Oh, The Places We’ll Go! From the “stars” to the “sea”: Universal, SeaWorld & beyond - Spring 2016

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Great pictures, reminds me of Bonnet Creek. Its so nice to stay somewhere fantastic on holiday. For me its a big part of the holiday. The problem is to get the same type of accommodation in a resort in Europe would cost an absolute fortune so I make the most of it whilst in Florida. Although on our most recent holiday to Rome we stayed at the Waldorf and my husband did utter his famous words that are usually reserved for our Florida holiday which are " You have outdone yourself this time Sarah"!
Looking forward to the next installment and wondering what Red Robin is?

We are of the same mindset.....if at all possible, we try to make our accommodations as spacious and comfy as home or better. Otherwise, it doesn't really feel like vacation, does it?

I am pretty sure the Waldorf in Rome would beat out my beloved Vistana for luxury and elegance, though. Those are some pretty impressive digs!

Totally makes sense. I definitely see how you get your money's worth with two big eaters in tow. I may end up eating my words and heading to a buffet if it turns out that I have a big eater in my group. Now Red Robin, I LOVE!

Mmmm a terrific burger place with bottomless fries!

I couldn't have described it better myself!

And so now I know. When asked when we expect to be arriving, the answer will be around 3:00A.M. Voila, no VIP check-in.

I seriously suspected this was just another opportunity to make a sales pitch, although I had heard otherwise. I can't think of anything else that would keep Mark busy for 3 hours other than a hot sales prospect and a fat commission.

I will hold out final assessment until October, but it certainly was a let-down this time. Hopefully my experience was just a dud, and others are finding it the gem they tout it to be.

We've stayed at a few Wyndham's on exchange. They have pretty much the same sales playbook as Sheraton. Now Wastegate (I mean Westgate) is a different story...

And you can certainly move in. Rent will be $4,000 per month please...

Oh, don't even get me started on Westgate. That place makes my stomach turn.

Yeah, the $4000 a month might be a bit tough to get used to, even as a millionaire. Maybe they would cut me a volume discount? Buy two, get one free?

Thanks Gina, if sweet tomatoes was rated good by you we will go

We really liked it, and will definitely go back. I just wish it was offered on weekdays as well, rather than just Saturday and Sunday mornings.

Canadian? $4,000 CAD, utilities and all amenities included, not too, too bad...

Nope, that would be $4000 USD ($1000 per week in maintenance fee assessments, billed in American dollars). That would be $5200 in Canadian bucks, give or take a loonie or two. Oh heavens, that was even painful to type!!

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Took me a second to realize you meant endless fries...I was thinking, why would someone eat the bottoms of my fries?!

Oh, ick.....what a horrifying thought!!

That "VIP" experience is crazy! Did you tell them how much you promote the Vistana on the Disboards?

We have stayed at almost all of the Marriott timeshares (for cash/points through Marriott directly) and we have never once gotten contacted to try to sell one to us. We're almost wondering what's wrong with us! LOL.

Pretty view out the window...ahh, wish I was there.

Nope, I never let my secret out of the bag.....though I would bet they may have no idea what the Disboards even is. I wonder if they have anyone who regularly monitors the feedback on various social media sights.....other than the most obvious TripAdvisor reviews, of course. If they don't, I think they should create that job....and hire me!

Enjoy the fact that the sales folk leave you in peace. It's a nice state to be in when you're on vacation!

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Sunday, April 24th: dinner time.


Traffic was pretty manageable as we headed from the resort to Red Robin. Since we were on no schedule and it was a beautiful day, we decided to meander up the length of International Drive to our destination rather than take the shorter (though often no faster) I-4 route. We easily found a parking space in the huge, free lot behind the restaurant and we were quickly on our way inside.





It wasn’t busy at all so there was no wait to be seated. We wore our happy faces to dinner.....with our entire vacation stretching out ahead of us, we had lots of reasons to smile .





