In May 2026, Jay joined up with Robert and his family in Orlando for some fun times over the Memorial Day holidays. Robert and his family drove down to Orlando on Friday, May 22 and checked in at their favorite resort, the Marriott Cypress Harbour. Jay joined them on Sunday, departing from his church around 1 PM and arriving at the resort around 3 PM. That afternoon, Robert, Benjamin, Everett, Charlie, Luke and Jay played miniature golf. Dinner was at Kobe Steakhouse, entertaining and good food. Monday it was off to Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures. We really enjoyed the 30 minute airboat ride of the Swamp area, followed by playing Cornhole and Connect Four on the property. Charlie was the Connect Four Champion. Then to Moe's for lunch and then back to the Marriott where Robert, Benjamin, Everett, and Jay played Pickleball, and Karen arrived, having driven up for the day. We spent the afternoon at the resort pool and had dinner there: pizza, burgers, wraps, salads . . . Good vacation food. Tuesday was pack out of the Marriott and check in to Universal's Royal Pacific Resort. That went fairly smoothly and we were in Universal Studios by 10:45. Over the next three days we participated in many of the attractions of Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. On Tuesday and Wednesday we took an afternoon nap break for the twins (and for PaPa B), and returned to stay in the parks under their 9PM closing. Another good time at Universal Orlando. p.s. After returning safely home, Jay checked on one of his Apps that counted steps. He learned his daily average for 2026 was 3,700 steps and that his daily Universal Orlando steps were 21,000+, 19,000+, and 14,000+ respectively. Whew. But I would not change a thing if I had it to do all over again. Looking forward to Callaway Gardens in September. Click on any picture to enlarge it

Cannot think of a better start to some great days ahead than the fun dining at the Kobe Steak House. Marriott's Cypress Harbour Villas A resort that combines the comfort of home with the amenities of a premier Orlando resort. Nestled among lakes, gardens, and palm trees, the resort features spacious villas, sparkling pools, recreational activities, and easy access to Orlando's world-famous attractions. It is a place where Robert's family has stayed many times to create lasting vacation memories. We also found some time to play miniature golf. Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures are on Lake Tohopekaliga which is a Native American (Muscogee/Seminole) name often translated as “we will gather together here.” It is part of the vast Kissimmee Chain of Lakes and is often called simply Lake Toho. Lake Toho is almost 36 square miles in surface area and has a circumference of about 42 miles. Much of the lake edge consists of: Sawgrass Cattails Lily pads Marshes Extremely shallow water A conventional boat often cannot travel through these areas, but airboats can glide over the marshes and give visitors an "Old Florida" experience. The lake is rich in wildlife, but on a hot day in May on a 30 minute airboat ride you won't such much wildlife except maybe some blue herons, osprey, and white ibis. If you hear, "Lake Toho is the northern tip of the Everglades," that's a reasonable simplification for tourists, but technically it is the beginning of the water system that eventually becomes the Everglades, not the Everglades themselves. Welcome to Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures! Visiting the butterfly cage. Airboat Ride instructions and safety tips. Thatcher had a bit of trouble with the sun and wind in his face. We were told that there were few alligators to be seen, but our airboat operator found one in the weeds. See it in the bushes? See it? Neither did I. Ready for lots more fun. A little competitive Corn Hole. And some competitive Connect Four where Charlie was the champ! Back at Marriott's Cypress Harbour Villas Karen, who had driven up for the day, joined everyone as we headed for the pool. Always good times at the resort's pool. And the snack shack at the pool always has yummies for everyone. Catching up on his reading. Universal Orlando Resort One of the world’s premier theme park destinations. Universal Studios Florida immerses guests in movies and television through exciting rides, shows, and themed lands. Universal's Islands of Adventure brings stories to life with unforgettable adventures in lands such as Harry Potter, Jurassic Park, Marvel Super Hero Island, and Seuss Landing. Together, they offer thrilling attractions, immersive experiences, and lasting family memories. Off for three days of fun at Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure The Revenge of the Mummy indoor roller coaster and the Beat Builders high-energy percussion show Pictures in the Wharf Area Entering one of the Harry Potter adventure rides Dining at Moe's Meeting and greeting Bart Simpson. Part of the fun was riding the boats to and from our lodging to the parks. One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish™ More One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish™ The High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride!™ Happy 17th Birthday, Benjamin! Whoo Hooo! XBox Series X and a game for it: MLB: The Show 25!! Resting outside the Cat in the Hat ride Seeing what attractions have a height requirement Checking out Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure We ate twice at Three Broomsticks because it was clean and quiet and had good food Thing 1 and Thing 2 The Caro-Seuss-el™ Even More One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish™ Another boat ride to and from our hotel and the parks Thatcher always found some things he really liked at the Gift Shops at the exits of every attraction Thank you, Mom, for some nice presents Hanging on during the Storm Force Accelatron® ride ready for the next attraction! No pictures: The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man® We all liked it Taking the Hogwarts Express from Universal Studios to Islands of Adventure No pictures: Dudley Do-Right's Ripsaw Falls® Always a fun way to get soaked On our way to the next fun attraction Look at that weird thing . . . in the foreground Post Trip Comments Alice says she loves The Cat in the Hat! Thatcher says he really loves ET. Thank you Papa B! It was so fun going to Universal Studios. It was really fun! I love going on Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure!!! Thank you so much!!!!!!!! Love, Luke. Thank you so much. I had a great time. I really enjoyed it. I really had a good time riding the roller coaster with you. Love, Charlie. Papa B! It was so much fun playing miniature golf, riding ride with you, and hanging out. Thank you for such a fun vacation. Love, Everett. Thank you so much for the amazing trip! I had so much fun and I had a great birthday! My favorite memory was riding Hagrid‘s nine times during the trip. Love, Benjamin. Thank you, Papa B! We had the best time! It was so special to be together and make new memories at Universal. We love you! Natalie. Favorite memory: Eating together at Three Broomsticks. Thank you so much, dad! We’ve had such a wonderful, fun and memorable week in Orlando with you! My goal was to be as generous as you are in creating lifelong memories with my kids and grandkids! Love you! Robert. Return to May 2026 Home