Oh, A Drunk Little Cucumber!! - F&W Fun with Bro and Sis Nov. 11*UPDATE 6/17* Pg.32

[Leshaface]

Fun update!

I wish I could force myself to relax the way you did.

Awesome that his plane was early!!! Love when it works out that way!

Will be patiently waiting for your next update!

 

[IheartDDuck]

Not quite sure how I missed your last update!

Nothing I love more than DTD, EOS, and Ghirardelli! Everything is always so yummy and when you throw in shopping.... Sounds like a great day!

Haha, no worries.

You're right, it was a great way to spend the day being alone. I had thought about going into the parks, but I knew that I had plenty of park days ahead, so I figured why not do something at my own pace.

Fun update!

I wish I could force myself to relax the way you did.

Awesome that his plane was early!!! Love when it works out that way!

Will be patiently waiting for your next update!

I definitely recommend doing it sometimes on vacation. In the past we would vacation commando style and we just figured later that it's just not worth it.

I was very happy that his plane was early. It worked out timing wise. I had brought my iPad with in case I would have to wait in the terminal, but fortunately I didn't have to use it.

 

[IheartDDuck]

Tuesday November 8, 2011

So this was Chris' official first day at WDW on this trip. And where were we going to be spending it? Not WDW. I know, it sounds like sacrilege. He had really wanted to see the WWoHP and I couldn't say no, now could I?

We were up and at 'um by about 7am. After we did all of that fun morning stuff, we were out the door by 7:45am. We headed to Old Port Royale for some brekkie before heading out.

And I got this lovely specimen.

Mmmmm. Now everyone is going to want a Mickey waffle!

Chris got the bounty platter. He doesn't really do the whole food picture thing, and I don't intrude. After stuffing our faces, we were heading out by 8:25am.

We made it in no time and I valeted the car, since I get that complimentary with my annual pass for Universal. I like that it puts you up so close to the entrance. Because really, the parking lots at Universal are soooooo far away. Like, you know it's far away when they have to put in moving walkways to get you to the entrance of City Walk. And then, oh no, you're not even remotely close to the parks yet. You have to walk through City Walk first. Every time I go to Universal, I feel like I get my entire weeks worth of exercise just by the time I get to the entrance of the park! But that could also be attributed to the fact that I'm out of shape.

And, in case you were curious, I took a picture of the Crocs that I was wearing. The new ones from the day before. When Chris saw them, he was like "those are Crocs?" Yes, yes they are.

I picked up Chris' ticket with my annual pass discount. I couldn't find it any cheaper, so I had just waited until we were there. It didn't take us to long and we were heading into the park right when the gates opened. Everyone was on their way to WWoHP, but fortunately the park was not crowded at all.

See, I was so sure of the lack of crowds, I took a picture in the Port of Entry. Which I NEVER do.

So where did we go first?










Do you even have to ask?

If you look in the picture very closely, the wait time is listed at 15 minutes. This was fairly accurate. We walked right on, but we know that it takes a while just to walk through the castle.

This ride is still intense to me, but I'm much better now. But I did close my eyes a little again. I guess when the spiders came out at me, I just couldn't help it. Call it an involuntary reaction.

Chris? He loved it. But throughout the ride, he was like "whoa, whoa, WHOA!" Hahaha. When we left the ride, he looked at me and said..........."whoa."

He did say more, but he was just emphasizing the fact that he thought it was cool. I mean, sometimes, you don't need to say more.

See, not too crowded.

We spent a little time wandering around after that to get some pictures.

After that, we went to the Dragon Challenge. Again, only a 10 minute wait posted. What I didn't like is that I didn't have anywhere to put my shoes, because it's an inverted coaster. So, they made me sit on them. Ummmm, Universal, have you not thought about the fact that someone's shoes might come flying out of, I don't know, the opening in the back of the seat?! I mean, seriously! So, instead of really enjoying the ride, I was nervous the whole time that my shoes were going to come flying out. Not fun. I did not want to be a shoeless wonder for the day.

It was still early at this point, but we were done with WWoHP for the moment and wanted to check out other things. But not without having some butterbeer.

And on that note, I end this update with the following picture.

What do you think, did Chris enjoy his butterbeer?

Up next: Oh, yeah, the other parts of Universal.

 

[MEK]

AP to Universal? Hmmmmm. Never thought about that, but perhaps its more cost effective than buying a regular ticket (which are so expensive).

I really do want to try that ride. I have heard so many good things about it. On the other hand, I have seen so many pictures of butter beer that I have NO desire to try that. It just looks sickeningly sweet. Is that what Chris' expression is saying? I'm not quite sure.

Who wants to sit on their shoes? I don't know why they can't set it up like other theme parks where you just toss them on the exit part of the ride. That's what BG does.

Fun pictures! And Woo Hoo to the 15 minute wait!

 

[jecskc]

Your family and your silly faces ..... it always cracks me up !!

 

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

That's SO weird that you had to sit on your shoes during the ride. Would a little zippered pouch or shoe cubby be so hard for them to install?

That's a great Butterbeer face!

