2 Castles, 2 Send out 2011 & Ring in 2012...12 Days of Christmas

[momabaarjo]

I promised Boo that if he would get the HP series finished and get to the highest point level for reading in school...I would take him to

Yep, that is a ticket for the opening 12:01 am showing of HP and the Deathly Hollows Part 2! It is either going to be a really late night on Thursday July 14 or a very early morning on July 15!

He is so excited (and I am too)! I bought Ab a ticket too, but we are not sure when she is leaving for St. Louis on a church youth group trip yet so she may not be able to go. She was my first HP fan, but Hunger Games swayed her. If she can't go, I guess we will drag dh along and beg MIL to keep Goo overnight!

Ab and Boo are already planning a preparty...Dinner & a Movie Night for the night before to rewatch Deathly Hollows 1. They have come up with some pretty good ideas!

 

[Becc1]

How exciting, you will love the midnight showing! Christian and I have done it the past few films and are doing it again for the final one. I still haven't gotten the tickets yet though because we are going to be on vacation and the Imax theater that we are seeing it at doesn't have the tickets on sale yet I may have to copy your idea and do a theme night for HP!

 

[annmarieda]

i had to bring some home for my kids when i was there in may

Glad that my family is not the only ones who really love these things. (not specifically me... I am not much for the sour)

I promised Boo that if he would get the HP series finished and get to the highest point level for reading in school...I would take him to

Yep, that is a ticket for the opening 12:01 am showing of HP and the Deathly Hollows Part 2! It is either going to be a really late night on Thursday July 14 or a very early morning on July 15!

He is so excited (and I am too)! I bought Ab a ticket too, but we are not sure when she is leaving for St. Louis on a church youth group trip yet so she may not be able to go. She was my first HP fan, but Hunger Games swayed her. If she can't go, I guess we will drag dh along and beg MIL to keep Goo overnight!

Ab and Boo are already planning a preparty...Dinner & a Movie Night for the night before to rewatch Deathly Hollows 1. They have come up with some pretty good ideas!

Very nice!!!

 

[mackenziec123]

I noticed your little one eating some Blue Bell ice cream! Only the best! I live in Texas too, though quite far from you! I'm about 30 mins. SE from Houston. Nice to see another Texan on here!

 

[momabaarjo]

I noticed your little one eating some Blue Bell ice cream! Only the best! I live in Texas too, though quite far from you! I'm about 30 mins. SE from Houston. Nice to see another Texan on here!

Gotta love Bluebell....I am a transplant Texan (orginally from Northern Colorado) now here in the Texas Panhandle for almost 20 years...so in just a few years I will have lived longer here than my childhood home (guess I will have to give up being a Coloradoan).


I remember when Bluebell was only something that you could get downstate in Texas. When I first started dating dh he would always have to bring back tubs of Bluebell (homemade vanilla of course) from San Antonio when he would visit his brother there! We had a man elected mayor about 10 years ago that promised his wife he was elected he would get Bluebell in the Panhandle...one of the few campaign promises I have known a politician to keep! Dang the stuff is getting expensive...we usually wait until it is on sale for 3 for $$$...and then stock up. I should buy stock in the company, because this is one Bluebell/ice cream eating family!

Glad to have you on my PTR!

 

[momabaarjo]

How exciting, you will love the midnight showing! Christian and I have done it the past few films and are doing it again for the final one. I still haven't gotten the tickets yet though because we are going to be on vacation and the Imax theater that we are seeing it at doesn't have the tickets on sale yet I may have to copy your idea and do a theme night for HP!

We will have to compare ideas...the kids are coming up with some great food ideas!

 

[momabaarjo]

It is prepackaged candy.. pretty much sold at any place that sells candy. I think it is called Goofy Gummies. They don't seem too special to me. Mickey heads that are gummy and sour. Tricky little things though since at some places we could get them as a snack on the dp and other places wouldn't let us since it is listed as being "family" size and not individual.

Okay, these are now added to my official snack list!

