"How Can The Second Trip Be As Good as the First??" (We're baaaack-- 9/1!)

[jenny105]

Thanks! I actually got it at Forever 21. I am not usually a fan of that store-- a little young/cheap for me, but they have cute sundresses for low prices! I think that dress was $12.50!
Haha, same-- I just had a real NY thin crust pizza in Chelsea for lunch...but still love Pizza Planet!
I feel a bit sad-- we don't have anything button-worthy this trip Zach learned to love his first trip button last time!

$12.50?!? I'll have to check that place out! I also love some of Charlotte Russe's stuff and I don't usually shop there.

So get an 'I'm Celebrating!' pin and when people ask what you're celebrating, say you're celebrating being on vacation! Or just make something up!

 

[DrMomof3]

Totally cute dress! And great price!!!
I just found out I'm going to Universal for one night in Dec and I'm staying on property. Front of the line is too good to turn down!

Amanda

 

[jenny105]

That is one of the great perks of staying on property at Universal. It just stinks you can't use it for the newest attractions.

 

[Queenofallthings]

Jasmine picked up a dress at Forever 21 too for our trip and I know it's one of her favorites! The one you have is so cute...I also love your "Hollywood" top

You are very organized with your lists...I think that's half the battle is taking the time to sit and organize what's left and it feels so good to stroke things off doesn't it?

I am going to drop Jas off at work at 10am then I'm going to start my index cards and finish up my lists too Gonna be a great day!

 

[klacey1]

$12.50?!? I'll have to check that place out! I also love some of Charlotte Russe's stuff and I don't usually shop there.

So get an 'I'm Celebrating!' pin and when people ask what you're celebrating, say you're celebrating being on vacation! Or just make something up!

Haha, I wouldn't mind doing that! We love those buttons!

Totally cute dress! And great price!!!
I just found out I'm going to Universal for one night in Dec and I'm staying on property. Front of the line is too good to turn down!

Amanda

Thank you! The perks of staying onsite are so great for the Universal parks. Are you going for work or a family trip??

That is one of the great perks of staying on property at Universal. It just stinks you can't use it for the newest attractions.

I know! It's really just two of those rides-- which, since we'll be there for early entry, we should be able to conquer at least FJ at least twice!

Jasmine picked up a dress at Forever 21 too for our trip and I know it's one of her favorites! The one you have is so cute...I also love your "Hollywood" top

You are very organized with your lists...I think that's half the battle is taking the time to sit and organize what's left and it feels so good to stroke things off doesn't it?

I am going to drop Jas off at work at 10am then I'm going to start my index cards and finish up my lists too Gonna be a great day!

Yay!! I love working on my daily index cards/lists, even though it may be stressful at times! I can't wait to see Jas's Forever 21 dress in your TR

 

[klacey1]

Sorry for the relative lack of pictures in this update—I have very few pictures of AK, which is where we will be heading on Day 4! I hope to change this and take tons this year-- especially of Zach and I in front of the Tree of Life. I'll be rocking this outfit:
Even though I don't really think of AK as “tropical,” I still thought this top looks outdoorsy and wildlife-ish.

