Escape From Home to Dinosaurs, Wizards, and Alarm Clocks - A March 2021 Trip Report (**Completed 3/27/23**)

[cstorm65]

It’s finally time for another trip report! This has been a crazy, strange, crazy, scary, and worrisome last year with all of the stuff going on in the world, but we were so excited to finally get to go on a real family vacation again! And on top of that DW and I were excited to be able to share Universal Orlando with the boys for the first time. We have taken our family to Disney World seven times now. Well, seven trips for DW and me, six trips for DS8 and three trips for DS5. But this would be our first time taking the boys to Universal! You can read about our previous trips HERE. If you’ve ready any of our trip reports before you may remember DW and I are both in education, so spring break, although the crowds are usually large, it is one of the times we can actually travel.

So, anyways, let’s get the introductions out of the way.

Introductions

I will start by introducing myself, I’m Jon.

I am a high school football coach and athletic director and love the job I get to do every day. I’ve been teaching and coaching at the same school for fifteen years and just finished my fourth season as the head football coach. Anyway, I honestly think I have the best job in the world. Being able to make a positive impact on kids every day is something I love doing. It certainly has its challenges, but overall I wouldn’t want to be doing anything else.

Favorite Character: Goofy
Favorite Ride: Flight of Passage
Favorite Show: Festival of the Lion King
Favorite Movie: The Lion King
Favorite Restaurant: ‘Ohana

Now for my best friend and wife, April.

April loves our family vacations as well as almost any time we get to spend together. We have developed a love for Disney and vacationing together and it is something she cherishes. She is a school psychologist by day and an incredible mother and wife by night. She works in the same school district I do and so we get to see each other every day, which really is nice. She loves her job working with kids as well and she is awesome at it.

Favorite Character: Ariel
Favorite Ride: Rock 'n Roller Coaster
Favorite Show: Festival of the Lion King
Favorite Movie: Little Mermaid
Favorite Restaurant: Whispering Canyon Cafe (Breakfast!)

Next up is DS8.

I can’t believe he is eight (at the time of the trip, actually nine now!), but I’m sure all of you with kids think it goes fast too! He loves sports and playing outside with his friends. He plays basketball, baseball, runs track, and will start football this coming fall. He also still enjoys Disney stuff and going to the parks, although he might not tell you that since he thinks he’s a little older than he actually is! Anyway, he is an awesome kid and is now a great big brother.

Favorite Character: Mickey
Favorite Ride: Flight of Passage
Favorite Show: Jammitor’s
Favorite Movie: Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory
Favorite Restaurant: Garden Grill

Finally, the one who keeps things lively, DS5.

DS5 is an incredibly sweet little boy who LOVES his mommy, but man is he awnry, opinionated, and LOUD! Let me tell you, for being a little guy, he has the biggest voice! He loves playing with his brother and he is also quite the fan of dancing! He loves Mickey and even has a stuffed animal that he sleeps with every night. Anyways, we are looking forward to seeing the different things he enjoys on this trip as he’s a little older.

Favorite Character: Mickey
Favorite Ride: “Roller Coasters”
Favorite Show: Jammitor’s
Favorite Movie: Cat in the Hat
Favorite Restaurant: Anywhere with Mac ‘n Cheese

Well, that’s who we are. Stand by for Day 1.

Up Next: Day 1 Part 1​

 

[cstorm65]

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Day 1 Part 1 - Are You Sure We Didn't Land in Orlando?
Day 1 Part 2 - Those Must Be Some Special Cookies
Day 1 Part 3 - Donuts for Dinner

Day 2 Part 1 - I've Never Been This Cold at a Pool in Florida
Day 2 Part 2- Don't Steal All of My Dip
Day 2 Part 3 - The Best Burger Ever!

Day 3 Part 1 - "Dad, Can I Be Tall Enough Now?"
Day 3 Part 2 - First Trip on the Hogwarts Express
Day 3 Part 3 - This Better Be a Good Meal
Day 3 Part 4 - Dinner By the Pool...This is the Life!

Day 4 Part 1 -That May Be His New Favorite Ride
Day 4 Part 2 - "Dad...I Didn't Cry This Time!"
Day 4 Part 3 - Let's Try Some Mardi Gras Food
Day 4 Part 4 - "We Are Going To Need Another One of Those"

Day 5 Part 1 - Of Course We Need a Second Breakfast
Day 5 Part 2 - Was Butterbeer the Reason for Our Trip?
Day 5 Part 3 - Enjoying the Pool at Cabana Bay
Day 5 Part 4 - Ending the Trip with Fireworks!

