Special Reports

Every so often we will try and feature special reports from the members of Themeparks.com. 

Disaster - The official press release and a Themeparks.com review follow

• Gary's Report on a Fantastic Keys to the Kingdom Tour with Matthew!

  Jeff's Review of the Pirates and Princess Party at the Magic Kingdom

• First Ride: Expedition Everest
• Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party
• Universal Orlando Debuts First Mummy Attraction by Jeff Kern for themeparks.com
• Dinner at The Haunted Mansion by Sharon Hegedus
• Universal Orlando With Kids: How Suite It Is!
  By Rick and Gayle Perlmutter, authors of Walt Disney World for Couples, With or Without Kids
• A Tour of the 100 Years of Magic Celebration October 1, 2001, by Jeff Kern
• Jiko:  A Culinary Adventure
• The Perlmutters Take on Universal Orlando!
• Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge by Valerie Bungart
• The Secret Path at Disney's Animal Kingdom
• Kraken by Valerie Bungart  
• Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge by Rick and Gayle Perlmutter, authors of Walt Disney World for Couples

On Thursday, January 17, 2008, Universal Studios Florida premiered their latest attraction, "Disaster! A Major Motion Picture Ride ... Starring You!"  The Resort had advertised the opening in their Studio Guide's for guests who happened to be in the park from January 13th through the opening event, which started at 10am.  In an unorganized attempt to open the attraction, Universal had some of their top brass on hand to open the attraction at a podium in front of the former Earthquake attraction.  It almost felt as if Universal wasn't proud of their accomplishment, because even though it was opening ... permanently ... they didn't make a big fuss to the usual media outlets.  Television cameras had a spot to film the festivities, but chaos was the order of the day.

The official press release and a Themeparks.com review follow.  It's a decent makeover, so I'm not sure why they seemed scared to open it with people watching. 

The Press Release

DISASTER! A MAJOR MOTION PICTURE RIDE…STARRING YOU! OPENS TODAY AT UNIVERSAL ORLANDO RESORT

New High-Tech Virtual Imagery Technology and Hollywood Star Dwayne Johnson Combine to Give Guests Starring Roles in Disaster Epic

Disaster! A Major Motion Picture Ride…Starring You! opens today (January 17, 2008) at Universal Studios Florida. The new attraction features the first-ever use by a theme park of a high-tech virtual imagery technology called "Musion" and a special appearance by Hollywood actor Dwayne Johnson.

Disaster! replaces Earthquake and combines the best, most dramatic elements of Earthquake with an all-new storyline, top name celebrities, new "Musion" technology and all-new interactive elements. Park guests enter "Disaster Studios" and become part of the production action surrounding a "major motion picture."

Johnson was at Universal Studios Thursday for the opening of the new attraction. In the attraction, Johnson plays a film hero who helps "save the day."

Musion technology is a unique high-definition video projection system that transforms two-dimensional images into what seem to be live three-dimensional images. The Musion set in place at Disaster! is the first-ever use of the technology by a theme park and the largest permanent installation of that technology ever. Universal uses Musion technology to bring Disaster Studio Director "Frank Kincaid" to life as he explains the passion behind his work and recruits guests to take part in his next picture.

"The use of Musion technology in this attraction allows us to blend illusion with reality to surprise and entertain our guests," said Mark Woodbury, president of Universal Creative for Universal Parks and Resorts. "They are amazed by the effects we have created."

Throughout the 15-minute attraction experience, guests are filmed as extras for different elements of Disaster Studios' newest blockbuster film, "Mutha Nature," taking direction from Frank Kincaid and his production assistants. In the end, they are able to see the results of their work in a tongue-in-cheek trailer for the film, starring Johnson. Disaster! A Major Motion Picture Ride…Starring You! is located in the San Fransisco area of Universal Studios Florida.

Dwayne Johnson is best known for his roles in Universal Pictures' The Mummy Returns, The Scorpion King and, most recently, The Game Plan. Now a firmly established presence in Hollywood, he can be seen in the upcoming Warner Brother's comedy GET SMART opening in theaters June 20, 2008. Johnson is currently filming the family comedy Witch Mountain scheduled to be released in the summer of 2009.

Back to Top

The Review

Take Earthquake, add some new technology, script four new scenes sprinkled with some one-liners and you make Disaster!

Jeff Kern for Themeparks.com, January 17, 2008

In keeping with the name of the attraction, the grand opening was a "Disaster!"  It was organized chaos at best and it really didn't seem that the Universalites were ready to show off their new stuff, let alone have anyone report on it.

