Walt Disney World 2022 - Day 2: Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure

Up early to make the shuttle we hired (through Mears) to Universal in time for rope drop.  The parks were crowded but since we knew we only had one day to experience both parks we had shelled out in advance for the once-per-ride Express Pass.  Note that the Express pass is not good for the newest rides Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventures and Jurassic World VelociCoaster - you still have to wait in line for those.

Some of our group of eight opted for Hagrid's, but Todd and I did VelociCoaster.  Highlights of the day:  The Bourne Stuntacular live action/digital/projection uh-maze-ing! stunt show (YouTube videos did not compare to seeing it in person), and the coffee caramel from Sugarplum's Sweet Shop in Diagon Alley.

Omg that's a lot of people waiting to get in.  We're about in the middle of the pack.

VelociCoaster

Walt Disney World 2022 - Day 1: Travel and Paddlefish

Recently returned from a trip to Universal Studios and Walt Disney World in Florida where we were introduced to Hurricane Nicole.  After almost 3 years of no travel or only local travel, we mounted up and rode east when my brother invited the whole gang for a family vacation.  It was hard getting back in the saddle after so much time away, but we returned home sapped but satisfied.

On our travel day we after arriving and getting settled in the room (no need to check in at the lobby thanks to the My Disney Experience app and our old MagicBands!), we regrouped and all took the boat to Disney Springs for dinner at Paddlefish.

Our first trip to the airport since February 2020 - just before lockdown

Our chariot awaits.  Oh right, I was using horse metaphors earlier.
Our noble steed awaits!

The lobby at the New Orleans/Mardi Gras themed Port Orleans: French Quarter resort

Here We Go Again

I'm a bit rusty at this, but let's give it a go again, shall we?