City, Sand, and Savanna - Link to new trip report

[Poolrat]

And I agree with both of them.....

5 Judys
# 2,7,11,13 &14

 

[glennbo123]

Oh...and five Judys.

Wow, here's four words I thought I would never have to say.................

I agree with hucifer.



5 Judy's

And I agree with both of them.....

5 Judys
# 2,7,11,13 &14

5 is correct. congrats to Hucifer!

Updated scores:
Marvin - 20 Judy-sighting wins, 9 Eagle Eye points
Pat - 6 Judy-sighting wins, 3 Eagle Eye points
Mark - 6 Judy-sighting wins, 2 Eagle Eye points
Dan - 5 Judy-sighting wins, 4 Eagle Eye points
Dee - 4 Judy-sighting wins, 1 Eagle Eye point
Rosie - 4 Judy-sighting wins, 4 Eagle Eye points
Magdalene - 3 Judy-sighting wins, 1 Eagle Eye point
Kelly - 3 Judy-sighting wins
Katharina - 3 Judy-sighting wins
Mary Ellen - 2 Judy-sighting wins
Jenn (elphie101) - 1 Judy-sighting win, First Subscriber Honors!
Tanya - 1 Judy-sighting win
Molly - 1 Judy-sighting win
Kathy - 1 Judy-sighting win
MissLiz - 1 Judy-sighting win
Andy - 1 Judy-sighting win
Hucifer - 1 Judy-sighting win
sesame_123 - 1 Eagle Eye point

 

[afwdwfan]

We were up decently early, but let I Judy get a half-hour head-start in getting ready while I slept in a little longer.

Always thinking of the greater good...

The drive itself was uneventful until we got near Universal Studios and the GPS took us to some road that obviously was not the parking lot or even the entrance to Islands of Adventure, and proudly declared, "You have reached your destination". So smug, that danged GPS.

Well... there's your problem! You asked it to get you to Islands of Adventure, and I'd say it probably put on some service road at IoA. The GPS is only as good as the information that is put into it. It doesn't realize you have to park in a garage a mile away and then walk through Citywalk to get there.

I wondered if next I would see pictures of myself carrying a baby in a backpack and having a Mike Tyson tattoo on my face.

If that happens...

Best.
Trip Report.
Ever.

The theming is just absolutely amazing here.

As we went through the shorter, single rider line I realized that we were missing all of the impressive sights that were in the regular line

Well, I hope you had a chance to go again... I haven't even seen the movies and I'll say that it is hands down the best queue I've ever seen.

 

[FauntleroyFAN07]

and drove the family truckster out of the Kidani parking garage with Universal Studios' Islands of Adventure programmed in the GPS.

since i didnt read this in time, going to spot these...none other than clark griswold. national lampoon vacation.

I would see pictures of myself carrying a baby in a backpack and having a Mike Tyson tattoo on my face.

hangover part II


good update glenn, even if you did make your family ride with strangers and not provide us with more line photos.

how selfish of you, all to save some time.

 

[MEK]

I knew you weren't going to take us on the ride with you. Boo! That is definitely one ride I am dying to try. Glad to hear that James has become the thrill ride junkie. You sure don't have to worry about him in the single rider line.

So, exactly how long did it take you to get through the line? Can't wait to read all about it. The pictures you did manage to take while speed walking are really great!

 

[englishrose47]

Great Update , I agree 5 judy's Now going back to see if I can get an eagle eye point !!

 

[englishrose47]

I so agree the Theming at HPW is awesome !! The Lockers are a nightmare !!! I couldn't believ the crowds in there !! Can't wait to hear what you all thought of the ride !!

 

[ddluvsdisney]

Glen, I have been reading along but haven't posted. I was waiting for this part of your TR bc we were there a couple of months before you, also doing one day. We went again this July. This time spending 2 days.
That's awesome you were able to do the SR line. Our DS12 was unsure that year so we waited in standby. I think he'd be ok now.
Yeah you do miss a lot of the castle doing the SR line. I heard you can do like a castle tour of some kind- not sure though?? And of course that's if you have time.
I HATE the lockers!!!! That are such a pain in the butt!
Although I love the FB ride, I can only do it once. It can be intense for people who get motion sick. In 2011 my boys and DH rode it twice in 1 day.