The hostess put us in a bright and cheery booth and our server was over quite quickly to take our orders. Drinks were easy, as we all opted for big glasses of cold water on such a warm day (and we had consumed our fill of Coke products while we waited in the VIP lounge at the Vistana). I tried to get someone to co-operate for a nice photo, but he decided to be cheeky……and this is what I got :





Yep, we were all kind of weary after our early morning start, and the sillies weren’t far off for any of us!


We placed our order with the very efficient service staff, and soaked up the fun little details of the décor while we waited for the arrival of our appetizer. The ceiling is quite entertaining, with all sorts of unique signage that stretches the entire length of the room.





Things must have been rolling along quite well in the kitchen, because our appetizer was delivered to the table within what felt like just a few minutes after ordering. It’s a favourite shareable for us at Red Robin, and mighty impressive in its presentation: the Onion Ring Tower .





Just to give you a perspective on how tall this baby is, here’s the tower next to my 6’ offspring:





Yep, it’s BIG…..and ridiculously tasty . The three of us have no problem polishing this off, or at least the better part of it. I think we had one lonely onion ring remaining when Jake and I threw in the towel, so Steve did the honours and finished it off just in time for the server to clear the empty rack from the table in preparation for the arrival of our entrees.


Steve was the only one of us who opted for a burger: his choice was the “Smoke & Pepper” burger from the Red Robin’s Finest menu: “Perhaps our Finest Burger yet. Topped with black-pepper bacon and extra-sharp Cheddar on a toasted ciabatta bun with house-made Smoke & Pepper ketchup”. Bottomless steak fries were his side of choice .





Jake (my fellow chicken aficionado) had selected the Clucks & Fries with extra ranch for dipping:





I, too, had picked Clucks as my entrée, but requested a substitute of mac ‘n cheese for the bottomless steak fries. When our server brought out our meals, mine inadvertently came out with both sides due to an ooops by the cooks, but she assured us we would not be charged for the error. Jake happily took that to mean that Mom now had enough mac ‘n cheese to share (which I most certainly did!) so he helped deal with the extra food that appeared on our table. We wouldn’t want anything to go to waste, after all .








After a bit of a crazy afternoon, tonight’s dinner couldn’t have been more relaxing, enjoyable or delicious. The service was great, the restaurant was nice and quiet, the food was piping hot and tasted amazing, and a relaxed family meal was both what we hoped for and received. With all of us all full and content, we covered our bill ($49.48 including tax) and headed back to the car.


We had intentionally skipped dessert at Red Robin, as there were a couple of places in Orlando that we had been looking forward to visiting with the sweet cravings took over. As we made the drive back to the resort, since we were in the car already, we thought perhaps it would be a good time to visit one of these much-anticipated locations and take a snack back to the villa for us to enjoy later in the night (when our Red Robin feast had finally worn off a bit). As we scooted efficiently down the 535, we drove straight past the Vistana and ended up here:





Oh Krispy Kreme, how we had missed you!!!


I don’t know if any of you noticed or not, but our timing was simply perfect as this beacon was shining brightly as we pulled into the lot:





Thank goodness calories don’t count on vacation!


We opted for a dozen: after all, it’s the most cost efficient way to purchase them (and I work for two financial planners, so Cost Efficiency is not only the best way, it’s the ONLY way ). They boys each wanted two of the hot glazed, and they grabbed four right off the conveyor and promptly added them to our box.





We perused the other varieties and went about the difficult task of selecting our remaining 8.





These little darlings were my favourite of the week, hands down. I’m slobbering a bit on the keyboard right now just from looking at the picture….I am not exaggerating when I say that they were THAT GOOD . As a seasonal item from their Cookie Jar theme, I am just gutted that they were a limited time offering and have now disappeared from the menu for another year. Like a knife through the heart, that news .








