Just got back- some comments.

[GemmaPixie]

Hi Everyone!! Just back from an amazing 2 week holiday in Orlando (17th-31st July). There were 10 of us in total (all over 18). Here are some comments about our likes/dislikes:

Magic Kingdom- This was the only Disney park we went to (I was sick on our MGM day- yes I will always call it MGM). It was only myself and my boyfriend this day as nobody else wanted to go Disney. We really enjoyed our day here and managed to go 8am- 9.30pm!! Yup that's a long day considering we are always out of the parks by 12pm usually!! However it was really easy and the day flew by!
Loved Splash and Big Thunder Mountains. Splash is still my favourite but my boyf preferred Big Thunder Mountain as he didn't liked that we got soaked on Splash (yup we had to sit at the front!). It was a shame that Space mountain wasn't open so he could go on it but I'll look forward to riding the new one in a few years.
We loved Pirates of the Caribbean but was really annoyed on this ride as at least 2 people has their camera out flashing the whole time. It really ruined the ride!! I said at least twice that these SELFISH people were ruining the ride for everyone else but they didn't even bat an eyelid grrrr. So please people DON'T USE FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY ON RIDES- ITS REALLY ANNOYING!!
Dragged the boyf on It's a small World as I told him everyone who goes to Disney World for the first time must ride it....well we got stuck!! He said it was like a punishment haha!! It was right at the end so not only did we have to hear "its a small world after alll' playing over and over again we also had to hear 'Please remain seating until the boat comes to a complete stop and an attendant tells you to exit the ride. Please remember to collect all your belongings.....' He was not a happy bunny!!
For the first time I went to see the Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse. What a waste of space!! And what was worse was that we couldn't get out until we finished seeing the whole thing!! Was a bad idea going there. Oops.
Loved Spectromagic at the end! Got our seats about an hour before the parade however when I went into the Candy Shop about 30 minutes before the show my DBF said that as least 3 people ran up and tried to take my seat!
We had lunch in Cinderellas Royal Table and I have to say I was so worried after reading negative reviews but we loved it!! Our food was great (the medeterrainian salad was amazing!!! and we didn't feel rushed at all! The princesses didn't spend much time with us however but that was ok, what do two adults say to princesses anyway? I loved it when Belle called DBF Gaston after I told her he was being bad!

Universal Studios- We love this park so much and always make sure we return every year. Was gutted that Rip Ride Rocket wasn't open but we got to see it being tested several times which was quite exciting. I can't wait to return in a few years and ride it!
Loved The Mummy again!! It really is a great ride thats a little different from everything else!
The Simpsons- we really liked this ride HOWEVER- its just another simulator. True- it's a really really good simulatior but a simulator ride cant' be that great can it? Two members of our party who went last year said it was better than Spiderman- absolutely NO WAY in my opinion!! Also I came off feeling slightly sick (BTTF never even did that to me!) and a sore neck.
Loved Men in Black and for my best score!!! Ok it was only 200,000 in which some people would be disspointed but I was so excited (ohh and that is without the 100,000 bonus as my brother stole that from me! rude!! haha)

Islands of Adventure- Again we love this park and always make sure we go numerous times throughout the holiday. HOWEVER, I hate saying it but we noticed so many areas that looked run down. Jurassic Park and Ripsaw Falls to name a couple had so much paint peeling (Ripsaw falls was the worst in the queue areas). Also the floors had cracks galore! (Although I know in certain parts this is for effect). However, with a lick of paint this park could look good as new!
Boyf had never been on a rollercoater before but I told him how much he would love Hulk (I'm not evil nor did I make him go on it but I really know he would love it!) and HE DID!! All you could hear him shout after it was 'THAT WAS BOSS!'.
Loved Spiderman as usual, Dr Doom (although I would never queue for this if it was over 10 minutes as it's so short), Ripsaw falls, Popeyes (this is always hilarious and we got to ride twice in a row as there was no queue!), Jurassic Park and Dueling Draons.
There was a problem with us and Dueling Dragons however. The first time we queued it broke down and after 15 minutes of waiting we bailed (Ok not IOA's fault but annoying all the same). 2nd time we queued it took FOREVER!! we had three groups in front of us and thought the queue would fly by NOPE!! they only had one car running so it took forever to load. Same thing happened next time we went to ride it however when we got to the front they added and another car which was quite cool to see the track moving to 'collect' the cars.
Took the boyf on One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish but he huffed with the after he got wet because I told him he absolutely wouldn't get wet because I would follow the song (for anyone who doesn't know, in this ride you must listen to the song or else you will get wet)....well I forgot that the ending of the tells you to choose your own fate....I chose wrong oops!!

