Sue
1) Thanks!! Yep it was great!! Wish we had cut Disney short and spent more time at Universal. Food and Wine at Disney was a bummer this year.
2) We ate at Mythos for lunch. FABULOUS!!! DH wanted to know why I hadn't brought him there before. We loved the decor. He had a sushi salad and then the balsimic chicken. Thought it was the best ever. I had tempura sushi, and lobster-cheese-corn bisque. I wasn't as thrilled, but still enjoyed it very much. It was our Anniversary (and they knew it) and was a little dissapointed that they didn't do anything extra for it. BUT that is no big deal, and I can't wait to go back, even if it's just for desert. We also went to HR Cafe after the parks closed for pig sandwiches. Had the BEST waiter I've ever had anywhere!!!!! There was no wait at either place.
3) I thought the crowds were the same as last year (we like to go in October) even with the rain. The express pass machines were closed on most rides, but we were still able to use express pass. There really was no need, and even funny that anyone could just walk up the express path because NO ONE was ever there checking.
4) The HRH did not seem full at all, but we were told it was full when we asked for an upgrade. hmmm.... The lobby was never too busy, the pool was not crowded, we had the hot tub to ourselves for a long time. The Velvet Lounge wasn't even that busy.
5) LOVED IT!!!