A Disney Trip of a Lifetime... A trip to TDR, WDW, UOR, SWO, DLR - COMPLETED 12 March

[RachelleBeaney]

Monday was a lovely rest day. Natalie and I got 75 minute Swedish massages to help recuperate from all the theme parking. That night we went to our favorite mini golf place, Lost Cove which is themed to a pirate island with lovely waterways and tropical plants. We had a great couple of games (though it was muggy and humid – it kind of helped the tropical theme) and we all got 2 or 3 holes in one each except poor Jared who got none. Due to the fact that we had, between us, amassed 7 holes in one and the three of the holes we managed them on were inside the ‘treasure chest’ that can be opened at the end of the game, we wont three free games! We therefore knew we had to come back and play again (poor Jared was told he had to pay the fourth game as he was the one who didn't get a hole in one!).

By Tuesday we were well rested and ready to start our three days at Universal Orlando. I’d bought a Photo Connect Star Card, which is kind of like having a Photopass Plus as it allows you to download free copies of all your photos taken by photographers in the park as well as your ride photos. It only costs $50 so I think it’s a bargain, though of course, Universal doesn't have anywhere near as many photographers around as Disney. I was a little disappointed to find no one around at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, however, thanks to some kind cast members we were able to get a few photos of the four of us. The website for downloading these pictures is so much easier to use than Disney’s PhotoPass site though! And they have plenty of awesome borders to use. These were our first photos in front of the Universal world ball (though of course the four of us block it somewhat!)





Here it is unimpeded by the four of us!



The boppy music playing when you enter the resort and Citywalk always puts a smile on my face and this happiness always increases when I see the Universal ball and gates. It makes me think of fun. Where as being at Disney makes me think of wonder and magic. So I get excited for different reasons when I’m at each park.





We had fun finding more Universal photographers inside Universal Studios Park This next one if Jared and I pumped to tour Universal Studios.



I should mention here that we had bought Universal’s VIP Tickets which give you unlimited Express Pass access to all participating attractions (which is all of them bar Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey and Pteranodon Flyers). This meant it didn’t really matter what order we saw each attraction in as we could basically walk straight onto all of them! You get the same perk when buying regular park to park tickets and staying on property (though I believe the new reasonably priced Cabana Bay will not offer this perk).

Our first attraction of the day was Despicable Me – Minion Mayhem.







I have to say I never rode the Minion’s predecessor, Jimmy Neutron’s Nicktoon Blast, so I can’t comment on if this ride is different or better than that, though on the other hand I never felt the need to try the other ride, while I had to try this one because of it’s theme. Though the simulator technology of this ride doesn't really hold a candle to something like the Simpson’s Ride (a lot of the time it felt like you were slightly underneath the track in the picture for example) I really enjoyed this ride. I like Despicable Me, in fact I watched it simply because I knew we’d be going to Universal and I wanted to see what the ride was all about, so I think that made the ride more enjoyable. I love the premise that you are turned into a minion while on the ride and accidentally switched back after. The ride is so cute and fun and regardless of how well the simulator is you can’t help enjoy it!

After Minion Mayhem Natalie, Ashley and Jared all went to ride the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit coaster. I had decided, after my first go on it in 2011, that I wasn't brave enough to ride again so I stayed back to take photos.





This is what I couldn’t do again. The vertical chain lift without an over-the-shoulder harness!









I know it seems like I've just shown you a million photos but trust me, there were a lot more. What else was I going to do while I waited! I did have a brief chat with some other Aussies who were on their first trip to Universal so that killed some time and was very enjoyable (sometimes in when we are in the US I just crave to hear an Aussie accent!)

We saw this guy on our way to our next stop



We went on Transformers next. I love this ride, though perhaps not quiet as much as Spiderman (I love the use of tangible sets in Spiderman and the part of the ride where you feel like your going up 30 stories when you never actual left the ground) but Transformers is technically more impressive. I do enjoy how much more you can see and experience when you move about in a simulated environment on a screen and Transformers does the transition from that back to the ride track so seamlessly! These types of rides are without a doubt my favorite ride genre. Don’t get me wrong, I love a good coaster (especially a well themed one) and I love dark rides and the clever effects used in them but there is only so much you can do with that kind of environment. On the flip side, it’s great to see a bit of reality in a ride that helps sell the movie portion even more which is why I love these hybrid rides. You’re in the action far more than when you passively watch it, like in something like the Haunted Mansion or Pirates. Either way, while I love the classic dark rides I feel more excitement and immersion in a ride like Transformers.

Unfortunately Natalie and Ashley did not agree with me on this one (well they are both apparently more interested in roller coaster’s than anything else!) I think part of it stemmed form Nat’s slight motion sickness so that is understandable but I couldn't get how they didn't enjoy Transformers more.





After Transformers we saw Optimus Prime was doing his meet and greet next to the ride so we meet him



Ashley was super excited to point him out





After meeting Optimus we rode the Mummy. I love this coaster (tip – sit in the back row it is faster and you get a lot more air time!). It always has the ability to freak me out and I never like to sit in an edge seat! All in all it’s great fun!









