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

[schumigirl]

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.

The food never seems to be good in there.....haven't heard anyone say they enjoyed what they had in there.....but for a wander around it is fabulous!!! And such a shame about the food as staff seem to be so pleasant...…

They really did do an amazing job with Potter, especially with the restrictions JK Rowling put on them......yep, both areas are spectacular...…..we never get bored in there either!!! Always something to see...…

I`d love to go zip lining!!! Our friend showed us a video on his phone of when he did it....and I was so jealous.....now that must have been a thrill!! But, yep, I`d never do that spinning nightmare and yes, the seats looked as though they weren't tough enough or substantial enough to hold you safe!!!

 

[schumigirl]

Kong was next on our list today......is it our favourite ride? No. But, it`s well worth doing once or twice.....the regular line is also worth seeing.....and there are some fun surprises in the line on occasion too...…

There is no wait today at all with EP, I think the regular line was only 10 minutes...…..so we got on straight away and for once we weren't crammed in together like you can be at times...…..I again sat at the far end of the vehicle on row 11......one of the best rows and seats on the ride...….

It is decent. And we do enjoy it...…..but it`s a one and done usually for us.

We head round towards Potter...….we don't bother doing JPRA today...…but you can still see how quiet it really is today...….

I do love the view of the castle when you come in from the other side the most, but the view from here is neat too!!

We hadn't eaten a lot for breakfast this morning as we were quite tired, so we were ready for a snack and some water...…...In hindsight I wished we had waited and shared a pumpkin pasty between us......but, we saw the cheese Danish and the muffin in the stall opposite The Watering Hole and decided to have one each and some water...….

They were nice enough, but wouldn't buy them again......the little cake thing was nicer than the Danish. But, it filled a hole and we could now happily wait for lunch.

Onto Hogsmeade now and we got some glorious pictures of the Castle today again...….it never gets old seeing this.

We go on FJ and it is quiet...….we had seen it quiet before, but there was hardly anyone in the line at all......so we got straight on...….we both love this ride......it is just amazing......but towards the end it does get me little with the motion......so today this was a one and done again. Tom never minds not repeating rides as he`d rather me not get dizzy..….we have done them all so many times, so even if we miss them, it`s not a big deal. Although today would have been ideal for repeat rides for anyone who wanted to.

Love seeing the fake smoke coming out of the chimneys...…..

Now this was quiet...…..this looked like it did when the park was clearing out at night......and it was a joy to get around and be able to see things in the shops without hundreds of people around you. So we took our time and went in the shops and really enjoyed it...…

The cranes were a little distracting, but the quicker they finish the quicker we`ll get the new ride...…..and I believe as of yesterday they are one crane down so they seem to be progressing well...….

You would never believe you were as close to the outside world here...….you never hear a sound from the roads, and it is a main road the other side of where Duelling Dragons was situated...….they had done it so well with avoiding any sounds.

We went through the station and had a wander up the path to take you to the real HE, but we just went so far and came back again......we wanted to just see how far on they were with it...…..last time we looked we could see it better......they had put up a big screen in one part, but you could still see some of it...…..

The wooden frame is purported to be Hagrid`s Hut...….it`s now further on and the roof has been filled in but it looks so cool!!!

Cannot wait till this is fully announced!!!! This is really going to make up for disasters that were Jimmy Fallon and F&F!!!!!

We left Hogsmeade and went into Seuss...…..we really were hot today so we did the Trolley Train and then headed back to the hotel.……….

I always mean to have some cotton candy from here......but, we had just had the pastry and now it was getting close to lunch......and the cotton candy was huge!!!

We walked back of course as we were in IOA and it doesn't take long at all to get home from there......we do stop off for a picture of Sapphire again...….we would be moving over here on Friday and were looking forward to that too...…….

More coming up...…..

 

[AussieBritTraveller]

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........

Haha I'm good at remembering the alcoholic drinks

I had today as a sickie but a manager approved one as I think she could see I was pushing through it but in all honesty i really needed it, I do feel much better!

Hugs from both Rob and I and off course Jackson too xx

 

[keishashadow]

I’m so glad WDW couldn’t come to terms with JK, don’t think they’d have done it as well as U did. Especially, since WDW had so many other irons in the fire.

I can’t get over how empty the parks are often when you visit. Rarely do i get to see the pavement in front of us. Hoping coming down a week early next year for fall trip will give some crowd relief.

