This is my first trip report, but I have so loved reading all the others, thought I'd take a shot. DH is soon to be 50, I just got there and our DS just 11. We are at the POP for 11 nights, upgraded to the "regular" dining plan, and rented a car to travel to Kennedy and Universal. And I am not a huge fan of buses. They are a wonderful conveince, great way to move folks around..just not my cup of tea.
We arrived 9/16 at about 10pm at the POP--after flying into MCO at about 8, renting car, got a great deal thru hotwire, and then getting lost on the way to the POP! I requested a first floor 5o's room due to a recent knee injury- got a 2nd floor 60's building! OK--this is not off to a great start. We're tired (remember DH and I are celebrating 50 and we have an 11 year old DS).
S0, we head to Everything POP first as we are starving...DH and I get the Parm Chicken, DS gets the chicken penne alfredo--now everyone's better, lets lug in the luggage and try to get settled--got a big day tomorrow.
9/17- Head out to AK--DS loves Everest--it is HOT-- HOT! HUMID! I live on the east coast so I am used to Heat and Humidity--or so I thought!
Have a wonderful lunch at Y&Y--DS gets the orange chicken, I get the lo mein and DH gets beef and brocholi--EXCELLENT all around. DS and I get the Wontons--WOW is all I can say. DH gets the choc cake-he's happy. Had a great safari earlier in the day. Saw the Nemo show--cute...didn't get to Lion King as DS was feeling the heat and not looking well---left early. After some extra fluids and rest he is ready to go to DTD, where we met up with some friends who live in the area--dinner at Captain Jacks--not worth repeating. No one was overly enthusiastic about the meal. Hung out there alittle--now we are feeling the tired of the travel and the heat..time to head to bed.
9/18-DHS-here we come!! DH and DS want to RNRC and TOT, I will not do RNRC, it was refurb on our last trip so DS CAN'T wait to get there. I do the TSM trek! I had no idea how insane it is--yes, you all tried to tell me, but just proved what I have always said-knowing something and living it are 2 different things. By the time I got there my fastpass was for 9:55-10:55. Catch up to the guys and they are about to do TOT--ok, I'll go--it's been 15 years. OK --once every 15 years is enough for me!
I came out of my seat and I am not a small girl. They of course, loved it. Star Tours is excellent, both versions. I still love the GMR--I guess I always will. Lunch was at SCI-Fi--I got a smoked turkey sand, and the boys both got the Angus Chuck burger--all were HUGE--none of us fininshed them and all found the food to be good. Interesting, my husband go his Chocolate Shake as a dessert --to go. It was good, super thick. Decided we were too full to have a big dinner, cancelled my later Momma Melrose, finished the park and headed home.
9/19--IT was finally here--the day my DS has waited for since he found out we were going--UNIVERSAL studios. He is a Disney nut, but he wanted to check out US. SO, off we go to RPR -checked in very early and got upgraded to a pool view room. NICE--we headed to US--boys stright to Rip Ride Rocket. Loved it...but it's 9:30 and the park is open there is practically no one there and the rest of the rides are not open, what is going on. Only 1 place to grab a drink--WOW--Finally, everything opens. I got queezy on the Simpsons, the boys loved it, the loved MIB, the beetlejuice show was hokey but fun. Overall a great day. Went back to the hotel via water taxi- what a nice perk, pool was beautiful.
9/20-IOA--off to Harry Potter "land"--they rode the FJ twice -10 min wait--it's HOT already at 10 am. They loved the HULK- I loved Spiderman--three times. I got a frozen butter beer--not a repeatable experience for us--different strokes for different folks. Stopped at DTD on the way back--DS created his own car at Ridermakerz. He loved the experience. Stopped at WPE -shared a pizza--4 cheese pesto--wonderful. Went to Goofy's got some terrific slushies.
9/21--Spent the day at the MK with our friends who are newbies--never been to DW before, they scheduled co-incindentally for nearly the same time as we did...Wow--it's hard to travel with other folks...we had a fun few hours, but it's amazing what people who have not had benefit of research or the DIS simply do not know. Had my first (not my last) Dole Whip--where have I been? Went to the Luau that night--the show was of course hokey- but fun and the food was good, the dessert was not great--no room anyway.
9/22- Boys to WP--I stayed back and chilled -wasn't feeling great--did I mention it was HOT, HUMID and VERY RAINY they entire time we were there--I just always felt WET. YUCK. But, marched on. So, I stayed back, did laundry, cleaned up a bit and stayed DRY!
