Beast. The awesome PTR of awesomeness June 2012 last update: Universal Resort
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BrerMama
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I enjoy reading trip reports written by scrapbookers, too. Scrapbookers "get" it.
First off, I LOVE the countdown photo you posted yesterday and can't wait to see the rest of them. I think that is going to be such a neat addition to your book.
AND I think it will be better to have the paper version of the scrapbook. There is something so different between thumbing through the pages of an actual book vs. sitting at a computer screen. Yes, the pictures might be the same, but the feeling is different. Not to mention that I am a sap and I can just imagine your children sitting on either side of you as you sit on the sofa and relive your memories from the trip. No??? You say teenagers don't DO things like that anymore??? Fine, DREAM KILLER.
(sorry, sometimes I have an "interesting" sense of humor)
Hope your IEP planning goes well and you are able to get a lot accomplished.
Sunshine
Actually, my teens (at least the girls) do spend time looking through albums. Even when I do them digitally, I have them printed (at Shutterfly or another online place) so they can still sit and look at them. Kiah especially loves looking at the ones with a trip report involved.
Thank you so much! Single digit day... ain't it crazy?
BrerMama
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Holy moly cow! We're at 9 days! Single digits people!!
nine by miss kim 09, on Flickr
Today's photo was taken when I picked her up at basketball camp. My original plan with these photos was just to snap it on my iphone and edit it on the phone and post it. So far... it hasn't worked. Yesterday I had to photoshop out people in the background and today I had to do a head swap. In one photo, Ches had the fingers up but an annoyed look on her face. In the other, she was smiling but her fingers weren't completely visible. Good thing I love Photoshop.
Work went well, I got done in good time, and I have 4 days off! They're busy days with trip prep, but I don't go into work. I've been stressing about getting everything done at work before we leave next week, but I felt much better when today was over. I felt I was going to be able to get all everything done that I needed to get done, so that's one less worry.
Big plans tomorrow... gonna wash some gray right outta my hair. Can't be scaring Mickey with grey roots now, can I?
nine by miss kim 09, on Flickr
Today's photo was taken when I picked her up at basketball camp. My original plan with these photos was just to snap it on my iphone and edit it on the phone and post it. So far... it hasn't worked. Yesterday I had to photoshop out people in the background and today I had to do a head swap. In one photo, Ches had the fingers up but an annoyed look on her face. In the other, she was smiling but her fingers weren't completely visible. Good thing I love Photoshop.
Work went well, I got done in good time, and I have 4 days off! They're busy days with trip prep, but I don't go into work. I've been stressing about getting everything done at work before we leave next week, but I felt much better when today was over. I felt I was going to be able to get all everything done that I needed to get done, so that's one less worry.
Big plans tomorrow... gonna wash some gray right outta my hair. Can't be scaring Mickey with grey roots now, can I?
BrerMama
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Days 10 & 11 Animal Kingdom & a final visit to Magic Kingdom
I decided I'm just going to make our plans for our last two days short and sweet. I really want to get our Universal plans up and I'm running out of time. When I started writing this PTR, running out of time was not something I even considered. Seemed like I had years to write it.
Anyway, our 9th day in Florida we'll be going back to Animal Kingdom. Although my kids recently launched a campaign to not do two days at HS and switch one to Epcot, no one is trying to say we don't need two days at AK. We love it there and we want as much time as possible.
Two things I'd like to do on this day that we haven't before:
Finding Nemo, the Musical: Nemo is my least favorite Disney movie. It's essentially a movie all about a child with a disability whose parent is afraid to let him grow and become. As a special education teacher of very young children, I feel like the theme of this movie is my life's work. I spend a lot of time trying to teach parents to let go and allow their child to achieve. Originally when we booked this trip, I really wanted to stay at Art of Animation. The Nemo section would be the only section open when we checked in (Cars is now opening the day after we arrive). I cannot stay in Nemo. I don't like the movie. Plus, fish phobic, remember? However, I've heard good things about the musical, and I love Lion King, so maybe we'll give this a try. In any case, it's air conditioned. That could help.
Planet Watch: We've never done this, which is kind of strange considering our love of animals. I think everyone would really enjoy this section of the park. We may make this a priority on our second day.
