A Salute to All Orlando Area Theme Parks But Mostly Walt Disney World ***THE END***

[wiigirl]

Great pics!

 

[teekathepony]

I've always wanted to see the Shamu rocks show but have never been there at the right time. It looks awesome! Might YouTube it.
Love the kraken photo! Awesome!
Also love the orca under water viewing area, I could totally stay there and watch that forever.
Erial. *snicker*

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

I enjoyed reading about the rest of your day in Sea World.

Fluffy looks cute! Check out Finn, the shark that my son Nate and I got up close and personal with in Jamaica:





I totally agree with you-the mime at the Sea Lion show is hilarious!

I did the pick-a-pearl at Sea World many, many years ago. It really is cool that divers get the oysters.

How fun that you were there on a night celebrating Halloween!

The Shamu Rocks show looks AWESOME!!! Love the colors and the atmosphere at night.

And finally, I'll leave you with question-

Q: What do you call a pod of musical killer whales?



A: An orca-stra

Thanks Dee.

OMG, wow. That's a SHARK!!! OK, that is seriously cool.

Isn't the mime wonderful?

I actually did the pick a pearl when I was a kid and I still have the pearl in it's original plastic Seaworld baggie.
Now I usually just go and watch.

Shamu Rocks was fantastic and well worth the number of years I spent waiting to see it.

Haha, well these guys were certainly an Orca-stra on that night.

Loved your Kraken photo! What's with the tongues?? The guy on the end apparently doesn't know that he's in the presence of Disney royalty! At least he doesn't seem as excited as you and Kate.

You have some awesome photos of the Shamu Rocks show! Hmmmmm not sure about the starfish gals.... what was their purpose?

Sorry if I already asked this but what kind of camera do you use?

Haha, it was so funny that we both kind of did the same thing as it wasn't planned. It was kind of our Rock n Roller Coaster pose.
That poor guy on the end had never ridden before. We were talking to him before we got on. He was nervous as heck, but once we finally got off, I think he went around and rode again.

Thanks Brenda, it was superb. We both loved it. I think the "Starfish gals" were just part of the Halloween Spook-tacular. Seaworld has some weird costumes to be sure. They really didn't do anything other than say hi to people before the show started.

Actually I don't think you did, and if you did, I don't remember. It's actually nothing more than a Canon Powershot Elph 300HS. I paid about $150 for it. Amazon

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

Great pics!

Thanks very much!

I've always wanted to see the Shamu rocks show but have never been there at the right time. It looks awesome! Might YouTube it.
Love the kraken photo! Awesome!
Also love the orca under water viewing area, I could totally stay there and watch that forever.
Erial. *snicker*

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

It's a really good show Wendy. This was my first chance to see it, and I was really glad I did.

Haha thanks! I was really proud of it.

They are really amazing to watch for sure. I always mistake the white splotches for their eyes though.

Yup Erial. No lawsuits here!

 

[Nancy F]

The title of your post brought a smile to my face. Thank you for that.
Nancy

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

The title of your post brought a smile to my face. Thank you for that.
Nancy

Thank you so much Nancy, I'm so glad. I think I like the Muppets pre show even better than the regular show, and that line ALWAYS cracks me up.

 

[silverhaze269]

It was a lot of fun reading through this TR Can't wait to hear more!

You'll have to excuse me not remembering the exact reference, because I read this a few days ago and didn't have time to comment, but anyway, I love the term "Disney drunk" I'm almost positive you used earlier in this TR. I also think you hit the nail on the head, so to speak, when you said that Disney makes you feel, or is good at making you feel. I think that's the reason a lot of us keep going back and love it so much, and I know it's something that I couldn't place. I just called it the "Disney magic" (not to be confused with the cruise ship ) I may have to borrow those "terms" in future

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

It was a lot of fun reading through this TR Can't wait to hear more!

