Florida Sun + 1 Back To The Magic Day 10

[florida sun]

Sunday 05th November 2006

Cast of Characters:

Sue - 44 - (Thinks she's 24) Chief Planner, Worrier, and Yo Yo Dieter.

Vicki - 16 - (Thinks she's 26) - Emo,Thrill Ride Seeker and Mums Best Friend.

Well today, Im finally getting there, we are off to Universal and I cant wait, its been 4 years since Ive been there (4 days for Vicki ) and Im so excited. We were up at 6am as I had booked Mears to pick us up from the hotel at 7.25am. Goodness only knows why I booked it so early but hey ho. Called and had a quick coffee first and then went and waited outside at 7.15am. There was a small Mears van there and he asked if we were for Universal and after we had payed him the return fare we hopped aboard. One other family joined us on board and away we went.

We arrived at Universal at about 8ish and found out they opened at 9.00am although we were told that they normally open the gates about 8.45. We passed away the 45 mins by talking to the other family who were from the States and feeding a squirrel that came so close to us it was untrue, and he was loving our cookies that we had brought with us.

First in through the gates, Vicki gives me her version of our plan of attack, we run all the way to the Mummy, get a locker, get in and out and ride it again. Ok I have it!!! Here we go, start running (well trotting), nearly falling out of my flip flops and going smack down on my face only to be stopped by a cast member who tells me the only 2 rides open at the moment are Shrek4D and Jimmy Neutron, What!!!! all that puffing and panting for nothing. Well I want to do Shrek, Vicki wants to do Jimmy and we take so long to decide they then announced that the rest of the park was open, Woo Hoo says Vicki, come on Mum, lets go, shift into 3rd gear which at my age is still no match for Vicki and all I can hear is her calling behind, Come on mum, keep up will you. We arrive at the Mummy and Vicki does the locker thing, Im leaning against the wall, huffing and puffing like Ive just run a mile and my life depended on it and then looked around wondering why?? There is hardly anybody here!!. Anyway thats kids for you. I have never been on the Mummy before and when we get on Vicki tells me to hold on tight!! Oh my goodness what have I let myself in for, Im now as nervous as a kitten and thinking that maybe I should have checked this out a bit more before coming on.

Well all I can say is Wow!Wow!Wow! Nothing like I expected and I loved it, I thought it was brilliant, I screamed and whooped all the way around. Came off and walked straight back on again, and even now thinking about it, I can honestly say this is one of my favorite rides ever and can not wait to do it again.

From here we head over to Amity, where it is dead quiet, not a single person in the queue at Jaws, so after a few photos with the big fish himself we are on the boat and 2 other familys join us. Very Very Corny but great fun and I got a tad wet as well.

We then had a look to see if anything was happening at the Fear Factor as Vicki loves this, but there were no shows planned for this week which was a shame. Vicki then tried to convince me to go on Men In Black and Back To The Future, however the last time I went on MIB I felt dreadful after and pretty much felt the same on BTTF, so Vicki went on while I waited outside.

We then went over and had a go on ET, how sweet is this ride?? There was a girl and Boy sharing our bikes with us and at the end, when ET says your name, he said Bruce, Tracey, Vicki and Oue! He must have a problem with his "S"'s

We made our way back around and did Earthquake(Im not fussed) and Twister which I did like esp the flying cow. Back onto the Mummy for another go, I couldnt get enough of this, and then we just had a little wander around and picked up a couple of drinks.

Just as we were walking around the Madagascar van came around and we took a couple of photos.

 

[florida sun]

We then went over to see Shrek and Donkey to see if they were out for a few photos and as luck would have it they were just coming out and there was not a single person there. We had the most fun here ever and Donkey is so funny. Loads of interaction and as there were no long queues we stayed there for a long time taking photos and having a laugh.

After another little walk around we decided to head over to Islands Of Adventure.

We get inside and Vicki decides she would like one of theose little necklaces that they make, with your name on a single bead of rice and then floated in a little star, I thought they were a complete waste of money, but I will be honest she has not taken it off since she got it.

I tell Vicki that we really must try the new High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride first and she looks at me as though Ive lost the plot, its for kids says she, kids or not I figure its got to be worth the 10 min advertised wait, as we have never tried it before, as it turns out, it was not one of my beter ideas. We get into the queue, and then loads of people come in behine us, we seemed to be stood there for ages and ages, when word comes back to us down the line that one of the trains have broken down and they are having to get a replacment out. I ask Vicki if she wants to leave as it could be a while and she says no as the people behind us will think we are leaving because we are scared Over 1 hour later, yes 1 hour!!!!! we are still waiting to board the train and I have now lost the will to live. I tell Vicki I dont care less if people think Im scared Im outta here, and as always happens when you make that decision the queue starts to move, another 10 mins and we finally board the train. Its a pleasant enough ride, however if you dont like heights, I would suggest you avoid it, as you are way up high and it feels as though there is nothing to protect you either side. The idea was to take some good ariel shots of the park, but to be honest I was too scared to take my camera out of my bag, for fear of dropping it

From here we went over to Jurrasic Park, which Vicki loved as its her all time favorite movie and she loved this area.

