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- Jul 13, 2005
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Tuesday 21st August Muggles and Muddles
Ouch! I woke up with a raging headache. Still, Islands of Adventure was calling so no time to dilly dally. After a quick shower, I felt a bit better and dragged Daniel out of bed and into the shower (not literally). I knew we would probably suffer today and be paying for his lack of sleep but I was prepared for it. Despite hangovers and grumpiness, we were ready on schedule at 7.30.
We should have collected our Express Passes the day before, when we checked in but had decided to leave it until this morning. In hindsight, that was probably a mistake. For those who dont know, the Universal onsite hotels have a new system where your room key no longer acts as your Express Pass. Instead, you now have to use one of the kiosks in the lobby to print an Express Pass bearing your photograph. It took a few minutes to get to grips with the machine and adjusting the camera but, it has to be said, none of our pictures were particularly flattering as you have to look at the camera and press the button to take the picture at the same time. Daniel and I were both looking down, rather than at the camera, but never mind.
It is a short and pleasant walk from Royal Pacific Resort to Islands of Adventure and it was already beautifully sunny.
I'm NOT tired
While collecting our tickets from will-call, I suddenly felt really nauseous. I left Gary and Daniel stood at the kiosk while I ran off to the bathrooms. I wasnt actually physically sick but was feeling very queasy. After about 10 minutes, I felt a bit better so came back out to find Gary and Daniel waiting for me. People were already streaming through the gates. It looked like it was going to be a busy day.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is the only area of Islands of Adventure which is open early to onsite guests so we obviously headed straight there. Although most people head to Forbidden Journey, we decided to skip it since Daniel doesnt really like it. None of us were too bothered about Ollivanders we have now been to WWOHP three times and still not done it. As Daniel had been too small to ride Dragons Challenge on our last visit, he was more than ready to take on the Chinese Fireball and the Hungarian Horntail.
As it was still so early, the express lines werent open but there was no wait at all and we managed to ride each one a couple of times. Sadly, they werent running in sync with each other so, although we managed to get the front seat, it wasnt quite as thrilling as it should have been. On our last few visits, now, the dragons have not been running in sync. I dont know whether it is just coincidence but I hope so as it is such a great ride when the two dragons are meeting and crossing over each other.
After Dragons Challenge, it was time for another first (for Daniel) Flight of the Hippogriff (formerly the Flying Unicorn). Daniel really loved this little coaster it is surprisingly fast and, after a couple of rides, Gary and I left Daniel to ride on his own twice more.
Hagrid's Hut
Choo choo
Walking back through WWOHP, we bumped into Zoe and family, who had just been to Ollivanders. After a little chat, we left WWOHP and walked towards Seuss Landing.
We stopped to check out the fountain outside Sinbad's - Daniel was convinced he was going to get soaked as this fountain usually sprays water on the kids and talks but I told him I didn't think the fountain was awake just yet.
Are you sure he's asleep Mum?
In Seuss Landing, Daniel and I rode One Fish, Two Fish. In traditional fashion, Gary refused to ride. I am determined to get him on that ride with me one day, if it kills me. Somehow I managed to get absolutely soaked, even though I definitely followed the instructions correctly.
Daniel was starting to get a bit antsy so we decided it was probably time for some breakfast. At Croissant Moon, we bought a Chocolate Croissant (Daniel), Cherry Turnover (Gary) and an Apple Danish (me) plus (obviously) a hot tea and a diet coke. The total was $8.17.
Breakfasty goodness
After breakfast, Gary and I both felt much better and Daniel was ready to take on the mighty Hulk! They had this really cool Hulk-mobile outside so we took a few pictures with Daniel posing.
Cool car
Don't make me angry!
The Hulk was another ride that Daniel was too small for last year and, after just one go, he declared it his new favourite ride. After riding three times, we went to experience the new HD version of Spiderman. This was awesome, the level of detail is amazing, a vast improvement on what was already a fantastic ride.
After a quick diet coke break, we rode Cat in the Hat and the High in the Sky Trolley ride. I love the view from up there!
Hulk
The Lost Continent
Daniel and Gary both wanted to do the water rides but I had no desire to get wet. To me, there is nothing worse than having to walk around in wet clothes. I agreed to do Jurassic Park River Adventure but not the others, and we knew we would have to leave afterwards as Daniel couldnt stay in wet clothes.
