Canadian Buffoon's Semi-EPIC Vacation - 10/29 - Link to new TR!

[pkondz]

Welcome back!

Thanks!

I hope the unfortunate start of your trip was all the unfortunate-ness that you had to deal with.

Well... pretty much.
Let's just say the trip was
bookended interestingly.

Sheesh it's like you don't know where are are

Okay, okay...

Yes, definitely the exemplary bag check. We usually stay across the street and walk over, which takes you in near valet parking and I've never seen more than two other people in line there. It's so fast!

Yes! You're in, in no time!

Adding this to my pkondz parenting advice journal in the off-chance that we ever have kids. I came here for trip reports but am leaving with sage parenting advice. Thank you, The Dis.

You'll get nothing but top-notch
parenting advice here!

It's in my top 3 favorite rides anywhere of all time.

I'm not a bit surprised.

I've never been on! I've come to despise water rides in my old age. I wonder what the new ride will be like.

I do try to avoid water rides
(with the exception of Splash...
but I sit in the back so I don't
usually get wet at all.)

Oh wow that's beautiful

And delicious!

Definitely not.

Of course not.

 

[pkondz]

I completely agree! Bag check at Universal is SO EASY! It's also nice that you can park-hop without having to re-check your bag. It's quite delightful compared to Disney World!

Yes! I love the park hopping
or going to CityWalk without
having to go through that
rigmarole.

I LOVE the Forbidden Journey queue - perhaps one of my favorite ride queues ever. There are so many fun things to see and squeal about.

It's a pretty cool queue.
I was glad we rope-dropped it
so she could see it without
standing in line.

You got some GREAT pictures, too!

Thanks!

And of course you rode it again! It's silly not to with an Express Pass!

Of course!
Otherwise, what's the point
of having an Express Pass!?!?!

YES! The ride itself is cute, but the views are GREAT! If you can get on it early before there's a line, it's a must-do!

With Express Pass... there
doesn't seem to be a wait.

Eh, I actually like both of them. The regular Butterbeer is easier to guzzle down with food, while the frozen one is a better snack to savor. Honestly, any kind of Butterbeer is a win!

I like them both too.
But the frozen is superior
in my books.

G was a big fan of Reign of Kong, too!

G is smart.

I know it's one of the "lesser" IOA attractions, but I think the Cat and the Hat is pretty fun. I enjoy it every time!

I liked it!
It really brought back
memories of childhood.

Well... emotionally and
intellectually, I'm still
just a child, so...
memories of years ago.

Yes on both of these! I wonder how many people skip this attraction due to the warnings (and the fact that there's a height requirement for what is essentially the People Mover is CRAZY to me!).

Just what do they think is going
to happen on that ride?
"Oh, no! The brakes failed!
It's screaming out of control!!!!"

Wait... that's Gringott's...

Is it bad that I chuckle when I pass by the ticket window for each side of the Hogwarts Express? Hopefully he already had park-to-park tickets and just thought you needed some additional pass!

Nope.
I find it amusing.

I've never seen a review of Vivo! It's too bad your meal wasn't as stellar as you were expecting, but it looked pretty tasty in the pictures.

Well... Elle's meal was
very good.
And mine wasn't bad...
just not as good as I'd hoped.

Neat! I really like those!

 

[pkondz]

Very nice!

It was!
Not something you see very often...
Especially in that part of the park!

Pretty

Thanks!

Noted.

This is a very common
mis-conception.

Yes. I'm always hungry...

Have a butterbeer.

The best way to ride! No waits!

Universal definitely has
an edge over Disney in
this area.

Wow!! So many warnings!!

Ridiculous.
It's quite possibly the
tamest ride in the entire park!

Nice shot!!

Thanks!

Sure did!!

 

[pkondz]

THAT is such a cool reveal! I was amazed when we were walking through Hogsmeade and then BAM there was the castle.

I love that.
You're already spellbound
(pun intended? )
by Hogsmeade with the
leaning chimneys and snow
topped roofs and then...

As you so aptly said, "BAM"!

Love your picture of it, too!

Thanks!

Think my principal would mind if I made that my Kindergarten class mantra?

Oh, no. Not at all.
Builds character.
Kids need that, ya know.

