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

[angryduck71]

Oh crud on the Ocean Prime mix-ups. But, glad you had some other fun times for your birthday!

 

[TommyJK]

I'm not typically fussy at restaurants when the food isn't perfect....... except when it comes to steak!

If I'm paying a premium for a good steak I expect it to be right!

So sorry to hear your birthday dinner wasn't perfect.

 

[schumigirl]

SEPTEMBER SATURDAY 14TH​

We did sleep a little later today after our slightly later bed time last night.....but we mused this morning we were a little annoyed at Ocean prime, but I was more annoyed I didn't send the meal back. I know we should have, but you never want to make any experience unpleasant. But, the rest of the day had been lovely, and now we were back to regular plans....or lack of plans as usual.

We chatted a bit as we got ready and thought we hadn't spent much time in the Studios, so we`d go there today.....so after shower and clothes it was sun screen time...…..we had bought two bottles of it again, a factor 50 for Tom and 15 for me.....I had used 15 for a long time and it seemed to work fine for me. Fingers crossed, so far I hadn't had any sunburn.

Breakfast first of course and we went upstairs and saw it was a little busier this morning......the weekends always bring more people, usually for HHN this time of year......we had a nice breakfast and then headed off for the boat......

There was the usual line for the boat this morning, and so many strollers!!!! I said I doubted we`d get on with them all......and we didn't......but the next boat was already pulling in as that one left. The boats at all the hotels are incredibly regular, especially at peak times like this, they run continuously...….no singing or dancing Captain this morning......he just played the standard announcements as we went to Citywalk…...

No real line today as it had been open a while, so we got in fairly quickly......I often wonder why they don't have a separate area for AP to just go through.....no waiting on folks signing tickets they were already supposed to sign nor trying to scan those awful A4 sheets of paper when there are loads from the one family who are all having issues. I`m sure it would be a popular choice.

Straight into the store and we stop to take a look at the goodies for sale here......we never buy anything for some reason, I guess maybe they are a little too sweet for us.....but they all look good too.....

On the walls of this store there are many pictures that are quite rare or unusual from scenes of movies Universal Studios has made......some were quite unique and I guess a collector would love some of them.....

I had noticed them before of course, but usually we just wandered past.

Our first ride this morning was Minions...….we love this ride!!!! Simple and cute and we looked forward to trying it as a 2D ride...….

The line was showing as 45 minutes but with EP we walked straight in to the building without even stopping..........the first thing you notice as you walk in is the missing stand where the 3D googles used to be given out, it does look odd without it.

Well, I can now say we USED to love Minions...….

Not anymore...….I can do 3D rides with no issues, I`m fine with rollercoasters of all kinds.......but, I can`t do the Simpsons as it knocks me completely sick.

Minions wasn't just as bad as that ride, but as soon as it started, I felt odd...….and it got worse. I can`t close my eyes to make the feeling go away, it`s the equilibrium that gets knocked with me....so I was ever so glad when it finished.

I felt incredibly woozy.....not sick, nor as bad as when I came off of Simpsons ride, but distinctly off colour!!!!

It was cool in the store, so I said I`d stand there for a little while.....one of the TM asked if I was alright.....I said I`m not sure...….she took me to the side and got me a chair and a bottle of water...….I felt a bit of a fraud to be honest as I just needed a minute. But it was lovely of them to take the time......Tom meanwhile got some pictures of the store....lol..

Eventually I said I was ok and thanked the TM for their kindness.....we headed back outside, but I still felt a little off......so we took it easy and decided RRR wouldn't be on the cards this morning.

I was annoyed that this had affected our morning......Minions as 3D never affected me in the slightest, but I knew now I`d never ride it again as it is now. Kyle and Tom will ride it on our next trip, so I`ll sit it out and happily do so as I didn't want to feel like this again.

I told Tom we could wander around and he snapped away....it`s funny seeing the scare zones during the day.....they all look rather dull actually, but, then this one wasn't much better at night.

I did like this purple chair!!!! I suggested to Tom we had plenty of room in our bedroom for a similar one.......maybe in the dressing area??????

