Sarah Thunder's World Travels: London

By: Sarah Thunder

     Thanks for the review for Transformers: the Ride - 3-D, Andrew! I can't wait to check it out! Anyway, we're still here in London. Filming has kind of stalled because of two things. First, because of the Olympics, the entire city was packed, which made it hard to enforce our closed set policy (which explains why I'm not allowed to share any photos here). On top of that, assistant director Barry Hollows had to leave the set when he was offered $20 million to direct the follow-up to his smash hit film Zombie: Genesis, which is titled Zombie: Exodus (watch it here). As it is implied at the end, Barry won't back on the set anytime soon, so another assistant director, Mark Winters, was hired temporarily.

     However, we're shooting the first big action scene for the movie today, so I can't write much right now. I've been practicing parkour along with the other actors for this scene for the last few weeks. Usually, we would have stuntmen do this, but Barry said, before he left to direct Zombie: Exodus, that the actors should do their own stunts. His reasoning is that it makes the movie more believable and that it cuts production costs, even though it sends our insurance through the roof. This may be a weird and unsafe idea, but with Barry Hollows, nothing surprises me anymore.

     Hold on. That's the PA speaking. We're having lunch right at noon, then we start filming immediately after. I really hope jumping off of and on to moving vehicles is easier than it looks. Well, I have to go eat now. Until I write again, happy travels!
     Update by Andrew: Because of the ongoing expansion of the Mustache Maniacs Film Co. website, the design for this travel journal has now changed. Details from our San Diego trip are coming soon.

Photographs from Universal Studios Hollywood

By: Andrew Bermudez

     Sorry that I'm a little late on this. We've been very busy with another weekend vacation and have now gotten the chance to put this up. Coverage of our weekend trip to San Diego will be compiled this upcoming weekend and week.

     Besides Transformers: the Ride - 3-D, Universal Studios Hollywood also have several other attractions, mostly shows. Here are some pictures from this relatively small (but not too small) theme park.

A foolish adventurer who dared to defile Imhotep's tomb lies in the line for Revenge of the Mummy

Some street performers play some up-beat ragtime tunes on Baker Street.

The NBC Universal Experience features changing exhibits that showcase props, concept sketches, animation puppets, and more from NBC Universal's movies and television shows.

Alfred Hitchcock's bungalow.

In order to enter King Kong 360 3-D, the Studio Tour tram must make a 180 turn! Get it?  *GROAN*.

The DeLorean from Back to the Future.

Artificial rain makes up for dry days in Southern California.

The Special Effects Stage, in its new location, is a really good show; maybe even better than the original version of this show.

     Though a little hard to get to, Universal Studios Hollywood is certainly worth a day trip. If you want to visit the park (and brave the notorious L.A. traffic to get there), be sure to visit their website to buy tickets, plan your visit, check operating hours, and more. However, you won't find a show schedule on the website; you'll pick that up along with your map at the front gate.

     Well, that's all for today. This weekend, I'll put up the photos and share my thoughts from San Diego, as well as spell check and update the 2009 vacation photo gallery. Until then, happy travels!

What's New to Do: Transformers: the Ride - 3-D at Universal Studios Hollywood

By: Andrew Bermudez

     Prepare to be immersed in the largest battle zone you may ever see aboard the brand-new motion base dark ride, Transformers: the Ride - 3-D! This is what the ads have been saying about Universal Studios Hollywood's latest attraction.

     Now, to be honest, I wasn't anticipating this attraction as much as the other new attractions that opened this year, like Cars Land at Disney California Adventure and the LAIR at the Los Angeles Zoo. True, I do like to see the latest technology, but...uh...let's just say that I'm not the biggest fan of the Transformers movies (I despised the second film in the series, Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen). But, as the saying goes, don't judge a book by its cover; or, in this case, theme park attraction by its concept. So, let's get started.

     Transformers: The Ride - 3-D rests in the sound stage on the Lower Lot that used to house Backdraft and Special Effects Stage (the latter of the two moved to the Upper Lot). The front of the new attraction is graced with a mural of Optimus Prime and Megatron battling in front of a massive explosion. Below the mural is the entrance to the ride.

     Even if you are not familiar with the Transformers storyline, the story of the attraction is still easy to follow. You, the guests, are the latest recruits for N.E.S.T., or Non-organic Extraterrestrial Species Treaty. Their job is to assist the Autobots, a group of heroic transformers lead by Optimus Prime, in protecting Earth from the evil Decepticons, who want to destroy Earth and the Autobots. As you progress through the line, you find out that N.E.S.T. is housing the All-Spark, which can turn any electronic or mechanical device into a Transformer. You are just about to begin your training, but before you can, the Decepticons unleash an attack on the base, intent on stealing the All-Spark. You are then ordered downstairs, where you'll be evacuated, along with the All-Spark, aboard EVAC.

     In past attractions, the ride vehicle acted solely as a means of moving the guests through the attraction. However, with both this attraction and Disney California Adventure's Radiator Springs Racers, the ride vehicle has now, literally, become a character in the story. In this attraction, EVAC is an Autobot who serves as the ride's vehicle.

