Here We Go Again - Universal and Disney Dream October 2015 - COMPLETE 17 days

[dixonsontour]

Trip report day 10

Friday 23rd October 2015

Islands of Adventure and Universal



This was our last day at Universal Orlando. Over this trip we had 6 Universal park days. We don’t do full days but even so we found plenty to do as always and didn’t do everything.

We were up later today and made a stop at guest services to print a Disney cruise form they had just emailed us confirming we were fit and well to board the ship Monday. We also tried to print a discount coupon for peach valley but whilst they were happy to do this it wasn’t working.

We headed to peach valley at Dr Phillips for breakfast. We stopped first at cvs and got some nail polish and other bits and pieces and DH managed to print the coupon there. Was worth a $10 saving.

We enjoyed our breakfast here again.

I did pop back into cvs, they had given us a coupon when we bought the first things which meant we could get another nail polish free on our next visit.

We headed back to the resort, got changed and took the bus to the parks. We were in Islands of Adventure for 11.30am.

Today was water rides day. It was very hot and our later start meant there were lines (we don’t usually wait) We waited 20 minutes for popeye and all got wet -fun ride. DH and DD went on ripsaw falls, I stood waiting for them on the bridge. It was at least 30 mins before they came back and later I realised I had managed to get sunburnt on my arms.

Snacks, DD tried a brookie cookie and brownie combined. We also had the saltiest pretzel ever from a kiosk in the Jurassic park area. We also filled up on water from the coke freestyle machines (free)

We headed into hogsmeade and bought some harry potter stamps from owl post. DD then got her letters postmarked and posted them in the box outside the shop to her friends. Think stamps were $15 (had to buy a book) but it was fun for DD and her friends who also love harry potter.

We got the Hogwarts express train to Diagon alley. It was the first time wehad ridden this way, the scenes are different both ways.

Now in Universal we stopped to watch the superstar parade. I like this, it is fun and colourful. DH isn’t a fan and it was very hot.

We got a drink and met Shrek. I was hoping for Donkey but he wasn’t expected out for a bit. There were a few more things I’d planned on doing but we were all hot and tired. There is always next year!

 

[dixonsontour]

So we headed out to Citywalk and had an early dinner at Bubba Gump. We have a landrys card from last year. They had added $25 for Dh’s birthday again this year.

We enjoyed our meal again. Would definitely recommend the landrys card if you are eating here, gets you vip seating and a manager checks all ok plus $25 free added for your birthday month.

We had a rest then DD and DH went to the pool whilst I did some laundry. I then swapped with DH at the pool – DD would stay in for hours. She watched the movie Frankenstein that was on from in the pool and I got her a late night snack of chicken strips and fries.

DD really enjoyed the movies by the pool, nice family atmosphere.

It was then time to pack as after 10 nights at Cabana we were leaving in the morning for Vero beach. Packing entails not just clothes but tacking the mountain of shopping bags from things we have bought and trying to fit everything in our cases.

It was a Friday nights and there was a lot of noise on the corridor and people running around. Security were onto it and it was the only night we heard noise. It didn’t matter as we were up packing.

 

[dixonsontour]

Dining review day 10

Friday 23rd October Islands of Adventure

Our last day at Universal



Breakfast

Peach Valley café, Dr Phillips

This was our second time here. Only 5 mins or so drive from Cabana bay. Again more locals than tourists.

I had the valley fiesta, DH a pickers skillet and DD choc chip pancake plus coffee for us to drink and water for DD.

We had a coupon for $10 off from the email club

$22.58 plus tip



Snacks

DD had a brookie (cookie and brownie in one) $2.79 and we used a drink off our quick service dining deal for a powerade (would have been $3.49) (we used the meal part of this deal day 2)

From a place in jurassic park area we got a Pretzel and cheese dip plus a footlong hog dog for DD with chips. We also got water from the freestyle machine. Pretzel was sooo salty and I like salt. Approx $15

Dinner

Bubba gump, citywalk

Our second time here and we enjoyed it again.

DH has a landry’s card which gets priorty seating so we were seated no wait.

They also add $25 for your birthday month and DH’s is October so we had that to spend.

