Oh tsk tsk, not making the most of maximum snackage at Dicovery Cove, that's v v poor ! And I bet the next day they were starving !

Sunday 30th July 2017 - First day at Universal, Starbucks for breakfast, Tacos and Nachos from Bumblebee Man's Taco Truck for lunch, The Big Pink, Bubba Gump for dinner

The kids and DH had frosties for breakfast in the room, DS also demolished his leftover chocolate stampede from Longhorn’s a couple of nights ago. No photos of this first for DH and DD and second breakfast for DS.

When we got to Universal we made the decision to go on Rip Ride Rockit first, basically DS reaallly wanted to go on this, there was a 10 minute wait and I didn’t think my nerve would hold much longer. I maintained the ‘keep my eyes tightly shut the whole way round’ tactic. I did not manage to pick a song to accompany my panic stricken ride, but this is probably for the best as I imagine it would have been a good bit of aversion therapy if I had managed to find a song I liked I don’t think I could have listened to it ever again… At the end of the ride we watched the ride video and linked our photos. My family thought my tactic was utterly hilarious as it seemed to be combined with some deep breathing (in through the nose and out through the mouth) which apparently made me look like I was doing some intense yoga, or about to give birth to 10 pound triplets…I didn’t go on Rip Ripe Rockit again…we have a rule that we all ride at least once, but seriously, once was enough. Not for DS though he did it again a few times over the holiday as a single rider!

We did some other attractions: The Mummy (all loved it), Jimmy Fallon (DS 'it’s a simulator' :angry, Shrek 4D (DS 'is this another simulator?' ) and then it started raining, so we took that as our cue to pop into Starbucks for a liquid first breakfast for me and second and third breakfasts for everyone else. DH had a coffee and whipped it away before I could take a photo!

DD had a Smores frappe, it was yummy, in the background you can see DS with his double chocolatey chip (he’s all about the chocolate)



I had a mint mocha frappe.



This all came to $18.39 (ouchy without the DDP snack credits).

Still raining so we waited for Transformers (DS 'this better not be a simulator' ). Still raining, hmmm we didn’t seem to have much luck really with the weather we had a few days when it was rainy in NYC and we’d expected an afternoon shower but not this drizzle from mid morning, we watched the Horror Make Up Show, which we possibly wouldn’t have gone to if it was dry and actually it was kind of funny.

We wandered over to the Simpsons area in the dampness (no rain but still very cloudy) and had lunch from the Bumblebee Man’s Taco Truck. While I was queueing DH said he would go and get a couple of Duff beers. It wasn’t until he’d gone that I remembered they wouldn’t serve him both beers if I wasn’t with him :angry: he came back with one and offered to share it. He did remember to tell me that it cost $10 as he gave the barman a tip.

I managed to take a photo of the menu board



We shared the chicken taco



Carne Asada taco (beef)



And the Mucho Macho Nachos, these were huge and we struggled to finish them



The total bill was $29.79



As we were eating it started to rain, again, so we queued up for the Simpsons ride (DS 'I can’t see a rollercoaster this is going to be another simulator isn’t it?' ) and then Men In Black (DS 'this is another simulator, I know it is it’s inside a building' ).

We were walking back through the Simpsons area and I decided now was a good time for the Big Pink.



Ooh it was tasty, easily enough for us to have a quarter each.





$5.99 and well worth it as a shared snack for everyone.

It was still a bit drizzly when we were round in Fieval’s playground but then it became torrential. We decided to make a dash for the Animal Actors show, another show we probably wouldn’t have watched if the weather had been better. Still raining when we came out so we headed for the exit to get some dinner, but got sidetracked by Terminator (DS 'is this a show or a ride?' ).

