Welcome, Foolish Muggles! IoA/US/MK/SW *July 2013 Trip Report Link*

[hill6]

Great review. We did Univeral when we went last year. We did both parks in one day. Got there when they opened.

I agree with you on the Mummy being hard to describe. I am pretty sensitive to motion and did not love a number of the rides. I think the worst was the Simpsons. We had a ton of fun though. We were happy though to go back to our Disney hotel.

 

[DrMomof3]

I think I did pretty well on the quiz. I missed a few but it's been a few months since I've seen a movie or read one of the books.

Amanda

 

[ddluvsdisney]

I think I did pretty well on the O.W.L. too with the help of my Griffyndorks DH and oldest DS.
Although there were a couple that stumped them I think they were some of the essay questions part.
It was fun to do!! We just saw the movie on Tuesday it was awesome. And I cried yet again. lol
Dee, I was surprised you didn't ask what a mudblood was? do I get extra points if I know?

 

[LovintheLodge]

Hi Dee! Totally enjoying your trip report...strolling down memory lane for some of it since we went to US/IA in 2005...

Okay...I fail the O.W.L. test...I admit it. I haven't read the books (yet), but I've seen the first 3 or 4 movies and enjoyed them. But...I am a thrill seeker so I am along for the ride.

I (along with the rest of my family) LOVED the Mummy ride too...the only thing I didn't like was that it was too short...just loved the special effects, twists, turns, etc. !! When were were there the Simpsons ride was Back to the future. That ride was cute! My family really liked MIB. I remember getting off the ride and going right back on. I didn't like having to use those lockers though!

Back in 2005 we stayed in Disney at the WL with free dining. FD was still pretty new back then so easy to get reservations. We only had 3 before going down!?!?!? We took 2 day trips (had rental car for the week) to go to US/IOA. We liked the parks, but all 4 of us were happy to get back to Disney. I can still hear the pounding music over in Marvel land...

Kerry

 

[AprilRenee]

Loving your TR! We're planning on doing a Universal day (or two) in Jan as part of our Disney trip. So I'm looking forward to learning lots through your TR! Thanks for comparing the rides to Disney ones. That helps me imagine them a lot better.

Also, my DH and I totally aced your O.W.L. (minus the Bertie Bots questions and the Potion questions) and we didn't cheat!! Your party sounds like the coolest birthday party ever! I am stashing it away in the back of my mind for when I have a 9 year old kid. I only hope Harry Potter is still cool at that point!

 

[wdwgirl03]

Sorry for the interruption, but LOVE the photo in your signature!! We were there, too! This is Aaron looking at our boys, saying "nice hats!" (They were wearing those big sorcerer Mickey hats, and we were in Adventureland at MK.)

I'm going to apologize for the interruption too. Soooo jealous of your pictures. I had to steal mine from the DIS, sadly. I would've loved to have been there but I was just happy to get to see the Packers/Aaron Rodgers have the "I'm Going to Disney World!" commercial.

OK, back on topic...I told my sisters and dad about the OWL and had them help me answer the ones I didn't know. I should've known they'd have the answers. They are bigger Potter fanatics than me! But I did know about half of them.

 

[natebenma]

OK, everyone, I will be posting the answers to the O.W.L. soon. I do have to admit that I am going to have to look up a thing or two!

I hope you all enjoyed playing!


Haven't seen the movie yet!!! I'm not sure when we are going to go. Today is going to be wicked hot, so I think it is a beach/pool day. We have our annual family reunion on Saturday. Maybe Sunday.

Great review. We did Univeral when we went last year. We did both parks in one day. Got there when they opened.

I agree with you on the Mummy being hard to describe. I am pretty sensitive to motion and did not love a number of the rides. I think the worst was the Simpsons. We had a ton of fun though. We were happy though to go back to our Disney hotel.

The Simpsons was little blurry to me. I wear glasses when I drive (I probably should wear them or contacts more often) but I don't even bring them on vacation with me. Wonder if that had any impact?

I think I did pretty well on the quiz. I missed a few but it's been a few months since I've seen a movie or read one of the books.

Amanda

No amazing plans for the movie release this time?

I think I did pretty well on the O.W.L. too with the help of my Griffyndorks DH and oldest DS.
Although there were a couple that stumped them I think they were some of the essay questions part.
It was fun to do!! We just saw the movie on Tuesday it was awesome. And I cried yet again. lol
Dee, I was surprised you didn't ask what a mudblood was? do I get extra points if I know?

We don't use that term around here!!!

There were impressionable 9 year olds at the party!