We paused at one of the tables in store so the boys could eat their hot donuts while they were still warm and ooey gooey, and even though I wasn’t hungry whatsoever, I had the firstt of my two cookie dough specialty donuts (I didn't want the men to eat alone....it just wouldn't have been proper ). The funny (and perhaps amazing) thing about a Krispy Kreme donut is that they are so light, you can literally eat them when you’re still full and not feel all bloated and icky.

I suppose the bloated and icky feeling surfaces when you step on the scales after an epic Florida vacation and realize how much weight you have gained!!


We stopped briefly at the CVS next to Krispy Kreme for some basic supplies (cream and sugar for our morning coffee, bottled water, etc.) and then headed back to SVR. Once inside our villa, we dropped the balance of the donuts on the table and wasted no time in swapping our street clothes for swimsuits and made a beeline for the Fountains pool and hot tubs. We had literally been looking forward to this moment since we checked out from our last stay on Boxing Day.


The balance of our first day is next.

 

[VacaPlanner2012]

LOVE LOVE LOVE Krispy Kreme. I live just a few miles from the original and they were all over Akron during my childhood. Once they went national, all but the original closed in our area (except for the boxed ones in local grocery stores, not the same). My son gets a hot glazed after every allergy shot, which has been going on for years now. They were always the local fundraiser growing up, and they would deliver to our high school. $5 a dozen (fundraiser price), and my friends and I would race to see who could eat an entire dozen!!!! Second dumbest food challenge I have ever done, just a little less intelligent than the 5 pound steak challenge

 

[Lynne G]

almost all our KKs have disappeared, and only one I know of is near in the city. Not have had one lately, as apparently, no one ever goes there to share. Oh well. The better for my waistline too! LOL

So sad, no meet up this October either. We may be waving at each other at the airport, but with the price of my airfare going over $100 more than I paid when the fare first came out, I am not changing. There's always next year, or over the winter holidays. Bringing the family for Christmas. Once again. We really enjoyed the holiday things to do, and we never will step place in WDW, well maybe the Springs. Still have to make the DC reservation, but will most likely do it next month.

Nice update. Maybe we'll have to visit that RR when on winter vacation. We always try different places as much as we can. And even picky DD,really likes the burgers from there, and all have rarely let hot fries go uneaten.

Looks like fabulous weather started out your vacation. Great start.

 

[Raeven]

I've actually never been to Red Robin even though I live close to one, vut it looks delicious bottomless fries is something I can get behind.

 

[Worfiedoodles]

Your review has me wanting Red Robin! It's a bit of a hike for us, so we don't go often. I could go for some bottomless fries...Krispy Kreme tried to establish itself here, but just didn't catch on -- too much competition from Dunkin Donuts.

That VIP check in was shameful, I'm so glad the manager called and hopefully your next experience will be delightful! That was a very long first day, you guys held up admirably

Maria

 

[goofygal531]

That onion ring tower looks amazing! I love me some onion rings! Never been to Red Robin before I'm going to have to go now just for that tower!

Speaking of Krispy Kremes, this weekend I picked up a box of Betty Crocker Krispy Kreme glazed donut cake mix. Made it this afternoon (in a bundt pan) OMG! It's half gone already! My kids came home from school and devoured it!

http://www.bettycrocker.com/product...ispy-kreme-cake-mix-with-original-donut-glaze

Loving your review, Gina!
Mare

 

[dancin Disney style]

Does the Days even have suites? I wasn't sure they did. For some reason, I thought they only offered standard king or two queen rooms.

I would definitely be interested in your stay at the Aloft. We still have to pick a park and fly property for October, so the more feedback we can get on our other options, the better .

Yes, Days has what they call 'Business Suites'. They have at least one anyway, we stayed in it a few years ago. The room was huge with a king and a double bed (weird combo right?). Living area with sofa, two chairs, coffee table and desk. Kitchenette with a sort of a service counter beside it. The bathroom was just your standard set up but the bottom of the tub was brown. I was not thrilled with the room it felt dirty and was beyond worn out. I don't remember what floor but the window looked down into the pool....maybe 4th floor.