Headed out to EC for something different to eat,rode soarin' and to watch Illuminations--DH loves it--I could take it or leave it--sat under an umbrella in rain for over an hour. He's lucky I love him.
9/23-MNSSHP today--Pirates league today-Started our day at Crystal Palace FUN- food was good. The Pooh, Tigger are fun. Some rides and then to LTT for lunch--DH and I had the Pot roast--YUMMY-- I need the recipe. DS had freedom pasta-said it was OK--but the Ooey Gooey Toffee Cake made him smile and he does not like dessert. The choc cake was good but strong on the coffee taste for me--so if you like choc and coffee -it's for you. The staff at LTT looked up my Pirates league ressie for me so we wouldn't be late--thanks "D.D"-My DS LOVED, LOVED his Pirates league experience....Johnny was amazing..he picked on my DH a little, I was laughing so hard, I was crying. It is soooo worth the money. DS was going to go with Boney, but it was HOT, and the gal at the desk told him, it may not hold up well all day and night given the conditions. He chose the "smokey eye" pirate..Thank you Johnny. Went back to the hotel for a rest as we were planning for a long nite. Went back to the MK at about 6pm and the place was packed. Caseys' line was out the door. Went to Pecos Bill-first time experience--was good. Then stepped outside and it was nutty and raining. Went to Pirates--ride line short-candy line took us 25 mins. Seriousy? Did I just wait 25 mins for candy?? Yes I did.
The early parade was held up due to lightening--then it started--so cute--DS was singing "boo to you" for a couple of days. Fireworks were beautiful. If you can avoid it do not do the Friday night party. WAY too crowded for me. My DH and I didn't feel it was worth the cost, our DS loved it--so I guess it was worth it. 
9/24- KSC-- OK this is DH's day-
-got my tix from my local congressman's office for free--thanks to the Dis'er who posted that one. Lunch with an astronaut was really great--food was good and he was terrific..my husband was smiling all day--we survived! 
9/25--2 days left..time to re visit our faves.. Start at DHS--skip TSM--no way--we like this ride, but it's not worth that craziness. Off to TOT (without me--once in 15 yrs is enough) and RNR, Lunch at H&V-- it was OK at best.. Star Tours was out of control --Stand by was an hour...the crowds we didn't have last week are HERE now!!! Over to MK--dinner at Tony's --all was good--DS and I had Chicken Parm..DH spag and meatballs--Enjoyed by all. Re- rode all the faves and went home but not until we had another Dole Whip.
9/26- AK--DS wants to ride Dinosaur and Whirl--he did --liked Dinosaur--didn't like whirl --this from the kid who loves coasters--high, fast and huge drops and spins...he said it was too rough. Grabbed some egg rolls from Y&Y and headed to EC. Spaceship earth, EO, Crush, and the rest.. The only thing we didn't get to do was TT-- just as they got to the front of the FP line--guess what--RAIN--BUCKETS of RAIN..and it rained the rest of the night. Headed off to our last TS meal--Le Cellier! Had never done it before--one of our goals for this trip was to try something new everyday--which was very easy. Never been to Y&Y-Never did RNRC, Never did US, IOA, either WP, DTD. Never ate at Tony's , EO or dinosaur, whirl. SO,off to Canada we trek in a downpour...because it's Le Cellier--Cold and wet...we sit down and order..DS and I --mushroom risotto Filet, DH-strip steak -- I think. we got cheese soup and shared it..it was good. The breads were good--never had bread served that hot before. DH like his steak.. Our filets were sadly, just OK.The mushroom risotto had an odd consistancy and was very salty, but not nearly as salty as my DS mashed pots...wow--the chef must have forgotten he already salted. I planned this to be the great ender to our trip and it fell short, not terrible just not what I thought it would be. I would have been really annoyed it I had to pay for it OOP. But, all in all, RAIN and more RAIN, and HUMIDITY we had fun and came home exhausted. I learned alot, ignorance is bliss in many languages. I learned I still don't like the buses (did use them once), I knew the POP had a really good food court, but didn't know how good. The Chix parm was good, the turkey ciabatta excellent (where do they get those potato chips), LTT has great pot roast, still don't get the TSM --Mania, or the tied died cheesecake --the french toast was nasty, the nachos were according to DS "amazing". Never saw such a huge plate of nachos. US is still a far second to Disney--it was more like a Six Flags--but more fun according to DS. Being a Fairy God Mailer is more fun than I remembered. And most importantly, inspite of the weather, the ignorant people and the few troubles we had--we are very lucky and had a great time.
