SPIDERS...Why did it have to be....SPIDERS

[Queenofallthings]

"I am so happy to hear that....I can see Jasmine and I travelling for some time to come!!! We have a day planned at IOA in August and we can't wait!! Any tips for Harry Potter that we should know"

It was amazing, I think you'll love it if you love the movies. Everything was sooooooo accurate it's almost unbelivable, Now for the tips. First off, I would not bring ANY bags into the park if possible, the dragon challenge and forbidden journey don't let you bring any bags on to the ride. They do have lockers but the locker area is super cramped and difficult to move in. They are super strict about what defines a bag as well, my mom couldn't bring on her fanny pack even though it would have been fine (The safety bars are simlar to Rockin Roller coaster on both rides). Tip #2 is that after you go through the regular line once the have a single rider line that works like the ones at Disney do. My mom and I went on the forbidden journey 6 more times once we discovered single riders, If you don't like single rider lines then please disregard this comment. Tip #3: If the orlando international airport shops are open buy your souveniers in the airport if you can, They lave very limited locker space in the harry potter land area and if you leave the area at a busy time they won't let you back in (Luckily when my mom and I found this out we hadn't left the area yet). Tip #4: Defintely go see the frog choir and the triwizard dancers, you can get reasonable viewing within minutes of showtime and the performances are very good. Tip #5: When you go and get butterbeer go into the three broomsticks pub, it wasn't very crowded yet when we went and it is the most organized place in the whole park, it compared to Disney in service which sadly the rest of universal does not. Tip #6 Try the frozen butterbeer. You will still get the foam on top and it tasted soooo much better than the regular kind. Also if they still have the souveiner cups then defintely get your butter beer in that. It makes for great pictures. My last tip for you is defintely get your tickets online beforehand and print out directions to universal from disney, my mom usually gets lost when we leave Disney property to go 2 the airport and we were sure she would get lost this time. A couple of days before our trip we realized we should just print out the directions (Defintely saved us a lot of time and hassle). With all of that being said, hope you have alot of fun on your next trip! I know that despite the less-than-stellar service, Harry Potter land was soooo cool and a must do for any harry potter fan!

Thank you so much for taking the time to fill us in!! Jasmine is at work today, but when she gets home I'll get her to check out your post....she is super excited about going!!!

 

[Queenofallthings]

A girl's only trip sounds like fun! It would be great if Jasmine went because I would totally join!

Doesn't it??

I will keep you posted if she does decide to go....she wants to go to Italy at some point and is starting to save for that....she has wanted to go there since she was a little girl

 

[JMat]

Girlfriend, I am caught UP! Finally. It seems as though no one is as attentive as you on the DISboards- always keeping up with people and sharing so much its so great. Motivates me to keep writing and sharing... you've collected quite the following.

Not sure what its going to be like with no more TR from you though! You'll just HAVE to start writing another PTR Or stretch your travel home day long enough for you to make plans again.

If youre at all serious about Italy, Ive been (my family is Italian) and Im heading out there on March 12 for two weeks. Id LOVE to pass some info and resources on to you should you decide to go for it. Not to push too hard... but flights into Rome are actually pretty inexpensive right now....

Either way - looking forward to your next post with excitement and a little melancholy. Great update!

 

[Purpleblanket]

Doesn't it??

I will keep you posted if she does decide to go....she wants to go to Italy at some point and is starting to save for that....she has wanted to go there since she was a little girl

I love all the Harry Potter Books! I'd love to visit Harry Potter World. From the photos I've seen it does look really authentic!!

My son Ben was in Italy last summer! He loved it! He is working on getting his Italian Citizenship right now since my grandfather was born in Italy and immigrated to Canada! He plans to go back next summer again and also plans to do some University in Europe once he gets his citizenship!
If Jasmine has any questions about Italy or where to go.. just direct them our way and I'll ask Ben!

Did you notice I sent you a private message? After doing that, I realize I don't even know how retrieve messages!

BRRRRRR!! I'm so cold!!
Have a good night!
Debbie

 

[hollisterluva92]

I eventually want to travel, but that probably won't be until I get sick of Disney lol! My bucket list right now consists of traveling to all of the Disney Parks. That's it!

 

[pkondz]

BRRRRRR!! I'm so cold!!

What? You don't like -40 windchill? Boy, ya just can't please some people!

I'm with you! Unfortunately just heard on the radio tonite that March is going to be more like winter than like spring. <sigh>

 

[Queenofallthings]

Girlfriend, I am caught UP! Finally. It seems as though no one is as attentive as you on the DISboards- always keeping up with people and sharing so much its so great. Motivates me to keep writing and sharing... you've collected quite the following.

Not sure what its going to be like with no more TR from you though! You'll just HAVE to start writing another PTR Or stretch your travel home day long enough for you to make plans again.

If youre at all serious about Italy, Ive been (my family is Italian) and Im heading out there on March 12 for two weeks. Id LOVE to pass some info and resources on to you should you decide to go for it. Not to push too hard... but flights into Rome are actually pretty inexpensive right now....

Either way - looking forward to your next post with excitement and a little melancholy. Great update!

You are so sweet I have already started my PTR on Word...so as soon as I'm finished this one....we'll jump right into the PTR!!

If we weren't already booked for Disney in August....Italy would be wonderful this year!! I told Jasmine when the time comes that she wants to look into it, that you'll be her guide!!! The flights from here to Orlando right now are quite pricey so we're keeping our fingers crossed they go down....

Two weeks in Italy....Jasmine just walked in and she said she can't wait to hear all about it!!!Are you on Facebook...I'll send you a PM!!!

I love all the Harry Potter Books! I'd love to visit Harry Potter World. From the photos I've seen it does look really authentic!!

My son Ben was in Italy last summer! He loved it! He is working on getting his Italian Citizenship right now since my grandfather was born in Italy and immigrated to Canada! He plans to go back next summer again and also plans to do some University in Europe once he gets his citizenship!
If Jasmine has any questions about Italy or where to go.. just direct them our way and I'll ask Ben!

Did you notice I sent you a private message? After doing that, I realize I don't even know how retrieve messages!

BRRRRRR!! I'm so cold!!
Have a good night!
Debbie

I couldn`t believe it this morning when they said it was -37....it`s march 1 for pete`s sake!!! I did get your PM .... thanks so much Thanks for the info...sounds like Ben had quite the time!!! How lucky to have had that opportunity!

I eventually want to travel, but that probably won't be until I get sick of Disney lol! My bucket list right now consists of traveling to all of the Disney Parks. That's it!

That`s a pretty good bucket list hon!!!

What? You don't like -40 windchill? Boy, ya just can't please some people!

I'm with you! Unfortunately just heard on the radio tonite that March is going to be more like winter than like spring. <sigh>

That wind chill today was brutal...then the heat stopped working in the branch....it was less than enjoyable Finally got it fixed so hopefully won`t be as cold tomorrow!! I heard the same thing....I would love to head down to Fargo for a weekend, but with the way things have been weather wise, I think we`ll wait until I have some time off in May!!!

 

[Queenofallthings]

I thought I would post a quick `real life` post...hope you don`t mind!!

Sunday was Jasmine`s BF birthday so she had lots planned!! On Saturday we headed to a little specialty bakery very near our house to pick up his first surprise....Jasmine and Jeff love sushi so Jasmine called this little bakery and ordered petit fours in the shape of sushi! They did an amazing job...thought I would post some pics to share with you.....

These were white cake with a raspberry filling....so good!

These were chocolate with ganache in the centre....oh. my. gosh. is all I can say!!!!

All arranged for the surprise!!!

What`s left after everyone enjoyed some little pieces of heaven!!

I love this....Jasmine is going to love me for posting this

....yup, she`s gonna REALLY love me for posting this one!!!
She bought him the tee and cardigan he is wearing and then took him for a special birthday dinner at Tony Roma`s!! They had a great weekend, the only downfall was that Jasmine was sick. By Sunday she was feeling much better but Fri and Sat she was rough....nasty virus going around here!!!

Hope you enjoyed the pics!!!

 

[KatMark]

Queen, first I loved the Disney updates. Abby's outfit with Nemo is absolutely adorable. Jasmine really had a great tan going on there. Love the look of the spaghetti and meatballs at Via Napoli...looks like that will be what I order.

Love the pics from Jas's BF's party. You are right...she will kill you for posting that one picture.

 

[leamom2princesses]

Hi Queen! Love the Nemo outfit..soooo cute! I could totally see Josie in an outfit like that. Via Napoli looks really good. I'm a pasta fan so this place looks to be right up my alley. Might have to put that on the list for the Sept/Oct. trip. Jas looks cute as always in all of your pics. I really loved the Halloween decorations didn't you? The train station looks good in orange.

I have to say I think the sushi bakery goodies that Jas got for her BF are way too cute. They did a great job. I really enjoy looking at people's creativity with sugar. So fun!

Of course I am sad to see this report coming to a close but you know I will be following along on your PTR. My FIL's cancer has returned and the prognosis isn't so good this time. Things have been a little stressful and crazy but always know that I'm thinking of you and Jas and will stop by from time to time as I can. I hope to be in regular contact again soon! Take care my friend!

 

[Teknik_DC2]

What an awesome trip report. Thank you so much for sharing.

I am so happy to hear that....I can see Jasmine and I travelling for some time to come!!! We have a day planned at IOA in August and we can't wait!! Any tips for Harry Potter that we should know

I wrote this list of tips up after we visited the Wizarding World this past October. Hope they will be a help to you:

1. HHN stay and scream tickets can be bought at any ticket counter. Not just at guest services. In fact they can also be bought at IOA. This was great to find out so we could buy our HHN tickets prior to IOA opening its gates and saving us time later in the day.

2. Go to the wizarding world with a plan on what to do first in mind. Do the Forbidden Journey or Olivanders first thing. We chose to do Olivanders. The line was shortest we saw it all day. Plus in the morning hours the line is completley shaded. Thats a wait that would be miserable in the heat and sun. So my recommendation is to do Olivanders first.

3. If your an adult don't give up hope on being picked at Olivanders. I believe it to be completly random with kids not always the ones being picked. Infact an 18 year old in our group was picked for the experiance and we were the last group to enter the store and stood in the back of the shop.

4. Make sure you go thru the whole que for Forbidden Journey your first time on the ride. Take your time especially thru the Dungions, green house, and the hallway with the house points as shorter versions of the que bypass these parts. Be prepaired for it to be a near sprint to the ride once you re enter the castle from the greenhouses as the line moves very fast. Don't stress trying to take pictures of the line once in the portrait hall as you well have other, better oppertunities later.

5. Single rider line is the best option for rerides out there. We never waited longer then 15 minutes to ride in the Single riders line. You will miss the majority of the que being dumped out into the gryffindor common room but you will get many rides in this way.

6. If you want to see the rest of the line again ask one of the attendants to take a castle tour. You will view a different portrait room and then continue on to dumbledors office. Take your time and get as many photos as you'd like while taking the castle tour.

7. If your going strait to the single rider line for Forbidden Journey don't even bother going thru the main enterance. After walking thru the Hogwarts gates there is a split in the castle rock with a path that leads back into the rocks. Follow that path and there will be doors at the end. Walk thru those doors and your at the base of the stairs of the single rider line.

8. When getting Butterbeer go to the Hogshead to get it. There was almost never a line for it in there while the carts were lined up. Another option if you want regular butterbeer is getting it in the Three Broomsticks. Even this line moved much faster then the outside carts.

9. If any of you don't drink carbonated drinks then don't get the regular butterbeer. Although not much it is carbonated. However the frozen butterbeer is not carbonated and very good.

10. If you plan on getting multipule butterbeers by the refillable collectable mug. Refills for the frozen cost 4.25 and I think 3.25 for regular.

11. In addition to cheaper butterbeer refills you can also use the butterbeer mug to refil any drink in ether park for only .89 cents. Thats right. If you have your butterbeer mug in Universal Studios and want a coke they will fill the mug for .89 cents. Or if you want water they will fill the mug for free.

12. Tap water is free anywhere in both the parks. The best water was in the hogshead and you got a larger disposable cup of water.

13. Avoid the lockers as much as possible. We actually attached our butterbeer mug to the belt loops on our pants via a carabiner. We were able to ride on every ride with it attached this way. The only time they had a problem with it was on our 3rd ride on the Mummy. But we rode all the others just fine with it like this. Forbbiden Journey, Mummy, Hulk, Dragons Challenge, Men in Black, ect..... Also use a camera case that attaches to a belt a belt to keep your camera and other valubles in.

14. If you need a locker for larger access the lockers for forbidden journey thru felches. You won't have a long line to wait in.

15. Save your shopping tell the end of the day when the park closes. For the most part the WWOHP stays open an hour after the park closes for shopping. Use this time to find all the goods that you want to take home from the Wizarding World as the area is much less crowded and you can actually move freeley thruout the shops.

16. Honeydukes and Zonkos are connected. While there was a long line in Honeydukes to check out there was no line at the Zonkos side. You can use both lines no matter what items from which shop your buying. If you see a long line for Honeydukes take your chocolate frogs and every flavor beans to Zonkos for a quick check out.

