Tag: Universal

Travel

Pier 8 Market

Christine

Endless Summer Resorts Dockside Inn and Suites in Orlando FL was our home for a few nights while we were visiting Orlando earlier this month.

Pier 8 located inside Dockside Inn and Suites Resort

We decided against the dining plan since there were just the two of us and my nine-year-old is quite a picky eater. We primarily ate lunch at the park, brought some snacks with us, so that’s left us with breakfast and dinner for a few days.

In the hotel was a wonderful food court slash food market, Pier 8. We ended up getting cereal, milk, and some fruit for breakfast.

Coolers were stocked with drinks, soda, juice, and water. They also had a soda fountain, coffee machines, a toaster, and a microwave available by the seating areas.

Dinner options included pizza, burgers, fried chicken, and much more. They have fresh salads, fruit and veggie cups, and a wonderful dessert bar.

Pier 8 was conveniently located between the lobby and the towers, easy to grab a meal to eat at the pool, in the huge dining room, or bring directly up to your room that has a dining table, sink, and microwave.

I loved all the options we had for food and the options of where to eat. I was pleasantly surprised at the healthy food choices, hot foods, and desserts.

I didn’t get a chance to check out the hot breakfast options since we got our cereal and fruit the night before since we wanted to get up early and take advantage of the early park admission we acquired by staying at a Universal Property.

Travel

Rain Ponchos

Christine

So when I got invited to Universal as a Travel Agent, it was a last-minute trip and if you know me, I’m a planner, I usually start planning a trip months before, making lists, gathering items, etc. With COVID, this was my first plane ride in over a year, so add, hand sanitizer and wipes to the list.

It wouldn’t be a trip to Orlando with out breaking out the rain ponchos.

Since there were only two of us, it was easier to plan and pack, and going to amusement parks as a child and as a mom, there was one item I knew we had to bring…the rain poncho.

For $1.16 at Walmart friends, it is such a versatile item to have with you on your vacation.

First of all, going to Orlando, you get that daily afternoon rainstorm that rolls in and rolls out just as fast. But when it rains, it pours. So the poncho comes in so handy.

Besides a rainstorm, going on a ride where they promise you will get soaked like Jurassic Park River Adventure or Disney’s Splash Mountain, you can simply pull out your trusty poncho and ride and not get wet. Simply toss it away when you are done.

I remember putting it on the seat of a ride before I sat down on a ride as well, so my bottom didn’t get wet.

I’m telling you bringing the rain poncho with you is worth it’s weight in gold.

Travel

Packing Must-Haves for The Parks

Christine
universal studios, cinema, movies

We just got back from Universal Studios Orlando and this was out first visit since COVID-19. They did such an amazing job with masks, social distancing, hand washing stations and sanitizer given to each guest before you get on each ride.

Some must-haves that we found useful for Universal Studios or even Disney World, are lanyards, rain ponchos, little individual Wet Ones to wipe down rides tables and hands, extra paper masks, a water bottle, little packets of Propel, or a bottle of MIO to put in your water bottles. All of these items we picked up at Walmart or The Dollar Store before we left.

The water bottles came in handy at the hotel and I placed them in the mini fridge we had in our room overnight to chill. Adding the extra flavoring just made the water taste better as you are refilling with tap water.

Those rain ponchos get expensive at the parks and we were asked a few times as the rain was pouring down where we got them. Orlando is know for their quick afternoon showers, especially on those summer months.

Extra masks were helpful, we especially loved the paper ones, easy to change and dispose of, we definitely went through quite a few masks during the day.

Fanny packs are back, baby, and a great option while in the parks. Not too big and bulky and easy to store in the lockers while you ride the roller coasters or under your seat.

An extra phone battery or better yet, those backpacks that have a charger are a great option. Maps were few and far between and mostly checking your phone for wait times, showtimes, where the bathrooms are located plus taking pictures you definitely will run down your battery.

Snacks that are quick and easy to eat while waiting in those lines. I recommend ones that won’t melt, like granola bars with no chocolate coating. Goldfish are a must have if you have kiddos.

I hope you found this list helpful, it made out trip easier to have these things already purchased so you can save some money while you are travelling. And double check you have swim goggles, the one item I forgot and had to pick up at the hotel gift shop.

Seems like there is always one thing you’ll end up forgetting, but a quick trip to a drug store or the hotel gift shop and you will look like a hero or heroine to your family.