And a few of my favorite things at AK:
tumblr_ltwivzoKf81qhi766o1_500 by miss kim 09, on Flickr
Thank you Disney, for finally coming up with paper straws. I once had a major meltdown at Pizzafari -- hot mess are the words that come to mind -- and it was caused by Dan grumbling about AK not having any straws. So I'm thankful for paper straws. Even if they are really strange.
tumblr_lywfv5JpbE1qhi766o1_r1_500 by miss kim 09, on Flickr
I bought each girl one of these on our last trip. They've been misplaced -- probably thrown out -- but they want new ones this trip. I'm hoping they have small ones. I think the rule for plush things this trip is going to be no bigger than 6" tall. Last trip we ended up buying a duffel bag just for plush animals we'd purchased as souvenirs. Trying to avoid that this year. Especially since my kids are 5 years older.
Day 11 is our final Disney day.
We have a tradition to follow this day.
First, rope drop at Magic Kingdom. Essential. The rest of my family gets about an hour to make the most of their day. We hit the highlights, and only the highlights. I think last trip each of them picked one ride/attraction.
About 10:15 am, we'll head back out of the park. Our destination? The Polynesian Resort. We have a 10:50 am ADR for the Ohana breakfast. We did the same time last trip and loved it. Relaxed, enjoyed the character interaction, and ate until we were stuffed. Not sure how they'll work the vegetarian thing. I hope they'll bring Tater his own plate. He doesn't like cross contamination, so if it's all piled in one skillet, as I remember it being on our last trip, he's going to just not eat, then I'm going to get irritated and I'm pretty sure they don't serve alcohol at breakfast, so it's not going to be pretty. I'll be asking they bring his eggs and potatoes separately.
One last story -- at our breakfast last trip, we asked for more bacon. Since we were some of the last people there, they literally brought us all the bacon they had cooked. We had a plate piled 3" high with bacon.
Um, thanks.
After breakfast, we'll head back to MK. There we will see Philharmagic. It is our traditional last attraction and my all time favorite attraction.
tumblr_lsrmdqzCAh1qhi766o1_500 by miss kim 09, on Flickr
On the way out, I'd like to grab fastpasses for the characters at Town Hall. Since Mickey's not tied to the rest of the FP system, I'm hoping we can get a set for each that overlaps. They we can shop and photograph our way around Main Street while waiting for our meet and greets.
Our last thing we do in a Disney park should be to tell Mickey goodbye, don't you think?
After this, we'll head to the resort. Everyone will swim, I'll do laundry and pack.
In the late afternoon/early evening, we'll head to DisneyQuest possibly. Possibly DTD. Thinking about just heading over and picking up my Photopass Plus CD before we leave property. I don't like all the borders and things because I know I'm going to go in and use Photoshop to edit the photos anyway. Our last trip many of them were way underexposed and they needed some lightening and brightening. If they have borders on them, I can't do that without messing up the border. I'm probably way too controlling about photography, huh?
We may go over to CityWalk and pick up our Universal tickets instead. It's in the back of my mind that if we drove over at the end of this day, we'd be ready to go -- and excited -- the next morning.
I'm leaving the options open. We're going to be dragging by this point in our vacation. Our 10th full day at Disney. I know we are beyond lucky to get to spend so long at the Happiest Place on Earth. I also know we'll be ready for a change. And I'm so excited for that change! Next up -- Universal Resort!
I decided I'm just going to make our plans for our last two days short and sweet. I really want to get our Universal plans up and I'm running out of time. When I started writing this PTR, running out of time was not something I even considered. Seemed like I had years to write it.
Anyway, our 9th day in Florida we'll be going back to Animal Kingdom. Although my kids recently launched a campaign to not do two days at HS and switch one to Epcot, no one is trying to say we don't need two days at AK. We love it there and we want as much time as possible.
Two things I'd like to do on this day that we haven't before:
Finding Nemo, the Musical: Nemo is my least favorite Disney movie. It's essentially a movie all about a child with a disability whose parent is afraid to let him grow and become. As a special education teacher of very young children, I feel like the theme of this movie is my life's work. I spend a lot of time trying to teach parents to let go and allow their child to achieve. Originally when we booked this trip, I really wanted to stay at Art of Animation. The Nemo section would be the only section open when we checked in (Cars is now opening the day after we arrive). I cannot stay in Nemo. I don't like the movie. Plus, fish phobic, remember? However, I've heard good things about the musical, and I love Lion King, so maybe we'll give this a try. In any case, it's air conditioned. That could help.
