Our multi-destination trip will begin on April 26th.

[Nickylv]

 

[Nickylv]

 

[Nickylv]

 

[Nickylv]

 

[Nickylv]

 

[DeenaRon]

I am so happy that I found your trip report! It is excellent! My Mom lives in Las Vegas, in Summerlin. Thank you for taking the time to share your amazing trip. I hope it continues to be amazing and I look forward to reading along!!

 

[Nickylv]

Thank you. We have been in Henderson for 29 years, time flies, originally from New Jersey (shore) when we first moved to Vegas we looked at houses (Summerlin was just starting to build) in Summerlin but decided we wanted to be closer to the airport. 8 minutes door to door to the airport. We live just down the road from The District off the Green Valley Parkway exit from 215. Whats even better is our kids, grandkids (adults now) and great grandkids all live right around us. How spoiled are we. Thanks again for reading.

 

[DeenaRon]

Thank you. We have been in Henderson for 29 years, time flies, originally from New Jersey (shore) when we first moved to Vegas we looked at houses (Summerlin was just starting to build) in Summerlin but decided we wanted to be closer to the airport. 8 minutes door to door to the airport. We live just down the road from The District off the Green Valley Parkway exit from 215. Whats even better is our kids, grandkids (adults now) and great grandkids all live right around us. How spoiled are we. Thanks again for reading.

I live in New Jersey and my Mom was born and raised in New Jersey and moved to Las Vegas in 2000/2001.

 

[Nickylv]

Small world. I grew up in Jackson (Great Adventure) my wife in Somerspoint and Ocean City. We both opened Atlantic City Casinos as original dealers in the 70’s. Raised our kids in Cape May County, Seaville. Our kids graduated high school at Ocean City High on the beach. My wife wanted to get her Masters Degree so off to central NY, Syracuse University and as soon as she graduated we moved to Henderson NV. Our kids decided they didn’t have enough of us and followed us out here. We got to help raise our Grandkids and now our great grandkids. We all go on family vacations every year and help watch our two great grandsons every week while their parents work. Life is good.

 

[enzy65]

Following along, great report.
We always seem to have problems at steakhouse 71, constantly losing our reservation and a very rude hostess. Servers not at all friendly. I doubt we ever go back.

 

[Nickylv]

Following along, great report.
We always seem to have problems at steakhouse 71, constantly losing our reservation and a very rude hostess. Servers not at all friendly. I doubt we ever go back.

They have the potential for a nice steakhouse, not the best but for the price it could be a good choice, the staff just kills it for being a good place. Again I blame the manager who runs it. No training and no rules expected to be a cast member there. Why is it that other restaurants can do it but they just can’t seem to get it together, but in all fairness the staff at the bar area especially Victoria is amazing, that would make me believe a different manager runs the bar area. They know how to run things and hire good people.

 

[Nickylv]

Day 4

Today is our last day and we have a lot planned for today. Well I guess the old saying “they saved the best for last” is so true. Weather today was just beautiful, not overly hot at all. Our morning was very relaxing. By the time we got out it was early afternoon.


On our way to the Magic Kingdom was quick and easy. There was no crowd to get into the park and we took a fast paced walk to Harbor House for lunch. When we were half way there I mobile ordered two Lobster rolls. When we arrived we found a table and I let them know we were here and immediately got a message back that our food was ready. These lobster rolls are a good value for $18.99. You could pay double that in some restaurants. If you have not taken advantage of mobile ordering, this is one of the best. Just order what you want on the app, find a table, while your all situated press the I’m here button on the app and they will get it ready for you. The app will let you know when it’s ready, all you do is walk up to the designated window and pick up your order. Its so simple and no line to stand in. If an old timer can do it with no problem you have no excuse.

After lunch we left Harbor House and walked to the Haunted Mansion. After a short wait, we were in. What a great attraction. Next we went to the Jungle Cruise. I didn’t get his name but skipper driving the boat was very funny. Next off to Pirates of the Caribbean. This is a much shorter attraction than the one in California but it still was great.

We wanted to get back to the Polynesian and get ourselves ready for our Spice Road Fireworks Dining Package at Epcot. I highly suggest this. For $81 per person you get food and drinks and watch the fireworks close and personal at the convienence of your dining table.

