10 NIGHTS RPR...MARDI GRAS & COCKTAILS....MARCH 2018 TRIP

Oh wow Carole, just caught up and saw your encounter at Voodoo Donuts. How fabulous. And how lovely of them to give you the donuts. We went to Voodoo in Portland a couple of years ago and loved them - so am very excited to get donuts from there in August. Although I have to say Tom is a heathen for not starting at the hole on his donut haha

As an aside, it sounds like Kyle is doing so well at his job, I can understand why you are so proud and so happy for him, it is lovely when they are settled and their hard work is paying off. My daughter just graduated as a midwife a couple of months ago and I couldn't be more proud (our trip in August is her graduation gift).

I can't believe your trip is almost at an end... but you will be back before you know it

It really did make our day!!! The doughnuts were lovely and we felt very special indeed.......:angel: lol........but those guys were so nice to talk to..........funnily enough we had a big discussion before he bit into it how he was going to eat it........I thought he should start from the hole........:rotfl: he wanted to keep the best bit till the end!!

Thanks, he is doing so well........and big Congrats to your daughter!! What a lovely career to have, and a lot of hard work to get there too.......and that is a lovely gift.......it’ll be a fabulous trip I’m sure........

Yep, looking forward to getting back again..........:thumbsup2
 
Wow! What a thrill to meet the head honchos of UOR! That's wonderful-AND they gave you donuts!Can't beat that.

Thanks!!!

We really were thrilled as it was so unexpected.........and yes, the doughnuts were sooooooo good!!!!
 
Congrats to Kyle!! and to a very proud Mom & Dad!!

Great news on the Voodoo donuts! The Voodoo doll is cute!

Sad indeed to leave the parks for the last time but we're with you- we are happy that we will be back soon!

Thank you, we are incredibly proud of him..........

The voodoo doll was cute in a weird way........I can imagine them selling loads at HHN this year..........

Yes, hate leaving the hotel and parks.........::yes::
 
They also need to learn how to keep the handles of the scoops out of the cookie dough - gross.

Oh my goodness!!! Really..........

That doesn’t sound nice.......they were just opening all the trays up when went in, so didn’t notice that.......but bad hygiene is never nice to see.
 


FRIDAY CONT............

We enjoyed our walk back to the hotel, weather was lovely, it felt warmer than they claimed it was today.......the sun was glorious and the sky was a perfect Florida blue.......and this was one of the things we missed back home....I don't think we ever see that kind of blue ever.......we do get some nice weather, but not like this..........

We spoke to a couple of folks we knew in the lobby then went up to our room to see if Kyle was in. He was. He was doing something online so saw we had logged in and answered straight away......he was eating chocolate funnily enough.........not his usual dark chocolate for a change.........but still chocolate.........


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We regaled our story of how we met the guys we met and how we ended up getting a doughnut.......he laughed his socks off at the chances of us running into these guys........but it was a story most folks wont be able to tell.........he did ask if we enjoyed the doughnuts though........oh we assured him we did!!! We had a brief chat and then we freshened up and headed out to lunch.

We like Red Lobster.......and it does make some folk laugh when we say we like it......not sure if it`s looked down on in any way.......it is cheap and cheerful I suppose, but we do enjoy it a lot........

We always go to the one down by the convention centre.....it`s a little further and there is one near the Sheraton Four Points, the round hotel at the top of I Drive......but we don't like that one at all. Had two not so pleasant experiences there......it used to be mobbed, but last few times we were in it was practically empty. Says a lot. So this one is very nice and is their Signature RL in this area.......service and food have always been excellent here.


You can really see the building work going on at Universal as you cross the bridge over the I4 to head down I Drive.......and the improvements they've already made with adding Volcano Bay, the new part of Cbay, Sapphire Falls and the brand new still to be completed Aventura Resort........and of course the new hotels where Wet and Wild used to be are being added to the Universal Orlando family of hotels........



Volcano Bay was indeed proving to be a massive hit with folks in general. It had really captured a market with phenomenal water rides and it`s convenience to get to it from Universal, The Volcano itself could be seen for miles around........we hadn't gone to see it yet, as we really get bored at water parks.......but we should really just go and wander around......to say we had seen it.



