Overdue and Overpacked III: A Tale of Two Cities ~Last Chapter~ 8/22 Page 33

[Chapter 11]

The dad was in the act of desperately trying to open our door with their card key and moments away from putting his back into it and busting the door down when DH sauntered up, circled the other dad, tipped his hat and remarked in a slow, cool Southern drawl, “I’m your huckleberry.” Okay maybe he didn’t. But he SO should have.

What he should have said is "you called down the thunder, well now you've got it!" Or perhaps, "go ahead, skin it! Skin that smokewagon and see what happens... " But that probably would've been nonsensical.

As DH walked away leaving the family to check out their actual room, jump on their own beds, and tear into snacks bought with their own coin, he couldn't resist the opportunity to glance back over his shoulder and mutter, “You’re no daisy. You’re no daisy a t’all.”

Poor soul, he was just too high strung. It would appear that the strain was more than he could bear.

It was at this point that we began speaking in rhyme. It was actually pretty annoying, most of the time.

We hung us a right and to our great delight,
we saw buildings askew and colors a-bright.
My oh my, what I spied with my eye!
Theming first rate, not one thing to berate.
Everywhere that we looked, books were alive,
Green Eggs and Ham and all that jive.
We found ourselves lost in the pages
Of quirky little stories that delight all ages
Circus McGurkus and Truffula trees
A Caro-Seussel to ride, if you please
There were flowers aflitter and bubbles aflutter
“I like this place”, we heard the girl mutter.
We were hugely impressed and pronounced it outstanding,
This whimsical place known as Seuss Landing.

I enjoyed your clever verse (if I may be so terse),
But a question I do pose (and you may answer in prose):
Although racking your brain (which I'm sure is a strain)
Could you not work in "Gromit", in order to rhyme with "vomit"?

So word to the wise: if you’re going on the Flying Unicorn, secure your camera before you go over the lift.

The wise (and really, everyone who isn't named LaLa) don't need any such word, because they ain't trying to snap pictures on a moving rollercoaster. That's why they're the "wise".

Would I thoroughly exhaust each and every memorable line from Top Gun if I haven't already?

And that's why you've moved on to Tombstone. But hey, at least you maintained continuity, Doc.

 

[ZZUB]

Even the Universal globe makes sense to me. I probably wouldn’t decorate my house with it or go so far as to stencil it on my walls (although we did have a really good time there, making the globe stencil worthy) but I can understand it.

I am now 18 shades of DED. DEDDER than DED even. I had a near DEDth experience, saw the white light and was brought back to life DED.

In other words: DED!

One can only imagine the things you'd actualy stencil on the walls of your house. Mercy Me, that would be a list for the ages.

But that's another story for another time and another place.

I'm just glad to know there is another time and place. NOSandiPatty. Seen as how this TR has more flashbacks than a movie with a lot of flashbacks, I'm still not sure when this trip took place. It was October, right?

BTW: Hey Frick.

Would I thoroughly exhaust each and every memorable line from Top Gun if I haven't already?

I'm going to go out on a limb here . . .

"I'm your huckleberry," is the new "that'll do pig." NOpoliceofficers.

 

[Pollito916]

I suppose it could’ve been worse though. Instead of standing around posing for pictures and looking like they were up to no good (especially the green one), they could’ve been harnessed to a jungle gym or falling out of the back end of a rhino. That would not have been cool.

DED

 

[LaLa]

Poor soul, he was just too high strung. It would appear that the strain was more than he could bear.

What he should have said is "you called down the thunder, well now you've got it!" Or perhaps, "go ahead, skin it! Skin that smokewagon and see what happens... " But that probably would've been nonsensical.

DED!

What the heck does that even mean anyway? Regardless, it's macho and it's tough. And isn't that all that really matters? I laughed out loud earlier when I read it and then again just now. I knew you wouldn't leave me hangin' with the Tombstone, Chappie. Only problem is now I'm picturing you with a really weird looking mustache and a ten gallon hat.

I enjoyed your clever verse (if I may be so terse),
But a question I do pose (and you may answer in prose):
Although racking your brain (which I'm sure is a strain)
Could you not work in "Gromit", in order to rhyme with "vomit"?

You're a poet. Not a rock star.

Now that that's out of the way, should we move onto Batman Forever or the Ghost and the Darkness?

I am now 18 shades of DED. DEDDER than DED even. I had a near DEDth experience, saw the white light and was brought back to life DED.

In other words: DED!

