Harry Potter World

It just so happened that one of Jayce's three weeks off this year lined up with his parent's plans to be in Florida with Jayce's fresh-off-the-mission brother, David. It was a really short trip, but well worth the drive. Enjoying Jayce's time off at home is nice, but there's something about quick, quality excursions that really seems to hit the spot for us right now. I feel lucky that we've been able to do a camping trip, Florida, and a couple of day trips in the last few months.

We enjoyed some family time sitting around and talking and it was great to see the cousins together. One of the highlights was going to the one and only HARRY POTTER WORLD. It was supposed to be me, Jayce, Dad Porter, and David, but David woke up sick the morning of. We already had non-refundable tickets. We felt really awful going with out him (for reals) because that was supposed to be our one day with Dave, but what can you do? Go there for your honeymoon one day David. ;-)

Other than that, the day was heavenly. We even got Spencer used to a bottle leading up to the trip so that we would be able to leave him. It really was a once in a decade opportunity to be able to leave all the kids with someone we trust just an hour outside of Orlando to go to Universal together. I fully recognize that it wouldn't have been possible without a stellar sister-in-law and mother-in-law! Seriously, they had all 7 kids to entertain and sick David to take care of ALL DAY. They were wiped, and they have my undying love and appreciation for it.

And the kids had a blast with them. Here's proof:

Okay. Harry Potter World was AMAZING. I wish that experience on every avid Potter fan! The attention to detail was spot on. You have to see it to believe it.

I kind of wanted to cry after the first ride (Escape from Gringotts). Call me ridiculous, I know. One of the first things I enjoyed when I read the 7th book was that J.K. Rowling dedicated it to the readers. After that first ride I thought, "They made this ride for the readers!" Well no kidding, right?! But it felt sweet in the moment, haha! Ridiculous, I know guys, I know. Just soak in my nerd with me for this post, k? 

I had never been on virtual rides like that before where they make you feel like you are in the movie and part of the action. It was like Hermione was talking to me. Haha! Not everyone gets to live out their childhood fantasies, but I did ladies and gentlemen, I did. My inner child is giddy again just thinking about it!

Jayce got five or so comments on his shirt that day. "I never got my acceptance letter from Hogwarts, so I'm leaving the Shire and becoming a Jedi." Everything but Star Trek. Nerd shirt for the win!

The goblins inside Gringotts were robotic. They were stacking coins, writing with quills, and nodding off at their desks.

Hedwig inside King's Cross Station.

Say it with my guys, "Anything from the trolley?!"

Well Harry, I finally made it.

Of course I planned on getting Butterbeer, so I didn't even bother to ask a price. He handed me that cup and said, "That will be $6." Baha! So worth it though. It was delicious and in Hogsmeade. You can't get much more legit than that, unless you're eating in the Three Broomsticks, oh wait...I did!

Word from the wise if you're going to H.P. World in the future: First do the dueling dragons ride then get your butterbeer. The ride was awesome (both times!), but I'm getting old and the butterbeer almost tipped me over the edge!

Monster Book of Monsters. In the flesh.

The wand demonstration in Olivander's was great. They had a fan in the counter to make the kid's hair blow when she got the right wand and everything! I was dying. And elated. Then seeing all these kids throughout the park using their wands was the best. It was so funny! Jayce wanted to buy me one, but I drew the line. They were cool, but not essential for fulfilling me experience. Plus somehow I have like 10 wands in my Harry Potter box already...

Oh man, it was great! The rest of the park was really fun too. I really enjoyed the drop one, Transformers, one of the water ones, and Spiderman, but really everything else did pale in comparison to all the Harry Potter stuff for me. Really, I'm so grateful for Lindsey and Mom P. taking the kids for the day so Jayce and I could do that.  And a thank you to Josh and Dad P. for putting up with such a nerd in the park and to Aunt Tee for giving me my Christmas present early, some money to spend in the park. It was perfect!