One of our favorite people came to Florida for a visit in early February. Anton is Ella’s godfather and we LOVE when we get to spend time with him! Ella has been working through the Harry Potter books (currently on book 4), and Anton is a big fan of the series, so we thought it would be really special for all of us to go to The Wizarding World at Universal Studios.
We got to Universal pretty late the night Anton flew in, so we let the guys sleep in while Ella and I took to the park as it opened. This was her first time to Universal. I went once in junior high and once with Pete on New Years Eve five years ago.
I remember playing with my little brother at Fievel’s play area and watching the pet show when I was 12.
Ella’s never seen The Simpsons, so this whole area was totally lost on her. After we went on the ride, where she saw clips of the show and some of the ride was animated, she kept shaking her head in disgust. “Mom, there were little kids on that ride!” She did not think it was appropriate, even for her almost 12 year old self. Probably why my parents didn’t let me watch it until I was older. Kinda proud she felt that way on her own.
Pete and Anton joined us in the later morning just as we were feeling ready to enter the fantastical world of Harry Potter. I hadn’t told Ella anything about The Wizarding World so it could be a complete surprise. Ella and Anton posed in front of the Knight Bus and some of the buildings before we entered Diagon Alley.
We wandered through the streets, peeking in all the windows to see the amazing details straight from the books. Then we stepped inside The Leaky Cauldron for lunch where Ella tried her first Butter Beer. Butter Beer is a really yummy butterscotch-flavored drink with creamy foam on top. It can be ordered warm, cold, or frozen. I ordered Pumpkin Juice, which is also quite delicious!
After lunch, we waiting in line for Ella’s turn to have a wand choose her at Olivanders Wand Shop. It’s exactly as described in the first book of the series! It was a very theatrical event, which I loved, of course. Ella’s wand chose her and she spent much of the rest of the afternoon practicing her spells at special locations around Diagon Alley.
Just before leaving, we bought Ella a chocolate frog, also highlighted in the first book. It was a magical experience to feel like we were right in the middle of the books!
We loved our visit from Anton, which you can see in these photos – Sam’s grin and kissing his cheek. We’re already so excited for the next time he visits!
Good to hear from you again. I always love seeing new posts on your blog. Hope FL is treating you well:)
Hello, friend! We’re loving being in Florida. The kids have adapted really well. We’ll be in Duluth around July 8. It would be wonderful to see you!
Yes we’d love that! I am taking a looooooong road trip with the kiddos and will be home on or around July 10. Maybe we can meet up in Canal Park or something! Let’s be in touch 🙂 Would be fun to see you after all these years!
Oooo, sounds like an adventure! Let’s definitely keep in touch around that time. Even if it’s super quick, it’d be so great to see you!