Magical May Solo Adventures, updated 2/8

[Saphire5742]

More "New York" photos:





The awning on the building behind me says "Priscilla Hotel, for single young ladies". I'm single and young (to myself at least) and proud of it!











First ride of the day ended up being Revenge of the Mummy. This was a fun and exhilarating ride. I went ahead and bought the photo package because why not. It cost around $100 and includes ride photos where available and from their own photographers roaming about.


Behold my ride photo:



I look so terrified!


Back to Rockit. For those not aware on this ride every seat had individual speakers and before the ride takes off you get to choose a song from various genres. I went with Rock and then chose a song I was not familiar with at all but the name seemed appropriate: Motley Crue's 'Kickstart My Heart'. Let me just say that this ride is freakin AWESOME!! Well except for the slow ascent part where I’m always cursing and wondering what the hell was I thinking. And you can actually see that in the DVD that I purchased (because again why not? Plus it was discounted because I had bought the photo package). But once we get to the high speed fun part of the ride I’m having a blast. The song was absolutely perfect for the ride as well.

The ride photo:




This is what happens the one time I decide to be brave and raise my arms - I totally obscured my whole face. The DVD would take 5 min to be ready and I could either wait or come back later. I decided to come back later. And now I’m kicking myself for not riding again instead since by the time I left the park I was rushing and had no time for another ride. Lesson definitely learned for next time. Also if you decide to purchase the DVD don’t go giving it a cute name because you will end up forgetting it. Just put your own name on it. Trust me on this.

Continued next post...​

 

[Saphire5742]

Now is when we make our way to London and Wizarding World-Diagon Alley. Wow, just wow! Here too the attention to detail is incredible. I was blown away by how they managed to bring the books to life.


First thing I did was ride Escape from Gringotts. My before the ride photo:




After that fun ride I needed some frozen butterbeer. Mmm Mmm Mmm, liquefied butterscotch candy deliciousness. Soooo gooood!


A Tales of Beetle the Bard performance was about to start so I stopped to watch. Cute little show.




And of course you get some photos of Diagon Alley:


Towards the back of the photo is the entrance/exit


Unfortunately didn't catch the dragon breathing fire



I just LOVE that there's even a Museum of Muggle Curiosities. Wish it wasn't just a storefront. That'd be cool to have the wizarding perspective on our everyday objects.












Continued next post...
​

 

[Saphire5742]

Some more Diagon Alley photos:






My grandmother tried to teach me to knit a long time ago. Never could get the hang of it. These Self-Knitting Needles would've helped!


From there I headed out to Kings Cross Station to catch the Hogwarts Express to Hogsmeade.


But before that got a photo in front of the Knight Bus:




I loved all the suitcases lying around as I made my way to Platform 9 ¾.








And there is the majestic looking Hogwarts Express:





And a photo with the platform sign in the background:




(Incidentally has anyone seen the leggings that say “Run like you’re late to Platform 9 ¾” ? It’s been coming up a lot recently on my FB feed. Haven’t bought it but love the clever concept).


Tune in next time for the continuation of my Universal adventure.​

 

[missangelalexis]

Sounds like you were enjoying your time at Universal thus far! I love the Mummy ride, very cool!

 

[wvgoofyfan]

Some more Diagon Alley photos:

View attachment 200935

View attachment 200936

View attachment 200937
My grandmother tried to teach me to knit a long time ago. Never could get the hang of it. These Self-Knitting Needles would've helped!


From there I headed out to Kings Cross Station to catch the Hogwarts Express to Hogsmeade.


But before that got a photo in front of the Knight Bus:

View attachment 200934


I loved all the suitcases lying around as I made my way to Platform 9 ¾.

View attachment 200938

View attachment 200940




And there is the majestic looking Hogwarts Express:

View attachment 200939



And a photo with the platform sign in the background:

View attachment 200941


​

Now I've never had an interest in going to Universal, but you certainly made it look easy.....Maybe I will look into it for my upcoming Jan trip.....I do have a free day...Keep the pict's coming. They are great

 

[fallonkendra]

Sounds like you enjoyed Universal way more than I did (Spoiler alert - I will not be returning anytime soon.).