Planet Watch: We've never done this, which is kind of strange considering our love of animals. I think everyone would really enjoy this section of the park. We may make this a priority on our second day.
And a few of my favorite things at AK:
tumblr_ltwivzoKf81qhi766o1_500 by miss kim 09, on Flickr
Thank you Disney, for finally coming up with paper straws. I once had a major meltdown at Pizzafari -- hot mess are the words that come to mind -- and it was caused by Dan grumbling about AK not having any straws. So I'm thankful for paper straws. Even if they are really strange.
tumblr_lywfv5JpbE1qhi766o1_r1_500 by miss kim 09, on Flickr
I bought each girl one of these on our last trip. They've been misplaced -- probably thrown out -- but they want new ones this trip. I'm hoping they have small ones. I think the rule for plush things this trip is going to be no bigger than 6" tall. Last trip we ended up buying a duffel bag just for plush animals we'd purchased as souvenirs. Trying to avoid that this year. Especially since my kids are 5 years older.
Day 11 is our final Disney day.
We have a tradition to follow this day.
First, rope drop at Magic Kingdom. Essential. The rest of my family gets about an hour to make the most of their day. We hit the highlights, and only the highlights. I think last trip each of them picked one ride/attraction.
About 10:15 am, we'll head back out of the park. Our destination? The Polynesian Resort. We have a 10:50 am ADR for the Ohana breakfast. We did the same time last trip and loved it. Relaxed, enjoyed the character interaction, and ate until we were stuffed. Not sure how they'll work the vegetarian thing. I hope they'll bring Tater his own plate. He doesn't like cross contamination, so if it's all piled in one skillet, as I remember it being on our last trip, he's going to just not eat, then I'm going to get irritated and I'm pretty sure they don't serve alcohol at breakfast, so it's not going to be pretty. I'll be asking they bring his eggs and potatoes separately.
One last story -- at our breakfast last trip, we asked for more bacon. Since we were some of the last people there, they literally brought us all the bacon they had cooked. We had a plate piled 3" high with bacon.
Um, thanks.
After breakfast, we'll head back to MK. There we will see Philharmagic. It is our traditional last attraction and my all time favorite attraction.
tumblr_lsrmdqzCAh1qhi766o1_500 by miss kim 09, on Flickr
On the way out, I'd like to grab fastpasses for the characters at Town Hall. Since Mickey's not tied to the rest of the FP system, I'm hoping we can get a set for each that overlaps. They we can shop and photograph our way around Main Street while waiting for our meet and greets.
Our last thing we do in a Disney park should be to tell Mickey goodbye, don't you think?
After this, we'll head to the resort. Everyone will swim, I'll do laundry and pack.
In the late afternoon/early evening, we'll head to DisneyQuest possibly. Possibly DTD. Thinking about just heading over and picking up my Photopass Plus CD before we leave property. I don't like all the borders and things because I know I'm going to go in and use Photoshop to edit the photos anyway. Our last trip many of them were way underexposed and they needed some lightening and brightening. If they have borders on them, I can't do that without messing up the border. I'm probably way too controlling about photography, huh?
We may go over to CityWalk and pick up our Universal tickets instead. It's in the back of my mind that if we drove over at the end of this day, we'd be ready to go -- and excited -- the next morning.
I'm leaving the options open. We're going to be dragging by this point in our vacation. Our 10th full day at Disney. I know we are beyond lucky to get to spend so long at the Happiest Place on Earth. I also know we'll be ready for a change. And I'm so excited for that change! Next up -- Universal Resort!
JayhawkFans
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Your last day at the MK sounds perfect! I can't believe it's almost time for you to go. Can't wait to hear about your Universal plans.
lumpy08
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I love your last day at MK. We have done the Ohana breakfast our last days as well. I find it relaxing that the food is brought to the table and your not getting up and down for a buffet/and getting back to characters. I just had to move Ohana breakfast we just found out that dd is also going to dance at HS. I asked the kids to write their top 3 things they wanted to do. Ohana was on the list. Then dd proceeded to write bullets 4. 5. 6.... I just love how she thinks out of the box.
The Yetis are cute. We are always on the hunt for Heffalump! My dd loves him. I will have to check out Characters at Town Hall. Is that new?
