Holland America Alaska Cruise on Westerdam

Review of the Holland America ms Westerdam to Alaska in May 2014

Holly's Rating 3 out of 5

This trip it was for my husband and I to celebrate our twelve year anniversary we decided on Alaska because it leaves from our home port in Seattle so no flying score!! We were in a Verandah signature suite #8083 we both had the unlimited drink package and one dinner in their specialty restaurant the Pinnacle Grill from our TA.

Ship Port 4 out of 5- The new Seattle port is nice but if you are from out of town there is nothing near it no real shopping or food in close walking distance . Getting to port was a snap we pay for parking in Seattle already so we just parked for the seven days we were gone in our secure parking garage from here we simply ordered an Uber to transport us to the port. We were able to be dropped right outside the port and get right into the security line there were a lot of people so this line was pretty long it took maybe twenty minutes to get through security and checked in at the desk. We were able to walk right on the ship after taking our boarding photo.

Stateroom 5 out of 5- Our room was ready as soon as we got on this was a nice thing about the cruise line and our room was nice it was large and had a nice bathtub with jets and more than enough room for the both of us my husband would be spending a lot of time in it. There were the basic TV channels mostly focused on the Alaska team gold panning shows and deadliest cache along with the shopping and movie channels. You were able to get DVDs from a menu in room. If we would have brought our children this room would have felt cramped but still have the room to function with all four of us. The best thing was the veranda this is a Alaska cruise so that was so important to us I enjoyed sitting outside with a blanket and hot coffee and looking at the ocean my husband would spend most of the trip sick so this was a blessing to keep him from going stir crazy. If you can do it get a veranda it is worth the price to see the Alaska land float by.

Food I am going to just breaking dining into where we ate I would Give the food a 3 out of 5 due to a few special dishes we enjoyed.I found the food to be lacking from what I was hoping for they really need more fresh seafood choices for this itinerary.

Room Service -We also ordered room service nearly every morning and some lunch and snack items our service was good and the food was as good as room service food is. I enjoyed their club sandwich a lot and this is a good option for people just relaxing in their verandas for the day or those who are less happy with the dining options. One of the evening formal night we were able to order the same dinner from the main dining to our room instead of doing formal night we got the lobster and beef options and they were OK. You can order the MDR menu to your room each night if you choose this was a nice option on Holland. 

Main Dining Room- we ate here twice for dinner I ate lunch here a few time though the week lunches were fine nothing too over the top I usually had salads and soups. We were not impressed  with the food in the main dining room it took too long from when ordered to the time it was delivered I  understand that there are so many people all wanting to eat at the same time however our food was never totally right it would be cooked wrong or cold when we finally received it. On one dinner it took almost three hours for the two of us we did the latest dinning time. 

 We also thought that the menu choices were lacking for a cruise to Alaska we expected more options to follow that itinerary then they offered. There were few desserts that sounded appealing and I love desert .My go to dessert will always be crème brulee when I am unable to find something to interest me and I usually only eat the top. This trip on two nights I ordered this outside the specialty restaurant  on the first night there was just cream no sugary burnt top that I love, the second was so thick that it stuck to my teeth it was so chewy this was a big disappointment and a painful one as it pulled on a crown I have. On the one formal night I attended they had crab that was surprisingly good that they pre-crack this was a nice way to eat without the mess I love crab so this was the kind of menu I was expecting on an Alaska and Seattle cruise we are known in the north for our seafood.

Pinnacle Grill- was amazing we had appetizers of Lobster Bisque and Dungeness Crab Cakes both were delicious for our main course  my husband had the Cedar Planked Halibut with Shrimp Scampi and asparagus for the both of us along with mushrooms I had the West Coast-Style Seafood Cioppino it was also delicious. The staff was quick and checked in on us often but not so much that we felt rushed. For dessert I had the crème brulee as did my husband it was very good and I wish we would have chosen to eat here the rest of the trip.

 Lido Buffet- After boarding we decided to check out the Lido buffet. In short it was busy and since we are not allowed to serve ourselves until two days into the trip just getting water took an exorbitantly long time. As far as buffets go this one was less than impressive for its choices I understand this cruise is set for an older crowd but the flavor was missing from most dishes like they picked to not use salt and other spices in the food. This was basic food that you expect from a buffet it was not the worst ever but I have seen better on cruise ships. We would go here late at night for a snack to tide us over as we usually do on trips and the late night offerings were so limited that we usually just got pastries or some kind of pasta. We also believe this is where my husband’s food poisoning came from unfortunately.

