Bucko's World

Enough of rest days, it was up at Dawn's crack and off to Universal Island of Adventures, to make up for three years of hurt. After having watched it being built last time we were here, it's finally time to actually get to visit The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

 And it was good. Trying to get your head around a snow covered Hogsmead in 95F of heat is a stretch, but somehow it works. And the Hogwarts School is just superb - it's just like it looks in the films - god only knows how hey managed it! As for the main ride, well, I won't say too much, but it was well worth the wait, all three years. The queue was an event in itself, the moving pictures were amazing, and were all the proper characters from the films, very clever! All I'll say is that if you like the films, you're going to LOVE this. We also managed one of the Tri-wizard Tournament duelling dragons rides, which had been open last time, but we had forgotten how bastard it was, I think my stomach is still up there somewhere (I wish - LOL!)



 There were also two flume rides to attempt for the really adventurous, Jurassic Park and Dudley Dogood's Ripsaw falls. Unfortunately, only me and my coaster buddy Caitlin Oliva Fenty were man enough to take on the challenge, all others wimping out! Both of us ended up soaked us to the skin, an unfortunate side effect of which was that my self depreciating "Grumpy" t-shirt started to hum something rotten, so it was a good thing I had purchased a No 7 Grffyindor Harrry Potter Quidditch shirt to change into!

 Although there was tons more to do, an unfortunate incident involving Shark Bait and his shorts lead to us calling the day short, so the Hulk, Spiderman and Despicable Me ("It's soooo Fluffy!") will have to wait for another day! But that's the good thing about a 2 week pass, we can go again whenever we see fit.



 Once back home we decided to eat out in the most Amercian way possible. That's right, Steak and Beer. So it's no wonder we end up in an Australian restaurant called Outback being served by a gay bloke called Sean. Fortunately, the food was copious and excellent. Blooming Onions and Coconut Shrimp (more like small lobsters) whetted the appetite, before three inch think sirloins took centre stage to fill any gaps that might be left. A second visit to this place is an absolute must!



 And I leave you with this: Quote of the day - Conor to Kieran - "Dad, if Elvis hadn't died, would he still be alive?" Genius at work there....