Back to the Poly. If you have a little time take a stroll outside toward the water. Our last trip we did photo pass at the Poly. I have some great beach shots of the kids on the hammock. Then I have some photos of us standing in the sand with the castle in the background.
The Yetis are cute. We are always on the hunt for Heffalump! My dd loves him. I will have to check out Characters at Town Hall. Is that new?
Back to the Poly. If you have a little time take a stroll outside toward the water. Our last trip we did photo pass at the Poly. I have some great beach shots of the kids on the hammock. Then I have some photos of us standing in the sand with the castle in the background.
BrerMama
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I love that last MK day. I hope it flows as well as it did on our last trip. It was so very perfect.
Definitely going to have to check out the beach at the Poly. Great idea!
The characters moved to Town Hall after Toontown closed. I hope I have the name right. It's right there on Main Street.
BrerMama
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Today's countdown picture:
eight by miss kim 09, on Flickr
Gotta color my hair before we leave, and today worked the best. You'll have to wait until Saturday to see the after picture... we've got a day of beauty scheduled, so we'll do "after" pictures then.
I washed all the clothing we're taking on the trip today and as I folded it went into suitcases. It will have to come back out... I know I have too much, and I'm not sure everyone else has enough, but it should be easy going from here. Tomorrow Dan has off so I think we're going to go for a nice long walk, then off to Target to pick up snacks, drinks and reading material for the trip!
eight by miss kim 09, on Flickr
Gotta color my hair before we leave, and today worked the best. You'll have to wait until Saturday to see the after picture... we've got a day of beauty scheduled, so we'll do "after" pictures then.
I washed all the clothing we're taking on the trip today and as I folded it went into suitcases. It will have to come back out... I know I have too much, and I'm not sure everyone else has enough, but it should be easy going from here. Tomorrow Dan has off so I think we're going to go for a nice long walk, then off to Target to pick up snacks, drinks and reading material for the trip!
BrerMama
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Friday countdown picture:
seven by miss kim 09, on Flickr
Today we have:
1. Walked 2 miles at the nature center
2. Shopped Target for last minute stuff.
3. Shopped the grocery store for groceries for the next week.
4. Packed. It took more than the hour Dan predicted, but less time than I thought it would take. I have a list going of stuff we need to pack last minute.
5. Entered all our Disney gift cards into my gift card app. It's an awesome app. We have 20 gift cards we're juggling, so it's nice to have a way to keep track of them.
The girls are at the pool, Dan is off to get his hair cut, and Brady and I are watching The Mentalist. In addition to our list of stuff we still need to pack, I have a list of things for the kids to do to prepare the house. Thursday is going to be busy, busy. I figure as long as we get the tickets and the money, we can replace anything else in Florida, right?
seven by miss kim 09, on Flickr
Today we have:
1. Walked 2 miles at the nature center
2. Shopped Target for last minute stuff.
3. Shopped the grocery store for groceries for the next week.
4. Packed. It took more than the hour Dan predicted, but less time than I thought it would take. I have a list going of stuff we need to pack last minute.
5. Entered all our Disney gift cards into my gift card app. It's an awesome app. We have 20 gift cards we're juggling, so it's nice to have a way to keep track of them.
The girls are at the pool, Dan is off to get his hair cut, and Brady and I are watching The Mentalist. In addition to our list of stuff we still need to pack, I have a list of things for the kids to do to prepare the house. Thursday is going to be busy, busy. I figure as long as we get the tickets and the money, we can replace anything else in Florida, right?
momabaarjo
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LOVE LOVE LOVE the countdown pictures....
MHTeacher
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Close, close, close! Love the countdown pics---very cute!
It's funny that you associate the Nemo story with a child with a disability. My masters is in Special Ed., but I never think about Nemo having a disability. I watch the movie, or the show at AK, and just think about how as a parent, we're never completely ready to let our kids go. It was especially moving to me on this trip, since I'm about to send my first off to college in a few months.
It's funny that you associate the Nemo story with a child with a disability. My masters is in Special Ed., but I never think about Nemo having a disability. I watch the movie, or the show at AK, and just think about how as a parent, we're never completely ready to let our kids go. It was especially moving to me on this trip, since I'm about to send my first off to college in a few months.