 

[momabaarjo]

Universal Studios:
New York

Looking down 7th Avenue in New York towards RRR

Finnegan’s Irish Pub on 5th Street​

This area needs a lot of help! The entire SW corner looks like it is vacant and run down. It is just mostly film backdrops. I read that if you look at the names painted on the windows of the upper story windows of the offices on 5th avenue you can find some cleaver inside jokes if you know your film industry…guess I need to check and see if I can find them and try to figure out the meanings on our trip!

In this area you can find the live Blue Brother show…we only caught them leaving in that run down white car. From the crowd that as leaving, it must have been a good show.

The following rides/shows are found in New York…but I am not sure why since neither plot has anything to do with New York…


Twister
I am not sure why I do not have any pictures…this show is tucked clear in the back of New York and if you were not looking you might just think there was nothing back here but empty buildings.​

Grade: F

Facts: This is a stand up theater show lasting around 20 minutes.

Personal Experience: Living where there is tornadoes I am not sure what the big draw is to this experience. I did not find the special effects to be realistic or very intense (frankly it was bad)…heck, I have made tornado bottle with my students that were more fun. Will my family experience this…yes I mean come on we are spending money to do everything, but it will be low on the list. I guess this experience was so bad that I did not even bother with a picture.

Revenge of the Mummy​

Grade: B+

Facts: This is an inside roller coaster and is very dark. The ride lasts for about 4 minutes. It is a very smooth ride with some great special effects! If you can handle Space Mountain or Thunder Mountain, this is a piece of cake. I personally do not like SM because of how jerky the ride is! You have to stow all your belongings in a locker before hand...

Tips: The front seats offer the best view, but the far left seats of the back rows offer the most "air." Can you guess where I want to ride?

Personal Experience: The staging/line area and entrance was really well done (although with the express pass we missed a lot of it because we simply walked onto the ride without any wait…love that perk for staying on site). If the lines are not bad, maybe we will try and go through the nonExpress line and see more of the staging. My kids love the Mummy series, I just love Brandon Fraser. I enjoyed the ride, it never felt like to me a roller coaster and well…if you have seen the movie you know there are cockroaches…

 

[annmarieda]

I love how you gave the rides a grade and listed your personal experience! I totally forgot about Twister being a stand up ride/show. I never have been on the mummy ride since it was not quite completed the last (and only) time we went to universal.

 

[shocky5]

We have not been to universal in Florida and I really like your reports! I wish I could bring myself to fit it in somewhere but keep telling myself not this trip, maybe another one in the future??

Your twister comments cracked me up. We actually had a small rotation yesterday - all was okay other than some blown over fences, and no power for 4 hours. One neighbor had a trampoline on their roof...

Anyway - I really enjoy your reportings!!! Can't wait to read your TR from your upcoming Dec. trip!!!

 

[21hearts]

We haven't been to Universal Studios in years (at least 12 years for me and 9 for DH) so I'm loving your reviews. We did manage to do Island of adventures in February before DD1 got sick.

 

[momabaarjo]

Universal Studios:
San Francisco/Amity

Looking from the north tip of the lake back towards New York

I find it interesting of the park designers to put New England and San Francisco together...but you know what it works…in a crazy sense?! This part of the park is very pretty and the set designs are great. Never once did I feel that part of this area needed attention, unlike New York. I really felt like I was in New England…and while I have never been to SF/Fisherman’s Wharf US does a good job of bring the pictures I have seen to life. Most of the time we spent in this area was during and just after one of those huge Orlando summer downpours…this one lasting most of the afternoon! Not wanting to waste anytime, we bought the rain ponchos at a gift shop (yes, I read all the posts about buying ponchos at the dollar store back at home…but why would I want to carry more around Universal and have to stow them in those darn lockers).​

Beetlejuice’s Graveyard Revue​

Sorry NO PICTURES…just passed this one on by last summer.​

Grade: NONE

Facts & Tips: This is a 20 minute show that is best for teens and preteens (probably not something I would take younger children from what I have read). The show is a little raunchy, most will go over little ones heads, but be aware of the innuendos from what I have read. Remembering the movie, I can understand. There supposedly is no bad seat in the house and it is first come, first served seating.

