Get Packin'!

Your reservations are made, transportation secured, the countdown is over - you're ready to pack! So what should you take on your theme park vacation? Some things may seem obvious but I bet there are a few ideas here that you may have overlooked. I'll also be including a mini-review of the best walking shoes for those long days at the parks.

Luggage, the most essential item on the list. You can't live in just the clothes on your back (or you could but I wouldn't advise it) so what should you use for packing? While I wouldn't advise putting out any extra cash on new suitcases, I would highly recommend that you use luggage tags and easily-identifiable markings so that you aren't waiting in baggage claim forever (if you're flying). I like to tie a piece of ribbon around the handle of my bags - something bright - so that I can see my bag coming as soon as it's on the conveyor belt for pickup. Although I've never used hard-sided luggage, I know a few people that swear by it and I know it doesn't hurt to have a little extra protection.

For my budget travelers using Allegiant Air or another value-priced airlines: you will be nickel and dimed for every piece of luggage you take. Remember that you'll need to save space for souvenirs so try to combine bags where possible. Your free personal item on the plane doesn't have to be your purse; carry a backpack instead and put your purse inside it.

Next: clothes. Your first task is to check the forecast - ideally the 10-day forecast to get a good idea of what's to come and then check historical data if you feel it's necessary. I'm not a fan of shorts so I usually pack yoga capri's in the warmer months and comfy jeans or leggings in the winter months. T-shirts, a light jacket, or even modest tank tops are a good bet as well. Men: my travel companion loves to stock up on the long shorts sales at PacSun and Tilly's - he'll take a few pairs of a shorts, one pair of a jeans, and t-shirts/tank tops for the entire trip. We never plan a meal at a place that is super nice (although even those places are pretty easy on the dress code because it's a tourist destination) so we don't worry about fancy clothes.

Shoes - I can't talk about this enough. I've tried it all: sneakers, sandals, crocs. The ONLY brands I recommend are Sanuk and New Balance. The Sanuk shoes (even the ones that look like sneakers) have a waterproof, cushioned footbed that feels like a pillow and absorbs a lot of the shock from the concrete. I am a huge fan of the yoga-sling for women:

My travel companion also wears Sanuk sandals in the parks although he prefers Vans sneakers on some days.

Amazon can save you tons of money on shoes! Check prices frequently if you're planning to buy because a $40 pair of sandals can drop to $18 from one day to the next.

Here are a few other items to consider packing:

• sunscreen and spf lip balm
• band aids, blister band aids, moleskin for shoes that rub
• over-the-counter meds (they are expensive in hotel sundry shops)
• Magic Bands!
• a folder with all of your reservation/admission documents - keep with you on the plane
• power bank or extra charger for your phone while in the parks
• hats/visors/bandanna/headbands
• sunglasses
• children's items - bottles/food/sippy cups/bibs/diapers/etc
• extra batteries for any battery-powered devices on the list
• hand sanitizer

I also recommend stopping by a Walgreens once you're in Orlando to grab extra items that you didn't have the room to pack but will likely use on the trip - like snacks for the hotel room and theme parks, extra bottled water, and even some travel sized toiletries. The chain stores are the best stop for these items because their prices aren't any higher than they would be at home. You can even find some cool souvenirs at these places that are a fraction of the price you'll pay anywhere else.

For an exhaustive packing list, I recommend checking out MouseSavers

And one last bit of information: if you are going to Orlando and decide to stay at Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort, you'll see that they have pool floaties for sale near the lazy river. They charge between $5-$15 for these items but check prices at Walgreens or Wal-Mart while you're in Orlando and pick up a cheaper option. The folks at the floatie hut will still inflate and deflate your item for free.

I hope this information has been helpful! My next post will dive into planning an itinerary and tips for parkhopping!

Universal Orlando!

This blog's focus is primarily Disney, but I would feel guilty if I kept the details of Universal Orlando from my readers. It's a fantastic experience and a great add-on to any Orlando vacation. I often plan my Disney World trips with an extra couple of days allocated specifically for Universal Studios. If you have any Harry Potter fans in the travel party then this is a MUST SEE!

Universal Orlando is divided into two theme parks and a water park. I have not visited the water park so I can not vouch for its fun factor but the Universal theme parks offer plenty to keep you busy. There are now Harry Potter areas in both parks so there's really no way to go wrong with the order in which you visit them. I feel that one day at each park is adequate although there are sometimes offers to get an extra day free and you may want a third day to go back to see your favorites if it's your first time.

Universal Studios is the company's namesake and boasts many of the classic rides such as Men In Black, Shrek, E.T., Terminator, and Twister. They've also added a Minions Mayhem ride and the new Harry Potter Diagon Alley expansion in recent years. Diagon Alley is the most recent of the Harry Potter additions; you are welcomed by an ordinary London street-front and walk through the 'magical' passage to get to the Diagon Alley area. 

