10 Nights of Magic in The Orlando Trifecta-TR - COMPLETE!! 12/10 - Page 14 - PassPorter - A Community of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and General Travel Forums
As of January 1, 2019, we have closed our forums. This is a decision we did not come to lightly, but it is necessary. The software our forums run on is just too out-of-date and it poses a significant security risk. The server software itself must be updated, and it cannot be without removing the forums.
So it is with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to our long-running forums. They came online in 2000 and brought together so many wonderful Disney fans. We had friendships form, careers launch, couples marry, children born ... all because of this amazing community.
Thank you to each of you who were a part of this community. You made it possible.
And a very special thank you to our Guides (moderators), past and present, who kept our forums a happy place to be. You are the glue that held everything together, and we are forever grateful to you. Thank you aliceinwdw, Caldercup, MrsM, WillCAD, Fortissimo, GingerJ, HiddenMickey, CRCrazy, Eeyoresmom, disneyknut, disneydani, Cam22, chezp, WDWfan, Luvsun, KMB733, rescuesk, OhToodles!, Colexis Mom, lfredsbo, HiddenMickey, DrDolphin, DopeyGirl, duck addict, Disneybine, PixieMichele, Sandra Bostwick, Eeyore Tattoo, DyanKJ130, Suzy Q'Disney, LilMarcieMouse, AllisonG, Belle*, Chrissi, Brant, DawnDenise, Crystalloubear, Disneymom9092, FanOfMickey, Goofy4Goofy, GoofyMom, Home4us123, iamgrumpy, ilovedisney247, Jennifer2003, Jenny Pooh, KrisLuvsDisney, Ladyt, Laughaholic88, LauraBelle Hime, Lilianna, LizardCop, Loobyoxlip, lukeandbrooksmom, marisag, michnash, MickeyMAC, OffKilter_Lynn, PamelaK, Poor_Eeyore, ripkensnana, RobDVC, SHEANA1226, Shell of the South, snoozin, Statelady01, Tara O'Hara, tigger22, Tink and Co., Tinkerbelz, WDWJAMBA, wdwlovers, Wendyismyname, whoSEZ, WildforWD, and WvuGrrrl. You made the magic.
We want to personally thank Sara Varney, who coordinated our community for many years (among so many other things she did for us), and Cheryl Pendry, our Message Board Manager who helped train our Guides, and Ginger Jabour, who helped us with the PassPorter-specific forums and Live! Guides. Thank you for your time, energy, and enthusiasm. You made it all happen.
There are other changes as well.
Why? Well, the world has changed. And change with it, we must. The lyrics to "We Go On" for IllumiNations say it best:
We go on to the joy and through the tears
We go on to discover new frontiers
Moving on with the current of the years.
We go on
Moving forward now as one
Moving on with a spirit born to run
Ever on with each rising sun.
To a new day, we go on.
It's time to move on and move forward.
PassPorter is a small business, and for many years it supported our family. But the world changed, print books took a backseat to the Internet, and for a long time now it has been unable to make ends meet. We've had to find new ways to support our family, which means new careers and less and less time available to devote to our first baby, PassPorter.
But eventually, we must move on and move forward. It is the right thing to do.
So we are retiring this newsletter, as we simply cannot keep up with it. Many thanks to Mouse Fan Travel who supported it all these years, to All Ears and MousePlanet who helped us with news, to our many article contributors, and -- most importantly -- to Sara Varney who edited our newsletter so wonderfully for years and years.
And we are no longer charging for the Live Guides. If you have a subscription, it's yours to keep for the lifetime of the Live Guides at no additional cost. The Live Guides will stay online, barring server issues and technical problems, for all of 2019.
That said, PassPorter is not going away. Most of the resources will remain online for as long as we can support them, and after that we will find ways to make whatever we can available. PassPorter means a great deal to us, and to many of you, and we will do our best to keep it alive in whatever way we can. Our server costs are high, and they'll need to come out of our pockets, so in the future you can expect some changes so we can bring those costs down.
