Shade Seekers return to RPR for 2 weeks

[schumigirl]

AUGUST 25TH CONTINUED.

So having survived RRR again we headed round to Horror Make up Show. We had seen it previously and really enjoyed it, so we were looking forward to seeing it again. We were a bit early so went in and took some pictures

Now we had really began to feel the heat before we came into the cool, so I said the Kyle to let his old mum sit down as my feet were sore today......I`m sure I heard them groan every time I put one in front of the other!!! So I sat down and just watched the few people milling about. I saw this little old lady with an old fashioned dress on come towards me and I actually thought she was going to tell me not to sit in the chair. But she just kind of stood and I didn`t pay any more attention to her as she was looking at the display. I shut my eyes just for a second.........when all of a sudden I`m jumping up and screaming like a little girl........I had just felt this weird thing touch my arm and shoulder and when I looked it was an ugly hand on me..........It was so funny......everyone in the room had watched including Tom and Kyle who later told me I screamed the best of the day for the crowd we were with!!!!! That little old lady is good, I never saw that hand/arm thing once before she got me
The show is so good and well worth taking the time to do, very funny and so well done.
We planned to leave the park and have a wander to Wal-Mart, so started to walk to the exit when we saw my favourite character

I was delighted to see them, just another lucky timing moment. Further around we saw this little lady

Left the park but not before stopping in to the Shop and Kyle got another Chocolate Cupcake.....they are huge. Tom and I had a red velvet one between us and we couldn`t finish it!!! Picked up a few more little bits and bobs.....well it would be rude not too!!! Got the boat and then we couldn`t be bothered to shop so we just chilled round the room, Kyle and I watching The Weather Channel and Tom trying to snooze. We were going to Longhorn for his birthday dinner tonight....despite me trying to convince them to go to Kobe or Ruths Chris Steakhouse.......but I was outvoted....although still pleased as we really loved Longhorn.

Had a lovely welcome again in here and we had the sweetest girl who would be looking after us tonight

We both had a soft drink tonight, didn`t feel like alcohol but we knew what we wanted so ordered immediately, Kyle had his tenders as he had so enjoyed them the last time

Tom had the Porterhouse, medium with mash and veg

I had the 9oz Filet, medium rare also with mash and veg, all cooked to perfection.

The boys then ordered a dessert for them to share, one they had the last time but I didn`t get a chance to take a pic as they ate it so quickly, called Chocolate Stampede

It was huge, and i did help a bit with the ice cream. The girl must have heard me wish Tom a happy birthday at some point as when the check arrived she said dessert was on them as it was his birthday......how lovely.......I never knew she heard me say anything

We had planned to go to the Outlet centre next to it, but we were all a bit wiped out, so went up to our room and just took it easy. Kyle could barely talk for yawning so much. He fell asleep pretty much straight away. Tom said he`d had a lovely birthday. We sat with a small glass of wine at the window just.......looking. It was lovely.

 

[RAPstar]

Great update again! I've had lunch so I was able to enjoy it a little bit more this time, lol. Though now I want a steak.

 

[schumigirl]

FRIDAY 26TH AUGUST

I awoke really early this morning and could not fall back over, I was tempted to ask them if the wanted to do early entry to HP but they looked sound asleep. So went and got myself a coffee and just watched the resort come to life from the window. They finally got up and had breakfast and we discussed Sarasota again, but we had planned if we did go we would stay overnight somewhere.....and we were just having the best time in the hotel and doing the parks and didn`t want to waste a moment. So IOA it was.

We immediately noticed the park wasn`t as busy today so we had the most lovely time mooching from one ride to another, nothing was crowded and we got to do our favourites over and over again. JP seemed very quiet, but why oh why do people ignore the no camera rules on rides. A couple of years ago our boat jerked to a huge stop at the top of the climb as one guy who had been repeatedly told to put his camera away ignored the voice....But this time a guy actually looked as if he was going to stand up to get a better shot......he got our boat stopped for just a moment and was told to put it away. Even after that he flashed his camera up the hill and I thought we`re gonna get stopped again, we didn`t but he kept flashing all the way round. Is it really necessary?? Grumble over!!!

