MagicBands + Margaritas + Muggles + Minions = TRP. New TR link is up! 10/31

[franandaj]

I guess I read the whole thing and never had a chance to post. It sounds like a frustrating morning. Only because switching resorts can be a tedious task, but then the music items and the crabby teenagers, and inability to coordinate with the rest of the party.

I hope you held your sanity together and grabbed yourself some sort of adult beverage. If nothing else to tune out the whining teens! I hope you get a replacement shirt and the day gets better.

 

[MAGICFOR2]

Wow, I'm getting stressed just reading about your morning. Have you seen the WDW episode on The Middle? They spend all day in MK with mishap and family hold ups until they are FINALLY in a line that "must be going somewhere good" - only to find out it takes them right out the front gate and the park is closed

 

[GoofyFan1515]

Sorry I got so far behind! You lost me a little with all the conversation about running clothes, and the need for something stylish to sweat in??? J/K of course; on a new project at work that is overall way behind schedule, so they are really pushing us to work extra hours to try and get everything back on track. Quite honestly after sitting in front of a computer screen all day, I’m not real motivated right now to come home and do it all again to stay caught up on the DIS. I’ve been scrambling to squeeze in a little time here and there as it is. Feel sorry for me yet???

I just love how your parents are so good about taking advantage of the PP photographers and getting so many wonderful pictures! Love all the different ride photo poses on SM. I might have to try some of those next time! As for the temps, typically when I am there around Christmas I like for it to be a little cold just to add to the spirit of the season with all the decorations, but never a good thing when it gets to the point that you want to bail on the parks and try to find somewhere to get warm again! I mean after all, this IS Florida!!!

Evan’s snack plate he made you guys…………. on the presentation! And for an adult dinner away from the kids. So nice to get a break like that on occasion. All the food looked really good, but I think I would have joined Jeff with ordering the swordfish. That looks and sounds yummy!

What craziness surrounding moving day! I’m hoping things got a whole lot better. Can’t wait to see some pictures of the Treehouses!

 

[Poolrat]

All caught up


I think a wonderful all adults meal out is a great idea and looked like a wonderful meal.

What a crazy moving day! Not checked out yet? I guess the MB has that issue. I think you probably did great in moving everyone and doing it quickly and efficiently and then going off to Universal.

I bought some SSR points for the THV advantage too and still have not stayed at the THV, no reason to have that much room. And they changed the points.

Maybe some day.

Those THV are fabulous. I had a chance to be in one some time back for a meet and greet for a podcast? maybe?

Hopefully the boys get all together soon without too much grief.

 

[CarolynK]

That's an excellent reason! I wish I had the same one. How was it???

Well, HOT but that's a given in summer! We relaxed mostly, and thanks to FP+ we had a very successful MK day that had us in and out in 2 hours after doing BTMRR, Mine Train, AND Space Mtn. Gotta love FP+!!
Vero was fantastic, we did 4 nights this time instead of our usual 3 there, I could've done more...it was great.

I've spent a total of 5 days there in the past 3 years. 3 of them horribly crowded and 2 not so bad. It really is all about the time of year. It was SO much worse than I was expecting in Jan though. I can't say I'd go again at that time of year unless I was staying onsite.

Good to know. Someone told me that Universal has even less shady areas than WDW - what do you think (granted when you were there you prob wanted sun!)?

that's exactly why we take ME too. Not so much for the way there (no one wants a drink on the red eye lol) but we don't have to think about it on the last day.

Alcohol helps you sleep, no?

 

[DVC Ashley]

Hi there! Ashley from David's Vacation Club Rental's following along!

 

[eandesmom]

I guess I read the whole thing and never had a chance to post. It sounds like a frustrating morning. Only because switching resorts can be a tedious task, but then the music items and the crabby teenagers, and inability to coordinate with the rest of the party.

Yes, frustrating

I hope you held your sanity together and grabbed yourself some sort of adult beverage. If nothing else to tune out the whining teens! I hope you get a replacement shirt and the day gets better.

Whining teens really can suck the life out of you for sure!

Wow, I'm getting stressed just reading about your morning. Have you seen the WDW episode on The Middle? They spend all day in MK with mishap and family hold ups until they are FINALLY in a line that "must be going somewhere good" - only to find out it takes them right out the front gate and the park is closed

it wasn't quite THAT bad

Sorry I got so far behind! You lost me a little with all the conversation about running clothes, and the need for something stylish to sweat in???

