Orlando's magic thrills all ages
By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer
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| Epcot
Atop Spaceship Earth at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., a scripted "Epcot" is visible for miles, consisting of 250,000 sequin-like eye-catchers. |
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| Islands of Adventure
Pharos Lighthouse brightens the night sky and sends a beacon of welcome to all who enter. Walt Disney Co. |
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| Universal Studios
The iconic Universal Globe and archway mark the entrance to the park, where millions of guests each year "live the movies." Universal Orlando photo |
Theme-park strategy Wear comfy shoes for walking and standing in the inevitable lines. Pack a lightweight jacket: Nights could bring a chill. Carry a water bottle to avoid dehydration. Don't forget the camera and extra film or digital chips, and remember that buying these away from tourist areas is cheaper. Bring a folding umbrella — a shield from rain or sun. Pack sunscreen. Between rides and exhibits, venture into souvenir shops to cool off in AC. Don't overdo; take a snack break or just sit and ponder. Rent a stroller for toddlers and take a mid-afternoon nap break back at the hotel. During peak season, later hours mean you can readily return for another few hours. Know where or what you want to visit, so you don't waste time. If you're buying souvenirs, do it at the end to avoid having to carry them. If you stay at an official Disney resort, they'll deliver to your room. Carry bandages for unexpected spills and scrapes; grab extra paper napkins at restaurants for emergency wipes. |
In my first trek here, wedged in between my wife's convention commitments, I was able to take in Epcot (it requires two days, one for Future World, and a second day for World Showcase) and spent a day at Universal Studios and a night at its sister park, Islands of Adventure.
I concluded that four days of walking, eating theme-park food and standing in lines for the coveted rides is about all the body can take. But it's possible to see it all if you pace yourself, know the limits of your energy and prioritize.
I decided to skip Disney World because I'd already visited Disneyland in Anaheim. And I ran out of time for Animal World or MGM/Disney or Sea World. But you have to leave something for next time.
Since my trip, Epcot has launched Mission: Space, a new attraction that simulates a rocket ride to Mars, and Universal just opened Shrek 4-D, with Ogrevision animation and sensory extras.
The bottom line for me:
- Best Epcot experience: "Honey, I Shrunk the Audience" 3-D film, with surprise special effects.
- Best Universal ride: "Jaws"; despite its age, it's still a thrill.
- Best Islands of Adventure attraction: "Spider-Man," easy to get caught in its web.
Below, park by park, I'll share my notes in brief, "just the facts" fashion.
Epcot's Future World
An array of rides, displays and fun that explore the way we live — with connections to the past and future.
Spaceship Earth. A dark ride, depicting past, present and future of mankind. It's the golf ball-shaped sphere, first ride inside the park. Suitable for all but the very young. The 16-minute ride itself is lame, but the information is good. Must do; lines move swiftly.
Innovations (East and West). Walk-through, hands-on displays for all ages, about communications, products Sego games are a draw for kids; send e-mails to friends. An illuminating take on technology; great how-to-do-your-own home theater.
The Igloo. A pause that refreshes: Coca-Cola flavors from around the world with free taste samples from self-serve spigots. Don't miss the watermelon-flavored cola.
"The Living Seas." A three-minute ride beneath a salt-water aquarium then an at-your-own-pace stroll through galleries of sea inhabitants offers a lesson in ecology and up-close-and-personal time with manatees, sharks and more. For kids, it's a great splash, especially if it's feed-the-fishes time. See-worthy.
"Living With the Land." Indoor-outdoor boat ride through the past and future of farming and greenhouse agriculture, 12 minutes long; best for older children and adults. Makes you appreciate what you eat.
"Food Rocks." Animatronics musical revue (12 minutes), with rock parodies about food and proper nutrition. It's meant for all ages, but rock parodies especially appeal to parents and adults, with foodie figures named Chubby Cheddar, Neil Moussaka, Pita Gabriel and so on. Upbeat, bouncy and fun.
