Disney and other places

[Dave]

We have some trips planned. In October we’re going to a friend’s wedding in Fort Lauderdale, FL. On the way home we’re going to Universal Studios for three or four days. We have never been to the Studios, so we need a few days to figure out what beside Harry Potter we want to see. That’s because some cousins are coming from Oklahoma to visit in February, 2019, and want to go to the Studios. DW and I want to go first so we’re not complete newbies when we take them.

After the Studios we’re going to WDW for a few days. I’m in dire need of a Disney fix. In December this year, we’re going back to Kennedy Space Center for a few days and then to WDW for a week. This year we’re going to MVMCP and CandleLight Processional. We used to go to both every year but have skipped two years.

We usually stay at Coronado Springs, Port Orleans or Caribbean Beach but are thinking of Animal Kingdom Lodge this time. We’ve stayed there a couple of times and really like it. All of this depends on how badly we’ve busted our travel budget. We may end up eating peanut butter sandwiches and sleeping in the car!

I need to start making some ressies so if you have been to the Studios, can you tell me about the resorts and which park and restaurants you like the best.

[sydney]

Sounds like some great trips coming up for y'all! Hope you get to stay at AKL- though your other 3 choices are awesome too.
We just did one day at both Universal park's last year and that definitely wasn't enough time to do everything. If you like thrill and 3D stuff I'd say 3 days. If you're like me and can't do some of those- 2 days. My mom and stepdad stayed at the Portofino Bay Resort when they went a few years back and absolutely loved it. Service, atmosphere, and dining were all excellent. They've been to Italy too so I feel like that's saying something. As to food in the parks we just did 2 counter service meals and they weren't memorable. The burgers and pizza were pretty bland. Being spoiled on Disney I was very underwhelmed with choices at Universal. Maybe some of the table service restaurants are better.

[Dave]

Thank you, Sydney. That's good info. I am still recovering from my fourth back surgery so it's no roller coasters, rides that are jerky or any other ride like that. The bone where the screws are has not fully healed, so I have to be careful what I ride. I think we are going to concentrate on Harry Potter. We plan to stay three or four days, so hopefully we'll get to see all of the wizardly stuff. I have looked up all the hotels at US and they all look really nice. I guess our decision will be based how close to Harry Potter and the cost.