My family and I were beyond thrilled to be invited to experience Universal Orlando for a week, and were nothing short of amazed at how cutting-edge technology is such an integral part of both Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida.
It’s no surprise that the parks are such a tech spectacle given that they were built by the same Hollywood folks behind some of the biggest blockbuster movies. (Hello, Spielberg.)
Here are a few ways I found myself blown away by the use of tech at Universal Orlando–all of which you might just be able to see for yourself thanks to our amazing giveaway.
[Don’t miss the crazy awesome giveaway after the jump]
1. Interactive Plannning Map
Before you even arrive at Universal Orlando, you can customize your own experience with the handy interactive map feature on their website. Use it to take a peek at all the exciting activities and attractions at both theme parks, plus CityWalk attractions and dining options; then use it to pinpoint whatever you want to be sure not to miss. Simply choose “Add to My Map” for all the rides and restaurants you want to hit during your vacation, then print out your personalized vacation map. You can even email it to yourself so you can access it via your smart phone while you’re cruising the park.
It definitely beats the heck out of a paper map, which always seems to end up folded incorrectly or soaked in juice box remnant, plus, you can cross check your picks with wait times on one of the many apps that you can download to your smart phone.
[Tip: Planning is an important part of maximizing your time but let your family enjoy some off-the-map time too, especially if you’ve got little ones. Try to get the big, popular rides done first so you can spend the rest of your day enjoying the lovely water play areas in Seuss Landing and Curious George Goes to Town that will keep younger kids busy for hours.]
2. Music Everywhere!
Music is a huge part of the entire Universal Orlando experience, from the opera singers serenading us at the plaza of the Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, to the musical shows and “street” performers at the park to the mesmerizing and music-intensive Blue Man Group performances at night. You even notice (or don’t notice) how seamlessly music transitions from one themed area to the next, helping to create magical ambiance. In other words, no Jurassic Park symphonic music once you step foot in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
One highlight: on the brand new Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit you can actually customize your own music in your car as you careen around crazy spiral loops. And you can even experience music underwater in your pool at the Hard Rock Hotel. The huge pool is equipped with a state of the art underwater sound system that pumps music through 12 powerful speakers. Even if some of it is aimed at the 20-something crowd, it’s still cool for us parents and tech geeks too.
[Tip: If you’re staying at a hotel on property, you can also use the pools of the others. Just look for a bus that runs between all three or take the water taxi. It’s a nice way to change up your day if you’re staying for more than a few days]
3. Tech Throughout the Park
I love that there’s so much techy awesomeness around the park that makes the in-between ride time fun too.
We first noticed it in Seuss Landing, where speakers rattled off rhymed Seussian around the restroom, a nice distraction while we were waiting for our pottying brood.
Another line-free crowd-pleaser is The Mystic Fountain in Sindbad’s Bizaar which uses a camera, a hilarious hidden staff member on a microphone, and shooting water to entertain you while you take a breather.
The same goes for the magic at the shops in Hogsmeade, part of the truly outstanding Wizarding World of Harry Potter, where window displays, even shop shelves come to life. Imagine candy that moves, plants that grow right before your very eyes–you’ll even get to watch Ollivander help a “wizard” from the crowd choose his wand.
[Tip: Unless you’re a huuuge big time Harry Potter fan, skip the long lines for Ollivanders and just peruse the window displays while you sip on a Butterbeer. They’re just as entertaining, particularly for the little kids.]
4. Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
Even if you’re not a Harry Potter fan, the ride itself is probably the single most amazing amusement park ride ever. But even before you get to the ride itself, you’re treated to an amazing tour of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry where you’re greeted by a hologram of Dumbledore, and then meet up with Harry, Hermoine, and Ron. The talking portraits and moving newspapers from the Harry Potter books and movies are all here too.
The ride itself is limited to kids 48 inches and above, not just because it’s pretty bouncy and full of all sorts of twists, turns and sudden movements, but also because it’s a little scary. But if you’re big enough, it truly is a technological wonder, using groundbreaking KUKA robocoaster technology which allows the seats to twist and turn while being held above the track by a robotic arm.
