Trip Report Last Minute Quick Orlando Weekend

I really enjoyed sharing my Disney wedding with y'all so I thought I'd try again with a more "normal" trip

When: May 2022
Where: Universal Orlando Resort & Walt Disney World
Why: Girls Trip!
Resorts: Universal's Aventura & Hilton Orlando
Main Characters: It's mostly me in this one - Maci - 32, foodie, Disney Lover, Cat Lady
Supporting Cast: Sarah and Julie - coworkers of mine

I'll start with some backstory. Julie was always slated to go to this conference in Orlando. Sarah got an invite as well. (I did not as my boss was going to represent our team.) We debated the idea of going down a few days earlier and exploring the theme parks before they had to do conference things, but flights were expensive and I had a LOT of other things going on this year so I decided to pass this time. Well, I had a lot of FOMO and checked the flights one more time about a week before the trip and was able to get a great deal by splitting between Spirit and American instead of booking round trip.

Just like that, I added myself to their little getaway and was ready to have some great times with my friends!

 

[MagicalMaci]

Sunday - Quick Orlando Weekend Day 2, Part 5: Some More Garden Grazing

I was enjoying trying the "garden graze" which is the "stroll" for this festival. It was all plant-based items which I really enjoy trying even though I'm not vegan or vegetarian, I still like to see what they come up with! Our last few stops were to try to finish this up, but I think we ended up missing the avocado toast so we didn't get the completion prize.

Garden Graze: Coconut Tres Leches, Potato Pancakes with Applesauce, Grilled Baby Vegetables, Corn on the Cob & Avocado Toast

Grilled Baby Vegetables with hummus cream and red pepper coulis

Grilled Street Corn on the Cob with savory garlic spread​

The Grilled Baby Vegetables were so good and the plant-based corn on the cob has been a favorite for years! I really need to be better about actually completing these things though - I always almost do or DO and then don't go get the prize.

We took in more of the topiaries as we made our way into Future World. We hit Test Track for some thrills and I think rode Soarin' as well since it's always a favorite ride.

 

[MagicalMaci]

Sunday - Quick Orlando Weekend Day 2, Part 6: There's Always Something New!

Connections Eatery had opened recently so I wanted to check it out. It was getting to be about dinner time so I got a burger and shared the fries with the girls. They weren't as hungry since they had enjoyed their meals at lunch more than I did. The burger was GREAT and I am excited about this new quick service option in Future World and can't wait to go back and try some more.

French Bistro Burger
Gourmet Beef Blend, Caramelized Onions, Bacon, Brie, Mushrooms, Dijon Mayonnaise, Toasted Brioche Bun​

We were exhausted after two full days so we skipped the fireworks and got a Lyft back to our hotel. Oh also, I forget who the Garden Rocks concerts were tonight, but they weren't anyone we were interested in unfortunately (now that I'm older, I definitely have some favorites they schedule on these festivals, just never when I'm there!) We had to snap a photo of the car because it had Pikachu! So cute!

We wound down for the night, I probably had school to do, and rested up for the next morning.

 

[MagicalMaci]

Monday - Quick Orlando Weekend Day 3, Part 1: I can hug Mickey!

So the reason I was able to make this trip happen is because I was able to stay with Sarah at the Hilton to get a much cheaper flight on Tuesday. I worked from the hotel during the day but did go to the pool for a break to get some sunshine. (There was an event for the conference on the pool deck tonight so it was all decked out!) I also ordered from another EFEO vendor for workday snacks - charcuterie is my love language!

After I finished up work, I headed over to Magic Kingdom for the evening because... WE COULD HUG CHARACTERS AGAIN! It had been so long, so my only must-do was to visit Mickey Mouse! I hopped a Lyft over to TTC and enjoyed my ride on Monorail Black over to the park.

I had no real plans other than go say hi to the boss man. I got some Photopass photos along Main Street while I waited for a return time.

 

[MagicalMaci]

Monday - Quick Orlando Weekend Day 3, Part 2: Some of my Favorite Characters

After I fulfilled all my Mickey hugs, I started to head into the park, only to find a pretty big cavalcade heading on by with lots of favorite characters. From my photos it seems like I lucked into a pretty good spot!

Not really trip-related, but I didn't love Brave the first time I saw it but it really grew on me. Maybe because I'm a mom now? I don't know but Merida is awesome.