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As you cross over the bridge you can see the work being done on the newer value resorts.....they were onto the multi level parking garage when we were there in March........but the difference is massive compared to what used to be there.......We never went to W&W as we don't like waterparks, but it was looking rather shabby from the outside by the time they knocked it all down. I imagine this area will look tremendous by the time Universal are finished with these two additions.


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We are going down to the far side of I Drive, and the much nicer end. The top ends is very much needing a good clear out......the tacky gift shops in particular look awful.


We pass by the Orlando Eye and the new Star Flyer, I believe this opens June 1st........it does look impressive, but not for us. That is far too high and it spins........



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A few minutes later we have arrived at Red Lobster......and it still looks fairly busy despite it being lunchtime........they get a good deal of business from the Convention Centre which is directly opposite it, and only a few minutes walk away........



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You always get a nice welcome here, regardless of how busy it is, and today is no exception.........it`s not as busy as it looked but busy. We got a table by the window I don't think we had ever sat there, we were usually over by the kitchen where I delighted in watching them prepare those delicious cheese biscuits.........but this was a nice table.......

We actually had no idea what we fancied.......well, I wanted shrimp.......plain shrimp cocktail as an appetizer.........but to the rest of our food we had no idea.........I had decided not to have my usual Strawberry Lobsterita, that is one huge cocktail.........I wanted strawberry lemonade.........

So the lady came up and she wasn't the friendliest person we ever had taking care of us......she wasn't awful or anything like that, just very brisk......but as long as we enjoyed our food, all was good. Tom ordered a mango lemonade and I asked for Strawberry......and this is where she was a little too brisk......she almost snapped we didn't get free refills with those.......I said, yes I was well aware of that thank you.......I think she realized she had been a little sharp and apologized and said she just wanted to make sure we knew, I smiled and told her it was fine and thanked her again........I suppose they get folks expecting refills on them......we had enjoyed them a few times though.

She quickly brought our drinks and some of those aforementioned cheese biscuits.......we would try not to eat too many........

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Decisions weren't easy to make here.......they have so many choices on offer......from snow crab, shrimps, scallops, lobster and of course all in different options.........so much choice!!!

Eventually however, I went for the shrimp and lobster cocktail and Tom chose lobster stuffed mushrooms........that was easy in the end.......however, my shrimp came out and no mushrooms.......I said I`d wait for Tom`s to come though........and we waited, and then waited a bit longer.......she did stop by when she noticed they weren't on the table.......and said they were on the way.......they weren't........so I ate mine and gave Tom a shrimp to pass the time.......

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Not the best picture of the mushrooms.......but I had finished mine completely by the time they arrived......no apology. We do prefer to eat together........but they were nice.......I don't eat mushrooms but I did have some of the stuffing with that gorgeous butter.......very nice taste of lobster there........Tom did enjoy them though.........

Our entrees were almost immediately brought out, and Tom had gone for snow crab with fries and I had opted for Lobster stuffed Tilapia with their sublime sweet potato mash.......



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We both set aside the broccoli as although we like it, I don't really eat it anyway, but it was rank. There was brown marks all over it which was a shame. But there was enough food without it.....although Kyle would have been annoyed as he loves broccoli........but for us we pushed it to another plate.........

The food however, was lovely......Tom`s snow crab were full and juicy and very, very tasty.........my tilapia was cooked to perfection......and was a decent size........and the sweet potato was lush!!!! We very much enjoyed this meal.........and Tom is an expert with cracking any kind of crab leg.........



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He is very good at sharing too.......and being a little too eager, I dripped some of the butter down my top from his crab on the last bite he gave me.......typical........I would have to pop into hotel to change before we went shopping this afternoon.......but for now we had loved our lunch....I am rubbish at cracking the legs but he is so good.......I almost cut my hand open once trying to open King Crab.......ouch!!!! So now, even if I order snow crab, Tom does it all for me........it was so good though. And Tom had enjoyed the taste of the tilapia he got too.......

