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Post by Eeyorelover22 on Apr 3, 2024 10:48:32 GMT -5
Saturday early is the way!
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Post by MinnieMom on Apr 3, 2024 17:23:26 GMT -5
Eeyorelover22 - I totally think you are right on another night and leaving early Saturday! Maybe Friday night in Daytona or St Augustine - that would get me out of Orlando traffic and close enough to the beach to dip my toes in the sand on the way out.
Universal felt packed to me today. I didn't do any rides or shows. Instead, I enjoyed food, drink and street entertainment. Then I walked over to CityWalk to chill when the wind kicked up and the rain came in today. I'm back in the hotel now and just heard a nice roll of thunder. Maybe I won't go swimming tonight.
The AP Food & Drink card works just fine. It cost $120 for the $150 card. I used it at festival booths, the Hop Pot in Diagon Alley and at Antijillo (Mexican restaurant in CityWalk) easily. The usual AP discounts apply, which is a nice bonus. Based on today's enjoyment and AP discounts, I suspect I'll get more like $173 value from the $120 the card cost. That's a nice win!
Antojitos Authentic Mexican Food's was oddly bland. Requesting and adding a punch of salt helped immensely.
As usual, frozen butterbeer for the win! I snagged another souvenir cup this morning and intend to get one more this trip. That would give me a total of four for a nice round set. These are now my favorite cups for just about everything at home. I use them daily!
I don't have many pics from today, so I'll add those tomorrow. Tomorrow, I'm thinking of going early to do the extra hour at Islands of Adventure in the morning. I'll stay as long as I'm having fun, then head back to the room when it is time to chill.
Well, chill and update TR then maybe work on the Forest Friends chapter book!
Oh, I had a great call with DD's homeschool curriculum counselor while in the park. We chatted for about an hour about potential coursework for next year plus updates on the cool entrepreneurship course we are doing plus some really good news about how we will be able to include some of the planned summer camps into next year's courses. Homeschool is way more fun than anticipated!
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Post by jedimom3 on Apr 3, 2024 19:08:26 GMT -5
Hello from Orlando! I almost timed the drive right yesterday. Jacksonville traffic is a challenge - I may extend this stay by one night just to drive back home on a Sat instead of risking Friday rush hour traffic in Jacksonville. The first five nights I'm in a Hilton Garden Inn near Universal. It's okay. Free breakfast and some evening snacks. I thought I'd get up and bounce into the parks, but wound up doing some work this morning. Looks like the wind is kicking up, so I may well hang another hour in the room before venturing to Universal for Mardi Gras for lunch. I have easy goals today for the park. Buy an AP dining card for Madi Gras ($120 for $150 value, plus can use AP discounts). Have lunch. Check out AP lounge in Islands of Adventure, ask about renewal specials (if any). Maybe have an early dinner in Hogsmeade, maybe enjoy the rides in Suess land that always make me happy. Or maybe simply hang and enjoy Mardi Gras! In any event, after the park I'm thinking maybe a drink at the bar tonight or quick swim for an early night. Updates and photos to follow either tonight or tomorrow! It's Carnival time, and everybody's having fun!!! Hope you have a great time with the Mardi Gras festivities. Somehow I totally forgot to check out the Tribute Store. The food booths had some good offerings! i wish I'd gotten an extra discounted food card to use for the future, but I did get one,and made good use of it on our trip. Hope you have a wonderful time. Let the good times roll! |
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Post by dlwdwdvc on Apr 4, 2024 1:55:57 GMT -5
When you walk thru thr Tribute Store be sure to look for the clues that have just been inserted for clue to future re-themin.
Such as a shark following the alligator swimming under your feet … ( Jaws) (Maybe) ?
