United States became my wonderland ever since I was little. Not for their worldwide sports league but the too-good-to-be-true entertainment. Their king of the amusement parks – Universal Studios is the master of the integration of movies and thrills.
That’s why when I heard my parents are taking me on a trip to Florida as a reward for my school graduation, I was so joyful I had one of the iconic Joker smiles, unable to hide the happiness I was in.
I counted days until it was the day for Universal Studios. Walking into the entrance of the park made me feel like Simba in the iconic scene of Lion King, who was celebrated in being born, was about to learn this fascinating world, and ready to take over.
I had the greatest day of my life as I went on World Famous Studio Tour and the old-school Waterworld Stunt Show, ticking those 2 off my bucket list.
I was feeling at the highest point of my life, but every Universal Studios fan knows I have to do one more thing before I leave.
The iconic Jurassic World Ride.
The Jurassic Park themed water roller coaster is 26 meters tall and the sudden down rush from the top makes it the arguably most exciting. As I was about to enter, I heard passengers scream their lungs out. So, after careful consideration for 30 minutes, my Dad and I ended up going back to our hotel for some rest.
We purchased the 2-day ticket so I had a decision to make if I should go for it on the next day.
My Dad always has this tough love philosophy, which he keeps pushing me to try new things. He explains, “You can’t like or hate something until you try it for the first time.”
I was still on the fence but was convinced to do it when he said,
“I’ll be there for you until the end”.
The next day, we went to where we left off the last time: the entrance of Jurassic Park. Even though I was feeling scared as I was about to pee my pants, I decided to follow Nike’s motto and just do it.
The roller coaster was waiting for me on the river of the park. I left the station and put my two feet onto the ride. There was no coming back. Props to the amazing sound effects and design by the Universal Studios, the tension kept building up until we reached to the top and saw the ultimate boss – Indominus Rex.
As I was about to get eaten by the Rex, we suddenly went on a downward rush to the bottom. It was so fast I wasn’t sure if I was going to make it. I could barely keep my eyes open because of the wind and I thought my body at some point, was going to get thrown out of the ride.
“Spoosh!!!”
We landed! We survived! I was soaking wet, but that was a remark for my bravery and courage. The staff high-fived the 12-years-old me as if I had just hit the buzzer-beater for the game.
I ended up going back to the line and riding for 2 more times. It’s now ascended to my favorite roller coaster of all time. Imagine the fun and the reward I would have missed if I didn’t do this
I ranked this memory the greatest experience of my life because this was the first time I ever leaped. Like my Dad said, “you never know what will happen until you do it” Life is all about taking chances. Just look where it got me for overcoming the challenges. Plus, if you’re not taking a chance, then what the hell are you doing anyway? (Ted Mosby)