On this visit to Universal we intend to visit both sites, Studios and Islands of Adventure. In the past during all of our previous visits to Universal, we have only ever concentrated on the Studios park, ignoring the other, branding it as a Scary Rides park and thus of no interest. However with the boys that situation is going to change. Our first day was at our usual location - the Studios and once through the tangle of people trying to have their tickets verified we finally made it. There is a lot of new attractions, most noticably the large concentration on Harry Potter - the ongoing money spinner. Our initial target was not this character but to a family, many call a disfunctional family, but nevertheless one which again pleases many to watch in their 30 minute slots, I refer to the Simpsons. Pam and Jacob enjoyed the Simpson ride, despite having to endure a lengthy queue. We all enjoyed the area set aside as krusty Land, with its various re-creation of shops, bars etc from the show. As with all theme parks the roller coaster type rides prevail, which didn't attract our attention. We did appreciate the Harry Potter area, one of two, as there is another large section within the Islands sites, which we would get to see later in the week. To capture the imigination behind Harry Potter, if that was ever necessary, Universal have gone to great deal of trouble. Who could imagine walking up to the frontage of Kings Cross Station, albeit the old facade, in the middle of Florida. A truly remarkable recreation of a famous London landmark. To add to that there is a Regency frontage building I believe to represent Grimmauld Place, the home of the Black family and meeting place of those against the Dark Lord. Further on is Diagon alley, again recreated not just as frontages of shops, but actual buildings into which you can go. Some of which house shops, inevitably, others restaurants, theatres and , yes a multi-dimensional ride. We didn't think much to the afternoon parade, with the exception of Gru's car from the Minions and the apperance of Spongebob characters. My morning treat was once again watching the Blues Bothers arrival and performance. Even though I have watched this on numerous occasions, at Universal, the music is just so infectious, you just have to sing, clap and even dance along to it - much to the amazement and, possible embarresment of Ben, who was standing at my side, trying to distance himself from the crazy old fool standing near him. Jacobs day, was made all the greater by a visit to the Rock Cafe, as you exit the park. Oblivious to the people eating, he went round the restaurant snapping away at all the accoutrements of famous names within the music profession past and present, clothes, musical equipment etc, which adorned the walls above where the customers were eating. Above a montage of pictures and videos taken during our visit to both Studio & Islands of Adventure.
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Universal - Studios and Island of Adventure
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