Don't think I'll return....

[mplsmom1]

I'm writing a trip report over on the trip report board (if I knew how to link it here I would - look for "A Coaster A Day") and thought I would recap the Universal portion of my trip here...

Ok – the first big compromise was at hand. After getting to the World, we were going to leave the World and tour Universal for the day. Arguments for: we have never been, the ‘children’ were clamoring that it was ‘cool’ and ‘amazing’ and their sense of ride adventure finally matched what I had read about the park rides (seriously – ITTBAB scared the ‘you-know-what’ out of my boys their first trip to Disney – picture a 9 yr old and 5 yr old white faced, huddled outside the tree of life crying and shaking, neither of them made it through it – not one of my finer memories of motherhood!) Arguments against: It’s not Disney (d’oh!) and by going Day 1 I would have to forgo my ADR at the Crystal Palace.

Kids win and the plans are set, 2 park-1 day passes are purchased ahead of time and will be picked up at an electronic kiosk at the park. Part of our allure is no driving on vacation, so I arrange for the Mears Shuttle to pick us up at 8 AM Thursday Oct. 16th from ASMo (thanks to fellow DIS’er Clkelley who so generously provided me with all the information on the Transportation board - the Dis ROCKS!).

We arrived around 11:30 PM the night previous, carry-on in hand with clothes for the next day. We stayed in room 2826 in Mighty Ducks – nice room, quiet location. We made the decision not to do a preferred room and it worked out just fine for us….we are all capable of walking distances, heck I have the smallest stride of them all. Alarm goes off, we’re up, through the shower, and out to the stop 10 mins. prior to 8 AM. A little angst if we are in the right spot, but the Mears bus pulls up promptly at 8 AM, takes our money, loads several of us off and heads out. A quick stop at ASMu and then direct to the park. We’re in right around park opening at 9 AM.

Boys have their thoughts and we enter Islands of Adventure and set off at a good clip for Dueling Dragons. This ride looks like it’s being re-engineered from part of the “Lost Continent” area into Harry Potter, so the pre-show is a little jumbled with a Harry Potter soundtrack and pirate-y skull and crossbones look throughout the castle. Hopefully they’ll correct that and have some moving staircases and the like. Walk right through and onto Ice – front row. The coaster is amazing – tons of fun and we get off and go right onto Fire. Consensus, we liked Ice better. Left the dragons and set off for Hulk.

Here’s where I start to dislike Universal – although there is practically no one on the main walkways and areas…the rest of the rides for the day have MAJOR lines. I was not going to buy Universal’s “Fast Pass” (essentially $26/per person for the day we were there – I’m sorry, that crosses the line towards extortion in my book and should not have been necessary given general overall crowd levels). Hulk (at 9:40 AM) had a 45 min. wait. We head to Spiderman (20 mins). We ride Spiderman and I HATE it. The 3D is too in-my-face and the ride is too jerky. Off to Hulk and a 50 min wait (which we do). This is a fun coaster!

After Hulk a couple things start to converge: we’ve had no food yet and it’s getting hot out. We decide we like the look of the Mytho’s restaurant and hoof it back thru Dr. Suess world (which I loved) to eat there. But – Mytho’s turned out to be a myth….at high noon there’s a lady in front stating they have “technical difficulties” and may be opening at 1:30 PM. We mention out loud – oh, we’ll come back for dinner and she tells us “we close at 4 PM”. WHAT?!? What kind of restaurant is only open for 2 ½ hours?!? BIZARRE. We hike off to Margaritaville and have a very nice lunch.

Up next – the rest of Universal and the most torturous ride of the day – the bus ride home

 

[Metro West]

Boys have their thoughts and we enter Islands of Adventure and set off at a good clip for Dueling Dragons. This ride looks like it’s being re-engineered from part of the “Lost Continent” area into Harry Potter, so the pre-show is a little jumbled with a Harry Potter soundtrack and pirate-y skull and crossbones look throughout the castle. Hopefully they’ll correct that and have some moving staircases and the like. Walk right through and onto Ice – front row. The coaster is amazing – tons of fun and we get off and go right onto Fire. Consensus, we liked Ice better. Left the dragons and set off for Hulk.

Here’s where I start to dislike Universal – although there is practically no one on the main walkways and areas…the rest of the rides for the day have MAJOR lines. I was not going to buy Universal’s “Fast Pass” (essentially $26/per person for the day we were there – I’m sorry, that crosses the line towards extortion in my book and should not have been necessary given general overall crowd levels). Hulk (at 9:40 AM) had a 45 min. wait. We head to Spiderman (20 mins). We ride Spiderman and I HATE it. The 3D is too in-my-face and the ride is too jerky. Off to Hulk and a 50 min wait (which we do). This is a fun coaster!

