UKANGEL
Champagne Girls Rule!
- Joined
- Jun 19, 2002
- Messages
- 2,808
Directed by:
Angel (Mandy) Control freak, veteran of 14 trips, organizer extraordinaire
Chunkster20uk (Mark) also a control freak, and chief driver
Produced (& financed) by:
Dad Grandpa Clampet lovable, impatient & grumpy
Mum Grandma Clampet also loveable, much more patient and not so grumpy (but very hard of hearing)
Choreography:
Isobelle (Izzy) age 12, already a Diva
Chief Jester:
Elliott age 14, a lovable 6ft 4inch streak of lightning
..and starring..
Becky 19 my dd, beautiful, talented, takes after her Mum
Paul 22 - Beckys bf, no idea what hes let himself in for .
Tracey my little sis, hates planning, and being told what to do
Chris BIL see above
Jess 17 chief mourner, pining for her bf back in Swindon
All the holidaymakers have done Disney before, sis & family just once in 2001, for Mum & Dad its their 4th visit in 6 years, Paul was here 10 years ago and Mark, Becky and I have racked up nearly 30 trips between us ..
Day 6
Wednesday 24th October Happy Birthday Mark!
Today is Marks Birthday .its also my sister in laws too, but as my bro and her have decided to stay in the UK and not join in the Clampet family Tour we cant celebrate with her! Im up early and give Mark his presents, the main one will be dinner at Victoria & Alberts on Friday but he has a couple of t shirts and things to open (and hes got me, what more does he want?). Weve asked the gang to try and be ready for 8.30 as it will take us an age to drive over to the Hard Rock from here, and we want to get checked in and then scoot off to Islands of Adventure. Once again the weathers not looking good, but who cares right?
Dad insists hes feeling a little better, but were all a little worried and are watching him carefully much to his disgust. After coffee and the usual present exchange for Mark were still waiting for Jess to finish straightening her hair. Sis has bought Mark a great coffee flask and book all about the Disney rides, theres cash from the parents, and Becky & Paul give Mark a Foo Fighters CD and t shirt so hes well pleased. Everyone seems to be on a go-slow this morning except Dad which gets very frustrating and Mark is itching to leave.
8.45 we all have our bags ready for the bus and we pile in after much discussion of who will sit where. Chris says hell drive and Mark can navigate, which is good of him as Mark was expecting to do the driving today. Take the back route through WDW, Apopka Vineland, Turkey Lake Road etc into Universal as its so much quieter and doesnt really take much longer. We like this route as you get to see some great houses in Dr Philips area too.
Were very excited and smile a lot as we pull into the Hard Rock drive. ID is shown at the entrance and although Im sure theyd love to stop the Clampet invasion they cant, and were soon valet parking the beast. Concierge take our bags of us and Mark & I go to check us all in while the rest of the Clampets have a look around the beautiful reception area. Its such a cool place, with so much rock memorabilia (I still recall Beckys face the first time we stayed and she spied Slipknots guitar in the foyer). The Velvet Lounge has a notice telling of the Velvet session tomorrow night with Vince Neil, of Motley Crue. Mark is really hoping to get there but were still not sure. He has the email invite so we know we can get tickets its just a matter of logistics really.
Comedy moment number 1,000 I have to use the restroom, and quite blithely do this, thinking its not as pretty and luxurious as I remember yes dear, thats because its the MENs!!!!....sadly I dont realize this til I do it AGAIN the following day and find 2 men (not unsurprisingly) in there!!! If one was your DH I do apologise I had my dark glasses on and was obviously as blind as a bat!
HRH are very helpful at check in and say they have 2 rooms, one of which is right near the lift and on the ground floor, which we can have immediately. Thats great news for Dad as it means he can rest when he likes. We all troop off to take a look and show the rest of the Clampets what hotel rooms should look like if youve never stayed at the Hard Rock I do recommend it, although I know not everyone agrees, weve always had fab service and comfort here. The rooms are spacious by Orlando standards, with a separate bathroom, beautiful sink area, large wardrobe, coffee maker and mini bar. The comfy chairs are indeed very comfy and theres a table for dining or study, internet access, plugs ins for I Pods, flat screen TV even a free rock CD for the CD player. Now theyve all been refurbished they look very cool too.