 

[schumigirl]

We happily jumped in the shower as our room had long been done and as always it was immaculately clean.....we don't leave the room a mess ever, but it is nice coming in to a freshly made bed and everything clean and sparkling......and fresh towels!!!! Once back home in the UK I always joke that I wonder who`ll come and change our towels!!!! I get so used to it when we`re here...…….

We walk through the lobby and run into our friend again......we were really being spoiled seeing him so often. So we chatted a while and then we headed out to lunch...…..this was all Tom`s choice today...….one of his favourite places, but certainly not my favourite place...….Ihop.

Tom loves Ihop……...we don't go to the one beside the Four Points hotel, we have gone in the past to the one on Kirkman and it was better.....bigger and looked cleaner. So, that was where he wanted to go today.

It wasn't too busy when we went in and we got a seat beside the window...…..the guy taking care of us was somewhat unique. Not really in a good way. But, he was civil and just a little over attentive. Not in a good way.

I ordered a strawberry splash berry which is a really lovely drink......strawberries, lemon lime soda and orange juice...….very refreshing.…..Tom just went for coffee...….

For food I had no clue what I wanted......but I ended up with a BLT and for some reason it came with pancakes......never asked for them, but whether you wanted them or not, you were getting them!!! Tom chose one of the breakfast options and the one he chose came with Mexican Tres Leches pancakes......he didn't really want them, but that's what it came with...….apparently. Our waiter insisted on it. Strenuously.

He was actually glad he ended up with them as they were lovely.....and he enjoyed his eggs and sausages and even the rosti…….but mine was inedible.

The bacon was as hard as bricks...…...it just wasn't good......and of course it didn't help I didn't really want to come here in the first place! You`ve got to laugh though...….so I did end up having some of my pancakes and did enjoy a link sausage from Tom`s plate..…….

They did credit the sandwich and apologised, but I didn't think we would rush back again. Told Tom he was no longer choosing our eating establishments ...….even he agreed!!!

We left there and drove a few miles out to meet another friend for coffee......this was a nice little afternoon, well, a couple of hours...but nice catching up away from the hotel...…..

We made our way back and planned a quiet night tonight...….

Just loved this view from our room. I know some people don't need or want a view, but we do.....we love having something nice to look out to. And this view is one of the nicest......

I did some laundry and we sat in the lounge while we waited for that to be done......this was always enjoyable. And it was quiet...…..which was also lovely...….gave us a good chance to have a good old chat with everyone...and handy for the laundry too.

I kept going back to get the laundry sorted and dried, then took it up to the room and came back downstairs to enjoy a glass or two of wine...….

We very rarely eat dinner in the lounge. The food is good, it`s just very early...….we use it as appetizers occasionally as we enjoy a little cheese and crackers or some salad.....but we enjoy eating out around Orlando and Citywalk later…..and the hotel of course.

But, tonight it was orange chicken and a lovely salad...….they used to do a Chinese chicken salad and it looked exactly like the one tonight...…..to be fair I was chatting and distracted at the same time...….

So, I popped a little on a plate and popped a bit of what I thought was chicken in my mouth...….big mistake!!!!!! Huge mistake...…..it wasn't chicken...…..not even close......

It was darn tofu!!!!! Now that is food of the devil!!!! How I never spat it out I`ll never know...….

​

Now, Tom was laughing and said he loved Feta...…..I looked at him and told him it wasn't Feta.....he insisted it was......I told him it absolutely wasn't feta while desperately trying not to gag......and then to prove his point he popped an offending piece of the sponge like substance direct from hell into his mouth...…….

His face said it all...…...as did mine...…

​

lol...….He had to admit between trying to get of the rid of this demon food into a tissue......that yes, it was indeed tofu!!!!

We both looked at the staff members who were there an asked why......just why...….lol...…..they couldn`t help but laugh at our reactions and kind of agreed...…...tofu!!!! Why!!!!

​

So...…..we were done with appetizers tonight...…..

Well, we did have some cheese, peppers and crackers...…...they were nice...……along with some wine...….

We sat long after the food and drinks had stopped being served......just chatting...….we knew we were going to have sushi in Orchids tonight so we didn't have to go far...…..and some our favourite staff members were on tonight...…..

