Day 2: We left our room at around 9:30am and went to the Gelletaria for coffee and then got on the boat and went to Islands of Adventure. This time we opted against getting a locker as we didnt feel like hiking back to the Port of Entry every time we needed something out of our bag. I noticed that everyone else just left everything with the stroller in the designated stroller parking area so we took our chances and didnt have a problem. We first headed to Marvel Island where C3 and C4 went on Spiderman. Again, staying onsite came in very handy. The wait time for the ride was around 60 minutes and they got on the ride in around 10 minutes. I then left DH with the boys and went on the Hulk. What a great ride! DH went on it next and he and I used the child swap for the boys. The Hulk ride had a decent size waiting area for the child swap which can be reached by going into the exit along with FOTL. I then took C4 on Spiderman and we took both boys on the Storm Force Accelerator. The X-men and Spiderman characters were always coming and going while we were there and before moving on to Toon Lagoon we were able to get C4 and BTs pictures with Spiderman.
In Toon Lagoon, we waited in line for Ripsaw Falls but there was a problem with the ride and since C4 had to use the bathroom and the line wasnt moving (not even for FOTL). C3 and C4 then went on the Popeye River Rat ride. They wore rain gear and still came off soaked. C4 wanted to go again and I traded off raingear with C3. I put my sandals into the waterproof area in the middle of the ride and tried to arrange my rain coat to cover as much as possible to no avail. The water splashing to my front was no problem. It was the water that splashes in from the sides and bottom that soaked us. At least I didnt have to put on wet shoes as my sandals did stay dry.
We headed back to the hotel after that ride to spend the rest of the afternoon and spend some time by the pool. When we got back to our room, housekeeping hadnt been by and I contacted Star Service who assured me that they would send someone up immediately. On our way to the pool, we passed someone from housekeeping in the hall which I assumed was heading to our room. We went to the villa pool which wasnt too crowded. C3 and I found some chairs adjacent to the childrens pool which is small and located just above the villa pool. C4 went right to the regular pool and found some new friends to play with. BT had the whole childrens pool to himself. C3 and C4 went down the waterslide and C3 reported that it was pretty good.
We headed back to our room with around an hour left before our dinner reservation at Mama Dellas. Housekeeping had come and we took a quick break and readied everything for a return trip to IO after dinner.
Mama Dellas was great. BT and C4 were fussy through most of the meal but then we were serenaded by a guitar player and an accordion player (cant remember names but they appeared to be father and son) who treated us to a rendition of Thats Amore. The boys calmed down immediately and enjoyed the entertainment.
I went up to the room to get our backpack and stroller and met the guys at the boat dock.
We explored Seuss Landing and part of Lost Continent upon our return to IO. At 9:50pm there was a fireworks display held in the harbor. The four of us found a spot at around 30 minutes prior on top of a group of rocks adjacent to Mythos and watched the show. Shortly after we set up there, our spot got crowded.
We headed back to the hotel after the display and absolutely enjoyed the quiet boat ride and the movie-classical music that was played. Again turn down had occurred lights dimmed, curtains drawn, beds turned down, stereo turned on softly, and ice in the bucket.
Day 3: We went back to Universal Studios for most of the day. We didnt leave the hotel until around 11am. Again we were spoiled by FOTL. By that time, the cost of staying on site had more than paid for itself. We saw the Animal Planet Live show, the Barney show, played in Feivels playground and went on the Jaws ride. I also got to go on MIB and Mummy with C4. We then went to the Horror make up show which we used our passed to get front row seats. I was taunted by one of the hosts (not called on stage, thankfully) and then received more than my share of fake blood (water) dowsed on me from a fake heart. All I could do was sit there and laugh. Our last ride was Terminator.
We then watched the Slime Machine in front of the Nickelodeon Studios erupt and then headed over to IO for our dinner reservation at Mythos.
