Florida 2012 - reviews
Well, it’s done, holiday of a life time!
Off we trotted, Gareth and I, along with Lindsay and Darren, some friends.
Had a great time, defiantly different from the usual beach holidays, in fact i think we all need a holiday to get over these last two weeks!
We did the theme parks, shopping, pubs, food food and food.... im struggling trying to remember it all!
A few of our piccies are below - there were waaaay too many to put them all on here, i took almost 400 on my own!
The full lot are on FaceBook!
The Hotel Pre Flight:
Britannia Hotel Manchester Airport
What a hole! Lol
Not a lot more to be said than that really lol
But at least it made the journey to the air port a lot easier and later. Judging from the journey Roy made to pick us up, we wouldn’t have made it!
The Flight:
We flew with Virgin Atlantic from Manchester airport.
The seats were really quite comfy, and a fair bit of leg room.
There were little TV things in the back of each head rest with games, films, tv shows and music to choose from.
On the way there, they were constantly feeding us!
Dinner, snacks, drinks, all in with the flight, and on the way back dinner and breakfast.
You get a little pillow (not that i got to use mine! Lol on the way there some numpty spilled red wine all over me and on the way back Dr Pepper exploded all over me!)
A blanket, and a pack with a night shade in, socks, ear plugs, tooth brush, toothpaste and a pen.
You don’t have to buy the earphones either which is really good, and the staff were lovely.
To the Hotel:
The Enclave Hotel And Suites 6165 Carrier Dr Orlando FL
Very basic, but i know how spoiled Gareth and I are with Hotels, we have a lot of 4 and 5* rooms quite often, both in this country and on holidays.
It was cleaned every three days, the loo didn’t flush right, but it had a bathroom, a bed, and a decent shower and a fridge, what else do you need really?
It wasn’t the lounge by the pool kind of place, so that didn’t really matter to us, but we could see the pool from our balcony.
There was a laundry room, which was really handy, and made my life a load easier when I got home.
Places For Dinner And Drinks:
We ate and drank out all the time, breakfast, lunch and dinner (when we had all three, which due to the portion sizes was pretty rare we needed to)
These are the places i can remember (in no particular order) i’m sure there were more.
· Bahama Breeze
8849 International Drive Orlando
Loved this place. I had cocktails and Gaz had the local beer, we had quesadillas to start and I had the swordfish with accompaniments for main course.
Friendly staff, not too cold, and the food and drinks were gorgeous!
· Charlies Steak House
8255 International Drive Orlando FL
This place was somewhere we had seen walking round during the day and decided to come back at night when it was open.
The portions, and steak sizes were massive!
· Perkins Restaraunt and Bakery
6813 W Sand Lake Road Orlando FL
We went here for an evening meal, the food was nice, but it was more of a breakfast or lunch place than dinner.
It was a cute little cafe type place good service, would have liked to have visited for a casual lunch or breakfast.
· Pointe Orlando (went to a bar there)
9101 International Drive Orlando FL
I can’t remember the name of the bar we visited here, it was on a bit of a trek for somewhere for a drink on a Sunday night. We past the usual night life places, there was a charge on the door at Howel At The Moon and Ice Bar was closed, we had done the rest so carried on walking.
I would imagine that during the day or early evening this place would be quite busy, it had a good little outside seating area and the beer was reasonably priced, but we caught it at midnight on a Sunday night, so it was pretty dead.
· Min Jing Incorporated
8255 International Drive Orlando FL
Did lunch here on our last day, we had been in search of a Chinese that wasn’t a buffet, and found this next to wet and wild. The food was nice, but it was very empty so i think the waitress, an older lady, was bored as I felt a wee bit stalked.
The food was nice, the starter was normal sized, but the main course was full on American portion, so we got through around half of it.
The bill was well over the top, and although i don’t mind tipping, i don’t think adding a service charge to the bill is right. We are more than able to decide if 10, 15 or 20% tip is deserved.
· Tilted Kilt Pub And Eatery
7653 International Drive Orlando FL
We went here twice, once for a drink and gain another evening for food. Gareth was very happy as the Kilt Girls are mostly good looking girls in tartan tutu type thing and bra. Taking that bit of it aside, the service was great, the food was gorgeous and i liked that you could sit in or outside – inside was a little cold for me.
· Dennys
5825 International Drive Orlando, FL
Just before i went on holiday a guy at work told me that years ago he had gone to Florida, and went to Dennys, half way through the meal he had to get up and be sick. Well.... we tried it for lunch one day, and guess what happened to me! It wasn’t just because i was thinking of it either as i totally forgot until i came home and he asked me about my holiday.
I had a chicken burger, and it had this odd sauce on top, and the worst chips/fries i have had.
· Wild Jacks Steak House and BBQ
7364 International Drive Oralndo FL
Went here for an evening meal. We shared a starter, had steak for main and a few beers, the steak was lovely, the service was ok and the price was great value.
· Golden Corral
8032 International Drive Orlando FL
What do i say about this.... 4 times in two weeks was waaaaaaay too much. This is a discount all you can eat food buffet, and it serves EVERYTHING. It is really good value for money, and the food is all hot, the service for coffee and soda is good, but it wasn’t a smart place to eat, once or maybe twice would have been enough.
We did go here for an evening meal after a park at one point too, defiantly not somewhere at home i would ever enter for a main meal or a meal out, but we were tired and all travelling together, so we went here. Again, the food was all hot, it was nice, and if you had kids this place would save a fortune, but this isn’t somewhere to take a date! lol
· Giordanos
6203 W Sand Lake Rd Orlando FL
This was slightly spoiled as both Gareth and i weren’t feeling all that great, i had been sick, and Gareth was feeling off, which was shame as i bet if we were on top form we’d have really enjoyed it.
We had “The Famous Pizza Pie” these things are massive! We had a small between 4 of us and still didn’t finish it. Its basically a pizza on a pizza on a pizza with the toppings in the middle and topped with tomato sauce. I managed a slice, Gareth had a half slice, and the other guys managed 4 between them.