While walking towards Toon Lagoon, we spotted Popeye and Olive Oyl. There was nobody else around so we had a great chat with them and Daniel posed.
Ugg ugg ugg ugg
While I love Marvel Superhero Island for the music and atmosphere, I really love the cartoon appearance of Toon Lagoon. There are so many details and I discover something new every time we visit.
Water feature
Marmaduke!
We rode the River Adventure first, then I waited for the two boys to do Dudleys and the Bilge Rat Barges. I had managed to stay reasonably dry on Jurassic Park River Adventure so, by the time they came back, I was completely dry. They, on the other hand, were absolutely sopping.
We headed straight to the exit, stopping only to have a brief (wet) hug with Woody Woodpecker.
Woody and Daniel
We quickly left the park and walked straight back to the hotel. The last thing we wanted was Daniels heat rash to flare up again. Back at the hotel, we discovered that the housekeeping staff clearly had a sense of humour.
Dogster and Pluto
On Zoe's advice, we had left a nice note for housekeeping asking if we could have some extra 'pods' of tea for the Keurig machine. We had left a couple of extra dollars tip and it had certainly reaped rewards...
Plenty of tea
We quickly changed into our swimming stuff and went down to the pool. We were a bit peckish so ordered some lunch at the Bula Bar. We shared two kids chicken tenders meals and an appetiser of teriyaki chicken strips. The teriyaki chicken was just the same chicken tenders which came with the kids meals, tossed in some teriyaki sauce. It was very tasty though and we polished off the lot with no problems. With three diet cokes, the check came to $38.96 (included an automatic 18% tip).
Chickie tenders
After eating, Daniel headed straight for the pool while Gary and I grabbed a couple of loungers and made ourselves comfortable. The entertainments staff were just starting a game of pool bingo when the announcement came that there were thunderstorms in the area and the pool would be closed. We were just gathering up our stuff when the rain started, quickly followed by an incredible display of lightning and massive claps of thunder.
Back in the room, I decided to take the opportunity to do some laundry while Gary and Daniel chilled out. I half hoped that Daniel might have a nap as he was still tired and a bit grouchy but the boy just doesnt know when to give in. I spent the majority of the afternoon back and forth between the room and the laundry, managing to get a couple of loads done. Less washing to do when we get home, I suppose, although not my ideal way to spend an afternoon (particularly when on holiday).
Knowing that we all needed an early night, we decided to have dinner at Friendlys. It remains one of our favourite offsite places for cheap and tasty food. Sadly, this experience was not the best weve had. Although the food was still great (for the most part), our server was completely useless. I dont think she got a single thing right with our order.
Bunny ears
For appetiser, we ordered a combo of potato skins, mozzarella sticks and waffle fries. This was at our servers suggestion but, despite suggesting it, she managed to only put through an order of mozzarella sticks so that is what we got. For entrée, Gary had Ginger Chicken Stiry Fry, I chose my usual Honey BBQ Chicken Melt and Daniel got the Quesadillas.
Mini mozza sticks
The quesadillas were very disappointing. The chicken was well seasoned but it was literally just chicken and cheese, a bit boring even by my standards, and definitely far too uninteresting for Daniel, who ended up eating half of mine. Garys stir fry was good.
Uninteresting quesadillas
Healthy but delicious
Unhealthy but equally delicious
Again, when ordering, our server had persuaded me to get the combo meal which came with a drink and a 2-scoop sundae. I didnt actually want the ice-cream so told our server that Daniel was going to have it. He ordered a scoop of cookies n cream and a scoop of forbidden chocolate with hot fudge, and I asked if we could pay the extra for him to have Oreo pieces as well. She said that was fine. Gary ordered a vanilla Fribble shake, which he loves.
When Daniels ice-cream came, it had whipped cream on it (even though he had asked for it without) and Garys Fribble shake was just like a glass of pure ice cream. She took away Daniels sundae and brought another one with no cream on, together with the check. The check, of course, was completely wrong we had been charged for the combo appetiser we hadnt received and two sundaes, when we had only had one and that was supposed to be part of the meal. Eventually, we got it sorted out and paid the check ($37 inc tip).
In all the confusion, I didn't get a picture of dessert.
We were back at the hotel by 8.30 and in bed by 9. Gary and I watched television for a while but Daniel was asleep almost immediately.
