14 NIGHTS SAPPHIRE FALLS...MARDI GRAS-MINIONS-HARRY & MORE...MARCH 2019 TR

Always enjoy the food installments of the trip reports!
OMG! That sushi looks heavenly! I may even be tempted try the jalepenos, maybe, lol!

I do have to agree with Tom about the ginger, and would have skipped the dessert. I recently gave ginger another try at a wine/chocolate pairing tasting. It was candied ginger covered in dark chocolate. So weirdly spicy/hot and horrible!! Gross! Yuck! Gives me shivers thinking of it:scared:

P.S. I really liked your dress, you looked lovely Carole!

Thanks Lori.....appreciate it!!

Oh the jalapenos were quite fruity in taste and not the hottest, so you may have enjoyed them.....the dishes were so beautiful...…

I LOVE candied ginger!!!!! Not so much chocolate covered, but regular or as we call it crystalised ginger.....when I was pregnant I ate a ton of it every morning.....kept morning sickness at bay a treat....it is rather spicy I have to admit...and I do love your honest thoughts on it though, so not for you then.....:rotfl:

And although I enjoyed the dessert, I much prefer regular crème brulee, but it was lovely and I was glad I got it, just that once.....:thumbsup2
 
THURSDAY MARCH 21ST









I have to say I`m thrilled how quickly I`m getting this report done!!!! Only a few days left, and still 3 weeks till we leave again...…….wooohooooo!!!!!



So, again, we were up early after having a fabulous sleep...….and again, we thought we may sleep later as we had another late night last night (late for us anyway) At home we don't always stay up late, although both of us are technically retired, we still get up early. Kyle leaves for work anytime between 6.30 and 7.30 depending on what he has going on that day, so I like to get up with him.

Ok, I`m babbling again..…….

Once we had put our sunscreen on, we walked over for breakfast and again, the same family were funny......but we chatted to everyone as always and then headed down and walked to the park as we were going to IOA...….I had strangely worn a dress, as we thought we might have a day not riding and just enjoy the park by wandering around but I had worn cycling shorts underneath in case I decided to go on one or two like Doom...….

This is a very picture centric day...……..::yes::

We love the walk to the parks from the RP......it is so beautiful...….

Cutting through the pool we can immediately feel the increase in heat today.....it is warm!!!! We are of course happy about that...…..and there are even folks getting ready to have a dip in the pool today...…

This is one of our favourite pools of all the resorts....we do like Sapphire too, and the quiet pool at PBH although we haven't gone there for years......but this one suits us down to the ground....and it has the best pool bar of them all!!!

As we are not people to sit and bake in the sun, we love that we can go out early and most of the pool is in shade for a good while...…





i-Tv8VnLG-XL.jpg







i-nzmJxb5-XL.jpg





Looking over to Sapphire it is still amazing to imagine what this place was like just over 4 years ago, and even longer before CBay was built...…..the landscape had changed so much in 10 years.

Although the boat yard area isn't the prettiest, but I guess essential.....





i-989WvS9-XL.jpg







i-bR7fX5x-XL.jpg





I love these flowers, have no idea of the type they are......if anyone knows.....I`d love you to say...….they are all over the parks too, and stand out as they are very vibrant.





i-5jmjQ6Q-XL.jpg





Walking from Sapphire or RP you go through security to the side of Margaritaville, this takes a few seconds and security staff are always so pleasant...….and this view is one of my favourites in the Citywalk area......




i-3hmPFdK-XL.jpg





Walking into IOA is always so beautiful...….we love the parks more or less equally I think......and although if I had to choose one it might just be Studios, by a hair......we do love walking in to IOA...….especially on such a beautiful day as today is.……




i-jQ49RvM-XL.jpg





There are a lot of people trying to get into the parks today, and so many lining up to buy tickets.....I am always surprised at that line!!!!

Once we get in we head straight into the shop......and we do always like a wander around here....I had meant to pick up a few items in here today......but glancing at our already substantial amount that we had already purchased and still to pack before we left this morning, I do concede to not purchasing anything else!!!

There are some cute little displays around the store, all explorer related of course...….





i-xS57r2w-XL.jpg





And another sign the new Potter ride is getting close, is the merchandise filling the store for the new ride...and of course seeing the products gives us an idea of what type of creatures will appear throughout the ride.....and it is a real mix...…

Fluffy and spiders of course we kind of guessed would be firmly entrenched as features, but the littler additions of the pixies I hadn't expected for some reason....….