As requested.....
Presenting..
The Aloft, You Will Now See Why I Do Not Write Trip Reports, Mini Hijack, Not A Trip Report, Trip Report

It started with our arrival on a grey Wednesday evening in March. After a very uneventful 90 minute drive to Buffalo that included a Timmies stop and a
one car wait at the Peace bridge we glided into the Aloft parking lot. We were staying at the Aloft after we came back to BUF because our flight landed around midnight and I was not keen to drive home alone at that time. When I say driving alone what I mean is that the stylin' Toyota Yaris is a stick and Grumpy Cat can't drive it(and won't learn) so that left me as the lone operator. Just so everyone knows, that stylin' little beastie is DH's commuter car. I drive a proper SUV, blue with Mickey sticker just like @bankr63 . Anyway, due to our late arrive upon return I opted to park the car at the Aloft before flying out so that when we got back we could just hop the shuttle to the hotel. More efficient than shuttling to the airport parking lot and then driving to the hotel, I thought.

When we arrived at the Aloft I went in to the front desk and got my parking tag. The desk clerk called the shuttle driver and had him bring the van out to my car and then I was to follow him to the parking lot. The driver took me right to the first spot and immediately jumped out to take my bags out of the Yaris. Already I'm impressed. He then took us directly over to the airport and we had a very nice chat along the way. I asked if there had been any issues in the parking lot and he said no. It's very well lit, there are security cameras and they patrol. Plus, I'm figuring no one is interested in the Yaris when there was a Benz and a Lexus parked next to it.

When we arrived back in Buffalo after a great flight (except for the weirdo sitting beside us, but that's another story) our bags were among the first to come off the belt. I grabbed the courtesy phone and called the hotel for a pick up. The shuttle was already at the curb by the time we walked over. NICE. BTW, we left Orlando in 90 degrees and arrived in BUF to something like 50. When the driver dropped us off at the door he told me to go ahead in and he carried the bags right to me at the front desk. Such a gentlemanly thing to do and it was much appreciated.

Finally, the actual hotel. The lobby is very modern, boutique hotel style. The have a grab n go area that is very well stocked with drinks, snacks and meals. The lobby bar is smallish but more than adequate. I hear that they have a nice little menu. Check in was quick and easy but considering that it was after midnight I would expect nothing less.

The room was absolutely wonderful. Still kinda' had the new car smell. Now, these rooms are the opposite of the traditional hotel layout. Instead of the room rectangle being the long way as you enter the Aloft is the wide way. So as you enter the room is shallow from the door to the window wall. If that makes any sense at all. Bathroom area has divided sink/closet area with a pocket door that separates the toilet and huge shower. The shower has a frosted glass wall that allows light in from the bedroom area. The beds...what can I say but heavenly. The best hotel beds I have ever slept in. Just the right combo of firm and soft. Then there were the pillows. I still dream EVERY SINGLE NIGHT about the perfect pillows on the bed. Now toss in the crisp linens and I'm wondering if I have in fact literally died and gone to heaven. For real. After listening to Grumpy Cat complain about not driving home so she could sleep in her own bed she too was completely impressed by the hotel and the beds. That's really saying something because she's turned into a hotel snob.

Morning check out was simply just getting a receipt for my parking. Which BTW, as a Starwood member was only $5/day. The room was on points and a huge bargain at only 3000. So I sadly(and coldly) dragged myself out to the parking lot to pull the car around to the front door to load the bags and set off for home.

The End.

Side note: after I posted a review to Tripadvisor I got an email from the hotel manager giving me a phone number so that I could order the pillows. In my review I mentioned my love of the pillows and that I almost asked if I could buy them to

 

[sk8jdgca]

Canadian? $4,000 CAD, utilities and all amenities included, not too, too bad...

