Universal Studios Orlando Training Recap – Part Two

Although my time in Walt Disney World was short (I honestly don’t ever leave without wishing I had more time), I was excited for what the second part of this trip had in store for me.   I was at a Universal Studios Orlando Training with co workers I had I never met.  Crazy, I know! As most of you may already know, besides being the one to schedule your beloved family sessions I started on another path.  I have been working with Mouse Made Simple for a year now and it has truly been amazing.  It is based out of Ohio with agents all over making it tricky to get together.
Again, these pictures were taken with my phone so they may not be the greatest.
I am an avid Disney fan and always have been.  I think having two girls brought it out even more in me (and Pete).  Working with this company for a trip was awesome and I instantly knew it was something I wanted to and could do…and the journey began.
Fast forward a bit and after countless hours of online training, reading and researching, I am a certified Disney vacation planner.  I don’t just plan all things Disney but have decided to expand into cruises, all inclusive, Universal and much more.  So when the opportunity came about to go to a training and learn as much as I possibly could about Universal Orlando, it was a no brainer for me.  What was even better is that it piggy backed onto a trip I already had planned and I could tell my kids I was going for work.  😉

Day one of training was a Sunday afternoon that I arrived at the Loews Sapphire Falls Resort.  BEAUTIFUL!  We had a meet and greet going over what the next few days had in store for us, toured our resort, followed by some park time.  Then we headed off to get ready to participate in the Mardi Gras Parade at Universal Park.  What a fun experience!  Did you know that anyone can participate?  It was a blast and totally recommend it.  I may have hit a few people with some beads (sorry Stacey) but by the end I was a pro. 

Day 2 of training was some classroom time where we learned so much.  Information overload to say the least.  Great information about the packages and all the different things that Universal Studios Park and Isles of Adventure have to offer, and not to mention the new Volcano Bay water park opening up the end of May.  And City Walk is amazing with so many great places to eat or hang out at.
That afternoon we headed out for resort tours.  We got to see all that the different resorts offer, rooms, pools and much more.
Pictures of Loews Sapphire Falls 

 

Loews Royal Pacific –  has an amazing tropical feel.

Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort – with the amazing retro vibe that brings you back to the Brady Bunch.

Hard Rock Hotel – an awesome mix of fun and rock n’ roll.

Loews Portofino Bay Hotel – makes you feel like you are in Italy when on the property.  The Minions family suite could not be cooler!

The resort tours were so beneficial.  It gave me a great understanding of what would be a great match when talking with clients about what they are looking for.
Resort tours were finished off with an amazing dinner at Universal’s City Walk.  Day 3 was a busy and fun day.  We started out having breakfast at Three Broomsticks, followed by a VIP tour of Universal Park and Isles of Adventure.  If you are wanting to get to do almost all that the parks have to offer, the VIP tour is outstanding!  Not only do you completely skip the lines, but having a fantastic tour guide to tell you all kinds of information that you otherwise would not have known was great too. We got to experience just about everything the parks have to offer.  All of you Harry Potter fans would be amazed.  The details are spot on from Diagon Alley to Hogsmeade and the Hogwarts Express.  It is truly amazing and is really something to see.  The realness of everything is so magical.  Another benefit of the VIP tour…not having to stop at the lockers before going on the ride.  😉

It truly was an amazing experience and I am beyond grateful to be able to learn so much.  I feel like I have such a great understanding of Universal Studios, Isles of Adventure, City Walk and coming soon Volcano Bay along with the beautiful resorts.  Finish off a day at the park at one of the great dining options and a show at the Hard Rock or even Blue Man Group.  It truly has something for everyone and I am happy to assist or answer any questions you may have.

I feel truly blessed to have such amazing family and friends to support and promote this path.  Special thanks to my best friend Gina.  She is the amazingly talented owner/photographer of Gina Cristine Photography that I also work for.  I would not be where I am today without them all, especially my super supportive husband.  I am also blessed to have made some new friendships and I am looking forward to the adventures ahead.
If you have any travel questions, I am happy to assist.  Wanting to go away but not sure where to begin with the planning???  Contact me at [email protected].  I have already had the pleasure of planning some amazing trips for some pretty awesome GCP clients and brides and look forward to working with more of you that I have been scheduling sessions for.

Part one of our Disney trip and Gina’s recap of the Disney Princess Half Marathon can be found here.