26 Nights, Triple Celebration Trip...NYC, RPR & HHN....and Irma has a go...A 2017 Trip

[schumigirl]

Loving the food porn. And yeah, my little one is a steak fan, and even she has favorites that are the more upscale restaurants. Sometimes, pay what you get.

Have yet to do the Eye, but some day, maybe. We're going to try Volcano Bay, as the water is heated, so why not.

Great pictures of Potter area, and I love the dark arts place too. Had another person put her finger there, and the shot of air made her jump and scream. Made her fellow friends laugh hard. Always neat to find the little nooks and areas inside there and in the stores. I had never been in the fake pet store, and it was so neat. Had to take a few pictures of the snake in the window. It looked real.
Like to read about the trips outside Universal. And the tip on which Longhorn to visit.

Great report, as always enjoyed.

Thanks Lynne.......nice you’re enjoying reading along........yep, you definitely get what you pay for with steak.....we don’t care what it costs, as long as it’s good........

I couldn’t believe I had never noticed that air jet before.......lol......it was funny! And yep the Longhorn at LBV is the best one around..........

I LOVE Yard House!!! I dined at one in Arizona and will get to again next month and I can't wait! I highly recommend their french onion soup. Yummmm, I am drooling just thinking about it haha!!!

Lol........we’ve eaten twice there and I agree........it is so good!! We were sorry to miss it this time......

Nice to see you pop by again......always nice to see........

 

[disneyAndi14]

Wonderful updates, I have not seen the three broomsticks before so thanks for the picture. We love the mummy, I find it scary lol! Thanks for the great trip reporting. I love reading about your adventures around US, HHN, and in Orlando. The trick or treat scare zone does look the best.

 

[tortilla24]

You can buy those addictive sesame crackers at Trader Joe's for cheap. I don't buy them anymore because they are just so addicting!

When I visit cheaper steakhouses, I tend to avoid steak entirely and go for the more bar food fare to avoid steak disappointment

The Mummy was incredible - I hadn't remembered how good was when I went in December 2004! It's funny what I liked then and what I liked from last summer, over a decade later. In 2004, I loved Hulk, Spiderman, Jurassic Park, Dueling Dragons, Twister, Jaws - I don't remember disliking all that many rides. The Mummy, Forbidden Journey, Gringotts and Spiderman were my favorite rides last summer with Dragon Challenge, Dr. Doom, Simpsons and Riptide Rocket to be not so hot. I will say though they all threw my equilibrium off a bit. Very unusual for me as I'm very much into wild coasters

 

[schumigirl]

Wonderful updates, I have not seen the three broomsticks before so thanks for the picture. We love the mummy, I find it scary lol! Thanks for the great trip reporting. I love reading about your adventures around US, HHN, and in Orlando. The trick or treat scare zone does look the best.

Thank you so much for saying such nice things........

It was a friend of mine who has been more often than I have to Universal said she hadn’t known the 3B’s were on the wall.......and she didn’t believe me till I showed her a picture I took about 3 or 4 years ago.......lol......why would I make it up!!

We love the Mummy.........it is fast in bits, which we do love........but glad you enjoyed it........

That scare zone was excellent.......I felt bad though that I enjoyed it more than a few of the houses......

But, glad you’re still reading along and enjoying it....and thanks again for the nice comments........

You can buy those addictive sesame crackers at Trader Joe's for cheap. I don't buy them anymore because they are just so addicting!

When I visit cheaper steakhouses, I tend to avoid steak entirely and go for the more bar food fare to avoid steak disappointment

The Mummy was incredible - I hadn't remembered how good was when I went in December 2004! It's funny what I liked then and what I liked from last summer, over a decade later. In 2004, I loved Hulk, Spiderman, Jurassic Park, Dueling Dragons, Twister, Jaws - I don't remember disliking all that many rides. The Mummy, Forbidden Journey, Gringotts and Spiderman were my favorite rides last summer with Dragon Challenge, Dr. Doom, Simpsons and Riptide Rocket to be not so hot. I will say though they all threw my equilibrium off a bit. Very unusual for me as I'm very much into wild coasters

lol........I’d better not buy them either!!