Just eighteen? Shame. I was goin' for nineteen. But because I care, I'm sending you a get well gift. Of sorts. Dropped it in the mail today, as a matter of fact. And no, it's not a copy of Tombstone. On Beta. This time. It's your own personal Universal globe stencil. That's right. Go hog wild. Take some pictures and let us know how it turns out. Or not.

As much as I hate to say it, I think that IOA is (gulp) the most beautifully themed park I've ever been to!!! It actually hurts to say that, but I've got to give credit where credit is due. Especially the whole entrance (except for the oversized phallus out front!).

I completely agree here. It really did blow us away. And I think the thing about it is that it was completely unexpected. We had no idea how cool the place would be. In our minds, it was gonna be one step above Six Flags. And we were SO off the mark with that call. And I'm three different shades of DED, for the record. I think you know why.

I'm anxiously waiting to hear what y'all thought of Jurassic Park and all the YOUABSOLUTELYWILLNOTWALKAWAYWITHASINGLEPARTOFYOURB ODYDRY water attractions!

This made me smile really big. Obviously you know of which you speak. But I can't believe you liked Poseidon's Fury!!! Glad you're enjoying the TR and thanks for posting.

I think Joanie and Chachi would know better than to make out within mere inches of 20-30 strangers, don't you? Don't disrespect Joanie and Chachi!

Sorry. Didn't realize you were feelin' the Joanie and Chachi love so strong after all these years. Although, I'm a sucker for a bandana tied around the thigh as well. Or am I? Instead of Joanie and Chachi, would it make you feel better if I said they were Michael Jackson and Lisa Marie? Pamela Anderson and Tommy Lee? ZZUB and a slice of BGPC?

Nevermind. That's an image I DON'T want in my head. Much less yours. I won't be held responsible for that. Sorry you had a fever cranky whiny coughy cloudy kind of day. Hopefully tomorrow'll be a better day. Thanks for posting!

And once agin your musical reference send me in the wrong direction... as all I keep hearing in my head now is "pass the dutchie on left-hand side..."

Would it surprise you to know that I used to LOVE that song? Still do, as a matter of fact. Even if I still don't understand half the words. NOYellowLedbetter.

No, no, no, no....NOT Fury...Anything but Fury. IT is a complete waste of 1/2 hour of your life

Well now you tell me! I think I'd rather be tarred and feathered and force fed hairy pickled pig lips in a hot dog bun with sauerkraut than have to go through that experience again.

Loved the update and can't wait to hear if Mythos meets expectations!

I can't wait to hear about this Mythos place. #1 in the world? Hmmmm.

I'm even more excited to read about Mythos, even though they had to be a little with their signage.

Yes, the sign did catch us off guard, never seen anything like that before. Obviously it wasn't judged in the same category as the Tomorrowland Terrace Noodle Station or the Toluca Turkey Legs Company. Or else it wouldn't have been there.

Thanks for posting, everybody. I really do enjoy reading all of your responses and I'm glad yall are enjoying the report.

We're off tomorrow and I hope all of yall are as well and that you're able to have a good time around the grill with your family and friends. Play some Lee Greenwood. Remember our troops. Eat some watermelon. Steer clear of the rind though. Or not. Whatever floats your boat. Don't aim Big Bertha at your neighbor's house because you might catch their yard on fire. Accidentally. And yes, there may be a back story to that one too. It's what we like to call the Oh Crap We're In Big Trouble Now Incident of 1980. Details to follow in another installment. Maybe. Make some homemade ice cream. Light the fuse and get away. But most importantly, throw some possum on the grill for us and tell all your friends it's deep fried pussycat. Or turkey. Either way, they'll never know the difference.

Or WILL they?!

Happy Fourth of July, yall.

Be safe.

 

[CJsMom]

There's way too many quotes to quote - I am simply !

Happy 4th of July and thanks for the laughs!

 

[javamom]

Am I the only one who finds it fitting that the restaurant we were eating lunch in that day just so happened to have a guy throwing up carved into the side of the joint?

Crack me up, the first thing I thought when I saw that picture was, "ooh it looks like he's hurling..." I choked when I read this next line.

I have never ventured over to the Universal boards... but I might. My kids would probably get a kck out of Suess Landing.

Does anyone else think it's weird though that you can see the Hulk from there? That would be like seeing a cowboy walk through Tomorrowland. Walt would flip.
Aren't we spoiled little so-and-sos that seemingly prefer to walk our feet off in order to stay "in the moment!!"

 

[Alice28]

Loving it Lala! Can't wait to read more!

 

[MomofCKJ]

Great installment Lala! Getting publicly reprimanded over the loudspeaker had me !

Allyson

 

[burly]

La La all caught up. Can't wait to hear about your experience with Mythos. Because i have had unbelivably good and some not so good stuff happen here. Cheers!!