Genuinely looking forward to this ride!!!!




i-7kLpP5R-XL.jpg







i-gsw5Fkv-XL.jpg






i-r96zxHZ-XL.jpg





Tom wandered around the store, I found out later eyeing up some products he may have wanted to buy.....and he calls me a shopper...…..while I chatted for ages to two lovely members of staff who were at the rear of the store. I really can chat!!!!

Eventually Tom came back over and we left the store to start our wanderings for today...….

I love this area.....and can talk about it at length to anyone who will listen!!!! But it is beautiful and so incredibly well themed.......I often say they could make a whole area with many rides out this theme in Universal......they could maybe make a boat ride with Pirates......oh wait......hasn't that been done...….







Never mind...………



:rotfl:




i-n46hmmM-XL.jpg






i-kDzV759-XL.jpg






i-ZmttFGc-XL.jpg





Oh my goodness were we enjoying this heat that had returned...….

Our first stop today wasn't any of the rides, it was the view over to JPVC...…..and how they were changing the landscape over their by starting to clear it for the new ride...….which will be amazing I`m sure.....

And again you can clearly see they have left one tree standing proud over to the right of the picture, despite felling so many of them..…..it`s clearly to fit in with the ride somehow...…….





i-wW8RTNx-XL.jpg





And for a comparison, this was taken the beginning of September last year...…..




i-qBwT5kD-XL.jpg




More IOA coming up...……
 
Thanks for the comparison shot from Jurassic Park! I was trying to remember what it used to look like. We enjoyed looking at the area and trying to figure out what kind of ride is going to go there. I have been trying to get information about passholder previews for the new Hagrid ride. We will be there the week it opens, and I'm worried about crowds! If you hear anything next month, please let me know.
 
Your pictures are getting me excited - we are leaving tomorrow!! Weather is looking pretty good. Our full park days are Thurs-Sat with a half day Sunday. Friday looks to be the only dud with severe thunderstorms forecast. But maybe a great time to hit all the indoor attractions. Ponchos at the ready! We are more excited about the 73 degree F day on Sat than the 90 degree day Thursday, coming from Massachusetts where it is currently 49F. You would probably disagree ;)
 


Thanks for the comparison shot from Jurassic Park! I was trying to remember what it used to look like. We enjoyed looking at the area and trying to figure out what kind of ride is going to go there. I have been trying to get information about passholder previews for the new Hagrid ride. We will be there the week it opens, and I'm worried about crowds! If you hear anything next month, please let me know.

Oh I will Andrea.....:thumbsup2

Yes, I liked the comparison picture......I can only guess what it`ll look like 2 years from now!!!
 
Your pictures are getting me excited - we are leaving tomorrow!! Weather is looking pretty good. Our full park days are Thurs-Sat with a half day Sunday. Friday looks to be the only dud with severe thunderstorms forecast. But maybe a great time to hit all the indoor attractions. Ponchos at the ready! We are more excited about the 73 degree F day on Sat than the 90 degree day Thursday, coming from Massachusetts where it is currently 49F. You would probably disagree ;)

lol....probably!!!! But we are so cold here right now with an east wind, I`d take anything warmer....

I`m sure it`ll be fabulous....and maybe Friday won`t be as bad as forecast......and yes, weather looks glorious for you...…

Have a wonderful trip and enjoy every second...…..:wave2:
 
I love these flowers, have no idea of the type they are......if anyone knows.....I`d love you to say...….they are all over the parks too, and stand out as they are very vibrant.





I love these flowers, have no idea of the type they are......if anyone knows.....I`d love you to say...….they are all over the parks too, and stand out as they are very vibrant.





i-5jmjQ6Q-XL.jpg


Carole, I think these beautiful flowers are Bougainvillea. So pretty. I do enjoy looking at all the plants and flowers in property. And hooray in the next trip in only three weeks. Loving the trip report so far!
 