· Hooters
8510 Palm Pkwy Orlando FL
Bit disappointed with this, took Gareth so he would be a happy boy and get a little perv and some nice food.
I think maybe getting there just after lunch time made it a bit quieter than it should have been, in the evenings it would have been good maybe, but it was a drive to place rather than walk so we didnt really have an option. The girls were friendly (sooooo not what they look like on the billboards though) and the food was ok, although very little choice.
· Chilli’s
7021 International Drive Orlando FL
First night evening meal stop. Food was lovely, there was a lot of choice, the price was really reasonable and the service was really good. It beats TGI’s 10 fold, shame they haven’t opened some over here.
· Senor Frogs
8747 International Drive
Popped in here for a drink whilst exploring, it was a week night and quite late on, so the place was empty, but it was the closest thing to a club we really saw all holiday, and i think that on a Friday night it may be a really good night out.
· The Ale House
5573 S. Kirkman Rd.
A sports bar, i don’t remember a lot of this place as i was rather tiddly lol
It seemed ok, middle of the road sports bar.
· Pat O’Brians
6000 Universal Blvd Orlando FL
Popped in here for 1 beer on a walk back from an evening meal one night. Was very British, karaoke on, so we sat outside to avoid it.
Was cheap enough, and just a bar. Minus the wailing down the mic we may have checked it out a little more.
· Nascar sports Grille
City Walk, universal Studios Orlando FL
Wow! 2 pints of larger and 1 lime and soda here, worked out at £20!!!!!! It was 30 something $ - all to get out of the storm, needless to say that was our first and last drink in there.
· Treasure Tavern
6400 Carrier Drive Orlando FL
This was an experience!
Everywhere in Florida we seemed to see adverts for dinner shows, but all very children orientated, we found this one for 18yrs+ right next to the hotel.
It was very funny. A themed burlesque/cabaret type show with a 3 course meal. Entertainment was funny, food was nice.
Off we trotted, Gareth and I, along with Lindsay and Darren, some friends.
Had a great time, defiantly different from the usual beach holidays, in fact i think we all need a holiday to get over these last two weeks!
We did the theme parks, shopping, pubs, food food and food.... im struggling trying to remember it all!
A few of our piccies are below - there were waaaay too many to put them all on here, i took almost 400 on my own!
The full lot are on FaceBook!
The Hotel Pre Flight:
Britannia Hotel Manchester Airport
What a hole! Lol
Not a lot more to be said than that really lol
But at least it made the journey to the air port a lot easier and later. Judging from the journey Roy made to pick us up, we wouldn’t have made it!
The Flight:
We flew with Virgin Atlantic from Manchester airport.
The seats were really quite comfy, and a fair bit of leg room.
There were little TV things in the back of each head rest with games, films, tv shows and music to choose from.
On the way there, they were constantly feeding us!
Dinner, snacks, drinks, all in with the flight, and on the way back dinner and breakfast.
You get a little pillow (not that i got to use mine! Lol on the way there some numpty spilled red wine all over me and on the way back Dr Pepper exploded all over me!)
A blanket, and a pack with a night shade in, socks, ear plugs, tooth brush, toothpaste and a pen.
You don’t have to buy the earphones either which is really good, and the staff were lovely.
To the Hotel:
The Enclave Hotel And Suites 6165 Carrier Dr Orlando FL
Very basic, but i know how spoiled Gareth and I are with Hotels, we have a lot of 4 and 5* rooms quite often, both in this country and on holidays.
It was cleaned every three days, the loo didn’t flush right, but it had a bathroom, a bed, and a decent shower and a fridge, what else do you need really?
It wasn’t the lounge by the pool kind of place, so that didn’t really matter to us, but we could see the pool from our balcony.
There was a laundry room, which was really handy, and made my life a load easier when I got home.
Places For Dinner And Drinks:
We ate and drank out all the time, breakfast, lunch and dinner (when we had all three, which due to the portion sizes was pretty rare we needed to)
These are the places i can remember (in no particular order) i’m sure there were more.
· Bahama Breeze
8849 International Drive Orlando
Loved this place. I had cocktails and Gaz had the local beer, we had quesadillas to start and I had the swordfish with accompaniments for main course.
Friendly staff, not too cold, and the food and drinks were gorgeous!
· Charlies Steak House
8255 International Drive Orlando FL
This place was somewhere we had seen walking round during the day and decided to come back at night when it was open.
The portions, and steak sizes were massive!
· Perkins Restaraunt and Bakery
6813 W Sand Lake Road Orlando FL
We went here for an evening meal, the food was nice, but it was more of a breakfast or lunch place than dinner.
It was a cute little cafe type place good service, would have liked to have visited for a casual lunch or breakfast.
· Pointe Orlando (went to a bar there)
9101 International Drive Orlando FL
I can’t remember the name of the bar we visited here, it was on a bit of a trek for somewhere for a drink on a Sunday night. We past the usual night life places, there was a charge on the door at Howel At The Moon and Ice Bar was closed, we had done the rest so carried on walking.
I would imagine that during the day or early evening this place would be quite busy, it had a good little outside seating area and the beer was reasonably priced, but we caught it at midnight on a Sunday night, so it was pretty dead.
· Min Jing Incorporated
8255 International Drive Orlando FL
Did lunch here on our last day, we had been in search of a Chinese that wasn’t a buffet, and found this next to wet and wild. The food was nice, but it was very empty so i think the waitress, an older lady, was bored as I felt a wee bit stalked.
The food was nice, the starter was normal sized, but the main course was full on American portion, so we got through around half of it.
The bill was well over the top, and although i don’t mind tipping, i don’t think adding a service charge to the bill is right. We are more than able to decide if 10, 15 or 20% tip is deserved.
