[PrincessSharon]

Once that was over, I was thirsty, so I thought it only fitting that I get a “Squishee.” That’s a Simpsonized FB.


My favorite flavor. Blue!

I found a bench near the Men In Black ride (in the shade, cuz it was stinkin’ HOT ). I had a nice chat with a couple of ladies who sat down on the bench next to me. They wanted to know what kind of ride the MIB ride was, and I told them about it. They decided they’d ride whenever they found the rest of their group. The funny thing was the other lady was by herself and she had a cell phone, but the two ladies with me didn’t have her number. They didn’t seem too concerned, so maybe she was annoying or something.

When I was done with my Squishee, I headed for MIB. I asked the CM (or whatever they’re called at Universal) which would be better – the single rider entrance or the express line. In fact, I did this at every attraction with a single riders line, and in every case but one, the UCM (Universal CM) was right.

The posted wait was 10 minutes, but in the single rider line, I walked right on. The MIB ride is sort of like Buzz Lightyear, but with actual audio animatronic targets. And you can pick up the gun and shoot. Also, it’s easier to “spot your dot” so to speak, so I usually end up with a pretty good score. This time I got the highest in the car, but I don’t remember what it was. Somewhere in the neighborhood of 180,000, I think.

I actually was wanting to ride the Simpsons Ride again, so I went back for another ride, getting a few more photos in the process. The standby had increased to 30, but it was still the same wait as before in the Express line.







Once I survived my second time on the Simpsons ride, I was ready for something a little more peaceful, so I hit the E.T. ride. I had no wait in the Express line. It’s a cute ride, but as I was on it, I thought that so many of the little kids would ride it and enjoy it while not knowing who E.T. was.

Next on the agenda was Disaster. It used to be called Earthquake, but it’s been updated a bit. There’s a really cool video effect in the theater part of the attraction where it looks like Christopher Walken is actually on stage and interacting with the UCM. It’s really The story now is that you’re recruited to be an extra in a disaster movie. Consequently, the whole earthquake part of the ride you spend staring at the camera and “acting” instead of you know, feeling the earthquake. But it was OK. I’m sure I would’ve liked it better if I hadn’t ended up on the cutting room floor. I wasn’t in the little movie they show at the end.

I strolled over to Amity next. I love the big shark on display there.



The line for Jaws was pretty long (30 minutes), but in the Express line, I walked right on. I’m not sure how the Express pass works, but I think you get one pass for each attraction. Or maybe you can get a cheaper one with only the “bigger” attractions, because there weren’t many people using Express pass for this.

After Jaws, there was only one more thing I wanted to do at Universal. The Mummy! I walked over and saw that the Egyptian guys on stilts were posing for photos. I decided to get a photo of them with some anonymous people I didn’t know. It was only when I got home and looked at the picture I got that I realized that the people in the shot were looking right at me. The person they were posing for must have been standing right next to me!


I just love the girl on the left’s expression

That’s actually one of my favorite photos from the trip, and I don’t even know those people!

I strolled over to Islands of Adventure, and then I made my way to Seuss Landing.



I wanted to try out the new ride there.



High In The Sky Seuss Train Trolley Ride (which was obviously named by someone with no imagination – but at least it rhymes, right? Sort of. ) OK, maybe it’s me, but I happen to think that’s the Worst. Name. Ever. Train Trolley Ride? Seriously! Who throws a shoe! I think I’m more offended because it’s in Seuss Landing, where everything should be clever and nonsensical and fun. I keep thinking about the guy who thought up that name. He probably thinks it’s clever. He’s probably like “High in the sky! Isn’t that awesome! It’s a play on pie in the sky! Except you’re up high! See how clever!!!” Well perhaps it’s from one of the books that I haven’t read. I hope so. Because if not…

Aaaaanyway see what happens when I don’t write for a while? I get sidetracked and rant-y. Sorry. The ride itself was OK. There’s not too much to see. They just kinda threw a train ride into the middle of the existing park.