Seaworld- I am not a fan of Seaworld as a whole. There just not alot that interests me. The 3 big rides is about all.
LOVED LOVED LOVED Manta!!! This was an AMAZING coaster!! We sat front row and I know people say it doesn't make a difference as everyone is facing down but it really does!
Loved Kracken again- it's so great how long this coaster is!!
Journey to Atlantis- Needs a serious refurb!!!! It was so rundown looking and the glow in the dark paint everywhere looks so tacky!! More Blackpool than Florida I think!
Believe with Shamu- Im sorry but a lot of you will probably disagree with me but I just dont like this show as a whole. I used to love the old Shamu show but this Believe one is wayy to cheesy!! "Shamu doesn't just teach us about sealife, he teaches us about ourselves" "You can be anything if you believe" BLUGGHHHHHH!! Sorry but it sickeningly cheesy! And that part with the kid making the Whales tail necklace then it turns out to be the trainer (do kids really believe this?)....Hmmm thats an obvious ploy to get people to buy the necklaces. It's sad they made the show so cheesy because I did used to love it. I love the Whales parts though. I noticed however that the trainers never got in the tank with Shamu- just the smaller whales. Would this be because he is older now and old Whales can be unpredictable? Anyone shed light on this?
We also did the Sealions show- what a load of crap!! It looked like it had been thrown together in five minutes. There were two funny bits and that was all! It didn't help though that I felt so ill and we had a huge hour group near us who wouldn't shut up singing and dancing and chanting "Free the kid" when they saw a mum with her son on a leash....uh it's nothing to do with you tour group!!! They really embarrassed the poor mum!


Overall we had a great holiday and will be retuning in a few years.

If anyone wants our dining reviews for offsite restaurants then just let me know!

Thanks for reading!! x

[sam_rogers]

Originally Posted by GemmaPixie

I noticed however that the trainers never got in the tank with Shamu- just the smaller whales. Would this be because he is older now and old Whales can be unpredictable? Anyone shed light on this?

i don't think it has anything to do with age because sea world doesn't just use one orca as shamu, they have quite a few differents males and females that are all used in the shows. it might be a health and safety thing. Sounds like you had a fab trip

[natalielongstaff]

Welcome back

[PaulaSB12]

Originally Posted by GemmaPixie

Hi Everyone!! Just back from an amazing 2 week holiday in Orlando (17th-31st July). There were 10 of us in total (all over 18). Here are some comments about our likes/dislikes:

Magic Kingdom- This was the only Disney park we went to (I was sick on our MGM day- yes I will always call it MGM). It was only myself and my boyfriend this day as nobody else wanted to go Disney. We really enjoyed our day here and managed to go 8am- 9.30pm!! Yup that's a long day considering we are always out of the parks by 12pm usually!! However it was really easy and the day flew by!
Loved Splash and Big Thunder Mountains. Splash is still my favourite but my boyf preferred Big Thunder Mountain as he didn't liked that we got soaked on Splash (yup we had to sit at the front!). It was a shame that Space mountain wasn't open so he could go on it but I'll look forward to riding the new one in a few years.
We loved Pirates of the Caribbean but was really annoyed on this ride as at least 2 people has their camera out flashing the whole time. It really ruined the ride!! I said at least twice that these SELFISH people were ruining the ride for everyone else but they didn't even bat an eyelid grrrr. So please people DON'T USE FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY ON RIDES- ITS REALLY ANNOYING!!
Dragged the boyf on It's a small World as I told him everyone who goes to Disney World for the first time must ride it....well we got stuck!! He said it was like a punishment haha!! It was right at the end so not only did we have to hear "its a small world after alll' playing over and over again we also had to hear 'Please remain seating until the boat comes to a complete stop and an attendant tells you to exit the ride. Please remember to collect all your belongings.....' He was not a happy bunny!!
For the first time I went to see the Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse. What a waste of space!! And what was worse was that we couldn't get out until we finished seeing the whole thing!! Was a bad idea going there. Oops.
Loved Spectromagic at the end! Got our seats about an hour before the parade however when I went into the Candy Shop about 30 minutes before the show my DBF said that as least 3 people ran up and tried to take my seat!
We had lunch in Cinderellas Royal Table and I have to say I was so worried after reading negative reviews but we loved it!! Our food was great (the medeterrainian salad was amazing!!! and we didn't feel rushed at all! The princesses didn't spend much time with us however but that was ok, what do two adults say to princesses anyway? I loved it when Belle called DBF Gaston after I told her he was being bad!

