It was another early start today as we headed out to Universal Studios. There was a severe heat warning as well from the National Weather Service so we packed up on water and sun screen. We had booked the VIP experience as and the day progressed we are very glad that we did.

To start the day we got a behind the scenes tour of the Universal Studios which is the oldest and still the largest (by space and size) studio in LA. We got to see a working sitcom set as well as some of the sets that are used for various movies. There was a 3 storey building full of props – all from different eras so they can be used as needed for movies and shows. The tour was quite interactive and included effects like being swept away in a storm or attacked by King Kong.

The tour guide then took us to almost every ride in the park. Our passes granted us the ability to skip the lines, which was very useful as some of the queues were almost 2 hours long – in almost 32 degree temperatures. The Mummy ride was a great hit and it included a section where the car went backwards. I really liked the Transformers ride which was Augmented Reality and made it seem that we were fighting the Decepticons. Thomas and Emily loved the Jurassic Ride – mainly because it sprayed us with water and we kept getting quite wet.

After lunch we watched a live-action “Waterworld” show. Everyone, but me, sat in the front, where there was a chance of getting wet – and they got absolutely soaked – which was quite refreshing on such a hot day. The show in itself was spectacular with fireworks, jet skis, action and pyrotechnics. The show ended with a plane crashing into the set and catching fire.

We were most looking forward to the “Wizarding World of Harry Potter” section of the park and it definitely didn’t disappoint. Hogwarts Castle was imposing and contained within it a ride which made you feel like you were on a broomstick flying through the air. There was a smaller roller coaster and a combination of Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley with all the famous stores from the books. Matthew, Emily and Thomas got wands and tried out their spells in various parts of the park to great success. The Three Broomsticks served Butter Beer and Pumpkin Juice which was a welcome break late in the day.

Super Mario World is a new addition to the park and seemed almost cartoon-like in its entirety. We rode the Mario Kart simulator which required us to wear special helmets and glasses. The ride was a bit confusing but Thomas figured it out and got the highest score amongst all of us.