Our first trip to the "Dark Side"

[RocketCityMama]

Day 1 Continued:

So for lunch we ate our hotel, we stayed at Orange Lake Resort, it's about a 20-30 min drive depending on traffic, but we didn't mind really. After lunch and a short nap we headed back to the parks around 5pm. We thought we would head over to Diagon Alley and just check it out but it was SO crowded you could barely get in. We had went in for dinner but a no go. Decided to head over and ride ET and Woody Wood Pecker ride, girls had fun, and the little LOVED ET, she kept talking about the little brown robot LOL

We finally decided it was time for some dinner, we on a random whim decided to try Krusty Burger. The kids and I had chicken thumbs and tots and hubby had chicken and waffle sandwich. It was not really busy and yay for A/C we did like being able to go and pick what we wanted from the various window set ups and pay in another area but they moved s.l.o.w. Food was okay, not great and not super hot. It felt like it had been sitting under the heat lamp to long, had it been hotter it would have been more enjoyable.

After dinner we decided to hit The Simpsons Ride, kids enjoyed it. I wasn't sure if the little one would do well since she hated the Spiderman ride, but that was more scary than the movement of the ride, so we let her try. She did great, she laughed and didn't think it was too scary. I guess it's different because it's stupid funny and it didn't have the 3d glasses. We headed over the gag couch for some more pictures! I thought this was a cute idea, and while fun, it took forever. They had 1 TM working and he was great, funny and personable, but they should have 1 taking photos and 1 loading and showing the backgrounds etc. We watched the other guests trying to win the strong man game and haha it was funny! We did see several guests win though and some got really close!

So on to pics!

While we waited on the photos to load, the TM told us to watch behind the kiosk for the fireworks and show. Overall not a bad place to watch but you couldn't really see the water screen that well. However, the little and I went on up towards the front of the Simpons are near Lard Lad and you could see the screen quite well.

So all in all we had a great 1st day and really enjoyed ourselves, planned to be at the park even earlier Tues to do HP stuff 1st thing! Stay tuned for what actually happened!

 

[Sailormoon2]

I love all the fun Simpsons shots. DH and I are really theatrical so posing for these will be sooo much fun!!!!

 

[Tink2Day]

Oh boy, another Uni/IoA report!!

Your girls are adorable, I'll bet the middle one is a character. I was laughing at her different poses.

Sounds like you got a lot done, your little one is a cutie and looks like she's having a blast. Your eldest is so pretty and it's nice to see a teenager enjoying time with family and getting into the spirit of things.

 

[wiscbugs]

Looks like a great first day!

We all hated the Simpsons ride... I really want Back to the Future back!!!!

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Cool Simpsons pics!! I had no idea they had so many different backgrounds (I thought they just had the four we had taken in May). I will definitely be asking for the Earth Family and circus backgrounds when we are back in October!

Too bad that the Simpsons meal let you down. There is nothing worse than food that's supposed to be hot, but isn't. Makes all the difference in the world.

 

[Loves The Mouse]

Glad you got your washer and shower fixed without a huge expense! It does sound like you hot water heater is ready to go sorry. I would expect it to go soon and start putting a little a side to cover buying a new one when it goes.
On a happier note, great up date! Love the pictures on the gag couch, bummer it took a while to do but they turned out great!!! Great first day!!

 

[Loves The Mouse]

We all hated the Simpsons ride... I really want Back to the Future back!!!![/QUOTE]


Wow you all hated it??? Were you in the second seat, not the front row? We were in the front row the first time we rode and loved it, but the second time we rode we were placed in the second row and it wasn't the same experience.
My family all agreed that in the future any time we go on the Simpsons ride we will ask to be the first placed into the room.

 

[RocketCityMama]

Gotta take a couple days off, hot water heater started leaking today of course. Sigh. :/

Will be back asap to continue report.

 

[sydneysmom]

I love you trip report!!! and your girls are just ADORABLE!! It's so fun to read trip reports while planning a trip. We've never been to Universal, so this is SO much fun to see everything and hear how you liked it! Glad you had so much fun!!

Oh, and I feel your pain about the water heater.... we had a few things go wrong (one being the refrigerator dying) so we had to use vacation account to fund it. So our trip is postponed until 2017.

 

[Loves The Mouse]

Gotta take a couple days off, hot water heater started leaking today of course. Sigh. :/

Will be back asap to continue report.

Oh no it looks like bad news for you is coming in threes. Your washer, shower head and now the hot water heater. Hopefully is now over. Post an up date when you can, you are dealing with enough on the home front!

