Design Detail: Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey

This is certainly no surprise to anyone who is a theme park fan: When it comes to their newer attractions in the last decade or so, the men and women of Universal Creative are matching the design excellence that once belonged only to Disney Imagineering. The new Epic Universe park is the epitome of what they can accomplish so far. Dark Universe, in particular, stands out in this regard, but the grandaddy of their work seems to remain Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. It's not my favorite Potter themed attraction- that'd be a tie between Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure and Escape from Gringotts- but the sheer attention to detail is unsurpassed. You're not just in the movie, you've been taken out your ordinary world into theirs. My only regret with this award winning attraction is how intense it is on my body! Even with dramamine to kill the effect of riding, I still pay a pretty high place to do so. Yet, the experience as a whole is worth it if not for the queue through the castle. It's that well done!

(Photograph copyright Mark Taft.) 

Why I May Never Go Back to Universal Studios Florida (Walt Disney World vs. Universal Orlando Resort- Day Two)

This article could be titled, "Why Can't Diagon Alley Be Placed in a Better Park?" It is really Day Two of Our Trip to Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort vacation. The Studios may very well be my least favorite theme park of the bunch. It is definitely the lesser of the two at Universal, but Walt Disney World has a park that may be the very bottom of the barrel.

Now, Islands of Adventure is one of the best theme parks in Florida. No qualifiers in that statement. Our first day on the Universal property was everything we expected it to be and more. Their second park has a couple of my favorite attractions and some pretty incredible design work behind it. It has its flaws- as I pointed out in Day One of my trip report- but it is definitely worth your hard earned money. 

Since I wrapped up all the Islands attractions into one report, I'll do the same with the Studios.

We took the Hogwart's Express over to the Universal Studios Florida park because early entry hours was only for Islands of Adventure. Our plan was to make sure we took in a variety of attractions we missed last trip even if it meant missing some things we enjoyed last time. 

Such an incredibly well themed area!

For a few years now, I've maintained that Diagon Alley is the best themed land ever designed around a single Intellectual Property. You may not agree, but I make a pretty convincing case here. Collectively, we have taken hundreds of photos of this second Harry Potter land, and it is so rich and full of design detail, that we have spent hours there with only going on a single ride. Escape from Gringotts is a family favorite. The story is solid, from beginning to end the effects and sets are wonderful, and the use of the ride vehicle is thrill without inducing nausea. You walk off with a smile on your face. This is something I cannot say for Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. The shopping in Diagon Alley is unique, the food is decent, and then there's Butterbeer- a definite reason alone to visit.

So why would I even dare write I may never visit Universal Studios Florida again? The problem begins when you step outside of Harry's world.

Use the single rider line here.

We were in and out in less than 10 minutes.

We were there prior to the recent opening of the revised kids area with Shrek, Trolls, and Kung Fu Panda areas. DreamWorks Land was still behind walls. This meant the entire Studios park was a full cityscape of streets even if the theme varied. Harry Potter 2.0 aside, this gives the first Universal Florida park a redundant landscape and very cold feel. 

Playful atmosphere with two good family friendly attractions.

Minion Land is really cute, colorful, and contains a couple of family friendly attractions that we really enjoyed: The brand new Villain-Con Minion Blast shooter game, and the Despicable Me Minion Mayhem simulator. How can you not love minions and more minions? You just can't! But again, it's still a street just like all the other areas. The other themed areas San Francisco, New York, Hollywood, Springfield U.S.A., are all just streets. More streets everywhere. Concrete and more concrete. When you add in that the buildings are full sized and not scaled down, walking them can become a bit overwhelming too.

The reputation is well earned.

Other attractions to see on our list included the less than impressive Transformers The Ride 3D, a huge rip off of the still excellent Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man next door in that other theme park.  It's loud, and action packed but with 2/3 less the fun.

Even less successful was Fast and Furious Supercharged. It has rightly earned the reputation of being the worst ride on the Orlando property by far. Universal Creative blew it.  Big time. The closest comparison is the much better Skull Island, again at the other park. See a pattern here?

