Disclaimer – this is a long, image heavy post. Photos are my own taken with a Canon 5d mk iii, Fuju x100t, or iphone5.
As we headed back to our hotel after a long last day at the Disney World theme parks, Caleb began talking about how much fun he had, and how much he was going to miss our vacation. As we sped along the highway he asked “Are we going home tomorrow”? So we decided to tell him the truth… nope, not going home – we were going to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios. Huge cheers from half of the backseat of the rental car. The other side of the backseat was snoring and missed the announcement!
We spent Thursday at both Universal Studios theme parks – Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure. This part of our trip was also all done with our airmiles. (Trust me when I say that I did a lot of shopping at airmiles sponsors and even today feel compelled to go in and buy extra stuff to get the bonus miles!) We had a few very specific things we wanted to see: Minions and the Wizarding World. Having the park hopper tickets for these parks was definitely worth it.
We started with Universal Florida first, and of course our first stop was the minions mayhem ride. It was so much fun. OF course after exiting the rides we had a chance to meet a few of them. Liam had fulfilled another thing on his bucket list… hug a minion – check!
After meeting Bob and Stuart, we had a chance to meet Shrek and Donkey. Donkey really does talk a lot! When he found out we were Canadian he gave the kids heck for not bringing him any maple syrup for his waffles! Here’s the video:
After the Shrek 4D adventure, we then headed off towards Diagon Alley – stopping first for the popular London phonebooth pose, and to chat with the knight bus driver.
Diagon Alley was amazing. We literally walked right into this magical wizarding world, exactly as you imagine it from the books and movies.
Of course the first stop was for a few glasses of Butter Beer. It was super hot out, and these wonderful concoctions were delicious!
We had a quick chat with one of the Gringott’s bankers, then Adam and Caleb rode the Escape from Gringott’s ride. Universal Studios has a fantastic parent swap program. Liam (who did not meet the height restrictions) and I got to tour inside Gringott’s with the other ride goers, then we got place in the waiting room right next door to where people are seated on the ride. As soon as Adam and Caleb got off I could have jumped onto the next empty ride car with Caleb, but once on that ride was enough for him.
We then headed to Ollivanders to gets some wands for our little wizards. Caleb got picked from our group and had his wand chosen for him my Ollivander himself. Or I guess, the wand chose him after a few unsuccessful wands!
The wands came with maps and special spells. As we wandered Diagon Alley (and later Hogmeade), there were special spots the boys could stand at and do spells. As they point their wants and wave them, things would happen: water pour out of cauldrons, dancing skeletons, lights flickering etc. It was great interactive fun. We then took a break for lunch at The Leaky Cauldron. 
After wandering through Knockturn Alley, the Weasley’s shop, and a few other fun Diagon Alley stores, we headed for the Hogwarts Express. It was a very fun train ride.
We were now in Hogsmeade! The boys and I wandered while Adam rode the Hogwarts Express a few more times to retrieve a few missing wand boxes and maps that got left at the Leaky Cauldron. Oops! We grabbed a few more butter beers from the Three Broomsticks and then headed to Hogwarts. Again they let us too short and too scared non-riders all the way through so we could experience the inside of the school. Adam went on the ride, while the kids and I waited in the air conditioning!
Crossing into Hogsmeade on the Hogwart’s Express is also how you get from one theme park to the other. Hogwarts is part of the Universal Adventure theme park. So we spent the rest of the afternoon going through Dr. Seuss Land and part of Marvel World.
Adam got to ride the Hulk coaster, the boys met Spiderman and we all rode the Spiderman ride together. The kids wanted to jump back on and do it a second time! We then crossed back over to the Universal Florida park – missing the parade but getting prime spots to watch the 100 years of movies evening light and water show. It was wonderful – but still not as amazing as those Disney Frozen fireworks!
As per usual – Liam ended the night like this. He passed out at the food court in the Universal City Walk.
Friday morning we packed up the hotel room, and grabbed some Krispy Kreme donuts for breakfast. Then we spent a few hours at Downtown Disney getting a few last souvenirs, and a last family vacation selfie.
We got to experience a torrential downpour on our way to the airport. We have never seen rain like that before. And the thunder and lightening was directly above us. This closed the airport down for an hour, so all flights we delayed. But after a long wait (and also a sick Liam), we made it home by 2am.
It was a wonderful trip – with incredible memories. I love the time I got to spend with my little family. Thanks for letting me share our time with you!
Part one of our trip can be seen here – and part two here.