I had the shrimp new Orleans and a cocktail which came with a souvenir glass. DH had a bbq cheeseburger, he doesn’t do seafood so not much choice for him but he liked it. DD had kids pizza with fries and blue jelly. DH and DD had soda to drink.

After taking off the $25 Total was $33.29 plus tip

(receipt shows discounted prices not actual prices)

We are not big forrest gump fans so the server just gave us easy questions. A manager also pops by if you use the card to check all ok. Afterwards I showed the receipt in the gift shop to get a clean boxed glass to take home.

$33.29 plus tip



Anna's Supper by the Pool



Chicken tenders and fries whilst the movie was on. From the snack bar at the pool.

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Great updates, excellent photos. I am thinking we need to make 4 Rivers a priority on of our 2016 trips!!

 

[dixonsontour]

Trip Report Day 11

Saturday 24th October 2015

Disney’s Vero beach and shopping



Today was check out day from Cabana bay. We really enjoyed our stay here again and will hopefully be back here in May.

We refilled our mugs and had a look in the gift shop, DD bought some pygmy puff keyrings for her friends. I got a cabana bay t shirt.

DH drove to Vero beach via the toll road took 1 hour 45 mins. DD snacked in the car but we waited to eat brunch at the resort.

We checked in at 10.15am. Our room wasn’t ready yet. We headed to breakfast at Shutters. On a Saturday they have a character breakfast which I’d booked by calling Disney, it wasn’t bookable online but then showed up in MDE.

The breakfast was very similar to the one at Ohana served family style. We got lots of time with the characters as it wasn’t busy, Goofy even say down at the table. They gave you a sheet to have autographed too. Cost $65 with tip.

As our room wasn’t ready we headed to the Vero beach outlets for some shopping. The casual male outlet was disappointing but DD got lots in Justice and had a good time trying everything on.

Back at the resort we got our room which was in the main building called the inn. It was a studio very much like a studio at old key west with a balcony, 2 beds and kitchenette.

It is a disney DVC resort but I’d booked our 2 nights with hotels.com.

We headed to the pool. It was nice at the pool, lots of games and activities for kids. I also got us a refill mug for soda from the quick service place by the pool.

We also walked down the boardwalk to the beach. The beach itself was very sloped and the waves were rough, we paddled but I didn’t fancy swimming in it.

There was a wedding overlooking the sea which looked lovely.

We headed out again and stopped at Walmart for some breakfast foods. DH got some t shirts and some breathable sports tops for $5 each so he was happy. Being able to buy sizes over xl so easily and cheaply still surprises us.

We called into Orchid pizza on the way back. This is the only food place next to the resort. I think they delivered but we collected and ate on our balcony. We were starving.

Afterwards DD and I headed to the campfire. The resort do this several times a week. We were nice and early and got a front bench. The staff were young and keen and did lots of campfire action songs. We joined in. Think DD thought she was at summer camp like on one of her Disney channel TV programmes.

They did free s’mores. Everyone got a stick and marshmallow then when you had toasted it lined up for chocolate and crackers. I had 2, DD 3 – record is 28 apparently!

We walked down to look at the ocean at night then all in bed for 10pm.

 

[dixonsontour]

Dining review day 11

Saturday 24th October



We filled the mugs for one last time. DD also had some goldfish crackers in the car.



Brunch

Shutter’s Disney Vero beach resort



We checked out of Cabana bay and DH drove us to Vero beach. It took 1 hr 45 mins.

I’d called Disney dining months before to make a character dining reservation. Went for the latest time 10.50am. I could see the reservation online in my MDE but couldn’t make the reservation online.

Once we checked in, whilst we waited for the room we went to eat.

It was a served character meal, very similar to the one at Ohana.

Donald was there and Goofy in beach wear. We got lots of character interaction. And they had Mickey waffles.

DD age 9 was $11.99 and we were $19.99.

