Category Archives: Other Attractions around Orlando

Amazing look at Disney’s Galaxy’s Edge

Millennium Falcon at Galaxy's edge- Disney's Hollywood Studios — Millennium Falcon at Galaxy’s edge- Disney’s Hollywood Studios

I was lucky enough to visit Galaxy’s Edge a few weeks after it opened at Disney’s Hollywood Studios Orlando. We were staying at The Royal Pacific a Universal Hotel but had already decided to include Galaxy’s Edge in our holiday itinerary as my husband first saw Star Wars when it premiered in 1977 and our son was obsessed with all things Star Wars as a child.

Myself, I’m not a huge fan in fact I don’t think I’ve seen the latest movies but I knew Universal had done such a good job with the Wizarding world of Harry Potter that Disney would try to beat or at least equal it.

I wasn’t disappointed. Although there’s only one ride at present – Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, the 14 acre site based on the Planet of Batuu at Hollywood Studios will take your breath away. A second ride – Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance opens in December. Around every corner there’s something amazing to see; full size space ships and fighters, droids, land craft, authentic market stalls ( gift shops), multiple dining opportunities and the highlight of it all The Millennium Falcon. I can only try to imagine how much it cost to build it all.

We were handed a souvenir Guide as we entered Galaxy’s Edge. Please see map showing location of shops and places to eat at the bottom of my post.

If you’re lucky you’ll get to see the Stormtroopers totally in character, see Chewie and engineers working on the Millennium Falcon and other craft. Even the floor sweepers and shop assistants are in character and costume. The water fountains and restrooms are also highly themed – I had to ask how the soap dispensers worked after waving my hands around trying to activate them.

Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run

Due to the long waiting time we opted for the single riders line which we have used occasionally at Universal. This cut our wait time to about 10 minutes, getting to queue together but knowing we’d most likely get split up to join the ride as they use the single riders to fill in, for example if there are 5 to a party they’ll take a single rider to fill the sixth seat. The other drawback is that the single rider line takes a different route to the general line and so much of the theming is missed out on.

As you reach the end of the line an assistant hands out boarding cards – 6 at a time; 2 pilots, 2 Gunners and 2 engineers. On our first time we actually got to ride together and both of us were engineers. The groups of six have boarding cards all the same colour with the job description on the bottom. You then enter the Millennium Falcon with other groups and have the opportunity to take photos sat at the chess table before your groups colour is called. An assistant groups you into two’s according to your position – Pilots first.

inside the Millennium Falcon : Smuggler’s Run

You are then escorted to the cockpit of the Millennium Falcon and seated into your positions. Here there’s a dazzling display of control levers and switches. It is a motion ride so you have to fasten your seat belt. The effects are very good and you feel like you are in control. We rode twice and had different endings so i’m not sure if I was actually controlling the ship of not when I got to be the pilot. We got split up on our second ride and my other half got a gunners position – I keep reminding him that I Piloted the Millennium Falcon. The right hand pilot has the up and down controls and the left hand pilot the sideways controls. As the cockpit moves in conjunction with the screen it may affect some people with motion sickness (similar to the Simpsons ride at Universal ).

Photo bombed by Chewie working on the Millennium Falcon

Market place shops at Black Spire Outpost Village

You can’t go to Disney let alone Galaxy’s Edge without buying something to bring home. There are lots of small themed gift shops selling everything you can dream of stars wars wise for children and adults. Of course this is Disney, Orlando so nothing is cheap. Souvenirs start at around $10 but you can spend a couple of hundred to build a custom Light Sabre or a custom built droid. Choose parts for your droid from a conveyor belt at your leisure and complete it with custom colours, stickers and an interactive chip.

There are shops selling Storm Trooper uniforms and Imperial Military uniforms from the first order and the Resistance robes seen in the early films. You won’t find the usual figures and models we’ve come to expect but you will find everything you need to survive on the Planet of Batuu. From cute and not so cute alien animals to essential supplies, musical instruments to play in the Cantina and even kitchen implements.

