Simba's Pride Davenport - Florida Holiday Villa

08/16/2024

Or is Mario more your bag??

https://www.universalorlando.com/web/en/gb/epic-universe/worlds/super-nintendo-world

08/15/2024

Easter availability... If you are stuck to school holidays then I still have 12 days for you at Simba's Pride Davenport.
April 5th to 17th....£1400 all in..... Let me know if you want it. X

08/15/2024

Who's excited to visit the Ministry of Magic?

08/12/2024

***2024...CLEARANCE EVENT!!! ... WE HAVE AVAILABILITY THRU SEPTEMBER 30TH ALSO NOVEMBER AND EARLY DECEMBER.... LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU WANT TO PAY AND LET'S MAKE A DEAL*****

Simbaspride.wixsite.com/Orlando

08/10/2024

https://www.instagram.com/attractiontickets.christine?igsh=MWw5cTNldm4wMXl6Nw==

This is a friend who specialise in tix for Universal, Disney etc.

203 Followers, 14 Following, 11 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from Christine (.christine)

08/10/2024

So...a few hints and tips from our stay in Florida - that I don't think are generally mentioned.

Try the International Food Trucks next to the Flea Market on the 192 near Old Town. (Research the food before you go... There's loads!) https://www.worldfoodtrucks.com/

Visit Old Town itself.. Lots of really quirky shops...Black Market Minerals is a must do. Car show cruises on Friday and Saturday evenings https://www.myoldtownusa.com/

Take a trip to a State Park https://www.floridastateparks.org/index.php/parks-and-trails

Pre-order quick service food via Universal/Disney apps and skip the Q.

If you're flying into MCO, get the Virtual Toll Pass. Put on $10 credit and get cheaper tolls - not used credit is refunded and it's free to use! Having said that, tolls are only between MCO and Disney area unless venturing further north...KSC or state parks. https://visitortollpass.com/

Visit Dollar Tree for snacks and household bits(tin foil etc). Think pound shop.. only $1.25

Download offline Google map so don't worry about sat nav rental and use the back roads to the theme parks... Sometimes a little further but often quicker by missing the I4.

Loves gas is generally cheaper...23 cents per gallon at one point.. Though prices change daily by up to 15c and be vastly different between gas stations within 1/4 mile!

08/10/2024

So...a few hints and tips from our stay in Florida - that I don't think are generally mentioned.

Try the International Food Trucks next to the Flea Market on the 192 near Old Town. (Research the food before you go... There's loads!) https://www.worldfoodtrucks.com/

Visit Old Town itself.. Lots of really quirky shops...Black Market Minerals is a must do. Car show cruises on Friday and Saturday evenings https://www.myoldtownusa.com/

Take a trip to a State Park https://www.floridastateparks.org/index.php/parks-and-trails

Pre-order quick service food via Universal/Disney apps and skip the Q.

If you're flying into MCO, get the Virtual Toll Pass. Put on $10 credit and get cheaper tolls - not used credit is refunded and it's free to use! Having said that, tolls are only between MCO and Disney area unless venturing further north...KSC or state parks. https://visitortollpass.com/

Visit Dollar Tree for snacks and household bits(tin foil etc). Think pound shop.. only $1.25

Download offline Google map so don't worry about sat nav rental and use the back roads to the theme parks... Sometimes a little further but often quicker by missing the I4.

Loves gas is generally cheaper...23 cents per gallon at one point.. Though prices change daily by up to 15c and be vastly different between gas stations within 1/4 mile!

08/09/2024

Day 17 - time to pack up and leave Simba's Pride Davenport - Florida Holiday Villa behind once more. Later evening flight though so plenty more time for sun around the pool. Tried to eat up what was left in the freezer... Failed as usual!!!....

Left for the airport about 5.3pm, Went through a massive down pour on the way but didn't slow us down too much. Filled the tank and dropped our lovely car off. It's been great fun to drive.. Best part of 1000 miles and about $160 in gas.