This combined with 360-degree film technology and a full immersion projection system makes you really feel like you’re flying on a broomstick with Harry. In a word — insane.
It’s no surprise that the lines get pretty outrageous for this ride, so get there early and take advantage of the early park open times and your Express pass (included when you stay at Universal hotels on property). You’ll want to ride this one over and over again; that is, if you’ve got a sturdy stomach.
[Tip: The gift shop at the end of the ride gets massively crowded. Instead, grab your wands, shirts, and cloaks at the Trading Post near the entrance of Islands of Adventure. And if you’re staying at one of the three Universal hotels, you can purchase items and have them delivered to your hotel room so you don’t have to walk around with them all day. Smart!]
5. Coming Soon – Spiderman in HD and Despicable Me
When my husband walked out of the Spiderman ride, he told me it was the best ride he’d ever been on. And he’s not the only one; the ride itself is the winner of numerous awards.
This 3D ride uses “roving motion based simulator” vehicles and amazing technology to make it seem like you’re chasing after villains and flying high over the city, swinging along with Spiderman himself, all with a fantastic ending. (No spoiler here!)
The amazing graphics combine with live special effects like spraying water, heat, and fake smoke to make this a ride that even folks who aren’t huge Spiderman fans will appreciate. It’s not a challenging ride, so it’s nice for people like me, who aren’t big roller coaster fans but still want some action.
Just when we thought it couldn’t get better, Universal Orlando recently made the announcement that they would be completely re-animating the Spiderman ride in 4k high definition, the highest HD resolution available.
Another announcement: Keeping with Universal’s penchant for irreverence, a new 3D ride based on the popular movie Despicable Me is in the works for 2012. Guests will explore the main character “Gru’s” lair and secret lab and actually get transformed into minions. There’s evidently an interactive minion dance party too.
This ride represents the first time a Universal animated film will be transformed into a theme park ride and I can’t wait.
[Tip: If you’re kids aren’t tall enough for the Spiderman ride – 40 inches – take full advantage of the child swap rooms, which allow you to wait with your kids while your spouse or other adult in your party rides. Then you can switch out and ride while he (or she) has the kids. And if you liked Spiderman, you’ll love the Simpsons Ride, which rated just as high by all height-able members of my family].
Our week at Universal Orlando was full of technological wonderment, with all of us, even our 2-year-old “ooh-ing” and “ah-ing.” And while amusement park vacations might not necessarily be for every family, including my own, our hosts beautifully demonstrated that Universal Orlando can make a great stand-alone trip, and considering the excellent dining options and high-rated hotels, is actually be more relaxing and enjoyable than we ever thought possible.
Huge thanks to Universal Orlando for our travel, accommodations, and meals. For some more excellent tips on experiencing Universal Orlando, check out Liz’s post on Cool Mom Picks: A Universal Vacation with Younger Kids.
Congratulations to Ronnie A. and Alison Z.! They each won a 2-day, 2-park family packs of 4 tickets to Universal Orlando.
[Photo credits Kristen Chase, Kristen Doyle, and Laurie Turk.]
Harry Potter, Alex Skarsgard and myself! Yes please.
I would ride with Maksim from Dancing with the stars, Whooo Hooo!!! 🙂
Great info..we have yet to do Universal, but have been talking about going next time down to Orlando, now I am sold. I would like to bring along Colin Firth on my Harry Potter ride to keep the British theme going and because I LOVE him…lol.
Hmmm…. I’d ride with Drew Brees. Definitely.
I believe I would want celebrity chef Curtis Stone as my ride companion. Yummy!
Will smith.
Hum, I’d ride Harry Potter with Justin Timberlake. Good looking and funny.
I’d love to ride Harry Potter with J.K. Rowling, for some behind-the-scenes insight into the books!
My kids would LOVE this trip! And I would love to be comforted on a scary ride by Alexander Skarsgard, aka Eric Northman. Sigh. 🙂
Any celebrity….I would have to say Bradley Cooper. Yummy!!!!!
