Monday was our first full day at Universal (Predicted CL 9). To read our first partial day go here. To read the next day at IOA, go here.
Actors: Husband (me), Wife, Son (13), Daughter (7), Son’s friend
I woke up early to check us into Portofino Bay (for 2 full days of UEPs for the five of us). I checked in at 0620 for a non EA day at USF (PO at 0900). The plan was to be one of the first at the taps, but going back to Double Tree and wrangling a sleepy family that morning was daunting. After leaving our luggage with PB staff, we got in line for the water taxi a little late.
We ended up getting to the line at the taps about 0830, probably about 25 minutes past when I would have liked (if I’m being honest). We were a ways back, making me realize we’d not be RDing Ollivander’s (as was my intention). Instead, we moved on to the next item on our TP and did RS on Gringott’s and explored Diagon Alley a little. Next, Tales of Beedle the Bard experienced sound difficulties a few minutes into the routine so we never saw it. We snagged a return time for Ollivanders (1430) before setting out off to use our new UEPs. I also snagged another Hagrid’s VQ for 1130-1200 though I can’t remember what time exactly.
We went next to Transformers (which was too intense for my daughter) and then to Minions. By this point, I’m already sold on the UEPs. Money well spent if you ask me (and saved, as we did them via one night at PBR). Then we all got donuts and/or coffee at Lard Lad Donuts. We followed this up with Simpsons at which point it was time for me and the boys to use HogEx to get to our Hagrid’s window.
We were more successful getting there on time with this effort as we arrived ~1155. Hogsmeade was absolutely packed. Off of Hagrid’s ~1250, we figured we should use HogEx to get back to USF to make sure we got to Ollivander’s appt. Something was off, because although we had UEP, the line wasn’t moving. We’d have been better off walking between parks. We finally got back ~1350
Then we did MIB with ladies (after Simpson’s ladies had done Animal Actors, ET, Nuthouse Coaster x2). Then we went to Ollivander’s and went right in at 1428 where we bought the family the wand that chose my son (daughter was a little apprehensive; this is a theme). After hanging out at top of steps next to Gringott’s with Butterbeers and Peach Tea for a break, we went next to RRR (son and I) and Shrek (other 3).
After sheer adrenaline pumping on RRR, we waited in the shade for our other group. Then we split again - boys ride Mummy, ladies go to Fallon. After Mummy (which was pretty awesome btw) we all met up in Fallon gift shop and went on the New York race (ladies 2x). Wanting to have a little pool time at Portofino, we closed things out by riding ET and then Woody Woodpecker once or twice.
I didn’t have to swim (Carabba’s pick-up guy), but everyone else enjoyed pool time after catching the water taxi back. We finally made the boys come back to eat ~2100. We still had yet to RD IOA tomorrow (Tues) morning for Early Entrance.