Comfort and function do trump style. But since the first two generally aren't cheap anyway, one might as well try to get all 3!

J/K of course; on a new project at work that is overall way behind schedule, so they are really pushing us to work extra hours to try and get everything back on track. Quite honestly after sitting in front of a computer screen all day, I’m not real motivated right now to come home and do it all again to stay caught up on the DIS. I’ve been scrambling to squeeze in a little time here and there as it is. Feel sorry for me yet???

I feel empathy. You've described my work life pretty well right there!

And the reason I am so behind on the DIS. not to mention real life craziness outside of work. Sending you a virtual rum drink!

I just love how your parents are so good about taking advantage of the PP photographers and getting so many wonderful pictures!

Just wait. I swear, they got more pics than anyone this trip!

Love all the different ride photo poses on SM. I might have to try some of those next time! As for the temps, typically when I am there around Christmas I like for it to be a little cold just to add to the spirit of the season with all the decorations, but never a good thing when it gets to the point that you want to bail on the parks and try to find somewhere to get warm again! I mean after all, this IS Florida!!!

I'll take the cold over the rain at that time of year as together combined...BLEH!

Evan’s snack plate he made you guys…………. on the presentation! And for an adult dinner away from the kids. So nice to get a break like that on occasion. All the food looked really good, but I think I would have joined Jeff with ordering the swordfish. That looks and sounds yummy!

I had the swordfish the last time I was there, it is outstanding!

What craziness surrounding moving day! I’m hoping things got a whole lot better. Can’t wait to see some pictures of the Treehouses!

Moving day is always crazy, no matter what we do.

And yet, we still do it!

All caught up


I think a wonderful all adults meal out is a great idea and looked like a wonderful meal.

It was such a great night!

What a crazy moving day! Not checked out yet? I guess the MB has that issue. I think you probably did great in moving everyone and doing it quickly and efficiently and then going off to Universal.

I think we got it done about as fast as was humanly possible. While I could have done online check in, I'd still have had to go by SSR when we got back and I really wanted to be able to drive straight to THV once we returned.

I bought some SSR points for the THV advantage too and still have not stayed at the THV, no reason to have that much room. And they changed the points.

Yeah, they changed them on me too, right after I bought. GRR. I would stay there again in a heartbeat! You really do need to have at least 4, preferably 6, to justify it though.

Well, HOT but that's a given in summer! We relaxed mostly, and thanks to FP+ we had a very successful MK day that had us in and out in 2 hours after doing BTMRR, Mine Train, AND Space Mtn. Gotta love FP+!!

I really do like FP+, I have to admit.

Vero was fantastic, we did 4 nights this time instead of our usual 3 there, I could've done more...it was great.

Jeff and I could do a week there I think. The boys...not so much.

Good to know. Someone told me that Universal has even less shady areas than WDW - what do you think (granted when you were there you prob wanted sun!)?

I would agree with that. Didn't matter in the winter but in the summer, combine that and the fact that so many of their rides/shows have FLAMES in them...it's warm there! On the flip side, you can get really really REALLY wet on the rides in Islands of Adventure if you want to cool off.

Alcohol helps you sleep, no?

true. We do usually have a drink with dinner before the airport.

Hi there! Ashley from David's Vacation Club Rental's following along!

Hi and welcome!

 

[eandesmom]

It was close to noon. And we were finally at our destination! For the boys, there was no question. We'd go find the cousins. And for us, honestly it wasn't a question either. This trip was about my dad and if dad wanted to spend more time in Hogsmeade, who were we to argue.

Walking in we were dismayed to see crowds at the same level as the previous visit.

And nary a rain drop to drive them away.

Walking in to IoA, since we were waiting and hoping for updates as to where exactly people were, we decided to take the "other" way around. Which for us meant heading left after park entry, not right!

As we strolled, we checked out wait times. At Jurassic Park…it was a 10 minute wait. So why not!

No pics but a little bit of fun right after.



Funny. Evan is in NYC this week with my folks. I (gasp) went in to clean his room and found this shirt buried. He needs to get some more wear out of it! I'm not even sure if he's worn it since the trip (or realized it was lost).

One ride in and everyone a little cooled off (in more ways than one) we headed towards Hogsmeade. The boys really wanted to go ride the TriWizard challenge. I was deathly afraid of losing them for a chunk of time, the others finishing and it becoming a vicious deja vu cycle of trying to connect with spotty service.

