trip report: departure day

[kirbsam]

we got up that last day, and we were all a little sad. we were being picked up for the airport at 1 pm. the girls and i decided to go to the parks one more time and ride our favorites. my wife was going to get our luggage ready and have it stored at bell services until we left. we didnt ask for late check out, so i dont know if we could have gotten it. since we wanted minimal waits for the front of dueling dragons, we decided to go to ioa first. we got there about 845 and instead of following the crowd and turning left to hulk, we decided to go right to head to dueling dragons first. well, as we walked through suess landing, we were literally by ourselves. i mean, we could see no other people at all. we got to the entrance to lost continent, and they had us wait there until 9. there were a couple of people that were there, but i think for the most part unless people are visiting suess landing, they head left on entrance. we got to dueling and decided to split up. i rode front of ice and my daughters rode front of fire. then we did the opposite. there was no one else waiting at all. by then i was tired of rollercoasters, and since posiedans first show was 930, i waited for that and the girls went to hulk, and we would meet at spiderman. by the time i got to spiderman, the girls already had ridden hulk and been on spiderman. i had almost a private showing at posiedan. we all rode spiderman one more time, and then hopped over to universal. we tried to avoid the entrance line by going in the side entrance, but alas it wasnt open yet. oh, well. we got in and went on mummy and then hit mib three times in a row. and called it a day. the girls took a rickshaw back and i took the boat. we met my wife at a table outside splendido pizza at the hotel. ordered a couple of pizzas for lunch, and got ready to return to a snowstorm in wisconsin. by the way, the pizzas were very, very good. final observations: we have stayed concierge at yacht club, beach club, boardwalk inn, and poly, but portofino bay was the best hotel we stayed in. my wife would absolutely return in a second and forget about disney altogether. the girls and i still will need our disney fix, but we are universal fans too, now. more people were smoking in the parks, than i would have liked. i mean in nonsmoking areas. this was a little disturbing. we never had a bad meal at any restaurant we ate at: nba city, bubba gump, hard rock, and mythos. i was a little disappointed that green eggs and ham was not open the whole time we were there. the suess trolley has two distinct tracks, so if you want to see the inside of circus mcgirkus on the trolley, you need to take the nonexpress line. overall, it was a great trip, thanks to all who gave us tips and write on these boards. info on universal is harder to come by than disney, so these boards were great for pretrip planning. i think i will make regular appearances on these universal boards, as everyone has been really friendly, helpful and welcoming.

 

[tikkipoo]

Love your trip report! My trip is coming very soon. First time for DD9. She LOVES coasters, so I know she will have a blast! Do you have any pics from your trip?

 

[kirbsam]

we have tons of pics, but i have never tried to post tehm on this site, so i am not sure how to do it.

 

[tikkipoo]

If you care to, see the below link. We'd love to see them!

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1359157

 

[kirbsam]

i will give it a try. thanks

 

[bubba's mom]

First, thank you for the wonderful TR....it's always good to hear a DISer who had a great time!! Glad your family was relaxed! Hopefully you can post some pix....pictures is what keeps the rest of us going....

the suess trolley has two distinct tracks, so if you want to see the inside of circus mcgirkus on the trolley, you need to take the nonexpress line.

actually, you can still do the EP lane, when you get to the platform, just ask to ride the teal track (i think that's the one that goes thru CMcG)....tell them you just rode the other track, you'd like to ride the other...it's not a problem, the TM will accomodate your request.

 

[JMCDAD]

Thank you taking the time to write the TR
It is fun to read and very helpful

 

[macraven]

we love it when people come back and tell us about their trips.

thanks for sharing.

 

[Minniespal]

Enjoyed reading your report ~ Thanx for sharing.

 

[Candice30]

enjoyed your trip report.....so what did you think of the club offerings? worth the cost of club level?

 

[damo]

Portofino does definitely have a special feel to it. I don't think I would pay extra for the club level but it is really nice when it is comped!!!

 

[Hollywoodhaha]

Very Nice Trip report.

 

[Disney owl]

great start

 

[lookingforward]

Thanks for the trip report! We are leaving for spring break at the hard rock on Friday night. I can't wait to be there. Our family from Madison, WI is going to meet us at citywalk for dinner on Sunday. Thanks for the heads up about parties over seven at Margeritavilles, we will be a party of 13.

I agree with you about the club level. Although the HRH club level is sold out this time we have stayed at HRH and RPR and agree that they are better than disney's. I too still need to do disney...I will always love it, but in crowded high season times like April Universal is the best bet for a quality vacation without two hour lines.