US/WDW Sep/Oct 2016...All Finished

[Malia78]

Tuesday Sep 28
Heading to Universal Studios...

Little bit of anxiety in the morning as I tried to light a fire under my fellow travelers—would hate to miss our ride. I hurried ahead of the other two and got outside just after 0800—our driver was there sending me a text. Whew---safe. He was very friendly and would also be our return driver for when we went back to the airport.

Arrived at Portofino Bay Hotel at 9—I’ve been to US before, the last time being before Diagon Alley opened. Getting all the paper room cards and express pass and additional tickets at the ticket desk was certainly a different process but I let the other two crash in the lobby while I took care of business. We added one night for Halloween Horror Nights—this was an experiment in trying something new. We’ll see how well that turned out…

We left our bags at bell services and went to find some food. We only found the Starbucks and adjoining counter service at that point so went with that. There was some really nasty duck poop that you had to watch out for. We were joined by an inquisitive little thing that had been through some trauma and she was missing part of her bill-her little tongue just hung out there. Felt bad for her but I guess she was coping—sweet little duck.

Couple prop shots on way to taxi dock

Time to hit the park—today we were focusing on Universal Studios. Really like the security setup here with the TSA-like bag scanners and walk through metal detectors—we were through security before we got on the water taxi. This transportation worked out for us really well except for the last night when the deluge and lightning shut down the water transportation.

R wanted to ride everything as she saw it so we hit the first two attractions inside the gate, Minions and Shrek. First up was Minion Mayhem—this would be the first of several attractions that I just can’t tolerate well. I spend my time blurring my vision or focusing my gaze on the ride vehicle itself. The simulation attractions that US is full of just don’t work for my head. So I saw bits of pieces of the show—the points where the movement was too crazy I had to avert my gaze. Passing through the exit, we saw a minion—now characters I can do, especially since I was dressed as a minion today.

S and I had one goal so we convinced R that we needed to go directly to Diagon Alley—that was the jewel of this park that I had been dying to see. I cannot say enough about how fantastic the theming and detailing is here. I can spend the whole day just here and be perfectly content—it is amazing.

We wandered the shops and the streets, taking photos and just thoroughly enjoying the atmosphere.

Weasley’s joke shop...

Fireworks in the ceiling...

Quiddith supplies...

Magical Menagerie...

 

[Malia78]

Knockturn Alley/Borgin & Burkes...

Lunch time rolled around so of course we had to pop into the Leaky Cauldron for some grub.

Best News Ever!

Fish n’ Chips and Butter Beer pot de Crème (Sticky Toffee Pudding in the background)

Little Witches and Wizards Rooms

Leaving Diagon Alley for a mid-afternoon break.

to be continued...

 

[Paula Sedley-Burke]

Great update thank you! I can imagine pacing up and down eager to get out to US abd start your day whilst others seem to take their sweet time.. I am always the one ready and waiting also.

The water taxi option looks great.

I am sorry about your head on the first ride. Minions so cute! That poor duck with a chunk out of its bill.

The detail of diagon alley is amazing. Great photos.

Lunch looks good in the Leaky Cauldron. Mmmm butterbeer!

I will be interested to hear about your horror night. That is suppose to be scary mary quite contrary.

Sounds great so far. Look forward to more.

 

[Steppesister]

S and I had one goal so we convinced R that we needed to go directly to Diagon Alley—that was the jewel of this park that I had been dying to see. I cannot say enough about how fantastic the theming and detailing is here. I can spend the whole day just here and be perfectly content—it is amazing.

I really need to take a day or two out of the Disney Bubble and just do this. I think on my next trip, that's what Imma do. It's just looks to fantabulously fun! Especially since I'm halfway through the books as of now.

Thanks for all the fun pix of it!

 

[franandaj]

OK, I've finally found time to sit down and read a few TRs!

I had no idea that you were a transplant recipient. Congratulations on eight years of a healthy kidney. I can understand why you would not be as interested in the Wine part of F&W. I don't know how you can hit the ground running after a sleepless flight! On our last trip, we took that same day flight you were talking about only from LAX to MCO. We got in at 6PM and we were lucky to get to dinner before passing out. You went a whole day, ate several meals and did quite a bit!