So I said no.

Eventually, and I honestly don't recall exactly how long it took, we found everyone. Bottom line was I should have let the boys go on the ride, there would have been time. At this point the natives were hungry. Evan wanted a hot dog. Quin wanted a special necklace that he’d seen, something that had to be custom made. We all agreed to go over there and watch. Lucky for us, there was a kebab place next to the necklace spot.

Jeff got in line for the kebabs and me, well I headed back to the Hogs Head pub to get the adults a beer to go with the kebabs. At this point it was close to 2pm and all we'd done was...go on Jurassic Park. I needed a beer. I'll be honest. So did Jeff.

The Hogs Head Red is tasty! Far better than whatever they sold at the kebab spot. Thankfully those kebabs were tasty too. Good lunch.

Beef



Or Chicken!



Lunch View



Eric had one too but Ev was holding out for a hot dog. Of course none of the stands we hit...seemed to have them. You wouldn't think it would be hard to find! Finally, towards the front of the park, the desired item was procured and all was well with the world. I think my mom had one too!

Or so I thought.

Of course we had the mandatory shopping stop at the Port of Entry. Evan got a shirt, Kolby got a replacement shirt, Eric got the same shirt as Kolby and....that's all I remember. LOL!

We headed into Universal.

Where it was VERY crowded



Crazy wait times.

And Oh, now Kolby needed food

As did Melissa

And seriously folks, Universal is the WORST place to be if you want to find something gluten free. Mel and I went ahead to scope it out as it's impossible to find much online and their app sucks.

So, by 3:30...we were here





Eating fries
Evan of course had to change his shirt to the new one



Copious amounts of fries for the kids



Eric of course is wearing the SAME sweatshirt

My Dad had needed food as well. I think there was a deal with those butterbeer mugs, like maybe you got soda refills at a discount? I can't recall but Melissa hauled them around and I am pretty sure they got used again.



When you FINALLY make it to Universal, what is the first thing you do?

Besides waiting almost an hour to find food, then order food and then watching others eat it?

Cut the kids loose.

And go here





Didn't see that one coming did you?

Me neither. 4:30 pm. Second "ride" of the day.
But we do love it



I mean really, what’s not to love? It's Christopher Walken!

Cast getting ready



Oh wait! We know one of them!











I have not laughed like that in...I don't know when. Having my mom chosen as the gardening grandma was an absolute highlight and a truly timely reset button. Recharged and reconnected, the adults headed here.



Gotta love single rider!

If memory serves while we did these 2 attractions, the kids waited in an hour + long line for the Simpsons.

Thanks to the horrible battery situation, and the rain from the previous outing, I have very little pics. Phone was almost dead most of the time and I needed to be able to get a hold of the kids. And, I didn't bring the big camera.

We all then met back, kids included, to see the Beetlejuice Graveyard review. I love that show! As fun as ever.

And then....I think the adults split up. My parents wanted a rest. Or a coffee, or maybe another show. I don't really recall lol! Jeff and I wanted to go on the Mummy. I think Melissa came with us but I am not positive. Then I think we walked by transformers to see if single rider line was open, and it was not. We decided to hang for a few minutes and sure enough, it opened up! No pictures but I have to say….it was the bomb. Absolutely LOVED it! Spiderman....but better! So much fun. While we were doing all of that the kids were waiting in a 1 hour + line for Rip Ride Rockit.

When originally planning this day I'd figured we'd make it till about 6pm and at that point my folks would be toast. We'd head back to THV and have dinner there. It was now about 6pm and we had a call to make. Stay and get more rides in? The kids were definitely wanting that, having used up a LOT of time on 2 rides. Stay and watch what sounded like a pretty cool water/fireworks show at 8pm? My folks really wanted to see the show. We'd all eaten so late, no one was dying of starvation. A surprisingly easy call.

Let's close the park! We can always hit a drive through on the way home if we need to, or eat at Citywalk.

Let's see…it's 6:30 and you've got an hour to kill before finding a viewing spot for the show. Outside of Despicable me, which had held at a 2 hour + wait the entire day (and no one, not even our own minions were up for that) there wasn't anything Jeff and I were dying to do. Mel headed off to hang with Mom and Dad. The kids kept going, getting rides in.

Jeff and I?

We decided to go see if the Volcano would blow!







Shocker I know.

But why not?

We'd never sat at THAT bar before.