This area is also beautiful…...and usually very quiet...….and this time of the morning, it is especially quiet...…

There is a smoking area here unfortunately quite close, and if it`s busy, it`s not so pleasant......but this early it`s deserted...…...we always stay as far away as possible.....





i-kG55Bc3-XL.jpg







i-4HzjP9f-XL.jpg







i-cTrf95N-XL.jpg





Since the felling of the trees, you can see Hogsmeade much easier now.....and it is cool to see everything a little bit clearer.....




i-MwD3n3k-XL.jpg







i-PtgRnTg-XL.jpg





Superhero area was especially busy at this point this morning...….but we did manage to go on Spider-Man.....and we were glad we did, last time this trip and it was as fabulous as always....it was an EP walk on and the line was maybe around 30 minutes already.....I guessed today was going to be a busy one...…and this was our last planned park day so we really and truly took our time and savoured everything, well as best we could...…

We didn't do Doom after all, and just kept wandering around, and although the temperature showed only around 77F, it felt so much warmer than that...…

Toon Lagoon wasn't as busy...….crowds seemed to be lacking here which was nice.....so we did get a few pictures with almost no one around...….we do always manage that somehow.....::yes::





i-TgZq6NH-XL.jpg





We chatted to a couple who were taking pictures of each other, so we offered to take their pictures and of course they returned the compliment...….we chatted for a brief conversation and it was their first visit and they were loving this park which is always good to hear, we then set off...…nice couple.....




i-7xW5B5V-XL.jpg





Today, Bluto`s Bilge Barges were back open so we could wander down past Me Ship the Olive......one of our favourite quiet places to visit whilst we are in the park......there are more people wandering down here now, but it`s still relatively quiet...….

The ride is open, not that we are planning to do any water rides today, but seems no one else is either......barges are all going empty.....shame as we do like see folks getting soaked on them.....and you do get soaked on this one, no doubts...….





i-VLtP7J5-XL.jpg







i-pQwDwqb-XL.jpg






i-b58m3pt-XL.jpg





This below is one of the best areas in the ride for a drenching...….you do get fully deluged with water if you are sitting in the right seats.....or the wrong seats of course.....lol.....and so many don't know this is coming up.....so standing on the bridge and watching everyone get a huge surprise is so funny!!!!!

And of course we laugh like drains at the folks that do get soaked today, and as quiet as it was earlier, now it was getting busier and most barges had folks in them...….

The ones who least expect it are hilarious.....and kids love it usually......adults aren't always very impressed, which is surprising as it is a water ride.....you expect to get wet...…..




i-WfNJm4X-XL.jpg




We must be quite sad people as we could have stood here all day watching folks get drenched......and it must be lovely as it is incredibly hot already...…




i-J8FLSkh-XL.jpg







i-xsNL7Bh-XL.jpg





There are still water jets that are free, on the higher decks of the Olive, they aren't the most powerful but can be effective if your aim is good...….and one boat passing here had a very irate woman who was obviously annoyed at getting wet from above after avoiding the previous deluge...….folks like that are so funny.....you want them to get drenched, and we did laugh at many today getting soaked including the woman getting off the ride who was mad as heck at being drenched......….lol...…







It was incredibly funny!!!!








There really are some cute things around the ship and some things that do go unnoticed if you don't wander right down here...…




i-zCfbq8z-XL.jpg







i-3h4Fhw8-XL.jpg







i-CN8pDTp-XL.jpg





We did stop here for a little sit in the sun, and I had my ipad today, and got an email, so sat down to answer it while we enjoyed the sunshine...…it was so peaceful.....we had only seen one other person so far down here......

A TM appeared again, and we chatted about what was going on over the water at JP.....she told us the bigger screens were going up in a few days time, but not huge ones, you would still be able to see some of the construction but less than now...….so, we were glad to see what we did this trip...





i-Xn5qkkB-XL.jpg







i-KGGLzdt-XL.jpg







i-zkV5Wmb-XL.jpg







i-G9DnPdb-XL.jpg







i-Z3kGtsm-XL.jpg







i-7DqR6LH-XL.jpg





The views from down here are beautiful...…...you can see almost every corner around the lagoon and on a day like today it is stunning!!!!




i-hc5GDjV-XL.jpg





We knew we wanted to wander round the back of the 3B`s later to get some more pictures of the construction, you could really see clearly and in years to come it would be interesting to look back and compare the differences...….




i-rLLwdT5-XL.jpg





This water feature doesn't drench you as much as the other one, but if it gets you it will give you a good splash...….




i-dPQXJZx-XL.jpg







i-rd5WJdb-XL.jpg




More to come...……..
 