 

[Loves The Mouse]

I love you trip report!!! and your girls are just ADORABLE!! It's so fun to read trip reports while planning a trip. We've never been to Universal, so this is SO much fun to see everything and hear how you liked it! Glad you had so much fun!!

Oh, and I feel your pain about the water heater.... we had a few things go wrong (one being the refrigerator dying) so we had to use vacation account to fund it. So our trip is postponed until 2017.

Sorry you had to postpone your trip till 2017, we also had to do that years ago due to my DH getting into a bad car accident. ( He is ok, just had to take eight weeks off to recuperate)
It helped that we just postponed it for a year and half and not cancel totally, the time went quick and before we knew it we were enjoying our two weeks at WDW and Universal!!

 

[sydneysmom]

Sorry you had to postpone your trip till 2017, we also had to do that years ago due to my DH getting into a bad car accident. ( He is ok, just had to take eight weeks off to recuperate)
It helped that we just postponed it for a year and half and not cancel totally, the time went quick and before we knew it we were enjoying our two weeks at WDW and Universal!!

I'm so glad your husband is okay now. that's worse than what we are going through, for sure. I am really hoping that this time goes fast.... I figure that I can start booking next year around July, so that will help !! in the mean time, it's so enjoyable reading your trip report and seeing your pictures. I don't think people who post trip reports, realize how much fun it is for the rest of us.... especially when you have to postpone, so THANK YOU for sharing your trip with us !!!

 

[Loves The Mouse]

We were lucky he was ok, the guy he hit was in the hospital for a while too.. The other driver is ok too. He was flying down a hill and my husband didn't see him. Even though he was driving erratically and flying down a hill ( there were witnesses) it was my husbands fault. He had the right of way, but to make is worse he sued. Thank God he only got what our insurance gave him, at the cap of 250.000. And he sued his insurance company too! We were worried he was going to take our personal assets.
Oh you right about reading trip reports, it gives us our fix! Oh and this is not my trip report, it's rocket mammas. I give anyone who writes a trip report a lot of credit, it's not an easy task. Your year will go very quick, it gives you a lot of time to work on your plans... Oh are you planning on going next July or to book it then?

 

[RocketCityMama]

I love all the fun Simpsons shots. DH and I are really theatrical so posing for these will be sooo much fun!!!!

They were, it was funny as the guy is telling us to pose like a bird was about to attack etc. So when you're posing you're really not sure what the picture is going to look like!

Oh boy, another Uni/IoA report!!

Your girls are adorable, I'll bet the middle one is a character. I was laughing at her different poses.

Sounds like you got a lot done, your little one is a cutie and looks like she's having a blast. Your eldest is so pretty and it's nice to see a teenager enjoying time with family and getting into the spirit of things.

Ha, you have no idea how much of a character she is! She's dramatic and loves to act, so it fits her perfectly! lol They all had such a wonderful time, I am especially glad to have a pretty easy going, family oriented teen. Sure she has her moments but for the most part she's happy to be around us

Looks like a great first day!

We all hated the Simpsons ride... I really want Back to the Future back!!!!

It was, we were hoping it would set precedent for the rest of the week! Aww, I miss BTF ride, it was one my fav memories from when I went to USO wayyy back when. The only things I can remember from 20 plus yrs was Disaster, Twister, Jaws, BTF and T2 and ET! lol

Cool Simpsons pics!! I had no idea they had so many different backgrounds (I thought they just had the four we had taken in May). I will definitely be asking for the Earth Family and circus backgrounds when we are back in October!

Too bad that the Simpsons meal let you down. There is nothing worse than food that's supposed to be hot, but isn't. Makes all the difference in the world.

I hope when we go back we can get the others! It was one of the best photo ops we had I agree about the food, but after the rest of the week, that one ended up not being soo bad, if that tells you anything!

Glad you got your washer and shower fixed without a huge expense! It does sound like you hot water heater is ready to go sorry. I would expect it to go soon and start putting a little a side to cover buying a new one when it goes.
On a happier note, great up date! Love the pictures on the gag couch, bummer it took a while to do but they turned out great!!! Great first day!!

Yep, it quickly went downhill I wish all days were like our 1st day LOL

I love you trip report!!! and your girls are just ADORABLE!! It's so fun to read trip reports while planning a trip. We've never been to Universal, so this is SO much fun to see everything and hear how you liked it! Glad you had so much fun!!

Oh, and I feel your pain about the water heater.... we had a few things go wrong (one being the refrigerator dying) so we had to use vacation account to fund it. So our trip is postponed until 2017.