Your second day looked like fun as well. I really need to get back to the Springs in the daylight. The sausage that you ordered looked very good, I'm going to have to try that place. Nice pictures from from the room at Jambo. I'm glad you enjoyed the DVC event at AK.

I've never been to Portofino Bay hotel, is the only access to the theme parks via boat? I would have loved to have eaten at the Leaky Cauldron but we weren't hungry when we were there. I totally know what you mean about the the projection rides throwing you for a loop. They definitely get to me as well.

Yay! All caught up here! Only about three more to go!

 

[Malia78]

It's just looks to fantabulously fun!

The Harry Potter experience absolutely makes a visit worth it.

Congratulations on eight years of a healthy kidney. I can understand why you would not be as interested in the Wine part of F&W. I don't know how you can hit the ground running after a sleepless flight!

Thank you!
My mind has always pushed for more than my body could actually do--this has had serious consequences in the past. Now that I'm in a healthier state, this "mental" energy just keeps me going when I'm on vacation. My friend, S, joked that I needed to switch travel companions because I wear them out!

I've never been to Portofino Bay hotel, is the only access to the theme parks via boat?

There is a walking trail (I think I heard about a 10 minute walk) and apparently buses (though less frequent) . I didn't need the extra walking and the boats come every 20 minutes, so the boats were the best fit for us and unlike AKL buses, we had good boat karma.

 

[Malia78]

US Day 1 continued...
Back at the resort for a rest. We entered our room for the first time. It was bright and roomy with a huge bathroom. Unlike my fellow travelers, I'm very tidy so I had to claim my space early and turn a blind eye to the clutter of my roommates.

Heading back out to park...

Back on the water taxi for an evening in Diagon Alley. Entered the park just in time for excellent curbside viewing of the parade. I don’t really know much of the characters beyond being able to name them but I have to give props to the cast because they were very interactive and playful. And since the parade was so short it was more like an extended dance party with each stop—a lot of fun with the characters.

Walked through Springfield en route to Harry Potter. Couple photos with lard lad. Stopped by the Knight Bus and chatted with Stan and his shrunken head. The shrunken head was spot on—he had us cracking up. Complement him on his eyes...

Only a 10 minute wait for Gringotts so we got to try this for the very first time—this ride I could handle and definitely rode multiple times. The locker process for storing our stuff was really easy too Much better than Forbidden Journey in Hogsmeade—that was another one and done for me.
Did a little more shopping—the talking mirror in Madam Malkin’s was giving out plenty of compliments; however she does have a few zingers too. She told S she was looking “scruffy’.

From the candy shop, we made sure to pick up our favorite wizarding treat, Fizzing Whizzbees (chocolate pop rock goodness).
But avoid the Puking Pastilles…

The Owl Post…

Amazing details on every surface…

As you can see, it is still light out--due to the HHN parties, Universal Studios closes at 5:00 pm. To chance to see Diagon Alley in the dark was another factor in attending Halloween Horror Nights on Friday.
For today, we decided to eat dinner at Cowfish in Citywalk. I knew I should have stuck to a burger but I decided to give cooked sushi a second chance. Nope—not happening. I just can’t get the seaweed down. I ended up just eating the middle out of my sushi pieces. Dessert was a score though—Marshmallow Crisp Milkshake.

R was falling asleep at the table so we got our desserts to go and I enjoyed my milkshake on our water taxi ride back to the hotel.

Tomorrow would be a new day with a “horroriffic” ending...

 

[Paula Sedley-Burke]

Your room looks really nice. Do cool to be able to use that water taxi.

Great parade and Harry Potter photos. I spy the knight bus! Plus I loved the House elf agency sign.

Dinner didn't sound so good apart from dessert. I agree sushi no thanks. Where is my burger.

Excited to read about things that go bump at US,

 

[franandaj]

You saw a lot of things that I never even saw. Someday I will have to go back again, maybe a solo trip to the park.

