Universal Studios, Day 1

We had our Disney tickets before we started our adventure and didn't plan on doing any other amusement parks but everyone we had run into kept saying you have to do Universal Studios.  Mac has read the entire Harry Potter series and was beside himself every time anyone said how amazing Universal was with their 2 Harry Potter areas.  It was a big financial expense but after seeing Mac today it was so worth it.  He was so exciting and really knew every in and out of everything we saw.  The Harry Potter areas are split into two, Diagon Alley on the Universal side and Hogsmeade on the Island of Adventure side.  We explored the Diagon Alley today and of course they have "interactive" wands.   Money has been tight for us and of course Mac wanted one of the wands.  We decided it would be an early Christmas present for him and were so glad we did.  I can't say enough how much he loved it, dressed as Harry Potter and really knew what every shop and area was.

The rides were great too and after a few hours we explored the other areas of the park.  We rode some great rides and had a blast but I think the highlight was Diagon Alley!  We rode the train to the other side but didn't explore today, Mac wants to be up and here when it opens so he can explore Hogsmeade tomorrow.  We got a great video of Mac and John on one of the rides, it's awesome!