Made our way to check in as we hadn't been able to it on-line. Directed to self check-in machines... Smooth as you like.... Off to bag drop but no... Have to join the queue and do the whole passport thing again!! Thankfully, no queues at all for security so literally walked straight through. Slight delay on the departure - still putting luggage on, but got away within 30 minutes of scheduled time.

Anyway we're back home safe and sound.. Though the flight was a bit bumpy. Found the 10pm departure to be really good. Food and drink (chicken curry or vegetarian pasta?) served within the first hour which meant plenty of time for shut-eye!! Landing into Manchester at 11am means not too much more of the day to stay awake!!

Next scheduled visit isn't until Christmas 2025.... How will I cope!!!

Thanks for joining me on my little trip... Hope you enjoyed the updates. I'll add a 'tips and recommendations' post as well later, which may be of interest

08/08/2024

Day 16 & 17
Well, as per usual, it's the last couple of days at Simba's Pride Davenport - Florida Holiday Villa and I've still been doing DIY, (I know I went the weekend doing some too) Vik's been tidying and the girls have been by the pool topping up the tan!!

We have managed a couple of lovely evenings though. Tuesday's was a trip just across the road to Davenport Ale House on Posner Park. It was pretty quiet but looks like it would rock at the weekend. Smothered chicken, quesadillas, buffalo chicken and Philly cheese steak wraps!!! Add a couple of Sam Adams beers and a Coors and a very nice family night. $94 plus tip (though a 3% surcharge for credit cards!)

Tonight, Wednesday, was a trip to Outback steakhouse and the first of the night's disappointments, sadly. My steak and shrimp arrived with cold chips which didn't help, I got some fresh eventually and they were very tasty. The steaks were nice enough, but they weren't a patch on Manny's, Texas Roadhouse or Longhorn's..m or even Ovation come to that!! Charlotte did say her breaded chicken dish was amazing so not all bad. $117 plus tip... So not the cheapest either. I guess you don't find out until you try it.
Since we were close, we popped into Disney Springs to see if the drone show would take place... Yes it did ... But it was disappointment #2!! All over and done with in 10 minutes, couldn't hear the music (to be fair, we weren't near the front) and half of the 'pictures' were either obscure characters or unrecognisable!! Having watched the Universal effort last week I expected much better from Disney.... In hindsight... Wouldn't have bothered!!

Anyway, flight home tomorrow... Though not till 10pm... so a few more hours to waste..........but.......... NO MORE DIY

(2 carpets, 2 ring cameras, 4 re-covered dining chairs, 7 blinds, 3 shower heads (actually only fitted one 😞), 2 new plants, 1 fixed sun lounger, 1 mirror, 3 lanai wall decorations.... And several trips to Lowes!!!)

08/06/2024

Day 15
Universal.. Again!!
Well it would be rude not to since we have and annual pass with free parking!!
We went with the idea that since there was a tornado warning in place... It might be a good day to hit the parks?. Seemed like everyone else was planning shopping days so we figured the parks would be quiet. Driving down the I4 about 10.30 with the rain battering down and visibility of about 10 metres it no longer served a good idea but hey.... You never know until you try.

As it turned out the day brightened, the traffic rain held off for the day... Bar a short shower just as we were having lunch at The Fire-Eaters Grill - various gyros with fries (with chilli?) and cookie dough dessert.$70 or so excluding drinks as we have an all-day refillable.

Ride times were pretty much all around 10 to 20 minutes with some simply walk ons including Spider-Man, The Mummy and Transformers. Even Hagrid was only about 30minutes. Well worth the gamble in the end.

No drones in the Cine-sation show at the end of the day, but still very much worth watching. If you're there before it finishes (Aug 24th?) try to make sure you're between the 3rd and 4th speakers for the best view.

Only 3 more days...😞

08/05/2024

Day 13 and 14...
In all the years we've been coming to Orlando we've never actually been under a storm watch.... Well that just changed!!
TBH it's no worse in Davenport than being at home... Cloudy with rain showers though still about 25 degrees.

