Rumors of Light (ROL discussion thread)

[bluezy]

I'm in the process of trying very hard to get excited. We have not set foot in Universal since 2003, so I promised the family we would wander over there for a day during our 'Disney' vacation this year. Unfortunately, I regret my promise. I have zero desire to click on any of the Universal threads, and I just can't bring myself to plan for any parks that are not on Disney property. Rest assured, we will be the dazed and confused family searching for Diagon Alley. I am hopelessly addicted to the mouse, and there is no cure.

I'm the same way. My kids keep asking to go to Universal and while I'm not totally opposed to it, I don't want to take any days away from Disney -- so we would need to extend our trip by 3 or 4 days in order to include Universal. And that would have us on vacation for close to 2 weeks. That's not going to happen any time soon. I keep telling the kids that they can go to Universal when they're adults -- it will be something new for them. Our oldest son is 30 and he has taken 3 trips to Disney as an adult and has yet to include Universal in any of his trips. He always *plans* to include Universal and then realizes he'd rather spend the time at Disney.

The only thing that made me happy about reading the report about Universal yesterday is that I'm hoping it will push Disney to continue to expand their parks with more attractions/lands. If Disney isn't careful, Universal will become the place that people travel to and Disney will be the place people go to for a day or two while they're at Universal. It would also be nice if Disney built some budget-friendly resorts that can accommodate large families. I'd love something like the AoA suites but with standard rooms sprinkled in between some of the suites to create some connecting rooms (suite + standard = room for up to 10 people but still allowing some privacy for those in the room). Though I will say that as much as we love AoA, I do *not* consider it budget friendly....but it is one of the least expensive options for having 6 people in one room with 2 bathrooms and still be on property (because we're Disney snobs and have no desire to stay off property for a week long trip).

 

[TheFloatingBear]

Ok, so how does a giraffe sleep? Standing, lying down? Curious minds want to know.

So, they slept sitting. Seemed kind of strange since they're still holding up their heads/necks, which I imagine are a bit heavy! The animal specialists said that in the wild, they rarely sit or lay down, but at the lodge they have adapted to having no predators. Then in the morning they just get up. I'm not sure why I thought it was so cool to see them wake up, but I did!

I need to figure out how to put a picture in my post, not as an attachment...

 

[MickeyMinnieMom]

If Disney isn't careful, Universal will become the place that people travel to and Disney will be the place people go to for a day or two while they're at Universal.

I get what you're saying, and it IS important for Disney to remain competitive. Universal expanding only helps that. I think that we are REALLY FAR from a place where the two flip positions, though.

 

[bluezy]

I get what you're saying, and it IS important for Disney to remain competitive. Universal expanding only helps that. I think that we are REALLY FAR from a place where the two flip positions, though.

Yes, I agree -- flipping positions would be many, many years away....but 10 years ago I would never have imagined that possibility. Now it doesn't seem so far-fetched.

 

[MickeyMinnieMom]

Yes, I agree -- flipping positions would be many, many years away....but 10 years ago I would never have imagined that possibility. Now it doesn't seem so far-fetched.

I hear ya. I think about the properties Disney owns (Disney, Pixar, Star Wars, Marvel), and I think they REALLY need to mess up HUGE for a LONG TIME to relinquish the top spot.

 

[ArielSRL]

We leave TOMORROW! DH surprised me by taking off work completely instead of taking off at lunch! We're planning to leave about 10 am!! It doesn't even feel real yet!!

Good night

Yay!! So excited for you! And envious, too! Enjoy!!

 

[Indybill]

I'm in the process of trying very hard to get excited. We have not set foot in Universal since 2003, so I promised the family we would wander over there for a day during our 'Disney' vacation this year. Unfortunately, I regret my promise. I have zero desire to click on any of the Universal threads, and I just can't bring myself to plan for any parks that are not on Disney property. Rest assured, we will be the dazed and confused family searching for Diagon Alley. I am hopelessly addicted to the mouse, and there is no cure.

My wife is like you and it took Harry Potter to get her off property. We love Harry Potter and if you can, ride Hogwart's Express both ways as its a different ride. Try Butterbeer in as many different ways as you can. If anyone likes coasters, ride The Mummy as its different (involves fire) than your normal coaster. If you don't want to ride Jurassic Park, at least stop and watch the splash it makes. Also, make sure and watch the Raptor Encounter and stay until he leaves if you can as its just a cool thing. Kong looks like it will be amazing depending on how soon you are going. Spider Man is still considered one of the best theme park rides anywhere. Definitely fun things to do but also definitely not Disney.

 

[elmoandzoey]

WE just did 5 days at Universal. First off, I really like their version of child swap. I had my kids waiting in a controlled area while I rode with one of them. That said, there was not a lot my little one could do. Even the Cat in the Hat has a height restriction on it which I think is a bit ridiculous since it's a kids ride.

I think Universal really lives because of Harry Potter. That was a genius decision to bring that in. They are creative and absolutely detailed down to the smallest point. But the rest of the parks lack big time. I noticed big time how colors have faded in the other areas, especially in Seuss Landing. Also, practically no shade anywhere! That was our biggest gripe. It was so hard to find a shaded spot anywhere.

I have to give kudos though to Universal for getting DS11 to ride a "thrill" ride! He couldn't get enough of Transformers! I hope I can get him on POTC now. I didn't have him go on Forbidden Journey but my DS7 loved that one! We were pretty disappointed by Gringotts ride though. With all the hype I had heard about it, I had expected a bit more.

