Universal with Kids - A Trip Report - Jan 2016

[RandomPrincess]

Thank you all for the advice you gave for our trip to Universal last month. We had a great time (for the most part). We is myself, my husband and my two kids Lily (6) and Alec (4).

We stayed at the Renaissance Orlando at Sea World for free thanks to all the travel my husband has had to do for business the past year. Thank you Marriott Reward Points! The hotel is right across the street from Sea World. We had a lovely view of the Sea World parking lot from our room. I didn't take any pictures because it's a theme park parking lot. We all know what they look like .

On to the goodness. We started at the Studios on Monday January 4th we arrived about 20 minutes before park open and were headed straight to Diagon Alley.

Please excuse my bad video skills, taking video is not one of my talents. But here are the kiddos entering Diagon Alley for the first time.




My daughter wanted to recreate Harry's journey in the first book. So we headed to Ollivander's for wands. I didn't take any pictures or video of the wand choosing because it was very dark and my kids weren't the chosen one. It was very cute and close to the scene in the movie. After the show we let the kids pick out interactive wands. The store was crazy packed, I can't imagine how it gets during a busier time of the year. My son ran up grabbed a random box and that was his wand. My daughter took some time looking at the wands in the display case and picked one she like.

Our girly with her wand.

My daughter wasn't feeling going on Gringott's yet the Dragon on top was kind of making her nervous. So we decided to take the train over to Hogsmeade. I love the fact they have a live musician playing at the entrance to King's Cross. Once we saw a violist, another time a saxophone player.

My kids ready to board the Hogwarts express. My son was more interested in his Goldfish at this point.

We all enjoyed the Hogwarts express. It is a neat experience. When we got to Hogsmeade the kids got a picture with the train conductor. My son was like why are you making me do this?

Up next we explore Hogsmeade....

 

[RandomPrincess]

Next we went to Honeyduke's where the kids had fun each deciding on a treat. My son got Bertie Bots

My daughter picked out a Chocolate Cauldron Cake

Then it was off to the Three Broomsticks for an early lunch. I like the ordering set up they use. You wait in a single line and then you are directed to one of the many cash registers to order and pay. Some items you pick up at a counter others they deliver to your table for you. Once you have paid and picked up any counter items they seat you at a table.

I got the Cornish Pasties they were so-so, would not order again The salad side dish was good and came with pickled beets on top - sounds weird but I really liked it. My husband got the winning dish Roasted Chicken and Vegetables. Hes was good. My kids shared the fish and chips. They tasted like classic fish and chips.

After lunch it was time for the flight of the Hippogriff. This was my daughter's very first coaster when she was 2. My daughter tried to give me a hard time about riding. I told her you did this when you were 2 and loved it. My son is up for any ride. He has already been on an upside coaster at Hershey Park so he was good to go. Here she is at the end of the ride. As you can see she hated it.

Up next we head into Seuss Landing ...

 

[danpam1024]

Your children are absolutely precious <3

 

[RandomPrincess]

Next we headed into Seuss Landing.....

As we entered we saw the Cat in the Hat and Thing 1 & 2 My daughter was all in for a picture my son was not feeling it at all.

The Grinch was also meeting near by still in his Santa Suit but both my kids were a hard "no" on taking a picture. We hit the Caro-Suess -Cel and One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish

This is the ride where I made a mistake but I wouldn't realize it until later.

We headed to The High in the Sky Trolley. We had never done this ride before.

Half way through the 30 - 40 minute wait I realized I did not have my kids wands! I had been carrying both of them in a Ollivader's shopping bag and I had left it on the floor of the One Fish, Two Fish. I hurried back to the ride and they had found my wands and had already sent them in to lost and found. They radioed to lost and found and had brought them brought out to me. It only took a few minutes but I was so nervous waiting for everything. Wands recovered. The rest of my family went on the Trolley without me. My husband said I didn't miss much and it was not worth the long wait.

