Vacation

Sitting down and finally putting my words on paper there is so much I would like to tell you. This adventure couldn’t have been possible without the support of many. Others who encouraged me to tell my story. I am very happy that I went on this trip to Universal Studios and got to fly out to spend my vacation. My itinerary was scheduled around my Birthday. I ended up choosing Helios Grand Hotel.

This vacation was much needed after severe burnout and my personal life hindering my growth. I booked it before I had to move out. (The move out was due to other family members taking over.) I had double-checked the vacation package I booked online. Scrolling I hit confirm. It was booked for the few days before and after my Birthday. I wasn’t sure of my choice at the time but was happy. An excuse to get away for awhile. A mental break I seemed to gravitate towards. “I’ll be on vacation soon.” I had promised myself as I had hard days.

I was in between canceling it because it was the same day as the move out day. I had decided that the walkthrough with my landlord would need to be a day early If I wanted this to work. A week earlier I had called guest services to see why my payment didn’t go through. I didn’t realize the final payment date needed to be called in and paid that day. It wouldn’t automatically be charged the day the payment was due. Guest services had me confirm the amount and pay the next day. They were accommodating to my case and extended the final payment due date. It was quickly resolved and paid. The trip included the Super Star shuttle, flights and hotel stay with my park tickets.

I slept on my moms couch and woke up to my alarm. My mom had triggered me. The trip was finally here and I was on edge. She had pretended to steal my phone in my back pocket, “Don’t put it here someone would steal it.” She laughed as I slammed the door. She zoomed at 2am towards the airport. She had the talk with me about how proud she was and how it must have taken guts to go on this trip. Being dropped off I was greeted by and empty front desk. I had wanted my checked bag to be scanned in. I didn’t realize the front desk opened close to the time of my flight. I anxiously sat. Guarding my luggage with my headphones on. I scrolled through my phone till I checked my bag. I was happy to be away from my Mom.

I breezed thought TSA and hoped my McDonald’s points would pay for breakfast. I sat there with my little Egg McMuffin and hashbrown and Iced chai lavender foam. My ticket would be called for group X. I flew through the clouds listening to Super Mario Bros the Movie. Landing in an unfamiliar territory I decided to go to baggage claim to grab my bag. It had been delayed by a half an hour. I had my new DJI osmo pocket 3 with me to make memories on this trip. I was worried about the bus and getting to the hotel. But I made it.

Thank You to my Godmother who kindly agreed to help my channel. I knew holding a phone would be too bulky. So she helped me buy the DJI osmo pocket 3.The humid air clung, and Florida heat crept up. I would go to Ground transportation and see the Disney Shuttle. I walked up calmly hoping I wasn’t mistaken. 3 roped-off lanes: Disney, Universal shuttle. It was hard to miss the large MEARS transportation sign glowed. I checked in and waited patiently.

We were escorted to each designated bus and had our bags loaded. Stepping into the sun I had my suitcase and was ready to check in. I had kept my mind filled with hope as I handed a tip. This vacation would be different I promised myself that I would be kind to others I had met along the way. My new suitcase rolled on the floor as I walked up to the front desk, “Checking in for XXXX.” They typed my request and gave me a key card explaining the rules and directions. I nodded and went to the Universal vacation package desk to get my park tickets.

Making my way to the elevator I scanned my card. The 9th floor Club level. I had heard mixed reviews about Club Level. I mentally mapped where my room was. Tapping and entering. I was home? I shook myself. I wasn’t home yet. I was out of a chapter and stepping into a very new one. I had grabbed my camera to film my room. Undecided I went to explore Epic Universe. I ended up going to the “Harry Potter Battle of the Ministry.” Before I get started I am not here for the drama or views of the creator.

I wanted to try the ride out myself. It had been so long since I had been on a ride. The last trip I took was to Six Flags and rode the Superman one? It was tied to a group trip. After the rides, I just hung out and decided to have dinner at Flora Taverna in the lobby, “Mango Juice, please.” I would order it for the next few days, enjoying a refreshing cool drink. I ordered zucchini and mushroom pizza. The next days were a blur.

I had realized that housekeeping would come around 4ish. The awkward moment of coming to the club lounge thinking they might come early. There were an assortment of snacks and I chose some smartfood. I would go back to my room and pass out until dinner. I wanted to have regular meals for dinner I checked the tablet for room service.

