angryduck71
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Dec 9, 2010
Happy New Year! I just unpacked from our latest trip and decided to sit down to start writing our trip report. It really started in early June as we were leaving our last Universal (and Disney) trip. We decided to upgrade to a premier pass, use some Hilton points I had, and come back the week after Christmas. We knew it would be the busiest week of the year, but we had a plan - and, for the most part, it worked wonderfully. This has been one of my favorite trips ever! Can't wait to share it with you!
Day 1: Our depart date was Monday, December 27th. Weeks before the trip, I realized I could not find my Annual Passes. DRAT! I read we could get them reprinted but it would cost $20 each or something. I also read sometimes you can get that fee waived. What was worse than the money, though, was the thought of standing in line at customer service.... always a long line. But, knew it was coming....
Anyway, my boyfriend was driving my son, Davy, and I to the airport, and we decided to stop for Subway to take for a lunch at the airport. We looked up that they would be open at 10 am so we would have plenty of time (our flight left at 12:20). We get to the Subway and it's closed.
Hoping this isn't a sign that our trip would have continued bad luck... my mom, who was a bit worried about us going for some reason, had told me she just knew something bad was going to happen... and that was in the back of my mind (spoiler -- very few minor "bad" things happened this trip -- she was totally wrong!). We went to the next exit where there was another Subway and that one was open. We grabbed some sandwiches and headed on to the airport.
Lots of flights had been canceling due to low staff (COVID) and weather (but mostly in the Northwest, I believe). Southwest hadn't been canceling though, so I was hopeful. And, there was no problem whatsoever. We had a nonstop flight (what I always want). When we landed, I can't even remember what we were talking about exactly, but Davy said, "when I have kids, I have a feeling you’re going to be the cool grandma who spoils my kids rotten.” I certainly hope so!
We had Tony Hinds pick us up as usual. Only this time, we weren't staying onsite. I had many points with Hilton due to weird circumstances (you'd think I'd quit staying at Hilton properties after being stuck in an elevator for an hour and a half once, rude service once, and two fire alarms not working on separate visits) but when they keep rewarding me points and a room just outside of Universal is free.... yeah... I'll stay.
We stayed at the DoubleTree just across the street from the Universal Orlando Resort. Of course, once you get to the resort, it's about a 10-15 minute walk to one of the parks. Not TOO bad. We dropped off our luggage and started walking to Islands of Adventure.
We got to security by where Valet parking is located. There was a family and the dad had a pocket knife in his backpack. This caused an unnecessary delay. He was told he could take the knife back to his car. He said that would be too inconvenient, could the guard just hold it. The guard explained he had to confiscate it and not give it back if he left it but he could take it back to his car.... so, the wife told the husband, "just throw it in the bushes and get it later." The guard said, "if I see you do it, I will go get it and confiscate it." Sigh..... meanwhile, we just wanted to get in. FINALLY, the dad walked away -- I guess to put the knife away. We went through no problem in moments. I am always amazed at guys trying to bring in a pocket knife. Now, I realize usually they just forget they have it on them... but, since it was in a backpack, I have to think he recently put it in there. Not smart.
By 5:37 pm, we got in line for guest services to get our passes reprinted. Everyone in line looked angry. Probably because they were there because something went wrong... but, as I have overheard, it's usually not the park's fault... I heard the guy in front of us -- his large group (of about 6) could not get into the parks with the tickets he bought... turns out, they had spent $300 each for express passes for the day, but no actual ticket. And, the parks closed at 10 pm! What in the world... if I was spending that much money, you bet I would have read all of the fine print. Very pricey mistake!
We got to a window... I always try to be extra nice to all of the park employees, but especially those at the service desk as they are yelled at a lot. I went up, was polite, and got our reprints for free. Yay! Took about 20 minutes total, but it did seem longer as we were anxious to get into the park.
