Expedition Orlando! - actual update! Nov 22nd

[jcc0621]

Hye Kelly, life got in the way and I missed the last couple of updates..I'm sorry

Love your descriptioon of Universal. We are going there in August and I am really looking forward to it.

Can't wait to read more!

 

[Philadisney]

Continuing my exploration through the bizarre universe of Universal, I decided to take a tour of a laboratory belonging to a young rocket scientist. Unfortunately the tour was cut short when one of his rocket vehicles was stolen by an odd egg-alien, so I of course agreed to help in retrieving it. This chase led us through Bikini Bottom, which gave me the opportunity to wave hello to my dear spongebuddy, Spongebob Squarepants.

fig a-b:

(First the morning Manhattan alien invasion, and now this intergalactic rocket thief? I truly am concerned about the clear lack of security in Universal’s outer space borders.)

All’s well and I next went on a perilous journey to the land of Far Far Away.

fig c:

I do wish someone had told me that I was not to be a guest in the castle, but a prisoner in its dungeon! My fellow prisoners stood lethargically by while I desperately plotted an escape. After being thrust over the edge of a waterfall I was afraid my Orlando adventure was about to come to a painfully fatal end, but a friendly fire-breathing dragon saved us.

Embarrassed at being held captive in such a ridiculous place, I planned to redeem myself by accepting a challenge to journey into the depths of an ancient tomb and retrieve some lost souls without falling victim to the mummy myself.

fig d:

I was so skilled at rescuing souls from the Underworld that I was invited back for a 2nd mission. I built up quite an appetite and enjoyed some gelato afterwards.

fig e:

After leaving ancient Egypt, I came across the delightful little island of Amity.

fig f-g:

I was excited for the chance to relax for a bit and elected to take a quiet boat tour around the harbor.

fig h:

I had nearly dozed off when we came across a wrecked boat and a couple of hungry sharks. There was one particularly large one that tried to overturn the boat and devour some of the passengers (I cleverly held a small child in front of me for protection). At one point I was able to grab the grenade launcher from the useless tour guide and do away with the sea-beast. The guide was grateful and asked that we not tell anyone about the incident because it would be bad for business, but I was sure to notify the local papers immediately because I felt that unsuspecting tourists need to know! You’re welcome, island visitors.

Dazed from my close encounter with the killer fish, I soon found myself in a fate worse than being eaten alive by sharks!!!

fig i-k:

I decided to calm myself with a pleasant tour of a nut factory. In a word: underwhelming.

figs l-m:

I walked out of the nut factory and right into a parade! At first I was concerned that they were escapees from the zoo, but calmed down once I realized they were properly restrained.

fig n:

However the penguin began to get a little too close for comfort, so I made my escape.

fig o:

After making many important purchases for research purposes, I did a little more sightseeing before heading back to my motorcoach.

fig p:

Soon, I was driving back to the hotel to pick up Mother. We met 6 of her friends at Universal City Walk for dinner at Margaritaville. I drank some sort of green beverage called “Off to See the Lizard” and ate a cheeseburger that claimed to be in paradise. I could not disagree!

We headed back to the Rosen Centre for the night, and Mother & I were excited for the next day – we would be exploring the fascinating Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow!

 

[Philadisney]

You should audition for Survivor or the Amazing Race!

Hmm those shows seem like a lot of work....maybe I could do Real World instead!

Hye Kelly, life got in the way and I missed the last couple of updates..I'm sorry

Love your descriptioon of Universal. We are going there in August and I am really looking forward to it.

Can't wait to read more!

Thanks!! No worries I definitely understand about life getting in the way! I have so many TR's I need to catch up on too

 

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

Universal looks like such a neat place. I don't think many Dis people give it a chance. I really want to visit someday but I just can't seem to pull myself away from Disney, I need to take a two week trip so I can do both without feeling like I missed something.

 

[JohnMouse]

Universal does have its version of Fastpass......it's called Universal Express.

So you were on Trading Spaces: Boys vs Girls. I used to watch that show....mainly because the presenter was cute. Her name was Diane....I forgot her last name.

 

[Philadisney]

Universal does have its version of Fastpass......it's called Universal Express.

So you were on Trading Spaces: Boys vs Girls. I used to watch that show....mainly because the presenter was cute. Her name was Diane....I forgot her last name.

Isn't Universal Express only for people who stay at the Universal hotels? Or did I totally make that up? I must say I do like the free lockers they have for you to stash your stuff on some of the rides.
I couldn't even remember the Trading Spaces BvG's host's first name, so you're doing better than I am

Universal looks like such a neat place. I don't think many Dis people give it a chance. I really want to visit someday but I just can't seem to pull myself away from Disney, I need to take a two week trip so I can do both without feeling like I missed something.

It's a given that you'll go in there comparing everything to WDW. But I think it's definitely worth checking out, if you don't feel like you're missing something else. On my trip I traded it for DHS, which I was totally OK with.

 

[MeMom]

Universal looks like such a neat place. I don't think many Dis people give it a chance. I really want to visit someday but I just can't seem to pull myself away from Disney, I need to take a two week trip so I can do both without feeling like I missed something.