When in Rome you know...

And oh, so good!

Continued in next post.

 

[eandesmom]

Continued from previous

Heading back in we hooked up with the family. Mel had totally swiped a couple of chairs and literally stuck them in the middle of the street so my folks could sit for the show. We were right outside of an Italian Restaurant so popped in to grab a glass of vino for my mom & dad to enjoy during the show. Mel and I may have decided to join them.

Universal's Cinematic Spectacular - 100 Years of Movie Memories
Here is what touring plans has to say about it. It's been there since May of 2012 but was new to us as our last visit was in 2010.

This is Universal Studios' big nighttime event, designed to cap off your day at the park.

Shown on the lagoon in the middle of the park, the presentation runs through film clips and music from the first 100 years of Universal's biggest movies. The scenes are projected on to three enormous "screens" made by spraying water from the lagoon into the air (similar to Fantasmic! at Disney's Hollywood Studios). Fireworks and colored lights are also used to good effect throughout the presentation, which is narrated by God himself (actually Morgan Freeman, but lots of people make that mistake). It's an enjoyable way to end your day at the park.

The main complaints we have with Cinematic Spectacular, and for that matter with Disney's Fantasmic! and World of Color shows are that they're repetitive to the attractions in the park, and the "stirring movie montage" idea is now found in so many places that there's little difference between any studio's implementation.
By the end of the day, you've already been exposed to most of the characters and memorable scenes referenced in the nighttime show: you've already seen E.T.'s healing touch; already experienced the violence of Twister's tornados; and you went through the Terminator's battles just a couple of hours ago. Reliving them again so soon becomes tedious after a few minutes, and the show lasts nearly 20.
Finally, every park's "movie montage" has the same predictable narrative arc: first show clips and witty dialog from your most memorable and recent movies. Transition to something sensitive to remind us we're all human. Then introduce an action sequence that covers the whole "good versus evil" battle. Show the good guys win amidst a bunch of pyrotechnics and roaring fountains. We're pretty sure that you could swap the film clips from Disney's Great Movie Ride with Universal's Cinematic Spectacular, and 90% of the audience wouldn't know or care.

Touring Tips

The ends of the lagoon are not recommended for viewing. The best spot is directly across the lagoon from Richter's Burger Co., where the sidewalk makes a small protrusion into the water. Because acquiring a spot here can be very difficult, we recommend arriving at least 45 minutes ahead of time.
Before the show begins, realize that not all of the movie clips may be suitable for young viewers. The horror montage, for example, mixes excerpts from hoary black-and-white monster movies with potentially fright-inducing clips from films like The Birds, Halloween, Psycho, The Silence of the Lambs, and Tales from the Crypt.

My folks and Mel parked by the Italian restaurant. Which was bit back from the burger spot. Jeff and I headed to the railings to watch.

How about some pictures and you can see what you think?





























At this time none of us had seen World of Color yet so our only basis of comparison was Fantasmic. And for me, since this had quite a bit of firework element to it versus all the actual characters etc at F! they felt quite different. Since then, I have seen WOC. The clarity of the images on the water screens, compared to both F! and especially WOC I feel was quite superior. We all LOVED it. Well, all the adults that is. It was a highlight.

The kids on the other hand had opted out as to get more rides in.

Heading out we made one last visit to a Mummy



Said goodbye to a Transformer





An awfully cute monkey





A ride I've still never been on (that the boys LOVED and said was worth every hour+ minute they were in line)



And hit the Despicable me dump shop. We may not have made it on the ride but some money was spent!

Ok. In some ways it was kind of a crappy day. The early and mid day parts anyway. But from a gardening grandma on, it was an awfully fun afternoon and evening and despite horrible horrible crowds and wait times we really did do all the main things that we wanted. And yes, for Jeff and I that does include Margaritaville. Heaven only knows when we will be back there.

Some regrets to be sure. Chiefly
1. Only riding FJ once
2. Not letting the E’s go on the TriWizard challenge again when there really was enough time
3. No Hulk
4. No Minions

And honestly, if those are the only real regrets despite the horrendous cell service, rain and crowds which were ever present our 2 days, then really, we did ok.

As I don't have a lot of pics for the rest of the night I'm going to finish it up in one update. As we left the park we discussed the dinner situation. Bottom line was...no one wanted crummy fast food through a drive through. No one really wanted to deal with a sit down restaurant in City Walk. Or pay the prices for it. Intead we'd stick to the original plan of taco bar back a the THV. A few boys were VERY antsy to get "home".

