Monday we got up and had breakfast at IHOP, and then went to Universal.

The last time we went to Universal, we went to the studios side. This time we went to Islands of Adventure to see Harry Potter!

Islands of Adventure is set up into seven different lands.

The Seuss Landing area is incredibly bright and colorful…it’s difficult for the eye to take it all in.

The Lost Continent

The busiest part of the park was the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. It sits on 20 acres, but the people are packed in like sardines. It was difficult to even move in the shops, and it was impossible to see everything for sale because of all the people.

We went to the Three Broomsticks…

and had a butterbeer.

Then we went on the signature ride, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. The website says “Enter through the towering castle gates and make your way down the familiar passageways and corridors of Hogwarts™ School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. You’ll visit iconic locations such as Dumbledore’s office, the Defence Against the Dark Arts classroom, the Gryffindor™ common room, the Room of Requirement and more. Then get ready to soar above the castle grounds as you join Harry Potter™ and his friends on an unforgettably thrilling adventure, coming face-to-face with an array of magical creatures! This amazing new attraction uses groundbreaking, state-of-the-art technology (and a little magic) to create a one-of-a-kind ride experience.”

It also says, in several places, the warning that those who are affected by motion sickness should consider not riding. The ride is recommended for the whole family.

The ride is…let’s say, an experience I am not likely to forget. It was so memorable, we went to sit down inside Jurassic Park for awhile. Then we sort of stumbled our way through the rest of the park and went back to the hotel to lie down.

As we paid $15 for parking and could get in free to the CityWalk that same day, we knew we wanted to go back to Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville for dinner. And we did. And we did our best to eat our meal on slightly spongy stomachs.

After leaving CityWalk, we stopped by Bahama Breeze on International Drive. Another warm, lovely night. Live music, a pleasant breeze…perfection!