Anyway, the weekend was always scheduled for more jobs around the villa anyway.. Jet washing, painting here and there, fitting new carpets in the two twin bedrooms, buying new bedding and taking some of the old, but good, stuff to the local thrift store, putting up ring cameras for added safety and security for guests and the villa, new shower heads (!) plus a bit more shopping on Sunday, to Posner Park this time, taking in customary visits for me and Caitlin to CiCis pizza (all you can eat for $9.99 plus a drink at $1.99 with unlimited refills (or go large for $2.59?? Go figure) plus tax!!! and for Vik and Charlotte... off to Taco Bell!!

Make sure you visit Ross Dress for Less and Burlingtons for clothes bargains... Including Nike, Reebok, Michael Kors, etc etc, etc

Will probably risk the weather and hit Universal one last time tomorrow. There's plenty of indoor rides so will be fine!! Would like to fit in the trip to Kelly Park for river tubing before we come home.... But will see.

See you all tomorrow

08/04/2024

Day 12...
A visit to Funspot and Old Town.
Two fantastic little gems. Funspot is a must if you enjoy karting. Tickets can be bought from as little as $26..( if u know when!!) and give you unlimited rides all day. We do go mainly for the karting, but there are a number of other attractions as per a typical fairground... Including a crazy wooden coaster that is absolute I mean and we thought we were going to die... genuinely!! There are two go-kart tracks, one a bit tamer thank the other, but both are great fun. We rode about 8 or 9 times when very little wait during the day though it got busier later on.

Just across the 192 is a food truck area .. The choices were ridiculous!! We settled for a Chinese which was delicious... and had more than enough leftover for tomorrow's lunch!!

A spot or two of rain had us worried but it didn't develop into anything.

We went back into Old Town... Full of weird and wonderful shops selling pretty much everything.. Including cans of beer in brown paper bags

On Friday night it's The Muscle Car show. Mustangs, Chevy's, Dodge, Wranglers etc. All blinged up Pimp My Ride Style. At 8.30 the national anthem is sung and the cars parade around by the shops...a sight to behold. (Saturday is for American classics if that's more your thing.)

Even if you don't do Funspot, it's worth a visit and, best of all.... It's FREE!!

08/03/2024

Day 11!!
Today's headline....Vik rides roller-coaster....
Well, Hagrid's motorcycles anyway... and enjoys it!!! We did the early start again and it was showing just a 35 minute wait... So into the Q we went...I didn't think she would... Charlotte was more confident and so it proved!! Now she wants to go on again!! Charlotte suggested Velocicoaster instead... Now that's pushing it!! I won't bore you with the ride list today, suffice to say we did loads!! Including the Hogwarts Express from Platform 9 and 3/4 to Hogsmeade eventually.(we've been the other way at least 4 times this holiday!!)

Lunch today was at Mel's Diner ... Use the universal app to order in advance and avoid the big queues.... and very nice it was too. 3 very nice burgers and a big hot-dog too... Had to do a bit of swapping around of bread... They only do gluten-free burger buns.. and Vik had the hot dog.. But we got there. Ordered some chilli fries which came plain... Returned to the counter and quickly sorted... Two lots of extra fries later!!! And we're pleasantly stuffed!!!

The weather was pretty horrific mid afternoon and the whole place.. Including some indoor rides... shut down as people took cover wherever they could. It lasted over an hour but, as often happens in Orlando, it went eventually and brightened up again. This meant that we got the chance to see the Castle projection show... Starting at 8.45 and sorting every 20 minutes ..We came off the Forbidden Journey ride about 30 minutes before the first showing so got into the viewing area while we could. The experience was fantastic and well worth waiting for. The Q for the next performance was huge so glad we timed it as we did... Something to think about.

Something else worth a watch is the performance by The Beat Builders..a really good, fun, musical show... up scaffolding!!!... With a bit of comedy thrown in.