We were in the booth in the corner at the rear of the room......just laughing and chatting.....and our friend popped down to see if we were there....just to say hi...….this really is my favourite man in the whole world!!! And Tom knows it...….lol.…….and it is always wonderful to see him......we chatted for ages and he did laugh when I told him Tom was no longer allowed to have a say in our food choices......then he said he was soon heading home.…….so we said our goodbyes and then we said our goodnight to the lounge folks and headed up to Orchids.....….

I need Matt right now!!!!!

I know what we ordered food wise, but I forget what we had to drink again......I don't have the receipt to remind me......it could have been cocktails or wine!!!! Or both

But, for food we ordered a portion of snow crab and spicy tuna roll to begin with...……

And it was delicious...….small snow crab portion......but it was only around $10 for the three pieces...…..and the spicy tuna was one we hadn't had before…..and it was nice, just not as hot as I`d like......but incredibly fresh...…..

At this point we saw Matt and Rob come in and were over the other side...….we yelled as quietly as you can yell and waved......so they came over and we ended up having dinner together tonight...….

Our next choice was old favourites…….Mexican and Dynamite...….both spicy, but the Mexican has whole jalapeno slices in so it is lovely and spicy...…..

But, we did manage to have a weird and funny row about it.....and in front of Matt and Rob too......lol...….there`s a piece of shrimp attached to each end...….and usually we have one each...….I told Tom he had eaten both....he said he hadn't...…..I was convinced he had done it just to play funny with me......but he was convinced he hadn't......I`m still not sure exactly what happened to the piece of shrimp!!!!

But, oh my goodness the sushi is good here...…..we thoroughly enjoyed it...….

Matt and Rob I know ordered a bottle of wine......how come I remember what the guys had to drink and not us!!! I never took a picture of their sushi either!!!!

But, we had a lovely evening...….we again, chatted the night away and time just disappeared...…

I think it was just after 11 when we left the lounge, oh I remember now, it was, because we heard the gong earlier for last orders...…..where had the night gone!

We said our goodnights and headed to our rooms...…..the only thing I did once in the room was put the water turndown service had left for us in the fridge...…..I like cold water...…..I know some folks like it room temperature, one of my friends like everything room temp and hates ice...….I`m the opposite...….

I thought I may sit up for a while and watch some tv, but once I was in bed, I zonked out before Tom had even got changed...…..I was shattered and didn't realize it...…

Tom said he moved one of the pillows from under me so I wasn't sitting so upright and didn't even flinch...he knew then I was out for the count.

He watched some tv and put it off around 12.30 and I still hadn't moved...…..I really needed a good sleep!


Tomorrow we hoped for some pool time......Mall and more HHN.

 

[schumigirl]

Haha I'm good at remembering the alcoholic drinks

I had today as a sickie but a manager approved one as I think she could see I was pushing through it but in all honesty i really needed it, I do feel much better!

Hugs from both Rob and I and off course Jackson too xx

I still wouldn't have remembered!!!!

Aww, glad you had a good day, and all credit to you for working through it......hopefully you`ll be much better now...….it sucks to feel so bad with tooth issues...….

I knocked a filling out tonight...….I was eating one of those drumstick lollies…...you know the kind you`re not supposed to eat unless you`re aged 7 or under!!! Took a back filling out.....going to have to call dentist in morning and see if they have any emergency appointments!!

More chance of me landing on the moon tomorrow...…...

 

[schumigirl]

I’m so glad WDW couldn’t come to terms with JK, don’t think they’d have done it as well as U did. Especially, since WDW had so many other irons in the fire.

I can’t get over how empty the parks are often when you visit. Rarely do i get to see the pavement in front of us. Hoping coming down a week early next year for fall trip will give some crowd relief.

Ye, can you imagine how they would have ruined what is a fantastic set of characters and stories!!! I`m so glad JK stuck to her guns and went with Uni...….Disney do amazing jobs with what they theme and SW looks mighty impressive......but this was a whole different beast......I think it went to the right company.

We`ve been lucky often with crowds......some days were much quieter than others...…..only real crowds we had were HHN!!!

Yep, you`ll probably see a difference next year...…..

 

[schumigirl]

WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 26TH


This should be quite a quick day to write up...…..

We did sleep well!!!! I don't think I woke up once the whole night...….Tom said he slept well, but not as well as I did...…..Although I still woke up feeling as though I could sleep some more...….and I did try to get back over, but nope.....once I`m awake, that's me...……

Quick jump in the shower and downstairs for breakfast...……we just put clothes on over our costumes this morning....saved going back upstairs to get changed again...…..