It would take me a bit to understand how laundry worked. The room was on a few floors tucked away further back. I hauled most of my clothes washing them. Absentmindedly forgetting I needed detergent. I loaded my clothes in hoping it worked. I used the app and wandered back upstairs. I had checked the menu for food options. I had settled on the cozy atmosphere of the Flora Taverna. From then on I decided breakfast, lunch, and dinner would be here. I would be greeted and seated and get my favorite Mango Juice.

I wondered what it would be like to have a partner tag along with me. Would it be calming or bickering away into the night? I rested my thought and ate as the dim lighting illuminated my hopes. It would be my birthday getaway. I had planned to check in with the staff about getting a Birthday badge in the morning. I packed up the leftover Zuccini and Mushroom pizza. Side eyeing the baked egg. Embaressing but apart of my nature. I was sensitive to food textures.

I would be put on the elevator to nowhere. (mentally forgetting to tap my card for club lounge.) Finally figuring it out I made my down the hall to check in with the club lounge. Little macarons and sweets. I made my way to my room after munching on delicate sweets.

I would end up going to the lobby to explore Epic Universe the same day. Walking across the bridge I had early entry and took my time around The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Ministry of Magic looking at the buildings. I didn’t take my raincoat. After the ride on Harry Potter Battle at the Ministry I would get into the crowded gift room. The rain poured so badly as staff told guests to move out of the way of exits. I had ran into the rain free of worry that I would get soaked. Drenched in rain I had hoped my Osmo pocket had made it. The humid air and mix of rain made me bolt under venue awnings. Rain had poured on the streets flooding them in a dreary grey capsule. I had overheard a conversation that there was a showing for “Le Cirque Arcanus” I had zoomed into the tent with the other hoard. Regretting my attire I checked to make sure my camera was safe. The bulbs would flicker inside the tent.The blast of AC chilled the soaking gear from tired bodies. Around in lines as we crammed in the speaker reminding us to move forward into the tent of oblivion.

I would later take mental photos to tuck away to pull at when I needed descriptions for one of my stories. We waited in the first tent as the show began or so I thought. Internally I had known this couldn’t have been the real show. The lights flashed as the scene had begun we all shuffled into a bigger tent. A show decorated by memory, colors and the faint glimmer of hope. I stared amazed about how detailed the set was, lighting, costumes. I had wondered what it was like to work at Universal. But then I paused as a daunting fact came to me. I had taken it back.

I had studied Films in High school and previously working with backround and set design. I was impressed with how far it had come. I am sure I will write about my first Universal trip with family at some point. I had folded this event into a memory sealing it with notes. I wanted to come back and be inspired when unexpected events happened. As I rode these rides I felt a smile creep up on me. As the sheer drop confused me as the ride jolted me forwards and back. Immersed in a story, a time with no limit. No one nagging at me, no one pointing out my flaws. Me rewriting a version of myself that had yet to become.

I had smiled as I walked out. Would I be brave and try the roller coasters? I had sat with my thoughts under the lights of Flora Taverna. I wanted to free my past self. I had tried rides around the parks. Ones I had been afraid of or that piqued my curiousity. Shoving my belongings into the locker I had rode the Revenge of the Mummy. I secretly braced myself as we went flying through the darkness. Forced into the backwards position shot back. Feeling the heat from the flames as we plumeted. I was excited and relieved as I got off. The photos taken of us were blurry but there was a memory etched there.

I had made it back to my room settling in for the night. A knock came, “Compliementary night service.” The gave me waters, chocolates more bath towels. I had come to realize it might have been for a select few? I thanked her and took what I needed. The night had been calming as the watershow began outside my window. The music blaring and the water fountain dancing. I had seen this revealed on Youtube countless times but watched.

I had wondered how far from the story it was with the influencers who flocked here to film content. Was the setup the same? Were personas highlighted the moment they were off camera? I had never seen myself as a typical influencer, announcing every second of the day. I came for the memories to be made. The feelings that encouraged my creativity. The kind words from strangers, concierge and staff filled me with joy. I had battled with so much from my reality that I needed this break badly.

I stared at the bathrobe, unsure if it was complimentary to wear it. I felt out of place but I decided I could use it. The waffle texture made it feel luxurious I could sleep in it. I didn’t but the thought had crossed my mind. I had kept the tablet on the bed. I had wondered if the laundry bag was complimentary and asked for peace of mind.

The lights were dim in the hotel room as the AC blew cold kisses at me. tapping at the tablet I would shut it off. I pulled up my channel and just listened to classical in my mini curated hotel room. I fell in love with the ease of using the tablet to blast the AC or to close the shades.

