We're Doing WHAT For My Birthday??? - Final Thoughts

[mnmrmustard]

We last left off in the Dining Hall in the Dragon Challenge castle.

From the dining hall you wind down a series of corridors seemingly etched in stone until you come to a decision – Chinese Fireball or Hungarian Horntail?

We chose the Horntail and wound our way around. The lines weren’t bad at all so we got in the slightly longer one for the front row. Total wait time for the actual ride was less than 10 minutes – w00t! It was a very cool ride, lots of thrills and drops and near misses with the competing dragon. One of the fun parts is just going up the first big rise and yelling and talking smack to the Fireball riders. If you are a coaster lover this is a good one, the whole feet dangling while you’re spinning and flipping is very cool.

We walked out of the exit and who did we see? Why it was Ollivander! He was going on break apparently but was gracious enough to stop for a picture with Roxy

We walked back through the gift shop behind Ollivander’s and this time I was able to take some good pictures!

Brooms ready to dart around the ceiling

Lots of globes and other treasures

Assorted cups for our Hogwart’s champions

Only the best brooms and baubles for sale here

How’d you like to have that for a chandelier?

I picked out a cool Hogwarts Cup T-Shirt and we moved next door to the Post

Lots of packages going out

And more owls to deliver them

They’d need a tall ladder to get to those!

Oh, there it is!

We walked out of the shop and got in line for another frosty Butterbeer. Another patron was nice enough to take our pic in front of the barrel :-]

We browsed past Honeydukes

…and Zonko

And climbed abord the Hogwart’s Express to leave the Wizarding World

…well okay, we just went through the arch and headed back through the Lost Continent.

My overall impression was a good one of the experience they created at Universal. It seems a bit small when you first walk through it, but when you slow down and take in all of the little details it is really quite amazing. We will certainly be returning with the girls as soon as we can.

We strolled past the bazaar stalls and into the world of Dr. Seuss. As soon as we entered Whoville we were greeted by Thing 1 and Think 2

We got a pic with them of course

From there it was on to the High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride. The trolley ride is entirely a second story ride, traveling over/through a couple of other attractions. I love the little things they do here, like for the control box you have a certain Seussian touch.

I missed the beginning of the signage, but I knew it was about Sneeches, and that we can apparently have them…

…for three dollars each :-D

We then entered Circus McGurkus Cafe Stoo-pendous, the main eatery in the land and a very colorful place to take a train ride through!

Next up we continue our trolley train ride, see some magical sights, and meet some more inhabitants of the good Doctor’s world!

Click here to view the next chapter: Day 5 Part 7 – A Trolley Ride thru a Sussian Wonderland

 

[mnmrmustard]

We continued our trolley ride, rolling thru the upper deck of the Circus McGurkus Cafe Stoo-pendous, a very colorful place indeed!

We came out to a view of the Caro-Suess-el

Then back inside for some “star” treatment

Then another view of the land with the Hard Rock in the background.

The outside of the Circus McGurkus Cafe Stoo-pendous

More Suessian architecture

The Hulk coaster and Dr. Doom’s Drop

As a nice touch there’s Seuss-style set of birds in the lagoon

A look back towards the Lost Continent

A panoramic view across the lagoon

Universal Islands Lagoon Panorama

The exit sign for Suess Land

Lost Continent and Hogwarts

More Suessian signage

And finally the elusive Sneeches

We disembarked and who was around the corner? That’s right, it’s the GRINCH!

Right next to him was the man …or Cat himself, the Cat in the Hat

And since we had just seen him in person, we moved on to the ride we rode at least a half a dozen times when we were there with the young-uns. Plus it was another ride with AC – w00t!

On to the Cat in the Hat ride

Oddly this time the attendants asked that I not take pictures, so I only have a couple of shots of the family portraits

That finishes up our time at Islands of Adventure for this trip. It was now noon so we had to hustle over to get as much of Universal Studios itself in before we sweated away to nothing – lol.

So next up we make our way past the Universal Ball and straight into an adventure with Shrek, then wind our way thru the back lot to Amity.

Click here for the next chapter: Day 5 Part 8 – Universal is Shrek-tastic!

 

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

I noticed the anti-photography attitude A LOT at Universal. It seemed so strange to me compared to WDW that doesn't really care if you use your camera on a ride (so long as you don't use flash! )

 

[mnmrmustard]

I noticed the anti-photography attitude A LOT at Universal. It seemed so strange to me compared to WDW that doesn't really care if you use your camera on a ride (so long as you don't use flash! )

Yes, you have that right for sure. They were certainly sticklers when it came to having pics taken on any of the rides.

Disney is much better about that. They only say something when it either ruins an effect or distracts/endangers CMs/guests.

 

[lovebuzzandwoody]

I fell for it ~ hook, line and sinker!

I thought you got to ride the Hogwarts Express! I got all excited because I'd never heard that! Shame on you Mike.

Before you apologize, let me just tell you I forgive you because you take such great pictures.

 

[mnmrmustard]

I fell for it ~ hook, line and sinker!

