10 Nights of Magic in The Orlando Trifecta-TR - COMPLETE!! 12/10 - Page 41 - PassPorter - A Community of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and General Travel Forums
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It's too bad we didn't get to meet up. I think I put this out there on the October trips thread. Sort of surprised we didn't run into each other, but then again not sure what you look like and possible we did cross paths!
Glad you are enjoying my TR and so much more to come! Hope you get around to resuming yours.
You did indeed suggest this on the October trips thread, and then I totally forgot to go back to you and suggest a meeting. The trouble is, no-one ever looks like their profile picture anywhere, so it is entirely possible we crossed paths at some point!
I'm on the very last portion now, only a couple of days left to go before the Trip Report is finished. Too much work at work to do, that's the problem!
I was going to say, we ran into a Raptor encounter in Universal Studios in Singapore in 2016, we had no idea what it was but suddenly there was a truck parked in front of us with a Raptor in the back! Her name was apparently Doris, and she was absolutely adorable! Really bad tempered and funny. DH is very tall and the cast member said she likes either small children ("snack sized"), or tall people ("easy to reach"), and she kept trying to surrupticiously bite DH while we were posing for a photo with her! It was such a fun interaction, we loved her.
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Silvercat
(Enjoy reading trip reports? Why not try my books, "Tiggerific Travels Parts 1, 2, 3 & the new volume 4" - available now as e-books)
It's tough to get around to the TR updates as work and other things get in the way. I try to do two updates a week but not always successful doing this. Glad you'll be updating shortly. That's a very funny raptor encounter in Singapore.
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October 6, 2017-Enjoying an amazing dinner at Victoria & Albert's with PP's Dot and Drew
My TR from my most recent trip is now underway. Includes: Universal Studios Florida, Disney World and Sea World Orlando Trifecta TR -Updated December 10th! TR is now COMPLETED!
Saturday, October 7th (Part V) I arrived in City Walk and it was getting quite dark out. This was good as City Walk looked so cool all lit up. It was also getting much busier in this area with many people coming here for dinner as well as enjoying the bars and nightclubs located here. Quite a difference than a few hours ago when I was here for my lunch at The Cowfish around 2:30 pm!
There are a few small outdoor bars with canopies on City Walk’s promenade that looked inviting to me. I thought this was a better idea to go here than one of the crowded bars like Margaritaville, where I may not have a chance at getting a seat and may have to wait a while to be served.
I decided on the Lone Palm Airport Bar, which is close to Margaritaville as well as where I’d be having dinner in about thirty minutes. There were some open seats at the bar, which was good. It was quite nice out as compared to the rain before and not nearly as humid. This was a good place to take in the views of City Walk as well as people watch, which I always enjoy!
I looked over the drink menu and decided on a frozen beverage. It’s called Don’t Stop The Carnival and is Margaritaville Silver Rum blended with Strawberry, Mango and Banana Purees. I can say it’s a winner and quite tasty as you’ll see below!
Served in a typical plastic cup as we're outdoors. It’s quite colorful, isn’t it? Would definitely be more presentable in a classic margarita glass!
I just sat up here for a while enjoying my beverage and taking in the City Walk scene. Soon, my ADR time approached and after settling my bill I headed over for my ADR. The drink didn’t come cheap and ran me around $12-$13 with tip. Close to Disney prices!
Dinner would not be here! I’ve had drinks at various franchises of these including Atlantic City, but I have never dined at one of them.
It would be here!
Anojito’s appealed to me for the cuisine, margaritas and entertainment. It’s one of the best reviewed restaurants in City Walk. Originally, I made an ADR for Emeril’s but decided on this place as it’s a bit different and has good entertainment and cuisine. When I researched this eatery, I learned you can reserve seating up front for a better view of the Mariachi band that plays nightly h. Since, I was on my own, I thought this would be a good choice and I did this. This should make a fun dining experience! You can only reserve these seats by phone. It was quite easy to do and I secured this ADR about a month out, which is all they accept. Not, 180 days out like Disney! This includes the standard ADRs as well.
I entered the restaurant and it was very busy and quite noisy from the patrons as well as the Mariachi band, who were playing now. I checked in for my ADR and they told me I may have to wait twenty minutes or more as there are not many upfront tables. I told them that would be fine. I wasn’t in any hurry on my last night at Universal and just planned on enjoying it.
While I waited, I explored the restaurant, enjoyed the Mariachi band and got a few photos. It’s quite beautiful and well themed inside and there is also upstairs dining as well.
My view will be better than this shortly!
I like the bar area and quite crowded on a Saturday night!