Its time for us to make our way over to IOA now by the little boat just to the back of the hotel. We dont have to wait too long, but Mark decides to go ahead so he can get all our tickets sorted before we get there. Weve purchased the vouchers for the rest oft eh Clampet clan (for Christmas pressies) and just need to exchange them for tickets at the gate. Mark & I have our Annual Passes. I do laugh as Mark decides to ride in one of the bicycle things with a carriage on the back (I have no idea what theyre called) .poor man cycling!
It really does look like rain on the way over to IOA and I notice that Hulk is not screaming around so I guess theyve stopped it in case it storms later. Bummer. Harry the group into action and were soon strolling through the gates of IOA together. (Remember DONT get in Pauls queue its always the slowest!)
had to show this one of my very cool Clampet relations...becky looks so glamorous in the front!!!!
Manage to persuade BIL not to stop for coffee immediately he arrives (he has no idea that man) and were in Marvel Island. I think the theming here is absolutely spot on, but Ma & Pa found it just too loud and overwhelming I think, especially in Dads present state. Hulk is out of action so we go on through to Spiderman as I know most of us can do this together. Dad opts out of course and we find him a comfy seat outside in the shade to wait.
Our room keys are of course fast passes for all the rides so we have no wait at all, which is fab except I think you then miss some more great theming. We all get to sit in one car so thats good and I really enjoy it seeing it through new eyes. Elliott especially loves it, as I knew he would, and after we beat the Green Goblin and all those other nasties he vows to do it again later on. Mark, Paul & Becky now disappear into the Oakley shop next door as they all want to buy sunglasses (Mark with his Birthday money), and with our APs you get a really good deal here. It takes them ages to decide, and then of course weve lost stragglers in various shops around the place.
While we wait, Jess & I decide we may as well ride Dr Dooms Fear fall, which is a personal favourite of mine. Its a quick stroll through with our FPs and then wait by those doors. Jess is shaking now but I do my best to reassure her its not that bad. As we go to get in our seats I realize Jesss harness is locked and wont work .now Im scared!! The cm soon comes and sorts it out but were a little nervous (I did offer to swap with her) in case it doesnt work on the fall down! Were thrown up into the sky and down again before you know it, and we scream loudly but not as loud as the guy sitting next to me, so thats pretty funny. Great ride, but I dont think Jess will do it again soon!
Looking suitably shady with their new sunglass purchases were now off to Blutos Bilge Barges as its time for some lovely soggy rides. Mum & Dad decide to part company, have a little wander then return to the hotel. Theyre going to sit with an ice cream and then head off I think. Its a shame but Im really glad they felt able to come at all. Becky & Paul also desert us for a wander on their own. I dont think were cool enough for them!
Of course we all get very, very wet on this ride .Jess makes the big mistake again of sitting next to me .silly girl. Dudley Do-right next where Izzy, Jess and I sit it out and film the others coming down the chute screaming tee hee. Theyre even more soaked now so we may as well head for Jurassic park and ride the river ride there too.
Jurassic Park is amazing and I have been waiting to show my nephew this part of IOA for years. Im sure Ive built it up too much really, but he does look suitably impressed I think. That first entry through the enormous gates, with the music and dinosaur prints is incredible .I know Becky is really enthusiastic too and I bet shes been showing Paul. Not so sure hell be impressed though.
We escape from the TRex and are thrown over the rapids and down the chute getting even wetter as we go. The weather isnt fantastic now and it looks like rain any minute. Were all pretty hungry and I suggest Thunder Fall Terrace which is nearby and normally has good food for light lunches. Its very quiet but pretty cold inside and I wish they still had the outside dining terrace, itd be warmer! My Clampet sister and her family take forever to decide what they want theyre sooooo fussy! We just grab some BBQ chicken & corn on the cob (me) and ribs (Mark) and were all set. Good value food, well cooked, fine by me.
