Muggle Family Easter Trip to Florida & Universal

[czycropper]

Background – We were in Universal back in 2008 for 3 days and absolutely loved it. We knew that we would be coming back to Universal since we’re HP fanatics, so I actually started researching this quick trip last May when the WWoHP opened. The trip was scheduled for November 2010, combining going to Universal and visiting my Dad on the Gulf Coast.

Unfortunately, because of my Mom’s death in October and my Dad’s health we were unable to go then. So, we decided to plan it for Spring Break – 3 days visiting Dad with beach time, 2 days at Universal and at the same time celebrate our 15th Anniversary. This plan was again disrupted when my Dad passed away just a week before we were set to leave, but after much consideration, my DH and I decided to just modify it a wee bit, still go down after my Dad’s funeral (he would have wanted us to continue with the plan) but instead of staying at his place we were lucky enough to get reservations at a hotel on the beach in Clearwater Beach and keep the Universal plans. And so that’s what we did.

Travelers:
Muggle 1 – Me; mother of two wonderful DDs; planner to the nth degree; HP fanatic; lover of thrill rides
Muggle 2 – DH; not a planner - a let’s decide “5 minutes before” anything is done person; has coined the phrase “Mom has a plan-we must not deviate from the PLAN”; loves coasters
Muggle 3 – DD13; acts like your typical teenager, eyeroll whenever she thinks that we aren’t fair to her ; has read every HP book at least 5 times; dressed up as Harry when the Book 7 came out for our local bookstore HP Party and her picture was put in our local newspaper
Muggle 4 – DD11; loves all the HP movies; dressed up as Hermione for Halloween for 2 years in a row

We left New Jersey on Wednesday, April 20th with overcast skies and 50ish degree weather, after a brief stop at my doctor’s office since I had woken up with a killer sinus infection and needed antibiotics PRONTO….arrived in Tampa with sun and 80 degree weather – YEAH, things were looking up DD13 & DD11 started counting the hours till we actually arrived at WWoHP the minute we left the house.

Wednesday-Friday - We had a great time at Clearwater Beach, met 2 families from England who had just visited WWoHP so that’s all the kids talked about for the next 48 hours while at the beach . Both, DH & DD13 got too much sun since neither listened to dear ole Mom when I told them to put more sunscreen. Played some miniature golf; went to the Clearwater Aquarium and were lucky enough to be there when the new 6-month old dolphin was named – HOPE:

Got to see Winter – the star of the upcoming film Dolphin Tale:

and, here she is:

Now, we’re at less than 24 hours till we leave Clearwater Beach for Universal

 

[czycropper]

Saturday – we check out at 7 am from the hotel and hit the road to Universal. Breakfast was eaten on the ride there – McDonald’s – hey….we’re on vacation so it’s not going to count on the scale---ok, so a girl can dream can’t she!

We arrive and check in at Royal Pacific Resort – what a welcome sight!

We get our room keys and we’re off to Universal Studios!

I think that people thought we were nuts because I was walking so fast making a beeline for RRR while my DH kept repeating “must not deviate from the PLAN” in a robotic voice – and wow!....only a 15 minute wait!!! We rode it twice.

The New York skyline now has a coaster going through it!

Then straight to:

Yep, one of my favorite rides at the Universal Studios! It only had a 10 minute wait in the regular line so we decided to not go on the Express Line – still love it

Then decided to go on:

I always love seeing Christopher Walken! Unfortunately, the train part of the ride wasn’t working so we were told to come back through the child swap area with the code word “Kincaid” and we would be put on the next train.

Then over the Wharf:

My girls always enjoy this area every since I showed them photos of when I went to the actual place years before they were born!

DH said that he wanted to go on Jaws. A classic ride even though I could have done without going on it. We used Express Pass since the regular line was pretty long.

Next up – Simpson’s – again used Express Pass and it only took us about 8 minutes. I will say that we liked this ride much better when we were there in 2008 (it had just opened) than this time. My DD11 said that she remembers that she got splashed with water last time but not this time. No one wanted to ride it again…..in 2008, we rode it at least 3 times…..

