Your kids grow up and so do vacations. If you are looking for a vacation destination that offers fun and thrills for the whole family, a Universal Orlando Resort vacation is the perfect destination vacation for you!
I recently completed a week of training at Universal Orlando Resort in Florida and it is the Ultimate Central Florida Vacation destination!
CABANA BAY BEACH RESORT
We spent our week at Cabana Bay Beach Resort and it’s a fun resort with so much to do! Go for a swim or relax in the lazy river, take the family for a game or two at the bowling alley or get your fitness on at the Jack LaLanne Fitness Center. From the moment you arrive, you will be taken back to the iconic beach resorts of the era with décor that throws back to the 1950’s and 60’s. It’s a fun place to hang out with the entire family. Also, when staying on property, you will enjoy exclusive benefits to make the most of your vacation. It’s the best way to experience all that Universal Orlando Resort has to offer!
LOWES ROYAL PACIFIC RESORT
On our first day we were able to tour all 5 of the resorts on property. Although Cabana Bay Beach Resort has a fun throw-back vibe, I prefer the tropical styling of Loews Royal Pacific Resort. This resort offers the breathtaking splendor of lush tropical surroundings and you feel like you’re on a tropical island in the South Seas.
LOWES PORTOFINO BAY RESORT
In addition, Lowes Royal Pacific Resort offers Universal Express Unlimited ride access in both theme parks FREE with your resort stay, which is also offered at Hard Rock Hotel and Loews Portofino Bay Hotel.
HARD ROCK HOTEL
Loews Sapphire Falls Resort and Cabana Bay Beach Resort do not offer the Universal Express Unlimited ride access.
LOWES SAPPHIRE FALLS RESORT
Universal Orlando Resort also offers special events throughout the year, and most all are included with your park admission! We were lucky enough to be at the resort during the Mardi Gras celebration and participated in the Mardi Gras parade held nightly during the celebration! Other special events throughout the year include ‘A Celebration of Harry Potter’ (usually held the last week of January), ‘Halloween Horror Nights’ held in the fall (this is a special ticketed event and is not included with regular park admission), and the ‘Macy’s Holiday Parade’ and ‘Grinchmas’ experience held in the winter.
We kicked off our second day with breakfast at Three Broomsticks inside Universal’s Islands of Adventure park. This Happy Potter themed dining experience offers a traditional English breakfast, porridge, and other more traditional options along with pumpkin juice and Butterbeer! We were then free to tour the parks and explore on our own. If you want to experience all of the Harry Potter themed adventures, be sure to add a Park-to-Park ticket with your package as the Harry Potter experiences are in both parks and you can’t get from one to the other, or ride the Hogwarts Express, without a Park-to-Park ticket.
During the day we were able to use the Universal Orlando Dining Plans for Quick Service and Table Service. There are many good Quick Service options both inside the parks and a couple at CityWalk. I chose Bread Box Handcrafted Sandwiches for my Quick Service lunch. This is a uniquely themed little spot that looks like an old-time soda shop, with great food and atmosphere. It was a quiet place to relax after a morning in the parks. For evening, we dined at Vivo in CityWalk and the service, food and experience were all excellent. The dining plans are easy to use and the Team Members and servers can all answer your questions about how to use your dining plans.
Day three we were able to experience a VIP Tour and I would highly recommend adding a VIP Experience Tour to your vacation package! Along with a personal guide, the VIP Experience includes priority front of the line access to all rides and attractions including The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man, TRANSFORMERS: The Ride-3D and all of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter attractions and experiences; exclusive behind the scenes tours, complimentary valet parking (1 vehicle, based on availability); continental breakfast to start your day, reserved Seating at shows; lunch at one of Universal Orlando’s 50+ dining venues. All VIP Experience Tours are date and time specific. There is also a Private VIP Experience Tour option as well as Halloween Horror Nights Tours. While we were able to experience attractions without waiting, it was also exciting to see the backstage areas of the parks. For our evening experience, we enjoyed the entertainment of the Blue Man Group. This is a family friendly and fun show that is also definitely worth adding to your vacation package.
Universal Orlando Resort will have new attractions opening soon, including Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon and Fast & Furious Supercharged Underground Racing as well as a whole new park – Volcano Bay (which will offer virtual lines via TapuTapu, an interactive wearable designed exclusively for Volcano Bay experiences) – opening May 25, 2017! You will want to experience this full day water park during your vacation which will also offer themed dining experiences and shopping. Be sure to add at least a 3-Day Park-to-Park ticket to your vacation package so that you can experience all that Universal Orlando Resort has to offer!
