Universal/WDW in October
 

We are planning a return trip this October. It has been several years since we were there. Has anyone been to the new Islands of Adventure at Universal that I've been hearing so much about? We have 2 teenage boys and are interested in all the fun thrill-seeking attractions. Any tips on any of the new rides at Universal or WDW? Good places to eat? Thanks! <BR>

We just visited Islands of Adventure during Easter break. Although not everything was up and running then, it should be by Oct and I'd think teenage boys would love it. The best ride we went on was the Spiderman ride -- it's a 3D Back to the Future type ride -- it was GREAT!!! There are also some thrill seeking roller coaters -- not my speed, however, but they looked imposing!

We just visited Islands of Adventure during Easter break. Although not everything was up and running then, it should be by Oct and I'd think teenage boys would love it. The best ride we went on was the Spiderman ride -- it's a 3D Back to the Future type ride -- it was GREAT!!! There are also some thrill seeking roller coaters -- not my speed, however, but they looked imposing!

Islands of Adventure will open in Mid-May and from what I can see so far it looks Fantastic if you love Thrill Rides as I do. City Walks is open at Universal and features a NASCAR Cafe and a Margaritaville Cafe and other theme restaurants, besides a nice shopping area. At Downtown Disney there is The House of Blues, which has good cajun food,(and some Blues) and a Wolfgang Puck's as well as Bongo's, Gloria Esteban's Restaurant. Downtown Disney also opened DisneyQuest recently, A virtual-reality world of computer games that 2 teenagers would love. It's 4 stories tall and has something for everyone (ever tried Virtual River Rafting?). In Epcot GM's Test Track recently opened to rave reviews. My neighbor called it the best ride in any Disney Park. If you like Coasters then Busch Gardens in Tampa has 2 of the best in the Kumba and the Montu. Both are awesome. In Oct. you are going at the least crowded time, it's the time us locals go to the parks, with little or no lines. <BR> Enjoy!!

Thanks so much for the responses. IOA sounds like it will be great! And thanks to Carl for the info on food places. Also DisneyQuest. I hadn't heard anything about it, and although it may cost a small fortune, I'm sure my boys will think it's awsome. <BR>

We've been to Disney/Epcot many times and LOVE IT! we are going to try and get to Universal this summer, especially to get into Nickodeon Studios which we didn't the last time we were there. Our kids are older now too and will probably enjoy the thrill rides at Universal. As far as good places to eat...Epcot has the best restaurants - with cuisines from around the world. You need to make reservations early in the day (or even as soon as you get to Epcot)in the world center reght behind the globe. We've always enjoyed the "Living Seas" restaurant as you can watch the fish and divers; the Swedish smorgasbord and of course, France...The hotels also have good eating, especially the Contemporary and the Grand Floridian. enjoy!

Leta--DisneyQuest runs I think about $25 per person but that covers everything for the whole day. A good place to go if the weather turns bad. One ride is a take-off on the old Bumper Cars, where 1 person drives while the other person shoots Basketballs from a cannon mounted on the car. It's a Hoot!! There's even a game where you play a human pinball and control your ball by the way you move on a platform. Very Tiring but something the whole family can do. There's Also a Roller-Coaster simulator where you design the Coaster on computer disk, Then get to try out "Your Creation" on their simulator. It's Awesome!!! (But watch the number of loops you do) <BR> <BR>Also Cirque de Soli' just opened at Downtown Disney and while the tickets are a bit high, the show is fantastic and will leave you in awe. <BR> <BR>Enjoy!!

Thanks Carl. My kids are really excited about DisneyQuest. We will definitely find a time to visit. <BR>

I went to Disney for a conference this past spring. Saw the Cirque du Soleil show. It was FANTASTIC. Well worth the money. I ate at The House of Blues and had Jambalaya, and it was great. I also ate at Bongos. The Disney Quest is a blast, and great fun for the entire family. There is a learn to draw the Disney Characters area, and other creative things. The vitual raft ride even sprays some mist on you. I had a blast there. The test track is a great ride, and not like a roller coaster, just a fast bank turn. I was impressed by the Animal Kingdom. (I was also dismayed when I heard people bypassing looking at the animals, just to get to the thrill rides. I guess zoos wouldn't please them either.) I walked through the Asian part and was about 10 feet from some tigers that were sleeping up against the plexiglass that separated them from us. I got some awesome pictures. The park is a bit confusing to find the exit (I kept going by the one way out), but I really felt Disney had done an excellent job of making you feel that you were actually in the serengeti plains of Afica.

A great time to go; we are planning my 18th trip to Disney for this October. You don't say what part of October you will be there. The Epcot Food and Wine Festival starts around October 21. Also, the beginning of October begins Disney's Millenium celebration. Epcot is planning to add some temporary pavilions for the event. Email me if you want more detailed information.

Thanks for all the replies. I really enjoyed hearing about Disney Quest. <BR>Has anyone been to Universal Islands of Adventure yet? I'm really anxious to hear any news about the new park. <BR>