Originally Posted By ChiMike What would you like to talk about Happy Haunt? I'm game, because I agree with ya. How great Hollywood Boulevard is (at least prior to the crass Spaceballs merchandising attempt in 2001)? The beauty of the Japan pavilion or Canadian pavilion? Of how Canada should reopen shuttered facilities? What we would like to see happen in Tomorrowland? I know, how about the Hatbox Ghost or how the older, older versions of the bride were scarier? And that she really shouldn't be the antagonist of the unnecessary HM story? I'm trying, pretty limited in discussion, but I'm trying ... feel free to start whatever topic you want. As far as this topic is concerned, I would love to talk about it for hours and hours. I am so passionate about what Universal is doing, has done, is about to do, that I can go on and on and on about the virtues of a visit to their wonderful facilities.
Originally Posted By Bolna <<As far as this topic is concerned, I would love to talk about it for hours and hours. I am so passionate about what Universal is doing, has done, is about to do, that I can go on and on and on about the virtues of a visit to their wonderful facilities.>> Well, if you love to talk about it, anymore tips for someone who is visiting Universal for the first time (unfortunately only for one day) besides reading a lot of books beforehand?
Originally Posted By Bolna <<...give me time... LOL>> Well, first I need to read Cat in the Hat anyway, but I really would be interested to hear what kind of books you would recommend to read for Epcot (you can leave out anything for the Germany pavilion, I feel quite confident about my knowledge about that part of Epcot ;-) ).
Originally Posted By ChiMike Bolna, happy to oblige, pardon me if you have already shared the info, what month and what day do you plan on attending? Knowing that would influence my pointers.
Originally Posted By dshyates I just spent the day slumming up at IOA. Had a great time. Started with a double bloody at the Lone Palm. Made my way to the WWOHP. Had a Hog's Head Brew then hit the single riders line for FJ. It still took 70 mins. It was VERY crowded today. Bought some Potter swag then headed to Triceratops Encounter. I love this little attraction. Who doesn't love getting up close and personal with a "real" dinosaur? Walked around and took a bunch of photos. Headed to Emeril's Orlando for dinner. Had New Orleans BBQ Shrimps as an app, Kurobuta Double Cut Pork Chop. Bourbon Mashed Sweet Potatoes, Tamarind Glaze, Green Chile Mole. And Banana cream pie for dessert. I really wish I coulda gone to Dizzy Whirl. Oh wait, I have an AP there too. Maybe I'll go tomorrow. I have had an AP for 2 years, and I am racking my brain as to what there is new since I bought my AP. I am drawing a blank. There must be something huge that I am missing?!?!.....ummm.....still drawing a blank. Help me out here guys. There is.......ummm.....OK I got nothing.
Originally Posted By ReelJustice ^^Star Tours 2 duhhhhh!!!! Haven't you been following @DisneyParks on the Twitters???? In seriousness, BBQ Shrimp was a great choice.
Originally Posted By Bolna <<Bolna, happy to oblige, pardon me if you have already shared the info, what month and what day do you plan on attending?>> I haven't mentioned it yet, it will be a Tuesday in October, and not the one after Columbus Day. From what I figured out we won't collide with Horror Nights. And while Harry Potter was our motivation for finally making the trip there we really want to see the rest of the parks as well. We are planning on getting the park hopper because I am travelling with a Simpsons fan who wants to see that attraction. I am aware that we won't be able to see everything and that it will just be a first taste - most likely to be followed by more time there during a future trip.
Originally Posted By mrkthompsn There doesn't have to be anything new to go to Dizzy Whirl. Just for that, you get to go straight to the carrousel.
Originally Posted By ChiMike >>I haven't mentioned it yet, it will be a Tuesday in October, and not the one after Columbus Day. From what I figured out we won't collide with Horror Nights. And while Harry Potter was our motivation for finally making the trip there we really want to see the rest of the parks as well. We are planning on getting the park hopper because I am travelling with a Simpsons fan who wants to see that attraction. I am aware that we won't be able to see everything and that it will just be a first taste - most likely to be followed by more time there during a future trip.<< -My opinion- One day is tough, but you picked a good day to go. You obviously need to visit both parks. Get there right at opening. In fact, not conventional advice, but you might want to hit the Studios first. Visit Harry Potter as close to night as possible, and get in the line for FJ right before the park closes. Non Rollercoasters must sees: Jaws Men In Black (Simpsons for your friend) ET Spiderman Jurassic Park Cat in the Hat Rollercoater must sees: Mummy Incredible Hulk Dragon's Challenge (Front of Blue or Back of Red) (Perhaps HRRR at Studios, but I don't care for it and it can offer a rough ride, might want to use single riders for it to save time) Lots of great places to eat. Mythos is not overrated and always a great option. Lombard's patio on a nice day is a really great experience. Hard Rock Hotel has a great breakfast if you get there early enough to finish before park opening. Save dinner for after the parks close, either back at Disney or at Citywalk/Loews Hotels. Also really enjoy spending happy hour around Finnegans or Amity at the Studios. Any further questions/clarifications, ask away.
