We were staying at Lowes Royal Pacific hotel in Universal Studios, so we had early access to Universal’s Islands of Adventure park. We decided to have breakfast in the park so we had Dr Seuss give us an early morning wake up call, which was fun.
Then after showering we headed out on the first water taxi of the day to take advantage of our early hours access to go and take the “Happy Potter and the forbidden Journey’ ride.
First stop was to pick up a wheelchair ( busted leg) and then we were off. There is usually a wait of anything up to 2 hours to get on this ride and even by being in the park before the opening hours we still had a wait of around 45 minutes.
However, there is plenty to keep you and the family entertained during the wait as you pass through the hallowed halls and classrooms of Hogwarts. As you progress along towards the ride you are greeted by holograms of Dumbledore, Harry , Ron and Hermione. The pictures on the wall are just like the ones in the movie, the characters move and some talk.
There are certainly lots of things to keep an eye our for such as the dragon hanging from the roof in the Defense against the Dark Arts classroom. Its all such fun for any Harry Potter fan.
Eventually we arrive the ride and believe me it is well worth the wait. It’s a very fast 3D Quidditch themed ride with lots of twists and turns and amazing ride interaction. This is one ride you won’t want to miss, totally exhilarating. You are asked to leave loose stuff in lockers for this ride, it amazed me just how many people ignored this request.
The seats are a bit snug so do try out the seats beforehand. There is one is located just outside the castle entrance and another at the end of the queue just before the ride itself.
I would have loved to go on again but by the time we came out the queue was even longer than when we went in the first time.
So instead we headed off to try out the butter beer that we had heard so much about. We didn’t quite know what to expect but you just have to try it. It really is delicious, and make sure you get a straw so that you can scoop up the froth.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Entering the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is just amazing. It is really exciting to take those first steps through the arch into the street which is designed to to look just like the street in the movie. There is snow on the buildings and take care to look in the shops as many of them are delightfully animated and don’t forget to pick up a wand at Olivanders.
There are two other rides in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter such as the ‘Flight of the Hippogriff” where you first have to learn the in way to approach a hippogriff before hopping on the roller coaster ride that swirls and dives around the pumpkin patch and swoop around Hagreds hut. The seats appear to be made of wicker baskets and this is one the kids will like.
The roller coaster ride is the dragon challenge and is for more serious roller coaster rider.
Then you can stroll down the walkway and listen to a small choir of students singing a selection of songs whilst being accompanied by their large croaking frogs. This is very entertaining ant the young lady doing the conducting while was absolutely delightful and engaged the crowd in the activity.
Once you have had your fill of Harry potter world it’s a short walk to Jurassic Park. We were returning to Jurassic Park for the second time having enjoyed it so much the day before.
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