Quick Trip to Florida

So seriously, life has been handing it to me lately. I just looked and realized it has been ten full days since my last post. Ten! But I have at least a little excuse. In addition to the normal flurry of activity, we did go to Florida for five days. And knowing full well that after a full day of fun park excitement I would be in no mood to blog, I didn't even bother with the laptop. But we're back and ready for the full debrief.

Morrigan has been wanting to visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando since about forever or at least since she heard about it. The grand opening looked to be a complete nightmare with hours of waiting just to get in and I am sure, more lines after that. We figured, somewhat correctly, that by now the frenzy would die down and the park would be manageable. So we loaded up and headed South.

Our Travelocity deal ($330 each for flight and 4 nights in a 3 bedroom, 2 bath condo) did require a connection through Detroit which meant we flew North just to turn around and fly South. The buffoonery was compounded when we missed our connection in spite of the entire family, mini suitcases in tow - be damned if I am paying to check a bag, ran thorough several terminals. As we dashed up to our gate, 15 minutes before departure time, plane still at the gate, we were told it was too late. Morrigan burst into tears which probably was to our favor as the gate attendant got us on the next flight in first class!

And it wasn't just regular first class but the kind with the kick ass seats that can be maneuvered in 16 directions and have their own tv with movies on demand. The ensuing two hour delay once we boarded was much more pleasant with drinks and snacks! You know, first class is the best. When my kids didn't like the lunch, the flight attendant got them all chips and cookies. She even gave us a few extra bags to take for later. If I weren't so frugal, I could get used to this.

Anyway, a few hours delayed we arrived at the Floridays resort and my in-laws came to hang out at the pool with us, bringing much needed beers.

The next morning, it was off to Universal. We spent all three days there as the marginal cost of the third day was $10 each where as switching to another park would have been $500+. The kids were a bit disappointed that we didn't hit Sea World and Disney but were appeased with the knowledge that we would visit those parks next time.

This post is getting a little long in the tooth so I am going to split it up. My whole Universal review, details and the lot coming up.