HO-HO-HOLY GRINCHMAS...10 JOLLY HOLIDAY NIGHTS AT RPR..NOV/DEC 2018

It's been so long since I've been in the regular line... I don't remember a lot. Not going to do it at Christmas though. LOL

Oh I wouldn’t even dream of going though the regular line when it’s busy ......that’s where EP is a godsend........wouldn’t be without it.......

I do like the EP line for FJ.......it’s a good one........
 
Heading back down to Hogsmeade you can see the crowds building as the morning goes on......it`s not mobbed by any means, but later on in the day it did get busier from what we heard from others who were in the parks in the afternoon.

Looking down on to the village you can see the tower they added when they started to do the Castle light Shows......it fits in incredibly well with the rest of the detail around the area...….and hides the lights well.....




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We heard a couple discuss whether this snowman is there all year round...….the lady said yes, it was...the husband disagreed.....so as we stood taking pictures, they turned to ask a man if he knew, this guy glanced at the snowman and kind of growled who cares and wandered off...…….








Honestly, this guy couldn't have been more indifferent if he tried.....the couple looked at each other and walked off with a slightly shocked look on their faces...….it wasn't funny, but it was a little odd at the same time...…oops!!!

I would have told them, but they were gone by the time I stopped sniggering......although how rude of the man to answer like that.....no need at all. I guess he wasn't impressed with the place.....I`ve heard there`s the odd one or two folks like that...…..




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We headed into the 3 Broomsticks for a pumpkin fizz and a wander around...….it was quiet at this time of the morning, but folks were still enjoying the breakfast......never eaten breakfast here as it just doesn't appeal....the pancakes sound good though, but their version of the British breakfast isn't what I would recognise as typically British.

I loved the detail in here too......and if you stand at the bottom of this staircase you can hear the house elves upstairs including Kreacher...….looking above along the 3B`s you an also see shadows move around as if the elves themselves are working around the Inn......it`s so amazingly well done...…..





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We got our pumpkin fizz and shared it between us......it`s too sweet to drink a whole one on our own, but sharing is fine......it`s so much nicer than pumpkin juice....or rather controversially in our mind, much nicer than Butterbeer which we really don't like very much...….the drink anyway, love the ice cream and fudge.

Of course The Three Broomsticks hanging for all to see.....and some people do miss them somehow...…





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Looking up, you can see trunks all piled up in the corridors of guests waiting to head off back to school or elsewhere.....




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And again, the beautiful detail of everything that has been included in the design of the Inn is so intricate and attractive, we always stop and observe....and we do see the shadow of a house elf wandering around, it is just a glimpse of shadows, but you can see and hear them.





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I did always want an elaborate little staircase somewhere in my home like this.....sadly, not very practical.....

Back outside we admire the exteriors as much as the interiors, and as always take some time to look at the faces of others wandering around...….some look a little bewildered taking it all in, some look weary already and it`s only the start of the day for some......but most look seriously impressed...…..

It`s a shame the cranes and all the building work are going on right now for the new Potter ride.....cannot wait for that announcement to be made!!! But, for first timers seeing it all, I feel for them they aren't getting the full spectacular experience of everything Potter in this park, as the building work is a distraction for sure......I know it`ll be worth it though...…..





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Honeydukes is a wonderful store...….I haven't posted pictures of the inside as I`ve done so many times in previous trip reports, but it is a store you have to go into....even if you just wander around, like many do......it`s colourful and stocks many unusual candies and treats......even the weirdly wonderful all flavour beans......I`ve never actually eaten one of them......but have bought many for gifts over the years.






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The Hogwarts Express is a classic photo op..….the meet and greet with the conductor here is always fun......they do have wonderful characteristics of classic conductors of many years ago in the UK, and are always fun to chat too...….

At this point we see a TM we know well. We do know a lot of TM around the parks, some better than others of course, but it`s always lovely to catch up and have a chat with the ones we do know......it always amazes us how so many TM over the years have seen us on several occasions and exclaimed "are you still here" or "you should just live here full time".....lol....nothing like being made to feel welcome......lol...…

We chat to this man who does work here behind the scenes in the parks and catch up with what`s been going on with each other....of course he`s looking around for Kyle and we explain he`s not very well.....typical. He needs to go fairly soon so we head off after we have our last look around before heading out back home.....but, we did plan to come back tonight for the light show. Kyle wouldn't be with us I was sure, but we thought we might like to see it again.




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We enjoy our walk back home and cut through the pool area......it looks so still and beautiful, and there are a few people dotted around the place...….it`s quite warm today but not boiling hot, certainly not warm enough for us to get in the water....…as we leave the pool area there have been a few folks go in the water....braver than me!!!




