Welcome, Foolish Muggles! IoA/US/MK/SW *July 2013 Trip Report Link*

[natebenma]

I forgot to mention that I'm a pretty big fan of the Jurassic Park movies myself. I'm still contemplating going to Universal for a day during our upcoming trip and I know that we'd want to visit the Jurassic Park section of the park.

Hunter did not inherit my love of reading. It's like pulling teeth to make the boy read anything. Me, on the other hand, will read anything....even the ingredient list on the side of a box of cereal if that's all that's handy.

.
Have you read Jurassic Park???

I am another avid reader who is disappointed that this love was not passed down to my son. I certainly know the desperation you feel trying to get Hunter to read! The only book Nate ever picked up without intense badgering is Diary of a Wimpy Kid. Which to me is more of a comic book than a novel.

Nate loves books and enjoyed when I read most of the Harry Potter Series to him when he was younger, but he won't read them on his own. Ben has finally developed an interest in reading and he really loves the Harry Potter and Percy Jackson series.

Let me know if you are seriously considering a visit to the "Dark Side". I can't remember if you (and/or the rest of the family) are Potterheads.

 

[bubba's mom]

The entry gates look just like they do in the movie.

Glad to hear they were working. Sometimes they are just always 'open'

Was this box ^ shaking? Cuz it's supposed to. It's another one of those things that either breaks (or they turn off) once in awhile.

 

[ddluvsdisney]

You posted while I was writing!

I'm sure they will try to get the teacher into class as soon as they can. I hope it is you!!!

Thanks me too!!!

 

[natebenma]

Glad to hear they were working. Sometimes they are just always 'open'

Was this box ^ shaking? Cuz it's supposed to. It's another one of those things that either breaks (or they turn off) once in awhile.

I thought the box was moving, but then again, I may have been fiddling with my camera...

The rest of the family confirmed that the box was indeed moving and they believe that it dropped a little, too.

Does that sound right?

 

[bubba's mom]

The rest of the family confirmed that the box was indeed moving and they believe that it dropped a little, too.

Does that sound right?

absolutely! It was 'working' then

 

[bookgirl]

I forgot to mention that I'm a pretty big fan of the Jurassic Park movies myself. I'm still contemplating going to Universal for a day during our upcoming trip and I know that we'd want to visit the Jurassic Park section of the park.

Hunter did not inherit my love of reading. It's like pulling teeth to make the boy read anything. Me, on the other hand, will read anything....even the ingredient list on the side of a box of cereal if that's all that's handy.

My nephews are not book lovers either (makes my librarian heart thud let me tell you), however I have introduced them to audio books and downloads. Boy that was so great...."you mean you can listen...you can download...does that count....can you get them now" less than 12 hours later the next morning "Aunt T did you get those books yet are they on your Ipod, will you bring them to us" They really liked that they could be riding thier bikes or lying in bed and they could have the ipod read them a book. They did have hard copies as well and sometimes 'read' along but mostly just loved listening.

I did have to get them one on CD (summer reading list from school) as it wasn't in our download catalog at work, but honestly I probably would have just bought it if I needed.

 

[pixarmom]

Still enjoying your report and looking forward to more about butterbeer! The photos Pooh ride photo is priceless.

 

[natebenma]

absolutely! It was 'working' then

Cool! Good to know we got the full experience! According to someone who just got back from U/IoA, when he rode this past week there was something wrong with the Ultrasaurus. The head was down in the water, not extended up in the air.

My nephews are not book lovers either (makes my librarian heart thud let me tell you), however I have introduced them to audio books and downloads. Boy that was so great...."you mean you can listen...you can download...does that count....can you get them now" less than 12 hours later the next morning "Aunt T did you get those books yet are they on your Ipod, will you bring them to us" They really liked that they could be riding thier bikes or lying in bed and they could have the ipod read them a book. They did have hard copies as well and sometimes 'read' along but mostly just loved listening.

I did have to get them one on CD (summer reading list from school) as it wasn't in our download catalog at work, but honestly I probably would have just bought it if I needed.

I debate with myself (and usually end up losing) about getting books on tape or an e-reader. I would love to listen to the Harry Potters on tape- from what I have heard, the guy who reads/does all of the voices is amazing!

Still enjoying your report and looking forward to more about butterbeer! The photos Pooh ride photo is priceless.

Thanks!!! You can't have too many butterbeers (at least according to the boys). Nate told me this morning that I should get the ingredients so we can make some at home.

I know how much you enjoy the pictures when the teenager is actually smiling! Gives you a little bit of hope for the future, doesn't it?

 

[DrMomof3]

I'm finally trying to get caught up. Slowly.
The pool at Portofino looks lovely! Weird about the camera.
Hulk looks awesome. As does Jurassic Park. I read the book years and years ago. Definitely better than the movie!
I'm book obsessed and have a Kindle (and the app on my iPad). It's taken some getting used to but it is nice to be able to carry your entire library in one small device!

