Orlando, Florida. This was a last-minute vacation, so we didn’t have a lot of planning time, but we did narrow it down to three possible attractions to visit: Universal Orlando, Kennedy Space Center, and Seaworld. When we read a bit more and realized Universal had two parks, we decided to spend two days there.

Now, my husband and I are museum-y kind of folks—we’re the boring aunt and uncle who take kids educational places. But I was excited to visit Universal for some real “fun”—thrills rather than thinking. I’d been to Disney and Epcot years before and found them a little too child-oriented. Universal seemed designed for adults as well.

As we walked from the parking garage to the park entrance, I had a strange feeling of déjà vu. Wait a minute! I’ve been here before! What?!?

I recognized that little stand between the parking garage exit and the walkway to the parks. Didn’t we buy a disposable camera there? And, hey, Spider Man! Somebody went on that ride. And we ate at that Mexican restaurant, didn’t we? Whoa. When was I here? Who was I with?

A picture of my sister came into my head. Her? And me? We wouldn’t have come here alone. Who did we bring? One of our little cousins? Maybe several years ago when we were here for a wedding?

I asked my sister and my cousin, and neither one of them could remember going together. It’s still a mystery…will have to keep asking…

But for now, my assessment of the rides we took at Universal Studios–from best to worst.

• Despicable Me Minion Mayhem – This 3D simulation was so good I decided I need to see the movie!
• The Simpsons Ride – Another 3D simulation that is very entertaining. LOL.
• Revenge of the Mummy – The mummy special effects were cheesy, but who doesn’t like a rollercoaster in the dark?
• Shrek – A 3D movie with “4D” effects like getting sprayed with water when the dragon sneezes. Eh.
• Men In Black Alien Attack – A shoot-‘em-up ride. Suffice it to say, I’m not very good at video games.
• Terminator 2 in 3D – Live action, special effects and 3D film just didn’t work together.
• Twister – Bad 80’s animatronics. Lame-o award.

Note: I didn’t get to ride on the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit rollercoaster, which I am guessing would be at the top of my list. It looked scary! There are plenty of other kids rides as well–just not of interest to us.

Watch for Day 2 at Universal Islands of Adventure…

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For the mindfulness challenge at Writing Our Way Home. (This is kind of a large stone, no?)