Something About Nothing ... #12

[macraven]

Marci take the train/shuttle from the airport to downtown st l

Cheap

Then taxi to their place or have them pick you up

Wait reread what you said
Have them leave a key for you with a neighbor so you can get into the apt before they get off work

Are they in the second suburb west of the river ??
Some public transportation will take you west if the city

Love hanging there
Will always miss that area


Have fun there !!!!

 

[keishashadow]

Thanks @keishashadow! This is why I love you guys. It funny - I was JUST thinking. Why don't I just post all my questions to my homies?

I think I have been so wrapped up in making sure everyone has a great first experience, that I forget that growing up we were in a 2 double bed hotel room and happy if we were offsite. Universal has spoiled my family for sure!

Only request from the hubby is that we have plenty of down time to enjoy the resort(s) so i just need to pick one that we can enjoy for the many non park days. Do you like VWL for those too? I forgot that was another home resort for you. Bonnet Creek was sold out else we would be there.

Thanks for the SSR opinion too! I needed this. I tried to get BCV but they sold out of the military rate - and only had club for hotel side.

Ooooh, i love talking resorts . Lots of others here who enjoy both parks, perhaps they can chime in too! We're there the same time, pickins are slim when i had to add on 7/1, took a week, finally booked ASMu at a ridiculous APH rate IMO $111+

Will say I'm pretty sure I'm seeing WDW properties show up on hotwire. Hilton Bonnet Creek area, select airport shuttle. Looks like the AS & probably CBR. Naturally, it's not 100% but always an option.

Cheaptickets & Orbitz also have the discount codes that help the cause too.

People will cancel five days out, might be some movement @ WDW resorts then.

Did u try renting points thru vrbo for WBC? We've had good luck with Vacation Strategies who will price match written competitors' quotes.

The Hyatt near WDW is older but has a nice setup, grotto pool & included activities via the re sort fee (biking, rock wall climbing, believe a par 3). You can get rooms with a very distant FW view there w/small balconies.

I will admit SSR was better than i had expected. We landed in a golf course view studio in carousel section. Petty, but it bothered me that the interior hallways were poured concrete, no carpet. We could walk over to main section & boat launch to DTD/DS. It just didn't have much of a disney vibe for us.

For resort days, AKV Jambo is great. I like the pool and the animal viewing there, with a car it's great to zip around the back ways to the parks.

Haven't stayed @ VWL since they started construction, yuck. Went thru that with main pool rehab. Work is Almost done now I believe. Would check that on resorts or DVC board.

We have small # of points @ BWV too, have to bank/borrow to stay for F&W but the ability to walk back cannot be underestimated . I like the clown pool, reminds me of pennywise hehe. BC/YC SAB pool is amazing. It's difficult to book there.

We enjoy BLT, pool nothing special, but mostly for the view of MK & FW.

I didn't want to leave the Poly

I like PORR near mansions & the main pool over PORFQ

Heading off to your old stomping ground for the weekend, Mac! Hanging with the son and GF in St. Louis - no real plans yet. I'd feel better if he could at least pin down that they'd pick us up at the airport or there's a way to get into his apartment if we take a cab while they're still at work but even that is proving too challenging. Sigh.

Have a safe trip!

 

[Robo56]

Evening Sans family


Trying to get back into the routine at home after a great trip to Universal with the grandbabies. We had a great 10 day vacation there.

It was in the upper 90's while we were there. Had a couple of evening thunderstorms with rain. Didn't mind as Orlando needed the rain.

We spent one night at the Sapphire Falls to check it out. Sapphire is nice, but we were glad to move over to our home away from home the Portofino the next day for the remainder of our stay.

Staff at Sapphire at check in were fantastic. Room was nice and we had a lovely Lagoon View. Will give heads up that it was busy while we were there and line for boat to go to CityWalk and return to SF was long. Boats were moving quickly to get everyone back to their resort in a timely manner.

We tried some new dining. Vivo was good. Plates of food could easily be shared. My grandson is 13 and almost 6 feet tall and 225 pounds of muscle. He plays football....LOL.....all that to tell you it takes alot to fill him up and he had food left over at Vivo.

We had the best meal ever at The Palm at Hard Rock. Fantastic steaks and great service. Grandbabies are still raving about this meal. Thanks Schumi for the suggestion

Schumi I did go down the slide at Portofino.....was watching people basically scooting off the end of the slide. I have tried everything, but I always rocket off that slide. One run on the slide was enough. Grandson and I laughed so hard.

Tried Moma Della's again at Portofino. Food was very good and great service. Grandbabies like that we were serenaded (That's Amore) while we ate.