Universal Studios- We love this park so much and always make sure we return every year. Was gutted that Rip Ride Rocket wasn't open but we got to see it being tested several times which was quite exciting. I can't wait to return in a few years and ride it!
Loved The Mummy again!! It really is a great ride thats a little different from everything else!
The Simpsons- we really liked this ride HOWEVER- its just another simulator. True- it's a really really good simulatior but a simulator ride cant' be that great can it? Two members of our party who went last year said it was better than Spiderman- absolutely NO WAY in my opinion!! Also I came off feeling slightly sick (BTTF never even did that to me!) and a sore neck.
Loved Men in Black and for my best score!!! Ok it was only 200,000 in which some people would be disspointed but I was so excited (ohh and that is without the 100,000 bonus as my brother stole that from me! rude!! haha)

Islands of Adventure- Again we love this park and always make sure we go numerous times throughout the holiday. HOWEVER, I hate saying it but we noticed so many areas that looked run down. Jurassic Park and Ripsaw Falls to name a couple had so much paint peeling (Ripsaw falls was the worst in the queue areas). Also the floors had cracks galore! (Although I know in certain parts this is for effect). However, with a lick of paint this park could look good as new!
Boyf had never been on a rollercoater before but I told him how much he would love Hulk (I'm not evil nor did I make him go on it but I really know he would love it!) and HE DID!! All you could hear him shout after it was 'THAT WAS BOSS!'.
Loved Spiderman as usual, Dr Doom (although I would never queue for this if it was over 10 minutes as it's so short), Ripsaw falls, Popeyes (this is always hilarious and we got to ride twice in a row as there was no queue!), Jurassic Park and Dueling Draons.
There was a problem with us and Dueling Dragons however. The first time we queued it broke down and after 15 minutes of waiting we bailed (Ok not IOA's fault but annoying all the same). 2nd time we queued it took FOREVER!! we had three groups in front of us and thought the queue would fly by NOPE!! they only had one car running so it took forever to load. Same thing happened next time we went to ride it however when we got to the front they added and another car which was quite cool to see the track moving to 'collect' the cars.
Took the boyf on One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish but he huffed with the after he got wet because I told him he absolutely wouldn't get wet because I would follow the song (for anyone who doesn't know, in this ride you must listen to the song or else you will get wet)....well I forgot that the ending of the tells you to choose your own fate....I chose wrong oops!!