Ouch! I woke up with a raging headache. Still, Islands of Adventure was calling so no time to dilly dally. After a quick shower, I felt a bit better and dragged Daniel out of bed and into the shower (not literally). I knew we would probably suffer today and be paying for his lack of sleep but I was prepared for it. Despite hangovers and grumpiness, we were ready on schedule at 7.30.
We should have collected our Express Passes the day before, when we checked in but had decided to leave it until this morning. In hindsight, that was probably a mistake. For those who dont know, the Universal onsite hotels have a new system where your room key no longer acts as your Express Pass. Instead, you now have to use one of the kiosks in the lobby to print an Express Pass bearing your photograph. It took a few minutes to get to grips with the machine and adjusting the camera but, it has to be said, none of our pictures were particularly flattering as you have to look at the camera and press the button to take the picture at the same time. Daniel and I were both looking down, rather than at the camera, but never mind.
It is a short and pleasant walk from Royal Pacific Resort to Islands of Adventure and it was already beautifully sunny.
I'm NOT tired
While collecting our tickets from will-call, I suddenly felt really nauseous. I left Gary and Daniel stood at the kiosk while I ran off to the bathrooms. I wasnt actually physically sick but was feeling very queasy. After about 10 minutes, I felt a bit better so came back out to find Gary and Daniel waiting for me. People were already streaming through the gates. It looked like it was going to be a busy day.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is the only area of Islands of Adventure which is open early to onsite guests so we obviously headed straight there. Although most people head to Forbidden Journey, we decided to skip it since Daniel doesnt really like it. None of us were too bothered about Ollivanders we have now been to WWOHP three times and still not done it. As Daniel had been too small to ride Dragons Challenge on our last visit, he was more than ready to take on the Chinese Fireball and the Hungarian Horntail.
As it was still so early, the express lines werent open but there was no wait at all and we managed to ride each one a couple of times. Sadly, they werent running in sync with each other so, although we managed to get the front seat, it wasnt quite as thrilling as it should have been. On our last few visits, now, the dragons have not been running in sync. I dont know whether it is just coincidence but I hope so as it is such a great ride when the two dragons are meeting and crossing over each other.
After Dragons Challenge, it was time for another first (for Daniel) Flight of the Hippogriff (formerly the Flying Unicorn). Daniel really loved this little coaster it is surprisingly fast and, after a couple of rides, Gary and I left Daniel to ride on his own twice more.
Hagrid's Hut
Choo choo
Walking back through WWOHP, we bumped into Zoe and family, who had just been to Ollivanders. After a little chat, we left WWOHP and walked towards Seuss Landing.
We stopped to check out the fountain outside Sinbad's - Daniel was convinced he was going to get soaked as this fountain usually sprays water on the kids and talks but I told him I didn't think the fountain was awake just yet.
Are you sure he's asleep Mum?
In Seuss Landing, Daniel and I rode One Fish, Two Fish. In traditional fashion, Gary refused to ride. I am determined to get him on that ride with me one day, if it kills me. Somehow I managed to get absolutely soaked, even though I definitely followed the instructions correctly.
Daniel was starting to get a bit antsy so we decided it was probably time for some breakfast. At Croissant Moon, we bought a Chocolate Croissant (Daniel), Cherry Turnover (Gary) and an Apple Danish (me) plus (obviously) a hot tea and a diet coke. The total was $8.17.
Breakfasty goodness
After breakfast, Gary and I both felt much better and Daniel was ready to take on the mighty Hulk! They had this really cool Hulk-mobile outside so we took a few pictures with Daniel posing.
Cool car
Don't make me angry!
The Hulk was another ride that Daniel was too small for last year and, after just one go, he declared it his new favourite ride. After riding three times, we went to experience the new HD version of Spiderman. This was awesome, the level of detail is amazing, a vast improvement on what was already a fantastic ride.
After a quick diet coke break, we rode Cat in the Hat and the High in the Sky Trolley ride. I love the view from up there!
Hulk
The Lost Continent
Daniel and Gary both wanted to do the water rides but I had no desire to get wet. To me, there is nothing worse than having to walk around in wet clothes. I agreed to do Jurassic Park River Adventure but not the others, and we knew we would have to leave afterwards as Daniel couldnt stay in wet clothes.
