As we have Universal annual passes, we had planned an early morning visit to the parks on one of our non-Disney days. However, we then found out it was Mardi Gras so decided we’d need to do a full day to stay and see the Mardi Gras parade. But then we discovered Ant and Dec (Winnie’s second favourite celebrities behind Donald Duck) were filming at Universal on the Saturday, and as a room popped up with a huge annual pass discount at a Royal Pacific for the Friday night, we decided to book that to get the express passes for both days and possibly stalk poor Dec! It wasn’t ideal timing as we weren’t switching resorts from Port Orleans until the Monday, so it meant paying for the night there that we weren’t actually using, but to pay for express passes for just one day was over twice as much as the room cost so we decided it was worth it.
We got up early, packed a case (it was meant to be a small one, but we had to take all the girls’ toys because otherwise they might get stolen apparently!) and then got an Uber to the hotel where we left the case, picked up our express passes and headed to the parks. We spent until mid afternoon doing loads of rides before the heat and tiredness got the better of us, so we decided to head to the hotel pool for a few hours before heading back to the parks for the Mardi Gras parade.
We have loved both Universal hotels we’ve stayed in. From the cookies and lemonade they were serving in the lobby, to the pool food, drinks, and all-round service, they really are fabulous. We had a lovely, relaxing afternoon and felt ready to hit the parks again by the time we needed to leave.
The Mardi Gras parade was at 7.30 and we got into the park around 6.45 (after a quick stop at Islands of Adventure for the girls to buy a toy they’d seen) and decided to grab a drink and just sit on the kerb and wait for it to start. We opted to stay on the exit side of the street at the start of the route so we could get out quickly afterwards. We mobile ordered Voodoo doughnuts for the girls which Steve went out to get, and by the time they’d finished them the parade was starting (they started it 10 minutes early to avoid the incoming weather which was great for us). It’s a really fun parade with lots of dancers and floats where beads are thrown out to you. The girls collected so many (I was rubbish at catching them and just ended up getting repeatedly hit in the face!!) It was so much fun, and we were all really glad we got to see it.
We walked back to the hotel afterwards and the girls got ready for bed (Winnie decided to turn her pyjamas into a Mardi Gras dancers outfit and show us her moves which was simultaneously entertaining and disturbing!) They then decided they were hungry, so we decided to treat them and order a kids chicken quesadilla and cookies and milk from room service which actually turned out to be huge and fed all of us. We then had a small hiccup as we were about to settle down for the night when we realised the pillows were feather (Polly & I are allergic) but Steve managed to sort it.
The following day we were hoping to see the live finale of Saturday Night Takeaway. I’d applied for tickets but not really expected to get them, but received an email as we were boarding the plane to say I’d got them. I knew they weren’t guaranteed though, so didn’t tell the girls until a few days ago, and made sure they knew we still might not get in. The result was that Winnie wanted to rope drop the queue for show wristbands at 8am even though the queue didn’t open until 9. It’s a good job she did. We were second in the queue but only around 8 families in total ended up getting white bands which guaranteed them a seat. Most of the audience was made up of people who had placed on the plane, people from previous weeks, corporate guests, and family members. Even with the elusive wristbands we weren’t convinced we’d definitely get in, until we were taken to the stage at 1pm! The girls were so excited, and even more so when we found we were on the end of a row so they were hoping that Ant and Dec might come past, and they did! Both Ant & Dec gave both girls a high five, which completely made their day. They didn’t stop smiling!!
It was 33 degrees and blazing sunshine, but we had the best afternoon. Everyone was great, water was handed out at every interval, all children were given universal spray fans, and we were constantly checked on to make sure nobody felt ill. The girls loved every second, and it really was a great memory to make. We felt so lucky, especially after we were told 500,000 people applied for tickets!
By the time the show finished, and we were allowed to leave at 3.45 we were literally melting, so we headed back to the hotel to get the case and ordered an Uber back to Port Orleans. By 5pm, we were showered, changed and on our way to Epcot because despite the fact that our lovely, cool hotel room was incredibly appealing, I really wanted to watch Starship on the Garden Rocks stage because, as a teenager in the 80s, Mannequin was one of my favourite films!! We got there too late for the first show but too early for the second, so the girls had a few photos taken before we rode Nemo and looked around the aquarium. We then mobile ordered food and took it into the theatre where we watched Starship for their half hour set. We all really enjoyed it although I don’t think I’ve got another clap or cheer in me today now!
We then headed back to the entrance to watch the Spaceship Earth show, stopping on the way for a slice of honey cheesecake. As we were eating it a load of high school students came past dressed for their prom, so the girls didn’t ages watching them, and are now going to design prom dresses for their toys when they are back home!! We got to the entrance just as Spaceship Earth lit, so watched Borg shows before heading back to the hotel.
It’s been a busy but amazing few days. We’re planning on a more relaxed day tomorrow, but who knows whether that will actually happen!!
Doodle & Peg Do Disney 