Wednesday afternoon & evening update. After VB yesterday we hung out in our room and relaxed. It was raining and we needed some down time. About 3pm we headed out to the boat and back to the parks.
Started at IOA and rode Hulk, Dr Doom, and Spider-Man. I’d have to say Hulk is our favorite! Then headed to Hogwarts castle.
Holy crowds Batman!! Probably waited 25 mins in the express line to ride Forbidden Journey. The boys have been spoiled with short express lines and weren’t happy. I just told them to humor me while we ride the Potter rides. Since we don’t know much about Potter they weren’t into the rides. Once we rode FJ they liked it, just not enough to wait in the line again. Lol!
Next up was Hippogriff, the line was much shorter, maybe 10 minutes. Reminded us of our old Mine Train at Six Flags St Louis.
Then it was time to experience our first Butterbeer. All I can say is that I should have gotten 3 of them!! We liked it so much it was gone by the time we got to the train!
Didn’t have much of a wait to ride the train and then we headed to Diagon Alley. The crowds were even worse than Hogesmeade!! We ever so carefully dodged strollers and a sea if humanity to get to Gringotts!! Once we made it we headed for the express line. I didn’t even check the regular line’s wait. It must have been over 60 minutes, because we were in line 30+ minutes. Thankfully a lady behind us was a huge Potter fan and answered any questions we had.
As we weaved our way through the vault, the elevator, and back up the steps we finally got on the ride. It was very enjoyable for us non-Potter fans! I do believe the Potter rides will be one and done for us. Unless we want more butter beer! The funniest part was when one of my nephews said “I’m not old enough to drink beer.” LOL!! I got a good laugh from that and then explained it’s not really beer .
We also missed the Dragon breathing fire, so may have to go back.
Then it was time to head to City Walk for dinner. Since both boys are athletes and I was at one time, we headed to NBC Grill. Service was good and the food was delicious. We all finished our meals, although the boys helped me with mine. I’ll post pictures later.
After dinner it was water ride time! Went back to IOA, but made a quick stop at a cart in City Walk. My youngest nephew is a HUGE Pittsburgh Steelers fan!! His entire bedroom is decorated in Steelers merchandise. I saw Steelers socks and when I pointed them out he immediately grabbed Antonio Brown, his absolute favorite and Ben Roethlisberger. He knew he had to have them!!
After our purchase we headed to IOA. First up was Popeye and Blutos. I donned a poncho for these because I knew with all 3 water rides we’d be soaked. I know I wimped out!! Since I am the designated bag holder, I didn’t want everything soaked, including me.
After Popeye’s we rode Dudley Do Rights and then Jurassic River. They are all a cool experience at night!!
Then we headed out of the park to City Walk. The boys had been wanting Toothsome shakes. We waited in line about 10 minutes to order and about another 20 minutes for the shakes to be made. Oh well they were happy and that’s all that matters!!
Then we headed for the water taxi and back to RP. By this time it was 10pm and we were exhausted!! We had worn flip flops to the parks for the water rides and our feet were not liking them!!
It was bedtime since we had gotten up early for Volcano Bay.