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Up next......lunch and dinner
 
Back into the room, Kyle was exactly where we left him......with a few empty bottles of water in the trash and a nose as red as Rudolph!! Bless him...….he looked slightly more awake though than he had when we left....and said the headache was not as bad. He was watching football again thankfully that kept him amused for most of the day...….

I went upstairs to get him another ginger tea and grabbed a few more bottles of water......the girls asked if they could get him some chicken noodle soup delivered, I thanked them and said I was just going for down for some now......they had already been so kind...….I did say we`d be up later though, it was mac n cheese night so Kyle might feel like some of that I hoped.

Back down and then I went down to Jake`s to get some chicken noodle soup......I had to drop off a note to front desk anyway so rather than get room service I`d just get it myself.

You don't wait too long usually, but today there was a little delay......I was sat at the bar waiting and the staff offered me a complimentary drink as I waited, I did say no thank you, but appreciated their offer.....and it wasn't too bad a wait......our favourite waiter wasn't working today.....always like to chat to him.....but there were a few we knew and they all waved or stopped to say hello if they saw me......it is just the friendliest place...…

But, eventually with an apology for the delay I got Kyle`s soup and headed back up...…..and I was happy to see he was more than ready to eat it......we sat for a while as he enjoyed the soup and then he said he was going through to our bed to lie down and hopefully sleep for the afternoon....or as much as he could. So I closed the drapes for him and said we`d head out somewhere and be back later...…..we had planned to maybe have room service or just go down to Jake`s if he wasn't that great, but as he was sleeping we were off out.

We decided to go to the Orlando Ale House on Kirkman again, but first went to Bed Bath and Beyond for a few bits we wanted from there......we weren't long doing that and then headed back towards the hotel area....taking some pictures of the new Universal hotel that`s opening this year, Endless Summer Resort.....of course these were taken back in December, it`s moved on a little since then, and Dockside Inn and Suites is also on the way up to on the opposite side of the road opening 2020. Both will be lovely additions to the Universal family of hotels…...





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We head back to Kirkman and see the improvements being made to the pedestrian bridge going across the road near the Doubletree Suites...…

Many people walk from this area to the parks, and although there are crossings and walkways and it is perfectly safe to do so, a bridge will be an excellent addition for folks that do walk this way.





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We pull in and see the car park is fairly busy today.....of course it is Saturday...….it`s always going to be busier at weekends and evenings.........we do enjoy being in here....food and atmosphere is always fabulous...….






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They do have outside seating at the back of the property, but you can smoke out there so we avoid it like the plague.....there really is nothing worse than sitting close to people smoking, especially when eating.....

We ask for a booth today and it`s not too busy over this side today.....the bar area and the area to the rear is busier.....but as we are not sports fans we`re not fussed about partaking in the chatter today.....

This seems to be the booth we always get in here...….I don't believe we have ever sat in another one.....before we order drinks, Tom asks me with an ever so slight twinkle in his eye...….am I going to volunteer to drive back to the hotel and he can get a beer...….









I of course opt for a rather nice Chardonnay.....and our waitress remembers which one I liked from last time...now that is impressive......although we had the same waitress and I ordered the same wine last three visits......I need to change my choice of drink sometimes.....Tom orders a lemonade.....I did say I`d drive if he wanted me to.....he didn't really!!! He really does have a lot to put up with married to me......bless him....





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It is such a good menu here....and incredibly cheap prices....we have never ever been disappointed with the food here......and the menu is vast. It really does take us a while to decide what we are having today......it`s so easy to get the same things over again, but when they are so good...….mmmmm!!!!

Tom eventually goes for the ribs with fries and coleslaw...…..he does love a good rib, and they are second to none here.....




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I decided, finally on the Big Red sandwich......simply a chicken breast with hot sauce, and you can choose your hot sauce from the list of zinger sauces.....I went for the extra hot and hoped it would be ok......it really was and I could have gone hotter actually...….






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Oh my goodness!!! This food was so good...….the chicken was so moist and succulent....not a dry piece anywhere...….I did wish I had asked for it without cheese as I`m not overly keen on a lot of cheese, but it was still really nice......and tingly on the tongue!!!

Tom`s ribs were as fall off the bone as they are supposed to be...…and the sauce had a slight tang to it too which he liked...…..overall a lovely meal and we were glad we came here again today.

It`s only a few minutes till we are back in the hotel...….we had a wander through the lobby and took a few pictures of the lobby areas, well more than a few although, I believe we already have hundreds of the same pics over the years...… by the time we are back the refurb will have started on the lobby......this does sound like it will be amazing!!!! We are so excited to see the changes being made this year to the hotel...….





