So here it is. Finally. Last summer's trip to Orlando. Part I.
My six hour flight was finally over and I arrived just in time to surprise Parker, who was expecting someone much more exciting.
I couldn't hold off Disney any longer so we drove over to Downtown Disney for some late lunch.
Okay, I've seen a Mickey within the first two hours. I feel much better.
Later, we went to play minigolf at one of the WDW minigolf places.
Dan was there and he totally kicked our asses.
It was actually pretty fun. I'm not a hug fan of mini-golf, but I'd definitely do it again.
The best part, though, was being able to see this beauty from the course.
Soon, my pet, soon.
Parker and I then headed back to the timeshare and just relaxed before our big day tomorrow.
This was the view from our window. Freakin' awesome.
The next day was an early start, as would be every day until the trip ended.
And we arrived at our first park.
Oh, I didn't know we could take a train in. Man, shoulda done that.
Good old Hoggy-Warty.
The park had just opened, so naturally the wait was already 2 hours.
Worth it. Honestly, the ride was really awesome. I preferred the dark ride portions over the blurry simulator portions, but it was a really cool ride. Intense. Can't wait til California gets one of these.
After Forbidden Journey, we strolled around Hogsmede and enjoyed the sights, the sounds, the...
...tastes.
This is the actual moment my tongue touched its first Butterbeer.
"My god. It tastes like dreams."
Seriously, this is my new favorite drink. Pepsi used to reign supreme. No longer. A lot of people can't seem to take how sweet it is, but my motto has always been the sweeter the better.
Whoa, talk about "pugly".
This was quite clever, the ATM is themed to Gringotts. Bring us your muggle money!
"Give me your magic!"
Parker was starting to get antsy, so we headed toward the rest of the park.
We rode a couple rides and got some lunch at the Hard Rock.
They ran out of water, so they just gave us some of the blue stuff they us in their toilet bowls.
"I claim this burger in the name of Hardrochia!"
Full of meat and moxy, the coasters were calling our names!
I wasn't too impressed with this one. It's pretty ordinary for being so weird looking.
They use this net to catch any muggle money flying from the trains.
Seriously, though, give me a real coaster.
That's what I'm talking about!
Rode Mummy like eight times in a row. Love Single Rider. Seriously a great ride and WAY more amazing than USH's Mummy. It's a crime they even share the same name.
This park is so much better themed than USH, too.
We met up with these two yokels. One of whom was wearing a shirt of an aaaaawwwwwsome ride.
I'm so glad this is still here! It's so cheese!
This was an awesome bit of nostalgia, it really was. As a kid I used to pretend my bike was the E.T. ride.
Good god in heaven!!
Well I know what my nightmares will be like tonight.
The other three decided to take a break, so they all went away. I stayed at the park and enjoyed some alone time.
Great Scott!
Twister is really cool. Not much else to say.
This is now a relic of an ancient time. I climbed aboard onto, what I now know as, my last ride on Jaws.
"This is my BOOM stick!"
No sharks here.
Good gravy! That's the biggest one I ever...
"Crap, the boss is gonna kill me."
That was fun. Goodbye, old friend.
I know it's lame, but I went to ride the kiddie coaster for the credit. I'm shameless.
Looking back on these pictures, I think being alone was starting to get to me. There's definitely a point in which I chase around a pigeon.
"C'mere, you!"
"I'm gonna getcha!"
"Heeya! Aww..."
I'll chalk it up to blood sugar being low or something, 'cause I was then on my way back to try another Butterbeer.
Yes, yes. I know. You think it's too sweet. I think you're insane.
Here's a tip, go get your butterbeer inside the Hog's Head as opposed to the huge line outdoors. It's air conditioned in here and the line is probably shorter.
You sign your receipts with a "quill".
This time I tried the frozen kind which, honestly, wasn't as good as the regular one. Still damn good, though. And the Three Broomsticks was nice, too.
Butterbeer POV
Another spin on Forbidden Journey was well worth it.
A really impressive ride.
"I directed Thor!"
I just love the small touches they've included here.
"Show me on the Tiny Dark Lord where he touched you."
The sun was setting here at IOA and it was about time to head back.
It was my last chance to do so, so I got butterbeer number three and left.
So long Universal!
Disney, you're next.
"This is gonna be a long week."
Part II coming soon.
