Oh, The Places We’ll Go! From the “stars” to the “sea”: Universal, SeaWorld & beyond - Spring 2016

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Excited to see how the mini golf is. We're thinking about adding the dine & golf but will wait until we are there to make sure we want to do the mini golf. Also still waiting for the eat to the beat concert lineup for the week we are there so an extra few hours at epcot after a day at universal may be done. Margaritaville looks fun, and will be our choice for dinner too.

Mini golf at CityWalk is well themed and really family friendly. Not to challenging at all (good news for less-than-talented golfers like moi! ) That entry is coming right up!

Okay the $250 giant minion... Who even spends that kind of money on such a thing?

I am debating if we should do the dine and golf. It already seems like a great deal. I think my crew will be too dang exhausted for mini golf with such a busy trip though

I certainly didn't see any of those minions flying off the shelves . Not only is the cost prohibitive, how the heck would most folks get it home?

Mini golf, for us, was a good choice for a day that we didn't spend hours mogging around the theme parks. There are only so many miles one can put on the legs, so we like including golf on days where we're not walking from attraction to attraction from sun-up to sun-down. A sign, perhaps, that we are getting older?

Well sounds like you have amazing plans set up even without the Uni passes. Ours expire in June, we had them for two years but I think we are going to let them go now. It's always hard to let that renewal rate go though!

The renewal rates took quite a jump this year, I understand. If nothing else, that fact alone made us feel better about our decision to let them expire.

I'm back!!!!! and you don't even want to know how far behind I am. Being awakened at stupid o'clock this morning and working from home for most of today I've got my cup of tea and getting caught up.

Along the lines of the wheelchair ramming stories, I've got a good one for you. No wheelchairs involved just elbows to the back of the head. We were at a baseball game a couple of weeks ago(me, and both my DD's) which was a corporate function for my oldest DD. There were about 100 staff from her store plus heaven only knows how many from other locations. Shortly after the game started these 4 girls, and couple of guys, from my DD's store sit down behind us and I could instantly smell alcohol. Then the squealing started. So already we are thinking what the.... Then the noisiest one of them starts elbowing Grumpy Cat in the back of the head as she constantly is turning around in her seat trying to engage others in her little party. After the third elbow I turn around and grab her arm and ask her nicely to stop hitting GC. It stopped for all of 3 minutes but I guess her effort to contain the elbow resulted in more volume from her mouth. I them ask my oldest if these girls are even old enough to be drinking because at this point it's 100% clear that they are hammered. DD says she doesn't know but thinks that they are still in high school so not old enough to drink. Then the elbow to the head starts again. Well, GC totally lost it. She turns around and says to this girls "Look, I realize you're having fun but I'm recovering from a concussion and your screaming and elbowing my head is causing me to relapse". I then start laughing because the concussion part is true but a relapse, really. Her sister then realizes that she's a manager and this is a work function so the behaviour is unacceptable, she has to take action. She goes and gets the front end manager who hauls these girls out to speak to them. They came back 15 minutes later crying and continued to cry for over an hour. A couple of days later another manager, who wasn't even there, said something to DD at work about 'ratting them out'. Her answer was 'either I handled it or the cops handled it, they should be grateful that it was me'.

I'm totally proud of my girls. I'm starting to see that I have actually taught them some good stuff. GC will defend herself and others(whole other storey on the 'defending others') and my oldest defended her sister and showed that she can adult when needed. Until recently I could count the number of times that I shed a tiny tear and had that moment where you see that your kids get it. Lately, more moments and I'm losing count.

Back to your regularly scheduled program.

Hmmmm......seems those young ladies have inherited a little of their Momma's spunk .