Thank you, thank you, thank you for your amazing support over the years. Without you, there's no way us little guys could have made something like this happen and given the "big guys" a run for their money. PassPorter was consistently the #3 guidebook after the Unofficial and Official guides, which was really unheard of for such a small company to do. We ROCKED it thanks to you and your support and love!
If you miss us, you can still find some of us online. Sara started a new blog at DisneyParkPrincess.com -- I strongly urge you to visit and get on her mailing list. She IS the Disney park princess and knows Disney backward and forward. And I am blogging as well at JenniferMaker.com, which is a little craft blog I started a couple of years ago to make ends meet. You can see and hear me in my craft show at https://www.youtube.com/c/jennifermaker . Many PassPorter readers and fans are on Facebook, in groups they formed like the PassPorter Trip Reports and PassPorter Crafting Challenge (if you join, just let them know you read about it in the newsletter). And some of our most devoted community members started a forum of their own at Pixie Dust Lane and all are invited over.
So we encourage you to stay in touch with us and your fellow community members wherever works best for you!
Welcome! We're happy you've found the PassPorter Community -- the friendliest place to plan your vacation to Walt Disney World, Disney Cruise Line, Disneyland, and the world in general! You are now viewing the PassPorter Message Board Community as a guest, which gives you limited access. As our guest, feel free to browse our messages by selecting the forum you want to visit from the list below.
To post messages and ask questions, join our FREE community today and you'll get access to tools and resources not available to guests, such as our vacation countown timers, "living" avatars, private messaging system, database searches, downloads, and a special PassPorter discount code. Registration is fast, simple, and completely free. Just click the Join Our Community link.
If you think you've already joined, log in below now. If you don't remember your member name or password, please visit our Member Name and Password Recovery page. You are also welcome to contact us.
Your room looks lovely - I love the design on the wall, very unusual. I really hope you enjoy dinner at Bice as much as we did.
The walls are a bit odd, but do like them. You'll find out about BICE in the next update!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tara O'Hara
Exactly that!!
You and Cheryl think alike!
__________________
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!
What a great room. The Portofino looks like a lovely Hotel, hope your dinner is good.
It is quite nice and so well themed!
Quote:
Originally Posted by patclairesmom
Very nice room, but you're right, how strange to go downstairs to your room. That Italian restaurant looks so nice and cozy, have you heard any reviews of it? Glad you were able to enjoy a glass of wine on the piazza before dinner. Can't wait to hear about Bice
That was a bit odd with my room! The restaurant was quite busy and it smelled great in there. I've read some good reviews of it and may try it the next time I stay in Universal. I enjoyed my time before dinner on the piazza as so relaxing and good entertainment.
__________________
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!
Very nice room! I'd been a bit confused by the 2nd floor being below the Lobby. What a pleasant way to spend the wait before your dinner ressie!
It was certainly a bit odd and wasn't expecting it! I enjoyed my time before dinner a lot.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Colexis Mom
What a great room! The piazza looks lovely!
It was a nice room and enjoyed it. The piazza was a great way to spend my time before dinner.
Quote:
Originally Posted by wheezie
Beautiful room, but I agree with the others that’s it’s so strange that it’s below the lobby.
Sounds like a wonderful and relaxing evening!
It was certainly weird for sure. So far so good and much more to come at night!
__________________
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!
Your room looks great! Sitting in the Piazza with a drink sounds like a lovely start to your evening!
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
It was a very nice room and good size. It was a very enjoyable and relaxing way to begin my night and no complaints. It was quite windy out.
__________________
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 enjoying your TR Dave! I have always wanted to stay onsite at Universal as we love the parks and would love to take advantage of the Unlimited Express Pass. The two places that appeal to us the most are Royal Pacific and Portofino Bay. I wish they offered the Express Pass at the Value Resorts but unfortunately they don’t.
