Epic Mother Daughter Spring Break Surprise!

 Once upon a time 2 families were neighbors and best friends in England.  However, as military families know too well, all good things must come to an end, and being neighbors was no longer an option for them as the needs of the Air Force dictated they be sent to different states.  While technology is a wonderful thing, and these friends stayed in touch, its not quite the same as being physically in the same location.  So two moms, with more than a few denials and outright lies, in regards to the possibility of ever seeing these friends anytime soon, hatched a plan for an epic surprise for 2 daughters.

The setting and time for this plan?  Universal Studios Orlando during Spring Break.

In recognition of our time together living in Europe, Loews Portofino Bay was the perfect place for our Mother Daughter vacation. We enjoyed this little taste of Italy in Florida.

As this mom arrived with the two to-be-surprised girls a full day earlier, I really appreciated the evening serenade on the piazza as we ate pizza on the night of our arrival to distract me from spilling the beans.

The following day, we headed to Volcano Bay to play in the water and keep busy as I waited for the arrival of surprise package.  We took full advantage of Early Park Admission to grab chaise lounges under a big umbrella and for the girls to ride many of the attractions before the spring break crowds descended upon the park.  Tapu Tapu was very nice for being able to enjoy the Kopiko Wai Winding River and grab lunch while waiting in a virtual queue in lieu of a hot line once the crowds did come but the girls were able to ride many things, some even twice, before the park even opened.

After we'd had our fill of sun and fun at Volcano Bay we headed back to Portofino Bay on the resort shuttle, and after resting and showering and one girl surprised speechless - they were together again at last!!

We're all self proclaimed foodies so good finding yummy food was a priority.  We were not disappointed!

Cowfish - City Walk 

Mama Della's Ristorante - Portofino Bay

Mythos Restaurant - Universal Studios

Toothsome Chocolate Emporium - City Walk

We enjoyed the rides...or not riding and dousing those that did in water ...and taking advantage of many photo ops - with or without a great attitude...

but the Harry Potter sections were a definite highlight.  With Park to Park tickets we were able to transfer between Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure on the Hogwarts Express.

And thus ends our tale of an Epic Mother Daughter trip!  Until we do it again!