Hijinks & Shenanigans but not much Mayhem@The Dark Side+Disney:Link to DL/Hawaii TR

[teekathepony]

Love the Hulk pic! Too awesome that you were able to get them in the shot!

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[DrMomof3]

In all fairness Dee... I traveled with a super stressed out 8 year old who needed some down time. He found the rides at Universal a little too intense, even though he loves the thrill rides at Disney. We woke up at 4am Saturday, stayed out until midnight, and then enjoyed a more mellow day on Sunday. And he wasn't quite 48 inches tall which limited us a lot.
I thought it was a little chilly for swimming but I was willing to accommodate whatever he wanted to do!

Amanda

 

[MickeyT]

What is really astonishing about the hulk pic is how much Nate looks like Dad! With their hair back like that no one can mistake that father/son! A (not so) Mini Me!

 

[lsenquiz]

Just finished the "On Tour at the Hard Rock Hotel" posts. I actually wish I had not looked at them now because I LOVED them . I am already planning a stay there in my head that includes my DS25 & DD21! They would both love it. Just not sure how I would do it without taking a 3 week vacation because I do not want to give up my two weeks at Disney

Seems like there is a ton to see and do at the hotel. I thought the menu's were very creative! The pictures did remind me of the Hard Rock Hotel in Vegas.

 

[lsenquiz]

Love the family pictures! What a great price for the CD.

 

[saintstickets]

Great TR Dee!! It brings back good memories from when we did Universal's IoA May 2012. WWoHP was great (especially if you're a big HP fan like we are and we LOVED the butterbeer so much we make it at home!) but except for that, IoA was more of an amusement park instead of a theme park. The one thing that has Disney beat was the Popeye & Bluto's Bilge-Rat Barge ride. If would be great if Disney could make Kali River Rapids last as long as that ride!!

I take some notes at the end of the day, but my handwriting is SO bad that sometimes I can't read what I wrote!

Reviewing the pictures helps a lot too.

I try to jot down things during the day or recap at night in a small pocket size notebook but it is difficult to write, walk and take pics all at the same time...and then we go on a water ride or it rains and good luck reading those notes then!!

 

[Ninja Mom]

Ninja Mom is now posting as Dee writing her trip report because it has been too long since Dee's last "confession"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
So we got up the next morning, took one look at the kids, with their eyeballs glued to their electronic media, and we decided to DITCH 'EM!!

Running from the room, Mark and I went back and forth arguing amongst ourselves as to the point that perhaps the kids wouldn't even notice that we had left without them. I told him that when the boys got hungry for their 11 am feeding they were sure to notice our absence. Mark said that one of the boys was squirreling away snacks so we shouldn't worry about nutritional deficiencies just yet.

We went over to Middle Aged Old Fart land at Universal and rode the Hemorrhoid Hopper ride, The Ingrown Toe Nail Tower or Terror and watched the new stage show "So you think you need a Colonoscopy!". It was perfect for a couple of old farts like us. We had lunch at the Fiber Emporium where I had the Multi Vitamin Salad and Mark had the Mexican Mucho Gasso. (Pictures to follow!)

We decided to head back to the room for a quick dip in the pool after lunch. Sure enough the boys were still there, texting and gaming, and they were completely unaware of our absence! I felt bad so I confessed that we had snuck away for some middle aged person fun at Old Fart Land. The boys gave a sympathetic shrug and looked relieved that they missed out on all the Elderly Parent attractions.

In my next installment I'll reveal who won that morning's best bed head contest and who is in the lead for the highest number of votes in the "needs new pajama's contest".
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Signed, Ninja Mom pretending to be Dee.

 

[luvpoohandcompany]

NM you crack me up

 

[MickeyT]

Ninja Mom is now posting as Dee writing her trip report because it has been too long since Dee's last "confession"

OK NM...You are my hero again!

 

[natebenma]

Love the Hulk pic! Too awesome that you were able to get them in the shot!

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

That was a nice surprise!

In all fairness Dee... I traveled with a super stressed out 8 year old who needed some down time. He found the rides at Universal a little too intense, even though he loves the thrill rides at Disney. We woke up at 4am Saturday, stayed out until midnight, and then enjoyed a more mellow day on Sunday. And he wasn't quite 48 inches tall which limited us a lot.
I thought it was a little chilly for swimming but I was willing to accommodate whatever he wanted to do!

Amanda

OK, I feel better now!

Thanks!

What is really astonishing about the hulk pic is how much Nate looks like Dad! With their hair back like that no one can mistake that father/son! A (not so) Mini Me!

Good observation. Not the first time I have heard that! The first morning Mark came to visit us in the hospital after Nate was born, the nurse at the desk said to him "I know which baby you are here to see!"

