Where is Dino Land? Early Spring Trip 2/27-3/9/25! Updated 5/17*

[disneyAndi14]

Tomorrow is FP for cash day! I will be ready at 0600 central time to pick out my selections! I will update here tomorrow evening to let you all know how I did!
Wish me luck!
May the odds forever be in my favor!

 

[pkondz]

View attachment 965146
Tomorrow is FP for cash day! I will be ready at 0600 central time to pick out my selections! I will update here tomorrow evening to let you all know how I did!
Wish me luck!
May the odds forever be in my favor!
View attachment 965147

Good luck!

 

[luvpoohandcompany]

View attachment 965146
Tomorrow is FP for cash day! I will be ready at 0600 central time to pick out my selections! I will update here tomorrow evening to let you all know how I did!
Wish me luck!
May the odds forever be in my favor!
View attachment 965147

Best of luck to ya

 

[disneyAndi14]

I forgot my Magic and Tragic section. I know you all are deeply disappointed in me!

Magic = Twisted Tater and Beignets delicious, wonderful Guest Service TM, TM at the AP lounge giving D a pin, Meeting Penelope and Jacques, May Contain Nuts sundae and delicious peach martini!

Tragic = Losing my $150 dollar gift card and HP Train being down for the day.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

I wanted to update on my FP for cash selections

Today was my day to choose the attractions!

I found it painless yay

I arrive around 8pm on 5/21. I am staying at AS Sports for this one night. No plans for this evening other than a Disney Chicken strip meal for a late dinner and calling it a night.

5/22 MK/Epcot. My selections are PPF, HM, and WtP. I also bought a Fancy Ride for 7DMT. All my selections are early so I can hopefully book more through out the day. I plan a quick resort break for checking in at CBR before heading to Epcot for a night of F&G treats for my dinner.

5/23 US/IOA in the morning, mainly to pick up my AP Jaws magnet! I can’t miss that one since Jaws is my all time favorite movie! Back to CBR and DHS for the evening. I have SDD, ToT, and TSM for FP$$. I also plan to pay tribute to the Muppets and check out Pizza Rizzo at least once before it closes.

5/24 DAK I have Dinosaur, NRJ, and Safari with a Fancy ride for FOP. I’m hopefully meeting up with Vanessa @vamassey1 this evening.

5/25 DHS I have SDD, TSM, and ToT for the morning. I plan to SR Rise and see Muppets one last time! My plan is MK in the evening

5/26 Epcot with Frozen, SE, and LWTL I hope to SR Remy and enjoy F&G treats. I hope to meet up with Stacy @Stacybaeasm from the Dis. My flight leaves at 6:15pm today Boo

I also hope to see Molly @Mollydolly334 and Jake at some point!

My plan is to take all the small things in and not rush since I am solo this trip!

I also found out another Dis friend Cloe will be at Disney, hopefully we can meet up for a hello

I have no dinner plans, I’m winging it, haha


I just had a nice weekend with Jack and Amanda. Since Jack isn’t on social media, I can put his picture here, haha we had a very nice Mother’s Day visit.


One week from today I will be flying to Florida!

I also found out it is Jaws 50th anniversary this year and Universal has limited Jaws merchandise! I’m really excited to check it out.

I’m happy with my FP$$ selections and look forward to my upcoming trip!

Stay tuned for my last full day at US from this TR, coming up very soon!

 

[pkondz]

Everything sounds great! Coming up soon!

 

[buzzrelly]

We didn’t plan on riding Hagrid’s or Velocicoaster so we did not need to rush.

HP Hogwarts Express is a fun train ride which runs between both parks. We hoped the train would be running again soon.

I'd be bummed if it wasn't running!

Oh my goodness it was no where to be found! I had paid $120 for it and it had $150 on it. Needless to say this did put a damper on our delicious food.

Oh no!

the TM did take my receipt looked at it and said wait here. Well, we waited about 20 minutes and she came back with a new card with the $150 on it!

Yay! Thanks goodness! This is why I always put my g Disney gift cards right into Disneygiftcard.com because if I lose the card (and I have in the past) I hop in and transfer the funds to a new card. I'm not sure if Universal has something similar?