If you are looking for excitement, thrills AND relaxation for your next vacation, something that is family friendly – from the little ones up to the adults – I highly recommend Universal Orlando Resort in Florida! So, come on, what are you waiting for? Contact me today and let me help you create your own #universalmoments!
A sunny February dark blue sky kind of day at Disney Springs
We were passing by and thought a quick once around Disney Springs would be fun. Just a walk through to look for any new stores, restaurants, or entertainment that may have popped up since our last visit. As always we look for the balloon floating over Disney Springs. Since it was such a beautiful February day with a light wind, the balloon was high in the sky; providing Disney Spring’s vistas for its high flying patrons.
Me: “Yep, there it is… do you see any new dessert restaurants?”. My eagle eyed and observant wife: “That’s a different balloon”. After I realize she is not interested in dessert I take a second look and sure enough a new blue balloon is hovering overhead. Characters in Flight has replaced the orange/blue/yellowish(?) balloon with the new color scheme. Blue on blue with orange rings. It is a nice looking balloon.
The former balloon I’ve admired from the ground during visits to Downtown Disney and now Disney Springs.
As of this date we have yet to make our way onto the balloon and sail for 8 to 10 minutes into the wild blue. (It states an 8 to 10 minute experience on the web site). At $20 per adult and $10 per child it seems like a fair deal (to borrow a term from President Truman) for a ride in a hot air balloon. Taxes do apply.
Don’t forget to look for possible discount opportunities. For example, performing a quick search on Groupon I found a single adult ride for $11.50. It also lists a ride for two option at $23.00. I’m no math genius, but the discount looks strikingly similar. Still, it’s a great deal at a 43% discount (the website did the math). I didn’t place a direct link to the deal since the offer may be limited or may change. But as of today the discount is real. Here is a link to Groupon’s Orlando Deals.
The new blue balloon in a bluer sky. Its just a matter of time. I’m getting excited just writing about it… were going to do this thing! With Groupon of course.
Since we didn’t hear any news regarding the balloon change (guess it’s not like a new Star Wars Land), I did a little digging and came up with this article from disZine posted January 19, 2017. Guess were not much behind these hot news items. That could be my new tag line… “not too much behind the times”. Sweet.
Mel-O-Cream Donuts. This location on Laurel Ave is just a few blocks from the office. Many early morning runs, (not literally), were made here to put a smile on someones face. Notice the fine camera work, as if I didn’t mean to capture the corner of the truck door in the bottom right. It’s like I was in such a hurry to get in the store I didn’t have time to shut the truck door.
An early morning must stop for any Springfield visit is Mel-O-Cream Donuts.
On a recent trip to Springfield, I found some of the favorite local food places of my past are still making their way in this world of autonomous vehicles and drone deliveries. It did my heart good, but not my cholesterol level, to see my favorite donut shop still in operation feeding the hungry masses good old fashion flour and sugar. Breakfast of Champion donut eaters.
Mel-O-Cream Donuts has been in Springfield as long as I remember. Though there have been up and comer donut makers in town, these donuts are still my favorites. The jelly filled with white icing is my preferred donut above all others.
Just the other day my lunch time dining partner Jim was telling me that donuts are healthier than bagels; and that jelly filled donuts are healthier than the cake donut. Obviously my instincts are on target since I started eating the healthy jelly filled donut from a young age. Not sure where my well informed friend got his information, but if it was from the internet I can only assume it to be true.
*Back in the Day Alert*
I recall three Mel-O-Cream donut locations we visited back in the day. One on North Grand; another in a parking garage at 4th and Adams; and the Laurel Street location.
Mom would sometimes punish herself and take me shopping with her at Myers Brothers downtown. Our regular parking location for such a jaunt was the 4th and Adams Parking Garage. At the first floor, before we would exit the stairs to the sidewalk was a small coffee shop that I believe was a Mel-O-Cream donut shop. I could be wrong since I was not very old at the time and was focused mainly on the donuts. The place looked huge from my young vantage point, but when I returned at the end of the 90’s it was Tiny’s Chili and it was very small place, even for a guy named Tiny.
These donuts take a nice picture, and I am sure they are just as good as the regular shaped glazed donut, but I don’t typically eat them since there is no jelly filling or a smothering of icing. Not saying I haven’t ate them. Just not my donut of preference. Did pick up some for the office as part of my assorted dozen selection. All donuts were gone before 10am, so a dozen wasn’t really enough. I would even venture to guess that these donuts were gone before the healthy snacks, eaten by my co-workers, looking out for the welfare of their fellow employees. We have very considerate and caring employees.