 

[Queenofallthings]

We fell in love with the WWOHP! Great pictures and I'm with you....I may have closed my eyes a bit on The Forbidden Journey...oh yeah....and maybe a little on Dragon Challenge

Love the butterbeer shots....

 

[Leshaface]

I WILL get to WWoHP one day! So I don't know much about the rides, but is the first ride scary? Is it a roller coaster?

 

[IheartDDuck]

AP to Universal? Hmmmmm. Never thought about that, but perhaps its more cost effective than buying a regular ticket (which are so expensive).

I really do want to try that ride. I have heard so many good things about it. On the other hand, I have seen so many pictures of butter beer that I have NO desire to try that. It just looks sickeningly sweet. Is that what Chris' expression is saying? I'm not quite sure.

Who wants to sit on their shoes? I don't know why they can't set it up like other theme parks where you just toss them on the exit part of the ride. That's what BG does.

Fun pictures! And Woo Hoo to the 15 minute wait!

The annual pass was more cost effective, because I knew for sure I was going three times in a 12 month period. I was glad I did it. The one that I got definitely came with a lot of perks!

The butter beer is very sweet, so if you don't like sweets, you definitely wouldn't like it. Chris loved it. He kept making jokes throughout the week that I could run us over there and go in with my AP just to get us butterbeers. LOL.

I was so confused about the whole sitting on the shoes thing. It made no sense whatsoever. Just poorly setup.

Your family and your silly faces ..... it always cracks me up !!

Hahaha. We all make crazy faces.

That's SO weird that you had to sit on your shoes during the ride. Would a little zippered pouch or shoe cubby be so hard for them to install?

That's a great Butterbeer face!

I was so irritated about the shoe thing. I would think they'd have cubbies at the ride, but nope, nothing.

We fell in love with the WWOHP! Great pictures and I'm with you....I may have closed my eyes a bit on The Forbidden Journey...oh yeah....and maybe a little on Dragon Challenge

Love the butterbeer shots....

I love just spending time there. It's tons of fun for sure.

I WILL get to WWoHP one day! So I don't know much about the rides, but is the first ride scary? Is it a roller coaster?

Yes, you will get there soon. The Forbidden Journey is a little intense. I think that's the best way to put it. It's not a roller coaster. It's kind of hard to explain. I look at it like a dark ride on crack.

 

[ZehnJahren]

Yes, you will get there soon. The Forbidden Journey is a little intense. I think that's the best way to put it. It's not a roller coaster. It's kind of hard to explain. I look at it like a dark ride on crack.

I haven't been there yet, but I did see a VERY interesting website where a guy just so happened to be on it when it pooped out, and all the lights went on. They had to then leave the lights on for the rest of the ride, and he pulled out a camera and started filming it. VERY interesting how that ride works!!

 

[IheartDDuck]

I haven't been there yet, but I did see a VERY interesting website where a guy just so happened to be on it when it pooped out, and all the lights went on. They had to then leave the lights on for the rest of the ride, and he pulled out a camera and started filming it. VERY interesting how that ride works!!

Really?! If you remember what it is, PM me the link. I'd be very interested in seeing that.

 

[ZehnJahren]

Really?! If you remember what it is, PM me the link. I'd be very interested in seeing that.

Done. Interesting stuff.

 

[teekathepony]

YAY Harry Potter!!! Crowds don't look too bad at all. We had a walk on to HPatFJ once too, that was fun!
My cousin also had to sit on her shoes during Dragon Challenge. She said it was really uncomfortable. Weird that there's not a better system in a place where so many people are wearing sandals!

 

[Shannon84]

I am catching up and joining!!

I have never seen the WWoHP in person...it looks SO cool!!

 

[LilAnn]

Well my friend, you already know how I love the WWoHP area. 15 min. for Forbidden Journey? That's pretty sweet. It takes that long just to walk through the castle! Um, I may close my eyes and shrink back a bit when the spider is there, and maybe the dementors. A dark ride on crack - so true. crack is whack.

Funny, I have been on many rides before where I had to sit on my flip flops. Usually they are not as intense as the Dragon Challenge though. Usually I see a shoe cubby or you just leave your shoes on the floor as you climb on the seat and they are there when you return. I was paranoid that my room key/park tickets were going to fall out of my pocket on the ride.

I saw your man A. Rodgers in the sports analyst role yesterday. Wierd to see him all dressed up and sitting behind a desk. I am devastated by the way. Devastated.

 

[IheartDDuck]

YAY Harry Potter!!! Crowds don't look too bad at all. We had a walk on to HPatFJ once too, that was fun!
My cousin also had to sit on her shoes during Dragon Challenge. She said it was really uncomfortable. Weird that there's not a better system in a place where so many people are wearing sandals!

As you'll see when I update further, it was actually like that at the end of the day too. Not quite 15 minutes, more like 20, but still, not much of a line developed really.

It was so uncomfortable to sit on my shoes! Crazy I tell you, crazy!

I am catching up and joining!!

I have never seen the WWoHP in person...it looks SO cool!!

Glad to have you on board.

WWoHP is definitely worth the stop for theme park lovers. It's very very cool. And Forbidden Journey is a very unique attraction.

