Vacation Log -- Part 2

Beach was... well, it was okay. Tried out the ocean a bit which was more fun then any lake I've ever been too, but for swimming I think I still prefer the more controlled environment of a man made pool. Sitting at the edge and just letting the was crash at my feat was pretty relaxing though, or at least it could be in the mornings and evenings when the crowds thinned out. Not really a problem for me, however since I try to avoid being outside much during afternoon sun anyway due to an easily burnt complexion.

That half of my vacation is over now and we move into phase two, a trip to Universal Studios theme park...

...now this place is more my speed. I've actually been here before just a few years back, but it's fun to checkout the new attractions as well as revisit old. All the more so since my cousins are joining us for this half of trip, and as their first time it only adds to the excitement.

The big draw is the new Harry Potter section. I can appreciate the attention to detail and authenticity in the design, but being here with my cousins who are HUGE fans makes it all the more magical. Wasn't really so keen Harry Potter themed restaurants in this section though, or rather the food. I did at least have an apple cider at lunch though, to make a certain farm pony proud.

Rest of the park was more or less as I remember. There's a new Transformers theatrical ride, which I might have skipped if I was on my own, but I'm glad I didn't. It's themed after the recent movies, but bogged down by almost none of the baggage. Instead it just an exhilarating spectacle, blending 3d screens, stage props, and motion controlled seating to really bring action alive.

If I had one complaint it's the apparently recent installation of metal detectors at the rollercoasters and the rules that keys, loose change, and cellphones can't be brought onto the rides. Ostensibly its for guest safety, and I can sort of understand the logic, but people have been carrying such items for years, so it seems an odd policy to start instating now. Mostly though, it just makes my favorite rides all the more of awkward hassle, requiring the use of a lockers and adding an extra few minutes of waiting in line at the metal detectors. The setup is also just pain ill-conceived, instead of being at the entrance, the metal detectors are located further in and with no signs telling informing guests of the new rules in advance, leading to a lot of people having to backtrack out to the lockers.

...

Oh, and latter my family and I are going to try and see then new Avengers movie at the in park theater, so that might be pretty cool.