Live from Disney World, now including MNSSHP

[Daddio]

Currently at 32,000 feet on AirTran #164, headed for Orlando. Our first stop will be the Royal Pacific at Universal Studios for a 2 night stay, in the hopes of viewing the all new Harry Potter section. Hopefully, with 2 early morning admission opportunities, we'll experience at least one morning. Then, it's off to Disney's Boardwalk Villas for 8 nights.

I'll work hard at posting some reports and pictures.

David

 

[heathers4um]

OOOOO I am so excited for you! I saw your check in status at the airport on FB and was soooo jealous!!

 

[robert@dvcstore]

David,

Welcome to Orlando. Have a great time.

Robert

 

[nickspace]

cool

 

[homercrispy]

Harry Potter is fabulous. make sure you have a butterbeer. it actually tastes good.

 

[MinnieGirl33]

We just returned from a similar trip. Did 3 nights at Hard Rock & 5 at BLT.

WWoHP was amazing. Forbidden Journey wowed us all (and DH is NOT a fan of HP ) and the staff at Hard Rock & USO/IOA put the WDW CM's to shame. They were markedly friendlier & more helpful... we were shocked

 

[stormer]

The frozen butterbeer is even better than the regualr one.

 

[Daddio]

Our flight was an enjoyable one and we arrived in Orlando right on time. Just carry ons with us (thanks to our Owner's Lockers) so straight from the terminal to National Car.

Picked up a honking big Yukon on the Emerald Exec Aisle because I have never driven one of these puppies before. Gosh. Did I say how big it is?

Over to Lowes Royal Pacific Hotel at Universal Studios and our room was ready. A friend of mine has finally taught me to ALWAYS ask if there is a complimentary room upgrade (but never at Disney, of course) and lo and behold, I am given a water view room instead of the bushes.

We changed into 'Park' wear and walked down to the water taxi. After 10 minutes of waiting, we decided it was way to HOT to be at a park so back up to the room to change into fashionable swimwear and down to the pool. Blew a few hours there before cleaning up and heading out to dinner.

Drove to the Beach Club, valet parked (thanks TIW) and over to Beaches and Cream for a delicious hamburger. After we walked into Epcot to meet up with John from Owner's Locker for his regular Tuesday night get together.

We left just before the fireworks and returned to our hotel for the evening. I didn't get any pictures today but promise I will make up for it at Harry Potter.

David

 

[parlay]

Looking forward to your report on WWoHP!

 

[rentayenta]

Do valet parking and TIW have a connection?

 

[DVC Mike]

Gee David, I hope you didn't pay cash and book BWV direct from Disney. In case you didn't know, you can save a lot of cash by doing something called "renting points". Ping me if you'd like to hear more about this exciting option.



Enjoy your trip!

 

[AnnaS]

Have a great time.

We never got to try the butterbeer, maybe next time. 20/25 minute line for it

 

[Daddio]

Do valet parking and TIW have a connection?

Yes. With a TIW card, Valet parking is free when you eat at a full service restaurant in that resort.

Gee David, I hope you didn't pay cash and book BWV direct from Disney. In case you didn't know, you can save a lot of cash by doing something called "renting points". Ping me if you'd like to hear more about this exciting option.



Enjoy your trip!

Thanks Mike. I did rent points from a guy here on the DIS.

David

 

[Daddio]

Because I didn't load any photos yesterday, here is a quick shot of the pool from our room:

We planned to get up early this morning and head out to the 1 hour early opening at Universal's Islands of Adventure (at 8:00 AM) so we woudn't have to suffer any long lines at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. I never set the alarm because I am an early riser. However, when I opened my eyes this morning, the clock read 7:59. Holy smokes Batman! We jumped out of bed got ready as quickly as we could (took 33 minutes). Once ready, we were pleased to learn that our clock was 22 minutes ahead of the actual time.

As we started our walk to the park, we were met by a fellow on a rickshaw bike who offered to transport us. We took him up on it and were at the park in minutes.

Entering IoA

Entering WWoHP

David

 

[Daddio]

David

 

[Daddio]

David

 

[nolanboys]

Great pictures of Harry Potter. I can't wait to show my boys when they get home from school. Let us know what you thought about the attractions and rides.

 

[Checkers]

Looking forward to more of your adventures -- have fun!

 

[MinnieFan4ever]

Thanks for the great pictures of Harry Potter land. I look forward to reading the rest of your trip report.

 

[AnnaS]

Great shots of HP. I think some are better than mine. What a difference a month makes. A month ago, it was wall to wall people. Insane.