How this whole Osaka trip came about was all because of...
THE WIZARDING WORLD OF HARRY POTTER
Both of us were at Prata House having dinner on a random day...
Me: Eh! The USJ Harry Potter attraction just opened!!!
Me: *shows youtube video*
M: OMGGGG LET'S GO!!!!!
Me: YES PLZZZZZZZ
Next day, flight tickets booked :'D
#hpdiehardfans #steadypompipi
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Anyway if you're planning to visit USJ anytime soon, i'd suggest you to do some homework on TripAdvisor and work out a good plan to avoid any disappointments (it really helps!!!) Also PLS PLS PLS INVEST ON THE EXPRESS PASS 5 OR 7. I know it's kinda expensive but you will thank me later.
Universal Studios Japan is located at the Universal City Station, accessible much. Went to grab breakfast at Lawson because we were so damn early (lesson learnt from the DisneySEA trip) and I had my yummy Snow Maple Toffee frap from sbux :D
The park opens at 10am and we reached at like what 7:30am?! HAHAHA SIBEI KIASU ALL FOR THE FUCKING EXPRESS PASS because I read reviews that they tend to get sold out mad fast. We were actually the first in queue at the ticketing booth hahaha! OH THIS LAWSON FRIED CHICKEN IS SO SINFUL BUT YET SOOOO GOOOD.
Gosh my skin was so fucking dry throughout the trip
People were already there queuing as early as 7:30am. The reason why is probably because those without express passes would have to rush in to get the timed entry ticket for the Harry Potter attraction. Yes, without that ticket you can forget about stepping into the wizarding world. The timed entry ticket will be included if you purchase express pass 5 or 7 :)
Super chio entrance ticket & express pass
Our timed entry ticket was at 11:15am hence we had like an hour to kill. If you have the time, PLEASE RUN TO THE HOLLYWOOD DREAM BACKDROP RIDE. Like really RUNNNN and there would sure be people around running together with you because that is the BEST ride in USJ!!!! You can forget about queuing in the afternoon (2-3 hours), so better to do it in the morning.
Don't get mixed up because there are 2 different rides on the same track, Hollywood Dream - The Ride & Hollywood Dream - Backdrop. The Ride goes forward and Backdrop goes backwards (ya no shit hahahaha) BACKDROP IS A WHOLE NEW LEVEL OF FUN! OK 5/5 FOR THIS RIDE, NUFF SAID.
After the Hollywood Dream ride, we went to collect another timed entry ticket to enter the Wizarding World of HP in the evening. Because once you enter and exit, you can't re-enter the place again hence it's better to have another ticket if you want to experience Hogsmeade at night (more feel 有沒有) The ticket machine is located just infront of the JAWS attraction.
FINALLY, OFF TO BE A WIZARD FOR A DAY.
Welcome to Hogsmeade!
Fucking packed even with the timed entry ticket
The queue at Honeydukes is forever, forget about going in.
We didn't really explore much of Hogsmeade as we were rushing to catch our "Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey" ride inside the castle. Had to be there within a certain indicated time printed on the express pass.
I managed to sneak my phone to take some pictures inside the castle.
OH THANK GOD I DID.
I honestly felt that "Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey" wasn't as amazing as what people say. I can't believe people would actually queue 3-4 hours for this (oh bless my express pass) To me maybe it's only worth queuing for an hour. Well, 3.5/5 for this ride - inclusive of 1.5 bonus for the beautiful castle experience.
Sorry, Hogwarts is too beautiful I just had to snap more of my childhood fantasy.
it's not everyday you get to see hogwarts yeah?
Left Hogsmeade and went to explore to rest of the park.
I think if I were to drag Soomin here, she will cry buckets :p We used our express pass for JAWS as well. Basically it's a boat ride with the fake sharks scaring you QUITE EPIC ACTUALLY LOL 3/5 for the humour and the staff's acting was really good haha!
Ah min, your friends. HAHAHAHA
Next was to Jurassic Park! I didn't really take much pictures because the whole layout & ride was pretty similar to USS. Oh but surprising the ride was way longer than the one in USS!!! The drop was higher as well (i think) :O Rating it 3.5/5 - because i didn't get soaked despite the big splash HAHA
WTF SIAO DAMN EX.
240 min for Harry Potter - #UMADBRO
The Spiderman ride is the same concept as USS Transformers ride. I honestly felt that Transformers was better though! The graphics for Spiderman feels abit... old. I would give this ride a 2.5/5 (ok maybe because i'm not a fan of spiderman *coughs*)
Heading back to Potter land.
Hedwig, not.
Sirius is actually moving inside.
Dinner at Three Broomsticks aka atas-not-so-nice-expensive-fast-food
But hmm nice ambience...
HOGSMEADE AT NIGHT 8D
Using our last express pass for Hollywood Dream - The Ride! Even it wasn't as exciting as the Backdrop but damn right choice for riding it last because night view was mind-blowing. There were speakers on individual seats (right behind the ears) and infront of you there will be a few selection of songs for you to choose from during the roller coaster ride (the system didn't work for my backdrop ride so it was some default jap song) Anyway I chose this Pitbull song LOL LIKE SO MUCH MORE FEEL FOR HOLLYWOOD DREAM YO HAHAHA! 4.5/5 for the music and amazing view :D
And yup! I guess that's about my day in Universal Studios Japan :)
I'd definitely come back again for Hollywood Dream.