 

[lexmelinda]

Pardon my absence. I had to start all the way back at Kona.

RE: the pirate sword being on top of the fridge....It is the universal resting place for all things dangerous. I recently cleaned off the top of my fridge where I found a crowbar, a sword, and a smallish ax. Heh.

And Kona stunk? Ish? I think it's because you had to pay. Srsly.

Gotta love the uncrowded P&P party! I think even ZZUB would agree that "stay seated if you want to ride again" makes that ticket worth the price. The only thing better would be FREE ONE DAY PARK PASSES!

They were like ten little miniature shovels. Full of theme park nastiness.

I am (and for some time will be) attempting to forget I ever read this.

And the motion sickness guy heavin' the tic tacs made me laugh out loud. And I almost heaved my tic tacs when you said the MIB ride spins at the end. I am definitely not down with spinning.

OK....so I'm caught up a little. Gotta get to the pool while the sun is shining. Have a great Sunday!

 

[ukwildcat]

Well, I'm back again. Haven't read it yet, but am looking forward to it. Just popping in to say hello.

 

[PrincessV]

Would it surprise you to know that I used to LOVE that song? Still do, as a matter of fact. Even if I still don't understand half the words. NOYellowLedbetter.

Not in the least - in fact, I was pretty sure you'd pick right up on that one! I still don't understand the significance of a dutchie and why it might need to be passed on the left.

Happy Belated 4th!

 

[lisalonglash]

OK, I know I'm probably not "qualified" to be DED, but darnit, I'm DED! This is seriously one of the best trip reports ever posted - ever! Every time I see there's an update, I KNOW not to be drinking or eating anything while reading (choking risk) and not to read it at night when everyone is sleeping (risk of waking everyone else in the house with my laughter).

Ready for the next update

 

[micandminforever]

Still loving your report, hope you had a happy 4th.

 

[Quennifer2008]

Hey La

You had me so DED
All I could think about was that dude is throwing up
Honestly, who designs these things.

I will have you know that a couple weeks ago I got myself some lunch at the FastTrac
I thought of you
and Chappie too

Nothing says good times like lunch from the gas station

But seriously, I am glad they those people were your neighbors not your roomies
and it seems as though you had a blast

I don't know if we will ever venture over there, maybe when Harry Potter opens


p.s. Frick knows how to cut in line

 

[Tinkerbellarella]

It smelled wonderful (could’ve had something to do with that Cinnabon stand off to the left of our noses)

Cinnabon. Mmmmm. It's like my BGPC. But probably only because I never had the opportunity to have the BGPC.

But seriously, my airport rankings include a category for whether or not the terminals have a Cinnabon.

And yes, I have airport rankings. Don't judge.

Put us on the High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride first or put us on nothing at all. That’s how we roll.

It might seem funny, but I'm totally envious. This was the ONE RIDE that wasn't running yet the last time I went to US/IOA and I really wanted to ride it. Did I miss much really? Other than a great view of the park?

If I did, lie to me. Tell me it was terrible.

Poseidon's Fury. Or, as it would later come to be known as, LaLa’s Fury.

Ok, so I'm not going to quote the whole story because I'm NOT trying to get the "Most Multiple Quotes" award in the "Trip Report" category but this had me DEDDER than DED. For two reasons.
1. This is one of my favorite attractions at IOA and
2. I felt like I was there with you the WHOLE TIME you were relating the story in a "fly on the wall" type manner. And with exception of poor Miss Thang snifflin' into her momma's shoulder, scared as all get out, I was a'snickerin'.
You're right, the queue is longer than the Nile itself and it's totally NOT an attraction I would bring little kids to, but the effects rock my socks and I lovelovelove the theming.

“No, it’s not scary AT ALL.” was his reply.

You fell victim to one of the classic blunders! The most famous is "No you won't get wet on this ride", but only slightly less well-known is this: No, it's not scary at all."

La, I was about to compliment you on your improved photography skills but I just noticed - you totally cut the fannypack out of this picture.

 

[AussieAngel]

Another fun chapter from LaLa!!

Woooo, I wonder how you'll like Mythos!! I too have read lots about it. We'll only be at Universal for 1 day (to do both parks!), so I don't think we'll have time to eat there. Boooo.

Plus, if we do want to chill out for a relaxed lunch, I think we'll have to pop into Bubba Gump's at City Walk. I love me some popcorn shrimp. Hehee.

 

[nicolemarie]

Isn't there some kind of cliche that says that? Geez, La! You posted this installment during a particularly hectic weekend, and I saw that it was up, read two seconds of it, and dadgum if I didn't forget about it until this morning.

