Great – We Are Upside Down Again!
Ambush on the Road: Universal Studios in Orlando, Part 2
The following day, our morning routine was the same. Starbucks, water taxi and early entry to the Park. The early entry gets you into Islands of Adventure early so we rode a few of the popular rides from the day before till 9 a.m. then boarded the Hogwarts Express from Hogsmeade Station to King’s Cross Station in the London area of Universal Studios Florida. On the way, we encountered familiar characters and creatures from the Harry Potter books and films. It’s a fun and added treat going from one area to the next. When you arrive, you are right around the corner from the secret entryway to Diagon Alley. We rode the Hogwarts Express both ways and there is a different show in each direction so it’s like two rides in one.
I loved this area so much. The decor and shops really do transport you into the world of Harry Potter. The ride to go on in this area is Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts. We entered beneath a massive fire-breathing dragon and journeyed deep underground. The fire breathing dragon is a sight to behold–it shoots fire from its mouth over 3000 degrees Fahrenheit. We rode this a few times and each time I discovered something new.
Ollivander’s Wand Shop is a must see even if you do not buy a wand. This is where wizards and witches come in search of the most essential wizarding item: their wand. You can witness a unique interactive experience and see a wand choose a wizard. Adikus was the person chosen at the show, probably because he looks like a Wizard. Other fun shops to explore are Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes, Scribbulus, Sugarplum’s Sweet Shop, and Borgin and Burke’s (traders of dark arts objects and supplies).
Don’t Have A Cow Man! Yes, we went to Springfield: Home of the Simpsons next. It’s just like being in the town with Homer and all the cast of characters from the show. And everything is there. We had beers both at Moe’s Tavern and Duff Brewery. We had lunch at Cletus’ Chicken Shack with a dessert donut at Lard Lad Donuts; both places were quite campy. The rides in this Area that were fun are Kang and Kodos’ Twirl and Hurl and The Simpsons Ride which is an indoor simulated roller coaster ride where you’ll careen and crash through the park with Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa and Maggie in an over-the-top adventure.
As we made our way through the park, our next area was the World Expo area and the Men in Black Aliens Attack ride. The premise of this ride is that New York has been hit by an epidemic of aliens and it’s up to you, Agent Trainee, to blast them into oblivion. Use your laser gun to zap those little suckers and rack up points before they zap back at you, sending your car spinning out of control.
One of my favorite cartoon characters was next when we went to Illumination’s Minion Land with the Villain Con Minion Blast and the Despicable Me Minion Mayhem where you are turned into a Minion for this adventure. There is also lots of great shopping in this area.
Hollywood was next on our list. We started with a classic ride E.T. The Adventure. This very nostalgic dark ride first opened to the public in 1990. It recreates the flying-bicycle chase scene from the 1982 film E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, while introducing E.T.‘s homeworld, the Green Planet, featured in the sequel novel E.T.: The Book of the Green Planet. This ride brought back some incredible memories of my childhood and this incredible movie.
The Streets of San Francisco backlot came alive as we toured that area next. The ride there is Fast and the Furious – Supercharged. I am not a big fan of the movies, but this ride is very exhilarating. We rode along with Dom, Letty, Hobbs and Roman on a street chase in the middle of the high-octane world of the Fast & Furious films. It’s definitely a high energy rush.
Another fabulous backlot was New York City with great rides, food options and shopping. The two rides of note here are Revenge of the Mummy and Race Through New York with Jimmy Fallon. Both of these rides are over the top with Revenge of the Mummy being a rollercoaster ride of excitement from my favorite Mummy movies, the ones starring Brendan Frasier. We rushed forwards and back on the track, fleeing from the evil Mummy Imhotep and, just as it seemed we escaped, we plunged straight down into a pitch-black abyss. The Jimmy Fallon experience is more of a high energy theatrical event where you deal with Jimmy Fallon and all your favorite characters from The Tonight Show in a race through, below and above NYC.
