and always a pleasure to be in there...…

Just before six we noticed a load of noise coming from down at Jake`s......and a load of conference folks had descended on it...….so we wandered down to wait for Matt and Rob and thought we`d ask if they wanted to go up to Orchids instead......so a few minutes later and they appeared...….it was so good to see them both.

We had only briefly met Matt (AussieBritTraveller) a few years ago when he spoke to us in the lobby one day when we were talking to our friend......and said some lovely things that made me blush...….lol...….but we hadn't managed to meet up that time. So we were determined that this time we would at least meet for a drink...…

It was loud, so we did go upstairs and went into Orchids...…..

I think we had cocktails????? I know Tom didn't drink as he was driving tonight, but, I honestly can`t remember what we had which is unusual for me...….but we had a lovely time and got on so well...….Rob is as adorable as Matt was and this was another could have sat there all night moments...….our friend came over to say hello which was lovely too and ironically it was when we were talking to him 3 years back when we first spoke to Matt......just a little coincidence. We always love to see him and Matt joked he said we would know everyone...….lol...….

Matt and Rob were heading to the parks and we were going to Yard house for dinner tonight.....so we said our goodbyes but not before getting a picture......I was always forgetting pictures this trip with everyone.....so we asked the waiter if he would be so kind.....and of course took some for Matt on his phone and our camera.....

I do like this picture!!!

It`s always lovely getting to know folks you`ve only ever spoken online to......and it`s an even nicer thing when you get on so well.…..and we really did, we felt as if we had known them for years!

We had been so lucky with meeting folks we knew from online and those people had all become very good friends once we met...…..of course there is the odd one like the lady in Sapphire Falls who definitely wasn't someone who wanted to be my friend......lol...….I can deal with that no problems!!! But, yes, we were very fortunate with meets.

So we set off on our separate directions and both said we hoped we would see them again before we left...…

We went out to the car and headed down towards the Orlando Eye where Yard House is...…

Parking here is so easy.....the multi storey car park is large, light and close by the attractions it services.....and free!! And two minutes later we were walking into Yard House.

It had been a while since we had been here but we had enjoyed it......so we thought it had a better atmosphere at night than lunch, and as usual it was incredibly busy...….but we didn't have long to wait to get a table...….maybe just under 10 minutes...…..and we got a booth that was a little on the dark side, but it was fine...…..

Our waiter was pleasant and asked if we had been before and we said we had....he started to tell us about the many beers they produce and sell, but as Tom was driving he was on sprite......I don't drink beers, so I ordered a Vampire red wine.....seemed appropriate for Halloween time of year.

It was decent actually. Not great, but drinkable.

When it came to food I opted for the Nashville Hot Chicken which was fried and served with sweet potato pancakes, pickles, ranch dressing and honey hot sauce. Tom chose the shrimp jamabalaya again......he had enjoyed it last time we were here and thought he`d have it again...…..

Tom`s was lovely......full of flavour and the shrimp were gorgeous!!! He practically cleared his plate of everything...…..

Mine was nice, but sincerely lacked the "hot" the name of the dish promised......the sweet potato pancakes were different......but strangely nice and the honey sauce was lovely, albeit not hot.

But, we did enjoy our meal and would go back again one day. It`s quite a noisy place at night but has a great atmosphere. However, the ladies on the welcome desk could be a little more friendly......they did seem a little disinterested in anyone who walked through the door, except one of them who more than made up for the other two young ladies.

We like this area...…..it has the Orlando Eye of course and the area around is so pretty...….full of families just relaxing and chilling out...…..and has some lovely water features...…….

We had done the Eye several times, so had no plans to do it tonight......but it`s lovely to just wander around and enjoy the evening....….

We also wandered over to look at but had no plans to go on the newest attraction down here...…..


The StarFlyer………..is the world's tallest swing ride standing at 450 feet!!!!

Now, I looked at the bucket beside the chairs below and assumed it was in case you hurled when you came down.....and thought oh that's a good idea!!!

Turns out it`s for your shoes and anything else that may fall...…...doh!!!