Another great (long) day was had by all..... Not spoiled that much by the rain in the end...but that's Florida for you...appi there's a Tropical Storm on the way!!!

08/01/2024

Note to staff at Universal Studios..... Getting closer to the people in front of me will NOT reduce the number of people in front of me nor, by definition, my waiting time. Thank you x

08/01/2024

Day 10

Back to the Trop for another baseball game... This time again the Miami Marlins. 12.10 first pitch so....

A trip to the Red, White and Blue 'thrift' store... Not really the charity shop they sound like but there are bargains to be had.... Not the half burned candle at $3.99!!!
Anyway we all got a few bits... Including Tampa Bay Rays t-shirts, a Batman football jersey, a Yandi Diaz bobble head, a brew cup(!) and some sieves (!). We would have had more but it was cash only and we hadn't realised!!

After that, a quick call into Palm Casuals furniture for spare parts for the sun loungers (!)

Arriving at the Trop a little late so missed the Marlins first at bat!! Oops. Anyway....a big boo hiss today as the visiting Marlins win the game 6-3!! Nuff said.

Straight out after the game finished and a short hop to Cypress Point Park for a bit of sunbathing!!! Had a great view of the storm and lightning as it hit downtown Tampa just across the water.... But it eventually headed our way.. As it tends to do at this time of year.

Another fun day as the holiday continues.
Aiming for a full day at Universal tomorrow... Getting a ride on Hagrid's motorcycles (8am)and watching the Hogwarts' light and firework show!? (10pm)... Could be a tiring one!!!

Early to bed then! Goodnight

08/01/2024

Day 9 was a bit of a jobs morning though a fire truck blocking the road put paid to our Lowes trip!?
After lunch we went to Disney Springs for shopping, eating and the drone show.

The place is full of fab shops and eateries.
We had a toot around a fair few ... Missed out the ones with 3 assistants and no customers... You know the types. Got some bargains in Ron John Surf Shop... Bought a Coca-Cola truck for Christmas, marvelled at all the Lego models, Disney merchandise and M&Ms!!!

The original plan was to go to T-Rex diner... Vik booked the table... Simon pointed out the prices... Vik cancelled the table!!!
Maybe the Ford Garage?? Looks nice ...not cheap again but where is... Wanted to levy a service charge then a tip as well... Maybe not.

In the end we opted for The Polite Pig which was right outside the lime parking lot where we were parked up anyway followed by Everglazed donuts for us, and Erin McKenna's Gluten free bakery for Vik.

Food at the Polite Pig was very nice even if the seating process was a complete mess.. It is a quick service/ order at the counter kind of place so no seats till you've got food but looks a bit 'posher' than that so we got seats but were then told everyone in the party had to Q!! Hey ho.... It was worth it. (Pics and receipt attached)

Just as we were finishing eating the heavens opened!!! We dodged between more shops for them the 'drone show cancelled' announcement came...boo...hiss!

Home it was then... We'll try again another day.

07/30/2024

Day 8...
Start off with the family tradition...18 holes of crazy golf. Back to Mighty Jungle Golf, near Formosa Gardens, to play the course that was under construction last year!! It's a great little course and probably the cheapest in the area, at just $12 each.

We then went to Steak 'n' Shake for a late lunch. Burgers to die for... More fries than you can shake a stick at... and the most amazing milk shakes. We all had double burgers... I'm told the garlic one was amazing... Two large fries and two medium.... Two refillable drinks and two milk shakes... All up $

The rain started to come in but we'd plan to go to Universal to see the Cine-sation show and so we did!!
Popped into the Epic Universe preview... It looks like it'll be great fun when it opens next year.
As we made our way into the Studios Park the rain was stopping and the sun came out!!! Happy days. We took in a few rides and then settled for the show at about 8.15.
A VERY good show... what they do with drones is mind blowing. I've attached a few pics, but really doesn''t do it justice. Deffo get in place early for the best views.

Left the car park at 10 and home in 30 minutes. Chilling now with a glass of wine!!

