Universal Studios

On our trip, Universal Studios was a must see - we were NOT going to miss out on Harry Potter Land.  So while our whole family was together, we headed out to this massively packed park.  Max and Mike were determined to go on the Incredible Hulk roller coaster.  While they did that, we hit Dr. Seuss land - water, teacups, a carousal and more.  The kids loved it (running around & being wet). My most memorable moment was when we were in line for Red Fish, Blue Fish - we had waited in line for 35 minutes (which takes a lot of entertaining on my part), we were almost at the front when Brett has to go to the bathroom.  What do you do when you are one mom with 3 young kids?  Brett convinced me he could not wait.  I looked around trying to figure it all out when a lady pointed out that on the other side of the rail we were standing by, there was just grass and bushes.  I know it is terrible, but I plopped Brett over the rail, tried to block all view of what he was doing and encouraged him to hurry.  I was convinced park security would be on us in no time, but everything worked out and we put Brett back in line and happily rode the ride.  I wouldn't encourage this, but when you're in a bind...

Next on our list was Harry Potter Land. The place was so packed that you had to get tickets for hours later just to enter that section. Luckily someone working there felt sorry for me and gave me special permission to enter the area right away. I soon discovered, however, that there were NO rides for young kids, it was impossible to push a double stroller through the massive crowds, and even the shops had lines 45 minutes long just to enter. Augh! I called Mike in desperation and since he couldn't join us (his ticketed time was 2 hours later), he took the 2 younger kids and gave me Max.  SO much better!  We waited in line, rode the rides - Kenna wanted to go on the castle ride so badly but ended up closing her eyes through 1/2 of it because it was scary!  We ate at the 3 broomsticks and LOVED the butter beer, bought a wand at Olivanders, and hit the candy store/joke shop.  It turned out to be such a fun time and well worth it.  So glad that it all worked out.