Something Wicked this MAY Comes! 18 nights @ RPR & SFR. An April/May 2025 TR

[keishashadow]

Thank you, he is doing so well, and yes can`t keep him down, not even on his chair it seems now, always wants to be doing more than he should be! But, it`s incredible how almost back to normal he is.

Haha normal is definitely over-rated.

Tom is a force of nature. Such a sure & determined sort, he will soon be back in his groove ; especially as he has you in his corner.

Find it fascinating how people can bounce back so quickly after surgery, well; as long as they do their due diligence. It’s easy to just want to lay about like a slug when feeling under the weather afterwards.

Always good to have a carrot dangling, that trip was a perfect idea. You both need a reward after the last few months.

Hoping for a mini TR

 

[disneyseniors]

We have a birthday

Our lovely Janet ( @keishashadow ) is celebrating today and nobody celebrates like the keshia`s!!!!
So, I hope you have a wonderful weekend and extend it as much as you can, nothing beats celebrating for as long as you can!!!





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Yes, it is for us and many others a much missed ride.

Thank you so much for all those wonderful photos and the memories of the Jaws area and ride. We loved that attraction and never missed it. I do wish they could have kept it, as Jaws is still popular today. It was great to relive that area - brings back good times and unforgettable memories. Unfortunately, I didn't take any pictures of this area when we were there many moons ago!

 

[disneyseniors]

The light in the evenings is beyond beautiful and the shimmering almost twinke like sunset just adds to how pretty the lagoon and being honest, the whole park looks at this time of the evening. That change of light is something we always enjoy seeing.

The back of Louie`s is a nice little place to sit for a time, we usually sit inside to eat but on a cooler evening it`s a nice way to enjoy a slice. Down to the right as you look is one of the many first aid areas in the park and they are very handy and can help with a host of issues from a simple blister to a full blown medical emergency.

I think like others we`ll celebrate if they ever get rid of F&F

Beetlejuice Graveyard Review was incredible and so much fun and this ride has never been popular since it arrived, Disaster may not have been the most up to date attraction, but it was head and shoulders above this, Disaster was purely about fun.

The back of the NY area is very cool indeed, again, lit up is is beautiful and during horror nights they really bring it to life with the effects, but that aside we love this area and all it represents.

There may not have been many folks around but as we took some pictures we heard some rather, er interesting language from a woman and it was getting closer!!! They were seriously having words and having worked in an explosives factory for many years, we thought we had heard it all, seems we hadn`t!!!

We carried on taking pictures as if we had never heard them bellowing at one another, we didn`t listen of course I admit I met her eye as they passed us and she did screech a rather scurrilous, uncouth, imbecilic and rather cretinous remark to which I could only laugh at thinking, is that the best you got!!

But, she had a lot going on as she ran after her rather aggrieved husband/partner and at that point we saw what we assumed were security heading their way, this was not their night!!!

Mel`s Drive in is not the best place to eat, apparently they do a decent milk shake but we had a one and done experience of them many years back, never to be repeated. It does seem to be pretty popular though, we did hear someone complain they waited a long time for food there, so I guess there was a line. But, if someone asks for recommendations we never offer this up as an option.

They do change the sign for horror nights to Mel`s Die in and they have a nice display of old style cars outside. Several years ago they had live music outside, they had some pretty good bands play during park opening hours. Now you can sometimes see Marilyn and her ladies dance on occasions, they do seem to move around quite a lot though.

Pantages Theatre hosts one of the best shows around the parks, the Horror Make up Show, it is fun and quite educational in a weird way!! Perfectly suitable for kids of all ages and they do seem to enjoy it too and it leads down to one of the prettiest streets in Universal Studios, Hollywood Boulevard.

This street is even prettier when it`s decorated with Christmas stuff, it is gorgeous.

Five and Dime is a nice little store, we`re not huge merchandise folks (honest) but it is decent place and they usually have some cool displays for horror nights and one of our TM folks had told us we might want to look in there either tomorrow or before we left, they said even though we weren`t interested in horror nights anymore we might like to see what would be out!

Well, couldn`t turn that down.

Schwab`s Pharmacy is a must do, they do some lovely ice creams and it`s done out like a 1950`s ice cream parlour, very nice and they also do a Dole Whip, but it`s not as sweet as the one at Disney, very refreshing though.

I will admit I do like the sound of the Disney Dole Whip one where you can add rum!!!!





