Although fall hasn't quite arrived here in Georgia, school is back in session and we're already feeling the heat of over a hundred degrees. It's the perfect time to start thinking about winter break trips! In fact, many people have already taken advantage of early discounts and secured their trips to popular destinations like Disney and Universal for Fall break. Winter break trips are going fast, with resorts still trying to make up for lost revenue due to the pandemic. While there are still some affordable options, hidden costs can quickly add up and take away from your vacation experience.
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Universal Part 2Here is the 2nd installment from my blog from my first trip to Universal back in February of 2016! Enjoy!
Diagon Alley was awesome! Small walkway (and the fact that nothing else was open) made the area feel very crowded and claustrophobic. Even the shops were wall to wall people. We quickly made our way to Gringott’s Escape to what was a fair wait-about 30 minutes, even though the posted wait time was 10 minutes. Of course, first we put our bags into the free lockers, and then proceeded to inside Gringott’s. Since I left both my camera and phone I got zero pictures of the areas that we were allowed to. We actually went through this area pretty quickly. Even my husband was impressed and he has not seen a single Harry Potter movie…ever! I loved the way you were immersed into the story. Once you get past this part, the waiting was not so nice. Both in length and atmosphere! Several things to talk about here (without giving away too much of the magic). Let’s start with the hokey elevator. I really don’t want to spoil it for anyone, but I will warn you to hold on! And, let’s not forget the mandatory pictures! I never even saw what they looked like…bummer. Stairs, stairs, and more stairs! ‘Seems’ like we went back up all those flights the elevator took us down! Finally we reach the point of loading into the ride. One note here, not for people with long legs! It holds you in place by getting you in the shins! The bar clamps down on your shins as much as your waist. My 6 foot husband had major problems with this part, and it hurt me at only 5 foot 10 inches… But, (at least to me) it was worth it! The ride is not smooth. The jerky motion was something my husband was not fond of (and it may have been the bar cutting into his shins). But the motion did not bother me and my vertigo. Remember, my husband has never seen a Harry Potter movie so it was completely nonsense to him! Me and the kids LOVED it! Universal Orlando is a destination that never fails to captivate visitors with its thrilling attractions and immersive experiences. As the seasons change, so too does the park, offering a variety of seasonal events that cater to different interests and preferences. From heart-racing scares during Halloween Horror Nights to the vibrant festivities of Mardi Gras, Universal Orlando knows how to keep the excitement level high year-round. In this blog, we'll explore the seasonal offerings you can expect at Universal Orlando, highlighting the pros and cons of each event. Get ready to embark on a journey filled with chills, cheers, and holiday magic as we dive into the world of Universal's seasonal delights
Excitement fills the air as you step foot into Universal Orlando - the ultimate family vacation destination. While the theme park is filled with fun and thrills, it can be overwhelming, especially when traveling with kids. Worry not! I have prepared 12 tips and tricks to help you navigate Universal Orlando and create lasting memories with your family. Follow my guide to make the most out of your vacation at Universal Orlando.
Who Doesn't Love a Good Thrill Ride?Today we will take a look at five top fan-picked thrill rides. It will include three of my favorites as well as two that I have never ridden and, unfortunately, will never be able to ride. (I have a bad back, and yes, I still ride the other three!) Hold on to your hats and glasses, folks, 'cause we're about to go on a wild ride through Universal's top 5 thrill attractions! But first, let's start with the less spine-chilling ones and work our way up to the ultimate heart-stopping experience!" 😲🎢
When it comes to snacking at Universal Orlando Resort, there are countless sweet and savory treats to choose from. If you love snacking as much as my family does, you’ll want to indulge in these delicious goodies during your visit. Just be warned: the stakes are high, and you'll need a serious strategy to try them all!
Did you Know Walt Disney World has OVER 30 Hotels? How Do You Choose?That’s right ! over 30 hotels!
And those are just the ones owned and operated by Disney. They range from simple, budget-friendly rooms to elegant, luxurious 4-Diamond accommodations. With so many excellent options, it is no wonder that busy moms have a hard time deciding on the best one for their family. Traveling to Walt Disney World can be a dream come true for many families. From character meet-and-greets to thrilling rides and fireworks shows, it’s no surprise that millions of people worldwide visit this magical destination each year. With so much to see and do, planning a Walt Disney World vacation can be overwhelming. There is a lot to consider, from choosing the right accommodations and restaurants to navigating the theme parks. This is why paying for the services of a travel professional to plan a Disney vacation is the best option for families who want to make the most of their trip.