I love these flowers, have no idea of the type they are......if anyone knows.....I`d love you to say...….they are all over the parks too, and stand out as they are very vibrant.





I love these flowers, have no idea of the type they are......if anyone knows.....I`d love you to say...….they are all over the parks too, and stand out as they are very vibrant.





i-5jmjQ6Q-XL.jpg


Carole, I think these beautiful flowers are Bougainvillea. So pretty. I do enjoy looking at all the plants and flowers in property. And hooray in the next trip in only three weeks. Loving the trip report so far!


WELCOME back cocofifi……:)

So lovely to see you here for this one...….

Ah, thank you.....I recognise the name of that flower now :flower3:......yes there are some beautiful plants around....we often comment we saw a lot of the ones around the pathway to the parks planted and they were tiny compared to now...….

Yes, we are excited for the next trip too...….and so glad to hear you are enjoying this one.....glad you`re here again...…...:wave2:
 
I have Bougainvillea plants. One is the taller variety, but not as big as those. I've had several different colors and they are all so pretty.

With the area cleared out I can somehow see my idea of boats to Hogwarts! Wouldn't that be amazing!!
 
Wonderful trip report so far. I'm finally caught up!!!!! Your food pictures have me drooling all the time. We find we are more and more turning into foodies. I love a good sit down meal that I don't have to cook or clean up after :p It always tastes better when I can just order it..and poof...it arrives!!!! lol

Your stories along the way make me chuckle :laughing: The foot lady on the plane :eek: :faint: Wow...just wow. Some people really do think the whole world revolves around them. And yes...Canada is a beautiful place to visit!!!! We live very close to the Rocky Mountains and on a clear day we can see them in the horizon. We live in a more remote area...and surprisingly we moved more south...we used to live more north :scared1: I don't miss it at all. We drive for an hour between towns/cities to get anywhere, which makes for long trips when we do travel. Our winters here are long enough. Hopefully once the kids are grown and out of the house we can spend some of our winter months south instead of here. I agree...it is cold.

Only three weeks till your next trip!!!! It will go fast now. I know we are just shy of three week before we head to Mexico for the dd wedding. And honestly, I can't wait. Spring has been slow to make an appearance, Although the snow is gone, Mother Nature keeps saying...oh Here you go Love...just a little more for you yet :sad2: This momma is needing some warm sun, sand and water with maybe a beverage or two :rolleyes1

Can't wait to read the next few days. And your pictures keep me wanting to return with our boys ( and I include the hubby in that too ;) ) as I know they would LOVE universal. But first to see how we even handle this vacation, then maybe can " suggest " this one ;) :rolleyes1
 
Have been dousing myself in Chanel #5 since my mom gifted me my first bottle for 15th birthday :). What is your favorite?

Yeah me too I guess now I think on it......lol.....yes what a house that could be.

You`re spot on actually..…..it doesn't feel commercialised at all.....no Starbucks around that area, no big chains and everything feels very local......and everyone is so friendly.

The one down side and we were rather shocked the first time was the amount of homeless people laying along the side of the streets.......I expect to see that in NYC or Downtown Orlando, but to see so many in such a small town place was a surprise......you know it`s everywhere but just surprised. They never once approached anyone though that we saw...….

The whole place is beautiful though. We`d like to visit Flagler College properly next time.....it looks stunning. My cousins daughter looked to go there and they all flew down from NY and my cousin said she wished she could go there!!!!

Gotta have some Capt Jack...…..:D

Seems like daytona has more each time we visit, read somewhere it’s considered ‘friendly & safe’ place for them. Probably the same there.

lol......it wasn't Sal`s...….

Yep, I`d have hated to have bad pizza there!!!!

You can see in the pictures above, it does look good.....it just......wasn't.

You know, it does look good, stomach is rumbling lol. I’ll take your word though it was lousy

I don't eat sushi, but I adore Pickled ginger. My dad bought me a jar of it from an Asian grocery store, and it was such a special present!

lol.....I always have at least one jar of that at home!!! I have been known to just nibble on some, then Tom wonders why it`s gone...…

I`m the only one who likes it, so can`t blame anyone else for it all being gone...…:blush:

It is lovely, and yes, that's a nice gift to get......:)

Wait, they sell pickled ginger in a jar, in the grocery store?!? Guess what’s going on my list?
 
I have Bougainvillea plants. One is the taller variety, but not as big as those. I've had several different colors and they are all so pretty.