Amanda

 

[natebenma]

I'm finally trying to get caught up. Slowly.
The pool at Portofino looks lovely! Weird about the camera.
Hulk looks awesome. As does Jurassic Park. I read the book years and years ago. Definitely better than the movie!
I'm book obsessed and have a Kindle (and the app on my iPad). It's taken some getting used to but it is nice to be able to carry your entire library in one small device!

Amanda

Hi Amanda!

You were posting here just as I was finding your new TR!

We enjoyed the Portofino pool. Ben and I are the swim fanatics in our family. It was nice when Mark joined us.

There were definitely some interesting rides at Universal/IoA. You'll find out!

The movie Jurassic Park is really really good, but I agree. The book is WAY better.

I may have to rethink my reluctance to get a Kindle- after the "incident" on during our travel Mexico. I was all ready to start the Stephen King novel I had for the plane ride and when I opened the book, it started in mid-paragraph on Page 9.

I was able to figure out what I needed to, but my DH "helpfully" pointed out that if I had a Kindle, I wouldn't have had that problem or I could just download a different book.

 

[bookgirl]

I have a Nook an Itouch and most recently an Ipad2. I still prefer a book but I love having movies and music and books on my touch and being stuck some where and whipping it out when I get bored. Plan to have my touch in my pocket for waits in 10 days when I hit WDW. My nook was a gift but is really nice for storing my favorite books and having a portable library 24/7. The IPad well 3G is a great travel tool and since I can cross download between all my electronics it's just so handy. I can tell you that Kindal/Amazon is in talks with Overdrive (supplier of ebooks to most libraries) and soon they will have capability to download free ebooks from your local library. I really think anyone who loves books should have some sort of ereader, not to replace your books but to enhance your love of them.

 

[ddluvsdisney]

I debate with myself (and usually end up losing) about getting books on tape or an e-reader. I would love to listen to the Harry Potters on tape- from what I have heard, the guy who reads/does all of the voices is amazing!




Thanks!!! You can't have too many butterbeers (at least according to the boys). Nate told me this morning that I should get the ingredients so we can make some at home.

We got DS 14 and my mom a Nook for Christmas They LOVE them! My mom wasn't sure how she would feel about it at first -ya know old school and all. But she says she can't live without it now. She brings it everywhere. I def. think if you're an avid reader you should get one.
I had a frozen Butterbeer for the first time this year! it was awesome. It tasted better to me than the regular one. I think not as sweet. I thought the frozen version was new this year but someone on the IOA board said they had them last yr. too. Wish I would have known.
I saw the ingredients for the Butterbeer somewhere last yr. when WWoHP first opened but can't remember where.

 

[natebenma]

I'm book obsessed and have a Kindle (and the app on my iPad). It's taken some getting used to but it is nice to be able to carry your entire library in one small device!

Amanda

I have a Nook an Itouch and most recently an Ipad2. I still prefer a book but I love having movies and music and books on my touch and being stuck some where and whipping it out when I get bored. Plan to have my touch in my pocket for waits in 10 days when I hit WDW. My nook was a gift but is really nice for storing my favorite books and having a portable library 24/7. The IPad well 3G is a great travel tool and since I can cross download between all my electronics it's just so handy. I can tell you that Kindal/Amazon is in talks with Overdrive (supplier of ebooks to most libraries) and soon they will have capability to download free ebooks from your local library. I really think anyone who loves books should have some sort of ereader, not to replace your books but to enhance your love of them.

We got DS 14 and my mom a Nook for Christmas. They LOVE them! My mom wasn't sure how she would feel about it at first -ya know old school and all. But she says she can't live without it now. She brings it everywhere. I def. think if you're an avid reader you should get one.

You are all making very convincing aruguments for the purchase of a family e-reader of some sort. I can see the advantage of replacing my current habit of carrying a half-ton of books in my luggage on vacation in fear of running out of reading material. Especially if there is a backlight feature for use in bed or on dark balconies.

But I will still need a book or two for pool or beach side.

I have it on pretty good authority that my not-so-secret-Santa is a frequent visitor to this report, so perhaps a Kindle or a Nook will find its way under the tree this year.

 

[natebenma]

I had a frozen Butterbeer for the first time this year! it was awesome. It tasted better to me than the regular one. I think not as sweet. I thought the frozen version was new this year but someone on the IOA board said they had them last yr. too. Wish I would have known.

I saw the ingredients for the Butterbeer somewhere last yr. when WWoHP first opened but can't remember where.

Frozen butterbeer does seem to be the preferred form of the drink in most of the posts or trip reports that I have seen. I agree!!!

More about butterbeer coming up soon!

 

[natebenma]

Link to Madam Rosmerta’s recipes on Mugglenet: http://www.mugglenet.com/misc/rosmertas/index.shtml

Easy Butterbeer (from Mugglenet)

Preparation Time: 5 minutes


Ingredients
o 2 12-ounce bottles of Cream Soda (not diet)
o 4 1/2 teaspoons Butterscotch Sundae Topping Syrup
o 1/2 cup Reddi Whip Canned Whip Topping


Directions:

Step 1: Measure 1 1/2 teaspoons Butterscotch Topping Syrup into each of the glasses or mugs (Chilled mugs works great).

