Photo TR - 2 Week Orlando Marathon

I've been to Aquatica many times, I enjoy it. Yes, the park needs time for the plant life to grow and provide natural shade, but so does most waterparks in their infancy.

 

What will happen to Aquatica in the years to come? Who knows thanks to the backstabbing August Busch IV who sold out!

I've also noticed that Wet N Wild has almost looked dead the three times I've been up this year with Aquatica being at capacity. I wonder how long that will last.

 

I've only ever been to Wet N Wild once, and that was on my first Florida visit in 1989. I imagine it's changed quite a lot since then?

 

A guy I spoke to in the 'Downhill Double Dipper' queue told me he'd been a few days before and thought it was pretty lame.

Day Four: Busch Gardens Africa

 

So today was the longest drive of the vacation. The plan was to set off early, get some petrol (gas) and hopefully stop along the way to get some breakfast... That all went pear shaped though as soon as we got to the 7-11 on the 535. The 1st problem was that I didn't know if the rental we had was petrol or diesel. So after faffing around for 10 minutes, flicking through all of the cars manuals, I asked one of the attendants and he assured me it would be petrol. So I pull up to the pump, but can't get it to work. I go inside and the guy tells me I have to pre-pay! I hadn't got a clue how much I'd need, so said $50. This was way to much and I end up getting petrol on my hands. D'oh! I eventually figure out I need to get change and treat myself to 1st ever Slurpee!!!!!! This thing was fantastic. We need them in the UK.

 

Anyway the park. BGA is one of my favourite FL parks, but I'd only been a few times due to how far away it is. There were 3 new credits since I'd last been, plus the Rhino Rally and I knew all of the old attractions were awesome!

 

I have a question though. Didn't there used to be a large brewery at Busch Gardens Tampa (what it was called on my last visit) that you could take a tour around? If so is that where Gwazi now stands?

Well there you have it. Another park done. BGA is well worth the trip if you're just staying in Orlando. We had an awesome day, helped by the walk ons to most rides. Cheers for reading.

Before we headed back to the car we went into the back entrance of the Myombe Reserve. We'd been told that there was a baby gorilla, but he only comes out after 15:00.... Luckily for us there he was!

and this close up. There's also a cool suprise at the end, but I won't ruin that!

this..........

You get to see animals like this......

It's pretty cool idea. I think the driver makes the experience though. Ours was great luckily!

Rhino Rally had been fixed by now.

On the way back to the Rhino Rally we caught these 2 giant tortoise's 'doing it'! They made an awesome noise!

Here's another treat for you lift hill weirdos!

Again as you can see from the picture, the station was empty and this was a walk on, so we rode both sides to see if they were both as bad.... They were! You might notice balloons in the background, that's because it was Gwazi's 9th birthday while we were there. Happy birthday you back abuser!!!!!

WOW!!!! I had no idea of how rough this was going to be!!!! It seems so fast and out of control! It's weird. Picture was taken from the Skyride earlier in the day.

I remember Gwazi being built the last time I was in FL, but as we didn't come to BGA that time I'd never ridden it.

We managed to get some free headache in a cup. I chose Beach Bum.

And my 1st ever Komodo Dragon! There were plenty of other lizards, ducks and flamingos as well, but I'm sure you don't want to see picture after picture....

On the way down to Gwazi we checked out the ant eaters.

No wonder they look so hungry!

The queue for the rapids had gone up to 75minutes now so we gave it a miss. As we wandered through Jungala we caught this street parade.

I don't know if it's because we sat in the back row, but it felt a bit rough and buffety.

Kumba was another walk on!

Same.

We headed back up to Kumba next. I remember this being my first 'big' coaster as a kid.

We went across the path and did Tidal Wave next. I forgot how long this ride actually is. You get some nice views of the back of Jungala from the boat. I made a run for it just after the picture.

I would say this is a below average log flume and really not worth the 30minute wait. The ride doesn't seem to do much and you don't get very wet. It looks like it takes up a large area of the park as well. Maybe this will go in the future?

As we were still after a water ride we did Stanley Falls next and got into our biggest queue of the day.

A snap from inside Jungala.