The famous and delicious May contain Nuts! This is peanut butter ice cream, peanut brittle, Reese’s peanut butter cups, chocolate peanut butter pie and whipped cream!

Yowza! Looks yummy!

View attachment 965146
Tomorrow is FP for cash day! I will be ready at 0600 central time to pick out my selections! I will update here tomorrow evening to let you all know how I did!
Wish me luck!
May the odds forever be in my favor!


Sounds like you did well!! Yay!

 

[Wood Nymph]

I just had a nice weekend with Jack and Amanda. Since Jack isn’t on social media, I can put his picture here, haha we had a very nice Mother’s Day visit.

That was nice to have Jack and Amanda for Mother's Day weekend. It can be hard to see the kids once they grow up.

My plan is to take all the small things in and not rush since I am solo this trip!

Your upcoming trip looks very well-planned. It will be interesting to see how crowded it will be for Memorial weekend. It is always such a busy time of year. I could see the crowds be a little lower than for the other major holidays. It will be interesting to compare.

My sister keeps wanting s to stay at CBR for the Skyliner. But I'm worried about being in a building far away from everything, including the skyliner.

 

[luvpoohandcompany]

You’ve got some great plans lined up.
Lovely that you got to spend some time with Jack & Amanda

 

[vamassey1]

5/23 US/IOA in the morning, mainly to pick up my AP Jaws magnet! I can’t miss that one since Jaws is my all time favorite movie!

Wait, how did I not know this? We'll be in the 2 parks that day too. Hopefully we'll see you. I don't know yet where we will start, but I'll let you know.

5/24 DAK I have Dinosaur, NRJ, and Safari with a Fancy ride for FOP. I’m hopefully meeting up with Vanessa @vamassey1 this evening.

I'm really looking forward to this. I'm thinking about trying to spend some time in Epcot so I can see Danielle at work in action.

I also found out it is Jaws 50th anniversary this year and Universal has limited Jaws merchandise! I’m really excited to check it out.

We have plans to try and get a photo with the backdrop.

 

[disneyAndi14]

So happy they were able to issue you a replacement gift card. I’m sure you were anxious while you waited. Another great day at Universal. That dessert looks amazing! I would love to eat that

I know! I was really bummed out about this and had no idea how I could have lost one of them Our dessert was delicious I was happy to enjoy this knowing Andi was 3000 miles away so she couldn’t have a reaction

That was a great way to get your money back. It was nice that they could do it on the spot. It really saved the day.

I was really happy because I thought it would be hard to prove, however, I did have the receipt so I was hopeful!

It looks like it was a beautiful day.

It really was a perfect weather day and a good park day!

I would have been very disappointed about the train, especially if it was the only day that I was going to be there.

I know, it seems to be going down more and more lately ugh

I may have gone into a sugar coma just from the dessert description and picture. But yumm!!!! Sounds like a full day at US. And I'm so glad you got your gift card re-issued. My mom got me 2 GC's for Disney (one for my birthday and one for my "new" job) and I literally just checked to be sure they were both still in my wallet!

The dessert is such a favorite of ours and we can only have it when Andi is no where near me. The dreaded words may contain nuts normally scares me so much, haha I have the Disney gift card website I use for all my gift cards for Disney, thank goodness I have not lost any Disney ones!

haven't ridden much in Universal and IOA but I did ride this and enjoy it.

I love the Seuss landing area!

I totally forgot to get a castle picture the last time I went, so it's on my list for next week.

The bridge is the best spot to get a good picture of Hogwarts

I want to try this next week too.

I really like the King Kong ride, it is way better than the Fast and Furious ride in Universal. That one is awful!

Oh nooooo! I hope it's working next week.

Same I love the Hogwarts Express!

I would eat this!

The twisted taters are really good, a favorite of ours during HHN

You really had me nervous. What a relief that it all worked out.

Same! I was really bummed out at first!

Looking forward to seeing this for the first time.

The dream works area is really cute and fun to explore!

I NEED THIS!

Delicious sundae yummy

 

[disneyAndi14]

I’d be rushing.

You are a thrill rider, me not so much

Huh. I don’t think I’ve ever heard of that happening.

Unfortunately, it has been happening more and more on my trips! I love the train ride, hope it is working next week!

