First and foremost, Happy Father's Day to Papa Enriquez and Papa Fleming! If not for the support of these two wonderful dads, we would not be the curious wanderlusts we are today. Infinite thanks! Since we couldn't be with you to celebrate Father's Day, we just made sure to enjoy today to the fullest. :P
Unlike other days, when we are usually either driving or volunteering, today was a magical and overall fantastically fun day at Universal Studio's Islands of Adventure in Orlando, FL. We were so hyped up, mostly for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. SO hyped. We atually talked about such a mystical place a few years ago during our Soka days, wishfully saying "let's go there together someday!" Never could we have imagined that this day would actually come to fruition. A wave of nostalgia swept over us as we walked into this enchanted world. So many youthful memories just came flooding back. Of course we headed straight for the Butterbeer. We ordered it frozen. If you aren't ordering it frozen, you aren't ordering it right. It. Was. Amazing. It's this lovely concoction of a cream-soda-esque slush with a butterscotch whipped topping froth. After thoroughly exploring the WWoHP, we ventured into other areas of Islands of Adventure. Unfortunately, we were about a week too early for the opening of the Diagon Alley portion, so we just made the most of our Hogsmeade trip. Here are some tips for making the most of your WWoHP visit (should you ever visit):
Unlike other days, when we are usually either driving or volunteering, today was a magical and overall fantastically fun day at Universal Studio's Islands of Adventure in Orlando, FL. We were so hyped up, mostly for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. SO hyped. We atually talked about such a mystical place a few years ago during our Soka days, wishfully saying "let's go there together someday!" Never could we have imagined that this day would actually come to fruition. A wave of nostalgia swept over us as we walked into this enchanted world. So many youthful memories just came flooding back. Of course we headed straight for the Butterbeer. We ordered it frozen. If you aren't ordering it frozen, you aren't ordering it right. It. Was. Amazing. It's this lovely concoction of a cream-soda-esque slush with a butterscotch whipped topping froth. After thoroughly exploring the WWoHP, we ventured into other areas of Islands of Adventure. Unfortunately, we were about a week too early for the opening of the Diagon Alley portion, so we just made the most of our Hogsmeade trip. Here are some tips for making the most of your WWoHP visit (should you ever visit):
- Get Butterbeer. Frozen. It must be frozen. Don't just settle for "cold." You'll thank us later.
- Get in line for Ollivander's Shop early. The line can get ridiculous, and it's HAWT waiting out in the sun. If you're an HP geek like us, the wand shop is completely worth waiting for.
- Ride Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. It's only one of three rides in WWoHP, but it's hands down the best one.
After WWoHP, we wandered into Jurrassic Park and headed straight for this pterodactyl ride. We were so excited until we got to the front entrance and were told that it's a kids ride and we'd most certainly be too tall to ride...WHAT?! That just isn't fair. Our disappointment of being denied an aerial view of Jurassic Park quickly faded as we went on the River Adventure ride instead. It seems we didn't get enough water from the River Adventure ride so we continued to get COMPLETELY DRENCHED on some Popeye water ride. So that we don't over-satiate you with all the tantalizing details (jk!), we'll just list some of the other highlights of our day:
- Getting rained on, but being prepared with $2 ponchos from Walgreens (smartest purchase of the day). We felt so smug walking around in our ponchos while other families huddled beneath abandoned concession stands for cover.
- Riding the 3D Spiderman ride AND getting to meet/take pictures with "Spiderman" right after.
- Riding the crazy Hulk rollercoaster ride
- Breakfast for dinner
Truly a theme-park-packed day. And we got some cool souvenirs out of it too.
[TKC Road Trip Pro-Tip #5: Have a poncho or umbrella (or both!) handy at all times. You never know when you're going to need it.]
Happy Father's Day to all the super dads!
Nics & Riks
[TKC Road Trip Pro-Tip #5: Have a poncho or umbrella (or both!) handy at all times. You never know when you're going to need it.]
Happy Father's Day to all the super dads!
Nics & Riks