And lastly, guess what my DD3's favorite ride was - ET! Granted, it was one of the few where she met the height requirement but she really liked all the baby ETs XD

We're at Bonnet Creek now for a few down (and shopping and swimming) days before we head to WDW next week.

 

[figmentfan423]

WE just did 5 days at Universal. First off, I really like their version of child swap. I had my kids waiting in a controlled area while I rode with one of them. That said, there was not a lot my little one could do. Even the Cat in the Hat has a height restriction on it which I think is a bit ridiculous since it's a kids ride.

I think Universal really lives because of Harry Potter. That was a genius decision to bring that in. They are creative and absolutely detailed down to the smallest point. But the rest of the parks lack big time. I noticed big time how colors have faded in the other areas, especially in Seuss Landing. Also, practically no shade anywhere! That was our biggest gripe. It was so hard to find a shaded spot anywhere.

I have to give kudos though to Universal for getting DS11 to ride a "thrill" ride! He couldn't get enough of Transformers! I hope I can get him on POTC now. I didn't have him go on Forbidden Journey but my DS7 loved that one! We were pretty disappointed by Gringotts ride though. With all the hype I had heard about it, I had expected a bit more.

And lastly, guess what my DD3's favorite ride was - ET! Granted, it was one of the few where she met the height requirement but she really liked all the baby ETs XD

We're at Bonnet Creek now for a few down (and shopping and swimming) days before we head to WDW next week.

Thank you for sharing both my boys are over 66 inches so we won't be swapping LOL. My boys are big time Potter fans so I can see them spending lots of time there with their wands and shopping. They've been saving for a a whole year. Did you get any time in City Walk, if so how was the food? Have a most magical time over in Disney!

 

[dachsie]

That is FABULOUS!

Hey board mods, can you make that happen?

There a wine smiley too:

http://www.tigalaya.com/uploads/emoticons/default_winesmiley.gif

and for beer drinkers:
http://www.tigalaya.com/uploads/emoticons/default_smiley-signs015.gif

 

[figmentfan423]

There a wine smiley too:

http://www.tigalaya.com/uploads/emoticons/default_winesmiley.gif

and for beer drinkers:
http://www.tigalaya.com/uploads/emoticons/default_smiley-signs015.gif

Wine did I hear wine? I could use some seeing my plans are still up in the air!

 

[HopperFan]

Well I am gonna need some stiff ones today...............the week that just won't quit.

While we slept the killed the Earffel Tower.
It's gone.
Overnight.
Gone.
Sad.
I think I might need to go back to bed now.

 

[figmentfan423]

Well I am gonna need some stiff ones today...............the week that just won't quit.

While we slept the killed the Earffel Tower.
It's gone.
Overnight.
Gone.
Sad.
I think I might need to go back to bed now.

That one really hurt! Last trip we went on the BLT 3 or 4 times knowing it would be our last but the Earful Towel could have been moved. I had a good long sob this morning RIP my friend

 

[Marlyn]

Wine did I hear wine? I could use some seeing my plans are still up in the air!

Same here. I'm keeping some free evenings in case they announce star wars dessert parties for our dates...or jungle book dining packages.

Well I am gonna need some stiff ones today...............the week that just won't quit.

While we slept the killed the Earffel Tower.
It's gone.
Overnight.
Gone.
Sad.
I think I might need to go back to bed now.

 

[Marlyn]

Well loungers, I am leaving for Puerto Vallarta Mexico tomorrow. I hope to be able to check here to see if any info comes out for summer.
I will endeavour to have a margarita for each and every one of you while I am gone. Why is there not a margarita smilie???

 

[HopperFan]

Well loungers, I am leaving for Puerto Vallarta Mexico tomorrow. I hope to be able to check here to see if any info comes out for summer.
I will endeavour to have a margarita for each and every one of you while I am gone. Why is there not a margarita smilie???

The Loungers shall live - I mean "drink" - through you! Have fun!!!

 

[HopperFan]

Well since it was too early for margaritas on the beach .....

I left early to pick up DS and stopped by the Humane Society to pet puppies!

While I hate I can't bring them all home, I hope they feel better after a neck scratch and sweet talk.

For a few minutes I forgot about ....................... the Earffel Tower ... although the one guy had quite the set of ears on him.

 

[tomatecerise]

They are soooooooo cute!

We live with, no We are slaves of 3 cats. The girl 14 years old, the big guy 4 years old and the son of satan 2 years old (he had an emergency surgery because he hate a toy but he love eating dust, kleenex, hairs, hairs on your head, hair arms ON your arm etc.)

 

[Marlyn]

Well since it was too early for margaritas on the beach .....

I left early to pick up DS and stopped by the Humane Society to pet puppies!

While I hate I can't bring them all home, I hope they feel better after a neck scratch and sweet talk.

For a few minutes I forgot about ....................... the Earffel Tower ... although the one guy had quite the set of ears on him.

Oh my....so adorable!! It would be hard for me to not want to adopt them all!!

 

[HopperFan]

Oh my....so adorable!! It would be hard for me to not want to adopt them all!!

The only thing to keep me in check is my 67 lb grandfurbaby I inherited when DD went to college AND my 12 lb grandfurbaby who she has now in Grad school that I am lucky enough to get to babysit for extended time frames. I'm driving 6 hours each way next week to get him so she can do study abroad for a month. I am sure one of these days I'll get another wee one, the 12 lb is one more my style.

They usually don't have many tiny ones at Humane Society, just BIG ones and puppies. I don't want a puppy, I want more a senior, so they are not usually there. BUT oh you just want to gobble them all up and take them home. I need some land and build a "Doggie Kingdom" and I can have sprinklers with prisms and pretend it's Rumors of Light for them to run through.