Universal Studios Orlando - Dragon Challenge

Islands of Adventure at Universal Studios will be closing the roller coaster ride Dragon Challenge in the near future. In it's place Universal Orlando will build a newer roller coaster experience expected to open sometime in 2019.

Like all the parks, Universal Studios does their market research.  Based on research they have decided that Dragon Challenge, formerly known as Dueling Dragons named for its twin opposing tracks, is not in step with the rest of the part of the park known as The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Therefore the Dragon Challenge will be replaced by a coaster which will be more modern and low profile which will suit the landscape and give park visitors something new to look forward to.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad - Magic Kingdom

Does this look cool?  Well, it is.  Big thunder Mountain Railroad in Frontierland at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom is one fun ride.  It's a roller coaster through an old western gold mining mountain where you ride a train through twists and turns , up and down hills, and into the mountain itself.

I you like old-fashioned coasters with a rough ride you're going to like this one.  It's not a terribly rough one but it's enough that I don't suggest it if you're pregnant or have neck or back problems.  There is a height restriction but I think it's only 40 inches.  I saw some pretty little kids on it and mine all went on it by the age of five so not too bad.  It is good enough to rattle your teeth and when you get off it you'll have had fun.

There are a few climbs and plunges, a little water, but other than that it's just right for the kids.

Thunder Mountain was closed for the better part of this year for repairs so we haven't been on it for a while.  That has made it a busy ride because folks have waited for a long time for it to reopen.

You probably want to Fast Pass this one due to the extraordinarily long lines.  Thunder Mountain is located right next to Splash Mountain which is another long wait so I suggest getting a Fast Pass for one and waiting in Stand By for the other one.  This will cut your wait for the two of them significantly.

No, we don't know these folks.  I just got a shot of them going by as we waited in line.  Definitely don't miss this one.  It's worth the wait and you're under cover from this Florida heat while in line.  Drink lots of water this time of year as we are in the tropics.  Have fun.

Disney Animal Kingdom

www,dAnimal Kingdom is the Disney Park with real animals.  Disney does everything with an extra dose of "Wow" so be prepared for an awesome adventure.  This park is definitely more than a zoo and all ages will marvel not just at the animals but the beautiful habitats that give the wildlife a great environment and the tourists a maxed out view of them all. 

Upon entering the park you encounter the "Tree of Life", a full-size tree with the figures of several hundred animals carved into it's trunk.   You will stand there a long while trying to decide if the tree is real or not.  It's a fantastic photo shoot which is about 14 stories high  and probably 50-75 feet wide.  Absolutely breathtaking and a good setup for what else is in the park.

You know how you go to your local zoo and you get to the one exhibit you really want to see but all you see is a foot or a tail?  Yeah, we've all tried to get our five year old excited about the ear of a wolf and we feel a little let down when they don't.  Animal Kingdom created a park where the animals are out where you can see them.  It has an authentic tour of the Kilimanjaro Plains by open air bus.  Every species of African wildlife is there and in full view.  There are several types of safaris and walking treks there you can experience, so when you arrive, grab a program and have fun.

The animals aside, probably the greatest experience is Expedition Everest, a high-speed roller coaster through the Himalayas.  It towers over the park and you know you can't do Disney without a good rattling so grab everyone and go for a scream! 

The kids will enjoy all the dinosaur exhibits and there is an indoor thrill ride through  prehistoric forest complete with all the Jurassic creatures they love.  It's not high-speed but still amazing.  I know when I'm at theme parks if I get a chance to sit on a ride where it's dark, cool, and I'm sitting down it's a total win for me! If you get here when it's hot (which is March through October) you'll enjoy a ride down the rapids.  Another great way to cool off and you better want to because your family will not want to miss this one. 

There are lots of interactive places for the family from educational to animal petting.  Eating here is like other parks, if you're with your kids for the lunch rooms for less expensive meals but there are nice restaurants as well if there are only two of you.

Animal Kingdom Lodge is an upscale lodge right on the grounds where you can stay and see wildlife all day long.  The animal habitat is right outside your window and you can see animal feedings from your window so if you like to stay on property check out their availability.

One thing I always forget to mention is that if you go to http://www.disneyworld.disney.go.com/  you can download or request a FREE vacation planning video.  It's very helpful for first time visitors to Central Florida but equally for return visitors who want to plan before arriving.  Visit the website and see for yourself as I believe there is a virtual tour you can take. 

My next post is The Wizarding World of Harry Potter so check in soon and thank you for reading.