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

A new adventure was upon us.

You guys switched from heavy cream to non-dairy creamer?

We'd read the books (okay, I was a slacker, but at least some of us had), we'd seen the movies (yes, I can check that one off), and finally on this day we would experience the glory of Harry Potter in theme-park form.

Oh. Well, I guess that's exciting too. By the way, my daughter finally guilted me into reading the first book, and it was really good.

The drive itself was uneventful until we got near Universal Studios and the GPS took us to some road that obviously was not the parking lot or even the entrance to Islands of Adventure, and proudly declared, "You have reached your destination". So smug, that danged GPS.

I think you must have done something that ticked it off earlier.

I was able to turn around in a hotel parking lot and somehow backtracked and found the parking garage without further GPS assistance, if you can call it that. (Picture Luke Skywalker turning off his computer to make his final strafing run on the Death Star...yeah, that was me turning off the GPS and finding Universal Studios on my own.) Okay, I don't know how I just got sidetracked onto Star Wars references, we'll try to keep this Harry Potter-themed.

Stay on target....stay on target...

It was like I was given a faulty Marauder's Map and...oh nevermind, we parked at about a quarter to 8.

I solemnly swear that you are up to no good.

I wondered if next I would see pictures of myself carrying a baby in a backpack and having a Mike Tyson tattoo on my face. Oh wait, there I go again, let's keep this limited to the Harry Potter movies.

Man, Dan even beat me to the movie references. Anyway, I think we were all hoping to see pictures of this.

The theming is pretty incredible in this area that you first enter. The detail definitely rivals Disney here. My only criticism would be that there's a lot going on, visually. It's kind of busy, but definitely impressive.

It does feel a bit busy in the pictures. But I love the detail.

Formerly-little Lauren (a dead-ringer for Cindy Lou Who, when she was but two)
Said "I want to see Wizarding World! Seuss Landing won't do!"
And Marlene and James both chimed-in with "Us too!"

See what I mean? Dr. Seuss makes it look so easy.

Positively Seuss-ian. Now you just need to throw some made-up words in there, like Flim-flizzles and such.

We didn't stop at any of these shops yet, we'd save that for later in the morning, but we did kind of "take it all in" as much as we could as we walked through this area. The theming is just absolutely amazing here. They did such a good job in recreating these scenes from the movies and books. Unbelievable.

It does look pretty awesome.

The use of forced perspective really gives you a sense that you're approaching a huge castle. They learned that lesson from Disney and learned it well.

If you're going to steal, steal from the best.

Oh wait, you misunderstand. I'm not describing the ride yet, we'd just had our first encounter with....lockers. Everybody's in there trying to cram their stuff in their locker and quickly get on to the next thing, whether they're coming off of the ride or trying to get to it. I'm sure the lockers are assigned so that everybody's not in the same area at the same time, but it's still a madhouse. And the whole locker thing is so prevalent at Universal and so, ...not at Disney.

I can see this spoiling the magic a bit. You'd think it would be easier to hand your stuff off to an owl and have them deliver it where it needs to go.

But, people were literally running past us in the regular lane and to get to the single rider lane she had to push her way through like a fullback. If only she had a Beater's bat, right? (See there, I finally worked in a Harry Potter reference.) Frankly I was a little surprised at how aggressive she could be, but we all dutifully followed our lead blocker and made it to the line.

She was seeking the snitch, obviously. I just want to know if she was fighting her way through the crowds with her elbows up. Bonus points for that.

I can just hear it shouting out: "Gryffindor!!!"

Sure you're not Slytherin material?

We moved off and the floor seemed to fall away...

Up next: Forbidden Journey Spoiler Pic

 

[glennbo123]

Not a Harry Potter analogy, but nicely done!

