Taking the Kids: Visiting Universal Orlando as it celebrates its 25th year
And let's not forget the other attractions. Plunge into darkness as you face fireballs, scarab beetles and an army of warrior mummies at Revenge of the Mummy. Walk the hometown streets of America's favorite animated family, The Simpsons, and experience The Simpsons Ride. (Parents can stop for a Duff Beer. Kids said their favorite treat was a giant donut from Lard Lad!)
And while Universal Orlando is known for its Incredible Hulk, Dragon Challenge and Doctor Doom's Fearfall thrill rides, (one of which has kept me from rollercoasters since), there is plenty for young park goers. Join Shrek, Donkey and Princess Fiona on a "4-D" adventure; visit Seuss Landing in Islands of Adventure for the Cat in the Hat ride; hop aboard your bike and help E.T. save his dying planet or climb aboard Popeye's interactive Me Ship, the Olive.
But first, is it time to cast a spell?
Of course it's all in how you point your special interactive ($44.95) wand at areas marked by gold medallions at Diagon Alley. Do it right (and there are obliging costumed Wizard helpers) and you might make a skeleton follow your movements, a frog squirt water or make window displays light up. There are 16 opportunities to cast your spell, once you've purchased your wand (you have more than a dozen to choose from) at Ollivanders, Makers of Fine Wands since 382 BC.
All over Diagon Alley visitors, young and old, giggled as they pointed their wands and waited to see what would happen. Roberta Smith, here with her grandkids from Massachusetts, admits that she's the biggest Harry Potter fan in the family, adding that here they all have plenty to keep them amused.
"We're having a lot of fun," said Kim Christensen, whose nearly 4-year-old daughter Lorelai was thrilled to see what her wand could do.
"She was so excited to come and 'do magic,'" her mom said.
Whatever your age, that's what a theme park should offer, right?
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(If you are heading to Orlando, check out Eileen's Kid’s Guide to Orlando, one of a series of Kids City Guides available from major booksellers and online. Read Eileen's Orlando trip diaries at www.takingthekids.com and follow @takingthekids on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.)
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