Thursday, July 13, 2006

Walt Disney Who?! (vacation, part 3)

So, I had mentioned before the great, cheap deal that I got from Universal Orlando. I got 5-day tickets for my whole family for $200 bucks total. I thought that was unbelievable, especially because a single day at Disney would cost more than that. I figured there was a catch or I would find out that I misunderstood something. Or the worst, that we wouldn't enjoy Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure.

I was wrong. There was no catch and the parks were great! I found that one of the best things about these parks is that they cater towards 'beating the heat'. Almost every line for a ride is shaded and there are misters everywhere. There is also a good amount of shade from trees in the parks, in general, especially Islands of Adventure. It's beautifully landscaped and the structures there are pretty too.

John M. was entertained by the Barney show and also liked the Dr. Seuss part of IOA. There are a few really little-kid-friendly areas in both parks which was great. The girls loved the E.T. ride, and Shrek 4-D, as well as the water rides at IOA. We didn't get to ride everything we wanted because we were only there 2 days. The rest of our time was spent doing other things. I'd like to go back and do everything we were interested in.

Here are a few pictures from Universal/IOA:

15 comments:

MarkD60 said...

That looks like fun !
I LOVE the Cat in the Hat!!
Not to mention really tall women!
:-)

Mise en Place said...

Fun, FUN. I think we have some of the same pictures, lol!

Anonymous said...

Glad you all had fun!

Greta Adams said...

I'm jeaulous...i want to go back so bad.....glad you had a rocking time

Nicki said...

Sounds like so much fun! I can't wait until we can take a vacation to Orlando. Thanks for sharing all of this because it gives some useful tips for when we plan a vacation to go there. :)

Anonymous said...

Sounds like a great trip and what a great deal on the tix! I hope to take the girls there in a few years.

Mary Tsao said...

Love the pictures! That top one (and the look on the girls's faces) reminds me of lots of pictures of myself at that age, when I was sick of mom taking pictures and the sun was in my eyes. :)

Cindy N. said...

Sounds like you are having a wonderful time. That's great! See you on the 28th for lunch.

Pendullum said...

NEver been to Universal...
For your pics it looks like you had a great time... and WOW what a great deal...$200 bucks... that is bargain...
I have been to the Empire of the Mouse... and as fortune would have it one of my friends was an animator for them, so we got in free... We could not have afforded it... Waaaaaayyyyy to expensive...
Have a great vacation...

Martie said...

Wow, looks like a good time was had! Thanks for sharing. Wish I can go there some day!

Unknown said...

Looks like you guys had lots of fun I can't believe you got such a great deal! What's your secret??? ;)

Amanda said...

Looks like you all had a good time being together.

Renee, your family is beautiful!!

Hope your having a good weekend

LAMommyof3 said...

I've never been to Universal. It sounds like you had a great time!!

Mrs. Flinger said...

OHHH! How funfunfun!! And your family is just adorable!

Unknown said...

I've only been to the MGM Studios in Orlando - I have tickets to Universal... I should use them someday! My oldest is in DisneyLAND right now enjoying Walt's West Coast version. Very cool family memories, I still remember when I went with my parents, I think I was maybe 5.