Home for the Holidays-Wizards-Grinches and Sparkles. 14 nights @Royal Pacific Resort, Nov/Dec 2021

[BroadwayHermione5]

So sorry to hear about this first lunch at Confisco! Now I’m wondering if we should regret not having gotten to it on the most recent trip….

but I also need to try the palm! It looks so good!

 

[schumigirl]

SUNDAY 28TH NOVEMBER​

So, the best laid plans and all that.......we decided this morning to head to Clearwater and Dunedin for the day. That`s pretty much the extent our planning in general on all of our trips, we wake up and think what`ll we do today......and it works for us. I know some folks like to plan some things, and then there are those who plan everything......whatever works best is always the best way.

So, after we had enjoyed another leisurely breakfast we came back down, got the car keys and headed out to the car.

As we started it a warning light came on, I had noticed it the other day but it went off as quick as it came on, but here it was again. To be honest we were a little annoyed with the car we`d been given. It was a Suburban which we do like to drive, but it wasn`t the comfiest car in the world and it had over 60,000 miles on the clock and for what we paid for the rental that was irritating. I don`t think we`ve ever paid anything near what we paid for this shorter two week trip, I do know we paid less for the previous September trip that was over 3 weeks.

So, we changed our plans and headed to the airport to change the car. It doesn`t take long to get there, about 20 minutes or so, and by the time we got there we were both mightily annoyed for some reason and hoped we didn`t get to speak to someone who would dismiss us.

We needn`t have worried. The manager at Alamo that day was lovely, and I do have to say we are always impressed with Alamo`s customer service. Tom told her what happened with the warning light and in general we weren`t happy with this vehicle, and she said immediately we needed a different car and we should come with her and we could pick from their Premium cars. We chatted on the way over and even she was shocked when Tom told her how much we had paid for this rental.....but she did say everyone was the same but Brits were getting a worse deal in general which isn`t a surprise.

There wasn`t a great deal of choice to be honest, but we chose an Audi Q7 which was very nice I have to say, seats were comfy and it was immaculately clean and had GPS which unusually the Suburban didn`t have. So, we were happy enough and we set off after thanking her profusely for her help.

We did think it was a little late to drive to Dunedin now, so we had a quick think and decided to go to Mount Dora, we love it there and had planned to go at some point during the trip, so we plugged an address into the GPS and off we set. Not the best way to spend a couple of hours, but it was worth it to get rid of the heap of junk and get a much better car.

The weather was very nice today, not as hot as the previous day but still gorgeous, especially as Kyle had sent us some more pictures of the wild weather they were having.......I wasn`t missing that cold air they were having!

It takes about 45 minutes to get there and we park in the usual car park we always end up in. I do like how parking is free almost everywhere in the places we visit in Florida.....in the UK most are charged.

Mount Dora is a beautiful little town, full of everything quaint and delightful with tiny little stores that are reminiscent of some bygone times when life really was simpler.....you never feel harried or rushed doing anything here and everyone seems to be so chilled.....I could live here easily.

With it being Sunday they had a Farmers Market which was delightful to see......there are some stalls we don`t have an interest in, but there are loads of little stalls that we honestly could have shopped till we drop in.

But, we headed towards what is one of my favourite things.......their gorgeous Christmas Tree.

​

And I did gravitate towards a very large tree that was completely decorated with purple lights.......I would have loved to have visited at night to see everything lit up.

​

As always we headed down to the Lake, which is lovely and so peaceful, although it does make me nervous as we had seen a snake once down here, and of course the lake is full of wildlife that will eat you or bite you. No wonder I hate water......which everyone thinks is strange as I love living beside water and always have, I love the Lochs up in Scotland but at least up there nothing will eat you.....unless you meet the Loch Ness Monster of course........But, like most people we find water very calming and just idylic to be around.

​

We spend about half an hour just sitting on the bench at the end of the pontoon and you could almost be the only two people as we don`t see anyone, there aren`t even any boats on the water yet, so it`s extra peaceful.

However walking back up the lady who is running the boat tours tells us there are a group of crocodiles in the reefs next to the boat........that was enough for me, I was off back up to the path faster than I really knew I could!!! I do have nightmares of them climbing up on the pontoon........people tell me I`m crazy....but, I watch movies!!!

The stores are all a little decorated for Christmas and they all did a great job, but my eye had been drawn to a smaller stall that was selling Maple syrup......one of my favourite things!

​

We picked up 4 large bottles of Pure Vermont Maple Syrup and some of the seasonings they produced which are gorgeous by the way.......and again, we didn`t really think about the weight of these items....the bottles were large!! Tom actually took them back to the car as the car park was only a few minutes away as they were just too heavy to carry around, then we wandered a little further and found a Christmas Store and it was beautiful........I had never seen it before and we had visited on our Christmas trips before, but lovely store.

​

Yes, we did buy the large Grinch despite saying we wouldn`t.....several times over.......

​

We did buy a lot more than we planned to, but we did stop at a huge light up snow scene that weighed the same as a small car!!!

