You're having a giraffe aren't you?

[ChoppyGirl]

For the next couple of days we were with our friends at the Universal resorts staying overnight at Hard Rock Hotel. It had cost us £240 for a garden view room (we ended up with a pool view).

Used Uber for the first time with no problem - I had set it up in the U.K. first and had a $10 free credit for the first ride. Our driver picked us up and off we tootled until we were about 2 minutes from the resort and I realised I'd forgotten the tickets! 😳😳😳😳 So a turn around back to AKL and then back to HRH. Not sure if he charged us correctly but the whole trip cost us $33 after the $10 credit. I have him $10 tip in cash as he had waited for Paul to run and get the tickets. We were due to meet our friends at 8 and it was nearly 9 but I had texted them. They were later than expected and also called in at Walmart for us to get a Paul 10 (yes 10) bags of Cheetos!

We checked in (room wasn't ready but we could leave our bags) and caught the boat over to Universal Studios.

We went on the Mummy then headed over to MIB when Laura (bff) phoned me to say they were in the park so we waited for them there.

We bought a refillable mug which was about $15 between the 3 of us and starts with a blue raspberry iccee

After going on Simpsons ride we decided on an early lunch and the 3 of us had a Krusty burger and refilled the mug with Coke

Later on I had a churro whilst sheltering from a small shower

We did a few more rides and went back to the hotel where our room was waiting for us.

We had just settled into the room when an announcement came over a tannoy thing saying not to panic (!) but an alarm had sounded and it was being investigated but to wait by the tannoy the tannoy in our room for further instructions. This was on constant repeat for about 10 minutes then another message can't over saying it was all clear.

We wanted a drink in the Velvet bar but it was over 21's only so we sat on the terrace. Me and Paul both had a bud but Beth didn't want anything

We went to Citywalk for food at Bubba Gumps with Laura etc and had to wait quite a while for a table - 45 minutes. When that came and went Jon went to see how long it would be and they said we weren't on the list 😡 We were eventually seated about 10 minutes later and ordered. I had the fried fishwich sandwich, Paul had fish and chips and Beth had fried chicken. I had a coronita to drink.

The food was really good but it was a shock to have to pay for food after the dining plan.

[Ycryan]

Fantastic updates. x

[Floridaagogo]

Churro is on my wish list.was the Coronita nice ? X

[ChoppyGirl]

Originally Posted by Ycryan

Fantastic updates. x

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Thank you - just about to board the flight home (sob) so will update more when I'm back home

[ChoppyGirl]

Originally Posted by Floridaagogo

Churro is on my wish list.was the Coronita nice ? X

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The coronita was gorgeous - I had the blue lagoon one

[ChoppyGirl]

The original plan was Islands of Adventure then dinner at the Chocolate Emporium but we were struggling with the portion sizes and to be frank, begrudged paying $100 plus for a meal when we had the ddp so decided to have a qs meal at the Mara instead when we got back. I sent a text to Laura and they weren't bothered about eating at the Emporium either.

Over at IOA, the 'kids' and a Paul went on The Hulk whilst me, Laura and Jon re-activated the mugs and grabbed a Cinnabon. I got me and Beth a pecanabon to share as Paul doesn't do sweet things.

We did the rides we wanted to and caught the Hogwarts Express back to Universal to ride Gringotts again and Beth wanted a death eater t shirt. Back at IOA it started to rain quite heavily and we had just been on Jurassic Falls so we decided to have a small lunch there. Being tight we had a burger meal and extra fries to share which cost nearly $20 and wasn't as big as the Disney portions. No picture I'm afraid.

[ChoppyGirl]

After doing the water rides (just what is it with the straight leg thing when getting in the Dudley DoRight ride? ) we decided to have some Dipping Dots. Me and Beth had cookies and cream flavour

Another Uber back to AKL after a quick change in the loos into dry clothes and dinner at the Mara which we had in the room. I had the Mara BLT hotdog

[Goldia]

The pecanabon looks really tasty.

I know what you mean about Dudley Do Rights and straight legs, they were actually shouting at people who didn't have straight legs getting in when we were there this summer, it's a bit weird isn't it?

[ChoppyGirl]

Originally Posted by Goldia

The pecanabon looks really tasty.

I know what you mean about Dudley Do Rights and straight legs, they were actually shouting at people who didn't have straight legs getting in when we were there this summer, it's a bit weird isn't it?

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I was petrified I wasn't going to get in - it's really hard to do!

[ChoppyGirl]

Beth had chicken nuggets and fries - they are so much better than nuggets here

Paul had the rotisserie chicken and didn't want the mash and collared greens but wanted fries instead but when it came they gave him mash and chicken gravy as well which he really enjoyed

Beth had crunchy cheetos for her pud and Paul had Lays

I had a peanut butter brownie which was delicious