I just wanted to post a quick mini trip report on my wonderful vacation. Just arrived back in London on Sunday so naturally I am wanting to hold onto it as long as possible!!
First up, the longest line I waited in the whole time I was there was Shrek - 30mins...and I went on Toy Story Mania!! I did utilise some single rider lines at Universal but most of the rides had 10/20 minute standby lines posted.
I actually saw the line in TSM for the first time this trip, having been on the single rider line a few years ago, and then not wanting to wait the 90+ minutes in subsequent years. This time (last Tuesday - 11th Sept) there was a 30 minute wait posted but we couldnt have waited more than 15. Thought the line was highly immersive and actually said - I feel like I'm in a toy box! Really enjoyed the ride and will make more of an effort to get on it in future. I won (of course) with a score in the 72,000's. DHS was the only Disney park we had time to get to this year.
Mulch Sweat and Shears were excellent and highly recommended if you havent seen them. We were part of 2 Streetmospheres and had a really lovely day. The only regret was not getting to see the Western set (again!!) on the Great Movie Ride. Disney - hear this...use it more! We know about it and we want to see it!!!
In terms of new (to me) attractions, I thought Minion Mayhem was very cute. I kind of enjoyed the preshow and queue more than the ride itself though.
The Universal night show was excellent! We had done everything in the park at about 6.30 but decided to wait it out and very glad we did. Outside of the Beetlejuice theatre was a decent spot for this too.
We had early access to Harry Potter at IOA so it was great to take pictures in the park with no one around. Also managed to get into Ollivanders which we didn't last year. Walked straight in - the attendants had the door open just waiting for participants! Very cool show, really enjoyed it.
I have to end by recommending 2 attractions, especially if, like me, you like animals. (Seaworld is my favourite park)
Seaventure at Discovery Cove and the Wild Arctic Up Close tour at Seaworld. Both are an upcharge to your ticket but they are worth it!
I had the most incredible time on both and 'wow' was pretty much the only word I could come up with to sum them up.
I won't go into to detail as I think not knowing what was coming was a big part of the enjoyment, but highly highly recommended!!!
And thanks for vacationing in America… We appreciate it!
Brian...always a pleasure to visit the US, you wont get rid of me that easily. Hoping to make it to California next year.