Big Steps and Lil' Uns

Back home from vaca!

We did our yearly migration to the summer hell hole called Flo-rida. The beach at Ft. Lauderdale was nice and relaxing. Walt Disney World was hideously crowded, but fun. And Universal was awesome, but MUST HAVE an Express Pass if you go in summer!

I had high hopes that I would have at least one day with over 30,000 steps, but the closest I got was 26,000 steps. *sigh* Oh, well. You couldn't walk three steps without having to jog around people suddenly stopping or having a family conference in the middle of the walking area. And shuffling in the lines doesn't constitute "walking steps".

Massive amounts of humanity crowding in a finite location with 95% humidity with 90+ degree days equals UGH! The issue was the same at Universal, though there were far fewer strollers that were used as battering rams.

Speaking of strollers, Disney should outlaw them in their stores. It's bad enough to miss time one's shopping and have to deal with serious crowds, but then having ankles rammed and feet run over just made it irritation.

Highlights:

• The Flight of the Banshee in Animal Kingdom was AWESOME!! The Ikran you sit on (it's like a motorcycle seat with handles to hold onto) actually breaths, and your legs feel it use its wings.
• We managed to score THREE extra fast passes one day. FIRST TIME EVER!
• Managed to get off the monorail and enter the Magic Kingdom right when the 3 PM parade was coming around the corner. Parked ourselves on the steps of City Hall. I think they kick people off this location prior to the parade, but we just lucked out with our timing.
• Butterbeer ice cream is hands down the best thing ever!
• And if you do go to Universal get the park-to-park pass (Hogwarts train experience is different both ways). AND if you are there in the summer, find some way to budget an Express Pass into your budget. We still had to wait in lines, but there were far shorter lines than the regular standby line.

We have very long, very active days while on vacation. A Golla vacation isn't successful unless your feet bleed! Mine didn't, but the others weren't so lucky . . . or in condition.

Later!

MAGs

Escape From Gringott's and more!

After our WDW experience we headed over to Universal Florida for our last two days of vacation. . . like we needed to walk another 20,000 steps each day on our poor, aching feet.

The biggest and only tip I'll give for UF is to stay at one of the big three Universal hotels that offer free Express Passes for every member of your group staying in that hotel, AND early admission for the two parks. They have another brand new hotel called Cabana Bay Beach Resort, but this hotel doesn't offer the Express pass perk.  Personally, these free passes pay for themselves if you figure that each Express Pass is roughly $85 per person per day, times the amount of people in your party added to the potentially "cheaper" hotel rate, depending on peak season rates. Off season, this pass isn't as important as it is during peak season as many lines were 45-60 minutes and the Express Pass line was about 5-15 minutes.

Though the Express Pass doesn't work for either Escape from Gringotts in Diagon Alley, or Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey at Hogsmeade, the key element here is the hour prior to the official park opening that nullifies ugliness like this. . .

Well, okay, this is actually the line to Escape from Gringotts. By the time we got to the entrance of the bank the wait time was 45-60 minutes.

The early hour admission is also imperative if you don't want to wait in a peak season four-hour long wait time to ride Escape from Gringotts.

Remember to buy a park hopper ticket otherwise you will NOT be able to ride the Hogwarts Express to the other park. And that is something you want to do in each direction as the 'countryside' and Harry, Ron and Hermione do different things on the train.

Actual running Hogwarts Express Train (Hogsmeade station)

Here's a few sneak peak pictures of Diagon Alley. Knockturn Alley was also in this area, but it really was dark and creepy, and by the time we thought about taking pictures we were to befuddled by butterbeer soft serve ice cream.

Yes, we were eating ice cream at 9 in the morning.

The Knight Bus was outside Kings Cross Station before you even enter Diagon Alley. This was taken a little later n the morning because the attendant wasn't there until the official park opening at 9 AM.

Snatchers (mudblood hunters) guard the walkway in Diagon Alley to make certain you are following the correct path. Yes, they are really into their role playing!

Random Diagon Alley shot

Another random shot. The 'mermaid' on the fountain looks like the ones in Goblet of Fire.



The dragon over Gringotts entrance.
 

About every 10-20 minutes the dragon roars and a ball of fire plumes out of his mouth.

