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

[glennbo123]

That would be very handy!

And it's not the first time I've looked for one either. That should probably tell me something....that I frequently want to express frustration to the point of eye-twitching.

Oh no, you didn't.

I am sorry.

Yeah, yeah I did.

It has SUCH promise from the outside and is so horrible inside (other than the tunnel of water, which is cool) that UGH.

I'm really glad to get this feedback, I thought maybe I was the only one who felt this way! There were certainly enough people waiting to get in.

It is most definitely a different vibe over there, and at Universal in general, both parks.

I sensed that.

I think each has their place and we enjoy different things about each. They are tough parks if you don't want thrill rides though, my pregnant sister struggled a bit and basically bailed after a half day.

I completely agree. Had Judy been able to go on more of thrill rides, I'm sure that we would've liked it better.

A postcard... Well, at least they bought something... I guess.

It wasn't for nothing, so that made it totally worth it.

Oh yeah Poseiden's Fury. You are so right, beautiful on the outside, horrible on the inside. Just an awful queue. The only saving grace for me is that water tunnel which admittedly, is really really neat... when it's working.

Oh wow, I didn't realize it had a history of not working. I'm glad it was working when we were there or I might've bashed the attraction in my review.

Ha, I do like the name change though...Poseidon's Temper Tantrum. Or perhaps Poseidon's Hissy Fit.

Careful now, I was trying not to upset the IoA lovers out there, and you go and call it Poseidon's Hissy Fit. That's over the line.

I like it though!

It really amazes me that Spiderman opened in 1999 and I think it's still pretty darn impressive all these years later. Great ride for sure.

I didn't realize that it has been around that long. Pretty durn good.

Funny that I used to love the Hulk and now it bores me other than the launch. I do love that launch.

You've become jaded!

I think you summed my feelings as well Glenn. Universal (and in this case Islands) really does do some great theming (particularly Potter), but it's more focused on the ride aspect. Disney has more "feels".

And Disney has "Wishes"!

 

[glennbo123]

I just call 'em like I see 'em.

And your eyesight's still good?

I believe you accused my poor little snacks of being petrified.

That doesn't sound like something I'd do.

Yeah, that's it. Only the good stuff for me.

Whoa, a triple hippie. Far out!

You should ask her, and let me know what she says! (Hi, Judy!!)

I'm still trying to figure out how to work it into conversation.

I wish I had that puking smilie to insert here. Dang! Who was that that kept posting that?? Tim? Hmm...

I don't have the graphic one that I believe you're thinking of, but I do have this kinder, gentler one:

Don't you remember?! I had the male CM go in the mensroom and TAKE A PICTURE FOR ME!! I didn't need to go in! (Of course, that was because I already had prior experience in ummm... taking a side trip in there for research purposes only, mind you.)

I had forgotten that. I think that my subconscious blocked it, as a defense mechanism.

Actually it should be 8 as in the pix after Spider man well actually 2nd pix , there is clearly a shadow of Judy !!! So in true Marv tradition I ask the Rules Committee for n Eagle eye point at least !!!

No, no, no. We've never counted shadows and we're not starting now!

 

[englishrose47]

Bur we count reflections ????

 

[Poolrat]

Well late again.

I enjoyed your recap of IoA and WWoHP. I have not been since ..... eek I can't remember but Spiderman was there as was the Hulk and Poseidon's Hissy Fit ( I like that ). We went during a hurricane




Gosh Chris was Maybe 5. so 1999 or 2000?


I do need to go back and experience WWoHP but I guess by now I will just wait for the expansion.

I do remember someone lost the ponchos ( not me ) in PF and in Disney fashion the store just replaced them at no charge. I guess that was easier than going back through to find them. And less painful than having to buy new ones.

7 Judys. Yup pretty straight forward. No slivers or reflections. Congrats Katherina.

 

[FauntleroyFAN07]

sounds like you did everything u wanted so even though it was hot and getting loud by some speakers seems like a win.

well at least they bought something, you would have prob been more upset if they came back out with nothing at all.

 

[ddluvsdisney]

Sounds like a great day to see WWoHP!
I agree w Judy... Been there done that. We've been 3x but my kids love it, especially DS16 who doesn't even like coasters... Go figure can't understand him. His favorite ride is Spider-Man. Last time he went on about 5x in a row in SR rider line while his brother and dad did Hulk.
I LOVE coasters but just can't seem to handle the Hulk anymore. It's just too intense.

