Trip to Universal

Sam and I had an awesome 3 day trip away as a couple to Universal Orlando. We sat in on one of those time share deals in our area about a year ago knowing we would say no to their offers. The deal they gave for listening to them was either a tablet or trip to one of many US locations. We chose the trip and though it was annoying to go through all the steps in the past few months we benefited greatly by only spending $200 for the two of us air fair and hotel included! The most expensive part was the theme park tickets (and food). Sam and I knew that it would be a long time before our kids would be old enough to appreciate Universal so we went as kids ourselves to enjoy. The thing we looked forward to most was everything Harry Potter. I had read the books and we both saw the movies and it was literally as if you walked right into that world. AMAZING!

First morning - so excited!

We spent 3 whole days exploring the parks and just spending time together. Day 1 we spent the morning in Diagon Alley drinking butter beer (imagine a mix of cream soda and butterscotch), waving our interactive wand around (Sam picked out Serius Black's) making things happen, riding the Escape from Gringotts ride, and exploring the many shops from the books such as Weasley's joke shop, Ollivanders wand shop, and enjoyed ice cream at Florean Fortescues. I tried on Hogwarts robes, we visited the dark side - Knockturn Alley, ate at Leaky Cauldron, and watched the dragon breath fire on top of Gringotts bank. Amazing how Universal re-created the whole thing! Outside of Diagon Alley the night bus was waiting to explore and you could view Kretcher the house elf peaking out of the window from 12 Grimwald place every couple of minutes. After spending the morning there we hopped onto/through platform 9 & 3/4 to the Hogwarts Express and spent the afternoon exploring some of Islands of Adventure. We had dinner at Mythos, an amazing restaurant based on Greek mythology with great food and drinks. Following that we caught a movie at City Center (Hobbit) and called it a night!

Entering into Gringotts Bank 

Watching siblings get their wands chosen for them

Sam practicing his wand skills

This was just amazing... you could really feel the heat!

Me practicing my wand skills!

Day 2 we started over at Hogsmeade and Hogwarts castle. Rode several rides there including the amazing castle tour and Harry Potter and the forbidden journey (combo of 3 D and actual ride). You get to participate in a Quiddich match, come across Dementors, and fly around as if on a broomstick! The castle in itself was just phenomenal. Afterwards we spent time walking around Hogsmeade enjoying treats like the amazing caramel apples from Honeydukes and lunch at the Three Broomsticks. There were also shows at both Harry Potter areas of both parks such as the Tale of Three Brothers and the Hogwarts choir.

Hogsmeade!

Hogwarts

The sorting hat

Hagrids hut

The Hogwarts Express!

We definitely enjoyed the rest of both parks too including the Hulk and Rip Ride Rocket roller coasters, simulator and 3D rides like Men in Black, Terminator, and Mummy. Seeing shows (The 8th voyage of Sinbad) (Beetlejuice graveyard party) which were sort of cheesy but fun. Taking in all the amazing yet horrible food for us - huge doughnuts, fried chicken, ice cream, and pumpkin juice. Yeah... it was great!

I rode this bad boy 2 times in a row. Super fun!

This was actually pretty good - just like apple cider but pumpkin. I was skeptical but really enjoyed it!

We felt as if 3 days was plenty of time to see everything and just take our time enjoying every bit. We  got to re-ride our favorite rides and just stand/sit taking in the fantasy worlds. The weather was beautiful - 70 and above every day and sunny. It was a perfect 3 day getaway together and we both came back mentally refreshed and somewhat physically spent! Lovely adventure!