We were after a water ride next, but this had an hour long queue so we gave it a miss. I can never remember it having such a long name?

The Skyride had broken down here. They were playing a recording telling people to stay in their seats. A bit strange really as I couldn't imagine them going anywhere else?

We checked out the black rhino next.

Touch my snake baby!

It's amazing how much like humans they are.

We spent about an hour wandering through the whole place.

Monkeys are pretty cool.

Myombe Reserve was next.

The Clydesdale horse area looked to be having a huge renovation.

Exclusive Montu status picture. We had to grab bag from a locker by Montu, so had another ride as there was still no queue.

Edge of Africa I think? We didn't check this out either. We had waited around 5 mintes to get on the Skyride near the Jungala, but when we exited the queue was huge near the Crown Colony, maybe 45mintues to an hour long.

Sheikra from the Skyride.

The train crossing the Serengeti Plain from the Skyride. We never ended up riding the train.

Same.

We grabbed the Skyride after lunch to check out some of the animals. This is part zoo afterall.

We grabbed some lunch at the Zambia Smokehouse after. Again this was your standard theme park scran, $25 or so.

The water splash is a nice touch as well. A great way to keep the kids cool.

Sheikra was definitely one of the highlights of the whole trip. For all the people that complain it's too short, you should come to the UK and ride Oblivion.

As is the 2nd!

The 1st drop is fantastic...

The wait time for this was 10minutes according to the sign, it was more like 5.

Leaving Timbuktu was saw Sheikra through trees.

I've no idea who these are supposed to be? Maybe it's to do with the pirate show? Anyway there was no queue for a pic so I thought I'd get one.

Here's one for all the lift hill pervs.

When we came back out the Cheetah Chase was fixed so we joined the queue. I thought it was ok. A standard mouse, nothing in comparison to the one at BPB.

More 70's or 80's decor? The show was also very meh. The sound quality was very poor and there weren't many 4D effects.

I'd never been inside here before. The building seemed like it had been built many years ago and never renovated.

To get out of the heat we checked out the 4D show next door. Is it the same show that used to be at Thorpe Park?

........Unfortunately this was broken down. The people in this pic had been sitting here in the baking sun for around 10minutes. There was also a car at the top of the lift hill.

Next up was my first new credit of the day. Cheetah Chase........

I thought the loop on Scorpion was quality.

Again Scorpion was another walk on. Bonus!!!!

So we did Scorpion next. It looks mighty tall in this picture.......

As Rhino Rally was down, we carried on into Timbuktu.

We tried to go on Rhino Rally next, but were told that there were problems with the track and would have to try again later... Did you know that elephants use hay on their backs as sunscreen? Me neither, but I found that out at BGA. Education and excitement all in one package! Awesome!

Montu was as awesome as always! Defintely one my top coasters.

The themeing on the coaster is fantastic as well.

We walked straight into the station and onto the ride which was a nice suprise!

The paint work on Montu looked as bright as I remember it.

We headed for Montu first and we're greeted by these lads on the way.

Just over an hour later and here we are.

My first Slurpee. Incredible Hulk Radiation Rush!!!!!! After the 30 or so minutes messing around at the petrol station we were finally on our way!

I have a question though. Didn't there used to be a large brewery at Busch Gardens Tampa (what it was called on my last visit) that you could take a tour around? If so is that where Gwazi now stands?

Yeah, I'm not sure of the exact timeline, but the park actually spawned from the brewery itself. I think they offered guests the ability to enjoy the animals and gardens before taking a tour of the brewery (or something like that), and naturally, the park just continued to grow over time. The brewery remained for years, and yes, Gwazi now occupies some of the space where the brewery used to sit. I remember touring it as a kid once or twice.

 

Anywho, the TR continues to be a good read.....even before the monorail pics are posted.

^ Totally agree. This is an excellent PTR. Keep it up!

 

It's lacking EPCOT photos, though.

Nice TR!

 

Gwazi would be awesome if they would only get Millennium Flyers for it! The PTC trains don't work on GCI's! O well...

Gwazi would be awesome if they would only get Millennium Flyers for it! The PTC trains don't work on GCI's! O well...