Canaletto- was a nice little restaurant that they portion off some of lido for we enjoyed our food we had the sausage penne and the clams. I thought the clams were amazing and I was so sad not eat them one more time before we left they were out of this world and would be the only thing to get me back on this ship. This Restaurant is a share plate so we got large portions of what was ordered outside the appetizer to share with each other family style. We ordered a few extra things to try but the pasta and the clams did it for us. This was another place I wish we would have gone to more than once.

Pool Side Dinning -We also ate burgers by the pool they were good but so busy that you had to wait up to 30 min to order then wait for the food to be made we only ate once. The pizza was pretty standard to all ships not to bad really. We also hit the cafe many times for coffee and pastries they also were in line with what we normally would get on other cruise ships. Outside of the specialty eating there was nothing that impressed us food wise and this was upsetting since we like to try all the options. If we decided to do this trip on this ship again we would book specialty throughout the trip and skip the other options. On the day we toured Glacier Park they serve split pea soup my husband said it was good I do not like split pea so I did not partake but it is one of his favorite soups.

Service 3 out of 5- I am mixed about the service it was not bad in general our steward was alight he cleaned our room and did what they are supposed to do he was not too friendly a theme I found though the ship. Coming off a Disney Cruise a few months before this one this service was a surprise and I understand that they are not the same but there was really no personal interaction with our steward or other ship crew.

Our dining staff was hit and miss also the order time took so long and they never checked in during our meal perhaps because of the drink package there was no check in to see if we wanted another drink or how our meal was.We saw them for our order and then when the food was brought again no personal interaction or warmth. We only did the dining room twice for dinner so perhaps the service would have improved.

 The staff though the ship was not bad not good much like the steward and waitstaff. There was one waiter I saw and he was amazing he always asked if I needed more drinks and was just in generally happy and helpful. I would see this man all over the ship and he was always nice and smiling to the passengers and asking how the trip was I gave him an huge additional tip at the end of the cruise because he was so nice not just to me but to all the people I saw him interact with I wish the rest of the staff was more like him. There just was not the friendliness I was hoping for it was not bad service it just was not great service.

Entertainment 3 out of 5 - The entertainment was lacking on this ship perhaps because it was supposed to be relaxing but still there was not much going on after 9pm. The show Recycled Percussion was amazing and I enjoyed the shows so much I looked into going to their show in Las Vegas this show was fun, loud, and entertaining if it is on your ship you will not want to miss it. I wish the rest of the entertainment keep up with this show it was the only reason I gave a 3 if they did not have the show it would have been a 2. I also saw the magic/comedy show in the theater it was good there were some funny part this was something that kids could go to and you would feel fine about what they would hear. The production show about the fairy tales was interesting however I found my mind wondering though it that they really need to add more spice to the show it was pretty boring but cute in some ways.

Bingo was good it and not just because I won but they tried to keep the crowd entertained and there were a lot of people so that was good. Bingo is no fun when there are ten people you miss the energy of lots of people. Bingo is Bingo it was pricey like all ships but if like me you enjoy a game when you cruise this ship did it well.

Ports 4 out of five - The ports were fun we did not do ship excursions instead we got off and explored on our own looking at the shops and getting lunches. We liked the ports we went early June so the weather was hit and miss one port we got off simply to see my step sister and nephew in Sitka the town was quaint and cute and the sun was shining. In Juneau it poured cats and dogs but we still got off to see the shops and look around there were lots of shops within walking of the ship this was true in all the ports. Ketchikan was a blast mostly due to where we ate we had the best crab and clam strips ever and we cannot wait to back there again it was the Crab Cracker seafood bar. Victoria we got in late 6 pm not really anything open so we walked to the marina area then had dinner at a restaurant next to the ship.

We liked the Alaska water views and the cute shops we purchased some birch syrups and candies and I suggest picking these up in Alaska I Had never heard of it until then and the candy birch Carmel where chocolate covered caramel they had a slight root beer taste that was not bad at all the syrups were also a nice alternative to maple. You will be able to find the items all around the ports I always try to get one new thing when I go places that I just do not have at home and the candy was a hit with my kids also.

