Don’t tell MM! It’s NOT a bug’s life! A dolphin’s WHAT? The ER? Is that a body?

[MEK]

Great updates. I didn't want to interrupt sooner because I knew you were still posting.

So glad you DW was feeling well enough to visit KSC. I have only been there once and I love that place. I really wanted to go again in June but we went to Daytona instead. I really MUST get there on my next trip. I thought the Saturn V was amazing. I also loved the movies. Glad to hear that simulator type ride was easy on the vertigo. I don't do the orange side of MS because it makes me dizzy, but I get a kick out of joining the occasional green team.

What is this about you being too big for Mannta or whatever its called? Are you crazy?

Nice group shot - BTW.

Loved AP in December. Denny and I had the salmon and while Nick was quite adventurous enough for the buffalo, he filet was amazing. (I tried it - yum!)

Great idea to have to couples split up for a little alone time. I like that.

 

[natebenma]

If you are so inclined, there is an intense, half-day hands-on train like an astronaut program for an additional cost. Advanced reservations are recommended because space is limited.

OK, this cracked me up!

Loved your tour of KSC. My DH and I visited many many years ago. Maybe 20.

The pictures, once again, are spectacular!

Have you seen a shuttle launch? We were very lucky to catch a glimpse of one while we were at EPCOT in July 2009- 6:03 PM liftoff, we were in Canada, and saw the shuttle fly over Mexico. Unfortunately, it was a cloudy night and we only saw it for about 3 seconds, but it was cool.

Some of the video and pictures of shuttle launches around Disney World are amazing!

I'll forgive you for the lack of food porn from Artist Point since you included pictures of the menus and mouthwatering descriptions.

 

[TinksThree]

I spent my growing up years in north Alabama and we made so many trips to the Rocket Center in Huntsville that I cannot count the number! I love the space program and say BOO!! along with you!! But I haven't made it to Cape Canaveral! It looks very interesting! I did get to see the space shuttle fly over Epcot one night and that was super cool!!

On an off-topic note: WWL had so many "breaking news" stories on the Saints today that I am just ready for them to play football and these "news" stories to go Buh-Bye!!!

 

[SilvernGold]

Thx for sharing, you've absolutely sold me on DC! Super enjoyable TR, so glad your DW is feeling better (migraines are the worst.) Can't wait to hear/see what you thought about the WWOHP.

 

[chimo2u]

Your trip report was WINDERFUL! you have a beautiful family Did you have a fan in your Cabana? I bit the bullet and decided to rent one for our DC day (Oct 1, 2012) because my BFF is not a strong swimmer. This will give her a place to escape if she tires, as well as a reprieve from the sun for us if it is a scorcher. I originally thought of requesting a Cabana near the dophin pool, so we have something to watch.....I have heard the grand reef cabanas are newer and have fans, now I am wondering what area is best for personal Cabanas? what do you think?
Thanks for sharing your wonderful vacation with all of us!
Marie

 

[saintstickets]

Thanks for the awesome pictures Bill! We haven't gone in many years. I need to return soon with the youngest. Can't do for some and not the youngest. Although the oldest had the distinct pleasure of being the guests of a real astronaut. It was supposed to be for the launch off of his last mission, but was scrubbed. Not launching until after our launch home. He was literally the boy next door when I grew up. Truly an amazing family and we were honored to be among his guests. I was looking for his name amongst the pictures you took, but didn't see it. Now, I want to go there for our november trip too. Geeze I'm going to have to stop reading your reports. They are a budget buster for me. Glad your wife was feeling a bit better. I know those migraines can take a few days to feel "normal" again.

Hmmmmm...never been a "budget buster" before. Now I have something new to add to my resume. Wait, that might not go over well when applying for a job. Let's just keep that between us, shall we?

Great updates. I didn't want to interrupt sooner because I knew you were still posting.

So glad you DW was feeling well enough to visit KSC. I have only been there once and I love that place. I really wanted to go again in June but we went to Daytona instead. I really MUST get there on my next trip. I thought the Saturn V was amazing. I also loved the movies. Glad to hear that simulator type ride was easy on the vertigo. I don't do the orange side of MS because it makes me dizzy, but I get a kick out of joining the occasional green team.

What is this about you being too big for Mannta or whatever its called? Are you crazy?

Nice group shot - BTW.

Loved AP in December. Denny and I had the salmon and while Nick was quite adventurous enough for the buffalo, he filet was amazing. (I tried it - yum!)

Great idea to have to couples split up for a little alone time. I like that.

Glad you're still checking in on me MEK. I'm really enjoying your TR as well. DW goes and cooks these fabulous meals and I can't leave any leftovers when I'm cleaning up and then she tells me my stomach is too big to ride Manta! Geesh...

