The Darling Family June 2010 Trip Report: When are the Parents Showing Up?11/5 New TR

[dismagiclover]

It was 7:05 am and here is what was going on in our room.

These kids needed to get a move on! The best perk of staying on Universal property was the early entry to WWOHP and that was to begin in less than an hour. We didn’t want to miss a second of it. Luckily my kids can get ready fast. We left the room around 7:30 and made the short walk over to Islands of Adventure. They were letting people in. After going through the turnstiles they directed day guests to the left and hotel guests to the right side of the park. At 7:47 we were in the park seeing this site.

Pretty dang cool. We walked around the right side of the park. I snapped a picture on the walk over.

At 7:53 we were here.

The area was open. I don’t know what time they started letting guests in, but it was obviously before 8:00.

Our first destination this morning was the castle and the Forbidden Journey ride. However even though we were in a bit of a hurry I was awed by the details of the area. I quickly snapped these pictures as we walked towards the castle.

Let me say right from the start that this place is incredible. You all know how I feel about Disney. Main Street USA is my favorite place in the entire world. I have to say though that the WWOHP is probably the single coolest themed area I have ever been in. The attention to detail is just incredible. I don’t consider myself a Potterphile by any stretch of the imagination, but it truly did feel like I’d entered the world I discovered nearly 10 years ago when I read the first Harry Potter book. Universal hit it out of the park with this one!

At 7:54 we were taking a picture with Hogwarts behind us.

It took us a little over a minute to walk across the land. That should give you idea how small the area is. We headed into the Hogwarts castle to begin our journey. You’ll have to wait for the next update for the details.

 

[Stefy]

Oooh very exciting, nice early start. Did you find it busy with resort guests? Or manageable like normal Disney AM EMH's?

 

[wdwgirl03]

LOL, that ET guy would freak me out too! He always kind of scared me. haha I pretty much agree with all of your ride descriptions.

Woo hoo for making it to Harry Potter! I all of a sudden have the theme song in my head. Can't wait to hear how your day went there and what you thought of FJ.

 

[dismagiclover]

Oooh very exciting, nice early start. Did you find it busy with resort guests? Or manageable like normal Disney AM EMH's?

Actually I think it was more manageable than the one AM EMH I've been to. That was at DHS and I didn't see any difference between that and regular rope drop. We visited WWOHP 2 mornings. The first morning we went straight to the ride and walked right on after going through the line. By the time we were finished there were lines to get in all the shops because they are so small. The 2nd day we went to the shops first and then walked through the FJ line. That worked out best. The 2 coasters were walk on the whole hour. At 9:00 the crowds descended and it was a madhouse. We left at about 9:02 on both days and explored the rest of the park. Of course I'll get to all this eventually in my report, but you'll probably have better things to do than read it

LOL, that ET guy would freak me out too! He always kind of scared me. haha I pretty much agree with all of your ride descriptions.

Woo hoo for making it to Harry Potter! I all of a sudden have the theme song in my head. Can't wait to hear how your day went there and what you thought of FJ.

Wendy is still freaked out by the ET. If the boys feel like torturing her they chase her around the house with it I'll report on FJ soon.

 

[dismagiclover]

We entered the castle and the attention to detail and theming here is almost indescribable. I took tons of pictures, but the castle is quite dark so many of them didn’t turn out. And none of them do this queue justice. It is unequivocally the best queue I’ve ever experienced. Honestly the queue itself might be worth a 60 minute wait. Anyway here are some of my pictures. The potions classroom is in the castle basement.

A shot of the greenhouse (all of that space for the queue was definitely being used shortly after we went through).

Some statues that greeted us as we entered the castle area proper. I think these are some of the founders of Hogwarts. (You know Salazar Slytherin and such.)

This next room was so cool! The portraits were moving and having conversations with each other as we walked through. Very much like I’d imagined it.

This is Dumbledore’s office. See him up on the balcony. He was so realistic. He welcomed us muggles to Hogwarts. So much detail in this room.