· Tilted Kilt Pub And Eatery
7653 International Drive Orlando FL
We went here twice, once for a drink and gain another evening for food. Gareth was very happy as the Kilt Girls are mostly good looking girls in tartan tutu type thing and bra. Taking that bit of it aside, the service was great, the food was gorgeous and i liked that you could sit in or outside – inside was a little cold for me.
· Dennys
5825 International Drive Orlando, FL
Just before i went on holiday a guy at work told me that years ago he had gone to Florida, and went to Dennys, half way through the meal he had to get up and be sick. Well.... we tried it for lunch one day, and guess what happened to me! It wasn’t just because i was thinking of it either as i totally forgot until i came home and he asked me about my holiday.
I had a chicken burger, and it had this odd sauce on top, and the worst chips/fries i have had.
· Wild Jacks Steak House and BBQ
7364 International Drive Oralndo FL
Went here for an evening meal. We shared a starter, had steak for main and a few beers, the steak was lovely, the service was ok and the price was great value.
· Golden Corral
8032 International Drive Orlando FL
What do i say about this.... 4 times in two weeks was waaaaaaay too much. This is a discount all you can eat food buffet, and it serves EVERYTHING. It is really good value for money, and the food is all hot, the service for coffee and soda is good, but it wasn’t a smart place to eat, once or maybe twice would have been enough.
We did go here for an evening meal after a park at one point too, defiantly not somewhere at home i would ever enter for a main meal or a meal out, but we were tired and all travelling together, so we went here. Again, the food was all hot, it was nice, and if you had kids this place would save a fortune, but this isn’t somewhere to take a date! lol
· Giordanos
6203 W Sand Lake Rd Orlando FL
This was slightly spoiled as both Gareth and i weren’t feeling all that great, i had been sick, and Gareth was feeling off, which was shame as i bet if we were on top form we’d have really enjoyed it.
We had “The Famous Pizza Pie” these things are massive! We had a small between 4 of us and still didn’t finish it. Its basically a pizza on a pizza on a pizza with the toppings in the middle and topped with tomato sauce. I managed a slice, Gareth had a half slice, and the other guys managed 4 between them.
· Hooters
8510 Palm Pkwy Orlando FL
Bit disappointed with this, took Gareth so he would be a happy boy and get a little perv and some nice food.
I think maybe getting there just after lunch time made it a bit quieter than it should have been, in the evenings it would have been good maybe, but it was a drive to place rather than walk so we didnt really have an option. The girls were friendly (sooooo not what they look like on the billboards though) and the food was ok, although very little choice.
· Chilli’s
7021 International Drive Orlando FL
First night evening meal stop. Food was lovely, there was a lot of choice, the price was really reasonable and the service was really good. It beats TGI’s 10 fold, shame they haven’t opened some over here.
· Senor Frogs
8747 International Drive
Popped in here for a drink whilst exploring, it was a week night and quite late on, so the place was empty, but it was the closest thing to a club we really saw all holiday, and i think that on a Friday night it may be a really good night out.
· The Ale House
5573 S. Kirkman Rd.
A sports bar, i don’t remember a lot of this place as i was rather tiddly lol
It seemed ok, middle of the road sports bar.
· Pat O’Brians
6000 Universal Blvd Orlando FL
Popped in here for 1 beer on a walk back from an evening meal one night. Was very British, karaoke on, so we sat outside to avoid it.
Was cheap enough, and just a bar. Minus the wailing down the mic we may have checked it out a little more.
· Nascar sports Grille
City Walk, universal Studios Orlando FL
Wow! 2 pints of larger and 1 lime and soda here, worked out at £20!!!!!! It was 30 something $ - all to get out of the storm, needless to say that was our first and last drink in there.
· Treasure Tavern
6400 Carrier Drive Orlando FL
This was an experience!
Everywhere in Florida we seemed to see adverts for dinner shows, but all very children orientated, we found this one for 18yrs+ right next to the hotel.
It was very funny. A themed burlesque/cabaret type show with a 3 course meal. Entertainment was funny, food was nice.
The Parks, The Rides And The Bits In The Middle
Disney Hollywood Studios
General View:
Not one I would re visit as an adult.
If you are a kid or have young kids with you, I’m sure this would be a lot of fun.
The rides were very tame, and a lot of the place was for shopping.
Rides We Went On:
· Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster (ft Aerosmith)
A good concept, however the ride was a little smaller and more for kids that I expected. But then I think that was the general thing at Disney, it is built for families and kids.
· Star Tours
Really good simulator, again, more for the kids, but it was very well done.
· Tower of Terror
Was really disappointed with this, I expected a really big drop from top to bottom, but it was more of a bounce, felt a bit like a bad bus ride.
The hotel and the set however was really well done, loads of attention to detail.
· Extreme Stunt Show
Was really looking forward to this, but it was rained off, so never got to see it.
· American Idol Experience
Not a reality TV fan at all, and have never seen American Idol, it was quite a fun experience though.
I think it was set up to be honest, as we saw a heat and a final, both times it was the last act and the only one to receive good feedback from all of the judges that was put through, I don’t think it was the audience vote that got the win.
· Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular
Again, was looking forward to this, but it was rained off, we saw a few moments of it, but the rest couldn’t be done due to the stunt mats being wet through and unsafe.
· Muppet Vision 3D
I am guessing kids would love this one, but it wasn’t for me, and Gareth had a nap during it!
it was rather dull.
· Studio Backlot Tour
This was ok, showed good effects on the blowing up of a tanker on a small set to show us how that was done, it was clever, the rest of the tour wasn’t up to much though.
Universal Studios
General View:
I enjoyed this, but it wasn’t really a place for big rides, but what there was were quite clever really.
Rides We Went On:
· The Simpsons Ride
Really clever! Simulator roller coaster, with smells too. would have been better at the front, as someone’s head in the way is always going to take the shine off a ride like this, but was very good.
· Rip-Ride-Rockit
Looked massive, but was quite short, I liked the picking of the track for your ride, that was really good, didn’t have to listen to anything cheesy and it was loud enough to hear it even as the ride was going.
It was fast, and looking at it afterwards was really long, but the fast ones never feel it whilst you’re on.
· Men In Black Alien Attack
This would be good for the kids, but was quite disappointing. Reminded me of a better version of the haunted house shooting game at Alton Towers.
You go around a track and aim and shoot aliens.
· ET Adventure
Loved this, but we knew it was a child’s ride before we went on.
You go through the galaxy to E.T’s home planet on a ride that looks like a push bike.
Was fun, and funny. Be great for kids.
· Revenge Of The Mummy
This was another ride that wasn’t as big or scary as I thought it would be, but it was clever.
Again the set is very well done.
You are sent in all different directions through the mummy’s tomb in the dark, flung about a bit, and there is a part where the ceiling goes on fire.
Quite enjoyed this one.
· Shrek 4D
I don’t really remember much of this one to be honest, other than the line, which likely means it wasn’t all that, it was a kids ride though, so I wasn’t expecting much.
· Despicable Me
This one again was a kids ride, but it was great, the best simulator yet, you really felt you were falling and being bounced about all over the place.
Enjoyed this one.
· Terminator 2: 3D Battle Across Time
This one was different, and I liked the 3D picture mixed with the live action of the actors running around.
· Universal Horror Make-Up Show
I love movie make-up, so enjoyed this, the presenters were good humoured, and it was a rest for your legs after walking around all day.
· Twister....Ride It Out
Not really a ride, it was to show a recreation of the twister storm scene from the film.
It was funny, when the wind picks up a cow flies by in slow motion, which cracked me up. Seeing them recreate a whirlwind right there on a stage in front of you was really cleaver.
· Disaster! A Major Motion Picture Ride...Staring You
Oh dear!
This was terrible, it was clever how a projected image and a live actor interacted as the presenters, and it may be funny after 3 or 4 pints, or if you or someone you knew was chosen to take part, but it was a little dull for me.
Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights
General View:
We only managed 2 houses as the queues were huge! (well... compared to what we had had to deal with the rest of the holiday, I get the feeling peak season it would be crazy).
The atmosphere that the actors walking around and interacting with the people attending was great.
Both the houses were more or less the same, like a walk through ghost train.
It was a little less than I expected, but thought it was good.
Would be brilliant with a large group of friends with the giggles.
· Alice Cooper
· Dead End
Universal Islands of Adventure
General View:
This was quite fun, again, would be better if there were kids to take around and show things to.
The rides were smaller than expected, but I think that was an all over for Florida, I think Gareth and I expected massive scary rides, and they were little different from the theme park rides we have over here – other than the mardy-ass staff they have working over in Britain, a least these guys working at these places made an effort.
This was a relaxed day, we wondered around at our leisure, we did skip a couple of rides, and missed the fireworks etc, but we had had enough, and staying for the sake of it would have ruined the day.
Rides We Went On:
· Jurassic Park River Adventure
Again, smaller than we thought it would be, and we didn’t really get as wet as we expected, but it was quite good. The water rides generally are good as they set up a theme, rather than just take you up a hill and dump you down it.
The dinosaurs around the ride were good and it was quite fun. It was a kiddies ride, but I think mostly it was a kiddies park.
· Doctor Dooms Fear Fall
I was dreading this, was a little nervous, then pretty gutted!
I thought it would take you really high up and drop you right down – no such luck, for around 30 seconds we were bounced lightly up and down like a kid in a baby bouncer.
Waste of time.
· Incredible Hulk Coaster
Looked great! But again, just wasn’t scary, was kind of good, did throw you about a bit and there were a few upside down loop the loops, glad we went on the front, and I think if we hadn’t have expected so much it would have been good.
· The Amazing Adventures Of Spiderman
Enjoyed this, it was a 3d ride, it moved, had water squirting, had a simulator part to it like Simpsons and the others, but more actual movement together with 3D film effects that really seemed to be interacting with you.
We rode this twice, once in the 3rd row, which did spoil it a little as you didn’t get a clear view, but the 2nd time we waited for the front and got the full effect.
· Duelling Dragons
This made me feel a bit rough, it was ok, nothing better than something at Alton Towers.
· The Eighth Voyage Of Sinbad Stunt Show
Oh dear oh dear. The sound was out, so poor Gareth didn’t hear a thing, and the stunts were really nothing more than a fake sword fight and going down a couple of zip lines.
Was a sit down though.
· Dudley D-Rights Ripsaw Falls
I loved this, but probably more to see (for once) Gareth get soaked to the skin before me.
Again with the water rides over there, it was a lot longer than the ones in the U.K, with more to it, and it’s so nice to get off a water ride wet through and not get ill from the cold!
Sea World
General View:
Some better rides here, and I liked the animals, but after discovery cove the fish/ray etc side of it can’t possibly compare.
Was a good park though.
Rides We Went On:
· Clyde and Seamore Take Pirate Island
This was terrible. It was obviously meant to be tongue and cheek, so we weren’t expecting serious acting or anything, but the animals didn’t really do a lot, my last sea lion show was at Flamingo Land, and that was a lot better.
· Journey To Atlantis
Water ride/log flume ride. I enjoyed this one, it was the first water ride of the holiday, so it was great to see how much more effort they put into the rides in the U.S. there was a little story to it, a track and more than one drop.
· Kraken
This was a bigger ride than the others we had been on so far, I cant 100% remember the difference between Kraken and Manta, but they were both very similar and quite big rides.
· Manta
This was a bigger ride than the others we had been on so far, I cant 100% remember the difference between Kraken and Manta, but they were both very similar and quite big rides.
· Pets Ahoy
Well..... obviously this is a kids show, and it was funny to see some of the animals doing tricks, but it’s not something I would watch again really.
I like the idea that they’re all rescue animals trained and happy and well looked after though.
· Shark Encounter
The moving walk way was broken during this, so it was kind of a free for all, the big tunnel tank is quite like that at Sea Life Centre and The Deep over here. If it hadn’t have been so crowded and moving so sporadically I think we’d have enjoyed it more.
