robvia
<font color=red>DIS Veteran<br><font color=indigo>
- Joined
- May 7, 2001
- Messages
- 3,983
TR: RPR 07/06/05 07/08/05
Cast Me 41
DS 34
DD 14
Destiny Dawg 2
07/06/05 - Wednesday
Drove up from Plantation Florida leaving at 04:30am, arriving the Royal Pacific Resort (RPR) at 8am. Checked into the hotel and a room was ready, and they even said we would get cookies and milk, even though we were using the AAA rate. Since we brought our yellow lab, we had to stay in tower 2 on the lower floors. Those who are not pet fans will be glad to know, that pets must stay in tower 2, on the first 2 floors. At first we got a smoking room, but went back and had it changed to non smoking. We ended up in room 2111, on the ground floor, with a view of the jungle (trees and shrubs), which Destiny enjoyed looking at. This room is actually great because its close to the elevators, and a short walk to the ice machines. A doggy bag was hanging on the door which has a plastic bowl, and some doggie treats. None of the pet rooms have a view of the park because they are too low to the ground, and after we looked out the window a few times, we closed the drapes and never looked outside again. The pet walk area is very nice and has lots of room to walk your dog. They have pooper scooper bags to clean up the mess and dispose of it. We let Destiny play with other dogs and she had fun running around the pet area.
By the time we checked in, got the room straightened out, unpacked, put more ice in the coolers, put Destiny in the kennel, and headed over to IOA, it was about 10am. We used the Kiosk machine to retrieve the Power Passes (PPs) for Laurie and Ashley and went into the park. There was no line at the processing center, so we got their PPs made and went to Hulk.
By now, most of you know the drill of what happens when people use magic keys, there is no waiting in line. Standby line for Hulk was 45 minutes, our wait was 10. Next up, Dr Doom, no wait. Spiderman had a wait of 45 minutes, but we walked right on.
It was hot outside, so we stopped at a snack stand next to Spiderman and bought two churros and an icee. We walked to Dueling Dragons and Laurie bought some of those roasted nuts. Laurie does that on our trips, stops at every stand to buy the junk food, then shes sick afterwards. Dueling Dragons wait was 30 minutes, but we walked right up and rode Ice after a short wait in row 3. Laurie was dizzy after this ride, so we decided not to ride Fire.
Laurie was still hungry, we ended up at the Enchanted Oak tavern across from Dueling Dragons. This is mainly cafeteria style food, ribs, chicken, and fries. Ashley had one of those huge turkey legs, and Laurie and I shared a rib/chicken platter. It tasted ok considering how many people they serve, but just ok. Dont expect to visit a park restaurant and get outstanding food, unless you visit Mythos, which youll read about for the next day.
After eating lunch, it was hot out, about 95 degrees. Laurie and Ashley were worn out and didnt really care about the rides. It had been a long morning driving up at 3am. We walked past JPRA, Rip Saw Falls, and decided to ride Popeye. Wait was 45 minutes, but again, we flashed our magic keys and went right into the line at the door. This ride was funny. On the boat wash leading up the ramp, the ride stopped right where the squirt guns shoot water. Ashley was getting nailed for a good 5 seconds with a water blast. She wasnt too thrilled about being made fun of, but oh well.
After our ride on Popeye, everyone was tired and wet, so we headed back to the kennel, picked up Destiny, and drove back over to the RPR, it was about 2pm. For the next few hours, we watched a movie on TV. Ashely and Laurie went to the pool for an hour while I stayed in the room with Destiny. When they got back, I walked to the pool, but didnt feel like swimming, instead took some pictures. I got in the truck, drove over to Chilis on I-Drive, and picked up a couple salads and a soup to go, that was our dinner. After eating park food, we needed something light.
Laurie called about our cookies and milk, but they never showed up. At about 8pm, we got ready, took Destiny back to the kennel, and went to USF. Our goal here was to go on a few rides and see the fireworks show.
We rode the Mummy, MIB, and ET with very short waits. It was about 09:30pm and most food stands were closing down. If you want food or an ice cream, get it before 09:30pm. Laurie wanted ice cream, but the stand closed just as she was walking up. The fireworks show started at 09:50 and was really nice to watch. We headed back to the kennel, picked up Destiny, and went back to our room.
07/07/05 Thursday
Laurie and Ashley slept in. I walked Destiny, ate some doughnuts pieces with milk we brought in the coolers, then headed over to IOA using the walk way. The path winds from the RPR, under two bridges, and ends up next to Margaritaville, took me about 7 minutes. I arrived the gate at 08:30am, and there was a crowd of people waiting. Another line opened up, and I was at the front. Heres a tip, when you walk up to the turnstiles, all of them will be used on the side you are standing. So if no one is standing in front of one of them, go for it and get to the front.
