The Rookies Trip Report - Days 5, 6, 7

[Texan]

Me - 39
DH - 38
DS - 12
DS - 7
All first times for WDW, DL in 2000.

Day 5 - Universal then IOA. Actually got a picture with a favorite, Jimmy Neutron. Loved the rides. The Disney magic just wasn't there. Beautiful weather.

Day 6 - IOA then Universal. Got another picture with another favorite, Spiderman. Beautiful weather.

Day 7 - Back to the magic. EE at MK. Good weather. But boy, did the crowds appear. 45 minute waits on most things, which is nothing compared to summer, but DH was not expecting this. We used FP on everything we could which appeased him. DH and DS 7 were going to rides during the day parade, and DS 12 and I hunkered down for our spot. DH and DS 7 came back as they forgot their radio, and they were glad they did. Per the Disney magic, a group of three "cowboys" stopped right in front of us with their instruments and entertained our crowd for a while. DH loved it. He stayed. Then the parade came and we all loved it. Might I mention that we are bunch of "outgoing" Texans and were cheering and clapping at every parade. Our shy DS 7 gave everyone in all the parades a big wave and smile, and they would always point to him or smile and wave back. At this parade when Cinderella's globe stopped in front of us one of her mice grabbed DS 7 hand and then walked him down about 200 feet with her. You should have seen the smile on his face. Pure magic. A really wonderful day.

 

[pnelson]

I'm probably bugging you with my questions but how did your son's (especially your 12 year old) like IOA and USF compared to WDW? We have 3 days planned at those two parks our next trip. Hope to see Spiderman too.

 

[Texan]

For a 12 year old, ours is pretty calm and laid back, but loves thrill rides. (he does have the "attitude" though). He loved WDW. He has always been a big Disney fan. But Universal and IOA are somehow completely different. Universal and IOA are more ride parks, they don't have the "themeing" of Disney, but we were impressed with the Marvel heroes section of IOA. The Spiderman ride cannot be beat anywhere hands down, for a ride. It is so intricate with a lot of thought put into it. DS 12 loved it, I think in the two days we were there he rode it 7 times. He loves coasters, but believe it or not the Hulk was not DH and DS 12's favorite. They loved the Dueling Dragons. He loved Back to the Future and Twister at Universal. DS 12 seemed thoroughly entertained at both Disney parks and US/IOA. He even still loves parades, thank goodness. So I think for that age group the would be thoroughly entertained at both venues. Look on your map when the characters are out. It tells you when Spiderman appears at the Marvel heroes section. He was great. He talked to both DS 7 and DS 12 for quite a few minutes before their picture was taken. So just enjoy all there is to offer at both Universal and Disney, you will see what I mean once you get there about the differences.