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

[Best Aunt]

Right before you ride, you give your name to a team member who programs it in so at the end of the ride, E.T. can say goodbye to you by name.

Of course, my family couldnt pass up an opportunity for a few hijinks! Mark said his name was Sam, I used Alex, Ben picked Omar and Nate claimed to be Jerome

"Jerome, Phone Home!"

When I went on ET with my nephews, I said that my name was "Aunt Hairy" because I thought it was funny. (I'm easily amused.) But ET mumbled, so my nephews couldn't tell what he was saying.

 

[MEK]

Your Universal Studios pictures are really good. What a great over-view of the park. I loved the ET when I visited US. It does remind me of Peter Pan.

That Horror show attraction looks really neat. I know I missed it when I was at Universal, but Denny and the boys saw it and they really liked it.

Too funny you used your alias names for the attraction.

 

[natebenma]

Oh boy! I am waaaayyyy behind here Dee!! I think I only read your first (and maybe second) entries! I am hoping to catch up this weekend!!

Kerry

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

No problem! See you soon!

I never thought about E.T. and Peter Pan being similar. I see your point but I love Peter Pan so much more. I mean I enjoyed E.T. but Peter Pan is a family favorite in my family.

Amanda

I agree- Peter Pan is way better! The storyline about E.T.'s dying planet is a little weird. But it is ok to do once or twice a trip.

When I went on ET with my nephews, I said that my name was "Aunt Hairy" because I thought it was funny. (I'm easily amused.) But ET mumbled, so my nephews couldn't tell what he was saying.

Too bad! That sounds funny.

Your Universal Studios pictures are really good. What a great over-view of the park. I loved the ET when I visited US. It does remind me of Peter Pan.

That Horror show attraction looks really neat. I know I missed it when I was at Universal, but Denny and the boys saw it and they really liked it.

Too funny you used your alias names for the attraction.

Thank you so much for the nice comments about the photos!

One of the reasons I like E.T. so much is that it is so different from everything else in the park. A lot of the rides and attractions rely on simulators and in-your-face effects, so this is just a nice, mellow break from all that. And the rain apparently.

The Horror Make-up show is worth seeing if you have the time.

 

[natebenma]

As you continue around the lagoon, you come to the World Expo section featuring Springfield, home of The Simpsons, Men in Black and Fear Factor Live.

Things must be going well at the local nuclear power plant, because Springfield has been undergoing a building boom in the last couple of years. In addition to the simulator ride and Kwik-E-Mart, it looks like the midway area has been improved, Moe’s Tavern and Krusty Burger have opened and coming soon: Kang & Kodos’ Twirl and Hurl.











The feature attraction in this area is the Simpson’s Simulator Ride- Krusty the Klown (evil Kelsey Grammer) has taken over a newly-opened, but dangerous theme park and he is trying to kill his arch-enemies The Simpsons, and your family:





I believe we did this twice during our trip.


You enter the ride here:




While you are waiting in line, there are some cool promo posters that may be references to another well-known theme park:









You can also see part of the midway:






There is a lot going on in the ride, and I notice new details every time I go on it. The ride vehicles each seat 8 people and they are kind of like the simulators Disney had for Body Wars way back when if I am recalling correctly.

You don’t need to be a fan of the show to enjoy the ride, but it really helps you to appreciate the details if you are familiar with the characters.


A little more of the midway after you exit the ride:






Continued in Next Post

 

[natebenma]

Continued from Previous Post

After riding, you can tour a very well-themed and expanding Springfield.

The Kwik-E-Mart was there on our last visit two years ago:












New this year are other prominent Springfield businesses:

Moes Tavern- we just peeked in, I think there is another room out back and I thought there was a figure of Homer at the bar, but we didnt see it. You can order a Duff beer, which I have heard is pretty good and they have some other specialty drinks, too.

There is also a menu of mostly Mexican fare- tacos, fajitas, burritos and donuts.










Next is Krusty Burger- We didnt go in, but I understand this is a food court area.







There is also a front for a comic book store- not sure if you can go in at this point or if it will even be a building you can enter.





Finally, there is another ride that will be opening soon. It was behind a construction wall, so you could only get glimpses of it, but when we had lunch at Lombards, we had a great view of it in motion.


