SoCalCoasters Posted June 15, 2011 Share Posted June 15, 2011 (edited) Hello everyone, SoCal here. I'm currently right in the middle of my first trip to the Orlando. I thought I'd post my reactions here while they were fresh in my mind. This week I'm visiting IOA/USF, BGT and SWO. I arrived on Sunday, and I'm staying at the Hard Rock Hotel. Staying on site at HRH was a great move, as we got early one hour access to the Wizarding World, which was a huge plus. Also the Hard Rock Hotel is the closest hotel to the parks, and is only a good 5 minute walk away. Yesterday, Monday, I visited Islands Of Adventure first, then Universal Studios Florida. I arrived for the early access, which began at eight, at 7:30. The park directors escorted the crowds back to the Wizarding World. Atrraction Reviews: Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey Um.... Holy crap! The overall ride was amazing, with some of the most amazing in house special effects I've ever seen on a ride. The dragon in particular. The Whomping Willow had to be the biggest OH @#$% moments of the ride, and the dementors were very well done. I did have a few negative points about the ride however...The ride transitions were, in my opinion, very poor. Particularly near the begining into the first screen. You could clearly see the other ride vehicle and the ackstage area without even meaning to. Also, the movements seemed a bit on the jerky side, but that wasn't that big of a deal. Overall, the entire ride was incredibly well put together, and used some amazing special effects. 8.5/10 Jurassic Park Having ridden the USH version of this ride, I was expecting a clone, with little to no change. I was surprised at how much the two rides differed from one another. I wasn't sitting in the front row, as the wall of water that hit the riders in row one was the cheepest shot I've ever seen on a water ride. Several of the animatronics were not running, but overall it was great. They didn't let me on the Petradon Flyers, even though I went first thing... The first day I skipped the wet rides, so I'll get to those later. The Amazing Adventures Of Spiderman My favorite ride of the trip so far! I liked it even more than Forbidden Journey. The ride vehicles were comfy, the movements were smooth and quick. Also, the ride had excellent transitions, which gives it the edge over Journey. The screens blended so well with the in house effects, it was almost unreal! Particularly when the Hobgoblin threw the exploding pumpkin at the wall and caused then fire ball. 9.5/10 Incredible Hulk I need to get out of row three.... Both times I rode Hulk I got row three and had really rough rides.... REALLY bad headbanging as well....Honestly, it's my second least favorite B&M coaster. The ride was fine, until the exit of the Cobra Roll. I'm going to try again, and see if I can get a different row. (insert bad score)/10 .... Not sure where to place it... Posideon's Fury Definitely and interesting attraction, using both actors and screens. It also has my new favorite line from Universal. As the main character was shining the special flashlight through the first chamber, he started flipping it all over the place and said: God it's like a Pink Floyd Concert in here!" It was really funny. The finale was a bit....unwhelming... I heard the show used to be different, bettter? If so, could someone tell me what they changed? 6/10 I have to go now, but I'll add more pictures and reviews later. Edited June 23, 2011 by SoCalCoasters Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robbalvey Posted June 15, 2011 Share Posted June 15, 2011 (edited) I need to get out of row three.... Both times I rode Hulk I got row three and had really rough rides.... REALLY bad headbanging as well....Honestly, it's my second least favorite B&M coaster. The ride was fine, until the exit of the Cobra Roll. I'm going to try again, and see if I can get a different row. Back row - hand right side. Will probably still be a bit rough, but it's a better ride back there.... And remember.... Front row of ICE...back row of FIRE. Don't screw that one up! Edited June 15, 2011 by robbalvey Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Drachen77 Posted June 15, 2011 Share Posted June 15, 2011 I wish I knew that back in April. Incredible Hulk is the only B&M to ever give me a headache. It was really rough to me after that first loop. It was kind of disappointing to me. Still a great ride, just not quite what I had hoped it would be. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aimster Posted June 15, 2011 Share Posted June 15, 2011 I've only done Hulk in the front row (I can only do front row on pretty much any coaster... if I sit anywhere else on I'll get a migraine like no one's business, though I can do 2nd row on Gwazi ok for now) and it's been fine in the front for me. When are you going to be at Busch Gardens? I'll be there on Saturday for the morning, then I have to go to Orlando for the rest of the day. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pufferfish Posted June 15, 2011 Share Posted June 15, 2011 Glad you had a nice first day, sorry to hear you keep getting crap rides on Hulk. I never really tend to have a problem with it, but there have been one or two times when I decided once was enough for the day. A lot like how Kumba acts really. The backseat is the best place on Hulk, without a doubt. When we hang out tomorrow I'll teach you the way to properly request a row from a ride op so you can experience it right . Also, as Robb said, Ice in the front, Fire in the back. Couldn't agree more with those two statements. Fire is better than Ice by the way, just saying... Sorry, correction, Chinese Fireball is better than the wrongly colored Hungarian Horntail, stupid Potter retheme. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrSum1_55 Posted June 15, 2011 Share Posted June 15, 2011 And remember.... Front row of ICE...back row of FIRE. Don't screw that one up! I screwed that one up. I rode the front of FIRE and the back of ICE. Now I need to go all the way back to Florida so I can do it right! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SoCalCoasters Posted June 15, 2011 Author Share Posted June 15, 2011 Thanks for the feedback! I'll post little tidbits, but since I'm actually still on my trip, they'll be a little short. So for now I'll post some food reviews! Mythos Amazing. IS theme park food allowed to be this freaking epic??? I had the chicken sandwhich....with fresh tomates crisp lettuce andn applewood smokeed bacon... and the theming was top notch, Also the bread was some of the best I've ever had. Hard Rock Cafe (Citywalk) Probably had the best atmosphere of any restruant I've been to so far! I loved how they played classic rock music videos all around you! When Thriller cames, the entire place started cheering, and claping in beat. The food was outstanding. I had the "Twisted Mac Chicken and Cheese" which was one of the best mac & cheese spin offs I've ever had. Palms (Hard Rock Hotel) The food was okay. The price was insane. Not worth going to. Almost $150 for two people with on salad and two main courses... Pastamore (Pastamore) A decent pasta place, good food with, for once, a reasonable price tag. Those are all the places I've been to so far. I need to get out of row three.... Both times I rode Hulk I got row three and had really rough rides.... REALLY bad headbanging as well....Honestly, it's my second least favorite B&M coaster. The ride was fine, until the exit of the Cobra Roll. I'm going to try again, and see if I can get a different row. Back row - hand right side. Will probably still be a bit rough, but it's a better ride back there.... And remember.... Front row of ICE...back row of FIRE. Don't screw that one up! Funny you say that, as that's exactly what I did. I may be one of the few, but I liked Ice (in the front) more than Fire (in the back) Overall, both Dragons were very impressive B&Ms, and I hope I can get one more front seat ride one Ice today. I'm actually meeting a fellow TPR member at the parks today, and I can't wait. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SoCalCoasters Posted June 18, 2011 Author Share Posted June 18, 2011 My FL trip ended today I'll post CRAPLOADS of photos soon, and ride reviews. Whoever said Cheetah Hunt was slow is lying, the windcatcher tower may meander, but the rest was fast paced! Whoever said new B&Ms are forceless obviously hasn't ridden Manta, the most intense flyer in exsistence. (it craps all over Tatsu) Whoever said Rockit was forceless must have forgotten to ride it, as it has ejector air and high Gs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SoCalCoasters Posted June 20, 2011 Author Share Posted June 20, 2011 Well, it's time for some pictures of my trip! Backside of the Hard Rock Hotel. It was a short five minute walk to the park, which was very nice! Rockit as we approached the entrance.... I spy an extra large Universal Globe! I still prefer Hollywood's entrance, mainly for it's color...though this one has grown on me a bit... Me and the giant Universal Globe As we were walking over to IOA for the early morning WWOHP access for hotel guests, Rockit was doing some test runs Orlando Citywalk was awesome the IOA Lighthouse! Buckbeak's Flight...I don;t have too many pics of WWOHP from the first day, I was a bit too engrossed with the environment.... Decent Vekoma Jr. the magnetic breaks were much smoother than Vekoma's traditional pinch brakes. The Goblet of Fire from the Dragon Challenge Queue... Hulk from Lost Continent Great Skyline! SHOOOM goes the Hulk train Me in front of Hulk The sign was really cool looking Entrance, with a train roaring overhead They really pumped this trench with mist The ride looked good in the early morning sun Smoothest element on the coaster. The launch was butter smooth too! The ride was pretty big, but actually slightly smaller than I had excepted... The loop was a bit rough tin the middle rows Rockit was rockin' Zooming in a bit... These crowds were light when compared to IOA! These guys were playig