Onto, MIB – again we used the wonderful EP and had NO wait whatsoever…..I’m really bad at this ride but I was able to beat both my DD13 & DD11 by scoring 74,100 …..I know that’s really low for some of you experts but for an “old” lady like me, it’s GREAT. My DH decided not to ride and instead went and got us a little snack and water. My camera batteries were starting to die , so no photos for the next few rides.

Now to one of my favorite rides….another classic….that never gets old in my eyes….yep, E.T.!!!! Again, no real wait. Once we got out of the ride we asked one of the TMs there that the crowds didn’t seem big….she said that US usually gets busier in the afternoon since everyone seems to go to IOA earlier in the day.

DD13 really wanted to see the Beetlejuice show, so we walk over to the other side to check on the exact time of the show……we stop and listened to a great Rock ‘n Roll band playing at Mel’s Diner…..got an eyeroll from DD13 when DH & I started and then DD11 decided to join is just to bother her sister…..

The show was set to begin in about an hour so we decided to go over and do the train ride at Disaster! Since we went to the child swap area it only took 10 minutes. The ride was ok….

We stopped and got lunch….if you want to call it that….corndogs, popcorn, soda & churros for desert….great vacation junk food

Saw the show….then off to see Animal Actors show…. It….fun, entertaining and cute.

It was almost 4 pm and we couldn’t wait any longer to get over to IOA!!! Off we go!

 

[Harry Potter]

Nice report so far, enjoyed reading that.

I am shocked that you went to the Studios before IOA. I know IOA would have been busier (especially WWoHP) but I could not have waited! When I fly in from the UK, within 3 hours of leaving the plane I am in IOA, I don't care what time it is, or how long until park closes.

Regarding Simpsons, yeah I have that feeling with that ride. It's not a very modern ride, and the all-encompassing storyline and gags in the queue line leave me feeling a little queasy. The simulator is outdated and quite jerky too. Also, no single rider or UE line for Simpsons which annoys me no end, as I would have to wait probably 45 minutes in busy times even with a full number of vehicles in operation.

Your photos are amazing, which camera do you use?

And I'm looking forward to your IOA report. Hope you include every last detail.

 

[czycropper]

So…it took all the will power that both my DH & I have to keep us from going straight to WWoHP ….we kept repeating….we decided to have our first look of Hogsmeade during at dusk…REMEMBER!!!

Ok…so instead we decided to ride our most favorite ride….The Hulk! DD11 wasn’t able to ride it in 2008 because she was too short so she was ready to ride it now! EP to the rescue since the regular line had a 25 minute wait….As predicted my DD11 absolutely loved it! Again we rode twice before deciding to go to DD11 favorite ride….

But on the way there, sirens began ringing and then, we saw the reason…..

Here’s Spidey & other superheros were arriving for autographs ---- but, I couldn’t get the girls to go and get their picture taken with him…Mom, that’s for boys and kids, PLEASE…..yep, you guess it…another eye roll from my DD13

The girls went on to ride Spiderman about 3 times…while DH & I just sat in the shade…

By now, we were all very tired and decided to go back to the hotel and get our suitcases into our room. We were again in Tower 2 on the 3rd floor, which is fine since we would only be in the room to sleep

Stayed there for a total of 30 minutes then we all got hungry and since I wanted to eat and have a special drink at CityWalk, we left the nice air conditioned room for the wonderful walk over to:

We had a nice meal in the patio (after only a 15 minute wait…the main restaurant had an hour wait) while listening to good music, drinking a wonderful margarita and waiting for it to get dark so we can finally make it to the main reason for the trip…..but, first we had to see the volcano erupt and my DDs act silly!

The time has come and before we all explode….we start walking to WWoHP…we went through Seussland….had to dodge quite a few little ones but we were focused on what was coming….through Lost Continent….”oh, Mom there’s Mythos!, are we eating there” DD11 says……DD13 answers “No! 3 Broomsticks, REMEMBER!”

All of the sudden…we all gave a gasp…..we’re here…..we’re here….we’re really at Hogsmeade!

