Thus was my jubilant scream, literally, as I whirled upside-down on "The Incredible Hulk Coaster" yesterday. That's right, I fit again. In case you don't remember, even though I'd been to IOA and the original Universal park many times after passing 300 pounds in weight, I hadn't been able to ride most coasters due to size constraints. Even the "fat people seats."
Finally after years of embarrassing sadness and coaster deprivation illness (a real sickness I think, or at least it should be) I was able to fit on not only "Hulk" but "Dueling Dragons" too! (Ya, I know it's "Dragon Challenge" now in order to fit the HP theme but it'll always be "DD" to me.) Still a bit snugly, mind you, but hopefully soon I'll have a bit more cubic inches of empty space between me and the restraints to enjoy some of those sweet zero G's like they should.
But you know the best? Remember how I couldn't fit, despite multiple attempts on the "Forbidden Journey Ride"? And when I asked Ric and others how it rated, they were like "great"? Well, I got my ass in this time, and had room to spare. And now I know they were not entirely truthful with me by saying the ride was merely "great"...it was FREAKING AWESOME!
It's just sad that it took me, a guy who LIVES here in Orlando, and has had several annual passes since the opening, THREE YEARS to enjoy this experience!
Alas, my day would have been perfect and I would have gone on to conquer more rides from which my wide load was prohibited these past few years but I got sick. The heat (which wasn't that bad, really, I guess it's the meds I'm on) and my shoulder were too much by mid-afternoon. Back when I was heavier, it would usually be fatigue from all the walking my 300 pound bulk had to endure. Walking was no problem yesterday at all. I really do think it's the muscle relaxers, pain meds mixed with a little beer which got to me.
I got off "Forbidden Journey" and thought the ride was surprisingly rough (happily), pitching and tossing me about. I was queasy and a little nauseous but fought through it. Figured I'd just hold off on getting my third beer just yet. But then in the midst of one of the barrel rolls of "Dueling Dragons," I knew I had to blow chunks. Luckily, I held it together 'till I found a little side exit off the exiting queue corridor (like some employee only area it seemed) that was devoid of people and had a handy trash bin. It quickly became the recipient of my vomited $15 worth of theme park priced beer.
So I drove home, feeling a bit dizzy, but also I felt elated that I'd achieved what I'd wanted to for so long. And my regret of having to leave so early yesterday will be compensated for by many more planned visits. I decided to go with the Preferred Pass this year, ooh la la! $270 but free parking and no blackout days.
How sweet it is to be back in the saddle again!
Oh, BTW, Here's some video I shot of the Hogwarts Frog Choir. How cute!
Finally after years of embarrassing sadness and coaster deprivation illness (a real sickness I think, or at least it should be) I was able to fit on not only "Hulk" but "Dueling Dragons" too! (Ya, I know it's "Dragon Challenge" now in order to fit the HP theme but it'll always be "DD" to me.) Still a bit snugly, mind you, but hopefully soon I'll have a bit more cubic inches of empty space between me and the restraints to enjoy some of those sweet zero G's like they should.
But you know the best? Remember how I couldn't fit, despite multiple attempts on the "Forbidden Journey Ride"? And when I asked Ric and others how it rated, they were like "great"? Well, I got my ass in this time, and had room to spare. And now I know they were not entirely truthful with me by saying the ride was merely "great"...it was FREAKING AWESOME!
It's just sad that it took me, a guy who LIVES here in Orlando, and has had several annual passes since the opening, THREE YEARS to enjoy this experience!
Alas, my day would have been perfect and I would have gone on to conquer more rides from which my wide load was prohibited these past few years but I got sick. The heat (which wasn't that bad, really, I guess it's the meds I'm on) and my shoulder were too much by mid-afternoon. Back when I was heavier, it would usually be fatigue from all the walking my 300 pound bulk had to endure. Walking was no problem yesterday at all. I really do think it's the muscle relaxers, pain meds mixed with a little beer which got to me.
I got off "Forbidden Journey" and thought the ride was surprisingly rough (happily), pitching and tossing me about. I was queasy and a little nauseous but fought through it. Figured I'd just hold off on getting my third beer just yet. But then in the midst of one of the barrel rolls of "Dueling Dragons," I knew I had to blow chunks. Luckily, I held it together 'till I found a little side exit off the exiting queue corridor (like some employee only area it seemed) that was devoid of people and had a handy trash bin. It quickly became the recipient of my vomited $15 worth of theme park priced beer.
So I drove home, feeling a bit dizzy, but also I felt elated that I'd achieved what I'd wanted to for so long. And my regret of having to leave so early yesterday will be compensated for by many more planned visits. I decided to go with the Preferred Pass this year, ooh la la! $270 but free parking and no blackout days.
How sweet it is to be back in the saddle again!
Oh, BTW, Here's some video I shot of the Hogwarts Frog Choir. How cute!