Bill Davis, President and Chief Executive Officer for Universal Orlando, made a few brief comments about the attraction starting just after 10:30am.  A few minutes into his introductions of NBC Universal brass, he announces that it wouldn't be an opening "without blowing something up."  A family from Honolulu, Hawaii was chosen to assist with the disaster that was the opening ceremony.  A countdown, the squeeze of an ACME thing-a-ma-jig from a cartoon of your choice and fireworks, flames and building pieces were capping the few minute opening of the new attraction.

A poorly mic'd Dwayne Johnson, you know "The Rock," was introduced and made some comments about the attraction that no one could really hear.  Based on his presence, he must be in it, one might think.  He did, however, announce, that he was going on it, "see you on the ride."

We weren't going to be able to get onto the attraction for a couple hours, so hung out and chatted with others that were there for the opening and a few employees of the park.  One of the most interesting conversations was with Frank (?) who turns out to be a scribe for the park, including my favorite annual event, Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure, during Halloween Horror Nights.  He said that the attraction has been in production for about two years.  It wasn't until later that I would realize his involvement with the show, the scripted characters.

After some lunch and trying not to get wet during the overcast January morning, I met up with the rest of my little media pack to experience the first official journey into Disaster!

Here's the stuff that you want to know ...

Guests are moved into a pre-show area of Disaster Studios where they are introduced to Lonny, the Assistant Director to legendary Hollywood director, Frank Kincaid.  He is responsible for filling some last minute openings to the director's newest movie, already in production. During this casting call, he chooses a kid around 10 years old, a grandmother, a group of three, a hunky guy and then one additional part that requires pants (or shorts) and close-toed shoes.

Moving on ...

The second scene of the attraction involves the new technology that's been brought in for the attraction.  Using "Musion" technology (see sidebar), this scene is where the now-familiar Lonny is going to introduce the cast to the famous Frank Kincaid.  Kincaid is a hologram that interacts with Lonny and there are even a few exchanges of items during the scene.  Mr. Kincaid, played by Christopher Walken, is explaining the film that he is creating and how the group standing before him will assist in the making of the film, including some of the tricks that he uses in his film from his "little black book."  Note that these quips are available on shirts sold in the newly named Disaster! Studios Gifts merchandise location.

Moving on ...

The third scene of the attraction, is about 6 minutes long and guests get to be seated for this part of the filming.  The guests that were cast during the pre-show casting call are now going to have their Hollywood debut as they film scenes for the upcoming blockbuster "Mutha Nature."  The scenes being filmed are done in front of chroma-key screens, a chroma-key bathtub, in front of a crumbling part of a city as well as a nature backdrop.  Watch out, ladies, you could be picked to be a screamer during this interactive filming as well. Make note of the rock in the little kid scene.

Moving on ...

The last scene of the attraction is the old "Earthquake: The Big One" subway attraction.  Guests board the train and then head into the city.  During the trip, Mikey, the production assistant, explains to everyone their "parts" in the movie and gives queues during the stunt sequence.  For anyone that rode the building's former attraction, the fire, collapsing city streets and flood are all basically the same.  After that's ended, the trip back to the boarding station is the time where the trailer for "Mutha Nature" is shown on the screens located throughout each car, similar to the ending of the former "Kongfrontation" attraction.  Scenes videotaped during the third and forth scenes are woven together, where the new guest actors are put alongside of Dwayne Johnson to complete the attraction with a round of applause.

The 15-minute attraction can accommodate a couple hundred guests and a new show starts about every 10 minutes.  Until a good springtime crowd hits the park on a Saturday afternoon, hard to say what wait times will be, but look for hour-long waits during the peak season.  All guests should enjoy the attraction, although young children could be fidgety during the some of the production.  The subway ride is not intense at all, although warning signs are posted about back problems, etc. because of a little jerky motion during the finale.

I would rate this as a probably see based on the interests of the group.  It may not be something to see on every visit, but Universal Orlando did a very nice makeover of an attraction in under two months that should spark attendance on its predecessor.  One Universal employee said that she was "glad to see something like this come back to the Studios, something that's related to the industry and shows things from behind-the-scenes." 

by Val Bungart

Your journey begins with a leisurely ride past flowering tea plants as you contemplate the mountains – and the promise of adventure -- beyond. Nature’s beauty abounds while you take in the majesty of a waterfall. You marvel at the ancient locomotive as it laboriously pushes its passengers steadily up a steep incline. Now you feel the cold air and breathe in the chilly mist as the elevation rapidly increases. Ice and snow surround you in the narrow, twisting gorge. The train miraculously climbs higher and higher and – suddenly – the rails end in a hideously snarled, twisted clump. The only way out is down, down, down, as the train careens faster and faster backwards. You are plunged into the silent, frigid darkness. Without warning, the train and its helpless passengers come to an abrupt halt. You know he is there. You sense his presence, are aware of his amazing strength, and see his menacing shadow.