In contrast to what was poor, we found The Bourne Stuntacular an excellent show. Creatively designed, staged and executed, it was one of the highlights of our time in the Studios. This is the show not to miss. No spoilers here but I will say it is very different than what you expect, and these differences make it a winner.

Sorry, Universal, but I don't think anyone

associates Julie Andrews with your company.

The star of the equally lovely Olivia Newton-John.

The Hollywood Walk of Fame was unexpected as was the Brown Derby. The Old Hollywood settings were a nice change of pace. I'm sure I missed several other stars on the walk. I just got tired of looking down. 

Where the streets work is when the doors of the shops and restaurant open up to real places to explore. I found most of the time, it seems the proprietors' locations are just false fronts for a show building. There's no life here. It feels empty and even deserted in spots. Something's got to give. 

Springfield, the Home of the Simpsons Ride holds one of the cleverest attractions in the park. Destroy an entire amusement park? Who do you think we are, Disney Imagineers working on plans for California Adventure? Speaking of all that, we absolutely love the satire of the Disney attractions in the queue. It's both sincere and snarky at the same time. The main ride is a little much on the stomach toward the end as it is pretty lengthy for yet another simulator, but you've got to do it at least once. The vibe is appropriately different than Back to the Future which was there prior. But I'd say it's even more fun. I'll hate to see it all go away. 

The Haunted Condo ad in the queue.

Downing a Flaming Moe is a must.

World Expo's sole ride, Men in Black Alien Attack may be my favorite shooter ride in Orlando. But I could see it on the chopping block. Will Smith has probably moved this to the delete list. It's too bad. The ride is clever and competitive- even if all the effects were not working compared to our previous trip.

At the risk of being repetitive, let me summarize here. Have you ever gone to Disney California Adventure and regretted it after an hour and a half in the park? Have you ever thought, "I should have gone to Disneyland?" If so, this is the best comparison I can give you between going to the Studios instead of Islands of Adventure. The park is quite enjoyable for one visit. However, while it lasts, if you have never been to the parks at Universal Orlando Resort, buy a one day-two park ticket. You can see the best of both in one full day if you plan it right. 

Unless big plans and a major redesign happen, I won't come back unless I'm visiting with first timers- or our son who is a huge Potter fan and will insist on seeing all three lands, soon one in each park when Epic Universe opens. BUT Diagon Alley is just so good...

While Islands of Adventure has layers of subtle beauty, the Studios is loud and in your face. In one more Disney comparison, it's like the difference between Disney Springs and Universal's City Walk. Two totally different experiences. 

The evolution of Universal Orlando Resort can be seen here: The big box, simulator heavy Studios was first. They learned from there, and the more creative and beautiful Islands of Adventure was next. It was a huge leap in themed entertainment. This all makes me even more excited for Epic Universe in 2025. If the increase in quality is equally huge, Disney had better watch out because it will be fantastic!

I'll pop in some City Walk restaurant Dine or Ditch reviews in future articles, but we will move onto Disney World next. Lots to share. Great stories, first visits to new attractions, and some surprises both good and bad. 

(Photographs copyright Mark Taft.)

A Trip Down Harry Potter's Knockturn Alley

A taste of the dark side. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Diagon Alley is an incredible space. It's "hidden attraction", Knockturn Alley is filled with creepy spaces, eerie noises, and surprises at every turn. It's not for everyone. In fact, parents should think about the potential impact on their littlest ones. It can be nightmare inducing. And evil is real, just as good is- so who knows what is going on "behind the scenes". But from a design detail standpoint, Knockturn Alley is an excellent example of how Universal Creative is beating Disney at their own game. Ot at least, tying the game. More on that later.