We stopped for some pressed pennies on the way to Cat In the Hat -

Cat int he Hat was closed so we decided to play in the If I Ran the Zoo Play area for a while. The kids had a lot of fun and we spent a good half an hour playing in there. I kept checking the park app to see if Cat in the Hat had reopened so we could run in before the line got long.
My son started getting a little wild after about 30 minutes so it was time to move on.

We went through the little Lorax path they have and got a snack. Yum - popcorn!

Finally Cat in the Hat reopened and we were able to walk on. On the way out I got a picture of my kids in the shop window. The same spot I got a picture of them 4 years ago.

Kiddos in 2012 - Rocking Seuss -

Kiddos in 2016 - Rocking Potter -

We headed out of Seuss Landing and were heading over to Super Hero Island next -

 

[RandomPrincess]

We got to Superhero Island at the very end of a round of M&Gs. My son was very excited to meet Storm - even though he has never seen or heard of her.

Next we went on Storm Force which was another new ride for us. Kids loved it!

We went to meet Spider-man. My son was excited to meet him but nervous. The guy playing Spider-man was very nice to him.

We made our way through Toon Lagoon - too cold for water rides and sadly my kids don't have any idea who the charcters are. We did get the obligatory picture with Marmaduke.

We headed into Jurassic Park. My son was very excited! We headed to the play area and let the kids run around. Then we went on the Flyers. The kids both loved this ride!

Next we lined up for the Raptor encounter. Alec was once again eager to see the Raptor but nervous about it. He wanted me to go up with him and my daughter wasn't getting any where near it. Alec got to do his best Chris Pratt impression. The Raptor handler had him tell Blue to get back. Then it was picture time.

Back around through Hogsmeade

And finished the loop and out of the park. My kids were done for the day. We left the park about 6:00 and stopped for hot dogs at Hot Dog Hall of Fame on the way back to our hotel. The hot dogs were good as hot dogs go. We would defiantly stop there for a quick bite again.

That was it for our first day. 2 more days to go

 

[RandomPrincess]

Day #2 - We arrived at the Universal gates about 15 minutes before the park opened. Mandatory picture with the globe -

Today we were heading straight to Minion Mayhem! The line for the ride opened right as we arrived and we had about a 20 minute wait. My kids enjoyed watching the videos in the queue.

My son started a "fun" new game. When ever I wanted to take a picture he would refuse. So I would take a picture of just my daughter. Then he would decide he did want to be in the picture after all and wanted me to take one with him in it.

Take my picture but I'm not actually goign to look at you.

The kids really liked the ride - I think this ride made me the most motion sick out of everything we rode.

Next it was straight to Diagon Alley! Time for some Gringotts!

We were in line about 9:45 after a potty break and a stop at the lockers. My daughter was a little apprehensive. I promised her I wouldn't take her on anything to scary or that went upside down. So she got in line.

Once again I took a picture and Alec refused. Then as soon as the line moved he wanted a picture.

Had to get a picture. Alec knew not to fight on this one he cooperated and took the picture.

Once you get inside Gringott's the details are absolutely amazing! As a huge Potter fan I was in heaven! The line moves steadily the whole time so the wait isn't that bad. as soon as we excited the elevator we ended up having to wait about 15-20 minutes for a problem with the ride. Thankfully it was fixed and the kids did well waiting in one spot.

Lily right before we got off the ride As you can see she has a smile!

Next we hung out in Diagion Alley....

 

[RandomPrincess]

We had an early lunch at the Leaky Cauldron , the process for ordering food and being seated is the same as the 3 Broomsticks.

There was Butterbeer...

Lily and I shared the fish and chips - still yummy. My husband had the bangers and mash -good and my son had the kids macaroni and cheese - similar to Stouffer's (it hay have been Stouffer's).

We spent some time exploring Diagon Alley and Knockturn Alley

We tried some interactive spots but I think my kids are just to short. They had a hard time getting the spots to work unless my husband held them up so they were at an adult height.

Our final stop was at Florean Fortescue's for some Butterbeer Ice Cream. The kids loved it!

Next we hung out on the London waterfront and Alec throws a fit.

 

[RandomPrincess]

We headed out of the Diagon Alley and it was way hotter on the waterfront. My husband went to get us some Starbucks well the kids and I took some pictures.

