The amazing (real time-ish) adventures of jarmor!

This is track...

 

I wonder how the picture is gonna turn out...

 

Almost time...

 

Some live entertainment...

 

Now the cat is out of the bag...the tallest non launched and longest steel coaster in america!

 

Ok..I'm really here for the food!

 

Feels good to catch up with old friends...

 

Especially past PR folks!

 

Nice huh...this was the dessert bar...

 

The gang is very excited for next year...

 

I tried to take the track home...I wasn't successful...

 

The park was nice enough to have intimidator open for us...

 

never seen this before...

 

What a great day we had st the park...

 

The outcome of the green screen photo...

 

The correct window display...

 

Don't forget scarowinds is coming up!

 

Farwell plantation house...I won't really miss you...or those metal detectors

 

I want to thank the park for allowing us fans a chance to participate in such a monumental announcement. It shows they care about the community.

 

Now I can't wait to "splash" into 2016!

Thanks so much for this report!!! You will have to let me know if you ever get down to the Orlando area. After talking to you on the boards for several years it would be awesome to catch some rides with you.

 

Also - you have some kick a$$ shoes!

 

D

Im always in orlando! Premiere pass holder for universal and a platinum pass holder for sea world/busch parks! waiting for HHN to head back down!!!

The adventure continues! Lately its been hard to fit parks in like I want to, having a full time job, being a gourmet pasty chef on the side and been a junk man (its a lot of money in junk hahaha) I was funky able to peal myself away to come back to universal just in time for hhn! First...a cheesy shot.

 

Never seen the movie, I hope the zone is crazy!

 

What could possible be behind these walls???

 

Time to go have some fun!

 

Dragon "usie"

 

I can get use to this...

 

Let's look around...

 

Ok everyone...look with me...

 

Didn't get much views today...

 

Much better...

 

From inside...

 

Ok let's go finally ride the roll....I mean dark ride known as escape from gringotts!

 

At first the singles queue wasn't open and the ride 60 min wait...but they eventuly open it...

 

Those goblins were hard at work...

 

Until I came thru and disturbed them!

 

The singles line was surprisingly empty!

 

I almost forgot to do the hogwarts express! I didn't really want to goto IOA today so I just did a round trip...no waiting each way...

 

Inside...

 

That's it...

 

Wait...one more selfie!

 

Going back tomorrow, phone died. This smart not left his bag of clothes at home which had my portable charger and wall charger. Gotta head to walmart to get a portable one!

Well I was going to universal again. Today but woke up wanting some water slides! So aquatica here I come!

 

Proof I was here...heh heh.

 

This is my fav water park because it goes a step above the rest and provide animal interaction and awesome theming.

 

Looks like its not gonna be a busy day...

 

There it is...ihu's fall...

 

These zloxes scare the crap oitta me, but the faces of people after they drop is priceless! I did the blue and green...I'm too fat to keep running up those stairs!

 

Looks like this pool is closed...

 

Guess I'll take on this complex since its virtuly no line!

 

Brb gonna work on my tan...

Ahhhhhh...the iconic dolphin plunge...

 

In case you're wondering why its called dolphin plunge...

 

Skipping these today. I just don't get too excited about the toilet bowls...

 

Did I mention I love suspended bridges!

 

On days when its scorching hot these come in handy...today, not so much but still quite refreshing!

 

Before ihu, this was the most thrilling slide...

 

And this is the best out of the line up, to me...

 

A indication schools back in session!

 

The new map...so you kinda see were the new slides. Its nice to see something in that corner...

 

Its very entertaining being at the top watching the races start. Some people trip, some get stuck...great laughs!

 

Thought this was a great shot. Shows the tranquility of today at the park

 

It makes me feel good seeing I pay 13.75 for something someone else will have to pay 28 for!

 

Headed to sea world for a few hours...

Guess I'll finish out the day with sea world...

 

Its the 50th anniversary so everyone is here!

 

Or not...

 

Not in line for manta either...

 

Fry manta fly...

 

Take a look at journey with me why don't cha...be use I am not in the mood to be soaked, that's what the water park was for.

 

The newest area of the park...

 

Seen from a penguins prospective...

 

The area does have some nice rock work done...

 

35 minutes too long I'd say...

 

Anyway, on to the star of the park!

 

Such a great coaster...

 

I think to myzelf...long are the days of these style beemers...or is it?

 

Not too hungry so I grabbed a kids meal...it filled me up!.