As always stay at Portofino was great. Always feel so welcome there. Its awesome. Looking forward to going back for HHN.

Did not do VB while we were there. Will take them next May. This will allow time to perfect issues they were having.

Glad we took 2 days to get the babies back to Southern Indiana. There was a wreck between semi tractor trailers. Heard on the news it was about 2:30 am Friday morning. Sounds like one driver fell asleep at the wheel in the East bound I24 crossed over into the West bound I24 and hit another tractor trailer and both drivers were killed. I24 was shut off from exit 174 west bound and had to detour all the west bound traffic to 41 north until we could get back on I24 near Nickajack lake. Was two hours added to trip, but always feel so sorry to hear of traffic fatalities.

I will admit that I'am exhausted. LOL.....I always say while on vacation my body is in vacation mode and will endure walking, heat and sweating etc...and when I return home I need a few days to recover. I will tell you I loved the bench in Knockturn Alley. Perched there a few times for a rest.

They have tweaked the Butterbeer recipe since the soft opening of Hogsmeade. I did not like it then butterscotch flavor was very strong. Have not tried it since until this trip. Tried some of grandsons frozen butterbeer and it was good, but still would not drink a glass on my own.

Sounds like everyone here are exited about their upcoming trips to Universal.

GoNDmay9 nice to see you back.

Keisha great to see the start up of the official HHN 27 thread.

Glad to hear Wagman67 son was able to enjoy the parks.

Sorry to miss Pcstang and his littles. Look forward to saying hi in October to you and your lovely family and more of the Sans homies if possible.

Mac hope you are improving day by day.

Tink hope you are doing well and the hand is healed up?

Monyk are your chicken babies liking their new home (coup)?

Lynne hope your weather warms up.

Chuckers like the countdown. Now that's serious vacation tracking.

Ky07 hope your wife improves quickly. Prayers that she will get better soon

 

[marciemi]

Wait reread what you said
Have them leave a key for you with a neighbor so you can get into the apt before they get off work

Are they in the second suburb west of the river ??
Some public transportation will take you west if the city

They apparently don't know any of their neighbors. And don't want to talk to the front desk. And apparently you need a key card just to get into the building in the first place. It's sounding like we'll just chill at the airport for an extra 2.5 hours and wait for someone to pick us up vs. paying the money for a cab (son says you can't Uber from the airport there) and then not being able to get in anyway.

They're about 15 minutes south/west of the airport (I'm not sure if more south or west). Still inside the beltway at least. But probably easier just to hang as Royce will have luggage as he's flying directly to Cali for a week from there. Otherwise I'd be more motivated to just haul our carryons and explore while waiting. Ah well, I'm sure the airport has Pokemon.

 

[macraven]

You do love your pokeman

Think last year you got two stops at the machine to replace the extra battery for the phone




Well homies time for lights out

Now will be the one time tinyD comes around to visit

Hope she does not stub her toe or stumble over the cat if she shows up later

 

[schumigirl]

Lot to catch up on.........

StL.........so sorry you have to cancel your trip. I hope DW gets the help she needs and recovers quickly......I`m sure you will make sure she is taken care of.......

Robo.......glad to hear the trip was another success, it sounds perfect........I can imagine you on that slide again........ And so glad you enjoyed The Palm!!! One of our favourite places to eat in Orlando.......can`t wait to eat there again this year.


Nice to be back........had a fabulous time at mum`s and saw all brothers and sisters and one niece and nephew this visit. Loved visiting The Atholl Palace again as a treat for my mum and we loved it again. Food was amazing there........all fresh local produce and plenty of smoked salmon which is my favourite. That and champagne for breakfast is a lovely way to start the day when you don't have to drive. Very relaxing time with a few spa treatments along the way and one long walk through Highland woodland.

Back to normality now........laundry and housework, although having an afternoon out with friend tomorrow........

And slight change of plans for our trip this year......


My 50th Birthday present is a trip to New York!! So thrilled to be going back there again for the 4th time, and my husband hasn't been to New York so I`m very excited to show him the City I love so much.......we`ll have 5 nights there and then fly down to Orlando on my actual birthday a day early........very excited. So 5 nights in New York and then 19 in Orlando......nice way to celebrate 50th birthday and 25th wedding anniversary..........husband is very popular right now It was a surprise as I had no clue that`s what he was thinking for me.........I have the best husband ever...........

I may even plan a little with this trip now.........

Been asking my new travel guru Keisha for advice on internal flights as we`ve never done that before..........Managed to change flights out from the UK from Orlando to New York with just an admin charge.........and looking forward to arriving in Orlando after only a 3 hour flight and not the usual of being awake for almost a day!!!

