Universal Studios

We took two days out of our Florida vacation to go to Universal Studios to see Diagon Alley, Hogsmeade Village, and the whole Wizarding World of Harry Potter extravaganza. It was every bit as amazing as we hoped. Even though it was winter vacation week so everyone in America was there with us.

 

We got there at 6:30am to get in line for early admission at 7:00.

The rides were very fun and worth the wait. But equally fun were all the other little features and shops. Stan Shunpike hung out near the Knight Bus and had conversations with passers-by and the shrunken head in the bus window. The dragon on top of Gringotts blew fire. The figures in portraits and photographs moved. Ollivander was there at his shop to help the wands choose the wizards. And once wands were acquired, they could be used to make things move in shop windows. Very cool.

Ready to board the Knight Bus.

Ollivander himself!

Lucy trying out the WRONG wand.

Gavin's wand chooses him.

Casting an aguamente charm to make it rain.

Opening chocolate frog boxes at Honeydukes
with an alohomora charm.

I haven't seen this wizard. Have you?

Weasley's Wizard Wheezes.

Crowds of wanna-be wizards and witches in Diagon Alley.

Fire-breathing dragon.

Platform 9 3/4.

On our way to Hogwarts!

 

Hogwarts Express rolling into Hogsmeade Station.

The Harry Potter sections were only a small part of Universal Studios, and we did finally venture into the rest of the park. We rode the Despicable Me and Jurassic Park rides, explored Poseidon's temple, and watched a magic show. Other than the Harry Potter stuff, Lucy was most excited about an exhibit of costumes and props from I Love Lucy.

I love both Lucys.

 With such an early morning start, we were completely worn out by afternoon. So we went back to the hotel and let the kids play in the on-site water park while we relaxed by the pool and prepared for another pre-dawn foray into Universal Studios to try to beat the crowds.

Watersliding.

 

Every hotel should have a lazy river.