Yep, next time we go to Longhorn I’m going for the ribs I think.......steak wasn’t bad as such, just not great......think I’ve been spoiled by other places.........

It’s easy to forget what a great coaster Mummy is.........I tell everyone to try it, even if they’re not fans of coasters a it’s a good starting point........

It’s awful though when rides knock you funny........Simpsons I can’t go on at all.......just kicks the living daylights out of my head.......RRR I’m fine with as long as it’s the front.......but I know what you mean, I was bad once coming off it as we were near the back and it knocked me so bad I had to go back to the hotel for some of the day......lesson learned after that......stick to the front.

I did like Jaws too........simple little ride but so much fun!!

Glad you’re still following along........

 

[Raeven]

This is where she tells us they want to send us to the Caribbean Carnival over at Sapphire Falls as a little gift from the hotel........well, we are quite surprised to say the least.........I had heard about the show of course, and had thought we might try it at some point, but to be gifted it was just such a lovely gesture.........she asked if we had any plans for the Wednesday and we said no we would love to accept their very kind offer. We were so touched to say the least.

Ooo I can't wait to hear about this we booked it again for Dec, hopefully this time they don't cancel!

 

[schumigirl]

Ooo I can't wait to hear about this we booked it again for Dec, hopefully this time they don't cancel!

It was fun!

Report coming soon.......

 

[macraven]

I'm still reading along

Your pics are fabulous!

 

[schumigirl]

I'm still reading along

Your pics are fabulous!

Thanks mac.......you know me......I hate dragging these things out too long......so I should hopefully be done by end of the week......maybe next week......

Glad you like it........

 

[PoohIsHome]

I'm having a great time on your vacation! I can't wait 'till we go to the Caribbean Carnival!

 

[schumigirl]

I'm having a great time on your vacation! I can't wait 'till we go to the Caribbean Carnival!

lol........."we" will enjoy it.........

 

[schumigirl]

TUESDAY 26TH SEPTEMBER.........

Now the days were really starting to disappear...........

This morning was a very relaxing one.....we slept till quite late......around 7am......late for us I suppose........but we did feel quite tired today, and of course it was going to be another roaster of a day.......

We went up for breakfast and Jamie was in so we had a lovely chat with her.........she calls us her work mom and dad.......she is so lovely.......really nice girl........as we have our usual breakfast assortment, we make our plans for the day.......we consider driving to Dunedin just past Clearwater......this is the beautiful little town we nearly purchased a holiday home in 2008..........nearly........but we love the place and it had been a few years since we had been up there.......but there was limited shade and we would have liked to stop off at Clearwater.....even less shade there.......so we decided on another little favourite town, Mount Dora......

Honestly, it is the quaintest little town and not too far a drive either, takes around 25-30 minutes.......and there would be some shade.........we couldn't believe how hot it was becoming this week.........not complaining but for us this was the hottest September we could remember in a good few years........so, we went back down to the room and got my bag and camera and we headed off......stopping to chat to Jamie again as she was at the concierge desk.......we always have such a giggle with her.......she introduces us to the other girls on the concierge desk as we hadn't met them yet........although it`s weird when someone tells you they've been looking forward to meeting us..........I said I hoped for good reasons......she said definitely......they had heard only good things about us......well, that's always nice to hear really.........

We first went down to the gift shop opposite the pool.......I wanted to buy a new sun hat.......the one I had bought form Walmart was not good......and I had seen a nice one in the shop in Sapphire Falls....so I was sure RP would have it too.......they did.......I tried it on and it was perfect........I liked this one much better.....and much better quality.

We went back to the lobby and now we were setting off for the day..........Tom went and got the car while I chatted to one of the Valet guys we knew and this was the first time we had seen him this year.......only waited a minute or so for Tom then we drove off. It was hot!!!!

