I saw in a few videos that the staff were claiming Epic buses start at 8 when they really start at 7:30. But they pretty clearly told me that they start at 7!
I’m just going to CityWalk though.
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Interesting I have never seen that error!
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Look at the Berk model!
I grabbed just a Voodoo donut so I could hit the shops. I have to assume the Harry Potter merchandise keeps them in business. Wow.
Limited dragon merchandise still. The gift shop at Cabana Bay had NONE. 
If we don’t have express pass, do we need lanyards? I have a couple hours left to get DH to bring stuff from home.
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We didn’t bother with lanyards, but it probably would have been helpful. We did early entry both days and each person did need to show their hotel keys for park entry (we were at Helios), as well as for portal entry during early admission.
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Don’t worry, there’s lots of cool dragon merch in Isle of Berk!
Also, we always use lanyards at Universal but they’re probably not as useful without express pass since you’d only use therm at early entry or to charge purchases to your room.
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Thanks! I did get a little something for the boys when they arrive.
I think we will skip the lanyards. I purposely got slip shorts with pockets so they will be easy enough to access from there.
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Made it to Sapphire Falls. Gorgeous pool. Still quiet at this time of day.
I feel so fancy that they have specific “chair cover” towels.
Longest line I waited in today was the front desk line here! I was behind so many people checking out?? Who does that in 2025? Then they told me to go to concierge 
Also shout out to the VB security who ensured I knew exactly where I was walking to get here. So friendly!
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I collect the key cards. If you got to the lobby when it’s not peak check in hours and it’s slow they’ll make you whichever you want. Just explain and be nice.
Where is the model these days? I thought it was gone with the closing of Preview center. I really wanted to see it!!
I find that I NEED mine. Until the lockers go full face recognition loke in Japan you will need a ticket all day to open ride lockers
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Aaaaand thunder 
they even made everyone leave the entire pool deck which seems extreme.
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Wow that’s awesome! I don’t think we got any that I can see in your collection. I got a transformer one at Sapphire. (Unclear if I am supposed to give it back?)
I thought it was the Preview Center at CityWalk? It’s mostly a store with the model at the back. I wish there was like a hole in the center so you did have to look at every land from the back.
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Nope. You can take them with you. I always check out on my phone. You’ll get an email or text on check out day letting you kniw all tou need to do is tap the “checking out” link / button. You don’t have to go to the lobby.
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Yes. However, the preview center closed a couple months ago. Has it reopened??? That would be great
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Ya I think it’s 99% a shop now for Berk and Darkmoor merch. I was surprised there was none at the big shop, it was all HP & Nintendo.
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I finally bailed on the pool. The rain finally stopped but the thunder kept resetting the clock. And radar looks like a few more storms behind it. Maybe I can come back in the evening! I feel really bad for people in parks today.
I walked the lovely path to CityWalk. Is this place called Sushi burger? It’s a very cool concept. This was fantastic!
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Looks like it’s the Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar.
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Ah ok. I have heard of Cowfish. This is a great concept for families.
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Is the water taxi route a fake waterway? The water looked unnaturally blue!
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Great reporting, thanks for sharing!
I love the walking paths and water taxi at Universal, great scenery.
If you want to, you can edit your thread title and change the category to a UOR Trip Report
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Good idea. Thank you!
Just came out of the movie to the sun coming out. Boats appear to be running!
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