Sorry you don't like the seaweed part of sushi. I'm not a huge fan, but it doesn't bother me. I like sushi enough to put up with it.

 

[Malia78]

Excited to read about things that go bump at US,

Coming up next...you will see what kind of wimp I am.

You saw a lot of things that I never even saw.

I still have photos from two more days at US--will try not to post repeats. Everywhere you look, there is something else to see.

I like sushi enough to put up with it.

I should have known better--I'll be okay at a sushi place as long as they have tempura. Fried is good.

 

[Flossbolna]

Just wanted to say hi! I love all the Universal pictures. The Harry Potter area is so amazing! Unfortunately I am horribly busy at the moment and my DIStime has been reduced by a lot, but I am reading and really enjoying your report!

 

[Malia78]

Just wanted to say hi!

Hi

Thursday, 29 September
Rise and shine my fellow muggles…time to take advantage of our early morning entry in Diagon Alley. Score for good boat karma this morning.

Our first stop was Olivander’s Wand Shop. R wanted to get an interactive wand—originally I was going to get one too but realized I could watch the spells as R cast them without spending the $60+ on another wand. We did go through the wand ceremony twice so that Rhiannon could be chosen--she looks a lot older than her 13 years so the first time through, the 7-8 yr olds won out. The wizard conducting the ceremony was very in character.

It’s dark but I love the broom sweeping the ceiling…

Next we visited Gringott’s again and narrowly escaped the clutches of Voldemort and Bellatrix. The dragon is one of those things that you can’t get enough pictures of.

I wandered the streets while R was practicing her spell casting…

So tickled by this…thank you to the wizard who helped me capture this moment. I love the movie Jaws—one of those that I can watch over and over again. The Jaws area had to be removed for the construction of Diagon Alley. As a homage to the attraction, the shrunken heads sing the classic “Show Me The Way To Go Home” tune from when Sherriff Brody, Quint and Hooper are out hunting the shark. I knew they did this and I really wanted to hear that snippet.

Here the magic happened….sorry no audio.

Fire breathing dragon…

Every morning should start with butter beer

On way out to catch the morning Hogwart’s Express to Hogsmeade

12 Grimmauld Place and a peeping Kreacher…

All aboard the Hogwarts Express

 

[Malia78]

Day 2 continued...

Arriving in Hogsmeade…

S/R went to ride Forbidden Journey inside striking Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. I waited outside and watched a poor group of muggles get stranded on a flying hippogriff.

We hadn’t had breakfast yet so time to visit the Three Broomsticks—with this meal I accomplished my mission of eating at both primary HP food establishments. Yum...pancake breakfast and pumpkin juice (though I can’t figure out why the side was more bread—croissant; some fruit would have been nice).

I think Gaston must have been consulted for decorating…

On my way to watch the Frog Choir, I stopped in the Hogsmeade Public Conveniences to see if I could hear Moaning Myrtle—well she is hard to miss as she is quite the chatterbox.

Big fan of the Frog Choir…

A frozen butter beer for the road and then off to the Jurassic Park Discovery Center.

For some reason, I don’t have any more pictures—probably because we did two more rides and had to stow our stuff. Watched a baby tric demo while I finished my butter beer. Then went to ride the Jurassic Park River Adventure—minor scare with that one. S left her new hat in the boat so we camped out at the exit to see if it would show back up. After about 10 minutes, lo and behold, the hat returned in the hands of two young women, no worse for the wear.

The last ride on our agenda was the new Kong ride—again the parts where the vehicle was actually moving was fine but once we got to the screens where we were being tossed like a football between Kong and the dinosaurs, I had to check out. So I could probably do that one again and just block out the over-sensory parts.

Back to the room for some much needed rest—we were braving Halloween Horror Night tonight.

(Okay Paula --here it is)

So it all started innocent enough—we entered the parks before closing time so we could participate in the Stay and Scream—we get to stay in the park in designated spaces while the park is emptied before the official HHN start time. Our spot was in Springfield.