· Turtle Point
This was a 3D 360 degree turtle movie. Was clever and well done, cute for the kids.
· Believe Shamu Show
Great! But who wouldn’t be impressed with the way these animals are trained.
Quite heart warming and very sweet as well as clever.
· Wild Arctic
I enjoyed this. Was a simulator helicopter ride to the arctic, then when you got off there were beluga whales, polar bears, walruses and real ice. Was a really clever twist on a part of a normal zoo.
· Sky Tower
This wasn’t a ride, but it was a viewing tower that went to 300ft, gave a good chance to see the park, what was where etc.
Busch Gardens
General View:
This was my favourite I think, other than Gatorland.
The rides were plentiful, and bigger than the other parks, but seeing the animals was lovely. Took soooo many pictures here.
Rides We Went On:
· Scorpion (rough old one)
This made me feel rotten, but it was funny, more for Gareth reaction than anything else. It was very obviously an old ride in need of a wee bit of TLC, it was quite tame, but did go upside down, and looking, sounding and feeling as rough as it did made that rather scary!
· Kumba – (sit down one with one loop)
This was another sit in a car type older coaster, was quite fun, and as we hadn’t been spoiled with rides up to this point of the holiday, it was ok. A bit like Rita crossed with corkscrew at Alton Towers.
· Montu - (upside down a lot one)
This had 7 loop the loops, and again was an old coaster, making it quite scary going upside down.
Not bad.
· Gwazi – (wooden one)
Scary as hell! This was a very old wooden roller coaster, looked like it should be condemned, chucked you around all over the place, and even got screams of “we’re gonna die!!” from Gareth.
Defiantly scary, but not so much for the speed etc, more for the atmosphere it created.
· Cheetah Hunt
Weird.... very very weird.
Smooth, and quiet, almost seemed in slow motion, which was good as you could feel what was going on, rather than zipping around, you knew you were upside down, rather than realising you just had been upside down.
· Sheikra
Loved this! Think oblivion, then make the first drop 250ft, add another drop the same size as oblivion, add loops, twists and speed and you have it! Stick yourself on the front and it’s even better. We got off the end of this one and right back on again after!
· Rapids
Quite tame compared to what we expected, but funny as they always are, and long. Be great with a big bunch of people you can have a giggle with all on the same dingy thing.
· Zoo/Animal enclosures
Amazing, I don’t think I could list all the animals if I tried, my highlights were:
Cheetahs – they stopped the run due to the wet ground from earlier, but they came out and played, and they were so close, they were lovely.
Gorillas – lovely adolescent gorillas playing with each other, then the big silver back too.
Lions – up so close, so elegant.
Giant turtles – wow, you’re not kidding GIANT!
Disney Epcot Centre
General View:
Probably our least favourite, it was very much like a really good school trip, no rides as such, more places to eat than I thought possible in one place!
I think when this was opened it would have been new technology, fancy, impressive etc, unfortunately they don’t seem to have updated much since then.
From this park I learned that basically we are earth killing assholes, that need to stop for snacks many many times between learning this in ways and watching Canadian and Chinese tourist board films.
Rides We Went On:
· Soarin’
Hand glider simulator. I think in its day this would have been really good and quite revolutionary.
· Mission Space
Space shuttle simulator – the g-force was quite strong in this “ride” but without much movement. Quite good I guess, but maybe a little dull.
· Spaceship Earth
· The American Adventure
If you are not American, and very patriotic I would skip this. I had a snooze and Gareth listened to the crazy lady in the seat next to him cry from how moved she felt from the very edited history of the U.S.
· Captain EO
I wasn’t then, and am not quite sure now what this was lol
It was an 80’s 3D “movie” starring Michael Jackson before he went albino. Very very dated, we did come out giggling, but it wasn’t actually meant to be funny.
· Circle Of Life
Film looking at pollution starring the Lion King characters. Be good as a movie in age 7-8 science classes in school.
· Living With The Land (freaky hybrid fish one)
Interesting to see the science that goes on behind the scenes at the Epcot Centre, but the Hybrid fish and plants put me right off trying anything to eat!
· Maelstorm (Norway one)
A small river boat ride that didn’t really do anything that came out into a cinema with an 80’s tourist board video
· Reflections Of China
A small recreation of some Chinese artefacts and then an 80’s tourist board video
· Oh Canada!
This didn’t even have a warm up! Straight into 80’s tourist board video.
Discovery Cove
General View:
not a water park as such, but water based.
A lot more t do with the wildlife, with tropical fish lakes, shark tanks, dolphin swimming, a beach in the middle of the land.
This was all inclusive from paying to get in, this I think was great, because there is nothing more of a pain than having to keep going back to your locker for wallets and purses whilst somewhere like that.
What We Did
· Snorkelling
There was little pressure to me, so I was able to try and enjoy most of this day. It was nice to be left alone to do what I was comfortable with.
I did use a snorkel, and I saw the fish – they were quite pretty, but not really something that interests me, but it was ok. The best bit of this was the shark tank, as I really wanted to see the sharks, and Gareth loved this, so it was nice to see him so happy.
· Meet dolphins
I had a dolphin meet rather than a ride, I think it was spoiled a little as I felt pressured before I went to do this.
Seeing the dolphin ride I don’t feel I missed anything really, t was only being dragged a few feet. Having time separate to feed and stroke and meet the dolphin separately was way better than the “fish dragging” lol
Being my first dolphin encounter it was good for me, and something I can say I did, the photos were good too.
· Lazy river
I didn’t want to do this at all, it was something I was nervous of, so after pressure and pestering I gave in, and went along with it.
I did not enjoy it, and it did spoil that portion of my day from being pushed into it.
Gatorland
· No rides
· Fed gators
No rides here, but I think it may have been the highlight of my holiday, getting so close to massive gators and feeding them. There wasn’t really much else there, so it’s hard to explain why it was so good.
