Harry, Butterbeer, Hogwarts ...Oh My!

A few months ago I met a guy online who shares some mutual friends with me. We talked everyday and became really close, well as close as you can get over the phone and internet. I decided to go visit him in Orlando where he was going to school. I had never been to Florida before and had some pretty beautiful images in my mind, I was dying to go to the new Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios in Orlando, and I really wanted to meet this Dream Guy in person who I was sure would prove that love at first sight is real. Well, thank goodness we had Universal Studios. One out of three ain't bad.

First of all, I have always been a Disneyland girl and have never been to Universal Studios before. We got the park hopper pass and it was well worth it. I loved both parks a lot, the rides were really fun, and both of the parks just looked really awesome. Universal is huge, there is a ton to do there and a lot of shops and restaurants to enjoy.  Some of the attractions were a little cheesy (Twister) but for the most part it was all really unique, there was a 3D ride for Spiderman and The Simpsons that were really cool but a little nausea-inducing.

Unfortunately, it was pouring rain as soon as we got out of the car. I mean POURING. Some wise people brought ponchos, others bought them, and my date for the day decided that 8 dollars was too expensive for a "garbage bag" and made the choice for us to go sans ponchos. Two seconds in the rain and I looked like I had jumped in a lake. Being an AZ native, I am not used to rain like that, I am used to little raindrops not buckets of water being thrown on my head. I was a little pissed at his cheapness (I mean, I did pay for a plane ticket to fly across the country after all) and after I was already drenched he decided maybe ponchos would be a good idea. Duh.  I am pretty sure he wantedit to be like a romantic movie where we run around in the rain and giggle, but my shit was see through and I was not happy.  But I figured out a way to turn the Bitch in me off and I proceeded to have a fun day. 

NOT MY BEST LOOK

Anyway, the Wizarding World was amazing! With the gray, cloudy sky it felt even more legit, like I was actually stepping into Hogsmeade. It was crazy busy, but that was expected. Butterbeer was incredible, soooooo tasty...I am totally craving it right now as I write this. It tasted like Creme Soda with a Butterscoth Cream. Totally refreshing. Also, the strawberry peanut butter ice cream was so unique and definitely a Must Try.  And the Fish n' Chips were decent...but, I've had better.  And I swear I did more than just eat all day.

HOGSMEADE IN THE EVENING TWILIGHT

The Harry Potter ride was indescribable. I have never had more fun on a ride or been more fascinated...a sentiment many shared as we were exiting the ride. It was so much fun, I went on it three times and saw something new every time. The technology was absolutely breathtaking and exciting. I also went on the dueling dragons coaster which I also loved immensely, but it is not really anything special like the other ride.  But for me it was a big step because I am a giant pussy.  I was saying my prayers before I got on the ride and honestly trying not to cry haha.  But, it was such a blast, made me feel high, and I got a lot of cussing out on the ride so that was probably a good release.

AT THE ENTRANCE OF HOGWARTS CASTLE FOR THE HARRY POTTER RIDE

All in all it was a great day. Universal Studios defnitely saved my Orlando Trip. The rain cleared up after a bit, but we did bust out our ponchos a few more times. My advice to you is to cough up the 8 bucks and just buy a poncho if it is raining. And go on the Harry Potter ride more than once!

ZONKO'S JOKE SHOP