With the area cleared out I can somehow see my idea of boats to Hogwarts! Wouldn't that be amazing!!

They are beautiful...….I`d love some of those in my garden, somewhere...….will ask our gardener guy if we can get them....I have no clue, as Tom and I are the worst gardeners ever......we genuinely don't know much about plants and weeds and which are which......lol....I do know roses though...that's about it!!

I still think boats would be an amazing idea ::yes:: ...….I think when this coaster is built that`ll be impossible.....but, you never know......seems a shame not to utilise the lagoon that way again...…...
 
Wonderful trip report so far. I'm finally caught up!!!!! Your food pictures have me drooling all the time. We find we are more and more turning into foodies. I love a good sit down meal that I don't have to cook or clean up after :p It always tastes better when I can just order it..and poof...it arrives!!!! lol

Your stories along the way make me chuckle :laughing: The foot lady on the plane :eek: :faint: Wow...just wow. Some people really do think the whole world revolves around them. And yes...Canada is a beautiful place to visit!!!! We live very close to the Rocky Mountains and on a clear day we can see them in the horizon. We live in a more remote area...and surprisingly we moved more south...we used to live more north :scared1: I don't miss it at all. We drive for an hour between towns/cities to get anywhere, which makes for long trips when we do travel. Our winters here are long enough. Hopefully once the kids are grown and out of the house we can spend some of our winter months south instead of here. I agree...it is cold.

Only three weeks till your next trip!!!! It will go fast now. I know we are just shy of three week before we head to Mexico for the dd wedding. And honestly, I can't wait. Spring has been slow to make an appearance, Although the snow is gone, Mother Nature keeps saying...oh Here you go Love...just a little more for you yet :sad2: This momma is needing some warm sun, sand and water with maybe a beverage or two :rolleyes1

Can't wait to read the next few days. And your pictures keep me wanting to return with our boys ( and I include the hubby in that too ;) ) as I know they would LOVE universal. But first to see how we even handle this vacation, then maybe can " suggest " this one ;) :rolleyes1

Oh you must be beyond excited for the wedding!!!! All the planning and patience will be so worth it...and yes, some warm weather and some cold beverages are exactly what you need after a cold winter.

I love eating out too.....no cooking or cleaning up....although I do love to cook, and cook almost everything from scratch at home, but it is nice to get away from all that.....although to be fair, I cook and Tom clears up all of it (even if that is just loading the dishwasher :laughing:)

Oh there are some very weird people about......and so rude!!! Oh Canada does look beautiful......I have several cousins scattered around, although they are diminishing......I love when we fly up and over it, so rugged and beautiful......and cold!!!!! :rotfl:

Oh definitely try and manage another trip to Universal......I can almost guarantee they would all love it...…::yes:: yes, maybe let them get home from Mexico first.....lol...…

Glad you`re still enjoying reading along...….:wave2:
 
Have been dousing myself in Chanel #5 since my mom gifted me my first bottle for 15th birthday :). What is your favorite?

Seems like daytona has more each time we visit, read somewhere it’s considered ‘friendly & safe’ place for them. Probably the same there.

You know, it does look good, stomach is rumbling lol. I’ll take your word though it was lousy


Wait, they sell pickled ginger in a jar, in the grocery store?!? Guess what’s going on my list?


Oh yep, we always have jars of them at home.....very small jars though, and as I did confess....they seem to be used up rather quickly!!!!

With Chanel perfumes, the only one I ever wear is the Chanel Chance eau fraiche......it has a green colour box......I have tried others but they smell odd on me.....one of my friends wears Chanel no 19 and 5....both smell like cats that have gone off on me!!!! But, they smell gorgeous on her....she`s easy to buy for though.....

Yes, I think St Augustine sounds a bit like that for homeless......I was surprised they weren't moved along as they were in some very obvious places, but they genuinely didn't bother anyone.....we never felt unsafe, a bit like when we went to Lake Eola….there were a lot there then too....but left everyone alone....no begging.

lol....yes, doesn't the pizza look good!!!! Huge disappointment......so, two places I won`t return to...Flippers and Steak and Shake!!! Always good to know where not to go!!!
 
Love your dress in those IOA pictures! I'm glad I'm not the only one who likes to tour the parks in those style dresses. Actually more comfortable for me than shorts (and jeans are too hot)
(I also think I look about 15 lbs thinner than in shorts.)
 
