Pre-Trip
The idea for this trip started way back in the spring of 2008 when DH and I were planning our adults only fall 2008 anniversary trip ( http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2179346 ). Since both of our sons had been traveling on school trips over the past couple years we hadnt done a big family vacation in a while. We had the thought to buy annual passes, a Preferred for me and a Power Pass for DH, to take advantage of discounts, and to plan a second trip in June 2009 which would include our sons. We knew there was a good chance I would be losing my job at the end of 2008 (which I did) so we thought this would be a good way to get a great family vacation while maximizing discounts and pre-paying as much of the trip as possible.
Players
DH(50) Jeff - nervous traveler; non-doer of spinney or simulator rides but otherwise thrill ride junkie
Me(50) Re - self appointed soother of above mentioned nervous traveler; directionally challenged map turner; full tilt thrill ride junkie; trip planner; coupon clipper; bargain finder
DS(19) Matt laid back, easygoing, College sophomore; computer nerd with a killer smile (I may be a little biased
); thrill ride junkie
DS(16) Drew high maintenance, wicked witted, High School Junior; sports nut with killer hair (just ask any of the girls); thrill ride junkie
The last time the kids were at Universal was June of 2002. Here is a picture of the boys from that trip:
Theyve changed a bit since then. The buzz cuts are gone.
Since this trip was going to be all about the kids (like the last 19 years havent been?) we let them choose the hotel and the activities. The hotel of choice was the Hard Rock. I got a good deal on a club room using the Super Saver rate. Club usually works out great for our family since it allows for breakfast and snacking in the afternoon and evening (teenage boys remember), plus we are a family that likes to spend time at the resort and use the fitness club. Older DS requested the Blue Man group (we used my annual pass to purchase discount tickets). Younger DS wanted to do a waterpark, so we are going to Typhoon Lagoon one afternoon (we have 3 left over plus options from an old Disney trip so we only need to buy one ticket). Both sons requested an evening at Disney Quest. Pirates Cove mini golf was on everyones list and Seaworld was a given since we are all roller coaster junkies.
The last time the boys were at Universal Drew was too short to ride any of the coasters so he is way excited to hit the parks. Also Shrek, The Mummy and The Simpsons will be all new to them.
This week weve been watching Universal movies: The Mummy, ET, Spiderman, The Incredible Hulk, and Jaws so far, to get even more into the mood.
Bags are packed. Reservation confirmations and coupons are all printed. DH, the nervous traveler has checked and double-checked all flight times, reservations and directions. I think he has worn out Google maps.
We have a 5:45pm Southwest flight out of Philly on Saturday 6/20. We are renting a car (National) this trip since we have so much planned off the Universal property. Our first night we are staying at a Marriott Summerfield Suites on International Drive (I used Marriott Points for the reservation) and then after our complimentary breakfast well move over to the Hard Rock on Sunday morning. Were hoping to luck into a deluxe queen on the club level, just for the little extra room it would give us.
I think we are ready. Now I have to try and get some sleep.
Trip report, with pictures, when we return.
The idea for this trip started way back in the spring of 2008 when DH and I were planning our adults only fall 2008 anniversary trip ( http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2179346 ). Since both of our sons had been traveling on school trips over the past couple years we hadnt done a big family vacation in a while. We had the thought to buy annual passes, a Preferred for me and a Power Pass for DH, to take advantage of discounts, and to plan a second trip in June 2009 which would include our sons. We knew there was a good chance I would be losing my job at the end of 2008 (which I did) so we thought this would be a good way to get a great family vacation while maximizing discounts and pre-paying as much of the trip as possible.
Players
DH(50) Jeff - nervous traveler; non-doer of spinney or simulator rides but otherwise thrill ride junkie
Me(50) Re - self appointed soother of above mentioned nervous traveler; directionally challenged map turner; full tilt thrill ride junkie; trip planner; coupon clipper; bargain finder
DS(19) Matt laid back, easygoing, College sophomore; computer nerd with a killer smile (I may be a little biased
); thrill ride junkieDS(16) Drew high maintenance, wicked witted, High School Junior; sports nut with killer hair (just ask any of the girls); thrill ride junkie
The last time the kids were at Universal was June of 2002. Here is a picture of the boys from that trip:
Theyve changed a bit since then. The buzz cuts are gone.
Since this trip was going to be all about the kids (like the last 19 years havent been?) we let them choose the hotel and the activities. The hotel of choice was the Hard Rock. I got a good deal on a club room using the Super Saver rate. Club usually works out great for our family since it allows for breakfast and snacking in the afternoon and evening (teenage boys remember), plus we are a family that likes to spend time at the resort and use the fitness club. Older DS requested the Blue Man group (we used my annual pass to purchase discount tickets). Younger DS wanted to do a waterpark, so we are going to Typhoon Lagoon one afternoon (we have 3 left over plus options from an old Disney trip so we only need to buy one ticket). Both sons requested an evening at Disney Quest. Pirates Cove mini golf was on everyones list and Seaworld was a given since we are all roller coaster junkies.
The last time the boys were at Universal Drew was too short to ride any of the coasters so he is way excited to hit the parks. Also Shrek, The Mummy and The Simpsons will be all new to them.
This week weve been watching Universal movies: The Mummy, ET, Spiderman, The Incredible Hulk, and Jaws so far, to get even more into the mood.
Bags are packed. Reservation confirmations and coupons are all printed. DH, the nervous traveler has checked and double-checked all flight times, reservations and directions. I think he has worn out Google maps.
We have a 5:45pm Southwest flight out of Philly on Saturday 6/20. We are renting a car (National) this trip since we have so much planned off the Universal property. Our first night we are staying at a Marriott Summerfield Suites on International Drive (I used Marriott Points for the reservation) and then after our complimentary breakfast well move over to the Hard Rock on Sunday morning. Were hoping to luck into a deluxe queen on the club level, just for the little extra room it would give us.
I think we are ready. Now I have to try and get some sleep.
Trip report, with pictures, when we return.