 

Here are a few pictures inside Gringotts bank. I won't say much about the ride except that it was seriously, freaking AWESOME!! It was a combination of roller-coaster and story, similar to the movie feel of the first Harry Potter ride, but mixed with The Mummy and Spiderman in terms of excitement. It is it's own story, but you interrupt the story of Harry, Ron and Hermione escaping the bank, along with Bellatrix and Voldemort.

This is only one section of the waiting area, but it's the most impressive.

The goblins all moved.

And another picture.
 

 Though the Harry Potter areas are but a fraction of the parks, it seems as that is where we took the most pictures. We rode lots of other rides in both parks on both days, but it seems as if I was befuddled by the Dragon Scale beer I had when I visited The Leaky Cauldron.

Here are a few pictures from the expanded Simpsons area of UF.

A kiddie ride, but Kang and Kodos, Twirl-n-Hurl was fun.

 

Patting Lard Lad's tummy

The kidlet got cozy with Barney inside Moe's Tavern

 

The kidlet drank a Flaming Moe (orange soda with dry ice), while Todd and I enjoyed a Duff beer.

And with this last picture, I must say adieu to our vacation and hello reality.

Okay, this was actually taken at WDW on the first day, but it's a cute ending.

 

Later, Peeps!

Universal Florida Rides -- Universal Studios

Today, I'll explore the other Universal Park --Universal Studios Florida

This is the entrance to the second park.

Here's the map.

 

I tried to find a nice current map from Google, but was unable to find one. So this is just a camera shot from the map I picked up this last summer. Sorry about the folds and glare, but at least it's the most current map.

 

Okay, the entrance is at the bottom left corner of the map, and through the large arches pictured above. 

 

As in the other park, the map is broken down into sections, but I'll simply work my way, clockwise, around the map. This park has tons of shows that we never bothered to see. I'll post them on the list, but if they aren't rides, they don't exist.

 

Just kidding. They exist, but we don't bother with them.

 

Many of the show attractions have Express Passes, which allow a ratio of so many express pass holders versus standby. The more crowded it is, the worse the ratio is for the standby patron. Many times even with the Express Pass, it would take 30 minutes before we even got to the door to get into the queue.  

 

Disclaimer: I am simply trying to give the blog reader an idea of what to expect from these various rides. If you have a health issue--I am not a doctor, nor do I play one here on this blog--please follow your physician's advice and use your best judgment

 

PRODUCTION CENTRAL

 

Despicable Me Minion Mayhem -- Express pass -- DO NOT MISS This 3-D ride is too much fun. This space used to house the Jimmy Neutron ride, the benches are the same, but the story is different. There are about 4 rows of benches with 4 sections that seat 4-6 people per section. There are also seats at the very front that do not move with the action if you have health issues.

Shrek 4-D -- Express pass -- This is an auditorium sort of seating, with the action happening with each seat. There are stable seats in the front, just ask an employee.

Hollywood Rip Ride RockIt! -- Express pass -- Singles line -- Must put loose articles in lockers. This ride looks far worse than it is. The idea of going straight up and then straight down is terrifying, but it isn't that bad. I will mention that I did feel like I would slip out of the lap bar when it was heading straight up. Don't forget to choose your music!  It's a long coaster ride, but it's broken up into a couple of different sections--which gives you a 'breather' before the next drop. 2013 was the first year they had the Express Pass line open, and it went fairly smoothly. In the past, we would just hit the singles line and meet up at the picture/video area after the ride.

TRANSFORMERS: The Ride--3-D -- Express pass -- DO NOT MISS! Use your pass if you have one or go during early admission. We rode this ride three times before the park 'officially' opened. 3-D with a little 4-D water sprinkling you. Each car seats eight, four in front, four in back. Front is the best! The cars spin, jerk and careen in various patterns according to what is on the 3-D screen. The front has the best view, but it doesn't have any neck support. The back seat has better support. You can brace yourself against the seat, but if you've never ridden it you can't anticipate the direction it will go next.

NEW YORK

 

Twister...Ride it out -- Express pass -- We did this one a few years ago. Nope. Got nothing. I can't remember much about it. I think you stand while stuff happens in front of you, and you will get a little wet . . . but don't quote me.

Revenge of the Mummy -- Express pass -- Singles line -- Must put loose articles in lockers. DO NOT MISS. If you can go through the regular line, without waiting for forever, do it. Some of the pre-ride stuff is fun to see. This is a rollercoaster. Forwards, and backwards, with fire, scarabs and an evil mummies. This has some jerking, like most rollercoasters, but it does have a good lap bar and neck support. The lap bar was super tight, so if you over tighten it, it will get tighter as you ride the ride.  