 

Heck I want Millenium Flyers to replace my furniture. This is a great TR! Keep it up.

Excellent TR! Can't wait to hear and see more from you guys.

Nice TR. I have a question, and I know it could easily be answered by checking Mapquest, but I hate those things. How long was the drive from the Orlando area to Bush Gardens? My family and I are going to Disney right after Christmas, and I really want to check out BGA.

Gwazi would be awesome if they would only get Millennium Flyers for it! The PTC trains don't work on GCI's! O well...

 

Heck I want Millenium Flyers to replace my furniture. This is a great TR! Keep it up.

 

True I would also! Get one for my new computer chair..... That would be awesome! lol

^ Totally agree. This is an excellent Photo TR. Keep it up!

 

It's lacking EPCOT photos, though.

 

Thanks for the comment. The only reason it's lacking in EPCOT pics is we hadn't visited there yet We did EPCOT on my birthday, don't worry those pics are coming........... and maybe a few monorail ones

 

Nice TR!

 

Gwazi would be awesome if they would only get Millennium Flyers for it! The PTC trains don't work on GCI's! O well...

 

What are 'Millennium Flyers'?

 

Am I right in assuming it's a wooden roller coaster?

 

Nice TR. I have a question, and I know it could easily be answered by checking Mapquest, but I hate those things. How long was the drive from the Orlando area to Bush Gardens? My family and I are going to Disney right after Christmas, and I really want to check out BGA.

Well we stayed on the 535 right next to Disney, it took us 4 minutes to get to the EPCOT front gate we were that close. We'd been told it would take around an hour and a half to get to BGA, but took us no more than 70 minutes. Well worth the drive.

 

ADMIN EDIT: Mutiple quotes = lots of cutting and pasting. My work here is done. Now get me some EPCOT photos!

Day Six: Magic Kingdom

 

So today we visited my favourite park. Favourite because of all the of the awesome rides? Nah, I think it's because I visited it so many times as I kid and I've got so many amazing memories from here I was worried that it's charm would've warn off and I would be very disappointed, but I so wasn't.

 

I didn't think a great deal had changed since my last visit 9 years ago. Yeah some rides had had an overhaul, but nothing really major.

 

P.S. In case any of you are wondering what happened to day five, there wasn't one as such. We decided to have a rest and just did some shopping and chilling by the pool.

..... and later Magic Kingdom! We had an awesome day here. The place is just as magical as I remember it and I will definitely be returning sometime in the future. Cheers again for reading, sorry it's taken so long for this update.....

 

Now did some of you mention EPCOT pictures.....

Later Zurg you tyrant.....

This was a cool ride. I wasn't very good at it though and got a rubbish score. Just like on MIB

Our carriage awaits.

Our Fastpass time was now up.

The prince using my favourite trick of kissing girls while they sleep...

The ride stopped at this point and they turned all of the lights on.

Now if I was trying to lore so hot chick into my place, I don't think an apple would do the trick!

Apples in green goo? Think I'll pass.

Typical....

We thought we may as well finish off the kiddie dark rides.

Yeah your ok..... but Mr. Toad was better!

Tigger has his way with Pooh once and for all!

Next we did Winnie the Pooh. This also didn't seem as good as Mr. Toad that it replaced.

We did the Monsters Inc Laugh Floor next which was another new one for me. This was fun. I was glad the camera's never pointed at me though! We grabbed a Fastpass for Buzz Lightyear after this.

We managed to catch some of the fireworks from up here which was cool.

Astro Orbiter looks impressive at night.

Astro Orbiter nerd shot!

We wandered over to Tomorrowland to do some rides we missed earlier.

Castle by night.

We took a walk around the Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse next.

I prefered the old Pirates before the addition of Jack Sparrow, but can understand why they've done it. The models of Jack are incredibly realistic mind!

How much for 2?

We headed straight for Pirates and got in line.

Arr bless....

Arriving back at MGK!

We rode the monorail back over which was a major mistake as it kept stopping and we were on it for a around 35 minutes! Here is a closer shot on the Tower construction, but seeing as this was taken in June it is probably way out of date.

