Day 2 - Universal Orlando

It was a beautiful day in Orlando today as we trekked between the two parks. We arrived in time for early park admission when the crowds were low and everything still looks sparkly as the sun glints through trees and buildings. I am not sure if it is a good or bad thing that we can walk through the Universal Islands of Adventure like we are being driven by muscle memory. Of course we land out one of our all time favourite roller coasters, Hagrids Magical Creatures. It continues to impress. 

Joshua and Belle in Hogsmeade

Next stop, the more thrilling and hair raising Velocicoster. 

Today was much busier than the previous so we needed to be a bit more strategic with the rides and lunch to avoid the queues.

Belle was still under the weather but she started out the day with the best intentions and a determination to make the most of the day. Despite being dosed up on panadol and neurofen, the aches took over and I was returning her back to the hotel for some rest. She thought she would be returning to us after a quick rest but quickly found herself in a slumber. As it turned out, it would be us returning to Belle. Evidently the Orlando humidity combined with jet lag was too much for us all. 

The velocicoaster pre-ride 
entertainment

Hogwarts Castle always visible.

  

I am sure we have the same photos from the last trip, but I cant 
help myself. It is just so magical in the moment.

I wanted to mock Joshua's desire to Sponge Bob Square Pants

until his explanation for why the visit - he is just the happiest

person in the world - always - he is just pure joy - what's not 

to love. 

Eventually, after a quick rest, Isabelle was keen to head back to watch the Macys Christmas (or otherwise Thanks Giving) Parade. Joshua was less keen so we left him to chill while we headed back. The last time we visited it was too windy and they had the parade without the balloons. As you will see by the photos below, tonight, the weather was perfect. Regardless of the weather, handling these giant balloons is no easy feat. From our best guess, the balloon guides were volunteers, however there was at least another two at the front, using sign language to conduct the strings. Even without the wind, a slight disruption in the flow / movement of the strings and the whole balloon swayed. 

We had hoped the end of the parade would loosen up the crowds going into the rest of the evening. Unfortunately there was no such luck and some of the ques for rides started to blow out again. This made for a nice opportunity to wander, shop and enjoy the Christmas lights and themes.

Entry to Diagon Alley

Harry Potter's Knight Bus

Steve and Belle in Diagon Alley with Gringots Bank in the 
background. 

Joshua eventually joined us for dinner in Universal City where we enjoyed Bubba Gump Shrimp Restaurant which has elements and memorabilia throughout from Forest Gump. We didn't know it at the time, but the restaurant was actually inspired by the movie, hence the theming.