You'll have to excuse me not remembering the exact reference, because I read this a few days ago and didn't have time to comment, but anyway, I love the term "Disney drunk" I'm almost positive you used earlier in this TR. I also think you hit the nail on the head, so to speak, when you said that Disney makes you feel, or is good at making you feel. I think that's the reason a lot of us keep going back and love it so much, and I know it's something that I couldn't place. I just called it the "Disney magic" (not to be confused with the cruise ship ) I may have to borrow those "terms" in future

Yay, I'm glad to hear that!

Yup, absolutely, Disney Drunk. It's so much better than "regular drunk." It's what makes Disney different than any other place in the world. The best thing is... no hangover. Although Post Disney Depression might be worse.

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

IT’S TIME TO GET OUR SCARE ON!
Day 7 – October 14, 2012 Part 1


Welcome one and all to day 7 of our journey.

This day started a little differently than the others as we decided to leave a little later today in preparation for the very exciting (and hopefully scary) evening ahead.

Since I have a hard time sitting still for long, I decided to use this downtime to walk the “resort” and take some photos.

So now without further ado, I give you Orbit One Vacation Villas.

It was cool to have a "pool view" room.

This would be our unit on top.

Considering I like to drive, having parking right outside the door was wonderful.
All in all we were very happy with our accommodations, especially considering the price.

Staying for 2 weeks, we really appreciated having all the extra space.



CONTINUED NEXT POST​

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

Day 7 – October 14, 2012 Part 1 Cont.


Today’s agenda consisted of a visit to that other theme park resort, Universal, but most importantly, Halloween Horror Nights.

When I was originally planning this trip, my main goal was MNSSHP.
Disney always comes first.

Horror Nights wasn’t even really on my radar.

But to entice K8 further for this trip, I mentioned HHN, since she is a HUGE Halloween fan, as am I.

Well, long story short, and a Walking Dead announcement, I was seriously looking forward to getting my scare on.

Dude, you're in the frame!

After taking the obligatory Universal Globe photos, we walked through the gates and were greeted with this…

It was just a little after noon when we arrived.

My goal before the event started was to just hit the show style attractions, figuring they would have the least amount of wait.

PLUS we had express passes for that night’s event, which included rides.
So there was no point in waiting in a long line now since we could express it later, if we wanted.

It also was an opportunity to get the shows out of the way and done.

I know it’s not a Disney movie, but I really enjoyed Despicable Me

The now mostly open Transformers still under construction.

Since we still had the benefit of light, we decided to grab some daytime HHN related photos.

Poor little Sophia...

I was getting super duper excited.

As we made our way around the park, we stopped and did the “show” type attractions, all of which I had seen before,

Beginning with:

- Shrek 4D -
A movie similar in nature to the ones at Disney. It is really funny.

- Twister -
A cool special effects simulator of a tornado (complete with flying cow).
There are rain and wind effects, so you can get a little wet.
The set piece is the Drive In from the movie, and it is pretty convincing.
Very cool and very impressive.

- Disaster -
Where you watch them film volunteers in front of blue screens which are then inserted into pre-recorded footage.
This part is similar to the pre-show material on the Hollywood Backlot Tour.
The Christopher Walken hologram is wicked though.
Then you file into a subway car and experience an earthquake, again, somewhat similar to the Backlot Tour Catastrophe Canyon.
The completed footage you watch as the subway car resets and it is pretty darn funny.

- E.T Adventure -
Not a show but a dark ride.
I would liken it to Peter Pan in that you soar above as opposed to along a track.
It’s very cute.
K8 remembered riding it from years ago, so was really excited for it.

- Terminator 2: 3D -
Combining 3D, live action, and special effects.
I do think it’s pretty cool, but it’s not a “see every trip” type of thing in my opinion.
I think I’ve seen it enough by now and really only went in because K8 hadn’t seen it.
It is VERY impressive though.

Also on our journey K8 met this guy, who I've met before.

The only other thing we did was the Simpsons.

I’d ridden this a few times, but this was the first that I think I actually really liked it.
Certainly it’s hysterically funny, but I usually don’t get much out of simulators.

This time I did. Go figure.

We made our way around the park one last time, snapping a few photos along the way,

Before heading to the holding area for to wait for the horrific night to begin.