That's what I was thinking!

 

[angryduck71]

So, you need to vacation in Kansas City at some point -- we have all the restaurants you love so far!

 

[Mrs Doubtfire]

Great updates Gina, the maintenance issues although a pain at least were resolved efficiently. The onion tower looks delicious, reminds me of the one at Bahama Breeze mmmmmmm......

 

[dancin Disney style]

Which Cici's on I-Drive is better? We won't have a car so both are easy to get to from our two hotels (Cabana Bay and Springhill Suites at SW). Any other recommendations on food places that we can easily get to?

There are many, many CiCi's on I-drive. Like on every block. If it's still there, there is one south of SeaWorld that is newish and it's nice.

There is a Sweet Tomatoes on I-drive in the general vicinity of US. It's older and a little run down but the food is excellent. Also, near US is Bubba's Bodacious BBQ. It's a pretty well known place and a bit of a dive but the food is fantastic. I think it's located at Conroy and Kirkman.

There is a Japanese Hibachi place right near the Titanic Experience on I-drive that is really good. It's called Shogun. You can often find it on restaurant.com This is another place that is run down but the service was excellent and so was the food.

 

[nancipants]

I'd also recommend Kobe Japanese Steakhouse. There's locations all over Orlando. It's one of my favorite local restaurants and gives a ton of food.

 

[pigletto]

There are many, many CiCi's on I-drive. Like on every block. If it's still there, there is one south of SeaWorld that is newish and it's nice.

There is a Sweet Tomatoes on I-drive in the general vicinity of US. It's older and a little run down but the food is excellent. Also, near US is Bubba's Bodacious BBQ. It's a pretty well known place and a bit of a dive but the food is fantastic. I think it's located at Conroy and Kirkman.

There is a Japanese Hibachi place right near the Titanic Experience on I-drive that is really good. It's called Shogun. You can often find it on restaurant.com This is another place that is run down but the service was excellent and so was the food.

Thanks for the Aloft review ... next time I need a Buffalo park and fly I will give it a shot. It sounds fantastic!

I have Restaurant.com credit to use up and Shogun is on there right now. Not looking for spectacular, but if you say it's good I think we will try it for our Universal trip in October.

Gina, Red Robin is making the list too. I love all the ideas I get from your trip reports!

 

[squirrel]

There are many, many CiCi's on I-drive. Like on every block. If it's still there, there is one south of SeaWorld that is newish and it's nice.

There is a Sweet Tomatoes on I-drive in the general vicinity of US. It's older and a little run down but the food is excellent. Also, near US is Bubba's Bodacious BBQ. It's a pretty well known place and a bit of a dive but the food is fantastic. I think it's located at Conroy and Kirkman.

There is a Japanese Hibachi place right near the Titanic Experience on I-drive that is really good. It's called Shogun. You can often find it on restaurant.com This is another place that is run down but the service was excellent and so was the food.

That Cici's was the one I was planning on going to, glad it's one of the better ones. Was also thinking of TGI Fridays since its near Springhill Suites.

Thanks for the other places, I will check them out. I think I'm picker (than Gina and everyone else I know) and I have allergies so I do a lot of searching menus before I decide to go to a restaurant.

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

LOVE LOVE LOVE Krispy Kreme. I live just a few miles from the original and they were all over Akron during my childhood. Once they went national, all but the original closed in our area (except for the boxed ones in local grocery stores, not the same). My son gets a hot glazed after every allergy shot, which has been going on for years now. They were always the local fundraiser growing up, and they would deliver to our high school. $5 a dozen (fundraiser price), and my friends and I would race to see who could eat an entire dozen!!!! Second dumbest food challenge I have ever done, just a little less intelligent than the 5 pound steak challenge

You know, if your stomach could handle all that sugar, a full dozen of the fresh glazed ones probably wouldn't be THAT heavy. Just sweet. I think Steve could win one of those challenges without batting an eyelash!!

almost all our KKs have disappeared, and only one I know of is near in the city. Not have had one lately, as apparently, no one ever goes there to share. Oh well. The better for my waistline too! LOL

So sad, no meet up this October either. We may be waving at each other at the airport, but with the price of my airfare going over $100 more than I paid when the fare first came out, I am not changing. There's always next year, or over the winter holidays. Bringing the family for Christmas. Once again. We really enjoyed the holiday things to do, and we never will step place in WDW, well maybe the Springs. Still have to make the DC reservation, but will most likely do it next month.

