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Orlando is the theme park centre of the world and possibly the Universe.  We hit lucky with our hotel and our basic cheapie room was upgraded to one of the best rooms at the top of the tower. We have a fabulous view across the older part of International Drive, the home of the best or worst, depending on your point of view, that this place has to offer. At night the eateries, sideshows and minor attractions are bathed in neon. Probably only Blackpool could beat it for tackiness. We felt right at home.

The major parks are huge and have a vast array of themed areas containing thrill rides, 3D simulator rides, live performances and shows.  Cheryl came here about 25 years ago when Alex was a little boy so was interested to see how it had all changed.  We bought multi day passes for Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure & Volcano Bay and SeaWorld, Aquatica & Busch Gardens.  We left the Disney Parks for another day just in case we have any grandkids who might like to make the trip???!!!

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We came here to be big kids not that we need any excuses normally of course.  We started with an afternoon at Universal, which we discovered was a 25-minute walk from our hotel.  The crowds weren’t too bad considering it was still Spring Break (which we subsequently discovered can go up to May, as each college chooses a different week!).  

Cheryl was delighted to see that the ET ride was still there and exactly as it was all those years ago.  All the other rides have been replaced mostly by 3D simulators aimed at teenagers which was disappointing.  However, the new Wizarding World of Harry Potter was quite incredible, and we’re not even big fans.   

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Of all the things in Universal Studios this was by far the best themed area as the replications of Hogwarts, Diagon Alley, the streets, the train and carriages and Kings Cross Station were superb. We took the Hogwarts Express for the ride to Hogsmeade, and we passed through the wall to get to platform 9 ¾. The ride ends in Hogsmeade station, in Universals other park, Islands of Adventure.  There are also 2 rides that are done in simulators that include playing Quidditch.  They were so good we had to do them a few times.    Leanne, you just have to go!!

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We had mixed feelings about Seaworld as it has several shows featuring animals and we prefer that they be out there in the wild doing what wild animals do.  However, there was an emphasis on the research done by Seaworld, as you would expect, and they work with local wildlife organizations in Florida to rescue lots of manatees which are an endangered species and those that are able are returned to the wild.  Those that can’t be returned are chopped up and fed to the killer whales.  Only joking, they have a permanent home with ideal conditions, playmates, a balanced diet and on-site medical care for the rest of their natural life.

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The shows were stunning, the animals seemed really keen to show off their skills and behaviours to the crowds and the interaction with the trainers was incredible, particularly as one was corkscrewed along underwater propelled by two dolphins. We returned to the park a few times and watched many of the shows twice.  We thoroughly enjoyed them either for the sheer power of the killer whales, the acrobatics of the dolphins or the slapstick of the sea lions and the smaller animals.  They amazed us, they made us go ‘wow’, we liked that they encouraged people to try to be ‘green’ and protect the environment (something that the US has a lot to learn about) and we laughed a lot because we love pantomime and slapstick. 

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Surprisingly, Seaworld had three fantastic roller coasters which were all different and certainly got our hearts beating faster.   We split up to ride the first one as we weren’t sure if we could take our bag with us.  Cheryl got strapped in and the ride moved forward away from the loading bay only to stop just before the first drop.  What don’t you want to hear at this point?  “Kraken is having a technical issue and is temporarily halted”.  Fear not readers, she made it, and Neil even managed a photo from below.

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Mako is the highest, fastest and longest in Orlando.  The plunges and climbs are so fast that you take off out of your seat for a feeling of weightlessness 5 times on the ride.  Manta loaded us into shoulder & leg restraints.  Then we found out why as we were tipped forward through 90 degrees to face the ground.  A slow climb up to the highest point before plunging down to earth, twisting, turning, looping the loop, screaming, hollering and generally having a fabulous time as we flew around.   Sadly, one person didn’t have such a good time on this ride as one set of 4 seats was taken out of service as someone had pooped their pants!  Eeeeeeewwww.

Our return visits to Universal were mixed as the crowds were huge and wait times ridiculously long.  To combat this we decided to be first in the park and the strategy paid off as by luck we saved the best till last.  The Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit was absolutely breathtaking.  You sit side by side and a large lap bar comes across to hold you in place.  After the restraints are checked, the train immediately begins to climb the 167-foot (51 m) vertical chain lift with you tilted flat on your back.  

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When the train reaches the top of the lift, it drops back to the ground, reaching 65mph.  The ride then takes you through several loop the loops including corkscrews, more drops and sharp twists and turns.  Whilst the vertical climb and the 65mph fall back down are jaw dropping there is another unique experience.  As you load onto the car you are allowed to select a genre of music and a track to have whilst you take the ride.  What better than to sing along at the top of your voice to ZZ Top’s ‘Gimmee All Your Luvin’ as you are taken on the ride of your life.

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