I think we need an umbrella?: A 2-day Trip report. NOW WITH PICTURE!!!!

[Flyfly_Eclipse]

Sorry, only DocBosch will get the title. Anyway, here is my 2-day trip report for September 5 and 6. (Picture is a couple posts down)
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Day 1:

Got up around 5:30AM. My mom showed me my website URL was finally up (talk about last minute...I was wanting it working before our trip). After we got ready, we left the house and headed off to Universal Studios! Whoo!

We got to the park entrance about 15 minutes prior to opening. My dad went over to get our Rock the Universe tickets he preordered as my mom and I waited in line to get into the park. Unfortunately, the park didn't open early...and my dad was told to go to several different places to get the tickets, therefore we lost over 30 minutes of the morning time just waiting on him.

We got a show time list (just so we could see if there were still 4 Ghostbusters Shows, or if they took away the 5:00 showing because of the earlier closing time.). Yep, still 4 Ghostbuster Shows,

We decided to meet up with him later and headed over to Men in Black. Crowds so small. We used single riders just to skip the little preshow and because not a single other person was there, we got on together afterall. I had yet to break my personal best of 622,000 and was determined to do so.

On my first time on the ride I got 716,225 points!!!

The employee let us know we could use the Baby Swap to get on again since there was nobody in line. We got on again and I didn't do as well. Knowing Dad was going to meet us here, we decided to go outside so we didn't miss him. Standing around near the entrance to the lockers, we hear "I'm here!" and see Dad coming out from the exit of MIB.

We went on again and then went on Back to the Future. We went back to MIB and I broke my personal best AGAIN - 719,575!!! I was on a roll!

We got Express tickets for Shrek (such a long regular line...15 minutes!!! ). While we waited for the pass time to come around, we went up to the turnstiles and I got my wristband for Rock the Universe tonight.

It was about 15 minutes before our Express passes were valid, but the Express line was empty and we asked if we could use them now. They let us and we went on right away. Upon getting off the ride, it was about 11:30AM and my parents wanted to see the 11:45 Horror Makeup Show. I wanted to go, but remembered what happened last time; I cut it close with getting to the Ghostbusters Show only 30 minutes early...and someone had my spot!!!!

So, I knew the next Ghostbusters Show was at 12:45 and I headed over there...over an hour early!! I sat my things down and wrote stuff in my small spiral notebook (where I took these trip report notes, and used to pass the time). And literally, minutes after I arrived, I turned around and saw the Ghostbusters car driving down. I totally freaked out wondering, "What the heck?!?!"

When they got there, I got to see who would be working that day. My favorite Ghostbuster guy, the guy in orange, was there! My cousin's favorite was there too. She still wants me to record an entire Ghostbusters Show focusing on him...no matter who's performing at the time. I had my camcorder my other trip, but kinda broke the zoom when I put it in the bag a bit funny...crud. So, I didn't bring my camcorder with me this time. But I had my camera...

Anyway, the guys did a mic check and Beetlejuice was cracking jokes and all (I remember once he said, "Come back at 12:45...we'll be performing a musical about Hannibal the Cannibal called The Gladiator!"). Oh geez...lol...

They let people know to come back later because they were only doing a mic check. Of course, they didn't once tell me...I'm sure they could tell I've seen the show before because I had my stuff set down...plus a couple of them may have recognized me from other trips.

Then, my favorite guy (which I hadn't seen for a month...when my mom brought my photo album of Ghostbuster pictures.. ) came over and shook my hand and asked my name. He remembered me as the one with the pictures and saw my camera bag and asked if I was going to take more pictures. I told him "yes."

Well, one embarressing part...but I am NOT sure if he noticed...heh...well, when we were talking I decided to see where he was looking. If he was really looking at anything in particular, he was looking at the direction of my neon yellow seat cushion. LOL!! It's now going to be recognized as my trademark by the Ghostbusters too now, huh?? But anyway, that wasn't the embarressing part...directly beside it was my spiral notebook. It was right side up facing him (meaning the words weren't upside down or anything, so they could be easily read)...the bad part about that was...if he saw it...the ONLY thing on the page in plain view was "He's SOOO cute!!!"