Here’s my pre-I HATE THIS! GET ME OUT Of HERE photo, practicing my shocked face for my reptilian friend.

Okay, so far so good right? The point of the stay is scream is that we get a 30 minute head start on the haunted houses before the rest of the crowd. I’m not into the slasher/gore stuff so we’d already agreed that no Michael Myers, no Leatherface. We figured we could do the Tomb of the Ancients—creepy Egyptian tombs. Should have seen the sign when we were turned away because the house wasn’t ready yet.

Anyway we decided we would head back to Springfield and ride the Simpsons. Okay, let me just say this was the worst ride of all for my head. Never again.

So here is where the party excitement begins and I preface now, I don’t have any pictures of the HHN stuff. I was too busy gripping S’s hand for the rest of the evening to whip out my camera.

On our walk back through Springfield to the Tomb of Ancients house, the crazied, bloody cheerleaders and flannel wearing psycho chainsaw wielding maniacs were out roaming about. Okay, I’m telling myself, I can see them coming, it’s not so bad.

Now we get to our first house—the line to get in seemed to last forever, only building the tension. R was in front holding one of her mom’s hands and I was in the rear, holding S’s other hand. The place was pitch black, there were things hanging from the ceiling hitting me in the face, and I had target written all over me. They were jumping at me everywhere—they would get so close without actually touching. Bottom line—I hated it. I have a really bad startle and obviously in these situations, the actors are going to target the wimps. I am that wimp and that would be the pattern for the rest of the night.

Back outside there was still some light out. I agreed to try out one more house, this time Krampus—it seemed like it would be somewhat calmer compared to the other options. To get there we had to pass through two scare zones—the banshees and the highschool vampire zones. These were open spaces so I could appreciate the theming more; however I still don’t like being jumped at. That said, I will take banshees over the chainsaw maniacs who harassed me all night. The vamp 55 area was dead, no pun intended. We must have walked through it before it really got going.

Krampus was better in terms of lighting and stuff, but I just couldn’t adjust to being startled all the time. I wasn’t breathing right and I simply didn't like the feeling. We thought we’d hit a couple rides on our way back to Diagon Alley. Had to get through two chainsaws (the noise was very authentic even though the actual chainsaws looked like cardboard) to reach Transformers. Of all the simulation rides, I could actual enjoy this one because the vehicle moved around. Next we navigated the Survive or Die apocalyptic zone to reach the Mummy. This zone felt very Mad Max which was cool but who keeps letting the chainsaw freaks in! I’ve ridden the Mummy in US Hollywood where I was the only person on the whole 16 person vehicle and I remember liking it. This time though, I think since my nerves were already jumpy, I just didn’t care for it. It is true indoor coaster ride. I will probably give it a second chance though in different circumstances. Our last zone before Diagon Alley was Dead Man’s Wharf which had the best theming and costuming. These guys were just tall, silent and creepy. S was fascinated inspecting their costumes which was fine because it made us boring to them and they moved on. This is one shot I got on my phone.

Finally we made it to the scare free zone—Diagon Alley.

Beautiful at night—if anything, heart attack aside, I’m glad we bought HHN tickets if just for this. Sorry I don’t have the pictures to do it justice.

The time had come to go back to the chaos—we had to walk back through all the madness to get to the exit. R and I each took of one S’s hands and moved out with purpose. It was obvious that the park had gotten busier and a liitle rowdier-- the scent of weed and evidence of alcohol contributed to the oppressive feeling of the crowds. We took a detour down one of the streets of the survive or die zone—It was mostly deserted except for one menacing dude—momma bear came out and S told him very loudly “Don’t mess with my folks”. We made it to the main drag and the exit was in sight. We passed the staff bringing out the jello shots in blood bags—yeah, time to go.

The hotel looked lovely in the dark—we grabbed some dinner at Sal’s. The food was excellent—I had some pizza and mozzarella sticks. Too traumatized for real pictures.

