Thursday, December 22nd
We awoke to another spectacular, sunshiny, warm morning
: December could not get any more perfect than that. We didn’t waste any time in getting ourselves showered, dressed and out the door: we not only had plans to meet Kerry, Robert and David for their goodbye breakfast at the Trattoria at Portofino Bay, but
@Lynne G and her kids were also planning to join us. We were super excited to be meeting Lynne after many years of friendship here on the boards
.
We texted Kerry as we were pulling into the parking area at Portofino.
Their plans had called for a noon-ish departure, as they had a two-hour commute (assuming no traffic delays) to their home in the Jacksonville area: that would give them plenty of time for breakfast, and perhaps an hour or two at Universal, before beginning their journey. Their trip so far had not gone off as we so carefully had planned, and we prayed that the ending would at least be a good one. She was equally as excited to meet Lynne and her family, so this breakfast was a much-anticipated finale for her. We were super saddened, then, to hear that David was feeling even worse that morning: after a rough night with more fever issues, Robert was loading their car and they were getting ready to head home immediately in the hopes of securing a doctor’s appointment for David later that afternoon .
We were both so gutted
.
Kerry met us briefly down at the doors to the Trattoria: we were all looking more than a little dejected. She had a little gift bag for Lynne that she asked us to pass along to her on her behalf, and of course we were happy to do so. We exchanged long hugs as we said our goodbyes and expressed our gratitude for the amazing experiences we shared with them, and there were more than a few tears from both of us
. Not only were we both sad for the things that Robert and David’s illnesses forced them to miss out on, but we were blue that the excitement of the planning process was over. We had had so much fun creating this grand adventure: it brought us close together on a daily basis despite the 1000+ miles between us.
We vowed, right there in the piazza, that we would do it again
. We didn’t know when….life was full of uncertainties as Steve and I embarked on a new life in the USA…..but we would make it happen. A prospect that made us smile through the tears.
Steve, bless his heart, was just as downcast as I was. He had wanted to see David so badly before they returned home, and was looking forward for one more chance to spend time with his buddy. We were a sorry pair as Kerry made her way back to find her boys, and we stood in the peacefulness of the morning
.
Time to regroup. I texted Lynne: gave her the news about Kerry’s need to depart early, and confirmed that Steve and I were still on for breakfast. I was elated to receive her reply that she and her teens were on their way
.
It was easy to keep occupied while we waited for them to arrive by water taxi. The piazza was virtually deserted and we could really appreciate the beauty of the architecture as we strolled around with the area virtually to ourselves.
This resort is incredibly well themed and so elegant: this would easily be my choice of properties if I ever stayed onsite at Universal. If a person can’t get to Italy, this is surely the next best thing
.
We were standing by the water, both lost in our own thoughts, when Lynne texted again to say that they were on the taxi and would be arriving any minute. When the boat pulled up, there was a round of hellos and introductions once they easily spotted us waiting for them in the piazza. After all these years, we finally meet in person!
I have to apologize again here that despite a wonderful buffet meal and the greatest conversation among new friends, I was so caught up in the meet-up and the meal that I didn’t get a single photo. I can’t believe it
. On a positive note, it was because we were having such a fantastic time getting to know each other outside of the boards (and for anyone who wonders if these casual meet-ups with other Disers is awkward in any way, the answer is a resounding NO…..it’s awesome to finally put faces to screen names and the chatter comes as easily, or perhaps even easier, as it does on the Dis
)….but still, I was heartbroken to realize, after the fact, that those memories weren’t preserved in pictures as all.
@Lynne G , you know this means we need a re-do on a future trip, right?
The meal itself was great (not my favourite breakfast buffet at the Universal resorts...that honour is bestowed on the Kitchen at the Hard Rock...but still really tasty), and the Trattoria was a perfect setting for our meal together. The restaurant boasts a charmingly elegant yet casual vibe, and it was only moderately busy so not at all noisy. Lynne’s son and daughter were great sports about indulging their mom for the meet up, and we were so grateful to have the chance to make the acquaintance of her awesome teens. Fun all around.
Lynne brought us a lovely little Christmas care package that included some special treats from her hometown: Tasty Kakes! My waistline was seriously doomed . Lynne, these things are addictive!!
We loved every bite.
Eventually, we bid Lynne and her kids adieu, and we both headed back to our respective vehicles. As we passed by the entrance to the hotel, we stopped to admire some of the fountains and other adornments that we missed in our hasty arrival. Very charming and so fitting for the theme of the resort.
On our way back to the Grande Vista, we decided to stop and do a little shopping at the Nike Clearance Store in Kissimmee and the Lake Buena Vista Factory Outlets. There were a few things we wanted to bring back for Jake…..no trip is complete until there’s a new pair of shoes for the boy in the suitcases…..and it was the perfect time to take care of that little bit of important business. We didn’t have to leave for the Christmas Party at the Magic Kingdom until later in the afternoon, and we hoped we’d miss the pre-Christmas crowds by shopping earlier in the day.
We easily found everything we went for…including some fun souvenirs for our cat sitter (who had sent us pictures of Violet and Dash wearing antler ears
just the day prior….oh, they would be so happy for us to come home!!
) and a few extra items to boot. We may have treated ourselves to a little reward for being great shoppers
.
Back at the resort, we unloaded our purchases and enjoyed some rest and relaxation before our much-anticipated big night at Disney. We called and talked to Jake for a bit, and I touched base with my mom by phone. I cleared out texts, emails and Facebook messages while Steve indulged in a short siesta
. Then, it was time to get dressed and begin our trek to the Ticket and Transportation Center: it was officially PARTY TIME!
Next up, we're rockin' around the Christmas tree at Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party
.