Dr. Jones and the Spitting Camel - Link to Alaska Cruise TR 9/18

[englishrose47]

Lesson learned don't take name brand to Disney I doubt they would have bothered with Wally World stuff !! The funny thing is I have left out tips and not left a note that it was for housekeeping and they did not touch it !!!Lrft a charger in the room and Pop called and mailed it back to us !!So I would guess this is a rotten apple in the pot and hopefully Disney will find that spoiled fruit and discard it !!!

 

[Charleston Princess]

What a stinker of an experience! I would have been livid that clothes were stolen. Grrr! I would also have been very unhappy that Disney was not nicer about the entire experience. Of course, we don't really know what they did on their end with the housekeeper. It would have been easy to see who was in charge of your room throughout your stay, and they may have spoken to those people. It may have been enough to rattle said housekeeper enough that she doesn't do the same thing to someone else.

 

[DisMomAmy]

That stinks!! I can't believe someone would do that!!! I hope that mousekeeper has already been fired. It's just wrong in so many ways...

 

[creativeamanda]

You know, Cynthia--I've tossed around the idea of going to Universal from time to time. YOur pictures are convincing that I really do need to go.

Ugh. Just when I think I have a grasp on what the BFP will be for next summer, this comes up!

 

[eandesmom]

Lesson learned don't take name brand to Disney I doubt they would have bothered with Wally World stuff !! The funny thing is I have left out tips and not left a note that it was for housekeeping and they did not touch it !!!Lrft a charger in the room and Pop called and mailed it back to us !!So I would guess this is a rotten apple in the pot and hopefully Disney will find that spoiled fruit and discard it !!!

There were plenty of things more valuable than what was taken, that could have been taken. I think it was simply a strategy to get away with it, assuming we wouldn't do laundry till we got home and because it was all kids clothing, that we'd assume the kids misplaced the items.

Which we would have, had then not taken so much!

What a stinker of an experience! I would have been livid that clothes were stolen. Grrr! I would also have been very unhappy that Disney was not nicer about the entire experience. Of course, we don't really know what they did on their end with the housekeeper. It would have been easy to see who was in charge of your room throughout your stay, and they may have spoken to those people. It may have been enough to rattle said housekeeper enough that she doesn't do the same thing to someone else.

It made me sad more than anything. And of course it put us in an icky spot with Kendall's mom who of course wanted us to replace her shorts immediately. Which, while understandable just wasn't something we could do immediately and school had started so it's not like she could wear them except on the weekends anyway.

It was a bummer too as many of the items were recent birthday gifts from grandparents to both Kendall and Evan so they were pretty bummed.

No, we don't know what they did but I didn't get a warm fuzzy feeling about it and I talked to 4 different people in different areas.

That stinks!! I can't believe someone would do that!!! I hope that mousekeeper has already been fired. It's just wrong in so many ways...

It is wrong.

You know, Cynthia--I've tossed around the idea of going to Universal from time to time. YOur pictures are convincing that I really do need to go.

Ugh. Just when I think I have a grasp on what the BFP will be for next summer, this comes up!

The beauty of the BFP is it can change, especially when you plan a year out.

I know we will try to do one day on the next big family trip if it goes as planned but how we will pull it off is the question. I'm not going to think about it for a while though as I just get tied up in all the options (since it could be anywhere from 9-25 of us) and at 19 months out...that's a bit much, even for me I figure we just need to confirm the "who" in the next 8 months and then I'll deal with the where and how but HP is a big deal for many who might be going so I know that's in for sure, in some fashion.

We absolutely loved it. It's very very different, an apples and oranges thing, but very cool in its own right.

 

[FauntleroyFAN07]

i was thinking the same thing, they might have gotten away with it for one or two things, but that was alot they took, and of course you would notice it.

shame on them, but i bet it happens more than people think unfortunatly.

i will try and do more of an inventory in the future of our stuff.

 

[eandesmom]

i was thinking the same thing, they might have gotten away with it for one or two things, but that was alot they took, and of course you would notice it.

shame on them, but i bet it happens more than people think unfortunatly.

i will try and do more of an inventory in the future of our stuff.

Yeah, they got greedy. One pair of shorts and one tee and it would have been chalked up to irresponsible kids even if we had noticed. However, if I'd have waited to do laundry until we got home it would be easy to miss what was missing as the kids might not notice as quickly since they'd no longer have a limited selection to choose from. I'm sure they were banking on that.

I wouldn't be surprised if they'd gotten away with it a bunch before us, they were only caught by virtue of the fact that we did do laundry and kept our vacation going elsewhere. The kids all remembered putting the items into the hamper.

I'll be doing inventory from now on, as I think will the kids as we all learned to watch things a little more closely.

 

[eandesmom]

Saturday the 21st. Unlike the previous day we were not in a rush to get to the park at or pre rope drop. Today would be our one and only Universal Day. First though, we had people to say goodbye too. Sandie and Paul were headed back to Denver. They’d enjoyed our rock star transport so much on the way to the Hard Rock, they’d made arrangements with the same driver to take them to the airport. As before they were flying standby so wanted to be out of there fairly early. We'd hoped to sleep in a little but instead had a 3 alarm morning that included Sandies wake up call, Jeffs phone alarm that he forgot to turn off and then the hotel loudspeaker. As a result we were up but didn't really want to move.

Eric tried casting spells with his new wand to get everyone moving

Apparently it worked as on the third try, the camera decided to focus on him.

After hugs and farewells we headed out the door around 8:30 and decided to walk this time.

It was hot and hazy…as expected

But it is a a short, shaded and absolutely lovely stroll.

Very soon, we were here

Basically Universal is at one end of Citywalk and IOA at the other. A stone’s throw apart.

The boys had wanted to take one of these but we wanted to walk. These pedicabs run constantly between the 3 resorts and Citywalk. They are “free” meaning you pay in tips, whatever you choose to give.

20 minutes after we left the resort, and walking slowly, we were in the park. Compared to IOA, it was a ghost town. You have to love that! First stop was here for some iced mochas.

We didn’t have an agenda at ALL so getting a drink and just walking around, seemed like a good start to the day. First order was to orient ourselves.

We decided to check out Hollywood

Check it out, the Brown Derby! Not the same one I ate at in May, that’s for sure.

The street, I mean set, was beautiful. A ton of cool detail if you actually look at the shop windows

I wasn’t really sure what that bus thing was though

Oh, these guys.

I admit. There was a time in my life where I got a huge kick out of the Simpsons. I haven’t watched it in years and really have never let the kids watch it either. At the point they were asking too, it was inappropriate and now, they haven’t asked and I’ve not brought it up. Not because I really care but because I just don’t think of it. Jeff’s pretty much of the same mind set. I’m still not really clear what the RV was supposed to illustrate. Maybe there is an RV episode that I never saw but it felt forced to me, especially in the Hollywood section.

Continued in next post

 

[eandesmom]

I did enjoy all the TV tributes sprinkled throughout the Hollywood area.

An Emmy window

I’m not sure these two would ever really hang out together but I got a kick out of both of them. Universal's version of streetmosphere.

I’d love to stay here!

These guys were hanging out in Hollywood as well, I think maybe they got lost and should have been in the Kidzone but what do I know. Or care, I love them both and got a kick out of seeing them

Still in Hollywood I made a note of this as a possible lunch option

This part of the park is a little odd. VERY pretty but VERY quiet. I don’t think LaBamba was open but am not sure why. It’s a “seasonal” location but it was a Saturday in August, I’d have thought that qualified but apparently not. Which was a bummer as it looked cute from the outside.

Talk about feeling like you are on a real street. I mean movie set!

We decided to hang a right and head into the kidszone

And look, here he is again!