I was first into the park, took a picture of the people behind me, and was on the first Hulk train in the front row. From here I high tailed it over the Pteranodon Flyers and got 3 rides without getting out of my seat. From here I went back to Spiderman. A couple rides on Dr Doom, and a few rides on Rip Saw Falls not caring about getting soaked.
It was noon, and hot outside, again, 95 degrees, felt like 110. I went back to the hotel room and Laurie didnt want to put Destiny in the kennel today. Ashley and I went back to IOA and had lunch at Mythos. We arrived at 12:30pm, didnt have a reservation, and they had a table available next to the window. I had the Wrap of the Day ($12.95), and Ashley had a BBQ Cowboy Burger ($12.50). Both came with plantain chips and were amazing. Ashley and I shared the ooooey goooey banana cake for desert. Mythos music was playing, and we had a great view of Hulk out the window. The total was 30.70 plus tax, my AP got us 4.61 off, $27.79 and I tipped 6 bucks. We boxed up the leftovers and took them back to the room for Laurie who enjoyed everything, so did Destiny.
For the next few hours, we watched a movie. I eventually went to the pool for a swim. It was hot outside, my feet were burning walking around the pool. I had to walk quickly, dip them in the pool, and then keep walking. I went in the pool and it felt like a hot tub. I played basketball for a few minutes. They have 2 hoops set up. There was a crowd shooting two basketballs and a volleyball. Make the shot and you get the ball back. This was a lot of fun because at any given moment, there were 3 balls bouncing off the rim, and if you didnt pay attention, you got nailed. There was also a group of people playing volleyball.
I went back to the room, Laurie had called the front desk asking about our cookies and milk. We still didnt get them and Laurie wanted the gift now that we had been promised. I didnt really care, and told her not to let it ruin our trip, but she was getting frustrated. Just as all hope seemed lost, a knock on the door came. It was room service with our cookies and milk. I tipped the lady $5 and said thanks. Oh boy, the world is turning again, we had cookies and milk. I took a picture, 3 huge cookies, 2 of them chocolate chip, one of them chewy raisin. The hotel said they didnt deliver them the previous day because we changed rooms at check in, and that mixed them up.
It was time for dinner, so I ordered pizza from Flippers. I ordered a medium BBQ chicken pizza, a medium Philly Cheese Steak pizza, and a tossed salad with ranch and Italian dressing. The total came out to $33.50. The driver showed up 40 minutes later, just as promised. He pulls up thru the valet, and parks just past it. I gave him $40 and said thanks. The pizza was amazing. Ashley had a few BBQ slices, I had the Philly, and Laurie enjoyed the salad with a slice of BBQ. The Philly Cheese Steak pizza has cut up meat, onions, bell pepper, and hot peppers to add spice. The combination works really well and Ill be ordering this one at home from now on. I put the leftovers in zip lock bags, and put them into the cooler.
Laurie and Ashley headed over to USF to see the Fear Factor show, and I stayed in the room with Destiny. They saw part of a live taping that happened just outside IOA in front of CityWalk. Huge cables were strung from the IOA tower to the boat dock, and contestants got to fly down suspended under the cables. Laurie and Ashley watched the Fear Factor live show at USF, then Ashley called me to say she was coming back. I met her half way along the path with Destiny, and continued to meet Laurie at USF. Ashley took Destiny back to the hotel room.
The fireworks show was much better this time standing in front of BTTF. Pods shoot fireworks up from the lagoon, and the big shells are shot up from behind MIB. If you stand near BTTF, you will hear the explosion of the shell at the same time you see the light. The fireworks show ended, and we headed back to our room where I had some yummy pizza leftovers and a celebration drink.
07/08/05 Friday
I walked Destiny, ate some doughnuts pieces, and headed over to IOA while Ashley and Laurie slept in. Again, I arrive at about 08:30am, and a crowd had formed. I made it to the front of the line, and went straight to Hulk for a front seat ride. After that I headed back to Dueling Dragons for more rides.
Went back to the room to find Laurie and Ashley had packed and taken some of the bags to the truck. We finished packing and checked out. Here is the itemized total with AAA rate.
Room Charge $210.60
Room Tax $24.22
Self Parking $7
Parking Tax @6.5% $.46 (is this dumb or what?)
Pet Cleaning Fee $25
Room Charge $210.60
Room Tax $24.22
Self Parking $7
Parking Tax @6.5% $.46
Total is $509.56
Prices of other things you may have at check in.
Valet Parking $14
Rollaway Bed $25
Fridge $15
Microwave $15
We drove home and had no problems on our return trip. Most of the time, I expect something to go wrong. I kept wondering what it would be. Was it the late cookies and milk delivery? Would we crash on the way home? Did we leave anything in the room? No, we didnt crash, and I had checked the room 3 times before leaving. We arrived home, the house was still there, we unpacked, and ended a great trip.