Steak N Shake Kenny......love him. He has been our server all but one time. I'm starting to worry that he will recognize me. The last couple of times there our bill ended up being around $13 so I leave $20 because I just can't tip the guy $2, it just feels wrong. I think they bring all the shakes in take out cups because in the past I know I've seen people ask for one any way. I have every time. Last visit there we were ordering right before 5pm which is still happy hour and Kenny told us that our shakes would be approx. 20 minutes and most likely we would have your food first. That totally suits us because a shake kind of feels like dessert anyway. EVERY single time we have eaten there someone has dropped a tray full of dirty dishes. I'm starting to think it's the entertainment.

BTW, I'm surprised that you can remember 8 tracks. You would have been a very young child when they disappeared. When I was around 5 my dad bought a Lincoln Continental, navy blue with the gold coloured vinyl top, that my mom knew nothing about. He just showed up at home with it one day. Needless to say that didn't go over very well. Anyway, it had a very high tech 8 track player. He also had come home with the latest Elvis 8 track playing in it.


While I LOVE the Grand Floridian it's not high on my list of places to stay. However, if the opportunity came my way you could bank on the fact that I'd be staying there. My dream resort is the Beach Club. Basically, I'm just too cheap to pay upwards of $400/ night for a hotel so I'm probably never staying there or any deluxe for that matter.

I'm glad you enjoyed Park Fare. I agree that the food is great but I've come too a point where if I'm paying $100 for a meal it better be served to me. I think my Disney buffet days are done. I'm fairly certain that they now only have one character that takes time and interacts with the diners while the other characters just sort of breeze by for pics and autographs. At Park Fare breakfast it's always the Mad Hatter. Your MH looked a little long in the tooth. I've never seen a wrinkly one before. We had the same one twice and he was a hoot. I have a really cute picture with Tigger...I stole a kiss.

My parents had an 8 track player for much of my childhood.....it was part of a massive cabinet that also housed a record player. I listened to many an hour of Loretta Lynn and Johnny Cash from those tapes. I remember it clearly because I despised country music!!! LOL

Now I really want to add 1900 Park Faire breakfast to my list (I've done dinner, but I love the characters out at breakfast). I've made a list of so many items thanks to you!

And I also have my Universal AP expiring soon I've had it for 6 years, but I'm having slight financial issues at the moment (and I can't afford to renew). Hopefully I'll get one again soon. Luckily I still have my SeaWorld AP, so I don't mind as much

We will keep our Seaworld AP's without hesitation as long as they keep offering them BOGO each Black Friday. Maybe even if they don't. But an annual pass to both Seaworld and Aquatica for less than a one-day SeaWorld ticket, its a no-brainer and a crazy good value!

I'm so glad you guys had a great time at 1900 Park Fare! Love the character pictures!

Margaritaville looks awesome as well! Looking forward to seeing the mini golf!

It was fun to add a little dollop of Disney into an otherwise Disney-free vacation. Just to keep us young .

The next entry should be posted in the next couple of minutes! Stay tuned .

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Wednesday, April 27th: the conclusion


Heading over to Hollywood Drive in Golf, we discussed which side of the course we wanted to play. We had only golfed here once before (in August 2014) and on that trip, had selected The Hauntings of Ghostly Greens for our game. We figured this time, then, we would try the other course for something new: the sci-fi themed Invaders of Planet Putt.


We get there, hand our vouchers to the attendant, select our putters and find……the Invaders side is packed , and the Hauntings side virtually empty . Change of plans . Mini golf is so much more enjoyable when you’re not waiting behind a huge line of people (or have folks waiting not-so-patiently for you to finish each hole).





It wasn’t a big deal, though. We really enjoy the theming of the Hauntings course, especially at night when the falling darkness really seems to set the mood nicely.





Throughout the course, there are amusing little touches that certainly keep things more funny than scary…..like these tombstones designed to elicit a giggle (and a groan) from visitors.





