The "Double Double-Dip" 17 Day Florida Vacation - 1,233 Pictures Report

[keishashadow]

i called the general dining # & made ressies for mythos, bubba gumps & finnegans

ps speaking as ex bartender, not uncommon to card those u were 'interested in meeting' , either way a compiment...take it & run

 

[Andrea from PA]

Hey Bawb!

Reading your reports always gets me excited. Only 3 days to our 1st Universal trip!

I need your expert help w/ PHL

My FIL usually drives us to PHL and watches the dog. Just find out he can't do either, so I am scrambbling.

I was looking to park at Pacifico -- they seem to have best prices now (5.95/day + tax) and the few on-line reviews I could find were good -- Can you weigh in with your opinions for best parking (Sat- Sat)

Thanks!

 

[Sleepy]

I just noticed the peach tea in the mini fridge next to the Powerade on the left. Ever had some of that stuff? We discovered it smells like cat urine. Good tea though. I don't like the lemon flavored one as much. Very popular drinks here. They also have a green tea version.

 

[bubba's mom]

Flavored iced teas are popular around here too....i only drink iced tea when we are out to dinner....and NEVER from the minibar!

I didn't forget the rest of my trippie....honest....getting to it....

 

[burly]

Aren't you glad you have that pic in front of Dueling Dragons, now that the dragons are gone?

 

[bubba's mom]

Aren't you glad you have that pic in front of Dueling Dragons, now that the dragons are gone?

We took one every year we went....who knows why you take the same pictures year after year....but, we did!

 

[tlinus]

ahem.

waiting.

patiently.

for more.

no pressure.

just waiting.

 

[bubba's mom]

Day 16 - Friday, July 11, 2008

We decided to sleep in a bit today. I promised Bubba we could go to the pool today. We got up and had some breakfast (about 9:30 or so) and headed to the pool late morning. When I arrived at the Beach Pool entrance, they asked to see my room key. They looked at it and said to me, "Would you like me to set you up with some chairs Mrs. Bubba?" Huh?

There were plenty of chairs around (since it was still a bit early), but I gracefully declined and we were off in search of the perfect spot.

After we found a good spot and settled with some chairs under an umbrella, Bubba was anxious to hit the slide, so he was off! I must admit, looked like fun, so I went with him the next time. A side note about the pool slide: kids shorter than 36" are not permitted to ride the pool slide, and 48" and under are required to wear a lifevest... which is provided at the top of the slide. The slide is fun and with the advice of a homie DISer, we laid back for max speed. We stayed at the pool for about 1.5 hours before getting hungry for lunch. Just before we left the pool, we scored a complimentary mango smoothie in plastic shot cups; and on the way out, we noticed a game of 'red light/green light' getting started in the pool.

Random pool pix: Mom on slide, the cabanas, the pool, the pool 2, Mom at the pool, Bubba on the slide, Bubba again, DH on slide, the boys goofin' around in the pool, goofin' 2. Don't worry, they also found time to relax and smile for a picture. Under the waterfall, Mom at the pool and another pool pic. And...wait...someone actually got a picture of ME at the pool!

I even remembered to take poolside menu pix on the chaise/table next to us. Poolside menu: 1, 2, and 3.

I even spotted the hot tub/pool tucked back in the corner and the children's splash area (but the sprayers weren't on).

It wasn't but a minute walk across the piazza to the Villa pool...where, we took some pix here: Villa 2, the hot tub/pool, Villa 3.

It was about 12:30 and the boys decided to hit Hard Rock Cafe for lunch. We headed up to the room to change, but stopped for some pictures (of course) along the way. BICE, the view from BICE, view 2, view 3 and view 4.

They changed into some dry duds and headed to HRC with Mom while I stayed behind and grabbed a shower.

After my shower, I ran next door to the West Wing gift shop to get our souvenir shot glass from the hotel. (They also sell some basic tolietries and beverages [in a cooler] there...along w/ postcards, t-shirts, bags, etc.) I dropped it off at the room on the way to the boat to take to CW.

On my way to the HRC, I had to take a picture of this interesting couple walking in front of me.

I met up with my family at their table about 2:45 and they were paying their bill. DH and Mom had burgers while Bubba had a massive serving of mac & cheese (or so, I was at least told). Snapped a quick pic of Hard Rock's bar.

Today happened to be the day Brendan Frasier was at the Studios promoting the new Mummy movie. I had been notified of it via email from some homies, so we decided to check out the AP event.

