Death City and the Zombie Invasion!

They're coming! Clear the way! This is the real thing! More real than Death City! Universal Studios popular Halloween Horror Nights is coming faster than you can say, "Really! But Summer hasn't even started!" Ever been fascinated with zombies, vampires, and the occult? Boy, I have! Even going back to Dark Shadows television show of the 1960s. Looking back to a popular television series in the early part of this century, I found there's a lot of learning to do about zombies. Just check out The Walking Dead.

Poor Sheriff Rick Grimes! The long-standing hero of AMC's The Walking Dead, loses one beloved person after another to the zombie invasion. With almost four seasons under his belt, you think he'd be a bit tired from this zombie invasion...and become a walker much sooner than later.

Truth is, we're all prisoners or walkers. In the Bible's book of Romans, the Apostle Paul tells the readers we are all dead in our sins, doomed for eternal damnation without God. In a sense, we are prisoners of our own making. Think of what you have done in your past that brings you shame, that has hurt others, that has been dishonest or lacked love. If you're like me, that is quite a bit of things to regret and can be a heavy weight to live under. We're prisoners of our own doing!

And yet, Jesus! Thankfully, Jesus, the Son of God, paid the price Himself for our sin- my sin, your sin. And those that would put their faith in Him and live for Him, believing Jesus was raised from the dead for our benefit, would be given a new life. A life that begins anew here and one that will last for all eternity. Can I hear an "Amen!"?

But- and this is a big one- even those of us that know and love and trust Jesus- can act as if we are the Living Dead. How does this happen? It happens in a few ways: 

1- We can choose to live like we used to. Living a life that only pleases us, therefore we look and act no different than when we encountered Jesus. And the darkness in us grows stronger than the true light over time. 

2- We can insulate ourselves from the dying world around us. In the church, this is sometimes referred to as "the Christian Bubble". What happens is we hang out only with those who think as we do. The problem is, this kind of living creates a dullness in our souls. Why? Because we are made for more! We are made to love others and share the news of Jesus with them. 

3- We can live our lives as victims instead of as those victorious in Christ. I see this happen all the time. Let's face it- crap happens to all of us. Betrayal, deceit, disappointment, illness, misfortune, death. Jesus never did promise us an easy life- and He sure didn't have one. If believers in Jesus begin to own that as their identity, instead of realizing they love and serve the Living God, bitterness and sadness rule their lives instead of joy and peace. 

There's a Zombie Invasion in our world. People of all types are lonely, discouraged, and disappointed. The church itself has even taken on a victim mentality. (And I'm not saying it should be all wealth and health and prosperity- that's not a godly viewpoint nor one that is supported by reading the Bible as a whole.) What I am saying is that too many people who say they believe do not live as if Jesus has really overcome. 

Let's not be satisfied to live as a walker or a prisoner. Let's embrace new life in Jesus Christ- the only one who can give it- and live in freedom, joy, and peace- with a great eternity ahead as we persevere!

Design Detail: Harry Potter's Amazing Diagon Alley

Could Universal Orlando Resort's Diagon Alley be any more epic? (Pun intended!) When making like a muggle and finally pulling off that Escape from Gringotts, the exit brings you into this absolutely stunning little shop. Harry Potter and his friends certainly would have stopped in at WiseAcres on their way elsewhere. Why? Look up! What an absolutely beautiful piece of art. Intricate but ornate and simply stunning. 

Universal Creative was able to pull off one other piece of magic- the place feels alive, teeming with live, adventure and mystery. 

No, Escape from Gringotts isn't as sophisticated as Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance at Disney's Hollywood Studios, but I'd take a few hours in Diagon Alley over any in Galaxy's Edge- and here's why. Check out why this Disney Imagineering fan- (me!) calls Diagon Alley the best themed land ever created.

(Photograph copyright Mark Taft.)

