Just back; highs and lows

[Kath2003]

We had a great trip once again - some thoughts...!

Highs

Weather - stunning most days.

Flights - flew with Delta this year, great, no problems. We were fed and entertained and they got us there in one piece

Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure - our favourite parks, absolutely fabulous in every way. We did loads of the water rides (similar experience to swimming, we were soaked ) and tried the new Despicable Me ride (cute). We met Transformers too. Rip Ride n Rockit is still the best rollercoaster in Orlando IMO.

Food - mainly great meals, particularly Outback for steak.

Shopping - we were able to get some excellent bargains at the outlets. This was a pleasant surprise as last year we found the outlets to be very disappointing. Glad we gave it another shot.

Hotel - cheap and cheerful but did the job!

Lows

Coming home - clearly, it's miserable weather.

Harry Potter - the Forbidden Journey ride is awesome but the situation with lockers was stupid - overcrowded and too dark to see anything. It's a shame because Universal really have nailed the locker situation on all their other rides.

Bahama Breeze - we tried this a few years ago and found it mediocre, though we'd give it another shot but again found it mediocre.

Wet 'n' Wild lockers - we went at lunchtime after a morning at Universal so we had a fair bit of stuff with us (suncream, plus all our clothes and shoes etc.). We paid $12 for a "family size" locker that only fit in one small backpack. We were pretty grumpy about that and learned our lesson - turn up with your ticket ONLY...

Overall a fantastic trip and can't wait for the next one!

 

[dixonsontour]

Sounds great - thanks for doing highs and lows

 

[Disneynutinlondon]

Glad you had a safe flight home ... thanks for the quick summary .... good that overall you had an amazing trip

 

[bee86]

Thanks a mill for this, it's all the real life experiences that make such a difference information wise for all of us yet to go

 

[Mrs Doubtfire]

I always enjoy 'highs and lows'' - sounds like a great trip

If you have any tips for Universal let me know - we are going in October for the first time in quite a few years - my dd is now 13 so will love the coasters and wet rides.

 

[Pootle]

Always enjoy reading highs and lows, so thanks

My experience with Bahama Breeze is the same as yours - thought it just okay the first time and less than stellar the second time. I know quite a few who really like it though, but I don't think I'll be going a third time.

 

[wilma-bride]

Sounds like another great trip Kath. We thought the Despicable Me ride was quite good too - a vast improvement, IMO, on Jimmy Neutron (that always made me feel queasy).

I have read quite a few positive reviews of Outback in the last few days. It has been several years since we went, may have to give it another try this trip, I love a good steak.

 

[wayneg]

Just shows how difficult it is to advise people how to holiday in Florida.
We have had AP for Uni/IOA for about 10 years, always enjoyed them but didn't renew last year due to not liking the changes, only been on Rip ride rocket once, didn't think it was worth riding again. I think we just need a break for a few years then go back.

Bahama Breeze ate there last night for 2nd time (1st time last Nov) firmly on our list each visit now.

Glad you enjoyed your trip overall though and ready to go again.

 

[Cyrano]

Thanks for the update.

I was not that fussed for the film but think Despicable Me, especially the pre-show is a great ride.

 

[RDP]

We are considering getting Universal/IOA tickets this year. Not been there for years, thanks for the highs and lows.

 

[Kath2003]

I always enjoy 'highs and lows'' - sounds like a great trip

If you have any tips for Universal let me know - we are going in October for the first time in quite a few years - my dd is now 13 so will love the coasters and wet rides.

Universal is amazing! Then best tip is that everything at Islands of Adventure seems designed to get you wet - even the non-water rides squirt water at you. Two of the rides - Ripsaw Falls and Blutos Barges - soak every inch of you, including shoes and underwear! You will almost certainly need a change of clothes afterward.

Always enjoy reading highs and lows, so thanks

My experience with Bahama Breeze is the same as yours - thought it just okay the first time and less than stellar the second time. I know quite a few who really like it though, but I don't think I'll be going a third time.

We went again because people her rave about it. It wasn't a bad meal but we've certainly had a lot better in the price range. I don't think we will bother again when we enjoy other places so much more.

Sounds like another great trip Kath. We thought the Despicable Me ride was quite good too - a vast improvement, IMO, on Jimmy Neutron (that always made me feel queasy).

I have read quite a few positive reviews of Outback in the last few days. It has been several years since we went, may have to give it another try this trip, I love a good steak.

Jimmy Neutron was dire; this new riders super cute but very slow loading. We waited 20 minutes for it (which is the most I'm willing to wait for anything) but lines were 60+ minutes all day everyday.

Outback is a firm favourite of our - never had a bad meal there.

Just shows how difficult it is to advise people how to holiday in Florida.
We have had AP for Uni/IOA for about 10 years, always enjoyed them but didn't renew last year due to not liking the changes, only been on Rip ride rocket once, didn't think it was worth riding again. I think we just need a break for a few years then go back.

Bahama Breeze ate there last night for 2nd time (1st time last Nov) firmly on our list each visit now.

Glad you enjoyed your trip overall though and ready to go again.

RRnR is fab - maybe you chose the wrong track to listen to?

We also used the public buses again to get around without any issues - didn't use a cab once - £10 per person per week, an absolute bargain!

 

[T16GEM]

only been on Rip ride rocket once, didn't think it was worth riding again. I think we just need a break for a few years then go back.

I loved this ride when I first went on it, but the last time it bought on the most stinking migraine and I felt so sick for the rest of the night, not sure if I will risk it this trip. I do love picking a song to listen to on the ride though.

Universal & IOA has really become two of our fave parks, especially since having the kids, they love the Marvel Superhero Island and Dr Seuss too, I can't wait to try Despicable Me as the movie is always on in our house!

Glad you had a great trip with more highs than lows!

 

[princess_ariel_85]

Thanks for posting your highs and lows! Makes me even more excited to go back!

I'm with you on the lockers at HP. Everytime I've been in their it's bedlam.

I've not worked myself up into going oin RRnR, I admire your bravery! It took me 3 trips to go on the Hulk.