OK, this cracked me up!

Loved your tour of KSC. My DH and I visited many many years ago. Maybe 20.

The pictures, once again, are spectacular!

Have you seen a shuttle launch? We were very lucky to catch a glimpse of one while we were at EPCOT in July 2009- 6:03 PM liftoff, we were in Canada, and saw the shuttle fly over Mexico. Unfortunately, it was a cloudy night and we only saw it for about 3 seconds, but it was cool.

Some of the video and pictures of shuttle launches around Disney World are amazing!

I'll forgive you for the lack of food porn from Artist Point since you included pictures of the menus and mouthwatering descriptions.

I wondered if anyone would catch that about space being limited. Sometimes my sense of humor is lost on everyone but me! I have never seen a shuttle launch and I guess I never will now. DW saw one before we were married and said it was fantastic!

I spent my growing up years in north Alabama and we made so many trips to the Rocket Center in Huntsville that I cannot count the number! I love the space program and say BOO!! along with you!! But I haven't made it to Cape Canaveral! It looks very interesting! I did get to see the space shuttle fly over Epcot one night and that was super cool!!

On an off-topic note: WWL had so many "breaking news" stories on the Saints today that I am just ready for them to play football and these "news" stories to go Buh-Bye!!!

Small world....Huntsville is where DS and DDiL live. I'm with you...I'm definately ready for some football!!!

Thx for sharing, you've absolutely sold me on DC! Super enjoyable TR, so glad your DW is feeling better (migraines are the worst.) Can't wait to hear/see what you thought about the WWOHP.

Thanks for joining in. DC met and exceeded all our expectations. Stay tuned, WWoHP is up next!

Your trip report was WINDERFUL! you have a beautiful family Did you have a fan in your Cabana? I bit the bullet and decided to rent one for our DC day (Oct 1, 2012) because my BFF is not a strong swimmer. This will give her a place to escape if she tires, as well as a reprieve from the sun for us if it is a scorcher. I originally thought of requesting a Cabana near the dophin pool, so we have something to watch.....I have heard the grand reef cabanas are newer and have fans, now I am wondering what area is best for personal Cabanas? what do you think?
Thanks for sharing your wonderful vacation with all of us!
Marie

Glad you could join us for this TR ride and thanks for the compliment about the family. I guess I'll keep them for a while longer...now they might have a different opinion of me at times though! There was a fan in our cabana and it kept the air moving quite nicely. We never saw the cabanas near the Grand Reef but if they are as nice as ours, then you will definately enjoy it. I liked ours because it was so close to the restaurant, the Wind Away River and as the pictures show, we could watch the dolphin swims as well. I know you will enjoy your stay there. Don't forget to write a TR when you return!

 

[TinksThree]

Small world....Huntsville is where DS and DDiL live. I'm with you...I'm definately ready for some football!!!

Small World! I spent the first ten years of my life in Decatur! My best friend lives in Madison and my parents still have tons of friends there! I love that area and Keith I I actually may end up in the area due to his job.....one day after the kids graduate. We will carry the Saints and Golden Eagle love there and try to add some culture to the area!! All of the sports radios shows here have daily countdowns to the new seasons!

 

[therussells08]

I must say, I'm quite impressed with your "winging it" skills. Nice!

I LOVE Phillip Phillips! Although I agree about his pained facial expressions when he sings! Deandre was my favorite, though. I was mad when he got voted off.

A LITERARY REFERENCE. You just made this English teacher very happy!

I'm so glad your DW was feeling better enough to go to KSC! Speaking of which, I have GOT to take John there. He would love it!

We had Artist Point on our trip a few years ago, and we loved it too! I'm glad y'all had a gret experience too! Oh, and as for those southern fellas who only eat meat and potatoes? You just described my husband perfectly!

 

[saintstickets]

Small World! I spent the first ten years of my life in Decatur! My best friend lives in Madison and my parents still have tons of friends there! I love that area and Keith I I actually may end up in the area due to his job.....one day after the kids graduate. We will carry the Saints and Golden Eagle love there and try to add some culture to the area!! All of the sports radios shows here have daily countdowns to the new seasons!

DS catches grief all the time about the Saints. The few that follow the NFL up there are Titans or Falcons fans. Up there the top three teams most people cheer for are Alabama, Crimson Tide and 'Bama!

I must say, I'm quite impressed with your "winging it" skills. Nice!

I LOVE Phillip Phillips! Although I agree about his pained facial expressions when he sings! Deandre was my favorite, though. I was mad when he got voted off.

A LITERARY REFERENCE. You just made this English teacher very happy!