We went and had lunch in Thunder Falls, Kyle had a burger and we shared chicken and ribs

It was nice and this is a place we really enjoy and visit every year. This time it was not as nice and I don`t know why. But we will go back as it may have been us feeling tired and hot and not their fault as it is always lovely.
We went back on JP and hoped the flasher had gone, Kyle went to DD. We met up fairly soon and he said he wanted to spend the afternoon there as we were just going to do laundry.

He said he`d be back for 5ish, so we headed off and saw this guy

I had never managed a picture with The Grinch so was well chuffed especially as he was just going away. Got a load of laundry done today, then had to iron it........That was a chore!!! Kyle got back and he`d had a lovely afternoon. He had spent a lot of time chatting to 2 TM on DD as he had gone on so often they had got talking, was nice to hear he had such a nice time. It`s funny because over here he probably wouldn`t go off on his own to theme park, but he`s totally comfortable to do it in Universal. He was so hot though, so jumped in the shower and had a drink then we had to decide where to go for dinner. We decided to go to Chilis in LBV, another of our old haunts

I had the bogof Mango Margarita`s.......gotta love their permanent happy hour, Kyle had strawberry smoothie

Kyle had Tenders, Tom had a Jalapeno Burger and I had Steak and Ribs

Meal was good and we had no room for dessert. Drove to Bed Bath and Beyond as we had heard we could get sheets with a thread count of 768 or something like that. I have a real weakness for towels and sheets. Never been in here before and we really liked it. Got some sheets that were soft as butter, towels and a few other bits, headed back to hotel after that. I had a quick look at all the stuff we were amassing, but was beginning to wonder if we would get it all back in our luggage. We only had one suitcase each weighing no more than 23kg, which is actually a lot, it used to be 2 each but Virgin had trimmed it last year down to one in economy. I kept my thoughts to myself though as I had my eyes on afew other things.

It was a gorgeous night, so hot so we went up and got into our costumes ready for the rest of the evening in the pool, praying the lightning would stay away. It did and we had fun. Boys had a game of pool before getting changed

Now I can`t swim and don`t really like the water, but it`s so lovely and feels very safe.......so always have to prove to my friends I actually go in. I do enjoy just milling about in the water though......especially if it`s not too deep!

We stay in right till they sound the horn and everyone leaves, but we could have stayed even longer as it was just the perfect evening. Tom and Kyle swam about and I "paddled" and chatted in between sitting on the lounger and chatting away to whoever was near. We got to bed around midnight after having another fantastic day. Only trouble was a little thought kept creeping into my brain that this trip was very quickly disappearing.

 

[schumigirl]

Great update again! I've had lunch so I was able to enjoy it a little bit more this time, lol. Though now I want a steak.

Thanks.......glad you`re enjoying it.......and not hungry

 

[mercydisney]

I love your trip reports. I myself am getting sad knowing your trip is almost over because that will mean the trip reports will be also be done

Happy Belated B'day Tom!!! DD's B'day is the same day as yours. She turned 16.

 

[schumigirl]

I love your trip reports. I myself am getting sad knowing your trip is almost over because that will mean the trip reports will be also be done

Happy Belated B'day Tom!!! DD's B'day is the same day as yours. She turned 16.

Oh thank you so much for that So pleased you are enjoying them!!

And happy belated to your DD.......oh yes 16 is such a wonderful age isn`t it

 

[SharonK0527]

More great updates! I don't want your trip to end either

 

[schumigirl]

More great updates! I don't want your trip to end either

Thank you

 

[tink1957]

Loved the update Carole, except now I'm hungry again and also homesick for RPR.

I had to do a doubletake on your pool pic with Kyle, the lighting made it look like you're both wearing rubber gloves.

By the way hope you have a wonderful 35th.

 

[RAPstar]

Happy birthday!

 

[schumigirl]

Loved the update Carole, except now I'm hungry again and also homesick for RPR.

I had to do a doubletake on your pool pic with Kyle, the lighting made it look like you're both wearing rubber gloves.

By the way hope you have a wonderful 35th.

Happy birthday!

Thank you both........had a quiet birthday but nice, got some chilled white wine open just for me

LOL.......see what you mean Vicki, just looked at the pic again!!

