Universal Studios Orlando - - Just Me & My Boy

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Last weekend my son Jerytt, who is 17, and I rolled out of bed early to make the drive to Universal Studios in Orlando to visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Well, that was the main focus. The folks at Universal extended me two, two park passes (access to both Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios). My boy and I are die hard Potter fans. Here is our trip in pictures...

Leaving for Universal Studios

Not something you see everyday on I4

Complete with music

When we arrived at Islands of Adventure, it was a brisk upper 60's temperature. Brrrrrr for Florida natives. The ride we decided to hit up first? A water ride. Probably not the best idea ever but one of the best rides ever? Yes!

T-Rex

Hogsmeade

It was very strange to come out of stores and such and see snow-capped roofs.

Hogwarts

We were still making our way to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter when we set our eyes on the castle. Awe. We were awe-struck. 

Hogwarts Ride {Ridden TWICE! Yes it was THAT awesome!}

This ride was so amazing we had to hit it up twice. I imagine that the more you ride it, the more you will see. There is so much detail and movement involved {in a great way}. I would love to ride this a few more {dozen} times so my eyes can see everything!! Oh? And the wait? It went by so fast because of how the castle is decorated complete with talking pictures and holograms. 

Inside the castle

Pensieve

Dumbledore Hologram

Rather blurry but just seeing him in all his glory was enough for me. 

Harry, Ron, Hermione Hologram

The second time we rode the ride, it actually snowed. Inside the castle. Snowed! 

Entrance to Gryffindor

My son waiting for Butter Beer

Butter Beer Cart

Le First Sip {and sadly, the last}

We were so excited to taste the Butter Beer. I think my mind was hyped up on a different flavor and when I actually tasted it, it failed me. It was like watching a movie before reading the book. Never Never Never!

Electric Chair @ Main Park

The night isn't complete without a turkey leg

All in all? We had a blast! I wish the park was open a little later but it is after all, off season. Will we go back? Definitely! 

Thank you Universal Orlando for the opportunity of enjoying your parks free of charge. All opinions, and photos, are that of my own. 

Are you looking to head over to the theme parks for the upcoming holiday season?

Universal Orlando Resort’s Holidays event kicks off this year on Saturday, December 3.

UNIVERSAL ORLANDO RESORT’S HOLIDAYS EVENT RETURNS WITH ONE-OF-A-KIND HOLIDAY ENTERTAINMENT

THE WHOLE FAMILY CAN ENJOY

Start a New Family Tradition This Season at Universal Orlando with Grinchmas, Macy’s Holiday Parade, The Holiday Village and Nightly Holiday Music

Enjoy the Timeless Classics by Holiday Music Masters Mannheim Steamroller as they Return for

Six Concerts on December 3, 4, 10, 11, 17 and 18

ORLANDO, Fla. (October 14, 2011) – There’s no better place to enjoy the Holidays with your family this year than at Universal Orlando Resort. It’s the only place you can come face-to-face with The Grinch and the Whos from Whoville, watch a cheerful holiday parade filled with big, colorful Macy’s balloons and sing along to the classic sounds of the season as you stroll through a holiday-trimmed theme park with your loved ones.

The Holidays fanfare runs from December 3, 2011 through January 1, 2012, offering guests incredible entertainment themed for the season at both Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure.

At Islands of Adventure, adults and children alike will be entertained when the popular Dr. Seuss book “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” is brought to life in Grinchmas. Guests can see the live stage show featuring The Grinch and the Whos from Whoville with an original recorded musical score by Mannheim Steamroller. Guests will also have the opportunity to meet The Grinch and the Whos, and on select dates, purchase a spot at a special character breakfast with the mean, green one himself.

At Universal Studios, the Macy’s Holiday Parade will celebrate its 10^th Anniversary of partnership with Universal Orlando by filling the streets every evening with some of the same iconic elements seen winding through New York City each year at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. The beloved event features colorful holiday characters, fantasy-filled floats – including one specially-designed to commemorate the 10-year milestone – a tree-lighting ceremony by Santa Claus and dozens of larger-than-life balloons. The Macy’s Holiday Parade also welcomes select park guests to participate in the procession as real balloon-handlers guiding the helium giants, a truly unique and exclusive experience to Universal Orlando.

Returning this year with more concerts than ever before is Mannheim Steamroller – the masters of Christmas music with more than 40 million albums sold worldwide. The acclaimed musical group will take to the Music Plaza stage in Universal Studios six times this year to play their memorable holiday hits for guests, performing on December 3, 4, 10, 11, 17 and 18.

Also at Universal Studios, guests can enjoy special holiday-themed versions of their favorite shows, and nightly a capella holiday music in the nearby Holiday Village, which is filled with hand-blown glass ornaments, caramel apples, hot chocolate, roasted chestnuts and a cupcake decorating location.

The celebration continues at Universal Orlando’s three on-site hotels – Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel and Loews Royal Pacific Resort – all of which will glisten with holiday decorations. Hotel guests will be immersed in the spirit of the season with tree-lighting ceremonies, special musical performances, holiday pool-side "dive-in" movie presentations and holiday buffets and dining events. Loews Portofino Bay Hotel kicks off the season on Friday, November 25 with 'Holiday Harbor Nights', a wine tasting, food and jazz celebration on the piazza, along with a tree lighting ceremony. Hard Rock Hotel welcomes Santa to The Kitchen restaurant on Fridays in December and Loews Royal Pacific Resort rings in the new year with a family-friendly dinner and celebration.

All holiday entertainment – including the Mannheim Steamroller concerts – is included as part of two-park or multi-day admission to Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. There’s never been a better time to start a new family tradition at Universal Orlando’s Holidays event, as guests can take advantage of a special holiday vacation package.

For more information on Universal Orlando’s holiday celebration and offers, guests can visit www.UniversalOrlando.com/holidays.