The Blues Brother's show -- Never saw it. Street show

Delancey Street Preview Center -- Never saw it Review and rate shows under consideration

 

SAN FRANCISCO

 

Beetlejuice's Gravyard Revue -- Express pass -- Never saw it. The map calls it a Rock-n-Roll spooktacular.

Disaster! -- Express pass -- Saw this one a long time ago. I can't remember much about it. I think it's a tram ride similar to the one at Disney Studios.

 

As you walk from Disaster around the lake to MIB, there is a wall on your left. This section will eventually connect to Islands of Adventure, via the Hogwarts express train , to Universal Studios park. What the station theme will be in this park is anyone's guess.

 

WORLD EXPO

 

Fear Factor Live -- Express pass -- Never saw it

Men in Black Alien Attack -- Express pass -- Singles line -- Must put loose articles in lockers. MIB training. Cars seat three in front, three behind. You shoot at aliens and earn up points. The cars spin and move. This can be rough on you if you do have a bad neck or back, even with the high seat backs.

The Simpson's Ride -- Express pass -- DO NOT MISS. You will be directed to a holding room for eight people to watch the pre-ride show. Eight people per car, four in front, four in back. You place your loose belongings on the floor next to the walls as the car rises up into the air. All around you is a movie screen as you experience the Simpson's Ride.

*Kang & Kodos' Twirl 'n' Hurl -- coming soon! It looks like an octopus ride, with cars that spin on the end of the tentacles.

 

This whole section between The Simpson's Ride and the Animal Actor's is now Simpson themed. There's Moe's Tavern, Duff brewery, Taco's from Bumblebee Man, Lard Lad donuts, etc. Spend some time and enjoy!

 

WOODY WOODPECKER KIDZONE-- IMO: this entire section needs overhauling. Very few people go here and it's outdated.

 

Animal Actors on Location -- Express pass -- Never saw it

A Day in the Park with Barney -- Express pass -- Never saw it

Curious George Goes to Town -- Never saw it

Woody Woodpecker's Nuthouse Coaster -- Express pass -- kiddie coaster, never rode it.

Fievel's Playland -- Never saw it

E.T. Adventure -- Express pass -- Ride your bicycle to save ET and see his home planet. Cute, if you saw the movie, but your kids/grandkiddos won't get the references.

 

Don't miss the Party Zone-- at the end of the lake, the road splits with the left taking you to Terminator and the right taking you to Transformers. Throughout the day, there are short shows in this Party Zone. We've always managed to see the Despicable Me characters, but there's also HOP, SpongeBob, and Dora & Diego.  

 

HOLLYWOOD

 

Universal Orlando's Horror Make-Up Show -- Express pass --  Never saw it Sounds interesting though since I've been watching Face Off on the ScyFy channel.

Terminator 2 :3-D -- Express pass -- Part movie, part show, action moves through the audience. Set show times. It's good, but if you have other things to do, then don't waste your time.

Lucy - A Tribute -- Never saw it

Studio Brass Band -- Never saw it Street show

 

And that's it for today's blog!

 

I'll work on the Disney Parks next!

 

Later, Peeps!

Post Vacation Tips and Tricks -- General

Yes, I took a vacation.

Yes, we went back to Florida--Universal and Disney World.

Yes, things are changing--mainly, WDW, but I gleaned a few more pieces of wisdom while on vacation. I'll break the rides and stuff down in a couple other posts.

Ten Tips

1--If it is humanly possible, DO NOT GO TO FLORIDA DURING THE SUMMER! Yes, we had no option since we can't take our kidlet out of school to hit the parks during the off season. Suffice it to say, we were there with all the other parents who have to vacation during a very short window of opportunity during school breaks. . . It almost made this parent want to start homeschooling just to have the option of going at a different time.

2--If you must go during peak season do as I suggested--study the maps, know your families likes and dislikes (don't waste your time standing in line for the Beauty and the Beast show if everyone wants to ride rides), plan your day, park hop if you can. We usually did two parks every day, but did manage three parks one day. Yes, it was tiring, but sometimes you have no choice.

