Pictures & Comments of my
travels and visits
travels and visits
Hatfield and McCoy Dinner Feud
Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
June 17, 2019
Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
June 17, 2019
We attended the Hatfield and McCoy Dinner Feud on our 30th anniversary in Pigeon Forge. Jennifer bought three tickets for this show and the Darren Romeo show: Magic Beyond Belief, as a combo for $240.00. We believe it was $60 each for the Feud and $20 each to see Darren Romeo. We did see ticket deals when we arrived in town for $19.99 for second-tier shows if you bought one top tier show at full price. At least you have something to go on when shopping for tickets.
Since we bought our tickets in advance, we did get great seats. So I recommend getting them early.
We arrived a little past when they initially wanted us to. They asked that we arrive 45-minutes before showtime. But we were told later told to arrive 30-minutes before, which we did. They took our picture in front of the green screen, then we entered the theater. The two people sitting at our table were already eating their meal. So it was a little awkward for us to wait while they were eating. They must serve you as soon as you come in.
The soup wasn't bad, and the food was brought out in metal pails, home-style. The drinks (non-alcoholic) were included. The photo we took earlier was presented to us as two separate pictures, as a souvenir. The price offered was $20 for one picture or $40 for the photos and DVD of the show. We chose the latter. We got both pictures, two flags representing each family, and the DVD after the show.
There were numerous announcements to buy alcohol and tip your wait staff. The food was pretty good, as was the dessert. Not Granny's good, though.
The show itself was lively. It had many silly moments, but they had some talented musicians playing and dancing, as well.
The show itself wasn't very long. In fact, we were somewhat surprised when it was over. We went to the 5:00 p.m. show, and the 8:00 p.m. show was already arriving.
Overall: We enjoyed the experience. The price of $60 was a bit steep. Jennifer and I agreed; once was enough. Next time, we'll check out another show.
Since we bought our tickets in advance, we did get great seats. So I recommend getting them early.
We arrived a little past when they initially wanted us to. They asked that we arrive 45-minutes before showtime. But we were told later told to arrive 30-minutes before, which we did. They took our picture in front of the green screen, then we entered the theater. The two people sitting at our table were already eating their meal. So it was a little awkward for us to wait while they were eating. They must serve you as soon as you come in.
The soup wasn't bad, and the food was brought out in metal pails, home-style. The drinks (non-alcoholic) were included. The photo we took earlier was presented to us as two separate pictures, as a souvenir. The price offered was $20 for one picture or $40 for the photos and DVD of the show. We chose the latter. We got both pictures, two flags representing each family, and the DVD after the show.
There were numerous announcements to buy alcohol and tip your wait staff. The food was pretty good, as was the dessert. Not Granny's good, though.
The show itself was lively. It had many silly moments, but they had some talented musicians playing and dancing, as well.
The show itself wasn't very long. In fact, we were somewhat surprised when it was over. We went to the 5:00 p.m. show, and the 8:00 p.m. show was already arriving.
Overall: We enjoyed the experience. The price of $60 was a bit steep. Jennifer and I agreed; once was enough. Next time, we'll check out another show.
Dollywood
Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
6.14.19
Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
6.14.19
We visited Dollywood, in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, on June 12, 2019. We arrived before the park opened officially at 10:00 a.m. Parking was $15.00, including tax. We missed where we were supposed to park because there was no parking attendant directing traffic. The walk to the tram wasn't bad, and the trams were running pretty quick.
Security only checked our bags, no metal detectors. Something we are used to in Orlando.
We entered the park around 9:45 a.m. and headed to Lighting Rod, the world's fastest wooden roller coaster (73 m.p.h.) At 10:00 a.m., they started the ride. They only ran one train. The rush of adrenaline going up the lift hill so fast is a thrill in its own. But once we hit the second drop (the biggest), it was incredibly fast. The train felt like it was out of control, hitting the sharp turns and dips. My lap bar kept me from coming out many times.
Riding it once was enough for me. I'm glad we rode it early because it wound up going down a few hours later for most of the day, if not the rest. Bummer for everyone else.
Mine Train also went down for most of the day, but we didn't ride that. We did enjoy front row for Wild Eagle, a great winged coaster. Thunderhead, an older wooden roller coaster, is much rougher than when we rode it back in 2012. Very rough ride. The Tennessee Tornado is an older steel coaster which was fun but can give you neck and back pain.