We sat in the same booth we were in last night.....and as we were chatting our friend popped his head round the corner to say hello and joked we seem to have taken that corner over!!! I promised we had moved since last night......lol......although it didn't look like it...….I always love a hug from my favourite guy and we again mentioned we were being spoiled seeing him so often!!!

Once we were done we went out to the pool and we did have it to ourselves this morning for a while...….we didn't bring the camera down, to be honest I forgot and didn't plan to go back for it...…..so we got our towels and lounger cover from the lovely Martha and put them on two loungers that were well in the shade...…

We went straight in the water.....and it was gorgeous...….it was the perfect temperature for going in......and of course having it to ourselves is fabulous...….

We just mooched around for ages on our own and it was glorious...….and of course we watched the sun carefully as we had no sunscreen on...…..we did feel a little vampire like doing this......as the sun pulled over the building and ensconced the pool in streaming sunlight, which is beautiful......we retreated ever further back towards the pool steps....……I think the life guard found it quite funny watching us retreat...…..

But, we did have a meet of sorts...…..

ckmiles had been in Orchids last night and we had missed each other...….so I had posted we`d be in the pool in the morning.....and she came over to say hello with her friend Jeff.....although we were in the pool we had a lovely chat...….they were heading to the parks so we didn't keep them too long.....but again, it`s always lovely to put a face to a name and we had a nice chat...…..

They headed off and we stayed in till the pool was fully covered in sunlight......we did let it hit us for a few minutes......but that was enough...…..I think it was around 10.45 by now, so we had enjoyed a couple of hours in the water...…..and there were now more people in the water too, although it was only 4 or 5 of them.

We dried off and went up to our room to get showered and changed...….we went downstairs and one of our favourite guys Samuel from the lounge was at the Concierge desk so we chatted to him and passed a little bit before we set off for lunch...…...we were debating going back to Beth`s Burgers or go to Teak Neighborhood Grill...…..

With Samuel`s help we decided on Teak as he mentioned the donut burger. Sold. Teak it was.

We walked out of the hotel and it did feel like we were walking on the sun!!!! It was already 97F and not even midday today...…..

But, we reminded ourselves not to complain...……..

​

Yep, we savoured every single second of the heat...…...even when it was overly oppressive...….and today was one of them...….

The car was cool in seconds thankfully and our outside temp was also showing 97F...……

Teak is less than a ten minute drive from RP and Universal...….it`s in a residential area so is very local, although they do get a few tourists who know about it...…….

During the day, you just seat yourself, at night when it`s busy you do get seated.....and can have a wait although there is the large outdoor seating area too which is large...….but as always we prefer to eat inside...

You always get a lovely welcome and our waitress today was Jah and she was a breath of fresh air...…..some of the staff we recognised as they had been there a long time...….and definitely a favourite place of ours.....

Tom gets a lemonade and I have a sailor jerry cocktail...…..well, I am on vacation...….notice I didn't challenge to drive today...….lol...….

Tom did enjoy his lemonade!!!!

It wasn't too busy today, just a few folks in but it did get progressively busier as we sat and had our meal......it`s never been empty anytime we go in. It can get noisy at night especially when they have live music on...….we couldn't hear ourselves think the night we went when they had music......so lunch is a better option for us...…..

The menu is a good one..…….I won`t post loads of pics of it as it`s quite substantial, but the link shows you what choices they do have......something for everyone...…..

http://teakorlando.com/lunch-dinner/

I of course knew I was having the donut burger, medium well......no cheese and add jalapenos......and I had sidewinder potatoes today...…..

Tom after much thought went for the Engine oil Burger...….Sautéed peppers & onions, a strong stout glaze, egg, Swiss cheese and potato strings all served on pretzel bun and he went for the garlic mash...….

OMG!!!! My donut burger was excellent...….they didn't give me many jalapenos on top of the burger.....but hen I found some more underneath...….lush!!!! Cooked to perfection...…..and those sidewinder potatoes were so much nicer than fries..….

Tom liked his......burger was good, but it didn't thrill him like previous ones he had chosen, although there wasn't much left on the plate!!!! He does love a good over easy egg!!! His mash however wasn't the best.....it was a little lumpy and not as warm as it should be...….but overall we had a delicious meal!!!

