Day One at Universal Studios

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It's called "Islands of Adventure" and what an adventure it was. Our initial plan was to gather at Gatorland but because Alan has to head home on Easter, we switched parks so he could go to Universal Studios with us. Gatorland will be sometime next week. We still have two more days of tickets for Universal Studios. I think I will have to get some of that 5 hour energy drink to keep up with this group. Whew! They have so much energy. We arrived at Universal around noon. Needless to say, it was super packed (Spring Break time). It was so crowded that they actually closed the Harry Potter section to any more people when we tried to enter. We had to get a "return" ticket for several hours later in the day when we could return and re-enter. Universal is enlarging the Harry Potter section and obviously, they need to. It is the most popular of all areas. The grandchildren coped well...they just went to other areas and rode their rides. I won't share with you that the boys have their own methods to get through the long lines more quickly. Where there's a will, there's a way. The girls are more proper. The adults had to find a way to cope, also. Forget the rides, we found our way to our most favorite spot in the park: the Backwater Bar. Our family liked it a lot, also. We could relax, rest, drink and eat - all enjoying and appreciating being together in such a nice, sunny spot. Cory and I have envisioned this day each time we have sat looking out at all the passer-byes. Finally, this day arrived. We are so happy. Time came to head back to Harry Potter......the majority of our family heading for the rides. Not me - Cory got in line to bring me my favorite drink: Butter Beer! Could our day get any better? Our family with us and butter beer to drink....Glory-land! Life is Good! After several hours at Harry Potter, we called it quits and headed home. I was wishing I had that special lounge type scooter that "Bed Scam Lady" used that night we went to the Mardi Gras Parade. My legs were limp....this time from sitting too much rather than walking too far. I think the energy drink will do the trick for the next adventure.....or maybe I can just take a couple more Motrin. Stay tuned for what is in store next. Tomorrow is the Big Guy's (Cory) Birthday!

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Photos

Grandchildren at Universal Studios
Ryan, Travis, Chandler (friend), Haley, Sara

Daughters & Son-in-laws at Universal Studios
Jim, Kim, Lory , Jay

Family
At Backwater Bar

Alan & Ryan, Travis, Chandler
Al eating turkey leg, riding motorcycle - the 3 Musketeers

Backwater Bar
Happy Family

Our Family
Jim, Haley, Jay, Ryan, Travis -- Lory, Kim, Sara, Chandler, Alan

Comments

[Cory F Guenter]

Miss you guys!
Great pictures......

[Sandy and Cory]

Missing YOU!
The only problem with my pictures is that you all are not in them...miss you a lot!

[Robin Hosmer]

Love it!
I love, love, LOVE seeing all the pictures of your family!! What wonderful memories I have of your whole family! I'm so glad to see you all having such a great time!!

[Sandy and Cory]

Hi, Robin
Thanks for your kind remarks...I'll tell Lory you are with us.

[Barbara]

Hi to everyone! And Happy Birthday to Cory! Still enjoying your blogs. Will be getting one of those tuna melts in May!

[Sandy and Cory]

Hi, back at you
You will really love the tuna melt!---best ever! Thanks for staying with us through my blog. Have fun in May....there will be NO crowds to contend with which will make your visit nicer.