OhMyGosh! This would be awesome. As for celebrities- don’t need one! Just my hubby! 😉
I’d have to say Tom Cruise!
I would love to have Ryan Renolds hold my hand.He is beautiful
Is Hugh Jackman available?
Justin Timberlake!
Colin Firth!!!!!!!!!!
Alex O’Loughlin could certainly keep me company on the ride while my hubby squires the kids around:)
J.K. Rowling!
I’d ride with my husband! If I have to pick celeb..Gerard Butler 😉
Dwayne The Rock Johnson of course! 🙂
Ooo! Its so hard to decide on a celebrity. My choice has to be David Tennant of Doctor Who fame.
If I could ride the Harry Potter Ride with any cleb it would have to be with Gerard Butler! His charming smile, devlish eyes, and the oh so scrumpshish body. Yumidilish!
Brad Pitt!
https://twitter.com/#!/CPAMom/status/75957841512497153
I don’t deserve the trip but my KIDS do! They’ve worked hard all year and deserve a nice vacation and they desperately want to go to Universal.
Harry Potter ride with Daniel Ratcliff.
I can’t believe I’m going to say Justin Timberlake, but I just did.
I would have to ride with Tom Felton! He’s so adorable.
Daniel Radcliffe, we love Disney.
I would have to choose Matthew McConaughey.
Brad Pitt!
Daniel Radcliffe, of course!
If I could ride the Harry Potter ride with any celebrity it would probably be Mattthew McConaughey, or as I call him, Matthew McConaHOTTIE!!! 🙂
I will want to go with Ellen DeGeneres.
I would take Tim McGraw!!
John Cusack!
I’d love to hold Julian McMahon’s hand on the ride!
We choose Justin Bieber!!!
Oprah!
Elmo, but he would be in line entertaining my son while my husband and I finally enjoy a ride together.
Be still my beating heart! Harry Potter with Matthew McConaughey definitely!
I’d probably want to hold Will Smith’s hand. For the first ride. Ben Affleck’s after that.
Oh, that delicious Johnny Depp for sure!
Oh that’d be Ryan Renyolds
Well my son would say Daniel Radcliff because who is cooler than *THE* HP, but I am all about Johnny Depp 😉 *dreamy sigh*
Who to choose….who to choose?!?! i’ll say Justin Timberlake! Yea-yuh!!!
I tweeted about the giveaway. https://twitter.com/#!/organicmommaof4/status/76021508421582848
My kids are amazing and donate their time and energy to help other kids in need. I really feel they deserve a reward even though they never expect anything in return for their good deeds
Harry Potter Thanks, Sara
I think I’ll say Robbie Coltrane. Who better than Hagrid could show me around?
I’m a big time Harry Potter fan, but I’d love to be on that ride with the new Superman, Henry Cavill, to protect me! Shhh don’t tell my husband!
i would choose, Ellen D. . i love her , she is so funny when she goes to universal orlando
Tough choice. Giermo del Toro has a fun perspective on things, and might be an interesting person to chat with about the supernatural, fairy, etc. aspects of the Harry Potter world.
justin timberlake also!
John Hamm. SO handsome. Great actor, And doesn’t take himself too seriously. Have you seen his comedy work? Hilarious!
Captain Jack Sparrow, and I wouldn’t mind if the ride broke down and it was just us and a bottle of rum!
I would ride with J.K. Rowling!
I would say ellen degeneres, she is so funny! I bet it would be none stop laughs to hang out with her.
Henry Cavill (the new Superman and Greek warrior in the Immortals) : )
I’d love to ride Harry Potter with J.K. Rowling!
I gotta say, pre Harry Potter I wasn’t a big fan of Universal, I was a Disney girl all the way but now – Mickey Who??
For my celeb choice – Alan Rickman! That man does bad sooooo good! show the Snape love!
Definitely want to ride with Gerard Butler! He’s my celeb crush of the moment!
Ryan Reynolds for sure
My husband would be my choice (he’s my very own celebrity).
Another vote for J.K. Rowling! Great giveaway!