Did you have to exit the park or is there a short cut?

No short cut so out the regular exit. The short cut entrance is only open for Orlando Informer nights that I know of!

Sounds amazing.

The twisted taters are really good

Phew! What a relief!!!

I know! I was feeling really down about the whole gift card situation so I was glad the TM was so helpful!

Dessert is the reason to eat there.

I love the desserts here and the delicious macarons!

 

[disneyAndi14]

Good luck!

It worked out great yay!

Best of luck to ya

Irish luck is the best

Everything sounds great! Coming up soon!

I’m getting excited for my trip!

I'd be bummed if it wasn't running!

We were sad The Hogwarts Express is one of my favorites

Yay! Thanks goodness! This is why I always put my g Disney gift cards right into Disneygiftcard.com because if I lose the card (and I have in the past) I hop in and transfer the funds to a new card. I'm not sure if Universal has something similar?

I use that one too for my Disney gift cards! I don’t think Universal has one and these cards are a special promotion for AP holders only at Mardi Gras time so not a regular gift card

Yowza! Looks yummy!

It was a delicious sundae

That was nice to have Jack and Amanda for Mother's Day weekend. It can be hard to see the kids once they grow up.

It really was a nice visit. Jack and Amanda are heading to Miami, Marathon and Key West next week! They are super excited for the trip!

Your upcoming trip looks very well-planned. It will be interesting to see how crowded it will be for Memorial weekend. It is always such a busy time of year. I could see the crowds be a little lower than for the other major holidays. It will be interesting to compare.

I’m sure it will be busy especially the weekend! The weather looks good, steamy hot which I do like!

My sister keeps wanting s to stay at CBR for the Skyliner. But I'm worried about being in a building far away from everything, including the skyliner.

I requested a room close to the Skyliner Riviera resort so I hope I get it!

You’ve got some great plans lined up.
Lovely that you got to spend some time with Jack & Amanda

I’m getting ready this weekend
It was really nice to see them! We had beautiful weather Mother’s Day weekend

Wait, how did I not know this? We'll be in the 2 parks that day too. Hopefully we'll see you. I don't know yet where we will start, but I'll let you know.

I wasn’t sure until last week when I saw the Jaw magnet and Jaw merchandise. I’m going to both parks but not spending a lot of time at USO.

I'm really looking forward to this. I'm thinking about trying to spend some time in Epcot so I can see Danielle at work in action.

I am as well It will be nice to visit with you and your friend! I was thinking Bar Riva maybe?

We have plans to try and get a photo with the backdrop.

I need to get that backdrop and the speciality drink with the Jaws cup

 

[pkondz]

You are a thrill rider, me not so much

No short cut so out the regular exit. The short cut entrance is only open for Orlando Informer nights that I know of!

Ah, okay. Thanks.

I love the desserts here and the delicious macarons!

 

[disneyAndi14]

The noises are everywhere!

Today was Saturday 3/8/25 our last full day.

We woke up to another beautiful day. We didn’t rush this morning and made sure everything was packed up before we called bell service. One negative at Universal hotels is they do not transfer luggage from one hotel to another on property. We would have to come back and get our luggage before going to Aventura Hotel. Our plan was to head back into US to ride the train. We headed to the park via boat. Here is a picture of the hotel from the night before coming back to PB. I love this hotel!

The morning was a little cool as we headed into Diagon Alley. We rode Escape from Gringotts first thing and then we went into the Leaky Cauldron to pick up a hot butter beer to drink as we headed to the train.

It was up and running, well kind of! We got to the platform waiting area and there was a delay announcement oh no! We decided to wait it out because the over head announcements made it seem like it would be up soon. I think we waited about 20 minutes and it was time to ride, yay!

We basically rode walked around Hogsmeade and took the train again back to Diagon Alley! You have to ride both ways because it is a different experience each way. We decide to ride Race through New York D had never done this ride. She really liked it. I know the ride can induce motion sickness for many but not us! We enjoyed it. I made D ride The Fast and Furious since she had never done this one. It is bad! She didn’t mind it haha We decided to go back in the Tribute store before heading out. Inside the store



We wanted to do the Bourne Stunt Spectacular but the times did not align for us. We decided to have a late lunch/early dinner on Citywalk. I really enjoy CowFish and D likes it as well so we went to see about a walk up and we got right in! We requested the outside patio area upstairs. This was perfect. The day was warm but not too hot for outside eating. Our waiter was awesome He was telling us about Epic Universe, he had been for the TM preview and loved it.

