mrsbballref
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- May 11, 2000
- Messages
- 133
We are so excited to be going on our second trip to Universal. We have definitely converted to the darkside after being Disney fans since our DD was little. Once we stayed at the RPR and had FOTL passes, it was over! That coupled with the fact that DD is way over princesses at this point makes Universal the place for us.
Cast of Characters
Me (34) - aka Planner - I am the trip planner in the family. I love all of the little details and making it extra special for everyone. I am a full-time civil engineer, so those characteristics usually follow me into trip planning... check lists, time lines, etc. I think that's one reason I have fallen in love with Universal. I can let my hair down about the schedule and just enjoy with little planning at all.
DH (42) - aka Coach - College men's basketball coach that is very intense on the floor. But, he is the most laid back, vacation loving DH a person could ask for. He goes with the flow. Nothing rattles him. He is truly a pleasure to travel with and is a very calming influence on me. He is also the designated vacation driver.
DD (8, almost 9) - aka Princess - My stepdaughter, an only child, who we still refer to as the princess, even though she rolls her eyes now. She definitely takes after her dad and is super easy to vacation with. Knock on wood, there is usually no whining, begging or anything with this kid. It's really weird.
DNephew (8, almost 9) - aka Tan Man - My nephew is 11 days older than the princess. They are inseparable when we get to see his family. So when talking about this vacation, he was a must to bring with us. He is also a super easygoing kid.
2 Hitchhikers - At the time of vacation, I will be 16 wks. pregnant with twins. So, other than their active participation in making me really tired by early afternoon, you shouldn't be hearing too much from them. I am proud to say that they have not made me sick for even one minute of the pregnancy and I feel great! I just hope they continue on their good behavior for this vacation.
Background Information
The first time we were at Universal was April 2007. Myself, Coach and the Princess were to be in Orlando for 5 nights and planned on spending everyday at US/IOA. In my craftiness, I scheduled only one night at RPR so that we could get FOTL passes for two days. This was over Easter weekend, so the rooms were over $300 per night. I just couldnt see spending that at the time. So, the plan was to stay somewhere, dont even remember the name now, the night we got there, check out the next morning and into RPR for one night, then back to the other hotel for the remaining three nights. Right! That didnt happen. We got to RPR and WOW So, that night, I told the Coach that we had to stay at least one more night at RPR. I couldnt stand the thought of leaving. Well, the following day, I was prepared to have the same conversation again with the Coach. So, as I started talking he cut me off. He said that he felt the same way about RPR and FOTL passes and that he had already been to the front desk and secured our room for the rest of our stay. Now you see why hes the best!
The only issue with that first trip over Spring Break was that it was soooo cold. We actually had to buy jackets and long pants. Same thing for last years Spring Break. We took a Disney Cruise and then went to Disney for a few days. Frigid! So, this year, we decided to wait until the week after school got out so that we could have some warm weather.
The Planning Begins
Hotel - I started planning this trip back last year when the Stay 7 Nights for the Price of 4 was active. We are staying 7 nights at RPR in a Standard Room with 2 Queen Beds for an average of $144.15 per night. The total with taxes was $1,135.20. I thought this was a fantastic deal. We paid that much for three nights on that first trip over Easter weekend.
Tickets I bought our four tickets several months ago at the local AAA office. I dont remember the price per ticket, but it was a slight discount.
Transportation We are going to drive this trip. With the addition of Tan Man and picking him up on the way, it was just easier. Plus, there are a couple of things we want to do outside of Universal, so having our mini-van with us will be handy.
Cat-in-the-Hat gifts When we were doing Disney all the time, Tinkerbell left gifts for the Princess every morning of our trip. So, when we went to Universal her question was obvious I wonder who brings the presents at Universal since Tinkerbell lives at Disney World? Thinking to myself ummm ummm great question. Who do you think will bring them? The Princess never missed a beat and said Probably the Cat-in-the-Hat. And so it came to pass that the Cat-in-the-Hat makes daily drop-offs at RPR. So, its extra fun this year for me buying little things for the Princess and Tan Man. Although, I will say that getting stuff pertaining to Universal is a lot harder. There is Disney stuff available everywhere.
