Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure

After a very long day at Disney, Monday was time to recover.  This was followed by Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure (in one day, wow!).  Mom and Dad decided to spend the day at the beach instead. 

Getting pushed around at Universal's security point made us appreciate Disney World

Universal Studios CityWalk

Our first stop was Ollivander's Wand Shop at the brand-new Diagon Alley

The presentation was just like the movie

Wands all around!

The interactive wands were lots of fun

 

The dragon atop Gringotts Bank actually breathed fire!

Spooky Knockturn Alley

 

Boarding the Hogwarts Express to take us to Hogsmeade in Islands of Adventure.  Hedwig the owl is ready!

The ride was more than what I was expecting!

Hogsmeade in Islands of Adventure (a park separate from Universal Studios).  Such incredible detail!  If it weren't for all the people (and burning sun) I'd swear we were actually in Hogsmeade.

Owl Post is the best post

Despite the snow-capped roofs, it was getting hot (90 degrees, near record heat for the day!)... and crowded...

I don't understand what the snowman is for

Time for a different part of the park

 In my zone

 We were just in time to witness a baby velociraptor hatch

Sawyer got credit for naming the hatchling "Terminator" (actually, some bigger kid named it then ran off)

 Andrew and Co. went for lunch then dropped the kids off with Grandpa and Grandma.  Meanwhile, I got to enjoy Simpsons Land, solo.

Moe's

Psychedelic ET

 
 I walked over to Islands of Adventure to meet back with Andrew and Jen

 I think the kids would have liked this area, whatever it is

Back to Hogwarts for the popular HP Forbidden Journey ride

 

 We barely snuck in a few last rides as the park was closing.  On the way out we walked through Seuss Land and decided next time we ought to spend time in this area!  It was so colorful and creative!

Thanks, Andrew!

Orlando, a summer sneak peek

Last weekend my brother hosted a family outing to Orlando, FL.  It was fun to get out of town for a few days for the action-packed trip!

We all arrived mid-day on Saturday.  This was valuable time for getting oriented, picking up groceries, and making a last-minute effort to buy a reliable pair of walking shoes, which were worth their weight in gold!

Sunday, Grandma (Mom) treated everyone to Disney World (Magic Kingdom).  I had never been to DW before, and I am glad to go as an adult because ironically I don't think I would have appreciated all its finer aspects if I were younger.

We arrived a little extra early, which was totally worth it.  No lines or crowds just yet!

We had "front-row seats" to the opening ceremony, conducted by Mickey

Main Street, USA.  Let the crowd commence!

I think we were the first ones on Small World (I wonder why??).  Mom's favorite ride + grandchildren => a rush of excitement that caused Mom to have a freak out

Some of the waiting areas were so awesome!  In this one (Peter Pan), Tinker Bell was fluttering around Wendy's room and causing mischief.  It was so cool we walked through twice (the ride broke down while we were waiting the first time...)

The one ride I refused to go on.  These make me feel sick :o(

Required traditional rides, check!

The People Mover was a surprise favorite

Sawyer was a smooth ride

Good practice for driving in Australia, I reckon

 

Someone should inform our old high school band director that Mickey Mouse bands actually sound good

 What, nobody wanted to go to the Hall of Presidents with me!?  The highlight, other than the narration by Morgan Freeman, was the very lifelike animatronic Obama.

 Carter at the helm

 

 Casting spells to warmup for Harry Potter World

The rain parade ushered us out for an afternoon break.  The kids stayed the rest of the day at the resort with Jen.  Andrew, Dad, Mom, and I went back to see the park close.  It was the first time the four of us have been out together like that in a least 10 years!!  I think Costa Rica (2004) was our last outing as a 4-person family.

 The electrical parade was so amazing!  I am glad the threatening rainstorm didn't cancel it.

 The fireworks are named Wishes??

 Dad can't contain his excitement on the People Mover

 A second electrical parade,yay!

The parade was the official end to the magical day at Disney!