Angies1274
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I'm loving your countdown pictures!! What a great idea!!
What a perfect way to end your last day at Disney!! We haven't been to Ohana's for breakfast since our first trip. We need to make a point to go back because we really loved it!! My son still talks about the juice...he liked it that much!
What a perfect way to end your last day at Disney!! We haven't been to Ohana's for breakfast since our first trip. We need to make a point to go back because we really loved it!! My son still talks about the juice...he liked it that much!
BrerMama
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We're doing the "one week from now we'll be...." all day today.
It is so close. These two days are dragging.... and then once we start working, the time is going to fly!
Thank you! We're having a lot of fun taking them!
Close, close, close! Love the countdown pics---very cute!
It's funny that you associate the Nemo story with a child with a disability. My masters is in Special Ed., but I never think about Nemo having a disability. I watch the movie, or the show at AK, and just think about how as a parent, we're never completely ready to let our kids go. It was especially moving to me on this trip, since I'm about to send my first off to college in a few months.
Funny how we filter movies through our experience. I also can't watch any movies about a person with disabilities or anything that tugs the heartstrings. I've never watched "The Blind Side" for that reason. It's not entertaining to me to have my emotions wrecked.
I'm loving your countdown pictures!! What a great idea!!
What a perfect way to end your last day at Disney!! We haven't been to Ohana's for breakfast since our first trip. We need to make a point to go back because we really loved it!! My son still talks about the juice...he liked it that much!
We are definitely going to drink the juice. I also noticed that Animal Kingdom is now selling the juice during the Sundowner Celebration. Might have to check it out if we're there long enough.
BrerMama
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Day Six Countdown
IMG_28671 by miss kim 09, on Flickr
We went to a local park -- where I love to walk around the pond you can sort of see in the background -- for number six. We should have taken it at the salon before we left, but we were starving by the time I got done so we forgot.
Today was our "day of beauty" so I had made appointments for haircuts for all three girls. We went to the beauty school in town because it's cheap if you don't mind that it takes twice as long. Or in my case, three times as long. I have the shortest hair but it took me twice as long as the girls... and they got a lot more cut off.
Ches went with a short bob with lots of layers. Added bangs. She looks adorable. Kiah went a little shorter... shoulder length, with some long layers and long bangs to frame her face. I also let her get her eyebrows done for the first time. I think she feels quite grown up now.
I just wanted a trim and something done with my bangs. I'd been wearing them sideswept, but they were so long and my hair is so thick... I pretty much can't stand them. I came out with a pixie cut and super cute bangs with some texture. Love it. It was worth all the time it took, and it's going to be so nice when we're in Florida.
Untitled-12 by miss kim 09, on Flickr
We are now faced with nothing to do tomorrow. The current thinking is that we might go to the lake. Last year we went a lot. Took a picnic lunch, swam for 3-4 hours. Laid on a lounge chair and read. Came home hot, sandy and exhausted. It's not my favorite way to spend the day, but I could do it. We'll see what they decide. I may look up movie times.... Funny that our weekend is passing so slowly and then next week is going to fly!
IMG_28671 by miss kim 09, on Flickr
We went to a local park -- where I love to walk around the pond you can sort of see in the background -- for number six. We should have taken it at the salon before we left, but we were starving by the time I got done so we forgot.
Today was our "day of beauty" so I had made appointments for haircuts for all three girls. We went to the beauty school in town because it's cheap if you don't mind that it takes twice as long. Or in my case, three times as long. I have the shortest hair but it took me twice as long as the girls... and they got a lot more cut off.
Ches went with a short bob with lots of layers. Added bangs. She looks adorable. Kiah went a little shorter... shoulder length, with some long layers and long bangs to frame her face. I also let her get her eyebrows done for the first time. I think she feels quite grown up now.
I just wanted a trim and something done with my bangs. I'd been wearing them sideswept, but they were so long and my hair is so thick... I pretty much can't stand them. I came out with a pixie cut and super cute bangs with some texture. Love it. It was worth all the time it took, and it's going to be so nice when we're in Florida.
Untitled-12 by miss kim 09, on Flickr
We are now faced with nothing to do tomorrow. The current thinking is that we might go to the lake. Last year we went a lot. Took a picnic lunch, swam for 3-4 hours. Laid on a lounge chair and read. Came home hot, sandy and exhausted. It's not my favorite way to spend the day, but I could do it. We'll see what they decide. I may look up movie times.... Funny that our weekend is passing so slowly and then next week is going to fly!