These next shots are of the Defense Against Dark Arts Classroom where Harry, Ron and Hermione greeted us. They invited us to skip the lecture and play hooky with them. Again they were really realistic and there were tons of details.

Ron did something stupid and accidently made it snow.

These next shots are of the Gryffindor Commons Room.

Shortly after this was the parent swap area. I was heading to the ride first. Michael wasn’t tall enough to ride. We decided I’d go first and determine if it was too much for Wendy and John. I handed my camera to DH and headed toward the ride vehicles. I immediately wished I’d kept the camera because right in front of me was the sorting hat. So cool. Unfortunately I have no pictures to show for it. So I hopped on the ride and all I can say is WOW!!!! That ride was scary, but so much fun! You ride on a robotic arm through all sorts of incredible scenes. Giant Spiders almost touched me; the Whomping Willow whipped me around; I flew with Harry during a Quidditch match; I ran into a fire breathing dragon and some Dementors were right in my face. Just incredible! After the ride I went to find my family. DH gave me a look asking me if he should take any of the kids. I said back, “No way, but that was awesome!” Definitely too intense for my kids, but thrill seeking Potter loving kids would love it! The parent swap area actually had a Harry Potter movie going so the kids didn’t mind waiting at all. DH was back soon and agreed that it was a great ride. That ride alone was worth coming to Universal Studios. It was now around 8:20 and we still had 40 minutes left before they let the general public in. Where did we head next?

 

[klacey1]

I love the ET ride, but he definitely freaks me out too! That movie has always made me uneasy lol-- especially the scene where he gets drunk!
WWoHP looks just amazing-- I've heard FJ is just incomparable to any other ride that's existed before. Can't wait to hear what you guys did next!

 

[norybell]

Wow, WWoHP looks amazing. Actually, all of Universal is looking pretty great. I've never been...I'm always taking these short little trips to minimize my days off work, so if I ever want to do Universal, I'd pretty much have to forgo WDW for that trip...and I've never been able to bring myself to do that!

But now it looks like I might have to, at least once!

 

[heaven2dc]

I have seen videos on Youtube about the Forbidden Journey ride and even tho most are so dark you can't really see anything, the screams are enough to get me excited!! Thanks for sharing your pictures! I couldn't believe how realistic Harry and the gang looked up there on the balcony - and those portraits are something else. I really really hope we get to see it in November!!

 

[Planning fanatic mom]

That ride sounds amazing!!!! I want to ride it so bad.

I'm hoping you had some butterbeer soon. I really want to taste it.

Thanks for the update!

 

[wdwgirl03]

Ohh, that is cool about Ron making it snow! We didn't get to see any of that. Even though we waited a lot longer it really didn't seem that bad at all because we were constantly moving. There were times I know my sisters were kind of disappointed we didn't get to stop to experience some of those details. Glad you enjoyed the ride.

And yes, those statues are the founders.

 

[DrMomof3]

SO jealous of your visit to Harry Potter!!!! It sounds awesome! If my DH could ride Forbidden Journey (he's 6'4" so it's unlikely, even with the changes), I would go to Universal for my 40th birthday.

Amanda

 

[dismagiclover]

I love the ET ride, but he definitely freaks me out too! That movie has always made me uneasy lol-- especially the scene where he gets drunk!
WWoHP looks just amazing-- I've heard FJ is just incomparable to any other ride that's existed before. Can't wait to hear what you guys did next!

Wendy will be glad to know she is not the only one freaked out by ET FJ is an amazing ride!

Wow, WWoHP looks amazing. Actually, all of Universal is looking pretty great. I've never been...I'm always taking these short little trips to minimize my days off work, so if I ever want to do Universal, I'd pretty much have to forgo WDW for that trip...and I've never been able to bring myself to do that!

But now it looks like I might have to, at least once!

Universal is great, but it hasn't replaced Disney by any means. My heart still belongs to Disney. Universal is definitely worth at least one visit though.