Nice update. Maybe we'll have to visit that RR when on winter vacation. We always try different places as much as we can. And even picky DD,really likes the burgers from there, and all have rarely let hot fries go uneaten.

Looks like fabulous weather started out your vacation. Great start.

The weather was nothing short of superb. Sunshine, warm temps, beautiful breezes, low humidity. Maybe a teeny bit too hot on a couple of days, but who am I to complain about it being too warm?

I've actually never been to Red Robin even though I live close to one, vut it looks delicious bottomless fries is something I can get behind.

You should give it a go.....its well worth a try at least once . Something seems to tell me their root beer floats are bottomless, too.

Your review has me wanting Red Robin! It's a bit of a hike for us, so we don't go often. I could go for some bottomless fries...Krispy Kreme tried to establish itself here, but just didn't catch on -- too much competition from Dunkin Donuts.

That VIP check in was shameful, I'm so glad the manager called and hopefully your next experience will be delightful! That was a very long first day, you guys held up admirably

Maria

We were starting to get pretty wiped out by nightfall....I think were running on first-day adrenaline by after dinner. That, and a bit of a sugar high from Krispy Kreme .

That onion ring tower looks amazing! I love me some onion rings! Never been to Red Robin before I'm going to have to go now just for that tower!

Speaking of Krispy Kremes, this weekend I picked up a box of Betty Crocker Krispy Kreme glazed donut cake mix. Made it this afternoon (in a bundt pan) OMG! It's half gone already! My kids came home from school and devoured it!

http://www.bettycrocker.com/product...ispy-kreme-cake-mix-with-original-donut-glaze

Loving your review, Gina!
Mare

The onion ring tower comes in a half-size version as well, just in case you find the HUGE one too daunting.

That cake mix looks ah-mazing!!!! If I can find those at the grocery store on our October trip, I may have to pick up a few as "souvenirs" . Do you mind me asking which store you found them at? Would it have been Walmart or Publix, maybe?

Yes, Days has what they call 'Business Suites'. They have at least one anyway, we stayed in it a few years ago. The room was huge with a king and a double bed (weird combo right?). Living area with sofa, two chairs, coffee table and desk. Kitchenette with a sort of a service counter beside it. The bathroom was just your standard set up but the bottom of the tub was brown. I was not thrilled with the room it felt dirty and was beyond worn out. I don't remember what floor but the window looked down into the pool....maybe 4th floor.

As requested.....
Presenting..
The Aloft, You Will Now See Why I Do Not Write Trip Reports, Mini Hijack, Not A Trip Report, Trip Report

It started with our arrival on a grey Wednesday evening in March. After a very uneventful 90 minute drive to Buffalo that included a Timmies stop and a
one car wait at the Peace bridge we glided into the Aloft parking lot. We were staying at the Aloft after we came back to BUF because our flight landed around midnight and I was not keen to drive home alone at that time. When I say driving alone what I mean is that the stylin' Toyota Yaris is a stick and Grumpy Cat can't drive it(and won't learn) so that left me as the lone operator. Just so everyone knows, that stylin' little beastie is DH's commuter car. I drive a proper SUV, blue with Mickey sticker just like @bankr63 . Anyway, due to our late arrive upon return I opted to park the car at the Aloft before flying out so that when we got back we could just hop the shuttle to the hotel. More efficient than shuttling to the airport parking lot and then driving to the hotel, I thought.

