Day 14 Universal and Islands of Adventure

After a slow start and a late decision to go back to Universal, we missed breakfast.  We ended up around lunch time stopping at the Beverly Hills Boulangerie at Universal Studios sharing a couple of Breakfast Croissants. 

We were quite impressed, they tasted lovely and were a reasonable portion for park food.

Think we probably had a few snacks at the villa - trying to finish whatever was left in the fridge, plus crisps!

We decided to try the Outback Steakhouse tonight.  This was a bit difficult to find as it was hidden behind some shops just off the 192 but it was well worth searching for.

Unfortunately we didn't take pics as I had left the sd card in the netbook at the villa and Keith didn't have his phone.  Starter was obviously going to be their famous Bloomin Onion, looked a bit like this ...

Looking back at the receipt, for mains we had:
Keith - Alice Springs Chicken, Linda - 6oz sirloin, Sarah - Chicken Tenders and Stephen - Burger.   Total with drinks $83.67 (approx £53)

Day 13 SeaWorld

Unfortunately I can't remember what we had for breakfast this day (that's what happens when you leave it a couple of months before finishing off the trip report!)  I would think that we probably had something in the villa before we left as we got to SeaWorld early today.

While watching the Shamu show we bought some snacks.  Keith had some crisps (probably Lays!), Sarah had a packet of popcorn and I had a Shamu shaped pretzel - this was pretty awful - very dry and tough! Would sadly have to advise not to bother with this.  We also took a couple of frozen drinks in with us.

Whilst waiting to see if the rides reopened after the afternoon storm we stopped (I think) at the Cypress Bakery.  Keith and I shared a carrot cake while Sarah and Stephen had a slice of chocolate cake.  These were both very yummy.

The kids had both mentioned that they would like to have a chinese takeaway and stay in for the evening.  Keith isn't a big fan of chinese takeaway so we decided to pop to Berry Town Centre and get the kids a takeaway (sorry no pics but think they had rice, sweet and sour chicken and a chow mein dish).  They said it was very nice.

Keith and I decided that we would leave them in the villa while we went to the Santa Fe Cattle Co just a bit north on the US27.  Wish we had been earlier in the holiday as we would definately have returned for a second visit.

We started with the Texas Toothpicks (strips of onion and jalapenos).  These were amazing.

For mains we had a "Wagon Full".  A sharing platter of steaks, ribs and chicken plus 4 sides - think we had caesar salad, coleslaw and 2 x fries.  This was a huge amount of food, but it was fabulous and excellent value for money.  Nearly forgot to take a pic - some food already gone by the time I remembered.

No room for dessert unfortunately.
Can't find the receipt for this but have a menu which says the Toothpicks were $7.99 and the Wagon Full $29.99.  Total for food + tax (without drink) - $40.25 (approx £25).   Keith had a beer and I had a diet coke.

2013 trip index

Trip Index for 2013 Trip (Aug 13th - 29th)

Day 0 Travel Day 

Day 1 Sea World
Day 2 Busch Gardens
Day 3 Shopping and golf
Day 4 Kennedy Space Centre
Day 5 Showcase of Citrus
Day 6 Universal Studios
Day 7 Islands of Adventure
Day 8 Rest day and Cheesecake Factory
Day 9 GCSE Results and Busch Gardens
Day 10 Clearwater Beach and SeaScreamer
Day 11 Shopping and Swimming
Day 12  Crazy Golf and Pool Time
Day 13 Sea World
Day 14 Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure
Day 15 Travel Home day :(

Day 15 - Time to go home :(

Sad day today - our holiday is over :(

We are up just before 6.30 and pack the last of our stuff into the cases and Keith loaded them into the car. 

Nice easy drive back the Orlando International Airport but we nearly missed the turn off for the car park to return to the rental car - nicely hidden just round a left hand bend!!

Check in was quick - Delta have lots of machines that are easy to use and then it was over to the desk for bag drop.  Lady on the desk was very pleasant and light hearted and took the mickey out of Keith's passport photo.

There was a long queue at security but we were through in about 30-35 mins although it was a bit of a free for all.

