Walking on Sunshine : Celebrating Spring at Universal & SeaWorld - an April/May 2016 PTR

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Oh Gina, I can't WAIT to see how this goes! But you know what they say, third times a charm! I would have taken them up on the offer also.

And as far as cake goes, my husband LOVES chocolate but I am a vanilla person, but I'm sure you're not surprised.

Nope, not surprised . Sounds like we're going to have to let David be the tie-breaking decision maker. What is HIS favourite? (please don't say carrot LOL!).

Days Inn again????? You're a brave woman. Although, I'm sure I would take them up on a free room as well. I bet they will put you in one of the business suites which are very large. If you change your mind and go back to the Aloft...make sure you join SPG prior to making your ressie. You will get a room rate of about $105 and parking is then only $5/day excluding the night you are in the hotel. I might have already told you that...I'm getting old and can't remember or maybe it's just the Grey Goose.

You should have a nice breakfast at 1900 PF. We've dined there several times. Cape May we have also dined at several times and it is also excellent, probably ranks a little higher with me that 1900. Chef Mickey's....don't waste your money. The food is consistently terrible as is the service and character interaction. Not to mention that the noise level is deafening in the main room. People that like CM's are usually first timers. You should also check out the Garden Grove at the Dolphin(might be in the Swan, I forget) it gets great reviews and also is much less expensive. I haven't dined there but some very picky friends of mine have and they were pleased.

I checked out Garden Grove, actually.....great minds think alike! (or perhaps fools seldom differ? ) . Definitely one we will keep in mind for a future trip. I think there might be a parking charge there to factor in, though, right? Perhaps they will validate the parking if you show a dining receipt....I know some places do.

Yep, the Garden Grove is in the Swan. It's been awhile since we ate there but every time we did it was great, very fresh
And don't forget to stop at the poly for your dole whip!

Ahhhh....you had me at Dole Whip . That monorail tour is sounding better and better.

Where, at the Poly, do you get Dole Whips? I've never been beyond the lobby area and Ohanas.

Well the room at the Days Inn is worth trying for the saving. I hope you will post another report on Tripadvisor, hopefully a good one this time (fingers crossed). If they address a problem right then is should never get to the situation you were left in.

Oh, absolutely . If they wow me, the world will know .

I bet they'll have the room soundproofed and filled with flowers and chocolate for ya so you don't go back on Tripadvisor

Oh Lordy, I hope not!! We don't need anything special, just a good night's sleep .

Joining in on the title love. Our anniversary is May 30th, and it'll be our 30th anniversary in 2017, which we plan to spend in Orlando, so we'll be missing you by about a year. How keen that Sunshine's birthday matches up so well -- my brother's birthday, anniversary, and his daughter's birthday are all in July, but of course some of that was planned.

I used to like spicy Mexican, but I married a spice wimp and have lost my tolerance -- however, we still eat Mexican food right regular, and most restaurants have plenty of mild stuff, in my experience. It's often even marked in the menu. Also, Super Sekrit Tip -- water won't cut the burn, but milk or cream will, so your tolerance for spicy can be much higher if you're drinking milk with some fat in it or having a shake at the same time. Wasn't paying attention once when out with the in-laws, and got something WAY too spicy -- got a glass of 2% milk to go with it and I was good.

I'm shattered over your lack of love for the Contemporary. Shattered. For me the Mary Blair mural warms the place up, and I love the monorail. Plus the Contempo Cafe regularly has the best cupcakes on site. But I admittedly avoid the place when Chef Mickeys is in full swing; it's my quiet place for Magic Kingdom afternoons. I sit there with my cupcake and milk and appreciate the cool and the quiet as I watch the monorail run by.

Crossing my fingers that your Days Hotel experience goes right this time. Free is good. And blessings on your friend for the gift of game tickets! I'm glad you're taking them, because I know from experience that sometimes the people we most want to give something to can be the hardest to convince to take it.

I'm sorry about lacking in love for the Contemporary .... nothing personal, of course! Just not our style, I guess we're traditional at heart. POR really spoke to us, especially the Alligator Bayou section. One of the things we love about Florida is the lushness and the greenery. CR just feels so.....bare!

Mmmm...... if a Mexican meal comes with a milkshake, I might be convinced to give it a try (the mild stuff, that is ).

