WHO YA GONNA CALL" 29 NIGHTS OF GHOSTBUSTERS, MONSTERS & MORE - A 2019 HHN/SFR/RPR TR

Finally caught up! We have an Eddie V's here, and I really want to go to it. I think I just may next weekend. Anyway, loving the report. Hating you got a strain in your calf. :| Hopefully that doesn't affect the rest of the trip!

Oh you should go.......we were so impressed with it!

It was a bit of a niggle and did slow me down a little some days, I’m not exactly known for being a runner...... :rotfl: so, long as I took it easy it was fine, but if I forgot getting out of bed........ouch!

So glad you’re enjoying it Alice.......:wave2:
 
No cheese plate at work... :( So, I went and got Cheetos Puffs White Cheddar. Close? No??

er maybe not.........lol........

We have a brie, Stilton with cranberry, smoked Gouda, Emmental and a spicy devil cheese......it is hot!!! We won’t eat much, just a little of each cheese with some crackers.....and of course grapes.

Enjoy those Cheetos though!!
 
You should definitely tour the Flagler College dining hall next time! It was designed by Louis Tiffany & has wonderful stained glass windows.
 
Last edited:


You should definitely tour the Flagler College dining hall next time! It was designed by Louis Tiffany & has wonderful stained glass windows.

The day we went they had blocked it off, but, yes, we did want to see it.....
I’m sure we’ll go back again another time and have better look around. Such a beautiful place.
 
Thing I appreciate most about the Landry’s card is the priority seating perk. Use it every visit to AK for Yak & Yeti...not worrying about jumping thru hoops making an ADR 180 days in advance...priceless lol. Same at TRex site in DS.

Rarely, have we ever needed to use the onsite dining priority seating perks @ U. So relaxing to basically wing it when staying there!
 
Thing I appreciate most about the Landry’s card is the priority seating perk. Use it every visit to AK for Yak & Yeti...not worrying about jumping thru hoops making an ADR 180 days in advance...priceless lol. Same at TRex site in DS.

Rarely, have we ever needed to use the onsite dining priority seating perks @ U. So relaxing to basically wing it when staying there!

Yes, I can see where the perks would be there for sure.......I think it would only be at Oceannaire we would ever benefit from using it, but getting a reservation there is easy. I’m just the type of person if a waiter perseveres after being told no......twice! I dig my heels in further.......lol......you may have guessed that by now...... :rotfl:


Yes, dining at Universal is so easy.......:thumbsup2
 


WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 25TH




We had a week left!!!!












Last night was a little unusual......I was up most of the night, not feeling good at all.....I eventually moved through to the sitting area so as not to disturb Tom....I felt as though I was going to throw up the whole night. However, he appeared around 2am with similar feeling, but he also had terrible indigestion, something he never has. I`m not sure either of us ate enough of the ribs to cause it, or whether there was something with the brisket...….but something didn't sit well with us at all.

Around 3.30am, I finally fell back over and it had felt a long night.

We slept till 8am....not sure when we last slept so late in the morning anytime not just here!! We both still felt a little delicate, so took our time......we showered and went up for breakfast, although neither of us planned on eating much.

DisneyLifePapione and family were leaving today, so we got to say goodbye to them before they left. We were glad to have met them finally. We didn't have much for breakfast, one of the girls got me a ginger tea, and some bags to take away with me in case I needed them again. They had worked wonders for Kyle last December, plus I liked them.....anything ginger!!!


Today we had planned to go the parks, but neither of us particularly felt like it today after such a disturbed night. So, we decided to go to the Mall at Millenia.

When Tom had bought me my birthday purse from Bloomingdales earlier in the month, because we spent over a certain amount, we had received a $50 gift card to be used on anything in the store on or after Sept 25th.....which was today.....so I knew we`d be heading to Bloomingdales first this morning.


Tom walked down to get the car, and I waited in the shade.....it`s very rare to see this area devoid of cars. I do have the odd picture of this area empty.






i-pch5mPb-X2.jpg








i-VVThppS-X2.jpg








The Mall is around a 5-10 minute drive, it`s very close but traffic sometime can be a nightmare any time of day between the I-4 and then traffic near the Mall. We usually avoid weekends here as it`s so much worse, and of course parking isn't easy then either. But, today, there were plenty of spaces.

We love the Mall here......there are plenty of stores we enjoy snooping around and some we just pass by. Plenty of choice for everyone.


Today, it`s straight to Bloomingdales and I have a wander around to see what I want to use the voucher for. I ask Tom if there`s anything he would like......and after he stopped laughing he said no, he was happy for me to spend it. It wasn`t that funny!!!!

I ended up using it against another bottle of Chanel Chance Au Fraiche, my favourite perfume, and one I wear more than any other. Getting the smaller bottle I believe worked out at around $40 to pay. I always buy the larger bottle when we`re here but this would be a nice little addition.

On the way out I spotted Bobbi Brown make up, so I picked up a shimmery eye shadow I like...….my other of that did need replaced. I was quite pleased with my purchases today.


We wandered around for a while, but didn't really see anything else. We looked in the Tag Heur store and saw that none of the staff we knew weren`t there anymore. I know Kyle would like to look in here again in December and we knew them quite well over the last few years......although I doubted Kyle would buy another Tag watch this year again!!!!







i-jp3GZtz-X2.jpg








Tiffany occasionally have a display in the middle of the main area, and today it was there, but no staff were around so we didn't get to wander the display and see what it was.







i-hkPkMP3-X2.jpg








Outside it was blazing hot again......and so beautiful...…..we risked the wrath of the guards again, inside and out by taking numerous pictures of the Mall......without anyone in them.....but, no one again said a word.







i-QMCJh8B-X2.jpg








i-skLKG3p-X2.jpg








A young couple I thought were German, were taking pictures of each other individually, Tom offered to take some of them together which they gladly accepted and reciprocated by taking several of us.

They weren`t German after all, they were Brazilian.....and they soon brought up football and the Brazilian team vs the Scottish team.....lol.....no comparison whatsoever!!!! But, they did like Scotland and he had gone there as a kid to watch Scotland play which was interesting to hear.....his abiding memory was how cold it was.....lol....I`ll bet it was compared to Brazil!!!







i-JP5mhJS-X2.jpg








I have to admit, we were now hungry...…...very hungry. And although it might be a little early, we had decided to go to Nagoya Sushi for lunch.

We had heard about this place ages ago and just never seemed to make it there......we did plan dinner one night, but I thought since they open at lunch, let`s give it a try and if it`s as good as everyone says it is, we`ll go back for dinner.


It`s situated off Sand Lake Road and somewhat to the back of Toojays, so not far away. We had been told it`s never usually busy, which you would assume is a bad sign? But, we had been assured we`d love it.

If you didn`t know it was there, you may not find it.

It is in a little strip mall and not obvious at all. And it`s very uninspiring when you do find it.







i-jG5pFCc-X2.jpg









i-ZT5MPDj-X2.jpg








We did get a friendly welcome, and it was quiet as we had been told, only one other table had someone sitting in as we came in. A few tables filled up though as lunch progressed which was nice to see.