Look for my web site with pictures in a few days. Ill post an update when its ready.
Questions?
Cast Me 41
DS 34
DD 14
Destiny Dawg 2
07/06/05 - Wednesday
Drove up from Plantation Florida leaving at 04:30am, arriving the Royal Pacific Resort (RPR) at 8am. Checked into the hotel and a room was ready, and they even said we would get cookies and milk, even though we were using the AAA rate. Since we brought our yellow lab, we had to stay in tower 2 on the lower floors. Those who are not pet fans will be glad to know, that pets must stay in tower 2, on the first 2 floors. At first we got a smoking room, but went back and had it changed to non smoking. We ended up in room 2111, on the ground floor, with a view of the jungle (trees and shrubs), which Destiny enjoyed looking at. This room is actually great because its close to the elevators, and a short walk to the ice machines. A doggy bag was hanging on the door which has a plastic bowl, and some doggie treats. None of the pet rooms have a view of the park because they are too low to the ground, and after we looked out the window a few times, we closed the drapes and never looked outside again. The pet walk area is very nice and has lots of room to walk your dog. They have pooper scooper bags to clean up the mess and dispose of it. We let Destiny play with other dogs and she had fun running around the pet area.
By the time we checked in, got the room straightened out, unpacked, put more ice in the coolers, put Destiny in the kennel, and headed over to IOA, it was about 10am. We used the Kiosk machine to retrieve the Power Passes (PPs) for Laurie and Ashley and went into the park. There was no line at the processing center, so we got their PPs made and went to Hulk.
By now, most of you know the drill of what happens when people use magic keys, there is no waiting in line. Standby line for Hulk was 45 minutes, our wait was 10. Next up, Dr Doom, no wait. Spiderman had a wait of 45 minutes, but we walked right on.
It was hot outside, so we stopped at a snack stand next to Spiderman and bought two churros and an icee. We walked to Dueling Dragons and Laurie bought some of those roasted nuts. Laurie does that on our trips, stops at every stand to buy the junk food, then shes sick afterwards. Dueling Dragons wait was 30 minutes, but we walked right up and rode Ice after a short wait in row 3. Laurie was dizzy after this ride, so we decided not to ride Fire.
Laurie was still hungry, we ended up at the Enchanted Oak tavern across from Dueling Dragons. This is mainly cafeteria style food, ribs, chicken, and fries. Ashley had one of those huge turkey legs, and Laurie and I shared a rib/chicken platter. It tasted ok considering how many people they serve, but just ok. Dont expect to visit a park restaurant and get outstanding food, unless you visit Mythos, which youll read about for the next day.
After eating lunch, it was hot out, about 95 degrees. Laurie and Ashley were worn out and didnt really care about the rides. It had been a long morning driving up at 3am. We walked past JPRA, Rip Saw Falls, and decided to ride Popeye. Wait was 45 minutes, but again, we flashed our magic keys and went right into the line at the door. This ride was funny. On the boat wash leading up the ramp, the ride stopped right where the squirt guns shoot water. Ashley was getting nailed for a good 5 seconds with a water blast. She wasnt too thrilled about being made fun of, but oh well.
After our ride on Popeye, everyone was tired and wet, so we headed back to the kennel, picked up Destiny, and drove back over to the RPR, it was about 2pm. For the next few hours, we watched a movie on TV. Ashely and Laurie went to the pool for an hour while I stayed in the room with Destiny. When they got back, I walked to the pool, but didnt feel like swimming, instead took some pictures. I got in the truck, drove over to Chilis on I-Drive, and picked up a couple salads and a soup to go, that was our dinner. After eating park food, we needed something light.
Laurie called about our cookies and milk, but they never showed up. At about 8pm, we got ready, took Destiny back to the kennel, and went to USF. Our goal here was to go on a few rides and see the fireworks show.
We rode the Mummy, MIB, and ET with very short waits. It was about 09:30pm and most food stands were closing down. If you want food or an ice cream, get it before 09:30pm. Laurie wanted ice cream, but the stand closed just as she was walking up. The fireworks show started at 09:50 and was really nice to watch. We headed back to the kennel, picked up Destiny, and went back to our room.
07/07/05 Thursday
Laurie and Ashley slept in. I walked Destiny, ate some doughnuts pieces with milk we brought in the coolers, then headed over to IOA using the walk way. The path winds from the RPR, under two bridges, and ends up next to Margaritaville, took me about 7 minutes. I arrived the gate at 08:30am, and there was a crowd of people waiting. Another line opened up, and I was at the front. Heres a tip, when you walk up to the turnstiles, all of them will be used on the side you are standing. So if no one is standing in front of one of them, go for it and get to the front.
