I’m back. I had a great almost two weeks away. It was a ton of learning and fun. I went to a training for my second job as a travel agent in Orlando, Florida for Universal. It was great! I hadn’t been to Universal Studios in 18 years. My daughter was 2 last time we were there. Much has changed. I loved the parks, the hotels, the food. I have been a Disney fan my whole life but the Universal bug hit me hard. As they are building a fourth park to complement Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay I could see them giving Disney a run for their money. Plus they are building new value hotels that are cheaper than Disney and you can get a room for 6 starting at $135.

This was one of the hotel tours we took at Universal. Loews Portofino Bay Hotel was amazing. They have three pools, a spa, and amazing restaurants. I cannot wait to go back and stay at this hotel. The one we stayed at Sapphire Falls was perfect for our stay. I could take my scooter on the boat to the parks and not feel awkward. It was so nice.

In the 18 years since we were last there much has changed in the parks – there are two new parks, Islands of Adventure and Volcano Bay but there are still remnants of the past. I still remember this restaurant, the ET ride, and the Men in Black Ride. But, there was so much to see and do we spent three days doing it all. I especially loved the Harry Potter themed areas. I got my chocolate frogs, Gryffindor mug, and Bertie Bott’s Every Flavor Beans.

We are already planning a trip back!