FINALLY inside, I had asked earlier what ride Davy wanted to start with. He said Hulk for sure. I have probably mentioned this in previous reports, but Islands of Adventure was the first amusement park I took Davy to. He was about 3 or 4 and in a stroller when we walked in -- he took one look at Hulk, pointed and said, "I wanna ride that!" For years, he could not wait until he was tall enough. Well, now he's taller than I am! Now, I used to love rollercoasters... but, sometimes, they make me motion sick even though I wear a scopolamine patch that helps greatly with most rides, but it appears if there's lots of G forces in a ride, it doesn't help much. So, I was a no-go for the Hulk. I decided to shop instead. This tempted me... I have always been fascinated with The Bride.
Met up with Davy after his Hulk ride and he looked so happy!
We then decided to take a ride on the Jurassic River ride. We decided after that this ride is even better in the dark. So much fun! We didn't get TOO wet this time -- and it was warm.
We decided to grab a bite to eat at Three Broomsticks. I fully expected a long long line but was surprised that it was relatively short. We split the fish and chips and they were better than I remembered. And, I had a hot butterbeer -- heaven! Then, we rode Forbidden Journey (so thankful for the motion sickness patch -- can ride this no problem!). Davy said he felt like he got closer to the creepy things on this ride this time. He loved it!
Love this castle!
We then jumped on Hogwarts Express to go over to Universal.
I must pause here to give a little background about my son. This kid is a freaking genius. And, he is not afraid of working hard. During this fall semester, he took mostly AP and Honors classes on top of doing cross country and marching band. The marching band even won the State Championships. He said if he ended up with straight A's this semester, I had to ride RRR with him. I knew he'd do it... but, I also knew that I could handle that one (as opposed to the Hulk or Velocicoaster). He was really excited to have me pay up on that, so we headed there next. I chose my usual "I Will Survive" as my song. Davy chose Led Zepplin's "Immigrant Song" off the "secret" list. This surprised me as I didn't know how he knew that song... then he reminded me it was in a Thor movie. LOL.
Davy then insisted on Jimmy Fallon. He loves this ride. Most do not like it (although I did hear one other person in the parks this trip talk about liking it... so, now I've heard of two people who actually enjoy it). I saw the Tribute store and wanted to glance in it -- Davy was having none of it and rode the Mummy without me... that disappointed me as I love the Mummy. Sigh.... The Tribute Store was not really worth it in my opinion other than one picture area. I was bummed I missed Mummy. But, I did catch some of the Cinematic Celebration which was fun.
We then walked back to the hotel. Our feet hurt a bit but we were so happy!
And, obligatory pic of big Christmas tree:
Day 1: Our depart date was Monday, December 27th. Weeks before the trip, I realized I could not find my Annual Passes. DRAT! I read we could get them reprinted but it would cost $20 each or something. I also read sometimes you can get that fee waived. What was worse than the money, though, was the thought of standing in line at customer service.... always a long line. But, knew it was coming....
Anyway, my boyfriend was driving my son, Davy, and I to the airport, and we decided to stop for Subway to take for a lunch at the airport. We looked up that they would be open at 10 am so we would have plenty of time (our flight left at 12:20). We get to the Subway and it's closed.
Hoping this isn't a sign that our trip would have continued bad luck... my mom, who was a bit worried about us going for some reason, had told me she just knew something bad was going to happen... and that was in the back of my mind (spoiler -- very few minor "bad" things happened this trip -- she was totally wrong!). We went to the next exit where there was another Subway and that one was open. We grabbed some sandwiches and headed on to the airport. Lots of flights had been canceling due to low staff (COVID) and weather (but mostly in the Northwest, I believe). Southwest hadn't been canceling though, so I was hopeful. And, there was no problem whatsoever. We had a nonstop flight (what I always want). When we landed, I can't even remember what we were talking about exactly, but Davy said, "when I have kids, I have a feeling you’re going to be the cool grandma who spoils my kids rotten.” I certainly hope so!
We had Tony Hinds pick us up as usual. Only this time, we weren't staying onsite. I had many points with Hilton due to weird circumstances (you'd think I'd quit staying at Hilton properties after being stuck in an elevator for an hour and a half once, rude service once, and two fire alarms not working on separate visits) but when they keep rewarding me points and a room just outside of Universal is free.... yeah... I'll stay.