We met "Alec" the Knight Bus conductor. My son thought it was pretty cool meeting someone with the same name as him. He warned the kids to be careful using magic in front of all the Muggles.

Got to get a picture in front of Sirius' House

You can place a call to the Ministry of Magic here

Once my husband came back I thought we should put some sunblock as the rest of the park is pretty sunny. My son was not happy about this. I'm not sure what happened he has never given me a problem putting on sunblock before. My husband got this picture of him throwing a fit. I had completely forgotten about this until I saw the picture. My husband took him for a walk and was able to get him calmed down and get his sunblock on.

Next we headed to Springfield.

 

[Disneydreamer23]

following

 

[RandomPrincess]

We skipped Men in Black for now. My kids aren't familiar with the movies and the Springfield is just this bright colorful beacon calling to us.

The Simpsons Ride was up first. This was another first for the whole family. The line moved smoothly and video screens in the queue are a big help for keeping the kids entertained. I was surprised we didn't have 3D glasses. Is this ride supposed to be 3D. The film seemed slightly fuzzy making me think it was supposed to be #D or the focus needed to be adjusted. This one was a big hit with both kids.

The we hit the Twirl and Hurl - we all twirled that thankfully no hurling.

We spent time exploring the area and taking pictures..

We had promised the kids a giant pink donut. But it would have to wait until later. Now is was time to backtrack to MIB.

This was our worst experience of the trip. Getting in and out of the mandatory lockers is a giant pain in general it's a zoo. For some reason the MIB area was the most crowded and crazy of the trip. Lines at every locker station 8+ people deep. Since we needed two lockers we split up. I got my things put away and met back up with my husband and he couldn't get his backpack to fit in the locker. I guess these must be smaller then all the other lockers in the park. I got back in line to get a 3rd locker so we could get everything to fit. After about 15 minutes we got every thing handled.

The kids both enjoyed the ride (every kid love a shooter) the line went super fast it was half the length of the posted time which is always a nice surprise.

Back to the evil lockers. We all got in my husbands line so we could open both his lockers. Took about 5 minutes then to my line to open my locker. Here is where I mad a big mistake. I have let my daughter use her fingerprint. Apparently this is a big no-no but you won't know it until you try and open the locker. The kiosk will expect a child's fingerprint to lock it but when you go to unlock it, it will not open. You just get and error. I tried several times. I felt so bad I was holding up the line. After a few tries we had to got find and employee to help. Easier said then done. The place is just packed and the poor employee had a ton of people who needed help too. After a few minutes they were able to help me. So much locker drama and MIB. I can't imagine what it is like on a crowded day.

Next we meet some characters....

 

[RandomPrincess]

I had some chaos with the lockers until someone said take a picture of the locker number with your phone. LOL. Works.

I do that too. It was the figure print thing that screwed us up.

 

[JoeCamel]

I do that too. It was the figure print thing that screwed us up.

I don't think it is a kids print that was the problem. I rarely get my print recognized when I go. I try 6 times and then get an attendant to open it for me

 

[RandomPrincess]

I don't think it is a kids print that was the problem. I rarely get my print recognized when I go. I try 6 times and then get an attendant to open it for me

The attendant told me it always happens with kids. I know the are glitchy in general.

 

[Disneyhead'71]

I have never had an issue with the biometric scanners. Most people press down too hard.

 

[JoeCamel]

I have never had an issue with the biometric scanners. Most people press down too hard.

Been using them for many years now, the ones in Grigots work well, MiB not so much. In Gringots they ask what locker number, in MiB they rely on recognition to determing the locker number you want to reopen. Same thing day after day there. Mummy is hit or miss. DC, HRRR I don't ride. We will see when they open Hulk again

 

[RandomPrincess]

We were finishing up our 2nd day in the park. I could tell my son especially was getting tired. So we started making our way to the front of the park.

My son wanted a picture with this "cool train"..

As we made our way to the front we ran into the end of a performance. Lily had to get her picture with this random candy girl -

And a hug from Dora

Then I saw Homer and I HAD to get a picture.