The day of my Birthday I checked in with concierge to get my Birthday button asking if I could use my prefered name. I also asked to book a reservation at Bar Helios. I looked between the menus hoping it would be an easy pick. I ended up going to Bar Helios – I was late for my reservation due to taking out my laundry from the dryer. I had soon realized the Bar might overwhelm me and left apoligizing. The boisterous laughs and the chatter, clinking dishes and the hum of social life. The lights glimmered as I walked away. I ended up ordering room service thankful it came much later time to chill before dinner. It had come a little bit late but I didn’t mind. Thanking them I had mentioned it would be my Birthday.

The next morning I would hop on the shuttle and breeze through security. I would end up falling in love with the combo of strawberry and Cream soda from Barqs. I would reactivate it in City Walk and fill it on the other side. The shuttle system was easy, and I headed off to Islands of Adventure at 8:30. Honestly, too early. I had walked further, clearing security and stopped at CityWalk. I was out of breath, wondering If I could make it. (speed walking). A doable plan? I waited in line as we entered the Hollywood section. I had walked around aimlessly, enjoying Central Park. I had noticed the freestyle cup. It wouldn’t be till entering Jurassic that I would purchase a refillable cup.

I had used the soda machine keeping it a Strawberry cream mix. Many had flocked to the machines. I hesitated unsure of what to do with my lunch tray as I grabbed a drink. No one could possibly watch it for me. I made eye contact with a family asking if they could babysit my burger for a second. I had chosen a seat outside. A bacon burger nothing fancy. I would decide at that point after lunch to go home. I was overwhelmed? I would take a nap. I gathered my belongings and made my way to the exit. I had walked so much.

It would be a mix of fun rides for the next few days. I calmly laid on my bed watching the clouds pass. I would see the sunrise and sunset watching the nighttime water show. One memory replayed as I left the city walk. Standing in line waiting for the bus as a family came to wait in line. There was small talk until she noticed my Birthday button, “Happy Birthday!! Happy Birthdayyy!! you know what today is? It’s your Birthday….Guess what you can do on your Birthday?” Her children had serenaded and danced around, figuring out it was an event they must celebrate. The woman akwardly reminded the kids to not bug me. I smiled saying It was okay.

The universe wanted to make sure this was a special moment. Even though I came alone others made sure I knew it was special. I smiled getting on the shuttle. The universe knew. The children knew. I smiled tucking away a memory I would keep forever. “Thank You.” As I had walked towards the Helios Grand the kids screamed, “HAPPY BIRTHDAYYYY!!!” I turned and smiled waving. After the 10th time of them screaming it I smiled. It was important to them that it was someones Birthday.

I would replay a snapshot of my life when I was on vacation in Virginia Beach. I had assumed I would stay with the pets at my ex’s home while they went on vacation. Silas my ex had told me I was invited. I used Google Maps one day to walk back to the hotel. I went in the wrong hotel. Quickly moving to the correct one. We agreed to meet at the pool and swim. It had been an “Exhausting walk” but honestly a fun adventure. The chlorine stung my nose as echos of children splashed. Silas was weary of kids. I stepped in the water dunking my head. A boy asked if I wanted to play and race. I nodded while instinctively going slower as he splashed screaming. His parents in the lounge gathering the toys, “Is he bothering you?” I shook my head, “No it’s okay.” My hair wet from all the splashing. Silas sat on the stairs trying to blend into the background. I looked around as the boys swim floaties splashed the water as well as me. The parents dissaproved, “Let’s go right now. right NOW!” The boy squealed getting out. Internally I sighed.

Silas slowly would get in the water. Later asking me, “I never knew you were good with kids, why did you race with him?” I hesitated as the dull slap of the pool beat against the filters, “Silas. If this was his only time to get out his emotions now would be the time. If he couldn’t be loud at home or was yelled at. Here is where he could release that. yelling screaming. That’s why I…” My world drifted apart, “you’d make a great child psychologist.” I hesitated. I nodded wondering If he knew I didn’t get to express myself as a child. I was fluent in hidden emotions. We walked out to the beach.

The memory faded as I glaced back in time. The days would blur into a dream as I made my way to the front desk, “I don’t think my card is working.” The had checked to see I didn’t have access to Room service. Too be honest Room Service was a little too good. Too good to the point I ordered it sometimes for lunch and dinner. Internally face palming. I was on vacation. I had never imagined getting a cozy meal.