Our day will have a hectic and exciting end, but before I get there, let me talk about what we'll do at AK! Since Zach probably won't want to ride Everrest, at rope drop, I'll head to the single rider line and go by myself. We'll definitely head over to Dinosaur next, which Zach is both nervous and excited for. Even though there aren't too many things for which we're excited, I'm really looking forward to the few things we plan to do. I know our time at AK will be short but fun. Anyway, after Dinosaur. We'll hop on the train to Rafiki's Planet Watch and check out the petting zoo and that area. When we'll done there-- It's Tough to Be a Bug! It was supposed to be closed for refurb and now isn't-- yay! A Bug's Life is one of Zach's favorite Pixar movies, so I know he'll love this.
http://www.dadsguidetowdw.com/image-files/its-tough-to-be-a-bug.jpg[/IMG}
I think at this point, we'll regroup and decide if we want to leave or watch FOTLK. I'll do whatever Zach feels like-- beyond my morning must-do's, I can take or leave the rest of AK. Regardless, I think we'll leave AK and go have lunch at DTD! Does anyone know what bus stop you get off at at Saratoga Springs to walk to DTD? This seems like our best transportation option. Lunch will be at my beloved WPE! To try to think of what I'd like to eat seems impossible-- I've loved everything I've tried there and the rest of the menu looks delicious.
We'll probably browse in a few shops and possibly make some purchases that we'll ship back to POR. I want to head back there by 4:00 at the latest so we have time to change for our dinner at Chefs de France. I'll be wearing this dress, which I think can look either French or nautical depending on how it's styled. I'll obviously go with the former for this night!
[IMG]http://resources.shopstyle.com/sim/04/f4/04f4730b70436e4e5f3813d352eea12d/forever-21-day-dresses-nautical-knit-dress.jpg
I'm actually not hugely excited for this ADR, even though the gratin de macaroni looks delicious. I just feel like our other choices are more interesting. I'm sure I'll still love it, though! Zach was really interested when I showed him a picture of a steak au poivre on someone's dining report. I hope they still have that dish in two weeks!
After dinner is when the excitement begins. We decided to go for it! This morning at my office, I booked us an onsite room at the Royal Pacific Resort at Universal!We chose that hotel because it's the cheapest of the three, but I think it's really pretty, too! It reminds me of the Poly (I didn't say that to Zach!) or the Mirage, a hotel we loved visiting in Las Vegas. I'll make sure we're totally packed the night before, so we can return to POR after dinner, grab the tote with our stuff (my brand new Mocha Rogue pleated tote!), and hop in a cab. I originally planned on still buying the Mears shuttle tickets, but decided against it-- the prices seemed to shoot up quite a bit! Cabs may be a bit more expensive, but much more convenient. Our ADR is at 6:00 p.m. and with the normal quick pacing of Disney meals, I expect to be back at POR by 8:15. I don't want to get to Universal too late.
After checking in at the hotel and dropping off our stuff in our room, I think it'll be nice to explore our hotel. We might go to City Walk, too-- we'll see! I don't want to go to bed too late, as we'll have some housekeeping stuff to take care of in the morning since we're only staying one night. This day will definitely be crazy-- I can't believe we're leaving Disney property! It's always fun to experience a new hotel, however, and the perks definitely seem worth it! I'm so excited!

Isn't it a gorgeous hotel?!
I have to run out to the mall-- one of our best friends is throwing a 90's themed birthday party for another friend on Friday! Despite being alive during all of the 90's, I am having trouble coming up with an outfit! Right now, all I can think of that was distinctly 90's was the jellies that I loved to rock back in the day. Anyone else remember those? If I can't find a pair, though (and I can't imagine I will), so I'll probably stick with my Converse high tops that I've held onto. Are those 90's?? I also thought I could do a denim vest and denim skirt combo...not sure what kind of shirt, though...Anyone have any ideas for me?

 

[Queenofallthings]

I am thrilled that you went ahead and booked It's gorgeous btw....

Love the outfits for this day...Jasmine loves them both too!!!

 

[Nermel9]

Your outfits are so cute!

Yay for booking the Royal Pacific Resort, it looks so beautiful, I'd really like to stay there sometime, when I know we are definitely doing Universal!

Hmm, when I think of the 90's, I think of grunge...converse, flannel shirts...it's a weird decade to have a theme party for!

 

[DrMomof3]

You are quite the fashion maven!
I don't love AK the way I love the other parks. We have a few more must-do's than you but it's still a half day for us.
Royal Pacific looks gorgeous!

Amanda

 

[jenny105]

RPR is a beautiful resort! I've stayed there twice. It's nice and quiet. You would never know you're in the middle of Orlando and Universal. Until you see Dr. Doom's Fear Fall and hear the Hulk when you walk outside lol.

A 90's theme party? That's so much harder than 80's lol. You can rock a grunge look ala Pearl Jam and Nirvana! Or a babydoll dress like the girls from 90210!

 

[klacey1]

I am thrilled that you went ahead and booked It's gorgeous btw....

Love the outfits for this day...Jasmine loves them both too!!!

I was so happy when I saw your comment on my status on my FB!! I knew only my DIS friends could truly appreciate how excited I was!
Thanks!

Your outfits are so cute!

Yay for booking the Royal Pacific Resort, it looks so beautiful, I'd really like to stay there sometime, when I know we are definitely doing Universal!

Hmm, when I think of the 90's, I think of grunge...converse, flannel shirts...it's a weird decade to have a theme party for!