As quickly as the train stopped, it now lunges forward with ever-increasing momentum, hurtling you over a steep embankment and twisting and turning over, around, and through the Forbidden Mountain. Faster and faster your surroundings alternate between darkness and light. You are constantly aware of a chilly blast of air mixing with the steam of the train’s over-burdened engine.

And then – one final encounter: face-to-face and larger-than-life. The Yeti lives.

for themeparks.com  by Jeff Kern

For fourteen nights in November and December, the Magic Kingdom puts up the decorations, finds some snow and starts the holiday season right with Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.

This after-hours special-ticketed event starts at 7pm on select nights, and the fun goes until midnight.

If it’s not a family tradition, this might be the year it becomes one.

For many party guests the holiday entertainment is the only reason to return year after year.  While select attractions are open as well, plan the evening around the Christmas festivities and work in the occasional ride on Space Mountain or The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh.

First and foremost, plan your night around the new Holiday Wishes fireworks spectacular.  The display begins at 9:15pm and can be viewed from many places around the Magic Kingdom.  If your plans allow, take a spot on Main Street, U.S.A., the Central Plaza or one of the bridges leading in to a land that allows for a view of Cinderella Castle.  The castle has a few good “lines” in the script of the show.

Pages and pages could be written about this 15-minute show.  Walt Disney World Entertainment can definitely pat themselves on the back for this new production.  Without giving every detail away, there is a brand new score, Jiminy Cricket returns to narrate the show,  and phenomenal new fireworks plus a very powerful ending have been added.  The oohs and aaahs are evident from everyone watching.

Unlike its California cousin where it starts the day after Thanksgiving, day guests to the Magic Kingdom can only see Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Parade for 10 days at the end of December, or during one of these parties.  Starting on Main Street, U.S.A. and winding it way through Frontierland, this 25-minute parade is a tribute to the sprit of the season.  Watch for grand marshals Mickey and Minnie, ice-skating Donald and Daisy, and roller-skating hippos.  Goofy is busy baking cookies while talented performers waltz, square dance and manuever their way through the park.  The grand finale is a greeting from Santa himself.

For the early birds who get to the park early, the gates usually open around 6:30pm.  Whisk back to Tomorrowland, as the 6:45 ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas stage show at the Galaxy Palace Theater would be the place to be.  Donning the red wristband given to each guest at the main entrance, this early-bird treat is a good way to get started.  The telling of the traditional tale with Mickey, Minnie and friends is always fun.  Four other performances happen throughout the night as well.

Finally, Celebrate the Season at the Castle Forecourt Stage has a full cast of characters and dancers performing Christmas songs that will get the whole family joining in.  Who’s got a big red cherry nose?  Santa (Goofy) leads the charge on this one.  For guests who have been to the Party over a number of years, this is not the spectacular that used to be performed here, but it is done in with the same spirit by the cast.  A great opportunity to see the show is while waiting for the 10:45 parade in the Central Plaza.

Everyone that was at the party last year, raise your hand.  Everyone that had to soak their sugar cookie in the hot cocoa for a minute before making it soluble, raise your hand.

Big improvements this year are the cookies and hot cocoa, or complimentary holiday treats, in Disney speak.  The Tomorrowland Noodle Station and Columbia Harbour House are the spots to pick them up this year and the cookies are soft, delicious, “have another” Snickerdoodles.  Lids and marshmallows for the hot cocoa are a nice touch as well.

For non-peak nights, there is time to catch a ride on your favorite attraction (don’t forget the Country Bear Christmas Special) or take a dance break over at the Fantasyland Holiday Hop.

Grab a snack, map out your night and enjoy every moment of this year’s Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.  It’s worth the price of the ticket and will have memories to remember while reliving the Christmas Day Parade on ABC to boot.

Let us know how you like it.

Guests entering Universal Studios Florida, part of the Universal Orlando Resort, today found themselves in the midst of a star-studded grand opening event in the New York area of the park.

At around 10:30 a.m. the sets were polished, the cameramen were situated on their platforms, photographers had found their way to some open windows across the street, journalists were eager for the events to happen, and a group of American Coaster Enthusiast members were ready with their special access passes to enter whatever the excitement around them was building up to.