 

[pkondz]

Agreed. Not that I enjoy bag check anywhere, but it's so much easier at Universal.

It really is.
It's almost unintrusive.

Almost.

In any event, it's much less
intrusive than Disney's.

Ha! You had me confused there for a second...

I have a penchant for confusing
anyone and everyone I talk to.

Shocker!

Couldn't agree more. Frozen butterbeer is where it's at!

You and me... we know
how things are and
where they're at.

Oh neat. I didn't know this. I don't ride this one, but Nathan does.

You can Google where...
I remember he was driving a truck...

Cool! I like this!

Isn't that just perfect
for an Italian restaurant???

 

[pkondz]

This made me laugh because my daughter says this all the time. Just doesn't get it. I recently dragged her to Canada's Wonderland and got there pre-park opening and she just could not understand why I got her out of bed. ONE DAY she will see the wisdom and thank me!! Still waiting...

Please let me know if this
ever happens.
I think it will be the first instance
in recorded history that a kid
thanks his/her parents.

Looks like a good time at the Universal parks.

It really was!

I want to go just for the Butterbeer alone as I've said.

And... it'd be worth it.

I feel bad for the guy who asked about needing a ticket for the Hogwarts Express, no kidding about it being THE most expensive ticket there is. Probably why I haven't ridden it yet!!

And yet... that's why
you need to do at least
a little bit of research.

Well, he either went
or he didn't.

 

[pkondz]

How early????

You heard me. 7am.
When you're that close,
you don't have to factor in
an hour for travel.

Yes, they should...but you're involved.

Good point.

Wow...kinda lazy, doncha think? Ya'll were close.

But the boat if caught immediately
is still faster than walking.
And with rope drop, time is of the
essence.

Glad it wasn't a capitol idea...you were in the wrong city in Florida.

And... then realized that I didn't
know what it was.
Thanks Google!

I realize EPCOT is old, but you would think they could (okay they could, would) have improved this by now.

It's awful there.

So, you got the VIP Uni transportation pass too??

Well..
Sort of yes, sort of no.
I did get it...
But everyone gets it.
Universal's boat transportation
service is much more efficient
than Disney's.
Boats are coming all the time.
I've even seen it where a boat
is waiting for the previous one
to clear the dock.
They're there all the time!

I was thinking I could see the twin props on the seaplane and was thinking pkondz aviation was expanding.

Yeah, as I said, you were that close to the park, but yet you took the boat.

Necessity of speed.

Yes, she does. Are you sure she's not older than you say? I don't know too many her age that isn't grumpy pants when they don't get to sleep until noon.

She's an anomaly, that one.
She can get ready in 30 minutes too!

Relatively close is good. Relatively speaking.

​

Whoops! Sorry, that's relativity.

Muwaaahhaaahaahaaa. I've heard that laugh....


I've done that laugh.

, but only the good ones.

And me. I did too.

Exactly. Also, never pass up a chance to do a dad joke. Everyone loves those and when they groan, it's really just groans of approval like when I scratch my dogs belly.

This is a given.
Although I didn't know
about the dog part.
Makes sense.

Virtually empty is good. Virtually speaking.

​

Whoops! Sorry, that's virtual reality.

Pssst....pkondz....your age is showing....the memory is the first thing to go...followed closely by bowel control. You don't have long to wait for your initial statement to be correct. At least we didn't have to see the border crossing look.

I did that for the
next trip.

So, you were your normal self, eh?

I see it. It's really a Q-36 and she's really Marvin in drag.

Blends in better that way.

I kinda understand this, but I think this is party what has kept me away from universal...having to stash everything for every ride is not my ideal park experience.

It's actually not that
big a deal.
You pop in, scan your ticket,
a locker door pops open,
you stuff your stuff and
ride the ride.

You know, I've never seen any Harry Potter movies (except for maybe 2-3 minutes when my daughter was watching one), but I do know the Kardashians aren't magic...in my opinion pathetic, albeit pathetically rich.

You've seen more of the Kardashians
than I have, then.

See...now I don't want to go to Uni....I know nothing about the rules and I would rather keep my body parts intact.

Meh. You can always get new ones.

Her father's daughter?

Yes she...


Hey!

Ja, ich wusste, dass

Figured you would.

Nooooo....I find that sooo hard to believe.

