Photo TR: Universal/IOA 11-30-05

Went to USO/IOA today. This will be my last Photo TR for a little while which is explained near the end of the picture captions. Enjoy!

Universal, just like Busch Gardens, is also a big donkey supporter.

They have some advertising for the upcoming Grinch event over at IOA.

Yes folks they mean it! At least they supply free lockers right beside the attraction.

As you are exiting The Mummy, the had this new sign promoting the "All-You-Can-Eat" deal. Notice the new artwork.

Yes he does! He is a member of TPR.

Mummy totally kicked butt today. Yes all the effects were working today.

This big scary guy is blocking the view of the tree.

Holy crap that is a lot of lights. Too bad they close at 6:00PM, so they do not need to light it up.

As well as a big tree.

The square in Universal has some new decorations.

These are the new "wait-time" signs they recently placed in the park. Yep, Mummy does say 5 minute wait.

Yep, the week after Thanksgiving is a great time to visit the parks.

Looks like a lot of people are here this morning. And it was like around 10:30AM.

I wonder what would happen if Jimmy and Dora walk under some mistletoe.

Check out that Christmas wreath at USO's entrance.

She misses you Guy.

And this is who is coming for the New Years party. I'm sure you are all glad that Styx will be there.

See what I mean.

They have a lot of advertising for the upcoming christmas events.

You can now get King Kong/Universal credit cards now.

But food and drinks as well.

Not only can you buy Spongebob.

Here is the finished kiosk near the entrance to Citywalk.

I never parked on the bottom floor in Jaws before.

This turned out to be my longest wait of the day.

Oh I do, and its explained later in the Photo: TR.

Cool, Fantastic Four theming in Ocala.

I went to Publix for my lunch break at 8:30 this morning. I got to love those early work days.

Hmmmm, I guess its one of those special Jewish/Christmas trees.

Since it was 44F degrees today, I had to wear my hoodie. Yes I will buy an "official" one before too long R&E.

More pictures.

Rassic Park. Only if I just moved a little over to the right.

Only one train wait today on the Dueling Dragons (because they were only running one train per side).

I wonder if he likes coasters as well.

Yes, its that time again.

I thought this was kinda cool.

Nothing has changed at Mythos. 3 desserts??? Come on guys!!

Just like at the entrance, Christmas music was heard at IOA.

Looks a lot like Whoville now.

Even the Suess Christmas tree is wavy-shaped.

I wonder if they are going to use the ice slide this year.

The Cat in the Hat with new decorations.

Sidewalk artist.

This poor guy has to hold this wreath for the next month.

I peeked around the corner still wondering why they have this wall blocking my shortcut.

At least they have a sign up now.

They still got that wall up.

More Christmas decorations.

Oh well, they took down the HHN stage.

The Incredible Hulk and I.

Yes, as Robb has mentioned. You bascially got to be naked to ride Hulk. At least they got this new sign out now.

Here is another one.

OK, here is a coaster picture.

They even added a little more to the all-year-round Christmas store.

The adventure begins with some more decorations.

Yes, they are really pushing that "all-you-can-eat" deal.

IOA had some Christmas decorations up already.

Cool, only one attraction closed today...no surprise.

I had no idea John Bonham came back from the dead.

The "We like to Party (Vegabus)" song was coming from this trolly. I guess USO can use it since Six Flags won't be using it now.

Even more pictures.

So it will probably be a little while till my next Photo: TR. Happy now Wally??

It still takes good pictures though, I just need to get the LCD screen replaced.

Would you believe that the Dragons messed up my camera's LCD screen on my milestone ride? Gforces+My butt=Broken camera.

Back to the Dragons so I can get my 100th ride.

The Grinch was actually very nice today.

Yep, Hulk does say 0 min wait. They only needed one train today.

Spiderman even has his own Christmas tree.

Have you ever seen Spiderman as a 5 min wait before?

Ok, they also sent down empty boats.

I wonder if my boss would go for that?

Yeah, nice little hang out area. Cool Hulk shot.

I like this view from the other side of the lake.

Dueling Dragons.

Yep, thats Mythos over there.

I found this area for the first time today, nice spot!!

0 min wait on the Barges today. This boat is not even full.

Anything like Bon Bon? Probably not.

Here is my old buddy from the Albertsons days.

This was the ad for the Christmas Universal events.

I sure hope a boat does not accidently get dropped right this moment.

Yep, Dudley is under a referb right now.

I really need to persuade my mom and my aunt for us to go down to FTL and Orlando for Christmas, and houseshop in Lakeland.

Good TR, but why no TR's for a while?

~Cal

I really need to persuade my mom and my aunt for us to go down to FTL and Orlando for Christmas, and houseshop in Lakeland.

 

Good TR, but why no TR's for a while?

 

~Cal

Read the caption about 3 pictures above this post.

I get it now. Why not keep your camera in your side pocket? Mine is always stored there and has never had any problems

~Cal

I get it now. Why not keep your camera in your side pocket? Mine is always stored there and has never had any problems

 

~Cal

Yeah, I usually do, just it would have been a really tight fit with my jeans. So I stuck it in the back (I have done this before). Well, after I get it fixed I will just put it in a fanny pack now. I guess I will have to get a locker for when I ride The Hulk.

I really need to persuade my mom and my aunt for us to go down to FTL and Orlando for Christmas...

That's FLL, not FTL.

So it will probably be a little while till my next Photo: TR. Happy now Wally??

Aww... Erik, don't be like that. This was a very different PTR of Universal because it was decorated for Christmas

It's all good in the hood yo!

OMG! Walk-on on Hulk! I need to get down there now, sounds like it's empty!

So it will probably be a little while till my next Photo: TR. Happy now Wally??

 

Aww... Erik, don't be like that. This was a very different PTR of Universal because it was decorated for Christmas

 

It's all good in the hood yo!

Heh heh heh, I was just kidding.

Anyways, it will be longer now, Sony wants $171 to fix the camera. I only paid a little over $200 for it to begin with. With it Christmas and all, I do not have the money for a new one.

Awesome pics! Of course, when I get back to Orlando, it will be Christmas week, the absolute WORST time to visit any of the parks! Unless you love crowds and long lines!!!

I like the new spot with the different angles, especially of Mythos and Dragons. Thanks for the Christmas update and sorry about your camera. Same thing happened to me at Boomers on DBH, but lucky for me Dell took it back and gave me a credit for my Canon SD500.

I Had the Chance to Visit this Great Park a Few Years Ago During the Holiday Season.

I thought they did a Great Job with Their Themeing.

They Go All Out! I Haven't Seen How Much this Theme Park Produces in Terms of Annual Revenue, But I Hope it Does Well!

IOA is a Perfect Example of How to Design and Build a Fantastic Park!

OMG! Walk-on on Hulk! I need to get down there now, sounds like it's empty!

Are the lines big for that ride?

Have you ever seen Spiderman as a 5 min wait before?

Yes - believe it or not it goes down to 0! :shock:

This past January we were able to walk on Spidey a couple of times. Same with Hulk but Dragons usually had a modest line :?

A broken screen shouldn't be too bad, unless you don't use your viewfinder..

- Joe, who loves Grinchmas

(and Joe Rogan and his ass-kicking sideburns. Oh that was probably the best Universal Trip ever! So many memories...)

Beware.... I live!!!!