Where is Dino Land? Early Spring Trip 2/27-3/9/25! Updated 5/4*

[buzzrelly]

This is a 10 night trip with 7 at Disney and the Disney portion was already ending boo

Boo! Buy, yay for a 10 night trip! That went fast!

I don’t recommend a 6am flight home, haha It did save us $$$

Yikes...Allie always seems to book these and has to leave by 3am...crazy!

We literally waited 5 minutes for a rat! D was in a rat next to me again.

Nice! That single rider line works well IF you don't see people...if there are people to the entrance door forget it.

 

[Wood Nymph]

We literally waited 5 minutes for a rat! D was in a rat next to me again.

We had a wonderful ride. The single rider line worked great again, yay

We used the single rider line for Remy for the first time our last trip. It was early in the morning, and we got on right away. It was great but I could see where it could back up and become a long line later in the day. I think a lot depends on the CM who assigns the seat for the single rider line.

D didn’t want to get in the pictures so I did a few by myself.

Your shirt is adorable!

 

[Steppesister]

It did save us $$$. D’s flight was free with my Delta rewards but of course they give you some not so desirable flight times. Oh well stay tuned for that!

Always gotta pay the piper somehow.

We headed into Epcot via the IG. I wanted to scope out Remy and the single rider line first. It was open and I could tell the line was short so in we went.

I really need to remember this trick!

brown gravy and sweet corn salsa.

Not sure about this combo. Hmm...

Satay Beef Bao Bun filled with pan fried beef, red onion, and jalapeño in Chinese satay peanut sauce.

WOW, does that ever sound good!

I don’t think shrimp potato chips sound very appealing.

They are very popular in Asia. We used to get them now and then in Kaz and definitely when we visited Thailand.

The flight was Keel Farms Pear Honeysuckle, Blake’s Hard Cider Imperial Tropical Mango, and 3 Daughters Brewing Pomegranate Hard Cider.

That sounds uh-maaaaazing!

 

[Stacybaeasm]

When are you there in May? I arrive May 25 with May 26 as my first in park day. I would love to meet up with you if you have time (and are still there!)

 

[disneyAndi14]

When are you there in May? I arrive May 25 with May 26 as my first in park day. I would love to meet up with you if you have time (and are still there!)

I will be there 5/21-5/26. My flight leaves at 6pm on 5/26. I planned Epcot on 5/26. I’d love to meet up! Let me know what works!

 

[disneyAndi14]

Entertaining the troops?

Haha! I didn’t even think about that! If you mean the tons of guests at the parks then yes I’m sure I can be a source of entertainment fumbling along through the parks!

I did not know this until recently. I'm glad this is a thing.

I will definitely utilize SR on my upcoming trip for Remy!

cheesy? I'm not sure if that combo would work with me.

It is a cream cheese in the wontons! It is one item I get over and over at F&G, such a favorite

I'm not a peanut sauce fan, but the rest sounds good.

I never get anything with peanut/nut with Andi so this was definitely a treat!

Don't knock it until you try it.

My son Jack has tried some shrimp chips from Japan before and he liked them. Just sounds really gross. I did try pickle chips and was surprised I liked them.

That sounds amazing!

The cider flight was really good. I may get this again in a 3 weeks!

ooooohhhhh... yes please!

This was delicious bread pudding! Disney has become my place to try different bread puddings! There is one at CBR bar that @suse66 loves! I am getting that one on my next trip!

The IG is my favourite perk of staying at the Epcot resorts. Love entering the park this way.

Same! I love the easy access to Epcot. I will be at CBR in May and hope the Skyliner is my friend!

I didn’t know about the single rider line for Remy until your TR but it definitely makes for a much shorter wait.

Yes, it is new! I sure hope they keep it open!

I wonder if they taste like the prawn cocktail crisps we have? I don’t like actual prawn cocktail ( a texture thing really) but I love the crisps. You never know you might enjoy them

I’m sure they do. I think they had oyster ones also?? It just sounds so weird!

This sounds perfect for a sunny Florida day. Honestly all of your food has sounded great to me, well except for the shrimp and grits but that’s just me being me

Everything was really good! The shrimp and grits was a big hit with us!

Always sad to say goodbye but at least you were heading over to party at Universal

It is always sad to say goodbye I’m glad I have an upcoming trip

 

[Stacybaeasm]

I will be there 5/21-5/26. My flight leaves at 6pm on 5/26. I planned Epcot on 5/26. I’d love to meet up! Let me know what works!

I have a park reservation for MK but I can hop to Epcot to meet you before you head to the airport.

 

[pkondz]

Haha! I didn’t even think about that! If you mean the tons of guests at the parks then yes I’m sure I can be a source of entertainment fumbling along through the parks!

I never get anything with peanut/nut with Andi so this was definitely a treat!

Ah! Then I’m glad you enjoyed it.

My son Jack has tried some shrimp chips from Japan before and he liked them. Just sounds really gross. I did try pickle chips and was surprised I liked them.

There ya go. You may be surprised!