I just wanted to buy everything I saw but as we were mainly on a Universal Holiday and had already splashed out on a one day ticket to Disney’s Hollywood Studios we had to rein our spending in. Tip – It’s gets cheaper the more days you buy. I hate to admit to it but all we bought was a few Galaxy’s Edge Coke, sprite and diet Coke bottles modelled on thermal detonators from the films. I believe these were initially banned by some airlines due to their shape. The brand is written in Star Wars language Aurebesh. I felt a little stupid when i asked how much and was told 6 Credits. It was 6 Dollars. Reminded me of Gringott’s Money Exchange at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter where you can change your dollars to Gringott’s notes to spend at Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley.

Bargain of the day – detonator shaped Coca Cola bottles, cost 6 Credits

These bottles make a great souvenir to display when you get home. We had to drink them though as we couldn’t put them in our hand luggage. I believe several people have been stopped at airport security due to their shape.

I almost bought this cute salad bowl until I saw the price of $75. However now I’m back home I wish I had splashed out on more souvenirs as it was probably a once in a lifetime trip.

Thought it was a helmet initially until I spotted the salad tongs.

All in all a great day. We arrived at 9am and left about 7pm exhausted from all the walking. We only spent about 2 hours at the most in the rest of Hollywood Studios for a sit down and a Funnel cake. A one day, one park ticket was $109 plus tax each at the gate. The scenery and theming were amazing and yes we’d go again.

Chance for a sit down and some funnel cake to join at.

Guide to shops and places to dine

Have you been to see Galaxy’s Edge – please leave a comment and we can compare notes.

Things you must do at the Orlando Icon Park

Florida is famous for it’s sunshine but also for its rainfall. Although the parks stay open a few of the rides may close due to inclement weather. If you can brave it out consider waiting for the storm to pass as many visitors will decide to return to their hotels leaving the queues shorter when the rides reopen. Others may decide to seek indoor entertainment and sometimes It’s nice to have something to do in the evening or just to occupy yourselves for those few hours before you fly home.

Here’s a look at more things to do when you’ve managed to drag yourself away from Universal Orlando. Depending on the time of the year you may find Universal Studios or Islands of Adventure closing earlier. For example Universal Studios closes at 5pm when Halloween Horror nights is on and by September Universal Islands of Adventure will be closing at 7 or 8pm.

Orlando Icon Park is a 20 acre entertainment complex between International Drive and Universal Boulevard. There you’ll find shops, bars and restaurants plus lots of family attractions. Individual tickets or a combination of a few are available. Parking is plentiful and free.

The Wheel

Formerly known as The Orlando Eye, The Coca -Cola Orlando Eye then The Icon Orlando and now has a change of name again to The Wheel at Icon Park.

The Wheel was built to withstand the Florida hurricanes. It stands 400 feet tall and gives spectacular views in all directions. On a clear day you can see Kennedy Space Centre.

The ride takes around 20 minutes and you can hardly tell its moving. We were lucky and had a capsule all to ourselves. There are only a few seats inside but it is air conditioned.

A capsule at The Wheel at Icon Park, Orlando — The Wheel at Icon Park, Orlando

View from inside a capsule at The Wheel, Orlando

I really enjoyed the peace and tranquillity in contrast to to the excitement on the rides at Universal. Everything looks so different from a birds eye view. We didn’t realise Orlando had so many lakes.

There’s a small gift shop as you exit and an opportunity to buy a set of the photographs which they take of you as you enter against a green screen. Don’t feel obliged – we bought them as a souvenir. The pack contained a folder with the history of The Wheel, a selection of large photographs and some smaller ones to put in a key ring and fridge magnet which were also included. I think we paid around $40.

Madame Tussauds

Here’s a chance to meet your Idols of today and icons of the past. Another attraction to spend an hour in the cool air conditioning and have a bit of fun. I would suggest you visit around 8 or 9pm when it’s pretty quiet. You’ll have plenty of time to play with the props and get some amazing selfies without the queues.

Check out this great shot of my hubby sat at president Trump’s desk.

President Trump at Madame Tussauds Orlando

I’m not so much greased lightening nowadays.

Gift shop at the exit as usual.