There was gator wrestling, gator jumping shows and other bits a bobs, but it was a very chilled out day that we both enjoyed.
Boggy Creek
· No rides – boat ride
Really enjoyed this. The boat ride was great, and went a lot faster than I expected. We saw 3 baby crocs and 2 big alligators in the wild, then held and had our pictures with a baby gator at the end of the ride, who I really wanted to take home with me!
The water parks – before you read this bit, just bear in mind it is written by someone that doesn’t like water, can’t really swim, and finds it boring when I have had a go.
Also the days, for me, we not good ones as were spent being constantly pushed into doing things I did not enjoy, or like, and never really will.
The slides I went on, I did only for the people I was with, and a quiet life.
Aquattica
· Just a water park with a beach no coasters
I didn’t really enjoy this park.
I don’t swim, I can a little, but find it no fun and very boring, I went with the agreement I wouldn’t be pestered and pushed into anything and no strops would be taken – hahaha! How silly I can be!
Sooooo did not want to go here as it felt like a waste of one of my holiday days, but kind of had to go here as everyone else did.
Got pestered to go on things, strops taken when I didn’t want to, so did bow to pressure with fake enthusiasm and smiles, but didn’t enjoy any of them.
Boring, pressurised, uncomfortable and irritating day for me. Think the others enjoyed it.
Wet and Wild
· Just a water park no coasters
This was OK as water parks go – I wouldn’t say it was fun for me, as it wasn’t
World Bowling Centre
Obviuosly not a park with rides.
Found this place just a little walk from our hotel.
We had a good giggle, $15 pp unlimited neon bowling until 2am.
Well worth a visit, food was cheap, standard, but cheap, and the Bud was only $7 per pitcher.
Blue Man Group Show
Brilliant!!!!
Wayyyyy better than we expected, its hard to explain and make it sound good, so pop it in on YouTube, have a look, then times that by 10 for how good it was live!
Pirates Cove Golf
Loved itttttt!!!!
Mostly cos i won lol
But it was a good giggle to go and play not so mini golf.
General View:
Not one I would re visit as an adult.
If you are a kid or have young kids with you, I’m sure this would be a lot of fun.
The rides were very tame, and a lot of the place was for shopping.
Rides We Went On:
· Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster (ft Aerosmith)
A good concept, however the ride was a little smaller and more for kids that I expected. But then I think that was the general thing at Disney, it is built for families and kids.
· Star Tours
Really good simulator, again, more for the kids, but it was very well done.
· Tower of Terror
Was really disappointed with this, I expected a really big drop from top to bottom, but it was more of a bounce, felt a bit like a bad bus ride.
The hotel and the set however was really well done, loads of attention to detail.
· Extreme Stunt Show
Was really looking forward to this, but it was rained off, so never got to see it.
· American Idol Experience
Not a reality TV fan at all, and have never seen American Idol, it was quite a fun experience though.
I think it was set up to be honest, as we saw a heat and a final, both times it was the last act and the only one to receive good feedback from all of the judges that was put through, I don’t think it was the audience vote that got the win.
· Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular
Again, was looking forward to this, but it was rained off, we saw a few moments of it, but the rest couldn’t be done due to the stunt mats being wet through and unsafe.
· Muppet Vision 3D
I am guessing kids would love this one, but it wasn’t for me, and Gareth had a nap during it!
it was rather dull.
· Studio Backlot Tour
This was ok, showed good effects on the blowing up of a tanker on a small set to show us how that was done, it was clever, the rest of the tour wasn’t up to much though.
Universal Studios
General View:
I enjoyed this, but it wasn’t really a place for big rides, but what there was were quite clever really.
Rides We Went On:
· The Simpsons Ride
Really clever! Simulator roller coaster, with smells too. would have been better at the front, as someone’s head in the way is always going to take the shine off a ride like this, but was very good.
· Rip-Ride-Rockit
Looked massive, but was quite short, I liked the picking of the track for your ride, that was really good, didn’t have to listen to anything cheesy and it was loud enough to hear it even as the ride was going.
It was fast, and looking at it afterwards was really long, but the fast ones never feel it whilst you’re on.
· Men In Black Alien Attack
This would be good for the kids, but was quite disappointing. Reminded me of a better version of the haunted house shooting game at Alton Towers.
You go around a track and aim and shoot aliens.
· ET Adventure
Loved this, but we knew it was a child’s ride before we went on.
You go through the galaxy to E.T’s home planet on a ride that looks like a push bike.
Was fun, and funny. Be great for kids.
· Revenge Of The Mummy
This was another ride that wasn’t as big or scary as I thought it would be, but it was clever.
Again the set is very well done.
You are sent in all different directions through the mummy’s tomb in the dark, flung about a bit, and there is a part where the ceiling goes on fire.
Quite enjoyed this one.
· Shrek 4D
I don’t really remember much of this one to be honest, other than the line, which likely means it wasn’t all that, it was a kids ride though, so I wasn’t expecting much.
· Despicable Me
This one again was a kids ride, but it was great, the best simulator yet, you really felt you were falling and being bounced about all over the place.
Enjoyed this one.
· Terminator 2: 3D Battle Across Time
This one was different, and I liked the 3D picture mixed with the live action of the actors running around.
· Universal Horror Make-Up Show
I love movie make-up, so enjoyed this, the presenters were good humoured, and it was a rest for your legs after walking around all day.
· Twister....Ride It Out
Not really a ride, it was to show a recreation of the twister storm scene from the film.
It was funny, when the wind picks up a cow flies by in slow motion, which cracked me up. Seeing them recreate a whirlwind right there on a stage in front of you was really cleaver.
· Disaster! A Major Motion Picture Ride...Staring You
Oh dear!
This was terrible, it was clever how a projected image and a live actor interacted as the presenters, and it may be funny after 3 or 4 pints, or if you or someone you knew was chosen to take part, but it was a little dull for me.
Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights
General View:
We only managed 2 houses as the queues were huge! (well... compared to what we had had to deal with the rest of the holiday, I get the feeling peak season it would be crazy).
