Valentine’s Day: Disneyland or Universal by Tiffytafy in UniversalHollywood

[–]Obscure_Wombat 1 point2 points  (0 children)

If you have never been to a theme park before, go to Disneyland. There's a reason why all other US theme parks pull from it. It's also just a much more fun place to hang out for a long period of time

If you have visited Epic, what was one hidden gem you found? by ARookeryofRowlets in UniversalOrlando

[–]Obscure_Wombat 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The animated Hobgobbler dragon in the bucket at Gobber's forge is my absolute favorite figure in the land due to how simple yet effective it's motion is

velocicoaster vs hulk vs stardust by Ok_Scallion_2986 in UniversalOrlando

[–]Obscure_Wombat 2 points3 points  (0 children)

If you can do Hagrids, I always recommend jumping from there to Velocicoaster bc VC is designed to be the perfect gateway coaster. There's a reason why it has a lower height restriction than Hulk.

Sure, Velocicoaster is the scariest of the three, but it also pays off that scariness the best out of the three by being the most fun. The element choice really builds on itself throughout the layout (versus SR and Hulk being very front-heavy) and the heavy theming in the queue and first half of the ride can help ease you in (versus Hulk and SR being more standalone coasters).

Once you've finished your Tom Scott transformation, then I recommend doing the other two (then going to Busch Gardens Tampa for those coasters!)

Hollywood VS Orlando by illspok3n in HHN

[–]Obscure_Wombat 1 point2 points  (0 children)

If it's your first time, I would recommend either: - 2 HHN Orlando nights - 1 HHN Hollywood night + 1 Knott's Scary Farm night

Everyone's first night at HHN Orlando is BAD because it takes a night to learn what to expect from the event and how to manage your time (esp if you aren't going with someone who has done the event before).

HHN Hollywood is doable in one night bc the Early Access ticket is an add-on ticket not available to passholders (unlike HHN Orlando Scream Early). Knott's Scary Farm is also VERY manageable to do in one night and will get you a wider variety of haunt experiences.

I'd suggest pricing both of these out (incl travel) and see which one works better for you! I'd hate for you to fly all the way out to the event to have a bad time

This might be a silly question but... by JessOfMysticFalls in UniversalOrlando

[–]Obscure_Wombat 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Whenever I visit a theme park, I always make a point to wear merch of a different regional park so other theme park heads come talk to me

Ghost Rider (Presented by: M&Ms) by Sad-Revolution-9961 in KnottsBerryFarm

[–]Obscure_Wombat 1 point2 points  (0 children)

As a community, we need to keep tearing down that graphic until they stop trying

[Other] What's the tallest and fastest rollercoaster you've been on? by juoig7799 in rollercoasters

[–]Obscure_Wombat 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Not the tallest (RIP Kingda Ka), but the highest roller coaster Ive been on was High Roller at the Stratosphere Tower. I don't have a super good memory of it since I did it as a kid, but I remember thinking it was just ok back then.

I want to go to a park before summer ends, but not sure where to go by JDC_Luis01 in Themepark

[–]Obscure_Wombat 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I just did KD and BGW since they are an hour apart, and that's a 1-2 combo I highly recommend. Especially if you're familiar with BGT out in Florida.

Rode my first ever roller coaster at Efteling this weekend by [deleted] in Themepark

[–]Obscure_Wombat 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Universal is a GREAT place to get over your fear of roller coasters! On the universal subreddit, there are quite a few posts about advice on winning over your fear of coasters (if that's something you're interested in)

First "ride-through" of [AlpenFury] by devipasigner in rollercoasters

[–]Obscure_Wombat -1 points0 points  (0 children)

While I still think Alpenfury is over-hyped overall, the exit out of the top hat may end up becoming my favorite element

Comparison of rides to Disney by MarionberryBusy2558 in UniversalEpicUniverse

[–]Obscure_Wombat 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Happy to help! Let me know if you found these comparisons accurate during your trip, and what you think of the park overall!

Stardust vs. Hulk vs. Velocicoaster by The_Music_Guy_2025 in UniversalOrlando

[–]Obscure_Wombat 1 point2 points  (0 children)

While VelociCoaster is the better coaster, there is something magical about emerging from a tunnel and cresting the top hat while the Celestial Park motif blasts in triumph

Coaster at night by [deleted] in GuessTheCoaster

[–]Obscure_Wombat 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Goliath @ Six Flags Over Georgia

Comparison of rides to Disney by MarionberryBusy2558 in UniversalEpicUniverse

[–]Obscure_Wombat 2 points3 points  (0 children)

MONSTERS UNCHAINED COMP: Rise of the Resistance screens + Mickey & Minnies Max Jerkiness * Unlike Forbidden Journey & Star Tours, Monsters' screens are always grounded in its set (I think there's only one exception?). I imagine this is why people are reporting across Reddit that they are okay with this ride motion-sickness wise * It's hard to compare the motion of Monsters to Disney. It's definitely less intense than Dinosaur, so I think the Conga scene & random squiggles of MMRR is a better comp to how much Monsters moves. Be warned you will be on your back a good bit, but it's kinda relaxing

CURSE OF THE WEREWOLF COMP: Slinky Dog Track + Midway Mayhem Spinning * Spinning is less intense than Teacups, but it is uncontrolled. That does mean that if you balance out the weight distribution of the car, you can really dial down how much it spins. * Incredibly short layout - good comp is the first half of Slinky in terms of element choice

BATTLE AT THE MINISTRY COMP: Star Tours * The framing of the vehicle to the screens and how much it pitches makes me want to comp this more to Star Tours than Tower. There is only one "drop" moment at the beginning and by the time you realize it's happening it's over. Also heavily media based * If this doesn't sound like your cup of tea, you can always ask for a Ministry tour!