We entered the Studios through the entrance near BMG to avoid the crowds and headed to Guest Service to ask where Studio 33 was (turns out, between Mummy & Twister). While in line at GS, I spoke to another AP holder who had issues at the event. She was told she needed a confirmation number in response to her email and was told her son could not participate because he wasn't 13. Her arguement was there was nothing about needing to be 13 in the email (which, I had and agreed, nothing in there about it) and that she never received a confirmation number. GS was actually letting people use their computer to access their email account...but, it seemed more trouble than it was worth, so we just bagged it and left. I would later return home and email Universal about how poorly I felt their event was handled. And, not only did I get an email reply, I actually had someone from Universal Studios CALL me on the phone and discuss my concerns. I probably spoke with him for a good 15 minutes and he apologized and assured me my concerns would reach the higher ups. He also sent us 3 Revenge of the Mummy ballcaps for our disappointment (not that I was looking for anything, but it was a nice gesture), although apologized he didn't have any t-shirts left from the event to send. Mummy hat front and Mummy hat back.

After leaving GS, we headed for Simpsons, but decided to stop at the Horror Make Up Show along the way. It wasn't even 10 minutes till show time, so the timing was perfect. Actually, a little TOO perfect. They had already let in the EP line, so we were standing in it all alone when they let the regular line in. We just merged in with the non EPers and ended up in the 3rd row, far right. Show was good, but not as funny as before. The little boy is always funny...no matter who they pick. And, of course...the jokes that went over the boy's head.

We decided to head to ET after the show. As soon as we were let in to the line to receive our passports, we were informed the ride was not operating at the moment and they weren't sure how long it would be down. We decided to stay in line and get our passports (so we wouldn't have to wait in line next time) and come back later. That is the beauty of staying onsite...if a ride is down, you just leave and go back another time...not a big deal.

After ET it was time to ride the Simpsons rollercoaster! We rode Simpsons. This is a great ride...we were able to ride several times and not get tired of it. Love it!

We exited Simpsons to a light rain and decided to run for Men In Black. We aren't used to any lines, so when we were stopped in the EP line, we were a little shocked. We thought it might be because of the rain that the EP line was backed up, but we rode twice in about 45 minutes...VERY unusual...but, with it raining, and just doing Simpsons a few times, we thought we may as well just stay and ride MIB. Pix of us riding Men In Black: another pic, us in line for MIB and the Bubba family on MIB.

After twice on MIB, it was still raining a little, but we wanted to try ET again and we did....with little wait. Bubba wanted this picture in the queue and this picture. When we finished on MIB, we caught the end of the show outside. Another pic of show.

After ET it was about 6:45 and it was still raining a little, and, of course, I didn't bring ponchos again, so our next plan was to head back to the hotel for some dry duds and grab the rain ponchos....because by the time we got to the boat, we were rather wet.

We were at the hotel when BIL and family arrived around 7:30 that evening...and ended up being two rooms down the hall from us in 3339...standard room/harbor view.

By the time we changed into dry clothes and greeted them, it was time to head to Margaritaville for dinner. DH & his bro. It had stopped raining by this time and we arrived about 8pm for dinner...shockingly, with no wait. (Guessing the rain kept people away?)

I remember forgetting to check us in online for our flight down to Florida...remembering not to make the same mistake twice, I had brought along our flight info so BIL could check us in online (via his cellphone). While ordering drinks (about 8:10pm), he checked us in to Southwest and we were the first ones to check in.

We had a very nice dinner...complete with balloon hats and faces made to Jimmy Buffet songs. Our niece & son and our other niece & nephew.

BIL had the Jambalaya (sans the shrimp), Mom had the Crab, Shrimp and Mushroom Dip appetizer for a meal (frankly, the appetizers are huge and could be a meal for small eaters)...as I had the Chicken Quesadillas, SIL had the Jerk Chicken, Bubba had the kids chicken, our niece had the spaghetti and I'm guessing our other niece had a burger...as did our nephew.

After dinner, I took Mom to the Studios to see the 360 show and also took some night pix while there. Ghirardelli at night, Lombard's at night, broader view of lagoon. On our way out of the Studios, Mom wanted her picture in "Hollywood".

While exiting, I took a picture of Mel's, and Hollywood Blvd., this picture for Mac, the Beverly Wilshire Hotel, and the "super" Cyberdyne building. Our last stop was Lucy to see the exhibits.

Just after 10pm, I stopped in the Universal Store looking for a gift for a friend back home, while Mom decided to head back to the hotel and start packing. She ran into DH and his brother and family and ended up taking my nieces back to the hotel with her because the girls were tired.

When I was finished shopping, I called DH and found out they were hanging out at Nascar Grille. Told DH since I was alone and had the camera, I was going to take some pix of CityWalk at night.