My DS16 wanted to give up our Disney APs this year to get APs at Universal. I just can't do it. Luckily our town's H.S. Is marching in MK in April so my DS is excited! We told him we had to renew the APs if he wanted to go.

Now all I need is to be able to reserve FP+ that whole fiasco is making me crazy. But that's another story.

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[GreatBiscuit]

The girls each had a friend over last night. Which means as I was awake at an hour far below the Saturday standards of decency.

On the plus side, I went to get donuts. And spent some time researching for our vacay. And finally got to see your post without the picture-killing constraints of our photo site hating firewall.

All of which to say, I thank you for pointing out the absurdity of Poseidon's Fury. Had I not known what it was, I would have been drawn in as well. It looks nifty on the outside. Loved the Spiderman glasses selfies.

 

[norybell]

Harry Potter-land sure looks amazing, but those crowds...sheesh!

I have revised my vague, "I'm sure I'll visit Universal someday" to, "I'll visit Universal someday and stay in one of their hotels for two nights, do Harry Potter rides one morning and stores the next, then spend the afternoons visiting the rest of the park with my magic front-of-line pass."

It's really a shame that those stores are so tiny, it looks like there'd be so much amazing detail to see, but how could you ever actually see it?

 

[glennbo123]

Bur we count reflections ????

Yes. Makes complete sense, doesn't it?

Well late again.

I enjoyed your recap of IoA and WWoHP. I have not been since ..... eek I can't remember but Spiderman was there as was the Hulk and Poseidon's Hissy Fit ( I like that ). We went during a hurricane

I hear that the lines are shorter during a hurricane.

Gosh Chris was Maybe 5. so 1999 or 2000?

Aw, he's so cute in his poncho and with a little help to hang onto Marmaduke.

I do need to go back and experience WWoHP but I guess by now I will just wait for the expansion.

Yeah, I'd wait and get the benefit of both while you're there.

I do remember someone lost the ponchos ( not me ) in PF and in Disney fashion the store just replaced them at no charge. I guess that was easier than going back through to find them. And less painful than having to buy new ones.

Well, that was nice of 'em!

7 Judys. Yup pretty straight forward. No slivers or reflections. Congrats Katherina.

With the crowd shots, it really was more of a "Where's Waldo" type of chapter.

sounds like you did everything u wanted so even though it was hot and getting loud by some speakers seems like a win.

Yeah, we did. I don't mean to sound like too much of a complainer.

well at least they bought something, you would have prob been more upset if they came back out with nothing at all.

Maybe. I'm not real sure!

 

[glennbo123]

Sounds like a great day to see WWoHP!

Dan, in the post before yours, put it really well -- we accomplished everything we set out to do, so that was a success!

I agree w Judy... Been there done that. We've been 3x but my kids love it, especially DS16 who doesn't even like coasters... Go figure can't understand him. His favorite ride is Spider-Man. Last time he went on about 5x in a row in SR rider line while his brother and dad did Hulk.
I LOVE coasters but just can't seem to handle the Hulk anymore. It's just too intense.

I think the age demographic that Universal appeals to is narrower than Disney. Teens, toddlers (in the kiddie sections), and coaster people. That's my observation anyway.

My DS16 wanted to give up our Disney APs this year to get APs at Universal.

Say what?!

I just can't do it.

Whew!

Luckily our town's H.S. Is marching in MK in April so my DS is excited! We told him we had to renew the APs if he wanted to go.

There you go.

Now all I need is to be able to reserve FP+ that whole fiasco is making me crazy. But that's another story.

I know almost nothing about that. We haven't been to the parks since that's been instituted and I haven't been keeping up on the threads and info. about it, so I'm basically lost. When we go back in 2015, all my Dis-friends are going to have to give me a tutorial.

The girls each had a friend over last night. Which means as I was awake at an hour far below the Saturday standards of decency.

The things we do, so that the kids can make some memories. Bloodshot eyeballs and all.

On the plus side, I went to get donuts.

Well now yer talkin'.

And spent some time researching for our vacay.

And finally got to see your post without the picture-killing constraints of our photo site hating firewall.

All of which to say, I thank you for pointing out the absurdity of Poseidon's Fury. Had I not known what it was, I would have been drawn in as well. It looks nifty on the outside. Loved the Spiderman glasses selfies.

Well, I don't know...some people may love it. Who am I to judge? Oh yeah, a Disboard trip reporter, that's who!

Harry Potter-land sure looks amazing, but those crowds...sheesh!