17. The moaning mertil effect in the restroom is cool but cannot be heard well during the busy day. go in the restroom in the evening when the restrooms are rarely in use and you will hear her perfectly

18. Overall the WWOHP is very cool and even cooler at night. If at all possible make sure you can be in the world after dark for a truely magical experiance. also the area is very empty and you can really take in the detail.

19. Take time and look in ALL of the store windows. Even the shops that aren't really "Shops". Each window does something magical.

 

[pkondz]

I would love to head down to Fargo for a weekend, but with the way things have been weather wise, I think we`ll wait until I have some time off in May!!!

Yup! And then HWY75 will be under water so you'll still be stuck. How much are those private jets, anyways?

 

[pkondz]

On Saturday we headed to a little specialty bakery very near our house to pick up his first surprise....Jasmine and Jeff love sushi so Jasmine called this little bakery and ordered petit fours in the shape of sushi! They did an amazing job...thought I would post some pics to share with you.....

Hmmm... don't know where abouts in the Peg you live, but... High Tea Bakery?
And as far as the shots of Jasmine... not touching that with a 10ft pole. Nope.

 

[PirateKate]

Sushi petit fours, that's so cool! I bet they had a great day.

 

[disneydreamingdebby]

Okay - so now that you are recommending Via Napoli (sp??) I have to consider yet another option? Oh.my.goodness. I am already struggling with where to make our ADRS!!!!

It looks like a blast for your last night. I want to go to food and wine some day; it looks like it is just fun to be there during it!

Jasmine is a sweet girlfriend (and of course you helping and raising her so wonderfully means you must be so sweet too - but we already knew that.)

 

[MEK]

Those are the cutest little sushi petit fours I have ever seen. What a great idea! I love sushi too so that combo would be perfect for me.

Cool information you are getting on IOA. I really want to go there one of these trips!

 

[hollisterluva92]

Love the update Jackie! I love the petite fours! They are adorable! Tell Jasmine to feel better! Can't wait for more!

 

[Queenofallthings]

Queen, first I loved the Disney updates. Abby's outfit with Nemo is absolutely adorable. Jasmine really had a great tan going on there. Love the look of the spaghetti and meatballs at Via Napoli...looks like that will be what I order.

Love the pics from Jas's BF's party. You are right...she will kill you for posting that one picture.

Thanks Kathy!! Tiff does a great job on Abby's outfits ... she's quite a talented lady!

You will love the spaghetti and meatballs....mmmm I can just taste it now!

She still doesn't know I posted those pics

Hi Queen! Love the Nemo outfit..soooo cute! I could totally see Josie in an outfit like that. Via Napoli looks really good. I'm a pasta fan so this place looks to be right up my alley. Might have to put that on the list for the Sept/Oct. trip. Jas looks cute as always in all of your pics. I really loved the Halloween decorations didn't you? The train station looks good in orange.

I have to say I think the sushi bakery goodies that Jas got for her BF are way too cute. They did a great job. I really enjoy looking at people's creativity with sugar. So fun!

Of course I am sad to see this report coming to a close but you know I will be following along on your PTR. My FIL's cancer has returned and the prognosis isn't so good this time. Things have been a little stressful and crazy but always know that I'm thinking of you and Jas and will stop by from time to time as I can. I hope to be in regular contact again soon! Take care my friend!

Wouldn't Josie love that outfit I love those halloween decorations....they just make me happy

With your creativity I know you could do those sushi cakes....your cakes are beyond beautiful....if you lived closer.....

I am so sorry to hear about your FIL....I have no words! I know you have wonderful friends, but I will send you my phone number over PM, if you ever just need to talk, please call me...I'm here for you if you ever need anything

Any PTR or TR of mine wouldn't be complete without you along for the ride....love to you all XOXO

What an awesome trip report. Thank you so much for sharing.

I wrote this list of tips up after we visited the Wizarding World this past October. Hope they will be a help to you:

1. HHN stay and scream tickets can be bought at any ticket counter. Not just at guest services. In fact they can also be bought at IOA. This was great to find out so we could buy our HHN tickets prior to IOA opening its gates and saving us time later in the day.

2. Go to the wizarding world with a plan on what to do first in mind. Do the Forbidden Journey or Olivanders first thing. We chose to do Olivanders. The line was shortest we saw it all day. Plus in the morning hours the line is completley shaded. Thats a wait that would be miserable in the heat and sun. So my recommendation is to do Olivanders first.

3. If your an adult don't give up hope on being picked at Olivanders. I believe it to be completly random with kids not always the ones being picked. Infact an 18 year old in our group was picked for the experiance and we were the last group to enter the store and stood in the back of the shop.

