4 universal newbies - pretrip

jeepgirl30

DIS Veteran
Joined
Apr 29, 2003
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This will be my family's first trip to universal. DH has wanted to go ever since our first trip back in '98 to Disney. I wanted to post a family picture and realize i don't have any of all of us since our 2010 trip to disney! Bad mom!

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Anyway, the we breakdown. I am 42, DH is 41, DD is 11 and DS is 9. DS is a very tiny 9 year old, he is more the size of a 6-7 year old which is going to be an issue i'm afraid for some of the rides. DD, DS and I are all major thrill riders. DH used to be but somewhere along the way age kicked in and he isn't so fond of them anymore, even though I am the old one!

Back in Jan I had a business trip to RPR. I fell in love immediately and called DH saying we had to check it out this year. He said "book it". DH hates any planning and only requests I tell him the dates he needs to take off work, get direct flights and call his doc for meds for the plane. Now technically i'm still a newbie as i did not go to either park, just the resorts and citywalk.

He wants NO part of deciding anything. I think it is so he can put the blame completely one me if he doesn't like something! He doesn't like any disruptions or change so this can be a challenge.

I had a few issues with check in and the hotel giving out personal info to a customer but all in all not a huge deal so I decided to book there. I mentioned it to DH but he didn't want to look at anything just said "don't pick the bottom line". I tried explaining but he didn't get it. I showed pics to the kids and they liked it but DD said she wanted to try hard rock. I changed and thought i'd be surprising her when she looked at me horrified and said no she loved the look of RPR just liked the Hard Rock pool but can't we just visit it? So i switched back!

We are heading down May 2-7. 3 of us are all excited for all things Harry Potter! DH doesn't get excited!

I have promised everyone i will not over plan like i normally do. DD and I went to Disney just us and then we returned with the family. I schedule everything out and give no time for rest and relaxation! when we went in '10 the kids loved the pool at Wilderness Lodge so i learned to readjust my plan. This year i want to be sure they enjoy themselves.

I am working on loose touring plans now. For Disney i went a few times without kids so i knew a lot more about it. So i want to have some idea down but won't schedule it out just have an idea of which park on what day and where to start.

I have called DH's doctor and got his meds prescribed for the plane though and went shopping for the kids clothing! I also made them a count down for on the refridgerator which they all just shake their head at me.

Our flight is very early on Wednesday morning so i'm planning to pack carry ons with swim suits so we can hit the pool or head to universal until the room is ready. i'm planning to do IoA on Thursday so we can go to Ollivanders first thing. oh no, i'm doing it aren't I?! planning is in my blood. :rolleyes1

I'll post more on the plan once i get it together, the "loose" plan that is!
 
The kiddos and I got to switch our countdown today, 3 weeks to go!!!

I made weekly countdowns to 2 weeks then we switch to daily countdowns. My DD was making fun of me and begging me not to plan. However on the way to school today she starts asking which ride we are doing first, which park, where are "ADRs" are etc! I explained no ADRs at Universal, thats Disney speak. I also told her i had no plan yet. She looked at me like I just sprouted a third eye. She informed we were going on the Hulk just her and I since the lil guy is too small and Daddy is too scared.

After a bit of prodding I found out my little angel has been going on youtube and various website researching the rides. I'm so proud! :woohoo:
 
Great pretrip report. I can't wait to read more. It sounds like your DD is just like her Mommy she is already doing her own trip planning.
 
I'm debating now if i want to use points and book a hotel for the night prior close to the airport. We could park the car there and save a few dollars on airport parking and we'd be at the airport already. Not sure DH is going to like but I threw it out there to him.

We just found out my son needed glasses. He has passed school screenings and his pediatric testing. However the eye doctor was appalled and we found we were very close to him losing permanent vision. I feel like a horrible mom but am thankful he is responding to the corrective lens. he loves his new glasses. We are waiting for the rec specs but here is a pic of him

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We just went to Universal for our first time this March. I was really worried because of our previous trips to Disney and the planning I had to do...do NOT worry about touring the park since you are staying on site. The only planning I did was to wake up early to be at IOA 1 hour before the early park opening for on site guests for WWOHP. The park opened for on site guests at 8 and my daughters and I were at the turnstiles by 7:05...we hoofed it over there and beat the boat..it is such a short walk and so worth getting up early for. After that it is clear sailing because of the express pass...we met my husband and just hopped on each ride we passed...no zig-zagging around the park. It was actually a relaxing experience...exhausting...but stress free...we didn't have to worry about rushing if we wanted to stop and shop...Also..the day we checked in we just walked over to the Studios and went through the whole park...we loved it...Have a GREAT time!!!

Patti
 
It's my first trip to Disney and Universal this year and I'm really excited too!

It's still over 3 month until my vacation but I've allready started my PTR :rotfl:

Cant wait to read some more :goodvibes
 
only 5 days to go!! I asked DD to switch the countdown and both kids said Woah, only 5 more days! Today's pic is a pic of the pool at RPR at night. Kids asked where the ride photo was but i explained that photo is for Daddy and I. We need some relaxation time.

I'm still depating getting a hotel by the airport the night before since we have a very early flight but the idea of packing/unpacking/packing is not so exciting. I'm thinking that may be too much disruption for the hubby. Besides, between soccer, baseball and softball i'm sure we have practice or a game that night anyway.
 
I just realized in less than 48 hours I will be on vacation! Sure helps with the Monday blues.

The little guy and I watched Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone last night to prepare a bit.

Wow those kids look so young. I can't believe how long it has been since I first "met" Harry.
 














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