Viggo Mortensen. Preferably looking like Aragorn from Lord of the Rings. 🙂
J.K. Rowling!
Sam Elliott, might be the voice but the eyes have it too!
Vin diesel
Ryan Reynolds!!!!!!!!!
I want to snuggle up with Edward Norton! Or Sirius Black!
George Clooney!
If I had to pick a celeb, probably Colin Firth. Yum….
However, I would actually probably pick my brother, who just returned to his base from his second tour into the warzones (first was Iraq, just got back from Afghanistan). He and his son would have so much fun in the park, who wouldn’t want to share in that??
I think I’d pick Colin Firth. Who wouldn’t wanna ride with Mr. Darcy?
I’d give up my seat so my dd could ride with Selena Gomez.
tweet https://twitter.com/atticgirl76/status/76258921454637056
liked post on facebook & sent email
Jason Bateman. I’ve had a crush on him since 1985 and he’s still awesome.
Ben Affleck! Just tell my hubs… 😉
I think I’ll let Jon Hamm hold my hand!
It would have to be…. Male nurse daniel sunjata from grey’s anatomy. Swoon. LOL….
Jack Black
I think I would say the only person I would want next to me is my fiance. I dont need anyone but him. no celebrity holds a candle to him:)
Oooh, so after Tom Cruise I’d have to vote for Jon Hamm. He’s dreamy.
I would also pick J.K. Rowling. It would be so cool to meet her and my family would love it too! 🙂
Oooh, that’s a tough one. Maybe Brad Pitt, but we’d probably just end up talking about our kids. Hehe. I’d really rather snuggle up to my hubby
Cameron Diaz because she’s such a cool, fun and crazy person to be with!
I would want to ride with Jake Gyllenhaal
I would like to be passenger on the Harry Potter ride held tight by Richard Gere. He keeps getting better and better!
Tony Romo
This sounds so fun but I don’t think a celebrity would be aproprate. I’m a married lady lol so just the hubby with me is perfect!
Um, can I ride the Harry Potter ride with Harry Potter? Really the only way to go!
i’ll say viggo mortensen to make my hubby happy (he thinks he looks like him)!
Adrian Paul can hold me tight any time!
I pick George Clooney!
If it couldn’t be my hubby, I’d want Jeffrey Dean Morgan holding onto me!
Haha…I don’t there are any men that left a comment, all the male celebrities were taken by the other women…lol. I’d have to say…I’d ride with my husband, but Ryan Phillippe could watch the kids for us!
I would ride with Prince Harry!
Any celebrity?? That is hard… hmm… I would say Ashton Kutcher (the younger ashton, I am not a fan of his current long hair).
I would definitely ride with Aleksander Skaarsgard (Eric from True Blood). HOT HOT HOT!!!
Jake Gyllenhal, of course.
george clooney, love him
Zachary Levi! If he’s taken then Alex O’Loughlin…or both 🙂
I’d pick Rupert Grint, of course! Who better than Ron Weasley himself?
Without a doubt…Johnny Depp. Preferably in costume 😉
Will Ferrell for sure!!! I’d be screaming like a little girl so at least I would have him to make me laugh =)
Well since my husband is not a celebrity, I’d have to say my second choice would definitely be Naveen Andrews (aka Sayeed of LOST fame)!
what i’d really love is to be squeezing my little girl, who turned 4 on tuesday! but if i HAD to choose, ok, brad pitt it is.
I would love to win this! I don’t think I want to be held tightly by any celebrity.. creepy!
Robert Pattinson aka Cedric. Yum!
Loving me some Johnny Depp 😉
I think I’d like to ride this with Ryan Reynolds!!
Me & my husband (my celebrity)!
Jude Law would be a fun companion..and he’s pretty cute, too 🙂
I tweeted again! I think my kids deserve to win because they are always giving to others and never expect anything in return. <3
https://twitter.com/#!/organicmommaof4/status/76291750230106112
I’d be so nervous sitting next to a celebrity, I’d miss the ride! Humm…. I’d choose Harry Connick Jr.
Daniel Craig (James Bond)!!