​

It made sense to me as all I could think of was, I`d hurl if I went on that!!!! But, when I thought about it, the real reason made more sense...……

There were a few people go on it and none of them looked even remotely terrified......but, I will say they were all young......you don't seem to have any at that age generally...….unlike me who imagined all sorts of ways you could die on that one ride alone.....

So we watch...…...and marvel that they seem to love it...…….except that one girl who is screaming she`s actually going to die!!!!

And when they get off it`s actually a guy who was doing the screaming...…..he hated it apparently.....you`d never have guessed!!!!

It just doesn't look very safe......the chairs don't look very robust although I`m sure they are...….and I am dreading December if Kyle actually wants to go on this...…..well, that`ll be dad`s job to go on with him if he does...….

Although not quite sure if I could watch them go on it, I`d be terrified...……I`ll be in the bar.....somewhere...….anywhere....long as it`s close by.....

​

After we were through watching the ever growing line of folks waiting to experience the circle of speed up in the night sky, we headed back to the car park...…..

The car park was still busy, and although this area was quiet, all the restaurants around were busy and most looked full...….it is a nice area to visit on an evening...…..

We drove back home and went straight to our room...…..it wasn't late, but it was one of those nights we wanted to lay back and watch old Friends episodes or Will and Grace...….

We had no towel animals tonight, but turndown service had as always left the room with the lights dimmed and our extra water placed by the beds.

Tom went for some ice and I made us up our favourite rum, ginger beer and lime...….this little bottle of lime juice was fabulous...….we also had some little snack items we nibbled on.....and it just felt nice...…..

So that was our night.....….barely 10.30pm and we were tucked up in our room in bed, watching Friends....followed by Two and A Half Men...…….the high life!!!!


Tomorrow...…..IOA...…

 

[schumigirl]

Love how that slice of old Florida via traditional roadhouse is serving up American bistro type food. No greasy spoon stuff there



DCL sailings we’ve taken have been awesome, mostly for the service and Disney vibe. When no kiddos along tho have found myself booking the other mainstream lines. Typically, Find I can book at least 2 nice week long balcony sailings vs a shorter DCL inside for the same price.



Next year’s date & rate thread is in place lol

Yep, there`s a whole load of similar places in Mount Dora like that...….very beautiful...…

We are spoilt for choice when we go up there, and everywhere so far has been a success food wise!

 

[Cara]

o we watch...…...and marvel that they seem to love it...…….except that one girl who is screaming she`s actually going to die!!!!

Nope, no... no ma'am. Not in this lifetime..

 

[schumigirl]

Nope, no... no ma'am. Not in this lifetime..

Lol........I said the same thing!!! I’m with you.......

They weren’t just going around while climbing to that majestic height........they were also wobbling around from side to side too which looked downright terrifying!

I love rollercoasters of all kinds, but this..........no. Just no.

 

[AussieBritTraveller]

Oh Wow we made the trip report, how cool. I love that photo too it was so good to meet you both properly

I think we had the red wine that you were having, it was lush!

I've lagged a bit behind with my report, that tooth extraction has knocked me for 6. Taking tomm off work as I haven't really stopped!

As always loving your report!

 

[schumigirl]

Oh Wow we made the trip report, how cool. I love that photo too it was so good to meet you both properly

I think we had the red wine that you were having, it was lush!

I've lagged a bit behind with my report, that tooth extraction has knocked me for 6. Taking tomm off work as I haven't really stopped!

As always loving your report!

Of course you’d be in the report!!!

Oh gosh that’s right, red wine.......I remember now!!!

And I claim to have a good memory!!!

Oh bless you Matt.......take it easy........have a relaxing day tomorrow then. It’s an awful thing to have done though.....can knock you a little when there’s complications.........

Glad you’re still enjoying it though........big hug to you and send one to Rob too........

 

[keishashadow]

I didn’t know there was a yard house in MCO! We were parked last trip in lot by Charley’s (hoping nobody would toss something off the ‘swings’ that were a bit too close for comfort to our rental lol. Came back out and had people sitting on the hood looking up watching the swings. In what country is that considered acceptable? Yes, i inspected the car for scratches as it was a brand new rental lol.