A Look at the Unbuilt Jurassic Park Attraction at Islands of Adventure

Perhaps the only thing theme park fans like more than attraction posters are discussing unbuilt attractions. We're fascinated by what's left in the vaults at Disney. But lately, fans have been taking a look at concepts for Universal parks that never made it off the drawing boards. Here, I think, is one of the best: Jurassic Park Helicopter Tours at Islands of Adventure. 

The concept art doesn't give anything away, but flying over the world famous refuge of dinos both large and small (mostly BIG!) would have been a thrill all its own... until something goes terribly wrong, as it always does.

Universal Creative has become a world class organization on par with Walt Disney Imagineering. Much to the delight of fans, each company trying to one up the other. (Is that an unintentional Mario / Super Nintendo World reference?) Will Epic Universe top whatever Disney is planning next? Probably! There's on a hot streak!

(Art copyright Universal Creative.)

The Growing Beast Called Universal Orlando Resort: Attraction Posters

As if the ride on Velocicoaster isn’t terrifying enough, these attraction posters in the queue at Islands of Adventure can give you the creeps! Or if you love collecting these, they make you want to run (if your trembling legs can do so after the ride) to the nearest gift shop and purchase them. 

The last few years at Universal Orlando Resort have brought some serious contenders for best coasters in Florida! Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure takes on a lengthy attraction name- which seems to be the new must-do for designers- but the ride is just a whole lot of fun and so repeatable! 

Universal has even given Walt Disney World a run for their money in the favorite theme park category. Word of mouth is growing among families. Year after year increases in their park's attendance proves the company's mojo, strong themes, and quick build times, is paying off. 

When Epic Universe opens in 2025, I know I want to be there. A Parisian themed Harry Potter land, an expansion Super Nintendo World, and a Classic Monsters areas join a family friendly How to Train Your Dragon, proving once again that fun is not limited to what's found at the theme park king down the road. But kings fall due to neglect, hubris, greed, and a variety of other reasons. Keep your eyes open! We're all about to watch Disney lose one more of those precious vacation days to their competition...

(Art copyright Universal Orlando.)

A Night in Universal's Diagon Alley

Take a look! This is incredible by day and totally spellbinding- pun intended- in the hours as the sun sets. Universal Studios great Diagon Alley would be worth the price of admission even if Escape from Gringotts wasn't there. But it is- and Universal Orlando Resort with all its Harry Potter themed attractions is all the better because of it.

(Photograph by Mike Sperduto.)

Two Gilly Waters and a Butterbeer Please!

In the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort, the creative men and women have given guests multiple opportunities to gently separate them from their hard earned dollars. 

Gilly Water and Butterbeer are just the right refreshers on a hot, humid, Florida day while you sit in for a break between Escape from Gringotts or Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure. All at a very reasonable price, no less.

A frozen Butterbeer still reigns supreme, and I can't wait for my next one, but there's a good bit of fun to making your own Gilly Water concoction. Kudos to Universal Creative for giving guests what they expect from a Potter experience without gauging them.

(Photograph copyright Mark Taft.)

My Favorite Disney Park Photos: Disneyland's Indiana Jones Adventure

The Indiana Jones Adventure. What can be said that hasn't been already told? It's an incredible "E Ticket" attraction that packs them in 25 plus years after its debut. I was there opening weekend as part of a performance reward during my years with AT&T, the attraction's sponsor.

This photograph was taken just a few years ago. I'd say its pretty stunning- and it captures all the mystery and thrill of what happens when something goes wrong inside a temple full of surprises. Who would have thought an angry deity, rats, bugs, and snakes- why does it have to be snakes?- would form the basis for this world class ride.

As with the Jungle Cruise, imitators have come and gone, but none, not even Universal Orlando's Mummy attraction, comes close. 

Want more Indiana Jones and its impact in the Disney parks, check out this concept art filled article.

(Photograph copyright Mark Taft.)

 

This Islands of Adventure Photo Shows An Epic Universe All Its Own

What a glimpse of Universal Orlando Resort's new Epic Universe? You, me, and everyone else who's a fan! But this photograph from the always popular Bioreconstruct shows how epic Islands of Adventure is on its own! The Velocicoaster is captured against the blue waters of the lagoon from way up on high. Just incredible- but there's a bit of magic going on, isn't there...