Total $55.61 plus tip



Walmart

We got a few bit for breakfast from Walmart

Some random Walmart photos (butter sculpture? ! )

We also refilled the Halloween ‘bucket’ at 7/11 with soda



Refill mug

We got one to use by the pool from bleachers bar and grill think it was $16.99



Dinner

Orchid Island Pizza, Vero beach

This was next to the resort, the only food place nearby. We went in to order and collect but I think they delivered too. We shared a large pizza 18 inch with pepperoni, sausage, peppers and onions. They weren’t willing to leave a bit without topping so we also got DD a slice of cheese pizza and some garlic knots.

We ate on our balcony, were starving so no picture of the garlic knots. I enjoyed the pizza DH thought it was a bit soggy, he prefers just meat.

Approx $30



S’mores – disney’s vero beach

Me and DD went to the fire pit for the sing a long and free s’mores. This is on a few nights a week. We really enjoyed it, very fun. We got there early so got a bench at the front. Lots of action songs. I used to be a girl guide so like stuff like this and I think DD thought she was in a movie at summer camp.

Everyone got a stick and marshmallows to toast and then you lined up for a cracker and chocolate. I had 2, DD 3, record was 28 s’mores apparently! This was a Free resort activity.

 

[dixonsontour]

Trip report Day 12

Sunday 25th October 2015

Disney’s Vero beach and more shopping

I had a lie in today, was absolutely shattered. DD was missing her friends and sat on the balcony and skyped them. DH made me breakfast in bed.

About 10am ish we headed out and went to Indian River Mall. We went in Michaels and Best Buy.

In Walmart DH shopped and DD and I got our nails done – manicure and pedicure. It was dd’s first time and they were very sweet with her painting flowers on her nails.

We also got refill of soda from 7/11 in the Halloween ‘bucket’ DH had bought at the start of the holiday.

We had lunch at Olive Garden. Never been before but we all really liked it.

We swam when we got back to the resort and played Bingo by the pool, DD won a prize so she was pleased.

There was a 9 hole mini golf course next to the pool so we played that too, small charge as we were not DVC members.

We also went on the boardwalk and looked at the beach and sea.

That evening we packed again as we were leaving tomorrow. I did some laundry which was free.

I also had a look in the gift shop and took some photos of the resort which is lovely with a real Disney feel.

 

[dixonsontour]

We ended the day sitting on the balcony in the green room overlooking the ocean. The cocktail menu was the same as at Disney restaurants. We shared a couple of appetisers, still full from lunch.

 

[dixonsontour]

Dining Day 12

Sunday 25th October



Breakfast in bed! Disneys vero beach resort

I was absolutely shattered today, think everything had caught up with me. DH kindly made me a bagel in bed. The room was like an Old Key West studio with a small kitchenette with fridge, toaster and microwave.



Lunch

Olive garden, Indian river mall

Believe it or not we had never been to an Olive garden. It seemed busy so we gave it a try and really enjoyed it.

We started with garlic bread sticks. I had salad and DH soup he really liked.

I had the northern tour of Italy, 3 different things to try.

DH had a never ending pasta bowl, rigatoni with chicken then fettucine with meatballs.

DD had kids fettucine alfredo and fries, she loved this.

We had a coupon from joining the e club for a free dessert so DD had zeppoli with chocolate sauce but brought most of them back with us.

Service was great.

We had water and DD strawberry lemonade.

$38.16 plus tip

Dinner

Green Cabin room, Disney’s Vero beach resort

We had some drinks sitting looking over the ocean. Cocktail menu was same as at Disney world restaurants.

I had a white sangria, DD a non alcoholic pina colada and DH a magical star cocktail. DD had a cheese pizza and we shared a sausage flatbread.

$51.12 plus tip

 

[dixonsontour]

Great updates, excellent photos. I am thinking we need to make 4 Rivers a priority on of our 2016 trips!!

Thank you. We will be back to 4 rivers in May.

 

[dixonsontour]

Day 13 Monday 26th October Disney Dream Cruise – Port Canaveral

Today was our long awaited first cruise. This was my belated 40th birthday present. I was looking forward to it but have been horribly seasick on a ferry to Scandinavia and the Scilly Isles in the past so was worried I would feel ill and not enjoy it.

We’d opted for the 4 night Bahamas cruise for our first time.

DH was up early to take some stunning pictures of sunrise. DD also skyped her friends again, last chance before the cruise.

