Shade Seekers return to RPR for 2 weeks

Sorry about your encounter on the boat. My DH & I are smokers and we would NEVER do something like that! :sad2: 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 :goodvibes

Immature is a nice way to describe them. But no we wouldn`t let anyone like that spoil our evening. :goodvibes
 
I'm really enjoying your TR. Its sad that its almost over....though mine is around the corner, literally, so I can't be sad for too long, lol. Looking forward to the next update.
 
TUESDAY 30TH AUGUST

Last full park day............

Although technically we have another day, we all have a feeling of sadness as we get ready to go to the park today. There is not the same chirpy upbeat feeling that we normally have, but again it is pushed to the back of our mind.....for now. So we decide to do Studios as hopefully if weather holds we will go to HP tonight. We were a bit early and planned to walk but we had wandered around the resort to get some pictures and the boat pulled in so we hopped on. There was a slower pace again today, with the same absorption we had yesterday we took in everything.

RRR was down today so we went straight in to Shrek........simple show but a good one. This was the movie we watched when we got back home last year and I couldn`t stop crying watching it......not the usual tear jerker......but it just got to me.......haven`t watched yet this year as we`re not quite booked up yet. Anyway we loved Shrek......we were in the back theatre again today and we seemed to have more of the effects working. As we came out we went to turn left and we caught sight of these guys

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Donkey is so funny.......and sounds so like.....Donkey!!! iykwim!! We head round to Mummy and do this a few times, it`s so quiet today so I manage loads of pictures, think we took 1500 altogether.....so just a few!

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Tom and I were now hungry as we hadn`t bothered with any breakfast......well not strictly true...we had each eaten 5 Lindt chocs with our coffee......as we were headed to Jaws, he and I shared a Nathan`s hot dog....think it was the Chicago Dog with onions and Jalapenos....it was lovely, we got some extra onions and chillis because we had to wait like and extra 30 seconds??? Lovely though

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It was nice just being sat looking around us.

But we wanted to do Jaws, so wandered around.......and yes we did actually use the Express Line.......

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There was a few people on a boat waiting so we got on the front row and sat waiting to be terrified by the lone shark.......again.

We were going to wander around to MIB, but Kyle was now hungry.......so back to Louie`s for Pizza......our usual order of 2 pepperoni and a cheese for kyle, along with a big drink of orange fanta. We don`t really drink soda`s in the uk so I got a real taste for fanta while we were there this year. Straight over to Ben and Jerry`s for ice cream.......we are creatures of habit!!

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So MIB now I wasn`t going to bother but when I got there I thought oh why not. Somehow I managed to get the highest score between us.....this is the second time I`ve done that.....first time Kyle was really annoyed as I had aimed totally aimlessly at what I thought was nothing.......oh dear........this time however he was full of admiration, if a little annoyed!! We all want to go back round to The Mummy but took the long way round. This just reminded us we were missing HHN this year

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Stood and listened to these guys for a bit, they were really good. Another one of the reasons we thought the atmosphere in the Studios was one of the best ever. Such a good vibe and with all the characters we had seen we were loving every second.

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It`s also a bit cooler today......low 90`s if I remember correctly, so much more bearable than feeling like 106!!! We went round and did the Mummy for the last few times, really enjoyed it. It`s such a superb ride and the themeing is just wonderful. I would miss this ride as much as Doom and DD and JP and Hulk.......oh heck I would miss them all. So Tom says will be go back........finish packing and hopefully get to IOA tonight.......he started talking very quickly about the rides over there and what we would do tonight. I knew exactly what he was doing......trying to distract me from thinking this was us leaving the park for what would be a year.......As we walked through the turnstiles and wandered over by the entrance....I did turn around for one last look and that was my mistake.......I could now feel that prickling feeling in my eyes......thank goodness for large sunglasses.......Got on the boat and sat silently brooding but picking up spirits as we still had time for fun. Managed to keep it together.......it sounds a bit ridiculous but I just can`t help it.
So up to room to pack the rest of our things.

Continued in next post.....
 
I'm really enjoying your TR. Its sad that its almost over....though mine is around the corner, literally, so I can't be sad for too long, lol. Looking forward to the next update.

