Makin' Memories... A PTR for a 2022 Thanksgiving Trip. (hopefully)

[StarWarsMomofGirls!]

Hello Everyone!!!!

I have been meaning to come over here and write some stuff, but I sit down at the computer and go blank! I can't remember anything that I wanted to talk about! Does anyone have this happen to them?

April Trip:
So, I was talking with Andy today, and mentioned flights for April. And we got talking. He really wants to try Universal! Now the girls haven't been SUPER intrested in going, mostly because they aren't Harry Potter fans. But this would be a good time to give it a try.

BUT it will be spring break and I assume VERY busy! So, we talked about possibly doing express pass and just going one day. I was originally thinking we could go in the middle of the week to hopefully curb some of the crowd. But then I started to look up tickets and stuff for Universal. AND people need to stop complaining about Disney prices!!!! Holy Bannanas!!!! What is the deal with Universal!!!!

So, that brings me to think that it would make sense to stay at one of the hotels that include Express Pass. I mean we have to stay somewhere... Which made me start thinking about starting with Universal, we could fly in on Saturday, depending on our flight, we could check in and do a few rides, can a feel for the park. But then make the next day, Sunday our BIG day. BUT that would be Easter Sunday. I don't know... Universal doesn't feel Eastery to me... Will it being Easter make it better or worse? I mean I know that who time frame will be busy.

BUT I know ABSOLUTELY nothing about Universal! Which hotel is the best? Can we do everything we will want to do in 1 day? Do we need 2? Where should we eat? I really don't know how we will like Universal. All I really know is that we will need to try butterbeer!

I guess I have to start doing some Universal research! I will take any tips!!!!

 

[SEAGULL59]

Good morning! We did Universal for a day a few years back with Express Passes and the park hopper. We definitely didn’t do everything and could’ve used another day but 1 day was sufficient for us. The Express Pass was worth the $$ for sure. For food, we ate at some QS in Seus Land. Nothing special. There seem to be tons of options though.
I like Universal but Disney more of course! My son wants to return to Universal again sometime. The water park there looks awesome!

 

[StarWarsMomofGirls!]

Good morning! We did Universal for a day a few years back with Express Passes and the park hopper. We definitely didn’t do everything and could’ve used another day but 1 day was sufficient for us. The Express Pass was worth the $$ for sure. For food, we ate at some QS in Seus Land. Nothing special. There seem to be tons of options though.
I like Universal but Disney more of course! My son wants to return to Universal again sometime. The water park there looks awesome!

Good Morning to you as well! Thanks!!! I think we might do 2 days if we decide to stay at one of the hotels. Take advantage of both days of express pass. Plus we will feel less pressured to get everything in. I do think one day will be enough for us. But this way we can be a little more relaxed. Or at least that would be the idea.

I do think we will like it but I am 99.99% sure that Disney will still be our favorite.

 

[Bama Mom]

The last time I went to Universal was in 2014 for one day of our oldest son's graduation trip. We only went because some of the other families we went with prefer universal over Disney. Of course that trip some of us only did one day at Magic Kingdom as well because we did Sea World, Discovery Cove and Aquatica as well. I am not a huge Universal fan myself but did enjoy the Harry Potter area. Of course that has grown since then so it's probably a lot better now.

 

[StarWarsMomofGirls!]

Happy Monday Everyone!

Update on the April trip... I booked airfare! I checked out options for Southwest since they opened up the flights! And I took a look and compared it to American. And Southwest was almost half the cost! So, I talked with Andy about it And I went ahead and booked the flights! We can always move the flight if we need to. But as of now, we have an afternoon flight on Friday and a early-ish flight on Sunday.

I can't tell you how excited I am to have 2 Trips in the works!

AND this morning on the news they were talking about the Pizer vaccine for 5-11 year olds! It's coming... And fingerscrossed they should come with plenty of time for our February trip.