Oh yay! Dining!
Well we love Chili's so can't fault ya there Last time we were at 1900 Park Fare was for a Princess Dinner when the girls were little (My oldest was into cinderella at age 5 &6 & 7-actually she still is-she has an "adult coloring book" of Disney princesses)-but we did love the place. For a really special adult Dinner Victoria and Albert's cannot be beat. Grand Floridian beach was my hangout during my CP so I have a special love for the place Spent a few hours on that beach... We did Cape May last year (dinner)-good - but for the price I think we prefer Joes' Crab shack. We were very close to a Cici's at our old house in Arkansas-think we ate there at least once a week-loved that they would make any pizza you want for the buffett-plus the coupons-cheap eats!

Sounds like you really got someones attention with the TA review-that kind of customer service is really a dying breed so heck ya-try it again. If they follow through for April (AND October if you chance it) then maybe you really did just have some bad luck with poor training of staff. 3rd times the charm?

This will actually be the 4th stay.....we also stayed at the Days in December 2012, the very first time we had flown from Buffalo. 3 years ago, we had a great stay....which is why we didn't hesitate to book for October and December 2015 when we found ourselves flying from that city once again.

We are keeping our fingers crossed that all goes well this time. Perhaps Sunshine will be our good luck charm, too .

 

[debster812]

Gina--circling back to your flight, and Sunshine's apprehension. I think you are lucking out by flying on one of JetBlue's E190s. It seems counter-intuitive, but I feel less claustrophobic in the smaller planes, than in the ones with the 3x3 seating. It just feels a bit roomier to me, and more comfortable. Our most recent trip had us flying down in a larger plane (and I shared my tale of woe with you on that, HATE turbulence) and we flew home in one of the smaller. The flight was smooth as glass. I think she'll be just fine!

 

[pepperandchips]

I'm gone for a measly four days and suddenly relegated to page SIX?! Gina, you should really be charging for admission to these things. I have to say though... In a very weird way since we've never met... I've missed you! Glad to be here in on the PTR and looking forward to seeing how your plans shake out!!! (And TGIalmostF)

 

[mmdis]

Have you thought about dinner at OHana? While they don't have characters they do have lots of great food. In knowing how much your boys love to eat I think they would really enjoy it.

 

[Ritchielace]

Wow gotta say after the pot debacle of the last stay you are one forgiving person Gina. I really hope they make it up to you and keep up the great customer service. If they can win you back after the last two nightmare stays they deserve to have their praises sung. Can't wait to read about how it goes. Crossing my fingers for you.

 

[dsmom]

The dole whips at poly are at the pineapple lanai. I sent you a link over.

As far as David and cake, he's not really a sweet eater! I blame my dad, he hated chocolate and most sweets.

My husband and I have huge sweet tooths!

 

[toystoryduo]

I hope everything works out at the Days Hotel for you guys this time. So far, it sounds like they are very apologetic and trying to make things right. Hope everything goes smoothly for you guys there!

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Gina--circling back to your flight, and Sunshine's apprehension. I think you are lucking out by flying on one of JetBlue's E190s. It seems counter-intuitive, but I feel less claustrophobic in the smaller planes, than in the ones with the 3x3 seating. It just feels a bit roomier to me, and more comfortable. Our most recent trip had us flying down in a larger plane (and I shared my tale of woe with you on that, HATE turbulence) and we flew home in one of the smaller. The flight was smooth as glass. I think she'll be just fine!

We really like the E190's, too, because their 2 x 2 seating lends well to couples travelling together. Having the 3 x 3 leaves that pesky extra seat that you just hope someone doesn't take!

I hate turbulence as well....and I know Sunshine would get rather unnerved by it (heck, I do too!!). We are hoping for some nice smooth air for both journeys!

I'm gone for a measly four days and suddenly relegated to page SIX?! Gina, you should really be charging for admission to these things. I have to say though... In a very weird way since we've never met... I've missed you! Glad to be here in on the PTR and looking forward to seeing how your plans shake out!!! (And TGIalmostF)

LOL, things move fast around here....even for me!! I gotta say, I have the greatest group of people to chill out with while we count down the days (64 days.....OMG! 9 weeks from tomorrow! ).