We decided to go to Bubba Gump’s for dinner. On the way I explained that we had a Landry card and that I had my birthday reward, the conversation with DH went something like this…

Me ‘We have a $25 off voucher for dinner’
Him ‘Good. How come?’
Me ‘It’s my birthday credit.’
Him ‘Your birthday is in October.’
Me ‘My American birthday is in July’
Him ‘Does that mean they are going to sing happy birthday to you?’
Me ‘No, don’t be silly. The manager will probably come over and have a chat with us’
Him ‘What do I need to say?’
Me ‘Nothing, honestly it’ll be fine’

We were seated in a booth. DD was easily won over with the server descriptions of the best things on the menu and so ordered a strawberry and mango (virgin) cocktail in a light up souvenir glass (oh well) $9.99



DS had a coke, I don’t seem to have a photo. DH had a beer (also in a souvenir glass but this was a little sneaky from the server as we didn’t realise this until the end of the meal) $12.24



I had a Starboard Sunrise cocktail. This was lovely. No souvenir glass $9.99



While waiting for our food we answered the Forrest Gump questions pretty well considering it must be 15 years since either of us have seen the movie and the neither of the kids had even heard of it.

The kids both ordered from the kids menu, DD had the popcorn shrimp with a side of fruit $8.49



DS had chicken strips and fries $8.49



DH had Trawlers Trash Lobster $28.99



I had Shrimpers Heaven, which was four types of shrimp and fires, $22.99



I couldn’t finish my meal, but DH helped me out. Our server came around before we’d finished our meal and asked us if we had saved room for dessert. Of course the kids were fine with that and so she explained the dessert menu…DD was won over once again and went for a strawberry shortcake $7.49



Surprise, surprise she couldn’t finish it…

DS ordered the build your own sundae from the kids menu $3.29



The bill was brought over with the desserts and came to $119.24 before the birthday reward.



The server had to go back and re-calculate the bill when I told her we had the Landry card, the manager came over for a chat while the new bill was being processed.

After dinner it had actually stopped raining so we went back into Universal, DS rode Rip Ride Rockit, we wandered around Diagon Alley, the kids stuck their heads inside the shark…



Then home to bed.

Tomorrow – Monday 31st July 2017 – our first visit to Islands of Adventure, churros and fruit cup for breakfast, Cowfish for lunch, Rosen Inn happy hour, Cici’s for dinner

Absolute fail. No excuses.

Of course they were starving the next day...$18 on drinks from Starbucks...

Monday 31st July 2017 – our first visit to Islands of Adventure, churros and fruit cup for breakfast, Cowfish for lunch, Rosen Inn happy hour, Cici’s for dinner

We were at Islands of Adventure nice and early. The kids and DH had eaten their first breakfast of frosties in the room. My strategy was the same as yesterday I wanted to get Hulk out the way while I still had the nerve to ride and before I had eaten, but actually in the end I kind of enjoyed it. We also made it around to Kong while it was still only showing a 10 minute wait.

When we were in Hogsmeade all reason and good judgement temporarily deserted us and we rashly made the decision to go on the Dragon Challenge. TWICE. WITHOUT EXITING. BOTH RED AND BLUE. EEK. Just thinking about it now and I can’t believe I thought it was a good idea.

Perhaps, we fell into the trap of wanting to take advantage of low wait times (it was advertised as 10 minutes but it was a walk on).

Perhaps, we wanted to appease DS and satisfy his need for a proper ride. His definition of a proper ride is as follows ‘actual real-life rides are rollercoasters that go fast, go up and down and take you on a track, they are not shows, they are not rides that are just pretend, which are really simulators in disguise’. Ok then After all the simulators yesterday when he saw the red and the blue dragon challenge he thought they would be brilliant and for some reason we got caught up in the re-ride option.

I don’t know why but we thought it would be a good idea. Hmm

So, we did the red challenge first and then the blue. I don’t recall if one was better than the other. I do know that I managed to have my eyes open for some small parts of the ride so I call that a success. Neither DH nor myself rode either again (the kids did, but we waited at the exit with the other sad old people). Writing now I feel somewhat sad we didn't go on it again as the ride is closing so we'll never get another chance Oh well. Afterwards both DH and myself decided that two fast uppy downy rides in such short a time was probably not a good idea and that we should follow this up with 2nd breakfast (sit down and rest ) and a show (sit down and rest ).

So…we grabbed two churros



And a fruit cup



These came to $11.61

Then we went to Poseidon’s Fury, which was less of a sit down (you probably all know this already ) and more of a tour, we really enjoyed this though. When we made it round to Seuss Landing we felt like we could just about manage Cat in the Hat and One fish, two fish , although I did end up with a wet left buttock…oh well…it was worth it for the nice sit down in a sensible ride.