NOT!

You've raised a violent child. And Canadians are supposed to be polite. Sheesh!

She was politely going
to blow up the entire area.

Nope, but I know who!

Who's on first.

Nice to meet you hungry. I'm Doc.

No!! I already told you, I'm Doc.

What's on second.

So, wait...you multiplied? Would that make you an amoeba?

No, an anemone.

I'm not a big split pea fan...leek an potato sounds better, but I don't know what else they might have had either.

That's the only two they have,
so your choices are a bit limited.

I've heard many folks say Hulk is the best coaster there, but will remember...front half.

Hulk was actually very good.
That's why we rode it twice.
(We didn't do that for many rides.)
But that second one up front...

Huh? What? Mama always told me I was special. Can't get much slower.

I've met you. This is very, very true.

You mean WEDway? I might like this...WEDway is one of my favorites at MK.

Correct.
Please note I didn't call it
The Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover.
The original name was WEDway PeopleMover.

So PeopleMover is correct.

Umm, dude...pretty sure you just incriminated yourself...picture!

Whoops!

Is this similar to Up in AK? The guy in that show was right behind me once and I thought the bird was going to take my head off.

I wouldn't know.
I haven't seen Up, yet.
But it is similar (at least
a few parts involving birds)
to the old AK bird show.

Next time you're in town, we'll have to have you over and have DW make Italian for you. You will be spoiled.

Hmpf.
I'm not falling for that again!
You promised me that last time!

Don't mess with a hangry just older than teenager.
Get him Elle!

Hey!

Seaplanes and brooms?

 

[pkondz]

Yay for frozen Butter Beer, yummy, I wish I had one now!

I love that stuff!
I just had one...
and I want another one now!

So glad you all had a great time in both of the parks!

We did!

Andi usually reminds me to get a picture for my trip reporting!

She does!
I'm impressed!!

Your daughters pasta dish looks very good.

She really liked it.
I had my doubts...
she's a bit of a fussy eater.
But she really did!

I have to say I agree with your reviews of all the rides except I have never rode the Hulk and never will. Ride chicken here!

I doubt I'll ride it again.
Just not much fun getting
banged around at the back.

 

[pkondz]

I generally find that less knobs in my life is a good thing.

Are you sure???

As much as I enjoy vacations in Florida, they have been anything but restful. I come home feeling like I need a vacation from my vacation.

Oh, man.
I took a beating this trip.
I came back home and basically
sat and did nothing for three days!

I didn't know that. I like how they have it organized. Another point for staying on site at Universal.

It's so much easier!

I must have an awful lot of character by now.
I'm not above mocking my children. It's part of the reason I had them.

Well of course!
Otherwise... what's the point?

I thought it was interesting you walked to Hogsmeade that way. It's they way I've gone too. But it seems like a lot of people take the Toon Lagoon route. I think it's pretty much even distance wise. But I really like walking around Seuss Landing.

Really?
I just Google-mapped it.
8 minutes via Seuss
vs 15 via Toon Lagoon.

I have never seen it so empty! Of course it's been 5 years since I was in Universal, so I suppose crowds have thinned a bit. But it just goes to show the importance of rope drop.

If you're at or near the front
and walk fast...

It sure didn't stay empty long!

Those Kardashians are everywhere. I still can't figure out why.

No one can.
It's one of the mysteries
of the universe.

Imagine if they had put Gryffindor in last place. The uproar!

Ooooohhh...
They should do that, just for that!

Frozen. Always frozen.

I've never done it. That drop is just too intense for me (I assume by looking at it).

The drop isn't bad.
No worse than Splash.
Wetter, though.

I don't think I ever noticed Stan on the ride. If I get back there I'll have to look for him.

Nope. I can't do the Hulk. I'll stick with BTMRR thanks.

I doubt I'll do it again.
Maybe from the front? Maybe?
We both liked it the first time
when we sat up front...

I've been on the ride more than any other in Universal. My youngest DD loved it (and probably still would). She would always ask to go on the track that goes inside the restaurant though.

Well, then go!

I've been missing them completely, but finally saw both this time.

 

[Terra Nova guy]

Really?
I just Google-mapped it.
8 minutes via Seuss
vs 15 via Toon Lagoon.