What's even worse is when I noticed it I tried closing the spiral...right in front of him!!!!!!

When it was time for them to head back, I got my camera and tried to get a picture of them because a couple of the guys waved for the picture...then my camera didn't take!

I yelled, "My camera didn't work!!" And the guy in orange yelled back, "Well make sure you get it working by our next show!"

To make sure it worked, I took a picture of them driving away after I fiddled around with it a bit. So *phew* it worked again. I think it has something to do with the lens and focusing...but not quite sure...

Well, my parents met up with me and were going to see the first Ghostbusters Show. I let them both sit in the back in the shade as I sat up front.

The Ghostbuster guys recognized me and after the show was over my favorite guy said "Hey Clare!" That was cool!

I waved as they left the show and stayed while waiting for the next show (why leave...at the risk of losing my spot? Besides, there wasn't much around there to do in the meantime...no dang way I'd go on Twister...especially with thunderstorms in the forecast.)

My parents left to check into the Fairfield Inn and I wrote my favorite guy a note asking about pictures and interviews for my website.

I saw the next show and as they left that one, I handed it to him. Right then, DocBosch comes over and asked what I gave him...lol...dang, I knew I should have put my phone number...hahahaha...j/k

Anyway, DocBosch and I went over and did Shrek. As soon as we exited the ride, the streets were soaked...it had rained! Go figure... Thankfully it was early enough where the next Ghostbusters Show wouldn't be cancelled...as long as it didn't rain again. We decided to look for the Dark Marauder so DocBosch could meet him, but had no luck when we asked another employee that works where the Dark Marauder works. So we were going to go on Men in Black and it was temporarily closed due to technical difficulties. No surprise there. I asked DocBosch if we should head back...and we went to the Ghostbusters Show...yes, early. lol sorry DocBosch!! But not an entire hour early...it was maybe 30 minutes I think...

On our way to the show we ran into my parents who were probably heading over to the show looking for me. They met DocBosch and then they left to do something else while we went to see the show.

It was funny because as the guys ran up, some stupid pigeon was in the way. It appeared to both DocBoschand myself, that the guy in orange accidentally ran into or possibly even kicked the bird, and then right after the guy in red had to get jump over the bird, because it was in his way as well.

At the end of the show, as the Ghostbusters were leaving again, I made eye contact with my favorite guy to see if he had read the note or not. He told me the answers to my questions...I wasn't too happy with the answers, but understood.

DocBosch and I decided we'd try to find the Dark Marauder again and when we went back, a different employee was around and we asked him. He was told that Dark Marauder was on break and to come back in 15 minutes. So we went on Men in Black. I broke my high score yet again and got 776,665! We then went back to where Dark Marauder works, where we were sent to where he was.

After we left, I noticed it was only 30 minutes before the last show. I don't remember if my mom had called me to tell me something, or if I called her, but either way, in the end, I asked her to save my spot at the show while we headed over there.

My mom sat up front with us and we watched the show. That Beetlejuice...definitely the best one because he plays the part so unbelievably well. I pointed something out that Beetlejuice does that she never noticed before. She found it hysterical.

By the end of the show I waved "bye" to the guy in the cowboy hat and the guy in orange. I asked the guy in orange if he'd be there the next day and he said he would. Cool.

My parents left and DocBosch and I walked around and finally got to one of the Rock the Universe stages. We saw Bleach perform about 8 songs (I'm only familiar with one of there songs...which they didn't perform in the 8 songs we listened to, but they were still fun to listen to). The crowds acted a bit crazy and after listening for a while, DocBosch and I decided we'd get dinner. I had him go to Hard Rock Cafe (lol, no surprise, huh??). Because it was Friday night, some of the employees did this YMCA thing. They were dancing to the music and tried to get all the guests in the restaurant to join in. Talk about hysterical!!

