“Geeking it out” at Universal Studios Hollywood

The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter w the family

My nieces Jamie and Keri and her mom Kathleen

If it looks like the Smyth’s, the VanWinckel’s and Louie families are practically the only people at Universal Studios, your probably right. When this family vacations at these parks, we don’t mess around. Up early and out the door before the doors open, so our group could be first in line to get in to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. A few of my nieces were over the top excited about The Forbidden Journey and also about getting their wand at Ollivanders. It’s quite the experience, seeing my nieces walk around getting objects to move if they pointed their wand in a certain direction if they stand in the correct spot. Just like magic. The marketing people here are genius getting parents to spend $49.00 on a wooden wand. It’s kind of a big deal though, and I’m not an expert on this experience since I am just now being exposed to Harry Potter. Neither of my son’s were into the books, so I plead innocence here. No judgement, cause we all have our geek out moments, after all.

 

Ollivanders where the wizard is showing the boy how to make magic

#Hogwarts Express

Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey area

I hadn’t been to this park in about 25 years, so a lot has changed. They still have a Studio Tour in which you get on a tram and drive around and see King Kong, Fast & Furious among others. Get on this tram when your toes are screaming “sit down!”

 

Of course there were Transformers, Shrek Characters, and Sponge Bob Square Pants out and about for the youngsters to appreciate. Good times for all.

 

We all had fun riding the Revenge of the Mummy ride, Transformers The Ride- 3D, and watching Waterworld the number 1 stunt show. We avoided the Jurassic Park Ride because it was too cold to risk getting soaked. My son Curtis’s favorite memory of the park was the Jaws ride. He must have been only 7 or 8 when we brought him on that ride. Poor kid was traumatized for years after seeing jaws fly out of the water. Looking back, we should have protected him from that terrifying experience.

In any case, there was lots to do and plenty of places to eat like Cletus’ Chicken Shack, Krusty Burger, Trish’s Mini Donuts, Ben & Jerry’s Ice-cream and Popcornopolis which offers caramel, cheese and churro flavored popcorn. Delish!

 

Here’s my version and recipe for Cinnamon Rolls

Overall, the Universal Studio “geek out” vacation experience was a success. We put on several more miles on our sore tootsies, but every step was worth it. Especially since I’m able to laugh and make special memories with my loved ones. If you haven’t been, plan your next adventure in Southern California at Universal Studios. You’ll be glad you did.

From the left my sister in law Terri Ann, My sister in law Kathleen,brother in law Rodney, and nieces Keri, Jamie, Laura, Michelle, Keri’s boyfriend Sam and me

 

The Van Winckels enjoying Ben and Jerry’s

The Louies and Sam

Here’s a glimpse of our Disneyland trip the day before.