After visiting four Disney Parks, you think we would be tired – however, that wasn’t the case. Orlando is home to many theme parks, but there was only one place left to visit during Spring Break: Universal Studios. With a new addition from the last time, I knew that this trip would be extra special. Needless to say, this was the essence of so many things, but so little time. So, let’s take a journey to the movies!
Meeting some real characters up in here
18, March 2016
The trip to Universal Studios was rather pleasant, a smooth ride with easy access to parking (thanks to paid parking!) From the parking lot, the journey to the theme park was quite a walk – maybe not as long compared to Magic Kingdom, but a close second. Thankfully, escalators made the ride much more, slower; I don’t know what it is, but they move at a glacial pace compared to walking. We eventually made it to the park, which were followed by line-ups. For some reason, the automated machines were not working properly for Jennifer, and had to go through the front desk to retrieve their tickets.
Anticipating for their tickets, I was steps away from the first theme park, Islands of Adventure. Shellby was suggesting to go to Universal Studios first, but I insisted for the Islands of Adventure. There is something about this park that I like, more, and I’m sure it was because of one thing. The first part of the park that we visited was Seuss Landing, a technicoloured wonderment made from the brilliant mind of a self-proclaimed doctor. Based on its beauty, it was natural that we take photos by the signage (including a solo photo for myself!)
Once these photos were taken, Jen and Vince went their own way – maybe we’re too childish for them. We then proceeded to a storybook ride, one that many know oh so well. The line-up was long, and the inside was rather dark. One of the most outstanding feature of the ride were, the wires? While going through the ride, I kept noticing how minimal the decorations were for the ride. Although I did enjoy the ride, some times the little things do truly stand out. Following the ride, we entered the gift shop, containing Things shirts! I have my own shirt (Thing 3), but there were also unique twists on the familiar phrase – even one that is lucky, you could say.
There was not much to do in Seuss Landing, other than the Caro-Seuss-el, and a show. Unfortunately, Green Eggs and Ham was closed down that day; perhaps Sam I Am could not would not convince enough people to try the dish. Following the Caro-Seuss-el, there were a few trees that we simply had to take a photo – now if only these beauties could ever exist…
Truffula Tree, how amazing indeed!
We entered the next land, The Lost Continent, but passed this one. According to everyone on the trip, the ride was not exciting nor fun… Maybe one day I will explode this land on my own? But for now, it’s always a good opportunity to make use of this time and take some action photos by the place – I mean, it’s still a stunning area for the theme park, regardless if it ranks low on amusement.
Coming up is the land where every Wizard dreams of going, and there is always snow in the land. Yes, it was time to explore Hogsmeade, the original park from the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Although I am not a Harry Potter fan, I can appreciate the dedication and impact one wizard has done for so many children, especially with literacy. This place is truly full of wonder, and delicious snacks if I say so!
First off was the Dragon Challenge, where you either pick the red or the blue dragon, and enjoy all of the twists and turns each one releases. Surprisingly, there was not much of a lineup for this particular ride. I can’t explain why, but the lack of a lineup was definitely strange (compared to the last time, the line-up was long!) We first experienced the Chinese Fireball, all thrilling and exciting! And because of the short lineup, we also did the Hungarian Horntail, which was also a dashing ride. If I were to select one Dragon, I think the Chinese Fireball a little more, for its surprises – and possibly it’s speed, but that might just be in my head.
For the first time (in forever), we got to ride a junior coaster – and it was incredible! Flight of the Hippogriff is very much a cute ride, and contains no big dips or thrills. Consider that ride like the wind going through your hair: a good start to get children use to rollercoasters. We then met up with Jen and Vince, who were in line for the one drink you must get while in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter: butterbeer. This creamy concoction will leave you wanting more, no matter how many you have taken. There are two different types of butterbeer available, one regular drink format, and the other in a slushy format. After tasting both renditions, I went for the slushy version – there was a smoother feeling to that drink, and felt more satisfying. The drink is not too complicated (I think), there is definitely a strong taste of cream soda and caramel. But is there more to this poisonous drink? Maybe one day, I’ll know.