Jah asked if we were having dessert when we were done......I think she knew the answer before she asked...we were done.......but it was gorgeous. She chatted about her time in Scotland which was lovely to hear, although she had gone to Edinburgh when it was freezing cold!!! Bless her...….

We paid up and headed out to the car...…..and we were heading to the Mall at Millenia...…..

I think everyone knows we love this Mall...….it`s elegant and has some beautiful stores.....of course The Cheesecake Factory is lovely, and we looked forward to going back there in December as we were positive Kyle would be very keen to have his favourite chocolate cake...….we could guarantee it!!!

Boy loves his chocolate cake...….

​

Our first and main stop today was the Clinique counter in Macy...…..this was reward day and I wanted to pick up a load of items......I had bought a lipstick the other day, but would get another one along with other stuff today...…….it was the same girl who has looked after us last few visits and she knows what I like.....good memory!!!

I had a look and picked up the same colour chubby lipstick, my favourite moisturiser, mascara and some other products......so that entitled me to get all the goody bags they were giving out...…..gotta love little bags of goodies!!! I do like Clinique and always use their products and make up...….especially the chubby lipsticks!!!!

We love a good wander round the mall and spend a lot of time going in and out of stores......we did go into Tiffany and the guy who always looks after us wasn't there today......but someone else did offer to take my jewellery to get it cleaned……...always a nice touch...….and it does come out gleaming...…

I again, had a quick look and didn't see anything that jumped out at me to buy.....although we would wait for our usual salesman if I did see something.

I don't wear a huge amount of jewellery, I tend to stick to the same pieces as I love them and they have an emotional connection. So, having masses of rings and other items doesn't really tempt me too much. But it is nice to look...…..

The Mall is quiet, and very pretty to walk around...…...we went up for a coffee in the food court and sat for around 40 minutes just watching the world go by...….

Then we did have a look in Montblanc...…..Tom and Kyle both love nice pens and we had been looking for one as a gift for Kyle......but a bit like watches, I think you have to feel and see whether you like it yourself....so, we decided against buying him one and hope he liked it. We would wait.

After a good wander round, we also stopped in at the Tag Heuer store......they know us in there and we tell them when they ask that Kyle still loves his Tag watch he purchased last year and wears it almost every day...and that's what you`re supposed to do…..wear them!!! I was sure Kyle would want a look in December too but he doesn't plan to buy one this year!!! He has more than enough already...……

After that we headed off back home...…..

We planned a snooze before HHN tonight...……

 

[tammy]

I love the way you guys vacation...such a good time! I have to have cold beverages too. It drives me crazy when I go to my sister's house and she NEVER has cold beverages.

 

[schumigirl]

I love the way you guys vacation...such a good time! I have to have cold beverages too. It drives me crazy when I go to my sister's house and she NEVER has cold beverages.

Thanks tammy.........

Oh me too! Hate lukewarm drinks........cold drinks have to be ice cold and hot tea has to be scalding hot!

I have one friend who can drink cold tea or coffee after it’s been sitting out for ages........yuk......don’t know how she does it......and she drinks lukewarm sodas!!

Aren’t people funny..........

 

[schumigirl]

So, back to the room and we unpacked my haul from Clinique......and as always there are one or two extras in the bag...….she is such a nice girl!!! I don't wear a lot of make up in Orlando but back home I do wear it more or less every day...….so buying over here was a lot more fun than back home. I don't think it`s any cheaper, but just a nicer experience.

We do decide to have a snooze....we were tired and actually closed over the drapes and thought we`d have an hour or so...….I was asleep in seconds...….and we slept longer than an hour!!!!

Thankfully, or we might still have been sleeping at midnight we hear the sounds of Kyle Facetiming us from my ipad…….I had to think for a minute what it was......but grabbed it and answered the call......we hadn't been expecting to speak to him tonight...….but it was around 9pm his time and he was calling to ask why he had no hot water......oops!!!!

Long story short, the boiler had an error message come up......but he`d never dealt with it before.....so despite having a Masters Degree in Chemical Engineering......he didn't want to fiddle with this in case it needed a call to the company to reset it or the plumber. He told Tom what he was planning on doing and Tom said yep, that's correct....so while on Facetime Tom and him sorted the boiler out, which is barely two years old....and he had hot water. It`s in the utility room so quite handy to see and get sorted out.