So, that's my news.........need a catch up now on what I`ve missed.........

 

[schumigirl]

 

[tink1957]

Good morning

Yay for more vacation time for Carole...Tom is a keeper.

 

[Lynne G]

YAY! Schumi''s back and so is Robo. So glad to hear Schumi's was relaxing and enjoyed family time, and Robo, glad to hear you had such fun with the grandbabies.

Tink, save travels. Ha, what we do for our kids. Haven't been back to that airport is quite a long time. Hope your wait goes fast.

Well, what a day makes, and a high weather system entering. Sun, yes sun, made an annoying drive. Still at 54, but the heat is coming. That jet stream is moving north, so we should see close to 90 degrees by Saturday. Time to fire up the grill again.

Yep, it's Thursday, so grab a drink --

oh, and Mac,

don't you need more? LOL

Well, it's time for more tea, and I need to find something to eat, seems no pound cake and kids raided the tastsykakes. May look for some animal crackers.

Have a great day all, stay hydrated.

 

[Chuckers]

They also have this really nice children's section of the park with these mini rides. I remember taking my niece and nephew years ago! Such a hidden gem if you have smaller children.

Ummm... I'll be a 52 y.o. big child... does that count?

 

[Chuckers]

Welcome back Schumi and Robo! Glad you both had great trips!

Tomorrow I drive to NY to visit my sister who is recovering from some surgery. She's making me my all time favorite comfort food meal for my birthday.. Meatloaf and mashed potatoes! Which is really nice of her as she can't eat any of it.

These short trips will help me get through the next 135,360 hours until I get to actual Universal resort property! I hate and love that Universal is so much more flexible than WDW when it comes to planning. Because I haven't planned my vacation down to the hour, as I would with a WDW trip, I keep thinking about different things to do and how to do them.

For example: I really want to go to Busch Gardens on Wednesday.. so that requires a car and a ticket (which costs $90). The park opens at 10 am and closes at 5 pm, so a FOTL pass is required (for me because being solo I REALLY hate lines). The Hertz desk at RPR opens at 8am. Considering time to process, pick up, and leave with the car, and the possible (hah.. definite) traffic on I-4, I think I am cutting it very close to being at BG by rope drop. HOWEVER.. If I add a day at SeaWorld, the 2-park - 2-day ticket is only $110. Making each park only $55 (a steal really). I can pick up the car on Tuesday and even with an 8am opening, I think I can make it to SeaWorld by 10 am for opening (It's open til 6, so I get an extra hour anyway). This will allow me to leave on Wednesday at 8am on the dot, because I'll already have the car, and make a 10am opening at Busch Gardens. The only downside is I will have to pay for parking at RPR for one night.

This means I'll be able to hit 6 major parks (US, IOA, VB, MK, BG, and SQ) in one trip! That will be a record for me. Last year, I did 5 on the west coast (DL, CA, 6F, US, KBF).

I'm going to be SO wiped out after this 'vacation'. But I'll be happy

 

[keishashadow]

Busy day today. Family coming over to watch game & im making wings whee. Glad it's chilly, that fryer really heats up the house

Lynne I could see my breath this am when I took the poich outside No frost in car phew. Pretty sure I saw my tomato plants shuddering

Welcome home carole & again I am so excited for you two in this next chapter if your lives together!

Good morning

Yay for more vacation time for Carole...Tom is a keeper.

Are you all better now?

 

[keishashadow]

Welcome back Schumi and Robo! Glad you both had great trips!

Tomorrow I drive to NY to visit my sister who is recovering from some surgery. She's making me my all time favorite comfort food meal for my birthday.. Meatloaf and mashed potatoes! Which is really nice of her as she can't eat any of it.

These short trips will help me get through the next 135,360 hours until I get to actual Universal resort property! I hate and love that Universal is so much more flexible than WDW when it comes to planning. Because I haven't planned my vacation down to the hour, as I would with a WDW trip, I keep thinking about different things to do and how to do them.

For example: I really want to go to Busch Gardens on Wednesday.. so that requires a car and a ticket (which costs $90). The park opens at 10 am and closes at 5 pm, so a FOTL pass is required (for me because being solo I REALLY hate lines). The Hertz desk at RPR opens at 8am. Considering time to process, pick up, and leave with the car, and the possible (hah.. definite) traffic on I-4, I think I am cutting it very close to being at BG by rope drop. HOWEVER.. If I add a day at SeaWorld, the 2-park - 2-day ticket is only $110. Making each park only $55 (a steal really). I can pick up the car on Tuesday and even with an 8am opening, I think I can make it to SeaWorld by 10 am for opening (It's open til 6, so I get an extra hour anyway). This will allow me to leave on Wednesday at 8am on the dot, because I'll already have the car, and make a 10am opening at Busch Gardens. The only downside is I will have to pay for parking at RPR for one night.

