2012 Spring: Universal Orlando

I insisted that we should go here because I learned that it is the only "Universal Studios" that has "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter". I am fan of Harry Potter movies. Universal Orlando has two parks: Universal Studios Florida and Universal's Islands of Adventure. If you choose for only one day in just one park, the ticket costs $88. If you prefer both parks like me, the ticket costs $123 per pax. It is not advisable to spend only one day for both parks because $123 is expensive for only one day, but we had no choice because in the next two days, we will go to Disney World (Magic Kingdom & Epcot). In the future, I will definitely come back in Florida to complete all the rides in Universal Studios and Disney World for eight days. It is cheaper for both parks, for four days because it will only cost you $40 each day. So, 4 times $40. I will just have to pay $160. We also purchased coupons for meal. It is eat all you can at participating restaurants. It costs $20.99 and the servings always come with desserts (cake or cookies). For me, they provide big servings for everyone. That's why I'm always full because we always stopped for a while in a restaurant to eat.

one of the participating restaurants

add-on: unli meal

We bought tickets at the park. We waited for at least 45 minutes because there are lots of tourists. For less hassle, you can buy tickets online. We ate first before strolling in Universal's Islands of Adventure. My favorite is "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter".

I really enjoyed "Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey". I really felt that I am Hogwarts student as I walk in corridors. I saw paintings talking to one another. The classrooms of Harry, Ron and Hermione look real. The last part of the journey is the best. I soar above the castle grounds as I joined Harry Potter in his adventure and coming face-to-face with magical creatures. I met dementors face-to-face.. They are giant. The experience is one of a kind and unforgettable. I will always visit this every time I will go in Universal's Islands of Adventure. I planned to ride Flight of Hippogriff, but I had a problem because of the locker. Before we entered Hogwarts, we had to put our things inside the locker. It is free. It doesn't need keys because you will only need your fingers(biometrics). The problem was my finger wasn't recognized, and it troubled me because many people were waiting for their chance to open their own lockers. Good thing, there are staffs who helped me open my locker. I gave the locker number and they asked if my ID is inside the bag. I showed them my state ID. 

Hogwarts

looks familiar, right?

Welcome to Jurassic Park

Another great experience was Jurassic Park. I thought we will just ride the boat. Surprisingly, it has its own story like Harry Potter. We screamed when there was total darkness and suddenly, we went down for about 85-foot.  We were wet, really wet.

just what had happened to us

want to try this

Hope to visit this soon

We didn't have enough time to visit everything because we still had to go to Universal Florida. That's why I recommend four days for both parks. Going there will make your legs exercise. 

We just strolled around and took some photos. We took some rest and drank coke. We only visited "Shrek 4-D". I just loved the 4-D experience.

Both parks have many attractions, but the day is not enough because we also have to wait for our turns. Both parks close at 6pm. It is early to be compared to Disney World. Next time, I will buy Universal Express Pass so that I can fully enjoy the whole day of rides and adventures.

Korean Air & Seoul Airport

Seoul/Incheon Airport

I traveled via Korean Air for four times. Twice when I went to USA, and twice again when I returned here in Philippines. There is no direct flight from Philippines to USA via Korean Air. That's why I had to stay for few hours in Incheon airport while waiting for my next flight. I spent my free time drinking Starbucks, eating in Korean resto, strolling and buying Korean goodies. You can also take a shower or rent a room to take a nap while you are in the airport. You don't have to pay won (Korean currency) just to buy food/drinks or stuffs as long as you have US dollars, but they will give won as your change.

my breakfast

receipts from shopping/eating

Outside the airport; before take-off

I love the meals of Korean Air. They are delicious and plenty. They offer pasta, bibimbap, chicken, beef, ice cream, and side dishes such as fruits. They also offer tea or coffee. They have soda  and juices, too. Every time that I am done, I am really full and I can't eat anymore the desserts. From Philippines to Korea, there is one meal (breakfast) and snacks. It's breakfast because you will arrive in Korea around 4am. The travel takes four hours. The time in Korea is advance of one hour here in Philippines. That's why you have to check their time because you might miss your flight. From Korea to USA (Virginia), there are two meals (lunch and dinner) and of course, snacks. The travel takes 14 hours. Yeah, it's long and my legs were tired sitting. While you are in the plane, you can watch movies, listen from the music, or play games. During my time, I watched "Breaking Dawn Part 1" and "Blind". "Blind" is a Korean movie. About the flight attendants, they are pretty and tall. They are always smiling.

my breakfast from Philippines to Korea (Korean Air)

free bottle of water and I can fully charge my gadgets (ipod shuffle & galaxy note)

It is not easy to buy plane tickets here in Philippines because you need a travel agency to book and pay for it. If you live in USA, you can pay online. If you will travel via Korean Air, I recommend you to avail "Sky Pass". It's free and you can earn and redeem miles for your next travel. You can enroll online. Even though booking is difficult, the travel experience is great and fun.