For the 1st time in forever...we're not going to Disney!

[lazer]

Pre-pre-trip report, as we aren't going until October, but I wanted a place to keep my thoughts and planning progress. Which, honestly the progress won't be much, because there just isn't as much to plan We've been doing Disney for about 10 years, the last three trips with kids. But, it was starting to stress me out too much and the crowds are growing when we like to go. It'll be a first visit for all of us! I am a SAHM, so I need a more relaxing vacation, day to day life is as crazy as it gets!

About Us
DH (works hard, loves music, tattooed and employed haha)
Myself (SAHM)
DS 5 (lover of the NHL, TJ Oshie, soccer and just sports in general)
DS 1 will be 2 in two weeks (lover of driving his brother crazy, trucks, let it go, being loud, saying “nope”)

Details
Driving from the Midwest
Oct 17- 22rd at Royal Pacific
Oct 23rd, staying somewhere near LegoLand for one night

Preparations in progress/already completed
-currently reading Harry Potter to my oldest
-list of movies to watch before the trip
-Mythos Dinner booked
-tickets purchased
-hotel booked
-trying to decide if we should have a Mom/Son date (with the 5 year old) to Blue Man Group. He really wants to go, so if there are any deals out there...let me know. $90 seems like a lot for one night of entertainment!

We have another vacation before this one, so I have other planning and counting down before we head to Universal in the Fall!

 

[johnsonet]

Hi. I just found this. Sounds like you have a really fun plan.
You make a good point about needing a more relaxing vacation.
I haven't been to Universal in about 5 years but find myself obsessed with their new resort, Cabana Bay. Might try and stay there in August
Good luck with your plans.

 

[Krista in MA]

My sister and I are going for a short weekend in October. I just love US and IoA (Disney too of course!).

Just going to throw this out there... If you're looking for an inexpensive fun (and I say fun because my sis and I love to play! But everyone may not of course! haha) thing for you and your 5yo son to do on a "date", there's mini golf at CityWalk I haven't been to them so I can't say if they are, in fact fun, but just wanted to give you a less expensive idea.

Edited to add - if he's excited about the idea of going to see BMG, I'm sure he wouldn't be as excited about mini golf

 

[macraven]

hhn will be open on the 17, 18, 19 and 22 during your stay onsite.
studios will close at 5:00 those dates.

saturday and sunday will probably have crowds in the afternoon as many hit the parks for rides prior to park closing.

maybe try to book BMG for a weekend date.
check the BMG website to see if any specials for tickets are being offered for your time period.

check out NBA City for a meal.
it's all about basketball but since your son loves sports, he might enjoy this place.
go for a late lunch or early dinner there.

take time for the pool at RPH.
there is a kiddie pool also available there.

on saturday evening around 6:00 pm, the Torch lighting ceremony will be held near the pool.
it's free and very entertaining.
the littles can go up and dance with the dancers for hula lessons.

https://www.universalorlando.com/Ho...esort/Recreation/Hotels-Activities.aspx#torch

also catch a movie at the pool....dive in movies night...


what a fun vacation you are going to have !!

 

[lazer]

Thanks for you tips! NBA city is on the list now, too. Don't know why I'm just seeing this reply...my "thanks" is a little delayed

 

[lazer]

My sister and I are going for a short weekend in October. I just love US and IoA (Disney too of course!). Just going to throw this out there... If you're looking for an inexpensive fun (and I say fun because my sis and I love to play! But everyone may not of course! haha) thing for you and your 5yo son to do on a "date", there's mini golf at CityWalk I haven't been to them so I can't say if they are, in fact fun, but just wanted to give you a less expensive idea. Edited to add - if he's excited about the idea of going to see BMG, I'm sure he wouldn't be as excited about mini golf

Totally going to mini golf at some point too. I'll have to let him add it to his list he's been having me write down! Maybe his dad can take him one day and I'll relax with the little one.

 

[macraven]

glad to help

many of the eatery places in City Walk honor the AAA card for discounts

 

[PrincessJo]

Following along!

DH and I are going on a couple's trip in September... just the 2 of us!! The ONE thing my DH said he is dying to do again, is Blue Man Group. He and my DS loved it in 2012. It is kind of expensive, so the first time I booked it I figured it would be one of those experiences we do just once to say we did it. Well so much for that We're going again on Sept. 17.

The other thing I want to do is book the character breakfast. I haven't done it yet. I'm dying to get a photo with a minion! I may be in my early 40's, but I sure won't act like it.

