Lets just do everything... Sept 2015 TR WDW, USO, HHN, CBBR - updated 31/10 Day 6

[BagOLaughs]

Day 2 - Its raining so lets do water rides!

When I left off Martin and I had just gone to bed. We both slept really well and work up about 8am (without the alarm) on Thursday 17th September. Hungry for our 1st american breakfast we got ready and headed for the bay liner diner. We both purchased resort mugs for about $19 (including tax) which we thought was really good value for 14 days of unlimited soda, hot chocolate, coffee, tea and of course the coke freestyle machines.

I had a breakfast wrap. It was really really nice. Basically it was an scrambled egg and vegetable wrap. It was really flavourful and not bland at all.



Martin had the full breakfast with the standard biscuit, bacon, sausage egg and potatoes. He was fed and he was happy.



I loved the feel of the diner. Even though it was huge it was really relaxed and almost intimate in a weird sort of way.



We popped back to the room to get ready to go out. As you can see the sky was very cloudy and it did drizzle for most of the morning so I made sure to grab my poncho.



We took the bus to city walk and head towards Islands of Adventure. The reason we did this park 1st was because Martin had only ever visited Universal Studio's Orlando and he'd never seen IOA.



We lined up at the kiosks and got our 14 day tickets which came as part of our deal. While we were there we also got our Halloween Horror Nights rush of fear passes. The rush of fear pass allowed us entry to all nights for the 1st 3 weeks of HHN which was just perfect for us. The first HHN 25 night was the next day.

Yey ticket, let me in!



I thought this was a nice way to start our 1st full day of our holiday. Yes, let the adventure begin!



We got a bit excited and didn't take very many pictures for the next couple of hours however we went straight for the water rides. The 1st ride we did was Jurassic River Adventure. Martin scored it a 8 / 10 because he like the animatronics and he loves dinosaurs however he said it wasn't long enough and you didn't get wet enough.

So I took him on Dudley Doo Right's Ripsaw Falls. He got quite wet on that one! haha. However he still gave that 8 / 10 because he got really wet but he hated how hard it was to get into for him. He's 6 ft and it was a real struggle to contort himself into the boat.

I was trying to stay dry - ish but on this ride a big wave managed to get down my neck and soaked my shirt haha!



Martin just loves water rides!



To finish off our trio of water rides we then went on Pluto's Popeyes bilge rat barges. Martin loves this ride. He gave it 9 / 10 as it was fast, exciting, a good length and he got absolutely drenched!



His shoes were full of water and his shorts were soaked through haha! He did say he wanted to get wet! Of course this being Florida it was still really warm and we were quite comfortable (or at least I was).

Next up - Hogsmede and remembering butter beer

 

[BagOLaughs]

Day 2 - Hogsmede and buttery buttery beer

Next I decided to take Martin into Hogsmede and we had a walk around to see the theming. We were deciding what to do next and I spotted the butter beer cart and I had to get one. I've had it before and I know what it tastes like. I personally like it even though I know a lot of people who don't. I asked Martin to hold it while I put my money away. He didn't know what to make of it!



He didn't really like it all that much. He said it was very sweet and he thought it tasted like root beer.



With butter beer in hand we headed towards the Sindbad show. I know its cheesy but I like cheesy and it was nice to get out of the drizzle. Also I could sit down and enjoy my drink. The one thing I wished throughout this trip was they should make the drinks smaller. I start drinking it and enjoy it greatly but by the time I get half way through I'm done with it. I had the same thought with the fishy green ale. I really hate waste so I will finish everything I eat/drink but if they did a half sized drinks I'd be more satisfied at the end.



Onto the show! Ah yes I remember how bad it is. Is it so bad its good? Not really but the stunts are fun to watch. Martin thought the show was MEH.

Sinbad is having a bit too much fun I think...



I fell into a burning ring of fire...



Hey you princess, just hang around!



After that delightful bit of culture we rode the red dragon. I was glad to find that this coaster was still fairly smooth. There is nothing worse than a rough roller coaster. Martin really liked it. He liked the twisty-ness of it.



After having our brains scrambled we decided to head over to the other park. When you're in Hogsmede there is only one way to get to Universal Studios... by steam train of course.

Martin waits expectantly for the train to arrive.