Seaworld- I am not a fan of Seaworld as a whole. There just not alot that interests me. The 3 big rides is about all.
LOVED LOVED LOVED Manta!!! This was an AMAZING coaster!! We sat front row and I know people say it doesn't make a difference as everyone is facing down but it really does!
Loved Kracken again- it's so great how long this coaster is!!
Journey to Atlantis- Needs a serious refurb!!!! It was so rundown looking and the glow in the dark paint everywhere looks so tacky!! More Blackpool than Florida I think!
Believe with Shamu- Im sorry but a lot of you will probably disagree with me but I just dont like this show as a whole. I used to love the old Shamu show but this Believe one is wayy to cheesy!! "Shamu doesn't just teach us about sealife, he teaches us about ourselves" "You can be anything if you believe" BLUGGHHHHHH!! Sorry but it sickeningly cheesy! And that part with the kid making the Whales tail necklace then it turns out to be the trainer (do kids really believe this?)....Hmmm thats an obvious ploy to get people to buy the necklaces. It's sad they made the show so cheesy because I did used to love it. I love the Whales parts though. I noticed however that the trainers never got in the tank with Shamu- just the smaller whales. Would this be because he is older now and old Whales can be unpredictable? Anyone shed light on this?
We also did the Sealions show- what a load of crap!! It looked like it had been thrown together in five minutes. There were two funny bits and that was all! It didn't help though that I felt so ill and we had a huge hour group near us who wouldn't shut up singing and dancing and chanting "Free the kid" when they saw a mum with her son on a leash....uh it's nothing to do with you tour group!!! They really embarrassed the poor mum!


Overall we had a great holiday and will be retuning in a few years.

If anyone wants our dining reviews for offsite restaurants then just let me know!

Thanks for reading!! x

The biggest whale at Seaworld is a male called Tilikum he was involved in 1991 with the drowning of a trainer in Sealand also at Sea World a 27 year old man wanted to swim with killer whales in 1999 and died. Would you go in the water with that whale? unfortunately it isn't possible to release him back into the wild.

In 1999, Daniel Dukes, a 27 year old moran from Florida hatched a clever plot so that he could have his life long dream of swimming with a whale fulfilled. He hid from the security guards at Sea World and managed to stay in the park after closing. Shortly after, he dived into the tank containing a killer whale – fulfilling his dream. Daniel was killed by the whale. His parents proceeded to sue Sea World because they did not display public warnings that the whale (Tillikum) could kill people. They also claim that the whale is wrongly portrayed as friendly because of the stuffed toys sold there. Tillikum is pictured above at Sea World, where the trainers will not enter the pool with him due to the fact that he has now been involved in two deaths.

[GemmaPixie]

Originally Posted by PaulaSB12

The biggest whale at Seaworld is a male called Tilikum he was involved in 1991 with the drowning of a trainer in Sealand also at Sea World a 27 year old man wanted to swim with killer whales in 1999 and died. Would you go in the water with that whale? unfortunately it isn't possible to release him back into the wild.

In 1999, Daniel Dukes, a 27 year old moran from Florida hatched a clever plot so that he could have his life long dream of swimming with a whale fulfilled. He hid from the security guards at Sea World and managed to stay in the park after closing. Shortly after, he dived into the tank containing a killer whale – fulfilling his dream. Daniel was killed by the whale. His parents proceeded to sue Sea World because they did not display public warnings that the whale (Tillikum) could kill people. They also claim that the whale is wrongly portrayed as friendly because of the stuffed toys sold there. Tillikum is pictured above at Sea World, where the trainers will not enter the pool with him due to the fact that he has now been involved in two deaths.

No Way!!! I never knew any of that (also is it stupid of me to think he biggest whale is always "Shamu"? oops). Nope I wouldn't get in with it. Was the law suit successful? I can't believe someone would hide from security then jump in a tank with a killer whale!! How can you think they wouldn't kill? they are called KILLER whales??! Thanks for this interesting info! x

[lisuhut]

Hi
Are we blamming a wild animal for a humans stupidity?
I was in Orlando when this happened if i remember righty there was a baby shamu in the pool and the man in question was found on th whales back.
Would you not protect your young?
Also if he was found on the whales back ,maybe just maybe the whale was trying to keep him from drowning
We humans interfer with nature etc and then moan when it bits back.

[wilma-bride]

Welcome back and glad you had a great trip. Sorry to hear you didn't enjoy the Clyde and Seamore show - it's one of our favourites, hilariou sand unpredictable - and, of course, the highlight of the show is the mime artist at the beginning

It's a shame that some areas at IOA are looking run down but I wonder if all their attention is focused on the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at the moment - if I remember rightly, Dudley's had a rehab just a couple of years ago so perhaps they will do something next year when the new areas are open Did you notice any of the construction work - anything new or interesting to see as far as Harry Potter is concerned?