Thanks :goodvibes No yours is just around the corner....so you cannot be sad at all!!!!! Looking forward to yours......a lot :thumbsup2
 

We are back in the room again, and there is a storm.......typical.......we hope it passes for tonight. Kyle and I sit and watch it from the window, we love watching them and had hoped to see some good ones......and we did, but not tonight!! It did clear and he went on his laptop and I very reluctantly finished off the packing. I made sure we had our travelling clothes seperate and swimming stuff for the morning left out. We had a huge bag of stuff we were leaving behind including the most awful looking silver bag that I had gotten free with the Beyonce perfume......I had left it in the bin a few days before, and our lady who did our room had very cautiously placed it on the bed in case it had fallen in by mistake.......Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman would not have carried this bag!!!!! But kind of her to make sure it wasn`t my mistake. We hadn`t seen our usual lady but had asked another lady if it was ok to leave such a huge bag of stuff we did not want.....she said it was fine they would sort it. Anyway, we managed everything in the cases......don`t think we could have slid a piece of paper in there now!! We assumed we were going to have to pay $$$$$$ for each case being over 23kg. Oh well. We all got showered......all though we wanted to go on the water rides so shouldn`t have bothered......but we felt better for it.
Walked to the park as it was IOA and it was lovely as it was a lot cooler.......still really hot though. Got into park and did Hulk and Doom a few times......I said to Tom I thought my harness felt a bit tighter than the beginning of our 2 weeks......oh dear!!! Loved the rides we did and we all mentioned we had still not done Doom and Hulk in the darkness.....but we wanted to be in HP for that. Walked around and we all said it`s such a shame some eating places like Confisco Grille is not open at night, that would be nice.

But walked to WW and it was already beginning to empty.....as we seemed to be walking into a sea of people coming towards us........But YAY we thought it would be lovely not as busy. It was. Went straight on DD a load of times.......we lost count, I got a bit funny after 5 so we went round to FJ. It was so lovely being able to take picture without a million people in front of you. We did FJ twice......well I did it once and waited in the shop for them to come out. We then did FOTH.......so quick, certainly wouldn`t ever queue up for it, but cute

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Headed back in to where the shops were and Kyle went back on DD while we just.......embraced the atmosphere. The lights were soon on

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We finally left this area and wanted to walk around the park. It was so lovely and at times we never saw anyone. Hadn`t managed a pic near this at all

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This was it for the parks, as we neared the exit we all slowed a little and tried to prolong our time in what was "our happy place"

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This was where Tom put his arm around me and said we`ll be back next year....you do know that........of course I knew it, but I just didn`t want this trip to end. I smiled and said it was Kyle`s choice for dinner........Margaritaville it was. I was pleased as we do love the atmosphere in there and food is always good. Didn`t have to wait long for a table, although after we went through the turnstiles it started to rain, but we made it before the rush as for people behind us, the wait was an hour. Got seated and there was a band getting ready to play......so we ordered as we didn`t want to be too late tonight, Kyle had tenders, I had crab cakes with roast potatoes and Tom had the Cheeseburger in Paradise......well you`ve got to haven`t you. Food was lovely except I never asked what veg mine came with and it was the only vegetable I don`t like......green beans....yuk!

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Kyle got the kids portion for some reason!!!

So we`re sat really enjoying the meal, the music is good, the band starts and they are good and we just don`t want to leave. The atmosphere is fun fun fun and we would have sat longer..............but............this is where it hits me........badly!!! We`re going home tomorrow.

The band started playing Neil Diamonds Sweet Caroline......I love that song and all of a sudden the tears are streaming down my cheek and I can`t stop them. My throat is tightening as I try and stop the floodgates opening, after all we are in the middle of a restaurant. Kyle rubs the back of my hand and my head is just down....thank goodness no-one notices. I go to the ladies and let it out....quietly though........ Eventually I get back to the table where they are ready to go. Tom is always so concerned but sometimes being too nice to me will make me worse......so he slaps my butt and tells me to get moving. That works.....I can laugh and we head out to the boat. It`s pouring down now so we get to the boat and one of the Captains sees us as he was about to set off.....it`s kind of him to wait and we very carefully get on as the little dock is very slippy.

