The Miller Memoirs: Universal Studios; November 7 & 8

UNIVERSAL STUDIOS, FLORIDA

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter was the best part of our whole vacation. The butter-beer, the rides, the castle, the atmosphere, the everything... it was magical. Right from the start it felt magical. From the cast members pretending to be a part of the world of Harry Potter, to feeling as if I was walking down the streets of Hogsmeade. I had read several tips prior to our trip. The first tip was to start at the Ollivander’s Wand shop as there is a line that forms quickly, and then spend the morning in Hogsmeade. By mid-afternoon Hogsmeade was crowded, so we followed the second tip to leave and enjoy the rest of the park, and then return in the evening. This seemed to work to our advantage in avoiding most of the crowds. Truly though, Harry Potter was the best part of Universal, and its magic competed with the magic of Disney. I loved it so much that I would plan a trip just to the Wizarding World again!

The Ollivander's Wand Shop was straight out of the movie, and the experience was even better.
Ollivander's was the first place we went, so we were in the front of the line. The attendant allowed about 20 or so guests into the shop, and then the wand master chose from those guests a person to be "chosen" by a wand. The first time we entered Hailey seemed to be oozing with excitement, and she was chosen right away. (We talked about looking excited prior to entering in hopes of being chosen...she was also wearing a Harry Potter shirt, which we had read helps with being chosen as well.) From this point, it was straight out of the movies..., Hailey was told to make an incantation, and in response all the wands started flying off the shelves. The wand master patiently explained that the wand chooses the wizard. She then asked Hailey to try another incantation with a new wand. This time a glass vase of flowers shattered. The wand master had complete composure and understanding as she explained once again that the wand must choose the wizard. On the third attempt, with the third wand, music started playing and wind blew through Hailey's hair as she successfully performed a spell. Finally, a wand had chosen Hailey! The other two were wanted to be picked as well, so we quickly left the shop to circle back in line. Fortunately, the line was still short...

Hailey's wand:
Made of Holly & Unicorn Hair
Represented Hailey as Kind, Compassionate, Happy, & A Good Friend
Will Offer Protection

When we made it through the line for the second time, I told my last two kids to look attentive and excited. To Amber's complete joy, she was chosen right away. I leaned over to whisper to Jake that we would try again, when the wand master noticed Jake's disappointment. She stopped her presentation to announce that she felt there was another child needing to be chosen as well. When she picked Jake, he was ecstatic. She did the exact same show as she had done with Hailey previously--the only difference was that both Jacob and Amber had only one mishap instead of the two. To conclude, she switched their wands explaining that they were brother wands and wondered if they only needed to switch wizards. At that moment, the wind and the music started and they both successfully completed a spell with their new wands. I was touched by this whole experience: by the performance of the wand master, by the genuine kindness she demonstrated towards my children, and by the absolute joy my children experienced as they were "chosen". It was super cool.

Amber's Wand:
Ash wand with Dragon Heart String
Compassionate
Special Connection with the Brother Wand

Jake's Wand:
Dragon Holly Heart String
Same Dragon gave 2 Heart Strings
Brothers from the Same Wand as Amber

I loved that the kids could actually perform spells with their new wands. There were maps with stations as to where they could perform a spell. This was extremely fun for the kids, and they spent quite a long time trying to master the technique. The wands were pricey, so it was nice that the could be utilized throughout the Wizarding World.

At one point in time, my husband accidentally dropped a wand. We were told to take it back to the Wand Maker to be fixed. To our relief and joy, the Wand Maker "fixed" the wand, and it was as good as new!

The train from Hogsmeade to Diagonally was amazing! It looked as if we were in the actual movie.

The Knight Bus

The head must have had a camera, because it spoke to everyone who came to the Knight Bus. It was quite funny and a good experience.

I am addicted. Frozen butter-beer. Simply amazing. I seriously can't wait to go back just so I can have another glass.

Islands of Adventure

This was the coolest ride I have ever ridden. In order to ride it, you walk through the Hogwarts Castle. There are talking pictures, which offer a story throughout the whole line. The details in the castle were amazing. It was as if you were in the real castle. Once you arrived at the ride, you were ushered into a seat quickly. It was recommended to me to take a motion sickness pill in order to ride this ride, and I am glad I did. I still had a little bit of sickness even after taking a pill; however, this ride was well worth the nausea. There were definitely moments in which I may have squealed or even jumped a bit in my seat.

This character was absolutely genuine and kind to his adoring fans. I was super impressed as he was able to talk to us in English and then switch to another language with the next guests in line. He played his role as a hero quite well.

We were absolutely soaked on this ride. Our shoes, our clothes, our everything... We even wore protective gear, and somehow it didn't matter. Although it was funny for a minute, I am not sure I would venture it again.