Nagoya is small and intimate place, it has a few booths, and one large booth, the rest are tables........and wow the staff were friendly and so polite.







i-9sdSRH4-X2.jpg








i-KS2ND5Z-X2.jpg








Both of us ordered lemonades and had a look at the extensive menu. They did have some lunch specials which looked good, as well as the full menu available all day which we liked the sound of.







i-Mgn3QjD-X2.jpg








Miso soup was our first course.....it came as part of lunch and my goodness, weirdly after we ate it...…we both felt so much better!!! It felt like a magic elixir........and very tasty too.






i-R93PVzb-X2.jpg








I decided to try their sushi, and ordered a Dynamite Roll and a Scallop Roll.......







i-vpfBfpf-X2.jpg








This is a Bento Box!!!!! It really makes the ones served at Cowfish a bit of a joke......

Tom opted for Spicy Chicken and it came with your choice of rice, a sushi and tempura veg selection and I forget what the thing on the top corner is......but wow, we did enjoy this.







i-T6qN5r2-X2.jpg








We shared everything as always and his spicy chicken was divine......not overly spicy (not much is for us) but very tasty and we just loved everything we had tried today. We did indeed plan to come back for dinner one evening.

No room for dessert, but we both felt so much better now....maybe it was just eating some food, but whatever it was we had enjoyed this lunch so much. And it was ridiculously cheap at around $35. We paid the check and headed back outside to get in the car to drive the short distance to the Publix just up a little bit from the restaurant.......


Yes, it was hot.........






i-Xzht8HG-X2.jpg








This Publix was one I had never been in before, and it was in many ways, just another Publix, but it had a little kitchen area for cooking lessons and food evenings which I thought was lovely......so many people can`t cook and it`s so easy!!! So, anything that focuses and promotes cooking is fabulous. Cooking is something I love to do and I am quite good if I do say so myself.....but on vacation??? Never......

And it had a rather nice wine selection...….







i-H9kVBJr-X2.jpg









i-T8tcZS3-X2.jpg








I try not to think of the huge mark up restaurants attach to the wines we drink.......yep, best not to think about it!! But, the Sonoma Cutrer is one of my favourites below, and not easily available where we live. So, we pay whatever they charge. And the grocery store price is a bargain!!!








i-qM4BXRn-X2.jpg








We love grocery stores in the States...….seafood and other fresh produce looks so marvellous and we would certainly shop here and at Wholefoods if we lived here!!!! The fish guy here was incredibly knowledgeable and knew where we lived had some excellent seafood, he did know his product.







i-D6zv2Cw-X2.jpg









i-xfP8TRb-X2.jpg








A wander round the store showed us they sold some international produce too and the item below is what we call a chocolate biscuit.....







i-zJVxK7V-X2.jpg








In the UK, a biscuit is a treat to have with a cup of tea or coffee.....and delicious!!! You can imagine how confused as first timers all those years ago to the states we saw Biscuits and Gravy put together on a menu???













It didn`t really help when we saw them for the first time and wondered why folks were putting soup on what we would call a scone!!!!! Very confusing time.......the so called soup of course was sausage gravy, yes, we now know what biscuits and gravy are........delicious.......

We were in looking for candied ginger as one of the managers we know loves it. But, it was proving elusive to find in the size I wanted, but one of the staff really went out of his way to find some as he knew they sold it, but no one seemed to know where it was stored. We meanwhile paid for our other purchases and one of the staff came after us and proudly showed us he had found it. We thanked him and came back in to pay.....they were very small packages, and not what we were looking for as a gift, but I would eat it.....and it was lovely. We would search further another day.

Driving back home, we saw Wholefoods, and decided we`d get some in there, but it would be another day as to be honest, we both felt like a nap. Being up half the night had taken it`s toll today. So a swift hour or so nap, would be very nice.


Tom dropped me off and went to park the car, I waited for him in the cool of the lobby.......I stood in front of the big window facing the elephants, and I saw one of the Concierge staff look over.....I didn`t really know this young man very well at all, but he knew us. He walked over and he handed me a Godiva bag and said a guest had left this for us at their desk?????

I looked in it and there was a beautiful pumpkin Halloween shaped box filled with chocolates........I asked him who it was that left it and he said he didn`t know......I looked inside again and still didn`t see anything with a name.......so I thanked him and he said he could go ask if they had left a name at the desk, but didn`t think they had.......at that I spotted the note that had sat right against the bag, so you wouldn`t automatically notice it.......


I smiled when I read it.........it was from the one and only Janet......Keishashadow.

How lovely!!!! They had dropped it in on their way past as she knew they would melt if she brought them to the park, we were meeting them for lunch tomorrow...…it was such a lovely surprise!!!! And when Tom walked in he immediately spotted the bag...and his eyes lit up like a Christmas Tree when I showed him what they were......we would enjoy them!!!!


Back in the room we admired our lovely gift and our few purchases today........







i-KWdLrmB-X2.jpg









i-xhm4HZH-X2.jpg








It was beautiful outside and the pool was almost empty, and very tempting......but, today we needed a snooze!!! Although we may or may not have had one of those delicious chocolates each before we did snooze....... :rolleyes1







i-DbKTRsb-X2.jpg








Drapes closed, we slept soundly for almost 2 hours. And I think we really needed it today. Losing so much sleep last night, it was nice to make it up this afternoon.

We showered and changed and headed up to the lounge for a while before HHN tonight again.

Food tonight was orange chicken, and I had a little taster, just a little though with our wine. Tom had some cheese.







i-96b5PZD-X2.jpg









i-5BkhMv9-X2.jpg









i-Cn8qLS9-X2.jpg








We found out our little buddy who we call our second son, Colby got the job he applied for in Orchids Lounge. He had been in the Club Lounge for so long, it was time he moved on. We were so happy for him. But, he`ll be missed in the lounge as he is almost a fixture......

A British lady stopped me as I walked past her table and asked if I was the lady who was staying a month, I said yes.....she asked if I thought there was enough to do for two weeks staying here alone.....I told her absolutely......you can base yourself anywhere and travel around. She asked what we did and I told her roughly what our days consisted of, and she was surprised to hear we never did Disney or SeaWorld....never felt the need to go back and they certainly haven't made it appealing the last years. Either place. But, she got the info she was looking for and thanked me for the time......no problem.

Today we looked ahead to next May. We had our hotel booked of course since last May, and we had booked flights when we got home....with Thomas Cook.....of course.


So, I knew we had to get flights sorted out sooner rather than later, Tom said bring up the website and look now and see if we can get them booked today. yay!!!!












He didn`t need to ask me twice!!!! Ipad out, and brought up the Virgin Atlantic site, typed in our same dates......and we were glad to be sitting down!!! So, prices were double what we had paid with TC.....actually slightly more than double. Of course we could have lessened it by not booking Premium seats, but we do like them.....I did hesitate for a micro second, but Tom said go ahead!!!












We were both just happy to have flights sorted. We knew we could have changed the dates but we were happy with those ones, so it all worked out in the end. There was also the case for reclaiming the money we had paid for the May TC flights to be refunded off our Credit Card, but we`d look at that when we got back to the UK. Right now we were just happy to have flights booked and again we were flying with Virgin Atlantic.

It felt good to be sorted, so we celebrated with a glass of wine and then headed off for another HHN.
 
Long overdue but :) happy you enjoyed the little treat. I’ve had macaroons from my town turn into a pile of goo after a flight down & chocolate fail miserably in what I assume is due to the temperature/extreme changes? I lol’d all the way out to the car after the strange interaction with concierge staff member when dropping it off.

Cowfish was a one & done for us, one of the reasons was their bento box. The 2nd was the digestive issues afterwards for me. Sushi, it’s either good, or it’s not lol. That new spot you tried looked great.