Here's one for my favourite poster

Ok so after our nap we returned to MGK around 19:00. We were amazed to get a parking space right next to where we had parked on row 2 of Minnie! Awesome!

On the way down Main Street we stopped off for a cookies and ice cream sandwich. This was massive let down. I remember when you could choose 2 different cookies from a selection of about 10. All you get now are 2 chocolate chip cookies. LAME!

We wandered back over to Pirates, but the queue still said over 1 hour, so we gave it a miss and decide to head back to the resort for a soak in the jacuzzi and a rest.

We had a stroll through Cinderella's Castle.

I never knew Ariel was in Peter Pan?????????

Tis London I tell ya!

We used out Fastpass next and headed off to Neverland.

After riding The ExtraTERRORstrial Alien Encounter years ago, this new ride was a real let down! Shame.

We checked out Stitchs Great Escape next (please ignore the pic being taken at night time).

Is it true that this used to be a sponsors box or something along those lines?

Jesus! By the looks of my double chin forming it looks like I enjoyed that chilli cheese dog a little too much!

We did Tomorrow Land Speedway next.

.........where I got to experience my 1st ever chilli cheese dog! 11/10! Awesome! I may have even let out a little 'orgiastic scream'

Lunch was next on the agenda so we headed to Cosmic Rays. Again $25 or so, not bad.....

Small World PORN!!!!!!!!!!

This has to be the most stereotypical ride on the planet!

We did It's A Small World next.

I love the whole 'Alpine Village' setting and it is a crying shame that it is simply used as 'stroller' parking. What a waste! I can not believe they got rid of the Skyride

We got Fastpasses for Peter Pan next. Does anybody know if anything is ever going to be going with the old Skyride Station? I think it looks fantastic!

Same.

The theming is second to none.

Next we did the re-vamped (no pun intended) Haunted Mansion.

I thought 'whip' was top notch, but wasn't impressed by the pineapple juice in the bottom.

I'd read all about the 'legendary pineapple dole whip' so just had to try one.

Spit or............

It was a nice addition and adds some welcome kinetics to the main plaza area.

My 1st new ride of the day.

As we neared the end of this ride it had backed up as well...... strange.

But the ride is still as camp and fun as ever!

Same.

The queue seemed to have been heavily re-themed since last my visit.

Jungle Cruise had only re-opened 2 days before we visited.

We headed into Adventureland next. We were going to ride the new Pirates of the Carribean, but the wait was over an hour so gave it a miss.

Again this brought backmore childhood memories and was pretty cool. I can remember SM and BTM being much more intense as a kid? Maybe it's because we had done BGA a few days before? Who knows?

Next up was the "Wildest Ride in the Wilderness"!

Splash Mountain was as awesome as evar!!!!1 LOL

After the main drop we came to a stand still. Not 100% sure what had caused this? I ended up getting soaked as water kept splashing over from the main drop to my right.

Yeah right! We waited for less than 10 minutes tops though, so exiting wouldn't have been a problem.

......not today though.

Next we headed to Splash Mountain, to try and avoid the queues. I'm positive I've queued for 90 minutes here before........

After Space Mountain we stopped for a snap by the castle.

Going up the lift hill.

It hasn't changed much inside.

After queuing at the hub, waiting for Tomorrow Land to open we headed straight for Space Mountain. This queue moved very fast though and we walked straight into the station. I can remember queuing for hours to ride it before!

My 2 favourite sights in the world...

It's kinda cool how they still do the family getting dropped off by the train before the park opens.

We had to wait for around 20 minutes for the park to open.

We tried to take the ferry boat to MGK (as I think you should on your 1st visit), but it wasn't open till 08:30, so we had to ride the monorail. Here you can see work on the Contemporary Tower.

Mickey and myself.

We walked in as we managed to park in the 2nd row of Minnie.

I was soooo excited by this point!

So we were finally heading into Walt Disney World!

Nice pics. I loved The Magic Kingdom - and I've only ever visited as an adult.

 

Don't forget to post your 'after' pics. The last time I was in America I put on 2 kilos!

Excellent TR! I especially love how you point out so many "first times" and things you don't have in the UK! It adds tons of charm to the report!