After lunch its time to go our separate ways as I can see Mark getting twitchy now. The others head off round the rest of the park while we head back to City Walk having done the rides we like best. On our way out we notice that the Hulk is now working but I dont have my ride partner with me (Jess) so Im disappointed I wont be doing this now.
It starts to rain as we leave the park which is a great shame for everybody. This weather is really rubbish at the moment .blimmin tropical storm! Means we can go shopping to dodge the rain though hurrah! Quiet Flight is a great shop in City walk. Im not surprised when we bump into Becky & Paul buying up the shop either. It sells surf/skate gear, as well as Tommy Bahamas, Crocs etc. I manage to get my long awaited croc flip flops here, not in white like I really wanted pink & grey is fine by me. I am annoyed though as I forget to use my AP. Do remember it when I buy Mark a Tommy B shirt for his birthday, and also use it for Beckys purchase which pleases her.
Mark calls the hotel and is given our room numbers now. Becky & Paul have the double room next to my parents (theyll be so pleased I know) and we have a room on the next floor next to my sister and her gang so thats pretty good. Theyre also bringing up an extra bed for the gang as therell be 5 in one room tonight.
Back to the hotel then where we head up to 4th floor and find our room. Now heres a great moment that isnt a comedy one!....Just as we put the key in the lock I notice theres a guy standing over us in the corridor watching very carefully. Im a little rattled because you never know do you? He asks us if our room looks ok, tells us to ask if we need anything else and we explain how we love it here and have been several times. At this he smiles and introduces himself as one of the Managers, and asks what he can send up for us as we are return guests. Nice man! I tell him its Marks Birthday and he immediately says hell send us some champagne to celebrate then result! A very nice man! Great customer service too.
Gleefully we unpack, Im still a little skeptical maybe he was just kidding (Im so cynical), but we head down to the pool for a swim in the rain (its not heavy and were wet anyway so we might as well!). Love this pool, its a guitar shape and you get to hear the music underwater too. Becky & I Paul in the beach side bar having lunch .we did warn Paul about the size of the nachos here but he doesnt listen and spends the next few hours trying to eat them all.
Ice cold Buds for us and a 2 hour swim are just what we need to unwind from the last few days. Its such a shame its raining, but we keep hoping that sun will find its way through those clouds. Mark phones Mum & Dad to make sure theyre ok, and Mum pops down to join us for a quick swim while Dad rests; the rest of the Clampets also return from IOA and head for the pool so we have fun until the air turns chilly and its time to shower and change for the evening.
Tonight we plan to eat at the Hard Rock Café, which is Marks choice for his birthday; his 1st choice (apart from Emerils) would have been Margeritaville but were not sure the kids would have loved it the same so have opted for HRC .plus we have the all Access card and have points to redeem.
Back at the room and Mr Tom Keizenbaum (or something like that) has been true to his word and left a birthday card and a bottle of champagne for us, so we share our good fortune with the lucky Clampets next door to us before we go out. Yum!
Down to the Velvet Lounge for a relaxer, and I opt for a Blue Velvet (vodka, champagne & blue Curacao try it!) while Mark has a beer. Sis and DH join us, but the kids have to sit outside (shame), this is fine til Becky & Paul also come down and of course Becky too isnt allowed in the bar as shes not 21. Have a laugh as Paul pops in for a beer though and leaves her outside with the other kids .not sure shes thrilled by this show of affection!
Marks best Birthday treat now happens as some weedy little guy tells him & Chris, as theyre sat at the bar, that the seats have been reserved for him, and Mark realises its actually Vince Neil of Motley Crue, who will be playing here tomorrow night. Paul is very impressed but I am distinctly under whelmed by this, but Mark has his photo taken with Mr Motley Crue and has a little chat with the guy .Im sure Mr Motley was very pleased to meet the Clampets on tour .probably the highlight of his visit!
Were pushing our luck now with the kids left outside and when the parents arrive we all head out for a slow stroll round to the Hard Rock Café. Universal studios is looking very busy as hordes of people arrive for Halloween Horror Nights, and Paul and Becky are still debating whether to join them after dinner.