Is it me or did the concierge lounge’s offerings look just a bit tastier in this last installment? Not a fan of orange chicken but that one looked appealing.

Thank goodness for sorting out the air snafu! Kudos for keeping your cool about it. We ran into several folks who were not quite so centered re the issue that same day during our extended checkin period at Cabana Bay. Appears there were many on packages who were on rather tight budgets. Were offered replacement flights but had lost their packaged prepaid way to the airport. Once honeymooning couple was rather frantic, but wound up sharing another couples’ transport. What a mess!
 
WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 25TH




We had a week left!!!!












Last night was a little unusual......I was up most of the night, not feeling good at all.....I eventually moved through to the sitting area so as not to disturb Tom....I felt as though I was going to throw up the whole night. However, he appeared around 2am with similar feeling, but he also had terrible indigestion, something he never has. I`m not sure either of us ate enough of the ribs to cause it, or whether there was something with the brisket...….but something didn't sit well with us at all.

Around 3.30am, I finally fell back over and it had felt a long night.

We slept till 8am....not sure when we last slept so late in the morning anytime not just here!! We both still felt a little delicate, so took our time......we showered and went up for breakfast, although neither of us planned on eating much.

DisneyLifePapione and family were leaving today, so we got to say goodbye to them before they left. We were glad to have met them finally. We didn't have much for breakfast, one of the girls got me a ginger tea, and some bags to take away with me in case I needed them again. They had worked wonders for Kyle last December, plus I liked them.....anything ginger!!!

Today we had planned to go the parks, but neither of us particularly felt like it today after such a disturbed night. So, we decided to go to the Mall at Millenia.

When Tom had bought me my birthday purse from Bloomingdales earlier in the month, because we spent over a certain amount, we had received a $50 gift card to be used on anything in the store on or after Sept 25th.....which was today.....so I knew we`d be heading to Bloomingdales first this morning.

Tom walked down to get the car, and I waited in the shade.....it`s very rare to see this area devoid of cars. I do have the odd picture of this area empty.







i-pch5mPb-X2.jpg








i-VVThppS-X2.jpg








The Mall is around a 5-10 minute drive, it`s very close but traffic sometime can be a nightmare any time of day between the I-4 and then traffic near the Mall. We usually avoid weekends here as it`s so much worse, and of course parking isn't easy then either. But, today, there were plenty of spaces.

We love the Mall here......there are plenty of stores we enjoy snooping around and some we just pass by. Plenty of choice for everyone.


Today, it`s straight to Bloomingdales and I have a wander around to see what I want to use the voucher for. I ask Tom if there`s anything he would like......and after he stopped laughing he said no, he was happy for me to spend it. It wasn`t that funny!!!!

I ended up using it against another bottle of Chanel Chance Au Fraiche, my favourite perfume, and one I wear more than any other. Getting the smaller bottle I believe worked out at around $40 to pay. I always buy the larger bottle when we`re here but this would be a nice little addition.

On the way out I spotted Bobbi Brown make up, so I picked up a shimmery eye shadow I like...….my other of that did need replaced. I was quite pleased with my purchases today.

We wandered around for a while, but didn't really see anything else. We looked in the Tag Heur store and saw that none of the staff we knew weren`t there anymore. I know Kyle would like to look in here again in December and we knew them quite well over the last few years......although I doubted Kyle would buy another Tag watch this year again!!!!








i-jp3GZtz-X2.jpg








Tiffany occasionally have a display in the middle of the main area, and today it was there, but no staff were around so we didn't get to wander the display and see what it was.







i-hkPkMP3-X2.jpg








Outside it was blazing hot again......and so beautiful...…..we risked the wrath of the guards again, inside and out by taking numerous pictures of the Mall......without anyone in them.....but, no one again said a word.







i-QMCJh8B-X2.jpg








i-skLKG3p-X2.jpg








A young couple I thought were German, were taking pictures of each other individually, Tom offered to take some of them together which they gladly accepted and reciprocated by taking several of us.

They weren`t German after all, they were Brazilian.....and they soon brought up football and the Brazilian team vs the Scottish team.....lol.....no comparison whatsoever!!!! But, they did like Scotland and he had gone there as a kid to watch Scotland play which was interesting to hear.....his abiding memory was how cold it was.....lol....I`ll bet it was compared to Brazil!!!








i-JP5mhJS-X2.jpg








I have to admit, we were now hungry...…...very hungry. And although it might be a little early, we had decided to go to Nagoya Sushi for lunch.

We had heard about this place ages ago and just never seemed to make it there......we did plan dinner one night, but I thought since they open at lunch, let`s give it a try and if it`s as good as everyone says it is, we`ll go back for dinner.


It`s situated off Sand Lake Road and somewhat to the back of Toojays, so not far away. We had been told it`s never usually busy, which you would assume is a bad sign? But, we had been assured we`d love it.

If you didn`t know it was there, you may not find it.


It is in a little strip mall and not obvious at all. And it`s very uninspiring when you do find it.







i-jG5pFCc-X2.jpg









i-ZT5MPDj-X2.jpg








We did get a friendly welcome, and it was quiet as we had been told, only one other table had someone sitting in as we came in. A few tables filled up though as lunch progressed which was nice to see.

Nagoya is small and intimate place, it has a few booths, and one large booth, the rest are tables........and wow the staff were friendly and so polite.








i-9sdSRH4-X2.jpg








i-KS2ND5Z-X2.jpg








Both of us ordered lemonades and had a look at the extensive menu. They did have some lunch specials which looked good, as well as the full menu available all day which we liked the sound of.







i-Mgn3QjD-X2.jpg








Miso soup was our first course.....it came as part of lunch and my goodness, weirdly after we ate it...…we both felt so much better!!! It felt like a magic elixir........and very tasty too.






i-R93PVzb-X2.jpg








I decided to try their sushi, and ordered a Dynamite Roll and a Scallop Roll.......







i-vpfBfpf-X2.jpg








This is a Bento Box!!!!! It really makes the ones served at Cowfish a bit of a joke......

Tom opted for Spicy Chicken and it came with your choice of rice, a sushi and tempura veg selection and I forget what the thing on the top corner is......but wow, we did enjoy this.








i-T6qN5r2-X2.jpg








We shared everything as always and his spicy chicken was divine......not overly spicy (not much is for us) but very tasty and we just loved everything we had tried today. We did indeed plan to come back for dinner one evening.

No room for dessert, but we both felt so much better now....maybe it was just eating some food, but whatever it was we had enjoyed this lunch so much. And it was ridiculously cheap at around $35. We paid the check and headed back outside to get in the car to drive the short distance to the Publix just up a little bit from the restaurant.......

Yes, it was hot.........







i-Xzht8HG-X2.jpg








This Publix was one I had never been in before, and it was in many ways, just another Publix, but it had a little kitchen area for cooking lessons and food evenings which I thought was lovely......so many people can`t cook and it`s so easy!!! So, anything that focuses and promotes cooking is fabulous. Cooking is something I love to do and I am quite good if I do say so myself.....but on vacation??? Never......