Have penciled in the yard house on a trip/another city, looks right up our alley . Was going to order the Nashville chicken. i like Spicey, not “hot”, going to guess it’ll be perfect for me. Have ordered it at some places where it takes the top of your head off, it is so hot.

 

[schumigirl]

I didn’t know there was a yard house in MCO! We were parked last trip in lot by Charley’s (hoping nobody would toss something off the ‘swings’ that were a bit too close for comfort to our rental lol. Came back out and had people sitting on the hood looking up watching the swings. In what country is that considered acceptable? Yes, i inspected the car for scratches as it was a brand new rental lol.

Have penciled in the yard house on a trip/another city, looks right up our alley . Was going to order the Nashville chicken. i like Spicey, not “hot”, going to guess it’ll be perfect for me. Have ordered it at some places where it takes the top of your head off, it is so hot.

Oh you’d love it in Yard House.

It was really tame for my liking.......Kyle says when I say that it means “normal” people can eat it......lol......I think he’d class you as normal then!! Not sure what he classes me as with my hot and spicy eating habits......

Don’t get it in O’ Charley’s on Turkey Lake Road........even Tom can’t eat that one!!! It’s perfect for me .......but it is hot hot hot!!!

Folks were sitting on the hood!!! How rude........people are so inconsiderate and have no respect for others belongings at times.............we look after rentals like they were our own so that would have made us annoyed too.

Just noticed your new ticker.......nice!!!

 

[macraven]

Oh Wow we made the trip report, how cool!

You have now moved up to celebrity status as pics of you were also included in Carole’s trip report....

 

[schumigirl]

You have now moved up to celebrity status as pics of you were also included in Carole’s trip report....

Lol........

I’m going to have to post an older picture of you and I this time as we forgot our picture together recently.......

 

[pattyw]

Your lunches look fabulous! The Florida orange dreamsicle cake looks luscious!!

That Star Flyer is just unreal! Can't imagine going on it! Would love to hear from someone who tried it- maybe you'll get that review if Kyle braves it on your trip!

 

[Raeven]

The whole "family" thing is nauseating...….and I`m a very schmaltzy loving person.....I love all that...….but, it`s so fake, too fake. I was already wishing we hadn't bothered.

The ride vehicle came along and we got the guy in our row with the giant backpack...…...and it was giant!!! But, we set off and it was as dull and pointless as we remembered it to be. I can`t explain what is so wrong with it......it`s just dreadful...……

I agree we might ride it again someday if the line is short, but there's nothing I care for in that ride.

We have thousands of pictures that we take on every trip, and we do condense them down and delete a load that maybe aren't as good as they could be, but those pictures are memories that can`t be replicated and we love to look back at them all and enjoy those memories all the more.

I hope I never become as jaded as to say oh you can see that online and it`s so much better...…..we love our pictures and will continue to take as many as we can every trip...….(off soap box )

I love going back through our pictures & taking them! I hate hearing the whole "you aren't living in the moment if you're taking pictures" spiel some people give or "you can't experience it through a screen". I don't get why you can't take a picture and be present in the moment, if it's something I'd like to remember later a picture is a nice way to do it. I once went to a concert where the lead singer was shaming people who were taking videos by saying things like that, and it really bothered me.

We realized today we had never posed directly in front of the Universal globe.....not once since our first visit in 2007......we must rectify that one day when the three of us are there as a family...…

I realized in May that we've only taken one picture ever of the globe and it was on our very first trip

29 nights at RPR and probably a few of them will be at Sapphire Falls too...…..I know you guys will know how excited we already are for that trip!!!

Oh wow almost a whole month! Maybe we'll see you there! We're going to try to make it to HHN on both coasts this coming year.

There were a few people go on it and none of them looked even remotely terrified......but, I will say they were all young......you don't seem to have any at that age generally...….unlike me who imagined all sorts of ways you could die on that one ride alone.....