We arrived 9/16 at about 10pm at the POP--after flying into MCO at about 8, renting car, got a great deal thru hotwire, and then getting lost on the way to the POP! I requested a first floor 5o's room due to a recent knee injury- got a 2nd floor 60's building! OK--this is not off to a great start. We're tired (remember DH and I are celebrating 50 and we have an 11 year old DS).
S0, we head to Everything POP first as we are starving...DH and I get the Parm Chicken, DS gets the chicken penne alfredo--now everyone's better, lets lug in the luggage and try to get settled--got a big day tomorrow. 9/17- Head out to AK--DS loves Everest--it is HOT-- HOT! HUMID! I live on the east coast so I am used to Heat and Humidity--or so I thought!
Have a wonderful lunch at Y&Y--DS gets the orange chicken, I get the lo mein and DH gets beef and brocholi--EXCELLENT all around. DS and I get the Wontons--WOW is all I can say. DH gets the choc cake-he's happy. Had a great safari earlier in the day. Saw the Nemo show--cute...didn't get to Lion King as DS was feeling the heat and not looking well---left early. After some extra fluids and rest he is ready to go to DTD, where we met up with some friends who live in the area--dinner at Captain Jacks--not worth repeating. No one was overly enthusiastic about the meal. Hung out there alittle--now we are feeling the tired of the travel and the heat..time to head to bed.9/18-DHS-here we come!! DH and DS want to RNRC and TOT, I will not do RNRC, it was refurb on our last trip so DS CAN'T wait to get there. I do the TSM trek! I had no idea how insane it is--yes, you all tried to tell me, but just proved what I have always said-knowing something and living it are 2 different things. By the time I got there my fastpass was for 9:55-10:55. Catch up to the guys and they are about to do TOT--ok, I'll go--it's been 15 years. OK --once every 15 years is enough for me!
I came out of my seat and I am not a small girl. They of course, loved it. Star Tours is excellent, both versions. I still love the GMR--I guess I always will. Lunch was at SCI-Fi--I got a smoked turkey sand, and the boys both got the Angus Chuck burger--all were HUGE--none of us fininshed them and all found the food to be good. Interesting, my husband go his Chocolate Shake as a dessert --to go. It was good, super thick. Decided we were too full to have a big dinner, cancelled my later Momma Melrose, finished the park and headed home. 9/19--IT was finally here--the day my DS has waited for since he found out we were going--UNIVERSAL studios. He is a Disney nut, but he wanted to check out US. SO, off we go to RPR -checked in very early and got upgraded to a pool view room. NICE--we headed to US--boys stright to Rip Ride Rocket. Loved it...but it's 9:30 and the park is open there is practically no one there and the rest of the rides are not open, what is going on. Only 1 place to grab a drink--WOW--Finally, everything opens. I got queezy on the Simpsons, the boys loved it, the loved MIB, the beetlejuice show was hokey but fun. Overall a great day. Went back to the hotel via water taxi- what a nice perk, pool was beautiful.
9/20-IOA--off to Harry Potter "land"--they rode the FJ twice -10 min wait--it's HOT already at 10 am. They loved the HULK- I loved Spiderman--three times. I got a frozen butter beer--not a repeatable experience for us--different strokes for different folks. Stopped at DTD on the way back--DS created his own car at Ridermakerz. He loved the experience. Stopped at WPE -shared a pizza--4 cheese pesto--wonderful. Went to Goofy's got some terrific slushies.
9/21--Spent the day at the MK with our friends who are newbies--never been to DW before, they scheduled co-incindentally for nearly the same time as we did...Wow--it's hard to travel with other folks...we had a fun few hours, but it's amazing what people who have not had benefit of research or the DIS simply do not know. Had my first (not my last) Dole Whip--where have I been? Went to the Luau that night--the show was of course hokey- but fun and the food was good, the dessert was not great--no room anyway.
9/22- Boys to WP--I stayed back and chilled -wasn't feeling great--did I mention it was HOT, HUMID and VERY RAINY they entire time we were there--I just always felt WET. YUCK. But, marched on. So, I stayed back, did laundry, cleaned up a bit and stayed DRY!