We left Toon lagoon area and wandered past Dudley where we watched a few people get drenched.....no one comes off that ride dry either...….but the drop in that one is excellent.....but so fast......wish again, it was a little longer of a drop...…..

The ride vehicles are so awkward to get in and out of......you really need to have good arm strength to pull yourself back out of them…..even for people who aren't huge, it can be a trial at times.....but it`s worth it as the ride is fun....especially the drop!!!

We pass by Kong and decide not to go on that today either.....and certainly not JP where you can be totally dry coming off or totally drenched....and anywhere in the middle......we do love it, but usually keep it for a day where it is above 85F!!!

Potter is one of the most jaw dropping places to visit......even today seeing people there for their first visit, or hundredth visit, faces are all showing love and admiration for this area.....well, most are.....there are always those that haven't smiled since they had the hives!!!! And even how impressive Potter is, somethings won`t impress certain people who have come in with set ideas of not liking it because it doesn't have a mouse attached to it......I think these people are few and far between being honest, but you do still hear a few negative comments around....and of course read them too......but each to their own.....it`s still funny when folks say this phase will soon pass and Potter will never last...….lol...…

Entering through the other side and walking over the bridge is an incredibly popular place for pictures.....everyone wants their picture in front of the best Castle in Orlando...…









i-PLcpJ43-XL.jpg





Still spectacular!!!!




i-pRDLKJw-XL.jpg





The bridge is busy today, and we manage to squeeze in between large groups who all want their picture together...….we wait a few moments and then we manage to get our pictures that we want before moving out of the way to let others in for their coveted pictures too...…

There are photographers around, and so much more than there used to be. They are very visible and are happy to use your own camera too...….




i-G5VSJk3-XL.jpg






i-R6c4Mjx-XL.jpg





When there is a gap, we go back in for a selfie...….only for practice of course :rolleyes1......we aren't very good at them yet......will still never, never ever use one of those awful selfie sticks...…..so, will stick to the camera!!!!




i-z486JQp-XL.jpg






i-K2SJX3J-XL.jpg





We put the camera in the locker along with my bag and headed in to FJ...…..I think I do prefer the EP line to the full line, although you do see a lot of cool things in the regular line too.....but I prefer the staircase with all the photographs on...….just a personal preference really...……

We go on the ride once, we waited maybe 5 minutes, if that once we reached the ride.....I didn't notice the regular line, but it might have been around 35 minutes or so according to the lady who got on beside us.....

So much fun...….I would always tell everyone who loves rides, to give this a try......it is phenomenal and so different to any other ride.....it`s a shame to miss it because of fears of one thing or another, I understand it of course....but it`s fairly tame in comparison to some.

It`s definitely got busier when we come out......we glance at the bridge to JP and it is heaving......so full of people all trying to get a picture in the one area...….

We did finally manage one of the snowman without folks sitting on the wall or congregating around it....yes I`m sure they would move if you asked them to, but it`s never that important......nice picture though.




i-3g3mfgx-XL.jpg




Hogsmeade is warm and busy now......and I`m thankful we aren't visiting for the first time......it`s surprising how it does absorb the crowds though...….folks seem to find their own little corner...…




i-hdBGKBs-XL.jpg






i-QVsbmz9-XL.jpg




I loved the differences in the buildings......the angled chimneys depicting a long gone age in old style London.....although technically, you can still see plenty of chimneys around...….just very few are so crooked, or stylish.....




i-ft85JWD-XL.jpg




I said to Tom I was going to the bathroom, and when I went in I thought there had been an invasion!!!! You couldn't move for people.....I swear one group were washing their hair in the hand basins...…..I turned round and left......I`d find another that was less crowded......not desperate to go just yet!!

Tom was surprised to see me back out so early......told him, yep....I`ll wait.....





i-zc5b5Jz-XL.jpg





Although it was crowded, we are always delighted to get pictures with no one in them.....and were lucky today to get a couple like that.




i-M6Tg5Nh-XL.jpg





Honeydukes is a fabulous candy store......full of colour and astonishing flavours for everyone, their is a real assortment of items to purchase in here...….