"Circle of Life." A 13-minute film that examines man's relationship with nature and about the need to co-exist to ensure survival. Pumbaa, Simon and Timon from "The Lion King" star. An environmental message with a cartoon spin.
"Journey Into Your Imagination." Fantasy ride "hosted" by a dragon named Figment (get it?) — a spin-off of the Imagination Institute theme of "Honey, I Shrunk the Kids" — is a colorful six-minute adventure though a simulated lab. Kids can e-mail photos through morphing computers after the show. A must-do; arrive early for a warm-up film by Kodak on the power of imagination, with gorgeous images blanketed by a wondrous version of "True Colors."
"Honey, I Shrunk the Audience." A 17-minute 3-D film (glasses provided celebrating technology), with superb special effects, featuring Rick Moranis' turn in "Honey, I Shrunk the Kids." Squeamish fun you can't get anywhere else. Beware of water splashes, tickles on the feet. Best of all the Epcot adventures.
Test Track Ride. Thrilling simulated ride on an actual car test track for adults and teens (must be at least 40 inches tall). Just four minutes but it's life in the fast lane.
"Body Wars." Dizzying simulated ride through the human body, a take-off on "The Incredible Journey." Again, you must be 40 inches tall for this 5-minute adventure and motion sickness is a real possibility.
"Universe of Energy: Ellen's Energy Adventure." Multimedia film-and-ride journey about energy, with Ellen DeGeneres and Bill Nye. This is a great concept — marrying film with theme park ride animatronics; dinos live! Over the course of the exciting 27 minutes, you sit and watch a film, then the platforms of seats begin to move as in a theme park ride, later you return and get to play "Jeopardy!"
Epcot's World Showcase
A 40-acre "international village" with pavilions, food and entertainment tapping such nations as Mexico, the United States, Germany, France, England, Canada, China, Japan, and Norway; few rides, some films, geared to adults interested in international travel and lifestyles.
"El Rio del Tiempo" (Mexican pavilion). A seven-minute river ride, like "Pirates of the Caribbean" and "Small World," with a Mexican flavor, with Mayan, Aztec, Toltec civilizations depicted through animated characters, song and dance. Probably boring for the very young. Virtually no lines, so a pleasant respite in air-conditioned comfort.
"Maelstrom" (Norway pavilion). Boat ride, re-creating a Viking voyage, last five minutes; plus a five-minute travelogue film after the ride. Might be scary (trolls and such) for the very young. A backward fall on the boat ride is an unexpected thrill; expect to get wet.
China pavilion. A replica of the Temple of Heaven in Beijing, and a marketplace of art, clothing, and souvenirs; there are no rides, but a Circle-vision film (not showing the day I stopped by). This one is suitable for all ages and good lunch stop, with either take-out or sit-down restaurant. Like visiting Chinatown — without the traditional scents.
German pavilion. A clock tower dominates this area, which includes a plaza. You can hoist one at the Biergarten restaurant, or get a snack of bratwurst with kraut at Sommerfest.
Italy pavilion. A replica of the bell tower inspired by St. Mark's in Venice (Doge's Palace), is a great photo op. Midday show of costumed commedia dell arte figures (many in white face makeup and elaborate gowns and suits) provides a visual taste of culture; "living statues" — folks with painted bodies, posing like art statues — are fun to watch.
"The American Adventure" (U.S. pavilion). Animatronic film/stage show of U.S. history and patriotic celebration (30 minutes) employs outdated format and content. Kids will likely find it a bit too close to the classroom. The amphitheater nearby hosts free rock concerts by 1970s rock acts throughout summer.
Japan pavilion. A pagoda dominates the landscape, and a large Mitsukoshi department store (like Shirokiya) sells everything from kimonos to calligraphy implements, transformer toys to bonsai. Taiko drummers entertain visitors several times a day; a sugar candy carver shapes sweet edibles in the form of flamingos, dolphins, scorpions and more, outside of Mitsukoshi. And you don't need a passport.
