Orlando Smackdown: Dis vs. Uni. Ch.15,, To Hare is Human, to Forgive,,,5-23

[nebo]

Yes, well, that's the title at this stage of the game.
But as you well know, things can change by the time we return from a trip, as in the last report didn't start out to be Satan's Hammer!
I have a feeling that if I'd known I was going to give my self a concussion while there, I probably might not have gone.


I think for this report we are going to take a slightly different approach than we have in the past.

Taking a page from American Idol and all the rest of them,
we'll let Universal go head to head up against the best Disney
has to offer.

We will find comparable rides and try to rate them against each other to see who comes out on top.

No, not everything is comparable, some things just have to be left alone because you don't want to end up with too many "apples to ornages" comps going on, for example, Spiderman has no Disney clone.

But many things have been the results of predessors, such as Dumbo gave birth to One Fish Two Fish, which begat Aladdin's Flying Carpets which begat Triceratops Spin, which begat Isaac,, which,,,,

So , let's put them up against each other and let them duke it out, at least just as a side bit to the report.

I am Nebo, my wife is Smidgy, also known as Steve and Diane, and this is my first trip report, so be kind to me.

Right.

Many of you who know us are aware how often times, things don't go quite right for me, alas, often blood is involved, usually mine.
Hopefully, this report will be the exception to the rule, which also means the trip as well, cuz to be honest, I'm really getting tired of pain.

Our itinerary for this trip is thus:

We fly out of Chicago to Orlando, hopefully we land without getting caught in any of the ubiquitous zip lines or hit a tall miniature golf windmill. If the plane lands allright and I don't have a gator chewing on my leg in a swamp, we spend one night at The Doubletree Inn, which is a ten minute walk from Universal Orlando.
This is all due to finding when flights were cheapest over the holiday, and blackout days as well.

Then it's on to Royal Pacific at Universal for a 3 night stay, with us finally getting to see Harry land, at Islands of Adventure, and Smidgy is already pannicky about trying the Forbidden Journey ride.
I'm already pannicky about the Forbidden Journey LINES!

Then it's a cab ride over to Disney, Caribbean Beach Resort in particular, for a seven night stay with the free dining plan.

Lately these dining plans have been kicking my butt, value wise, but I'm not letting it happen to me again this time; Oh no, I made sure to get my money's worth this time.

I haven't eaten now since September!

Along the way it will include the Candlelight Processional, Hoop de Doo Doo, another chance for the chef to get me with his knives at Teppanedo and much more.

Of course, we will try once again to hit the different resorts to check out the decorations, not to mention the Osbourne Lights.

"Steve, you just mentioned them, when you just said "not to mention " them.

"Huh?"
"You said "not to mention the Osbourne Lights" and in
so doing, you mentioned them."

"Oh".
"Well that goes without saying."

I'm also looking forward to the Extra Special Illuminations during the holiday season, they tack on a speciall ending for it then.

So, keep your money, no, I'm not going to get hurt this time, and I MEAN it.

Plane takes off in a week, I finally talked a buddy of mine who lives back at home to come and stay here, with the proviso he has to feed the cats. I thought he would have jumped at the idea to get away from his folks and live on his own for a bit, but no, not really, not how he saw it.
I don't get it, geesh, they don't make young people like they used to.

But as usual, you are all welcome to come along with for the ride, I guarantee ONE thing, we will have fun re-telling it, no matter what happens, we always do!

[jecskc]

I'm in !!! I am so disappointed that we will just miss you guys. It would be so fun to meet and compare scars. I think you should take an extra supply of vikes .... just for back-up. You never know when that pesky gravity will suck you in.

Susan

[reelmom]

I haven't been a good TR friend lately, I have missed you guys so much. Hopefully, real life will slow down and I can keep up. You will have a blast at Universal. The perks of staying onsite might make you go back again. It is so relaxing with unlimited express pass. Be sure to go to early entry for Harry Potter. You won't have to stand in line for very long. But be careful, you will not be able to see when you first walk into the ride line. It is very dark as soon as you enter the line inside Hogwarts. I know with your eye issues, you want to be extra careful. We don't want you to shed anymore blood. Tell Smidgy not to be afraid of Forbidden Journey. I can't really explain it but it is amazing. I am sure she will do fine.

[cp'ersmom]

Ok she gives tours of Hogwarts, so it's Heidi from Phoenix, AZ, hi from Tori and Mom. That is your mission should you decide to accept it.

ORALNDO is that something like my friends cutesy name for a colonoscopy, innuendo ?

[jedijill]

I'm in!

Jill in CO

[Backstage_Gal]

Originally Posted by nebo

I am Nebo, my wife is Smidgy, also known as Steve and Diane, and this is my first trip report, so be kind to me.

I kind of like your style, I might just follow your posts

[smidgy]

ok, I guess I'll come along.

(I meant on the trip, not the report!)

[mmeb144]

How long does it take your eyes to dark adapt? Can you just stand off to the side of the Forbidden Journey for a bit and let your eyes adapt before you head down the que? I would hate for you to miss any of the attraction. (And miss telling me about it. Or seriously injure yourself before you even hit the ride.....)

[monymony3471]

The link took me somewhere far far far away, but since I have skillz I found it myself.

You are either getting smarter with this technology stuff, or, er, um, ya.

Nice try.

I'm here, that's all that matters.

I agree with the last poster, you should try to hold off and let your eyes adjust. I know Smidgy is good at leading and explaining stuff, I am a good observer, but maybe you can talk with guest services. I think that at WDW you can make special arrangments if you need to where they will accomodate you on rides, but you have to arrange it first.

Why wouldn't US/IOA?

[scottny]

I have tried to keep up on past reports and failed but since I am catching this one from the beginning I will succeed.

Looking forward to reading along.

[Thumper_Man]

Let's get ready to Rumble.
(Copyright by: Michael Buffer)

[Thumper_Man]

Originally Posted by cp'ersmom

Ok she gives tours of Hogwarts, so it's Heidi from Phoenix, AZ, hi from Tori and Mom. That is your mission should you decide to accept it.

ORALNDO is that something like my friends cutesy name for a colonoscopy, innuendo ?

Lady H and I will be there as well. We'll keep an eye out for her as well.

[Backstage_Gal]

Originally Posted by scottny

I have tried to keep up on past reports and failed but since I am catching this one from the beginning I will succeed.

Looking forward to reading along.

Scotty, wow. I read some of your reports before (lurker, hangs head in shame). Welcome to the Nebo Family

[cp'ersmom]

Originally Posted by Thumper_Man

Lady H and I will be there as well. We'll keep an eye out for her as well.

Great! She will be so surprised if you all say hi to her.

Have a fun time!

[oilheadbob]

Okay Nebo, got my seatbelt buckled and am anxiously awaiting this trip report to get underway. I put my money on the mouse!

Bob