Pre-Trip Report: A Slight Change in Plans

Hello everyone!  I hope you're all having a great week and enjoying July. 

Today I have an update / change to the Trip Plans.  As you know, I had thought I would fly into Orlando on Saturday, and then on Sunday AM to go to Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure to see the new Harry Potter area, Diagon Alley.

However, after consideration, I have decided to forgo Harry Potter for another trip.  I would be arriving in Orlando on Saturday evening, so the only time to tour Universal would be Sunday morning until about 1PM, when I would need to head over to Coronado Springs.   As I was planning my day, that just seemed like too short of a time to really enjoy Universal.  Also, I really did not want to purchase a 2-park ticket and only be able to use a few hours of it.

I would LOVE to see Harry Potter but I just feel that I'd rather have more time there, rather than feeling like I had to rush to see everything in just 1/2 a day.  So, I've decided instead to take a Harry Potter-centric trip in the future, possibly Memorial Day 2015.

Because I HAVE to see this stuff!!

Thanks for following along as I plan this fun, magical trip to Orlando!  I'll be leaving 6 weeks from Saturday - eeek!

Have a magical day!

Pre-Trip Report: An Addition to the Plans!

Today's Pre-Trip installment comes with a change in plans - but never fear, it's a GOOD change!

I have been hearing a lot the past few weeks about Universal Orlando's expansion to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.  The brand-new Diagon Alley looks and sounds just incredible.  I went to WWOHP a few years ago and was blown away by the detail and theming, it was incredibly well done. From all I've heard about Diagon Alley, it appears they have hit another home run.

Looking at the pictures and video got me thinking - I will already be in Orlando.  I am not set to arrive at Coronado Springs until Sunday (when my reservation there starts), so what if I arrive in Orlando a day or two earlier, and took time to see Universal and Diagon Alley??

And so this little addendum to the trip was born.

My plan now is to fly into Orlando International on Saturday morning, and hopefully arrive at my hotel by 12:30PM.  From there, I will plan on hanging out at the hotel on Saturday and exploring the resort, as I have never stayed at an on-site Universal resort before.  I am leaning towards the Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, it looks simply gorgeous!

I am buying a package deal that includes the hotel, my one-day park ticket and includes front-of-the-line access (similar to Disney's FastPass) and an extra hour in the morning at WWOHP.  I want to make the most of this extra hour, so I will arrive bright and early Sunday morning so I can have plenty of time to explore!  I plan on staying at Universal until about 1PM, and then I will head over to Coronado Springs to start the Disney World portion of my trip.

Here are some of the places I am excited to see for myself (these photos are courtesy of Universal Studios Orlando).

Isn't the detail incredible?!?!  The above images are from the new Gringott's Bank.  Spectacular, huh?

As always, I'll be bringing you along with me for the ride, so when the trip nears be sure and stay connected with me here, on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Until next time!