At this point we’d done most of our before lunch stuff and still had about an hour to kill until lunch. Jared and I wanted to re-ride Transformers and Nat and Ash weren't that keen so we decided to split up so they could do what they wanted and we could do what we wanted.

Continued in next post...

 

[WanderlustNZ]

Thanks for alerting us to this TR over on the Aussie boards. I have subscribed and have a lot of catching up to do. I have only read the first post so far as it looks like a TR worth saving for a quiet moment curled up on the couch with a cuppa.

3 Disney's in one trip! What an exciting holiday you had!

 

[RachelleBeaney]

Before lunch Jared and I rode Transformers and Revenge of the Mummy again. On our ride on the Mummy we had one of those moments that, thanks to a committed and dedicated cast member that made the ride so much more memorable. We were ushered to our row by a very creepy looking attendant who simply stared blankly and pointed with his fingers indicating the number of the row. I had my back turned to the area behind me while waiting for the ride vehicle while Jared was facing me as we chatted. The creepy attendant came up right behind me and stood inches from my back. I had no clue he was there until Jared said “Rachelle, behind you”. Not expecting someone to be there, when I turned around and saw him I elicited a scream of terror that made everyone around, myself included, laugh and we were all sufficiently put in the mood for the ride! When a ride attendant truly commits to the act they are portraying as part of that ride’s theme it makes the experience so much better!

We had the back row of the ride again and I got so much airtime. I swear at one point I was almost standing up from the speed of the coaster over the hills!

We decided to have fun with out ride photo and show our best imitation of my face when the ride attendant startled me! A lovely photo attendant, upon viewing our photo, decided to display our wonderful poses separately from the ride shot and this was the result:



On our way to lunch we got some nice pictures of the New York area of the park which had been unimpressive to me on our last trip however seemed nicer this time around?







Next we spied this beauty and my excitement about our next planned trip in 2015 grew! Yes it is the Hogwarts express soon to make daily runs between the Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Hogsmeade and the new Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Diagon Alley.



Given that the original WWOHP is my favorite themed area of any park anywhere in the world (yes I am a huge Harry Potter fan so that probably contributes) I was so excited to see how the new area (Diagon Alley) was progressing!

I took lots of construction pictures, not much detailing had occurred at that point, but even still it looked amazing!









It’s enormity really struck me. I realise the aim of the London façade is to hide Diagon Alley skilfully so you don’t know it’s there, as it is hidden in the books. Even still I didn't imagine it would be so large and impressive, even while in construction!

We finally made it to lunch, a little later than planned, and found Natalie and Ashley waiting.

Lunch was at this wonderful restaurant



Lombards! I love the food at this place, always fresh and filling. Compared to Disney, Universal’s dining choices are somewhat lacking but we have always found Lombards at Universal Studios and Mythos at Islands of Adventure excellent restaurants.

A maraschino cherry atop everyone’s drink inspired one of the most weird and memorable conversations of the trip about the origin and make up of a maraschino cherry. I wonder if that’s a sad comment on the content our usual discussions! Turns our that these cherry’s were first created to provide a supply of cherry’s all year around and grew very popular during prohibition as an accompaniment for various cocktails. They are created by bleaching a regular cherry of pretty much everything that makes it a cherry and adding chemicals, colors and flavors! Needless to say even if I had enjoyed maraschino cherry’s before this conversation I definitely didn't now and while I was distracted finding all I could about these cherry’s (thank you google) my sneaky sister was depositing everyone else’s into my drink!

On our way to Men in Black Alien Attack we passed the construction walls of the new WWOHP area lined with posters of Universal’s big movies arranged by year of release from oldest to newest. When we came across a poster of the Grinch movie I couldn't resist getting Natalie to pose along with her Christmas idol (in all fairness to her grinchy side she did very well hosting Christmas at her house this year and may have even enjoyed some of the magical Christmas moments we shared at Disney!)



But isn't this just the most hilarious and adorable picture! I think it’s my second favorite of her after her ears of shame portrait!

It was now time to defend the galaxy from evil aliens in Men in Black Alien Attack







This is definitely my favorite laser shooting dark ride anywhere (not counting Tokyo’s Monsters Inc Ride and Go Seek – that was, I have to admit, better – so perhaps by best anywhere I mean in the US parks!). Of course my new favorite ‘game’ ride is Toy Story but of the laser shooter rides this one wins hands down (sorry Buzz!). Our first round went fairly well. I ended up with a score of 49 000, Natalie just beach me with a score of 53 000 and Jared beat everyone with a scare of 145 000. Ashley would not tell anyone what his score was so I assume it was bad. But in all fairness to him, he was seated (when facing the front of the vehicle) in the last row on the right. When I got that same seat when Jared and I rode again I got an abysmal score, mainly because I always seemed to be shooting over someone (the person in front or next to me) to reach the aliens!