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We weren`t the last folks to leave the park by a long shot, there were still a load of people behind us as we exited but we headed to Fat Tuesday`s and planned to have a cocktail and sit looking over the water just chilling for an hour.

It wasn`t busy and we got a table by the edge which gives the best views and we could sit here at night and just let the time drift by.

We each got a cocktail and we each had a tooter in them which does add a little zazz to their drinks which are decent, we always enjoy a drink from here some evenings.

We thought about doing something fun, maybe mini golf but to be honest we were both a little fatigued, it sometimes happens towards the end of our trips, we do tend to burn the candle at both ends at times, late nights and early mornings do catch up, so we headed to the boat and back to Strong Water for some food, it was only around 9pm so far too early for bed and we were a little peckish too.

Angel and Maggie were looking after us tonight, we asked for two Carole`s Punches and Christian made them up for us again, they were lovely and I think one each would be enough tonight as we were both yawning our heads off, Maggie said we needed to go to bed which was true, but we did want some food.

I opted for the new Tuna Tartare which was beautiful and Tom chose the Shrimp dish he likes so much, neither were overly filling but so full of flavour, just enough for tonight.

We loved the dishes, and we thought we were done when Maggie sent out a dessert for us to enjoy......oh lordy, we were so tired but who can resist when someone takes the time to order something special for us.

The dessert came with three ice creams, rum n raisin on top and she had kindly given us some cinammon ice cream to try and my old favourite, dulce de leche!!

Maggie is such a sweetheart and being honest, that sugar fix knocked the tiredness out of us, just a little.

Angel checked with us to see if we wanted another drink, but for tonight we`d had enough and even though it was just after 10.30ish, we said our goodnights and goodbye`s as we wouldn`t see them again this trip. We do miss them a lot, Maggie especially as we`ve known her such a long time, but it wouldn`t be long till we see them again. We headed down to our suite, quick shower and we were both sound asleep before both our heads hit the pillows tonight.

I think this was the most exhausted we had felt in years!










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The back of Louie`s is a nice little place to sit for a time,

Well, I always learn something new about Universal from you I never thought to look behind Louies, but I will now. We like the quick service pizza and cold drink - always a nice break.

I think like others we`ll celebrate if they ever get rid of F&F

And here is another one I have never ridden. I guess I have not been missing anything, but that makes me more curious as to just how bad it is, so I will check it out next time.

There may not have been many folks around but as we took some pictures we heard some rather, er interesting language from a woman and it was getting closer!!! They were seriously having words and having worked in an explosives factory for many years, we thought we had heard it all, seems we hadn`t!!!

Yikes, I hate when that happens. Fortunately we have not run into that kind of stuff on our trips. What is wrong with people? I would have been a chicken to give her the "eye" because she might have been one of those types who take everything seriously and decided to come at you!!!! It's scary to think people are that deranged.

Schwab`s Pharmacy is a must do, they do some lovely ice creams and it`s done out like a 1950`s ice cream parlour, very nice and they also do a Dole Whip, but it`s not

# 3 on things I have not done at Universal. I absolutely LOVE ice cream and dont know how I missed this one. So much to do and so little time, lol.

 

[schumigirl]

Haha normal is definitely over-rated.

Tom is a force of nature. Such a sure & determined sort, he will soon be back in his groove ; especially as he has you in his corner.

Find it fascinating how people can bounce back so quickly after surgery, well; as long as they do their due diligence. It’s easy to just want to lay about like a slug when feeling under the weather afterwards.

Always good to have a carrot dangling, that trip was a perfect idea. You both need a reward after the last few months.

Hoping for a mini TR

lol so true, who wants normality!!

Yes, I think a good mental attitude helps, up and at em is a good motto to live by. Yep, we make a good team, he hasn`t been a bad patient at all and I`ve been amazed at him all the way through this experience, he`s had no pain and has never complained once. Well, he complained when I insisited on doing everything he felt he should be doing

I`m looking forward to some family time up there, weather should still be decent but mainly going to catch up with friends and family

 

[schumigirl]

Thank you so much for all those wonderful photos and the memories of the Jaws area and ride. We loved that attraction and never missed it. I do wish they could have kept it, as Jaws is still popular today. It was great to relive that area - brings back good times and unforgettable memories. Unfortunately, I didn't take any pictures of this area when we were there many moons ago!