Day 6 Part 1 - That is a Big Sundae
Day 6 Part 2 - Flying Home from Tampa
​

 

[cstorm65]

Past Trips and Trip Reports

Current Trip Report
March 2021 - Escape from Home to Dinosaurs, Wizards, and Alarm Clocks

Current Pre-Trip Report
June 2021 - Welcome Home...Three Years Later!

Past Trip Reports
July 2019 - Escape from Home Life to July 4th on the High Seas
June 2018 - Escape from Craziness to Fireworks, Food, and a DVC Tour
December 2017 - Escape from School to Crazy Christmas Crowds
July 2017 - Escape From Craziness to Pandora, Po Boys, and Oppressive Heat
June/July 2014 - Escape from Real Life to Paradise: A New Trip with New Memories
June 2013 - Escape from Tornado Alley to Food, Tropical Storms, Mickey and More Food
June 2011 - "Can Two Thrill Ride Junkies Love Disneyworld?"

Past Pre-Trip Reports
July 2020 - A New Trip Full of New Memories...Hopefully It Happens!
June 2018 - Let's Put These AP's to Use! A June 2018 PTR
July 2017 - Our First Trip As a Family of Four!
June 2015 - We’re Going For the Record...A Record Number of Resort Changes!

Past Trips
July 2019 - Royal Caribbean Liberty of the Seas (Trip Report)
June 2018 - WDW Dolphin/Yacht Club Resort (Trip Report)
December 2017 - All Star Sports (Trip Report)
July 2017 - Pop Century/Port Orleans French Quarter (Trip Report)
June 2015 - Pop Century/Coronado Springs Resort
June/July 2014 - Disney Dream Cruise/Wilderness Lodge (Trip Report)
June 2013 - Pop Century/Universal Royal Pacific/Boardwalk Villas (Trip Report)
June 2011 - Caribbean Beach Resort (Trip Report)
July 2008 - Offsite

Upcoming Trips
June/July 2020 - TBA "First Trip as DVC Owners"

 

[macraven]

I’m in for the read!

 

[tgarre06]

It’s finally time for another trip report! This has been a crazy, strange, crazy, scary, and worrisome last year with all of the stuff going on in the world, but we were so excited to finally get to go on a real family vacation again! And on top of that DW and I were excited to be able to share Universal Orlando with the boys for the first time. We have taken our family to Disney World seven times now. Well, seven trips for DW and me, six trips for DS8 and three trips for DS5. But this would be our first time taking the boys to Universal! You can read about our previous trips HERE. If you’ve ready any of our trip reports before you may remember DW and I are both in education, so spring break, although the crowds are usually large, it is one of the times we can actually travel.

So, anyways, let’s get the introductions out of the way.

Introductions

I will start by introducing myself, I’m Jon.

I am a high school football coach and athletic director and love the job I get to do every day. I’ve been teaching and coaching at the same school for fifteen years and just finished my fourth season as the head football coach. Anyway, I honestly think I have the best job in the world. Being able to make a positive impact on kids every day is something I love doing. It certainly has its challenges, but overall I wouldn’t want to be doing anything else.

Favorite Character: Goofy
Favorite Ride: Flight of Passage
Favorite Show: Festival of the Lion King
Favorite Movie: The Lion King
Favorite Restaurant: ‘Ohana

Now for my best friend and wife, April.

April loves our family vacations as well as almost any time we get to spend together. We have developed a love for Disney and vacationing together and it is something she cherishes. She is a school psychologist by day and an incredible mother and wife by night. She works in the same school district I do and so we get to see each other every day, which really is nice. She loves her job working with kids as well and she is awesome at it.

Favorite Character: Ariel
Favorite Ride: Rock 'n Roller Coaster
Favorite Show: Festival of the Lion King
Favorite Movie: Little Mermaid
Favorite Restaurant: Whispering Canyon Cafe (Breakfast!)

Next up is DS8.

I can’t believe he is eight (at the time of the trip, actually nine now!), but I’m sure all of you with kids think it goes fast too! He loves sports and playing outside with his friends. He plays basketball, baseball, runs track, and will start football this coming fall. He also still enjoys Disney stuff and going to the parks, although he might not tell you that since he thinks he’s a little older than he actually is! Anyway, he is an awesome kid and is now a great big brother.

Favorite Character: Mickey
Favorite Ride: Flight of Passage
Favorite Show: Jammitor’s
Favorite Movie: Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory
Favorite Restaurant: Garden Grill

Finally, the one who keeps things lively, DS5.