You can see the upstairs dining area as well
After this, I went back to the check in area and waited for my name to be called. During this time, I enjoyed the Mariachi band and they ended their set just prior to when my ADR time came up. Not a big deal as the band does several sets per night and I knew I’d get to see them during dinner.
Shortly, my name was called and I was brought to my table upfront by one of the hosts by the stage. I think I waited only about 15 minutes, so less than I thought. My table was by the left side of the stage and I will certainly have a good view of the band and make my dinner experience even better. She gave me menus for the drinks and food offerings. These were quite extensive menus and a lot to look over.
About a minute or so later, my server came by my table, served me some water and went over the menu a bit with me. I forget his name, but he seemed to know the menu quite well. He gave me a few recommendations of his favorites, which is always good. I told him I’d need a few minutes on my food choices, but I decided on my beverage, which I ordered. Soon he returned with my beverage below!
Antorita Margarita with Corazon Blue Agave Tequila, Cointreau, Gran Gala Apples, Fresh Lime Juice and Nectar Juice on the Rocks. It certainly looks good and it was!
I told my server that I had decided on my food offerings and I went with both an appetizer and a main course. There was a lot to choose from and I hope I selected some great Mexican cuisine! Even though, I had a big meal at The Cowfish just a few hours ago, I felt my appetite had returned for the most part, but we’ll see! Unfortunately, my server would become a bit annoying over the next hour or so during dinner, but not any sort of bad experience with him.
My server returned a minute or so later with some house made tortilla chips and salsa for me to enjoy with my margarita before my first course arrives.
It was quite flavorful and I divulged a good amount of it and especially the salsa, which was so good! I love the stone salsa bowl and would love to have one of these!
A few minutes later one of the waiters arrived at my table with my first course. It certainly looks colorful and I was hoping I would enjoy it.
Sopa de Tortilla Azteca. Fire Grilled Chicken, Tomatoes With Sauce, Queso Fresco, Tortilla Strips, Avocado Slices and Cilantro Oil.
Once again, another colorful presentation at Anojitos! It was packed with a lot of flavor and I savored every drop of it. It had some spice to it but not too much. The avocado slices were a nice addition to this soup! My server came by while I was having my soup and asked how the soup was and if I needed anything else. I told him that the soup was exceptional.
After finishing my soup, my server cleared everything. Shortly, another waiter arrived with my main course. I was hoping it would be as good as the tortilla soup!
Mar y Tierra. Sautéed Shrimp, Mexican Chorizo, Skirt Steak, Roasted Chipotle Tomato Sauce, Queso Fresco, Rice and House Made Flour Tortillas
This was quite good as well and quite an assortment of flavors. Although, the skirt steak was good in the tomato sauce, I generally prefer it as a separate entree in a Mexican eatery, like Carne Asada. The shrimp were probably the best of the dish and the sauce added so much to the flavor of the shrimp. There was great flavor with the chorizo combined with the sauce as well. I think I only had one flour tortilla as I didn’t want them to fill me up too much as I still had some remaining effects from my lunch earlier. I didn’t finish all of this but probably 80% of it, so pretty much a success!
While I was enjoying my course my server asked how everything was and I told him all was good. This became an ongoing thing as he returned every few minutes. It became a bit annoying, but I was polite about it. Just after this, the Mariachi band returned to the stage for their next set. I enjoyed them a lot and they were very good musicians with some good song selections and some I recognized. Even better, as I was up so close to the music!
While, I was enjoying the music, my server returned and I told him I was finished and I asked him for the check. He returned with it a few minutes later and I settled my bill. This was quite reasonable for Universal and not as much as I thought it would be. I’m glad I decided on Anojito’s tonight as I enjoyed my meal immensely as well as the entertainment so much. I will undoubtedly return here in the future!
I didn’t leave right away as I wanted to enjoy the Mariachi band until they finished their set. Once they finished, I got up and toured the restaurant for a bit. There was quite a lot to see.
Anojito’s chefs cooking up some amazing cuisine in the open kitchen. I love establishments that have these. Some good ones at Disney as well, such as Jiko, California Grill and Flying Fish.
It would be quite cool to enjoy dinner in one of these booths!
I love the look and design of these sinks in the men’s restroom. Just so cool!
After checking out parts of the restaurant for a few minutes, I walked up front to leave. It was still quite crowded and I don’t think there was an empty table on this level of Anojito’s. I left the restaurant and the check in staff thanked me for dining tonight. It was only about 9:15 pm or so and I wanted to enjoy more in City Walk on my final night in Universal!
NEXT: Exploring More in City Walk and Enjoying It All!
