Minnie and Mickey and Harry!! Oh My! Chase's Wish Trip 6/23-6/29

[maroo]

Wow!

Those were some incredible pictures with Mickey Mouse! I love the close ups of the kids - a very talented photographer!

Sounds like you guys are having fun at Universal and you are doing a great job cranking out this TR!

We appreciate the trip reports so much!!

 

[wish_upon_a_star35]

HIII I made it whew!! Dont see how I missed it on the Wish trippers thread but I did Anyways sound like you had a great first few days! Love the van! And the pixie dust that is already occuring!!! Great update!

Glad you found my little TR! We had a lot of fun! And the pixie dust was indeed a blessing!

Wow, you are on a roll!!! Sounds like a good travel day and a great first park day! The meltdowns are inevitable. I also LOVE the PLuto pic of the kids running. I'd frame it.

I was sooo praying for very little meltdowns...no such luck! I can't wait to actually get print copies of all these pictures I'm planning on making one heck of a scrapbook. But I know it's going to be a while before I start that project!

What a great first day at Universal so far!!! My hubby and I went there in like 1998 before kids and have not been back since, so I am excited to go there again on the wish trip! Love all of the pictures with the characters at GKTW, you got some great ones!!! Keep up the TR, I am loving it!

I have to say that I love the Disney parks a lot but honestly I LOVE Universal. I'm thinking about taking a trip back just to go to the Universal parks in February for Courtney's birthday. She's been such a trooper this whole time and I know she'd really love to do something special. Her birthday is in February...so I'm kind of thinking about making this a special trip just for the two of us! We've been doing so much that centers around the little ones I'm sure she would appreciate it! AND 15 is such an important year....or so I'm told

 

[wish_upon_a_star35]

After we got our bellies nice and full from Bubba Gump's, we were so excited and nervous about going to WWOHP! I had been reading a lot of the crowd reports and I just knew we were going to have a tough go of it! However, we got sprinkled with MORE pixie dust!! There was NO line to get in at all. BUT the lines to the stores were quite unbelievable!!! There was no way we would be able to stand in line and wait. I really wanted to go into Olivanders, but we just couldn't swing it. So we wandered around looking at all of the sites and taking it all in! And Courtney and my mom went inside to ride the Forbidden Journey! Now my mom is not a big Harry fan. We did manage to drag her to one of the movies (I think it was the first one). But she came out RAVING about the ride and gladly took the kids so that I could ride with Courtney. I was really greatful because Nana is getting up there in age (her words not mine, and really has a very hard time with the little ones on her own...the intimidate her lol) I have to say, the Forbidden Journey is one of the MOST if not THE MOST awesome ride I have ever been on. If you are a Harry Potter fan...this ride is an ABSOLUTE must!!!!

We did get FOTL access for this ride. The CM's were more than happy to accommodate us!

Here are some of the pictures I took while we were there:

Here is a picture of the menu for the 3 broomsticks!

Courtney was amazed that she ws tall enough to grab it and was wondering if it was actually cold my poor child lol

 

[wish_upon_a_star35]

We were all exhausted by this time...the Florida heat was wearing us down. I wanted to press on and stay because I heard Hogsmeade is absolutely beautiful at night but I knew our limits and it was better to go home while we were still in good spirits lol. Plus the winter wonderland was tonight at the village and I knew it would be great to experience that! So off we go all the way back to the parking lot. I swear it took about 45 minutes to get back to our Jeep!

We get back to the villa and freshen up! Nana is exhausted by this time and just wants to relax in peace so I take the kids down to the main area. We were excited to say the least AND we were first in line to see Santa!

We stopped to take pictures along the way!

We all thought the "sand castle" was just the coolest thing ever!

Here are some of us with Santa!

The kids each picked wonderful gifts and were just too excited! The staff and the volunteers were really awesome and they decorated the village square <---that's what we called that whole main area, up really nice!

 

[wish_upon_a_star35]

I always think it is hillarious to go back and look at the pictures. Courtney had the funniest look on her face in that one picture above. I asked her what she was thinking when they took that picture and she said she was thinking "I wonder if any of my friends are going to see this picture and laugh at me"

Anyway, on our way out we ran into statues of "Calvin and the Chickmumps" So of course we had to take pictures!