With our all access card we only have to wait 10 minutes or so, which we spend looking in the newly expanded HRC shop, and are then led upstairs to a long table in the front room of the café. Its great because its not too noisy in here for the parents, but still has all the atmosphere youd want for the rest of the music-lovin Clampets. I can see Pauls head swiveling as he tries to take in all the memorabilia and hes thinking one day I know
The young guy serving us looks like hes just stepped out of My Chemical Romance, and is a big hit with us Clampets. Hes very attentive and efficient and advises us on all the best cocktails. Between us we manage Cosmopolitans (me), Hurricanes (sis) and Rockeritas (Mark) while Paul seems to drink some very girly pink cocktail much to our hilarity.
The food is good, not excellent but well cooked and good value. We all share a couple of combos to start, then various of us have burgers, crab cakes, salads and steaks. I dont hear anyone moan about their food at all, though Jess doesnt eat a thing as shes pining dreadfully for her boyfriends and has a little weep every now and then. (For goodness sake! Young Love and all that) Were pretty happy bunnies, and when Mark is called out to the centre of the restaurant and asked to stand on a table (a feat in itself) so we can all sing happy Birthday to him I know he must be drunk as he agrees! By the way Mark, if youre reading this, I didnt organize this I think it was sis! Anyway he gets a free sundae for dessert complete with sparklers so very cool and a fitting end to our meal. Even better as rest of Clampets pay for the meal and we get to rack up the points for another day yay!
Another look around the shop and Mark uses some points to buy a Green Day t shirt. Have a chat with a very cool looking guy in the shop, just because theyre all so friendly. Some time during this evening we seem to have decide to get tickets for the Velvet Session tomorrow after all (that is, Chris & Mark have, Paul would also like to do this, but as Becky is too young it would be difficult), so well try and sort that out tomorrow. The little Clampets and Paul & Becky head for bed while we go back to the Velvet Bar for a last drink. Mojitos for Mark & Chris, coffee for the rest of us Im swimming in cocktails by now! I dont feel very rock and roll drinking coffee but feel much better when Mark tells me Vince Neil was drinking iced tea!!! Way to go My Motley Crue! Off to bed .what a nice day weve had Happy Birthday darling!
Angel (Mandy) Control freak, veteran of 14 trips, organizer extraordinaire
Chunkster20uk (Mark) also a control freak, and chief driver
Produced (& financed) by:
Dad Grandpa Clampet lovable, impatient & grumpy
Mum Grandma Clampet also loveable, much more patient and not so grumpy (but very hard of hearing)
Choreography:
Isobelle (Izzy) age 12, already a Diva
Chief Jester:
Elliott age 14, a lovable 6ft 4inch streak of lightning
..and starring..
Becky 19 my dd, beautiful, talented, takes after her Mum
Paul 22 - Beckys bf, no idea what hes let himself in for .
Tracey my little sis, hates planning, and being told what to do
Chris BIL see above
Jess 17 chief mourner, pining for her bf back in Swindon
All the holidaymakers have done Disney before, sis & family just once in 2001, for Mum & Dad its their 4th visit in 6 years, Paul was here 10 years ago and Mark, Becky and I have racked up nearly 30 trips between us ..
Day 6
Wednesday 24th October Happy Birthday Mark!
Today is Marks Birthday .its also my sister in laws too, but as my bro and her have decided to stay in the UK and not join in the Clampet family Tour we cant celebrate with her! Im up early and give Mark his presents, the main one will be dinner at Victoria & Alberts on Friday but he has a couple of t shirts and things to open (and hes got me, what more does he want?). Weve asked the gang to try and be ready for 8.30 as it will take us an age to drive over to the Hard Rock from here, and we want to get checked in and then scoot off to Islands of Adventure. Once again the weathers not looking good, but who cares right?
Dad insists hes feeling a little better, but were all a little worried and are watching him carefully much to his disgust. After coffee and the usual present exchange for Mark were still waiting for Jess to finish straightening her hair. Sis has bought Mark a great coffee flask and book all about the Disney rides, theres cash from the parents, and Becky & Paul give Mark a Foo Fighters CD and t shirt so hes well pleased. Everyone seems to be on a go-slow this morning except Dad which gets very frustrating and Mark is itching to leave.