Originally Posted By Bob Paris 1 You wouldn't recommend T2? Or is it closed? Damn - that was better than ANY 3D movie I saw at and Disney theme park!
Originally Posted By ChiMike Bob, I would highly recommend T2. It is open for now. Bolna has only 1 day. For a first time, with one day, it is not an attraction I would prioritize as a must see.
Originally Posted By HokieSkipper <<-My opinion- One day is tough, but you picked a good day to go. You obviously need to visit both parks. Get there right at opening. In fact, not conventional advice, but you might want to hit the Studios first. Visit Harry Potter as close to night as possible, and get in the line for FJ right before the park closes. >> Not that this isn't good advice, but I'll give you an alternate (and my preferred) plan of attack. Hit Potter at opening and do a ride of Forbidden Journey. Don't worry about taking in the land at this point. Once off, grab a butterbeer and head for the Studios while everyone gets their fill of IoA. <<Non Rollercoasters must sees: Jaws Men In Black (Simpsons for your friend) ET Spiderman Jurassic Park Cat in the Hat>> I agree with this list, although I'd replace ET with T2, as it's something you won't see anywhere else, whereas ET is nothing but a glorified Peter Pan's Flight. Not that that's a and thing, but I'd say T2 is a much more impressive attraction. <<Rollercoater must sees: Mummy Incredible Hulk Dragon's Challenge (Front of Blue or Back of Red)>> I agree. Mummy is right behind MIB for best attraction at the Studios. But if you don't have time to ride one of these, bypass Hulk. it's a nice ride, but both Dragons offer a superior experience, IMO. <<Lots of great places to eat. Mythos is not overrated and always a great option. Lombard's patio on a nice day is a really great experience. Hard Rock Hotel has a great breakfast if you get there early enough to finish before park opening. Save dinner for after the parks close, either back at Disney or at Citywalk/Loews Hotels. Also really enjoy spending happy hour around Finnegans or Amity at the Studios.>> Mythos is definitely a must, and is the only sit down that I can vouch for. Sadly, I've never eaten anything but counter service at the Studios.
Originally Posted By HokieSkipper Sorry...completely didn't finish my advice. Once you've finished your Studios attractions, head back to IoA and do Spider-man and JP before heading back to Wizarding World to take it all in.
Originally Posted By ChiMike Your method is preferred by me actually. I just felt two park hops for a first time visit for one day might be pushing it. Felt considering that, well, then, FJ right before close is better than morning. Might as well take advantage of non-existent lines early morning Studios, wrap it up, and then head to IOA. Anyways, what you suggest, is what I do. So Bolna, if you are up for two park hops, and you want more than one ride on FJ, than Hokie is right. For someone who is accustomed to Disney attractions, I would recommend ET as a must see.
Originally Posted By Bolna Mike and Hokie, thanks for the excellent advice! I think I rather would want to have the chance to ride FJ twice. I think very often the first time on an attraction I am too overwhelmed to really take it in. So I definitely want to get a second chance to experience it more fully. How long does it take to get from one park to the other? Does anyone know whether the distance is comparable to DLP and WDS? I have done the hopping from DLP to WDS and back there and think it is still ok. But I definitely don't want to spend a lot of time getting from one place to another and back. I guess it is walkable? What is T2? I think I want to make sure to see ET, so it might not matter anyway. I was at Universal Hollywood in 92 for one day and missed out on ET due to bad scheduling (I wasn't responsible for that) and constant two-hour waits. So I am glad that I get the chance now. And Jaws is so good that it is not to miss? I remember it being part of the tram tour in USH and I wasn't impressed then... With regard to coasters: which is more scary - Hulk or Dragons? Jurassic Park is a water ride if I understand it correctly? But all the other water rides are missing? Aren't they any good? And finally food: I am not sure that we will want to take out a lot of time for a table service restaurant during the day, but we had planned to eat there before returning to Disney in the evening. Any recommendations?
