Here We Go Again! A PTR Chapter 19- Some PreTrip Ramblings Updated 7/30/09

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

Those all look like a lot of fun! Especially Men in Black, The Mummy, Shrek.

 

[cmp1111]

Years ago, Dr. Belle & I hit up US in CA, along, of course, with many days at DL.

We liked ET and the Earthquake ride. And Jaws.

It looks like fun! (Well, except for Barney - I'm with you, there. )

 

[KathyRN137]

I'm so glad you found at least one book that gave some good touring advice!! ... Funny how we're so "spoiled" by all the info available here on the DIS!!

Kathy

 

[lisalonglash]

We spent one day at US and one day at IOA last October - soooo much fun!

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.

I'm glad you found a book that works for you! If you have the UG Guide to WDW with Kids, it has a pretty decent section on US/IOA in it

The Blues Brothers Concert - Need I say more. The Blues Brothers show up in their police car!

Oh, THIS was our favourite thing at US/IOA, hands down! Rockin' in the street to a live "Blues Brothers" concert (there was also an Anita Franklin character opening act - she was fantastic too) and then visiting with the Blues Brothers afterwards. I have some great pictures of dh and ds#1 with the car and a picture of me and ds#1 with Elwood Blues that makes dh jealous LOL (it's on my PTR if you want to see it)

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

This was great fun! My MIL played the "Mother Earth" character - it was hysterical to see the finished movie

ET - Dark Ride based on ET.

ET and a ride - what's not to love

Jaws - Adventure boat ride. "I think we need a bigger boat"

The wait time was too long for this ride, which was a real bummer for me. I've always wanted to go on this ride because the Jaws movies scared the bejeepers out of me - I figured if I could manage to survive the ride, I'd be golden Next time!

Jimmy Neutron's Nicktoon Blast - Cartoon science and simulation ride. Think Star tours for the grade school set!

Everyone except me enjoyed this very much (I didn't realize it was a motion simulator beforehands - motion simulator = Lisa feeling )

Men In Black Alien Attack - Interactive Dark Ride. Most describe it as Buzz Lightyear on Steroids. Shoot aliens, but play against other cars!

Big thumbs up from everyone in our group who rode!

Revenge of the Mummy - Indoor Roller Coaster based on The Mummy movie (This one will be Jim and I riding single rider)

Another big thumbs up from all who rode!

Shrek 4-D: 3 D Movie.

We all really liked this one - inventive, funny and engaging

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.

This is one of the coolest parts of US/IOA! We had the most fun just sort of stumbling into character experiences - we spent ages with Doc and the Time Machine DeLorean from Back to the Future

Woody Woodpeckers Nuthouse Coaster - Kids Roller Coaster (Think Goofy's Barnstormer)

Well liked by all the kids in our group!

The Simpsons - Simulator Ride through Springfield

Another big thumbs up from all who rode!

You're going to have the best time!

 

[jordanyosh]

I love you, you love me.........that song just brings shivers to my spine...

You seem like you'll get to do alot!!!!!!

I've always wanted to go to US/IOA and to Sea World....maybe your TR will convince me....MAYBE....

 

[Hedy]

FYI, I think the graveyard review has a warning-it's excelllent, but there are a few throwaway lines that makes me not 100% sure I'd take the boys (9 and 13)-there are two skimpily dressed cheerleaders who do a cheer for Beetlejuice using his initials.

 

[PrincessV]

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.

No??!! How disappointing.

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)

Strangely, sometimes yes. It depends on the reference; if in reference to tourist attractions, it's lumped into "Central FL." But as a geographical location it's "East Coast." Welcome to Florida-Speak 101!

I can't wait to hear about Jimmy's reactions to all the attractions! I'd really like to take Leo someday, but he's just not there yet.

 

[jcc0621]

Those all look like a lot of fun! Especially Men in Black, The Mummy, Shrek.

I think Jimmy will like all of them too.

It looks like fun! (Well, except for Barney - I'm with you, there. )

Kindred spirits!

I'm so glad you found at least one book that gave some good touring advice!! ... Funny how we're so "spoiled" by all the info available here on the DIS!!