DS5 is an incredibly sweet little boy who LOVES his mommy, but man is he awnry, opinionated, and LOUD! Let me tell you, for being a little guy, he has the biggest voice! He loves playing with his brother and he is also quite the fan of dancing! He loves Mickey and even has a stuffed animal that he sleeps with every night. Anyways, we are looking forward to seeing the different things he enjoys on this trip as he’s a little older.

Favorite Character: Mickey
Favorite Ride: “Roller Coasters”
Favorite Show: Jammitor’s
Favorite Movie: Cat in the Hat
Favorite Restaurant: Anywhere with Mac ‘n Cheese

Well, that’s who we are. Stand by for Day 1.

Up Next: Day 1 Part 1​

Following!

 

[cstorm65]

I’m in for the read!

Following!

Thanks for reading along everyone!!

 

[Robo56]

I’am here for the trip report

 

[NancyLuvsMickey]

I'm here and can't wait to read all about your trip!!!

Not sure if it's just me, but none of your pictures are showing... All I see is a circle with a line thru it...

 

[schumigirl]

I'm here and can't wait to read all about your trip!!!

Not sure if it's just me, but none of your pictures are showing... All I see is a circle with a line thru it...

I‘m not even seeing a circle.

Shame, I hope he can fix it.

Looking forward to this one......read a couple of your earlier ones Jon and they are a real treat!

 

[StarWarsMomofGirls!]

I am here!! This is my first trip report to follow over here on the Universal Boards! I almost didn't even find it!

I have to swing back and read your post. But I am here!

 

[becauseimnew]

I'm here and can't wait to read all about your trip!!!

Not sure if it's just me, but none of your pictures are showing... All I see is a circle with a line thru it...

Here too! And I see the same as you.

 

[cstorm65]

I’am here for the trip report

Thanks for joining!

I'm here and can't wait to read all about your trip!!!

Not sure if it's just me, but none of your pictures are showing... All I see is a circle with a line thru it...

I miss the good old days of using photobucket and the pictures always working. It seems like I have to fix something on Google Photos at the start of every trip. I think they should be visible now. Thanks for being here!

I‘m not even seeing a circle.

Shame, I hope he can fix it.

Looking forward to this one......read a couple of your earlier ones Jon and they are a real treat!

Should be working now...dang Google Photos! Thanks for reading!

I am here!! This is my first trip report to follow over here on the Universal Boards! I almost didn't even find it!

I have to swing back and read your post. But I am here!

Glad you made it. I just got signed up for your new one too!

Here too! And I see the same as you.

Got it fixed now...I hope! Someone let me know if they still aren't visible. Thanks for joining in!

 

[macraven]

We are ready for reading about your exciting UO vacation!

Someone pass the popcorn to me..
In for the read!

 

[cstorm65]

We are ready for reading about your exciting UO vacation!

Someone pass the popcorn to me..
In for the read!

Thanks for reading along!!

 

[cstorm65]

Day 1 Part 1 - Are You Sure We Didn’t Land in Orlando?

Here we go on another trip report! Our trip actually started the day before Day 1 when we drove from Oklahoma City down to Dallas, about 3 hours, before our flight the next morning. We had all come from school, so we were tired and it was pretty quick and uneventful. DS5 was definitely the most comfortable one of us in the car!

We stopped and had dinner at In ‘n Out Burger on the way down, but I wasn’t really in trip reporting mode yet, so no pictures! We got to bed as early as we could since we had to be up super early and super early it was! The wake up call came at 3:25 AM. We got everything ready and at about 3:50 I ordered a Lyft to the airport.

Why would you drive your car down and then take a Lyft? Well, that’s a great question. The plan was to stay at the Embassy Suites Dallas Love Field and they would let us park our car for the week and then give us a ride in the airport shuttle. We got there to check in the night before and were thrown for a loop when they said, what time do you want to catch the shuttle? I said, well our flight leaves at 6:15 AM and the lady said…”well, our first shuttle isn’t until 6:30”. I didn’t know what to say. I mean you are an airport hotel and airports notoriously have early morning flights, but the shuttle doesn’t run early. That seemed strange to me, but I had already paid to park here and she said they couldn’t refund the parking. So Uber or Lyft was the best option.

Now, to the Lyft...let’s just say we packed our stuff in every square inch of that SUV and we didn’t even have that much stuff. Thankfully DS5 is in a booster seat so we don’t actually need a car seat installed. The Lyft driver was just fine, except for one part of the drive where a road was closed so we drove about half a mile down the wrong side of the road instead of following the detour. DW had a death grip on my arm. I just told her luckily it was 4:00 AM and not anyone was on the road! But we made it to the airport at about 4:15.