Here's my mini-me:

Just finished the "On Tour at the Hard Rock Hotel" posts. I actually wish I had not looked at them now because I LOVED them . I am already planning a stay there in my head that includes my DS25 & DD21! They would both love it. Just not sure how I would do it without taking a 3 week vacation because I do not want to give up my two weeks at Disney

Seems like there is a ton to see and do at the hotel. I thought the menu's were very creative! The pictures did remind me of the Hard Rock Hotel in Vegas.

We will definitely be returning to the Hard Rock for our next US/IoA stay. As you said, lots to see there.

Now, is Gabriel into Harry Potter yet? I know he isn't big on the thrill rides but once he either becomes a Potterhead or he starts enjoying more intense experiences, you should plan a trip to Universal.

The big kids will love it, too!

Love the family pictures! What a great price for the CD.

Quite a bargain! Especially compared to PP+

Great TR Dee!! It brings back good memories from when we did Universal's IoA May 2012. WWoHP was great (especially if you're a big HP fan like we are and we LOVED the butterbeer so much we make it at home!) but except for that, IoA was more of an amusement park instead of a theme park. The one thing that has Disney beat was the Popeye & Bluto's Bilge-Rat Barge ride. If would be great if Disney could make Kali River Rapids last as long as that ride!!


I try to jot down things during the day or recap at night in a small pocket size notebook but it is difficult to write, walk and take pics all at the same time...and then we go on a water ride or it rains and good luck reading those notes then!!

Thanks for the kind words.

Yes, US/IoA is pretty much an amusement park- except for WWoHP which is incredibly themed- but that is what my boys are into right now. Rides. Not attractions. Rides!

Ninja Mom is now posting as Dee writing her trip report because it has been too long since Dee's last "confession"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
So we got up the next morning, took one look at the kids, with their eyeballs glued to their electronic media, and we decided to DITCH 'EM!!

Running from the room, Mark and I went back and forth arguing amongst ourselves as to the point that perhaps the kids wouldn't even notice that we had left without them. I told him that when the boys got hungry for their 11 am feeding they were sure to notice our absence. Mark said that one of the boys was squirreling away snacks so we shouldn't worry about nutritional deficiencies just yet.

We went over to Middle Aged Old Fart land at Universal and rode the Hemorrhoid Hopper ride, The Ingrown Toe Nail Tower or Terror and watched the new stage show "So you think you need a Colonoscopy!". It was perfect for a couple of old farts like us. We had lunch at the Fiber Emporium where I had the Multi Vitamin Salad and Mark had the Mexican Mucho Gasso. (Pictures to follow!)

We decided to head back to the room for a quick dip in the pool after lunch. Sure enough the boys were still there, texting and gaming, and they were completely unaware of our absence! I felt bad so I confessed that we had snuck away for some middle aged person fun at Old Fart Land. The boys gave a sympathetic shrug and looked relieved that they missed out on all the Elderly Parent attractions.

In my next installment I'll reveal who won that morning's best bed head contest and who is in the lead for the highest number of votes in the "needs new pajama's contest".
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Signed, Ninja Mom pretending to be Dee.

YIKES!!!

I solemnly swear that I am sorry I have neglected this report! I was duly warned and now you have all been subjected to the truly seedy side of my trip!

Summer is tough work- pools, the beach, finishing the book I started on the plane ride to Orlando, dealing with troops of preteen and teenaged boys tromping through the house. I can barely keep the fridge stocked.

Gonna try to get an update here today or tomorrow- still behind about 15-20 pages on the FAQ thread, I have an update from Ohana and MK that I need to post on the princess thread and I am scared about how far behind I am getting on everyone else's reports.

I would love to declare "Mischief managed!" But it's not!

NM you crack me up

OK NM...You are my hero again!

 

[Pinkgirl]

Ooh, I'm joining in. Just followed the link in your siggie and really excited to be on board.

 

[pixarmom]

I see that Dee has neglected her trip report and Ninja has taken over! But it all works out in the end because 1) I have neglected to visit Dee's trip report lately (too much time in Wonderland lately - our teen boys' latest community theater production; and 2) too funny, Ninja Mom!

I'll do a better job of following along once Dee gets to Disney - I promise! Of course, I love the Lion King cartoon and agree entirely. And it sounds funny because you're in a shark mouth, but what a nice photo of you and Mark - love the blue shirt - lots of great ones lately!

 

[MickeyT]

I

I'll do a better job of following along once Dee gets to Disney - I promise!

Kinda like that warm up band that comes on before Jimmy Buffett....They're OK but we want Jimmy!!!!!

 

[natebenma]

Ooh, I'm joining in. Just followed the link in your siggie and really excited to be on board.

I'm so glad you are joining in on report!

I see that Dee has neglected her trip report and Ninja has taken over! But it all works out in the end because 1) I have neglected to visit Dee's trip report lately (too much time in Wonderland lately - our teen boys' latest community theater production; and 2) too funny, Ninja Mom!

I'll do a better job of following along once Dee gets to Disney - I promise! Of course, I love the Lion King cartoon and agree entirely. And it sounds funny because you're in a shark mouth, but what a nice photo of you and Mark - love the blue shirt - lots of great ones lately!

