5 do Florida for the 1st time - October 2018 - Day 11 - Universal Studios, Hard Rock Cafe, HRH

[Milpston]

Originally Posted by Eccle

Great day, you managed to do a lot especially considering the hiccups you had in the morning!

Interesting that you didn't need to use child swap with the express passes, I'd been wondering about it for next year as I know it's different to Disney, but sounds like maybe we can just wait outside the ride

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We managed to get everything done that wanted and felt no need to go back to the park.

We only used the rider swap once which was on ET. This just meant Sally didn't have to watch the pre-ride video thing. Other than that we never felt the need. It was nice for the kids to be out and about in the sunshine. It may work better for some and not for others.

[Milpston]

Originally Posted by caitlinsmummy

Oh dear not a good start ... not very often a man will admit to being in the wrong I see you weren't looking too impressed with Sally's selfie

At least you made it ... eventually haha.

We found the same with Universal, we didn't need to use the parent swap with the express passes.

Aww how cute, I love Secret Life of Pets ... the new one's coming out soon if you fancy a cinema trip!

Food in Hard Rock looks lovely and looks like Emma enjoyed the flatbread.

I'd have been the same as Sally and thought the worst ... must be a mother thing ... or that we can't trust our husbands with the kid's haha.

A fab day, I know what you mean about the express passes ... I'm really debating it for next year! Xx

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Luckily for me I think it's the first time I have ever been wrong

We'll have to keep an eye out for the new film. Emma and Benjamin both really like it so we'll definitely make the trip.

The food was good in The Hard Rock Café. I'd never read too many positive things about it so it wasn't really in the plan but we had no complaints at all.

Fortunately I still had hold of Emma and quite enjoyed Sally's little panic on the pool side until she spotted us

The express passes made for a relaxed day for us. I think I'd struggle not to do a night at one of the hotels for the express passes next time we do Universal.

[Milpston]

Originally Posted by clucky1966

Another great day thanks again for taking the time to share it
I have been looking at the night in a hotel for the express passes and just do the two days at Universal, looking forward to day 12

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I'm glad you're enjoying it.
I really would recommend the night at Universal. It worked really well for us. We would definitely do it again if funds allow although if a family it still works out a lot of money for two days out when you take into account the ticket and hotel prices. But then it does allow you to get it all done in 2 days and free up more time for other things.

Hoping to get the next day typed up tonight all being well.

[LizzyBear]

Fab day at Universal despite the slightly stressful start. I agree on the express passes being invaluable with little ones, especially as Universal's kid swap system isn't as good as Disney's.

[Milpston]

I think if Disney offered an equivalent express pass it would be a game changer in the on site/off site debate. We loved our Universal days. A bit more relaxed than Disney.