I'm so glad your DW was feeling better enough to go to KSC! Speaking of which, I have GOT to take John there. He would love it!

We had Artist Point on our trip a few years ago, and we loved it too! I'm glad y'all had a gret experience too! Oh, and as for those southern fellas who only eat meat and potatoes? You just described my husband perfectly!

Don't be too impressed by the literary reference. It took hours of Google searching to get it right!

DW and I have found out over the years that more often than not, most of the men among our couple friends are meat and potatoes guys. I can't tell you how many times I have taken the girls out to a nicer restaurant while the guys either sit at home or wait at a bar for us to meet them later. I'm not complaining though because I like the odds however, I can't tell you how many times I tune out when the talk turns to diapers, makeup, clothing sales or female plumbing!

 

[saintstickets]

Today is our last full day. Due to circumstances beyond our control, we have had to move our visit to Universal’s Island of Adventure to today. Originally we had no plans for today other than take DS/DDiL to MCO. Instead, they will catch DME. At least it saved me having to pass a few toll booths (Can you tell toll booths are not my favorite thing in the world?). Since DS & DDiL have a separate room from ours, we did not have to disturb them and they were able to sleep late. Their flight isn’t until 4:45pm so they can take it easy even though check out time is 11:00am.

IoA opens at 9:00am today so we are up and out by 8:15am. Garmin GPS cooperates this morning and gets us there easy enough. A side note here…I had purchased our 6 tickets online thru Undercover Tourist. Since we were only using 4, I called UT when we returned about a refund. They have a FANTASTIC refund policy. They give you a full refund less 5%. I called them to get info on returning the tickets, mailed them and received a credit to my credit card within a week! You can’t beat that. We have used them in the past for WDW tickets and then get the CM at the resort to put them on our KTTW room card without a problem. You get a small discount to purchase from them direct and it sure beats standing in line once you arrive. I highly recommend using them if you want to purchase your tickets beforehand for any Orlando area attraction. Now back to our trip…

Parking at Universal is two-tiered. For just a few dollars more, we purchased the preferred parking so our walk would not be so far at the end of the day. We were there at straight up 9:00 but if you stay at one of the Universal resorts, you can enter at 8:00. I had originally planned on purchasing Universal’s Express Pass (similar in application to WDW Fast Pass but a purchase is required) online but never got around to it. It’s a good thing because they are date specific and the cost is different depending on the day you are there. It was going to be a hot day according to the forecast and it was already getting crowded so I bit the bullet and shelled out the $63.89 (tax included) each! Yes, it was that much but since we were here for only one day, it was the Friday before Memorial Day weekend and the crowd level was expected to be high, it ended up being a very good idea. I will post (UEP ride) on the rides I remember as accepting the Universal Express Pass. Another side note here…if you are a AAA member, you can get a 10% discount on food and merchandise purchases at Universal.

After getting the UEP, we headed straight to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and entered the village of Hogsmeade

 

[saintstickets]

It was already crowded

Nothing to do but rush to ride Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. The queue to get into the castle was long and UEP is not available for this attraction. This is about a third of the line

Once in Hogwarts castle, the theming is very good but unfortunately very dark. I did not bring my better camera today but instead brought my waterproof point-n-shoot. There are a lot of moving pictures and holographic appearances by the characters from the books. These are the only two pics I took that turned out half-way decent

The Sorting Hat

The ride was VERY well themed as well and not too hard on your back or stomach. There are a lot of twists and turns as you face various creatures you’ll recognize from the films. It is definitely a must do ride even if you aren’t a HP fan. You can also tour the castle in a separate line without riding if you just want to see all the familiar places like Dumbledore’s office, Defense against the Dark Arts classroom, Gryffindor’s common room, the Room of Requirement, etc.

The only negative about this ride is the locker area and I found this a negative at IoA everywhere. The lockers at IoA are usually in a small confined area and very crowded. There is a minimum $4 fee to use them. On Forbidden Journey, you were not allowed to have a carry on of any kind so they did not charge here for the use of a locker. On the other rides, especially the water rides, you needed to use them but had to pay the locker fee. We had to pay the minimum fee for 3 different rides. This might be one of their best money makers at IoA and definitely the most profitable for the small capital outlay! I hope WDW doesn’t get any ideas like this!! Another reason for the TR title – Don’t tell Mickey Mouse!