I do love the view from Men in Black – Very Pretty



After Men in Black we walked next door to the Simpson’s Ride and I got my first peek into the new Springfield area.



















Continued in next post...

 

[RachelleBeaney]

I love the Simpson’s Ride and its tongue in check bashing of Pirates of the Caribbean, Shamu, It’s a Small World, Mr Toad’s Wild Ride and theme parks in general. It always elicts a laugh (don’t you know you must exit through the gift shop!) I was concerned at this point how Natalie would handle it motion wise. Apparently she did ok on this one, her real problem seemed to be with the 3D rides (though Soarin’ isn't one but she was ill that day!).

The Springfield area was great too! I remember the World Expo area that was there before being kind of bland and concrete, and now the whole place is full of colors, fun and immersion into the world of the Simpson’s. It was a really clever thing for Universal to do!

While touring the Simpson’s area Jared and I decided to have a go on the Simpson’s couch







They were fun and silly photos that will make great additions to the photobook I one day plan to make! It’s interesting really because neither Jared nor I are huge fans of the Simpson’s (Jared watch it a lot more when he was younger and I have watched in very sporadically and usually when I do it seems to be an episode I've already seen – why is that?), but we both enjoyed the area a lot! I guess it’s because we appreciate immersive themeing that takes you to another world, whether it be a more abstract place like the future, fantasy or the past or an actual peak into a story world!

After Springfield we made our way to ET the Ride. I think this is one of the most underrated rides around and absolutely love it! Sure it’s and a little worse for wear but it’s also well done and so cute. The ride system, which has you flying over the show scenes, is genius and totally makes for a more immersive ride, in the same way Peter Pan’s Flight is so much more enjoyable as you truly feel you are viewing the scenes from a flying ship. ET has a very similar scene to Peter Pan where you fly over a city in California and into the stars, while you see the image of the famous "bike across the moon silhouette" across a full moon. ET’s home planet is fun and colorful even if the animatronics aren't great and the forest you take off from has a wonderful forest smell and sense of damp coldness that really makes you feel like you are in a forest in California somewhere. And the end where ET says farewell to you by name is so cute!



After ET we decided to split up to re-do favorites again. Jared and I had an appointment to take ourselves “back, to the future!”. Before ET we spied Doc Brown, a character from Jared’s favorite movies of all time, Back to the Future, posing for pictures besides the Delorian from the movies that is on permanent display at the park. We wanted a picture with him but he was just leaving, however, he told us he’d be back in half an hour. Dutifully we waited and managed to get a few pictures of him and us with the car (oh and the train from the movies also!).

I think this was me commanding the car to take me “back, to the future”









Doc was great! Though he didn't look too much like Christopher Lloyd (who played the character in the films) he had Doc’s candid and whimsical express down and with his futuristic sunglasses covering his eyes he was a dead ringer for the famous white haired scientist!







Jared really enjoyed his meet with his favorite crazy inventor!



Jared and I had another go on Transformers (our third ride of the day) and felt our Express Passes were finally paying off, as there was a long wait by this point in the day and we once again walked straight on (after a slightly awkward conversation with one of the cast members who told he had been told to not chat with Aussies about shrimp on the barbie as it was an awful clique – which it is, but still a weird conversation to have while waiting for a ride!). I just love the giant Optimus Prime on top of the ride building! He’s so cool!









Bumblebee was ‘rolling’ next (is that the expression – Bumblebee – let’s roll!) so we met with him





After our meeting with Bumblebee we had another go being minionised:



We had time until our dinner at Finnegan’s at 5 and we were a bit rided out at this stage so we did some shopping (I got the cutest minion nightshirt with a picture of a minion with a clipboard concentrating and the caption ‘don’t bother me – I’m making plans’ – It’s so me!) Then I did all my Wizarding World of Harry Potter shopping for friends and family who appreciated Harry Potter (don’t tell them though, if they ask, the stuff came from the actual Wizarding World of Harry Potter!). We still had time after shopping and my feet were so sore so we decided to watch Sherk 4D. It’s a fun show but nothing wonderful but I got to sit for a while so I was happy. Dinner was at Finnegan’s and we had to eat quick as the park, originally closing at 7, was closing early at 6 due to a private event. The food was not wonderful, perhaps I ordered the wrong thing, so there was no real need to make it last.

And that concludes our first day at Universal!

Continued in next post..

 

[RachelleBeaney]

Thanks for alerting us to this TR over on the Aussie boards. I have subscribed and have a lot of catching up to do. I have only read the first post so far as it looks like a TR worth saving for a quiet moment curled up on the couch with a cuppa.