The cast lined up around the set.  There were stilt walkers, scarab-banner carriers, and belly dancers all ready for their appearance on the set of a desert movie.  Finally, the excitement could no longer be contained, and the procession began.

Arnold Vosloo, the actor who played the High Priest Imhotep in The Mummy Returns, was introduced to the ever-growing crowd wondering what might be going on inside the sets protective barricades.  Welcoming the crowd, Vosloo kept his salutations short.

Our emcee, intrepid explorer Captain James, pointed to the wall covering the entrance and pondered how he was going to get it open so that the whole world could enter the tomb.  Everyone’s attention was directed to the top of the structure where Rick O’Connell, also from The Mummy Returns, announced a solution to the problem as he leaped from the top of the building with -- explosives in hand -- to force the entrance open.

Flames erupted onto O’Connell’s back as he rushed down, via a well-placed wire above the entrance, and he threw his now-lit bundle of TNT onto the doors of the entrance everyone so waited to get through.

Explosions suddenly rang out from around the building everyone’s focus was on, and with the grandeur of fireworks, loud bangs and some fog effects courtesy of fire extinguishers used to help cool off the still-warm O’Connell, the tightly sealed entrance to the “Revenge of The Mummy” was forever gone.

Announcing himself as a “quick change artist,” Brendan Frasier, who plays Rick O’Connell in the Mummy movies, made an appearance at the front of the stage and also welcomed the now screaming fans to the opening of the new Universal attraction.

The confetti cannons were loaded with gold and silver squares and the streets were flooded as the dedication ceremony ended with a paper parade.

The actors who helped open the ride were whisked inside to be the first to experience the “Revenge of the Mummy.”

Now that the pomp and circumstance of the opening was done, it was time to shuffle inside behind the stars and take a ride on the newly opened attraction.

The Experience

Ready to take on the psycho-thriller Revenge of the Mummy?  Great, but first you have to leave everything behind.

Near the exit of the ride there are lockers, which are free for up to two hours; this is where all of your gear can be packed away while you experience Mummy.  With the exception of a cell phone that can fit in your pocket, you can’t have anything in your hands when you board the ride vehicle, and there is no storage available either.  Leave those backpacks, cameras, video recording devices and anything else that you would wear or hold with someone, or in one of the lockers.  You simply can’t take it…and don’t try to convince anyone that you can!

Entering through the former preview center for the Studios’ sister park, Universal’s Islands of Adventure, the rooms once used to tout the expanding resort are now home to an expansive queue that appears as if it was designed to hold a good hour or so of souls waiting for the experience.  The old rooms are still intact, but now have photos from the movie on the walls; this gives you something to look at while making your way through the well-placed maze of ropes to get you to your destination.

Televisions placed throughout these rooms also start to tell the story of the set that you’re on and the making of Mummy 2.  Brendan Frasier is a primary part of the pre-show video, and he describes the Curse of Imhotep and tells some stories of things that have happened while on the set.

You’ll also meet a production assistant who is excited about being a part of Hollywood, and who shows off his talisman that is protecting him from the curse.  This, along with other interviews during the video, will lay the groundwork for the attraction ahead.  It’s a great diversion from the weaves of people surrounding you, and paying attention to the video will soon make some of the effects in the ride more meaningful.

As you enter in through the old front doors of the extinct Kongfrontation ride, you see nothing of the once graffiti-laden New York Subway walls that were once housed here.  The televisions are still prominent in the first room, but so are some props that were used in the movie.  Your anticipation increases as you near the load zone ahead.

The props and photos are left behind as you now enter a more realistic set of The Mummy series of films.  Feeling as you have entered a tomb, the lights flicker; there are paintings and hieroglyphics on the walls and pillars as you continue your trek.  In the center of the room there are items to explore; and if visitors’ hands are placed on a designated place at the same time, even more surprises appear.

Moving into the last room there are holographic jewels that you should attempt to grab; in doing so, you might even get a little surprise.  Bridges lead you to the final path ahead and a huge icon from the desert movies hangs above you in what now appears to be an archeological dig.

A staircase lies ahead and warnings are heeded about turning back and protecting your soul.  As you climb the stairs (there are accessible routes for those in wheelchairs at this point, as well), it’s time to be placed in groups of four and get on board.

The ride vehicles for this attraction are enormous compared to other roller coaster-type cars.  Seated four across in four rows, the single cars rest on steel-tube roller coaster track and move along using linear induction motors.

Using technologies from different theme park experiences, Revenge of the Mummy combines the story-telling devices of a dark ride that takes guests from scene to scene with a roller coaster.

