Those who regularly go to theme parks can get stuck in a rut of prioritizing their favorite things and habitually avoiding others. I recently revisited some rides that had been off the radar to see if there was anything new (including my attitude).
car story
What: Fast and Furious — Supercharger, Universal Studios, Florida
Why it’s gone so long: It might be because this attraction blends into the park like any other fake storefront (though, oddly enough, San Francisco’s restrooms are right in front of it). But in reality, it was never my favorite. Most of the time, it makes you appreciate the similar Skull Island in Islands of Adventure even more.
Waiting for a crime: immersive atmosphere, working garage, and chain link fences to earn points. If I were a car lover, I might be more interested. Those people were taking selfies in their cars. In the pre-showroom, both real-life actors excelled at interacting with real-life visitors and pre-recorded monochrome movie stars.
My supercharged experience was enhanced by basically being a walk-on and no longer having to wait.
In the middle of it: We’re on a so-called party bus, and the scene is filled with intriguing, dancing holograms. However, there are references to gunfights, flamethrowers, the FBI, and video games, which may explain the adult themes warning. Throughout the story, you are warned multiple times to put your phone away so you don’t get tracked. I feel like it’s going to be interesting, but instead it becomes monotonous.
The chase scenes swing around inside the curved tube of the screen, but it’s hard to see what’s going on, and it feels just a little never-ending. Water and heat effects were done at the right time.
New Universal Studios coaster will be Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift
Aftermath: Those on the party bus were awfully quiet afterward, as if they had just checked a box on a to-do list. The attraction recently made headlines as it would be discontinued after the park’s new roller coaster, Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift, opens next year.
However, the gift shop/exit had more car supplies and auto goods including this mystery. Used license plates from various states were being sold for $49.
properties of honey
Contents: The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, Magic Kingdom
Why it’s long gone: From the Mad Tea Party to the entrance to the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, the sheer number of strollers parked in this area of the park indicates it’s not meant for solo adult travelers. Unlike Fantasyland’s other side, Peter Pan’s Flight, which has an adult theme, Winnie the Pooh is aimed at children. Disney adults might try to argue.
Waiting crime: A simple up and back queue can be a nice diversion, especially for kids. There’s a play area, a pop-up gopher, and a large touch screen that looks like it’s dripping with honey, but my pandemic-lingering brain can’t touch it.
The posted wait time was 35 minutes, but the actual wait time was 35 minutes. Winnie the Pooh and Friends Gold Star.
In the midst of it all, I immediately appreciated the honeypot ride and storybook-like theme. For years I had forgotten about the bouncy Tigger-inspired stretches and the nightmarish dream sequence with the whirling and harp-playing Heffalumps, so they were a pleasant surprise.
Aftermath: Then there was a bounce under my feet that made me reconsider my outrage over Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride being removed in favor of this ride. Ah, that was over 25 years ago. Oh, how annoying!
In standby flight
What: Expedition Odyssey, SeaWorld Orlando
Why it’s gone so long: This attraction only opened last May, replacing Wild Arctic Rides, but I’d only experienced Expedition Odyssey in preview so I didn’t have to wait in line.
Waiting Crime: The posted waiting time is 60 minutes, which is usually a tough pass for me, but I was on a mission. The actual wait time was 50 minutes because I was rolled in as one rider to fill the line for the Flying Theater.
This is a huge queue for several reasons. This attraction is not a continuous load, so 30 people at a time will be transferred to the pre-show area. Everyone rises, then stands and waits for the next wave. Most of the procession is in one room, completely in back-and-forth column format, with only static photos of arctic animals as a distraction. It’s no wonder that despite the noise in the room, children are creative in their self-entertainment. (The most unusual thing on this day is the jumping jack marathon.)
In the midst of it all: That energy continued along for the ride with some fun-loving middle school boys, who pretended to be scared while we were (virtually) submerged in the water. Other effects were surprising in a good way. This is Epcot’s version of Soarin’, but smaller and closer to the screen. There are no legs dangling, but I did notice a shadow on the screen from the end seat.
Expedition Odyssey captures beautiful landscapes and wildlife on film. I had no idea it was AI, but when the polar bear memorably stumbled, I automatically started thinking about AI.
Aftermath: After disembarking, you have the option to view real beluga whales and walruses in a themed setting.
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