Today we wrapped up our vacation by going back to Universal Studios - Islands of Adventure, but visiting the areas that are not Harry Potter related. Interestingly, those areas of the park were practically deserted...
In "Superheroes Land," we enjoyed the Spiderman ride. It was a creative mix of coaster, simulator, and 3D glasses that was particularly effective. At one point, when the bad guys blasted our car with the levitation ray and we flew into the air, Granison turned to me (after a moment) and said, "I just now realized that we aren't being lifted into the air!"
Directly after the ride, Garry picked a fight...
(Which Is Odd, Since He Thinks That Being Evil Is "Kewl")
In "Comic Strip Land," Granison's alter-ego, Kevin, began to truly emerge...
Later on, in "Jurassic Park Land," Granison returned just in time to locate another "hidden" Photo Spot:
Then he tried to scale a rock-climbing wall. He did OK, but didn't make it to the top.
Ultimately, we ended up back in Harry Pottersville. We rode the dueling dragons a couple of times, and the still-amazing "Forbidden Journey" several times. HINT: After you ride with your group, go back as "single riders." You will very likely get split up from your group, but you'll only wait in line for 5 to 15 minutes as opposed to waiting for 2 hours or more.
Damian caught an ambassadorial presentation from visiting Durmstrang and Beauxbaton wizards.
Far too much shopping was done again by all there. Damian bought more wands: Hermione, Dumbledore, and Sirius Black. I almost bought Voldemort, but didn't. Once I left the park, I regretted the lack... Oh well, the internets are a wonderful series of tubes for that sort of thing. We all had more ButterBeer, and had dinner again at the Three Broomsticks.
While waiting, Russ talked to an employee and found out some interesting tidbits about the park. For instance, Ms. Rowling opted to require her "sign-off" on almost every aspect, brick, and brush stroke in the park. As a result the attention to detail is amazing. For instance:
- There are animated displays in many of the shoppe windows. But they don't run "non-stop." Instead, you have to stand around a bit and wait. The gang did not realize that there was an animated skeleton-eye-gumball machine in the HoneyDukes' window....
- Moaning Myrtle haunts the bathrooms...
- There is a show--of sorts--in the upper area of the Three Broomsticks.
- The gown in the dressmaker's window is (supposedly) the actual gown worn by Hermione in the Goblet of Fire movie.
We waited around hoping that it by the time the park closed at 8pm, it'd be dark enough that we could enjoy the lights on Hogwarts. But it was too light and they shoo'd us out. <sigh>
Even though he was sleepy, Granison still found one more Photo Spot in "Dr. Suess Land"...
(Awwww!)
Then it was back to the room, we packed up our 1000 treasures, and prepared to return to our homes. It was a great vacation...but we're ready to get home and get some rest!
Smooches to all...see you soon!