Headed out to EC for something different to eat,rode soarin' and to watch Illuminations--DH loves it--I could take it or leave it--sat under an umbrella in rain for over an hour. He's lucky I love him. 9/23-MNSSHP today--Pirates league today-Started our day at Crystal Palace FUN- food was good. The Pooh, Tigger are fun. Some rides and then to LTT for lunch--DH and I had the Pot roast--YUMMY-- I need the recipe. DS had freedom pasta-said it was OK--but the Ooey Gooey Toffee Cake made him smile and he does not like dessert. The choc cake was good but strong on the coffee taste for me--so if you like choc and coffee -it's for you. The staff at LTT looked up my Pirates league ressie for me so we wouldn't be late--thanks "D.D"-My DS LOVED, LOVED his Pirates league experience....Johnny was amazing..he picked on my DH a little, I was laughing so hard, I was crying. It is soooo worth the money. DS was going to go with Boney, but it was HOT, and the gal at the desk told him, it may not hold up well all day and night given the conditions. He chose the "smokey eye" pirate..Thank you Johnny. Went back to the hotel for a rest as we were planning for a long nite. Went back to the MK at about 6pm and the place was packed. Caseys' line was out the door. Went to Pecos Bill-first time experience--was good. Then stepped outside and it was nutty and raining. Went to Pirates--ride line short-candy line took us 25 mins. Seriousy? Did I just wait 25 mins for candy?? Yes I did.
The early parade was held up due to lightening--then it started--so cute--DS was singing "boo to you" for a couple of days. Fireworks were beautiful. If you can avoid it do not do the Friday night party. WAY too crowded for me. My DH and I didn't feel it was worth the cost, our DS loved it--so I guess it was worth it. 9/24- KSC-- OK this is DH's day-
-got my tix from my local congressman's office for free--thanks to the Dis'er who posted that one. Lunch with an astronaut was really great--food was good and he was terrific..my husband was smiling all day--we survived! 9/25--2 days left..time to re visit our faves.. Start at DHS--skip TSM--no way--we like this ride, but it's not worth that craziness. Off to TOT (without me--once in 15 yrs is enough) and RNR, Lunch at H&V-- it was OK at best.. Star Tours was out of control --Stand by was an hour...the crowds we didn't have last week are HERE now!!! Over to MK--dinner at Tony's --all was good--DS and I had Chicken Parm..DH spag and meatballs--Enjoyed by all. Re- rode all the faves and went home but not until we had another Dole Whip.
9/26- AK--DS wants to ride Dinosaur and Whirl--he did --liked Dinosaur--didn't like whirl --this from the kid who loves coasters--high, fast and huge drops and spins...he said it was too rough. Grabbed some egg rolls from Y&Y and headed to EC. Spaceship earth, EO, Crush, and the rest.. The only thing we didn't get to do was TT-- just as they got to the front of the FP line--guess what--RAIN--BUCKETS of RAIN..and it rained the rest of the night. Headed off to our last TS meal--Le Cellier! Had never done it before--one of our goals for this trip was to try something new everyday--which was very easy. Never been to Y&Y-Never did RNRC, Never did US, IOA, either WP, DTD. Never ate at Tony's , EO or dinosaur, whirl. SO,off to Canada we trek in a downpour...because it's Le Cellier--Cold and wet...we sit down and order..DS and I --mushroom risotto Filet, DH-strip steak -- I think. we got cheese soup and shared it..it was good. The breads were good--never had bread served that hot before. DH like his steak.. Our filets were sadly, just OK.The mushroom risotto had an odd consistancy and was very salty, but not nearly as salty as my DS mashed pots...wow--the chef must have forgotten he already salted. I planned this to be the great ender to our trip and it fell short, not terrible just not what I thought it would be. I would have been really annoyed it I had to pay for it OOP. But, all in all, RAIN and more RAIN, and HUMIDITY we had fun and came home exhausted. I learned alot, ignorance is bliss in many languages. I learned I still don't like the buses (did use them once), I knew the POP had a really good food court, but didn't know how good. The Chix parm was good, the turkey ciabatta excellent (where do they get those potato chips), LTT has great pot roast, still don't get the TSM --Mania, or the tied died cheesecake --the french toast was nasty, the nachos were according to DS "amazing". Never saw such a huge plate of nachos. US is still a far second to Disney--it was more like a Six Flags--but more fun according to DS. Being a Fairy God Mailer is more fun than I remembered. And most importantly, inspite of the weather, the ignorant people and the few troubles we had--we are very lucky and had a great time.