So, now the big question is Universal.... I did tell Andy that I didn't want to be at Universal on Easter. Which he said was fine. He didn't think switching 3 times would be a big deal if we are keeping it low key this trip. Which is true. So, I am thinking Universal def middle of the week now. So, now I have to decide if we want to do one day or two days. And if we want to get a room at universal or not. I keep going back and forth. I am just not sure! Time to do some Disney Math!

But I love that I have things to debate and think about!

Ok. Off to work.

 

[Woth2982]

My DH and I went to Universal a couple years ago, and we did not love it. We liked the Harry Potter stuff (but I love HP), but I felt like a lot of the rides were similar. We stayed at one of their hotels with Express Pass, and had a two day pass. To be honest, we felt because of EP we could have done all we wanted to in one day.

I saw the vaccine news this morning in the Boston Globe! Hopefully she can get her first dose before Halloween! This may be controversial, but I have my 1 y/o on a List for the Moderna trial. Our pediatrician blessed it and we all agreed if she gets picked she will do it, as long as she doesn't have to wait two years to get vaccinated if she gets a placebo. We have baby O2 coming in March, and I would just feel so much better if she was protected. We are very fortunate and have family help so we don't have to put her in day care, but I am just so over Covid and ready to move into the next stage of life with my family.

 

[StarWarsMomofGirls!]

My DH and I went to Universal a couple years ago, and we did not love it. We liked the Harry Potter stuff (but I love HP), but I felt like a lot of the rides were similar. We stayed at one of their hotels with Express Pass, and had a two day pass. To be honest, we felt because of EP we could have done all we wanted to in one day.

I am kind of leaning towards one day and just uber ourselves over and back from Disney property! Just make one really long day! But I will mull it over some more, for sure.

I saw the vaccine news this morning in the Boston Globe! Hopefully she can get her first dose before Halloween! This may be controversial, but I have my 1 y/o on a List for the Moderna trial. Our pediatrician blessed it and we all agreed if she gets picked she will do it, as long as she doesn't have to wait two years to get vaccinated if she gets a placebo. We have baby O2 coming in March, and I would just feel so much better if she was protected. We are very fortunate and have family help so we don't have to put her in day care, but I am just so over Covid and ready to move into the next stage of life with my family.

I had thought about signing Gwen up for the trials but I don't think she could handle not knowing if she had the placebo or not. She is old enough to know these things. It is a big step for all kids!

 

[becauseimnew]

Our girls LOVED Universal, but they are also roller coaster junkies and HP lovers. I think 2 days with EP is plenty to enjoy the big attractions.

We've stayed at Royal Pacific and Hard Rock, we definitely preferred HRH. You probably won't be there long enough to enjoy a pool day, but the HRH pool is better. Both times we've been we arrived early, like 7AM the first time, and our room was ready - we didn't make any room request so that might have helped.

And don't miss out on the frozen butter beer.

 

[StarWarsMomofGirls!]

We've stayed at Royal Pacific and Hard Rock, we definitely preferred HRH. You probably won't be there long enough to enjoy a pool day, but the HRH pool is better. Both times we've been we arrived early, like 7AM the first time, and our room was ready - we didn't make any room request so that might have helped.

Someone told me that HRH is the closest. Which was having me lean that way. Because as you said, we won't be in the room too much. Although, I was entertaining the idea of 2 nights at HRH, just so after our long day, we could just crash nearby, instead of having to take an uber to a whole new hotel... Which if we did that, we might hit the pool in the AM.

And don't miss out on the frozen butter beer.

It's literally the only thing I know we need to do! I kind of want to try all variations!

Our girls LOVED Universal, but they are also roller coaster junkies and HP lovers. I think 2 days with EP is plenty to enjoy the big attractions.

My girl like roller coasters but aren't die hards. They are happy with Disney coasters. But you never know... I keep flip flopping on how many days we would need. 2 would give us leaway to not feel rushed but I feel like 1 might be enough. But I also have to consider that it will be busy since it will be spring break, so 2 days might be better. This is literally how my brain bounces back and forth....

