Day 70-71 off to Orlando to see Harry Potter

Yup, I missed posting yesterday, but it was busy. After  more clean up, fix up, etc. on the boat, we set off for Orlando for the Admiral's long anticipated visit with Harry Potter. Today, we arrived and parked at Universal Studios just as the "Island of Adventures" opened at 8:00 am. The rest of the park does not open until a much more sensible 9:00 am.

Of course, there were plenty of "period" stores and restaurants on the way to the school. And of course, it was commercial but well done.

The actual Hogwarts School is quite a landmark and can be seen from a long ways away. However, as we approached, you can see the gleam in the Admirals' eyes. The main "attractions" were two large and one small roller coasters. They did offer a "walking tour" of the school, but it just wound through the same corridors that the also contained the long lines for the roller coasters... My thought was that this was not very impressive... However, there were talking pictures, etc. as we had anticipated. They really did not have it laid out so that you felt like you were actually "in" the hallowed rooms (my humble opinion)...

The rest of the morning was spent getting wet, then wetter and finally getting completely soaked. Oh yes, it also rained a little. The rides in Jurassic Park were fun but that is where we got wet and wetter.

The animated dinosaurs came at you from all direction, including this one that popped up beside the boat. This ride was fun and only a little wet...

Please, no comments about my boat handling abilities. This was actually part of the movie set.

Of course, what really matters is that the Admiral really had a good time. 

She continued to have a good time until we went on this ride after lunch.

Of course, after this ride we were completely soaked from head to toe. It was also raining lightly so we decided to head back to the motel for dry cloths and a little rest.

Then it was back to the park to complete the tour. We did manage one more, very sedated ride in the Dr. Seuss area. Finally, a nice slow, dry ride. Whoop!  In addition, we met up with the Cat in the Hat, Thing 1 and Thing 2!

     We ended the day by stopping at the movie theater complex and seeing "Red 2" again. We both enjoyed it as much as the first time, and of course, rhe second time you pick up more of the dialogue as well as gestures/body language.

     After that it was time to head for the motel. Not counting the "rest-dry clothes" break we were gone for over 12 hours. Great but tiring day!