And…..then……my camera died.

After the bazillion pictures the day before and NOT charging the battery my “give no warning it’s low” battery did it’s thing. Died with no notice. Which means I’m going to have to guess at what we did between about 9am and 1:30 which is when I decided to take a couple of pictures with my phone.
Here’s what I know we did before lunch. I’ve stolen a few pictures so you get the idea. LOL!.

Ride ET.

E.T.'s homeworld, the Green Planet, is dying. Only E.T. has the power to save it... and only YOU can bring him there.

We actually did that right after the camera died. We all love this ride and this was no exception. It’s cute, it’s cheesy, it’s a happy place for me. I will say though, despite low crowds and front of the line pass, some of the rides in this park just seemed ot have longer waits with not much in the queue. This was one of those. It seems different than the CA version but I don't know if that's real, or all in my mind as that was so long ago.

We skipped the rest of the kidszone area….too young for our crew.

Up next, Terminator 2. This one was next and we’d timed it to make it. A bit of a wait. This is a show, not a ride. Here’s what Universal says about it.

The future is coming...after YOU! Join forces with the Terminator® in a battle to prevent mankind's extinction at the cold, steel hands of menacing cyborgs. You'll dodge plasma blasts. Feel objects whooshing past you. And become completely immersed in the 360-degree action of this thrilling adventure set in an apocalyptic wasteland. Terminator 2: 3-D is a spellbinding mix of live action stunts, special effects and amazing 3-D filmmaking. You'll feel like you can reach out and touch the characters (and feel like the cyborgs can reach out and touch YOU as well). Featuring both familiar characters from the Terminator movies and an array of all new characters, it's a totally unique experience that will have you saying "Hasta la vista, baby" to entertainment as you know it.
It was ok. Jeff liked it. It was 3D which there is a LOT of at Universal and I was kind of over 3D by then.

Then...Twister…Ride it out.

“Experience what it's like to be a real storm chaser, looking a tornado right in the eye and braving the worst nature can throw at you. Twister...Ride it Out® re-creates all the nail-biting excitement and unforgettable moments from one of the most action-packed movies of all time. “

Also just ok and that might be pushing it. I think they call it a ride, but it was more like a show. Flames and water. Other than that, didn’t’ feel all that twisted to me and I remember leaving and us discussing…that’s it?
On a side note, there are a lot of flames and water on everything in Universal Studios. In the non melty season that might not be so bad but in the August heat it did become annoying at times.

So far I’d not been overwhelmed but it was a pretty day and we were having fun plus not feeling rushed at all. Next up was.

Revenge of the mummy.
Now this one we liked. A LOT! Here’s how they describe it.

The curse is real! The Mummy has arisen...wakened from his centuries-long slumber, the evil Imhotep is once again freed from his wraps, unleashing his wrath on all who dare enter the sacred temple. Your only hope is to escape the Revenge of the Mummy, a roller coaster unlike anything that's come before it. You'll plunge in total darkness, plagued on all sides by huge fireballs, swarms of scarab beetles and an army of warrior mummies.

Universal Studios® has taken all the terrifying thrills and spine-tingling excitement of The Mummy motion pictures and placed you right in the middle of the action. Come face to face with the Mummy as he attempts to capture your soul for all eternity. Can you survive the awesome power of Imhotep's curse…or will you be entombed inside forever?

Heading here, we realized where the crowds were and were pleased to have that Express Pass. Though we’d used it elsewhere all day, it hadn’t made much of a difference until now. The Mummy also required use of the dreaded lockers. It is a fun ride. And of course has….flames.
After the mummy…we decided to listen to our tummies. Actually we might have gone on it twice, I'm not sure. I know we did but not sure if was back to back or not. But where to eat? Though I’d looked at all the options and checked out menu’s etc online, short of leaving the park nothing was really jumping out at me so it really became a “whatever” group decision. We ended up here.