Pay attention to the detail inside as you roll along on your adventure.  There are lots of details; and a second ride or a third and beyond will likely lead you to see things that were missed on previous trips through the cavern.

Without giving away all the surprises in store, here’s a glimpse inside some of the effects that will be found once the lap bar comes down and the movement begins.

Shadows on the wall foreshadow what lies ahead.  Remember that PA from the video in the queue earlier? He’s back…but now with a warning.  At this point the first surprise isn’t far behind.  The technology used in the animated figures in this part of the attraction is world-class

Temptation lures you into the next piece of the story, and demands are placed on you to accept what the powerful Imhotep has to offer, or you may have to make some sacrifices which will be spelled out with some pretty fiery effects.

Do you recall the part of the movie where there are beetles that sort of come out and cover an entire room?  If you’ve forgotten, you’ll remember when you come into the next part of the attraction; and even as the people in the car jump and squirm, the fun has just begun! Now your vehicle takes an unexpected lurch and you are again faced with the powerful high priest as his warnings ring out anew.

From here you are launched, literally, into a fast-moving part of the ride.  How do you get a ride vehicle that is so bulky and filled with sixteen-people to get to 40 mph so quickly?  That’s for you to experience and figure out later.

Finally you stop and your brains are a little rattled after the fast-paced ride you’ve just taken inside this dark chamber. But is it over?

There are a few more surprises and be sure and put a little sunscreen on your forehead, because it seems to get a little hot above your head.

Brendan Fraser is at the end of the ride to see how you’re doing. Here he gets a little surprise of his own as you end your white-knuckled journey on Revenge of the Mummy.

As you disembark from the ride, you can hit up the baby swap room so that everyone can get a chance to ride; or you can head downstairs to the ever-popular photo location to purchase a picture with that stunned look on your face and to pick up a stuffed camel and Mummy T-shirt to take home with you.

A Point of View

Living in Orlando, I had a few opportunities to take a sneak peek at Revenge of the Mummy during some of the technical rehearsals offered to the public about a month before the big opening today.

My very first ride, I was disappointed.  I had let myself get absorbed into the hype of the marketing geniuses and press releases that have to find ways to tout the new ride and get people excited about experiencing it.  That original feeling is long gone.  It was a rehearsal and everything wasn’t in place.  Now that everything is, The Revenge of the Mummy really is an amazing ride.

There are no real firsts on this ride.  All of the elements inside are things that have been used in other theme park rides around the world; but the combination of these technologies in the arena that Universal Creative was given to work with has made this new ride shine within the industry.

I can ride a roller coaster like Hulk for a quick launch; I can ride Spider-Man for a dark-ride experience (still my favorite, by the way) with fire and water effects; I can even head across town and sit in It’s Tough to Be a Bug to get horrified by insects around me.  Revenge of the Mummy takes this and many other elements and throws them together for a two-minute plus experience that most will remember for a long time.

After the morning dedication and a ride on The Mummy, it was time to see what other people thought.  With a park full of journalists, it wasn’t going to be hard to listen in and find out what people were talking about.  This hanging around with real journalists was actually kind of fun.

We found a group of  ACE riders who had first experienced the ride that morning and spent a good ten minutes talking to them about the ride.  All from Florida, the overall reaction was extremely positive.  They agreed that there was nothing completely groundbreaking inside, but I’m gratuitously stealing the phrase “gorgeous and intoxicating.”  Combined, the three ACE members who spoke with had been on thousands of coaster rides and they were fans of all things high-impact, but they were genuinely impressed with the new addition to the Universal park.

The ‘Tween set was also pretty overwhelmed.  With Islands of Adventure just a few steps away with its coasters and thrill-rides aplenty, Revenge of the Mummy had the same effect on this younger generation.  All of the individuals I stopped to talk with or listen to were ultimately surprised by what was hidden away inside the building that they had just exited.

Now don’t get me wrong; put a camera in front of a teen-ager and you’ll get that “put me on American Idol” reaction, but listening to them come off the ride, there was nothing less than a positive buzz with them all reliving the experience with their friends and family.

Universal Studios Florida has another hit on their hands with Revenge of the Mummy.  The peak seasons are sure to see waits that push the multi-hour mark.  Take advantage of Universal Express or try to ride early or late in the day to avoid some of the lines.  Riders must be 47” to experience the attraction.

Watch for the debut of Revenge of the Mummy at Universal Studios Hollywood in June 2004, as well.