We went back to Rock the Universe and were going to go on Jaws since I had never been on it at night. The line was too long and so we were going to do Men in Black. Well, the line was even longer. Luckily they had a single riders line, but even that was about a 25 minute wait. I ended up breaking my score AGAIN...this time a whomping 924,550!! Not bad without the cheats, huh?

We then decided to try Jaws, despite the long line. I must admit I like the ride better at night.

We then listened to TobyMac perform a couple songs and then went on Terminator...front row. It's awesome in the front row. It's been so long since I've been on T:3D anyway.

We then walked around for a while longer before we met up with my parents in CityWalk and departed.

I ended up getting the worst sunburn ever because I was sitting outside waiting for the show so much...and because it was overcast, we never even THOUGHT about sunscreen until I already noticed I was burned. Bummer.

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Whoops! Too long and wouldn't post with all the "images" so I divided this into two posts.

 

[Flyfly_Eclipse]

Day 2:

Got up early to go to the park, however a thunderstorm came through...thanks to Tropical Storm Henri, and so we didn't arrive to the park until a bit after 10 AM.

My parents had me leave my camera in the car, but then I asked if it was OK if we brought it...in case I could get a picture with my favorite Ghostbuster. So, my mom headed back (which was a mistake because she didn't bring her cell phone, whereas my dad and I each had ours). So, my dad and I went off and did Men in Black once or twice. With no sign from Mom, we decided to split up and look for her. Dad checked around Men in Black, but I knew she wouldn't be there. I went over and walked past the park entrance to make sure she wasn't at the turnstiles or at the bag check. Nope. I then knew where she would be...at the Ghostbusters Show stage because she knew I'd eventually go there.

Sure enough, she was sitting on a bench waiting for me. I called Dad and he met up with her and they left. I stayed and a little while later two girls come over. Instantly I recognized them as the two girls I have met at the Ghostbusters Show many times before. We talked for a while and they asked if the guys did the mic check yet. I told them they hadn't. They looked at my pictures again. I told the one girl that I would like a picture with my favorite Ghostbuster and pointed him out in one of my pictures. I told her I'd ask and all, but didn't want to become a pest or anything. She offered to ask him as well as take the picture.

It started to drizzle a bit, but soon enough the guys came down for the mic check. There was no time to talk to them really, but we were going to be back for the show.

The girls left to go see a different show and I went to my spot and saved a spot for them.

They ended up meeting up with me and at the end of the show, the Ghostbsters did a small meet and greet, and the girl waved my favorite guy over...yes, we singled him out...just him, no other Ghostbuster...LOL! Even worse is, when she went to take the picture, the guy asked if I'd rather have the picture taken in front of the car....

Though I didn't think of it the way it sounded to anyone else that heard it, I simply said "It doesn't matter!"

Think about it, what does that say? OMG!!! I'm not being the least bit subtle am I?!?!

Anyway the picture turned out really nice.

Well, after that, I left with the two girls and we went to see the Horror Makeup Show. By the time for the next show, the girls wanted to get a couple more guys to sign a shirt and asked to borrow my pen. I decided I would see the show, and when I went over, I noticed someone in my spot!! Well, I recognized her as the girl that I had to "fight" for my spot with. Though this time, I knew I could just slide next to her after the car would drive past. We talked for a while and I used my pictures to point out who was in the show that day.

We soon heard the music change to a completely instrumental version of the Ghostbusters theme song, and right then we knew the show was cancelled. Sure enough, they made the announcement and that the guys would come down for a Meet and Greet.

Taking this as an advantage to not have a rushed lunch...as well as prove I'm not a pest, I didn't stay for the Meet and Greet. I met my parents at Hard Rock Cafe where they had already placed the order, and our food was brought out minutes after I arrived.

Absolutely freezing in the restaurant, I left after eating as much of my meal as I could (though it wasn't much...). I decided to get my spot at the Ghostbusters Show.

