My first PTR - hopefully leading to my first Trip Report

[LovingDisny]

Hi everyone,

So, I am getting very close to my trip, 24 days... not that I'm counting or anything. I have used this site many times and learned many wonderful things that have helped me on my vacations. I don't post that often, but decided it was time to try my hand at writing a pre-trip report.

My family vacations usually consist of Myself, 45, DH, 46 , DS 18 and DS 10. We have been to Disney World 3 times as a family and love it there. We are not just lovers of Disney though, we love theme parks in general, thrill rides, shows and vacations that keep us busy being thrown upside down, eating great food and enjoying each others company. The whole family are Harry Potter fans, with DS 10 on book #3 as we speak. With all of that in mind, you can see why Universal Orlando has been calling to us to give it a try.

This summer we are doing just that! Our first trip to Universal We also have my parents traveling with us! Yay! Mom 69, and Dad 70 are excited to be joining us.

Here is a quick rundown of our plans:

Monday 6/6 - leaving the Texas heat for the Florida heat - checking into Royal Pacific Resort.

Staying at RPR for 2 nights and spending every moment of those 3 days that we can in IOA and US. We have a meal planned at Margaritaville and one planned at the Hard Rock Hotel - The Kitchen.

on 6/8 we are leaving Universal around 3:30 and heading to Disney until Friday 6/17.

My boys and I on our last trip.

DH and the boys

I'll be back to add a few details later.

 

[gtpoohbear]

Your family sounds a lot like mine! We'll be making our first trip (in 15 years) shortly after you. We love Disney and theme parks in general too. Can't wait to hear what you have planned, I may steal a few ideas, lol!

 

[Raeven]

It's so great to hear from another person who splits their stays between both parks! We went on our first trip last year and did 6 days at Disney, 6 at Universal, Discovery Cove, & other area attractions. I couldn't imagine going now and not doing both.

Since you're Harry Potter fans you'll love the Harry Potter sections the detail in them is amazing.

Can't wait to read more about your trip!

 

[schumigirl]

Yay.......another new trip report from a first timer to Universal!!!!

You`ll have a marvellous trip I`m sure........RPR is an amazing hotel......and you have picked a couple of lovely places to eat too......

I`m sure you and your family will adore Universal, Potter is spectacular.......

Looking forward to reading along with this one.........

 

[LovingDisny]

Your family sounds a lot like mine! We'll be making our first trip (in 15 years) shortly after you. We love Disney and theme parks in general too. Can't wait to hear what you have planned, I may steal a few ideas, lol!

Great! I love the planning stage, but now there really isn't much to do except wait. It's nice to find friends who are waiting "with me"

 

[LovingDisny]

Yay.......another new trip report from a first timer to Universal!!!!

You`ll have a marvellous trip I`m sure........RPR is an amazing hotel......and you have picked a couple of lovely places to eat too......

I`m sure you and your family will adore Universal, Potter is spectacular.......

Looking forward to reading along with this one.........

Hi Shumi! Thank you for reading along. As you know, the love you show RPR and the parks was a big factor in choosing to add Universal to our trip this year. I have no doubt it will be worth every penny! I know the Universal section of our trip will be a little short, but I plan to pack it with pictures and impressions from this first time family! I am learning about posting and adding pictures as I go, so feel free to send any pointers if it seems like I am not following protocol

 

[LovingDisny]

It's so great to hear from another person who splits their stays between both parks! We went on our first trip last year and did 6 days at Disney, 6 at Universal, Discovery Cove, & other area attractions. I couldn't imagine going now and not doing both.

Since you're Harry Potter fans you'll love the Harry Potter sections the detail in them is amazing.

Can't wait to read more about your trip!

oh Wow! you did pack a lot of fun into 12 days! Honestly, we haven't even left yet and I already feel like we are going to love Universal so much that all future trips will have to be split. Most likely making it a little more even. I kept thinking we may get lucky and that Hulk would be up and running again, and that Kong would be ready. Looks like those two things are probably not going to happen, but hey gives us even more reasons to go back. Yes, we are all very excited about the Harry Potter sections. Honestly, that is my mothers main motivation for going.. she LOVES all things Potter!

