How do you follow up a holiday packed night of fun at Disney World?
Hop right next door and see what Universal has to offer!
The holidays are my favorite time to head to the theme parks! Each theme park has its own special way of making it feel like Christmas. The Magic Kingdom has the Christmas Party, Epcot has the candle light procession, Hollywood Studios has the Osborne Family Lights, Universal has Grinchmas, etc. etc. etc.
And not only do i love how each park goes all out every year spreading the cheer of the season, I also enjoy the fact you can make it through the day at the park with out feeling like you are melting in the process. π Love it!
Derek and I arrived at Citywalk right around lunch time and could hear Bubba Gump calling our names.
Bubba Gump has a special place in our hearts. After dating in college, losing touch after graduation and reconnecting at a FSU football game last fall (found here) Bubba Gump was where we had our first ‘date’ last January (found here) that renewed our relationship. There’s more to the story, but I will just leave it at that. π
Just as we did last January, Derek and I decided to split two dishes between the two of us.
We started with the Pear and Strawberry Salad with the dressing on the side.
Then instead of ordering my usual Bucket of Trash – which is all fried – we decided to go a little ‘healthier’ and order the steamed version of the shellfish medeley.
Of course the fact that it was all covered in butter totally dismissed any claims that it was ‘healthier’ then the fired version. Oh well. Live and learn. π
The discarded shells from my half.
Some coleslaw.
Instead of the rice that came with the meal, we asked for fries on the side.
I had about 1/4 of the fries and Derek killed the basket. π
After lunch it was Grinchmas Time!
Islands of Adventure went all out decorating Seuss Landing in the Who-ville Christmas spirit.
I was really looking forward to the live musical version of How the Grinch Stole Christmas.
Featuring Florida snow aka bubble foam. π
Unfortunately after I switched lenses this weird line started appearing in all my photos.
After a mini panic attack that included some compulsive cleaning and lens switching, I discovered a piece of hair that had somehow got stuck in the shutter. I was freaking out and missed half the show as I tried to correct the problem. Luckily once the hair was gone everything was back to normal. The was a close one!
The best part of the day had to be meeting the green one in person after the show.
“He’s a mean one, Mr. Grinch”
We met my parents and sister right next door in Universal Studios to watch the Macy’s Holiday Parade.
Parade food was a given. π
Pretzel split 4 ways.
Popcorn
I had 3 or 4 handfuls.
Parade time!
I hate to say it, but if I had to compare parades I would say Disney’s wins hands down. Sorry Universal! I just don’t think you can top holiday Disney characters. π
When the parade came to an end we headed to the Elephant Bar for dinner.
I ordered the Tomato Basil Bisque.
And split the Cobb Salad with my sister.
This was actually my half portion already preportioned on my own plate. If you can’t tell from the picture, my half portion was huge! I could only eat half of my half. π
We said our good byes and Derek and I headed back to my place.
As I’ve been typing I have been nibbling on a Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Pretzel Cookie topped with some Egg Nog Ice Cream.
Yum!
Tomorrow Derek and I are both competing in the Dash of the Elves. He will be running the 5k while I am completing the 10k. I really want to set a new 10k PR. This is a small, quiet race that should be a good time!
I’ll let you know how it goes!
Good Night!
that picture of you and derek at the parade (where you’re looking up / rolling your eyes) is priceless! i would frame that in a heartbeat!
I was just going to comment on how that is such an adorable picture!
Ditto. I love fun “couple” pics like that. Glad you are so happy together and congrats on both of your PRs this weekend!
Bubba Gumps was one of Connor and I’d first date places haha. Wonder what it is…Forrest Gump is a pretty amazing love story. We’re now engaged and have been together for 5 years!
I’m so jealous of your proximity to Disney/Universal Studios! One of my goals is to run a race at Disney–I’m saving up my frequent flier miles for the trip!
Looks like you had a jam packed day of fun. I LOVE that you’re wearing shorts at a holiday themed event. We’re displaced Floridians, currently freezing here “up north” and the idea of walking around in shorts is VERY appealing.
Good luck at your race tomorrow.
Wow~ this looks like so much fun! Good luck tomm!
So fun! I worked at Bubba Gumps actually you probably were served by someone I know. π good luck and I’ll see you tomorrow!!
yall are so adorable!!! i am so jelous you were wearing shorts today..
Looks like a very fun day! Good luck setting a PR tomorrow!
That looks a fabulous day!
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What a fun holiday excursion! (Though, I must say, your attire was distinctively un-winterlike! I’m pretty jealous of your warmer temperatures right now!)
That bucket of seafood looks really good! I wish I lived near an ocean…
I am so envious of you!! You’re boyfriend doesn’t eat as healthy as you but you still eat the same thing but a little less. When I’m with my boyfriend I can’t help but be tempted to eat all the same junk food as he is!! How do you do it?
Good luck to both of you! Love the photos, especially the one of you looking up at him!
aww your day looks awesome! It makes me feel all “chrismassy” lol! I hope you do well in your race today π
Oh and I want to go and watch the Grinch now!
Looks like you had a fantastic time! I love the photos of you and Derek, particularly the one where you can only see your eyes looking up at him. You’re such a great couple : )
Good luck to both of you with your races tomorrow ~ you’ll be fantastic as usual.
xoxo
Good luck on the run, to both of you!
You really look beautiful on that picture where you’re holding a cup.
xo
Funniest hat ever, hahaha π
Enjoy the dash!
I have never done Grinchmas or the Macy’s parade at Universal – every time I got to Universal or IoA, I’m disappointed, it seems. I am much more a Disney person! However, the Grinchmas stuff looks like a lot of fun!!
What an exciting event! I’m jealous you’re still wearing shorts and tshirt this time of year! Good luck in your race tomorrow!
I want Derek’s metabolism
Good luck to both of you on your run!
Lovely pictures! Looks like you had fun!
I thought SC was warm, but we definitely cannot wear shorts here year round! Even on the coast.
it’s 20 here in NH, I can’t imagine celebrating Christmas wearing shorts!!!
Oh my gosh, I am so jealous that you are wearing shorts right now!
Hope the 10K went well!
wow! looks like a wicked fun day π
jenna
That looks amazing! I’m asking for that hat for christmas now, haha
How fun! Love the cute pics of you and Derek. I looked at that old post when you reconnected – I had forgotten how long your hair was!!!
Anyway I’m emailing you about our play date on the 26th π Yay Universal!
That looks like SO much fun! I want to go to Disney so bad! Haven’t been in almost 10 years!
Love Bubba Gump! there is one here in mall of america…such a tasty treat.
Glad you had a fun holiday weekend. Im jealous!
It looks like you had a wonderful day. I love that you and Derek were able to reconnect and start dating again! My husband and I also fall into the same category, except that we went to HS together (never dated, though) and reconnected a few years after college.
haha bubble foam is as close as we get… and i LOVE the grinch π
Super cute pictures!
can’t wait to hear about your race! LOVE the pictures, and the seafood looks amazing!
YUM eggnog icecream, way to be in the holiday spirit!! looks delicious!
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