I went through the line and got my wristband for the second night of Rock the Universe and headed over to my spot. A short time later, the one girl who had my spot before came over and set her things next to me. We talked a while more and then she had her mom save her spot as she left to see a show while waiting for the Ghostbusters Show.

Well the show was funny as usual. At one part, Beetlejuice was swatting the "PKE Meter" away from the guy in red and the second time he swatted it, he hit the guy in orange's arm hard enough that the audience could hear it hit him.

We stayed for the 5:00 show and my parents sat up front for a change. When Beetlejuice did the swatting thing again, you noticed the guy in orange move out of the way. The girl and I laughed because we knew why he moved (whether he intentionally moved or he just reacted).

After that my parents and I walked around. My dad headed back to the car to get us a couple sodas and then we were going to go on Men in Black, but by that time already (near 6PM), the regular line was about 2 hours...and the single riders line aprox. 50 minutes!!! We decided to forget that and went over to the courtyard area near the stage which Wild Wild Wild West Stunt Show used to be performed. My mom and I switched shoes because my feet hurt so bad from walking around two days with very little support (would have worn tennis shoes, but, with the chance of rain, we thought it might be a bad idea).

We found a bench over my the stage at the "Boneyard" as they called it. We had to wait quite a long time before the first concert started, but it was the Paul Coleman Trio. They were actually quite good! I recognized three of their songs. I never knew they were Australian...until the lead singer actually talked.

But then, about 90 minutes later, the band I was waiting for performed: Skillet!!!!!! It had been nearly 2 years since I last saw them in concert, and back then it wasn't a long concert at all. Skillet was so loud and intense...so different from their CDs-in a good way!!

After that, we wanted to see Newsboys, but we were so tired from having 2 late nights in a row, so we decided we would head home. We got caught up with the huge CityWalk crowd which wasn't pleasant, but eventually made it out of the parking lot. We stopped by Perkins and I got my Buffalo Chicken. I fell into a light sleep on the way home, which was good because I couldn't wait until I could get my pictures developed.

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So, that's my 2-day trip report...was it long enough?! Sorry, didn't mean to make it so lengthy, but it just happened.

Now I have to wait 2 weeks to go back...how will I survive??

 

[SpideyHulk24]

Great report. Glad to hear you had such a good time. I can't believe you didn't make it to IOA. I don't think I could go to Universal Orlando without at least sneaking in for alittle while. Maybe we'll have them change the Ghostbusters show to over there....LOL....


You by chance aren't an annual pass holder are you????

Well now I am too!!!! So excited!

 

[Flyfly_Eclipse]

Originally posted by SpideyHulk24
Great report. Glad to hear you had such a good time. I can't believe you didn't make it to IOA. I don't think I could go to Universal Orlando without at least sneaking in for alittle while. Maybe we'll have them change the Ghostbusters show to over there....LOL....


You by chance aren't an annual pass holder are you????

Well now I am too!!!! So excited!

hehehe! Of course I'm an AP holder... Only way we can afford to go so often!! And usually I go to IOA for at least one or two rides like for Spiderman or Hulk or something, but this trip I had no time!!

Congrats on getting an annual pass! I would have done the 2-year deal, but our pass expires in March, and so we'd lose a few months by renewing already in September and where we can renew for only $100 through AAA, it wouldn't save us any money. At least my mom already said we'll renew them for 2004! Woohoo!! My dad is tired of Universal though. Mom and I think he's crazy!!

 

[themepark]

Thanks for the great trip report Clare! I love reading your posts. I am embarassed to say that I did not see the Ghostbusters show when we were there for 4 days last month. I promise to next time (which will hopefully be soon since we bought the 2 yr AP). Glad to hear you had a great time and congrats on your website. It looks great!!

 

[Flyfly_Eclipse]

thanks themepark. congrats about getting the 2-year AP...more reason to go to Universal more often!

 

[Flyfly_Eclipse]

I'd have to worry about resizing the picture to post on this board, so I'm posting a link instead. Also, the quality is terrible because I didn't feel like adjusting my scanner because it's 2AM and I have to get up at 6:30AM for school.