The store however was gorgeous and all set up in different sections and each was prettier than the last. And they made sure our purchases were double wrapped and then wrapped again as they knew they`d be on a plane going home.

​

Our next stop was our favourite Olive Oil store, and we had to be a little careful in here. We knew what we wanted and got our oil first, then chose two bottles of balsamic vinegar, a ginger one for me, raspberry one for Tom and a very heavy bottle of Honey Siracha sauce.......there are so many choices in here that are lovely and they do have you taste everything in suitable little containers.

​

We were at the desk paying and the lady asked if she wanted them to hold our purchases while we did more shopping or go for lunch, we said that would be lovely as we were about to find somewhere for lunch. She suggested the place behind the main street which we had seen several times and hadn`t gone in, but she said we wouldn`t be disappointed as it was lovely.

The Goblin Market looks like nothing on the outside.....it actually faces dumpsters and a back alleyway.......but we did get a surprise when we went in.

​

It was one of the most beautiful bar/restaurants we had seen over here. It was very like an old Victorian style restaurant and anything with bookshelves works for me.....

​

We LOVED this restaurant........staff were very nice and the menu was indeed good and there was something most folks could choose from. Did I mention we fell in love with this place....

​

I did love all the little touches around, like the little treasure chest that was filled with several varieties of sugars, but so cute.

​

The menu changes regularly and they vary the types of additions to their basic sandwiches which we like.....I ordered the chicken sandwich minus onions and Tom ordered their Garlic burger......I was dreading the journey home to be honest......lol......and they both came on brioche buns and probably the best fries we have eaten for the longest time!!!

​

We absolutely loved this meal and we almost cleared our plates, although I never usually eat the bun, but with it being a brioche bun I did eat the top half and it was delicious. We were so glad we had decided to come in here today, I knew we would come back here again on our next visit, it was just the nicest of places.

Our next stop was the Tea and Spice store that we adored so much and the smell when you walk in really does stir up strong memories of my grandma`s and her sisters kitchens that hadn`t been changed since they were built at the turn of the last century. Vey much Victorian kitchens with huge wooden units built into the walls and filled with anything you`d ever need in any kitchen. But, the scents of those rooms were very clear when I walked into this spice heaven.

​

I am glad we picked up two of the Pirates Bite grinders....it is lovely and is indeed spicy enough for me! We picked up a selection of Caribbean spices and some hot smoked paprika too. But, a delight of a store, it is a chain as we have visited one on Long Island on one of our visits there, but it feels local and the products are very nice.

​

You can walk around here for hours, no doubt. There are many little stores of the same ilk and all as friendly as the others. You definitely get that community feel of village life we love so much as everyone is so friendly and they make visitors welcome.

We headed back to the Olive Oil store and retrieved our purchases before heading to the car and head home. I had driven up, but as I`d had a glass of wine, it was Tom`s turn to drive.




Parade coming up........

​

 

[schumigirl]

I want to stay in RP solely for that bridge. Amazing pic.

Forgot to mention in my prior post, I find it really helpful to see your "inbetween" pics like when you're walking. Logically I know it isn't far from the parks but really helps to see the visual.

It is lovely, but my goodness it`s a busy one!!

I should have taken a picture every so often and posted as a visual, I agree it`s hard to imagine if you haven`t been before just how close the hotel really is to the parks, but it`s so close and not far to walk at all.

 

[schumigirl]

So sorry to hear about this first lunch at Confisco! Now I’m wondering if we should regret not having gotten to it on the most recent trip….

but I also need to try the palm! It looks so good!

No, I think we were just unlucky. I would still recommend it to anyone, especially as we had a lovely meal later in the trip with friends and we will go back in May again.

We`ve had so many good meals in there and some trips we`ve eaten there 3 or 4 times on some longer trips.

The Palm is another that is always so good, they do know how to cook a steak.

 

[schumigirl]

We got back home and deposited all our purchases and I very cautiously eyed up what we had already bought and instantly dismissed the thought and closed the closet door quietly........

Out of sight out of mind.

We got showered and changed and headed out to get the boat to The Studios as we did plan to see the Macy`s parade tonight. Usually we`d go to IOA afterwards to see the Hogwarts Castle night show, this time we did plan to see that later in the trip, but we do like the parade and were looking forward to it.

I had brought a hoodie but carried it as it just wasn`t cold enough to wear it thankfully, Tom wore his as he got fed up carrying it and was taking most of the pictures so it was just easier for him to wear his. But, we were pleasantly surprised how warm it was. We had not so nice memories of being so cold the first year we saw it, the wind got up slightly and just made that difference between being comfortable and cold. So, we wouldn`t make that mistake again.

Citywalk had their Mistletoe Pines mini village set up in Citywalk, it was very nice and you could buy treats and hot drinks and there were some nice little spots and some stalls for things like hair braiding an custom art which was unusual. But a nice little addition to the Holiday feel.

We love entering this park, and this time of year even more so......the Holiday vibe is everywhere in the parks and everyone is just so happy and excited.......