     Here, the set-up is done; the ride now begins. Using motion base and 3-D technology, you aim to escape the city, but the Decepticons ambush you at every corner. The Autobots provide enough covering fire to allow you to escape, but soon you're on your own with nowhere to hide. Megatron even tries to lower you're spirits by snarling, "Cowards run. Heroes fight." But EVAC is now done with running. He lunges at Megatron and uses the All-Spark to destroy his body. With Megatron gone, everyone returns to N.E.S.T. as heroes.

     Despite my dislike for the movies, I really enjoyed the attraction. The quality of the line alone is top notch, and the ride itself seamlessly blends storytelling into its action to give the battle plausible context. The 3-D looks great, the sensory effects work really well, and the fact that the attraction is a motion-base dark ride rather than a simple simulator is a great touch. All-in-all, this is what I feel the movies should have been like. I highly recommend it if you plan on visiting Universal Studios Hollywood or Universal Studios Singapore (the Universal Studios Orlando version is currently under construction), even if you don't like or haven't seen the movies. It's a great addition to the park.

A Visit to the Richard Nixon Presidential Library

By: Andrew Bermudez

     Recently, my family bought a house down in Yorba Linda, which is in desperate need of repair. While the needed maintenance can be troublesome, the house has an advantage in that several tourist attractions are a short distance away, including the Richard Nixon Presidential Library!

     It was very early in the day, and since it can get hot by the afternoon in a Southern California summer day, we decided to check out the outside first.

     The main outside area consists of a reflecting pool flanked by two wings of the building. It forms an image similar to the National Mall at Washington D.C., which we saw a few years back. Near the reflecting pool is a rose garden and the burial site of Richard Nixon.

     Also outside is the original house that Nixon was born in. Almost everything about the house is original, from the original bed spreads to the original instruments Nixon used in his childhood and even the original dinner table. Even the location of the house is original; it wasn't moved one bit from its original site (according to the tour guide, the only movement the house made was vertical; it was lifted so that the foundation could be replaced).

     Another outside exhibit is Marine One, Nixon's presidential helicopter. This also had a short tour, which showed what was where, including who sat where. What I was surprised about was how small it was, especially in height (I actually banged my head when I was exiting). Regardless, it is still an important part of the museum and Nixon's life.

     From there, we went on inside, where we checked out a replica of the White House's East Room and a special exhibit about Pat Nixon, Richard's wife.

     Inside the special exhibit, there were many artifacts on display, including Pat's many dresses, the cage that carried the National Zoo's first giant panda from China to Washington D.C. (which we also saw a few years back), and the one and only "Washington Crosses the Delaware" painting! We did not get a picture of the painting, but we were taken back by its sheer size. It was an amazing piece of art that added to the exhibit.

     After that, we paid a visit the main gallery, which focuses on Nixon's political life. It starts with Nixon's election to congress and his involvement on the Committee of Un-American Activities. From there, it traces his life as vice president and his first bid for the presidency in 1960. After losing the election, the exhibit then traces his family life, then to his election as president and all that he did during his presidency, including ending the Vietnam War and opening connections to China. The exhibit ends with a look at the Watergate Scandal and his life after leaving politics.

     While it is not as good as some of the other presidential libraries, such as the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library (which I may be visiting again soon), it is still a good place to visit. However, be warned that in the main gallery, there aren't a lot of artifacts, though the ones they do have are real for the most part. However, the number of artifacts featured is still greater than the flashy Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library, which only had a handful situated in a back corner of the main rotunda. If you want to visit the Richard Nixon Presidential Library, check out their website for operating hours, admission rates, special events, and more.

     Well, that finishes today's post, and not one bad joke (Yay!). Next time, I'll be heading down to Hollywood to see something new that has "transformed" that area's tourism. Can you guess where I'm heading next?

Event Report: Lunch with a Legend

By: Andrew Bermudez

     Despite everything that has been going on, I just found time to start another series titled Event Report. This series will cover special events during the duration of Vacation: Unlimited. Let's get started!

     Back on June 30th, my brother and I went to a special lunch at the Anabella Hotel in Anaheim, CA (just across the street from Disney California Adventure). Besides eating up delicious Mexican food, we also got to meet Disney Legend Bob Gurr!

     If you are unfamiliar with Bob Gurr, he is a former Imagineer who developed some of Disney's most beloved attractions, including Matterhorn Bobsleds, Autotopia, Main Street Fire Engine, Flying Saucers, and others. After he left Disney in 1981, he went on to develop the sinking pirate ship at Las Vegas' Treasure Island Casino and the original King Kong animatronic for Universal Studios Hollywood's studio tour. However, because of the recent Universal backlot fire, the last of those attractions went up in smoke (Get it? Yeah. *GROAN*).

     At the event, Bob Gurr shared his life stories and his thoughts on a recent rumor that Disneyland's Autotopia, Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage, and Innoventions would be removed (His first thought: "Innoventions going, yay!"). There was also an opportunity to get a collector's copy (only 1,000 printed) of his new book Design: Just For Fun signed! All in all, it was a very fun event where we got to meet an important part of Disney history and hear lots of stories from the past. Big thanks goes to miceage for hosting this great event!

