JAMBO Everybody...An August 2011 TR (Completed May 13)

[MEK]

I didn't realize you went to Universal to see Harry. Great pictures. Thanks for posting so many! I can't wait to hear how you made out on the forbidden journey. I really hope to get over there once of these days. Great morning so far!

 

[pkondz]

Time for another post!

This day was the day we had all waited for! We were going off property to IOA to visit WWOHP...and other stuff there

There's other stuff there???
Actually, the last time I was there... there wasn't any 'there'. It was around 20 years ago and there was just the one park. I'm sure nothing's changed 'tho.

No time to stop this morning and that's when I knew we were on a very serious mission...if Jasmine has no time for Starbucks!!!!

Whoa. That's dedication for ya.

Is it wrong to want to have a margarita at 830am? I could have used one!

If you're on vacation, you shouldn't drink until after 5pm. Of course it's always after 5 somewhere.

The Adventure Begins.....dear Lord, keep us safe!!!

That just made me

Finally, WWOHP...oh how excited we were! I was a little nauseated at the thought of The Forbidden Journey, but I trucked right along!

Ah, such a trooper. Always making the big sacrifices for your family.

See that face...that's the "hurray up mother, the line up is getting longer" face...I received that look a few times on this day!

a little fuzzy, I was a tad bit excited and clearly couldn't hold the camera steady

So you did stop at Margaritaville!

Honeydukes....seeing this was like stepping thru the movie screen and into Hogsmeade....it was so neat!

Owl Post...I could have taken picture after picture but we did have a destination in line and a certain couple of teenagers kept reminding me of this fact!

The Forbidden Journey!!!

Wow! Those pics are great (yes even the fuzzy one. ) Can't wait to read more about your day!

 

[dvc4life]

Ahhh, Queen, this is so exciting. I am really interested in your pictures and everything you are doing at WWOHP. My girls were there last March, but didn't take any pictures grrrrrr, and loved it. And since we are coming down in May they really want to go there with their Dad. So, we are going there our first day in Florida, May 25th. Which also happens to be my DH's Birthday!

So, I am loving any and all advice you have for this adventure.

And, no, I don't see anything wrong with a Margarita at 8:30. You are on vacation after all!

Can't wait for the next update!

 

[jdd]

Subbing! We've just finalized our plans to stay at Kidani in August, so I'm really enjoying your report. Love to hear more of your thoughts on the resort...

 

[ZehnJahren]

Aw, I totally want to go see the WWOHP and try the rides. I haven't been to IOA, but my mom and I went to US in 1994.... Yep, been quite a few years. Looking forward to your vantage point of WWOHP; the pictures always look so exciting.

 

[onescgirl]

Can't wait to see all the pics of WWOHP. I would love to go there one day. We love all the books & movies.
Isn't this the trip that you also went to a wedding?

 

[TanzUnited99]

on seeing a Starbucks but lol you must have been on a mission if you weren't able to stop!!

Sounds like a great day at IOA - loving the WWoHP pics

 

[amazingact21]

WWoHP must have been so much fun! I've been trying to make time to go there for years. Even though IoA is not Disney, it's still really fun, especially if people in your party love rollercoasters.

I can't wait to hear about the rest of your day! I bet it was a lot of fun!

 

[Queenofallthings]

Jasmine, Jasmine, Jasmine. I would have been hitting that Starbucks and telling the others I would catch up with them.

You sound so excited about your day at IOA. It's nice to have a car and "explore" outside THE World every once in awhile.

Can't wait to hear how you liked all of the attractions.

If she had known where she was going that is exactly what she would have done...but she was scared of not finding us

It was exciting to head over to IOA....I have fond memories of being there when Jasmine was 10 so it was a little tour down memory lane for me!

Oh.. I love the Harry Potter Pictures!! Can't wait for more!!!

debbie

I'm so happy you like them! I will be posting more!!