Personal Experience/Thoughts: We heard some of the show as we passed by, nothing that would draw us in and take us away from our touring plan last summer. My thoughts are, if we have time…maybe, but probably not! I have thought about doing the movie in October as part of our dinner and a movie night, and see if the kids have any interest.

Disaster!

Grade: C

Facts & Tips: You get a 25 minute show and a 3 minute ride at this attraction. There is lots of audience involvement as members of the audience are picked to play parts in show that shows how special effects are done in the studio. Then the special effects from the show are included in the ride. In the ride part of the attraction, you should avoid first 2 rows of any section of the train and aim to be the middle rows for best viewing of the special effects video. There is a possibility of getting wet on the right side of the train, but this side also gives the best views of flood. The best views of the wreck are from the left side. So I guess, aim for seats in the middle to see both sides.

Personal Experience: I thought it was neat how to find out how special effect are done, but if you watch any weatherman or things about blue/green screens you know most of the secrets. The people that were chosen in our group really were not into the acting and the whole experience was not as fun as participants who would have really gotten into the act. I plan to get in the front, because I know Boo would totally love to be one of the participants and have fun with it.

Jaws

Just a little clowning around in the rain! My assistant principal, Pam, who was my trip partner donned in our USO rain ponchos that we had to buy!

Yes, I know you can’t take pictures on the ride. But I snuck one at the beginning…the sets really make you feel like you are in New England!​

Grade: D

Facts & Tips: This is a scripted 5 minute boat ride, much like Jungle Cruise (although not funny, trying for scare factor which did not happen). Express pass is available for this ride. You may want to try and experience this ride in the evening for more WOW factor and more fire special effects are turned on (might have to use this tip myself because of the rain storm we did not get to ride Jaws on the first day, but park hopped the second day and got to ride. Try to sit on the outside, either side (left side more thrills)…best seat far left 5th row.

Personal Experience: I ended up in the best seat on the boat. I hate that you can’t take pictures! You know Jaws is going to make an appearance and jump out, I don’t think that the ride design is done well enough to hide when he is coming. But if you were not looking for him, maybe he would take you by surprise and you would get that WOW/SURPRISE factor…I didn’t and that was a disappointment. I can say I rode it. It says it is a wet ride, and yes the seats are a bit wet…but I would not consider a few splashes as a wet ride. As for the star himself, Bruce is starting to show his age (wasn’t this movie almost 40 years ago…man I am starting to show my age if I know that). You would think that USO could make a much better model these days. No, this movie will not be on movie night list with the kids…still I think they will enjoy it not a hard story line to follow.

Fear Factor Live​

Again, no pictures…so unlike me not to take a picture of everything…I am going to blame it on the rain!​

Grade: NONE

Facts & Tips: This is a 30 minute show, where the TV show comes to life (are they even reruns of this show anymore?) If you remember the show, then you know that is about contestants competing in stunts. You can be a contestant, but if you want to be picked you should be young, good looking, and in good shape…okay I am none of these so I guess we will skip it. This show is done “seasonally” or in US terms when there is peak park attendance.

Personal Experience: Either we entirely decided to skip this or there was no show going on when we were touring…I doubt we will waste our time on this. How long ago was this show even cancelled? Maybe the boys (including Jeff) will want to stop, we will have to see.

 

[Becc1]

Jaws

Just a little clowning around in the rain! My assistant principal, Pam, who was my trip partner donned in our USO rain ponchos that we had to buy!

Yes, I know you can’t take pictures on the ride. But I snuck one at the beginning…the sets really make you feel like you are in New England!​

Grade: D

Facts & Tips: This is a scripted 5 minute boat ride, much like Jungle Cruise (although not funny, trying for scare factor which did not happen). Express pass is available for this ride. You may want to try and experience this ride in the evening for more WOW factor and more fire special effects are turned on (might have to use this tip myself because of the rain storm we did not get to ride Jaws on the first day, but park hopped the second day and got to ride. Try to sit on the outside, either side (left side more thrills)…best seat far left 5th row.