One quick note on an earlier post, regarding the portable cell phone chargers - I bought them for my family for Christmas this year. The ones I bought will hold 4 charges at a time when fully charged so you can charge up to 4 times before needing to recharge the charging device. Can’t wait to use it the next time we travel!
Registered Message Board Members save 30% off PassPorter guidebooks! When you register you'll have access to a discount coupon good for 30% off the list price of PassPorter books in our online store.
Very nice room Dave but it does seem strange that the second floor was below the lobby. It sounded so enjoyable sitting at the Piazza, listening to the singers, with your glass of chianti!
I’m enjoying your TR Dave! I have always wanted to stay onsite at Universal as we love the parks and would love to take advantage of the Unlimited Express Pass. The two places that appeal to us the most are Royal Pacific and Portofino Bay. I wish they offered the Express Pass at the Value Resorts but unfortunately they don’t.
One quick note on an earlier post, regarding the portable cell phone chargers - I bought them for my family for Christmas this year. The ones I bought will hold 4 charges at a time when fully charged so you can charge up to 4 times before needing to recharge the charging device. Can’t wait to use it the next time we travel!
Looking forward to your next update!
Long post but welcome it as I love the posts from everyone here!
Unfortunately, they don't offer the Express Pass other than the three deluxe resorts. One thing I did was compare the prices for Sapphire Resort and add on the Express Pass and it was worth price wise vs the Royal Pacific cost wise and why I went with that deluxe resort. On purchasing the express pass on an individual basis it runs about $89. The cost between the two resorts per night was far less. For some people, they don't care about this, but I do!
I'm so glad I finally got to stay at Universal as I loved it with so many things. You'll see much more in my TR.
Someone else mentioned to me about the portable chargers or something else. I will check with my cell phone provider before going on my next trip, which should help. My provider is about a mile away (Verizon). That way I can go to the parks and no worries and not have to charge in the lobby like today or back in the room later!
Quote:
Originally Posted by lindawdw
Very nice room Dave but it does seem strange that the second floor was below the lobby. It sounded so enjoyable sitting at the Piazza, listening to the singers, with your glass of chianti!
That was quite odd with my room located below the lobby! I love the room and good size. It was amazing sitting out in the piazza on my first night with the entertainment and a great glass of wine, enjoying it all and just taking it all in! I can't think of a better way to experience your first night before dinner with a bit of time before. The singers were amazing and the wine just complimented the overall experience!
Just can't post my video unfortunately here as I can watch it on my PC (my documents) and is also located in Flikr, which I can also watch as is. I may have to go via YouTube for this. Never uploaded there but may now as a great video, which you'll all love!
The Portofino is an amazing resort as Tara stayed here and was crazy about it!
__________________
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; 01-07-2018 at 09:25 PM..
Wednesday, October 4th (Part VIII) I walked over to BICE Ristorante, which was close by. The entrance is on the second floor, so I took the outside steps up there.
I checked in for my 7 pm ADR and the host asked me if I would like to dine outside overlooking the piazza. It was a warm evening and would be nice to dine there, so I said yes. When, I was seated at my table, it began to sprinkle a bit. The host said it would be a brief sprinkle and would pass by soon, from the weather app on her phone which she showed me. I hope this was the right choice!
There was quite a view of the piazza and glad I decided to dine outside, as long as the weather cooperates. There was one other diner, Darlene from Chicago in this section whom I talked with during my meal. She was farther into her meal than I was, and left about 45 minutes later. She seemed to be enjoying her meal.
Once I looked over the menu and decided what I wanted my server brought some house made bread with three dipping sauces. All, were very good. I also ordered a glass of Heritage Red Blend Wine, which was enjoyable.
Three dips: Crème Fraiche, Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar. I liked the Crème Fraiche most of all.
The great view from my table!
After taking the views in for a bit, my first course arrived.
