Universal Studios / Island of Adventure - Day 1

Since we were staying on Universal property, we were able to get into the parks 1 hour early.  We got to the gates at about 7:20 and they opened the doors at 7:45.  We rushed straight to Hagrid’s Motorbike ride.  Then we did the Forbidden Journey.  We loved walking through the castle but all felt pretty sick after the ride.  We took it easy and rode the Hogwarts Express to Diagonal Alley for breakfast at the Leaky Cauldron.  Then we went to Olivander’s so they boys could get wands.  Alex was chosen for the wand experience which was very special.  Then we spent some time using the wands in Diagon alley before the boys wanted to take the train back to the other side of the park.  It was fun to go through the brick wall at platform 9 3/4.  It was a hot day so there were a lot of water rides on the afternoon. After a late lunch, we went back to Diagon Alley and Phil and Will did the Escape from Gringotts ride while Alex and I shopped in Diagon Alley.   Then they talked Alex in to trying it (I decided to wait until the next morning).  We stopped for ice cream again.  Then Alex and I went back to the hotel for some pool time and Phil and Will stayed for more rides.  It was a fun day!