Except that a Marauder's Map basically just shows you who is where. Can you imagine the thousands of footprints of all the tourists all over it?

Yeah, yeah, I know...but it was the closest thing I could come to from Harry Potter-world to compare to a GPS. You're getting so technical, I'm starting to think that you're a Harry Potter geek.

(Yes, I'm a Harry Potter geek too.)

Well, there it is. I'm going to have to double-check all of my Harry Potter references in future chapters or I'll get called-out.

The cadence is a bit off, but you've done Seuss a decent job.

Thanks. I added that 5 minutes before going to press. I wasn't thrilled with the cadence either but went with it.

I could use one of those at work. And at home.

Poor Dan. Dan, your husband, not Rosie's co-worker or Disboard Dan.

Did it talk? Please tell me it talked!

I don't remember it talking while we were there. But maybe it does periodically, I don't know.

Ack! Don't leave me hanging!

The spoiler pic seemed like a good place to stop...that way people can skip it if they want. Plus, I was tired of writing.

Oh...and five Judys.

Whew, you snuck that in there at the last second.

Keep reading, eagle eye.

Ohhh, the ol' edit trick. Sneaky.

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

I've been to Universal quite a bit Glenn, and yet I still always manage to to pull into the hotels instead of the the parks. GPS should know better though.

Universal really did hit a home run with Wizardly World. I remember being there while it was being built and just being amazed at what was being created. The to finally see it completed was astounding. Those ex-Disney Imagineers really put their talent to work here. Brilliant.

... And then there's the lockers. I'll refrain from saying too much since most of it would just be censored anyway.

Aw Glenn, you can't stop the update there!!!!!

 

[glennbo123]

Always thinking of the greater good...

I am the greatest good you are ever gonna get!

Well... there's your problem! You asked it to get you to Islands of Adventure, and I'd say it probably put on some service road at IoA. The GPS is only as good as the information that is put into it. It doesn't realize you have to park in a garage a mile away and then walk through Citywalk to get there.

Well, considering how long ago this trip happened and not remembering exactly what I entered into it and in the interest of not getting bogged down in minutae, I just wrote what I wrote for the chapter. I don't know if that's exactly what I programmed. I do know that I tried to research what I should put in prior to the trip and thought that I was okay, but yeah, you can see how that worked out.

If that happens...

Best.
Trip Report.
Ever.

All right, so now I know what you guys are looking for in a trip report!

Well, I hope you had a chance to go again... I haven't even seen the movies and I'll say that it is hands down the best queue I've ever seen.

Not the whole group of us, but yes, some of us will go back through later in the day.

since i didnt read this in time, going to spot these...none other than clark griswold. national lampoon vacation.

Well done Dan. +1

hangover part II

Correct again. Or maybe, the first one, or both, whatever. +1

See Mark to receive your prize. It should be on the magnitude of a "showcase showdown" item from The Price is Right.

good update glenn, even if you did make your family ride with strangers and not provide us with more line photos.

Well, I might have some line photos in a later chapter...

how selfish of you, all to save some time.

Time is money. Nowhere is that more true than in a theme park.

 

[eandesmom]

It was like I was given a faulty Marauder's Map and...oh nevermind, we parked at about a quarter to 8.

See you got one in there.

I saw one of Cynthia's (eandesmom) favorite restaurants, Margaritaville, and took a couple of pictures. And I can say, with these photos now being over a year old, I have absolutely no recollection of taking these! While preparing this chapter I was like, "wow, I saw Margaritaville (apparently)"! I wondered if next I would see pictures of myself carrying a baby in a backpack and having a Mike Tyson tattoo on my face. Oh wait, there I go again, let's keep this limited to the Harry Potter movies.

Hello Hemisphere Dancer!!!!

And I remember that I'd put dramatic pauses in-between those last three words. Good times. But alas, those days are gone.

Formerly-little Lauren (a dead-ringer for Cindy Lou Who, when she was but two)
Said "I want to see Wizarding World! Seuss Landing won't do!"
And Marlene and James both chimed-in with "Us too!"