(Photograph copyright Bioreconstruct.)

Can Epic Universe Top This?

So thrilled to find this piece of concept art for Universal Studios' incredible Diagon Alley.  It may be the best single intellectual property land in all of Florida! In fact, I know it is. I've seen Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge. I walked through the jungles of Pandora (and the landscapes of California Adventure's Cars Land). Each of them are wonderful in their own ways, be they found at Walt Disney World or Universal. 

Hogsmeade has a great and varied line up of attractions, but there's something spectacular and different about Harry Potter's second themed Wizarding World, even if there's only one attraction at this point in time. Escape from Gringott's is not perfect, but it is very, very, close and a whole lot of fun. And, yes, I found it better than the Forbidden Journey at Islands of Adventure. Regardless, the land of Diagon Alley rocks. The design, food, the shops, the entertainment, the butter beer. Can't wait to see what's next for it.

Can Epic Universe pull off a trifecta of Harry Potter goodness? We shall see. Even without Harry,  4 coasters coming on opening day, a series of dark rides, including a first of its kind Donkey Kong Cart Ride, I know this will be a place fans worldwide will want to be! 

Universal Orlando Resort is poised to get three full days of a Florida vacation. What will Disney do in response? Build another vacation club?

(Art copyright Universal Creative.)

Checking Out the On Line Universal Orlando Community

As I found out first hand recently, Disney is not the only game in Orlando anymore! Walt Disney World and its classic theme parks have some competition. Universal Orlando Resort is getting better and better- and with Epic Universe on the way, you can be sure I'll be visiting again.

Searching the internet, I discovered a whole new world. Orlando Park Stop is a great site worth exploring. If you want to discuss Universal and all they're doing, you've got to check out the Inside Universal Boards. These boards are the Universal fan equivalent of the excellent WDWMagic Boards with insider news and passionate and intelligent conversation. 

The iconic Magic Kingdom, the once excellent Epcot, the newly revisioned Disney's Hollywood Studios and the gorgeous but under built Disney's Animal Kingdom better come up with some splendid announcements at this year's D23. Competition is here, and it's a great time to be a theme park fan!

Walt Disney World vs. Universal: September 2021 Trip Report, Day Five: A Private Tour of Rise of the Resistance and An Old School Imagineering Fan Encounters Universal Orlando

Rise of the Resistance was the attraction I most wanted to experience, but if I'm being honest, I was just as excited, maybe even more so, to go down the highway and see what Universal Creative did with Harry Potter. It had been years since I had been to Disney's main competitor, but I'd followed closely the buildout of the parks, attraction by attraction, all the new hotels, and City Walk. 

After successfully getting boarding group number 13 on our first day at Disney's Hollywood Studios, we knew what we had to do for our second day there. In fact, we ended up with boarding group #3- pretty impressive I'd say- and we had our son to thank. Fastest fingers in the West. 

Our first view of the First Order. Hmmm.

With such an early boarding group, we had to move quickly, so we high tailed it to the park, walking straight into Galaxy's Edge and right into the fully empty queue. There was no Rey, no BB-8, and absolutely no flight with Lieutenant Bek. Due to an outage with the first segments of the ride, we were ushered rather quickly into a Cast Member entrance and right into the room with the big reveal, seen above.

So effective is the conceit of being taken into space, that I was slightly surprised to realize this scene was actually in a ground level building. And then I thought, "Of course, it is! This is not real!" Well done, Imagineering! We were the only prisoners in our cell, and we were the only passengers in an escape pod. It was our very own private tour, and not a single cast member stepped out of character. Being alone trying to escape was an entirely new experience. 

We exited the attraction once more in awe as to what Imagineering had accomplished. Rise of the Resistance may not be what hard core Star Wars fans may have wanted,  but no one being objective can deny the ambition behind it. 

Still smiling after our second ride.