No worries about getting behind!

I know that you were not entirely blown away by Universal.

I actually really like that Jaws picture too!

 

[natebenma]

Kinda like that warm up band that comes on before Jimmy Buffett....They're OK but we want Jimmy!!!!!

Thanks, friend!

 

[jenseib]

I finally got caught up. I have been so busy I have little time for Dis.
I am enjoying all the pictures. I like then photopass like feature they have at Universal now.
Yur pictures are making me want to go back and we haven't even hit the parks yet!

 

[emmysmommy]

Hi Dee! I'm glad the BC/YC thread takes so much of your time so I can catch up here!!

Before I saw that you jot down some notes I was going to say that you have a seriously photographic memory if you can recall all those details of your days. I'm a linear thinker so seeing your timeline of activities and then layering in your photos and stories works for me!

I'm a complete coaster nut so I'm certain I would love US/IoA if only I would step foot through their gates. To do it right it sounds like you need to stay at one of their resort hotels so you can do the early entry??

Love the preview photos!

 

[Hunclemarco]

Love your TR on universal. Last time we were there was 2008..favorite singer by the way... Billy Joel, then Jimmy Buffet.

Looking forward to reading more!

 

[natebenma]

I finally got caught up. I have been so busy I have little time for Dis.
I am enjoying all the pictures. I like then photopass like feature they have at Universal now.
Yur pictures are making me want to go back and we haven't even hit the parks yet!

I totally know what you mean about having trouble keeping up! I hope to spend some time this morning catching up on all of the TRs I have been neglecting!



The Universal Connect was really great. My family mostly didn't mind when I took a few minutes to go to the desk at the end of the rides to add on the photo. I am a little concerned that those lines will get longer as word gets out about the service.

We really had a fantastic trip, and enjoyed the split we did between Universal and Disney. I think I have already mentioned this, but it might have worked better for us if we had gone to Disney first- Ben still didn't want to try the extreme thrill rides. He was nervous before riding RnR, but after going on and loving it, I think he would have tried a couple of the other things at Universal. At least he says he would!

Hi Dee! I'm glad the BC/YC thread takes so much of your time so I can catch up here!!

Before I saw that you jot down some notes I was going to say that you have a seriously photographic memory if you can recall all those details of your days. I'm a linear thinker so seeing your timeline of activities and then layering in your photos and stories works for me!

I'm a complete coaster nut so I'm certain I would love US/IoA if only I would step foot through their gates. To do it right it sounds like you need to stay at one of their resort hotels so you can do the early entry??

Love the preview photos!

Glad I can oblige by dragging my feet here!

I find if I jot down the rides/attractions we did in order, I can fill in the blanks with what happened and of course lots of photos help, too.

My number one tip for Universal/IoA is to stay on site if at all possible. The early entry, and especially the unlimited express pass (think FP to every attraction, except Forbidden Journey) make a visit to these parks so much more enjoyable.

And I highly recommend the Hard Rock!

Just don't use the lockers!

Love your TR on universal. Last time we were there was 2008..favorite singer by the way... Billy Joel, then Jimmy Buffet.

Looking forward to reading more!

Thanks so much! May be time for you to return. There has been so much added to Universal since your last trip. Heck, I'm even impressed with what has been added since our last visit two years ago, and the planned additions to the park coming up in the next year.




Update coming right up!

 

[natebenma]

Illegal Aliens









When you enter Universal Studios, there are two different routes you can take. Walking straight ahead will bring you to Production Central (Despicable Me, Shrek 4-D, Rip Ride Rockit and Transformers), and then to NYC (Twister, Mummy and the Blues Brothers Show).

If you take the path to the right you enter Hollywood (Lucy-A Tribute, Terminator 2: 3-D and the Hollywood Make-up Show), then you will arrive at Woody Woodpeckerss KidZone (ET, Barney, Curious George playground, Woody Woodpecker coaster, Fievels Playground, a Barney show and an Animal Actors show)


Lets go right and take a counter-clockwise tour around the park.


The only things that interested us in these two sections were the Hollywood Horror Make-up show and ET.

We had seen the Terminator show, which was a combination of live action, special effects and 3-D movie during our visit in 2011, but none of us were really impressed, so we didn't bother seeing the show again this year.






The pictures of Hollywood I am showing are actually from our 2011 trip, because we didn't even take this path once on our recent visit.


Hollywood Boulevard:

















*****************************************************


The one show I really wanted to see was the Hollywood Horror Make-up show. I missed this last time by about a minute, when the doors to the theatre shut just as Ben and I arrived. The show is a funny, improvised, audience participation introduction to the amazing special effects created in horror films.















People are permitted to take pictures during the show, but I actually showed some restraint, mostly because I didnt want to attract attention to myself and end up as part of the show. I am a little sorry that I didnt take pictures of the part where they sawed into one of the participants arms- it was really well done and cool to watch.











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