Notes From Universal Studios Florida
Our Family at Universal Studios
The Banks family just returned from a long awaited trip to Universal Florida. Here are some notes from the trip. I hope they will help you.
1) Loved Marriott’s Grande Vista. Plenty of room. Good price. Everything you need. Not far from anything.
We stayed at Marriott’s Grande Vista in a two bedroom villa. I would totally stay there again for any future trip to Orlando. It was close to anything we needed as well as the airport and the theme parks. The two bedroom villa was perfect for us. We had two full bathrooms and bedrooms. We have a full kitchen with a stackable washer/dryer. We had a dining room and a living room. There was even a kitchenette in the 2nd bedroom. Our family needs lots of room to spread out, and we certainly had it here.
2) Do the unlimited express.
I definitely recommend purchasing your park passes before arriving at whatever theme park you’re visiting. It will save you waiting in a line when you’re eager just to get started with the fun. At Universal, there is an option you can buy called “Unlimited Express”. I believe you can only get it directly from Universal. It almost doubled the price of the three day, two park passes that we purchased. It certainly gave me pause to spend so much extra money, but we tend toward spending money to buy a better experience, so I took a deep breath and hit ‘purchase’.
I am so glad I did. The kids were able to get right on the rides again and again. We walked past hundreds of people right into attractions and onto rides. It was great.
3) Do the preferred parking.
The regular parking is $15. Preferred parking is $20. At the end of the day, when you’re exhausted, you’ll beg to pay the extra $5 to have your car closer so that you can collapse into it and go back to the hotel.
4) If a theme park ever got truly good food, it would be unstoppable and could charge whatever they wanted.
I didn’t eat anything truly awful, but I also didn’t eat anything truly outstanding. Why is it okay for theme park food to be so mediocre? If a theme park really put an emphasis on food, I believe they could charge whatever they wanted.
5) How much would you pay for a locker with an outlet inside?
I became an expert on finding outlets where I would whip out my iPhone charger and get a few percentage points of charge while awaiting offspring to complete a ride. I am constantly on my phone (don’t judge). I would have loved to have been able to lock my phone up in a locker that had a power outlet inside for about an hour to get completely charged up. In the interest of full disclosure, there is one storefront in “Tune Lagoon” where you could pay $10 to charge your phone for an hour. We were on the way out of “Tune Lagoon” when we found this though, and never went back through.
6) AT&T needs to put a tower (or two) right at Universal.
My iPhone is AT&T. The data coverage was really, really bad. It took forever for Facebook or email to update. iMessages were almost unusable as a method to communicate with those with whom you are traveling. Seriously, it would be 30 minutes for a message to go through.
7) Going with older kids is way better than going with stroller aged kids.
I felt so sorry for parents with babies and preschoolers. Even young school aged kids were challenging. Younger kids don’t have the stamina to do a full day at a theme park. They also have to be watched so closely. My kids are 12 and 17. When each of them wanted to ride different rides at the end of the day, we were able to find a place to perch (near an outlet, of course) and each kid went their own way and rode that special ride over and over (thanks to the Express pass) until the appointed time to meet back up.
8) Wear a Scottevest.
You may have heard me talk about my magic vest before. I could wax poetic about all of the reasons I love traveling wearing my wonderful vest. I loved it even more in a theme park. It was so nice not to carry things over my shoulder. It was great not to have to think about if I was leaving something when moving from place to place. There are pockets for everything. It was wonderful.
Six Reasons to Try Disneyland in California
Disneyland in California!
First of all, nothing beats the original. Disneyland was Walt and Roy Disney’s original vision. It was the first.
Disneyland is a more manageable size than Walt Disney World in Florida. The smaller size of the two parks adds to the magic of the experience. I think it’s because you don’t have to go out to the parking lot and wait for a tram…you just walk back and forth between the parks and stay in the magic all day! Another advantage of the smaller parks is that you’ll see more characters more often.
The more manageable size makes Disneyland great for small kids. Disneyland is a great way to introduce them to all of the magic of Disney.
The Indiana Jones ride. At Walt Disney World in Florida you may have seen the Indiana Jones show. At Disneyland in Florida, you can actually be a part of the adventure because it is a full fledged ride. From the Disney website: Enter the legendary Temple of the Forbidden Eye on a daring journey in search of unimaginable rewards. Deep inside the temple, you embark on a fast-paced thrill ride aboard a rugged troop transport. There are ominous signs of danger ahead, but, with famous archaeologist Indiana Jones on your side, what could possibly go wrong?
