Titans USA Tour 2023

“You'll never be bored when you try something new. There's really no limit to what you can do!”- Dr Seuss

After limited sleep and a wee bit of tiredness carried over from our day of adventures and excitement at Disneyland and California Adventure Park, our group of intrepid travellers awoke full of pep and were ready to back it up and do it all again today at Universal Studios – the home of some of the largest grossing movies in the history of film making that includes Jurassic World and Harry Potter. Excitement levels were high but many did enjoy the chance to catch a bit of shut eye on the 60 minute drive across town, you know just to get themselves ready for another day on the go. Good planning my poppets!

One thing I have noted both yesterday and today, is that we seem to have had a shift in our student movements. The boys who usually brought up the rear of the group with their slow relaxed gait now seem to have moved to the front, and I’ve even seen running on occasions - especially if it means they’re going to get to the front of the line.

On arrival at Universal Studios, we stopped for the obligatory group photo (much to the chagrin of the crew) and then it was straight into the park. Most opted to head directly to Harry Potter World. Now this was impressive, the set itself is enormous and you felt like you were in the middle of Hogwarts. It was absolutely amazing! After we had waved our magic wands, it was every man, woman and child for themselves as we raced in every direction to get to the next ride. The lines were short and excitement was high, The Mummy and Transformers proved to be crowed favourites, There were plenty of screams (that was Deanna) and laughs (that was the kids laughing at Deanna’s screaming)  to be heard throughout the park. We’re nothing if not entertaining.

Bucks called a 12.00pm meeting for the team event where we all met to watch the action-packed theatrics of Waterworld. What a shame it was that we seated the students in the ‘splash zone’section. A complete oversight, oh what were we thinking. What a mistake. Whoops (have I made that sound genuine 😊).  After the show, the wet, soggy students squelched out of the Waterworld Theatre and headed back to the rides, but not before a brave few treated themselves to enormous donuts (it was the size of their head) from ‘Lards Lads Donuts’ in ‘Krustyland’, home of The Simpsons. Mmmm donuts.

Another mistake we made today, was accidentally telling the students that the ‘Á Secret Life of Pets’ ride was actually the scariest ride in Universal Studios. This was some of my finest work - they even believed me when I accidentally said it was a special “hidden” ride disguised as a kids ride. Apparently, we were advised after a few had ridden the PG rated experience that our little white lie wasn’t funny  – I disagree, myself and Sharon found it hysterical 😊

We started to tire as the afternoon wore on, and yesterday’s mammoth day started to catch up with us. We left Universal Studios at 6.00pm and headed back on the bus bound for the Los Angeles International Airport. Tonight we bid farewell to the United States as we get ready to search for the sun and beach. Fiji here we come.

Universal Studios…you don’t say!

• In the early days of Universal Studios, tours cost 25 cents.
• At one time the main attraction was the “Glamour Tramwhich took visitors around on the Studio Tour. This cost only $ 2.50 to ride and gave you a view of the studios and a chance to spot some stars.
• Even though the park opened in 1964 it wasn’t until 1991 that a stand-alone ride was introduced which was the E.T. Adventure which no longer exists as of today.