Orlando StarFlyer, Fun Spot Orlando, Hollywood Studios (4/30-5/2)

Had to visit Orlando for work last week and while I didn't have a ton of free time, I did get to have a little bit of fun. I was staying at the Rosen Center on International Drive, which was mildly outdated, but clean and conveniently located close by to many of the area's attractions. It also had a nice view of the Wheel at ICON Park, Orlano StarFlyer, Volcano Bay, and if you looked close enough at the large collection of cranes, you could see Universal's Epic Universe going up.

On Sunday I made a visit to ICON Park first to grab something to eat. Since I just wanted something quick, I decided to stop in at Shake Shack. Not sure if it's always like this, but this was quite possibly the dirtiest fast food restaurant I have ever been to. Even the food was subpar with the burger being rather greasy and the fries sort of uncooked. Made a mental note to make sure I don't stop in there again. The Gordon Ramsay's Fish And Chips joint looked interesting, so maybe next time... I took a quick stroll around the Park and it's a cute (and very busy) little area with tons of touristy things to do (Chance Carousel, trackless train, "panning for gold", Museum of Illusions, the 400-foot Ferris Wheel, etc). But it was the Orlando StarFlyer that I wanted to try, so I shelled out $15, put my loose items in a mandatory free locker, and buckled up for my ride. Apparently there were tornadoes in Central Florida that day, and the wind was quite gusty, which resulted in my swing being twisted and turned in ways I hadn't ever experience before. And once the ride hit its maximum height, I was a little too terrified to enjoy the view. Regardless, it was a fun ride and I am glad I gave it a try. I also liked that ICON Park offered free parking, which is rare in a tourist town.

On Monday I made my first ever visit to Fun Spot Orlando. I didn't go in with high expectations, so I wasn't completely disappointed, but I'd have to say Fun Spot was a one and done for me. White Lightning is definitely the highlight and packed a bigger punch than I expected. The ride maintained its speed well and had some surprising airtime along the course as well, I rode once in the front and once in the back and honestly thought the front was better. Smooth, fast and a fun view made it a memorable ride. Freedom Flyer, the Vekoma family suspended coaster. was a little rough. Again, I rode once in the front and once in the back and neither was really exciting. But for Fun Spot's target audience, this is a great ride. The Rip Curl (Wisdom custom Himalaya) and Enterprise were down, and the Head Rush looping pendulum wasn't operating either, so I took a spin on the park's Ferris Wheel and enjoyed the view. I give Fun Spot credit for allowing single riders. Overall, Fun Spot is a well kept park, but I think I would have enjoyed it more if it was more "peak season" and all the rides were operating. Lines were minimal on the rides (the go-kart tracks all seemed to be the most popular), the staff was friendly, and parking being free was nice. But again, I doubt I'll be in any hurry to go back.

And finally, on Wednesday night I got to visit Disney's Hollywood Studios for the park's "Disney After Hours" event. $149 for 3 hours of "limited attendance" (10 pm - 1 am) including most rides and "complimentary" sodas, popcorn and Disney Ice Cream bars. The park does let you in at 7:00 though, so technically you get 6 hours at the park, which isn't a bad deal. I was at the park between 7:30 and 11:30 and got on Star Tours (5 minute wait, didn't realize they changed the ride films again to reflect the sequels), Muppet Vision 3D (still hilarious even if it is a bit outdated in the tech department), Rise of The Resistance (30 minute wait, absolutely lived up to the hype and is one of Disney's best), Smuggler's Run (5 minute wait, sort of underwhelming), Toy Story Midway Mania (walk-on, every bit as great as the one at DCA and just sooooo much fun), Alien Swirling Saucers (a baffling 20 minute wait, only one side was operating, but this is such an enjoyable ride harkening back to the old Mangels's Whip and PTC Cuddle Up), Slinky Dog Dash (also 20 minute wait and was way more fun than I was expecting, especially the second launch), Tower of Terror (walk-on, had an insane drop sequence that had me floating more than I was on my seat), and what I considered to be the highlight of my visit, Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway. I went in not knowing much about it other than it replaced The Great Movie Ride, and I came out completely blown away. As it too was a walk-on, I rode twice and both times came out smiling from ear to ear. From the pre-show with its mind-blowing "explosion" that turns the screen into the ride entrance, to the cars on the train all going their own ways, to the unique use of "screens", this is a colorful and delightful spin on the classic Disney dark ride. I could have rode this all night and not gotten tired of it as there is so much to take in, but at my advanced age and all the walking I was doing at my work conference, my back was killing me and I opted to head back to the hotel. DHS has come a LONG way since my first visit back in 1993 and now ranks up there with Disney's best. There were a few "un-Disney like" things I noticed, like the second "AY" being burned out on the Runaway Railway sign, a few seats taped off in the Star Tours cabin, and some other lighting issues, but the park was spotless and the staff seemed to be okay with having to work late.