The atmosphere that the actors walking around and interacting with the people attending was great.
Both the houses were more or less the same, like a walk through ghost train.
It was a little less than I expected, but thought it was good.
Would be brilliant with a large group of friends with the giggles.
· Alice Cooper
· Dead End
Universal Islands of Adventure
General View:
This was quite fun, again, would be better if there were kids to take around and show things to.
The rides were smaller than expected, but I think that was an all over for Florida, I think Gareth and I expected massive scary rides, and they were little different from the theme park rides we have over here – other than the mardy-ass staff they have working over in Britain, a least these guys working at these places made an effort.
This was a relaxed day, we wondered around at our leisure, we did skip a couple of rides, and missed the fireworks etc, but we had had enough, and staying for the sake of it would have ruined the day.
Rides We Went On:
· Jurassic Park River Adventure
Again, smaller than we thought it would be, and we didn’t really get as wet as we expected, but it was quite good. The water rides generally are good as they set up a theme, rather than just take you up a hill and dump you down it.
The dinosaurs around the ride were good and it was quite fun. It was a kiddies ride, but I think mostly it was a kiddies park.
· Doctor Dooms Fear Fall
I was dreading this, was a little nervous, then pretty gutted!
I thought it would take you really high up and drop you right down – no such luck, for around 30 seconds we were bounced lightly up and down like a kid in a baby bouncer.
Waste of time.
· Incredible Hulk Coaster
Looked great! But again, just wasn’t scary, was kind of good, did throw you about a bit and there were a few upside down loop the loops, glad we went on the front, and I think if we hadn’t have expected so much it would have been good.
· The Amazing Adventures Of Spiderman
Enjoyed this, it was a 3d ride, it moved, had water squirting, had a simulator part to it like Simpsons and the others, but more actual movement together with 3D film effects that really seemed to be interacting with you.
We rode this twice, once in the 3rd row, which did spoil it a little as you didn’t get a clear view, but the 2nd time we waited for the front and got the full effect.
· Duelling Dragons
This made me feel a bit rough, it was ok, nothing better than something at Alton Towers.
· The Eighth Voyage Of Sinbad Stunt Show
Oh dear oh dear. The sound was out, so poor Gareth didn’t hear a thing, and the stunts were really nothing more than a fake sword fight and going down a couple of zip lines.
Was a sit down though.
· Dudley D-Rights Ripsaw Falls
I loved this, but probably more to see (for once) Gareth get soaked to the skin before me.
Again with the water rides over there, it was a lot longer than the ones in the U.K, with more to it, and it’s so nice to get off a water ride wet through and not get ill from the cold!
Sea World
General View:
Some better rides here, and I liked the animals, but after discovery cove the fish/ray etc side of it can’t possibly compare.
Was a good park though.
Rides We Went On:
· Clyde and Seamore Take Pirate Island
This was terrible. It was obviously meant to be tongue and cheek, so we weren’t expecting serious acting or anything, but the animals didn’t really do a lot, my last sea lion show was at Flamingo Land, and that was a lot better.
· Journey To Atlantis
Water ride/log flume ride. I enjoyed this one, it was the first water ride of the holiday, so it was great to see how much more effort they put into the rides in the U.S. there was a little story to it, a track and more than one drop.
· Kraken
This was a bigger ride than the others we had been on so far, I cant 100% remember the difference between Kraken and Manta, but they were both very similar and quite big rides.
· Manta
This was a bigger ride than the others we had been on so far, I cant 100% remember the difference between Kraken and Manta, but they were both very similar and quite big rides.
· Pets Ahoy
Well..... obviously this is a kids show, and it was funny to see some of the animals doing tricks, but it’s not something I would watch again really.
I like the idea that they’re all rescue animals trained and happy and well looked after though.
· Shark Encounter
The moving walk way was broken during this, so it was kind of a free for all, the big tunnel tank is quite like that at Sea Life Centre and The Deep over here. If it hadn’t have been so crowded and moving so sporadically I think we’d have enjoyed it more.
· Turtle Point
This was a 3D 360 degree turtle movie. Was clever and well done, cute for the kids.
· Believe Shamu Show
Great! But who wouldn’t be impressed with the way these animals are trained.
Quite heart warming and very sweet as well as clever.
· Wild Arctic
I enjoyed this. Was a simulator helicopter ride to the arctic, then when you got off there were beluga whales, polar bears, walruses and real ice. Was a really clever twist on a part of a normal zoo.
· Sky Tower
This wasn’t a ride, but it was a viewing tower that went to 300ft, gave a good chance to see the park, what was where etc.
Busch Gardens
General View:
This was my favourite I think, other than Gatorland.
The rides were plentiful, and bigger than the other parks, but seeing the animals was lovely. Took soooo many pictures here.
Rides We Went On:
· Scorpion (rough old one)
This made me feel rotten, but it was funny, more for Gareth reaction than anything else. It was very obviously an old ride in need of a wee bit of TLC, it was quite tame, but did go upside down, and looking, sounding and feeling as rough as it did made that rather scary!
· Kumba – (sit down one with one loop)
This was another sit in a car type older coaster, was quite fun, and as we hadn’t been spoiled with rides up to this point of the holiday, it was ok. A bit like Rita crossed with corkscrew at Alton Towers.
· Montu - (upside down a lot one)
This had 7 loop the loops, and again was an old coaster, making it quite scary going upside down.
Not bad.
· Gwazi – (wooden one)
Scary as hell! This was a very old wooden roller coaster, looked like it should be condemned, chucked you around all over the place, and even got screams of “we’re gonna die!!” from Gareth.
Defiantly scary, but not so much for the speed etc, more for the atmosphere it created.
· Cheetah Hunt
Weird.... very very weird.
Smooth, and quiet, almost seemed in slow motion, which was good as you could feel what was going on, rather than zipping around, you knew you were upside down, rather than realising you just had been upside down.