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October 6, 2017-Enjoying an amazing dinner at Victoria & Albert's with PP's Dot and Drew
My TR from my most recent trip is now underway. Includes: Universal Studios Florida, Disney World and Sea World Orlando Trifecta TR -Updated December 10th! TR is now COMPLETED!
Last edited by SuperDave; 04-21-2018 at 01:55 AM..
Looks like a fun night, but can I just check, did you enjoy your meal?
I enjoyed my dinner very much.
Quote:
Originally Posted by purplegal
What a great meal and a nice way to finish up your Universal portion of the trip.
I enjoyed it and definitely a good way this evening.
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October 6, 2017-Enjoying an amazing dinner at Victoria & Albert's with PP's Dot and Drew
My TR from my most recent trip is now underway. Includes: Universal Studios Florida, Disney World and Sea World Orlando Trifecta TR -Updated December 10th! TR is now COMPLETED!
I remember you trying to decide if you should eat at that restaurant. It sure seems like it was a great choice. What a great spot to see the band!
I think this was the right decision and I enjoyed the meal and entertainment a lot. Being up front was a lot of fun.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tara O'Hara
What a cool restaurant!! I love the Margarita glass!! I also agree that City Walk looks so beautiful at night!! Your meal looked delicious!!
I enjoyed this place and love the decor and theming as well done. I love seeing City Walk all lit up at night. It was a great meal and plan to return.
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October 6, 2017-Enjoying an amazing dinner at Victoria & Albert's with PP's Dot and Drew
My TR from my most recent trip is now underway. Includes: Universal Studios Florida, Disney World and Sea World Orlando Trifecta TR -Updated December 10th! TR is now COMPLETED!
I’m glad you enjoyed your dinner! It looks fabulous and the restaurant looks like a great place!
I'm glad I went here. I really enjoyed Anojito's from the decor, cuisine and entertainment! Definitely, a win all experience!
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October 6, 2017-Enjoying an amazing dinner at Victoria & Albert's with PP's Dot and Drew
My TR from my most recent trip is now underway. Includes: Universal Studios Florida, Disney World and Sea World Orlando Trifecta TR -Updated December 10th! TR is now COMPLETED!
I am punchy but when I read this " I learned you can reserve seating up front for a better view of the Mariachi band that plays nightly h. Since, I was on my own" I read it as "since I have my own" & for a moment thought that you had your own mariachi band and I was like wow this guy is so cool but then ... wait - what?!
Anyway ... I do not remember knowing this place when i was there last but I will definitely check it out next time. The food looks great and the decor - wow! I love the look especially the details on the ceiling.
It's a shame some waiters don't know the art of complimenting rather than being a part of the meal. I suppose its better than wondering where they've gone, but annoying just the same.
That is one good-looking cocktail
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Don't let your heart be filled with sorrow, for all you know, tomorrow, the dream that you wish will come true.
It's always nice to really enjoy a new restaurant, and Anojita's sounds like a very good one.
I think I made the right choice with ANojito's as I enjoyed it so much!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lumieregirl
I am punchy but when I read this " I learned you can reserve seating up front for a better view of the Mariachi band that plays nightly h. Since, I was on my own" I read it as "since I have my own" & for a moment thought that you had your own mariachi band and I was like wow this guy is so cool but then ... wait - what?!
Anyway ... I do not remember knowing this place when i was there last but I will definitely check it out next time. The food looks great and the decor - wow! I love the look especially the details on the ceiling.
It's a shame some waiters don't know the art of complimenting rather than being a part of the meal. I suppose its better than wondering where they've gone, but annoying just the same.
That is one good-looking cocktail
That was funny how you misread part of my TR! Sorry, but I didn't bring my own Mariachi band with me, but it would be nice! The place is quite nice and well themed and the food was quite good as well. My server got to be a bit annoying at times but not horrible.
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October 6, 2017-Enjoying an amazing dinner at Victoria & Albert's with PP's Dot and Drew
My TR from my most recent trip is now underway. Includes: Universal Studios Florida, Disney World and Sea World Orlando Trifecta TR -Updated December 10th! TR is now COMPLETED!
Saturday, October 7th (Part VI) I left Anojito’s somewhat after 9 pm as time can become a blur on vacation! I wasn't actually sure what time it was at this point! I get outside and hear some music. And who do I see performing on the deck outside?
They’re back and are they stalking me? Of course not and love the music!
I did a bit of exploring in the area, but I felt a bit full from dinner and walked off a bit of my meal. Before, doing more exploring I made a stop at one of the outdoor bars on City Walk’s promenade. This was a different one than before dinner as there are a few of them. I love a good margarita and what a better way to relax outside on a beautiful evening with people watching and just enjoying it all!
