After a marathon 26 hour journey we made Orlando, after what was a tricky day of flight delayes and rerouting. We had some time in Chicago as an added bonus (sic). This after a busy week-end closing out with the CCF parade and pipe band concert at Dollar on Sunday. Cameron had picked up the cup for best young drummer 
and was in great form for the drum fanfare, as was his friend George who led a tear jerking version of Highland Cathedral.
Cameron’s other friends who are chanter players and aiming or the band in a year or so on full pipes, led the assembled crowd in ‘Will Your Anchor Hold’, an old family favourite of ours and a hark back to the deep relationship with the advancement of Christ’s kingdom amongst boys through the Boys’ Brigade movement. Sure and Stedfast.
So what does one do in orlando this year………simple.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal is a sure fire hit in this family and we anticipate going back again and again to experience the bringing to life of the venues described so deliciously in the book series, and on film (new one coming soon of course).
The long path in through Universal Islands of Adventure builds the excitement as the kids in our group (all four of us) saw Hogwarts coming into view and the village of Hogsmeade, with a dusting of snow, emerging before us.
The lines were long already and it was only 8.30am, so we suggest you go earlier if you want to spend less time standing around. On saying that, the lines through Hogwarts are cleverly managed through various places of interest and classrooms. The portraits are great and we loved Dawn French in her character.
The ‘big’ ride is big, and a mix of simulator and ride – do it for yourself to get the best of it, but we thought it was one of the best rides ever, and on a par with the Simpsons.
The whole ambiance is great, from the decor to the kilted and tartan clad villagers, not forgetting the ATM signposted as Gringots.
HoneyDukes was crazy, and pricey, but well worth standing in line to get in – reminded us of a trip to Abercrumb & Fish in NYC.
The Butter Beer was simply delish – vanilla cream soda topped with a cream head for effect. Four straws and it was gone. We have the mug for memory! Or was I the mug paying $10 for a glass of fizz…..
The queue for the Wand experience was 2 hours and 30 mins – yes 150 minutes for a live show with a small select audience of 20-30 a time.
The Griffin rollercoaster for the smaller kids (height restrictions apply) was quick and prompted much screaming and hands in the air from darling daughter.
So as we left the park at 11am it was getting busier and we can only reiterate going early.
Potter land was very Disneyesque – brilliantly made, with Disney style touches that will make it a real winner. If our friend Helen is reading this she should discard the previous comments and focus on the underlying view that it was very disappointing. Hopefully tha was delivered with as much feeling as required Mrs C. You’ll be here next year!
Merchandising opportunities galore and we have to admire the JKR organisation and how well they have marketed what started as a story for kids written in an Edinburgh coffee shop.
Late news just in…..
Darling daughter lost another tooth – now seven in total just before she turns 7 in September. The smile is still as wide and bright, but changing and a reminder that both kids are growing up. I was reminded of Luke 2:52 the other morning, which was an old memory verse from my time in Boys’ Brigade. It’s now appropriate for my kids.
With a glorious sunny morning and the old bones recovering from a gym session the boys in the family have the NASCAR in Daytona to look forward to this afternoon and evening – we are psyched and excited to be going with friends who actually know what is going on. More on NASCAR soon. Well, as soon as we have a basic understanding of what it is all about – we will be tuning into Caleb’s knowledge bank later.