Here is our loose schedule remember, Im trying to loosen up. Each day we will try to be at the parks as early as possible, then take a break in the middle of the day to swim and nap. Then have dinner and back to the parks for a while. We are leaving dinner open and going with the flow. We will eat mostly at CityWalk. We will definitely be enjoying NBA City (per the Coach), Margaritaville, Bubba Gumps and Hard Rock Café.
Friday, June 12, 2009 Traveling from our house, close to Asheville, NC to Newnan, GA to pick up the Tan Man. This will be about a 3 ½ - 4 hr. trip. We will spend the night at their house and leave the next morning.
Saturday, June 13, 2009 Get up fairly early and plan to leave from Tan Mans house by 8:00am traveling to Universal. It should be around a 7 hour drive, but of course will be longer to accommodate stops. So, Im figuring on 8 ½ hrs. max. This should put us into Universal around 4:30pm or so. After we check in, well probably eat, maybe hit the parks or pool and then if we are still awake, try to go see Jordin Sparks in concert at 9:00pm. Im pretty sure the hitchhikers will not be wanting to stay up to see that, but well see.
Sunday, June 14, 2009 Universal Studios today. We will probably eat lunch at Lombards Seafood Grill and then stop in sometime to Schwabs for some ice cream. Today Cat-in-the-Hat is bringing Shrek dolls carrying a sack that contains a kid sized orange t-shirt that says What the Shrek?. Im glad theyre still young enough to think matching shirts are cool. I ordered these off of Ebay. They had Donkey ones too. I think those shirts were green.
Monday, June 15, 2009 Islands of Adventure today. We will eat lunch at Mythos. Love that place! We will also definitely be getting the incredibly sugar filled Moose Juice and Goose Juice. We have to have one of each! Today Cat-in-the-Hat will be bringing something Seuss related. Not sure what yet. I may have to sneak out and get something on Sunday.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009 Pool Day today. We will eat lunch somewhere around RPR. Tonight we are going to do the Outta Control Magic Show at Wonderworks. I ordered BOGO free coupons off Ebay which were taken from the Entertainment book. I will buy the actual tickets when I get there. We are planning on doing the 6/6:30pm show. Today they are getting Nike swimming goggles for the pool along with dive sticks and stuff like that.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009 - US or IOA. Depending on which park we are in, we want to eat lunch at Finnegans in US or Confisco Grill at IOA. Cat-in-the-Hat will be delivering surprises from their wants from the first two days in the park.
Thursday, June 18, 2009 Gatorland today. We have never been here. But, some friends of ours just got back and they had a good time. I bought the tickets for $11 each on Ebay. So, for $44, not bad. Cat-in-the-Hat is bringing stuffed alligators today. We may eat at the huge McDonalds on our way back. Not sure. I have heard really mixed reviews on it, with most leaning towards the negative.
Friday, June 19, 2009 - US or IOA. Again, depending on which park we are in, we want to eat lunch at either Finnegans or Confisco Grill, whichever one we missed on Wednesday. The Cat-in-the-Hat is out of ideas. I guess I will see something little when we are roaming around the parks to surprise them with.
Hitchhikers on board What to do?
I knew I would be limited in what I could do in the parks, but I didnt realize how limited! I contacted Universal Guest Services and they sent me a very detailed email, along with a link to the Riders Guide that can be found online. I will have to say that I was shocked at how restrictive it was. I was surprised to see Men in Black and Jaws on their especially. Oh well! Here is what they sent me in the email and the link to the online riders guide.
"Due to the intense nature of the attractions at Universals Islands of Adventure®, expectant mothers are recommended to avoid riding Storm Force Accelatron®, The Incredible Hulk Coaster®, The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man®, Doctor Dooms Fearfall®, Dueling Dragons®, Jurassic Park River Adventure®, Dudley Do-Rights Ripsaw Falls®, Pteranodon Flyers®, The Cat in the Hat, and Popeye & Blutos Bilge-Rat Barges®.
In Universal Studios Florida®, we recommend that you avoid riding Revenge of the MummySM, Men in Black Alien Attack, Woody Woodpeckers Nuthouse Coaster®, Disaster!, The Simpsons Ride, and JAWS®."
http://www.universalorlando.com/riders_guide.pdf
The Princess said Well, look on the bright side, while were riding, you can like hold our stuff and go get us snacks and stuff. She truly was trying to be helpful, but I was like, Gee thanks!