Yay 4 WWOHP!!!!! I a
m also a HUGE fan of anything harry potter related! I was totally one of those people who cried when I saw the last movie because that meant harry potter was over. I have also gone 2 three of the book premires (5,6 and 7) and 5 of the midnight movies (4, 5, 6, 7 and 8). Actually for the fourth movie we went at midnight and then were on an early morning flight 2 disney the next day and it was either go 2 the midnight premire or wait another week before going 2 see it. Waiting another week 2 see it wasn't an option. It was absolutely worth it 2 be super tired the next day! (actually I just slept on the plane and slept before the movie and I was fine). The funny thing is that the ultimate reason why i am even into harry potter at all was because when i was in third grade my teacher offered everyone a pizza party who read up 2 a certain point in the first harry potter book and of course that was what finally motivated me and then it became my favorite book series ever and I read the first 4 books within one school year (there were 4 books out at the time and the fourth one had just come out when I began reading the first one)! I have since become known as "the harry potter fan" amongst my friends. In fact, harry potter and disney are two obsessions that probably weight close 2 equally in my book. Slight shifts one way or the other depending on the day. I can't wait 2 hear what you thought of WWOHP! I was seriously in love with it my first time being there a year ago!

Liked seeing your pics entering universal, that is exactly how i was entering there for the first time because I knew that if it weren't 4 harry potter I wouldn't have even been there.

You defnitely know when a teenage girl is on a mission if there is no time 2 stop @ starbucks! I am also a fan of starbucks! I love stopping there before boarding a flight (either starbucks or mcdonald's).

I can totally relate 2 jasmine and jeff when it comes 2 just going 2 forbbiden journey! I can't wait 2 hear what you guys thought of it!

I got addicted to the books when I bought the first one for Jasmine. She was still a little too young to be able to read a book like that so I started reading it to her. She was not interested at all after the first couple of chapters, but I was hooked! Once she was a little older she was at the midnight screenings and the book stores when the new books came out!

Jasmine always stops for a Starbuck's before getting on the plane! I love my Tim Horton's coffee so I usually skip the Starbuck's line and head for McD's coffee when we are changing planes!

Poor Jasmine--seeing that sign must have been like one of us seeing a monorail...haha...Personally, I like WaWa coffee so much better.

I can't wait to hear about your opinion on Harry Potter!

I was just thinking of you my friend as I am watching your Flyers play my Jets!! Too bad you couldn't have come along with the team for a visit

Ok...what's Wa Wa coffee

Oh my gosh WWOHP looks so amazing!! I have read all the books and seen all the movies and I just love them!! I hope one day we make it there to the park, but for now I will live through your TR

I would have stopped for starbucks, Disney has terrible coffee

It was amazing! More than I ever thought it would be...it was like being in the movie! I have more to share with you!

I hate Disney coffee, I think that's why I love breakfast at Boma and Kona....pressed pot delicious coffee

 

[Queenofallthings]

I'm not sure what I'm more excited about the Starbucks or WWOHP!
You sound just like someone who lives in my house
Never been to WWOHP. I was hoping to fit in a visit this next trip but it's not to be. I'll have to live through you so let's get on with it.... In case you can't see me I've got a look that says "Let's get on with this TR". It looks very similar to Jasmine's look here. Just picture a few more pounds and wrinkles.

You crack me up "just picture a few more pounds and wrinkles" Jasmine said you're beautiful! You're obviously Starbucks buddies for life now!

Hey no problem skipping past Starbucks, it is over-priced , poor quality coffee. Sorry Jasmine.

I don't love their coffee either, I'm a Timmies girl, but she does love her black tea lemonade....only thing she buys there

Hi Queen! I love the IOA update... I keep saying if I venture out of WDW I would go there because I am also a big Harry Potter fan.


Anyway I'm so looking forward to reading more- hope all is well!

Carla

Hey Carla! It is well worth the trip IMO! We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves....I have more pics coming up!

Just wanted to stop by and say I am enjoying your TR! I'm the same way with visiting Universal, I'm only interested in the HP section and if you try to get me anywhere else in that park, good luck!

Thank you for popping in to say hi and I'm so happy you're enjoying the TR! We did venture to other parts of the park, but I know next time, we will spend a lot more time in WWOHP!

I have to admit I haven't read or seen anything Harry Potter.

I don't really know why...I recently purchased all the DVD's so I look forward to finding out what all the buzz is about.

I wonder if Jasmine got her Starbucks on the way home.

I think you'll really enjoy them! I loved the books...I'm a book girl more than a movie girl but I do enjoy the Potter movies!

She did not get it on the way home! I know, I was speechless too!

 

[Queenofallthings]

Fun update! I'm not a huge Harry Potter fan, but I'd like to get over to IoA one of these days. We did US 8 years ago, and it was a little disappointing. Could have been that we'd been on a cruise and spent 4 days at WDW prior to going tho.

Same thing happened to us when we went to US....we had spent 12 days at Disney and I just felt it didn't come close!

Jasmine definitely must have been excited for the day if she didn't want to stop at Starbucks! Starbucks is delicious! What does she like to order from there?

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter! Yay! I want to visit there so badly on our next trip to Disney. Everything looks so perfect and just like you're actually there. I can't wait to hear how you end up liking the Forbidden Journey! I bet it's a blast!

I know! I couldn't believe it...that's why I took the picture....to torment her from that day until we got home She always orders a black tea lemonade light ice! She put on her down vest on the other day there and in the pocket was her receipt from the Starbucks at MCO! It was the evening they arrived to leave on their cruise the next day and her drink there was $2.69 and here the exact same drink is $4.09

I didn't realize you went to Universal to see Harry. Great pictures. Thanks for posting so many! I can't wait to hear how you made out on the forbidden journey. I really hope to get over there once of these days. Great morning so far!

Thanks Mary Ellen! I have more for my next post, I hope you enjoy those as well! I think you would love it!

There's other stuff there???
Actually, the last time I was there... there wasn't any 'there'. It was around 20 years ago and there was just the one park. I'm sure nothing's changed 'tho.

Nothing....nope....sounds the same

Whoa. That's dedication for ya.

I'm telling you...I was rendered speechless!

If you're on vacation, you shouldn't drink until after 5pm. Of course it's always after 5 somewhere.

That's what I told them all....they gave me the "look"

That just made me
[SIZE=""]When we were there in 2002, I believe I prayed before and during The Incredible Hulk too![/SIZE]


Ah, such a trooper. Always making the big sacrifices for your family.

I give and give....it's who I am....(I think I told you that before) and I give and give!





So you did stop at Margaritaville!

I can see why you would think that

Wow! Those pics are great (yes even the fuzzy one. ) Can't wait to read more about your day!

Hopefully one evening this week!

 

[Missyrose]

Yay! I'm so glad you got to visit WWoHP. The place is simply magical. We visited in 2010 and we still marvel over it. The details they put into Hogsmeade are just incredible. You're totally right when you say it feels like you've stepped through the movie screen.

I can't wait to see what you guys think of Forbidden Journey! And did you get to try some frozen butterbeer?

 

[klacey1]

Ahhh, wasn't the WWoHP just amazing?! I think we were actually there the same day, so I'm peering at all of your pictures to see if I can spot Zach and I in the background!

 

[mickeysmyboy]

Woo hoo for WWOHP! We have to get there soon!! It looks amazing!! I think the kiddos would love it! DD10's BFF is obsessed with HP and she's starting to get into it now! Can't wait to hear more about it!

 

[IheartDDuck]

Girl, I am just waiting on pins and needles waiting to see how you felt about FJ.

 

[Queenofallthings]

Ahhh, Queen, this is so exciting. I am really interested in your pictures and everything you are doing at WWOHP. My girls were there last March, but didn't take any pictures grrrrrr, and loved it. And since we are coming down in May they really want to go there with their Dad. So, we are going there our first day in Florida, May 25th. Which also happens to be my DH's Birthday!

So, I am loving any and all advice you have for this adventure.

And, no, I don't see anything wrong with a Margarita at 8:30. You are on vacation after all!

Can't wait for the next update!

That's so exciting, I think you will love it! Great way to spend a birthday for your DH

The only advice that I can think of off the top of my head is get there right away and get on The Forbidden Journey first thing! It was really the only ride we waited any length of time for!

That's how I feel....ice cream for breakfast and it never hurts to have a margarita before noon while on vacation!

Subbing! We've just finalized our plans to stay at Kidani in August, so I'm really enjoying your report. Love to hear more of your thoughts on the resort...

Great to have you along!! Congratulations on booking Kidani...you will love the resort! There is so much to do, if your schedule permits, make sure to book some "just resort" time...it is so worth it!! Also, we love Boma...love love love for breakfast and dinner and I've heard only great things about Sanaa but have never been!

Aw, I totally want to go see the WWOHP and try the rides. I haven't been to IOA, but my mom and I went to US in 1994.... Yep, been quite a few years. Looking forward to your vantage point of WWOHP; the pictures always look so exciting.

I know what you mean, our last visit was 2002 so it was a long time coming. Next trip, we'd like to have a day at Sea World so my nieces can experience that and I'm hoping to convince my sister to book a Discovery Cove day as well!!

Can't wait to see all the pics of WWOHP. I would love to go there one day. We love all the books & movies.
Isn't this the trip that you also went to a wedding?

Amy you guys would just love it! It sure is...that is still to come

on seeing a Starbucks but lol you must have been on a mission if you weren't able to stop!!

Sounds like a great day at IOA - loving the WWoHP pics

I still can't believe she passed it by It really was such a great day!

WWoHP must have been so much fun! I've been trying to make time to go there for years. Even though IoA is not Disney, it's still really fun, especially if people in your party love rollercoasters.

I can't wait to hear about the rest of your day! I bet it was a lot of fun!

Most of us do love roller coasters. Geodoc and MM sat our Dragon Challenge because I think MM was too short I know it wouldn't be because she was scared, the child is a daredevil!

 

[Queenofallthings]

Yay! I'm so glad you got to visit WWoHP. The place is simply magical. We visited in 2010 and we still marvel over it. The details they put into Hogsmeade are just incredible. You're totally right when you say it feels like you've stepped through the movie screen.

I can't wait to see what you guys think of Forbidden Journey! And did you get to try some frozen butterbeer?

I have no regrets about booking the day at IOA...all the kids loved it and both Peg and Geodoc did too! For Jasmine and Jeff, it was a little more thrilling with the rides that Disney so they said they would like to spend a couple of days there next time they both go!

Can't wait to tell you all about our rides!!

Ahhh, wasn't the WWoHP just amazing?! I think we were actually there the same day, so I'm peering at all of your pictures to see if I can spot Zach and I in the background!

I thought of our conversation when you told me we were going on the busiest day and boy did I regret not moving stuff around We made the best of it and had a ball tho! I thought we were one day apart...but then my memory isn't the best

Woo hoo for WWOHP! We have to get there soon!! It looks amazing!! I think the kiddos would love it! DD10's BFF is obsessed with HP and she's starting to get into it now! Can't wait to hear more about it!

Woo Hoo is right...simply enchanting! I am going to have a post up by this afternoon!

Girl, I am just waiting on pins and needles waiting to see how you felt about FJ.

Coming right up girl!!! You're going to get a kick out of it that's for sure

 

[Queenofallthings]

I got a little behind this week in my posting so I best get to it! What a crazy week and I'm so glad it's behind me! Now where was I....oh yeah....WWOHP!!! We had just arrived at our final destination Jasmine kept telling me to stop saying that!!!

This was incredible and I have to say the pictures really don't do it justice!

One last pic looking up and while one is looking up, doesn't hurt to say a little prayer before entering!