We fast approched the Duelling Dragons and I have always said that not in a million years would I get on, however as Vicki had spun a wonderful tale of how going on the Fire side ride was better for somebody like me as it only looped once and was much much tamer than Ice and she just knew I would love it,blah!blah!blah!

I looked at her desparate face and gave in. Now who is the sucker!!! As we start queuing I say to one of the attendents, what should I do with my flip flops, he told me to sit on them! as I was just walking away from him, he then informed me that I may want to remove my glasses as well, unless they were tight, they were not but I was surprised I told him that there was much to worry about seeing as it only goes upside down once. He burst out laughing, told me somebody was telling tales as it actually loops 5 times!!

I spin and stare at Vicki who replys "Oh Come on Mum, It only feels like once honest and your a good sport. How could I refuse. Feeling as sick as a pig, I insist on riding on the inside and on the seat that has an extra belt for protection, Vicki is on the outside to the right of me, a small girl of about 9 is next to me and her mum on the left outside. Im terrified im going to lose my flip flops if I sit on them so tuck them inside my shorts, clutch my glasses in my hand, and almost whimper. Felt really silly then when the little girl besides me pats my hand and says "You will ok honest". Had I had any spit in my month I would have answered her, but as my mouth was as dry as the bottom of a budgies cage, I just nodded. To be honest with you, I really dont remember much about it, my sight was limited due to the fact that I couldnt see without my glasses, and I think I went numb from the feet first, all the way to the top of my head when we swung out around that first bend. Shaking like a leaf when it stopped, I could not undo my double security belt through shaking and once again the little girl next to me helped me out of my chair(how embarrassing ) I had clutched my glasses in my hand so hard that my nails had made indentations on the palms of my hand and my flip flops had wriggled so far around the back of my shorts, it looked as though I had worn a nappy on there due to the size of the bulk on my rear. My legs were like Jelly and Vicki asked as we were walking back out, would I like to go back through the re entry and try Ice, Im afraid my reply is not printable.

Next we rode Dudley Do-Right's Ripsaw Falls and to say we were wet was the understatement of the year, we were throughly soaked right the way through to our underwear, but my goodness what great fun this was. We then decided to have something to eat so that we could sit outside and dry off, thank goodness it was a nice sunny day. We ate at the comic book cafe and I had Burger and fries and so did Vicki.

After we had dried off Vicki persuded me to ride Spiderman and I honestly didnt think I would enjoy this as much as I did, it was fantastic

 

[florida sun]

We then made our way out as our return bus was picking us up at 4 because we were meeting Kaylee, Alan and Joseph at Earls at Downtown Disney at 6 and had to get back and change before we got there.

However Vicki was desparate to ride Hulk before we left and although she tried the " You've done Duelling Dragons, the Hulk is nothing after that" plee, she could see that I was not moving an inch on this one and went off and rode it alone. I'de had enough being tipped upside down and spun every which way for one day thank you very much.

Our bus turned up right on time and I have to say our day at Universal had been brilliant, cant wait to go back and do it again one day.

We arrive back to the Dolphin, get changed and head straight back out to meet Kaylee, Alan and Joseph at my favorite place to eat in Downtown Disney, The Earl Of Sandwich. Kaylee and Joseph are sat outside and Alan is inside getting the food. We tell them all about our day at Universal and I then I go and order, I have the Earls Original, Roast Beef, Cheese and Horseraddish sauce and a diet coke, Vicki has a Tuna melt, Cookie and a Fanta, and they dont dissapoint as usual. We spend a pleasant hour or so here with the guys and Vicki, Kaylee and Joseph have a little go on the Merry Go Round. Once we are back to the Dolphin, Vicki and I decide to head back out to Magic Kingdom, however we pick a dreadful time to arrive as Specromagic has just started and we can barley get in through the gates. We hang back a little bit until the parade is over and then make our way over to Splash Mountain. We were not in the queue that long but I realised that wishes would be starting very soon, as we had caught it a couple of times we decided to stay in the queue. It was brilliant,another soaking and we were able to catch wishes from the ride which was wonderful.

From here we headed over to Tomorrowland and rode Space Mountain again, whenever I get off this I always wish that it was the same as the one in DLP, however Vicki doesnt, as much as she likes the one in DLP, she thinks this version is best left alone and loves it. Is it me or is it getting lighter in there??