His reply was clear and distinct...…...and so unlike him as he very rarely if ever says no.......lol......

​

Well, bless him.....I`m not really surprised........lol........I have to say not fond of the gilt edging anyway......cheap gold looking items aren`t really my thing....but I did like the purple and the chair.......

I did like this image of the Stay Puft Man!!!!

This area was fairly quiet this morning, very different to on a HHN......and I did like it a little quieter...….

We had gone into the Tribute store during horror nights, and you couldn`t move....it had been heaving!!!! So we were keen to see it during the day while I`m sure it would be a lot quieter, and it was!!!

It was a little funny as we were about to go in....a family who had young children were wondering what it was...…the TM outside was describing it to them and she looked horrified......he explained it was for HHN and her response was well it shouldn`t be open during the day when families were around.....lol....we said excuse me to get past and said to her it was fabulous......they just walked away......no one`s forcing you to go in there lady...….

You first enter the Ghostbusters area.......it is cool!!!!!

There is so many recognisable items around from the movies, you can`t help but have the theme song constantly in your head at the same time.....of course that might just be me!!!! And it never really left my mind all day........you really shouldn`t sing Ghostbusters in Harry Potter!!!

I liked this......and I even have a photobomber stay puft man behind me!!! But, no, I didn`t buy it......

We got talking to a TM who was very chatty about horror nights, and was telling us how he had to buy EP on the night he went as the lines were ridiculous......he really splurged to do it as it was expensive....but he thought it was worth it all the same. He then offered to take our picture where we were standing.........nice young man.

I did like this tee shirt and of course would make sure we bought it before we left......we do like memorabilia from each horror night. It`s always something we can wear or drink out of, usually mugs.

And there were some very creepy displays around...…..

I have a niece who loves skulls, genuinely has a thing for them...….she would adore these next two little displays of numerous types of skulls........I wished I could have got her the lamp above on the bottom shelf....she`d love it....but it was just too big to get back home safely.

Then of course there`s the HHN goodies!!!

We did buy the white chocolate skull and the tee shirt with all the classic monsters on it.....we had it sent back to the room as I was sure it would melt in no time if we took it with us.......we still haven`t opened it yet.......I`m not sure how it will taste as I`m not overly fond of American chocolate, but if it`s not nice I`m sure someone will demolish it.....

It had been nice wandering around this store without the HHN crowds invading it.....it had lots of wonderful things to purchase and some nice things to gaze at....

More park time coming up..........

 

[schumigirl]

Wonderful Birthday!!!

Thanks....any birthday in America is always something to celebrate.....

 

[schumigirl]

I love that both Tom and your Universal family spoiled you on your birthday!!! And you deserve to be spoiled too!!!

Thank you so much!!! That is very kind of you to say so.....I do love to be spoiled I have to admit......

 

[schumigirl]

Oh crud on the Ocean Prime mix-ups. But, glad you had some other fun times for your birthday!

It was so unlike Ocean Prime, but yes, otherwise I had the best day!!!

 

[schumigirl]

I'm not typically fussy at restaurants when the food isn't perfect....... except when it comes to steak!

If I'm paying a premium for a good steak I expect it to be right!

So sorry to hear your birthday dinner wasn't perfect.

Thanks.

I know, with steaks I am usually incredibly fussy.....and should have complained, but I just didn't think it was worth it. I think if the woman who we know well was working I`d have mentioned it to her, but we didn't. The second one was actually fine, just not what I ordered. And I think eating together is a huge part of a meal out, that wasn't great either. I was genuinely shocked how overcooked the first one was.....I think it was still on the grill from the previous night!!!

We`ll just avoid it during the madness that is Magical Dining.

(Spoiler......I had a lovely extra birthday dinner next week I didn't expect!!!)