Louie's Italian Restaurant

You might rub elbows with Michael Corleone himself at Louie's, the Italian restaurant home to the Bronx's best Pizza, Spaghetti & Meatballs, Fettuccini, Meatball Subs, Salads, plus Gelato & Italian Ice.

That about sums up the menu. We had, between the 6 of us, pizza, spaghetti w/meatballs, fettuccine alfredo, caesar salad and Jeff and I each had a Moretti. I honestly don’t recall what I had! I remember it was fine, slightly better than I’d expected and the location was cute.

or at least it was cute on the outside. I wasn’t a big fan of this part

But we found a table around the corner that looked out into the park and it was rather nice!

It actually looked into what felt like a deserted alley. Which happened to be where some restrooms were located. I spent a bunch of time in that alley, on the phone. Something, and I don’t recall what now, was going on with my bank account and I was on the phone several times that day trying to get it resolved. Whatever it was, it did get resolved but I spent way more time on the phone than I’d have liked.

Bellies full…what now?

Royal Pacific Airways, landing in a family room near you

 

[MEK]

Loved the US update! Sorry the camera died. Some of the scenery really looks different than I remember. I guess I really DO need to go back there.

Mummy - I have a funny story about this. Back in the day we stayed at the Royal Pacific for four nights and we basically hit those parks four days in a row. On our last day, as our last ride, we decided to ride mummy one more time (in addition to the 10 other times we had ridden it over the course of 4 days). Well, it stopped...dead.....for what seemed like the longest time and it was really hot and stuffy in there. Plus the way the bar goes over your thighs you can't move at all. It was really uncomfortable sitting there and I was practically saying my prayers before it started up again.

So when the ride FINALLY starts again and we get off, they give us all Fast Passes, which we don't need cause we were leaving anyway.

I turn to some lady, standing with her husband and two boys, and offer her mine...... and she flips out ....freaks....literally.....crying, almost screaming that she doesn't want them....she will NEVER go on that ride again. She was actually on the verge of causing a scene. Oy!

Her poor husband reaches out and grabs them, totally embarrassed. It was bad! So much for my random act of kindness.

 

[glennbo123]

Good stuff Cynthia. Someday when we go there, I'll have to go back through this TR and jot down which rides were "just okay" and which ones you really liked.

 

[tinacaplan]

Again, enjoying hearing about Universal.

 

[englishrose47]

Great Update Cynthia !!Like Glen I will be using this for our Free trip next year !!!

 

[Poolrat]

I think we ate at Mel's Drive in the last time were there.



I thought the same thing about Twister. The Earthquake one was a bit better but somehow the first time we went on we entered through the exit and missed the "set up" so it made no sense to us. The next time we went on it was like - Hey we didn't so this last time so we spent the time trying to get un-confused.

 

[natebenma]

Eric tried casting spells with his new wand to get everyone moving

Apparently it worked as on the third try, the camera decided to focus on him.

I'm guessing Windgardeum Leviosa was the spell that worked to get everyone up!

Your post is reminding me, once again, that US and IoA are all going to be new to us, unlike visits to the Disney parks which we know like the backs of our hands.

I really want the kids to watch ET before we go, but they are not having any of it.

Appreciate your reviews of the attractions!

 

[Sunset Cliffs]

HOw nice to feel like you had the park to yourselves, especially after the crowds at IOA. I have only been to Universal in California once and that was years ago. WOuld love to go now, but again I feel like Dylan is just a little too young (if it was just the 3 of us going). I remember loving the ET ride. It wasn't a big deal, but it transported you to a different world and I loved that!

I've got to say that you are making a strong case for staying at the hotels over there. The close walk and the Express Passes are definitely nice perks when the park gets crowded.

 

[Happydog]

Cynthia, you had me playing around on the Universal website yesterday looking at hotel prices and tickets. I had never even been over there before to look at the options.