This means I'll be able to hit 6 major parks (US, IOA, VB, MK, BG, and SQ) in one trip! That will be a record for me. Last year, I did 5 on the west coast (DL, CA, 6F, US, KBF).

I'm going to be SO wiped out after this 'vacation'. But I'll be happy

Enjoy visit w ur sis!

Hmm short BG hours - is that an event night or are they all that limited your trip?

There used to be a free shuttle to BG from SW area. Friends not thrilled they missed rope drop

That's a full trip indeed! A few years ago we did a doozie I'd like to repeat when we have more time & $ lol

vegas, USH-RIP, knots scary farm VIP one night pkg, DLH for 4 nights & MNSSHP, back on plane to RPH for HHN & RIP & AKV for 6 days MNSSHP, SW & A It was awesome!

 

[Chuckers]

Enjoy visit w ur sis!

Hmm short BG hours - is that an event night or are they all that limited your trip?

There used to be a free shuttle to BG from SW area. Friends not thrilled they missed rope drop

That's a full trip indeed! A few years ago we did a doozie I'd like to repeat when we have more time & $ lol

vegas, USH-RIP, knots scary farm VIP one night pkg, DLH for 4 nights & MNSSHP, back on plane to RPH for HHN & RIP & AKV for 6 days MNSSHP, SW & A It was awesome!

BG's hours for the weekdays in Sept are 10-5, no event I could find. Which is odd.. SeaWorld is 10-6 and UO is 9-7. I'm sure Disney is in the 9-7 range for most parks.


Keisha, that's one AMAZING trip.. I would so be exhausted. I wish I could get that much time off in one lump!

 

[keishashadow]

BG's hours for the weekdays in Sept are 10-5, no event I could find. Which is odd.. SeaWorld is 10-6 and UO is 9-7. I'm sure Disney is in the 9-7 range for most parks.


Keisha, that's one AMAZING trip.. I would so be exhausted. I wish I could get that much time off in one lump!

Yes, rarely does the mr agree to taking off 2 weeks consecutively, let alone the 18 days needed for that one

Wow, no idea all the parks had such abbreviated hours in September. Guess with the lower crowds you can get lots more accomplished though

 

[goNDmay9]

Nice to be back........had a fabulous time at mum`s and saw all brothers and sisters and one niece and nephew this visit. Loved visiting The Atholl Palace again as a treat for my mum and we loved it again. Food was amazing there........all fresh local produce and plenty of smoked salmon which is my favourite. That and champagne for breakfast is a lovely way to start the day when you don't have to drive. Very relaxing time with a few spa treatments along the way and one long walk through Highland woodland.....

Welcome Back! i thought you had me a smoked salmon. then you really had me at champagne...and then you finished with a spa and a walk through the highlands! YES PLEASE!

 

[tink1957]

Are you all better now?

Yes, I'm all healed up now except for a little soreness when I make a fist. Have fun watching the game...family game nights are the best.

Welcome back to Robo and Carole...you were missed.

StL...sad to hear your wife had a setback, hope she gets better soon and finds the meds that work for her your homies are here for you.

Chuckers...more park time is always good and I'm sorry I missed your question about MNSSHP...we went last year and had a blast but probably not going this year.

Lynne, I think you had me confused with marcie...I only drive to work and the grocery store so the kids let their dad do airport duty...I hate driving.

I finally have a day off after working 7 in a row...so much housework and yard work so little time...think I'll just wait a bit and enjoy the peppermint toads Trey brought back from our favorite place.

Have a great day everyone

 

[goNDmay9]

@Robo

Ummm... I'll be a 52 y.o. big child... does that count?

absolutely!

 

[tink1957]

Hi goND...glad to see you here again.

 

[Chuckers]

Yes, rarely does the mr agree to taking off 2 weeks consecutively, let alone the 18 days needed for that one

Wow, no idea all the parks had such abbreviated hours in September. Guess with the lower crowds you can get lots more accomplished though

Low crowds is a blessing and a curse. An FOTL pass lets me do everything I want and more during low crowds. But, because the parks shut down early, it leaves me with not much to do at night. I am not a bar person. Plus, as I have said many times previous, I LOVE parks at night.. all the lights/neon make them beautiful. Coasters in the dark are also more thrilling.