Wow, that’s cool!
Well I took off this morning for early entry at IO, it’s bitter cold but at least it’s not raining. Now it may sound obnoxious leaving my son behind to sleep in but he has had a long couple of months traveling & working overnights. I see no good reason to disturb him.
Early entry has made made all the difference in having a chance to cast spells with minimal wait time. Completed them all in 20 minutes.
Once the crowd starts coming in it definitely feels tight in here.
I skipped breakfast at Stella Nova - it’s ok for a hotel breakfast but I have always wanted to try Who Hash, another food I have avoided in Florida heat.
I don’t know if it’s always this amazing but wow it’s perfection on a 40 degree morning.
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Cute that it’s served out of the can but seems like it could be difficult getting it out without spilling as opposed to a bowl.
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It’s nutty type of crowed today - I was pretty much done after getting smashed by the third stroller.
Just down the block from UO is one of our favorite spots
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Ouch. 
sorry.
On the bright side it’s a great day for soup - someday I will get that Whimpie burger
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Gotta say you meet the loveliest people at the designated smoking areas. Most of the disney blogging professionals are gone now. Pass-holders, and normal families are filling the hotel.
They were kind enough to give me the heads up - apparently Monday evening emails went out that the self parking price has nearly doubled. From $18 a night to $30.
From what I understand there have been parking increases at all of the Universal hotels. If you have trips coming up double check your rates…
Interestingly enough 7 of us out there chit chatting this evening all feel pretty much the same, while the hotel is beautiful the consensus was Cabana Bay Family rooms offer a better value. All of us paid pretty much booked immediately upon release and all of us received the pass holder discount between $135-$170 a night depending on view. None of us can imagine the going rate at the $300+ a night.
Maybe once Epic opens but right now no-way.
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Second wind went shopping at Epic Preview Center. We are all geared up in advance for our August trip…
Stopped in for burgers at Margaritaville
Interesting fun fact - Stella Nova is right down the road from Lockheed Martin Missile & Fire Control. That was an was an incredibly wrong turn 
I didn’t realize what a large presence they have in Orlando.
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Checked out this morning via text message- folio arrived by email with the $30 parking charge per night. The desk was incredibly helpful and re-adjusted the price back down to the $18 dollars per night showing in my confirmation email. I will say that from discussion around the designated smoking section today- parking is being charged every night at check-in regardless of whether or not you have a vehicle…not sure if this is resort wide change like the parking price increase or if it’s just Stella Nova. Previous stays at cabana bay we would have to tap in and out of the parking gates. The tap boxes are installed there but the gate just automatically opens and closes…
Final breakfast -
Now headed to try out the Brightline direct from MCO to West Palm to meet Buddy….
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Wait! Where is this! My DD 23RD loves ramen and manga. I’d love to take her on our next trip! 
I know your familiar with the area so it should be a breeze but it’s in a tiny strip mall behind the gas stations if you blink you miss it.
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Brightline was a really great experience- this is not the typical commuter experience I did for most of my adult life but reminiscent of a childhood trip to Europe.
Definitely worth it - future reference they have a deal with Mears for discounts 10% on round trip shuttles to Disney and Universal.
If anyone is like me and always wanted to add on a Disney Vero Beach Stay after a trip to the world this might be an option.
When I purchased my ticket it was last minute- like an hour to get there. I wouldn’t recommend it on a whim. The standard fare the night before was $49 by the morning it was $89. At that point I decided because I was checking a bag anyway purchase the “premium fare” - it worked out about the same but well worth it.
It felt like as soon as the doors closed the complimentary beverage and snack service started.
I really wasn’t expecting to be able to stream a movie - but the WiFi was better than most airlines. Was able to watch Lidia Poet on Netflix with no buffering. The only interruptions were my family calling to check up. My youngest definitely hates when I travel alone. He loves me but worries far more than he should. Seriously no worries not on this train
Lunch was tasty - there was a tiny lemon curd tartlet that was outrageous good.
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So a little about buddy- at least what we think we know…
DS and his fiancé were headed into the pet store to pick up food for Chiquita…there was a adoption fair going on.
My favorite toothless Diva.
DS & buddy made eye contact and it was done.
Buddy has had a rough start. What we found out after he was placed with the kids
- He was on the streets somewhere in Alabama for several months before being placed in a kill shelter
- He was removed from the shelter and taken to be fostered in Palm Beach Florida.
- He is/was heart worm positive. Still waiting to find out how much damage he has from both the worms and the toxic treatment.
- He is great with other dogs not so great with people. First day he drew blood not horrible but enough growling that we are all on a learning curve.
He is absolutely attached to my son. Everyone else
he needs some time.Now you’re probably all saying he has got to go back to the rescue- the kids are working really hard to get him comfortable and acclimated to his new surroundings.
After DS picked me up at the West Palm Brightline-
I wish I had gotten a picture. Above is the photo of how loaded down the rollator was with luggage- my son showed up with his 350z. Like playing a bright neon blue game of Tetris trying to fit everything in but I really enjoyed being in a convertible again. I love my Civic but there is just something wonderful about top downing.
When we got to their place- I dropped my dirty laundry luggage smack in the middle of the living room, not because I intend to be that kind of MiL but more so Buddy could meet me on his own terms. The kids indulged me and we headed out for Chinese Food…
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