Any Tips for Non-Rider?

[dishereicome]

I'm not a ride person so I basically go to the parks to be the chaperone (preteens). I love the theming and atmosphere but basically I spend all day waiting around. DH is not going this time so I'm the solo chaperone.

We are planning an April trip to IOA/Universal. Any tips to keep the non-riding chaperone from getting too bored while waiting?

 

[damo]

There are lots of great attractions at Universal for non-riders. Twister, Disaster, Jaws, Men in Black, ET, Animal Actors show, Horror Make Up show and terminator are all basically non-thrill rides.

At Jimmy Neutron and Shrek there are stationary seats that you can also enjoy.

At Islands of Adventure, it is a little more difficult. You can enjoy Suess Landing, Poseidan's Fury, The Sinbad Show, The Jurassic Park Adventure Centre and wandering through the Jurassic Park Playground.

There are great sit outside and drink areas at both parks.

 

[Metro West]

There are lots of great attractions at Universal for non-riders. Twister, Disaster, Jaws, Men in Black, ET, Animal Actors show, Horror Make Up show and terminator are all basically non-thrill rides.

At Jimmy Neutron and Shrek there are stationary seats that you can also enjoy.

At Islands of Adventure, it is a little more difficult. You can enjoy Suess Landing, Poseidan's Fury, The Sinbad Show, The Jurassic Park Adventure Centre and wandering through the Jurassic Park Playground.

There are great sit outside and drink areas at both parks.

Let's not forget the Lucy Experience at the Studios...I always enjoy the show and it's a great haven from the heat.

 

[damo]

There is also a magic show across from the Horror Make-up Show. You can spend some time listening to Shrek and Donkey as well across from the exit of the Shrek ride. There are also the Blues Brothers, Beetlejuice and Fear Factor shows.

 

[patster734]

On both the Popeye & Bluto's Bilge-Rat Barges, and Dudley Do-Right's Ripsaw Falls, both located at Toon Lagoon at IOA, you can shoot water cannon to spray the passengers with. I think it costs a quarter.

In The Lost Continent at IOA, there's a Sindbad Show and Poseidon's Fury.

 

[AmandaSparks730]

Ah, but let's not forget the Animal Actor's Live! show at USO.

And the Blues Brothers show.

And Me Ship, the Olive at IoA. Granted, it's for little kids, but there are excellent picture opportunities at the top!

And what about the Caro-Suess-El? Standard carosel (sp?) but with a Suessian theme.

Also, High In The Sky Trolley at Suess Landing. Pretty views, great for pics and a little break.

 

[Flyin2MCO]

LOL, she said she was a non-rider, and you guys have thrown in a lot of the rides at UO and IOA!!

If none of the suggested rides appeal to you, certainly many of the shows and exhibits mentioned are worthwhile. And there's always the various drink carts scattered about the parks...

 

[palavra]

Shopping! Seriously, I love rides, but when we went last June I loved the shops. In fact, I would love to have a day at Universal and Ioa just to putter around, shop, and look at the sites.

 

[dishereicome]

Great tips! Thanks for the help.

 

[sha_lyn]

In The Lost Continent at IOA, there's a Sindbad Show and Poseidon's Fury.

IMHO the best thing in lost continent (other than Mythos ) is the Mystic Fountain. I can stand and watch the antics all day long.

 

[katiee511]

IMHO the best thing in lost continent (other than Mythos ) is the Mystic Fountain. I can stand and watch the antics all day long.

After reading so much about this fountain in trip reports, this is truly the biggest thing I am looking forward to!
I am a ride person, but I know I will be caught up with this fountain once I see it

 

[damo]

After reading so much about this fountain in trip reports, this is truly the biggest thing I am looking forward to!
I am a ride person, but I know I will be caught up with this fountain once I see it

Remember that it isn't always working, so you may have to check back a few times.

 

[katiee511]

Remember that it isn't always working, so you may have to check back a few times.

Duly noted! Thanks!! Now, if it doesn't want to talk to me, I won't take it personally!!

 

[sha_lyn]

LOL....I'm a ride person too. Love all rides, from kiddie to thrill.
the Mystic Fountain is IMHO just one great example of how US/IOA does such a great job at setting the atmosphere.

As damo said, if it's not operating when you go by, check again. Also on rare occasions the operator has been less entertaining than some.

Our first experience was probably our best. We were rushing by trying to get to something. DS was wearing knee length shorts, all black, probably an Ozzy or Slipknot Tshirt. The fountain kept calling out to him until he stopped then said "'''hey boy, are your pants too short or are your shorts too long". Everybody around lost it. DS then tried to "sacrifice" his little sister to the fountain. I believe it was later in the same trip DS kept trying to push me in front of the squirting. the fountain said oh no, that I might beat him up. I just shrugged and said I could use the cooling off. So the fountain soaked me

 

[goofie4goofy]

On both the Popeye & Bluto's Bilge-Rat Barges, and Dudley Do-Right's Ripsaw Falls, both located at Toon Lagoon at IOA, you can shoot water cannon to spray the passengers with. I think it costs a quarter.

That is actually the best money spent in USO!! Water cannon #8 is the best one - it gets people right in the head The best way to spend an afternoon is to have a couple of drinks, get a roll of quarters and squirt away

 

[donaldduck352]

Got too remember cannon #8.Will have plenty of quaters when family rides.

 

[tlinus]

This is what happens when you let your then 7 year old unload a cannon on daddy and big sister

I mean - they got wet on the ride.....but Cbean got them SOAKED She yelled out "DIRECT HIT - WHOOOOOOHOOOOOO!!!!!"

This was October 2006

 

[tlinus]

and 6 months later in April 2007 - she strikes again - LOL!!!