 

[schumigirl]

SATURDAY 27TH AUGUST

After our "late" night we had a bit of a lay in today. We had also looked at the weather forecast and it was to be really hot today.....was going to feel like 106.......way too hot for parks. So we made a democratic decision not to do the parks today and tomorrow as it was to be even hotter tomorrow. We did all feel a bit tired, so taking it easy would be good. So we had a nice light breakfast and spent some time in the pool, just an hour though as Tom had plans for Kyle. He had said to me last night that Kyle had a go on the new laptop and loved it, now his was about 5 years old and had started making funny noises intermittently and was getting a bit too warm so he was going to give the option of getting a couple of watches....which he does collect or a new laptop. Don`t have to be Einstein to know the answer to that one!!

So I drove us to Mall at Millenia......my favourite Mall ever......

It`s so light and airy.....as well as having lovely stores Anyway Kyle told us he was starving, so he wanted a Firehouse Sub so he got that, plain hot turkey, we fancied something else today

Tom had Bourbon Chicken with Noodles

I had Orange chicken......delicious

It was lovely.....and the cheapest meal of our whole trip So we headed off to Macy`s, one of the places where Kyle planned to look at watches, so as we went in Tom asked him if he wanted 2 watches or a new laptop......wow......quick as a flash....laptop.....as long it was same as mine as it had a good spec......apparently. Long as I can get on the Internet I`m happy........I don`t do technical!!! So means going back to Wal-Mart.......I swear someone was going to offer us residency if we went there any more!!! But I said I wanted to shop first, so got some perfume in Macy`s.........those women are relentless!!!! I knew what I wanted......Beyonce Heat Rush, so as I asked for the size I wanted I was surrounded by 2 women hurtling samples in my face.....come smell this.....oh this one is beautiful it would suit you.......you have to try this......STOP!!!!!! I was very polite but they were very overwhelming. So I paid....well Tom paid as I don`t carry cash when I`m on holiday......and we went to Bath and Body where I got a load of stuff for me and for friends who can`t get this shipped anymore, so 2 large bags later we`re walking out and heading for Williams and Sonoma for a Cleaver??? Apparently Tom...who doesn`t cook by the way......has to have one......a big one!! Don`t get one as the lady is too overpowering in here today as well, so we leave. I`ll get one somewhere else. I do love the excellent service you get in the States, but occasionally there are one or two who don`t give you space and that is off putting.

A few more things are picked up including lots and lots of chocolate from Lindt, dark for Kyle and white for me and anything for Tom......he`s not fussy when it comes to chocolate! Take stuff back to hotel as we don`t want choc to melt and drive to John Young Parkway again. We get there in no time and of course it`s mobbed as it`s Saturday but we amble in and get the Laptop, Kyle is one happy bunny. I had wandered off while they were doing this, so wondered why they were smirking and soon found out why. Kyle was getting his exam results when we got back and on all probabilities he would do well, so Tom had bought him and IPod Touch as a well done........I just laughed and said thank goodness I didn`t get anything from Coach and Tiffany!! Next years trip is all about me apparently.......yay

So back to hotel so they can fiddle about with this laptop and I think boys and their toys. Don`t do much really the rest of today, about 7ish we go down to the pool find some beds and settle down. We order dinner at the Bula Bar. I had the Beef Wrap, Tom had the Turkey Sandwich and Kyle had a Turkey Burger......no pics as we had left the camera up in the room but portions were huge......we could have easily shared one between us. Couple of Bud Light Limes and we were set for the night. Left pool about 10 and went upstairs where Kyle went on his laptop while Tom watched tv and I went straight to sleep.

