We haven't been able to do much in the way of vacations this summer, so we decided to surprise the kids with a quick trip before the school year started.
We booked 2-day passes to Universal Studios, so the kids could drink butterbeer, say hello to the Hippogriffs and learn a little magic! Adelaide almost exploded with excitement when we told her. We were some of the first in line, and the first to reach the top of Hogwarts castle to ride Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. The boys were too small to ride, but enjoyed walking through the castle and seeing all the special effects.
We arrive bright and early and were
some of the first in line.
To Hogwarts!
Found it!
Oh no! The cry of the Mandrake!
Boys were determined to break
into Dumbledore's office.
Just popping in to say hello at Hagrid's hut.
After a few rides through Hogwarts, and on the smaller Flight of the Hippogriff coaster the boys could go on, we headed over to Ollivander's to get our wands. They took small groups of about 20 in at a time, and one child was selected from each group to get their wand. Adelaide was picked not once but twice (we went both days). She really "tried to pull back her magical aura" the second time, to let others have a chance, but what can you do when your magic is so strong?
The wand shop was a lot of fun. They gave her different wands to try and invited her to cast spells. She sent wand boxes tumbling off shelves, killed a pot of flowers, and created general mayhem. Steven was pretty worried we were going to get in trouble if Adelaide kept causing so much chaos. But, finally, they handed her a wand and light filled the room. A hidden fan blew back her hair and a triumphant chorus sang. She had matched with a wand.
Alas, she had to hand that one back though, cause Mom and Dad weren't paying for the expensive merch. Fortunately, we had come prepared. Melinda bought one of the digital Universal Studios wands on eBay for half off before the trip (she is the true master of the elder wand!). The wands for Ollivander's activate different spells around Hogsmeade when waved correctly.
Preparing to go back for the "show"
Dark blurry pic of Adelaide getting her wand arm measured.
Even Moms love wand shops.
LUMOS!
Wands from all the DA members.
Casting a spell on a chocolate frog box.
While casting spells around Hogsmeade, we also went into many stores. The kids were very excited about Honeydukes candy shop and Zonko's joke shop. Eleanor could have spent all day at the Owl Post, looking at the many types of owls. The boys loved the Monster Book of Monsters. It was in a cage and growled and snapped as they peered at it.
Hufflepuff Pride
Honeydukes! Matt totally bought everything
they are holding plus more. We can confirm,
pumpkin juice and pumpkin pasties are delish.
But, how do you really feel
about Bertie Botts Adelaide?
Hogwarts Express
Here's our ticket, take us to Hogwarts.
The Owls are a little behind in their deliveries.
She wanted to snuggle ALL the owls.
Both days we went to the park, we went to lunch at the Three Broomsticks. The bangers and mash were excellent, and the kids were so happy to finally try butterbeer. Eleanor was an especially big fan of the butterbeer. The boys thought it was a little sweet, so she happily finished off their glasses as well.
Keeping the house elves busy.
Mmmm… Butterbeer.
We spent much of our two days at the park in the Harry Potter area. It was the kids' favorite. We watched their frog choir and the performances from the visiting wizarding schools. We went through every shop five times. They cast all the spells around the village. Back at the hotel, the magic continued as everyone dove into the trove of Honeyduke's Sweets. Eleanor insisted we all pose with candy boxes, and take pictures. Because, candy is exciting.
Important chocolate frog picture.
Eleanor was up for any bean, no matter the flavor.
Eleanor rallied the boys for a jelly slug photo.
Fortunately, the kids' exhaustion eventually overcame their sugar highs, and they did get some sleep between days one and two at the park. Next post, all the non-Harry Potter things we did at Universal Studios! Yes, we eventually managed to pry the kids out of Hogsmeade, though it was definitely their favorite.
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