Halloween. The villains come out and wander the parks, the Haunted Mansion turns into the Nightmare Before Christmas, and now they change Space Mountain too!
Although there aren’t as many Disney owned properties, they have a great relationship with the “Good Neighbor” hotels.
The climate is better in California. California doesn’t get as hot as Florida. California isn’t nearly as humid as Florida. ’nuff said.
To be succinct, Disneyland is amazing. If you’ve never been there, think about making Disneyland in California your next Disney experience.
He is a Great Mouse!
In line for Haunted Mansion!
Yay!
Home is….
….where the heart is? Then I have not been home in years. My heart is with these people:
Leah's Family
(Note: My Mom, Dad and older brother are missing from this photo.)
My heart is with my family, my heart is with Disney, my heart is with my friends, and my heart is always on the road. I did not want to come back to Texas! Even though it was hot and muggy…it was magic for me.
Granted, I didn’t like all of Disneyworld. I could have done without most of Animal Kingdom, I’m sad that Space Mountain was closed, I’m sad they didn’t have the Indiana Jones ride….and I never found a churro. (Although, the cream cheese pretzel MORE than made up for the loss of a churro)
I’m actually hoping to get to Disneyland in October. I’m going to Cancun next week! I’m happier on the road. I love the adventure….but, my favorite part about being on the road is the learning.
I think that’s why I spent so much of my life moving! New surroundings meant new people, new lessons, and maybe a new Leah. But, I didn’t change….well, I guess growth is a change. But, I didn’t change the way I set out to. I did learn though.
Oh….how I learned. But, I got sick of moving. The excitement of the new surroundings died after years of boxes, storage, buying and selling furniture, and job searching. Now I am in a place where I want to find a home off the road. Although, the need for new lessons and adventure will never leave me.
For now…my heart is on the road. And until I get to Cancun next week……..I will pine for my adventures in Florida at the second happiest place on Earth.
Day 4: Leah at the Magic Kingdom
Leah at the Entrance to the Magic Kingdom
It feels like coming home. Well, it felt like coming home. I discovered soon after entering that the park is set up a bit different than Disneyland….so, I got lost.
And! I didn’t realize that this park doesn’t have the Indiana Jones ride. AND WHY IS SPACE MOUNTAIN ALWAYS CLOSED?
But, I was so happy to be here. This is what I had been waiting for…..this is my place!
I know I said yesterday that I was going to get pictures with every character I saw………well, I saw four. I did not get pictures with them. The rain made everyone run and hide.
I apologize, but the rain also made it hard to get the camera out and document!
I didn’t really think much about the camera today anyway. Today was the first day I was in the park with my family! I came for family vacation…but, I did the other three parks by myself because I got here so early.
We all went on the Haunted Mansion together. The mansion itself is a really cool building. The ride is the same as California, but it did seem a bit longer to me.
Then we went to Pirates! I looooove the changes made to incorporate the movies. I haven’t been on the ride since they made those changes. I think everybody liked it. (And I got a new Pirates shirt. Very important!)
Today I was enjoying the company of my peeps! My nieces and nephews seem to be growing out of the Disney excitement…….but, I think I had enough for all of us.
Leah's Dad at the Magic Kingdom
My dad shared some joy too! Look at my Pappy! He is the greatest. I love experiencing Disney with him because he has the same kind of love for Disney that I do.
Today was a good day. I really don’t know what to say about it! I felt like a kid again. When I saw Captain Hook I did a little dance. But, he and Smee were quickly ushered away because of the rain. My sister got a good picture of Hook though.
I’m ready to go to DisneyLAND! =)
Day 3: Leah at Animal Kingdom
Tree of Life
I wish I had a better picture of this tree. The Tree of Life was amazing. But, I am going to be totally honest with you…I wasn’t a huge fan of The Animal Kingdom.
Now, I want to make it perfectly clear……I love Disney. I will be a fan until the day I die (and then after I die I will probably search Walt out see if he wants to be friends). But, I know for a fact that Disney doesn’t always get it right. And for me…this wasn’t a very magical day. This was a zoo…..and Goofy and Donald happened to be there…..
Dino Buddy
Now that I have the negative out of the way….let me tell you about what I did like! The Dinosaur ride was EXACTLY like the Indiana Jones ride. I dug it. DUG IT.