So, we realized we had slept longer than planned......nd were grateful Kyle had called with his little glitch.....we chatted a little but he was heading for a shower as he had been out...….very brief chat tonight.

Now we were awake, we freshened up and went down to the lounge once we looked a little civilised…...what is it about an afternoon nap that makes you look worse than before...….

But, down to lounge and again, it`s fairly quiet...…..

We sit for a couple of hours and we always enjoy our time in there...….but on to HHN...…..

Last Wednesday had been very quiet, but tonight we didn't expect the same...….

It hadn't got any cooler tonight...….we took the boat as usual and we couldn't help but laugh......there was one boy around 6 or 7 doing an impression of a T rex with the short arms and all.....he was funny.....till he started saying hey look.....I`m a crapasuarus…...really loud!!!! Most were smiling, but one younger boy of around 5 roughly started copying him.....words and all...….now that was funny!!! But, his mother was furious and tried to make the little one stop doing it...….so he got louder...…and louder announcing he too was a crapasaurus……..

​

It was hilarious!!!! Both sets of parents were almost glaring at each other...….everyone around was a little bemused by it all...…..I was nose snorting now trying not to laugh out loud!!! I am so bad at that....laughing at the most inappropriate times!!! Tom is nudging me telling me not to laugh.....that made me worse!!! Thankfully one woman was worse than me and was bellowing with laughter at the boys and the parental reaction...…...

I was never so glad to get off the boat as tonight!!!

So, into the park and we decided we would try the Killer Klown zone tonight...…..everyone told us it was fun.....and one of the staff told us one of his friends was in the white coat tonight...….so we would go look....

It did seem busier already.

OK...…..I kinda got it tonight...….it was a fun zone.....not to be taken seriously at all...….the Klowns were really good at interacting with guests......and we did enjoy it.

But, I don't want childish fun......I want scares and to be terrified with folks appearing from nowhere suddenly upon me...…..I want to be looking around waiting for the next SA to pretend to be a psychopath intent on going on a rampage!!!

But, for a fun zone....this one won the award!!!


More on the way...……

 

[disneyAndi14]

I agree, HP area is so awesome, I love FJ, I still think it is my favorite ride I have ever been on! I am really excited to try the new HP coaster when it is finished.

I am toying with a 5 night trip in March and we would stay 2 nights at USO, I want to stay at RPR for the EP. I wonder if the coaster will be up then? Probably not it is a big project.

I really like Kong as well, you are so right about the amazing Kong at the end!

How funny the tofu salad, yuck! Your sushi looked yummy as did your donut burger, wow!

Love reading your reports sipping coffee on an early Saturday morning!

 

[schumigirl]

I agree, HP area is so awesome, I love FJ, I still think it is my favorite ride I have ever been on! I am really excited to try the new HP coaster when it is finished.

I am toying with a 5 night trip in March and we would stay 2 nights at USO, I want to stay at RPR for the EP. I wonder if the coaster will be up then? Probably not it is a big project.

I really like Kong as well, you are so right about the amazing Kong at the end!

How funny the tofu salad, yuck! Your sushi looked yummy as did your donut burger, wow!

Love reading your reports sipping coffee on an early Saturday morning!

Thanks Caroline.....always glad to read you`re enjoying it...….

I think March would be too early for the new ride....looks to be later than that...…but, from what`s been said about the ride it sounds amazing!!!!

Oh gosh tofu is just vile!!!! I couldn't even keep it in my yapper for longer than a few seconds!!! Gross......but yes, the sushi and donut burger were phenomenal!!!!

 

[schumigirl]

We turned down and went down to the Vamp85 zone again.....only briefly as we wanted to go do some houses then come back when it was dark...…….

It was moderately busy for a Wednesday night but it was quiet for this zone if that makes sense...

The first SA we saw we asked him if we could get a picture, we always ask first and not just stand and hope they`ll stand still...……

As I asked the first one he gestured it was a yes...…..

While we were posing he leaned over and asked if I was from Glasgow...….lol......well, I`m not, but I grew up around 60 miles away. So, he wasn't bad with his assessment of my accent......I don't think you ever really lose that base accent...…..the Scottish accent is as varied as anywhere...….but West of Scotland is quite noticeable...….so he was almost spot on!!!

I told him so and he said he was good with accents...….I always love when they come out of character for any reason...…….