Jennifer bought a refillable cup for $16.60 with tax. I was shocked to find out that there was a charge for the refills for that day of $0.99. Most other parks give you free refills for the day when you buy the cup.
We enjoyed the famous Cinnamon Bread at the Grist Mill but was surprised it cost $8.99. They also charged $1.00 each for the icing and apple butter cups. With their steep sales tax, the price was $12.15. But it was delicious.
Like most theme parks, the food is very expensive. We decided, after being very hungry and fighting with each other because of lack of sleep, walking up and down steep hills in the park, and hunger, to do, what else, a buffet. We chose Aunt Granny's Restaurant. The price was $18.99 each, but it included prime meats, southern style cooking, salad bar, desserts, and drinks. I feel this was the best deal for your money. With the tip, it cost us $72.09.
There was one drawback, though; after we ate, we were stuffed. Sally couldn't ride any more rides and felt sick. But, that was our fault for eating that much. The food and service were terrific, and you do get out of the heat for a while.
We watched a great show; Dreamland Drive-in. A nostalgic trip down memory lane with singing & dancing. At the end of the show, they asked us to applaud for the band, which we didn't even know was playing. They were hidden in the mock snack bar. Great show!
The Wings of America Birds of Prey was a good show, but a lot of self-promotion looking for donations for the America Eagle Foundation, who put on the show.
The new expansion; Wildwood Groove is geared toward younger guests. It was disappointing that they removed almost all the trees to create this section. The sun was beating down on the guests with little shade available. Dollywood is built in the mountains with so much tree cover. I feel they did a poor job in creating this section with bulldozers.
We left around 5:30 p.m. The park closed at 6:00 p.m., still full from dinner.
Overall: Dollywood is a clean, friendly park with lots of ride choices and shows. Although they advertise having many shows, they also have days when the shows are off. On our visit, two theaters sat empty, because the shows being housed inside them were off that day.
We paid $74.00 plus tax each to get in. They offer better rates for multiple days (which we did consider, but glad we didn't). You'll still have to pay for parking and food inside the park.
Best value: The buffet at Granny's Restaurant.
Worst Value: The refillable drink cup. We got two sodas and one water refill. Not worth $18.00 (one refill $0.99). If we were coming back, then yes. But not for one visit.
The rides going down shouldn't happen. These aren't even new rides, so there's no excuse. Just poor maintenance.
The park looked slightly worn in the pavement and in the paint. Not sure why when they had months off for the winter?
Be cautious: Like Busch Gardens, Williamsburg, the hills can be very steep.
I would visit again, but not any time soon. Worth going to if you're in the area.
Security only checked our bags, no metal detectors. Something we are used to in Orlando.
We entered the park around 9:45 a.m. and headed to Lighting Rod, the world's fastest wooden roller coaster (73 m.p.h.) At 10:00 a.m., they started the ride. They only ran one train. The rush of adrenaline going up the lift hill so fast is a thrill in its own. But once we hit the second drop (the biggest), it was incredibly fast. The train felt like it was out of control, hitting the sharp turns and dips. My lap bar kept me from coming out many times.
Riding it once was enough for me. I'm glad we rode it early because it wound up going down a few hours later for most of the day, if not the rest. Bummer for everyone else.
Mine Train also went down for most of the day, but we didn't ride that. We did enjoy front row for Wild Eagle, a great winged coaster. Thunderhead, an older wooden roller coaster, is much rougher than when we rode it back in 2012. Very rough ride. The Tennessee Tornado is an older steel coaster which was fun but can give you neck and back pain.
Jennifer bought a refillable cup for $16.60 with tax. I was shocked to find out that there was a charge for the refills for that day of $0.99. Most other parks give you free refills for the day when you buy the cup.
We enjoyed the famous Cinnamon Bread at the Grist Mill but was surprised it cost $8.99. They also charged $1.00 each for the icing and apple butter cups. With their steep sales tax, the price was $12.15. But it was delicious.