We were a little early, so we headed to Five and Dime for a look at the monsters and how they had decorated around them.....something very odd about Frankenstein`s monster being in among the decorations......and a bit like the full size Michael Myers from several years ago at HHN.....I half expected him to come to life and show he was real and not a dummy......that would have been hilarious!!

The AP lounge was next for a mooch. We don`t really go in here often as there isn`t really anything to see or do.....but folks can charge their phones and have a seat, or buy drinks and snacks.

But, it`s not somewhere we`d regularly stop into.

There is a store that sells of old memorabilia from days gone past and they also sell of some of the props from HHN, and some are amazing and a real collector would love to have some of these items.

Some items are so very creepy.......

You can buy simple things like the signs for refreshments from HHN or road signs, it varies every time you go in what they have for sale. I really do want to buy one of the very elegant hats they have for ladies.....I`m a real hat person and will wear one at any opportunity, but they`ve never had exactly what I`ve been looking for. Maybe I`ll just pick up anything next time.

Outside people were starting to gather and claim their spot on the sidewalk for the best view of the parade. We were heading round to the side of the Tribute Store where we stand most years now, you get the best view of the parade coming down the street towards you and you can be a little further back as you don`t miss much.

It doesn`t ever get completely mobbed at the Parade, around the tree yes, as Santa stops there to light the tree but for the most part you get a good view anywhere.



More coming up....

 

[BroadwayHermione5]

SUNDAY 28TH NOVEMBER​

So, the best laid plans and all that.......we decided this morning to head to Clearwater and Dunedin for the day. That`s pretty much the extent our planning in general on all of our trips, we wake up and think what`ll we do today......and it works for us. I know some folks like to plan some things, and then there are those who plan everything......whatever works best is always the best way.

So, after we had enjoyed another leisurely breakfast we came back down, got the car keys and headed out to the car.

As we started it a warning light came on, I had noticed it the other day but it went off as quick as it came on, but here it was again. To be honest we were a little annoyed with the car we`d been given. It was a Suburban which we do like to drive, but it wasn`t the comfiest car in the world and it had over 60,000 miles on the clock and for what we paid for the rental that was irritating. I don`t think we`ve ever paid anything near what we paid for this shorter two week trip, I do know we paid less for the previous September trip that was over 3 weeks.

So, we changed our plans and headed to the airport to change the car. It doesn`t take long to get there, about 20 minutes or so, and by the time we got there we were both mightily annoyed for some reason and hoped we didn`t get to speak to someone who would dismiss us.

We needn`t have worried. The manager at Alamo that day was lovely, and I do have to say we are always impressed with Alamo`s customer service. Tom told her what happened with the warning light and in general we weren`t happy with this vehicle, and she said immediately we needed a different car and we should come with her and we could pick from their Premium cars. We chatted on the way over and even she was shocked when Tom told her how much we had paid for this rental.....but she did say everyone was the same but Brits were getting a worse deal in general which isn`t a surprise.

There wasn`t a great deal of choice to be honest, but we chose an Audi Q7 which was very nice I have to say, seats were comfy and it was immaculately clean and had GPS which unusually the Suburban didn`t have. So, we were happy enough and we set off after thanking her profusely for her help.

We did think it was a little late to drive to Dunedin now, so we had a quick think and decided to go to Mount Dora, we love it there and had planned to go at some point during the trip, so we plugged an address into the GPS and off we set. Not the best way to spend a couple of hours, but it was worth it to get rid of the heap of junk and get a much better car.

The weather was very nice today, not as hot as the previous day but still gorgeous, especially as Kyle had sent us some more pictures of the wild weather they were having.......I wasn`t missing that cold air they were having!

It takes about 45 minutes to get there and we park in the usual car park we always end up in. I do like how parking is free almost everywhere in the places we visit in Florida.....in the UK most are charged.

Mount Dora is a beautiful little town, full of everything quaint and delightful with tiny little stores that are reminiscent of some bygone times when life really was simpler.....you never feel harried or rushed doing anything here and everyone seems to be so chilled.....I could live here easily.

With it being Sunday they had a Farmers Market which was delightful to see......there are some stalls we don`t have an interest in, but there are loads of little stalls that we honestly could have shopped till we drop in.

But, we headed towards what is one of my favourite things.......their gorgeous Christmas Tree.

​

And I did gravitate towards a very large tree that was completely decorated with purple lights.......I would have loved to have visited at night to see everything lit up.

​

As always we headed down to the Lake, which is lovely and so peaceful, although it does make me nervous as we had seen a snake once down here, and of course the lake is full of wildlife that will eat you or bite you. No wonder I hate water......which everyone thinks is strange as I love living beside water and always have, I love the Lochs up in Scotland but at least up there nothing will eat you.....unless you meet the Loch Ness Monster of course........But, like most people we find water very calming and just idylic to be around.

​

We spend about half an hour just sitting on the bench at the end of the pontoon and you could almost be the only two people as we don`t see anyone, there aren`t even any boats on the water yet, so it`s extra peaceful.

However walking back up the lady who is running the boat tours tells us there are a group of crocodiles in the reefs next to the boat........that was enough for me, I was off back up to the path faster than I really knew I could!!! I do have nightmares of them climbing up on the pontoon........people tell me I`m crazy....but, I watch movies!!!