 

[saintstickets]

From here we decided to grab a bite at one of the kiosks. It was already getting hot so I purchased one of their refillable mugs for $7.99. It costs 99 cents each time you refill it but you will save money. We refilled it 3 times. We walked around taking it all in. Hogsmeade village is really something to behold. I won’t try to tell about these pics because if you have not read the books or seen the movies, it won’t mean anything…if you have read the books three times like I have and have seen the movies countless times, no explanation is necessary

And more of Hogwarts Castle

 

[saintstickets]

The singing frog choir

Next it was on to Flight of the Hippogriff (UEP ride)

We had to stop in at Honeydukes sweetshop

 

[saintstickets]

And then it was to the other shoppes – Dervish and Banges, Filch’s Emporium of Confiscated Goods and Zonko’s

 

[saintstickets]

Our next ride was

This is the most intense ride in the WWoHP. You choose which side to ride – the Hungarian Horntail or the Chinese Fireball (UEP ride)

Originally these rides actually had the riders zooming toward each other as if you were going to hit. However, something happened a while back, a shoe flew off and hit the other side or something like that and now they alternate the rides approaching the meeting point so as to not endanger the other side (and keep the liability insurance down!). You can see from this IoA website pic that the red and blue rides came awfully close to each other initially.

The two sides are actually two different rides with different twists and turns so you will want to ride both sides. Here are a few pics from the ground

 

[saintstickets]

By now it is time to eat. Naturally we HAD to eat at The Three Broomsticks restaurant!

This is supposed to be typical English food and they do have shepherd’s pie, fish & chips and Cornish pasties. However, I assume to accommodate American palates, they also have chargrilled ribs, rotisserie smoked chicken and smoked turkey legs. There is also a Great Feast Platter for 4 that includes salad, chicken, ribs, roasted corn on the cob and roasted potatoes. Hmmmm….I wonder what we got? Yup, the platter and we showed our AAA card and got the 10% discount.

Now it was time to hit some of the rides. IoA is divided up into 6 areas around a lagoon. We passed through Seuss Landing and The Lost Continent to get to WWoHP. Seuss Landing appeared to be more for the kiddies. The Lost Continent has Poseidon’s Fury special effects show and Sinbad’s Stunt Show that we would have like to have tried but we never got around to them. Next to WWoHP is Jurassic Park so we ventured in

 

[saintstickets]

First up was the Jurassic Park River Adventure (UEP ride)

And yes, you do get wet

 

[saintstickets]

Then it was on to Toon Lagoon for Dudley Do-Right’s Rip Saw Falls and yes, you will get wet

 

[saintstickets]

Staying in Toon Lagoon we rode Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges (UEP ride). This is comparable to Kali River Rapids in Animal Kingdom at WDW but, I hate to say it, a LOT better. My biggest complaint about KRR is that it doesn’t last long enough. P&B BRB is probably 4 times longer than KRR and yes, you will get SOAKED! There was another family of 4 with us on this ride. Sorry for the quality of some of these pics. The camera is waterproof but it didn’t stop water from getting on the lens and there wasn’t a dry spot on me to wipe it off!

Did I mention you will get wet on this ride? We were soaked to the bone. They have these machines that you walk in and for a fee (naturally), numerous heat and blow dryers ATTEMPT to dry you off. It was big enough for all 4 of us to get in but it did little good in drying us off. The best we could do was take off what clothes you could without getting arrested and wring them out. It didn’t help much.

 

[saintstickets]

Next up is Marvel Super Hero Island and the newly refurbished Adventures of Spider-Man in 3D (UEP ride). This was pretty good and the 3D added a lot to the ride plus it was inside because it was starting to get HOT! IoA was packed at this point and Universal did not plan for large crowds as well as WDW. The addition of WWoHP has increased the attendance at Universal substantially the past two years but it still doesn’t compare to Disney. 2011 attendance figures for amusement & theme parks show Disney is by far the leader…
______Park_________| 2011 Nbrs__|Change from 2010
1 – MK @ WDW_____ | 17,142,000 | + 1.0%
2 – Disneyland______ | 16,140,000 | + 1.0%
3 – Tokyo Disneyland_| 13,996,000 | - 3.2%
4 – Tokyo Disney Sea | 11,930,000 | - 5.8%
5 – Disneyland Paris__| 10,990,000 | + 4.7%
6 – EPCOT @ WDW___| 10,825,000 | N/C
7 – AK @ WDW______| 9,783,000 | + 1.0%
8 – DHS @ WDW_____| 9,699,000 | + 1.0%
9 – Universal Japan___| 8,500,000 | + 4.2%
10 – Universal IoA____| 7,674,000 | + 29.0%

DW, DD & DDfi ride Doctor Doom’s Fearfall (UEP ride) while I grab a drink refill and snack and take a pic while waiting

I’m not feeling real spiffy at this point. I think the heat has taken its toll so I sit the next two rides out. They ride Storm Force Accelatron (UEP ride)