Kathy

It's scary actually. If we plan to go any where else I'm on the internet trying to find board like this for where ever we go. They don't have Gettysburgboards. Thats TFI

Oh, THIS was our favourite thing at US/IOA, hands down! Rockin' in the street to a live "Blues Brothers" concert (there was also an Anita Franklin character opening act - she was fantastic too) and then visiting with the Blues Brothers afterwards. I have some great pictures of dh and ds#1 with the car and a picture of me and ds#1 with Elwood Blues that makes dh jealous LOL (it's on my PTR if you want to see it)[/QUOTE

I have your PTR bookmarked. Just haven't had 2 seconds to sit down and read yet

You're going to have the best time!

I love you, you love me.........that song just brings shivers to my spine...

Thanks I know have that song stuck in my head

FYI, I think the graveyard review has a warning-it's excelllent, but there are a few throwaway lines that makes me not 100% sure I'd take the boys (9 and 13)-there are two skimpily dressed cheerleaders who do a cheer for Beetlejuice using his initials.

Ooohhhhhhhh! Thanks for the tip. Will have to read more about it!

Strangely, sometimes yes. It depends on the reference; if in reference to tourist attractions, it's lumped into "Central FL." But as a geographical location it's "East Coast." Welcome to Florida-Speak 101!

I have always heard that area called the Space Coast

I can't wait to hear about Jimmy's reactions to all the attractions! I'd really like to take Leo someday, but he's just not there yet.

I;m really trying to find a DVD to show Jimmy everything. SOmeone told me on the US Boards that their is one, but I have to call US merchandising to order it. I just haven't had 2 seconds to do that!

 

[jcc0621]

Now that we have reviewed Universal Studios it is time for a review of what things we are all looking forward too at Island of Adventure.

Marvel Super Hero Island. Jimmy is into the Marvel Comics right now. Spiderman, Ironman, X-Men etc. He is ticked because I won't let him see Wolverine

Our first stop at Marvel Super Hero Island will be the Amazing Adventures of Spiderman. Billed as an "indoor adventure simulator ride with moving vehicles, 3D film, live action and a 400 foot sensory drop

Next is Storm Force Accleration. Indoor spinning ride. Think the tea cups on steroids.

From here you move onto Toon Lagoon:

Dudley Do Right Ripsaw Falls. A flume ride based on Dudley Do-RIght ` one of my favorite cartoons when I was a kid

Me Ship the Olive - Interactive water play area (Sounds a bit like DOnald's Boat)

Popeye and Bluto's Bilge Rat Barges - White water river raft ride. Kali is like getting spritz compared to how wet you get on this.

From Toon Lagoon we head into Jurassic Park. Jimmy is so into Dinosaurs so I think he will really like this land.

Camp Jurassic - Interactive Play Area

Jurassic Park River Adventure Ride. Indoor/outdoor adventure river raft ride.

Pterandon Flyers - fly over Jurassic Park. Jimmy can ride without us, but we can't ride without him Jim will ride this one with him!

Dueling Dragons. This is one Jim and I will do alone, while each of us waits with Jimmy. Fire and Ice. Both coasters launched at the same time

Flying Unicorn - another kiddie coaster

The last area we will explore will be Suess Landing. Up first..

Caro-suess-el: Merry Go Round. Seats based on Suess characters. If you pull on the rains the heads move, eyes blink and tails wag.

No, I don't know who those people are. I googled the picture and that was the best one that came up

Cat In the Hat - Indoor adventure ride through the story! One of Jimmy's favorite books!

High In the Sky SUess Trolley Train Ride - Elevated train around Suess Landing.

One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish - A wet version of Dumbo.

As you can see I don't think there a ton of attractions at either park, so I am hoping that means we will have time to explore the parks a bit too. I have been to US/IOA in 2002, but we did not have time time to explore the little nooks and crannies and I am hoping we get to so that this time.

I am also hoping that with Express pass we will be able to ride our favorites more than once.

We should also be able to get in plenty of pool time here too. On 8/16 and 8/17 Islands of Adventure closes at 7:00pm. On 8/16 US closes at 9:00pm and and on 8/17 it closes at 7:00pm.

The goal is to leave for US/IOA as soon as we finish breakfast at 'Ohana on the 16th. Drive to US/IOA, check in (room probably won't be ready), get tickets and head right to which ever park Jimmy wants to do first. Stay at that park until dinner time and then head back to the hotel to eat and swim for a bit.

Next Up - City Walk. Is it for us?

 

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

IoA looks awesome! I can't wait to visit someday! I think that Jimmy will probably love Suess Landing, it looks so fun and creative!