We had no room for dessert. We very rarely do though.......so we asked for the check and we paid quickly and left. We will go back there again despite a few little things today, as it`s usually wonderful.

But, now quickly back to hotel for me to change tops and out shopping.

It is a nice drive this end of the road.....and the Eye is still impressive. I think I prefer the London Eye out of the two, pods are bigger and the view is very different. We had always enjoyed a pod to ourselves on the Orlando Eye as it was always quiet, not sure I`d like to share one now........the London one was busy, really busy.........



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They had added the chairs to their test of the Star Flyer today and although at this point it still wasn't swinging around, they were just moving it up and down for today..........the seats do look very ample and secure.........



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You can really see Universal Orlando Resort rise above the already firmly implanted buildings that have adorned this area for so long.......it is quite the sight to see........


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And of course it`s easy to forget how close to the road Citywalk is, though you`d never know it when you`re in it.......



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And our favourite entrance..........


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We very quickly go back in and I hope I don't run into anyone while I have the butter slutter down my top........I did try to rinse it, but made it worse......of course........so, thankfully, didn't run into anyone.......and I get a fresh top on and we head back down to the car again.....

We go to Bed Bath and Beyond, where I buy a few things I had forgotten last visit.......and some things I didn't think I wanted......till I saw them........so many nice little things in that store......then we went to Total Wine.

The very nice bottle of Tequila we had bought from here last visit, Tom had admired it constantly since then.......so we were headed back to get the very same for us.......I knew he would. It was a very unique bottle and pretty.......so we still had a wander around the store and eyed up a few things, there is so much choice in this store it`s unreal...........but, we are limited in what we can take back into the UK so we couldn't go mad. But, this would be lovely.......I knew Tom had wanted to get another one. We had the foresight to buy a roll of bubblewrap before we left the UK so we knew we could wrap it as best we could....and pray it didn't get damaged on the way home.........they don't exactly handle suitcases gently.......

We do get a generous baggage allowance of 32kg (70lbs) each plus hand luggage, so we knew we would be fine. Our cases are always full......I have no clue how some folks can mange with just hand luggage........or want to!!!! I like having the choice of what to wear.....and it`s not a trial taking large suitcases as they get dropped as soon as we get to the airport........

As we went to the checkout we saw the same girl who had been to where we both grew up.......she gave us a big wave and we went to her instead of the line we were in.......such a lovely young lady........we chatted some more and then left with her instructing us to come back and see her in May.....oh we would be......this store is a must visit place every trip.

We popped the bottle in the trunk and set off to the hotel........all the way just looking around us and enjoying this sunshine.......

We got back to the hotel and went up to our room.......we did get the cases out and have a quick glance at the stuff we needed to fit in......I was sure we would manage........we wrapped up the two tequila bottles in the bubble wrap and then in some more padding with clothes......we just hoped for the best.........
 
I love Tom's lobster bib!

My grandma loved Red Lobster- that was her go to place for any special occasion (birthdays, good school grades, etc) - we dont have one close to here, but I always think of her when I see one- nice memories

We do have Total Wine! I love the employee reviews that they have by some of the wines. It makes it easy to shop for what you like (or get a gift for someone)

I had no idea City Walk was so close to the street!
 
Lovely relaxing afternoon. Gary is not a fan of seafood so we won't be heading to Red Lobster any time soon but the food did look delicious.

Bed, Bath and Beyond is one of my favourite US stores.
 


Oh my goodness!!! Really..........

That doesn’t sound nice.......they were just opening all the trays up when went in, so didn’t notice that.......but bad hygiene is never nice to see.
I was basing that on your pictures. It looked like there was 11 flavors: 3 of them had the scoop handles in the cookie dough and another 3 are questionable - it's hard to tell by the angle of the pictures.
 
I love Tom's lobster bib!

My grandma loved Red Lobster- that was her go to place for any special occasion (birthdays, good school grades, etc) - we dont have one close to here, but I always think of her when I see one- nice memories

We do have Total Wine! I love the employee reviews that they have by some of the wines. It makes it easy to shop for what you like (or get a gift for someone)

I had no idea City Walk was so close to the street!