Hi Dee! Totally enjoying your trip report...strolling down memory lane for some of it since we went to US/IA in 2005...

Okay...I fail the O.W.L. test...I admit it. I haven't read the books (yet), but I've seen the first 3 or 4 movies and enjoyed them. But...I am a thrill seeker so I am along for the ride.

I (along with the rest of my family) LOVED the Mummy ride too...the only thing I didn't like was that it was too short...just loved the special effects, twists, turns, etc. !! When were were there the Simpsons ride was Back to the future. That ride was cute! My family really liked MIB. I remember getting off the ride and going right back on. I didn't like having to use those lockers though!

Back in 2005 we stayed in Disney at the WL with free dining. FD was still pretty new back then so easy to get reservations. We only had 3 before going down!?!?!? We took 2 day trips (had rental car for the week) to go to US/IOA. We liked the parks, but all 4 of us were happy to get back to Disney. I can still hear the pounding music over in Marvel land...

Kerry

Yes, there is definitely a different vibe in the Universal parks. You especially feel it when you change from one theme park company to the other. I'm really glad our Magic Kingdom day was smack-dab in the middle of our trip.

I'm going to apologize for the interruption too. Soooo jealous of your pictures. I had to steal mine from the DIS, sadly. I would've loved to have been there but I was just happy to get to see the Packers/Aaron Rodgers have the "I'm Going to Disney World!" commercial.

OK, back on topic...I told my sisters and dad about the OWL and had them help me answer the ones I didn't know. I should've known they'd have the answers. They are bigger Potter fanatics than me! But I did know about half of them.

OK, no more talk about the "Football Team Which Must Not be Named" You guys are in Patriot's country, now!

I am so hoping the NFL strike is settled soon. IDK what I would do without football in the fall.

 

[natebenma]

Do you remember when the book “Deathly Hallows” came out and you were thinking, What the h*ll are “Deathly Hallows” anyway? Is it a place? Is it a poison? I found the title of the book was confusing and misleading. Maybe intentionally. Like the one above.

I thought of this title before we left for our trip, expecting a lot of eye rolling and attitude coming from our eldest.

“Mom, this is SO lame!”

Is it lame to say lame these days?

But it surprisingly wasn’t like that. Vacation Nate was great! Polite. Funny. Tireless.

Now available with less eye-rolling.

Oops- I spoke too soon!


Now, without further delay!


Our First Visit to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter: The Early Bird Catches the Snitch

One of the perks of staying at a Universal resort is that you are able to enter the Wizarding World of Harry Potter an hour before the park opens to all guests. The week we were staying, Islands of Adventure opened at 8 am, so we were able to be admitted at 7 am. Rumor has it that they actually let people in 15-20 minutes earlier than that, but 7 was good enough for us.

We got ready in our room, ate our breakfast of bananas, cereal boxes, pastry and Poptarts from home, and soon we were off on the path suggested to us by Bubba’s Mom.

The park had obviously opened already when we arrived right around 7 because there wasn’t any line at the entry turnstiles. We proceeded quickly through Suess Landing and The Lost Continent and saw our first glimpses of Hogsmeade Village:

Which great wizard made everyone disappear from this photo?

Now everything I found in my research- here on the DIS Universal Forum, my guidebook (Universal Orlando 2011 by Seth Kubersky and Kelly Monaghan, excellent BTW) and even from a woman who worked at the Portofino concierge and is also a WWoHP Team Member- all had the same advice:

If you want to see Olivander’s Wanding Experience, a show where you can watch a witch or wizard as they experience their first purchase of a wand- “The wand chooses the witch or wizard”- make this your first stop.

This is a very brief show, 5 minutes long, and only 25-27 guests are let in at a time.

This is so popular that it doesn’t even appear on the map for IoA (just like “Sum of all Thrills” at EPCOT- have they started listing that yet?), however this is more like the Jedi Academy, where you have one OVER-THE-MOON thrilled guest and family members and 20 sad, disappointed spectators.

Because the shop is so small, and so few people are let in, this line builds QUICKLY throughout the day. Hours long lines. And from what we could see, they stayed like that throughout the day.

There were probably around 30-40 people in line as we walked by. Yes, walked by.

We did not follow all of the sage advice. The draw of this was too great:

Many of you had said that you have been waiting for my impression.

Breathtaking!

I literally lifted my shoulders and inhaled in awe.


There are so many things to look at within the castle. First you go into an entry area of the castle/school and see a few things:

(I see myself returning for a trip to the Beach Club and Nate earning straight A’s at school)


Then, you are in the greenhouse. Sometimes for way too long. To be honest, the greenhouse could use a little more magic and a little less heat. But today, it was a brief visit.

