Today was always going to be a long one, whilst Sarah and Stephen have 2 day tickets, Keith and I only had One day 2 park tickets, just so I can do all the Harry potter stuff we haven't done before. The last time we came here it was just Forbidden Journey and dragon challenge, which has now been replaced by Hagrids Bike.
We arrived at the car parks ($32 for the privilege) and were directed to probably the furthest corner so made full use of the travelators to get to City Walk and on through to the parks.
Islands of Adventure up first, with our pre printed ticket receipt exchanged for proper tickets we headed through the entrance of turned left through Dr Seuss. Nothing for us here we were heading to the back of the park. Hagrid's bike ride was showing a reasonably short wait time so we headed in. Such a great ride, you ride in pairs one on Hagrid's Bike and one in the side car, with multiple launches through the grounds and forest where you come across creatures like fluffy and unicorns.
Next up we did Forbidden Journey.
By the time we left the Harry Potter area, Stephen's most anticipated ride of the holiday, Velocicoaster, was paused so we found a food court and had coffee and snacks while we waited. The ride was soon up and running and we headed out to join another shortish queue. Another launched coaster but very intense and thrilling.
We decided to head round the park to find some other attractions. Skull island/King Kong is another new to us ride, although we had a taster on the backlot tour in Hollywood last year. Great fun, awesome effects. A little like the old earthquake type rides but updated with modern tech.
Sarah and I did the Spiderman ride, before we arrived at Hulk which the other three were keen to ride for old times sake!
We made our way back to Jurassic Park for another ride on Velocicoaster then it was time to head to Universal Studios. We boarded the Hogwarts Express for the trip to the neighbouring park.
Exiting King's Cross Station we turned left and entered Diagon Alley, discreetly hidden behind a wall next to Leicester Square Tube Station. Amazing sight as Diagon Alley opens up before you, with Gringots Bank in the centre. Real wow moment, so cleverly themed.
After a quick look round and a toilet stop we headed for the Gringots ride, a rollercoaster in the vaults of Gringots.
After a short cake and tea break to refresh us, Sarah, Keith and I headed for Fast and Furious, another ride we'd had a brief look at on our backlot tour last year. We were at the back of the group that were let in and when we got to the ride there weren't enough seats, so we were paused to wait for the next tram. They let us choose our seats, suggesting the back row was best, then shut the doors. We were the only three on a 48 seat ride! So funny.
With time running out til park close we split up with Stephen and Keith having 2 rides on Rip Ride Rocket and Sarah and I choosing The Mummy.
Then the long walk back through city walk and back to the car.
We stopped on the way back home at Longhorns for dinner. We shared chicken and shrimp starters, definitely a favourite. Mains were steak for Sarah and Stephen, salmon for me and Keith had chop steak (a bunless burger with mushroom and onion topping). Washed down with strawberry and raspberry lemonades. No room for desserts!
Pic to follow
All totally shattered we headed back to the villa.
16000+ steps, temp 28
No comments:
Post a Comment