The stores are all a little decorated for Christmas and they all did a great job, but my eye had been drawn to a smaller stall that was selling Maple syrup......one of my favourite things!

​

We picked up 4 large bottles of Pure Vermont Maple Syrup and some of the seasonings they produced which are gorgeous by the way.......and again, we didn`t really think about the weight of these items....the bottles were large!! Tom actually took them back to the car as the car park was only a few minutes away as they were just too heavy to carry around, then we wandered a little further and found a Christmas Store and it was beautiful........I had never seen it before and we had visited on our Christmas trips before, but lovely store.

​

Yes, we did buy the large Grinch despite saying we wouldn`t.....several times over.......

​

We did buy a lot more than we planned to, but we did stop at a huge light up snow scene that weighed the same as a small car!!!

The store however was gorgeous and all set up in different sections and each was prettier than the last. And they made sure our purchases were double wrapped and then wrapped again as they knew they`d be on a plane going home.

​

Our next stop was our favourite Olive Oil store, and we had to be a little careful in here. We knew what we wanted and got our oil first, then chose two bottles of balsamic vinegar, a ginger one for me, raspberry one for Tom and a very heavy bottle of Honey Siracha sauce.......there are so many choices in here that are lovely and they do have you taste everything in suitable little containers.

​

We were at the desk paying and the lady asked if she wanted them to hold our purchases while we did more shopping or go for lunch, we said that would be lovely as we were about to find somewhere for lunch. She suggested the place behind the main street which we had seen several times and hadn`t gone in, but she said we wouldn`t be disappointed as it was lovely.

The Goblin Market looks like nothing on the outside.....it actually faces dumpsters and a back alleyway.......but we did get a surprise when we went in.

​

It was one of the most beautiful bar/restaurants we had seen over here. It was very like an old Victorian style restaurant and anything with bookshelves works for me.....

​

We LOVED this restaurant........staff were very nice and the menu was indeed good and there was something most folks could choose from. Did I mention we fell in love with this place....

​

I did love all the little touches around, like the little treasure chest that was filled with several varieties of sugars, but so cute.

​

The menu changes regularly and they vary the types of additions to their basic sandwiches which we like.....I ordered the chicken sandwich minus onions and Tom ordered their Garlic burger......I was dreading the journey home to be honest......lol......and they both came on brioche buns and probably the best fries we have eaten for the longest time!!!

​

We absolutely loved this meal and we almost cleared our plates, although I never usually eat the bun, but with it being a brioche bun I did eat the top half and it was delicious. We were so glad we had decided to come in here today, I knew we would come back here again on our next visit, it was just the nicest of places.

Our next stop was the Tea and Spice store that we adored so much and the smell when you walk in really does stir up strong memories of my grandma`s and her sisters kitchens that hadn`t been changed since they were built at the turn of the last century. Vey much Victorian kitchens with huge wooden units built into the walls and filled with anything you`d ever need in any kitchen. But, the scents of those rooms were very clear when I walked into this spice heaven.

​

I am glad we picked up two of the Pirates Bite grinders....it is lovely and is indeed spicy enough for me! We picked up a selection of Caribbean spices and some hot smoked paprika too. But, a delight of a store, it is a chain as we have visited one on Long Island on one of our visits there, but it feels local and the products are very nice.

​

You can walk around here for hours, no doubt. There are many little stores of the same ilk and all as friendly as the others. You definitely get that community feel of village life we love so much as everyone is so friendly and they make visitors welcome.

We headed back to the Olive Oil store and retrieved our purchases before heading to the car and head home. I had driven up, but as I`d had a glass of wine, it was Tom`s turn to drive.




Parade coming up........

​

Mount Dora reminds me of Mystic, CT (also has various shops like the one you described) and the goblin market burgers looked AMAZING! Sorry about the car though that’s horrible! So happy you got a new one!

 

[KathyM2]

We can get it in the UK, but it`s a different mix and not as nice, I much prefer this version of the brand. But, down side is, they`re very heavy......I`m not thinking about suitcases at this point. Maybe I should have been.......

I think this may be foreshadowing as I don't know what ended up happening...I hope you didn't have an issue with the weight. When I came back from Florida recently, my bag was over weight, but thankfully they did not charge me.

But we do love The Palm and if it wasn`t for that, we`d never be here at all.

I can't wait to try this place in Boston next time I get there to see my son. It looks so good in your TR's. Sorry the potatoes were disappointing!

I`d forgotten how sweet and decadent the fried cheescake was,

I can't think of anything more decadent than fried cheesecake lol

Our next stop was the Tea and Spice store

I find it funny that you go to a tea shop in Florida lol. I know it's about the spices lol but still amusing!

 

[schumigirl]

Mount Dora reminds me of Mystic, CT (also has various shops like the one you described) and the goblin market burgers looked AMAZING! Sorry about the car though that’s horrible! So happy you got a new one!

I can imagine it`ll be beautiful then, and yes Tom said the burger was very good.