I was tired so DH made me breakfast in bed again.

I’d booked a 10.45am port arrival time online so we set off nice and early. We were about an hours drive from port Canaveral up highway A1A.

Before setting off I took a Dramamine seasick tablet I’d got in Walmart (they don’t sell it in the UK). I was really worried about being seasick and had read to take in advance. Well I stupidly didn’t get the non drowsy and spent the whole journey completely zonked out with DH and DD making fun of me. We stopped at one point to get a drink in the 7/11 refill cup and it took all my effort to get out of the car. Luckily I wasn’t seasick so this was my one and only time taking the medication. Lesson learnt just because you can buy it in Walmart doesn’t mean you should!

We were very early so went to the port. So exciting seeing the ship. It was really quiet, DH easily pulled up and dropped our luggage off. They had porters (remember cash to tip!) I’d attached all the luggage tags we had been sent by Disney.

We then dropped the car off at Alamo which was a few minutes drive away. They drove us back in their shuttle, it was much easier without luggage.

We showed our passports, went through security a bit like airport security and checked in and registered DD for the kids club. It was very busy in the terminal but we were soon called and walked onto the ship and our family name was announced.

I stopped writing trip notes for the cruise part but remember we went to Cabanas for a nice buffet lunch straightaway before it got busy.

We were able to get into the cabin after lunch as we were first cruise after dry dock. Cabin was great, we’d gone for one with an oversize porthole on deck 6. There was a curtain separating our bit from DD’s and plenty of room from our suitcases under the bed. The sofa was turned into a bed for DD by our cabin attendant at night.

I’d also paid extra for Halloween decorations, a beer refill mug for DH and a rainforest spa pass for me. These appeared in the cabin around dinner time.

We did the lifeboat muster. The person in charge of ours was Natasha from the entertainment team. We saw her constantly throughout the cruise always working so hard.

Unfortunately it started to rain a bit and they did the sail away party inside. Typical we only had rain for a couple of minutes 2 or 3 times all trip and once was now.

We went on deck after the show (rain had stopped) and watched us set sail. Lots of people on land waving. We got a drink, I bought the cocktail cup and had a drink of the day Bahama mama. DD had her first of many help yourself ice creams.

We also checked out the kids club during open house. It had just been revamped with a new star wars bit so lots of adults were in having a look.

 

[dixonsontour]

We were on early dining and I’d requested a table just for us as DD can get embarrassed about needing food cut. Our first meal was in Enchanted Garden. We had two nice young male servers, the assistant server made DD a hat tonight.

We enjoyed the food and it was great DD age 9 could mix and match kids and adult food. She often had the steak off the adult menu which the server cut up for her. He also learnt DD doesn’t do bread with bits in so every night had white rolls waiting for her.

We watched the show in the theatre after dinner Golden Mickeys and enjoyed it.

I also remember looking around the ship and sharing a late night snack of chicken tenders and fries from the quick serve place by the pool.

Our cabin attendant was very sweet and always seemed to be in the corridor to say hello. He made DD a towel elephant tonight. I never got to eat a chocolate, DD had them each night.

I could feel some motion this first night as I went to sleep but we were travelling quite fast to get to Nassau and it wasn’t unpleasant. I never felt sick or queasy all cruise.

Beds were very comfy, DD loved her area with the curtain closed.

 

[dixonsontour]

Dining Day 13

Monday 26th October



Breakfast, Disney’s vero beach resort

Breakfast in bed again made by DH (could get used to it!). DH got up to see the beautiful sunrise.

Drink

We stopped and filled the Halloween ‘bucket’ at 7/11 en route to port Canaveral took about an hour to drive up A1A.



Lunch

Cabanas buffet Disney dream

We got a 10.45am boarding time so were on and had an early lunch at the buffet. Soo much choice. They also had drink machines to help yourself from.

Drinks

I got a plastic cocktail cup, the cocktails of the day were $5.50 I think plus tax and tip. By buying the cup you got a larger cocktail. Cocktail of the day was a Bahama mama. I’d also bought DH the glass beer mug (you could order in advance to the cabin) same sort of deal more beer for the same price and a souvenir too.

