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!