Oh it was worth taking the time to go to the airport to change it, we were so much happier with the new one.

 

[schumigirl]

I think this may be foreshadowing as I don't know what ended up happening...I hope you didn't have an issue with the weight. When I came back from Florida recently, my bag was over weight, but thankfully they did not charge me.



I can't wait to try this place in Boston next time I get there to see my son. It looks so good in your TR's. Sorry the potatoes were disappointing!



I can't think of anything more decadent than fried cheesecake lol



I find it funny that you go to a tea shop in Florida lol. I know it's about the spices lol but still amusing!

There may have been.......lol....glad you weren`t charged for your overweight bags.

I hope you enjoy it in Boston, they all seem to have a good standard all over, yes, no potatoes for us next time.

Tea is the one thing we never buy in America....haven`t found a decent one yet......it is one thing we Brits do better than anyone, well we import it well......lol......

I`ve tried many American teas, cousins and aunts have tried us with some, but none have ever been nice enough. First time I tried Lipton`s I thought they had just given us pond water......lol......

You`re absolutely spot on, we go in there for the variety of different spice blends they have....that Pirate Bite one is gorgeous, full of flavours and spicy!

That cheesecake was gorgeous, I just couldn`t finish it!!

 

[KathyM2]

I`ve tried many American teas, cousins and aunts have tried us with some, but none have ever been nice enough. First time I tried Lipton`s I thought they had just given us pond water......lol......

You've got that right!! I think we have some decent ones in Canada though lol..they probably come from England I love the peppermint tea I picked up in 2019 at Fortnum & Mason...but then...it's so much fun to shop in there whatever you are looking for!

 

[schumigirl]

We settled on what`s now known, a bit like Sheldon.....that`s my spot........gotta love Sheldon!

​

You do get a fabulous view here of the parade as it appears, the dancers as they sashay down the parade path....their glides look effortless and constantly smiling all the while engaging with the crowds who relish every wave or acknowledgement.....it`s a whole lot of fun from start to finish.

I could have sworn last 3 years they announced when the parade was about to start, giving us a slight countdown from about 10 minutes, but there was nothing tonight, it just appeared........

And one of our favourite bunch of Universal characters......the Minions.......

Good to see it start to get dark very quickly, and once it starts it doesn`t take long till it`s completely dark and the parade does look better in complete darkness.

I love ticker tape and fake snow, so it always causes a glow when they start throwing that stuff out......

Shrek, Donkey and the Dragon are classics in the Universal catalogue of characters....everybody loves that big old Scottish ogre and his noble steed........

And the main man himself was soon on his way and he did get the most rousing of responses from the crowds awaiting the tree being lit up momentarily.....

It was at this point the lady beside me yelled hey......

The group of folks we were standing with had got along nicely, we let a little one stand in front of us and we all moved out of each others way, there was a nice vibe. Then this youngish couple appeared just as Santa did and pushed to the front of the couple beside us.......er, no.....they just thought this was acceptable behaviour and were soon told it wasn`t and they left as fast as they appeared.

Now we were back to waving to Father Christmas, and the little girl was just adorable and so excited.

They did a countdown for the tree to be lit up, and along with the fake snow, the whole atmosphere was electric.....everyone was cheering and smiling and I fully admit to getting a little emotional at this point....as someone who loves Christmas, this is perfect for me.

And right about now more than anything in the world, I wished Kyle was with us

The parade is always wonderful......completely wonderful. Universal have some amazing characters for it but I do wish they allowed the Scooby Doo gang in the parade too. Apparently it`s not possible, but, they are some of our favourites and would love to see them there.....Scooby would look cute in a santa hat.

We waited till the crowd cleared a little before moving off and getting some pictures by the tree.......we were taking some very bad selfies when a man offered to take our picture and he did take a good few for us. It`s always nice when folks offer to do it.

This was where I`d gotten lazy and put the hoodie on as I got fed up carrying it, it was warm for sure, so much so it was off sooner rather than later. We were constantly amazed at the heat we experienced this trip, especially in the evenings which was lovely.

I love this picture below, and not just because the tree is basically purple. They did a good job changing it this year so the whole light system is random and changed regularly instead of the simpler lights they had previous years. It was impressive, but I do think most trees are gorgeous in this scale.

The streets are starting to quiet down now, and aside from the guys with the street sweepers trying to clear the ticker tape, there weren`t many folks left at this point which is lovely to get a good glimpse of all the buildings and their decor without roaming crowds.

More coming soon........

 

[schumigirl]

You've got that right!! I think we have some decent ones in Canada though lol..they probably come from England I love the peppermint tea I picked up in 2019 at Fortnum & Mason...but then...it's so much fun to shop in there whatever you are looking for!

We love F&M teas too!!! They are some of the nicest out there, and so many choices. Oh it`s at least 3 years since we went to visit London and went to Fortnums, and we prefer F&M to Harrods generally.

I recently decided I could drink peppermint tea...I`m not fond of mint flavoured anything, but a couple of my friends drink it and I did finally decide to try it, and it was ok. Good for the tummy too. I much prefer regular breakfast tea, lapsang souchong or Oolong types but with fruit teas, give me spiced ginger and I`m happy!