Wandering through Galaxy's Edge, we came full circle and decided a second ride on Star Tours was in order. New scenes and old seamlessly integrated on another thrilling ride with one of our favorite droids. I know Disney desperately wants to reinvigorate The Muppets, but I'd have no objection to letting Piggy, Kermit, and friends move to another area of the park so that the Star Wars world could encompass Star Tours. Will that happen? Probably not.

The Tune In Lounge is just not worth your time.

Wondering what to do next, we opted stopped for a drink and some shade at the Tune In Lounge. Be warned: It's very small, the drinks are expensive, and it is not easy for any party bigger than two people to sit together. It was our first and last time there.

Cool redo of the Monster Sound Studios building

but a disappointment.

Count me in as a big fan of the new Mickey Mouse animated shorts! They're witting and charming and irreverent. Vacation Fun began well until I started seeing slices of episodes found on Disney+ making the backbone of the film attraction. Yes, they were clearly in a rush to find a use for this theater and bring something kid friendly, so why couldn't they go the extra mile and create entirely new content? This left a very bitter taste in my mouth. On the other side of the park, Lightning McQueen's Racing Academy is mediocre, but at least it is entirely new.

Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway was over an hour wait, and at this point the sun was blazing. Sadly, we passed it by, perhaps my one regret on this trip, and instead jumped onto Toy Story Mania. Though not originally a fan of it, the small shooter ride has grown on me a little bit, but the queue has to be relatively short for me to agree to wait. Admittedly, I do find breaking virtual plates quite fun. 

Moving on to Walt Disney Presents, this gallery remains a must-do stop. The models are always of particular interest to me, and the one of Spaceship Earth caught my eye. Oh, what EPCOT Center was- and will never be again. 

Our Disney adventure was ending.

At about 12:30pm, we decided it was time to leave the park, pick up our bags at Old Key West and head to Universal Orlando. The process was quick and easy. First, we opted for a roundtrip ride on the Skyliner before we departed our resort via Uber. In no time, we arrived at Universal. All I can say is "Wow!"

Everything you'd want and need 

at a price you can afford.

While staying at Universal Orlando's version of a budget resort moves you outside" the bubble", for $140 per night including tax, it is a vast improvement over what you'll find at Disney's All Star Resorts or Pop Century. In fact, this would also be true of Universal's gorgeous Royal Pacific Resort as well, but more on that in a few paragraphs.

Spacious and fresh.

The Dockside Resort is fresh, cool, hip, and appeals to the crowd that was clearly lacking at Disney: young professionals and blue collar workers in their 20s and 30s. Most with no kids or some with teens who were bored by princesses and wanted something more edgy. People were excited to be there, and it showed. The energy level was high- and it wasn't just because of the huge Starbucks in the spacious lobby. 

Our room was well appointed, very clean, and had every amenity we wanted or needed. It was a 30 second walk from the elevator to the large quick service restaurant/cafeteria and maybe a two minute walk from there through the main lobby to the bus stop. Around the corner from the lobby Starbucks was a nicely appointed bar, so there's options for everyone's drink of choice. 

After continual disappointment with Disney's busses, it was a pleasure to be able to board a Universal bus with never a wait of more than 5 minutes. Yes, five minutes- and when we left the parks after a long day there or at City Walk, the busses were actually lined up waiting to take guests to their hotels. Multiple busses for our resort lined up waiting to take us home. Let that sink in. They anticipated how they could best serve us. That, my friends, is excellent service. Service I used to find at Walt Disney World. Bravo, Universal!

Not quite wasted away but still as much fun without the regrets!

Once we got the lay of the land, we grabbed our bus and dropped off at City Walk. By this point we were quite ready to eat, and after walking around to see what our options were, an early meal at Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville won out. What a terrific choice! My coconut shrimp was the best I'd had in years, and my margarita (what else, right?) was terrific. Both my wife and son really enjoyed their dishes and drinks as well. Service was relaxed and playful, and the atmosphere was family friendly but not childlike. Best of all was the ending: It was one of the least expensive sit down meals during our vacation at about 2/3 the cost of anything at Walt Disney World. I was quickly becoming a fan of this universe- but the true test would be the attractions and theming at the parks.