Thanks! I wish Universal had a moderate or value priced hotel, but RPR is so gorgeous and the perks are so great, I don't even mind the price!

You are quite the fashion maven!
I don't love AK the way I love the other parks. We have a few more must-do's than you but it's still a half day for us.
Royal Pacific looks gorgeous!

Amanda

I don't know what it is about AK . It just doesn't have that magic the others do to me...

RPR is a beautiful resort! I've stayed there twice. It's nice and quiet. You would never know you're in the middle of Orlando and Universal. Until you see Dr. Doom's Fear Fall and hear the Hulk when you walk outside lol.

A 90's theme party? That's so much harder than 80's lol. You can rock a grunge look ala Pearl Jam and Nirvana! Or a babydoll dress like the girls from 90210!

I'm happy to hear your positive review!! I'm excited how close it is to the parks!! I know-- 80's would have been so easy lol. I am not a "grungy" girl haha. I don't think I ever rocked baggy jeans and a flannel! I was looking at pictures from Melrose Place and 90210, though!!

 

[SOUTHERNtinkerBELLE]

I LOVE your AK outfit! And I agree that your Chefs dress has a French vibe to it. Love it too! I hope that you enjoy your meal there. When we had lunch there on the honyemoon we both really loved it. The Alasace flatbread is really good, and the waiter that we had said it was very authentic.

 

[klacey1]

I LOVE your AK outfit! And I agree that your Chefs dress has a French vibe to it. Love it too! I hope that you enjoy your meal there. When we had lunch there on the honyemoon we both really loved it. The Alasace flatbread is really good, and the waiter that we had said it was very authentic.

That makes me feel good! I hope we love it, too!

 

[klacey1]

As much as I hate to leave Disney property, we're so excited for Day 5! We'll wake up around 6:15 in our gorgeous hotel room. The first thing we'll do is head to the hotel lobby to take care of some things-- checking out and stow our bags with the valet. Even with early access, we want to have time to grab Cinnabon on City Walk and be as close to the front of the crowds as possible. I love Disney food, but I'm really excited to get Cinnasticks! The closest one to us is about a half hour away in an area we rarely go, so it'll be a welcomed treat. Zach is obsessed with Starbucks (as in they know his name at our local one and start making his drink when they see him walking across the parking lot), so he was thrilled when I told him he can get a cup at Universal.
If we time it right, we can enjoy our breakfast while waiting in line for WWoHP to open. Once we're let in, we'll head straight to the Forbidden Journey! Zach is a little nervous, but I bet he'll end up love it! I've only heard amazing things.
I've showed the shirt I'll wearing wearing this day, but for those of you who missed, I will be showing my HP love in this:

If the lines are short enough (which I can't imagine), we'll take another spin on the Forbidden Journey. More likely, we'll hit up the Flight of the Hippogriff, a rickety “kids”coaster formerly known as the Flying Unicorn. I went on this a few years ago and felt like I was going to tip out of the car! Some kids coaster, lol! I know Zach will want to really explore the shops, too-- I know J.K. was striving for authenticity, but I've heard the stores are unreasonably small. I guess we'll see.
I want to have an early lunch (11:45/12) and then leave the area. With early entry, I think we'll be able to do everything we want in the area in four hours. We'll return an hour before IOA closes to make any purchases and maybe get another ride in on the Forbidden Journey. For the bulk of the afternoon, however, I want to be in Universal Studios. I think Zach will enjoy more rides there, plus I really enjoy the atmosphere of that park.

So, after we leave WWoHP, we'll ride the Adventures of Spiderman (and amazing 3D simulator) and maybe ride Jurassic Park River Adventure (one of my favorite flume rides based on one of my favorite movies!) if Zach feels like getting wet. Then, we'll walk over to US (this is one thing I love about the US resort-- how close everything is!) and enjoy some rides. Revenge of the Mummy is my absolute favorite-- I don't love the movie it's based on, but the theming is so good! It has a coaster part at the end that provides just a bit of a thrill. We'll also have to ride Men in Black Alien Attack, which is similar to Buzz – shoot a bunch of aliens or Will Smith will yell at you! I had been skeptical about the Simpson Ride (I'm not sure how timeless the Simpsons are), but it's a really fun ride.

Jaws was a favorite when I was younger, but it's similar to Jungle Cruise in that the experience you have really depends on the skipper you have. If we have time, we'll do ET and Shrek-- a ride and 3D movie that are aimed at kids, but are still fun.