 

Here's some live entertainment for your enjoyment...

 

There should be a coaster in this picture...

 

I never found the people...

 

The parks closing and I gotta go!

 

Thanks for following along...

Nice photos!

I think I had never really noticed how odd some of the supports for manta's drop are.

Yes! They are spread out really wide! Guess to accommodate the paths! I'm back at uni this morning to get a more in-depth look at diagon alley! Early entry is afforded to us pass holders so I'm taking advantage of it!

 

Can't wait until tonight!

 

I love seeing empty parks...

 

I'magine doing this mid june...talk about being trampled!

 

The knight bus...

 

Some exteriors...

 

And just like that we're in diagon alley!

 

I feel the same way early in the mornings...

 

Time to go open an account...

 

The interior is just so...wow!

 

Major kudos to universal for these animatronics! Something generally only disney excels at.

 

Looks like aa play. Portrait but its a whole lot more!

 

Brb with some atmosphere shots! If you're in the park feel free to say "hi". I'm friendly with all my coaster community folks...

Let's take a tour thru da' alley!

 

How about a look inside the robe shop...

 

Next door was an owl shop???

 

Inside the wand shop...

 

What a great view...

 

Silly muggles and their strange way of dressing...

 

Overall I give the area a thumbs up!

 

Time to go explore the rest of the park

LEts continue...its been a while since I've been on men in black.

 

How a stroll thru Springfield...

 

Let's go inside...

 

Since I'm here might as well grab some food...

 

Back outside I go...

 

Later springfield...

 

A quick look at hollywood...

 

Chicks dig me...

 

I've never been in here...might as well do it now.

 

Interesting...

 

Some live entertainment before I head out...

Aaaaannnnndddddd we're back! Today I find myself at busch gardens!

 

Looks like I'm the only one to do so...

 

To be fair, I basically just got here...around three so most people have gone for the day...I'm here for one reason!

 

Howl-o-scream! And crocs!

 

Cheetah hunt > maverick...and no, I'm not a pussy.

 

Now I have cheetah hunt on my mind...

 

And a 5 min wait doesn't hurt either...unlike those restraints on maverick! Hahahahaha

 

Hello montu you forceful machine you!

 

Lucky people...

 

Check out that line...

 

This is a pussy...a fast pussy, however, this pussy fancies maverick. Lol...

 

I have been waiting foe this for what seems pole forever and my time has come!

 

Brb...

Falcons fury...WOW! Hands down the best drop tower, aside from tower of terror, I've been on! As soon as I got off, I got back in line and this happen...

 

A close up of the car...

 

But the crew here got it back up and running quick!

 

The park did a nice job on the area...

 

You hear that roar?

 

I think this?coaster is what made the world turn its attention to b&m!

 

Worlds first diving loop??? Or first to label it as such...

 

I am not here for this...

 

And def not that!

 

So I accessed the splash heights and thought I could get closer for a shot...

 

Unfortunetly I was off and my entire back got soaked! But I know so.thing that can help me dry off...

 

It just hit me...sheikra is big as hell! I don't know if its because its in a compacted area but its just huge! It does pack a punch though...

 

See...BIG!

 

Now its time for freight feast! With this you get a buffet, showing of the show fiens and front of the line until 830! Here are some desserts. I was so hungry I dug right into the food!

 

Its time for the show!

 

She's waving at me...

 

Here comes the man meat...ummmmhummmm!

 

Time to go hit some houses up! First up the mortuary. I got the most scares here mainly because I couldn't see anything!

 

Then I tried out the zombie shooting...it didn't really set well with me. Was far too many people in it who were among at the same targets...oh well. Next up blood asylum.

 

Pretty good house. Love how the patients follow you thru. Up next death water bayou.

 

This is my fav. Long house, unique environments! Would have loved to see a minataur as an easter egg to american horror story - coven. Next yo the 3d circus.

 

It was ok...actually all the house were repeats except two. Overall a nice event and def worth the visit!

 

Stay tuned...heading to the next park!

Quite a late start but I fi ally made it to universal studios for HHN!

 

First a stop by guest services for some freebies...foe being so awesome!

 

Its HHN time! First house AVP!

 

The crawlspace is back! Now to the walking dead!

 

Look close enough you can see hershels severed head!

 

Three house down within 30 mins! Thanks to lines like this...

 

Now to take on this line for dollhouse of the damned...

 

I love this facade...

 

15 minutes??? Don't .ind if I do! House number 5!

