Universal Trip 8/9 thru 8/13

[Kip Herner]

Today was our first time ever in Universal. We are staying at RP, we love it. This morning we took advantage of early hours to hopefully get Hagrids, but low an behold, due to a power outage last night, Hagrids didn't get up and running until after nine, and I wasn't able to get a virtual pass. We rode Fobbiden Journey, Flight of the Hippogriff, our daught got selected in the wand selection show, so that was a big highlight. Then we went on the Hogwarts Express to London. We then rode Escape from Gringotts, and ate the Leakey Caldron. Then the crowds started to pick up in Diagon Alley, so we went put and rode Simpsons, and Men in Black with express pass. We tried Transformers, but the wait was 45 min for Express Pass, decided to wait as we still have two more park days here. Then I rode Ripe Ride Rocket and Mummy. Now taking a break in the room as the storms pass. Probably going back in the evening. Tomorrow is Volcano Bay then Boo Bash. Will keep reporting the rest of the week on this thread.

 

[fivikse]

Today was our first time ever in Universal. We are staying at RP, we love it. This morning we took advantage of early hours to hopefully get Hagrids, but low an behold, due to a power outage last night, Hagrids didn't get up and running until after nine, and I wasn't able to get a virtual pass. We rode Fobbiden Journey, Flight of the Hippogriff, our daught got selected in the wand selection show, so that was a big highlight. Then we went on the Hogwarts Express to London. We then rode Escape from Gringotts, and ate the Leakey Caldron. Then the crowds started to pick up in Diagon Alley, so we went put and rode Simpsons, and Men in Black with express pass. We tried Transformers, but the wait was 45 min for Express Pass, decided to wait as we still have two more park days here. Then I rode Ripe Ride Rocket and Mummy. Now taking a break in the room as the storms pass. Probably going back in the evening. Tomorrow is Volcano Bay then Boo Bash. Will keep reporting the rest of the week on this thread.

Keep trying for Hagrid off and on throughout the day! It isn't a once a day release. Afternoon rains make it harder to get in the evening because they do get backed up from delays and stop releasing, but usually they release throughout - I picked up spots during dinner a couple days. Even in the morning - I would check every few minutes before and after 9:00 on my phone and my husband's, but also got spots around 10:30 and later.

ETA: We greatly prefer Spiderman to Transformers (they are very similar rides). Not sure if the waits are different,, but Spiderman usually has a quick EP lines.

 

[laughinplace199]

Thanks for sharing. We arrive on Friday.

 

[Susan2771]

Thank-you for sharing your updates! We arrive next week

 

[Kip Herner]

Volcano Bay today. We really enjoyed the water park. We rented a cabana for wife's birthday. It was a perfectly relaxing day. Felt good to take a day like today. Enjoyed the water slides and lazy rivers too. Now off to Boo Bash.

 

[Kip Herner]

Got a late start this morning due to late night at Boo Bash. Wife and I got up and walked to Vodoo Donuts to get a dozen for breakfast. They have some interesting donuts. I was able to score a virtual reservation for Hagrids, so that basically made today a success. We headed into the park around 10am and rode Cat in the Hat. Then slowly headed towards Hogsmede for our Hagrids return time. I will say, we all loved this ride. It is awesome and a pretty long ride to boot. Then we went and rode Forbidden Journey. I then headed for Valocicoaster(sp). The single rider line was at capacity so I entered the main cue with a 55 minute wait. I have been battling weather all week trying to get on that ride and it struck again. We decided to head to US and rode ET, Minions, Shrek 4D, and FF. Now we are waiting for our reservation at Toothsomes. The crowds seemd a little heavier today!!!!