We got a picture with this girl as we had missed her previous nights......but as we took the picture our motor cycle friend shouted out to her from behind Tom to not attack me as I was a good personal friend of his.....he was funny!!!!! Then they had some banter as she thought I`d make a great vampire...….but he was insistent I wasn't to be transformed……….

Good fun.

We headed round to do Poltergeist which definitely had gotten rid of the cold rain effect at the beginning......this was a mistake as it was quite spectacular when you first entered the house...and it wasn't as good without it...….however, the rest of the house was so good...….except again there was a few pieces missing from the house that did make a difference to the overall effects.

This was a 45 minute regular wait, we were on in 5 minutes.

Scary Tales was next for us...….this was showing a 25 minute wait and we walked straight on....the line looked longer than 25 minutes...…..again, a really good house that had some spectacular displays and some terrific SA in situ for this one.......if you missed the witch in this house.....what a shame.....she was amazing!!!

ST was a poor one tonight...….showing 45 minutes, we got through the door at just under 5 minutes......there was again, some key scenes that weren't working correctly and a couple of SA missing.....but still a good house and the folks around us tonight were a lot of fun.

Now we were heading over to Halloween...…..there seemed to be a bit of a commotion at the entrance where you join both lines...….when we got closer some folks were arguing they should be in the EP line....but their ticket showed that not to be the case. But they were refusing to move from the entrance,...….however they soon did move and we all got in...…..I have no clue whether they had purchased the wrong ticket, or were trying to pull a fast one...…...as if TM haven't seen it all before...…

Halloween was showing a 35 minute wait, and we never even stopped except to get our ticket scanned again......I think we were so lucky as we go fairly early in the evening......I don't think we had seen midnight at this event for a long time!! And no real desire to do so either...…..we like our way of getting up early and making the most of the day....so a few nights not being too late were perfect for us.

This was the best experience we had in this house...…..as we were about to go in a lady called Brab or Barb shouted Hi Schumigirl…...I had no clue who she was...….but she knew me...….we went around the house together and she was a hoot!!! We never really got the chance to ask anything about her, even when we left the house.

I think I got every scare going again......and one twice!!!! I have no idea how this Michael got me twice.....but he did...….and I couldn't stop laughing...….then screaming again as the next Michael was upon me before I could blink...….it was like they were tag teaming me...……and that head tilt......freaks me out so bad!!!!

​

But, I came out the house laughing like a drain...….and Barb or Brab said she had loved doing the house with us...…..and off she went!!!! I have no clue if she is from the Dis but I assume she must read here as I don't use this name on any other board I go on...….the Brit site similar to the Dis, I stopped posting on years ago...….so, I hope she reads this and posts who she is...……..

Now we went back to Vamp85...…….

It was dark and the music was electric tonight...…..everyone was dancing and having the best time.....well, mostly everyone...…..

We stood singing along and danced till they finished their routine, then we decided tonight we would go on The Mummy.....and we were glad we did.....there was hardly anyone around and we got straight on......such a fun ride!!!! And tonight we only did it once as we really wanted to be outside...……

As we went out and walked a little we thought we saw our favourite biker again, but it was his counterpart, the guy we knew must have had his turn earlier, he`d be back out though...................and of course we had to get a picture anyway.....

Meeting Prince is always fun. He is so cool and the SA tonight we hadn't seen before...….but he was still decent.....just slightly not as good the other SA playing him...….

We thought we`d head round to the back of the park and stop in and do a little Potter before that......it was a little quieter round here, but not by much.

We wanted to have a cocktail at Chez Alcatraz, but the line was so long, we really didn't want to stand and wait that long.....so we bought some water instead from the store in Richter Burger...….it was probably better for us tonight anyway.......but, Chez Alcatraz is a kind of hidden gem.....not many people talk about it, but it is a friendly little place with some nice cocktails along with beers and liquor and some cool snacks!!

Lombards always looks so pretty, even more so at night...….we`ve had mixed experiences with food in there but the restaurant itself is very pretty...….we may give it another try sometime...….

And The San Francisco Bakery is lovely!!! They have some extra special cakes and cheesecakes in there......very decadent!!!

