Nothing Can Stop Us Now! The End! Well almost, quick recap of Jan 22 trip! Update on April trip 4/21*

[Paulaparm]

So glad you had a great trip despite your injury...hope it's much better by now!
'Ohana was going to be top on my list to try to get but now I'm not so sure. I want the old way

 

[schumigirl]

You did so well despite having a very bad foot! I`m amazed at how much you did manage to achieve, and all with a smile too.

You also did so many things at Universal we love.....especially Jake`s.....always have the best experiences there. And yes, you were a good mum for introducing your kids to Jaws....it should be the law to watch it.


Never tried Red Oven pizza and even though we don`t like Mexican food and wouldn`t eat there, I`m tempted by the Pineapple jalapeno margarita....love them.....

I`m sorry your foot gave you some issues, but overall your trip was fabulous and I`ve so enjoyed reading along.

Looking forward to seeing your plans for your upcoming trip and how we are in the parks at the same time so we can say a big hello finally.......Thank you for a lovely report......

 

[StarWarsMomofGirls!]

good. I love her Fancy ride and fiddle faddle terms

I said that I Fiddle Faddle my way to Gwen's Covid shot appointment! Ha!

I just don’t understand why bringing dipping sauce to the table is forbidden now ugh!

I know! But honestly it is probably a man power issue. Someone was saying how having the noodles basically equals one additional person who mans the noodle station all night. It's probably the same for making massive amounts of a sauce.

I still love the walking path even if I can’t walk on it!”

I love this quote.

She was able to ride Velocicoaster twice this morning, she was loving it!

I can't wait to try this in April!

Andi dropped me off at the boat launch and she walked backed with the w/c.

Man Andi was a trooper!

picked up 4 donuts from Vodoo for our snacking pleasure.

Def want to try these!

a pineapple jalapeño margarita. She really liked hers.

Is this the jalapeno Margarita? I love that there is a popsicle in it!

I finally watched the series about 3 months ago and wow, I had no idea it was so good and bizarre at the same time. Anyone else have a big love/hate relationship with Fred and Nick! I sure did. The actors are so good! Who knew Ralph Fiennes brother was such a good actor!

Love the show! Bizarre yet glimses at what could happen! The season when they show how it evolved is a little too eary.

I’m not going to lie or sugar coat it, this did put a damper on my trip.

Sorry that it wasn't exactly what you wanted it to be. But at least you know you have more trips to come! How is your foot / ankle doing now?

 

[disneyAndi14]

So glad to get all caught up on this trip report before you start your next one ( I swear I’m only slightly green with jealousy). It’s been such a long time since we have been to universal. We always mean to visit because there’s so much I love about it but then by the time we buy the Disney tickets we end up questioning if we really need to spend more cash on another park and my youngest never got into HP (how did I birth this child ) so we end up not going. Your report makes me want to visit though. Maybe I’ll lure them in with photos of Voodoo donuts
Glad you got so much done with minimal waits. Andi is certainly more adventurous than me with those coasters- I’d be in Starbucks with you chatting.
I can see how your ankle really slowed you down and out a damper on things and I’m glad you’re on the mend so hope by December you’ll be back on top form. Getting older definitely leads to more aches and creaks. My son tells me I make “old people noises” getting up from the floor when I’m playing with my grandkids. He’s right- I do . Still I’m glad I’m officially too old to die young and hope to still be saying that for at least a couple more decades

Thanks so much for following along. I am really excited to see Christmas at Disney! The AP at Universal is really affordable and we are making use of it this year. The AP discounts at the resorts are really good too. My kids loved HP movies but really never got into the books. I loved the books very much.
Vodoo donuts should entice them over to the dark side
I hear you about the aches and pains, ugh. My ankle is about 90% better, hoping it stays that way and gets even better for our December trip.
I can’t sit on the floor much anymore, kills my back. I have to wrap presents up on our island now.
I like your thinking about being to old now to die young!
Stay tuned for pre trip updates, coming soon

 

[disneyAndi14]

How is your ankle doing now?

It is so much better, not quite 100% but getting there, thank you so much for asking. It was a peroneal tendon injury and this can last 3 months ugh!

 

[disneyAndi14]

Always the worst. At least you got to temper it a day with a Uni day before heading home.

It is always sad to leave Disney, yes Universal is always fun to add on. We will be doing it again this next trip.

Bye mom! <

yes she was tired of waiting on her mom, lol

Glad that wasn't a pain. In the ankle or otherwise.

Good one, it was quick and easy to pick it up.

Twice! Nice.
I haven't seen it yet. Before my time.

