February 2021
Where We Stayed: Margaritaville Resort Orlando Cottages
Sunday, February 20, Universal Studios
I woke up and an intestinal tragedy immediately struck: oh no. Ohhhhhhh NO. *Something* that I ate the day before was seeking revenge upon me and it became clear that I would not be able to depart with Mike and the kids for Universal Studios. I was so sad and felt so defeated. How long would I be sick? What was this?
Luckily, I was starting to feel better within a few hours and was able to Uber to Universal to join Mike and the kids. I didn’t feel 100% and got to know nearly every bathroom in the park, but I made it there and could be present to see the kids enjoy the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
Mike and the kids did a bunch of stuff before I arrived: the Minions and Transformers ride, plus a trip to Ollivander’s, where E was chosen! So cute.
When I arrived, I walked to Starbucks to get my vacation treat: a venti strawberry acai refresher. It soothed my soul – and it always tastes like vacation. I then made my way to Diagon Alley to find Mike and the kids. They were waiting in line for the Escape from Gringott’s ride, so I walked around and took photos and then found a place to sit. Cause again… not feeling 100%.
They exited the ride, which they adored, and we did some shopping and got butterbeer! Mike got an actual beer, I got frozen, and the girls got regular. A made the poor decision to decline a glass of butterbeer cause he didn’t think he’d like it. Mistake! But it was a little lesson for him: trust Dad or Annie when they say you might like something!
We walked around and did more shopping – the kids had gift cards to spend! Then we took the train from Diagon Alley to Hogsmeade. The train ride runs between Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure and is so charming. You are completely immersed in the Harry Potter world.
When we got to Hogsmeade, it was much more crowded and seemed to be 10 degrees warmer. Oof! We walked around Hogsmeade and then into Jurassic Park land – and hit some shops for A, who was looking for a very specific souvenir. My heart was warmed by all of the Mr. DNA merchandise – I went a little crazy and bought a pin, coffee mug, and a t-shirt. I can’t help it – science will always be my one true love.
After our time in Jurassic-land, Mike and the kids got in the lonnnnng line for Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, and I walked around, did some shopping, and found a shady place to rest. Theme of the day: Annie taking it easy.
Mike needed a bit of a break after the HP ride (we both struggle with magic motion type rides and apparently this one was a dooz). He rested and I took the kids to get treats – pretzels, churros, and the like in Seuss Landing.
We decided to head back to Universal Studios for the Mardi Gras celebrations. Mike and the kids got cajun-inspired foods for dinner (I did not because, you guessed it: I didn’t feel 100%!). We stayed for the Mardi Gras parade, which was AMAZING. I would highly recommend it! It’s family friendly, you can catch beads, and the floats and dancers are a feast for the eyes. So, so fun!
We were all dead tired and the park was closing after the parade, so we headed back to our cottage for some rest. We were all giddy at the thought of sleeping in the next day!
Rides: Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, Transformers: the Ride 3D, Escape from Gringott’s, the Hogwart’s Express, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
Highlights:
S: Escape from Gringott’s
E: Being chosen at Ollivander’s
A: Minion Mayhem
Mike: Hogwart’s Express
Annie: Mardi Gras parade
Good morning from beautiful Kissimmee, FL!
Everything on my inside wanted to be on my outside and I was dying.
But then I started to feel better… woot woot!
Time to catch an Uber and head to Universal Studios!
The attention to detail in these parks is just amazing. Everything is so cute!
Love my Luna Lovegood Loungefly! She’s a fav for sure.
Frozen butterbeer is best!
All aboard!
Loved the design of the refillable cup.
Mmmm… churros taste better at theme parks.
I have always loved Harry Potter but I’ve never loved the merchandise. Until I found a death eaters sweatshirt!
Here we go, Mardi Gras!