Dinner

Enchanted garden, Disney Dream

I’d requested our own table and we were granted our request (DD needs food cutting sometimes and I didn't want her to feel awkward). We chose the early seating 5.45pm so we could eat then do the shows.

I had the lobster ravioli and the asparagus soup. DH had the tomato soup (he struggled sometimes with the starters as he doesn’t do seafood or mushrooms}.

We both had the prime rib.

DD age 9 could choose off adult or child menu or a bit of both which was good. She had the sirloin steak with fries.

DD had a mickey bar for dessert and I had some sort of cake and DH an ice cream sundae.

Food was nice in the main dining rooms.

Servers were young and sweet, got DD white bread rolls and cut her steak for her. They made her a hat out of napkins.

Enchanted garden was our second favourite of the rotation after animators palette.

Snack

We shared some chicken tenders and fries from Flos on the pool deck as a late night snack

The cabin attendant also left 3 chocolates and a towel animal before bed, never got to try one! DD liked them.

 

[dixonsontour]

Day 14 Tuesday October 27th 2015 Disney Dream Cruise Nassau

We started the day with breakfast in Cabanas which was nice but busy.

We hadn’t booked a trip in Nassau. I’d printed off a Frommers walking tour and map.

http://www.frommers.com/images/destinations/maps/jpg-2006/470640-mp0405nassauwalk.jpg

We thought we would give it a try on our own and felt we would be ok if we took sensible precautions. We don’t wear a lot of valuables but took off watches/rings, didn’t carry much cash or the camera and took some water with us.

We got off the ship and ran the gauntlet through the fenced area where all the people are touting taxi tours/offering hair braiding/selling things. DD was a bit over awed by this but I’d warned her what to expect.

Once through this area we walked past the straw market and along the tour route. We didn’t do it all staying in the main areas but didn’t feel unsafe.

At several points small tour mini buses passed us. The only thing to watch out for was potholes and uncovered grids in the roads and pavements.

 

[dixonsontour]

We made our way up the hill to Fort Fincastle. This took us up past the Princess Margaret hospital. We did bump into a couple off the ship but they were the only others we saw from the ship. At the fort I think we paid a dollar each to go in. Inside they assumed we were with the Disney tour and sort of ushered us with them so we heard their guide.

We then walked down the Queen’s staircase. There were stalls and people touting goods at the end of there too. We then made our way back to the ship. It was a red hot day.

We spent a couple of hours in Nassau and I’m glad we went,it was a good experience. For me being able to walk all the way to the top of the fort was a huge achievement. Before my surgery in May going up one flight of stairs at home left me out of breath.

We re boarded at lunchtime and DH suggested we have a sit down lunch which was at royal palace today. We were hot and they brought us lots of drinks. Our server was working there and served us. The food was nice and it was much quieter than Cabanas buffet lunch.

DD went in the pool and I had a rest on a sunlounger with a spooky juice cocktail which was drink of the day. We also went on the aqua duck together a couple of times which was fun. DH had a nap.



Before dinner there was trick or treating and a Halloween party with characters in the atrium. Dress was Halloween or casual, DD wore her harry potter robe and I wore my Disney Halloween t shirt same as for MNSSHP. This was fun. They had the same bags and candy as MNSSHP too. Most people seemed to dress up.

Afterwards we headed on deck to watch us sail away from Nassau.

We had a spooky juice and a pina colava. DH joined me in getting a cocktail cup. The cup meant you got a bigger drink and the drink of the day was a good price at approx. $5 plus tip. DD got some soda from the machines by the pool.

We ate dinner tonight in royal palace. It was a French menu, I tried escargot for the first time.

After dinner we watched and enjoyed the Villains tonight show.

We ended the night with some room service in the cabin, cost is included in the cruise you just tip. DD was a big fan of room service!

DD also tried the kids club a few times over the cruise but wasn’t keen. She had to go in the age 3-12 section. I’d imagined this separated by age but it was all mixed in together. It seemed to be mostly younger kids and some of the things I thought she would like such as the making flubber she said were spoilt by little kids messing around and not listening. They did find her a suitable controller so she could do the Disney infinity games which was very thoughtful.