More donuts loaded and ready for purchase. I believe these to be cream filled. My favorite jelly filled has the little teaser of jelly placed on top of the white iced donut.
I selected a couple of these for the work dozen, but left them for my fellow employees. A work of art the chocolate iced donut with peaks of whipped cream and a splash of color. Almost as enjoyable to look at as they are to eat… or so I’ve been told.
Before you visit the Lincoln sites and before your family has awakened, and before you have considered a healthy breakfast, take that 15 minute drive to the Laurel Street location (there is counter service), sit down and have a donut (I recommend the jelly filled) and a coffee or milk (your preference). The shop opens at 7am, so maybe its not that early, but hey, your family is on vacation so its early for vacationers and they will still be asleep. After a couple donuts and a coffee or milk, get a dozen boxed for your trip back to the family. You will be the hero. Then have another from the box.
Recently I posted about my love of Chili and first foray into the Florida Chili scene. Well…. I was recently back in the town of my birth and had to hit one of the granddaddy’s of the Springfield Illinois Chili scene.
The Chili Parlor was founded in 1945 and still uses the original recipe.
The Chili Parlor. Originally started as the Den, eventually morphed into Joe Rogers and finally settling where we are today with The Chili Parlor name. Back in the day I visited the South Grand Avenue location where the lucky few would eat at the counter and the rest would form a line, along the wall, behind the counter stools. The ordering and cash register was on the far end of the counter from the door. Just enough room for a line of patrons, an exit from the cash register and the lunch counter. It was a tight fit.
I tried explaining the Springfield, Illinois brand of Chili to my Florida friends at work and their appreciation was a bit lacking. The food in the heartland is a bit heartier I believe, and maybe a bit greasier.
I don’t know The Chili Bowl secret recipe, but can guess that it consists of meat, beans, spices, oils and some beef fat. Beef Suet seems to be a common ingredient in Springfield Chili. My Dad makes his brand of chili with a pound of hamburger and a pound of beef fat, red beans and the Joe Defrates Chili Man chili spices. With some oyster crackers it’s pretty tasty… even without the oyster crackers its tasty.
Bowl of Medium Hot Chili. Tailor your heat level to your tastes. You can order a bowl of Mild, Medium, Medium Hot, Hot and Firebrand. If you can complete a bowl of Firebrand you get your name on the wall with the other firebrand diners. The stars next to the names indicate the additional bowls at one sitting.
I’ve had to tone down the heat level over the years and have worked my way back to a medium bowl. Now I’m more about enjoying the flavor and not lighting up my VR1 Receptors. Go figure.
More than the chili, I have grown to love the chili dog. It’s different than what you may picture when thinking of a chili dog. It is a the chili meat placed on the dog, but just the meat. It’s more of a dry mix. Order it with everything and you have a great dog. This chili dog such a favorite of mine that I created my own similar recipe in its honor.
Chili Dog from The Chili Parlor. My favorite item. The Chili Dog with everything consists of the chili meat, mustard and onion. It’s a great combination.
Looking for a family friendly tropical destination for your next vacation? Why not do it with Disney?
I recently experienced Aulani and it was a truly wonderful experience with lots of Disney magic! The resort opened in August 2011, celebrating 5 years of tropical Disney magic, and is perfectly positioned on the beautiful beaches of Ko Olina on the leeward coast of O‘ahu.
At Aulani there is so much offered at the resort that you don’t really need to leave for anything during your tropical vacation – For dining there are 2 restaurants, 3 lounges and several quick-service dining venues, you can experience Laniwai – A Disney Spa or the Fitness Center, and then there is Aunty’s Beach House for the kids and it’s the only resort in Hawaii with a teen spa – Painted Sky.
All of this in addition to pools, waterslides, lazy river, snorkeling and a beautiful beach with lounge chairs and umbrellas. And be sure to look for the hidden Menehune’s throughout the property! Don’t forget to take advantage of Disney’s PhotoPass to capture all of your Aulani vacation memories too. This photo service includes character photos as well as photos throughout the resort and beach areas, including those amazing sunset shots. Photos can be purchased for an additional fee.
Aulani offers an array of Hawaiian-inspired experiences, including World-class entertainment, like fireside storytelling and Starlit Hui—an evening celebration of Hawaiian traditions and Disney storytelling, Hawaiian activities and crafts, including hula and lei-making classes, Rainbow Reef Snorkeling and Island excursions, from surf lessons to hiking – some of these experiences are included with your resort stay and some have fees associated.