We got through security just before 5 AM and our flight was to board at 5:45. We got inside the terminal and there was nothing open...I mean nothing. There was a line at Whataburger so I jumped in it while DW and the boys got a seat. Whataburger did open a few minutes later and they actually moved the line through pretty quick, but no other restaurants were open. Things like that don’t make sense to me. We want people to give each other space, but we are only going to open one of the five restaurants in the terminal due to COVID and make everyone there all get in the same area since it’s the only place open. Ok...I won’t talk about that anymore!

Finally DS3 was enjoying his cinnamon roll and DS8 had his sausage, egg, and cheese sandwich.

We got to the gate around 5:30 and had a few minutes to observe our plane.

DS8 wanted to take this picture:

Boarding started at 5:45 and we took off right on time at 6:15. DS5 got tired pretty quick:

DS8 just enjoyed the view for a bit before we turned on a show for him.

Now, we come to the point I apologize because I just really like to take pictures out of the plane of the cool views.

We made it to Tampa at 9:15. We were about 25 minutes early, so we had to wait for about 15 minutes on a gate to open up, but finally we were ready to get off.

We walked out of the plan and came to the tram and DW looked at me and said, “Are we sure we didn’t land in Orlando?” I mean the tram and entire airport setup here is very much like Orlando!

We had rented a car with Dollar because it was a good rate, but when we got to the rental car center at 10:00 the line was super long. I stood for about 15 minutes and didn’t hardly move before they moved about 4-5 of us over to the line at the Hertz counter. That line moved much quicker, so after about 30 minutes I had a car assigned to me. We got the car, got on the road, and before long DS5 was out!

We made our way towards Orlando, but the traffic was crazy. It’s about 1 hour and 10 minutes with no bad traffic, but it took us about 2 hours and 30 minutes! It was crazy busy. We even had to stop about half way at a Dunkin Donuts for snacks and coffee!

Finally, we teased the boys with our first stop of the trip:

They didn’t really know what to do because I hadn’t told them where we were going, but they did know we weren’t going to Disney World. Now they were really confused! We explained to them we were just stopping for a little lunch here:

We pulled in at about 1:30 and were ready to eat and walk around a bit after that stressful traffic between Tampa and Orlando.

Up Next: Those Must Be Some Special Cookies​

 

[StarWarsMomofGirls!]

I said, well our flight leaves at 6:15 AM and the lady said…”well, our first shuttle isn’t until 6:30”. I didn’t know what to say. I mean you are an airport hotel and airports notoriously have early morning flights, but the shuttle doesn’t run early. That seemed strange to me, but I had already paid to park here and she said they couldn’t refund the parking. So Uber or Lyft was the best option.

That is just bad customer service!

other restaurants were open. Things like that don’t make sense to me. We want people to give each other space, but we are only going to open one of the five restaurants in the terminal due to COVID and make everyone there all get in the same area since it’s the only place open. Ok...I won’t talk about that anymore!

I have heard a few people complain about lack of food options in the airports.

I mean nothing. There was a line at Whataburger

I always find it so funny what places serve breakfast in the airports. Particullary the chinese food places.

We walked out of the plan and came to the tram and DW looked at me and said, “Are we sure we didn’t land in Orlando?” I mean the tram and entire airport setup here is very much like Orlando!

Too funny.

We pulled in at about 1:30 and were ready to eat and walk around a bit after that stressful traffic between Tampa and Orlando.

That is just mean!!! But that being said, I have been dreaming of a trip to disney just to eat in disney springs and hang out at a pool.

 

[NancyLuvsMickey]

I miss the good old days of using photobucket and the pictures always working. It seems like I have to fix something on Google Photos at the start of every trip. I think they should be visible now. Thanks for being here!

Whatever magic you did, it worked... The pictures are now showing!!!

What a great start to your trip... Bummer about the shuttle at the hotel, but at least you had Uber to fall back on... We flew into Tampa last fall... Love that airport... And luckily we didn't have the crazy busy drive like you did...

I can't believe how big/old the boys are getting... Don't blink, they grow up too fast!!!

My DS13 (7th grade) did online school this year... He'll be done with all his classes by next Friday May 7th... The face to face kids have to go until Tuesday June 8th... He's ready to go back to face to face school next year... Apparently he doesn't like me as his teacher... I don't know how you and your wife do it... Being able to teach is truly a super power not everyone has!!!!