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We wander up to our room and Kyle is awake again and is just about to jump in the shower...…sometimes it makes you feel so much better. He doesn't feel like any more ginger tea right now, so we settle down on the settee and find something to watch on tv other than football......we hate football......Kyle does enjoy it and that's why we get the sports channels back home....although it does give us Formula 1 Racing too...…

He has just come out and does look a little better when we hear a knock on the door...….one of the room service ladies says she has a gift for us from someone special to us...……

We were thrilled with it!!!!

Apart from the fact we adore strawberries and chocolate covered ones are even better...….we are always so touched when our friend does things like this for us.....he is just so kind and thoughtful and we were so grateful..…..after I read the card, I had a thank you email sent off to him before we even touched them.....


It is such a pretty display too.....the sand is brown sugar and it just looked so nice!!!

And the strawberries were delicious...….huge too!!!! And an extra couple of bottles of water were certainly appreciated...….





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They were so lovely......and we were quite reserved....we didn't just devour them all in one sitting......we put some in the fridge for later and decided we would save them for later...….but again, we are always touched by his kindness towards us.

We passed the afternoon away and then headed up to the lounge as Kyle said he could eat some mac n cheese right now...….music to my ears!!!! And they made such a fuss of him there tonight........

He did have one plate of the chicken mac n cheese and it was a decent sized portion I had put on the plate for him......he did enjoy it, and it was good to see him eat. I could see it was one of those bugs that really drain your energy...…..but at least he had some food and plenty to drink......He decided after his food he was just going to head back down, but was glad he had come up for something to eat. I think he even left with some cookies that had been handed to him wrapped up as he left......bless them!!! So, he went back down to the room and told us to stay up here, he didn't mind. We said we wouldn't be too long...…..


We had a couple of glasses of wine and as we chatted to the staff we realised we really didn't feel like heading over to IOA to see the light show...….we thought we might just go down and do the Wok Experience in Islands Dining Room......it is very good and we had done it many times before......and meant we wouldn't be going too far either. At that point a family came in from the parks and exclaimed it was cold outside now......well, that decided it for us.....we would stay in the hotel where it was warm and cosy…..

Many people in the hotel and others too, joke it`s a bit like Cheers for us when we stay in the hotels here.....and it kind of is really...….everyone seems to know us......but it is so lovely being in such an environment...…







We eventually and reluctantly leave the lounge...….we could have sat there all night......but we popped into see Kyle who was heartily eating a chocolate cake we had bought him today......and was quite happily, or as best as he could be ensconced in front of the tv, the heat was warm and the room was cosy…….so we said we were just going downstairs to eat in Islands......and we`d be back up in a couple of hours.....he was watching a movie and was content.

As we walked down to the restaurants Tom asked if I`d prefer Jake`s but I said I didn't mind, whichever he wanted as either place is excellent...….I went to the bathroom and Tom looked at the menu.....and when I came out he said a man had asked him how it was in Islands.....Tom said fabulous and mentioned the wok night and how good it was...….so he took his family in......he said he hoped they enjoyed it or he`d feel bad......and they were sitting close to us....lol...…..

One of the beautiful trees in the hotel...….little bit smaller this one.




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We were taken to our table by the hostess and said our waiter would be with us soon...….and when he appeared we were delighted to see it was Casey who has looked after us a few times in here......and he recognised us straight away.....he couldn't just remember both our names, but it was sweet he even remembered us at all......he told us where we sat both times and what I had to drink......lol.....I am getting familiar!!!! He is the nicest young man and we were pleased it was him tonight...…

We told him after we chatted we would do the Wok experience and Tom ordered a bottle of white wine.....we knew the drill so we went up and for the first time had the soup.....Tom chose the Miso and I went for the Thai green chilli soup.....pictures were blurry so I can`t post but they were nice.....we didn't have a lot as we preferred to enjoy the entrée.

With the wok night, you grab a bowl and choose your veg, then tell the chef whether you want chicken, beef, shrimp or (yuk) tofu (sorry Alice on Davy`s behalf lol)...…..or you can have a mix of any of them.....and they cook it in front of you.....you choose rice or noodles and then your sauce.....there is a choice of around six. Tom and I both chose a mix of teriyaki and a spicy one, I forget the name...maybe Szechuan, and both of us had chicken and shrimp.....

Tom had peanuts on top and a few extra chilli flakes, and I chose extra, extra chilli flakes.....and boy was it spicy enough now!!!!





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They were both delicious and incredibly filling...….and even better Tom loved having onions again......I have an intolerance to them and mushrooms, so he doesn't ever get any.....poor thing.....so he had loads of them in his...…..