We'd have dinner here at the end of our first full day.

Beautiful skies and an exciting but relaxing environment.

The layout of the parks and City Walk was wisely put together. The Universal Studios park was on the far right side, Islands of Adventure on the left, and City Walk straddled a central lagoon right on the middle. The shopping and entertainment district is also hip, loud, in your face, and absolutely a lot of fun. Even though Halloween Nights was going on, the crowd coming in was polite and orderly. Again, this was the demographic we did not see at Disney. Even the beautiful Disney Springs had more older folks and much younger families revealing the gap in between. Both entertainment areas are uniquely their own. City Walk has two innovated miniature golf courses. Disney Springs has a tethered hot air balloon flight. Comparing the two is quite impossible. Oranges and apples as it were.

After walking off our delicious dinner, I shared with my son that I wanted to see Universal's Royal Pacific Resort so I could compare it to Disney's Polynesian. We boarded a launch for a nice quick cruise out of the lagoon and down a small manmade river before arriving at our destination. Again, service was fast and consistent, and we never had to wait for more than one boat. 

Overlooking the bridge to the entrance.

Simply beautiful!

The comparisons continued. I love Disney's Polynesian Village Resort; I love the Hawaiian Islands (and the Aulani); and I love all things tropical. The bar was already rather high. I was not expecting to love the Royal Pacific Resort, but I did. 

Was it the astounding price? Comparing the same date and similar rooms to that of the Polynesian, rack rates were $311 vs. $718 per night before tax. Really. A four hundred dollar difference! That's a lot of nice meals or a few theme park tickets.

The lobby surrounds a beautiful outdoor garden courtyard.

The surroundings immediately drew me in. The atmosphere here is lush, secluded feeling, and peaceful. The very lovely entrance gardens are terraced, evoking the feeling of a quiet and ancient tea plantation. 

Punctuated by palm trees of various types and other tropical flowers, Loews has certainly created a tranquil resort that takes your breath away.  The pool we saw was large and stylish and seamlessly integrated. The boat dock setting took me to the South Pacific- including a seaplane resting on the river- while winding paths and walkways invited a stroll under the moonlight. Each restaurant and bar was inviting with menus that were fairly priced. What more could you ask for? I did not need a castle view. 

The downside? Now I am torn about where to stay for our next visit! Disney's extras for resort guests are diminishing at a quick rate, and service is getting sloppy in some ways. Costs are rising, making a nice meal very, very expensive. Do I really need early access to the parks? Probably not. Uber makes transportation a snap. I think I've talked myself into the answer.

So far, I was quite impressed with "his resort", as my son refers to Universal. The true test for this Imagineering fan would be the parks. I'd heard Universal Creative had knocked it out of the park with all things Harry Potter, and I was excited to find out for myself. The Studios would be our next full day which meant Diagon Alley and the acclaimed Escape from Gringotts. I couldn't wait!

(Photographs copyright Mark Taft.)

Design Detail: Universal Studios Orlando Diagon Alley

With only a slight bit of exaggeration, there's probably well over 1,000 details to be found in Universal Studios Orlando and its most loved area. Even as the biggest fan of Disney Imagineering, I can tell you with full confidence that the team from Universal Creative created a stunning  masterpiece in building Harry Potter's Diagon Alley! I left this photo full size so you can take in a just a bit. (Just download it once you've opened it.) But what about the rest of the park and the resort as a whole?

There's a couple more days coming of my Walt Disney World trip report (Animal Kingdom is next), but hang on tight, because I was pretty shocked by what I found at the Universal Orlando Resort. How would it compare to my visit there back in 2008,  my friend Len's Yokoyama's 2016 visit or my youngest son's visit in 2017? As they used to say, "Stay Tuned!"

(Photograph copyright Mark Taft.)