Now I`m wanting a cup of tea lol.....

 

[kbelle8995]

I love your trip reports. I love the prop shop too. We went in last time. My sister has never been and we tried on hats. We also dug through the costume jewelry. Love that place so much.

I have a pretty silver (Faux?) Brooch that I got there. And love Christmas at Universal so pretty.

 

[schumigirl]

I love your trip reports. I love the prop shop too. We went in last time. My sister has never been and we tried on hats. We also dug through the costume jewelry. Love that place so much.

I have a pretty silver (Faux?) Brooch that I got there. And love Christmas at Universal so pretty.

Thank you so much kbelle.....I appreciate that a lot.

I am going to look next time for sure and will try to find a hat, it is a little treasure trove of delights.

Yes Universal do Christmas wonderfully......

 

[macraven]

Dis Daily Updates
Thread of the Day
January 6 2022

 

[PollyannaMom]

Found this thread late, but have just caught up. We are big Universal fans (especially the Harry Potter world) and love Mount Dora as well. (We have family near there.)

Thank you for taking the time to share your photos!

 

[schumigirl]

We wandered slowly round to the exit via one of the nicely decorated areas, the lights here are lovely too, and once the area clears of people you can get some very good people-less pictures.

Honestly, with the lights and the empty streets this place is just lovely, we are conscious though of TM wanting to get home too, so we don`t hang around for too long after the parade, but we do love this feeling of space here.

The stores are still open, but we had wandered round earlier and we did want a look in the new Universal store in Citywalk that we hadn`t actually gone into yet where Fossil used to be.

Now I had tried the Dole Whip, I wouldn`t need to try it again, one was enough for me, it just wasn`t sweet enough for me, I much prefer the way Keisha described it......especially with the addition of rum!!!

​

I would concur with that description being more palatable to me.

But Schwab`s is a lovely little place and we will go back again, but caramel ice cream for me......

And of course the classic image from The Studios this time of year.....

Citywalk was a lot quieter than we expected, I think everyone was clearing out and restaurants didn`t look busy at all and we had worried we woudn`t get to eat in Citywalk tonight, but every restaurant we looked at had plenty of availability and we could have gotten a table in any of them.

The Universal store is very nice, they do stock almost anything you could want as gifts or for yourself. We didn`t buy anything at all and I didn`t think we`d go out of our way to specifically shop here.

We weren`t really hungry for a full meal tonight, but we did want to eat in Vivo so we headed in there and although there were plenty of tables, we prefer to sit at the bar in here and there were some seats as one set of folks was just leaving, so we parked ourselves and ordered a bottle of prosecco while we decided if we did feel like food or not.

Bar staff are a hoot in here.....always chatty although we did have one guy who poured the prosecco like it was water.......I thought that odd as usually you`d angle the glass, but one of the other guys told us he was on loan from Volcano bay and wasn`t used to pouring bubbly.......I`m glad it wasn`t an expensive champagne, but it was fine. And quite nice too.

We got some bread too while we decided.

Usually I have the chicken piccata from here minus the pasta, and Tom has had various dishes and all have been lovely. We`re not the biggest Italian food fans and don`t really ever eat pasta, so we avoid those dishes and it`s just fine.

We opted to share between us the mussels and the Antipasto, and they were both lovely except for the gorgonzola cheese which was yukky.......not fans of anything blue when it comes to cheese.

But, the rest of the food was nice enough....we did miss having our usual meal, but we couldn`t have eaten them. Although being honest, once we started eating, we did enjoy them.

We ended up chatting to a lady who sat beside Tom, she was here on her own to care for her sisters kids while they went to a wedding and she was a lot of fun to chat to, so we ordered another bottle of wine, plain white this time which wasn`t the best wine we`ve ever had, but it was ok....and then we decided dessert was indeed needed.

I went for the Panna cotta and Tom ordered the Cannoli`s.......I`m not a fan of them, so he got them all to himself, but he did try mine and it was very nice.

We did have a good time chatting, but eventually, later than planned we left the bar and began to walk home, and it was a lovely walk and surprisingly we did pass a few folks on the way heading into Citywalk.

These days were passing so quickly.......

 

[schumigirl]

Found this thread late, but have just caught up. We are big Universal fans (especially the Harry Potter world) and love Mount Dora as well. (We have family near there.)

Thank you for taking the time to share your photos!

along PollyannMom.......

I`m glad you found us.......

Isn`t Mount Dora just the most gorgeous place! There are so many places outside of the parks that are stunning, we do enjoy roaming round and finding them.

And of course Potter is hard to beat in theme park terms.

I hope you enjoy the rest of the TR and glad to have you here.......

 

[schumigirl]

MONDAY NOVEMBER 29TH​

We honestly couldn`t believe how quickly the time was passing. We had almost been here a week, but didn`t feel as if we had done anything except ride VC a million times......other than that we weren`t quite sure what we had done so far this trip.