You can go up as many times as you like, but once is enough for us...…..

We sat for a while to finish our wine, and had no room for any dessert tonight......and we chatted to Casey when he got the chance.....super nice guy...….as we were chatting the man Tom had been talking to came over and said thanks for the advice.....him and his family had loved it all...…..glad to hear it!!!! It would have been awful if he hadn't enjoyed it...……

We eventually paid our check and thanked Casey for taking such good care of us again and said we`d see him soon I was sure...…..

Straight back upstairs and with a sadness realised again, this was indeed our last night for this trip......it`s never a nice feeling but with Kyle feeling bad, part of us would be glad to get him home, but the other half wanted to stay longer.......

I checked my email and saw I had one from our friend telling us the weather was going to be dreadful tomorrow morning and into the afternoon when we would be leaving or the airport......I thanked him and said we would definitely dress appropriately when we left...….

We tucked into the rest of the strawberries now and thoroughly enjoyed them.....they were so sweet and we really enjoyed them and were glad we hadn't eaten them all earlier in the day...…

But, getting packed up is never fun.....and of course...….we had to do it......it is much easier going home as some things can just be flung in without any fuss....I had again, brought laundry bags and sorted them into loads they would be washed in.. I did try to ease the load of washing when we got home.....

It really didn't take us long and soon it was only last minute things in the morning that was left to do......so once we were done, we went through and watched tv for a while.....can`t even remember what we watched...but we did open the drapes and look out over the parks again...….we of course would be back in March, but for Kyle it would be another year...…..

We were rather sadly for a Saturday night in Orlando all in bed for around 10.30pm. We felt like party poopers tonight......but we were tired and Kyle again looked like he was ready to drop.

So, bed was welcome tonight, but with the attached sadness of knowing tomorrow was leaving day...….

Never fun.
 
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You make all food fun !
When you described your wok experience made me decide to do it again for my next trip
 


You make all food fun !
When you described your wok experience made me decide to do it again for my next trip

Thanks Mac......you know we do love our food!

The wok experience is so nice, we really enjoyed it again......we will definitely do it again too.....:thumbsup2
 
I've had a Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day...
(to quote the book title)

But thank you for your continued updates...they certainly helped improve my mood!!!
 


I've had a Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day...
(to quote the book title)

But thank you for your continued updates...they certainly helped improve my mood!!!

Oh bless you!!!

We all have days like that don’t we.......doesn’t sound like a fun time at all........

But, just think, it’s not long till you’re trip to Orlando in March.....and we get to meet up!!!

I should be finished tomorrow or Sunday......heck I started this in November......it’s only a 10 night trip, it should have been finished ages ago!!!!

But, sending hugs you have a better evening.......pour yourself a glass of wine or have a cocktail......and hope tomorrow is a much better day for you........:goodvibes
 
Bawahaha. I can't wait to read this to him. But, really, you should apologize to me -- my tongue felt on fire just reading about all the hot spices you put on! ;)

Lol.....oh I forgot you don’t like a lot of spice.....sorry.......:D......it was hot Alice......Tom got around a quarter teaspoon of chilli flakes, I had a full round teaspoon.......wow.......thing is last time I asked for it to be hot and it wasn’t very hot.....so made sure it was this time........the chef did ask if I was sure I wanted that much......I swear he was watching me eat it as he didn’t believe I would!

But.......tofu..........no, just no. :P
 
Oh bless you!!!

We all have days like that don’t we.......doesn’t sound like a fun time at all........

But, just think, it’s not long till you’re trip to Orlando in March.....and we get to meet up!!!

I should be finished tomorrow or Sunday......heck I started this in November......it’s only a 10 night trip, it should have been finished ages ago!!!!

But, sending hugs you have a better evening.......pour yourself a glass of wine or have a cocktail......and hope tomorrow is a much better day for you........:goodvibes
Thank you Carole! A good glass of wine and a nights sleep did wonders.... I'm so much better today!!
We leave in 29 days! Looking forward to meeting you and Tom!:flower3:
 




SUNDAY DECEMBER 9TH

DEPARTURE DAY

And I`m so glad anyone is still reading along......I started this in November and I can`t believe it`s not finished yet...….it`s February and really it shouldn't still be being written up......I had planned it to be finished by mid January...….but thanks for hanging in there...….I appreciate each and every comment...….


So, this was the day we always dreaded so much......the day we go home. And we`ve had mixed experiences with our leaving days......when it used to be a once a year visit I was in tears every time leaving......and we also had some surprises which helped make it not so bad.