I was first into the park, took a picture of the people behind me, and was on the first Hulk train in the front row. From here I high tailed it over the Pteranodon Flyers and got 3 rides without getting out of my seat. From here I went back to Spiderman. A couple rides on Dr Doom, and a few rides on Rip Saw Falls not caring about getting soaked.
It was noon, and hot outside, again, 95 degrees, felt like 110. I went back to the hotel room and Laurie didnt want to put Destiny in the kennel today. Ashley and I went back to IOA and had lunch at Mythos. We arrived at 12:30pm, didnt have a reservation, and they had a table available next to the window. I had the Wrap of the Day ($12.95), and Ashley had a BBQ Cowboy Burger ($12.50). Both came with plantain chips and were amazing. Ashley and I shared the ooooey goooey banana cake for desert. Mythos music was playing, and we had a great view of Hulk out the window. The total was 30.70 plus tax, my AP got us 4.61 off, $27.79 and I tipped 6 bucks. We boxed up the leftovers and took them back to the room for Laurie who enjoyed everything, so did Destiny.
For the next few hours, we watched a movie. I eventually went to the pool for a swim. It was hot outside, my feet were burning walking around the pool. I had to walk quickly, dip them in the pool, and then keep walking. I went in the pool and it felt like a hot tub. I played basketball for a few minutes. They have 2 hoops set up. There was a crowd shooting two basketballs and a volleyball. Make the shot and you get the ball back. This was a lot of fun because at any given moment, there were 3 balls bouncing off the rim, and if you didnt pay attention, you got nailed. There was also a group of people playing volleyball.
I went back to the room, Laurie had called the front desk asking about our cookies and milk. We still didnt get them and Laurie wanted the gift now that we had been promised. I didnt really care, and told her not to let it ruin our trip, but she was getting frustrated. Just as all hope seemed lost, a knock on the door came. It was room service with our cookies and milk. I tipped the lady $5 and said thanks. Oh boy, the world is turning again, we had cookies and milk. I took a picture, 3 huge cookies, 2 of them chocolate chip, one of them chewy raisin. The hotel said they didnt deliver them the previous day because we changed rooms at check in, and that mixed them up.
It was time for dinner, so I ordered pizza from Flippers. I ordered a medium BBQ chicken pizza, a medium Philly Cheese Steak pizza, and a tossed salad with ranch and Italian dressing. The total came out to $33.50. The driver showed up 40 minutes later, just as promised. He pulls up thru the valet, and parks just past it. I gave him $40 and said thanks. The pizza was amazing. Ashley had a few BBQ slices, I had the Philly, and Laurie enjoyed the salad with a slice of BBQ. The Philly Cheese Steak pizza has cut up meat, onions, bell pepper, and hot peppers to add spice. The combination works really well and Ill be ordering this one at home from now on. I put the leftovers in zip lock bags, and put them into the cooler.
Laurie and Ashley headed over to USF to see the Fear Factor show, and I stayed in the room with Destiny. They saw part of a live taping that happened just outside IOA in front of CityWalk. Huge cables were strung from the IOA tower to the boat dock, and contestants got to fly down suspended under the cables. Laurie and Ashley watched the Fear Factor live show at USF, then Ashley called me to say she was coming back. I met her half way along the path with Destiny, and continued to meet Laurie at USF. Ashley took Destiny back to the hotel room.
The fireworks show was much better this time standing in front of BTTF. Pods shoot fireworks up from the lagoon, and the big shells are shot up from behind MIB. If you stand near BTTF, you will hear the explosion of the shell at the same time you see the light. The fireworks show ended, and we headed back to our room where I had some yummy pizza leftovers and a celebration drink.
07/08/05 Friday
I walked Destiny, ate some doughnuts pieces, and headed over to IOA while Ashley and Laurie slept in. Again, I arrive at about 08:30am, and a crowd had formed. I made it to the front of the line, and went straight to Hulk for a front seat ride. After that I headed back to Dueling Dragons for more rides.
Went back to the room to find Laurie and Ashley had packed and taken some of the bags to the truck. We finished packing and checked out. Here is the itemized total with AAA rate.
Room Charge $210.60
Room Tax $24.22
Self Parking $7
Parking Tax @6.5% $.46 (is this dumb or what?)
Pet Cleaning Fee $25
Room Charge $210.60
Room Tax $24.22
Self Parking $7
Parking Tax @6.5% $.46
Total is $509.56
Prices of other things you may have at check in.
Valet Parking $14
Rollaway Bed $25
Fridge $15
Microwave $15
We drove home and had no problems on our return trip. Most of the time, I expect something to go wrong. I kept wondering what it would be. Was it the late cookies and milk delivery? Would we crash on the way home? Did we leave anything in the room? No, we didnt crash, and I had checked the room 3 times before leaving. We arrived home, the house was still there, we unpacked, and ended a great trip.
Look for my web site with pictures in a few days. Ill post an update when its ready.
Questions?