3 Disney's in one trip! What an exciting holiday you had!

No problem! I wanted to make sure my fellow Aussie Disney lovers had a chance to give it a read .. I had to think for a while about how I was going to go about posting this report as it covers so many thread categories here on the DIS and got some advice from the moderaters who told me to post it in Disney trip reports because they get the most traffic and then post links in all the other appropriate places .. Thanks for ur feedback, I hope it's a good read .. Certainly a cuppa will make it just that bit more enjoyable! Happy reading

 

[RachelleBeaney]

It was finally actual birthday day! I was really excited to be going to one of my favorite places on earth on my birthday – the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. When we arrived for early entry to WWOHP and went to scan our tickets the cast member on the gate asked how I was going. I responded ‘great, it’s my birthday’ to which she replied with a jubilant ‘whoop whoop – it’s your birthday’ song and dance which I joined in with. After that she gave me a birthday button which read “Happy Birthday Rachelle”.

So the morning was off to a great start. I got excited again when seeing this familiar landmark



We wasted a little time getting to the WWOHP taking some photos of the other areas on the way which I’ll show you later as I write about touring that area. For now, let’s focus on our first stop of the day.

The WWOHP is one of those places that just completely convinces me that I’ve walked into a storybook land. As big a fan as I am of the books (I really don’t like the movies that much) I think I could love this place even if I’d never read one. Though having such an affinity for the Harry Potter books (I read them at least 4 times a year usually when I've run out of any new books bought for me to read – I read a lot!) is helpful when you are viewing all the little details put into this wonderful land. My favorite of these small details is good ol’ Moaning Myrtle in the toilets! On our way in we stopped for a few shots under the gate to Hogsmeade, ‘Muggles welcome’.



Look at how deserted it was on an early Wednesday morning. I got some great photos! After our first trip in early 2011 (crowds were still pretty crazy at that point even first thing in the morning) I never imagined I’d see the area like this!















Our first stop, of course, was The Forbidden Journey ride. Though I still can’t pick a favorite out of this ride, Transformers and Spiderman (I love them all) this ride is always the most anticipated of the three! I love the story and characters and being able to enter their world and experience its wonder is so much fun. I do think that parts of the ride are a little jarring and so it doesn't take you to that world as well as the ride systems used in Spiderman and Transformers however, for me, this ride is pure magic! There had been a few changes to some of the scenes since my last ride which included the flu powder ‘tunnel’ at the beginning of the ride (it used to look like a brick chimney and now just looks like floating green ephemera) and the dementor ‘soul sucking’ projection mist, which used to show your faces but now just shows skulls, though of course it could have been broken). At one point during the ride I felt something fall over my legs and discovered when I exited the ride that it had been my birthday button! Oh well, at least now a sign exists that proves I was at the WWOHP on my birthday and it will remain on the floor of the Forbidden Journey forever (or at least until someone comes to sweep up!). Next time I will remember to put the badge in my pocked or keep it in a locker to avoid a similar catastrophe!

Once again I was disappointed to see Natalie and Ashley didn't seem that excited by this attraction (I have decided that they have bad taste in attractions!). Sure they aren't Harry Potter fans but even still how could they not enjoy such an indepth, immersive, technological marvel. The answer is pretty much that they both seem to enjoy fast coasters and anything not as fast as a fast coaster, no matter how well themed or how immersive, will never be that exciting for them. They really seem to be more suited to visiting iron amusement parks than theme parks. Now that I know that and they know that I don’t think they will be Disney or Universal’s frequent visitors. Basically it comes down to taste, and everyone is entitled to their opinion, though I don’t think Nat and Ash respected how much effort and work and technology goes into to something like the Forbidden Journey or the whole WWOHP in general. Check out their faces in the ride photo below! They look bored! I didn’t care though as I enjoyed the ride thoroughly.









After two rides on the Forbidden Journey we made our way back into Hogsmeade. Oh, a warning to anyone who thinks they can ride the Forbidden Journey twice and use the same locker, don’t risk it! Even though the wait for the ride was only around 10 minutes this time of morning and the free locked period about 45 minutes we found ourselves being asked to pay $3 after the second ride as we had not opened our locker inside the free window. Now we would have happily paid the $3 (well maybe not happily but we would have paid it) except everyone’s wallets were inside the locker! We had to get a cast member to help us get them out! Jared thought after the cast member opened our lockers that perhaps we wouldn't have to pay but we were instructed to go back in and pay the $3 owed! Oh well, lesson learned and whenever Jared and I rode this ride again over the next two days we always obtained a new locker after each ride.











We headed over to Dragon’s Challenge next. I love this coaster though it’s probably one of the most intense one’s I've ever been on. I was a little disappointed when I discovered that only the blue side of the coaster would be operating that day as riding each side is completely different. We rode the blue side twice before I remembered I had much preferred the red side as it wasn't as intense! The G forces working on you in this ride are insane. I swear my cheeks were doing that thing where they ripple as the coaster got to it’s top speed.









After Dragon’s challenge we looked around Hogsmeade a little. I also bought some butterbeer for everyone to try. I ended up buying some fudge from Honeyduke’s also and with the sweetness of the butterbeer I could barely eat a quarter of it! The taste of butterbeer is great, I’d kind of describe it as a butterscotch flavored creaming soda, however the sickly sweet foam they put on the top is way too much for me. The first time we visited the WWOHP in 2011 I asked for them to make my second cup of the stuff without the foam and was informed that they couldn't because it was a signature trademarked drink and had to be made exactly to the recipe! How ridiculous is that! Either way, it’s very scrummy but definitely gives you a sugar coma!



