Rachel's Unexpected Solo Adventures: Universal, Osborne Lights And Epcot

[itsrachelhere]

I got up about 7 today and caught an uber to Universal about 8am. Absolute bargain!

I arrived at 830 and headed straight to the park where they had just started letting guests in

I was in the first group on despicable me, which was better than I remember actually. I then did the mummy. I actually waited for over people to come along before going in as I didn't want to go on by myself - it was that quiet!

Next up I headed to Diagon alley and looked round, had a go with my Voldemort wand, had a Butterbeer, browsed the stores, etc

I then decided to head over to Islands. I had a specific list of things I wanted to do today!

First up I went on cat in the hat. Now I genuinely wouldn't be surprised if I were the only person on the entire ride!

I stopped at the treats store in Seuss landing for this peanut butter and chocolate cupcake .

Next up a wander around Hogsmeade

My remaining plan was the water rides! First up I went on Jurassic Park for the first time in about 3 visits to Orlando. Really enjoyed this. Finally I swapped into my flip flops and went onto Blutos barges which is one of my favourites. Soaked through as always but it definitely could have been worse!

I head out now to city walk. I didn't spend masses of time there, but don't feel so bad as I got their power pass for only $220 and should hopefully be staying at cabana bay when in Orlando for a conference next year, so will visit universal and city walk in the evenings then instead

Lunch plans were for bubba Gumps where I had my beloved lava flow...

Some onion strings - these were ok but not set the world on fire

And the best salad of all - the pear and berry (minus the pecans). Seriously good!

I head out now, after grabbing a Starbucks to keep me warm - air con after Blutos barges is not the best combo! Once back at riverside I went to the pool and read a book for a bit and then did a few lengths. I have knee issues and swimming helps so much, so I always need to get my swimming in! Around 4pm I head to Hollywood Studios for another round of the Osborne lights. This time I arrived in time for the switch on - people gasped so loudly, it was very special. I had read before not to go to the switch on as its too rammed. I disagree - it really made the experience hearing the story of the lights beforehand and then Santa goofy coming out to turn them on. Only got videos of this, sorry! I watched the lights for ages, before heading out. It was really rainy tonight, and I was feeling pretty tired. I decided to press on though and head to Epcot where it was to be EMH. I got the boat over and first jumped off at swan and dolphin and walked round to the boardwalk.

It was so quiet because of the rain unfortunately

I stopped and got pizza and salad from the pizza window (was about $7.50).

And then dessert of a cheesecake brownie from the bakery .

Once in Epcot I had about 30 mins to wait until my fastpass for illuminations. I found a bench which had a parasol covering it and sat and read for a bit - my feet needed a break!

Illuminations fastpass area is right at the entry to world showcase. This is such a good spot to see the show from. I had heard it wasn't worth doing, which really confuses me to be honest!

I head out after the show, but via mouse gear as I had a list of things I was due to pick up for people! They had started putting out all the displays for holidays around the world. A bus turned up straight away when I got to the stop, I got a seat and we were back in no time (it hardly seems to take any time to get to riverside - irrespective of which park you are at). Once back I watched the news a bit - interesting to hear their take on events in Europe. Also distressing when you hear Donald trumps suggestions to fix the world...

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New Photo Added by itsrachelhere - 20 Nov 15 12:18 PM.

[Kim]

I wouldn't go on the Mummy be myself either

Looks like you had Universal to yourself. It's been like that for us since 2002.

Kim

[itsrachelhere]

Originally Posted by Kim

I wouldn't go on the Mummy be myself either

Looks like you had Universal to yourself. It's been like that for us since 2002.

Kim

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Exactly. After all, the curse is real!

[Cutiepie]

Good day

[OB1LukeLucas]

Another great day.

[SmileysPeople]

Hi Rachel, I hadn't realised you were doing a picture report and just came across this!
Wow, you are really packing so much into your days it looks fantastic.

Interesting to hear about Illumination fastpass as I was thinking of booking this next year when with my parents, so we could get a decent view without waiting for ages beforehand. but had kept reading it wasn't worth it. I may rethink that now.
Claire x.

[itsrachelhere]

Originally Posted by SmileysPeople

Hi Rachel, I hadn't realised you were doing a picture report and just came across this!
Wow, you are really packing so much into your days it looks fantastic.

Interesting to hear about Illumination fastpass as I was thinking of booking this next year when with my parents, so we could get a decent view without waiting for ages beforehand. but had kept reading it wasn't worth it. I may rethink that now.
Claire x.

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Hi Claire,

Yeah it was keeping me entertained in the lines when on my own. but then the last couple of days were very much with friends, hence why I am behind with it all! I will finish it off soon, but I was working in London yesterday and off to Belgium this weekend so I feel like I haven't had a spare minute since getting back.

Knowing your thoughts towards fireworks and being stuck in a mass of people I would really recommend it for you. Same with the Wishes fireworks actually.

x

[itsrachelhere]

Originally Posted by Cutiepie

Good day

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Originally Posted by OB1LukeLucas

Another great day.

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Thanks both . Going to finish it off soon .

[sheluk]

Another great day - you really know how to fit so much in!

Couldn't agree more about trump!