 

[Raeven]

oh Wow! you did pack a lot of fun into 12 days! Honestly, we haven't even left yet and I already feel like we are going to love Universal so much that all future trips will have to be split. Most likely making it a little more even. I kept thinking we may get lucky and that Hulk would be up and running again, and that Kong would be ready. Looks like those two things are probably not going to happen, but hey gives us even more reasons to go back. Yes, we are all very excited about the Harry Potter sections. Honestly, that is my mothers main motivation for going.. she LOVES all things Potter!

A little too much we had to slow down a little towards the end I told my boyfriend he's supposed to tell me when I try to fit too much into one day but I think he was just as excited.

Next year their opening the new waterpark Volcano Bay too! (I love coming up with reasons why we have to go back)

 

[LovingDisny]

Ok, Time for an Update. First, it is very nice to have y'all following along. Spell check is definitely not a Texas program, because I had to add y'all to the dictionary. But I am a Texas girl and while I have tried to eliminate that from my vocabulary, it just isn't going anywhere.

Ok - so on to our plans!

Leading up to departure day, we are having a graduation dinner for my Son at Pappadeux's seafood kitchen. it is his favorite place to eat. So, dinner on Saturday evening, High school graduation on Sunday, leaving Monday morning... I am a little tired, choked up and excited just typing it all.

Day one we leave Texas at 7:00am, quick layover, then landing at MCO at 12:25pm... We are going to have to get up super early , but I like getting the most out of day 1! Hubby doesn't sleep the night before anyway as he is a last minute packer. He is usually laying things out on our bed at midnight, working around my sleeping frame.
The day we leave for Florida is the ONE day of the year that I can get both boys out of bed with zero trouble at all.

We booked everything through Universal (I see that a lot of people use other company's, so I will be looking into that more for next trip) So we are using the Super Star shuttle to get from MCO to RPR... I haven't seen a lot of reviews on taking the shuttle, so I will be sure to let everyone here know how it goes.

I am hoping to be checked in to Royal Pacific by 2:30 at the latest. I have watched several videos and looked at countless pictures of the resort, but I know I will still be blown away when we actually get there! Is it just me, or do even the best pictures not do any of the Florida resorts and attractions justice?

I made our Mythos reservation for 4:00pm and I'm sure everyone will be very hungry by then. After lunch, I want to take a relaxing walk around islands of Adventure, soaking it all in and catching a few rides that we can use our express pass for. I love that Mom and Dad will be able to walk through the queue with us and then just wait for us to finish the ride.

I am not sure if our excitement will override how tired we will be in late evening, but if excitement wins we may enjoy the pool at RPR or hit some of the water rides before turning in for the night.

Day Two plans coming soon

oh, by the way; Am I the only one who randomly opens my universal App while I'm at work to check the wait time on Forbidden Journey and other rides? Please tell me I am not, my husband already thinks I'm crazy.

Another picture from a past trip. I love this one. Mom and Dad from 2010. They only spent two days at Disney World so they didn't really get to do very much. I am really looking forward to giving them a wonderful long trip!

 

[Raeven]

Ok, Time for an Update. First, it is very nice to have y'all following along. Spell check is definitely not a Texas program, because I had to add y'all to the dictionary. But I am a Texas girl and while I have tried to eliminate that from my vocabulary, it just isn't going anywhere.

Ok - so on to our plans!

Leading up to departure day, we are having a graduation dinner for my Son at Pappadeux's seafood kitchen. it is his favorite place to eat. So, dinner on Saturday evening, High school graduation on Sunday, leaving Monday morning... I am a little tired, choked up and excited just typing it all.

Day one we leave Texas at 7:00am, quick layover, then landing at MCO at 12:25pm... We are going to have to get up super early , but I like getting the most out of day 1! Hubby doesn't sleep the night before anyway as he is a last minute packer. He is usually laying things out on our bed at midnight, working around my sleeping frame.
The day we leave for Florida is the ONE day of the year that I can get both boys out of bed with zero trouble at all.