Lol.....he wasn’t going to wear it at first.......but........didn’t fancy walking about with splashes of crab on him......I hear a few folks tell me they go to Red Lobster after church with family and such.......but that’s a nice memory for you with your grandma..........

Oh we would love a Total Wine where we live!! We have plenty of places to buy alcohol, it’s everywhere in the uk......but the size of that place and the selections!!! Maybe it’s a good thing we don’t.......lol......

Yep, so close but really you don’t notice much.........
 
Lovely relaxing afternoon. Gary is not a fan of seafood so we won't be heading to Red Lobster any time soon but the food did look delicious.

Bed, Bath and Beyond is one of my favourite US stores.

Kyle isn’t really a seafood fan but he used to get the chicken they did and they did a surprisingly good steak once we got a mixed meal........but, if you don’t like something there are so many options out there........

Love Bed Bath and Beyond........the sales staff thinks it’s funny how much we love the store........:thumbsup2
 
I was basing that on your pictures. It looked like there was 11 flavors: 3 of them had the scoop handles in the cookie dough and another 3 are questionable - it's hard to tell by the angle of the pictures.

Yep, some are sitting in the dough.......I honestly never noticed!

I am getting less observant as I age........:scratchin
 
That Voodoo doughnut encounter might be the best thing I've read in a trip report!!

I guess I need to start talking to more random people when I'm on vacation....LOL!! :D
 
That Voodoo doughnut encounter might be the best thing I've read in a trip report!!

I guess I need to start talking to more random people when I'm on vacation....LOL!! :D

Lol.......it really was an amazing encounter and what nice guys they both were........I was really impressed with how low key and anonymous they were.......but, super nice and really did have a genuine regard for guest experience.

And yep, it made me so aware of who you could be talking too........I’m a real chatterbox and love talking to most people.......so I just rambled on about how much we loved Universal and so on.........it was funny thinking about it afterwards.........

But, glad to have the chance to have met him.........
 
Congrats to your son on his work accomplishments!! I know you are thrilled he will be joining you all again in December! My 23-year-old daughter and her husband are joining us at the beach (with their little dog!) for part of our 10-day trip next month, and I am thrilled to death. Even though I did have to pay more than I wanted for a pet-friendly rental that was still nice. Worth it! :dogdance:

And the Star Flyer -- just no and nope for me. :scared:

I have enjoyed your trip report and am sad it is coming to an end. Thank you for all the time you put in on these for others to enjoy!
 
Congrats to your son on his work accomplishments!! I know you are thrilled he will be joining you all again in December! My 23-year-old daughter and her husband are joining us at the beach (with their little dog!) for part of our 10-day trip next month, and I am thrilled to death. Even though I did have to pay more than I wanted for a pet-friendly rental that was still nice. Worth it! :dogdance:

And the Star Flyer -- just no and nope for me. :scared:

I have enjoyed your trip report and am sad it is coming to an end. Thank you for all the time you put in on these for others to enjoy!

Thanks.......We are so proud of him..........and yes, happy he still wants to come on the occasional trip with us.......

How lovely with your daughter and husband.........it’ll be a lovely visit I’m sure........

Yep, will never go on that ride.........I love drops, but not just swinging around........

Thank you so much....... I’m so glad you enjoyed reading along.......:wave2:
 
Darn it, RL got my way & I missed this TR in real time format. Still, a great read! Honestly, you have such a lovely family, great fun to ride along here on your adventures.

Universal sure does a fine job with Mardi Gras. Curious (aside from Kyle being able to come along), between this trip and the winter holiday one, which did you enjoy more at the parks?

Celebration certainly has it fans, I do hear they are always looking for new recruits lol. It always struck me as quite the respite from the hustle & bustle of Orlando. No wonder so many who work @ Disney choose to live there.

Lol - the pic of Tom & his new ‘lil buddy - voodoo doughnut guy. Certainly a magic moment there for you. I am dismayed they elected to so with a jelly filling vs a yellow cream type tho but will still give it a whirl!

