Crazy Lady Trio 3: Tales From the Dark Side **Updated 9/23** COMPLETE About This Page:

[PrincessSharon]

This is Thread 2. If you need to catch up, check out the Pre-Trip Report here.

Day One – Friday, May 30
Not Much Happened

My DF drove me to the airport as usual. When I got out of the car, I realized I hadn’t taken the stuff out of my purse and put it into my carry on bag like I usually do. So I just figured I’d keep my purse with me as my second carry-on item. BUT, I threw it in my suitcase temporarily until I could get to the check-in kiosk. I’m sure you all know what happens when you do things like that.

There wasn’t even a big line of people to wait behind, so like 30 seconds later, I was standing at the kiosk, checking my bags. I don’t even have the excuse of a long delay. I just completely forgot about my purse. Until right after I dropped off my suitcases to be loaded. I thought about the contents and figured there wasn’t anything in there I’d need on the flight, so I decided against disrupting everything and going back for it. Then I realized that my cellphone was in there, and it was on. Dun dun dunnnn!!!!

So what did I do? Nothing. I hoped it wouldn’t screw up anything (I was sure it wouldn’t, because I’ve seen people using their cellphones next to me on planes mid-flight ). I was actually just hoping there wasn’t some kind of sensor or anything, because then I’d have to fess up!

The line at security was quite long (relatively speaking). There were about 15 people ahead of me, but it moved quickly. Once through, I stopped at the pizza place to grab some dinner and watched and wondered about the construction going on there. (Turns out Spirit Air is moving in to our airport. Well, by now, I guess they’re moved in.)

After my meal, I went to my gate and found one of the nice, comfortable chairs with electrical and USB outlets right next to them. I checked in on the boards a bit. I noticed I had an admirer, who started singing loudly and looking at me to see if I was impressed. I was not! Luckily, we started boarding. I’ve forgotten what my number was. I seem to recall being first in my line, so I guess I had A31.

The flight was uneventful and we took off and landed on time. I collected my luggage and then went to get my rental car. I used Alamo, so you just pick one from what’s available. I’d rented a midsize SUV, and there was a nice RAV4, but it was white and I figured white would just blend in with the sea of other white rental cars in the parking lots, so I tried for first a Jeep Liberty (black) and then another one that I can’t remember the make of. They both, unfortunately, reeked of cigarette smoke. I didn’t feel like living with it (I’ve made that choice in the past and regretted it). And one of them was also pretty dirty (badly stained seats). I decided that the RAV4 was the cleanest, so I took it!

I had my suitcases ready to load, but unfortunately I couldn’t get the trunk to open. I kept hitting the unlock button, but it wouldn’t work. While I was standing there (directly in front of the trunk with my suitcase sitting on the ground, with the key in my hand) a woman comes along and asks me if I’m taking this car. Duh! Of course I am, you ninny (seriously, she hadn’t witnessed my inspection of the other cars or I would’ve been OK with her question. And I’d been standing at the RAV4 for a couple of minutes by then) She kind of had an attitude about it. I guess she didn’t like the other choices, but I got here first, lady! I finally figured out you have to hit the unlock button twice in a row (quickly!!!) to get it to open the trunk.

I finally got the stuff loaded in and I headed out. I made it to Mystic Dunes with no problem and check-in was painless. Also, I didn’t have to leave a credit card deposit the way I had to the last time I stayed. I found my room and hit the sack!

[Hugmonster]

YEAH!!! You started... We are so ready for more. And Maybe Ellen will write more soon too!

[PrincessSharon]

Day Two – Saturday, May 31
“Dark Side” Is Right!!

I was up bright and early, so I got ready for the day. I grabbed a few photos of my villa. I had a view of the golf course. You can see it out the door.



The one bedroom villa has a full kitchen (like I needed that. Though I did enjoy having the refrigerator).



The bedroom has a queen size bed and a Jacuzzi tub.





The villa was quite nice, for the time I spent there. I needed to make a run to Publix to pick up some breakfast items for myself, and some water for everyone (Eileen also made a request for Mike’s Hard Lime).

I drove to Publix and got some cereal, milk, juice, some fruit, two cases of water and Mike’s Hard Lemonade (they were out of the Lime). So it was only 7:30 a.m., it’s not like I was drinking it right then! Anyway, when I got to the register, the cashier scanned the Mike’s, looked at me and asked for ID. I was prepared (even though I’m old enough – some people think I look young) so I handed her my ID. She looked at it and said “You gotta be kidding me!!” It made my day! (Although, now that I think about it, maybe I should be insulted. Nah, I’ll take it as a compliment )

I quickly returned to Mystic Dunes and put my stuff in the fridge. I left one case of water in the car for the CLT-1+2 and the Mike’s stayed in the trunk (where it slid around for like three days until we finally drank them). Incidentally, 2 cases of water (48 bottles) cost $7. In the parks, one bottle of water costs $2. This makes me wish I could make a Publix run on every trip!