BrerMama
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Chapter 37: Universal Resort
My last day of plans to be posted. *tear*
In lieu of actual photos for this day's plans, I'm going to share some of my favorite flicr finds that are Universal related. Hope you enjoy.
The Dark Side: Universal
We purchased our tickets for Universal many years ago and have sat on them for a long time, waiting for the perfect time to visit Universal.
I think this is it.
I wasn't happy with the idea of staying offsite for this portion of the trip. Originally when I planed the trip, we were renting a house for the full two weeks of our trip. However, the more I researched, the more I became convinced that we needed to be onsite at Universal. The benefits of being onsite were just too great and overcame any concerns about budget or space. I wasn't sad when the house rental fell through.
So on the morning of our twelth full day, we'll get up early and drive over to Royal Pacific Resort. We'll check in to the hotel, and I'll pray that we'll get super lucky and have a room ready. If not, we'll leave our things with bell services.
Immediately after, we're off to Universal Orlando. We may still need to pick up our tickets. Even though we purchased them years ago, I don't anticipate any problems. Others have reported doing the same and not having any problems. Because we have to pick up the tickets and will not make the 7 am early entry for Islands of Adventure, I have decided we will start at Universal.
This shouldn't be a huge problem. We love Men In Black. Tater went through a phase where he watched the movie every single day of one summer. Likewise, Ches went through a phase where she watched Shrek every single day of a summer.
Shrek by Phani.Kumar, on Flickr
We also enjoy the Simpsons, although most of my own knowledge of the show comes from a video game we used to play (it was a driving game... I loved Apu). And don't even get me started on my love for Twister. The movie, not the reality. We are a movie loving family. Dan especially is a fan, watching them all afternoon on the weekends when it's not football season. Usually at least one member of the family watches with him. As I'm typing this, Dan, Tater, Ches & I are sitting in the living room watching MIB2. It's our family experience.
So we'll spend the morning experiencing the attractions for some of our favorite movies. Lunch in the park, most likely. Hopefully our room will be ready by early afternoon. We'll go back, swim, relax.
Royal Pacific Resort - Universal Orlando by JasonCross, on Flickr
I would love to eat an early dinner at Margaritaville that first day. I have dreams about Margaritaville. We ate at Cheeseburger in Paradise in Kansas City last October, and we all loved it. Margaritaville has pretty much the same menu. Must have fried pickles. And a margarita. And nachos.
And apparently I'm going to need some TUMS.
After our dinner, we'll go into Islands of Adventure. My goal tonight is to get a feel for where things are within IOA so that we can make the most of our time there the next day. I'm not ruling out a ride or two, but I don't think anyone's going on the Hulk after a big dinner. Maybe Suess rides and a lot of photos. I'd love to hang around until dusk and get some amazing Wizarding World photos.
We will go to bed early so that we can be up for the 7 am early entry into Wizarding World. I cannot wait to ride Forbidden Journey. I plan to take ginger before riding to help with the motion sickness. Dan and Kiah can't wait to do the coasters.
Dan and I have been dying to ride Jurassic Park since it was first built. That movie is so much a part of our family. It came out while I was pregnant with Brady and we've owned at least 3 copies over the years. Our current version is BluRay and it's amazing. I love that moment in the jeep when they realize there are living dinosaurs. That's movie magic.
I don't really have a touring plan for our days at Universal Resort. With the Express Pass, I'm not too worried about lines in the parks. We'll plan to visit Wizarding World in the early mornings and late evenings (and the parks have extended hours so this shouldn't be difficult). I'd like to see the new fireworks/fountain show at Universal.
Kawaii Harry Potter by Jerrod Maruyama, on Flickr
We do have two dining reservations. The first is a character breakfast at Universal Studios. Universal started a new superstar parade a few weeks ago. On the day we arrive in Florida, they will begin a new character breakfast featuring the stars of the parade. Make no mistake -- we want to see the characters from Despicable Me. I seriously love that movie. At first Universal was only offering the breakfast as a package add-on (much like the Three Broomsticks breakfast at IOA). They opened it up to everyone the first of June and I was on the phone booking it the same day. I actually had to prepurchase the breakfast, then call and reserve our date. No problem at all doing so. In addition, we'll get VIP viewing for the parade later in the day. I scheduled this for our second full day at Universal. My loose plan is to do early entry for Potter, then move over to Universal for breakfast, maybe back to the hotel for a break, back to the park in time for the parade, then back to IOA. Hopefully it will all work. You know, we may even do HP, then do water rides, then back to the room to change and back for breakfast. We'll have to see how much time we have.