 

[missjackiemcg]

BUT I know ABSOLUTELY nothing about Universal! Which hotel is the best? Can we do everything we will want to do in 1 day? Do we need 2? Where should we eat? I really don't know how we will like Universal. All I really know is that we will need to try butterbeer!

I guess I have to start doing some Universal research! I will take any tips!!!!

We are starting to become seasoned Universal-goers over the last couple of years! Rob and I stayed at the Hard Rock Hotel this summer, which was our first time using Express Pass included with the room. It is such a game changer!!!! The early entry is helpful, which you get with any Universal resort, but honestly the express pass is so much more worth it.

I have also seen where people post about booking a night at one of the premier level hotels just for the included express passes, and don't even stay in the room. That would stress me out because I'm too much of a rule follower, I think, but it's like the equivalent of Disney math! Express passes alone for the 4 of you would cost so much more than just booking the room.

We've done a few different Universal trips with different # of days. You can get a good deal of things done in just one full day, two days will allow you to go at a more relaxed pace, especially if you get the EP though. I agree with whoever said it above that the Hard Rock hotel (and their bar!) are just the best!! We really enjoyed our stay there and spent time at the pool every afternoon, so would highly recommend if you have time for a pool day.

The walkability to the park from HRH is really perfect, too. You're literally right there, so you don't have to wake up super early or worry about getting a bus!

 

[StarWarsMomofGirls!]

We are starting to become seasoned Universal-goers over the last couple of years!

You are!!!! I am going to need lots of advice from you!!! (also as a complete side note, I ordered and got my vaccinated button for Gwen in the mail today! I am prepared!)

You can get a good deal of things done in just one full day, two days will allow you to go at a more relaxed pace, especially if you get the EP though.

That is exactly what I was thinking. I think the 1 day verses 2 days is going to come down to whether we decide to do the hotel route or just suck up and buy express pass.

I have also seen where people post about booking a night at one of the premier level hotels just for the included express passes, and don't even stay in the room. That would stress me out because I'm too much of a rule follower, I think, but it's like the equivalent of Disney math! Express passes alone for the 4 of you would cost so much more than just booking the room.

A night at HRH is literally the same as paying out of pocket for 4 express passes! So, we technically would save money by moving hotels, as we would need to stay somewhere! But if we stay at the hotel, we would probably do 2 park days, which actually makes it more.... But we would have 2 park days.... Oh Disney Math!!

The walkability to the park from HRH is really perfect, too. You're literally right there, so you don't have to wake up super early or worry about getting a bus!

I think I am sold on HRH for the location alone! We probably won't spend too much time in the room, so it doesn't really matter. But I am sure it will be nice.

We really enjoyed our stay there and spent time at the pool every afternoon, so would highly recommend if you have time for a pool day

I was even debating if we would want to do 2 nights, so after our full long day, we could just walk back to the room and be done. IF we did that, we could enjoy the pool the next day before going back to Disney property.

 

[missjackiemcg]

I am going to need lots of advice from you!!! (also as a complete side note, I ordered and got my vaccinated button for Gwen in the mail today! I am prepared!)

Fire away! I'll answer anything I can. And yay for the button! Now, just have to get the policy moving!

A night at HRH is literally the same as paying out of pocket for 4 express passes! So, we technically would save money by moving hotels, as we would need to stay somewhere! But if we stay at the hotel, we would probably do 2 park days, which actually makes it more.... But we would have 2 park days.... Oh Disney Math!!

You get to use your express passes on your check in and check out days, so even if you only stay one night, you get that benefit for two days, which makes it even more worth it!

 

[StarWarsMomofGirls!]

Happy Tuesday Evening Everyone!

