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September 9, 2010

Universal Studios and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

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This year has been a fun because I have been able to visit one of my favorite places in Orlando, Fl, not once, but twice! Universal Studios is by far my favorite theme park. Nothing against Disney, I see many visits to that famous destination in my future when my kids get a little older, but when it comes to parks, especially when I am not with my little ones, Universal Studios is it for me!

The first time I visited I had stayed at the Loews Royal Pacific, which meant direct access to the Universal Studios park, either via a 10 minute walk on a pretty, winding path, or via a free ferry ride along a lagoon that dropped us off right on a Citywalk port.

The park is divided into two: Universal Studios Islands of Adventures and Universal Studios Florida. Loews offers guests express passes onto rides at the parks (these passes also serve as the hotel room keys), so my oldest, who had accompanied me on the first trip, and I rode on every single roller coaster there was to ride on, as much as we could before we had to leave.

On that first trip we also got to watch The Blue Man Group perform. I expected it to be a cheesy, touristy sort of show, but it was actually pretty fun and I wouldn’t mind seeing them again. Meeting them back stage was a bonus. Not getting my white top covered in blue paint, even during photo ops: a miracle.

We did a lot on that first visit to Universal Studios. Except visit The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. That was because it had not opened yet, and all we got to see on our first visit was a far-off view of Hogwarts.

However on this recent trip to Orlando, I got to go and though I am not really the type to get all giddy and sappy about things, visiting this new section of Universal made me teary from excitement.

Marc from NoRecipes.com and Jessica from FoodMayhem.com

Tina from CarrotsNCake.com

What. Too much? Well, that is NOTHING compared to the absolute fans that have been visiting the park every day since it’s opening June 18th of this year. You can find pretty much any type of Harry Potter paraphernalia your little fanatic heart desires, whether you are all about the movies or the books, it is all there. You can find the jelly beans that taste like boogers or barf, and chocolate frogs, the owls and wands, you can even order yourself a nice mug of butter beer.

Taking pictures of it all to show it here on the site was close to impossible. But it wouldn’t matter. Pictures do not do it justice. Expect to wait on long lines, especially during high tourist seasons (unless of course you have a nice VIP access pass which our group had*, but which can be purchased by visitors as well).

I had already gotten on what is now called the “Dragon Challenge” ride, but this time I rode with Tina from Carrots N Cake, who had never gotten on a roller coaster before. As fun as coaster can be, there is nothing more fun then getting on one with a Roller Coaster Virgin! My absolute favorite ride was the Harry Potter and The Forbidden Journey because before the ride even happens, you walk through the halls and stairways of Hogwarts and see a lot of the favorite places familiar to us from the movies and books. The ride itself is also a lot of fun!

Normally I wouldn’t even highlight the gift shop, except this one is pretty awesome and worth visiting.

My oldest would have totally enjoyed this experience, and he was a bit jealous when I told him I had gone. Which makes for a great excuse to re-visit. My advice: buy the two-park pass. It’s worth the money, and if in a group, it allows you to separate and focus on the rides you like.

Both parks have plenty of rides for the younger ones, though Islands of Adventures has Seuss Landing with a Cat and The Hat ride, perfect for kids 10 and under.

Oh, and make reservations to eat at Mythos. I highlighted this eatery in my Orlando Theme Park Restaurant guide, but it’s worth the repeated mention here. The food is really, really good and the service is top notch. I ordered the tomato soup again. If it’s on the menu, I will order it, no matter what the weather.

And if you get a chance to spend some time at the restaurants and bars along Citywalk, go for it. Universal Studios also hosts one of the most fun Halloween celebrations I have ever experienced on a theme park, so make sure to stop by if you are in the area around that time!

For more information on Universal Studios Orlando’s parks, tickets, rides, and more, please visit their website at http://www.universalorlando.com/home/home.aspx.

Disclosure: This review is based on a complimentary, all-expense paid visit to Orlando, FL by the Orlando/Orange County Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, including complimentary meals in featured restaurants. I received no other compensation and no requirements that I express a particular point of view. To view all posts related to Orlando’s Magical Dining Month experience, please visit this link.