 

Since I have 15 mins, might as well take a selfie!

 

Well, 5 house within the first hour...guess I'll go watch bill and ted...

You seem to have a built in 'empty park radar' in your head. Lucky you, and cool reports

^i don't like crowded parks! I always plan against the masses since my work schedule is very flexible.

 

Where has the time gone? I'll tell you...back three hours! I'm in cali baby! So...last year I decided to do both HHN's back to back and it was really fun! So when I left orlandos friday night I woke up early sat morning and flew to cali for Hollywood HHN!

 

I wish I knew other folks who want to do that...I generally do it alone but I meet folks in the park and we have a blast! Let's get this party started!

 

I opted foe the VIP package. While it was pricey it was 250 well spent in my opinion! I headed waiting for the Poe in scarwmony but I knew it was all uphill from that point!

 

The christmas area was my fav...

 

I do not want anything from him!

 

I was impressed...

 

Our elusive transportation for the night...

 

No one looks like me...but thats ok!

 

Nothing...nothing was toned down in the twister!

 

Some shots from the backlot...

 

Overall I had a great time at HHN. The food was superb, the front of the line was heaven sent since some lines got over 150 minutes...and now I think jurassic park in the dark has me sick! Be back later to update knotts scary farm!

Whoa! Where has time gone??? It's my birthday!!!...well...It's been almost 3 months but the show must go on...not as real time lol. Anyway, my thing to do in cali is to take public transportation because its cheap and pretty reliable, so once I woke up on the 14th I got a cab to the metro at universal studios and made my way over to the knotts area. I was able to score a hotel for like 27.00 dollars but I didn't know exactly how far of a walk it was from the park...turns out it wasn't that far...

 

 

At this point I was wishing knotts had a back entrance but I wasn't that far from the entrance anyway.

 

If this is any indication of what the crowds are gonna be like im a happy camper!

 

I see you not so silver bullet!

 

So I decided to do the buffet to get a head start on the mazes. Now remember the day before I said I was feeling sick...well I was feeling sicker at this point. The food was great, what I could eat, and the unlimited drinks was a nice touch. I would def reccomend the buffet, especially if you don't wanna stop to eat in the park during knotts scary. I had something light earlier that afternoon so I was good and hungry and I was able to eat enough to take me thru the night. I decided I needed some help digesting (or throwing back up) my food so I took on Ghostrider....

 

So much great potential not so much great ride experience. One of the other reasons I decided to do the buffet is to be guaranteed a ticket for the zombie shooting experience!

 

Since it was right there in my face, I decided to take on silver bullet!

 

And from my experience last year, the lines for xcelerator really picks up so I decided to go get a few laps in on that one as well...

 

Time to hit up some houses...and it seems I started last year with this house as well.

 

Like busch gardens, knotts also reuses the same houses several years in a row. there was about 2 new maze this year but all were pretty much the same. This area is new this (well last) year...too bad my camera couldn't capture it well.

 

After all the house near pony express I decided to walk around the park some and ride. It's been too long since I have been on one of Antons machines and I was excited to end that streak.

 

Ahhhh...good times. Well, it was almost time for my infected return time so I headed back over there. This was not was I expected! I was blown away at how awesome this experience was. You have to be some what physically fit to really appreciate it and I see why the tickets go fast! After doing all the house and some more rides I decided to walk back to the hotel. I got outside the gates and was like screw this, im calling a cab lol. Anyway, stay tune...lets see where else the adventure will take us...3 months later!

I'm glad you survived your stay at a $27/night hotel in Buena Park. You're a brave man.

There IS a back entrance to Knotts, it's just not open all the time. It is located between Pony Express and the Bumper Cars.

I'm glad you survived your stay at a $27/night hotel in Buena Park. You're a brave man.

It wasn't that bad actually...well...I wasn't in it any longer than to sleep for the night. It wasn't as close as I would have liked it to be since I was walking but I would stay again at that price!

 

There IS a back entrance to Knotts, it's just not open all the time. It is located between Pony Express and the Bumper Cars.

Ahhh...Thanks for that. Since I was coming to the park for KSF I doubt it would have been open...

Alright i'm back and time reporting from the happiest place on earth! Now I know I know...everyone always says the world and the land are totally different and I just didn't see how that was possible! I mean, they are the same brand with some of the same rides so how can they be worlds apart? Well i'm about to to find out...