It is such a nice drive up........usually........we took a wrong turn........and we had a satnav........don't ask........anyway, we drove through a few places we would never drive through again......not through choice........one place looked a little like it could have been where Deliverance was filmed!!! We drove quickly....and dramatic me of course began imagining all sorts of outcomes of this journey........lol.......eventually though we got ourselves back on the road we should have taken........and we knew it was right as it was familiar and when we saw this...........

I always find this quite a novelty to see this sit in a field every year........it is beside some hangars, but definitely a talking point.

After this we are almost there.........

We pull in and find a car park of which there are many here.....you can also park in the street in most places......it is so pretty......and hot......I may have mentioned it was hot before........lol.........

They do have plenty of street signs around.......can`t really get lost here.......but we did!!! What on earth was wrong with us today.......we kept taking the wrong turn.........but, always ended up back where we wanted to be........

I did like this poster for the show the local cinema was showing

We were stopped here by a couple who said we looked local and could we help them........I did smile and say we weren't locals but could we still help them with anything.........they were from Wales......although I couldn't pick out his accent at first.....it was very strong, and weirdly almost South African........but anyway, we told them a few things they could do here including the train that was in lots of cowboy movies, the types of shops, the walk around the lakes and told them not to miss Maggie`s Attic.......if they liked wine.......which they did.......they had never been here before and just thought it sounded nice. They were on holiday with daughter and her children and were having a day on their own........nice couple.

We parted and walked further on..........we were getting hotter and our faces were beginning to resemble the colour of my dress........not a single breeze was around........we aimed for the little area the wine store was in........although it was too early for tastings we would still have a wander around and enjoy what they had for sale......the store had gadgets and all sorts of things including tea towels and various small kitchen implements........

The lady who was in the store today was actually the owner. We had met her daughter last time.....very interesting lady who loved the town and imparted all sorts of info with pride and pleasure and was delighted to hear how much we loved the town and her store. Her story of how it came about was very impressive.......nice lady and she did tell us of a new restaurant opening and she assured us we wouldn't be disappointed.........then she remembered it didn`t open Tuesdays......of course........but we kept the name for next time........can`t remember now where we put it of course.......but I`ll find out.......

It is so quiet here........hardly a soul around except for groups of little people meeting for coffee or heading in for early lunches.......and you are spoiled for choice here with many good café`s, Bars and restaurants..........we had planned to eat in a place overlooking the lake, but changed our mind for some reason........Pisces Rising was the place, but when we saw it, we thought it might be a little too quiet.......I like to see a place fairly busy with locals.......

It was also a little early too..........so we wandered down to the water and I immediately noticed this place.......loved it!!!!

I thought this was a stunning house......but sadly it wasn't one house, it was only 3 condo`s........I would have loved that as a house!!!! Perfect colour for me........and this place was so tranquil........


We walked out on to where to tour boats were.......we had no plans to do this today, but would consider doing it another day.......they were very inexpensive too for the length of time you were out........as we stood a man came along and asked if we wanted him to call the tour guy......we said no thank you we were just looking around.........he did grin at us to watch out for the alligators.........he winked of course......but that was me off the pontoon thing we were on.......I felt much safer stood beside a higher fence than open like this.......

We walked back up into town and we began to feel like lunch now.......Jamie had mentioned a place we might like, but they weren't open today either.......must remember not to go back on a Tuesday..........but there was plenty of choices......

We went back on to one of the main streets as I had spotted a place that looked quite nice......we really only wanted a sandwich type of place and this looked good.......

It was a Cuban Café and was fairly busy in both areas they had........this would do us nicely......and it was cool!!!

We ordered soft drinks and although the special cocktails looked so good......it was just too hot for me to have one......Tom of course was driving so wouldn't be having one anyway.....so we opted for strawberry lemonades.....they were so good........there was so many choices we took quite a while to choose..........eventually Tom went for the typical Cuban pressed with ham and cheese and some other stuff I cant remember.......I went for the grilled steak sandwich no onions........

The bread was surprisingly light and crispy.....not hard and the fries.......they were so tasty and fresh!!!! A little spicy, just enough that it didn't take away from the sandwich.......both were lovely.....and we actually ate almost every bite......I tend to leave a lot of bread, but this was nice!!!