We stayed at the DoubleTree just across the street from the Universal Orlando Resort. Of course, once you get to the resort, it's about a 10-15 minute walk to one of the parks. Not TOO bad. We dropped off our luggage and started walking to Islands of Adventure. We got to security by where Valet parking is located. There was a family and the dad had a pocket knife in his backpack. This caused an unnecessary delay. He was told he could take the knife back to his car. He said that would be too inconvenient, could the guard just hold it. The guard explained he had to confiscate it and not give it back if he left it but he could take it back to his car.... so, the wife told the husband, "just throw it in the bushes and get it later." The guard said, "if I see you do it, I will go get it and confiscate it." Sigh..... meanwhile, we just wanted to get in. FINALLY, the dad walked away -- I guess to put the knife away. We went through no problem in moments. I am always amazed at guys trying to bring in a pocket knife. Now, I realize usually they just forget they have it on them... but, since it was in a backpack, I have to think he recently put it in there. Not smart.
By 5:37 pm, we got in line for guest services to get our passes reprinted. Everyone in line looked angry. Probably because they were there because something went wrong... but, as I have overheard, it's usually not the park's fault... I heard the guy in front of us -- his large group (of about 6) could not get into the parks with the tickets he bought... turns out, they had spent $300 each for express passes for the day, but no actual ticket. And, the parks closed at 10 pm! What in the world... if I was spending that much money, you bet I would have read all of the fine print. Very pricey mistake!
We got to a window... I always try to be extra nice to all of the park employees, but especially those at the service desk as they are yelled at a lot. I went up, was polite, and got our reprints for free. Yay! Took about 20 minutes total, but it did seem longer as we were anxious to get into the park.
FINALLY inside, I had asked earlier what ride Davy wanted to start with. He said Hulk for sure. I have probably mentioned this in previous reports, but Islands of Adventure was the first amusement park I took Davy to. He was about 3 or 4 and in a stroller when we walked in -- he took one look at Hulk, pointed and said, "I wanna ride that!" For years, he could not wait until he was tall enough. Well, now he's taller than I am! Now, I used to love rollercoasters... but, sometimes, they make me motion sick even though I wear a scopolamine patch that helps greatly with most rides, but it appears if there's lots of G forces in a ride, it doesn't help much. So, I was a no-go for the Hulk. I decided to shop instead. This tempted me... I have always been fascinated with The Bride.
Met up with Davy after his Hulk ride and he looked so happy!
We then decided to take a ride on the Jurassic River ride. We decided after that this ride is even better in the dark. So much fun! We didn't get TOO wet this time -- and it was warm.
We decided to grab a bite to eat at Three Broomsticks. I fully expected a long long line but was surprised that it was relatively short. We split the fish and chips and they were better than I remembered. And, I had a hot butterbeer -- heaven! Then, we rode Forbidden Journey (so thankful for the motion sickness patch -- can ride this no problem!). Davy said he felt like he got closer to the creepy things on this ride this time. He loved it!
Love this castle!
We then jumped on Hogwarts Express to go over to Universal.
I must pause here to give a little background about my son. This kid is a freaking genius. And, he is not afraid of working hard. During this fall semester, he took mostly AP and Honors classes on top of doing cross country and marching band. The marching band even won the State Championships. He said if he ended up with straight A's this semester, I had to ride RRR with him. I knew he'd do it... but, I also knew that I could handle that one (as opposed to the Hulk or Velocicoaster). He was really excited to have me pay up on that, so we headed there next. I chose my usual "I Will Survive" as my song. Davy chose Led Zepplin's "Immigrant Song" off the "secret" list. This surprised me as I didn't know how he knew that song... then he reminded me it was in a Thor movie. LOL.
Davy then insisted on Jimmy Fallon. He loves this ride. Most do not like it (although I did hear one other person in the parks this trip talk about liking it... so, now I've heard of two people who actually enjoy it). I saw the Tribute store and wanted to glance in it -- Davy was having none of it and rode the Mummy without me... that disappointed me as I love the Mummy. Sigh.... The Tribute Store was not really worth it in my opinion other than one picture area. I was bummed I missed Mummy. But, I did catch some of the Cinematic Celebration which was fun.
We then walked back to the hotel. Our feet hurt a bit but we were so happy!
And, obligatory pic of big Christmas tree:
Last edited:
