Tue., Jan 8/13

Wow! The temp is 10 degrees above normal – it will be in the low 80’s for the next week. The Orlando area has not had any freezing weather yet.

LNM (Liz, Nick and Marty) were off shopping with another visit to Legoland. Previously they were out of wheels and axles – this time they picked up a huge container and more kits. Another stop for LNM was a flea market. The destination for Charlotte and I was Universal Studios.

The theme parks are so motivated to make money they divide the parks into sections and charge for “park hopping”. The parks don’t even list a single day ticket. When we requested a single day they spent a few minutes trying to convince us to get a multi-day pass.  To lessen waits, they also charge extra for passes give you, in a sense, the right to skip into lines. This is a handicapped for large families who saved all year just to get here.

Our first stop was Cinnabon for our breakfast treat – a huge pecan covered bunch of sweetness ….mmmmm good!

Our reason for coming, since we had been to Universal here (and in California) several times before, was to visit the new Wizarding World of Harry Potter attraction. Of course, it was at the extreme end of the park, so we set off making it our first attraction destination.

Of course, all the popular attractions have long waiting times. We waited a half hour for the 10 minute wizard’s demonstration in Ollivander’s Wand Shop before entering Dervish and Banges where Charlotte found a wand. Naturally, as they say, the wand picks the wizard. Charlotte was picked by the Luna Lovegood (Brown Box) wand.

We are past the roller coaster riding time of life. We asked if we could tour Hogwarts (castle) without going on the ride (hanging roller coaster). We were pointed towards a parallel line entrance. Actually, this is a good option for all. The ride line moves continuously and does not really give enough time to enjoy each exhibit along the way. If you want the ride, I suggest do the walk-thru first where you can stop and enjoy the exhibits then go to the ride line later.

All that walking worked up a thirst – time for a Butterbeer! The lines at the cart closer to Hogwarts is shorter than those at the first cart as you enter the Harry Potter section of the park. There are 2 versions – regular and frozen. We opted for the frozen – delicious. The butterscotch flavoured beverage was an excellent refresher.

As we worked our way back to the front of the park we stopped to take in Poseidon’s Fury which is a special effects guided tour of his “ancient temple”. Charlotte enjoyed the effects – even though we were in the front row and could feel the heat of the flames and were splashed (a little) several times.

It was now mid-afternoon and the Cinnabons had worn off. We spotted the Mythos (Grotto of the Gods) Restaurant. In keeping with the ancient island theme of the Lost Continent the restaurant in a water-worn grotto carved out of the rock. The sinuous walls give the impression they were carved by the subterranean streams that flow throughout the restaurant. 

The large, flowing pillars are shaped like gods and goddesses. 

The regal purple decor is lavish (and really heavy). I could hardly push Charlotte's chair in as I assisted her in seating at the table. The chair metal almost appears to be pewter. I was surprised to hear the hostess say; "I haven't seen that for quite a while".

This is a full service restaurant that has received the Top Restaurant Award for Theme Parks (Worldwide) for the past 6 years in a row. It was a treat. The restaurant features seasonally available items on their menu. 

Everything is prepared to order – fast food it ain’t!

We arrived during the Festival of Mushrooms. Charlotte enjoyed Blue Crab and Mushroom Sliders which were pan sautéed and served on mini-rolls with lettuce and remoulade sauce, accompanied by potato salad and a watermelon-tomato medley (which was excellent).

My entrée was Wild Mushroom Meatloaf which was a combination of beef, pork and wild mushrooms, roasted garlic, caramelized onions and ricotta cheese served with Yukon Gold mashed potatoes, Jack Daniels gravy and Tabasco onion rings. This was also excellent. With the park having early closing hours this restaurant was only open from 11 am to 4 pm today. On exit we found other folks were disappointed to find it closed.

This was a nice change from all the fast food usually available in theme parks. The interior grotto décor, great service and excellent food was a welcomed and relaxing break from the hustle-bustle of the park.

As we continued towards the park exit our next stop was Seuss Landing.  At last a ride we could enjoy: “The High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride”. 

We really enjoyed the leisurely ride as the trolley train wound its way around (and above) Seuss Landing. The highly stylized and colourful buildings and rides in this area were a treat for the eyes.

We then continued towards the Port of Entry (in this case, Exit) with a stop on the bridge to watch the twists and turns of the Incredible Hulk Coaster ride. It sounded like all on the ride were exercising their lungs to capacity as the ride “screamed” by our vantage point.

Park closing was 7 pm today. Our exit at 6 pm, although busy, avoided the rush. It only took about 20 minutes to arrive back at the RV. LNM were already at the RV when we returned. Later in the evening, Lynda, one of our travelling RV buddies who came to Florida in our “convoy” came for a visit from her site elsewhere in Fort Wilderness. Liz made Natchos and popcorn for a treat as we chatted outside. We also enjoyed seeing the larger fireworks that were going off at the Magic Kingdom.

Another fun day way had by all.

Note: The next blog may not be for a day or two. LNM will be leaving for the trek back to the cold at 4 am on Thursday. This blog will go out Wednesday as we leave Fort Wilderness to return to the KOA in Apopka, FL to pick up our motorhome. We will leave from there for our long term stay at the Clermont RV and Gold Resort.