We both had a really good lime margarita and ordered the crab Rangoon dip with crispy wontons. This was really good!

We went with a vegetarian sushi roll and a shrimp tempura one!


Everything was delicious and our service was top notch!

Once we finished our meal, it was time to head back to PB to pick up our luggage.

We got a Lyft over to Aventura and checked in. Our room was not quite ready and it was after 3pm, however, check in time was 4pm. We hung out in the lobby. I really like the lobby of Aventura, this is where my love stops! They have a nice food court and a full service Starbucks.

We got the room ready text around 3:45pm. We were on the 4th floor facing a busy road. The traffic noise was really loud. We had a full wall of windows. The room had a little alcove with a queen bed and the other queen bed was in the center of the room. Request a room on the non road side if you choose to stay here!

It was a big room but incredibly noisy. We closed the curtains to try and buffer some of the traffic noise. It helped a little but it even sounded at times like airplanes were taking off on that road! Ugh

We were glad it was just one night here. I don’t know how people can stay here for multiple nights facing the road!

We decided to check out the pool and have a drink at the bar. It was a nice pool area. We enjoyed our drinks outside.

I had a rum pool type of drink and D had a margarita. Apparently I quit taking pictures at this point. We actually retired to our noisy room around 7pm. We had to be up at 3:45am. We were able to stream Max on this TV, we watched Game of Thrones and noticed another weird noise. It must have been the air conditioning?? Every so often it would make a roar sound, like when the ride Hulk takes off, like that noise. It was really annoying! I put my earplugs in at bedtime and hoped for a little sleep. I think I got a few hours.

I had scheduled a Lyft to pick us up at 4:20am. Our ride showed up right on time with a really nice driver in a Tesla. We didn’t know how to get in at first lol

The ride was uneventful and to my surprise the curb service sky cap was open this early, yay We checked in outside nice and quick and went into the busy airport. 5am the place was really busy! We had a little extra time after security so we got a Burger King croissant breakfast sandwich and headed to our gate. The plane was already boarding so we went right on with no wait. We had comfort plus seats and tried to sleep some after our breakfast.

Everything was on time and soon we were in Minneapolis. We had about an hour wait before taking our last flight to Duluth. I was able to get a picture of Lake Superior on our descent into the airport. It was cool to see us flying over the big lake!


Another trip in the books! It was a good one! Beautiful weather, great food, parks, and overall low crowds!

Magic=Hot Butterbeer, riding the Hogwarts Express, delicious food At CowFish, wonderful waiter, meeting the robot at Aventura, and seeing Lake Superior on the flight home.

Tragic=our room at Aventura, all the noise! Having to leave basically in the middle of the night!

Thank you so much for joining me for another TR!

I am going to pack tomorrow for my upcoming trip! The weather looks hot, which I Love I won’t need to pack any warm clothes other than what I need to come and go from Minnesota.

Thanks again and have a wonderful weekend everyone!

 

[pkondz]

One negative at Universal hotels is they do not transfer luggage from one hotel to another on property.

Didn’t know that, but I almost never switch hotels when I’m at WDW or US

we went into the Leaky Cauldron to pick up a hot butter beer

I NEED THIS!

I think we waited about 20 minutes and it was time to ride, yay!

Not bad.

We basically rode walked around Hogsmeade and took the train again back to Diagon Alley!

I’ve done that!

I made D ride The Fast and Furious since she had never done this one. It is bad! She didn’t mind it haha

Not a good ride. At all.

We wanted to do the Bourne Stunt Spectacular

This is new to me. Never even heard of it.

I really enjoy CowFish and D likes it as well so we went to see about a walk up and we got right in!

ordered the crab Rangoon dip with crispy wontons.

Never had that. Sounds tasty.

I really like the lobby of Aventura, this is where my love stops!

Uh oh…

We were on the 4th floor facing a busy road. The traffic noise was really loud.

it even sounded at times like airplanes were taking off on that road! Ugh

I had a rum pool type of drink and D had a margarita. Apparently I quit taking pictures at this point.