 

[keishashadow]

My goodness, step away for a bit and have enjoyed scrolling through your new entries. I do think you have managed to up your typical stellar reports with this one. Enjoying the pictures to no end

lol.....it`s funny as motorbikes is one mode of fun we`d never entertain.....and it always amazes us in America the amount of people who drive them without helmets on....it`s the law in this country you have to wear them. The image of seeing these guys drive them in shorts and tees with flip flops and no helmet!!!! Jeremy Clarkson branded them mobile organ donors........but it`s scary to see that

We were one of the last states to lift the helmet law here, the mr won’t ride without one, thankfully. As for the fools who don’t wear long leathers or at least closed toe shoes or long pants...i’m Guessing they never had the pleasure of dropping their bike.

wish I could like grits. We got a meal from a farmers market once, it was an egg dish and we didn't see it came with grits in it...….bleurgh....I almost did a very unladylike thing and spat it out on the path!!!!

You know something’s not worth eating when even cheese doesn’t make it better.

One of my favourite stores is Yankee Candle and the reason our luggage is often heavier than it should be!!! We get the newer scents a little later than America, so it`s nice being able to buy them as they come out.....although I do have my traditional favourites, especially the Christmas ones.

I’m a huge fan of them too, love the halloween stuff. have discovered the wood wick brand which I’m starting to think retains the smell better as the candle burns.

 

[Cara]

How incredibly disappointing about your special birthday meal. I know these things happen, but they did not do the appropriate things to make it right, IMO. Food you didn't ask for and didn't want? No, thank you. Like you, I don't mind the cost of a good meal for a special evening, but what a complete bummer that you didn't even get to eat together.

 

[schumigirl]

My goodness, step away for a bit and have enjoyed scrolling through your new entries. I do think you have managed to up your typical stellar reports with this one. Enjoying the pictures to no end


We were one of the last states to lift the helmet law here, the mr won’t ride without one, thankfully. As for the fools who don’t wear long leathers or at least closed toe shoes or long pants...i’m Guessing they never had the pleasure of dropping their bike.

You know something’s not worth eating when even cheese doesn’t make it better.

I’m a huge fan of them too, love the halloween stuff. have discovered the wood wick brand which I’m starting to think retains the smell better as the candle burns.

Thanks....glad you are enjoying it and I’ll tell Tom you enjoy the pictures!

I don’t like motorbikes at all......some friends husbands have them as a form of relaxation on the weekends......yes, all dress appropriately with full leathers and boots. But it did shock us how many don’t dress like that.....I‘m glad Mr Keisha wears his helmet........

Oh yes, cheese couldn‘t save grits!!!

I‘ve never bought the wood wick candles, I’ve seen them when online for YC but was never sure what they’d be like......will give them a try next time I’m candle shopping......

 

[schumigirl]

How incredibly disappointing about your special birthday meal. I know these things happen, but they did not do the appropriate things to make it right, IMO. Food you didn't ask for and didn't want? No, thank you. Like you, I don't mind the cost of a good meal for a special evening, but what a complete bummer that you didn't even get to eat together.

Yes, it wasn’t the usual excellent service we were used to. And yes, they didn’t address it correctly Which was what threw us the most about the evening.

The fact we didn’t eat together was what annoyed us the most.......and yes, it’s not a cheap meal so it should always be perfect.

But, the rest of the day was so lovely........

 

[mnmmoney]

Happy Belated Birthday!!!! - what a wonderful trip! All caught up now and trying to talk my husband into another trip in May 2020 ... last trip was in February and we had lousy weather so I am so happy to get to see all your pictures and hear of your trip..... THANKS for taking the time to write all the details and ALL the food porn! Love it!

 

[schumigirl]

Happy Belated Birthday!!!! - what a wonderful trip! All caught up now and trying to talk my husband into another trip in May 2020 ... last trip was in February and we had lousy weather so I am so happy to get to see all your pictures and hear of your trip..... THANKS for taking the time to write all the details and ALL the food porn! Love it!

back mnmmoney......lovely to see you here!

Thanks for the birthday wishes........

Oh it’s definitely time for another trip! May would be lovely.......we go back then too......I’d guarantee weather would be better than February......it was boiling last May!

I‘m so glad you’re enjoying this one.......definitely more food pics coming up soon.....