Design Detail: Harry Potter's Amazing Diagon Alley

Could Universal Orlando Resort's Diagon Alley be any more epic? (Pun intended!) When making like a muggle and finally pulling off that Escape from Gringotts, the exit brings you into this absolutely stunning little shop. Harry Potter and his friends certainly would have stopped in at WiseAcres on their way elsewhere. Why? Look up! What an absolutely beautiful piece of art. Intricate but ornate and simply stunning. 

Universal Creative was able to pull off one other piece of magic- the place feels alive, teeming with live, adventure and mystery. 

No, Escape from Gringotts isn't as sophisticated as Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance at Disney's Hollywood Studios, but I'd take a few hours in Diagon Alley over any in Galaxy's Edge- and here's why. Check out why this Disney Imagineering fan- (me!) calls Diagon Alley the best themed land ever created.

(Photograph copyright Mark Taft.)

How the Walt Disney Company Lost the Publishing and Theme Park Rights to Harry Potter

If you think Disney CEO Bob Chapek is the only one who can screw up a great opportunity, you ought to take a look at Michael Eisner and Robert Iger's history with the Harry Potter book publishing and theme park rights! It's an incredible story of arrogance and ignorance.

Author J.K. Rowling went to Disney and its Imagineers not once but twice to give them the chance to build a Wizarding World! 

What did the Imagineers design in turn when given this opportunity? Were the attractions for Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom half as good as Harry Potter: The Forbidden Journey, Escape from Gringotts, or Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure?

I won't spoil it for you but instead urge you to watch this incredible 10 minute video by Yesterworld. Sit down, buckle in, and be prepared to be disgusted... and shocked and scratching your head.

(Photograph copyright Mark Taft.)

 

A Night in Universal's Diagon Alley

Take a look! This is incredible by day and totally spellbinding- pun intended- in the hours as the sun sets. Universal Studios great Diagon Alley would be worth the price of admission even if Escape from Gringotts wasn't there. But it is- and Universal Orlando Resort with all its Harry Potter themed attractions is all the better because of it.

(Photograph by Mike Sperduto.)

Two Gilly Waters and a Butterbeer Please!

In the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort, the creative men and women have given guests multiple opportunities to gently separate them from their hard earned dollars. 

Gilly Water and Butterbeer are just the right refreshers on a hot, humid, Florida day while you sit in for a break between Escape from Gringotts or Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure. All at a very reasonable price, no less.

A frozen Butterbeer still reigns supreme, and I can't wait for my next one, but there's a good bit of fun to making your own Gilly Water concoction. Kudos to Universal Creative for giving guests what they expect from a Potter experience without gauging them.

(Photograph copyright Mark Taft.)

Can Epic Universe Top This?

So thrilled to find this piece of concept art for Universal Studios' incredible Diagon Alley.  It may be the best single intellectual property land in all of Florida! In fact, I know it is. I've seen Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge. I walked through the jungles of Pandora (and the landscapes of California Adventure's Cars Land). Each of them are wonderful in their own ways, be they found at Walt Disney World or Universal. 

Hogsmeade has a great and varied line up of attractions, but there's something spectacular and different about Harry Potter's second themed Wizarding World, even if there's only one attraction at this point in time. Escape from Gringott's is not perfect, but it is very, very, close and a whole lot of fun. And, yes, I found it better than the Forbidden Journey at Islands of Adventure. Regardless, the land of Diagon Alley rocks. The design, food, the shops, the entertainment, the butter beer. Can't wait to see what's next for it.

Can Epic Universe pull off a trifecta of Harry Potter goodness? We shall see. Even without Harry,  4 coasters coming on opening day, a series of dark rides, including a first of its kind Donkey Kong Cart Ride, I know this will be a place fans worldwide will want to be! 

Universal Orlando Resort is poised to get three full days of a Florida vacation. What will Disney do in response? Build another vacation club?

(Art copyright Universal Creative.)

Why Every Disney Park Fan Must Visit Universal Orlando's Diagon Alley (September 2021- Day Six)

After four days exploring Walt Disney World, now things were about to get very serious! Comparing those resort hotels and entertainment districts to the ones at Universal Orlando Resort is one thing, but comparing their theme parks, well, that brings it all to an entirely whole new level. 

