Universal Island of Adventure

Day 2 was rope drop at Islands of Adventure, and our priority was Hagrid's ride which does not accept the Express Pass.  We were at the front of the line at the gates, and the front of the line at the rope, and then somehow we lost some ground and were an hour back in the line.....a line that didn't open for an hour....so combined with our hour early at the gate, the ride ended up being a three hour commitment.  Darn it!  The best laid plans!

We did eventually get to ride Hagrid's and it was an awesome ride.  Definitely a Disney-caliber ride.  But William's favorite ride ended up being The Hulk coaster.   We ended up riding it four times - including in the dark and in the front row.   Another ride that I really enjoyed was Jurassic Park water ride.

We had lunch at the Greek restaurant which was yummy.  And William enjoyed the mythology references.   Thank goodness we read all those Percy Jackson books (and made that trip to Greece)!

 

 

Universal Studios Orlando

Our Disney loving family finally went across town to Universal Studios.  We had previously planned and had to cancel a trip to Universal Studios Hollywood due to illness and we've mentally planned/spreadsheet a trip to Universal Studio Orlando a few times before, but finally pulled the trigger for the long Columbus Day weekend.   We stayed at Loew's Portofino Bay Resort which had nicely sized rooms and included Unlimited Express Passes (which are a must-have at Universal) and had a Starbucks   I'd definitely stay there again!   

The first day our plan was to hit Universal Studios which has the Gringott's ride and Diagon Alley portion of Harry Potter.  In order to make it to rope drop, we were lined up at the boat dock in the dark.   We were also a 15-20 minute walking distance (for people who don't mind walking), but the boat was a lovely way to get to/from the parks.     

I was so amazed with all of the detail in Diagon Alley.  It was just spectacular.  The Gringott's ride - because we were in the back - was only ok.   But we saw the dragon breath fire and enjoyed ALL of the snacks!!! 

 

 

 

After our run through London, we moved over to Springfield!  All we wanted was the giant donut for breakfast after the early open of the Harry Potter stuff, but it was still too early!   So we rode a few rides and then finally got that donut.  Crazy enough, it was actually pretty tasty!  I'm thinking my expectations for it must have been pretty low.   We drank/ate a lot of Butterbeer things, but funny enough I don't recall drinking as many beers as that Duff picture would imply!

After loading up on sugar, we moved back to the main drag to the Minions ride.   Super cute!  And then we took the Hogwart's Express over to Islands of Adventure (Hogsmeade).   

 

 Oh....and then there was the candy!   We told William he could get a robe and a wand, but he negotiated for a $20 bag of candy instead.  Considering that was a 90% savings, I was quick to agree!

We were able to enjoy dinner and a movie at the pool that evening, which I really loved, too.  Day One was a success!

First Day of 5th Grade

Another first day of school and another first day of school Darth Vader lunchbox porch photo!   I'm going to line up all six years of this for a collage so I can "ooh" and "ahh" over how much my little boy has grown up! 

 

These are a few of our neighbor kids that go to All Saints.   Each of these 2nd graders also has a little brother that will attend this year.  And we just learned of an 8th grade girl around the corner that is at the school, so we may carpool with that family starting in September.   It's only a 10 minute drive but when you're used to a one block walk, it's a difference.

William and some of his 5th grade classmates.  This is 5 of the 9 boys in his class.   Two of these boys are named Alex, and there's also a third Alex in class.  I didn't realize that was such a popular name in 2009!   The boys summer uniform is school logo polo, belt, khaki shorts, and sneakers.   For mass days and fall/winter/spring, khaki pants and dress shoes replace the shorts and sneakers.