What's New to Do: Complete Itinerary

By: Andrew Bermudez

     Just as Sarah Thunder mentioned in her entry, I won't be writing in here for a little while, since I'm currently in summer school. However, while you wait for my next entry, I just wanted to hear from you!

     If you look at the title of this entry, you'll see that this is a What's New to Do article. No, this isn't my review for Transformers: The Ride - 3-D (that will come next month or the month after). Instead, I've compiled a list of everything new this year! After you're done reading through, give us your thoughts on any of the experiences below. If you've checked out any of these experiences or if I forgot any, please let me know in the comments.
July 10th Update: This list has been updated to reflect attractions that are now open. Also, to start a discussion, each new experience name will become a link to a relevant video by the end of the month. Note: all videos are the property of their owners, whom do not authorize, endorse, or sponsor this list.

What's New to Do:

Cars Land at Disney California Adventure (Now Open)

Buena Vista Street at Disney California Adventure (Now Open)

New Matterhorn Bobsleds at Disneyland (Now Open)

Transformers: The Ride - 3-D at Universal Studios Hollywood (Now Open)

Manta at Sea World San Diego (Now Open)

The LAIR at the Los Angeles Zoo (Now Open)

Tierra de las Pampas at the Santa Ana Zoo (Now Open)

Cheetah Run at San Diego Zoo Safari Park (Now Open)

Pirate Reef at LEGOLAND California (Now Open)

Lex Luthor: Drop of Doom at Six Flags Magic Mountain (Now Open)

Storybook Circus at the Magic Kingdom (Now Open)

Fantasyland Forest at the Magic Kingdom (Opens December 6th)

Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom at the Magic Kingdom (Now Open)

Phineas and Ferb: Agent P's World Showcase Adventure at Epcot (Now Open)

Test Track 2.0 at Epcot (Opens November 30th)

The Legend of Captain Jack Sparrow at Disney's Hollywood Studios (Opens Fall 2012)

Disney's Art of Animation Resort at Walt Disney World (Now Open)

Turtle Trek at Sea World Orlando (Now Open)

Universal's Superstar Parade at Universal Studios Orlando (Now Open)

Universal's Cinematic Spectacular: 100 Years of Movie Magic at Universal Studios Orlando (Now Open)

Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem at Universal Studios Orlando (Now Open)

LEGOLAND Water Park at LEGOLAND Florida (Now Open)

Verbolten at Busch Gardens Williamsburg (Now Open)
Iceploration at Busch Gardens Tampa (Now Open)

     Now for new things outside the United States for our international readers!

Toy Story Midway Mania! at Tokyo Disneysea (Now Open)

Grizzly Gulch at Hong Kong Disneyland (Now Open)

Sesame Street Dark Ride at Universal Studios Singapore (Opens October 21st)

Polar Land at LEGOLAND Billund (Now Open)

Atlantis Submarine Voyage at LEGOLAND Windsor (Now Open)

Flying NinjaGo at LEGOLAND Guzenburg (Now Open)

LEGOLAND Malaysia (Now Open)

     WOW! Business is certainly booming, isn't it? Just look at that list! On top of that, I'm pretty sure that I forgot a few along the way. If you know of something has opened earlier this year or will be opening by the end of the year, just let me know in the comments. For anyone who has already checked out one or more of the above attractions, give us you're thoughts on it in the comments.

     For this article, I would like to thank Theme Park Insider for their award-winning news and advice. They've really helped with this article. Well, that's it for today. Be sure to check out the above experiences and happy travels!

Sarah Thunder's World Travels: Buckingham Palace

By: Sarah Thunder

     Hi, everyone! Sarah Thunder here, with an all-new travel journal! Andrew won't be writing in here for awhile (he's busy at the moment, and might not be writing until late July, which would be his review for Transformers: The Ride - 3-D at Universal Studios Hollywood), so I've decided to add my own travels here! Let's get started!

     Right now, I'm on the set for Johnny Thunder and the Wisdom of the Ancients. In particular, we're outside Buckingham Palace in the heart of London! It's so peaceful here, with the gardens and wildlife, especially now that filming is done here. However, we were a little late on heading to the next set, so my partner Lance Spears had to ask for directions. In hindsight, I think he may have asked the wrong person!

     However, we were able to get directions from a tourist, so we're now off to the next movie set! Right now, we're getting ready for the next scene. Unfortunately, we can't provide photos from the actual set during shooting until after the film comes out, since the film is currently strictly confidential. In fact, the film is so secret, people who aren't involved with the film's development aren't allowed anywhere near the set.

     Well, that's it for today. I plan on doing another entry for London in general, but until then, happy travels!

     P.S. I heard that Andrew is supposed to be putting up pictures of Cars Land at Disney California Adventure sometime soon. I haven't experienced it yet (after all, I am in London), but from what I've heard, it sounds like a lot of fun!