magic
We just returned from Universal Studios, settling down, playing with our Harry Potter swag. This closes out our week in Florida. We have to hit the road early tomorrow to get back to the mitten. The most shocking moment was when J2 looked over a bridge into a man-made lake at a huge water fall/water slide roller coaster and said, "Holy shit". Since we rarely say that phrase, we were totally floored. And amused (hopefully, this doesn't turn into a habit). He was advised that his language was inappropriate after I briefly distanced myself so people wouldn't think he was my kid. :)
I don't think I could bear to do either Disney or Universal when it isn't the off-season. There were no lines and we were able to ride The Forbidden Journey (the kick-ass Harry Potter experience) multiple times. J1 actually had to ride it 4 times since J2 was too short too ride, and Candace and I had to take turns sitting out in the 'kid swap' area while the other road with J1 (btw, kid swap is an ingenious idea... had never heard of it before... you don't have to re-wait in line to let the other adult ride.). I don't like the 'fastpass' idea. As expensive as tickets are, there's no need to take cuts. Really. Very lame concept that makes the rest of the park-goers feel like second-class citizens. Of course, if you bought a fast pass on a day where there were no lines anyway, you're an idiot.
Disney is as Disney does. Although I prefer Universal, the employees are incredibly enthusiastic (undoutbedly personality-tested before hired), and it's insane that they do fireworks when they close every single night. Insane. You know, both insanely touching (you really get into it by the end of the day), and probably environmentally hazardous. :)
I'd say that I definitely had the best time in Harry Potter World. The boys donned Gryffindor robes the entire time, and although you need the willpower of steel to make it out of there without spending money on completely useless stuff (e.g. J1 will not likely need his wand), it's totally worth it to chill in The Three Broomsticks with a few butterbeers. The food isn't really all that specially, but the overall experience can't be beat. Although J1 probably won't use it, he technically earned his wand by confronting (not conquering) his fear of roller coasters. Memorable. Once in a lifetime. I'm glad we went.
Ok, signing out.. gotta prep for tomorrow's drive.
I don't think I could bear to do either Disney or Universal when it isn't the off-season. There were no lines and we were able to ride The Forbidden Journey (the kick-ass Harry Potter experience) multiple times. J1 actually had to ride it 4 times since J2 was too short too ride, and Candace and I had to take turns sitting out in the 'kid swap' area while the other road with J1 (btw, kid swap is an ingenious idea... had never heard of it before... you don't have to re-wait in line to let the other adult ride.). I don't like the 'fastpass' idea. As expensive as tickets are, there's no need to take cuts. Really. Very lame concept that makes the rest of the park-goers feel like second-class citizens. Of course, if you bought a fast pass on a day where there were no lines anyway, you're an idiot.
Disney is as Disney does. Although I prefer Universal, the employees are incredibly enthusiastic (undoutbedly personality-tested before hired), and it's insane that they do fireworks when they close every single night. Insane. You know, both insanely touching (you really get into it by the end of the day), and probably environmentally hazardous. :)
I'd say that I definitely had the best time in Harry Potter World. The boys donned Gryffindor robes the entire time, and although you need the willpower of steel to make it out of there without spending money on completely useless stuff (e.g. J1 will not likely need his wand), it's totally worth it to chill in The Three Broomsticks with a few butterbeers. The food isn't really all that specially, but the overall experience can't be beat. Although J1 probably won't use it, he technically earned his wand by confronting (not conquering) his fear of roller coasters. Memorable. Once in a lifetime. I'm glad we went.
Ok, signing out.. gotta prep for tomorrow's drive.