Lunch was at one of the places I’d really been looking forward to and it didn’t disappoint. Cowfish. If you are remotely tempted by sushi then give it a try. It was tasty.

Both the kids went for cokes $3.29



DH had a beer (and another one later). He went for the Kirin Ichiban $8.75



I had a rather lovely Moscow Mule $12, yummy, vodka, ginger beer and lime juice. So good I had two, just to check for consistency. I have to say the second was as good if not better than the first





DD ordered the kids tempura shrimp with fries and oranges $6.99.



She absolutely loved it and at the time said it was the best meal she’d had so far.

DS ordered gorilla cheese with fries and oranges $6.99. Sorry it’s a blurry photo again.



Both DH and myself had the 12 piece sushi $16.



It looks so pretty on the plate. We both really enjoyed it. We made the kids try the wasabi (just a little bit)



The waiter did try and convince us we had room for desserts, but we resisted as it was only lunch and we wanted to head back to the hotel for a swim in the pool. The bill came to $100.17



We had a lazy afternoon. I’ve noted that I popped out for more milk and frosties and managed to get caught by the afternoon rain :angry:

We made sure we got to the hotel bar in time for happy hour I had my gin and tonics, DH had his beers and the kids both had cokes.



For dinner we tried out Cici’s. DD tells me today that she really liked the food here as 'the buffet had a big choice and the brownies were super tasty, the only problem were the toilets' Enough said...

We had a buy one get one free voucher so $7.99 twice paid for our meals and the drinks were $2.49 each. We paid upfront at the till and it came to $27.63.



DH and myself both enjoyed the salads. He joked that we had barely had any vegetables for what felt like days…



The kids were straight in with the pizza and garlic bread. DS did put a couple of carrots on his plate, just so he could say he’d had some vegetables.





DD had some of the pasta and marinara sauce but couldn’t finish it.



DH had a slice of pizza with pasta on. We’ve never seen this before, I’m told it was ok.





We all had a piece of brownie and a cinnamon swirl pastry thing for pudding.



The kids may have gone back several times for additional brownies, but that's what buffets are for. Right?

Next up tomorrow - Tuesday 1st August 2017 – churro for breakfast, ice cream from Florean Forescues for lunch, a corn dog in the afternoon and Margaritaville for dinner (we fulfil all the criteria for maintaining a healthy balanced diet today: sugar, fat and alcohol )

So am I getting that it's okay to visit the Cici's on I Drive but best cross your legs until you get home? Yikes!

Can I ask where you picked up your voucher for here? It's on our possible list for this trip. Finding this report so helpful where prices for family dining are concerned. Thank you!

Such a sensible lady ordering 2 "Moscow Mules" - Quality control is everything! My DH ordered these at The Boathouse,and they were served in the same copper mug! ( maybe they all are?!) Loving your report, thank you, Linda

We had an information booklet given to us when we checked in to the Rosen, the voucher was in there. There were lots of offers for Cici's though. The check out areas of the little supermarkets on I drive were covered in special offer vouchers so you shouldn't have any problems picking one up.

Thanks for reading, I'm glad it's helpful putting in the prices.

I am nothing if not selfless and checking the consistency and quality of cocktails is one of my special talents

Thank you for your kind words, I'm glad you're enjoying reading.

Tuesday 1st August 2017 – churro for breakfast, ice cream from Florean Forescues for lunch, a corn dog in the afternoon and Margaritaville for dinner (we fulfill all the criteria for maintaining a healthy balanced diet today, sugar, fat and alcohol)

We were back at Universal today. First up we got in the line for Despicable Me (DH and myself ended up being under the spotlight as the people who hadn’t showered in the pre-show part with the TV screens). DS went on Rip Ride Rockit single rider so DD had a churro while we waited $4.79



We caught the end of the Blues Brothers show on the way around to Diagon Alley. We had a great morning, somehow the kids persuaded me to get ice cream for lunch, ok it didn't take that much arm-twisting and oh boy it was worth it, because that ice cream from Florean Fortescue’s was delish

We all had two scoops in a cup.

DD had a scoop of raspberry and chocolate with a scoop of salted caramel. Absolutely delicious



DS had chocolate and salted caramel. Very tasty indeed



I tried to be adventurous and so went for a scoop of strawberry jam and peanut butter with a scoop of apple crumble. The apple crumble is on top, you can just about see a pink bit underneath...