CityWalk night pix: Margaritaville, Lone Palm & Margaritaville, the Lone Palm, CityWalk and yet another pic of Margaritaville ....and what the heck...one more

Couple of pictures of Hard Rock Cafe, the entrance to BMG, and a couple of pictures of NBA City.

Lighthouse pix: 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5.

I took quite a few pictures of CityWalk before finding myself in the Universal Store at CityWalk. I made a quick purchase and started to leave the store...realizing they were closing....at 11pm.....on a Friday night?

I made my way back to Nascar Grille and found the troops playing a word game. Turned out to be a family effort...and we did great. We all ended up upstairs at the game room playing games and having a 'boy race'. My boys racin'. Family motorcycle race. My DH & his brother trying Dance Dance Revolution! ...and to "man it up" a bit ...a shooting game or two.

After we ran out of money on our token card, we were going to have another round of drinks, but they were closing soon and kicking us out!

We left CityWalk passing the billboard to head back to the Portofino. My son & nephew were thinking of joining the BMG.

We stopped by the Thirsty Fish for a drink...just in time for last call....(at 1am?)....what's up with the early closings??

Just before 2am, the boys were getting tired and we all decided to call it a night and headed to bed..... After I kicked my nieces out of our bed and Bubba's bed.

 

[loribell]

Woo Hoo! Another update. Finally.

 

[macraven]

Woo Hoo! Another update. Finally.

yes finally........

 

[RAPstar]

I love the pic of your husband on the slide. And you're totally right about the apps at Margaritaville......and that crab dip that your mom had is delicious!!

 

[ky07]

Great pics Barb
Makes me wish I was there now but oh well there is always next year

 

[rpbert1]

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OH Barbs posted her update, how long have i been sleeping, TOOOO LLOOONNNGGG [LOL]
Excellent report and love the pics.
We went over to see Brendan Fraser as well, well me and Charlotte. Talked to someone in GS as well, said i should have registered , pointed out we have been on Vacation since end of June so would not have got Email as i do not bring comp with me, and pointed out that although i have registered twice i still do not recieve emails for AP holders.
Sent email when we got home, and like yourself got a call from Universal , someone called Robi, was very apologetic and was sorry we missed out, sent Charlotte a hat, and registered me onto AP for updates. So now iget the emails.

 

[macraven]

and an excellent picture of pantages......

 

[macraven]

<a href=http://www.getsmileyface.com><img src=http://www.getsmileyface.com/sm/sleep/schla12.gif border=0><br><font face=arial size=1>Smiley Face</font></a>
OH Barbs posted her update, how long have i been sleeping, TOOOO LLOOONNNGGG [LOL]
Excellent report and love the pics.
We went over to see Brendan Fraser as well, well me and Charlotte. Talked to someone in GS as well, said i should have registered , pointed out we have been on Vacation since end of June so would not have got Email as i do not bring comp with me, and pointed out that although i have registered twice i still do not recieve emails for AP holders.
Sent email when we got home, and like yourself got a call from Universal , someone called Roby, was very apologetic and was sorry we missed out, sent Charlotte a hat, and registered me onto AP for updates. So now iget the emails.

Robie is a super star employee at universal.
i have met him before.
talked to him on my recent trip there

 

[rpbert1]

macraven, yes he seemed very nice, actually called me three times before he got me. And was not in a hurry to apologise and get on with his job, took time to talk to me and explain a few things, and like i said eventually got me registered on the AP ,to recieve news letters from them.

 

[Cdn Friends of Pooh]

Another great update!!

 

[dee4406]

Love reading your reports, they are amazing

 

[jenseib]

You have such funfilled days!

 

[bubba's mom]

Thanks for the comments...yes, we are busy throughout the day. While ironic we spend a lot of (extra) money to stay onsite, we don't usually spend a lot of time AT the hotel We like to be out having fun all day...which, is usually at the parks.

We went over to see Brendan Fraser as well, well me and Charlotte. Talked to someone in GS as well, said i should have registered , pointed out we have been on Vacation since end of June so would not have got Email as i do not bring comp with me, and pointed out that although i have registered twice i still do not recieve emails for AP holders.
Sent email when we got home, and like yourself got a call from Universal , someone called Robi, was very apologetic and was sorry we missed out, sent Charlotte a hat, and registered me onto AP for updates. So now iget the emails.

Now that you mention it, Robi was who I spoke to also. I agree...very nice. I mentioned that if it were an AP event, all you SHOULD have had to do was show your AP...wouldn't that make sense?

and an excellent picture of pantages......

Just for you

And was not in a hurry to apologise and get on with his job, took time to talk to me and explain a few things, and like i said eventually got me registered on the AP ,to recieve news letters from them.

Yes...he updated my info also...now I get the newsletters, promos, everything...get all sorts of UO email now