Once we left we set off for our Horse and Buggy Ride! Now Courtney is a HUGE horse fan! She actually attends a therapuetic summer camp where she grooms and rides horses every year. At the end of the summer they put on a BIG horse show and she has actually placed 1st in a few events! So she was very excited to do this because we had already figured that we would not be attending the horse ride later on during our trip.

We waited for about 15 minutes and then it was time to get on! We met up with another family that were waiting. I had a chance to talk to the dad the night before at orientation. He was telling me how his wife had this whole itinerary and he was sooo stressed about it lol. I told him that I had an itinerary as well, but honestly once you get there and start doing things...you end up going with the flow and following the moods and "temperaments" of the kids! I gave him a few of our pointers (most I got from this very board) His wife was so greatful for the tips and said that she realized today, what her daughter actually wanted to do more than anything she planned was to see Mickey and Minnies house and play at the pool at the village! Dad was definitely relieved and looked a lot less stressed!

While we were on our ride, we noticed a skywriter in the air

Now I won't bore you all with the many pictures that I tried really hard to take of this. It said Jesus Loves You, lol. I was really trying my best to capture it!

We finished up with the ride and went back to change for the pool! Nana was already waiting for us. So we did manage to get a few minutes of splash time in! Courtney made some friends and the kids loved it!

Please excuse the bumshot lol. Poor guy just couldn't keep his trunks on!

We had an awesome time at the pool! We ended up going back to our villa and ordering pizza. Chase was fast asleep before the food even came! He did wake up around 12:30 a.m. asking for some pizza though! He ate one slice, brushed his teeth and fell back to sleep.

It was an awesome "official" first day!

 

[wish_upon_a_star35]

Next update will be Day 2 of our Universal Days! We got hit with a TON of pixie dust on day 2, I was extremely greatful and the kids were VERY happy!

Well, hopefully I will be able to get back on tonight or tomorrow! The kids are begging for banana splits. I really want one bad however, I weighed in again this morning and I am down a total of 19 pounds!!! I think I'm just going to have a banana with some yogurt on mine nothing like a little weight loss to keep you on the right track!

 

[cantwaittoseemickey]

I am lovin this!! Your HP pics are awsome!Wow it is busy at Universal but so glad you all got a little pixie dust I love Chases "bum" shot! Too cute!!

 

[jessica52877]

I am LOVING your trip report! Thank you so much for writing one! It is so fun to be able to hear about your trip and see the kids faces! I so agree with you about the kids and never being too young to go to Disney! Dallas took his first trip at the ripe old age of 6 weeks! He really did enjoy every minute of it though.

Universal looks like it was alot of fun. I always enjoy Universal. The walk is a bit much, especially if you aren't aware! The 2nd day I am sure it seemed better. For some reason with the addition of city walk years ago it seems like the walk got further. I am sure it is my imagination. I also always a picture of where we park. So much easier to not even think about it the rest of the day then!

Can't wait for more updates. The character pictures were precious!! I love the one of Chase and Mickey up close and the one of him and Selah running.

 

[iheartpluto]

Everybody looks like they're having so much fun! It's beautiful! And the pictures (especially of the kids with the characters) are so pretty they made me tear up a bit... I love watching kids experience the magic, and the fact that it's a wish trip makes it even more special....

 

[cajunfan]

I am really enjoying your trip report! Especially all the pictures! You all look like you are havin a great trip so far!

Lynn

 

[yinyanggirls]

awesome first day!!! Your visit with Santa looks like it was fun. People definitely need to go early for that! I love that you guys went to the pool after Christmas.

 

[J'sMum]

The Pictures are sooo awesome i love the mickey one where she is waiting for signature oh my goodness so precious , and the one with water splashes caught in the air amazing and the santa one !!!! I love it you are a fantastic writer my daughter katelynn n I have been reading up a storm here , so happy to hear about the pixie dust ) and wowwwww are you making us excited to go

 

[wish_upon_a_star35]

I am lovin this!! Your HP pics are awsome!Wow it is busy at Universal but so glad you all got a little pixie dust I love Chases "bum" shot! Too cute!!

