[PrincessSharon]

So I decided to really try my luck and headed for Dudley Do-Rights Ripsaw Falls. The last time I’d ridden this I got soaked (you know, jump-in-the-pool soaked) but I had clothes that would dry quickly, so I went for it. As usual, I walked right on in the Express lane. Unfortunately, the ride wasn’t cooperating. We stopped for 10 minutes. And the seats are really uncomfortable. Really uncomfortable. It’s a log flume ride, with cars sort of like Space Mountain, but it was designed without lap bars. Then they decided to put in lap bars later (in fact, last time I rode it, there weren’t lap bars). For someone like me, who isn’t petite, and has long legs, it was a struggle getting in. You sort of have to climb in under the stupid freaking lap bars. And then once you’re settled, you can’t move. Well, I could bend and un-bend my knees, but that was about it. It’s uncomfortable for a 5-minute ride, but agonizing when you’re stuck for 10 minutes.

We finally got going again Only to stop at the top of the next hill. While I was sitting there in extreme discomfort, I began to really look around. There were cobwebs. Chipped and faded paint. Dirty walls. And not much else to look at. The themeing is very light on some of the attractions at IOA. After another 15 minutes, we got started again, and as I rode, I looked at how little there was to actually see. Not animatronic figures. Painted wood cut-outs. And even then, only one character every 20 feet or so. I was happy to get off that stupid ride. The woman and little girl in front of me said they were going to ask to ride again, but I wanted off. Plus, I wasn’t sure they’d gotten the kinks worked out. No thank you! Besides, I’d achieved my goal level of wetness.

I was starting to get a bit grouchy, but I knew Spider-Man would cheer me up (I Spidey!). On the way there, I passed the Comic Strip Café. The sign looked fun, so I think I may eat there on my next visit to Universal.



Spider-Man has a single riders entrance, and I asked the UCM which one would be quicker, Single or Express. She told me Single. She lied. I was feeling grouchy, so the extra five minutes really didn’t help my mood. Ordinarily, I would’ve shrugged it off, but I had a mood going.

The ride was still lots of fun, but I must admit I didn’t enjoy it as much as I normally do because of my sour mood. I decided to ride again in a better mindset (and in the shorter Express line ). That helped, and I enjoyed the ride more the second time.

By now, it was really, really hot. I was kind of “over” Universal. Plus, and I mean no offense to anyone, the park guests there just… well, it was kind of like what I imagine a Jerry Springer audience would be like. I saw a woman over at Universal Studios earlier in the day wearing a skimpy gold lame bathing suit as her top. I tried to get a photo of her trashiness, but I couldn’t do it without attracting attention to myself. And I think she may have fit in with the crowd better than I did.

But I couldn’t leave the park without riding the Hulk! I walked right on (single rider, but the UCM was right this time). Then, I decided that maybe I should ride Cat in the Hat before I left, so I did that before finally heading out.

I waited 15 minutes for the boat back to the Portofino. But at least it was (somewhat) shaded.



Back at the Portofino, I sent a text to Eileen to find out what she was up to (since it was only about 6:00). She said she was hanging out with Jill (Jillybean) and her family at AKL and thought I should come on over!

I’m sure Eileen and Jill have already told the tale, so I’ll be brief (plus I’m tired of writing and it’s almost time for me to go home). When I arrived at AKL, the guest parade was just about to start, so I sent Eileen an “I’m here” text and then got a spot to watch the little parade.

I saw a cute little boy about 4 years old, and he was really getting into it! He was shaking his little maracas or some kind of instrument and just boogying his little heart out. So cute! I smiled at him when I caught his eye, and he suddenly got very shy, and toned down his dancing a bit for a few seconds, then started right up again. It was so cute! Unfortunately, like a dummy I left my camera in the car, so no photos from this evening.

Once the parade was over, Eileen and Mary Devall came to collect me! It was so great to finally meet Mary Devall in person! She’s the most charming kid I know. I was already sure I’d love her from the stories I’d heard, but meeting her in person was delightful.

Oh yeah, and I said hi to Eileen too! We headed up to the concierge lounge where I met Jill and Maddie. Meeting Jill was a little weird, because I knew her already, we just hadn’t met yet! She was just as I imagined her to be, and so was Maddie. That Maddie is quite the little charmer, too!

After a bit, they showed me their villa and I met Thom, who wasn’t feeling great. I’ll say it now so I don’t spend the entire TR gushing. I heart the Koenigs! It was so much fun getting to hang out with them, and I hope to have the chance to do it again (soon!! ).

We gabbed for a while in the lounge, enjoying the treats on offer. Karen was having frustrating delays on DME, which caused me great guilt. I should’ve picked them up on my way over (you actually pass the airport exit on I-4 coming from Universal to Disney). Duh! I really felt awful that I hadn’t thought about it ahead of time. I decided not to mention it to Karen. I hope she doesn’t read this part.

Karen finally did arrive with this grown-up looking guy who I realized was Zack! Then I met Michael and we talked for a bit before the boys headed down to the Mara for dinner.

Karen stayed with us and we talked and talked and talked. After a while, they were ready to turn in, so I made plans with Karen to get to AKL early the next morning for the ol’ luggage transfer and bid them goodnight.

Up Next: Back in the Disney Bubble!