I have revised my vague, "I'm sure I'll visit Universal someday" to, "I'll visit Universal someday and stay in one of their hotels for two nights, do Harry Potter rides one morning and stores the next, then spend the afternoons visiting the rest of the park with my magic front-of-line pass."

I think that's the way to go. You should try it, there's things worth seeing. And there you go, you've got your touring plan all lined-out already!

It's really a shame that those stores are so tiny, it looks like there'd be so much amazing detail to see, but how could you ever actually see it?

I wondered if they underestimated the appeal that HP-land would have. 'Cause the shops are really, really well done. But

 

[glennbo123]

Oops, looks like I missed replying to some posts on the previous page. Sorry about that! I'll have to get to them later.

 

[glennbo123]

A well-earned win. You were on top of the post despite my "infrequent posting" strategy.

Well, seems like you weren't particularly WoW'ed by the rest of Islands of Adventure.

Of all the people to miss replying to. 'Cause I thought of you quite a bit while writing these few chapters, since I know you like Universal a lot and did such an informative TR on it.

Yeah, "not particularly wow'd" is a good way to put it. The kids enjoyed it, but the highlight is of course, WWoHP. I'm sure we would've liked it more if Judy could've gone on more of the rides in the rest of IoA.

We have managed to skip both Poseidon's Fury and Sinbad's Journey on our two stays at Universal/IoA. We haven't heard much about these two attractions, but what I have heard doesn't compel me to check them out. Boo on Universal to fake you out with incredible theming and a crappy experience!

"Fake out" is probably a little strong, but they certainly built up my expectations for the attraction and then it didn't quite live up.

Spiderman is supremely cool. Great job utilizing the Single Rider Line!!!

Especially when we didn't have to split up. That's just flat-out moving ahead in line. (They must've recognized me. )

My teen and husband LOVE Hulk! I have only been twice, because I usually hang back with Ben, who hasn't braved it yet.

It was great! One that just before it takes off, makes you question why you got in line and then turns out to be an awesome thrill!

 

[Flossbolna]

Sorry that it has been so long since I last commented on your TR! I really enjoyed all the Universal updates. As someone who loved all the HP books, I truly enjoyed the WWoHP. Seems like you thought the same!

As to the rest of IoA: After my visit there I felt similar to you, but then there were some truly breathtaking attractions which really make me want to go back. Overall I think I liked the Studios park better in certain aspects. It is less pretty (I think Seussland, WWoHP and Port of Entry are very well themed - oh and the area where you did the attraction that we avoided), but it has more of a coherent theme. Overall I think with the two theme parks together it has a lot to offer and I would love to do a few days at that resort in the future. Just like with WDW I think takings things in slowly and combining it with a nice resort for pool breaks will improve any park. And at the moment I am actually more interested in going back to the Universal parks - especially after this summer when they open up all the new stuff there!!!

 

[Steppesister]

And your eyesight's still good?

Let's just say it's better than my hearing.

That doesn't sound like something I'd do.

Yeah, sure. Right.

I'm still trying to figure out how to work it into conversation.

You're eloquent. I'm sure you'll find a way. Just tell her she needs to pick some up next time she's at the grocery store. That you've got a sudden hankerin'.

I don't have the graphic one that I believe you're thinking of, but I do have this kinder, gentler one:

I think it must've been Tim or Mark. YOOOHOOOO!!! (Need graphic puking face. Stat!)

I had forgotten that. I think that my subconscious blocked it, as a defense mechanism.

We all do what we have to do....

 

[afwdwfan]

"Oh my gosh, what could be taking those girls so long?" Then, after nearly 40 minutes, they finally returned. And what did they buy?

A postcard.

(I looked high and low for a Herbert Lom gif (he's the actor who played Clouseau's boss in the "Pink Panther" movies), with his eye twitching, after Clouseau drove him crazy, but I couldnt find one. Please, some computer-savvy person out there, this is an unmet need on the internets that needs to be filled.

Yeah... I came up empty too. This looks like a job for Mark.

When we left Poseidons Temper Tantrum®

Pretty appropriate. I think I've seen it once. Probably 10 or 15 years ago. I don't feel compelled to go back.

That'd make a nice postcard picture, wouldn't it?

And without a 40 minute wait!

We pressed onward and got to see the Jurassic Park car, so we had that going for us.

They really made a mistake with the JP ride. I mean the movie set up the perfect theme park ride. This should be the ride vehicle, not a boat.

Give me loops and corkscrews and I'm happy!

I absolutely love the Hulk. That ride alone is almost enough to make me want to head over to IoA.