Huh... I was never that scientific about it. It was just my guesstimate from looking at the Universal map. Which is not to scale I guess.

 

[docsoliday1]

And... then realized that I didn't
know what it was.

Easy peasy. On the other hand, if you mentioned the capitol of Manitoba, I'd have to look it up. It could be Winnipeg, but could be some other town/city also.

But everyone gets it.
Universal's boat transportation
service is much more efficient
than Disney's.

This is one of the things about Disney that annoys me. It's like, when the park is closing and there's a huge crowd. Could they NOT have extra buses, monorails, boats (or all) standing by to handle the influx? The answer is, they COULD, but it's maddening they don't.

She's an anomaly, that one.
She can get ready in 30 minutes too!

Wanna trade?

Blends in better that way.

It's actually not that
big a deal.
You pop in, scan your ticket,
a locker door pops open,
you stuff your stuff and
ride the ride.

Okay, I'll re-consider. Debating about not renewing my AP and going Uni.

You've seen more of the Kardashians
than I have, then.

Possible, but not by much. I've only seen as much as it takes to change the channel. I totally can't understand why people like them...they're disgusting, rude, crude and otherwise socially unacceptable to me.

She was politely going
to blow up the entire area.

Now that's two words I don't believe I've seen in the same sentence before...not sure I've seen a polite explosion before.

Who's on first.

I don't know.

What's on second.

Who?

That's the only two they have,
so your choices are a bit limited.

I don't hate split pea mind you, it's just of the two, leek and potato sounds better.

Hulk was actually very good.
That's why we rode it twice.
(We didn't do that for many rides.)
But that second one up front...

I thought you said in the back, you got beat up.

I've met you. This is very, very true.

Hey! Well, okay, guess I can't argue that one. Well, I can, but losing proposition.

Correct.
Please note I didn't call it
The Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover.
The original name was WEDway PeopleMover.

True, it's just I always just call it WEDway. Despite WDW removing many of the things Walt wanted or paid homage to him, I still feel he deserves the honor. DTD is a different story and don't get me started on the red head.

I wouldn't know.
I haven't seen Up, yet.
But it is similar (at least
a few parts involving birds)
to the old AK bird show.

Up is very similar to the original bird show, it just has a story line around Russell & Dug.

Hmpf.
I'm not falling for that again!
You promised me that last time!

I did? Well, if I did and you didn't take me up on it, it's your fault because you told me you were trying to stick to one meal a day and had to be back to EPCOT by 4pm. I would have happily had DW cook for you. Actually, I was going to cook for you as well and you shot me down.

 

[Tracy161]

And since there are far fewer
people boarding from any
resort at one time,
you don't see the nightmarish
Epcot-like bag check lines.

Bummer. I always love a good, long bag check line

When you get off the ride...
No gift shop!!!

What?! Is it even a ride if it doesn't have a dump shop at the end?!

but it had too strong of
a gin taste for my liking.

Ugh, I hate gin. Long story. Actually, not long, just bad

 

[pkondz]

Sounds like a normal day to me. Sleeping in, even.

Pretty much.

You can sleep when you're dead!

Good, because this last trip
almost killed me.

Amen. One and done, well before the park entrance.

Soooo much better!

If that's chipper, I'm not sure I want to see her when she's angry.

Um… well....

Darn right. And they need something to tell their therapist later.

Whenever I see a photo of that, I think the same thing. Why would they make a fountain based on a guy vomiting?

Great minds think alike...
No idea why we are.

Wow. Not quite what I expected.

It got a bit busier later.

A lot busier.

So what time of year was this again? Seems like the perfect time to go.

Well, it was in May, but...
That's from rope dropping
and moving fast.

Serious questions on this: what if I wear glasses all the time? Will I lose them? How about a watch?

I wore my glasses with no issues.
Didn't take off my watch.
And once forgot to take
my phone out of my
(buttoned) pocket and
it wasn't an issue either.

My kids made me take a test (Pottermore? or something) to see what house I would belong it. Proud to say I got Gryffindor.

Kay made me do that too
with the same result.

Drew got Slytherin, of course.

Of course he did!

That would be enough to keep me in line.

Pun intended?

I mean, that would be enough to make me eternally grumpy. Then again, my kids think I'm already eternally grumpy.