 

[lisalonglash]

Spiderman was enjoyed by all who rode! An FYI: Ripsaw Falls and Bilge Rat Barges don't just get you wet - they get you absolutely soaked (think having a shower wet) LOL The Jurassic Park ride was really fun, much enjoyed by all (oh, also, there's a viewing area beside the "river" you dump into at the end of the ride (in front of the restaurant beside the ride) - if you stand there, you will get absolutely soaked (yes, dh and both boys decided that standing there was great LOL)). All who rode Dueling Dragons (both sides) really enjoyed this one (ds#1 did prefer the Hulk Coaster, but he's a wacko lol).

Will the Flying Unicorn be open when you're there? It was/is closed while they're creating the Harry Potter section (which looks sooooo awesome!).

Cat in the Hat was kind of neat - it was very similar to the Winnie the Pooh ride. The Suess Trolley was lots of fun - it's set up so that you feel like you're "flying" over Suessland iykwim?

If you and/or your dh like coasters, you should try the Hulk Coaster - it's insane!

The Express Pass thing will be awesome, I'm sure

 

[KathyRN137]

Wow, those coasters sound intense!!

I don't think I could do that Jurassic one... just hanging there with your feet dangling must be so scary!! Even the Spiderman ride looks intimidating!

Better you than me, Janet!!


Kathy

 

[DisneyJo]

I actually quite like the look of some of those rides, very different to Disney!

 

[lazydoxy66]

I'm so sorry I'm late. I've been having a heck of a time knowing which Fockers have new PTRs and TRs and with Enchanted too......you get the picture.

I'm glad I jumped on board. This is exactly what I want to do on our next trip. Only difference is I want to stay at AKL during the Disney portion. I am so interested in your take on the Royal Pacific.

I'm glad you got your ADRs. I'm so nervous about mine for the BFF trip. (I can make them on June 29th.)

 

[PrincessV]

I'm starting to think I just need to go to US without Leo one of these days... he won't do 3/4 of those rides, but they look fun to me!

Citywalk, Citywalk... why can't I remeber what's there???

 

[debraW76]

Sounds like so much fun.

Love Spiderman!

Love the Jurassic park but be careful - there are lots of tunnels and slides and you can easily lose sight of Jimmy. THe kids still talk about the Pterandon Flyers and they were only 2 and 4 when we went.

LOVED Dueling Dragons - US's baby swap is a little different from Disney's. For the DD you all three walk through the line and just before you get to the coasters there is a 'baby lounge' waiting area. It's air conditioned and has a bathroom/water fountains. One stays there with Jimmy while the other rides and when they are done they will meet you in the baby lounge for you to ride.

Flying Unicorn - I may be wrong but I think they closed this to make room for Harry Potter?

One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish is another of my kids favs.

 

[askelton]

Why would I need to up Jim's life insurance. Well, wonderful wife that I am, I got Jim the RIchard Petty Ride ALong Experience for Christmas. Yes, I am voluntarily allowing him to go really really fast around a Nascar track...but here is the kicker, someone else is driving

I can't wait to hear what he thinks about it since we got it for Mitch too. How did I not know Dawn's DH did it already?

City Walk. Is it for us?

The Porch of Indecision is your friend.

 

[jcc0621]

IoA looks awesome! I can't wait to visit someday! I think that Jimmy will probably love Suess Landing, it looks so fun and creative!

He loves Dr. Suess books so I think he is going to love it!

Spiderman was enjoyed by all who rode! An FYI: Ripsaw Falls and Bilge Rat Barges don't just get you wet - they get you absolutely soaked (think having a shower wet) LOL The Jurassic Park ride was really fun, much enjoyed by all (oh, also, there's a viewing area beside the "river" you dump into at the end of the ride (in front of the restaurant beside the ride) - if you stand there, you will get absolutely soaked (yes, dh and both boys decided that standing there was great LOL)).

I remember from 02 getting soaked. Definitely croxs for this day as opposed to sneakers

Will the Flying Unicorn be open when you're there? It was/is closed while they're creating the Harry Potter section (which looks sooooo awesome!).

Oh shoot...I don't know. If it is it gives me one more reason to not like HP

Wow, those coasters sound intense!!

I don't think I could do that Jurassic one... just hanging there with your feet dangling must be so scary!! Even the Spiderman ride looks intimidating!