I would love to go with Matthew McConaughey
I am seriously so excited about Harry Potter. I can’t wait to go see the whole park!
Hugh Jackman!
I’d rather enjoy a ride with my husband…but if I had to choose a celebrity, I’d ride with Jason Segel!
Alexander Skarsgard holding me tight. Yes please. Surrounded by Harry Potter magic? Dream come true.
Don’t really have a favorite celeb. I would pick my hubby but he doesn’t like rollercoasters so I guess I would be the one hugging my kids.
I really liked the suggestions about J.K. Rowling, so I’ll steal them ;).
Hmmm…I think I might just have to go with Bradley Cooper, as well.
Alan Rickman because wouldn’t it be cool to ride it with Snape.
Colin Firth is fantastic! But I wouldn’t want anyone holding me but my wonderful husband Spencer! Hope I win! Cherriann@hotmail.com
Cherri Shaw
What great info!!! Thanks. My celeb would be Ellen DeGeneres just cuz she is soooooo funny!!!
Hugh Jackman – how cool would it be to take my kids to Harry Potter World with an X-Man??!!!
Taye Diggs . . . hot hot hot
Ben harper
My husband!
How about Harry Potter? LOL
Riding a Harry Potter ride with Michael Gambon would be pretty sweet, though if I wanted someone holding me tight, I’d have to go with Johnny Depp. Yum!
Bradley Cooper
I would choose to be held by Cedric Diggory, of course! 🙂
I would need two people to hold me. Johnny Depp and Brad Pitt.
I would choose to be held by Cedric Diggory, of course! 🙂
Jack Black! Wouldn’t he be a hoot? Pick me Pick me!
gotta be Alan Rickman…to have Snape as my narrator would be awesome!
Tom Hanks…or Conan O’Brien…or Jon Stewart Just because they’d all make me laugh uncontrollably in the long wait.
I would like to ride with Gerard Butler!
Simon Baker please!
Ooo, Mark Ballas from Dancing With The Stars!
I would ride with Will Smith. I am absolutely terrified of roller coasters. He seems to have such a great fun, positive personality, I think he’d help me forget my fear so I could have some fun.
Tom Welling – Smallville SuperMan
Chris O’Dowd. Have a total crush on him after Bridesmaids. 😀
Steve Carrell – I’d be laughing the whole time!
Ride Harry Potter – ummmmh with Harry Potter of course! He’ll keep us safe from the dragons and spiders!!!
Justin Timberlake for sure!
I would want to ride with Daniel Radcliffe, because it would make it more real!!!
I would love to ride with Jon Stewart!
Umm… Jake Gyllenhal, please. 🙂
My husband! It would be neat to go with JK Rowling too!
Yeah, it’d be David Tennant. That’d be okay.
believe it or not – i would want eminem holding me on that ride!
Aaron Eckhart 🙂
My husband! J.K. Rowling would be pretty neat too!
Obama!!
I would ride Harry Potter with… Vince Vaughn… I could use a good laugh!
Cate Blanchett. Because I basically believe every celebrity other than her is awful.
I said Will Smith yesterday. Today, I think I’d ride with Tom Welling. I sat near him on a plane once, but I think a ride would be more cozy!
Hard choice….Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, JK Rowling…..or maybe Jorge Garcia!!
Ellen Degeneres
I would ride the Harry Potter ride and hold tight to Christian Bale!
Wow, who knew Universal would be such a great trip?!?! I hope I win. 🙂 If I do, I’d like to ride with Steve Carell.
I would want Jason Statham’s strong arms holding me.
Maksim Chmerkovskiy!!!!
I would totally ride Harry Potter if Mark Walberg was there to protect me!! 🙂
Call me crazy: Louis C.K.
I would love to ride with Chester Bennington from Linkin Park!
Yesterday I said John Hamm. Today, I’ll pick Matt Damon – also good looking, also a great actor, and also doesn’t take himself too seriously. He’d be great fun to ride with!
Justin Bieber 🙂
I would love to ride with wrestlings “The Rock”. He makes me laugh. love him!
