Diane

Just back from a week in the Orlando area. Since our flight home was at 6:55AM we stayed near the airport the night before and visited Universal Islands of Adventure during the afternoon-evening. It was off-and-on rainy and not a pretty day, but my "kids" (19&22) and I had a great time. Their dad didn't feel like theme-parking, so he spent his time at City Walk - reading & snacking, exploring and going to a movie. Meanwhile, we had a marvelous time! Because of the weather, the crowd was down and lines were virtually non-existent. The title of this report refers to the Spider Man ride at Marvel Comics Island. I probably wouldn't want to know how they really "do it," but the masterful use of 3-D film work puts you right in the middle of a live-action comic book adventure. We did it twice, and it is even better the second time, because you notice things you missed the first time.

Diane

Several of the featured rides were taken twice, like the Incredible Hulk roller coaster. The first time was enough for me -- it started to rain as we took off up that first hill -- and by the end of the ride with rain pelting our faces, I felt like the windshield of a speeding car. The kids' second ride was timed to avoid rain (easy to do when there is such a short line). They also did both sides of the dueling dragons' coaster (again, one was enough for old Mom.) We thoroughly enjoyed the Posieden's Revenge (not sure what the name really is, but instead of what are usually long lines, the "intake" time was only about 15 minutes, and part of the fun! There isn't much these folks don't know about lasers, pyrotechnics, color and lights. The River ride through Jurassic Park was good. I think they had it set to minimize getting people wet, considering the weather. We didn't try the Dudley DoRight or Popeye/Olive Oil water adventures, as we could see people braver than we were getting drenched on those. Between the hours of 2:30PM and 8:00PM, we figured we saw the whole park and enjoyed about a dozen rides each. On a pretty day, we may have covered as much ground, but probably wouldn't have gotten to do all the doubling up on our favs. On the other hand, we would have done the other water rides, and maybe have gotten our faces painted. This is probably a park best for families with kids over age 10. We met "Dad" for dinner at the Latin Club in CityWalk and had a very good meal with a floor show. Sure hated getting up at 5AM to catch our plane, but were fortunate in having no delays or waits coming home!

chazz

I agree with you 100% - Spider Man is the best we've seen anywhere, and we've been to a lot of parks.

We went on it when Islands of Adventure was new (April '99 - half open), and they were having a lot of problems with the ride later in the day. I'd be curious to know if it is still subject to glitches.

Diane

No problems at all. I originally went on it in Sept'99 at a special party during the Nat'l Association of Broadcasters Radio Show. There were no glitches then, either.

David

Spiderman is good for the technical effects. However, for sheer terror and fun, nothing compares to the 110 foot waterslide (I forgot the name) at Blizzard Beach! I'm not a spring chicken (40's) and have been on many a rollercoaster (Hulk is a good one) but nothing beats a 60 plus mile an hr. free fall down that waterslide.

Anthony

Would have to agree that the Spiderman Ride at Islands of Adventure is themost incredible ride ever- the last part,where you are supposed to be plunging down from the top of an office building - was so life-like that I screamed my head off!

april

Alright, already. Any other ideas than the Spiderman ride?

Another 3-D movie option is the "It's Tough to be a Bug" video inside of the Tree of Life at Animal Kingdom. It was so scary that my eight year old forced me to leave the theater early.
Kali River Rapids (also in Animal Kingdom) is similar to other water rides, but I must say that you get seriously wet while on it.
Test Track at EPCOT is a unique and thrilling ride.
I might have to try the Spiderman ride now. You've all made it sound great.

P.S. The name of the water slide at Blizzard Beach is Summit Plummet

chazz

We also liked Terminator II 3-D at Universal, the Jurassic Park raft ride at Islands of Adventure, and Tower of Terror at Disney MGM.