Trip Report: IOA and USFL 7-2-2009 Pic Heavy!

[EvilQueenRocks]

My family spent a week in Orlando from June 27 through July 3. we spent one day at USFL and IOA. We had planed it on being 2 days but the Friday before July 4th was just too crowded. Luckily we were able to get done what my daughters wanted to in just one day.

I love that they have a shaded parking garage! We parked in the Spiderman section.

My oldest decided we were going to go to Islands of Adventure first.

We headed to the left and went to Marvel Super Hero Island. I love the themeing of this area but it is extremely loud. They pump very loud, action comic type music all over this area.

Rogue and Storm

Spiderman was the first ride we did.

At this point we backtracked and headed for Suess Landing. Again, another heavily themed area.

Cat in the Hat time!

Caro-Suess-el

This is Dumbo with fish and squirting water. You have to listen to the song and follow the instructions based on what color your fish is if you want to get squirted or not.

Snack break...This cup is a great deal! Buy the cup for $6.99 and refill it all day for only 79 cents. Disney should take notes.

Time to ride the trolley. The trolley offered a fabulous view!

More to come.......

[EvilQueenRocks]

The next island is The Lost Continent. This area is a mess right now due to the building of Harry Potter island on half of it. We really just skirted around it.














I took a few pictures of the construction.














Next is Jurassic Park.


















Exciting fight! Wonder who'll win?





This area is like AK's Boneyard. Lots of places for the kids to play.








Next on to Toon Lagoon. Again, another heavily themed area with 2 of the wettest rides ever. We didn't get to ride them. One was closed due to an imposing storm system in the area.



































At this point we decided it was time to go back to the hotel since we had planned on doing Universal Studios the next and last day of our vacation but my oldest decided she wanted to go ahead and go over to Universal Studios so we went for it.







Carson wanted to head straight to ET. We passed some things on the way.

Bullwinkle




The Simpsons motor home....the characters come out in this for meet and greets.





Santas Little Helper







The Blues Brothers














I really wanted to ride this but no one else did. Maybe next time...







On to Men In Black....this is similar to BLAB but faster with more spinning and meaner aliens.







Good themeing in the Amity Island/Jaws area where they have boardwalk food and midway games.


















At this point our girls were done. My husband and I went on Mummy while the kids waited with my mom. I didn't get any pictures of Mummy but it was an excellent coaster ride. I will try to take a smaller camera in next time that will fit in my pocket for the ride.


Some of CityWalk

We are planning a return trip in 4 weeks. We promised our girls we would take them one last time before school starts since we cut our vacation one day short due to the crowds. We are going to stay at one of thier resorts to take advantage of a Florida resident rate and free Express Pass.

[Maverick]

Cool picks, looks like a fun trip.

[seenoevil]

I love IOA! Thanks so much for the pics! We stayed at the Portofino a few years ago. Next year, I hope to add a few days to my annual WDW trip and try the Hard Rock.

[EvilQueenRocks]

I love IOA! Thanks so much for the pics! We stayed at the Portofino a few years ago. Next year, I hope to add a few days to my annual WDW trip and try the Hard Rock.

We stayed at Hard Rock 8 years ago, I think it was the only hotel there at the time. We are looking at Royal Pacific for August.

[aimster]

This cup is a great deal! Buy the cup for $6.99 and refill it all day for only 79 cents. Disney should take notes.

Busch Gardens has something similar. Buy a sports bottle (they different ones to choose from) for $7.99 and get refills for $1.79. I bought one back in... April(?) and used it again when I went back last month. And if you just want water... you can use the water fountains in the park (I recommend the one in the Clydesdale horse barn, the water is cold and it's filtered).

[aashee]

Stunning picture EQR! Thanks for posting them.

[Melonballer]

and if you just want water... You can use the water fountains in the park (i recommend the one in the clydesdale horse barn, the water is cold and it's filtered).

noted!

[k_peek_2000]

Awesome! I can't wait to head up to USO and using my heroes pass. This TR got me really excited about the trip! Thanks!