Universal Day 2

After a long first day in the parks, almost 12 hours including dinner, we headed back to the Hard Rock to rest and recuperate.  Our goal remained to enter the park early every day, since that was a perk of our on-site hotel.  So Day 2 began much like Day 1, entering the Wizarding World. 

One of the first Harry Potter rides we got on was a small coaster called 'Flight of the Hippogriff.'  The Hippogriff's name is Buckbeak, a prominent creature in the book and movie, The Prisoner of Azkaban.  Harry appreciates animal creatures and befriends Buckbeak, who allows him to fly on his back.  Here is a picture of good ol' Buckbeak.

To entertain you while you wait, the line meanders past Hagrid's Hut, the home belonging to Hogwart's groundskeeper, professor of magical creatures, and mentor to Harry.

Here we are in front of the gentle giant's home.

Here is a picture we snapped of the castle while on the Hippogriff ride.

Another cool ride that the girls were not brave enough to tackle was 'The Dragon Challenge.'  The boys on the other hand rode them all.  Here they are in front of the gates.

In The Goblet of Fire, Harry along with 3 other contestants must defeat a dragon to continue on in the Triwizarding Tournament.  This ride is a feet hanging coaster with two separate tracks, hence two battling dragons.  Rob and Spenser rode both several times, and preferred the red one, or Chinese Fireball.  Here is that coaster.

Sienna and I did walk through the line to get on the Dragon Challenge because we didn't want to miss any decorative replica amusements, such as:

flags bearing the names of the competitors, and the infamous flying car of Ron's in The Chamber of Secrets. 

After riding it was time to attend our 9 am breakfast at The Three Broomsticks.

Here we are enjoying our English meal.

Here are a few more sights inside the restaurant.

After breakfast we headed out to the patio for a photo op.

One of the most loved treats in the Wizarding World is butterbeer.  It might sound gross but it tastes great, like a butterscotch milkshake!

The cup that Sienna is holding is of the frozen variety, and mine is more like a cream soda.

As you can see, spending the morning in the land of Harry Potter becomes us.  I've left out the best ride in the land, but that's because it may warrant it's own posting.  So I'll save that one for next time.