Great pictures!

 

[Dentam]

Someday I will get to Universal to check out the Harry Potter areas - they look so cool!

 

[Elevationist]

Loving all the Universal pics! I've been twice and both times I only focused on the Harry Potter sections, and didn't take hardly any photos at all. Now when I want to stroll down memory lane, I can just peep your photos!

 

[CinderDuffy]

.

 

[ariane37]

Well I'm here , late to the party and only on page 3 but at least I made it! Still can't believe I didn't know you had this going on I love all your character photos and regardless of what you say, I thnk you come up with really good questions & topics for the characters
Excellent that you may be returning to WDW next fall! I'll be back to finish reading ASAP

 

[ariane37]

Aaaaaand I'm back and caught up! I love your magic shot with the Tinkerbell wings, I've never seen that one before. And while I am in NO WAY into gardening that tour does sound interesting. I really enjoy being there for F&G so when we do it again I may look into some of the special tours, programs etc. they offer.

As for Universal Riptide Rocket was my favorite ride too Not only that but Motley Crue is one of my favorite bands so, good song choice

 

[Saphire5742]

Sounds like you were enjoying your time at Universal thus far!

And there's more coming up next

Now I've never had an interest in going to Universal, but you certainly made it look easy.....Maybe I will look into it for my upcoming Jan trip.....I do have a free day...

I think it's definitely worth looking into. If you do end up going I'd suggest not having anything else planned for that evening back at Disney so you won't feel rushed.

Keep the pict's coming. They are great

Thanks! More coming right up...

Sounds like you enjoyed Universal way more than I did (Spoiler alert - I will not be returning anytime soon.).

What a shame! Sorry to hear that

Great pictures!

Thanks!

Someday I will get to Universal to check out the Harry Potter areas - they look so cool

Hope you get to visit real soon. Universal was so much fun!

Loving all the Universal pics! I've been twice and both times I only focused on the Harry Potter sections

Thanks. I figured since I paid the money might as well enjoy the rest of the parks as well. Also while I very much enjoyed the books and movies I am not an HP superfan so it was easy to leave those areas and explore more

Now when I want to stroll down memory lane, I can just peep your photos!

Glad to be of service!

I'm really enjoying reading about your solo trip. I'm from Brooklyn, too! Park Slope.

fellow Brooklynite! Park Slope is one of my favorite neighborhoods

LOVE your princess nails!

Thanks! Me too. Feel free to "steal"

I'm so glad you did V&A. I will definitely hop over to your DR to read about the experience you had. I love V&A but we don't always make it there. If you want to treat yourself on vacation, and you have the means to do it, you should do it. Life is too short.

V&A was definitely the perfect way to start off this loooooong awaited trip

GASTON. I LOVE GASTON. Every interaction he has is hilarious. It's as much fun to watch him meet with other people as it is to meet with him yourself!

No doubt. Of all the characters he was one of the ones I was most anticipating

Love all your character photos.

Thanks!

There is nothing like walking through an almost-empty park in the morning.

Absolutely!

Congrats on your good news!

Thanks!

Your Universal photos are great, too. Whenever we go, we spend so much time in the HP areas that we don't get to see much else. I really want to make it over to the Mummy ride!

Hopefully my photos entice you to venture out and explore some more. Definitely worth it.

Well I'm here , late to the party and only on page 3 but at least I made it! Still can't believe I didn't know you had this going on

! You're here now and that's what matters. Glad to have you on board

I love all your character photos and regardless of what you say, I thnk you come up with really good questions & topics for the characters

Thanks! A lot of it though was driven by the characters themselves. I have a newfound respect for the actors behind them. They do such a wonderful job!

Excellent that you may be returning to WDW next fall!

Unfortunately not anymore. But all things are for the best. I have an exciting birthday adventure instead!

I love your magic shot with the Tinkerbell wings, I've never seen that one before.

I actually have two, both from Epcot. It's a vey cute magic shot

And while I am in NO WAY into gardening that tour does sound interesting.