Thanks for stopping in! I think there are pretty cute, most of the time hehe but they are my life, so I guess I'll keep them. I love reading other TR's too, even if we aren't planning to go. That way if something new or fun is mentioned, I know to look the next time we do go. Oh man boo on postponing, I was scared we were going to after the a/c repair, but only has to cancel my hubby and I's 15th anniversary trip I planned. That sucked big time but I rather it had been that than the USO trip!

Oh no it looks like bad news for you is coming in threes. Your washer, shower head and now the hot water heater. Hopefully is now over. Post an up date when you can, you are dealing with enough on the home front!

Yeah I wanted to cry on Monday, I had went outside to get the mail and noticed water running out of the garage. So then of course we couldn't get it installed until Tues afternoon, so finally had hot water by about 6 on Tues. Sigh. I swear I keep telling hubby we should sell and then rent a house, so we don't have to keep paying for all these repairs!

Sorry you had to postpone your trip till 2017, we also had to do that years ago due to my DH getting into a bad car accident. ( He is ok, just had to take eight weeks off to recuperate)
It helped that we just postponed it for a year and half and not cancel totally, the time went quick and before we knew it we were enjoying our two weeks at WDW and Universal!!

Yikes! Glad he's OK!!



So our water heater did die, had to get a new one, I bet with installation we spent like $800 :/ I could cry! Um at least we got that Amex card and get a perk of $100 reward back when we spend $1000 right?? LOL I gotta look at some bright side because I feel like Murphy will not leave my house!!! Gonna try to start Day 2 updates!

 

[RocketCityMama]

Day 2: Plan was to get to parks by 8:30, hit Despicable Me, Shrek and Rip Ride Rockit Rollercoaster and head over to Diagon Alley and head out for lunch after.

We did arrive by 8:30, so far so good, got new stroller pass for the day and off to DM, ride time was probably at 60 mins by then!!! Oy! We went on over because we really wanted to do that, another ride that allowed us EE due to the stroller being used as a wheelchair. So we bypassed the line, LOVED the ride and would have loved to go back on it but just never had time. When we exited, they had a minion in for photo ops, so here ya go for your viewing pleasure

Then we headed over to Shrek, didn't take too long, no line really I think 10 mins was listed. Unfortunately we didn't get to meet Shrek that day, they weren't out and we never saw them while there. Ah well, maybe next time!

The big ones decided to ride the Rip Ride Rockit while K and I went and had some popcorn and a drink.

It was awesome according to my kids LOL

So off to Diagon Alley- ummm bust. Busy busy, could not walk around, people were every where standing, blocking windows (not even looking in) they were just in shade. Wait times were crazy, you really couldn't even get in the shops! So we decided to save that for later in the evening or another day. We were so sad!

Back to walking we went, headed towards the exit around 11 because it was feeling extra hot and we had already walked all over USF by then. On the way out though we did take a few photos:

I met Lucy and Marilyn. I am a big Lucy fan and soo mad at myself I never got around to getting to the Lucy exhibit. I kept meaning to but always forgot. Next time!!!

So we headed on out to the hotel for lunch and hopefully a nap! As you can see the start of Tues was not really that great compared to Monday but we were still determined to have a good time! Stay tuned to see how Tues ends!!!

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

I agree about the food, but after the rest of the week, that one ended up not being soo bad, if that tells you anything!

Well, drat!!! Say it isn't so!

Day 2: Plan was to get to parks by 8:30, hit Despicable Me, Shrek and Rip Ride Rockit Rollercoaster and head over to Diagon Alley and head out for lunch after.

We did arrive by 8:30, so far so good, got new stroller pass for the day and off to DM, ride time was probably at 60 mins by then!!! Oy! We went on over because we really wanted to do that, another ride that allowed us EE due to the stroller being used as a wheelchair. So we bypassed the line, LOVED the ride and would have loved to go back on it but just never had time. When we exited, they had a minion in for photo ops, so here ya go for your viewing pleasure

Then we headed over to Shrek, didn't take too long, no line really I think 10 mins was listed. Unfortunately we didn't get to meet Shrek that day, they weren't out and we never saw them while there. Ah well, maybe next time!

The big ones decided to ride the Rip Ride Rockit while K and I went and had some popcorn and a drink.

It was awesome according to my kids LOL

So off to Diagon Alley- ummm bust. Busy busy, could not walk around, people were every where standing, blocking windows (not even looking in) they were just in shade. Wait times were crazy, you really couldn't even get in the shops! So we decided to save that for later in the evening or another day. We were so sad!

Back to walking we went, headed towards the exit around 11 because it was feeling extra hot and we had already walked all over USF by then. On the way out though we did take a few photos:

I met Lucy and Marilyn. I am a big Lucy fan and soo mad at myself I never got around to getting to the Lucy exhibit. I kept meaning to but always forgot. Next time!!!

