Today we started out by waking up at around 6:30- we wanted to be out the door by 7:15- which we were. The kids dragged their feet through the resort to the front lobby where a cab was hailed for us and we headed to Universal Studios.
We got there and there was already TONS of people in the parking garage, and walking through city walk approaching the park. We were headed to Islands of Adventures not the actual Universal Studios (along with everyone else there apparently). The park opened at 9, and it was now 8:00, yet they were letting us in? We made our way the long way (short way was closed off except for onsite hotel guests) to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Kind of glad we had to walk this way, as the kids got to see the rest of Islands of Adventure, which is all aimed much older than P’s height, and Aidan isn’t into thrill rides. The kids liked the look of Super Hero Island, but otherwise seemed semi disinterested (or really focused on getting to Harry Potter- which is more likely).
We got stopped at the end of Jurassic Park land (lost continent island) and were right around the corner to Harry Potter world. I would guess about 100 people in front of us, and hundreds behind us in line. Around 8:30 they let us into the park (though it was already crowded due to onsite hotel people getting in an hour earlier) .
The very first thing we saw was Hogwarts castle looming above us- super impressive! If we had gone in the front way (not the back) the train and shops would be first. We booked it to the castle, knowing that the walk through/ride line for this can be hours long since the park opened last week. It was 30 minutes, so we got in line and were in the front door of the castle within maybe 15. The line goes through the dungeon at first- passing the mirror of Erised and then out to the greenhouse. The line in front of us was massive- and the queue wraps around what seems like a million times through it, but goes really quickly. The kids were so busy looking at things they didn’t even question how long it would take.
Then we entered the castle doors and were greeted by founders statues, windows, the entrance to Dumbledores office (the phoenix twisty stair thing), random house things, the moving portraits (so cool- I have some on video I need to upload), the defense against the dark arts classroom, Dumbledores office and the fat lady portrait. We exited out (P was too short to ride the ride) in the Gryffindor common room and the only thing we missed was the great hall- which we got a peak out while leaving (the exit poured us out with the people coming off the ride and we could look back). The kids were so impressed with it all. There were holograms in the queue that both kids thought were real- that’s how realistic it all was. We got dumped out into Filch’s Emporium which we left quickly without looking though (gifts) knowing we would come back later.
We next ran over to the Flight of the Hippogriff (kiddie aimed roller coaster but it’s very similar in intensity to Big Thunder Mountain at the Disney parks). The wait was only 5 minutes, and P and I got the front car and Aidan was behind us. It was pretty fast, and had some high degree dips, turns. P of course loved it, and Aidan just gave me the look that said he hated it but knew he was outnumbered. Lol.
We were thirsty at this point so we went into Hogshead pub (connected to the Three Broomsticks restaurant) and got a Butterbeer in a take home mug. It was so good! We got the frozen variety (already in the 90’s by 9 am) and it was like a frozen mild butterscotch drink with a yummy foam on top. Both kids helped me drink it so it went fast.
By this time the park was even more crowded- though I had heard they slowly let people in as people leave (the walkie talkie back and forth between the entrance and exit to that part of the park) to keep crowds in control. We wanted to hit the shops next- P and A both had money they had saved, and I had been sent with money from Jordan (roomie/cousin) with a list as well.
There are individual doors to Zonko’s joke shop and Honeyduke but they were letting people in the side entrance only (the shops are internally connected) and then you exit out the respective doors when you are done. The line to get in (yes, lines just to get into shops!) was about 10 minutes. Not too bad. Honeydukes sweet shop was amazing- but the heat and no appetite, and unability to have anything chocolate (it melts so quick in the heat here) had us looking but not buying anything. Zonko’s was ok- not too impressive, but I heard they were out of a ton since opening the week before. Aidan got a pair of chattering teeth. Random, but it amused him.
We went and saw the Hogwarts express train across the way, and then wandered back to where the Owl Post was (a post office connected to the owlry where you can keep cool). The alley way behind that had the entrance to Dervish and Banges- which was tiny but had the Monster book of monsters there which the kids thought was awesome (it was in a cage and reacted to people). We headed back to Filch’s to get more items (again a line to get in because of how tiny the shops are inside, like how Hogsmeade really is), and saw the Frog choir performing in the courtyard area. Very cute, and authentic to the movies.
Speaking of authentic, every worker was very much in character- saying things like, excuse me muggle, etc. Except one- the bartender at Hoghead I took a picture of (I was trying to just get a pic of the bar behind him mostly) and he asked if it would be up on face book. Lol. But otherwise all the staff was in character, and pictures don’t do the buildings- esp the castle- justice to how amazingly like the movies/books it was.
After shopping (in which I was able to get a frame because we hadn’t spent any of the food money budgeted- too hot to eat there) we ended up with 2 large bags of items. Aidan got a golden snitch (that beats it’s wings), the chattering teeth and a tee shirt. Piper got a Fluffy (3 headed dog) stuffed animal that growls and a dress. Jordan only got 2 of the things he wanted (lack of merchandise in shops) so he got his tumbler cup set and a scarf, and I got my frame along with 2 Butterbeer mugs.
We went to leave Harry Potter world and were warned against it by a staff member letting people out- when asked if we were sure and I said yes, why? They replied with- well right now it’s a 4 hour wait just to get into the Harry Potter area. I felt so lucky! We had been in the Harry Potter area with crowds and some waits, but not horrible. And we did everything except go to Olivander’s wand shop (only 20 get in at a time because of how tiny it is) - neither kid wanted a wand so it was pointless to wait for that.
We wandered through Suess Landing for a bit which was colorful and fun, and P got her face painted.
We then decided it was time to go, despite not having done anything else in Universal. The kids were worn out from the heat and no shade in Harry Potter world- and it was a little after 12:30 and they were hungry and wanted AC. We left and were in a taxi within minutes (they have them lined up) . Both kids fell asleep in the taxi on me and we were at the resort within about 20 minutes or so.
We took all our purchases to the room then went to have lunch.
The kids changed into their swimsuits after that, and we spent a lot of the afternoon at the pool. I read a book and had a drink, and the kids played in the splash fountains/pool. We came back up to our room around 4 or so, and laid around for nearly 2 hours. Kids watched a movie, played on the patio with the geckos, and I enjoyed the AC in our room.
For dinner we went to the Wave restaurant- one of the many dining options in our resort. The food was healthier choices which made for a nice change. It was also really amazing food! We finished up, went and made some pressed pennies in the hall an headed back to the room to get back into their swimsuits. We played at the pool for another hour or so before coming back in and taking showers. It took forever to get the gel/glitter out of P’s hair from the salon yesterday… such a pain but she loved it.
The kids crashed early tonight- combo of not a ton of sleep last night, and a high intensity morning today.
Tomorrow another longish day- we are going to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. P is most excited to see the live Beauty & the Beast show &Aidan is excited for the Car/motorcycle stunt show.
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