After making our purchases we found a lovely cast member who we asked to get a photo of the four of us in this most magic place on earth (sorry Magic Kingdom but it is!). Jared and I also got a photo.





Continued in next post...

 

[RachelleBeaney]

After getting our morning fill of Harry we headed over to Marvel Super Hero Island We made our way towards the Incredible Hulk Coaster first. Around about this point I pointed out to Jared how disappointed I was about losing my birthday badge on the Forbidden Journey, so my wonderful husband agreed to go and find me a new one, missing a ride on the coaster. He said he wasn't really in the mood for a big coaster but I think he was just trying to make sure I was happy on my birthday! Though I received many wonderful Happy Birthdays at Walt Disney World I really wanted to have that happen on my actual birthday and the chances of that without a birthday badge were slim. A little silly, but I would never again get the chance have so many well wishers on my birthday and I wanted to take advantage of it!

Natalie, Ashley and I rode the Incredible Hulk Coaster without Jared and he snapped these pictures of it! If you look really closely at the second to last row you may spot some familiar faces!









After we got off the coaster we found Jared waiting with this. The cast members hadn't been able to find a birthday button so I got an Im celebrating one with Happy Birthday written on it! I was so thankful to Jared!



We then decided to ride again with Jared this time.



Dr Dooms Fearfall was next. This ride is fun, though for me the scariest part is the waiting for the first catapult. If you've never ridden before the ride catapults you into the air before dropping you and performers multiple smaller catapults and drops after. The first catapult is the only one that really makes your stomach go though and afterwards its a little relaxing! Its also not too high, but it gives you a great view over towards Universal Studios Park.





Next we went on Spiderman. Natalie and Ashley rode with us once and then left to go off and do their own thing until lunch. Jared and I relished riding Spidy a few times (walking straight on each time). As I mentioned before, this ride is one of my favorites and Jared and I both love the music, sets, effects and everything about it. Its less realistic than Transformers but since you are in a comic book world it really doesn't need to be. Also the music is awesome, it keep you pumped up the whole ride! As I said I could do these kinds of rides over and over and over again and I believe we did. We rode Harry and Spidy 5 times a piece and Transformers 3 times over the course of our time at Universal!

We also got some shots around Marvel Super Hero Island



This Iron Man figure in one of the shop windows was very cool



Its so strange to me to see all these Marvel characters in their original comic book incarnations. Im not a fan of comic books but loving the movies based on them (the was the story is told in a comic book is generally what erks me, not the story itself). Wolverine in blue and yellow is strange to me!





Jared and I decided to head over to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter to kill some time before lunch. When we got there we both decided we weren't in the mood for another ride (wed done so many that morning and hadn't even covered half the park!) so we decided to have a look through the shops. I really wanted a birthday souvenir and found the most wonderful one in the Owl Post shop. Its a woven blanket (almost looks like a tapestry) with the Hogwarts crest on it! Practical and pretty!

We got lots more photos too! I just cant get enough of this place. I even sent Jared into the line of the Dragons Challenge coaster as we hadnt had our camera with us when we rode it before (it was in a locker)!



As you can see it was much busier by this time of the day (around 11am ish)



















While Jared was getting pictures from the Dragons Challenge line he took these shots of the coaster zooming past. Turns out Natalie and Ashley were on that coaster! You can see their legs in the top most row of the second photo.





Continued in next post...

 

[RachelleBeaney]

We had a lunch reservation at Mythos in the Lost Continent. I think the Lost Continent is a beautifully themed area it’s just very underpopulated with interesting attractions. I assume one day something will have to be done about this but for now it’s a great place for a really good lunch. It’s sad such a beautiful part of the park has almost been reduced to a thoroughfare to Harry. These are a few of the pictures we took of the area.

















Lunch at Mythos was wonderful! I had an amazing chicken sandwich that was extremely light and tasty and was covered in a delicious honey and mustard dressing. Jared and Natalie got steak Panini’s and loved those too! The only downside to this wonderful birthday lunch was the service. It wasn't bad at all but it wasn't great and I got not one mention from my server about my birthday, which, after all the fun I’d had with my birthday button at Disney, was a little disappointing on my actual birthday. Oh well, I had definitely had enough birthday muffins to last me a lifetime!







Once we were done with lunch we decided to call it a day. Natalie and Ashley had braved the Jurassic Park ride during the time we separated and felt as though they’d seen the park properly (neither of them wanted to brave the two water rides in Toon Lagoon after we told them how wet you actually get on them, especially Pop-Eye!). I had also started to wilt a little from such long tiring days and the weather, which you may have noticed from my photos, was threatening to pour with rain so we decided it would be best to call it a day. On our way out Natalie took a couple of photos of Jared and I which I love.





We left after lunch and spent a restful afternoon at the hotel, Jared and I went swimming and I even had a short nap. All in all it was a great birthday, even if the whole day wasn't action packed.