8.45 we all have our bags ready for the bus and we pile in after much discussion of who will sit where. Chris says hell drive and Mark can navigate, which is good of him as Mark was expecting to do the driving today. Take the back route through WDW, Apopka Vineland, Turkey Lake Road etc into Universal as its so much quieter and doesnt really take much longer. We like this route as you get to see some great houses in Dr Philips area too.
Were very excited and smile a lot as we pull into the Hard Rock drive. ID is shown at the entrance and although Im sure theyd love to stop the Clampet invasion they cant, and were soon valet parking the beast. Concierge take our bags of us and Mark & I go to check us all in while the rest of the Clampets have a look around the beautiful reception area. Its such a cool place, with so much rock memorabilia (I still recall Beckys face the first time we stayed and she spied Slipknots guitar in the foyer). The Velvet Lounge has a notice telling of the Velvet session tomorrow night with Vince Neil, of Motley Crue. Mark is really hoping to get there but were still not sure. He has the email invite so we know we can get tickets its just a matter of logistics really.
Comedy moment number 1,000 I have to use the restroom, and quite blithely do this, thinking its not as pretty and luxurious as I remember yes dear, thats because its the MENs!!!!....sadly I dont realize this til I do it AGAIN the following day and find 2 men (not unsurprisingly) in there!!! If one was your DH I do apologise I had my dark glasses on and was obviously as blind as a bat!
HRH are very helpful at check in and say they have 2 rooms, one of which is right near the lift and on the ground floor, which we can have immediately. Thats great news for Dad as it means he can rest when he likes. We all troop off to take a look and show the rest of the Clampets what hotel rooms should look like if youve never stayed at the Hard Rock I do recommend it, although I know not everyone agrees, weve always had fab service and comfort here. The rooms are spacious by Orlando standards, with a separate bathroom, beautiful sink area, large wardrobe, coffee maker and mini bar. The comfy chairs are indeed very comfy and theres a table for dining or study, internet access, plugs ins for I Pods, flat screen TV even a free rock CD for the CD player. Now theyve all been refurbished they look very cool too.
Its time for us to make our way over to IOA now by the little boat just to the back of the hotel. We dont have to wait too long, but Mark decides to go ahead so he can get all our tickets sorted before we get there. Weve purchased the vouchers for the rest oft eh Clampet clan (for Christmas pressies) and just need to exchange them for tickets at the gate. Mark & I have our Annual Passes. I do laugh as Mark decides to ride in one of the bicycle things with a carriage on the back (I have no idea what theyre called) .poor man cycling!
It really does look like rain on the way over to IOA and I notice that Hulk is not screaming around so I guess theyve stopped it in case it storms later. Bummer. Harry the group into action and were soon strolling through the gates of IOA together. (Remember DONT get in Pauls queue its always the slowest!)
had to show this one of my very cool Clampet relations...becky looks so glamorous in the front!!!!
Manage to persuade BIL not to stop for coffee immediately he arrives (he has no idea that man) and were in Marvel Island. I think the theming here is absolutely spot on, but Ma & Pa found it just too loud and overwhelming I think, especially in Dads present state. Hulk is out of action so we go on through to Spiderman as I know most of us can do this together. Dad opts out of course and we find him a comfy seat outside in the shade to wait.
Our room keys are of course fast passes for all the rides so we have no wait at all, which is fab except I think you then miss some more great theming. We all get to sit in one car so thats good and I really enjoy it seeing it through new eyes. Elliott especially loves it, as I knew he would, and after we beat the Green Goblin and all those other nasties he vows to do it again later on. Mark, Paul & Becky now disappear into the Oakley shop next door as they all want to buy sunglasses (Mark with his Birthday money), and with our APs you get a really good deal here. It takes them ages to decide, and then of course weve lost stragglers in various shops around the place.