And it had a rather nice wine selection...….








i-H9kVBJr-X2.jpg









i-T8tcZS3-X2.jpg








I try not to think of the huge mark up restaurants attach to the wines we drink.......yep, best not to think about it!! But, the Sonoma Cutrer is one of my favourites below, and not easily available where we live. So, we pay whatever they charge. And the grocery store price is a bargain!!!








i-qM4BXRn-X2.jpg








We love grocery stores in the States...….seafood and other fresh produce looks so marvellous and we would certainly shop here and at Wholefoods if we lived here!!!! The fish guy here was incredibly knowledgeable and knew where we lived had some excellent seafood, he did know his product.







i-D6zv2Cw-X2.jpg









i-xfP8TRb-X2.jpg








A wander round the store showed us they sold some international produce too and the item below is what we call a chocolate biscuit.....







i-zJVxK7V-X2.jpg








In the UK, a biscuit is a treat to have with a cup of tea or coffee.....and delicious!!! You can imagine how confused as first timers all those years ago to the states we saw Biscuits and Gravy put together on a menu???













It didn`t really help when we saw them for the first time and wondered why folks were putting soup on what we would call a scone!!!!! Very confusing time.......the so called soup of course was sausage gravy, yes, we now know what biscuits and gravy are........delicious.......

We were in looking for candied ginger as one of the managers we know loves it. But, it was proving elusive to find in the size I wanted, but one of the staff really went out of his way to find some as he knew they sold it, but no one seemed to know where it was stored. We meanwhile paid for our other purchases and one of the staff came after us and proudly showed us he had found it. We thanked him and came back in to pay.....they were very small packages, and not what we were looking for as a gift, but I would eat it.....and it was lovely. We would search further another day.

Driving back home, we saw Wholefoods, and decided we`d get some in there, but it would be another day as to be honest, we both felt like a nap. Being up half the night had taken it`s toll today. So a swift hour or so nap, would be very nice.

Tom dropped me off and went to park the car, I waited for him in the cool of the lobby.......I stood in front of the big window facing the elephants, and I saw one of the Concierge staff look over.....I didn`t really know this young man very well at all, but he knew us. He walked over and he handed me a Godiva bag and said a guest had left this for us at their desk?????

I looked in it and there was a beautiful pumpkin Halloween shaped box filled with chocolates........I asked him who it was that left it and he said he didn`t know......I looked inside again and still didn`t see anything with a name.......so I thanked him and he said he could go ask if they had left a name at the desk, but didn`t think they had.......at that I spotted the note that had sat right against the bag, so you wouldn`t automatically notice it.......

I smiled when I read it.........it was from the one and only Janet......Keishashadow.

How lovely!!!! They had dropped it in on their way past as she knew they would melt if she brought them to the park, we were meeting them for lunch tomorrow...…it was such a lovely surprise!!!! And when Tom walked in he immediately spotted the bag...and his eyes lit up like a Christmas Tree when I showed him what they were......we would enjoy them!!!!

Back in the room we admired our lovely gift and our few purchases today........








i-KWdLrmB-X2.jpg









i-xhm4HZH-X2.jpg








It was beautiful outside and the pool was almost empty, and very tempting......but, today we needed a snooze!!! Although we may or may not have had one of those delicious chocolates each before we did snooze....... :rolleyes1







i-DbKTRsb-X2.jpg








Drapes closed, we slept soundly for almost 2 hours. And I think we really needed it today. Losing so much sleep last night, it was nice to make it up this afternoon.

We showered and changed and headed up to the lounge for a while before HHN tonight again.

Food tonight was orange chicken, and I had a little taster, just a little though with our wine. Tom had some cheese.







i-96b5PZD-X2.jpg









i-5BkhMv9-X2.jpg









i-Cn8qLS9-X2.jpg








We found out our little buddy who we call our second son, Colby got the job he applied for in Orchids Lounge. He had been in the Club Lounge for so long, it was time he moved on. We were so happy for him. But, he`ll be missed in the lounge as he is almost a fixture......

A British lady stopped me as I walked past her table and asked if I was the lady who was staying a month, I said yes.....she asked if I thought there was enough to do for two weeks staying here alone.....I told her absolutely......you can base yourself anywhere and travel around. She asked what we did and I told her roughly what our days consisted of, and she was surprised to hear we never did Disney or SeaWorld....never felt the need to go back and they certainly haven't made it appealing the last years. Either place. But, she got the info she was looking for and thanked me for the time......no problem.

Today we looked ahead to next May. We had our hotel booked of course since last May, and we had booked flights when we got home....with Thomas Cook.....of course.

So, I knew we had to get flights sorted out sooner rather than later, Tom said bring up the website and look now and see if we can get them booked today. yay!!!!













He didn`t need to ask me twice!!!! Ipad out, and brought up the Virgin Atlantic site, typed in our same dates......and we were glad to be sitting down!!! So, prices were double what we had paid with TC.....actually slightly more than double. Of course we could have lessened it by not booking Premium seats, but we do like them.....I did hesitate for a micro second, but Tom said go ahead!!!












We were both just happy to have flights sorted. We knew we could have changed the dates but we were happy with those ones, so it all worked out in the end. There was also the case for reclaiming the money we had paid for the May TC flights to be refunded off our Credit Card, but we`d look at that when we got back to the UK. Right now we were just happy to have flights booked and again we were flying with Virgin Atlantic.

It felt good to be sorted, so we celebrated with a glass of wine and then headed off for another HHN.

Was very nice to have finally met up indeed!!!

You both were very right in saying we would really like Sapphire Falls, and Marian had set us up in a really lovely suite with a very nice view, LB sent up some Strawberries, and we really enjoyed our stay there.

Next time we can catch up over a drink or 3 at Strongwater or another favorite spot!!

I bet the excitement is really building at home especially with Kyle coming along on the Holidays trip in only a couple of weeks. We won’t make it down this year but have 10 nights planned for next year’s Holidays already!

:wave2:
 
Long overdue but :) happy you enjoyed the little treat. I’ve had macaroons from my town turn into a pile of goo after a flight down & chocolate fail miserably in what I assume is due to the temperature/extreme changes? I lol’d all the way out to the car after the strange interaction with concierge staff member when dropping it off.

Cowfish was a one & done for us, one of the reasons was their bento box. The 2nd was the digestive issues afterwards for me. Sushi, it’s either good, or it’s not lol. That new spot you tried looked great.

Is it me or did the concierge lounge’s offerings look just a bit tastier in this last installment? Not a fan of orange chicken but that one looked appealing.

Thank goodness for sorting out the air snafu! Kudos for keeping your cool about it. We ran into several folks who were not quite so centered re the issue that same day during our extended checkin period at Cabana Bay. Appears there were many on packages who were on rather tight budgets. Were offered replacement flights but had lost their packaged prepaid way to the airport. Once honeymooning couple was rather frantic, but wound up sharing another couples’ transport. What a mess!

Yes, that was quite the exchange you had. It made us laugh too..... I did mention it to Kayla, the Concierge manager when we saw her later for a chat! Did I tell you I also told her about your superstar treatment at Cabana Bay......lol......she knew what was coming before I told her........it did seem a bit ridiculous......

We thought the sushi at Cowfish was completely subpar......wouldn’t order it again.....burgers are fab, but sushi.....no.

Yes, some nights the orange chicken looked better than others......one of the supervisors mentioned the same thing......

We felt so sorry for those that were stuck with no hotel and more with TC. yes, we realised we were incredibly lucky, one way or another we’d be fine, but yes, there were a lot of folks who didn’t have the budget to arrange alternative plans! It was a mess for them. We saw a few at RP too who had booked with third party vendors like Expedia and the hotel hadn’t received the money......scary.
 
Was very nice to have finally met up indeed!!!