And you can get Butterbeer fudge.....probably the only way I like Butterbeer...it is very nice...…but so many things to admire and purchase......I keep meaning to try the pumpkin pasty......it sounds so wrong.....but would still try it......but, we`re never hungry enough when we`re around this way as we always like to do the parks reasonably early.......maybe one day...…





i-7Mbtzvg-XL.jpg







i-5PtG2TM-XL.jpg







i-KvtdsvK-XL.jpg





We do go into the store and don't buy anything today...….I don't believe we have any room at all in our cases left...…it is just nice to wander around though and look at all the weird and wonderful items for sale, and must certainly be the most colourful display!!!!

We exit the store with no purchases as promised...….and glance over at the work in place for the new ride.....




i-CVBsqDj-XL.jpg






i-37DFX6M-XL.jpg




We head out of Hogsmeade now and towards the park exit.....but not before a look at the station and a glance at the works going on with the new ride.....you really can`t see anything worth seeing right now. There is no line right now for the train, but we wander around a little and as we came back they are putting up the railings to make lines as folks just seem to have appeared from nowhere...….




i-DWfbfSr-XL.jpg




Lost Continent coming up…….
 
Love your dress in those IOA pictures! I'm glad I'm not the only one who likes to tour the parks in those style dresses. Actually more comfortable for me than shorts (and jeans are too hot)
(I also think I look about 15 lbs thinner than in shorts.)

lol....thanks!!!! I hear you...…

I much prefer dresses and usually wear dresses back home a lot......I tend to wear cycling shorts and a top if we`re doing the rides.....they are comfortable, but no one ever looks good in them!!!!

Oh I couldn't imagine wearing jeans there!!! Maybe when it was the cooler day, but even in mid 70`s......never.....far too hot!!!
 
Leaving Potter we used to feel so sad leaving it for the last visit of a trip, but it does help knowing we`ll be back in 7 weeks or so........but, even so it`s somewhere we could spend much more time wandering around in for much longer...…..but we had plans later so move on we must...….

The Lost continent is somewhere that has vast potential for doing something extraordinary with it......the amount of land it sits on is a fair size and the size of the building that Poseidon`s Adventure is in and what used to be Sindbad is vast and could be utilised so much more...…..maybe one day, but until the Sand Lake Rd project is finished maybe they won`t do anything with this for a while....of course what do I know!!!!

The Talking Fountain is a classy little attraction.....I do call it an attraction as it really is.....you can interact with it or just sit back, watch and listen to everyone else having conversations that can be so funny......the humour is very astute and sharp......and of course kids love when it drenches them......and it really can drench them in any manner of ways...….the fountain style sprinkle of quite strong water jets that douse them in rather a lot of water.......but on a hot day kids will adore this.....a few adults too ::yes::...…..but if you see it, don't miss sparing ten minutes or so to sit and be entertained for a while.....




i-BxRNTGQ-XL.jpg







i-5Z9JVb9-XL.jpg





Walking through the back behind the fountain is like a little world all of it`s own....it was once upon a time the way into Sindbad`s Show......not a favourite of ours at all.....but many liked it, a bit like Poseidon I guess.

But, this little area is beautiful......and very, very few people ever go back here now...…





i-khqnGr3-XL.jpg






i-NfQ49k2-XL.jpg




Tom rocking the old fanny pack!!!!!!



i-gnF9DxF-XL.jpg







i-SKH5mVJ-XL.jpg







i-2DDzXp5-XL.jpg





This little water feature used to be beautiful and water flowed vigorously from it.....now it looks dried up and one day surely will be removed......I hope all the buildings in this area can be reused in some way if they can be of course...…..




i-WbXHdnC-XL.jpg







i-RSNhnWg-XL.jpg





I do always love a nice shady area to sit for 5 minutes...….





i-Kt7q8DR-XL.jpg







i-ZPhrkKt-XL.jpg





The area leads into where Mythos and Poseidon`s Adventure are located...….also the sometimes overlooked Fire Eaters Grill...….we ate here once about 10 years ago, and the fiery stingers were nice, and the only reason we haven't eaten here again is, you have to eat outside here...….and we do prefer to eat inside....even if it`s just a snack meal..….but they were lovely.




i-CZNh74q-XL.jpg





This really is a stunningly beautiful building...….so impressive and very photogenic...….but the attraction itself (for us) isn't something we would do again...…..it does have it`s fans though.....





i-3KHx9QD-XL.jpg





The Trident is also impressive and much photographed attraction.....well, maybe not an attraction.....but it is lovely to see and so beautiful too...….and that's the shame of this area......it really is gorgeous and you just feel they could make so much more of it...…..the little store that sells pearls and ancient fake artifacts is often quite devoid of people and has a definite uninhabited feeling about it...….I`m sure there is something rather wonderful waiting to be discovered here...




i-LTR7KJJ-XL.jpg





And of course there is Mythos...…

Unbelievably stunning building that is huge and cavernous inside......we are giving the food a bit of a break after a few not so brilliant experiences......but, again, many enjoy it and have lovely meals.....but it`ll be a couple of years before we go back again.....

