Kimberly815
DIS Veteran<br><font color=green>you can call us M
- Joined
- Mar 24, 2005
- Messages
- 2,302
Links to the rest of the report!
The One with the Pre-Trip
The One with Dinner at Boma's
The One with the 45 minute Safari
The One where Dudley did NOT do right
The One with the Segways and without paperwork
The One with the Kitchen Sink but no running water
The One with Dinner in the Castle
The One with the Incredibles
The One where we fly home
Monday, October 17th
The One where Dudley did NOT do right.
The crew:
Myself; K-bug; age 25
Funnyman; my fiancé; age 26
Screamer; Jennifer48 here on the disboards; age 25
BurgerGuy; age 33
Wow, the alarm clock works fine when you set it properly. Thats good to know!! Today is our non-Disney day. We planned it at the beginning of the week, in order to ensure a magical ending to our vacation. We managed to be up and on our way at the usual 8:30am, but we were definitely feeling a bit tired by now. Somehow we forgot to proceed with the Antennae Topping Ceremony. In hindsight, I think that in our souls we knew that this day would not be magical like out days on Disney Property. I dont think it deserved the ceremony.
We hop on I-4, and are discussing all of the great thrill rides at Universal/Islands in length. This will be the first time that BurgerGuy will go on an upside down roller coaster. We discuss the wonder that is the Universal Express Pass Plus, which we bought ahead of time (- we have no idea how thankful we will be for it until later). Then, it happens.
BurgerGuy Isnt that Universal?
All of us turn, and watch Universal pass by on the left side of the highway.
Yup, thats it. Looks fun, huh?
Apparently, we missed the exit, and now we have to turn around. Funnyman is not exactly thrilled with me, since I am supposed to be the navigator on this trip. Sorry, Funnyman. Screamer and I were too excited trying to explain Dudley Do-Rights Ripsaw Falls to BurgerGuy. Youre on your own man. Your driving, how come you missed the sign too? So we get off the highway to turn around, and there it is: Holyland. As if a sign from the Big Guy himself. Maybe we should go to Holyland today instead? After considering that fact for like a split second, we realize that Funnyman will likely be struck by lightning upon entering Holyland. So we decided to pass. (Although, I think Funnyman may behaved himself a bit more than usual after that!!)
Islands of Adventure is first on our list. And we throw BurgerGuy right into the fire- The Incredible Hulk Coaster was the first thing we went on (and with our Express Pass Plus we are on it within 5 minutes). He handled it perfectly, and came off the ride with a smile. On the way to the Amazing Adventures of Spiderman, Funnyman and I decided to do Doctor Dooms Fearfall. I have to say that if you like these sorts of rides dont bother with this one. I have been on several drop rides, and this was the worst yet. On to Spiderman. We were able to stay out of Spidermans way enough so that he could save the city, yet again.
Next, it was on to Toon Lagoon, and the much anticipated Dudley Do-Rights Ripsaw Falls. We have been looking forward to this since the last trip. This is a great log ride, and the water cannons that you can shoot at people after you get off are priceless. After taking many a silly picture with all the characters down there, we begin the long process that is getting ready for water rides. Cameras must be packed in plastic. Screamer and I decide to put on ponchos and sandals that we brought. We walk over to the ride, and Dudleys Do-Rights Friend informs us that the ride is not operating.
Buddy, are you kidding me? You saw us standing there, going through the obvious motions to prepare for a water ride, and you couldnt take a second to yell over that it is temporarily closed?! I dont think Dudley would be proud. Dudley would be disappointed and you would be on his Done-wrong list.
After this traumatizing visit with Dudleys friends, we opt to skip out on Popeye and Blutos Bilge Rat Barges and head over for the Jurassic River Adventure. This was disappointingly dry after all that work, but fun all the same.
Next on to BurgerGuys second ever upside down roller coaster: Dueling Dragons. I personally love this one. The theming is great in the line, but a bit claustrophobic. Luckily we had our Universal Express Pass Plus! We were on within 5 minutes (as we had been with every ride in the park that day!), selected the Ice Dragon and off we went. This is the ride where Screamer earns her name. Last trip, she screamed like someone was murdering her though the entire ride, which left me laughing so hard that I was out of breath and in tears when the ride ended. I know, its mean to laugh at your friends, but if you had heard her, you would have joined in too! Thankfully, she did not disappoint this time! (Although, she may have screamed a tiny bit less). This was also the first time that I have seen the feet of the people in the other Dragon during the loop. BurgerGuy did not exactly come off this one with a smile on his face. I think we may have expected too much of him so early in his looping roller coaster life.