Morocco pavilion. An under-appreciated, under-attended marketplace that includes a mini-museum of Moorish art.
France pavilion. Sidewalk cafe, patisserie and a tip-peek of a small Eiffel Tower are highlights. An 18-minute film, "Impressions of France," is gorgeously photo-graphed, making you want to book a flight.
British pavilion. Street scene includes shops and a Rose and Crown pub; Hyde Park showcases a bevy of blooms and greens.
Canada pavilion. A chateau with a Victorian garden is a splendid setting. "O Canada," an 18- minute film done in Circle-vision (360-degree images), is breathtaking.
Universal Orlando
"Terminator 2: 3-D." A 20-minute mixed media show with Linda Hamilton and Edward Furlong as well as video and live-action figures. Lots of action includes blasts of heat and spray mists of water. It's meant for all ages, though show content may be extreme for the very young. Limited showtimes and long lines.
"Jimmy Neutron Attraction." Simulated ride into a cartoon adventure with Nickelodeon's boy genius defending the world. This one's eight minutes long, aimed at preschool and grade-school children. Motion sickness a possibility.
"Twister." Special effects show inspired by the movie of the same name lasts 15 minutes and is designed to reveal special-effects magic. Wee ones might be terrified by thunder, lightning, falling structures.
"Earthquake" Simulated earthquake in a subway setting. Twenty minutes includes pre-ride film and audience participation show with blue screen gimmick to "set" the characters in a hazardous situation. Might scare the very young. Even high-tech is susceptible to breakdowns, however; the ride jammed when we visited, with the subway car unable to return to its origin after a blast of heat and water.
"The Gory Gruesome & Grotesque Horror Makeup Show." Dracula, Frankenstein, The Mummy and other horror faves go the rock route to demonstrate the marvels of makeup. Twenty minutes of ghoulish fun involving fake blood and "severed" limbs, so some caution advised.
"Jaws." A creature lurks in this 7-acre lagoon, festooned with Amity-like shacks from the hit movie. The Great White still has some bite; bonus: you can take a picture of a faux shark hanging in front of the landing dock.
"Men in Black: Alien Attacks." Interactive indoor ride, with animatronic aliens based on the MIB movie. Playing with zap guns (you aim for alight to work up points) is great fun during this six-minute fantasy but zig-zagging cars might cause motion sickness.
"Back to the Future." This movie spin-off offers both a simulated ride in a DeLorean and a video. The car bumps and jerks a lot (too much), so the very young shouldn't be taken along on this five-minute jaunt.
"E.T. Adventure." A seven-minute simulated bicycle ride in "E.T." mode during which we help the extraterrestrial get back to his planet. A forest entryway, leading to the ride dock, spooked a few kids in the waiting line. For kids unable to sit in the bike, there are sit-down gondolas to enjoy the journey. Nice touch: You give your first name as you enter, and you get an ID card; when you leave, E.T. utters your name.
"Animal Planet Live." Trained animals — an eagle, chimp, birds —in the Hollywood tradition is an echo of the cable TV channel where animals reign. Even young ones will love this 25-minute outing.
"Wild, Wild West Stunt Show." Stuntmen and women do spills, falls, leaps and throw faux punches in a 16-minute stage-managed brawl. Fun for all ages, booing the villain.
"Beetlejuice's Rock 'n' Roll Graveyard." A rocky horror rock show with a difference: Frankenstein, Dracula, Frankenstein's bride, the Phantom of the Opera and Beetlejuice rip it up. The volume is loud (we saw kids with hands over their ears) during this 18-minute show.
Islands of Adventure
An array of rides and attractions, inspired by movies and pop culture icons.
"Adventures of Spider-Man." This 3-D simulated ride was inspired by the movie and you feel like Spidey as you experience Hollywood technology during this quick, 4 1/2 minute adventure. Our take: It's the best of the Island excitement — you ride up, down, sideways and — gulp! —upside down.