They had a man playing some very gentle live music as we were almost done....he was a very nice who obviously worked for tips........he came over to ask for any requests......I said anything except Jazz.....I hate jazz........what he heard was......play jazz.......oh dear........at that point we were almost done anyway.....we still tipped him a few dollars all the same as he was quite decent..........and we were happy to see this place was busy now......we would`t have got a seat if we had waited much longer.........

No room for dessert, we visited the bathroom and headed back out into the sunshine.........

We spent some more time wandering around the stores, some were indeed very unique.......I would have loved to have gone into the Olive Oil store.....they had every single flavour imaginable........but we didn't.......it was just nice taking our time and chatting with the locals we met when we went back to the little shaded park we found last year........

I would say this seems quite the place to retire.......although there were some younger folks around too.....but for the most part, it seemed a gentle town with a gentle way of life that you could easily get used to.........

We take a last couple of pics before heading back to the car park.......

Amazingly, and rather extraordinarily.......we get lost coming out of Mount Dora.........another don't ask moment.......we come out onto a road I have never seen before and don't recognize..........but I type in our "home" address and we set off again.........I have no clue where we went, but eventually we got on to the I4 and, again.........missed our turning.......we are patient folks.......honestly, we are, but this was getting ridiculous........we ended up going through tiny little enclaves of beautiful homes though, so it was a better journey home than we had coming up.....but we still had no clue where we were....the satnav in the car was pretty basic......and totally useless apparently!!!

We eventually come to a town I recognize the name.........and now I can`t remember it either.....but it was a lovely little place and said to Tom I`d like to come back and visit it one day........he kinda gave me the look of I will never drive this road again........by this time we had been driving over an hour!!!!

Eventually.........we hit a place I recognized, so we kept driving as it was familiar now........then turned and we ended up on the I4 and an area we knew.......although this area is such a mess with roadworks.........but this was a welcome sight indeed.

We were safe!!! And we hadn't even argued once about being lost.......lol.......I do wish I could work out the name of the little town though as I would like to go back.

A few minutes later we were back home......car safely parked and we walked in and up to our room..........had a quick freshen up and decided to walk over to Strongwater Tavern for some gelato.........they do have a very nice little place in the lobby area.

We walk over and as we turn up in the main business and conference area for SF we see these in the open areas......not every day you see four cars inside a hotel........

We had chatted to the guys doing the promotion before heading round for gelato........I had coconut and Tom had strawberry.......usually not a gelato fan as I prefer ice cream but this is nice.......never took a picture as we ate them before thinking.......delish though.........

Sapphire Falls is somewhere we really like.......it`s light, airy and very pretty and of course it has the Rum Bar.........we like it there!!!!!

Absolutely gorgeous........we sat for a while before heading back home to our hotel.......the walk back was uneventful as always.......although we did meet an unfortunate couple who couldn't quite find the right escalator to use to get to SF.....we did point them in the right direction......they had missed one turn.....

Back in the room we decided to just go up to the lounge and sit with laptop and ipad.......but we Skyped Kyle first and caught up with him.....not much going on, work was good and everything was fine at home.....so we told him what we had been up to and he laughed we had got lost twice with a satnav.....told him it wasn't as up to date as the ones in our cars......well it was an excuse......not a great one......but still an excuse lol........we chatted a bit longer then said our goodbyes and went up to the lounge.......we were missing him a lot by now.

Jamie and Sam were in the lounge when we went in.....we gave a cheer when we saw them both......we always had such a lovely time talking to them both........and time passed so quickly!!! We had sat down on the sofas tonight and Sam asked what movie we wanted to watch........I can`t remember which one I chose but it was a good one..........The food in a little while was put out and tonight was a really nice choice......pulled pork, sweet rolls and coleslaw.........even we were tempted tonight......but first we had our wine delivered to us before we could even ask.......nice......or maybe a little embarrassing they know us so well lol ........I`ll go for nice........

We were having a pool night tonight so we thought we would have a little food....just as an appetizer.......