Ready for some breakfast now we ended up with Sausage or Bacon Egg Muffins (very similar to McD's - think the place was called Nathan's although not sure).

It was soon time for boarding our flight to Boston.

Approx 3 hr flight (no inflight entertainment) went smoothly.  Checked with the staff as we left the plane that our bags would be loaded straight on to London and we didn't need to collect.  We had approx 5 hr wait til our London flight but they did tell us it would probably go from the gate next to where we had come in.

We ambled round the airport for a while to pass the time - not many shops here so we had a look to see what we wanted to for lunch.  We were hoping there would be an Outback or similar (we had seen one at Orlando before we left!) but no.  We all chose a burger from Fuddruckers.  They were nice burgers and a reasonable price.

Headed back to gate 19 where we sat and played with our electronic gadgets and people watched.  Eventually our flight was boarding.

Just as the aircraft was pushing back all the cabin lights went out.  The captain came on and explained that there was an electrical problem but it wouldn't stop us flying, it was only usedwhilst on the ground.  After a few minutes we started moving back towards the gate.  Another message from the captain informed us that we had a medical emergency on board and we were returning to the gate to let the paramedics on board.  It took approx 1.20mins for the paramedics to treat and then take off to a waiting ambulance a man who had collapsed.

Finally in the air we settled in for the 6 hr flight.  It was a little bumpy, but OK.  Food could have been better but we managed ;)  Inflight Entertainment system was even better on here than on the way to Atlanta.  When we originally booked we thought there would be only overhead cabin tv's but the 767's have been having a refurb and the plane was like new inside - new seats, carpets and inflight entertainment - excellent.

Despite the delay in taking off we had managed to make up most of the time and only landed about 10 mins later than scheduled.  Unfortunately the skyway that allows passengers to walk off the plane had an electric fault and wouldn't reach the aircraft.  We then had to wait for some steps to be brought to the rear of the plane and a fleet of coaches to take us to the terminal.

Baggage reclaim was quick (had taken approx 45 to start getting us off the plane so bags where there before us).

Quick call to Meet and Greet and our car was returned to us in the car park opposite.  Great efficient service, would definately use again.

No photos today - sorry again!! but once you've seen one airport and plane you really don't need to see any more. 

Travel day today was less stressful than I had thought and the long wait at Boston was not really a problem.  Would definately consider Delta and indirect again - it was worth the saving made on direct!

Back home now, and missing Florida already - the sun, the food, the pool - sigh! 

I will try and update the food blog sometime (and maybe add prices too, have tried to keep all receipts!)

Hope you have enjoyed reading.
Till next time ...

Day 14 Universal studios and islands of adventure

Quick update today as we are packing for our flights home tomorrow morning.

After a bit of a slow start, and with no plans made for today, Stephen and I got up for a quick swim. After some indecision we finally settled on missing breakfast and heading straight for Universal Studios.   We arrived at the entrance about 11.

Our first ride was The Simpsons followed by Men in Black.  Amazingly these rides were
 walk on.

We stopped at a bakery for some filled croissants for breakfast,  then leaving Stephen as bag boy, we went on The Mummy.  As this was also walk on Keith and Sarah had a second go.

With a wait time showing of 45 minutes we decided to queue for Transformers.   It was actually only 30 mins.

We had wanted to do minions again too but 55 mins was just too long.  Terminator was our next choice but the next show was not for another 45 mins, so we decided to give it a miss and head instead for a quick visit to Islands of Adventure..

A 5 minute walk and we were at the park entrance.

The Hulk was showing a 5 min wait so that seemed a good place to start.  We dropped the bags and cameras in a locker and joined the very short queue - we've not used the lockers on any previous visits as always had non riders with us before, but they were brilliant at Universal, free and operated with finger prints).

Dr Doom was supposed to be next but we decided a 30 min wait for a 20 second ride wasn't worth it, however Spiderman was also showing 30 mins and that sounded fair.  Actual wait time was 15 min.
Feeling that we had managed to do more today than we had expected it was time for a quick look round some of the shops before we headed back to the car.

