Welcome, Foolish Muggles! IoA/US/MK/SW *July 2013 Trip Report Link*

[MHTeacher]

Hope it's not too bad that I'm joining in on page 50!

You know we've never been to Universal during any of our trips to Orlando. I keep thinking we will, but then I think....Uh, I don't think I could be in Orlando, and not go to Disney!

Congratulations on your 25th! My DH and I will celebrate our 22nd right before our Disney trip in May. Your trip looks fabulous--But, I can't wait to see the "real" room. The temporary room looks pretty sweet itself!

 

[natebenma]

I'm sorry about your camera! I know how much you like to take pictures, so I'm so glad you brought a backup. That island looks so peaceful and beautiful. Franklin and I went to a resort like that when we went to Sandals in the Bahamas. They had an offshore island complete with a pool, restaurant and gorgeous ocean vistas.

Looking at all your beach pictures makes me miss Aruba. As much as I love Disney World, Aruba truly is my happy place. I've been there 11 times in the last 10 years.

Thanks for the sympathy.

The island was nice, it just wasn't great for swimming or snorkeling.

Thanks for sharing your Bahamas pictures! Do you snorkel at all?

Do you have a favorite place to stay in Aruba? Mark won a trip from work there many years ago (BK) and we stayed at La Cabana, but there was a place downtown that had a canal through the hotel and a boat that would take you to a private island. That always intrigued me.

My happy place is definitely in the Caribbean, but I'm not exactly sure where. There's one particular harbor in St. Lucia and probably the whole island of St. John.

Atlantis is on my to-do list, too. Comfort Suites is definitely only 4 to a room. I've looked into it (some cruisers rent a room at CS to get access to the Atlantis pool for the day because it's cheaper than the shore excursion to Atlantis). I'll look forward to hearing about that trip!

I really want a new point and shoot camera. I'm not 100% sold on needing waterproof. Our current P&S camera isn't that old (maybe 3 years?) but the kids play with it and smudge the lens. Tom isn't that sympathetic bc he uses the DSLR but I only use the one with fingerprints on it!

Amanda

We stayed at Atlantis in Feb 2009. The boys were 10 and 7- good ages for the waterpark, but they still didn't try everything that was there. Ben was the only one who tried "Leap of Faith", the steep body slide that takes you through the shark tunnel.

The aquarium and marine habitats are amazing. It is so cool to walk around the resort- Look, there's a shark and ray pool. Come over here and feed the turtles!

We signed up to snorkel the Ruins, the huge aquarium for 30 minutes while we are there in April.

I don't really have much advice about cameras, except that I really like the quality of the pictures from my (deceased) Canon.

Hope it's not too bad that I'm joining in on page 50!

You know we've never been to Universal during any of our trips to Orlando. I keep thinking we will, but then I think....Uh, I don't think I could be in Orlando, and not go to Disney!

Congratulations on your 25th! My DH and I will celebrate our 22nd right before our Disney trip in May. Your trip looks fabulous--But, I can't wait to see the "real" room. The temporary room looks pretty sweet itself!

You are welcome to join in this report wherever you care to.

We felt the same way about Universal- we had to tack on one MK day to our trip (NOT the cheapest way to visit Disney). Now I think we would try to do a split on future trips. My teenager loved the thrill rides, we all loved the Wizarding World, but we are Disney people at heart.

Stay tuned for the rest of our arrival day, including the room reveal...

.

 

[natebenma]

The rest of our first day: Is Our New Home Ready Yet, Lunch/Dinner and an Unexpected Visitor

When we returned from the island, we decided to head back to our room to dump our beach stuff and check to see if the other room was ready. When we gave our name, they knew exactly who we were and why we were there. Unfortunately, the guests who were in the other room hadn’t left yet, so they told us to check back at 6. They also offered to put the two double beds in the first room together if we wanted to stay in that room.

We said we would wait.

It was probably around 3:30 so we headed for a late lunch/early dinner at Bella Vista, a casual open-air restaurant with a stone pizza oven in view. The tables overlooked the pool with the swim-up bar and also looked out over the water to Palomino Island.

We ordered a special Limonata Mojito, a Caesar salad and a BBQ chicken flatbread with mango drizzle to share. The setting was spectacular and everything was delicious.