It actually did taste like apple crumble and was yummy, but the strawberry and peanut butter was the best

Well worth it at $19.14



DH didn’t fancy ice cream, he sure missed out. We ate them outside the shop while DH took the obligatory photo of the dragon breathing fire.



After we had finished eating we popped into Ollivanders. Now I’d read all about it and hadn’t expected any of us to be picked…but DD must have looked especially cute today as she was selected. Of course, we had to buy the wand (a snip at $53) She found it incredibly frustrating doing spells and got somewhat embarrassed with a line of people behind her so gave up several times. We persevered and she managed to conjure some in the end when we returned later in the holiday.

We watched Fear Factor and wandered over to the Simpsons area. DH was hungry by now so picked up a corn dog. I have no idea who the random person in the background is…



It cost $8.51



We went on Race through NY again, we were in the back row this time which was nowhere near as good as our first ride on this in the front row.

We decided to queue up for the Hogwarts Express (the wait time said 30 minutes but it must have been more like an hour). I don’t think we queued for anything else for this long. In the end we were allocated to a carriage with two couples in front of us. Both couples were in their 20s and I was really hoping they would let the kids sit by the window. But no luck

The first couple sat opposite each other with them both taking the window seats :angry: The lady had a dragon sock puppet and was the most annoying she could possibly have been as she was talking to the puppet and showing it the view out the window. This meant she was holding her hand up in front of the window I was so close to telling her to put the puppet down and let the rest of us enjoy the ride, but I know that DH doesn’t like it if I tell people off in cinemas for talking and I figured maybe it was just me that was getting more and more irritated. So, I restrained myself from telling her she was bad-mannered, rude and annoying.

It was late afternoon, we were very hot (some of us were still a bit cross about the HE journey) and we’d not had a proper lunch so we decided to head out to Citywalk and go to Margaritaville This was another restaurant that had been top of my list for Citywalk and I had been keen to try it out. We arrived at 4.57pm so just in time for 5 o’clock

The kids both had cokes which were included in the price of their meals.





DH had a perfect margarita. Margaritaville Gold and Silver Tequilas, triple sec, orange curaçao and lime juice served on the rocks... for margarita aficionados only, very tasty and definitely hit the spot $11.75



I’ve just noticed how dirty the back of the menu looks in that photo somewhat takes the shine off the perfect margarita, doesn’t it?

I had a watermelon margarita. Margaritaville Silver tequila, triple sec, watermelon purée, house margarita blend, agave, ooh this was yummy $11.00



Both the kids had the Junior Cheeseburger and fries $8.99





DH had grilled chicken breast with mango salsa and rice $19.95



I had Island Kabobs which were chicken and beef skewers with rice and plantains (which I don’t like so I gave these to DH) $19.95



Both of our dishes were tasty and we really enjoyed having rice for a change compared to potatoes. Although, we’d only just had rice yesterday with the sushi, but we’d forgotten about that at the time.

Of course, the food arrived just in time for us to have finished our margaritas. Today, in the interest of market research, I decided we should both try different cocktails…

So, DH went for a shark fin. Corazon Blanco tequila, Del Maguey Crema, pineapple juice, house margarita blend, agave $11.75



And I went for It’s 5 o’clock somewhere. Margaritaville Silver Rum and Paradise Passion Fruit tequila, Bacardi rum, orange and pineapple juices with sweet & sour and a splash of grenadine. Served on the rocks $10.75. Ooh this was good



The waiter tried to convince us we had room for a dessert but actually we'd eaten our fill and didn’t fancy it. Plus we’d promised the kids we would go back to the hotel so they could have a night swim, so they were very keen to get going.

The bill came to $109.84. It was a lovely meal and the cocktails really were fab



Tomorrow - Wednesday 2nd Aug 2017 – flatbread pizzas for lunch at Volcano Bay, cider and beer (waiting out the rain) at Volcano Bay, Kobe Steakhouse on I Drive for dinner

How have I missed 3 days of this!?!?!?!

Good days in Universal.

I love the cocktails at Margaritaville - I had the flight last time and they were all amazing! The food looks really nice too. We've got plans for a meal at CityWalk before our night at HHN and I'm torn between Margaritaville and Cowfish!

Loving your report!