Glad to have you back, BTW. Its not the same without ya .

Have you thought about dinner at OHana? While they don't have characters they do have lots of great food. In knowing how much your boys love to eat I think they would really enjoy it.

Dinner looks marvelous....but too pricey until our dollar rebounds a bit. Its on our to-do list for whenever we inch a little closer to par. All-you-can-eat meat items definitely appeals to my Steve!!

Wow gotta say after the pot debacle of the last stay you are one forgiving person Gina. I really hope they make it up to you and keep up the great customer service. If they can win you back after the last two nightmare stays they deserve to have their praises sung. Can't wait to read about how it goes. Crossing my fingers for you.

Everyone deserves a second chance (okay, a third chance for these guys really, but who's counting ). Since they generally seem sincere about their efforts to earn back our trust, I think they deserve one last kick at the cat (ooh, I need a new saying.....I love cats ).

I am cautiously optimistic. I have my fingers crossed, too!

The dole whips at poly are at the pineapple lanai. I sent you a link over.

As far as David and cake, he's not really a sweet eater! I blame my dad, he hated chocolate and moat sweets.

My husband and I have huge sweet tooths!

Oh, I wish I could be more like David......dessert is my downfall. Which is evident from the size of my...ahem....pants .

I cannot WAIT to share the information on the Dole Whips at the Poly with Steve. You are going to make his day!! I am foreseeing a monorail ride from the GF to the Poly for an after-brunch snack .

I hope everything works out at the Days Hotel for you guys this time. So far, it sounds like they are very apologetic and trying to make things right. Hope everything goes smoothly for you guys there!

If it doesn't, Steve and Jake will fire me from trip planning . I think I'm on my last strike this time!!

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

LOL....you know what's funny? Oh, the power of suggestion...........

After musing about perhaps adding an extra meal out to our tentative dining plans, and casually mentioning TGI Fridays as an option we would enjoy, what do I get in my emails this morning? A nice little message indicating that their endless appetizers are back: $12 per person, as many different options and plates as you wish.

We love appetizers, and could easily make them into a meal on their own....especially those from TGI (their mozzarella sticks are Jake's favourite in particular). I'm not sure if that promo will still be on at the end of April, but it sure sounding like it might be worth incorporating into the plans. In the meantime, I'm thinking I had better spend some extra time at the Y over the next two months because we are poised to commit some powerful dietary sins on this trip .
As for the power of suggestion.....,maybe if I start casually thinking about winning the lottery, our 649 numbers might FINALLY come up this weekend!

If (heck, let's think positively....WHEN) we hit the big jackpot, I'm flying you all down for a celebration party at the Vistana (or paying for limos for those within driving distance ... @dsmom , @JaxDad and @chiamarie , you are all popping into my head instantly.....but I know there are others!). Just so your prepared ahead of time, this is your advance notice .

 

[shalom]

Mmmm...... if a Mexican meal comes with a milkshake, I might be convinced to give it a try (the mild stuff, that is ).

Now I think on it, I don't know offhand if any of the Mexican chain restaurants have milkshakes. Non-chain Mexican restaurants sometimes do, occasionally in unique flavors (mexican chocolate -- which is usually just chocolate with cinnamon -- or chocolate with chipotle or ancho -- which you probably want to skip -- or flan or horchata or whatever). They can also have licuados, which are smoothies that may or may not have milk in them, and horchata, which generally doesn't have enough milk to work I would guess.

Now I'm thinking we need to have Mexican next week....

After musing about perhaps adding an extra meal out to our tentative dining plans, and casually mentioning TGI Fridays as an option we would enjoy, what do I get in my emails this morning? A nice little message indicating that their endless appetizers are back: $12 per person, as many different options and plates as you wish.

Oh, boy, you just got middle daughter's attention! Thanks for pointing that out -- we may have to take them up on that little offer.

 

[TEAMJACOB]

We are counting down with you. Arriving in Disney (Fort Wilderness Cabins) April 22. Checking out on the 28th to check in at Universal Studios (Cabana Bay) until May 2. Maybe we will run into each other. My Birthday trip with just one son and his girlfriend turned into a party of 5. My sister decided to join us then my other son didn't want to be left out. So had to change all of our hotel reservations for larger rooms.
Enjoy the excitement of the planning and I hope the cost of items comes down to more reasonable rates for you.

