Both days, we were able to visit Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure since we had park-to-park tickets. That's the way to go, so you get the most out of your time.  Also, by having the park-to-park tickets, you will be able to ride Hogwarts Express between the parks...and if you are fans of Harry Potter, it's something that you simply do not want to miss.  
The characters in the parks are abundant, even during these times.  Some even interact with you besides the normal photo op.
If you are missing entertainment/shows/singing, you won't miss it here!  You can experience outdoor options with songs and water shows and even the brand new, indoor show The Bourne Stuntacular-which is Spectacular!  The technology used there is simply breathtaking and the actors have such talent!  
If you want a break from the sun or in our case (rain), check out the Tribute Store which is themed to the holiday you are closest too.  It's also a large 1-stop souvenir spot so you will be sure to find something there for someone back home.  We also enjoyed seeing the Macy's balloons that they typically have at their holiday parade (currently canceled due to the pandemic). True, authentic balloons used in past New York parades!!  Such a neat experience to see something that we usually watch on tv each Thanksgiving. 
My favorite snack is the ever popular Butterbeer-but I prefer it frozen.  You can find it in both parks throughout The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
And while there are so many amazing rides throughout both parks, my favorite is still Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure. Riding in the daylight is much different than the nighttime simply because you can see the tracks as it is an outdoor ride.  We were able to grab a virtual queue spot for this on Sunday am, so we had a return time.  
Food is everywhere with many restaurants available, but we choose lunch at The Leaky Cauldron for fish and chips and cottage pie.
To end our stay, we enjoyed some time at CityWalk, with dinner at Cowfish and dessert courtesy of Voodoo Doughnut.  Pictured are Oh Captain, My Captain and Triple Chocolate...but anything there is sure to be delicious! 
What a trip!  We had a great time, and felt safe the entire time.  Seeing employees cleaning the railings and trash cad lids almost constantly, as well as being handed hand sanitizer before each ride, confirmed that Universal is doing the best they can in these times.  Hand sanitizer stations are located throughout the exits as well (but we also carried our own just in case).  My kids are already trying to plan their next visit, as there were a few things we didn't get to do.  Number one on the list - Volcano Bay since it won't be open most likely until March. 
Thanks for following along on our adventure!

My family traveled to Universal Orlando on Sunday for 2 days, to experience their first visit!  We stayed at Loews Royal Pacific Resort and had a standard room with 2 beds.  We were on the main floor so it was a very easy walk to the lobby for snacks at Tuk Tuk Market.  Starbucks for the win, and there are tables socially distant with signs on those you will not be able to sit at.  Right now, they are aiming for contactless experiences which is a great safety offering.  We needed more toiletries, so we texted the number provided at check-in and had a bag hanging on our door within 5 minutes.  When you walk in the main entrance, there is a security guard taking temperatures of all visitors/guests and if all is okay, you will receive a colored band to wear.  There is plexiglass at all of the counters.  Loews Royal Pacific is a great option if you like island theming and access to CityWalk, Universal Orlando and Islands of Adventure by water taxi (or if you want to add even more steps to your daily count in addition to what you will have walking through the parks, there is a walking path to CityWalk).  The restaurant options are wonderful and there are several late night locations if you are hungry after returning from the parks.  They typically have a Despicable Me Character Breakfast but it is temporarily closed.  And if you need a rental, but don't want to pick it up at the airport or don't need it for the entire duration, Avis Car Rental has a desk right there in the lobby!!  
Since Royal Pacific is 1 of 3 resorts that offer free, unlimited express passes for most attractions at Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure, this resort is a great option if you want to be sure to experience as much as you can!  Here to answer any questions that you may have.

Today was the day my family was waiting for.  None of them have experience Galaxy's Edge until now and I couldn't wait to finally share in their excitement!  We were up and ready to hopefully grab a virtual boarding group for Rise of the Resistance at 7am....and we did!  Group 97 but we will take it!  Because of the popularity that Hollywood Studios has brought to Disney guests, they now offer bus transportation as well to the resorts that have Skyliner access...so we decided to take the bus.  It picked up at 7:50am (park opening at 9am) and we were through the temperature screening tent, security and magic band scanning by 8:15.  We were off Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway by 8:30, Slinky Dog Dash at 8:52, Alien Swirling Saucers at 9:01 and Toy Story Mania at 9:15.  If you are worried about getting it all done in one day, it's certainly doable!  Muppet Vision 3d is a great spot to rest if you want to take some time off your feet--socially distant rows and space between families to assure safety. 
The rest of the park (with the exception of Galaxy's Edge) was finished for us at 12. We had reservations at Oga's Cantina at 12:20 for a drink and snack, able to get in early for my son's Droid Depot reservation and then it was time for our boarding group for Rise of the Resistance.  We were able to even enjoy some blue milk and take some time to let the newest family member move freely and talk to some fellow Droids before Smuggler's Run.  If you ask my 10 year old, she will say seeing Chewie, Rey and a few Stormtroopers were the highlights for her.
It was a great day with all of the new experiences and memories that will last a lifetime! 
The vintage decorations are simply breathtaking - they are at the top of my list.
The snacks at Starbucks are adorable and if you can, grab yourself a holiday Alien popcorn bucket-you won't be disappointed!
​Santa makes an appearance.  And if you ask me, he has a pretty cool ride! 