We rode the Monorail over to Epcot and took our time walking to Morocoo. We arrived at 7:45 and checked in. Soon received a text that our table was ready. Food and drinks were delivered to the table with about an hour to eat and enjoy ourselves before the firework show. Soon the lights dim and the show begins. The food was great, the choices of drinks were just fine and the front row seating of the firework show was amazing. The cast members are really nice and friendly and the food is very good. Such a great deal for a really nice end of day event.

After the show, we all know it is a mad house trying to exit the park. We decided to just take our time and let those who wanted to rush out go first. By the time we arrived at the Monorail the crowds had thinned out. We just walked on to the Monorail car. When we got to the TTC we walked off and on to the Monorail car that goes to the Magic Kingdom resorts. The car was waiting for us and within a few minutes we were back at the Polynesian.

Today was such a pleasant day. Filled with all the things we wanted to do and see. It was an amazing end to the first part of our vacation. The Firework show at Epcot and the amazing food at Spice Road. I highly recommend this event. Its definately worth every penny. Well this ends our Walt Disney World trip. It really was a great and enjoyable one. We will be in Disneyland at the end of the month but until then…. “now its time to say good bye to all our company, M. I. C. See you real soon, K. E. Y. Why because we like you, M. O. U. S. E, thank you for hanging in there and reading my trip report. Next stop will be St. Augustine , Wednesday thru Sunday. Then we will be on Hilton Head Island for 10 days. The first time we experienced Hilton Head island was at The Disney Resort on Hilton Head Island. It’s a wonderful resort, the cast members are just great and the island has lots to offer. Tune in tomorrow for more on our 18 day fun filled vacation. Until tomorrow, have a great night. Thank you

 

[Nickylv]

 

[Nickylv]

 

[Nickylv]

Day 5: A Change of Scenery

Packing up and leaving the Polynesian always comes with a bit of sadness.—this place was incredibly comfortable. The first two days were hot and muggy, but yesterday and today brought the kind of weather that makes it hard to say goodbye.

Before hitting the road, we packed the car, checked out, and made our way to Disney Springs for an 11:45am reservation at The Boathouse—one of our absolute favorite Disney restaurants. As always, it did not disappoint. The food was fantastic, the srvice impeccable, and this time we were lucky enough to sit on the porch overlooking the water. Pure perfection

After an unforgettable meal, it was time for the two hour drive to St. Augustine Beach. The trip was sommoth with little traffic, and the moment we arrived, it felt like coming home. We used to own a place here, and selling it was a decision we’ve regretted ever since. But at least we can keep coming back to our happy place.

First stop; the grocery store to pick up some essentials. Then, off to the Sunset Grill—a longtime tradition for kicking off our stays with dinner on the rooftop patio. But things have changed. The dishes we to love are no longer on the menu, and the offerings seemed more like bar food—not quite what we were looking for. So, we made a quick decision to switch gears and head to another favorite local spot, Mango Mango. Their caribbean—inspired menu is always delicious, and thankfully, it remained as good as ever.

With dinner wrapped up, we headed back to our condo to unpack and settle in. Five days and four nights in this beachside paradise—just a few houses away from the sand. Can’t wait to feel it beneath our feet.

 

[Nickylv]

 

[Nickylv]

Day 6:

Woke up to a beautiful morning in St. Augustine Beach. This town is the oldest continuously occupied town in America. It was settled in 1565 by Spanish Admiral Pedro Menendez De Avile’s who was Florida’s first governer. This town is rich in history and is a wonderful place to visit. Old town is a really nice place to shop and many great restaurants.

The Beach part of this island is where we will spend our 4 day visit. Its alot less crowded in St Augustine beach then in old town.

Made breakfast in our place and decided that since we have a few leftovers from lunch and dinner yesterday, that today will be a relaxing day with no rushing around and not really needing to go out for dinner.

After breakfast we gathered up our beach chairs, umbrella, beach towels and what ever we needed to spend a few relaxing hours sitting on the beach and enjoying one of our beautiful Earths natural wonders. The weather is spectacular the ocean breeze is intoxicating and the relaxing sound of the waves crashing on to the beach sand is just so relaxing, it is our happy place.

Staying in a condo just a few houses from the sandy beach makes our trip that much more special. Some like the woods and camping, some like the mountains and hiking, some like the city, and some like the country, some go for cruises, and some love historical vacations, some scenic vacations I always say “to each his own”, no vacation is better than another if its what you enjoy. My wife and I enjoy the ocean and sitting on the beach. Both of us grew up near the beach and we still just love it.

It was soon dinner time and we packed up and walked back to our condo and just reheated our leftovers from yesterdays lunch and dinner.