While we liked Glacier Bay that was a part of the cruise I was not too happy about simply that there really was not much information about activities. There one guide doing talks but he was saying the  the same things we heard him say over and over again on the TV.  I did not see any real interesting workshops or classes about the area most of it was about the sale on cheap cruise items. There was a presentation about people native to Alaska and their culture that was really good, but this was not widely showcased and I only found out about it because it was before bingo so I only heard the last part of it and there really were not many people I think due to there being no real advertisement they really need to add more to this day at the glacier park or at least let people know in a better way what is offered.

Drink package 3 out of five -  We got this as part of our cruise I was really the only one to try and take advantage of this due to my husband not feeling well I tried to order a variety of options to see what I liked and all of them were pretty good I liked mixed drinks and those are hard to mess up. There seemed to be an ample amount of liquor to the mixers this made good drinks.

 An issue however was that it took a long time to get that drink or to reorder I would hate to think that this was due to the package compared to buying per drink but it really felt like it was. I would stand at a bar and have two or more people served before I was when I was there first this was upsetting and only started after the first day or two when they knew who I was and the package I had. I loved not having to worry about the cost at the end of the trip. I think that if my husband had been feeling better I would have gotten more use from it. It covered everything I asked for and as long as you are not looking at twenty dollar drinks you should be covered in what you like to drink. We enjoyed the bar that overlooks the water we would go sit there on port days and enjoy a nice drink and they always had good drinks.

Shopping 2 out of 5- I like to look at the shopping on cruise ships and I like to buy but this ship was lacking a lot they did have the blowout sales were the cheap stuff is even cheaper however there was really nothing to inspire me to shop. The jewelry was lacking they should have focused more on Alaska items instead of the same jewelry you see every cruise. There was not a lot of draw you in items that make you want to shop. We bought some alcohol and a watch since I misplaced mine and I like my watch but usually I can find a few things to bring back but all my shopping was in port since there so few things outside unimpressive t-shirts and Holland Alaska items . I would like to see a little more customization on the shops a lot of ships now are get cute boutiques and that is something that would really help this ships shopping. They were constantly announcing the sales instead of the things to do around the ship this was annoying. We all know that there are sales but being reminded every twenty minutes was a bit much instead they should focus on promoting the shows and classes instead of the cheap Alaska T-shirts.

Kids Clubs- We did not bring our kids on this trip but I can say I would not bring my kids on this ship. I looked around and there was almost zero things in the cruise planner or around the ship to keep them from going crazy in fact I do not think I saw any kids at all. I do not know how the clubs for children where but I Would guess like the rest of the ship they would be lacking.

All in all it was nice to see Alaska’s and we plan on seeing Alaska again next summer but we will not be doing it on Holland America again. The age of the people was mid 50’s and up and that was kind of what we were looking for a nice laid back cruise to relax without our children, however even the older people were saying there seemed to be nothing to do. There were just too many negatives for me to spend the money to go again perhaps if it was an amazing deal but even then I would not guarantee it. We are not really party all night people but If you are under mid 50’s run to another line would be my advice in fact 50’s and up should run also this ship was just too quiet we wanted relaxing not drop dead boring. The service the food and the all around lack of entertainment is what brought me to a 2 out of five while they did thing ok I was expecting more I think Holland really needs to revamp some of their offerings for this itinerary to suite the more active people that are now coming to their ships. 

My Review Of Disney Worlds VIP Tour Service

Holly's Disney World VIP Tour Rating: 2 out of 5

For our trip to Disney world we decided to use a Disney tour guide this was something I had always wanted to try since I saw it at Disneyland. Since we only had four days at the park and nine people who wanted to see everything this was our best option. I was mostly happy with the service but we will not use it again there are a few reason for this. I do want to try the Disneyland option still. Our guide for all three day as was Ray and while he was a good guide yet I feel that if we had a different guide this may be a different review entirely. Keep in mind that the cost for this tour is now $360.00-$500.00 per hour for a minimum of 6 hours the cost at the time of our trip was $355.00.Park admission is not included with the tour.I suggest that if you are going to book a tour to Disney to use the Disney service if you Google it you will find many options for a much lower price however they are not Disney approved.

Ray would pick us up at our hotel or meet us at the parks depending on what I had planned for the day. I was able to time our start and ends times to go with places we wanted to go or were scheduled to eat at after or before the tour. The nice thing about the guide is they will pick you up at hotel and take you to the park likewise this is how you get from park to park. The pickup is one of the best reasons to take this tour you get dropped off at the back of the parks the employee entrance so you never have to worry about waiting to get into the park. Your guide will take you key to the world cards and scan you into the park upon arrival.

