We had decided ahead of time that Friday would be our water day and our day to relax at the RPR pool. So with our Crocs and swimsuits on we headed out the door. We saw the boat waiting to take everyone to the parks but today we decided to walk. It was a very relaxing walk took maybe 7 minutes and the plants and trees lining the sidewalk made for a relaxing walk and the perfect way to start the day. We had booked 8:30 reservations at confisco’s grill for the grinch holiday breakfast buffet. We went into this not expecting much of anything from the food and I’m glad we didn’t because about the only thing we thought was good was the texas toast covered in sugar/brown sugar and cinnamon yum yum. Yes they had green eggs and ham on offer and the typical breakfast buffet fare and lets be honest you don’t really book these kinds of things for the food but more for the character interaction and on that front we were not disappointed. Simply amazing and well run and we will do it again next Christmas when we return. The Christmas Grinch and the Who’s
were making there way around to each and every table for pictures and spent a lot of time with each group and never rushed.
They had a cast member walking around to each table to make sure that the Grinch had stopped by and if he hadn’t they marked it on the list and made certain that he made it around to the table. When the Grinch and Who’s took a break then the cat in the hat
and thing 1 and 2 would come out and make their way around to each table and they also never rushed and thing 1 and 2 spent extra time at our table because our DD was being such a ham with them everyone in the place was laughing and having a good time.
I can’t say enough good things about the character interaction with the kids at the tables. 
After breakfast it was time for the water rides. First up was the Jurassic Park River adventure. This was great and that drop at the end wow. We didn’t get very wet but I guess that depends on where you sit because the family 2 rows behind us got soaked. DD enjoyed the ride so much she wanted to go again and we had the FOTL so we hopped back in line and walked on for another ride around. After that it was over to Bilge Rat Barge and it was also a walk on. There is absolutely no way to not get soaked on this ride. DW did want to get wet so she stayed behind to shoot us with the water cannons lol.
At the end of the ride DD and I were soaked from head to toe
DD just loved it and we were already wet and we had FOTL so we rode again. We passed on Dudley’s not sure why DD was tall enough but we were so wet after the Barge ride that we just decided to head back to the RPR pool to relax and swim. We took the boat back to the RPR and picked out 3 lounge chairs and I picked up towels from the guy at the towel shack and DW kicked back to relax and DD and I went for a swim. DD loved the water play area and the pool was heated so it was really nice. We all took a soak in the hot tub which was relaxing and we had that all to ourselves which was nice. The waiters were making their rounds and stopped to ask if we needed anything. We ordered drinks, DW had a mango daiquiri I had a Witch Doctor or something like that and DD had a strawberry smoothie which she said was great.
DW and I had really strong drinks (the best kind) and since the waiter had left our tab open and took such good care of us stopping by every 20 minutes to see if we needed anything you know we just had to order another round We had made reservations at Tchop Chop for that night so we didn’t want to eat a large meal for lunch so we ordered a burger and a turkey sandwich from the bar
they were huge and actually very tasty. We had such a nice relaxing time by the pool and DD had a wonderful time playing and swimming. We were glad we sat aside a day to just relax by the pool and wished we actually could have taken a longer vacation just to have another day to lounge by the pool. One last thing before we left our waiter brought us complimentary Smoothies in 3 different flavors, Mango, Banana and Strawberry and I have to agree with DD they were delicious. It was a wonderful relaxing day.
That’s the best thing about US/IOA and the on-site hotels. Sure you can go commando and do and see everything in 1 day and FOTL is the best thing since sliced bread and I’m sure you could have a very enjoyable on-site vacation with a short 2 or 3 day stay. But if you really just want to relax, not feel rushed, wake up late, head to the parks just to ride MIB or Spiderman and then go back to the hotel, then a longer stay is the best way to go. I’ve seen lots of posts asking if 2 or 3 days is tooo long of a stay, well it’s our family’s opinion that if we could spend 7+ days on site we would do it. Our 5 night 6 day stay was so much fun and very relaxing but too short so Next Christmas season we are planning on 7 nights 8 days and we can’t wait to go back and are already counting down the days. I’ve done Disney before and even with a 7 day stay we were rushing around and standing in line so much it just wasn’t as relaxing, fun yes, but not relaxing.
Up next I knock over the table that has our drinks (no I hadn’t had too much to drink lol that’s my story and I’m sticking to it.)
we call it a day at the pool and head back to the room to change and get ready for Tchop chop.
After breakfast it was time for the water rides. First up was the Jurassic Park River adventure. This was great and that drop at the end wow. We didn’t get very wet but I guess that depends on where you sit because the family 2 rows behind us got soaked. DD enjoyed the ride so much she wanted to go again and we had the FOTL so we hopped back in line and walked on for another ride around. After that it was over to Bilge Rat Barge and it was also a walk on. There is absolutely no way to not get soaked on this ride. DW did want to get wet so she stayed behind to shoot us with the water cannons lol.
At the end of the ride DD and I were soaked from head to toe
That’s the best thing about US/IOA and the on-site hotels. Sure you can go commando and do and see everything in 1 day and FOTL is the best thing since sliced bread and I’m sure you could have a very enjoyable on-site vacation with a short 2 or 3 day stay. But if you really just want to relax, not feel rushed, wake up late, head to the parks just to ride MIB or Spiderman and then go back to the hotel, then a longer stay is the best way to go. I’ve seen lots of posts asking if 2 or 3 days is tooo long of a stay, well it’s our family’s opinion that if we could spend 7+ days on site we would do it. Our 5 night 6 day stay was so much fun and very relaxing but too short so Next Christmas season we are planning on 7 nights 8 days and we can’t wait to go back and are already counting down the days. I’ve done Disney before and even with a 7 day stay we were rushing around and standing in line so much it just wasn’t as relaxing, fun yes, but not relaxing.
Up next I knock over the table that has our drinks (no I hadn’t had too much to drink lol that’s my story and I’m sticking to it.)
we call it a day at the pool and head back to the room to change and get ready for Tchop chop.