SUNDAY 28TH AUGUST

It was to be another toasty day today, so Tom said why don`t we go to The Florida Mall..........Now we had went there 4 years ago and I hated it......don`t know why and maybe hate is too strong a word but I didn`t really like it. It was just so busy and when we came out there was a load of people hanging around where our car was, us and another family waited for a bit and may sound a bit dramatic but we got the security guy and when he appeared they left.....where too I don`t know but the guy said it was a bit of a problem. So we never went back, but we were going today. Now don`t laugh....we popped into Turkey Lake Road Wal-Mart as we wouldn`t see Rosalyn again as it was going to be her days off up till we left, so said goodbye to her said we would see her next year, and picked up some more sheets for my friend and some tee shirts for Kyle. Then to the mall.
Well I still don`t really like it, but it was ok. I still prefer Mall at Millenia but we had lunch Tom had Bourbon chicken with a spicy......and it was very spicy potato dish

I had orange and bourbon chicken.....lush

But after lunch I didn`t want to hang around any longer so we left. I was driving again and it was really busy now so as I began to reverse out of the space.....2 cars were waiting to get it. But they were both so close either side I couldn`t get out.....so I edged a little one way thinking she would move......but she could see if she backed up the other girl would get the space!!! So I was stuck........so I pulled back in and just sat. They both moved off and as I reversed out another girl got the space and waved a thank you......a little patience. We went back to the hotel and Kyle got his laptop and we sat in the lounge just taking in the atmosphere and chatting the rest of the afternoon away

One happy young man

Now tonight I had chosen Ruths Chris steakhouse for dinner, but they wanted to go back to Red Lobster.......you know when it`s not worth arguing over??? So ok I concede a gracious defeat, can`t be bothered getting as dressed up anyway so we`re all showered changed and out by about 8ish. We never get fed up going out at night in the heat......we just love it, and those memories along with everything else get us through long and miserable winters. Anyway.....I`m babbling again......... we get seated in our "usual" booth, they remember us and soon we`re ordering

Kyle has........you guessed......chicken and 2 strawberry non alcoholic daquiris

Tom has Garlic Shrimp, Snow Crab and a medium steak

I had double snow crab and a medium rare steak, again all were cooked perfectly

Again back to hotel and we have a drink at the Bula Bar, where it hits me we only have 2 full days left. Tom asks if I`m ok as I had gone into my own little world for a bit.....I say I`m fine but it wouldn`t take much to set off the tears now. So we go upstairs to our rom where I realise I had better begin to think about packing all this stuff. Didn`t know where it was all going to go. Would worry about that tomorrow.

 

[mrslur]

Stumbled upon your trip report today. I'm loving it. We stayed at Portofino Bay last year but are thinking of Royal Pacific next year. I think you have me convinced! Our daughter is married to a Brit and lives in Carlisle. So close to you and far from me.

 

[reelmom]

Wow! Your trip is going by so fast.

 

[macraven]

as i read through your report, i keep wondering also.......

where is she gonna put all the stuff she bought?




i'm sure you'll fill us in when you get to that point.

 

[Bluer101]

Still going.

I know how it feels when the trip is almost over. We always get there and say we have X amount of days left. Then it gets down to the final day or two and it gets sad. But that is what makes it so special.

 

[SharonK0527]

Another great update. Sounds like you had some nice relaxing days shopping and hanging out at the hotel - a nice break from the heat. I'm so sad your TR is coming to an end soon! I've really enjoyed following along.

 

[schumigirl]

Stumbled upon your trip report today. I'm loving it. We stayed at Portofino Bay last year but are thinking of Royal Pacific next year. I think you have me convinced! Our daughter is married to a Brit and lives in Carlisle. So close to you and far from me.

We stop off at Carlisle sometimes when we drive to Scotland, it`s kinda mid way.......about 4 hours from us, then 4 hours on to my mum, nice town. You must miss her a lot , I know I miss being close to my mum and she`s only 8 hours away.
Definately try the RPR.....it`s the best ever!!!

Wow! Your trip is going by so fast.

I know.....quite depressing how fast it passes.

as i read through your report, i keep wondering also.......

where is she gonna put all the stuff she bought?

lol.......Tom had been thinking the very same thing.........didn`t like to mention as I was getting to the "delicate" stage.....they didn`t like to upset me.....in case it set me off ......I`m such a wimp

Still going.

I know how it feels when the trip is almost over. We always get there and say we have X amount of days left. Then it gets down to the final day or two and it gets sad. But that is what makes it so special.

It`s the worst feeling, and never gets any easier.