Dino Buddy 2
I got bored waiting in line for the “Finding Nemo the Musical” and I made this! Wait….that’s not true. But, this was near the line that I was standing in. The musical was amazing. I didn’t like all the songs, but the show wasn’t about the songs! The costuming and the staging were wonderful. Good times.
Leah at Everest
The highlight of the day is a picture of me! No…..the Everest Expedition was a really surprising roller coaster. I had so much fun on that. And! They have the single rider line. So, get off the ride and then jump right back into line.
Rain, Rain, Go Away
You know…….this could be part of the reason my day wasn’t that magical. It did this for most of the day. I should have had my dad take a picture when he picked me up. I was drenched…..you would have been jealous. The wet rat look is so in season.
My Gorilla Buddy
I had a staring contest with him………well, the whole crowd around me did. He was not pleased. Can you see that he is not pleased? But, he walked away first! So, I win.
Leah - Staring
I had a staring contest with him………well, the whole crowd around me did. He was not pleased. Can you see that he is not pleased? But, he walked away first! So, I win.
Wouldn’t you walk away first too? That is a stare! Grrrrrrr!
Leah at Walt Disney World – Day Two
Disney Studios
I could live here. I could set up a tent in the middle of the park and live inside Hollywood Studios! This was amazing….and just for Cathi….today was AWESOME!
Tower of Terror
I started out on the Tower of Terror………..because I wanted to judge it. I wanted to compare it to the one at Disneyland and pine away for my homeland. I will admit that there are things about the original Tower that are pretty cool……..but, the jury is in folks! California rules.
Beauty and the Beast
You want to have a strange experience? Watch the the stage shows! The “Beauty and the Beast” and “The Little Mermaid” shows were sort of like speed reading. They went right from…he’s growling! They’re in love! LET’S KILL THE BEAST! Hee hee.
Disney Animation
This may have been my favorite part of the park. They give you a history of how the movies are drawn and developed, then show you some art from the upcoming Disney movie, and then you get to create your own art! You can even go to a Disney drawing class. (The upcoming movie “The Princess and the Frog” is the first movie in years that has been hand drawn. If I wasn’t excited enough before……..)
Mickey and Leah
I love this Mouse. I don’t care what anybody says. Mickey has always been a big part of my life. My dad worked for Disney……..in fact! I found out yesterday that my dad was one of the original employees here at DisneyWorld when the park opened. Both parks are in my blood!
Indiana Jones
Well, I did a lot of wandering today. This is the Indiana Jones Stunt Show. Ummm…I have to admit something to you….I was the rude girl having a text conversation during the show. I’m so bad! I know-please forgive me. (My boss needed my password for my work email….and then I had to update her on all my fun!)
My day ended with The American Idol Experience. That was pretty cool. I’m not the best singer….but, one girl performed “Part of Your World” during the finale….oh my goodness. When I’m in a good mood ask me to do my impression of her.
Leah at Walt Disney World – Day One
Welcome to Epcot
I’m here! My parents arrived yesterday and by Sunday we will all be here. So, you will have to forgive my personal photo taking for the next couple of days. =)
Spaceship Earth
Before I tell you about Epcot…you have GOT to see the before and after of my hair. My dad dropped me off and by the time he came back to fetch me….humidity had done some work on me. Enjoy!
Leah before the Florida humidity
Leah - Humidified!
Ha! I guess it doesn’t matter what I do with my hair all weekend. Florida will take care of my curls. I hope I can tame them for the family photo! Sheesh!
After Mars made me ill…I decided to go back in time and hang out with dinosaurs and learn about how energy has evolved. (At least I think that is what I learned. I was still having “I’M IN DISNEYWORLD” flutters.)
Spaceship Earth - Another perspective.
Then……I walked around the world! Man, do my feet hurt. (That may be an old joke, but it’s the truth!)
So, I went to ask for help….like ya do….and the employees all turned out to be French. You know what? I should have brought video with me. You would really have loved watching me try to ask Disney questions in French. We didn’t go over Disney topics in high school or college. Popcorn worthy.
My dad took me on a tour to see some of the hotels in the area. The Wilderness Lodge was my favorite! I have some clients staying there soon…now I’m double excited for them!
We had dinner in Downtown Disney at a Cuban place called Bongos. Mmmmmmm! So tasty.
Today was a really great day! I’m so excited to be here and share my trip with my friends and my clients. Although, I have to tell you the truth…………so far, Disneyland is still the HAPPIEST PLACE ON EARTH! Disneyworld comes in second.
Loves and CHEESE!