Unbelieveable…it really looks like it was described in the books….DDs had to get their picture taken with this handsome man

As we are walking into the village we pass Ollivanders and….wow! the line is really short….so I ask how long of a wait…..10 minutes!!!!! YES!, we stand in line and 11 minutes later we’re in Olivanders, really! Then as I’m looking up and taking photos…..I realize that Ollivander is actually talking to my DD11 …O..M..Gosh…she got picked over about 12 other kids!!!!

My DH in the meanwhile was clowning around with a TM, unfortunately, the photo is not that clear but here it is:

My DD11 wouldn’t let go of “her” wand, so of course, we bought it…..now, to get some butterbeer & pumpkin juice…

Then onto Hogwarts, we had to see it at night….what a sight!

We decided not to ride FJ since we were coming back for early entry…..off to RPR for a nice rest before a very early wake up call!

Next.....an early morning visit to WWoHP!

 

[cajunaggie]

This has me SOOOOOO EXCITED! We will be in WWOHP in just 3 weeks. You are doing such a great job with your TR...looking forward to more pics.

 

[tink20]

Can't wait for more! Looks like you all had an amazing trip!

 

[czycropper]

The morning we’ve been waiting for has finally arrived! We’re actually going to ride Forbidden Journey!!! We all decided not to eat breakfast till after we’ve ridden (a very good decision-will explain later). Left RPR at 6:25 am and walked over to IOA. Gates opened at 6:55 am and the speed walking began….did see a few people get pulled over because they were running…for once my DDs were actually walking much faster than my DH or I…..guess they really wanted to get in.

As soon as we got into Hogsmeade, we made a beeline for Hogwarts. Lots of people stayed behind taking pictures or going into the line at Ollivanders (I wondered if those people had gotten the wonderful hints from Disboards ). I put my fanny pack into a locker (got 1.5 hours for free) and went into the line – only a 5 minute wait one of the TMs said ---- YEAH! We had just passed Dumbledore’s office when a message came over the loud speaker “Ride down for a few minutes, we will keep you updated”……oh no! A few people started to get out of line BUT not us we held our ground! 10 minutes later the line started moving and we all realized that it was up & running!

Within minutes….we heard the “Muggles you need to keep moving…” and we were getting our seats……you couldn’t get the smile off our faces! My DH & I sat on the ends and let the girls had the middle seats.

WOW! what a great ride….the Dementors didn’t scare me it was that dang spider and for a second the dragon. Loved that you actually felt like you were above Hogwarts….it was unbelievable…..even all the descriptions that I have read just don’t do it justice.

We immediately decided to ride it again! By this time the wait was about 15 minutes but heck the line still went really fast. My DH declined to ride it again so it was just the girls & I….this time I rode in the middle with DD11 and DD13 was on the end.

Warning – if you have any kind of queasy stomach DO NOT ride it after you have eaten or drank butterbeer……after our second time…. the ride was again down we asked one of the TMs at the photo booth and he said that it happens often after people ride soon after eating….we actually met the kid who “closed down” the ride as his family was saying and I felt so sorry for him….he had just gulped down some butterbeer, went on the ride and it was just a little bit too much for him.

DDs rode Flight of the Hippogriff while I looked at our photos. Unfortunately, I didn’t like any of them since none of us looked good. So, we just had to make do with a kind stranger taking a photo of us in front of Hogwarts

The rest of the morning we just spent really looking around Hogsmeade, riding Dragon Challenge at least 5 more times (gotta love that EP!), we had an early lunch at 3 Broomsticks, then ventured over to Poseidon’s Adventure, where my DDs collapsed for a little while before the next show:

After the show we went over to Jurassic Park to ride River Adventure. My DH didn’t feel like going on it – so he kept all the cameras as well as my DDs clothes since they had worn their bathing suit underneath. We got to sit in the front (yep, used EP)….the funny thing is that we all covered ourselves so much that when we saw the picture all you could see was our backs, no faces….the TM at the photo booth was laughing…….

Since the girls were already wet they wanted to ride Rip Saw Falls……they proceeded to do that 3 times with EP while I tried to get them with my camera….I finally got them on the 3rd try……

even though I wish I would have zoomed in just a bit closer!