Sea Life Orlando Aquarium

Weeki Wachee Mermaid at Sea Life Orlando

I just love anything to do with the sea. We just happened to be there when The Weeki Wachee Mermaids were performing. I couldn’t resist huddling up with the children to see them in a huge tank with the fish.

There’s plenty to see including rays, sharks and turtles as well as the usual tropical and marine fish. They also have a small pool where you can touch a few sea creatures. Most exhibits have learning zones and quizzes for the children. Again there’s a gift shop at the exit

Orlando StarFlyer

I didn’t have the nerve to have a go on the StarFlyer; the worlds tallest swinging ride, but I’m sure the views were spectacular from the top. It looks amazing when lit up at night.

Other attractions

As well as the shops and restaurants there’s also SKELETONS – Museum of Osteology, the Pearl express train which takes you around Icon Park, 7d Dark Ride, Arcade City and coming soon The Orlando Slingshot and Drop Tower.

So there’s plenty to do on a rainy day or when you’ve just a few hours to spare and all this is just in one area of International Drive.

Have you any tips for finding entertainment outside the parks – feel free to comment. We’re returning in September and if we can drag ourselves away from Universal we’ll give them a try.

What’s included at Discovery Cove Orlando?

Ever wondered if you could afford to go to Discovery Cove? Well we did too. For years we visited our favourite Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure and SeaWorld, giving our feet a rest with days at Aquatica.

snorkelling at Discovery Cove — Snorkelling at Discovery Cove – Wind Away River

We had heard about Discovery Cove, seen the advertisements on TV and saw the posters at SeaWorld but always thought we couldn’t afford it. Coming from the UK we usually buy our attraction tickets in advance…14 day Universal three park ticket, 14 day SeaWorld ticket which include Aquatica and a Universal Halloween Horror Nights frequent fear pass. Paying for those left us no money for Discovery Cove.

Then after telling myself we really must go I looked more into the pricing of the tickets and discovered that a basic Discovery cove ticket also gave you 14 days admission to SeaWorld and Aquatica. And if you paid a little more even Busch Gardens was included. Well now you’re talking. From then on we have visited every year.

What is there to do at Discovery cove?

Personally I think a day at Discovery Cove goes so fast. We usually aim to get there about 8am. Parking is free and because entry is limited to only around 1300 guests once you have checked in there are virtually no queues.

For those who haven’t been before staff escort you to the check in desks where you will have your photograph taken for your ID card. You will need your booking details and either passport or some sort of photo ID. They then give you a lanyard with your waterproof photo card and a waterproof mini map of the resort. The card also serves as your admission ticket to SeaWorld, Aquatica and Busch gardens (if you paid the extra).

After check in you are greeted by other staff members who show you where the changing rooms and lockers are and where to pick up your wet suits, snorkel and goggles. We usually grab a locker first to dump our bags then head for breakfast before getting changed for swimming. There are plenty of loungers throughout the resort and towels are provided in the changing rooms – I usually get two for my lounger.

Wearing a wet suit or vest is compulsory so that staff can see guests easily. These are available in many sizes.

Breakfast and lunch are included and are all you can eat – drinks included. Find a table after choosing your meal. Watch out for the Blue Jays and egrets eyeing up your leftovers – staff clear away promptly. Most guests are usually in their swimming gear for lunch.

The resort is split into several areas

Wind Away River

This is a Freshwater River with a slow current and quite warm water. The depth varies and if you aren’t using your snorkel you can get caught out by the sudden change in depth although there are warning signs and plenty of lifeguards. It is themed like a real riverbed and runs through a heavily planted tropical canopy with waterfalls. In parts it flows through the Explorers Aviary and the Freshwater Oasis. There are several entry and exit points but we usually enter through the themed caves at the far side of Serenity Bay. Noodles are available for children and those less able. If you haven’t snorkelled before give it a try – it opens up a whole new world.

Snorkelling in the Wind Away River at Discovery Cove — One of the interesting things to see whilst snorkelling in the Wind Away River at Discovery Cove

Dolphin Lagoon

This is where you join your group if you have upgraded to include a 30 minute Dolphin experience ending with a short swim with a dolphin by holding onto it’s dorsal fin.