It looks so scary to me. i guess it is very smooth and Andi loves it

Caroline puts her foot down. (Gently... because of the ankle. But down.)

I sure did. andi has a way of talking me out things she really isn’t interested in and I did out my foot, figuratively of course!

The earliest book I can remember.

I loved Dr, Seuss books and I also read the same books to my kids over and over, haha

Wow that looks good. I'm going to have to remember this place.

I highly recommend Red Brick oven the pizzas a very good!

Wait... there's an AP lounge???? Is this new? I didn't know about this!

Yes and you get free soda and treats. It is along the street by the horror makeup show, next to several shops.

She really shouldn't stand so close, you know. Just in case.

I know, “What type of shark, tiger shark, a what?” A little quote for you!

Really!
I remember when I first saw it (in a theatre of course.)

i was so afraid after the movie, I couldn’t sleep,

Did not know this about you. I'm going to brush up on my Jaws-lore if we ever meet.

yes you will have to, “Because I can do anything I am Chief of Police”

Holy decadent, Batman!

did you notice i had eaten the head of the Vodoo doll before the pictures. I couldn’t wait

Love it when that happens. Avoid the rain and get to relax in a (covered) area.

We really lucked out, it starting pouring rain soon as we arrived

Ugh. Yeah, I don't need some random stranger with his butt against my table while I'm trying to eat.

I know, it was a little annoying people huddling by our table.

Well, poop. I love a good chimi.

I do as well, this one had to much going on in my opinion

wish I'd known about that the last time I drove through there.
As you can imagine, I don't get to Duluth very often. Like... once.

Maybe I need a return visit

If you make one of your road trips again let me know, we can have a Dis meet at Azteca, such delicious food!

With her EP, I presume?

she had it but I don’t think she even needed it that morning it was low crowds

don't think I know this? Talking water fountain? Maybe I've been too intent on getting to the rides

Not far from Mythos and the Poseidon attraction. He talks intermittently and is quite funny, check it out next time.

Not bad! I didn't know they had a virtual queue for Hagrids.

yes, they don’t always use it and you have to go out on the web it isn’t on the app.

mmm... possibly the best comfort food ever?

i agree and this soup was amazing, the flavor was so good.

Oh? I just re-watched the trailer and it looked pretty good. Never did see it, though.

It was decent, not my favorite but still good.

Unless... I picked up my sister the other day and her flight was 15 minutes early... and there wasn't an available gate so they sat on the ramp for 20 minutes.

ugh, this has happened to us in Minneapolis and we have had to wait longer than our actual landing time to get to a gate.

That's just wayyyyy too many for me.
Only way I'm staying at more than one is if I can't find rooms at one resort for the entire trip. Or (like you) I'm spending time at Uni too.

It was to much, despite the no housekeeping at the resorts, i won’t do that again!

Would you do it again?

Only if it is the actual MNSSHP then I would

Really! Surprising!

I think the skyliner and low crowds had a lot to do with HS being a favorite

Thanks so much for bringing us along on your trip!

You are welcome and thank you for reading and commenting, it is really nice talking with everyone!

 

[disneyAndi14]

Thanks as always for sharing your fabulous mother/daughter experiences. I'm sure it was difficult with your ankle problems, but you've clearly got a great daughter to wheel you around.

Thanks for always joining in and commenting, I really enjoy it! It was hard with the bad ankle but we still did hav fun.

4 resorts is definitely a lot but clearly not your choice. We've done a split stay a couple of times (but only 2 resorts) and while its nice to try different places I don't like that you never feel truly settled.

4 resorts is way to much! I would have gladly stayed at Riviera the whole time. Andi really liked it there as well!

Can't wait to hear about your December plans so we can hopefully find some time to catch up.

yes, coming up soon, I’m hoping we can meet up!

How much were you paying for Lyfts to or from WDW?

We paid under $30 to get over to Universal. I really like the convenience of Lyft and I have never found it very expensive

think I"m way to chicken to try this one.

Andi says it is very smooth, still can’t convince me

LOL!! Odd how we adjust our goals as we get older.

I know. I love Jurassic Park, the book was amazing and the first movie was one of my favorites so yes I wanted to see Blue! Dinosaur all the way, just like at AK, haha

Looking at places to eat at Uni... putting this on the list of possibilities.

It is very good and lots of outdoor seating

LOVE a good marg!!

This was the best margarita I have ever had, yum!!

WAIT!! Hold the phone! That's a POPSCILE in there?!

yes a pineapple one it complimented the jalapeño margarita

I didn't know there was a virtual queue! How does this work? I need to do some research!