Then you go through the doors of the school:

There is so much to see while you are waiting in the line:

What a “Fawkes!”

And then, the ride. No photos here. No comparisons to Disney rides (although I believe that Sum of all Thrills uses the same robot arm technology). You follow Harry, Ron and Hermione through some of their adventures, mostly books 3 and 4.

It is exciting! Amazing visuals and sensations. A fitting tribute to Harry Potter- you definitely feel like you are experiencing his world.

I was worried a little about motion sickness, but again, I had armed myself, and this time, my family with Bonine and none of us had any trouble with the ride at all.

You exit out through Filch’s Emporium of Confiscated goods- a gift shop- we didn’t really linger here, but I understand there are a lot of interesting things to look at, and of course some amazing souvenirs, like coffee cups with letters that turn color when you pour in the liquid- however, we are not shoppers.

We did not have to experience the Legendary Locker Line on this trip. As some of you may know, there are a few attractions at US/IoA where you are not permitted to bring on loose articles- bags, cameras, etc. You are able to stow them in a locker at each attraction, free of charge, for the duration of the ride. If you overstay your welcome, it is going to cost you! I’ll have more information about the lockers when I get to Thursday afternoon. We needed to use a locker at Men In Black, but that was the only time.

We intentionally travelled light in these parks. I wore an ever-so-fashionable fanny pack for the few necessary items we needed- camera, small wallet, Ziplock baggies, bandaids, Tylenol, etc. We didn’t bring our phones today, because we knew this would be a day we would be enjoying some wet rides. I never had a problem from TM’s about the fanny pack.

Continued in Next Post

 

[natebenma]

There are two more rides in the Wizarding World- Flight of the Hippogriff and Dueling Dragons. We rode both:

Flight of the Hippogriff – Swoop and Soar on this family friendly coaster. This is a very tame rollercoaster with some great scenery:

Hi, Buckbeak!

Although I never tried it, I believe the intensity is about the same as Goofy’s Barnstormer.


Next up is Dragon Challenge- A high-speed roller coaster chase across the sky. This was an existing coaster set up (Dueling Dragons) which has now been themed to Harry Potter’s quest for the TriWizard Cup.

Why is Mr. Weasley’s flying Ford Angila here?

You board either the red Chinese Fireball or the Blue Hungarian Horntail. Both coasters take off on their respective tracks at the same time (with slight adjustments for the weight of the passengers in the cars). It looks like you will crash into the riders of the other coaster in three separate places as the rides converge.

Twin, intertwined Rock-n-Rollercoasters, without Aerosmith.

I don’t have any decent pictures of the ride seats (you look like you are suspended from the claws of a dragon) or of the ride. Must steal from internet or other trip reports!

The boys have said all along that they were going to ride this. We watched the Universal episode of “Bert the Conquerer”, a travel show where the host tackles extreme rides, and this ride was featured. I was pretty sure Nate would do it, but I had my doubts about Ben.

But we all boarded Dragon Red- and rode. And Ben screamed in holy terror for the whole ride! AH-AH-AH!!! Short break. Upside-down again. AH-AH-AH!!!! We’re gonna crash- AH-AH-AH!!!

I think Ben is very proud of himself for going on this- we are proud, too- but this will be his last ride on the Dragons for this trip. It was time to move on to one of Ben’s favorite subjects- DINOSAURS!

Next up: When Dinosaurs Ruled the Earth; You’re going to get wet, eh; You’re going to get wetter (Popeye laugh), Olive my Love, Stuck at the Barrier to Station 9 ¾ (where I learn I am the victim of a time-turner) and I give this meal 3 Broomsticks.

Now that we have finally seen Harry Potter together for the first time, I don’t want you all running off on me! This is not the last time we will be visiting. Not even the last time this morning! There are LOTS more pictures. And my very best WWoHP tip doesn’t come until our last morning. How is that for a tease???

.

 

[aprilisis]

GREAT update & descriptions! I love your WWoHP photos! You're lucky you didn't have to use a locker there- it is a NIGHTMARE getting back & retrieving stuff from them after the ride.

 

[wdwgirl03]

Yes, I do remember wondering what the Deathly Hallows were. When I got to the part where they first mentioned them, I was like OHHHHHHHH, I'm going to get an answer soon! haha

Love the WWOHP update! When we went last summer we didn't have the luxury of getting into the park early so we ended up waiting about 45 minutes for the Forbidden Journey. I was a little hesistant about riding but am SO glad I ended up trying it anyway. There really is nothing like it. Amazing!