It was a shame as the kids area is fantastically themed. The security in and out was great and reassuring too.

So whilst she didn’t hate the kids club she didn’t love it and I did feel a bit guilty leaving her there. We tried the Edge open house and that seemed a better fit. I suspect we will wait until she is 11 and able to go in Edge for our next cruise.

 

[dixonsontour]

Day 14 Dining review

Tuesday 27th October



Breakfast Cabanas, Disney dream

We had breakfast at Cabanas. Lots of choice, the fruit was lovely. It was very busy though.

Lunch

Royal Palace, Disney dream

After a hot morning walking around Nassau DH suggested we try the seated lunch not the buffet. It was very nice and welcome, lots of drink refills were needed.

I had quesadilla and a turkey sandwich followed by key lime pie. DD had kids pizza and DH a burger and key lime pie.

We preferred this to the busy Cabanas lunch buffet.

 

[dixonsontour]

Dinner

Royal Palace Disney Dream

Tonight we were dressed up for Halloween. Food was a French menu.

I was brave and tried the escargot (DH and DD nearly disowned me and server seemed surprised I’d eaten it!).

DH had fried camebert.

I had French onion soup and DH leek and potato.

We had beef tenderloin and DD had the same but with fries. Crème brulee for DD, soufflé for me and a trio for DH for dessert.

I'd noted the cruise was to celebrate my 40th birthday (which was earlier in the year) the servers sang and brought me a chocolate cake.

Snack

Before dinner we did trick or treating in the main atrium for halloween, same candy as at MNSSHP.

Later we had room service (included just need to tip)

Cheese plate called all hands on deck, mickey bar and chicken tenders and fries.

DD loved the room service.



Some more drinks

Cocktail of the day spooky juice and a pina colava



Another towel animal before bed and more chocolates

 

[dixonsontour]

Trip Report Day 15 Wednesday 28th October Disney Dream Castaway Cay



This was the day we were most looking forward to Castaway Cay

We woke up and could see Castaway Cay through our porthole.

We dressed in our swim wear, put a cover up over the top and went to breakfast.

We tried Enchanted Garden today as they had a buffet. It was a smaller buffet than Cabanas but much quieter and relaxing. The server brought drinks.

We were off the ship nice and early and got a good spot on the family beach with shaded sun loungers. I did buy a cruise cool bag and some water. I also hired DD a tube for the sea. By coincidence the girl who served me was also our server at Palo the next day.

We all spent time in the sea then walked along to where pelican plunge was. I went on this with DD.

By now it was just before 11.30am and Cookies 2 was about to open for lunch. We had some lunch eating at the picnic tables in the covered area. DH and I had spicy chicken burgers and DD a burger. DD also had ice cream for dessert.

We headed back to our sunloungers, DD and DH played in the sea and I had a nap.

Just before they finished serving lunch we headed to Cookies and got some more food and drinks.

DD also got her hair braided. Think this was $20 plus tip for part braiding.

 

[dixonsontour]

We all really enjoyed Castaway Cay. We are not usually the beach all day type but it was a beautiful place. Would love to go back one day.

DH and DD took a stroll on deck when the ship was leaving port.

Late afternoon we took the tram headed back onto the ship and got ready for pirate night. They had left our bandanas in the cabin. I wore some pirate harem trousers, DD had a pirate dress and even DH wore a pirate themed Hawaiian shirt. Again most people seemed to dress up.

I did line up to see Mickey in his pirate outfit.

Dinner tonight was pirate menu, we ate in royal palace again.

After Dinner DD and I went on deck and got a good spot to watch the Pirates in the Carribean show with all the characters.

DH had a look in the bars in the adult only area.

We had a chill out/nap in the cabin. The TV had all the Disney channel movies so DD was happy.

We all went on deck to watch the fireworks then headed to Cabanas for the pirate night buffet. There were tacos and baked potatoes then desserts including crepes and toppings.

 

[dixonsontour]

Late that night I went on a wander around the quiet ship and took lots of photos. I ended sitting by the pool with just a few people watching pirates in the Caribbean on the funnel vision screen. Great end to the day.

Our towel creation was a Monkey tonight.