 

[Minnie17]

Ughh! I was so looking forward to your Ocean Prime review and I’m so disappointed . I know what you mean about not wanting to ruin the evening and not sending it back again, and why they tried to make up for it with a shrimp cocktail after you already had a lovely appetizer, weird.

The podcast team raved about a local Orlando steakhouse called“Linda’s la cantina”. It may be worth a try on one of your upcoming trips.

I know you’ll have some more positive reviews coming up, really enjoying your latest trip report adventures.

 

[TommyJK]

Re: I often wonder why they don't have a separate area for AP to just go through.....

I just read an article that they are going to add separate entrances for AP holders.

Universal Orlando announces new perks for Annual Passholders in 2020

Universal Orlando Annual Passholders will continue to enjoy the UOAP Lounge throughout 2020, along with other new perks. Universal Orlando Resort has revealed that its Annual Passholders will be able to enjoy special perks like new exclusive park entrances and a private lounge during 2020. For a...

attractionsmagazine.com

 

[jump00]

Happy Birthday Carole!!!! Wonderful trip report so far. Can’t believe that Ocean Prime “dropped the ball” on your birthday dinner. Poor customer service. I’m glad you ended the evening with a lovely drink at your favourite spot! Please tell Tom - amazing pictures! ( as always ). Can’t wait to see what happens next.......

Brenda

 

[schumigirl]

Ughh! I was so looking forward to your Ocean Prime review and I’m so disappointed . I know what you mean about not wanting to ruin the evening and not sending it back again, and why they tried to make up for it with a shrimp cocktail after you already had a lovely appetizer, weird.

The podcast team raved about a local Orlando steakhouse called“Linda’s la cantina”. It may be worth a try on one of your upcoming trips.

I know you’ll have some more positive reviews coming up, really enjoying your latest trip report adventures.

Yes, the shrimp cocktail was weird.......I did eat one of the shrimp but yes, it wasn’t necessary or desired, and just odd......I think it was so Tom and I were eating something at the same time........odd. I’m usually quite vocal and have no qualms about sending steak back, but after sending the first one back......well, it just seemed a bit much and not worth it. I was told later by a friend I‘m too British at times......lol......

I‘be heard about that restaurant before, but never gone......I’ll have a look at it again.......

Yes, we have some lovely meals coming up the rest of our trip......and I’m so glad you’re enjoying reading this one too.......

 

[schumigirl]

Re: I often wonder why they don't have a separate area for AP to just go through.....

I just read an article that they are going to add separate entrances for AP holders.

Universal Orlando announces new perks for Annual Passholders in 2020

Universal Orlando Annual Passholders will continue to enjoy the UOAP Lounge throughout 2020, along with other new perks. Universal Orlando Resort has revealed that its Annual Passholders will be able to enjoy special perks like new exclusive park entrances and a private lounge during 2020. For a...

attractionsmagazine.com

Yes, I had heard about that Tommy........I hope they extend it longer than a month. About time if they do......

 

[schumigirl]

Happy Birthday Carole!!!! Wonderful trip report so far. Can’t believe that Ocean Prime “dropped the ball” on your birthday dinner. Poor customer service. I’m glad you ended the evening with a lovely drink at your favourite spot! Please tell Tom - amazing pictures! ( as always ). Can’t wait to see what happens next.......

Brenda

Aww.....thank you Brenda......I’m so glad you’re enjoying it!

Yes, they did drop the ball with the steak big time.......I think they were overwhelmed by the amount of magical dining meals requested and thought, oh just give her that.......I’d have preferred them just to say I’m sorry it’ll be another few minutes.......but.....Tom enjoyed his....lol.....but we did feel the service lacked something that night.

Yes, Strong Water was fun!!

And thank you!! I will tell him.....he does love to take pictures.......thank goodness!!!

 

[AprilDreamsOfDisney]

We did buy the white chocolate skull

I'm sorry to hear your special birthday dinner was less than special; so sad when the restaurants we love disappoint us. I hope the next time is better!

I love white chocolate and started salivating when I saw your photo of the skull! What a neat assortment of HHN treats - it all looked delicious! It must have been hard to choose!

Loving your trip report, Carol, as always!