If you're reading this blog, it is probably because you're a Disney Imagineering and parks fan, you love the music of Richard and Karen Carpenter, like the travel photos, or maybe are curious about things of a spiritual nature. But my guess is you first discovered Insights and Sounds and its 3600 articles over a decade ago because of an interest in Disneyland and Walt Disney World. Perhaps you're here expecting the next part - Day Six- of  my September 2021 Trip report, "Walt Disney World vs. Universal: An Old School Disney Imagineering Fan Visits Universal Studios Florida". Well, you found it. 

Just a note before I begin: During our two full day stay with Disney's main competitor, we park hopped quite a bit between the Universal Studios Florida park and its younger sibling Islands of Adventure. For clarity's sake, I'm going to limit each of the next two posts to mainly cover one park's offerings and our experiences there. For this article, I'll cover Universal Studios Florida and the younger of the Harry Potter themed lands. Ready?

The view from our room

at the Dockside Resort.

After a good night's rest, we headed off for early entry to the Studios theme park. Opening time for resort guests was 7:00am, so just like planning for Rise of the Resistance, it was an early day but without the boarding group stress.  Diagon Alley and its main attraction, Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts requires a bit of sacrifice if you want to experience them in the best way possible.

Shops, restaurants, and two miniature golf courses.

A great place to spend an evening!

Pumped by what I saw the day before at City Walk, the whole layout, and of course, the Royal Pacific Resort, I was more than ready. Unlike the endless requirements for planning a vacation at Disney, the entire booking process had been a snap for theme park tickets and for room and restaurant reservations. I could book what I wanted when I wanted. How refreshing! Upon arrival, we happily discovered the transportation busses came often and the ease of security screening seamlessly flowed. All said, I anticipated we'd be in the park and headed to explore, I mean escape from, Gringotts Bank with Harry by 7:10am at the absolute latest. 

I am not a huge fan of Harry Potter, and I did not read the books. I did, however, agree to watch the movies in the months leading up to our trip in preparation for entering the lands and understanding the stories told. Therefore, I was very curious as to what I'd find in just a few minutes as I saw it all for myself. 

Huge, impressive entry!

Quick, easy, fast bus ride and effortless screening? Check. Brisk walk to the Studios entrance and right to the front of the turnstiles? Check. Scan and walk in? No. The Universal team members contacted their supervisor because our tickets wouldn't scan, so we were stranded waiting to get in. We showed them our emails. We even handed them the printout of all our reservation receipts and our hotel reservation that I had carried with me just in case. They said they'd be right back. Folks started flooding into the park as the sun began to rise.

About 15 minutes later, we were still waiting. Finally there came an apology and a request to go directly to Guest Services at the front by the booths. This took another 20 minutes of waiting in line before we were helped. The problem was resolved when the team member found our records but discovered the tickets were printed with the first part of the bar code missing. Of course, since it was an automated process, no one caught the mistake before they were mailed to us. We didn't know any better,  so we assumed all was A-OK. Needless to say, we finally walked into the park and headed toward Diagon Alley. 

Pretty authentic recreation.

Universal Studios Hollywood is not a very well themed park. I found the experience to be more of the same here. In comparison to the East Coast Studio park at first glance through the gates, the dismal Disney California Adventure 1.0 was looking more like an Imagineering masterpiece. 

Since I already live in a big city, walking through the front half of the Florida location transports me to nowhere I want to be. Universal's version of Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco caught my eye but did not hold my attention. New York? Pass. Los Angeles? No, thank you. Already been to all three in person, and there was minimal appeal. Perhaps the props and temporary booths for Halloween Horror Nights took away from the theming that was there, but still, I was a bit concerned. Was this decision the wrong one? Did I waste a day when I could have been at Disney?

Faithful to the real deal in London.