TO BE CONTINUED... ​

 

[teekathepony]

I got into Walking Dead earlier this year and watched every episode in a period of about two weeks, so I had forgotten that the HHN were WD themed! I can not wait to see your pictures of it now that I know what's going on! The note to Sophia on the station wagon was pretty neat.
Aww I love E.T! I'm not a huge fan of much of Universal's offerings, but I really do love that ride.

 

[wiigirl]

Awesome pics!

 

[katt789]

Wait what?!?! The villas you stayed in are like, right beside the hotel I’m staying in next week! Yay! Lol. Also I just looked into the price of those villas and that is awesome! Like, holy crap thats a good price for two bedroom place!

Thanks for the tour!

Ah HHN, it will be something I maybe do in the future, I like being scared, but I also HATE it at the same time, and don't like things popping out at me, I think the last time I was in a haunted house I cried...and that was like, grade 6....

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

I got into Walking Dead earlier this year and watched every episode in a period of about two weeks, so I had forgotten that the HHN were WD themed! I can not wait to see your pictures of it now that I know what's going on! The note to Sophia on the station wagon was pretty neat.
Aww I love E.T! I'm not a huge fan of much of Universal's offerings, but I really do love that ride.

I am a HUGE Walking Dead fan so I was so excited for this. Universal really promoted the heck out of it. In fact, it's rumoured that there will be another WD house this year.
Oh my, the Sophia episode just killed me. KILLED ME!!! But it was a nice prop for the event.

E.T. is definitely a cute ride.

Awesome pics!

Thanks so much!

Wait what?!?! The villas you stayed in are like, right beside the hotel I’m staying in next week! Yay! Lol. Also I just looked into the price of those villas and that is awesome! Like, holy crap thats a good price for two bedroom place!

Thanks for the tour!

Ah HHN, it will be something I maybe do in the future, I like being scared, but I also HATE it at the same time, and don't like things popping out at me, I think the last time I was in a haunted house I cried...and that was like, grade 6....

REALLY!? I know you were gong to stay at one place then changed it. Now I can't remember where you settled on. There's a Quality Inn right next door, but I don't remember you mentioning it, so now I'm curious where you're staying. The Villas drive right across the 192 to Sherberth, so if you're in that area, you're in good shape for the auditions (assuming they're in the normal location).

Yeah, the price was amazing on Expedia. Two bed, two bath, washer/dryer, yeah, definitely a good deal. Up until that trip I didn't even know they were there.

Bahahaha. Yeah I totally get what you mean. HHN is A LOT of things popping out. Funny though that I usually HATE that, but at this I was loving it for some reason. Maybe it's just in movies that I really hate it.

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

IT'S TIME TO GET OUR SCARE ON!
Day 7 October 14, 2012 Part 2


We arrived at the holding area just before 5.

For those who don't know, Universal sets up 2 holding areas for people with HHN tickets and day tickets so they don't have to leave the park.

You wait there for Universal to clear the park of regular daytime guests.

This is HIGHLY recommended for a number of reasons.

One big one is the event does not technically begin until 6:30.
However, the Stay and Scream holding areas are usually let out as early as 45 minutes prior, or 5:45.

The other big benefit is Universal sets up metal detectors outside the gates for this event, meaning everyone entering from the outside must pass though metal detectors.
As you can imagine, this will cause significant delays.

Personally, I don't quite get the logic, as all of us waiting inside did not and will not have to pass through the metal detectors.
It just doesn't make sense to me, but I'm not complaining.

We scanned our tickets and entered the holding area, electing the one located in KidZone.
The other, for those wondering, is located on the street near Finnegans restaurant.
We elected to use that one on our second visit.

We sat down and chatted with some of the other waiting victims when suddenly the area was opened, at 5:30 no less, and we were off.

I should point out that the lack of photos inside the houses was due to Universal's policy forbidding it.
Not that it would matter since they'd never come out anyway.

Being the good boy that I am though, I followed the rules.