Man how is it only Tuesday? I was just saying to Morgan that this is going to feel like the LONGEST week ever. This is the girls first full week back and at full days AND they have after school stuff again! It really feels like we are back to normal (ish)

Speaking of after school activities, the girls both stayed after school today for a drama club meeting. And Gwen is signing up to try out for a part and Morgan is signing up to do tech crew. They are both VERY excited about it. The school is very serious about the play and it they have dates that are manditory. AND THANKFULLY..... those date start right AFTER our February trip!!! Fhew!

Can we just talk about this whole Space 220 Restaurant opening.... I am beginning to HATE prefix menus!!!! The girls are both "Disney Adults" now, and these pre-fix menus are technically for 9 and under for kids. Other than Kari's wonderful child Casey... What 11 year old is eating tuna tartar? Morgan usually makes due but this menu is a little rough around the edges! AND now California Grill has a pre-fix menu. So, we will probably skip that this trip... sadly... And Space 220 is going to be tough to decide what to do.

I also signed up for Touring Plans again. I think having a second app to reference for waits. But I started to set our dates and looking at what they were putting the days at for crowd levels. And oddly our February week and our April week are about the same crowd level wise. Granted Touring plans is guessing but they are pretty accurate. I mean it is what it is, it's the weeks we are going. So, we will make the most of it. But I was suprised that early February was predicted to be as busy as Spring Break!

I am wondering if Disney will have a rush of families like us, waiting for that 5-11 vaccine and then head to DIsney. But again, it is what it is.

 

[missjackiemcg]

Can we just talk about this whole Space 220 Restaurant opening.... I am beginning to HATE prefix menus!!!! The girls are both "Disney Adults" now, and these pre-fix menus are technically for 9 and under for kids. Other than Kari's wonderful child Casey... What 11 year old is eating tuna tartar? Morgan usually makes due but this menu is a little rough around the edges! AND now California Grill has a pre-fix menu. So, we will probably skip that this trip... sadly... And Space 220 is going to be tough to decide what to do.

I thought of you immediately when the opening was finally announced and menus released, etc. I wondered what you would think of it!

Darn that Casey, making my chicken nugget eating 12 year old look bad, LOL!!!

I follow The Lost Bros. on instagram, and they posted this week about their visit to Space 220. They wanted to avoid the Pre Fixe menu, too, and posted all these pics of how they instead ordered everything from the "lounge menu." I have not looked into this nearly enough to know exactly what that means, ....like I did not realize there was even a lounge?! BUT have to say the pics and descriptions of things they posted sounded much more up our alley than the prefixe menu! So, maybe worth trying to do it that way!

 

[StarWarsMomofGirls!]

I follow The Lost Bros. on instagram, and they posted this week about their visit to Space 220. They wanted to avoid the Pre Fixe menu, too, and posted all these pics of how they instead ordered everything from the "lounge menu." I have not looked into this nearly enough to know exactly what that means, ....like I did not realize there was even a lounge?! BUT have to say the pics and descriptions of things they posted sounded much more up our alley than the prefixe menu! So, maybe worth trying to do it that way!

The lounge menu looks good and would probably work for us. We love getting just apps and drinks. I wonder what the rules will be for going to the lounge? I assume it will be walk up only? hmmm... Thankfully I have time for them to straighten everything out.

It's bad to, because they really need one normal-ish thing on the apps and dinner menu even for the less adventurous adults! Which is why I was leaning towards lunch. There is a burger on the menu but the apps are the same. I wonder if we could get fries as an app for the girls. But even then, my girls weirdly are HUGE french fry fans! They are weird I know...Or even if we could order the chicken and waffles from the lounge menu. They girls would be happy with that.

 

[Woth2982]

I had thought about signing Gwen up for the trials but I don't think she could handle not knowing if she had the placebo or not. She is old enough to know these things. It is a big step for all kids!

Totally understand that! Gwen is old enough to know, and I can imagine her anxiety with "not knowing" for sure. Thankfully my child still just gets angry when they stab her and 20 minutes later so is onto something else. I swear it is worse for me than her. We had her MMR earlier this month and I had to go to McDonalds and get some "recovery food".