And its here! The way this train arrives into the station is really something special. The theming was beautiful.



We managed to score window side seats. I forgot to mention the wait was only about 10 minutes before we were sat down. The video that plays while you're being transferred is really awesome and I like the little extra of seeing the silhouettes through the glass.



And that was it for our morning in Islands of Adventure.

Next up - Diagon alley and I've found my new pet.

 

[samsteele]

Following along! I'm sorry I missed the early days of your report . . . its been the Canadian Thanksgiving Holiday Weekend & I've been on the road visiting family. After Church yesterday (where I got to sing some of the old traditional hymns like Harvest Home and We Plow the Fields and Scatter . . . its the United Church of Canada so both Presbyterian and Methodist) and before Turkey dinner and pumpkin pie, I had to go to the family cemetery with my Dad and scrape moss & lichen off family headstones for 2 hrs. That was a first. I always get pulled into the real "fun" stuff at family gatherings. At least it was sunny & warm. So not as creepy as it could have been. However, I really don't want to see another wire brush & putty knife for a very, very long time. Maybe another thing crossed off the old bucket list. Fingers crossed. However, when we got back to the house, my Dad did let me have a tipple or two of his single malt scotch as reward so its all good. But I'm so happy that you had a great vacation. I've never been to CBay so your pics are incredible. Its definitely on my possible list for future Orlando vacations. I've taken my nieces to the Wizarding World in AoA a few yrs ago but I haven't been to the new HP Park. Yet. Here's hoping you had a great day at Epcot's F&W Festival. I'm looking forward to being at F&W in a few weeks. So, Yaay! And definitely excited for your views/impressions of some of the F&W booths & goodies. I also hope you had a great day at Animal Kingdom. Its one of my fav parks because of the incredible theming and the mini broadway style shows ie. Lion King and Nemo. Thumbs way up for an incredible start to a great trip report! Cheers!

 

[schumigirl]

The red side is my favourite on duelling dragons......love them both as yes, they are so smooth, but red just has the edge.

Glad you enjoyed HE.......it is rather beautiful, and unique.........and yes Dudley can be bloomin awkward to get in and out of if you don't get your position just right.........

 

[BagOLaughs]

Following along! I'm sorry I missed the early days of your report . . . its been the Canadian Thanksgiving Holiday Weekend & I've been on the road visiting family. After Church yesterday (where I got to sing some of the old traditional hymns like Harvest Home and We Plow the Fields and Scatter . . . its the United Church of Canada so both Presbyterian and Methodist) and before Turkey dinner and pumpkin pie, I had to go to the family cemetery with my Dad and scrape moss & lichen off family headstones for 2 hrs. That was a first. I always get pulled into the real "fun" stuff at family gatherings. At least it was sunny & warm. So not as creepy as it could have been. However, I really don't want to see another wire brush & putty knife for a very, very long time. Maybe another thing crossed off the old bucket list. Fingers crossed. However, when we got back to the house, my Dad did let me have a tipple or two of his single malt scotch as reward so its all good. But I'm so happy that you had a great vacation. I've never been to CBay so your pics are incredible. Its definitely on my possible list for future Orlando vacations. I've taken my nieces to the Wizarding World in AoA a few yrs ago but I haven't been to the new HP Park. Yet. Here's hoping you had a great day at Epcot's F&W Festival. I'm looking forward to being at F&W in a few weeks. So, Yaay! And definitely excited for your views/impressions of some of the F&W booths & goodies. I also hope you had a great day at Animal Kingdom. Its one of my fav parks because of the incredible theming and the mini broadway style shows ie. Lion King and Nemo. Thumbs way up for an incredible start to a great trip report! Cheers!

Hey Samsteele long time no speak. Thanks for following along. I'm glad you had a good Canadian thanks giving and don't worry pictures of Animal Kingdom will be very soon!

The red side is my favourite on duelling dragons......love them both as yes, they are so smooth, but red just has the edge.

Glad you enjoyed HE.......it is rather beautiful, and unique.........and yes Dudley can be bloomin awkward to get in and out of if you don't get your position just right.........

I agree, red is the best one for sure!

