Finishing Florida: Universal Studios and Hotel Pools

We could not spend a week in Florida without a visit to Harry Potter World.

Especially with Superfan Linley and {Once Upon a Time} Superfan Ryder in tow.

 Linley was in complete Heaven.  Ryder did not mind being along for the ride one bit.

 We had heard Universal was not so accommodating to the younger set, so Allen took the the two big kids to the park while I stayed at the hotel with the two littles.  And it's safe to say we both had an excellent day as a result.

Luck continued on our side, and the Universal crew encountered nearly no crowds and super short wait times.  

So much so, they were able to conquer both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure, complete with Harry Potter World, in just a few short hours.

Super Theme Parkers.

The little girls and I made our way to the {ridiculously awesome} pool first thing in the morning, and enjoyed a quiet hour of water all to ourselves.

It was blissful.

 But quickly turned to madness and mayhem with all of the crowds that weren't at Universal Studio showing up at the pool. 

We hurriedly escaped to our room for naps and movies.  

A little wizarding and adrenaline rushing combined with a lot of resting and relaxing was exactly what each of us was craving.

And the streak of happy continued.

Disney Day 6: Hollywood Studios

Hollywood rocked.

Evidenced by Aerosmith's Rock 'n Roller Coaster.

Which the big kids happily road twice.

 And Tower of Terror.  Which is always the most terrifying/thrilling/satisfying experience.

We had the most adorable photographer who insisted on getting creative: I spy my family through my sunnies.

 And we couldn't end our Disney experience without one last Flight of Passage in Pandora.  

Allen managed to sneak a fast pass and it was just too good to pass up.  We hopped on a bus and headed back to Animal Kingdom for our Disney finale.  

 Best idea.

Bidding Disney adieu with a bang.

And happiest hearts.

Disney Day 5: Epcot

Perhaps it was coming off of the Animal Kingdom high, or simply the scorching hot temperatures that day, but Epcot ranked lowest on our list.

 If we were to do it all again, I think I would make Allen take me sans children at night, and solely to eat.

 But Frozen.  Frozen just may have made it all worth it.  

 Worth {almost} every drop of sweat.

Which, to be honest, was way more like buckets than drops.

 We lunched at Akershus with the Princesses, so, we'll call that another Epcot highlight.

Epcot may have been less than ideal, but still managed to be fairy-dusted in magic (much in part due to the heavy amount of snacking that occurred).

Plus, we had the added perk of heading back to our resort to enjoy the pools.  

Which was truly so very, very enjoyable.

There are no bad days at Disney.

Disney Day 4: Animal Kingdom

Animal Kingdom was unbelievable and amazing. 

It quickly won our hearts and became the family favorite.

We began with breakfast at Tusker House Restaurant, before the park even opened.

It was extra awesome being the only people walking around the wild of Animal Kingdom.

She asked for the photo, so...

 The rides were so very, very good (read: Expedition Everest scared the crap out of all of us).

Speaking of Everest...

 But Eden loved Dinosaur.

 And then Pandora.  Oh sweet Pandora.  The World of Avatar was unreal.  And stunning. And amazing.  And we just couldn't get enough.  

 A total and complete phenomenally picturesque and memorable day, from sunrise to sunset.

There's just no {tree} topping Animal Kingdom.