Back to hotel, such a shame it`s raining but we just went upstairs to have a Bud and Kyle has some chocolate.......and we sit and reflect over the trip. I`ve had my moment now. I think once I`ve had a good cry I`m kinda ok, Kyle said even he felt exceptionally sad tonight. Tom was as usual keeping the spirits up by keeping talking about next year, but he was as gutted as we were it was nearly over.

Didn`t stay up too long as we had to be up early for Bag drop and check in at Downtown Disney, and what was left of our final day :sad1:
 
Your trip is almost over:scared1: .....say it isn't so :sad: The last few days of a trip are so bittersweet, you just want to grab all the fun you can with so little time left. I tend to shed a few tears also.

I guess I'll just have to read Andy's report to get my Universal fix for the day.
 
Ugh, I wish I could do WW at night, but all of my nights at Universal will be at HHN. It rained on my last day last year. It had only sprinkled the night I saw Illuminations, but as I was waiting for ME to the airport, we had a big downpour. Lightning and everything. I was like "Thanks?" lol.
 
you're making me cry too, carole......


such a delightful happy trip and it has to end.

:sad1:
 
Oh thank you so much for that :goodvibes So pleased you are enjoying them!!

And happy belated to your DD.......oh yes 16 is such a wonderful age isn`t it :scared1:

She's lucky I love her :headache:.

I feel like I'm right their with you. My eyes are watery and understanding how you are feeling. :sad:
 
I feel like I'm right their with you. My eyes are watery and understanding how you are feeling. :sad:

Me too while reading it, we all know that feeling. ;)

That's one of the best things about living in Florida, we can make lots of short trips in between our week stays.:thumbsup2
 
Ugh, I wish I could do WW at night, but all of my nights at Universal will be at HHN.

That's exactly what went through my mind when I saw the pics with the lights on of the WWoHP... Never been at IoA at night! Always am at HHN!




Carole, great updates... Love the food... That jalapeño hot dog looked yummy....

Cheers!

Marquibiri :thumbsup2

HHN21 Pre-Trip Report
 
I totally understand how you were feeling - I always get sad and teary the last day of our trip too. DH knows to just keep talking about the "next" trip to remind me we'll be back and he usually rubs my back when he sees me getting choked up. DD, typical 10 year old, says "Mommy, you're such a sap" with a sweet smile on her face :rolleyes2 :rotfl:
 
Your trip is almost over:scared1: .....say it isn't so :sad: The last few days of a trip are so bittersweet, you just want to grab all the fun you can with so little time left. I tend to shed a few tears also.

I guess I'll just have to read Andy's report to get my Universal fix for the day.


you're making me cry too, carole......


such a delightful happy trip and it has to end.

:sad1:

I feel like I'm right their with you. My eyes are watery and understanding how you are feeling. :sad:

Me too while reading it, we all know that feeling. ;)


I totally understand how you were feeling - I always get sad and teary the last day of our trip too. DH knows to just keep talking about the "next" trip to remind me we'll be back and he usually rubs my back when he sees me getting choked up. DD, typical 10 year old, says "Mommy, you're such a sap" with a sweet smile on her face :rolleyes2 :rotfl:


Thanks guys......I know you all will understand that immense feeling of sadness as the trip ends. I so wished we lived closer!!!
 
WEDNESDAY 31ST AUGUST

D-Day....or Doom day as we know it :lmao:

We were all up far too early this morning as DTD check in doesn`t open till 8, but we were all far too sharp and alert. We would have breakfast when we came back which should be about 9. So we got all our luggage together and got it downstairs and walked out to the car. It was 7.15 and boy was the Turkey Lake Road traffic busy. But we soon arrived and we were first there. We always find someone to chat too and everyones as depressed as we are. So, the luggage. First we have to pay $10 each for the privelidge of using this check in and bag drop. If you book a package with Virgin Holidays it`s free, but book direct with Virgin Atlantic and you have to pay.....we`re all on the same plane!!!! Anyway, we move forward to have our luggage weighed.....oh dear this is going to be expensive.........anything over 23kg will be charged.......1st case is the really heavy one.......its 22.5kg......phew......no charge......the three others are under, but we do get charged $60 for the extra case. Get checked in and we have good extra legroom seats and 3 together as we`re flying home on the jumbo. We had already paid for these before we left for the states....one less thing to pay!!