These are from my phone…

My final thoughts on HHN—I get it that some folks love this stuff—the scare part just isn’t for me. I do think that I would enjoy the daytime, behind the scenes tour because I can appreciate the storytelling and the detailing that goes into this. I love movies and I’m familiar enough with the concepts that I can appreciate the atmospheric elements—I just don’t need the in-your-face reality component.

Tomorrow we visit the second theme park of this stay--Seaworld. No chainsaws in sight!

 

[Steppesister]

WOW! Those were some HUGE US updates! I am so totally wanting to hit up that park next time. Never have been, but now that I've read the books I'm dying to go and see it. It really looks like they've stuck pretty closely to the books and all the details in them.

Yeah, I can see the draw to the scary stuff, but I"m with you. NO to the in-your-face stuff. Personal space, Folks.

The time had come to go back to the chaos—we had to walk back through all the madness to get to the exit. R and I each took of one S’s hands and moved out with purpose. It was obvious that the park had gotten busier and a liitle rowdier-- the scent of weed and evidence of alcohol contributed to the oppressive feeling of the crowds. We took a detour down one of the streets of the survive or die zone—It was mostly deserted except for one menacing dude—momma bear came out and S told him very loudly “Don’t mess with my folks”. We made it to the main drag and the exit was in sight. We passed the staff bringing out the jello shots in blood bags—yeah, time to go.

THat right there would have me seriously concerned for my safety. I"m surprised that a business would condone and allow this. Huh.

 

[Paula Sedley-Burke]

Loved loved loved this update! Super soaking in all the details well I love Harry Potter and the thought of the Horror nights.

The day seems great. The details of Diagon Alley. I only saw that before the extension so never saw the Hogwarts Express or Hogmead looks amazing. Love the detail of the heads sinking the Jaws song!

That butterbeer yum. Those were great photos of Olivandars wand shop. Well jealous of the interactive wand! Too cool for school.

That was good you got to see the horror houses before others. Oh my it does sound intense I would love this Jo would freak.

I loved your review thank you. A real popcorn ohh ohh ohh read for me. In fact I am going to read it once more.,

 

[Malia78]

30 September, Friday

Something new for me today…Seaworld.

The shuttle was supposed to come at 0900—the front desk had told me that the bus picks up right outside. Good thing the greeter out front asked us what we were waiting for after sitting there for 15 minutes—the bus stop was actual behind a wall at the edge of the entry space and we made it there just in time to see the bus pulling in. We were the first pick-up and while that meant good seats, it also meant that we didn’t get to the park gates until almost 11.

I love animals, I love good zoos (I have been to a couple places that made me very sad) and I could spend hours at a single exhibit watching animals do their thing. It takes patience to go to a zoo with me.

We got up close and personal with our first creature pretty quickly—upon entering we veered to the right and came upon the Dolphin Nursery. The trainers were preparing to put on a little demo—the tank contained two young’uns and their momma plus an older, experienced nanny.

Bought a strawberry-banana smoothie and we walked across the lagoon bridge to the orca stadium.

We got there in plenty of time for nice front center seats—R chose the splash zone while S and I sat in the higher section. There were four separate sequences and they were pretty incredible. The orca whales are beautiful and very graceful.

Love this tongue shot

The splash zone…

continued in next post...

 

[Malia78]

We were just traveling in a loop around the park so the next stop was the Arctic. I had heard that the simulation part of the arctic ride was very jerky so I opted out while S and R went on. Instead I went in the non-motion line which included a movie—I pulled a post-maelstrom move and walked straight through the theater to get to the good stuff—belugas, seals, walruses.

When S came out, she said the ride was terribly outdated and I really didn’t miss anything.
We kept moving on—the target I was going for was the Sea Garden. However, the park map is very misleading in terms of size. The park isn’t all that big so we completely bypassed our destination and had to back track.

The garden was nice but the big treat was the flock of gorgeously pigmented Caribbean flamingos. I witnessed some serious tussles over romaine lettuce.

And what could top these flamingos…only a huge flamingo paddle boat of course!