Kang & Kodos Twirl and Hurl:










We really enjoyed all of the interactive pictures on the construction wall. There were lots of scenes of characters from the Simpsons designed for you to get into the picture. It was fun seeing people trying different poses up against the wall.

Here are some of our favorites:








Next up: We DON'T dine with the Fishes (finally, some Food Porn)

 

[natebenma]

Weird, Double Post!

 

[teekathepony]

I'm really not a fan of the Simpsons at all, never watched the show, so we skipped a lot of that area. We did ride the ride but I didn't get most of the humour so for me it was just ok. For fans though, Universal is doing some really great things around that area!

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

I know I tend to poke fun at Universal quite a bit, but there is no denying the money that's being spent there. Not only that, but the speed in which they are building is remarkable.

I really can't wait to see the expanded Simpsons area completed being such a fan and I find the humour of the ride to be "old school" Simpsons, which I LOVE!

 

[ddluvsdisney]

Unfortunately I don't take Bonnie before going on those simulator rides. I actually don't really mind it's not really my favorite. I take the opportunity to stroll around and take pics w/ out listening to my kids moan "come on mom!"
Is that Nate up against the wall in the pic???!! Wow he was a good sport this year.
Good for him and YOU.

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[luvpoohandcompany]

Have to say Dee that all the photos of the Simpsons ride/area has me excited for a trip to universal (sometime in my future plans)
It looks so well themed. Love the posed photos of you all

 

[JanetMom]

The Simpson's area looks fun. I would love to eat at Moe's!

Love the theming of the construction walls - nice way to turn an eyesore into a fun park attraction. Who wouldn't want a picture of their kid in that line up - love it!

 

[natebenma]

I'm really not a fan of the Simpsons at all, never watched the show, so we skipped a lot of that area. We did ride the ride but I didn't get most of the humour so for me it was just ok. For fans though, Universal is doing some really great things around that area!

You certainly get more out of the Simpsons area if you are familiar with the show and characters. I have watched my fair share of shows and the boys certainly went through a spurt of watching.

The theming in this area is definitely spot on!

I know I tend to poke fun at Universal quite a bit, but there is no denying the money that's being spent there. Not only that, but the speed in which they are building is remarkable.

I really can't wait to see the expanded Simpsons area completed being such a fan and I find the humour of the ride to be "old school" Simpsons, which I LOVE!

I think you will enjoy the new area.

Speaking of Universal's building boom, take a look at the two midway pictures taken from the Simpson's ride queue. I believe the tall cranes and huge building under construction is part of the Wizarding World expansion- the Hogwarts Express train that will run between US and IoA. I believe that will be opening by next summer!

Unfortunately I don't take Bonnie before going on those simulator rides. I actually don't really mind it's not really my favorite. I take the opportunity to stroll around and take pics w/ out listening to my kids moan "come on mom!"
Is that Nate up against the wall in the pic???!! Wow he was a good sport this year.
Good for him and YOU.

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

Why, yes, indeed that is Nate up against the wall!!! As I have said, I was really pleased at how cooperative both boys were during the trip. I just hope that picture is not a sign of things to come!

Have to say Dee that all the photos of the Simpsons ride/area has me excited for a trip to universal (sometime in my future plans)
It looks so well themed. Love the posed photos of you all

Thanks! I can't wait until you decide to take the plunge. I'll be glad to help you in any way I can in the planning. Just wait 'til we get to the Wizarding World!

The posed photos were so much fun. I only posted a few of the backgrounds but I think there were at least 15 different scenes you could get into. It was fun watching to see what people did.

The Simpson's area looks fun. I would love to eat at Moe's!

Love the theming of the construction walls - nice way to turn an eyesore into a fun park attraction. Who wouldn't want a picture of their kid in that line up - love it!

I wish I had gone a little further into Moe's to see more, but it really felt like I was intruding on a restaurant that I had no intention of eating in.

I do love that picture of Nate in the line-up. And that I didn't even have to offer any bribes or threats to get him to do it!

 

[luvpoohandcompany]

I do love that picture of Nate in the line-up. And that I didn't even have to offer any bribes or threats to get him to do i:

 

[MEK]

Curious - what is that construction in the background? Is that a new attraction? It looks more like a hotel.