Another great update. Sounds like you had some nice relaxing days shopping and hanging out at the hotel - a nice break from the heat. I'm so sad your TR is coming to an end soon! I've really enjoyed following along.

Glad you enjoyed it

 

[schumigirl]

MONDAY 29TH AUGUST

So I wake them both up in the middle of the night by sitting upright in bed and saying very clearly apparently........I just want to stay I think!!!!! Lol......goodness knows what I was dreaming.......Tom told me that was ok and to go back to sleep....which I did......Kyle told me he said.....she can do as she`s told sometime!!!! Cheek!!!
Again we did plan to get up early, and we did set the alarm.......but we put it off again. But we were up for 7.30 as it suddenly became quite important to not miss a moment......so sleep was for wimps we decided! Weather was gorgeous and not as hot as the weekend so it was perfect. Got the boat even though we were going to IOA and we were in for about 9. Park was lovely and quiet, but we knew where everyone was.......and decided to head that way too for a change......We slowly ambled around in no rush to go anywhere, and trying to take in every square inch of detail that we could absorb it seemed so important to do that this morning, even though we would be back tomorrow. Much as though we were still loving every second there was a building sadness....particularly in me that another chapter was closing for us.....but that was being supressed for now as we had some fun to be getting on with.....

Duelling Dragons was first on our journey today, as we entered ww it was busy but not as crazy as last week, so we got to the queue.....and there was no queue....we got on the front row again......It was really cool and we really enjoyed it. I think we can do DD more times in a row than Hulk....it`s so smooth. Went on 3 times straight, Kyle did a few more and Tom went off to do single rider FJ. I didn`t want to risk a woozy head today. So I sat in the owlry and people watched. Aren`t people funny!! All those people who are total strangers, sitting on those hard benches, not really chatting to one another and all it takes is a smile sometimes and pow.....you`ve got a new buddy. I tend to smile at most people and make room if necessary for them to have a seat and nearly always they will chat. I think I said before I love finding out about people, it fascinates me. Everyone has a story in them.

Sorry.....ramble alert.......Kyle came off DD and we wandered around to meet Tom as he came off FJ, he had been on twice doing single rider. Love this view

We left WW and headed into JP. Kyle said he wasn`t going to get soaked so he wasn`t coming on.....I think he was becoming allergic to the water!!!! So we got on straight away and Kyle took the camera with him to get a pic of us......I was bone dry....the girl in front of me got the full force...lol

We went on a few more times, got slightly wetter the next time, but we dried off in no time. Reluctantly left that area and headed to Toon Lagoon where we debated going on Dudley and decided against it, Kyle and I knew where we were headed........Yep.....round to the Bilge Barge to soak people.....our new found hobby!!!

Tom is again mortified at the screeches of laughter from Kyle and I as we constantly surprise people with the showers on the bridge........we put in around $15 today and as we were nearly finished our "allowance" a woman and toddler stood alongside us.........a few barges later and we soaked a man and an older woman........her husband and her mother.....she was laughing though...thank goodness.....she didn`t say till after we did it in case we didn`t soak them!!!! I like people with a sense of humour. Headed around to Spiderman, which was down for about 15 minutes so went on Doom a good few times, as I had croc flip flops on again they had to be left on the ground.......but I love doing that barefoot.......don`t know why!!! A little English girl joined us on the ride one time from single rider, she was about 9 but looked much smaller, I asked her if she had been on before she said no!!!!!! My Goodness.....How brave was she......she wanted to go on her own without her mum....... as her mum fussed too much.....lol.....She loved it, I was so impressed with her!!

Spiderman was open by now so did that only once then went on The Hulk, got a back row and a front row. That was enough though, just in case my head went woozy. It was nearly lunchtime so we debated going to either NBA....which we love but hadn`t been to this time, Panda Express or Confisco Grille...........CG won........I think partly as it was right in front of us now.

