AmigoNet: Universal Studios: Rain or Shine!

Universal Studies was our first stop on the theme-park circuit, and the main attraction was the Harry Potter world. Jeff carefully mapped out the plan for the day to ensure we hit all the Hogwarts highlights. Weather and technical difficulties made for a few challenging moments, but Naomi and Danielle were thrilled with it all nonetheless, and Jeff was pleased to accomplish as much as we did in one day! The Wizarding World was quite impressive - it was neat to be immersed in all things Harry Potter, despite a rainy morning. (Try to overlook the weather-impacted hair in all the pictures, except for Jeff's seemingly rain-proof hair!)

A must-do on Naomi and Danielle's list was to let the wand choose the wizard at Olivander's

There were many wands vying for these two new wizards, but the selection was successful.

The map (and mini crowds of people) signaled the way to all the magic wand spots!

The Hogwarts Express took us (one way) between both lands: Diagon Alley

...and Hogsmeade. (The train was closed when we tried to go the other way, which apparently includes a different story...)

As far as rides, Hagrid's Motorbike Adventure was hands down the best! It was our first and last ride of the day -- the acceleration and surprises are tops! The simulation in Forbidden Journey triggered motion sickness in all of us, but pretty severe in Naomi and I -- the two of us really thought we would not make it out alive! However, everyone (but me) recovered enough to enjoy Flight of the Hippogriff! And we all invested over 100 minutes in line for Escape from Gringotts, only to have it close (and stay closed) right before we got in the elevator section. 😭 (I did not handle this very well...)