[PaulaSB12]

Originally Posted by lisuhut

Hi
Are we blamming a wild animal for a humans stupidity?
I was in Orlando when this happened if i remember righty there was a baby shamu in the pool and the man in question was found on th whales back.
Would you not protect your young?
Also if he was found on the whales back ,maybe just maybe the whale was trying to keep him from drowning
We humans interfer with nature etc and then moan when it bits back.

I really think its time for places like Sea World to g row up and stop breeding killer whales. Let the ones in captivity grow old and die and not replace them. Its not good for the whale to be put into such little fish ponds with heavily clorinated water. It the wild they can live up to 80 years the life span in captivity is half at the best not to mention they have different languages and dialets between different pods which in my book means they should be declared sentient and left to life in peace in the sea. I saw killer whales in the wild in 2007 and none of that folded over back fin business. The sea is the only place we should see them there have been attacks on trainers and there will be more deaths of either trainers or whales because the way we keep them and move them from one park to another is unnatural whales in the wild stay with there family groups with the males going to others to breed. Also we move them from there mother at about 2 and its been found that a mother will still feed her calf at 4 so they are being removed far too early.

[sam_rogers]

Originally Posted by PaulaSB12

I really think its time for places like Sea World to g row up and stop breeding killer whales. Let the ones in captivity grow old and die and not replace them. Its not good for the whale to be put into such little fish ponds with heavily clorinated water. It the wild they can live up to 80 years the life span in captivity is half at the best not to mention they have different languages and dialets between different pods which in my book means they should be declared sentient and left to life in peace in the sea. I saw killer whales in the wild in 2007 and none of that folded over back fin business. The sea is the only place we should see them there have been attacks on trainers and there will be more deaths of either trainers or whales because the way we keep them and move them from one park to another is unnatural whales in the wild stay with there family groups with the males going to others to breed. Also we move them from there mother at about 2 and its been found that a mother will still feed her calf at 4 so they are being removed far too early.

well said! all seaworld has to do is drop in the word 'conservation' every now and then and people seem to accept it! i completely agree its time to stop whale captivity

[sara969]

Welcome back

Thanks for all the info, it was very interesting to read.
I am very excited about visiting Universal Studios, it will be our 1st trip to WDW and i cant wait

Did u buy the Universal Fast Passes? Or did u not need too? Im not sure whether its worth buying or not.
I am imagining Universal Studios to be my favourite too and hope to get alot done as i cant wait to see it all.

Im glad u had a lovely holiday

[Beth__WDW23/6/02]

Glad you had a lovely time.
I agree on Sea world I have decided it will not be a place we visit in the future,I've found it's more "money orientated" especially the whole $7 for fish per person to feed the dolphins etc.

Universal is a favourite of our's,didn't notice the queue area in Ripsaw as we practically walked straight on each time.
Simpson's you wasn't alone in feeling a bit I did too,it's very intense (in movement,and the fastness of the whole show) it is a simulator.

Welcome back

[GemmaPixie]

Originally Posted by wilma-bride

Welcome back and glad you had a great trip. Sorry to hear you didn't enjoy the Clyde and Seamore show - it's one of our favourites, hilariou sand unpredictable - and, of course, the highlight of the show is the mime artist at the beginning

It's a shame that some areas at IOA are looking run down but I wonder if all their attention is focused on the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at the moment - if I remember rightly, Dudley's had a rehab just a couple of years ago so perhaps they will do something next year when the new areas are open Did you notice any of the construction work - anything new or interesting to see as far as Harry Potter is concerned?

Thank you...gutted to be back but have to live with it. Getting over the holiday blues by dis-ing! lol.
Yeah we saw the mime but the loud and annoying tour group were running down to him and jumping around and ruining his show so he didn't do much. Liked the bit where the kid got wet and the sit up bit but nothing else really happened? My bros gf said that when they went last it was way different and a lot funnier so we probably caught it on a bad night.
Yes I thought that aswell...what annoyed me most on Ripsaw falls is that the paint had been picked away! Bored people in the queues have just been peeling away the paint which is just wrong! Come on people! If your tall enough to ride surely you should be old enough to know better!
We saw loads of construction going on at Harry Potter and it's so excited!!! It will be great when it's completed! We saw Hogwarts being built (at least it looked like a giant castle so I'm assuming Hogwarts) and it looked great! My boyf had pictures on his camera so I'll get them later this week and post them.