Kyle had chicken sliders, Tom had the Burger and I had a Turkey Sandwich with onion rings.....big portion that we couldn`t finish today

Lovely place with lovely service and lovely food, if you haven`t been you should give it a try. Thought about what we would do the rest of the day as we had done everything in this park today, then kind of last minute decided we would drive to Clearwater for dinner at Crabby Bill`s and see the sunset. So headed out to get boat back

Now it had gotten all of a sudden very dull and we could feel it raining very slightly, so gave the shops a miss and went straight to boat, thank goodness we did, for as we set off they stopped them as there was lightning, so made the last one for a while. Looking at the weather it looked as if Clearwater was cancelled so Tom bravely brought up the subject of starting to get packed up, so we wouldn`t be leaving everything till last minute.....plus he was worried it wouldn`t all fit. I still had to get some stuff as well. In Wal-Mart i wanted to get 6 of the litre bottles of Aussie shampoo......3 times the size we can buy and half the price, also different flavour oreos...pray they don`t get crushed, Ken`s Honey Mustard......and some BBQ sauces we can`t get. So..........have alook around the room and quickly decide what needs to be done.........dump a load of stuff we won`t use........3/4 shorts and trousers, and tee shirts we don`t need in the uk........and buy a new suitcase!!!! Yep......Wal-mart he we come again. The weather by this time is not getting any better and in Wal-mart we hear huge rumbles of thunder, sounds like the roof is coming off. But we get all the stuff we want (and a few extras) and the large suitcase we really need.

Head back to hotel and as weather is awful we may as well start packing what we don`t need for the next day or so. Well 2 of the laptops will go in Tom`s laptop bag but mine will have to go in my hand luggage, Kyle`s hand luggage is now full and I begin to try and wrap up perishables in bags and then in clothes. The luggage is so heavy and we will use the 4 cases to the max. I tell Tom I can`t remember how much we will have to pay for the extra case to be put on, but I thought it was $60....it was. We also thought we may be over the 23kg each and would have to pay extra there too. An hour and a half later I`m thoroughly fed up packing and stomp off for a shower and get ready for dinner. There is a distinct feeling of doom coming over us now, so we head down to Jake`s Bar....a real fun place with a great atmosphere and good food.

Saw our favourite waiter from last year, Oscar.....lovely guy, he was not doing our table but we had a chat with him anyway and got seated. Tom has a beer and I have a cocktail, Kyle has his daquiri and we share the volcano shrimp and crab cakes again.......lovely. Then Tom and I both have the steak and Kyle has the fish and chips which is Tilapia, he loved it, bit it came with a mountain of fries

We left there and got the boat to Citywalk and then on to Portofino Bay where we fancied some ice cream and another walk round the hotel. Waiting for the boat the sky was beautiful

I could have sat all night looking at that sky.


PB is a lovely hotel, but I couldn`t imagine staying there especially not for 2 weeks. Anyway the ice cream in Sals is divine, the pizza looks good too, we may try that next year. I have white chocolate, Tom has swiss milk and kyle has the dark stuff

We have a wander around and it`s a bit like the lights are on but nobody`s home.........it seemed a bit empty. We wandered around the courtyard and where the shop is, and there was no-one there. Had more of a wander and decide we would head off. Lovely hotel but wouldn`t stay. Now as we got on the boat we sat nearly at the back and these 2 guys a girl and a pushchair came on and made for the back row.... I could smell cigarettes but thought it may have been their clothes, but as I turned I saw one guy try hide his cigarette and the other 2 had one also. I turned and said excuse me you`re not allowed to smoke on the boats........the smell was awful as it was blowing our way they made some comment and threw them in the water. They were very childish and made a few comments that we ignored like "oh mom`ll tell on us".....anyway we got off and as we headed to the boat for RPR one of the guys gestured with his middle finger and thought this was hilarious. Some people!!
Got back to hotel and just went to to our room and pottered about finishing up packing and making sure I had left enough stuff out for next 2 days.
Had a coffee and went to bed where thankfully I didn`t talk in my sleep. No tears yet, but my lovely son had taking to giving me a pat on the shoulder or the back a few times, he knew how I was feeling inside. But Studios and hopefully IOA again tomorrow.

 

[SharonK0527]

Sorry about your encounter on the boat. My DH & I are smokers and we would NEVER do something like that! It's smokers like them that give the rest of us who DO follow the rules and smoke in the designated areas, a bad name. How immature of them to behave that way. I'm glad it didn't ruin your evening. Looking forward to hearing about the next day