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Carol Cain

Brooklyn native Carol is happiest when on an adventure, whether close to home or farther away. She is a small business owner and travel writer. In addition to creating Girl Gone Travel, she is the Founder and Principal of Brave World Media, a social media marketing, communications, and branding agency. She's mom to three wonderful sons and wife to a handsome Irish/Scot. She lives, works, and plays in the beautiful Finger Lakes region of NY.

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8 Comments
  • Sandra Foyt
    September 9, 2010

    I LOVED the Harry Potter attraction and spent the bulk of our day in just that one part of the park! Of course, we didn't have the VIP pass, but using the Single Rider option allowed us to minimize the line waits. Still, there's a lot to experience.

    Reply
  • Divina
    September 10, 2010

    How fun and it looks like they went all out with the new Harry Potter attraction. I love the books so it must be so cool walking in it all.

    Reply
  • Elisa @ Globetrottin
    September 19, 2010

    That looks completely awesome!! I loved going to Universal Studios when I ived in LA, but it just doesn't compare.

    Now I really want to go back to Orlando to see Universal studios!!

    Reply
    • Carol Cain
      Elisa @ Globetrottin
      September 19, 2010

      Hi Elisa! It was really, really cool. I can't wait to go back there : ))

      Reply
  • Cruising | NYCity Mama
    February 22, 2011

    […] As I type this, I am at the completion of day three, the best day into our trip so far…and we spent most of it in one of my favorite places in Orlando: Universal Studios. […]

    Reply
  • Charu
    March 2, 2011

    Love the pictures! I am a Harry potter junkie…obviously need to schedule a visit there soon…

    Reply
    • Carol Cain
      Charu
      March 2, 2011

      Then you must Charu!!

      Reply
  • Solo with kids at Universal Studios, Orlando? No problem! | NYCity Mama
    March 2, 2011

    […] I’m sure you have heard it all before. Universal Studios is one of the most fun places in Orlando, FL for families. Last time I was at Universal Studios was to check out the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. There I was, no children in tow, Butterbeer in hand, getting teary-eyed at the sight of the village of Hogsmeade and Hogwarts castle. You can see pics and read a full review of that visit here. […]

    Reply

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About me

Hi! I'm Carol! I am an award-winning travel blogger, a keynote speaker, and the Principal and owner of Brave World Media, a social media marketing, communications, and branding agency. I a wife to a handsome Irish/Scot and a mom to 3 sons and 2 puppies. Welcome to my blog where I share stories of my travels and professional public relations insights and advice. Thank you for reading and for your support!

Carol Cain

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If you are a foodie traveler, Madison, WI is a des If you are a foodie traveler, Madison, WI is a destination for you. This list of good eats were all within close proximity to each other and spots we made time for during our short weekend visit. So definitely note that this doesn’t even begin to cover the tip of the iceberg, but makes a good starter list!

📍@ShortStackEats in the heart of Downtown Madison is clearly a UW favorite. Loved their pancakes! We thought it was a pricey for breakfast, and only offered drip coffee, but the scene was fun, food was good, and service was friendly.
📍@SardineMadison is a waterfront French bistro that has stood the test of time (we’ve been coming here since we lived in Madison!). It can feel very corporate some nights, but their Happy Hour and brunch are definite highlights and it’s a really nice dining experience overall.
📍@EatattheAudrey impressed us! It’s not your usual “hotel restaurant” and I would say it easily stands alone as an eatery worth checking out in Madison. Great breakfast options, cozy vibes, nice bar, and good service!
📍@RamenStation1124 good, affordable ramen.
📍BlindShotSocialClub We really loved this spot for brunch (sorry, was enjoying the company and totally spaced out on capturing food images!). Golf fans will love hitting the putt here (you can reserve a private room too), and what I though was most cool was the delicious and wide selection of non-alcoholic cocktails to choose from. This place is a total vibe!
📍@StringsRamen is a chain, but I have to say it is some of the best ramen I have had in a long time. I especially loved how you can choose your ramen but heat level but also by Japanese region which allowed us to taste a couple of new flavors!
📍@Parthenongyros has been around awhile (hubby recalls coming here during his college years!) and was voted #1 take out in Madison! Though we indulged inside and away from the snow. A delicious, quick bite when strolling around State Street.

