In which we sadly depart Orlando

 Our plane not being till 6pm we had a lazy morning watching the athletics (as we have done most days to be fair) before packing and checking out. We took the opportunity to have breakfast in the hotel, which was a lovely buffet.

Fab hotel breakfast

We then had a proper wander around, looking in all the shops etc before calling a Lyft and heading to the airport. I had seen horror stories about Orlando airport on the internet with tales of huge security lines so we gave ourselves plenty of time. We need not have worried. Although it was a bit chaotic we didn’t have to wait too long and security were remarkably friendly. I was intrigued by a lady in front with a case for her hand luggage that was bigger than Vickys. Plus a load of other bags. God knows how she got that through check in. I am assuming it was for an internal flight.

We both thoroughly enjoyed our stay, although it was very hectic. We loved both hotels, each one very different to the other. The dining plan, PhotoPass, and Express passes were particularly good benefits. We are also very glad we splashed out on the Universal photo pass (The Disney one was free if you booked within a certain time window) 

My favourite park? Epic Universe I think. Vickys? Hollywood Studios

We should be boarding soon so see you all on the other side.

In which we return to Studios and Islands of Adventure

 We had a bit of a lazy day for our last day, starting at Studios with a couple of shows, then taking The Hogwarts Express to islands of Adventure. It was probably the hottest day we have had with no clouds or storms.

Marilyn Monroe

A breakfast crepe (not what we expected)

The Hogwarts Express

I chickened out of this, but what is the guy on the back row doing!?

We got so wet here

The family in front were really old but loved it

Vicky looking at The Hulk which we both decided not to ride

A last goodbye to City Walk

A final drink at the bar in our hotel

Notable Events

I wish I had resurrected Toilet Watch as each ‘restroom’ in all the parks was themed for the land it was in. 

We were flagging today because of the heat and schedule

The breakfast crepe I was expecting, a warm one with sugar and lemon, was not what we got. A cold one full of cake and cream with a couple of blueberries for balance.

The huge American guy with blue hair sat next to Vicky on Velocicoaster was apparently absolutely terrified and kept crossing himself. Once again, what could the guy in the back be doing at 300mph?

We are more excited than we look on the Harry Potter ride. They take the photo as you set off.

I loved the log flume, as you can see, but we did get very very wet. 

In which we visit Epic Universe

 An exciting day for us as we visited a brand new park. Epic has four worlds with a portal into each. So far the wait times have been ridiculous, but with our trusty fast passes we were fine.

Arriving at Epic

The portal to Mario Land

And some Photopass photos

Which is very intense and noisy

Mario cart ride

Mine Cart Madness

The portal to Dark Universe

Which is Hammer Horror themed

On the Monsters Unchained ride

With some of the gang

Lunch at Atlantic in the air conditioning 

Then the Carousel 

Our old friend the Helios Grand in the background

Another Harry Potter world

Battle at the ministry ride

Isle of Berk (from how to train your dragon)

Hiccups gliders

A fun show 

Back to Dark Universe for the burning windmill

And general spookiness

More Monster friends

And the carousel at night

And finally the Fountain Show

Leaving Epic at 10.30

Notable Events

There are some duelling rollercoasters at Epic called Stardust racers. Sadly a man died while riding yesterday so they were closed, and will be for some time. Vicky didn’t want to tell me as she felt it may put me off riding Velocicoaster! Ha! As if I was even contemplating it.

Atlantic was a lovely restaurant. We had a fabulous meal and spent a longish time in their air conditioning to recharge the batteries at the hottest time of the day.

Thank god for Fastpass! We breezed past the humongous queues of up to 200 minutes! The longest we waited was probably 15 minutes to ride the carousel at night. 

We had a quick snack at the Burning Windmill latish on using mobile order. If you imagine Disney Mobile order being all butterflies and fluffy bunnies, Universal mobile order is Frankenstein and Dracula. The app said it was ready so Vicky trotted off to collect, to find about 40 other people waiting and some entertainment from an irate (attempted, Vicky was taking no prisoners) queue jumper.

All in all we loved Epic, but only because of the Fastpass