I have been writing quite frequently on this blog regarding the upcoming concerts and I am concerned like most fans with tickets that the concerts do indeed go ahead. I have tickets for in a month’s time to see Michael on 24th July.
I have never been to Canada myself but it is certainly up there on places I want to visit over the next few years. As a lover of film, Toronto is one Canadian destination that takes my fancy.
However, the breathtaking scenery and outdoor pursuits make it an ideal place for backpacker travellers and those who love the great outdoors.
It is about nine years ago now that I last visited Italy, but one of the most beautiful cities that still sticks in my mind is Florence, or Firenze in Italian.
Florence is the capital city of the Italian region of Tuscany. The historical city, famous for its importance in the Middle Ages and in the Renaissance – art and architecture, lies on the River Arno and attracts millions of tourists each year.
When we visited the city, what I remember most, apart from the amazing architecture of The Duomo – the domed cathedral of the city, plus the artistry of Michael Angelo’s David, is the great view from The Ponte Vecchio (Old Bridge). The bridge features a multitude of shops where you can buy an ice cream and look out across the river.
I have been thinking about New York a lot recently, as I’m planning on going back there later this year. Plus, my friend asked my advice on places to stay, just the other day. While looking at New York-related news I found an interesting article that had been posted on the Daily Telegraph website earlier in the week.
Strange as it seems, New Yorkers are now be able to enjoy yet another area of greenery set amongst the sprawl of the busy city – however this park is elevated well above ground level!
The High Line Park is set on an abandoned elevated railway track above the Meatpacking District. The first half-mile section of the park was unveiled on Monday and has been open to the public since Tuesday.
I’m sure next time I do get to visit the Big Apple this intriguing park will be high on my list of places to visit.
I asked the above question a few blog posts ago when I considered whether it was worth a trip to either or both. Since then, I have looked at a number of rides and attractions that stood out when I visited both, a few years ago now.
The main thing I want to stress is that if you have already visited the Universal Studios in California previously then you will find that not that much is different when comparing both theme parks. I think it is still worth a visit, especially if the previous trip was some time ago; there are always new attractions being added each year.
Still, if you had to pick one theme park… despite my love of movies and enjoying the attractions at Universal Studios I must admit that Islands of Adventure was beyond anything I could’ve imagined. It was the best theme park I have ever been to and there are many rides to go on – the thrill factor is what sets it apart from Universal Studios. The Spiderman ride was my particular favourite ride.
A day spent at each would be enough to go on all attractions a few times, but even a day split between both parks (with a joint ticket) would be enough to enjoy the key attractions.
Just remember my advice to purchase fast track tickets for the rides – they are certainly worth it as you skip past all the people queuing!
This blog will be continuing on from the last article in looking at the rides and attractions at Universal Studios in Florida.
There are many things to do and see at the theme park and some of them have been there since the park opened. The E.T. Adventures ride is one that has been there for years and is great for kids, even if they are unfamiliar with the film. You take a ride on a bike to E.T.’s home, the Green Planet and upon returning home all guests receive a personalised farewell from E.T. himself!
Disaster is also a simulation ride that has been around a while, which lets you experience all the effects of an earthquake in disaster films including flooding. The subway setting is fairly claustrophobic and does make you feel you are involved in some sort of disaster movie yourself.
The Simpson’s ride ‘Krustyland’ was only installed in 2008 and so I didn’t get the chance to experience it myself. The ride uses state-of-the-art digital projectors to project its High Definition images and all of the character voices in the attraction were performed by the original stars of the show. The animation used was created specifically for the ride, plus the pre-show and queuing areas too.
The fast track passes mentioned in a previous article certainly came in handy at this theme park which was packed out. The queue jumping line certainly saves time waiting for the rides and attractions.
The Men In Black Alien Attack is an enjoyable ride, a bit like the Buzz Lightyear ride in the Walt Disney World resort, as each seat in the vehicle is equipped with a laser gun and gaming system so you can shoot at the aliens with your score recorded.
The Shrek 4D in the Production Central area is a theatre with a twist where you can be involved in a brand new Shrek adventure (featuring voices from the original cast) which picks up where the Oscar-winning first movie left off. The film is shot in 3D with the usual specs required, but with an added dimension of special effects and motion simulation in each seat to feel the action as it unfolds – including being sprayed in the face with water!
Terminator 2 in 3-D is an interactive experience that includes live-action stunts as the movie is brought closer to the audience. I really enjoyed the 3D show and the Terminator entering the stage on his Harley Davidson “Fat Boy”.
Twister is a live action simulation with a brief introduction from a member of staff regarding the movie and what you are about to experience. Then you feel the full force of air and the piercing sound as you experience the twister…
From the moment I entered the theme park there were exciting rides to go on. The first island to visit is ‘Marvel Super Hero Island’ and this is home to the Incredible Hulk Coaster, a typical roller coaster. After this, one of my favourites was the Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man ride with the interactive car and 3D glasses. It was great to engage in the storyline as Spidey climbs the buildings of the city fighting villains such as the Green Goblin and Dr Octopus.
Another of the rides I enjoyed was the Duelling Dragons rollercoaster in The Lost Continent. These are the world’s first inverted, duelling rollercoasters. You take a pick whether to ride the Ice or Fire Dragon and enjoy as the ride interweaves with the other rollercoaster 125 ft in the air at speeds of 55 mph. During the 2min25sec ride you come within inches of the opponent dragon.
Other attractions of note include the Jurassic Park river adventure and Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls in Toon Lagoon. The latter ride may seem like it is advertised for kids but the big drop at the end will certainly excite (and scare) any adult too, as I found out the hard way (and got absolutely soaked into the bargain)!
The Islands of Adventure theme park is made up of five islands based on themes including; myths, legends, comic books, cartoon heroes and children’s stories.
These really are some of the most interesting and excited rides I’ve ever been on. I used to go to Alton Towers a lot when I was in my teens but this place blew me away with its combination of high-speed roller coasters and themed attractions, with many being in 3D.
Also, recent news on the Islands of Adventure website suggest that there is even more excitement on the way with a Harry Potter “theme park within a theme park” coming to the theme park in 2010, entitled ‘The Wizarding World of Harry Potter’.
In the next post I will look at some of the rides and attractions at the theme park.
One of the main highlights of my trip to Orlando was the day spent at the two theme parks; Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure.
I had been to Universal Studios before, in California and so knew what to expect from that theme park. I still really enjoyed it as there were a few rides and attractions that weren’t at the other one, plus the Terminator ride wasn’t working last time.
I will look at each of the theme parks in turn over the next couple of posts, but one piece of advice I want to stress is that it is certainly worth paying the extra to get the fast track passes for rides – Universal Express Plus Passes. You get a chance to skip the regular queues at the main rides and attractions throughout the theme parks. It saved us a lot of queuing time and we could go on rides several times because of this. You may also want to get a 2-day pass to see each theme park in more detail, but we managed with the one day.