No visit is complete without Honeydukes, and to my pleasant surprise, the store looks the same! Other than possibly the displays, even the same candies are sold. One candy that I bought (but took too long to finish) was the pink coconut ice. Don’t get me wrong, but that fudge was extremely sweet! Now I know better, and hopefully the store will sell pre-made butterbeer soon. Next store was one place I really wanted to visit, but have no clue what’s it about. Throughout the day, there are people lined up by this store, waiting to enter the room and hoping to become the next chosen one. Again, I am not the biggest Potterhead, but I really wanted to be chosen. In a small room filled with wands, we wait for the show to begin.
The show was interesting, but very short. I mean, there is only so much you can do in a small space, and so many spells that can be casted. And like all good stores, this one lead to a gift shop. Specifically looking at wands, a store member was explaining these series of wands that are predetermined based on your birthday. Curious to know, I wanted to take a peak of what my wand would be.
Once everyone found their chosen wand, the most natural thing to do was to take a photo (because there is no way I would be buying myself a wand when I don’t know any spells!) Isabelle, however, managed to get not only a wand, but an interactive wand. If you’re curious to know, an interactive wand allows you to cast spells across the park, and create some pure mischief – believe me, I would have wanted a wand if I knew any spells!
Much as I wanted to ride Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, there was so much more to see at Universal Studios – and we were not even halfway there! Next on the adventure, Jurassic Park! One thing that I do enjoy from Islands of Adventure are the distinct entrances, so that guests know which are they will be entering next. And because it’s rare to act like a dinosaur, it was natural to pose like one – unless you are Christopher.
This day was not particularly hot, but we needed to experience Jurassic Park River Adventure. A cautionary tale: you will get wet on this ride! Knowing this in mind, I did not want to sit in the front, or on the side, and I made Isabelle slide first into the aisle, followed by myself, Shellby, and Christopher. I may have been afraid of this ride when I was younger, but there is nothing to fear on this ride – other than getting wet. As an experienced rider, Shellby was well prepared for Jurassic Park River Adventure, while the rest of us had to embrace the waters that would eventually hose us down. As seen in the photo, Shellby is all nice and dry, while Christopher clearly got wet.
For the most part, only the top of us got wet, so it wasn’t terrible compared to the next ride, Popeye and Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges. That ride got us so wet, all of my clothes were weighing me down! Needless to say, we needed a lot of drying time. We then entered Marvel Super Hero Island, which got us to line up for The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man (mainly because of the the heating effects that got us toasty!) Both Toon Lagoon and Marvel Super Hero Island has not many rides, but are two of the best parts of Island Adventure; those lands are definitely a nostalgia case. I believe the only other ride we experienced was Doctor Doom’s Fearful (which I didn’t want to do) where Christopher stepped aside. Unfortunately, The Incredible Hulk Roller Coaster was being repaired when we went, but it’s a fun one to go on.
After completing the Islands of Adventure, it was time to board on the train to Universal Studios. Can you think of what train will bring us to the next amusement park? I am amazed that there was enough space to create Hogwarts – but anything for the sake of Harry Potter! The train station was grand, and very dark – but nonetheless, still exciting.
Like all of the guests waiting to board, I tried to take a good photo of the train – however, my excitement got the best of me, making the picture blurry. There were many questions I had about the train station, including how the train could work if there is no way turn around the train itself? Shellby just simply said to just enjoy the ride – and so I did. Each guest is assigned to a room, where the windows are blacked out, and two light sources. The trip is not long, but very lively. From the beginning to the end, the train takes you along with your friends from one city to another. Although there was not enough time for two rides, I would like to see what one sees the other way round.
Once we arrived in Diagon Alley, we were greeted by what seemed to be a calm town. The first thing we spotted was the triple-decker bus, and I wanted to enter so badly – unfortunately, this triple-decker bus was only for display. Oh well, nothing like a good photo to prove what we experienced (or, saw). Note that in the photo, we are still wet (at least my shorts, but that’s no fun).