really good. I always liked how Universal had lots of live entertainment My new #1 coaster Ready to Rockit? The non-inverting loop had some great airtime at the top! It totally surprised me! The trains were great too! Very photogenic coaster. It amazes me how shoehorned this ride is! it takes up such a narrow plot of land! Great location Me and Rockit The tower graphic was looking good, and tightly secured A train of happy riders flies past Looking up... Signage Looking up again Another train flying past Time to shoot things! Entrance Observation deck Now to experiement with the zoom on my new camera! That tower... non invering loop is non inverting Airtime experiened in 3...2...1... Diving into the building Facade Zooming in reeeeaaallllyyy close Still my favorite element, besides the pretzel loop Maurer Trains = Sexy Treble Celft manuever had some serious forces to it! Two block sections = two great airtime pops SHowing off how far away I was The New York Area was really nice. The restraunts took up 2-3 actually shop facades! Prepare to treble! Side view Rockit Recactions...are you getting tired of Rockit photros? Sorry, still a few more Some of the building facades Mummy time! I liked the ride, but prefer the Hollywood version. Mummy's plaza Ripin', ridin' and rockin' Looking towards the loop The many reactions to Rockit Almost no supports! Love those trains Twister was a neat show, but it was one of those, you've seen it, now you never have to see it again type of attractions Twister's entrance And I'll end my first update with me and a classic car! Much more coming soon! Thanks for reading! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doublestufforeo Posted June 20, 2011 Share Posted June 20, 2011 I wish I'd known you were here, I'd have happily met up with you and given you some pretty good tips on where to ride, and just general knowledge of the park most of the public doesn't know (just interesting little facts I've learned working there.) Glad to hear you've enjoyed it, and I'm glad I'm not the only one who places Rockit at #1! - Oreo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tiger01 Posted June 20, 2011 Share Posted June 20, 2011 Did you visit the Hard rock cafe? The universal one is my favourite! I need to get back to Orlando! Last time I went I was 3. Looks like you had fun!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pufferfish Posted June 20, 2011 Share Posted June 20, 2011 Yay! You were finally able to update the thread! Anyways, a lot of these pictures did turn out really good, that camera you have is beast. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bizarro Hawg Posted June 20, 2011 Share Posted June 20, 2011 Don't get me wrong, Rockit was great in my opinion, having nice airtime, and my favorite song to boot, but I had a strangely rough ride. Still one of my favorites! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SoCalCoasters Posted June 23, 2011 Author Share Posted June 23, 2011 More FL pics! Some Fast Five Cars chilling in Universal Studios These cars were in the movie? I haven't seen it so I wouldn't know... ET had a cool ride system, but overall, it felt kinda outdated compared to everything else around... The kiddie coaster.... even this was well themed... Me and a giant prop plane Fear Fall. Probably the best themed S&S tower. It surprised me that the two towers were not connected, unlike all other S&S Towers... Hulk roaring over Marvel Island Very photogenic, and with a fresh coat of paint! The unconnected tower toppers Good ol' saftey net ruining my shot Shot from the entrance plaza Nice little touch Lighthouse Great looking structure More plaza shots Hmmm I'm sure no one else has those last two shots Should they start calling it riverwalk? Hard Rock Cafe was amazing! Great food great service, and an amazing time! Entire building More of Riverwalk The bar at the center of the Hard Rock Cafe, with a giant full size pink 1950's car on top Beetles signed photograph Closer shot of the rotating car Universal Globe Skyline Shot Me in the front row on Ice They're off! The cobra roll was really fun The loops are really fun Although I found this crossover to be the most iconic, or the barrel roll airtime hillcrossover...you know what, all three are awesome and let's leave it at that. Climbing the lift Crossover! They get so close! Rounding out It's the castle! A little off time Really great ride to photograph I love this view...you know what would make it even better? Less people! Hogwarts Express! Me and the conductor! He was really funny and fit right into his character. I miss this sign already... And I misss this view even more... That's it for now! I have EVEN more photos of not only IOA, but BGT and SWO as well! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Evanaj15 Posted August 6, 2011 Share Posted August 6, 2011 WWoHP looks great. I want to find you on Facebook, so i can add you. I'm the boy from SFDK. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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