Back to hotel, and into Orchids for breakfast. Our favourite breakfast lady is not on today, but we have a nice breakfast of pastries and cereal for Kyle who wants to eat up in the room. When we`re done we get changed and go down to the pool for the morning. We have a late check out as our flight is not till 8.30pm.....long day. As we had late check out, Tom thought he should maybe settle the bill for our trip......I didn`t go as last year the lady was so nice it had nearly set me off again, so on his own it was.

So down we went and it was very quiet, and hot. It was glorious, and we just had the lovliest time. But soon we had to move and went back up to get showered and changed and out for 1. It was actually about 12.30 when we left, and we had planned to spend the afternoon at the Millenia Mall.

We took a last few photographs, around the lobby and the elephants...even though we had about a gazillion!!! I could feel the emotions surfacing again, and fought with every ounce not to cry as we left the place we adored. Then out of the blue...Kyle was rubbing his eyes :sad1: :sad1: Just as we walked out of the doors and I hadn`t expected it from him, but it was just a tiny tear as we looked back for the final glance. So with Tom the only one not openly crying we wandered down to get our car, trying to smile when the guys who get the cars wished us a safe journey and hoped to see us soon.........that was me gone........I mumbled thank you as Tom shook his hand and we went. Sat in the car park for 5 minutes while I got myself together.......it was a bit like childlike sobs, but they subsided and we drove out finally. Actually once we had left and were on the I4 we were fine. Nothing we could do now.

Spent and uneventful afternoon at the Mall, had lunch and passed the time before setting off for the airport as the car had to be back for 4.30. No problems here and we took our last gulps of fresh Orlando air and we entered the airport. Scenes of such happiness when you arrive, but the polar opposite when you leave. We mooched the few shops that they have and then had food from Nathans, it was just ok this time. Again that could have been us and not the food.

We head for security and take the laptops out to go through seperately, mine came through ok but Tom went to pick the other 2 up and they weren`t there........panic moment......had someone taken them........No. A very kind gentleman pointed out to Tom because he had put 2 in the tray the Security officer had seperated them and put them back at the end to go again......one at a time......... panic over. Got through and we headed for the monorail.

Once we got through we got a coffee and found a seat in the thronging crowds, our flight was supposed to be ontime. Left Kyle on the internet and we went back up to Duty Free :thumbsup2 :thumbsup2 I didn`t need anything, but Tom got the huge 3 litre bottle of Jack Daniels, and one each of plain and Raspberry Absolut Vodka.........we don`t actually drink vodka.....but like it in cocktails :dance3: We will pick this up on the plane.

Our flight is delayed somewhat.....not by much though, we get on and find our seats and we take off at around 9pm. Kyle has the window seat but we can see the lights of the city as we go higher and further and soon we are over the sea with nothing to see. Kyle falls asleep immediately adn only wakes once for a bathroom visit, some water and back to sleep till about an hour before we land. After the meals....which were truly awful.....everyone kind of settles.....we ask the people behind if they are finished with their trays so we can recline.....they have already reclined and one is asleep so we settle back too. We had the worst turbulence ever on this flight.......cabin crew took their seats a few times apparently. We slept.......first time ever we must have had about 4 or 5 hours each. I only remember once a member of cabin crew pulled very gently on my blanket to check if my seat belt was fastened as I had it covered. I went straight back to sleep even with the turbulence :eek: :eek: Scary!!!

We landed 9am British time, and it was a really nice day surprisingly enough, about 55 but sunny. But it`s not the same. Go through security again..........just a passport check really and Got our luggage......nearly last again......and went through Customs and we`re heading for breakfast in a little cafe......and my first cup of tea in 2 weeks. I love coffee in the states but it`s the first thing I want is a strong tea when I`m back. Now we don`t tan really.......but even I`m laughing when the guy in the cafe asks if we`re just heading off on our holidays.......eh no.......just come back from Florida........don`t think he really believes us :confused3

Get our car from The Radisson and set off on the journey home. Because we had slept on the plane the journey wasn`t too bad, but about 30 minutes away my head is unashamedly dropping. We`re all tired and soon we`re home :sad2: It`s 3pm and we go straight to bed where we sleep till 5pm, get up and start unpacking all the goodies we have and throw the laundry in the utility room till tomorrow. We have chinese food and get settled down for the evening absolutely gutted to be home.