It will still be a blast. Two more days until we hit the road! Cant wait!
Cast of Characters
Me (34) - aka Planner - I am the trip planner in the family. I love all of the little details and making it extra special for everyone. I am a full-time civil engineer, so those characteristics usually follow me into trip planning... check lists, time lines, etc. I think that's one reason I have fallen in love with Universal. I can let my hair down about the schedule and just enjoy with little planning at all.
DH (42) - aka Coach - College men's basketball coach that is very intense on the floor. But, he is the most laid back, vacation loving DH a person could ask for. He goes with the flow. Nothing rattles him. He is truly a pleasure to travel with and is a very calming influence on me. He is also the designated vacation driver.
DD (8, almost 9) - aka Princess - My stepdaughter, an only child, who we still refer to as the princess, even though she rolls her eyes now. She definitely takes after her dad and is super easy to vacation with. Knock on wood, there is usually no whining, begging or anything with this kid. It's really weird.
DNephew (8, almost 9) - aka Tan Man - My nephew is 11 days older than the princess. They are inseparable when we get to see his family. So when talking about this vacation, he was a must to bring with us. He is also a super easygoing kid.
2 Hitchhikers - At the time of vacation, I will be 16 wks. pregnant with twins. So, other than their active participation in making me really tired by early afternoon, you shouldn't be hearing too much from them. I am proud to say that they have not made me sick for even one minute of the pregnancy and I feel great! I just hope they continue on their good behavior for this vacation.
Background Information
The first time we were at Universal was April 2007. Myself, Coach and the Princess were to be in Orlando for 5 nights and planned on spending everyday at US/IOA. In my craftiness, I scheduled only one night at RPR so that we could get FOTL passes for two days. This was over Easter weekend, so the rooms were over $300 per night. I just couldnt see spending that at the time. So, the plan was to stay somewhere, dont even remember the name now, the night we got there, check out the next morning and into RPR for one night, then back to the other hotel for the remaining three nights. Right! That didnt happen. We got to RPR and WOW So, that night, I told the Coach that we had to stay at least one more night at RPR. I couldnt stand the thought of leaving. Well, the following day, I was prepared to have the same conversation again with the Coach. So, as I started talking he cut me off. He said that he felt the same way about RPR and FOTL passes and that he had already been to the front desk and secured our room for the rest of our stay. Now you see why hes the best!
The only issue with that first trip over Spring Break was that it was soooo cold. We actually had to buy jackets and long pants. Same thing for last years Spring Break. We took a Disney Cruise and then went to Disney for a few days. Frigid! So, this year, we decided to wait until the week after school got out so that we could have some warm weather.
The Planning Begins
Hotel - I started planning this trip back last year when the Stay 7 Nights for the Price of 4 was active. We are staying 7 nights at RPR in a Standard Room with 2 Queen Beds for an average of $144.15 per night. The total with taxes was $1,135.20. I thought this was a fantastic deal. We paid that much for three nights on that first trip over Easter weekend.
Tickets I bought our four tickets several months ago at the local AAA office. I dont remember the price per ticket, but it was a slight discount.
Transportation We are going to drive this trip. With the addition of Tan Man and picking him up on the way, it was just easier. Plus, there are a couple of things we want to do outside of Universal, so having our mini-van with us will be handy.
Cat-in-the-Hat gifts When we were doing Disney all the time, Tinkerbell left gifts for the Princess every morning of our trip. So, when we went to Universal her question was obvious I wonder who brings the presents at Universal since Tinkerbell lives at Disney World? Thinking to myself ummm ummm great question. Who do you think will bring them? The Princess never missed a beat and said Probably the Cat-in-the-Hat. And so it came to pass that the Cat-in-the-Hat makes daily drop-offs at RPR. So, its extra fun this year for me buying little things for the Princess and Tan Man. Although, I will say that getting stuff pertaining to Universal is a lot harder. There is Disney stuff available everywhere.
Here is our loose schedule remember, Im trying to loosen up. Each day we will try to be at the parks as early as possible, then take a break in the middle of the day to swim and nap. Then have dinner and back to the parks for a while. We are leaving dinner open and going with the flow. We will eat mostly at CityWalk. We will definitely be enjoying NBA City (per the Coach), Margaritaville, Bubba Gumps and Hard Rock Café.
