Universal Orlando Monday April 27- Friday May 1
Back Story
My wife and I headed to Universal for her milestone birthday. We traveled JetBlue from NY JFK to Orlando MCO. Airfare was under $ 200 per person. We purchased Annual Passes for the both of us, the total was $ 511. We had reservations at the Portofino Hotel for the entire stay, rate was $ 199 per night with the AP Discount for a garden view room. We had reserved a Budget Rental car, Kia Forte for $ 195 for the five days. Flight to Orlando was uneventful arrived on time at about 1 PM on Monday. Asked for an upgrade at Budget and was offered a Cadillac STS for $25 more per day. Jumped on that as the rental for that car goes for about $450 per day. Checked in at Portofino about 2:30 PM and was upgraded to a Deluxe room with a Patio in the west wing, Villa pool view.
The Very Good.
Express Pass, There is nothing that beats this on-site Deluxe Pool Perk.
Harry Potter Forbidden Journey was an excellent ride, 20 Minute wait at about 5 PM at park closing the line was down to 15 Minutes which is about the time it takes you to walk through the queue.
Theming for Harry Potter in both parks was excellent. Thought Diagon Alley was a little better. Loved Escape from Gringots thought the queue was much better too. Universal Out Did Disney on these two attractions and areas.
Spiderman, We have not been there in about 10 years so the enhanced Video just improved this ride so much, Stan lee add was a nice touch. Who is the women walking with Stan.
Emeril’s, first time we ate there. Excellent food and Service. Had a nice view of City Walk from our table. Someone said there was a famous female singer sitting next to us. Didn’t know her sings some song “Call Me Maybe”
Jimmy Buffet’s Margaretville, Nothing beats a burger and Volcano Nacho’s. Had nice meal there as well as Hard Rock Cafe
Simpson’s Nice touch on all of the shops and theming in this area. Was partial to Back to the Future as we first rode this when they were testing it in 1990. Simpson’s is a welcome upgrade, very nice time on the ride.
MIB, first ride hit 999,999. However I must say I had that score almost immediately after leaving the training area. Glitch I guess.
Transformers, or should I call it Spiderman 2.0 as it is the same ride vehicle and almost the same story line except with transformers.
The Mummy, Hulk, Jurassic Park, Shrek, Hanna Barbara, No Jimmy Neutron, No Minions. Cat in the Hat, The Flying Machines at Seuss Landing finally working after 16 Years.
The Villa Pool at Portofino, Nice and empty and Quiet. Hot tub Story to follow in the Not So Good.
The Good.
Back Story
My wife and I headed to Universal for her milestone birthday. We traveled JetBlue from NY JFK to Orlando MCO. Airfare was under $ 200 per person. We purchased Annual Passes for the both of us, the total was $ 511. We had reservations at the Portofino Hotel for the entire stay, rate was $ 199 per night with the AP Discount for a garden view room. We had reserved a Budget Rental car, Kia Forte for $ 195 for the five days. Flight to Orlando was uneventful arrived on time at about 1 PM on Monday. Asked for an upgrade at Budget and was offered a Cadillac STS for $25 more per day. Jumped on that as the rental for that car goes for about $450 per day. Checked in at Portofino about 2:30 PM and was upgraded to a Deluxe room with a Patio in the west wing, Villa pool view.
The Very Good.
Express Pass, There is nothing that beats this on-site Deluxe Pool Perk.
Harry Potter Forbidden Journey was an excellent ride, 20 Minute wait at about 5 PM at park closing the line was down to 15 Minutes which is about the time it takes you to walk through the queue.
Theming for Harry Potter in both parks was excellent. Thought Diagon Alley was a little better. Loved Escape from Gringots thought the queue was much better too. Universal Out Did Disney on these two attractions and areas.
Spiderman, We have not been there in about 10 years so the enhanced Video just improved this ride so much, Stan lee add was a nice touch. Who is the women walking with Stan.
Emeril’s, first time we ate there. Excellent food and Service. Had a nice view of City Walk from our table. Someone said there was a famous female singer sitting next to us. Didn’t know her sings some song “Call Me Maybe”
Jimmy Buffet’s Margaretville, Nothing beats a burger and Volcano Nacho’s. Had nice meal there as well as Hard Rock Cafe
Simpson’s Nice touch on all of the shops and theming in this area. Was partial to Back to the Future as we first rode this when they were testing it in 1990. Simpson’s is a welcome upgrade, very nice time on the ride.
MIB, first ride hit 999,999. However I must say I had that score almost immediately after leaving the training area. Glitch I guess.
Transformers, or should I call it Spiderman 2.0 as it is the same ride vehicle and almost the same story line except with transformers.
The Mummy, Hulk, Jurassic Park, Shrek, Hanna Barbara, No Jimmy Neutron, No Minions. Cat in the Hat, The Flying Machines at Seuss Landing finally working after 16 Years.
The Villa Pool at Portofino, Nice and empty and Quiet. Hot tub Story to follow in the Not So Good.
The Good.