Make no mistake, everyone was headed to the same location and for good reason. The headlining attraction, Harry Potter and Escape from Gringotts has the reputation of being the proverbial icing on the cake of the incredible Diagon Alley. Holding very lengthy standby lines, (one rumor says the ride's queue can extend to hold up to a two and a half hour wait), it seemed every guest in the park wanted to ensure they'd get on. The friendly cast members who lined the walkways waved and greeted us, offering to take photos, but it seemed no one stopped as experiencing the best of Universal Creative was goal Number One.

The big reveal. Unbelievable!

I won't give away how you get into Diagon Alley, (you'd miss it if you didn't follow the crowds or have someone with you who already knew), but the first sight you view upon arrival is just astounding! It is a whole new world that makes it feel like you're in a totally different theme park than the one you entered. 

After experiencing Disney's single Intellectual Property themed lands in person at least a couple of times each, it's difficult to rank California Adventure's Cars Land next to Animal Kingdom's Pandora or Disneyland / Hollywood Studios Star Wars Galaxy's Edge, but let me say that without any hesitation, Diagon Alley is the best of them all! 

Yes, Universal Creative has finally bested Walt Disney Imagineering.

Everywhere you turn, there is eye candy

and incredible design detail. 

As a decades long fan of highly detailed theme parks and a fan of both old school first generation Imagineers and newer ones like Tony Baxter and Joe Rohde, I would have been content to stop and stare and wander for quite awhile. The theme park commando side of me (who can cover 26 major attractions in one day at Disneyland), won out as I knew it was time to ride the main attraction before it meant hours of waiting in queue later on, so off we went into the bank.

What a setting and amazing queue for what was to come!

Our wait was less than ten minutes as we must have entered at just the right time. The totally convincing bank lobby is filled with both advanced and simple Audio-Animatronic goblins (or whatever Universal Creative calls these figures). These are quite easily within arm's reach, but no one tries. The experience feels real and not imaginary. The queue to the preshow is filled with touches of genius that replicate the feel of the sequences in the film. The Daily Prophet  newspaper helps tell the story, and while you're in line, silhouettes of Harry, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger are found inside an office plotting their next steps as they prepare to go down into the vaults. Guests are pulled into the story from the minute you enter the bank until the final moments of the escape. You don't want to miss any of it.

The preshow is witty and charming, giving guests to the vaults a taste of the magic they're about to encounter. The environment is fully immersive and feels just as important a part of the story as the physical ride. Even the creatively explained and presented safety warning keeps you fully focused. I can see Disney suits and Imagineers incognito walking through Harry's world taking mental note after note while they watch visitors stare wide eyed and open mouthed in disbelief.

The smiles lasted ride after ride.

After taking the elevator deep into the underground, a very convincing ride unto itself, we boarded a vehicle that remind me of Disneyland's Indiana Jones Adventure "troop transports". I'd read this was actually a story telling roller coaster attraction, so I had a hint of what to expect- or so I thought. I won't divulge any details, but you can be sure to encounter characters of various types including Bellatrix Lestrange and the books and movies' big bad Lord Voldemort as well as thrills in ways you don't see coming. If you think you know this headliner by only watching on line videos, think again. The actual experience is one you won't forget. You will want to immediately get in line once more. (How does it compare to the Forbidden Journey next door? More on that later.)

For those of you light on enjoying roller coasters, the thrills are real but not beyond intense (unlike that of Island of Adventure's supremely breathtaking Velocicoaster). There's not a single inversion to be found, but one character encounter feels so real that on our second journey through, I had to remove my glasses to see if it was a 3D image or a full blown robotic. No, I won't share the answer. You'll have to - and should - ride it yourself. Over and over.

After two impressive and thrilling rides in a row, with the second was just as eye popping as the first, it was time to stop for breakfast along with some iconic Butterbeer. Where? The Leaky Cauldron, of course. 

A  fine place to dine!

