Last full day on the ground. Once again... Universal Studios the destination. The only difference in our planning was we visited the sister park of Island of Adventures... Universal Studios Florida. We arrived about 45 minutes before the gate opened (this park's gates opened an hour after Islands of Adventure). Anyway... Janie and Eileen grabbed a couple of much needed "java" and we were on deck and ready to roll as soon as we were able to do our bar codes / finger prints. They ran folks through quick, like at Disney. Not sure whether these businesses (WDW and Universal) see themselves as in competition or as symbiotic, but cases can easily be made for both.

Our first stop was at the Rip Ride Rockit... Nasty piece of business with loops and a straight up start unlike any of the roller coasters we'd seen to that point. Unfortunately, the kids made it to the very front of the line only to have the ride stopped due to some technical issues. We lost about an hour and a half in the whole transition. Kind of disappointing for all those that had planned and waited.

Anyway... No tears shed! We all moved quickly into a series of 3D rides including Shrek and The Terminator, as well as The Simpsons, MIB, and ET. For most of these visits we all took part. Good fun. Later we went and toured Disaster, a simulated filming of a subway car wreck during an earthquake, and Jaws, where we boarded a tour boat and were attacked by a great white until he exploded.

Janie and the kids then visited the Mummy... Eileen and I went to an Irish Ale House (Finnegans) for a beer. Another stop at Twister then the kids made a dash for the ride they had missed at the start... and when they mentioned what had occurred earlier they were pulled out of the line and taken to the front to get on right away. Perfect end to our day of rides.

On our way out we decided to stop, at the kids request, at the Hard Rock for some lunch. Great choice, as all hands filled up and peeked at the artifacts hang everywhere... Even the big pink caddy spinning over the bar. Great supper! With all ready to bid the parks farewell... We cabbed home for the evening. I was starting to hit the wall... But Janie, Eileen, and Monica headed for Downtown Disney for a final tour to some of the shops.

Saturday morning we were slow to rise, but got the necessities accomplished cleaning up, packing bags and making sure all was in order. Once again... A hearty breakfast enjoyed by all, followed by some swimming for the kids and a final mug-up in the room before making our reservation with Mears for transport to Orlando International. Quick trip with a great driver. We cleared bag check and security quickly... Eileen and I went through scanning but it was quick and painless. Then we settled in for the flight home that departed exactly on time.