We stopped for lunch at the Enchanted Oak Tavern, where we all had burgers that were not as good as the ones from Steak and Shake last night. Skipping Poseidons Fury (closed) and The Eight Voyage of Sinbad (no shows in the near future), we moved on to Seuss Landing.
We spent a lot of time in Seuss Landing for four adults: Shopping, enjoying the feeling of being in one of Seusss stories, riding the Caro-Seuss-El and the Cat in the Hat. This was the end of our Islands of Adventure fun, and as me made our way out of the park and over to Universal Studios, we realize that it is only about 1:30pm. Thanks to our Express Passes, we did all of Islands of Adventure in just about 5 hours.
We were just as lucky in Universal Studios. We headed to Jimmy Neutron first, since most of the group had never been on. And as cute ad Jimmy and all his cartoon friends are . . . be careful, that ride gave about half of us a headache. Yeah, maybe it was the fact that we had already rode like 4 or 5 other thrill rides, but I am blaming it on Jimmy whether he likes it or not!
We decided to see the Terminator 2 show, figuring that there would be no bumping around involved. Boy, was this a mistake. This show (though most of our group agreed was pretty good) was way too loud. Poor Screamer sat their through the whole thing with her fingers in her ears. Childish? Maybe, you could say so. But you didnt hear how loud it was. I swear we were sitting on a speaker, maybe even in the woofer.
After that fiasco, we decided to take it easy and rode ET. I have been on this ride 3 times now, and ET always ignores me at the end. I have yet to hear him say anything, let alone my name.
Next up was Men in Black, where we did girls versus guys. Screamer, Funnyman and I rode this last trip and they were furious when I won. I am terrible at these games, and when left to my own devices, score 10,000 points if I am lucky. I was on par with my 10,000 points last trip when at one part the head guy tells you to push the red button. So I yelled to the two of them next to me (I was in the middle of course) Push the red button!, and then I pushed mine. Well, being engulfed at saving their lives (and mine) from aliens, they ignored me. By pushing the red button, I got some kind of bonus, and ended up with the highest score. Thats what you get for following directions guys!! The best part was the ride photo; both Screamer and Funnyman are seriously concentrating on fighting those Aliens and are turned toward their respective sides of the car. I am not even paying attention, and have my gun pointed at the ceiling, just watching everything (no wonder I only score 10,000 points!). We look like Charlies Angels. That is the one ride photo I have regretted not buying.
Well, today . . . It was on. I was going to push that button and secure the victory for us ladies. I would have to, if I wasnt so stupid as to tell them about the button, and around when in the ride to push. BurgerGuy sat there with his finger on the button the whole way. I think he cheated. We got our butts kicked.
Skipping Jaws (closed) and Earthquake (just not that interested), we headed to the Mummy ride. Our last trip to Universal just happened to fall on the official opening day of this ride, yet Screamer, Funnyman and I could not really remember what happened on it. So on we go. Boy, did we forget a lot!
After checking out our hysterical photo (and considering buying it), we make our way out of the gift shop. There were an unusual number of people standing near the doorway for no obvious reason. Then I saw it. A huge man, dressed like a pharaoh, with those weird contacts that make your eyes look funny, and on stilts was waiting behind a prop to scare people on their way out. I turned and tried to warn Screamer, but it was too late. She was screaming before I could get the words out of my mouth, and ran out of the store.
Next up was Twister before we head out for the day. This is one of the obligatory ones, even though I dont find it particularly impressive. Its something we could not miss though, since both Screamer and I have degrees in Meteorology, and BurgerGuy began by studying Meteorology, but the math was killing him (it kills a lot of potential meteorologists) and ended up getting his degree in computer science.
By 5:00pm we were in the car headed back to the hotel, with a plan for the night: To make it a pretty early one- we have dates with Segways tomorrow. We enjoyed a quick swim and the hot tub, some showers, and ordered in some pizza to enjoy while we watched a slideshow of all the photos we have taken so far.