 

[BagOLaughs]

Day 1 - Diagon alley and I've found my new pet

When I last left off we were on the Hogswarts express travelling towards London. I must say when you exit the train it was very surreal for us. Being from England, the Kings Cross really does feel like a really really really clean London station. I also loved the touch of having a "busker" at the entrance of the station. I felt like I should give them some change into an instrument case or something. We then rounded the corner, passed through the brick entrance and saw this...



WOW! I was in love. I love scaly things and this dragon is now my new pet. haha. As you can see from my poncho below it was still raining.



We decided to do Gringotts as the queue was 30mins. Warning I am going to give a review below and it will describe the full ride experience so avoid the paragraph under this photo if you're avoiding spoilers like I was.



This ride was very very very good. As I aluded to above I purposely hadn't watched or read any ride through of Gringotts because I wanted everything to be a complete surprise and I'm so glad I did. I did know it was a roller coaster which pivoted before I rode but the 3D really does create a good sense of immersion. The bit that really got me was the 1st part of the ride where Belatrix casts a spell and the whole train tilts with the track. That as a complete shock to me and it took a second for my brain to catch up with what was happening. Martin said my face was hilarious when it happened. I still prefer Forbidden Journey as that ride system is so unique and that ride is so well done. But against Gringotts it really is a close call.

We headed over to Louis as Martin loves the Godfather and Italian food. I thought the food was ok... The pizza was good. However I thought Martin's food didn't look very nice but he liked it. You'll probably notice Martin only ever smiles when he's eating.



Here was his parmesan chicken.



And my pepperoni pizza.



After our food and a sit down we decided to go on Transformers. On our last visit to Orlando we missed the opening of this ride by 1 week.



This picture came out very blue haha! Martin the blue martian.



I liked this ride but I still prefer spiderman. I feel like Transformers relies too much on screens. Its really the practical effects that I love so much on Spiderman. However I really did like when the ride goes in sloooomooootion.

We decided to pop back to the hotel as it had stopped raining and Martin was still wet from the water rides that morning. On the way we stopped into the bakery to see what they had and saw this...



So cute! I would feel bad biting into his little face.



Best thing about holidays in my opinon is the food! YUM! And with that we popped back to the hotel for a chill out but don't worry. We returned to USO that evening.

Next up - Universal Studios 2: theme park harder!

 

[BagOLaughs]

Day 1 - Universal Studios 2: theme park harder!

I totally forgot to mention but before we left the park we watched the acapella group perform. It was a fun little distraction and the singers were not bad.



Gotta love the lady on the bench eating her lunch in the background. She's like you can just perform around me thx.



We also did the obligatory photos in front of the globe. No selfie sticks where. We just traded photo taking with a friendly couple. Speaking of selfie sticks I know a lot of people don't like them (myself included) but they really won't a problem on this trip. I saw a fair few of them but I didn't get hit with one or anything.



We popped back to the hotel and after a rest (and a change of clothes) we jumped back on the bus and headed to IOA again. We're back!



We spent a bit of time taking pictures in the Marvel area.



I was ad the Hulk was down for a referb. I haven't road this coaster since 2011. However from what I've heard the big old green was getting a bit rough so I'm glad my memories are of when it was as smooth as silk.



I'm trying to make it look like I've got Wolverine claws but actually I look like I'm making a rude gesture to Martin. We were having a nice time together honest!



While in Marvel land we decided to go on Spiderman with a 0 min wait. Martin agreed with me that it was better than transformers. In his words "you could actually tell what was going on, on the screens." I really enjoyed the updated affects and 4K screen which really plussed an already fantastic ride.



Another shot of the non-running Hulk. It was a bit eery not hearing the roar you usually get when the train rockets out the top of the tunnel.



We headed towards the Hogsworts express but we were stopped before Hogsmede becuase they'd closed the area. So we did a quick U turn so we could walk to US via city walk. We did get one picture in the comic area before we left.



And with that we left IOA.

Next up - Evening in Universal Studios.

 

[Robo56]

Nice start to your trip report. Along for the ride. Love the pictures.

 

[BagOLaughs]

Hello Robo56. Welcome, thank you.

I haven't mentioned yet but some of the pictures are from my super duper Sony camera (generally the crisp images with good colour ) and some are from my and my partners phone.

 

[Jon84]

Not sure how I missed your TR when I logged in Monday Morning!