See what I mean? Dr. Seuss makes it look so easy.

We made it into the building and oh my, creatures were flying past me, this way and that. I got spun around I dont know how many times. It was sensory overload! I was scared out of my wits. Such frenzy!

Oh wait, you misunderstand. I'm not describing the ride yet, we'd just had our first encounter with....lockers. Everybody's in there trying to cram their stuff in their locker and quickly get on to the next thing, whether they're coming off of the ride or trying to get to it. I'm sure the lockers are assigned so that everybody's not in the same area at the same time, but it's still a madhouse. And the whole locker thing is so prevalent at Universal and so, ...not at Disney. I guess it's because Disney doesn't have the major thrill rides like Universal does, where you really can't take all of your stuff onto the ride, but still, it seems like you're getting nickel-and-dime'd to death as you go throughout the day. Anyway, the need to store you stuff is justified for this ride, but the room with the lockers is a nightmare and a half.

We managed to get all of our miscellaneous stuff stored in a couple of lockers and then set off to get in line. Once in the hallway, we quickly realized that we had to make a choice: regular line or single rider. I hadn't thought this one through ahead of time. Judy was leading the way and made the call -- we didn't care if we rode together and we'd have more time to see the park if we went single rider, so single rider it was. But, people were literally running past us in the regular lane and to get to the single rider lane she had to push her way through like a fullback. If only she had a Beater's bat, right? (See there, I finally worked in a Harry Potter reference.) Frankly I was a little surprised at how aggressive she could be, but we all dutifully followed our lead blocker and made it to the line.

I forgot there was a single rider line! YAY! Yeah, you need to do the other one at least once.

 

[glennbo123]

I knew you weren't going to take us on the ride with you. Boo!

Sorry MEK. I've got 100+ pictures of the Harry Potter area, and I didn't want a "chapter" that spanned 4+ posts. Seemed like a good place to stop.

That is definitely one ride I am dying to try. Glad to hear that James has become the thrill ride junkie. You sure don't have to worry about him in the single rider line.

He's been to Six Flags a couple of times and is now going on all of these major coasters. Such a change from a few years ago. So now I have the opposite problem where he's trying to drag me on stuff that I'd rather just watch from the safety of the ground.

So, exactly how long did it take you to get through the line? Can't wait to read all about it. The pictures you did manage to take while speed walking are really great!

I have a few timestamps written down from my pictures, so that might help with your question. The Islands of Adventure tower as we entered the park was taken at 7:54. We entered Hogsmeade at 8:08. I took the picture of the Sorting Hat at 8:24, and the upcoming spoiler pic during the ride at 8:32.

Great Update , I agree 5 judy's Now going back to see if I can get an eagle eye point !!

Always look closely!

I so agree the Theming at HPW is awesome !! The Lockers are a nightmare !!! I couldn't believ the crowds in there !! Can't wait to hear what you all thought of the ride !!

With the exception of the lockers, it was awesome!

Glen, I have been reading along but haven't posted.

I had you noted as one of my readers.

I was waiting for this part of your TR bc we were there a couple of months before you, also doing one day. We went again this July. This time spending 2 days.

Are you staying in one of their hotels to get the Express Pass (or whatever they call it)?

That's awesome you were able to do the SR line. Our DS12 was unsure that year so we waited in standby. I think he'd be ok now.

I was glad that James was okay with it! I did get to see the standby line later, but speed was what we were after at the moment.

Yeah you do miss a lot of the castle doing the SR line. I heard you can do like a castle tour of some kind- not sure though?? And of course that's if you have time.

Oh, that'd be cool.

I HATE the lockers!!!! That are such a pain in the butt!

Agreed!

Although I love the FB ride, I can only do it once. It can be intense for people who get motion sick. In 2011 my boys and DH rode it twice in 1 day.

You might be a Hufflepuff.

 

[glennbo123]

You guys switched from heavy cream to non-dairy creamer?

Well, it wasn't that exciting. That's asking a lot.