4. Make sure you go thru the whole que for Forbidden Journey your first time on the ride. Take your time especially thru the Dungions, green house, and the hallway with the house points as shorter versions of the que bypass these parts. Be prepaired for it to be a near sprint to the ride once you re enter the castle from the greenhouses as the line moves very fast. Don't stress trying to take pictures of the line once in the portrait hall as you well have other, better oppertunities later.

5. Single rider line is the best option for rerides out there. We never waited longer then 15 minutes to ride in the Single riders line. You will miss the majority of the que being dumped out into the gryffindor common room but you will get many rides in this way.

6. If you want to see the rest of the line again ask one of the attendants to take a castle tour. You will view a different portrait room and then continue on to dumbledors office. Take your time and get as many photos as you'd like while taking the castle tour.

7. If your going strait to the single rider line for Forbidden Journey don't even bother going thru the main enterance. After walking thru the Hogwarts gates there is a split in the castle rock with a path that leads back into the rocks. Follow that path and there will be doors at the end. Walk thru those doors and your at the base of the stairs of the single rider line.

8. When getting Butterbeer go to the Hogshead to get it. There was almost never a line for it in there while the carts were lined up. Another option if you want regular butterbeer is getting it in the Three Broomsticks. Even this line moved much faster then the outside carts.

9. If any of you don't drink carbonated drinks then don't get the regular butterbeer. Although not much it is carbonated. However the frozen butterbeer is not carbonated and very good.

10. If you plan on getting multipule butterbeers by the refillable collectable mug. Refills for the frozen cost 4.25 and I think 3.25 for regular.

11. In addition to cheaper butterbeer refills you can also use the butterbeer mug to refil any drink in ether park for only .89 cents. Thats right. If you have your butterbeer mug in Universal Studios and want a coke they will fill the mug for .89 cents. Or if you want water they will fill the mug for free.

12. Tap water is free anywhere in both the parks. The best water was in the hogshead and you got a larger disposable cup of water.

13. Avoid the lockers as much as possible. We actually attached our butterbeer mug to the belt loops on our pants via a carabiner. We were able to ride on every ride with it attached this way. The only time they had a problem with it was on our 3rd ride on the Mummy. But we rode all the others just fine with it like this. Forbbiden Journey, Mummy, Hulk, Dragons Challenge, Men in Black, ect..... Also use a camera case that attaches to a belt a belt to keep your camera and other valubles in.

14. If you need a locker for larger access the lockers for forbidden journey thru felches. You won't have a long line to wait in.

15. Save your shopping tell the end of the day when the park closes. For the most part the WWOHP stays open an hour after the park closes for shopping. Use this time to find all the goods that you want to take home from the Wizarding World as the area is much less crowded and you can actually move freeley thruout the shops.

16. Honeydukes and Zonkos are connected. While there was a long line in Honeydukes to check out there was no line at the Zonkos side. You can use both lines no matter what items from which shop your buying. If you see a long line for Honeydukes take your chocolate frogs and every flavor beans to Zonkos for a quick check out.

17. The moaning mertil effect in the restroom is cool but cannot be heard well during the busy day. go in the restroom in the evening when the restrooms are rarely in use and you will hear her perfectly

18. Overall the WWOHP is very cool and even cooler at night. If at all possible make sure you can be in the world after dark for a truely magical experiance. also the area is very empty and you can really take in the detail.

19. Take time and look in ALL of the store windows. Even the shops that aren't really "Shops". Each window does something magical.

Wow...thank you doesn't seem to quite cut it....but thank you for taking the time to post this for us....I will be printing this off and taking it with us!!!!!Jasmine is especially excited about moaning myrtle...she wants to scare her cousins.... ...

 

[Geodoc]

Wow...thank you doesn't seem to quite cut it....but thank you for taking the time to post this for us....I will be printing this off and taking it with us!!!!!Jasmine is especially excited about moaning myrtle...she wants to scare her cousins.... ...

Please remind Jasmine that the cousins will be sleeping with her if they get scared !!! He he

 

[Queenofallthings]

Yup! And then HWY75 will be under water so you'll still be stuck. How much are those private jets, anyways?

Isn't that the truth....if I win Lotto Max on Friday to heck with Fargo...we'll charter that private jet for some NY shopping

Hmmm... don't know where abouts in the Peg you live, but... High Tea Bakery?
And as far as the shots of Jasmine... not touching that with a 10ft pole. Nope.

We're in St. James and High Tea Bakery is on the corner of Portage and Woodhaven...you must check it out....

Oh come on....sure you don't have one little comment about the pics