It's been a long time since we've been to Universal. I'm guilty of comparing it to Disney.
Like you, if I did a full two week trip, I think I could justify spending a day there and a day at SeaWorld and not feel like I was giving up so much of my Disney time.

I do like seeing the pictures of 'that other place', though, just because it's something different. They've added a lot since we were last there.

 

[LISAMWDW]

I love love the ride Revenge of the Mummy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Great update!

 

[MyMuse]

Whoo-hooo! Updates!!

I think the Universal Express/Fastpass thingie, you can buy at Universal as an add-on to your ticket. I think it's free for the hotel guests. I think.

 

[Captdonswife]

This is the most entertaining trip report EVER!!!! I loved each and every installment! Can't wait for more!





Vicky

 

[jcc0621]

Dazed from my close encounter with the killer fish, I soon found myself in a fate worse than being eaten alive by sharks!!!

we would be exploring the fascinating Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow!

The more I read the more you are making me excited for our excursion to US/IOA in August!

 

[bucci818]

Great update! I've never been to Universal. Maybe when my boys are a little older. Right now, my youngest DS doesn't like many rides. Loved the part about the sharks! Can't wait to see how the house hunting has gone. Don't forget to tell us when it's on!! Now to wait for your next update....

 

[TheDISneyFamily]

Hey Kelly! I just saw your pic on Janet's TR and had to come over and say, "Hi!" We are meeting Janet in WDW in a couple weeks. Sorry I've been MIA on the Trip Reports threads... I plan on catching up with everyone once we get Jordan moved down to Florida. It's been a crazy summer getting everything ready for her DCP. She is SO excited!

Hope all is well with you!

Take care,
Michelle

 

[jcc0621]

Hi Kelly,

It was great meeting you and Jack on Saturday!

Janet

 

[JohnMouse]

Hi Kelly.....it's been a month since you last posted-is everything hunky-dory?

I see your WNtW show is on again for the 10,246th time tonight at 8pm ET.

I hope you got your new home now-hopefully you'll have some 'trademarked character' stuff there.

 

[MyMuse]

Hi Kelly! Sorry I missed you (and all the others) at the AC DisMeet.

I was stuck in traffic H-E-double hockey sticks!

 

[heaven2dc]

I just stumbled upon your report (ouch! ) and have to say this is one of the funniest reports I've read in a long time! Great job!

 

[Carol17]

Hi Kelly,

I just watched your WNTW show yet again(if you get some kind of compensation everytime your episodes runs, you'd be rich!) I just wanted to say hello! I hope all is well with you.

Carol

 

[bucci818]

Hi Kelly,
Watched your show last night too! My DS (7) watched it with me. He didn't like it when they got threw away your Disney things! I hope all is well with you and the house hunting! Keep us posted on when your new show will be on.

 

[Philadisney]

This morning I did some casual exploring of the Orlando Convention Center before taking our motorcoach to the fabled Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow.

Fig a

Upon entering the mammoth land of learning, we decided to begin with a tour of the acclaimed Imagination Institute. I was quite eager to get an inside look at the facility’s recent breakthroughs in their research.

Fig b

The tour was enjoyable, and smelly, but I was disappointed that it was cut short before we made it to the Touch and Taste Labs. This was due to an amusing, yet persistently interruptive, creature who claimed to be the Figment of Imagination. I managed to catch a few shots of the little beast, though they did not come out clear because he was always bustling about.

Figs c & d

Next we took a leisurely stroll to the U.K. for lunch. Though our hunger was pressing, we could not help but stop to admire some of the gorgeous flora & fauna that we found along our walk.

Fig e

I was delighted to run into Bambi & Flower, eager to meet such legendary creatures of the forest, but they were actually quite standoffish – neither would speak with us or even make eye contact.

Fig f

Soon we came across a lovely pub for lunch, the U.K.’s Rose and Crown.

Figs g-h

The kind young chap who was waiting on us, Gavin, seated us by the water. My traveling companion Eggbert was quite pleased with the view.

Figs i-j

The time for feasting had arrived! We had iced tea, apple salad, shepherds pie, & fish & chips.

Figs k-n

Even Eggbert enjoyed a meal of lemon wedges, prepared in the traditional English style.

Fig o

Soon it was time to bid farewell to the Rose & Crown and continue our worldly journey. Eggbert took one last look over the lovely water view before we headed on our way.

Fig p

Our leisurely strolling suddenly turned into a dash across the lake as I received an urgent message from Agent Kim Possible. We were needed in Norway immediately!

Fig q-r

She needed our help recovering a set of monkey statues. As a lover of both adventure and monkeys, I enthusiastically agreed to lend my services.

Fig s

Armed with my communicator, we took off for China, searching through hotels and museums until we found the precious jade monkeys. After successfully completing my mission with ease, we took the time to casually explore more of the imperial land of China.

Fig t

Soon, however, we were called to Mexico for yet another mission.

Fig u

This time we were needed to help located the precocious Donald Duck, who was missing somewhere in the country. I leapt into a nearby watercraft and we took off, able to find the lost fowl without too much trouble. We were treated to a concert from theThree Cabelleros as a thank you for our assistance.

After such a busy morning country-hopping, we were ready to relax!