Your guide is basically a human fast past who knows the best shortcuts to get from point A to point B they will not take you to the front of the line you still will have to wait but only fastpass wait times usually no more than 10-15 min a ride. The guide will point out things as you move along the park things that you would not notice such as the hidden mickeys that are all over all the parks. If you want a snack or a drink your guide will go get it for you with your key to the world card one perk is you never have to take time out to stand in line for a dole whip!

There was special seating to Fantasmic and we loved this show it was so magical and since maleficent has been my favorite villain since childhood I was excited, both kids enjoyed it and we will see this again for sure when we go back to Disney World. This really is a good show but it filled up fast so if you are not using a guide get there early to make sure you get a good seat it looked like the middle to upper area was the best view of this show.

Over the three days we saw all the rides and things that we wanted to see within reason even with the guide there is so much we were unable to see such as most of Epcot. Our reason for the guide was the rides and the shows and that was all I wanted to use him for to get the most for our money. Our guide worked hard to insure we saw what was on my list luckily we had seen all the characters when we were on our Disney cruise because there seem to not be the time.

Unfortunately there were some real negative aspects to our dream vacation and the service. One issue we found is we booked this partly because my mother in law and grandmother have issues with walking fast and standing for a long time, we had to keep reminding our guide of this as he was so fast sometimes the kids could not keep up I understand that it was his job to make sure we got the things on our list done but it made for some cranky people who could not keep up and there crankiness was understandable we paid a lot of money to have a relaxing trip to Disney not a race to the finish around the parks.

Our other issue was a major one that did not come to light until our last day and our last hour. When using the service you get special seating at some of the shows and this is where our experience with the tour went down the magic drain. I knew that when you do the tour guide and Disneyland you get a special area to sit during the main street parades and I was looking forward to this option I even asked when booking our tour if we would get to see the parade and castle lighting and so on with the guide like in Disneyland I was informed that we would feel like we were in the parade and have a magical viewing, unfortunately our experience was less than magical. The night we went to see the night time parade and the lighting of the castle our guide told me there was no place to see the light parade and castle lighting except in the middle of a few hundred people so we had to stand behind rows of people who got there an hour or more early and were unable to even see the parade floats at all. I was upset since we had planned the light parade and the castle for the last hour on our last day we were unable to try to see it on our own. After I got home I saw that the site also says this is something they I still have not received a reason why we were unable to the fact was we missed something from my childhood I really wanted to share with my children and paid a lot to miss.

Compared to the Universal tours the Disney tour is not worth the money to my family while having a non stop fast pass for every ride was a perk along with the park to park private transportation. I enjoyed having a knowledgeable guide who knew the park inside and out. However there were too many negatives to justify the price $355.00 per hour cost we paid for our tour times. The fact that we were unable to get a good view of the parade that was so important to us was also a major factor in this not being worth the cost along with having to constantly having to tell our guide to slow down was an issue. All in all our guide was good in some respects however while he was knowledgeable he really seemed like he had other places he rather be instead of touring us around this is unacceptable when you pay the high cost this tour is especially in the happiest place on earth. While I normally give all the benefits of doubt to something I review there is no way I would recommend this tour.

Cost and Details

Our total for three days at 6 hours a day we paid a total of 6390.00 along with a 150.00 tip per day bring our total to 6840.00 plus the cost of park admission. The prices have been raised since our trip.

Cost is 360.00 to 500.00 depending on the time you book if you book during peak times you will have the peak rate.

Admission is not included in the cost you will need to get multi-park admission if you plan on doing more than one park.

All Private Premium VIP Tours have a minimum duration of 6 continuous hours up to 10 people including children. More than 10 and you will need to pay for another guide at the same rate.

You have to pay in full when you book the tour and have a credit card with the office the day of the tour in case you go over you time.

You can book your tour at 407-560-4033

The nitty gritty details about the Universal Studio Orlando VIP Tours

Holly's Universal VIP Tour Rating: 4 out of 5

Is it really expensive?

Yes this is an amazing experience there is no doubt about it but that experience is  going to cost you the tour is amazing but you need to be realistic of what you can afford make sure to fully look at the benefits compared to the cost. There are two types of tours at the Orlando Park the exclusive and the non-exclusive both are fun and you will see the park no matter what you chose we have not done the non-exclusive at Orlando we took it at Universal Hollywood and they are about the same. I have given the highlights and the cost below for each tour.