There are many room types offered at Aulani, from standard hotel rooms and suites to Deluxe Studios with kitchenettes and 1, 2, and 3-bedroom villas with full kitchens, washers and dryers and other amenities to make your stay even more magical – most all with an ocean view!
We ended up having a much more “lazy” experience than we had intended – enjoying morning coffee on our balcony overlooking the tranquil ocean, a relaxing float in the lazy river with afternoon naps on the beach following lunch at one of the quick service spots at the resort.
Our favorite quick service spot was Off The Hook; be sure to say hi to Paul for us if you stop by. We also enjoyed a wonderful table service dining experience at ‘AMA‘AMA where we had an unobstructed view of the sunset during dinner – it was breathtaking!! Other evenings we ventured to the farthest point of the cove to view the spectacular sunsets. The other table service dining experience on property, Makahiki, is a buffet more geared towards families, especially at breakfast where you can meet Lilo & Stitch.
If you are planning a tropical getaway for your next vacation, with the whole family or just a couples’ escape, no matter if you looking for a relaxing experience or if you want a little bit of adventure during your Hawaiian vacation, I highly recommend Aulani – A Disney Resort & Spa in Hawaii!
We kicked off our second day with breakfast at Three Broomsticks inside Universal’s Islands of Adventure park. This Happy Potter themed dining experience offers a traditional English breakfast, porridge, and other more traditional options along with pumpkin juice and Butterbeer! We were then free to tour the parks and explore on our own. If you want to experience all of the Harry Potter themed adventures, be sure to add a Park-to-Park ticket with your package as the Harry Potter experiences are in both parks and you can’t get from one to the other, or ride the Hogwarts Express, without a Park-to-Park ticket.
During the day we were able to use the Universal Orlando Dining Plans for Quick Service and Table Service. There are many good Quick Service options both inside the parks and a couple at CityWalk. I chose Bread Box Handcrafted Sandwiches for my Quick Service lunch. This is a uniquely themed little spot that looks like an old-time soda shop, with great food and atmosphere. It was a quiet place to relax after a morning in the parks. For evening, we dined at Vivo in CityWalk and the service, food and experience were all excellent. The dining plans are easy to use and the Team Members and servers can all answer your questions about how to use your dining plans.
Day three we were able to experience a VIP Tour and I would highly recommend adding a VIP Experience Tour to your vacation package! Along with a personal guide, the VIP Experience includes priority front of the line access to all rides and attractions including The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man, TRANSFORMERS: The Ride-3D and all of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter attractions and experiences; exclusive behind the scenes tours, complimentary valet parking (1 vehicle, based on availability); continental breakfast to start your day, reserved Seating at shows; lunch at one of Universal Orlando’s 50+ dining venues. All VIP Experience Tours are date and time specific. There is also a Private VIP Experience Tour option as well as Halloween Horror Nights Tours. While we were able to experience attractions without waiting, it was also exciting to see the backstage areas of the parks. For our evening experience, we enjoyed the entertainment of the Blue Man Group. This is a family friendly and fun show that is also definitely worth adding to your vacation package.
Universal Orlando Resort will have new attractions opening soon, including Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon and Fast & Furious Supercharged Underground Racing as well as a whole new park – Volcano Bay (which will offer virtual lines via TapuTapu, an interactive wearable designed exclusively for Volcano Bay experiences) – opening May 25, 2017! You will want to experience this full day water park during your vacation which will also offer themed dining experiences and shopping. Be sure to add at least a 3-Day Park-to-Park ticket to your vacation package so that you can experience all that Universal Orlando Resort has to offer!
If you are looking for excitement, thrills AND relaxation for your next vacation, something that is family friendly – from the little ones up to the adults – I highly recommend Universal Orlando Resort in Florida! So, come on, what are you waiting for? Contact me today and let me help you create your own #universalmoments!
We kicked off our second day with breakfast at Three Broomsticks inside Universal’s Islands of Adventure park. This Happy Potter themed dining experience offers a traditional English breakfast, porridge, and other more traditional options along with pumpkin juice and Butterbeer! We were then free to tour the parks and explore on our own. If you want to experience all of the Harry Potter themed adventures, be sure to add a Park-to-Park ticket with your package as the Harry Potter experiences are in both parks and you can’t get from one to the other, or ride the Hogwarts Express, without a Park-to-Park ticket.