So it`s over again but what a trip. We loved every single moment of it and have so many lovely memories again of so many things.

RPR........We just love it. No other words can describe how we feel about this place. There is such a special feeling when you enter this hotel. The atmosphere is just beautiful as is the decor and quality.

The staff........Words cannot do them justice. We found every single member of staff to be so friendly, courteous and so helpful if you need it. I would love to give them all a special mention.....but I would be here all night. They are truly wonderful and the staff members who went above and beyond to make our trip extra special I wish I could thank them personally as it was so appreciated and we won`t forget it.

Anyone who is thinking of staying at the RPR........do it......it`s fantastic, you won`t be disappointed. The restaurants are all lovely, pool area is lovely and the general feel of the hotel is second to none. Does it show how much we enjoyed it :hug: The Express Pass is priceless, and with the close proximity from park to hotel this really is fantastic......go back and forward so quickly if you need a break form the heat or crowds.

Parks themselves......we just love them......both of them. Some people wonder how you can only do Universal and not Disney......well very easily is the answer, for us. Just love the atmosphere in the parks and the Team Members are phenomenal. We found the to be so friendly and they really got into their character if they had one. Couldn`t find a fault if I tried. I sometimes read negative comments about the parks or TM`s.........I just wish everyone could have the same positive experiences we did and have had the last few years.

While leaving is always so hard, we do have next year to look forward to. Haven`t sorted out exact dates yet but as soon as we know we`ll be making our reservation at RPR for our 2 week trip :cheer2: :cheer2:

Thanks for reading and all the lovely comments, I did enjoy reading them, glad you enjoyed sharing our perfect trip :hug:
 
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Awwwww. Its over. :( I may have to reread it all over again soon, mine seems like its taking a whole 'nother month to get here!! :rolleyes1
 
Carole...that was a great...no...fantastic trip report!

I had no idea you guys were so emotional when you were leaving. Hell...I probably would have cried too.

Hope you see you guys again soon!
:teeth:
 
Thank you so much for that wonderful trip report. It was so touching and personal I feel like I know you. I understand how sad you feel when its time to leave, I think most of us do. My trips to Orlando are meeting up with my grown kids and grandkids. It tears me up when I have to say goodbye. But after we leave I start to feel much better. I think of the wonderful times and grateful for having the experience.
 
Awwwww. Its over. :( I may have to reread it all over again soon, mine seems like its taking a whole 'nother month to get here!! :rolleyes1

Aww....it`ll be here before you know it, but I know it seems to take ages to come round sometimes :)

Carole...that was a great...no...fantastic trip report!

I had no idea you guys were so emotional when you were leaving. Hell...I probably would have cried too.

Hope you see you guys again soon!
:teeth:

Thanks Todd, you don`t ever want to come wave us off at the airport........I would be clinging on to you like your favourite sister :rotfl: Far too emotional at times, but it was the best time ever.

And all being well we`ll definately see you next year, can`t come quick enough to see you again as well :goodvibes :goodvibes

Thank you so much for that wonderful trip report. It was so touching and personal I feel like I know you. I understand how sad you feel when its time to leave, I think most of us do. My trips to Orlando are meeting up with my grown kids and grandkids. It tears me up when I have to say goodbye. But after we leave I start to feel much better. I think of the wonderful times and grateful for having the experience.

Thanks.........I do agree though, you do feel better after you leave and yes we are always grateful for having such a wonderful time :cheer2:
 
:flower3:Thanks for a wonderful trip report Carole, you make us feel as if we're there with you. Maybe next year we can meet up while you are there in July, I hope.
 
:flower3:Thanks for a wonderful trip report Carole, you make us feel as if we're there with you. Maybe next year we can meet up while you are there in July, I hope.

Thanks Vicki, it would be wonderful if we`re there at the same time.......share a few cocktails and share some stories......that would be lovely :hug:
 














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