You have to go out on the web to a separate area, not on the app, which is weird. There are directions on the app to follow!

YES, for sure. I LOVE that ride.

It is thrilling and themed so well

Another one to look into!

Jake’s is a solid choice at Royal Pacific

I was a little too, but it's really so easy. Hopefully if you have to go again, you will try one.

I will use an ECV if I ever had this type of problem again, i sure hope not

Yep, my trip last April!

I remember you keeping it real and talking about it. i know what you mean now!

 

[disneyAndi14]

So glad you had a great trip despite your injury...hope it's much better by now!
'Ohana was going to be top on my list to try to get but now I'm not so sure. I want the old way

Thank you so much! I would say it is 90% better now. Ohana’s was not what I remembered at all. I hope it gets better. I would wait until the old way comes back.

 

[disneyAndi14]

You did so well despite having a very bad foot! I`m amazed at how much you did manage to achieve, and all with a smile too.

Thank you Carole! The low crowds and wonderful weather sure helped!

You also did so many things at Universal we love.....especially Jake`s.....always have the best experiences there. And yes, you were a good mum for introducing your kids to Jaws....it should be the law to watch it.

Jake’s is a definite must for us now. The food is very good and such a nice chill vibe in there.
Jaws is such a classic thriller and has sure lasted for many generations of fans! Jack and Andi both love it.

Never tried Red Oven pizza and even though we don`t like Mexican food and wouldn`t eat there, I`m tempted by the Pineapple jalapeno margarita....love them.

The pizza from Red Brick oven was very good and the outdoor seating area is so nice. The margaritas at Antojitos were the best we had so far!

I`m sorry your foot gave you some issues, but overall your trip was fabulous and I`ve so enjoyed reading along.

It was a bummer mainly because we hustle and this did make it so much more difficult, not to mention the pain I had, ugh It was so nice of Andi to push me around. Thanks for reading and commenting, so nice!

Looking forward to seeing your plans for your upcoming trip and how we are in the parks at the same time so we can say a big hello finally.......Thank you

I sure hope so, would love to say hello!

I said that I Fiddle Faddle my way to Gwen's Covid shot appointment! Ha!

I love the way she explains everything. i have learned so much about Genie+ watching her videos. I’m glad you got an appointment for Gwen, yay!

I know! But honestly it is probably a man power issue. Someone was saying how having the noodles basically equals one additional person who mans the noodle station all night. It's probably the same for making massive amounts of a sauce.

I’m sure it is. I can’t believe how many people are still laid off at Disney. It just seems like they do cut more corners now since the pandemic

love this quote.

It was so true! I love the walking paths at Universal

I can't wait to try this in April!

Andi loves it and will highly recommend this coaster

Man Andi was a trooper!

She really was. I’m sure it was difficult pushing me all the time

Def want to try these!

I highly recommend the donuts at Vodoo, very delicious

Is this the jalapeno Margarita? I love that there is a popsicle in it!

yes and the popsicle was pineapple

Love the show! Bizarre yet glimses at what could happen! The season when they show how it evolved is a little too eary.

Exactly what I thought, it was eerily close to our current situation yikes

Sorry that it wasn't exactly what you wanted it to be. But at least you know you have more trips to come! How is your foot / ankle doing now?

My ankle i much better and I hope it stays this way since we have a trip coming up in a little over 2 weeks!

 

[pkondz]

It is always sad to leave Disney, yes Universal is always fun to add on. We will be doing it again this next trip.

Nice!

It looks so scary to me. i guess it is very smooth and Andi loves it

I'll have to give it a whirl if/when I get back there.

I highly recommend Red Brick oven the pizzas a very good!

Thanks for the tip.

Yes and you get free soda and treats. It is along the street by the horror makeup show, next to several shops.

How did I not know about this?!?!?!?

I know, “What type of shark, tiger shark, a what?” A little quote for you!

A whaaaaat?
Well, it ain't Bruce.

i was so afraid after the movie, I couldn’t sleep,

Made going in the water... problematic!

yes you will have to, “Because I can do anything I am Chief of Police”

Okay! Okay!

did you notice i had eaten the head of the Vodoo doll before the pictures. I couldn’t wait

No I hadn't!

If you make one of your road trips again let me know, we can have a Dis meet at Azteca, such delicious food!

I just did one... but since the border was closed (at the time), I had to drive north of Lake Superior.

she had it but I don’t think she even needed it that morning it was low crowds

Whoa.

Not far from Mythos and the Poseidon attraction. He talks intermittently and is quite funny, check it out next time.