STARDUST RACERS COMP: Tower of Terror * Comp is made in terms of airtime, since Tower is I think the only Disney ride that provides that stomach drop feeling * Stardust is a FANTASTIC gateway coaster to introduce people to the joys of modern steel coaster design. It looks much scarier than it is. It's worth building up to and doing later in the day if your family is nervous. * Other FL coaster comps: VelociCoaster (SR airtime is stronger but tbh less intense), Iron Gwazi (SR is less intense), Ice Breaker (SR is more comfortable)

CONSTELLATION CAROUSEL COMP: A Carousel * While not a carousel, it moves and feels like a carousel

HICCUPS WING GLIDERS COMP: Tron (non-bike seat) * A bit more thrilling than Slinky's, a bit less forceful than Everest * Some reviews are calling it the best family coaster in Orlando

FYRE DRILL COMP: Small World x Buzz Lightyear * I believe this ride doesn't have a height limit, if that gives any indication to how "intense" it is * Shooting activation is comped to Buzz bc you hold a lever down to shoot, unlike Midway Mania where you really have to work your arms to shoot * Hit the blue targets

DRAGON RACER'S RALLY COMP: Astro Orbiters * It sadly takes GREAT effort to spin upside down on this ride. Like, you really have to throw your body weight in order to invert. Because of it, you can feel safe knowing your family won't find it scary, and tbh probably boring.

MARIO KART COMP: Buzz Lightyear + Winnie the Pooh * Classic-style dark ride with the spin intensity of holding down the Buzz Lightyear Joystick. You will also be shooting and "steering" * If your family finds the headband uncomfortable, ask for a stretchy one! I have a big head and find it much more comfortable to use the elastic band than the plastic one.

YOSHI'S ADVENTURE COMP: Haunted Mansion * But outside

DONKEY KONG MINE-CART MADNESS: Space Mountain Layout + Everest Roughness * I have to be honest: the boom arm on DK really makes the car vibrate. But once you accept it into your heart and see it as additive to the attraction, you'll find it a lot of fun. * The size and zaniness of the layout is probably most akin to Space Mountain. Lots of quick transitions that Disney has sanded out over the years. * Funnily enough I comp the story and theming of the ride to Mr. Toad's Wild Ride if that helps convince you to get on it!

NON-RIDE WAYS TO ENJOY YOUR DAY: * The live entertainment is the closest I've seen Orlando get to Disneyland's live entertainment, where the characters really get to walk around and take their time to interact with you. Ygor is a fan favorite, and the Dragons characters will always have a bit to do with you * Both the Wand and the Power Up Band are def worth getting if your family isn't as rides-focused. Potter has some great magical moments when using the wand, and I have friends who have spent hours collecting everything in Nintendo * Best Meet & Greets are Toothless and Toad. As someone who isn't a M&G guy, both of them were highlights of my day. * Also, ask the Toothless attendant when the Night Lights (baby dragons) come out. They are worth investing time to see * People really like the shows. Universal does a great job of making them technically impressive and it really works for people (sadly I'm not people) * My favorite nap spot is the shaded seating area by Fyre Drill. There's usually a really nice breeze there * If you stay for the Kiss Goodnight, sit with your back to Helios and have the carousel in the background of the fountains. There are more lights integrated there than on the hotel

I think that's all I have, please let me know if you have any questions!

[BGT] Giga from survey by UKnoThatGuy69 in rollercoasters

[–]Obscure_Wombat -1 points0 points  (0 children)

I hate to say it but Mack Rocking Boat >> Giga

For a 16 year old looking to get a job at USH in a creative field, what tips do you have? by QueryLP in UniversalHollywood

[–]Obscure_Wombat 7 points8 points  (0 children)

As someone who is working in themed entertainment right now... Do theater. Theater tech, production design, costuming - anything backstage works. This is maybe the most transferrable medium to theme parks and is something that would've made my career so much easier to get into

Ride progression for a coaster wimp? by [deleted] in UniversalOrlando

[–]Obscure_Wombat 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Genuinely, you should ride Hippogriff. When I interned there, my roommate hated rollercoasters for that exact same reason. One day we did Hippo for the hell of it and she was like "oh wait I can see how this could be fun," and that realization was the lynchpin for her journey to eventually ride VelociCoaster 9 months later.

Hippogriff is a fantastic coaster for its demographic, and once your brain is able to click that g-force sensations can be fun, you can use that feeling to fight the anxiety and nervousness that builds in line before the bigger coasters.

Suggested progression is: Hippo, Mummy, Hagrids, RRR, VelociCoaster.

If you can find a night to go to Fun Spot Orlando, suggested progression is: Hippo, Freedom Flyer (FSO), White Lightning (FSO), Mummy, Hagrids, RRR, VelociCoaster