A No Snooze Bar Christmas, Harry & Mickey are Waiting..it is done

[petals]

Great updates!

Probably because you do not have little kids...their is a max. height requirement...if you over and do not have someone to ride with that side they will not even let you into the playground area...the CMs stop you at the entrance.

Kinda explains it

 

[reelmom]

How funny that Ab jumped out at the wrong family.

Being sick on vacation is the worst. My DS9 got sick one time at Disney. Thank goodness we had planned on doing a non park day the next day the night he started getting sick. It was just a 24 hour bug but it was not fun.

 

[momabaarjo]

Sunrise Over Hogsmeade​

It seemed like only minutes from the time I went to bed until I was awoken by my alarm telling me it was time to get up and get around for early entry. I roll over and ask Ab if she still wants to go, and of course the answer is yes by both her and Boo…although the yes is not nearly as excited as they were yesterday morning. I get in the shower and get around while the two of them get up and get dressed (Jeff and I already had agreed that he and Goo would be sleeping in and would meet us later).

What a difference a day makes...here is Goo the first morning and now here is how we left him the second morning.

We are out the door close to 6 am, still dark but this time the air is a little cooler and no foggy mist as the previous morning. The walk to IOA of adventure was a quiet one and we arrived along with another family. We should have brought our jackets as Ab huddles up in a little ball. She asks if she could go get hers, but I am really leery about letting her walk back in the dark alone and ask her just to stick it out...which resulted in a teen pout fest.

We strike up a great conversation with the family behind us and they begin asking for pointers on what to do with their early entry time as the crowds behind us start to grow. About 6:30 a ticket/gate agent appears to get the computers up and running. She begins talking to the kids and we start asking her about crowds. She tells us that they are really expecting crowds to be extremely heavy again today...apparently after we left yesterday afternoon not only did WWofHP go to stand by line, but the entire IOA went to a standby entry just to get into the park itself (I guess it was a good thing we left we when did because the crowds never seemed to be an issue for us yesterday). Yikes! There are 2 bowl games in the area this weekend and Universal is expecting that crowd on top of the already large holiday crowd. The next 1/2 hour passes by quickly and before we know it, it is time to scan tickets and head through the gates with the rest of the masses for early entry. Wouldn't you know it, Boo's ticket scans but the turn-stall will not turn.

I could see Ab get really frustrated because once again we were letting people ahead of us after getting her so early. Finally they have Boo slip under and we talk off for WWofHP, this time remembering to take the short cut around/behind Seuss Landing, where we are able to get back ahead of most the people and enter Hogwarts ahead of the rush. We had already decided that once again we would go to Olivander's

first in hopes that Boo will get picked by a wand. When we get there we end up in about the same position as we did the day before, so our chances look good. As we wait, I take a few pictures of the sunrise appearing over the chimney's of the buildings in Hogsmeade.

Someone asked me a few pages back about why Hogsmeade was covered in snow at Universal...well, I think the answer lays in the first time JK introduces us to Hogsmeade in the books...

"Hogsmeade looked like a Christmas card; the little thatched cottages and shops were all covered in a layer of crisp snow; there were holly wreaths on the doors and strings of enchanted candles hanging in the trees."

The door opens to Olivander's and we end up in the first group for the first show...near the last ones to enter. This is not good place to be picked from according to everything I have read. I still silently say a prayer that still maybe Boo will get picked, but of course true to rumor, another child is picked in our group...and he was standing in the rumored secret spot. I did manage to get a few nice pictures of the wand ceremony that I had not gotten the day before since Ab was picked, and I was videoing.

Disappointed Boo watches the show, and I remind him that we have 2 more early entry days to try for. After the show, we exit through the Owl Post and Boo asks if we could try one more time this morning. We look at the line, which is not much larger than it was when we went in, so I agree that the Forbidden Journey can wait and we line up again for Olivander's and make our way towards the entrance, will the 2nd time be the charm?