Not included in any tour

Admission to the parks is not included in any tour you will need to get this at the time you start the tour or before the cost is for the tour only. The tour dose not included a tip for the guide you will be responsible for tipping you guide. A general amount is $100-200 per day for the private tour and 50.00 or more for the non-private tour. The amount is not set in stone some people only do less some people do more, I think tipping is up to each person and the service they receive.

Main details of the non-exclusive VIP experience

The non-exclusive is one personal guide to 12 people in this group you will be put with other people who also pay for the service. Your guide will have a mostly pre-planned idea of what you will do, but will ask for your input be advised that if there are three of you in the 12 people group you may not be able to see all you want. This tour is 7 total hours in total this includes a one hour time out for lunch this tour dose not included lunch you are responsible for paying for your food.

There will only be 6 hours of actual hours of attraction time including at least eight major rides and shows these will be based on the group average. While your portion of the group may see some of what you want there is a chance you will not see it all because the others included in the group make up will want to see something as much as you want your choice be sure to let your guide know what your family’s number one attraction or show is so you can be sure to see it.

At the start of your tour you will get a complimentary continental breakfast this is juice coffee and pastries along will different cereals bagels and toast. This is a basic set up and a nice starter to the day. You can also take a bottle of water with you as you leave.

This tour is only for up to 6 people in your personal group any more than the 6 people and this includes children you will need to book the private tour for your group. Children cost the same as adults.

Keep in mind you will only get to do Harry Potter and the Escape From Gringotts™, Hogwarts or the train once. There is a chance you will not be able to do the train or the ride at all unlike the private tour this is not guaranteed and the decision to see these attractions are up to the guide alone and the amount of people in the park at the time of your tour. You also will not be able to use the expresses unlimited passes for these rides after your tour.

Unless you pick the two park option you will not be able to use the train to between the parks keep this in mind when booking your tour. There have been people who said they were able to take it without getting off but again that is up to the park the day of.

After your tour you will still get express access to all the rides this is like the other people in the park who bought the express pass option. After your tour you pass turns into a normal express pass including any disclaimers in the regular express pass be sure to check what is included and not included in the express pass before going to park so there are no bad surprises.

You will get reserved seating at the shows and parades this includes the Universal’s Cinematic Spectacular – 100 Years of Movie Memories nighttime show. Be sure to check at the time of your tour about how you use this option after the tour as it can change at any time.

You get complementary standard valet parking on the day of your tour take advantage of this perk as there is long walk between regular parking and the tour office.

A VIP souvenir lanyard is also included to keep this is what your VIP pass is hooked to.

On the day of your tour you will get select discounts at full service dining and merchandise locations within the parks check with the VIP office the day of your tour so you know what places in the park are at the discount and what the discount is.

Pros

You get a knowable guide to take you to the must see attractions and answer any question you can think of.

This is a less expensive way to get a tour of the park.

The guide really dose try to let the group see what they want to see in the time allowed.

This is good for a group that is small and just wants to see the park and feel special for a day.

Cons

You will not be guaranteed to see everything you want to see.

Your only time option is 10am.

You will be with other people you do not know and they get just as much say as you do.

It is still a costly choice.

You will only get one chance at the most popular stuff like the new Harry Potter rides.

The options and price for the nonexclusive tour is:

One-day, one-park non-exclusive VIP tour of USF or IOA $299.00 per person not including tax Peak time $369.00 per person not including tax

One-day tour of both parks non-exclusive- $329.00 per person not including tax Peak time is $389.00 per person not including tax

Private VIP Tour Details

This tour is for up to five people each additional person is additional charge up to ten people in total.

You will have a guide for 8 hours with a one hour lunch so you will 7 total hours of park attraction time. The guide will take you to the front of every line ride and photo and to top it off put you in the best seats!!

You can do what you wants as much as you want there really is no limit to what you can do on this tour the choices are completely up to you want to spend the entire day doing nothing but Harry Potter rides go for it. You pick who you want photos with, what shows you want to see, and your guide will make it happen. Keep in mind you will have some rules and some areas you cannot take photos your guide will inform you of this as they come up.

This tour includes lunch at your choice of Lombard’s Seafood Grill, Finnegan’s Bar & Grill, Mythos, and The Confisco Grille. Tips are not included for the wait staff as part of your package  you can get one appetizer per two people, one entrée each, and one desert also you get a non-alcoholic drink. This hour is included in your 8 hour tour.

