The first thing my daughter wanted to do when we got to Orlando, was to visit the World’s largest McDonald’s. We got to use touch screen ordering, which we hadn’t used before. So that was exciting for the kids. Brad and I ordered pastas. The kids got typical McDonald’s food.
After McDonald’s, we headed to Cabana Bay to check in. We got the family suite with the pool view. It was quite nice. It had a 1970’s vintage feel. There was a door that we utilized to close the bedroom portion off in the room. There was a small kitchen area and the sofa pulled out into a bed. We really didn’t spend a whole lot of time in our room. Next time we will opt for a cheaper room. There was a nice pool bar and pool area Our favorite part about the pool was the movies they would show at night and the little campfire sports to make s’mores. There was a bowling alley, a Starbucks, and a nice cafeteria style dining hall. The souvenir shop was huge.
Before we went to the parks, we were told it was a good idea to get some ticket holders. It was a good thing because it was convenient with as many times as they checked them. .
The kids were so excited for our first day. We chose to go to Universal Studios the first day. Our very first ride once we got into the park, was Shrek. We had a great time jumping from ride to ride. I believe the longest we waited for a ride was around 45 minutes. We never felt like it was too long, because we were just enjoying being there and the ride lines had stuff to look at and do. Our most favorite ride in the entire park was The Mummy and Escape from Gringott’s, but, our favorite part of the day was Diagon Alley and performing the spells. Each child had a wand, and I regretted not getting myself one!. The details that went into everything Harry Potter was phenomenal. They even had a portion of the alley for dark spells. My daughter and I found out that we have a passion for Butter beer and chocolate frogs. The whole experience truly makes you feel like you are in a different place.
The dragon was seriously the neatest thing ever. You could feel the heat blasting off of it. Before he would shoot the fire, he would have some grumbles and groans to get the crowd ready for it.
Lunch was at “The Leaky Cauldron” and we enjoyed it. I worried about my daughter liking anything because she is so picky, but even she enjoyed the meal.
We were also able to get butterbeer with our meal.
One of the funniest things that happened, involved Lucy and Marilyn. The kids had their birthday buttons on. We were there in July, so that’s how we celebrated. Marilyn sand Happy Birthday to Braden like she was singing to JFK. Braden was embarrassed, shy & couldn't take his eyes off of her! It was hilarious!
We got some other great pictures as well!
On the second day, we hit up Islands of Adventure and Universal! We had an early breakfast at The Leaky Cauldron, which was quite tasty. The King Kong ride was probably our favorite. We rode every single ride that we wanted and we made a full day of it. One thing that stands out, is the lady who was doing the card reading. My daughter begged me to do it. I agreed as long as she used her own money. I in no way shape or form mentioned my career during any of it. When the reading was finished, the lady told Sophie that she would be a nurse just like her Mother. I was shook! She made me a believer!
The kids were assessed with Hogsmeade and did all of the spells that they could. And again, I was wishing I had my own want! The details are just incredible. We took the train there and back, which I suggest doing, because it is a different experience each way.
The third day was spent at Islands Of Adventure. We ate at the Three Broomsticks, which was a hit! We could get butterbeer with our meal, which was a plus.
Again, the kids loved the HP stuff and doing magic.
On our last and final day, we went to Volcano Bay. I basically spent most of the day napping on my lounger. The kids had their bands on that was basically a bracelet for them to check in to rides. The bracelet would then give them a return time so they didn’t have to wait in line. They were free to do other stuff. My son did the ride that shot him straight down.
Overall, keep had a blast. We will definitely make a return trip at some point. We could have used a 5th day to just explore our resort and spend some time there, though. Our resort was awesome and we didn’t get to enjoy it like we would have liked.
XOXO...Becky