Homemade Burrata with Basil, Pesto Sauce, Extra Virgin Olive Oil and topped with Crostini. It certainly looks beautiful.
Overall, I enjoyed this course and almost everything about it was exceptional. There was a strong taste of something within the cheese and wondered if there was another ingredient in the cheese? It wasn’t mentioned on the menu. It wasn’t overly powerful, but distinctive and something I didn’t like. I asked my server about it and she said there wasn’t another ingredient in it. I got a headache later, which would last into the morning and may be because of this. Other than this I enjoyed it and finished it. I guess I could have sent it back and went with something else but it was just that bit of strong taste I didn’t like. I also had a bit of a cold and had been up since 3 am today, which may have also contributed to the headache.
Before, my entrée arrived I got up and walked through the restaurant and got some photos.
The view sitting down at my table
Down the steps from the outside deck
Main dining room at BICE, which is quite nice
Wine racks
Once, I returned to my table my entrée arrived and it looked quite good.
Wagyu Sirloin with Hand Cut Fries and Sauteed Mushrooms with Garlic. The steak was also accompanied with a red wine demi-glace sauce.
The Wagyu sirloin was exceptional and glad I went with this. The fries and mushrooms were also very flavorful. I didn’t use much of the demi-glace as it didn’t need it. Overall, I enjoyed this so much and I don’t think I left much on my plate. I was quite full and didn’t have room for dessert.
It took a few minutes for my server to return and clear my plate, so in the meantime I got some photos from the outside dining deck. With darkness setting in the Portofino Resort and piazza were starting to show its’ true beauty!
My server arrived shortly after and I ordered a couple of after dinner beverages, but no dessert as I was still full.
My table at BICE
My post dinner beverages of a Grand Marnier and a double expresso. Both were very good and a nice way to end a great meal.
I took my time and just took it all in as it was so beautiful with everything all lit up. I settled my bill and it didn’t come cheap. I enjoyed my dinner here so much and glad I finally experienced it. I will return the next time I stay at Universal, even with the slight problem I had with the burrata. I guess my problem with the cheese is there was something in it that just didn’t agree with me. I wish I could of determined what it was!
Door and entrance to main dining room from outside deck
It was quite a long meal at about two hours and enjoyed it so much. I took the stairs down to ground level and do more exploring in the area as well as some relaxing in the piazza.
NEXT: I Think Universal Has Outdone Disney!
__________________
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!
Sounds like a wonderful dinner, and what a gorgeous view!
BICE was an enjoyable experience with a view to match! An overall great evening on my first night!
__________________
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!
It certainly was in two ways! Hope to go here again.
__________________
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!
Your wagyu steak looked fantastic! Just what I would get!
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
It was really good and enjoyed it so much! So much flavor!
__________________
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!
Registered Message Board Members Get Our Free Newsletter! When you register you'll have the option to sign up for our weekly PassPorter Newsletter. It's chock-full of feature articles; news; tips; contests; photos; and special offers in our online store.
About This Page: 
Like
Thank
Pixie Dust
I really hope you enjoy dinner at Bice as much as we did. 
Exactly that!! 
The restaurant was quite busy and it smelled great in there. I've read some good reviews of it and may try it the next time I stay in Universal. I enjoyed my time before dinner on the piazza as so relaxing and good entertainment. 
So far so good and much more to come at night! 
It sounded so enjoyable sitting at the Piazza, listening to the singers, with your glass of chianti!
The singers were amazing and the wine just complimented the overall experience! 
When, I was seated at my table, it began to sprinkle a bit. The host said it would be a brief sprinkle and would pass by soon, from the weather app on her phone which she showed me. I hope this was the right choice! 
Other than this I enjoyed it and finished it. I guess I could have sent it back and went with something else but it was just that bit of strong taste I didn’t like. I also had a bit of a cold and had been up since 3 am today, which may have also contributed to the headache. 
Linear Mode
