WINNERS ARE Chiquita and Radiant! You’ve been notified and have 24 hours to respond or we’ll have to select another winner tomorrow
by Lamar Tyler
We recently returned from an amazing trip to Orlando, Florida to visit the Universal Orlando Resort. Ronnie and our oldest daughter couldn’t make the trip so I went down with my mother and our two youngest girls who are currently 3 & 4. Not only did the kids have a ball but the adults did too. I could go on and on about all of the things that I loved but decided to just sum it up with my 3 “Favorite Things” (hey Oprah isn’t using that anymore right?)
1.) Lodging: We stayed the entire week at the Loews Portofino Bay Hotel. Wow is all I can say. It felt like we were staying in an Italian village as you’ll see in the video below. The hotel is one of three on-site hotels and is definitely one of the best ways to experience Universal Orlando Resort. Two of my favorite things about staying on-site is that there’s transportation via Water Taxi to and from the parks so you don’t have to worry about how you’ll get around and all you have to do is show your hotel key for express entry to all of the rides. Believe me the express entry part is worth the stay alone.
2.) Rides: The rides are excellent for all ages. My girls had all kinds of options at both of the resort parks, Universal’s Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida. What was great was that I had all kinds of great options too. I mean, if we go all of the way down to Florida daddy has to have some fun too! The mixture of adult and children rides were just right. The girls loved rides like The Cat in The Hat and Flight of the Hippogriff. I loved rides like Doctor Doom’s Fearfall and Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit. We all loved the 3-D rides like The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man and The Simpson’s Ride.
3.) Grown Folks Stuff: What I mean by that is this… we’re going back on a date with just Ronnie and me. I haven’t figured out how we’re gonna swing that one yet but it has to happen LOL. Not only did they have great rides and attractions for the adults but the Universal CityWalk is a dater’s dream. There are plenty of great restaurants to choose from along with cool places to have a drink or venues to take in live music. On this trip we dined at NBA City where the food was good and I loved the atmosphere. When we do go back on a kid-less trip I’ll definitely be hitting Emeril’s and Bob Marley- A Tribute to Freedom.
Check out this video I put together from our trip then drop below for details on an amazing giveaway that will allow you to experience Universal Orlando for yourself.
GIVEAWAY DETAILS:
We’re giving away (2) four packs of 2 Day – 2 Park tickets courtesy of our friends at Universal Orlando Resort. Each package of four is valued at $539.96 USD and the winners will have until June 11, 2012 to use the tickets, or forfeit the prize. One of these lucky families could be you!
TO ENTER:
In the comments section below just tell us what you would do at Universal Orlando if you win one of the four packs of passes.
FOR EXTRA ENTRIES:
1. Join our email list here: https://blackandmarriedwithkids.fanbridge.com/
(Leave a separate comment letting us know that you did this)
2. Follow @blackandmarried and @uornews on Twitter
(Leave a separate comment letting us know that you did this)
3. Tweet: ” Win a 4-pack of passes to Universal Orlando Theme Parks from @blackandmarried & @uornews https://bit.ly/iBiNMo #uorfamily #giveaway ”
(Leave a separate comment letting us know that you did this)
RULES:
- Must be a US resident to win
- Contest ends on Thursday June 9th at 11:59PM.
- Two winners will be selected via Random.org and posted here on the site on Friday June 10, 2011.
- Winners will be notified via email and have 24 hours to respond or another winner will be selected.
- Tickets will be mailed on or after June 11, 2011, and will be valid until June 11, 2012.
- For complete rules click here.
Disclosure: Our trip to Universal Orlando Resort and Loews Portofino Bay Resort was an all expense paid trip provided by the resort. No monetary compensation was provided in exchange for this blog post.
My son wants to go on the Harry Potter ride!
They have a meal with Dora that I would love to take my daughter to— and I think she would like the DR. Seuss area 🙂
https://twitter.com/#!/WeeShare/status/75929211914813441
Subscribed to email list- [email protected]
follow you both on twitter- @WeeShare:twitter
I have never been to Universal Studios and it is on my list of things to do! I’d enjoy some kiddie rides with my son and then I’d leave him with grandma and try out the Hulk!
I joined the mailing list.
I’m following @blackandmarried & @uornews:twitter
I tweeted https://twitter.com/#!/cutiebootycakes/status/75934426630070272
We would love the opportunities to take my children and grandchildren to Universal Orlando. My husband has been in the military for 2o years bye us moving from state to state we don’t have the funds to take a vacation. We have 6 children 5 are adults 3 in college one in high school and one in middle school. We have not had a family trip in 10 years being that my husband is about to retire we could use a family vacation. We could not take a honeymoon because he got called up for active duty after 9/11. So you know when the military call you come. But I love my husband so that was OK.
I also join the email list and sent out a twitt
We would really enjoy the Harry Potter wizarding world!!! Can’t wait to see it. My 3 yo daughter would enjoy some of the kids’ rides.
Julie (at) 3momsinone (dot) com
We would really enjoy the Harry Potter wizarding world!!! Can’t wait to see it. My 3 yo daughter would enjoy some of the kids’ rides.
