Photo TR: Last Summer, in Orlando

[Director_Guy]

The task of creating a trip report can be quite daunting some times. As much as I want to share my pictures with the world and spout out lines that only I think are clever, it's incredibly time consuming. So, you can see why my week long trip in which I had taken almost 900 useable photos has taken almost a year to publish to the web.

 

So here it is. Finally. Last summer's trip to Orlando.

 

Part I (below)

Part II

Part III

Part IV

Part V

 

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.

Our local friend Dan was there and he totally kicked our asses.

It was actually pretty fun. I'm not a huge 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 I 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.

Edited May 22, 2012 by Director_Guy

[australianalex]

Good TR so far, that Butterbeer looks like it'd be worth trying What is it exactly?

[beyondthepalace]

Good TR so far, that Butterbeer looks like it'd be worth trying What is it exactly?

 

There are a lot of thoughts behind what Butterbeer is exactly but it is described as a butterscotch cream soda.

[1pizza14]

Good TR so far, that Butterbeer looks like it'd be worth trying What is it exactly?

 

There are a lot of thoughts behind what Butterbeer is exactly but it is described as a butterscotch cream soda.

 

That more or less sums it up. It's really sweet and tastes great but the regular one is much better than the frozen one.

 

Great TR! My family has a timeshare at the same place you do. I recognize the pool.

[simon8899]

How did Yoghurt phrase it: "Merchandising!!!"

 

But wets my appetite for Orlando next spring....

[mcjaco]

Woo hoo, Marriott Grande Vista! That's our time share place too.

[Director_Guy]

Yeah, that's the place! Parker's the one with the timeshare, I got to stay for free. Sweetheart deal, it was.

[gisco]

So you liked the Butterbeer but did you try the Pumpkin Juice?

[Director_Guy]

^Not a fan of pumpkin pie or anything like that. I suppose I should give it a try at least once, but it doesn't seem like my kind of drink. When it comes out west, I'll probably have some.

[J man]

I'm looking forward to part 2. Oh what hilarious mis-adventures could you get into next?

[Director_Guy]

Thanks guys! Here's the next installment:

 

Today, we go to Disney World!

Due to unforeseen circumstances, our park experiences were delayed. So... this day, we went around doing free things!

 

Like riding the monorail!

"At Least it's air-conditioned", Parker says.

Parker observes classy and reserved behavior on the Walt Disney World Monorail.

"ZOMG MOn0raillz!"

"Lundy, why you no behave?"

 

Because, we're at Disney World, duh.

 

Our first stop was at the Polynesian.

This is the first time I'd ever seen a WDW hotel and I was pretty impressed.

Neat pool.

Neater view!

"Okay, I'm staying here for the day. Go on without me."

 

"I want to go to there."

 

Next stop was the Wonka Factory.

Talk about ritzy! Mein goodness!

Parker is surrounded by swank.

We took a stroll on the grounds.

 

When we looked up, we saw some kind of bird.

That thing is alive.

What is that, an eagle?

Dude... I think that's an eagle.

 

Disneyland has cats. Walt Disney World has eagle. Way to overachieve, guys. Jeeze.

 

This place is really nice. I almost felt like I shouldn't be walking around there because I didn't pay.

Hey look! Another free ride at Walt DIsney World.

 

This was the closest we got that day.

I think the heat is starting to get to Parker.

 

Then we headed out. And when you can't get into Disney World you go to the next best thing.

Outdoor World! The shopp-iest place on earth!

 

To be continued...

[Director_Guy]

Mirror, mirror on the wall, who will go to Disney and have a ball?

Those guys look like us! That means we're going to Disney!

 

Yes, the day has finally come for us to go to Walt Disney World. None of that fake out stuff like before.

 

Parker and I made our first stop at Epcot where we asked a cast member for a photo.

 

He obliged, but only after I did my Asian tourist impression.

 

 

There was a large crowd moving some where and we decided it'd be best to follow. Just in case it led somewhere good.

 

It led here.

 

Yes, the first ride I rode at Walt Disney World was one I could ride back home.

 

That's okay. I'm over it.

 

Okay, so we walked back over to do some other ones.

 

We went into space for a bit and decided to test out some cars.

 

 

"Lundy, are you quite sure this is a good idea?"

 

"No, Parker. It's a great idea."

 

"WHOOAAAA!"

 

"Mmm... yes. Feel the heat."

 

"This is why I moved to California!"

 

"Oh, no. What does that mean?!"

 

"Are we gonna hit that?! AHHHH!"

 

"AHH!"

 

"This is quite enjoyable."

 

After my knuckles went from a nice shade of white to a pinker complexion, we took a spin on Spaceship Earth.

 

I really hope this isn't my future.

 

Would you like some cheese with that ham?

 

We walked around Epcot some more afterward, hitting things like the Beverly,

(which is as nasty as ever)

 

A journey with our pal Figment,

 

and a cool dark ride/lame plant tour.