 

[dsmom]

LOL....you know what's funny? Oh, the power of suggestion...........

After musing about perhaps adding an extra meal out to our tentative dining plans, and casually mentioning TGI Fridays as an option we would enjoy, what do I get in my emails this morning? A nice little message indicating that their endless appetizers are back: $12 per person, as many different options and plates as you wish.

We love appetizers, and could easily make them into a meal on their own....especially those from TGI (their mozzarella sticks are Jake's favourite in particular). I'm not sure if that promo will still be on at the end of April, but it sure sounding like it might be worth incorporating into the plans. In the meantime, I'm thinking I had better spend some extra time at the Y over the next two months because we are poised to commit some powerful dietary sins on this trip .
As for the power of suggestion.....,maybe if I start casually thinking about winning the lottery, our 649 numbers might FINALLY come up this weekend!

If (heck, let's think positively....WHEN) we hit the big jackpot, I'm flying you all down for a celebration party at the Vistana (or paying for limos for those within driving distance ... @dsmom , @JaxDad and @chiamarie , you are all popping into my head instantly.....but I know there are others!). Just so your prepared ahead of time, this is your advance notice .

Keeping my fingers crossed! We'd be there in a heartbeat!

 

[Monykalyn]

We love TGIFriday's...it is so bad that for quite a long while we were known by the bartenders (mind you-this was in a different CITY where our friends lived...they would have the drink on the bar and apps rung up when they saw us walk in the door...sadly those bartenders moved on). I have the super secret copy of their recipe for the Jack Daniels sauce though

 

[chiamarie]

I took my dad to Rocco's before his flight home. He insisted on bringing my stepmom back the next time they were in town. Last summer he was down to help his little girl three times; all three times (and now basically anytime he comes) he said the only thing he wanted to do was 1- Eat at Margaritaville (he's a parrot head, and nothing will ever beat that) and 2- Eat at Rocco's. This last time he was here; it was just the two of us; and he kept posting photos on facebook just to make my Stepmom jealous (and I am pretty sure it worked). They have HUNDREDS of tequila's; and really, really good tableside-made Guac. So good! Seriously, one of these trips you should try and fit it in! (That's a place I'd be willing to meet up to join you! Anything for an excuse to go to Rocco's!)

 

[Lynne G]

Hehe I will always remember Jake's face in the picture you had of him stretching that cheese stick. My kids still do that at home. We found pretty good ones to cook up when in the mood. Funny, we have a Fridays right up the street from us, and have not been there in many years. We were not impressed way back, and never think about it any more. It must have followers, as it always seem to have a pretty full restaurant.

I am really ready for spring. It was 19 degrees this morning. I am not ready for any more snow.

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Now I think on it, I don't know offhand if any of the Mexican chain restaurants have milkshakes. Non-chain Mexican restaurants sometimes do, occasionally in unique flavors (mexican chocolate -- which is usually just chocolate with cinnamon -- or chocolate with chipotle or ancho -- which you probably want to skip -- or flan or horchata or whatever). They can also have licuados, which are smoothies that may or may not have milk in them, and horchata, which generally doesn't have enough milk to work I would guess.

Now I'm thinking we need to have Mexican next week....

Oh, boy, you just got middle daughter's attention! Thanks for pointing that out -- we may have to take them up on that little offer.

I am sure it tastes better than it sounds, but chocolate with cinnamon just seems....bizarre. Chocolate with chipotle or ancho (which I have no idea what that even is) is just downright wrong!!

We are counting down with you. Arriving in Disney (Fort Wilderness Cabins) April 22. Checking out on the 28th to check in at Universal Studios (Cabana Bay) until May 2. Maybe we will run into each other. My Birthday trip with just one son and his girlfriend turned into a party of 5. My sister decided to join us then my other son didn't want to be left out. So had to change all of our hotel reservations for larger rooms.
Enjoy the excitement of the planning and I hope the cost of items comes down to more reasonable rates for you.

Hey there, to our little group!
That's so awesome that your little travelling party has grown by two more.....that's particularly fun when its a trip to celebrate . If you happen to see us in the parks when you're at Universal, definitely come up and say hi! Its always so fun to get to meet other Disers .