Julie (at) 3momsinone (dot) com
We would really enjoy the Harry Potter wizarding world!!! Can’t wait to see it. My 3 yo daughter would enjoy some of the kids’ rides.
Julie (at) 3momsinone (dot) com
We would really enjoy the Harry Potter wizarding world!!! Can’t wait to see it. My 3 yo daughter would enjoy some of the kids’ rides.
Julie (at) 3momsinone (dot) com
Following both on twitter! I’m @BalancingMama. Thx!
we would go to rides, I would love to check out all the 3-D rides
joined your mailing list (Marina @ mybusychildren dot com)
Giveaway: We Loved Universal Orlando Resort and Think You Will TooMay 31, 2011 · View Commentsin Giveaways,Lifestyle,travel
by Lamar TylerWe recently returned from an amazing trip to Orlando, Florida to visit the Universal Orlando Resort. Ronnie and our oldest daughter couldnt make the trip so I went down with my mother and our two youngest girls who are currently 3 & 4. Not only did the kids have a ball but the adults did too. I could go on and on about all of the things that I loved but decided to just sum it up with my 3 “Favorite Things†(hey Oprah isnt using that anymore right?)3.) Grown Folks Stuff: What I mean by that is this… were going back on a date with just Ronnie and me. I havent figured out how were gonna swing that one yet but it has to happen LOL. Not only did they have great rides and attractions for the adults but the Universal CityWalk is a daters dream. There are plenty of great restaurants to choose from along with cool places to have a drink or venues to take in live music. On this trip we dinedat NBA City where the food was good and I loved the atmosphere. When we do go back on a kidless trip Ill definitely be hitting Emerils and Bob Marley- A Tribute to Freedom.Check out this video I put together fromur trip then drop below for details on an amazing giveaway that will allow you to experience Universal Orlando for yourself.
GIVEAWAY DETAILS:Were giving away (2) four packs of 2 Day – 2 Park tickets courtesy of our friends at Universal Orlando Resort. Each package of four is valued at $539.96 USD and the winners will have until June 11, 2012 to use the tickets, or forfeit the prize. One of these lucky families could be you!TO ENTER:In the comments section below just tell us what you would do at Universal Orlando if you win one of the four packs of passes.FOR EXTRA ENTRIES:1. Join our email list here: https://blackandmarriedwithkids.fanbridge.com/(Leave a separate comment letting us know that you did this)2. Follow @blackandmarried and @uornews on Twitter(Leave a separate comment letting us know that you did this)3. Tweet: †Win a 4-pack of passes to Universal Orlando Theme Parks from @blackandmarried & @uornews https://bit.ly/iBiNMo #uorfamily #giveaway â€(Leave a separate comment letting us know that you did this)RULES:Must be a US resident to win
Contest ends on Thursday June 9th at 11:59PM.
Two winners will be selected via Random.org and posted here on the site on Friday June 10, 2011.
Winners will be notified via email and have 24 hours to respond or another winner will be selected.
Tickets will be mailed on or after June 11, 2011, and will be valid until June 11, 2012.
For complete rules click here. Disclosure: Our trip to Universal Orlando Resort and Loews Portofino Bay Resort was an all expense paid trip provided by the resort. No monetary compensation was provided in exchange for this blog post. Tagged as: Lamar Tyler, Universal Orlando Resort Like Dislike
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Keesha_B 22 hours ago As a born and raised Florida girl, I have always loved Universal Orlando. I moved away 6 years ago and the sunshine state will always have a special place in my heart. If given the opportunity to return I would love to enjoy Universal with my husband and invite two family members or another couple to share in the experience with us. I loved it as a child and look forward to creating life long memories with my husband and our children (when that time comes). Flag
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Givingit2god 22 hours ago I have followed you on Twitter my name is@MrzLadyD Danielle Harris 317-667-4708 Flag
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Givingit2god 22 hours ago I have also tweeted the above mentioned tweet. Danielle Harris 317-667-4708 Flag
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Brock Brown 22 hours ago Donate them to a family with kids who have never been on a vacation… Flag
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Shyettabrown 22 hours ago I would love to take my children on vacation there. That is actually our dream family vacation. With all thats gone on this year with my husband being hospitalized to me losing my job this would be the ultimate blessing for my kids to get away for a while and have some fun with all the Disney characters and just be kids, Thanks.
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Brock Brown 22 hours ago I also tweeted the given phrase and followed the mentioned accounts. Flag
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Randa Lee 22 hours ago If given the opportunity to win these tickets I would take my husband and three kids on a family vacation so we can bond more. We’ve never gone on vacation due to financial restraints, and while people say money isn’t everything, it can certainly help alot. Our family is a blended family and we go thru the regular back and forth that comes with mixing together, however this year has been especially hard given that both parent [myself and my hubby] were laid off. When its difficult to put food on the table, its even harder to share with children why they can’t attend field trips, summer camp, etc. We have done a great job so far, yet this raffle/contest opportunity would really be hitting the nail on the head. It would be like a honeymoon that we never took, and a place of fun and relaxation without worrying which VISA has hit it max/limits
Follow @blackandmarried and @uornews on Twitter
https://twitter.com/#!/mybusychildren/status/75947852752371712 – tweet
If selected for this trip, I will take my hubby and our two children (Kyla and Jordan). This will serve as our first family vacation out of town together. I just had Jordan in July of 2010 and Kyla is now 5, so this will be the perfect opportunity for the children to enjoy a spectacular theme park. It will also a good time for me and my husband to enjoy some adult time together!