Actually, it's kids that make
you eternally grumpy.

Oh, good. That's one ride I can get Julie on.

Pretty tame.

Very nice.

Thanks!

Huh. Never knew that. I guess I've been using the Ugly Americanized version this whole time.

Shame on you!
Get it right!

Sounds cool.

Was!

Aw, I was sure those were the actual explanations!

I've always heard good things about the Spider-man ride.

As did I.
Justified, I think.

Well, I am now.

Whoops! Sorry.
Have a Pop Tart.

I'm kind of on the fence about riding Hulk, and this...is keeping me on the fence. How does it compare to RnRC?

Well...
I'd say it was faster.
More loops.
In the back it was much rougher,
but in the front it was a lot of fun.

Man, the Fun Police are out in force today!

For such a tame ride!

Is that even allowed??

No it's not.
Or maybe it is.
Definitely is.
Or not.

Pyrotechnics usually make things better.

Why are there so few rides
with exploding helicopters?

Oh, man. I pity the fool.

That's it to the T!

Probably a bill or something anyway.

It always is.
The box is just a disguise.

Nicely done.

Thanks!

That seemed like very efficient touring! Well done!

It actually wasn't.
We backtracked a few times
to Hogsmeade.
But we wanted to have lunch
there, and then take the Express
back over to Studios, so...

Uh oh. I knew I wouldn't want to see her like this!

Neither did I.
It was almost fatal.

Um...pkondz? Hello?

The one was easy. Hope the other one wasn't a crash landing.

 

[pkondz]

Huh... I was never that scientific about it. It was just my guesstimate from looking at the Universal map. Which is not to scale I guess.

​

If you look at this map,
you can see the path to the
left is quite a bit longer
than going right.
However it does terminate
right beside Hogwarts
whereas going to the right
terminates at the entrance
to Hogsmeade.

 

[pkondz]

Easy peasy. On the other hand, if you mentioned the capitol of Manitoba, I'd have to look it up. It could be Winnipeg, but could be some other town/city also.

Then I shan't deprive you
of the joy of Googling it.

This is one of the things about Disney that annoys me. It's like, when the park is closing and there's a huge crowd. Could they NOT have extra buses, monorails, boats (or all) standing by to handle the influx? The answer is, they COULD, but it's maddening they don't.

I know.
Or so I've heard.
I don't wait for more
than 5 minutes usually.

Wanna trade?

Hmmm... considering the offer...
I suspect I might not win on that deal.

Okay, I'll re-consider. Debating about not renewing my AP and going Uni.

I'll tell you this...
After a couple of days at Uni...
I was more than happy to go
back to Disney.
I like the rides better (for the most part)
and there's definitely that magic
that just can't be matched.

Possible, but not by much. I've only seen as much as it takes to change the channel. I totally can't understand why people like them...they're disgusting, rude, crude and otherwise socially unacceptable to me.

Famous because they're famous.

Now that's two words I don't believe I've seen in the same sentence before...not sure I've seen a polite explosion before.

It's a Canadian thing.

I don't know.

Third base.

Who?

Who's on first.

I thought you said in the back, you got beat up.

Whoops!
Answering threads late at night...
Yes, the back was far worse
than the front.
But maybe it was a different
train that did it.

True, it's just I always just call it WEDway. Despite WDW removing many of the things Walt wanted or paid homage to him, I still feel he deserves the honor. DTD is a different story and don't get me started on the red head.

Okay, I won't...
Although I'd probably agree with you.

Up is very similar to the original bird show, it just has a story line around Russell & Dug.

Then the bird part is very similar.

I did? Well, if I did and you didn't take me up on it, it's your fault because you told me you were trying to stick to one meal a day and had to be back to EPCOT by 4pm. I would have happily had DW cook for you. Actually, I was going to cook for you as well and you shot me down.

You did... but we never followed up
on that so instead I invited you to
join me for dinner at Epcot
and at DTD.
And you stood me up twice!
I felt so jilted.

 

[pkondz]

Bummer. I always love a good, long bag check line

Of course you do.

What?! Is it even a ride if it doesn't have a dump shop at the end?!

Well, actually...
The WEDway PeopleMover doesn't
have a gift shop at the end
of it either.

