Trip Report Our Journey to the Dark Side, plus a little bit of Disney...June 2018 **Completed**

We're back!!

Who: Me (Amy), the hubby (Brian), and our three kids, Logan (15), Lily (13), and Owen (10)
Where: Universal Orlando (Cabana Bay Beach Resort and Hard Rock Hotel) plus one day on Disney property
When: Sunday, June 10 - Saturday, June 16

I was bad and didn't take notes this trip, so my pics may need to speak for themselves at times!

Sunday, June 10
Brian and I got up at midnight to start getting ready. We had the kids up and ready and the car packed by a little after 1:00am. The drive was so much better this year than last! Some of it was that we chose to drive through the night, but we didn't hit any major construction either, which helped a lot. It was even smooth sailing through Atlanta!! We brought granola bars, Nutrigrain bars, OJ, and apple juice and ate breakfast while driving. We also packed lunch items and ate quickly at the Florida Welcome Center. We made it in plenty of time for OJ this year!
20180610_120855 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
20180610_121053 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr

First sighting of Universal: Volcano Bay and Cabana Bay Beach Resort:
20180610_153119 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
20180610_153129 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr

We pulled in about 3:30pm, so we made it in a little over 14 hours (took us closer to 17 last year!!).
20180610_153332 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr

 

[TheMouseFan]

Everyone was exhausted, so we headed to the front of the park. On the way, Owen decided he was brave enough to ride Dr. Doom's Fear Fall with us, so we stopped there before leaving.
IMG_8371 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_8374 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
20180613_202354 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_8376 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_8378 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_8379 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr

 

[ScarletBegonias]

Really enjoying so far! I went to Uni in 2016 and didn't care for it at all other than the Harry Potter stuff. I don't know why. It just wasn't like being in Disney!

 

[TheMouseFan]

Really enjoying so far! I went to Uni in 2016 and didn't care for it at all other than the Harry Potter stuff. I don't know why. It just wasn't like being in Disney!

Thanks! I totally agree about Universal! Other than Volcano Bay, I don't care if I ever go back!

 

[ScarletBegonias]

Thanks! I totally agree about Universal! Other than Volcano Bay, I don't care if I ever go back!

Volcano Bay looked awesome! The cabana would have been super nice to have, too.

 

[TheMouseFan]

Thursday, June 14
Disney Day!!!

A few pics as we made our way off Universal property and onto Disney property:
IMG_8381 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
20180614_080219 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
20180614_080857 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
20180614_082044 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
20180614_082050 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr

After a quick and easy drive, we arrived!
20180614_082712 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
20180614_082843 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_8384 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_8385 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_8386 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_8387 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_8388 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_8389 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_8391 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_8392 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_8393 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_8396 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr

 

[TheMouseFan]

We were a few minutes early, but decided to check in anyway! We were seated right away.
20180614_084551 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_8397 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_8398 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_8399 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_8400 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_8402 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_8405 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr

We debated whether to eat here or at Whispering Canyon Cafe. There were two things that caused Boma to win. One was we were concerned about all of the construction around MK, and thought it would be easier getting to AKL. The other was this:
IMG_8404 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr

POG juice!!!

My first and second plate (everyone else had dug in by the time I returned to the table!!):
IMG_8403 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_8413 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr

We were all very pleased with our meal. Our server left something to be desired, but it is what it is and we were in no hurry that day!!

 

[TheMouseFan]

We then walked around outside for a little while.
IMG_8414 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_8415 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_8417 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_8419 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_8420 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_8422 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_8423 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_8424 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr

Then inside for a little AC before checking out the other viewing areas.
IMG_8425 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_8426 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_8428 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_8429 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_8430 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_8431 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_8432 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_8433 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_8437 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_8438 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_8440 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr

Then it was time to move on to our next adventure!

 

[MySmallWorldof4]

We were a few minutes early, but decided to check in anyway! We were seated right away.
20180614_084551 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_8397 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_8398 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_8399 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_8400 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_8402 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_8405 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr

We debated whether to eat here or at Whispering Canyon Cafe. There were two things that caused Boma to win. One was we were concerned about all of the construction around MK, and thought it would be easier getting to AKL. The other was this:
IMG_8404 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr

POG juice!!!