Your tour will start at 10am but you can change this time to what suites you as long as it is with in the park hours. To have the option to start later than 10am you will have to book and notify the tour office two weeks before your tour.

If you pick one park option you will not be able to go to the other park keep this in mind with the Harry Potter train that goes between parks.

VIP lanyard serves as an unlimited Express pass for the rest of the day. This pass like the other people in the park who bought the express pass option. After your tour you pass turns into a normal express pass including any disclaimers in the regular express pass be sure to check what is included and not included in the express pass before going to park so there are no bad surprises.

You get a discount on food and merchandise during your tour day this includes after the tour ends. Be sure to check what places and what the amount of the discount is the day of your tour.

Special seating at the shows and parades. You will want to check the day of about how you can use this option after your tour for something like the 100 years of movie show.

Everything in the non-exclusive package.

You also can get the photos of your day but be sure to check this is included beforehand there have been some people who said it was not included in their package .I did not know about the option when we did the tour and did not ask. I still cannot confirm this as an option so check the day of your tour. 

Special photo ops you cannot get anywhere such as down in MIB area you can get a photo with the aliens in the control room, or under the mummy ride this is a fun option to the normal photo ops. Also no waiting in line for the photos

Pros

All the rides you want

Special photo ops

Your own personal guide

Lunch included at the best places the park has to offer

Cons

This is a costly trip and may not be worth the cost to your family.

You may feel guilty about get the best seat every time some people may wonder why you get to go first or just walk up and I will not lie some people will say something and be rude but ultimately you paid a business for a service and there is no reason to feel bad about this.

Cost for Exclusive VIP Tour

One day one park for up to five people $2599.00 Peak time cost is $2899.00

One day two parks for up to five people $2899.00 Peak time $3199.00

Extra people up to 10 are $325.00-389 each depending on tour and peak or non-peak time.

To get an idea for 6 people for two parks on two days the cost is 5590.00 for the private tour. Not including tips to the guide and the wait staff for lunches so there will be about $300.00 more on top of that price.

KEEP IN MIND

Children are the same cost as adults and the one hour lunch is nonnegotiable. On our last trip I overheard someone trying to get out of taking  the one hour lunch time, this is against universal policy and for good reason  it is just plain wrong. Please keep in mind your guide is still an employee doing a job and deserves a break just like you get when you go to work. If you feel you should not have to pay for this then the tours are not really for you.

We love the tour and we will do them again when we go to the parks to us the cost is worth it. We usually have such little time to see what we want and standing in line for a long time is no longer easy on my grandmother this way we get to take our time and go at the pace that works for us and not miss anything. However if it was just two of us spending a day relaxing at the park and not a real family vacation we would just do the express pass and explore on our own. Be sure to really look at the cost this is not an option for many families and there are many other ways and tricks to see what you want to see that cost less.

Oh the Magic of Universal Orlando with the VIP Treatment

Private Universal Orlando Studio VIP Tour
Holly's Rating: 4 out of 5

Let me start with saying this was an amazing tour and blow our Disney tour out of the water, we had so much fun and unlike our Disney tour we will be willing to do this one again. We did the two day and two park option for nine people. While not a cheap way to see universal it was perfect when you have so many people who want to see different things and your grandmother and mother in law have mobility issues. Of the two tour option we decided on the private tour they also have a group one where you have a set points of interest to go to that was not something that worked with our group. Be sure to look at my details post about everything included in the tour.

We started our first day by meeting our guide at the VIP office his name was Shawn and he was a amazing guide who from the start wanted to know what we wanted to do, see, and eat. When I scheduled the tour they asked where I wanted to eat and the guide makes sure each day that that is still the plan we had picked Mythos for the first day and stuck with that after finalizing our lunch times and letting Shawn know what we wanted to see we headed off for a un-rushed day at the park. The guide will take you to all the place you want to see in the fasted way leaving you more time to enjoy things. Being a major attraction all of the group wanted to see we began at  the harry potter ride at this time they were still working on the new train and bank ride. As we walked the park our guide pointed out little things and told us information about the park it a perk to have someone be able to tell you everything you want to know about the park from when a ride will open to the best place to get some shade on a busy day.