Better you than me, Janet!!


Kathy

It should be lots of fun!

I actually quite like the look of some of those rides, very different to Disney!

I'm so sorry I'm late. I've been having a heck of a time knowing which Fockers have new PTRs and TRs and with Enchanted too......you get the picture.

I'm glad I jumped on board. This is exactly what I want to do on our next trip. Only difference is I want to stay at AKL during the Disney portion. I am so interested in your take on the Royal Pacific.

I'm glad you got your ADRs. I'm so nervous about mine for the BFF trip. (I can make them on June 29th.)

Hi Kristel Will keep my fingers crossed for you!

I'm starting to think I just need to go to US without Leo one of these days.

WE can always do girls weekend there

Citywalk, Citywalk... why can't I remeber what's there???

Details coming up!

LOVED Dueling Dragons - US's baby swap is a little different from Disney's. For the DD you all three walk through the line and just before you get to the coasters there is a 'baby lounge' waiting area. It's air conditioned and has a bathroom/water fountains. One stays there with Jimmy while the other rides and when they are done they will meet you in the baby lounge for you to ride.

Cool, thanks for the tip!

Flying Unicorn - I may be wrong but I think they closed this to make room for Harry Potter?

I heard

The Porch of Indecision is your friend.

Update coming up shortly!

 

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

You don't like Harry Potter and you don't like UP. You do like to go against the grain Janet.

 

[jcc0621]

Hey all. Before I get to my take on CityWalk...let me just say that today is the

50 day mark​

Ahem.

CityWalk - The official definitaion of City Walk from the book Beyond Disneytm is a shopping, dining and enteratinment venue that doubles as the entrance to Universal Studios and Islands of Advneture theme parks.

CityWalk is (was) Universal's answer to Pleasure Island, when Pleasure Island was cool....and open

For $11.99 you can get into all of the clubs or if you are only going to one specific club you can pay an individual cover of any from $4 to $8.

CityWalk also offers a dinner.movie deal for $21.95 which gives you dinner at one of the restaurants (limited menu of course) and a movie ticket. All in all, no bad pricing.

However, because we are staying on property and purchasing multi-day tickets we get free admission.

So what does City Walk have to offer....we will start withe the clubs:

Bob Marley - A Tribute to Freedom

Reggae Restaurant and Club. Jamaican influenced appetizers and main courses. Regae bands in the outdoor gazebo.

The Groove

High Tech Disco. No food. DJ plays dance tunes. Sometimes thereis a live band

Hard Rock Live

Live Music club and concert hall. Limited menu. House band performs wekdays with big name groups taking over on weekends.

Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville

Key West themed restaurant and club. Caribbean, Florida, fusion and American food. Live rock and roll island style music after 10pm

Latin Quarter

Latin salsa-themed restaurant and live music hall. Latin American food. Live salsa band nightly

Pat O'Brien's

Dueling pianos sing along club and restaurant. Cajun cuisine.

The Red Coconut

The best description of thi splace that I have found was Rat Pack meets the Jetsons. Specialty martini's


CityWalk also offers a variety of dining options including but limited to NBA City (ESPN Club for the Basketball set), Pastamore (Italian) NASCAR Sports Grille (ESPN Club for the Nascar fan), Bubba Gump Shrimp Company *Based on the Forrest Gump).

There are also a variety of fast-food and snack options:
Pastamore Market (Italian snacks, sweets, and wine)
Cinnbon
TCBY
Starbucks
Big Kahuna Pizza
Nathan's Famous
Latin Express
Galaxy (Walk Up Bar)
Lone Plam Airport (Walk Up Bar)

Oh...there is also shopping here are CityWalk (Surprised aren't you)

THe main attraction for the shopper here is the the Universal Studios Store. According to the guide books you will find a tasteful selection of touristy trinkets (do tasteful and touristy belong in the same sentence?).

We will probaly check out City Walk for a bit. Jim wasnt to eat at Margaritaville and we will check out the shops, but we will probably do it during the day when the club crows is not hanging out, KWIM?

Since AirTran pushed back our departing flight (Did I mention that? We now don't depart Orlando until 3:30pm -extra hours) we will probaly check out CityWalk on departure day and have lunch at Margaritaville before we head to the Airport.

Up Next: Why Jim's birthday gift and fathers days gifts were purchased expecially with this trip in mind