I was obsessed with Pocahontas as a kid, so I was happy to see her represented with some of the newer characters!

And I mean, how can you not love Genie and his pal Al?

Took some time, but we made it to the Hub and the beautiful castle views

 

[MagicalMaci]

Monday - Quick Orlando Weekend Day 3, Part 3: The Magical Magic Kingdom

I made my way down Main Street USA to be greeted by a stage show performance! Some more of my favorite characters were featured so I stopped by for a few to watch. I also stopped by a Photopass photographer at the Partners statue and he was a blast! He had me do all my "model poses" and I was laughing so hard

 

[MagicalMaci]

Monday - Quick Orlando Weekend Day 3, Part 4: Touring Tomorrowland and then some

I headed into Tomorrowland for the Peoplemover - just have to do this. It was a perfect day for the breeze and people watching below. I also stopped by Buzz and had a pretty decent score before making my way over to Fantasyland.

​

I kept going to Liberty Square for a ride on Haunted Mansion, another classic! I feel like the photos usually come out bad on HM, but kind of like this one!

 

[MagicalMaci]

Monday - Quick Orlando Weekend Day 3, Part 5: Decisions, Decisions

I went to meet Rapunzel and Tiana, the photos didn't turn out great (I feel like the lighting is really bad in Princess Fairytale Hall?) but they were great conversationalists.

I was really impressed with how much I was able to get done in a relatively short amount of time (remember, I didn't arrive at the park until after a full day of work!) It was still pretty hot and I was getting hungry, so I started making my way out of the park. I shopped a little, and saw the cute Mr. and Mrs. mugs (wedding merch was nonexistent in December), but Jimmy thinks we have too many mugs so I passed them up.

I had a dilemma to figure out for how the rest of my evening would go... here are some photos while I was deciding and a hint so stay tuned!

It's crazy to see the Wedding Pavilion now, to get to say I was married there is just such a dream

Here's your hint, do you know where I ended up?​

 

[MagicalMaci]

Monday - Quick Orlando Weekend Day 3, Part 6: Treat Yourself

So I was able to join the walk up list for California Grill and had to determine if I was going to splurge on this since the weekend was a "budget getaway." I was torn for a little while but ultimately decided to go for it!

I wasn't able to just go up to the bar, but after a short wait I was allowed up and grabbed a seat at the bar where I would enjoy my meal. I love when they serve the full menu at the bar, it is much more enjoyable as a solo traveler!

I started with a cocktail as I looked over the menu. They had the 50th Anniversary Celebration Menu, but favorites were still on there so it wasn't too different from normal. I decided to do the wine pairings as well. They had two levels of wine pairing options and I talked it over with the wonderful bartender and we decided to go with the basic level because the wines were still "very good."

So many of the appetizers on the menu sounded great, but I went with the short rib wonton - DELICIOUS! The wine pairing was delightful as well.

Braised Beef Short Rib Wontons
Doenjang Miso-Cola-Onion Sauce, Crispy Garlic-Chili Oil, Radish, Pickled Lotus Root

I stuck with beef and did the filet for my entree but swapped the mashed potatoes for the polenta. Again, this was so delicious! The fireworks were approaching before I finished my steak so I headed out to enjoy.

Oak-fired Filet of Beef
Brown Butter Château Potatoes, San Joaquin Valley Asparagus, Golden Raisins Vinaigrette, Roasted Tomato Butter (sub the goat cheese polenta that goes with the pork instead of the potatoes though)​

They have definitely made the newer fireworks shows less enjoyable when you watch from father because of the projection details etc, but it was still a beautiful night and a beautiful view!

I headed inside to finish my steak after the show. I was too stuffed for dessert so I got one to go.

I got a ride back to the Hilton where I ran into my boss in the lobby even though it was way past the time the conference ended. He was a bit surprised to see me, whoops! But we chatted for a few minutes before I headed up to hop into bed.

 

[MagicalMaci]

Tuesday - Quick Orlando Weekend Day 4, Part 1: Early Morning Animals

Animal Kingdom opened at 7:30am this morning, which was only 6:30am CST and I was up early because Sarah was up for conference stuff... so I figured I might as well pop over for a quick run through the park before my workday started.

It was a little crowded for a Tuesday morning but manageable. I made my way over to Dinosaur and got my traditional pic in front of Alador (is that how you spell it?) outside. I've gotten pics here every visit (mostly, I missed AK a few super short trips) since I was a teenager which is also when I started going regularly. I don't know why it is a tradition, but it is. Also I just love this ride! It's fun and corny in the most best way.

