[MrsBC]

Weather today high 80s, hot and sunny

This morning, we planned to meet in the lobby at 7.45 and surprisingly we did! Russ and David nipped to the car with the bags, and we headed straight off to Islands of Adventure and early entry into Hogsmeade. This was Helens first visit there and she was really looking forward to it. Although David, Jack and Jo visited and looked around a couple of years ago, the queue for Harry Potter was far too long and they missed the ride. We enjoyed the queue as it's part of the ride, and it only started in the conservatory, so not too long. This is one of our favourite rides, but after seeing Jack on other dark rides we thought he might not enjoy it, and we were right. He enjoyed parts of it, but didn't want to go back on. Everyone else loved it though and we planned to go on again.

After riding, we were ready for breakfast at The 3 Broomsticks where we ate lunch last time and found it ok, though it seems to get poor reviews. The boys all had American breakfast - ok but they have had a lot better, Helen had Continental - 2 pastries and fruit, and Jo and I had Pancake breakfast which I thought was the best - 3 pancakes, syrup, bacon, sausage, a croissant and jam. Drinks are included and it's $14.99 each.

Now full, we decided to split up for a while, as Helen in particular wanted a good look around Hogsmeade and Jack was raring to get to the Hulk. (When they got there David realised that the express passes were in the car, so had to go back for them, 2 ticket incidents in 2 days!). We 3 went back to Hogwarts and used the single rider line to have another 2 rides, though we all ended up next to each other both times, followed by a good look in all the shops and at the details of the buildings etc, and then we enjoyed watching Hogwarts Frog choir perform while we had a glass of Butterbeer and just soaked up the atmosphere.
We went to meet up with the other half of the family as getting wet was on the agenda. So off to Bilge Rat Barges it was for 2 rides where we all got suitably soaked, followed by for everyone but me, Ripsaw Falls and Jurassic Park - I was on photo duty, that's my excuse.

Next it was time to get in line for Poseidon's Adventure, again a first for some of us, and it was a great success, particularly the parting of the waters. The effects are excellent, and it's a good show. While Jack went on some side shows, we went in to watch the magic show, which is another really clever show even if it is a marketing ploy. We were glad Jack wasn't seeing it as he would have wanted to buy all the tricks :-)

We slowly made our way round to Super Hero Island, and went to the Super Hero Cafe for pizza. It wasn't very good. $21 for a beer, soft drink and 2 slices of pizza. It filled a hole I suppose, but we won't be back. We decided on Churros for dessert and all sat in the sun watching Jack go on the Hulk 4 times in succession while we ate them, they are lovely. Spider-Man was next on the list, and as the queue was small we went on twice - another favourite ride, this was followed Dr Doom's Fearfall for Jack and Helen.
We had done all we wanted now, so made our way back to CityWalk and after looking in the shops and buying a few bits and pieces, we caught the boat to the resort for the car. RPR is a lovely resort and I'd like to stay a couple of nights next time, to enjoy the pool, restaurants etc.

We called in at Premium Outlets as a bag that Helen bought still had the security tag on it, so once that was removed, we were homeward bound, stopping at Winn Dixie for chicken, salads, nibbles, ice cream etc for dinner round the pool. We swam, watched TV before collapsing into bed, or in Russell's case on the sofa.