So we headed on out to the hotel for lunch and hopefully a nap! As you can see the start of Tues was not really that great compared to Monday but we were still determined to have a good time! Stay tuned to see how Tues ends!!!

Spectacular Minion shirts!!! Did you buy them or design them yourself? (love, love, love the "peace, love, bananas! )

How come you didn't get in on the matching t's, Mama? I would be so into that!! I need to borrow your daughters for my next trip!!

 

[Loves The Mouse]

Love the minion shirts, your girls look adorable! your pictures! Oh no to your week going downhill. I'm sure you had some bright spots!! Looking forward to more.....

 

[RocketCityMama]

Well, drat!!! Say it isn't so!



Spectacular Minion shirts!!! Did you buy them or design them yourself? (love, love, love the "peace, love, bananas! )

How come you didn't get in on the matching t's, Mama? I would be so into that!! I need to borrow your daughters for my next trip!!

I know right! I guess you could say I designed them myself lol I got the faces from a silhouette group I am in, then I came up with the peace, love, bananas part Each girl picked their minion face and colors for the rest I barely got those shirts done in time LOL the original plan was for all 5 of us to do matching shirts but just never got around to it :/ Ah well!

Love the minion shirts, your girls look adorable! your pictures! Oh no to your week going downhill. I'm sure you had some bright spots!! Looking forward to more.....

Thanks! We did have some good times still too, just random things that made me frustrated but nothing we couldn't get past!

 

[RocketCityMama]

Sorry I am behind guys just the typical Summer busyness setting in and being lazy to be honest. I have been dealing with some headaches majorly since we got back, the weather (pressure, heat, etc) are wreaking havoc on my sinuses and head in general. I think June has been my lazy month, July I got a lot to do and no time to waste! lol

So let's see, where was I?

Day 2 - evening/night

After lunch back at the hotel and a rest, we headed back to the parks, but was kind of weary of the weather. It was pretty dark and cloudy out but no rain yet and it really didn't seem to be aimed at us, so we went ahead with our plan. Arrived back around 5:30 or so, was still pretty crowded, but we figured we would go hit Three Broomsticks for dinner and then try to do some of the HP stuff. It was still super crowded in there and with the stroller, we decided not to push our way through. So sad, I was thinking by this point, we're never going to get in!

We headed back towards Seuss Landing for dinner, tried Circus McGurkus, but they were closed already?? I was confused by this. Apparently they close around 6 or so? Anywho, so we headed on over to the Marvel area and stopped at Cafe 4 because it was getting really dark by this time and we were starved. This was by the far the WORST meal we had. It was overpriced and not great, food was lukewarm (again can we not get fresh food???) and service was SLOW. They had very few people working, but it was inside and had a/c. So hubby ordered a bbq chicken pizza, I got chicken alfredo and I think the kids had pizza and a spaghetti, I can't really remember because it was just that bad. My chicken was kinda of pinkish looking, so I tossed it, pasta/sauce Ok, bread was hard as a rock. Hubby could not taste any bbq or really chicken on his pizza. The others said theirs was ok but nothing to write home about. So yeah, not a good experience. However, it began to rain and rain hard while we were there. The only thing good I can say is the manager ( I am guessing) went and opened all the doors and told people they were welcome to come in out of the rain. They were not busy at all, so there were plenty of seats open.
We hung out until the rain let up a little bit and decided to go on to the hotel since we had plans to be up super early for IOA/Harry Potter on Wed morning. On the way back to the hotel, it started storming, thunder/lightening etc for pretty much the rest of the evening. So I am glad we went ahead and left.

----

On Tues morning we went ahead and upgraded our tickets from UT (buy 2 get 1 free p2p tickets) to AP's because we knew there was now way we were going to get everything done we wanted to do, plus I had decided against a beach trip after the recent shark attack at Cocoa Beach. We were able to do this process quite easily at guest services, the tm that helped us was friendly and explained the difference in price points for the Power Pass and Preferred Pass. We opted for 4 power passes and 1 preferred so we could get free parking and discounts at various locations at the parks. They did bridge our price rather than make us pay the difference in 2 days (what we paid for) and the AP prices, so we paid less than $200 to upgrade rather than the $300 I anticipated. So a win! He also told us about the Amex lounge in the park, where we could relax in the a/c and get free bottle water

I don't have any pics from Tues evening since it was such a bust but we just knew Wed had to be better, right??!!

 

[macraven]

cafe 4 has never been known for great food.........
or decent food.........

blondies is my fall back place to go to when hunger strikes and i'm at ioa