I headed over to Expedition Everest for a single rider visit and a nice morning thrill to really wake me up. I saw Pocahontas on the way with Meeko and then stopped for some breakfast after. I got the 50th celebration muffin and it was... average at best. But it got me through the morning!

 

[MagicalMaci]

Tuesday - Quick Orlando Weekend Day 4, Part 2: Okay, Actually Some Animals

There are pictures from Pandora so I have to think I went on Flight of Passage before heading for a "quick" safari and heading back to the hotel for another remote work day.

I love having an Annual pass for this exact reason! I didn't feel bad at all "wasting" a park day on a quick 90ish (maybe 2 hours?) in the park this morning!

I headed on back to the hotel and got to work.

 

[MagicalMaci]

Tuesday - Quick Orlando Weekend Day 4, Part 3: A Day of Surprises

I made it back to work no problem. Tuesdays are my busy days so I was heads down most of the time and getting ready to head to the airport after work, but unfortunately there were storms in Dallas so my flight was CANCELLED. There were no flights out tonight and I had to reschedule for tomorrow!

Thank GOODNESS Julie and Sarah were staying through Thursday or Friday, so I wasn't abandoned and homeless, but it was so so stressful to figure out what to do. I had to get the last flight out on Wednesday so I could get the work done I needed to the following day as well since most of the flights would take me out for a half day at least.

I went down to the "quick service" at the hotel for lunch and got a pizza with arugula and balsamic. It was surprisingly SO SO GOOD. Also, the Hilton Orlando is a Universal Partner Hotel so they had cute Harry Potter stuff. I took the pizza back to the room and kept working but was very happy with it. I also found the dessert from California Grill. I figured I was too stuffed from the first two courses, and it turns out I did order the chocolate and he packed it up for me to go! So I had that after my pizza lunch today

Yum!

I debated what to do with my extra Orlando night, but I was pretty tired so I opted to just head over to Disney Springs. I explored a bit since Disney Springs is different every time I visit I swear! I wasn't sure what I wanted for dinner so I just wandered around for a while. I was interested in trying Salt and Straw since I love ice cream, but wanted to circle back after having some actual food.

 

[MagicalMaci]

Tuesday - Quick Orlando Weekend Day 4, Part 4: Enjoying Disney Springs

I caught some live music that was really good. Refilled my Homecomin' bottle with some Moonshine and wandered around some more before finally deciding on the Mac and Cheese food truck for dinner. I went with the chicken parm mac and cheese and it was just perfect for my solo adventure!

I did a bit of shopping, stopped at Gideon's to bring some treats home for Jimmy and the kids and got a bubble cone sundae to wrap up the night. While it was photogenic and cute, the ice cream itself was a bit disappointing. I wish I had made the effort to go back to Salt and Straw to try it instead. The waffle cone was delicious though!

I headed back to the hotel and called it a night.

 

[MagicalMaci]

Quick Orlando Weekend Day 5: Bonus Day!

I might have gotten myself a piece of cake for breakfast. YOLO right? It was just the vanilla cake from Gideon's, they were out of any specialty flavors but it was HUGE and still delicious!

I once again worked from the hotel and compulsively checked my flight status because I was so so nervous. My meetings are a bit lighter on Wednesdays so I was able to go to the pool for a little bit on my lunch break. I got some nachos which were tasty and took a lap on their lazy river.

At some point I said farewell to my friends (it's not like I wouldn't see them in a few days anyway!) and headed to the airport. Thankfully I made it home with no further travel issues and brought the cookies to the family! I split the Oreo cookie with Jimmy and my cats were happy to see me of course.

Just like that, another great trip in the books!

PS. I forgot to mention this trip was less than ONE WEEK before Guardians opened in Epcot, so as usual, there's a reason to go back!

 

[erstwo]

This was fun to read! Thanks for sharing. So glad you finally got on a plane - travel is so crazy these days.

 

[riverside]

Great TR!! So fun to follow along!!

I totally get the apprehension when flights get cancelled. Totally stressed me out!!

BTW-there’s always a reason to go back

 

[Twinglemom]

Fun report. Glad you were able to navigate the flight cancellation . Thanks for sharing

 

[MickeyCB]

Thanks for sharing it was fun to follow along!