However, I included some promo images (and will identify them as such) to give you a little bit of an idea.

We were led to the first open house...

Universals House of Horrors.

This was a last minute house located in the parade storage facility.

The walk to get there was ridiculously long.
Think Nemo X 20.

It looped all over the place including though the Barney the Dinosaur area, which I think scared me more than anything else could possibly accomplish on this night.

Certainly, this house was nothing to look at from the outside, and really, there wasn't a lot of detail inside.

But the actors and lighting more than made up for it.

PROMO

The audio was in full effect and the creatures lurking within were exceptional, scaring us both senseless many times.

These were the Universal classic monsters.
Wolfmen, Draculas, Frankensteins, Black Lagoon Creatures, all with a blue light strobe effect which made things appear in black and white.

It was helpful that it was still bright outside, as it made it appear even darker inside.

It had a great finale with all of the creatures coming at you seemingly out of nowhere.

There was also a segment where it appeared Frankenstein was a distance away.
Then suddenly he would rush forwards, crash though a piece of wood, and wind up right in your face.

All in seemingly seconds.

It was a great effect and a really fun house.

We left the House of Horrors to head to the next house on the list...

Alice Coopers Welcome to My Nightmare.

This one at least had a façade on the outside, located in one of Universals tents.

It's interesting that 6 of the 7 houses were actually outside the perimeter of the normal park boundaries.

How to describe this house?

I guess if you're really familiar with his music, in particular Welcome to My Nightmare, then you would get more out of it than say someone who only has a passing familiarity.

We would be the latter.

Nonetheless, I still enjoyed it.

PROMO

PROMO

I enjoyed it the most on our second night, but I'll get to that when the time comes.

I do have to point out that one actor scared the woman in front of us 3 times in the same room.

We applauded him, and he took a bow.



CONTINUED NEXT POST​

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

Day 7 October 14, 2012 Part 2 Cont.


After surviving Alice Coopers Nightmare, we headed back towards the front of the park where the soundstage houses were now open.

In the past, HHN featured what was called Scarezones.

These were outdoor areas that were themed but were stationary.

Because there was so much construction this year, plus with a new parade, the Scarezones just couldnt be done.

So they came up with the Legions of Horror concept; essentially roaming hoards that were free to go pretty much anywhere; restaurants, shops; ride queues, you name it.

The hoards were:

Traditionals - Anything steeped in the tradition of Halloween: trick-or-treaters, scarecrows, witches
Vampires - Representing vampires from different eras.
Beasts - Half man, half animal
Dragon Warriors - A gang of warrior men
Female prisoners - This year's chainsaw-carrying group

All led by The Iniquitis.

On our travels, we were greeted by some of the roaming creatures unleashed to pounce and feast on unsuspecting tourists.

Finally, we entered the line for our next house, Silent Hill, taking a selfie in the line.
I was sporting my home made HHN T-shirt.
Each image represents one of the Legions of Horror.

I'd not played the Silent Hill video games, though I was familiar with them.
That is to say, I knew they existed.

This was another long winding queue, taking guests behind where they normally would have access to.

Upon entering the soundstage, you are greeted with the "Welcome To Silent Hill" sign, as a siren blares and ash falls from above.

PROMO

The house itself was... ok.

I was mostly familiar with the disfigured nurse characters, and to me, there just weren't enough of them.
Lost opportunity I think.

Also, one of the central figures is a character known as Pyramid Head.
This was another blink and you miss him, unless you just happened to be in the right spot at the right time, which we never were.

The detail inside was quite good, however.



CONTINUED NEXT POST​

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

Day 7 October 14, 2012 Part 2 Cont.


We jumped into the line for our next house, Dead End.

This was the closest to a traditional haunted house that was offered.

This... House... ROCKED!!

OMG I loved this.

Immediately upon entering the soundstage, we were greeted with the façade of what looked to be a real house.

PROMO

PROMO

I won't lie. I jumped out of my skin in this one.
They had some wonderful ghostly effects throughout.

The best was a wonderful Peppers Ghost effect, an effect familiar to you all from the ballroom scene of the Haunted Mansion.