After Hulk a couple things start to converge: we’ve had no food yet and it’s getting hot out. We decide we like the look of the Mytho’s restaurant and hoof it back thru Dr. Suess world (which I loved) to eat there. But – Mytho’s turned out to be a myth….at high noon there’s a lady in front stating they have “technical difficulties” and may be opening at 1:30 PM. We mention out loud – oh, we’ll come back for dinner and she tells us “we close at 4 PM”. WHAT?!? What kind of restaurant is only open for 2 ½ hours?!? BIZARRE. We hike off to Margaritaville and have a very nice lunch.

Up next – the rest of Universal and the most torturous ride of the day – the bus ride home

Thanks for sharing your report. Sorry you had line problems but that's the way it is sometimes. Not all parks have FastPass and even though Universal used to have free Express Passes, the lines were longer in the Express line than they are now and lots of attractions ran out of EP's very early...kind of like Toy Story Mania now.

The queue on DD is the most detailed queue I have ever seen...Everest included and the skull theme was very much relative to the pre-show. If you read the entire story on the walls...I know it's hard to do...it tells the story. I don't want them to change the queue too much.

I'm kinda surprised you didn't like Spiderman. Most people rave about it. Yes the ride is in your face but a 3-D ride is supposed to be in your face. And yes it's jerky in spots but overall it's a great ride.

Please continue reporting...very interested in reading the rest.

 

[EPRV We love Disney]

I like your trippie. You're very honest and it's nice to have different opinions!

Looking forward to hearing more about your visit!

 

[mplsmom1]

The queue on DD is the most detailed queue I have ever seen...Everest included and the skull theme was very much relative to the pre-show. If you read the entire story on the walls...I know it's hard to do...it tells the story. I don't want them to change the queue too much.

I'm kinda surprised you didn't like Spiderman. Most people rave about it. Yes the ride is in your face but a 3-D ride is supposed to be in your face. And yes it's jerky in spots but overall it's a great ride.

Please continue reporting...very interested in reading the rest.

Thanks for reading! Literally we blew through DD's preshow - we essentially walked on this ride, so there wasn't much time to take in the story....I just didn't see how it related to HP....in which it's definitely now going to reside. I know - Spiderman seems to be everyone's fav. -- I think I'm secretly a 3D chicken Next installment hopefully tomorrow!

 

[mplsmom1]

I like your trippie. You're very honest and it's nice to have different opinions!

Looking forward to hearing more about your visit!

Thanks! Looks like you are headed back to Universal...what's your favorite ride?

 

[mplsmom1]

After lunch (DH and I each had the soup then split the cheeseburger slider plate, DS1 had the 'cheeseburger in paradise' and DS2 had the chicken sandwich) we went out through the gift shop ('natch) and started shopping. Both boys wound up coming from different areas of the shop with the same shirt. That was a problem. DS1 won that skirmish and DS2 consoled himself with another style of shirt. The clerk taught us a card trick he was so bored, which was cool.

Then we walk over to Universal and head over to the Simpson's ride. Ok, I am not a fan of the Simpson's ....so the "pre-show" with its endless TVs blasting away isn't my favorite. But the boys are captivated and before you know it I too am snickering along with the rest of them as the Simpson's have "the best vacation ever". We get to see most of the pre-show as the line is again really long (although I expected this as it is Universal's newest ride). And "Now, let us not speak of it again" is a phrase we'll use throughout the rest of our vacation. The staging area directly before going onto the ride is extremely clever and the actual ride is really fun! I really enjoyed this ride, all of us thought it was a hoot.

Off of Simpsons and over to MIB. Here's another thing that rubs me the wrong way ....the 'free' lockers. You have to queue up to get one, the location of the lockers is horrible for mid-day....and it's blistering hot waiting in line scared1: !) for a locker. Once up to the front, the sun is glaring so much on the computer screen it takes two of you to read it. Finally, the entire "rental" process is just not very intuitive. Fortunately they have a service man stationed right there and he's helping folks move along.

Souveniers stashed, we head over to the ride. Again, the preshow leaves something to be desired...the 'elevator' that opens up into a very small room and then continues to open and open with more and more folks. I am usually not claustrophobic, but the crowd is starting to irk me, especially since it's hot out ....everyone could use a fresh application of deodorant, myself included! We herd down the small corridor (the break room is cute) and up into the rest of the preshow. Sorry, the aliens on the console look a bit dated to me. We move fairly quickly from this point and get on the ride (my feet don't even touch!). The ride itself is fun and DS1 turns out to be the high scorer, which makes his day.

Back to those 'free' lockers and yet another queue. This line isn't moving and finally it's determined (this is difficult due to that pesky sun) that the computer has crashed. The service man starts rebooting and opening lockers after asking to see ID within the locker. That's just goofy, I'd never put my wallet in these....all we have are our purchased tshirts. By the time we get to the front of the line, the computer is back up (sort of) and the program is asking me for $2 to complete this transaction. Steam is starting to come out of my ears , the service man alertly notices this and comps my locker.