I think being introduced to Larry Beiderman a few years ago as we were checking out was one of our highlights and certainly helped brighten up our departure day......such a lovely and very genuine man. And although we had been in contact through emails for several years, this was the first time we actually met him. And we were so grateful to our friend for doing that for us......and we are lucky enough to have met him on most of our trips since then...….

So, now it isn't as bad as we always have a few trips planned...….but leaving is still never fun. And for Kyle of course, it would be a year before he was back. So I knew he`d be gutted to leave.

I woke up as usual, very early and wondered how Kyle would be today....I was dreading him feeling awful on the flight home......but we couldn't avoid that......I was just thinking about getting up when my email pinged and it was an email from our friend asking if we wanted to have lunch with him in Jake`s today before we left.....of course we would!!! So, I quickly emailed back and said we`d be there at midday...….now my day had improved already...….

I got up and went through to waken Kyle who was still sound asleep.....so I left him and jumped in the shower.....when I came out he was awake and said he felt much better......no headache and his nose although still not right, was less blocked......I was so glad he was improving...….I omitted to tell anyone I had a sore throat and felt a little off.…..not really bad, but when you know something is working on you...…but kept it to myself...

But for now, it was all good...…..Kyle went in the shower while I dried my hair and then Tom finally woke up and he showered...….we all liked the showers in the hotel....very powerful. And I did love not having to clean it afterwards......lol.....

Once we were dressed and ready to head up for breakfast I opened the drapes and it was indeed a miserable day...…..it was raining and the winds were blowing the trees as hard as I`ve ever seen it......not a nice day and I was glad we were leaving on such a day.

Yes there were two kids in the pool.




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But, up for breakfast......and it was nice that Kyle enjoyed his and didn't just rush back downstairs.....we sat and had a good old chat with everyone and passed a while just relaxing as we were in no rush to go anywhere......and saying goodbye to so many of them is never fun......and we did pass some time up there after breakfast chatting..….but eventually we headed down after saying some goodbyes to some of the loveliest people around....although we would be back up before we left......but in case we missed anyone we wanted to catch them now...…..

Once we were downstairs in our room, we finished our last minute packing and that took longer than we thought.....but we did have plenty of room as we hadn't shopped the way we usually do as we hadn't got out to shop as often as we had planned......but what we did get we were happy with...….Kyle was over the moon with his new wallet which was all he really wanted from this trip.

We hadn't bothered getting a later checkout when it was offered as we knew we`d be in Jake`s from around midday...….so around 10.45 we went downstairs to go over the final bill and make sure everything was right...and it was as always......here we saw a front desk lady we hadn't seen this trip.....always good to see her...…

The lobby was mobbed as the weather was awful....so we took our luggage to bell services and went back up to the lounge to pass some time......and again, so nice to be up there as it was so quiet in comparison to the lobby area downstairs...and it was still raining......but supposed to clear a little as we were due to leave for the short journey to the airport.

Just before midday we went down to Jake`s.....it was quite busy, I guess the weather does increase business too......our friend had already sorted a table out.....so he came in just behind us and we went through to the rear of Jake`s which we like as it`s a little quieter...….

It was a lovely lunch......we chatted the whole time non stop and had a really lovely time.....we were so grateful he took the time out of his day for us......and we adore his company......just the nicest man in the world.....Tom still jokes he knows he`s gone down to number two on my list when our friend is around....lol.....

Food was quite a decision……..but Kyle chose his usual cheese pizza with bbq sauce base, Tom went for fish and chips which are amazing in there, I opted for a burger with sweet potato fries and our friend chose the chicken and mozzarella sandwich with sweet potato fries too...….





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We sat for absolutely ages in there...….time always seems to pass so quickly when you are having the nicest of times...….and genuinely, we wanted to sit there all day, it was so lovely...…..

But around 3.pm we knew we had to leave for the airport. The car had to be returned and of course you never know how long things can take...….so we rather sadly headed upstairs to the lobby to retrieve our luggage and say our goodbyes to our friend.

We of course thanked him for lunch and everything else he does for us while we are there......but spending time with him is always a highlight for us.....and saying goodbye to him is always sad......but we know we keep in touch between trips......so a final hug and we turn to get our luggage.

One of the guys has worked there for years and years and he had said to us a few days ago we stayed a lot with them....we said yes we did and he said he had noticed we always seemed to be here.....lol....I suppose we were...funnily enough we knew his brother who now works at another hotel, he had also been at RP for a long time....and again, always lovely when folks know and remember you...…

We took a last look around and then made the walk of shame out the way......we hate walking through the doors with suitcases the wrong way......but, no tears today.

Tom got the car and we got our luggage loaded up and made the journey to the airport.....