Our meals were very good, generously portioned, and fairly priced, but the three different versions of Butterbeer were the stars of the show. Interestingly, we ordered our drinks hot, cold, and frozen, and the ones we ordered individually ended up being our favorites. After we tasted them all, I found the frozen one most to my liking. But on a colder or dreary day, my wife's nice hot cup of Butterbeer would go down oh so smoothly. Starbucks could make a fortune duplicating this! 

All three Butterbeers and a Pumpkin Juice.

It would be difficult if not impossible back home to get just the right blend of butterscotch, caramel, and vanilla that I tasted. More than once since we returned have I wished I could get a mug of it. As for Pumpkin Juice, my wife and son enjoyed it quite a bit, but in all honesty,  I thought the pumpkin and apple combination was good but not great. Definitely a lighter alternative compared to Butterbeer's incredibly tasty richness. 

Detail is built upon stunning detail.

Is that a real train passing overhead?

 

Timepieces of interest.

 

I loved these clever travel posters!

Making a point to walk into every shop we could, I was continually in awe of what was designed. I have more photographs of this area than perhaps any other park visited during our trip! How often do you go inside a theme park store and take as many photos of what is there as you do the landscapes, shows, or the attractions? The lines are so successfully blurred in Diagon Alley that it seems everything is an attraction that cannot be missed.

 

An experience available to all- and no upcharge involved.

It was a ten minute wait for Ollivanders, and the show inside is a totally free presentation. Relatively short, it was not the light saber building experience at Disney's Hollywood Studios, but I did not have to spend over $200 on one to see it either! We loved the cleverly designed queue filled with shelves and shelves of wands! Once we left the back room where the demonstration took place, the little shop was filled with people buying them in all shapes and sizes to activate the 20 plus magical spots found between both parks. At a minimum of about $45 a wand, that's a whole lot of money made by first offering a free show- and a very charming one at that. Give the guests more than they expect, and you'll be rewarded. I think Walt Disney said something like that when building Disneyland. 

The darker side of the Potter tales makes for a compelling walk through experience.

Note- These two photos are taken inside!

The darker side of the land is represented by Knockturn Alley, an area filled with twists and turns where the dark arts are practiced and evil-doers gather. The shops explore that sinister theme, and although the area is excellently created and highly interactive, parents with smaller children might be best advised to avoid it. The wisdom of the parents knowing their own kids and not a movie rating will best determine when and if a visit here is the right decision.

Disney's classic Haunted Mansion has a few elements of a lighthearted approach and playful music to sooth worried nerves and a young child's apprehension. However in Knockturn Alley, any slice of humor seems a grimmer afterthought. But it did get me to thinking perhaps Disney's longtime fan request for a villain focused Magic Kingdom could be quite fun if done to this extent and level of commitment. 

Look closely.

By the time we decided to see the rest of the park, we realized we had been in Diagon Alley just over three hours. In a land with one ride. One single ride. Our two trips into the vaults together had logged about 40 minutes total from queue to exit, and breakfast took a half an hour. So effectively, we spent two hours walking around. Two hours of total immersion that flew by because we were so amazed by what was accomplished. That was just the amount of time we spent there on our very first visit on our very first day!

Universal's hat trick? Beating Disney at their own game!

In stark contrast to what we saw as we entered and walked through the Studios, you can easily tell no expense was spared in bringing Diagon Alley and its attractions, shops, entertainment, and restaurants to life. Without this place, I'd never enter this particular park again. It is just not worth the price of admission or more importantly, the time it takes to see it. It would be a one and done. However, with Diagon Alley and all it offers, the park becomes a must do experience.

The employees are clearly and rightfully proud to be working here! You could sense the excitement in their smiles, their willingness to help, and the way in which they remained in character without being cheesy. Among the three of us, we purchased several items of varying prices. My son purchased two additional wands for his collection and then some. We picked up a few items for ourselves and a gift or two. 