Today was going to be an odd one, we really didn`t plan to do much of anything, but it took all day doing nothing for some reason .........and I was equally amazed when we uploaded the pictures, turns out we had taken nearly 6,500 of them......lots were duplicates we got rid of and maybe even a few dodgy ones, but even so we didn`t feel as if we had taken as many and today was probably the least we had ever taken.

We got up early as usual and went to the lounge to listen to a woman complain her adult kids slept till half way through the morning......that would not happen with us. Thankfully Kyle has always been as early a riser as we have always been, he is almost regimented, but we`ve never had to deal with a kid that slept the day away, but this woman was becoming furious, so we extracated ourselves from the conversation and let her simmer furiously as she attacked her cereal with a serious amount of anger......oh dear.

So, we enjoyed a rather nice breakfast as usual and then headed off to walk to IOA, we were excited to get back on the VC today and walked slightly faster than we usually do, although it was a little cooler than September temps. The walk is beautiful and we thought we were walking fast......we were overtaken by several folks almost running to get to the parks......I`m keen, but draw the line at running. Not sure I even could to be honest. Never really understood joggers.....they always look so darn miserable!

It was busy at the gate and for once we didn`t end up behind someone who was having issues with a ticket that had been printed on a huge sheet of paper or struggled to find the right persons bar code on one phone.........give me strength.....we always seem to end up behind someone like that.......but.....aha......today it was our turn to hold folks up.....and the lady behind us had the face of a bear with a smacked you know what and kept sighing and stamping one foot constantly.............which of course made me giggle for some reason.....

​

Tom barely has fingerprints, and this time it just wouldn`t register.....so of course they asked for his date of birth again, yep, this wasn`t even the first time, and the woman typed in the wrong DOB and had to come back to tell him he had given the wrong DOB......now, don`t know about you, but one thing we all know is our won DOB.....so he told her again, she sighed and this time came back and said he got it right this time. Well, I was furious.......but Tom being Tom said it was fine and let it go, but he had got it right the first time, she just hadn`t listened. Tom lets things go easier than I can, it just irritated me.

But, I soon lost that irritation as we walked into the gorgeous POE......

Christmas music and bright colours......beautiful place and as always a lot of folks are marching through without a glance around them.....can`t say I blame some of them though, they were here for the rides. I however could wander here for ages before considering heading into the parks...

I honestly can`t remember how many years we had visited before I noticed the cat sounds coming from the balcony above......but they are going constantly and there are several little areas in POE where if you stand underneath and listen, you hear voices and sounds from people.......fits in well with the theme, but quite cool.

We didn`t plan to hang around with anything else this morning, it was all about the VC, so we headed straight for it and planned to ride it till we just couldn`t do it anymore....which with me could be anything. I oocasionally get dizzy spells, mainly from an inner ear issue, but it hadn`t bothered me for a long time, however sometimes with rides like FJ I can only do it once or twice, Simpsons I cannot do at all but coasters for some reason I can do multiple times....

So, that was the plan today........

I think the wait time showed 25 minutes when we first walked up, we were on in less than 15 minutes and it was the same every ride, except one when it took us 6 minutes from start till we sat on the ride.

This was phenomenal!!!

Again we must have ridden at least 10 times.......and no adverse effects......until there was........my brain was telling me enough, but not a bad run. We got the back row almost every ride except one when we were in row 3 which was good too, but nothing beats the back row and front.

I tried to take more notice of things around the ride like where the raptors are and I did notice them for sure more and more as we rode. I love everything about this ride, there is nothing I don`t love...but the part where it acclerates before climbing the top hat part is one of the best.....as well as being upside down and completely out of your seat many, many times......it is the best!!

Reluctantly we headed out, and I needed a little sugar, so we headed into a busier than usual 3B`s and shared a pumpkin fizz. Butterbeer is not a drink we enjoy in any form, although I do like the fudge and ice cream!

I loved the white of the snowy roofs against the bluest of skies on days like this, it is stunningly beautiful and every time we wander through either place I thank my lucky stars JK Rowling helped create this....the woman is a genius.

It was lunchtime now and we headed out of the parks to go home to get changed as we were heading offsite for lunch today, but we got a few snaps before we left.....

We knew there were new characters being introduced to POE including the Mayor and finally they had arrived later last year and a good addition they were too, particularly the Mayor. We made sure we went to GS to say how much we had enjoyed the interactions as they are more likely to be kept if folks let it be known how much they liked the characters.

This was his little buddy who could have been directly from an Abbott and Costello movie, he was humourous though.

We walked home and got changed to go for lunch, I was starving by now and we were going to Toojays which is only a 10 minute drive away from the hotel off of Sand Lake Road.

This is somewhere we like to eat every visit, it is so nice and just homely with some very nice food. We tend to go for more lighter lunch options but they do meals that look beautiful but just maybe too large for lunch.

They have a bakery as you go in and a meat selection too, and everything we have had have all been gorgeous. After eating the Rugelach here, I got one of my friends who is Jewish to teach me how to make them properly, I had tried and they hadn`t been brilliant, but she kept me right and now they turn out lovely.

