Sorry folks!!! I started writing replies sometime last week, but apparently I didn't finish or post.
I have not been able to get back here because I have been so busy with rehearsals, preparation and our first 3 Spamalot! shows last weekend. Three more to go- Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Haven't even had time to think about our trip to The Dark Side in two and a half weeks! Fortunately, not much pre-planning needed for this one.
Sounds like a fun trip Dee! Florida is sooooo awesome in the winter! It is so fabulous to get away from the cold for a little while. You won't want to come back. It was harder to leave when I knew it would be 40-50 or more degrees colder when I got home. That's great you got APs totally worth it!!
Yes!! Go Pats! My DH was at the game last night getting drenched. But it was all worth it. Actually he said he was bone dry under all his rain gear he got at West Marine. (Those fisherman know what they're doing lol. Lol)
Did you have much trouble this week with the storm?
We are really excited to be experiencing Florida at a time when we won't be melting on the sidewalks. Mark and I have been once or twice in January/November but those were trips before we had the boys.
I love travelling at this time of year, because we will be in shorts (even if it is on the cool side) and because by the time we get home, it starts staying lighter later.
Your poor hubby. Glad he found gear to keep him dry during the game.
The hype for the big game has been somewhat tempered with all of the blizzard banter this week. We watched the Pats at media day, though. 'Lil Mayo was a riot asking Bill what his favorite stuffed animal was!
Dee-
I can't wait to get back to UA/IOA to see Diagon Alley!! Have you eaten at Mythos? We really enjoyed it.
Huge Pats fans in our house so yesterday was a great day!
We ate at Mythos on our first trip to US in 2011. It was good, but didn't blow us away. Not sure why. But Ben put it on our list of possibilities for this trip.
How did you do during the storm this week?
I'm sure you are getting psyched for the game!
The trip to the Dark Side sounds like a good one. I'm loving the $9 a night deal that got you upgraded to club level.
Poor Teena doesn't want to set foot anywhere close to the Dark Side huh? Guess you'll just have to budget for the cab.
Can't wait to see the reaction when the boys find out we are club level. We don't surprise them a lot because we like to involve them in all our planning. They totally won't be expecting this since we didn't do club level last time we stayed at the Hard Rock.
It sounds like a great deal on the resort and the Club Level. And you can't beat only $20 more for the AP.
I hope you can figure out a way to get to see Teena while you are there.
We need to try Bubba Gump again; we ate at the one in Daytona Beach and it wasn't good at all. I think it was the location and the lack of service.
We usually eat at Emeril's when we are at City Walk (which is obviously very rare since we never do the Dark Side anymore).
It will be interesting to see if our AP results in any unexpected trips to Florida in the coming year. I understand that is one of the risks of an AP!!!
Still no plans in place to meet up with Teena- she will be away on a cruise the week before we leave.
Bubba Gump literally saved one of our nights when everyone was hungry and grumpy and our meal plans were NOT working out.
We haven't tried Emeril's. BAM!
One month until the dark side. Nice. Sounds like its going to be a great trip. Nice upgrade to club level.
Is this the trip where you are leaving Orlando and I am coming in the same day?
Hope you can arrange to meet Teena.
Now we have to hope the weather will cooperate for our flights out. I have two friends from my home town who are "stuck" in Florida this week. One was supposed to return from Disney on Tuesday, but the blizzard delayed their trip home. Bummer!
Yes, I'll look around for you in the airport, but I don't think we will be crossing paths
Your trip does not sound too shabby either!!!
Dee - sounds like a good plan. Congrats on the annual passes and ability to upgrade to club level for just a bit. Enjoy the cooler weather. We did in December. No worry of heat stroke or possibility of shoe soles melting in blacktop in Epcot!
Hope you have a chance to visit with Teena.
Ben looking dashing in his costume.
Hope for you - your team plays well and you enjoy the superbowl!
Rebecca
The December weather must have been a nice change from the Aug trip. If I recall correctly- it was a bit hot!
Thanks for the kind comments about Ben. The show is soooooo good!!! Ben's role is small, but he does a great job. Wicked talented cast.
Thanks for the good wishes on the football game. Mark still won't talk about the year the Patriots went 19-0 and then lost the Superbowl.
Once you find out how nice it is to be in Florida when it is cold at home, you might never return in the hot summer.
Of course we hate the Patriots - on principal. But in case it makes you feel better, we don't like the Seahawks, either.
My ideal time to travel to the World would be in October, followed by early December for both the weather and activities at those times of the year. But as long as we are taking the kids along, we are tied to their school vacation schedules.
I think the support for the two teams playing in the Superbowl outside of the New England and Seattle regions is going to be a lot like a political election. People will be choosing to support the lesser of two evils.
Your trip will be here before you know it-brilliant deal on the HRH club level Really hope you manage to hook up with Teena. Think we paid $60 round trip for cab from Hyatt Regency at lake buena vista in the summer so maybe you could do something similar and dine at DTD if Teena not happy to drive to you 
Every time we go to Universal we have to check at Finnegans to see if they have anyone playing and if it sounds good we eat there. Last time there was a guy singing a lot of Van Morrison songs. He was brilliant and a great nights craic was had by all It will be brilliant to be there at a quieter time of year
Oh and I dont know much about American Football but even I know who Tom Brady is Good luck for the big game-I will try to watch. My husband will watch and I, as usual, will likely fail miserably and fall asleep but this year I promise I will try harder just for you 
Our trip really is coming up quick! Ben could not believe it when I told him it was in two and a half weeks. He has been distracted by the show the past couple of weeks.
I tried to see if I could get reservations at 'Ohana and meet Teena and Bob there, but there were no openings during our trip. Maybe I will try again this morning to see if anything has changed.
Finnegan's is on the list for us to try.
That's ok- you don't have to watch the game. I just hope my screams don't wake you up from across the Atlantic!!!
We didn't book club level at the Hard Rock in July 2013 for that reason. But during our stay, the lounge will be opening at 7 am and Universal Studios opens at 8. Perfect!!