Our first stop was the market area and the butter beer the kids had been dyeing to try and truth be told so was I this drink is a sugar shock for sure but not bad just realize you may not finish a whole one but it’s worth trying once it we tried the non-frozen option. In this area the workers are dressed like you are in a Harry Potter story the  robes and uniforms look so real everything in this area really dose  recreate a beloved fantasy world. We did not do the wand show this time and that is something I now wish we would have tried.

We looked at the sweet shop Honeyduckes just like in the books there were limitless options to choose from all the candies and treats you read about where there to buy just like you were in Hogsmead on a day trip. Filch's Emporium was a hit and there where so many fun things to choose from we did not buy anything since we still had such a long day to go and did not want to walk around with a bunch of stuff all day on a side note the guide will have your purchases heal for you. We also enjoyed Dervish and Bangers for unique harry potter items.

There are two harry potter rides the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey a fun and interactive 3D motion ride where you really feel like you are in the movie and helping the hero’s the fact that you feel like you are flying was so fun and the way the characters from the movies pop out seem so real that you feel you can reach out and touch them. There was a long, long, long line for this ride and part of that is looking thought the castle and the touches like the paintings just like the real Hogwarts with Shawn we were able to go in the back way and still see most of the castle best part is we were able to get right on the ride this was only an option with the private guide when we went and not the standard tour. We loved this ride and the fact that we could go on as much as we wanted was nice however we only did it once since some members of our party did not go on it and wanted to do other things.

The next ride was the  Dragon Challenge this is a high rolling roller coaster that was so fun if you like the fast and scary rides which luckily I love them my husband, myself, and my father in law braved the challenge while the rest of the party sat out. I loved the feel of this ride you really feel the force of it and you at times think you are going to go right off the track butin a way that is still fun I also thought this ride was easier on the neck that was a plus we also only did this once since most of our party was not interested in the ride. The last ride in the area was the Flight of the Hippogriff this ride was a slower pace roller coaster for the younger set I thought the ride was fun and my son enjoyed it but it was jerky and by the time I got off it my back and neck where not happy with me I did not go on it again my son gave it one more go but my back was not having it.

After the rides we walked to Mythos for our lunch as part of the package lunch is included you are able to get one appetizer per two people, one entree, and a dessert along with a alcohol free drink per person. I had been dying to try this place and it was so pretty we sat by the windows and really enjoyed the look and feel of the restaurant and being able to see the view of the park and the people was a fun way to relax. I had the shrimp cocktail that I shared with my daughter both of us enjoyed it they gave you jumbo shrimp I know a lot of places go with the small cheaper shrimp but these where huge for my main entree I got the Mythos Pad Thai and it was really good I will admit it was not as good as my local place but so far nothing has been that good. We had ice cream for dessert and it was yummy also. The rest of the party liked their lunch also and there were no complaints my son had burger , my daughter the Pad Thai , the husband had the Pan seared Mahi Mahi, and my grandmother the same my brother had the fish tacos all of them loved their food and would eat there again. I would like to add the tip for the wait staff is not included in the lunch so you will want to pay them that separately.

After lunch we headed to the Poseidon fury I did not go through this attraction I wanted to sit and people watch for a while but the rest of the party did and they enjoyed it a lot and I enjoyed my people watching. My complaint about this attract was there is no shaded area to sit around the attraction for the people who do not want to walk though. We loved all the ride in the park and it was fun we went on every ride. Besides the Harry Potter castle ride the best ride in the park was the transformers ride we have done this ride before at the Hollywood park and we love it this was one we did many times and each time was just as fun as the first.

The Dr.Seuss area was fun and imaginative it brought back memories of my childhood and learning to read with my papa I wish we would have explored more but some people in our party where not interested in exploring. This is an area I will do more of this our next time in the park. We did all the ride even the ones that where for smaller kids and we still had fun Dudley Do-Right's Ripsaw Falls will get you wet and we were lucky to got plastic ponchos to wear but we still got a little damp all the rides where like being in the books and universal really out did itself with the way they make the areas really feel like you are in a fantasy land exploring and causing trouble with thing one and thing two.Our next stop was to the Grinch show.

The Grinchmas was a cute retelling of how the Grinch stole Christmas Sheldon from the big bang was playing the Grinch when we were there and played it amazingly it was fun to see the stage show version that universal dose during it Christmas spectaculars. As part of the tour we got the best seats in the house its a nice break to sit in the air conditioned room and relax while we watched the show. If you are in the park during Christmas you will want to see this show it is something that we will remember for a long time it was just plain fun and brought back how you felt when you saw the movie or read the book as a kid for the first time. After the show we re-did some of our favorite rides and looked around the shops on the days of your tour you get 10% off your purchases.

