VACATION REPORT

Universal Studio and Harry Potter theme parks costly but well worth it

by Bob Walsh

I have just returned from a few days of well-earned vacation with my lady Vicki. We went down to Universal City for a couple of days to go thru the Universal Studio and Harry Potter theme parks there.

We stayed at the Hilton right next to the park. Not real cheap but the service was OUTSTANDING. I don't mind paying if I know up front it will not be cheap and if I get the service to go with it. We did.

There is a free shuttle that runs pretty much constantly from the Hilton and the Sheraton, both are next door to the park. They are set up for wheel chairs (Vicki is in a chair) and were very friendly and very competent on dealing with the chair. (It is odd, but if the person stays IN the wheel chair during the shuttle ride they have to anchor the chair according to OSHA specs. If, however, the person gets out of the chair and sits in a shuttle bus seat the chair can just sit there and nobody has to wear seat belts.) The same thing at the parks. In fact for the Harry Potter Forbidden Journey ride we had to go thru three elevators to get to a special loading area where the car does NOT move for however long you need to get in and out of the ride. There is staff to guide you all along the way. The ride carrier is then directed into the stream and away you go. By the way, If you have a sensitive stomach or just ate lunch that ride may not be the one for you. The visual effects are VERY realistic and the sensation of flying is very real. It is completely indoors but you would not know it from the visual effects.

A couple of the rides on the lower lot are VERY PHYSICAL. The MUMMY ride smashes you around pretty good. They tell you up front that the ride of very physical and have a ton of warnings before you board. It isn't wildly scary but you do get bounced around a lot and pretty violently.

The Universal Studio tram ride was a hoot too, though Vicki got blasted pretty well with dinosaur snot in Jurassic Park. Life is hard. (Velociraptors like donuts. Who would have figured that?)

IF you are in to Harry Potter or have an interest in the movie business it is a hoot. The park is about $129 per day per body, plus more if you want a head-of-the-line pass. There is a LOT of walking and you can rent a wheel chair or power scooter from them. If you have a bum leg or something I recommend it. (I didn't and damn near couldn't walk the second day.)

No weapons in the park. I was smart enough to ask up front and we left the artillery and my toad sticker in the safe in the room. The security is actually pretty good. The scanner even picked up my leg brace, which is mostly aluminum and elastic rather than steel. They even have bomb dogs and a Sheriff's substation at the park.

All the park staff seemed polite, helpful and competent. Without exception. I was very impressed indeed.