I don’t remember what the name of this concoction was or what was in it, but it was very good, which is what counts!
I relaxed here for a little while, before doing more exploring of the sights on City Walk. There are several nightclubs in this area, but I wasn’t interested in visiting them. Just not into nightclubs in any way! Give me a good bar/outdoor bar or comfy lounge and I'm good as has the ambience! They are probably quite crowded and may have cover charges as well. I prefer the outdoor bars as more open without the crowds, much more relaxing and enjoying the outdoor scenery on a great night, which you can’t do inside a nightclub!
Shortly, I went on my way for more exploring of City Walk. It’s a lot larger than I thought with the whole upper area that begins just to the left of Anojito’s is and where all the nightclubs are. You keep going to the left and you’ll reach the access to the parking garages.
After finishing my margarita and paying up, I explored more of City Walk. The lower portion of City Walk was very busy at the restaurants, food kiosks and outdoor bars. Once, I got to the upper portion past Anojito’s it wasn’t quite as busy where the night clubs are. There are also some food kiosks and counter service eateries located here as well and they were quite busy. It’s just the nightclubs that didn’t seem to be and odd for a Saturday night. Then again it may be a bit early for them to be busy as it wasn’t even 10 pm yet.
I like the view and the Vegas style lighting!
Appropriately named outside of the Bob Marley nightclub!
Near the end of the top portion of City Walk just before the parking garages
Entrance/Exit to the massive Universal Studios parking garages
This sushi eatery was busy as the AMC Cineplex seemed to be as well.
I like this beverage kiosk, just outside of Anojito’s. I was going to try it but they were closing for the evening!
Back to the lower area of City Walk and their restaurant row!
After spending a good half hour or so, walking around City Walk, I thought about returning to the Royal Pacific one last time, but not so fast! Since, it’s my last night in Universal, I decided to enjoy myself for just a little bit longer. That meant, a return to the Lone Palm Airport Bar for one last margarita. Sort of a sendoff, I suppose.!
The same margarita I had before dinner with mango, strawberry and banana purees. It’s a winner, so why not!
Lone Palm Airport Bar
I once again enjoyed my margarita as well as the evening and scene for a while. After finishing my margarita, I settled my bill and began to walk towards the NBC Sports Restaurant, where the boat launch dock to the Universal resorts is located. There wasn’t one there yet, but I think it was only a five minute wait. There were about ten or more of us waiting. Once, we departed it was just five minutes back to the Royal Pacific. I enjoyed the boat launches as so relaxing and a bit smaller than the WDW versions.
Overall, it was a great and very long day on my final one at Universal Studios Florida. From the parks, attractions, restaurants, outdoor bars and scene, it was a success. I’ve been here for nearly twelve hours without returning to my resort. Four great days at Universal and so glad I finally got to stay here. It certainly won’t be my last and probably in another two to three years for my next one.
I returned to my room and did some more packing for my departure from the Royal Pacific in the morning. It didn’t take me that long and it was mostly a matter of reorganizing things and making sure I knew where everything was so I can pack up the remaining things in the morning. I got everything I would need for the morning ready before going to bed. It was close to 11:30 pm and I just watched some TV for a little while before calling it a night!
NEXT: I Thought They Were Complimentary!
I Thought They Were Complimentary!
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October 6, 2017-Enjoying an amazing dinner at Victoria & Albert's with PP's Dot and Drew
My TR from my most recent trip is now underway. Includes: Universal Studios Florida, Disney World and Sea World Orlando Trifecta TR -Updated December 10th! TR is now COMPLETED!
Last edited by SuperDave; 04-24-2018 at 11:16 PM..
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Hope you get around to resuming yours.
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Pixie Dust
Glad you'll be updating shortly. 
It was also getting much busier in this area with many people coming here for dinner as well as enjoying the bars and nightclubs located here. Quite a difference than a few hours ago when I was here for my lunch at The Cowfish around 2:30 pm! 
Unfortunately, my server would become a bit annoying over the next hour or so during dinner, but not any sort of bad experience with him. 
I love the stone salsa bowl and would love to have one of these! 
It became a bit annoying, but I was polite about it. 
Even better, as I was up so close to the music! 
PassPorter Guide Author
I also agree that City Walk looks so beautiful at night!! 
and I was like wow this guy is so cool 
I get outside and hear some music. 
It’s just the nightclubs that didn’t seem to be and odd for a Saturday night. Then again it may be a bit early for them to be busy as it wasn’t even 10 pm yet. 
From the parks, attractions, restaurants, outdoor bars and scene, it was a success. 
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