Well, I'll be. I had no idea.

yes, they don’t always use it and you have to go out on the web it isn’t on the app.

Huh. Again... had no idea. Then again, Hagrid's is before my time too.

Only if it is the actual MNSSHP then I would

Ah. I had a feeling you might say that.

 

[suse66]

I finally watched the series about 3 months ago and wow, I had no idea it was so good and bizarre at the same time. Anyone else have a big love/hate relationship with Fred and Nick! I sure did. The actors are so good! Who knew Ralph Fiennes brother was such a good actor! Praise Be, lol

Have you watched all 4 seasons? Margaret Atwood is a wonderful writer and has a new book out that continues the Handmaids story. It is called "The Testaments". I am more team Nick. Fred is just so creepy!

M y sister picked us up and we got our cars from her house and headed on our way home. Andi back to Eau Claire and myself to Duluth. I was home by 10pm with a throbbing ankle!

Your poor ankle! Question for you.....do you have high arches? I was just diagnosed with tendonitis in my right foot and have an unstable ankle joint. I started shockwave therapy and am considering orthotics. Hope you get some relief soon!

Overall, it was difficult for me. I am a fast walker and normally can walk for miles at WDW and never get sore so this SUCKED! I’m not going to lie or sugar coat it, this did put a damper on my trip.

I am so sorry you were experiencing so much pain.

We stayed at 4 resorts which I wouldn’t recommend either. I would have gladly just stayed at CR instead of moving, but the resort staff was not having it once we told them about the bathtub floor. The more I think about it, I should have definitely asked for an upgrade to GF, lol. I wasn’t thinking at the time. We loved Riviera and I would have loved to just stay there the whole time. Gran Destino was a nice choice and we do love staying here. The rooms are so nice! Royal Pacific was great for the 1 night. We did get our request for a high floor at Riviera, Destino, and RP.

4 resorts is a lot! We did 3 in August and it was too much for sure.

Jaleo was our favorite meal, Ohana our least. All the others very good! Loved Topolinos! The Boo Bash was fun and I was glad we checked it out even though it wasn’t MNSSHP!

I cannot wait to check out Jaleo in March!

Do I dare say our favorite park this trip was DHS. It was so convenient using the Skyliner from Riviera and when this park has low crowds, you can get so many things done!

Nice! DHS is great when it is not crowded.

Stay tuned for some PTR plans for our December trip. I believe I have changed resorts at least 4 times now, lol

Can't wait to hear all about it!

 

[vamassey1]

Once the EP was in Andi’s hand she takes off to do Velocicoaster.

She's braver than me. My DD just rode this for the first time Friday. She jumped right back in line for a second go.

I have been wanting to meet Blue and the last 2 visits it didn’t work out. This was my main goal for today! Lofty goals for an ankle injured middle aged woman haha . Andi was skeptical and said the line looks too long! I told her I am waiting no matter what! Well, let me tell you, this was so much fun and the wait was minimal. The TM took a ton of pictures with my camera. I loved meeting Blue and she is feisty.

This sounds so fun. Good for you for insisting.

We sat outside and ordered a pizza with mushrooms, onions, tomatoes, and basil. This was very good.

Looks and sound delicious.

I also stopped and picked up 4 donuts from Vodoo for our snacking pleasure.

YUM!

I will say Jake’s is a solid lunch option!

Good to know.

I finally watched the series about 3 months ago and wow, I had no idea it was so good and bizarre at the same time.

I haven't watched this yet but it's on my list.

Thank you for sharing your trip even with the good and the bad. I hope your next trip is much better.

 

[amazingact21]

Sounded like your Universal days were really nice.
I can imagine the trip wasn't quite what you expected it to be, with the injured ankle and requiring a w/c, but it looks like you two still had a fabulous time and enjoyed a lot of low crowd park touring! And now you're almost to Disney during the holidays! One of the best times to be on WDW property, in my opinion.

 

[buzzrelly]

The wc had to be returned to Islands by closing so Andi brought the w/c back to Islands and I slowly walked backed to the resort. No boats running with the rain. The walk was a killer on my bad ankle. My lovely walking path wasn’t feeling so lovely tonight, ugh!

Oh my goodness, I really don't even know how you did that That is quite the walk on a bum ankle!

We limped over to Hagrid’s and had our virtual pass scanned and got in the line. This was easy to use! We waited about 20 minutes total and had a wonderful ride. I was still a little nervous on the ride but actually liked it better than the first time. Wow, such a fun ride and so unique. I was very glad we did this.

I love that Hagrid's. I'd love to take my kids back to UO specifically to ride it!