Like most theme parks, the food is very expensive. We decided, after being very hungry and fighting with each other because of lack of sleep, walking up and down steep hills in the park, and hunger, to do, what else, a buffet. We chose Aunt Granny's Restaurant. The price was $18.99 each, but it included prime meats, southern style cooking, salad bar, desserts, and drinks. I feel this was the best deal for your money. With the tip, it cost us $72.09.
There was one drawback, though; after we ate, we were stuffed. Sally couldn't ride any more rides and felt sick. But, that was our fault for eating that much. The food and service were terrific, and you do get out of the heat for a while.
We watched a great show; Dreamland Drive-in. A nostalgic trip down memory lane with singing & dancing. At the end of the show, they asked us to applaud for the band, which we didn't even know was playing. They were hidden in the mock snack bar. Great show!
The Wings of America Birds of Prey was a good show, but a lot of self-promotion looking for donations for the America Eagle Foundation, who put on the show.
The new expansion; Wildwood Groove is geared toward younger guests. It was disappointing that they removed almost all the trees to create this section. The sun was beating down on the guests with little shade available. Dollywood is built in the mountains with so much tree cover. I feel they did a poor job in creating this section with bulldozers.
We left around 5:30 p.m. The park closed at 6:00 p.m., still full from dinner.
Overall: Dollywood is a clean, friendly park with lots of ride choices and shows. Although they advertise having many shows, they also have days when the shows are off. On our visit, two theaters sat empty, because the shows being housed inside them were off that day.
We paid $74.00 plus tax each to get in. They offer better rates for multiple days (which we did consider, but glad we didn't). You'll still have to pay for parking and food inside the park.
Best value: The buffet at Granny's Restaurant.
Worst Value: The refillable drink cup. We got two sodas and one water refill. Not worth $18.00 (one refill $0.99). If we were coming back, then yes. But not for one visit.
The rides going down shouldn't happen. These aren't even new rides, so there's no excuse. Just poor maintenance.
The park looked slightly worn in the pavement and in the paint. Not sure why when they had months off for the winter?
Be cautious: Like Busch Gardens, Williamsburg, the hills can be very steep.
I would visit again, but not any time soon. Worth going to if you're in the area.
Ober Gatlinburg
Ober Gatlinburg is a mountaintop entertainment resort that used to capitalize on being the only skiing available in Tenessee. They have since expanded and include many activities throughout the year, including indoor ice skating, alpine racing, mountain coaster, stores, treat shops a full restaurant, and more.
You can drive to the top of the mountain or take the Tramway from Gatlinburg; located near the end of the Parkway, close to the entrance to The Great Smokey Mountain National Park. The cost is $15 a person, roundtrip. Discounts are available. Each 120 passenger Tramway takes about ten minutes each direction and provides absolutely beautiful views of the mountains, homes, and roads below. Each trip is accompanied by a guide who talks about a few tidbits along the way, including the Barbie and Ken houses.
Like many of the tourists' attractions and shows, they will take your picture and try and sell it back to you later for $15.00. We bought it, as I figure it's a nice souvenir. Sally and I rode the mountain coaster. The ride going up is a bit daunting but offers excellent views. You can control the speed going down. I put my brake on several times as my speed picked up around the turns. I was afraid I would be thrown into the woods. It costs about $8 each, but I think they may have charged me more (didn't check at the time.).
Most of everything is expensive, as expected. But even if you only take the Tramway up and back, it's well worth it.
Overall: Went in 2009. It hasn't changed much since then. We enjoyed out several hours. Would go again.
You can drive to the top of the mountain or take the Tramway from Gatlinburg; located near the end of the Parkway, close to the entrance to The Great Smokey Mountain National Park. The cost is $15 a person, roundtrip. Discounts are available. Each 120 passenger Tramway takes about ten minutes each direction and provides absolutely beautiful views of the mountains, homes, and roads below. Each trip is accompanied by a guide who talks about a few tidbits along the way, including the Barbie and Ken houses.
Like many of the tourists' attractions and shows, they will take your picture and try and sell it back to you later for $15.00. We bought it, as I figure it's a nice souvenir. Sally and I rode the mountain coaster. The ride going up is a bit daunting but offers excellent views. You can control the speed going down. I put my brake on several times as my speed picked up around the turns. I was afraid I would be thrown into the woods. It costs about $8 each, but I think they may have charged me more (didn't check at the time.).
