Going Alone

[pjbeagle]

Hello,

I'm a fairly new widower. I'm 38 with 2 kids. My son is 7 and my daugther is 2. Emily is adopted from Korea. I lost my wife of 13 years to colon cancer in Nov. 2004. I'm thinking about taking a get away this July over our wedding anniversary. I would be going without my kids. The whole family is planning our next WDW trip for Oct '06.

Where is a good place to stay for Universal Studios? How much are tickets for 2 days at the park. I'm thinking about a 3 day / 2 night getaway.

Didn't mean to bum anybody. Sorry if I did.

I'm looking forward to Oct '06 with the kids. A single guy with 2 kids should be "fun".

 

[kgilchri]

First off, I want to express my sympathies for the loss of your wife. I lost my dad two years ago to Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma.

Visiting Universal Orlando by yourself is suprisingly fun. I always head over when I'm not working and I get to use the single rider lines. A few of the big blockbuster attractions offer that great ammenity (e.g. The Mummy, Men in Black, and sometimes Spiderman). As for the ticket, I would suggest ordering them online at Universalorlando.com. The 5 day pass is ( or was) only $99, which sure beats the $100 plus two day ticket.

As for a place to stay, if you can afford it stay onsite. There's a TON of things to do to keep your mind occupied. If not onsite, there are plenty of nice places to stay at in Orlando. If you want to be near Universal, check out the Doubletree located off of Major Blvd.

I hope this helps in some way. I hope you have a great time despite the circumstances.

 

[robvia]

Also want to express sympathies.

People on the Disboards are there to help.

What you have to remember, is that July/early August are the most busy times of the year. You can go at the time, but you must arrive early, or stay on site.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Don't know anything about Universal. Just wanted to welcome you to the Dis and say sorry about your wife. Have a nice trip.

 

[Motherfletcher]

Welcome to the Dis. Do you really want to be alone on your Anniversary? If so, the Hard Rock would be my suggestion to forget your cares. It gets easier with time.

 

[pjbeagle]

Hello,

Thanks for the info. I'm going to research the Hard Rock and stay on site.

Amy loved our trip to WDW in Oct 2002 and she loved to visit FL. So I can't think of a better place to visit than Orlando. Since I'm not going to Disney maybe I won't feel as guilty without the kids there. I won't be there on my actual anniversay date so maybe grief won't be as bad either.

Now I get to read all the other postings about Universal Studios.

 

[BeckyEsq]

I'm sorry for your loss.

I would recommend the Hard Rock Hotel. It is young and fun and very upbeat. There is always rock music playing both in the public areas and from the amazing sound systems in the guest rooms. It is more of a singles type place compared to WDW. It is a very easy walk to the parks and it has a fabulous pool area for relaxing.

If you want to treat yourself, do lunch or dinner at Emeril's, it's probably the best meal I've ever had! CityWalk is fun too.

Have fun!

 

[Figment22]

If you want to treat yourself, do lunch or dinner at Emeril's, it's probably the best meal I've ever had! CityWalk is fun too.

First, welcome to the DIS and my sympathies on your loss.

As colosirt mentioned, Emeril's is terrific and as a solo diner, you'd have a great option (not to mention one of the best seats in the house!) to sit at the counter which overlooks the open area of the kitchen. These are usually easier seats to get as most patrons prefer a table.

I'll also add my recommendation for the Hard Rock. It's a real laid-back resort atmosphere, especially the pool area and the pool bar. People are very friendly. If for some reason, you can't get ressies at the Hard Rock, either of the other two Universal hotels would also be great. We've stayed at Portofino Bay and Royal Pacific and you really can't go wrong with any of them. (Although HRH is my first choice.)

Here's a link to a thread from DISers who have stayed at all three hotels, for comparison purposes:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=383959

 

[lovetheparks]

Welcome to the Dis. Do you really want to be alone on your Anniversary? If so, the Hard Rock would be my suggestion to forget your cares. It gets easier with time.

Pretty much exactly what I was going to say on both parts. Kudos to you though in doing what I'm sure she would want and that is living! The Hard Rock would definitely be the choice for me if I was alone. Plenty of things to do and keep busy!

 

[IMGONNABE40!]

So sorry to hear that you are without your dear wife--but happy to hear that you are living life.

I think the HRH would be a great place for you to have your get-away. Even though you will be able to do single riders wherever you stay, your whole experience will be enhanced by staying on site and having everything within walking distance. A trip back to the hotel for a "beat the heat" nap, or a swim in the pool is a lot more feasible when it is only a 10 minute walk away. On site will allow for a much more relaxed pace. If you enjoy adult beverages, happy hours abound and you will appreciate being within "stumbling" distance from your room--no need to worry about driving or a long commute on the off-site shuttles.

 

[4greatboys]

So sorry to hear about your wife.
I do think you will enjoy staying at the HRH. We enjoyed our stay there back in Oct 2003. Lots of great things to do in the parks and at City walk. I do hope you have a good trip.