We love TGIFriday's...it is so bad that for quite a long while we were known by the bartenders (mind you-this was in a different CITY where our friends lived...they would have the drink on the bar and apps rung up when they saw us walk in the door...sadly those bartenders moved on). I have the super secret copy of their recipe for the Jack Daniels sauce though

Well, you can't dangle a carrot like that and just leave us hanging. We need the recipe!! Jake, especially, loves that sauce.

I took my dad to Rocco's before his flight home. He insisted on bringing my stepmom back the next time they were in town. Last summer he was down to help his little girl three times; all three times (and now basically anytime he comes) he said the only thing he wanted to do was 1- Eat at Margaritaville (he's a parrot head, and nothing will ever beat that) and 2- Eat at Rocco's. This last time he was here; it was just the two of us; and he kept posting photos on facebook just to make my Stepmom jealous (and I am pretty sure it worked). They have HUNDREDS of tequila's; and really, really good tableside-made Guac. So good! Seriously, one of these trips you should try and fit it in! (That's a place I'd be willing to meet up to join you! Anything for an excuse to go to Rocco's!)

Can I admit that I've never had guacamole? Or avacado in any form? I've only tried Tequila once, and I think that scarred me for life . Whew-ee!

I'll run Rocco's by Steve, and if he's up for it, I'll hold you to your offer and we'll meet ya there in October .

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Hehe I will always remember Jake's face in the picture you had of him stretching that cheese stick. My kids still do that at home. We found pretty good ones to cook up when in the mood. Funny, we have a Fridays right up the street from us, and have not been there in many years. We were not impressed way back, and never think about it any more. It must have followers, as it always seem to have a pretty full restaurant.

I am really ready for spring. It was 19 degrees this morning. I am not ready for any more snow.

Good lord yes, that boy does like to stretch his cheese. I tried to teach him restaurant manners, honest . Yet, fun with his food usually wins out over decorum at the table .

We've been to TGI's in Syracuse and in Orlando. Floridas have been awesome every time. Syracuse was a bust. Again, I often wonder if its all the competition in Orlando that keeps some of the chains, especially, on their toes? Or maybe I have either just great luck or low standards .

Amen on the need for spring. Its going to be a while for us, though, I'm afraid. After this week's storm, it will be weeks before we see grass again. Boo .

 

[afan]

Can I admit that I've never had guacamole? Or avacado in any form?

Me either and I'm ok with it. They don't look good, and the texture in any form looks like it'll be so weird. They can't taste good I'm convinced of it

 

[pepperandchips]

Finally all caught up!

With the most grateful hearts, we eventually accepted her very kind, very wonderful, very awesome gift. It still overwhelms me....it overwhelms all of us, for that matter . I hope she reads this entry and can know how truly appreciative we all are. Her friendship alone has been such a blessing to me.......these tickets are just a happy bonus.

Okay, this actually made me cry! I love hearing about small kindnesses like this. I'm a strong believer in karma and I think you've got some good karma going, Gina!

Being gifted with Jays tickets is most likely just the return of some good karma. I would be willing to bet that somewhere along the line you have gifted that same friend with good deeds.

My thoughts exactly....

At about $150 after tax and tip….and a whopping $210 Canadian after the 40% exchange is factored in….I sure hope it doesn’t disappoint

I am joining the bandwagon singing the praises of 1900 Park Fare. It was great when we went in October 2014. I liked the breakfast options and was just astounded by how much character interaction you get - every few minutes we had "company" stopping by and they were good interactions, not just smile for the photo and run. Alice and Hatter were particularly chatty and Tigger stopped by a couple different times (my adorable sister, 20 years old at the time, may have had something to do with that ) I definitely think it was worth the price because you can enjoy a really hearty delicious meal and have some great interactions! Plus, this is one of only a few places you can meet Mary Poppins and she is my absolute FAVOOOORITE!

 

[JaxDad]

If (heck, let's think positively....WHEN) we hit the big jackpot, I'm flying you all down for a celebration party at the Vistana (or paying for limos for those within driving distance ...

I'll be there! Can you send one of those Hummer limos with a hot tub? And I'm assuming a stocked mini-bar...