You both were very right in saying we would really like Sapphire Falls, and Marian had set us up in a really lovely suite with a very nice view, LB sent up some Strawberries, and we really enjoyed our stay there.

Next time we can catch up over a drink or 3 at Strongwater or another favorite spot!!

I bet the excitement is really building at home especially with Kyle coming along on the Holidays trip in only a couple of weeks. We won’t make it down this year but have 10 nights planned for next year’s Holidays already!

:wave2:

We are desperate for our next trip to come around.

Kyle hasn’t been for a year now, and is so looking forward to being back with us....he got some extra vacation days, so now finishes work Mon 25th Nov......we could have been for two weeks instead of 11 nights.....but no flights were available for us to change and go a couple of days early......

Will try for two weeks next December :thumbsup2
 
Another great read. Sorry about the tummy issues.:crazy2::sick:
Ginger is great for the tummy, also I've found that a Ginger and Turmeric tea works well, so does the mint tea.

Miso soup is good for the gut, a natural Probiotic Same effect as yogurt only tastier (to me anyway). Can you tell I've worked for physicians for decades? (after I quit teaching elementary school). My Dad and brother were both pharmacists and Dad, being very old school (and very elderly when he finally fully retired, 88,), was a great believer in homeopathic cures, teas and herbs.


That mall looks so neat, weird about the pictures though...:confused3 that one previously, just a very power hungry, weird security guy (Barney Fife) I'd imagine.
I keep hearing about so many malls closing, so much online shopping... I find it so much fun to window shop at the mall, even more so way back when, it was so nice to stroll downtown looking in the windows and wishing. Plus, I have to drive 10 miles to pick up anything I order online, why not just drive the extra 15 miles to get to see what I want plus window shop and eat at Cheesecake Factory or even the food court!

I can't believe your December trip with Kyle is just around the corner! Too bad you don't get to use the extra days, but I'm sure Kyle will make use of the extra time before you take off. He's looking forward to his chocolate dream vacation I would imagine.:rotfl:
 
Another great read. Sorry about the tummy issues.:crazy2::sick:
Ginger is great for the tummy, also I've found that a Ginger and Turmeric tea works well, so does the mint tea.

Miso soup is good for the gut, a natural Probiotic Same effect as yogurt only tastier (to me anyway). Can you tell I've worked for physicians for decades? (after I quit teaching elementary school). My Dad and brother were both pharmacists and Dad, being very old school (and very elderly when he finally fully retired, 88,), was a great believer in homeopathic cures, teas and herbs.


That mall looks so neat, weird about the pictures though...:confused3 that one previously, just a very power hungry, weird security guy (Barney Fife) I'd imagine.
I keep hearing about so many malls closing, so much online shopping... I find it so much fun to window shop at the mall, even more so way back when, it was so nice to stroll downtown looking in the windows and wishing. Plus, I have to drive 10 miles to pick up anything I order online, why not just drive the extra 15 miles to get to see what I want plus window shop and eat at Cheesecake Factory or even the food court!

I can't believe your December trip with Kyle is just around the corner! Too bad you don't get to use the extra days, but I'm sure Kyle will make use of the extra time before you take off. He's looking forward to his chocolate dream vacation I would imagine.:rotfl:

Oh I agree......things like ginger and turmeric are amazing and their health benefits are tremendous. I use turmeric a lot for inflammation, it’s a wonderful anti inflammatory and ginger too is so good for you. Miso soup I also believe is one of those good for you items. It must have been fascinating being surrounded by experts on that subject.

I love Malls, and yes, it’s sad to see the demise of some. Our high streets are suffering here due to online shopping......so I can’t imagine why malls would do stuff like that to put people off going! I’m honestly not the biggest shopper......truthfully......but I do like a good wander around US Malls.

Yes, he has plans for the two extra days.......we may fit in a lunch or dinner before we leave together. It’ll just be nice for him not to go to work the days leading up to our trip. Yes, he is already planning a chocolate fest when we arrive.......I’m sure you can imagine......lol.......
 
Heading out for the boat, we soon felt the heat and humidity of the evening...…before we left the lounge one of the managers mentioned how humid it was outside.....he was right!!! It was like walking through thick soup......I think this was the worst humidity we had experienced this trip......but we wandered down to the boat and fortunately there was a boat waiting and we got on it just before he left the dock.

As we wandered in through the hotel guest entrance, we didn't think we`d be here for long tonight. Not for crowds, as it didn`t seem too bad tonight, but the heat was relentless.


Straight to Ghostbusters, it was already showing a 65 minute wait, and this was the longest we had ever waited, it took 15 minutes till we got in the house. I was using the fan I had and a lady behind me again asked if she could borrow it......she was more than welcome...…I could have sold it for a profit tonight!!! It was fabulous as we just didn`t get any relief from the heat tonight.

Ghostbusters was excellent as always and it was a giggle. We did Yeti and the walk felt a little longer tonight, but we were glad it was only a few minutes to get in and this house was exceptional tonight...and the cold in there is divine and much needed...….I think this was the first time everyone in line looked a little, hot.

US was disappointing tonight. Some of the scares we got the previous night were sadly lacking tonight, we still got some scares but the eeriness was missing tonight. I doubted we`d do this one again. And we missed out Stranger Things…..that one had lost us.....no interest in it at all.


We did enjoy this zone tonight though......some of the more well known characters were in excellent form, and two SA did well to avoid tripping over a pushchair and a toddler.......






i-wdWpHn6-X2.jpg







We had missed the fight scene on other nights, but it was quite fun to watch them.






i-cpHzNxv-X2.jpg









i-42R3dP9-X2.jpg









i-gTk7zdV-X2.jpg







I asked this young lady if we could take her picture and she said of course, I made Tom stand in front again...…she was fabulous and played her part well......







i-CD9j2PL-X2.jpg








i-R5zVd9L-X2.jpg








i-SQj58vW-X2.jpg








The Hellbilly Zone was one of two we really did like this year, not scary but it was fun and full of characters you could engage with......

We didn't spend a lot of time in Potter tonight, but spent some time outside with the Knight Bus and watching for about the millionth time for Kreacher.......






i-KFDFbRV-X2.jpg








i-dtRPTw6-X2.jpg








i-nds49JX-X2.jpg







Everything here is so photogenic and we can`t help but stop to take pictures of everything around, and in different lights it can look completely different.






i-kCgS2Xb-X2.jpg








i-N72mRCk-X2.jpg








i-tGRxMfW-X2.jpg







We did wander and do the House of 1000 corpses, that one we completely walked on again and I think we missed the mark tonight.....the house itself was still excellent, but we missed the timings for scares, which was fine as we had many over the nights.....the house was still a lot of fun and folks around us were fun to have there.

We cut back through Hellbilly and caught the weirdest but one of the most popular of all the characters in this zone.....the dancing robot.....for want of a better description!!!







i-J6XTDnN-X2.jpg







He was funny and engaged amazingly well with everyone......






i-J65sGXP-X2.jpg








i-dhjgWTb-X2.jpg







The park does look amazing at night especially during HHN.......everything is lit perfectly and we are always glad to be here to see the park this way.






i-3FN6phT-X2.jpg






Coming up......Horror Shop and Vivo...…..
 