What seemed to be a display soon turned out to be more than what the eye sees – Diagon Alley was huge! I did not expect anything I saw, and it was crazy! Aside from the massive crowd, the place was like its own city, separate from Universal Studios. Navigating this place was a bit difficult, but always exciting. Every corner felt like a new adventure, and sometimes it was scary. There was one part of town that was always dark, and I believe that is intentional, but the freakiest things would be in this area. Diagon Alley is very unique, and also the sight where you can use the interactive wand to cast spells. Although Isabelle did not try her wand in the area, we saw another wizard wrecking havoc on a signage close by; that wreckage also led to the fire breathing dragon above Gringotts Bank.
I believe there was only one ride in Diagon Alley, which was also located in that bank. That ride, Harry potter and the Escape from Gringotts, had such a wonderful line queue. From the bank tellers to characters popping in and out, I could have waited there for some time; but thankfully, Shellby had access to skip the line! The ride is played as a 3D adventure, but it was amazing! I had no clue what to expect, but let me say, it was an absolute surprise! If I ever go back to Universal Studios, I know for sure that I have to spend more time with Harry Potter and his adventures.
At this point, the day was getting dark already, and the park closes early (for reasons unknown). By process of elimination, I had to commit to rides I have yet experienced, which led to the Simpsons Ride. Another 3D ride, this one plays on the nostalgia and mayhem that is likely to occur in Spingfield. Compared to other rides, this one felt a little bit dated, and I think it needs a revival. I understand the use of 3D, but I do wish that the ride was in its classic animation. At least I have ridden the ride – my curiosity was satisfied.
While waiting in line, there was a Wheel of Pain, which I decided to take a pose. I think my face was suppose to express fear, but ended up looking like annoyance. After looking at the photo, I noticed that the ride attendant was posing in the background (such a good photobomb!)
With the day ending, there were a few more rides to complete. Unfortunately, we had to skip the Despicable Me Ride (which is really fun!), and opted for more thrilling rides. The first ride was Revenge of the Mummy, and that one was really impressive. At Universal Studios, they have the waiting line experiences down to a tee – everything about the waiting line was fascinating, and looked authentic to the films (assuming that I have seen those films). Sure, there were 3D aspects of the ride, but I enjoyed the roller coaster and all of the detours that came along with it, including a momentary outdoors experience. The last ride of the day was Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit, the one ride that you’re anxious to take, but will love by the end of it. Shellby decided to step aside, and so it was Christopher, Isabelle, and myself. What I love about this ride is the fact that you can pick your song while going full speed. Having my first Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit experience in the dark, it seemed not as scary compared to the day. Perhaps not knowing where you’re headed is the best was to experience roller coasters.
As the park was closing, we were headed back to the parking lot – or so we thought. There was a man encouraging guests to watch a wrestling game that was being filmed on location. To be honest, I didn’t think there were film lots at Universal Studios. Vince, Christopher, and I went to the lot, and before you know it, there was a wrestling match. Not familiar with Global Force Wrestling, I wasn’t sure what was happening, other than the fight itself. I think we were late, but not a lot of fighting happened. In the crowd, there were some die-hard fans cheering for their favourites, and knowing the whole storyline. The thing about wrestling is that there is always some backstory that comes with the fight – although it makes sense, it seems to take a lot of the time. One of the wrestlers was celebrating his birthday, but he was also the loser… That was a fun experience.
That was my first wrestling game, and probably my last. Don’t get me wrong, I will watch the show on television, but it’s not for me. Before we could head home, we went to the Universal Studios store and looked around what’s in store. I may have not seen Popeye, but I found his figurine – that’s the closest thing to posing with the captain! We also had dinner in the food court, but it took us a long time to figure out what we were doing for dinner. Universal Studios was an absolute thrill! Although there is a need for some improvements, I do think that I would need more than one day to experience the whole park. I can’t wait to see what is next at Universal Studios, and I know it’s going to get better and better.
Making the same pose as Popeye… At least, trying
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