Our experience at Mythos was wonderful. BT and C4 were fussy as usual, but Rebecca our server, was wonderful. BT even tossed a plate which broke on the floor. DH and I were totally embarrassed but the employees had no problem with it and cleaned it up. Rebecca reassured us that she had seen kids there that acted worse than BT. The food at Mythos was wonderful. DH had the shoulder tips and I had the seared scallops. The boys had the ravioli and chicken fingers. The atmosphere was beautiful and we were placed near a window which looked out on the harbor and we could see the Hulk Coaster in the distance. We used a Peel Off coupon/prize from one of the large Mummy drink cups which allowed us ½ off a second entrée at several restaurants including Mythos. During our time at Universal, we received several of these coupons including a discount on ride photos, discounts on merchandise purchased at various Universal shops and free small fries from the Captain America diner and a restaurant at Universal Studios. We never used those although we had planned to.
After Mythos, we headed to the Flying Unicorn and on into Jurassic Park. There we explored the play area and were shooed out of the Discovery center which had closed at 8pm.
We hoped to get back to the hotel before the fireworks display since we had watched it the night before, but we rode the three rides in Seuss Landing on our way out of the park and by the time we got to the boat dock the display had started in IO. We were able to see parts of it over the buildings in IO and on the City Walk.
When we got back to our room, turn down hadnt occurred. I was tempted to contact Star Service but it was late and we were all ready for bed. I was able to quickly draw the curtains, dim the lights, fix the beds and turn on the music but I still missed the service. At least housekeeping had come by and cleaned the room.
Day 4: We left the hotel at around 11am and headed for a day at IO. C4 had fallen out of bed unharmed the night before. We picked up our Spiderman pictures from the shop on Marvel Island and then went on Ripsaw Falls in Toon Lagoon. Everything was working properly this time and there were no delays. I went on hoping not to get too wet but came off the ride soaked. Thankfully the sun was out and things were warming up. We dried pretty quickly. We had lunch at the Dagwood or Blondies café where the food was pretty good.
We then went to the Triceratops Trail which was pretty interesting. Next was the Discovery Center which was quite interesting. C3 and C4 then went to go on River Adventure, but we were advised over a loudspeaker that the ride was temporarily closed due to technical problems. We took a break and people watched until the ride reopened and BT and I waited by the area adjacent to the last ramp as the rafts come out of the building into a splash of water. I noticed a Splash Zone in that area which got soaked every time a raft came down.
We then went to the Eighth Voyage of Sinbad show which was just getting ready to start. Then we went on Dueling Dragons. I was wearing slide on sandals and wondered how and if I could go on the ride. DH and I used the child swap (a very small hallway-like room with one bench and very little room for a stroller). He went first and I was advised that I would have to wear my shoes up until I got on the ride and then take them off and sit on them while I rode. During my time in the child swap room, there was a young man who had got on a previous ride and unknowingly sat in a pool of vomit from a previous rider. Check your seat before you sit down on the ride! I rode the blue coaster which was delayed to clean off the vomit of possibly the same rider. What a great ride! My sandals were simple with little or no heel and posed no problem or discomfort during the ride.
We had dinner at Circus McGurkus in Seuss Landing. DH raved about the fried chicken. We went on the three rides there (Carou-Seuss-Al, Cat in the Hat and One Fish Two Fish) before returning to the Jurassic Park playground with a detour for me at Dueling Dragons. I rode the red coaster that time. We headed back to the Port of Entry through Toon Lagoon and Marvel Island this time. C3 and C4 took in the Spiderman ride one last time and we all rode the Storm Force Accelerator and then I went on Hulk one last time. What a view at night. I think its even better than during the day. I quickly found DH after and insisted that he go on it. While waiting, BT fell asleep in his stroller and woke once we got back to our room.
Turn down had occurred when we returned and it was bittersweet as it was going to be our last night there.
Day 5: We checked out of PBR at around 11am. We were charged for the bottle of Evian that we had placed on top of the armoire. DH went down to the desk and explained about the water and they quickly took it off the bill. After we packed up, we called for a bellhop (cant remember his name) who was prior military and shared stories with my husband as we walked out. We used valet parking ($12/day) during the duration of our trip and our vehicle was waiting for us when we got out to the curb. Our park passes were valid for the duration of the day but we chose to head out instead.
All in all, it was a great vacation. Thanks again to all of you out there for sharing your Universal experiences. We will probably return to Universal and the PBR after at least C4 is 54 tall and BT is 48. Ive read positive comments about all three of the onsite resorts but after the wonderful quality treatment we received at PBR (not counting the lack of turn down service one of the nights), I cant think of any place better to stay.