Continued in next post...

 

[wiigirl]

Great pics!

 

[RachelleBeaney]

Great pics!

Thanks .. I was very happy with our new camera on this trip

 

[RachelleBeaney]

More updates coming soon - it's been a very busy weekend and I now have three photobook projects going on...

 

[RachelleBeaney]

I don’t really remember much about Thursday. We slept and relaxed and watch TV and movies. I think Nat and Ash went shopping while Jared and I lounged around (we had no more shopping to do), but I have no notes from Day 21 so that must mean we didn't do anything worth noting!

On Friday Jared and I were good and ready to enjoy a full day at both Universal Studios Park and Islands of Adventure. While Natalie and Ashley had tickets for that day as well they appeared to be ‘theme parked out’ so they decided to spend the day shopping again. Once again this is something I can’t wrap my mind around, going somewhere with as many entertainment and attractions as Orlando and spending a whole day shopping! I know some people go on holidays just to shop; I guess I’m not one of those people! Anyway so they could have the car Ashley dropped us at the Universal Orlando Resort just before early opening for the WWOHP.

We decided we should get some Photo connect pictures at the front of IOA before heading in since there was a photographer at the entrance we hadn't seen one the previous day. This time when we outstretched our hand something actually appeared in it!



I don’t know why but I really like this shot









Not sure where the item in our hands got to in these pictures!



After photos we made a beeline for my favorite place at either park. It was even more dessert than the previous day. So much so that I think I have a few photos with no one in them! Here’s a sampling of some of the shots from that morning.













There is literally no one else in the street right now! I had to have a photo!





The details of Hogsmeade are so beautiful. I think I could take photos all day!

















Continued in next post...

 

[RachelleBeaney]

Of course we had to ride the Forbidden Journey again so we did. There was hardly anyone around when we walked up to the castle so we knew we had to take a few pictures. We got some awesome ones with the help of a few wonderful cast members. Oh and a token ‘jumping *** I’m so excited’ shot!











We wanted to ride twice but knew the wait would be far more than the 15 minutes posted when we first went so we decided to do the second ride as single riders. On the first trip to Hogwarts the ride photo camera didn't go off. We noticed as Jared and I had planned to look over at the dragon displayed on the ride photos this time! Since we thought it didn't go off we decided we’d check with the cast member at the photo desk to see if we were wrong and when she couldn't find a picture of us she said, that’s ok, I’ll take you up the exit and you can ride again! We were so excited! No single rider for us! Anyway we got our photo looking at the dragon (well I at least did, I think in his excitement Jared forgot!)



Since we’d organised with Natalie and Ashley to meet us for dinner at Hard Rock Café at about 7pm we knew we had a lot of time and so we decided to take a break at the Three Broomsticks. We had decided not to eat here this trip as the food was beyond awful last time (and had such limited choice) but they were serving breakfast so we thought that might be better. Unfortunately it was not and I can safely say, as beautiful as this place is, don’t eat there! I hope that when the Diagon Alley side of the WWOHP opens this year the Leaky Cauldron offers a better range of food options, that are a little better quality than soggy fish and chips and bland tasting Sheppard’s pie!

It was after this slightly disappointing break we said goodbye to Hogwarts, at least for now. We were determined to come back one more time before we left.



Where were we headed next, why to one of my other favorite areas in all of Islands of Adventure! Yes, welcome to Jurassic Park! (cue the music – do doo do dooo do do doo do dooo do)



I include this photo simply because it took so long to get one with no one else walking past me!



Jared watch out for that T-Rex!





The area could definitely use another attraction (one is rumored to be on its way) but it’s so beautiful – it really is such a great place to wander and relax (other than running into those pesky dinosaurs!) So pretty – the foliage reminds me of Discovery Cove which I think it on of the most beautiful landscaped areas in all of Orlando (but more on that later).





We went for a spin on Jurassic Park River Adventure and for some reason choose the front row!



















It made for great photos but of course we were soaked (I thought I had a ride photo of us about to get soaked but alas it seems to have disappeared). On our way out to Toon Lagoon we saw this really fun photo opportunity! It was a mounted camera (much like a fixed speed camera), you scanned your photo connect card, stood on a spot next to the car and looked scared and this was the final product! I love it!



Continued in next post..

 

[RachelleBeaney]

We wandered into Toon Lagoon next. We ummed and ahhed for a while about whether or not to get wet again (or possibly soaked) by braving the rides here in a Toon Lagoon but it wasn't hugely warm that day and we liked our dry socks so instead we decided to do something even more fitting to a Cartoon land get turned into Cartoons ourselves! Yes, we got a caricature! Id always wondered what on earth possessed people to sit for an hour and allow someone to draw a silly version of themselves but I was suddenly inspired to, after all what land could be more conducive to such an activity! Also we knew we had time to kill before lunch (lots of time) and we wanted to slow down and really enjoy something wed never done before.