Stopped at publix to pick up some biscuits for the flight then back to villa for another swim snd some packing.

Dinner tonight was at the Outback Steakhouse for a Bloomin Onion - no pics unfortunately as had left memory card in netbook while blogging and had forgotten to put it back :( also Keith had left his phone in the villa so no backup either!

Can't believe our trip is nearly over. 

Day 13 Seaworld

Early alarm this morning as we want to get to Seaworld for park opening. We left the villa at 8.15 and pulled into the Sea world car park at 9am - perfect.  Our mission today was to ride the new Antarctica -Empire of the penguin attraction and to do the other shows that we hadn't done last week.  The Antarctica ride was walk on.  It appears to be the only way now to see the penguins.  We liked it but felt it was very slow at loading and probably not worth more than a 15 minute wait. Had seen queue times of 70 mins last week and highest today of 45!

Keith decided not to join us for a ride on Journey to Atlantis, probably wise as I came off quite wet!  Good job the sun is shining :)

We dried off while we watched the Dolphin Show.  This is the same show as we saw 3 years ago, with the dolphins, parrots, divers and acrobats.  It is good and very colourful but I still prefer the old show where it was the dolphins and the begulas.

Shark Encounter was next.  We looked in the pool outside at the rays and sharks before heading inside to walk through the tunnels.

Wild Arctic was next.  The ride was a walk on and gave us plenty of time to stop and look at the belugas and polar bear before heading to Shamu Stadium for the 12 o'clock show. 

The Shamu show is probably my favourite show at sea world.  There were lots of Killer Whales in the show and it was lovely.

Stephen was itching to re-do the coasters so we headed for Kraken.  5 minutes wait and we were just about to board when they issued a warning that there was bad weather in the area and they were monitoring it.  No problem we were on next anyway.  Err No.  We got on, fastened harnesses and belts and then they all opened again and we were told to get off as there was lightning in the area and all outdoor rides had been "temporarily closed".  We waited on the station for about 30 mins as we were told we would be first on when they reopened, but with no let up in the rain we gave up and went to do some shopping instead.  A quick stop at the bakery to buy a couple of cakes and a couple of soft toys bought and finally the rain looked like it might be stopping.  We headed back to Kraken and decided to wait til 4pm (10 mins) to see if they opened.  The sun was shining again.  At 2 minutes to 4 they announced the ride was reopening.  At last we managed to get on a ride - 3 hrs after we had been sent off!!  Oh well.

rain!

We walked over to Manta but because of all the delays there was now a queue of 45 minutes, so we gave up, collected out belongings from the locker we had stowed them in and left the park - just as they were announcing more inclement weather and the rides were shutting again!

This weather seems perfectly normal for this time of year - early mornings are great til about 2pm when it can become very wet for a number of hours if not the rest of the day!  Still hot tho.

We went back to the villa and had a swim (sun was out again).

Sarah and Stephen were keen to have Chinese takeaway but Keith and I didn't fancy it, so we got them a takeaway from Berry Centre and left them at the villa while we went out to the Santa Fe Cattle Co.  Yet another new restaurant, on the US27 just north of the 192, and another we would love to go to again!

2 weeks isn't long enough to try all these fab restaurants.

Day 12 food

Just going to get the writing done here - have some pics for today but will have to add them later and i'm getting too tired to wait for the pics to upload tonight.

No Breakfast this morning, although the children did finish off the Red Velvet cake from last night.  Thought we would do lunch for a change.  We have passed a few Taco Bells recently and thought we would like to give it a try.

After our crazy golf we headed back along the 192 and quickly for a Taco Bell.  It looks very similar to a McD''s type takeaway.  The menu looked quite extensive and we were well confused so in the end opted for a 10 piece mixed, and let the server choose (4 crispy tacos, 4 soft tacos and 2 burritos).  The taco's were lovely but none of us really like the bean burrito's.  When we had finished these we ordered a couple more of the Dorito Tacos, one cheezy and one cool ranch.  The children thoroughly enjoyed them and it was a good, and cheap choice for lunch.  $9.99 for 10 mixed, then about $3.30 for the extra 2 dorito ones.