My husband wanted a picture with the mystery machine -

Immediately after this picture was taken my son turned around and slapped his sitter across the face. Needless to say that wa the end of our day for good.

My husband carried my son out of the park and my daughter wanted to stop for one more picture

Back in the hotel my husband pulled out the surprise he had bought he kids -

 

[PinnySmart]

Great report!! Your son looks so much like Daniel Radcliffe when he was a kid.

 

[RandomPrincess]

We took Wednesday off from the parks. My husband and son spent the afternoon getting all checked in for the WDW Marathon (Dopey Challenge) and the Kid Races ( 200m and Mile Run) and exploring the Expo. My daughter and I hit Disney Springs for some shopping. We all met up for dinner at Raglan Road which is a family favorite.

Thursday my husband got up early and ran his first race of the week the 5k. The kids and I got up around 7 and got ready to hit the parks. We arrived at the park right at opening and headed to our first ride goal of the day Spider-man! My son was waiting to ride this. It was a walk on, which is always great.

It was still to early for Super Hero M&Gs but Alec was able to get a picture with giant Captain America and that made him happy for now.

Into Hogsmeade. Sadly they no longer do tours of the castle you have to wait in the normal line to see inside. My daughter was disappointed but the line was already 45 minutes. Got a castle picture -

Another ride on Flight of the Hippogriff

And back onto the Hogwarts Express, first train out of the day!

And over to the next must do of the day - Transformers!

My kids only Transformers reference is the cartoon Rescue Bots so I wasn't sure how they would react to the movie Transformers.

This ride (and even the line) is incredibly loud. This was the only ride that really bothered my daughter noise-wise. As evidenced by her ear covered in this picture. My son had a great time playing with all the buttons and knobs throughout the queue.

Transformers is also the bumpiest and jerkiest of this type of ride at Universal Orlando. After the ride I tried to convince them to take picture with Optmis Prime next door but they weren't into it. And this closed out our visit to Universal Studios Park. We hurried back to King's Cross to get back over to IOA for our lunch reservation at Mythos.

 

[Livelovedisney]

Looks like you guys had a wonderful time. Thank you for sharing. Our little ones (6 and 3) have been begging to go, but my husband and I are a little hesitant because our 3 year old is only 38 inches...he may not be able to ride most of the rides there.

 

[RandomPrincess]

After Transformers we headed back to the Hogwart's Express so we could get over to Mythos for our lunch reservation. One last picture in Hogsmeade

Lunch was good! Everyone enjoyed their food I had the Grilled Chicken BLT which was very tasty. My husband had the Mythos Burger which he really liked. My kids both had pizza.

The kids also got dessert some sort of chocolate dessert shots.

Then it was time to go meet some Superheroes! Once again my son has no idea who this is but he needed a picture.

He needed my husband for this one. He knows Wolverine in his Lego form.

Cap was the one that made him the most nervous but this is a step up from when he was 4 and we saw Cap in DL. When he saw Cap there he literally burst into tears and ran. This Cap wasn't as kid friendly. All the other heroes we met knelt down to get at Alec's level to help make him comfortable. Cap did not. In fact Cap kept talking to my husband and my husband kept trying to direct his attention to Alec.

And that was it! Our trip to Universal was complete. The kids were worn out and we had crossed everything off our list. There was last minute shopping of course.

Alec asked for one last picture on our way out.

The rest of our week
Friday - 10k for my husband and The Orlando Science center which I highly recommend for people with elementary aged kids. We love it! We planned for a couple hours and ended up staying about 6.

Saturday war the half marathon followed by my kids running the 200m Dash and Mickey Mile Again if you have kids this is a great event and lots of fun! Notice my daughter is not wearing her glasses. That is because I told her I would hold them during the race and I lost them!

Sunday -Our last day. My husband was doing he marathon and we went to watch the ending. We showed up about and hour before my husband crossed the finish line and were able to get to the front about 10 minutes before he crossed so my kids could see him.

Had to get a picture of everyone with their metals.

Thanks for following along!