As you can see we were in economy and it was pretty packed!

The reclining into Martin's face looks awful, did they recline on you the whole flight?!

The red side is my favourite on duelling dragons......love them both as yes, they are so smooth, but red just has the edge.

Red is smoother but front row blue is fun with the near miss of the wall!

Best thing about holidays in my opinon is the food!

Absolutely! Love eating junk and good food too!

I was ad the Hulk was down for a referb. I haven't road this coaster since 2011. However from what I've heard the big old green was getting a bit rough so I'm glad my memories are of when it was as smooth as silk.

I found Hulk rough in May when I went on it at the end of the day, somehow when I am tired I don't enjoy it!


Looking forward to the rest of your TR

 

[BagOLaughs]

The reclining into Martin's face looks awful, did they recline on you the whole flight?!

Hey Jon! Welcome its great to have you. You haven't missed much I'm only on day 2 so far.

They did recline a lot of the flight but it is a 9 hr transatlantic so we're pretty mellow about it. Also it just means the TV screen was closer to Martins face which he seems to like. I swear when we're at home he sits as close to the TV as he can get (cross legged on the floor) and gazes up at it like a child watching early morning cartoons. sigh

Red is smoother but front row blue is fun with the near miss of the wall!

Never done the blue on the front. Thanks for the heads up, that's now on my list to do next time.

 

[schumigirl]

Red is smoother but front row blue is fun with the near miss of the wall!

Yep......we always ask for front row if we can.......on both sides ........its a close thing between the two though......

 

[schumigirl]

Nice update Rachel.......yes we always take people`s pictures and find people are happy to take ours too. Selfie sticks we only had an issue with once......

lol....yes you do kinda look like you`re telling Martin something not very nice....... Yes it`s strange without the Hulk, but we did hear it whooshing a few times during the night we were there........whatever they were doing with it.

 

[Jon84]

Yes it`s strange without the Hulk, but we did hear it whooshing a few times during the night we were there........whatever they were doing with it.

No more wooshing for a while now, the track is being dismantled! There are pieces missing and a crane by the first loop at the moment!

 

[schumigirl]

No more wooshing for a while now, the track is being dismantled! There are pieces missing and a crane by the first loop at the moment!

Yes, they said they were replacing track just after we left......not sure I would want to see that......actually would be fun to see from an engineering prospect.

It does need it though, we used to ride that time after time years ago......last few years unless you get the front row it was just too rough, so not a lot of fun after first take off........

 

[BagOLaughs]

Day 2 - We are cartoon hero's ooh Woh oh

When I left off life time we were exiting IOA and heading towards US. But actually this was all lies! I've found more photos so what we actually did was take our time taking some fun photos before we left.

I have this photo from when I was 16... I'll have to see if I can dig it out.



Martin wanted his picture under this one but then didn't pull a face... just can't work with some people. haha



I love this cloud



Martin loves this movie. So bad its good for sure. Flash ahhhhh haaaaaa savoir of the universe.



I wanted to take this home with me. Long flowing locks and bulging muscles... haha sorry Martin. Unfortunately they didn't have a black widow statue for him.



BUT Martin did get to go on the storm tea cup ride. He loves tea cup rides but they make me feel exceptionally nauseous! So he often rides them alone with me peeing myself laughing because he spins so fast!



I think I took this photo when we 1st entered the park.



Who knew Jurassic park was built so close to Hogsmead. Nothing like magic and dinosaurs... or magical dinosaurs! ha!



Why is there a who in the water? This bird doesn't mind.



No idea what Martin is pointing at... The sky?? Even he doesn't know.



Coming up more photos yey!

 

[BagOLaughs]

Day 2 - From Islands to Studio's

We decided to take some fun photos in the port of entry area in Islands of Adventure... Well at least I did. Martin was being boring and wouldn't have a picture with anything... boo. I however found a kitty!



I love how themed this area is. Its beautiful, especially with all the hidden details.



Oh hold on I found another kitty. I would look so good riding a tiger (joke)



We finally made it out and here's a picture of the awesome IOA light house.



This next picture was pretty funny. The team member from Marvel superhero island photo bombed us and it was brilliant.



We're coming your way US!



*banf!* Instant teleportation and we were there. I loved the HHN decorations it really got me exited for our nights to come.