It was. And the price rather decent I felt

As for Universal Riptide Rocket was my favorite ride too Not only that but Motley Crue is one of my favorite bands so, good song choice

 

[Saphire5742]

Getting off the Hogwarts Express I followed the signs to Hogsmeade. Love the winter theme here! And the way it looks like an old quaint European village. The monochromatic color scheme and the pointed rooftops sure give it a rather ominous feeling too.












After wandering about for a bit it was time to compete in the Dragon Challenge. Mounted my first dragon, the Chinese Fireball, and held on tight as it swiftly flew up and down and all around twisting and turning every which way. Having survived that exhilarating ride what does a thrill seeking gal to do but to then try out the other dragon, the Hungarian Horntail. After all wouldn’t want the other dragon to feel left out. Don’t have much dragon experience but I’m guessing upsetting a dragon isn’t very wise.


After not one but two dragon rides I was feeling quite dizzy. And guess who forgot to bring her motion sickness pills and bands with her, the ones she specifically bought for this purpose? That’s right folks, this Princess! And so I left Hogsmeade to recuperate and commence my journey through the other areas of Islands of Adventure.


I bravely ventured towards the jungle that is Jurassic Park. Now I have never seen the movies and dinosaurs don’t really interest me so I didn’t think I’d spend much time here. But the lush tropical oasis lured me in and I ended up staying for about an hour if not more.







Isn’t it so pretty?


I was walking along peacefully enjoying my surroundings when suddenly out of the trees a dinosaur popped out! Instinctly I crouched down and held my hands up silently praying not to be eaten. Luckily for me it ended up being a friendly dinosaur who just wanted to say hello. Phew!





Danger averted I spotted what looked to be an abandoned vehicle. I looked around cautiously and then decided it was safe to pose alongside it trying to look as cool as possible. No reason to be afraid, right?




By the time of my next dinosaur encounter I was a pro. I even patted it on the head and smiled for the camera. Of course it certainly helped that this one was already dead and bones.



Continued next post...​

 

[Saphire5742]

Continuing on this adventurous journey I came across Camp Jurassic, so off I went to explore the jungle some more. I’ll let the following pictures do the talking:






















Continued next post...
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[Saphire5742]

Continued next post...​

 

[Saphire5742]

Lost track of time as I made my way through the jungle maze and before I knew it I was feeling quite hungry. Jungle exploring can really build up an appetite! After consulting my handy map it was decided that I should return to Hogsmeade and get me some shepherd’s pie from the Three Broomsticks. I was handed a menu before I went in and a massive line greeted me when I entered. There were people behind me that actually left, but the line moved quickly and there was such an efficient system in place that I was sitting down to eat in no time. As @ALEXandFAB replied to my DR, Disney can take some lessons here when it comes to their quick service.


Hunger satisfied I once again left Hogsmeade although not before some more photos:








And where is the most logical place to be after a good meal? Why a trip down the river and some more encounters with dinosaurs of course!




This was a fun ride and I didn’t get too wet.


I think we’ve spent enough time in the jungle, don’t you? But before we leave let's savor it for a little bit more:








Join me next time for more Islands of Adventure….​

 

[missangelalexis]

Glad you enjoyed your time in the Jurassic Park area. Love the Hogsmeade pictures!

 

[Melissakay1q]

Love your TR! Going solo is great!

 

[SarahDisney]

I love your Jurassic Park pictures! That's an area of the park I've never actually explored, but it looks so beautiful, and it sounds like you enjoyed it!

 

[Elevationist]

Isn’t it so pretty?

You look so peaceful and relaxed!

After consulting my handy map it was decided that I should return to Hogsmeade and get me some shepherd’s pie from the Three Broomsticks. I was handed a menu before I went in and a massive line greeted me when I entered. There were people behind me that actually left, but the line moved quickly and there was such an efficient system in place that I was sitting down to eat in no time. As @ALEXandFAB replied to my DR, Disney can take some lessons here when it comes to their quick service.

I absolutely agree with you! I've eaten at both the Three Broomsticks and the Leaky Cauldron, and they were both SUPER efficient!