Despicable Me - Universal's Superstar Parade by **************, on Flickr
On Friday, our last full day, I have reservations at Mythos. My thought was that it would be a nice place to sit and rest and enjoy our meal on our last full day of the trip. I think we're really going to enjoy our meal -- and the atmosphere -- here.
We'll leave for the airport around 10 am on Saturday morning. With Wizarding World opening at 7 am, that gives us three hours to do the last bits of things we want to do. I would really like to have a day where I start with riding Forbidden Journey with Harry, Ron and Hermione... and end it by falling asleep in my own bed with my puppy by my side.
My last day of plans to be posted. *tear*
In lieu of actual photos for this day's plans, I'm going to share some of my favorite flicr finds that are Universal related. Hope you enjoy.
The Dark Side: Universal
We purchased our tickets for Universal many years ago and have sat on them for a long time, waiting for the perfect time to visit Universal.
I think this is it.
I wasn't happy with the idea of staying offsite for this portion of the trip. Originally when I planed the trip, we were renting a house for the full two weeks of our trip. However, the more I researched, the more I became convinced that we needed to be onsite at Universal. The benefits of being onsite were just too great and overcame any concerns about budget or space. I wasn't sad when the house rental fell through.
So on the morning of our twelth full day, we'll get up early and drive over to Royal Pacific Resort. We'll check in to the hotel, and I'll pray that we'll get super lucky and have a room ready. If not, we'll leave our things with bell services.
Immediately after, we're off to Universal Orlando. We may still need to pick up our tickets. Even though we purchased them years ago, I don't anticipate any problems. Others have reported doing the same and not having any problems. Because we have to pick up the tickets and will not make the 7 am early entry for Islands of Adventure, I have decided we will start at Universal.
This shouldn't be a huge problem. We love Men In Black. Tater went through a phase where he watched the movie every single day of one summer. Likewise, Ches went through a phase where she watched Shrek every single day of a summer.
Shrek by Phani.Kumar, on Flickr
We also enjoy the Simpsons, although most of my own knowledge of the show comes from a video game we used to play (it was a driving game... I loved Apu). And don't even get me started on my love for Twister. The movie, not the reality. We are a movie loving family. Dan especially is a fan, watching them all afternoon on the weekends when it's not football season. Usually at least one member of the family watches with him. As I'm typing this, Dan, Tater, Ches & I are sitting in the living room watching MIB2. It's our family experience.
So we'll spend the morning experiencing the attractions for some of our favorite movies. Lunch in the park, most likely. Hopefully our room will be ready by early afternoon. We'll go back, swim, relax.
Royal Pacific Resort - Universal Orlando by JasonCross, on Flickr
I would love to eat an early dinner at Margaritaville that first day. I have dreams about Margaritaville. We ate at Cheeseburger in Paradise in Kansas City last October, and we all loved it. Margaritaville has pretty much the same menu. Must have fried pickles. And a margarita. And nachos.
And apparently I'm going to need some TUMS.
After our dinner, we'll go into Islands of Adventure. My goal tonight is to get a feel for where things are within IOA so that we can make the most of our time there the next day. I'm not ruling out a ride or two, but I don't think anyone's going on the Hulk after a big dinner. Maybe Suess rides and a lot of photos. I'd love to hang around until dusk and get some amazing Wizarding World photos.
We will go to bed early so that we can be up for the 7 am early entry into Wizarding World. I cannot wait to ride Forbidden Journey. I plan to take ginger before riding to help with the motion sickness. Dan and Kiah can't wait to do the coasters.
Dan and I have been dying to ride Jurassic Park since it was first built. That movie is so much a part of our family. It came out while I was pregnant with Brady and we've owned at least 3 copies over the years. Our current version is BluRay and it's amazing. I love that moment in the jeep when they realize there are living dinosaurs. That's movie magic.