 

 

For starters...I did not know how close the parks were to each other! The entrances to each are literally a 30 second walk from gate to gate! Lets back it up some...I did not know the parks were smack dab in the middle of a city! All the pictures I have seen have never really showed outside elements so that was quite a shock. Well...I made it!!!

 

Now...I was not prepared to see how small the castle actually is in person lol. BUT to someone who has only been to Disneyland and seen only pictures of Disneyland i guess it wouldn't be considered small?

 

There ya go...

 

I just had to get this picture...to prove I was actually here lol...

 

First order of business...Matterhorn.

 

I was glad to see there was a single riders line!

 

I felt so honored to be able to ride such an iconic, game changing coaster...almost there.

 

So, what do I think? Well...it is an old ride, true, and it was kinda jarring but still fun none the least. Lets go explore the rest of the park.

 

I heard Alice was renovated, didn't get a chance to experience it though...

 

or this...

 

I was able to snag a ride on its a small world! I don't know why since its the same ride (i think it was lol) but anything to sit down right?

 

For some reason I'm thinking the FLA version had a fully enclosed queue right? Anyway, it was a nice, refreshing ride that i rather enjoyed.

 

Now lets head to toontown...

 

This seemed to be the weakest area of the park to me. I didn't wait for car spin ride due to the long lines...which had me wondering why on earth are there long lines on a Monday in October!

 

Luckily the lines for characters greets were not that long. Speaking of...I have a blast meeting the characters and I see why disney has invested lots of money into the greets!

 

The Mouse House!

 

The house itself was an attraction! And another way to escape the elements...

 

By this time I felt myself getting sicker (remember I started to feel bad at universal hollywood) so I figured food would help! I made reservations at the big thunder bbq place after lots of recommendations.

 

Unfortunately the more I ate, the worst I felt so I could barely go for one round...

 

My fast pass time was coming near so I headed back to tomorrow land to check out space mountain ghost galaxy!

 

I really liked it...it may be too much for kids but it was a great overlay. It was also nice to experience another version of space mountain since I have only did the magic kingdom version! Lets head back to fantasy land...

 

Man! The lines were long here! I mean kids everywhere so I picked mr. toad as my "must ride" ride since I never got a chance to do it at magic kingdom.

 

Since it seemed like I wouldn't be able to successfully ride anything else in fantasy land I decided to head to critter country and check out pooh's ride. Disney sure does love their black lights lol. Decided to check out the holiday haunted mansion since this is the only place to experience that version...right?

 

Just my luck the ride went down for a pretty good amount of time. I decided to stick it out and wait which gave me a chance to talk to everyone in the line. Comes to find out this IS a local park and the kids were out of school due to a holiday! No wonder the lines were long even for the dole whip!

 

They did a great job with telling the story...I story I have no clue of other reading excerpts here and there...

 

I don't know how long it takes to get this version ready but the details were amazing!

 

Well, it was time to go hit up Indiana Jones. This was a fantastic ride! I really liked it better than dinosaur I guess because I was more familiar with the subject matter. Lets head over to fantasy land again to see if the lines have died down...

 

Well, nothing had change...if not even MORE kids had shown up lol. Well, it was nice walking around looking at everyone else riding...

 

Anyway...that's it for Disneyland for me at least. I left before closing because my sickness was getting the best of me and I couldn't tough it out. I don't even have to hint where i'll be tomorrow (well tomorrow 3 months ago)...

Quite naturally after spending an entire day at Disneyland its a no brainer that the next day would be devoted to Californias Disneys Adventure!

 

I can offically knock "going to the DLR" off my bucket list after todays visit!

I got to the park at opening...actually before opening...and was relieved to see the crowds look nothing like they did the day before. Taking you guys advice, I headed straight to the fastpass distribution location for radiator springs racers.

 

But in the meantime...might as well check out carsland!

 

Ahh...there it is!

 

Got photobombed by mater!

 

Lightning McQueen decided to park it at the cozy cone...

 

Can you tell im excited!!!

There's flo's...

 

Hi mom...im a flo's!!!!

 

Isn't it amazing...

 

25 minutes??? Dont mind if I do...

 

The atmosphere is top notch...

 

Time to get ready to race!!

 

I really enjoyed the ride. The dark ride portion was as if I stepped into the actual movie! The racing section was much faster than I anticipated which was a great thing!

 

Just look at it...

 

Some more shots of RSR...

 

I rode that...

 

After a few rides on RSR (realized there was a single riders qeue) I headed to a bugs land...

