Just back from the solo trip - it was awesome.
Got in around 3pm, had a ground floor in the West Wing at PBH - last room on the end actually (3171), which meant right at the exit and french doors opening onto a quiet and fairly secluded patio. If I go back alone again, I am requesting this one again for sure.
Hit Studios first, did Simpson's and then decided to start my journey into coasterville with The Mummy. Figured an indoor coaster would be less horrifying - none of that outdoor, way up high in the sky stuff. I was actually pretty fun, although I had some air for brief nano seconds which I found a bit challenging. There's also a lot going on visually which distracts from the ups and downs. Then off to IOA for FJ which I love and some butterbeer. Hmmm. Feel like a did a bit more, but perhaps not. Parks closed by 7pm, went back to the room, and had dinner at the bar at Bice.
Up early Saturday and there couldn't have been more that 150 people waiting for early entry. It was amazing to walk into Hogsmeade and see so few people there. Wonderful to get a really good sense of the place before it became a madhouse. I could have been first in line for Olivanders (I know!) but I decided to do FJ. I always take single rider, so it was nice to take a walk through the castle. This time, in the room where Ron, Harry and Hermione are offering us an out from the Binns lecture something happened that I'd not seen before. When Ron tries first with the spell, he made it snow, and little soft ice shavings floated down from the ceiling. Magical. Didn't see that happen again even though I did the ride twice more.
Now - I did a lot of research on how to get over the coaster anxiety, and while most advised not to start with the Dragon coasters, I was right there, and figured... What the hell. Asked the kid out front which one he liked best (Fire, smoother [good] and faster [errrr]) I headed down. And of course, since it was 8:20, was the only person there. They were only loading the front row, and despite my protestations, that's where I ended up. Oy. It was, my God, so. very. fast. I can't even imagine what that ride was like when they both flew together. While I didn't really love it, I also didn't constantly feel like I was going to die, so I decided to hit Blue (front row again) This time next to a couple of guys with huge forearms so I was only able to get one arm looped fully through to clutch onto the over shoulder restraint. Freaky. And yeah - The Horntail was not as smooth as the Fireball.
The breakfast and a couple of safe options. After circling IOA I decided it was time to just get on The Hulk or I'd never do it. I'd heard this one hurts you, and I'd have to say that's true. I had a distinct headache when I got off. The opening burst of speed is just incredible, and the ride seemed to go on forever. Again, I didn't absolutely love it, but I was happy I'd finally done it.
I was pretty shaky getting off all of them - old vestibular system got good and shaken up there. Funny how the upside down sections happen so fast your brain barely has a chance to realize what just happened. When I was in my 20's I wet to Canada's Wonderland and rode the big coasters and really felt like I was going to die every time. This time, I just forced by body to stay relaxed, and that allowed my mind to not panic either.
Sunday I had to leave earlyish to get home, so I just went back to WWoHP for a quick final FJ and then one last ride on the Fireball. And I absolutely loved it that time. Fantastic coaster.
So yay. I couldn't face the slow ascent and perilous drop of the Rip Ride Rockit. Maybe next time, maybe never, but I can't wait to ride the dragons at night.
It was a wonderful weekend, PBH was quiet and peaceful, I played, ate well, hung out, read, slept. A good weekend. I have to do it again.
Got in around 3pm, had a ground floor in the West Wing at PBH - last room on the end actually (3171), which meant right at the exit and french doors opening onto a quiet and fairly secluded patio. If I go back alone again, I am requesting this one again for sure.
Hit Studios first, did Simpson's and then decided to start my journey into coasterville with The Mummy. Figured an indoor coaster would be less horrifying - none of that outdoor, way up high in the sky stuff. I was actually pretty fun, although I had some air for brief nano seconds which I found a bit challenging. There's also a lot going on visually which distracts from the ups and downs. Then off to IOA for FJ which I love and some butterbeer. Hmmm. Feel like a did a bit more, but perhaps not. Parks closed by 7pm, went back to the room, and had dinner at the bar at Bice.
Up early Saturday and there couldn't have been more that 150 people waiting for early entry. It was amazing to walk into Hogsmeade and see so few people there. Wonderful to get a really good sense of the place before it became a madhouse. I could have been first in line for Olivanders (I know!) but I decided to do FJ. I always take single rider, so it was nice to take a walk through the castle. This time, in the room where Ron, Harry and Hermione are offering us an out from the Binns lecture something happened that I'd not seen before. When Ron tries first with the spell, he made it snow, and little soft ice shavings floated down from the ceiling. Magical. Didn't see that happen again even though I did the ride twice more.
Now - I did a lot of research on how to get over the coaster anxiety, and while most advised not to start with the Dragon coasters, I was right there, and figured... What the hell. Asked the kid out front which one he liked best (Fire, smoother [good] and faster [errrr]) I headed down. And of course, since it was 8:20, was the only person there. They were only loading the front row, and despite my protestations, that's where I ended up. Oy. It was, my God, so. very. fast. I can't even imagine what that ride was like when they both flew together. While I didn't really love it, I also didn't constantly feel like I was going to die, so I decided to hit Blue (front row again) This time next to a couple of guys with huge forearms so I was only able to get one arm looped fully through to clutch onto the over shoulder restraint. Freaky. And yeah - The Horntail was not as smooth as the Fireball.
The breakfast and a couple of safe options. After circling IOA I decided it was time to just get on The Hulk or I'd never do it. I'd heard this one hurts you, and I'd have to say that's true. I had a distinct headache when I got off. The opening burst of speed is just incredible, and the ride seemed to go on forever. Again, I didn't absolutely love it, but I was happy I'd finally done it.
I was pretty shaky getting off all of them - old vestibular system got good and shaken up there. Funny how the upside down sections happen so fast your brain barely has a chance to realize what just happened. When I was in my 20's I wet to Canada's Wonderland and rode the big coasters and really felt like I was going to die every time. This time, I just forced by body to stay relaxed, and that allowed my mind to not panic either.
Sunday I had to leave earlyish to get home, so I just went back to WWoHP for a quick final FJ and then one last ride on the Fireball. And I absolutely loved it that time. Fantastic coaster.
So yay. I couldn't face the slow ascent and perilous drop of the Rip Ride Rockit. Maybe next time, maybe never, but I can't wait to ride the dragons at night.
It was a wonderful weekend, PBH was quiet and peaceful, I played, ate well, hung out, read, slept. A good weekend. I have to do it again.
My kids tried repeatedly to get me on RRR last time....maybe next trip