Okay, this certainly was a lot of words so I'll stop typing now. Thanks for reading this long-winded post. :)

I've stayed at either Rosen Center or Rosen Plaza probably a dozen or so times on work trips. Public areas are pretty dated, but the rooms were re-done not long before COVID and are pretty decent for hotels that largely cater to business travel. The deli on the first floor of Rosen Center is top notch. Great place for a fat snack after a long day at the convention center or an evening of drinking. You're not off at all on the cleanliness of Shake Shake. I actually like the food, but I've been to locations in Texas and New York and the dining areas always seem to be wrecked.

I had some friends at the same Studios after hours party and they loved it. I was also whelmed by Smuggler's Run. I think they could fix quite a bit of it by taking out the audience participation part of the experience.

My experience of Smuggler's Run has varied greatly depending on the crowd I was with. When it was my family it was pretty good. When it was just two of us with a bunch of randos, it was pretty "meh." When it was three teenage boys, me, and two other people who were willing to go along with our insanity (crashing into everything, trying to get low scores, etc.) it was side splittingly hilarious.

But did you get Chewie mode?

I always thought those late night private things were overpriced, but it seems like it's absolutely worth it with everything you got done in that short amount of time.

The other two people were willing to go along with our stupidity, but did not want to try Chewie mode, so I have yet to experience it.

kpjb:

I always thought those late night private things were overpriced, but it seems like it's absolutely worth it with everything you got done in that short amount of time.

I think the answer is yes to both.

As a local passholder, or if I was doing a multi day big WDW vacation I can't imagine spending that much for just a few hours. You're better off to buy G+

But for the convention crowd or someone looking to ride a bunch of rides at a paricular park once in a great while without investing in an Annual Pass or multi day tickets, it's a great option.

I have to agree that while pricey, 6 hours at Hollywood Studios for $150 and not having to worry about reserving rides or buying LL is a great deal. Considering I was only there for 4 hours, I believe I got my money’s worth (not to mention the 2 Mickey ice cream bars and 2 bottled sodas that were included in admission. I could have had more, but I didn’t want to seem greedy!). And considering the amount of people that were there for the event, the demand seems to be quite high, so I would assume Disney will keep doing this until there’s a drop in attendance.

And Jeff I have to ask, what exactly is Chewie mode? Does he come on to assist if the pilots are less than optimal? I was actually very disappointed in my gunning skills. I have been playing video games since the Atari 2600 days, and I can’t believe how poorly I did. I even missed my final bomb shot. Guess old age is finally catching up!

In "Chewie Mode" all the instructions which are normally spoken in "basic" (read: English) by Hondo Onaka are instead spoken in Shyriiwook (had to look that up) by Chewbacca. Basically, all you hear are growls and grunts.

You need six people to activate it and they all have to do a simple, but unusual thing with their controls before activating their station (e.g. holding down a button or pushing a joystick all the way while pressing the activation button).

RayP1970:

6 hours at Hollywood Studios for $150 and not having to worry about reserving rides or buying LL is a great deal

Absolutely. I mean, it costs $100 for a one day ticket anyway, right? Plus $20 for a LL for each of the Star Wars rides? Whatever G+ costs?

If we're in town visiting family or for a cruise or something and that's an option I'd definitely tack on an extra day and do it.

A one day ticket for DHS at lowest is about $125. Most days in the summer, it's $150. So in that regard, an after hours party seems like a decent deal. But, who the heck is paying $150? Maybe I'm a "sucker" because I always go for 5 or 6 days so the marginal cost of those last few days is $40, but my average is around $85.

RayP1970:

what I considered to be the highlight of my visit, Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway. I went in not knowing much about it other than it replaced The Great Movie Ride, and I came out completely blown away. As it too was a walk-on, I rode twice and both times came out smiling from ear to ear.

So glad to hear you say this, Ray. You already know how I feel about Rise, but I call Runaway Railway my "litmus test". If you don't come off that ride in a good mood you are a horrible human being. I think it is a fair test. :)

ApolloAndy:

Basically, all you hear are growls and grunts.

So it’s like the first 20 minutes of the Holiday Special. Got it! 😂