Sh…Don’t tell Mickey that we ditched him today.
He might not approve of our Universal plan to visit our friend, Harry Potter.
Our first stop in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter was Hogwarts with Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey.
We were not allowed to carry anything on this ride—they provided lockers—so the photos from my phone just convey the essence of the experience.
I highly recommend the Forbidden Journey. Many of the nuances escaped me but the ride was so captivating that I smiled the entire time.
Next we took the Flight of the Hippogriff, a roller coaster that spirals and dives around a pumpkin patch and Hagrid’s hut.
I snapped this bird’s eye picture with my DSLR camera. Once I got whipped around on what turned out to be a more thrilling ride than I expected, I quickly tucked my camera under my arm.
Bill and Walker did the Dragon Challenge but Mason and I veered off in another direction.
Don’t look for the restrooms or an ATM. You will only find public conveniences and Gringotts Bank.
Every wizard needs a wand so we waited in line to see how they chose their owners.
It all took place here at Ollivanders with the shopkeeper. Then we went through the magic door and found a few wands for our wizards, I mean, boys. We paid with muggle money.
Note these wood burning stoves that were strategically placed throughout the area but don’t expect to get warm by them. 
They are actually trash and recycling receptacles.
One only had to look around at the storefronts to gain a sense of what it must have felt to be a shopper at Hogsmeade.
The Hogwarts Express was every much as impressive as one would have imagined it and the conductor was entertaining and friendly.
We did take two trips through Honeydukes, a colorful feast for the eyes.
and also through Dervish and Banges where the caveat about The Monster Book of Monsters was issued.
After visiting Hogwarts and shopping at Hogsmeade, we dined at Mythos in the Lost Continent area.
When we finished, we realized we had just a moment to dash across the park to catch a stunt show called The Eighth Voyage of Sindbad. Fire, water, swords and stunts kept our attention. From there we visited Poseidon’s ancient temple for a special effects guided tour.
Then we were off to Jurassic Park for the Jurassic Park River Adventure. Watch out for those guys!
In Toon Lagoon, the boys took a dip on Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls.
In the photo below, taken with a water camera, Bill actually caught the boys going down. They were soaked at the end!
Our last stops of the day were on Marvel Super Hero Island. We went on the Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man thrill ride.
When we finished, Walker said he wanted to go on Doctor Doom’s Fear Fall. Bill was the brave soul who accompanied Walker. He said he should have known it was intense after Walker’s exchange with the ride operator:
“Are you scared?”
Walker replied, “No.”
The operator retorted, “Well, you should be!”
Meanwhile, we were planted with feet on the ground.
Unlike many tower rides, the exhilaration came from shooting up 150 feet rather than from the drop back to the ground. Um, no thank you!
Bill and Walker are facing to the left.
The last thing we did before heading out was divide and conquer. Walker and I walked right onto The Incredible Hulk Coaster. It was AWESOME! Bill and Mason rode Storm Force Acceleration, a spinning teacup style ride.
Before heading back to the hotel, we had dinner at Pastamore on the Universal CityWalk and I grabbed a Starbucks coffee for the road.
It was such a fun day and a great way to end our amusement park adventures.
Your pictures are incredible.
Maybe I’ll head to Orlando to do Harry Potter. It looks so cool!
As for the tower ride, I’m with you and. Mason. Bill is a real hero!
what fun – you reminded me of June – we ate at Mythos too!