While walking towards Toon Lagoon, we spotted Popeye and Olive Oyl. There was nobody else around so we had a great chat with them and Daniel posed.
Ugg ugg ugg ugg
While I love Marvel Superhero Island for the music and atmosphere, I really love the cartoon appearance of Toon Lagoon. There are so many details and I discover something new every time we visit.
Water feature
Marmaduke!
We rode the River Adventure first, then I waited for the two boys to do Dudleys and the Bilge Rat Barges. I had managed to stay reasonably dry on Jurassic Park River Adventure so, by the time they came back, I was completely dry. They, on the other hand, were absolutely sopping.
We headed straight to the exit, stopping only to have a brief (wet) hug with Woody Woodpecker.
Woody and Daniel
We quickly left the park and walked straight back to the hotel. The last thing we wanted was Daniels heat rash to flare up again. Back at the hotel, we discovered that the housekeeping staff clearly had a sense of humour.
Dogster and Pluto
On Zoe's advice, we had left a nice note for housekeeping asking if we could have some extra 'pods' of tea for the Keurig machine. We had left a couple of extra dollars tip and it had certainly reaped rewards...
Plenty of tea
We quickly changed into our swimming stuff and went down to the pool. We were a bit peckish so ordered some lunch at the Bula Bar. We shared two kids chicken tenders meals and an appetiser of teriyaki chicken strips. The teriyaki chicken was just the same chicken tenders which came with the kids meals, tossed in some teriyaki sauce. It was very tasty though and we polished off the lot with no problems. With three diet cokes, the check came to $38.96 (included an automatic 18% tip).
Chickie tenders
After eating, Daniel headed straight for the pool while Gary and I grabbed a couple of loungers and made ourselves comfortable. The entertainments staff were just starting a game of pool bingo when the announcement came that there were thunderstorms in the area and the pool would be closed. We were just gathering up our stuff when the rain started, quickly followed by an incredible display of lightning and massive claps of thunder.
Back in the room, I decided to take the opportunity to do some laundry while Gary and Daniel chilled out. I half hoped that Daniel might have a nap as he was still tired and a bit grouchy but the boy just doesnt know when to give in. I spent the majority of the afternoon back and forth between the room and the laundry, managing to get a couple of loads done. Less washing to do when we get home, I suppose, although not my ideal way to spend an afternoon (particularly when on holiday).
Knowing that we all needed an early night, we decided to have dinner at Friendlys. It remains one of our favourite offsite places for cheap and tasty food. Sadly, this experience was not the best weve had. Although the food was still great (for the most part), our server was completely useless. I dont think she got a single thing right with our order.
Bunny ears
For appetiser, we ordered a combo of potato skins, mozzarella sticks and waffle fries. This was at our servers suggestion but, despite suggesting it, she managed to only put through an order of mozzarella sticks so that is what we got. For entrée, Gary had Ginger Chicken Stiry Fry, I chose my usual Honey BBQ Chicken Melt and Daniel got the Quesadillas.
Mini mozza sticks
The quesadillas were very disappointing. The chicken was well seasoned but it was literally just chicken and cheese, a bit boring even by my standards, and definitely far too uninteresting for Daniel, who ended up eating half of mine. Garys stir fry was good.
Uninteresting quesadillas
Healthy but delicious
Unhealthy but equally delicious
Again, when ordering, our server had persuaded me to get the combo meal which came with a drink and a 2-scoop sundae. I didnt actually want the ice-cream so told our server that Daniel was going to have it. He ordered a scoop of cookies n cream and a scoop of forbidden chocolate with hot fudge, and I asked if we could pay the extra for him to have Oreo pieces as well. She said that was fine. Gary ordered a vanilla Fribble shake, which he loves.
When Daniels ice-cream came, it had whipped cream on it (even though he had asked for it without) and Garys Fribble shake was just like a glass of pure ice cream. She took away Daniels sundae and brought another one with no cream on, together with the check. The check, of course, was completely wrong we had been charged for the combo appetiser we hadnt received and two sundaes, when we had only had one and that was supposed to be part of the meal. Eventually, we got it sorted out and paid the check ($37 inc tip).
In all the confusion, I didn't get a picture of dessert.
We were back at the hotel by 8.30 and in bed by 9. Gary and I watched television for a while but Daniel was asleep almost immediately.