Our Caricaturist was so lovely! I guess part of the job is to get to you talking about yourself and your life so they can get a sense of your character and personality for the picture. Our caricaturist picked that I was vibrant and bubbly right away so he found me quiet easy to nail down and draw. Jared, on the other hand, is quiet, especially next to me (bless him!) and so he had to probe a bit more. I gushed for a long time about how wonderful Jared is and how talented a musician he is and all that and I guess the caricaturist picked up on it, as my picture shows me looking all lovey and clearly excited to show the world my wedding ring. Of Jared he gleaned little, other than what I told him, so when I joked that I always tell Jared he has batmans chin I guess he decided to run with it. This was the final product:



Hehehe, see what I mean about batmans chin! I loved it though, it captured us well. Jared, strong and silent and me, crazy and bubbly and completely in love with him!

Anyway it took about an hour to complete the caricature. While we were drawn I learned a little about what it must feel like to be a creature in a zoo. A few people gathered in front of the caricaturist to watch him draw us, all with smiles on their faces. We got many thumbs of from the people watching the display so we figured it had to be good. The whole experience was so much fun and now we have a very unique life long memory of our wonderful time at Universal! And it only cost $40 (so cheap!).

We ambled slowly through Toon Lagoon after our caricature. It is such a fun place to be.























We then made our way back to Marvel Super Hero Island for another few trips on Spiderman. We left happy with how many times wed visited Spidey and sad we wouldn't get to experience that awesomeness for another year and 3 months!



Another trip on the Hulk was called for so we jumped on (we were loving our Express Passes this day as the waits were longer than the previous two days (probably because it was a Friday) and we skipped a number of 40 50 minute waits! I think this was my favorite ride photo from Universal! The two randoms were just as awesome as we were in it!









We had lunch at Confrisco Grill booked for 12:30 and we knew we wanted to hop across to Universal Studios after lunch and so I decided we should take some final shots in Islands of Adventure in case we didnt make it back (we did of course but hey, these photos are nice). I love the view from the Port of Entry part of the lagoon over to Harry and the Lost Continent! So mystical!



Ahh Jurassic Park!



Somehow the castle just doesnt fit within Jurassic Parks tropical paradise, probably the only jarring thematic problem of the whole park though!





I insisted of having a picture of me in front of Islands of Adventure while holding the park map (not sure why, I was probably a little loopy and tired by this point!)





Lunch at Confrisco Grill was great. I had a chicken parmigana pizza! As crazy as it sounds it was quiet delicious! Jared had the fajitas which he enjoyed though they were a little too spicy for my taste. Overall the choice of cuisine at Confrisco was impressively varied and well executed. Not signature dining by any means but good all the same!

Continued in next post...

 

[RachelleBeaney]

After lunch we hopped back to the Studios and it just so happened that just as we were walking between the parks (you know in that part of Citywalk with NO coverings) it begun to pour with rain. Heavy thick rain of the like I have never seen before. Having visited in April/May on our last trip we were slightly unfamiliar with the way it rains in Orlando; thick, heavy and quick, and so instead of trying to wait it out in a sheltered area near IOA we decided to put our poncho’s on and just walk as fast as we could to USF! Of course the bottom of our pants and socks got soaked! Oh well! We had bought a spare pair each day we went theme parking just in case and this was the only day we had to use them! We had plenty of time to change our socks over too as our next stop was Animal Actor’s on location. Such a cute show, though it really made me miss my cats back at home!





















After the show the rain had of course ceased! At least we had somewhere dry to wait it out!

We went to Transformers and Men in Black next. Transformer’s was awesome, as always and Men in Black was great fun! Jared got an amazing score of 339,515! He was doing very well anyway and as he had discovered that if you are the first person in your car to push the red button when Agent J says “push the red button” you get an additional 100,000 points, he managed to make his score even better! I, as previously explained, was in the awful back right seat (when facing the front of the vehicle) and couldn't seem to hit many targets as I was always shooting over someone (there seems to be very little to shoot on the right side of the car!). Anyway, I got an abysmal 39,000 which looked even worse next to Jared’s score!

Jared was certainly concentrating hard!



Next we made our way to the Horror Makeup Show next. I love this show, it’s so funny, witty and irreverent – something only Universal could pull off. I was a little nervous when taking my seat as, due to our Express Passes, we were seated in the front row, and I dreaded being picked as the audience member who has to help out (I’m awfully shy about things like that!). Luckily I wasn't picked but it turns out I would have my share of embarrassment during the show anyway! If you've seen the show then you’ll know that when the co-host of the show makes his grand entrance, he stumbles onto stage with a fake stake in his heart. He always pleads with the audience to help him as he lies ‘dying’ on the stage, and he usually directs most of these pleas at one audience member! Of course, that member was me! He makes a joke out of it, especially when you won’t help (*** you know it’s a gag) and later in the show when he squirted the audience with the corn syrup used as blood in black and white movies he of course directed his ‘vengeance’ at me, suggesting that this was pay back for my not helping a dying man out!