The knock would come as I opened the door. They placed it on the table, “We have the Salmon and the Alfredo for you, Feel free to use the cheese. If you would like it taken away after you are done please let us know.” I nodded and tipped, “Thank you.” I smiled as they left opening the app Tubi on my phone. I hit play on the latest episode of Richie Rich as I ate my meal. It came with bread, butter, parm cheese packets. I was settled I felt as if this familiar lifestyle grew with me. I love this.

For some of my meals I got some little chocolates. Same order. The last night I was greeted by Concierge with a mini table. I had made up my mind before I got on the plane to tip. My mother would be annoyed by it but I brushed away the thought. I know how hard others work. I had a very interesting conversation as we parted ways I felt happy I could inspire someone with my words.

During my time I stayed I would be gifted with a delicate assortment of snacks from concierge, “Thank you.” I giggled, little snacks for me. I had tried one meal from the club lounge, Chicken piccata and lemon with some rice. I reached for the tablet to place my usual order. My Freestyle cup glared at me. They ahd wished me a happy birthday asking me what I ended up doing. I answered honestly, “I did laundry.” I hesitated remembering I had booked club level. I knew they wouldn’t judge me. It was the truth. I was indeed doing laundry on vacation doing follow up calls to make sure my utilities had stopped on the scheduled date. Confirming that they were I was still half adulting and half living in my hotel room memory wise.

I had learned how to navigate Universal. For once I wasn’t sleeping in the tub because of the smoky smell of a Motel. I wasn’t settling for the bare minimum. A queen bed finally my own, no sharing with family. On the the last day I got up early and headed to the front desk to check out. I would really miss being at Universal. A home away from home?

Checking out I asked, “May I sit in the lounge?” The lobby was desolate as the darkness outside faded to blue. They nodded as I parked my suitcase next to me. My Suitcase having battle wounds from The airport staff transfering it. I checked the time. I saw a familiar family getting thier bags to go when I realized it was the same children, “Oh hello.” I waved as they went, ” safe travels.” I could see the exhausted parent trying so hard to hold it together. A coincidence I had seen them again? The walked with the stuffed animals and blankets out of the hotel.

I had gotten on the shuttle as The Helios Grand sparkled in the sunlight, “I don’t want to go. I never want to leave.” I wished internally. The bus stopped a couple times. The tv screens filled with pixels supposed to be the Harry Potter film. After the 1st group got off the bus driver hummed and sang ” Hallelujah ” I sat quietly at my seat my legs swinging. As we got off I handed her a tip and pulled away from the bus stop.

I had navigated my way into the Universal store in the Airport as well as Disney. I wanted something easy to have before my flight so I picked Shake Shack. A chicken sandwich, some fries and an Iced Soy with lavender cold foam. I sped walk knowing I’d be fine.

We filed on to the plane as the mini screens lit up. I tapped mine and pressed some buttons. No response. So I settled as we flew into the sky reflecting on my trip. Grateful for every interaction. I would face the reality of chaos as I landed. I hesitated still in a daze from Vacation Mode.

The fairytale had ended as my mother met my gaze. As her car drove away from baggage, my memories stopped recording. A new chapter and anxious about the move. My mother was clutching the wheel as I held my bag from Shake Shack, ” You can’t stay at the house.” My reality was crushed by the weight. What? I froze as my heart dropped. “I’m sorry, what? ” What’s going on?” She hesitated, “My friends are coming to stay the night.” I silently nodded, wondering if I should browse hotels now. No explanation. My cold chicken sandwich looked appetizing. I took a bite, getting a reality check filled with dread. I did not want to cry in front of her. I had just come back from the most amazing trip. In the end it all worked out. At the time when the words landed she was afraid to lose the narrative. I was finally independent. I had always been.

My dream snapped as I had to figure out my living situation. It would be two weeks at my mom’s till I figured out the plan. It would all work out. Looking back I had time to reflect on my journey and record most of what I had seen. So much I had seen and so little time. I hope that I can make this trip a future vacation spot.Thank you to everyone who has supported me through my journey. I had a wonderful time at Universal and hope to be back. Stay tuned for my next adventure.

Please note the trip was not sponsored by anyone but myself. It was paid in full and worth it mentally to relax and find my spark in life to create a world of my own. I hope you enjoyed reading I will see you later. Logging off now. ❤️❤️