With one quick scan of our tickets we were in. The sky had turned a really pretty pink over the park. That's one good thing about clouds I guess, pretty sunsets! There's Despicable me which we never did end up riding. The queue was always so long and we've been on it before. It was OK but not great and really not worth a 40 minute queue or even getting out of bed early for.



We walked over to the Simpsons area and I took some photos from across the water.



I love this photo below. With the moody sky and twinkling/reflecting lights it really looks like London complete with ducks!



Coming up - destroy all humans!

 

[DisneyJo]

Really enjoying your TR

 

[BagOLaughs]

Day 2 - Destroy all humans

We joined the queue for kang and kodos twirl and hurl because, well, there was no queue! The signs for this ride were really funny. In face I love how they've captured the humour of the Simpsons all throughout this land. Its really fun.



Flying AND attacking humans... well now you're just spoiling us! A funny little tidbit... isn't it funny how people feel they must push past you in line when you just want to take some photos. In this case they literally got 4 foot in front of us and then had to stop in the waiting area. We were then on the same ride... so actually by pushing past and ruining my 1st photo you actually gained nothing... haha. Silly people.



Oh yes!! This is our vessel of destruction!



Yey for awkward fuzzy selfies!



Martin really enjoyed this ride. Usually he hates the spiny up down rides but this one he liked. He even had a go at the controls himself That NEVER happens.



After attacking the humans we headed over to here... hello gorgeous pet of mine... who wants a biscuit?



But I've jumped ahead of myself... before entering through the brick wall I had a chat with the knight bus conductor and shrunken head. The head was hilarious! They recognised my accent and asked where we were from. I said Birmingham and he said, "oh we don't tend to go through there. Last time we did we got our hub caps stolen! However at least your not from Leicester!" He then continued to say how crazy it was that people travelled for hours to get to London from Florida when it was right here. He was a laugh and we had a good like 5 minute conversation. There was no one else around so I really enjoyed the attention. And then we got a photo!



Anyway... back into the alley. We decided to go on Gringotts as it had a 10 minute wait... or at least thats what the sign said.



Hi animatronic goblins. Working hard I hope



The chandeliers in his area are really something else.



Well it turned out the queue was 0 minutes... basically a walk on which was great!

Coming up... lots of Harry Potter photos! (I'm not kidding a whole post of them)

 

[BagOLaughs]

Day 2 - a whole load of Harry Potter photos (I'm not joking)

After Gringotts we decided to have a good ol' explore about Diagon alley. Firstly we entered Knock turn alley and popped into Burgon and Burkes. The details in this shop were pretty sweet. Cursed necklace... I recognise you.



A full sized vanishing cabinet and when you go close you can hear a song bird. Little details like that are just the best!



Outside the shop there was a projector with lots of "full" skeletons around it.



Anyone require an undertaker? (and an exit sign?)



Then we ventured into Weasley's Wizard Wheezes. Beware the following photos are VERY COLOURFUL!



This shop is crazy! And bright. I love the Umbridge on the string that cycles across the room. I thought I got it in the photo below but I'm guessing I didn't.



Who doesn't like a bit of infections confectionery?



Chocolate frogs yey! I would like to buy one of these but $12 for a piece of chocolate is a bit ridiculous especially seeing as I work in a chocolate factory. I really don't need to pay that much no have the cravings for it. lol



I love the pictures on top of the U No Poo haha.



And with that we left Universal Studios as it was closing time. All in all we had a fantastic 1st day even though it rained for most of it. When we got back to the hotel we popped into the bay liner diner for some dinner. We both had burgers but sorry I forgot to take photos. They were made freshly in front of use and the flavours were really good. Also the crinkle fries are a really nice touch. Before we got our food I did notice that they'd just got a new design for the resort mugs and it was Halloween! I really really wanted one so I was a bit naughty.

As you know I'd literally only just picked up my resort mug that morning so I lied and said I'd lost my other cup. The check out attendant was really nice and said if I bought another cup over she'd activate it for me. I know, I know you can roll your eyes at me all you want but really universal isn't going to stress over one plastic mug. I didn't use my other one again so I wasn't stealing soda either.

But look at this design... its so cool!



And with that it was off to bed!!

Coming up - A day in Disney. Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios!