Orlando is a city of theme parks, hotels and freeways. It’s sole purpose is tourism as I understand it. I thought it was just one huge theme park here but there are many splattered across the city. You need to know which theme park you want to visit and find accommodation close by. I only have time to visit one and decide on the Universal Studios theme park.
The ‘Simpsons’ ride was fairly thrilling
Here there is the classic ‘Jaws’ ride based on the movie. It’s the oldest ride in this park I believe and while lined up the attendant announces ‘The ride will start in 10 minutes barring any mechanical problems’. Well…there goes the wonder of this experience! You mean it’s all mechanical? The shark is a machine? Anyway the boat, which runs on an underground rail, bumps and twists while ‘mechanical’ sharks come rushing out of the water at various places. They manage to throw in some underwater explosions, fire and spray for effect while the boat driver acts her little heart out. It was fun. Surprisingly I enjoyed it.
Other rides were also based on movie themes. ‘The Mummy’ was a roller-coaster ride inside an elaborate set and you spent most of the time flying around in complete darkness with flashing lights and things jumping out at you. Have you ever been on something traveling at speed backwards and in the dark? It’s a bizarre feeling. ‘The Simpsons’ ride was impressive. It combined a huge IMAX-sized screen with a roller-coaster ride. The visuals worked cleverly with the ride so that you really felt you were in the action. ‘Terminator 3D’ was clever. It was a mix of very effective 3D and real actors. Somehow the actors would morph in and out of the screen to come out onto the stage and into the audience. And these actors would be interacting with 3D images coming out of the screens, while your chair was jumping about. Even ‘Shrek’ was in 3D with interactive chairs. It was clever stuff. Coming outside after the ‘Twister’ ride (based on the film about a tornado) there was thunder and lightning. Wow, these are really impressive, authentic effects I thought – until I realised it was a real storm! Its hard to tell what is real here.
Of course at every ride you were exited through a gift shop. This was no problem for me but I pity parents having to negotiate their kids through without melting the credit cards.
And then there was the big roller-coaster ride. All these rides are included in the entry fee so why not give it a go. Pregnant mothers and people with delicate necks and backs are warned before considering this ride. The thing starts with a 90 degree drag to the top, then an almost sheer drop down before going into a 360 degree loop while twisting! It then goes on into other body destroying maneuvers through obstacles before it finishes. I didn’t eat anything all day!
This is what I call the ‘wholey crap’ ride.
While the day was fun, the experience for me is a shallow one. It won’t last I suspect, quickly slipping to the back of my mind or exiting all together.
angusmccoll 
Hey, Gus! I really have enjoyed reading your daily blogs. You should think about writing a book based on all your adventures. Universal sounds like fun! I went to Universal Hollywood many years ago. Your experience sounds like a lot more fun!!
What a day for you, Angus. Can you imagine staying at Disney World for 7 days?!! Everything is so dried up this way. We have not had a good rain for a long time. I have not seen the boys (Cam and Stewart) for a little while. I think they are doing fine. There is a riding charity event this weekend from Cairns to Cooktown. I think JCU has one team participating in this ride. Quite a few people from our Faculty are joining in this event. How long till you come back to Cairns? You will not want to come back after all the places, people and events that you have encountered. Take care and keeping writing.
Thanks Janie for your news. Don’t tell me you did 7 days at Orlando parks! That’s a mighty economical as well as physical achievement! Keep an eye on those boys down stairs. They need cheering up. Take care Janie.