Originally Posted by sara969

Welcome back

Thanks for all the info, it was very interesting to read.
I am very excited about visiting Universal Studios, it will be our 1st trip to WDW and i cant wait

Did u buy the Universal Fast Passes? Or did u not need too? Im not sure whether its worth buying or not.
I am imagining Universal Studios to be my favourite too and hope to get alot done as i cant wait to see it all.

Im glad u had a lovely holiday

Ohhh you will love Universal!! If you haven't been over to the universal side of the boards then you must...they are wonderful over there (although I feel bad as I've neglected them recently).
No we didn't buy fastpasses as we do the same strategy every year and it always works for us. Arrive half hour before opening and get the the front of a turnstile. For Universal head to Simpsons first and tour the park Anti-clockwise. Most choose this way so there are no lines at all. Even at 12 when we usually leave there are little lines (think we had 5 mins for the Mummy and that very popular) as everyone else who was behind you at the turnstiles are still catching up with you. For Islands of Adventure, tour the park clockwise starting at The Hulk (or skip that if your not a fan and head to Spiderman- highly recommended). It's the same rules as Universal really. I hope you love it as much as we do!

Originally Posted by Beth__WDW23/6/02

Glad you had a lovely time.
I agree on Sea world I have decided it will not be a place we visit in the future,I've found it's more "money orientated" especially the whole $7 for fish per person to feed the dolphins etc.

Universal is a favourite of our's,didn't notice the queue area in Ripsaw as we practically walked straight on each time.
Simpson's you wasn't alone in feeling a bit I did too,it's very intense (in movement,and the fastness of the whole show) it is a simulator.

Welcome back

Yes Im afraid Seaworld just wasn't for me. Two of our party loved it but I would only go back for the rides. In fact I think the ride are what drew most of the people in. All my dad said was that they are hypocrites...conservation this and conservation that and they are captivating killer whales and keeping them in tiny tanks (if you went on the spinny tower looky thing you will have seen the size of the tanks).

We walked on to Ripsa aswell these were just passing things that I noticed (see above...it's the guests fault! grrrr)
I was surprised how sickening Simpsons was! I really thought they would make it much better than BTTF as so many people got ill on that but it seems the same (or in my case worse). Ohh well I loved the bit where you could smell maggie!!

[JohnnySharp2]

Hi Gemma,

Sounds like you had a great time.

Magic Kingdom is easily our favourite park as no matter how many times we go there it's always enjoyable, though I do wish they would update Tomorrowland a little.

Sea World we have always enjoyed in small doses, we didn't go there this year but probably will next time.

Universal we used to be Annual Pass holders and have always been big fans, but the opening times of some of the rides we are finding increasingly frustrating. Many of the rides such as Jaws and Barney were not open till 11am (kind of an annoyance with us, park opens at 9 all rides should open at 9). With Curious George, Woody and others at least 10am that's a lot that isn't open first thing.

[Elise79]

Gald you had a good trip

I wou;ld love to hear your dining reviews

[epcot.girl]

Originally Posted by PaulaSB12

I really think its time for places like Sea World to g row up and stop breeding killer whales. Let the ones in captivity grow old and die and not replace them. Its not good for the whale to be put into such little fish ponds with heavily clorinated water. It the wild they can live up to 80 years the life span in captivity is half at the best not to mention they have different languages and dialets between different pods which in my book means they should be declared sentient and left to life in peace in the sea. I saw killer whales in the wild in 2007 and none of that folded over back fin business. The sea is the only place we should see them there have been attacks on trainers and there will be more deaths of either trainers or whales because the way we keep them and move them from one park to another is unnatural whales in the wild stay with there family groups with the males going to others to breed. Also we move them from there mother at about 2 and its been found that a mother will still feed her calf at 4 so they are being removed far too early.

I went to Seaworld once, over 10 years ago, and will not be going back.