Magical passageway

Here you'll find the main attraction, Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts, as well as the Leaky Cauldron and many themed gift shops. 

My travel companion's meal - mini pie combo

My meal at the Leaky Cauldron - chicken sandwich

Universal also added Butterbeer ice cream to the list of delectable wizard-themed treats you can find in this area. 

Mmmm butterbeer and butterbeer ice cream!

If you've purchased a parkhopper pass then you can take the Hogwarts Express at platform 9 3/4 to Hogsmeade, located in Universal's Islands of Adventure. The other themed areas in Universal Studios are Production Central, which houses the popular Transformers ride, New York, San Francisco, Woody Woodpecker's Kid Zone, Hollywood, and World Expo. If you're walking through World Expo then you're likely to consider it Springfield because it is themed quite literally like The Simpsons home town. You'll even find Moe's bar! 

Islands of Adventure has many themed areas including Suess Landing, The Lost Continent, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Hogsmeade, Jurassic Park, Toon Lagoon, and Marvel Super Hero Island. As you might have guessed, Suess Landing has plenty of toddler-friendly play areas and attractions but it also boasts the coolest candy shop I've ever seen! I highly recommend this sugary stop if you like noshing on hard-to-find candy from yesteryear. 

Grabbing candy in Suess Landing

The Lost Continent will always hold a special place in my heart because it houses one of my favorite theme park restaurants (tied with Be Our Guest at Magic Kingdom). Mythos is consistently voted the best theme park restaurant, and for good reason. The food is ALWAYS amazing and the chefs are happy to accommodate special requests. It's usually only open until 5pm so make sure to get your reservations early. 

Our meal at Mythos - cranberry crusted pork and brown butter gnocchi

Hogsmeade is the original Harry Potter themed area and it features the Hogwarts Castle in the background with the village of Hogsmeade leading up to it. The snow-capped shops and street performances really feel authentic. 

Hogsmeade

The Three Broomsticks is the featured restaurant here, and I prefer it over The Leaky Cauldron. The seating has a better layout and the queue system moves quicker (an employee will direct you to the cashier and then you are taken to another employee that directs you to a specific table). Jurassic Park is exactly as it sounds - a very lush, forested area with its namesake ride. There isn't much to see here but there are already additions being built as the franchise makes a comeback. Toon Lagoon is a cute little area with comic strip conversation bubbles hanging from street signs and lots of bright colors and designs. It's more of a passageway to the Marvel Super Hero Island but it's worth a few minutes of your time to look around, especially if you're a fan of Popeye! Marvel Super Hero Island has the best roller coaster I've ever experienced, hands-down. The Incredible Hulk Coaster is big, green, and scary. It goes super fast and even takes you upside down. I highly recommend this ride for any coaster enthusiast! 

The Incredible Hulk Coaster

This area also houses another of my favorite rides, The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man. The line for this ride moves pretty quickly but you won't want to miss the offices of the Daily Bugle as you make your way to the front. This is a 3D interactive ride with lots of fast movement and turns including a 400 foot freefall experience. 

Similar to the Disney properties, Universal offers a dining and shopping district on site. You can't avoid CityWalk because you must walk through it to reach the park entrances but it's a great place to take a break or unwind at the end of the day. You can find restaurants such as Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville, Bob Marley: A Tribute to Freedom, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co, and Emeril's Restaurant. There is also a movie theater and mini-golf course.

The Universal property is situated at one end of the famous International Drive in Orlando. This area is a tourist attraction in itself (much like the Strip in Vegas or main street in most other touristy locations). You'll find go-karts, mini golf, Ripley's Believe it or Not, World of Chocolate museum and shop, souvenir shops, and an abundance of dining options on this street alone. 

World of Chocolate

Mini Golf at Pirate's Cove

The hotels are endless, too, but I will warn you that there are some rather unsavory options. Check the traveler ratings before you book a room! I stayed at Universal's newest resort, Cabana Bay, on my last trip and it was a fantastic experience! It is pretty affordable - about $120/night in off season - and offers two pools, a lazy river, a huge food court, and free transportation to the parks. 

Standard Room at Cabana Bay

Lazy River Pool

If you're staying in this area of International Drive then I highly recommend grabbing a meal at Hash House a Go Go. It's been featured on Food Network and offers huge portions of comfort food. You won't be disappointed!

Sage Fried Chicken and Banana Vanilla French Toast

I know this has been a long post and I thank you for sticking it out. I hope I've convinced you of the value in adding Universal to your travel plans and can't wait to hear your stories!