My advice is don’t wait long for this. I used the Express entrance and still waited almost 10 minutes. If you have to wait much longer than that, it’s not worth it.

It was almost time for my lunch, so I headed into the Lost Continent, which just might be my favorite area at Universal. I think the themeing is well done.





I’ve heard many good things about Mythos (they’ve been voted “Best Theme Park Restaurant” quite a few times) so I was looking forward to this meal.



I checked in and had a seat until my name was called. Inside it’s lovely, with a view of the park.





I ordered a banana shake (in case you haven’t noticed before, I bananas and I tend to always order banana-whatever if it’s on the menu. Bananas and chocolate? Ambrosia! )



The shake was just as yummy as it looks. I wanted dessert (I’d heard about something that I thought sounded fabulous) so I skipped an appetizer. My entrée was quite different, but very tasty!


Buffalo BBQ Fried Chicken Wrap – spicy, sweet fried chicken with cheddar mashed potatoes and fresh greens wrapped in a grilled tortilla

The mashed potatoes were inside the wrap, which I’d never seen done before, but it helped to keep the wrap together and it was much neater than eating your typical wrap.

The restaurant was closing for some reason, so I had the latest reservation for the day. As I ate, the restaurant emptied out. People in a booth on the next level down attracted my attention. How, you ask? Well, the kids were climbing over the booth. You know me. I took a picture!



I certainly don’t think it’s appropriate behavior in one of the “fancier” restaurants. I wasn’t quite appalled. Until I saw this:



No, that’s not the woman’s husband. It’s a kid who looked to be about 10 years old. I was a little less subtle about the picture taking that time. And I gave the mom such an incredulous look that she told them to stop. Of course, they just started climbing over another booth

My disapproving looks were interrupted by the arrival of dessert!


Chocolate Banana Gooey Cake – Warm flourless chocolate cake drizzled with caramel sauce, topped with peanut butter ice cream and candied bananas

Man, was that good! Now I’m depressed about my stupid Subway sandwich and Sun Chips.

Best theme park restaurant? I don’t think so. But it was very, very good. After my meal, I headed out to hit some rides. I wanted to ride Dueling Dragons since that was close. Unfortunately, on the way there, I was accosted by a timeshare salesman.

Obnoxious Timeshare Dude: Hi!
FastPassy Galore (Me): Err, hi.
OTD: Where are you staying?
Me: {catches on right away, knows this is a time share pitch} Mystic Dunes! {a timeshare place! }
OTD: Oh, I’m from Westgate, we’re right next door to you! How’d you like to come in for a presentation? You get $100!!!!!!!!
Me: I’m already staying at a timeshare place. I don’t need another one.
OTD: Who cares! You get $100!!!!!!!!
Me: No thanks.
OTD: All you have to do is come in for a four hour presentation, and you get $100!!!!!!!!
Me: {Four hours? Is he crazy? } No thanks.
OTD: You don’t want $100!!!!!!!!? {It’s $100!!!!!!!! She must be crazy!}
Me: No thanks.
OTD: OK. {Rolling eyes to make it clear he thinks I’m crazy.}

I think I need to reiterate that this was INSIDE THE FREAKING PARK!!! I think this was what started me on my downward spiral.

I used the Express line for Dueling Dragons, which took about 5 minutes (four of which were spent walking the queue – it’s huge!). I decided to ride the Ice side first, and it was really fun. I couldn’t find the place where you just cross over and ride the other side (I’ve only ever found it once – maybe it’s only open seasonally?). I had to walk almost the entire queue again to get back in line to ride the Fire side. That was fun too!

Then I headed to Jurassic Park. I heart Jurassic Park. It’s one of my favorite movies, and I’ve read the book like six times. The area is also well themed, and I get a little thrill every time I cross through those giant gates.







The Jurassic Park River Adventure ride had a 45 minute wait posted, but that was a big fat lie! The standby wait was no more than 10 minutes. But I walked right on using my room key. The ride is really fun and I didn’t get too wet (although, really, I wouldn’t mind getting wet, because it was hot! ).

Continued…