Feeling like a little downtime we hop onboard the TTA, I only discovered this attraction for the first time last year and I have to say I love it, great way to see some great sites of the park. Well it is, if you havent forgotten your camera, is'nt it Vic.

Quick go on Buzz and we finally admit defeat and get the bus back to the Dolphin. We have had the most brilliant day and Im so glad I finally got to go to Universal, who knows maybe next time, I will be brave enough to try the Hulk.

Day 11 : MGM and Babysitting for an Anniversary Dinner

 

[jen_uk]

Great trippie! You are very brave going on duelling dragons! I wouldnt go on it in a million years! Its lovely reading your reports as its obvious to see how close you and Vicki are.

 

[KayleeUK]

What a fab day Oue

 

[jtlover]

Great report - I too love Earls. I think you are very brave going on duelling dragons I dont think I could - I like the Unicorn ridge though

 

[mandymouse]

What a brilliant day Sue. I love Universal and IOA too and my fave rides are the Mummy and The Hulk. As you've conquered Duelling Dragons, you must try The Hulk next time as it's brilliant

Great trippie Sue and I look forward to the next installment

Mandy

 

[Ware Bears]

Oh Sue, you are so brave I don't think anything would get me to ride that.

I have really enjoyed reading about today, we haven't been to Universal yet and are really looking forward to it.

 

[jns]

another great report Sue

 

[SusanEllen]

You two can certainly get a lot packed into a single day.

Lots of cute pictures of both of you The one of you, Sue, by the neon LOAN sign is too funny!

 

[saratogagirl]

what a fab day, we hav't been to Universal for years either, I am really looking forward to going back after reading this

 

[Minniespal]

Well done Oue ~ ET can't manage Florence either.

Now that you have conquered DD Fire the Hulk will be a piece of cake.

We got socked on Dudley as well.

 

[carolfoy]

Another great report Sue and lovely photos as well, I still haven't made it as far as Universal but I daresay I'll get there one day. You're very brave, Vicki is lucky to have such a cool Mum

 

[Chilly]

You were very brave to go on DD.

I love the Mummy as well it is my fav rollercoaster.

You packed a lot into that day. Can't wait for the next installment.

 

[Lisash]

Wow that's a busy day Sue. You were very brave trying Duelling Dragons

 

[jockey]

Great report Sue - how did you do duelling dragons you are so brave!

 

[El Tel]

Fantastic report Sue.

I couldn't help but laugh at you experience on Duelling Dragons - out of empathy rather than malice. You were very brave.

I had a similar experience on my trip. I was a roller coaster chicken (I put it down to being dropped on my head when I was a baby or something ). I've been slowly working up towards the really hairy coasters on every trip. Last time I got as far as Space Mountain, and Scorpion and Python at Busch Gardens. I rode RNRC at DLP last year, so this year was time for the big stuff (gulp ).

I was bleedin' terrified but I was determined to take the opportunity this time round. My DS obviously has the same 'helpful' nature as Vicki. He suggested Fire and Ice as a good start point for this trip - Fire in particular. We got to the front of the line and I was all hyped up (hyperventilating, that is). Fire was out of action so we had to ride Ice - Daniel said it was much the same as Ice and not to worry. I strapped myself in and gritted my teeth.

My, what a wonderful view from the top! My, what a long way down! Oh lordy lordy here we go! Well, the ride was 'interesting' but not too bad. I was somewhat dizzy at the end and had to sit down for a bit, but I was very pleased to have done it.

I chickened out of doing the Hulk - one was enough for the day, but during the course of the holiday I eventually did Ice, Fire, Hulk, Kumba and Montu, as well as the ones I did previously - so I was very happy with my tally (except I didn't get to ride Expedition Everest - boo hoo). The Mummy was favourite with us too - though I found it really jerky.

Next trip I intend to do ToT (it's the one that scares me the most - I hate drops) plus anything else that takes my fancy - though I may draw the line at Sheikra as that made even Daniel wince.

Now I'm a seasoned pro I'd say that Fire and Ice weren't that easy at all - Fire is more droppy/weightless, Ice is more Gs. The Hulk is smoother and not as tough on the old bod. The only thing that sets it apart is the launch, and that is over in a flash. I'm sure you can do it. Go for it!

Oooh - I almost forgot. A good stiff drink afterwards makes a good 'reward'.

Keep the trippies coming. I'm enjoying them a lot.

 

[pokemon_master]

Just caught up. Brillent Trippie!

I agree with your view on Space mountain, however after going on the Aerosmith ride at DLRP I decided no more extreme rides for me!

 

[arieljasmine]

Congratulations on being so brave, Sue. I am sat here shaking at the mere thought of DD Another fantastic day, I love Universal too, the whole atmosphere is great.

ArielJasmine

 

[Cyrano]

I can only imagine what was not printable

An action packed day with some great photos