They again wanted to go back to WWoHP to ride everything ONE more time…..hey, so did we! So off we went again….first rode Dragon Challenge and the girls got dry…..then Hippogriff…..then FJ in the single rider line (10 minute wait ). The girls rode FJ a couple more times while DH & I became like all the other muggles and shopped at Fitch’s. We all did the Castle Tour….here’s my favorite……Dumbledore’s Office:

Now, for more shopping and our goodbyes to WWoHP till next time. We left WWoHP around 3 pm and drove to a hotel near the Tampa airport since our flight home was early in the morning…..

Thanks everyone on Disboards for all the information which helped me plan this wonderful trip back to Universal and to see WWoHP. We will definitely be back soon (hoping to go during November “Jersey” week but it will depend on my DDs cheer competition schedule).

Some last thoughts:
– we were all so happy to be able to see Hogsmeade at night, it really does have a special magic!
– so happy that we stayed onsite, it’s worth every penny to be able to get there early in the morning and of course, having the Express Pass for all the other rides in the park
- I should have budgeted more for the souveniers
- if you are a HP fanatic, plan on being in WWoHP for at least 6 hours, so you don’t miss seeing all the windows and just taking it all in

 

[tweetylori]

GREAT report...THANKS!

 

[dd50]

So sorry to hear about your parents.

Does sound like you had a wonderful time. Thanks for sharing your trip.

 

[disfanforlife]

Great trip report! I have to admit that I have never wanted to go to Universal until hear about Harry Potter. Now, we are considering going for a day or two in November. I just started checking out this side of the board to get information. I have no clue about anything Universal but my kids do love Harry Potter books and movies.

 

[DonnaLeah]

Thanks for the trip report! We are planning on spending a couple of nights at RPR the end of July; can't wait to see WWOHP!!

 

[Harry Potter]

Great report, enjoyed reading it. It seems like you really made the most of UE and single rider lines. I consider FJ to be the best ride in the world, so I like it when other people seem to enjoy themselves. It sounds sad (tragic, maybe) but one day I would love to just 'people watch' as they walk through the castle, seeing their faces as they experience it for the first time would be a joy.

Also, I love the way you captured your daughters on Ripssaw Falls with your own camera. Very impressive. How did you do it? You must have taken lots of pictures to finally see their log come over?

 

[cocofifi]

Thanks for the awesome report! Sorry for your loss.

 

[AJA]

Love your report!! Your pictures are wonderful.

What a beautiful family you have, glad you had such an awesome trip. So sorry for your loss (we also had our October trip postponed due to the loss of my MIL but are now looking forward to our first HP visit this Fall).

 

[Harry Potter]

czycropper, may I ask who took that photo of your family infront of Hogwarts Castle? You have inspired me to get one done there when I visit in June.

How far back did you have to stand to get the whole castle in-shot, without losing focus? Just a standard snapshot, or any tech tips?

 

[Gi19]

Great report, can't wait to get there

 

[chocolateMinnie]

great report - if like me you're a wimp would you still visit wwohp without doing the three rides?

 

[Rags]

Labor day can't come fast enough!!!

 

[czycropper]

Answering some questions:

HarryPotter - I use an Olympus 580z that has a 8 mp and 8x zoom, I'm glad that some of the pics came out since it's an older camera and it's on its last legs. I also got a cheaper Olympus (12 mp) for the outdoor shots. As far as the pic in front of Hogwarts - I'm not shy about asking people to take a photo and I just set it up and they took it.

chocolateMinnie - oh, yes - it's amazing when step into Hogsmeade you really do feel like you're there as described in the book. Also, all the shop fronts are amazing! You can still do the castle tour or even the line tour and just let them know that you don't want to actually ride- I saw a few people do that.

Hope you all have as a great trip as we did!

 

[kjaswiger]

I am sorry to hear about you losing both of your parents in a short time; however, I am glad to read about a great trip to Universal Orlando and other areas of Florida. Would you recommend Royal Pacific? My wife and I took our son, who was eight-years old at the time, to UO last summer. We stayed at Hard Rock Hotel, which was a beautiful, well-appointed, and downright fun place to be. My son was selected by Ollivander among the 25 people in our group. Those types of special treats are cherished and will not be forgotten.