This picture of the swim bar I posted earlier was our view from the table

After dinner we went in search of something sweet for dessert. And we found… COCONUT ICE CREAM. It was amazing! Lusciously creamy with a few shreds of coconut. OMG. YUM!

As we enjoyed our ice cream, we headed to the lobby to check on a rainforest tour. There was one scheduled for tomorrow at 9 am to 1 pm, light to moderate walking. Sign us up!

Once more we returned to our room. The sun was starting to set.

Back to the Manor House, where they told us we were all set for the new room. Back to the room, we met our butler who helped us with our luggage and gave us a ride on a golf cart to our new digs and delivered about 15 bottles of water to the room.

Room 5075 was ours. 5074 was accessed from the same hallway.

Breakfast balcony:

Balcony:

View to the right, Fajardo harbor

Look out below- the marina and part of the waterpark

Center view- Palomino Island- very weird, I don’t think I have a single picture of this view that is not a sunrise.

A quick comparison of the rooms:

The views were definitely better in the first room- you could see the mountains of the rainforest AND water views. But the views of Palomino Island and the sunrises were really pretty from the second room. The balcony on our second room was breezy at times, the first one was probably protected from the wind, somewhat.

I thought the decor and furnishings in the first room were prettier and more tropical.

The second room had a king bed, but was not villa style. I didn't care about the cooktop, but I would have liked a refrigerator to keep the water cool.

The second room was a lot closer to El Con, where all of the restaurants and activities were.

I'm not sure which was the better room. But I was happy to be in either one.


It was 8:30 on Monday night. I've been awake since around 5:30 Sunday morning. 39 hours. We put up the Do Not Disturb Sign and called it a night.

Goodnight everyone!

9:00 PM. Knock, Knock!

Who’s There?

Room Service.

Room Service Who?

Room Service with a Bottle of Champagene and Chocolate Covered Strawberries.

Really thoughtful treats. Really poor timing!

Next up: Tour guide, will it rain in the rain forest today?

.

 

[natebenma]

Two words for you: Comfort Suites!

Atlantis on a budget. But you are right about the family of 5 thing. It may mean two rooms. I'll check into that when I am there.

Our dates are April 15 to April 20.

Atlantis is on my to-do list, too. Comfort Suites is definitely only 4 to a room. I've looked into it (some cruisers rent a room at CS to get access to the Atlantis pool for the day because it's cheaper than the shore excursion to Atlantis). I'll look forward to hearing about that trip!

Amanda

That's what I thought.

Here's my suggestion if you are on a cruise that stops in Nassau long enough for a visit to Atlantis:

Check out the roll call boards on the Dis Cruise forum or on Cruise Critic for your sail dates. Find a family of 3. Hook up with them, reserve 2 rooms and go together to Atlantis. You can offer to pay 1/4 of the second room, to get the day pass for your 5th family member.

Unfortunately, I think the choices at the Atlantis resort itself are fairly limited for families of 5, but there are a few options available.

 

[HockeyMomR]

Ahhhh more pretty pictures and food porn. The flatbread looks yummy.

Wow that was a long time to be awake!

 

[natebenma]

Ahhhh more pretty pictures and food porn. The flatbread looks yummy.

Wow that was a long time to be awake!

Thanks! More food porn coming up. The flatbread was really good. I wish I had taken a picture of menu with the description. I thought I did, but looks like not.

I was pretty sure I wouldn't sleep on the plane, but as long as we kept going, we were fine. I figured when we were tired on that first night, we would go to bed, but I thought it would probably be a little earlier than that, like 7. Fortunately, the tiredness did not affect us over the next few days. And flying over night truly gained us a full day in Puerto Rico. Without having to pay for an extra night!

 

[jenseib]

Thanks for such a great Universal TR. We booked a trip to there last Sunday and we leave a week from today, so I have been scrambling around getting things ready and trying to get as much info as I can.
Unfortunately, we are not staying onsite, but maybe after this trip my husband will see the importance of it.

 

[natebenma]

Thanks for such a great Universal TR. We booked a trip to there last Sunday and we leave a week from today, so I have been scrambling around getting things ready and trying to get as much info as I can.
Unfortunately, we are not staying onsite, but maybe after this trip my husband will see the importance of it.