I`m so glad you liked them Ruth, yes it is still a massively popular movie and I think the ride would still be as popular today, but in todays climate it would be deemed an unnecessary expense I`m sure due to the day to day running costs of it.

I wish we had taken more pictures back in 2007, I do have a load but wish I had more, that was pre trip report days

Well, I always learn something new about Universal from you I never thought to look behind Louies, but I will now. We like the quick service pizza and cold drink - always a nice break.

And here is another one I have never ridden. I guess I have not been missing anything, but that makes me more curious as to just how bad it is, so I will check it out next time.

Yikes, I hate when that happens. Fortunately we have not run into that kind of stuff on our trips. What is wrong with people? I would have been a chicken to give her the "eye" because she might have been one of those types who take everything seriously and decided to come at you!!!! It's scary to think people are that deranged.

# 3 on things I have not done at Universal. I absolutely LOVE ice cream and dont know how I missed this one. So much to do and so little time, lol.

lol....it is an awful ride, truly awful and even the usually wonderful TM`s have trouble playing this one seriously! If you don`t have to wait in line for it, give it a bash, but don`t wait any time for it, it`s just not worth it.

It`s nice to sit there especially if it`s in the shade, we do like a slice from Louie`s now and again.

I didn`t mean to make eye contact being honest, I turned to hear what the commotion was, yes derranged is a good description, but at a guess it was a situation akin to the recent Coldplay audience cam situation, I think she got caught out doing something she shouldn`t be doing with someone she shouldn`t be doing it with..... allegedly of course

Oh you`ll like Schwab`s for ice cream or milk shakes, a nice break from the heat and it is a very cute little place too. It is easy to miss

 

[schumigirl]

Well, I did plan to do a double post today, but.....we had another heatwave!!

It has been gorgeous this last week but today we were spoiled with the heat, so we spent all day in the garden, only coming inside for cold drinks and snacks. No meal planning today, we lived on Charcuterie, seafood, olives, French Bread, chips, dips, water and ice cream!! We also had some fresh plums off one of our trees as they are giving out an excellent yield this year, and they are gorgeous, just a Victoria Plum but so tasty.

Maybe the odd glass of prosecco too

And looks like this weather is here to stay for a while, we`ll make the most of it while we can. Some of our trees have been changing colour already and even a few we noticed a couple of weeks ago, so it looks like Autumn is getting earlier every year!

Hope the weather wherever you are is just as lovely!

WEDNESDAY MAY 14TH




I don`t think either of us woke once during the night, we slept very soundly and although we still woke very early, we did feel refreshed. One of the nicest things of having the suite is you don`t hear a sound from the hallways and we do appreciate that.

We still weren`t sure what we were doing today but eventually decided to drive to Winter Park, we wanted some things from Williams and Sonoma and it was the nearest one now the store in the Mall at Millenia had closed.

Breakfast first, we wandered over and the brazilians were still around and they were having another ceremony this morning, not quite as dressy but I still felt like old Aunt Mildred wearing her Little House on the Prairie dress as we walked past them!!!! They do all look beautiful though, we stopped and asked one man who was taking his wife and children`s picture if he wanted us to take some of them altogether, he gratefully accepted and Tom took several of them. The baby wasn`t looking so I started clapping like a seal to get his attention and it worked, he turned to us and gave the biggest smiles, Tom captured some lovely pictures for them. When they saw them you`d think he`d given them a million dollars, they couldn`t thank him enough.

Breakfast was a little sombre today, we were saying goodbye to two lovely people, Aspen and Anna, Aspen we`d known for a long time and Anna although quite new, we had chatted a lot to her and got to know her quite well, so yes, we do miss them. Aspen we keep in touch with so it`s not so bad, but never nice saying goodbye even for a short time.

We walked back over to Sapphire to get the car and it`s only a 20 minute drive to Winter Park and this place has so many parking spots, sounds a weird thing to get excited over, but in our country you pay for parking practically everywhere, so it`s a novelty to just drive into so many places and not have to pay.

Winter Park is beautiful, we always discuss whether we prefer Winter Park or Winter Garden and we never quite make a decision on that one. Both are very pretty, have some lovely shopping options and have some lovely areas to walk around and the geek in me loves the train station in Winter Park so that has the edge I think!!!



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The store above is a very trendy boutique, not the type of store I would generally shop in, I`m more a comfy casual clothes person, but I have several friends who would love this store, but it is very pretty and the products inside do look nice.