After a full day of rides, we were exhausted and headed back to the hotel to get ready for dinner. We celebrated both Adikus and David’s birthdays at the rooftop restaurant/bar atop our hotel Bar 17 Bistro. We had spectacular views of Universal’s three amazing theme parks from this stunning rooftop bar and grill. We tried their urban international specialities like steamed bao buns, as well as custom cocktails. For cocktails, I would suggest Midnight Tea – Deep Eddy Sweet Tea Vodka, lemon juice, activated charcoal, edible glitter. This is definitely a fabulous place to hang out and enjoy food and drinking in a beautiful setting.
The third day in the park was all about the shows and all the extra things you can do like photo ops with the characters and more shopping. So let’s discuss the shows. In all sections of the parks, there are different short shows for guests to watch that are theatrical, educational, musical or dance productions. And I loved all of them. Let’s start with the lands of Harry Potter. Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees present a soulful cabaret show; while The Tales of the Beetle Bard is produced by the Wizarding Academy of Theatrical Arts; the fanciful Frog Choir that does my favorite song “Something Wicked This Way Comes”; and the Tri-Wizard Spirit Rally with hot men doing acrobatic stunts.
For those who want a little thrill in their life, there is Universal Orlando’s Horror Make-up Show which was very interesting. In this live show, top make-up & special effects artists craft some big screen characters. Featuring movie clips, props, and interactive demonstrations, this experience offers insights into the moviemaking process.
There is also The Bourne Stuntacular. It was like nothing I had seen before outside the movies, and gave an almost behind-the-scenes glimpse of stunts. We followed Jason Bourne as he outran sinister characters, dangled from a helicopter, dashed across rooftops in Tangier, and motorcycled through Virginia. This is a great show!
The last of the shows like this was the Animal Actors on Location. This showcases some of the most talented animal actors from movies & TV performing in a mix of video segments, live skits and audience interactions. It also shows the people who train these animals. I mean, what an incredible job. With a menagerie of vibrant birds, mischievous pups, agile cats, pigs and many more, it’s not to miss.
If you are looking for a little music to entertain you, there are several shows throughout the day. The Blues Brother Show allows guests to join everyone in the streets as Jake and Elwood Blues perform an incredible show that brings rhythm and comedy together for a fun show. Throughout the show, the performers engaged the audience with renditions of classic blues and soul songs, including “Soul Man,” “Sweet Home Chicago,” and “Gimme Some Lovin’.”
Other Universal’s Musical Street Shows we were able to see were The Beat Builders, musical construction workers that showcase their talents of urban percussion and Vamos Bailalo, a high-energy Latin dance experience with a classic look and modern musical flair.
Another fun thing to do at the Park is take pictures with your favorite characters from the Transformers to the Grinch and Marilyn Monroe, Betty Boop to the cast of Scooby Doo. For lunch that day, we ate at the Illumination’s Minion Cafe where we dined on such delights as Mel’s Meatball Mountain, Minion Tots and Fluffy Unicorn Cupcakes. Delectable and fun!
We also saw their Mardi Gras Parade which they were doing nightly during the month of February in honor of the NOLA holiday. As a jaded New Orleanian who knows Carnival, I thought it was wonderful and beautifully done. In between gorgeously sculpted and lighted floats, there were dancers and stilt walkers all costumed to match the theme of the floats. The floats had riders chosen from people attending the park who threw beads to the spectators. Yes, I even caught the cheap beads they threw. In addition to the parade, there was lots of Mardi Gras/New Orleans decor and food and cocktail booths.
For our final night at Universal, we had dinner at this amazing restaurant, The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen, a steampunk lover’s dream. The restaurant is amazing with delicious dishes and cocktails, but the desserts are to die for. The Confetti, the Espresso Buzzzz and the Chocolate X% are my favorite picks. It was a lovely and memorable dining experience and the gift shop is exceptional.
Our last day in Orlando, we had a late flight so we visited the park, and went on a few of the rides we liked again. For lunch, we decided to do an around-the-world tasting. We started with Thailand and then went to Canada (the poutine was divine), Colombia, and then ended with a New Orleans (or their version of it) dessert. After lunch, we went back to the hotel, grabbed our stuff and headed to the airport. After dinner at On The Border which was decent in the Orlando Airport we were on a late flight back to NOLA.
We will definitely be back in 2025 especially after they add their fourth park Epic Universe that will introduce guests to five immersive new worlds – How To Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk; Celestial Park; The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic; Super Nintendo World and Dark Universe.