 

[jdd]

Poor Boo! Tummy troubles are the worst, and that's miserable to be sick on vacation! Hope he felt better quickly.

Keeping my fingers crossed that Boo gets picked by a wand - really can't wait to do this in August

 

[Mom&RN]

Poor Goo. In all the times my son and I have been to Disney he has only been "sick" one time - it turned out to be allergies. He's allergic to cedar and we were staying at Pop and they were replacing all the cedar chips under/around their landscaping and Ben woke up in the middle of the night miserable and crying with a terrible sore throat and stuffed up nose. I'm a nurse and you'd think I would have been the one that figured out what was wrong but NO, my son figured it out the next morning when we went out to find him something to make him feel better and he said "hey Mom are those cedar chips the landscapers are working with?" I bought some VERY expensive claritin in the gift shop and we actually chose to go to a park just to get away from the cedar chips and he felt better by that night. For the rest of our visit we played dodge the landscapers

 

[annmarieda]

Oh man there is nothing worse than being woke by the... well, it is almost like a sixth sense that something is happening or about to happen with one of the kids. Well, I guess worse is cleaning it up... or worse yet... being the one making the mess sad2: poor Goo)

I hope that the second time is a charm for Boo! I have to say...what a good mom you are for going out before the sun is up! I am all about the early mornings... but didn't do that.

 

[FosterA]

Loving all your updates!
wow, what a night with the throwing up fiasco. eeeeek. I have a feeling though, because of the teasers you posted while you were on vacation, that Goo wont be the only one to get sick though. I'm worried about who will be next!
I keep getting confused though because you said Boo would stay behind with dad this morning but I think you meant Goo. Those 2 get me all mixed up I do love the two photos side by side of how Goo looked one morning compared to the next Poor baby.

Bummer that you guys didn't score a wand again. I'll cross my fingers for the next 2 chances you have though!

 

[Nalshersmom]

I just wanted to let you know I love reading your trip report! My husband and I are taking our three kids ages 2(boy), 4,and 6(girls) year olds in September along with my brother and my mom to WDW and Universal. I am such a planner also so I am taking notes. Thank you for all of your pics and details. That sounds so sad to be sick on such a trip. I can't wait to hear about the rest of your trip!

 

[momabaarjo]

Poor Boo! Tummy troubles are the worst, and that's miserable to be sick on vacation! Hope he felt better quickly.

Keeping my fingers crossed that Boo gets picked by a wand - really can't wait to do this in August

I hope he gets picked too...that way I don't have to keep standing in line at Olivanders!

Poor Goo. In all the times my son and I have been to Disney he has only been "sick" one time - it turned out to be allergies. He's allergic to cedar and we were staying at Pop and they were replacing all the cedar chips under/around their landscaping and Ben woke up in the middle of the night miserable and crying with a terrible sore throat and stuffed up nose. I'm a nurse and you'd think I would have been the one that figured out what was wrong but NO, my son figured it out the next morning when we went out to find him something to make him feel better and he said "hey Mom are those cedar chips the landscapers are working with?" I bought some VERY expensive claritin in the gift shop and we actually chose to go to a park just to get away from the cedar chips and he felt better by that night. For the rest of our visit we played dodge the landscapers

Funny how expensive things that you really need can be in a gift shop! I am glad that you figured out the problem and were able to continue on your trip!

Oh man there is nothing worse than being woke by the... well, it is almost like a sixth sense that something is happening or about to happen with one of the kids. Well, I guess worse is cleaning it up... or worse yet... being the one making the mess sad2: poor Goo)

Funny how you and I both got to do this task on our trips...okay not funny!

I hope that the second time is a charm for Boo! I have to say...what a good mom you are for going out before the sun is up! I am all about the early mornings... but didn't do that.

I tell you we are normally morning people...but as the trip wore on...

Loving all your updates!
wow, what a night with the throwing up fiasco. eeeeek. I have a feeling though, because of the teasers you posted while you were on vacation, that Goo wont be the only one to get sick though. I'm worried about who will be next!



confused though because you said Boo would stay behind with dad this morning but I think you meant Goo. Those 2 get me all mixed up I do love the two photos side by side of how Goo looked one morning compared to the next Poor baby.

I am confused too...went back and fixed my post it was Goo staying behind in bed!

Bummer that you guys didn't score a wand again. I'll cross my fingers for the next 2 chances you have though!

I just wanted to let you know I love reading your trip report! My husband and I are taking our three kids ages 2(boy), 4,and 6(girls) year olds in September along with my brother and my mom to WDW and Universal. I am such a planner also so I am taking notes. Thank you for all of your pics and details. That sounds so sad to be sick on such a trip. I can't wait to hear about the rest of your trip!

So glad you are finding information to help you plan your trip. I am so excited for you and your family...and a little jealous.

 

[momabaarjo]

2nd Time is the Charm​

After leaving Olivander's disappointed, Boo wants to try one more time this morning to get picked by a wand. So we head back into the line (after waiting a about 5 minutes trying to position ourselves for being in the right place). As we make our way to the entrance I think we are all silently praying that this will be the last time that we stand in this line, because as we watch the crowds keep building. I can see over to the Forbidden Journey that the wait time is now posted at around 30 minutes and by my calculation by the time we finish at Olivanders non resort guests will now be allowed entrance into WWofHP. The line begins to move again and we turn the corner to the entrance and are stopped 1 family short of being at the front of the line for the next show, yes there is one family with 4 children standing between us and the "wand picking spot." I sigh knowing that Boo will probably not get picked this time either, but Boo is pulling out all the stops and starts up a conversation with the CMs outside the door, hoping this will up his chances. As the door opens and we are ushered in for our show the family in front of us heads to the corner of the shop behind the staircase and the CM ushers us in front of them. I feel pretty bad, that we are told to stand in front of them...but on the other hand we are right in position to be picked. The room quickly fills and the lights dim as the show begins.

"Welcome to Olivander's, makers of fine wands since 382 BC....There is very powerful magic in this room." The lights flicker and dim as Olivander's assistant walks over to Boo and asks the famous question "Which is your wand hand?" and motions him to come forward.

Link to YouTube Video of Boo Being Picked
Mind you that this is very dark and hard to see, but it fairness I had to post his video too!​

Just as much as I was beaming for Ab the morning before, I beamed for Boo getting chosen by a wand. After the show we head into the Owl Post where Boo, who had already decided he was going to buy a wand, goes about picking a wand. He did not like the wand that picked him in the show, I don't really blame him either. Ab goes into Dervish and Banges, while I wait for both of them between the shops. Goo brings over a wand with a big ugly skull and tells me this is what the CM says is his wand (according to his birthday, and being male)...my reaction was not pretty...it was uglier than the one that had chosen him.

I think he too senses, this is not the wand for him and he goes back to opening all the cases and looking at each wand there is. He finally decides on the Ash Wand for February, but the female one...which I think is a lot better looking!

I am not sure how long we were in Olivander's, but I know it was quite awhile because by the time we emerged back onto the streets of Hogsmeade and made our way to Hogswarts we encounter...

 

[momabaarjo]

Update Alert...
This will be my last update until probably earlier next week. It is our spring break and I am headed to Colorado with the kids to spend time with my family...so needless to say I will not be available to update for a few days.​

I really would much rather stay home, but since I dodged my family at Christmas for our trip, I guess it is time I deal with family drama....

 

[LuvEeyore]

Have fun in Colorado on Spring break!!!

 

[lovethattink]

I wondered about the snow on the roofs. Thanks for the explanation. That's sad he wasn't picked. I thought about you guys with the ball games in the area.

 

[lovethattink]

Yay!! He got picked the 2nd time!! Have a great time in Colorado!!

 

[reelmom]

Your last update brought tears to my eyes. I am so glad that Boo got picked. Have fun on your trip.

 

[petals]

I'm so glad boo got picked

 

[BrerMama]

Have a great trip to Colorado!!

 

[annmarieda]

Have a good break! And Yay for Boo getting picked!!!

 

[momabaarjo]

Decisions of a Teenage Tightwad​

As we make our way to Hogwarts we encounter a new crazy queue that was not their yesterday at this time, apparently IOA is REALLY expecting huge crowds later in the day. At 7:45 am the wait time for Forbidden Journey is at 30 minutes, and happily we decide that it is time to ride so we get in this weird line that makes you walk snake twice across the bridge going into Jurassic Park in the roped line until you finally make it to the front gates of Hogwarts. This crazy line gives us some great shots of Hogwarts this morning.

1st Time in Line for Olivanders

2nd Time in Line for Olivanders

Queuing Up for Forbidden Journey

As we enter into Hogwarts today we have to use those EVIL lockers provided for by IOA (actually I think the lockers must be close relatives to the dementors). This is first experience with the lockers for this trip, and sadly it will not be the last either. We push our way into the already filled room (okay, yes pushing because there is so many people that there is no way around not pushing) and make our way over to one of the computers, but of course there is someone in front of us who has no clue how to work the machine, so I go about explaining and helping him through the process.

TIP: If you are carrying your phone with you or camera take a picture of your locker (or have something to write your number one), trust me you may think you can remember a simple 3 digit number but with the crowds and excitement of the upcoming ride, chances are you will forget it. I have seen it happen, and come close myself of forgetting.​

With our bags safely stowed we head back to the line area with my intention for us to use the single rider line, but Ab and Boo want to go through the castle again (thank goodness the wait time is only 30 minutes). As we emerge from the tunnel area, I see that the queuing system outside is again different the day before

with more twists and turns made by more chains and ropes and like yesterday the next 30 minutes is filled with snaking our way through the line with barely any standing time and before we know it time to ride. After the ride we decide to spend some time looking around Filch’s Emporium of Confiscated Goods.

Ab can’t find Spectrespecs and she has her heart set on buying a pair so we decide to track down a CM to help us locate a pair. Guess what, they are back in Dervish and Banges (yes, we were just there). So like a good mother we go back to Dervish and Banges where search once again unsuccessfully till we flag down a CM who points us to the display…of paper ones.

YUCK, Ab decides that she is not wasting her money on those and decides she wants a scarf and looks through the display. She can’t decide which house, because she loves both Slytherin and Gryffindor.

After many minutes (and my toe tapping) ahe decides she wants to go back to Filch's and get a Hogwarts scarf,

so back we go to Filch's. While at Filch’s I spot the Christmas ornaments and have Ab and Boo pick out an ornament for themselves and Goo,

after which Ab decides to stand and stare at the scarves trying to make up her mind what she wants to do after she realizes the Hogwarts scarves are not very long. Frustrated I get in line and by the ornaments thinking she will quickly get in line with me.

But no, we are dealing with a teenage tightwad. She is still standing staring at the scarves when I make my way back to her when she decides she is getting neither! UGH, so we have the talk…okay, the frustrated mom talking to the not listening teenage daughter talk. Not getting anywhere I decide to look around some more and find picture frames

and pick out one for myself and get back in line where Ab finally joins me with a Hogwarts scarf. While in line we now notice that the once partially filled gift shop is now overflowing with people. After our purchase the two decide it is time for butter beer and we make our way back down into Hogsmeade feeling like fish swimming upstream, but before we do I take a moment to get a picture of the two of them in front of Hogswarts.

As we are about to get in line for butter beer, my teenage daughter decides that she wants to get a Gryffindor scarf inside Dervish and Banges…UGH! She slips into the gift shop to and somehow during this time I manage to lose Boo.

 

[reelmom]

I am so glad to see that they sell Harry Potter Ornaments. Ornaments are the souvenirs that I usually buy because I will actually use them. You are very patient with teenagers. Mine are not quite that age yet but I am bracing myself. I have already seen signs of whats to come with my soon to be 10 year old.