If anyone has small kids and wonders if the Haunted side would be too frightening for them, the answer is an emphatic no. It is very fun, very silly, and very much family-friendly. From a difficulty perspective, it’s also a great place to take children of all ages, as the course is challenging at times but not frustratingly so. The difficult side of Congo River is much harder than any of the holes here. We often have 6-putt holes at Congo River if golfing the harder of the two courses (and even a ball in the water at times ) however even I, who’s certainly no Tiger Woods, can have fun here at the Hauntings of Ghostly Greens .





Everyone was in a pretty silly, amusingly-competitive mood as we kicked off our golf game. I have no idea what these two meat-heads were up to in this picture, but Jake was apparently inspecting his putter….and Steve was looking for divine intervention, maybe?





Eventually we got down to business. With hardly anyone else in front or behind us, it was a very relaxing and enjoyable game.











This girl might have just got a hole-in-one on one of the holes: a very notable event, since my golfing skills don’t come anywhere near that of my trip reporting abilities .





When all was said and done, the scores were really, REALLY close: Steve won by a stroke over Jake, and I was only two behind the boy. Fun times all around and a GREAT after-dinner activity .





Heading back to the villa, we all decided that such a delightful, warm night called for a frosty nightcap: and since we’d skipped both appetizers and dessert at Margaritaville, we would feel no guilt in really indulging in something sinful. Rather than turning left to return to the resort as we exited from the I4, Steve steered to the right and we detoured to a much-anticipated family favourite: Twistee Treat!


http://www.twisteetreatocoeelbv.com/Lake_Buena_Vista.php





Jake had no problem choosing from their extensive menu:


http://www.twisteetreatocoeelbv.com/Twistee_Treat_Menu.html


There was no hesitation as he ordered himself a medium Twirl (Twistee Treat's answer to a Blizzard or a Friend-Z). Cookies and cream as his flavour of chocie, of course. It’s his long-standing favourite where ice cream is concerned, just about anywhere.


Steve and I were a little more creative. I had a hot fudge brownie boat:





…..while Steve opted for an old-fashioned banana split.





We love all the little old-fashioned touches that they offer: real whipped cream. Chopped peanuts. Maraschino cherries as a garnish. All rounding out the smoothest and creamiest soft serve ice cream available in Orlando. It was heavenly .




The portions were MASSIVE. ENORMOUS. SIMPLY HUGE!!!!

It was the perfect ending to a relaxing and (mostly) schedule-free day. It was still pretty warm outside despite the fact that the sun had long since set, so we enjoyed our ice cream from the air conditioned comfort of one of their indoor tables. Steve couldn’t get through his entire banana split, nor did I come anywhere near to finishing my brownie boat (even with the guys happily accepting my offer to sample it as well).


The total cost of all that deliciousness? $13.53. Including all taxes!!! Two of us can barely eat dessert at our local Dairy Queen for that cost, and we don’t get half the quantity nor anywhere near the quality. Twistee Treat, you are THE BEST!


Returning to the resort, we hot tubbed under the stars and headed to bed at a reasonable hour. Tomorrow we were back to another full day at the parks…..our Thursday called for fun and excitement at Universal’s Islands of Adventure!

 

[bankr63]

I certainly didn't see any of those minions flying off the shelves . Not only is the cost prohibitive, how the heck would most folks get it home?

My parents had an 8 track player for much of my childhood.....it was part of a massive cabinet that also housed a record player. I listened to many an hour of Loretta Lynn and Johnny Cash from those tapes. I remember it clearly because I despised country music!!! LOL

Well some of us drive. With a minion that big, I might even be able to use the HOV lanes...

You know A+ pulled out a floppy disk in her grade 7 class and most of the kids didn't know what it was. We are very quickly seeing the end of all kinds of media for sound and data; even CD's and DVD's are becoming a rarity.

 

[ArwenMarie]

Nice day, seemed relaxing although you really did a lot!

 

[kittylady1972]

Another great report as always. Love the mini golf review and I've considered that package myself, especially since we have some big mini golfers in our family. I'll have to really give it some thought before our trip which is a mere two weeks away!