I don't know I've been deathly afraid of heights my whole life and I'd never get on that! Josh is older than me and is the brave one, but I told him he can't go on that because I'd be terrified the whole time for him

 

[schumigirl]

Your lunches look fabulous! The Florida orange dreamsicle cake looks luscious!!

That Star Flyer is just unreal! Can't imagine going on it! Would love to hear from someone who tried it- maybe you'll get that review if Kyle braves it on your trip!

We haven't tried that one yet.....it`s just huge though!! Looks lush.....

I won`t ever go on that..….but have told Kyle I`d prefer he didn't.....but hey, he`s an adult!! Least it`s not me who will be going on with him...….

 

[schumigirl]

I agree we might ride it again someday if the line is short, but there's nothing I care for in that ride.



I love going back through our pictures & taking them! I hate hearing the whole "you aren't living in the moment if you're taking pictures" spiel some people give or "you can't experience it through a screen". I don't get why you can't take a picture and be present in the moment, if it's something I'd like to remember later a picture is a nice way to do it. I once went to a concert where the lead singer was shaming people who were taking videos by saying things like that, and it really bothered me.



I realized in May that we've only taken one picture ever of the globe and it was on our very first trip



Oh wow almost a whole month! Maybe we'll see you there! We're going to try to make it to HHN on both coasts this coming year.



I don't know I've been deathly afraid of heights my whole life and I'd never get on that! Josh is older than me and is the brave one, but I told him he can't go on that because I'd be terrified the whole time for him

I know Tom will go on with Kyle in December, but I`m totally happy to never go on it again...…

Yes, you can still enjoy the moment despite taking pictures......totally agree......and another person said to me they hadn't had their picture at the globe since their first visit in 2005!! It`s not just us...…

Yes, I`m hoping emotional blackmail will halt Kyle from going on it.....my legs go like jelly just thinking of him up there!!!

Oh goodness I hope we can meet up next year.....that would be awesome!!! Both coasts for HHN...….now that is a trip and a half in the making!!! Will look forward to reading about that one!!!

 

[Seeker615]

Just caught up.

I have never been in Monsters Cafe. It always seems closed when we go. I will have to make a point of checking it out when I can.

Love Love Love both Potter areas. I loved your photos. I could spend days in both and never be bored. Universal really got everything right.

And a big no from me as well with that Star Flyer ride. I love coasters and I zip - lined at one of the highest and fastest courses but the thought of spinning around that high and in those seats...no way.

 

[schumigirl]

TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 25TH...……..

We all of a sudden had a week left!!! It hadn't felt as if it had gone by too quickly at the time, but when you start to see the weather on tv for the next days and you`ll be home by then......that's not good!!!

Neither of us slept great last night......nothing disturbed us, it was just one of those nights......I think our minds were all over the place with one thing and another...….Tom was mainly thinking about how Kyle`s bathroom was getting on and if there were any issues he wasn't telling us...….which of course there was, but it was all sorted....we trusted the guys doing the job implicitly...….but we stayed awake talking about plans for the next few days and moving hotels..…..so our minds were overactive...…...never bodes well for a good sleep.

But, we were up and out for breakfast early again...….and a good cup or two of coffee and water and we were raring to go...…..well, when I say raring to go...….we were awake. That would have to do this morning...…

Of course once we start walking along the path we begin to seriously waken up now...….the heat as we walked through the pool was immense for this time of the morning......and we were getting used to it by now I think....better than rain!!!

The walk is always lovely and there is a freshness walking along the path this morning......and by the time we reach the gates to IOA we are ready to do some rides and have some fun!!!

It does look quiet this morning......of course looks can be deceiving as we had discovered on many occasions...we have a quick wander in the shop which is deliciously cool and welcoming and pick up a few items to be sent back to the room......a mug and some gifts for friends and their kids and grandkids…...we still had to pick Kyle up his HHN teeshirt and a few things for him......he always likes a new mug!! Doesn't ask for much...…..

We go back out into the burning heat and wander round past some of the prettiest buildings in the park......and look for the crowds...….

There really was no one around......well, hardly anyone...…..