Buying more carpet and setting up ring cameras tomorrow - exciting eh? .... but also going to Disney Springs to see their drone show... I'll let you know all about it tomorrow.

07/30/2024

https://www.facebook.com/share/JEGufCVwx3LSiyg6/

07/29/2024

Day 7
Baseball!!!
Off over to St. Petersburg for the baseball. First pitch at 11.35am. 75 minute drive so a relatively early start.
Decent journey west on the I4.. but it is Sunday after all.
We arrived at around 10.00 and parked in our usual spot at John Hopkins HS. $8 to school funds... Happy days.

If you're looking for a slice of American sport then a trip to the Tampa Bay Rays is well worth it. We grabbed $10 tickets for today's game, a refillable cup for $20 and some snacks inside the stadium. Total cost about $120 for the 4 of us....Can't argue with that.
A late comeback 2-1 win meant we left the stadium happy!!!

After the game went across the road to Ferg's Sports Bar & Grill . Well worth a visit.. we had some of their chicken wings $15.50 for 10 (not great value tbh), a foot long hot dog, two BIG toasted sandwiches and a wrap for Vik Nightingale , plus 2 beers, coke and an apple juice .. Total $80.

The plan was then to stop at the Gandhi beaches for a bit of a swim and sun!! Yeah right .. got settled then the grey clouds rolled and put paid to that idea!!

Popped into a generic mall just near-by and did a bit of a shop in Old Navy... Plenty of clothes bargains for the girls!!

Back home for a dip in the pool and an ice cold beer to end the day.

What more could you want? 😜

07/27/2024

Day 6... Early update!!!
Breakfast at Denny's.
So good... and very good value.

07/27/2024

Day 5... The busy one!!
So today was an early start to Universal. Couldn't convince the family to leave before 7 but the I4 was kinder than I've ever known at that time and we were parked in King Kong up by 7.30!!! A new experience of walking UP stairs to get to security. Nice and quick as it was pretty quiet. Lots of people at the entrance waiting for opening but through pretty quick. Annoyingly Hagrid's motorcycles had a delayed opening so Charlotte and I headed for Velicicoaster instead. (Deffo one of THE best roller coasters in Orlando) and The Incredible Hulk. Vik and Caitlin went on Spiderman.... Then we all went on together!! Again, a great ride...3D/4D really works well.
Jurassic Park River cruise, Reign of Kong and HP Forbidden Journey (Amazing and unique) then grabbed the Hogwarts' Express over to the Studios.(Must do it the other way as well!!)

Charlotte and I went on Rip Ride Rocket while C and V went to Villain Con!! Managed to buy a VC t-shirt on sale at $10 !!! A quick trip around New York when Jimmy Fallon then lunch time!!

Lunch at the Minions Cafe (Table service) We ordered as we arrived but you can order before, you'll receive a message when it's ready and then they'll seat you when you arrive. Pair your tables and meal is brought to you. The food was amazing... (See pictures and receipt) and certainly way above your average theme park food offerings. Deffo recommended

Went to the Bourne Stunt Spectacular and the Horror Make-Up Show were really good and a nice break from the 95 degree heat!!!

By now it was 6pm, and starting to flag a bit as we sat for the Mega Movie Parade. Now, let's be honest, this is one area where Universal could REALLY up it's game. 7 floats covering a few of the Universal offerings (Trolls and sing???)... But no Marvel, Simpsons, Scooby Doo?? .... Is pretty disappointing. I know Disney is another world but.... If you did miss this... Well... You wouldn't miss much!!!
As an aside, the character meet and greets are pretty good. Simpsons, Scooby Doo, Marvel super heroes, Kung Foo Panda etc. Generally no big queues and so lots of interactions. Deffo see the Transformer... It's huge!!

The Q for The Mummy wasn't too bad so we jumped on that and then Men in Black.

The plan was to stay for the 9 o'clock drone and projector show but we were knackered so, despite Charlotte's protests, we did another quick visit to Villain Con (10 minute wait) and set off home. Traffic still busy but back at home inside 45 minutes.