 

[Worfiedoodles]

Really enjoyed the glimpse of the Haunted Greens! We've only done the Sci Fi side and I can't wait to give the other side a try

Twistee Treat, where have you been all my life?! That brownie boat looks amazing

Maria

 

[Mrs Doubtfire]

Lovely ice-creams to finish the night off, they look delicious

 

[Raeven]

We played the haunted side too, I can't wait to see it at night.

You're ice cream looks delicious

 

[Princess Leia]

Enjoying the trip report!

Your photos of the Premium Outlets reminded me of the blazing heat there last summer - I need a drink!

The 8 track reference evoked some early childhood memories. In the back seat of our car squidged between my brothers with the sound of Jim Reeves filling the air.

Thanks for sharing the Twistee Treat goodness. I have that on my list - Peter is not keen on many desserts but he loves ice cream.
My park tickets arrived today. 14 day Disney Parks and 14 day Aquatica, Busch Gardens and SeaWorld including parking. Peter really wanted to go back to Aquatica and it worked out a better deal to get the 3 park ticket as it included parking.

 

[Callie]

I guessed correctly! Ice Cream is amazing.

 

[chicagoshannon]

My kids always like looking at that golf course as we ride by on the moving walkway. Someday we'll try it out.

I'm glad you enjoyed the breakfast. Did you try the strawberry soup that everyone raves about?

 

[dancin Disney style]

Hmmmm......seems those young ladies have inherited a little of their Momma's spunk .

OK....I'm actually a pretty mellow person but I have ZERO tolerance for stupidity. You probably don't buy the mellow part but it's true. The other incident I mentioned about GC defending people involved me walking in to a room and witnessing her arguing in an adults face. I actually held my tongue and let her go at it. First off I had no idea what was happening and I was totally shocked but she stood her ground, defended herself, her choreographer and her friends. She did it without being rude or disrespectful. After I got the whole story it turns out that the mother she was arguing deserved what she got from GC and a lot more.

My parents had an 8 track player for much of my childhood.....it was part of a massive cabinet that also housed a record player. I listened to many an hour of Loretta Lynn and Johnny Cash from those tapes. I remember it clearly because I despised country music!!! LOL

Ah yes, I recall the stereo consoles that were actually considered a piece of furniture and highly coveted. My grandparents had the console stereo AND a console tv. LOL....my grandmother died 6 years ago but she had a console tv up until about 3-4 years before that. When the tv bit the bullet I thought my brother was going to have a stroke because it became his job to take her out shopping for a new one and all you could get were flat screens. According to her that was not a proper tv and would look hideous in her living room. She continued on with where were the doilies going to go. First world problems...where do the doilies go.

I feel your country pain. Country back then was like listening to cats in a bag. At least my parents were into rock and roll with a pinch of Bobby Vinton thrown in. My grandparents were into Lawrence Welk and Tommy Hunter.

 

[Monykalyn]

Well some of us drive. With a minion that big, I might even be able to use the HOV lanes...

You know A+ pulled out a floppy disk in her grade 7 class and most of the kids didn't know what it was. We are very quickly seeing the end of all kinds of media for sound and data; even CD's and DVD's are becoming a rarity.

LOLOL! Had my (then 7 year old) son convinced the tape player in my truck was a cell phone holder! My DH upgraded my radio for my birthday this year - bluetooth etc. Took me a MONTH to figure out how to use the new radio (in my old truck-my 4Runner is being driven til wheels fall off).

 

[Monykalyn]

My dream resort is the Beach Club. Basically, I'm just too cheap to pay upwards of $400/ night for a hotel so I'm probably never staying there or any deluxe for that matter.

