Harry Potter’s World
Wow, what a thrill we had on Wednesday! Lenny, Chester and I went to Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure, Orlando. Our idea was simple, full immersion in the Harry Potter experience. We began with a 20 minute wait for Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure. This attraction is a riveting experience as you ride seated on either a side car or a motorbike through Hagrid’s world. The twists and turns of this jaunt led to the sensation of free falling. And just when you think you are almost done, the ride does the majority of the tour in reverse. Harry Potter fans, this ride is worth the wait! You do feel as if you are on Hagrid’s motor bike. Lenny describes this ride in one word-AWESOME!
After Hagrid, we flew through Hogwarts Castle on Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. There is a surprise around every turn as your senses are overwhelmed with the sights, sounds and smells of this magical world.
Completing the experience is the Hogwarts Express train. This journey is a replica of the train station used in the Harry Potter films. You can take the train from Hogsmeade Station to Kings Cross and back, but this trip requires admission to both parks. The train ride is not to be missed, as scenes from the movie are shown through the train windows while Harry Potter and crew converse just outside your train cabin.
We enjoyed the special effects and animatronics at Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts. A high speed chase through Gringotts bank, the ride often has a wait time of over an hour. Although we missed walking though the bank with the eyes of the Goblins watching us, we avoided the long wait and used the Single Rider line instead. Lenny and I were separated from Chester, but we did not mind as we only waited 10 minutes. I understand why this is one of the best rides at Universal Studios. You really feel like you are traveling with Harry, Ron, and Hermione, through the dark bank vaults, as you come face to face with Voldemort and the dragons. This is a mesmerizing, not to be missed attraction!
Chester snagged us a reservation at Lombard’s Seafood Grille, a stunning replica of the San Francisco restaurant, for “linner”( our word for a larger mid-afternoon meal which substitutes for lunch and dinner). For our meal, Chester and I enjoyed the San Francisco Cobb salad with grilled chicken, while Lenny ate The Classic French Onion Soup and Fish and Chips. Lenny said that the French Onion Soup was one of the best he has eaten.
After “linner” we rode Men In Black-Alien attack, a ride which has become a family favorite. We love shooting down aliens with our laser guns. While this is an older ride (opening on April 14, 2000) it is suitable for all ages. If your stomach is bothered by a ride that spins, we recommend that you bypass this ride as your car twists and spins through the dark.
As this was mainly a Harry Potter day, we returned to Diagon Alley to experience all of the special effects of the shops and of course to drink some famous butter beer.
Harry Potter fans, we strongly suggest that you purchase your wands, costumes, and t-shirts before travelling to Universal Studios and Island of Adventure. While they are expensive in the theme parks, you can find them on Amazon in advance.
Lombard’s Grille Interior