What a beautiful day today was perfect weather and was nice to just have nothing planned and relax. Tomorrow is a little different we do have dinner reservations at Catch 27 a special restaurant we have been to before which is in historic old town and after dinner that evening we have a special Haunted Ghost tour.

We had taken the whole family to Aulani one year and stayed in The Grand Villa. Need I tell you how beautiful that trip was…We did a Ghost Tour while in Hawaii and it was the best experience. So much fun and really fun to see how terrified some of our family members were. It was very exciting and I hope this is going to be too. A relaxing day today and getting ready for a great time tomorrow. Till then see ya’ll tomorrow…..

 

[Nickylv]

 

[Nickylv]

Day 7:

A beautiful morning, sat out on our screened in porch and relaxed. Coffee ,some breakfast just a great way to start the day. At around 1pm we decided to take our chairs down to the beach and just relax by the ocean for a few hours. The weather was just perfect. At 3:00 we walked back to our condo and got ready for our dinner reservation and ghost tour afterwards. I have been talking about going on this ghost tour for years. I did a ghost tour in Hawaii and it was the best tour I ever went on. Scary too.

We got ready and left to go to old town where we have a 5:30 dinner reservation at Catch 27. We left about an hour early because parking can be a problem in that part of St Augustine. Parking was a little tough but we did find a pay parking lot that had space. We arrived early and they seated us with no problem. Dinner was just great, service was great. This restaurant is always really good, we have been here before and it is consistantly good. After dinner we walked around the shops which is not really our thing but we needed to waste time. You know when you move from your family two story large home to a small single story home to retire in, you don’t have much extra room for non necessary items, so the St Augustine shot glass or coffee mug or even the jaw and teeth of an alligator is just not something we really have room for. Soon it was time we make our way to the Ghost tour meeting spot.

At 7:45 we met up with the tour guide. Not at all what we expected. But we thought lets go with it. Strangely it was just my wife and I on the tour. Where was every one else? As soon as things got underway, we understood why.

The main tour guide who was knowledgeable and well spoken told us that he was training a new guy who was going to be leading the tour. Unfortunately he could have prepared a lot better, he stumbled over nearly every word and kept looking at his phone to find his next lines. The theatrics! (mind you this is a ghost tour not a broadway show). But his poor delivery wasn’t the worst part, — he had absolutely no awareness of his surroundings. He flailed his arms bumping into passerbys, spoke while walking away from us so we could not hear him, and even sped ahead, leaving us in the dust. (I did think if I grabbed my wife by the hand and raced down a side alley we could get away scott free, but thinking she was enjoying herself, I did not want to ruin it for her) finally the main guide had to step in and tell him to slow down and keep the pace with the guests—extreemly annoying. After less than 30 minutes of our supposed hour—long tour, my wife finally spoke up, saying “I’m sorry but this is just not working out.” She thought I was going to be upset that she stopped the tour, knowing how much I was looking forward to it but in reality, I had been trying to figure out how to slip away unnoticed— which is hard to do with only two of you! I was greatful.

It was very disappointing since I had been anticipating this experience for months. That $80+ felt completely wasted. At the start of the tour The main tour guide had mentioned that he would ask for our feedback about the trainee afterward. I was trying to come up with a polite way to put it, but all I could think was “DUDE” this is not a job for you. Find something else.”

And honestly I wasn’t even trying to be funny—the scariest thing about this tour was the fact it went on as long as it did. The main guide knew this guy was struggling, yet instead of stepping in to salvage the experience, he let it continue. What a disappointment.

Okay enough of that, we went back to our place, relaxed, at least tried and called it a night. Maybe tomorrow we will think it was funny….probably not.

Tomorrow is our last day in St. Augustine and no, that will not spoil our days here in a town we both love so much. I am not quite sure how some locals in St Augustine feel about going to the shopping district in old town. When we had our place here we really never went down there, it seemed way to crowded and hard to find a spot to park. Just like being a local in Las Vegas, locals do not go to the strip we leave that for the tourists. Those of you reading this have probably been to the strip more times than myself and I live there more than 29 years. Oh well tomorrow is another day. Hope you continue reading.

 

[FencerGirl]

Just finished your report so far. I've never been to St. Augustine, but I might have to add it to our next trip, it sounds lovely! Looking forward to the Hilton Head portion. It's one of our favorite places and I love hearing about other people's favorite restaurants, beaches, etc.