Does Toothsome Chocolate Emporium Satisfy the Sweet Tooth?

There's the anticipation and then there's the reality. And then there's the reservations that are hard to get. Happily this isn't Disney- it's Universal Orlando, and that actually means it is much easier and makes planning a whole lot better. Toothsome Chocolate Emporium was the place I had to eat at when we began planning our trip to Mickey's competition. Thinking of it as Willy Wonka meets The Edison, well, who wouldn't want to visit? Stay tuned for my review.

The trip is almost here...

(Photograph copyright Universal Orlando.)
 

Universal Here We Come!

At the invitation of our youngest son, we are off to Universal Orlando Resort! As I mentioned earlier in the blog, we sees the resort as "his" resort versus Walt Disney World- which is viewed as a much older person's domain or for those with little kids. Of course, being a big fan of Harry Potter, he would love the Studios and Islands of Adventure. Gotta say, it is much less expensive than Disney World! Park tickets are less and resort rooms much, much less expensive. Should be a great trip!

Three Signs of Excellence at Universal's Islands of Adventure

This may be a controversial statement, but I find Universal Orlando's second theme park Islands of Adventure every bit as well done as the third park at Walt Disney World- Disney's Hollywood Studios- perhaps even better! The line up of attractions is just as strong, and the park is more fully fleshed out with a stronger sense of design.

You could even take away Harry Potter's representation, and you'd still have a terrific piece of Imagineering... I mean design and engineering by the artists that form  Universal Creative. Here are three signs of excellence at Islands of Adventure. Literally.

Beyond The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man, I didn't really know if I would love this park. I was wowed by the entrance, and then I started to notice the details, making me more impressed. 

Signage is something I have always enjoyed, and these theme park has an abundance of nicely done work! I would love to have any of these three signs for Islands of Adventure Trading Company in my possession. Too bad duplicates are not for sale. 

Let me encourage you to take a look at these and several others next time you're in one of Orlando's best theme parks. Even for a die hard Disney fan, you might find yourself pleasantly surprised.

(Photographs copyright Mark Taft.)

With Love From Japan

We're getting even closer! Just a teaser shot from Japan from our very good friend Len Yokoyama. I cannot wait to see what stories and photos he has to share from all over Japan, including the Tokyo Disney Resort!

(Photograph copyright Len Yokoyama.)

Live from Universal Orlando Resort- Day Five: Power Outage at Islands and Toothsome Chocolate Emporium

Last day surprises! After a morning covering both the parks one last time, my son and his friend decided to celebrate his birthday at the Toothsome Chocolate Emporium- but surprise! The power went out at the restaurant and apparently at the whole of Islands of Adventure. Now a tow hour wait for the Emporium. They ended up at Vivo, the Italian eatery. 

(Photograph copyright Mark Taft.)

Live from Universal Orlando Resort- Day Four: Details Abound at the Studios

The last two days of a pretty incredible trip to Universal Orlando begins today. The guys are loving it all with Volcano Bay being a blast and the two main theme parks a great place to hang out. 

No disappointments when it comes to the two Harry Potter themed lands and their stellar line up of attractions, shops and restaurants- straight out of the books and movies.

"Dad, pumpkin juice tastes like apple cider."

Time for more adventures in Diagon Alley. 

The details are everywhere. Look up! (see below.)

Looks as if the land of Homer is pretty rich in detail as well. Certainly a place for fans of the Simpsons to enjoy some fun! I love how Universal has not been afraid to reach out to the cynical but fun loving generation of the 90s. They need to be kids again!

More to come as things get wrapped up!

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 Clearly, it's time for a beer...

 Don't lose your head. Previous customers couldn't help it.

 A look at the future?

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Time for ice cream... and some exploration with that magic wand.

 Just waiting for the snot flavored jelly beans next...

 The dragon looks fantastic!

 It would probably help tremendously if I knew the books and movies. But I'm a muggle of the first degree.

I'mm guessing these last two are from inside the ice cream ship.

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(Photos copyright Mark Taft.)