This was delicious bread pudding! Disney has become my place to try different bread puddings! There is one at CBR bar that @suse66 loves! I am getting that one on my next trip!

For some reason, I’m feeling a little hungry…

 

[luvpoohandcompany]

Same! I love the easy access to Epcot. I will be at CBR in May and hope the Skyliner is my friend!

Fingers crossed for you

I’m sure they do. I think they had oyster ones also?? It just sounds so weird!

I love seeing all the strange ( to me) food from other countries. I live in hope that Tootsie Rolls make it to Ireland some day

 

[disneyAndi14]

Fingers crossed for you

I love seeing all the strange ( to me) food from other countries. I live in hope that Tootsie Rolls make it to Ireland some day

I can’t believe you don’t have tootsie rolls! I love them! I buy a bulk bag and have to hide it because I will keep eating them! Fresh soft ones, yum yum

 

[disneyAndi14]

Boo! Buy, yay for a 10 night trip! That went fast!

I love longer trips! I also like short trips in between!

Yikes...Allie always seems to book these and has to leave by 3am...crazy!

I don’t mind early morning ones heading to Disney but the early one to leave, sad

Nice! That single rider line works well IF you don't see people...if there are people to the entrance door forget it.

Very true! I noticed that right away. If you can see the line when you come into the queue forget it

We used the single rider line for Remy for the first time our last trip. It was early in the morning, and we got on right away. It was great but I could see where it could back up and become a long line later in the day. I think a lot depends on the CM who assigns the seat for the single rider line.

I think morning is the best time. We did see the SR backed up in the afternoon and I am sure the wait was long!

Your shirt is adorable!

Thank you! I thought it was a good one for F&G

Always gotta pay the piper somehow.

Yes, free flight =less than desirable flight time

I really need to remember this trick!

I’m going to test the Remy SR line again in May and see how it goes.

Not sure about this combo. Hmm..

I wasn’t sure either with the brown gravy but it was delicious

WOW, does that ever sound good!

That little beef bun was packed with flavor

They are very popular in Asia. We used to get them now and then in Kaz and definitely when we visited Thailand.

I have tried pickle chips that is it for me, haha

That sounds uh-maaaaazing!

The cider flight was really good! I may need to get it again in May

I have a park reservation for MK but I can hop to Epcot to meet you before you head to the airport.

That would be great! It would be nice to meet up!

For some reason, I’m feeling a little hungry…

Bread puddings can have that effect

 

[luvpoohandcompany]

I can’t believe you don’t have tootsie rolls! I love them! I buy a bulk bag and have to hide it because I will keep eating them! Fresh soft ones, yum yum
View attachment 961248

I am soooo jealous

 

[vamassey1]

This is a 10 night trip with 7 at Disney and the Disney portion was already ending boo

They always go too fast.

We literally waited 5 minutes for a rat! D was in a rat next to me again.

Good move!

I forgot to post these pictures from yesterday. D didn’t want to get in the pictures so I did a few by myself.

Very cute photos.

We looked around the China shops, I love checking out the strange flavors of potato chips. I don’t think shrimp potato chips sound very appealing.

Those Shrimp chips do not sound good.

The bananas foster bread pudding with a rum caramel sauce.

This is on my list for sure!

 

[disneyAndi14]

They always go too fast.

I know! That is why I keep booking more, haha

Good move!

I’m going to try the single rider line again in May!

Very cute photos.

Thank you

Those Shrimp chips do not sound good.

No I won’t be running out for those chips any time soon

This is on my list for sure!

I have loved all the bread puddings so far! Yummy

 

[vamassey1]

I know! That is why I keep booking more, haha

Me too!!

I have loved all the bread puddings so far! Yummy

Bread Pudding is a very Louisiana thing and I love trying them all here too.

 

[disneyAndi14]

Bread Pudding is a very Louisiana thing and I love trying them all here too.

It is not a Minnesota thing! It is hard to find up here. I love trying different ones at Disney!

 

[disneyAndi14]

Happy May the 4th be with you!

 

[disneyAndi14]

Mardi Gras time!

It was time to switch gears and start our Universal portion of the trip.

We walked back to the BWI and gathered all our belongings from Bell Service. I called for a Lyft to take us to Portofino Bay. We had 2 nights at PB and one night at Adventura. The cost for a 3rd night at PB was almost $600 for Saturday night, it was crazy. Adventura for the one night with my AP discount was under $200. I chose to do this since we had to leave at 4:15am Sunday morning. Plus we would have the express pass (EP) through Saturday. When you stay at a premier resort at Universal you get the EP from check in day through check out day. This is an awesome perk, especially if you get a good AP discount for the resort! An EP bought individually for 2 people would be about $400 for one day. The hotel EP is unlimited so comparing the unlimited daily one it is a no brainer!

Unlike Disney, Universal’s unlimited EP allows you to ride everything multiple times, no limit like FP$$ and even the new Ultimate FP$$.

Once the Lyft arrived, we headed to Universal aka “the dark side” haha I have room in my heart for Disney and Universal. Both are very unique parks and each have things I enjoy so much I have an AP for both.