I had some of the pulled pork, coleslaw and little salad.....Tom had the pork in a roll which I did taste and they were delicious.......but too much......and the food was good.....we didn't have much though as we were eating at Bula Bar later.........and of course the wine was constantly replenished which is always nice........

This was just so lovely and so relaxing.......so much so we almost talked ourselves into not having a pool night and go do something more energetic.......but we soon changed our mind......pool time it was. We hadn't been at night yet this year and although the movie being shown was dreadful we didn't care.......

Eventually we left the lounge and headed down to very quickly jump in the shower, then into swimming stuff.........we got down and got our favourite poolside loungers........although to be fair it was practically empty tonight........this was how we liked the pool!!

We could see the screen from here really clearly........and it was handy to get sips of drinks when we were in and out of the water........we first order some cokes and enjoy them as the sun begins to set......it is so lovely just chilling out here tonight.......the heat is immense and it is fabulous.....so I`m looking forward to getting in the water in a little bit..........

We then order two cocktails before deciding on food..........both of these were lovely........

Tom gets in first and tells me it`s glorious.........I hate that cold feeling when you first get in the water.......but I can`t just go in quickly......no, I have to tippy toe a little at a time making sharp gasps as it feels cool!!! I`m such a wimp.......but eventually I`m in and it is indeed glorious......

We splash around for a bit and Tom swims around as there`s hardly anyone else in the water........the movie sucks.......I still have no clue what it was about.........

I tell Tom I`m getting hungry now and he agrees he could eat something too.......so we have a mooch at the menu and decide on two more cocktails and the ginormous portion of nachos with chicken instead of beef........we have always enjoyed this here, it`s not as huge as Margaritaville`s version.......but you could have 4 share it easy........we also ask for extra spicy....so they sent the extra bottles of Tabasco........and after we started eating the guy who was looking after us brought over some more jalapenos........Lush!!!!!

And it was gorgeous.........as were the other two cocktails we chose.......our guy brought us some waters too.

We really enjoyed these.....they were so fresh, and we did make a good dent in them.....and demolished all the jalapenos and Tabasco too.........

But, this had overall been such a lovely day again.......and I think tonight was the first night that old familiar feeling crept up on me........sadness we didn't have that much longer to go now. Less than a week.

But, for now.....we went back in the pool and splashed around some more, and then just before they started emptying we headed back up to the room......I did mention how my hair looked a fright!!!! But, Tom said oh it`s to early......... let`s go to M`Ville.....I did glance at my hair and thought maybe just give it a quick blow dry and a brush and not take a camera.......lol......so that's exactly what we did........so much for an early night.

We got changed and walked into Citywalk and found M`Ville fairly quiet.........we grabbed a couple of seats at the bar and I ordered the same Berry cocktail I`d had previously....and Tom had a beer.

We sat till late........and just sat and chatted to the folks sitting beside us and the bar staff.......we had another drink each and then we sadly decided we should head back home to bed........it was after midnight, but can`t remember how late exactly.......the walk back was lovely.....still hot though, there was no reprieve from this heat at all.......it`s a quick walk from M`Ville and we are back in the room in no time at all.

We fell asleep almost instantly. Now I was tired.

 

[ShyMiss]

WOW! I have read about those awesome nachos before, but that is the most mouth-watering picture I have seen of them. lol. I plan to copy-cat your order exactly. Yum!

 

[klo1335]

Yeah! I finally caught up. I knew you guys typically do a trip in the fall so I was waiting for it to come around this year. Loved all the NYC stuff. We live in Philadelphia, which is about 2 hours from NY so we have been there often. We are actually going for the day on December 23rd to see all the Christmas decorations. Did you guys not enjoy HHN this year? I watch some YouTube vlogs and have noticed that they have seemed less thrilled with it this year then in years past.

Can't wait to read the rest of your trip

 

[macraven]

When I first looked at your pic in the pool, thought you had your watch on your wrist....... lol


Glad you enjoyed your nachos
I had that dish a week after you and had to send it back

Was told a new cook was on duty ...