Universal was extremely busy but they treated is really great there! I was really very pleased and soo happy for the kids because they really enjoyed themselves!

I am LOVING your trip report! Thank you so much for writing one! It is so fun to be able to hear about your trip and see the kids faces! I so agree with you about the kids and never being too young to go to Disney! Dallas took his first trip at the ripe old age of 6 weeks! He really did enjoy every minute of it though.

Universal looks like it was alot of fun. I always enjoy Universal. The walk is a bit much, especially if you aren't aware! The 2nd day I am sure it seemed better. For some reason with the addition of city walk years ago it seems like the walk got further. I am sure it is my imagination. I also always a picture of where we park. So much easier to not even think about it the rest of the day then!

Can't wait for more updates. The character pictures were precious!! I love the one of Chase and Mickey up close and the one of him and Selah running.

I really wish we could have gone back in the evening because I bet citiwalk is so awesome at night! Plus we really wanted to go to the movies while we were there and Courtney was hoping to eat at Bob Marley's! I told her that's something to look forward to on our next trip!

Everybody looks like they're having so much fun! It's beautiful! And the pictures (especially of the kids with the characters) are so pretty they made me tear up a bit... I love watching kids experience the magic, and the fact that it's a wish trip makes it even more special....

Their laughter and smiles made all of the heat and long walks to the park worth it! I am so happy that they got a chance to experience this as little ones. I know they will appreciate it as older kids, but there is definitely something magical about the whole Disney experience for the little ones!

I am really enjoying your trip report! Especially all the pictures! You all look like you are havin a great trip so far!

Lynn

It was a totally awesome trip. I'm still suffering from the Post Disney Blues I can see why a lot of people make it their yearly family vacation!

awesome first day!!! Your visit with Santa looks like it was fun. People definitely need to go early for that! I love that you guys went to the pool after Christmas.

I was really glad that we got a chance to do Christmad AND the pool!!! That was a really good day for us!

The Pictures are sooo awesome i love the mickey one where she is waiting for signature oh my goodness so precious , and the one with water splashes caught in the air amazing and the santa one !!!! I love it you are a fantastic writer my daughter katelynn n I have been reading up a storm here , so happy to hear about the pixie dust ) and wowwwww are you making us excited to go

I really enjoy reading TR's too! I swear if it weren't for this board I don't think our trip would have been as awesome!

 

[wish_upon_a_star35]

Our Second Day at Uinversal began bright and early. I woke up again and headed out for my morning walk at 6 a.m. Once I got back we all dressed and ate breakfast at the Gingerbreat house.

This morning they had pictures with Curtious George and the Man with the yellow hat!!! I was so excited because I have always been a Curious George fan. When I was little I had a ton of books and I even had a life sized stuffed Curious George that I still had up until about 5 years ago!

I actually left my camera back at our villa so these are the shots that the wonderful people at GKTW took of us:

After we finished up with all the food and pictures I ran back to the villa, grabbed my camera and we were off to Universal! We decided that we would hit both sides today!

We took the long walk to the park and the first ride we rode was 1 fish 2 fish in Suessville. Everyone rode this time and we all got drenched! None of us complained because once again the heat was full force!

After that we made a beeline to WWOHP but we were stopped by a CM that was directing people a whole different way. We were so bummed that we were going to have to do even more walking but we cheered up and were on our way. Before we could even get close we noticed that we were actually in line!!! We were at least a 10 minute walk away from the entrance. I quickly found a TM and began my spiel. I asked her if there was anyway possible that we could please get inside!! She was AWESOME She got on her radio and made an announcement for someone to come and man her post, she had a wish family that she wanted to take inside of Hogsmeade!!!! She walked with us all the wayt into the entrance (a good 7 minute walk) and talked and laughed with us the whole way! She was really good with the kids she even held Selah's hand at one point and was asking her all kinds of great questions about her trip so far. Once we got inside of WWOHP she asked us what we wanted to do? Courtney wanted to ride the Dueling Dragons so she took us over to the ride and we met up with another TM. THer name was Courtney ( our Second Courtney of our trip! ) The first TM told us goodbye and wished us an awesome trip and told Courtney to take very good care of us and BOY did she ever!

