Disney Refugee's Universal AP trip

[darkmite2]

Good morning! I’m back at the gates with the RD crowd… I do miss my DW, but I have been first at the turnstiles almost every day…

Thankfully, I got a full night’s sleep. No one was banging around or running down the halls after 10pm. (With this being Friday, I’m not hopeful that it’ll be the same tonight, but tomorrow is my departure day. So, I can pass out when I get home if needed…After five days of 12 - 15 hours of nonstop go-go-go I’ll be surprised if I don’t collapse once I get on my home no matter what!)

Yesterday was “off plan” but I did glance at it a couple times. I looked at my TP last night. Today was planned as my day to make sure I hadn’t missed anything. At this point, there are only 3 shows I haven’t seen, but am going to see today. The only ride I haven’t done is Popeye & Bluto’s Barges.

(I am missing the Mardi Gras parade, but I’ve my peace with it. They’ve had the Mardi Gras band, stilt walkers and dancers parading around every day. As an AP I could’ve thrown beads off a float if I wanted. Universal sent me notifications asking me to join every day. It sounds fun, but it’s a 2 hour commitment. Plus, while I’m good at making friends, it seems like it would be more fun to do with people you know…like a party)

I wasn’t planning on doing Popeye this trip since it was the only ride open in Toon Lagoon. However, my compulsive personality is nagging me. So, I put on my moisture wicking track pants,a poncho and my spare sneakers I packed for rain days. I’m gonna suck it up and head over there after EPA and get soaked. I plan on going back to the hotel before lunch to swap clothes. Plus, it will give me an insight on what buses, security and etc…are like mid-day should my DW tag along one day (She’ll definitely want a rest break)

It’s still about 15 minutes before the gates open. So, here’s a couple more things about the hotel room.

There’s a handy and easy to use safe in the extra bedroom and two more USB ports onthe light fixtures by the bed

UPDATE - They let us in about 10 minutes early. However, the rides are still testing. No big deal… It’s still a couple minutes before the park opens, so just being in the VC queue this early is still an advantage. They do have ALL the preshows, animatronics, fog and on this morning!

[darkmite2]

Did front row of VelociCoaster and a repeat ride before most people were in the area! (Humble brag… but this is the payoff for dragging myself out of bed and hustling)

Now the posted wait is 35 minutes. Gonna go recharge my Coke Freestyle and figure out my next move. (I love Forbidden Journey, but on this trip it has made me nauseated twice…not gonna risk it today. I usually never suffer from motion sickness)

I’m still kicking myself for forgetting my wand!

TP says Spider-Man is running now. Going that way!

It appears they have let in regular guests, but are holding them at a rope in Suess Landing

UPDATE - TP is wrong…

I’ll just enjoy my caffeine and wait…

[Shmebulock]

@darkmite2

I’m still kicking myself for forgetting my wand!

You should use this opportunity to practice your wandless magic.
I suggest trying it out at the freestyle machines

[darkmite2]

@bebe80

I’m still kind full of nachos from last night, but I have another 10 minutes until Marvel Island opens. So, I popped into Croissant Moon Bakery for ya.

This is the chocolate croissant… it’s good. Not amazing, but as a grab & go item for $3 you’ll be happy.

It appears that while I was on the bakery they opened Marvel Island about 10 minutes early. Guess I punish myself and go get beat up riding the Hulk coaster while there’s no wait!

As a reward for doing Hulk. I’m gonna ride my favorite attraction in Marvel Island a couple times…Dr. Doom!

[bebe80]

Thanks!

[ryan1]

@darkmite2

I usually never suffer from motion sickness

Not sure what your age is now, but sometime around 30 or so I started to experience occasional motion sickness on rides even though I never had before. By the time I was 40, I started avoiding certain rides. Now, I take Dramamine.

[darkmite2]

Yeah…I’m 47. Guess my age is catching up to me!

I noticed that after age 35 I couldn’t drink more than 2 beers or cocktails without a horrible hangover!

[ryan1]

@darkmite2

Yeah…I’m 47. Guess my age is catching up to me!