Love the sushi @ Orchid Court too. Never a moment’s worry as to the quality. You have me wondering though if at Jakes if the servers would run u and grab me sushi while the mr enjoys his steak?

PS another vote for the wilderberry margaritta!
 
Meanwhile Tom had been talking to another guy who was training manager and had told Tom when he came back in May to ask for him and he`d get a free doughnut as they weren't open today.........he yelled over to me he was getting a doughnut in May......I laughed and said hey, I`m getting one today.......lol.......always got to go one better.........so, the other guy said to me I had said the right thing when I said how much we loved Universal.......so I asked why and he told me the other guy was the CEO and President of UOR!!!!! Now I was wowed........

He was very oh it`s nothing, but I was quite impressed with how laid back this guy was......you would never have known........and the other guy who was right now inside getting me a maple bacon doughnut was the President of Citywalk!!!! Oh my........

Tom had come over by now and we were all introduced........as my doughnut appeared.........then Bill said oh we have to get your husband a doughnut too........the other guy who`s name I have forgotten asked him what kind......Tom had no clue so said any type..........he went back in and came out with their signature one The Voodoo Doll.........we were over the moon!!!!

How awesome! It's so cool you got to meet them, and that they got you doughnuts :rotfl: I can't wait to try them in May!
 
Carole, you and Tom have to be two of the luckiest people ever ...who else could run into the head honchos at Universal and score free donuts? I love it and thanks for keeping me entertained as usual with your great writing ...I can't wait for the next report on SF.

And no way would I ever go on that flyer ride :scared1:
 
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First, YAY KYLE!!!! <3 It's so nice to see our kids succeed! It gives me such a thrill to see he's doing so well. I feel like I know him. :)

Second, I went to Portland for work last year (where VooDoo Donuts started). My hotel was a block away from VooDoo... I gained 15 pound that week. Two to four donuts a day will do that! LOL So happy you got to try them! Some folks think they're over-rated but not me! And, how cool you got to meet some head-honchos!

Third, your love of Red Lobster reminds me... when I was a kid, that's the one place we'd go out to eat at all the time. I LOVED it! Why? Because I thought the bathrooms were awesome! I for years would judge a restaurant by its bathrooms and it all started with Red Lobster. I told Davy that long ago and now every restaurant we go to, he tells me whether my "younger self" would love it based on the bathrooms. :)
 
Darn it, RL got my way & I missed this TR in real time format. Still, a great read! Honestly, you have such a lovely family, great fun to ride along here on your adventures.

Universal sure does a fine job with Mardi Gras. Curious (aside from Kyle being able to come along), between this trip and the winter holiday one, which did you enjoy more at the parks?

Celebration certainly has it fans, I do hear they are always looking for new recruits lol. It always struck me as quite the respite from the hustle & bustle of Orlando. No wonder so many who work @ Disney choose to live there.

Lol - the pic of Tom & his new ‘lil buddy - voodoo doughnut guy. Certainly a magic moment there for you. I am dismayed they elected to so with a jelly filling vs a yellow cream type tho but will still give it a whirl!

Love the sushi @ Orchid Court too. Never a moment’s worry as to the quality. You have me wondering though if at Jakes if the servers would run u and grab me sushi while the mr enjoys his steak?

PS another vote for the wilderberry margaritta!

I loved that margarita!!! Although the blackberry one is even better......you have to try it!!! You`ll like it......

Thanks Janet, we kinda like us too........:D As to which trip was better park wise.......and taking Kyle out of the equation........I`d have to say Christmas......but it`s close.....parks were quieter in December than they were in March.......March had some lines for EP which we hate......and I just adore Christmas and everything that goes with it......and it was warmer in December!!!! Except the last day........:scared:

Oh I think I`d have preferred the cream filling too.........yep, it was a nice moment and one we won`t forget.

I bet they would you know.......as you can order Jake`s food when in Orchids.......I know we once saw someone eat sushi from a takeout tray in Jake`s, someone asked about eating outside food and they said as long as it came from the hotel they didn't mind.......

Glad you`re all caught up.......:wave2:
 

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