Also an old video cassete (black plastic ) on the desk where the Pirates Treasure map with his gold coins and something about the vintage BlockBuster Store…for re-theme
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Post by dougdisney on Apr 4, 2024 7:17:24 GMT -5
Enjoy the trip! We just booked a last minute SSR stay 4/7 - 4/11 to use some points rather than banking them. Cool! I'll be around. Please give a shout if you have time to meet up! I'd love to say hello in person! Yes on telling parking security you have a dining reservation and giving your name. Some don’t ask, but in my experience most do, especially for evening visits. Thanks Brian. Sounds about right. I may try to time it to watch fireworks from the bridge over to the international gate. Or maybe a skyliner ride timed to fireworks. I've never tried that. It could be fun. Fireworks from the Skyliner, at least for Harmonious were pretty awesome, and I'd do it again. For Harmonious we didn't get on until about 30 seconds into the show which worked very well... |
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Post by MinnieMom on Apr 4, 2024 11:28:11 GMT -5
Cool! I did walk through the tribute store yesterday, almost accidently. The large fish projected on the floor - whale, maybe? - was fun to watch. Either the store was very dark or I spent too much time in the bright light. I saw a fun spirit jersey for Mardi Gras on sale. I may go back for that. It would be a fun addition. This morning, I got going early. Not sure what happened with Early Open, but the line didn't start moving till 8:20. I love Suess land, so that's where I spent my time. I waited for the trolley to open and enjoyed a great tour around as the first ride of the day! Then it was off to Hogwarts Express to continue the train theme! And that was enough for me for the morning. I remember years ago when we first got Disney APs someone - maybe Tom? - said the day would come when we would breeze in and out of a park just for one thing. Days like today remind me of that. I had a blast! And then I was done. So I left. I went to the Barnes and Noble to look for the cookbooks that dlwdwdvc mentioned in the campground thread. There are several cookbooks on sale that I debated, as well as art books for DD. But what really caught my eye was the giant coffee table book on 100 Years of Disney. So pretty! That bookstore is close enough I didn't pick up anything today, but I may well head back later this trip! Once back to the room, I brought up the draft of the chapter book and started doing some editing. I plan to work on that for most of the afternoon, hoping to get through a couple of chapters before stopping for dinner. I may head back to US for the Mardi Gras parade. Or I may head to the pool bar to grab a light dinner and a soak in the pool as the weather looks good for the evening. I had been thinking about renewing Universal AP. I like Universal, but there is so much more I actually deeply enjoy at Disney. While I will want to check out the 3rd park when it opens in 2025, I'm not sure it makes sense to renew in the hopes of a preview. Likely it makes more sense to hold off and see if DD wants to do a focused trip on the new land when it opens. My phone is moving at a turtles pace uploading pics/vids. So slow!! But here's the first one - dinner on the drive down on Tuesday. Blaze Pizza was a win! This is the Buckee's stop just before the exit for I-4 on I-95. I would happily plan future stops for lunch or dinner at Blaze Pizza again. It reminded me very much of Mellow Mushroom, albeit as a less themed quick service variation. So much better than rush hour traffic!  |
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Post by MinnieMom on Apr 4, 2024 11:32:21 GMT -5
I just had a thought. I'm mostly more interested in Epic Universal than the first two parks now. I wonder if there's a place on International Drive or nearby where I could see some of the progress? That would be super fun! Obviously I won't go anywhere I'm not supposed to go. But I wonder if perhaps a spin on the Orlando Eye would give a nice view of construction. Hum. Maybe!
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Post by Eli's Nana on Apr 4, 2024 13:47:14 GMT -5
I hope your trip is amazing! Sounds like it is starting out that way... After all your hard work on Standing Pines Resort I am glad you can relax and celebrate! Have fun!
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Post by dlwdwdvc on Apr 4, 2024 17:37:03 GMT -5
I have mentioned this before but the Hilton Convention Center and drive along Destination Parkway going towards ( John Young Parkway ) …
The new Helios Grand Resort has the dome … the street entry already has a street sign but you can’t turn down it …Constellation Way and another entry called EPIC Blvd.., I have to drive this way whenever my 2012 Jeep needs repairs and Uber takes me to the Hertz in the Hilton Convention Center .
You will also see construction/ fencing signs for UNiversals affordable housing I think it is Catchlight Crossing (?) and a future SunRail is in the plans connecting to MCO eventually. .
This neighborhood will have free tuition childcare . Amazing that Universal has been able to begin and Disneys is stalled due to local protests in the area.
Doublecheck my directions… the other 2 new resorts are Stella Nova and Stella Luna I think…I already have a reservation!