Want to see it?

Nice big kitchen!



Which had nothing in it. When I called for our bags....they brought just that. Our bags. No groceries.

Nice big table!



Which had no one eating at it yet. When I called for our groceries, they brought all the non cold/frozen items.

Master Bath



Master Bed



And...that's all I took that night! Groceries arrived and I got busy cooking, feeding and chilling. Don't worry, there are LOTS more to come. Finally we had all our food and I went to make dinner. Except something was missing.
The taco seasoning. I'd managed to leave that, a small bottle of vanilla and some other spices back at BWV.

We managed. And I must say it was interesting. BWV was much better set for actual pots and pans. THV much better for actual dishes and drinkware. More importantly though…at THV we could all sit at the table together and enjoy our meal. Which was SOOOOOOOOOOO cool! Bellies full and bedrooms assigned, beds made in the living room, we called to confirm DME times for Mel, Kerri et all and headed to bed. Thanks to it being moving day (I think) Melissa hadn't received an envelope which was mildly concerning so we had to get that straightened out. Which took far longer than it seemed it should have.


Kerri and Eric had been busy that day on their own and did manage to get one pic. We'd see them in the morning to say goodbye.



The TRP


 

 

[MEK]

I would say that your day ended quite nicely. But boy oh boy, it sure got off to a slow start. And those crowds. Glad the boys stuck it out for RRR. That is one ride I don't think I could handle. Did you ever ride Mummy? I really enjoyed that the last time I was there (when Nick was in third grade).

Did you have a hopper pass or did you just do one park a day? I was really looking forward to going here in October but now I am torn because I think I am getting a BG annual pass in Williamsburg. To make it worthwhile I should really use it twice which leaves me two days for Universal, but I did want to have some rest time too. Ugh - decisions, decisions.

So where is that night time show? Is in right IN Universal studios? It looks like it was probably very cool.

And I really want to try to the ride that's like Spiderman. Transformers? It looks like I have a lot of research to do, but I think I would be foolish to miss this park. It seems so cool.

Love that you actually use the kitchens in all the villas you have stayed in. That is something I have never done with the exception of HHI for breakfast.

 

[Leshaface]

I'm so glad that the rest of the day turned around from that morning

The Hogs Head Red sounds delicious along with those kebabs!

Is Disaster kind of like the Studio Backlot Tour?

The Cinematic Spectacular looks really cool. You're right about the projections at WoC. It's still my all time favorite show, but if they could make it clearer, the show would be perfection!

Good call on heading back to the room for tacos

 

[Pinkocto]

I'm so glad it ended up being a pretty fabulous day

Love that Mel commandeered seats for your folks to watch the show.

Too bad you had to call for the bags and groceries twice. And bummer you left some things at BWV. Sounds like you made it work.

I must get it Universal one of these days, I've never been.

 

[afwdwfan]

As we strolled, we checked out wait times. At Jurassic Park…it was a 10 minute wait. So why not!

A good, fun ride. Well worth the 10 minute wait.

I (gasp) went in to clean his room and found this shirt buried.

I'd hate to think what else you might have found under that shirt.

Me neither. 4:30 pm. Second "ride" of the day.

Well, at least the adults all had a good time there and got some entertainment from the gardening grandma.

While we were doing all of that the kids were waiting in a 1 hour + line for Rip Ride Rockit.

Oooh... that's a tough trade off. Mummy is fun and I'm sooo excited to see the Transformers ride sometime. But Rip Ride Rockit is pretty phenomenal. I'd wait over an hour for it...

We decided to go see if the Volcano would blow!

I wouldn't expect anything else!

Heading back in we hooked up with the family. Mel had totally swiped a couple of chairs and literally stuck them in the middle of the street so my folks could sit for the show. We were right outside of an Italian Restaurant so popped in to grab a glass of vino for my mom & dad to enjoy during the show. Mel and I may have decided to join them.

I'm glad you were able to have an adults evening at the show... some drinks, a good spot and seats procured for the parents. Fantastic way to end the evening.

A ride I've still never been on (that the boys LOVED and said was worth every hour+ minute they were in line)

And honestly, if those are the only real regrets despite the horrendous cell service, rain and crowds which were ever present our 2 days, then really, we did ok.