Most of everything is expensive, as expected. But even if you only take the Tramway up and back, it's well worth it.
Overall: Went in 2009. It hasn't changed much since then. We enjoyed out several hours. Would go again.
Take a ride on the 120 passenger historic Ober Gatlinburg Tramway 1,700 feet above Gatlinburg and 3,000 feet above sea level! See a Black bear and inside the entertainment complex. Includes prices of extra's.
Leaving from Tampa, Florida. June 11th and 12th. From Tampa to Tennessee.
First hotel stay was a Comfort Inn in Macon, Ga.
The staff was very friendly, the room was clean, and the hotel was in good shape. Continental breakfast offered beacon, eggs, sausage, waffles, cereal, coffee, and juices.
The pool and hot tub had a funny smell, but it may have been salt water filtration. But the hot tub was not right.
Overall: Would stay again.
Also in the pictures below are a few from a detour we took through Cartersville, Ga. Charming town.
The Macon mall was large but had very few people in it, which made it sort of eerie. Nice mall, though.
We tried the Cook-Out fast food restaurant in Macon. The cashier, Mary, was super pleasant. Prices seemed too good to be true, but that was balanced out with smaller than expected sides.
Overall: Food was tasty. Once was good for me.
I was surprised to see scratch-off tickets selling for $30. But they have those in Florida too. I can remember when they first started selling them years ago for a buck each.
We stopped off in Fort Oglethorpe for a stretch and bathroom break. I met Ms. Betty inside Mega Star convenience store. She told me that after a heavy rain, the snakes come out. She lives in between woods on both sides of her. "My neighbor told me she uses snake pellets to keep them away. But I worry about the squirrels eating them."
Ms. Betty is a regular customer at the store and gave the cashier (Marrisa, I think her name was) a bracelet, as she has before. Very friendly people!! A pleasure to talk too.
Anyways, many more pictures to come. Not all are glorious, but I wanted to take what it looks like on a road trip.
Hope you Enjoy!
First hotel stay was a Comfort Inn in Macon, Ga.
The staff was very friendly, the room was clean, and the hotel was in good shape. Continental breakfast offered beacon, eggs, sausage, waffles, cereal, coffee, and juices.
The pool and hot tub had a funny smell, but it may have been salt water filtration. But the hot tub was not right.
Overall: Would stay again.
Also in the pictures below are a few from a detour we took through Cartersville, Ga. Charming town.
The Macon mall was large but had very few people in it, which made it sort of eerie. Nice mall, though.
We tried the Cook-Out fast food restaurant in Macon. The cashier, Mary, was super pleasant. Prices seemed too good to be true, but that was balanced out with smaller than expected sides.
Overall: Food was tasty. Once was good for me.
I was surprised to see scratch-off tickets selling for $30. But they have those in Florida too. I can remember when they first started selling them years ago for a buck each.
We stopped off in Fort Oglethorpe for a stretch and bathroom break. I met Ms. Betty inside Mega Star convenience store. She told me that after a heavy rain, the snakes come out. She lives in between woods on both sides of her. "My neighbor told me she uses snake pellets to keep them away. But I worry about the squirrels eating them."
Ms. Betty is a regular customer at the store and gave the cashier (Marrisa, I think her name was) a bracelet, as she has before. Very friendly people!! A pleasure to talk too.
Anyways, many more pictures to come. Not all are glorious, but I wanted to take what it looks like on a road trip.
Hope you Enjoy!
The Beauty of the Smokies
You only have to be close to the Great Smoky Mountains to
appreciate her majestic beauty.
- Peter
appreciate her majestic beauty.
- Peter
Much more to come...
Pictures and comments below are from our visit to Universal Studios Florida,
Islands of Adventure, and CityWalk on 6.4.19
Islands of Adventure, and CityWalk on 6.4.19
We spent about a half day at Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure.
I can tell you that it's getting scorchingly hot and I could see some guests start to lose their patience just waiting to get into the park at 10:00 a.m. Make sure to drink lots of water (not caffeine and alcohol), while in the heat. Use lots of sunscreen and wear hats! Dip into the AC whenever you can.