When we met back up downstairs later on, he relayed the story to me. Play by play. Apparently when he left us, he beat a trail down the hallway, hoping for the best but preparing for the worst. One would imagine. As he approached the family, he noticed they were already parked in front of our room. The dad was in the act of desperately trying to open our door with their card key and moments away from putting his back into it and busting the door down when DH sauntered up, circled the other dad, tipped his hat and remarked in a slow, cool Southern drawl, “I’m your huckleberry.”

There's no time for a slow, cool Southern drawl when someone is about to infect your belongings. No telling where that family had been!!

But if there WOULD have been time for the slow, cool Southern drawl, Mr. LaLa could have pulled that little act off, I'm sure.

And staring up at this ...really tall and really skinny….thing.

Seriously.

What is it?

Now, this was a park we had never visited before so everything was all new to us. We had no idea what to expect. We had no preconceived notions. No real expectations. And that was what made it so exciting, I think. It was a clean slate. We were eager to experience it and see just what else they could bring to the table

I think the NMs would like that aspect of it, too. Not enough to, say, shave three days off of the September Disney trip for it - GFAMT - but I do see us experiencing it sometime soon.

Although now that I've read this report, I'll have HUGE expectations. In fact, if I don't get milk and cookies in my room, Universal Express passes regardless of the fact I'm staying at Disney World, and Chappie walking around greeting everyone, I'll be let down. And just ticked off about the whole thing.

Milk and cookies in the room. It's the new towel animal.

We hung us a right and to our great delight,
we saw buildings askew and colors a-bright.
My oh my, what I spied with my eye!
Theming first rate, not one thing to berate.
Everywhere that we looked, books were alive,
Green Eggs and Ham and all that jive.
We found ourselves lost in the pages
Of quirky little stories that delight all ages
Circus McGurkus and Truffula trees
A Caro-Seussel to ride, if you please
There were flowers aflitter and bubbles aflutter
“I like this place”, we heard the girl mutter.
We were hugely impressed and pronounced it outstanding,
This whimsical place known as Seuss Landing.

Girl done brung her some Suess rhyme. Mad props fa dat.

She began to cry and tried to burrow her head down deep into my femur bone. So I picked her up and she immediately buried her head in my neck, hiding her eyes and latching onto my jugular with a death grip. But there were no lost sunglasses to blame it on this time. The child was downright terrified. And she wasn’t the only one. I heard several crying children in the room in our immediate vicinity and I immediately became angry.

This is EXACTLY what happens to us when we force our son to ride Tower of Terror!!! It makes me angry, too. SUCK IT UP, SON!

Heh heh.

(Hi Mel!)

If my family could’ve sidestepped it straight out the nearest door, they would have. Instead, they were trapped in a car with me. So they did the only thing they could do. They publicly heckled me. Loudly. To make sure everyone within five miles knew they didn't approve of me and my camera.

“Mom, I can’t believe you’re taking pictures! Put DOWN the camera, Mom! Just put it down. That’s against the law, Mom. You’re going to get arrested if you don’t stop taking pictures right now. Sheesh, woman!”

And then from behind me I hear the girl pipe up and put her two cents in, effectively disassociating her little seven year old self from the woman who gave birth to her, “You shunta done that, Mom. Daddy told you not to take so many pictures.”

And from the man I married, I heard nothing but laughter.

I'm SO DED!!!

Girl, you better not ever hop on Expedition Everest with me, because we'll BOTH get heckled outta the joint. Cause everybody knows there ain't nothin' better than some roller coaster action shots.

See Exhibit "A":

What? You can't tell what it is?

The Yeti.

Duh.

In case some of you were wondering who the best of the best is, it’s right there on that plaque. Honestly, it seemed pretty arrogant to me

So are you saying I should take my 8th grade Spelling Bee Champion trophy off of my kitchen counter?

Man. I thought it gave me credibility with my friends.

Another great installment, LaLa. Your family sounds like they had tons of fun over at the Dark Side. I've considered printing out this TR for DH to read, but I'm scared he'll start messing with our Disney trip if I do. So I'm gonna wait.

Yeah, you're that persuasive. Combine the writing with the FANTASTIC camera skills, and you might as well be getting a paycheck from Universal.

Keep it coming, sweet friend.

NM

 

[ukwildcat]

So, I'm 3 chapters in, and two days behind on work in my real life. Bravo Lala.

 

[Quennifer2008]

See Exhibit "A":


What? You can't tell what it is?

The Yeti.

Duh.

That is not a yeti
It's a GORILLA