I thought you got to ride the Hogwarts Express! I got all excited because I'd never heard that! Shame on you Mike.

Before you apologize, let me just tell you I forgive you because you take such great pictures.

Oops, sorry about that

I really do wish we could have gotten on it and that they had train cars attached to it.

Thank you for forgiving me. In return I'll do another update

 

[mnmrmustard]

We left the “Islands” and walked towards Citywalk, taking in an African band for a moment. I felt for them having to perform with no shade at all.

We on the other hand were heading for shade and following some high-stepping Arabians. We followed them into the store, the guy was a real joker.

And the girl seemed to have the role of the long suffering companion

We headed back out and towards the Universal entrance. I took a shot of the universal ball as we approached

I did some photoshop tinkering, doing and HDR effect on it to give it some ‘pop’

Then Roxy took a shot of me next to it

Thar it be, the entrance! As you can see it wasn’t horribly busy as we walked thru

We were quickly thru the ticket booths and on down the main drag. We had no interest in the coaster so walked on to the Shrek ride. One good reason was that it had a shaded queue!

Nice advertising

I liked the signage they had separating the park guests and the employees

Here was our first hint that Lord Farquaad wasn’t quite finished with his mischief

I want to go!!!!!

The queue wound around and we finally made our way inside to the holding area, made up like a dungeon. We ended up on the back wall. The mirror and the piggies (in iron maiden type metal boxes) gave some background

Then Farquaad’s ghost made an appearance, trying to ruin everything for Shrek and his friends from beyond the grave

The magic mirror gave him some banter and then we were off to the main theater

It was an interesting 3-D show with moving seats and sights, sounds, smells and the occasional squirt of water. Picture A Bug’s Life done in Shrek style with seats that rumble.

We continued on down the street and I was feeling pretty thirsty, so we stopped at this stand for drinks

I then parked myself in the “hot seat” outside the Monsters Café

From here we wandered around the streets of the backlot. I must say that theirs looks a bit more authentic than DHS’s

Good aged signage

Even alleyways to traverse

And the obligatory statue with a pigeon on top

Somehow a Starbucks sign in ye ole town square threw me off - lol

We checked the time for Beetlejuice’s Monster Review and we had some time before the next show so we headed down to Amity Village

Once there we wandered thru the shops, tried to stay in the shade as much as we could, and I said hello to a toothy friend

Next up we go on a “fishing” trip and then take a trip to Springfield

Click here for the next chaper: Day 5 Part 9 – From Jaws to Krustyland!

 

[Trentmom]

I see I missed a few updates, but am all caught up now

Great pics as usual. Shame they were sticklers on some of the rides about photos though

You are really making me want to take a trip to Universal

Maybe next year

 

[mnmrmustard]

I see I missed a few updates, but am all caught up now

Great pics as usual. Shame they were sticklers on some of the rides about photos though

You are really making me want to take a trip to Universal

Maybe next year

Glad you got caught up. I finally added in the "click here for the next chapter" links to make it easier to skip the banter and focus on the picture overload

Yes, you must go ...Universal is calling you!

 

[lovebuzzandwoody]

Oops, sorry about that

I really do wish we could have gotten on it and that they had train cars attached to it.

Thank you for forgiving me. In return I'll do another update

Yippee!!! All is forgiven!

I agree with Kelly.... every update makes me want to visit Uni even more! Are they paying you?

 

[natebenma]

Hey- thanks for the invite over here! I did the abbreviated tour of IoA/US using the chapter links you so thoughtfully provided. At some point I will go back and catch up, but for now, I will just try to keep up with you.

You have some amazing pictures and a lot of stuff I missed!!! The shots in Dumbledore's office are so good! With and without hologram.

I love the photo of your wife with Olivander! Very cute character interactions in Seuss Landing too!

Obviously, I am with you on your rants against the camera Nazis. It wasn't just the flash pictures, though- they gave me a hard time in an outdoor section (before the big drop) at RipSaw Falls.

 

[mnmrmustard]

Yippee!!! All is forgiven!

I agree with Kelly.... every update makes me want to visit Uni even more! Are they paying you?

LOL, well I guess they should be. Where's my kickback Universal????

Hey- thanks for the invite over here! I did the abbreviated tour of IoA/US using the chapter links you so thoughtfully provided. At some point I will go back and catch up, but for now, I will just try to keep up with you.

You have some amazing pictures and a lot of stuff I missed!!! The shots in Dumbledore's office are so good! With and without hologram.

I love the photo of your wife with Olivander! Very cute character interactions in Seuss Landing too!

Obviously, I am with you on your rants against the camera Nazis. It wasn't just the flash pictures, though- they gave me a hard time in an outdoor section (before the big drop) at RipSaw Falls.

Halooo! Thank you for stopping by and for the compliments on the pics I completely understand about just trying to keep up with the TR. I have a habit of taking on too many of them and then can't keep up with any of 'em.