When we arrived at the Aloft I went in to the front desk and got my parking tag. The desk clerk called the shuttle driver and had him bring the van out to my car and then I was to follow him to the parking lot. The driver took me right to the first spot and immediately jumped out to take my bags out of the Yaris. Already I'm impressed. He then took us directly over to the airport and we had a very nice chat along the way. I asked if there had been any issues in the parking lot and he said no. It's very well lit, there are security cameras and they patrol. Plus, I'm figuring no one is interested in the Yaris when there was a Benz and a Lexus parked next to it.

When we arrived back in Buffalo after a great flight (except for the weirdo sitting beside us, but that's another story) our bags were among the first to come off the belt. I grabbed the courtesy phone and called the hotel for a pick up. The shuttle was already at the curb by the time we walked over. NICE. BTW, we left Orlando in 90 degrees and arrived in BUF to something like 50. When the driver dropped us off at the door he told me to go ahead in and he carried the bags right to me at the front desk. Such a gentlemanly thing to do and it was much appreciated.

Finally, the actual hotel. The lobby is very modern, boutique hotel style. The have a grab n go area that is very well stocked with drinks, snacks and meals. The lobby bar is smallish but more than adequate. I hear that they have a nice little menu. Check in was quick and easy but considering that it was after midnight I would expect nothing less.

The room was absolutely wonderful. Still kinda' had the new car smell. Now, these rooms are the opposite of the traditional hotel layout. Instead of the room rectangle being the long way as you enter the Aloft is the wide way. So as you enter the room is shallow from the door to the window wall. If that makes any sense at all. Bathroom area has divided sink/closet area with a pocket door that separates the toilet and huge shower. The shower has a frosted glass wall that allows light in from the bedroom area. The beds...what can I say but heavenly. The best hotel beds I have ever slept in. Just the right combo of firm and soft. Then there were the pillows. I still dream EVERY SINGLE NIGHT about the perfect pillows on the bed. Now toss in the crisp linens and I'm wondering if I have in fact literally died and gone to heaven. For real. After listening to Grumpy Cat complain about not driving home so she could sleep in her own bed she too was completely impressed by the hotel and the beds. That's really saying something because she's turned into a hotel snob.

Morning check out was simply just getting a receipt for my parking. Which BTW, as a Starwood member was only $5/day. The room was on points and a huge bargain at only 3000. So I sadly(and coldly) dragged myself out to the parking lot to pull the car around to the front door to load the bags and set off for home.

The End.

Side note: after I posted a review to Tripadvisor I got an email from the hotel manager giving me a phone number so that I could order the pillows. In my review I mentioned my love of the pillows and that I almost asked if I could buy them to

Well, our room definitely sounded to be in better repair than the business suite was. I think I'm glad they put us where they did!

The Aloft sounds very, very appealling. I just checked the Buffalo Park Sleep Fly website and its $89 for the Days and $119 for the Aloft. The Days includes breakfast but the Aloft does not. Not a huge difference in price, but I think I might be able to do even better with Days under their repeat customer discount. Oh, decisions, decisions .

So, you need to vacation in Kansas City at some point -- we have all the restaurants you love so far!

I'm all for a new adventure! What else is there to to in KC?

Great updates Gina, the maintenance issues although a pain at least were resolved efficiently. The onion tower looks delicious, reminds me of the one at Bahama Breeze mmmmmmm......

Oh, good!! Bahama Breeze is on our October itinerary...one of the new places we plan to try. I know what we will be getting for an appy, then!

There are many, many CiCi's on I-drive. Like on every block. If it's still there, there is one south of SeaWorld that is newish and it's nice.

There is a Sweet Tomatoes on I-drive in the general vicinity of US. It's older and a little run down but the food is excellent. Also, near US is Bubba's Bodacious BBQ. It's a pretty well known place and a bit of a dive but the food is fantastic. I think it's located at Conroy and Kirkman.

