Universal Studios

We had a two-day pass at Universal Studios while on our trip. It's a good thing we did... The first day was pretty much a wash. Emery was feeling so awful and she was ornery as ever. We went on two little rides in Seuss-ville and that was it! Kind of a waste. But, like I said before, we tried to make the best of it even though we had sick girlies.

The next day was spent pretty much entirely at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Can I just say that Jay was in HEAVEN! He was like a little kid in a candy store! I loved it too, but not as much as he did.

Platform 9 3/4 and the Hogwarts Express was pretty neat. Universal definitely doesn't disappoint when it comes to production and presentation! It was awesome! It was so cold the second day that we had to get the girls Thing 1 and Thing 2 sweatshirts. And Jay, of course, got a Gryffindor jacket!

Diagon Alley was so cool! It's like you stepped into another world! We were so bummed that the Escape from Gringotts ride was under maintenance. That was one ride I REALLY wanted to go on. Guess we will have to go back sometime in the future so we can try it out!

We also loved going into Olivander's wand shop. Lilly wanted so badly to have the "wand choose her", but she wasn't selected to participate. It was still really fun though. Lilly decided to choose Luna Lovegood's wand. She says the end of her wand looks like a lily! Both Lilly and Jay got an interactive wand and was able to "cast spells" around Harry Potter world and create magic. Emery chose Hedwig the owl instead of a wand.

Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey was a crazy ride! I have never been on one like it before! The ride uses robocoaster technology which allows the seats to pivot while being held above the track by a robotic arm. The experience includes a flight around Hogwarts castle, an encounter with the Whomping Willow and a horde of Demontors, and a Quidditch match. We were able to take the girls in with us and go on a tour of the castle, and they just waited with my mom while we went on the ride. 

The Frog Choir was great and even took special time to visit with Lilly. Always in character and so fun to talk to!!

The Flight of the Hippogriff was Lilly's very first rollercoaster she's ever been on. Ever. As you can tell from the picture, she LOVED it. She ended up going on it 4 times! 

We definitely want to go back. Preferably when our girls aren't sick and are happy and healthy. Harry Potter is always a favorite in our family... Universal Studios did an incredible job creating Harry Potter World. 

"Hogwarts will always be there to welcome you home." 

~J.K. Rowling