Exploring Springfield (The Simpsons) | Universal Studios Orlando, Florida

November 20, 2015November 25, 20152 Comments

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to explore Springfield (you know, the hometown of the Simpsons)? While the exact location of the city is still questionable, you can find a replica located at Universal Studios in Orlando. Having grown up on the show, I got a real kick exploring the Simpsons themed area at the park. While I was disappointed I didn’t run into Bart or Lisa, Moe’s completely made up for it. All of the details are down to the “T”. Walking into the bar, the resident drunk, Barney is there to greet you. You can take a seat at the bar and order a flaming Moe. If you’re hungry, just around the corner you can pick up a Krusty Burger or chicken from Cletus’s Chicken Shack. Just make sure not to cause too much trouble or you might find yourself detained by Officer Wiggums who is hanging just outside.

Here is a peek of the little tour that I did. Hope you enjoy. 😊

XOXO

Ollivander Wand Ceremony: Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Orlando, Florida

May 27, 2015May 28, 2015Leave a comment

Have you ever been a part of a wand ceremony? I had no idea what I was stepping into when I stumbled upon Ollivander’s in Diagon Alley. It was towards the end of the day and I was walking around just taking in the sights to make sure I didn’t miss any details. There were so many small store fronts with cute displays. I peeked in through a window of what I thought was a fake store front. Looking back at me was a woman dressed in a cloak that motioned for me to come in. So, of course I did what any normal person would do in my situation, I followed the stranger into the backroom of the shop. 😜

The door closed behind me and the show began. The backroom was like a library filled with books on floor to ceiling shelves. In the room were four other individuals besides myself. A female wand keeper entered the room from the stairs. She was dressed in a cloak and hat and had a very whimsical way of speaking. She choose a young woman from the audience to step forward. She explained that she would be helping her to find her wand. We were explained that the wizard doesn’t choose the wand, the wand chooses you. She then picked through different wands and asked the guest to perform wizardly actions with the wand. Each time the action did not work it would break shelves or cause books to fall. It was both entertainingly funny and magical. Everyone in the room, although all adults, giggled and awed like kids. It was just so cute and so much fun. Once the wand chose the wizard the lighting in the room changed and whimsical music started to play. The show was officially over and we were ushered into the wand shop where we had the opportunity to purchase. The shop maintains a wide variety of wands both magical and not. The magical ones can be used throughout the Harry Potter themed areas to unlock special effects. The smile on the woman’s face, that was chosen for the performance, alone almost made the show worth it. She was so happy with her experience she ended up purchasing her wand. It was nice to see a true fan living out the movie.

A Peek into the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Orlando, Florida

May 22, 2015June 4, 20152 Comments

Here’s a look into my adventures around the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. I visited Universal Studios Orlando the first week of May and spent one day exploring the park. This Harry Potter themed expansion is absolutely amazing. 😍 I can’t even stress that enough. I’m always so surprised and amazed at the amount of creativity that people have and the ability to make these ideas into reality. I have to admit, I am not a big Harry Potter fan (sorry I’m just not). But, this theme park… what can I say, it blew me away! I think it’s probably the amount of detail that was put into this place that I loved. Every area of the Wizarding World has some sort of surprise; from the entrance to the hidden alleys. Even the window panes in the shops are interactive. As far as creativity and innovation, it’s amazing, just absolutely amazing. I don’t want to give too many details because I don’t want to spoil any surprises, so I’ll just show you my trip through photos instead. Hope you enjoy!

Muggle London Exterior

Secret Enterance

Diagon Alley

Dragon above Gringotts Bank

Disappearing rabbit

Muggle houses from the backside

Funny signs all through out

Magical stores

So many places to look. Even overhead!

One of many alleys

Enchanted buildings

You can cast a spell to turn the lights on and off

You can cast a spell to make it rain

Nagini!

The only reality check are the tourists.

Libations

Create your own elixar

Butter beer!

Leaky Cauldron Menu

Inside the Leaky Cauldron

Ice Cream display at Florean Fortescues

Florean Fortescues Menu

Each serving comes with 2 scoops

You can trade your muggle money for Wizard money

Sweet Frozen Adventures around Disney World and Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida

May 15, 2015November 20, 20155 Comments

Here’s a peek of my sweet frozen adventures around Disney World & Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida. You’ll notice that a couple of the items from Epcot are seasonal since I purchased them at the pop-up Pineapple Promenade during the 2015 International Flower and Garden Festival (March 4 – May 17). But other than that, you can easily get your hands on any of the other sweet treats if you are ever in either park. Nom nom nom. 🙂 Enjoy!