Seriously, I thought I hated* vegetables before.

 

What'd you call me?!

 

Then we took another spin on Test Track.

Parker had to cancel his cable subscription. Just because he's on vacation doesn't mean his whole life stops, sheesh.

 

That's when we got some eats.

Side note, I like WDW's food much better than Disneyland's. It's a nit picky thing, I guess, but even their quick service food is better. This, of course, does not count Blue Bayou, which is amazing.

 

To walk off that food, we took a stroll around World Showcase.

I love how the back of Tower of Terror blends in with Morocco.

 

Parker needed a break from the fun, so he headed back to the Timeshare.

I see you.

Run! We've been spotted!

 

With him gone, I hopped on the nearest monorail.

I was on a mission.

And I freakin' made it!

Never ceases to impress me, how big this place is.

Look at that! Water! And space to move my arms!

This was my first stop.

I love the Haunted Mansion. The Florida version just keeps getting better every time I see it.

 

 

Man, this castle is huge.

 

I had a limited time to do this, so I had to hit my favorite attractions. Which is why, I closed my eyes, made a wish and ended up...

...here.

 

For this.

 

Good ol' ToTty. It's been too long, my friend.

This was a blast. I totally dig this ride back home and it's even cooler out east.

 

 

Around this time, the new Star Tours had just opened up. Literally, it opened up three days before.

This was during Star Tours weekends as well. How long did I wait? About 25 minutes.

I swear this says 25 minutes.

 

To put in perspective, I still haven't seen the wait time go below 40 minutes for this ride at Disneyland. That's on a slower day. What is going on?

 

It was getting late, so I rushed back over to Epcot to meet Parker for dinner.

We ate in Morocco.

The food was great and this lady was dancing while we ate.

Also, my feet were killing me, so it was a great place to sit and rest. I could literally feel the heat rushing from my feet. I was exhausted.

 

Then we hit some of the awesome and lesser known Epcot rides

Back! Over da falls!

 

I also raised this bridge with my mind powers. No biggie.

And I made the earth move.

Yeah, I'm pretty amazing.

 

The sun set on Walt's World and we called it a night.

 

More Disney in Part IV.

 

 

 

* = That's right kids, I don't eat veggies. This is while I will die at age thirty. More butterbeer please!

[tiger01]

What is that water flume called in Epcot? I loved that ride.

[Midgetman82]

I already miss Disney World! Whenever I go with my family, we just hit out favorite rides and then hit out hotel pool (which is usually the Polynesian, FTW). I wish i could have spent as much time as you probably did here.

 

Great report. I loved reading through it!

[ECZenith]

Tiger, the name of the water ride that goes backwards and drops is "Maelstrom" , found in the Norway pavilion. Very well done attraction!

[anonymouscactus]

the regular one is much better than the frozen one.

hmmm.... really? I always feel the opposite every time I give "cold" a second... third... fourth... chance. Frozen all the way!

 

EDIT: Sorry... forgot to say thanks for all the photos! Great TR and much appreciated.

[Director_Guy]

^Nah, too watery. I like my butterbeer uninterrupted. But, I do still like it.

 

Part IV

Aww man, another gorgeous day? Typcial.

 

We started today at Disney Hollywood Mayer Goldwin Mayer Studios City.

 

Parker had yet to take a new flight on Star Tours.

Where's the fun AT-AT?! Get it? N... nevermind.

 

Good to see you two haven't moved in years.

 

New Starspeeder looks nice. Slick.

 

Patrick Warburton!

 

In 3-D!

 

Star Tours was fun, but I knew where I really wanted to be.

 

This ride is just so awesome.

 

 

A speedy limo ride through Hollywood was good, too. It was kind of weird seeing icons that I see almost every day back home, here in another part of the country.

RnR is good fun, but...

 

Well... it just doesn't beat ToTty. Which we took another spin on.

Kind of cool that California will be getting these back soon, albeit in a completely different form.

 

 

A short bus ride away, more thrills were to be uncovered.

Down kitty!

It's like if Michael Bay made The Matterhorn.

Parker is ready to face the mountain.

Weeee!

Beware the Yeti!

The Yeti awaits our return.

 

Parker was exhausted from a thrill filled morning so he went back for a mid-day awesome nap. It's what people to do make themselves more awesome.

 

I stayed behind and explored Animal Kingdom. Out of my three visits here, it's my least explored park.

 

So I bought one of these and took a long stroll.

I'm amazed at how green this park is!

 

My siestas are getting chorter and chorter.

 

 

I even got a little lost in this place. Which wasn't bad. It just shows how extensive it is.

Somehow I ended up on the Hogwarts Express.

This turned out just to be a train owned by a human trafficking ring.

 

Years later, I finally made it free and roamed the park some more.

 

I hit Everest once more, to taunt the Yeti.

