Sunday, February 26, 2012

Potter Pilgrimage

There's something magical about seeing a book you grew up reading by flash light under the blanket at night (because you just COULD NOT put it down) brought to life in front of your eyes. I am, without a doubt, a child of the Harry Potter generation! I crossed my fingers for my Hogwarts acceptance letter, pretended Jelly Bellies were Bertie Bots, flew my brook stick around my house like a Firebolt, and stood in lines for hours waiting for the next book and movie installments! Since they opened the HP world at Universal, I've literally been drooling for a chance to make my pilgrimage!

FIIIIIINALLY, Hubbs and I made it happen!!

Is it a cheap-o way for Warner Bros and Universal to get money from Potter addicted fans? Absolutely! Did I totally love it anyway? You bettchya! I was like a little kid in Honeydukes... hehee.

[big cheesy grin]


All aboard the Hogwarts Express!




Like I said... giddy as a little witch in Honeydukes!!


Um... seriously, though? FIFTEEN dollars for a freakin' chocolate frog??? Can anyone say "Harry Potter robbery??"


Hogwarts Castle... Eeeeeek!! SO cool!


Not alcoholic, I discovered, since they were--in fact--serving it to small children (who did not appear to be intoxicated). It was SOOOO good!


Owlery! Wish I could have sent my siblings their post card via owl... but apparently, owls don't really deliver messages. Who knew?


Hubbs has a flare for the dramatics... 


Dumbledore's Office



Olivanders!



Funny story... the girl's bathroom in the Harry Potter world had a recording playing of...


... yes, Moaning Myrtle! *snort* SO funny!!

And before you all go and waste you time with the rest of Universal Studio park rides (pshaw!)... you should know that the best ride (BY FAR) in the whole park, is in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Am I a bit biased? Perhaps. But seriously, this ride? FANTASTIC!!! But I'm not lying when I say Hubbs and I LITTERALLY lost track of how many times we went on it...


And you don't have to take my word for it, but the Chinese Fireball totally kicked the Hungarian Horntail's you-know-what. Just sayin'. 


J.K. Rowling, I tip my hat to you.

P.s. Did I mention it was February 14th? Best. Valentine's. Day. EVER!!

13 comments:

Jo Schaffer Layton said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Jo Schaffer Layton said...

How totally cool! My kids would love this!

Karen McNeff said...

Sweet!!

Julie said...

Jo: Let's be honest... So would you!!! Haha ( ;

Karen: SO much fun!

ilima said...

I have to get me and the fam there pronto. Looks awesome.

Mandi said...

I wanna go!!!! *whines*

Though, $15 is a tad bit ridiculous for a chocolate frog. I mean, it better be GODIVA for that price!

David P. King said...

I want to be in Florida. Now! :)

Heather said...

How awesome! I would love to go there someday. Thanks for sharing your pics with us. I kind of feel like I've visited it now. :)

Julie said...

Ilimia: It IS!! I fully support a family vacay there ( : So much to do. SO much fun!

Mandi: Yes, it was ridiculous. I was totally ready to throw down the bucks for some HP sweet-ness... but then I saw the price tags. Come on. I mean, really?!

David: spur of the moment vacay? I love 'em! Do it!

Heather: Its so much better in person! You should make the trip ( :

Peggy Eddleman said...

Oh my goodness! So very awesome! Can you even imagine how cool it is for JK Rowling to walk amongst her book? And yes, I'd agree. That'd be the Best Valentine's Day ever.

Julie said...

Peggy: Oh, I know! Can you even imagine what it would be like?! Surreal!!

Brinda said...

It IS magical. I want to go...

Julie said...

Brinda: Do it! Do it! Do it!! I think its a must for all HP fans... you won't regret it ( :

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