Yes, my wife Roxy is the real HP fan, going there was a dream come true for her. She says that walking thru that arch, hearing the music, and seeing the Hogwarts Express sent butterflies thru her stomach like she hasn't had since she was a kid

I'm totally with ya - down with the evil camera nazis!!!!!

 

[cherbear]

Mike, I cannot WAIT to see more!!!!! Excited to hear about Beetlejuice, and the Simpsons

 

[mnmrmustard]

Mike, I cannot WAIT to see more!!!!! Excited to hear about Beetlejuice, and the Simpsons

Hey Cheri and the rest of the crew on board for my TR! I'm back in the saddle and will get an update out this afternoon. Had a busy weekend doing the girl's B-Day party (check FB for pics on that).

 

[mnmrmustard]

Once I had my obligatory pic with the great white Roxy parked her scooter and we headed into the queue for Jaws. We were so happy that this was a covered queue as the heat outside was scorching. The setting is that of a harbor warehouse with lots of rigging and dangling bits to look at.

A shop for small boat repair.

And for some reason a hammerhead in a net

The ceiling fans helped to circulate the hot air.

Your standard dockside scene with picturesque New England cottages in the background

More dockside charm

Evidence of bad things afoot

While in the queue you watch commercials about the festival and news reports from the township. We ended up in the front row and as soon as I got on the skipper asked that I put the camera down …grrrr. Ah well, I’m sure we’ve all seen plenty of pics of the shark antics that take place on the ride. It was fun if predictable and we got just enough of a splash to cool off.

We got off and Roxy wanted to play some of the carni-type games and I needed to find a restroom so we split up. I took a few quick shots of the boats as I headed towards the restroom.

And the shark enjoying another meal provided by a parkgoer

I used the restroom and obtained another liquid refreshment and met back up with Roxy. She had won a cute stuffie for Bean :-] We crossed the bridge and I got my first look at the re-themed former Back to the Future/now Krustyland amusement park.

Big Shot of Krustyland

I before we proceeded I strolled to the other side of the bridge and got a shot of the MiB ride center.

Big Shot of MiB

Then it was on to Krustyland. The theming was pretty good, complete change from what I remembered of BttF. Here’s the map

And a larger view of all of the ride descriptions

They had some cool posters showcasing familiar Springfield characters

We then did a couple of switchbacks, slowly climbing upwards. Off to the side they showed a short of the Simpsons going to Krustyland and Bart getting into his usual mischief

…and Homer getting in his own brand of trouble

We proceeded into the inside queue and the blessing of air conditioning. The bottle game looked like a winner

And of course you know who was running concessions

There was a ticket booth but it was unattended. I like the Itchy & Scratchy themed height requirement in the background.

I had Roxy jump into the ticket booth for a quick pic

Up next, more Krustyland to come

Click here for the next chapter: Day 5 Part 10 –Kapers in Krustyland!

 

[mnmrmustard]

They showcased some of the wonders you could partake of in the park

Then Krusty came on talking about the park and eventually lead into some problems they were having due to Sideshow Bob returning and creating trouble

Itchy and Scratchy make an appearance

Bart’s quick eye picks up that one of them is Sideshow Bob but he is ignored

Krusty goes into a description and past history with Sideshow Bob, not understanding why Bob hates him so much

Krusty nicely points out that it was Bart who got Bob captured last time

The Springfield PD offer their usual level of competence

Then Krusty shuffles you off to the ride not knowing that Sideshow Bob is about to make his move

We were then moved into the cramped holding area with a family. I didn’t take pics in there since it was such a small space and I would have had to use flash. We were then lead into the ride area and boarded the familiar car. I didn’t film the ride but our good friends at Coasterforce were nice enough to film one for us. Here is a link to their YouTube of it if you are interested:

The Simpsons Ride

We headed out of the ride and Roxy wanted to check back in on the Beatlejuice Monster Review so she scooted off while I obtained another frosty beverage at a stand on the near side of the bridge. I strolled back and took an angled shot of the entrance

And of the Krusty head

And the Simpsons themselves

I loved that their gift shop was themed as a Kwik-E-Mart

And I was tempted to get a Squishee but I already had my beverage of choice

Next up I take in some of the sights, spot the Blues Brothers, and join Roxy for Beetlejuice!

Click here for the next chapter: Day 5 Part 11 – Buildings, Brothers, and Beetlejuice!

 

[natebenma]

Again with the no pictures? Seriously, what is up with that? I didn't have any issues the two times we rode Jaws, but we were never in the front.

Love your photos in the Jaws queue and the shot of the MiB ride. I didn't get a picture of the whole area.

Sounds like you enjoyed everything Simpsons.

I'll be interested in hearing about (and seeing) the Beetlejuice show through your eyes.

 

[lovebuzzandwoody]

Great update Mike!

 

[cherbear]

what a great update! I'm bummin about the no pics!! Sorry they were such camera nazi's!

 

[Trentmom]

How weird

I swore I posted

I definitely read it

SImpsons area looks great.

Trent always asking to watch it, but a little young

But I would definitely take him on the ride