Personal Experience: I ended up in the best seat on the boat. I hate that you can’t take pictures! You know Jaws is going to make an appearance and jump out, I don’t think that the ride design is done well enough to hide when he is coming. But if you were not looking for him, maybe he would take you by surprise and you would get that WOW/SURPRISE factor…I didn’t and that was a disappointment. I can say I rode it. It says it is a wet ride, and yes the seats are a bit wet…but I would not consider a few splashes as a wet ride. As for the star himself, Bruce is starting to show his age (wasn’t this movie almost 40 years ago…man I am starting to show my age if I know that). You would think that USO could make a much better model these days. No, this movie will not be on movie night list with the kids…still I think they will enjoy it not a hard story line to follow.



​

​

What no Jaws movie night? I'm disappointed in you

Just kidding, we have a framed Jaws movie poster in our little "theater room" in the basement and the kids always tell me that there is no way they are watching that shark movie!​

 

[lovethattink]

I will need to go back and catch up on reading. I have been without internet access. I love your review of Universal attractions. We got annual passes in March and haven't made it out of the Seuess area with Anakin.

 

[momabaarjo]

I will need to go back and catch up on reading. I have been without internet access. I love your review of Universal attractions. We got annual passes in March and haven't made it out of the Seuess area with Anakin.

Thanks...I enjoying sharing my thoughts and pictures. Although, I did not do too well on the pictures last summer on my "working" vacation. My travel partner, Pam (who is also my assistant prinicipal), was not to thrilled with my taking picture every 2 steps I took...so by the end of the first day I kinda stopped taking pictures. But you can rest assured my TR from this trip will be HEAVY with pictures.

 

[momabaarjo]

What no Jaws movie night? I'm disappointed in you

Just kidding, we have a framed Jaws movie poster in our little "theater room" in the basement and the kids always tell me that there is no way they are watching that shark movie!

Sorry, no Jaws night I will let you have all the glory with this one. I don't think I have ever seen the entire movie...know the soundtrack by heart and remember having issues even being in the swimming pool!

Want to take a guess as to what movie night is tonight from this clue? I FINALLY get to decorate (or Goo does atleast) like you do for yours!

 

[Becc1]

Can't wait t hear all about it

The kids have been missing our nights so we're doing double this week, Lilo and Stitch and Cars 2!

 

[lovethattink]

But you can rest assured my TR from this trip will be HEAVY with pictures.

Looking forward to them!

 

[momabaarjo]

Dinner & a Movie Night:
CARS
June 18, 2011

Goo is so excited for June 24, a date we have had marked on our calendar since the beginning of 2011…the day CARS 2 is released. He proudly calls himself Lightning McQueen’s #1 Fan. I must admit when this movie came out, we did not go see it (of course that was preGoo). I am not sure why, we just had no real big interest in it at the time, which is weird because we had Boo and dh is a big classic car type of guy and we live 9 blocks away from the iconic Route 66. We have made up not seeing the move when it came out, however!!!! Goo is currently on DVD number 3! We spend a lot of time traveling back and forth to Colorado to see my family as well as countless trips to our cabin in New Mexico…a couple of summers ago that was the only movie that Goo would watch…by the end of that summer we could all recite the entire movie along with the characters!

This was a fun movie night to do! I could actually decorate like everyone else because I think Goo has every CARS toy ever made! With Ab and Boo, I really did not get into any cartoonish characters… I just don’t like clothes with characters on them…I know you think I am crazy! Things changed with CARS…but only CARS (and a few Tink things when Ab was little).​

Menu:

Grilled Lightyear Tires (hamburgers) & Casa De La Tire Special (onion rings stacked)

Mater Dip Sticks with Rustees Bumper Ointment (Veggies & Dip)

Fillmore’s V8 Organic Oil (V8 V fusion)

Lightning McQueen & Mater Cupcakes

Asphalt Sundaes (vanilla ice cream, chocolate sauce, and crushed Oreos)

Activities:

Played Mater Tall Tales & Mater Nationals on the Wii

Made Cars Pixos (Found this kit on Wal-Mart clearance for $2.50)

Balloon Car Races

​

 

[Becc1]

You made my cupcakes! Ok not my cupcakes but I will be making them this week for our Cars 2 night! They came out great, great night overall. I need to come up with an activity so I may steal a couple ideas from you