Thank you so much for the kind words about my report. Universal was new to me, so I did some research before, and I wanted to be sure I shared what I learned.

If you are not onsite, then my best pieces of advice for you are to use Singe Rider Line when you can to avoid a long wait for attractions and don't forget to show your AAA card EVERYWHERE for a discount on food and merchandise.

If you have any questions before you go- fire away

And have a FANTASTIC, MAGICAL trip!!!

 

[MHTeacher]

I think I would take either room! The views are spectacular!

Those chocolate covered strawberries look delicious!

 

[natebenma]

I think I would take either room! The views are spectacular!

Those chocolate covered strawberries look delicious!

We were happy with both rooms, especially since we reserved the lowest category at the resort. Both had pros and cons.

Yes, the strawberries WERE delicious. Just not that night.

 

[ddluvsdisney]

I would have been happy with either room too- both are gorgeous!!!
Strawberries and champagne- yum! Timing- not so good

We have been talking about Atlantis too! Maybe when I get a job!!!
I would love to hear about that trip and any tips you have
I am so jealous- Puerto Rico trip, Atlantis and Disney! in 4 months!!

 

[natebenma]

I would have been happy with either room too- both are gorgeous!!!
Strawberries and champagne- yum! Timing- not so good

We have been talking about Atlantis too! Maybe when I get a job!!!
I would love to hear about that trip and any tips you have
I am so jealous- Puerto Rico trip, Atlantis and Disney! in 4 months!!

No complaints about the rooms from me!

The champagne and strawberries were really thoughtful gifts from the resort. It is not really their fault that the timing was so bad. We didn't get into this room until 7, and 9 would normally be a reasonable delivery time, if we hadn't been awake all day and all of the night.

I plan on writing about our trip to Atlantis. We stayed there in 2009 and had a great trip. This time we are staying at the Comfort Suites- so much cheaper- so I will be interested in seeing what the differences are.

Not a bad spring for travel. My husband was quick to point out that I am the only one going on all 3 of these trips:

Puerto Rico was Mark and me

Atlantis is the whole family

Disney is Nate and me.

I'm ok with that!

 

[ddluvsdisney]

No complaints about the rooms from me!

The champagne and strawberries were really thoughtful gifts from the resort. It is not really their fault that the timing was so bad. We didn't get into this room until 7, and 9 would normally be a reasonable delivery time, if we hadn't been awake all day and all of the night.

I plan on writing about our trip to Atlantis. We stayed there in 2009 and had a great trip. This time we are staying at the Comfort Suites- so much cheaper- so I will be interested in seeing what the differences are.

Not a bad spring for travel. My husband was quick to point out that I am the only one going on all 3 of these trips:
Puerto Rico was Mark and me

Atlantis is the whole family

Disney is Nate and me.

I'm ok with that!

Nothing wrong with that!
Any updates w/ school trip? Haven't heard in a while- thought I was missing something.

Deb

 

[natebenma]

Nothing wrong with that!
Any updates w/ school trip? Haven't heard in a while- thought I was missing something.

Deb

No, nothing new to report on the trip. Waiting for one more report card in a few weeks.

We won't have a chaperone meeting until mid May for a trip in early June. This is just killing my planner heart. I ran a movie night on Friday, and I cornered one of the teachers who goes every year and peppered him with questions. He said they always fly Jet Blue (two different flights) and stay at the resort with the giant car (All Star Movies?). I purchased a Photopass pre-order- price goes up today for the regular PP, but there has been no info about whether the preorder price would change from $99 and I didn't want to risk it!

 

[ddluvsdisney]

No, nothing new to report on the trip. Waiting for one more report card in a few weeks.

We won't have a chaperone meeting until mid May for a trip in early June. This is just killing my planner heart. I ran a movie night on Friday, and I cornered one of the teachers who goes every year and peppered him with questions. He said they always fly Jet Blue (two different flights) and stay at the resort with the giant car (All Star Movies?). I purchased a Photopass pre-order- price goes up today for the regular PP, but there has been no info about whether the preorder price would change from $99 and I didn't want to risk it!

It would kill me too not knowing what exactly was going on, and not being able to plan. Can't wait to see the pics!
I have less than a month now!!!!
You too for your Atlantis trip, right?

