Damkier's Travels: May 2016

Me outside Universal Studios Hollywood

If you have not noticed, my travel blog has been quiet for several months. This was a combination of some much needed California rain both reducing my weekend travel and creating tough conditions for beautiful photography. I am also planning a massive trip later this year, so be prepared for future updates!

Hogwarts Castle

The grand opening of the new Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood was perfectly timed with a free admission ticket and nearly free flight courtesy of my past travels. Since I knew Harry Potter would soon apparate to Southern California, visiting Universal Studios was not part of my last trip to Los Angeles. Boy was I glad I waited!

Morning Coffee at 30,000 Feet

I prefer to fly Southwest Airlines because they treat me well and are very reliable and a good value. Universal Studios is very close to the Burbank Bob Hope Airport, so I was able to fly in and out in one day saving a hotel trip. It is rather unusual to travel without luggage, but I can pretend I am a hot shot executive flying in for a key business meeting rather than just a Harry Potter geek heading for the park. Burbank Airport is a real old school airport without jetways making it easy to use. I was inside the park three hours after leaving my house. Pretty cool indeed.

Frozen Butterbeer

The Harry Potter attraction is nearly identical to the one in Florida, however it is just as magical entering Hogsmeade. Universal outdid themselves recreating the feel of the movies with snow and icicles surviving the Southern California sunshine with a scale model Hogwarts castle dominating the skyline. Thousands of Harry Potter fans crowd the narrow streets wearing their robes and waving their wands to activate the special magic features in the park. The main ride is simply amazing with an excellent combination of special effects and action to really make you feels like riding a broom through the movie. Plus, they serve Butterbeer.

Studio Tour Bus

Universal Studios is still a major television and movie studio with active shooting on a continuous basis. It is a testament to their skill that they can film right next door to an active theme park! The Studio Tour takes you through the back lot and production areas. Other studios have a much better tour for film buffs, but this one has some special wild rides and added features. On a sunny day without smog, the mountains are a great co-star to the tour.

The Simpsons Ride Entrance

Another recent addition to the park is their Simpsons World recreating the most iconic parts of the cartoon show. You can grab a Duff beer at Moe's Tavern and eat a delicious giant pink donut with Chief Wiggam at Lard Lad Donuts. The central ride is a CGI enhanced roller coaster through Krustyland which is a fun experience, but lacking the wonderful Single Rider line found at the other attractions.

Watch Out for Velociraptors

The Lower Lot of Universal Studios has most of the wild rides in the park. After a very long escalator ride, you arrive and must choose to visit dinosaurs, mummies, or Transformers - or all three! Jurassic Park is a fun take on the classic log flume ride concept with the Mummy & Transformers using the motion simulator ride concept well. I was quickly overwhelmed with mild motion sickness since I could hit so many rides quickly and had to retreat back up the hill for an ice cold Duff.

Entering the Aft Doors at Burbank

After one more ride with Harry, Ron, and Hermione, my cab quickly returned me to the airport for a quick ride home. I chose to enter through the rear doors of the aircraft which was a unique experience walking under the large wing of the 737. Traveling from Hogsmeade to Sacramento in less than 3 hours can only be beaten by port key or flue powder. Fortunately, the dementors were kept at bay for a fast and gentle flight back home. Please enjoy the rest of my pictures below.