3--Find current maps online. Disney switched up their maps (HATE IT) by printing a map of the park by placing an image of the park with true North at the top of the map, which means you have to figure out where the park entrance is in relation to the maps and work from there. This is instead of previous incarnations of the map where the entrance is at the bottom of the map.

4--Disney also messed with the details of the map. The park looks like an artist's rendering of an aerial picture of the park with numbers on each building. This makes it difficult to figure out a) where you are, b) where you want to go, with out stopping and opening the map to figure out what all the circled numbers are in reference to. Did I mention that I HATE this new map?? And what makes it really bad is that I'm very familiar with the parks and I was very confused looking at these maps! But they never asked my opinion. Sometimes change is just change, and not necessarily for the better!

5--Pick up a Times Guide at every park. If you are at a park over a weekend, get a new Times Guide on Sunday. Yes, sometimes there are drastic changes with rides that are closing for refurbishment, or the night time parades and fireworks will change, or even the park closings. Many times Magic Kingdom was open until Midnight or later, but then when school starts and attendance lags, they close the park earlier. When they have Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween, they will shut the park down, UNLESS you have paid to attend the Halloween Party (you have to get a special wrist band).

6--The earlier you get out of bed to get to the park, the fewer people there are. . . . This is true, BUT remember there are tens of thousands of people in these parks, fewer doesn't mean none, it means less humanity in your near vicinity than there will be when you are wandering around the park at 11:00 AM. Take advantage of the Early Magic Hours if you are staying at a hotel on site. The Extra Magic Hours in the evening aren't as good since everyone from the other parks will converge on the one park with later hours.

7--People will simply stop in the middle of the walkways. Seriously, if you need to have a family consultation pull off to the side.

8--People are rude, clueless, and will use their kids as battering rams. TRUTH. If kids aren't available, they will use electric scooters, empty baby strollers, wheelchairs, or their fat grandma to push through a crowd . . .and into your shins or Achilles tendon depending on which way they are going.

9--Florida is freaking hot in the summer. The temps aren't bad, usually in the lower 90's, it's the 100% humidity that will get you. You will sweat in body places you never thought it humanly possible to sweat. Keep hydrated. Most of our crankiness was due to dehydration.

10--Again, parents please school your children--or husband--to NOT FART IN AN ENCLOSED RIDE. This is just gross and rude. Yes, I'm talking to the kid who let one rip while sitting in the simulator while waiting for the Star Tours ride to start . . . there was a reason Yoda was staring at you!

More info coming this week!

Later, Peeps!

Tips and Tips -- Universal Florida -- Islands of Adventure



Islands of Adventure

There are two parks at Universal Florida (Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios), plus City Walk, along with three hotels (Hard Rock, Portofino, and Royal Pacific).






As I recommended before, if you stay on site at a Universal hotel, you will get an Express Pass for the days you go to the park. During the busy season, this is critical! Who wants to spend hours waiting in line for one ride??

I don't.

Even with the Express Pass there will be a wait . . . a shorter wait, but still a wait.

And my #1 suggestion?

Don't even bother to go to this park if your kids love roller coasters, but aren't tall enough to ride!

The tallest height required to ride all rides, including the Incredible Hulk, The Dragon Challenge (previously called Dueling Dragons) and Dr. Doom's Fearfall is 54 inches, and the Harry Potter ride is 48 inches.

Measure your kid carefully!

True, there is tons of stuff to do other than roller coasters, but it little Billy's heart is set on riding Harry Potter, but he's only 46 inches, he will be doomed to disappointment! Especially now that that woman fell to her death on the Texas Giant roller coaster. If they can't click you in tightly, you will be removed from the ride.

Embarrassing, yes, but it's better than dying.

Here is a link to download the Universal Maps.

Islands of Adventure

Find a map. Study the map.

And you'll notice the item most visited is up at the top of the map, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Top of the map means at the back of the park. The shortest way is through Seuss Landing, just keep walking to the right . . . and follow the crowd.

I'll talk to you about this area when I get to it later in the blog.

Breaking down the park, section by section, I'll starting with the first zone to your right after you enter the park.

Seuss Landing.

As you might have figured out, this area is all things Dr. Seuss, it's main function is to keep little tykes entertained. We rode all the rides. It's fun, but not exactly the type of fun we roller coaster people crave.