I NEED a vacation!!!
ps just wanted to brag a little- My DS14 made highest honors YAY!!!! on his report card last 2 terms. This is huge b/c it's his freshman yr.We thought the transition would be tough.
Deb

 

[DrMomof3]

I think I would have preferred the King Bed room only because Tom is 6'4". Gorgeous views either way.
Looking forward to your Atlantis report! I love your trip reports. Great pictures and good tips.
Would you take your kids to this resort in Puerto Rico?

Amanda

 

[natebenma]

Sorry to take so long on replies. REALLY busy week this week. Ben is in a community theatre production of Bye Bye Birdie. Rehearsals all week, opening show tonight, shows Sat and Sunday and next Friday, Sat and Sunday.

I am in charge of concessions and props for the show, and I am also in charge of the food for the PTA Science Fair this Saturday, so I have been hopping and shopping.

I'll try to get up the update on our Rainforest Tour tomorrow, though!

It would kill me too not knowing what exactly was going on, and not being able to plan. Can't wait to see the pics!
I have less than a month now!!!!
You too for your Atlantis trip, right?

I NEED a vacation!!!
ps just wanted to brag a little- My DS14 made highest honors YAY!!!! on his report card last 2 terms. This is huge b/c it's his freshman yr.We thought the transition would be tough.
Deb

CONGRATS on your sons grades!!!



You should all be very proud! I'm glad he is succeeding in HS. I'm pretty scared about next year with Nate!

Yup, about a month for Atlantis. I am hoping next week I can do some planning for that, either an intown or snorkeling excursion, in addition to snorkeling in the Ruins, which is already booked.

What are your plans for Disney (by that, I mean, where are you eating)

I think I would have preferred the King Bed room only because Tom is 6'4". Gorgeous views either way.
Looking forward to your Atlantis report! I love your trip reports. Great pictures and good tips.
Would you take your kids to this resort in Puerto Rico?

Amanda

Thanks for being such a faithful follower and supporter of my reports!

The quick answer to your question is that we do not plan to take the kids to this resort in Puerto Rico.

The location of the resort was really good, close to the rainforest, Biobay and transport to the Spanish Virgin Islands. The resort was truly awesome, service was great, food was great, but we are swimmers. The beach was not ideal for our family.

Mark and I really loved the rainforest tour, but I think it would have only captured nature-lover Ben's interest for a short time and Nate would have been miserable during the trip.

We have stayed twice at the Barcelo in the Riviera Maya in Mexico, and we are hoping to return there next Feb. 3 GREAT beaches (one sandy and you can wade out for hundreds of feet and it is only waist-deep, one wavy area and one area that is excellent for snorkeling. It is close to several Mayan sites (Tulum, Coba and about 3 hours from Chitzen Itza) and close to other adventure excursions like Xplor Ziplines, Xelha and Xcaret. Plus it is an all-inclusive. Same flight time too, about 4 hours.

 

[ddluvsdisney]

What are your plans for Disney (by that, I mean, where are you eating)

We are eating at Rose & Crown (late to watch Illuminations), Via Napoli (just DH and I) while my parents take kids to Le Chefs (my mom's favorite and kids love it too), Garden Grill, Cali Grill (late to watch Wishes), Sci-Fi, Flying Fish, and we're doing Wishes Dessert Party for the first time too

Do you approve??

 

[natebenma]

What are your plans for Disney (by that, I mean, where are you eating)

We are eating at Rose & Crown (late to watch Illuminations), Via Napoli (just DH and I) while my parents take kids to Le Chefs (my mom's favorite and kids love it too), Garden Grill, Cali Grill (late to watch Wishes), Sci-Fi, Flying Fish, and we're doing Wishes Dessert Party for the first time too

Do you approve??

on your dining plans, although I must say that the only one of those places I have been is the Sci Fi!

But I read enough reviews to know that all of the other places on your list get RAVES, so I think it will be awesome!

 

[ddluvsdisney]

on your dining plans, although I must say that the only one of those places I have been is the Sci Fi!

But I read enough reviews to know that all of the other places on your list get RAVES, so I think it will be awesome!

We have been to all of them before except Via Napoli. We are doing our favorites on this trip. They are almost all new for my parents.

Deb