It was difficult to decide as each shop offered unique merchandise fully in theme with the establishment in which it was found. Not a single Marvel character piece or Jurassic Park item could be found in either Diagon Alley or Hogsmeade. Just the way it should be! Universal, perhaps under the requirement of author J.K. Rowling, had gone back to the brilliant Disney Imagineering playbook of old- every element in a land has to reinforce its theme. No exception to the rule. Nor could you purchase the Harry Potter books or movies in the land. This also keeps you in the story. Wisely made decisions, Universal Creative. 

Exploring Springfield.

Heading back into the park before taking the Hogwart's Express train to Islands of Adventure, we did walk through each area and rode all the attractions except Rip, Ride, Rock It and Transformers. The former was deemed "painful and rough" by our thrill loving son, and the latter described as "if the other rides started to make you sick, this one will do it even more". I'm glad we took his advice!

Most all the rides at the Studios involved some type of simulator, often requiring 3D glasses. Leaving a bit of sameness and fatigue, I did find myself wanting to go back to Diagon Alley to experience something truly great again. 

The zippy Jimmy Fallon's Race Through New York followed this exact same combination and so did the very cute Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem. We certainly were not in the mood to eat after riding so many of these one after another. With no shows happening due to the pandemic, the options were fewer than there might normally be. Whatever normal is these days. 

A bit of snark but funny as can be!

I just could not miss The Simpsons Ride! The preshow takes a nice, solid shot at Disney and the Magic Kingdom's patriotic The Hall of Presidents. Boarding the vehicles once used for Back to the Future, we strapped in for a ride that was as funny, irreverent, and sharp witted as the series, but it left my wife and I with a bit of an upset stomach. 

There are a few exceptions to the rule of simulator rides and spinners. The E.T. Adventure attempts a bit of Peter Pan's Flight sweetness, but years after the famous film's release, it just doesn't connect with the audience as effectively. It's an embarrassment, looks tired, and needs to be ripped out. The kid's area around it is just as bad, needing both paint and a healthy dose of imagination to make it appealing.

 

Taking it to the next level.

Men in Black Alien Attack. As shooter rides go, this is the only one Disney or otherwise that feels like a full blown "E Ticket" attraction. Fully realized sets, sometimes stunning robotics, and a few unexpected twists give this a high level repeatability. It's just plain fun and worth the wait in line.

Lastly, The Revenge of the Mummy is a serious coaster mixed with a scarier, darker, version of an Indiana Jones Adventure type story. The recurring "sell your soul" theme gives me the creeps as I believe Hell to be a real place as the Bible tells, and I had that thought lingering a bit as we rode. The totally evil Imhotep appears several times, but the filmed elements of him are too noticeable for what they truly are. As much as I was looking forward to Revenge, ultimately, this attraction was a one and done for me. 

Early morning at the station.

We finally decided it was time to ride the train over to Islands of Adventure and see the original Wizarding World for ourselves. Having been to the real London several times for both work and pleasure, I found the recreation of King's Cross Station quite well done. 

Heading to station 9 3/4.

Now you see him...

 

...now you don't.

Just how would Universal Creative allow riders of the train to go into a solid brick wall or would they just not go through the effort? Using a bit of the famous Pepper's Ghost effects, they did make it work- and it makes for a great photo opportunity if you wait for it. And we did.

Disney who?

All aboard for Hogsmeade!

When it was first announced that park guests would have to have a two day park-hopper ticket to be able to ride this train to see the two different shows, I thought it was a stroke of business genius. But the creative team would have to design something worth experiencing to get them to pay for it. They did. Both directions, the ride is a bit thrilling, each dissimilar, and passengers get to experience different character interactions in ways they do not expect. 

Should Epic Universe create a third Harry Potter themed land making one for each park, Universal Orlando Resort will be primed to take even more days away from Walt Disney World. They had already lost two days to Universal for us during this trip, and in the future, it will happen again. I know I am not alone in this- and I am not their targeted demographic. Or am I?

Creating your own drinkable potion- A bit of marketing magic!

