Day Twelve – Universal Studios and Shopping
Today we woke around 7.30am. After showering we packed our bags and went down top the lobby to check out of the hotel around 8.30am. We left our bags with the concierge and went down to the basement to find somewhere to eat breakfast. We didn’t fancy a full breakfast so chose to eat at the snack bar in the hotel food shop. There was a good choice of food. Paul had a cheese, bacon and egg croissant. Tasha had a chocolate croissant (what a surprise!) and I had a cheese and egg croissant.
We wandered over to Universal after breakfast. I tried out a few of the different seetings on my new camera whilst we were waiting to go in:
It was another bitterly cold day. All the staff members were dressed in hoodies, jackets, scarves and there were us tourists dressed in shorts and t shirts again. At least we had our hoodies purchased yesterday to keep us slightly warmer. There was a funny moment when Men in Black characters walked down the queue and quized me on why I was dressed in such inappropriate clothing for the weather??? It was unusually cold for the time of year! Our first stop on entry was Shrek 4D. It was another 4D effect simulation ride ( most of the rides at Universal and IOA were this type – which meant that they got slightly predictable for me). Nevertheless, it was a good ride and we gave it a 9/10.
Next we rode despicable Me. Now I hadn’t seen the film so I had no idea what a Minion was or the story behind the ride but this was all explained by the pre ride video. The ride was funny and the characters were waiting for us on our way out. A great opportunity for a photo. 
We wandered through the streets heading over to the Mummy ride again. It was still pretty empty in the park, probably due to the bitterly cold weather.
After our second ride on Mummy, we rode Disaster. We used our front of line pass but to be honest the queues were so small that it didn’t make any difference. A fairly mundane ride which we gave a 7/10 to.
Next we went over to the ET Ride. This one really needs a big makeover as it is very dated and old. The ride consists of ride on bicycles that soar over the towns and cities below as in the ET Movie. It broke down half way round and we were left suspended in the air for around 10 minutes in the pitch black until the got it going again. We were all given a free fast pass for any ride in the park by way of an apology but I didn’t need it as I already had front of line passes for us all so I gave it away to a family in the park. Only 6/10 for this one.
We stopped for a short time to see a parade going through the park before heading off to ride Terminator.
We thought this was a great ride with some good special effects and great acting from the characters. a 8/10 ride for us.
Paul spotted Marilyn Monroe and couldn’t resists having his picture taken (note the thick fur coat she is wearing in the cold weather!). I on the other hand wanted to have a picture with one of my favourite characters – Shrek!
I spotted a RayBan shop so popped inside to get some proper sunglasses so I didn’t have to wear the Mickey Mouse ones I picked up at Disney. Here is a picture of Tasha modelling them.
Then, we stopped for a quick photo with Shaggy and his Mystery Van – no Scooby Doo today though 😦
It was now around lunchtime and we had seen pretty much all there was to see at Universal. Another disappointing park for me. I am totally in awe of how Disney manage to make their parks a much more amazing experience. I’m afraid Universal doesnt have a patch on Disney for me and I wouldnt rush back at all.
We went back to the hotel to collect the car and then decided to go to the nearby Millenia Mall for a spot of retail therapy. It was a lovely Mall and we spotted Keith Lemon in the Chanel shop whilst we were in there. We managed to get a few purchases. Tasha bought: Ugg boots, Vans plimsoles, an Abbercrombie dress. I bought Abbercrombie jeans and Mac make-up.
We went back to the villa and it felt good to be back in our temporary home. After a quick change we decided to have an early dinner at Millers Ale House on the 192. Tasha wore her new Abbercombie dress and I wore my new Abbercormbie jeans!
We arrived at Millers Ale house and were seated straight away. We ordered drinks and then a plate of Nachos to share between the three of us. It was MASSIVE!
Tasha had spaghetti with meatballs for main course. Paul had Ribs with fries and I had a filet steak with vegetables and a jacket potato. For dessert we all shared a chocolate and peanut butter cake. I had a spoonful (for testing purposes only!) and it was delicious. The food was superb and very good value.
We left the restaurant around 8.30 and went back to the villa to watch TV for a while. The news was full of the devastation caused by Hurricane Sandy.
All in all, another good day for us. Tomorrow we were planning more shopping.
Thanks for reading along.
Gill x
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