I hope this report helps those of you who may be planning their first big vacation. Have fun.
I will check back daily and try to respond to any questions or comments regarding this report for around a week. After that, itll only be now and then. For those of you preparing to go to Universal in the near future, enjoy yourselves; please inform others of your trip and think of me as you ride Hulk or Dueling Dragons.
WE WILL RETURN SOMEDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
In Toon Lagoon, we waited in line for Ripsaw Falls but there was a problem with the ride and since C4 had to use the bathroom and the line wasnt moving (not even for FOTL). C3 and C4 then went on the Popeye River Rat ride. They wore rain gear and still came off soaked. C4 wanted to go again and I traded off raingear with C3. I put my sandals into the waterproof area in the middle of the ride and tried to arrange my rain coat to cover as much as possible to no avail. The water splashing to my front was no problem. It was the water that splashes in from the sides and bottom that soaked us. At least I didnt have to put on wet shoes as my sandals did stay dry.
We headed back to the hotel after that ride to spend the rest of the afternoon and spend some time by the pool. When we got back to our room, housekeeping hadnt been by and I contacted Star Service who assured me that they would send someone up immediately. On our way to the pool, we passed someone from housekeeping in the hall which I assumed was heading to our room. We went to the villa pool which wasnt too crowded. C3 and I found some chairs adjacent to the childrens pool which is small and located just above the villa pool. C4 went right to the regular pool and found some new friends to play with. BT had the whole childrens pool to himself. C3 and C4 went down the waterslide and C3 reported that it was pretty good.
We headed back to our room with around an hour left before our dinner reservation at Mama Dellas. Housekeeping had come and we took a quick break and readied everything for a return trip to IO after dinner.
Mama Dellas was great. BT and C4 were fussy through most of the meal but then we were serenaded by a guitar player and an accordion player (cant remember names but they appeared to be father and son) who treated us to a rendition of Thats Amore. The boys calmed down immediately and enjoyed the entertainment.
I went up to the room to get our backpack and stroller and met the guys at the boat dock.
We explored Seuss Landing and part of Lost Continent upon our return to IO. At 9:50pm there was a fireworks display held in the harbor. The four of us found a spot at around 30 minutes prior on top of a group of rocks adjacent to Mythos and watched the show. Shortly after we set up there, our spot got crowded.
We headed back to the hotel after the display and absolutely enjoyed the quiet boat ride and the movie-classical music that was played. Again turn down had occurred lights dimmed, curtains drawn, beds turned down, stereo turned on softly, and ice in the bucket.
Day 3: We went back to Universal Studios for most of the day. We didnt leave the hotel until around 11am. Again we were spoiled by FOTL. By that time, the cost of staying on site had more than paid for itself. We saw the Animal Planet Live show, the Barney show, played in Feivels playground and went on the Jaws ride. I also got to go on MIB and Mummy with C4. We then went to the Horror make up show which we used our passed to get front row seats. I was taunted by one of the hosts (not called on stage, thankfully) and then received more than my share of fake blood (water) dowsed on me from a fake heart. All I could do was sit there and laugh. Our last ride was Terminator.
We then watched the Slime Machine in front of the Nickelodeon Studios erupt and then headed over to IO for our dinner reservation at Mythos.
Our experience at Mythos was wonderful. BT and C4 were fussy as usual, but Rebecca our server, was wonderful. BT even tossed a plate which broke on the floor. DH and I were totally embarrassed but the employees had no problem with it and cleaned it up. Rebecca reassured us that she had seen kids there that acted worse than BT. The food at Mythos was wonderful. DH had the shoulder tips and I had the seared scallops. The boys had the ravioli and chicken fingers. The atmosphere was beautiful and we were placed near a window which looked out on the harbor and we could see the Hulk Coaster in the distance. We used a Peel Off coupon/prize from one of the large Mummy drink cups which allowed us ½ off a second entrée at several restaurants including Mythos. During our time at Universal, we received several of these coupons including a discount on ride photos, discounts on merchandise purchased at various Universal shops and free small fries from the Captain America diner and a restaurant at Universal Studios. We never used those although we had planned to.