Originally Posted By HokieSkipper <<How long does it take to get from one park to the other?>> From gate to gate it's about a 5 minute walk, if that. <<What is T2?>> Terminator 2 3-D. Amazing 3-D show that seamlessly blends live action with the action on the screen. <<And Jaws is so good that it is not to miss? I remember it being part of the tram tour in USH and I wasn't impressed then...>> The Tram Tour portion is Jaws light. This ride is Jungle Cruise-esque, in that you are on a similar boat with a skipper, but the Jaws AAs are very cool and scary, and the effects are very awesome. <<With regard to coasters: which is more scary - Hulk or Dragons?>> Neither is what I would consider "scary", but the Hulk is more intense and is a rougher experience, IMO. <<Jurassic Park is a water ride if I understand it correctly? But all the other water rides are missing? Aren't they any good?>> Yes, JP is a flume attaction. I don't know if you want to get wet, and if you only wanted to refrain from getting soaked, JP is the answer(just don't sit in the front). If you don't mind getting SOAKED (and I mean soaked), Pop-eye and Bluto's Bilgerat Barges is the best rapids ride I've ever been on, IMO. But you'll need a change of clothes for afterwards. <<And finally food: I am not sure that we will want to take out a lot of time for a table service restaurant during the day, but we had planned to eat there before returning to Disney in the evening. Any recommendations?>> If you're going to eat on Universal property, I'd go to Tchoup Chop at the Royal Pacific resort.
Originally Posted By Bolna <<Terminator 2 3-D. Amazing 3-D show that seamlessly blends live action with the action on the screen.>> Thanks, I think if I have to chose between this and ET, I will go with ET just for the factor that it would be cuter. <<The Tram Tour portion is Jaws light. This ride is Jungle Cruise-esque, in that you are on a similar boat with a skipper, but the Jaws AAs are very cool and scary, and the effects are very awesome.>> Thanks! I would have certainly missed this if I hadn't asked because of the previous experience. <<Yes, JP is a flume attaction. I don't know if you want to get wet, and if you only wanted to refrain from getting soaked, JP is the answer(just don't sit in the front). If you don't mind getting SOAKED (and I mean soaked), Pop-eye and Bluto's Bilgerat Barges is the best rapids ride I've ever been on, IMO. But you'll need a change of clothes for afterwards.>> I don't mind getting soaked, will have to think about the logistics of bringing a change of clothes along for the day though... Thanks for the info! <<If you're going to eat on Universal property, I'd go to Tchoup Chop at the Royal Pacific resort.>> Thought about that - not so sure about going there after a full day in the parks since it has a dress code.
Originally Posted By HokieSkipper <<Thought about that - not so sure about going there after a full day in the parks since it has a dress code. >> It's casual dress, so unless you're looking like a slob I think you'll be fine.
Originally Posted By ChiMike My $0.02 >>How long does it take to get from one park to the other?<< Plan on 10-15 minutes to go from the entry land of IOA to the entry land of Universal. So, inside each of the parks. I tend to do it in less than 10 minutes, but I am use to walking in a city everyday. Very easy walk regardless. >> What is T2?<< Terminator 2 - 3D. A very good 3D show, if you like 3D shows and like the Terminator movies. Although liking the Terminator movies would not be a prerequisite. If you are pressed for time, this would be a pass in my book. It takes 40 minutes to get through on a typical visit. Better to stick with the other Universal Studios rides mentioned. >> I think I want to make sure to see ET, so it might not matter anyway. I was at Universal Hollywood in 92 for one day and missed out on ET due to bad scheduling (I wasn't responsible for that) and constant two-hour waits. So I am glad that I get the chance now. << I would highly recommend it. Typically no wait on weekdays in the offseason. >>And Jaws is so good that it is not to miss? I remember it being part of the tram tour in USH and I wasn't impressed then...<< Jaws is a completely different experience then Hollywood. Think Jungle Cruise but with a shark in the Amity rather than a Jungle. >>With regard to coasters: which is more scary - Hulk or Dragons? << Depends. Most think Hulk is more intense with the launch and large inversions. Visually Hulk is setup to look scary. I think Dragons offers a slightly more intense ride. >>Jurassic Park is a water ride if I understand it correctly? But all the other water rides are missing? Aren't they any good?<< All the water rides are VERY good. Jurassic's purpose is not to get you wet, but thrill you with a drop. Good show scenes if they are working, and then of course the theme itself. Feel free to visit all three water rides, but don't miss Jurassic. You can very well avoid getting wet on it too. >>And finally food: I am not sure that we will want to take out a lot of time for a table service restaurant during the day, but we had planned to eat there before returning to Disney in the evening. Any recommendations? << Depends on mood. All Citywalk restaurants for dinner are passable. I would wait until park close and head to Citywalk or one of the hotels. Stay away from NBA, Hard Rock, Bubba Gump, Nascar. Not spectacular. A lot of people like the vibe of Pat O Briens after park close, same with Jimmy Buffetts.
Originally Posted By ChiMike I would agree with Hokie too! Just read his. Also nice to see someone else appreciates a brisk 5 minute park hop! Normally I am obnoxiously ahead of any group I am with. Don't miss JAWS or ET. No need to change clothes for Jurassic, if you are up for Popeye/Dudley, and willing to change clothes, then go for it!