I've never done US/IOA in such a short amount of time, so I understand that we won't be able to do everything. Hopefully the unlimited express pass will help us do most!
US closes at 7 and IOA at 8, so we'll head to IOA when we're done with US to, as I said, make any purchases and repeat some rides. I'm not sure if we'll close out the park, but regardless, we'll head back to RPR to pick up our overnight bags and grab a cab back to POR. MK is having PM EMH, but I think we'll be too exhausted from our long, breakless day. Instead, I think we'll grab a CS dinner at Riverside Mill (anyone know how late it stays open? We'll probably get back to POR around 9-- and we'll have had snacks in the afternoon to tide us over).
The verdict is out on how this day will go. I do love US/IOA, but I have a feeling I'll feel rushed all day due to the short amount of time. Plus, I am used to see those parks empty-- I am not looking forward to the crowds of WWoHP. When I asked Zach how he thought he'd like US/IOA (he's obviously never been), he said he thought he'd enjoy the amenities of US more, but prefer the Disney parks. I guess only time will tell!

 

[Oliquig]

Wow, the hotel really is like a modern Poly. That sounds like a really fun day, I have never been to Universal, but it looks like a lot of fun.

 

[jenny105]

They know his name at Starbucks and start making his drink before he's even in the door? That's service!

Even if you don't want to ride Dragon Challenge, at least walk through the line and take the chicken's exit. It's themed after the Triwizards Tournament and there's some cool photo ops there (the Weasley's car being one!) Oh and make sure you bow to the Hippogriff during the kids coaster. I made us all go on that last yr, 5 adults, we looked so funny.

MIB is one of my favorite rides. And you don't think the Simpsons are timeless? They've only been on the air 20 years! I love the Simpsons.

You're going to have so much fun this day!!

 

[klacey1]

Wow, the hotel really is like a modern Poly. That sounds like a really fun day, I have never been to Universal, but it looks like a lot of fun.

I love Universal! I'm really excited to stay onsite for the first time, too!

They know his name at Starbucks and start making his drink before he's even in the door? That's service!

Even if you don't want to ride Dragon Challenge, at least walk through the line and take the chicken's exit. It's themed after the Triwizards Tournament and there's some cool photo ops there (the Weasley's car being one!) Oh and make sure you bow to the Hippogriff during the kids coaster. I made us all go on that last yr, 5 adults, we looked so funny.

MIB is one of my favorite rides. And you don't think the Simpsons are timeless? They've only been on the air 20 years! I love the Simpsons.

You're going to have so much fun this day!!

Zach and Starbucks have a strange love affair...he sends them a Christmas card every year, too, which they hang up in the back (don't ask...)
I loved DC when it was DD, but know I won't be able to get Zach on-- I didn't realize there was so much cool stuff in the line, though!! I'll definitely add that to the list! Thanks
I don't know why I think an outdated movie from the 80s was more timeless than the Simpsons lol . I think it's because BTF has a nostalgic feel for me, given that I rode it so much when I was a kid. I do LOVE the Simpsons ride, though-- I know Zach will, too (he's a huge fan of the show).

 

[DrMomof3]

I'm excited to hear about your experience at HP!!! I'm hoping to get myself a HP shirt (but Griffyndor instead of Slytherin) when I'm there.

Amanda

 

[jenny105]

I don't know why I think an outdated movie from the 80s was more timeless than the Simpsons lol . I think it's because BTF has a nostalgic feel for me, given that I rode it so much when I was a kid. I do LOVE the Simpsons ride, though-- I know Zach will, too (he's a huge fan of the show).

I went on the BTF ride once and didn't care for it. Love the movies though. My favorite part of the Simpsons ride is before it even starts, when you're getting in the car and Homer says 'I'm going to keep making noise until you sit down!' and starts making all these crazy sounds. I love the queue too, especially Patty & Selma.

 

[MEK]

I love your AK outfit. It is really cute!!!!!

I stayed at Royal Pacific. It's been awhile, but it was a lovely hotel. I also picked it because it was the least expensive, but also really pretty. I loved the whole tropical theme. The restaurant there is also really good. Jake's, I think. The universal express pass is awesome. You will love it! Enjoy your stay. The path to the parks is relatively short and so pretty. Enjoy the walk!