Tina Fey! She doesn’t have to hold me – just riding a rollercoaster with her would make my life complete!
Hmmm….I think I’d choose Vin Diesel 🙂 He’s SUCH a hottie!
Anderson Cooper. 🙂 yes, please!
I would have to say Davd Beckham, yummmm!
So hard to pick! I would have to say I wouldn’t mind hanging on to George Clooney 🙂
Johnny Depp, and the whole family would fight me for that seat.
I would ride the Harry potter ride with any celebrity as my son is graduating next week. He, his little brother and myself have never been on vacation and would love to ride it with any and everyone. It sounds like so much fun. It would be awesome to just be able to go.
I would of course ride with Daniel Radcliffe!
Yesterday I said J.K. Rowling. Today, I received a letter from Sirius Black himself, Instructing me to take my daughter to Hogwarts immediately. I never realized how much his handwriting looked like a six year old girls…
So, Gary Oldman it is. 😀
I’d have to say Orlando Bloom
Daniel Radcliffe…for my teenaged daughter, of course! 🙂
The celebrity would have to be Christian Slater
Can’t wait until my kids get just a little older!
Didn’t read closely enough. I would ride with Matt Damon.
i’d have to say amos lee…so he could sing to me through the whole ride….
Alyson Hannigan.
I can’t explain it, but it would definitely have to be Hugh Laurie!
definitely matt bomer!
Even after mulling it over for a day, I would still ride with my husband (he loves Harry Potter). But Ryan Phillippe could watch the kids…
Bruce Springsteen
Johnny Depp!
Tina Fey! No, Liz Lemon! No, Tina Fey!
Angelina Jolie, partly because my wife can’t stand her.
zack galifinakis, so we could cuddle and laugh!
Easy peasy!! Matt Damon. I could think of many others that I’d like to sit with , but he’d be my first choice (can I ride multiple times please??) 🙂
alan rickman. who wouldn’t want to take a broom ride with snape? i think he’s a fantastic actor and i would love to pick his brain while flying a broom
I’d ride it with Blair Underwood!
Dave Matthews
To make it Harry Potter relevant, I’ll go with Alan Rickman.
Today my celebrity is John Cusack.
Jonessa McKenney
Mckenneyskeepsakes@yahoo.com
Jon Hamm. Yep. But he’s have to be dressed as Don Draper. 😉
I’d take a ride with Michael Vartan from Alias & Hawthorn.
Daniel craig.
Oh how we would love this trip! I would
For sure ride the ride would Colin Firth if he
Is available.
What an awesome give away!! My current celebrity love is Shemar Moore from Criminal Minds. I think a hot FBI agent would make me feel safe on a scary ride!
Hugh Jackman…he is adorable and funny!
Oh how we would love this trip! Would ride
The ride with Colin Firth is he’s available.
I’d love Ryan Reynolds. Seriously, love!
I would still love to go with Matthew McConaughey
Um… how about Ryan Reynolds. He’s a hottie!
I wouldn’t need a celebrity to hold me, but I think having Mickey Mouse would be a great comfort to our kids!
Riding with Daniel Radcliffe would just put the whole experience over the top.
Someone funny I think (in case the ride gets scary): Jon Stewart or Sarah Silverman.
Ben Affleck can keep me company on the ride, and I would even let his wife (Jennifer Garner) keep my hubby company in the meantime…that way we’d all be happy:)
If I had to pick someone else beyond Ryan Reynolds… hm… well my hubby always makes a great choice. I think I’d pick him.
Harry Potter, Me, and Matt Damon. It helps that I dreamt about him last night too. 🙂
Well on the off chance that Johnny Depp is free, I wouldn’t say no!
I am terrified of roller coasters, but Bradley Cooper could make it a little less scary!
Oh, how I would LOVE to win this. We are planning an Orlando trip and could use this!!!!!!! SO PERFECT! And could save us some $ since I was trying to narrow down the parks we visited. SO expensive to do all. Thanks for the chance!
I would love to ride with David Beckham. To have him hold me thru this ride would be a dream! lol
What could be more perfect than HP himself, Daniel Radcliffe?!?