Disney’s Dining Experience Presents Dinner at The Haunted Mansion
Wednesday, September 25, 2002, 7:15pm – 11:00pm

Report by Sharon Hegedus

The weather was warm and humid (welcome to Central Florida in September), with a threat of more rain (which never came while we were outside).  We all met at Guest Relations to check in and to get our seating assignments.  The seating assignments were written on 5”x8” parchment-like paper, with hand-made burn marks (they smelled like burnt toasted marshmallow and yes, I did smell a burn mark [to see if it was real] to come to that decision).  Our paper said:

You have been doomed to join us
for a swinging wake as a
special guest of honor at the
Haunted Mansion

You will be dining at
Ambassador Xavier's
Table Number 1
Hegedus Party of 4

When all 70 of us had arrived, we followed the half-dozen Suits and the 2 or 3 people who carried “crowd control” blinky red flashlights and walked as a group to the Mansion…from under the right side of the train station, up Main Street (it’s so cool when it’s empty), around the left side of the Hub, over the wooden bridge to Liberty Square, and onto the Liberty Belle Riverboat.

Upon stepping onto the dock, we were offered small plastic cups of Guenoc Chardonnay.  We were then encouraged to go to the top deck of the boat.  From the boat you could see the Mansion in the distance, but it was slightly difficult to make out because it was already dark outside.  Because of the bright lighting behind it, the scaffolding that’s still around the atrium was simple to see though <wink>.  Once the boat took off around the Rivers of America (without the usual prerecorded spiel), we were treated to more bottle-poured wine, several Coca Cola products, as well as a variety of hors d'oeuvers (salmon sushi, baby peeled potatoes filled with sour cream and topped with chives, prosciutto and cream cheese (?) on crackers, salami rolls and stuffed cherry tomatoes).

Following the end of the riverboat ride, we were lead to the restrooms in Fantasyland that are next to Peter Pan’s Flight (a good choice of facilities since those particular restrooms have LOTS of stalls <VBG>).  Once everyone was done and a male and a female Suit confirmed that the restrooms were empty, we were lead to the Mansion.

We were gathered into the queue area of the HM, where an old, creepy woman was waiting to greet us.  She told us to gather ‘round her and once we had, she introduced herself as Madame Carlotta, the mistress of the Mansion.  Carlotta was dressed in black, white and maroon with lace trim and she looked like she hadn’t seen sunlight in several decades.  She asked if any of us had been in the Mansion before…it looked like all of us raised our hands.  She then asked if any of us were Trivia buffs…several of us raised our hands.  She went on to explain that we couldn’t see it now because it was too dark but the next time we visit the Mansion, to look at the roof of the building. Across the top of the HM there are all the pieces of a chess set except for one. Which one is it?  A guest said she knew the answer…it’s a knight.  Carlotta said she was correct…the knight IS missing, because it’s always night at the Haunted Mansion <G>.  She went on to explain that there would be samplings of 5 different types of wines with our 5-course meal and that each one was just a sampling…so don’t expect more and don’t ask for more, because it was just too bad (she said this so it sounded very lighthearted…as it turned out, you could have as much wine as you wanted…and several attendees DID get pretty shnookered).

Carlotta led us to the main entrance of the Mansion and said she had a special surprise for us, because the doors had a new, mystical, special way of opening.  She told us to say “Oooooh! Ahhhh!” and that would open the doors.  We did it once and nothing happened, so we said it again and the doors slowly opened…by way of the person behind them <G>.  The person introduced himself as Broom, the head butler.  Broom was a very tall man in a gray and black butler’s uniform, with dust and cobwebs all over him.  He explained that his job was to tell everyone about the meal they would be eating, but that first he would tell everyone where to go.  After laughter, he explained that he would inform people where their assigned tables were, if they needed such assistance.

We all filed into the Mansion, where our tables were ready.  Each table held up to 8 people…there were 2 tables in the pre-show room (where Master Gracey’s changing portrait hangs over the fireplace. This is the room we sat in).  The doors of the stretching rooms were all open and there were 2 tables in each of those spaces.  The pre-boarding area had another 3 tables, with a movable privacy wall between it and the actual loading area.  Each tablecloth was black and red in a snakeskin pattern, with a matching covering on each chair.  The centerpieces were made of intertwined “live” plants and “dead” twigs, with 3 candles each, to help light up the relatively dark room.  Each place setting included a black serving plate, 1 glass for water and 5 glasses for wine.  On each place setting was a copy of our menu on the same burnt parchment paper as our seating assignment.  It said:

Welcome Foolish Mortals to a Spooky
Evening at the Haunted Mansion 

For your dining pleasure 

• Roasted Squab on a Confit of Leeks and Asparagus 

• Creamy Seafood Soup with Squid Ink and
  Seared Halibut

•  Chicory, Radicchio, Frisée Salad, and Micro Greens on a
  Foie Gras Tombstone with Truffle Vinaigrette