 

Keep it coming!

 

Oh and "Millennium Flyers" are a certain style of train found on wooden coasters.

Here's one for my favourite poster

 

I appreciate that. You guys rock!! I've thoroughly enjoyed this report.

Cheers for the comments guys. I must try and get this TR finished sometime

Day Four: Busch Gardens Africa

 

So today was the longest drive of the vacation. The plan was to set off early, get some petrol (gas) and hopefully stop along the way to get some breakfast... That all went pear shaped though as soon as we got to the 7-11 on the 535. The 1st problem was that I didn't know if the rental we had was petrol or diesel. So after faffing around for 10 minutes, flicking through all of the cars manuals, I asked one of the attendants and he assured me it would be petrol. So I pull up to the pump, but can't get it to work. I go inside and the guy tells me I have to pre-pay! I hadn't got a clue how much I'd need, so said $50. This was way to much and I end up getting petrol on my hands. D'oh! I eventually figure out I need to get change and treat myself to 1st ever Slurpee!!!!!! This thing was fantastic. We need them in the UK.

 

Anyway the park. BGA is one of my favourite FL parks, but I'd only been a few times due to how far away it is. There were 3 new credits since I'd last been, plus the Rhino Rally and I knew all of the old attractions were awesome!

 

I have a question though. Didn't there used to be a large brewery at Busch Gardens Tampa (what it was called on my last visit) that you could take a tour around? If so is that where Gwazi now stands?

 

well i am happy to know you took a pic of me at BG. lol.

If no one has answered it yet...the brewery use to sit where gwazi sits now

Day Four: Busch Gardens Africa

 

So today was the longest drive of the vacation. The plan was to set off early, get some petrol (gas) and hopefully stop along the way to get some breakfast... That all went pear shaped though as soon as we got to the 7-11 on the 535. The 1st problem was that I didn't know if the rental we had was petrol or diesel. So after faffing around for 10 minutes, flicking through all of the cars manuals, I asked one of the attendants and he assured me it would be petrol. So I pull up to the pump, but can't get it to work. I go inside and the guy tells me I have to pre-pay! I hadn't got a clue how much I'd need, so said $50. This was way to much and I end up getting petrol on my hands. D'oh! I eventually figure out I need to get change and treat myself to 1st ever Slurpee!!!!!! This thing was fantastic. We need them in the UK.

 

Anyway the park. BGA is one of my favourite FL parks, but I'd only been a few times due to how far away it is. There were 3 new credits since I'd last been, plus the Rhino Rally and I knew all of the old attractions were awesome!

 

I have a question though. Didn't there used to be a large brewery at Busch Gardens Tampa (what it was called on my last visit) that you could take a tour around? If so is that where Gwazi now stands?

 

well i am happy to know you took a pic of me at BG. lol.

If no one has answered it yet...the brewery use to sit where gwazi sits now

 

A picture of you? I'm not quite sure that I follow?

Day Seven: EPCOT

 

When you're in Orlando and it's your birthday, where's the place that you want to be the most............... that's right EPCOT!!! It's gotta be strangest, dullest, weirdest, coolest park there is. It hasn't got a clue what it wants to be anymore (this was first time I'd been since the awesome Horizons went), but I still love it!

 

Unfortunately this was the day that the weather started to turn a bit pants, which set the tone for the rest of the holiday.

 

p.s. I do apologise for the huge delay between posts (if anyone is reading anymore )

 

p.p.s. Halfway through the day my camera started to play up, so I switched to my camera phone, hence the extremely poor quality of some of my pics.

Goodnight EPCOT!

 

Even with all the changes for the worse (Horizons, Figment) I still love this place and can't wait to return!

Birthday badge same.

Sunset always looks awesome over the water.

Hmmm viking, maybe should grow a crazy Nordic beard........

Does this boat stop at Seaworld?

Nice to see you to guys...

The Mexico boat ride (no pics unfortunately) and Maelstrom are essential at EPCOT.

Same.

We had to get a few 'couple' pictures in today.

Note to anyone thats reading. Do NOT buy this crap that I'm eating! It's vile!

Same.

World Showcase is always a good reason for a few drinks and photos.