· Sheikra
Loved this! Think oblivion, then make the first drop 250ft, add another drop the same size as oblivion, add loops, twists and speed and you have it! Stick yourself on the front and it’s even better. We got off the end of this one and right back on again after!
· Rapids
Quite tame compared to what we expected, but funny as they always are, and long. Be great with a big bunch of people you can have a giggle with all on the same dingy thing.
· Zoo/Animal enclosures
Amazing, I don’t think I could list all the animals if I tried, my highlights were:
Cheetahs – they stopped the run due to the wet ground from earlier, but they came out and played, and they were so close, they were lovely.
Gorillas – lovely adolescent gorillas playing with each other, then the big silver back too.
Lions – up so close, so elegant.
Giant turtles – wow, you’re not kidding GIANT!
Disney Epcot Centre
General View:
Probably our least favourite, it was very much like a really good school trip, no rides as such, more places to eat than I thought possible in one place!
I think when this was opened it would have been new technology, fancy, impressive etc, unfortunately they don’t seem to have updated much since then.
From this park I learned that basically we are earth killing assholes, that need to stop for snacks many many times between learning this in ways and watching Canadian and Chinese tourist board films.
Rides We Went On:
· Soarin’
Hand glider simulator. I think in its day this would have been really good and quite revolutionary.
· Mission Space
Space shuttle simulator – the g-force was quite strong in this “ride” but without much movement. Quite good I guess, but maybe a little dull.
· Spaceship Earth
· The American Adventure
If you are not American, and very patriotic I would skip this. I had a snooze and Gareth listened to the crazy lady in the seat next to him cry from how moved she felt from the very edited history of the U.S.
· Captain EO
I wasn’t then, and am not quite sure now what this was lol
It was an 80’s 3D “movie” starring Michael Jackson before he went albino. Very very dated, we did come out giggling, but it wasn’t actually meant to be funny.
· Circle Of Life
Film looking at pollution starring the Lion King characters. Be good as a movie in age 7-8 science classes in school.
· Living With The Land (freaky hybrid fish one)
Interesting to see the science that goes on behind the scenes at the Epcot Centre, but the Hybrid fish and plants put me right off trying anything to eat!
· Maelstorm (Norway one)
A small river boat ride that didn’t really do anything that came out into a cinema with an 80’s tourist board video
· Reflections Of China
A small recreation of some Chinese artefacts and then an 80’s tourist board video
· Oh Canada!
This didn’t even have a warm up! Straight into 80’s tourist board video.
Discovery Cove
General View:
not a water park as such, but water based.
A lot more t do with the wildlife, with tropical fish lakes, shark tanks, dolphin swimming, a beach in the middle of the land.
This was all inclusive from paying to get in, this I think was great, because there is nothing more of a pain than having to keep going back to your locker for wallets and purses whilst somewhere like that.
What We Did
· Snorkelling
There was little pressure to me, so I was able to try and enjoy most of this day. It was nice to be left alone to do what I was comfortable with.
I did use a snorkel, and I saw the fish – they were quite pretty, but not really something that interests me, but it was ok. The best bit of this was the shark tank, as I really wanted to see the sharks, and Gareth loved this, so it was nice to see him so happy.
· Meet dolphins
I had a dolphin meet rather than a ride, I think it was spoiled a little as I felt pressured before I went to do this.
Seeing the dolphin ride I don’t feel I missed anything really, t was only being dragged a few feet. Having time separate to feed and stroke and meet the dolphin separately was way better than the “fish dragging” lol
Being my first dolphin encounter it was good for me, and something I can say I did, the photos were good too.
· Lazy river
I didn’t want to do this at all, it was something I was nervous of, so after pressure and pestering I gave in, and went along with it.
I did not enjoy it, and it did spoil that portion of my day from being pushed into it.
Gatorland
· No rides
· Fed gators
No rides here, but I think it may have been the highlight of my holiday, getting so close to massive gators and feeding them. There wasn’t really much else there, so it’s hard to explain why it was so good.
There was gator wrestling, gator jumping shows and other bits a bobs, but it was a very chilled out day that we both enjoyed.
Boggy Creek
· No rides – boat ride
Really enjoyed this. The boat ride was great, and went a lot faster than I expected. We saw 3 baby crocs and 2 big alligators in the wild, then held and had our pictures with a baby gator at the end of the ride, who I really wanted to take home with me!
The water parks – before you read this bit, just bear in mind it is written by someone that doesn’t like water, can’t really swim, and finds it boring when I have had a go.
Also the days, for me, we not good ones as were spent being constantly pushed into doing things I did not enjoy, or like, and never really will.
The slides I went on, I did only for the people I was with, and a quiet life.
Aquattica
· Just a water park with a beach no coasters
I didn’t really enjoy this park.
I don’t swim, I can a little, but find it no fun and very boring, I went with the agreement I wouldn’t be pestered and pushed into anything and no strops would be taken – hahaha! How silly I can be!
Sooooo did not want to go here as it felt like a waste of one of my holiday days, but kind of had to go here as everyone else did.
Got pestered to go on things, strops taken when I didn’t want to, so did bow to pressure with fake enthusiasm and smiles, but didn’t enjoy any of them.
Boring, pressurised, uncomfortable and irritating day for me. Think the others enjoyed it.
Wet and Wild
· Just a water park no coasters
This was OK as water parks go – I wouldn’t say it was fun for me, as it wasn’t
World Bowling Centre
Obviuosly not a park with rides.
Found this place just a little walk from our hotel.
We had a good giggle, $15 pp unlimited neon bowling until 2am.
Well worth a visit, food was cheap, standard, but cheap, and the Bud was only $7 per pitcher.
Blue Man Group Show
Brilliant!!!!
Wayyyyy better than we expected, its hard to explain and make it sound good, so pop it in on YouTube, have a look, then times that by 10 for how good it was live!
Pirates Cove Golf
Loved itttttt!!!!
Mostly cos i won lol
But it was a good giggle to go and play not so mini golf.