Sometimes Wishes Do Come True: Universal Studies

After quesadillas with Mickey, we headed over to our first theme park, Universal Studios!  We decided to just do a half day here because it didn't seem like it would have as much to hold the kids' interest for a full day.  It was a good decision!  Universal was fun, but definitely more for older kids and adults.  Little Buddy and Little Sweetie did enjoy the Dr. Seuss area and Momma was thrilled to live out her Hogwarts dreams in the Harry Potter areas!

Grabbing a little lunch in Seuss Land and checking the map for our priorities of the day!

The Grinch gave Momma a little sass, but we finally managed to get a picture with him and Sam-I-Am!

Getting to meet the Cat in the Hat and Things 1 & 2!

A quick trip on the Seuss Merry-Go-Round...

...followed by a ride on the train for Little Buddy...

...and a quick nap for Little Sweetie!

Our only other priority at Universal was to go to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter (mostly for Momma), but we enjoyed our walk through the park (even though it was ridiculously hot!).

Little Buddy was in awe of the triton and the "big face waterfall" we saw on our walk to the Harry Potter area.  I think he could have stood and looked at it all day!

Almost there!

We made it to Hogmeade!

Everything was beautiful to look at, but too old for the kids to enjoy.  However, we were able to get the most important things...

     

...our wands!

Wizard in training!

Then we went to Platform 9 3/4 in order to catch the Hogwarts Express to Diagon Alley!

The highlights of this part of the park were butter beer, an ice cream break for the kids, and the fire-breathing dragon on top of Gringotts!

Finished up the day with a little dinner and dessert at Mimi and Pop-Pop's resort!

Although it was hot, it was a good first day at the parks.  Glad we did a half day first to get the feel for going through the parks.  The real adventure is going to be tomorrow at the Magic Kingdom!

Until then, 

LBM

Little Buddy's Momma

Sometimes Wishes Do Come True: Let the Adventure Begin!

When Little Buddy was diagnosed with Sanfilippo Syndrome, we vowed that no matter what happened, we would give him the best life we could, one of full of quality experiences and joy.  One of our first stops for that was to set up his Make-A-Wish trip.  Little Buddy's wish was to eat quesadillas with Mickey, so we were so excited that our local Make-A-Wish chapter was going to make that happen!

      

Loaded up and Orlando bound!

Look who got to drive the plane!

Little Sister can't wait to see Minnie!

We've arrived at Give Kids The World!

Our Villa!




Lots goes on here!

The adventures begin!

Big fans of the porch rocking chairs!

Making his star at Give Kids the World Castle!

Little Sister trying to get in on the Star action!

Talking to the owl in the tree in order to get their special pillows!

King and Queen of the Village!

     

Taking advantage of the "all the ice cream you want, all the time" policy!

It was quite the busy day, but we made it through and settled in.  The Village is amazing and just a bit overwhelming too!  Tomorrow is a big day:  Little Buddy's wish will come true and we'll go to Universal Studios!

Until then, 

LBM

Little Buddy's Momma