I have seen videos on Youtube about the Forbidden Journey ride and even tho most are so dark you can't really see anything, the screams are enough to get me excited!! Thanks for sharing your pictures! I couldn't believe how realistic Harry and the gang looked up there on the balcony - and those portraits are something else. I really really hope we get to see it in November!!

I'm sure the YouTube videos can't do FJ justice. The portraits are so cool. Just like what I'd imagined.

That ride sounds amazing!!!! I want to ride it so bad.

I'm hoping you had some butterbeer soon. I really want to taste it.

Thanks for the update!

Don't worry. We tried butterbeer. That will be in the next update.

Ohh, that is cool about Ron making it snow! We didn't get to see any of that. Even though we waited a lot longer it really didn't seem that bad at all because we were constantly moving. There were times I know my sisters were kind of disappointed we didn't get to stop to experience some of those details. Glad you enjoyed the ride.

And yes, those statues are the founders.

We stopped and let a few people go by us in the line. Most people didn't want to though. They were taking their time as well. Thanks for the confirmation on the statue identity

SO jealous of your visit to Harry Potter!!!! It sounds awesome! If my DH could ride Forbidden Journey (he's 6'4" so it's unlikely, even with the changes), I would go to Universal for my 40th birthday.

Amanda

That's a bummer that your husband is too tall. It is a great ride.

 

[praisehisname]

Wow, definite pixie dust there! So glad your phone was retrieved!

My cheesesteak. I just love this cheesesteak!

My dessert wasn’t bad either.

That's some yummy looking food there! Mmmm....

I suggested maybe Michael shouldn’t attempt it again because he would ruin his perfect record, but he thought it would be easy.

I was so afraid you were going to say Michael pulled it out again!

Then a moment of Disney Magic. The balloon man took a balloon and handed it to John.

Wow, even more pixie dust! What a great CM!

Now is as good as time as any to also mention how much we loved the Universal Express Pass.

Could you use it multiple times for the same ride, or was it just once per ride?

I've never read any of the HP books, so I probably wouldn't get the whole effect, but it sounds incredible!

 

[creativeamanda]

Wow--I missed a lot this week, but how utterly cool is WWOHP?!? I can't wait to go and I think I'm going to have to spring for a ticket in December!

 

[Happy Elf]

Waaaayyyy behind! It was so nice of the balloon man to give the kids the balloon. That is why I love Disney! Magic Everywhere!

I'm so excited to hear about Universal. We are planning 1 day next summer just to see the WWoHP. Can't wait! You have me so excited by your descriptions!

 

[reelmom]

Just found your TR and I'm joining in the fun. I have only read up to Wendy getting on the ship but hope to be able to read more tomorrow. BTW, I think the Auto Train is the neatest idea. I didn't know they had such trains. Very Cool!

 

[jmskinner]

I haven't been all that excited to go, but after reading that post, what do I have planned tomorrow? Wish I could.

Love the pic of the family in front of Hogwarts. We were at IoA with my sons class back in May before it opened and even from faraway the detail looked amazing.

 

[Stefy]

Wow it looks sooooo awesome!!! Loving your description of the ride. Think we are gonna have to see how we can fit this in next year, as from what I have read I think the best way for me and DF to do WWoHP is to maybe stay on US property for two nights just to get the early entry.

Can't wait to read more

 

[dismagiclover]

Wow, definite pixie dust there! So glad your phone was retrieved!

Definitely very lucky!

I was so afraid you were going to say Michael pulled it out again!

Wouldn't that have been something else?

Could you use it multiple times for the same ride, or was it just once per ride?

I've never read any of the HP books, so I probably wouldn't get the whole effect, but it sounds incredible!

If you stay on property you can use the express line as much as you want. If you don't stay on property and just buy the pass I think it is only once per ride.

Wow--I missed a lot this week, but how utterly cool is WWOHP?!? I can't wait to go and I think I'm going to have to spring for a ticket in December!

It is pretty dang cool. Definitely worth a trip.

Waaaayyyy behind! It was so nice of the balloon man to give the kids the balloon. That is why I love Disney! Magic Everywhere!

I'm so excited to hear about Universal. We are planning 1 day next summer just to see the WWoHP. Can't wait! You have me so excited by your descriptions!

I think you'll love WWoHP. All of IOA was pretty impressive.

Just found your TR and I'm joining in the fun. I have only read up to Wendy getting on the ship but hope to be able to read more tomorrow. BTW, I think the Auto Train is the neatest idea. I didn't know they had such trains. Very Cool!

I'm glad you've joined in. There is actually only one Auto Train line in the US. We're just lucky it goes from by us to Orlando.

I haven't been all that excited to go, but after reading that post, what do I have planned tomorrow? Wish I could.

Love the pic of the family in front of Hogwarts. We were at IoA with my sons class back in May before it opened and even from faraway the detail looked amazing.

You definitely need to head over to Harry Potter before you leave FL. So much fun!

Wow it looks sooooo awesome!!! Loving your description of the ride. Think we are gonna have to see how we can fit this in next year, as from what I have read I think the best way for me and DF to do WWoHP is to maybe stay on US property for two nights just to get the early entry.

Can't wait to read more

We went a week after it opened. I'm not sure what the crowds are like now. For us the stay on property was definitely worth it, but if things have calmed down maybe it wouldn't be as big of a deal.

 

[dismagiclover]

So where did we head after we left Hogwarts Castle. A gift shop of course. The shop you exit the ride through was super crowded though so we just rushed through it. Our next stop was Hagrid’s Hut.

This is part of the queue for Flight of the Hippogriff, a small roller coaster similar to Goofy’s Barnstormer. This ride was a walk on and as we were going up the hill we were greeted by this guy.

For those of you non Potter people that is Buckbeak, one of Hagrid’s pets. This ride has great views of the castle.

After this ride we were ready to check out some of the shops in Hogsmeade. Thing we didn’t realize is that you can’t just walk into the shops. You have to actually wait in a line to enter. One of the things JK Rowling insisted on when designing this park was authenticity. Thus no giant gift shops allowed. So only so many people are allowed in each shop at one time. We knew going into this there would be a line for Olivanders (the wand shop). We weren’t planning on trying to get in there. (And there was a line that was over an hour even at this early hour.) However, there was also a line for the other shops too. So we decided we’d come back and visit the shops first thing the next day. We snapped a few more pictures.

DH wanted to try the other roller coaster in the area. I think it’s called Dragon Challenge. So we sent him off and I headed for this cart.

Trying Butterbeer was a must do. We hopped in line (yes there was a line for Butterbeer at 8:30 am). We decided to go for a regular Butterbeer in a souvenir mug, a frozen Butterbeer and some pumpkin juice. The Butterbeer came out of one tap and the foam on top of it came out of a different tap. Here are the kids with our refreshing beverages

Here I am with my Butterbeer mustache.

Look how shiny my face is. It was a hot day! The butterbeer tasted a bit like cream soda. I have no idea what the foam is made out of, but it never quit being foamy. I like the frozen stuff best. The pumpkin juice tasted like pumpkin pie. Here is Wendy.

A couple more shots of me.

We were sitting inside of the Owlery waiting for DH. Here is what we saw when we looked up.

DH showed up shortly. The ride had been a walk on. He said it was a pretty good roller coaster. Of course we saved him some Butterbeer.

DH preferred the non frozen variety. By this time it was around 8:50. We knew the public would be entering soon so we made our way out of WWOHP. We stopped for a couple of pictures on the way. This door is the exit to Honeydukes. The entrance was on the other side and had a long line.

If you can’t tell this is the entrance to Three Broomsticks. I think you had to have a breakfast reservation to get in.

That last picture was taken at 8:58. I’m sure the place was mobbed within 2 minutes. We weren’t there to see it though. We left the way we came and headed out to enjoy the rest of Islands of Adventure. I was very glad we’d be returning to WWOHP the next day because I still wanted to explore!