Theme Parks, Vacations, and Expectations

Jim and I checked off a Bucket List item this week.

We went to see the Harry Potter sections of the Universal Theme Parks (of which they are adding a 4th in May of 2025 – that will have yet another Harry Potter section).

We didn’t do the gigantic roller coasters that go upside down, so we didn’t have over an hour wait for ride lines, but we managed to get on several 3D & 4D simulators and take in some shows. We also ate some amazing meals, and enjoyed City Walk, just outside the entrance to Universal. You do have to go through security to get onto City Walk, but it’s free to get in.

So, what does this have to do with expectations?

Oh my, the angry parents and crying children we walked past were plentiful. There were also many children asleep in their strollers. What a waste of money (tickets to a major theme park are not cheap).

Let’s list some expectations people may have when going on a big trip:

*Everyone will have a good time

*We’ll get on all the rides

*The kids will remember this trip forever

*It’ll take days to see everything

*We’ll eat at the park

*We’ll go back to the hotel for breaks

*You can’t take food or water in

*Everyone will get a nice souvenir

There’s more, for sure, but these are some of the ones I noticed from park goers when we were there.

We loved Universal, and may go back when the new park opens, but let me fill you in on some facts:

*Souvenirs are wicked expensive: we saw many children wailing because they did not get a $65 wand

*The big rides had long wait times – like two hours

*We were able to get through each park and do all we wanted in about 5 hours (each park)

*Onsite hotels may not actually be “on site”

*It was easier to stay at the park, rather than return to hotel (take the shuttle both ways & que up to go through security again)

*We saw people bring in food and non-alcoholic beverages, although we didn’t do so

*As expected, food was expensive, but it was delicious

Overall, we had a great experience and would recommend the trip to Harry Potter fans. Definitely try the #Butterbeer. Be forewarned… it’s very sweet. And grab a dessert at The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen at #CityWalk. Expensive but… to die for delish.

*Side note:

We visited at the end of February, and I was surprised at how busy it was. I imagine during peak times (prices go up March-August) there are thousands more people and it would take longer to navigate than the time it took us.