The difference here was in the payoff.

I walked into the room to see the ghostly silhouette of a lady in a white flowing gown facing me in the distance.

Decidedly creepy.

What I didn't expect was she would suddenly and without warning, appear right beside me, complete with audio effects.

VID SCREEN CAPTURE... Not mine

Yeah... I jumped...

And screamed.

Timing can be so important in these mazes and our timing in this one was perfect.

I haven't mentioned this before, but because of the shear volume of people, the lines through the houses are pretty steady.

You don't go through in small groups or anything.

It's become "affectionately" known as a "Conga Line".

To give you an idea of the crowds, even with the lines through the houses a steady stream, some waits were still 2 to 3 HOURS.

Thank God we had Express.

Our next house was the wonderfully beautiful Gothic.

Walking inside an old cathedral, guarded by stone gargoyles by day, and very much alive gargoyles at night.

PROMO

PROMO

The costumes were very impressive and the actors worked really hard.

The real highlight here was the sheer size of this maze.
It was simply beautiful to look at.

And, because it was so hard not to look around at the amazing detail...
It was all the easier for the actors to appear and scare the bejeezes out of you.

There were some really good effects here as well with one gargoyle actually flying overhead with another flying directly towards you from out of nowhere.

It was an impressive house, no doubt, and I believe was voted House of the Year.

Personally, my vote was for Dead End, but this one was certainly worthy.

We continued on towards our next house.

On the way we met this guy.

Finally, we were ready to meet The Walking Dead

I love this TV show, but I cant say I loved the house.

It was good, but not great; at least for this run through.

Right outside the entrance, the ground is strewn with bodies.

Upon entering, you are soon greeted by the iconic DON'T OPEN DEAD INSIDE message written on the cafeteria doors way back in episode one.

PROMO

PROMO

PROMO

There were some ok scares inside, but it felt a little flat.

The finale takes you though the barn from the TV show with walkers reaching though cracks and other openings to get you.

Again; good but not great.

We did go through this house again later, and it was a much better experience, primarily the ending.

Each house has 2 casts that switch out every 45 minutes or so.
You see, unlike Disney characters that are, you know, real... these are actors in costumes.

The Walking Dead cast change had them all gathered right at the exit.
So, if you hit it just right... Yowza!

We had to walk through a path surrounded by walkers numbering around 25-30 on each side to get back to the street.

That was intense. We loved it!

Upon leaving the house onto the street, you quickly find out that youre not done.

This next guy became an absolute favourite of both mine and K8.
He literally had no legs, but man could he move.

And a better look from a picture that is not mine.

TO BE CONTINUED... ​

 

[emmysmommy]

Oh my gosh what a fun (in a scary) way night! I used to be more of a fan of scary movies and houses but now I think I'd just punch the first guy that jumped at me! The warning signs outside the houses are quite comprehensive but they forgot my favorite... make sure you empty your bladder so you don't pee your pants!

Looking at the promo photos of the creepy scary dudes it made me think that after a particularly satisfying reaction from a park guest, I would just bust out laughing. I suppose laughter is out of character so that counts me out.

Great job creating your shirt. I was trying to see what it was in your 1st photo. I knew you were not mixing your Disney and US so well done Mr. Rob!

Loved all your photos.

 

[natebenma]

I actually did the pick a pearl when I was a kid and I still have the pearl in it's original plastic Seaworld baggie.
Now I usually just go and watch.

No way!!!

Here's mine, from the mid 80's (photo today)

 

[natebenma]

I still can't believe how large your condo was! Thanks for taking us on the tour of the property. What time was that? And where was everyone???

I enjoyed reading about your day and night at Universal. I appreciated your review of Twister. We haven't done that before, so it was nice to hear your description.

Christopher Walken totally makes "Disaster!" worth it. Have you ever watched/listened to him reading "Where the Wild Things Are?" Hilarious!

I am so glad to hear the two of you had a blast at HHN. Universal really nails creepy and terror! Nice job on your shirt.