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Post by dlwdwdvc on Apr 4, 2024 21:56:20 GMT -5
If you have a quick meetup with rebiz and want to have open invites …Please post I might invite myself !
Is there any day you plan to go to Disney Springs . That Starbucks near the Aerophile Balloon is very popular .
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Post by MinnieMom on Apr 5, 2024 8:54:56 GMT -5
OPEN INVITE - Let's Meet Up this Sunday, April 7 at Disney Springs!
I am totally up for a MO get together this weekend! I move over to SSR on Sunday. A local friend is tentatively planning to join me for lunch at Polite Pig in Disney Springs on Sunday. The more, the merrier - anyone who wants is welcome to join us. Alternatively, I can be talked into ice cream easily. So the second potential meet up could be a mid-afternoon ice cream at Salt & Straw. I have not tried their ice cream yet but it sounds great. And really - how often is ice cream anything but good??
My plans for Monday and Tuesday are fairly flexible. I'm thinking lunch at Mara at AKL on Monday and lunch at the Riviera pool bar on Tuesday. If anyone wants to join me, awesome! Just message me so we can exchange phone numbers & confirm details.
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I bounced up early this morning, ready to grab breakfast at the hotel and enjoy another day of early admission. Then I distracted myself by looking at a map and thinking about all the places on International Drive I could go check out. Then that lead to consideration of maybe getting a ticket for the Orlando Eye to see the Epic Universal construction. Then I thought about combo tickets and perhaps adding a day at Legoland this trip to update my book once I officially take the rights back to it. Long story short, I just bought a Legoland AP that includes unlimited trips to the I-drive SeaLife, Wax Museum and Eye attractions. DH actually talked me into this. He pointed out that I enjoy both parks; Legoland is half the cost (or less) of Universal AP and this pass can be a legit business expense for the book update. So, Legoland pass purchased, app uploaded to phone, pass uploaded to app and I think I'll head to I-drive shortly for a trip up on the Eye to check out construction!
Then maybe lunch at Hogsmeade before heading to a cabana by the pool with my laptop to keep working on the chapter book. I might try for the Mardi Gras parade tonight. On the other hand, indulging in the hot tub then dinner by the pool last night was fantastic. That might be worth a repeat!
DH also gave me an update on campground progress this morning. He met our GC and the power company electrical engineer for our project onsite this morning. All three seem pleased with progress and optimistic about meeting timelines. That works for me. I didn't even ask many questions; if all three of them were happy with it odds are it actually is going well. The pool contractors also called DH earlier this week. They let him know they are moving ahead with ordering equipment so we could expect an invoice soon. The best part of that is that they called DH instead of me! He's both the key contact for construction and I put an "out of office" on my email listing DH as the person to call until I get back on Monday April 15. Nice to know it seems to be working!
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Post by MinnieMom on Apr 5, 2024 12:51:53 GMT -5
WHEWWWWWWWW!!!! I forgot how much I enjoy the Skywheel! Now I want to go back one evening to enjoy fireworks from the sky! Years ago, when we first got Legoland APs, we picked the tier that came with access to the Icon park stuff - wax museum, sky wheel and aquarium. Mostly what I remember about that was the systems didn't talk to each other and dealing with ticket issues was a PITA. Whatever backend IT issues drove those past problems, they seem to be fixed now. I bought my shiny new LL AP online. In minutes, I was able to add the AP to the LL app on my phone. I took a screenshot of that. When I walked up to the sky wheel desk just after 12, I asked if my pass would work. Yep. They scanned my screen shot and that's all there was to it. I breezed right in! Traveling at 1 mile per hour, the Orlando Eye takes about 20 minutes for a full revolution. The top height is ~400 ft, or as the narration on board says: taller than Cinderella's Castle and Hogwarts Castle stacked on top of each other! The capsule was cool and comfortable. I had an entire one to myself, as there were not many guests right at opening. I was mostly interested in trying to see the construction progress of Epic Universe. Below are two cropped images. One shows the Epic Universe construction site from the 7th floor of the Icon Park parking garage; the second is from the top of the sky wheel. There are far better construction videos/pictures out there on youTube. Based on the number of helicopters I saw, that may be how others are getting those images. I enjoyed seeing this for myself! Construction is fun - - ours, Disney's, Universal's - I enjoy seeing dreams being built.   |
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Post by MinnieMom on Apr 7, 2024 14:58:26 GMT -5
Hello from Saratoga Springs Community Hall!