Me and My Favorite Ghostbuster

I look so tired!!!! Guess that's what I get for being up nearly 19 hours straight the day before...and getting up before 8AM that morning!

 

[Nan]

Great picture and report!! I am just jealous that we have had to skip a whole year of going to UO and you get to go all the time !
Thanks for the reports for us deprived Universal addicts!! Great job!! Reading trip reports is the next best thing to being there!!

Nan

 

[Flyfly_Eclipse]

Originally posted by Nan
Great picture and report!! I am just jealous that we have had to skip a whole year of going to UO and you get to go all the time !
Thanks for the reports for us deprived Universal addicts!! Great job!! Reading trip reports is the next best thing to being there!!

That's why you should move to Florida!

hehe, I know...not that easy...but it's true!

You better get your behind over to Universal soon, NO ONE should have to go more than 2 weeks - I mean 2 months - oh heck, an entire YEAR between Universal trips....LOL

 

[BarryHom]

I went 6 months without Universal. Oh the pain...

 

[TigerLilly's Mom]

Great picture Fly Fly. Now I can see what all the excitement is about, that ghostbuster is pretty hot!

 

[Tinkbell]

Cute picture! "Guy in Orange" really is a hottie. I hope you get to see him again during your next visit. Hopefully, that girl who takes your spot will have left town by then! LOL

 

[Flyfly_Eclipse]

hehe. Thanks

Anyway, the girl doesn't have to leave of town..just not arrive so early before the show so I don't have to wait for over an hour just for my spot. lol!!! I'm just NOW getting over the sunburn!!!

 

[Flyfly_Eclipse]

Originally posted by Barry Hom
I went 6 months without Universal. Oh the pain...

Dear God!!! I'm going crazy having to wait until a week from tomorrow to go back...and I just got back on Saturday!!!! At least my mom understands my yearning to go back...this way we'll for sure renew our AP next year...though I think my dad may not bother...he's bored of the place.

 

[JessicaR]

Wow! Another great trip! Seems you learned another way to see your guys! Now all you have to do is enter USO and plant your butt in your spot and just hang there the whole day...with some sunscreen of course! You may have to get a new little seat cushion say in neon green maybe as a diversion! They already know your cushion now your name...what next?

I cant believe how great you are doing on the MIB ride! 924,550! I am jealous. I wish I could get there as often as you to practice. Someday I'm gonna move there, we talk about it more and more often. My kids have agreed but want to know if we'll live IN the parks

Very cool you got to meet Kevin. I met him in March and look forward to meeting up again, hes an awesome guy! Although he did tell my kids all they had to do was fall off a ride and they would get a park named after them

I guess we should have stayed to check out Rock the Universae last year. Sounds like you really enjoyed it.

I love the pic of you and the cute guy! LOL Have you blown it up to poster size yet?



Thanks for always writing a TR and keeping us not as fortunate up to date with the parks! I live vicariously through you until I can return again.

 

[Flyfly_Eclipse]

Kevin told your kids WHAT?!?!?!?!?!?!?! OMG LOL!!!! Did you have to keep them from trying??

Kevin said he's going to write a trip report too, but we'll see...

Anyway, thanks about the picture...lol...my mom thinks I should blow it up poster size too. She even is one to set these pictures as wallpaper on the computer and puts them around the house...Too funny!

Anyway, I have no idea what I would say to him if I saw him again...lol...but I do practically stay there all day now
Am I becoming a tad too close to the Flyfly in that one news article???

Somebody help me!!!!

 

[Minniespal]

Clare ~

Thanx ~ I just love your trip reports.

I have never seen the Ghostbuster show ~ Going to make a point of seeing it next month.

 

[Flyfly_Eclipse]

Thanks Minniespal!!

And if you turn out to like the show...come join us in the "Lets-Talk-and-Drool-Over-the-Ghostbusters" thread. Lots of fun over there...especially when Barry, SpideyHulk, and Kevin try to invade!!