I laughed along with everyone else and was grateful this was the worst I was picked on as the poor audience member who helps demonstrate horror makeup techniques gets it way worse!

Here’s our co-host begging me for assistance in his hour of need, to which I laughed and declined!



Here’s our lovely audience participant having her arm sliced open (don’t worry – it’s a trick blade!)





Here’s where I got soaked with corn syrup for being cold to a dying man! Yes everyone is looking and laughing (so embarrassing!)



A few more of the physical effects used in old horror films. This one is from the original Werewolf in London film where the human face appears to grow and shift into a wolf’s snout. All done with nematic and hydraulics under foam latex prosthetics.

Ahh yes, Steve or Bob or whatever his name is. A vicious mind controlled robot – or is he?



We were done with USF so we bid it a fond farewell, excited to be back in just over a year to see its new Harry Potter land!

And it was back over into IOA. On our way we spotted a photo connect photographer in front of the Hard Rock Café and of course couldn’t say no!





We did some shopping before deciding we would try the Cat in the Hat Ride, which we’d never tried before.

Suess’ Landing is a fun and colorful area, I always enjoy exploring it!













I love that there’s not a straight line in sight!



After riding the Cat in the Hat we were a little sore and worse for wear. It’s a children’s ride, sure, but a violent one, albeit it fun. I had expected a slow moving dark ride and when I discovered it was instead a fastish moving spinning car ride I was quiet surprised! All in all I really enjoyed the ride, it’s a great storybook attraction, but I didn't get a chance to brace my back for it!

Continued in next post...

 

[RachelleBeaney]

We had one final destination before dinner – our favorite place in the entire world!





Yes, Hogwarts and Hogsmeade



I always like to finish our time at Universal at the WWOHP, soaking up all the details one last time before it’s time to leave. Of course we went on the Forbidden Journey one more time and we also took the castle tour to get some photos of the inside of the spectacular queue!

The Hall of Portaits







Some are a bit dark, sorry! Dumbledore’s Office





The Defence Against the Dark Arts Room



Entering the Gryffindor Common Room





Once we were done with these trips through the castle darkness had descended upon the WWOHP. It’s so beautiful at night, though of course our camera doesn't capture it too well. Here are our best shots of our favorite area at dusk.













After Harry it was time to meet Natalie and Ashley for dinner at the Hard Rock Café. I love the Hard Rock; I love the theme, the music, the food (so much choice) and the drinks. It’s just like great pub food here in Australia which is a guilty pleasure of mine! Anyway we had an awesome meal there though I don’t remember any details.

After dinner we said a sad farewell to Universal with these few shots of the Hard Rock and Citywalk







Continued in next post...

 

[jennyst]

Oh wow! Looks like you two had a lot of fun. I cannot wait for my trip.

Thanks for the beautiful pictures!

 

[RachelleBeaney]

Oh wow! Looks like you two had a lot of fun. I cannot wait for my trip.

Thanks for the beautiful pictures!

Thanks for reading! I hope your trip comes around quick

 

[RachelleBeaney]

More updates coming later today

 

[RachelleBeaney]

Today was, by far, one of the best days of our trip! It also helped that Natalie and Ashley had an amazing time today, which was perfect, as it was Natalie’s birthday!

For Natalie’s birthday we’d booked a day at Discovery Cove with a dolphin swim package. Natalie reported she was a little afraid of dolphins, though I think after this experience she has a greater love of them, but I knew she would love the swimming in a tropical paradise with all the other animals at Discovery Cove so I was confident this was a great way to spend her birthday! I also booked a special occasion package through Discovery Cove which was amazing and very good value! It cost a little over $300 but included every photo and video taken of you in the park (your dolphin shots usually come to around $220 if your purchase everything, which you always want to) and a private gazebo which normally costs around $150! So already it had paid for itself and then some, even without all the little extra’s that came with the package, including one amazing birthday surprise for the birthday girl!

Anyway, the whole day was blissfully relaxing and reinvigorating and was so needed. I had had a very bad cold the day before and spent most of the day and night awake and very blocked (I have terrible sinuses anyway and when I get a cold it can be pretty horrific!). My cold had gone by the time we got to Discovery Cove but I was feeling drained and a little blocked still, but the wonderful water just completely washed all that away!

I knew it was going to be a wonderful day from arrival when both Natalie and I were given special birthday lanyards as we checked in! Then we walked through the paradise that is Discovery Cove (if you have never done this park I highly recommend it, even if you don’t want to swim with the dolphins, you can do a day package just to spend time in the reef and tropical pools!)













It is like being on a tropical island for the day, very secluded and completely relaxing!

After check in we made our way to the Guest Relations stand to find out where our gazebo was. Little did I know that our private gazebo came with its own host who attended to our every need all day! Her name was Maddison and she was just wonderful, but more on that later. Anyway Maddison showed us to our gazebo which was situated right next to the Grand Reef. We could walk a few steps from the gazebo onto the sandy beach near the reef and into the water.















Our gazebo was completely beautiful! And such a great place to relax!















Continued in next post...