Are you dreaming of a magical Disney World vacation but feeling overwhelmed with the planning process? Perhaps you're not sure where to even begin or are worried about missing out on any of the exciting attractions and experiences. Don't worry! As a travel agent who specializes in Disney, I craft tailor-made Disney World trips for families that ensure a stress-free planning process and an unforgettable vacation. Here's how I do it. Step 1: Let's Chat First things first – we'll hop on a complimentary consultation call so I can truly understand your travel style, budget, interests, and priorities for your family vacation. I want to hear all about your dream Disney World vacation so I can design a totally unique itinerary that is tailored for YOUR family. During our call, we'll chat about everything from your preferred dates and travel schedule to your favorite Disney characters and must-see attractions. We'll also discuss any special requirements you might have, such as dietary restrictions, accessibility needs, or a desire for extra special experiences. Step 2: Let's Dig In After you take care of the planning fee, I'll start creating a customized itinerary that perfectly fits your family's preferences and budget. I'll leverage my extensive experience to develop a trip that is tailored specifically to you. You'll receive three preliminary itineraries for review, and we'll work together to refine one of them until you're completely satisfied. We'll tweak your itinerary until it's just right, and you can't wait to embark on your vacation. For example, perhaps you're a family with young kids who want to focus on character experiences and gentler rides. Or maybe you're interested in exploring the lesser-known Disney Parks, discovering unique dining options, or participating in behind-the-scenes tours. Whatever it may be, I can craft an itinerary that caters to your preferences. Step 3: I Book It All Once we've finalized your itinerary, it's time for the easy part – I'll take care of all your travel bookings for you, from hotels to specialty tours, park, and dining reservations. I can also provide tips and answers to all your questions and concerns, ensuring your trip is as stress-free as possible. You'll receive regular email updates with all the essential information you need, from important dates to packing tips. Plus, you can always feel free to reach out to me by phone or email with any queries or concerns before or during your trip. Step 4: You Leave All aboard for the family adventure of a lifetime! You and your family will depart for your journey, safe in the knowledge that you have a travel pro on the ground for support. If any issues arise while you're traveling, you can easily contact me, and I'll take care of them for you. For example, if you want to move your dining reservation or spontaneously adjust your itinerary, I'm just a quick message or call away. And, of course, if you have any questions, concerns, or any last-minute changes, I'm always available to help. I'm dedicated to ensuring your Disney World vacation is perfect, and I'll do everything I can to make sure it exceeds your expectations. Crafting a perfect Disney World trip is an art form. I will create a unique, personalized itinerary that suits you and your family's requirements. So, let's start planning for a magical and stress-free Disney holiday, and the rest will be filled with fun, excitement, and memories that will last a lifetime.
Almost five years ago, I had the experience of traveling with my granddaughter and her parents on a plane for her birthday trip to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. This experience gave me a new understanding of some issues of traveling as an amputee. While the airport in Atlanta did a fantastic job handling the TSA pre-check, allowing her dad to pat down the leg and examine his hands for explosive powder residue, the airport in Orlando on our return visit was not so lovely. Because she did not want to take off her leg, the TSA agents did not know how to handle it. They made a loud commotion, yelling for a supervisor across the crowded airport, announcing that they had an amputee child and didn't know what to do. She had to wait in her wheelchair for a long time while they found a supervisor to decide how to handle the situation. (she uses the wheelchair for long periods of standing) In the end, the supervisor allowed her dad to do the same as in Atlanta, but they did advise her parents that when she reached 13, she would have to go through TSA independently and advised them to contact TSA Cares for future flights. This incident made me decide to see what the new regulations were, if any, for air travel with a prosthetic device. The following is what I have learned.
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AuthorMost of the content is written by people at JMorris Travel. Every once in a while we will have a guest blogger, usually it is part of our 'family'.Always with a nod to Family Travel! Archives
January 2024
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