I'm glad to see they are working on the crowd control at Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey locker situation. They are experimenting, and it did seem to keep many out of the locker room who didn't belong there. We went into the single rider line and basically walked right on. They still have to continue to tell the guests exiting the ride to only limit the number of people in the locker room to the one who has the finger to scan and open their locker. I heard they ran short on money to redo the locker area to help with the Hagrid coaster. Common Universal. Pay up and fix that locker problem. No guests should have to hear the cast continue to shout directions. It's kind of a bad way to start the experience. You have one of the best attractions/rides in the world! I give the employees' lots of credit for trying to fix what they can. They're being creative!
Great operations! Especially on the Hogwarts Express in both directions. Make sure you ride this attraction/ride in both directions. Each way has a different experience. Absolutely well done. You will need a two-park pass to ride. Very ingenious!
We enjoyed our stay!
I can tell you that it's getting scorchingly hot and I could see some guests start to lose their patience just waiting to get into the park at 10:00 a.m. Make sure to drink lots of water (not caffeine and alcohol), while in the heat. Use lots of sunscreen and wear hats! Dip into the AC whenever you can.
I'm glad to see they are working on the crowd control at Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey locker situation. They are experimenting, and it did seem to keep many out of the locker room who didn't belong there. We went into the single rider line and basically walked right on. They still have to continue to tell the guests exiting the ride to only limit the number of people in the locker room to the one who has the finger to scan and open their locker. I heard they ran short on money to redo the locker area to help with the Hagrid coaster. Common Universal. Pay up and fix that locker problem. No guests should have to hear the cast continue to shout directions. It's kind of a bad way to start the experience. You have one of the best attractions/rides in the world! I give the employees' lots of credit for trying to fix what they can. They're being creative!
Great operations! Especially on the Hogwarts Express in both directions. Make sure you ride this attraction/ride in both directions. Each way has a different experience. Absolutely well done. You will need a two-park pass to ride. Very ingenious!
We enjoyed our stay!
Beach Scenes.
From Upham & Sunset Beaches
Pinellas County, Florida.
From Upham & Sunset Beaches
Pinellas County, Florida.
Peter's Unique Pics
Hollywood Rip Ride Rocket
Universal Studios Florida.
Highly Recommend!
Universal Studios Florida.
Highly Recommend!
Incredible Hulk
Islands of Adventure
Highly Recommend!
Islands of Adventure
Highly Recommend!
Theme Park Picture Quiz
Where was I while taking the above picture?
Hint: Universal Studios Resort, Florida.
Answer: On the Hogwarts Express heading to Diagon Alley.
The window is actually a video screen which displays different scenes along the way.
Where was I while taking the above picture?
Hint: Universal Studios Resort, Florida.
Answer: On the Hogwarts Express heading to Diagon Alley.
The window is actually a video screen which displays different scenes along the way.
Pictures are from Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventrue, Orlando.
5.18.19
5.18.19
We spent about a half-day at the two parks. We rode two attractions: Jimmy Fallen's Race Through New York and Shrek 4-D. Race Through New York was a walk on. It's a fun simulation ride. Enjoy riding it every so many visits. Shrek is outdated and will probably be replaced with Kung Fu Panda someday. But the dry humor, quick quips, and high janks are worth it. A quick heads-up; seats can jerk quite a bit when they are galloping. And please, don't bring babies into the show. It will definitely frighten them, as some were.
We observed for a few minutes Universal running their fountains to movie soundtrack music. I wasn't sure if this is something new for the day or they were rehearsing for a new nighttime show.
Many of the pictures you see are from behind the Mythos Restaurant. Take the pathways for some great views and waterfalls. The construction you see is behind Jurassic Park's Discovery Center, where the new roller coaster is rumored to be going.
We observed for a few minutes Universal running their fountains to movie soundtrack music. I wasn't sure if this is something new for the day or they were rehearsing for a new nighttime show.
Many of the pictures you see are from behind the Mythos Restaurant. Take the pathways for some great views and waterfalls. The construction you see is behind Jurassic Park's Discovery Center, where the new roller coaster is rumored to be going.
Birthday weekend getaway on 3.15 - 3.17.19 in Orlando
In order of appearance; 3.15.2019 - Marriott Vacation Club Sabal Palms Resort, Mardi Gras floats, night pictures of Universal, Cinematic Celebration, Diagon Alley, and City Walk.