 

[FoxC63]

So a very warm welcome to anyone who takes the time to read my sometimes ramblings of a trip report from our recent stay in the beautiful USA! New readers and folks who know us definitely welcome and hope you enjoy it.........

So hooked and don't know which trip report to read first! Housework, chauffeur, homework, bills & grocery UGH!!! Just want a quiet place, a cup of java and a good read, am I asking too much, REALLY!!?! You and I will become acquainted real soon!

Remember radar!

 

[PoohIsHome]

@schumigirl Did you ever think of the town you ended up in when going back to RPR from Mount Dora? If you could give me a few descriptions I can find out for you. A very good friend of mine has lived in Orlando all of her life (trivia....she's a 4th generation Floridian from central FL), I'm sure she'll know what it is.

 

[schumigirl]

WOW! I have read about those awesome nachos before, but that is the most mouth-watering picture I have seen of them. lol. I plan to copy-cat your order exactly. Yum!

They were amazing!! And we were surprised how many of them we actually ate......lol......and the plate was still full looking.........I’m sure you’ll love them........

Yeah! I finally caught up. I knew you guys typically do a trip in the fall so I was waiting for it to come around this year. Loved all the NYC stuff. We live in Philadelphia, which is about 2 hours from NY so we have been there often. We are actually going for the day on December 23rd to see all the Christmas decorations. Did you guys not enjoy HHN this year? I watch some YouTube vlogs and have noticed that they have seemed less thrilled with it this year then in years past.

Can't wait to read the rest of your trip

klo1335.......nice to have you read along too........I’m glad you enjoyed the NY part.....and living as close as you do.......well, I’m jealous!!! I’ve only visited NY four times and it’s not enough...lol........and to see it at Christmas.........wow!! Hope you have a super day there.........

We did and we didn’t enjoy HHN......it sounds a little ungrateful, but it just wasn’t as good as all the previous years we’ve gone......and we usually love everything about it. Some of the houses were just poor. But, we did have fun all the same........and yes it seems to be a common theme with regulars of the event this year......such a shame really.....but I’m sure next years will be better!!

Hope you enjoy the rest of the report.........and thanks for commenting........

 

[schumigirl]

When I first looked at your pic in the pool, thought you had your watch on your wrist....... lol


Glad you enjoyed your nachos
I had that dish a week after you and had to send it back

Was told a new cook was on duty ...

Lol......I had to check too.........

Oh I remember the picture you sent me of them........they did not look like the ones we had.......such a shame as I know you love them too........we either had the old chef, or just got lucky!

So hooked and don't know which trip report to read first! Housework, chauffeur, homework, bills & grocery UGH!!! Just want a quiet place, a cup of java and a good read, am I asking too much, REALLY!!?! You and I will become acquainted real soon!

Remember radar!

Lol........hope you enjoy them both.........yep, somewhere quiet with a glass of wine is my usual reading position.......

@schumigirl Did you ever think of the town you ended up in when going back to RPR from Mount Dora? If you could give me a few descriptions I can find out for you. A very good friend of mine has lived in Orlando all of her life (trivia....she's a 4th generation Floridian from central FL), I'm sure she'll know what it is.

We checked the map and think it might have been Windermere........but of course it may not have been! We also passed through a beautiful set of homes near or in Lake Butler?? I think that was the name of the street we came through.....we saw a couple of gorgeous homes there.....couldn’t believe we got lost twice with a satnav!!!

I should have just asked Todd (Metro West) he’ll probably have known........he also knows how easy we get lost.......lol.......

 

[Deluzy]

Finally! After reading your reports for years, I have a chance to pop in whilst you're still writing and let you know how much I adore them! I have been reading your reports since your son was younger and traveling with you. I'm just not much of a post-er.

Thank you (and Tom) for taking the time write so many details and share so many photos. You seem like such a fun couple and best friends! I am heading down in a couple of weeks with my family (hubby and two daughters) and we will say "hello" to Dr Doom for you!

 

[FoxC63]

we got in the death cab

so funny! Wow, what a gorgeous hotel! The views are amazing too! It's 2am now so I'm off to bed! Look forward to more!