 

[Feckless]

I'm loving your report, Dee! And I hope you don't mind my sending some of your party ideas to a friend with a HP obsessed daughter!

 

[pixarmom]

Do you remember when the book “Deathly Hallows” came out and you were thinking, What the h*ll are “Deathly Hallows” anyway? Is it a place? Is it a poison? I found the title of the book was confusing and misleading. Maybe intentionally. Like the one above.

When the Deathly Hallows came out, I remember thinking, "Wow. I'm really tired and I can't believe all these people are standing here at midnight in this crowded bookstore in the middle of a tiny vacation town." The boys were so excited - I didn't think were actually going to stay awake that long after swimming and boating all day. When I was well-rested enough to think about what the Deathly Hallows might mean, I had no idea! But now I can pass the boys' Deathly Hallows quizzes! (So too bad they wouldn't take the O.W.L. last night.)

Anyway, LOVE your title and the supplementary photos of Nate and Ben (do they read your TRs?) Great detailed photos of Hogwarts - looks amazing! As always, it's a great combination of storytelling, photos and helpful planning info. I won't ask too many questions yet, because I know you have more on the way.

 

[doccoc2002]

Love the O.W.L.
I need to see Part 2 once I watch Part 1...I refused to watch it cause I didn't want to be left hanging at the end!
So we decided to watch all the movies again & are now at Order of the Phoenix it has just been too hot to sit in & watch them. Maybe this weekend then il take them to see it this week.

Can't wait to see how I did on the OWLs. I think I did pretty well but a few got me thinking. Hahahaha

 

[yakkin' yeti]

Love the O.W.L. -- couldn't even begin to guess on the Beans, though. Your pictures are great.

I'm a Disney addict, but we love WWOHP, and the front of the line passes for resort guests at Universal are the best. We've stayed at Portofino (so pretty! and we loved Sal's) and Royal Pacific. The rooms are definitely smaller than at Portofino (especially the bathroom), if that's a concern. We had a great time at Royal Pacific -- cheaper, closer, and more laid-back. And the grounds are gorgeous.

 

[ddluvsdisney]

You're pictures inside the castle came out so much better than mine! I got a new camera for Christmas so I hope it takes as good of pics as yours did.
This TR is making me so excited about our trip and reminding me of stuff I need to get and do!
Looks like you had a great time. Did you post the answers to the O.W.L yet?
My oldest DS is not crazy for rollercoasters or extreme rides. He goes on RnR because he can't see what's going on LOL and he'll also go on EE but only once each trip, but my youngest DS is so psyched he is 54" this year. He can't wait to ride the Hulk and Dragon Challenge! He is fearless! His first time on EE he was only 6 and his hands were in the air on the high drop down while his big brother was screaming like a girl lol.

 

[Curiouser&curiouser!]

Just found your trip report today! I am enjoying it.

I need the answers though! I didn't get every one, but I think I got enough to pass my O.W.L.S.!!

 

[natebenma]

Just got back from the beach- me, my best friend, her sister and 8 boys from age 8 to 14. Plus we found one more 10 year old on the beach (friend of Ben's). Oh, boy!

Sorry I haven't posted the answers yet. I don't have an answer key so I need to type them up... But I did promise them today!

GREAT update & descriptions! I love your WWoHP photos! You're lucky you didn't have to use a locker there- it is a NIGHTMARE getting back & retrieving stuff from them after the ride.

Traveling light was one of the best things we did. I saw the "light" of traveling light on last year's Disney trip. I am a reformed pack mule!

Yes, I do remember wondering what the Deathly Hallows were. When I got to the part where they first mentioned them, I was like OHHHHHHHH, I'm going to get an answer soon! haha

Love the WWOHP update! When we went last summer we didn't have the luxury of getting into the park early so we ended up waiting about 45 minutes for the Forbidden Journey. I was a little hesistant about riding but am SO glad I ended up trying it anyway. There really is nothing like it. Amazing!

45 minutes is not too bad for a wait last summer (except in the greenhouse part). My neighbor went a week after it opened and I think she spent a total of 4 hours in line, between getting into WWoHP and the Forbidden Journey ride.

I'm loving your report, Dee! And I hope you don't mind my sending some of your party ideas to a friend with a HP obsessed daughter!

I appreciate your comments! Lots more to come.

Share away on the party tips. The only other things I can suggest are making wands out of pretzel rods with frosting, sprinkles, colored sugar, etc and making a miracle bubble solution in potions class using Dragon snot (glycerine), Unicorn pee (Dawn detergent) and water from Hogwarts Lagoon.