We are hot, hot, hot (it's about 3:30 PM) so we start looking for an ice cream store. I haven't committed the layout of this park to memory (as we'd never been before) so it takes us a while to find the ice cream shop. After ice cream we head out to Revenge of the Mummy. Not much of a wait (10 mins) and we all really like this ride too. By now, we're wearing down (not much sleep, long hot day) so we call Mears. It's around 4:30 and they state they can pick us up at 6:15 PM. That sounds good and we all start over back to Islands of Adventure to do a little shopping (I wanted to check out the Grinch clothing in Suess Landing). Most everyone is doing the same as Universal is shutting down for Halloween Night, so another queue to get into the park. We decide to ride "The High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train ride". Let me digress a moment and state that Seuss Landing is by far my most favorite part of both parks. I love to read and I love Dr. Suess. The area is done to perfection and all the rides with the actual story on the wall just makes me smile. We had a great time as a family remininscing of all the Dr. Suess books we have read, including the "Six by Seuss" softcover book we literally read to pieces. And I loved the bookstore as well! End of digression. However, the Trolley train ride is broken, so we retreat out of there and onto the Cat in the Hat - which was very pleasantly enjoyable.

Then it's off to the bus....and the final thing that soured the Universal experience. We arrive to the bus area about 6:05 and the bus pulls up. Great we think. We however, don't leave until 6:30 and then it takes another 1 3/4 hours for us to return to our hotel. Seriously, I think we stop at every resort along the way and we are literally the last people off the bus at 8:15 PM. We have been on this bus for over 2 solid hours. PLUS, the bus driver is a maniac, one of those who hits the brakes, lurches from lane to lane, etc. etc. My husband is seriously ill by the time we get 'home', swallows 3 migrane excedrin and lays down for an hour. YUCK!

All in all, Universal didn't wow me over. I did like a lot of the rides - esp. DD, Simpsons and Mummy - but DH isn't much of a ride person. I'm glad we went, I think the boys enjoyed the thrills and the experience, but next time I'll stick to Disney or perhaps try Seaworld if I venture again off property.

 

[Metro West]

Thanks for reading! Literally we blew through DD's preshow - we essentially walked on this ride, so there wasn't much time to take in the story....I just didn't see how it related to HP....in which it's definitely now going to reside. I know - Spiderman seems to be everyone's fav. -- I think I'm secretly a 3D chicken Next installment hopefully tomorrow!

Yeah...you really have to have NO lines (first thing in the morning) to get the whole story w/o taking it forever. The story line doesn't have anything to do with HP...yet...because no one really knows what they are going to do with DD. I think they will retheme the ride but right now it's business as usual.

It's too bad you didn't get to do Shrek, Jaws or ET at the Studios. Those are all good attractions that usually shouldn't be missed.

You should give Sea World a try next trip. If your kids like animals, they have some great shows and the kid's area has some great rides. Your DH will probably enjoy himself since there aren't many "adult" rides to worry about.

 

[mplsmom1]

Yeah...you really have to have NO lines (first thing in the morning) to get the whole story w/o taking it forever. The story line doesn't have anything to do with HP...yet...because no one really knows what they are going to do with DD. I think they will retheme the ride but right now it's business as usual.

It's too bad you didn't get to do Shrek, Jaws or ET at the Studios. Those are all good attractions that usually shouldn't be missed.

You should give Sea World a try next trip. If your kids like animals, they have some great shows and the kid's area has some great rides. Your DH will probably enjoy himself since there aren't many "adult" rides to worry about.

We pegged DD as our top headliner so we were at the attraction by 9:10 AM. We are coaster people and those two rocked! And remember, at this point we're fresh. We streak through the entire castle at a really good clip so all I have are my impressions and the HP soundtrack - these just don't go together for me,,,so that leads me to believe it will be rethemed.

Yes, I know we missed some things and we probably won't be back, so that's too bad. Next trip we're ancipating no kids they'll be all grown up. Sea World is definitely on DH and my to-do! Thanks again for reading

 

[Metro West]

Sea World is definitely on DH and my to-do! Thanks again for reading

Don't forget...Sea World is also building a new coaster that is supposed to be open sometime in the spring.

 

[d4est]

I enjoyed reading your trippie and it sounds like you went with no preconceived notions--that's a good thing! It's too bad it didn't wow you over, but it's not for everyone...we are all different and enjoy different things. It's great that you found some things that you really liked and that your boys got to have fun and experience a new park.

Lines...sad but that's just part of visiting parks. What can you do? That's why we always stay on site and skip the lines!

