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Post by n24sports on Aug 6, 2002 17:50:39 GMT -5
I'm going to florida from the 8th-13th. I'm heading to IOA and Universal for 3 days, then I'm going to Blizzard River and Typhoon Lagoon. I have one more day left and I'm undecided on what park to go to. I'm thinking of either sea world, or mgm studios. What do you think I should do. This is my first time going to florida so I dont know what anything is like.
So what are some tips for:
-IOA
-Universal Studios
-Blizzard Beach
-Typhoon Lagoon
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Post by SFGAfan on Aug 6, 2002 23:34:48 GMT -5
Well, as a regular since 1980 I would say that I would have taken the three days at the Walt Disney World Resort, then the extra time at Universal Orlando. You could purchase a "Park Hopper Plus" pass that will allow you access to all four Disney parks plus Typhoon Lagoon, Blizzard Beach, and Pleasure Island. As far as Universal goes, it would be best to take two days there, one for IOA, and one for USF. However if you are pressed for time, definitely take IOA! You don't want to come home without going there. If you stick to your original plan that you mentioned above I would have to say I personally would pick the Disney-MGM-Studios over Sea World. Sea World only has three rides (a coaster, simulator, and flume), Disney-MGM has The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror (my personal favorite), Rockin' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith, Star Tours, The Great Movie Ride, and the Backstage Studio Tour. In addition they offer some GREAT shows such as Voyage of the Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast Live, The Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, and Who Wants to Be A Millionaire; Play It! This has quickly been becoming my favorite Disney park, and it would be my first pick. In all fairness to Sea World I must say that they have come a long way over the past several years, and have evolved into a destination park.
As far as tips are concerned, both the Disney parks and Universal offer a FREE (you hear that Six Flags..FREE) ride reservation system that I would highly recommend. To the best of my knowledge this service is not offered at Sea World. However, when it comes to the water parks the tip is EARLY, EARLY, EARLY, these parks get very crowded very fast, not to mention very hot. Bring plenty of sunscreen...SPF 15..forget it that's for North Dakota, in the blazing August Florida sun you better bring SPF 45 and a bottle of Aloe Vera gel, I almost ended up in the hospital several years ago, and have since learned my lesson. Both water parks are excellent, but my favorite is Blizzard Beach, it's a little bigger, and spacious with plenty of great slides. However, if you are looking for big waves, the wavepool at Typhoon Lagoon generates higher, more intense waves. Both parks offer a great storyline with excellent theming and atmosphere, there is also a place to eat at Blizzard Beach that accomodates a medium size crowd.
I hope this helps, should you have any other questions, feel free to IM me. I hope you have an enjoyable trip, and return home safely!
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Post by JJ2K on Aug 7, 2002 0:37:21 GMT -5
Oh man dude you are skippin over the best Disney park: Epcot is definitly the best Disney park there is man.
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Post by SFGAfan on Aug 7, 2002 11:49:12 GMT -5
You are right JJ, EPCOT is a great park, I love EPCOT! However as far as rides go, they lack just a tad in that department, especially thrill rides. As of rigth now all they have is Test Track, and Body Wars, Maelstrom (Norway) closed in July for renovation and is not expected to reopen until October. There is definitely plenty to do there between the Future World side, and World Showcase, it's one of the few places where you can go "around the world in a day". Magic Kingdom also boasts its share of rides but is aimed at the younger crowd. This is why I had suggested to him that he spend more time at The Walt Disney World Resort, and get a Park Hopper Plus pass. If you are pressed for time, it can be difficult to make a decision, I only suggested Disney-MGM because it has been slowly becoming my favorite park on the Disney property mainly due to Rockin' Roller and the Tower, but everyone has their own personal favs. Too bad he dosen't have more time.
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Post by JJ2K on Aug 7, 2002 13:43:38 GMT -5
Yeah I know, but really n24sorts universal and IOA really don't take 3 days to visit you can do them in two easily. But, sfgafan what ever happened to that ride in the ball thing. And that dinosaur ride, oh and figment, omg and the mexico boat ride. Cause you said epcot only had two rides open now so what happened to all theses?  |
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Post by SFGAfan on Aug 7, 2002 23:31:47 GMT -5
JJ, I was thinking more along the lines of thrill type rides, the only two "thrill rides" open there are Body Wars at Wonders of Life (due to close in the near future for renovation), and of course GM Test Track which is awesome! Maelstrom (Norway) is down until October, El Rio del Tiempo (Mexico) is still operating, as is all the attractions at Future World. That leaves Spaceship Earth (the silver sphere you reffered to), Ellen's Energy Crisis (Universe of Energy), Living with The Land Boat Cruise (The Land), and the new and improved Journey Into Your Imagination with Figment (Imagination!). Unfortunately Horizons has been removed completely and is currently the construction site of Mission Space due to open April 2003, and the ride portion of The Living Seas has also been removed to cut operating costs. It is still a great park, but it definitely needs some more thrill rides, that will change next year with the addition of Mission Space, and the reopening of Maelstrom in October. I agree that Universal does not require 3 days, unless you plan on spending a full day at Citywalk, but that's not necessary, you can do that in a night after park closing much like Downtown Disney. I personally would spend the 3 days at the WDW Resort, and the remainder at IOA and USF. Any remaining time I would take at one of the two water parks he was interested in attending. It's tough to be pressed for time on a vacation like that, it's not like going to the shore. Good luck n24sports!
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Post by RTneedsTLC on Aug 10, 2002 9:51:10 GMT -5
If you end up going with the park hopper, you MUST go to Epcot to at least see Reflections of Earth at park closing. This is by far the BEST park show I've ever seen. I will make the toughest, coolest dude emotional and when you go back to your hotel, you will be amazed at how good it make you feel inside. I don't think there is anybody that could say this show sucks.
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Post by SFGAfan on Aug 10, 2002 18:49:18 GMT -5
10-4 ON THAT!! Reflections of Earth is amazing. The music alone makes your hair stand on end, and sends chills down your spine. I practically wear out the soundtrack, and keep an extra one sealed for emergency use...I could not be without that cd!
FANTASMIC! at Disney-MGM is another show not to be missed, and yet another great cd for every Disney fan to have in their collection.
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