Monday 8th December 2008

Going for a ride (or two)

Today the weather improved a lot over yesterday. Although the temperature was still low early in the morning, by midday when we arrived at Universal, it was back up to the mid 70's. Back to t-shirt weather once more.

We went back to Universal today - but this time headed for Islands of Adventure.

As you can see, the place was very quiet.

This then meant that I could pick and choose what rides to go on. I started with Hulk of course - getting on the front row both times.

I also did Jurassic Park twice. Although the second time was because Linda missed by descent with the camcorder. However, doing the ride a second time didn't help either as Linda didn't turn on the camcorder correctly the second time - completely missing the big drop!

Even Duelling Dragons was running with only minimal delay.

Back to the Studio

After walking through the remainder of the park, we moved back to Universal Studios. This was a little busier than IOA, but not by much.

We first headed for ET, as this was shut the last time we were here. Then we both joined the queue for the Simpsons ride. The queue was supposed to be taking 30 minutes, but by the time we'd moved perhaps 30 feet, 10 minutes has already passed. Then an announcement came over the loudspeaker that people at the back of the queue might not be out in time to see the parade. Since that was the main reason for going back to Universal Studios, we left the queue and walked back to the tree to wait for the parade.

Another 45 minute wait and a numb foot and we were able to watch the parade from a pretty good vantage point. We especially had a good view of the tree. By 17:35, Santa had arrived and the tree had been lit - even though it wasn't fully dark.

The park was closing and so we made our way over to the Hard Rock and got seated straight away. Neither of us had a big meal as we wanted to be at the cinema down the road by 19:05 to give us time to see the new Bond film, Quantum of Solace.

Once out, it was a quick walk back to the car - we were in Jurassic Park 402, just two lines from the start of the car parks - I don't think we've ever parked closer to the entrance than today - then back off home.

We've no indication as to whether the pool has been fixed yet. Certainly no phone call or email has arrived.

I'm also having issues with this site - I'm seeing a 'site blocked' message after each update. I've emailed Google but I'm still even waiting an automated reply :(