Drinks were strong, were they?

noticed another weird noise. It must have been the air conditioning?? Every so often it would make a roar sound, like when the ride Hulk takes off, like that noise. It was really annoying! I put my earplugs in at bedtime and hoped for a little sleep. I think I got a few hours.

Oh geez. Not exactly a restful evening.

we got a Burger King croissant breakfast sandwich

Bit of a step down from Cowfish!

Another trip in the books! It was a good one! Beautiful weather, great food, parks, and overall low crowds!

Glad you had such a nice trip.

Thank you so much for joining me for another TR!

Thanks for sharing your adventure with us!

 

[luvpoohandcompany]

Our dessert was delicious I was happy to enjoy this knowing Andi was 3000 miles away so she couldn’t have a reaction

Glad you were able to relax and enjoy your dessert

I am going to pack tomorrow for my upcoming trip! The weather looks hot, which I Love

Won’t be long now!

 

[Wood Nymph]

The morning was a little cool as we headed into Diagon Alley.

Our trip was March 9-13, just after your trip, and I was surprised to have some cool mornings. It was great weather.

We both had a really good lime margarita and ordered the crab Rangoon dip with crispy wontons. This was really good!

The dip looks delicious.

It was a big room but incredibly noisy.

This would be a huge negative. It would be hard to stay there for multiple days. They probably stuck you in that room since you were only there for one night. We had a room that faced the highway when we were at Disneyland. But the noise was minimal. They had installed a double set of windows.

I am going to pack tomorrow for my upcoming trip! The weather looks hot, which I Love I won’t need to pack any warm clothes other than what I need to come and go from Minnesota.

I don't love the hot weather, which is why we can tolerate only one summer trip a year. At least the summer clothes are easier to pack than the winter ones.

Have a great time! We will once again be following you - June 8-12.

 

[buzzrelly]

It was up and running, well kind of! We got to the platform waiting area and there was a delay announcement oh no! We decided to wait it out because the over head announcements made it seem like it would be up soon. I think we waited about 20 minutes and it was time to ride, yay!

Yay!!

We got the room ready text around 3:45pm. We were on the 4th floor facing a busy road. The traffic noise was really loud.

Oh no! Never have that problem with Disney no matter where you're staying which is kind of nice. I wouldn't have been thinking of this but now you have me wondering for my July trip we're staying at Sapphire Falls and I wonder if we'll have that same issue

It was a big room but incredibly noisy. We closed the curtains to try and buffer some of the traffic noise. It helped a little but it even sounded at times like airplanes were taking off on that road! Ugh

Oh that is bad

Thank you so much for joining me for another TR!

Thanks for sharing! It was fun to follow along!

I am going to pack tomorrow for my upcoming trip!

Have so much fun! Can't wait to hear all about it!

 

[Stacybaeasm]

Your room noise is one of the reasons I always sleep with a white noise app. But I also just can't sleep if the room is completely quiet. I guess I hate hearing myself breathe???

I'm glad you had a nice last day. And I love the picture of the lake as you get into Duluth. I miss lakes. After growing up in MN, it's weird that the last 2 states I lived in basically don't have lakes. Maybe that explains my pool obsession???

Anyway, have a great trip! I hope to see you in a week!

 

[disneyAndi14]

Didn’t know that, but I almost never switch hotels when I’m at WDW or US

It is a bummer they don’t transfer luggage We will be switching again in September to stay at the new Helios in Epic!

I NEED THIS!

The hot butterbeer is by far my favorite

Not a good ride. At all.

It is terrible! I heard it is being replaced? I hope so!

This is new to me. Never even heard of it.

It is a new show, it is a mix of real stunts and screens. I think it has been there about 2 years now I haven’t done it yet

Never had that. Sounds tasty.

The dip was really tasty

Drinks were strong, were they?

Haha I don’t know what happened with my lack of pictures at the end of the trip!

Oh geez. Not exactly a restful evening.

It was not!

Thanks for sharing your adventure with us!

For being here!

Glad you were able to relax and enjoy your dessert

It was delicious

Won’t be long now!

Tomorrow is travel day!