I specialize in Star Wars parties, too!

Love the O.W.L.
I need to see Part 2 once I watch Part 1...I refused to watch it cause I didn't want to be left hanging at the end!
So we decided to watch all the movies again & are now at Order of the Phoenix it has just been too hot to sit in & watch them. Maybe this weekend then il take them to see it this week.

Can't wait to see how I did on the OWLs. I think I did pretty well but a few got me thinking. Hahahaha

Enjoy the movies! I think I have only seen HBP twice and DH, P1 once.

Hopefully posting the O.W.L. answers soon.

When the Deathly Hallows came out, I remember thinking, "Wow. I'm really tired and I can't believe all these people are standing here at midnight in this crowded bookstore in the middle of a tiny vacation town." The boys were so excited - I didn't think were actually going to stay awake that long after swimming and boating all day. When I was well-rested enough to think about what the Deathly Hallows might mean, I had no idea! But now I can pass the boys' Deathly Hallows quizzes! (So too bad they wouldn't take the O.W.L. last night.)

Anyway, LOVE your title and the supplementary photos of Nate and Ben (do they read your TRs?) Great detailed photos of Hogwarts - looks amazing! As always, it's a great combination of storytelling, photos and helpful planning info. I won't ask too many questions yet, because I know you have more on the way.

Nate and I made it to about 11:30 pm at the book release party. Very late for us. A friend picked up our copy at midnight and I think I let her hang onto it for the day or two it took her to finish it.

Thanks so much for your comments. I'm glad you're enjoying the report!

I thought you would appreciate the title. Although I think you will appreciate it more and more (or maybe less and less) in a couple of years. Yikes!

The boys are not reading the reports. I would probably be in a bit of trouble if they did, but Mark is following along.

Ben did preview my review of Seuss Landing, though, and he liked it.

Love the O.W.L. -- couldn't even begin to guess on the Beans, though. Your pictures are great.

I'm a Disney addict, but we love WWOHP, and the front of the line passes for resort guests at Universal are the best. We've stayed at Portofino (so pretty! and we loved Sal's) and Royal Pacific. The rooms are definitely smaller than at Portofino (especially the bathroom), if that's a concern. We had a great time at Royal Pacific -- cheaper, closer, and more laid-back. And the grounds are gorgeous.

I think I need to give the other two places test runs if we plan another trip to US/IoA. We discussed that future trips would probably be mostly Disney with a day or two on the dark side.

You're pictures inside the castle came out so much better than mine! I got a new camera for Christmas so I hope it takes as good of pics as yours did.
This TR is making me so excited about our trip and reminding me of stuff I need to get and do!
Looks like you had a great time. Did you post the answers to the O.W.L yet?
My oldest DS is not crazy for rollercoasters or extreme rides. He goes on RnR because he can't see what's going on LOL and he'll also go on EE but only once each trip, but my youngest DS is so psyched he is 54" this year. He can't wait to ride the Hulk and Dragon Challenge! He is fearless! His first time on EE he was only 6 and his hands were in the air on the high drop down while his big brother was screaming like a girl lol.

Thank you!!!

I love my Canon Powershot D10- takes really nice photos and the best thing is that the camera is waterproof and takes great pictures when I am snorkeling or at the beach or pool.

I didn't even cherry pick photos from later visits to castle! Those were all pictures taken that morning. But that is the one and only picture of the Mirror of Eresid that came out decent.

If you have learned nothing else so far, at least remember to bring a fanny pack!

Just found your trip report today! I am enjoying it.

I need the answers though! I didn't get every one, but I think I got enough to pass my O.W.L.S.!!

So glad you are joining us!

 

[jenneth79]

Love the O.W.L.
I need to see Part 2 once I watch Part 1...I refused to watch it cause I didn't want to be left hanging at the end!
So we decided to watch all the movies again & are now at Order of the Phoenix it has just been too hot to sit in & watch them. Maybe this weekend then il take them to see it this week.

Can't wait to see how I did on the OWLs. I think I did pretty well but a few got me thinking. Hahahaha

I'm glad I'm not the only one! We just bought Part 1 on BluRay and plan on watching it this weekend, hopefully catching 2 in the theater next week.

And Dee, of COURSE we're sticking around for the rest of the reports - your TRs are great fun!

 

[DrMomof3]

I did not get to go to the world premiere of the final Harry Potter movie. My brother went and sent me emails. He said the after-party was "sick." I think that meant totally crazy!
I'm dying to go to WWoHP. It pains me to wait but wait I will.

Amanda