Who knew Ralph Fiennes brother was such a good actor!

Ummmm….HELLO!! ME!! I've loved him ever sine Shakespeare in Love! That is one of my all time favorite movies nd if you haven't watched it, you MUST do so now! Like right now!

Also, I couldn't even make it through season 1 of The Handmaid's Tale…it was too depressing to watch. I read the book so I already know what's going to happen but watching it was just too gloomy and somber.

I should have done an ECV, I just was nervous about driving it.

Yes, you should have! If my MOM can drive one, then anyone can!

Overall, it was difficult for me. I am a fast walker and normally can walk for miles at WDW and never get sore so this SUCKED! I’m not going to lie or sugar coat it, this did put a damper on my trip.

I'm so sorry. I know how it feels to have a less that healthy trip. I hope you're on the mend?

 

[disneyAndi14]

I just did one... but since the border was closed (at the time), I had to drive north of Lake Superior.

I love touring around Lake Superior, such a beautiful lake, today it is really windy and the waves are amazing

Ah. I had a feeling you might say that.

Yes, one and done of the after hours Boo Bash, however if MNSSHP is back next fall I may do that!

Have you watched all 4 seasons? Margaret Atwood is a wonderful writer and has a new book out that continues the Handmaids story. It is called "The Testaments". I am more team Nick. Fred is just so creepy!

I have. The acting is so good! Fred certainly was creepy but you could see his conflicting behavior so well. Nick as well, however, he is much easier to like. I love books and never even knew about this series!

Your poor ankle! Question for you.....do you have high arches? I was just diagnosed with tendonitis in my right foot and have an unstable ankle joint. I started shockwave therapy and am considering orthotics. Hope you get some relief soon!

I do, I have custom orthotics from my podiatrist and I am trying to wear all the time now. I had a peroneal tendinitis this is the tendon that is directly below your ankle and wraps around to the foot. It sure stinks to have this or any tendon injury. Tendons take so much longer to heal than muscles

I am so sorry you were experiencing so much pain.

It really was bad especially on the trip, of course, Murphy’s law!

4 resorts is a lot! We did 3 in August and it was too much for sure.

Yes it was to much, I will clean my own room I guess rather than moving that many times, lol

I cannot wait to check out Jaleo in March!

You will love it!

Nice! DHS is great when it is not crowded.

It really is. We use to love the park years ago, we enjoyed the backlot tour and of course the GMR

Can't wait to hear all about it!

2 weeks from today and We will be arriving in Orlando!

 

[pkondz]

I love touring around Lake Superior, such a beautiful lake, today it is really windy and the waves are amazing

It really is spectacular, isn't it?

Yes, one and done of the after hours Boo Bash, however if MNSSHP is back next fall I may do that!

I won't in 2022, but... after that? I sure hope so!

 

[suse66]

I do, I have custom orthotics from my podiatrist and I am trying to wear all the time now. I had a peroneal tendinitis this is the tendon that is directly below your ankle and wraps around to the foot. It sure stinks to have this or any tendon injury. Tendons take so much longer to heal than muscles

That’s exactly what I have! It is so annoying!

 

[disneyAndi14]

That’s exactly what I have! It is so annoying!

Oh no it is awful! How are you doing? I’m sorry you have to deal with this. My came out of nowhere!

 

[disneyAndi14]

She's braver than me. My DD just rode this for the first time Friday. She jumped right back in line for a second go.

You and me both! Andi just loves it! Hagrid’s is as thrilling of a ride that I can handle.

This sounds so fun. Good for you for insisting.

I was glad I did. Andi has a subtle way of steering me away from things I want to do, not this time! She actually loved it

Looks and sound delicious.

Very solid quick service choice!

Good to know.

I highly recommend Jakes!

I haven't watched this yet but it's on my list.

Thank you for sharing your trip even with the good and the bad. I hope your next trip is much better.

Once you start watching it is a rabbit hole you can’t get out of!
Thanks so much for joining in, so nice to have you here!

 

[disneyAndi14]

Sounded like your Universal days were really nice.
I can imagine the trip wasn't quite what you expected it to be, with the injured ankle and requiring a w/c, but it looks like you two still had a fabulous time and enjoyed a lot of low crowd park touring! And now you're almost to Disney during the holidays! One of the best times to be on WDW property, in my opinion.

The ankle did make touring very difficult but I am glad we went especially with the low crowds. I’m sure we won’t see that again for awhile!
I’m excited for Christmas at both Universal and WDW!
We haven’t been at this time of year since 2017.
Thanks for joining in and commenting.