Mythos...that was weird and a shame because we love that place. It's too bad you didn't get to experience it.

DD...I think it's strange that they've got the Harry Potter music playing along side the original theme. Seems like they should hold off on the Harry Potter stuff until they switch/update the theme of the ride & queue.

MIB...those lockers are handy but can be a pain when glitches happen. We've used them with no problems and then the next day with a snag. As you said, thankfully, they've got a CM around to help out. And they are free... what can you do?

The bus ride...MEARS...nothing to do with Uni, so it's too bad you categorize that episode as "the final thing that soured the Universal experience." I've heard good and bad things about their shuttle. I've never used them. We use a car service (more $, I know) as that route seems more reliable and personalized...no stopping a a zillion resorts...just straight to your destination.

All in all, a fair & interesting read! Maybe you'll decide to go back again after they open HP and RRRC. If you do, consider staying on site...no buses/transportation issues and FOTL privileges!

 

[mplsmom1]

I enjoyed reading your trippie and it sounds like you went with no preconceived notions--that's a good thing! It's too bad it didn't wow you over, but it's not for everyone...we are all different and enjoy different things. It's great that you found some things that you really liked and that your boys got to have fun and experience a new park

The bus ride...MEARS...nothing to do with Uni, so it's too bad you categorize that episode as "the final thing that soured the Universal experience." I've heard good and bad things about their shuttle.

All in all, a fair & interesting read! Maybe you'll decide to go back again after they open HP and RRRC. If you do, consider staying on site...no buses/transportation issues and FOTL privileges

Thanks for your reading and comments d4est! I have to admit, I didn't study up a ton before going and I am sure there were things I could have done to "improve the experience"! We did enjoy our day and if DH was "into" rides, I'd probably go again and stay on-site. (I am a HUGE HP fan). On-site does seems to be a big advantage here.

And - you are right I shouldn't really lump the shuttle into the mix, but that's human nature I guess. What makes the Mytho's so good?!? That definitely was a downer for us to miss it!

 

[ChrisFL]

And - you are right I shouldn't really lump the shuttle into the mix, but that's human nature I guess. What makes the Mytho's so good?!? That definitely was a downer for us to miss it!

The food, the atmosphere, the service is always top notch, especially for the price!

Sometimes the main reason I go to IOA is to eat there!

 

[EPRV We love Disney]

Thanks! Looks like you are headed back to Universal...what's your favorite ride?

It will be our first trip! I cannot wait to try them all! However my kids (12 and 9) are not big on coasters, so we'll have to see how that goes....

I'm looking forward to MIB, Spiderman, Shrek (and of course all the rest!).

 

[mplsmom1]

The food, the atmosphere, the service is always top notch, especially for the price!

Sometimes the main reason I go to IOA is to eat there!

I thought the prices looked 'reasonable' as well. It is too bad we missed that. Thanks for your comment!

 

[mplsmom1]

It will be our first trip! I cannot wait to try them all! However my kids (12 and 9) are not big on coasters, so we'll have to see how that goes....

I'm looking forward to MIB, Spiderman, Shrek (and of course all the rest!).

I am sure you will have a really fun time and even though it's next year, it will be here before you know it!

 

[rpbert1]

It seems the travelling put a damper on the trip to Universal.
like someone else said , book 1 night on site, and you can use room keys for FOTL for day you check in and all day the day you check out. No travelling and plenty of time to do the 2 parks, especially with no queuing, makes it so much more pleasant, and a short walk to Citywalk for dinner .

 

[inkkognito]

I feel your pain on the lockers! I have a huge fanny pack that I cram all my stuff into, and thankfully they let me wear it on the rides. But I like to play midway games and usually end up winning some type of stuffed animal, and no matter how small it is they make me put it in a locker. Am I really going to lose some little stuffed critter on MiB? Puh-lease! At Disney they don't care...I've even taken the largest prize from the goblet pitch at AK onto Everest. Oh well, I've learned to just play the games at the end of the day but USF/IOA paranoia at not letting anyone hold anything on a ride (especially something as tame as MiB) seems overdone.

 

[mplsmom1]

Thanks for the validation inkkognito! I totally agree, it's not like it's really necssary. They must have gotten good money from SmartCarte

 

[jenny105]

IOA blew me away the first time I was there. Maybe it was because I was so spoiled cause I stayed at RPR and had FOTL access all day long. But I really loved the theming throughout.

And I LOVED Spiderman. I'm not crazy about the Hulk. That ride HURT.

 

[Notatourist]

Thanks for the validation inkkognito! I totally agree, it's not like it's really necssary. They must have gotten good money from SmartCarte

You know, you think that until you see the day where there are tons of stuffed animals on the edges of the track, the cell phone that the person thought was secured...

It does happen. It might not look like it, but it does.