Jeff checking out the map and trying to be brave...I think you all know that is not possible for him on a scary ride!

Lockers....I made a fatal error here! I put everything in the locker including my camera because that's what I thought we had to do....but you can take your camera! There were so many amazing things to look at while you were in the queue that I was kicking myself when I saw other people with their cameras. Now that I know what the ride is like I know I can bring my camera next time! I was getting more and more nervous the closer we got because I had absolutely no idea what this ride was going to be like and with age I have developed a little motion sickness.... I can only tell you it is the most amazing ride experience I have ever had! I will not spoil it by telling you what it's like...but I did have to close my eyes a couple of times due to motion sickness and a couple of times out of sheer terror...not gonna lie to you. Jeff and Jasmine were screaming too...it was such a great ride!!!! The kids wanted to do it again and I thought why not?

This was why not....no one wanted to wait 45 minutes...it was so hot!! So we were on our way to see what else we could see!

I love this one...just like in the movie!

Ollivanders....this place was crazy! I was disappointment because I wanted to get my bff's daughter a wand because she is a HP freak (and I mean that in the nicest way) but the line up was so long! Well much to my surprise they had a young lady set up right outside and down from FJ but I couldn't make up my mind as to which wand to get her....I would have to think about it for a while!

Owl Post...all the stores were jammed with people so we wandered a little further....

The buildings and the snow are so life like....I'm telling you, it's like being in the movie....I was waiting to see the 3 kids walking down the street in their robes!

Chocolate frogs....I thought about getting one of these for Kayla too but knew there was no way it would survive an entire day at the park!

More chocolate frogs and assorted candy

more candy....I think we were in the candy store.....LOL

Cauldron Cakes....I had read on the boards how delciious these were but my stomach was still a bit queasy (ok a lot queasy) so I passed...I know on so many levels how wrong that is but I just couldn't do it and Jasmine said she wasn't hungry!!! Eating chocolate cake is not about being hungry...I still have so much work to do with her!

Once we saw this sign I would whisper this in the children's ears all day....it's sport for me...I think I've told you that before LOL

Turned around to grab another shot and the Butterbeer cart....and no, none of us tried it....I think it was just too early and I just couldn't stomach anything sweet at that point...I know, I can't believe it myself!

Hogwarts Express....this was so cool to see!

Then the kids ran into the conductor and what fun he was!

Timetable and fares for the Express

One more shot of butterbeer cart....could I do it....nope, not before Dragon Challenge that's for sure!

Jeff, Jasmine, Peg, SW and I all went on Dragon Challenge while Geodoc stayed with MM...she was so bummed that she couldn't ride but we told her she would be able to for sure next trip! Jasmine and I rode this in 2002 when it was Duelling Dragons and loved it. I wish you could have seen their faces when we told them the floor drops out from under you and your feet dangle....I wished again at that moment that I hadn't left my camera with Geodoc! It was so great ... so great in fact that everyone wanted to ride again...except the adults, we waitied here for the kids! They just loved this ride and I know they could have kept going but we had others things to do and see so off we went.

Bye WWOHP....we'll be back soon....I hope!

One last shot!!!!

Where we were headed next!

 

[KatMark]

Queen, we are in car and I'm on my iPhone so hope not too many typos. While I have never read book or seen full movie, I enjoyed all your photos. I can't believe you passed up the cake. But I hear you on motion sickness... I found that out after riding Star Tours in January; no fun getting older.

 

[amazingact21]

No cauldron cake or butterbeer?! You're so much stronger than me, I don't think I could even imagining passing up on those sweets.

I'm glad you enjoyed Dragon Challenge and Forbidden Journey (despite the motion sickness). I'm sure your pictures would've been very cool of the walkthough area, but at least you were able to take it all in. I know sometimes when I'm trying to capture everything I see, I tend to miss a thing or two.


Hogsmeade just looks so cool. It seems like Universal did a fantastic job capturing the feel of the books and movies. Probably made you forget there were other parts of the parks while you were in there.