 

The drying clothes on the steps.

This is amazing theming!

 

I headed back to Studios for some of the attractions Parker wouldn't touch with a ten foot pole.

Again, weird seeing this here.

 

I really freakin' love this ride. It's kind of cornball but it's totally up my alley.

Asps, very dangerous. You go first.

 

Wow... terrifying.

 

I wanted to get one last flight in before I met Parker again.

I saw Rex. He was not doing so well.

 

Back at MK. Where is he?

"Lundy! You gotta try this thing!"

Weeeeehooooo!

 

Glad to see the nap did him some good.

 

 

You know us thrill seekers. We gotta get our heart racing. And clearly the only way to do so...

...is the Peoplemover. What up!

I'm experiencing a sensation that is new to me! And frankly, I love it!

 

The castle is so big, I feel like it hits me in the face every time I see it.

 

Boom!

 

Ahh... Jeeze, watch it, Castle.

 

They Might Be Giants: The Ride?

I'm not saying I'm jealous of WDW's size or anything but THIS PLACE IS HUGE!

 

The Trippiest Ride In The Wilderness.

 

Ahh, crap. I spilled my rocks.

 

Here's hoping for no concussions!

 

 

Goat trick?

 

It was the legend of Thunder Mooountaiiin...

 

Boom!

Ah my face!

 

Yeah, that's right, walk away.

 

Space. Without Michael Giacchino's awesome score, it is nothing.

 

Parker had a request to ride something and I told him "Whatever you want!"

Big mistake.

 

"You'll ride this but not The Great Movie Ride? You're doing this to spite me aren't you."

 

At least the water's shiny.

 

The sun was setting on the Magic Kingdom and we knew our fun was numbered.

 

We hopped on a few classics then walked back out toward the Monorail.

By the way, this park is huge.

Boo- NO! Not this time.

 

"I think I'm gonna sit tomorrow out"

 

"Are you crazy? There's so... much... more..." ZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzz

 

To Be Continued.

[Midgetman82]

Again with the "my family gets exhausted through half of Magic Kingdom" situation. They go to the hotel pool to swim while I'm still waiting 80 minutes for RnRC! I don't blame them, or your friend though. The heat gets to most of us, and we have the luxury of coming back to the park whenever same-day.

[Director_Guy]

Well, it's officially been a year since this trip occurred and three months since I started the trip report. I think it's about time I finish it, don't you think? At this point, I need to finish it for finishing's sake, but I hope you'll enjoy the pictures.

 

Part V:

Parker was kind enough to drive me to Epcot today, even though he was going to sit the day out.

 

Today, I decided that I was going to go at a nice slow pace. Soak in some of the lesser attractions and really enjoy myself.

 

So, that's what I did.

Most of these attractions I had no idea existed, so it was quite a surprise.

"Mine?"

I was cool seeing these clamshells because Little Mermaid hadn't opened at Disneyland yet. Got me excited for my return to Disneyland.

 

I did a lot of wandering. I think, in some cases, I wandered a little too far...

"I shouldn't be here, I don't know what I'm pressing."

 

I then hopped on the monorail toward Magic Kingdom.

"Look, nobody! Disney!"

 

Just my luck, arriving the same time the parade does.

There is a way around it, though.

People on this train sit the normal way. Weird.

Splishy spalsh.

With broken figures, it's still a pretty fun ride.

 

Love the new queue at Haunted Mansion, though I can see how some think it ruins the mood.

However, I don't like how in this Mansion you go under the house, not into its front door.

Also, the stretching room has awesome sound design, but it doesn't make you feel trapped like Disneyland's. I think it has to do with the height of the elevator compared to the height of the moving ceiling.

 

They look like tombstones!

 

Mortals pay a token fee. Rest in peace, the haunting's free.

 

Oh my god! Talk about midway madness!

 

Probably the best 3D show out there.

 

 

For lunch, I caught a show by Sonny Eclipse.

Also, the chili cheese dog was pretty good.

 

 

 

That is a huge castle...

We wants the red head!

If anyone wants to buy this for me, please feel free.

 

A return to Epcot.

 

My friend Brad then joined me in my trip around The World.

I showed him the wonders of Ramune then we did a little park hopping.

 

I kinda missed Disneyland at this point.

 

 

Happily, no one will ever see this again!

 

Lap bars suck.

 

Adventureland is a drastic change from what I'm used to. There's plenty of room AND there's no people. What a world!

 

That's when I met Parker back at the timeshare and totally passed out. One more day to go. Can we make it?

 

To be continued (I promise)...

Edited May 30, 2012 by Director_Guy

[dylanreich]

Wow, it's amazing to see Adventureland there like that, completely empty. Are there any parts in the park that get completely jam-packed at night like in Disneyland?

[Midgetman82]

^I'll say! I've never ever visited Disney World when there was few people there.