Unless you get an orbitz code (15% off+orbucks earned), booked through Ebates combined with Disney Spring discount of 35%...Like I did last year. Noticed discounts not as good this year though. Kids LOVED Beach Club (and adults did too). But yeah-the price gouging is getting ridunkulous.
And good for your girls in being confident enough to stand up for themselves!! My oldest DD has some mild social anxiety but she defended the boy next to her in band for 2 years (he is gay, and another kid in their section constantly nagged on him, plus the kid's home life wasn't exactly supportive). She was a freshman at the time it started-I don't think I'd have been as assertive at that age!


Gina-Holy ice cream Batman-those portions are ginormous!!!! Mini-golf looks like fun. We still have several old Disney tickets with a day or 2 left on them and ALL the entitlements of golf and waterpark. We checked in 2014 to see if those old tickets are still good for the "More" part and they are. Totally forgot about them on our trip last year though LOL.
Funny that you guys like Pirate Cove mini golf too-There is a course in Branson (~35 min from us) that we've played on. Never see it on Groupon though!

 

[pigletto]

Gina, you will be happy to know I did I little internet sleuthing yesterday to see if I could determine when that new chocolate restaurant was opening. One blog (and I can't for the life of me remember which one) said that there had been an open call for a specific postion at the restaurant (two character actors actually). The blogger was speculating that it would be a late summer opening for the restaurant due to the wording and timing of the hiring/training for the position. Who knows if they were right, but the construction is cooking along so I wouldn't be surprised. I'm going to keep my eye out for sure!
My only other wish is that the new water park would be open, but that's not happening. They've said 2017. So we'll go to Aquatica this trip and hoepfully get to the new water park on the next one.

 

[pigletto]

Wait just a minute! That twistee treat looks clean, and bug free.. and nobody looks in danger of being shot! You didn't go to the one we did obviously
We pulled up to a giant ice cream cone building that was just not a spectacular choice. The man working the counter was scary, the lights outside were attracting millions of bugs, and it was otherwise dark and kinda seedy. The Kissimmee location wasn't the best. Good ice cream though.

 

[dancin Disney style]

Unless you get an orbitz code (15% off+orbucks earned), booked through Ebates combined with Disney Spring discount of 35%...Like I did last year. Noticed discounts not as good this year though. Kids LOVED Beach Club (and adults did too). But yeah-the price gouging is getting ridunkulous.
And good for your girls in being confident enough to stand up for themselves!! My oldest DD has some mild social anxiety but she defended the boy next to her in band for 2 years (he is gay, and another kid in their section constantly nagged on him, plus the kid's home life wasn't exactly supportive). She was a freshman at the time it started-I don't think I'd have been as assertive at that age!

I've booked through Orbitz now three times. I link to it through Ebates and on my last two March trips saved about $500 each time. I'm very happy with booking that way. Even doing it that way I'm fairly certain that I'm too cheap to pony up the dough for a deluxe resort. I'm all about getting in more days and I would probably have to cut my days in half to be in the ballpark of what I'm willing to pay for a deluxe. That's never going to happen.

Kudos to your DD. That takes a lot of guts to stand up for someone who might be different than the rest.....in particular in high school. There is just something that kicks in sometimes and gives you what you need to do it. She was obviously raised well!!!

 

[toystoryduo]

Wow! That ice cream looks so yummy! We've been to Twistee Treat before, and we love their ice cream. (Love their prices too! )

Mini golf looks like fun! It's nice to golf when it's not so crowded so you can enjoy the course.

 

[Penguinempress]

$13.53 for all that? What?! Man, I need to check out Twistee Treat on my next Orlando trip. I'm a fellow Canadian and when I go to DQ here, I'm paying over $5 for one small blizzard!

Looks like an awesome trip so far! I love the random character meets and mini parades at Universal. There's something wonderful and spontaneous about just running across characters in the streets and stopping for photos and an interaction.

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Well some of us drive. With a minion that big, I might even be able to use the HOV lanes...

I've always said that when it comes to our Orlando trips, we'll always make the journey by air.....but with logic like that, you're making a rather good case for a road trip someday .