•  Raspberry Sorbet on Ice Skull

•  Grilled Beef Tenderloin topped with a Freshwater Prawn, and
  served with Root Vegetables and Fingerling Potatoes

•  Blood Orange Mousse and a Spooky Crème Brûlée

•  A selection of ghoulish wines will be served during the wake

 Rest In Peace

On the back of the menu were printed descriptions of the “haunted” wineries that supplied our spirits for the evening (spirits, get it? spirits! <G>).  It said: 

Guenoc Winery

The original owner of the land where the Guenoc Winery stands today was a famous Stage Actress named Lilly Langtry. The original house that Lilly built is still in full use today by the current owners of the estate, the Magoon Family. Countless guests of the home have seen Lilly's ghost over the years and strange occurrences happen there on almost a weekly basis.

 Valley of the Moon

The Valley of the Moon is the name given to the Valley by the Native Americans that once roamed the valley. The chants of their past songs still haunt the Valley to this day.

 Kenwood Jack London Vineyards

The famous author Jack London, started building a very large home in Sonoma overlooking the Valley of the Moon in 1935. A catastrophic fire burned down the house before it could be finished. There was no apparent explanation for the fire and attempts to re-build were thwarted by constant accidents and thus the home was never finished. The frame and basic structure of the house still stand today and reports of weird and unexplained occurrences are common in and around the original Jack London home site.

Back to our evening…

The HM theme song (slow organ version) quietly played in the background throughout the evening.  The stretch rooms “stretched” and “unstretched” throughout the night, complete with lights going off and quiet thunder/lightning at regular intervals.

Our servers for the evening were originally scattered around the rooms in various zombie-like poses.  Once we were all seated, Carlotta explained that the servers were under a spell that made them unable to speak.  True to her word, they could not speak but could grunt, gesture and point well.  The servers were dressed in drab green and looked ghoulishly pale and unkempt.

Someone suddenly LOUDLY banged at the front door of the Mansion, so Broom went to answer it.  Outside was Abner, a scary but funny magician.  Abner was tall, in a gray, black and white outfit that included a maroon turban.

Carlotta, Broom and Abner made several rounds of all the tables…Carlotta had a funny/scary persona and Broom had several puns readily available.  Abner intermixed jokes with slight-of-hand card tricks.

Broom announced each of our courses, with some editorial comments thrown in for good measure.  In order (with my own editorial comments), they were:

--Roasted Squab on a Confit of Leeks and Asparagus (the squab leg still had its claw attached)

--Creamy Seafood Soup with Squid Ink and Seared Halibut (it was described as “eyeball soup” by Broom and it DID look like eyeballs with red irises, floating in a black liquid)

--Chicory, Radicchio, Frisée Salad, and Micro Greens on a Foie Gras Tombstone with Truffle Vinaigrette (the foie gras DID look like a tombstone, which was a nice touch, but it’s hard to otherwise make salad look scary <G>)

--Raspberry Sorbet on an Ice Skull (Now THIS was cool. As the description said, the “bowl” for the sorbet was made of ice, in the shape of a skull, with the sorbet sitting in a small indentation on the top.  On the bottom of the skull was a red disk, about 3” in diameter, that glowed red. When I took my disk out to examine it further, one of the servers threw a handful of disks at our table so we all had one <G>)

--Grilled Beef Tenderloin topped with a Freshwater Prawn, and served with Root Vegetables and Fingerling Potatoes (again, not a particularly scary course, but it tasted DELICIOUS)

--Blood Orange Mousse and a Spooky Crème Brûlée (this had a dark chocolate bat and spiderweb decoration, with a white chocolate background)

Each course had a beautiful presentation and everything tasted delicious.  I’m not a huge wine person and purposely didn’t drink much because I wanted to really enjoy and remember this event, but the pairings (2 whites, 2 reds and a dessert port) seemed appropriate.

After the end of the last course, we were bid farewell by Carlotta, Broom and Abner and were gestured by the servers to leave our seats, go into the pre-load area and board our Doombuggies.  There were no pre-planned surprises on the attraction, but as the attraction has just been down for rehab for 3 weeks (the motors than moved the stretch rooms were changed, and several lighting and sound aspects were fixed) I was able to notice many effects much more so than in the past 

Although there were no PLANNED activities, it WAS the first time that I ever saw the Mansion filled with an inordinate amount of drunk people <wink>.  There were many more adult human shrieks and screams than usual, as well as a significant amount of flash photography.  I also noticed that a lot of folks had significant problems with the moving sidewalks when getting on and off the ride <grin>.  Some people were noted to try to hit Madame Leota’s crystal ball with their “souvenir” red glow things in the Séance Room, using them as frisbees.