 

This should give you an idea of what the early morning crowd looked like...

 

After walking thru the bugs land I decided to go check out the tower of terror...which wasn't open. It was having some issues but apparently they were worked out so we were allowed in line. After a short period we were told the issue is being prolonged so we were evacuated from the line...so I guess i'll go back to radiator springs...I didn't get to ride these but they seem fun.

 

Didn't get to ride these either...

 

Guess i'll go explore the entire park now...The park itself is really beautiful to be such a small place.

 

Such a busy day...

 

Figured i'd go check out mermaid since I was close to it...

 

While I have done the fla version, this one is a carbon copy but has a different line and loading platform set up...

 

This right here is scary...I can imagine how a 4 year old would feel!

 

Kiss her!!!!

 

That escalated quickly...

 

Lets go check out paradise pier...

 

Saw this picture so much over the years...now I can be in it!

 

Lets head inside...

 

If there were to be an iconic shot...I this would qualify for it!

 

I had just missed donald...

 

The carousel seems kinda hidden and out of place...but I guess it works.

 

For the life of me I was always catching toy story mania at disney studios at the most inconvenient of times. they line was ALWAYS long! Not the case at DCA and I was able to finally experience it.

 

Pretty impressive...

 

california screamin was finally opening...whats up with the delayed opening of some of the attractions...so i took advantage of the single riders line.

 

The longest wait of the day was for the mickey wheel. Guess its a pretty popular attraction. was able to get this shot while on it.

 

Looks like minnie has let herself go lol...

 

Speaking of...I noticed a lot of adults coming to the park dressed like characters or disney fanatics...I dont see that at disney world. is it a DLR thing? Anyway...another look at the mermaid building.

 

Lets head over to the grizzly peak area...

 

It was a little cooler than I would like so I did not experience grizzly river run.

 

Lets head over to the hollywood area...

 

The crowds are still pretty light.

 

I was getting a little hungry and I saw they had a hot dog place. I love hot dogs!!! So I grabbed one and took a quick break before heading to monsters inc.

 

I have never seen the movie but the ride really gives you the story line. I didn't walk away confused as to what was going on. Here comes mickey!

 

It seems tower of terror was back up and running so lets go check it out and compare!

 

It was different. Felt like it was missing something. It seemed rushed kinda. I cant really put my finger on it. Still a fun ride none the least. Lets go explore more of the hollywood section. Love this illusion. This is one of the only ones that I have seen that "works"!

 

Hi!

 

Any "Oncers" out there?

 

Back over to the Grizzly peak area for a little...

 

Enough of that...lets go to the...I think...Pacific wharf?

 

I liked this area. I took the bread tour thing (was like the only one in it lol) and it was neat just walking around looking at everything in this area.

 

Back home, in real life, im a novice gourmet pastry chef, emphasizing on cheesecakes **shameless plug** Click here! and my chocolate of choice is Ghirardelli so it was refreshing to see Disney recognizes fine chocolate as well!

 

Left the area and went experience Soarin'. Did it at EPCOT in the past so it wasn't that different. But first lets take a picture minnie...

 

I notice I did more walking than attractions but thats ok. Lets head back over to Pixar land...I mean the middle of the park.

 

Didn't do tough to be a bug...i've done it at animal kingdom plenty enough...lets head back to cars land for some better shots with a more prominent sun...

 

Since single riders line was basically non-existent, decided to take one more spin on RSR!

 

I had reservations at the Carthay Circle. I heard it was one of the premiere restaurants at the DLR so I had to eat there right?

 

While the food was good I have to admit, I have made virtually the same dinner at my home on a normal day just because I was hungry lol. I have to realize everyone doesn't eat like this on a norm so I have to say it would def blow someone away but for the price I paid i was slightly underwhelmed. Ironically I was still hungry after dinner which is a stark contrast to yesterday when I could barely eat one plate at a buffet.

 

I would def recommend the place...the service was top notch!

 

Nothing else to do so I will head back to cars land for a night time experience.

 

World of color is about to start...lets head to the pier...with my fastpass of course!

 

Its starting!!! Liked the show, kinda sucked being standing room only...

 

 

What another exciting day at a park. Tune in for the next adventure!

No Rock and Roller Coaster?

No Rock and Roller Coaster?

 

Wrong park!

Looks like you caught a very lucky day at DCA! I have personally never seen crowds that low...and to catch Midway Mania with a short line is also very lucky!