Nice day, seemed relaxing although you really did a lot!

We are definitely he type of people who enjoy being busy on vacation. Not park commandos at all, or the type of people who adhere to scheduled-to-the-minute touring plans, but we love finding things to do on our trips. I always say, if you're going to go ALL that way.....make it count! And Orlando helps me out by always offering SO MUCH to experience and explore .

Another great report as always. Love the mini golf review and I've considered that package myself, especially since we have some big mini golfers in our family. I'll have to really give it some thought before our trip which is a mere two weeks away!

It's definitely an excellent offer. I hope that some day they will also include NBC Sports Grill (with a limited menu selection, of course) as one of the dining choices, because other than Margaritaville, the other options just don't appeal to us.

Really enjoyed the glimpse of the Haunted Greens! We've only done the Sci Fi side and I can't wait to give the other side a try

Twistee Treat, where have you been all my life?! That brownie boat looks amazing

Maria

You absolutely HAVE TO visit Twistee Treat on your next vacation . They are all over the place (most in giant ice cream cone shaped kiosks) so one is never far away. The ice cream is SO CHEAP and so delicious!

Lovely ice-creams to finish the night off, they look delicious

Thank goodness calories don't count on vacation, right?

We played the haunted side too, I can't wait to see it at night.

You're ice cream looks delicious

The Haunted side is really cool after dark. In more ways than one! (both in "effect" and temperature )

Enjoying the trip report!

Your photos of the Premium Outlets reminded me of the blazing heat there last summer - I need a drink!

The 8 track reference evoked some early childhood memories. In the back seat of our car squidged between my brothers with the sound of Jim Reeves filling the air.

Thanks for sharing the Twistee Treat goodness. I have that on my list - Peter is not keen on many desserts but he loves ice cream.
My park tickets arrived today. 14 day Disney Parks and 14 day Aquatica, Busch Gardens and SeaWorld including parking. Peter really wanted to go back to Aquatica and it worked out a better deal to get the 3 park ticket as it included parking.

Yay for your park tickets arriving!! So fun to get trip stuff in the mail!

If Peter is an ice cream lover, I'm sure Twistee Treat will be a real win for you all. On the next trip, I want to try one of their malts. They sound soooo good!

I guessed correctly! Ice Cream is amazing.

You know your readers know you well, when......

My kids always like looking at that golf course as we ride by on the moving walkway. Someday we'll try it out.

I'm glad you enjoyed the breakfast. Did you try the strawberry soup that everyone raves about?

Nope, we all took a pass on the soup. Jake doesn't like strawberries, I found it just too odd of a concept (picky eater here too ) and Steve? Well, he was busy pigging out on bacon and corned beef hash. No room for soup .

OK....I'm actually a pretty mellow person but I have ZERO tolerance for stupidity. You probably don't buy the mellow part but it's true. The other incident I mentioned about GC defending people involved me walking in to a room and witnessing her arguing in an adults face. I actually held my tongue and let her go at it. First off I had no idea what was happening and I was totally shocked but she stood her ground, defended herself, her choreographer and her friends. She did it without being rude or disrespectful. After I got the whole story it turns out that the mother she was arguing deserved what she got from GC and a lot more.

Ah yes, I recall the stereo consoles that were actually considered a piece of furniture and highly coveted. My grandparents had the console stereo AND a console tv. LOL....my grandmother died 6 years ago but she had a console tv up until about 3-4 years before that. When the tv bit the bullet I thought my brother was going to have a stroke because it became his job to take her out shopping for a new one and all you could get were flat screens. According to her that was not a proper tv and would look hideous in her living room. She continued on with where were the doilies going to go. First world problems...where do the doilies go.

I feel your country pain. Country back then was like listening to cats in a bag. At least my parents were into rock and roll with a pinch of Bobby Vinton thrown in. My grandparents were into Lawrence Welk and Tommy Hunter.