Oh. Well, I guess that's exciting too. By the way, my daughter finally guilted me into reading the first book, and it was really good.

I did read the first one. Maybe even the first two, I can't remember. We were passing them down in the family, and I was after James so was waiting a while for one of them and then kind of gave up.

I think you must have done something that ticked it off earlier.

That's entirely possible.

Stay on target....stay on target...

We say that all the time at our house! I love that quote!

I solemnly swear that you are up to no good.

Ahh, good reference!

Man, Dan even beat me to the movie references. Anyway, I think we were all hoping to see pictures of this.

But I wouldn't be able to write any narrative.

It does feel a bit busy in the pictures. But I love the detail.

Looking back at it, I think the Christmas garland put it over the top.

Positively Seuss-ian. Now you just need to throw some made-up words in there, like Flim-flizzles and such.

He made those up?

If you're going to steal, steal from the best.

Good point.

I can see this spoiling the magic a bit. You'd think it would be easier to hand your stuff off to an owl and have them deliver it where it needs to go.

That's a great idea, they should work on that.

She was seeking the snitch, obviously. I just want to know if she was fighting her way through the crowds with her elbows up. Bonus points for that.

It was more of a shoulder-first kind of thing. Those little teenyboppers didn't stand a chance.

Sure you're not Slytherin material?

 

[ddluvsdisney]

I meant to say this past July. No we didn't stay on property this year for express pass. But we did stay at the Hard Rock Hotel in 2010 and 2011. That was awesome.
We won't be staying on property anymore (at either Disney or US) bc we bought a condo. this year!!

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[glennbo123]

I've been to Universal quite a bit Glenn, and yet I still always manage to to pull into the hotels instead of the the parks. GPS should know better though.

I think I've read that in a few TRs now, so glad I'm not the only one. And as Andy pointed out, I may have not given the GPS the best info. to start with.

Universal really did hit a home run with Wizardly World. I remember being there while it was being built and just being amazed at what was being created. The to finally see it completed was astounding. Those ex-Disney Imagineers really put their talent to work here. Brilliant.

I agree. Really, really awesome.

... And then there's the lockers. I'll refrain from saying too much since most of it would just be censored anyway.

I had a hard time writing this chapter because yours really summed it up! I just wanted to say "what he said".

Aw Glenn, you can't stop the update there!!!!!

I don't think I'll be able to this weekend, but maybe I'll try to at least post the spoiler pic early next week so that people who want to see it don't have to wait too long.

See you got one in there.

It wasn't easy!

Hello Hemisphere Dancer!!!!

Thanks, I didn't remember the name of it.

I forgot there was a single rider line! YAY! Yeah, you need to do the other one at least once.

I did go through the standby line later. Saving for a future chapter!

I meant to say this past July. No we didn't stay on property this year for express pass. But we did stay at the Hard Rock Hotel in 2010 and 2011. That was awesome.
We won't be staying on property anymore (at either Disney or US) bc we bought a condo. this year!!

Wow! Congrats!

 

[ddluvsdisney]

Wow! Congrats!

Thanks!!

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

I am the greatest good you are ever gonna get!

The Incredibles.

Well done Dan. +1

Correct again. Or maybe, the first one, or both, whatever. +1

See Mark to receive your prize. It should be on the magnitude of a "showcase showdown" item from The Price is Right.

I think this effort is worthy of the world-famous Captain_Oblivious No-Prize.©

I did read the first one. Maybe even the first two, I can't remember. We were passing them down in the family, and I was after James so was waiting a while for one of them and then kind of gave up.

I had resisted for a while because I looked at them sitting on the shelf, taking up about 3 feet of width or so, and wondered what kind of commitment it was going to take.

We say that all the time at our house! I love that quote!

+1

I can always count on you to have an appropriate smiley handy.

 

[FauntleroyFAN07]

I think this effort is worthy of the world-famous Captain_Oblivious No-Prize.©

all you had to do was bring me a little bag of maui onion chips and let me eat the crumbs and i would have been happy.