It's really cool to see the whole Simpsons area. I had no idea that the area included so much. I think I would love to have a Duff beer at Moe's, but Homer can keep his donuts.

Thanks again for all the great pictures!

 

[natebenma]

Glad you enjoyed that!

Curious - what is that construction in the background? Is that a new attraction? It looks more like a hotel.

It's really cool to see the whole Simpsons area. I had no idea that the area included so much. I think I would love to have a Duff beer at Moe's, but Homer can keep his donuts.

Thanks again for all the great pictures!

A lot of stuff just opened this spring/summer: Moe's tavern, Krusty Burger.

Good eyes!!!

I'll have an upcoming post on that, but I believe that is construction on the Hogwarts Express train station. An attraction is scheduled to open next summer- a train will run between Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure.

I believe there will also be an expansion of the WWoHP including some Diagon Alley shops and a Gringott's bank attraction.

 

[tiggerfan77]

Springfield was probably our favorite part at US. My DB and I are big fans of the Simpsons. The Simpson's ride was his favorite and we had to go eat at the Krusty Burger for lunch. It is a food court area that has burgers, pizza, chicken and waffles and Lisa's healthy alternatives such as wraps and some vegetarian meals. The food was OK but you have to go in. There are some really cool murals in there.

 

[mickeystoontown]

Dee, I'm taking notes from your trip report since a day at Universal is more than like going on our 2014 trip itinerary. I have watched ZERO episodes of The Simpsons but Hunter loves it so I'm sure that he'd notice all of the little touches that you did.

 

[dtr_angel]

If I have already commented on this, I'm sorry. I don't think I have though. It's easier to do this on my actual computer and sitting here does not happen very often.

That seems like a lot of stuff to have to carry (card wise) to US. I guess I'm spoiled by the KTTW card at Disney. The photopass thing sounds like a great deal though! The pictures look really good so far and I love the date is on there.

That Lion King picture is priceless, I am still laughing!

Universal Studios in the pictures reminds me of Hollywood Studios. Does it feel that way when you are there?

I love your Hijinks on ET, lol.

 

[natebenma]

Springfield was probably our favorite part at US. My DB and I are big fans of the Simpsons. The Simpson's ride was his favorite and we had to go eat at the Krusty Burger for lunch. It is a food court area that has burgers, pizza, chicken and waffles and Lisa's healthy alternatives such as wraps and some vegetarian meals. The food was OK but you have to go in. There are some really cool murals in there.

I'm bummed we didn't go in now!

Dee, I'm taking notes from your trip report since a day at Universal is more than like going on our 2014 trip itinerary. I have watched ZERO episodes of The Simpsons but Hunter loves it so I'm sure that he'd notice all of the little touches that you did.

I will certainly have some tidbits and tips about surviving Universal plus reviews of what we like and what we didn't!

I actually already have a Top Ten Things (tips) from my last trip.

If at all possible, stay at one of the onsite resorts to get the express pass and to make the stay convenient. There is a bargain one opening in the spring! Cabana Bay, I think. ETA: YCFan pointed out that the new resort will not be eligible for the express pass.

If I have already commented on this, I'm sorry. I don't think I have though. It's easier to do this on my actual computer and sitting here does not happen very often.

That seems like a lot of stuff to have to carry (card wise) to US. I guess I'm spoiled by the KTTW card at Disney. The photopass thing sounds like a great deal though! The pictures look really good so far and I love the date is on there.

That Lion King picture is priceless, I am still laughing!

Universal Studios in the pictures reminds me of Hollywood Studios. Does it feel that way when you are there?

I love your Hijinks on ET, lol.

We did ok carrying all the keys. You only need the park key to enter and the room key to show if you are going early. But you do have to show your express pass whenever you use that line.

We loved having the photo package! I just got my CD Saturday.

Yes, US is a lot like HS. The Hollywood section and even more so the New York City area.

Glad you enjoyed the way we fooled around on E.T.

 

[YCFAN]

Not to hijack your thread, but I've heard that the new Universal resort will not be included in the express pass deal. It will only remain with the original three on site hotels.