CP, ME TOO!!!! LOL!!! I have so been anticipating this TR, NEVER MIND THAT IT HAS TAKEN almost a YEAR to actually read .... That is what makes me laugh MORE!!!! Sorry Cynthia, just had to slip that in here... Okay okay you didn't go until August, so that is fine, and you had lots of other fun between then and now, bit it still make me laugh!!!

Alright, so your posts on all of the different "lands/worlds" etc are AWESOME! I am still back a post I think, getting to the next one, but all your comments are going to be very useful, because we are really having the conversation now about next summer, How much Disney, how much Universal, and MAYBE a Key West in there as well!!! Love all this reading I can do!!!

 

[Happydog]

Okay, gotta go enjoy the beach before the rain comes, but I finished your IOA posts, that park looks GREAT! Mythos sounds like a good place for food for SURE, and LOVE the AAA tip!!!! SCORE! That will get Matt there for certain!!! AND I love Seussland! I remember that from when we went back 10 years ago. SO much fun too cute!!!

Margaritas and an airplane theme... hmmmm that made Jeff quite pleased I am sure!

BOOOOO on the clothes, how SAD! How ODD! We did laundry on the cruise once. The little "laundrettes" are really easy to use, only two washers, three dryers, really small and you won't lose your hamper, you'd trip on it! People tended to forget about their stuff in the washers, I will say that... MOST irritating! But it was 2 for wash, 1 for soap, and 1 for dryer... so if you bring some soap pellets, you can save a buck a wash... we did one load only, but we were going to DVC after for a free washer etc. so we chose wisely what we were going to wash on the cruise.

Really like all the updates on the trip to Universal, and sounds like January is the time to look for deals! Which is good b/c that is when tax returns become evident!!

 

[FauntleroyFAN07]

i think the third one came out because it was not only focusing on him, but also the booze on the fridge in the back, i see you guys did good so far for the week, almost have the bottle gone.




and i love twister, kinda cheezy in parts, but i hav ealways loved it.

 

[eandesmom]

Loved the US update! Sorry the camera died. Some of the scenery really looks different than I remember. I guess I really DO need to go back there.

It looked TOTALLY different to me but I'd only been to the CA version. I've no idea how similar, or not, they are. And if you were in a different part of the park they look pretty unrelated.

Mummy - I have a funny story about this. Back in the day we stayed at the Royal Pacific for four nights and we basically hit those parks four days in a row. On our last day, as our last ride, we decided to ride mummy one more time (in addition to the 10 other times we had ridden it over the course of 4 days). Well, it stopped...dead.....for what seemed like the longest time and it was really hot and stuffy in there. Plus the way the bar goes over your thighs you can't move at all. It was really uncomfortable sitting there and I was practically saying my prayers before it started up again.

So when the ride FINALLY starts again and we get off, they give us all Fast Passes, which we don't need cause we were leaving anyway.

I turn to some lady, standing with her husband and two boys, and offer her mine...... and she flips out ....freaks....literally.....crying, almost screaming that she doesn't want them....she will NEVER go on that ride again. She was actually on the verge of causing a scene. Oy!

Her poor husband reaches out and grabs them, totally embarrassed. It was bad! So much for my random act of kindness.

It would be MISERABLE to be stuck in there, oh my goodness that makes me claustrophobic just thinking about it. That poor poor woman. Hey, it's the thought that counts. Somehow I doubt you pushed her over the edge, sounds like she was already there.

Good stuff Cynthia. Someday when we go there, I'll have to go back through this TR and jot down which rides were "just okay" and which ones you really liked.

If I have to compare the 2 parks, IOA will win every time but there really are some gems at Universal as well. I can definitely see a park hopper making sense if you were doing less days so you could at least hit the main things.

There were more that we "liked" in the afternoon.

Again, enjoying hearing about Universal.

Great Update Cynthia !!Like Glen I will be using this for our Free trip next year !!!

Have to love free trips! Not that I've ever had one mind you but I like the concept!