Once we had all finished our ride, we were lead to the area just in front of the Columbia Harbor House, where we were offered another restroom break, in the restaurant’s facilities.  This time it was noted that the Men’s Room had a line just as long as the Women’s Room…and the men just had no clue of how to handle that <hehehe>.

Once everyone was out, they brought us to the southern part of Liberty Square.  They lined us up into in the 2 nearby walkways, facing the Hall of Presidents.  Once they were sure we were far enough back “for our own safety,” a headless horseman on his steed came whizzing by.  He made 2 passes in front of us and then vanished into the night (my pictures of him were the only disappointing ones I took…he was just too fast).

From Liberty Square we were ushered to Main Street where they offered us the “Goodnight Spiel” that they usually play when the MK is closing.  Finally, we were loaded onto a waiting monorail (I saw one lady who needed the assistance of not 1, but 2 CM’s to go up the ramp because she was so plastered) and whisked back to the TTC.

It was a perfect evening.  I really, REALLY hope they do it again someday.

This past summer, our daughter and grandkids (Guin and Ben) moved to Florida. Having them so nearby has meant trips to the theme parks whenever we can find a few spare days. After years of being a couple without kids, it’s refreshing to see the attractions again through the excited eyes of youngsters. Recently, we spent a weekend with them at Universal Orlando’s Portofino Bay Hotel. We happily made use of this opportunity to try out one of Loew’s Hotel’s “Kids Suites,” an accommodation perfectly designed for a couple with kids.

The Loew’s Hotels at Universal Orlando

When we’re visiting Universal Orlando, staying at either The Hard Rock Hotel or The Portofino Bay Hotel is a virtual no-brainer. Besides luxurious accommodations and unmatchable proximity to the theme parks, when we stay at one of these hotels we can simply flash our hotel cards at nearly any attraction and waltz right in. However busy the parks may be, if you’re a guest at one of these hotels, you too can enjoy the benefits of “no line, no wait.” It’s like being Michael Eisner at Walt Disney World!

Currently, Universal Orlando has two Loew’s hotels with a third, The Royal Pacific, set to open this summer. Guests of The Hard Rock Hotel, Portofino Bay, and The Royal Pacific all enjoy the amazing “no line, no wait” perk. All three feature luxurious and comfortable rooms, a variety of restaurants, hot tubs, and elaborate pools that are more like little water parks. If the Universal Orlando theme parks have a pause button, it’s these wonderful accommodations. Enjoy the parks at your own relaxed pace (no lines!) then drop back to your resort and spend the afternoon enjoying the pool or simply resting up for an evening at CityWalk. It’s perfect.

Our luxurious rooms at Portofino included a large bedroom with a plush king bed, a spacious bathroom, and a separate room for the kids, complete with bunk beds and television set. Ben and Guin immediately settled into their own comfy space, wheeling and dealing about just who was going to get the top bunk. Besides their bunk bed (complete with small staircase to the top bed), they had a nice little table and an armoire with television set. Décor was decidedly for youngsters. Coming and going from the “kids’s room” had to be done through our room, thus assuring that Ben and Guin wouldn’t get it into their heads to go out on their own.

Loew’s claims that it loves kids and the kid’s suites certainly supports this. This enlightened hotel chain even features special pet friendly rooms, complete with pet toys and a dog/cat room service menu. It’s enough to make us wonder why hotels everywhere don’t do the same.

During our weekend stay, we were able to easily return to our suite to rest or freshen up. A pleasant, 10-minute boat ride from CityWalk and we were “home.” And when we tired of the theme parks, the kids happily played at the pool while we found a couple of chaise lounges and enjoyed our books. Later in the day, we headed out again to the Studios to catch the fabulous Mardi Gras Celebration and an evening of fun.

Whenever you visit Universal Orlando, we urge you to consider one of the terrific Loew’s Hotels. Most expensive is the Portofino Bay, then comes The Hard Rock Hotel. The soon-to-open Royal Pacific will feature “rack rates” comparable to the Disney moderate resorts. Discounts to all three are available throughout the year, especially through the Universal Orlando annual pass. While these hotels may seem a bit pricey, once you weigh the convenience of proximity and “no line, no wait,” you’ll see what we have: That a stay in one of these places is a the perfect way to enjoy Universal Orlando.

back to top