We had quite the adventure last week. We spent 4 nights in Florida visiting with family, walking through the world of Harry Potter and … spending an un-anticipated extra night when we missed our flight home.
Let’s start from the top.
Shane had a business conference in Orlando last week. As it just so happened it was Ski Week at school so the kids were already looking at a week off. Grammie and Papa are wrapping up their FL winter so it made sense for Shane to extend his stay past the conference and for us to fly out to meet him.
The kids did awesome traveling! I was nervous flying with both of them by myself on a red eye, but they rocked it! (Gives me hope for the 22hr journey to Bulgaria alone with them this summer). I’m so jealous I’ve what their little bodies can do with those airplane seats.
Our hotel in Orlando was pretty perfect. Separate rooms with bunk beds. A big kid pool with water playground. Close to the RV park.
I worked all day Thursday, since a PM boot camp was scheduled over the first day of our visit. The kids spent time with Grammie and Pappa though, which was great.
Second day was all about Harry Potter. It was so cool to walk through it. The world JK Rowling created is the first I have wished was real and I could witness. Alas, being a muggle, this is as good as it’s going to get. Knowing it’s not likely for us to do this again, we splurged on the park hopper pass so we can do both Diagon Alley and Hogwarts with the Hogwarts Express. Honestly, I enjoyed Diagon Alley much more. Maybe because by the time we got to Island of Adventure it was hot, I was tired and the kids were cranky.
G surprised me by declaring he didn’t want to do any rides. We kind of tricked him going on the Gringotts bank ride. After that it was a little harder to, though he admitted the ride wasn’t too bad. He just didn’t want to do anything that twirled and spined. So no Twirl and Hurl for you, kid!
One thing I will say is that I loved that US allows you to walk through Gringotts and Hogwarts even if you don’t want o do the rides. You clearly don’t go in the main attraction, but can take your time ooogling goblins and standing in awe of Dumbledore’s office.
Also, butter beer is delicious and the person that can keep supplying me with cold (not frozen) butterbeer will have my affection forever.
The kids got wands while I watched in slight jealousy because the inner me is decked out with it all.
We spend Saturday with Grammie and Pappa again, while Shane spent a few hours trying to setup a printer. He had one shipped, only to have to ship it back. Sorry, Grammie!
We were supposed to get home late Sunday night. Well, airlines had other ideas. We made our first flight fine, except for it having an issue, which delayed us leaving. And then when we landed, another plane was blocking access to our gate, so that completely made us miss our connecting flight. The kids ended up getting a free day off of school, since there weren’t any more flights back to the Bay Area that night. As much as I hate long lay overs at least I see some value in them now. Though, frankly, direct flight seem like the better bet.