Courtney took us inside of the ride and we talked about her job and how much she really likes working for Universal. She took us to the front of the line and stayed at the child swap area with my mom and the little ones! Me and Courtney rode the first part of the Dueling Dragons (it's a two part rollercoaster) we rode on the turquoise side. Let me just say that ride is awesome. I have to say I don't particularly care for rollercoasters. I ride them for Courtney and I don't complain because I know how much she loves them. But I say a silent prayer before I get on each and every one

After the ride was over we went back to the child swap area where Courtney and my family were and she asked me if I wanted to go on the other dragon? I let my mom go on (I think the other dragon coaster is orange) So this time Courtney stayed with me and the kids and she gave us more tips about navigating through Hogsmeade. After my mom and Courtney finished the ride TM Courtney walked us out and we thanked her quite a few times. She blushed (I'm sure we embarrassed her by our grattitude) and told us that it was her pleasure! How awesome was that. I know I teared up quite a bit. I just found it amazing that they took so much time with us to make sure that we had as good as an experience possible. We knew that we wouldn't get a chance to see inside of the stores because those lines were REALLY REALLY long and we couldn't use our button to get in. They knew that and both of the TM's were really sorry about that. I mentioned that there were going to be lots more wish families coming that would LOVE the experience and if there was anyway possible to get a message to their superiors we all would be so greatful. They agreed that it would help make a child's day and promised to pass on my message to their higher ups! (I am praying that some of you guys going after us will be able to get in the shops!)

After we rode the Dueling Dragons and the forbidden journey (again) we decided to slow down and soak up the scenery!

We all stopped to watch a show that was going on! It was the girls from Beaubaxtons and the guys from (oh wow I can't think of the name of the school!!! It's the one that Victor Krum goes to)

After the show as over they did have picture opportunities but Chase had enough of the show, the sun and the heat so we knew that we had to move on!!!

We walked around a little more and saw a Butterbeer and Pumpkin juice station!!! There was absolutely NO line!!! Thank God because we were all very hot and needed something cold to drink!

We tried both and we all agreed that they were delicious. We had frozen butterbeer. It was very creamy and reminded me of frozen, frothy butterscotch! A lot of people say it reminds them of cream soda. I hate cream soda so I'm glad that it didn't taste like that to me. As for the Pumpkin juice, it will remind you of apple cider with a pumpkin twist. I am a huge lover of apple cider (hot or cold) so this too was right up my alley!

Our next stop was a ride that we could all ride called the Flight of the Hippogrith (please forgive my spelling I'm just guessing at this)

Here is a picture of the ride and I'm afraid it's not a very good one lol:

The kids LOVED the ride and I am not ashamed to say that we actually rode it 4 times in a row The TM's were awesome and did not mind at all!!! They encouraged it since we couldn't get into any stores!!

(By the way...I think I just remembered the name of Victor Krum's school...I think it's Durmstrang) I know, I know....A grown peson should probably not be this into Harry Potter

After riding the same ride four times we figured we'd better make our way back over to the other side of Universal. We began our long journey back and stopped a few times to look at things, Courtney spent $35 on a sun visor that had her name airbrused. While I didn't think it was a wise purchase, it was her money and we were on a wish trip so I let her have at it!

We finally got to the other park and needed a break. There was a fountain area that had misty water spraying out so we made a beehive over to that area and had a seat!

 

[wish_upon_a_star35]

Once we cooled off for a bit we saw a family that wanted to take a group photo. They asked me if I would take the shot. They were all the way from London! I agreed happily and we ended up chatting for a bit. (I am a bit of a talker) We gathered up our things and were on our way when the girl of the family ran back with this huge beautiful Dolphin for Selah! (I think they may have thought she was the wish Child because Chase would not wear his button on this day) I thought that was a very nice gesture and that actually gave us a little bit of momentum. We were really dragging by this point. We decided to try and find a place to eat lunch. It's after two by this time!! We found an Irish Pub called Finegan's. The wait was about 20 minutes but hey it was inside and COOL!!!