After Mythos, we headed to the Flying Unicorn and on into Jurassic Park. There we explored the play area and were shooed out of the Discovery center which had closed at 8pm.
We hoped to get back to the hotel before the fireworks display since we had watched it the night before, but we rode the three rides in Seuss Landing on our way out of the park and by the time we got to the boat dock the display had started in IO. We were able to see parts of it over the buildings in IO and on the City Walk.
When we got back to our room, turn down hadnt occurred. I was tempted to contact Star Service but it was late and we were all ready for bed. I was able to quickly draw the curtains, dim the lights, fix the beds and turn on the music but I still missed the service. At least housekeeping had come by and cleaned the room.
Day 4: We left the hotel at around 11am and headed for a day at IO. C4 had fallen out of bed unharmed the night before. We picked up our Spiderman pictures from the shop on Marvel Island and then went on Ripsaw Falls in Toon Lagoon. Everything was working properly this time and there were no delays. I went on hoping not to get too wet but came off the ride soaked. Thankfully the sun was out and things were warming up. We dried pretty quickly. We had lunch at the Dagwood or Blondies café where the food was pretty good.
We then went to the Triceratops Trail which was pretty interesting. Next was the Discovery Center which was quite interesting. C3 and C4 then went to go on River Adventure, but we were advised over a loudspeaker that the ride was temporarily closed due to technical problems. We took a break and people watched until the ride reopened and BT and I waited by the area adjacent to the last ramp as the rafts come out of the building into a splash of water. I noticed a Splash Zone in that area which got soaked every time a raft came down.
We then went to the Eighth Voyage of Sinbad show which was just getting ready to start. Then we went on Dueling Dragons. I was wearing slide on sandals and wondered how and if I could go on the ride. DH and I used the child swap (a very small hallway-like room with one bench and very little room for a stroller). He went first and I was advised that I would have to wear my shoes up until I got on the ride and then take them off and sit on them while I rode. During my time in the child swap room, there was a young man who had got on a previous ride and unknowingly sat in a pool of vomit from a previous rider. Check your seat before you sit down on the ride! I rode the blue coaster which was delayed to clean off the vomit of possibly the same rider. What a great ride! My sandals were simple with little or no heel and posed no problem or discomfort during the ride.
We had dinner at Circus McGurkus in Seuss Landing. DH raved about the fried chicken. We went on the three rides there (Carou-Seuss-Al, Cat in the Hat and One Fish Two Fish) before returning to the Jurassic Park playground with a detour for me at Dueling Dragons. I rode the red coaster that time. We headed back to the Port of Entry through Toon Lagoon and Marvel Island this time. C3 and C4 took in the Spiderman ride one last time and we all rode the Storm Force Accelerator and then I went on Hulk one last time. What a view at night. I think its even better than during the day. I quickly found DH after and insisted that he go on it. While waiting, BT fell asleep in his stroller and woke once we got back to our room.
Turn down had occurred when we returned and it was bittersweet as it was going to be our last night there.
Day 5: We checked out of PBR at around 11am. We were charged for the bottle of Evian that we had placed on top of the armoire. DH went down to the desk and explained about the water and they quickly took it off the bill. After we packed up, we called for a bellhop (cant remember his name) who was prior military and shared stories with my husband as we walked out. We used valet parking ($12/day) during the duration of our trip and our vehicle was waiting for us when we got out to the curb. Our park passes were valid for the duration of the day but we chose to head out instead.
All in all, it was a great vacation. Thanks again to all of you out there for sharing your Universal experiences. We will probably return to Universal and the PBR after at least C4 is 54 tall and BT is 48. Ive read positive comments about all three of the onsite resorts but after the wonderful quality treatment we received at PBR (not counting the lack of turn down service one of the nights), I cant think of any place better to stay.
I hope this report helps those of you who may be planning their first big vacation. Have fun.
I will check back daily and try to respond to any questions or comments regarding this report for around a week. After that, itll only be now and then. For those of you preparing to go to Universal in the near future, enjoy yourselves; please inform others of your trip and think of me as you ride Hulk or Dueling Dragons.
WE WILL RETURN SOMEDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