There is a Japanese Hibachi place right near the Titanic Experience on I-drive that is really good. It's called Shogun. You can often find it on restaurant.com This is another place that is run down but the service was excellent and so was the food.

All good suggestions. Margaritaville is also a fun place for anyone staying onsite at Universal. It's right there in CityWalk which is super convenient. The food is excellent and the atmosphere is so fun!

I'd also recommend Kobe Japanese Steakhouse. There's locations all over Orlando. It's one of my favorite local restaurants and gives a ton of food.

Steve LOVES steak, so I'll have to keep this on in the back of my mind for a future trip .

Thanks for the Aloft review ... next time I need a Buffalo park and fly I will give it a shot. It sounds fantastic!

I have Restaurant.com credit to use up and Shogun is on there right now. Not looking for spectacular, but if you say it's good I think we will try it for our Universal trip in October.

Gina, Red Robin is making the list too. I love all the ideas I get from your trip reports!

That's awesome!! I think you'll really enjoy it.

Before or after your meal, you should take the family on a ride on the Orlando Eye....it's literally right next door. They are offering discounted tickets on Groupon right now, too!

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

That Cici's was the one I was planning on going to, glad it's one of the better ones. Was also thinking of TGI Fridays since its near Springhill Suites.

Thanks for the other places, I will check them out. I think I'm picker (than Gina and everyone else I know) and I have allergies so I do a lot of searching menus before I decide to go to a restaurant.

It's rare that I meet anyone pickier than myself, but it sure nice to know I'm not the only one who is finicky .

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Sunday, April 24th: the conclusion (finally!!)


Night time at the Vistana is so much fun. I think the resort is just as beautiful at night as it is during the day, and there are always activities happening at the pools and recreation areas for those who don’t want to hit the sack once the sun goes down. Quite honestly, I enjoy the pool atmosphere even more after sunset than I do during the day.


As we padded toward the Fountains recreation area, we passed the water fountains in the ponds that were all lit up in green lights....so pretty .





The Tacky Tiki Bar was open, but it was pretty quiet all around. The resort was apparently at capacity that week but you would never know it here .





The Fountains pool is one of three pool at the resort that are open until 1 am daily, which leaves lots of time for swimming after a long day at the parks.








The pool temperature was darn near perfect in this northerner’s assessment.....warm enough to be wonderfully enjoyable, but not so warm that it wasn’t refreshing. I’m pretty tough to please when it comes to pool temps, but even my high standards were very adequately met .





As we made our way up behind the waterfall to the dual hot tubs, I couldn’t help but be struck by the beautiful contrast of the green palms against the inky black sky. I have a bit of a ‘thing’ for palm trees at the best of times, and this just made me love them even more. Best. View. Ever.








We lounged in the hot tubs for about an hour and enjoyed some great conversation with a few other guests who joined us as we soaked. Eventually, though, we were just too tired to sit any longer.....otherwise security would find us sound asleep (and probably completely cooked! ) when they closed the place down at 1 am. We bid our new friends goodnight and headed to bed....after all, we had a full day on deck tomorrow and we wanted to be rested and ready.


We hung our wet swimsuits to dry in the bathrooms, indulged in another donut (maybe two ), brushed our teeth, and hit the sack.


On deck for Monday was one of my favourite parks in Orlando.....SeaWorld!

 

[goofygal531]

The onion ring tower comes in a half-size version as well, just in case you find the HUGE one too daunting.

That cake mix looks ah-mazing!!!! If I can find those at the grocery store on our October trip, I may have to pick up a few as "souvenirs" . Do you mind me asking which store you found them at? Would it have been Walmart or Publix, maybe?!

That's good to know! I could never manage to eat all those onion rings AND then a big burger! Half order of rings would be perfect,

I found the cake mixes at Walmart in the Poconos, PA (we have a weekend home there).