A mega busy day with loads of rides and shows done.... But still plenty to do.!!

Day 6 is a DIY day.... The joys of villa ownership!!!

See you then x

07/26/2024

Simba's Pride Davenport - Florida Holiday Villa to Universal parking lot.. Parked up.... 30 minutes!!... via the I4..😲

07/26/2024

Days 3&4
So... A couple of pretty lazy days... However... Lots to recommend.
First thing on day 3 was shopping!!
That amazing theme park that is Lowe's for some paint, new carpet and a ceiling fan!!! Exciting stuff eh!!
Then onto Aldi...deffo cheapest but... No sugar free fizzy drinks! However... Lots of gluten free, including bread, pasta and chips ahoy!!! Some decent wine too... Drinking a bottle now!! Spent the best part of $200 but got plenty of stuff including meat, sausages, potato products etc etc...oh, and wine of course!

The wedding anniversary table was booked at Ovation for 5pm. We decided to walk so we could get the beers in!! Literally 20 minutes, door-to-door. The food was to die for. Ribs, brisket, chicken and steak all cooked/smoked to perfection, accompanied by side choices... Garlic mash, sweet and baked potato, fries, BBQ and Caesar salads!! 4 Buds (bogof) & a refillable coke (Water for Caitlin of course)...$190 including a tip as service was really good. Deffo recommended

Day 4 brought a trip to Kings Landing ... Again, an amazing experience. It was a 7.15am leave the house for the 70 minute drive to Kelly Park and a four hour/four mile river paddle.... Turning right and paddling upstream into the crystal clear water section of the Wekiva river... Loads of fish to see and a bit of swimming too. We then drifted back down and onto another stretch of the river which was more wild and plant heavy. We spotted loads of birds, turtles and even a couple of alligators!!! Amazing to see them in a natural environment.

Had lunch afterwards before setting off back and calling into Winter Garden on the way. Lovely, quaint city. Nice walk around. Lovely ice-cream in Kelly's - $15 for one scoop each... Nothing for Vik this time though!! We'll be going back soon for the Saturday farmer's market and summer clearance day on August 3rd.

Back home for all American corn dogs and fries and a dip in the pool!! (86 degrees!!)

So much for lazy days!! The weather has been good the last two days. VERY hot at 95 plus... Still 90 at 8.45pm!! Big storm last night about 10pm .. Always a good watch though!!

Up early again tomorrow for a second day at Universal... Getting there for opening and hopefully a ride on Hagrid's motorcycles!!!
See you then. 🌞🌞🌞🌞🌞

07/23/2024

Day one... Travelling!!
Stayed Sunday night at the Holiday Inn at Manchester airport to take advantage of Virgin twilight check-in. Makes travel day so much more relaxed.13.25 flight on VS73.
Through security in 10 minutes, bit of duty free then off to gate. Flight loaded smoothly as always and off we go.
Service was great... Included drinks of course.. yes, also beer and spirits. Meals weren't bad..BBQ chicken or Mac n cheese, Chicken tikka for gluten free Vik.
Entertainment is really good with plenty of choice.
Flew straight across the Atlantic over Barbados!! Unusual I thought, and arrived on time into Orlando.
Used MPC to skip the big Q and whizz through immigration in 15 minutes. Well worth doing.. Just a simple app.
Got the car through Jo Spacey... Skip the Q with Alamo. Got the VTP and off to the garage. Got ourselves a Jeep Wrangler... It's huge!! Worried at first as it's a hybrid but not plug-in so it's fine.
Not a bad drive from the airport...a bit of traffic at Champions Gate as usual but but horrendous.
Arrived safely at Simba's Pride Davenport. Popped out for a few bits to Dollar Tree and Target just across the road on Posner Park, back for a quick snack then bed time.!!
Day two at Universal... Can't wait.

07/23/2024

My wheels for the next couple of weeks!!

07/04/2024

06/08/2024

Looks like it is going to be a bit warm!!!!