I’m going to Orlando!!!!! As you can probably tell from the photo above, it’s been a little while. I still cannot believe I get to write this, but this week I’m flying back to Orlando for my first visit since August 2015. The last time I was in the Sunshine State, there was a lot under construction. Mako, Pandora, Hulk 2.0, Kong, Volcano Bay… so many things that now feel like old news. Galaxy’s Edge was still concept art! Blimey, I’ve got a lot of catching up to do.
So, with all these new additions since my last visit, which are the attractions making me giddy with excitement? Let’s have a look.
Velocicoaster
There’s no way I can even begin to talk about my excitement for this trip without turning straight to Velocicoaster. This celebrated rollercoaster is the first attraction that I’ve ever followed the full construction of. From the first land clearing, all the way through to the opening day churros, I was hooked. As such, I feel a real, deep connection to this beast of a coaster. Not just that, but the ride itself looks magnificent, taking some of my favourite parts of other multi-launch coasters and throwing them together alongside some fab inversions. That’s without even mentioning the fact that this is themed to the nines, and to one of my favourite franchises! Velocicoaster is a ride that looks to have just about everything. I know where I’ll be speed-walking the minute my feet touch Universal property!
Pandora (at Night)
Whilst I’m very much a rollercoaster enthusiast – this blog is called coasterclaire after all – I do consider myself a theme park enthusiast first and foremost. It’s theming that really makes my heart soar. With that in mind, it’s surely inevitable that Pandora is right up here with my most anticipated. This looks to be one of the most beautiful theme park lands ever constructed and a perfect addition to the already stunning Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Whilst I’m absolutely buzzing for Flight of Passage and Na’vi River Journey – I do love an atmospheric dark ride, especially one with a kickass animatronic – it’s the land itself that’s the real E-ticket for me. I feel like I’ve waited forever for this one.
Iron Gwazi (and Busch Gardens Tampa)
As much as I anticipate falling head-over-heels for Velocicoaster, this is the Floridian coaster I think has the highest chance of becoming my favourite coaster in the world. When I rode Steel Vengeance(!) this summer, it took a few rides for me to decide whether it had overtaken Zadra as my number one. They’re just two completely different beasts. Zadra features long, sweeping elements and whippy transitions where Vengeance has you bouncing between your seat and restraint like a paddle ball. Both are excellent but surprisingly hard to compare. From what I’ve seen, Gwazi looks like it may well offer the best of both worlds. I can’t wait!
In addition, this will actually be my first-ever visit to Busch Gardens Tampa! So as well as one of my most anticipated rollercoasters in the world, I have the additional joy of discovering a whole new theme park! Having fallen utterly in love with Busch Gardens Williamsburg earlier this year, I can’t wait to see what their sister park has to offer – don’t worry I know they’re different. With legendary B&M beasts Sheikra and Montu to look forward to, alongside the weirdness of Cobra’s Curse and the speed of Cheetah Hunt, it’s looking likely to be a fantastic day!
Discovery Cove
Squished between our week in Walt Disney World and our week staying at Universal is a day at Discovery Cove. Alongside theme parks and theatre, wildlife is my other great passion, making it a little bit mad that I’ve never been here before! A day with all-inclusive food, drink, snorkelling with fish and hand-feeding birds just sounds like absolute heaven – and the perfect respite after a solid week of The Mouse.
Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway
The new generation Mickey Mouse shorts are – unironically – one of my favourite TV shows of all time. Creative, hilarious and utilising Disney characters – and Walt Disney himself – in a way that feels completely against the rules, these shorts represent the very best of modern Disney animation. So when they announced that The Great Movie Ride’s (RIP beautiful) replacement would be a dark ride utilising this version of the main mouse, I couldn’t have been more excited. I’ve still managed to remain spoiler free – I walked out of the room at this point in The Imagineering Story – so I have absolutely no idea what happens but safe to say, I am buzzing.
Harmonious
When it was announced that IllumiNations would be retiring, I was as disappointed as many other Disney Parks fans. I hadn’t watched the show since 2001, but We Go On continues to give me the feels every time. It’s fair to say however that the show had undoubtedly had a good run, and who knew how brilliant the next show may be? Then the barges arrived on World Showcase lagoon. As did a whole host of questions. What had Disney done? What on earth was coming to replace IllumiNations?!
Now I know many, many people do not consider Harmonious to be a worthwhile replacement. And I wholeheartedly agree that the use of the barges in the show does not justify their continual presence on the lagoon. But that soundtrack. I don’t know how many times I’ve listened through the soundtrack at this point, but I am fully, completely in love with it. Disney songs performed in the native language of the film’s setting?! Could there be a more perfect concept for a modern Epcot show?! Whilst it may be divisive, I think this is one of the most perfect integrations of IP that the parks have seen in recent years and I simply cannot wait to hear that soundtrack blast out all around me. Even knowing the finale will destroy me. #Hunchback4Eva
Did I just pause writing this to sit and listen to the Harmonious soundtrack in its entirety? Yes. Yes I did.
My First Tribute Store (and Earl the Squirrel!)
Is there anything better than an original theme park character? It’s been a joy to watch from afar the past few years as Earl the Squirrel dug his little claws in to become a staple of the holidays at Universal Orlando. And there’s surely no better way to get acquainted than by checking out his display at my very first tribute store! I’ve loved seeing what the team over at Uni have come up with every season over the past few years for this space. The tribute stores have been an incredible showcase of creativity, design and fun! I’m so happy I’ll finally get to experience one for myself – and it’s going to be festive!!!!!
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
The time has come for my first Orlando hard ticket event! I’ll be attending this one solo as one of us was sensible enough to refuse to drop one hundred and fifty Great British Pounds on a five-hour event (lord forgive me). Alas, I am a sucker for pretty much anything festive and/or Disney, so drop the cash I did. And what do I get in exchange for this hefty sum? An iconic parade, special fireworks, a stage show, ride overlays and all the drinks and cookies my heart desires (and queues allow me to obtain). Personally, I’m most excited for the parade – I fully intend to attend both performances – and zooming around Space Mountain to Christmassy music! But honestly? I’m mostly excited to finally see those Disney reindeer characters in person. I’m a mess, aren’t I?
(Should all of this festivity be available to day guests at the World’s most visited – and one of the most expensive- theme park? Let’s have that chat another time.)
Grinchmas
A celebration of one of my favourite Christmas movies, featuring a full stage show incorporating its story and songs?! Included with admission?! Need I say more.
Mako
The last time I visited Orlando, construction walls filled Seaworld Orlando, coated in posters for Mako. In a nod to my growth as a coaster fan since then, I remember reading the stats on these posters and thinking ‘oh, that might be a bit too much for me’. Here I am over seven years later, having ridden some of the tallest and most intense coasters on the planet and I am absolutely buzzing for Mako. Having heard nothing but praise for this B&M beauty (except for the trim brake, pls be switched off) from all corners of the community, but especially my good friend Bobby (check out his amazing channel and podcast) this is another coaster set to be a trip-highlight for me.
I could honestly go on forever about things I’m excited about on this trip – Cosmic Rewind, Hagride and Merry Menagerie just to name three more – but I’ll wrap it up there. Safe to say, I’m really bloody excited about this holiday! I can’t wait to look back at my favourite parts of the trip, and see how all of these stack up against my expectations.
Speak again soon,
Claire
x
p.s. oh my god the lights on spaceship earth too!!!!!
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