Yesterday was a ton of work on the chapter book for the Forest Friends plus breezing in and out of the Universal Parks for meals. Fun!
One of my local buddies made time to spend today with me. She got up early to join me for breakfast at the hotel. We hung out & visited until heading to CityWalk for lunch at Red Oven Pizza followed by ice cream at Coldstone. That finished my planned Universal time this trip, so it was off to Disney!
I pulled into the gates of SSR just after 2pm. The room was not ready yet, so I grabbed the dirty laundry to make the time productive. Of course, just as soon as I had the wash started and we had settled in community hall, the text with the room number came through. So off we went to find the room, unload and unpack. My friend was worn out. I tucked her in for a nap (mom vibes - evidently I mother most of my friends) and came back to community hall to finish laundry and do so work while she naps.
Monsters Inc is playing in the hall while a couple of other families do crafts. SSR Community Hall is such a nice place to hang out!
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Post by dlwdwdvc on Apr 8, 2024 5:46:00 GMT -5
You continue to inspire… def need to finally go to LEgoLand after living in Fl for 6 years now.
Every Halloween& Xmas I wish I had their AP and knowing about the APP Bonus too ! Thanks
Amazing to see the Grand Helios Dome on top . Iknow everybody criticizes WDW V’s UOS for many reasons including “construction speed” …maybe just maybe they agree to share the Big Cranes and other construction needed that is actually available in area .
When I travelled out to Posner and Davenport area I always noticed a huge Crane rental business . Soon USO will settle down and WDW will gear up to build those dreams you love to see .
By the way Keep those words for your future intro to book .I enjoy seeing dreams built.
P.S. You don’t mention seeing the massive Disney LED Sceen Installation at entrance to SandLake Road I-Drive Icon from sky seat,
That iwas built atop the DVC Store & was opened a year or two ago .
Next visit to Universal property plan to visit the Aventura Resort for their rooftop lounge and viewing area .
Opens after 5 to take escalator to top and see all the fireworks and that screen
Currently the Disney design creates the image of Tron zooming around that SCREEN … and also Disney fireworks if you time it right !
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Post by MinnieMom on Apr 8, 2024 7:38:36 GMT -5
I'm heading to LL in a few minute to check out the changes since the last visit a few years back. I suspect that going solo and skipping the coasters, I can do all the attractions I enjoy plus get some images to update my Legoland playlist on youTube. It is definitely not Disney. Nor is it even Universal quality. I find Legoland to be more like a good regional park. Six Flags is the only comparison that comes to mind, but that's not quite right. I woke up thinking that if I do a second edition for the LL book, maybe I should title it "Orlando's Easy Theme Park." I've done zero research for the visit today and still expect to have a ton of fun. Buying an AP was super easy. So if that theme continues, that may be the subtitle the next edition!
That giant screen on Sand Lake road caught my attention for a couple of seconds. Mostly, I wondered briefly what materials were used to create it. I thought about an article about it some time ago, suggesting the imaginers working on it were less than thrilled about the project IIFC. I'd like to see the fireworks projection on it. I watched the fireworks video on TV at SSR last night. I don't recall that being an option the last time I stayed on property. It is a nice touch!
Thanks for the great tip on Aventura Resort! That sounds like a fun time. I'll pick another friend up at the airport Wednesday night. She gets in right at 5, so I'm thinking we will do dinner someplace closer to the airport than Disney to avoid the worst of rush hour traffic. I wasn't thinking I-drive, but maybe. I could likely talk her into a ride on the Eye and that's always fun!
Look at the time. I must run! I'll be back later with an update.
And, just to share because it makes me happy, I finished the second draft of the Forest Friends chapter book last night. This rewrite took it from a skeleton to a fully fleshed out story. It will still need at least one more re-read and edit before it is ready to share with beta readers, but it may be ready for that by the end of this trip. Productive vacations are the best!
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