And again, this is just a starter list. There is so much more to eat and enjoy in this top foodie city! What other spots would you add to this list?

#madisonwi #foodiegram #foodiedestinations #goodeats @destinationmadison
I love to travel. It has always been important to I love to travel. It has always been important to my family. My parents got my first passport weeks after I was born. They couldn’t afford to travel like I do now, but they understood, as immigrants, the absolute privilege that comes attached to having that shiny blue American booklet and they wanted me to have it.

I was yet again reminded of my privilege when my travel back home on this last trip was delayed over 24 hours. I have a village in place to make sure my kids were ok. Having my own business meant I didn’t have to report in to anyone, and was still able to work remotely so none of my clients were inconvenienced by it. Though the airline covered our hotel and food, we never worried that we couldn’t do it ourselves otherwise. While we were annoyed, we weren’t stressed.

So while I love to travel, and I love sharing my travels with you, I acknowledge that being able to do so, and dealing with the consistent travel disruptions so prevalent today without worries is a privilege…one that started with a little blue booklet that gives me more access to the world than some others do.

And I want us all in this travel space to be reminded of this. Of how lucky we are. Of our privilege to access and time and money.

So let us travel with grace and awareness. Let us remain rooted in reality and perspective. Acknowledging that our escapism isn’t one so easily accessible to others. Understanding that this is also why local stories have as much value as those to exclusive destinations, if not more. And, never forgetting, especially in the travel influencer and media space, that were it not for hosted campaigns and paid-for travel opportunities, most of us wouldn’t be able to afford the lifestyle we so beautifully curate online.

It doesn’t matter how often you travel, or how far. Just that hopefully you will be able to gift yourself the experience of doing so and experiencing something new.

#travel #travelmedia #travelinfluencer #wheretonext
As I work on compiling all the good eats I experie As I work on compiling all the good eats I experienced in Madison, WI, I have to ask: what is your favorite meal of the day, and where did you experience a highlight of the same?

I am a huge fan of breakfast. This beauty was a blueberry pancake order from @shortstackeats. Pancakes are not a big thing for me, but these were pretty perfect. I am craving them still. 🥞♥️

#madisonwi #goodeats #travelingfoodie @destinationmadison
We got back on a plane! Here are scenes from a qui We got back on a plane! Here are scenes from a quick trip to Madison, WI - my first time back in 14 years! Though we were here for family matters, we did take a moment to explore a bit of what used to be a place we called home.

We couldn’t do anything else until we drove around Lake Monona, where we once had a home, and took in the wintery views (there is an epic 13.2-mile trail that loops around the lake that is worth exploring if you visit!). Though our time was limited, we were able to enjoy some of it along State Street exploring the shops, eateries, the FREE @mmocamadison, and the beautiful architecture of the WI State Capitol Building (the Dane County Farmers Market will soon pick up again - Saturdays, April 15 thru November 11, 2023 around the Capitol Building and it is one of the best farmers markets anywhere!). 

We booked a room at the @hiltonmadison Monona Terrace to be within walking distance of all the downtown fun (tip: for a room with a lake view make sure to book at the upper levels above 10th floor for an unobstructed view of Lake Monona). 

Madison, WI is a skip and a hop from the Finger Lakes so this short and sweet visit didn’t feel difficult at all. And we absolutely loved the winter scenery and seeing what has changed (a lot) since we lived here.

Stay tuned for my list of where we ate!

Have you ever been to Madison, WI?

#madisonwi #weekendgetaway #wisconsin @destinationmadison
The joy of that first sip of the day. #randommom The joy of that first sip of the day. 

#randommomentsarethebest
I think my husband enjoys it, but still can’t be I think my husband enjoys it, but still can’t believe how easily I’ve been waking up in the early mornings since our last trip. Not sure how to shake it, or if it’s temporary, but here it is: the rare sighting of me up and moving early in the day. Am I a morning person now? Has travel ever permanently changed any of your habits?

#morningperson #lifeinthecountry #newme <-😂

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