On our last trip to Universal Orlando Resort, we had five kids in tow. As the travel expert, it's my job to share my inside tips I am going to try to give you parents some preemptive strikes when the kids start to whine. Here’s a few tips for those words we love to hear.
“I’m Hungggggrrrryyyyyyyyyy” : Solving the Dining Dilemma
We previewed Richter’s Burger Co. (“Make Your Own Burgers”.) It certainly did more than pass the test!
“This is my favorite restaurant,“ declared my 7-year-old. Of course it was. Have you ever tried a fried macaroni and cheese nugget? What a great alternative for kids. Instead of the usual chicken inside, Richter’s fried up some mac and cheese to rave reviews from my peanut gallery.
The meal was only to be matched by the Breakfast Pizza at the Hard Rock Hotel’s The Kitchen the following morning.
Also, prior to visiting, I suggest checking into Meal Deals. This is a great money-saving tip that gives you all-day access to dining within the park.
“It’s raining and the rides are closed! What do we do noooowwww??”: What To Do When Afternoon Showers Hit”
Florida summer often brings afternoon showers. But do not let that deter you from heading to the park. In fact, the rain cools things off about 10 degrees. And, I have a great place for you to stay dry at Universal Orlando.
When the skies began to open, we went to the Jurassic Park Discovery Center. The kids played a trivia game, watched baby “dinos” hatch in an animated nursery and chased each other around a Jurassic indoor playground. They did not even notice that the rain came – and went. We then headed over to ride The Incredible Hulk rollercoaster.
"I’m too tired to waaaaalllllkkkkkk” How to get back to the hotel without a fuss
Our favorite mode of transportation to and from the park was on an old-fashioned rickshaw (rickshaws.net.) There are several ways to get from the Hard Rock Hotel to Universal. By shuttle, water taxi or this innovative and entertaining way! For our kids, it was the last ride of the day that we all looked forward to. While they do work on (and deserve) tips, the service is FREE. When tired little feet are faced with walking back to the hotel, these friendly guys on bikes are a welcomed sight.
“Don’t take any more pictures of me! Pleeeaaase Mom!”: How to turn the tables and get great family photos
If your kids are old enough, try having them take the shots from now on. My albums are filled with pics of the kids. What about mom and dad? Years from now, most of our children will have no idea what their parents looked like when they were young. On the way out of the park, my 9-year-old was too cranky to pose for a shot in front of the Universal globe.
I saw a golden opportunity and asked him to shoot one of us! As you can see from the results to the right, it came out great! I realized what a great way you can involve the kids in your albums and capture some family memories that include some shots of the people who make it all happen! (And, you’ll notice from my jam-packed arms – the people who carry all of the “stuff!”)
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