Universal Orlando & Disney Vacation
I only took a few pics on the third day. Here are some that I took from a slow coaster that ran above Seussville.
*****
We spent a lazy day by the hotel pool on day four and then went to Disney’s Hollywood Studios on Day 5.
Wow, what a letdown. Hollywood Studios had an old, run-down feel to it, not helped by the 50s-era architecture and color schemes. Aside from the Star Wars 3D motion simulator attraction (which we waited over an hour in line to experience), the rest of the park was too loud, too crowded and unsettling. Food and refreshment in the Disney park was far more expensive than in at Universal. The three of us were in agreement that Disney Hollywood Studios pretty much sucked, so we headed back to the hotel early that afternoon. Good thing, too. We got out just as another monster storm was hitting.
For our last full day, we bought tickets to Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Though Hollywood Studios was a spectacular letdown, we had high hopes for Animal Kingdom.
And it did not disappoint.
As soon as we got to the park, we made a bee-line for the world of Avatar, hoping we could ride the 3D motion simulator. Then we saw the line. I’ve never seen a longer snaking mass of sweating humanity in my life. They estimated a 2 1/2 hour wait. I thought that was wildly optimistic. Three hours in the sweltering sun for a five minute ride? Yeah, no thanks.
Instead, we wandered around and marveled at the world Disney had created. It was the most beautiful attraction we saw all week.
I could have left the park after walking around the Avatar world and felt like I had gotten my money’s worth, but Animal Kingdom had much more to offer.
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Great vacation report!!! Kept my attention all the way through page 6. You are a great story teller, Loved Handan’s happy face.
Thank you so much, Jolee! There’s nothing better than Handan’s happy face!
Well, aside from the disaster of the hotel it seems like a pretty great vacation. đŸ™‚ I love the photos of Handan – the joy! đŸ™‚ I am sure that her happines was contagious to all the folks around.
Thank you, Claudine, it was a great vacation! Yes, Handan’s joy infects everyone around her!
I am not one to go on ‘themed’ holidays and I will be honest and hesitated to open your post, but, MAN! I am glad I did open it! It looks like you all had such a fun time! I sure know what the hotels from hell are all about. been to many of them! Your photos are really fun. The pelican one looks just like a painting!
You will need a holiday to get over your holiday now!
Cheers!
Thank you, Aletheia – I’m glad you opened it, too!
The joy on Handan’s face alone is reason to go back! Also, not many people can be that hot and sweaty and still take a great picture like she can! I agree that Universal is more fun than Disney but the attention to detail at both places is amazing! I think you could go back over and over again and still see new things. I really enjoyed reading your story and not once did I think about sneaking out the back door! Lol! I’m glad you had a good vacation!
Thank you so much, Giselle! You’re right about the detail at both parks – the engineering and artistry are breathtaking! And yes, I’d go back just to see the joy on Handan’s face!
i am going to say this again greg you should write novels, i either was laughing my butt off or was grinning from ear to ear or nodding my head and handan you should be the poster child of smiling joyfully, you were making me go aww at every photo, and barish don’t be upset at the teasing because my face looks exactly like your face did on every ride i get on and if y’all want to ever go again, go in january nothing like leaving in snow up to your butt and swimming in the pool in fla on the same day and of course it’s 5 degrees cooler lol i love, love this post xx ps the pics were amazing
Chris, I will one of these days. Just need to find a little more time! đŸ™‚
Yes, if we ever go again, it won’t be high summer. I imagine it would be really enjoyable with cooler temps and fewer people!
You are a great writer. If you ever write a book, please let me know, I would definitely buy it. I live in Florida and love it. But I’m on the other coast. A lot less commercial and more about nature. If you do come in the winter it will be cooler but with a lot more people also. Still it’s manageable.
It must be great to be with such an enthusiastic partner by your side. Your son looks like a fine young man also. Your family is what a great family is all about. Thanks for the blog.
Thank you so much, Marcia! I hear nothing but good things about Florida’s west coast. I think I’ll take the family there for a vacation in the near future. I know Handan doesn’t want to stay in CT forever (neither do I, for that matter), and the Florida climate suits her just fine, as it reminds her of Izmir. Maybe we’ll end up down there for good one of these years!
Entertaining and informative as ever! I love that you ground your rantings with balance and thought. And your praise is hearty and lavish. Thanks for sharing your family vacation with us!
Thank you so much, Derry! I tried not to come off too whiny or bitchy, so I guess I succeeded! đŸ™‚
I loved every minute of reading this Greg, I was 5 minutes late for a meeting too, just in case you wanted to know :D. And seeing Handan smile from ear to ear in almost every photo. Ah man so worth it!!!!