Just back from 3 days at Univ/IOA...a few thoughts (was just back from HRH club level

[Cora]

well we've been and seen IOA/Universal and stayed at HRH.

We had a lovely pool view room. Loved the bathrobes and the CD player. Oh and best was the cordless phone.

Our luggage did not make it on the way down but both United and bell services was right on top of it!

A few thoughts:
1. FOTL is the best!
2. If you can get the Hard Rock All Access Card. We went to the HR Cafe on Sat nite and the line was a mile long. The wait was about 1 hour. I approached the podium and asked "Does this do anything?" The woman said "oh, yes come with me...seated in 1 minute."
3. Use the AAA card everywhere. We rec'd 10% off on almost everything.
4. If you are on-site always ask at CityWalk if your room key will do anything for seating. It cut our wait in half at Magaritaville.
5. Emeril's was great at lunch. You may want to do lunch if you have kids with you.
6. Definitely do all the water rides at IOA first. I had to buy clothes for me, but DH & DS were fine in their bathing trunks.
7. Poseidon's Fury, warning I have a VERY daring son...Tower of Terror at 4 1/2. For the first time we had to use the exit, he got spooked before the final room. Just an FYI for kids.
8. Don't miss Spiderman or Nick (if you have kids).

Other than that is was fun. We would go back but maybe not for a few years.

We didn't find the employees as friendly as WDW. A couple of times I saw them rolling their eyes when someone would ask a question.

That's it...any questions...ask away.
Cora

 

[SherryfromOK]

Poseiden is that scary? I did not realize that. I was planning on taking my kids. What made it so scary?

 

[Cora]

Honestly I didn't think it was. We only got through the first two rooms. Both are with an "actor" that says the good Dr. has been lost and plays that up and that we need to get out. It just hit my kid the wrong way. We never saw the finale. You may want to send an adult in first and see the whole thing to size it up.
Cora

 

[CDisney]

I can't explain it either. My normally adventurous 6-year-old son and coaster-loving 9-year-old niece were also unnerved by Poseidon's Fury. I guess the combination of darkness and suspense got to them.

 

[lookingforward]

Glad you had a good time! How was the club level services. When we stayed there in April it was lacking. Did you get to sample the breakfasts or evening treats? Any info would be appreciated.

 

[Robinrs]

Welcome back!

I too am wondering about Poseidon's Fury. We went with a VIP Tour so we were pretty much warned so my son was cool. I think it's the unexpected that can spook them.

Club level sounds awesome. Could you elaborate on what they offer, please?

thanks!

 

[Cora]

Here is the link to my post on the club level

http://www.disboards.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=85467

 

[travelbug24]

This information is priceless. Thank you so much. We'll be there in 17 days!

 

[BarryHom]

I saw the revamped Posideon's Fury. It gets dark at times. One kid was getting hysterical and wanted out before he entered the first room.

As for the show itself, the plot is easier to follow, but I didn't go "Wow!" like I did with the previous version. The previous version was good to see stuff blow up and not worry about the plot. The new one seems a bit hokey to me.

 

[Dizmom]

We just got back last night - had a FABULOUS time!!! Poseidon's Fury scared my almost 7 year old to death! We stayed at Portafino Bay - beautiful hotel and the benefits from staying on site far outweigh a little extra cash especially when you are spending all your time waiting in line. My one and only complaint was the price and quality of food at the parks. We were better off leaving and going to City Walk for lunch than staying in the park to grab a quick bite. This was our first of many returns to Universal! It was great fun!

 

[pathubia]

MY DD who refuses to go on Jaw, twister and JPRA, loved Poseidons fury, she did cling to me, she is also afraid of the line for DD, but she will go on the hulk, DD, and dr doom...who can figure??????

patty

 

[lc1965]

I haven't been in about 3 years. What changes did they make other than it being darker? I didn't find it at all scary, but I also don't have little ones. I've always found that the creepiness factor goes up for them when there's a live actor in their presence. They are used to TV & movies, but a real person takes it a notch higher. Could that be it?

 

[CindyZ]

Last week I took my 5 year old to Poseidons fury and it scared the begeebers out of him. For the rest of our time there, everytime we went through the Lost Continent he would remind me that he did not want to go in the "mountain cave thing" again. Even as we were standing in the line waiting for our show to start...he began getting scared because of the theming and music. Then as we moved through the rooms he clung tighter and tighter. At one point he was looking around so much I thought he was going to get whiplash...and while I walked through the water vortex in awe...he just wanted to get through it as much as possible. Even in the last room, my two older boys thought that something had happened and that they had gone blind...LOL....(you know what I mean )I really like the show..I've never seen the other one...but it was very scary for my son.