Friday, June 12, 2009 Traveling from our house, close to Asheville, NC to Newnan, GA to pick up the Tan Man. This will be about a 3 ½ - 4 hr. trip. We will spend the night at their house and leave the next morning.
Saturday, June 13, 2009 Get up fairly early and plan to leave from Tan Mans house by 8:00am traveling to Universal. It should be around a 7 hour drive, but of course will be longer to accommodate stops. So, Im figuring on 8 ½ hrs. max. This should put us into Universal around 4:30pm or so. After we check in, well probably eat, maybe hit the parks or pool and then if we are still awake, try to go see Jordin Sparks in concert at 9:00pm. Im pretty sure the hitchhikers will not be wanting to stay up to see that, but well see.
Sunday, June 14, 2009 Universal Studios today. We will probably eat lunch at Lombards Seafood Grill and then stop in sometime to Schwabs for some ice cream. Today Cat-in-the-Hat is bringing Shrek dolls carrying a sack that contains a kid sized orange t-shirt that says What the Shrek?. Im glad theyre still young enough to think matching shirts are cool. I ordered these off of Ebay. They had Donkey ones too. I think those shirts were green.
Monday, June 15, 2009 Islands of Adventure today. We will eat lunch at Mythos. Love that place! We will also definitely be getting the incredibly sugar filled Moose Juice and Goose Juice. We have to have one of each! Today Cat-in-the-Hat will be bringing something Seuss related. Not sure what yet. I may have to sneak out and get something on Sunday.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009 Pool Day today. We will eat lunch somewhere around RPR. Tonight we are going to do the Outta Control Magic Show at Wonderworks. I ordered BOGO free coupons off Ebay which were taken from the Entertainment book. I will buy the actual tickets when I get there. We are planning on doing the 6/6:30pm show. Today they are getting Nike swimming goggles for the pool along with dive sticks and stuff like that.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009 - US or IOA. Depending on which park we are in, we want to eat lunch at Finnegans in US or Confisco Grill at IOA. Cat-in-the-Hat will be delivering surprises from their wants from the first two days in the park.
Thursday, June 18, 2009 Gatorland today. We have never been here. But, some friends of ours just got back and they had a good time. I bought the tickets for $11 each on Ebay. So, for $44, not bad. Cat-in-the-Hat is bringing stuffed alligators today. We may eat at the huge McDonalds on our way back. Not sure. I have heard really mixed reviews on it, with most leaning towards the negative.
Friday, June 19, 2009 - US or IOA. Again, depending on which park we are in, we want to eat lunch at either Finnegans or Confisco Grill, whichever one we missed on Wednesday. The Cat-in-the-Hat is out of ideas. I guess I will see something little when we are roaming around the parks to surprise them with.
Hitchhikers on board What to do?
I knew I would be limited in what I could do in the parks, but I didnt realize how limited! I contacted Universal Guest Services and they sent me a very detailed email, along with a link to the Riders Guide that can be found online. I will have to say that I was shocked at how restrictive it was. I was surprised to see Men in Black and Jaws on their especially. Oh well! Here is what they sent me in the email and the link to the online riders guide.
"Due to the intense nature of the attractions at Universals Islands of Adventure®, expectant mothers are recommended to avoid riding Storm Force Accelatron®, The Incredible Hulk Coaster®, The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man®, Doctor Dooms Fearfall®, Dueling Dragons®, Jurassic Park River Adventure®, Dudley Do-Rights Ripsaw Falls®, Pteranodon Flyers®, The Cat in the Hat, and Popeye & Blutos Bilge-Rat Barges®.
In Universal Studios Florida®, we recommend that you avoid riding Revenge of the MummySM, Men in Black Alien Attack, Woody Woodpeckers Nuthouse Coaster®, Disaster!, The Simpsons Ride, and JAWS®."
http://www.universalorlando.com/riders_guide.pdf
The Princess said Well, look on the bright side, while were riding, you can like hold our stuff and go get us snacks and stuff. She truly was trying to be helpful, but I was like, Gee thanks!
It will still be a blast. Two more days until we hit the road! Cant wait!
I told my DH that I will be at the pool and since DD is 6 and tall enough for almost everything then he will have lots of fun with her! Of course I think I too will be there to hold the bags and get snacks. 