Over lunch I noticed I was coughing a little and thought it was just a tickle......and again, pushed it to the back of my mind.....but half way to the airport I began to get a headache....I had only drank strawberry lemonade at lunch so couldn't blame that......I said I`d take a couple of painkillers at the airport.

We got to the car rental drop off and as has been the custom with Alamo.....it was clear and easy....no extra charges had been added and we got the receipt saying we owed zero......excellent.

Walking over to the terminal we always joke we take our last breath of American air....although there is usually a bus going past at the same time so our last breath of fresh air usually isn't so fresh!!!

We head straight to the Virgin desks and we meet a lady who tells us she`ll check us in with the machines....and tells us to go weigh our luggage...we tell her it`s fine....and she gets a little snippy here by saying if they`re even slightly over we`ll be charged....I tell her I don't really care at this point.....but we head over to weigh them and then she calls us back saying she didn't realise we were Premium and had the extra weight allowed.....ever felt like a Beverly Hillbilly!!!!! lol....we must not look as though we can fly Premium....








However, she was quite nice after that as all of a sudden I felt a little light headed...….she suggested I go to Starbucks and ask for something or other.....I wasn't really listening.....I just wanted to go and sit down....then I looked at Kyle and he had gone a rather strange shade of greeny grey......oh no...…

We went and sat in the food court as it was just slightly too early to go through Security.....Tom got us a coffee and some water for Kyle and we all looked a little dismal sitting in our little booth...….we didn't really say much except to say how much we had enjoyed our lunch today......I was so glad we had all felt well enough to have lunch together with our friend.

Eventually, we headed through and of course Tom said we had to take our usual picture by the tree which had become our custom...….so we did....although to be honest....it was the last thing we wanted to do.....but tradition is tradition...…..





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We didn't for some reason get TSA pre check this time, it`s not automatic even if you have Global Entry and we hadn't given Virgin our number for the programme when we checked in......so we had to go through the regular line.....and we were reasonably lucky it wasn't too bad...…

This was a day where you didn't need to take laptops and ipads out nor did we have to take shoes off......so we really did get through fairly quickly.....

Once on the mini people mover we felt glum.....this isn't the way we want to go......but, we forced a smile when someone spoke to us and said very quietly she enjoyed reading our trip reports......I said thank you and we chatted very briefly about how she didn't post on the Dis, but did on another British Site.....it was a brief conversation as we had arrived......so I felt bad as I wasn't my usual cheerful self right now.

We found seats where the 8pm Virgin flight was taking off and Tom and I went back up to get some rum from the Duty Free store....but, we were so quick.....picked four bottles and headed straight back down to just sit...…

It was honestly as if someone had waved the illness wand over us...….we all felt dreadful. Kyle looked like he had already fallen asleep...Tom looked like he was going to just be ill....and I honestly looked like I`d had a lobotomy...….I couldn't hold my head up so just sat and stared at nothing......and we had some time to wait before we could get on the plane.

That waiting was dreadful.

When Virgin load the plane, the start with upper class, then Premium....so we were called but there were hundreds of folks already lined up blocking us getting in....I never understood why folks do this.....we all have assigned seating and it won`t leave till we are all seated...….Tom said excuse me to a lady who was stubbornly refusing to move.....then she got annoyed when we squeezed past her...she called us rude.....I turned and asked why she was blocking the way in...….she just looked at me and as I walked on she said oh it`s alright for them...….ah......so that was her issue......she was in economy and would be allowed on after us. I didn't respond in any way......she obviously had her issues to deal with.

We got on the plane and our seats were so handy.....we were in Premium but the downstairs premium which is so handy for getting off the plane at the other end.

Staff as always were wonderful...so friendly and one lady asked if Kyle was alright, I said no he had a cold and felt a little whooped....she said if he needed anything to let her know, I thanked her and said I would.

We were in a row of four I sat at the end, then Kyle, then Tom and he had a very nice young man to his right hand side.....they chatted a little and seemed to enjoy their conversation.

Kyle however, sat down, pulled on his eye mask out of the Amenity pack and went to sleep. Oh my goodness he was a horrible colour.....white mixed with an awful shade of grey...…..I thought when we took off I`d get his blanket and cover him with it...….but until take off he was actually warm enough.

We did take off on time and usually I love the take off......I barely even noticed it tonight...….I had taken a glass of sparkly as we sat down which is always offered in Premium and upper.....I thought it might help me sleep, but didn't really help in the end. Virgin are the airline that offer all drinks and food complimentary....and you can get as many drinks as you like......of course alcohol is limited not because of cost, but if they think someone has had enough they will say no. Which is a good thing of course......but you can go and ask for pepsi and such anytime.