Sorry, but there is one ride with a minimum height requirement:

The High in the Sky Trolley Ride--34 inches--

above the walkways, like a small roller coaster

Caro-Seuss-el--

merry-go-round

One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish--

wet goofiness

The Cat in the Hat--

inside ride, tells story

If I Ran the Zoo--

outside play area

 

The Lost Continent



 

Sorry, but we tend to walk right through this area. We did see the Eight Voyage of Sinbad, and tried to see Poseidon's Fury, but it shut down--thunderstorm, yanno.

The Eight Voyage of Sinbad Stunt Show--

self explanatory-- stunt show

The Mystic Fountain--

never found it, okay, never looked for it!

Poseidon's Fury--

special effects guided tour

 

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

 

Everyone wants to visit Hogsmead Village. You have to go through the village to get to the Harry Potter ride, take your time later to walk around after you go for a ride. Take time to look in the windows, go into the stores and sample Butterbeer. I personally like the regular Butterbeer over the frozen variety. You can also eat at the Three Broomsticks. The last time we went, they wouldn't let you just look around the Three Broomsticks, you had to buy something--you can get Pumpkin Juice or Butterbeer in here, along with a variety of meals.

 

If you want to visit Ollivander's wand shop, you have to wait for the 'show'. About 20 people are let in at a time . . . and it's a VERY tight space. One lucky kiddo is chosen to pick a wand. Yes, it's identical to the movie scene. The you then shuffle into the gift shop . . . another tight fit. Lots and lots of really cool stuff. Be prepared to pry open your wallet. Last year, a wizard's robe cost around $100.

 





 Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey --

This the ride you want to ride. Think of it as a compilation of the first four books/movies rolled into one. Be aware that ALL LOOSE ARTICLES MUST BE PUT IN A LOCKER, prior to getting in line. This means purses, cameras, backpacks, etc.

*Recommendations: Go through the line to experience the castle and the show. Once you go through the line and want to ride again, find the singles line.

There are NO EXPRESS PASSES.*

Flight of the Hippogriff --
A fun little roller coaster for all members of the family. Travels past Hagrid's hut and the nest of the hippogriff.
Dragon Challenge --
This used to be called Dueling Dragons. Not much has changed with this double roller coaster, except how the path winds to the door of the castle--You'll see Ron's flying car. The dragons are the red or the blue. They are both fun coasters with loop-de-loops, but I think the red side is a little better.

Jurassic Park

 

This section of the park has an 'educational' feel to it. There are two additional areas, one is the Discovery center, where you can grow and hatch your own dino egg, plus other interesting stuff. There is also a jewelry store that has a variety of amber products--not surprising, and no, I didn't see any mosquitos sealed in the amber. The other area is a kid's playground, called Camp Jurassic.

Jurassic Park River Adventure --

Fun boat ride with drop, you will get wet

Pteranodon Flyers --

Two-person 'fliers' that you ride above the walkways. Fun, but mainly for kids. Adults MUST be accompanied by a kid to ride.

 

Toon Lagoon

 

This is a fun area. Until last summer, we usually walked right through this area since we don't like walking around wet. If you plan to ride these rides, plan to bring a change of clothes. Oh, the janitorial service is hard-core about NOT letting you use the hand dryers to dry yourself. For a small fee, there are drying booths available around both these rides. There is also a play area called Me Ship, THE OLIVE. Yes, it's a boat. 

Dudley Do-Right's Ripsaw Falls --

serious log flume ride.  Very fun, but you WILL GET SOAKING WET

Popeye & Bluto's Bilge-Rat Barges--

raft ride, You WILL GET SOAKING WET

 

Marvel Super Hero Island

 

This is a fun area, too. The rides are a little more intense than some of the other areas. If you have health issues or little kids, you will probably want to sit this section out.

Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man--

Very cool indoor 3-D ride. It does jerk your car around, so if  you have neck issues, you need to be warned.

Doctor Doom's Fearfall--

Zips you into the air and then drops you. If you liked Tower of Terror, you'll like this one. Great view at the top.

Storm Force Accelatron --

spinning teacups type of ride

The Incredible Hulk Coaster--

This coaster is literally a monster! Fast acceleration, lots of loops and spins. I've ridden this ride over 10 times and every time, I tend to black out a for a couple of seconds. Must use the lockers to store loose items.

 



 That's it for this side of Universal Florida!

 

I'll post about the other side tomorrow.

 

Later, Peeps!