I don't really have a touring plan for our days at Universal Resort. With the Express Pass, I'm not too worried about lines in the parks. We'll plan to visit Wizarding World in the early mornings and late evenings (and the parks have extended hours so this shouldn't be difficult). I'd like to see the new fireworks/fountain show at Universal.
Kawaii Harry Potter by Jerrod Maruyama, on Flickr
We do have two dining reservations. The first is a character breakfast at Universal Studios. Universal started a new superstar parade a few weeks ago. On the day we arrive in Florida, they will begin a new character breakfast featuring the stars of the parade. Make no mistake -- we want to see the characters from Despicable Me. I seriously love that movie. At first Universal was only offering the breakfast as a package add-on (much like the Three Broomsticks breakfast at IOA). They opened it up to everyone the first of June and I was on the phone booking it the same day. I actually had to prepurchase the breakfast, then call and reserve our date. No problem at all doing so. In addition, we'll get VIP viewing for the parade later in the day. I scheduled this for our second full day at Universal. My loose plan is to do early entry for Potter, then move over to Universal for breakfast, maybe back to the hotel for a break, back to the park in time for the parade, then back to IOA. Hopefully it will all work. You know, we may even do HP, then do water rides, then back to the room to change and back for breakfast. We'll have to see how much time we have.
Despicable Me - Universal's Superstar Parade by **************, on Flickr
On Friday, our last full day, I have reservations at Mythos. My thought was that it would be a nice place to sit and rest and enjoy our meal on our last full day of the trip. I think we're really going to enjoy our meal -- and the atmosphere -- here.
We'll leave for the airport around 10 am on Saturday morning. With Wizarding World opening at 7 am, that gives us three hours to do the last bits of things we want to do. I would really like to have a day where I start with riding Forbidden Journey with Harry, Ron and Hermione... and end it by falling asleep in my own bed with my puppy by my side.
momabaarjo
Rather Sail Away with Mickey than Run Now
- Joined
- Dec 11, 2010
- Messages
- 5,629
I think your USO plans look really good. Remember to take the time to enjoy a butterbeer for me! On that last day, I would use the single rider line of Forbidden Journey and ride it as many times as you want! Once you get on the ride you really cannot see anyone else that is riding with you!
Good choice of places to eat...and I
the RPR! A nice afternoon at the pool would be lovely!
I can't wait to hear about how you liked the dark side...
On that last day, I would use the single rider line of Forbidden Journey and ride it as many times as you want! Once you get on the ride you really cannot see anyone else that is riding with you!Good choice of places to eat...and I
the RPR! A nice afternoon at the pool would be lovely! I can't wait to hear about how you liked the dark side...
BrerMama
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Apr 4, 2000
- Messages
- 2,205
Five days to go photo...
five-copy by miss kim 09, on Flickr
We decided to spend some time out at the lake today. We arrived about 10 am and had the place pretty much to ourselves until after lunch. We left at 1 because it was super windy and we were all exhausted from swimming and fighting the wind. Well, I didn't swim but have you ever tried to hold onto a paperback with one hand, a blowing raft with the other, all while sitting on a lounging lawn chair with water up to your hips? It's just a very quiet afternoon here. Netflix is our friend.
Back to work for Dan and I tomorrow...
five-copy by miss kim 09, on Flickr
We decided to spend some time out at the lake today. We arrived about 10 am and had the place pretty much to ourselves until after lunch. We left at 1 because it was super windy and we were all exhausted from swimming and fighting the wind. Well, I didn't swim but have you ever tried to hold onto a paperback with one hand, a blowing raft with the other, all while sitting on a lounging lawn chair with water up to your hips? It's just a very quiet afternoon here. Netflix is our friend.
Back to work for Dan and I tomorrow...
BrerMama
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Apr 4, 2000
- Messages
- 2,205
I think your USO plans look really good. Remember to take the time to enjoy a butterbeer for me!
Good choice of places to eat...and I
I can't wait to hear about how you liked the dark side...
I will definitely try the butterbeer. I'm thinking frozen is my style. I'll remember the tip about the single rider line. Can't wait!
I'm super excited about RPR! Kiah has been talking about the fanciest hotel she's ever stayed in. So far, Howard Johnson Anaheim and a Hyatt Place are in a tie. I think it's going to be broken on this trip (and for the record, I think we've stayed in nicer places than either of those....).
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