The restaurant itself is impressive with a very unique interior that is hard to beat...…..





i-qbjnXKF-XL.jpg




Seuss and POE coming up next...……….



 
Leaving Potter we used to feel so sad leaving it for the last visit of a trip, but it does help knowing we`ll be back in 7 weeks or so........but, even so it`s somewhere we could spend much more time wandering around in for much longer...…..but we had plans later so move on we must...….

The Lost continent is somewhere that has vast potential for doing something extraordinary with it......the amount of land it sits on is a fair size and the size of the building that Poseidon`s Adventure is in and what used to be Sindbad is vast and could be utilised so much more...…..maybe one day, but until the Sand Lake Rd project is finished maybe they won`t do anything with this for a while....of course what do I know!!!!

The Talking Fountain is a classy little attraction.....I do call it an attraction as it really is.....you can interact with it or just sit back, watch and listen to everyone else having conversations that can be so funny......the humour is very astute and sharp......and of course kids love when it drenches them......and it really can drench them in any manner of ways...….the fountain style sprinkle of quite strong water jets that douse them in rather a lot of water.......but on a hot day kids will adore this.....a few adults too ::yes::...…..but if you see it, don't miss sparing ten minutes or so to sit and be entertained for a while.....




i-BxRNTGQ-XL.jpg







i-5Z9JVb9-XL.jpg





Walking through the back behind the fountain is like a little world all of it`s own....it was once upon a time the way into Sindbad`s Show......not a favourite of ours at all.....but many liked it, a bit like Poseidon I guess.

But, this little area is beautiful......and very, very few people ever go back here now...…





i-khqnGr3-XL.jpg






i-NfQ49k2-XL.jpg




Tom rocking the old fanny pack!!!!!!



i-gnF9DxF-XL.jpg







i-SKH5mVJ-XL.jpg







i-2DDzXp5-XL.jpg





This little water feature used to be beautiful and water flowed vigorously from it.....now it looks dried up and one day surely will be removed......I hope all the buildings in this area can be reused in some way if they can be of course...…..




i-WbXHdnC-XL.jpg







i-RSNhnWg-XL.jpg





I do always love a nice shady area to sit for 5 minutes...….





i-Kt7q8DR-XL.jpg







i-ZPhrkKt-XL.jpg





The area leads into where Mythos and Poseidon`s Adventure are located...….also the sometimes overlooked Fire Eaters Grill...….we ate here once about 10 years ago, and the fiery stingers were nice, and the only reason we haven't eaten here again is, you have to eat outside here...….and we do prefer to eat inside....even if it`s just a snack meal..….but they were lovely.




i-CZNh74q-XL.jpg





This really is a stunningly beautiful building...….so impressive and very photogenic...….but the attraction itself (for us) isn't something we would do again...…..it does have it`s fans though.....





i-3KHx9QD-XL.jpg





The Trident is also impressive and much photographed attraction.....well, maybe not an attraction.....but it is lovely to see and so beautiful too...….and that's the shame of this area......it really is gorgeous and you just feel they could make so much more of it...…..the little store that sells pearls and ancient fake artifacts is often quite devoid of people and has a definite uninhabited feeling about it...….I`m sure there is something rather wonderful waiting to be discovered here...




i-LTR7KJJ-XL.jpg





And of course there is Mythos...…

Unbelievably stunning building that is huge and cavernous inside......we are giving the food a bit of a break after a few not so brilliant experiences......but, again, many enjoy it and have lovely meals.....but it`ll be a couple of years before we go back again.....

The restaurant itself is impressive with a very unique interior that is hard to beat...…..





i-qbjnXKF-XL.jpg




Seuss and POE coming up next...……….





I’ve got about every color and brand fanny pack available..........:rotfl2:

:laughing: Very convenient though :thumbsup2
 

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