The One with the Pre-Trip
The One with Dinner at Boma's
The One with the 45 minute Safari
The One where Dudley did NOT do right
The One with the Segways and without paperwork
The One with the Kitchen Sink but no running water
The One with Dinner in the Castle
The One with the Incredibles
The One where we fly home
Monday, October 17th
The One where Dudley did NOT do right.
The crew:
Myself; K-bug; age 25
Funnyman; my fiancé; age 26
Screamer; Jennifer48 here on the disboards; age 25
BurgerGuy; age 33
Wow, the alarm clock works fine when you set it properly. Thats good to know!! Today is our non-Disney day. We planned it at the beginning of the week, in order to ensure a magical ending to our vacation. We managed to be up and on our way at the usual 8:30am, but we were definitely feeling a bit tired by now. Somehow we forgot to proceed with the Antennae Topping Ceremony. In hindsight, I think that in our souls we knew that this day would not be magical like out days on Disney Property. I dont think it deserved the ceremony.
We hop on I-4, and are discussing all of the great thrill rides at Universal/Islands in length. This will be the first time that BurgerGuy will go on an upside down roller coaster. We discuss the wonder that is the Universal Express Pass Plus, which we bought ahead of time (- we have no idea how thankful we will be for it until later). Then, it happens.
BurgerGuy Isnt that Universal?
All of us turn, and watch Universal pass by on the left side of the highway.
Yup, thats it. Looks fun, huh?
Apparently, we missed the exit, and now we have to turn around. Funnyman is not exactly thrilled with me, since I am supposed to be the navigator on this trip. Sorry, Funnyman. Screamer and I were too excited trying to explain Dudley Do-Rights Ripsaw Falls to BurgerGuy. Youre on your own man. Your driving, how come you missed the sign too? So we get off the highway to turn around, and there it is: Holyland. As if a sign from the Big Guy himself. Maybe we should go to Holyland today instead? After considering that fact for like a split second, we realize that Funnyman will likely be struck by lightning upon entering Holyland. So we decided to pass. (Although, I think Funnyman may behaved himself a bit more than usual after that!!)
Islands of Adventure is first on our list. And we throw BurgerGuy right into the fire- The Incredible Hulk Coaster was the first thing we went on (and with our Express Pass Plus we are on it within 5 minutes). He handled it perfectly, and came off the ride with a smile. On the way to the Amazing Adventures of Spiderman, Funnyman and I decided to do Doctor Dooms Fearfall. I have to say that if you like these sorts of rides dont bother with this one. I have been on several drop rides, and this was the worst yet. On to Spiderman. We were able to stay out of Spidermans way enough so that he could save the city, yet again.
Next, it was on to Toon Lagoon, and the much anticipated Dudley Do-Rights Ripsaw Falls. We have been looking forward to this since the last trip. This is a great log ride, and the water cannons that you can shoot at people after you get off are priceless. After taking many a silly picture with all the characters down there, we begin the long process that is getting ready for water rides. Cameras must be packed in plastic. Screamer and I decide to put on ponchos and sandals that we brought. We walk over to the ride, and Dudleys Do-Rights Friend informs us that the ride is not operating.
Buddy, are you kidding me? You saw us standing there, going through the obvious motions to prepare for a water ride, and you couldnt take a second to yell over that it is temporarily closed?! I dont think Dudley would be proud. Dudley would be disappointed and you would be on his Done-wrong list.
After this traumatizing visit with Dudleys friends, we opt to skip out on Popeye and Blutos Bilge Rat Barges and head over for the Jurassic River Adventure. This was disappointingly dry after all that work, but fun all the same.
Next on to BurgerGuys second ever upside down roller coaster: Dueling Dragons. I personally love this one. The theming is great in the line, but a bit claustrophobic. Luckily we had our Universal Express Pass Plus! We were on within 5 minutes (as we had been with every ride in the park that day!), selected the Ice Dragon and off we went. This is the ride where Screamer earns her name. Last trip, she screamed like someone was murdering her though the entire ride, which left me laughing so hard that I was out of breath and in tears when the ride ended. I know, its mean to laugh at your friends, but if you had heard her, you would have joined in too! Thankfully, she did not disappoint this time! (Although, she may have screamed a tiny bit less). This was also the first time that I have seen the feet of the people in the other Dragon during the loop. BurgerGuy did not exactly come off this one with a smile on his face. I think we may have expected too much of him so early in his looping roller coaster life.