I am with you on the pre-fixe menu's. It is the main reason we are skipping BOG. We were gonna do Crystal Palace, but they aren't doing breakfast yet, so we are doing CRT instead, same price, but at least we get the food we want. We were hoping Hoop De Doo would be back, but looks like it isn't up yet. That would be a fun thing to do on the "staycation" trip if it is back. My DH and I love HDDR. We booked a NYE trip two days ago, hoping my mom will take the baby so we can go and have a babymoon. I had some southwest credits I THOUGHT expired in April, nope Jan 6th. So instead of giving each other gifts for xmas we are going to Wilderness Lodge!

 

[StarWarsMomofGirls!]

We had her MMR earlier this month and I had to go to McDonalds and get some "recovery food".

The shots are rough when they are so little. My girls would wail for 2 minutes and then stop abruptly. It was so strange... Like they just got over it. But they would always feel so crappy the next day. I just say adults are being big babies about the COVID shot...

We were hoping Hoop De Doo would be back, but looks like it isn't up yet. That would be a fun thing to do on the "staycation" trip if it is back. My DH and I love HDDR.

I am REALLY hoping they come back soon! But I guess the stage is kind of small, so social distancing would be hard. And part of the show was audience partipation, which def won't happen... Sad.

 

[StarWarsMomofGirls!]

Happy Wednesday!

Am I on a roll of posting or what!?!!

So, I was able to talk to Andy again about the April trip. And I think we have decided to do Hard Rock Hotel for 1 night and the parks for 2 days. We are thinking this will just allow us to see everything and not be TOO rushed. I am going to book the hotel tonight.
Screen Shot 2021-09-22 at 4.36.29 PM
Maybe we will even test out the pool!

I also think I am going to switch our last hotel to Beach or Yacht Club. Animal Kingdom is just so expensive! And Andy was talking about going to EPCOT on his birthday, which will be then, and that will just make it easier if we do that. I also think that the quiet pools have hot tubs? And I can't shake the idea of Andy getting to sit in the hot tub on night birthday with a squeeze bottle of moonshine. (which that cabin is still able to book, damn you Disney taunting me!) I am also hoping maybe club level will open up by our trip, and I can upgrade us for the last few nights to club level instead? We will see....
Screen Shot 2021-09-22 at 8.44.53 PM

It was also the first time Andy talked about the trips and talked like they were actually going to happen. He has been VERY hesitant about commiting. So, it felt nice to talk about the trips without putting an astericks on the conversation.

 

[missjackiemcg]

So, I was able to talk to Andy again about the April trip. And I think we have decided to do Hard Rock Hotel for 1 night and the parks for 2 days. We are thinking this will just allow us to see everything and not be TOO rushed. I am going to book the hotel tonight.

Yay!! I think you are really going to love it there. I didn't expect to, as much as we did, especially because our previous stays have all been at Cabana Bay, which we adore! 1 night and 2 park days is perfect for your first time there. You will be able to pace yourselves and do the things you end up loving more than once. The express passes will allow you even more flexibility! I'm super excited for you

It was also the first time Andy talked about the trips and talked like they were actually going to happen. He has been VERY hesitant about commiting. So, it felt nice to talk about the trips without putting an astericks on the conversation.

This warms my heart! I hope all goes according to plan and you're able to continue relaxing into your plans because your trips WILL happen!

 

[TheOneWithTheTriplets]

Just catching up since I have essentially nothing to contribute about Universal.

It was also the first time Andy talked about the trips and talked like they were actually going to happen. He has been VERY hesitant about commiting.

I feel this so much! There was some chatter in late August that made 5-11 shots sound more like Dec-Jan (mid-winter was being tossed around) which *really* bummed me out.

I'm back to hoping for shots in arms some time in November, fully vaccinated before Christmas! Then, let the 2022 planning begin!!