Some things never change .

Unless you get an orbitz code (15% off+orbucks earned), booked through Ebates combined with Disney Spring discount of 35%...Like I did last year. Noticed discounts not as good this year though. Kids LOVED Beach Club (and adults did too). But yeah-the price gouging is getting ridunkulous.
And good for your girls in being confident enough to stand up for themselves!! My oldest DD has some mild social anxiety but she defended the boy next to her in band for 2 years (he is gay, and another kid in their section constantly nagged on him, plus the kid's home life wasn't exactly supportive). She was a freshman at the time it started-I don't think I'd have been as assertive at that age!

Gina-Holy ice cream Batman-those portions are ginormous!!!! Mini-golf looks like fun. We still have several old Disney tickets with a day or 2 left on them and ALL the entitlements of golf and waterpark. We checked in 2014 to see if those old tickets are still good for the "More" part and they are. Totally forgot about them on our trip last year though LOL.
Funny that you guys like Pirate Cove mini golf too-There is a course in Branson (~35 min from us) that we've played on. Never see it on Groupon though!

We've been to the Pirates Cove in Wisconsin Dells as well. I think the Dells location might even be the biggest one of them all? Either way, it was great fun....mini golf is a vacation staple for us!

Gina, you will be happy to know I did I little internet sleuthing yesterday to see if I could determine when that new chocolate restaurant was opening. One blog (and I can't for the life of me remember which one) said that there had been an open call for a specific postion at the restaurant (two character actors actually). The blogger was speculating that it would be a late summer opening for the restaurant due to the wording and timing of the hiring/training for the position. Who knows if they were right, but the construction is cooking along so I wouldn't be surprised. I'm going to keep my eye out for sure!
My only other wish is that the new water park would be open, but that's not happening. They've said 2017. So we'll go to Aquatica this trip and hoepfully get to the new water park on the next one.

If anyone can get that restaurant open in time for the October guests, it will be Universal. They always amaze me with their ability to get things done on the shortest of schedules!

Did you see the great rates on cabanas at Aquatica for many dates in October? We reserved one up for each of our two days for $44.10 plus tax ($49 less the passmember discount). When the price includes a locker rental, towel rentals, and 12 bottles of water in addition to the cabana itself, it was a no brainer. You may want to consider splurging, too!

Wait just a minute! That twistee treat looks clean, and bug free.. and nobody looks in danger of being shot! You didn't go to the one we did obviously
We pulled up to a giant ice cream cone building that was just not a spectacular choice. The man working the counter was scary, the lights outside were attracting millions of bugs, and it was otherwise dark and kinda seedy. The Kissimmee location wasn't the best. Good ice cream though.

Oh, yuck! That is awful!

We went to the one in Lake Buena Vista, just past the Crossroads. Its a normal building (no ice cream cone shape), very modern with some indoor and outdoor seating. Clean, bright, and no bugs or scary workers .

Wow! That ice cream looks so yummy! We've been to Twistee Treat before, and we love their ice cream. (Love their prices too! )

Mini golf looks like fun! It's nice to golf when it's not so crowded so you can enjoy the course.

I think going golfing before the parks closed was definitely in our favour. I bet they are PACKED in the evening once the masses are looking for something to fill the after-park hours.

$13.53 for all that? What?! Man, I need to check out Twistee Treat on my next Orlando trip. I'm a fellow Canadian and when I go to DQ here, I'm paying over $5 for one small blizzard!

Looks like an awesome trip so far! I love the random character meets and mini parades at Universal. There's something wonderful and spontaneous about just running across characters in the streets and stopping for photos and an interaction.

You will love, love, LOVE Twistee Treat! Way better than DQ quality, WAY larger portions, and half the price. Even with the exchange rate factored in, its a huge value!!

Have you got another trip in the works just yet? And which part of the Great White North do you hail from? (maybe we're neighbours! LOL)