Not bad at all. Especially for arriving so late in the day. I'm glad that you were able to have a nice afternoon/evening at Universal. The end of the day definitely makes up for the beginning.

 

[glennbo123]

Getting caught up on a few chapters.

That was nice of big Eric to do something with just little Eric to make up for a previous slight. I like your sister's picture on Buzz, she looks serious.

Is Happydog the same person that MEK's husband was taken with? Er, enjoyed talking to?

I know how enjoyable that adults-dinner-out can be...just enjoyed an adults-only-vaca!

Sounded like a fairly hectic day with changing hotels and going to Universal, but you definitely made the most of it. Kudos to your mom and dad for venturing on into the evening.

The Treehouses look great, keep the pics comin'!

 

[Flossbolna]

Oh, I am so glad that the second day at Universal ended better than the first one! Sorry for the crowds, but it seems like you managed nevertheless.

I found it interesting what you said about the show, I have heard reviews that were positive as well as those that were rather negative. Happy to hear that you were in the positive camp!

The THV look awesome, but I don't own nearly enough points (and not at SSR anyway) to ever consider them... Even though Katharina has been dreaming about them!

 

[elphie101]

I'm glad you were able to have a great day after all and close down Universal! I've never seen the nighttime spectacular, but if it is better then WoC then it definitely sounds worth checking out!

Love the photos inside the treehouse! It looks very relaxing and homey and like the perfect DVC room to have a family meal in.

 

[Poolrat]

You are really making me want to venture back to US and IoA. It is probably time.

You certainly did start a bit slow but made up for it by the end of the day. It sure sounds like an amazing show.

Sounds and looks like everyone got something for them, the boys, your parents and even you and Jeff going to Margaritaville.

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

Walking in we were dismayed to see crowds at the same level as the previous visit.

And nary a rain drop to drive them away.

The Hogs Head Red is tasty! Far better than whatever they sold at the kebab spot. Thankfully those kebabs were tasty too. Good lunch.

Beef and beer? Sounds like heaven!

When you FINALLY make it to Universal, what is the first thing you do?

Besides waiting almost an hour to find food, then order food and then watching others eat it?

Cut the kids loose.

NOW we're talking!

And go here

Wait, what?

Oh wait! We know one of them!

I have not laughed like that in...I don't know when. Having my mom chosen as the gardening grandma was an absolute highlight and a truly timely reset button. Recharged and reconnected, the adults headed here.

Fantastic! Took a while, but I'm glad you finally had some pixie dust here. Or whatever they call it at Universal.

It was now about 6pm and we had a call to make. Stay and get more rides in? The kids were definitely wanting that, having used up a LOT of time on 2 rides. Stay and watch what sounded like a pretty cool water/fireworks show at 8pm? My folks really wanted to see the show. We'd all eaten so late, no one was dying of starvation. A surprisingly easy call.

Let's close the park! We can always hit a drive through on the way home if we need to, or eat at Citywalk.

Excellent plan!

narrated by God himself (actually Morgan Freeman, but lots of people make that mistake).

The clarity of the images on the water screens, compared to both F! and especially WOC I feel was quite superior. We all LOVED it. Well, all the adults that is. It was a highlight.

You have me intrigued!

Some regrets to be sure. Chiefly
1. Only riding FJ once
2. Not letting the E’s go on the TriWizard challenge again when there really was enough time
3. No Hulk
4. No Minions

And honestly, if those are the only real regrets despite the horrendous cell service, rain and crowds which were ever present our 2 days, then really, we did ok.

Especially with those crowds. When every ride has a 2+ hour wait time, you're going to be hard-pressed to get a lot in.

Want to see it?

Looking forward to more!

 

[eandesmom]

I would say that your day ended quite nicely. But boy oh boy, it sure got off to a slow start. And those crowds. Glad the boys stuck it out for RRR. That is one ride I don't think I could handle. Did you ever ride Mummy? I really enjoyed that the last time I was there (when Nick was in third grade).

Yes, we made it on Mummy twice. Love that ride!

Did you have a hopper pass or did you just do one park a day? I was really looking forward to going here in October but now I am torn because I think I am getting a BG annual pass in Williamsburg. To make it worthwhile I should really use it twice which leaves me two days for Universal, but I did want to have some rest time too. Ugh - decisions, decisions.

We did have a hopper. Originally I'd wanted the base ticket but my dad was convinced he'd want more time in Hogsmeade so we got hoppers instead. If memory serves it wasn't that much more though and did give us flexiblity. Which we did end up needing.