As usual we ate before I remembered to take pics!

 More Lays crisps were eaten after our afternoon swim.

Dinner was back to Bahama Breeze.  This is our new favouritist restaurant!!!!  Didn't disappoint 2nd time.  We ordered 2 starters Onion Rings and Firecracker Shrimp.  Stephen had Applewood Bacon and Cheddar burger, Sarah had Jerk Chicken Pasta (lighter portion), Keith had Calypso Shrimp Linguine and I had Grilled Jamaican Jerk Chicken (lighter portion).  I am going to have to find out how to do cinnamon mashed sweet potato, altho I think it'll only be me eating it!

Firecracker Shrimp

Calypso Shrimp Linguine - another dish that Keith loved despite readily admitting he's not a pasta person usually

Jerk Chicken Pasta (lighter portion!)

Applewood Bacon and Cheddar Burger

Grilled Jamaican Jerk Chicken with mango salso and yummy yummy Sweet Potato mash with cinnamon

Although full Sarah wanted to try their Chocolate Island, so we ordered one and all four of us ate it.

nearly forgot!! Chocolate Island after we had all started to dig in!

Superb food and lovely restaurant.  Would highly recommend.  Total £98.01 (approx £61).

Day 11 food

No pics today!

We started off with breakfast at Shoney's.  Not as much selection as Ponderosa but nice food and probably better not having soo much to choose from.  I think we all had some pancakes, then some bacon, sausage, scrambled eggs etc, the had some of the cakes, donuts and fruit flans.  We haven't yet worked out why when you order an orange juice (or apple) you are given a large glass with about a pint each - nice but way too much really - but this goes for most food stuffs here really!  Total $45.40 (approx £28.30)

Dinner was take away pizza from Mia's at Berry Town Centre (just round the corner from our villa resort).  We had Chicken wings and Garlic Bread along with a 16" Italian (pepperoni, sausage and chicken) pizza.  Very reasonably priced and lovely taste.  We finished with a Red Velvet cake that we had bought earlier in Publix.
 
Apologies for lack of pictures, we must be hungry as we always remember just when there's a little bit left!! x

Day 12 - Crazy golf and pool time

Another relaxing morning today.  Had a chat about whether to go out for breakfast or not but decided to stay in and swim first and maybe have lunch out instead.  We really can't manage 3 meals a day, and we rarely do lunch so thought that would make a change.

view from the patio first thing this morning



view of the back of the villa from the edge of 8th fairway

 We left the villa about 11.30 and made our way down the 192 to the Congo River Golf.  We had bought 2 game tickets when we played the other day.  We love this course, its got some really interesting holes.

serious business this crazy golf!

Keith won - again.  It was starting to get very hot and humid again, we were all dripping which was silly as we weren't doing anything.  We got back into the car and sat in the air conditioning for a while.  We had decided we were going to try a Taco Bell for lunch.  Not done one before but we like taco's at home.  Looks a bit like a McD's inside and there was a lot of choice.  We had a mixed selection of crispy, soft and burritos.  Didn't like the burritos but overall a nice lunch option.

With nothing else planned the kids decided they'd like to spend the rest of the day at the pool, so we went back to the villa and spent the afternoon, swimming (again) and generally relaxing and topping up the tan.



exhausting stuff holidays!

We wanted to make sure we fitted in a return visit to Bahama Breeze for dinner as it was soo good last week.  We left the villa about 6.30 and got seated straight away at the restaurant.  Another fabulous meal here, think this has become our number 1 restaurant choice.

We were back at the villa for 8.30 after a quick stop at Target to get some breakfast for tomorrow.  Stephen was straight into the pool for an evening dip followed by Sarah and Keith while I did this blog update.  Just a mid afternoon rain storm and some thunder in the distance today.  Altho hot mid afternoon the general feel today is a little fresher/cooler than so far this holiday.

Sea World again tomorrow, so early start.  Also need to sort out our last 2 evening meal choices and 1 more breafast out.