Posts Tagged With: Universal Orlando

Hogwarts, Universal Studio’s Islands of Adventure theme park

Orlando, Jan. 21

Up early for the first day of the MN group travel in Orlando for our day at Universal Studios. We planned to visit both parks in one day, hoping to focus on the Harry Potter attractions. Early arrival got us a great parking place and an almost head of the line for admission at Universal’s Island of Adventure (IOA) park. Once again, we lucked out as the gates opened 15 minutes early. We made a beeline to Hogsmeade and Hogwarts Castle, and walked right in.

Chris was not going to ride, she had ridden once before years ago and that one occasion was plenty for her. The rest of us enjoyed the ride. By the time we were finished the line had grown exponentially. We visited the Hogsmeade shops, rode one more ride and decided to head over to the second Universal park, Universal Studios Florida (USF). The Universal parks are cheek to jowl; one could walk or if you had the park to park admissions, you were able to ride the Hogwarts Express. This train ride simulates the countryside from London to Hogwarts via simulations played on the windows next to your seat.

Upon arrival in USF we discovered the line for the Escape from Gingrotts ride was up to 90 minutes. It stayed about there or even longer all day. We never got in line to wait for it. Instead we visited the shops in Diagon Alley and wandered through the rest of the USF park. We purchased two glassess of Butterbeer and found it surprisingly pleasant-but not so much that we ordered another round.

Portions of the Hulk roller coaster

The favorite ride was the Hulk roller coaster where the riders were fortunate to get in two rides with the wait line only being 30-40 minutes. It was deemed “fantastic” with its rocket-like start, twisting curves and sharp drops. I felt the park was crowded (it was MLK weekend) and noisy. By 4 PM we had seen the shows we wanted and ridden enough rides to call it a day.

A visit to the pool was a great release; the day had been close to 80 degrees. After the pool, dinner at the Saltgrass steakhouse was a fitting end to the day.

The five of us in Hogsmeade

Ed and Chris Jan. 21