Explorers Aviary

This can be reached via the Wind Away River or taking the left path after passing Serenity Bay. Here you can feed the friendly birds and learn more about them from the staff members. Tip – It’s best to feed them early morning as they get full by lunchtime and not as interactive. Food for the birds is free.

Freshwater Oasis

Here you can see playful Otters and an island with Marmosets. Found near the end of the Wind away River near the entrance to the Explorers Aviary.

The Grand Reef

This is as close to snorkelling in the sea as you can get. The Grand Reef is teeming with brightly coloured fish and sting rays. They glide effortlessly past and you’ve to be on the ball to get a good photo. Be aware that this is saltwater and feels like ice after being in the warm waters of Wind Away River – best just to take the plunge quickly. The edges of the reef are shallow so you can just wade in and gets about ten feet deep towards the back with man made corals and gorges to explore.

You can watch the fish and rays being fed at several times during the day. At the far side to the right of the reef is a shark pool, separated from the reef by a glass wall. You can swim right up and as the glass wall is at an angle when you are snorkelling it feels like the sharks are above you. In this area there are sandy exits leading to bridges overlooking the shark pool on your right and on the left you can see the part of the reef where the Sea Venture takes place.

Serenity Bay

Serenity Bay is a relaxing area with warm tranquil waters. On one side of the path are low chairs where you sit and enjoy your snacks from the nearby kiosk. On the other side is a large free form lagoon again with warm fresh water, a sandy beach and a cave system leading to the Wind Away River.

Is Discovery Cove really all Inclusive?

Yes, you can leave your wallet at home. The only thing you’ll need money for is for photographs if you choose to have them or upgrades. You do need your passport or Photo ID. On check in they will take your photograph and give you a lanyard with a photo card attached. You can use this at SeaWorld, Aquatica and Busch gardens (if applicable).

Your ticket includes

all you can eat breakfast.
all you can eat lunch
free snacks and drinks (hot,cold and alcoholic) throughout the day at kiosks dotted around the resort
free lockers
use of soft large white towels
animal and fish friendly sunscreen
use of snorkel and goggles
you get to keep your snorkel
use of wet suit or vest
use of hair driers in changing rooms
plastic bags to put your wet swim gear into
free parking

Photo of snack kiosk at Discovery cove — Snack Kiosk at Discovery cove

Ticket prices vary according to the time of year and start around $149 for the basic day package which doesn’t include a swim with the dolphins, $199 with a dolphin swim, up to $399 to be a trainer for the day. Children under two are free with a full paying adult but a reservation is still required. Tickets must be bought in advance and a date specified. Discounts are available for Florida residents.

Upgrades

Sea Venture – wearing a dive helmet you will walk on the floor of the Grand Reef

Animal Trek – a 60 minute escorted tour behind the scenes with a chance to meet birds and small mammals.

Rent a Cabana – Have your own private space with table and chairs, locker, towels, unlimited drinks and snacks. Ideally for up to 6 guests.

Day bed – big enough for two to relax in after time in the water.

Drink package – With options such as Rum Punch, Sangria, upgraded wines and craft beers.

Ray feeding – Join the staff feeding rays and fish early in the morning.

Swim with sharks – If you’re brave enough.

Last year I noticed some guests were actually feeding sharks after training.

Shark feeding at Discovery Cove — Shark Feeding at Discovery Cove

I think Discovery Cove is well worth the money considering you get unlimited visits to Aquatica and SeaWorld for 14 days – this can commence prior to your visit to Discovery Cove – just show your documents with the bar code. It may not be as exciting as Universal Studios or Universal’s Islands of Adventure but if you feel you need to chill out and give your feet a rest this is the place to be.

Just one more thought – all the photos are my own. I highly recommend purchasing an underwater camera even if it’s only a disposable one. Discovery cove does have photo packages which are most likely essential if you do the dolphin swim as other guests can only watch from the shore.

Do leave a comment if you can add anything or ask any questions and I’ll do my best to help.

Tales from the Dot Side

Discover with Dot – To Universal and Beyond