"Incredible Hulk Coaster." The ultimate coaster ride (green, of course) — 0 to 40 in 2 seconds and not for the queasy or very young. The whole thing lasts just over a minute, so fast, it's over before you get sick.
"Dr. Doom's Fearfall." What goes up must come down — in a big swoosh, from 200 feet high. You have to be out of your mind to try this 40-second free fall; and don't go on a full stomach. Must be at least 5-feet-2.
"Dudley Do-Right's Ripsaw Falls." A flume ride. You're bound to get wet, plunging from 85 feet into the water but it's warm and why not?
"Popeye & Bluto's Bilge-Rat Barges." A whitewater raft ride and you get soaked on this one, too, like spinning around in a car wash. Must be at least 4 feet tall, but kids love it.
"Triceratops Encounter." A walk-though petting zoo, sort of, but the pet-tee is a triceratops of "Jurassic Park" fame. We found this dull and not the best use of dino-mite.
"Poseidon's Fury!" A theatrical excursion to the Lost City of Atlantis. Poseidon and Zeus are at odds, and they get along like fire and water, which is why there's wind, a flood, and smoke; you walk through a tunnel of water and a tunnel of flames in the course of the 20 minutes. Hokey story, but good-fun effects.
"Dueling Dragons" A pair of roller coasters, Fire and Ice, operating on two separate tracks. This one's tamer than the Hulk, lasts 1 minute 45 seconds, must be 54 inches tall. Long lines inside darkened caves.
"The Cat in the Hat." Adventure ride to the land of Seuss appeals to the preschool and early grade-school ages.
"One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish." See-sawing aerial ride, combining sprays of water with more Seuss characters in play and fishing for your own car. This is non-threatening fun; like Disney's Dumbo ride.
"Caro-Seuss-el" A carousel peopled with Seuss characters instead of horses. What's a theme park without a merry-go-round? With 52 characters to ride on, it's hard to make a choice.
Reach Wayne Harada at 525-8067, fax 525-8055 or wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com.
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If you go ...
How to get there: Major airlines out of Honolulu (Continental, Northwest, United, Delta, American) offer connections to Orlando with fares beginning at about $680, and discounts to $550, depending on travel time.
Map out priorities: Orlando is big, and no one hotel is convenient for everything; you need a car or access to free bus shuttles. One plan: Stay near night-time activities and drive or take shuttles to daytime spots.
Where to stay: Magic Kingdom hotels (expensive), such as Disney's Polynesian Resort, Contemporary Resort and Grand Floridian Resort, are connected to the monorail. Downtown hotels are more affordable, including the Courtyard by Marriott, Hilton Resort, Hotel Royal Plaza and Best Western Lake Buena Vista Hotel, all in walking distance of Downtown Disney. Universal Orlando hotels (expensive) include the Portofino Bay Hotel, the Hard Rock Hotel and the Royal Pacific Hotel.
Where to eat: Downtown Disney has a wide range of options, from the Rainforest Cafe to Wolfgang Puck, from the House of Blues (with cool jazz) to Bongos Cuban Cafe (owned by Emilio and Gloria Estefan and featuring sensuous Latin sounds), from Planet Hollywood to McDonald's. CityWalk is abuzz with Emeril's, Hard Rock Cafe, Motown Cafe, Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville, Pat O'Brien's, the Latin Quarter and Pastamore.
Information: Orlando Orange County Convention & Visitors Bureau (www.orlandoinfo.com), 8723 International Drive, Suite 101, Orlando, FL 32819, (407) 363-5872; Walt Disney World, Box 10000, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830-1000, (407) 934-7639, www.disneyworld.com. Universal Orlando, 1000 Universal Studios Plaza, Orlando, FL 32819, www.universalorlando.com, (800) 837-2273 or (407) 363-8000.