Ugh, I hate gin. Long story. Actually, not long, just bad

Good, then you can type
it up and post.

We're all waiting, Tracy.

 

[pkondz]

My day yesterday.

After working a busier than
usual night shift, I tried to
catch some sleep.
Managed to get about
four or five hours.

And... really didn't feel much
like cooking after that.

Told the Mrs and the one
kid who was home that we
were going out.

Had a nice meal.
Made nicer by the fact
that I didn't have to cook.

Took the ladies home and
decided to go see a movie.
DW and DD didn't feel like
going out so off I went, solo.

Saw Ad Astra, with Brad Pitt.
I won't bore you with the details
other than to say I was bored
with the details.
The film is overly long and has
far too many glaring scientific
errors.

When I got out, I was confronted
with this:



I got home and had to freaking
shovel my driveway to get up it!
Shovel!
In early October!
Not cool Mother Nature!!!!

 

[missjackiemcg]

Gross!!! I hate snow, except during Christmas!!

It was 90 degrees (F!) last week, and tomorrow it's supposed to be wind chills in the 20s in Chicago, so Mother Nature is definitely up to something!

 

[docsoliday1]

Bummer. I always love a good, long bag check line

Okay, you're banned from the cheesecake club now.

Oh, you were kidding.


<Rosanne Rossannadanna>
Never mind!

Ugh, I hate gin. Long story. Actually, not long, just bad

Mine isn't a long story...I just dislike the taste. Story over.
I knew there were other reasons I liked you.

Then I shan't deprive you
of the joy of Googling it.

I know I'm the rarity, but I almost never use google. They're the 20,000 lb gorilla and they track EVERYTHING and have ads of everything and use tracking to sell more ads. I use duckduckgo.com. Found out Winnipeg is indeed the capitol.

I'll tell you this...
After a couple of days at Uni...
I was more than happy to go
back to Disney.
I like the rides better (for the most part)
and there's definitely that magic
that just can't be matched.

Interesting. I've heard (@afwdwfan I think) the rides at Uni can make one sick more because most are motion simulators. The thing is, I love roller coasters and the ones (except maybe RnRC and Everest) are kinda lame (tamed for the kids).

It's a Canadian thing.

Like good day, ay?

Third base.

Who's on third?

Who's on first.

That's what I was asking you. Who's on first?

Whoops!
Answering threads late at night...
Yes, the back was far worse
than the front.
But maybe it was a different
train that did it.

That's a distinct possibility. I know my experience on space mountain has been horrible sometimes and I think the train/car has a lot to do with it, but in general, riding in the back of the coaster is faster and rougher, because in the front, you're a good way past the top before you start accelerating.

Okay, I won't...
Although I'd probably agree with you.

I'm sure you would since I'm fairly certain this is another thing we have discussed.

You did... but we never followed up
on that so instead I invited you to
join me for dinner at Epcot
and at DTD.
And you stood me up twice!
I felt so jilted.

I totally forgot you asked me to dinner the first night...after we parted ways and you went to other dealerships, didn't even dawn on me we could meet back up later. Doh!
The second day, I knew wasn't an option, because I had to get back home and work some more.

Had a nice meal.
Made nicer by the fact
that I didn't have to cook.

Usually a plus. Had some bad meals out before, but usually a plus.

The film is overly long and has
far too many glaring scientific
errors.

Sadly, too much of what hollywood puts out is that way. They care more about trying to make it entertaining vs. accurate and, to me, they fail in both respects. In my mind, if it's accurate, it will therefore make it more believable and consequently entertaining.

When I got out, I was confronted
with this:

I have two things to say...

Better you than me
Sorry

I got home and had to freaking
shovel my driveway to get up it!
Shovel!
In early October!
Not cool Mother Nature!!!!

Technically, I think it was very cool to be able to snow, but yeah, not cool!

 

[pkondz]

Gross!!! I hate snow, except during Christmas!!

And this stuff is wet and heavy!
Yuck!

It was 90 degrees (F!) last week, and tomorrow it's supposed to be wind chills in the 20s in Chicago, so Mother Nature is definitely up to something!

Don't forget to say "Thanks Colorado Low".

I mowed my lawn in a T-shirt day before
yesterday and last night I was shoveling.