It's hard to believe that we had annual passes, while living in Cleveland, for Universal Orlando in the two years prior to our move to Seattle. In fact, I had maxed out Loews Hotels loyalty program by staying on the property so much. I've had a lot of good times there. We made our last visit while still living in Seattle in January 2011, just before Simon turned 1. Since moving to Seattle, we've only been there to see Blue Man Group shows (three times). It just hasn't been a priority, given our proximity to Walt Disney World and at least a perception that there aren't as many things for Simon to do there.
With so many friends working there, we've had plenty of opportunities for comps, and I don't really know why we haven't taken up any of those offers until now. Simon spent some time with Kara (who took him to Fun Spot and Aquatica!), and Diana and I had a chance to get out today.
First thing I have to comment on, which was also true for the BMG shows, is the parking garage situation. Literally every visit I've ever had prior to being here involved staying at the Royal Pacific, so we never had to park there. It's kind of a pain in the ass. Magic Kingdom has that issue because of the lake, but at least there are trams, monorails and ferries.
Fortunately it was not a horribly busy day, and our goal was mostly to see the newer Harry Potter stuff at the studio park. Bonus would have been Transformers, but unfortunately it was closed when we tried to get on.
Escape From Gringotts is a strange ride, because while the conveyance means is very much a roller coaster, but aside from a few moments between scenes, I hesitate to call it a coaster. Overall, the ride is pretty well done, and I really enjoyed it. I'm not sure if it's better than Forbidden Journey, but I think I would need to ride it a few more times.
The overall Diagon Alley execution is just over the top amazing. I mean, they nailed Hogsmeade too, but this was even better. I love that they don't even have any signage into the area from the London street that faces the central lagoon of the park. Once in, it's like you're in the films. Granted, the attraction is mostly retail and food, but that's OK, the atmosphere is really amazing, and mostly covered.
The Hogwarts Express used to cross between Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure is absolutely brilliant. Not only does it keep them in the business of two-park tickets, but it provides a really seamless transition between the two areas. I was concerned that using video projection inside the train would be weird or feel uncomfortable since there's an actual moving train, but it wasn't bad at all. Stepping on to 9-3/4 (complete with the visual gag of going through a wall) is a pretty special moment.
IoA is still a beautiful park, but it felt different. Once we left the Potter zone (with a quick, 25 minute wait for Forbidden Journey and a couple of Butterbeers), the magic of the park isn't what it used to be. The first thing is the awful midway games in Jurassic Park. What a theme killer. Then you get to the construction area for the new King Kong attraction (which seems to have, at least for now, displaced the Jurassic Park entry gate), and it seems totally out of place because it's not an "island," and it breaks the tradition of everything at IoA having literary roots. The Toon Lagoon area is full of tired IP, and the Marvel area doesn't match the shiny universe that the films have been developing.
Overall though, we had a good time just taking it in, and doing a few things here and there at a leisurely pace. They really nailed the Harry Potter stuff, twice now. I look forward to returning at some point, maybe when Simon is a few years older.
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