Food was served and it was a Thai Curry......Tom and I took a few bites and left it....Kyle still hadn't moved so I told her I`d take a water for him in case he woke up...….I then covered him up and found my own blanket....Tom by now was looking awful.....he leaned over and said he felt like he was going to throw up....he was closest to the bathroom which was ideal I suppose if he did need to go.

I meanwhile went downhill rapidly...….I was light headed and felt like I had been beaten by a baseball bat.....so I sat in one position and when the lights dimmed and everyone was reclining I reclined my seat and Tom did his and Kyle`s too......Kyle didn't notice or move.....and actually I did nudge him slightly at this point as he really was an awful colour and was breathing only a little...….but he wriggled a little when I did......silly thought but he did look awful.

The flight was so quiet.....but, the boy behind me with his mum had their light on for reading and the boy was reading every word of something. I didn't complain as I soon realised the boy had some sort of Autism....and his mum was trying to tell him to keep it quiet, I hoped no one else complained because they hadn't realised the young boy was autistic.

It wouldn't have made much difference…...I felt too ill to sleep...….I just didn't want Kyle wakened......but around 4 hours into the flight I heard Tom say excuse me to the guy at the end....I just thought he was going to the bathroom.....he was, but he thought he was going to pass out......he just sat for around 20 minutes trying not to be ill or pass out......I didn't know this at the time of course......meanwhile I just looked liked I`d been dosed up with something as I felt my head heavy and couldn`t really move it...….









Eventually even with shivering, I think I dropped off for maybe an hour as the next thing I knew they turned on the lights and we knew we were less than an hour away...….none of us felt better. I saw CC look at us......I swear she thought we would all be taken out in a box!!!! She asked if she could do anything....I said no we just wanted to get home...…sitting there felt like an eternity....and thankfully the landing was good and we did have a slot to pull into...….sometimes we have to wait for anytime from 15 minutes to an hour for whatever reason.....so this was good news.

I woke Kyle up and as the doors opened we all stumbled off.....again CC asked if they could help......there wasn't anything but thanked them anyway....usually we have a ten mile hike to get to Passport control and I was about to say to Tom I couldn't walk that far...when we turned the corner and we didn't have that long walk today...it was right there...….relief.

Got through easily, we use the machines but I had to see an officer for some reason....he just checked my details and said have a good day...…

Next up is luggage. This can be a hit or a miss......and today we were lucky again, as our luggage was all among the first off!!! Result.

We did wonder about getting a day room at the Radisson and just sleeping the day away, but Tom was worried he`d be worse tomorrow....so we said we`d push on.....but Kyle was starving as he hadn't eaten since lunchtime yesterday...….so we decided to go in to their restaurant for the buffet breakfast......I could go a cup of tea to be honest. That`s what we did, but to say we all looked dreadful was an understatement...….and the first person we encountered was a lovely guy we`ve known for years since he was a waiter....he`s the restaurant manager now and immediately came over for a hug....I did tell him we were diseased but he didn't bother......made us feel very welcome and took us to a table where our luggage wouldn't get in anyone`s way.....and we did enjoy the buffet......I told Kyle to just sit and I got him some cereal and water.....Tom and I had copious amounts of tea and we had a selection from the buffet......it filled a hole but I couldn't even tell you what we had.

We then went to the bathroom and then to get the keys for the car and we went out into the cold December morning. And thankfully it wasn't too bad....it actually felt mild. Unusual for this time of the year.

Luggage loaded we got in the car and Kyle immediately fell asleep again......the journey is just under 4 hours now....we do live slightly further away than we used to so it does take longer......but how Tom managed it I`ll never know...….I was awake for around an hour then I just conked out. Poor Tom, he relies on us to help keep him awake but he manages just fine. I think you do when you are driving.....but if he had felt unsafe he would have pulled over.

Once back home we left everything and went straight to bed. And we slept. Around 4 hours, then forced ourselves to get up so we could stay awake till around 11pm and try to get back to normal. We don't usually get take out delivered, but we did tonight......pizza. But, it was more because we had to eat as we still felt bad. But we were home and so glad to be in our own bed.

Kyle recovered fairly quickly and had time off till Friday, so he made it back to work when he should have.....as for Tom and I, it took us to mid January to finally clear whatever it was we had. I developed a cough that just wouldn't clear and the usual flu symptoms.....Tom was the same but worse. We had no energy and we were so glad we had put all the trees and decorations up before we left...….the guy who helps with the gardening had put up the last of the outside stuff after we`d gone.....but they would never have been up if it had been down to us.

But, at least we were home in one piece...….





FINAL THOUGHTS



First of all I`d love to thank each and everyone of you who have read and commented on this report......it has meant the world to read your comments and I am so glad to know you have enjoyed it again......I know I can babble on a bit at times, but I do try not to......so Thank you so much.