The rollercoasters are probably better at Universal, I'll give 'em that, but I think (my opinion) that Disney hits its stride by entertaining not just thrilling. Know what I mean? I'm sure that our kids wouldn't mind going back someday, but Judy, who can't handle being tossed around on a rollercoaster anymore, is happy to just say "been there, done that".

I think that is 100% accurate. I, however, love thrill rides and the attractions at that park are like a siren song calling me over to the dark side.

Up next: Loo-wow! Or...Hula the dogs out?

Looks like it should be a punny update.

 

[marvali]

It's been a long time since I went to Universal. The one time I was there the headline attraction was the Back to the Future ride!

I never got into the Harry Potter mania, although the boys did, so all of the Harry Potter Land stuff is a little lost on me. But I really enjoyed reading your updates and I'm thinking that maybe a return visit to Universal might be a good change of pace soon!

At the very least it appears I can get my ride on. Some of the rides sound like a lot of fun!

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

Hi Glenn! I'm caught up. Thanks for the tour of IoA. I have a feeling my sense of Universal vs. Disney would be the same as yours. Only you wouldn't be getting me on that Hulk coaster. No thanks.

I am going to have to go someday, though, just to see the Harry Potter stuff. They've got me there.

Oh, and I'll have to see if I can at least find a Herbert Lom YouTube clip.

I think it must've been Tim or Mark. YOOOHOOOO!!! (Need graphic puking face. Stat!)

Sorry I'm so late on the ball here!

 

[KatMark]

I'm sorry Glenn; I didn't realize you had done an update. The last time I looked there was a lot of chitchat with a DIS member who changed her DIS name and then I forgot to come back.

I would have been with Judy sitting on a bench (maybe with an adult beverage in hand) while people I was with were going on those rides.

Great photo with the 5X7 across your faces...but I got the gist of the look on those faces.

 

[Ensusieasm]

Love your trip report and your beautiful family. You sure know how to have fun!
I just found your TR last evening and it was like a book I just couldn't put down. I can't believe I read the whole thing!

 

[glennbo123]

Sorry that it has been so long since I last commented on your TR! I really enjoyed all the Universal updates. As someone who loved all the HP books, I truly enjoyed the WWoHP. Seems like you thought the same!

No problem Magdalene, visit whenever you can! Yes, I thought that the Harry Potter area was really, really well done and worth the visit.

As to the rest of IoA: After my visit there I felt similar to you, but then there were some truly breathtaking attractions which really make me want to go back. Overall I think I liked the Studios park better in certain aspects. It is less pretty (I think Seussland, WWoHP and Port of Entry are very well themed - oh and the area where you did the attraction that we avoided), but it has more of a coherent theme. Overall I think with the two theme parks together it has a lot to offer and I would love to do a few days at that resort in the future. Just like with WDW I think takings things in slowly and combining it with a nice resort for pool breaks will improve any park. And at the moment I am actually more interested in going back to the Universal parks - especially after this summer when they open up all the new stuff there!!!

Yeah, I'm sure that we would've enjoyed it more if we were staying at one of their resorts and had the Express Passes and could take breaks to return to the pool and all of that good stuff.

Let's just say it's better than my hearing.

Eh?

You're eloquent. I'm sure you'll find a way. Just tell her she needs to pick some up next time she's at the grocery store. That you've got a sudden hankerin'.

Wait, er, what? I've got a sudden hankerin'? What're we talking about again??

I think it must've been Tim or Mark. YOOOHOOOO!!! (Need graphic puking face. Stat!)

Calling all cars, calling all cars…

Yeah... I came up empty too. This looks like a job for Mark.

We all have our talents and specialties. It's a good thing that Mark's is in an area of such high demand.

Pretty appropriate. I think I've seen it once. Probably 10 or 15 years ago. I don't feel compelled to go back.

No one warned me!

And without a 40 minute wait!

Even in the days of a Polaroid it would've been faster.

They really made a mistake with the JP ride. I mean the movie set up the perfect theme park ride. This should be the ride vehicle, not a boat.

You're right! What an opportunity they missed.

I absolutely love the Hulk. That ride alone is almost enough to make me want to head over to IoA.

A great ride!

I think that is 100% accurate. I, however, love thrill rides and the attractions at that park are like a siren song calling me over to the dark side.

Siren song. Is that like a beautiful sea maiden calling out delicately, "Andy. Andy." Or the sound you hear when a state trooper's chasing you?

Looks like it should be a punny update.

Could be, but even I don’t know yet! However...I'm picturing Donald Duck walking by saying, "Oh poi, oh poi, oh poi!"