We absolutely loved the parks when they were like this...….it was reminiscent of the days back in 2007 when we visited in September and there was no one there......even in the Disney parks back then, before the quiet periods seem to disappear...…..we were lucky enough to go round on the same log six times without getting off of Splash Mountain back then...….genuinely, no one there.....but those days were long gone...…

So, on mornings like these we really appreciated less people than usual...……

We were on The Hulk in seconds...…...it wasn't empty but there were other folks on the ride too.....we had never managed this one on our own ever...…..

We love The Hulk!!! This was the first big coaster I ever went on, so I have a fondness for this ride for that reason...….but the take off is really what makes this ride so much fun...….whoosh and you`re plummeting down the first drop before you know it...…..so much fun!!! I always mean to have a good look around me when I`m on this ride and try and catch the road where the entrance to RP is......but as usual, I tend to face forward which helps not make me feel as dizzy if I am going to be on any ride...….

Today is fine...….Tom doesn't feel like going on again either though so we head round to Dr Doom......and you can see just how crowded this area was too!!!!

This was fabulous...….and yes, we did use the EP line...……

Dr Doom line is alright, worth seeing once if there`s no line, but seems silly to walk through if you don't have to......although the cool temperatures in there was tempting today!!!

We go on Doom and the young guy tells us which side to go to...….there is around maybe 10 people in the regular line and we hear one girl say why would anyone use the EP line today...….

And she ended up on the same 4 seats as us...…..didn't say a word...…...lol...…..

We do this ride 3 times today......and loved every one of them...….short, yes, but being propelled up in the air like that is fabulous...…..

We then go on our usual Spiderman...…..this ride is simply one of the best for all it`s simplicity...….it does bash you around a little, but not too much.....and when it`s done we are always keen to go do it again.....so we do...…..twice!!! And the second time we get a ride vehicle to ourselves again...….first time there were only 6 of us on it...….

We buy a bottle of water each and drink it in the shade before we head round to Toon Lagoon...….we stop by this little bit.....I`m not sure if it` still a smokers zone, but as there`s no one there we have a look at what is the backside of Bluto`s Bilge Barges ride...…...looks so peaceful this side...……..

Toon lagoon is just one of the most colorful places around...…..although the yapping dog from the water feature in front here would have to have a muzzle...…..it is so annoying!!!

Today we enjoy the splashes from the water so we do stand close to them...……..

We also have a good wander around the gift store...….not that we want to buy anything in here, but again, it`s freezing in here so a delightful way to cool down for a few minutes before we go back outside...….

We have no plans to do the water rides today, well, the bigger ones anyway....but we do like a wander around this area...……

There are already folks coming off drenched...….and most I imagine are here for the full day.....I could not imagine walking around in wet shoes all day like that, so I hoped most had a change somewhere.....there are driers, but there is a charge and haven't heard if they`re good or not...….we have never used them.

Me Ship the Olive is real little gem. Kids would love it.....you can climb up and then slide down from the top tot he bottom in one big slide...….there are little things they can interact with like Popeye`s piano and see if you can play the tune correctly...…….and water jets, which although not very powerful, have the desired effect at times if you do manage to hit someone...….and sometimes they don't like it......really!!!! It`s a water ride......most folks laugh though...….we have seen grown adults spend ages up there using the jets......my two included!!!!

Down behind we had wandered many times, it is so pretty and peaceful although it has got busier...….Tom blames me for that!!!! But, usually there is hardly anyone down there.

But, standing at this bridge and watching the reactions of folks who usually don't know they are going to be deluged with water is the funniest thing ever!!!

We spend a fair amount of time standing here watching the various reactions of everyone who is riding this today...…..and again, most laugh.....but some get really irritated!!! They are the funniest actually...…

We rather reluctantly headed back to the general direction of Kong...…..and of course we have a tradition of taking Tom`s picture under this sign...…..but today, there was a couple doing the usual swapping of cameras......so we took theirs and they very kindly took ours.....as folks tend to do.

Next up Kong, little Potter and lunch...….