The store next to what was T2 ride is an amazing store now......it is filled with memorabilia and artifacts from the wondrous years of Universal Orlando`s classic horror movies......although some really may not be classed as horror nowadays......but at the time some of them were downright scary to me as a kid. But, today movies like The Thing and similar are more funny than scary, but at times that's what makes them classics!!!!







i-vDznTj5-X2.jpg







If you were missing the Halloween pumpkins around the park.....this is the place to come and see some good little displays of them.......







i-7NdZdVp-X2.jpg








i-JV6kD7x-X2.jpg







And of course fans of HHN will recognise the carriage in here as part of their permanent display.






i-mrscMpJ-X2.jpg








i-xwTMkVc-X2.jpg








i-3QKQSV7-X2.jpg







Frankenstein`s Monster looks incredibly realistic when you get quite close...…they were very good.






i-F6MmSKB-X2.jpg








i-mCq77C2-X2.jpg







Huge Psycho fans here...….it was one of the earliest movies I remember watching on my own......I was younger than I should have been watching it......but it remains one of the classics that will always be watchable every few years. Our dvd is well used. And some of the on-set pictures that are placed around always amuse us.






i-zbZKkvD-X2.jpg








i-vfhFGQJ-X2.jpg







Not really from the horror genre, but Slimer seems at home here.







i-zzjR6Mj-X2.jpg









i-35FLnPD-X2.jpg









i-Pd3ZfTB-X2.jpg








I think there has never been any doubt that the replacement for T2 was going to the Bourne Spectacular show......not of any interest to me, but I will go see it as I`m sure it will be spectacular. But, Bourne to me isn`t classic enough to hold a show on it`s own. Many of us wished for something that encompassed the classic horror genre that this store does.....whether it be a permanent year round horror house, or something else........I`m not a creative person, but I`m sure they could come up with something. But as Bourne has officially been announced, that dream is dead.

Back out into the heat, and jeez it was stuffy now...….I was glad crowds were reasonable tonight, so we weren`t crammed in with everyone, but it was pleasant to have some space.


These guys were good......they were funny and involved the audience too, which delighted many watching.






i-pKwP7dJ-X2.jpg







We did one last visit to Killer Klowns...…apart from getting our EP scanned, we didn`t stop walking.

This is a fun house, no doubt....but I hope it doesn`t make the cut for next year`s event.......we want horror and lots of it!!! Maybe one fun house.......Ghostbusters had been a tremendous success, so maybe something like that, but one only.


We really had enough tonight...…our final night we would do the houses to the rear of the park, it was just too hot tonight to walk all the way down there again.

Out into Citywalk we had decided we`d go eat in Vivo, where we should have eaten last night Tom!!!!!

I sound like a broken record, but Citywalk is so pretty.........






i-JNFCTKz-X2.jpg







As it was a little later, there was a small line for tables, but we were planning to eat at the bar again......

Germany, one of the bar staff is a funny guy, and very cool......he knows a lot of stuff about "stuff" He makes us laugh a lot.







i-dCKK2Kq-X2.jpg








We order a couple of Malbec`s and although I know what I`m having, Tom always likes to try different dishes.......and there are a few to choose from in here. It`s a very good menu and I wish we had come here sooner. But that was me.......but, I was glad we did now have this on rotation for dinner

While we waited, there was a couple on the other side of the bar who were a little worse for wear, well, she was anyway.......but, they were playing tonsil tennis with each other constantly.......it was funny, the couple sat beside us yelled over to them to get a room......lol.......they looked mortally offended and a little outraged but, did stop a little.......not what you want to watch when eating a meal!!!


I had chsen my favourite dish of chicken piccatta with potatoes instead of pasta, and Tom had gone for the meatballs tonight.......Germany did mention he guessed that was my favourite dish as I`d ordered it a few times......I am a little predictable at times.

Food looked so good.......






i-Bq8vqrk-X2.jpg









i-M2hcxHL-X2.jpg








It was gorgeous!!!

Chicken was tender and so flavoursome, very lemony tonight which is how I like it......and I did use up all the extra lemon on top too.......those potatoes are buttery and go well with the chicken, Pasta isn`t my favourite dish.

Tom`s meatballs were huge. And for me a little underseasoned.......only a little, so he did add a load of pepper to them and rather unusually for him a little salt too. But, they were incredibly filling.







i-RcCXNcM-X2.jpg








We each had another Malbec, and since the snogging couple opposite had now left, we had a lovely couple of hours in here....folks at bars tend to chat and the couple next to us had started a conversation so it was nice.

We left later than planned, as usual.....once back home we drank lots of water, and we had loads of water in Vivo...I could guess we`d be up and down all night visiting the bathroom......but keeping hydrated is something we are sticklers for.


Turndown must be back to the regular lady, as our lamps were on in both rooms again tonight. So, TV on for a little time and we opened the drapes to see our view again. I can`t even remember what we watched, but we were soon yawning our heads off and bed was calling for us once again.




Tomorrow we had a Dis Meet we were so looking forward to........
 
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 26TH





We did sleep well last night, no upset tummy disturbances or similar.....and we strangely still felt tired today when we woke up.

Taking it easy this morning was our plan, we had no plans till 1.30 this afternoon where we were meeting up with Keishashadow and her mister for lunch and a good old chatter.......we were excited for that!!

But for this morning I guess it sounds very boring to most of you, but we planned to do very little and do it well!!! Once we did drag ourselves out of bed this morning, we quickly showered and dressed before heading up to the lounge for breakfast. And it was a little busy this morning, but we are always impressed how food is quickly and quietly replenished as it disappears quickly some days.

We chatted and Kayla came up and we spent some time chatting to her again, and time flies by when we do!!!


We do eventually move and go get the car where we head first to Wal-Mart where I purchase something I never buy at home.......

Yep, a ready made cake box...….













i-cPMhZDv-X2.jpg








I never use ready mix cake mixes, but this one looked lovely, so I bought it, and I have to say, it wasn`t half bad....but you could tell it was store bought.

We had a wander round and picked up a couple of other things, then drove to Wholefoods where we were convinced we would get candied ginger.

The produce here, and everything else in the store are beautiful. We had come in here many years ago and hadn`t been completely impressed, but today, yep, we were impressed. The quality of everything was so high and the staff were incredible and immediately asked if they could help...…we said we were looking for candied ginger, and the lady knew we called it crystalized ginger, she wanted to be sure we were on the same item, and she took us right to it......that was exactly what we wanted, it was a large tub and would go in the bag nicely with the bracelet.


Then we wandered around...…..and one of the first thing we saw was cotton candy grapes.......we love them!!!!







i-qCDRgBg-X2.jpg







Everything we saw was impressive, the seafood especially looked beyond fabulous.

Yes, shrimp impresses us.






i-n83Dp7t-X2.jpg









452112








i-JC4sB3c-X2.jpg









i-wWwtvNn-X2.jpg








The variety and selection of meats too were phenomenal......again, this must seem boring for Americans who are used to these displays, but they do look better than the grocery store displays we have over here. And a much bigger variety.







i-JL6RrVc-X2.jpg









i-3T4Zzc8-X2.jpg









i-2pd2GLQ-X2.jpg









i-jsfQddt-X2.jpg







I guess Kyle may want to purchase this flourless chocolate cake on the next trip!!!!






i-PXFDD2D-X2.jpg









i-cVMKmhK-X2.jpg








They also have a massive selection of take out food.....from ribs, to pizza`s, to orange chicken to every single soup and salad you could come up with, and so much more...…and it was incredibly popular as so many were filling up for lunch here.







i-nkGHVDK-X2.jpg









i-K6D29Xv-X2.jpg









i-QBVhG2b-X2.jpg









i-6fMZB6R-X2.jpg








OK, now we were starving!!!!! But, we resisted buying something to nibble on as lunch wasnt very far away now.