But, they don`t beat these......anything we have had has been gorgeous, especially the coconut cake!!! Lordy it is good.

Being honest, there are a lot of older people eat here and weirdly there were two older couples we had remembered from previous visits sitting eating, maybe a Friday thing for them, but it was just odd. He looked just like Walter Matthau and she looked amazingly like Sophia from the Golden Girls.

But, it is friendly and the owners must have been in their 80`s and still come in every day and they are very nice people.

Strawberry lemonade is our drink of choice here and you can try to finish one before the refill you.....you can`t, they are sharp as tacks at topping you up which we like. Well I do, Tom tends to only have one drink as it`s enough for him.

I had my usual shrimp salad but forgot to ask for it just as a salad, and it came with a brioche bum, which I ate a little of, Tom went for pastrami and we shared sweet potato fries which were a little disappointing, but the sandwiches were lovely.

I love their coleslaw here too.

Popped very quickly to the Florida Mall, not our usual Mall but I wanted to get some clothes and stuff from a store there.......and I did manage to stock up on a load as they were offering 50% off and an extra 10% at the till....last day of Black Friday deals......couldn`t resist especially the ahem, underwear selections!!!

The rest of the day passed as a blur as we headed off to one of the folks we had known for a while`s home and passed some time there before coming back home and spending an hour in the lounge before heading out to meet another friend for a quick coffee.

Tonight we were meeting someone else in the Ale House, so we went down hoping to get a car to take us, but again, nothing was available.....so the lovely young Avery again took us after checking it was fine with his boss, so we were extremely grateful to him.

In the end it was just us as our friends couldn`t make it, she had been called back to work, she doesn`t work for Loews anymore and is out the hospitality industry altogether, so that was disappointing but we`d make sure we see them next time.

We got a booth as every seat was taken at the bar, but we do like a booth and there was a lot of noisy folks up there tonight.......so we ordered a bottle of wine and said we`d both have the ribs as that was there special tonight.....a full rack is a lot, but even so we still ordered the deep fried jalapenos with honey mustard as a dip......hadn`t tried them before, but hoped they were extra spicy.

The jalapenos were not nearly as hot and spicy as they should have been, but were nice and a nice addition to the ribs as a sharing plate.

The ribs were perfectly cooked and had plenty of sauce on them.......my goodness that is a large portion, but we managed somehow with me only leaving a few fries and maybe a quarter of the jalapenos were uneaten.

This place on Kirkman is a lot of fun....food is good and staff are lovely and their is a good atmosphere every time you come in, even in a booth as opposed to sitting at the bar, either works for us.

We were full to bursting and absolutely had no room for dessert......but we did sit a while longer and just enjoy being there as we do like it a lot and then when we leave we always ask if they`ll kindly call us a cab and they always do.

So we went up to the desk and it was a very young girl there and we asked her if she could call us a cab.......I swear she looked at us like we had crawled out of the preverbial crypt........A cab??? Er, yes was my response.......she looked at her phone as if it was going to solve this ancient mystery for her, then she actually said.....I have no idea how to call a cab do you mean a Lyft or Uber???

I burst out laughing at this point as an older woman appeared and said to her, you don`t know how to call a cab.......she said she would do it, but at that point the girl who had been fiddling with the work phone said it`ll be here in 7 minutes.......wait, what........she had organised a Lyft.

Knowing little of these except they are usually prepaid I asked her how did we pay...she said oh we`ll take care of it.......er no again......so we gave her the tip and cost of the cab as she had arranged it for us after all. She looked surprised and said there was no need, but we insisted and she did take it. She said most didn`t pay, but we don`t like that.....same with folks who try to shaft their way out of tipping correctly .....do not like that one bit.

But, we thanked her again and saw a man who looked like the manager....I wondered from the description I had listened to from a friend of ours who had experiences here recently if this was the same guy they had dealt with......turns out this guy was new so it wasn`t him I was glad to say, but I told him I was impressed with the young lady who had helped us.....even though she made us feel as if we were mummified relics from a bygone age before technology!!!

The car was outside when she said it would be, and very nice it was too.....a brand new Lexus which was comfortable and he was the most polite and friendly of young men, so we were happy with the way it had turned out.

We didn`t feel like a last drink in the bar, so we headed up to bed and marvelled at how fast the day had gone and had we really done anything at all.......this trip was disappearing faster than a flash and we hadn`t done nearly half the things we had planned to.

But, it was still amazing being here.

 

[disneyseniors]

Carole: I love how you two find other things to do outside of Universal.
I confess that once we are there, we stay and don't wander.
My husband hates to drive in Florida, so if we do venture off we use a cab, yes, a CAB, just like you! So you are not alone on using cabs, LOL. But we mostly stay put and haven't seen or experienced half the things you have! We'll have to remedy that.

I had to laugh at your comment about joggers. I always say the same thing, and I know that I can't do it. We have people (young people) who actually jog when it is minus zero!!! Can't imagine it as they are breathing in freezing air!
Today it is -24 with wind chill at about -40 Brr. Wish I was in Florida now