It is a sad time in a ride enthusiast’s life, for sure. Several years ago, I had taken a couple of my sons and their friend to Cedar Point. We were doing fine most of the day tackling coasters. Then, we got on Mantis (now Rougarou). I seriously thought I was going to puke halfway through the ride. I used every ounce of self-control I had in me to hold it in. Once to the station, I RAN to the nearest bench an laid down, where I remained for about the next hour in recovery mode while my sons went off to ride something else.

(I’m 48, about to turn 49.)

[FindMeAFishingSpot]

I can’t ride them on an empty stomach anymore (had a horrible experience last time with Velocicoaster and Hagrid’s back to back - I thought my thrill ride days were over, but I just didn’t eat enough).

[darkmite2]

Five rides are down right now in IOA. So the few others are getting their queues filled.

I needed to do souvenir shopping anyway…

OH! Keep forgetting to mention this…

At the hotel lobby there is a “Vacation Planning” desk to try and get people togo ahead & book their next trip or get APs. They had out coupons to places in CityWalk. I’ve gotten $5 off my bill at Margaritaville. They don’t expire and I will save them. There’s a couple more not pictured as well.

Looks like Popeye is open now. Time to grab my poncho and get drenched!

[darkmite2]

A little prep work and planning paid off! My pants are soaked, but my poncho saved the day up top.

(Plus, I stored my socks in the locker and put my shoes in the raft’s covered storage. Don’t fret! I was the only rider so no one was offended by bare feet!)

I rode twice! I really don’t think I need to go change. These track pants will dry quickly!

Over the years I’ve made my peace with most Universal lockers because there’s a free option. The only thing that still upsets me is NONE off the water rides have free lockers. While using a locker at these attractions is optional, they know you are going to use these and they make you pay $3 - $5 each use.

Toon Lagoon is empty so I took advantage and went aboard “Me Ship the Olive” without feeling awkward.

[darkmite2]

I’ve definitely been spoiled by being here during the weekdays. The parks have been open for 2 hours and most everything in IOA is a 40 - 60 minute wait!

aking HE to USF, no wait or I’d walk. My “off plan” goals for today are mostly shows until late.

I typically don’t watch the Frog Choir, but I walked right past as it was starting. This group did a great job and am glad I stopped.

[magical_jo]

I’m enjoying your trip report! DH and I have a similar style, we are often the first ones at the turnstiles in the morning and ahead of the crowds. We get so much done that we take an afternoon pool break and come back in the evenings.

[darkmite2]

I’m a RD to close person, but I have stopped by the pool a couple times. It’s really nice. They have sand to simulate a beach as you enter the pools.

I keep getting back when the pool only has about 30 - 40 minutes before close and it’s been chilly this week. I’m teto try tonight as it’s the only night this week I didn’t plan a dinner in CityWalk. Plus, it’s in the mid-70s for the first time all week!

[darkmite2]

I have a little time kill before Animal Actirs Show. I was hoping the NBC media center would be open so I could score the $25 gift card. Alas, it isn’t. I haven’t seen anyone out trying to survey people all week.

[darkmite2]

I noticed my lanyard had become tangled in my bag strap and hoodie. I had a mild panic attack when after untangling it the pouch holding my AP, food card ($140) and hotel key was no longer attached!

Thankfully, I topped and calmly searched my person and took off my hoodie. It fell out of the hoodie and onto the ground! I quickly grabbed it! WHEW!!!

On a more up beat note… I timed it so I watched 3 shows back-to-back-to-back - Animal Actors, Hollywood Make-up and the Superstar Parade!

I’m very tempted to watch Bourne for a third time as it is about to start. I LOVE it… best show in any park!

Right as I was about to go into Bourne, the Universal App wait time reminder sent me a notification that another show “Sing It” is starting.

[AccioVacation]

We’re you able to pick up your AP at the vacation planning desk or did you have to go to the parks? So glad you’re having a fun time!

[darkmite2]

My wife just called because she hadn’t heard a peep out of me today. It looks like my many texts haven’t gone out. It looks like they’ve been sent though. Any tech advice?

I’m able to browse th internet, obviously, and make calls.

I have turned it off and on multiple times before anyone suggests it

[Shmebulock]

Has DW also switched her phone off and on again?

[Jeff_AZ]

Try using WhatsApp or another messaging service.