Back home, we dropped our purchases off in the room and put on sunscreen before walking to IOA. It was still hot......







i-XmFnBZd-X2.jpg









i-jFp5dKX-X2.jpg








As we were early to meet Janet, we went on a couple of rides, Dr Doom a couple of times and then Spiderman......both rides were excellent. We did forgo the Hulk as we were hungry and these rides don`t suit me and an empty tummy.

As we approached Confisco Grille we saw the little band set up to play.....kids love these guys.






i-4vvRcQV-X2.jpg








We were meeting in Backwater Bar, it`s attached to Confisco, and we found a table, but moved as the door was left open and the heat was billowing in...or seemed like it, so we moved to what is our regular table it seems. Everytime we had met someone it seems we ended up on the same table.

They don`t have a large cocktail menu, but it is decent enough, I opt for an Islander cocktail, Tom goes for lemonade as we hadn`t completely decided what we were doing later.







i-24V276D-X2.jpg








We saw them immediately when they came in, and it was so lovely to see them again. I don`t think we stopped chatting the whole time......but we did stop for long enough to order some more drinks and food....of course........

I went for the newest and delicious dish of ribs on top of goats cheese polenta.....two things I don`t really like, but here, they are gorgeous. Ribs were fall off the bone tender and the sauce was beautiful again.







i-JBh8t49-X2.jpg








Janet`s mister went for the chicken caesar salad which did look very tempting when it arrived.......







i-wvLW9T5-X2.jpg







Tom had decided to have the burger with French fries......always a good choice here.......






i-vSLpbRx-X2.jpg







And Janet opted for the wings...and I think to drink she had an Islander too......






i-BpLpsPt-X2.jpg







The food we all really enjoyed...…..and empty plates showed that!!

The afternoon passed quicker than a flash!!! It really did and we swapped some very funny stories about one thing and another.....they were off to HHN and we still hadn`t decided what we were doing, but around 4.30ish we left to go our separate ways....but we had enjoyed it so much.

And of course, we did remember to get some pictures...….Tom took one of the three of us, but we asked someone if they would take some of the four of us......so we did get a few pictures.

Loved Janet`s HHN tee shirt!!!






i-SbhXj35-X2.jpg







We swithered whether to go do a few more rides or go back to the hotel, but the decision was made for me.........the muscle in my leg again went pop!!!!

So, we walked incredibly slow back home.......and the very day we don`t see one of the rickshaws.....

This is usually us........





452107







Today, we were the slow dawdling ones on the pathway!!!!

And it does take us a while to get back home.......lol...…but we get there eventually. Up in the room, Tom goes and gets some ice for me to put on the leg, and it does help, but I`d have preferred heat to be honest, but long as it helped, it was fine.







i-MkvNqN6-X2.jpg









i-MdJxmMg-X2.jpg








So, we wouldn`t be going far tonight, and certainly no HHN for us.....we hadn`t been sure if we wanted to go back tonight but now we knew we wouldn`t be going anywhere.

We did however manage up to the lounge......lol.......and we both enjoyed a couple of glasses of wine as we also wouldn`t be going offsite now either.

My calf eased a bit while we were just sitting, and it was nice as always..........our second son announced they had ordered pizza from Papa Johns......I joked I hoped we were included too......lol.....and I was only joking......but a little later he brought over a slice each for Tom and I.....Tom`s was pepperoni and I got a slice of my favourite pizza....bbq sauce with chicken, pineapple and jalapeno......seems I wasn`t the only one who liked that pizza........I do have a picture after we had eaten a few bites, but it`s not appetising looking so I won`t ........but it was lovely!!! We had never tried Papa Johns Pizza before, and we did like it.


After a lovely few hours, we went down to the room to decide what to do......the pizza had taken the edge off our appetite so we knew we wouldn`t want to sit down to a proper dinner.......and to stop us falling asleep right now, we decided sore calf aside, we would walk over to Strong Water bar and get some food to go.

The walk was slow and deliberate.......and half way there I regretted walking over, but would keep going now...as long as I half limped, I was fine. And eventually we made it to the bar and I sat down while we ordered food to go........


Fernando came over immediately to say hello and asked if we were having a drink.....we said no, we just wanted food to take back as we were shattered and planned an early night.....Mike one of his managers and Chef Carlos came out to say hello too......always good to see them and nice to catch up with Mike as we hadn`t seen much of him this trip.....

The food we had ordered was cold, so we chatted for a while before we went back over, we`d be back again before we left of course.


Fernando told us Chef had put a little treat in for us.......it was two huge chocolate covered strawberries...….how lovely!!! We thanked them again for their kindness.

The walk back over was again, slightly slow but we got there...…and I think the slow walk might have helped a little, as it wasn`t just as tender as earlier.

We had each chosen the seafood tostado.......not too filling but delicious and we knew we`d love it...…it was one of the few things we hadn`t tried from Strong Water and I have to say it was gorgeous......we`d order this again......






i-ZvNc4Jt-X2.jpg








And oh my goodness, the strawberries!!!!! They were the sweetest ones we had tasted for a long time........and tonight it was just perfect.







i-WSpLRSF-X2.jpg







We had been gifted a bottle of sparkly.....and it was a very nice one which went nicely with the cold seafood........






i-7JcVpWf-X2.jpg








We perched ourselves along the sofa in the room and watched a movie or two till it was time to go to bed, which wasn`t too late tonight........it wasn`t the evening we had planned, but it turned out to be a lovely evening in the end……...
 
Those Pepperidge Farm cakes always make me think of childhood. My mom would buy them from time to time. I still remember the little styrofoam tray they came on. Funny the things you remember! So sorry your calf muscle I was giving you trouble. I hope you are better now!
 
We had a week left!!!!
I have to admit that as I've been reading your wonderful trip report, with each new day, I am counting down and feeling sad, too! I keep thinking, "Oh no! Their vacation is winding down!"

Outside it was blazing hot again......and so beautiful...…..we risked the wrath of the guards again, inside and out by taking numerous pictures of the Mall......without anyone in them.....but, no one again said a word.
So strange that one time the guards gave you such a difficult time and yet they've never followed through on that "rule" ever again. So odd.
Glad you had an uninterrupted visit to that beautiful mall this time and were able to take photos in peace! :)

How lovely!!!! They had dropped it in on their way past as she knew they would melt if she brought them to the park, we were meeting them for lunch tomorrow...…it was such a lovely surprise!!!! And when Tom walked in he immediately spotted the bag...and his eyes lit up like a Christmas Tree when I showed him what they were......we would enjoy them!!!!
Hooray for little lovely acts of kindness! I'm thrilled you had this chocolately surprise waiting for you, and how kind of your friend to do this for you.

It felt good to be sorted
I can just imagine! I'm always thrilled, too, once all the pieces of the vacation puzzle are sorted and settled.
And, completely selfishly, I was happy to read this because it means another Carole and Tom vacation is fully booked and that means another awesome trip report! ;)

Hoping you're well, Carole!
 
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 27TH




We had been shattered last night, and both of us slept like babies......I was awake early and got up and showered before Tom had even stirred this morning...….I sent Kyle an email to see if he was free to chat, but he replied back he was busy......lol.....maybe later then. I was glad he was out and about, and I knew he`d be enjoying his week off, well, just over a week really.

My calf felt a little tender if anything today, I popped some ice on it before we left in the hope that would help it.

