I have been immersed in all things magical lately seeing as how my eldest is hosting a Harry Potter birthday celebration in just a few short weeks. Considering, I haven't read the books or even watched the movies, I needed some inspiration.
Not too mention, we had promised Jack a trip to Universal Studios {Harry Potter world} if he completed the novels. Two years later and a second round of reading all 7 books we finally made good on our promise. The timing was impeccable, I needed some guidance to get this party rolling and hello, its SpRiNG BrEaK!
We spent three nights and two days at Universal in Orlando. We followed it up with what I like to consider a "real vacation" on Jacksonville Beach to meet Uncle Jon & Aunt Bailee's newest addition...baby Brecken. I am madly in love, but more on that a couple posts later.
We left for Orlando early Saturday morning. The drive was no joke. I think we were all climbing the windows that last leg. But we made it, got settled in right away at the Cabana Bay Resort, and hit the pool.
There is nothing like Florida sunshine after a long road trip.
Jack got the shock of a lifetime when his bestie from babyhood popped up in the hotel lobby. It was pure torcher keeping the secret from the kids, but somehow us Mommies did it. The surprise and elation was priceless. Both Jack and Sophia have April birthdays and LOVE Harry Potter so Cristina and I worked behind the scenes to pull it off.
Sunday morning, everyone was up and ready to hit the park. We all donned our Harry Potter garb and we were off.
You will be seeing this attire again at Jack's party...and then, more than likely, never again. At least for me anyway.
Being a true muggle, I had no idea what to expect. In fact my expectations, weren't all that high. But I can't even being to tell you how in awe I was of Diagon Alley. I felt like I had been transported into the book {you know that one I've never actually read, but heard plenty about}. It was easy to see why these stories are so captivating.
Our first stop was Ollivander's Wands. Every wizard must have a wand. We had an entire experience with the wizard himself, floating books, and some sort of lightning. Then it was off to choose our own wands. Or as they say, "let the wands choose us".
We spent an exceptional amount of time using our interactive wands around the alley. My little wizards were casting spells left and right.
Before the girls lost complete interest, Clay and I swooped them up to take them for some "little kid" fun in the park. Cristina took care of the two Harry Potter maniacs back at Diagon Alley.
We met up again just in time for lunch. We hopped on the Hogwarts Express and headed over to Hogsmead....a whole other Harry Potter village awaited us.
The train ride was very entertaining and our destination was nothing short of amazing, once again. I had to pick my jaw up from the castle floor. Not a detail missed.
We ate lunch at Three Broomsticks and then caught a few rides.
For fear of wiping my little girls out too much, I opted to take them back to the hotel for a rest. Daddy and the besties hit more rides and visited more Harry Potter happenings. It was a must to make the most out of the day at the park.
The girls spent the rest of their evening enjoying the pool and dining with Daddy. Nothing makes my water babies happier. So it was super easy to slip off guilt free and enjoy an evening with Jack.
Cristina and I treated the besties to the Blue Man Group Show. They loved it and I personally could have done with it being about an hour shorter. There is only so much banging and paint splat I can handle.
We closed the park down with some fun hanging out time. It was great to let Jack and Sophia basically have the run of the place. Their excitement was certainly contagious.
Day one and half down...stay tuned for number two!