The food was really good (or we were just starving ) My mom had Shephard's pie and root cellar veges (yummy) I had fish and chips and Courtney had the child's size fish and chips. I really wish I could have gotten the child's portion myself. I ended up giving Courtney some of mine. The kids each had their own grilled cheese meal. This was way too much food. I should have gotten them one meal and let them share. Selah is not a big eater and we normally just get her a plate and we each give her a piece of whatever we are having!

After our lunch we go outside to get some kind of game plan together and we see this kind of parade! We see these gorgeous egyptian hunks on Stilts. We were all mesmerized at how graceful they were and how chisled their bodies were (well at least me and my mom were salivating! ) when they came over to us! By this time Me, Chase and Selah had on MAW buttons so I'm wondering if they saw that? One of the stilted men came over to us and was really spending a lot of time with Selah and Chase. He didn't talk at all but he was definitely playing it up with them. Selah was so excited that she fell and scraped her hand! One of the stilted me swooped her right on up and kissed her boo boo!!! (a missed photo opportunity if there ever was one!!) It was really awesome!! She stopped crying right away and gave him the brightest smile ever!! Even Chase was clapping and happy about that!

(I'm going to stop here but that is not the end of our day!) Mothering duties are calling me. Chase and Selah are thirsty and Harry Potter and the Prizoner of Azkaban is on How appropriate!

I will be back later with the rest of our magical day!

 

[Lan]

I can't wait to hear more about your trip. Love the pictures!!!

 

[J'sMum]

I am so hooked on your TR and on the edge of my seat waiting for more !! Sounds like the trip so far was amazing !!!

 

[S'sMom]

I am now completely hooked. This was awesome so far, and I cant wait to read more . The children all looked so happy and that is what makes it that much better. Thanks so much for sharing.

 

[blessedmom4]

I am also hooked, Great start and wonderful photos of a GORGEOUS family, Mom and Grandmom included ! I am excited to read more, when you have time

 

[wish_upon_a_star35]

I can't wait to hear more about your trip. Love the pictures!!!

Thank you! I love taking pictures. I just wish I was better at it!

I am so hooked on your TR and on the edge of my seat waiting for more !! Sounds like the trip so far was amazing !!!

It was definitely an awesome trip! So much so that I am really thinking about planning another trip soon!

I am now completely hooked. This was awesome so far, and I cant wait to read more . The children all looked so happy and that is what makes it that much better. Thanks so much for sharing.

It was so nice to see them happy and having a great time. So often we get caught up in the day to day life that we just don't take the time out to enjoy life. I really, really enjoyed this trip and the kids did as well.

I am also hooked, Great start and wonderful photos of a GORGEOUS family, Mom and Grandmom included ! I am excited to read more, when you have time

Thank you very much! I have to admitt I felt my age several times during this trip. Someone else posted a picture of this young girls outfit on their trip report. It was basically a shirt I saw so much of that and young ladies wearing really high heeled shoes at the parks. For a quick second I thought how nice it must be to be able to "dress up" at the parks and not worry about getting peed on or slobbered on or ice cream spilled all over you. But when I thought about it harder....I wouldn't have it any other way I went to bed each night without any foot pain thanks to my old trusty and comfy Nike flip flops. Courtney laughed at me several times reminding me that they didn't quite match my outfits! I quickly told her that when you get older...comfort trumps cuteness!! I almost choked on those words...I couldn't believe they actually came out of my mouth!

So I have a sick child on my hands. Poor Chase started getting sick when we were in Florida. It seemed to be pretty minor at first. Just some allergy problems. He didn't do too bad this week. A little cough here and there. But today he spiked a fever, has been sleep for most of the day and has actually refused every meal. That is so unlike Chase because he is my "Garbage can man" we call him that because he normally eats EVERYTHING! So hopefully he will perk up tomorrow and I am praying that he doesn't start wheezing

Thank you guys for reading my little TR! It makes me feel good knowing people are reading