Universal Studios 2014

     Early in December, we packed up the car, left the motorhome, and drove to Orlando to meet with our daughter Amanda, her family, and their friends Jeff, Susan, and daughter Haley. Amanda had rented a vacation home for the week that was just outside the maingate of Disney. While the rental rate was exorbitant for a single family, when you split it three ways it became an affordable option. You can't beat the convenience and it was much more comfortable than a hotel room!

Our temporary base of operations

Part of Diagon Alley (Universal)

Hogwarts (Universal)

     We first went to Universal Studios. The latest addition to this park is an extensive bit of acreage devoted to the "Harry Potter" lover. Those familiar with the books/movies can become immersed in a very detailed and realistic Diagon Alley, Hogwarts school, Gringot's Bank, and London train station with platform 9 3/4 (complete with a chance to ride the Hogwarts Express train). Those not familiar with the aforementioned Potter series should skip this portion of the narrative.

Inside Gringot's Bank

     The level of detail included in these areas and their rides is simply amazing. It's as if you have stepped directly into the movie and it has become real. You can choose a wizarding wand at Evander's wand shop. You can then use this wand throughout the area to make things magically happen. Looking carefully for a brass plaque on the ground, you are given the instructions as to how to correctly wave the wand. Done properly, things come to life in store windows. Young and not so young alike can be seen perfecting their wand wielding skills.

Tori magically makes a window display come to life

     Outside of, and on the peak of Gringot's bank sits the white dragon. As you sit there (off to one side) you learn the sound that he makes as he "wakes up" every 15 minutes or so. You then watch the unsuspecting "Muggles" (Potter-speak for non magical humans) get startled out of their wits when it spouts a stream of flame down towards the street. It is so big that the heat can be felt by those nearby!!

The Dragon Awakes!

     The rides through the Potter world are top notch and as detailed as the area in which they reside.  We all enjoyed ourselves and recommend it to anyone who is a Harry Potter fan.

The girls get their wands

Yes! The paintings can talk!

The spell has been cast! You will return to Diagon Alley!

     Near the world of Harry Potter is the world of Dr. Suess. Here all of the familiar characters from the Dr. Suess tales reside. You notice that the girls have "Thing 1" or "Thing 2" on their shirts (made by Nana of course!). In the world of Suess they got to meet the namesakes. What surprised me was that Thing 1 got to hug Tori and Haley while Thing 2 found Belle. The characters matched up with the logo on the girls shirts! Good job!

High Fiving the Cat himself

The Lorax dancing with Belle

One Fish, Two Fish ride... You WILL get wet!

Truth in Advertising

     Day 2 we returned to Universal. It was overcast and colder than the day before. We spent some more time exploring more intricacies of Harry Potter's world. Then it was on to ride rides and meet characters.

We all tried out to become a "Minion"

How many people can you trap in a phone booth?

Visit with Shrek... Karate pose

     While going through we came upon Shrek, Fiona, and Donkey. Donkey was very interactive and got a hoot about all of us coming to visit. The girls made quite an impression on Fiona as all of them were in matching purple shirts. Fiona suggested that instead of the usual "Smile and say Cheese" style photo, we get into our best Karate pose.

     The theme around the park was a Macy's Christmas. At various locations there were parade balloons that had been in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. In the late afternoon, a parade was held throughout the park and the balloons once again were shown off.

     As a part of the parade, Shrek and Fiona appeared. Surprisingly, Fiona saw the girls and recognized then from our meeting earlier in the day! She made a point to call them out and wave to them as she passed. 

     Nighttime found us watching some of an outdoor Christmas concert by Mannheim Steamroller. Then we trooped on back to our house for some much needed rest!