While we wait, Jess & I decide we may as well ride Dr Dooms Fear fall, which is a personal favourite of mine. Its a quick stroll through with our FPs and then wait by those doors. Jess is shaking now but I do my best to reassure her its not that bad. As we go to get in our seats I realize Jesss harness is locked and wont work .now Im scared!! The cm soon comes and sorts it out but were a little nervous (I did offer to swap with her) in case it doesnt work on the fall down! Were thrown up into the sky and down again before you know it, and we scream loudly but not as loud as the guy sitting next to me, so thats pretty funny. Great ride, but I dont think Jess will do it again soon!
Looking suitably shady with their new sunglass purchases were now off to Blutos Bilge Barges as its time for some lovely soggy rides. Mum & Dad decide to part company, have a little wander then return to the hotel. Theyre going to sit with an ice cream and then head off I think. Its a shame but Im really glad they felt able to come at all. Becky & Paul also desert us for a wander on their own. I dont think were cool enough for them!
Of course we all get very, very wet on this ride .Jess makes the big mistake again of sitting next to me .silly girl. Dudley Do-right next where Izzy, Jess and I sit it out and film the others coming down the chute screaming tee hee. Theyre even more soaked now so we may as well head for Jurassic park and ride the river ride there too.
Jurassic Park is amazing and I have been waiting to show my nephew this part of IOA for years. Im sure Ive built it up too much really, but he does look suitably impressed I think. That first entry through the enormous gates, with the music and dinosaur prints is incredible .I know Becky is really enthusiastic too and I bet shes been showing Paul. Not so sure hell be impressed though.
We escape from the TRex and are thrown over the rapids and down the chute getting even wetter as we go. The weather isnt fantastic now and it looks like rain any minute. Were all pretty hungry and I suggest Thunder Fall Terrace which is nearby and normally has good food for light lunches. Its very quiet but pretty cold inside and I wish they still had the outside dining terrace, itd be warmer! My Clampet sister and her family take forever to decide what they want theyre sooooo fussy! We just grab some BBQ chicken & corn on the cob (me) and ribs (Mark) and were all set. Good value food, well cooked, fine by me.
After lunch its time to go our separate ways as I can see Mark getting twitchy now. The others head off round the rest of the park while we head back to City Walk having done the rides we like best. On our way out we notice that the Hulk is now working but I dont have my ride partner with me (Jess) so Im disappointed I wont be doing this now.
It starts to rain as we leave the park which is a great shame for everybody. This weather is really rubbish at the moment .blimmin tropical storm! Means we can go shopping to dodge the rain though hurrah! Quiet Flight is a great shop in City walk. Im not surprised when we bump into Becky & Paul buying up the shop either. It sells surf/skate gear, as well as Tommy Bahamas, Crocs etc. I manage to get my long awaited croc flip flops here, not in white like I really wanted pink & grey is fine by me. I am annoyed though as I forget to use my AP. Do remember it when I buy Mark a Tommy B shirt for his birthday, and also use it for Beckys purchase which pleases her.
Mark calls the hotel and is given our room numbers now. Becky & Paul have the double room next to my parents (theyll be so pleased I know) and we have a room on the next floor next to my sister and her gang so thats pretty good. Theyre also bringing up an extra bed for the gang as therell be 5 in one room tonight.
Back to the hotel then where we head up to 4th floor and find our room. Now heres a great moment that isnt a comedy one!....Just as we put the key in the lock I notice theres a guy standing over us in the corridor watching very carefully. Im a little rattled because you never know do you? He asks us if our room looks ok, tells us to ask if we need anything else and we explain how we love it here and have been several times. At this he smiles and introduces himself as one of the Managers, and asks what he can send up for us as we are return guests. Nice man! I tell him its Marks Birthday and he immediately says hell send us some champagne to celebrate then result! A very nice man! Great customer service too.
Gleefully we unpack, Im still a little skeptical maybe he was just kidding (Im so cynical), but we head down to the pool for a swim in the rain (its not heavy and were wet anyway so we might as well!). Love this pool, its a guitar shape and you get to hear the music underwater too. Becky & I Paul in the beach side bar having lunch .we did warn Paul about the size of the nachos here but he doesnt listen and spends the next few hours trying to eat them all.