(I joined the email list too).
If selected for this trip, I will take my hubby and our two children (Kyla and Jordan). This will serve as our first family vacation out of town together. I just had Jordan in July of 2010 and Kyla is now 5, so this will be the perfect opportunity for the children to enjoy a spectacular theme park. It will also a good time for me and my husband to enjoy some adult time together!
(I joined the email list too).
I would love to take my family on a Universal Orlando Resort. Our family has had it share of struggles, with my wife being layed off for a year. Our children showed great resiliance and support and there is nothing more that I would love to do than offer them such a great THANK YOU gift . They have maintained thier Grades in school and focused on budget reduction better than the congress..lol. I know that thier are probably many families worthy , But i feel my family is tops!!! What an awesome surprise it would be for these great children and this great family. It would be great to start our new future with such a rewarding trip that would really tighten our families bond.
I joined the email list.
I retweeted and followed both, thanks. Hope I win.
What wouldn’t we do…… Would love to take the kids to all the sites & rides!!
I would take my daughter for treats, rides & swim fun…
I also tweeted about the giveaway
Oh I would LOVE to win these tickets! We are actually going to Orlando in August for our first EVER family vacation! SO excited! I wanted to go to Universal so bad but we just could not afford it this trip. My husband is a huge Harry Potter fan and since we will be spending a lot of our time with the Princesses at the other park in Orlando it would be great to be able to do this for him.
Signed up for your newsletter!
Now following @blackandmarried:twitter on twitter!
Retweeted “Win a 4-pack of passes to Universal
Orlando Theme Parks from @blackandmarried & @uornews
https://bit.ly/iBiNMo #uorfamily #giveaway”
On Monday, June 6 my husband and I will celebrate 19 years of marriage. We have been blessed with two beautiful children – ages 18 and 10. Unfortunately due to my husband’s numerous health challenges and surgeries, we have been unable to go on a vacation since our 10 year old daughter was born. In fact she has only traveled out of state once, to our nation’s capital. One of her greatest dreams is to travel to Florida and it is also my husband’s favorite vacation destination. Since 1998, my husband has had 11 surgeries due to complications with Type 1 diabetes, from laser eye surgeries to a below the knee amputation and as you can imagine it has not been easy for any of us. God has kept us through it all and it is only by His all sufficient grace that we have been able to weather the storms of life. Although we didn’t volunteer for all that life has brought us, these experiences have made us stronger and help us appreciate what matters most – each other. Our family is a testimony of overcoming adversity and winning this trip would be a wonderful anniversary gift for my husband, birthday present for my daughter and a way to reward my son for completing his first year of college with a 3.30GPA. Whether we win or not, I am proud of my family and hope that I can be the very best wife and mother that they deserve.
joined your mailing list….thanks for the opportunity
Take our first family vacation that we can afford since my stepson immigrated to the US three years ago! Give him a chance to something better with his summer than stay cooped up in an apartment and practice math flashcards.
Myparents live in Orlando so we would stay with them and then we would take our daughter for the first time so she can ride the movies!
Just tweeted and followed on Twitter, I’ m already on the email list.
If I was blessed with these tickets I would use them for a family vacation with my mother, sister, her boys and my son. Three generations together having fun and making memories.
If I win I would take my family for a fun trip and visit all of the characters and try to ride as many rides as possible also
Oh I have wanted to go there since I was a little girl, but my mom couldn’t afford for us to to. Now I’m married a stay at home mom with two beautiful girls. I’m not really sure what I would do, we have never been to Florida, lol. We would more than likely try to do as much as possible, and take lots of pictures. And I am following you on Twitter, ILoveMMandM
I signed up for the e-mail list……[email protected]
6_15_characters is my twitter and i follow both you and Universal…[email protected]
https://twitter.com/#!/6_15_characters/status/76137849572950016 was my tweet …. [email protected]
iFollow @blackandmarried and @uornews 🙂
iTweeted the tweet! 🙂
And most importantly, I would LOVE to be able to FINALLY have that Orlando vacation with my ribDonor! we have yet to make it to Florida, despite many promises to visit family out there.
IIf I won is jump up and down…lol I would also make a sweet side trip so I could see my grandmother because she.lives down there and has yet to meet my husband and daughter. It would be a nice trip
This would be a fun getaway for Hubby’s 30th. birthday (June 30, 2012). If we won, I would let him pick another couple to celebrate with us.
I think we’d have to do a combo trip too–which would be great! We could mix and match, although my guys would probably be happy enough with all the water and sights to see!
Following @blackandmarried !