We arrived at PB and it was around 1:30pm. The bell service is really helpful and took all our stuff to store and whisked it off.

We went in the lobby to check in. I had checked in online so I went to the online check in area and I found out our room was ready, yay We had a waterfront room close to the boat transportation. We walked over and loved the location. I have never stayed on this side. We have always been on the east side.

This was our view. The picture is through the window so not the best! Room number was 3457




We could see the boats coming and going but the room was very quiet. We loved it (spoiler we had the exact opposite reaction to Adventura)

I took a few pictures of the room, called for our luggage, and settled in, while we waited for our stuff.



We headed out shortly after the luggage arrived.

The boat transportation was the plan! The boats are awesome at Universal. Never a long wait and a nice calm ride to Citywalk.

Our first stop was to guest services to get D’s tickets on a card instead of having to pull up on her phone every time she entered the park.

Once we had that, we entered Universal Studios yay

I purchased 2 of the gift cards for AP holders. During Mardi Gras, you can buy $150 dollars on a card for $120. I bought two so I would have one for this trip and our trip in early September.

I put the cards in my little wallet and we headed into the park.

We took in the Mardi Gras atmosphere. On our way to ET, we went in the Tribute Store. This year it was themed to The Bayou. I love all the theming that goes into these stores. It was really cool.


Our first ride was ET! We love this ride. I always have to start with this ride.

Next we rode MIB, picked up some popcorn and decided to try the Columbian Booth. I had heard so much about the burger and it was perfect to split. It is small but perfect for a little snack with the popcorn.

Here is a description of it because I was not taking notes and, of course, forgot to get a picture of it. We both really enjoyed this. It was very small so just a few bites each.

Returning to the Colombia booth is the Colombia Burger: an all-beef burger with a Colombian twist, topped with Monterey jack, pineapple cabbage slaw, cilantro garlic sauce, and potato sticks. Thanks google WDWNT.



We rode the Mummy and Gringotts next. The Mummy is scary and I was brave, haha It really is a fun ride but a little rough in some of the turns. It is very similar to Gringotts but I always feel less afraid on Escape from Gringotts.

Our plan was to watch the 5:30pm Mardi Gras parade.

We found a spot in the AP area by Mel’s Drive in. It was real La fun parade with many vibrant floats. I failed to get any pictures. I was just enjoying the vibe. Plus we had a few people in front of us. It was a good viewing spot but we did come close to the time of the parade so not the best spot.

I did see many a bead flying but didn’t dive to get any haha I’m too old for that.

It was time to head back to PB via boat.

Our plan was to pick up pizza from Sal’s Market. This is an Italian restaurant at the resort. The pizza is really good.

We went with The Salvatore pizza, a sweet Italian sausage, pepperoni, mushrooms, and a blend of cheese.

We really enjoyed the pizza and some snacks from the groceries we had left.

We watched a little TV before calling it a night.

Magic=Delicious food at F&G, Mardi Gras booth, and Pizza! SR line for a win at Remy! Room ready early at PB, great room location, EP included with hotel stay, and boat transportation.

Tragic=I didn’t take many pictures today, the popcorn was very expensive and not very good. Not much for tragic today!
No smart TVs at PB so we had to endure commercials!

Overall a wonderful day!

Stay tune for more Mardi Gras fun and a definite tragic panic moment!

 

[buzzrelly]

We could see the boats coming and going but the room was very quiet. We loved it (spoiler we had the exact opposite reaction to Adventura)

Uh oh!

During Mardi Gras, you can buy $150 dollars on a card for $120. I bought two so I would have one for this trip and our trip in early September.

That's a great deal! Wish Disney would do something like that!

 

[pkondz]

Happy May the 4th be with you!

Are you trying to Force that on us?

I called for a Lyft to take us to Portofino Bay.

Love it there.

The cost for a 3rd night at PB was almost $600 for Saturday night, it was crazy.

Nope!

When you stay at a premier resort at Universal you get the EP from check in day through check out day. This is an awesome perk, especially if you get a good AP discount for the resort!

Such a great perk.

Both are very unique parks and each have things I enjoy so much I have an AP for both.

Plus the Uni AP, compared to Disney, is practically free.

We had a waterfront room close to the boat transportation.

Nice.

We loved it (spoiler we had the exact opposite reaction to Adventura)

That doesn’t sound good.

The boats are awesome at Universal. Never a long wait and a nice calm ride to Citywalk.

Totally agree with this. Uni has boat transportation down pat.

Our first ride was ET! We love this ride. I always have to start with this ride.

Such a classic.

Colombia Burger: an all-beef burger with a Colombian twist, topped with Monterey jack, pineapple cabbage slaw, cilantro garlic sauce, and potato sticks.

I’d eat that! Yum!

We rode the Mummy and Gringotts next. The Mummy is scary and I was brave, haha It really is a fun ride but a little rough in some of the turns. It is very similar to Gringotts but I always feel less afraid on Escape from Gringotts.

I think Mummy is much more intense.

I did see many a bead flying but didn’t dive to get any haha I’m too old for that.