I would take the plunge with Don Knotts purely because of the looks on both our faces!
I’m going with George Clooney! If I win, do you actually make that happen? 😉
Daniel Radcliffe – I hear he loves the Dragon Challenge roller coaster so that would make the experience even better!
if I could ride Harry Potter with any celebrity holding me tight it would be Daniel Radcliffe
I’d love to ride with Sirius Black himself, Gary Oldman!
I think Alan Rickman would be appropriate!
I would ride with Ryan Gosling…
I don’t know why but it would have to be Jack Black…just something about a guy that can make you laugh!
I said it twice and my desires have not changed. I would love to have Johnny Depp sitting right next to me 😉
I tweeted again! https://twitter.com/#!/organicmommaof4/status/76689059430416384
Oh, Potter! I would love to ride with Idris Elba 😀
Helena Bonham Carter, since I would want a Harry Potter cast member. She doesn’t need to hold me tight, just chat with me. She seems so kooky–I wonder if she really is. I’m sure she would be very interesting.
I’m going to steal the Tina Fey answer I saw posted. She’s the best.
NPH, so we could have fun on the ride – and in line, looking at all the other riders!
I’ll squeeze a little Justin Timberlake thank you very much!
I would want yummy Collin Firth to go on the Harry Potter ride next to me :))
I would have to pick Robert Pattinson. I think he could hold me nice and tight!
I’d lvoe to ride the ride with the late Richard Harris (aka Dumbledore) since it would make the ride really realistic.
The celebrity I would have hold me tight on the Harry Potter ride is Hugh Jackman!
My son (who is crazy about Harry Porter and has read all the books)and is a celebrity in my eyes!
Harry potter of course..!! joshmilky@aol.com
I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to ride several times with Dwayne Johnson 🙂 would love to hold on tight to his big muscles 😀
Taylor Kitsch. I don’t care if Friday Night Lights is over, Tim Riggins is still the hottest guy on TV.
Oh, I’d love to take the kids here!
Colin Firth 🙂
I would want to ride with Jon Stewart!
Hands down david beckham!
Liam Neeson can hold me in his big strong bear arms. Dreamy.
Jimmy Johnson of NASCAR…they’re celebrities, right? 😉
J.K. Rowling, so I could get the insider’s tour!
Alan Rickman. Just so I could watch all the kids around me squirm… and possibly my wife swoon.
If I couldn’t ride with Viggo Mortensen, then perhaps Bradley Cooper. Or Matthew Fox. Or… 🙂
Johnny Depp
I would have to pick Daniel Radcliffe. After all, who better than Harry Potter himself?
Steve Martin – he would be the most entertaining to ride it with!
Jonny Depp would be holding me tight riding the Harry Potter ride.
Jason Stantham – for sure.
Alan Rickman!
Patrick Dempsey for me, please. 🙂
Cedric Diggory, of course. Rob wouldn’t have to say anything, just sit there and smolder.
Patrick Dempsey for me, please. 🙂
I’ve been trying to post a comment for nearly an hour, but was having issues with posting as a guest, so I signed up and had to wait for the confirmation email to show up in my inbox. It just now finally did, so I hope and pray that you will still honor my comment/twitter/Facebook entries, as I was so excited about this contest that I nearly fell off my chair!
My family (myself, husband, three young children) have NEVER been on a vacation. Ever. After an unbelievably hard year in our family, this would be such a blessing for us. I went to Universal Orlando when I was a teenager, and taking my own children there would be an amazing experience. I love how they fit little tidbits of education in nearly very part of the park. It’s incredible.
Anyway, as for the celebrity I would most like to ride with, I would hands down say my daughter, who is the biggest star I know (don’t worry, I’m not playing favorites…my other kids aren’t tall enough for that ride). If I have to name a real celebrity to qualify, I’d say Dr. Phil…then during the really scary parts, I could say “Now, Phil, how does that make you FEEL?” Hehe 🙂
Definitely Johnny Depp, mmm hmm!
I would ride with Vince Vaughn