We stopped for lunch at the Enchanted Oak Tavern, where we all had burgers that were not as good as the ones from Steak and Shake last night. Skipping Poseidons Fury (closed) and The Eight Voyage of Sinbad (no shows in the near future), we moved on to Seuss Landing.
We spent a lot of time in Seuss Landing for four adults: Shopping, enjoying the feeling of being in one of Seusss stories, riding the Caro-Seuss-El and the Cat in the Hat. This was the end of our Islands of Adventure fun, and as me made our way out of the park and over to Universal Studios, we realize that it is only about 1:30pm. Thanks to our Express Passes, we did all of Islands of Adventure in just about 5 hours.
We were just as lucky in Universal Studios. We headed to Jimmy Neutron first, since most of the group had never been on. And as cute ad Jimmy and all his cartoon friends are . . . be careful, that ride gave about half of us a headache. Yeah, maybe it was the fact that we had already rode like 4 or 5 other thrill rides, but I am blaming it on Jimmy whether he likes it or not!
We decided to see the Terminator 2 show, figuring that there would be no bumping around involved. Boy, was this a mistake. This show (though most of our group agreed was pretty good) was way too loud. Poor Screamer sat their through the whole thing with her fingers in her ears. Childish? Maybe, you could say so. But you didnt hear how loud it was. I swear we were sitting on a speaker, maybe even in the woofer.
After that fiasco, we decided to take it easy and rode ET. I have been on this ride 3 times now, and ET always ignores me at the end. I have yet to hear him say anything, let alone my name.
Next up was Men in Black, where we did girls versus guys. Screamer, Funnyman and I rode this last trip and they were furious when I won. I am terrible at these games, and when left to my own devices, score 10,000 points if I am lucky. I was on par with my 10,000 points last trip when at one part the head guy tells you to push the red button. So I yelled to the two of them next to me (I was in the middle of course) Push the red button!, and then I pushed mine. Well, being engulfed at saving their lives (and mine) from aliens, they ignored me. By pushing the red button, I got some kind of bonus, and ended up with the highest score. Thats what you get for following directions guys!! The best part was the ride photo; both Screamer and Funnyman are seriously concentrating on fighting those Aliens and are turned toward their respective sides of the car. I am not even paying attention, and have my gun pointed at the ceiling, just watching everything (no wonder I only score 10,000 points!). We look like Charlies Angels. That is the one ride photo I have regretted not buying.
Well, today . . . It was on. I was going to push that button and secure the victory for us ladies. I would have to, if I wasnt so stupid as to tell them about the button, and around when in the ride to push. BurgerGuy sat there with his finger on the button the whole way. I think he cheated. We got our butts kicked.
Skipping Jaws (closed) and Earthquake (just not that interested), we headed to the Mummy ride. Our last trip to Universal just happened to fall on the official opening day of this ride, yet Screamer, Funnyman and I could not really remember what happened on it. So on we go. Boy, did we forget a lot!
After checking out our hysterical photo (and considering buying it), we make our way out of the gift shop. There were an unusual number of people standing near the doorway for no obvious reason. Then I saw it. A huge man, dressed like a pharaoh, with those weird contacts that make your eyes look funny, and on stilts was waiting behind a prop to scare people on their way out. I turned and tried to warn Screamer, but it was too late. She was screaming before I could get the words out of my mouth, and ran out of the store.
Next up was Twister before we head out for the day. This is one of the obligatory ones, even though I dont find it particularly impressive. Its something we could not miss though, since both Screamer and I have degrees in Meteorology, and BurgerGuy began by studying Meteorology, but the math was killing him (it kills a lot of potential meteorologists) and ended up getting his degree in computer science.
By 5:00pm we were in the car headed back to the hotel, with a plan for the night: To make it a pretty early one- we have dates with Segways tomorrow. We enjoyed a quick swim and the hot tub, some showers, and ordered in some pizza to enjoy while we watched a slideshow of all the photos we have taken so far.
So we ended up riding Ice two years in a row. Oops! 