Ice cold Buds for us and a 2 hour swim are just what we need to unwind from the last few days. Its such a shame its raining, but we keep hoping that sun will find its way through those clouds. Mark phones Mum & Dad to make sure theyre ok, and Mum pops down to join us for a quick swim while Dad rests; the rest of the Clampets also return from IOA and head for the pool so we have fun until the air turns chilly and its time to shower and change for the evening.
Tonight we plan to eat at the Hard Rock Café, which is Marks choice for his birthday; his 1st choice (apart from Emerils) would have been Margeritaville but were not sure the kids would have loved it the same so have opted for HRC .plus we have the all Access card and have points to redeem.
Back at the room and Mr Tom Keizenbaum (or something like that) has been true to his word and left a birthday card and a bottle of champagne for us, so we share our good fortune with the lucky Clampets next door to us before we go out. Yum!
Down to the Velvet Lounge for a relaxer, and I opt for a Blue Velvet (vodka, champagne & blue Curacao try it!) while Mark has a beer. Sis and DH join us, but the kids have to sit outside (shame), this is fine til Becky & Paul also come down and of course Becky too isnt allowed in the bar as shes not 21. Have a laugh as Paul pops in for a beer though and leaves her outside with the other kids .not sure shes thrilled by this show of affection!
Marks best Birthday treat now happens as some weedy little guy tells him & Chris, as theyre sat at the bar, that the seats have been reserved for him, and Mark realises its actually Vince Neil of Motley Crue, who will be playing here tomorrow night. Paul is very impressed but I am distinctly under whelmed by this, but Mark has his photo taken with Mr Motley Crue and has a little chat with the guy .Im sure Mr Motley was very pleased to meet the Clampets on tour .probably the highlight of his visit!
Were pushing our luck now with the kids left outside and when the parents arrive we all head out for a slow stroll round to the Hard Rock Café. Universal studios is looking very busy as hordes of people arrive for Halloween Horror Nights, and Paul and Becky are still debating whether to join them after dinner.
With our all access card we only have to wait 10 minutes or so, which we spend looking in the newly expanded HRC shop, and are then led upstairs to a long table in the front room of the café. Its great because its not too noisy in here for the parents, but still has all the atmosphere youd want for the rest of the music-lovin Clampets. I can see Pauls head swiveling as he tries to take in all the memorabilia and hes thinking one day I know
The young guy serving us looks like hes just stepped out of My Chemical Romance, and is a big hit with us Clampets. Hes very attentive and efficient and advises us on all the best cocktails. Between us we manage Cosmopolitans (me), Hurricanes (sis) and Rockeritas (Mark) while Paul seems to drink some very girly pink cocktail much to our hilarity. The food is good, not excellent but well cooked and good value. We all share a couple of combos to start, then various of us have burgers, crab cakes, salads and steaks. I dont hear anyone moan about their food at all, though Jess doesnt eat a thing as shes pining dreadfully for her boyfriends and has a little weep every now and then. (For goodness sake! Young Love and all that) Were pretty happy bunnies, and when Mark is called out to the centre of the restaurant and asked to stand on a table (a feat in itself) so we can all sing happy Birthday to him I know he must be drunk as he agrees! By the way Mark, if youre reading this, I didnt organize this I think it was sis! Anyway he gets a free sundae for dessert complete with sparklers so very cool and a fitting end to our meal. Even better as rest of Clampets pay for the meal and we get to rack up the points for another day yay!
Another look around the shop and Mark uses some points to buy a Green Day t shirt. Have a chat with a very cool looking guy in the shop, just because theyre all so friendly. Some time during this evening we seem to have decide to get tickets for the Velvet Session tomorrow after all (that is, Chris & Mark have, Paul would also like to do this, but as Becky is too young it would be difficult), so well try and sort that out tomorrow. The little Clampets and Paul & Becky head for bed while we go back to the Velvet Bar for a last drink. Mojitos for Mark & Chris, coffee for the rest of us Im swimming in cocktails by now! I dont feel very rock and roll drinking coffee but feel much better when Mark tells me Vince Neil was drinking iced tea!!! Way to go My Motley Crue! Off to bed .what a nice day weve had Happy Birthday darling!
free champers ! bargain