So where is that night time show? Is in right IN Universal studios? It looks like it was probably very cool.

Yep, IN. Right in the main "lake" that is kind of in the center of it all.

And I really want to try to the ride that's like Spiderman. Transformers? It looks like I have a lot of research to do, but I think I would be foolish to miss this park. It seems so cool.

I confess to not having seen any of the Transformers movies. And I still absolutely loved the ride. There is a lot of great stuff in both parks I think.

Love that you actually use the kitchens in all the villas you have stayed in. That is something I have never done with the exception of HHI for breakfast.

Yes, it was a double kitchen day wasn't it! Breakfast and Dinner.

We do use them. Not every day but enough to really appreciate having them. Some of our favorite moments have been those villa meals. Why they feel more special than dinner at home I'm not quite sure but somehow, they do. Some of them anyway.

I'm so glad that the rest of the day turned around from that morning

You and me both, it was getting scary for a few minutes...or hours..

The Hogs Head Red sounds delicious along with those kebabs!

It really was a perfect lunch, hit the spot. Even if the kebabs took a while. I was actually back with the 2 beers before our food was ready!

Is Disaster kind of like the Studio Backlot Tour?

I don't think so. A little bit. You are in a theater setting for most of it, and then on a subway (BART) scene where an earthquake happens. But...I've never been on the backlot tour at Disney. I've done the Universal California one and Disaster really isn't like that.

The Cinematic Spectacular looks really cool. You're right about the projections at WoC. It's still my all time favorite show, but if they could make it clearer, the show would be perfection!

I've seen WoC twice now, both had good and bad points to it. It is possible better location would have made a difference but we found ourselves frustrated with the clarity.

Good call on heading back to the room for tacos

It was a late dinner but it really was the right call. So nice to just be able to crash or chill right after.

I'm so glad it ended up being a pretty fabulous day

It really did. In the end, both Universal days were good but OH those crowds. I really wouldn't go at that time of year again unless I was staying at a Universal property.

Love that Mel commandeered seats for your folks to watch the show.

She is far bolder than I that way. It was a good call.

Too bad you had to call for the bags and groceries twice. And bummer you left some things at BWV. Sounds like you made it work.

I was sad. They were little things but the seasoning really would have been nice. The little vanilla I didn't end up needing so that was ok...except for those things aren't exactly cheap

I must get it Universal one of these days, I've never been.

You really should

A good, fun ride. Well worth the 10 minute wait. [

And amazingly we didn't get soaked. We did refuse to sit in the front row though

I'd hate to think what else you might have found under that shirt.

You really don't want to know

Well, at least the adults all had a good time there and got some entertainment from the gardening grandma.

It was super entertaining!

Oooh... that's a tough trade off. Mummy is fun and I'm sooo excited to see the Transformers ride sometime. But Rip Ride Rockit is pretty phenomenal. I'd wait over an hour for it...

One of these days I will get on it! The kids loved it

I wouldn't expect anything else!

It would be just wrong, wouldn't it? We would have preferred the Lone Palm but it was too chilly to sit outside for drinks, and then again for the show

I'm glad you were able to have an adults evening at the show... some drinks, a good spot and seats procured for the parents. Fantastic way to end the evening.

It really was!

Not bad at all. Especially for arriving so late in the day. I'm glad that you were able to have a nice afternoon/evening at Universal. The end of the day definitely makes up for the beginning.

Big time.

Getting caught up on a few chapters.

That was nice of big Eric to do something with just little Eric to make up for a previous slight. I like your sister's picture on Buzz, she looks serious.

The Buzz pics are a riot

Is Happydog the same person that MEK's husband was taken with? Er, enjoyed talking to?

One and the same

I know how enjoyable that adults-dinner-out can be...just enjoyed an adults-only-vaca!

I expect a bat signal when you start a TR!!!

Sounded like a fairly hectic day with changing hotels and going to Universal, but you definitely made the most of it. Kudos to your mom and dad for venturing on into the evening.

It all ended well thank goodness!

The Treehouses look great, keep the pics comin'!

There will be more, I promise!

 

[Linda67]

Hugely behind on posting comments but loving your reports from Universal
We are visiting in October to see the new Diagon Alley area
Particularly interested to hear your thoughts on the evening show - Cinematic Spectacular - as I wasn't sure if we should hang around for this or not