We booked everything through Universal (I see that a lot of people use other company's, so I will be looking into that more for next trip) So we are using the Super Star shuttle to get from MCO to RPR... I haven't seen a lot of reviews on taking the shuttle, so I will be sure to let everyone here know how it goes.

I am hoping to be checked in to Royal Pacific by 2:30 at the latest. I have watched several videos and looked at countless pictures of the resort, but I know I will still be blown away when we actually get there! Is it just me, or do even the best pictures not do any of the Florida resorts and attractions justice?

I made our Mythos reservation for 4:00pm and I'm sure everyone will be very hungry by then. After lunch, I want to take a relaxing walk around islands of Adventure, soaking it all in and catching a few rides that we can use our express pass for. I love that Mom and Dad will be able to walk through the queue with us and then just wait for us to finish the ride.

I am not sure if our excitement will override how tired we will be in late evening, but if excitement wins we may enjoy the pool at RPR or hit some of the water rides before turning in for the night.

Day Two plans coming soon

oh, by the way; Am I the only one who randomly opens my universal App while I'm at work to check the wait time on Forbidden Journey and other rides? Please tell me I am not, my husband already thinks I'm crazy.

Another picture from a past trip. I love this one. Mom and Dad from 2010. They only spent two days at Disney World so they didn't really get to do very much. I am really looking forward to giving them a wonderful long trip!

We took a taxi last time between Universal and the airport and didn't think it was too bad but that was on the way back. We did Magical Express on the way there.

I've never been to Royal Pacific, but I bet it's cool. One day I want to have stayed at all the Universal hotels they each look so awesome. We've only stayed at Cabana Bay but we loved it!

Mythos is so delicious

I check the apps sometimes too before a trip, and my account on touringplans because it shows estimated ride wait times

 

[LovingDisny]

A little too much we had to slow down a little towards the end I told my boyfriend he's supposed to tell me when I try to fit too much into one day but I think he was just as excited.

Next year their opening the new waterpark Volcano Bay too! (I love coming up with reasons why we have to go back)

LOL.. I understand the feeling. Hubby would never say we have too much planned. Even on our resort day, he manages to get us over to Epcot for bite to eat. Our friends who like to vacation in Mexico laying on the beach for 5 days keep trying to talk us into that. I appreciate that they love that kind of vacation, but it is just not us. We may take a day or two to sleep in, and an afternoon or two at the pool, but we would be very bored on a beach vacation. To each his own vacation happiness though

 

[LovingDisny]

We took a taxi last time between Universal and the airport and didn't think it was too bad but that was on the way back. We did Magical Express on the way there.

I've never been to Royal Pacific, but I bet it's cool. One day I want to have stayed at all the Universal hotels they each look so awesome. We've only stayed at Cabana Bay but we loved it!

Mythos is so delicious

I check the apps sometimes too before a trip, and my account on touringplans because it shows estimated ride wait times

I think it would be great to stay all of the resorts. We may not have enough time on this trip to check them all out. Cabana Bay looks really fun. I choose Royal Pacific, well, one because Shumigirl made me fall in love with it, but also because I thought with only 3 days we would get much more in with express pass. Thank you for letting me know you check the apps too.. I feel much better now. I love my touringplans account also, lots of good info there.

I'm looking forward to Mythos, I think my boys will really love the atmosphere.

The shuttle was included in our package and the cost really wasn't that much. I booked Mears to take us all from Universal to Disney. There are 6 of us, so I needed something big enough for all of us. I will let you know how that goes.

 

[Raeven]

I know I don't understand people who take beach vacations! Everybody likes different things and I guess some people find that fun, but I have to be doing something on vacation. I know a lot of people think that defeats the purpose of a vacation, but I have enough time to be lazy at home, and as much as I love warm weather I can't just sit on a beach (I would come out looking like a lobster if I did).

