This month I am having a series of blogs coming that is super special . So, with that in mind, for this week, I am spotlighting an old...very old blog of mine from 2016 and my very FIRST trip to Universal! So, sit back and try to enjoy my ramblings!
0 Comments
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!
I know, I know! Every blogger always seems to have a list of Hidden Gems at Universal Orlando. I decided it was time for me to add my two cents on this subject. Some might not be so hidden, and some might not be so obvious, but all are our family's favorites. Are you ready? In no particular order, here we go!
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.
Traveling with a special needs child to Universal Orlando requires careful planning and preparation. To make sure you have a smooth and stress free vacation, here is a list of last-minute items to make sure you bring: 1- Medications: Bring all necessary medications for the entire duration of the trip, as well as extra medication in case of unexpected delays. It's also a good idea to bring a copy of the child's prescription in case they need a refill while on trip. (Personal Tip - I always make sure that if I don't use a 'chain pharmacy', that my local pharmacist has the phone number to a pharmacy local to Universal where they can communicate in case of needing additional medication)
2-Medical Devices: If the special Needs Child requires any specific medical devices, such as wheelchair or mobility aid, don't forget to bring them along. You may want to bring extra batteries or chargers for these devices if needed. (Personal Tip - we usually rent a wheel chair or larger stroller to use 'as wheelchair' or a scooter. Less things to worry about packing. So, make sure you bring the confirmations on these if you go this route.) Today we are going to continue our discussion about Why a Special Needs Family Should Use a Travel Agent to Plan their Vacation. Last time we talked a bit about Expertise, Personalized Service and Saving time.
|
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
Categories
All
|