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If you don't count travel, this is really only a two-day trip. One day at the Volcano Bay water park and the other day at the new Epic Universe theme park.
We're going to play hard at the water park today, so let's have a substantial breakfast here at the hotel.
Our nice waiter took our picture.
And off we go on the Universal shuttle bus.
Rocky is too excited to sit. Bill, not so much.
His energy level will not flag all day.
Lily, at least, seems excited too.
That's the potty at the entrance to Volcano Bay. Why a picture of a potty? Bill refuses to talk about it.
Rocky waited patiently for Bill.
Soon we were escorted to our cabana. On our previous trip here the best chairs we could find were out in the middle of sand under a blazing sun and Bill was miserable. So on this trip the "Anderson family" did a little better.
Here we are, about to start living it up in our private cabana for the day.
Our gift basket featured lots of fruit and even a special cookie. Think it looks good, Rocky?
He reported it was less than wonderful.
The boys are discussing plans for the day. Or something.
At least they're talking to each other.
The temperature was in the mid-70s which really isn't all that hot, but we all sprayed on the sunscreen anyway. It must have worked, as none of us burned.
I wish I'd caught her spraying his torso. The spray was COLD and Rocky was funny.
Let's go swimmin'!
But remember, that volcano could erupt any second now.
The water was heated and just downright wonderful. Bill enjoyed swimming and splashing, but actually he enjoyed sunning himself more. That is the look of a happy man.
After an hour or two in the water, Joe found time for some reading.
While Bill and Rocky did some chatting.
Mid-November apparently is one of the better times to visit Orlando. There are crowds around Halloween and more crowds around Thanksgiving, but there is a lull in between, and that's when we were there. Thanks for the advice, Stephanie Perlick!
Crowds? We don't have no stinkin' crowds.
Our cabana was nestled right up under the shadow of the Volcano. I wonder what's in that hole?
Here's what's in the hole. It's loud and dark and even a little cold inside.
There was a nice little fountain on the other side of the volcano.
And a few more people over here. See how crowded it isn't?
I think this mountain is about to blow.
My walk was nice in all ways except to get out of the volcano I had to walk through a cold, cold, cold little waterfall. I was all warm and dry, and then this.
Life's better in a cabana.
Even Rocky slows down occasionally.
But not for long. Hey look! Universal delivers to the cabana!
Oh boy oh boy! Burgers and fries and pizza...
...and a whole half pineapple stuffed with shrimp and fried rice. What won't they think of next?
We chowed down.
And then we rested.
Well, some of us did. Rocky and Lily went water sliding.
They sure did climb a lot of steps.
And is it worth it?
Appears they think so.
Yep, just a couple of happy water sliders.
First they came down the green chute.
And then they came down the purple chute. This time Rocky put on a show.
While Joe and Bill observed from below.
Oh, no! The park is closing!
Bye Volcano.
Everybody thought it wise to wait for Bill to use the potty one more time before catching the shuttle back to the hotel.
Outside the parks is a terrific shopping, dining, entertainment area called City Walk. We've taken a shuttle bus over here for dinner.
Our first stop was a favorite from our last visit: the Hard Rock Cafe. I didn't take this picture.
The Hard Rock is such a tastefully decorated dining establishment.
We love it.
We were especially enthralled by the lovely stained glass windows featuring Elvis the Kang flanked by Chuck Berry and Jerry Lee Lewis.
Joe was impressed by the guitar display hanging from the ceiling. He said the guitars are the kind played by Dimebag Darrell, one of his favorite rock guitarists.
And of course we just had to make a stop at the Chocolate Emporium for dessert. But the wait would have been too long, so some of us bought chocolates from the elaborate display in the gift shop.
Bill waited outside.
Is anyone looking tired? Rocky?
Not a bit. He wanted his own personal picture in front of the Universal sign. Notice all the people not standing around.
Bye City Walk. You've been the ending of a fine day of fun.
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