Today, we took a bus to Magic Kingdom, again wanting to arrive early.  We were on the bus by 7:10 and inside Magic Kingdom after going through the temperature screening tent, security and magic band scan by 7:40.  Stopped to watch a few characters welcome the guests above Main Street Station and were on our first ride at 8:04.  Throughout the day, there were cavalcades up and down the Hub, Main Street and through Frontierland and Liberty Square.  Beginning at 6pm, the castle has a projection show with 4 different projections (every 15 minutes) and a little surprise firework after each one.   And don't miss the Jungle, I mean Jingle, Cruise if you visit during the holidays!  It's a must do for us!  

We had a great day in Epcot today!  We stayed at Art of Animation, which provides transportation via the Disney Skyliner to both Epcot and Hollywood Studios.  We wanted to arrive early but the Skyliner doesn't run to Epcot until about an hour prior to the published park opening, so we took it to Hollywood Studios and then hopped on a Friendship Boat to the Yacht and Beach club and walked the path into the International Gateway of Epcot.  We waited about 20 minutes and then walked through the temperature screening tent, security and had our bands scanned for our park tickets.  We walked around World Showcase to ride Frozen Ever After - in line at 11:40am and finished at 12pm.  Not too shabby for the park opening at 12pm!!  

The rest of the day was productive, enjoying all of the rides and some delicious snacks from Epcot's Festival of the Holidays.  ​​

Along the way, there were character cavalcades and pop-ups throughout the park.  Just wanted to spread some "JOY" to you during this holiday season!

Today, my family and I flew to Orlando International Airport from Philadelphia International Airport.  We felt safe and followed all of the protocols throughout the process.  My children are 13 and 10 and they were troopers with the masks, cleaning hands constantly and we choose not to eat or drink on the flight. Happy to answer any questions related to flying safely.

Traveling safely during the pandemic.  
Here are some tips on what I bring along on any trip (flying or driving).
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For our final stop on our snacking journey around the world, it’s time to get to the meat and potatoes of this list. Canada is not to be missed.
Le Cellier is one of Epcot’s best restaurants, and one of the best steakhouses in all of Disney World. You can grab some sample size portions of their most popular items at the Canada kiosk. There you’ll find the extremely popular Canadian Cheddar and Bacon soup, and another favorite snack of ours, Wild Mushroom Filet Mignon. It’s a super tender steak, served with a rich, truffle-butter sauce. We like take a few steps further a grab a poutine from Refreshment Port to round out our All-Canada snack stop. ​

​Japan offers so many amazing eating experiences. There is a hibachi style restaurant, a wonderful sushi house, a quick service spot with the most incredible outdoor bamboo garden dining, and even a little hut called Kabuki Cafe that serves up amazing Japanese shaved ice with fruit flavors and sweet condensed milk. Try one, they’re cheaper than a Mickey ice cream bar! 

Now back to what we’re really here for. We’ve used the word favorite quite a bit in these blog posts. This time, we really mean it. The snacks in Japan are absolutely amazing. These are a few that usually have us going back for seconds. 
The Chirashi Sushi Flowerpot, Frothy Ramen, and Teriyaki Chicken Bun.
This iteration of the varying Sushi Flowerpot features fresh cut salmon, salmon roe, sushi rice, furikake (an incredible Japanese seasoning), and poke sauce. It’s an absolute must for any sushi lover. 
The frothy ramen is served chilled, in a dashi broth, with an egg white froth and a sweet & salty soy glaze. It’s a pleasantly satisfying dish, especially on a hot Orlando afternoon.
The Teriyaki Chicken Bun is simple enough for the pickiest little eaters to enjoy, yet good enough that you might not want to share it with them. 
Also pictured here is the Furano Martini. It makes for a beautiful photo, but the lavender that makes it so pretty is very, very floral. We might suggest sticking to the Sake.