Before we head to World Showcase we went to Mickey Tools and got some sweets!

It was Fastpass time so headed to Soarin'. This was interesting and cool..... but not too photogenic.

Turtle Talk was a fun, new attraction DUDE!

 

I've got no idea how its works DUDE, but its very clever!

The aquarium has some awesome specimens.

Show me your clam........... go on its me birthday!!! ; )

There was a huge queue...

"Mine, mine, mine,etc "

 

Next was the 'new' Living Seas.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Oh yeah did I say it was my birthday?

The food was sublime and a welcome treat from the fast food we'd been having everyday.

Here is a diver in the Living Seas aquarium.

Another poor attempt at photographing the restaurant.

I'd tried to get some pictures inside, but my camera sucks pretty bad. It was a FANTASTIC place to eat though and I would highly reconmend it anyone visiting EPCOT.

So everytime I'd been to EPCOT as a kid, I'd wanted to eat at the Coral Reef, but as my dad doesn't like seafood we never went.

 

Well seeing as it was my birthday I was definitely going!

These are space vegetables! The sign says so!

Tastier!

Tasty.

This is Jacks fruit so leave it well alone... unless you ARE Jack!

I wish I knew a joke about a goat...... but I don't

Living With The Land is old, but cool (yes this was taken on my camera phone).

As the rain was coming thick and fast we headed for cover in The Land.

 

I was given a free cookie downstairs as I had my birthday badge on!

There is a neat interactive area after the 'ride', where you can make cool pics, like this!

Oh Figment what did they do to you? p.s. I still love you xxx

Please DIE!

???

What the hell is this?

It's still ok and passes the time, but its no Inventor The Year!

Now to check out Captain EO and Fuzzball! Ha!

 

I remember when Honey I Shrunk The Audience was a major new thing with huge queues... Not anymore.

Imagination was next for us. The sky turned grey for the first time of the holiday.

Rollin' on DUBS................... apparently...............

Crunch!

Lightspeed to Endor!!!

Fastpass got us right up to the front of the queue.

50th percentile Female?

With my birthday cake in hand, we grabbed Fastpasses for Soarin' then headed back over to Test Track.

Birthday cake (and badge) anyone?

Shame another attraction has bitten the dust...

Universe Of Energy looks pretty in the sun.

We come in peace.

"Attention Horizons passengers, you are invited to choose your own flight path back to the future port, please look down at the lighted panels in front of you"! Ermm guess I'm 9 years too late...

Lieutenant Dan shows us his rocket!

We grabbed some Fastpasses for Test Track and headed over to Mission Space (where the hell is Horizons?).

You can email your postcard from the future to all your poor friends slaving away at work! That'll cheer them up...

This new area is pretty cool.

Smile you're at EPCOT! And its your birthday!

It's cool to be a nerd... Hang on...

TPR before the days of internet.

The 'new' Spaceship Earth in all it's glory. As there was no queue we headed straight for it.

EPCOT Center........ I wish!

"Show Me Your Clam..." Classic! Glad you came back to finish this TR. It's great!

Did you try the Beverly while you were there??

 

If you did, are there any pictures?

"Show Me Your Clam..." Classic! Glad you came back to finish this TR. It's great!

 

Hehehe I couldn't resist! Glad you approve

 

Did you try the Beverly while you were there??

 

If you did, are there any pictures?

 

Dude I didn't! This was one of the things that I'd heard about and wanted to try, but didn't. Whereabouts do you buy it from and why is it so bad?

Yay EPCOT pics!

 

I see some additions to the Park Index! Great job!

"Show Me Your Clam..." Classic! Glad you came back to finish this TR. It's great!

 

Hehehe I couldn't resist! Glad you approve

 

Did you try the Beverly while you were there??

 

If you did, are there any pictures?

 

Dude I didn't! This was one of the things that I'd heard about and wanted to try, but didn't. Whereabouts do you buy it from and why is it so bad?

 

All its free and at Club Cool. I only saw this for sale once at Jungle Jim's in Ohio.

Yay EPCOT pics!

 

I see some additions to the Park Index! Great job!

 

Who puts them there?