Monday, May 14, 2012

The Mother of All Days. Or, The Day of All Mothers?

Islands of Adventure

To say Mother's Day was a bust would be a laughable understatement of epic proportions.  What started out as a really lovely weekend rapidly devolved into a hot pile of steaming pink eye and broken Keurigs.  Sad state of affairs, really.  But fortunately, while not a replacement for the ONE DAY OF THE YEAR that is ALL MINE (okay, not true... I also claim birthday and Christmas)  (okay, not really Christmas, but I thought I'd try it on for size) - anyway, fortunately, we had a pretty spectacular week before the sudden plague onset.  So, while still disappointing, it was not entirely unexpected.  I mean, you win some, you lose some.  Right?

Our family had the incredible good fortune of being invited to Universal Studios for the debut of the Superstar Parade and Cinematic Spectacular.  I feel compelled to disclose that we were not invited in connection with this site, nor was I asked to write about it here.  BUT, we had EXTREME. AMOUNTS. OF. FUN. So, I'm writing about it anyway.  Which, hello?  I guess that means they're doing something very right.

We arrived early (hahahaha. 11ish.) on Tuesday and checked into the Portofino hotel for the night.  That's right, we CHECKED IN at 11am.  A. M.  people?!  Official check-in wasn't until 4pm, but apparently if they have rooms available, they let you check-in early.  How unbelievably awesome is that?  Let me just tell you.  It's awesome.

So, rather than leaving our bags in the lobby for the day, we were actually able to check-in to the hotel and properly prep for our day-o-fun.  After prepping (see: sunscreen and potty breaks), we headed over to Islands of Adventure where once upon a dream I used to spend inordinate amounts of time (before I was married with kids).  I haven't been there in a super duper long while, but alas, it continued being awesome in my absence.  In fact, I would dare say it's increased in it's awesomeness since my last visit.

After a few hours and more than a few rides, we headed back to the hotel and prepped (see: clean shirts and potty breaks) for the events at Universal Studios.  Unfortunately there was a pretty significant rain delay, but on the plus side, the weather was cool and we were able to get to know Jana and her gorgeous family.  I won't lie, I kind of used to stalk Jana.  So, that was pretty great.

The show and parade were spectacular.  Really awesome.  I even may have cried during the show.  Nostalgic movies, loud music, fireworks?  Totally a tearjerker.  In a good way, of course.  My kids who are kind of obsessed with Despicable Me thought the parading minions were especially hilarious and even did some dancing along.  Universal scored a home run.  But they pretty much always do.  I mean, come on.  They have Harry Potter World.  If that doesn't speak to my inner nerd, then I don't know what does. (p.s. Universal, can we get some Star Trek action up in here?  That would rock my socks.)

When we left on Wednesday morning Casey lamented that we don't live there.  As in, at Universal.  I have to agree.  I wish we lived there too.

Islands of Adventure
Islands of Adventure
Islands of Adventure
Islands of Adventure
Islands of Adventure
Islands of Adventure
Islands of Adventure
Islands of Adventure
Portofino Hotel
Portofino Hotel
Portofino Hotel
Portofino Hotel
Portofino Hotel
Portofino Hotel
Portofino Hotel
Portofino Hotel
Portofino Hotel
Universal's Superstar Parade
Universal's Superstar Parade
Universal's Superstar Parade
Universal's Superstar Parade
Universal's Superstar Parade
Universal's Superstar Parade
Universal's Superstar Parade
Universal's Superstar Parade
Universal's Superstar Parade
Universal's Superstar Parade
Universal's Superstar Parade
Universal's Superstar Parade
Universal's Superstar Parade
Universal's Superstar Parade
Universal's Superstar Parade
Universal's Superstar Parade
Universal's Superstar Parade
Universal's Superstar Parade
Universal's Superstar Parade
Universal's Superstar Parade
Universal's Superstar Parade
Universal's Superstar Parade
Universal's Superstar Parade
Universal's Superstar Parade



disclaimer: We were provided tickets and accommodations at Universal in connection with another writing gig.  I was not asked to write anything on my personal blog but I have a mind of my own so I did anyway.  Images and opinions are all my very own.  And, yes, my Mother's Day really was spectacularly bad.






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3 comments:

Unknown said...

Me thinks I need to come live with y'all this Summer so I can hit up Disney. And you know, snuggle that baby girl! ;-)

Jessica said...

JJ's tongue looks freakishly long in that picture!

Erica Layne | Let Why Lead said...

TWO double strollers?!? I still haven't gotten past that set of photos. :) You guys are amazing!

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