 

[schumigirl]

Nothing wrong with taking pics out of the plane window......love em!

Your boys are adorable, and yes, they have grown so much since I read your earlier TR......

Lovely start to the trip.

 

[cstorm65]

That is just bad customer service!

I agree! Everyone knows a lot of flights leave early!

I have heard a few people complain about lack of food options in the airports.

This one was super limited. Of course Love Field is a smaller airport in Dallas that basically services Southwest, but it isn't exactly a small airport either. I mean it is a hub of Southwest, you'd think they'd have plenty of food options open.

I always find it so funny what places serve breakfast in the airports. Particullary the chinese food places.

We laugh at these places too!

That is just mean!!! But that being said, I have been dreaming of a trip to disney just to eat in disney springs and hang out at a pool.

I know, it was kind of mean! But we were ready for lunch!!

Whatever magic you did, it worked... The pictures are now showing!!!

Thanks goodness!

What a great start to your trip... Bummer about the shuttle at the hotel, but at least you had Uber to fall back on... We flew into Tampa last fall... Love that airport... And luckily we didn't have the crazy busy drive like you did...

It was nuts on the highway, but we were kind of prepared for it. Now, the drive back to Tampa later in the week it was not crowded at all. Weird!

I can't believe how big/old the boys are getting... Don't blink, they grow up too fast!!!

I know. It's crazy how fast things go!

My DS13 (7th grade) did online school this year... He'll be done with all his classes by next Friday May 7th... The face to face kids have to go until Tuesday June 8th... He's ready to go back to face to face school next year... Apparently he doesn't like me as his teacher... I don't know how you and your wife do it... Being able to teach is truly a super power not everyone has!!!!

Well, it has definitely been an interesting year in education and we are all looking forward to the summer. No one wants things back to normal as much as teachers! haha

Nothing wrong with taking pics out of the plane window......love em!

Your boys are adorable, and yes, they have grown so much since I read your earlier TR......

Lovely start to the trip.

Plane pictures are the best!

 

[cstorm65]

Day 1 Part 2 - Those Must Be Some Special Cookies

We had left off as we arrived at Disney Springs and were able to successfully navigate the parking garage for the first time! The temperature check was super quick and easy and before we were walking around just excited to be back!

It was close to 2:00 at this point and we were hungry for lunch and we wanted to try a new spot for us, Chicken Guy. There was a line outside. Can you tell how tired DS5 was? That early morning was catching up to him!

Before too long we were at the door and being let inside.

We ended up deciding on a couple of things for DW and I to share and the boys each got a kids meal. It did take 10-15 minutes for our food to arrive, but we were able to find a seat and they brought it out when it was ready!

I ended up going with the Big Bite BLAT: Two chicken tenders (crispy fried or grilled), crispy smoked bacon, lettuce, avocado crema, tomatoes, and buttermilk ranch.

This was really good! The avocado crema and the bacon were excellent on the sandwich and it was just delicious. Both DW and I liked it and even DS8 finished the last couple of bites of DW’s half. DW got the Five Tenders Meal with Two Sauces. These were good, but the main thing is really trying the different sauces. She tried the special sauce, which both her and DS8 loved! She also got the avocado crema and didn’t love it. I kind of agreed with her. It wasn’t as good as you would think just with the tenders only, but on the sandwich it was excellent. So, who knows, maybe we just don’t know what we like!

DS5 got Mac ‘n Cheese, I know if any of you have read our other trip reports, this is super surprising...haha! He enjoyed it and ate most of it.

DS8 ended up getting a grill cheese, which he said was really good. He ended up even dipping it in the special sauce!

After finishing the meal we headed out and just did some walking around and popped in just a few shops.

We did walk down to see what the situation was at the new Gideon’s Bakehouse, but the line was super long so we passed on that. As we were walking away DW, who didn't really know what Gideon's was ahead of time said, "Those must be some special cookies!" I said I'm not sure about how special, but I've heard they are huge!

We headed out of Disney Springs at about 3:30 and saw one of the character busses for the first time:

We got back in the car and had about a 15-20 minute drive to our hotel that it was time to check in to and by 4:00 we saw our home for the next two nights, Royal Caribbean’s Endless Summer Resort: Dockside Inn & Suites.

We parked and I went in to check us in and the check in was super smooth and quick even though they were pretty crowded. I had a great team member get me all taken care of and we were ready to get to the room and get in the pool! The lobby was super cool looking, but the boys really wanted to go swimming so we had to get dressed for that!

Up Next: Donuts for Dinner​