The heat index was over 100 today so we each grabbed a lemonade ice and continued into the Shark encounter building. The walking tunnel was cool with the sharks swimming around us—got to know one of them up close and personal as it pooped right above us.

The outside tank included the rays.

Sculpture constructed from trash materials pulled from the ocean

Getting hungry so stopped for lunch at a burger place—no food pics, conserving camera battery. About three bites into my cheeseburger I realized the guy working the burger line had forgotten the tomato and lettuce. Fail.

continued in next post

 

[Malia78]

Break was nice but time to move on to the Antarctic penguin exhibit. After a somewhat unorganized pre-exhibit herding process which included a small room that reeked of fish, we were led to the best animal habitat exhibit I have ever seen. The final result was stunning—freezing temperatures in an enclosed penguin exhibit. Smell aside, it was beautiful and the penguins were amazing—they are very regal looking when standing still and so cute when they start to waddle off. Took pictures for as long as we could handle the cold.

In the outside viewing area, we could watch the penguins swimming and diving. In one window, a very curious penguin stood right against the glass. He interacted with folks and it felt like he was really communicating.

The next sea lion show was coming up so we headed out to the Clyde & Seymour show theater. Straight up…the animals were great. The sea lions are very graceful and glide around so smoothly. The show they were put in though leaves something to be desired—it was a poor man’s high school musical (literally, Clyde and Seymour are trying to graduate Sea Lion High). About half way through, the show had to halt due to lightning. Most of the crowd left but our patience paid off after 20 minutes and we got to see our heroes graduate. There were a couple cute cameos by an otter and a walrus. It was also at this point that my camera battery signaled that it was on its last leg (that is a warning that the remaining picture count on this day is low).

The park closed in an hour and we needed to catch our shuttle back to city walk so we hustled to see the last couple areas. My camera did die so I went to my phone which also was on its last 20% of battery life.

Seaworld day concludes in last post.

 

[Malia78]

Mini aquarium display called Jems of the Sea…

American alligators, manatees and sea turtles…though only the alligators made it on film

Last quick stop in the gift shop for R and then power walk to the shuttle pickup. Perfect timing as the bus pulled up and promptly took off three minutes later.

Now I don’t have pics but we did have an interesting dinner at Antojitos in City Walk. We checked in at the desk and were seated on the upper level, outside on the balcony, at 6:30. It became apparent pretty quickly that service was off this evening. Our server must have been new—she was nice and all but really flighty and really slooooow. When we ordered our entrees, we also ordered a table side guacamole as an appetizer. 7:00 rolled around and we had yet to see any sign of guac guy. We did however witness another server come out to clean up a table, trip and spill a glass of water which splashed all over another customer seated at the next table, and not say word. Just huffed and puffed and took off (the other guest was gracious).

Meanwhile we had told our server that we were still waiting on the guacamole. She promised he was coming. We were starving and starting to feel a little like the stepchildren on the balcony. The chips and salsa weren’t doing the trick. Two more times we nudged our server about the guac and she promised he was coming. Finally an hour after ordering, guac guy appeared at the table. The guac was good and we scarfed it down. Noticing our half empty basket of chips from an hour ago, guac guy said he would bring us a fresh basket. Well, you can guess how that turned out…didn’t happen or maybe he showed back up midnight with chips. Who knows.

Our entrees arrived shortly after guac guy—at this point, were were tired and had eaten the chips so fast, that the food has lost some of its appeal. We did what we could and the food itself was good but overall, the service was absolutely lousy. The bright side is that we were comped the guac but it really wasn’t an enjoyable, relaxing meal. I would give it one more chance simply because of the food.

Tomorrow was our last day at Universal Studios and the last day for my first set of travel companions.

 

[Paula Sedley-Burke]

Glad you had a nice day at Seaworld. Lovely photos you took. Oh my your shuttle taking 2 hours! What! I bet you wished you had got a taxi.

I shsnt comment I am mentally changed by blackfish.

Have you done Discovery Cove? That is amazing.

Sorry that dinner was so awful. Sounds like two evenings we had both times at T Rex in Disney Springs. Service appalling.