During the day we were able to use the Universal Orlando Dining Plans for Quick Service and Table Service. There are many good Quick Service options both inside the parks and a couple at CityWalk. I chose Bread Box Handcrafted Sandwiches for my Quick Service lunch. This is a uniquely themed little spot that looks like an old-time soda shop, with great food and atmosphere. It was a quiet place to relax after a morning in the parks. For evening, we dined at Vivo in CityWalk and the service, food and experience were all excellent. The dining plans are easy to use and the Team Members and servers can all answer your questions about how to use your dining plans.
Day three we were able to experience a VIP Tour and I would highly recommend adding a VIP Experience Tour to your vacation package! Along with a personal guide, the VIP Experience includes priority front of the line access to all rides and attractions including The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man, TRANSFORMERS: The Ride-3D and all of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter attractions and experiences; exclusive behind the scenes tours, complimentary valet parking (1 vehicle, based on availability); continental breakfast to start your day, reserved Seating at shows; lunch at one of Universal Orlando’s 50+ dining venues. All VIP Experience Tours are date and time specific. There is also a Private VIP Experience Tour option as well as Halloween Horror Nights Tours. While we were able to experience attractions without waiting, it was also exciting to see the backstage areas of the parks. For our evening experience, we enjoyed the entertainment of the Blue Man Group. This is a family friendly and fun show that is also definitely worth adding to your vacation package.
Universal Orlando Resort will have new attractions opening soon, including Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon and Fast & Furious Supercharged Underground Racing as well as a whole new park – Volcano Bay (which will offer virtual lines via TapuTapu, an interactive wearable designed exclusively for Volcano Bay experiences) – opening May 25, 2017! You will want to experience this full day water park during your vacation which will also offer themed dining experiences and shopping. Be sure to add at least a 3-Day Park-to-Park ticket to your vacation package so that you can experience all that Universal Orlando Resort has to offer!
If you are looking for excitement, thrills AND relaxation for your next vacation, something that is family friendly – from the little ones up to the adults – I highly recommend Universal Orlando Resort in Florida! So, come on, what are you waiting for? Contact me today and let me help you create your own #universalmoments!
I recently experienced Aulani and it was a truly wonderful experience with lots of Disney magic! The resort opened in August 2011, celebrating 5 years of tropical Disney magic, and is perfectly positioned on the beautiful beaches of Ko Olina on the leeward coast of O‘ahu.
At Aulani there is so much offered at the resort that you don’t really need to leave for anything during your tropical vacation – For dining there are 2 restaurants, 3 lounges and several quick-service dining venues, you can experience Laniwai – A Disney Spa or the Fitness Center, and then there is Aunty’s Beach House for the kids and it’s the only resort in Hawaii with a teen spa – Painted Sky.
All of this in addition to pools, waterslides, lazy river, snorkeling and a beautiful beach with lounge chairs and umbrellas. And be sure to look for the hidden Menehune’s throughout the property! Don’t forget to take advantage of Disney’s PhotoPass to capture all of your Aulani vacation memories too. This photo service includes character photos as well as photos throughout the resort and beach areas, including those amazing sunset shots. Photos can be purchased for an additional fee.
Aulani offers an array of Hawaiian-inspired experiences, including World-class entertainment, like fireside storytelling and Starlit Hui—an evening celebration of Hawaiian traditions and Disney storytelling, Hawaiian activities and crafts, including hula and lei-making classes, Rainbow Reef Snorkeling and Island excursions, from surf lessons to hiking – some of these experiences are included with your resort stay and some have fees associated.
There are many room types offered at Aulani, from standard hotel rooms and suites to Deluxe Studios with kitchenettes and 1, 2, and 3-bedroom villas with full kitchens, washers and dryers and other amenities to make your stay even more magical – most all with an ocean view!
We ended up having a much more “lazy” experience than we had intended – enjoying morning coffee on our balcony overlooking the tranquil ocean, a relaxing float in the lazy river with afternoon naps on the beach following lunch at one of the quick service spots at the resort.
Our favorite quick service spot was Off The Hook; be sure to say hi to Paul for us if you stop by. We also enjoyed a wonderful table service dining experience at ‘AMA‘AMA where we had an unobstructed view of the sunset during dinner – it was breathtaking!! Other evenings we ventured to the farthest point of the cove to view the spectacular sunsets. The other table service dining experience on property, Makahiki, is a buffet more geared towards families, especially at breakfast where you can meet Lilo & Stitch.
If you are planning a tropical getaway for your next vacation, with the whole family or just a couples’ escape, no matter if you looking for a relaxing experience or if you want a little bit of adventure during your Hawaiian vacation, I highly recommend Aulani – A Disney Resort & Spa in Hawaii!
