When You Wish Upon a Star...

...makes no difference who you are...  Any trip through Florida would not be complete without a stop to enjoy some of the many theme parks around Orlando.  Truth be told, Shonah is the roller coaster lover and Todd just tries not to get sick on the rides.

While in Orlando, we purchased a two day Disney park-hopper pass and a two day Universal Studios multi-park pass.  We have both been to Disney World before, but Shonah had never been to Todd's favorite park, Disney's Animal Kingdom.  So that was first on the list.  In addition to a "Safari Tour", the Animal Kingdom has some high quality shows and a roller coaster or two.  A day at the Animal Kingdom was followed by a night at the Magic Kingdom where we enjoyed the classic Main Street Electrical Parade, a roller coaster (or two), Celebrate the Magic light show, and the Wishes Nighttime Spectacular fireworks display. 

Next up was Universal Studios, where we (Shonah) enjoyed the more impressive roller coasters and we got our first taste of their new Harry Potter themed Daigon Alley.  It's impressive to see all the ways more money can be made from the Harry Potter franchise.  In addition to all the merchandising, parents can buy their children $50 wands to wave in front of animatronic displays to turn them on and off.  Many hard core fans also wandered around in wizard capes adding to the overall ambience. 

Back at Disney on day three, we took in Disney's Hollywood Studios and Epcot in the same day.  A few more coasters, a tour around the world, Epcot's classic nighttime IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth show, dinner in "China", and a concert by the 90's alternative rock band Gin Blossoms rounded out the day.  After that, we were ready for a day off before spending our final theme park day at Universal Studios Islands of Adventure where Shonah was able to truly indulge his roller coaster itch by riding the Harry Potter Dragon Challenge coaster ten times in a row (for those familiar with it, the Red dragon was his favorite)!

Mickey and Minnie greeting guests at one of the many entrances into Walt Disney World.

Black Rhinoceros on the Kilimanjaro Safari tour in Disney's Animal Kingdom

Reticulated Giraffe on the Kilimanjaro Safari tour in Disney's Animal Kingdom

Ankole Cattle on the Kilimanjaro Safari tour in Disney's Animal Kingdom

Wildebeest on the Kilimanjaro Safari tour in Disney's Animal Kingdom

Elephant on the Kilimanjaro Safari tour in Disney's Animal Kingdom

Greater Flamingos on the Kilimanjaro Safari tour in Disney's Animal Kingdom

Male Lion on the Kilimanjaro Safari tour in Disney's Animal Kingdom

Grant's Zebra on the Kilimanjaro Safari tour in Disney's Animal Kingdom

Mama and cute baby Ape at Disney's Animal Kingdom

The Cinderella Castle in Disney's Magic Kingdom lit up by the Celebrate the Magic light show narrated by some of everyone's favorite Disney characters.

Todd and Shonah's selfie at the entrance to Universal Studios.

Tim the Minion in the Univesal Studios' SuperStar Parade 

Shonah posing with Jerry the Minion at Universal's Minion Mayhem gift shop.  (If you can't tell Shonah is a Minion fan!)

Ollivander's Wand Shop in Daigon Alley (from the movie Harry Potter) where kids of all ages could purchase their interactive wizard wands.  At $50 a pop, Universal and author JK Rowling are doing "very" well.

A side view of the guarding Ukranian Ironbelly dragon at Gringott's Bank, from Harry Potter.  The dragon breathed fire at the crowd every 15 minutes. 

Shonah trying to steal a bite of Chief Wiggum's donut in Springfield, home of the Simpson's animated cartoon.

So many classic movies showcased at the entrance into Disney's Hollywood Studios theme park.

Minnie and Mickey at the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival.

Beast and Belle at the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival.

Lumiere at the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival.

Woody at the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival.

Miss Piggy at the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival.

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival.

Mufasa, Simba, Rafiki, and Sarabi at the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival.

Pumbaa and Timon at the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival.

And of course, Disney would have to have Elsa and Anna from the movie Frozen in attendance.

Lightning McQueen at the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival.

Mater at the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival.

Shonah and Todd with Sorcerer Mickey and the Magic Brooms.

Little Todd and his $4.75 Mickey shaped pretzel....  Enough said.

STEV had a fantastic parking spot at Disney's Hollywood Studios which also made for a great advertising opportunity for EarthRoamer since the parking spot was right at the front gate.

Entrance to Universal's Islands of Adventure theme park.

Entrance to Hogsmeade Village from Harry Potter at Universal's Islands of Adventure.

Hogwarts Castle from Harry Potter at Universal's Islands of Adventure.  Also the home to Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey.

The talking Sorting Hat inside Hogwarts Castle.

The Daily Prophet and the papers famous changing photos inside Hogwarts Castle announcing Undesireable No. 1 Harry Potter.

Todd and Shonah in front of Hogwarts Castle.