Express pass does make sense. We went at a really slow time of year, and found we didn't need it last time we went, but I do think the hotels with express pass are a good deal. In December we'll be staying at the new Sapphire Falls, and Portofino Bay, maybe one day we'll do RPR too. Yeah, a taxi doesn't really make sense for that many people either, there's just two of us so we found that to be an easy way to get back to the airport.

 

[Portugal1000]

Reading along.

Went to Mythos for first time last year despite it being our 12th Orlando visit! We loved it, despite having to take an unscheduled trip to first aid right beforehand. First time we ever had to go to first aid at any park, I got sun cream in my eye. Wow, who knew that could be so painful. Anyway, it was such a relief to be somewhere lovely and cool after that and the food was great. We just had burgers and it really wasn't that much more expensive than counter service. Definitely going back this year. We will be at PBH just for one night in the middle of our three week trip but will have 4 separate days at Universal spread over that time. We absolutely love it there. You will have so much fun.

 

[LovingDisny]

Reading along.

Went to Mythos for first time last year despite it being our 12th Orlando visit! We loved it, despite having to take an unscheduled trip to first aid right beforehand. First time we ever had to go to first aid at any park, I got sun cream in my eye. Wow, who knew that could be so painful. Anyway, it was such a relief to be somewhere lovely and cool after that and the food was great. We just had burgers and it really wasn't that much more expensive than counter service. Definitely going back this year. We will be at PBH just for one night in the middle of our three week trip but will have 4 separate days at Universal spread over that time. We absolutely love it there. You will have so much fun.

Hi, glad to have you reading along. I appreciate the Mythos review. We are really looking forward to it. so sorry you had to go to first aid, that does sound painful!

 

[Kivara]

Reading along and loving it so far! We love RP and never stay anywhere else. And I'm with you on beach vacations, to each their own, but not for me

 

[cam757]

Joining in on your PT report and looking forward to your TR. You will love RPR. A lounge chair by Bula Bar is our favorite spot at the resort. We are heading down in August. Have never tried Mythos but definitely want to put it on our agenda this summer. We love the beach, specifically Hatteras, NC. We usually alternate each summer between the beach and Orlando but may try to sneak APs in this trip so we have an excuse to get back to Orlando next year.

You have a lovely family. I am looking forward to reading along!

 

[LovingDisny]

Reading along and loving it so far! We love RP and never stay anywhere else. And I'm with you on beach vacations, to each their own, but not for me

Hi! glad to have you. I should have another update to our plans later today

 

[LovingDisny]

Joining in on your PT report and looking forward to your TR. You will love RPR. A lounge chair by Bula Bar is our favorite spot at the resort. We are heading down in August. Have never tried Mythos but definitely want to put it on our agenda this summer. We love the beach, specifically Hatteras, NC. We usually alternate each summer between the beach and Orlando but may try to sneak APs in this trip so we have an excuse to get back to Orlando next year.

You have a lovely family. I am looking forward to reading along!

Thank you for the sweet comment! AP's sound awesome, and I will gladly give you a virtual high five as you head to the beach to relax .
We could go more often if we took shorter trips, but so far , we don't mind waiting a few years in between so we can stay longer. That may change at some point, but for now it works. I certainly look out for the chairs by Bula Bar for a relaxing place to enjoy an adult beverage. Thank you for the tip!

 

[tortilla24]

Your plans sound fun - I'm excited to be reading along. We arrive at RPR June 13th so we'll miss you but who knows - maybe I'll run into you at the Magic Kingdom on the 14th lol

I'm also traveling with 2 boys (14 and 9 years old) but they've never been to Florida, let alone Orlando.

As for vacation types, I like ALL the vacations. I can do outdoorsy, beach, Eurotrip sightseeing, countless museums, theme parks... I basically don't discriminate on vacation type But as a kid, theme parks always brought butterflies to my stomach at the gates (yes, even a Six Flags did it to me)... I can only imagine what this first trip to Orlando in 10 years will do to me. I already check the Dis daily