Once Tom was up and ready, we headed up to the lounge for a leisurely breakfast and chatted a while away again. It really is easy to pass a couple of hours in here while we chatted with everyone.......and we do enjoy it.

Back down to the room we grabbed the car keys and went downstairs where one of the concierge team asked if we had enjoyed the gift Keisha had left the day before yesterday.....we said yes thanks and asked if it was her who had taken it, she said no but had heard about someone dropping something off for us...…..we chatted briefly and then set off.


Tom went to get the car while I chatted to one of the valet team as I waited...….

Today we were going to Cocoa Village and I have a lovely Dis poster called @Tgrgrl to thank for even mentioning it to us as a lovely place to visit. We knew Cocoa Beach of course, but hadn`t ever heard of this part. So, we thought we`d go there, it wasn`t very large a place, then go to Cocoa Beach for a wander before coming home. We hadn`t been to Cocoa Beach itself for a long time.


We put an address in the satnav and it tried to take us a ridiculously long way through E Colonial Drive which is a horrible road that is traffic light city......we realised someone had put "avoid tolls" in the satnav and we hadn`t changed it as we don`t use it a great deal.....so we went our usual way past the airport as if we were going to KSC.

Passing the airport we do get a feeling of despondency knowing next week we`ll be flying out of there again......not looking forward to that at all.


The journey is a nice one, Tom drives today and it was event free...…no idiot drivers, well, maybe the usual random folks, but no one cut us up or slowed us down which was good.

We noticed along the way, and this went on for miles, they were dredging up hundreds and hundreds of trees......looked like they were going to widen the road along this part, and it did go on for miles. Every so often you would see them burning a load of them, which surprised us.







i-VfwSvm7-X2.jpg








We really didn`t know where we were going now......Tom thought one way and I thought another.....so we agreed to disagree and put an address in the Satnav now.......and we did find the right way.......it wasn`t difficult, but when somewhere is strange it`s not always obvious.

And I never agree if I think I`m right...…...







452128







One of my favourite sayings......... :rotfl:






i-N7fGGgg-X2.jpg








You couldn`t really get lost though...….but we have got lost in stranger places than this!!!







i-V9G9r8d-X2.jpg








We passed the restaurant I had put in the Satnav and we saw we were right next to where we wanted to be, so a car park was found easily and we were glad to say we had arrived.

It looked a beautiful little place. It was cutesy but had some very lovely little stores too, not touristy like this one...….







i-7fDNsqr-X2.jpg








As soon as I saw this sign below, I had to buy four. One for me, and the others would be lovely gifts to go in with Christmas presents for friends. Most of us now don`t buy for each other, but we have a core group that still do like to do that for each other......I think I`d win for originality this year!!! Luckily she had five in stock, so I bought the five of them......I knew who to give the other one to.

Tom went back to put them in the car to save us dragging them around with us.






i-qLn2fMb-X2.jpg









i-PQ28LSL-X2.jpg








There were some lovely little places, but as always we wanted to head down to the water where we had to walk through a little park, which afforded us some lovely shade as we walked through a brick walkway.....







i-nRV3CMZ-X2.jpg








There is a lovely little kids play area in it and a super bandstand where I was sure it had been the centre piece for some lovely events here.







i-LQWTXnD-X2.jpg








Looking out to the water, it was beautiful......and so hot!!!! Usually beside the ocean it was a shade or two cooler......but again, not today. It does sound like a complaint, it really isn`t, it was just this September had been so hot which we were loving, so we didn't moan too much.....







i-xWdXD4N-X2.jpg









i-2JTB5dm-X2.jpg








And at this moment I had a very drama queen moment..not like me at all......well......












I thought I saw a crocodile.…..a real live crocodile or alligator feet away from me...........and trying not to draw too much attention to my terrified self, I beckoned Tom over frantically as he had wandered off a little....he knew to come over as quick as he could as there must be something......

My initial panic was short lived though, as I saw within a few seconds it wasn`t one my most dreaded creatures, but a beautiful and very large and graceful manattee.

There was a man close by who did laugh at my initial panic and guessed I was very obviously a tourist.......lol....what gave it away!!!!







i-84rGQnT-X2.jpg








i-4bV3dnC-X2.jpg








I have to admit to having a quiet admiration for sea life in their natural habitat.....no desire to see them in large tanks or shows, so this was a real treat and I was amazed at the size of these ones.....there were another couple and the man explained they were just there......they saw them all the time and to his shame said he sometimes didn`t even notice them now. I guess you do get used to things you see everyday.







i-TKRTkbs-X2.jpg








Looking out to sea, you can see all sorts of things in the water, we even saw what we thought was a dolphin.....although not completely sure it was.

This was another little place that was so quiet.......a little bit like Mount Dora where you want to whisper instead of talking normal...…although we could picture this place a little busier than it is now at night......







i-bqCC3zX-X2.jpg








I had found shade again.......and the beetroot face was back with a vengeance...….







i-Ppb2SP9-X2.jpg








We walked along as far as we could, then turned back for some shade and wander back towards where the shops were......they had air conditioning!!!!







i-J2hgkGC-X2.jpg







The memorial and bench we had to get a picture of.







i-d56R8qJ-X2.jpg







Back to the shops we found some lovely little places and a centre courtyard area which had shade.........







i-xg7znPj-X2.jpg








Not very clear from the window, but they had some lovely Christmas decorations inside...….







i-VFZW6hF-X2.jpg









i-mn7kHD7-X2.jpg









i-zRGkh2q-X2.jpg








We were hungry now, and a few places had caught our eye, but we ended up going to a place called Pub Americano...…we had passed it earlier and liked the look of it.......and by the time we arrived, there were already a few folks in which is always good to see.

When we walked in every staff member welcomed us and one took us to a seat by the window.......yes, we liked it in here.







i-cbn5BML-X2.jpg








We had the most enthusiastic and energetic waitress ever, her name was Coco...…she never stopped but at the same time was very attentive. She chatted back and forward about the UK as she had spent some time there with her father as he was in the military...…she knew a lot of places we had been and even lived at times. It`s very strange to meet folks who know where you lived many years ago so well. We had once met a girl who worked in Total Wine a few years ago, and she had spent months living where Tom and I had grown up, albeit a few miles apart......and it was weird she knew some of the best food pubs we always went to when we visited that area.

We each had a lemonade and studied the lunch menu......although i did think we were more thirsty than hungry now. So we didn`t want a huge lunch.







i-Nz2wDQL-X2.jpg








I went for just the appetiser of Pub Bang Bang which came with a spicy dip, and I asked for a side of jalapenos.......shrimp were very large!!!!







i-N2DxX9T-X2.jpg







Tom chose the meat pizza and he also asked for extra jalapenos on that too.......






i-KxdLJFd-X2.jpg








Both dishes were excellent....we shared them both and I have to say for a pub, the pizza was rather good...…we had seen folks get burgers, and they looked huge, and very tasty!!! I think if we came back here we may have to get a burger.

We paid the check and thanked Coco and headed back to the car.......we saw the place we had planed to go for lunch just opposite us....another one to consider next time.







i-2g62dfv-X2.jpg






Up next.....Cocoa Beach
 

GET A DISNEY VACATION QUOTE

Dreams Unlimited Travel is committed to providing you with the very best vacation planning experience possible. Our Vacation Planners are experts and will share their honest advice to help you have a magical vacation.

Let us help you with your next Disney Vacation!





Top