TRIP REPORT 2-9-05 to 2-11-05

[Polly Juice]

We just returned from Florida yesterday. We did the first 7 nights at the W.Lodge at Disney then did Hard Rock for 3 nights. We had room 5105. I asked for an upgrade to a kid's suite but was told they were all full. 5105 is a handicap equipped room so the bathroom is one large room with one sink, toilet and shower/tub all in one. We kind of missed having a sink outside of the potty/shower room, but we adjusted. There is a mini bar in the room which you can cram some of your stuff in if necessary. The room charge for Friday night was about 50 dollars higher than for Wed. and Thurs. so plan accordingly. You just can't beat the front of the line deal with the room cards. You can go to the front on every ride except Pteranadon flyers. It was wonderful. One morning it rained and we waited until 10:00am to go to the park. Try that at Disney! It also gets you priority seating at all the Universal and City Walk restaurants except Emeril's. The park crowds were light. Revenge of the Mummy is awesome. We rode it 5 times. Weather was cold. 60's and a 5-10 mph wind still required hats, gloves, sweatshirts and windbreakers. I'm from TX but everyone looked cold. Mythos is a very good restaurant. I had Coq au Vin , which is a chicken dish. It was outstanding. The Hard Rock pool has a great slide. The pool is heated. You have 2 choices for breakfast. Full service at the Kitchen which is a little pricey and Emack and Bolios for continental fare. They also have a microwave and toaster in there. Try the smoothies at Emack and Bolios, they are really, really good. Emack's also has fresh fruit in containers, starbucks coffee and all kinds of ice cream deserts. In the park the Cheesecake factory/Boulangerie also has breakfast items as well as very reasonable sandwich plates. Because of your front of the line priviledge you can afford the time to eat in the park. A large number of the rides especially in IOA will spray/drench you with water, so be prepared. Don't skip the Horror makeup show, my face hurt from smiling/laughing. We tried the Latin Quarter one night for supper and it was good. We also ate at the Kitchen one night and it was pretty good also. The walk from the Hard Rock to Universal entrance is incredibly short. You can take the launch and get a little closer to IOA. Have fun. We hope to return as soon as $$$ permit.

 

[highlander447]

thanks for sharing

 

[calena]

Did you find you needed a rain poncho/rain jacket for the rides at IOA and UO?
Thanks for the trip report. It will be our first time at IOA and UO.

 

[ATAfamily]

Thanks for the tips. Sounds like you had a good time. Welcome home.

Deanne

 

[Polly Juice]

You don't need ponchos for the rides at Universal if you avoid the front left of the boat on Jaws, but you need scuba gear for the rides at IOA. Remember that if you go in cooler weather being wet can be very unpleasant. Even with a poncho, watch for the "backwash" on rides like Dudley's Ripsaw Falls. Poncho rides include Popeye and Bluto, Ripsaw Falls, Jurassic Park. Others just mist, fog or sprinkle you - not poncho worthy. Do not miss the Revenge of the Mummy at Universal. Wow! What a great ride! Check out the horror make-up show for a great laugh.