 

[lazer]

I'm dying to get a photo with a minion! I may be in my early 40's, but I sure won't act like it.

I can't think of one good reason to act your age around Minions!

 

[mrsabbott]

Just in case the character breakfast falls through.. after the Minion Mayhem ride, you exit into the "dance party" area and there is a minion there for photo ops! Sadly, we didn't get to do it because some of us had to go to the bathroom right away.. But they did have that photo op available! The dance party area is also connected to the gift shop, so there is the option to get your picture taken without waiting for the ride.

 

[mrsabbott]

Just in case the character breakfast falls through.. after the Minion Mayhem ride, you exit into the "dance party" area and there is a minion there for photo ops! Sadly, we didn't get to do it because some of us had to go to the bathroom right away.. But they did have that photo op available! The dance party area is also connected to the gift shop, so there is the option to get your picture taken without waiting for the ride.

 

[lazer]

Just in case the character breakfast falls through.. after the Minion Mayhem ride, you exit into the "dance party" area and there is a minion there for photo ops! Sadly, we didn't get to do it because some of us had to go to the bathroom right away.. But they did have that photo op available! The dance party area is also connected to the gift shop, so there is the option to get your picture taken without waiting for the ride.

Good to know! Added to our list of to-dos!

 

[pixeegrl]

Just in case the character breakfast falls through.. after the Minion Mayhem ride, you exit into the "dance party" area and there is a minion there for photo ops! Sadly, we didn't get to do it because some of us had to go to the bathroom right away.. But they did have that photo op available! The dance party area is also connected to the gift shop, so there is the option to get your picture taken without waiting for the ride.

When we went they told us "It's a dance party" not a "meet and greet" and wouldn't allow for more than action shots but this was the first year it opened.

 

[mrsabbott]

When we went they told us "It's a dance party" not a "meet and greet" and wouldn't allow for more than action shots but this was the first year it opened.

Well, when we were there, they had a line and were doing photo ops. The line was fairly short, but nature called. We went back to the gift shop area again and the line was longer but they were still doing photo ops.

 

[mrsabbott]

By the way.. you are going to LOVE Mythos!! We ate there twice on our visit and it was just amazing! The entire family LOVED it and the staff were so super friendly!

 

[lazer]

Anyone been to Wet n Wild in October? Thoughts on taking a two and 5/almost 6 year old?

We may just skip it and hang by the pool for our water time!

 

[pixeegrl]

Well, when we were there, they had a line and were doing photo ops. The line was fairly short, but nature called. We went back to the gift shop area again and the line was longer but they were still doing photo ops.

That is good to hear! I was a bit miffed when they told me we couldn't have a photo moment with the minions. All my pics from then are blurry 'cause everyone was dancing around

 

[mrsabbott]

That is good to hear! I was a bit miffed when they told me we couldn't have a photo moment with the minions. All my pics from then are blurry 'cause everyone was dancing around

They could have allowed it because crowds were pretty low that day. Maybe during busier times they don't allow it.

 

[schumigirl]

Anyone been to Wet n Wild in October? Thoughts on taking a two and 5/almost 6 year old?

We may just skip it and hang by the pool for our water time!

I may be biased as I hate water parks.......but I would enjoy the time you have at the resort pool........

It's a fun pool for kids and adults too. We were never really pool people till RPR......we spend a lot of time enjoying everything it has to offer. I'm sure your kids would have a blast there

 

[mrsabbott]

Anyone been to Wet n Wild in October? Thoughts on taking a two and 5/almost 6 year old?

We may just skip it and hang by the pool for our water time!

We went over Spring Break.. to be fair, our break was rather early on.. so we may have missed the really heavy crowds. My kids were 9, 7. 6. and 2.

We got there when they first opened. It did not start to get really crowded until around 1pm. We were there from about 10a-2p which was plenty of time for us! We found a nice shady area and staked it for our "home base" (i.e. parked the stroller and left our snacks/towels there). No one messed with our stuff at all. They have free life jackets available for the kids and kids must wear them in the wave pool. There are slides that even littles can go on as long as a grown up rides with them. There is also a great splash park area that all the kids loved.

We brought our own drinks/snacks in the park but they had stuff for sale as well as a well stocked store area if you need a towel or sunscreen or an obscene flowered shirt!

We really enjoyed it a lot!! All ages had plenty to keep them busy! I think that your family will have lots of fun!