Looking into DA it seems busier again than a normal HHN...…..but, still fairly quiet and it`s a lovely place to cool down a little and have a look at some things that may be too busy during the day...…

The image of Gilderoy Lockhart in the window of Flourish and Blotts particularly encapsulates his very essence...….he is the ultimate narcissist, but I think deep down knows he is seriously flawed, and not a very good wizard, but, he is a fabulous character and I`d have loved to have seen him back again.....and I`m not really a fan of Kenneth Branagh.....

The lighting at night is very atmospheric when it`s as low as tonight...…..I adore walking around here day or night, but night time is my favourite I believe...…….

We have a wander into have a look at the wands for sale...….we had tried to look a few times this trip, but the store has always been mobbed......not much fun then......but tonight it was practically empty...…

As someone who writes a lot.....I loved this desk!!! The desk in our office at home is not an ultra modern one, it`s a light oak desk of traditional but modern style...….if that makes sense......but I love the idea of having something from the Victorian or Georgian period as a writing desk and have a room designed to go with it......I can`t see that happening though!!!! Tom keeps reminding me I`m not Charles Dickens!!!

The store is filled with treats and delights to astound as you choose your way through the many wands on offer...….if you don't do the show and get chosen, which is most people then you can still purchase a wand and one of the lovely residents of DA will be happy to help you...…..

And even local residents will ask to borrow your muggle camera to take your picture in the store...….​

more to come...…….

 

[angryduck71]

Caught up today while Davy was watching Laverne & Shirley reruns. Then we ordered dinner... his favorite: plain steamed tofu and vegetables. I laughed out loud when I got to your tofu encounter as Davy was chomping on his icky meal.

Still loving your report!

 

[Raeven]

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!!!

Yes definitely! We'll be there either the first or second weekend I think. It's a pretty ambitious undertaking, but I'm hoping it works out!

 

[schumigirl]

Caught up today while Davy was watching Laverne & Shirley reruns. Then we ordered dinner... his favorite: plain steamed tofu and vegetables. I laughed out loud when I got to your tofu encounter as Davy was chomping on his icky meal.

Still loving your report!

lol...….Davy needs to come visit and stay with us for a week!!!! I`d persuade him that tofu is Satan`s creation......lol......although I like his taste in comedies!!!

It`s like chewing on a sponge!!!!

 

[schumigirl]

Yes definitely! We'll be there either the first or second weekend I think. It's a pretty ambitious undertaking, but I'm hoping it works out!

Absolutely!!!

I`m sure you`ll manage it.....you`re both young with lots of energy......it`ll be a breeze!!!!

 

[schumigirl]

On a HHN this area although busier than usual, is a fabulous break from the crowds in the park...…last year there was hardly anyone in this area on HHN but I think news had spread how quiet it was and more people had decided to take advntage...….

You do get a better feeling of space at times like this, and we also enjoyed the fact Gringotts was open and although we had no camera as it was in my bag in the locker, we took our time and wandered at leisure through the line and admired everything, including how realistic those goblins are!!! This is one of the rides we would always recommend to go through the full line at least once and enjoy the sights.....it is impressive.

The ride was a total walk on....there was another 5 people on the vehicle with us and we did enjoy it as always.....we did wish they had made the drop a bit bigger......but it was still better than no drop.

Seeing it at night is always a joy...….I love the traditional old style they have designed everything including the lamps.....I just loved everything about this area...….it`s somewhere you can easily lose track of time and get lost in the atmosphere....

The Fountain of Fair Fortune is a lovely little place to get Butterbeer if you like it and you can get Ale`s and other drinks too....it never seems to be too busy either whenever we have gone in.

And of course the dragon at night is amazing to see......I honestly can`t remember if it breathed fire tonight, but we didn't hang around to see if it did or not...….

Back in a bit...…..

 

[schumigirl]

After stopping into the Fountain of Fair Fortune we step very briefly into our favourite part of Diagon Alley......Knockturn Alley...…..

I have bored on about how much I love this area and why many times...….but it is just the most amazing place for wandering around and taking in the theming of the place.....there are a couple of spells to perform here too and kids love it!!! The skeleton one is so much fun to watch!!!!

Tonight we are just here to purchase an item for a friend who asked us to get it for them......no problem at all......we had it delivered to our room to save us carrying it around all night...…This service is fantastic.....as long as you are not checking out the following day, you can have your purchases sent to your room. If you are not onsite of course you can have the purchases sent to the front of the park for pick up when you leave.....

Borgin and Burkes is a must visit store...….

More in next post...…….Dis keeps loading and reloading...…..