The Olive Oil store is more our kind of place, so once we had visited W&S, we picked up a couple of things we wanted, we headed to look in this store as we do like it. I think being honest we prefer the Mount Dora Olive Oil company, but we weren`t visiting there this time.

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They have alongside the oils many balsamic vinegars, rubs, sauces, dips, pasta and so much more and usually you go on they leave you alone, but today the lady was a bit of a PITA and kept telling us about different products we might like. Again, there`s only so many times you can say, no thank you before it begins to sound rude.



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So, me being me, I was out the door......













Tom was surprised I lasted quite as long as I did!!!

I have the patience of a saint, but cheese me off and I`m out.

We wandered across to the beautiful park area here, it is gorgeous and it has some lovely shaded areas that we planned to sit for a time under a tree and just watch the world go by. ​

We did find a bench and we had bought some water so we sat and drank that while we people watched, not that there were many people around, but it was still nice. It was very calm and we watched some squirrels run around us, but while this was lovely, a day or so later we`d vehemently regret sitting on a bench, in the grass, at this time of day!

We also couldn`t believe how darn hot it was, it was zapping us a little and so many people were saying the same thing, never known a May so hot in years. Someone later told us it was the hottest May in a lot of years, I forget the actual number but it definitely was noticeable in comparison to previous May trips.

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It was just too darn hot to do anything else today so we popped back in the car and set off, but before we got very far we saw the strangest thing.

We saw a Brent Spiner lookylikey (Data from Star Trek Next Generation) dressed as a Storm Trooper walking along as if it were the most natural thing in the world, I liked this guy`s outlook on life!!!












Moving on....


Today for lunch we wanted to try Yard House again, we`d had mixed experiences from here the worst being an evening visit where it was just so loud we couldn`t hear each other speak so we left, but on other occasions food was not the problem.

We parked in the multi storey car park in Icon Park, they have done a weird thing here, the bottom 3 or 4 levels are all now charged to park, but drive up another level or two and it`s free??? It doesn`t make sense at all as most folks take the elevator anyway, so we drove up to the next level where there were a million spaces.

You do get a lovely view even from here of Epic and the beautiful Helios Grand Hotel which is not too far away from here and you can`t really see the ugly buildings in between from this height.

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And a cool view of the Eye too from this level. We have gone on this attraction many times which is brave of me as I`m not overly keen on heights, but it`s worth it as we have watched Epic rise from being just a plain old derelict piece of land to being the newest and possibly one of the best theme parks in Florida.

Yard House wasn`t busy at all which was nice for us, we got a booth over by the window and we had a lovely waiter who should have been on stage, he was so entertaining and made ordering a meal a very nice experience, not what we expected at all.

I ordered a Coco Rum which was a lovely mix of coconut rum, banana rum, captain morgan spiced rum, passion fruit purée, citrus agave, pineapple juice and a spear of fresh pineapple, it was very nice and I did stick to just the one.

As Tom was driving, he had a coke.

Holy humungous sandwich!!!!

We should have got this to share, but one of Tom`s favourite sandwiches is the classic BLT, but holy smokes, this one was huge and must have had 3lbs of bacon in it!!! His face lit up like a Christmas Tree when he saw it!!

I opted for the Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich with sweet potato fries and I did ask him how hot it was and he said it was "plenty" hot....well, ok then, I took him at his word and ordered it.

I was disappointed as it had not a drop of spice in it and when our waiter came back and I, being British first apologised as it sounded like a complaint then asked him if I could have some hot sauce as the chicken was not spicy. Now he looked surprised and said folks usually commented it was too hot, but he disappeared and very quickly came back saying all they had was a mango habanero sauce that was ultra spicy, yep, that would be perfect.

And it really was lovely.

Again, he came back to check my head hadn`t exploded as he did believe this to be a nuclear level sauce when it was really just around the same heat as the store bought Frank`s Hot Sauce, but it was nice of him to check again.

The food had been really good though, my chicken was cooked beautifully, it was very moist and although I didn`t eat the bun, I had a taste and it was nice too. Tom`s sandwich defeated him by quite a lot, but what he had he enjoyed. Our waiter said he`d get a box for the rest of it, but we never do that and never think it`s a waste, so long as we enjoy what we have, we`re happy.

Despite the heat, we have a wander round to the eye, grab a couple of pictures and then decide it really is too hot to stay outside any longer today which is unusual for us as we love heat, but this was different for this time of year.

More to follow
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