Orlando, FL June 15-16, 2013 - Universal Studios, Cigars & Sushi

We finally arrived to Orlando Saturday around 5:30 pm and we were greeted by some heavy rain storms. At first we were a little worried that it might rain the whole weekend but we figured it would probably clear up.

Once we were all checked in we decided we would go eat at this Hibachi and Sushi place called Kobe Steak and Seafood. We figured we could use a good meal after the lengthy 6 hour drive. Also it was super close to the hotel so we figured what the heck. When we first walked up to the place it looked like it would be some pretty sketchy sushi but once we got in it looked like it would be okay. We each indulged in some sushi and chicken and steak hibachi. We sat next to some unhappy individuals, but all in all the meal was delicious and then we headed off to the cigar shop.

The Orlando Cigar Emporium was too legit. They had rows of different cigars of all shapes and sizes. The place also had a bar with people drinking and smoking gars. We picked ours with the help of the staff and went outside to enjoy them while doing some serious people - watching. It was pretty awesome. Afterwards we headed back to the hotel to wrap up day one. 




The next morning 8:30 rolled around lot quicker than we would have liked it too, none the less we managed to get our butts out of bed and headed to the park! We arrived at the park shortly after it opened, just in time to get a decent spot in the parking garage. Once we made it to the park we headed straight for the Incredible Hulk Ride. We figured it would be a good way to wake us up. Of course it was amazing. After riding the Hulk we decided it was time to head to Hogwarts.

This by far was one of the coolest parts of the park. Here we got to ride one of the coolest interactive rides we have ever been on. Its inside Hogwarts Castle and it takes you all through the Harry Potter World. We got to see everything from dragons, quittage, and giant spiders. There was also a Dragon Roller Coaster with two tracks, a red and a blue, that we enjoyed riding more times than we should have.

After riding the Hogwarts ride for some time we decided to head to feast on some wizard food. Here we got chicken, ribs and some super sweet Butter Beer that made both our stomachs hurt... Probably would have been better for a dessert. None the less, we were full and ready for some more rides. We went to the Universal Studios, which is a separate park, and went straight for the rock n' roll roller coaster. It was a roller coaster that had a vertical chain lift and you were able to pick music to rock to while you rode. Jamming Intergalactic by Beastie Boys while free falling and doing flips made this one of the best rides in Universal Studios.

Shortly after, we went to test our luck with the indoor attractions. Having the express pass cut down the waiting time by so much, which made it a lot less aggravating to stand in line. We jumped in line for The Mummy ride and in seconds we were off. The Mummy ride was also one of the coolest. It was super interactive and had nice effects but was also a fun roller coaster ride. Feeling strongly about the indoor rides, we went to the Twister attraction. In short, it was a colossal disappointment. They hoarded you like cattle into a large room with a TV showing scenes of the movie Twister, then put you in a room where they simulated a tornado and splashed you with water. Pretty intense stuff. Even though it was lame, it was funny and we didn't have to wait at all thanks to the express passes. After that we went to the transformers 3D ride which was a 3D simulated coaster ride. It was really neat.

We decided to go back to the other park and go on all the other rides again. We rode the Hulk and all the Harry Potter ones again and then went to the Jurassic Park water ones to cool off. Getting out of the water made us exponentially more hot and tired. We decided to call it a day and went back to the hotel to finish off day 2 with some chipotle. Overall it was a really great day.

Here are a couple more pics from the park!

Orlando was a success, but were excited to see more of the country! So far the trip has been great and we are looking forward to all the other great places we get to see. Next stop, Miami!!!