Now that we know where we are going to stay while visiting the Dark Side let's talk about the theme parks and other resort offerings:
Once we booked the hotel and ordered the tickets, etc I started to do some research. I checked out the Universal Boards here on the Dis. I read some TR's, posted some questions, etc. THe people that hang out there are very friendly and helpful!
After that I panicked
. There are no sites out there like the Dis for US. What about books? I searched
amazon and came across a book called Beyond Disney.
If the cover looks vaguely familiar, that's because it is by the same folks who do the Unofficial GUide to WDW. I love the UG. I figured I can't go wrong with this book....right.... I ordered from amazon and when it came in the mail I was very excited.
Then I read it. It is a good book in that it has information about pretty much everything in the Central FLA area...Universal, Sea World, GatorlandCYpress Gardens, Kennedy Space Center (Which I am not really sure is considered Central FLA) and even the Holyland Experience
However, the information is very sparse. It does give some touring plan information for US and IOA that will probably come in handy. I was disappointed.
What do I do now. I headed to the Universal Boards here on the Dis and posted a question asking if there were any recommendations for a good US guide book. Unanimously everyone told me the best book is
Universal Orlando - The Ultimate Guide to the Ultimate Theme Park Adventure by Kelly Monagan. Back to Amazon I go and order this book
Let me just say they were right. If you are thinking of going to US/IOA get this book! It doesn't give touring plans per se, but it gives some great tips, etc.
After reading this book for a couple days, then reading different things to Jimmy, we made a list of the things we would like to ride, see, do in each park.
Our first stop on the tour will be Universal Studios. Like Disney Universal has developed its theme park into 5 "lands", with one area at the entrance. I"m only going to highlight the things that are on our to-do list.
Animal Actors on Location - Animal Tricks and comedy show. Jimmy loves the show Animals Funniest Home Viseos on Animal Planet so I think he will really like this
Beetlejuice's Rock n Roll Graceyard Review - Rock and roll stage show featuring Beetlejuice and the Universal monsters.
The Blues Brothers Concert - Need I say more. The Blues Brothers show up in their police car!
A Day in the Park with Barney - Live character Stage Show. While Jim and I would rather poke our eyes out with a dull pencil, Jimmy wants to see this one. Doesn't watch the show.
Disaster (Used to be called Earthquake) - Film that shows how minitures are used to create special effects in disaster movies, then onto a tram ro experience an earthquake
ET - Dark Ride based on ET.
Fievals Playland - Children's play area with water slide.
Jaws - Adventure boat ride. "I think we need a bigger boat"
Jimmy Neutron's Nicktoon Blast - Cartoon science and simulation ride. Think Star tours for the grade school set!
Lucy - A Tribute: Walk through Tribute to Lucille Ball. No pun intended but I love Lucy
Men In Black Alien Attack - Interactive Dark Ride. Most describe it as Buzz Lightyear on Steroids. Shoot aliens, but play against other cars!
Revenge of the Mummy - Indoor Roller Coaster based on The Mummy movie (This one will be Jim and I riding single rider)
Shrek 4-D: 3 D Movie.
Street Scenes - Remember when DHS was a real working studio
This is part of their actual working studio lot! They have the boneyard out throughout the park for you to see props, etc while you wander around.
Woody Woodpeckers Nuthouse Coaster - Kids Roller Coaster (Think Goofy's Barnstormer)
Curious George Goes to Town Playground - Interactive playground and water area.
The Simpsons - Simulator Ride through Springfield
So there you have it. The things we definitely want to do while we are at Universal Studios. I think the tink I am looking forward to the most is just walking around and looking at the props used in all the different Universal Movies. Remember when DH was like that
Up next: Islands of Adventure!
) 
This sounds like so much fun!
Really - it looks super relaxing and nice. 
Now, to go back and read... 
You're funny. 
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