Well my friend, you already know how I love the WWoHP area. 15 min. for Forbidden Journey? That's pretty sweet. It takes that long just to walk through the castle! Um, I may close my eyes and shrink back a bit when the spider is there, and maybe the dementors. A dark ride on crack - so true. crack is whack.

Funny, I have been on many rides before where I had to sit on my flip flops. Usually they are not as intense as the Dragon Challenge though. Usually I see a shoe cubby or you just leave your shoes on the floor as you climb on the seat and they are there when you return. I was paranoid that my room key/park tickets were going to fall out of my pocket on the ride.

I saw your man A. Rodgers in the sports analyst role yesterday. Wierd to see him all dressed up and sitting behind a desk. I am devastated by the way. Devastated.

It really was the perfect time to go. Jason and I had low crowds in February and we were fortunate to have low crowds this time too. I was very happy. You're right, it is like the walk through the castle basically, what with the people who pause and gawk. LOL.

I have NEVER been on a ride where I had to sit on my flip flops. Most other places are like, kick your shoes off and go. How weird.

Wasn't it funny to see him all snazzy? It was so bizarre. Trust me, I was sad he wasn't playing, but they really messed up their last game, so it's no surprise, sadly. I was sad the Patriots lost too. I didn't want the Giants to win!

 

[IheartDDuck]

Done. Interesting stuff.

Thanks! It was pretty cool. Very interesting indeed. I couldn't imagine being stuck like that in other parts of the ride though. Seriously, it would probably freak me out.

 

[katt789]

Hey! It's me! I decided that I needed more TR's to read (and keep the Disney excitement going) and what better place to go than to another one of yours!? I just have to say, I love the way you write, it gets me so excited (even for the airport! ) I just finished the first 2 updates and wanted to pop in & comment before I forget all my comments & read everything!

1.) HOW SAD that the pirate rooms have crappy matresses... I REALLY wanted to stay in one! (what can I say, I love everything pirate) maybe I'll save it for a day when I have kids that want to stay there?

2.) I want that butterfinger cupcake. But I'm such a red velvet fan, it would feel weird to get something else! I should really branch out & try something new at starring rolls....(or maybe I'll go with someone else & they get 1 and I get the other & we split...)

3.) This is totally backwards, but hey, that's ok...I've never had a dunkin donut! I know right, are they good? (that's kind of a dumb question...) And is the coffee actually good too?!

I'm excited to continue reading!!

 

[katt789]

Ok, so instead of my replying after every single chapter & filling up your TR with my nonsense, I’m actually going to type this up in word now, and add on after each one before posting it
Chapter 3: I know what you mean about the iphone 4!! I had my camera stolen between Disney trips, and the one I got to replace it was supposed to be the “next generation up” and it sucks…so hard…so this most recent trip, I had my phone with me (and a data plan so I could tweet!!) and I took quite a few pics with it, and I found it was better than my camera for most of them. The zoom was awesome, I have the option of hdr’ing photos, so fantastic! (does it work well for rides too?!)
-I’m assuming you ate at CHH? That salmon looks good. I keep debating about CHH, as I’m not a huge fish person, but that dish does look tasty!
-I’ve been on JC once in WDW and seriously, had the most lack luster skipper ever, just an “oh no, a hippo, better shoot it, bang bang, good, its gone” in the most monotone voice ever!

Chapter 4: That omelet looks delicious!

5: GAAH! Fotlk, clearly the greatest thing AK has to offer, such an amazing show. I so much want to be that bird girl (and hopefully will be in a year! Agkjsdnj!!) That is all…

6: Such a quiet pool!! I’ve never seen an un-crowded pool at Disney (ok, that’s a lie, but a completely empty pool, that’s unheard of! Haha) Ok, can we just talk about how that first towel animal looks a little crazy with the one red eye?! Guh!! YAYAYAY HP!!! SO EXCIIIITTTEEEDDD

7:Uhm, of course you can’t say no to Hogwarts…that could & should clearly just be illegal (I think we’ve discovered my 2 nerdy things…hp…and Disney… *le sigh*) Yum! Mickey waffle!! So delic!!

Ah! That castle is just amazing (and has such a different feel than the Cinderella castle, but so amazing!) Holy, can we just talk about how amazing the Forbidden Journey is? One of my top favorite rides, that’s for sure. One of my biggest Orlando regrets is that I only went on it once! Oh well, just another excuse to go back!! When we went to WWOHP, it was my first Orlando trip, and I hadn’t been to a theme park in AGES, so all I did was FJ, heck even over at Disney all I really did was Splash! My point being: I didn’t do either of the coasters, that’s right, not even the Hippogriff. If I go back, my goal is to do both! How was the Dragon challenge (aside from shoe losing?) could you compare it to anything at Disney?

Alright, that’s all I’ve got for now!! (I apologize for my randomness, I’ve had a rather huge cup of coffee today!) I’m excited to read more!!

 

[Oliquig]

Well now I know I need to wear sneakers to Universal, so thanks! I can't wait to go to Harry Potter-land, though it doesn't look like your brother was feeling the butter beer.