3/16.19 - Islands of Adventure, Steve Miller Band, The Bread Box
3.17.19 - Golden Corral.
Comments:
The Sabal Palm is a Marriott timeshare, but you can rent rooms there. Down the road from Disney, 21-minutes to Universal. Great master suite shower with pointing nozzles. Could use some updating and minor repairs. Our deadbolt on our door did not work correctly, even after we told them. Very spacious and balcony views of the golf course. Close to busy I-4 so that traffic can be heard. I would stay again.
The Mardi Gras Parade is fun, because of the bead throwing. If you don't want to hear people screaming in your ears and reaching out to catch the beads being thrown by guests on the floats, then watch from afar. If you're like Jennifer and are trying to catch the beads, then jump in. Can be a lot of fun, but watch the beads don't smack you in the face, as it did us. FUN Parade.
The Universal Cinematic Celebration is using twenty-year-old technology, but still an improvement from Universal's past water shows of late. I think they should go to holograms and make T-Rex come out from the side of a building and make Megatron, sitting on top of the Transformers building, animatronic and hit him with projection mapping. I say, make a show people will want to spend money to come and visit. Make a show as good as adding a great attraction. Don't just add a show from a box and add your music and film clips. Get ahead of Disney, don't use something they did years ago.
I love Universal, IOA and especially Citywalk at night. A lot of color and energy from all of them, especially Citywalk. The Rising Star Club, where guests sing Karaoke accompanied by a live band and back-up singers was very good. Good crowd interaction.
The dance club, The Groove, could use updated lighting and dry ice or other smoke. The dance floor is too open and can make some hesitant to dance with so many people watching, like me.
The Steve Miller Band at Universal Studios - Steve is 75. He is losing his voice at times but can play the hell out of multiple guitars. I was impressed with his skills. Good show.
Bread Box - Located in Citywalk. Great sandwiches and prices.
IOA and Universal during the day - We seen garbage cans stuffed at 11:30 a.m. in parts of the parking garage. Diagon Alley needs to take care of their foot traffic problem. They have beverage carts splitting traffic and many interactive window displays that work with the interactive wands. But they cause people to be funneled in and squeezed in many areas. The lockers for Escape from Gringotts (Diagon Alley) and The Forbidden Journey (Hogsmeade) are a closed-quarter nightmare. In Forbidden Journey, the employee's have to keep telling guests what to do in a loud and sometimes frustrated voice. These areas need real work to open them up and give better directions. Also, the lights on the castle at night are great, but too many people in a small area. Again, a foot traffic nightmare.
The highly anticipated roller coaster attraction opening this June should deliver a boost for their several years of lackluster attractions but will draw more people to an already congested area. Good luck!
Overall, a great birthday weekend for Jennifer!
Peter
3/16.19 - Islands of Adventure, Steve Miller Band, The Bread Box
3.17.19 - Golden Corral.
Comments:
The Sabal Palm is a Marriott timeshare, but you can rent rooms there. Down the road from Disney, 21-minutes to Universal. Great master suite shower with pointing nozzles. Could use some updating and minor repairs. Our deadbolt on our door did not work correctly, even after we told them. Very spacious and balcony views of the golf course. Close to busy I-4 so that traffic can be heard. I would stay again.
The Mardi Gras Parade is fun, because of the bead throwing. If you don't want to hear people screaming in your ears and reaching out to catch the beads being thrown by guests on the floats, then watch from afar. If you're like Jennifer and are trying to catch the beads, then jump in. Can be a lot of fun, but watch the beads don't smack you in the face, as it did us. FUN Parade.
The Universal Cinematic Celebration is using twenty-year-old technology, but still an improvement from Universal's past water shows of late. I think they should go to holograms and make T-Rex come out from the side of a building and make Megatron, sitting on top of the Transformers building, animatronic and hit him with projection mapping. I say, make a show people will want to spend money to come and visit. Make a show as good as adding a great attraction. Don't just add a show from a box and add your music and film clips. Get ahead of Disney, don't use something they did years ago.