As I mentioned at the beginning of this article, I would combine our experiences over both days into one post for each park. After visiting Hogsmeade and its attractions, and also riding Velocicoaster- that thing is a mesmerizing beast, drawing you in visually before it destroys you- we returned to Diagon Alley for another ride to the vaults, spent even more time exploring and snacking on both uniquely themed candy, drinks, and ice cream. When we felt we did it all, we finally left at closing time for our dinner reservation at Toothsome Chocolate Emporium.

Folks line up and wait for him to belch fire. We were not an exception!

Here is my one beef with Diagon Alley: I was not able to stay any later to experience the land at night. I can only imagine the atmosphere created by a bit of sunset and well planned lighting against the blackness of a moonlit sky. I just might have to go back one day during the busier seasons to get to do that.

A more kid friendly version of Steampunk 

in comparison to adult leaning The Edison at Disney Springs.

Before answering the bigger questions below, I want to say that City Walk's Toothsome Chocolate Emporium is a great place for drinks and a meal! My flounder was perfectly cooked, presently in the classic style, and quite a large piece of fish. The sides were great as well. The service was excellent and the environment fun. Again, all for much less than we expected.

Fire water? Somehow I missed it!

 

How did Universal beat Disney with Diagon Alley? Why should every Disney theme park fan visit this place? Universal's hunger to compete as the underdog drove their success with this project. Let's start with a few objective contributing factors.

First, in order to get the most out of visiting Diagon Alley, you do not need to book a boarding group in order to ride the main attraction or miss out; pay an uncharge fee for an exclusive event; or book a hard to get reservation at a limited space bar or restaurant. Every single Harry Potter themed experience is open to all guests regardless of income, time restrictions, or forced exclusivity. Yes, I'm looking right at you, Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge! This land may be Diagon Alley's closest competitor in excellence, but on Batuu, there are very clear class distinctions and a definite caste system of haves and have nots. This mindset is invading the Disney Parks at an alarming rate. Genie+ and its pay to ride Lightning Lane may be the worst offender yet. For all its talk on inclusiveness, the Walt Disney Company executives are talking out of both sides of their mouths. 

Secondly, Universal stayed true to the content of the source material, investing the large amounts of money necessary to bring it all to fruition in the manner it was deserved. The quality of the land is in all its details. Top to bottom, Diagon Alley and its attractions, shops, restaurants, bars, and experiences are seamless and rich. There's a warmth and familiarity here that you don't find down the street. Charm abounds. This is a world you want to be in. All day long.

A taste of what's to come at Islands of Adventure!

Third in line, Butterbeer. When something like Blue Milk is as closely identified with the Star Wars film series, you'd better make it excellent. It's just not memorable. After a total of three visits to Batuu, two on one coast and one on the other, the lines for this iconic drink in either color are rapidly decreasing. Butterbeer, on the other hand, is delicious, comes in various forms, and is consistently tied into the story. It's an example of excellence in food and beverages that subtly strengthens the overall story.

Lastly, it is impossible to discern what may have been deleted from the original project plans. I cannot say this about portions of what was built at Disney's Hollywood Studios or Disneyland. When it's good, it's great, but large swaths of the area feel incomplete and even lifeless. Somehow, Harry Potter and friends seem as if they are right around the corner in this world even though you know on a cognitive level they are not. 

As well done as they are, it was not the movies that made me a Harry Potter fan, it was Diagon Alley. Yes, it is that well done! It feels as if Disney Imagineering created it under Walt Disney's personal direction. You know, the days when he was so involved in making Disneyland's attractions as spectacular as could be that the cost seemed secondary. Universal Creative went retro here in their approach, and it paid off. 

You MUST see it to believe it!

Thanks to our youngest son for inviting us and allowing me to see what Universal can do when it puts its mind to it. They are a force to be reckoned with. Epic Universe ought to be the best park of the three with all the lessons they learned and stunning new successes- and well-earned respect- under their belt.

Our last full day was focused on Islands of Adventure and the first ever Wizarding World. Stay tuned...

(Photographs copyright Mark Taft.)