Step 2: Add a 1/4 cup of cream soda into each glass and stir with a spoon until butterscotch topping is completely mixed in with the soda. Set aside.

Step 3: For the Foam - Combine the Reddi Whip, the remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons of Butterscotch Syrup, and 1/2 tablespoon of cream soda in a small bowl. Stir until well combined.

Step 4: To Finish - Pour the remaining Cream Soda into the Glass or mug. Spoon the foam mixture slowly into the center of the glass until it reaches the sides of the glass.

You can enjoy this right away or let stand for 1-2 minutes to get the full effect and look of the WWOHP Butterbeer. ENJOY!!!

*********************************************************

Homemade Butterbeer
Start to finish: 1 hour (10 minutes active)
Servings: 4

1 cup light or dark brown sugar
2 tablespoons water
6 tablespoon butter
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cider vinegar
3/4 cup heavy cream, divided
1/2 teaspoon rum extract
Four 12-ounce bottles cream soda

In a small saucepan over medium, combine the brown sugar and water. Bring to a gentle boil and cook, stirring often, until the mixture reads 240 F on a candy thermometer.

Stir in the butter, salt, vinegar and 1/4 heavy cream. Set aside to cool to room temperature.

Once the mixture has cooled, stir in the rum extract.

In a medium bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of the brown sugar mixture and the remaining 1/2 cup of heavy cream. Use an electric mixer to beat until just thickened, but not completely whipped, about 2 to 3 minutes.

To serve, divide the brown sugar mixture between 4 tall glasses (about 1/4 cup for each glass). Add 1/4 cup of cream soda to each glass, then stir to combine. Fill each glass nearly to the top with additional cream soda, then spoon the whipped topping over each.

 

[doccoc2002]

I will have to try that, since we won't be visiting WWOHP for a long time

 

[Missyrose]

First off, thanks for the inside pics of Jurassic Park. I hate any ride with a huge drop, so that ride is on my no-no list. But I've always been curious what the ride actually looks like.

Going back a couple of posts, let me also praise the wonder that is Kindle. I've had mine for a couple of years and it has totally transformed my reading life! It has also helped immensely with travel. I'm a notorious over-packer, frequently having to pull stuff out of my checked luggage and into my carry-on to avoide overweight charges.

But this summer when we went on a two-week trip to Europe, I was miraculously waaaaaaaaayyyyy underweight on my bag and I couldn't figure out why. My sister helpfully pointed out via e-mail, that I didn't have a dozen books weighing my bag down anymore!

 

[DrMomof3]

That's exactly what I did. I brought one paperback for places where an e-reader wouldn't be ideal (take-off and landing, poolside, etc) and then I had my Kindle (and my iPad but my kids tend to steal that for games and videos).
I can't wait to try butter beer!

Amanda

 

[Queila]

That ride looks like it is such a great thrill. Great update and thank you for the recipe!

I wonder to how many Weight Watchers points that drink amounts to!

Wait a minute... I DON'T want to know.

Have a great week!
Q

 

[natebenma]

I will have to try that, since we won't be visiting WWOHP for a long time

This would be fun to make some night when you are watching a HP DVD at home.

First off, thanks for the inside pics of Jurassic Park. I hate any ride with a huge drop, so that ride is on my no-no list. But I've always been curious what the ride actually looks like.

Going back a couple of posts, let me also praise the wonder that is Kindle. I've had mine for a couple of years and it has totally transformed my reading life! It has also helped immensely with travel. I'm a notorious over-packer, frequently having to pull stuff out of my checked luggage and into my carry-on to avoide overweight charges.

But this summer when we went on a two-week trip to Europe, I was miraculously waaaaaaaaayyyyy underweight on my bag and I couldn't figure out why. My sister helpfully pointed out via e-mail, that I didn't have a dozen books weighing my bag down anymore!

Glad you liked the Jurassic Park preview. I'm sorry it doesn't convince you to try it out! I have a few more photos inside the containment building but they are not very good.

Thanks for the additional Kindle endorsement.

That's exactly what I did. I brought one paperback for places where an e-reader wouldn't be ideal (take-off and landing, poolside, etc) and then I had my Kindle (and my iPad but my kids tend to steal that for games and videos).
I can't wait to try butter beer!

Amanda

Ditto on the Kindle comments. I have to remember that it doesn't have to be an either/or situation and I can still have books, too.

You will love the butterbeer. I suspect it may be even a little sweeter when you are enjoying it solo!

That ride looks like it is such a great thrill. Great update and thank you for the recipe!

I wonder to how many Weight Watchers points that drink amounts to!

Wait a minute... I DON'T want to know.

Have a great week!
Q

Ben rates Jurassic Park as his favorite ride, which is not surprising given his love of dinos.

I often wonder about the number of calories in BB. Seriously, the tagline for the drink should be "A little guilt in every sip!"

The stuff is incredibly addictive, as you shall all soon see!