I love Universal, IOA and especially Citywalk at night. A lot of color and energy from all of them, especially Citywalk. The Rising Star Club, where guests sing Karaoke accompanied by a live band and back-up singers was very good. Good crowd interaction.
The dance club, The Groove, could use updated lighting and dry ice or other smoke. The dance floor is too open and can make some hesitant to dance with so many people watching, like me.
The Steve Miller Band at Universal Studios - Steve is 75. He is losing his voice at times but can play the hell out of multiple guitars. I was impressed with his skills. Good show.
Bread Box - Located in Citywalk. Great sandwiches and prices.
IOA and Universal during the day - We seen garbage cans stuffed at 11:30 a.m. in parts of the parking garage. Diagon Alley needs to take care of their foot traffic problem. They have beverage carts splitting traffic and many interactive window displays that work with the interactive wands. But they cause people to be funneled in and squeezed in many areas. The lockers for Escape from Gringotts (Diagon Alley) and The Forbidden Journey (Hogsmeade) are a closed-quarter nightmare. In Forbidden Journey, the employee's have to keep telling guests what to do in a loud and sometimes frustrated voice. These areas need real work to open them up and give better directions. Also, the lights on the castle at night are great, but too many people in a small area. Again, a foot traffic nightmare.
The highly anticipated roller coaster attraction opening this June should deliver a boost for their several years of lackluster attractions but will draw more people to an already congested area. Good luck!
Overall, a great birthday weekend for Jennifer!
Peter
Bay Area Renaissance
2019
Price to get in was $18.95 through Groupon. $21.95 at gate.
Runs through the end of March
https://www.bayarearenfest.com/
Florida State Fair
February 15, 2019
February 15, 2019
Pictures of Cracker Country, agriculture, and the Midway
Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, and City Walk
Orlando, Florida
February 17, 2019
Peter's comments
Before arriving in Orlando, we stopped in Kissimmee for breakfast at the Golden Corral, off exit 64. We were amazed by the price, $8.99. We had a $1 off coupon per person. The price included drinks, coffee, and juices. They had everything for breakfast, plus fried chicken, vegetables, salad bar, and desserts. The staff was friendly and prompt, and the food was tasty. Would recommend!
Jennifer and I visited the theme parks on a holiday weekend (Presidents) and arrived a few hours after the parks opened. The lines to get through the parking booths were backed up but moved quickly. They had all the available parking booths opened. Security was also fully staffed, and people moved through swiftly and efficiently.
The wait times were average for a holiday weekend, up to 2.5 hours for the more popular attractions.
We didn't do any rides because the lines were a bit long. But we did visit a few areas around Islands of Adventure that we haven't been to yet. They were picturesque, as you can see from some of the pictures I took. The coster you see is The Hulk. A great ride!
There are pictures from Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley.
Universal is currently holding their Mardi Gras event. They host concerts on Saturdays and Sundays through April 4.
Before arriving in Orlando, we stopped in Kissimmee for breakfast at the Golden Corral, off exit 64. We were amazed by the price, $8.99. We had a $1 off coupon per person. The price included drinks, coffee, and juices. They had everything for breakfast, plus fried chicken, vegetables, salad bar, and desserts. The staff was friendly and prompt, and the food was tasty. Would recommend!
Jennifer and I visited the theme parks on a holiday weekend (Presidents) and arrived a few hours after the parks opened. The lines to get through the parking booths were backed up but moved quickly. They had all the available parking booths opened. Security was also fully staffed, and people moved through swiftly and efficiently.
The wait times were average for a holiday weekend, up to 2.5 hours for the more popular attractions.
We didn't do any rides because the lines were a bit long. But we did visit a few areas around Islands of Adventure that we haven't been to yet. They were picturesque, as you can see from some of the pictures I took. The coster you see is The Hulk. A great ride!
There are pictures from Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley.
Universal is currently holding their Mardi Gras event. They host concerts on Saturdays and Sundays through April 4.
Pictures below are from my visit to Universal Studios,
Islands of Adventure, and CityWalk.
January 19, 2019
Islands of Adventure, and CityWalk.
January 19, 2019
A piece of the Berlin Wall. Located behind the Hard Rock Cafe, in CityWalk.
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The video has the same pictures as above, but with cool music and some descriptions. |