Day 31 -Aventura @ Universal Orlando Resort - The Last Day
So, this was the day I never wanted to come, our last day in Orlando and the last day of this epic adventure. We were due to fly back to Manchester (UK) from Orlando International at 6.25PM so we were aiming for the airport around 3PM, the last day always feels you are a in limbo, you want to make the most of it but on the same time you are always weary of the clock. But we had the car from yesterday and had hired it so we could drop off at the airport, so at least we had a car for the day and didn't have to worry about an Uber later.
We had a nice stay at the Aventura, the rooms are basic and I have to agree that having to use the tablet to turn the TV and lights off is rather cumbersome but I also enjoyed the ability to cast my vacation photos to the tv and the messaging to front desk was both efficient and convenient. The feel at this hotel is different to the other resorts and that's the point, Aventura is just that, a hotel, whereas the others are full out resort hotels. But it is a decent hotel and has everything you need for a nice stay on top off that Sapphire Falls right is on the doorstep and the other resorts are in easy reach. Aventura isn't without its own highlights, Bar Bistro 17 being the clear winner, the view was stunning and the food was great too.
So, all checked out and the car loaded we headed for a fun, filled time at the outlets. I know, I know, not the best way to spend our last day but we both wanted a couple of things and with the flights later it was an easy way to pass some time. On the way though I did detour up Universal Boulevard so I could nosy at all that new land they purchased, we swung a left onto Destination Park Way and picked up the John Young Parkway and finally West Oak Ridge road to bring us into the premium outlets. I see these guys have started charging for parking now, granted there is still some free but I bet you a $ they'll be charging for all spaces by my next trip.
20180928_112535 by
UK-Trigg, on Flickr
Shopping didn't take long, we were pretty near the limit luggage wise and the £-$ isn't at its best at the minute so those offers aren't as favourable these days. We didn't want to eat as we were going to have lunch at the airport to pass the time waiting for boarding so we decided to go to the other outlet at the other end of I Drive, I’d seen a shirt I liked in Diesel but they didn't have my size, so we decided to go to the other store to see if they had it. They didn't but I did find something I liked so it wasn't a wasted journey and furthermore it had killed a bit more time. In hind sight we should have gone to the outlets earlier, grabbed what we wanted and then gone and spent the time at Disney Springs, like I said the last day is always a strange one.
We didn't really have time to do anything else so decided to leave for the airport now, we would be quite early but at least we could get rid of the luggage and the car and I could have a beer. So, it was quick drive up the 528 without any problems, same couldn't be said for dropping the rental off, he hit me with a bill for $128. He was charging me for the car hire, again and a tank of fuel. I told him the guy told me to bring it back at 3/8 full as that’s what was in it when I picked it up, it actually had 4/8 in it when I dropped it off. I was fuming but eventually got the guy to take off the charges. I hate how the car rentals try it on all the time, I remember on my early trips they would try every underhand trick in the book to get you to hand over more cash.
Check in was much easier, so all we had to do now was eat and get through security. We didn't fancy the fast food options so decided to go through security and eat at Outback once airside. Security took a long time so by the time we got to Outback we were starving, 25-minute wait, we were gutted, but the place was full as was the terminal, with Microsoft employees heading home after the conference. Eventually we did get a table and Lunch was pretty good, I had burger with Stilton and my final Sam’s 76 of the trip.
20180928_162317 by
UK-Trigg, on Flickr
I was sad boarding the plane, Sam was ready to go home but I wasn't and I didn't want to get on the plane. We had had such a blast over the past 4 and half weeks and I really didn't want it to end, but end it must and it was with a heavy heart I boarded the plane for the 7.5-hour journey back to the UK. The flight was pretty uneventful, we got the usual naff food and I struggled to sleep. We eventually landed back home at around 7.30 am GMT and it was freezing cold, I was expecting it to be cold but geez, it was 46f a far cry from the 90s Id become accustomed to. My Daughter picked us up and drove us the hour and a half back to our home towns of Derby where already the joys of this epic adventure seemed a distant memory.
20180928_180025 by
UK-Trigg, on Flickr
But what amazing memories we have, from the Skyscrapers of NYC to the secluded beaches of Castaway Cay and Top of the Smokies in Tennessee to the foothills and rivers of Pittsburgh. We tried to cram as much as possible into this trip and we had an absolute blast doing it.
To all of our wonderful friends, old and new. it was a pleasure to hang out with you all and we look forward to seeing you all again in the not too distant future. It is not the parks or the places you go it's the people you meet along the way that make it special.
So, there you have it, almost 5 weeks, 10 states, 9 parks and 5 countries. It wasn't quite live and interactive as I promised but I'm sure you will agree it was an Epic Adventure and I thank you all for reading along.