I grabbed one bottle of water and hit the road to Universal. I arrived at the Portofino and instantly felt nostalgic. I used to work for Loews Hotels in Hotel Training, and I was on the opening team for the Portofino Bay Hotel. In fact, I’m probably one of the first “official” registered guests. It was like seeing my baby all grown up. I’d walk around and think “I remember when they were painting these walls.”

Aaanyway I checked in and was happy to hear my room was ready. I found it with no problem. It was in a great location, but my view was of a garden. Well, more like woods, but it was OK. I took a few photos.




“I remember when they first put these beds in. They assembled them incorrectly and a few people had them break down while they were in them. Luckily, that didn’t happen to me!”



The Portofino has nice, big bathrooms, which I love!





I was ready to hit the parks, so I headed out to the boat dock. I’ve never been to Italy, but from pictures I’ve seen, this is how it looks. So beautiful!












There are rickshaws you can take to other places in the resort

There’s Italian music playing, and live entertainment at different times throughout the day. It’s very atmospheric. The rickshaws are new since my last visit (which was, I think, October 2005). I made a note to get a ride later, but unfortunately, I never found time for it.

Here’s something funny that happened several times during the day. I had on a t-shirt with a picture of Homer Simpson on it and “WOO HOO” in big red letters. About eight or nine times during the day, people would randomly just say “woo hoo” to me. The funny thing is, it took like two or three people doing it before I finally caught on!

A boat arrived just as I reached the dock. The ride over was pleasant and took about 5 minutes. I really had one reason for being on the “dark side,” so I started with Universal Studios.



I could see Homer and Marge Simpson posing for autographs right outside the entrance, but the line was longer than I felt like waiting, so I got a photo of them with some anonymous kid.



Once I entered the park, I headed right for the Simpsons Ride. Universal has done away with their Express Pass system (their version of FastPass). Well, not done away with, but it’s not free. UNLESS, you are a guest of one of the three Universal Resort Hotels, which I was. So I was able to show my room key and use the express entrance at every attraction, and as many times as I wanted to. The park was fairly empty, but I figured every little bit would help.

I saw that the Simpsons gift shop had been themed to be like the Kwik-E-Mart, which I thought was fairly clever.



The ride itself was quite well themed, too.



I loved how, like Shrek 3-D, they make fun of theme parks. The story is the whole place is the Krustyland Theme Park. Of course, since it’s run by Krusty the Clown, it’s a huge ripoff, and probably not the safest place either. There were posters and stuff for rides, a few of which were spoofs of Disney attractions.















There’s a hilarious preshow where Krusty comes on and talks about the opening of a brand new ride. Then he picks a family to be the first to ride it. Naturally, it’s the Simpsons. The Simpsons are then asked to pick another “group” to join them and they choose us. Woohoo! Unfortunately, Sideshow Bob is around and trying to sabotage the ride and KILL the Simpsons! Maybe it’s not so great that we get to go with them.

The posted wait time was 25 minutes, but on the Express line it took about 10. There’s a long preshow, though, so it was almost 20 minutes before I was actually in the ride vehicle.

The ride itself is very similar to the old Back to the Future ride, which it replaced. But because of the theme, it works. You ride through a bunch of different attractions around the park with Sideshow Bob hot on your tail trying to kill everyone. It’s a bit frantic, but loads of fun. While I was riding, I thought about how much my DF would love it, so I decided we needed to come back to Universal on our family trip in December.

Continued…

[Luvsun]

Yay! You made it! You are finally there - you lucky duck!
Gosh, the lady at the car rental place sounded like a bit of a snob!
Glad the trip was fairly uneventful - with the exceptions of the strange singing admirer!
Love all the great pictures! Your villa looks very nice. But then, so does your resort room!
Ummmmm refresh my memory why you have two places to stay??????

[janicelovesmickey]

yay your back! great so far, I love US!!

[belleandmaddysmom]

Great TR so far!!
Can't wait to hear more!

[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…

[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!

[jpod523]

Soooo thrilled that your TR has begun!!! Universal Studios seems like a once is enough park. I'll have to check it out in the fall.

[Lemap760]

Awesome start to your report. Woo Hoo
The Simpsons area of Universal sounds like a lot of fun.
Now that you've started your trip report, maybe certain other people will update theirs - hint hint.

[disneydani]

ALright....that marathon update was ~almost~ worth the wait! I am hoping life is settleing down abit for you and we 'see' you around here a bit more. Glad you enjoyed your time at Universal...your sandwich looked quite yummy. I think you were start with Uiversal and then graduate up to WDW! Glad you met up withyour old buddies and made some new ones, too.

danielle