I love the fast and scary rides so it was a point to do them all this was mostly my husband and I the rest of our group was not willing to go on them and they were happy to just relax and people watching while we did. I loved the Incredible Hulk Coaster and wanted to go again and again so much fun. The Jurassic Park River Adventure is like the one in Hollywood so I sat it out with my husband but the rest of the group enjoyed it my son wanted to keep going.

Our next day was much like the first only we did all the things we did not the day before we started going to the MIB ride so fun. Then to twister this is really an interesting idea since universal is all about the fact they do movies this was a fun way to learn about the twisters and how they are created int he movie, you feel like you are in one they even have fire that is hot we really enjoyed this attraction since we loved the movie. My son thought this was so cool and was a highlight of the trip for him.

 We did not do the fear factor live but we did go to the Universal Orlando's Horror Make-Up Show it was fun to see how they do all the makeup effects in the movies and the waiting area was interesting with old movie props right from the horror movies we have all seen. The show adds some humor in with the learning so the kids stay entertained after this showI will not look at horror movies the same after seeing how they do the effects.

For our lunch we decided on Lombard’s Seafood Grille I had the Shrimp cocktail again and it was just as good as the one I had the day before, for my entree I did the fried shrimp (seeing a pattern here I love shrimp) this meal was well done and the shrimp tasted fresh and breading was perfect. All in all it was a good meal think red lobster quality. I usually do not expect much from theme park eateries but this place was good. In my party we had the clam chowder and the lobster bisque both where delicious. My husband has the fish and fries, my daughter the shrimp macaroni and cheese, and my son a burger again. My family enjoyed their meals there were no complaints. Between our group we tried almost the entire menu and nothing was said to be bad so this would be a safe place to eat if you have picky eaters like we do.

After lunch we headed to the Simpsons Springfield area to go on the ride we did not get to look around too much since other party members wanted to do other things but we still got a brief overview with Shawn.The ride is amazing we have done it at the Hollywood park before but it is still fun each time this outside of the transformers is my son favorite ride you really feel like you are in the action and the motions even though you do not really go anywhere you do not realize it and feel you are on a roller-coaster at krustyland.

 Later after the tour my husband and I came back  to look around. We really wanted to try a duff beer and a flaming Moe at Moe’s tavern and take some pictures around the area we really enjoyed it since we have been watching the show for 20 years. We loved to see the place we wanted to go since we where teenagers come to life.I am still kicking myself for not buying a pink doughnut and this will be done the next time we are at the park.

All in all the tour was worth it to us that said if we had planned we could have done all we wanted on our own but would have had some wait times this way it was quick and informative. Our guide was amazing and we will request him again when we go back for the next Harry Potter expansion. The food was good for a theme park and the verity in shops was nice and refreshing from Disney who has a lot of the same things in each shop. Hands down the Harry Potter areas is where Universal shined they really made you feel you were in the movie walking around Hogsmead and Hogwarts. We went during the week of Christmas so it was busy in the park another plus to the guide.

Just like any park there were a lot of people and strollers my biggest pet peeve is when people with  strollers and wheelchairs are rude with them and will run you over, bump into you to get you out of the way and a bunch of other things because they think they can get away with it and that drives me nuts. Also being on  a tour you are going to get some people who do not understand why you get to go in the front when they have been waiting for three hours, the fact is you are customer who paid a business for a service and you should not feel bad about that fact.

We stayed at the Loews Royal Pacific Resort this was a nice hotel there was a mix up and part of our group was put in a room in the other tower from the rest of us but we made due. On our last night my husband and I had a late dinner at the restaurant next to Jakes bar the food was good and we relaxed and talked about our days at the park. The room was a nice two bed room with a bathroom that has the toilet and shower in its own room and the sink and counter outside the door this was nice for people getting ready it’s so hard when you have four people and only one area to get ready in so this is always a plus to our family. We had connecting rooms with my grandmother and brother we always try to do this since we pack stuff in each other’s luggage a lot. My kids ordered room service and they said it was good and arrived fast they had burgers and fries and they came with cute little ketchup bottles that we took home they were so cute. We liked the hotel and enjoyed our stay and we will pick this hotel again we didn't get a chance to try the pool area as we were busy with the parks during the day but we did walk though it and it was a nice area that we hope to try our next visit.