As always the highlights of our trip are never just one thing...….we adore everything about our trips , but the ultimate highlight is having our wonderful son with us for this trip...….spending time together as a family is the most precious thing in the world......other things don't touch it......and we enjoy every single second we are together...…

This trip was longer than last years Christmas trip at 10 nights......thankfully as of course Kyle missed the last few days......but before that we had an absolute blast together...…..

Virgin flights were wonderful as always...….and when we arrived at Royal Pacific we immediately felt we had come home......we are always made to feel so welcome...by everyone......as soon as you enter the property you are home.

The hotel is fabulous and we love everything about it...….from front desk staff to the amazing staff in the Club Lounge and everyone in between, we adore them all. And of course we have some amazing people who are extra special to us there, that we are so lucky to be in their lives.

Parks were fabulous. We love the festive season at Universal and already plan to go back this year again for a Christmas trip...…..the shows and interactions you experience in the parks are amazing....so much fun and we loved every second.

Food was as always lovely...….we always enjoy The Palm and by the same token equally enjoy cheap and cheerful places like Orlando Ale House and anything in between...….and we did enjoy everywhere we went this year again.

Weather was beautiful......apart from that one absolutely freezing day, we had loads of sunshine and temperatures were perfect most of the time.

Meeting friends was as always a real highlight. We spent a lovely evening with Keishashadow and her husband and it was one of the best nights we had.....we were just sorry Kyle didn't make it that night......but we did enjoy it.

2018 was a wonderful year for us. We have been fortunate last year to enjoy five visits to Orlando and each and everyone of them were amazing...….there`s something special about it there for us.....the feeling of being at home is special.

So, for 2019......we have one or two trips planned already...…..

In March we are there for two weeks at Sapphire Falls for Mardi Gras...….and a bit of touring around.

May is two weeks again at Sapphire Falls......we plan to tour around a bit more then too.

June, I am taking my mum again to NY to see family. Only for a week, so it`s quite a short visit.....mainly be staying in LI.

September we have a bigger trip planned......we decided to stay in Orlando for a month......and we`ll be at Royal Pacific for most of it, maybe 25 nights, then switch over for our last few days to Sapphire Falls.

Late November and December we have 11 nights booked at RPR...….and again, Kyle has had his leave sanctioned and will be returning with us for another festive treat.....and this time we are not catching any colds or flu`s...……

Again, thank you so much for being part of this trip report...…..it`s so nice to have your company all the way through......I apologise it`s dragged on a bit......but finally finished...…..I hope you really did enjoy the read.


Hope to see you all for the next one...…..March is just around the corner.







 
Thank you Carole! A good glass of wine and a nights sleep did wonders.... I'm so much better today!!
We leave in 29 days! Looking forward to meeting you and Tom!:flower3:

I`m so glad to hear it.....I was wondering how you were last night...…

Oh we are so looking forward to meeting up next month......will fix the details when it`s a little closer and we both know what we are doing....but we will manage it!!!!

Can`t wait...…..::yes::
 
Another fantastic report Carole! So sorry for the illness - that has happened to me too. But Orlando is the best! I am adding KSC to my April trip now
 
Fabulous as usual Carole!!!

We just did a short stay last month and won’t be back until September, I always love the wonderful photos, as many times as we have been I can look at them and put myself back there with memories of sounds and smells and excitement, your phenomenal writing really helps also!
 
Great report...sad that it's over. There are few places I dread being sick more than on a plane...but then again I hate flying, so it's double the misery lol.

as for Tom and I, it took us to mid January to finally clear whatever it was we had. I developed a cough that just wouldn't clear and the usual flu symptoms.....

Us too! My husband is still hacking away and actually had to go to the urgent clinic two days after we returned, as his fever climbed quite high. That bug was a bad one and so many people visiting Orlando in Nov/Dec seemed to catch it from what I've been reading on the boards and in facebook. We usually get colds, but not like that. :crazy2:

Here's hoping we're both healthier next time. Looking forward to your march report.
 
Hope to see you all for the next one...…..March is just around the corner.







Hooray! I feel like clapping! What a lovely trip report, Carole! It's been such fun reading and following along. Don't apologize for a moment for taking your time writing it. I have SO enjoyed logging in each day to catch up and look for new posts from you. Really!

We all just love your reports - I love the way you write - you have such a friendly way of expressing yourself and your reviews are so thoughtful. I am so happy to hear of your planned 2019 trips and am really looking forward to reading them. I hope your February is going along well with your "prep" for your March trip!

Thanks again for taking the time to write such a fantastic trip report :)
 

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