My first and second plate (everyone else had dug in by the time I returned to the table!!):
IMG_8403 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_8413 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr

We were all very pleased with our meal. Our server left something to be desired, but it is what it is and we were in no hurry that day!!

We have never eaten at Boma. I have some picky eaters, but the breakfast looks like something everyone in my family will like.

 

[MySmallWorldof4]

We then walked around outside for a little while.
IMG_8414 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_8415 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_8417 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_8419 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_8420 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_8422 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_8423 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_8424 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr

Then inside for a little AC before checking out the other viewing areas.
IMG_8425 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_8426 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_8428 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_8429 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_8430 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_8431 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_8432 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_8433 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_8437 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_8438 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_8440 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr

Then it was time to move on to our next adventure!

A nice bonus for you being able to spot a lot of the Savannah animals without actually having to go to AK.

 

[TheMouseFan]

We have never eaten at Boma. I have some picky eaters, but the breakfast looks like something everyone in my family will like.

Yes, they had lots of traditional breakfast foods as well as the African options.

A nice bonus for you being able to spot a lot of the Savannah animals without actually having to go to AK.

The only thing that would have made it better was if we had seen a giraffe!

 

[ScarletBegonias]

Oh how I love AKL! So beautiful!

 

[Gurt]

I really like Lilly's Hogwoarts shirt and the Mickey one too.

 

[TheMouseFan]

Oh how I love AKL! So beautiful!

Me too! I will eventually stay there one day!

I really like Lilly's Hogwoarts shirt and the Mickey one too.

That Mickey one was supposed to be mine! She begged to be able to wear it!

 

[TheMouseFan]

We then easily found our way to:
20180614_102428 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_8443 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_8444 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr

The kids decided they wanted to play the winter side. Luckily, it was the one with the shorter wait time! A few pics while we waited:
IMG_8446 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_8448 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_8449 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_8450 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr

We waited about 10 minutes, then it was our turn.
IMG_8451 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_8452 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_8453 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_8454 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_8455 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_8456 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_8457 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_8459 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr

 

[TheMouseFan]

IMG_8460 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_8461 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_8462 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_8464 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_8466 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_8467 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_8468 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_8470 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_8471 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_8472 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_8473 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_8474 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr

 

[TheMouseFan]

IMG_8475 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_8477 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_8478 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_8479 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_8480 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_8481 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_8482 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_8483 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_8484 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_8485 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_8486 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_8488 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_8489 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_8490 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_8491 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_8492 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr

 

[TheMouseFan]

IMG_8494 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr

Despite the amount of trees on the course, there is not all that much shade, and IT WAS HOT!!! Owen was totally surprised, but not upset, when this happened to him:
IMG_8495 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr

The snowman shoots water when you remove your ball from the hole!!
IMG_8497 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr

Brian and I had to be sure we got a little wet too!
IMG_8500 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_8502 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_8503 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_8504 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_8506 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_8507 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_8508 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_8509 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_8510 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_8512 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_8511 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr

 

[TheMouseFan]

The last hole. You were supposed to make a hole in one since you just had to get the ball under the computer and it would disappear. Logan and I were laughing about something and didn't make it the first time which just made us laugh harder and we each took too many shots to end the game!!
IMG_8513 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_8514 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_8515 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_8516 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_8519 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
20180614_114634 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
M stands for mom and D stands for dad, which means I WON!!! Brian always beats me, as well as at least one of the kids usually beating me too. I think Logan had more fun harassing Brian about that than I did!

 

[Laurensl]

We then walked around outside for a little while.
IMG_8414 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_8415 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_8417 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_8419 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_8420 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_8422 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_8423 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_8424 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr

Then inside for a little AC before checking out the other viewing areas.
IMG_8425 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_8426 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_8428 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_8429 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_8430 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_8431 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_8432 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_8433 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_8437 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_8438 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_8440 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr

Then it was time to move on to our next adventure!

 

[Laurensl]

Your trip looks like a lot of fun. Your DAKL pics make me miss staying there. I love that resort. It’s such a unique experience.