So this past June our big family trip was to Florida. Specifically Disney World and Universal Studios. This was another way to celebrate the adoption of our daughter.
We drove down, stopping for the night in the outskirts of Mobile, Alabama there and back. The Jeep proved a great traveling vehicle.
The Magic Kingdom was our first stop. Had to be right? It looked pretty much the same as I left it back in 1987 when I was in junior high. Highlights always include Space Mountain and riding along with my son as he drove the future world cars. We met virtually every Disney princess. My daughter was in a wonderland!
Hollywood Studios was the next stop. Reminded me a lot of Disney's California Adventure Park in Anaheim. Very similar aesthetic. Retro L.A.. Smaller park so a bit more manageable than the larger parks. Had a fantastic time. The highlights for me were the Aerosmith Roller Coaster and the Jedi Training that Ava underwent.
Animal Kingdom the third day. Very different vibe. Really cool safari themed park. Saw lots of animals and wildlife. The Avatar section was staggering in size and scope. We got caught in a monsoon in the afternoon but fortunately found shelter.
After a day off spent at our AirBnB Condo we headed to Universal Studios. My wife and kids wanted to focus on all the Harry Potter sights our first day at Universal. The Hogwarts Express and Hogwarts itself was indeed very impressive. Rained again in the afternoon but we had found a nice table in the Jurassic Park Dinosaur center. We were able to relax and eat until the rain finally abated.
The second day at Universal Studios we focused on the rides. My favorite rides were the Hulk Coaster and the Rock It Coaster. Both were some of the most amazing rides I've ever been on.
After two days at Universal we ended our Florida trip at Epcot. I really enjoyed Epcot as a kid and it was no different as an adult. It's so much less crowded than all the other parks. It seems more relaxed. I really enjoyed the Mission to Mars ride. Spaceship Earth also never disappoints.
We had a great trip. We stayed at an AirBnb condo at a resort halfway between Universal and Disney. On our off day we enjoyed the resort's pool and tennis courts. It was a great place to stay.
Now we have to think about where to go next summer!
